René Veenstra is a Professor in the Department of Sociology/ICS at the University of Groningen, Netherlands. His research focuses on bullying, peer relationships, mental health, and social development in children and adolescents. He has contributed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to mental health and child welfare. He is a member of the Koninklijke Hollandsche Maatschappij der Wetenschappen (KHMW) and has received awards for his work on prosocial relationships, romantic relationships, and social networks in youth. His research emphasizes the importance of peer influence in interventions, classroom environments, and anti-bullying programs like KiVa and GRIPP. He has led collaborative projects across multiple countries. Contributed to datasets such as KiVa Anti-Bullying Program (Waves 1-5), PRIMS, and SNARE. Engaged in public lectures and workshops addressing bullying prevention strategies and the role of social networks in behavioral development. His work also explores the impact of fatherhood on reoffending post-prison and examines how social norms shape adolescent behavior in schools. Has supervised 24 academic works and actively participates in peer-review activities. Collaborates with international researchers and institutions. He is involved in the 'GUTS' team science project to predict societal trajectories in adolescence and young adulthood.
Simon Neill is a Professor in Physical Oceanography at Bangor University’s School of Ocean Sciences, specializing in marine renewable energy, particularly tidal and wave energy resource characterization. He leads the MSc in Marine Renewable Energy and chairs IEC Technical Specification 62600-201 on tidal energy assessment. His research spans energy resource optimization, environmental impacts, and coastal management. He has secured £multi-million grants, including the £708k NERC-funded Southeast Asia Plastics project and the £7M European Regional Development Fund Smart Efficient Energy Centre. Education: PhD in Estuarine Physics (University of Strathclyde), BEng in Civil Engineering (University of Dundee), PGCertHE (Bangor University). Research Interests: Wave-tidal interactions, marine energy grid integration, sediment dynamics, microplastic dispersal, and climate change adaptation. He is lead sediment scientist at FORCE (Fundy Ocean Research Center for Energy) and contributes to the editorial board of Renewable Energy. Grants & Projects: NERC SEAmap: Marine Plastic Pollution Mitigation (2020-2023) European Regional Development Fund SEEC (£7M, 2019-2023) INTERREG ECOSTRUCTURE: Climate-Resilient Coastal Infrastructure (£3.5M, 2017-2020) Teaching: Module organizer for Marine Renewable Energy (MSc), Ocean Modelling (Undergraduate), and RV Prince Madog cruise. External examiner for Plymouth University’s MSc Marine Renewable Energy (2018-2022). Advising: Supervises PhD students researching underwater noise impacts, remote sensing for energy resources, microplastic dispersal, and estuarine energy modeling. Labs/Teams: Collaborates with FORCE, IEC, and industry partners like Repetitive Energy Ltd and Extra Mussel. Leads multi-institutional projects on estuarine dynamics and plastic pollution.
Jeffrey Doser is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources at North Carolina State University (NC State), within the College of Natural Resources. His research focuses on ecological modeling, species distribution analysis, spatial statistics, and biodiversity monitoring. He specializes in developing R software tools for ecological data analysis, such as the spAbundance and spOccupancy packages. His work emphasizes improving statistical methods for occupancy models, integrating acoustic and survey data, and addressing environmental challenges like invasive species and climate change impacts on ecosystems. Key research themes include species-environment interactions, spatially varying coefficients in ecological models, and functional reproducibility in scientific coding. His recent studies address topics such as American chestnut restoration, wild bee community dynamics, and early detection of invasive aquatic species. Doser collaborates on interdisciplinary projects involving forest inventory, avian soundscapes, and long-term ecological monitoring. His publications (2020–2025) highlight methodological advancements in species distribution modeling, occupancy frameworks for multi-season data, and applications of Bayesian approaches. He advocates for rigorous statistical practices and reproducible research in ecology.
