Karine Berthelot-Guiet is a Professor at Sorbonne Université’s School of Information and Communication Sciences (CELSA), where she has held leadership roles since 2005, including Dean since 2014. She specializes in advertising and brand discourses, media transformations, and sociosemiotics, with a focus on aging populations, digital literacy, and health communication. Education Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches (HDR), 2004, Sorbonne Université Doctorate in Linguistics, 1997, École Pratique des Hautes Études DEA in Information and Communication Sciences, 1993, Sorbonne Université Research Trends Her recent publications explore intersections of digital media and advertising, including social media literacy, aging demographics, and brand discourse metamorphosis. She analyzes how advertising evolves in response to technological shifts and societal changes. Scientific Contributions Honorable Mention with unanimous jury congratulations for her 1997 doctorate Leadership in GRIPIC research lab (2013–present) and the Media, Policy and Mercantile Mediations Axis (2012–present) Editorial roles in journals like Communication et Langages and Pensar la publicidad
Dr. Kiran Arabaghatta Basavaraj is a Research Fellow in Computational Social Science at the Department of Political Science, University College London (UCL). He works on the UKRI-funded 'Online Speech Project' with Dr. Jeffrey Howard. His research focuses on interdisciplinary methodologies in social sciences, particularly linking social media data with surveys, misinformation dynamics, and political campaigns. He holds a PhD and MRes in Advanced Quantitative Methods from the University of Exeter (ESRC-funded), an MPP from the National Law School of India University, and a Bachelor of Engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University. Research interests include: social media analysis, misinformation mitigation, natural language processing, machine learning applications in politics, experimental methods, public opinion research, polarization, and electoral integrity. He has co-investigated projects such as the India Elections Study (IES) and Meta (Facebook) Data Grant, alongside UKRI-funded studies on media and the 2019 UK General Election. His work appears in journals like Political Psychology and Journal of Quantitative Description , with conference presentations at APSA, MPSA, and IEEE. He previously served as a Junior Fellow for the Electoral Integrity Project (2022), conducting experimental research on misinformation's electoral impact. Dr. Basavaraj’s research explores intersections between digital media, identity politics, and democratic processes. His recent projects analyze disinformation strategies, pandemic-era microtargeting, and the role of social media in Indian and UK elections. Current work emphasizes methodological innovation for tracking disinformation and its societal consequences.
Joshua Braun is an Associate Professor in the Journalism Department at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Communication from Cornell University, a Master's in Bioethics from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Bachelor's in 'Sciences in the Media' from UC Santa Barbara. His research focuses on sociological questions surrounding online media distribution, digital advertising ecosystems, and the civic impacts of media circulation. He co-edits the MIT Press 'Distribution Matters' series and is a founding member of the NSF-funded 'Culture Digitally' working group. Education: Ph.D. and M.S. in Communication, Cornell University M.A. in Bioethics, University of Pennsylvania B.A. in Sciences in the Media, UC Santa Barbara Research interests include media distribution studies, ad tech's impact on news media, and digital cultural production. His award-winning book This Program is Brought to You By... (2015) analyzes TV news distribution. Recent work explores the civic implications of media circulation and the role of ad tech in misinformation. Awards: Recipient of the Anson E. Rowe award for academic excellence and community service at Cornell. His work bridges journalism studies, media sociology, and science and technology studies. Professional roles: Editorial board member of Social Media & Society , affiliated fellow at Yale Law School's Information Society Project, and former science journalist at Seed Magazine and contributor to WNYC's Radio Lab .
Tom Dobber is an Assistant Professor of Political Communication and Journalism at the University of Amsterdam 's Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences . His research focuses on AI's role in political communication, including topics like political microtargeting, AI-generated disinformation, electoral promises, and trust in journalism. He explores how digital technologies reshape democratic processes, particularly through social media algorithms, deepfake technology, and campaign transparency. Key research interests include: Algorithmic ad delivery and its impact on political campaigns Citizen perception of political deepfakes and veracity labels Microtargeting strategies and privacy implications Media literacy’s role in navigating online political content His work frequently addresses the tension between technological innovation and democratic integrity, with studies on topics like the erosion of trust through social media comments and the global adoption of microtargeting techniques. He has published extensively in journals and conferences, with a focus on empirical analysis of digital campaigning’s societal effects. Professional networks include LinkedIn, Twitter, and Google Scholar, where he shares insights on media literacy and political accountability. His research often highlights the urgent need for policy frameworks to regulate algorithmic transparency and safeguard democratic discourse.
