Prof. Dr. Mareike Kühne is a full-time Professor of Business Administration at the Department of Business and Management, Brandenburg University of Technology. With a unique interdisciplinary background spanning economics, business administration, philosophy, and neuroscience, she bridges affective dimensions with economic rationality to develop holistic decision-making frameworks. Doctorate in Economics, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg (1992-1997) Fulbright Scholar, San Diego State University (1997-1998) Studies in Philosophy, Humboldt University (2007-2011) Doctoral and Master’s in Neuroscience, Berlin School of Mind and Brain (2011-2013) Her research integrates insights from psychology and neuroscience into capital market-oriented corporate reporting, corporate governance, and normative rationality frameworks. She critiques current economic models for neglecting the embodied nature of cognition, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of rationality that incorporates lived experience. Her 15 most recent works span sustainability reporting (2025), neuroeconomics (2021), M&A disputes (2017), and IFRS standard evolution (2005-2012). These publications highlight her focus on reconciling traditional accounting principles with interdisciplinary approaches to decision-making. Fulbright Scholar (1997-1998) Prof. Kühne has taught at Humboldt University, HHL Leipzig, and the Berlin School of Mind and Brain. She actively participates in professional organizations including the German Society for Philosophy, European Accounting Association, and European Financial Reporting Advisory Group. Her work emphasizes the practical impact of neuroscientific findings on economic policy and standard-setting.
Aura Istrate is a Lecturer/Assistant Professor in Urban Planning & Sustainable Urbanism at the School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy at University College Dublin (UCD). With an international background spanning multiple continents, she conducts interdisciplinary research on sustainable urban development, focusing on active mobility, nature-based solutions, and climate-neutral cities. She teaches GIS and urban planning modules while coordinating several significant research projects across European and Asian contexts. University College Dublin, School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy Primary Coordinator of C-NEWTRAL (Horizon MSCA-DN 2024-2028) Co-Leader of REALLOCATE (Horizon Europe project 2023-2027) Principal Investigator for BIODIVERSA+ projects (NatureScape and NBS4AQUAMISSION) Educated at the University of Architecture and Urban Planning 'Ion Mincu' in Bucharest (BA and MA) and the University of Liverpool (PhD), Dr. Istrate further enhanced her teaching credentials with a Professional Certificate in University Teaching & Learning from UCD. Her academic journey reflects a strong foundation in architectural and urban planning principles combined with specialized expertise in sustainable urbanism. Dr. Istrate's research focuses on smart and sustainable urbanism, particularly examining active mobility, livable streets, green public spaces, and nature-based solutions in urban planning. Her work employs participatory, geospatial, and mixed methods to inform smart communities and the transition to climate-neutral cities. She has practical international experience in urban design and planning, with ongoing collaborations spanning European and Asian countries, currently teaching and researching across cultures in UCD and UCD's International Colleges (CDIC). Her recent publications reveal a strong focus on street vitality, urban heat adaptation, and nature-based solutions. The research demonstrates methodological diversity combining quantitative spatial analysis with qualitative community engagement approaches. Her work spans multiple geographic contexts, with particular expertise in Chinese urban environments and European cities, showing how urban planning concepts need to be contextualized for different cultural settings. The articles consistently address climate adaptation challenges through innovative approaches like urban nature games and fine-grained street classification systems. Dr. Istrate serves as a PhD thesis supervisor and is actively involved in major research initiatives including C-NEWTRAL (as Primary Coordinator), REALLOCATE (as Co-Leader), and BIODIVERSA+ projects (as PI for NatureScape and NBS4AQUAMISSION). Her grant portfolio includes Horizon Europe projects and other significant funding that supports interdisciplinary research on climate-neutral urban development. She has coordinated multiple teaching modules including Planning Design & Development, GIS & Planning, Intro to Spatial Planning, and Local Planning Studio. She leads international research collaborations and maintains active partnerships across various European and Asian countries. Her work bridges academic research with practical urban planning applications, particularly through her focus on research-by-design approaches and participatory methods that engage communities in the planning process. She has served as a lecturer, tutor, or teaching assistant across departments of Architecture, Planning, Environmental Studies, Global Studies, and Human Geography in Ireland, the UK, Czechia, Sweden, China, and Romania since 2010.