Professor Yongwan Chun is a faculty member in the Geospatial Information Sciences program at the University of Texas at Dallas , affiliated with the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences. His academic journey includes a PhD in Geography (2007) and MS in Applied Statistics (2006) from the Ohio State University. Research Interests: Methodological advancements in GIScience, spatial statistics, environmental justice, urban crime analysis, population migration, and commodity flow modeling. Awards: Emerging Scholar Award (2017) from the Spatial Analysis and Modeling Specialty Group of the Association of American Geographers. Grants: Multiple awards from National Science Foundation and National Institute of Health totaling $1.4 million. Article Trends reflect expertise in spatial autocorrelation (Moran's I, Geary's C), location-allocation modeling (p-median, p-dispersion), and applications to healthcare accessibility, urban crime patterns, housing market segmentation, and climate impacts. His work integrates GIScience with Bayesian methods, eigenvector filtering, and big data uncertainty. Collaborators: Daniel A. Griffith, Hyun Kim, and students like Dongeun Kim and Changho Lee. Recent Topics: Trauma center accessibility, snowpack variation modeling, and spatiotemporal crime analysis. Contact: ywchun@utdallas.edu | Office: GR 3.208, UT Dallas
Dr. Teresa Melo is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mineral and Energy Resources Engineering at the Instituto Superior Técnico (University of Lisbon). Her research focuses on hydrogeology, groundwater management, and environmental geochemistry, with a particular emphasis on climate change impacts and ecosystem sustainability. She is affiliated with the CERIS research unit, specializing in sustainable civil engineering innovations. Her teaching portfolio includes courses such as 'Hydrogeology,' 'Groundwater Pollution and Protection,' and 'Advanced Topics in Water Resources and Environment.' She actively contributes to the AQUADAPT project, addressing climate-resilient riverine ecosystems and groundwater-dependent vegetation mapping. Key research themes include groundwater-surface water interactions, natural background level assessments, and the socio-economic valuation of groundwater protection. She collaborates internationally on projects such as the FREEZE initiative, investigating submarine groundwater discharge and coastal aquifer dynamics. Her publications span over three decades, with recent work emphasizing wildfire impacts on groundwater recharge, microbial diversity in aquifers, and ethical dimensions of contaminated groundwater management. She has advised numerous interdisciplinary studies on environmental risk assessment and policy frameworks.
Dr. Sharon O'Rourke is an Assistant Professor and Ad Astra Fellow at the University College Dublin (UCD) School of Biosystems and Food Engineering since 2019. Previously, she held roles at the University of Sydney and UCD's School of Agriculture and Food Science, focusing on soil science and environmental protection. She holds a BAgrSc from UCD and a PhD in Soil Nutrient Management from Queen's University Belfast. Research Interests: Her work centers on sustainable soil management, soil carbon sequestration, and environmental protection. She employs spectral techniques (e.g., mid-infrared, hyperspectral imaging) and modeling to study soil geochemistry, carbon dynamics, and climate change mitigation. Current projects include ClimateCropping (EU-wide soil carbon management), PRISM (in-field soil sensors), and CFunction (carbon-nutrient stoichiometry). Grants & Projects: Key grants include funding from Teagasc, the Department of Agriculture, and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. Notable projects include proximal soil sensing for carbon monitoring and bio-based product development via pyrolysis. Teaching: She coordinates modules such as 'Carbon & Sustainability,' 'Soil Technology,' and 'Research Skills,' emphasizing agricultural systems and climate-smart practices. Awards: Recognized as an Ad Astra Fellow, highlighting her contributions to innovative soil science research.
