Rebecca M. Bratspies is a Professor at the City University of New York (CUNY) School of Law , focusing on environmental law, international law, and regulatory governance. Her work bridges the gap between human rights and environmental protection, with a strong emphasis on climate justice and sustainable urban development. Environmental Law Human Rights Climate Change Biotechnology Regulation Disaster Recovery Her recent articles address pressing issues such as climate equity, renewable energy transitions, and environmental justice, particularly in New York City. She explores the intersection of law, governance, and societal well-being, often analyzing case studies like the Trail Smelter Arbitration and the BP Deepwater Horizon disaster. Bratspies has authored 75 scholarly papers, with a focus on environmental governance, regulatory trust, and the role of law in addressing the climate crisis. Her work has been cited 34 times, indicating significant academic influence. She is also involved in interdisciplinary collaborations, particularly in the areas of climate policy, energy justice, and disaster management. Her teaching and research emphasize the need to decolonize legal frameworks and promote equity in environmental decision-making.
Professor Jeffrey Kramer is a distinguished academic at Imperial College London, where he currently serves as Professor in Distributed Computing within the Department of Computing, Faculty of Engineering. With a career spanning over four decades at Imperial College, he has held numerous leadership positions including Senior Dean (2009-2012), Dean of the Faculty of Engineering (2006-2009), and Head of the Department of Computing (1999-2004). Professor Kramer's research focuses on software engineering, particularly in distributed computing, requirements engineering, software architecture, and self-managing adaptive systems. His work on the Darwin Software Architecture led to commercial implementation by Philips in consumer television products. He has been a principal investigator in research projects developing the CONIC and DARWIN environments for distributed programming. His publication portfolio includes over 200 refereed journal and conference papers along with two influential books: 'Distributed Systems and Computer Networks' (1986) and 'Concurrency: State Models & Java Programs' (1999, 2nd ed. 2006). His most cited works address software architecture, dynamic reconfiguration, and adaptive systems, demonstrating a consistent research trajectory focused on foundational aspects of distributed software systems. FREng Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering (2008) ACM SIGSOFT Outstanding Research Award (2005, joint with Prof. Magee) ACM SIGSOFT Distinguished Service Award (2011) Editor-in-Chief of IEEE Transactions on Software Engineering (2006-2009) Most Influential Paper Award at ICSE 2003 IEE Informatics Premium prize (1998/99) Professor Kramer has served on over 50 international conference committees in the last decade and has delivered numerous keynote addresses globally. His industrial collaborations include work with BP, BT, NATS, Fujitsu, Barclays Capital, QinetiQ, Kodak, Microsoft, and Philips. He has also served as an expert witness for major law firms and has been involved in numerous research collaborations and consulting engagements.
Drew Kenneth Heard is an Associate Professor at the Department of Mathematical Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), supported by the Trond Mohn Foundation. His research bridges stable homotopy theory, chromatic homotopy theory, and tensor triangulated geometry, with significant contributions to classification theorems and duality principles. Education: PhD (2014) from the University of Melbourne under Craig Westerland. Postdoctoral positions at Universität Regensburg (SFB Higher Invariants), Haifa University, Universität Hamburg (SPP 1786), and Max Planck Institute for Mathematics in Bonn. Heard's work focuses on the interplay between tensor triangulated categories and equivariant homotopy theory. His recent publications explore stratification theorems, vanishing lines in motivic homotopy, and the structure of Picard groups in chromatic settings. Collaborations with Tobias Barthel, Beren Sanders, and others have advanced understanding of localizing subcategories and descent techniques. Research Trends: Analysis of 15 recent articles reveals a core focus on tensor triangulated geometry (Balmer spectra, support theory), chromatic homotopy (K(n)-local spectra, Morava E-theory), and algebraic models for topological phenomena (comodule categories, local duality). Methodologically, he integrates geometric intuition with category-theoretic frameworks. Affiliations: Current: NTNU, Trondheim, Norway. Former: Universität Regensburg, Haifa University, Universität Hamburg, Max Planck Institute. Teaching: TMA4105 - Mathematics 2: Multivariable calculus and vector analysis. MA3408 - Algebraic Topology 2. Projects: Leads the "tt-geometry in Trondheim" project funded by the Trond Mohn Foundation, advancing tensor triangulated geometry classifications.
