Ramarao Desiraju is a Professor of Marketing and Chair of the Department of Marketing at the University of Central Florida. His research combines game theory and empirical analysis to examine marketing mix optimization and incentive structures in sales force management and business-to-business contexts . He has taught undergraduate , MBA , and Ph.D. courses , and previously served as the Doctoral Program Coordinator . Research Focus Marketing mix optimization Sales force incentive design Channel structure analysis Game theory applications in business Empirical market research Publications & Awards Published in Journal of Marketing , Marketing Science , Management Science Awarded MSI/H. Paul Root Award , William R. Davidson Award , and multiple UCF research honors Professional Engagement Serves on editorial boards for Journal of Retailing , Marketing Letters , and Journal of Business-to-Business Marketing . Has reviewed for numerous prestigious journals across marketing and operations management.
Jihye Kim is an Associate Professor in the Department of Integrated Strategic Communication at the University of Kentucky’s College of Communication and Information. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Florida and specializes in social media marketing, consumer behavior, and advertising strategy. Her research explores topics like virtual influencer trust dynamics, cause-related marketing effectiveness, and AI-driven consumer interactions. Dr. Kim’s academic journey includes a Master of Advertising (University of Florida, 2010) and a Bachelor of Science (Korea University, 2005). Her work bridges digital communication theory with practical applications, focusing on how technology and social media shape consumer decisions and brand engagement. Her research interests are centered on the psychological and behavioral impacts of digital marketing strategies, including compassion-driven donation behavior, personalized advertising, and the role of ethical values in trust formation. Key themes include virtual community dynamics, CSR messaging efficacy, and the anthropomorphism of brands. Dr. Kim has secured grants such as the OVPR CURATE Program (2022–2023) for studying cause-related marketing visibility. Her work has been published in journals like Education and Information Technologies and Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services . She teaches courses on digital strategies, international advertising, and research methods, emphasizing real-world applications of strategic communication principles.
Deborah Chung is a Professor in the School of Journalism and Media and serves as Associate Dean for Student Success at the University of Kentucky’s College of Communication and Information. She holds a Ph.D. from Indiana University (2004), an M.S. in Journalism from the University of Illinois (1998), and a B.J. from the University of Missouri (1996). Her research focuses on participatory media, digital news ecosystems, citizen journalism, and media ethics, with a keen interest in how technology shapes news production and consumption patterns. Key research areas include the role of citizen contributors in newsrooms, CSR communication strategies, and the ethical implications of interactive media. Her work examines how social media platforms influence consumer engagement, brand perception, and civic participation. Notable projects include studies on collaborative news practices, legal/ethical considerations for citizen-generated content, and food safety communication frameworks. Dr. Chung has led funded initiatives such as the OVPR CURATE Program’s projects on community storytelling networks and digital media ethics. She was awarded the IDL Fellow in 2023, recognizing her scholarly contributions. Her research outputs span 47 peer-reviewed articles, with recent work addressing post-pandemic CSR communication and the effectiveness of humanized brand strategies on social media. Her advising and grants section highlights leadership in student success initiatives and collaborative research teams. She actively contributes to discussions on media literacy, particularly in evaluating news credibility in algorithm-driven environments. Current projects explore AI-driven news credibility metrics and participatory journalism’s role in civic mobilization.
Professor Tillal Eldabi is a leading academic at the University of Bradford with a PhD and MSc in Simulation Modelling and a BSc in Econometrics and Social Statistics. His research focuses on applying simulation methodologies to healthcare challenges, including hybrid simulation frameworks for complex systems, stakeholder engagement models, and healthcare economics. He has led over £2 million in research projects funded by EPSRC (UK), Qatar National Foundations, and UNDP, among others. Professor Eldabi pioneered the Simulation Workshop UK and the Hybrid Simulation Track at Winter Simulation Conference. He developed the PhD without Residence Programme at Ahlia University, Bahrain, which achieved high gender parity in doctoral graduates. His teaching includes Simulation Modelling (OIM7514-A) and Progression to DBA Research (MAL8012-D). He has supervised 18 doctoral students and co-created innovative programs like the MBA in Healthcare and BSc in Business Analytics. His recent work emphasizes hybrid simulation applications in healthcare systems, supply chain optimization, and B2B ecosystems. Key themes include organizational agility, big data analytics impact on operations, and pandemic response strategies using simulation hubs. Eldabi’s contributions bridge academic research and practical healthcare solutions, with a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and systemic problem-solving.