Camilo Mora is a Professor in the Department of Geography at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where he maintains an active research laboratory and teaches courses on environmental issues, biogeography, and data analysis. His academic journey began with a BSc in Marine Biology from Universidad del Valle in Colombia (1999), followed by a PhD in Biology from the University of Windsor, Canada (2005). He completed postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Auckland (2005), Scripps Institution of Oceanography (2006-2008), and Dalhousie University (2008-2010). BSc, Marine Biology, Universidad del Valle, Colombia (1999) PhD, Biology, University of Windsor, Canada (2005) Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Auckland (2005) Postdoctoral Fellow, Scripps Institution of Oceanography (2006-2008) Postdoctoral Fellow, Dalhousie University (2008-2010) Mora's research spans interconnected lines focused on understanding biodiversity patterns and their modification by human activities, with particular emphasis on climate change impacts. His lab specializes in big data analytics applied to diverse environmental challenges including heatwaves, disease transmission, marine ecosystems, and even unconventional topics like Bitcoin's environmental footprint. The Mora Lab operates on a 'divide and conquer' approach to tackle large research questions by breaking data gathering into individual parts that can be concatenated into central databases. Mora has received the CSS Excellence in Research award (2014) for his significant contributions to environmental science. His influential publications include groundbreaking work on the global risk of deadly heat (2017), the projected timing of climate departure from historical variability (2013), and the finding that over half of known human pathogenic diseases can be aggravated by climate change (2022). CSS Excellence in Research (2014) Highly cited publications in Nature and Nature Climate Change Research featured in major international media outlets Development of innovative research methodologies for large-scale analyses Mora leads an active research group that engages students in the full scientific process from idea generation to publication. His approach to mentoring involves creating yearly classes where graduate students, professors, and international advisors collaborate to tackle significant research questions, with papers typically completed within a single semester. His Carbon Neutrality Challenge project, spearheaded by his daughter Asryelle Mora, provides a practical mechanism for individuals to offset carbon emissions through tree planting. The Mora Lab maintains a distinctive approach to environmental research, working on seemingly diverse topics from reef fishes to Bitcoin, united by their reliance on big data analytics. This interdisciplinary methodology has produced impactful research across multiple domains of environmental science and climate change impacts, establishing Mora as a significant contributor to our understanding of humanity's environmental challenges.
Dr. Behrang Vand Alimohammadisagvand is a Lecturer at the School of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment, Edinburgh Napier University. His research focuses on sustainable energy systems, building performance, and smart energy management, with strong international collaboration across Iran, China, Finland, and the UK. B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Mechanical and Energy Engineering Ph.D. in Energy and Building Technology His research interests include sustainable development, low-carbon technologies, energy policy, thermal comfort in buildings, and energy management systems at multiple scales. He actively investigates model predictive control (MPC), demand response, energy sharing in communities, and low-temperature heating networks. His work bridges theoretical modeling and practical implementation in real-world buildings. Dr. Vand's recent publications highlight trends in integrated energy management , smart grid optimization , and decarbonization of building heating systems . His articles emphasize mathematical modeling, simulation, and control strategies to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions in the built environment. He supervises doctoral students working on smart IoT systems and low-temperature heat networks. His research is supported by funders such as the Academy of Finland and Energy Technology Partnership. Active supervisor for PhD project on smart IoT systems with real-time deep learning (since 2022) Director of Studies for PhD on heating Scottish public buildings with low-temperature networks (2018–2024) He is affiliated with the Institute for Sustainable Construction and contributes to the research theme Culture and Communities . His work aligns with global efforts toward net-zero emissions and sustainable urban development.
