Mary Sully de Luque is a tenured full Professor of Management and Senior Sustainability Scientist at Arizona State University’s Thunderbird School of Global Management. She holds additional roles as Academic Director of entrepreneurship programs for women in developing economies and serves on prestigious editorial boards. Her career spans over two decades, including visiting professorships in Peru and the UAE, and prior post-doctoral work with the Wharton School’s GLOBE project. Education: Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior and International Management, University of Nebraska B.A. in Organizational Communication, Creighton University Her research focuses on cross-cultural leadership, CSR, sustainability, and feedback mechanisms. Key themes include cultural influences on organizational effectiveness, responsible leadership in global contexts, and women’s entrepreneurship in developing nations. She co-authored the award-winning Strategic Leadership Across Cultures (2014), analyzing CEO leadership in 24 countries. Her work emphasizes practical applications: consulting with Fortune 500 firms to assess leadership behaviors, designing programs for women entrepreneurs via Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Women initiative, and serving on boards for organizations like the GLOBE Foundation and Conscious Capitalism AZ. Her research bridges theory and practice, particularly in Latin America and the Middle East.
Jakob Stollberger is a Professor in Leadership and Organizational Behavior at Durham University Business School, affiliated with the Department of Management and Marketing and the Centre for Leadership and Followership. His research integrates behavioral science with organizational theory to explore leadership, innovation, and the evolving workplace, particularly in the context of artificial intelligence. His research interests include leadership behaviors , the work-family interface , creativity and innovation , and AI and the future of work . He employs advanced quantitative methods such as experience sampling, multilevel modeling, and latent growth modeling to investigate emotional and behavioral dynamics in organizations. His recent publications span top journals including Organization Science , Journal of Applied Psychology , and Human Relations , with themes centered on emotional complexity, team innovation, and human-AI collaboration. His work has been recognized with the Human Relations Reviewer of the Year 2022 and a shortlisting for the Rosabeth Moss Kanter Award . Human Relations Reviewer of the Year 2022 Award Shortlisted for the Rosabeth Moss Kanter Award for Excellence in Work-Family Research Stollberger has secured external funding from bodies like the ESRC, acts as Associate Editor for Human Relations , and regularly contributes to practitioner outlets such as the Harvard Business Review . He is open to PhD supervision in his areas of expertise and is an invited speaker at academic and professional institutions globally. He is actively involved in the Centre for Leadership and Followership , where he contributes to interdisciplinary research on leadership dynamics and organizational behavior.
Patricia (Tish) Jennings is a Professor of Curriculum, Instruction & Special Education at the University of Virginia's School of Education and Human Development. She is an internationally recognized leader in social and emotional learning and mindfulness in education. As the Program Director for the Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction, she has established herself as a key figure in developing evidence-based approaches to educator wellbeing and classroom climate. University of Virginia, School of Education and Human Development Department of Curriculum, Instruction & Special Education Program Director, Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction Dr. Jennings received her Ph.D. from the University of California Davis in 2004, M.Ed. from Saint Mary's College in 1980, and B.A. from Antioch College in 1977. With over 22 years of experience as a teacher, school director, and teacher educator, she brings substantial practical knowledge to her research. Dr. Jennings' research focuses on social and emotional learning, mindfulness practices, and teacher occupational stress. She pioneered the application of contemplative science to solve difficult problems in education, particularly examining how teacher wellbeing impacts classroom environments and student outcomes. Her work bridges the gap between theoretical research and practical classroom implementation, with a special emphasis on creating compassionate learning environments that support both educators and students. Analysis of her publication history reveals a consistent focus on mindfulness-based interventions in educational settings, with particular emphasis on how teacher wellbeing directly affects classroom quality and student outcomes. Her research trajectory shows increasing attention to scalable implementation models and the connection between educator stress management and student social-emotional development. Distinguished Researcher Award from the University of Virginia (2023) Joseph E. Zins Distinguished Scientist Award from CASEL (2024) Cathy Kerr Award from the Mind & Life Institute (2018) Featured in Mindful Magazine's 'Ten Mindfulness Researchers You Should Know' Dr. Jennings serves as Principal Investigator for multiple large-scale studies funded by the U.S. Department of Education, including Project CATALYZE and Project ENGAGE. She was a member of the National Academy of Sciences Committee on Promoting Healthy Mental, Emotional, and Behavioral Development in Children and Adolescents. Her CARE (Cultivating Awareness and Resilience in Education) program has been evaluated by What Works Clearinghouse and recommended by the CDC to promote educator wellbeing. Dr. Jennings leads the Contemplative Teaching and Learning Lab, where she and her team develop and evaluate mindfulness-based professional development programs designed to address teacher occupational stress. The lab's work focuses on practical implementation strategies that can be adapted across diverse educational settings while maintaining scientific rigor.
