Professor Karen E Lury is a distinguished academic at the University of Glasgow , serving as Head of School for the School of Culture & Creative Arts and as a Professor of Film & Television Studies within the Theatre, Film & Television Studies department. She is also the Editor of Screen journal and served as Dean of Research for the College of Arts from 2014 to 2017. Her research interests center on Children's film and media , Screen Performance , and Amateur film and media . These areas are reflected in her editorial projects and publications, which explore the intersection of childhood, authenticity, and media representation. The 10 most recent articles in her bibliography highlight trends in television and film studies, focusing on themes like the role of care in media consumption , postcolonial narratives in British television , amateur film practices , and children's subjectivity in reality TV . Her work bridges theoretical analysis with empirical studies , often incorporating interdisciplinary methodologies. Professor Lury has secured significant grants including a Leverhulme Trust grant (2015, £1.05M) and AHRC research funding (2010, £584k). She has supervised over 10 PhD students to completion, including Anderson, Jack (Bodies of Water and Geographies of Childhood in British Cinema) and Lu, Junwei (Taiwan Childhood Cinema). Her academic service includes membership on the AHRC advisory board since 2015 and editorial roles for journals and book series. She offers office hours by appointment and maintains an ORCID profile for her research outputs.
Darshana Sreedhar Mini is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Arts at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she teaches and conducts research at the intersection of feminist media, gender & sexuality studies, transnational media, migrant media, and South Asian screen cultures. She is also the Director for Media and Gender Justice at the 4W Initiative and holds affiliations with the Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Gender and Women’s Studies, Center for Visual Cultures, Center for South Asia, and the Havens Wright Center for Social Justice. Ph.D., Division of Cinema and Media Studies, University of Southern California M.Phil., Center for Studies in Social Sciences, Calcutta (CSSSC), India Dr. Mini’s research centers on Global Media Cultures, Transnational Cinemas and Migration, South Asian Cinema, and Feminist Media. Her work critically examines soft-porn cinema in India, media publics, censorship, labor in the entertainment sector, and migrant media practices. Her first book, Rated A: Soft-Porn Cinema and Mediations of Desire in India (UC Press, 2024), is a groundbreaking study that combines archival and ethnographic methods to explore the social and cultural impact of Malayalam soft-porn from the 1970s to the 2000s. Her second book project, Telegeographies of Indian Migration , investigates media flows between South Asia and Southeast Asia, focusing on colonial-era labor migration and its lasting effects on identity and community formation. Her recent publications span a diverse range of topics including South Asian pornographies, digital intimacy, anti-caste activism, #MeToo and intersectional feminism, transnational empathy in cinema, and media infrastructures. These works reflect a strong trend toward interdisciplinary, feminist, and decolonial scholarship that challenges dominant canons in film and media studies. Edward Cameron Dimock, Jr. Prize in the Indian Humanities, AIIS, 2024 Early Career Award, NCA, 2024 Race, Ethnicity and Indigeneity Fellow, IRH, UW-Madison, 2024 Byerly Award for Feminist Political Economy, ICA, 2023 First Book Award, The Center for Humanities, UW-Madison, 2022 SCMS Student Writing Award, 2017 Dr. Mini has been actively involved in academic service and leadership, including directing the Media and Gender Justice initiative, co-organizing seminars on migrant media, and contributing to feminist and anti-caste scholarship. Her research has been supported by prestigious grants from the Social Science Research Council (SSRC), American Institute of Indian Studies (AIIS), National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), and the University of Wisconsin–Madison. She also leads a significant grant-funded project as Principal Investigator for the 'South Asian Film and Media Collection' at UW-Madison. She is a key member of several collaborative research environments, including the Center for Visual Cultures and Performance Studies (CVCPS), the Wisconsin Center for Film and Theatre Research (WCFTR), and the 4W Initiative, where she directs programming on media and gender justice. These affiliations reflect her commitment to interdisciplinary, socially engaged scholarship and the creation of inclusive academic communities.
