Lori Escallier, PhD, RN, CPNP-PC, FAAN is a Professor and Dean at the College of Nursing, Downstate Health Sciences University. With over 36 years of experience in nursing education, she is recognized nationally for developing innovative mentorship models and educational engagement strategies that have significantly impacted underrepresented and minority nursing students. Academic Qualifications BSN from Salve Regina College (1980) MSN from SUNY Stony Brook (1988) PhD from Adelphi University (1995) Her research focuses on diversifying the nursing workforce, addressing healthcare disparities, and leveraging veteran experiences in academic settings. She pioneered the Veteran to BS Program, translating military experience into academic credit, and co-authored the award-winning RWJF/AACN Transition to Practice Toolkit. Scientific Awards RWJF Innovation Award Above and Beyond Award (2015) Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN) Her publications emphasize nurse mentorship, veteran healthcare transitions, and digital tools for reducing disparities. She has secured over $9M in grants from RWJF and HRSA to support these initiatives.
Dr. Elaine T. Jurkowski serves as Professor in Social Work at Southern Illinois University's College of Health and Human Sciences, holding multiple leadership roles including Graduate Program Director (2021-present) and Program Director for Gerontology Programs (2020-present). She maintains cross-appointments as Adjunct Professor in the School of Medicine's Family Practice Residency Program and Professor in the Department of Health Education, demonstrating her interdisciplinary impact. B.S.W. (Industrial Social Work), University of Manitoba, Canada M.S.W. (Policy and Administration), University of Manitoba, Canada Ph.D., Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago M.B.A., Southern Illinois University Carbondale (2022) Dr. Jurkowski's research program centers on health disparities, access to mental health services, aging, and disability issues, with particular focus on rural populations. Her work bridges public health, social work, and gerontology through innovative approaches to program evaluation, technology-enhanced teaching, and culture change in long-term care settings. She has developed expertise in international health planning and inter-professional collaboration across diverse cultural contexts. Her publication portfolio shows consistent thematic development across decades, with recent work focusing on medical tourism during the pandemic, rural-urban health disparities, and technology applications in gerontology education. These publications reflect her commitment to addressing healthcare access challenges for vulnerable populations through both scholarly inquiry and practical interventions. Great Cities Research Fellow in Health Provost Faculty Fellow (2018) Provost Assessment Fellow (2016) Student Hotspotting certification (2018-present) A.P.M. Assessment Academy certification (2016, 2017) Dr. Jurkowski has successfully secured over $1 million in research funding from agencies including Health Resources and Services Administration, The Hartford Foundation, and Administration on Aging. Her grant portfolio demonstrates sustained commitment to improving services for older adults and people with disabilities, particularly in rural settings. She has served as Graduate Program Director twice (2003-2014, 2021-present), mentoring numerous social work students through their academic and professional development. Her professional activities extend beyond campus through international consulting in West Africa, Hong Kong, India, China, Russia, and Egypt, and community engagement via the "Dare to Care" radio show and board service with Caring Counseling Ministries, Supporting People in Need, and UNA/USA Southern Illinois Chapter.
Dr. Louise Alexander is an Associate Professor in Mental Health Nursing at Deakin University's School of Nursing & Midwifery (Faculty of Health). She holds prior academic roles including Senior Lecturer (ACU, 2018–2023) and Lecturer positions (ACU and Holmesglen Institute). Her research focuses on mental health nursing workforce sustainability, stigma reduction, simulation-based education, and curriculum development. Key interests include nurse resilience, pandemic impacts on healthcare workers, and improving student attitudes towards mental illness. Education: PhD from Deakin University; GCHE qualification Certifications: University of Melbourne's Emerging Leaders & Management Program (2021–2022) Teaching: Leads courses in forensic mental health, therapeutic communication, and health promotion Research Highlights: Recent work examines pandemic trauma among nurses, alcohol consumption trends post-COVID, and leadership's role in workforce retention. Her studies emphasize qualitative methods and integrative reviews to address systemic challenges in mental health nursing education and practice. Awards/Grants: No explicit awards listed; research supported by institutional collaborations. Active in developing transition-to-practice programs and evaluating simulation-based training efficacy. Labs/Teams: Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams on mental health workforce resilience and stigma reduction initiatives. Engages in national and international nursing education networks.