Zoe Radnor is a Professor at Bayes Business School, City, University of London, specializing in public service operations management with a particular focus on healthcare systems. Her research bridges the gap between operations management theory and practical public service delivery, with significant contributions to understanding lean methodology, value co-creation, and frailty in healthcare settings. Dr. Radnor's research interests center on public service operations management , with particular emphasis on lean methodology in healthcare , value co-creation in public services , and frailty assessment and management . Her work explores how operational principles can be adapted to improve public service delivery, particularly in complex healthcare environments. She investigates the implementation challenges of lean thinking, the dynamics of value co-creation between service providers and users, and the experiences of frail older adults navigating healthcare systems. Her extensive publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on improving healthcare operations through evidence-based management approaches. Radnor's work reveals how lean principles can be adapted to public service contexts, how value co-creation processes operate in public service organizations, and how frailty can be better understood and addressed in healthcare delivery. Her research employs diverse methodologies including qualitative case studies, systematic reviews, and simulation approaches across multiple healthcare settings. Dr. Radnor has made significant contributions to the academic community through her editorial work, including editing the 'Public Service Operations Management: A Research Handbook' (2015). She has published extensively in high-impact journals across public administration, healthcare management, and operations research fields, establishing herself as a leading scholar in the intersection of operations management and public service delivery. Her research has practical implications for healthcare managers, policymakers, and service providers seeking to improve operational efficiency while maintaining quality patient care. Through her work on frailty, lean implementation, and value co-creation, she provides valuable insights for enhancing public service delivery in complex organizational contexts, particularly in healthcare where operational efficiency must be balanced with compassionate, patient-centered care.
Philip A. Kithas, MD, PhD, serves as Clinical Professor of Internal Medicine and Adjunct Associate Professor of Family & Preventive Medicine at the University of Utah School of Medicine, where he directs geriatric care at the Madsen Health Center in Salt Lake City. With 25 years of prior service at the George E. Wahlen Salt Lake Veterans Health Care System—including leadership as General Medicine Section Chief from 1999 to 2006—he transitioned to his current academic-clinical role after retiring from the VA system. His educational background includes: BA in Biology from the University of Utah BS in Human Biology from the University of South Alabama PhD in Pharmacology from the University of South Alabama College MD from the University of South Alabama Residency and Chief Medical Residency at the University of Utah School of Medicine Dr. Kithas' research centers on geriatric cardiovascular medicine, with deep expertise in hypertension management, hyperlipidemia, and anticoagulation protocols for elderly patients. His work addresses the complex interplay of multiple chronic conditions in aging populations, emphasizing patient education and partnership in care. Early career research investigated molecular mechanisms of cardiac function, particularly phosphodiesterase enzyme systems, while recent publications focus on practical clinical approaches for geriatric hypertension. His publication record reveals a clear evolution from foundational molecular cardiology studies in the 1980s-1990s to applied geriatric cardiovascular research in the 2000s-2020s. The 2010-2020 period features significant contributions to hypertension management guidelines for older adults, including considerations for chronic kidney disease and vascular stiffness, while earlier work established critical insights into cardiac enzyme regulation during development. Dr. Kithas has received exceptional patient feedback (5.0/5 from 19 reviews), with testimonials highlighting his compassionate care, thorough explanations, and unprecedented personal follow-up—including evening phone calls to ensure patient compliance. His administrative contributions include quality improvement initiatives across VA clinics and community-based outpatient facilities. As an educator, he has trained generations of medical providers in geriatric care principles, though specific mentee names are not documented. His current work continues to bridge clinical practice, education, and research at the University of Utah's Madsen Geriatric Clinic, with ongoing focus on optimizing cardiovascular outcomes for aging patients.
Dr. Saima Ahmad is a Senior Lecturer at RMIT University's School of Management, focusing on cultivating sustainable work environments and investigating leadership's impact on individual well-being. With a PhD in Management from Monash University, her research spans organizational behavior, workplace dynamics, and leadership ethics, addressing critical issues such as bullying, resilience, and digital disruption. She coordinates courses in the RMIT MBA program and serves on editorial boards for the European Management Journal and PLoS One . Education: PhD in Management from Monash University Her research emphasizes positive leadership styles and their influence on employee engagement and organizational sustainability. Recent work explores servant leadership in the construction industry and the role of green human resource management in fostering environmental citizenship. She has pioneered studies on workplace bullying and its mitigation through ethical leadership frameworks. Her scientific awards include the 2022 RMIT GSBL Dean’s Merit Award for HDR Leadership Excellence for her contributions as HDR Coordinator (2022-2024), where she enhanced PhD completion rates and student support systems. She actively supervises Masters and PhD research candidates, focusing on leadership and organizational behavior.