Dr Glenda Cooper is Reader in Journalism Studies and Head of the Department of Journalism at City St George's, University of London , where she leads a team of 25 staff, 50 visiting lecturers, and over 500 students from 53 countries. She holds a PhD in Journalism from City and an MA in English Language and Literature from Oxford, and has played a pivotal role in elevating the BA Journalism programme to 1st place nationally in the Guardian and Complete University Guide (2023), as well as 1st for Graduate Prospects (Sunday Times 2022). Education: MA in Academic Practice, City, University of London (2022) PhD in Journalism, City, University of London MA in Creative Writing, City, University of London BA (Hons) English Language and Literature, St Hilda's College, University of Oxford PG Diploma in Newspaper Journalism, City University of London Glenda's research focuses on crisis and humanitarian reporting , journalism ethics , live journalism , and the intersection of media and politics, particularly through the legacy of Alistair Cooke’s Letter from America . She has led major funded projects with the British Academy, ESRC, Google Digital News Initiative, and HEIF. Her current research explores AI’s impact on journalism through the DMINR project and innovative storytelling formats via the News on Stage initiative and the Contemporary Narratives Lab . Her recent publications span topics such as AI in newsrooms, humanitarian scandals (#AidToo), refugee representation, and digital narrative innovation. These works reflect a strong interdisciplinary trend, combining journalism studies with media technology, ethics, performance, and political communication. The articles indicate a growing focus on digital transformation, ethical challenges in sourcing, and the evolving role of journalists in public discourse. Scientific Awards and Recognition: Laurence Stern Fellow at the Post (2001) Guardian Research Fellow at Nuffield College, Oxford (2006–2007) AURORA Role Model for Future Women Leaders in Academia (2018) Glenda has supervised PhD students on topics ranging from political communication in Istanbul to the manosphere's influence on journalism. She has been instrumental in curriculum development, notably designing a core ethics module for final-year journalism students. She also serves as Reviews Editor for Journalism: Theory, Practice and Criticism , UK Director of the European Journalism Observatory, and Board Member of The Conversation UK . She co-founded and co-presented the Knowhow podcast, bridging academia and media. She co-directs the Contemporary Narratives Lab and co-founded the News on Stage project, which merges journalism with theatre through live events such as News Cabaret and News on the Street . Her play Aid Memoir , based on her PhD research, was performed at the Pleasance Theatre and featured in the ESRC Festival of Social Science.
Sylwia Janiak-Kobylińska is a Polish conductor, educator, and artistic leader currently serving as the Dean of the Faculty of Conducting, Composition, and Music Theory at the Stanisław Moniuszko Academy of Music in Gdańsk. She is President of the SAJ Foundation Supporting Young Artists, founder of the Baltic Philharmonic Orchestra of the Youth, and an active participant in international music competitions and festivals. Her work spans symphonic and opera conducting, artistic direction of multidisciplinary projects, and pedagogical leadership. Her research interests focus on Orchestral Conducting Contemporary Music Interpretation Artistic Education for Youth Symphonic and Opera Collaboration Cultural Management in Music Interdisciplinary Art Projects Her recent artistic projects, such as the inUnity. Contemporary Music from Gdańsk album and the Homage to Szymborska concert series, highlight collaborations between classical and jazz composers, youth orchestras, and interdisciplinary teams. These works emphasize themes of unity, cultural heritage, and innovation in music education. Scientific awards and recognitions include Meritorious for Polish Culture badge (2023) Antoni Wit Award at the G. Fitelberg Conducting Competition Multiple Rector’s Awards at the Academy of Music in Gdańsk Pomeranian Artistic Award in 'Artistic Hope' category As an educator, she leads orchestral workshops, mentors students across multiple faculties, and pioneered the 4C’s in Music Art program (Creativity, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Communication). Her leadership in the SAJ Foundation and Baltic Philharmonic Orchestra of the Youth has fostered over 1000 young musicians since 2011.
Andrew Bonacci is a faculty member at Westfield State University, where he serves as Chair of the Music Department and Coordinator of Music Theory and Composition. He is an accomplished composer and educator with a career spanning New England and beyond. Educated with a B.M. in Piano Performance from State University of New York at Fredonia M.M. in Piano Performance and Composition from University of Louisville D.M.A. in Music Composition from University of Kansas His research and creative work focuses on Music Composition , Piano Performance , and Music Theory , with compositions published by Alliance Music Publishers, Laurendale Associates, ECS Publishing Group, and Beauport Classical. His music is distributed by Phoenix Classical, and he is a composing member of Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI).