Dr. Alojz Ivankovic is a Full Professor of Mechanics of Materials at the School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering , University College Dublin (UCD). He also serves as a Visiting Professor at Imperial College London and has held leadership roles such as Head of Mechanical Engineering Programs at UCD since 2012. His research group focuses on advanced materials science, fracture mechanics, and additive manufacturing, supported by over €25M in research funding. Educational Background: MEngSc from the University of Sarajevo and PhD from Imperial College London. Research Interests: Process-structure-property relationships in materials, fracture behavior of polymers and composites, adhesion science, and biomechanics of atherosclerosis. His work bridges computational modeling (e.g., finite volume methods) with experimental validation. Recent Achievements: Awards include the Fellowship of Wessex Institute (2004) and Royal Academy of Engineering Travel Grant (2001). He leads the UCD Centre of Adhesion and Adhesives and collaborates with industry partners like Atlas Copco and BP Chemicals. Grants & Funding: Over €27M in research funding since 2004, including a €2.5M SFI grant for drag reduction studies. Current grants focus on floating offshore wind cables and sustainable composites. Teaching: Coordinates modules in Computational Continuum Mechanics and supervises PhD/MSc students. His group includes 5 MSc, 7 PhD students, and 4 PostDocs. Publications: Over 346 publications, including 109 journals and 232 conference papers. Recent work addresses diamond powder mechanics, piezoelectric composites, and aerodynamic drag reduction.
Haakon Fossen is a Professor at the University of Bergen, affiliated with the Department of Natural History and the University Museum of Bergen. His research focuses on structural geology, tectonics, and the evolution of rift basins, particularly in the North Sea region. He is part of the Geodynamics and Basin Studies research group. His work integrates field observations, seismic data analysis, and microstructural studies to understand orogenic processes, fault mechanics, and basin formation. Key research areas include the Caledonian orogen collapse, Jurassic North Sea rifting, and the interplay between structural inheritance and rift development. Fossen has authored a textbook on Plate Tectonics and collaborates internationally on projects involving deformation band analysis, fault permeability, and seismic interpretation. His contributions span both academic studies and applied geoscience, including work with industry partners like Aker BP ASA and Equinor. Recent research highlights include studies on gravity tectonics in the North Sea, quartz texture analysis for orogenic collapse insights, and structural evolution of Paleozoic basins. Fossen’s methodologies combine advanced techniques like EBSD and machine learning with traditional geologic analysis, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to tectonic problems. He has advised numerous collaborative projects and contributed to major international conferences such as the 85th EAGE Annual Conference. His affiliations include roles in both academic and museum settings, reflecting a commitment to both research and public science outreach.
Junliang Shen is an Assistant Professor of Mathematics at Yale University, transitioning to Associate Professor (with tenure) in 2025. His research focuses on algebraic geometry, particularly moduli spaces, Higgs bundles, cohomology theories, and the P=W conjecture. He previously served as a C.L.E. Moore Instructor at MIT (2018-2021) and earned his Ph.D. from ETH Zürich under Rahul Pandharipande. Education: Bachelor of Science (2009-2013), Peking University, Beijing, China Ph.D. in Mathematics (2013-2018), ETH Zürich, Switzerland Research Interests: Algebraic geometry with emphasis on Hodge theory, enumerative geometry, derived categories, and geometric representation theory. Notable contributions include work on the P=W conjecture for GL_n, hyper-Kähler varieties, and refined BPS invariants. Awards & Grants: SwissMAP Innovator Prize (2018) NSF Grants (DMS-2000726, DMS-2301474) Sloan Research Fellowship (2024-2026) David Mumford Best Paper Award (ICCM 2024) Seminars & Collaborations: Organizes the Yale Geometry, Symmetry, and Physics Seminar, and contributes to initiatives like the Informal Algebra and Geometry Seminar. Active in international conferences and bootcamps on algebraic geometry and geometric representation theory.
