Sigrid Schmalzer is a Professor of History at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, specializing in the history of science and modern China. She holds a Ph.D. in History and Science Studies from the University of California, San Diego (2004). Her research bridges the social, cultural, and political dimensions of science in China, with a focus on the intersections of agriculture, activism, and revolutionary movements. Schmalzer is the author of *Red Revolution, Green Revolution: Scientific Farming in Socialist China* (2016), winner of the Joseph Levenson Book Prize, and *The People's Peking Man: Popular Science and Human Identity in Twentieth-Century China* (2008), recipient of the Allan Sharlin Award. Her current projects include a book on agricultural heritage in the People’s Republic of China and leadership roles in organizations like the Critical China Scholars and Science for the People. She co-edits the *Activist Studies of Science and Technology* series for UMass Press, emphasizing socially engaged scholarship. Schmalzer also serves as Co-President of the MSP faculty union at UMass Amherst. Research interests span the history of science activism, transnational movements, and the legacy of Maoist science. Notable awards include the Freeman Book Award (2018) for her children’s book *Moth and Wasp, Soil and Ocean*, which integrates science education with historical narratives. Her work often critiques capitalist and authoritarian structures while advocating for science as a tool for justice and sustainability. Recent publications explore themes like agroecology, science policy, and the global dimensions of China’s scientific history. She teaches courses on modern China, science in society, and radical science movements, blending interdisciplinary approaches to engage students in critical analysis of historical and contemporary issues.
Nicholas Evans is Distinguished Professor of Linguistics and Director of the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Dynamics of Language (CoEDL) at the Australian National University’s School of Culture, History & Language. His work bridges fieldwork-based language documentation with theoretical questions in typology, cultural evolution, and social cognition. Focus on endangered Australian and Papuan languages Director of ARC Laureate Project on 'The Wellsprings of Linguistic Diversity' Co-leader of SCOPIC (Social Cognition Parallax Corpus) study Collaborator in global linguistic diversity initiatives His research explores how micro-level community multilingualism shapes macro-level linguistic diversity, with fieldwork spanning seven years in remote Indigenous communities. Recent projects include PARABANK (paradigm syncretism analysis) and Southern New Guinea language studies, particularly Nen and Yam family languages. Scientific recognition includes the Ken Hale Award (Linguistic Society of America), Anneliese Maier Forschungspreis, and fellowships in the Australian Academy of Humanities, Australian Social Sciences Academy, and the British Academy.
Ben Nobbs-Thiessen is an Assistant Professor of History and Chair of Mennonite Studies at the University of Winnipeg. He holds a PhD from Emory University (2016), with prior roles as a research associate at Arizona State University (2016–18) and a teaching fellow at Washington State University (2018–2020). His research focuses on Mennonite migrations across the Americas, environmental change, and indigenous-settler relations. He teaches courses on Latin American Mennonites and Mennonite Studies II. His research combines archival work, field studies, and oral histories from Bolivia, Paraguay, Mexico, Canada, and the U.S. His 2020 book Landscape of Migration examines Bolivia’s lowland colonization and its intersection with Mennonite and indigenous communities. Current projects include a century-long study of Mexico-Canada Mennonite migrations linked to water scarcity and neoliberal reforms. His publications span journals like Journal of Latin American Studies and Agricultural History , addressing topics like frontier development, foodways, and border conflicts. His transnational approach bridges environmental, migration, and colonial histories. He contributes to interdisciplinary initiatives such as the Newberry Consortium in American Indian Studies and the Centre for Rupert's Land Studies.
Arti Singh is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Agronomy at Iowa State University. Her research focuses on plant breeding, soybean diseases, genomics, and phenomics, with a strong emphasis on integrating artificial intelligence and high-throughput technologies into agricultural systems. She leads projects involving AI-driven disease identification, precision agriculture, and crop improvement strategies. Her expertise includes developing machine learning models for real-time weed and insect classification (e.g., WeedNet and InsectNet), deploying drones and ground robots for crop phenotyping, and leveraging genomic data to map traits like flowering time and disease resistance in legumes. Singh collaborates on initiatives like the AIIRA Institute for Resilient Agriculture and the BioTrove biodiversity dataset. Singh’s work spans plant stress phenotyping, digital twin technologies for plant sciences, and multi-sensor phenotyping for early disease detection. Her research bridges computational methods with traditional agronomy, aiming to enhance crop resilience and sustainability in the face of environmental challenges. Her recent projects include optimizing robotic navigation for precision agriculture, improving soybean yield estimation via video analysis, and dissecting genetic architectures of traits in mungbean and soybean using GWAS and genomic tools. She actively contributes to conferences and publishes in high-impact journals, advancing both foundational and applied aspects of agricultural science.
