Robert Englebert is an Associate Professor in the Department of History at the University of Saskatchewan. His research focuses on the colonial history of francophone communities in North America, particularly migration, cultural mobility, and French-Indigenous relations. He has co-edited award-winning books such as French Connections: Cultural Mobility in North America and the Atlantic World (2020) and French and Indians in the Heart of North America (2013). His current projects include studies on francophone migration in Illinois Country and post-Conquest social networks. Englebert has secured major grants including the SSHRC Partnership Grant (2019-2026) for Webs of Kinship: Migration Patterns and Community Building in Illinois Country and the SSHRC Insight Grant (2019-2023) for Fur Trade Kinscapes . He teaches courses on colonial conflicts, French colonial legacy, and the Age of Revolutions. His research interests span legal history, métissage, and the socio-economic connections between Canada and Illinois Country. Future projects explore French-Indigenous alliances during American western expansion. Englebert has advised multiple graduate students and contributed to digital humanities initiatives like the Voyageur Database Project .
Luna Khirfan is an Associate Professor at the School of Planning, University of Waterloo, Canada. Her work bridges urban planning, climate adaptation, and heritage management through interdisciplinary research focused on nature-based solutions and participatory governance. Degrees: PhD in Urban & Regional Planning (University of Michigan), MA in Heritage Management (University of Birmingham), MA in Archaeology (University of Jordan), BSc in Architecture (University of Jordan) Contact: Email: lkhirfan@uwaterloo.ca | Office: EV3 3257 | Phone: 519-888-4567 ext. 43906 Research Themes Urban Climate Resilience: Through stream daylighting, water-sensitive urban design, and community engagement in informal settlements across Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. Participatory Planning: Empirical studies in Amman, Beirut, Toronto, and Tobago analyzing inclusive governance and knowledge transfer. Heritage-Climate Nexus: Intersections of cultural resource management with climate adaptation in UNESCO World Heritage sites like Petra and Acre. Publication Trends Her 15 most recent articles (2020-2024) emphasize: Climate justice frameworks for flood adaptation in Canada and Jamaica GIS-based analyses of Toronto's vulnerability prioritization Global comparative studies on stream daylighting (Amman, Seoul) Methodological innovations in Q-methodology and systematic reviews Critical perspectives on "climate Haussmannization" in urban design IPCC contributions on cities' climate resilience strategies Scientific Recognition Recipient of: 2015 Second Category Winner – ARCH+ International Design Competition for Tobago climate adaptation $243,814 SSHRC Grant (2016-2022) for urban stream daylighting research $100,000 IDRC/SSHRC Climate Adaptation Grant (2011-2016) Academic Leadership Supervising 24 Masters students and 1 PhD candidate while co-leading: Stream Daylighting Research Project – Maintaining interactive map/tableau dashboard on global practices Urban Futures Project – Collaborative climate adaptation research in Freetown, Kampala, and Bulawayo
Dr. Tanya L. Sharpe is an Associate Professor and Factor-Inwentash Chair in Social Work in the Global Community at the University of Toronto's Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work. She holds a Ph.D. from Boston College and previously served at the University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Social Work. Her research focuses on sociocultural factors influencing coping strategies among Black survivors of homicide victims, emphasizing culturally responsive interventions. She leads The CRIB (Centre for Research & Innovation for Black Survivors of Homicide Victims), advancing policy and practice in global communities. Education: Ph.D., Boston College School of Social Work MSW, University of Connecticut School of Social Work B.A., Hampton University Key Roles: Founder and Director of The CRIB Advisory Board Member, Toronto Police Services and Safe Streets-Baltimore Recipient of awards including the Boston College Distinguished Alumni Award and NASW Educator of the Year Her research interests include homicide grief, trauma in marginalized communities, and community-based interventions. Notable projects include the Homicide Tracker mapping Toronto’s violence, the Tracking (In)Justice database on police-involved deaths, and the RISE YBMen program for Black men’s mental health. She has published extensively on racialized violence, police victimization, and survivor resilience. Grants include projects on Black survivor mental health and youth violence prevention. Dr. Sharpe advocates for anti-racist frameworks in social work education and public health, emphasizing systemic solutions to address homicide grief and violence. Her work bridges academia and community action, fostering healing and justice for impacted communities.
