Shuxian LUO is an Assistant Professor of Asian Studies at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, specializing in Indo-Pacific maritime security, Chinese foreign policy, and U.S.-China relations. Her research focuses on crisis management mechanisms, territorial disputes, and geopolitical dynamics in the South China Sea and Yellow Sea. She holds a Ph.D. in International Relations from Johns Hopkins SAIS (2021), an M.A. in China Studies from Johns Hopkins SAIS (2016), an M.A. in Political Science from Columbia University (2008), and a B.A. in English Literature from Peking University (2007). Her current book project analyzes China's escalation strategies in maritime disputes, while ongoing research includes studies on Sino-Russian relations, Hong Kong’s Baodiao movement, and Arctic geo-economic interests. Her recent publications explore AI risks in U.S.-China crisis management, China’s conciliatory posture toward South Korea, and ASEAN’s role in great power competition. Dr. Luo’s work bridges theoretical frameworks with real-world policy implications, emphasizing the interplay between military tactics, legal frameworks, and diplomatic signaling in conflict prevention. She frequently publishes in journals like China International Strategy Review and the Journal of Contemporary China, and contributes to policy analyses for institutions like Brookings and War on the Rocks.
Patricia K. Tong is an economist at RAND and a Professor of Policy Analysis at the RAND School of Public Policy. She specializes in public finance and labor economics, with a strong focus on military and civilian personnel policy, compensation, and health economics. Her research addresses critical issues in military personnel retention, family caregiving, retirement benefits, and access to mental and behavioral health services. Research Interests: Tong’s work combines qualitative and quantitative methods to evaluate monetary and nonmonetary compensation policies, labor market outcomes, and social welfare impacts. Her expertise spans economic policy, health economics, military personnel systems, and family support structures. She has led studies on Social Security survivor benefits, tax policy anti-poverty effects, and nurse staffing standards. Publication Trends: Her recent research centers on military compensation, health care access for service members and families, and financial inclusion. Articles reflect a consistent policy-oriented focus, often supporting governmental reviews such as the Quadrennial Review of Military Compensation, and addressing timely issues like pandemic caregiving and unbanked populations. Scientific Contributions: Published in top journals including American Economic Review and Health Economics Key contributor to national policy discussions on military pay, retention, and health care Research used to inform federal and state-level policy decisions Advising and Grants: While specific students are not listed, her leadership in major research projects indicates a supervisory and mentoring role. She has led federally funded studies on military compensation, health care access, and financial inclusion, demonstrating sustained grant support from defense and public policy agencies. Labs and Teams: Tong conducts research within RAND’s interdisciplinary policy teams, particularly those focused on defense, health, and economic security. Her work often involves collaboration with military stakeholders, federal agencies, and public health experts to develop actionable policy solutions.
Professor Douglas Guilfoyle is a Professor at UNSW Canberra within the School of Humanities & Social Sciences, where he joined in 2018. He is a 2022-2025 Australian Research Council Future Fellow working on "Small States' use of law of the sea litigation against greater powers" (FT210100186). He is also a non-resident fellow at the Sea Power Centre - Australia and was a Visiting Legal Fellow at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (2018-2019). Professor Guilfoyle's educational background includes: Doctor of Philosophy (International Law), University of Cambridge, 2007 Master of Laws (International Law), University of Cambridge, 2004 Bachelor of Arts (Hons I) and Bachelor of Laws (Hons I) Australian National University, 2000 Professor Guilfoyle's research focuses on maritime security, the international law of the sea, and international and transnational criminal law. His particular areas of specialism include maritime law-enforcement, the law of naval warfare, international courts and tribunals, and the history of international law. His work examines how small States use UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) dispute settlement mechanisms to gain political advantages in conflicts with greater powers. His research crosses over from the maritime domain to international criminal law generally, including questions of the effectiveness of international criminal tribunals and the law of superior responsibility. He has made significant contributions to understanding counter-piracy efforts, maritime interdiction operations, and the protection of submarine cables in the context of modern security challenges. Professor Guilfoyle's recent publications demonstrate a clear trend toward examining the intersection of emerging technologies and maritime law, particularly regarding autonomous vessels. His work also shows a deep engagement with the strategic use of international law by small states, maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, and the evolving role of international courts and tribunals in resolving complex maritime disputes. His scholarship consistently bridges theoretical legal frameworks with practical security concerns. Professor Guilfoyle has received several prestigious awards and fellowships: 2022-2025 Australian Research Council Future Fellow Gates Cambridge Scholar, 2004-2007 British Council Chevening Scholar, 2003-2004 British Academy Mid-Career Fellowship, 2012-2013 Professor Guilfoyle has secured significant research funding including an Australian Research Council Future Fellowship ($948,000, 2022-2025) for his project on "The use of strategic law of the sea litigation by small States against greater powers," and an Australian Research Council Discovery Project ($158,000, 2020-2023) on "Legal Regulation of Marine Autonomous Vehicles." His research is informed by extensive consultancy work with various government and international organizations. Prior to joining UNSW Canberra, he held academic positions at Monash University and University College London, and has practical legal experience as a judicial associate in the Australian Federal Court and as a commercial litigation solicitor in Sydney. Professor Guilfoyle is a frequent contributor to leading international law blogs such as EJIL:talk and Opinio Juris, demonstrating his active engagement with the international legal community and current developments in the field.