Hauke Smidt is a Personal Professor at Wageningen University & Research, affiliated with the Molecular Ecology group within the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences. His research focuses on microbial ecology, particularly gut microbiota dynamics, antibiotic resistance, environmental microbiology, and the One Health framework. Smidt has supervised over 50 PhD students and contributed to 519 publications, including studies on microbiome resilience, fermented food impacts, and bioremediation strategies. Education and affiliations include leadership roles in projects addressing antimicrobial resistance, pig health, and drinking water microbiology. His work spans collaborations across Europe and Asia, with notable contributions to understanding microbial community responses to environmental stressors and dietary interventions. Smidt is actively involved in public outreach, as seen in media contributions discussing microbiome research and health benefits. Key projects include aquifer treatment for drinking water, microbiome simulation models, and combating plant pathogens. His awards and recognition are not explicitly listed, but his extensive publication record and project leadership highlight significant academic impact.
Hugo Jose Herrera de Leon is a Research Fellow at the Department of Geography, University of Bergen. His work focuses on socio-ecological resilience, system dynamics modeling, and policy planning for climate change adaptation. He is affiliated with the System Dynamics research group and has presented at major international conferences like the European Conference on Operational Research and the International System Dynamics Conference. His research explores bioeconomy transitions in Norwegian agriculture, resilience in farming systems, and participatory policy design. He has been funded by the Research Council of Norway (2021-2025) for projects investigating sustainable transitions in rural systems. Notable contributions include developing frameworks for assessing resilience through hybrid simulations and collaborative modeling approaches. Publications span topics like microworld simulations for policymaking, organizational impacts of group model-building, and system dynamics applications in food security. His doctoral thesis (2018) addressed public policy strategies for enhancing resilience in socio-ecological systems under climate change.
John Oakey is a Professor and Graduate Coordinator in the Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Wyoming, with additional affiliations to the INBRE Program, Molecular and Cellular Life Sciences Program, and Materials Science and Engineering Program. Education Postdoctoral Fellow, Center for Engineering in Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School (2007–2010) Ph.D. Chemical Engineering, Colorado School of Mines (2003) M.S. Chemical Engineering, Colorado School of Mines (1999) B.S. Chemical Engineering, Penn State University (1997) Research Interests Oakey’s laboratory integrates fluid dynamics, colloidal science and materials science to understand how biological systems behave under flow, on surfaces and within complex 3-D geometries. A unifying theme is the use of microfabrication and microfluidics to create new diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic platforms. Current thrusts include: Heterogeneous biomaterials: self-assembled particulate tissue scaffolds whose mechanical and transport properties can be temporally programmed. Inertial microfluidics: exploiting lift forces for membrane-free particle sorting, enrichment and diagnostics. Multi-temporal analysis by flow cytometry: development of closed-loop, high-throughput microfluidic cytometers for longitudinal single-cell studies. Publication Trends From 2025 back to 2010, Oakey’s articles reveal a consistent trajectory that marries fundamental physics (microtubule mechanics, inertial focusing) with translational applications (cell encapsulation, tissue scaffolds, drug delivery). Recent work (2023-2025) increasingly targets injectable granular hydrogels, single-cell therapeutic delivery and sustainable carbon-sequestering living materials, demonstrating an evolution from microscale transport phenomena to macroscopic biomedical and environmental impact. Scientific Awards No named awards are listed in the supplied text. Advising & Coordination Roles As Graduate Coordinator for the Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Professor Oakey oversees graduate program development and student mentoring. While no individual students are named, his role implies active supervision of M.S. and Ph.D. advisees in chemical and biomedical engineering. Laboratory & Teams The Oakey Research Group operates from the Energy and Environmental Research Building (EERB 435A) at the University of Wyoming. The lab enjoys R1-level research infrastructure and collaborates broadly with the Wyoming INBRE network, the Molecular and Cellular Life Sciences Program, and the Materials Science and Engineering Program.
