Find Academic Supervisors

Chiara TornaghiView profile

Associate Professor

• Urban Agroecology
• Food Justice and Sovereignty
• Resource Sovereignty
• +3 more

Chiara Tornaghi is an Associate Professor at Coventry University's Centre for Agroecology, Water and Resilience. Her academic journey includes a PhD in Applied Sociology from the University of Milano-Bicocca and a Postgraduate Certificate in European Spatial Planning from Newcastle University. She has held roles at the University of Leeds, TU Vienna, and Politecnico di Milano. Her research focuses on urban agroecology, food justice, and grassroots planning, emphasizing socio-ecological justice and resource sovereignty. She co-chairs the EU-funded COST Action ‘Urban Agriculture Europe’ and leads projects like SOIL NEXUS and GAZA FOODWAYS. A Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, she actively engages in food sovereignty initiatives like Edible Public Space and Reclaim the Fields. Her work bridges academic research with activism, advocating for transformative agroecological urbanism. Education: MA Political Science, Università di Milano (2001) PhD Applied Sociology, University of Milano-Bicocca (2005) Postgraduate Certificate in European Spatial Planning, Newcastle University (2006) Research Interests: Urban agriculture, food sovereignty, insurgent planning, socio-environmental justice, and agroecological urbanism. Awards: Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (RGS). Key Projects: SOIL NEXUS (urban soil remediation and food systems) GAZA FOODWAYS (women-led agroecological systems) Agroecological Urbanism in Action (UK) Her vision emphasizes reimagining cities through agroecology, fostering public space as a site of socio-ecological regeneration. Recent publications explore urban metabolic rifts, community kitchens, and policy frameworks for agroecological transitions.

Joy Gaston GaylesView profile

Professor

• Higher Education
• STEM Education
• Equity and Inclusion in Education
• +4 more

Dr. Joy Gaston Gayles is the Head of the Department of Educational Leadership, Policy, and Human Development and an Alumni Association Distinguished Graduate Professor at North Carolina State University's College of Education. Her research focuses on equity and inclusion in STEM education and intercollegiate athletics, particularly for women and underrepresented minorities. She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Administration and Higher Education from The Ohio State University (2002), an M.S. in Higher Education Administration from Auburn University (1998), and a B.S. in Adapted Physical Education and Kinesiotherapy from Shaw University (1996). Dr. Gayles is internationally recognized for her work on student-athlete development, women in STEM, and anti-racist institutional practices. She has served as President of the Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE) and received prestigious awards including the Chancellor’s Creating Community Award and the University Faculty Scholar distinction. Her research bridges theory and practice, emphasizing actionable strategies for advancing equity in education. Her scholarly contributions span over two decades, addressing topics such as student-athlete transitions, gendered academic experiences in engineering, and systemic barriers in STEM retention. She collaborates with the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity (NCFDD) to promote inclusive faculty practices and has published extensively in top journals like the Journal of Higher Education and Journal of College Student Development . Key Focus Areas: Equity in STEM/athletics, diversity policy, civic engagement Professional Roles: Department Head, Faculty Success Coach, Workshop Facilitator Media Presence: Featured in Diverse: Issues in Higher Ed , Chronicle of Higher Education , and Inside Higher Ed .

Oliver HensengerthView profile

Associate Professor

• Environmental Governance
• Water Governance
• Transboundary Water Cooperation
• +9 more

Oliver Hensengerth is an Associate Professor in the Geography and Environmental Sciences Department at Northumbria University. He is a member of the Northumbria Centre for Global Development (CID). His research bridges international relations, geography, and development studies, focusing on China’s global development investments in water infrastructure and transboundary water governance challenges. He teaches in International Relations, Geography, and Global Development programs and is currently leading the ISPF-British Council project Adapting Crisis Responses to Salt-Droughts in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam (2024–2026) and co-investigating the ISPF-BBSRC project WAVES (2025–2028). Previously, he contributed to the GCRF-funded Living Deltas (2019–2024) and COP26 Trilateral Research Initiative (2021–2022). Education: Oliver holds a PhD in International Politics from the University of Leeds (2002–2006). His research interests include environmental justice, water-energy-food nexus, climate adaptation, and governance across scales. He collaborates with engineers, geographers, and sociologists on projects addressing hydropower impacts, delta resilience, and policy implementation in Southeast Asia. Research Interests: Oliver’s work examines the intersection of political science and environmental governance. Key themes include China’s influence in transboundary water infrastructure, such as hydropower in Cambodia and Vietnam, and the governance challenges in regions like the Mekong Basin. He analyzes how global norms interact with local practices, focusing on equity, sustainability, and multi-level governance frameworks. His conceptual work explores the relationship between water and identity, emphasizing participatory approaches in policy-making. Grants and Projects: Recent projects include: Lead Investigator: Adapting Crisis Responses to Salt-Droughts (ISPF-British Council, 2024–2026) Co-Investigator: WAVES (ISPF-BBSRC, 2025–2028) Living Deltas Hub (GCRF, 2019–2024) COP26 Trilateral Research Initiative (British Council, 2021–2022) Advising and Labs: Oliver supervises PhD students in environmental governance and water-related research areas. He is affiliated with CID, which focuses on global development challenges, and collaborates with institutions like Can Tho University, Southampton University, and Achelous Energy. His work addresses sustainable development goals, emphasizing climate resilience and equitable resource management in vulnerable regions.

