Dacia Dressen-Hammouda is a Professor of Universities at Université Clermont Auvergne, affiliated with the ACTé Laboratory (Activity, Knowledge, Transmission, Education). She co-leads Theme 1 ( Situations of knowledge transmission and learning ) and has held significant educational responsibilities since 2007, including designing and managing the Multilingual Technical Documentation Engineering and Multilingual Information Design programs. Her research spans English for Specific Purposes (ESP) , multimodality , indexicality , and intercultural rhetoric , with a focus on digital communication and AI integration in education. Research Themes include: Digital and multimodal supports in specialized English Genre-based pedagogies for professional and academic writing Intercultural challenges in second-language politeness negotiation Recontextualization of expert knowledge in digital media Indexicality as a framework for disciplinary identity analysis Article Trends highlight her work on multimodal literacy through instructional videos, indexicality in professional writing , and digital science communication . She explores how digital tools reshape genre mastery and how intercultural exchanges influence academic writing practices. Scientific Contributions include collaborations with researchers like Ciara R. Wigham and Susan Birch-Becaas , with projects such as the DILAN Project (Digital Language and Communication Training for EU Scientists). She has supervised PhD candidates Hamza Miftah and Nedjah Zerrouki , focusing on AI-driven writing support and multimodal travel blogs. Lab Engagement : As co-responsible for Theme 1 at the ACTé Laboratory, she integrates activity theory and ethnographic approaches to study writing as a social and pedagogical activity.
Tanya Gupta is a Lecturer in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Oregon , College of Arts and Sciences. With a PhD in Chemical/Science Education from Iowa State University, she specializes in student-centered inquiry-based teaching and technology integration in chemistry education. Education : PhD (2012) and MEd (2007) in Science Education from Iowa State University; MSc (2000) in Inorganic Chemistry and BSc (1998) in Chemistry Honors from Indian institutions Tanya’s research focuses on enhancing student retention through inquiry-based pedagogy , simulations , and collaborative learning . Her work addresses Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access (DEIA) in STEM education, with expertise in instructional design models like ADDIE, SAM, and Kirkpatrick. She has taught at multiple institutions, including Iowa State University and Grand Valley State University, delivering both large-enrollment and graduate-level courses through face-to-face, hybrid, and distance education platforms. Tanya’s publications and book chapters highlight her contributions to technology integration in chemistry education, game-based learning , and social media applications for student engagement. Her work spans curriculum development, educational research, and professional development for science educators.
Ramy Aly serves as Associate Professor and Anthropology Unit Head in the Department of Sociology, Egyptology and Anthropology at The American University in Cairo (AUC), where he has held faculty position since 2013 after previously lecturing in Anthropology at the University of Sussex, UK. He earned his PhD in Social Anthropology from Sussex in 2011. His academic credentials include: PhD in Social Anthropology, University of Sussex (2011) Dr. Aly's research investigates identity construction through intersecting frameworks of gender, race, and class. Current projects examine ethical subject formation following Egypt's 2011 revolution and racial dynamics via hair culture practices among Egyptian youth. His work bridges cultural anthropology with diaspora studies, emphasizing performative aspects of identity in transnational contexts while addressing decolonial perspectives on Middle Eastern communities. His publication trajectory evolves from localized ethnography to comparative diaspora frameworks, exemplified by his foundational 2015 monograph on Arab identity performativity in London and the comprehensive 2022 handbook synthesizing Middle Eastern diaspora scholarship. These works collectively establish him as a significant voice in contemporary anthropological discourse on migration, belonging, and cultural transformation. Aly actively cultivates student development through institutional initiatives: chairing the Altorki Award for Ethnographic Research, co-founding The Authors’ Challenge writing program, and advising the AUC Times student publication. His professional engagement extends to memberships in the Royal Anthropological Institute (UK), European Association of Social Anthropology, and Society for Cultural Anthropology, reflecting his standing in global anthropological networks.