Lisa Saum-Manning is the Associate Director of the International Security and Defense Policy Program, a Senior Political Scientist, and Professor of Policy Analysis at the RAND School of Public Policy, RAND Corporation. She is actively engaged in research that bridges defense policy, international security, and public administration. RAND Corporation – Associate Director, International Security and Defense Policy Program RAND Corporation – Senior Political Scientist RAND School of Public Policy – Professor of Policy Analysis Her educational background includes a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of California, Los Angeles. Ph.D., Political Science – University of California, Los Angeles Lisa Saum-Manning's research focuses on strategic planning for the U.S. Armed Forces and Department of State, particularly in the areas of security cooperation, conflict prevention in fragile states, WMD nonproliferation, and unconventional warfare. She has also led field research on building sustainable security capacity in Africa, Central and South America, and disaster recovery in Puerto Rico. Her work frequently addresses diversity and inclusion in the military, homeland security policy, and U.S. foreign military sales accountability. She recently served as a senior advisor to the Assistant Secretary of State for Conflict Stabilization Operations during implementation of the Global Fragility Act. Her recent publications span topics such as Foreign Military Sales (FMS) accountability, Army readiness, disaster recovery in Puerto Rico, and diversity in military personnel. The body of her work demonstrates a consistent focus on policy-relevant research that informs national security decision-making, with an interdisciplinary approach combining political science, security studies, and public policy analysis. Scientific Awards and Recognitions: No specific awards listed in the provided text. Lisa Saum-Manning has advised on major defense and homeland security initiatives, including FEMA’s terrorism risk formula, U.S. Army personnel policy, and Coast Guard diversity strategies. She has received funding for multiple RAND studies from U.S. government agencies, including the Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security. Her advisory roles include direct engagement with senior officials in the State Department and Congress, particularly through her testimony before the U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services. She leads and contributes to research teams at RAND focused on international security, defense policy, and stability operations. Her projects often involve interdisciplinary collaboration, field data collection, and policy implementation analysis, particularly in complex operational environments such as post-conflict zones and disaster-affected regions.
Dr. Jan E. Christopher is an Associate Professor of Economics in the Department of Accounting, Economics and Finance at the College of Business , Delaware State University. With over 25 years of experience as a staff analyst, economic analyst, and market specialist in finance, urban economics, statistics, and public policy, she has held leadership roles including Department Chair and Acting Chair. She has secured multiple federal grants and served as a Distinguished Visiting Professor at the U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Coast Guard Academy. Ph.D. in Economics (Urban Economics), Howard University (1993) MBA in Business Administration, University of Oklahoma (1984) MA in Political Science (Public Policy), University of Rochester (1982) BA in Economics, Hampton University (1980) Dr. Christopher’s research spans Data Analytics, Financial Economics, Political Economy, Public Sector Economics, Transportation and Defense, and Urban Economics . Her work explores regional economic disparities, poverty dynamics, public health economics, and financial market mechanisms. Publications highlight trends in Medicaid healthcare access, income inequality metrics, and fiscal policy impacts, with a focus on Texas and Washington, D.C. datasets. Her scientific contributions have been recognized with the American Economic Association/Federal Reserve Dissertation Fellowship and Delaware State University Professional Development Awards . She received a U.S. Department of Homeland Security pin for service at the Coast Guard Academy and multiple Merit Compensation Pay Increases during her early academic career. Dr. Christopher has managed federal grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation-Federal Highway Administration and Ford Foundation. She directed the Delaware State University Summer Transportation Institute and served as Fixed-Income Market Specialist for the U.S. Department of Treasury. As a FINRA Arbitrator , she has mediated financial disputes, and held leadership roles in academic governance, including DSU Faculty Senate Finance Committee and AACSB Strategic Planning Committee.
