Vincent J. Cheng is a Distinguished Professor of English at the University of Utah, holding appointments since July 2019. He previously served at the University of Southern California (1979–2019) in roles including Professor of English and Director of Asian American Studies. His academic leadership includes directing the Tanner Humanities Center (2003–2007). Cheng specializes in modernist literature, particularly James Joyce, with research focusing on cultural memory, national identity, and postcolonial studies. He has authored influential works like Amnesia and the Nation and edited volumes on Joyce’s legacy. Recognized for teaching excellence, he received the Calvin S. and JeNeal Hatch Prize in Teaching (2024) and the Distinguished Teaching Award (2014). Cheng’s research integrates philosophy, history, and literature, exploring themes like migration, empathy, and ethical remembrance. His recent work analyzes Joyce’s treatment of memory and history, connecting Irish and American Southern narratives. He also contributes to Joyce Studies Annual and serves on editorial boards for Western Humanities Review . Teaching-wise, he leads advanced seminars on literary studies and British writers, guiding Ph.D. thesis research. Award highlights include the Fulbright Scholar Award (2015) and the Carole & Gordon Segal Visiting Chair in Irish Studies (2014). He remains active in community outreach, such as presenting Joyce’s Dubliners to high school students. His interdisciplinary approach bridges literary analysis with cultural and ethical inquiry.
Prof. Dr. Sebastian Conrad holds the Chair of Modern History at Freie Universität Berlin , specializing in Global History , (Post-)colonial History , and Intellectual History . He joined the faculty in 2010 after teaching at European University Institute in Florence and serving as visiting scholar at institutions including NYU Abu Dhabi and The New School, New York. Director of MA "Global History" (FU Berlin/Humboldt University joint program) Director of Graduate School "Global Intellectual History" Principal Investigator, Cluster of Excellence "Temporal Communities" (2024) Research Interests focus on transnational historical frameworks , globalization of historical narratives , and postcolonial historiography . His latest book Die Königin: Nofretetes globale Karriere (2024) analyzes cultural globalization through Nefertiti's iconography, while his current project explores global history of bodily aesthetics and identity formation since the 19th century. Recent Publications include: 2022: "Empire and Nationalism" (American Historical Review) 2021: "Globalizing the Beautiful Body" (Journal of World History) 2020: "Greek in Their Own Way" (American Historical Review) Scientific Honors : Elected member, Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities (2024) Elected member, Academia Europaea (2024) Finalist, German/NDR non-fiction book awards (2024) for Nefertiti study Academic Leadership includes editorial roles at Geschichte und Gesellschaft , Past & Present , and Globalgeschichte book series (Campus Verlag). His work bridges historical analysis with contemporary debates on memory, identity, and global cultural dynamics.
Dr. Thomas Brodie is an Assistant Professor in 20th Century European History at the Department of History, University of Birmingham. His academic career spans prestigious institutions including Oxford University, University of Leeds, and Jesus College, Oxford before joining Birmingham in 2018. Education: DPhil in History (The University of Oxford, 2014) MSt in Modern British and European History (The University of Oxford, 2010) BA in History (The University of Oxford, 2009) Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (2020) Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (University of Birmingham, 2020) Dr. Brodie specializes in Modern European history with particular focus on Germany during the Nazi era and post-war periods. His research examines the intersection of religion, society, and war, with special attention to Catholic communities in Germany during WWII and the subsequent evolution of mourning practices and memory culture. His work combines theological analysis with social and cultural history using previously unused archival materials from church, state, and private collections. His recent publications demonstrate a clear trajectory from examining wartime religious communities to post-war memory practices, showing his evolving scholarly interests in how societies process mass bereavement and construct collective memory. The articles primarily focus on German religious history during and after WWII, with increasing attention to spatial dimensions of mourning and commemoration. Scientific Awards: Runner-up award for the Wiener Library's Fraenkel Prize (2014) AHRC award for doctoral research Hanseatic Scholarship for archival research in Berlin and German cities Dr. Brodie teaches a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses including 'The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich' and 'Life After Death: Culture, Memory and Power in Postwar Europe.' He supervises BA dissertations and welcomes PhD students working on Modern German history or thematic interests in religion, war, and memory in European contexts since 1800. His current research project examines German society's responses to bereavement during WWII and its aftermaths through personal diaries, letters, artistic representations, and war memorials.