Sarah E. Einstein is an Associate Professor in the Department of English at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC). She is a creative nonfiction writer and academic whose work interrogates the intersection of Jewish and Appalachian identities, ethical research methodologies in personal writing, and narrative structure. Education: PhD in Creative Writing from Ohio University (2016), MFA in Creative Nonfiction from West Virginia University (2011) Her research explores: Ethical boundaries when writing about friends/family Travel as a research methodology in narrative nonfiction Authorial selfhood in first-person writing Hybrid identities (Jewish/Appalachian) Her recent publications include a 2025 Judith Magazine essay on selfhood, 2022 Hippocampus and Brevity articles on research ethics, and a 2016 Assay journal piece analyzing authorial responsibility. Key themes across her work: cultural hybridity, memory ethics, and narrative voice in nonfiction. Academic Recognition: Pushcart Prize winner AWP Prize for Creative Nonfiction recipient Featured in Best of the Net anthology As organizer for UTC's Urban League STEAM Enrichment Program (2021-2025), she has mentored students in narrative design. Current service roles include Faculty Senate President Elect (2025-2026) and General Education Committee membership (2024-2025).
Associate Professor Alfred Huah-Syn Wong is a finance and economics academic at Charles Sturt University's School of Business. With a PhD in Finance from RMIT University and Masters in Financial Management from the University of Queensland, he teaches undergraduate courses in Financial Management, Financial Planning, and Treasury Risk Management, plus postgraduate courses in Corporate Treasury Management and Financial Planning. His research spans Asset Pricing, Risk Management, ESG Finance, Renewable Energy Economics, and Regional Healthcare Economics . Wong actively contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals through sustainable finance research and regional development projects. Recent work focuses on renewable energy microgrids for regional Australia and healthcare access disparities during the pandemic. His publication trends reveal growing emphasis on sustainable finance (2023-2025), with key themes in corporate governance, ESG integration, and regional economic resilience. Recent articles address MENA environmental governance, Australian healthcare access, and Industry 4.0 workforce adaptation. CSU PhD Writing Up Award 2010 ($5,000) CSU Competitive Grant Award 2010 ($10,191) RMIT University Research Prize 2010 ($1,000) CSU Seed Grant 2007 ($3,000) MRFF Rapid Applied Translation Grant 2024 Vice Chancellor’s Research Awards 2024 Wong supervises research aligned with regional development, evidenced by his role in the Ageing Well Research Group and Aspro Ageing Well projects. His grants portfolio includes the $3,000 CSU Seed Grant (2007), multiple 2023-2024 sustainability grants, and industry partnerships with Mid North Coast Health District. Current work focuses on renewable energy microgrids and Parkinson's disease nursing advocacy. He leads the Business Workforce Wellness Research Unit and collaborates with the Regional Entrepreneurship Research Group. Recent activities include the 2024 Regulating for Decent Work Conference and 2023 launch of Australian Microgrids research, demonstrating strong industry engagement in regional economic development.
Xiaojue Wang is an Associate Professor of Chinese and Comparative Literature at Rutgers University and Director of Graduate Studies in the Program in Comparative Literature. Her work bridges Chinese literary modernity, cultural Cold War studies, and transdisciplinary sound/media analysis. Education: Ph.D., M.Phil. in Comparative Literature, Columbia University M.A., B.A. in German Literature, Peking University Her research explores Chinese literary responses to Cold War geopolitics , Sino-German intellectual exchanges, sonic Sinophone environments, and gender/sexuality frameworks. Recent projects map transpacific Cold War cultural geographies through Eileen Chang’s oeuvre and trace sonic modernity across Sinophone regions. The article list reveals persistent engagement with: Cold War cultural diplomacy networks Urban soundscapes and media archaeology Post-1949 literary transitions Comparative borderland narratives Landscape poetics across Sino-German traditions Scientific distinctions include: CALA Best Book Award (2014) Chiang Ching-kuo Foundation grants (2009-2019) Harvard/Yale/Hong Kong University Press publications DAAD and An Wang fellowships Professor Wang’s Modernity with a Cold War Face (2013) established her as a leading Cold War literary scholar, with a 2024 expanded Taipei edition incorporating new transpacific research developments.