Alexander Theodoridis is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Previously, he held positions at the University of California, Merced and Vanderbilt University as a Senior Visiting Scholar. His research focuses on political behavior in an era of hyperpolarization, including American electoral politics, partisan identity, campaign effects, and policy attitudes. Methodologically, he emphasizes survey design, experimental methods, and causal inference. His work has been featured in prominent journals like the Journal of Politics and Political Analysis, and has garnered awards such as the John Sullivan Award and Warren Miller Prize. His media appearances include coverage by the New York Times, Washington Post, and Scientific American. Education: PhD in Political Science from UC Berkeley (with NSF IGERT Fellowship), Master’s in Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School, and BA in English and Politics from University of Virginia. His research bridges formal theory and empirical analysis, often using novel experimental paradigms to study partisan cognition and environmental policy attitudes. Key research trends in his articles include the interplay of partisanship with moral reasoning, polarization’s impact on democracy, and the cognitive mechanisms driving political perceptions. His work on the 2020 and 2024 U.S. elections highlights voter psychology around economic and immigration issues, while studies on dehumanization and discrimination reveal deeper societal divisions. Grants and media engagement underscore his influence in shaping public discourse on political behavior. Advising and grants: While specific advisees are not listed, his methodological expertise positions him as a key mentor in political methodology. Media partnerships and interdisciplinary collaborations suggest active engagement beyond academia. His work often intersects with labs or teams focused on computational social science and public opinion dynamics.
Alcides Velasquez is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Studies at the University of Kansas. He holds a Ph.D. in Media and Information Studies from Michigan State University and previously served as an Assistant Professor at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Colombia. His research focuses on social media's role in political communication, digital divides, and how technology access influences societal inequalities. Velasquez teaches courses on political communication, technology, and media analysis. Education: Ph.D., Michigan State University (2012); M.S., Georgia Tech (2005); B.A., Universidad de los Andes (1998). Research Interests: Social media political expression, digital divides, youth activism, online political engagement, and media effects on marginalized communities. Velasquez employs interdisciplinary approaches from communication studies, political science, and social psychology to explore how technology shapes civic participation and inequality. His recent work examines Latino communities' use of social media for collective action, barriers to mobile communication in resource-poor settings, and the nutritional content of food advertising targeting children. Key themes include the interplay between technology access, identity, and political efficacy. Grants and Awards: Received funding from the Russell Sage Foundation and University of Kansas grants. Honors include the Langston Hughes Visiting Professorship (2015) and a CSCW 2012 Honorable Mention. Advising: Supervised numerous graduate students, including doctoral candidates like Tatsuya Suzuki and Sreerupa Sanyal. Involved in thesis committees at multiple institutions.
Brian Ekdale is a Professor in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Iowa. He directs the Center for Publics, Platforms & Personalization, focusing on personalization algorithms and societal impacts. His research spans digital media production, algorithmic personalization, and global disparities in scholarly knowledge production. Ekdale holds a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2011) and has professional experience in software training, instructional technology, and video production. Research Interests: Algorithmic transparency and societal effects Global South media representation Platform labor dynamics Information disorder and election integrity Journalism ethics in digital ecosystems Recent work explores political campaign responses to misinformation (Nigeria 2023 elections), racial discourse in algorithmic auditing, and geographic inequities in academic publishing. His publications examine platform work solidarity in Nairobi, trust in search algorithms, and podcast-based right-wing journalism. Labs/Initiatives: Leads interdisciplinary research at the Center for Publics, Platforms & Personalization, investigating how personalization algorithms shape public discourse and civic engagement. Teaching: Offers courses on social media literacy, multimedia storytelling, community media, and global digital cultures.
Polk Wagner is the Michael A. Fitts Professor of Law at the University of Pennsylvania School of Law, where he focuses on intellectual property law and policy with a specialization in patent law. He serves as Deputy Dean and Co-Director of the Center for Innovation, Technology & Competition. His research spans empirical legal studies, First Amendment issues, and software regulation. Education: Stanford Law School (JD), University of Michigan (MA), College of Charleston (BA), London School of Economics (Fellowship) Wagner's research explores patent law's intersection with judicial decision-making, legislative reform, and technological innovation. He has contributed extensively to top law journals and co-authored the textbook Patent Law: Concepts and Insights . His recent work analyzes claim construction, patent quality, and empirical trends in obviousness doctrine. Wagner also engages with broader policy debates, including the First Amendment implications of software and the balance between IP rights and public values. As a frequent international lecturer, Wagner contributes to global discourse on intellectual property. He founded The AI Law Lab (2024) and maintains active scholarship via his SSRN and Twitter profiles.
