Helmut Rainer is a Professor of Economics at the University of Munich and Director of the Center for Labor and Demographic Economics at the ifo Institute. Previously, he held a faculty position at the University of St. Andrews' School of Economics and Finance. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Essex in 2005. Education: Ph.D. in Economics, University of Essex, 2005 Research Interests: Focuses on applied microeconomics, particularly family economics and labor economics. His work extends to policy analysis involving domestic violence, gender equality, immigration, and social policy. Notable areas include quantifying domestic violence during crises, evaluating childcare policies, and studying the socioeconomic impacts of political movements like Fridays for Future. Policy Contributions: Advised German Federal Government on the Second Gender Equality Report (2015–2017) and contributed to evaluations of family policies and labor market reforms. His recent work highlights the effectiveness of arrests in reducing domestic violence cycles and analyzes the economic consequences of sports-related violence. Awards: Economic Journal Best Paper Award 2016 Grants & Funding: DFG-funded projects on custody effects and gender dynamics Leibniz Association grants for research on violence against women and economic uncertainty Labs/Teams: Leads the Center for Labor and Demographic Economics at ifo Institute, focusing on policy-relevant economic analysis of labor markets, family structures, and demographic trends.
Katherine Rose Adams serves as an Associate Professor in the College of Education at the University of North Georgia (UNG), where she joined in August 2018 and assumed coordination of the Higher Education Leadership and Practice (HELP) Ed.D. program in 2019. Starting Fall 2025, she will expand her role as Assistant Director of the UNG Center for Teaching, Learning, and Leadership while maintaining her academic position. Her educational foundation includes: Ph.D. in Adult Education from The University of Georgia (2013) Graduate Certificate in Interdisciplinary Qualitative Studies (2013) M.Ed. in Human Resource/Occupational Development (2007) B.S. in Psychology (2005) Dr. Adams' research centers on boundary spanning within university-community partnerships, higher education leadership, minority-serving institutions, and hidden student populations including those experiencing foster care or homelessness. Her work critically examines higher education affordability, open educational resources, and equity considerations across rural contexts and institutional types, with particular attention to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and student mental health. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals consistent thematic threads: boundary spanning behaviors in research-practice partnerships (2013-2017), evolving frameworks for community engagement through systems theory (2014-2021), and contemporary equity-focused investigations into rurality, race, and leadership (2023). Her scholarship spans qualitative, historical, and organizational perspectives while maintaining practical applications for graduate education and institutional development. As HELP program coordinator, Dr. Adams developed a grant writing academy, peer mentoring program for adult learners, and dissertation support workshops. She chairs doctoral committees and teaches core courses including Dissertation Development, Qualitative Research Methods, and specialized seminars on organizational theory, ethics, and finance in higher education. Her leadership extends to program design through the HELP Ed.D. curriculum and upcoming collaboration with UNG's Center for Teaching, Learning, and Leadership, reflecting her commitment to developing educational leaders through experiential, community-engaged pedagogy.
Dolorès Bertrais is a Post-Doctoral Fellow at the University of Geneva's Department of Geography and Environment (UNIGE, Switzerland). Her work focuses on the political ontology of the living in urban contexts, materiality of cities (especially sand and aggregates), and environmental/socio-spatial justice across Southeast Asia and East Africa (Rwanda). After defending her 2024 thesis on Green City models in Phnom Penh and Kigali, she continues researching urban dynamics and production of space. Teaching: Courses on urban history, territorial projects, and globalization in the Global South Key Conferences: Presented at Geneva, Montreal, Mexico City, and Málaga events on Green City discourse and urban materiality Publications: 15+ works on urban ecology, including 2024 article on Phnom Penh policy analysis and 2025 book chapter on graphical ethnography
Tom Khaled Würdemann is a researcher and freelance lecturer affiliated with the Heidelberg University of Jewish Studies and the University of Heidelberg , specializing in Middle East studies, political science, and transcultural analysis. His work focuses on Jewish-Arab relations, conflict resolution, and the historical and ideological dimensions of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Education: Pursuing a PhD in Palestinian Studies at the Institut für Palästina-Studien since 2023. Research Interests: Würdemann's research bridges political science, historical analysis, and social theory, examining themes such as settler colonialism, ideological alliances, and the role of media in conflict narratives. He critically analyzes state formation, antisemitism, and the complexities of Jewish identity in the Islamic world. Publications: His recent work includes analyses of the Assad regime, comparative perspectives on Maoism and Israeli military figures, and critiques of deradicalization strategies. He explores intersections between Islamist and right-wing movements and contributes to debates on democracy and peacebuilding in the Middle East. Contact: Email: tom.wuerdemann@hcts.uni-heidelberg.de