Dr. Barbara Pesut is a Professor at the School of Nursing, University of British Columbia Okanagan, with extensive experience in palliative and end-of-life care. She leads the Nav-CARE initiative and holds research funding from CIHR and Health Canada for volunteer navigation models in rural and dementia care contexts. Education: PhD (UBC 2005), MSN (UBC 1997), BSN (UVic 1992), Diploma in Nursing (BCIT 1982) Her research focuses on: Volunteer and peer navigation models for life-limiting illnesses Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) policy and clinical communication Rural health equity and compassionate community approaches Nursing philosophy and social justice frameworks Recent publications examine international navigation program adaptations, compassion training validation, and longitudinal palliative outcomes. She has received multiple awards including the Nursing Innovation Award (2019) and UBC Health Researcher of the Year (2018). Her lab develops evidence-based tools like the MAID Reflective Guide.
Professor Anthony Smith is Director of the Centre for Online Health (COH) at The University of Queensland’s Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences and Adjunct Professor at the University of Southern Denmark. With 25+ years in telehealth research, he focuses on scalable virtual care models, Indigenous health equity, and workforce training. His leadership includes editorship of the Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare and chairing the International Conference on Successes and Failures in Telehealth. Research Interests: Smith’s work spans telehealth feasibility, consumer engagement, and technology-supported care in underserved populations. Key projects include telehealth integration in aged care, First Nations health services, and telementoring for rural practitioners. His research prioritizes sustainable, community-led health solutions. Publication Trends: Recent articles (2024–2025) emphasize telehealth accessibility, trust validation in chronic disease management, and economic evaluations of remote care. Methodologies include systematic reviews, mixed-methods studies, and cross-sectional surveys, reflecting a focus on evidence-based service optimization. Awards: Public Engagement Award (UQ, 2024) Top Researcher in Medical Informatics (2023) Excellence in Indigenous Engagement (2021) Spirit of Reconciliation Award (2021) Advising & Grants: Supervises PhD candidates in telehealth equity and service implementation. Secured funding from the Commonwealth Department of Health, CRC for Developing Northern Australia, and Queensland Health for projects like DementiaECHO and palliative care telehealth. Major grants include: Expanding Palliative Care ECHO (2023–2026, $2.1M) Health-e-Regions telehealth expansion (2023–2025) Labs & Teams: Leads the COH, collaborating with Queensland Digital Health Centre and First Nations communities. Partners with clinical teams across 35+ schools for Indigenous child health screening and international groups for pediatric telehealth innovation.
Dr. Kirstyn E. Brownson serves as an Assistant Professor (Clinical) in the Department of Surgery at the University of Utah, where she practices as a fellowship-trained surgical breast oncologist at the Huntsman Cancer Institute. Board-certified in general surgery, she specializes in advanced procedures including oncoplastic surgery, skin/nipple-sparing mastectomies, and targeted axillary dissection for benign and malignant breast conditions. Her academic journey includes: Bachelor of Arts in English Literature (Summa Cum Laude with Highest Departmental Honors) from Butler University Post-baccalaureate premedical program at Johns Hopkins University Two years of NIH basic science research MD with Honors in Research from Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine General surgery residency at Yale University (Research Resident of the Year) Surgical breast oncology fellowship at University of Southern California Dr. Brownson's research focuses on global breast health equity and surgical innovation , with particular emphasis on resource-limited settings. Her clinical expertise spans oncoplastic techniques and evidence-based patient-centered care , reflected in her work establishing virtual tumor boards for Mongolia and geospatial mapping of breast cancer services in Ghana. She actively investigates healthcare access barriers while maintaining cutting-edge surgical practice. Analysis of her 2021-2025 publications reveals a consistent pattern of translational global health research addressing geographic disparities in breast cancer care, with significant contributions to surgical oncology protocols in Africa. Her work bridges clinical practice and health systems research, particularly through geospatial analysis of diagnostic/treatment access and development of international multidisciplinary frameworks. Scientific recognition includes: Research Resident of the Year award during Yale surgical residency MD with Honors in Research from Loyola University Chicago As an active member of the American College of Surgeons, American Society of Breast Surgeons, and Society of Surgical Oncology, Dr. Brownson integrates professional excellence with compassionate care. Patient testimonials consistently highlight her exceptional communication skills, thorough explanations of treatment options, and ability to provide emotional support during cancer journeys—evidenced by 4.9/5 patient satisfaction ratings across 233 reviews. Her clinical philosophy centers on delivering personalized, evidence-based surgical solutions while addressing systemic barriers to quality care.