Junfu Zhang is a Professor of Economics and Department Chair at Clark University. His research focuses on applied microeconomics, particularly urban and regional economics, with an emphasis on urbanization in China, entrepreneurship, regional development, and racial housing segregation. He holds a B.A. from Renmin University of China (1993), and M.A. and Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University (1999, 2001). Prior to joining Clark in 2006, he was a research fellow at the Public Policy Institute of California and a Brookings Institution fellow (2000–2001). He has been an IZA Research Fellow since 2007 and served as President of the Chinese Economists Society (2019–2020). Education: B.A., International Economics, Renmin University of China, 1993 M.A., Economics, Clark University, 1997 M.A., Economics, Johns Hopkins University, 1999 Ph.D., Economics, Johns Hopkins University, 2001 Research Interests: Dr. Zhang's research explores urbanization dynamics in China, including land use policies, housing tenure systems, and economic segregation. His work also addresses entrepreneurship, high-tech industrial clusters, and the economic impacts of urbanization. Recent studies include analyses of land regulation, Super Bowl economic effects, and gender competition in labor markets. Recent Research Trends: His articles reflect a focus on China's socio-economic challenges, such as urban land policies, housing wealth effects, and regional development disparities. Collaborative projects with institutions like IZA and CES highlight interdisciplinary engagement. Awards and Affiliations: IZA Research Fellow (2007–present) Former President, Chinese Economists Society (2019–2020) Advising and Grants: No specific grant or student advising details are listed, though his research often involves collaborative teams. His work is supported by institutional affiliations and academic networks. Labs and Teams: No dedicated labs are mentioned, but his research engages interdisciplinary teams focusing on urban economics and regional policy.
Jarrod Ray Hore is a Scientia Lecturer in the School of Humanities & Languages at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, and Co-Director of the New Earth Histories Research Program. His work explores environmental history, settler colonialism, and the intersections of science, geology, and cultural landscapes. Hore’s research focuses on landscape photography’s role in shaping colonial projects, earthquake geology, and the logistics of the natural history trade. He has published widely in journals like the Pacific Historical Review and Australian Historical Studies, and his award-winning book *Visions of Nature* (2022) examines how photography reinforced settler territoriality. His research interests span environmental history, transnational history, the history of science, and colonial studies. Key areas include the history of settler colonialism in Australia, New Zealand, and North America, as well as the cultural and scientific dimensions of geological exploration. Hore actively supervises HDR and honours students in environmental history, colonial history, and the history of photography. His awards include the Marilyn Lake Prize (2023) and Donna Coates Prize (2022), with shortlist recognitions for prestigious history awards. Beyond academia, he teaches courses like *A House Divided: The Making of Modern America* (ARTS2150), emphasizing U.S. histories of race, class, and global engagement. Hore’s work bridges environmental humanities and colonial studies, analyzing how visual and scientific practices reinforced imperial and settler agendas. His current projects explore the material and logistical networks underpinning natural history collections and the epistemologies of colonial geology.
Kenneth Pomeranz is the University Professor of Modern Chinese History at the University of Chicago in the Department of East Asian Languages and Civilizations (EALC). Previously taught at the University of California, Irvine , his research spans late Imperial and twentieth-century China , comparative world history , and global economic systems . Research Focus: Reciprocal influences between state, society, and economy; origins of the world economy through mutual regional influences; comparative studies of labor, family organization, and economic history. Current Projects: A history of Chinese political economy from the seventeenth century to the present; a book titled Why Is China So Big? exploring China's political unity despite its vast size. Scientific Awards and Fellowships: John K. Fairbank Prize (twice) World History Association Book Prize (shared) Guggenheim Fellowship American Academy of Arts and Sciences Fellow Publications: Key works include The Great Divergence , The Making of a Hinterland , and The World that Trade Created . His articles address topics such as labor-intensive industrialization, global environmental history, and Qing state-building.