Elin Nilsson is an Associate Professor (Docent) and Lecturer in Business Administration at Umeå School of Business, Economics and Statistics (USBE), Umeå University. Her research focuses on consumer behavior, retail innovation, and sustainable consumption patterns. She holds a PhD and has been recognized as a Distinguished University Teacher. Education & Qualifications: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Docent (Associate Professor) in Business Administration Recipient of USBE's Scientific Award (2022) Research Interests: Elin’s work explores digital interaction in retail, consumer decision-making processes, and systemic challenges in food sustainability. Key areas include: Retail Innovation: Future store designs, self-service technologies, and AR integration. Sustainability: Antibiotic resistance in food systems, sustainable milk production, and consumer responsibility gaps. Consumer Psychology: Decision-making under time pressure, cognitive proximity effects, and spatial shopping dynamics. Notable Projects: Co-founder of the Future Retail Lab, accelerating retail innovation through collaboration with businesses. Interdisciplinary study on dairy production sustainability with agricultural scientists and cooperatives. Research on antibiotic resistance discourse and consumer engagement through supermarket campaigns. Awards & Recognition: USBE Scientific Award (2022) Internationally Awarded Doctoral Dissertation "Excellent Teacher" designation for pedagogical excellence Teaching & Engagement: She teaches marketing, research methods, and supervises theses while maintaining strong industry ties. Elin frequently collaborates with companies like Lindex for guest lectures and leads workshops on retail challenges.
Nana Sato-Rossberg is a Professor in Translation Studies at SOAS University of London, affiliated with the School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics and the Department of Linguistics. Her research explores the intersections of cultural translation, oral narrative preservation, and power dynamics in translation practices. She has supervised PhD theses on AI-driven translation frameworks, Korean War narratives, and cross-cultural marketing conflicts. Education: Not explicitly stated Roles: Chair of the Department of Linguistics, Academic Staff Member Research Focus Her work spans Translation Studies with a focus on Japan's academic history, intergeneric adaptations (e.g., manga to film), and translation of Ainu oral traditions. She examines how translation shapes cultural identity and political discourse, notably in decolonizing curricula and pandemic communication for migrant communities. Recent publications analyze historical translation networks (2024), decolonization frameworks (2023), and Covid-19 multilingual risks (2022). These works reflect her expertise in Indigenous translation , media adaptation , and sociopolitical translation ethics . Supervision Rocio Hayer: AI translation frameworks Suseong Park: Korean War narratives Ming Yang: China marketing campaigns
Sara M. Grimes is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Information (iSchool) of the University of Toronto, where she teaches and researches children’s interaction with digital media, commercialized technological systems, and the political economy of digital games. She holds a PhD in Communication from Simon Fraser University (SFU), with prior degrees from SFU (M.A.) and the University of Ottawa (B.A.). Her research critically examines how design affordances and commercial priorities shape children’s digital play, focusing on rule systems in platforms like Disney’s Club Penguin and Mattel’s BarbieGirls. Key themes include intellectual property conflicts in MMOGs, terms of service agreements in children’s games, and regulatory frameworks for advergames. Grimes has presented at venues like the Digital Games Research Association (DiGRA) and the Canadian Communication Association (CCA), addressing topics such as the cultural discourses around child gamers and the rationalization of play through technology. Her work has been published in New Media & Society , Communication, Culture & Critique , and The Information Society . Grimes has been affiliated with the Applied Communication and Technology Laboratory, contributing to interdisciplinary projects like The Remix Project. Her writing extends to popular platforms like The Escapist , where she critiques gaming culture and industry practices.
Dr. Mark Benbow is a retired Associate Professor of American History at Marymount University (Arlington, Virginia) and currently part-time faculty. His career includes roles as a historian at the Woodrow Wilson House Museum (2003–2006), a CIA intelligence analyst (1987–2002), and director of the Arlington Historical Museum (2011–2024). He holds a Ph.D. from Ohio University, with earlier degrees from Hanover College and Wright State University. His research focuses on Woodrow Wilson, Prohibition-era brewing industries, and Northern Virginia/DC history. Education: B.A., Hanover College M.A., Wright State University Ph.D., Ohio University Currently pursuing a Master’s Certificate in Folklore at George Mason University’s English Department Research Interests: Benbow explores Woodrow Wilson’s political legacy, the cultural and economic history of American brewing, and supernatural narratives in U.S. history. His work bridges academic history with public engagement, evident in roles at museums and historical societies. Recent studies include analyzing German immigrant contributions to the brewing industry and the social impact of Prohibition. Awards & Recognition: 2017–2018 School of Arts & Science Faculty Scholarship Award 2018 Tenure and Promotion to Associate Professor 2014 History Department’s Outstanding Alumnus (Wright State) 2007 CIA Studies in Intelligence Award for best article on intelligence history Grants & Advising: Benbow has advised museum exhibits and historical preservation projects, though no formal student advisees are listed. His CIA career included roles as an instructor and Senior Service Manager for IT systems, contributing to intelligence analysis methodologies. Labs/Teams: Active in the Arlington Historical Society and affiliated with George Mason’s Folklore program, though no dedicated research lab is noted.
