Professor Qing Cao is Professor, Director of Studies, and Director of the Centre for Comparative Modernities at Durham University's School of Modern Languages and Cultures. His research examines Chinese media, communication, and modern intellectual history through three interconnected strands: the role of media in China's modernization, the impact of media language on social perceptions, and mutual China-West representations shaping identity politics. His research interests encompass China's modern intellectual history, Chinese politics, mass media dynamics, Western reporting on China, Chinese linguistics, and translation studies. Current projects include a book on Chinese state media's construction of alternative modernity and editorial work for the Routledge Research Encyclopaedia on Chinese Studies. Previously funded by AHRC and British Academy, his work explores the discursive transformation of Chinese society. Professor Cao's publications demonstrate sustained focus on discursive constructions of modernity and identity across historical periods, with recent work examining late Qing intellectual transformations through linguistic analysis. His supervision includes PhD students researching Western media representations of China, diplomatic language, and gender discourses in Chinese newspapers.
Dr. Carsten Nowak serves as Head of Conservation Genetics at the Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt, where he leads the national reference center for genetic analyses of wolves and lynx. His work bridges cutting-edge molecular methods with practical conservation applications, focusing on wildlife monitoring and species preservation. Since 2010, his laboratory has been responsible for central examination of all samples collected through Germany's nationwide wolf and lynx monitoring programs. Nowak's research interests center on developing highly sensitive molecular marker systems for wildlife monitoring, with particular expertise in environmental DNA (eDNA) methods and SNP chips optimized for genotyping forensic and non-invasively collected environmental samples. His work addresses critical questions in conservation biology, including inbreeding, genetic impoverishment, population origins, and human environmental impacts on genetic population structures of native species. He investigates how genetic methods can clarify previously unanswered questions in nature conservation, where data limitations often hinder efficient and targeted conservation measures. His extensive publication record (2023-2025) reveals a strong focus on wolf population dynamics across Europe, hybridization detection methodologies, and conservation genomics of endangered species like the garden dormouse. Nowak's research demonstrates sophisticated approaches to tracking animal movements across national borders, assessing genetic diversity in recovering populations, and developing practical tools for non-invasive wildlife monitoring. His work on wolf-dog hybridization has particular policy relevance as wolf populations expand across Europe. As a public-facing scientist, Nowak regularly engages with policymakers and the public through presentations, media appearances, and citizen science projects. He has participated in high-profile events including briefings for Federal Environment Minister Svenja Schulze and numerous public lectures on wildlife conservation topics. His leadership extends to coordinating international research collaborations, including the CEwolf Consortium and various transboundary monitoring networks. Nowak directs the Center for Wildlife Genetics in Gelnhausen, where his team conducts DNA-based analyses of predator-prey interactions, livestock depredation incidents, and wildlife population monitoring. His laboratory serves as the national reference center for genetic analyses of wolves and lynx in Germany, processing samples from across the country to distinguish individuals, determine relatedness, and monitor population health. The center also develops molecular methods for detecting wolf-dog hybrids and other conservation genetics applications.
Mark D. Gross is a Professor of Computer Science and Director of the ATLAS Institute at the University of Colorado Boulder, where he leads an interdisciplinary hub for creativity and invention. His academic journey began at MIT with BS and PhD degrees, followed by faculty roles at Carnegie Mellon University (2004-2013), University of Washington Seattle (1999-2004), and CU-Boulder (1990-1999, 2014-present). As co-founder of Modular Robotics Incorporated and Blank Slate Systems LLC, he bridges academia and entrepreneurship. Education: BS and PhD in Computer Science from MIT Gross’ research spans design methods, modular robotics, computational design tools, and tangible interaction. He pioneered sketch recognition software like 'The Electronic Cocktail Napkin' and explores physical computing through projects such as shape-changing interfaces, interactive construction kits, and augmented reality systems. His work integrates IoT, digital fabrication, and educational technology. Recent publications highlight innovations in AR/VR collaboration, shape-changing robotics, and interactive fabrication. Key themes include climate communication through data physicalization, AI-driven creative systems, and soft robotics for dynamic interfaces. Despite no explicit awards listed, his career demonstrates sustained impact through ACM conference leadership (Creativity and Cognition 2009, TEI 2011) and industry partnerships. Gross’ prior industry experience includes positions at Atari Cambridge Research and Logo Computer Systems. His lab at ATLAS fosters radical creativity through projects like PaperMech, DynaBlock, and WearAir, emphasizing hands-on learning and cross-disciplinary experimentation.
