Maryam Alemzadeh is Associate Professor in History and Politics of Iran at the Oxford School of Global and Area Studies (OSGA), University of Oxford, and a Middle East Centre Fellow. She holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Chicago (2018) and previously held postdoctoral positions at Brandeis University and Princeton University. Education Ph.D. in Sociology, University of Chicago (2018) Research Interests Dr. Alemzadeh specializes in revolutions, state-building, militias, and modern Iran, examining how individual actions shape political structures through micro-level analysis. Her work integrates sociological theory with Middle Eastern studies to explore the interplay of religion, military institutions, and everyday practice in revolutionary contexts, with a current focus on the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC). Publication Trends Her recent publications analyze Iran's regional dynamics following Soleimani's assassination and review scholarly works on Iranian history. These demonstrate consistent expertise in military institutions, gender dynamics, and post-revolutionary state consolidation, bridging sociology and Middle Eastern studies while emphasizing micro-foundations of political phenomena.
Richard Jochelson serves as Dean of Law at the Faculty of Law, University of Manitoba (Robson Hall), a position he has held since July 1, 2016. Previously, he taught criminal law for 10 years at the University of Winnipeg. Dr. Jochelson holds a Ph.D. in Law from Osgoode Hall Law School at York University, an LLM from the University of Toronto Faculty of Law, an LL.B. with Gold Medal from the University of Calgary Faculty of Law, and a B.Sc. in Zoology with Distinction from the same institution. He completed his legal training as a clerk at the Alberta Court of Appeal and Court of Queen's Bench before working at a major Canadian law firm. Dr. Jochelson's research program centers on critical issues in criminal justice and constitutional law, with primary interests in police powers jurisprudence, sexual regulation (particularly obscenity and indecency law), jury systems and representativeness, and legal pedagogy. His interdisciplinary approach bridges law with sociology and psychology, bringing empirical and theoretical rigor to legal scholarship. His work consistently addresses social justice concerns, examining how vulnerable populations interact with the justice system and how concepts like risk, precaution, and visibility shape legal decision-making. He has developed a distinctive methodology combining doctrinal analysis with empirical research on judicial behavior and jury decision-making. His recent publications reveal evolving scholarly priorities that respond to contemporary legal challenges. The 2025 article "Morbid Matters" addresses medical assistance in dying within federal corrections, while his 2024 works on youth terrorism cases and agnotology demonstrate expansion into new interdisciplinary territories. His longstanding commitment to police powers scholarship continues with "Ancillary Police Powers in Canada" (2024). The pandemic period saw significant contributions to understanding digital justice, mental health in legal education, and remote court proceedings. His criminal law scholarship maintains focus on jury representativeness, particularly regarding Indigenous inclusion following Bill C-75's elimination of peremptory challenges. Students' Teacher Recognition Award (CATL) - 2018 Dr. Jochelson has secured multiple SSHRC Insight Grants as both Principal and Co-investigator, demonstrating his ability to lead interdisciplinary research teams. His mentorship extends to junior academics and students, with several publications co-authored with emerging scholars. He has built significant research infrastructure, notably assembling nearly 40 interdisciplinary scholars across Canada for Robsoncrim.com, which has elevated the Criminal Law Edition of the Manitoba Law Journal to prominence as one of Canada's preeminent criminal law publications. As Dean of Law, Dr. Jochelson provides leadership in academic governance and legal education innovation. His service includes extensive committee work on academic affairs, workload policy, and hiring/tenure committees. His commitment to universal design principles informs both his teaching approach and administrative leadership, emphasizing accessibility and student-centered pedagogy that allows flexible evaluation methods tailored to individual learning preferences.