Tessa Laing is a Visiting Fellow at the Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa and serves as Peace & Justice Coordinator for the Anglican Diocese of Northern Uganda, where she leads community-driven initiatives for social and environmental change in northern Uganda since 2013, including campaigns against land evictions and for alcohol legislation enforcement. Her educational background includes: Ph.D. in Development Studies, University of Cambridge MA in Anthropology, University of Canterbury BA with Honours in Political Science, University of Canterbury Her research examines land politics, tenure history, and peasant political action in Africa, analyzing how public authority, identity, territory, and property rights shape land struggles while exploring intersections between peace-building and resistance to land expropriation. Regional expertise focuses on Northern Uganda and East Africa, with fluency in Acholi and English. Recent publications analyze peasant resistance strategies in northern Uganda, emphasizing third-party leverage tactics and counter-hegemonic reconstruction of social structures amid state-driven land conflicts. No scientific awards are specified in available sources. Information regarding academic advising or research grants is not provided in the source material. She directs a team at the Anglican Diocese developing community-led peace processes to resolve large-scale land conflicts in northern Uganda.
Jo-Anne Vorster is a Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Higher Education Research, Teaching and Learning at Rhodes University in Grahamstown, South Africa. With over two decades of experience in Academic Development since 1992, she serves as course coordinator for the Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education (PG Dip HE) and collaborates with Lynn Quinn on a specialized version of this program for academic developers since 2011. Her research examines the complex interplay between institutional structures (national, institutional, departmental and disciplinary), culture(s), lecturer agency, and curriculum development. She investigates how academics' understanding of knowledge relates to disciplinary structures and academic identity formation, with particular focus on staff development and the induction of new academics into higher education. Vorster's publications demonstrate a strong commitment to addressing transformation challenges in South African universities, particularly following the 2015 student protests. Her work emphasizes the need for academic developers to engage in courageous conversations about knowledge production, decolonization, and creating inclusive university spaces where all students feel they belong. As a supervisor, Vorster guides postgraduate students exploring disciplinary knowledge structures and student learning, curricula and pedagogies for professional programs, and academic identities. She has been instrumental in developing programs to nurture black academics and address historical inequities in South African higher education.
Professor Surya Monro is a leading academic in Sociology and Social Policy at the University of Loughborough, where she joined in 2023. She previously held positions at the University of Huddersfield, Cambridge, Keele, Leeds, Sheffield, and Huddersfield. She is also a Visiting Researcher at the University of the Free State, South Africa, reflecting her strong international engagement. Her educational foundation includes a PhD from the University of Sheffield (2001), and she is an active member of the British Sociological Association and the European Sociological Association. Surya Monro’s research centers on gender, sexuality, intersectionality, and equality, with pioneering contributions to transgender studies, bisexuality, and intersex studies. Her work spans India, South Africa, and multiple European nations, combining theoretical innovation with policy relevance. She has authored influential books such as Bisexuality (2015), which topped Palgrave’s bestseller list, and is lead author of an upcoming monograph Intersex, Variations of Sex Characteristics, DSD: Critical Approaches (Routledge, 2024). Her research often bridges activism and academia, contributing to public debates and policy through media engagement and consultation with organizations like the DWP and NHS England. Her recent scholarly output reflects a deep engagement with LGBTQI identities, citizenship, and social justice. Themes across her publications include transgender rights, non-binary identities, intersex advocacy, forced migration, and the decolonization of queer theory. Her editorial leadership in journals like Sexualities , Critical Social Policy , and Culture, Health and Sexuality underscores her influence in shaping discourse in gender and sexuality studies. She has been recognized with scientific awards from the Council for European Studies and the Gender and Sexual Research Network for her collaborative research on Norway and post-Soviet countries. These accolades highlight the international impact of her work. Professor Monro actively supervises PhD students and collaborates with scholars across the Global South. She co-edited the influential volume Queer in Africa: LGBTQI Identities, Citizenship, and Activism (2020), which brings together interdisciplinary perspectives on sexual and gender diversity in Africa. Her involvement with the COST Action LGBTI+ Social and Economic (In)equalities network further demonstrates her commitment to transnational research collaboration. She is deeply engaged in public sociology, having been interviewed four times on BBC Radio 4 and contributing to public debates on equality and social policy.