Marie Sandberg is an Associate Professor in the Promotion Programme at the Saxo Institute, University of Copenhagen. She is affiliated with the Faculty of Humanities and participates in HUM:Global initiatives focused on interdisciplinary global studies. Her research emphasizes ethnological analyses of migration, borders, and refugee policies, particularly exploring temporal governance, state-civil society interactions, and the paradoxes of welfare-state frameworks. Her work examines the everyday practices of refugees and volunteers in contexts of temporary protection status, as well as the ethical challenges in digital migration studies. She contributes to debates on deterrence policies, repatriation agendas, and the precarity of academic labor. Sandberg’s research methodologies often combine ethnography with critical analysis of policy frameworks. Key Research Themes: Refugee temporariness, border studies, humanitarianism, and academic precarity Professional Roles: Member of the Professional Project Group (PPG) in HUM:Global, coordinating interdisciplinary projects Geographic Focus: Europe, with emphasis on Denmark, Poland, and Germany Recent publications highlight her focus on the interplay between state policies and grassroots efforts, as well as the temporal dimensions of displacement. She has co-edited special issues on migration and authored studies on volunteerism in refugee relief work.
Ann D. Braude is a Senior Lecturer on American Religious History and Director of the Women's Studies in Religion Program at Harvard Divinity School (HDS), affiliated with Harvard University. She joined HDS in 1998 after roles at Carleton College and Macalester College. Her work emphasizes inclusive religious narratives, particularly exploring intersections of gender, spirituality, and social movements. Key research areas include 19th-century Spiritualism, Indigenous religious perspectives, and modern abstract art's relationship to spirituality. Braude holds an AB from Vassar College, MA from the University of Chicago, and PhD from Yale University. Her research has produced influential works like Radical Spirits (2008) and Sisters and Saints (2007), which examine women's roles in shaping religious history. She organized pivotal conferences such as the 2005 celebration of women at HDS and curated the bicentennial exhibition Faces of Divinity (2016). Her current projects include studying gender dynamics in abstract painting and Native American religious frameworks through a biennial speakers series. Braude’s courses focus on American religious history, feminist theology, and Indigenous religious studies. Her articles and public engagement reflect a commitment to bridging academic research with broader societal conversations about religion, gender, and culture. She maintains active roles in both Harvard Divinity School and the broader academic community, contributing to interdisciplinary dialogues on pluralism and religious diversity.
Dr. Yildiz Bayazitoglu is the Harry S. Cameron Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Professor of Materials Science and NanoEngineering at Rice University since 1996. She joined Rice in 1977 and has held prior roles as an assistant professor at Middle East Technical University (1973–74) and a visiting assistant professor at the University of Houston (1975–76). Her education includes a B.S. from Middle East Technical University (1967), and M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Michigan (1969 and 1974). Her research focuses on convective heat transfer with phase change , micro/nano-scale heat transfer , and radiation heat transfer . Key areas include thermal modeling of biomedical systems, containerless materials processing, and fuel cell design. She has pioneered work on nanofluids, interfacial thermal resistance, and radiation shielding for aerospace applications. Dr. Bayazitoglu has published over 200 technical papers and holds patents in thermal engineering. She authored two heat transfer textbooks and serves as Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Thermal Sciences . Her honors include ASME’s Heat Transfer Memorial Award, AAAS and AIAA Fellowships, and membership in the Turkish Academy of Sciences. Education: B.S., Middle East Technical University (1967) M.S., University of Michigan (1969) Ph.D., University of Michigan (1974) Leadership Roles: Former Vice-President of the International Center for Heat and Mass Transfer (2019–2021) Member of Turkish Academy of Sciences Energy Sources Committee (2017–2018) Her work bridges thermal engineering with biomedical, aerospace, and materials science applications, emphasizing practical solutions to complex thermal challenges.
