James Manning is a Lecturer in Digital Design at RMIT University's School of Design. His research focuses on game design, digital media, and cultural memory, exploring topics such as game preservation, livestreaming practices, and the intersection of play and technology. He is particularly interested in 'anarchaeological' approaches to defunct games and the documentation of everyday play practices. His teaching interests include game studies, interactive media, animation aesthetics, and design methodology. He actively supervises research in strategies for reflective shortform game design and has contributed to projects like the Astrosurf interactive dome experience. Key research themes include media archaeology, esports culture, and the sociocultural dimensions of digital games. His work bridges theoretical frameworks with empirical studies, examining how digital platforms shape media consumption and cultural production.
Habeeb Olufowobi is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), where he leads the Cyber-Physical System Security Lab. He holds a PhD in Computer Science from Howard University (2019) and previously served as a Lecturer at Howard before joining UTA in 2020. His research is centered on the security and trustworthiness of embedded and distributed systems, particularly in the domains of autonomous vehicles, IoT, and healthcare AI. He investigates cybersecurity challenges at the hardware-software interface in real-time systems and develops AI/ML models that are transparent, explainable, and equitable. His interdisciplinary work integrates principles from cybersecurity, real-time systems, and machine learning. The recent publications reflect a strong trend in securing cyber-physical systems using advanced AI techniques, with emphasis on intrusion detection, secure communication (e.g., named data networking), and robustness of autonomous systems. His work frequently appears in top-tier venues such as IEEE Transactions, VehicleSec, and ICMLA. Project Management Professional (PMP), PMI (2012–Present) Member, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) (2020–Present) Habeeb has secured significant research funding, including an NIH grant on ethical AI for Chagas disease prediction and an AIM-AHEAD grant focused on health equity. He mentors several graduate students, including Paul Agbaje and Afia Anjum, who have received awards and internships at prestigious institutions like Los Alamos National Laboratory. He teaches courses in cloud computing, embedded systems, and information security, and serves as a faculty advisor for the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) at UTA. His lab, the Cyber-Physical System Security Lab, focuses on developing scalable and reliable security solutions for critical infrastructure, with growing emphasis on healthcare applications and fairness in algorithmic decision-making.
Aki Roberts is an Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM), based in Bolton Hall 740 with contact email aki@uwm.edu. Roberts conducts empirical research in criminology, specializing in crime clearance mechanisms, racial disparities in victimization, and police-citizen interactions using large-scale datasets like NIBRS. Research interests include: Criminology and criminal justice systems Race/ethnicity in crime patterns Victim-offender dynamics Police diversity and investigative outcomes Homicide clearance trends Methodological innovations in crime data analysis Roberts has also published comparative work on Japan's postwar homicide trajectories and structural analyses of university systems. Recent publications (2020-2025) reveal intensified focus on pandemic-era anti-Asian hate crimes, police diversity impacts on minority victim clearance, and methodological refinements in handling missing crime data. Roberts consistently examines how jurisdictional constraints and incident-specific factors affect crime resolution, with recurring emphasis on victim race as a critical variable in clearance disparities. Scientific Awards: No awards listed in source materials. Advising and Grants: No student advisement records or grant funding details were provided in available documentation.