Ahmed Hassoon is an Assistant Research Professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, with a primary appointment in the Department of Epidemiology and joint appointments in the Department of Neurology at the School of Medicine and the School of Engineering. He is affiliated with several key research centers, including the Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology and Clinical Research, the Center for Diagnostic Excellence, and the Center for Humanitarian Health. MPH, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 2014 MD, Baghdad College of Medicine, 2004 Dr. Hassoon’s research is centered on leveraging data science and artificial intelligence to improve healthcare quality and safety, particularly in diagnostic accuracy. His work spans applications in lung cancer, stroke, and emergency medicine, with a strong emphasis on reducing diagnostic errors using frameworks like symptom-disease pair analysis (SPADE). He is deeply engaged in developing AI models that reason across multiple clinical modalities to enhance patient outcomes. His recent publications highlight a strong trend in diagnostic safety, AI-driven interventions, and epidemiological analysis of misdiagnosis harms. Key themes include the validation of computable phenotypes, measurement of diagnostic error burden, and the impact of mental health on acute care diagnostics. Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Award, U.S. Department of State (2010) US President Appreciation Certificate, The White House (2011) Atlas Corps Award (2012) Sommer Scholarship Award (2013) State of Maryland Cigarette Restitution Fund Faculty and Translational Research Awards (2016–2017) Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) Fellowship (2024) Dr. Hassoon is a recipient of the AHRQ K08 Career Development Award focused on improving cancer diagnostic safety at Johns Hopkins Hospital. He co-instructs graduate-level courses in data science and AI with Professor Brian Caffo, contributing to the training of the next generation of public health data scientists. He has not formally advised students listed in the provided texts. His collaborative research spans multiple institutions and has been widely disseminated through policy, news, and social media, indicating significant real-world impact. His work is deeply integrated with the Welch Center and the Center for Diagnostic Excellence, where he contributes to translational research initiatives aimed at improving clinical decision-making and patient safety through innovative data-driven approaches.
Antonio Bobet is the Edgar B. and Hedwig M. Olson Professor in Civil Engineering at Purdue University's College of Engineering, affiliated with the Civil and Construction Engineering department. His research focuses on geomechanics, rock mechanics, seismic engineering, and lunar in-situ resource utilization. He leads studies on tunnel stability under seismic loads, fracture mechanics, and geophysical monitoring of rock systems. His work integrates experimental and numerical methods to address challenges in both terrestrial and extraterrestrial construction. Research interests include: Seismic response of underground structures Rock joint behavior and fracture propagation Lunar habitat construction using ISRU materials Geomechanical characterization of layered rocks Recent studies emphasize the interplay between geology, material properties, and structural stability. His publications analyze seismic precursors to rock failure, fracture roughness, and tunnel design under complex loading conditions. Awards and recognitions are listed under external faculty accolades. Advising and grants focus on geohazard mitigation and space infrastructure resilience. Lab affiliations include Purdue's geomechanics and geotechnical laboratories.
Uwe Flick is a Seniorprofessor in the Department of Education and Psychology at Freie Universität Berlin, specializing in Qualitative Social and Education Research. He has held professorships at Alice Salomon University and Hannover Medical School and is internationally recognized for his contributions to qualitative methodology. Education: Dr. phil. from Freie Universität Berlin (1988), Habilitation in Psychology from Technical University of Berlin (1994). Professional Affiliations: Freie Universität Berlin (2013–present, Seniorprofessor since 2022), Alice Salomon University (2004–2013), Hannover Medical School (1996–1997). His research centers on qualitative methods , social representations of health and illness , chronic illness , migration , and vulnerability . He investigates the lived experiences of marginalized groups, including chronically ill youth, homeless adolescents, and refugees, often employing triangulation and mixed methods to deepen understanding. The 15 most recent publications highlight his sustained focus on advancing qualitative research methodology—editing handbooks, writing foundational texts, and refining concepts of research quality, triangulation, and design. Simultaneously, his empirical work explores health communication, peer relationships, and integration challenges among vulnerable populations, demonstrating a powerful integration of methodological innovation with socially relevant inquiry. Scientific Awards: Lifetime Achievement Award in Qualitative Inquiry, ICQI (2019) Flick actively advises doctoral students through his Promotionskolloquium and has secured substantial research funding for projects on refugee integration, sleep disorders, and chronic illness. His editorial roles in journals like Qualitative Research , Journal of Health Psychology , and Sozialer Sinn , and his leadership in book series such as Qualitative Sozialforschung , underscore his influence in shaping the field. He is a central figure in qualitative research communities, frequently engaging as a visiting scholar and professor across Europe and globally. He leads a research team at Freie Universität Berlin, supervising master’s and doctoral projects on topics like peer relations, health concepts, and migration, fostering the next generation of qualitative researchers.
