Dr Ross Johnston is an Honorary Associate Professor at the School of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry, University of Queensland. He holds a Bachelor, Masters (Coursework), and PhD from UQ. His research focuses on Queensland history, colonial studies, and environmental history, with particular attention to Indigenous leadership, cultural preservation, and transnational ecological exchanges. Dr Johnston has reviewed numerous books on Australian colonial history and environmental policies, contributing to debates on national identity and environmental governance. His academic works include seminal texts like The Call of the Land: A History of Queensland to the Present Day (1982) and critical analyses of colonial figures such as Henry Jordan and John Fenwick. He has advised over 10 postgraduate theses, including studies on Queensland’s soldier settlement schemes and immigrant communities. Johnston’s supervision emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to historical research, blending archival analysis with social and economic perspectives. Dr Johnston remains active in historical scholarship, with recent works exploring Indigenous art revival and frontier conflicts. His research bridges local Queensland narratives with broader global colonial contexts, offering nuanced insights into Australia’s socio-ecological past.
David Wästerfors is a Professor of Sociology at Lund University’s Department of Sociology. He holds dual roles as a Senior Lecturer and Professor, contributing to both teaching and research. His affiliations include the University’s research portal and collaborations with international institutions. Wästerfors specializes in qualitative methods, criminology, social psychology, and cultural sociology, with a focus on empirical research in total institutions, youth culture, and disability studies. Education: Graduated from Lund University and UCLA, studying 'Self and Society' and 'Aesthetic Anthropology' under notable scholars like Jack Katz and Maureen Mahon. Research Interests: Wästerfors bridges micro-sociological studies (e.g., ethnography, narrative analysis) with meso/macro-level phenomena like criminology and disability studies. His work emphasizes 'theoretically surprising' research, blending empirical observation with innovative theoretical frameworks. Key themes include corruption narratives, online crime discussions, youth-police interactions, and accessibility barriers for persons with disabilities. Current Projects: Includes studies on Nordic returnees from Ukraine, citizen-driven crime investigations, and the sociology of embarrassment in ethnographic practice. He leads funded projects like 'Pecuniary Sensitivity in Foster Care Narratives' and 'Citizens as Crime Investigators.' Grants & Supervision: Supervised 11 PhD students and reviewed over 25 doctoral defenses. Active in peer review for journals like Qualitative Research and Journal of Contemporary Ethnography . Labs/Teams: Collaborates with researchers like Veronika Burcar Alm (online crime studies) and Kristofer Hansson (disability and gaming). His work often involves interdisciplinary teams, e.g., the 'Seductive Meetings' project on bureaucratic culture.
Professor Kim Wilkins serves as Professor and Associate Dean (Research) in the Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Queensland. She is Centre Director of the Research Centre in Creative Arts and Human Flourishing and maintains affiliations with both this research center and the Centre for Critical and Creative Writing. As a dual academic-creative practitioner, Wilkins bridges scholarly research with professional writing expertise, holding significant leadership roles while maintaining an active creative career. Wilkins specializes in the intersection of creativity, technology, and cultural industries, with research spanning popular fiction studies, publishing ecosystems, and technology foresight. Her work explores speculative fiction storytelling for defense innovation, community publishing in regional Australia, and the application of 'story thinking' to anticipate technological impacts. She has published over 30 novels in 20+ languages across historical fiction and fantasy genres, bringing unique practitioner insights to her academic work on creativity research, reading cultures, and the future of publishing. Wilkins' recent publications reveal a clear trajectory toward applying narrative techniques to complex problem-solving, particularly in technology foresight. Her work increasingly focuses on how creative writing methods can illuminate technological impacts in complex systems, with applications in defense innovation and digital transformation. This interdisciplinary approach bridges humanities scholarship with practical applications in technology assessment and futures thinking, demonstrating how literary techniques can enhance analytical frameworks for anticipating future scenarios. Wilkins serves as a member of the Australian Research Council College of Experts, reflecting her standing in the academic community. Her research has attracted significant funding, including ARC Linkage Projects and Commonwealth Defense Science and Technology Group grants, supporting innovative work at the intersection of creative practice and technological foresight. As a supervisor, Wilkins has guided numerous PhD and Master's students through completion, with current supervision focusing on creative writing, imagination, AI in creative practice, and Australian crime fiction. Her major grants include the ongoing Community Publishing in Regional Australia project (2023-2025), The Ursula Project on speculative fiction for technology foresight (2022), and previous ARC Discovery Projects on Australian popular fiction. She directs the Research Centre in Creative Arts and Human Flourishing, which serves as a hub for interdisciplinary research connecting creative practice with human wellbeing and technological innovation.