Dr. Jean Ketterling is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Studies – Women’s and Gender Studies Program at the University of Saskatchewan. Her research focuses on representations of sex in video games, queer and feminist media studies, and socio-legal constructions of sexuality. She holds a PhD in Legal Studies from Carleton University, where she was a Vanier Scholar, and has published in journals like Surveillance & Society and Feminist Media Studies . Key research interests include the regulation of pornographic video games, emotional embodiment in digital spaces, and gendered legal frameworks in sports. She has received grants such as the J.E.A. Crake Humanities Projects Grant for workshops integrating feminist/queer theory with craft practices. Currently, she serves as Communications Officer for the Sexuality Studies Association and Vice President of the Canadian Game Studies Association. Education: PhD (Carleton University), MA (Carleton University), BA (St. Francis Xavier University) Professional Roles: Faculty mentor in Mount Allison University’s first-gen student program (2023/24) Teaching Innovations: Published work on 'ungrading' pedagogy in game design education
Martin Zeilinger is a Senior Lecturer in Computational Arts & Technology within the Games & Art Division at Abertay University's School of Design and Informatics. He has also been affiliated with the University of Toronto's Comparative Literature department. With a background in film and comparative literature, Zeilinger functions as a researcher, practitioner, and curator in digital culture. His research focuses on appropriation and cultural ownership in digital art and contemporary media practices. He critically examines intellectual property regimes, blockchain technologies in digital art markets, AI art and creative agency, remix culture, and the political economy of digital creative practices. His work often bridges theoretical critique with artistic practice, engaging with concepts like authorship, creative agency, and cultural ownership from multiple perspectives. Zeilinger's publications reveal a consistent focus on how digital creative practices challenge traditional notions of authorship and ownership. His recent work explores AI art, blockchain technologies, and the financialization of digital art, while earlier publications examine live coding, chipmusic, and found footage film. A recurring theme is how these practices expose tensions between digital creativity and restrictive intellectual property frameworks. As a curator, Zeilinger has co-organized exhibitions including Impedance: Games + Resistance and Networks 2.0: Emergence + Experimentation as part of the Vector Game + Art Convergence Festival. He has also organized panels on topics such as The Politics of Appropriation in Game Art and Dynamic Fair Dealing: Countering the Cultural Impact of Intellectual Property Law . His curatorial work reflects his interest in the intersection of games, art, and resistance against restrictive cultural frameworks. Zeilinger's approach consistently bridges artistic practice with critical research, arguing for the critical role artistic practice can play in or as research. His scholarship demonstrates deep engagement with philosophical frameworks including Deleuze and Guattari, Baudrillard, and Debord, which he applies to contemporary digital culture and creative practices.
Dr. Elena Germain Bertozzi serves as Professor of Game Design and Development, Chair of Visual and Performing Arts, and Director of the Games Design & Development program at Quinnipiac University's College of Arts and Sciences. Based in CAS 1 322 with mail drop CL-AC1, she actively collaborates across disciplines—particularly with the Frank Netter School of Medicine—and welcomes media inquiries regarding her work in applied game design. Her academic credentials include: BA from Williams College MS from Indiana University Bloomington MLS from Indiana University Bloomington PHD from European Graduate School Leuk Stadt Dr. Bertozzi's research centers on games for health and the intersections of gender, technology, and sexuality , specializing in low-cost 2D games that drive behavioral change in public health contexts. She investigates how interactive technologies enhance technological self-efficacy while addressing taboos in digital gameplay, with emphasis on reproductive health, HIV/STI prevention, and gender empowerment through games for good initiatives. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals three dominant research trajectories: (1) Digital health interventions targeting reproductive health in low-resource settings (Barbados, India, Mexico), (2) Critical examinations of gender representation in commercial games like Grand Theft Auto, and (3) Foundational design principles for learning games that foster emotional resonance. Her work consistently bridges academic theory with practical applications, often through cross-institutional medical partnerships. While no specific scientific awards are documented, Dr. Bertozzi secured competitive funding including a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation grant for the 'What's My Method?' digital health project. Her academic service spans the CAS Diversity and Inclusion Committee, IEEE Games Entertainment Media Conferences organization, and the International Game Developers Association's Learning SIG. She mentors Game Design & Development students through capstone projects with medical students and external partners like Take-Two Interactive, while leading research teams that collaborate with healthcare professionals to create behavior-change games. Current initiatives focus on optimizing mobile game utility for public health decision-making and expanding contraceptive self-care tools in the Caribbean.
