Prof. Dr. Sakibe Nalan BÜYÜKKANTARCIOĞLU is a Professor at Çankaya University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Translation and Interpreting Studies (English). She previously served as Professor (2007–2019), Associate Professor (2000–2007), and Assistant Professor (1997–2000) at Hacettepe University, Department of English Linguistics. PhD in English Linguistics (Hacettepe University, 1991) MA in English Language Teaching (Middle East Technical University, 1985) BA in English Teaching (Istanbul University, 1978) Her research spans Linguistics, Cognitive Linguistics, Discourse Analysis, Psycholinguistics, Sociolinguistics, Translation Studies , with a focus on figurative language, interjections, political discourse, and endangered languages. She received the European Language Award (2011) and has supervised numerous PhD and MA theses, including work on Turkish idioms, gender representation, and language awareness. A prolific editor and conference participant, she has contributed to interdisciplinary projects and publications on Turkish sociolinguistics.
Claire Célérier is an Associate Professor of Finance at the Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto, where she holds the Canada Research Chair in Household Finance. Her academic career spans prestigious institutions including the University of Toronto (where she advanced from Assistant to Associate Professor between 2016-2022) and the University of Zurich (2014-2016). She maintains an affiliation with the People's History Lab and actively contributes to academic discourse through conference organization including 'Race, Equity and Public Policy' (2023) and 'Banks, States and the People' (2024). Dr. Célérier's research explores how finance can benefit households through multiple lenses including behavioral economics, asset pricing, and financial history. Her work investigates innovation in finance, diversity and inclusion impacts, and historical perspectives on financial systems. She has developed significant expertise in household finance, banking, and the intersection of finance with social issues, particularly racial disparities in financial markets as demonstrated in her award-winning research on the Freedman's Savings Bank. Her scholarly output shows a clear trajectory from foundational work on security design and investor behavior toward increasingly socially relevant research on financial inclusion, racial equity, and household financial decision-making. Recent publications demonstrate her growing focus on historical contexts of financial systems and their contemporary implications, particularly regarding marginalized communities. Canada Research Chair in Household Finance (2024) Bank of Canada Governor's Award (2022) University of Toronto Top 5% Merit Award (2021) Petro Canada Young Innovators Award Program (2021) Multiple Rotman School of Management Teaching Awards (2019-2021) Ieke van den Burg Prize for Research on Systemic Risk (2015) Dr. Célérier has successfully secured substantial research funding including Insight Development Grants (CAD 54,500), Connaught Research Grant (CAD 10,000), and the Marianne and Marcus Wallenberg Foundation Grant (EUR 400,000). She mentors several PhD students including Andrada Bilan (2020), Alexey Vasilenko (2023), and Purnoor Tak (Expected 2026), and has supervised numerous master's theses at both University of Toronto and University of Zurich. Her service contributions include Rotman School of Management MBA program committee, executive committee, seminar coordination, and faculty recruiting committee.
Susan L. Burns is a Professor at the University of Chicago, where she holds appointments in the Department of History, Department of East Asian Languages and Civilizations, and The College. She currently serves as Department Chair and Chair of the Undergraduate Studies Committee. Education: PhD, University of Chicago (1994) Her research focuses on Japan’s nineteenth-century social history, emphasizing intellectual and cultural practices, the intersection of medicine and public health, gender analysis, and legal discourses. She explores continuities between Japan’s early modern and modern eras, particularly how medical and legal frameworks shaped national identity. Recent publications span leprosy’s impact on citizenship, the rise of medical marketplaces, and gendered dimensions of reproductive health. Her digital humanities work on Mapping Medical Tokyo integrates GIS and text mining for historical analysis. Scientific Awards: Fulbright-Hays Fellowship IIE Fulbright Japan Foundation Japan Society for the Promotion of Science National Endowment for the Humanities She has secured grants for research on medical commodities, psychiatric practices, and the spatial dimensions of Meiji-era health policies. Her courses include Gender and Japanese History and Medicine and Culture in East Asia .
Stacey Lantagne is a Professor of Law at Western New England University School of Law , joining in 2022. Her research explores the intersection of digital creativity and intellectual property law, focusing on fanfiction and internet memes. She actively engages with pop culture and fan studies communities as a presenter and guest speaker. Education : B.A. summa cum laude, Boston College (English major, Computer Science minor) J.D. cum laude, Harvard Law School Her work addresses evolving legal challenges in digital communication, trademark expansion, and fair use doctrine. Articles like “Building a Better Mousetrap” and “Mutating Internet Memes” highlight her expertise in copyright law’s adaptation to internet culture. She serves on the Legal Committee of the Organization for Transformative Works , advocating for fan creators. Prior roles include teaching at the University of Mississippi and Loyola University New Orleans, along with intellectual property litigation experience at Goodwin Procter and Drinker Biddle & Reath.