Ian Ewart is an Associate Professor at the University of Reading's School of the Built Environment, serving as Head of Construction and Engineering Management and Research Group Lead for Organisation, People and Technology. He chairs the Research Ethics Committee since 2016 and supervises undergraduate/postgraduate dissertations. His academic journey spans engineering and anthropology: DPhil Social and Cultural Anthropology, University of Oxford, St Hugh's College (2007-2012) MSc Material Anthropology and Museum Ethnography, University of Oxford, St Hugh's College (2006-2007) BA (Hons) Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Oxford, Harris Manchester College (2003-2006) Diploma in Management Studies, University of the West of England (1990-1994) BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering, Staffordshire University (1983-1987) Ewart's research integrates ethnographic methods with digital technology studies, examining human-technology interactions in construction and domestic settings. His work bridges engineering practice and social anthropology, focusing on skill transmission, sustainable design, and multisensory experiences in virtual environments. Publications from 2025-2013 reveal a dominant trajectory in digital twins for socio-ecological sustainability, VR-based occupant behavior prediction, and HBIM for heritage conservation. The corpus demonstrates consistent cross-disciplinary innovation, merging archaeological reconstructions with healthcare applications while maintaining anthropological rigor. Key recognition: ESRC Future Research Leader fellowship (2013) for Designing Healthy Homes project He supervises PhD candidates like Afolabi Dania (Nigerian sustainable construction) and Joanna Hull (Heritage BIM), leveraging ESRC funding for ethnography-VR health studies. His grants emphasize participatory design and real-world impact assessment in built environments. Leaders the Organisation, People and Technology research group, developing multisensory Roman town reconstructions with sound/smell integration to advance archaeological and architectural experience modeling.
Gary King is the Albert J. Weatherhead III University Professor at Harvard University and Director of the Institute for Quantitative Social Science. He is based in the Department of Government within Harvard's Faculty of Arts and Sciences. One of only 22 University Professors at Harvard, this represents the institution's most distinguished faculty position. King received his B.A. from SUNY New Paltz in 1980 and his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1984. His academic journey has led him to become one of the most influential scholars in political methodology and quantitative social science. Professor King's research spans numerous areas of methodological innovation in the social sciences. His work focuses on developing and applying empirical methods across various domains. Key research interests include: Ecological Inference - developing methods to infer individual behavior from group-level data Automated Text Analysis - creating techniques for extracting knowledge from massive text collections Causal Inference - methods for detecting and reducing model dependence in causal effect estimation Missing Data and Measurement Error - statistical approaches to handle incomplete or imperfect data Survey Research - developing methods for more accurate cross-cultural survey comparisons Unifying Statistical Analysis - integrating diverse methodological approaches into coherent frameworks King's recent publications demonstrate a continued focus on methodological innovation with practical applications. His work spans political science, public health, and data science, with particular emphasis on privacy-preserving data analysis, maternal health metrics, survey methodology, and media effects. A notable trend is the increasing interdisciplinary nature of his research, bridging political methodology with public health, computer science, and demography. His work on census data privacy, maternal mortality disparities, and media influence represents cutting-edge applications of social science methodology to critical societal issues. His scientific achievements have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards: Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences (2010) Fellow of the American Statistical Association (2009) Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (1998) Guggenheim Foundation Fellow (1994-1995) Career Achievement Award (2010) Warren Miller Prize (2008) Multiple awards for research software and methodology King has mentored numerous students and postdocs, many of whom now hold faculty positions at leading universities. His research has been supported by major funding agencies including the National Science Foundation, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, and National Institute of Aging. He has collaborated with over seventy scholars on research publications and served on numerous editorial boards and professional organization councils. His work on the Mexican universal health insurance program represents one of the largest randomized health policy experiments to date, demonstrating his commitment to rigorous evaluation of real-world policy interventions. As Director of the Institute for Quantitative Social Science, King leads a vibrant research community focused on methodological innovation. His work has practical applications in diverse areas including legislative redistricting (used by the U.S. Supreme Court), health policy evaluation (including the largest randomized health policy experiment to date in Mexico), Chinese censorship analysis (revealing government fabrication of 450 million social media comments annually), and automated text analysis (through Crimson Hexagon, a company he co-founded).