RUTH MILKMAN is a distinguished sociologist of labor and labor movements, currently serving as Professor of Sociology and History at the CUNY Graduate Center and the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies. She previously held the role of Professor Emeritus at UCLA, where she directed the Institute for Research on Labor and Employment from 2001 to 2008. Her research focuses on labor dynamics, low-wage immigrant workers, wage theft, and labor policy. Notable contributions include a landmark 2009 study on wage theft in major U.S. cities and a 2013 analysis of California’s paid family leave program. She is also a former president of the American Sociological Association (2016). Education: Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of California, Berkeley. Research Interests: Dr. Milkman’s work bridges historical and contemporary labor issues, emphasizing the intersection of economic restructuring, immigrant labor, and policy. She has explored the impact of economic crises on workers, the transformation of the U.S. auto industry, and the labor practices of multinational corporations. Her recent studies highlight workplace conditions of low-wage immigrants and the efficacy of labor rights policies. Key Projects: Led a multi-city research team investigating wage theft prevalence in Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York (2009). Co-authored critical studies on paid family leave programs and their employer-worker impacts. Active in policy-oriented research on unionization trends, aging workforces, and home care labor. Affiliations: Academic Director at the Joseph F. Murphy Institute for Worker Education and Labor Studies. Member of the CUNY Graduate Center faculty and SLU. Former ASA President (2016).
Joost van Dreunen is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the Leonard N. Stern School of Business, New York University, where he teaches the Business of Video Games. He holds a PhD from Columbia University and a MA from the University of Amsterdam. As a recognized expert in the global video game industry, he bridges academic research with real-world market analysis and strategic commentary. Institution: New York University (NYU) School: Leonard N. Stern School of Business Academic Rank: Adjunct Assistant Professor Highest Degree: PhD, Columbia University His research and professional interests center on the economics of digital entertainment, market dynamics in gaming, consumer behavior, and the strategic impact of technology policy. He frequently analyzes trends in console pricing, digital distribution, cloud gaming, and the effects of trade tariffs on the gaming industry. His insights into the launch of new hardware like the Nintendo Switch 2 and pricing strategies for major titles such as Grand Theft Auto VI are regularly featured in major media outlets. Van Dreunen is the author of One Up: Creativity, Competition, and the Global Business of Video Games and the founder of SuperData Research, a market intelligence firm acquired by Nielsen in 2018. He currently publishes the weekly SuperJoost Playlist newsletter, offering expert commentary on gaming, tech, and entertainment. His work emphasizes the shift from content innovation to distribution innovation, particularly in response to economic pressures such as proposed U.S. tariffs on imported hardware. He has commented extensively on industry developments including: Price increases for consoles (PlayStation, Xbox, Switch 2) Potential $80–$100 AAA game pricing The impact of U.S.-China tariffs on gaming hardware costs The strategic responses of Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo The rise of cloud gaming and streaming services as alternatives to physical hardware Van Dreunen advocates for industry collaboration to seek tariff exemptions, drawing on the precedent set in 2019, and predicts long-term shifts toward hardware-independent gaming models. He is actively involved in advising startups and investing in the tech and gaming sectors. Notable affiliations and roles include: Former CEO and Co-Founder, SuperData Research (acquired by Nielsen) Author, One Up: Creativity, Competition, and the Global Business of Video Games Contributor and commentator for Forbes, GameSpot, and other major media Writer and publisher of the SuperJoost Playlist newsletter on Substack
Christopher Herrmann is an Associate Professor in the Department of Law & Police Science at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York (CUNY). He serves as the CJBS Major Coordinator and is a recognized expert in crime analysis and crime mapping. His professional background includes a former role as Crime Analyst Supervisor with the New York City Police Department, where he supervised citywide shooting and homicide analyses, crime prevention strategies, and resource allocation across New York City. Dr. Herrmann holds the following academic credentials: Bachelor of Science (1997) from CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice Master of Arts (2000) from CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice Advanced Graduate Certificate in Geographical Information Sciences (2005) from CUNY Lehman College Master of Philosophy (2010) from CUNY Graduate Center Doctorate of Philosophy (2012) from CUNY Graduate Center His research centers on micro-level crime analysis using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to examine spatiotemporal relationships between businesses, neighborhood socioeconomic factors, and crime patterns. Current initiatives focus on violence prevention—particularly gun violence, homicide, and carjacking—through collaboration with John Jay research teams. His methodological expertise spans crime mapping, hot spot dynamics, and spatial statistics applied to policing challenges, with emphasis on practical crime reduction strategies. Herrmann's 19-year publication record reveals consistent specialization in spatiotemporal crime analysis, with recent work examining pandemic impacts on global crime patterns and micro-place homicide trends. His research integrates GIS with criminological theory to address robbery, auto theft, and violence prevention, frequently involving international collaborations. The body of work demonstrates methodological rigor in spatial statistics and practical applications for law enforcement resource allocation and community safety initiatives. Dr. Herrmann actively participates in John Jay College research teams developing violence prevention strategies targeting gun violence, homicide, and carjacking. His projects maintain strong operational links with the New York City Police Department, translating academic research into actionable crime reduction tactics through ongoing police-academic partnerships.