Sami Sykkö serves as a Professor of Practice at LUT University's School of Economics, where his working life professorship (1.9.2022–31.12.2025) focuses on bridging academic theory with practical business applications. Funded by OP cooperative banks with 140,000 euros, his position emphasizes responsible business practices and evolving consumer behavior trends. Sykkö holds a Master's in International Marketing from the University of Vaasa (1996) with additional studies at Parsons School of Design in New York. His educational background combines economics with design sensibility, creating a unique interdisciplinary perspective. As he states: 'Clothing is more responsible the longer and more often it is used' , reflecting his philosophy on sustainable consumption. His research centers on what he calls 'a megatrend that's hard to imagine being more interesting' - responsibility in business and consumption. Sykkö examines how consumer patterns are shifting, where customer flows are heading next, and how needs, habits, and desires are changing. He emphasizes that 'not only trade but also the life of all humanity is at stake' in these discussions. Through his Taloustango podcast series, Sykkö analyzes economic trends by bringing together university experts and business representatives to discuss greenwashing, sustainable consumption, and design's future. His approach favors real-world examples over theoretical lessons, drawing from his extensive professional network. Professional Recognition Nominated for Presenter of the Year (2018) Widely praised for hosting skills: 'The highest quality hosting I've ever experienced,' 'A master of situational awareness' Academic Engagement Sykkö plans to host 'Professor Sykkö's Question Hour' with Finnish business leaders and aims to become 'Finland's first TikTok professor' to reach younger audiences. His co-hosted 'Sami & Jorma' podcast (42,497 followers) demonstrates his ability to connect academic concepts with cultural discussions on fashion, design, and travel. Professional Activities Beyond academia, Sykkö has interviewed three Finnish presidents, Karl Lagerfeld, and Jane Fonda. He has reported on major global events including the London terrorist attack and Paris Fashion Week. His editorial work includes revamping Gloria magazine and editing publications for the Didrichsen Art Museum.
Aleksandar Mihajlovic is a researcher and Art Director at Singidunum University, Serbia. With a doctoral degree in Contemporary Business Decision-Making (2022), a master's in Business Economics (2014), and a bachelor's in Computer Graphics and Design (2008), he combines academic rigor with creative leadership in the university's marketing strategy. Doctoral studies: Contemporary Business Decision-Making, Singidunum University (2022) Master studies: Business Economics, Singidunum University (2008–2014) Undergraduate: Computer Graphics and Design, Faculty of Informatics and Management (2005–2008) High school: Robotics and Flexible Production Systems Technician, Polytechnic Academy (1995–1999) His research spans visual communication , digital marketing , and artificial intelligence applications in creative industries. Key contributions include Co-authoring 11 academic papers (2015–2025) on topics like Instagram ad effectiveness, techno-feudalism, and responsive logo design. Developing the scientific research portal 'Singipedia' and international magazine 'SingiLogos'. Participating in 7 global projects including Erasmus+ and TEMPUS initiatives. His scientific awards include the JISA Discobolos Special Award (2010), IT Globus Award (2010), and Grafima Fair Special Award (2025). He serves on the organizing committee for conferences like Sinteza and Sitcon , and has judged marketing competitions while volunteering for NGOs like the City Organization of the Deaf of Belgrade.
Keith Brand is a Professor and Chair of the Radio, Television & Film Department at Rowan University. He holds a B.F.A. from West Virginia University and an M.Ed. from Temple University. His roles include teaching Sound Communication and Radio Production, hosting the 27-year-long Sleepy Hollow radio show on WXPN FM, and freelance journalism for NPR programs such as All Things Considered and Justice Talking . Brand’s expertise spans sound design for museum exhibits (e.g., Independence Seaport Museum) and theater productions (People’s Light and Theater Company). He also serves as Board Chair of PhillyCAM, Philadelphia’s public access media center. His research and creative work focus on media production, audio storytelling, and community-driven media initiatives. Despite no listed awards, his extensive contributions to public broadcasting and arts integration highlight his impact in the field.