Dr. Maja Matis is a Group Leader at the University of Muenster's Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation (ZMBE) within the Institute of Cell Biology. Her research focuses on understanding the mechanical role of microtubules in tissue morphogenesis, particularly how microtubule-generated forces contribute to tissue remodeling through coordinated cellular behaviors. She leads the Matis Lab, which employs advanced microscopy techniques and genetic approaches to study cytoskeletal mechanics in developmental contexts. Key research areas include the structural regulation of microtubules, mechanics-driven cell shape changes, and integration of forces at adherens junctions. Her interdisciplinary projects combine biophysics, developmental biology, and quantitative imaging to unravel mechanisms underlying collective cell behavior during tissue formation. Notable contributions include studies on microtubule compression dynamics in epithelial tissues and the role of PCP signaling in patterning microtubule networks. She collaborates with institutions like the Cells in Motion Cluster of Excellence and has mentored multiple PhD/MD students. Her work is published in high-impact journals such as Nat. Commun. and Nat. Cell Biol.
Professor Gabriel Kuperminc is a faculty member at Georgia State University’s College of Arts & Sciences, Department of Psychology, with a secondary appointment in the School of Public Health. He serves as Chair of the Community Psychology Program and a member of the Developmental Psychology Program. His research focuses on resilience in adolescence, community-based prevention programs, and cultural factors influencing health and development. He collaborates with non-profits to evaluate youth programs and has expertise in mentoring interventions, substance abuse prevention, and immigrant youth studies. Education: Ph.D., University of Virginia, 1994. Research interests include understanding how cultural contexts shape youth development and health behaviors. His work emphasizes collaboration with marginalized communities, including immigrant families and organizations addressing systemic inequities. Notable projects include studies on group mentoring effectiveness (funded by DOJ), photovoice methodologies for trauma recovery, and interventions targeting acculturative stress among Latino youth. Key affiliations include the Center for Latin American and Latino Studies, Center for Human Rights and Democracy, and Center for Research on School Safety. Since 2009, he leads a Maymester Study Abroad Program on Human Rights in Argentina. Grants and collaborations include DOJ-funded research on juvenile justice system interventions and CDC evaluations of public health programs. He directs the Social Ecology and Adolescent Development Lab, focusing on youth resilience and community health interventions.
Maria K. E. Lahman is a Professor in the Department of Applied Statistics and Research Methods within the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Northern Colorado. She holds a Ph.D. in Child Development from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (2001) and serves as Co-Chair of the Institutional Research Board at UNC. Her academic work bridges qualitative methodology with ethical research practices and creative representation. Dr. Lahman's research focuses on culturally responsive qualitative research, research ethics, early childhood education, and the aesthetic representation of research through poetry and other creative forms. Her scholarship addresses creating ethical solutions for culturally complex methodological situations, diversity issues, young children, mothering experiences, and qualitative writing representation. As a Mennonite, she integrates social justice and peacebuilding into her pedagogy and scholarship. Her recent publications show a clear trajectory toward innovative research representation, with a particular emphasis on research poetry and culturally responsive methodologies. The 15 most recent articles reveal a consistent focus on ethical research practices, creative representation forms, and culturally responsive approaches to qualitative inquiry, with increasing attention to poetry as a legitimate research method and representation form. Outstanding Advisor Award, College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, UNC (2008-2009) Outstanding Scholar Award, College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, UNC (2007-2008) Service Provider Award, University of Northern CO (2006-2007) Outstanding Teacher Award, College of Education, UNC (2002-2003) Dr. Lahman has advised numerous graduate students in qualitative methodology and has been recognized for her exceptional mentorship. Her research program has generated multiple textbooks including Ethics in Social Science Research: Becoming Culturally Responsive (2017) and Writing and Representing Qualitative Research (2021), which have become influential resources in the field. She maintains an active research agenda focused on advancing ethical research with diverse groups and developing innovative methods for representing qualitative findings. Her work centers around creating spaces for culturally responsive research practices, with particular attention to vulnerable populations and ethical dilemmas in fieldwork. Dr. Lahman's scholarship challenges traditional research boundaries through her exploration of research poetry and other aesthetic forms of representation that maintain academic rigor while embracing creative expression.