Christa de Kleine is a Professor in the School of Education at Notre Dame of Maryland University. She has been a faculty member since 1998 and served as the coordinator of the university’s M.A in TESOL program since its development in the late 1990s. Her teaching encompasses language acquisition and linguistic diversity in both the MA TESOL program and the Ph.D. program for Instructional Leadership for Changing Populations. Education: Ph.D., M.Phil, and M.A. in Linguistics from the Graduate Center of the City University of New York (CUNY); M.A. in English Language and Linguistics from the University of Groningen, the Netherlands. Her research focuses on Creole English speakers in ESL programs, linguistic diversity in education, and the impact of standard language ideology. She has collaborated extensively with Dr. Rachele Lawton on studies of Generation 1.5 students and community college writing instruction. She is principal investigator on a grant-funded project examining English language teaching practices in Panama, informed by its postcolonial context. Notable scientific awards include the 2020 Maryland TESOL Teacher of the Year, multiple Faculty Research and Development Awards from Notre Dame of Maryland University (2016, 2013), NIH grant funding (2007), and Sociological Initiatives Foundation support (2004). She has presented nationally and internationally on topics related to language acquisition and linguistic diversity.
Thomas DeBerge is an Assistant Professor of Management at the Quinlan School of Business, Loyola University Chicago, where he teaches Strategic Management and International Management. His research explores how multinational enterprises navigate political, social, and ethical challenges in global markets. Education: PhD in Business Administration (International Business), University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign MBA in Business Administration, North Central College BA in Anthropology, University of Chicago His research focuses on the political behavior of multinational enterprises, ethical supply chain management, non-market strategies, and business history, particularly in African contexts. He employs interdisciplinary and historical perspectives to understand strategic decision-making in complex institutional environments. His recent publications in Global Strategy Journal , International Business Review , and AIB Insights demonstrate a consistent focus on global strategy, governance of value chains, geopolitical risk, and historical insights into corporate political engagement. His work bridges theory and practice, emphasizing real-world implications for global firms. Professional Affiliations: Academy of International Business Academy of Management Business History Conference Professor DeBerge advises students through classroom teaching and mentorship, focusing on strategic thinking and global awareness. He has not received any scientific awards mentioned in the text. He is involved in academic research communities and contributes to scholarly discourse through publications and professional engagement. There is no mention of grants or external funding in the provided text. He is actively contributing to research in international business strategy and is building a scholarly profile centered on the intersection of politics, ethics, and global enterprise. His work is grounded in both contemporary issues and historical analysis, offering nuanced insights into the evolving role of firms in society.
Kwaku Ohene-Asare is a Lecturer in Business Analytics at De Montfort University, UK, within the School of Leadership, Management and Marketing. He holds a PhD in Operational Research and Management Science from the University of Warwick, an MSc in Economics and Finance (with distinction) from Loughborough University, and a BSc in Economics (first-class honors) from the University of Ghana-Legon. He also completed a certificate in Decision Science and Machine Learning at MIT, USA. He has held visiting professorships at Warwick University and Stellenbosch University and plays a senior lecturer role at the University of Ghana. His educational background includes: PhD in Operational Research and Management Science, University of Warwick, UK (2012) MA in Decision Science and Machine Learning, MIT, USA MSc in Economics and Finance, Loughborough University, UK (Distinction) BSc in Economics, University of Ghana-Legon (First Class) PGCAP (Part 1), University of Warwick, UK (2009) Certificate in Nonparametric & Bootstrap Methods, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy (2012) Kwaku's research interests span business analytics, management science, artificial intelligence, data science, machine learning, economic efficiency, productivity analysis, data envelopment analysis (DEA), stochastic frontier econometrics, and their applications in energy, finance, insurance, and credit unions. He has developed a research-based DEA course at the University of Ghana and pioneered the advanced quantitative research methods course for PhD students since 2015. His work integrates cutting-edge computational techniques and econometric modeling to address real-world economic and business challenges. The recent trend in his publications shows a strong focus on efficiency and productivity analysis across sectors—particularly in energy, banking, and insurance—using advanced non-parametric and parametric methods. He frequently applies DEA, Malmquist indices, and stochastic frontier models to assess performance in African and ECOWAS economies, with a growing emphasis on sustainability, undesirable outputs, and dynamic efficiency. His work bridges theoretical rigor with practical policy implications. His scientific awards include: Global Leadership Award (2021) DFID Shared Scholarship Scheme Award (2004) Doctoral Research Scholarship, Warwick Business School (2007) He has received multiple research grants, primarily from the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS), as Principal Investigator, including projects on data science and machine learning, energy productivity, banking efficiency, and multinational operations. He has supervised PhD students through course development and research mentorship. His consultancy work includes efficiency analysis for the National Petroleum Authority, Ghana, and market entry feasibility studies for international firms. He is affiliated with the Centre for Enterprise and Innovation (CEI), the Institute for Sustainable Economics, and the Institute of Energy and Sustainable Development (IESD) at DMU, where he contributes to interdisciplinary research on sustainable economic development. He is an active member of professional societies including the Operational Research Society (UK), INFORMS, Association of European Operational Research Societies, British Academy of Management, Productivity Analysis Research Network (USA), and the Economic Society of Ghana.