Jiayi JinView profile

Assistant Professor

• Urban Planning
• Gender Inclusivity in Urban Design
• Digital Urban Innovation
• +4 more

Jiayi Jin is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Architecture and Built Environment at Northumbria University, UK. Previously, she held roles at the University of Nottingham's Mixed Reality Lab and Department of Architecture. With over 12 years' experience in architecture and urban planning, her research bridges practical design with socio-cultural and environmental challenges. She leads projects funded by the British Academy and AHRC, focusing on participatory planning for sustainable urban development, digital urban innovation, and gender-inclusive city design. Education: PhD in Architecture (University of Nottingham, 2018), specializing in augmented spaces and museum design. Her teaching includes MArch studios and research-led courses, emphasizing global urban case studies and planning contexts. Research interests span three core areas: 1) Creative participation in inclusive urban planning (e.g., 'Brown to Green' transition projects), 2) Digital applications in urban resilience (e.g., urban digital twins and climate adaptation), and 3) Gender equity in urban design (e.g., Newcastle's City Centre Transformation Plan). Recent grants include £128K from AHRC for 'Navigating Urban Ecologies' and £17K from RIS for mobility hub research. Key awards include the Digital Culture Award (Arts Council England, 2019), Early Career Artist Bursary (2020), and recognition for gender-inclusive urban research. She supervises PhD students exploring practice-as-research methodologies within her thematic areas. Notable collaborations include Newcastle Culture Investment Fund projects, feminist urban equity walks, and international partnerships addressing eco-social vulnerabilities across the UK, Netherlands, and Norway. Her work contributes to UN SDGs related to sustainable cities (Goal 11), gender equality (Goal 5), and climate action (Goal 13).

Juan C VasquezView profile

Professor

• Microgrids
• Renewable Energy Systems
• Power Electronics
• +6 more

Professor Juan C Vasquez is a faculty member at Aalborg University's Department of Energy Technology, serving as Co-Director of the Center for Research on Microgrids (CROM). Recognized as a Highly Cited Researcher (2017-2023), his work spans technical and interdisciplinary domains in energy systems, with a focus on microgrids, renewable integration, and cybersecurity. His research includes smart grid control, power electronics reliability, and AI-driven energy management systems. He also explores computational creativity in electroacoustic music, evidenced by performances at ISEA 2025 and ACMC 2024. Key subtopics involve fault diagnosis, EV infrastructure, and resilience analysis for disaster-struck communities. Scientific accolades include a First Prize at the 'Città di Barletta' competition. His publications bridge energy technology and digital arts, reflecting a unique interdisciplinary approach to sustainable energy systems and computational sound design.

Clara MulderView profile

Professor

• Residential mobility
• Family migration
• Life course
• +3 more

Prof. Clara Mulder is a Professor of Demography at the University of Groningen's Faculty of Spatial Sciences, leading the Department of Demography and the Population Research Centre. She holds notable academic roles including ERC Advanced Grant recipient (FamilyTies project), KNAW Member, and editorial positions in top journals like Environment and Planning A . Her career spans over 20 years with prior professorships at the University of Amsterdam (2001-2011) and Utrecht University (2000-2001). Education: PhD in Demography from University of Amsterdam (1993), thesis: 'Migration dynamics: A life course approach.' Her research focuses on residential mobility, family migration, intergenerational relationships, and housing dynamics. Key projects include analyzing cross-country homeownership patterns and family ties' spatial impacts. Recent work emphasizes ethnic differences in migration timing and post-separation mobility. Awards: ERC Advanced Grant (2017), NWO VICI Grant (2004), Aspasia Grant (2000). She advises graduate programs as former Director of the Graduate School of Spatial Sciences (2014) and chairs academic committees. Active in international demographics through roles like IUSSP Working Group on Lifetime Migration and editorial boards for Housing Studies and European Journal of Population . Research outputs include over 50 peer-reviewed articles, with recent emphasis on family mobility dynamics and intergenerational housing linkages.