Nina Torm is an Associate Professor at Roskilde University's Department of Social Sciences and Business, specializing in development economics with a focus on labor markets, informality, and environmental sustainability in sub-Saharan Africa and East Asia. She co-leads the DANIDA-funded STRESS project (2024-2029) examining resilience in Sahelian peri-urban areas and participates in the SWASH project (2022-2025) addressing sustainable water systems in Ghana. Her past work includes the SPIWORK project (2016-2022) on social protection for informal workers in East Africa. Education spans a PhD in Economics from the University of Copenhagen (2009-2013), MSc in International Development from University of Bath (2000-2001), and BA in Economics, Politics & Philosophy from University of York (1997-2000). Research interests center on regulatory frameworks, labor market dynamics in informal economies, and climate-resilient governance. Notable contributions include analyzing informal worker associations' roles in crisis response and exploring linkages between social protection and formalization in LMICs. She has published widely on training impacts, gender wage gaps in SMEs, and occupational safety in construction sectors. Teaching includes courses on ecological economics, global political economy, and informality studies. She supervises graduate students in Global Development Studies and serves as a censor at Copenhagen and Aarhus Universities. Professional roles include consultancy for ILO, World Bank, and UNU-WIDER, alongside editorial work for major journals like World Development and Journal of Development Studies.
Eun Kyoung Choe is an Associate Professor in the College of Information at the University of Maryland, College Park. She returned to UMD in Fall 2024 after a year-long sabbatical at Seoul National University’s Computer Science Department. Her research bridges Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Health Informatics, and Ubiquitous Computing, with a focus on designing inclusive and accessible health technologies for marginalized populations such as blind and low-vision individuals, older adults, and stroke survivors. She earned her BS from KAIST, MIMS from the University of California, Berkeley, and PhD in Information Science from the University of Washington, where she received the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2024. Her research focuses on creating technologies that empower individuals to manage their health through personalized and accessible systems. Key areas include personal informatics, semi-automated tracking, teachable interfaces, and mobile data visualization. She investigates how people reflect on personal data and how visualizations can support insight generation, particularly on mobile devices. Her work emphasizes inclusive design, addressing health disparities through accessible technologies. The trends in her recent publications reveal a strong focus on health equity, aging, and rehabilitation. Her research spans activity tracking for older adults, stroke recovery systems, and inclusive health technologies for people with disabilities. She leverages mixed-methods approaches, co-design, and user-centered development to build systems that are both technically sound and socially impactful. Distinguished Alumni Award, University of Washington, 2024 Dr. Choe has advised several students and researchers, including Young-Ho Kim, Diana Chou, and Sabahat Fatima, and leads interdisciplinary teams on projects funded by NSF, NIH, and Microsoft Research. Her major projects include MyMove (personalized activity tracking for older adults), mHealth platforms for stroke survivors, and OmniTrack (flexible self-tracking tools). She has served on editorial boards of PACM IMWUT and Foundations and Trends in HCI and co-chaired the Health Subcommittee for CHI (2021–2023). Her work continues to advance the frontiers of accessible and human-centered health technologies. She leads the Inclusive and Accessible Health Tracking Lab, where her team develops technologies in collaboration with users from marginalized communities. The lab emphasizes participatory design, real-world deployment, and ethical considerations in health technology development.