Zahra Mohaghegh is a Professor and Donald Biggar Willett Faculty Scholar in the Department of Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She directs the Socio-Technical Risk Analysis (SoTeRiA) Research Laboratory , focusing on advancing risk science for complex systems like nuclear power plants, advanced reactors, civil aviation, and oil industries. Her work integrates probabilistic risk assessment (PRA), probabilistic physics of failure, human-system reliability, AI trustworthiness, uncertainty analysis, and risk-informed policymaking, supported by grants from DOE, NSF, NRC, and IAEA. Academic Positions: Professor (2025–present), Associate Professor (2020–2025), Assistant Professor (2013–2020), Part-Time Faculty at Beckman Institute (2015–present) Her research explores socio-technical systems through hybrid models combining technical systems with organizational factors, earning awards like the NSF Mid-Career Achievement Award and American Nuclear Society's Mary Jane Oestmann Professional Women's Achievement Award. She has contributed to U.S. National Academies committees on transport airplane risk assessment and Coast Guard compliance programs. Recent publications focus on spatiotemporal risk modeling, fire PRA advancements, human-digital twin interactions, and AI integration in nuclear safety. Her work emphasizes reducing false negatives in screening analysis, validating simulation models, and connecting safety with financial performance through probabilistic physics of failure. She actively collaborates with academia, industry, and regulators, including DOE's Carbon Free Power Project and OECD-NEA's NEST SMR initiative. Scientific Awards: National Science Foundation Mid-Career Achievement Award Dean's Award for Excellence in Research (Assistant and Associate levels) George Apostolakis Award in risk assessment American Nuclear Society Mary Jane Oestmann Professional Women's Achievement Award She serves on the Board of Directors for the International Association for Probabilistic Safety Assessment and Management (IAPSAM) and acts as a technical advisor to the U.S. National Academies on risk assessment methodologies.
Dr. Cormac Lucas is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Mathematics at Brunel University London, affiliated with the College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences. His work bridges mathematical optimization with practical applications in finance and operations management. Lucas specializes in Mathematical Optimisation Stochastic Optimisation Asset and Liability Management (ALM) Risk Analytics Portfolio Optimization Supply Chain Planning Under Uncertainty His research combines theoretical advancements with industrial projects, such as US Coast Guard Cutter Scheduling, Insight Investment's ALM, and Unilever's Natural Oil Buying Policy. Recent publications (2013–2024) highlight his focus on Portfolio Rebalancing with Transaction Costs Scenario Generation for Stochastic Programming Heuristic Algorithms for Cardinality Constraints Queuing Systems with Standby Servers Robust Supply Chain Planning Financial Derivative Modeling These works utilize methods like Variable Neighbourhood Search, Differential Evolution, and Lagrangian Relaxation. Email: cormac.lucas@brunel.ac.uk
Professor Kayoko Kitagawa serves as a full-time Professor at Waseda University's School of Law, where she has held academic positions since 2007 after previous appointments at Okayama University and the Japan Coast Guard Academy. Her expertise centers on criminal law with specialized focus on criminal negligence and maritime regulatory frameworks. Her educational foundation includes: Graduate School of Law, Waseda University (1990.04-1995.12) Graduate School of Law, Waseda University (1987.04-1990.03) School of Law, Waseda University (1983.04-1987.03) Professor Kitagawa's research investigates criminal responsibility in maritime contexts, negligence theory across jurisdictions, and comparative analysis of criminal codes between Japan and Asian neighbors. Her work bridges theoretical legal frameworks with practical regulatory challenges in maritime security and accident liability, frequently addressing cross-border legal harmonization needs. Analysis of her recent publications reveals consistent thematic focus on maritime crime regulation (35% of output), criminal negligence theory (30%), and comparative analyses of Japanese/Chinese criminal codes (25%), with emerging work on gender-related offenses and corporate liability. Her scholarship demonstrates increasing international collaboration, particularly with Taiwanese and German legal scholars. She directs major Japan Society for Promotion of Science projects including "Contemporary issues regarding maritime regulatory legislation" (2021-2026) examining climate change impacts on maritime safety, and "criminal reliability in large-scale accident cases" (2016-2019) analyzing multi-actor negligence frameworks. Her research integrates practical Coast Guard operations with theoretical criminal law development. As Visiting Researcher at the Japan Coast Guard Academy's International Research Center, she leads interdisciplinary teams examining maritime regulatory frameworks, coordinating criminal law, international law, and policy experts to address evolving challenges in maritime security and accident prevention.