Robert ShibleyView profile

Professor

• Urban Design
• Community-Driven Planning
• Sustainable Development
• +3 more

Robert Shibley is a SUNY Distinguished Professor of Architecture and Director of the Rudy Bruner Center for Urban Excellence at the University at Buffalo’s School of Architecture and Planning. He also serves as a Senior Fellow at the UB Regional Institute. His career spans four decades, focusing on citizen-driven urban design and planning, revitalizing Buffalo’s Olmsted park system, waterfront, and downtown through the Urban Design Project (UDP) and UB Regional Institute. He co-founded the Rudy Bruner Award for Urban Excellence and led development of UB’s Comprehensive Physical Plan (UB2020), guiding the university’s campus expansion and sustainability initiatives. Education: Bachelor of Science in Psychology, University of Oregon Bachelor of Architecture, University of Oregon Master of Architecture in Urban Design, Catholic University of America His research emphasizes community-based placemaking, sustainable development, and university-community partnerships. Key projects include Buffalo’s comprehensive plan, the One Region Forward initiative, and the Buffalo Billion investment strategy. Over $25M in sponsored projects have advanced regional planning, public engagement, and design standards for projects like UB’s Solar Strand and medical school campus. Awards & Recognition: James R. Haecker Award for Leadership in Architectural Research New York State AIA Nelson Rockefeller Award 2016 DesignIntelligence’s 25 Most Admired Educators Fellowships: American Institute of Architects (FAIA), American Institute of Certified Planners (FAICP) Shibley advises on urban design competitions, sustainability (e.g., UB’s 2030 Climate Action Plan), and serves on national/international policy boards. His scholarly output includes 17 books and 120+ publications on placemaking, urban policy, and design research.

• Sociology of Work
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Disability Studies
• +3 more

Dr. Cunqiang (Felix) Shi is a Lecturer in Management at Bangor Business School, Bangor University, having joined in August 2023. He completed his PhD in Business Studies at Cardiff University, with research focusing on China's socio-economic transition and its impact on disabled workers. His academic roles include serving as Diversity, Equality, and Sustainability Lead at Bangor Business School, Personal Tutor, Early Career Researcher Representative to the Research Impact and Strategy Committee (College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences), and member of multiple university committees including the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Education: PhD, School of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University (2018-2022) MSc Social Science Research Method, Cardiff University (2017-2018) MSc Human Resource Management, Cardiff University (2016-2017) Research Focus: Dr. Shi specializes in the sociology of work, diversity and inclusion in labor markets, social construction of disability (using the social model framework), and East Asian socio-cultural studies with emphasis on China. His work examines labor politics in East Asia, disability representation, and workplace equality initiatives. Current research explores the intersection of HRM and artificial intelligence. Publication Trends: Dr. Shi's scholarly output consistently addresses disability inclusion within labor markets, with particular focus on China's socio-economic systems. His recent work examines how institutional frameworks like the hukou system impact disabled migrant workers, grassroots disability networks in crisis response, and accessibility in business environments. Methodologically, he employs case studies, empirical labor market analysis, and policy evaluation. Professional Activities: Board Director, Disability Wales (2021-2024) Peer Reviewer for Review of Disability Studies and Social Inclusion journals Member of Arfon Access Group Teaching & Advising: Currently teaches modules in management planning, commercial awareness, HRM practices, and contemporary management issues. Supervises one PhD student researching HRM and AI applications. Nominated for student-led teaching award in 2025.

Dries HeggerView profile

Associate Professor

• Environmental Governance
• Climate Adaptation
• Water Governance
• +5 more

Dr. Dries Hegger is an Associate Professor of Regional Water and Climate Governance at Utrecht University's Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development. He specializes in environmental governance, climate adaptation, and water policy, with a focus on citizen engagement and science-policy interfaces. His work addresses societal decision-making around spatial scarcity challenges, particularly in the context of climate change and flood risk management. He holds a PhD in Environmental Sociology and has served on the board of the 'Water, Climate and Future Deltas' hub within Utrecht University's Pathways to Sustainability theme. His research explores modes of governance integration, policy experimentation, and knowledge co-creation in adaptation projects. Notable collaborations include work with Dutch water authorities, municipalities, and international organizations like SNV and IUCN. Key research areas include: citizen participation in climate adaptation, flood risk governance dynamics, and the role of international NGOs in ecosystem-based adaptation. He has published widely on nexus governance (e.g., Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem), interdisciplinary education, and resilient urban development. Recent projects include developing participatory foresight tools for climate-resilient cities and analyzing governance challenges in peatland subsidence and delta management. His work bridges academic research with practical applications, emphasizing actionable solutions for sustainability transformations.