Robyn Fox is an Associate Lecturer in the School of Education and Tertiary Access at the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC), Australia, teaching in Bachelor of Education (Secondary)/Bachelor of Recreation and Outdoor Environmental Studies programs with emphasis on foundational outdoor studies and paddling-based engagement methods. Her educational qualifications are: MAIntEd, Endicott College MA, DipEd, LaTrobe University BA, LaTrobe University Her research centers on sustainability integration and ecological literacy in outdoor education, driven by her planned PhD investigating embedded sustainable practices. She champions experiential learning through natural environments to foster environmental consciousness and climate-responsive pedagogy. Analysis of her 2022-2025 publications reveals dominant themes in climate change education within outdoor contexts, featuring innovative approaches like near-peer teaching and nature journaling while addressing eco-anxiety and Indigenous knowledge systems. Her scholarship consistently advocates for curriculum transformation toward ecological stewardship and climate action. Robyn actively involves students in community initiatives: Collaborated with Thai army and Regent’s School students to rebuild tsunami-damaged homes in Thailand (2004) Established sports programs between Khartoum International Community School and local institutions in Sudan Coordinated orphanage library setup with Luanda International School in Angola Current participant in Alexandra Headland Community Association’s foreshore regeneration projects
Jennifer Leeman is a Professor at George Mason University , focusing on the sociopolitics of language, with emphasis on multilingualism, Spanish in the US, and heritage language education. Her interdisciplinary work bridges critical applied linguistics, sociolinguistics, education, Latinx studies, and linguistic anthropology. BA in Spanish, University of Pennsylvania MA in Hispanic Civilization, New York University in Madrid MAT in TESOL & Bilingual Education, Georgetown University PhD in Hispanic Linguistics, Georgetown University Her research examines: Language ideologies and racialization processes in censuses Antiracist pedagogical frameworks for Spanish teaching Multilingual policy analysis across education and governance Critical service-learning in heritage language contexts Recent publications analyze census categorization, language and immigration policies, and critical pedagogy implementation. She received a 2024-25 Fulbright Senior Scholar award for research at the University of Murcia, Spain, and a 2023-24 Residential fellowship at Mason's Center for Humanities Research. Key scientific contributions include: Pioneering the online graduate certificate in Spanish Heritage Language Education (2021) Leadership roles in AAAL, MLA, and Instituto Cervantes’ advisory committees Editorial board memberships across journals like Language Policy and Hispania Her 15 most recent articles (2018-2025) reveal trends in: Language-race-national identity intersections Census-driven ethnoracial classifications Antiracist pedagogy in language classrooms Heritage speaker identity dynamics Monolingual policy critiques Transnational demographic analysis Contact: jleeman@gmu.edu | Office: Horizon Hall 5132
Jennifer C. Dalton serves as Associate Professor and Undergraduate Program Director in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders within Appalachian State University's Beaver College of Health Sciences. With over 15 years of higher education experience, she provides strategic leadership in curriculum development, program assessment, and student success initiatives across the undergraduate program. Her educational foundation includes: Ph.D. in Speech and Hearing Sciences, UNC Chapel Hill (2012) M.A. in Communication Sciences and Disorders, Appalachian State University (1999) M.B.A., Appalachian State University B.S. in Speech Pathology and Audiology, Kent State University (1997) Dr. Dalton's research bridges clinical practice and educational innovation, focusing on pediatric speech disorders while advancing scholarship in teaching methodologies. Her work examines how experiential education builds graduate competencies and how employment prospects influence student retention, reflecting her commitment to evidence-based program development. Recent publications demonstrate consistent output in higher education scholarship, with three peer-reviewed articles published between 2023-2024 addressing pandemic-era pedagogy, graduate training, and student retention analytics. These works highlight her dual expertise in clinical communication sciences and educational leadership. Her academic recognition includes: 2021 Beaver College of Health Sciences Outstanding Teaching Award 2023 UNC System Academic Affairs Faculty Fellowship Dr. Dalton actively secures program development grants that enhance student learning outcomes through innovative curriculum design. As program director, she oversees clinical education pathways while maintaining her ASHA clinical certification and Quality Matters online teaching credentials. Her leadership emphasizes inclusive education practices that prepare diverse learners for professional success in dynamic healthcare environments. Though not leading a named laboratory, Dr. Dalton is central to departmental research through her scholarship of teaching and learning, influencing clinical education standards across the discipline.