Dovev Lavie is a Full Professor in the Department of Management & Technology at Bocconi University, where he conducts research and teaches in corporate strategy. He previously held faculty positions at the University of Texas at Austin and the Technion, where he also served as Vice Dean for MBA Programs. He has held visiting appointments at London Business School, University College London, and BI Norway. His research focuses on strategic alliances, innovation ecosystems, and value creation in networked industries. Key areas include alliance portfolio dynamics, exploration versus exploitation, knowledge spillovers, and platform regulation. He investigates how firms configure alliances to enhance performance and adapt to technological change, especially in high-tech sectors like software and nanotechnology. Dovev Lavie's recent publications span top journals such as Strategic Management Journal , Academy of Management Journal , and Journal of Management . His work explores how alliance structures influence firm performance, the role of network resources, and regulatory challenges in digital platforms. A recurring theme is the balance between collaboration and competition in innovation ecosystems. His scientific honors include: Strategic Management Society Emerging Scholar Award (2012) Academy of Management Newman Award for Best Dissertation-Based Paper Academy of Management BPS Distinguished Paper Award INFORMS Best Dissertation Award Academy of Management Annals Decade Award (2020) Multiple Excellence in Research Awards from Bocconi University (2020, 2022, 2023) Lavie has secured grants from the United States-Israel Binational Science Foundation, Israel Science Foundation, Mack Center for Technological Innovation, and CIBER. He has advised companies such as Intel, Microsoft, Johnson & Johnson, and National Instruments on strategy and innovation. He designed the Startup MBA program, enabling students to launch ventures during their studies. He has served as Associate Editor for Academy of Management Journal and Strategic Management Journal , and on editorial boards of Academy of Management Review , Administrative Science Quarterly , and Organization Science . He co-founded the Israel Strategy Conference and has held leadership roles in the Strategic Management Society and Academy of Management. His research is widely cited and featured in outlets like the Wall Street Journal .
Professor David White holds a fractional role at the University of Western Australia (UWA) as the Shell EMI Professor of Offshore Geotechnics, alongside his primary role as Professor of Infrastructure Geotechnics at the University of Southampton, UK. He is affiliated with UWA’s Oceans Institute and the School of Earth and Oceans. His research focuses on offshore geotechnics, submarine geohazards, and advanced geotechnical testing techniques. Education: BA, MEng (1998), and PhD (2002) from the University of Cambridge. Professional Affiliations: Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, Institution of Civil Engineers (UK), and multiple other engineering institutions. His work spans over 15 years, with contributions to offshore pipeline design, seabed interaction, and geotechnical centrifuge modeling. He developed PIV analysis software widely used in research, and his research is supported by ARC grants and industry partners like Shell, BP, and Woodside. Key achievements include the Telford Gold Medal (2021), Anton Hale Award (2010), and Western Australia’s Young Scientist of the Year (2011). He has led major industry projects like RIGSS and SAFEBUCK, and currently oversees 70 grants and supervises 20+ students.
Dr. Archibong Eso Archibong is an Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering and serves as the Programme Director for Mechanical Engineering and Academic Lead for Engineering Labs & Workshops at the University of Birmingham Dubai Campus. He is affiliated with the School of Engineering and the Department of Mechanical Engineering, contributing to both academic leadership and research innovation. Education: PGCert in Higher Education, University of Birmingham (UK), 2021 PhD in Energy Engineering (Multiphase Flows), Cranfield University (UK), 2015 MSc in Process Systems Engineering, Cranfield University (UK), 2011 BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering, Cross River University of Technology (Nigeria), 2008 Archibong's research focuses on multiphase flow systems with applications in low-carbon energy, carbon removal (including Direct Air and Ocean Capture), industrial processes, and biomedical engineering. His work integrates computational modeling, experimental analysis, and economic assessment to develop sustainable solutions. Key areas include hydrogen production, hybrid energy cycles, microbial fuel cells, and fluid-structure interaction in heart valves. He also contributes to STEAM pedagogy, digital education, and curriculum design for underserved communities. The recent publications reflect a strong trend in energy sustainability, with a focus on thermodynamic efficiency, multiphase flow modeling, and clean energy integration. Articles span biomedical applications of fluid dynamics, hydrogen safety in nuclear systems, and machine learning for energy prediction in buildings, showcasing a multidisciplinary approach to engineering challenges. Scientific Awards and Honors: Senior Fellow (SFHEA), Higher Education Academy (Advance HE), 2022 Fellow (FIMechE), Institution of Mechanical Engineers, 2022 Chartered Engineer, Engineering Council (UK), 2021 MIT ETT Fellowship supported by TotalEnergies, 2019 Cranfield University/HEFCE Doctoral Studentship (2012–2015) Archibong actively advises on energy policy and delivers workshops in lean-resource settings. He has served as a grant reviewer for the British Council and sits on the Topical Advisory Board for Fluids . He is involved in UAE national initiatives on hydrogen development and waste-to-energy projects. He mentors prospective MRes and PhD researchers and collaborates with industry partners such as BP, Schlumberger, and TotalEnergies. His leadership extends to curriculum development for non-profits and humanitarian agencies aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. He leads research in fluids and multiphase systems, with active projects on electrochemical hydrogen production, hybrid energy cycles, and Direct Air Capture technologies. His team employs advanced modeling and experimental techniques to address global challenges in energy, environment, and healthcare.
