Oğuzhan Atabek is an Associate Professor of Educational Technology at the Department of Curriculum and Instruction , Akdeniz University . With 42 publications (WoS), 16 h-index (WoS), and 520 h-index (Scholar), his research focuses on technology integration , distance education , and human-computer interaction in pedagogical contexts. Research Interests: Artificial Intelligence in Education Digital Writing and Anxiety Psychological Aspects of Technology Use Music Education Technology Teacher Training Innovations Scientific Recognition: Elsevier Outstanding Reviewer Award (2018) Current Affiliations: Member of Nilay Özaydın's Lab at Akdeniz University. Collaborates internationally on educational technology applications and psychological dimensions of digital learning.
Dr. Gillian Pink is a Senior Researcher at the Voltaire Foundation , University of Oxford, specializing in the digitization and analysis of Voltaire's marginalia , notebooks , and working manuscripts . Her research spans French Enlightenment literature , manuscript studies , and book history . Deputy General Editor of the Digital Voltaire project Member of Société des études voltairiennes Associated with Équipe Écritures et Lumières (ITEM, Paris) Her work integrates digital humanities with traditional textual criticism , focusing on the genesis of literary texts and authorial reading practices . Recent publications and conference papers analyze Voltaire's annotation systems , textual reuse , and collaborative manuscript production . She contributes to critical editions of Voltaire's posthumous works and marginalia .
Mark S. Humayun is a University Professor at the University of Southern California (USC), holding joint appointments in the Keck School of Medicine and the Viterbi School of Engineering. He serves as Director of the USC Ginsburg Institute for Biomedical Therapeutics and Co-Director of the USC Roski Eye Institute. His expertise lies at the intersection of ophthalmology, biomedical engineering, and stem cell biology. Humayun earned his MD from Duke University and PhD from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. He pioneered the Argus II retinal implant, the first FDA-approved bionic eye for restoring vision in the blind, for which he received the National Medal of Technology and Innovation (2016). His research focuses on retinal prosthetics, stem cell therapies, and non-invasive neurostimulation techniques. Key contributions include advancements in ultrasound-based vision restoration and bioengineered retinal implants. Humayun has over 300 publications and 140 patents, with awards such as the IEEE Medal for Innovations in Healthcare Technology (2020) and ARVO Fellow (2022). His work bridges clinical practice and engineering, addressing retinal degeneration and macular diseases through innovative technologies. Notable achievements include leading the development of the Argus II, which has restored partial vision to patients with retinitis pigmentosa. Current research explores next-generation implants, stem cell-derived RPE therapies, and ultrasonic stimulation for broader vision restoration. His interdisciplinary teams collaborate across engineering, computer science, and medicine to tackle complex ophthalmic challenges.
Mathias Clasen is an Associate Professor at the Aarhus University , School of Communication and Culture, English. He specializes in horror fiction and recreational fear, focusing on the psychological mechanisms behind human fascination with fear. He co-directs the Recreational Fear Lab , which conducts interdisciplinary research on fear’s positive mental and physical effects, supported by the Independent Research Fund Denmark, Innovation Fund Denmark, and the Carlsberg Foundation. Research areas: Biocultural analysis of horror, threat simulation theory, affective computing in horror contexts, and supernatural beliefs in secular societies. Projects: Integrating fear research into immersive horror escape rooms, affective player experience of horror, voice as expression of character, environmental humanities, and Stephen King studies. Recent publications (2023–2025) span horror’s psychological benefits, evolutionary perspectives on fiction, fear’s intersection with humor, and fear’s role in pandemic resilience. His work appears in journals like Journal of Media Psychology , Orbis Litterarum , and Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction , with keywords such as evolutionary psychology, media studies, cognitive science, and horror theory. Scientific awards are not explicitly mentioned. Clasen’s lab investigates fear’s role in building resilience and coping with stress, using empirical methods like haunted house experiments and surveys. He also explores horror’s pedagogical uses and dark personality engagement with fictional villainy.
