Alison Ledgerwood is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of California, Davis, and Principal Investigator of the Attitudes and Group Identity Lab. Her research examines how social context shapes attitudes and preferences, with a focus on open and inclusive scientific practices. Ph.D., Social Psychology, New York University (2008) M.A., Psychology, New York University (2006) B.A., Psychology, Amherst College (2003) Her research explores psychological distance , framing effects , and system justification theory , while methodologically advancing preregistration , collaborative science , and equity in publishing . She also investigates group identity dynamics and implicit/explicit bias measurement . Recent publications highlight her work on racial bias methodology , open science reform , and contextual framing . Awards include the 2024 Distinguished Service to the Society award, 2021 UC Davis Advising and Mentoring Award, and 2017 SPSP Service to the Field award. 2024 Distinguished Service to the Society, SPSP 2021 UC Davis Graduate Advising and Mentoring Award 2017 Service to the Field, SPSP Hellman Fellowship (2010-2011), UC Davis UC Davis Chancellor's Fellow APS Fellow SESP Fellow Ledgerwood advises on scientific integrity through roles like Chair of the Transparency and Openness Promotion (TOP) II Guidelines Task Force and Anti Colorism and Eurocentrism in Methods and Practices (ACEMAP) Task Force. Her lab fosters contextual evaluation studies and psychological distance frameworks .
Mengliang Zhang is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Ohio University, College of Arts and Sciences. He leads an interdisciplinary research group focused on mass spectrometry and chemometrics, with applications in forensic, food, agricultural, environmental, and material sciences. His lab develops innovative analytical strategies for detecting toxicants, characterizing nanomaterials, and profiling metabolites in botanicals and food systems. Ph.D., Chemistry, Ohio University, 2015 Dr. Zhang’s research integrates instrumentation, chemometrics, and computational tools to address complex analytical challenges. His group works on forensic fiber and ignitable liquid analysis, plant metabolomics, nanomaterial surface chemistry, and environmental toxicant monitoring. His work is highly interdisciplinary, bridging chemistry, data science, and real-world applications in forensics and public health. His recent publications demonstrate a strong trend in advancing ambient ionization mass spectrometry (especially DART-MS), chemometric modeling, and metabolite profiling across diverse matrices—from fire debris to broccoli microgreens. His work increasingly emphasizes automation, quantitation, and database development for botanical phytochemicals. Scientific honors include the MTSU Distinguished Research Award (Early Career), and his students have received prestigious awards such as the Goldwater Scholarship and multiple URECA recognitions. He is actively supported by federal grants from NSF, USDA, DOE, DOJ (NIJ), and FEMA. Dr. Zhang mentors a vibrant research team of graduate and undergraduate students, guiding them in publishing high-impact research and presenting at national conferences like ASMS, Pittcon, and AAFS. He has organized sessions at SciX and served on editorial boards of Journal of Forensic Sciences and Journal of AOAC INTERNATIONAL . His lab recently relocated to Ohio University in August 2024, equipped with advanced instrumentation including UHPLC-QTOF-MS and DART-MS systems.
Sandy J. Wayne serves as Dean of the College of Business Administration and Professor of Management at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), where she leads academic initiatives while maintaining an active research program. An internationally recognized expert in workplace leadership, her work focuses on developing high-performing employees through effective team leadership and organizational practices that enhance motivation and performance. She also investigates systemic barriers affecting the upward mobility of women and people of color in corporate environments. Dr. Wayne earned her academic credentials from: PhD in Management, Texas A&M University MBA, Illinois State University BS in Business Administration, Illinois State University Her research program spans leadership dynamics, organizational behavior, and diversity science. She examines how manager-employee relationships impact engagement and performance, with particular emphasis on work-family balance and career trajectory barriers for underrepresented groups. Her work bridges theoretical rigor with practical applications for organizations seeking to build inclusive, high-performance cultures through evidence-based leadership development. Analysis of her recent publications (2014-2024) reveals three dominant research streams: leader-member exchange theory (particularly LMX differentiation effects), servant leadership measurement and outcomes, and diversity dynamics in advancement pathways. Her work consistently appears in top-tier journals like Journal of Applied Psychology and Academy of Management Journal , demonstrating methodological sophistication through multi-level analyses and cross-cultural investigations. Dr. Wayne's scientific contributions have earned significant recognition: Decennial Influential Article Award for 2015 publication (2025) University Scholar, University of Illinois System (2020-2023) Faculty Impact Award, UIC Business (2019) Fellow, Academy of Management (2019) Decennial Influential Article Award for 2008 publication (2018) As Director of the Institute for Leadership Excellence and Development since 1996, she has cultivated a robust research ecosystem while leading institutional initiatives like the UIC Business Cohort Program and Business Scholars Program. Her administrative leadership extends to faculty development through her former role as Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs (2014-2022), demonstrating sustained commitment to academic excellence and organizational growth.