Clive Parkinson serves as Director of Arts for Health at Manchester Metropolitan University, leading the UK's longest established arts and health unit. He holds the position of Associate Professor (Reader) at the Manchester School of Art, focusing on Arts, Health and Social Justice. Parkinson also maintains a Visiting Fellowship at the University of New South Wales and has developed significant partnerships across Greater Manchester, the UK, and internationally including Lithuania and Japan. His educational background includes a degree in Independent Studies from Lancaster University where his research focused on the relationship between creativity, culture, the arts and health. Parkinson is a doctor of philosophy with extensive experience bridging academic research and practical application in the arts and health field. Parkinson's research interests center on the transformative potential of arts in health contexts, with particular emphasis on public health, wellbeing, social justice, and inequalities. His work explores how creative practices can address mental health, dementia care, recovery from addiction, and community wellbeing. He has pioneered approaches that connect arts practice with health policy development and implementation, notably contributing to the National Charter for Arts, Health and Wellbeing. Analysis of Parkinson's recent publications reveals a strong focus on dementia care through arts interventions, health inequalities, and recovery-oriented practices. His work consistently bridges arts practice with rigorous research methodology, demonstrating how visual arts, performance, and creative writing can transform health outcomes. The publications show an evolving trajectory from foundational work on arts and health policy toward more specialized applications in dementia care, workplace wellbeing, and cross-cultural contexts. Enterprise Curriculum Fellowship (2009) International Leadership in Arts and Health Award (2011) HM Treasury funded Invest to Save: Arts in Health Project (2003-2007) AHRC/ESRC funded Connected Communities research project (2013-2017) Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation funding for Osaka partnership Parkinson has supervised numerous students through MA units in Arts, Public Health and Wellbeing and is developing a standalone Masters in Arts and Health. His grant portfolio includes significant funding from HM Treasury, Arts Council England, Grudtvig, and the Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation. He has delivered training for artists and health professionals internationally and served as chair of the National Alliance for Arts, Health and Wellbeing (2012-2018). As Director of Arts for Health, Parkinson leads the Manchester Institute for Arts, Health & Social Change, a multi-organization research center across Greater Manchester. He collaborates with Socialiniai Meno Projektai in Lithuania and has established the Manchester & Osaka Arts & Health Partnership. His work bridges the arts and cultural sector alongside health and social care to radically reimagine an arts and health agenda for the 21st century.
Linda Lierheimer is a Professor of History and Humanities in the Department of History, Humanities, and International Studies at Hawai'i Pacific University, within the College of Liberal Arts. She holds a Ph.D. from Princeton University and is an active scholar in early modern European history, with a focus on gender, religion, and women in the Reformation era. Her research interests include: French religious history Women in early modern convents Gender and ecclesiastical authority Microhistory of religious conflict Spiritual imposture and sanctity Historical methods and textual analysis The available publications reflect a consistent scholarly engagement with the roles of women in 17th-century French Catholicism, particularly within convents, and how they navigated religious authority, episcopal control, and spiritual legitimacy. Her work bridges gender studies, religious history, and early modern European politics. She is currently writing a book titled Disobedient Daughters: The Demission of an Ursuline Superior in Early Modern Dijon , a microhistorical study of a conflict between nuns and their bishop in seventeenth-century France, further deepening her contribution to the field of religious and gender history. While no scientific awards or fellowships are listed, her publications in edited academic volumes and her translation work demonstrate peer-recognized scholarship. Dr. Lierheimer teaches courses in European history, historical methods, and gender studies. Although no advisees or grants are mentioned, her ongoing book project suggests active research mentorship and academic leadership. She does not appear to be affiliated with any formal lab or research team, but her work contributes to broader scholarly conversations in gender and religious history.
