Tamás Budavári is an Associate Professor in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics at Johns Hopkins University (JHU), with joint appointments in Physics and Astronomy and a secondary appointment in Computer Science. He is affiliated with the Whiting School of Engineering and the Institute for Data-Intensive Engineering and Science (IDIES). His research focuses on computational and statistical methods for big data in astronomy and interdisciplinary applications such as urban blight analysis. Education: PhD in Astrophysics (2001), Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest Master’s in Theoretical Physics (1997), Eötvös Loránd University Research Interests: Budavári develops algorithms for handling large astronomical datasets, including Bayesian inference, streaming algorithms, and GPU-accelerated processing. His work includes SkyQuery (an online astronomy data tool), photometric redshift estimation, and cross-matching catalogs. He also applies computational methods to urban planning, such as optimizing strategies to address vacant housing in Baltimore City. Publications & Tools: Budavári’s recent work spans topics like deep learning for astronomical image restoration, combinatorial optimization for urban policy, and probabilistic catalog matching. His tools, such as CUDAHM and NWAY, enable scalable analysis of multi-epoch survey data and N-way catalog cross-identification. Awards & Grants: Recipient of the Gordon and Betty Moore Fellowship and SAMSI Research Fellowship Funded by NSF, STScI, NIH, and others Leadership & Outreach: He serves on the Steering Committee of the 21st Centuries Cities Initiative and is a founding editor of the Journal of Astronomy and Computing. His interdisciplinary work bridges astrophysics, data science, and urban systems.
Steve Mann is a Professor in Applied Linguistics at the University of Warwick, where he has been affiliated since 2007. His work focuses on English Language Teacher Education (ELTE), teacher development, and qualitative research methodologies. He holds a PGCE from the University of Warwick (1984) and has extensive experience in ELT across Hong Kong, Japan, and Europe. Mann’s research group investigates reflective practice, teacher beliefs, mentoring, and technology integration in education. Notable contributions include co-editing the Routledge Handbook of English Language Teacher Education (2019) and pioneering studies on video-based teacher reflection. He has supervised numerous PhD students exploring aspects of teacher development, though he is currently not accepting new PhD candidates. Education: PGCE, University of Warwick (1984) Pre-service teaching in English and Drama in England (1980s) British Council Teaching Scheme in Hong Kong (1980s) Research Interests: Teacher education, reflective practice, qualitative interview methodologies, and the role of technology in professional development. His work emphasizes bridging theory and practice in ELT, particularly through collaborative dialogue and action research. Grants & Projects: Supporting Sustainable English Teacher Professional Development in Yunnan Province (British Council, 2022–2023) China Course Research: Postgraduate Curriculum Design (2019–2022) Video in Language Teacher Education (British Council, 2016–2018) Labs/Teams: Leads a research group focused on teacher development, mentoring, and blended learning strategies. Collaborates with institutions like the British Council on global teacher education initiatives.
Shivani Agarwal is an Associate Professor of Computer and Information Science and (by courtesy) Statistics and Data Science at the University of Pennsylvania. Her research focuses on computational, mathematical, and statistical foundations of machine learning, including algorithm design, theory, and applications in life sciences. She holds leadership roles in initiatives like the NSF-funded Penn Institute for Foundations of Data Science (PIFODS) and the Penn Research in Machine Learning (PRiML) forum. Previously, she was a Radcliffe Fellow at Harvard, and held academic positions at MIT, Indian Institute of Science, and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Education: PhD in Computer Science from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Prior roles include Assistant Professor (Ramanujan Fellow) at IISc, postdoctoral lecturer at MIT, and Radcliffe Fellow at Harvard. Research interests span machine learning theory, ranking systems, bandit algorithms, noisy label learning, and interdisciplinary applications in economics, operations research, and psychology. She has organized numerous conferences and workshops, including COLT 2020 and NIPS workshops on ranking and learning. Key professional activities include leadership in Indo-US research collaborations and editorial roles for the Journal of Machine Learning Research and Harvard Data Science Review.
Leslie Lok is an Associate Professor in the Department of Architecture at Cornell University, directing the Rural-Urban Building Innovation Lab (RUBI Lab). She co-founded H.A.N.N.A.H, an experimental design practice focused on innovative construction methods like 3D printing and robotic fabrication. Her research bridges technology, materials, and urbanization, emphasizing adaptable housing and sustainable design. Lok holds a Master of Architecture from MIT. Her work explores computational protocols, mixed reality (MR), and non-standardized materials to address spatial and material challenges in rural-urban contexts. Exhibitions include the Total Museum of Contemporary Art (South Korea), the International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam, and the Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism/Architecture in Shenzhen. Awards include the 2020 Architectural League Prize and recognition as Best New Practices by ArchDaily (2021). Lok teaches courses such as Option Studio: The Sectional City — Urban Housing Fabric for Chongqing and Spatial Tensions — Mapping Global Spatio-politics Through China . Her grants include the International Cornell Curriculum Grant (2022) and the NYSCA Creative Project Grant (2020). She serves on ACADIA's board and has published widely in journals like FABRICATE and Rob|Arch.