Dr. Julie Rugg is Reader in Social Policy at the University of York's School for Business and Society. She specializes in policy evaluation with expertise in private rented sector dynamics, housing assistance systems, and qualitative analysis of housing behaviors. Her current ESRC-funded project examines criminality in the private rented sector through co-produced solutions. Rugg directs research on rental sub-markets, tenant-landlord relationships, and enforcement effectiveness. Her work has influenced national policy discussions on housing welfare reforms and rental market regulation. She also leads the Cemetery Research Group, investigating historical and contemporary burial practices. Recent projects include nationwide analyses of property supply to lower-end rental markets and investigations into criminal landlord practices. Rugg's methodological approach combines policy analysis with qualitative investigations of housing experiences.
Andrew Gordon is Professor of Renaissance Literature and Culture in the School of Language, Literature, Music and Visual Culture at the University of Aberdeen. He is Co-Director of the Centre for Early Modern Studies and serves as REF co-lead for English, demonstrating active leadership in research and academic governance. BA from University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) MA from University of Sussex PhD from Queen Mary's, University of London His research centers on early modern literature and culture, with a focus on textual transmission , letter-writing , cultural memory , and material texts . He explores how literature interacts with cultural practices, especially in early modern London. His current project, Renaissance Cultures of the Foot , innovatively examines the cultural and literary significance of the foot, drawing on anthropological perspectives to analyze embodied experience in print and manuscript culture. The recent scholarly articles and books reflect a strong trend in interdisciplinary humanities, combining literary analysis with historical, material, and gender studies. His work frequently engages with manuscript culture, epistolary networks, and the social functions of memory, particularly in post-Reformation England. His scientific recognition includes the Hunter-Caldwell award for directing The Correspondence of Robert Beale . Hunter-Caldwell award He actively supervises graduate research and welcomes PhD students in areas related to early modern texts, cultural mobility, memory, and community. While specific grants are not listed, his funded project indicates successful grant acquisition. He has also engaged in creative collaborations with theatre professionals, bridging academic research with performance. Andrew Gordon is a central figure in Aberdeen’s Centre for Early Modern Studies, contributing to an interdisciplinary research environment that fosters collaboration across historical periods and methodological approaches.
Professor Phil Clark is a Professor of International Politics at SOAS University of London, specializing in conflict and post-conflict issues with a focus on transitional justice, peacebuilding, and reconciliation after mass atrocity in Rwanda, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Burundi. He holds a DPhil in Politics from the University of Oxford, where he studied as a Rhodes Scholar, and a Bachelor of International Studies from Flinders University. His research focuses on international, national, and community-based responses to mass violence in Central Africa, particularly examining the gacaca community courts in post-genocide Rwanda and the International Criminal Court (ICC). Professor Clark has advised multiple governments (Danish, Sudanese, Swedish, Ugandan, and UK), international organizations (ICC, International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda), and NGOs (Human Rights Watch, Crisis Group) on conflict issues in Africa. Professor Clark's work spans several key areas including the History, Politics and Law of the African Great Lakes; Transitional Justice Theory and Practice; the Politics of Violence; Community-Based and Customary Law; Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation; the Politics of International Criminal Justice; Peacebuilding, Security and Post-Conflict Reconstruction; and Moral and Political Philosophy. His approach often combines theoretical analysis with practical fieldwork in post-conflict societies. His publications reveal a consistent focus on the tension between international legal frameworks and local justice mechanisms, particularly examining how post-genocide societies navigate complex reconciliation processes. Over time, his work has evolved from documenting specific cases (like the gacaca courts) to analyzing broader patterns of transitional justice and international criminal law across the African continent. Shortlisted for the Raphael Lemkin Award for best book on genocide and mass violence (for "Distant Justice: The Impact of the International Criminal Court on African Politics") Regular contributor to major media outlets including The New York Times, Foreign Affairs, Washington Post, The Guardian, and BBC Frequent media commentator on international news networks including BBC, France 24, Al Jazeera, CNN, and Deutsche Welle Professor Clark has supervised multiple PhD students working on topics related to conflict analysis, women's access to transitional justice, China-Africa relations, and conflict transformation. His current research includes "Intergenerational Justice in Eastern Africa" and "Reframing Justice after Atrocity," which examines justice interactions beyond the linear international-to-national transmission of norms and practices. He has led significant research projects, including serving as technical advisor and co-author of a 2007 UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights project surveying popular perceptions of transitional justice and peacebuilding in northern Uganda. His ongoing work continues to shape academic and policy discussions about justice mechanisms in post-conflict societies.