Olivia Johnson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Human Development and Consumer Sciences at the University of Houston’s Cullen College of Engineering. She serves as the Program Coordinator for the Retailing and Consumer Science Undergraduate Program. Her expertise spans consumer behavior, retailing strategies, and the intersection of social media with consumption patterns. Dr. Johnson holds a Ph.D. in Consumer and Design Sciences from Auburn University (2016), an M.S. in Consumer Behavior (2010), and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Florida A&M University (2000). Her research focuses on millennial consumer behavior, socially responsible consumption, and the impact of digital platforms on purchasing decisions. She has published extensively on topics such as Black Lives Matter apparel adoption, first-generation college student experiences during the pandemic, and corporate social justice communication. Her work has been supported by grants from the National Science Foundation, Spencer Foundation, and others. Dr. Johnson is actively involved in academic service, including leadership roles on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion task forces at the University of Houston. She has received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Service (2019) and frequently contributes to media discussions on retail trends during the pandemic. Her teaching spans undergraduate and graduate courses in retailing and consumer science, with a focus on innovative pedagogical strategies. She has mentored graduate research assistants and designed online courses, emphasizing practical skills in Excel and retail analytics.
Robert van der Veen is Research Fellow at Oxford Brookes Business School, specializing in tourism marketing and hospitality management. His research examines destination branding, tourist behavior, and service quality using advanced statistical modeling approaches. Current projects investigate sensory experiences in place attachment, employability impacts of international education, and occupational stress in hospitality sectors. Research employs structural equation modeling to analyze complex relationships in tourism systems. Publications focus on destination image formation, cross-cultural tourism patterns, and service quality metrics. Recent work emphasizes collaborative learning and generational differences in travel behavior. Supervises PhD students in tourism marketing and consumer behavior. Secured multiple research grants for tourism studies including from the Royal Hobart Hospital Research Foundation and UniSA.
Mincheol Shin is an Assistant Professor at Tilburg University's Department of Communication and Cognition, part of the Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences. He holds a PhD from Syracuse University, a master's degree from Nanyang Technological University, and a bachelor's from Sungkyunkwan University. His research focuses on socio-psychological effects of interactive and immersive technologies, including virtual reality (VR), mixed reality (MR), and chatbots. He explores topics like uncanny valley effects, influencer marketing authenticity, and pro-environmental campaign messaging. Editorial Board Member: Frontiers in Robotics & AI Vice President: Korean American Communication Association (KACA) His recent work examines how XR technologies influence emotional states, trust in AI agents, and learning intentions. He has published in journals like International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction and Journal of Media Psychology . Shin’s research highlights the dual-edged nature of immersive technologies, showing both their persuasive potential (e.g., pro-environmental campaigns) and challenges (e.g., trust issues with eerily realistic chatbots).
Assoc Prof Eric Ng is an Associate Professor of Marketing at the School of Business, University of Southern Queensland. He holds a BBus (USQ), MBA (QUT), and DBA (USQ). His research focuses on agribusiness marketing, environmental sustainability, B2B dynamics, and international marketing. He has secured over $900k in collaborative research funding with organizations like GRDC and DAF. Teaching responsibilities include MKT1001, MKT3001, and MBA8002. Administrative roles include Program Director, Head of Marketing Discipline, and Acting Deputy Head of School. Eric is a Fellow (FAMI) and Certified Practising Marketer (CPM) with the Australian Marketing Institute, emphasizing industry alignment. Research interests span supply chain management, sustainable agriculture, and consumer behavior. Notable projects include mangrove rehabilitation studies and environmental literacy surveys. He actively collaborates with the Rural Economies Centre of Excellence and publishes in journals like Journal of Business-to-Business Marketing . Education: Doctorate in Marketing (USQ), MBA in International Business (QUT), Bachelor of Business (USQ) Languages: Cantonese, Mandarin (non-accredited translators) Industry Links: GRDC, DAF, AQIP, TMR Professional Memberships: Industrial Marketing & Purchasing Group His work bridges academia and industry, with a focus on agribusiness innovation and environmental stewardship. Leadership in curriculum design and postgraduate supervision underscores his commitment to fostering future marketers.