Aaron Tabor is an Assistant Professor at the University of New Brunswick . His research focuses on bridging Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) with Biomedical Engineering and Health Informatics to develop innovative rehabilitation technologies and wellness-oriented systems. Email: q4k8p@unb.ca Office: Room GE109A His work emphasizes inbodied interaction design , which integrates internal physiological processes into technology development. Key areas include breathing exercise systems for ADHD and chronic disease management, EMG feedback for spinal cord injury rehabilitation, and gamification in therapeutic interventions. Research Trends : The provided articles highlight his focus on three domains: (1) gait analysis using underfoot pressure sensors and deep learning, (2) respiratory therapy through biofeedback and idle games, and (3) inbodied interaction frameworks that leverage neuro-physiological pathways for self-tuning systems. These works often intersect machine learning , gamification , and non-invasive physiological monitoring .
James Danckert is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Waterloo, where he also serves as the Cognitive Neuroscience Area Head. He is cross-appointed to the Research Institute in Aging and leads the Danckert Attention and Action Group (Danckert Lab). His research spans cognitive neuroscience with particular focus on understanding the mechanisms and brain states that give rise to boredom and mental model updating. Dr. Danckert earned his BA from Melbourne University (Australia), followed by his MA and PhD from La Trobe University (Australia). His academic journey has positioned him as a leading expert in cognitive neuroscience with a specific emphasis on boredom psychology and attention mechanisms. His primary research interests include the cognitive and neural mechanisms of boredom, particularly in individuals with traumatic brain injuries, and mental model updating in relation to neglect syndrome. Danckert's work explores boredom through behavioral tasks like foraging, sustained attention tasks, and executive control tasks, utilizing neuroimaging techniques such as fMRI and tDCS. His mental model updating research involves working with stroke patients (with access to a database of over 800 patients), fMRI, and computational modeling. Analysis of Dr. Danckert's most recent publications reveals a continued focus on boredom and mental model updating, with increasing interdisciplinary approaches incorporating computational modeling, AI, and genetic perspectives. His work bridges cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and clinical applications, with particular emphasis on how boredom relates to attention, agency, and decision-making processes. Dr. Danckert has received significant recognition for his work, including: Former Canada Research Chair (Tier II) in Cognitive Neuroscience Recipient of the 40 Under 40 Award from the Region of Waterloo As a mentor, Dr. Danckert supervises graduate students in the Psychology Department at Waterloo, teaching advanced courses such as Psych 783: Neuroimaging and Cognition. His research is supported by prestigious funding sources including the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI). The Danckert Lab maintains a comprehensive research program with two main streams: boredom research and mental model updating. The lab utilizes diverse methodologies including behavioral testing, neuroimaging, computational modeling, and collaborations with experts in evolutionary genetics. The lab's work has significant implications for understanding cognitive processes in both healthy individuals and those with neurological conditions.