André Gagné is a Full Professor and Chair of the Department of Theological Studies at Concordia University, currently on research leave (July-December 2025). His work bridges theology, political science, and sociology with global recognition through 400+ media features in outlets like The New York Times, The Guardian, and Le Monde. Education: Conjoint PhD from Université catholique de Louvain and Université de Montréal M.A. from Université de Montréal B.Th. from Université de Montréal His research centers on Christian Political Thought (examining theology-state dynamics), Global Pentecostal and Charismatic movements (analyzing their sociopolitical impact worldwide), and Reception History of the Bible (tracing interpretive trajectories across cultures). This interdisciplinary approach integrates historical analysis with contemporary case studies, particularly focusing on evangelical movements in the Americas and Europe. His eight books and recent journal articles reveal consistent thematic focus: the weaponization of spiritual warfare rhetoric in politics, apocalyptic narratives in populist movements, and religious violence in Western traditions. The 2024 publications on Trump-era evangelicalism demonstrate methodological innovation through media discourse analysis combined with theological critique. Scientific awards: Newsmaker of the Week (4 times) Newsmaker of the Month (4 times) President's Opinion Leader of the Year (2016) Expert Communicator of the Year (2024) Dr. Gagné supervises MA students in Theological Studies and PhD candidates in Individualized Programs and Humanities. His policy impact is evidenced by service on Public Safety Canada's National Expert Committee on Countering Radicalization to Violence (2023-2025), where he contributed theological perspectives on religious extremism. His media engagement strategy represents a deliberate effort to translate academic research for public discourse. He co-directs the Spirit, State, and Society podcast and maintains affiliations with Concordia's Centre for the Study of Learning and Performance, Université de Sherbrooke's Centre de recherche Société, Droit et Religions, and the multi-university Political Theology Research Group (McGill, Concordia, UdeM, ULaval).
Stephen J. Stedman is a Senior Fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies (FSI) and the Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law (CDDRL) at Stanford University. He serves as Professor of Political Science (by courtesy) and Director of CDDRL's Fisher Family Honors Program in Democracy, Development and Rule of Law. Effective Fall 2025, he will assume the position of faculty director for the Program on International Relations in the School of Humanities and Sciences. Additionally, he is an affiliated faculty member at the Center for International Security and Cooperation (CISAC). Professor Stedman's extensive professional background includes serving as Director for the Global Commission on Elections, Democracy, and Security (2011-12), Research Director of the United Nations High-level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change (2003-04), and Assistant Secretary-General and Special Advisor to the UN Secretary-General (2005). His work has significantly influenced international policy frameworks, including the creation of UN entities such as the Peacebuilding Support Office and Counter Terrorism Task Force. His research focuses on international relations, democracy studies, and conflict resolution, with particular expertise in elections, security studies, and the rule of law. Professor Stedman has examined critical issues related to electoral integrity in digital environments and health in conflict settings, bridging theoretical frameworks with practical policy applications in global governance. His work demonstrates consistent engagement with contemporary challenges in international democracy and security. Professor Stedman has authored significant publications including the book "Power and Responsibility: Creating International Order in an Era of Transnational Threats" (2009) with Bruce Jones and Carlos Pascual. His recent work includes co-authoring the "Lancet Series on Women's and Children's Health in Conflict Settings" (2021) and the influential "Protecting Electoral Integrity in the Digital Age" report (2020) for the Kofi Annan Commission. As Director of the Fisher Family Honors Program, Professor Stedman oversees a program that provides students with direct engagement opportunities with top-level policy makers, as evidenced by the program's annual Honors College in Washington, D.C., where students gain firsthand exposure to how federal government, policy organizations, and think tanks advance democracy and development worldwide.
Keith Ewing is a Professor of Public Law at The Dickson Poon School of Law, King's College London since 1989. Previously, he held visiting professorships at the University of Western Australia (1992), University of Alberta (1987-88), and Osgoode Hall Law School (1982). Earlier roles included positions at the University of Edinburgh (1978-83) and University of Cambridge (1983-1989). His research focuses on labour law and constitutional reform, particularly the intersection of social rights and constitutional frameworks. He teaches undergraduate Public Law and graduate European Labour Law. His publications span constitutional law, human rights, and labour rights, with recent works addressing post-Brexit legal frameworks, trade agreements' labour provisions, and emergency governance during the pandemic. Notable books include MI5, the Cold War, and the Rule of Law (2020) and co-edited volumes on the Right to Strike in International Law (2020). His articles frequently analyze judicial roles, electoral democracy, and transnational legal challenges. Ewing has led projects such as the CONPRE initiative (2015-2017) on parliamentary human rights protections and a British Academy-funded study on counter-terrorism and human rights (2007). His work contributes to UN SDGs related to justice, equality, and sustainable development through legal reforms.