Dr. Hyun Kyoung Ro is an Associate Professor in the Department of Counseling and Higher Education at the University of North Texas, affiliated with the College of Education. She previously served as a faculty member at Bowling Green State University and worked as a Research Designer and Analyst at Carnegie Mellon University’s Office of Institutional Research and Analysis. Ph.D. in Higher Education, The Pennsylvania State University (minor in Educational Psychology—Applied Measurement) M.A. and B.A., Korea University Her research centers on gender and racial equity in STEM education , learning experiences of marginalized students , and critical quantitative research and assessment . She employs rigorous methodologies to examine systemic inequities and institutional practices affecting underrepresented populations in higher education. Dr. Ro's recent publications span top-tier journals such as Journal of Engineering Education , The Review of Higher Education , and Research in Higher Education , reflecting a strong focus on equity, policy, and assessment in STEM and higher education contexts. Her work consistently emphasizes intersectionality, data justice, and institutional reform. She has received significant external funding, including: National Science Foundation ADVANCE Adaptation Track grant for gender equity on campus AccessLex Institute/Association for Institutional Research grant on law school access and enrollment among women of color Collectively, these grants total $1.1 million, supporting her leadership in advancing equity through research and institutional change. While no formal list of advisees or awards is provided, her role as a leading author and grant recipient highlights her active mentorship and scholarly leadership. Dr. Ro has not indicated any lab or research team affiliations in the provided text, but her research profile suggests collaboration with institutional research units and equity-focused initiatives.
Frederick A. A. Kingdom is a Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at McGill University's Faculty of Medicine, focusing on Perception, Cognition and Cognitive Neuroscience . His research explores the interplay between early visual feature detection (edges, bars) and intermediate stages forming contours, textures, and surfaces through spatial vision, color vision, stereopsis, texture perception, brightness/lightness perception, and transparency studies . Email: fred.kingdom@mcgill.ca Key research domains include: Perceptual Mechanisms : Lateral inhibition, contrast normalization, spatial bandpass filters, and their role in brightness/lightness perception and illusions like simultaneous brightness contrast. Color Vision : Red-green vs blue-yellow system distribution, chromatic contrast requirements for stereopsis, color-based depth processing limitations, and color-shading effects that parse surfaces vs illumination. Texture Analysis : Detection thresholds for orientation/frequency/contrast modulated textures, co-circularity in texture perception, and texture statistical sensitivity (e.g., kurtosis importance). Shape Processing : Shape-frequency/shape-amplitude aftereffects, global vs local shape coding, and contour inflection adaptation. His work combines psychophysics , fMRI , image processing , and computational modeling to dissect visual system architecture, particularly how color and luminance signals are integrated/separated in early cortical processing.
Andrew Francis-Tan serves as Assistant Dean (Student Affairs) and Senior Lecturer at the LKY School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore. Previously, he was associate professor of economics at Emory University. His academic journey spans prestigious institutions including the University of Chicago where he earned his Ph.D. in economics, establishing his foundation in quantitative research methods. Francis-Tan's research program focuses on education, labor economics, and demography, with particular emphasis on patterns of inequality and public policies designed to empower vulnerable populations. His work explores how factors such as race, gender, and religion influence social identities and outcomes across diverse contexts, especially in Asia and Latin America. His interdisciplinary approach bridges economics, sociology, and public policy to address complex social challenges. His extensive publication record shows a clear research trajectory examining ethnic identity formation, religious dynamics under restrictive regulation, gender empowerment effects, and affirmative action policies. The publications span multiple high-impact journals across disciplines including Political Science, Sociology, Public Health, and Economics, demonstrating the cross-cutting relevance of his work. As an educator, Francis-Tan teaches advanced quantitative methods courses for PhD students (PP6706), education economics and policy (PP5196), and principles of economics for policy (PP5001). His teaching portfolio reflects his expertise in applying economic frameworks to policy analysis and his commitment to training the next generation of policy professionals with rigorous analytical skills.