Cecilia Persson is a Professor at Uppsala University in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering; Biomedical Engineering. She leads the BioMaterial Systems (BMS) research group within the Division of Biomedical Engineering, focusing on the development of new biomaterials through additive manufacturing. She also directs a Competence Centre in Additive Manufacturing for the Life Sciences and the national Research Technology Platform WISE Additive. 2018, Professor in Materials Science, Uppsala University 2015, Docent (Assoc. Prof.) in Engineering Science with Specialization in Materials Science, Uppsala University 2009, PhD in Mechanical Engineering, University of Leeds 2004, MSc in Materials Engineering, European degree (EEIGM) with triple diploma Persson's research focuses on biomaterials, biomechanics, materials science, and additive manufacturing. Her work takes an integrated approach to solving clinical and sustainability problems, combining materials science, mechanical and biological engineering with new technologies like 3D printing and machine learning. Key research areas include magnesium-based alloys for bone substitutes, titanium-based alloys for permanent implants, and machine learning methods to enhance manufacturing efficiency. Analysis of her recent publications shows a strong emphasis on additive manufacturing of biomaterials, particularly magnesium and titanium alloys. Her work explores microstructure control, mechanical properties optimization, antibacterial properties, and patient-specific implant design. The research demonstrates a clear trajectory toward more sustainable, patient-adapted medical solutions using advanced manufacturing techniques. Persson has received funding from prestigious organizations including the Swedish Research Council (VR), the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation (KAW), the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research (SSF), Sweden's Innovation Agency (VINNOVA), and the EU. As an academic leader, Persson has served as Section Dean of Engineering (2020-2023), President of the Scandinavian Society of Biomaterials (2019-2023), and Coordinator of EU Innovative Training Network NU-SPINE (2019-2023). Her BioMaterial Systems research group takes an integrated approach to solving clinical and sustainability problems, bridging fundamental scientific mechanisms with high societal relevance.
Fedor Dokshin is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Toronto, Downtown Toronto (St. George) campus. His research bridges computational social science with environmental and political sociology, focusing on energy transitions, partisan dynamics, and social network structures. Key research areas include racial and income disparities in solar photovoltaic adoption, policy feedback mechanisms in renewable energy programs, and partisan influences on environmental decision-making. Fields of Study: Computational and Quantitative Methods, Environmental Sociology, Political Sociology, Social Networks Areas of Interest: Computational social science, Energy and the environment, Political polarization Research Trends: Dokshin's publications reveal a focus on energy justice, behavioral diffusion models, and political polarization. His work combines computational methods with environmental policy analysis, examining how socioeconomic factors and partisan identities shape renewable energy adoption. Articles demonstrate geographic heterogeneity in opposition to extraction projects, digital discourse analysis techniques, and institutional dynamics affecting scholarly knowledge production. Methodological Emphasis: Utilizes large-scale data analysis, spatial modeling, and automated textual analysis to explore energy-environment-society intersections. Research highlights the tension between technical solutions and social equity in energy transitions, with recurring themes of policy design, public engagement, and networked political behavior.
Alex Munt is an Associate Professor at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), affiliated with the Faculty of Design and Society. He serves as a key member of the Creative Practice Research Group and previously held the position of Acting Dean for Strategic Higher Degree Research Development at the UTS Graduate Research School from January to December 2021. With a background spanning both creative industries and academia, Munt brings extensive practical experience to his academic role, having worked for a decade in design, architecture, and 3D digital media before transitioning to film and academic work. Munt's educational background includes a PhD in Communications from Macquarie University (2010), a Graduate Certificate in Media Arts and Production (Film & Video) from the University of Technology Sydney (2004), and a Bachelor of Architecture (Hons) from the University of Adelaide (1996). His academic journey reflects a deliberate movement from architecture to film and media studies, creating a unique interdisciplinary perspective that informs his research and teaching. Munt's research expertise focuses on microbudget screen development and production in Australian and international contexts, with particular interest in expanded screenwriting practices, innovative screen aesthetics, and alternative models of film production. He examines granular aspects of film style, particularly diverse approaches to mise-en-scène, and explores how non-industrial filmmaking environments produce distinctive cinematic results. His work extends to expanded modes of moving image