Professor Peter Billings is a Professor at the School of Law, The University of Queensland, and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. His expertise spans Administrative Law, Immigration and Refugee Law, Social Welfare Law, and Human Rights Law. He has received numerous awards, including the Australian Award for University Teaching (2016) and the Vice Chancellor's Equity and Diversity Award (2011). His research focuses on crimmigration, refugee protection, and the corrosive effects of immigration detention laws. Professor Billings has published extensively on topics such as refugee law, preventive justice, and the intersection of criminal and immigration law. Education: Bachelor of Law and Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Southampton. Research Interests Immigration and Refugee Law Crimmigration (intersection of criminal and immigration law) Administrative Justice and Law Social Welfare Law Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Issues Media Expertise Regular contributor to The Guardian and ABC Radio National, providing expert commentary on immigration detention, refugee policies, and human rights. Grants and Funding Building research capacity for quantitative analysis of Indigenous poverty (2011–2013) Critical evaluation of administrative rules (2011–2013) Aboriginal protection laws study (2008–2009) Supervision Currently supervising PhD projects on refugee employment integration, immigration detention governance, and international law on migrant smuggling. Key Contributions Authored Regulating Refugee Protection through Social Welfare (2023) and contributed to pivotal discussions on immigration detention's societal impacts. His work informs policy reforms and legal frameworks in Australia.
John Ford is an Associate Professor in the Department of Nuclear Engineering at Texas A&M University. His research focuses on radiobiology, radiation carcinogenesis, and medical applications of radiation. He holds academic appointments within the College of Engineering and contributes to the Health Physics, Radiation Biology & Medical Physics research group. Education includes a B.S. and M.S. in Nuclear Engineering from Mississippi State University (1982, 1986), a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Tennessee (1992), and postdoctoral training at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (1992–1993). His work emphasizes understanding radiation effects on biological systems, with notable contributions to radiation dosimetry, bystander signaling mechanisms, and dietary modulation of radiation damage. Recent studies explore space radiation monitoring technologies and therapeutic applications of radiation. Awards include the BP Award for Teaching Excellence (2007) and ARRO Educator of the Year (2013–2014). Research spans interdisciplinary areas such as radiation-induced cancer mechanisms, nutritional interventions to mitigate radiation effects, and advanced radiation detection instrumentation. He has advised numerous projects in radiation safety curriculum development and collaborated on NASA-funded studies modeling radiation impacts on astronauts.
Sanaa Ahmed is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Law, University of Calgary, where she joined in 2021. Prior to her current position, she was a Killam Postdoctoral Fellow at Dalhousie University. Her academic journey spans across multiple institutions and countries, reflecting her international perspective on legal issues. Her educational background includes: PhD from York University (2019) LLM from University of Warwick (2005) LLB from S.M. Law College, University of Karachi (2002) BA from University of Karachi (1998) Sanaa Ahmed's research focuses on the intersection of financial systems and criminal activity, with particular emphasis on money laundering , financial crime , and financial regulation . Her work also extends to criminal law , human rights , and surveillance practices. She examines how regulatory frameworks function in practice, particularly in the Canadian context, while also investigating transnational dimensions of financial crime and regulation in countries like Pakistan. Her approach combines legal analysis with political economy perspectives to understand the complex relationships between state institutions, capital flows, and crime prevention mechanisms. Her recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on money laundering and financial regulation, with increasing attention to Canadian contexts in her most recent work (2023). She has also maintained a strong interest in Pakistan's regulatory environment and has explored connections between financial crime, human rights, and development in African contexts. Her work appears in diverse venues including academic journals, book chapters, and conference proceedings, reflecting her interdisciplinary approach to these complex legal issues. Her notable awards include: Killam Postdoctoral Fellowship, Dalhousie University (2019) Harley D. Hallet Graduate Scholarship, Osgoode Hall Law School (2018) Peter W. Hogg Graduate Award (2016) Before her academic career, Sanaa Ahmed had significant professional experience in journalism, working as an editor, writer, producer and reporter for several media outlets in Pakistan. This background informs her approach to legal scholarship, particularly in examining the practical implementation of regulatory frameworks and the relationship between law, media, and public understanding of financial crime. Her teaching includes courses on Crime (LAW 410) and Money Laundering (LAW 693), directly connecting her research expertise with her pedagogical responsibilities. While specific information about research labs or teams is not provided in the available materials, her collaborative work on publications like "Presence through absence? Understanding the role of capital in the African Human Rights Action Plan" suggests active engagement with international research networks focused on financial crime, human rights, and development.
Mashood Baderin is a Professor at SOAS University of London's School of Law, where he has established himself as a leading scholar in Islamic law, international law, and human rights. With over 90 publications spanning more than two decades, Professor Baderin has made significant contributions to bridging Islamic legal traditions with contemporary international legal frameworks. Professor Baderin's research interests focus on the intersection of Islamic jurisprudence with modern legal challenges. His work explores how Islamic legal principles can inform contemporary human rights frameworks, international criminal justice systems, and social reform initiatives in Muslim-majority countries. He has extensively examined Islamic legal theory (usul al-fiqh), the application of Islamic law in modern contexts, and the relationship between Islamic law and international legal norms. His most recent publications reveal a continued focus on the universality of international law from Islamic perspectives, the application of Islamic law in African contexts, and the relationship between Islamic principles and human rights frameworks. Professor Baderin has edited significant works including 'Islamic Legal Theory' (2014) and authored the widely recognized 'Islamic Law: A Very Short Introduction' (2021). Professor Baderin has supervised numerous doctoral students working on Islamic law topics with regional focus on Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. His students' research often examines gender issues, legal reform, and the practical application of Islamic law in contemporary settings.
