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Michael Smith is a Professor of Studio Art (Transmedia) at the University of Texas at Austin, renowned for his interdisciplinary work spanning performance, video, and installation art. His practice critiques societal norms through satirical lenses, addressing themes like Cold War paranoia, gentrification, and digital culture. Smith’s work is featured in major institutions including MoMA, Tate Modern, and the Pompidou Centre. He has held teaching positions at Yale University, Columbia University, and the Royal Danish Academy. Awards include Guggenheim and Tiffany Foundation grants. Key projects include the 2023 Government Approved Home Fallout Shelter/Snack Bar , 2017 Not Quite Under_Ground (a tattoo shop for seniors), and the satirical Zoom Room (2022). Collaborations with Joshua White highlight his exploration of digital platforms and participatory art. Smith’s installations often blend humor with critical commentary—e.g., Take Off Your Pants (2005) critiques consumerism via a carnival-themed kiosk. His Mike persona series (spanning 1980s–present) explores identity through fictionalized self-portrayals, including a Calvin Klein ad parody ( Mike , 1987). Recent works like Imagine the View From Here (2019) satirize retirement and institutional art spaces. His exhibitions and awards reflect a career bridging avant-garde experimentation with public accessibility. Smith currently resides in Austin and Brooklyn.

• Performance Art
• Video Art
• Installation Art
• +3 more

Joseph Baronovic is a Research Fellow at the Department of Classics within the School of Literatures, Cultures & Linguistics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He is a fourth-year Ph.D. student specializing in Late Republican and early Imperial Roman history, suicide and mental health in classical literature, and the intersection of ancient and modern game culture. His research interests include: Late Republican and early Imperial Roman history Suicide and mental health in Greek and Latin literature Games and game culture in the ancient world Modern reception of antiquity (particularly in tabletop, role-playing, and video games) Gamification of Latin pedagogy Scientific Awards: Verse Composition Prize, 2023 Richard T. Scanlan Graduate Teaching Assistant Fellowship, 2022 Distinguished Graduate Fellowship in the Humanities and Arts, 2019 Contact Information: Office address at 4070 LCLB, 707 S Mathews Ave, Urbana, IL 61801. Email: jrb10@illinois.edu

• Late Republican and early Imperial Roman history
• Suicide and mental health in Greek and Latin literature
• Games and game culture in the ancient world
• +2 more

Peter V. Swendsen is an Associate Professor of Computer Music and Digital Arts at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, part of Oberlin College. His work bridges music composition, digital arts, and interdisciplinary performance, often collaborating with dance and visual media. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Virginia, an MFA from Mills College, and a BM from Oberlin Conservatory. Swendsen's research focuses on soundscape composition, ecoacoustics, and interactive technologies. Notable projects include What Noises Remain (a multimedia piece with Jennifer Torrence) and scores for dance works like Valence and LUNA . His compositions blend live instruments with electronics, emphasizing spatial and environmental themes. Teaching highlights include courses on electroacoustic music, real-time performance, and interdisciplinary collaborations. He has mentored over 20 students listed on his site, many of whom continue in music composition and performance fields. His work has been presented globally, including at the International Computer Music Conference (ICMC) and festivals in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Swendsen’s creative output spans film scores, chamber music, and installations. Recent works include Fireboys (2020 documentary soundtrack) and How Forests Think (2020 album liner notes). He actively engages with community outreach, including workshops for K-12 students and collaborations with institutions like the Cleveland Clinic and GroundWorks Dance Theater.