Karl-Dieter Crisman is Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science at Gordon College, where he also serves as Campus Organist. He is affiliated with the School of Science and Health and the Herschend School of Education. His academic work bridges pure mathematics, pedagogy, and interdisciplinary scholarship. Education: PhD in Mathematics, University of Chicago; M.Mus., Roosevelt University; Undergraduate, Northwestern University. Research: Focuses on the mathematics of voting and choice, algebraic geometry (especially zero-cycles and hyperplane arrangements), representation theory in social choice, and the history of mathematics (notably Marin Mersenne). Open Source & Education: Lead developer and author of the open textbook Number Theory: In Context and Interactive , widely used and praised. Active contributor to SageMath and PreTeXt projects. His research in voting theory explores generalized voting procedures on posets and cyclic orders, often using representation-theoretic techniques. His pedagogical scholarship promotes inquiry-based learning, service-learning, and technology integration, particularly through Sage cells. He has written extensively on the connections between mathematics, music, and theology. He has been recognized with the 2024 MAA Northeastern Section Award for Distinguished Teaching. He serves as Vice Chair (and future Chair) of the MAA Northeastern Section and was Associate Editor for PRIMUS. Professional Service: Organizes the Gordon Math Forum, Faculty Forum colloquium, and the North Shore Undergraduate Mathematics Conference; previously chaired the Pike Honors Program. Advising: Mentors undergraduate research in voting theory, algebra, topology, and the history of mathematics. Grants: Received support from the American Institute of Mathematics' SQuaREs program for collaborative research. He frequently gives talks on voting theory, SageMath, open textbooks, and the life of Marin Mersenne.
Charlotte Gleason is an Assistant Professor and Chair of the Humanities Department at Cairn University's School of Liberal Arts & Sciences. She has taught at Cairn since 2007, initially in a part-time role before transitioning to full-time, and specializes in literature, composition, and education courses. MLS, Fort Hays State University BS in Bible, Cairn University BS in Education, Cairn University Her research focuses on innovative pedagogical approaches, including alternatives to traditional direct instruction, formative assessment strategies in writing, and interdisciplinary curriculum development. She has also explored integrating adolescent literature with canonical texts to enhance college readiness. Her 2020 publication, Composition II: Analysis and Interpretation , reflects her expertise in developing pedagogical materials that promote critical thinking and interdisciplinary learning. She has presented extensively on creative teaching methods at conferences like ACSI and NeMLA. As Department Chair, Charlotte leads curriculum initiatives while maintaining an active teaching role. Her work bridges academic theory with practical application in both traditional and Christian educational contexts.
Ewa Chrusciel is a Professor at Colby-Sawyer College’s School of Arts & Sciences, joining the faculty in 2006. Holding the M. Roy London Endowed Chair, she specializes in world poetry, translation, and cognitive poetics, blending interdisciplinary and international approaches. Ph.D. in Literary Studies and Contemporary Poetry from Illinois State University M.A. in English Philology from Jagiellonian University, Poland Her research spans pre-modern, modern, and postmodern world poetry , comparative literature , and neurological theories of aesthetic experience . She teaches creative writing, world literature, and poetry, emphasizing bilingualism and translation. Recent academic work includes presentations on translating Polish poetry , religious references in verse , and cognitive embodiment in literary forms . Her poetry has been translated into Vietnamese, Hungarian, and Italian. 2016: Nomination for Best of Net Anthology 2014: Pushcart Prize nomination 2013: Second place in 'Nakręć wiersz' Poetry Competition 2011: Finalist in Sow’s Ear Poetry Contest 2009: Winner of Emergency Press Contest
Vanessa M. Hildebrand is the Chair of the Division of Social Sciences and an Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology & Anthropology at Ohio Wesleyan University. She joined OWU in 2019, returning to a liberal arts-focused undergraduate teaching environment after completing her academic training. Education : B.A. in Sociology-Anthropology from Earlham College M.A. in Applied Anthropology from the University of Colorado, Denver M.A. and Ph.D. in Sociocultural Anthropology from Washington University in St. Louis Her research focuses on cultural and medical anthropology, particularly reproductive health and health equity for vulnerable populations. She conducts ethnographic studies in rural Eastern Indonesia and Ohio, examining maternal and infant mortality through interactions between global health programs, local caregivers, and traditional practices. Dr. Hildebrand integrates her research into teaching, offering courses on human reproduction in cultural contexts, global health, post-colonialism, and Southeast Asian studies. She is developing an ethnographic research lab for undergraduates and planning Travel Learning trips to Indonesia and Taiwan. Scientific Awards : Teaching awards in instruction Mentorship awards Teaching professional writing awards She serves on U.S. advisory boards addressing women’s and infants’ health, combining social theory, qualitative methods, and critical global public health policy to inform care delivery in diverse cultural frameworks. Contact: Elliott Hall 205, Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, OH 43015 | soan@owu.edu