Shigehiro Oishi is the Marshall Field IV Professor of Psychology at the University of Chicago, a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2023). He holds a B.A. from International Christian University (Tokyo), Ed.M. from Columbia University, and Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Prior to UChicago, he taught at the University of Minnesota (2000–2004), Columbia University (2018–2020), and the University of Virginia (2004–2018; 2020–2022). His research explores culture, social ecology, and well-being, focusing on questions like “What is a good life?” and how socio-ecological factors like income inequality and residential mobility impact well-being across cultures. His lab uses diverse data sources, including surveys, GIS, and experimental methods. Key awards include the 2017 Society of Experimental Social Psychology Career Trajectory Award, the 2018 Carol and Ed Diener Award, and the 2021 Outstanding Achievement Award for Advancing Cultural Psychology. His work bridges psychology, sociology, and cultural studies, with a global focus on understanding human thriving. The Oishi Lab at UChicago continues this mission, welcoming new Ph.D. students and hosting prominent social psychology talks.
University of the Highlands and IslandsUnited Kingdom
Shaun Beattie is a Researcher affiliated with the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) at the University of the Highlands and Islands . His work focuses on marine conservation , seaweed biodiversity , and aligning research with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals . Education : Master of Science in Ecological Economics (University of Leeds, 2019), Bachelor of Science in Economics and Management Science (University of Southampton, 2018) Beattie's research explores the intersection of seaweed conservation , policy development , and ecosystem resilience . He contributes to global initiatives addressing biodiversity gaps in international frameworks and investigates the role of seaweeds in human health and marine habitats. His recent 2025 publications analyze seaweed conservation policies in Malaysia, stakeholder perspectives from Indonesia, and systemic gaps in biodiversity strategies. Shaun's work also spans climate-smart agricultural policy , as seen in his 2021 Sustainability review on nutrition integration in Southern Africa. His research outputs are linked to SDG targets like life below water, climate action, and zero hunger.
Peter A. Raymond is the Oastler Professor of Biogeochemistry at Yale University's School of the Environment and Department of Geology and Geophysics. He serves as Senior Associate Dean of Research & Director of Doctoral Studies and is Co-Director of the Yale Center for Natural Carbon Capture. Raymond leads the Raymond Biogeochemistry Lab, which investigates the biogeochemistry of inland waters, enhanced weathering, methane cycling, and blue carbon systems through cutting-edge field, laboratory, and modeling approaches. Education B.S., Marist College Ph.D., College of William and Mary/Virginia Institute of Marine Science Research Focus Raymond's research fundamentally reshapes our understanding of carbon cycling in aquatic systems, demonstrating that rivers serve as dynamic conduits rather than passive pipes in the global carbon cycle. His work examines how biology and watershed variables alter carbon chemistry in streams, rivers, and estuaries, with particular emphasis on understanding global carbon cycles in relation to climate change. Raymond employs radiocarbon measurements to explore the age and turnover of carbon in aquatic ecosystems, revealing that rivers are variable sources of both old and young terrestrial dissolved organic carbon to oceans. The Raymond Lab is particularly known for developing the Pulse-Shunt Concept, which challenges traditional views of riverine biogeochemistry by emphasizing the episodic and dynamic nature of elemental fluxes. Current research directions include enhanced weathering and alkalinity studies for carbon removal, global greenhouse gas budgets through projects like RECCAP 2, natural methane cycling in aquatic systems, and blue carbon ecosystems such as mangroves and salt marshes. Publication Trends Raymond's recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate a strong focus on global carbon and methane cycling, with particular attention to inland water systems' role in the Earth's climate system. His work increasingly integrates large-scale datasets with field measurements to understand how climate change and human activities affect greenhouse gas emissions from rivers and streams. A significant portion of his recent work contributes to international efforts like the Global Carbon Project, aiming to refine estimates of global carbon and methane fluxes. His research also shows growing emphasis on carbon removal strategies, particularly enhanced rock weathering through the Earthshot-funded GOAL-A project, and their potential for climate mitigation. Scientific Recognition Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science Member of the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering Coastal and Estuarine Research Federations Cronin Award for Young Scientists ISI highly cited author Past Editor and Chief of the American Geophysical Union's journal Global Biogeochemical Cycles Mentorship and Funding Professor Raymond currently mentors four doctoral students (Jon Gewirtzman, Shou-En "Samuel" Tsao, Benjamin Saalidong, and Mingyu Zhang) and masters student Bella Garrioch. His research is supported by multiple grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF), including CAREER awards, and participation in the Earthshot-funded GOAL-A (Global Ocean And Land Alkalinization) project. Raymond has also been involved in significant collaborative projects with USGS data to research how climate and land use change alter carbon export from US watersheds, and with Lamont Doherty to develop methods for measuring air-sea gas exchange of CO2 in rivers and estuaries. Research Infrastructure The Raymond Biogeochemistry Lab at Yale is a dynamic research group comprising research scientists, postdocs, doctoral and masters students, and postgraduate researchers. The lab recently acquired a Mini Carbon Dating System (MICADAS) at Yale, significantly expanding their research capabilities in ecosystem carbon turnover and verification of natural climate solutions. The lab collaborates globally on projects in the Arctic, Hudson River, and middle Atlantic Bight, and is actively involved in the NASA Carbon Monitoring System BlueFlux field campaign to assess carbon exchange in coastal wetlands.
