Adam Chamberlain is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Political Science at Coastal Carolina University. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (2010) and has been affiliated with Coastal Carolina University since 2010. His research focuses on political organizations , public opinion , state politics , and American political history , with a particular emphasis on large, federated voluntary membership associations from the 1860s-1920s. His work spans topics such as racialized organizations, pandemic political effects, and the role of civil society in policy adoption. His publications analyze trends in fraternal organizations , social movements , and political mobilization across the Gilded Age and Progressive Era. Articles frequently engage with themes like institutional ecology , group dynamics , and historical political networks .
Miglena Sternadori is a Professor and Department Chair in the Department of Journalism and Creative Media Industries at Texas Tech University's College of Media & Communication. She also serves as Director of Women's & Gender Studies. With a background as a journalist in Bulgaria and the U.S., Sternadori brings practical experience to her academic work focusing on gender, media, and social justice. Her educational background includes: Ph.D. from University of Missouri (2008) M.A. from University of Missouri (2005) Sternadori's research employs diverse theoretical frameworks to explore gender, sexuality, and social justice in media. She bridges quantitative and qualitative methodologies, examining stereotypes as both cultural narratives and cognitive shortcuts. Her work focuses on how news routines shape media content and how audiences interpret it, with particular interest in gender representation across various media formats. Her recent publications reveal strong trends in feminist media studies, examining femvertising, gender-neutral bathroom discourse, and intersex representation in journalism. Sternadori's work consistently connects advertising, political communication, and gender studies, demonstrating how media both reflects and shapes societal attitudes toward gender and sexuality. Among her recognitions: Richard and Sharon Cutler Faculty Award in Liberal Arts (2011) Sternadori has developed an extensive teaching portfolio including skills courses (Basic Newswriting, Reporting, News Editing), theory courses (Global Journalism, Gender and Media), and graduate courses (Research Methods, Media Ethics). Her constructivist teaching philosophy emphasizes long-term skill development and integration of new perspectives within students' cognitive schemas. As lead editor of the Handbook of Magazine Studies (2020) and author of Mediated Eros: Sexual Scripts Within and Across Cultures (2015), Sternadori has established herself as a significant contributor to media scholarship with a particular focus on gendered media representations and their societal implications.
Dr. Kelly L. Jenks is an Associate Professor in the Department of Anthropology at New Mexico State University (NMSU). Her expertise spans Cultural Resource Management, Historical Archaeology, and Anthropology, with a focus on social identities in multicultural colonial contexts. She specializes in the American Southwest/Southern Plains, analyzing material culture and spatial patterns to understand identity formation in multiethnic communities. Her research includes projects like the San Miguel del Vado Archaeological Project, exploring how colonial communities constructed shared civic identities, and the Cañón de Carnué Archaeological Project, collaborating with local stakeholders. She also leads the New Mexico Rural Heritage Oral History Project, documented in a podcast series. Dr. Jenks serves as Vice Chair of the New Mexico Culture Properties Review Committee and teaches core courses in Cultural Resource Management (CRM), emphasizing legal frameworks and practical applications. Her academic work bridges archaeology and ethnohistory, addressing themes like cultural contact, colonialism, and heritage preservation. Recent publications explore topics such as diasporic material culture, frontier settlements, and civic identity in late colonial New Mexico. She actively engages in archaeological field schools and lab techniques training, contributing to both academic scholarship and community-driven heritage initiatives.
Brad Weiss is a Professor of Anthropology at the College of William & Mary. His research focuses on cultural transformation, value systems, and the intersections of place, identity, and globalization. He holds a PhD from the University of Chicago (1992) and has conducted extensive fieldwork in Tanzania and the United States. His work bridges topics like East African social dynamics, hip-hop culture, and contemporary food systems. Education: PhD, Anthropology, University of Chicago (1992) MA, Anthropology, University of Chicago (1986) BA, Religion, Dartmouth College (1984), Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa Research Interests: Value systems and cultural valuation Urban popular culture (e.g., hip-hop in Tanzania) Food studies (e.g., heritage breed pork in North Carolina) Globalization and local identity Awards & Honors: ACLSON Frederick Burkhardt Residential Fellowship (2003-2004) Doctoral Dissertation Awarded with Distinction (University of Chicago) Award-winning book: *Real Pigs: Shifting Values in the Field of Local Pork* (2016) Grants & Service: Directed the Program in African Studies at William & Mary (2002-2006) Edited *Cultural Anthropology* (2019-2022) and *Journal of Religion in Africa* (2005-2008) Recipient of multiple research grants, including from the Wenner-Gren Foundation and NEH Key Projects: Long-term ethnographic work in Tanzania, including studies of coffee production and urban barbershop culture Current research on North Carolina’s heritage breed pork industry and its cultural significance
Andrew Witmer is a Professor in the History Department at James Madison University. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Virginia. His research focuses on 19th-century U.S. history, particularly examining locality, community dynamics, and transnational connections. Notable works include Here and Everywhere Else: Small-Town Maine and the World , which won the 2023 New England Society Book Award and AASLH Award of Excellence. His academic contributions span digital humanities, religious history, and historical methodology. Witmer has delivered lectures on rural post-Civil War America for C-SPAN and pioneered 3D modeling applications in religious history. He has held prestigious fellowships at the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, University of Pennsylvania, and University of Virginia. Education: Ph.D., University of Virginia Awards: 2023 New England Society Book Award; 2023 AASLH Award of Excellence; Mellon Foundation Fellowships Research Interests: U.S. local history, transnational networks, digital humanities pedagogy, and religion's role in societal structures His advising and grants highlight interdisciplinary innovation, with recent work emphasizing values-driven digital education frameworks. Witmer actively engages in public history initiatives, including historical lectures and collaborative research on historical artifacts.