Paul Marriott is a Professor in the Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science at the University of Waterloo. His research focuses on integrating geometric principles, particularly differential and convex geometry, into statistical methodologies, with a recent emphasis on mixture models and information geometry. He has published extensively across diverse journals such as Biometrika, Annals of Statistics, and Psychological Medicine, bridging theoretical and applied statistics. Education: PhD, University of Warwick (1989) MA, University of Oxford (1984) Research Trends: His work explores geometric frameworks for statistical inference, mixture model parameterization, and robustness analysis. Recent publications highlight causal modeling, neural spike train analysis, and high-dimensional data applications. Contact: Office: Mathematics & Computer Building (M3) 4204, Phone: 519-888-4911 x35545, Email: pmarriot@math.uwaterloo.ca
Dr. Marisa Azad is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Ottawa, Faculty of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases. She is also a Senior Scientist at The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute and a Mayo Clinic Research Collaborator, with expertise in periprosthetic joint infections (PJI). MD/PhD in Biochemistry, McMaster University (2016) Internal Medicine residency, McMaster University Infectious Diseases fellowship, University of Ottawa Advanced Orthopedic Infectious Diseases fellowship, Mayo Clinic (2022) Her research focuses on molecular mechanisms of PJI, rapid diagnostics, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), and phage therapy. She bridges art and medicine to provide holistic care for patients. Dr. Azad’s recent publications highlight advancements in metagenomic sequencing for PJI diagnosis, biofilm inhibition strategies, and interdisciplinary approaches to patient care. Her work spans clinical microbiology, drug development, and translational research. As director of the Azad Laboratory, she collaborates with Cytophage Technologies Ltd. and Health Canada to pioneer phage therapy trials. Her team’s N of 1 trial represents Canada’s first phage therapy for PJI.
Davide Gaiotto serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics & Astronomy within the Faculty of Science at McMaster University. His extensive scholarly activity spans over two decades with numerous publications in high-impact theoretical physics journals. His research focuses on the deep connections between quantum field theory, string theory, and advanced mathematical structures. Key areas include supersymmetric gauge theories (particularly N=2 and N=4), geometric Langlands program, holography, vertex operator algebras, and topological aspects of quantum field theories. His work often reveals profound mathematical structures underlying physical phenomena, bridging theoretical physics with pure mathematics. Analysis of his recent publications (2023-2025) shows continued exploration of quantum analytic Langlands correspondence, twisted holography, and the interplay between gauge theories and mathematical structures. His work demonstrates remarkable consistency in addressing fundamental questions at the physics-mathematics interface while maintaining technical rigor. Gaiotto has received significant scholarly attention with publications referenced across multiple platforms including Wikipedia pages, academic social networks, and research databases. His work shows strong interdisciplinary impact across theoretical physics and mathematics. His scholarly network includes collaborations across the theoretical physics community, with publications showing connections to leading researchers in mathematical physics and string theory. While specific grant information isn't provided in the text, the volume and quality of publications suggest sustained research support.
Iair Arcavi is an Associate Professor at Tel Aviv University's School of Physics and Astronomy, specializing in observational astronomy and astrophysics. He directs the Wise Observatory and focuses on transient cosmic phenomena like supernovae, kilonovae, and tidal disruption events. His work bridges theoretical modeling with multiwavelength observations to study extreme astrophysical environments. Education: BSc (Physics & Mathematics), Tel Aviv University (2007) MSc (Physics), Weizmann Institute (2011) PhD (Astrophysics), Weizmann Institute (2013) Research Interests: Arcavi investigates core-collapse supernovae to determine progenitor properties and explosion mechanisms. He pioneered rapid follow-up techniques for kilonovae linked to gravitational-wave events like GW170817. His team also explores tidal disruption events (TDEs), revealing UV-dominated emission and He II signatures in post-starburst galaxies. This work informs galaxy evolution, black hole physics, and transient classification. Scientific Awards: Alon Fellowship (2018) Einstein Postdoctoral Fellowship (2016) Harvey L. Karp Discovery Award (2015) Wolf Foundation Scholarship (2012) Weizmann Institute Dean’s Prize (2011) Collaborations & Outreach: Arcavi co-leads international transient follow-up programs (e.g., Las Cumbres Observatory) and founded Astronomy on Tap chapters in Santa Barbara and Tel Aviv. His outreach emphasizes public engagement through informal talks and interactive events.