• Computer Music
• Digital Arts
• Soundscape Composition
• +4 more

Shiva Ahmadi is a Professor of Art and Graduate Advisor at the University of California, Davis, specializing in painting, drawing, and animation. Her work critically explores Middle Eastern cultural aesthetics and contemporary political issues, blending vibrant imagery with themes of violence, corruption, and global power dynamics. She holds degrees from Cranbrook Academy of Arts, Wayne State University, and Azad University. Ahmadi’s art is featured in prestigious collections like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and has been exhibited globally, including solo shows in New York, London, and Los Angeles. Notable awards include the 2016 Anonymous Was A Woman Award and Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant. Her research interests span socio-political commentary, cultural hybridity, and the intersection of tradition with modern conflict. Recent exhibitions include The Flow at Fridman Gallery (2024) and Tangle at Shoshana Wayne Gallery (2024), which address migration, war, and gender issues. Ahmadi’s animations, such as Ascend (2017), use watercolor and screenprint techniques to critique geopolitical crises. She has participated in major group shows like Rising Sun: Artists in an Uncertain America (2023) and Being & Belonging (2023), exploring democracy and identity. Awards and Recognition: Ahmadi’s accolades include the 2016 Anonymous Was A Woman Award, Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant, and inclusion in Phaidon’s Great Women Painters (2022). Her work has been reviewed in BOMB Magazine , The Wall Street Journal , and Hyperallergic . Key Projects: Her installations, such as Labyrinths (2020), use abstraction to depict refugee crises and border tensions. Collaborations with institutions like the Royal Ontario Museum and High Line Nine Galleries highlight her global impact. Ahmadi’s practice also includes sculptural works, notably engraved pressure cookers symbolizing domesticity and violence.

• Contemporary Art
• Political Art
• Cultural Studies
• +3 more

Richard Garfein is a Professor in the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health & Human Longevity Science at UC San Diego. His research focuses on infectious disease epidemiology, particularly tuberculosis (TB), HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis, with an emphasis on marginalized populations such as people who inject drugs and migrant communities. He has led studies on cross-border health issues between the U.S. and Mexico, digital health interventions for TB treatment adherence, and the impact of public health policies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Education: Bachelor of Arts in Biology, University of California Santa Barbara (1985) Master of Public Health in Epidemiology, San Diego State University (1989) Doctor of Philosophy in Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University (1997) Research Interests: Global health interventions targeting drug-resistant TB and HIV/HCV co-infections Public health responses to emerging pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2 Health disparities in border regions and among vulnerable populations Evaluation of mobile health (mHealth) and telehealth technologies for disease monitoring Policy analysis of drug laws and harm reduction strategies Grants & Leadership: Principal Investigator on numerous NIH-funded studies, including projects on video-observed TB therapy, drug tourism impacts, and supervised injection sites. Collaborates with institutions in Mexico, Taiwan, and South Asia. Labs/Teams: Leads the UCSD Profiles research group and contributes to cross-disciplinary projects at the Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute. Collaborates with the SEARCH consortium on SARS-CoV-2 wastewater surveillance.

• Infectious Disease Epidemiology
• Public Health
• Tuberculosis Prevention and Control
• +5 more

Mónica Velasco-González is a Lecturer and Spanish 0400 Coordinator in the Romance Languages Department at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Arts and Sciences. She also teaches Medical Spanish at the Perelman School of Medicine and Spanish for Veterinarians at the Veterinary School. Her expertise includes language pedagogy and curriculum integration with technology, alongside intercultural competence development. Education: BA in Spanish Linguistics and Hispanic Literature, BA in Italian Linguistics and Literature (University of Salamanca, Spain); Post-Graduate Diploma in Translation Studies (University of Warwick, UK). Academic Interests: Leveraging technology to enhance language learning and fostering intercultural understanding in language education. She has pioneered initiatives like Medical Spanish video resources funded by the SAS Language Teaching Innovation Grant. Awards: Recognized for her coordination excellence and innovative teaching approaches in the Romance Languages Department. Teaching Roles: Coordinator for Intermediate Spanish (Spanish 0400) and instructor for multiple Spanish courses (0210, 0300, 1000, 1200) across departments. Her work extends to specialized language programs for medical and veterinary students.

• Integration of Technology in Foreign Language Curriculum
• Intercultural Competence
• Foreign Language Education
• +2 more