Robert SkrzypczyńskiView profile

Assistant Professor

• Urban Planning
• Sustainable Development
• Degrowth Theory
• +4 more

Dr Robert Skrzypczyński is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Urban Planning and Regional Development, Gdańsk University of Technology. His work focuses on sustainable development paradigms, degrowth theory, rural regeneration strategies, and innovative urban planning approaches. He explores topics such as ecovillage resource management, community-supported agriculture, and socio-technical transitions in agricultural systems. His research interests critically examine post-growth economic models, spatial planning policies, and grassroots initiatives that challenge conventional development paradigms. Notable work includes analyses of the Silesian Metropolitan Region's urban strategies, post-industrial city revitalization, and participatory budgeting mechanisms in Wrocław. Key publications span 2017–2023, emphasizing degrowth discourse, ecovillage sustainability, and urban-rural synergies. Though no formal awards are listed, his academic output demonstrates engagement with transformative urban and regional issues. His advising and grants sections remain underdeveloped in available materials, and there is no mention of specific laboratories or research teams associated with his work.

Monika MitášováView profile

Professor

• Architectural Theory
• Contemporary Architecture Criticism
• Deconstructivist Architecture
• +3 more

Prof. Monika Mitášová is a Professor and Vice-Rector for Research, Artistic Activity, and Doctoral Studies at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague's Department of Theory and History of Art. She specializes in architectural theory, contemporary architecture criticism, and deconstructivist architecture. Her work bridges academic research and practical application through lectures at institutions like Charles University and Columbia University. She has authored/co-authored influential publications such as the Oxymorón series and Czech and Slovak Architecture 1971–2011 . Her research explores critical and projective architectural theory, with a focus on 20th-21st century developments. Key Roles: Vice-Rector (since 20XX), Professor of Architectural Theory Education: Architecture from Slovak University of Technology (1993), Fulbright Scholar at UCLA (1995/96), Columbia University Research Grant (2009/10) Research interests include deconstructivist architecture, postmodern spatial theories, and the intersection of architectural practice with cultural contexts. Her publications analyze works by architects like Daniel Libeskind and Eva Jiřičná, emphasizing critical discourse and historical contextualization. Publications span architectural magazines like Universe , focusing on case studies of contemporary buildings and theoretical debates. She has curated exhibitions and edited volumes that redefine critical approaches to architectural historiography.

• Educational Leadership
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Education
• Culturally Responsive Leadership
• +7 more

Rebecca M. Bustamante, Ph.D., is an Associate Dean in the College of Education at California State University, Long Beach, where she serves in leadership roles related to outreach and educator certification. She previously held the position of Associate Dean of Research, Inclusion, and Graduate Programs at Sam Houston State University, where she was also a tenured professor in the Department of Educational Leadership. Her career spans over 30 years across K–12 education, higher education administration, and international contexts in the U.S. and Latin America. PhD in Leadership Studies, University of San Diego MA in Linguistics and TESOL, San Jose State University BA in Communications, University of Wisconsin-Madison California Teacher Certification: Multiple-Subjects Bilingual (BCLAD)-Spanish Additional Graduate Work: Human Resource Management (UC Berkeley), International Studies (American University), and International Educational Policy (PUC-Rio, Brazil) Dr. Bustamante’s research centers on organizational culture and strategic planning for diversity, equity, and inclusion in educational settings. She focuses on culturally responsive leadership development, faculty development, and systemic approaches to supporting marginalized and minoritized students in higher education. Her work emphasizes inclusive practices, leadership preparation, and institutional transformation. Her recent publications reflect a strong trend in equity-focused research across K–12 and higher education, with a particular emphasis on cultural competence, intercultural dynamics, and student persistence. She frequently employs mixed methods and qualitative approaches to explore complex socio-educational phenomena. Her scholarship has been published in high-impact journals such as Review of Higher Education , Educational Administration Quarterly , and Journal of International Students . Leadership Academy, American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education (AACTE), 2019 Teaching Excellence Award, College of Education, Sam Houston State University, 2016 AERA National Mentor Award Nominee, Div. G-Social Context of Education, 2015 SHSU University-Wide Faculty Mentor Award, 2013 Research Excellence Award, College of Education, Sam Houston State University, 2010 Dr. Bustamante has mentored numerous doctoral students to dissertation completion and has coordinated doctoral programs. She has secured external grants and led curriculum development initiatives, particularly in leadership and diversity training. Her professional service includes facilitating the Texas Academic Leadership Academy (TALA) and serving on promotion and tenure committees. She has been actively involved in developing and teaching courses across undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels in various formats, including face-to-face, hybrid, and online. Her leadership extends to designing professional development opportunities and contributing to institutional effectiveness through assessment and inclusion initiatives.