Sebastian Schlegel Mejia is a Lecturer at the School of Basic Sciences (SB) of École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), affiliated with the Department of Mathematics. He teaches courses on algebraic geometry, including "Algebraic Geometry III - Selected Topics" (MATH-535), and contributes to research via his role at the Chair of Arithmetic Geometry (ARG). Research Interests His research focuses on algebraic geometry, category theory, and mathematical physics. He explores connections between BPS algebras, generalized Kac-Moody algebras, and 2-Calabi-Yau categories, alongside applications in nonabelian Hodge theory, moduli spaces of Higgs bundles, and stacks. His work bridges theoretical mathematics with quantum field theory. Publications Trends Recent articles emphasize BPS algebras, cohomology in Calabi-Yau categories, and their implications for nonabelian Hodge theory and moduli spaces. Key themes include the interplay between algebraic structures, geometric frameworks, and mathematical physics. Contact Email: sebastian.schlegelmejia@epfl.ch | Office: MA B3 494
Dr. Alison Mackiewicz is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Aberystwyth University, specializing in postfeminist theory, alcohol consumption, gender studies, and mental health. She holds a PhD from the University of Bath and has contributed extensively to qualitative research methods, particularly discourse and visual analysis. Education: PhD (Bath), BSc in Research Methods in Psychology (Southampton), BA (Hons) (Winchester), Dip.TA Practice Teaching: Qualitative research methods, psychology in practice, counseling, and psychotherapy Her research explores intersections of gender, embodiment, and alcohol use, including funded projects on: older women's sexual health in rural Wales male uro-genital cancer's impact on relationships Ceredigion community wellbeing sustainable upland management Recent publications (2010-2023) span postfeminist friendships, Indian drinking culture, digital bibliotherapy, and body image. Awards include: Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FEA) BPS Chartered Psychologist & Associate Fellow Post-Graduate Teaching qualification (PGCTHE) Registered BACP member and UKATA transactional analysis expert
Mohammad Farajzadeh Tehrani is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematics at The University of Iowa. His research focuses on symplectic topology, complex algebraic geometry, and moduli spaces, with contributions to Gromov-Witten theory and normal crossings singularities. He is a Co-PI on the NSF-RTG grant DMS-2038103 and has organized conferences like the Frontiers of Geometric Analysis . He holds a Ph.D. from Princeton University (2012) under the supervision of Gang Tian, with prior roles at Stony Brook University and Cornell University. Education: Ph.D. in Mathematics, Princeton University (2007–2012) Double major in Pure Mathematics and Electrical Engineering, Sharif University (2002–2007) Member of Iranian Mathematics Olympiad team at Young Scholars Club (2001–2002) Research Interests His work bridges geometric analysis and algebraic geometry, particularly in: Symplectic topology and its applications to moduli spaces Normal crossings singularities and their smoothability Gromov-Witten invariants and symplectic sum formulas Logarithmic structures in Calabi-Yau manifolds Publications & Grants Recent work includes studies on BPS invariants, Kauffman bracket skein modules, and SL(2,C) character varieties. His research is supported by NSF grants and collaborations with institutions like Stony Brook and Yale. He also co-organized the NSF-funded Iowa City Math Club for high school students. Awards Best Paper Award for RIS-aided mmWave Beam-forming for Two-way Communications (2023) Labs & Teams He leads the Geometry and Topology group at Iowa, collaborating on projects such as the NSF-RTG grant and organizing international workshops. His teaching includes advanced courses in algebraic topology and differential geometry.