Lourdes Baez Conde is Distinguished Professor of Population and Public Health Sciences and Senior Associate Dean for Community and Workforce Development Initiatives at the University of Southern California's Keck School of Medicine. She serves as Associate Director for Community Outreach and Engagement at the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and oversees the Center for Health Enhancement (CenHealth), which provides critical health information during crises like the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires. She holds a courtesy appointment at the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. Dr. Baez Conde earned her MPH and PhD in Public Health with an emphasis in Community Health Sciences from UCLA. Her educational background underpins her transdisciplinary approach to public health research and community engagement. Her research focuses on cancer prevention (particularly cervical cancer through the signature "It's Time" program), innovative health communication using narrative techniques and film collaborations with USC Cinema, and tobacco/vaping regulation in diverse communities. She develops community-based interventions that merge academic rigor with grassroots creativity, emphasizing bidirectional communication through community advisory boards. Her work addresses health disparities through culturally tailored approaches for Hispanic populations and vulnerable communities. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals dominant themes in tobacco/vaping research (60% of articles), cancer prevention (27%), and community-engaged methodology (13%). The tobacco studies examine vape shop environments, regulatory compliance, and youth behavior, while cancer work emphasizes breast and cervical screening in underserved groups. All publications demonstrate her signature transdisciplinary approach, frequently partnering with design schools, communication experts, and community organizations. Major Awards: American Association for Cancer Research Outstanding Services (2024) UCLA Public Health Hall of Fame Induction (2023) USC Distinguished Professor (2023) Lazarex Cancer Foundation Hands of Hope Award (2022) NIH Common Fund 10-Year Commemoration Video Contest Winner (2014) APHA Public Health Education Best Multimedia Award for cervical cancer film (2013) Dr. Baez Conde has mentored approximately 300 students across all academic levels and is renowned as a faculty mentor. Her research is continuously funded by NIH (NCI, NIDA), including a transformative R01 grant investigating narrative communication in cancer messaging. She leads community-academic partnerships that secure multimillion-dollar grants for population health initiatives, with recent projects focusing on wildfire health communication and cervical cancer screening in East LA. She directs the Center for Health Enhancement (CenHealth) for crisis communication and leads the "It's Time" cervical cancer screening initiative developed with Art Center College of Design. Her transdisciplinary teams consistently include cinematic arts experts, communication scholars, community health workers, and design specialists, creating innovative health interventions that bridge academic research and community action.

• Cancer Prevention
• Health Communication
• Community Engagement
• +3 more

Dr. Tishya A.l. Wren is a Research Professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Radiology at the University of Southern California, affiliated with the Children's Hospital Los Angeles. She directs research at the Children's Orthopaedic Center and collaborates with the John C. Wilson, Jr. Motion Analysis Laboratory and Children's Imaging Research Program. Her research focuses on movement abnormalities in children with neurological deficits and bone/fracture assessment in pediatric populations. Her primary research interests include orthopaedic biomechanics, gait analysis in cerebral palsy, pediatric bone health, and neuromuscular disorder management. She employs advanced motion analysis and imaging techniques to evaluate treatment outcomes. Dr. Wren's recent publications demonstrate strong focus on spinal deformity corrections, cerebral palsy interventions, and healthcare disparities in orthopaedic access. Her work consistently addresses surgical outcomes, biomechanical modeling, and socioeconomic factors in pediatric care. Scientific Awards: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Best Paper Award (2015) Gait and Clinical Movement Analysis Society Best Paper Award (2014) Marc A. Asher Clinical Scientific Paper Award (2004) National Science Foundation Graduate Fellowship (1992) Woods-Travis Valedictorian Award (1992) She leads multidisciplinary teams at the Motion Analysis Laboratory, developing novel assessment protocols for complex pediatric orthopaedic conditions. Current work explores 3D movement analysis and AI-assisted surgical planning.

• Orthopaedics
• Biomedical Engineering
• Gait Analysis
• +2 more

Marko Suvajdzic is an Associate Professor in the Department of Digital Arts and Sciences and Associate Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the Digital Worlds Institute, University of Florida. He is also the CEO and co-founder of O2D Interactive Studio. With over 19 years in academia and creative digital fields, his expertise spans video game design, blockchain applications in art, and the gamification of education. Suvajdzic holds a Ph.D. in Theory of Arts and Media from the University of Arts in Belgrade, an M.F.A. in Photography from the Academy of Art University (USA), and a B.S. in Computer Information Systems from the University of North Florida. His research focuses on integrating technology into education and healthcare, such as VR systems to improve patient experiences and blockchain-based platforms for art and learning. Suvajdzic has lectured globally and pioneered educational initiatives like the Computer Arts Department at the Academy of Art in Serbia. He emphasizes disruptive innovation, entrepreneurship, and the ethical use of technology to enhance human experiences. Notable projects include the DREAMS VR healthcare system and the Discover DaVinci blockchain learning app. He remains active in industry, balancing academic leadership with his role as a tech entrepreneur. Suvajdzic’s work bridges creative arts, digital innovation, and education, aiming to redefine learning and healthcare through immersive technologies.

