Clémence Ledoux is a Lecturer in Political Science at the Faculty of Law and Political Science, University of Nantes. Her research focuses on the intersections of care work, social policies in Europe, gender dynamics, and public policy analysis within highly feminized sectors like domestic and home-based care. Core Research Areas: Welfare Markets, Gender Equality, EU Policy-Making, Social Investment Recent Projects: COVICARE (2021-2024), ORIGAMI (2023-2025), PHS Quality (2019-2020) From 2019-2022, she held a Marie Curie Fellowship at FRIAS and served as Scientific Advisory Board member. Her 2021-2024 publications address employer organization roles in fragmented care sectors, EU gender norms in labor negotiations, and institutional governance of social care. Scientific Awards: Marie Curie Fellowship (2019-2021), CNRS sabbatical (2019-2021), Hubert Currien Fellowship (2018)
Sandra Lisa Fernandez is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Work at The University of Texas at Arlington, where she teaches courses in stress, crisis, and coping; social welfare policy; and brain and behavior. She is concurrently employed as Deputy Director for Learning and Development at the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), bringing extensive field experience into her academic role. Education: MSSW in Social Work, The University of Texas at Arlington, 2000 BSW in Social Work, Stephen F. Austin State University, 1988 Her research interests focus on trauma-informed care, child abuse and neglect, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and management in social work settings. These areas are deeply informed by her two decades of professional experience in child welfare, training, and organizational leadership within DFPS. Although no publications are listed, her teaching portfolio reflects a consistent engagement with core social work disciplines, particularly in mental health policy, diverse populations, and professional development. Her courses such as SOCW 5316 (Stress, Crisis, and Coping) and SOCW 5353 (Social Policy and Mental Health) demonstrate a commitment to preparing students for real-world challenges in clinical and policy environments. Professional Certifications: Society Human Resources Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), 2025–2028 Certified Professional in Training Management (CPTM), 2023–2027 Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners, 2007–2027 Sandra has held progressive leadership roles at DFPS, including Training Division Administrator and Training Academy Manager, highlighting her expertise in program development and staff training. She has also contributed to community service through roles in the Parent Teacher Organization and Mission Arlington. Her dual role in public service and academia underscores her dedication to advancing social work education and practice. She is actively involved in advising and curriculum delivery, though specific student names are not provided. Her future work likely includes continued leadership in public child welfare training and the integration of evidence-based practices into social work education.
Outi Sarpila is a Professor of Sociology at the University of Turku, Faculty of Social Sciences. She is actively engaged in research, teaching, and academic leadership, with a focus on the sociology of physical appearance, consumption, and social inequality. Her work is supported by major Finnish research funders, including the Academy of Finland and the Emil Aaltonen Foundation. Her research interests include the sociology of physical appearance , beauty-based social inequality , consumption practices , and survey methodology . She investigates how physical attractiveness influences labor market outcomes, political representation, and everyday life, often through large-scale survey data. Her work also extends to the development of reference budgets to define a minimally decent standard of living in Finland. Recent publications reveal a strong trend in analyzing gendered beauty inequality in labor markets, appearance pressures in digital spaces (especially during the pandemic), and material living standards through detailed consumption surveys. Her interdisciplinary work bridges sociology, economics, political psychology, and public policy. Scientific Projects and Grants: SOMA : The social mechanisms behind the economic consequences of physical appearance (Academy of Finland, 2019–2023), Principal Investigator Finland as an appearance society (Emil Aaltonen Foundation, 2016–2018), Project Leader Member of the Consumption Reference Budget Research Team at the University of Turku Advising and Teaching: She supervises Master’s theses and doctoral dissertations, teaches social theory and inequality at the bachelor’s level, and leads PhD seminars. She also coordinates the Finnish Society course for exchange students. While specific student names are not listed, her active supervision role is clearly stated. Labs and Research Teams: She leads the SOMA research project and is a key member of the reference budget research group. Her team produces detailed data reports on food, clothing, and leisure consumption, contributing to public policy debates on living standards.