Jeffrey A. Lee is a Professor in the Department of Geosciences at Texas Tech University, specializing in aeolian geomorphology and environmental processes. With academic appointments since 1988, his work focuses on wind-driven sediment transport and dune dynamics across multiple continents. Education: B.A. in Geography (1979), University of California, Los Angeles M.A. in Geography (1984), University of California, Los Angeles Ph.D. in Geography (1990), Arizona State University Research interests center on aeolian processes, particularly dust emission dynamics and wind erosion patterns. His work examines temporal trends in blowing dust across Texas and the American Southwest, while also investigating long-term shifts in wind climate patterns. Professor Lee teaches foundational physical geography courses including Global Environmental Science and advanced topics in arid land geomorphology. Recent publications demonstrate interdisciplinary focus across aeolian geomorphology, environmental monitoring, and climate science. Key themes include dust source characterization using satellite data, drought legacy effects on erosion, and historical analysis of environmental disasters like the Dust Bowl. Contact: jeff.lee@ttu.edu | 213 Holden Hall, Texas Tech University | (806) 834-8228
Giuseppe Cavaliere is a Full Professor of Econometrics at the University of Bologna (since 2006) and a Distinguished Research Professor at Exeter Business School. He holds affiliations with the University of Copenhagen and Aarhus University. His research focuses on time series econometrics, financial econometrics, statistical inference, and empirical macroeconomics. He serves as co-editor of the Journal of Econometrics and associate editor of the Journal of Time Series Analysis. Key roles include being an Elected Fellow of the International Association for Applied Econometrics (IAAE), Fellow of the Journal of Econometrics, and Research Fellow of the Granger Centre for Time Series Econometrics. He previously served as President of the Italian Econometric Association (SIdE). His publications appear in top journals like Econometrica, Annals of Statistics, and Journal of Econometrics. Current research emphasizes bootstrap inference, cointegration, and volatility modeling in nonstationary environments. His work addresses challenges in econometric theory, financial data analysis, and macroeconomic policy evaluation. Awards and recognitions highlight his contributions to econometric methodology and its applications in finance and macroeconomics. His advisory and editorial roles reflect his influence in shaping the field's theoretical and practical advancements.
Jim Chen is a Professor at the Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences and holds an affiliation with the College of Engineering's Civil and Environmental Engineering at Northeastern University. His research focuses on coastal engineering and science, emphasizing numerical modeling to address coastal resiliency and sustainability, particularly in the context of hurricanes and sea-level rise. Education details are not explicitly provided in the text, but his expertise includes advanced modeling techniques applied to coastal systems. His work integrates field observations with computational methods, such as deep learning and physics-informed neural networks, to analyze wave dynamics, sediment transport, and vegetation effects on coastal processes. Key research areas include hurricane impact analysis on wetlands and engineered infrastructure, living shoreline restoration effectiveness, and the morphological evolution of coastal systems. His studies often involve rapid deployment of sensors during storms (e.g., Hurricane Laura) to monitor wave, current, and sediment dynamics, contributing to disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies. Notable collaborations include projects with the Shinnecock Indian Nation, Gandys Beach (New Jersey), and Chesapeake Bay, focusing on sustainable coastal management. His work bridges engineering and environmental science to enhance coastal resilience in vulnerable regions.
Gonzalo Nápoles is an Assistant Professor at Tilburg University's School of Humanities and Digital Sciences, Department of Cognitive Science and AI. He holds a Doctoral Degree in Computer Science from Rough Cognitive Networks (2014–2017). His research focuses on AI applications in cognitive modeling, pattern classification, and neural networks with interdisciplinary applications in healthcare, finance, and social sciences. Key research areas include Fuzzy Cognitive Maps, data augmentation techniques for neuroimaging, and interpretable machine learning systems. He actively contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to education and innovation. Recent work explores AI ethics, financial risk assessment using dynamic networks, and sensory processing disorder analysis through neural networks. Education: Doctoral Degree in Computer Science, 2017 (Thesis: Rough Cognitive Networks) Prize-winning research includes Best Paper Awards at CIARP 2021 and IWAIPR 2023. He collaborates internationally, hosting academic visitors and serving on multiple PhD committees. Current projects involve stock prediction using graph neural networks and fMRI data augmentation methodologies. Awards: Best Paper Award - CIARP 2021 Best Paper Award - IWAIPR 2023 Nápoles advises on PhD theses in cognitive science and AI applications. His work bridges theoretical advancements with practical implementations in healthcare, finance, and urban systems.