Dr. Naveen Gudigantala is Associate Professor of Business in the Operations and Technology Management department at the University of Portland. His research focuses on the design of decision support systems, e-commerce success factors, and ethical considerations in technology, particularly regarding AI applications in business. His recent scholarship examines AI implementation frameworks, business value optimization through artificial intelligence, and factors influencing organizational adoption of emerging technologies. Current projects address sustainability-profitability tradeoffs, AI maturity models, and decision frameworks for machine learning workflows. Earlier work investigated ethical dimensions of technology including algorithmic fairness in fintech, consumer behavior in gray markets, and misinformation detection strategies. He maintains parallel interests in digital marketing effectiveness, IT talent management, and healthcare information systems.
Kenneth Graham is an Associate Professor of Marketing at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (UW-L), where he also serves as Program Director for the Digital Marketing Graduate Certificate Program. He holds a Ph.D. in Marketing from Mississippi State University (2015) and advanced degrees including an MBA (2010), MS in Mass Communication (2005), and BA in Advertising (2003) from Oklahoma State University. Teaching: Undergraduate courses include Marketing Management Capstone, Integrated Marketing Communications, and Digital Marketing & Analytics. Graduate courses cover Legal/Ethical Digital Marketing and Digital Marketing Strategies. Research: Focus on consumer-brand relationships, digital strategies, and technology adoption. Over 20 peer-reviewed publications in journals like Journal of Innovation Management and Journal of Research in Interactive Marketing . Industry Experience: Former Vice President/Senior Marketing Manager at Bank of Oklahoma (2004–2006), managing $2M+ budgets. Former owner of The Graham Agency (1997–2002), a boutique B2B design firm. Research interests span marketing education innovation, AI in marketing, and experiential brand dynamics. His work bridges academic research and practical industry applications, informed by over 20 years of leadership experience in marketing roles.
Kristina LaPlant is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. She holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from Georgia State University (2019), along with M.A. and B.A. degrees in Political Science and History. Her research focuses on American political behavior, emphasizing gender stereotypes, conspiracy theories, and public opinion dynamics. She actively mentors undergraduate research and collaborates with students on innovative projects. Education: Ph.D. in Political Science, Georgia State University (2019) M.A. in Political Science, Georgia State University B.A. in History, Valdosta State University Research Interests: Examines how gender stereotypes influence political communication effectiveness Analyzes conspiracy theories' role in modern political polarization Investigates emotional responses to political events and media Studies policy regimes around concealed carry laws on campuses Professional Activities: Wisconsin Teaching Fellows & Scholars (2022-2023) Georgia Political Science Association Board Member (2021-present) Co-Sponsor of UWL College Feminists (2021-2023) Lead researcher on La Crosse Community Needs Survey Her recent publications analyze topics ranging from gun policy regimes to emotional reactions during elections. She maintains active roles in both teaching innovation and community-engaged research initiatives.
David B Allan serves as Professor of Marketing and Dirk Warren ’50 Sesquicentennial Chair in Business at Saint Joseph's University, where he also co-directs the Music Industry Minor program through the College of Arts and Sciences Interdisciplinary Program. With over two decades of industry experience in radio broadcasting leadership roles at Clear Channel and AM/FM Inc., he bridges academic research with real-world marketing practice. His educational credentials include a BA in Communications from American University (1981), MBA in Marketing from Saint Joseph's University (1999), MLS in Entertainment Law from USC (2022), and PhD in Mass Media & Communication from Temple University (2003). His dissertation examined personal significance of popular music in advertising effects. Dr. Allan's research focuses on music-marketing intersections , with primary streams analyzing advertising cue effects (music placement, commercial lengths, disclaimer speeds) and secondary interests in ethics education and virtual learning . His work demonstrates how personally significant music enhances brand attention, memory, and purchase intent while exploring optimal ad durations and ethical disclaimer presentation. Recent publications reveal evolving trends from Super Bowl music analysis (2016) to AI's disruptive role in audio branding (2023), maintaining consistent focus on empirical measurement of music's advertising impact across diverse media contexts. His scholarship spans consumer psychology, retail atmospherics, and emerging technology applications. He has received Beta Gamma Sigma honors (2009) and multiple university awards including Teaching (2008), Research (2005), and Advisor (2007) distinctions, plus the American Marketing Association Faculty Advisor of the Year (2006). Community service recognition includes Philadelphia Liberty Bell and City/State Citations (2002). As faculty advisor for the AMA chapter and 1851 Records, he mentors students in experiential learning while securing grants like the Morris Grant for 'Super Sonic Logos' (2020) and Arrupe Center funding for 'Joe Camel Meet Juul' (2019). His industry commentary reaches major media including NBC, Washington Post, and Billboard. He actively shapes curriculum through the Music Industry Minor program and student initiatives like Radio 1851, connecting classroom theory to music business practice while researching audio branding's commercial applications.