Giacomo Manzoli is a Full Professor at the Department of the Arts, University of Bologna, specializing in Cinema and Digital Media Studies. His academic work focuses on Italian cinema history, cultural policy analysis, and visual media representation. He holds roles on the University's Board of Directors and committees for Teaching, Research, and Budget. His research explores intersections between politics, media, and cultural identity, with notable publications on fascist cinema, welfare cultural policies, and Italian film historiography. He advises through weekly office hours in Via Barberia 4, Bologna. Though no formal students are listed, his work engages with academic communities globally through transnational media studies projects. His scholarship bridges historical film analysis with contemporary digital media challenges. Education & Affiliations: University of Bologna academic since [information not explicitly provided in text]. Research Interests: Italian cinema history, cultural policy, media literacy, political visual culture, and the economics of state-supported cinema. Awards: No specific prizes listed, though his work received academic commendations like the 2023 Laudatio for Luigi Lai. Grants & Projects: Not explicitly detailed in provided texts. Labs/Teams: Collaborates within the Department of the Arts' academic networks, though specific lab affiliations are not mentioned. His recent publications (2021-2024) analyze topics ranging from welfare cultural frameworks to representations of Roman identity in fascist cinema, reflecting a commitment to interdisciplinary scholarship. Manzoli's work critically engages with national cinematic identity and the evolving role of media in public policy.
Anders Breidlid is a Professor at Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet), with a strong focus on international and comparative education, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, Sudan, and South Sudan. His work spans human rights, indigenous knowledge, HIV/AIDS education, and education in conflict and post-conflict settings. His research interests include: Decolonization of education and integration of indigenous knowledges Education in armed conflict and post-conflict reconstruction Global citizenship and sustainable development in education Discourse analysis and epistemic diversity History and civic education in fragile states The recent trend in his publications shows a deep engagement with psychosocial support for refugee children, civic education in socialist contexts like Cuba, and the integration of local epistemologies in science classrooms across Africa. His work bridges theory and practice, often contributing to policy discussions on emergency education and educational equity. He frequently collaborates with researchers across Africa and Europe. Scientific contributions and recognition: Extensive publication record including 66 scientific publications, 31 research reports, and 565 dissemination pieces Editor and author of influential works on indigenous knowledges and sustainable development Regular contributor to public discourse through op-eds in major Norwegian outlets like Klassekampen and Avisa Vårt Land Keynote speaker at international forums, including the University of South-Eastern Norway Breidlid actively advises and evaluates academic work, having served as an external examiner for PhD theses at institutions in Zambia, South Africa, Norway, and Pakistan. While no direct students are listed, his role as opponent indicates significant mentorship and academic guidance. He has contributed to capacity-building in postgraduate education through collaborative programs like the NOMA Master’s in International Education and Development. He is involved in research networks focused on decolonizing curricula and promoting epistemic justice, particularly through participatory action research with South African science teachers. His work emphasizes contextually relevant, inclusive, and sustainable education models.
Lynne Marie Kohm serves as the John Brown McCarty Professor of Family Law at Regent University School of Law, where she specializes in family law, estate planning, and gender studies with a distinctive integration of Christian legal scholarship. Her work critically examines marriage, family structure, and children's rights within contemporary legal frameworks. Education: Juris Doctor, Syracuse University College of Law (1989) Theological Studies, Institute of Biblical Studies (1986) Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, State University of New York at Albany (1980) Research Focus: Professor Kohm's scholarship consistently advocates for traditional family structures while analyzing legal developments through both doctrinal and faith-based lenses. Her research spans marriage law, estate planning for women, children's rights under international treaties, and the societal consequences of family fragmentation. She critically engages with topics like same-sex marriage, reproductive technologies, and gender equality, often arguing for legal frameworks that prioritize marital unions and parental rights. Publication Trends: Recent work demonstrates increasing focus on the intersection of family law with immigration policy, the impact of Obergefell on women and children, and critiques of international children's rights frameworks. Her scholarship frequently employs historical analysis (notably referencing Jane Austen) to contextualize contemporary family law dilemmas, while maintaining consistent advocacy for marriage as the optimal legal and social foundation for family life. Awards & Recognition: Regent University Chancellor’s Award for Faculty Excellence (Professor of the Year, 2005) Multiple Regent University teaching awards (2002-2004) Student Bar Association Professor of the Year awards (1997-1999) Book nominations for Estate Planning Success for Women Professional Service & Mentoring: As three-term President of Regent's Faculty Senate, Kohm shaped university governance and academic policy. She actively mentors female law students and trains attorneys in family restoration practices. Her professional affiliations include the Virginia State Bar Family Law Section, Christian Legal Society, Alliance Defense Fund, and Concerned Women for America. She serves as Co-Director of Regent's Oxford Study Abroad program and previously practiced law in New York with expertise in estate planning and family law. Additional Context: Kohm's six-year service with Campus Crusade for Christ informs her integration of faith and legal scholarship. She maintains active involvement in organizations advocating for traditional family values while contributing to academic discourse through extensive publications and conference presentations.