Brandon L. Velez is an Associate Professor of Counseling Psychology at the Graduate School of Education, Health & Psychology at Teachers College, Columbia University. His research examines the intersections of oppression and collective identity with mental health and career outcomes for sexual, gender, and racial/ethnic minority populations. He is affiliated with the Counseling & Clinical Psychology department and leads the Stigma, Identity, and Intersectionality Research Team. Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, University of Florida, 2014 Predoctoral Internship, Georgia Institute of Technology Counseling Center, 2014 M.S. in Psychology, University of Florida, 2011 B.S. in Psychology (summa cum laude), B.A. in Religion (cum laude), Minor in Anthropology, University of Florida, 2009 Dr. Velez’s work focuses on minority stress , intersectionality , and the well-being of multiply marginalized groups, including LGBTQ+ people of color, transgender individuals, and women of color. His studies explore how systemic discrimination and coping strategies influence mental health , body image , and career development , often integrating theories like objectification and work adjustment. His recent publications analyze: Protective effects of womanist attitudes on women of color Minority stress in transgender communities and bisexual women Applications of work theory to racial and sexual minorities Resilience mechanisms against systemic oppression Scientific honors include graduating summa cum laude (B.S.) and cum laude (B.A.) from the University of Florida. He does not currently advise new Ph.D. students for the Fall 2025 cohort.
Dr. Anna Bobak is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Stirling, UK. She holds a PhD from Bournemouth University (2016) and joined Stirling as a Research Assistant on an EPSRC project under Peter Hancock before transitioning to her current role. Her primary research focuses on individual differences in unfamiliar face recognition, particularly developmental prosopagnosia, and the reliability of face-processing assessments. She also investigates neurodiversity in women, emphasizing lived experiences of autism and ADHD, including camouflaging behaviors and societal awareness. Research Interests: Face Recognition: Examines perceptual strategies, diagnostic criteria (e.g., Balanced Integration Score), and technological applications in forensic contexts. Neurodiversity: Explores gender-specific manifestations of autism and ADHD, societal perceptions, and support mechanisms. Cognitive Methodology: Advances psychometric rigor in face-processing studies and critiques measurement validity. Her work bridges theoretical research and real-world applications, such as evaluating automated face recognition technology’s biases and collaborating on initiatives like #ScienceForUkraine to aid displaced academics. She is affiliated with the Cognition in Complex Environments research group and contributes to global security and resilience themes at Stirling.
Tony N. Brown is a Distinguished Professor of Sociology at Rice University, directing the Racism and Racial Experiences Workgroup (RARE) and the STaRT@Rice Program. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan (1998), with prior tenure at Vanderbilt University. His research focuses on critical race theory, examining mechanisms of racism's impact on mental health, racial identity, and societal structures. Key themes include anti-Blackness, racial trauma, and systemic inequities. Brown has secured federal funding for his work and contributed to over 100 peer-reviewed publications. He was a finalist for Rice University’s 2023 George R. Brown Award for Teaching Excellence. Education: Ph.D. in Sociology, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor (1998) M.A. in Sociology, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor (1993) B.S. in Sociology, University of Maryland - Eastern Shore (1991) Research interests span racial socialization, health disparities, and quantitative methods. His work combines community-based surveys with policy analysis, addressing contemporary issues like racial apathy among white populations and the mental health implications of racial discrimination. Notable projects include studying the psychological effects of Barack Obama’s presidential elections on Black communities and analyzing racialized stress in military veterans. His recent articles emphasize the intersection of race, politics, and mental health, with studies on Black nationalist tendencies and viral racism during the pandemic. Awards include recognition for teaching excellence and contributions to sociological scholarship. Brown actively collaborates across disciplines, holding roles in Rice’s sociology department and interdisciplinary programs.