Dr. Christopher O'Connor is an Associate Professor in the Department of Criminology and Justice at Ontario Tech University's Faculty of Social Science and Humanities. He holds a PhD in Sociology from the University of Calgary and previously taught at the University of Wisconsin—Superior. His research focuses on youth crime, school-to-work transitions, technology and crime, energy security, and boomtown dynamics. Education: PhD in Sociology (University of Calgary), MA in Sociology (Carleton University), Bachelor of Arts Honours in Criminology and Criminal Justice (Carleton University). Research Interests: O'Connor studies youth delinquency, perceptions of crime in boomtowns, citizen attitudes toward policing, and the social impacts of resource industries. His work often intersects with technology's role in crime prevention and public engagement. Publications: His recent work includes analyses of #prisontiktok cultural phenomena, police social media strategies, and gender dynamics in boomtowns. Over 40 peer-reviewed articles span journals like *Criminal Justice Review*, *International Journal of Rural Criminology*, and *The Police Journal*. Advising/Grants: Supervises research on youth crime, policing practices, and energy policy. Engages in collaborative projects examining mental health co-response teams and data-driven policing strategies. Labs/Teams: Active in Ontario Tech's criminology research clusters, contributing to interdisciplinary studies on energy security and justice system reform.
Kristy Guevara-Flanagan is an Associate Professor at UCLA’s School of Theatre, Film and Television, specializing in documentary filmmaking with a focus on gender and representation. She leads the MFA Directing Documentary concentration and has exhibited her work at prestigious film festivals like Sundance, Tribeca, and SXSW, as well as institutions such as the Getty Museum. B.S. in Environmental Science Minor in Environmental Systems and Society D.Env. in Environmental Science and Engineering Ph.D. in Environment and Sustainability Leaders in Sustainability Graduate Certificate Her research bridges documentary filmmaking with environmental storytelling, exploring gender dynamics and innovative media applications. She repurposed the Grand Theft Auto V game engine to envision eco-futures of Los Angeles in 2050, collaborating with KCET for public media initiatives. Scientific Awards: Pritzker Emerging Environmental Genius Award Guevara-Flanagan’s work has been funded by ITVS, the Sundance Institute, Latino Public Broadcasting, and California Humanities. Her projects emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration, merging film, environmental science, and digital media to address critical sustainability challenges.
Steffen Krüger is a Lecturer in the Department of Media and Communication at the University of Oslo, affiliated with the Faculty of Humanities. He co-leads the prioritized Screen Cultures research project and Master's programme (2019–2023), exploring the sociocultural, political, and technological dimensions of screen-mediated life. His research integrates psychosocial and psychoanalytic theory with media studies, focusing on digitalization, affective labor, and media-driven subjectification processes. Key methodologies include 'scenic understanding' derived from Alfred Lorenzer, analyzing media's role in socialization and cultural formation. He teaches courses such as 'Internet, Self & Society' and 'Methods in Media Studies,' emphasizing critical engagement with digital media's psychological and societal impacts. Krüger's funded projects include the Norwegian Research Council-supported 'Online Interaction Forms,' examining affective dimensions of online environments. His work addresses topics like AI ethics, digital self-tracking, and the socio-political implications of platforms like Tinder. Notable publications include analyses of media-saturated societies, right-wing populism, and neocolonial aspects in media content such as Grand Theft Auto V. His research groups and projects include the 'Humanistic Hub for the Study of AI Concepts (HumAIn)' and EU Kids Online V. Collaborative efforts with students and researchers highlight interdisciplinary approaches to media aesthetics and digital culture. Krüger’s scholarship bridges critical theory, psychoanalysis, and media studies, offering innovative frameworks for understanding modern media ecologies and their psychosocial consequences.