Andrew Whalley is a Lecturer in Marketing (Teaching Focussed) at the School of Business and Management, Royal Holloway, University of London. His research focuses on Marketing pedagogy, Marketing Analytics, Digital Marketing, and the application of netnography as a research tool. He specializes in e-learning and distance learning methodologies within these domains. External Examiner roles at: Sheffield Hallam University (since 2020) BPP University (since 2019) University of Surrey (2017–2018 and 2018) His research interests emphasize practical applications of marketing theory, including data-driven marketing strategies, touchpoint optimization, and adapting to post-cookie digital advertising landscapes. Publications span books on contemporary marketing challenges such as the 'Cookieapocalypse' and content marketing best practices. Whalley's work bridges pedagogical innovation with industry-relevant marketing practices, contributing to both academic discourse and professional development in digital marketing education.
Patricia Friedrich is a Professor of Sociolinguistics at the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences in the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University. She also serves as the Vice Provost for Academic Personnel, reflecting her leadership role within the institution. Her academic journey began in Brazil, continued through graduate studies in the United States, and has led to a prolific career in critical sociolinguistics and applied linguistics. Education: Ph.D. in English Linguistics (Sociolinguistics and Historical Linguistics), Purdue University, 2001 M.A. in English with ESL endorsement, Purdue University, 1997 B.A. in English and Portuguese (Languages and Literatures), Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil, 1992 Her research interests center on the intersection of language, power, and society. She explores critical applied linguistics, world Englishes, language and peace, anti-racism in linguistics, and the sociolinguistic construction of mental illness. Her work critically examines the spread of English globally, linguistic imperialism, and the ethical dimensions of language use in diplomacy, medicine, and education. She is particularly known for her contributions to peace linguistics and nonkilling linguistics, advocating for linguistic dignity and cross-cultural understanding. The most recent articles reflect a strong trend toward anti-racism, digital language practices, and the ethical use of English in global contexts. Her scholarship spans digital Englishes, forensic linguistics, gender bias in professional settings, and the role of language in peacebuilding. She frequently publishes in top journals such as World Englishes , International Journal of Applied Linguistics , and English Today . Scientific Awards and Recognition: Editorial Board Member, International Multilingual Research Journal (2007–Present) Reviewer, World Englishes (2007–Present) Reviewer, TESOL Quarterly (2006–Present) Area Editor, Wiley-Blackwell Encyclopedia of Applied Linguistics (2010–2011) Guest Co-Editor, World Englishes Journal (2003) Dr. Friedrich advises graduate students and leads multiple academic initiatives. She has chaired admissions and search committees and served on university-wide accreditation teams. She is actively involved in service, including leadership in the Peace Studies group, SHArCS (Social and Health Research Center), and the Center for Global Nonkilling. Her future work includes completing a book on anti-racism and linguistics and continuing her research on digital Englishes and linguistic dignity. She also pursues creative writing, being a published novelist. Labs and Research Teams: She is closely affiliated with the Center for Global Nonkilling, where she chairs the linguistics research committee, and SHArCS, where she serves as Associate Director. These affiliations underscore her commitment to interdisciplinary research on peace, social justice, and health communication.
Jurgita Girčienė is an Associate Professor at the Department of Book, Media and Publishing Studies within the Faculty of Communication at Vilnius University. Her research focuses on media reception, psychology of reading, bibliotherapy, and interpersonal/intrapersonal communication. She has held academic positions since at least 2003, following her PhD in Linguistics. Education: PhD in Linguistics (2003), Lietuvių kalbos institutas, Dissertation: Alternatives for new loanwords: structure and use Research Interests: Her work bridges sociolinguistics with practical applications in media and publishing, including bibliotherapy's role in mental health, editorial processes, and the evolution of address forms in public discourse. She explores how language shapes cultural identity and interpersonal dynamics. Teaching: She instructs courses on verbal communication, advertising language, editorial work, and editing process management. Her pedagogical focus integrates theoretical knowledge with professional publishing practices. Awards & Grants: No specific awards or grants are listed, though her active participation in academic conferences and publications reflects sustained scholarly engagement. Professional Activities: She has presented at numerous international conferences, including on bibliotherapy applications in libraries and therapy, sociolinguistic shifts in address forms, and Lithuanian diaspora identity studies.