Don John Omale serves as a Senior Lecturer in Criminology within the College of Business, Law and Social Sciences, focusing on critical issues in Nigerian and African criminal justice systems. His work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical field applications across diverse security and justice contexts. Dr. Omale's research centers on restorative justice mechanisms, police ethics, and conflict resolution in Africa. He extensively examines traditional African dispute resolution models alongside modern criminal justice challenges, with particular emphasis on Nigeria. His studies address farmer-herder conflicts, prison conditions, terrorism countermeasures, and domestic violence in semi-urban settings, consistently advocating for culturally grounded solutions that enhance community trust and institutional accountability. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2010-2025) reveals a dominant focus on restorative justice implementation and police accountability in Nigeria. His work demonstrates a methodological shift from theoretical discourse (2005-2011) toward empirical field studies examining practitioner perspectives and community-level impacts, particularly in conflict-affected regions like the Niger Delta and North Central Nigeria. The research consistently connects indigenous African conflict resolution traditions with contemporary security challenges. No scientific awards were documented in available sources Professional activities show no recorded student advising or grant funding in the provided materials, though his extensive publication record suggests active research supervision. His work frequently engages criminal justice professionals and community stakeholders, indicating collaborative field-based approaches to justice reform.
Stuart Croft is Vice-Chancellor & President of the University of Warwick and Professor of International Security in the Department of Politics and International Studies (PAIS). Since joining Warwick in 2007 he has served as Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research (Arts & Social Sciences), Provost, and since February 2016 as the University’s chief executive, leading 5,500 staff across all disciplines. Education & Career: 18 years at the University of Birmingham, latterly Professor of International Relations and Head of the School of Social Sciences. Appointed Professor of International Security, University of Warwick, January 2007. Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research (Arts & Social Sciences) 2011-2013. Provost 2013-2016. Vice-Chancellor & President from February 2016. Research Interests: Professor Croft’s scholarship lies at the intersection of security studies and political culture, using constructivist and narrative approaches to analyse how identities and discourses shape security policy. He has published extensively on the War on Terror, NATO transformation, European security governance, and the securitisation of Islam in Britain. His work combines large-scale funded empirical projects with theoretical innovation in International Relations. Publications & Grants Trend: Over the past two decades his output has clustered around three themes—cultural narratives of terrorism and counter-radicalisation, institutional governance of Euro-Atlantic security (NATO/EU), and arms-control regimes—moving from traditional strategic studies toward critical security approaches that foreground identity, discourse and governance. Scientific Awards & Fellowships: Academician, Academy of Social Sciences (2006) Fellow, Royal Society of Arts (2006) International Studies Association – International Security Section Book Award short-list 2007 Doctoral Supervision & Mentoring: He has successfully supervised 21 PhD students at Birmingham and Warwick, examined 25 UK PhDs as external examiner, and currently supervises 6 doctoral researchers. He has mentored 9 ESRC, EU and British Academy post-doctoral fellows. Editorial & Professional Leadership: Editor of the Palgrave ‘New Security Challenges’ book series since 2005; co-editor of Contemporary Security Policy 1989-2004; editorial board member of Critical Studies on Terrorism and Dynamics of Asymmetric Conflict . Chair (2009-2011) and President (2011-2013) of the British International Studies Association.