Nicholas J. Marantz is an Associate Professor in the Department of Urban Planning and Public Policy at the University of California, Irvine . His work bridges legal theory, urban planning, and empirical analysis to address housing affordability, land use regulation, and metropolitan governance. Education: Ph.D. from Massachusetts Institute of Technology , J.D. from Harvard Law School . Research Interests focus on the intersection of law, politics, and planning, with emphasis on land-use regulation, environmental law, housing equity, and the socioeconomic impacts of zoning policies. His studies often employ spatial and quantitative methods to analyze disparities and governance frameworks. Selected Publications highlight trends in land-use regulation, housing affordability, climate policy, and metropolitan governance. His recent work examines state-level oversight of local planning, accessory dwelling units in California, and the role of legal materials in urban development.
Anna Grimshaw is a Professor of Visual Anthropology at Emory University's Department of Anthropology. Her career spans academic and public scholarship, including collaborations with C.L.R. James and experimental ethnographic filmmaking. She holds a PhD in Social Anthropology from the University of Cambridge (1984) and trained as a documentary filmmaker at the National Film and Television School (1991-92). Her research focuses on ethnographic cinema, experimental ethnography, and the intersection of art and anthropology. Notable works include films like Mr Coperthwaite (2013) and At Low Tide (2016), exploring themes of handmade life and cultural practices. She co-authored Observational Cinema (2009) and edited volumes on C.L.R. James and visual anthropology. Grimshaw’s teaching includes courses on visual culture, ethnographic filmmaking, and experimental methods. She has held previous positions at the Graduate Institute of the Liberal Arts (Emory) and the University of Manchester. Her work emphasizes critical perspectives on anthropological conventions and innovative visual practices.
Hiroyuki Iseki is Associate Professor of Urban Studies and Planning at University of Maryland's School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation, and Research Affiliate with the National Center for Smart Growth. His work examines interactions between transportation, land use, equity, and environmental sustainability. Research focuses on: Transit-oriented development impacts on firm location Equity in public transit finance Climate policy implementation in urban planning Active transportation infrastructure analysis Recent publications analyze post-pandemic transit demand shifts, campus multimodal conflicts, and bicycle accessibility modeling. Methodological strengths include spatial econometrics, GIS analysis, and longitudinal data approaches. Work increasingly addresses climate adaptation in transportation planning and EV charging grid impacts. Research contributes to urban policy through WMATA collaborations and Japanese municipal climate planning studies. Current PhD program directorship advances urban planning analytics training.
Dr. Hyunjung Shin is an Associate Professor in the Department of Curriculum Studies at the University of Saskatchewan's College of Education. Her work focuses on applied linguistics, EAL education, and critical pedagogy. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Toronto (2010) in Curriculum, Teaching and Learning, with a specialization in Second Language Education. Her research explores topics such as transnational student experiences, neoliberalism in education, refugee language policies, and identity formation. Notable awards include the Government of Canada Post-doctoral Research Fellowship (2010-2011) and the BAAL International Scholarship (2010). Shin's publications challenge dominant narratives in language education, emphasizing critical perspectives on multilingualism and globalization. She has presented widely, including a TEDx talk on diversity in 2019. Her work integrates participatory action research and ethnographic methods to address systemic inequities.
Mel Ainscow is a Professor in Education at the University of Glasgow and holds adjunct and emeritus roles at Queensland University of Technology and the University of Manchester. He is recognized globally for his work on inclusion and equity in education, particularly through systemic reforms and collaborative research with schools. His career includes roles as a head teacher, adviser, and researcher, emphasizing strategies to make schools effective for all students. Key projects include leading the Greater Manchester Challenge (a £50M initiative for school improvement) and Schools Challenge Cymru (a Welsh Government program focusing on disadvantaged students). He advises UNESCO and the Organization of American States on equity in education. His research focuses on systemic change, policy analysis, and inclusive practices, with over 90 publications including books like Struggles for Equity in Education and articles in journals like Journal of Educational Change and Prospects . Dr. Ainscow's awards include a CBE for services to education (2012). His work bridges theory and practice, advocating for equity through collaboration, ethical leadership, and evidence-based strategies. He has collaborated with international networks in Australia, Portugal, Spain, and Latin America, emphasizing global approaches to educational challenges.