Remko Van Hoek serves as Professor of Practice in the Department of Supply Chain Management at the Sam M. Walton College of Business, University of Arkansas. He teaches Sourcing and Procurement courses across undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs. Prior to joining the University of Arkansas, Dr. Van Hoek held academic positions in Europe and served as a visiting professor at Cranfield School of Management, complemented by extensive industry experience as a supply chain and procurement executive at global corporations including Nike, PwC, and The Walt Disney Company. He currently serves on the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) Board of Directors and acts as executive director of the CSCMP Supply Chain Hall of Fame hosted by the Walton College. Dr. Van Hoek's research centers on digital transformation in procurement and supply chain management, with particular focus on blockchain implementation, artificial intelligence applications, and sustainable sourcing practices. His work investigates how emerging technologies reshape procurement processes, supplier relationship management, and risk mitigation strategies. He explores innovative approaches to supplier diversity programs, ethical sourcing frameworks, and the strategic evolution of procurement from cost reduction to value creation. His research consistently bridges academic theory with industry practice through case studies from major corporations, developing actionable frameworks for practitioners facing digital disruption and sustainability challenges. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2023-2025) reveals dominant themes in AI-driven supply chain risk prevention, blockchain implementation for transparency, and sustainable supplier engagement. His work demonstrates consistent industry collaboration, drawing from case studies at Walmart, Moet Hennessy, and Bayer to address post-pandemic resilience challenges. A significant portion examines procurement's strategic evolution beyond transactional functions, with recurring emphasis on ethical considerations in digital transformation and the practical implementation barriers for emerging technologies in global supply networks. As a Professor of Practice, Dr. Van Hoek integrates executive-level industry experience into curriculum development and student mentorship. His industry-engaged teaching model includes guest lecturer programs connecting students with supply chain practitioners, as evidenced by his co-authored work on integrating industry insights into supply chain education. While specific grant funding details are not publicly documented, his leadership in the CSCMP Supply Chain Hall of Fame demonstrates commitment to professional development and industry-academia knowledge transfer. Dr. Van Hoek directs the CSCMP Supply Chain Hall of Fame initiative, which documents transformative contributions to supply chain management through interviews with industry pioneers and historical case studies. This platform serves as both an educational resource for Walton College students and a professional development tool for supply chain practitioners globally. The Hall of Fame preserves critical industry knowledge while highlighting contemporary innovations in supply chain strategy and technology implementation.
Dr. Mbita Mbao is an Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work at Salem State University, where she teaches courses including SWK 700 (Human Behavior), SWK 704/705 (Social Work Practice), and aging-focused courses like SWK 871. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes experiential learning and valuing student experiences. Dr. Mbao's research focuses on behavioral health, aging populations, workforce development, and immigrant issues. She actively works to expand aging-related curriculum and services through her involvement with the Older Adults Behavioral Health Network and Salem for All Ages initiative. Her education includes a BSW from Bowling Green State University, MSW from Rhode Island College, and PhD from Simmons University. As a Licensed Clinical Independent Social Worker, she maintains a clinical practice providing in-home therapy to older adults. Honors include: 2025 North Star Collective Fellow 2019 AGESW Pre-Dissertation Fellow 2021 GSA MCDTAW Early Career Diversity Fellow
Mohammad T. Alhawary is Professor of Arabic Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition at the University of Michigan's Middle East Studies department within the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. He serves as Director of both the MA Program in Arabic for Professional Purposes (APP) and the MA Program in Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language (TAFL). His educational background includes a Ph.D. from Georgetown University (1999). Prior to joining the University of Michigan, he contributed to developing Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies programs at various US institutions. Professor Alhawary's research spans both theoretical and applied Arabic linguistics, with particular focus on second language acquisition processes. His work examines how factors like age, input quality, output practice, and first language transfer affect Arabic language learning. He has made significant contributions to understanding Arabic language pedagogy, curriculum design, proficiency testing, and the application of technology in language learning. His research also extends to bilingualism, multilingualism, language impairment, and Arabic medieval grammatical traditions. His publications reflect a strong trajectory in Arabic linguistics research, with recent works focusing on practical language teaching applications, reading comprehension mechanisms, code-switching patterns in digital communication, and multilingual acquisition processes. The 2023 publication 'Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language' represents his latest contribution to language pedagogy methodology. 2019 AATA Book Award for 'Arabic Second Language Learning and Effects of Input, Transfer, and Typology' As an academic leader, Professor Alhawary serves as Executive Director of the American Association of Teachers of Arabic and edits both the Journal of Arabic Linguistics Tradition and Al-'Arabiyya journal. He continues to develop empirical research on Arabic second language acquisition to inform teaching practices both in America and globally.