Hailiang Chen serves as Professor in Innovation and Information Management, Assistant Dean (Taught Postgraduate), and Director of the Artificial Intelligence Research Institute at HKU Business School, The University of Hong Kong. His academic journey includes a PhD and MS from Purdue University and a BM from Tsinghua University. Doctoral Degree: Management Information Systems, Purdue University Master Degree: Economics, Purdue University Bachelor Degree: Information Management and Information Systems, Tsinghua University Professor Chen's research spans artificial intelligence, FinTech, social media analytics, and platform economics, with significant contributions to understanding how digital interactions shape financial markets and consumer behavior. His work frequently examines the intersection of technology adoption and economic outcomes, particularly in cryptocurrency markets, live-stream commerce, and venture capital decision-making. His research methodology combines large-scale data analysis with experimental designs to uncover causal relationships in digital ecosystems. His publications in elite journals like Journal of Financial Economics and Management Science demonstrate consistent impact, with multiple ESI Highly Cited Papers. Current projects include Gov-RAG for e-government services and comparative studies of AI search tools. His research has received continuous funding from Hong Kong's Research Grants Council for five consecutive years (2019-2023). Faculty Outstanding Researcher Award, HKU Business School (2022-23) INFORMS ISS Sandra A. Slaughter Early Career Award (2022) Association for Information Systems Early Career Award (2019) Three ESI Highly Cited Papers (Top 1% in field) Professor Chen actively contributes to academic service as Associate Editor for Journal of Management Information Systems and MIS Quarterly , and serves as Program Chair for the International Conference on Smart Finance. His industry collaborations include Alibaba, HSBC, and China Construction Bank, bridging academic research with real-world business applications in AI implementation and digital transformation.
Rick G. Morris (he/him) is a Teaching Professor at the School of Communication, Northwestern University , where he serves as Director of the Master of Science in Leadership for Creative Enterprises . Specializing in the intersection of media management, entertainment law, and free speech, Morris applies his extensive industry experience from NBC, ABC/Disney, Telemundo, and PBS to his teaching and research. LLM, New York University Juris Doctor, University of Kansas MBA, DePaul University (with Distinction) BA in Political Science (minors in Economics and Education), University of Illinois His research examines systemic inequities in creative industries, regulatory challenges in digital media, and ethical leadership frameworks. Recent work focuses on artist exploitation, social media governance limitations, and #MeToo-era contract reforms. Morris's publications span entertainment law, media policy, and copyright evolution, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach. Awards include an Emmy (1997) and multiple Emmy nominations for technical excellence. Louis Theater renovation grant ($250,000, 2014–2016) WNUR Jazzfest grants (Illinois Arts Council, 2001–2006) He teaches courses like Entertainment Law and Ethics and Leadership, Media, and Strategy , blending academic rigor with real-world media industry insights.
Kanchana Kariyawasam serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Accounting, Finance and Economics within Griffith University's Business School. Holding a PhD in IP Law from Griffith University, an LL.M (Advanced) in IP Law from The University of Queensland, and an LL.B (Hons) from the University of Colombo, she maintains active research affiliations with the Law Futures Centre (2009-2024) and Griffith Asia Institute (2019-present). Her research spans Intellectual Property Law with specialized focus on Copyright and Artificial Intelligence, IP and Right to Repair, Patent Law in Biotechnology, and Gender Equality in IP systems. Current projects examine AI-generated works, digital exhaustion doctrine, and NFT legality under Australian copyright frameworks, reflecting strong alignment with Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education) and 9 (Industry Innovation). Professor Kariyawasam's funded research portfolio includes significant projects such as the WIPO Study on Illegal Retransmission of Live Broadcasts (2023), Queensland Government Ewaste initiatives (2022), and Griffith University's Right to Repair Workshop (2020). Her publications demonstrate consistent output in high-impact journals including European Intellectual Property Review and International Journal of Law and Information Technology , with recent works analyzing AI copyright challenges, spatial data protection, and medical device repair rights. Deputy Vice-Chancellor's 2024 Student Experience of Teaching Survey Commendation Green Impact Gold Award Recipient (2023, Griffith Repair Cafe) Highly Commended Griffith Award for Excellence in Teaching (Large Classes) Two GBS teaching citations She currently supervises five doctoral candidates researching AI data privacy, patent law intersections, and agricultural IP issues, while having successfully completed supervision of four doctoral theses including works on female entrepreneurship and agribusiness marketing. As Coordinator of Griffith Repair Cafe and Steering Committee Member of Australian Repair Network, she bridges academic research with community engagement on repair rights and e-waste reduction.