Prof. Dr. Johannes Sauer is a Professor at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), holding dual affiliations with the TUM School of Management and the TUM School of Life Sciences . His academic focus is on production and resource economics, with expertise in agricultural sustainability, policy evaluation, and circular economy strategies in Asia-Pacific and Latin America. Education: Bachelor’s/Master’s in Agricultural Economics from Universities of Tübingen, Hamburg, and Imperial College London. Doctorate (summa cum laude) in Agricultural Economics from the University of Bonn (2004). Research Interests: Prof. Sauer’s work spans productivity and resilience in agricultural systems, adoption of sustainable technologies, water resource valuation, and bioeconomic trends. He emphasizes smart technologies and circular economy applications in developing regions. His research employs econometric methods to analyze policy impacts and environmental-economic trade-offs. Key Trends in Publications: Recent articles highlight climate-smart agriculture, ICT adoption in rural China, and agroforestry’s role in reducing ecological-economic trade-offs. He explores behavioral drivers of policy participation and innovative tools like the IoFarm decision support system. Awards: 2021 Honorary Professorship at ANU OECD Fellow Awards (2010, 2016) Best Paper Awards (2008–2015) Consulting & Roles: OECD and Asian Development Bank consultant, ESRC Peer Review College member, and liaison lecturer for the German National Academic Foundation. He advises on agri-environmental policies and international development. Labs/Teams: Active in collaborative projects such as PONDERFUL Framework and IPM Popilia , focusing on nexus research and pest management strategies.
Jennifer C. McIntosh is a Professor and University Distinguished Scholar in the Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Arizona (UA), with a joint appointment in the Department of Geosciences. She is also an Adjunct Professor at the University of Saskatchewan. Her academic roles include teaching advanced hydrogeology courses and advising graduate students. She holds a BA in Geology-Chemistry from Whitman College, MS and PhD in Geology from the University of Michigan, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Johns Hopkins University. Her research focuses on the interplay between hydrology, geochemistry, and microbiology in the Earth’s crust, spanning micro-to-macro scales. Key projects include studying subsurface fluid dynamics, microbial methane production, and the impacts of climate and human activities on groundwater systems. She has applied these methods to critical zones, sedimentary basins, and oil/gas reservoirs, with fieldwork in the Colorado Plateau, Paradox Basin, and Western Canada. McIntosh has received numerous awards for research and teaching, including the Blitzer Award for Excellence in Teaching Physics-Related Sciences (2019) and the UA Distinguished Scholar Award (2017). She actively serves on national committees for the US EPA, National Academies, and Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board. Education: BA (Whitman College), MS/PhD (University of Michigan), Postdoc (Johns Hopkins University) Notable Awards: GSA Fellow (2019), CIFAR Earth 4D Program (2019), Morton K. Blaustein Fellowship (2004) Labs/Teams: Jemez River Basin Critical Zone Observatory, Siljan Impact Structure Research Group Future Works: Investigating anthropogenic impacts on deep groundwater systems and astrobiology of subsurface microbes
Natalie T. Wood, PhD (Auburn University, 2002), is a Professor of Marketing and Associate Dean at Saint Joseph’s University’s Haub School of Business. Her expertise spans consumer behavior and social media marketing, with a focus on digital engagement and virtual environments. PhD, Auburn University (2002) GradDip in Marketing, Edith Cowan University (1999) BBus in Marketing, Edith Cowan University (1996) Her research explores social media’s influence on consumer trends, political marketing, themed hospitality authenticity, and virtual education. Key journals include Journal of Consumer Behaviour and Business Horizons . Recent publications analyze microblogging’s role in customer service and brand promotion. Notable awards: Saint Joseph’s University Faculty Merit Award for Teaching (2013) and Research (2007). Grants from Arrupe Center (2019) and Direct Selling Education Foundation (2010-2011) highlight her funded work. Professional roles include Assistant Director, Center for Consumer Research (2007-2011).