Professor Moncef Gabbouj is a distinguished academic and researcher currently serving as Professor of Signal Processing at the Department of Computing Sciences, Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences, Tampere University, Finland. Previously, he held the same position at Tampere University of Technology before the merger in 2019. He has also held visiting professorships at prestigious institutions including Hong Kong University of Technology and Science, University of Southern California, and Purdue University. Ph.D. and MSc. in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University, USA (1989 and 1986) B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from Oklahoma State University, USA (1985) Prof. Gabbouj's research spans multiple domains within signal and image processing, with a strong focus on machine learning applications. His primary research interests include artificial intelligence, machine learning, Big Data analytics, multimedia content-based analysis, indexing and retrieval, nonlinear signal and image processing, voice conversion, and video processing and coding. His work bridges theoretical advancements with practical applications across various industries, particularly in multimedia communications and biomedical applications. His extensive publication record demonstrates a clear evolution from traditional signal processing techniques toward more sophisticated machine learning and deep learning approaches. Recent work shows increasing focus on convolutional neural networks for various applications including ECG classification, video processing, financial time-series analysis, and image recognition tasks, reflecting the broader trend in the field toward deep learning methodologies while maintaining strong foundations in signal processing theory. IEEE Fellow (2011) Member, Finnish Academy of Science and Letters (2014) Knight, First Class, of the Order of the White Rose of Finland (2006) Nokia Foundation Recognition Award (2005) Nokia Foundation Visiting Professor Award (2012) Finnish Cultural Foundation for Art and Science Award (2017) TUT Foundation Grand Award (2015) Prof. Gabbouj has supervised 64 doctoral and 72 Master's theses, demonstrating his significant contribution to academic mentoring. His research has been supported by substantial funding, including research grants totaling 8.5 million Euro (2001-2015). He has served as Academy of Finland Professor during 2011-2015 and has been involved in numerous EU research projects including Horizon, ESPRIT, HCM, IST, COST, Tempus and Erasmus programs. As Editor, Guest Editor or member of the Editorial Board of 6 international scientific journals, he has significantly influenced the academic discourse in his field. He leads the Signal Analysis and Machine Intelligence (SAMI) research group at Tampere University and serves as the Finland Site Director of the NSF IUCRC funded Center for Visual and Decision Informatics. His research unit focuses on applying advanced machine learning techniques to solve complex problems in signal processing, computer vision, and multimedia analytics, with applications ranging from healthcare to multimedia communications and financial analysis.
Michelle A. Holling, Ph.D. is a Full Professor of Communication at California State University San Marcos, where she also serves as Director of Ethnic Studies. She joined the Department of Communication at CSUSM in 2007 and has held significant leadership roles including Director of the Ethnic Studies Program, Chair of the Communication Department, and member of the Ethnic Studies Steering Committee. Dr. Holling earned her interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Communication from Arizona State University and her M.A. and B.A. in Communication from San Francisco State University. Her academic journey has been marked by leadership and scholarly excellence within the field of communication studies with a focus on ethnic and gender perspectives. Her research expertise centers on Chican@-Latin@ vernacular discourse; testimonio and gendered violence; and womyn of color, academe, and intersectional microaggressions. Dr. Holling's work bridges critical race theory, gender studies, and communication scholarship, examining how marginalized communities navigate systems of power through discourse and performance. She has developed innovative courses including COMM 405, Feminist Rhetorics and COMM 485, Chican@s-Latin@s in Film & TV. Dr. Holling's scholarly contributions demonstrate a consistent focus on intersectional approaches to communication, with particular attention to Latin@ experiences, gendered violence, and critical race perspectives. Her work often examines how marginalized communities use discourse to resist oppression and create liberatory spaces. Outstanding Article Award (2022) from Feminist Gender Studies Division of NCA Outstanding Book Chapter Award (2021) from Latino/a Communication Studies Division of NCA Cordova-Puchot Scholar of the Year Award (2009) from Latino/a Communication Studies Division of NCA B. Aubrey Fisher Outstanding Journal Article (2007) from Western States Communication Association Dr. Holling has been actively involved in professional organizations, founding the Communication, Identities, and Difference interest group in the Western States Communication Association (WSCA), where she served as President (2017-2018) and Immediate Past President (2018-2019). She was also President of the Organization for Research on Women and Communication (2007-2010). Her leadership extends to editorial work, including co-editing "Race(ing) Intercultural Communication: Racial Logics in a Colorblind Era" (2016) and "Latina/o Discourse in Vernacular Spaces: Somos de Una Voz?" (2011).