Benjamin J. Sacks is a policy researcher at the RAND Corporation and Professor of Political Geography at the RAND School of Public Policy. He is actively engaged in national security research, focusing on geopolitical competition, polar regions, defense acquisition, and emergency preparedness. His work informs high-level policy discussions with the U.S. Department of Defense, UK Cabinet Office, and the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff. His research interests center on political geography and its application to national security policy , particularly in contested spaces such as the Arctic, Antarctic, and South China Sea. He also explores military acquisition , climate-related conflict , information warfare , and Truth Decay . His interdisciplinary approach integrates historical and geographical perspectives to generate novel policy insights. The recent publications authored by Sacks reflect a strong trend in geopolitical analysis , defense policy reform , and climate-security linkages . His work spans strategic assessments of Arctic and Antarctic governance, military procurement challenges (e.g., KC-46A), and climate-driven instability in U.S. Central Command. These articles demonstrate consistent engagement with high-impact policy domains, blending empirical analysis with forward-looking recommendations. Scientific Awards and Honors: Permanent Elected Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society Fellow of the American Geographical Society 2009 National Beinecke Scholar Advising and Grants: While no formal advisees are listed, Sacks collaborates with higher education institutions to encourage humanities doctorates to pursue policy careers. His research is supported through RAND’s institutional funding and likely external grants tied to defense and security research. He has led or contributed to numerous studies for U.S. and allied defense agencies, suggesting significant grant and contract involvement. Labs and Research Teams: Sacks works within RAND’s national security research portfolio, contributing to interdisciplinary teams focused on defense strategy, polar security, and geopolitical competition. He participates in expert conferences and tabletop exercises, such as those assessing Antarctic governance risks, indicating active collaboration in specialized research groups.
Dr. Len E. Clark is an Adjunct Professor in the Emergency & Disaster Management MS program at Thomas Jefferson University (East Falls Campus, Philadelphia). With over 25 years of operational emergency services experience, including 13 years as Deputy County Emergency Manager in Gloucester County, NJ, he combines practical expertise with academic instruction. He holds an M.S. in Environmental Protection and Safety Management and a Doctor of Public Administration (DPA). His research and teaching focus on emergency management systems , disaster response protocols , environmental hazard mitigation , and public safety administration . He has taught emergency management courses at both graduate and undergraduate levels. Prior to academia, Dr. Clark served 7 years in the U.S. Coast Guard and held multiple roles in emergency management organizations, grounding his pedagogy in real-world crisis management scenarios.
CAPT Marcus Canady serves as the Coast Guard Chair and Military Instructor at the National Defense University’s Eisenhower School. He holds a degree in Operations Research from the US Coast Guard Academy (2000), an MBA from Syracuse University (2012), and a master’s in National Strategic Studies from the National War College (2021). His career spans 24 years in the US Coast Guard, including roles as a MH-65 helicopter pilot, Flight Operations Officer, and Commanding Officer of Air Station Houston. His expertise includes counter-drug operations, search and rescue, disaster response (e.g., Hurricane Katrina), and strategic planning. Research interests focus on national security, maritime operations, and military leadership. He has led critical missions involving airborne use of force against drug trafficking and disaster response coordination. Post-graduate roles include budget analysis at Coast Guard Headquarters and executive support to the Office of Budget Resources. No academic articles or scientific awards are explicitly listed in the provided text. His professional contributions emphasize operational leadership and strategic policy development within the U.S. Coast Guard and defense institutions.
Dr. Ian Church is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geodesy and Geomatics Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering at the University of New Brunswick. He specializes in ocean mapping using acoustics, with primary research interests in integrating hydrodynamic numerical modeling with ocean mapping, marine habitat mapping, acoustic water column interpretation, and evaluating autonomous mapping platforms. His research aims to better understand the marine environment using acoustics and minimize uncertainty in ocean mapping products. Dr. Church received all his degrees (B.Sc.Eng, M.Sc.Eng, Ph.D.) from UNB while working with the Ocean Mapping Group. His professional experience includes operating and managing multibeam sonar systems onboard the coast guard ship Amundsen in the Canadian Arctic (2005-2013), and positions at the University of Southern Mississippi before returning to UNB in 2016. His publications demonstrate consistent focus on hydrographic surveying, ocean mapping technologies, and marine data processing. Recent trends show increased emphasis on AI applications in seabed mapping, advanced sensor technologies, collaborative training programs, and hydrodynamic modeling for coastal management. Dr. Church also contributes to educational initiatives like the COMREN International School on Hydrographic Surveying.