Professor Jeanette Steemers is a leading academic in media studies at King's College London, affiliated with the Faculty of Arts & Humanities and the Department of Culture, Media & Creative Industries (CMCI). She joined King's in 2016 from the University of Westminster, where she was Professor of Media and Communications. Her research focuses on media industry studies, media policy, children's media, and public service broadcasting. Steemers holds a PhD in European Studies (1990) from the University of Bath and has extensive industry experience in media distribution and policy roles. Her research has been funded by major grants including AHRC, Leverhulme Trust, and British Academy projects, such as the AHRC-funded 'Screen Encounters with Britain' (2022–2025) and 'Children's Screen Content in an Era of Forced Migration' (2017–2018). She has published extensively on topics like transnational audiences, public service media strategies, and children's screen content. Teaching responsibilities include leading the MA Global Media Industries program and modules on children's media industries and policy. Steemers advises organizations like the Children’s Media Foundation and has contributed to parliamentary inquiries on public service broadcasting and children’s television policy. She is a member of the Euromedia Research Group and editorial boards of journals like Convergence and Media Industries Journal . Recent publications explore how young Europeans engage with British digital screen culture, challenges facing public service media in the streaming era, and policy solutions for children’s media content. Her work bridges academic research with industry collaboration, emphasizing the societal role of media in diverse contexts.
Dr. Jackie Cameron is a Lecturer and Deputy Programme Leader of the BA (Hons) Marketing with Digital Media at Edinburgh Napier University's Business School. With a PhD from the University of Stirling and industry experience in digital media/marketing across China, Europe, and Africa, she integrates academic expertise with practical insights. Her work focuses on digital marketing strategy, content marketing, and AI-era pedagogy. Education: PhD (Stirling), MA (Nottingham), BJRN (Rhodes), FHEA Her research explores human behavior in digital ecosystems, AI-driven content creation tools, and pedagogical innovations in assessment policies. Google Scholar publications highlight equity in deadline extensions, conscientious branding, and digital transformation. Recent lectures and workshops (e.g., BINUS Business School 2024) address AI integration in education. She contributes to conferences like the Global Brand Conference and serves as external examiner for MA/MSc programs at LIBF, Bournemouth, and Salford Universities. Active in scholarship of learning and teaching, she supervises research students across levels and locations (UK, Vietnam), convenes postgraduate modules, and develops research tools for media practitioners.
Helen Yitah is a Visiting Professor in the Department of Comparative Literature at Columbia University (2024-25). She previously served as Dean of the School of Languages at the University of Ghana, where she taught for over two decades. Her research focuses on gender identity, West African feminist theory, women’s literary traditions, and children’s literature in Africa. Research interests include cultural history , gender studies , and postcolonial perspectives , with a particular emphasis on African and diasporic literatures. Her work bridges literary analysis with sociopolitical contexts, examining themes of identity, colonialism, and cultural heritage. Recent publications explore postcolonial humanities frameworks, radio’s role in African creative writing, and anthologizing poetry by Ghanaian feminist icon Ama Ata Aidoo. These works reflect her commitment to interdisciplinary scholarship and amplifying marginalized voices in literary discourse. Awards: honorary Fellow at Columbia University’s Centre for the Study of Social Difference Fellow & Honorary Secretary of Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences She currently serves as Ghana’s focal point for UNESCO’s World Atlas of Languages since 2023, advocating for linguistic preservation. Though no formal grants or advisees are listed, her leadership roles highlight institutional contributions beyond traditional academic outputs.
Dr. John Hails is a Senior Lecturer and Reader in Music at Edinburgh Napier University , where he teaches aesthetics, music psychology, composition, and ethnomusicology. He holds a PhD in Music from Durham University (2008) and has trained under notable composers like Brian Ferneyhough and Richard Barrett. His research focuses on experimental composition, marginal musical practices, and interdisciplinary aesthetics. Educations: Bachelor’s and Master’s training at Durham University and University of Huddersfield PhD by Portfolio of Compositions (Durham University, 2008) Research Interests: John’s work explores unorthodox intonations, fixed media installations, and the intersection of composition with philosophy and ethnomusicology. He actively presents at international conferences on topics like post-structuralist critiques in music education and communal performance practices. Notable Works: His compositions have been performed by ensembles like the London Sinfonietta and broadcast on BBC Radio 3. Key pieces include enlightenment (microtonal trumpet and media) and Nine for ones in nine , reflecting his experimental approach. Awards & Grants: While no explicit awards are listed, his research is funded by Edinburgh Napier University. He is a core member of the Applied Music Research Centre . Supervision & Grants: He has supervised over 15 postgraduate projects, including PhDs on topics like Musical Cultures of Melanesia and Dialogical Music Systems . His supervisory roles span composition, ethnomusicology, and interdisciplinary studies. Labs/Teams: Active in the Applied Music Research Centre , focusing on creative practice and experimental music dissemination.