Dr Thomas Maguire is a Visiting Fellow with the King's Intelligence and Security Group in the Department of War Studies at King's College London, and Assistant Professor of Intelligence and Security at Leiden University. His research focuses on intelligence-propaganda interactions and international security cooperation, particularly in Cold War Southeast Asia and counter-terrorism contexts. Education: PhD in International Relations (POLIS, University of Cambridge) MPhil in International Relations (POLIS, University of Cambridge) BA (Hons) in History (Durham University) Maguire's research examines the intersection of intelligence operations and propaganda dissemination in foreign policy contexts, with specialized focus on British and American covert action in Southeast Asia. He also investigates post-colonial security relationships and international counter-terrorism cooperation frameworks. His work spans historical analysis and contemporary security challenges. Maguire's publications demonstrate interdisciplinary research across public health, virology, and immunology, particularly addressing COVID-19 diagnostics, vaccine development, and immune responses. This reflects methodological versatility in addressing complex global security and health challenges through both historical analysis and biomedical research. Scientific Awards: Lisa Smirl Prize for best thesis (University of Cambridge) Maguire leads the Dutch Government-funded 'Sharing Secrets' project investigating intelligence disclosure decision-making. He teaches intelligence studies courses and co-convenes the Cambridge Intelligence Seminar. At Leiden, he coordinates undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Intelligence Studies and Crisis Management. Maguire previously served as Research Fellow at Darwin College and the Department of Politics and International Studies (University of Cambridge), and as John Garnett Visiting Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute focusing on East African security challenges.
Dr Tim Aistrope is a Senior Lecturer in International Relations and Director of Graduate Studies (Taught) at the University of Kent's School of Politics and International Relations. Based in Canterbury, his research focuses on the intersection of political culture, security studies, and international relations theory. Key themes include the role of imagination, conspiracy theories in foreign policy, and the embodiment of political narratives. His notable work includes the book Conspiracy Theory and American Foreign Policy (2016), analyzing post-9/11 secrecy and power dynamics. He teaches courses on IR theory and security, supervising PhD students exploring topics like securitization and translation. Active in professional associations, he contributes to journals like International Studies Quarterly and International Affairs . His recent publications address pandemic governance, apocalyptic narratives, and cybersecurity. Research interests span IR theory, US/Australian foreign policy, international ethics, and cyber security. His work often bridges cultural studies and security, examining how narratives shape policy and public perception. He has advised on counter-radicalization strategies and explored the role of social media in counterterrorism. His academic contributions highlight interdisciplinary approaches to understanding global politics through lenses of culture, ethics, and critical theory.
Dr. Jean Goodwin is the SAS Institute Distinguished Professor of Rhetoric & Technical Communication at NC State University's Department of Communication, part of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. She specializes in science communication ethics, civil argumentation, and the rhetoric of controversial scientific topics such as climate change and GMOs. Her work bridges theory and practice, including NSF-funded initiatives like Teaching Responsible Communication of Science, which develops case studies for STEM graduate students. She also leads the Leadership in Public Science cluster through NC State's Chancellor’s Faculty Excellence Program. Education: B.A. in Mathematics (University of Chicago, 1979), J.D. (University of Chicago, 1984), and Ph.D. in Communication/Rhetoric (University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1996). Her career includes over 25 years of teaching rhetoric and mentoring students across communication subfields. Research focuses on how scientists communicate effectively with non-experts, leveraging discourse analysis and conceptual frameworks like speech act theory. Key themes include trust-building in contentious contexts, ethical advocacy roles for scientists, and historical rhetorical strategies from Cicero to modern policy debates. Her work often intersects with civic engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration, such as organizing conferences for science communication scholars and advising organizations like the AAAS. Major publications explore ethical dimensions of science communication, including climate change advocacy, disinformation detection, and pandemic messaging. Awards include the EB Knight Journal Award (2007) and her distinguished professorship. Current initiatives emphasize translating scholarly insights into practical tools for scientists and fostering dialogue between scientific and public communities through funded research partnerships.
Sveinung Sandberg is a Professor at the Department of Criminology and Sociology of Law, University of Oslo. His research spans marginalization, illegal drug markets, radicalization, and narrative criminology, combining theoretical frameworks from Bourdieu and narrative analysis. Academic Interests: Marginalisation, Legal & Illegal Drugs, Violence, Radicalization, Bourdieusian Criminology, Narrative Criminology, Latin American Studies, Social Movements Education: PhD from University of Bergen Research Focus includes: Street capital theory in criminology Drug market cultural dynamics Narrative approaches to extremism Latin American criminal trajectories Recent Publications examine pandemic-related crime shifts, gendered drug use patterns, and narrative mechanisms in criminal justice. His 2021-2025 projects Radicalization and Resistance and Crime in Latin America (CRIMLA) involve cross-country life-story analyses. Scientific Awards: Fridtjof Nansen's Award for Young Researchers (2011) The Meltzer Prize for Young Researchers (2010) Editorial Roles include board memberships at Theoretical Criminology , Deviant Behavior , and International Criminal Justice Review . He has conducted fieldwork in Mexico and held visiting positions at institutions including CIDE (Mexico City) and European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (Lisbon).