• Game Design
• Educational Technology
• Blockchain Applications
• +3 more

Dr. Carla Randall is a Professor in the School of Nursing at the University of Southern Maine (USM), affiliated with the College of Science, Technology, and Health. She joined USM in 2003 and earned tenure in 2011. With a PhD in Nursing Education from the University of Victoria (2005), she specializes in nursing education, diversity inclusion, feminist theory, and faculty development. Her work focuses on innovative teaching strategies, such as the Critical Incident Video Project (CIVP), designed to address teaching challenges and promote inclusive pedagogy. Dr. Randall’s educational background includes a BS in Nursing (Coe College, 1981), MS in Nursing (University of Dubuque, 1987), and an RN Diploma (Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing). Her clinical experience spans ICU/CCU, mental health, and home care. She is a prolific presenter, delivering peer-reviewed talks on topics like LGBTQ+ inclusion in nursing curricula and interactive learning methods. Her research emphasizes critical incident analysis, simulation-based education, and addressing systemic inequities in healthcare education. Awards include the USM Faculty Senate Research Award (2021, 2013) and recognition as a Distinguished Presenter at the 2020 Nursing Education Research Conference. She also serves on the ANA-Maine Board and reviews for journals like the Journal of Nursing Education . Dr. Randall’s teaching innovations include mask-making activities to explore identity in clinical practice and “musical chairs” exercises to deconstruct power dynamics. Her work bridges theory and practice, aiming to cultivate culturally competent and socially aware nurse educators.

• Nursing Education
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Feminist Theory
• +3 more

Peter Goin is a Foundation Professor of Art at the University of Nevada, Reno, specializing in photography and time-based media. He holds an MFA and MA in photography from the University of Iowa (1975-1976) and a B.A. in Political Science from Hamline University (1973). His work focuses on environmental change, cultural landscapes, and the intersection of art with historical preservation. He has authored/co-authored over 20 books, including landmark titles such as Nuclear Landscapes (1991) and Lake Tahoe: A Rephotographic History (2023). His research spans topics like nuclear test sites, agricultural documentation, and Indigenous rock art. Goin has exhibited in over 50 museums globally and earned accolades including two National Endowment for the Arts Fellowships, an Emmy nomination, and Nevada’s Millennium Arts Award. Education: MFA (1976), MA (1975) in Photography from University of Iowa; BA in Political Science (1973) from Hamline University. Research Interests: Environmental photography, rephotographic surveys, cultural landscapes, nuclear histories, and agricultural documentation. His projects often blend interdisciplinary approaches, integrating history, ecology, and sociology into visual narratives. Key Works: Nuclear Landscapes (1991): Explores the visual legacy of nuclear testing in the American West. Stopping Time (1992): A rephotographic survey of Lake Tahoe’s environmental changes. Black Rock (2005): A collaborative study of Nevada’s Black Rock Desert and Burning Man festival. A New Form of Beauty (2016): Examines Glen Canyon’s ecological challenges post-damming. Awards and Honors: National Endowment for the Arts Fellowships (1980s/1990s) EMMY Nomination (1994) for In Search of Ritual: The Burning Man Best Experimental Video Award (2001) Nevada Governor’s Millennium Arts Award (2000) Teaching: Courses in advanced photography, rephotography, and field workshops in Mexico and the Sierra Nevada. Advises on projects combining art with environmental advocacy. Labs/Teams: Collaborates with the Nevada Rock Art Foundation, the Center of the American West, and interdisciplinary teams on projects like Changing Mines in America and Water in the West .