Ying Xie is an Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Technology, Research and Assessment at Northern Illinois University, College of Education. Her work bridges technology and pedagogy, with a focus on enhancing reflective learning, knowledge integration, and group cognition through innovative digital tools. Educational Background: Ph.D. in Instructional Systems, The Pennsylvania State University, with a minor in Educational Psychology B.S. in Computer Science and B.A. in Foreign Languages, University of Science and Technology of China Her research spans emerging technologies in education , including robotics in K–12 STEM learning, technology-assisted language acquisition, and mathematical problem posing. She explores how tools like word clouds, blogs, and mobile VR can scaffold reflective thinking and collaborative knowledge building. Her work is grounded in both cognitive and social learning theories. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a consistent focus on technology-enhanced learning environments , particularly using visual and interactive tools (e.g., tag clouds, blogs, VR) to support metacognition and collaboration. Her studies often employ mixed methods and design-based research, targeting diverse populations from K–12 to higher education. A growing interest in emergency remote learning and teacher self-efficacy is evident in her 2021 publications. Scientific Awards: No awards explicitly mentioned in the provided text. Dr. Xie actively advises graduate and doctoral students, as seen through her teaching of ETT 799 (Doctoral Research and Dissertation). She has contributed to curriculum development in instructional technology and research methodology. Her service includes participation in academic seminars and research guidance. She leads or contributes to research projects examining digital learning tools and their impact on cognition and engagement. Her lab or research team likely focuses on user experience in educational technology, possibly linked to the UX Lab mentioned in the departmental resources.
Henrik Palmer Olsen is a Professor of Jurisprudence at the Faculty of Law, University of Copenhagen (UCPH), where he has been a central figure since earning his Cand.jur. in 1993. He is a co-founder and member of the Centre of Excellence for International Courts and Governance (iCourts), a leading research center in global legal studies. His academic leadership includes serving as Associate Dean for Research and Head of the PhD School at UCPH. Education: Dr.jur. (2005), Faculty of Law, University of Copenhagen PhD (1997), Faculty of Law, University of Copenhagen MA in Socio-Legal Studies (1994), University of Sheffield Cand.jur. (1993), Faculty of Law, University of Copenhagen Henrik Palmer Olsen's research lies at the intersection of legal philosophy, human rights, and international courts, with a growing emphasis on data science applied to legal analysis. His work explores the theoretical foundations of law, judicial legitimacy, and the methodological evolution of legal scholarship. He has pioneered the integration of quantitative methods—such as citation network analysis and corpus linguistics—into doctrinal legal studies, bridging traditional and computational approaches. His recent publications reflect a consistent trajectory in analyzing international courts, legal diplomacy, and legal methodology. Works like 'Can quantitative methods complement doctrinal legal studies?' and 'Providing Legal Pincite Recommendations using Language Representations' illustrate his innovative approach, combining jurisprudence with AI and data-driven legal research. This positions him at the forefront of the digital transformation in legal science. Scientific Engagement: Speaker, Regulating “AI” in the EU: The “Artificial Intelligence Act” (2021) Speaker, EURECO Distinguished Lecture Series (2010) Lecturer, Bristol Law School Annual Jurisprudence Lecture (2010) Olsen has held major research management roles, including co-founding the Center for Studies in Legal Culture and leading the PhD school at UCPH. He has secured recognition through extensive research output and collaborations across Europe. His work is referenced in academic databases, Mendeley, and multiple Wikipedia pages, indicating broad scholarly impact. He is actively involved in shaping legal education, particularly through his textbook on legal methodology. He is associated with research environments such as the Nordic Asylum Law & Data Lab and maintains strong international networks, especially in EU legal studies and global mobility law. His multilingual abilities (Danish, English, French) support his transnational academic engagement.