Jared B. Kenworthy is a Professor of Psychology at The University of Texas at Arlington, where he has held academic positions since 2005, including roles as Lewis Hollweg Endowed Professor of Industrial-Organizational Psychology (2023–present). His primary affiliations include the Department of Psychology and contributions to the College of Science. Kenworthy’s research focuses on social psychology, particularly intergroup relations, group processes, collaborative creativity, and meta-analysis. He has extensive expertise in studying how intergroup contact reduces prejudice, the dynamics of creative group processes, and the role of technology in enhancing collaborative innovation. Kenworthy’s education includes a PhD in Social Psychology from the University of Southern California (2002), preceded by an MA (1998) and BS in Psychology (1996) from the same institution. His work has been supported by grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF), Army Research Office, and other federal agencies, totaling over $10 million in funding. Key projects include studies on collaborative creativity in dynamic networks, AI integration in team processes, and reconciliation in post-conflict societies. His research has led to over 100 peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and edited volumes, including seminal works on group brainstorming strategies and intergroup trust. Notable publications include Group and Team Processes: Science and Practice (2021) and Creativity and Innovation: Cognitive, Social, and Computational Approaches (2022). Kenworthy has advised over 30 doctoral and master’s students, guiding them in topics ranging from social identity theory to computational creativity assessment. He has served on numerous university committees, including the Graduate Affairs Committee and the College of Science Research Space Committee, and has been a frequent presenter at conferences such as the Interdisciplinary Network for Group Research (INGRoup). His teaching spans advanced social psychology, group processes, and multivariate data analysis, reflecting his commitment to both research and education.
Roman Lukyanenko is an Associate Professor of Commerce at the University of Virginia’s McIntire School of Commerce. He teaches courses in global strategy, systems, and business analytics. Prior to academia, he worked in IT roles including web programming, database development, and consulting for organizations like ExxonMobil and CapitalOne. His research focuses on conceptual modeling, information quality, AI/ML, and design science research. Notable contributions include work on citizen science data quality and transparency in design science. His research has been published in top journals like Nature , MIS Quarterly , and Information Systems Research . Education : Ph.D. in Operations and Information Management (University of Newfoundland), Bachelor of Technology, and IT Diploma (New Brunswick Community College). Key awards include the Gold Medal from Canada’s Governor General, INFORMS Design Science Research Award, and AIS Dissertation Award. He has led professional organizations, serving as Vice President and President of the AIS Special Interest Group on Systems Analysis & Design. Lukyanenko’s work bridges academic and practical domains, emphasizing information systems’ societal impact. He contributes to interdisciplinary initiatives at UVA’s Centers for Business Analytics and Management of IT. His prior industry experience enriches his teaching and research on real-world IT challenges.
Yunwen Wang is an Assistant Professor at the School of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Kansas (KU), joining in August 2024. Her expertise bridges health journalism, media production, and computational methods. Ph.D. in Communication, University of Southern California M.S. in Communication, Purdue University B.S. in Communication, University of Macau Semester Exchange, Nanyang Technological University Her research focuses on health communication , user experience (UX) , and the impact of emerging technologies on consumer health. She employs a multidisciplinary approach combining natural language processing , computer vision , and qualitative analysis to address misinformation, promote empathy, and support marginalized communities. Recent publications examine topics like mpox discourse on social media, tobacco advertising in health communication, and moral dynamics in e-cigarette promotion. These works highlight her commitment to computational social science and media psychology frameworks.
Deborah Dunn-Walters is a Professor of Immunology and Associate Dean for Research and Innovation at the University of Surrey. She leads the Department of Biochemistry and Physiology within the School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences. Her research focuses on B cell development, immunosenescence, and antibody repertoire dynamics, with particular emphasis on responses to SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory infections. Dunn-Walters pioneered tools like BRepertoire and sciCSR for analyzing immune repertoires using single-cell and computational methods. She chairs international B cell conferences and collaborates globally. Education includes a BSc (Hons I) and PhD, details unspecified. Her work integrates systems immunology approaches to understand age-related changes in humoral immunity, aiming to improve vaccine efficacy and combat pandemic threats. Awards include Fellowship of the Academy of Medical Sciences (2025). Research interests span regulatory B cells, metabolic regulation (e.g., thioredoxin’s role), tumor-infiltrating B lymphocytes, and antibody diversity in health/disease. She leads a lab developing novel methods for immune repertoire analysis, including web tools like VCAb for antibody structure exploration. Grants and advising are central to her role as Associate Dean, though specific grants aren’t listed. She oversees research innovation strategies and supports interdisciplinary collaborations. Her lab’s work has implications for cancer immunology, autoimmune disease, and infectious disease management.