Tania Islas Weinstein is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at McGill University’s Department of Political Science. Her work bridges art, politics, and aesthetics, particularly in the context of Mexico’s democratic transitions and socio-cultural dynamics. She holds a PhD from the University of Chicago and has held academic appointments at institutions including the University of Colorado Denver and the University of Chicago. Education: PhD in Political Science, University of Chicago (2019) MA in Political Science, University of Chicago (2011) BA in Political Science and International Relations, Centro de Investigación y Docencia Económicas (CIDE), Mexico (2007) Research focuses on how art shapes political imaginaries, with a current book project analyzing Mexico’s cultural policies post-autocratic rule. Key themes include nationalism, racial justice, and the intersection of art with state violence. She co-edited Beyond Mestizaje: Contemporary Debates on Race in Mexico (2024) and has published in Journal of Latin American Studies and Signs . Awards include a FQRSC Team Grant for governance research in Latin America and fellowships from the University of Chicago and CONACyT. She actively collaborates with artists, such as on Sun Ra’s poetry translation, and teaches courses on art politics, qualitative methods, and anti-racism in Latin America.
David Mwambari serves as Associate Professor at KU Leuven's Faculty of Social Sciences within the Unit Leuven International and European Studies (LINES). He leads the ERC-funded TMSS project on Life Narratives of Violence Among Refugees from Africa's Great Lakes Region and holds affiliations with the Oxford Consortium on Human Rights and the Centre for Mediation in Africa at the University of Pretoria. His educational background includes BA/MA in International Relations from United States International University-Africa, MA in Pan-African Studies from Syracuse University, and PhD in History from La Trobe University. He previously held academic positions at King's College London, Ghent University, and United States International University-Africa. Mwambari's research centers on memory studies with emphases on post-genocide Rwanda, colonial durabilities, and refugee narratives. His work examines how cultural memory shapes state formation, peacebuilding, and identity politics through interdisciplinary methodologies blending historical analysis, ethnography, and critical theory. Recent projects investigate vernacular memory practices during crises and the spatial dimensions of post-conflict reconstruction. His scientific contributions include the monograph Navigating Cultural Memory (Oxford University Press, 2023), co-edited volume Beyond History (Rowman & Littlefield, 2020), and editorial roles for Qualitative Research journal and Brill's 'Mobilizing Memory' series. His publications demonstrate evolving focus from leadership studies toward memory politics and decolonial research methodologies. European Research Council (ERC) Grant for TMSS Project Fellow at Churchill College, University of Cambridge African Academic Diaspora Fellow at CODESRIA FWO Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Mwambari actively mentors early-career scholars across Africa, Latin America, and East Asia while contributing to public discourse through Al Jazeera and community projects training history teachers in East Africa. His consultancy work addresses cross-disciplinary challenges in healthcare, education, and security, reflecting his commitment to applied scholarship beyond traditional academic boundaries.