Isabel Gemma Fajardo García is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mercantile Law at the Faculty of Law, University of Valencia, Spain. She is affiliated with the Institut d'Investigació en Economia Social, Cooperativisme i Empresa (IUDESCOOP), where she conducts research on cooperative law, social economy, and related legal frameworks. Research Interests: Her work focuses on Commercial Law, Cooperative Law, Social Economy, Credit Cooperatives, Mutual Societies, and the legal regulation of solidarity-based enterprises. She explores both national and European dimensions, with comparative studies including Greece’s solidarity economy legislation. Her recent publications reflect a strong trend in analyzing the legal and institutional evolution of social economy actors across Europe, particularly in Spain and Greece. She has contributed extensively to journals such as CIRIEC España and REVESCO , and has co-authored books on worker-managed enterprises and social economy manuals. Her research emphasizes democratic governance, self-management, and the balance between economic viability and social objectives in cooperatives. Scientific Contributions: Author of numerous scholarly articles on cooperative banking, agri-food cooperatives, and legal frameworks for social economy. Co-author of the book Empresas Gestionadas por sus trabajadores and editor of Manual de economía social . Contributor to international academic networks, such as RULEESCOOP, fostering Europe-Latin America research collaboration. She advises on legal and policy aspects of cooperatives and social enterprises, though specific advisees are not listed. Her work is supported through institutional research frameworks and academic publishing. She is actively engaged in shaping legal discourse around cooperative models and social economy development. She leads and participates in research initiatives within IUDESCOOP, focusing on legal scenarios for social economy actors in the EU and member states, and exploring new perspectives for housing cooperatives and mutualist entities.
Jeff Sahadeo is a Professor of Russian and Eurasian History at Carleton University, affiliated with the Department of History within the Faculty of Public and Global Affairs. He specializes in contemporary Central Asia and the Caucasus, with a strong focus on empire, migration, and nationalism. BA, Simon Fraser University MA, Carleton University PhD, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign His research explores the intersections of empire and identity in Russia and Central Asia, with particular attention to diaspora, migration, and comparative colonialisms. He investigates how historical memory shapes ethnic relations, especially in post-Soviet contexts like Kyrgyzstan and the Ferghana Valley. His work often employs oral history and interdisciplinary methods to understand the lived experiences of marginalized groups in Soviet and imperial Russia. Jeff Sahadeo's recent scholarly output reflects a deep engagement with themes of race, urban life, and empire. His publications analyze the racialization of southern migrants in Soviet cities, the imperial administration of Tashkent, and the geopolitical dynamics of contemporary Central Asia. The articles span disciplines including history, sociology, political science, and memory studies, with recurring subfields such as postcolonial theory, urban marginality, and historical trauma. His current research projects—funded by SSHRC—include studies on rivers and societies in Soviet Georgia and the multinational character of Soviet cities like Moscow and Leningrad. Committee Member, Reginald Zelnik Prize for Best Book in History, ASEEES (2018–2019) He has advised various research initiatives and leads the Migration Research Laboratory at South Ural State University, Russia. His public engagement includes media appearances on CBC, CTV, ABC News, and CFRA, particularly during the Ukraine crisis and on issues related to Russian foreign policy. He has also contributed to policy discussions through the Global Centre for Pluralism and the Kyrgyz Presidential Commission on Historical Science. Jeff Sahadeo teaches core courses in European, Russian, and Eurasian Studies, including graduate seminars on research methodology, imperialism, and Soviet culture. He co-teaches a course on Nazism and Stalinism, reflecting his broader interest in totalitarian regimes and comparative history.
Shona McIntosh is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Education at the University of Bath, affiliated with the Centre for Qualitative Research. She holds a PhD in Education and is actively supervising doctoral students. Her work bridges theory and practice in education, with a strong commitment to social and epistemic justice. Research Interests: Climate and Sustainability Education Decolonising Education and Research Methods Global Citizenship and International Education Teacher and Professional Learning Participatory and Feminist Qualitative Research Teaching-Research Nexus in Higher Education Her research is grounded in decolonial, feminist, and sociocultural theories, emphasizing co-construction of knowledge with participants. She employs experimental and mixed methods to explore equity in educational contexts. Recent Research Trends: Her recent publications (2022–2025) reflect a sustained focus on justice-oriented education, particularly in climate change, teacher development during crises (e.g., school closures), and methodological innovation in collaborative and reflexive research. There is a clear trajectory toward developing frameworks for epistemically-just and equitable research practices, often in international and interdisciplinary contexts. Scientific Awards: Jeff Thompson Research Award from the International Baccalaureate Organization (2017) Grants and Supervision: She has secured funding from the British Academy and the British Council for projects on the teaching-research nexus and youth climate concerns. She is Principal Investigator (PI) on multiple projects and a Co-Investigator on international collaborations. She currently accepts doctoral students and has supervised several research outputs and theses. Labs and Research Groups: She is a core member of the Centre for Qualitative Research at the University of Bath, where she contributes to advancing innovative qualitative methodologies and fostering equitable research practices.