Arman Eshraghi is a Professor of Finance and Investment at Cardiff Business School , with 15 years of academic and industry experience. He founded the Cardiff Fintech Research Group , leads the Digital Transformation Innovation Institute 's fintech theme, and co-directs the Behavioral Finance Working Group . He serves as Editor-in-Chief of International Review of Economics and Finance and Senior Editor in multiple journals. Key academic appointments: Cardiff University (2018–present), University of Edinburgh (2013–18) International fellowships: Development Bank of Japan, University of Canterbury (New Zealand), UCL Industry engagement: Federal Reserve Bank (NY), Alan Turing Institute, CFA Society UK, CityUK Research Focus: Behavioral finance, corporate finance, financial technology, and interdisciplinary accounting. His work examines retail investor psychology, fund manager behavior, CEO decision-making, and fintech impacts on financial markets. He has published in Review of Financial Studies , Harvard Business Review , and Financial Times . Scientific Contributions: EFMD Global, Emerald Literati, and European Financial Group awards Keynote speaker at global conferences (New York, London, Mumbai, Frankfurt) Media citations in Financial Times , BBC , Forbes , and Bloomberg Teaching & Leadership: Delivers award-winning MSc/MBA/PhD courses in UK, Europe, and Asia. Holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice and Fellow of AdvanceHE. Designed executive programs for firms including Aetna CVS Health and Scottish Widows. Research Leadership: Co-organizes international conferences like the Cardiff Financial Technology Conference and European Financial Management Association Meeting . Supervises PhD students on topics spanning fintech, behavioral finance, and CEO lifestyle impacts.
Dr. Brenda Douglass (DNP, APRN, FNP-C, CDCES, CNE, CTTS) is an Assistant Professor and Associate Director of the DNP-AP Program – Project Focus at Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing. Her work bridges clinical expertise in endocrinology, primary care, and chronic disease management with leadership in competency-based education (CBE) and nursing policy. Research Focus: Competency-Based Education in DNP programs Evidence-based practice and healthcare transformation Leadership development and professional identity in advanced nursing Chronic disease management, diabetes care, and aging Innovation in nursing education and technology Scientific Contributions: She has published extensively on DNP curriculum redesign, interprofessional education, and primary care workforce challenges. Her work emphasizes systems thinking, academic-practice partnerships, and quality improvement. Awards & Honors: Maryland Higher Education Commission Academic Nurse Educator Certification Award (2024) New Nursing Faculty Fellowship (2023) Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society inductee (2006, 2011) Teaching Excellence Awards at Drexel University (2018, 2021, 2023) Mentorship & Leadership: Dr. Douglass serves as a mentor for DNP students and faculty, leads national committees on nursing education, and has developed initiatives to strengthen academic-practice partnerships.
Dr. Omkar Prabhakar Dastane is a Senior Lecturer and Director of Postgraduate Studies at the Malaysia School of Business, Monash University Malaysia. He holds a PhD in Business from Curtin University and certifications including Certified Management and Business Educator (CMBE) from CABS, UK, and HRDF-approved trainer status in Malaysia. His research focuses on technological impacts on businesses, digital consumer behavior, and customer value perception, with publications in A-ranked journals like the Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services and Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing & Logistics . He has secured MYR 157,549 in research grants and received notable awards like the Best Paper Awards (2017/2018) and Emerald Literati Award (2024). Dr. Dastane has held leadership roles including Head of MBA Programs and Head of Postgraduate Studies at top-tier institutions. He actively contributes to editorial roles for journals like Arab Gulf Journal of Scientific Research and reviews for SSCI/SCIE-indexed publications. His teaching emphasizes strategic branding and services marketing, integrating AR/VR tools for immersive learning. He has also led educational visits across ASEAN countries. His research interests span metaverse applications in business, immersive technologies, and contemporary consumer behavior trends. Recent work explores AI-driven services, live-stream commerce, and digital transformation's role in achieving UN SDGs. He has advised on over 200 research projects and secured multiple teaching grants including the 2025 Learning & Teaching Grant.