Jean-Luc Bonniol is a Professor of Anthropology at Paul-Cézanne University (Aix-Marseille III) affiliated with UMR 6591 (IDEMEC) and the Mediterranean House of Human Sciences. His work focuses on postcolonial societies, race, and Caribbean cultural dynamics. Key affiliations: University of Aix-Marseille, IDEMEC research unit, Mediterranean anthropological networks. Doctoral research included studies on population genetics in Caribbean island communities. Research emphasizes colonial legacies, memory of slavery, and creolization processes. He has curated major collections like the 'Creole Societies' series. Publications span anthropology, sociology, and history, addressing topics like racialization, postcolonial identity, and Guadeloupean social movements. His 2009 analysis of labor strikes in Guadeloupe remains seminal. Received formal permissions to distribute works openly via Les Classiques des sciences sociales. Active in interdisciplinary dialogue blending anthropology with historical and political analysis.
Pooja Khatija serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Organizational Behavior at the Weatherhead School of Management , Case Western Reserve University , where she is also a doctoral candidate. Blending scholarship and practice, she focuses her research on Asian American leadership, holistic and inclusive leadership, and implicit biases tied to gender, geography, and social class in recruitment and career advancement. Education Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology Post Graduate degree in Management Doctoral candidate, Department of Organizational Behavior, Weatherhead School of Management Research Interests Dr. Khatija’s scholarly agenda is anchored in advancing equity within organizations. She investigates how Asian American leaders navigate and transform predominantly white institutions, and she develops integrative models of holistic leadership development that emphasize identity, well-being, and social justice. A second stream of inquiry examines implicit biases in hiring and promotion systems, with particular attention to gendered racism and intersectional invisibility experienced by women of color. Her work bridges theory and practice by translating findings into trauma-informed and healing-centered organizational interventions. She leverages coaching methodologies to cultivate inclusive climates and has co-authored critical reviews on reimagining leadership standards that historically center whiteness. Scientific Awards Graduate Dean’s Instructional Excellence Award (2022) Teaching, Coaching & Grants As an educator, Pooja has instructed graduate students in Applied Multivariate Data Analysis (MGMT573) and undergraduates in Leadership in Diversity and Inclusion (ORBH391) across 2020-2022. For over a decade she has coached Management and Engineering graduate students on career and placement strategies, and she is a certified executive coach through Weatherhead’s coaching program. While specific grant details are not enumerated, her sustained engagement in curriculum development and coaching initiatives reflects ongoing institutional investment in her inclusive-leadership agenda. Labs & Teams While no formal lab is named, Pooja collaborates closely with faculty and doctoral peers within the Department of Organizational Behavior and draws on Weatherhead’s broader ecosystem of leadership development and diversity research initiatives.
Dr. Lindsey Cameron is a Reader in Psychology and Director of Undergraduate Student Experience and Student Success at the University of Kent 's School of Psychology . Her research focuses on social developmental psychology , particularly how children develop social knowledge and intergroup attitudes. Her research interests include the development of intergroup attitudes, the role of social norms and cognitive development in shaping these attitudes, and the creation of school-based interventions to reduce prejudice. She investigates the impact of intergroup contact (direct and indirect), cultural awareness, and acculturation processes in childhood. Recent publications highlight trends in intergroup relations, bullying dynamics in schoolchildren, and interventions for social inclusion. Notable areas include intergenerational contact , malocclusion and peer relationships , and gender stereotypes in children’s media . Scientific awards include her appointment to the British Journal of Developmental Psychology Editorial Advisory Panel. She has supervised PhD students such as Dr. Caitlin Baker (2020) and Dr. Lauren Spinner (2017), focusing on topics like strategic color blindness and gender socialization . Her grants span projects like "Growing up with diversity" (British Psychological Society, 2014) and "Tackling racism amongst adolescents" (Big Lottery Research Programme, 2008–09). Collaborations involve charities and diversity organizations across Europe, including One Globe Kids and Office of the Children’s Commissioner .
Dr. Keisha April is an Assistant Professor at Rutgers University's School of Criminal Justice. She holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Drexel University, J.D. from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, and A.B. in Psychology from Princeton University. Her research focuses on juvenile justice systems, policing practices, mental health intersections with crime, community-based interventions, and racial/ethnic disparities. Using mixed methodologies, she examines justice system interactions to inform policy reforms. Recent publications explore police-youth dynamics, treatment-to-prison pipelines, and community participatory research. Her work integrates public health models with restorative justice approaches.