Dr. Peter Schuurman is a part-time Adjunct Professor in Religion and Theology at Redeemer University, where he has taught since 2008. His academic focus centers on megachurch dynamics, charismatic leadership, and religious diversity in North America. He earned his Ph.D. in Religious Studies from the University of Waterloo in 2016, with a dissertation analyzing Bruxy Cavey’s The Meeting House megachurch. His academic work spans books like The Subversive Evangelical (2019) and peer-reviewed articles exploring megachurch sociology and liturgical identity. He also contributes to platforms like Christian Courier and co-authored Follow Me: Daily Readings for Disciples . Schuurman’s research bridges theology, sociology, and cultural critique, addressing modern evangelicalism’s challenges and adaptations in secular contexts. He leads Global Scholars Canada, equipping Christian academics for cross-cultural work. His writing spans academic journals, popular essays, and a reflective blog Sensus Divinitatis , covering topics from megachurch leadership to biblical literacy. Education: Ph.D. (Religious Studies, University of Waterloo, 2016); M.Div. (McMaster Divinity School, 2003); M.A. (Sociology, Queen’s University, 1995); B.A. (Sociology, Calvin University, 1993). Three years of undergraduate studies at Redeemer University. Teaching: Courses include World Religions, Youth Culture and Spiritual Formation, and Leadership in Ministry. His pedagogical focus integrates social sciences with theological reflection. Publications emphasize megachurches’ role in secular North America, charismatic leadership, and evangelical identity. Recent works analyze Canadian megachurch expansion, liturgical identity crises, and the tension between traditional and contemporary worship practices. Awards: None explicitly listed, though his contributions to Global Scholars Canada reflect scholarly leadership. Professional Roles: Executive Director of Global Scholars Canada since 2008, fostering Christian academic engagement worldwide. Active in mentoring PhD students through cross-disciplinary networks.
Prof. Arno Kourula is a Professor at the University of Amsterdam's Faculty of Economics and Business, specializing in the Section Strategy & International Business. His research focuses on corporate social responsibility (CSR), sustainability, international business strategies, and development studies. Notably, he has contributed to frameworks linking business practices with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches. His academic career includes roles in shaping CSR policies and examining corporate interactions with civil society organizations. He has published extensively on topics such as sustainability partnerships, ethical governance, and the role of NGOs in corporate accountability. Recent work explores sustainability innovation in low-income contexts and the implications of globalization on corporate ethics. Key Research Themes: CSR, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Multinational Enterprises (MNEs), Global Governance, Environmental Management. Publications: Over 50 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, including influential works on MNE-civil society dynamics and inclusive innovation. Awards: While no specific awards are listed, his contributions have been recognized through academic leadership roles and invitations to international conferences. Prof. Kourula actively engages in policy discussions, particularly around public CSR policies and the role of governments in regulating business conduct. He collaborates with international organizations to develop frameworks for sustainable business practices and inclusive development.