Michelle Rogan is a Professor of Strategy at the Saïd Business School, University of Oxford. She specializes in strategic management, focusing on how social networks influence entrepreneurship, innovation, and organizational performance. Her research spans topics such as strategic partner selection, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and the impact of gender dynamics on promotions. Previously, she held professorial roles at Imperial College Business School, University of North Carolina, and INSEAD, and served as a visiting scholar at Stanford University. She holds a PhD from London Business School and a BA from Yale University. Education: PhD in Strategy and International Management (London Business School), BA in Psychology (Yale University). Research interests include: the role of social capital in innovation, networks affecting entrepreneurial success, and the strategic implications of CSR initiatives. Recent projects explore AI’s impact on decision-making and female entrepreneurs’ networking behaviors. She has been published in top journals like Strategic Management Journal , Academy of Management Journal , and Management Science . Teaching and Engagement: Recognized for award-winning case studies (e.g., BP transformation), she teaches strategy, innovation, and leadership across executive and graduate programs. She co-directed INSEAD’s Social Entrepreneurship program and led leadership development initiatives in Saudi Arabia. Key roles include senior editor at Organisation Science and editorial board member at Strategic Management Journal . Awards include the Teaching All-Star award (UNC), Best Online Teaching (Imperial College), and case-writing accolades. Her work bridges academic research with practical insights for global business leaders.
Dr Nicola Payne is an Associate Professor in Psychology at Middlesex University's Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Psychology. She holds dual professional registrations as a Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Registered Practitioner Health Psychologist and a Chartered Psychologist with the British Psychological Society (BPS). Her research focuses on health psychology topics such as fertility treatment experiences, chronic illness management (e.g., sickle cell disease), workplace well-being, and behavior change interventions. Dr Payne leads postgraduate research in the Department of Psychology, oversees the MSc Clinical Health Psychology and Wellbeing program, and teaches modules on health psychology applications and research methodologies. Education: BSc (Hons) Psychology (Hertfordshire), MSc Health Psychology (City University), PhD (Hertfordshire), and a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (Middlesex University). Her work spans interdisciplinary collaborations, including studies on healthcare chaplains' workplace integration, skin cancer patients' psychotherapy experiences, and socioeconomic predictors of cooperative social behavior. Research interests include exploring temporalities of fertility treatment, health-related quality of life in pediatric populations, and the impact of workplace environments on employee health behaviors. She has published widely on topics such as firefighter well-being, midwifery stress, and the role of gamified applications in promoting healthy lifestyles. Current projects investigate long-term counseling outcomes for women in low-income communities and the psychological impact of fertility treatment cessation during the pandemic. Teaching responsibilities include mentoring over a dozen PhD students across diverse topics such as work-life balance in different family structures, workplace bullying dynamics, and cognitive behavioral therapy practitioner competence development. She has received grants for studies on diabetes-stress-depression relationships and has contributed to policy discussions on public sector austerity and work-life balance in the UK. Notable contributions include evaluating long-term counseling services for marginalized women and assessing the impact of the pandemic on Reiki practitioners. Her work emphasizes translating research into practical interventions for clinical and occupational health settings.
Tobias Ekholm is a Professor at the Department of Mathematics at Uppsala University, affiliated with the Centre for Geometry and Physics and the Geometry and Physics division. His research focuses on symplectic and contact geometry, knot theory, topological strings, and geometric topology. He holds a prominent position in the field, contributing to foundational work on Legendrian and Lagrangian submanifolds, contact homology, and their applications to knot invariants and quantum modularity. Ekholm's work bridges pure mathematics and theoretical physics, particularly through connections between knot theory and topological string theory. His recent studies explore duality between Lagrangian and Legendrian invariants, quantum modular properties of knot invariants, and geometric structures in high-dimensional spaces. He has authored over 80 publications, including influential papers in Journal of Differential Geometry , Geometry and Topology , and Communications in Mathematical Physics . His research also involves collaborations on exact Lagrangian immersions, holomorphic curve techniques, and applications to polymer physics. He leads the Centre for Geometry and Physics at Uppsala, fostering interdisciplinary research at the intersection of geometry, topology, and mathematical physics.