Dacia Viejo-Rose is a Senior Lecturer in Cultural Heritage and the Politics of the Past at the Department of Archaeology, University of Cambridge , and serves as Deputy Director of the Cambridge Heritage Research Centre . Her research focuses on cultural heritage in contexts of armed conflict, examining its role in division, exclusion, and post-conflict reconciliation. She integrates perspectives from memory studies, political science, and transitional justice. PhD (2009) in Cultural Heritage from University of Cambridge British Academy Post-doctoral Fellow (2012–2014) Her work analyzes the symbolic and ethical dimensions of cultural heritage destruction and reconstruction, particularly in post-civil war Spain, Bosnia, and Syria. She advocates for reparations frameworks in international law and critiques the instrumentalization of heritage in global conflicts. Key publication themes include: Post-conflict justice and cultural property law Cultural violence and socio-legal approaches Memory politics and identity formation Heritage conservation and ethical interventions Scientific awards: British Academy Post-doctoral Fellowship Her exhibitions, such as the 2015 Gernika Peace Museum display , highlight the interplay between heritage and peacebuilding. She contributes to debates on democratic memorial practices and international involvement in post-conflict societies.
Aglaia McClintock is an Associate Professor of Roman and Ancient Law (IUS/18) in the Department of Law, Economics, Management and Quantitative Methods at the University of Sannio. Her research examines Roman legal institutions through interdisciplinary lenses including anthropology, gender studies, and symbolic analysis. Research Focus: She specializes in archaic Roman criminal law, gender dynamics in legal systems, the evolution of punitive practices, and cross-cultural juridical symbolism. Her work frequently intersects with: Anthropological interpretations of legal concepts Historical analysis of women's rights and social weapons Ritual aspects of justice administration Comparative Indo-European legal traditions Publication Trends: Her recent articles (2016-2024) demonstrate concentrated scholarship on: 1) deconstruction of archaic penal systems and social control mechanisms, 2) gender-focused reexamination of Roman legal anthropology, and 3) symbolic analysis of justice iconography in classical civilizations. Methodologically, she employs textual analysis, linguistic etymology, and socio-legal contextualization. Awards & Recognition: No scientific awards or fellowships are documented in available sources. Academic Service: She has contributed to international conferences on Roman law and authored commemorative works for legal scholars like Francesco Salerno. No information regarding student advising, grants, or laboratory leadership is present.
Patrice Faure is a University Professor of Roman History at the University of Lyon 3 since 2022, with a career spanning roles at multiple French universities. His research focuses on the Roman army, political and cultural history of Roman provinces, Latin epigraphy, and prosopography. He holds a Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches in Roman History (2021) and a Doctorate (2006) from the University of Grenoble 2. Roman History, University of Lyon 3 (2022-present) Lecturer in Roman History, University of Lyon 3 (2010-2022) Lecturer in Ancient History, University of Le Havre (2007-2010) His research examines the Roman military's social and political impact, provincial integration of elites, and epigraphic documentation. He collaborates on digital epigraphic databases (Epigraphica Romana, EpiCherchell) and contributes to exhibition curation, notably at the Musée Lugdunum. Awarded the SOPHAU Thesis Prize (2007) and multiple scholarships (Thiers Foundation, IFAO, EFR), his publications include co-edited volumes on Roman military culture and monographs on Severan-era centurions. Current projects include publishing his HDR thesis Grandir pour l'empire and expanding the Inscriptions antiques de Césarée de Maurétanie corpus.
Jim Sykes is an Associate Professor of Music at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Arts & Sciences. His research focuses on ethnomusicology, sound studies, and the cultural histories of the Indian Ocean world. He specializes in examining sonic practices across Afro-Asiatic seascapes, colonial surveillance systems, and postcolonial music theory. His work bridges disciplines like anthropology, history, and cultural studies, emphasizing decolonial methodologies. Recent scholarship explores governmental acoustic surveillance in maritime contexts, the politics of area studies, and the role of music in labor and value systems. He has contributed to rethinking sound studies through global south perspectives, including projects on sonic cartography and indigenous acoustic knowledge systems. Sykes has published extensively on topics such as Sri Lankan post-war musical generosity, Dalit liberation theology through Tamil folk music, and colonial sound regulations in British Ceylon. His interdisciplinary approach addresses intersections between sound, power, and cultural memory in contexts ranging from Southeast Asia to the Indian Ocean trade networks.