Dr Kutoma Wakunuma is an Associate Professor in Information Systems at the School of Computer Science and Informatics, De Montfort University (DMU), UK. She is actively involved in research, teaching, and leadership, serving as Module Leader, Programme Leader for MSc Computing, and Deputy Subject Group Leader. She is affiliated with the Centre for Computing and Social Responsibility (CCSR) and holds a PhD in Information Communication Technologies for Development and Gender from Coventry University. PhD in Information Communication Technologies for Development and Gender, Coventry University, UK Post-Graduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCert. Teaching), De Montfort University, UK MA in Women’s Studies (Challenges in Management and Decision-Making), Lancaster University, UK HND in Management Information Systems, Zambia Institute of Management Her research focuses on the societal impacts of technology, particularly in the Global South. Key areas include ICT for Development (ICT4D) , ethics in emerging technologies , gender and technology , Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) , and AI governance in Africa . She explores how digitalisation affects development, equity, and sustainability, with a strong emphasis on the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Her recent publications reflect a growing focus on ethical AI, digital platforms, and the gig economy in Africa. Themes include gendered AI design , responsible innovation , digital governance , and stakeholder engagement . Her work often bridges technical systems with ethical and social justice concerns, particularly in underrepresented regions. Dr Wakunuma has received numerous awards and recognitions, including the Initiativkreis Ruhrgebiet Fellowship for outstanding research, UN World Summit Award, and DAAD Scholarships. She has also been a recipient of EU and UKRI/GCRF research funding. DMU award on Exploring Sustainable Development in Ahmedabad, India, 2019 Coventry University PhD full Studentship, 2007 Open Society Institute scholarship, Oxford Internet Institute, 2006 UN World Summit on the Information Society Award, 2005 DAAD Scholarships (2004, 2000) Initiativkreis Ruhrgebiet Fellowship (Honoured for outstanding research), 2002 International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP) Award, 2000 She is an active PhD supervisor and examiner, mentoring students on topics such as identity theft in Nigeria, e-voting, digital SMEs in South Africa, and feminist critiques of techno-capitalism. She has served as a Principal Investigator and Senior Researcher on major EU-funded projects including RRING, SATORI, CONSIDER, and ETICA. She is also a Visiting Lecturer and PhD Supervisor at Stockholm University, an Editorial Board Member for the Journal of Responsible Technology, and an ethics advisor for the European Commission. Dr Wakunuma is affiliated with the Centre for Computing and Social Responsibility (CCSR), where she contributes to interdisciplinary research on technology ethics and governance. She leads and participates in teams focused on responsible innovation, digital inclusion, and sustainable technology development, particularly in African contexts.
Vivian Chenxue Lu is an Assistant Professor of Anthropology at Rice University, affiliated with the Center for African & African American Studies. Her research focuses on the cultural politics of profit, ethnonationalism, and transnational migration, particularly examining Nigerian businessmen's global networks and their socio-economic impacts in Nigeria. She previously held positions at Fordham University and Yale University, and conducted fieldwork at the University of Lagos. Her work is supported by the National Science Foundation, Wenner-Gren Foundation, and ACLS. She currently serves as program co-chair for the Association for Africanist Anthropology. Education: Ph.D. (visiting at University of Lagos) | Professional History: Assistant Professor (Fordham University), Postdoctoral Associate (Yale University), Visiting Scholar (University of Lagos). Research Interests: Cultural politics of transnational migration and capitalism Market formation and postcolonial economic sovereignty Race, gender, and kinship dynamics in commercial networks Nigeria’s geopolitical engagements with BRICS and the Global South "Local business" narratives in the American West Selected Publications Trends: Her work bridges African Studies with global economic systems, focusing on diasporic communities, digital media activism, and the intersections of law, violence, and identity. Recent articles explore Afro-Asian cultural exchanges, megacity commercial practices, and diasporic citizenship. Awards & Grants: Research supported by NSF, Wenner-Gren, and ACLS fellowships. No explicit awards listed but significant institutional backing. Advising & Labs: Active in mentoring through Rice’s anthropology program; collaborates with Lagos Studies Association and Association for Africanist Anthropology.