Émilie Saulnier-Talbot is an Assistant Professor at Université Laval, holding a Research Chair in Coastal Ecosystems and Industrial, Port, and Maritime Activities with dual attachment to the Biology and Geography departments. Her work bridges aquatic ecology, paleoecology, and climate science, focusing on environmental change and human impacts in subarctic and arctic regions. Ph.D. in Geography (2007) and M.Sc. in Geography (2000) from Université Laval Postdoctoral fellowship at McGill University (2008-2010) Her research explores: Climate change impacts on aquatic systems Paleoecological indicators of environmental change Biogeography of coastal and arctic ecosystems Anthropogenic effects on lake and river biodiversity Diatom-based biomonitoring Publications span diatom ecology, climate-driven regime shifts, and long-term limnological trends across the Arctic, Canada, and New Zealand. Key awards include the Cozzarelli Prize (2016) and multiple distinctions at Université Laval (2021-2022). Editorial roles in Frontiers journals (Paleoecology and Plant Conservation sections) Member of international working groups (PAGES, GLEON, Past4future)
Brigitte Stanké is an Associate Professor at the School of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Montreal, specializing in literacy development and learning disorders. With dual doctorates in Biomedical Sciences and extensive training in speech therapy, audiology, and statistical mathematics, she bridges neurological, linguistic, and quantitative perspectives. Doctorate in Biomedical Sciences, University of Montreal Master's & Bachelor's in Speech Therapy & Audiology Bachelor of Science & Master's in Statistical Mathematics Her research focuses on reading/spelling disorders (dyslexia, dysorthography), universal pedagogy frameworks, assistive technologies for writing, and dyscalculia. She develops tools like ÉQOL (Quebec Lexical Spelling Scale) and investigates errorless learning models. Recent publications emphasize: Universal Design for Learning (UDL) implementation Lexical spelling acquisition through graphotactic/morphological instruction Assistive technology impacts on writing self-efficacy and anxiety reduction Longitudinal studies on orthographic development She has created pedagogical software (e.g., Madame Mo) and practical resources (e.g., The Wise Apprentice: Learning to Read and Spell ). Her work informs both clinical practice and inclusive education policies.
Dr. Jörg Gsponer is Professor and Head of the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Medicine, with a joint appointment at the Michael Smith Laboratories in the Faculty of Science. Appointed as Department Head in November 2024 after serving as interim Head since February 2024, he has been at UBC since 2009 and was promoted to Professor in 2021. Dr. Gsponer holds a dual degree in medicine and theoretical biophysics through the Swiss MD-PhD program. His educational background includes an MD from the University of Lausanne (1997), a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Zurich (2002), post-doctoral training at the University of Cambridge Chemistry Department (2003), and MRC Research Fellow at the Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge (2006). His research focuses on intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) and their connections to cancer and neurodegeneration. Using advanced computational methods, molecular modeling, simulations, and bioinformatics approaches, his lab explores how protein structure and interactions contribute to cellular phenotypes. Recent work has incorporated generative AI tools like AlphaFold to advance protein biochemistry research. The lab has developed several computational tools including MoRFchibi, GraPES, and LIST for predicting protein features and interactions. Dr. Gsponer's research has resulted in numerous high-impact publications, particularly in areas of protein-protein interactions, intrinsically disordered regions, and computational approaches to understanding disease mechanisms. His work shows strong trends toward integrating AI with traditional biochemical approaches to solve complex problems in protein science. Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research Career Investigator Distinguished Achievement Award for Overall Excellence from UBC Faculty of Medicine As Department Head, Dr. Gsponer emphasizes team leadership and delegation, working with an executive team to advance scientific knowledge and innovate in training the next generation of scientists. He has spearheaded initiatives in data science teaching and recruitment in generative AI and nanomedicine. His lab continues to secure research funding for projects exploring protein interactions in disease contexts, with particular focus on cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. The Gsponer Lab maintains strong collaborations across multiple disciplines and institutions, operating within the Centre for High-Throughput Biology (CHiBi) at the Michael Smith Laboratories. The lab environment fosters interdisciplinary research combining computational approaches with experimental validation to address fundamental questions in protein science.