Tom van Laer is an Associate Professor of Marketing and Deputy Head of Discipline, Research at The University of Sydney Business School. He is globally recognized as the leading expert in storytelling and narrative persuasion, currently occupying the top position on Elsevier's SciVal top 100 list for the most-cited researchers in this domain. His academic journey includes a BA and MA from Nijmegen and a PhD from Maastricht University. Dr. van Laer's research explores storytelling, persuasion, and messaging through an interdisciplinary approach that bridges behavioral experiments, quantitative modeling, and interpretive research. His work spans narrative transportation theory, consumer reviews analysis, digital storytelling, and the psychological mechanisms behind how stories influence consumer behavior. He has developed influential frameworks including the Extended Transportation-Imagery Model and narrative agency theory, with particular expertise in analyzing how stories shape responses to climate change communications and social conflict narratives. His publication record features articles in the most prestigious academic journals including the Journal of Consumer Research (where he serves as Area Editor), Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, Journal of Business Ethics, Journal of Management Information Systems, and International Journal of Research in Marketing. His recent work shows a strong trend toward meta-analyses of narrative effects, climate change communication, and the psychological mechanisms of 'bleed' between fictional experiences and real-world behavior. Dr. van Laer is an active media commentator whose research has garnered extensive global coverage across Australia, France, Germany, the Netherlands, the UK, and the US, including national television and radio interviews. His media engagement focuses on storytelling in political campaigns, social media marketing, and the psychological impact of narratives in consumer contexts. He teaches MKTG3121 Advertising: Persuasive Principles and MKTG6006 Persuasive Advertising: Illuminating Dark Art, and has received recognition for both research and teaching excellence. His professional affiliations include the Association for Consumer Research, Australian Marketing Institute, Australian & New Zealand Marketing Academy, and International Society for the Study of Narrative. Dr. van Laer is a member of several university research centers including the Sydney Centre for Healthy Societies, Sydney Environment Institute, and Charles Perkins Centre, where he contributes his expertise in narrative persuasion to interdisciplinary research on societal challenges.
Dr. Stefan Bernritter is an Associate Professor of Marketing at King’s Business School, University of London, and Director of the MSc in Digital Marketing. He holds a PhD in Marketing Communication from the University of Amsterdam. His research focuses on digital technologies, consumer-brand interactions, and advertising in evolving media landscapes. Key areas include mobile marketing, social media, gaming, and AI-driven advertising strategies. Previously, he served as Senior Lecturer at Goldsmiths, University of London, and Assistant Professor at the Amsterdam School of Communication Research. His work has been published in top journals like Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science and Journal of Interactive Marketing . He is an Associate Editor at the Journal of Interactive Marketing and holds editorial roles at leading advertising journals. Research interests emphasize consumer behavior in digital environments, including brand safety in multiplayer games, machine learning applications in marketing, and the impact of social media endorsements on self-evaluation. Awards include recognition from the European Advertising Academy and the International Communication Association. Bernritter actively contributes to academic discourse through editorial roles and guest editing. He currently supervises PhD students and teaches strategic marketing courses. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to responsible consumption and economic growth.
Dr. Tani Barlow is the George & Nancy Rupp Professor of Humanities and Professor of History at Rice University, affiliated with the Chao Center for Asian Studies and the Center for the Study of Women, Gender, and Sexuality. A leading scholar in Modern Chinese intellectual history, her work bridges gender studies, media culture, and transnational feminism. She co-founded the Chinese Commercial Advertising Archive and edits the acclaimed journal positions: asia critique . Her research examines late 19th to early 20th century China through lenses of consumer culture, feminist theory, and cultural ephemera. Notable books include In the Event of Women (2018) and The Question of Women in Chinese Feminism (2004). Barlow holds visiting professorships at Tsinghua University, Hitotsubashi University, and the University of Bologna. She has directed major projects like the Rockefeller Foundation's Critical Asian Studies initiative and the Luce Foundation’s Ephemera Project. Her articles span journals like Boundary 2 and differences , analyzing topics from advertising art to Marxist sociology. Her recent work explores digital humanities applications in historical research and the intersections of capitalism with gendered identities in China. Barlow mentors advanced graduate students specializing in modern Chinese history with technical skills in data analysis and cultural theory. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates visual studies, political economy, and feminist critique to reframe understandings of China’s modernization processes.