Gregg M. Garfin is a Professor and Specialist in Climate, Natural Resources, and Policy at the University of Arizona’s School of Natural Resources and the Environment, and Deputy Director for Science Translation and Outreach at the Arizona Institute for Resilience. He holds a Ph.D. in Geosciences from the University of Arizona (2003), an M.S. in Geology and Geography from the University of Massachusetts (1997), and a B.S. in Geology and Geography from the same institution (1993). His work bridges science and societal decision-making, focusing on climate adaptation, drought management, and climate services. He directs the Water, Society, and Policy M.S. Program and has led interdisciplinary projects on climate resilience, including contributions to the Fourth National Climate Assessment. Roles: Professor, Deputy Director, Program Director Affiliations: Arizona Institute for Resilience, School of Natural Resources and the Environment Research Interests His research emphasizes climate adaptation strategies, climate policy, and the co-production of knowledge between scientists and decision-makers. Key areas include: Climate impacts on water resources and ecosystems Extreme heat and drought resilience in urban and border communities Climate change communication and education Awards & Recognition Garfin has received multiple accolades, including AAAS Fellowship (2020), University of Arizona Service Awards (2020, 2015), and the Global Initiative for Academic Networks (GIAN) Visiting Fellowship (2018). His work has been featured in peer-reviewed journals and media outlets, emphasizing actionable science for climate resilience. Grants & Contributions He has led federal and transnational projects, including binational climate resilience initiatives in the U.S.-Mexico border region and flood risk assessments in Seoul, South Korea. His work integrates participatory governance approaches to enhance community preparedness.
Dr. Enrica Dall'Ara serves as the Associate Dean of Planning and Landscape Architecture and an Associate Professor at the University of Calgary's School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape. Her work bridges academic research and professional practice, exemplified through her firm PARC, which specializes in public space design, urban renewal, and the rehabilitation of industrial sites. She emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, integrating fields like environmental engineering and biology into landscape architecture. Education: Laurea in Architettura (Master Degree equivalent in Architecture), University of Ferrara, Italy Master in Landscape Architecture, ETSAB, Polytechnic University of Catalonia, Spain PhD in Landscape Design, University of Florence, Italy Research Interests: Dr. Dall'Ara focuses on practice-based research, public space design, service landscapes, and the integration of cultural advocacy into landscape architecture. Her work explores site-specific design solutions, the role of agriculture in urban-rural dynamics, and the preservation of traditional rural landscapes. She advocates for designs that serve life through poetic, functional, and culturally sensitive approaches. Contributions: Through her teaching, Dall'Ara encourages students to view design as research, fostering critical thinking and interdisciplinary dialogue. Her firm’s projects, such as the roundabout gardens in Imola, Italy, demonstrate her commitment to merging ecological, functional, and aesthetic considerations in landscape interventions. Professional Affiliations: Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA) Alberta Association of Landscape Architects (AALA) Associazione Italiana di Architettura del Paesaggio (AIAPP) Ordine degli Architetti, Pianificatori, Paesaggisti e Conservatori (Province of Forlì-Cesena, Italy)