Sébastien Roldan serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures within the Faculty of Arts at the University of Winnipeg, a position held since Summer 2019. His scholarly authority spans nineteenth-century French literary movements—Romanticism, Realism, Naturalism, and Symbolism—with particular focus on the dialog between literature and philosophy in canonical works by Hugo, Balzac, Zola, Flaubert, Maupassant, and Daudet. Academic Credentials: PhD in Literary Studies (cotutelle), Université Paris Ouest-Nanterre and Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), 2013 Degree in Chemical Engineering, École polytechnique de Montréal Roldan's research pioneers intersections of literary geography and philosophical inquiry, examining how themes like suicide, the Seine River, time, nature, and terroir manifest across French and French-Canadian texts. His methodology combines close reading with spatial analysis, revealing how rivers function as narrative devices in Realist novels and how philosophical concepts permeate literary representation. This interdisciplinary approach bridges literary criticism with geography and philosophy to decode spatial and existential dimensions of nineteenth-century writing. Recent publications demonstrate sustained focus on three converging trajectories: the Seine's literary cartography (2018-2024), philosophical treatments of suicide in Naturalist works (2014-2024), and intertextual dialogues between Romantic and Naturalist authors (2020-2025). His scholarship consistently analyzes how geographical spaces shape narrative structures and how philosophical concepts like Schopenhauer's pessimism inform literary themes, particularly across Zola's Rougon-Macquart series. Roldan mentors undergraduate researchers in nineteenth-century French literature through course-based projects and the Atlas numérique de la Seine initiative. His collaborative role as Paris section lead for this Université Le Havre Normandie-funded digital humanities project provides students hands-on experience in geotagging literary references and building spatial databases for literary analysis. As Paris section lead for the Atlas numérique de la Seine project, Roldan directs a transnational effort mapping Seine River references in nineteenth-century French literature. This digital humanities initiative—managed by GéoSeine at Université Le Havre Normandie—exemplifies his commitment to innovative research methodologies that transform textual analysis through geographic information systems, creating new pathways for studying literary landscapes.
Shaily Singh serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Neurology at the University of Calgary within the Calgary Comprehensive Epilepsy Program, providing specialized care for epilepsy patients alongside general and urgent neurology services. Her academic credentials include MBBS, MD (Internal Medicine), MD (Neurology), and CSCN (EEG) certification, with foundational training completed at All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi followed by specialized fellowships at the University of Calgary: Two-year epilepsy and EEG fellowship Six-month research fellowship in advanced neuroimaging for epilepsy Additional training in evoked potentials Research efforts focus on advanced neuroimaging techniques for precise seizure localization and clinical database management systems to enhance diagnostic capabilities and operational efficiency within the epilepsy program. These initiatives directly support the Calgary Comprehensive Epilepsy Program's mission to advance patient-centered neurological care through integrated clinical and research frameworks.
Dr. Glaucia Melo dos Santos serves as Assistant Professor and Co-op Program Director in the Department of Computer Science at Toronto Metropolitan University's Faculty of Science. She joined as a new tenure-track faculty member in Fall 2023, bringing expertise in adaptive artificial intelligence systems. Her educational background includes: PhD in Computer Science, University of Waterloo (2023) Master's in Computing Engineering, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (2018) BA in Information Technology, Universidade Estacio de Sa, Brasil (2009) Research interests focus on next-generation AI systems with emphasis on contextual adaptation and human collaboration. Her work bridges theoretical AI development with practical software engineering applications, particularly in autonomous systems and contextual language models. Professional recognition includes: Velocity 5k Pitch Competition winner (2022) Emerging Leaders in the Americas scholar, Global Affairs Canada (2017) As Co-op Program Director, she oversees industry integration for computer science students while teaching Database Systems (CPS 510). Her recent appointment indicates active research program development within the department.