production, including video art, artist's moving image installations, and Cinematic Virtual Reality (CVR). Munt's research has been incorporated into Screen Australia's Story Development documents to support Australian low-budget screenwriters and directors. An analysis of Munt's recent publications reveals a clear trajectory toward immersive media and virtual reality storytelling. His work increasingly focuses on the theoretical and practical challenges of screenwriting for virtual reality environments, exploring spatial narrative structures, user embodiment, and the relationship between traditional filmmaking techniques and emerging immersive technologies. The research demonstrates how cinematic virtual reality requires rethinking fundamental elements of screen storytelling, particularly in relation to spatiality, narrative emphasis, and structural elements that differ significantly from conventional film. Four feature films as writer/director: LBF (2010), Poor Little Rich Girls (2013), Collectors (2021), and Isaac's Dream (2023) International recognition with award-nominated films screened and distributed worldwide Contributions to Screen Australia's Story Development documents Editor of the significant anthology 'Screenwriting for Virtual Reality: Story, Space and Experience' (2024) Munt supervises Higher Degree Research students with a particular emphasis on working with industry-based creatives who seek to rethink, reshape, and sustain their creative screen practices. His teaching philosophy draws on the lineage and evolution of indie, alternative, DIY, and microbudget approaches to film conception, development, and production. He views these approaches as creatively sustainable methods that both stand apart from and inform industrial modes of screen production. His research, teaching, and engagement all focus on creativity, creative practice research, and professional practice in film and creative screen media. As a practicing filmmaker and academic, Munt bridges theory and practice through the Creative Practice Research Group at UTS. His work demonstrates how academic research can directly inform and enhance creative practice while simultaneously advancing scholarly understanding of emerging media forms. His current focus on cinematic virtual reality represents a natural evolution of his longstanding interest in innovative screen aesthetics and alternative production models.
Monita J. Baba Djara, DrPH serves as an Assistant Professor and Program Director for SPH-Global Health (4+1 program with PUC), MPH at Loma Linda University's School of Public Health. Her academic career demonstrates strong commitment to global health education and community-based research initiatives. Dr. Baba Djara's research interests focus on community health in low-resource settings, maternal mental health, social determinants of health, and food security. Her work emphasizes community-based participatory approaches that bridge academic institutions with community organizations and faith-based partners to address health disparities. Her recent publications reveal a consistent pattern of research examining how social and environmental factors impact health outcomes, particularly among vulnerable populations. She has published on maternal mental health in marginalized communities, student mental health and food security, and innovative university-church-community partnerships for improving community health. Dr. Baba Djara has secured multiple research grants including CDC/RISE projects through El Sol Neighborhood Education Center and initiatives with Adventist Development and Relief Agency focused on community health champions training and international health programs in Mongolia. As an educator, she teaches multiple courses in the Global Health curriculum including Fundamentals of Global Health and Development series, Health Systems in Low Resource Settings, and Interventions in Community Health & Development. She also teaches grant writing and supervises doctoral projects, demonstrating her commitment to developing the next generation of public health professionals.
Gunilla Almgren Bäck is a researcher at the Department of Educational Psychology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University. Her work focuses on assistive technology and its role in addressing reading and writing difficulties, particularly in primary and middle-school education. She has conducted extensive studies on speech-to-text tools for students with dyslexia and writing disabilities. Education: Ph.D. in Psychology (2024) from Linnaeus University, specializing in educational psychology and assistive technology. Research Interests: Almgren Bäck's research explores how speech-to-text technology can prevent, bridge, and develop students' text production capabilities. Her work includes longitudinal studies on dyslexic students' experiences and collaborations across Nordic countries to refine assistive technologies. Recent Publications: Her studies, such as Prevent, Bridge, Develop (2024) and Enhancing Middle-School Students' Textual Expression (2025), highlight the integration of assistive technology in educational settings. Her articles emphasize technology's potential to support writing difficulties, dyslexia, and AI-enhanced text production. Projects: She leads the ongoing project When AT meets AI , investigating the synergy between assistive technology and artificial intelligence in text production. Additionally, she collaborates on a 2024–2025 initiative using speech synthesis to aid reading learning in SFI teaching.