Elizabeth Yale is an Associate Professor in the Department of History at the University of Iowa, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, where she also serves as Director of Undergraduate Studies. Her research lies at the intersection of the history of science, book history, and early modern European intellectual culture, with a focus on how knowledge was created and preserved in domestic and archival contexts. Her educational background includes a PhD in the History of Science from Harvard University (2008). She previously taught at Western Carolina University and Harvard before joining the University of Iowa. Dr. Yale's research explores the material and social practices of knowledge-making, particularly in early modern Britain. She emphasizes the role of families, manuscript culture, and archival infrastructures in the development of scientific thought. Her work spans themes such as gender, materiality, and the transmission of medical and natural knowledge. She teaches courses on early modern Europe, the history of science and medicine, book history, and gender, often incorporating hands-on analysis of texts through the University of Iowa Center for the Book. Her recent publications reveal a consistent interest in the material forms of knowledge—letters, lists, marginalia, and archives—and their role in shaping scientific epistemology. She frequently examines how women’s intellectual labor and domestic spaces contributed to scientific advancement. Her collaborative projects, including an NEH-funded initiative with Matthew Brown, aim to build innovative educational spaces for studying global print and manuscript cultures. Visiting Scholar, Max Planck Institute for the History of Science, Berlin (2016) President, Andrew W. Mellon Society of Fellows in Critical Bibliography (2021–2022) Senior Fellow, Andrew W. Mellon Society of Fellows in Critical Bibliography Dr. Yale has been active in mentoring and curriculum development, particularly through experiential learning programs like the Hawkeye History Corps. She has secured external funding, including an NEH Humanities Initiatives Grant, to support interdisciplinary teaching and research. Her advising likely extends to undergraduate and graduate students interested in history of science, gender studies, and material text analysis, though specific students are not listed. She is also engaged with public history, contributing accessible commentary to outlets like The Atlantic , Quartz , and Iowa Public Radio , bridging academic research with broader societal conversations on science, gender, and race. She is involved in collaborative scholarly communities, especially through the Rare Book School and the University of Iowa Center for the Book, where she contributes to projects that integrate book history with scientific and archival studies. These affiliations support a vibrant research and teaching environment centered on material knowledge practices.
Alice E. Smith is the Joe W. Forehand, Jr. Distinguished Professor in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at Auburn University’s Samuel Ginn College of Engineering. She holds a joint appointment with the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering and previously served as Department Chair from 1999 to 2011, during which the department experienced exponential growth in enrollment, research funding, and national ranking. She is a member of the National Academy of Engineering (elected 2025) and holds fellowships in IEEE, INFORMS, and IISE. Her educational background includes a BSCE from Rice University, an MBA from Saint Louis University, a PhD from Missouri University of Science and Technology, and a BA in Spanish from Auburn University (2022). She is a Registered Professional Engineer and has received numerous honors, including the INFORMS WORMS Award, IIE Holzman Educator Award, and multiple best paper awards. Dr. Smith’s research centers on computational intelligence, focusing on optimization, modeling of complex systems, and bio-inspired algorithms. Her work integrates artificial intelligence with traditional operations research and has applications in defense, logistics, and industrial systems. She has published extensively, with over 18,000 citations and two influential books on women in engineering. Her recent publications reflect a trend toward interdisciplinary, globally collaborative research with strong societal impact, particularly in sustainable systems and intelligent optimization. Her scientific awards include: Election to the National Academy of Engineering (2025) Joe W. Forehand, Jr. Distinguished Professor (2023) INFORMS WORMS Award (2009) Four-time Fulbright Scholar (2013, 2016, 2017, 2020) IEEE Distinguished Lecturer and INFORMS Official Speaker Multiple best paper awards from INFORMS and IIE She has been principal investigator on over $12 million in sponsored research from NSF, NASA, DoD, DHS, and industry partners like Lockheed Martin and Toyota. She mentors doctoral students and has led international research exchanges, particularly with Norway, Turkey, and Colombia. She currently serves as Editor-in-Chief of the INFORMS Journal on Computing and Area Editor for Computers & Operations Research . Dr. Smith leads research groups and collaborates with visiting scholars, focusing on intelligent optimization and sustainable logistics. Her lab has produced highly cited work in journals like Reliability Engineering & System Safety and IEEE Transactions on Reliability . She continues to expand Auburn’s global research footprint through partnerships with institutions like NTNU in Norway.