Prof. Eveline van Leeuwen is a Professor and Chairholder of the Urban Economics group at Wageningen University & Research. She holds a PhD in Economics from VU Amsterdam (2008) and an MSc in Land Use Planning from Wageningen University (2002). Her research focuses on regional and urban economic interactions, agent-based modeling, and sustainable development. Key interests include circular economy, urban-rural relations, and well-being. She has been recognized with two Best Paper Awards and actively contributes to national advisory roles, such as the National Park Committee. Current projects explore regional food systems, energy transitions, and urban green inequality. Affiliations: Urban Economics group, Wageningen University & Research Expertise: Regional economics, agent-based modeling, sustainability, urban-rural dynamics. Her research integrates micro and macro approaches, with recent work emphasizing circular food systems, energy retrofit investments, and urban green space equity. She leads interdisciplinary projects on policy design for sustainable transitions and advises on national park development. Teaching includes courses on energy governance, urban environmental challenges, and regional economics. Publications reflect a focus on sustainability transitions, spatial modeling, and policy analysis, with over 100 peer-reviewed articles. Recent works address circular economy scalability, anti-establishment politics in urban contexts, and household energy decision-making. Awards: Two Best Paper Awards (details unspecified), invited presentations globally. Grants & Projects: Leads initiatives on food systems, energy districts, and urban regeneration, often collaborating with regional governments and entrepreneurs. Her lab, Urban Economics, fosters innovation in simulation models and policy evaluation, addressing challenges like climate change and urban inequality.
Michel Max Raynaud is a full Professor at the Faculty of Planning (Faculté de l'aménagement) , Université de Montréal, where he teaches project management and urban design. He serves as Vice-Doyen aux études supérieures since August 2023 and directs the Ivanhoe Cambridge Observatory for Urban and Real Estate Development. His career combines academic rigor with extensive international practice in urban planning and architecture. PhD in Urban Planning (Université de Montréal, 2010) Diplômé de l'École nationale supérieure d'architecture de Versailles (1974) DPLG Architect (France, 1972) Research Focus : Urban security in public spaces Governance of metropolitan areas in developed/developing countries Stakeholder roles in urban projects Post-conflict urban reconstruction History of 20th-century urbanism Article Trends show consistent engagement with urban theory, stakeholder dynamics, and security challenges. His 2017-2018 works on Sub-Saharan African urbanism and abandoned urban structures reveal interdisciplinary interests in postcolonial urbanism and digital urbanism. Supervision includes doctoral and master's theses on urban security, housing governance, and metropolitan transit planning. He leads the CODEX case study collection and collaborates with UN-Habitat on sustainable African urbanism through the RÉSAUD network.
Nadine Bernard is a Senior Lecturer in Greek History at the University of Bordeaux-Montaigne. She holds a Doctorate (HDR) in History from the same institution (2020) and a PhD from Paris X-Nanterre (1997). Her research focuses on social history of the Greek world, gender studies, aging in antiquity, and Hellenistic central Greece. She has taught at multiple levels, including undergraduate and graduate courses on Greek history, gender, and iconography. Education : - HDR, University of Bordeaux-Montaigne (2020) - PhD, University of Paris X-Nanterre (1997) - Aggregation of History Research Themes : 1. Social dynamics in ancient Greece, with emphasis on gender roles and family structures. 2. Aging and elderly status in classical and Hellenistic societies. 3. Historical analysis of central Greece and northern Greek kingdoms during the Hellenistic period. Publications : Her work includes monographs like Women and Society in Classical Greece (2003) and peer-reviewed articles exploring topics such as elderly marginalization in comedy and female leadership in ancient kingdoms. Recent publications (2021) address intergenerational relations and aging in family contexts. Teaching : She has lectured at the University of Bordeaux-Montaigne and held a secondment at the Pontificia Catholic University of Lima (2006–2007), teaching Greek history and social history of art.
Pascal Wengert is a Researcher affiliated with the Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, primarily associated with the Integrated Graduate School and the CRC 138 'Dynamics of Security'. His work focuses on medieval history, particularly gender dynamics, regional power struggles, and security studies in Central Europe. Education: Master's degree in History (2016-2019), Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen Thesis: 'Das Geschlecht der von Hanstein im Spannungsfeld der mitteldeutschen Regionalmächte' Research Interests: Wengert explores medieval gender roles within regional power structures, security dynamics in medieval Germany, and the interplay between urban and rural authority. His work emphasizes historical conflicts and the sociopolitical dimensions of medieval elites, particularly the von Hanstein family's role in Central German regional politics. Key Contributions: Co-authored publication on Burg-Friedberg conflicts, forthcoming in a conference volume. Presented research on gender and security at Marburg University and Gießen's Medieval Studies seminars. Professional Experience: Research Assistant at CRC 138 (2014-2019) Research Associate, Integrated Graduate School Administrative roles in Faculty 04 (Dean's Office) and Chair of Turkology
Francesca Romana Ammaturo is an Assistant Professor in Sociology at Coventry University’s Faculty of Arts and Humanities, serving as Course Director for the BA Sociology program. She holds a PhD in Sociology from Goldsmiths, University of London (2015), supported by an ESRC 3+1 Scholarship, alongside a BA/MA in International Relations from the University of Bologna and an MA in Social Research. Her research critically examines LGBTQI+ rights, focusing on intersectional activism, Pride events, and legal frameworks shaping sexual citizenship in Europe. Key areas of expertise include the globalization/glocalization of LGBTQI+ identities, the urban/rural divide in activism, and post-COVID-19 adaptations of Pride events. Her current project, 'The Future of Pride after Covid-19' (partnered with InterPride), analyzes the global impact of pandemic disruptions on Pride organizing through interviews with 60+ organizers worldwide. This research aims to produce actionable advocacy tools for grassroots movements. Her work has been published in journals like Social Movement Studies , Current Sociology , and Sexualities , alongside a monograph European Sexual Citizenship: Human Rights, Bodies and Identities (Palgrave, 2017). She has also contributed to public discourse through blogs for LSE’s 'Engenderings' and media interviews with outlets like PinkNews and Them.us . Francesca is fluent in English, French, and Spanish, with proficiency in German and Italian as her first language. Her teaching spans Gender Studies, Human Rights, Social Research Methods, and Decolonial Theory, reflecting her commitment to interdisciplinary and socially engaged scholarship.