Sace E. Elder is a Professor and Chair of the Department of History at Eastern Illinois University . His work focuses on the social and cultural history of violence and crime in late 19th- and 20th-century Germany, particularly examining child protection movements and the renegotiation of parental authority. He has authored the book Murder Scenes: Normality, Deviance, and Criminal Violence in Weimar Berlin (University of Michigan Press, 2010), which analyzes how murder cases reflected societal anxieties in Weimar Germany. Education: PhD from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Teaching: Courses include Modern Germany, Women and Gender in Modern Europe, and World War I Elder's research explores the intersection of violence, law, and public culture in Germany, with a focus on corporal punishment, child protection, and urban modernity. His recent work extends to public history initiatives, such as advising on campus naming debates and participating in cannabis policy symposia. His publications address topics like emotional cities, gender politics in World History, and the historical evolution of acceptable violence. Scientific Awards Achievement and Contribution Award (Teaching), 2012 Council on Faculty Research Summer Grant Award, 2011 Redden Grant, 2011 Elder has supervised 3 graduate works and maintains active public engagement through media appearances and academic outreach. His office hours and courses reflect his commitment to integrating research with teaching and community discourse.
Dr. Vladimir Dugalić is a full professor at the Department of Practical Theology and New Evangelization, Chair of Moral Theology, Social Doctrine of the Church and Liturgy at the Catholic Faculty of Theology in Đakovo, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University in Osijek. He has served in various administrative roles including Dean of the Faculty of Theology (2018-2022), Vice-Dean for Science (2010-2014), and Vice-Dean for Education (2005-2010). Dr. Dugalić's educational background includes: Diploma in Theology from the Catholic Faculty of Theology, University of Zagreb (1989) Master's degree in Theological Sciences from the Pontifical Lateran University - Alfonsiana Academy in Rome (1993) Doctorate in Theological Sciences from the Pontifical Lateran University - Alfonsiana Academy in Rome (2001) His primary research interests focus on Moral Theology, Social Doctrine of the Church, Bioethics, Popular Religiosity, and Family and Marriage Ethics. His scholarly work examines the intersection of Catholic social teaching with contemporary social issues in Croatian society, including migration, demographic challenges, and ethical questions in biomedicine. His research often combines theological reflection with empirical studies, particularly in the areas of family life and social cohesion. His publications demonstrate a consistent focus on applying theological principles to practical pastoral situations while engaging with contemporary social science methodologies. Dr. Dugalić has been recognized with several awards including the Annual Award of the City of Đakovo for special contributions to religious and cultural life (2016), the honor of Chaplain of His Holiness (Monsignor) (2009), and various letters of appreciation for his editorial work and contributions to Catholic associations. As an educator, he has mentored 59 diploma theses, 1 master's thesis, and 3 doctoral dissertations. He has served as editor for several academic journals including 'Diacovensia – Teološki prilozi' and 'Vjesnik Đakovačko-osječke nadbiskupije.' His scholarly contributions span numerous publications including three authored books and over thirty scientific and professional articles. Dr. Dugalić is actively involved in various ecclesial and academic bodies including the Croatian Bishops' Conference, where he serves as secretary of the 'Iustitia et Pax' Commission, and the Croatian Science Foundation panel for social and humanities sciences (2020-2023).