Professor Debra Jackson AO is a renowned nursing scholar and academic leader at the Susan Wakil School of Nursing, University of Sydney. She holds dual roles as an honorary professor at institutions in New Zealand and the UK (e.g., Kings College London, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust) and serves as Editor-in-Chief of Journal of Advanced Nursing . Her career spans clinical practice, education, and research, with over 39,000 citations and an H-index of 99. Education & Honors: She earned a PhD in Nursing, and her accolades include the 2019 Officer of the Order of Australia (AO), 2025 Honorary Fellowship from the Royal College of Nursing (UK), and inclusion in The Australian 's Top 250 Researchers (2020–2025). She is a Fellow of the Australian College of Nursing and Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (UK). Research Focus: Her work emphasizes patient safety, healthcare equity, anti-racist practices, and social justice. She investigates systemic challenges like missed nursing care, mental health disparities, and Indigenous health inequities. Recent projects include evaluating evidence-based practices in healthcare systems and fall prevention strategies. Grants & Leadership: She leads federally funded projects (e.g., NHMRC grants) on evidence-based practice implementation and fall prevention. Her editorial work and mentorship of early-career researchers further highlight her leadership. She advocates for nurse-led solutions to global health crises like the pandemic's impact on domestic violence. International Impact: Collaborates globally, including with Massey University (NZ) and the Royal College of Surgeons (Ireland). Her research is translated into multiple languages, emphasizing cross-cultural relevance.
Olga Bountali is an Assistant Professor (on leave) at the University of Toronto Mississauga, cross-appointed between the Institute of Communication, Culture, Information and Technology (ICCIT) and the Department of Management, with a cross-appointment at the Rotman School of Management. Her expertise lies in operations management, stochastic modeling, and healthcare operations. She focuses on complex decision-making in competitive environments, particularly in healthcare systems and service operations. Dr. Bountali holds a Ph.D. in Operations Research from the University of Athens, followed by postdoctoral research at Southern Methodist University (Engineering Management) and Koç University (Industrial Engineering). She has collaborated with institutions like Parkland Memorial Hospital and UT Southwestern, applying stochastic models to improve healthcare delivery for uninsured patients with chronic diseases. Her work also includes consulting for Marriott Hotels and analyzing strategic customer behavior in service systems. Her research interests span queueing theory, healthcare policy analysis, and the application of operational tools to public health challenges. She actively collaborates across disciplines—engineering, business, and medicine—to address systemic inefficiencies in service operations, particularly in emergent dialysis and compassionate care protocols. Dr. Bountali’s research emphasizes interdisciplinary solutions, leveraging empirical data and mathematical modeling to inform policy and practice. Her recent projects include reengineering dialysis protocols and mitigating patient no-shows through strategic double-booking disincentives.
David Allsop is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences at Northern Arizona University. His research focuses on couples' sexual well-being, particularly in contexts of pregnancy loss, mindfulness interventions, and mental health outcomes. His work integrates longitudinal studies and qualitative methods to explore topics such as compassion in relationships, grief management, and the biopsychosocial factors influencing sexual satisfaction. With an h-index of 11 and 331 citations, his contributions emphasize the interplay between emotional regulation, marital processes, and reproductive health. He collaborates on clinical applications addressing sexual difficulties post-pregnancy loss and publishes in journals like the Journal of Happiness Studies and Journal of Sexual Medicine . Research Interests: Pregnancy loss and couple dynamics Mindfulness and compassion in relationships Sexual health and well-being Longitudinal analysis of mental health outcomes Biopsychosocial models of sexual satisfaction Key Themes in Publications: Exploring grief's impact on post-pregnancy loss sexual functioning Developing interventions for couples facing reproductive challenges Examining financial and marital factors affecting sexual health Grants and Collaborations: While specific grants are not listed, his work involves interdisciplinary collaborations on pregnancy loss, mindfulness interventions, and qualitative methodologies. He actively contributes to clinical care guidelines for couples experiencing reproductive loss.