Philip Askenase is Professor of Medicine in the Department of Internal Medicine at Yale School of Medicine, with a focus on Immunology. He is affiliated with the Cancer Immunology program, the Center for Brain & Mind Health, and the Center for RNA Science and Medicine at Yale. Research Interests: Immunochemistry and cellular immunity B-1 B cell functions in T cell immunity Regulatory T cells and antigen-specific suppression Exosome-mediated transfer of miRNA (e.g., miRNA-150) in immune regulation Applications in allergy, autoimmunity, cancer, and spinal cord injury Development of exosome-based diagnostics (liquid biopsy) and therapeutics His recent publications highlight the role of extracellular vesicles in psychiatric conditions, pandemic prevention through chromatin vaccines, and systems vaccinology in HIV. These works reveal a strong trend toward interdisciplinary research bridging immunology, neuroscience, and regenerative medicine, with a focus on novel therapeutic delivery systems using exosomes. Scientific Awards: Legends of Allergy and Immunology (Wiley Online Library, 2023) Dr. Askenase has mentored numerous researchers and collaborators, though specific student names are not listed. His work has been supported by extensive research funding, particularly in immunology and exosome biology. He has contributed to major advances in understanding exosome carrier effects and their resistance to phagolysosomal digestion, which enhances targeted delivery. He is a key member of collaborative teams including the Yale Center for RNA Science and Medicine and the Cancer Immunology initiative. His lab investigates how exosomes from mesenchymal stem cells promote functional recovery in spinal cord injury through modulation of macrophage phenotypes and microvascular stabilization.
Barış İşçi Pembeci is a researcher at Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University's Faculty of Engineering, Department of Computer Engineering. He also holds a secondary affiliation with the Faculty of Letters, Department of Art History. Education: B.S. in Computer Engineering (2001), M.A. in Sociology and Anthropology (2004), Ph.D. in Anthropology (2010). Research Focus: Social anthropology of Central Asia, Islamic studies, gender dynamics, post-Soviet cultural practices, and multispecies ethnography. His scholarly work examines: 2025 study on Muğla bullfights as rural masculinity rituals 2021 analysis of female humor patterns in Turkey 2019 spatial approach to youth identity formation 2018 ethnography of Kyrgyz healing traditions 2017 investigation of Islam-ethnicity interplay Scientific achievements: International Convention of Asia Scholars (2011) Lambda Alpha National Anthropology Honor Society (2009) He coordinates Erasmus programs (2021-2025) and leads evaluations for engineering education standards. Current TÜBİTAK-funded research explores socio-cultural impacts of cancer therapies.
Dr. Valeria Sinkeviciute is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Languages and Cultures at The University of Queensland (UQ), where she serves as the Applied Linguistics Program Convenor and actively contributes to the Discourse Discussion Group. Her academic career spans multiple linguistic traditions, reflecting her multilingual background and international research experience. Dr. Sinkeviciute earned her BA and MA in English Philology and English Studies from Vilnius University in Lithuania, with additional study periods at Universidad Complutense de Madrid and Université de Montréal. She completed her PhD in Linguistics at the IP rA Research Center at the University of Antwerp, Belgium, before joining UQ first as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow and then securing a continuing academic position. Her research expertise centers on pragmatics and discourse analysis, with particular focus on social interaction across diverse contexts including face-to-face communication, online environments, reality television discourse, and family interactions. She has made significant contributions to understanding how humor functions in social interactions, how identity is constructed through language, and how (im)politeness operates across different cultural contexts. Her methodological approach often employs multimodal analysis of naturally occurring conversations with cross-cultural and intercultural perspectives. Analysis of Dr. Sinkeviciute's recent publications reveals an increasingly concentrated research focus on family discourse, particularly parent-child and sibling interactions across different languages. She has developed sophisticated frameworks for examining how categories and identities are negotiated in everyday talk, with special attention to Spanish-speaking communities. Her work bridges theoretical pragmatics with practical applications for understanding multicultural communication in Australia's diverse linguistic landscape. Associate Editor, Journal of Pragmatics Associate Editor, Australian Review of Applied Linguistics Editorial Board Member, Advances in (Im)politeness Studies (Springer) College of Experts, European Science Foundation (2021-present) Review College Member, FWO (Research Foundation – Flanders) (2024-2027) Dr. Sinkeviciute has supervised numerous PhD and MA students through research on family talk, intercultural communication, humor, and (im)politeness. Her grant portfolio demonstrates sustained research activity with projects funded by UQ's School of Languages and Cultures, the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, and international bodies including the National Science Centre in Poland. Current research includes 'Family talk in multilingual Australia' and a 2025 fellowship at the Leibniz-Institute for the German Language in Germany focusing on language and identity construction in family contexts. As convenor of the Discourse Discussion Group (DDG), Dr. Sinkeviciute fosters collaborative research among scholars interested in data analysis and Membership Categorisation Analysis, creating a vibrant intellectual community within UQ's linguistics research environment.