Sarah Crozier is an Associate Professor of Statistical Epidemiology at the MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre within the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Southampton. She specializes in statistical methods applied to developmental epidemiology and nutritional science, with particular expertise in cohort study design and analysis. Her educational background includes a Mathematics degree from the University of Warwick and an MSc in Statistics with Applications in Medicine from the University of Southampton. She completed her PhD under Professor Hazel Inskip at the MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, focusing on multivariate analysis of dietary data and derivation of 'prudent' diet scores. Dr. Crozier's research centers on the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) framework, with specific focus on how maternal health behaviors before and during pregnancy influence offspring development. Her work examines women's health behaviors, dietary patterns analysis, childhood adiposity, and advanced growth modeling methods. She investigates psychological and socio-economic pathways between food environments and dietary patterns among women and children, particularly through nutrition-based initiatives aimed at reducing health inequalities. Analysis of her recent publications (2023-2025) reveals consistent focus on maternal nutrition, childhood development outcomes, and food environment interventions. Her work spans epidemiological methods, nutritional science, and public health policy, with strong emphasis on cohort studies and statistical modeling of longitudinal data. Much of her research connects early life exposures to long-term health outcomes, particularly in bone development, adiposity, and cognitive function. Appointed Statistical Editor of the British Journal of Nutrition and the Journal of Nutritional Science (2019) Dr. Crozier serves as principal statistician on the WRAPPED study, a supermarket intervention examining how product placement affects food purchasing among disadvantaged populations. She actively supervises PhD students including Amelia Grace Bird in Human Development & Health. Her research is supported through multiple collaborative projects including the Southampton Women's Survey, ECON study, and Healthy Start Scheme evaluation, demonstrating strong grant capture and interdisciplinary collaboration. As a key member of the Centre for Developmental Origins of Health and Disease and the Institute of Developmental Sciences, Dr. Crozier contributes to Southampton's internationally recognized research environment in lifecourse epidemiology. Her work with the MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre leverages major cohort resources to investigate critical questions in maternal and child health.
Talina Sondershaus is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Economics at Lund University School of Economics and Management (Sweden) and an affiliated researcher at Norges Bank (Norwegian Central Bank). She holds a PhD from the Halle Institute for Economic Research (IWH) and University of Magdeburg in Germany. Her research focuses on financial intermediation, including borrowing/lending behavior, loan trading dynamics, and the intersection of financial markets with climate change, geopolitical risks, and monetary policy. She has published extensively on topics such as covered bonds, bank portfolio rebalancing, and the impact of unconventional monetary policies. Awards include the Best Discussion Award at the 13th National PhD Workshop in Finance (2024) and Workshop on Banking Research Münster (2023). Her research is supported by grants like the Jan Wallanders och Tom Hedelius stiftelse project 'Shadow Banks and Climate Change' (1 million SEK). She actively organizes academic events, including the Knut Wicksell Conference on Crypto and Fintech (2024), and collaborates internationally on projects such as 'The Impact of Finfluencers on Retail Investment.'
Craig Carpenter is an Associate Professor in the Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics at Michigan State University (MSU), affiliated with MSU Extension. He holds a Ph.D. from MSU and a B.A. from Kalamazoo College. His research focuses on federal administrative data to address intersections of race, ethnicity, veteran status, entrepreneurship, economic growth, and public policy. Key areas include evaluating government programs like redlining and SNAP, with publications on entrepreneurship, regional economics, and policy outcomes. Dr. Carpenter leads Extension efforts in community and regional economic development, designing curricula and facilitating workshops across Michigan. He has published over 75 Extension/outreach publications and developed the History of Redlining in Michigan website. Leadership roles include Chair of the Agricultural & Applied Economics Association’s CRENET and EXT sections, and President of a USDA-funded multistate research group. Awards include a 2024 research award from the North American Regional Science Council. His teaching spans microeconomics and agri-food systems at MSU and Albion College. He collaborates with graduate students, postdocs, and policymakers to address economic development challenges, emphasizing diversity, equity, and inclusion. Recent work highlights include analyzing PPP loan impacts, military lending policies, and rural bank contributions to prosperity.