Rebecca Hains is a Professor of Media and Communication at Salem State University. Her research focuses on children's media culture, gender representation, and marketing to children through critical/cultural studies. Ph.D. in Mass Media and Communication from Temple University (2007) Graduate Certificate in Women's Studies from Temple University (2007) M.S. in Mass Communication from Boston University (2000) B.A. in English/Communication Arts from Emmanuel College (1998) Her work has been featured in major news outlets like BBC, The New York Times, and NPR. She has authored two monographs: The Princess Problem (2014) and Growing Up with Girl Power (2012), and co-edited three collections on children's media and toys. Recent publications analyze: Barbie's body politics and diversity marketing Gendered marketing in LEGO toys Intersectional analysis of media's impact on children Critical perspectives on youth media consumption She actively engages in public scholarship through RebeccaHains.com , social media, and media commentary. Key research trends show: Continuity in examining gendered consumer culture Evolution from girl power narratives to contemporary princess culture Increasing focus on intersectional analyses of race, gender, and class Interdisciplinary approach combining media studies, sociology, and gender studies Her teaching includes courses like: MCO 222 How Advertising Works MCO 303 Media and Race MCO 475 Critical Analysis of Media and Culture MCO 330 UX Research in Digital Media
Professor Kurt Iveson is a Professor of Urban Geography in the School of Geosciences at the University of Sydney. He is affiliated with the Sydney Environment Institute and Sydney Southeast Asia Centre. His research focuses on urban equity, public space governance, and the democratization of urban processes. Notable projects include studies on multicultural urban planning, pandemic-era mutual aid networks, and climate adaptation strategies. He has authored influential books such as Publics and the City (2007) and Everyday Equalities (2019). Iveson’s work often bridges theory and practice, addressing issues like affordable housing activism, graffiti policies, and the spatial implications of digital media. His recent research emphasizes community-led disaster resilience, people power strategies, and the geopolitics of urban infrastructure. Grants include studies on informal accommodation in Sydney and international comparisons of urban alliances. Media engagements include ABC discussions on outdoor advertising, vertical transport, and post-pandemic urban recovery. His work advocates for inclusive urban policies that balance equity, sustainability, and civic participation.
Dr. Oliver Raaz is a Research Associate at the Institute for Media and Communication Studies , part of the Department of Political and Social Sciences at Freie Universität Berlin. His work focuses on organizational communication, public relations, and the intersection of media theory with strategic discourse. University: Freie Universität Berlin School: Department of Political and Social Sciences Department: Institute for Media and Communication Studies Email: oliver.raaz@fu-berlin.de His research interests span organizational communication , public relations , transparency theory , critical post-structuralism , non-standardized research methods , and digital media in chronic disease management . He actively contributes to academic discourse through publications in peer-reviewed journals and edited volumes. Recent publications highlight trends in PR historiography , organizational transparency , digital media ethics , polyphony theory , and complexity frameworks . His work often integrates critical theory with empirical analysis.
Professor Iain MacRury is a Professor in Communications, Media and Culture at the University of Stirling with extensive involvement in media policy and regulation research. He currently serves as Deputy Chair of the General University Research Ethics Panel (GUEP) and Deputy Chair of the University Research Environment Group (REG) at the University of Stirling. His external roles include being appointed as External Examiner for Media Programmes at the University of Leeds (2028) and membership on Ofcom's Research, Evidence and Evaluation Working Group. His research focuses on: Media policy and regulation frameworks Branded content governance across international contexts Ethical considerations in contemporary media environments Cultural implications of promotional industries Comparative media systems analysis Professor MacRury leads the Branded Content Governance Project, an ESRC/AHRC joint-supported initiative conducting international comparative analysis of governance arrangements regarding media policy and institutional regulation of branded content in promotional industries across Europe and other global sites. His scholarly output demonstrates consistent engagement with the evolving relationship between commercial interests, media content, and regulatory frameworks. His work shows particular attention to transparency issues in digital media environments and the challenges of regulating emerging advertising formats across different national contexts. The trajectory of his recent publications indicates growing interest in the global dimensions of media regulation and the adaptation of regulatory frameworks to technological change. Professor MacRury actively contributes to university governance through his ethics and research environment leadership roles, demonstrating commitment to research integrity and academic standards within his institution.
Kristen Cole serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication Studies within San Jose State University's College of Social Sciences. Her academic work centers on critical interrogations of health communication systems, disability justice, and the socio-linguistic construction of personhood, with particular attention to marginalized communities navigating healthcare barriers and systemic inequities. Her research is anchored in two foundational inquiries: how individuals negotiate health/illness meanings under cultural constraints, and how communication assumptions shape human categorization. Methodologically grounded in critical/cultural studies, disability frameworks, feminist/queer theories, and autoethnography, her work examines pandemic-era health communication dynamics, citizenship language in immigration processes, and pedagogical innovations for inclusive classrooms. Personal experiences with chronic illness and ELL instruction directly inform her commitment to health justice and communicative equity. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals persistent thematic engagement with disability studies and health communication, featuring methodologies like duoethnography and critical discourse analysis. Key trends include socio-emotional disablism during COVID-19, feminist disability pedagogy through participation menus, and neuroqueering communication theory. Her scholarship consistently exposes how communication practices reinforce or challenge power structures in healthcare, education, and political discourse. While specific grant details remain unlisted in available materials, her research directly addresses urgent contemporary issues: health inequality in pandemic response systems and language-based exclusion in citizenship processes. Her chronic illness narrative and ELL classroom experiences demonstrate profound personal investment in dismantling communication barriers, particularly regarding how vulnerability categorization affects healthcare access and how language determines political inclusion.