Dr Nathalie Wourm is a Lecturer in Contemporary French Literature and Director of the Centre for French, Francophone and Comparative Studies (CFFCS) at Birkbeck, University of London. Her research focuses on 21st-century French poetic practices and poststructuralist thought, particularly Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari. Her career began in 1989 as a teaching assistant, later completing a D.Phil. at Oxford while working at Birkbeck. She has published a book, Poètes français du 21e siècle: entretiens (2017), and numerous articles exploring intersections between poetry, politics, and philosophy. Supervised PhD theses on rhizomatic poetry and feminist schizo-narratives Convenes BA modules on contemporary French literature, women's writing, and comparative studies Active in research clusters like CRIP (Centre de recherche internationale de poésie) and Society for French Studies
Professor John Dumay is a leading academic in accounting and finance at Macquarie University, Sydney. His research focuses on modern slavery, intellectual capital, non-financial accounting, and sustainability. He holds a PhD from Sydney University (2008), alongside qualifications in management research and education. Recognized globally, he ranks in the top 2% of scientists and was Australia's Top Researcher in Accounting & Taxation (2020, 2022, 2023). He has authored/co-authored over 120 peer-reviewed articles, with collaborations spanning 15 countries. As an editorial leader, he serves as Associate Editor for Accounting Auditing and Accountability Journal and Meditari Accountancy Research , and Deputy Editor for Accounting & Finance . Education PhD in Intellectual Capital in Action: Australian Studies (Sydney University, 2008) Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies (Higher Education), University of Sydney (2011) Master of Arts in Management Research Methods, Macquarie Graduate School of Management (2006) Master of Business Administration, Australian Graduate School of Management (2004) Research Interests Professor Dumay explores modern slavery legislation, intellectual capital measurement, corporate sustainability reporting, and research methodologies. His work bridges accounting practices with societal challenges, particularly in supply chain accountability and ethical governance. Recent studies include critical analyses of chocolate industry sustainability and climate-related investor behavior. Awards & Recognition Emerald/EFMD Outstanding Doctoral Research Award (2008) Top 2% World Scientist by Stanford/Elsevier (2019–2022, Lifetime) Highly Commended Paper Awards across multiple journals Grants & Projects Projects include measuring innovation in Sydney, intellectual capital in universities, and knowledge economy scorecards Collaborations in Australia, China, Scandinavia, and Europe Labs & Teams He leads interdisciplinary teams addressing wicked problems through critical intellectual capital frameworks. Notable initiatives include the Chocolate Scorecard project evaluating sustainability in cocoa supply chains.
Ester Ellen Trees Bolt is a Post-doctoral Research Fellow at the University of Leeds since January 2023, concurrently serving as a Michael Beverley Innovation Fellow since September 2023. Previously, she held a Lecturer position at Sunway University, Malaysia, teaching HRM and research methods. She earned her PhD (2021) and Master’s (2018, Distinction) from Taylor’s University, Malaysia. Her research focuses on healthcare HRM challenges, particularly nurse turnover, well-being, and professional identity. She investigates systemic causes of nurse attrition, advocating for cultural shifts in nursing to reduce burnout through boundary-setting training and employer support. Her work highlights how self-sacrifice norms in nursing contribute to unsustainable workloads and proposes solutions like organizational culture reforms and policy changes. Key research areas include nurse retention strategies, leadership’s role in turnover reduction, and the impact of professional identity on job satisfaction. She collaborates with healthcare institutions to translate findings into actionable retention policies and has published widely on these topics in journals and platforms like The Conversation. Ester’s recent work explores post-turnover experiences and the efficacy of postdoctoral fellowships in shaping academic careers. She emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches linking HRM theory with healthcare practice to address global nursing shortages and workforce sustainability challenges.
Alfonso Salgado is a Lecturer in Discipline at Columbia University specializing in modern Latin American history, particularly the political and social history of Chile and transnational political networks in the Americas. He holds a B.A. from Pontifical Catholic University of Chile (2008) and a Ph.D. from Columbia University (2016). His research focuses on Chilean Communism, Cold War media, gender in revolutionary movements, and transnational political alliances. He is currently writing a book on U.S. socialist involvement in Cold War Latin America titled *True Socialism or Chaos: American Social Democrats in Cold War Latin America*. His research has been published in journals like *Hispanic American Historical Review* and *Cold War History*. He teaches courses on Latin American civilization, Cold War history, and media politics. Salgado’s work bridges historical analysis with media studies, examining how political ideologies were disseminated through newspapers, radio, and publishing houses during the 20th century. His recent articles explore topics ranging from the financial strategies of Chilean Communist media enterprises to the social lives of young militants. He emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, combining political economy, gender studies, and media analysis to understand revolutionary movements.