Beverley Hancock-Smith is a Senior Lecturer in the Library Learning Services at De Montfort University (DMU), based in the Centre for Learning and Study Support (CLaSS), Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Media. She has over 15 years of experience in Further and Higher Education, focusing on academic skills development and inclusive pedagogy. Senior Lecturer, Library Learning Services, De Montfort University PhD Candidate, School of Humanities and Performing Arts, DMU Fellow of the Higher Education Academy Member, ALDinHE (Association of Learning Developers in Higher Education) Her educational background includes a Doctoral Candidacy at DMU, a PGCE from the University of Bedford, an MA in Writing for Performance from Goldsmiths, an MA in Journalism from Liverpool John Moore's University, and a BA Hons in Drama from the University of Exeter. Beverley's research and teaching focus on learning development , academic writing , and inclusive pedagogy , with a strong emphasis on LGBTQ+ inclusion and trauma-informed teaching. She also explores the role of verbatim and documentary theatre in representing marginalized groups. Her creative work as a playwright complements her academic practice, integrating narrative and performance into educational contexts. Her recent publications and conference presentations reflect a growing trend toward integrating technology, inclusivity, and creative methods in education. Topics include AI in academic writing, gamified learning (e.g., critical writing escape rooms), and cross-institutional collaboration. Her work bridges educational theory and performative practice, advocating for student-centered, empathetic pedagogy. Scientific Awards and Recognitions: Fellow of the Higher Education Academy Beverley advises on academic writing support and mentoring programs, including the Dare to Be mentoring initiative. She has led the development of institutional feedback and evaluation tools to enhance learning services. Her work is supported by her active engagement with professional networks such as ALDinHE and through conference contributions across the UK. She is affiliated with the Centre for Learning and Study Support (CLaSS) and contributes to university-wide learning development initiatives. Her dual role as educator and playwright fosters innovative, interdisciplinary approaches to student engagement and inclusion.
Melissa Miles is a Professor in the Department of Fine Art at Monash University’s Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture. She is a leading scholar in photography history and theory, public cultures, and visual citizenship, with a strong commitment to interdisciplinary and socially engaged research. Her research expertise includes: Photography History and Theory Contemporary Visual Culture Critical and Feminist Art Theory Art and Social Change Transnational and Intercultural Relations Visual Citizenship and National Identity Her recent scholarly work, spanning from 2020 to 2025, demonstrates a consistent focus on the role of photography in shaping public discourse, national identity, and social justice. Themes such as modernism, migration, human rights, and design media recur across her publications and projects. She has led major ARC-funded initiatives like Pacific Exposures and Past Wrongs, Future Choices , reflecting her leadership in collaborative, transnational research. Miles has received notable recognition for her contributions, including: ARC Future Fellowship (2014) Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture Award for Excellence in Graduate Research Supervision (2017) Shortlisted for the Kraszna-Krausz Photography Book Award (2020) Society for Photographic Education Members Award (2012) MADA ECR Award (2010) She is an active supervisor and educator, recognized for innovation in interdisciplinary learning. Her public engagement includes keynotes, media contributions, and curation, such as her involvement in Melbourne Design Week 2018 and ABC Radio National. She contributes to editorial and conference leadership, reinforcing her role in shaping contemporary art discourse.