Dr. Nivee Pradip Amin serves as Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College and Assistant Attending Physician at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, holding leadership roles as Associate Director for Consultative Cardiology and Director of the Women's Heart Program & Preventive Cardiology. Her clinical expertise spans general cardiology, preventive cardiology, and echocardiography with focus on high-risk cardiovascular prevention. Her educational credentials include: B.A., B.S. in International Studies and Business from University of Pennsylvania (2002) M.D. from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (2007) M.H.S. in Clinical Investigation from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (2013) Research centers on sex-based disparities in cardiovascular outcomes, women's heart health across the lifespan, and preventive strategies for coronary/valvular disease. She investigates intersections between cardiology and obstetrics/oncology, emphasizing personalized risk assessment and early intervention to improve quality of life. Analysis of her publications reveals consistent focus on women's cardiovascular biomarkers (e.g., breast arterial calcium), obstetric complications as long-term risk factors, and disparities in revascularization outcomes. Her work leverages large-scale database analysis to address gaps in preventive care for high-risk populations including cancer patients and those with cirrhosis. Dr. Amin maintains active board certifications in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Diseases, Nuclear Cardiology, and Echocardiography through the American Board of Internal Medicine, and holds professional memberships in the American College of Cardiology, American Society for Preventive Cardiology, and American Heart Association. She provides inpatient consultative care on cardiac telemetry units while leading the Women's Heart Program, which integrates preventive cardiology services with gender-specific treatment protocols. Fluent in Spanish, she emphasizes culturally competent care tailored to individual patient needs across diverse populations.
Dr. Sheena Ramazanu is an Assistant Professor in Nursing and Health Sciences at Hong Kong Metropolitan University, with additional affiliations as an Honorary Visiting Research Fellow at NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health. Her work focuses on optimizing health capacities for underserved communities through culturally competent research and partnerships. Education: PhD (Hong Kong Polytechnic University), Master in Clinical Research (University of Manchester), Graduate Certificate in Teaching & Learning for Healthcare (NUS), First-Class Honours Bachelor of Nursing (University of Manchester), Diploma in Nursing (Nanyang Polytechnic) Her research emphasizes ethnic minority health equity , family-centered mental health interventions , and global health partnerships . Recent publications highlight prediabetes prevention in indigenous populations, stroke communication patterns, and international nursing research challenges. Dr. Ramazanu serves as Academic Editor for BMC Health Services Research and Public Health Challenges Journals. Key awards include the Ministry of Health Gold Medal, Hong Kong PhD Fellowship, and YSEALI Professional Fellows Program recognition.
Aida Maria de Oliveira Cruz Mendes is a distinguished academic and researcher at the Coimbra School of Nursing, where she has maintained a continuous appointment since 1987. With over three decades of academic service, she has established herself as a leading expert in nursing science with particular specialization in mental health, occupational health, and sleep quality among healthcare professionals. She currently serves on the Scientific Council for Life and Health Sciences at the Foundation for Science and Technology, demonstrating her significant contribution to Portuguese scientific policy. Education background: PhD from University of Minho (1996-2000) Master's in Occupational Health and Hygiene from University of Coimbra Medical School (1992-1995) License in Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing (1990-1991) Bachelor's degree in Nursing (1977-1980) Multiple specialized certifications in psycho-oncology, cognitive therapy, and qualitative research Dr. Mendes' research program demonstrates remarkable consistency in addressing critical issues in nursing practice and healthcare delivery. Her work spans mental health services evaluation, occupational health challenges faced by nursing staff, sleep quality determinants in healthcare settings, and innovative programs for healthy aging and retirement transition. She has developed expertise in both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, with numerous systematic reviews and intervention studies to her credit. Her research bridges clinical practice with health promotion initiatives, creating tangible impacts on nursing education and healthcare policy. Analysis of her recent publication trajectory reveals a sophisticated evolution in research focus. While maintaining consistent attention to nursing staff wellbeing (particularly regarding sleep quality and stress biomarkers), she has expanded into developing and evaluating health promotion programs, most notably the REATIVA program for retirement transition. Her work increasingly incorporates international collaborations and demonstrates methodological sophistication, with publications appearing in multiple languages (Portuguese, English, and Spanish) across diverse healthcare contexts. Research funding highlights: Active Retirement: study of a healthy ageing promotor program (2013-2015) funded by Foundation for Science and Technology Mental Health Education and Sensibilization: A School-based Intervention Program for Adolescents and Young (2011-2014) funded by Foundation for Science and Technology Dr. Mendes has supervised numerous graduate students and collaborated extensively with international research teams, particularly in European nursing education contexts. Her work on nurse professional competence assessment among newly graduated nurses demonstrates her commitment to advancing nursing education standards. She maintains active research partnerships with institutions across Portugal and internationally, contributing to both clinical practice improvements and healthcare policy development.