Dr. Irene Kamara is an Assistant Professor at Tilburg Law School and TILT (Tilburg Institute for Law, Technology, and Society) at Tilburg University. She holds a joint doctorate from Tilburg University and Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), specializing in data protection standardization. Irene is an affiliated researcher at VUB’s Law, Science, Technology, and Society (LSTS) group and serves as Research Coordinator at TILT since August 2022. Education: PhD in Law with a focus on Data Protection Standardization (Tilburg University & VUB, 2021) LL.B. in Law (Democritus University of Thrace) MSc in International and European Studies (University of Piraeus) Research Interests: Irene examines the intersection of technology and human rights, particularly cyberviolence (cyberstalking, image-based abuse), cybersecurity governance, AI ethics, and data protection law. Her work emphasizes EU legal frameworks, technical standards, and soft law instruments. Recent projects include analyzing child cyberbullying legislation across EU states and developing privacy-preserving AI frameworks through the ENCRYPT Horizon Europe project. Teaching: Course coordinator for Cybercrime (LL.M. Law & Technology) and Regulating Cybersecurity (MSc Artificial Intelligence & Cybersecurity). Supervises PhD and master’s theses. Professional Activities: Member of ENISA Experts List, Netherlands Network for Human Rights Research (NNHRR), and European Academy for Standardisation (EURAS) Evaluator for EU-funded proposals on societal security Editorial Board member of the Journal of Standardisation Awards & Grants: 2025 KNAW Early Career Partnership Grant 2021 CEN CENELEC Standards+Innovation Individual Researcher Award 2023 Nominated for Praemium Erasmianum Foundation Prize Current Projects: CArE Project : Combating technology-facilitated cyberviolence (2023–2027) ENCRYPT Project : Privacy-preserving AI frameworks (2022–2025) HE Edu4Standards.eu : Standardization education initiatives (2024–2026)
Lucio Baccaro is Director at the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies (MPIfG) and was Full Professor of Macrosociology at the University of Geneva, where he also served as Deputy Dean for Research (2016–2020). He has held academic positions at MIT, Case Western Reserve University, and visiting roles at the University of Turin and the University of Vienna. His primary affiliations are with MPIfG and the University of Geneva, both central to his research in political economy and sociology. Education: PhD in Management and Political Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), 1999 Doctorate in Labor Law and Industrial Relations, University of Pavia, 1997 Master of Business Administration, Stoa' (IRI-MIT joint venture), 1991 Laurea in Philosophy, summa cum laude, University "La Sapienza", Rome, 1989 Lucio Baccaro’s research focuses on comparative political economy, labor relations, global worker rights, and deliberative governance . His work integrates economic sociology and political sociology to analyze institutional change, social dialogue, and the impact of globalization on labor and welfare systems. He has led major comparative studies on employment models, pension reforms, and international labor standards. His scholarship emphasizes the interplay between institutions, ideas, and power in shaping economic governance. His recent publications reveal a consistent focus on institutional change, deliberative processes, labor market reforms, and global justice . Themes include path dependence in international organizations, the transformation of collective bargaining, and the role of expertise in democratic governance. His interdisciplinary approach bridges sociology, political science, and economics, with strong methodological rigor in comparative and qualitative analysis. Scientific Awards and Honors: Honorary Professor, University of Duisburg-Essen (2023) Professeur honoraire, University of Geneva (2020) International Geneva Award (2011) Outstanding Young Scholar Award, IRRA (2003) Founder's Prize, SASE (2001) Maurice F. Strong Career Development Chair, MIT (2006–2009) Multiple fellowships from SSRC, Harvard, MIT, and CUNY Alfiere del Lavoro, awarded by the President of Italy (1984) Advising and Grants: While specific student advisees are not listed, Baccaro has supervised research and mentored scholars through his roles at MPIfG and the University of Geneva. He has secured substantial research funding, including grants from the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF) and the Swiss Network for International Studies (SNIS), supporting projects on post-Fordist growth models, employment policy, and deliberative governance. His leadership in co-principal investigator roles highlights his collaborative research approach and institutional influence. Labs and Research Teams: As Director at MPIfG, Baccaro leads a major research institute focused on the study of societal and economic institutions. He has been instrumental in shaping research agendas on political economy and governance, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and international scholarly exchange.