Brian J. Song, MD, MPH, FACS is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California (USC). He serves as the Director of Education and Residency Program Director in the Department of Ophthalmology at USC, as well as the Glaucoma Fellowship Director. Dr. Song is also the telehealth champion and physician quality champion for the USC Roski Eye Institute. Dr. Song specializes in the medical and surgical management of glaucoma, including advanced laser treatments, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, and cataract surgery. His research interests focus on evaluating new methods to improve glaucoma detection, particularly through telemedicine applications. He is actively working with collaborators to investigate novel approaches for evaluating optic nerve and blood flow abnormalities in glaucoma using advanced ultrasound and vascular imaging techniques. His extensive publication record demonstrates a strong focus on glaucoma diagnostics, imaging technologies, healthcare disparities, and innovative treatment approaches. Recent work has explored AI applications in glaucoma education, ultrasound stimulation of the visual cortex, and teleretinal screening programs for glaucoma detection. Dr. Song has conducted National Institutes of Health-sponsored research evaluating glaucoma detection methods for diabetes patients and has presented his findings nationally and internationally. His scientific contributions include coauthoring the American Glaucoma Society Position Paper on Microinvasive Glaucoma Surgery. Emerging Vision Scientist Award from the National Alliance for Eye and Vision Research Coauthor of American Glaucoma Society Position Paper: Microinvasive Glaucoma Surgery As Director of Education and Residency Program Director, Dr. Song plays a key role in training the next generation of ophthalmologists at USC. His work with telehealth initiatives demonstrates a commitment to expanding access to quality eye care. Dr. Song joined the USC Roski Eye Institute in 2019 after growing up in Houston, TX, and previously working in New Jersey.
Dr. Tiansi Dong is a researcher in the Department of Computer Science and Technology at the University of Cambridge, leading innovative work on machine reasoning through geometric neural approaches. His research bridges symbolic AI and neural networks using sphere-based representations for explainable reasoning. Core Research: Develops Sphere Neural Networks (SphNNs) that transform logical reasoning into geometric configurations, enabling rigorous neural-symbolic integration. Current projects focus on syllogistic reasoning, spatial cognition, and humor understanding as high-level cognitive tasks. Published foundational works including Sphere Neural-Networks for Rational Reasoning (2024) and the monograph A Geometric Approach to the Unification of Symbolic Structures and Neural Networks (Springer, 2021). Organizes interdisciplinary workshops including NeurMAD@AAAI'25. Teaching: Lectures on Explainable AI and neural-symbolic unification at Cambridge, covering topics from syllogistic reasoning to spatial knowledge representation.
Prof. Martin Geisler is a Professor of Culture and Media at the Ernst-Abbe-Hochschule Jena (EAH) in the Department of Social Work since 2011. He leads the media education institute Spawnpoint and is the state spokesperson for the Society for Media Education and Communication Culture in Thuringia. His academic career includes a doctorate from the University of Erfurt (2008) on computer game communities and roles as a lecturer at the University of Applied Sciences in Erfurt. Geisler designs and directs the part-time 'Game and Media Pedagogy' program, focusing on media literacy, digital games in education, and animal-assisted interventions. His research spans youth media use, humor in education, and cultural pedagogy. He advises numerous students on topics like animal-assisted therapy, cyberbullying, and social inclusion. Key roles include vice-chairmanship of ImproVision theatre (2005-2014) and active engagement in art, acting, and gaming. Education: Walter Gropius School of Art and Design; Social Education, University of Applied Sciences Erfurt. Research Interests: Media education, digital games in pedagogy, animal-assisted methods, and youth media studies. Recent work addresses microtransactions' impact on gamers, flow in esports, and storytelling in cultural education. Grants & Projects: Leading research on gaming pedagogy, Spawnpoint initiatives, and state-level media education advocacy. Collaborations include intercultural education via forum theatre and animal-assisted interventions in healthcare. Labs/Teams: Directs Spawnpoint, a hub for media and game pedagogy, and coordinates interdisciplinary projects on social work with digital tools.
Bob Rosenberg is a Professor of Chemistry at Transylvania University, known for his innovative teaching methods blending humor with rigorous coursework. He holds a Ph.D. from Yale University (1990) and a B.S. from MIT (1985). His research focuses on mechanistic organic chemistry, particularly the study of carbon-fluorine bonds and fluorine’s role in molecular interactions, utilizing computational chemistry techniques. He teaches courses ranging from foundational chemistry to specialized topics like Rational Drug Design and collaborates with students in lab research, emphasizing hands-on learning. Rosenberg has received grants and awards, including a DAAD Faculty Research Fellowship (2012) and Jones/Kenan Grants (2008–2012). Beyond academics, he is an avid squash player and has presented at international conferences on topics like solvent effects and reaction mechanisms. His work bridges theory and experimentation, with recent studies exploring hydrogen bonding dynamics in organic systems. Rosenberg’s approach to teaching—combining humor with structured learning—aims to reduce student anxiety and enhance engagement in challenging subjects like chemistry.