Rocio Lilen Segura is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Sustainable Engineering at Santa Clara University's School of Engineering. She holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Sherbrooke University (2019) and a B.Sc. in Civil Engineering from Del Comahue National University (2013). Dr. Segura specializes in infrastructure resilience against extreme events and climate change, focusing on probabilistic risk assessment of critical infrastructure systems like dams and levees. Her work bridges civil engineering with machine learning and climate justice, integrating built, natural, and social systems to address environmental challenges. 2023 Severo Ochoa Mobility Programme grant 2019-2022 MITACS Accelerate industrial postdoc scholarship 2019 Léonard de Vinci medal and Scholarship Her research spans seismic risk reduction, surrogate modeling, and uncertainty quantification in dam engineering, with over 10 publications in journals like Advances in Civil Engineering and Water Journal. She previously collaborated with Hydro-Quebec during her postdoctoral research.
SumeYYE Aydin Gurler serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Science Education at Gaziantep University's Nizip Faculty of Education since 2024, following her promotion from Doctor Lecturer (2018-2024). Her academic career builds upon prior experience as a Science Teacher at Turkey's Ministry of National Education (2008-2018). Her educational foundation includes: Doctorate in Science Education, Firat University Institute of Educational Sciences (2011-2016) Master's in Science Education, Firat University Institute of Science and Technology (2008-2011) Bachelor's in Science Teaching, Firat University Faculty of Education (2004-2008) Professor Gurler's research centers on Science Education with specialized focus on STEM/STEAM integration, educational assessment methodologies, teacher development, and environmental education. Her work investigates critical thinking cultivation, student attitudes toward science, curriculum evolution in Turkish contexts, and identification of science misconceptions. She has produced significant analyses of historical developments in Turkish science education across multiple eras (1938-2020) through book chapters. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2018-2023) reveals consistent emphasis on innovative assessment tools (rubrics, achievement tests), STEM/STEAM attitude measurement, and contextualized science teaching. Her work spans primary/middle school levels, addressing Turkish educational challenges including Syrian student integration, sustainable development awareness, and TIMSS performance evaluation. Her scientific recognition includes: TÜBİTAK Direct Domestic PhD Scholarship (2211), 2011 TÜBİTAK Domestic Master's Scholarship (2210), 2009 Triple First Place Awards at Firat University (Department, Faculty, and University-wide), 2008 Professor Gurler actively mentors three master's students on science concept understanding, educational game efficacy, and environmental awareness. She has secured Horizon 2020 funding for public science engagement projects including Researchers' Night events and the Sustainable Environment and Climate Change Science Festival. Her service extends to TÜBİTAK-funded school science fairs and teacher training workshops on context-based assessment. She maintains active scholarly engagement through scientific committee memberships, session chairing at national congresses, and organizing international symposia on science education developments.
Stephen Turner is an Associate Professor of Data Science and Assistant Dean for Research at the University of Virginia School of Data Science . His work bridges genomics, data science, and national security , focusing on biosecurity, synthetic biology, conservation, and bioinformatics applications in human health . Previously, he was a faculty member in the UVA School of Medicine’s Department of Public Health Sciences (2011–2019) and directed the UVA Bioinformatics Core . Ph.D., Human Genetics, Vanderbilt University M.S., Applied Statistics, Vanderbilt University B.S., Biology, James Madison University Turner’s research spans computational approaches to biosecurity, biodiversity conservation, and human health . Recent publications highlight tools like the qqman and kgp R packages, PLANES for epidemiological modeling, and biorecap for bioRxiv preprint summarization. His work integrates large-scale sequencing, genome editing, and machine learning in conservation biotechnology and public health forecasting. Scientific contributions include applications in infectious disease forecasting , forensic genomics , and maternal-fetal biology . He has mentored interdisciplinary students and collaborated on NIH-funded research , while advising biotech startups at the intersection of academia, industry, government, and policy .