Jonn Axsen is a Professor in the School of Resource & Environmental Management at Simon Fraser University (SFU), where he directs the Sustainable Transportation Research Team (START). With an academic career focused on mitigating transportation emissions, he bridges individual decision-making, social systems, technology, and public policy to advance sustainable mobility solutions. BBA, Business Administration (First Class Honours), Simon Fraser University MRM, Resource Management, Simon Fraser University PhD, Transportation Technology and Policy, University of California, Davis His research identifies solutions for decarbonizing road transportation, examining electric vehicles, alternative mobility systems, and policy frameworks. He emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to understand consumer behavior, organizational transitions, and policy effectiveness in achieving zero-emissions vehicle adoption. Recent publications focus on policy mixes for ZEV adoption, automobility reduction, and consumer perceptions of emerging mobility technologies. Key trends include analyzing subsidy effectiveness, automaker responses to regulation, and cross-cultural differences in mobility preferences. His work appears in top venues like Nature Climate Change and Transportation Research Part D . Royal Society of Canada Fellow (2021) International Transport Forum Award (2012) Securing $2M+ in grants from SSHRC, Translink, Tesla, and PICS, Axsen collaborates with organizations including the UN, Transport Canada, and environmental NGOs. He serves as Senior Associate Editor for Energy Research & Social Science and sits on the US National Academies’ Transportation Research Board. The START team at SFU conducts applied research on sustainable transportation, integrating stakeholder insights with academic rigor. Axsen's lab focuses on bridging technical and social dimensions of mobility transitions through mixed-method studies.
Samar Sabie is an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Communication, Culture, Information and Technology (ICCIT) at the University of Toronto, where she also serves as Program Director for the Technology, Coding, and Society (TCS) program. She holds a graduate appointment at the Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Design, and Landscape, reflecting her interdisciplinary work bridging technology, design, and social justice. She leads the Open Design Collaboratory, a research space focused on critical and community-centered design practices. Education: Doctor of Philosophy, Department of Information Science, Cornell University/Cornell Tech, 2022 Master of Science, Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto, 2017 Master of Architecture, John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design, University of Toronto, 2015 Honors Bachelor of Science (Architecture and Computer Science), University of Toronto, 2011 Her research investigates design as a socio-material practice that fosters community adaptive capacity toward sustainable change. Drawing from architecture, software engineering, ethnography, and philosophy, she explores participatory design , unmaking , and design for social justice . Her work critically engages with how communities resist, adapt, and reimagine technology in contexts of displacement, scarcity, and inequality. Her recent publications, appearing in top venues like CHI , CSCW , and DIS , reveal a strong thematic focus on unmaking as a design strategy for emancipation and agonism, mobility justice , e-waste practices , and cultural memory through design. These works collectively emphasize community agency, ethical ambiguity, and the political dimensions of design. Scientific Contributions: Director, Open Design Collaboratory Program Director, Technology, Coding, and Society (TCS) Graduate Faculty, Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Design, and Landscape Current Courses: CCT204 Design Thinking I, CCT477 Understanding Users Samar Sabie actively mentors students and collaborates on research focused on humanitarian technology, critical making, and design education. Her projects often involve community engagement, participatory methods, and interdisciplinary teams. She has collaborated with and advised early-career researchers such as Dina Sabie, Awais Hameed Khan, and Taneea Agrawal on topics ranging from IDP shelter dynamics to mobility justice advocacy. Her research is supported by her deep engagement with socio-technical challenges in marginalized contexts, and she continues to push the boundaries of how design can serve as a tool for equity, care, and resistance. Future work appears to be evolving toward deeper philosophical inquiries into destruction, care, and the limits of technology.