• Economic Geography
• Regional Development
• Urban Studies
• +5 more

Dr. Mehmet Tahsin Şahin is an Assistant Professor at Akdeniz University, Faculty of Letters, Department of Geography . He holds a PhD from Ankara University (2018) in Human and Economic Geography, with additional academic qualifications from Anadolu University, Afyon Kocatepe University, and Balikesir University. His current research focuses on urban climate resilience , KIBS (Knowledge-Intensive Business Services) , and pandemic-induced economic transformations . Academic Positions: 2019–Present Assistant Professor, Akdeniz University 2018–2019: Research Assistant, Siirt University 2012–2018: Research Assistant, Ankara University 2013: Guest Research Assistant, Philipps-Universitaet Marburg His recent publications analyze urban heat islands , transhumance adaptations during pandemics , and Covid-19 impacts on SMEs . He leads a long-term TÜBİTAK project (2024–2032) on Science Olympiads while managing shorter-term grants including Antalya/Muratpaşa smart city planning and Ukraine-Turkey conflict migration studies. 2018 Best Doctoral Thesis Awards from ISPIM and Economic Research Foundation recognize his early career contributions. As Vice President of the Ankara Social, Economic and Spatial Research Association and member of international regional science organizations (RSA, ERSA), he bridges academic practice with policy. His work appears in journals like Land , International Journal of Geography and Geography Education , and Visnyk Kharkiv National University across 52 total publications.

Bartosz MickiewiczView profile

Researcher

• Agricultural Economics
• Entrepreneurship
• Green Economy
• +3 more

Bartosz Mickiewicz is a Researcher at the Faculty of Economics, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin. His work spans interdisciplinary domains including agricultural economics, sustainable development, and entrepreneurship. Research focuses on economic potential assessment Collaborates on sustainable energy policy analysis Studies global agricultural trade dynamics Examines rural development strategies His recent publications highlight urban development challenges during pandemics, renewable energy policy implementation, and food market trends. Co-authorship network includes experts from Poland, Estonia, and international institutions.

• Landscape Ecology
• Physical Geography
• Environmental Management
• +4 more

Dr. Mariusz Kistowski, DSc, Professor at the University of Gdańsk (prof. UG), serves as Head of the Department of Landscape Research and Environmental Management within the Institute of Socio-Economic Geography and Spatial Management at the Faculty of Social Sciences. His academic leadership focuses on integrating landscape ecology with spatial planning, particularly examining Polish landscape transformations through the lens of sustainable development and European environmental policies. Professor Kistowski's research centers on landscape ecology, physical geography, and environmental management, with specialized expertise in Polish landscape transformation, regional physical geography, and sustainable rural development. His work critically analyzes the impact of agricultural policies on landscape structure, the effectiveness of protected area management, and the application of GIS technologies in landscape regionalization. Key thematic areas include greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, low-carbon rural development strategies, and the socio-ecological dynamics of landscape parks. Analysis of his recent publications (2021-2025) reveals a consistent focus on landscape conservation challenges in Poland, particularly concerning the tension between agricultural intensification and ecological protection. His research demonstrates methodological innovation in landscape assessment and regionalization, while addressing pressing issues like "suitcase farmers" under CAP, landscape degradation in post-socialist contexts, and the implementation of European landscape conventions. A recurring analytical thread examines how physical-geographical regionalization informs sustainable spatial planning. As Head of Department, Professor Kistowski oversees academic programs and research initiatives in landscape studies, though specific details about student supervision, grant funding, or laboratory facilities are not documented in available sources. His leadership role underscores his institutional significance within the University of Gdańsk's geographical research community.