Evelia Murcia Alvarez is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Vigo, affiliated with the Faculty of Education and Social Work. She specializes in the Department of Psychosocio-educational Analysis and Intervention, focusing on health, sexuality, and gender studies. Her work bridges academic research with practical applications in social work, emphasizing human rights and digital transformation. Doctorate: University of Vigo (2024) Thesis: Values, human rights, and political practice in social work professionals in Spain Advisors: Dr. Francisco Xabier Aguiar Fernández and Dr. Yolanda Rodríguez Castro Her research spans value development in childhood, vicarious trauma in social workers, and the impact of crises on professional well-being. Recent publications analyze human rights scales, gender violence during pandemics, and digital-era political participation in social work. Key article trends include: Human rights validation tools (2025) Value formation across cultures (2024) Self-care and resilience strategies (2022-2024) Digital transformation in social work (2023) Pandemic impacts on gender violence services (2023) Marxist and eco-critical frameworks (2018-2021) She contributes to the research group PT1: Health, Sexuality, and Gender, based in Ourense campus. Collaborations include cross-institutional studies on well-being and policy integration.
Professor Michelle Norris is a Full Professor and Director of the Geary Institute for Public Policy at University College Dublin's School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice. She is a leading expert in housing policy and urban regeneration with over 30 major research projects and more than 170 publications to her name. Her educational background includes: BSocSc from University College Cork MSocSc from University College Dublin PhD from University College Cork Professor Norris's research focuses on housing policy, particularly the management and financing of social housing, urban regeneration, comparative analysis of European housing provision, and the historical development of Irish housing policy. She has led significant research initiatives including the €3.4 million EU Horizon Europe project "EqualHouse" which aims to combat housing inequality across Europe. Her work bridges academic research and policy implementation, with strong connections to Irish and international policymakers. Her recent publications reveal consistent themes around housing financialization, homelessness prevention, social housing policy, and the intersection of housing with social justice issues. She has developed nuanced understandings of how financial circuits impact housing affordability, how life course stages affect homelessness risks, and how stigmatization impacts social housing communities. Professor Norris has received significant recognition for her work, including: University College Dublin's Research Impact Award (2015) Irish Research Council's Research Impact Award (2021) She serves in numerous advisory capacities, having been appointed to the National Economic and Social Council by the Taoiseach in 2011 and 2016, chaired the Housing Finance Agency from 2012-2017, and served on the interim board of the Land Development Agency from 2018. In 2022, she was appointed to the Housing Commission established to review housing policy in Ireland. Professor Norris actively supervises PhD students researching housing policy, urban regeneration, and social justice issues, and teaches modules on Housing and Social Cohesion and Housing Policies Neighborhood, emphasizing active learning and critical reflection in her teaching approach.
Laura Horn is an Associate Professor at the Department of Social Sciences and Business, Roskilde University, specializing in political economy, corporate governance, and critical perspectives on European integration. She contributes to Global Studies, Political Economy, and International Relations research areas. PhD in Political Science from VU University Amsterdam MA in International Political Economy from University of Newcastle (with distinction) Studies in Politics, History, and English from University of Freiburg Her research focuses on ecological economics, green transitions, corporate accountability, and imaginaries of capitalism. She leads the JUSTMEAT project (Danish pig-meat sector green transition), co-leads the UNWIST project (gender and electoral politics), and participates in NORDSPACE (Nordic space exploration politics) and other interdisciplinary networks. Recent publications address climate activism, EU corporate governance, and gendered political behavior. She co-developed datasets analyzing right-wing populist voters and sustainability discourses in higher education. Active in Scientist Rebellion Organizer of Repoliticising Capitalism summer school Contributor to Zenodo datasets on feminist studies and political behavior She supervises BA, MA, and PhD projects in Global Political Economy, European Integration, and critical political economy perspectives.