Professor Heiko Spallek is Head of School and Dean at the University of Sydney’s Sydney Dental School, leading the school’s integration with the Faculty of Medicine and Health. He also serves as Academic Lead for Digital Health and Health Service Informatics at the faculty level. His research focuses on advancing dental informatics, teledentistry, and evidence-based practice, while advocating for improved oral health policy and public health initiatives. He holds roles including director at Community Connections Australia and membership in the Charles Perkins Centre. Education: DMD, Dr. med. dent., MSBA(CIS), FACD, FAIDH Leadership: Oversees Sydney Dental School’s academic and clinical programs, emphasizing interprofessional education and digital health innovation. Research interests include leveraging big data and machine learning in dentistry, improving access to oral healthcare through teledentistry, and addressing systemic issues in dental education and policy. He has led projects on laser dentistry applications, dental caries prevention, and healthcare workforce regulation. Notable contributions include the OpenWide conference series, the BigMouth dental data repository, and advocacy for equitable dental funding in Australia. Grants include initiatives on oral hygiene in aged care and analysis of healthcare advertising perceptions. Media engagements highlight his role in public discourse on dental access and policy, including commentary on Australia’s dental crisis and aged care reforms. He actively promotes interdisciplinary collaboration through platforms like the Dental Informatics Online Community. Labs/Teams: Directs the Sydney Dental School’s research programs in informatics and public health, collaborating with national and international networks such as the National Dental PBRN.
Dr Xin Xin is a Reader in International Communications at the University of Westminster , affiliated with the Communication and Media Research Institute (CAMRI) and the Contemporary China Centre . Her academic career spans over three decades, combining journalism, scholarship, and policy engagement. She previously held the RCUK Academic Fellowship (2006-2011) and UK/China Fellowship for Excellence (2008-2009) , focusing on China's soft power, media transformations, and digital labor. Educational Background: BA in Russian Language and Literature (Beijing International Studies University, 1994) MA in International Journalism (University of Westminster, 2003) PhD in Media and Communication (University of Westminster, 2006) Research Focus: Dr Xin's work bridges the political economy of Chinese media , global communications , soft power strategies , sociology of journalism , and grassroots digital practices . She critically examines how marketization, globalization, and digitalization reshape legacy media like Xinhua News Agency, alongside state-corporate soft power deployments and grassroots digital activism. Recent Publications highlight trends in AI-driven journalism , digital labor , party journalism modernization , and soft power analysis . Her articles span empirical studies of Xinhua's financialization and party journalism, comparative public diplomacy, and longitudinal analyses of digital inclusion in BRICS nations. Scientific Awards: RCUK Academic Fellowship (2006-2011) UK/China Fellowship for Excellence (2008-2009) Founding Editorial Board Member of Westminster Papers in Communication and Culture and Interactions: Studies in Communication & Culture Supervision: Dr Xin currently supervises PhD students on topics including Sino-African journalism, Chinese diaspora identity on YouTube, and gender dynamics in Chinese social media. She co-organized 11 international doctoral summer schools and served as second supervisor for over ten PhD candidates. Activities: She has delivered lectures at institutions such as the University of Pennsylvania, University of Birmingham, and Tsinghua University. Her consultancy work includes Oxford Analytica and the Media Diversity Institute, with media citations in Al Jazeera , NBC News , and The Washington Post .
Prof. Sanne Kruikemeier is a Professor of Digital Media and Society at Wageningen University & Research (WUR). She leads the ERC Starting Grant (HUNTING) and a NORFACE consortium grant, coordinating research across four European universities (2020–2024). As director of the Digital Data and Democracy Lab and member of the AlgoSoc Gravitation Program, she explores digitalization's societal and democratic impacts. Her research focuses on data-driven political targeting, social media's role in polarization, privacy behavior, and digital journalism. She holds roles on the editorial boards of journals like Human Communication Research , International Journal of Press/Politics , and Digital Journalism . Awards include the KNAW Early Career Award and ICA Herbert S. Dordick Dissertation Award. Her work bridges digital media, political communication, and societal change, addressing challenges like misinformation and democratic engagement. Kruikemeier advises PhD candidates on projects like data-driven campaigning's impact on democracy and polarization strategies. She engages in public discourse through media commentary on social media's role in politics and news consumption trends. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates communication science with computational methods to analyze modern political and social dynamics.