Dr Sara Marzagora is a Senior Lecturer in Comparative Literature at King’s College London’s Languages, Literatures and Cultures department within the Faculty of Arts & Humanities . She joined King’s in 2020 after completing a PhD in Cultural, Literary and Postcolonial Studies at SOAS (2016) and a Senior Research Fellowship at the University of Oxford (2014–2016). Her research focuses on Ethiopian intellectual history, global intellectual frameworks, and anti-colonial methodologies. She has held visiting positions at Northwestern University, Addis Ababa University, and others. Her work interrogates Ethiopian political thought, Amharic literature, and multilingualism in the Global South. Key projects include co-editing National Multilingualism in the Horn of Africa and South Asia (2024) and her monograph The True Meaning of Independence: Ethiopian Intellectuals in a Colonial World (1901–1919) . Her research appears in journals like Journal of African History and Global Intellectual History . Marzagora co-leads King’s research groups including Critical Economic and Political Thought and Empires and Decolonizations Hub . She developed inclusive pedagogical toolkits integrating anti-colonial archives and teaches courses on world literature, pre-1900 African texts, and comparative political thought. Her awards include a 2021 Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy and contributions to projects like the British Academy’s Fontes Historiae Africanae . She is currently a member of the Postcolonial Print Cultures International Research Network.
Susan Davies is a Professor and Interim Dean at the Tulane School of Social Work, where she also serves as Associate Dean for Research. She previously held leadership and research roles at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, including directing the CDC-funded Prevention Research Center and holding scientific appointments in multiple interdisciplinary centers such as the Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) and the Minority Health Research Center. Her research is centered on improving behavioral health outcomes among vulnerable populations, particularly focusing on HIV/STI prevention among adolescents, maternal mental health, and the social determinants of health. She employs ecological and ecosystemic frameworks to understand risk and protective factors within families and communities, with a strong emphasis on intervention development, program evaluation, and community organizing. Her work often integrates interdisciplinary collaboration across public health, medicine, nursing, and psychology. The recent publications reflect a sustained focus on adolescent sexual health, maternal well-being, and community-level influences on risk behaviors. Her studies utilize diverse methodologies including longitudinal analysis, randomized trials, and qualitative assessments, often targeting underserved populations in the Deep South. Common themes include health equity, family functioning, neighborhood effects, and innovative intervention strategies such as entertainment education and social media outreach. Susan Davies has secured significant research funding from federal agencies including the CDC and NIH. Notable grants include a five-year CDC Prevention Research Center award on community health renewal and an NIH/NICHD-funded prenatal behavioral intervention study to prevent cytomegalovirus in pregnancy. She has served as Principal Investigator on twelve studies and as co-PI or investigator on numerous others, demonstrating a robust and sustained research program. She is deeply committed to mentoring, having guided five junior faculty recipients of K-awards across disciplines such as Medicine, Surgery, Public Health, Nursing, and Psychology. She has chaired 15 dissertation committees and served on over 40 others, advising students from various departments across her institutions. Her leadership extends to academic administration, where she plays a central role in shaping research strategy and educational programs at Tulane School of Social Work.
Monika Abels is an Associate Professor at UiT The Arctic University of Norway , affiliated with the Child development research group. Her work focuses on cross-cultural child development, infant socialization, emotion regulation, and the impact of digital technology on parental responsiveness. Research Interests : Child development, cross-cultural parenting, emotion understanding, hunter-gatherer societies, and fieldwork ethics. Labs/Teams : Member of the Barns utvikling (Child Development) research group at UiT. Recent Research Trends : Her publications highlight comparative studies across Norway, Tanzania, India, and sub-Saharan Africa, examining infant sleep, parental phone use, triadic interactions, and cultural differences in hidden emotion understanding. Collaborative work with African communities (San, Hadza) explores regulatory and ethical fieldwork challenges. Email : m.abels@uit.no
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