Dr. Kwasi Frimpong is an Adjunct Senior Lecturer in the School of Medical and Health Sciences at Edith Cowan University . His research focuses on climate change adaptation and mitigation, environmental health, and heat stress vulnerability in developing regions like Ghana. He holds a Ph.D. in Climate Science (Edith Cowan University, 2015), a Master of Health Sciences (Finland, 2010), and a Bachelor of Education (Ghana, 2001). Research Interests: Climate change impacts on farmers and mining workers in Ghana Heat stress adaptation strategies and occupational health Sustainable development through climate-resilient health systems Professional Associations: International Society of Biometeorology Environmental Health Australia Australian Ecological Society Education: Doctor of Philosophy, Edith Cowan University, 2015 Master of Health Sciences, Finland, 2010 Bachelor of Education, Ghana, 2001 Advising/Grants: No formal advisees or grant details listed. Research focuses on collaborative projects with stakeholders in Ghana and Zimbabwe.
Olli Lehtonen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geographical and Historical Studies at the University of Eastern Finland's Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies. His research focuses on economic and health geographies, with expertise in geospatial modeling, GIS, and statistical methods for analyzing policy impacts, service accessibility, and multi-local living patterns. Dr. Lehtonen's research interests span economic geography, health geography, and regional development, with particular emphasis on how spatial patterns affect policy outcomes. His work combines quantitative methods with spatial analysis to examine urban-rural disparities, municipal finance flows, and the socioeconomic impacts of various policy measures. He primarily uses R for data analysis in both research and teaching contexts. His recent publications reveal a strong focus on multi-local living, rural development, and spatial analysis of policy impacts. The research demonstrates increasing sophistication in combining traditional statistical methods with geospatial approaches to tackle complex regional development questions. His work frequently addresses practical policy concerns while maintaining academic rigor, with publications appearing in both Finnish and international journals. Dr. Lehtonen actively contributes to several research groups including Digital Geosciences (since 2020), Changing places of social transformation (since 2019), and House of Effectiveness (since 2018). His current projects include TOTAL - Rural economic security and vitality (2024-2026), examining rural economic conditions, alongside recently completed projects on rural services infrastructure, financial flows to rural areas, and health services reform. His methodological expertise in geospatial analysis, statistical modeling, and multi-method research approaches positions him as a key contributor to understanding the complex spatial dynamics of regional development in Finland, particularly regarding the evolving relationships between urban and rural areas in the context of multi-local living patterns and changing service provision models.
Rosa CAROLI is a Full Professor of Japanese History at the Department of Comparative Linguistic and Cultural Studies, Ca' Foscari University of Venice. Her research focuses on modern and contemporary Japanese history, particularly Okinawan studies, Edo-Tokyo urban history, and the interplay between memory, identity, and state-periphery relations. She has held visiting positions at Waseda University, Hōsei University, and other institutions. Research Interests: Japanese modernization, Okinawan identity, urban water systems, US-Japan relations, and historical memory. Her work bridges cultural, political, and environmental dimensions of Japanese history through projects like Fragile and Resilient Cities on Water (2017) and studies on Edo-Tokyo resilience. Teaching: Courses include History of Modern Japan, Japan-US Relations, and East Asian Diplomatic History. She contributes to both undergraduate and graduate programs in History and International Relations. Awards: Recipient of the 2009 Okinawa Bunka Kyōkai Prize for her work on Ryukyu Kingdom's last king, Shō Tai. Active in editorial roles for journals like DEP and Urban History . Projects: Led initiatives such as Public and Private Spaces in Tokyo and Venice (2023) and Historiography on Japan and East Asia (2011), funded by Toshiba International Foundation and EU grants. Collaborates internationally on Okinawan studies and transnational urban comparisons.