Juho Vesa serves as an Academy Research Fellow and Doctoral Programme Supervisor in the Department of Media and Communication Studies at the University of Helsinki's Faculty of Social Sciences. His research examines how interest groups navigate political and media landscapes to influence policy, with particular focus on corporate lobbying, media visibility dynamics, and network-based political strategies across diverse institutional contexts. His primary research interests include interest group politics , lobbying mechanisms in corporatist systems , media visibility of political actors , and network analysis of policy influence . Vesa investigates how wealth concentration shapes advocacy strategies, how digital platforms transform interest representation, and how partisan cues interact with policy preferences in welfare state debates. His comparative approach spans Finland, Denmark, and broader European contexts, revealing how political institutions mediate advocacy effectiveness. Analysis of Vesa's 15 most recent publications (2019-2025) shows evolving emphasis from digital advocacy tactics toward complex coalition formation and hidden influence of economic elites. Key trends include integration of network analysis with experimental methods, cross-national comparisons of lobbying structures, and examination of how extreme wealth circumvents traditional media channels. His work consistently bridges political science, communication studies, and sociology to dissect power structures in policy processes. Scientific Awards: Academy Research Fellow (Academy of Finland) Vesa supervises doctoral candidates in the Social Sciences Doctoral Programme and leads multiple externally funded projects. Current grants include the Academy of Finland project Globalization and the Rise of Corporate Lobbying in Corporatist Countries (2024-2026) examining multinational corporate influence, and the Kone Foundation project Lobbaus sosiaalisessa mediassa (2023-2026) analyzing social media lobbying strategies. His research involves extensive international collaboration with institutions including Aarhus University and University of Copenhagen. He actively contributes to the Climate Change Policy Networks in World Society project and serves on Finland's Lobby Register Advisory Board (2023-2026), shaping national transparency frameworks. Through recurring visiting researcher appointments at Aarhus University, Vesa maintains strong Nordic research networks while developing methodologies for tracking hidden advocacy channels in digital political environments.
Alice de Boyer des Roches is a Teacher-researcher at VetAgro Sup's Veterinary Campus, affiliated with the Teaching Department of Livestock and Veterinary Public Health and the Research Unit UMR Herbivores. She serves as a key member of the Animal Welfare Chair, driving the development and dissemination of educational resources on animal welfare across French academic and agricultural institutions. Her research centers on Animal Welfare , Animal Behavior , and Pain Assessment in livestock, employing multiparametric methodologies to evaluate emotional states and physiological responses. She investigates critical issues including mastitis impacts in dairy cows, pain management during castration and disbudding procedures, and the influence of housing systems on behavioral welfare indicators, with strong emphasis on translational applications for farm management. Analysis of her publication record (2008-2019) reveals sustained focus on dairy cow welfare challenges, particularly disease-related behavioral changes and housing system evaluations, alongside innovative pain assessment studies in sheep and calves. Her work consistently bridges ethological observation with veterinary science to establish evidence-based welfare metrics. Within institutional frameworks, de Boyer des Roches actively shapes national discourse through her membership in the European College of Animal Welfare and Behavioural Medicine and the SN-GTV Animal Welfare Commission. Her leadership in the Animal Welfare Chair facilitates knowledge transfer via continuing education programs, MOOC development, and collaborative projects with INRA, ENSV, and the University of Lorraine.
Jenelle Izer is a Professor in the Department of Comparative Medicine at Penn State University , affiliated with the Pediatric Cardiovascular Research Center . Her work bridges biomedical engineering and veterinary medicine, focusing on cardiovascular technologies and animal models. Research interests include Rotary blood pump control systems Hemostatic material development Anterior cruciate ligament biomechanics Physiologic monitoring in cardiac research Hemorrhage management in animal models She was awarded the Dean's Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2020, reflecting her commitment to education. Her research collaborations span UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and well-being, with a h-index of 10 based on 22 publications and 205 citations.
California State University, Long BeachUnited States
Saana Polk serves as a Full-Time Lecturer and Assistant Director of Field Education at California State University, Long Beach's School of Social Work, where she also coordinates the Pupil Personnel Services Credential (PPSC) program focused on school-based social work training. Her educational background includes: Pupil Personnel Services Credential, California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (2006) M.S.W., California State University at Long Beach (2004) B.A. Psychology, California State University at Long Beach (1995) Her professional expertise centers on Social Work with specialized focus in School Social Work, Child Welfare systems, and Field Education methodologies. As PPSC Program Coordinator, she develops curriculum for school social work credentialing while overseeing student field placements through her Assistant Director role, bridging academic training with practical K-12 settings. No scientific awards were documented in available materials. Dr. Polk directs all field education operations for social work students, managing community agency partnerships and placement logistics. Her PPSC coordination involves preparing candidates for California school social work credentials, though no research grants or funding programs were specified. She operates from office SSPA 132 with direct oversight of program implementation. Within CSULB's College of Health & Human Services structure, she contributes to the School of Social Work's mission through hands-on training systems and credentialing pathways for future school social workers.