• Environmental Photography
• Landscape Studies
• Cultural History
• +3 more

David Goodman is an Associate Professor in the Communication and Film Department at the University of Memphis. He teaches film and video production, with professional experience spanning narrative fiction, commercials, music videos, and documentaries. His work focuses on communities driven by shared passions and beliefs, showcased in global film festivals. He joined the faculty in 2017 after teaching at multiple institutions. Education: M.F.A. in Documentary Production (University of North Texas, 2015), M.A. in Communication (University of Memphis, 2013), B.F.A. in Film, TV, & Radio (NYU, 2004). Research interests emphasize documentary production as a tool for exploring sociocultural phenomena, including artistic communities, spiritual practices, and subcultures. His films blend ethnographic approaches with narrative storytelling. Selected works include A Ballet Season (2021), Floating Pilgrims (2019), and Texas Paranormalists (2016), reflecting themes of cultural identity, ritual practices, and artistic expression. No scientific awards are listed, but his work has received festival recognition.

• Documentary Production
• Film Studies
• Community Media
• +3 more

Judith Barry is a Professor and Director of the ACT program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), School of Architecture + Planning. She holds a full-time academic position, having previously taught at MIT (2002-2003) and the Merz Akademie in Stuttgart, Germany (2003–2005). Her work spans installation art, performance, architecture, film/video, sculpture, and digital media, emphasizing interdisciplinary practice. Awarded Kiesler Prize (2000), Cairo Biennale 'Best Pavilion' (2001), and Guggenheim Fellowship (2011) Exhibited globally at Venice Biennale, Documenta, and major institutions like MoMA and Pompidou Center Research interests include: Intersections of architecture and performance Public space interventions Digital media's role in contemporary art Recent exhibitions (2017–2018) include solo shows at Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and Mary Boone Gallery, alongside group exhibitions in Lisbon, Seoul, and Munich. Her work critiques spatial and cultural boundaries through immersive installations.

• Installation Art
• Performance Art
• Architecture/Exhibition Design
• +4 more

Nitin Sawhney is a Lecturer and Research Affiliate at the MIT Visual Arts Program within the Department of Architecture at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He holds a Ph.D. and M.S. from MIT, as well as an M.S. and B.E. from Georgia Tech. His work focuses on human rights advocacy through participatory new media technologies, interactive video, and urban renewal initiatives. Education: Ph.D. and M.S., Massachusetts Institute of Technology M.S., Georgia Institute of Technology B.E., Georgia Institute of Technology Research & Projects: Nitin leads initiatives like Voices Beyond Walls (digital storytelling with West Bank youth), the Boston Palestine Film Festival , and the Expressions of Nakba Exhibition . He is developing the Media Barrios project under MIT's Just Jerusalem initiative to support social empowerment through media arts. Awards/Honors: No specific awards mentioned. Advising/Grants: Details about student advisement or grants are not explicitly stated. His work emphasizes collaborative research at institutions like the MIT Media Lab, Mitsubishi Electric Research, and Fuji-Xerox Palo-Alto Labs. Labs/Teams: Affiliated with MIT's Visual Arts Program and the Jerusalem 2050 Project, focusing on interdisciplinary art, technology, and urban planning.

• Interactive Video Technology
• Open Design Collaboration
• Mobile and Wearable Computing
• +5 more

Sama Alshaibi is a Regents Professor of Photography, Video, and Imaging at the University of Arizona. Her work explores the aftermath of war, displacement, and ecological crises, using her body as a medium to interrogate gendered and communal impacts. Alshaibi holds a BA from Columbia College Chicago and an MFA from the University of Colorado Boulder. Her research interests focus on fragmentation, migration, and the Arab female figure in art history. She has exhibited globally, including the Venice Biennale, MoMA, and Crystal Bridges Museum of Art. Awards include the 2021 Guggenheim Fellowship and the 2023 Art Matters Betty Parsons Fellowship. Key exhibitions: 55th Venice Biennale (2013), 2020 State of the Art (Crystal Bridges), Royal Ontario Museum. Residencies: Artpace San Antonio, Palestine Museum Ramallah (Fulbright), and Lightwork (New York). Alshaibi’s monograph Sand Rushes In (Aperture, 2021) features her Silsila series, probing borders and environmental decay. Her work critiques historical narratives of Arab femininity while addressing contemporary crises.

• Photography
• Video Art
• Installation Art
• +4 more