Marc Ouellette is an Associate Professor in the Department of English at Old Dominion University (ODU), located in Norfolk, Virginia. His research focuses on cultural studies, gender, media, and digital games, with a particular emphasis on how masculinity, sexuality, and pop culture intersect within these contexts. Education: Ouellette holds a Ph.D. in English from McMaster University (2003), an M.A. in English from McMaster (1998), a B.E. in English from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (2011), and a B.A. in English from the University of Waterloo (1997). Research Interests: He explores topics such as video game narratives, gender representation in media, and digital culture. Key areas include the semiotics of video games, the portrayal of masculinity in sports films, and the intersection of pop culture with societal norms. Publications: Ouellette has authored over 50 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, including works on Grand Theft Auto IV, Tomb Raider, and The Good Soldier. His books include *Masculinity in Gaming: Construction and Performance* and *The Post-9/11 Video Game*. Awards: He has received accolades such as the 2024 Best Practices in Mentoring Award and the 2015 Learning Games Initiative Fellowship. His teaching excellence has been recognized with multiple awards from ODU and McMaster University. Labs/Teams: While no specific lab is listed, his work intersects with digital humanities and game studies initiatives at ODU.
Dr Alistair Brown serves as Associate Professor (Teaching) in Digital Humanities and Modern Literature within Durham University's Department of English Studies, holding Senior Fellow status with the Higher Education Academy. He concurrently teaches as an Associate Lecturer in Arts at the Open University, bridging academic theory with practical digital applications in literary education through virtual reality and game studies. His research centers on Digital Humanities, Virtual Reality, and Game Studies, with specific focus on video game adaptations of literary texts, VR-enhanced literature pedagogy, and narrative structures in interactive media. Current scholarship examines how VR technologies transform engagement with literary works and investigates storytelling mechanisms that translate between games and traditional literature. Recent publications reveal a consistent trajectory exploring digital mediation of literary experiences, particularly through VR applications in drama education and analyses of postmodern narrative structures in video games. This work demonstrates growing emphasis on immersive technologies as pedagogical tools within humanities education. Scientific recognition includes: Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2023) Durham University Teaching and Learning Award for Excellence in Student Academic Support (2022) Global Undergraduate Awards Literature Panel Judge appointment (2019) WonkHE Awards shortlist for Leadership, Management, and Governance (2019) Dr Brown supervises PhD candidates James de Lullington, Noor Dabbas, and Russell Shanks while leading significant research initiatives including the 'AI Enhanced VR Audiobooks' project (current Principal Investigator) and 'Theatre in the Round' (2022-2023). His grant portfolio reflects strong institutional support for digital humanities innovation in educational contexts. He co-directs Durham's Digital Storytelling programme with Dr Teti Dragas, edits the award-winning Research in English At Durham (READ) blog—the UK's most socially engaged English department platform—and provides technical leadership for academic journals through Open Journal Systems implementation. His hands-on expertise in HTML, CSS, PHP/SQL, and JavaScript drives digital scholarship projects across cultural institutions.
Erin J. Farley is an Assistant Professor of Sociology at Gallaudet University, affiliated with the Civic Leadership, Business and Social Change school. She joined Gallaudet in 2019 following roles at the Justice Research and Statistics Association and the Center for Court Innovation. Farley holds a Ph.D. in Criminology from the University of Delaware (2007), an M.A. in Criminology (2002), and a B.S. in Psychology (2000). Her research focuses on program evaluation, criminal justice reform, green criminology, and environmental harm and justice. She teaches courses such as Introduction to Sociology, Criminal Justice System, Juvenile Delinquency, and Social Inequality. Her work spans topics including substance use disorder treatment, opioid crises, and disability accommodations policy. Key contributions include analyses of drug courts, diversion programs, and policy impacts of marijuana legalization. Farley's reports often emphasize evidence-based practices and systemic reforms. Despite extensive publications and reports, no scientific awards were mentioned. She has advised no named students. Farley’s research aligns with Gallaudet’s mission to integrate bilingual education and community engagement, particularly in underserved populations.