Onur Yılmaz is a Researcher at Istanbul Technical University's Department of Industrial Product Design within the Faculty of Architecture. He holds a PhD in Industrial Product Design (2021) and has been a Research Assistant since 2020. His roles include membership in the Faculty Board of Directors (2023–present) and participation in academic commissions. Education: PhD: Istanbul Technical University, Industrial Product Design (2021) Master's: Sabanci University, Visual Arts & Visual Communication Design (2017–2019) Bachelor's: Istanbul Technical University, Industrial Design (2012–2016) Research focuses on design education methodologies, specifically design studio pedagogy, peer critique dynamics, and student evaluation frameworks. His work explores the roles of support staff in design education and emotional impacts of assessment processes. Recent studies address compassionate critique models and participatory urban place-making. Publications highlight themes like design studio assessment mechanisms and collaborative learning environments. His work has been featured in journals such as International Journal of Technology and Design Education and Art, Design & Communication in Higher Education . Honors include winning the ITU 250th Year Logo Competition (2023). He actively contributes to academic conferences and interdisciplinary research initiatives.
Dr. Monica Short is a part-time Senior Lecturer in the School of Social Work and Arts at Charles Sturt University, where she has established herself as a prominent researcher and educator. Based in Canberra on Ngunnawal and Ngambri land, she coordinates the International Network of Co-operative Inquirers and serves as an adjunct Centre Scholar with the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture. She is also a member of the Anglican Church of Australia Mission and Ministry Commission and the Social Work and Health Inequality Network. Her educational background includes a degree in Social Work, a Master of Social Welfare (Welfare and Social Policy), and a PhD by publication through Charles Sturt University. Her doctoral thesis focused on 'The Australian Anglican Church engaging with people living with disabilities and from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in rural, regional and remote communities.' Monica's research centers on the psycho-social-spiritual-physical resilience and well-being of individuals and communities. She applies an integrated lens with epistemological foundations in social work, sociology, and theology, utilizing methodologies such as co-operative inquiry, ethnography, literature review, and case studies. Her work emphasizes honoring emic (insider) and etic (outsider) knowledge, valuing relationships, collaboration, sharing power, promoting social justice, and upholding egalitarian principles. Her extensive publication record demonstrates consistent scholarly output, with particular growth in recent years (2023-2025). Her work spans co-operative inquiry methodology, rural social work practice, virtue ethics, pedagogy of kindness, and the intersection of theology with social work practice. She has made significant contributions to understanding person-centeredness, ethical decision-making in unequal contexts, and innovative field education models. Executive Dean's Teaching Award (2024) Australia and New Zealand Social Work and Welfare Education and Research Prize (2023) School of Social Work and Arts Award for Highest Student Experience Survey Scores (2023) Faculty Research Award (2021) St Mark's National Theological Centre Greg Eather Memorial Prize (2021) Australia and New Zealand Social Work and Welfare Education and Research Field-University Collaboration Award (2020) CSU Excellence Award (2020) Monica has extensive teaching experience across numerous social work subjects including Indigenous Academic Success Program, Introduction to Human Services, Social Work Field Education, Social Work Theory and Practice, and Case Management. Her pedagogical approach emphasizes collaborative learning, critical thinking, resilience building, and maintaining social work values. She has also been actively involved in media contributions, particularly through 1RPH community radio discussing life with disabilities.
Pamela Grassau is an Associate Professor and Associate Director at the School of Social Work , Carleton University. She holds cross-appointments as a Lecturer in the Division of Palliative Care , Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa (since 2016), and is an Affiliated Investigator at the Bruyère Research Institute (since 2017). Her work bridges social work, palliative care, and interdisciplinary education. PhD in Social Work, University of Toronto MSW, Lyle S. Hallman Faculty of Social Work, Wilfrid Laurier University BSW, School of Social Work, University of Windsor Grassau’s research focuses on patient-family experiences in advanced illness and bereavement, healthcare provider resilience in palliative settings, and public health approaches to end-of-life care through initiatives like Death Cafés and Compassionate Communities. She explores arts and humanities-based methods to enhance well-being and social justice in healthcare. Her recent projects span topics including interprofessional education , moral resilience training , and creative community-building in palliative environments. Collaborations include the Bruyère Academic Medical Organization and SSHRC-funded studies on uncertainty in social work practice. 2016 European Delirium Association Best Poster 2015 University of Ottawa Medical Education Day Best Oral Presentation 2012 Bruyère Continuing Care Michel Bilodeau Award Grassau has received significant funding, including a $641,534 Mach-Gaensslen Foundation grant for the Healthy End of Life Project (2019-2022) and multiple SSHRC Insight Grants. She leads the Arts, Research, Creativity and Health (ARCH) team, pioneering arts-based training for health professionals.