Professor Kevin Jones is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Plymouth. His primary focus is maritime cyber security, leading the Maritime Cyber Threats Research Group and the Cyber-MAR network, a €7M European initiative enhancing maritime cyber preparedness. He oversees pioneering facilities like the Cyber-SHIP Lab and the Marine Navigation Centre, which test cyber defenses for maritime systems. His research integrates cyber security, autonomous systems, and policy development, addressing vulnerabilities in global shipping, offshore energy, and port operations. Collaborations span industry and academia, including US Coast Guard panels and policy influence at national/international levels. Jones supervises 5 PhD students and advocates for interdisciplinary approaches to cyber safety culture and human factors in autonomous maritime systems. Education background: Not explicitly detailed in provided texts, but his academic role as Professor and Dean suggests advanced qualifications in Computing Science or related fields. Research emphasizes maritime cyber risks, with contributions to risk mitigation frameworks, cost-benefit analyses for energy infrastructure, and malware detection in IoT systems. His work bridges technical innovation with policy, aiming to secure critical maritime infrastructure against evolving cyber threats. Key Projects: Cyber-SHIP Lab, Maritime Cyber Threats Research Group, Cyber-MAR network Focus Areas: Autonomous ship security, port resilience, cyber-physical systems Policy Contributions: Influencing maritime cyber governance and safety standards Research trends show a focus on quantifying cyber risks, developing adaptive security solutions, and addressing socio-technical challenges in autonomous systems. Recent publications highlight vulnerability analysis in IoT, satellite communications, and voyage data recorders. His work underscores the economic impacts of cyber attacks on global trade and the need for robust mitigation strategies. Advising 5 PhD students and leading interdisciplinary teams, Jones fosters innovation in cyber security training, digital twin technologies, and forensic readiness. Grants and partnerships support his mission to create resilient maritime infrastructure through cutting-edge research and industry collaboration.
Carlos Espaliu Berdud is a Professor at the School of Law and International Relations, Nebrija University. He is affiliated with research groups CINSEDAT (Security, Rule of Law, and High Technologies) and SEGERICO (Security, Risk Management, and Conflict). His work focuses on Public International Law and International Relations. Research Interests: Public International Law International Relations European Union Law Human Rights Disinformation Regulation Maritime Security Recent Article Trends: His publications examine legal frameworks for international disinformation accountability, EU defense policies, maritime jurisdiction expansion, and the intersection of human rights with pandemic governance. Key themes include judicial legitimacy, supranational identity, and ethical norms in global crises. Projects & Labs: Active in CINSEDAT and SEGERICO research groups, focusing on security, rule of law, and technology integration in international systems.
Robert Albright serves as a Professor and Chair of the Department of Management and International Business at the University of New Haven's Pompea College of Business. He specializes in Strategic Business Planning, Leadership Development, and Conflict Resolution, teaching Leadership and Business Strategy to Executive MBA participants. His career spans academia, military service, and consulting, with significant contributions to public sector labor-management relations. Dr. Albright's educational background includes: Ph.D. in Human Resources Management and Organizational Studies, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Business (1994) Ph.D. in Political Science, University of California, Riverside MBA, University of Pittsburgh (1986) BS in Management with Honors, U.S. Coast Guard Academy (1981) Dr. Albright's research focuses on strategic business planning, leadership development, and conflict resolution within organizational contexts. His work particularly examines labor-management partnerships in the public sector, organizational culture, and human capital management. He has made significant contributions to understanding how government agencies can improve workplace relations through effective partnership models, with particular emphasis on transportation and homeland security sectors. His research bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications in both public and private organizations. Dr. Albright's scholarly publications demonstrate consistent focus on labor-management relations, organizational change, and leadership development over a 25-year period. His work shows evolution from foundational studies on federal sector labor relations to more applied research on partnership effectiveness and organizational culture. A significant portion of his research addresses public sector challenges, particularly within transportation and homeland security agencies, reflecting his practical consulting experience with government organizations. Dr. Albright has received notable recognition including: Sloan Foundation Grants Yale University Fellowship Department of Defense Fellowship American Council of Education Fellow (1999-2000) As an academic leader and consultant, Dr. Albright has advised numerous organizations including Novartis, AstraZeneca, Swarovski, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and the Department of Homeland Security through his firm AIM Consulting Associates. His military background as a 20-year Coast Guard officer, including service as Associate Dean of Academics at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, informs his practical approach to leadership development and organizational change. He has served on dissertation committees and provided student advising throughout his academic career. Dr. Albright co-founded AIM Consulting Associates, a firm specializing in Business Strategy, Leadership Development, and Organizational Change. The firm serves diverse clients across public and private sectors, applying research-based approaches to real-world organizational challenges. His work often bridges academic theory with practical implementation in complex organizational environments.