Prof. Dr. Johannes Sauer is a Professor at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), holding dual affiliations with the TUM School of Management and the TUM School of Life Sciences . His academic focus is on production and resource economics, with expertise in agricultural sustainability, policy evaluation, and circular economy strategies in Asia-Pacific and Latin America. Education: Bachelor’s/Master’s in Agricultural Economics from Universities of Tübingen, Hamburg, and Imperial College London. Doctorate (summa cum laude) in Agricultural Economics from the University of Bonn (2004). Research Interests: Prof. Sauer’s work spans productivity and resilience in agricultural systems, adoption of sustainable technologies, water resource valuation, and bioeconomic trends. He emphasizes smart technologies and circular economy applications in developing regions. His research employs econometric methods to analyze policy impacts and environmental-economic trade-offs. Key Trends in Publications: Recent articles highlight climate-smart agriculture, ICT adoption in rural China, and agroforestry’s role in reducing ecological-economic trade-offs. He explores behavioral drivers of policy participation and innovative tools like the IoFarm decision support system. Awards: 2021 Honorary Professorship at ANU OECD Fellow Awards (2010, 2016) Best Paper Awards (2008–2015) Consulting & Roles: OECD and Asian Development Bank consultant, ESRC Peer Review College member, and liaison lecturer for the German National Academic Foundation. He advises on agri-environmental policies and international development. Labs/Teams: Active in collaborative projects such as PONDERFUL Framework and IPM Popilia , focusing on nexus research and pest management strategies.
Maged Senbel is an Associate Professor at the School of Community and Regional Planning (SCARP), University of British Columbia (UBC) since 2007. His innovative teaching methods have earned him the Killam Prize for graduate instruction. He holds a B.Arch. (Oregon), M.Arch. (McGill), M.Sc. and Ph.D. (UBC), with professional certifications as MCIP and RPP. His research centers on transformative approaches to urban challenges, specializing in: Public engagement methodologies for neighborhood planning Climate change adaptation and GHG reduction strategies Equity-focused community development Digital/social media applications in planning Youth engagement and intercultural visioning Spatial thinking and visualization techniques This work aligns with SCARP's mission of 'Knowledge in Action - Planning in Partnership'. Awards & Honors: Killam Prize for Graduate Instruction (Faculty of Graduate Studies) He has supervised 23 PhD candidates and 95 Master's students through experiential learning projects addressing real-world planning challenges in urban design, environmental planning, and community engagement. His teaching portfolio includes courses on social justice (PLAN 331), planning studio (PLAN 541), planning theory (PLAN 558), thesis development (PLAN 560), and doctoral colloquia (PLAN 603).
Mazdak Nik-Bakht is an Associate Professor at Concordia University's School of Building, Civil, and Environmental Engineering. His work bridges construction engineering with digital innovation, focusing on smart infrastructure and sustainable development. PhD, Construction Engineering & Mgmt., University of Toronto PhD, Structural Engineering, Iran University of Science & Technology MASc & BASc, Structural and Civil Engineering, Iran University of Science & Technology His research integrates Artificial Intelligence and Social Network Analysis into construction management systems. Key areas include: Smart infrastructure and urban computing Deconstruction and circular economy principles Building Information Modeling (BIM) and digital twinning Process mining in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry Decision models in construction project management Semantic computing and computational linguistics applications Recent publications show a focus on BIM analytics , urban resilience , and social media's role in infrastructure planning . Papers often combine AI and network theory to solve complex construction challenges. 2015 Outstanding paper award - Built Environment Project and Asset Management journal He teaches courses on: Big Data Analytics for Smart City Infrastructure Building Information Modeling (BIM) for Construction Building Economics Project Cost Estimating
Dr. Zara Ersozlu is a Senior Lecturer in Mathematics Education within the School of Education at the University of Newcastle, Australia. With a distinguished international career spanning multiple continents, she has held academic positions at prestigious institutions including North Carolina State University (USA), Gazi and Gaziosmanpasa Universities (Turkey), National Taiwan Normal University (Taiwan), The University of Western Australia, Murdoch University, and Deakin University. Her academic journey includes tenured positions as an Associate Professor and leadership roles as Department Head and Chair in teacher education disciplines. Currently, she teaches undergraduate and postgraduate courses in mathematics education, including Effective Pedagogies in Primary Mathematics, K-6 Mathematics, K-6 Numeracy, and Digitally Supported Learning. Dr. Ersozlu earned her Doctor of Philosophy from Firat University in Turkey and her Master of Art from Sakarya University. Her extensive academic preparation is complemented by five years of practical teaching experience in public schools prior to entering academia. This blend of theoretical knowledge and practical classroom experience informs her approach to teacher education and educational research. At the broadest level, Dr. Ersozlu's research investigates solutions to real-life problems impacting people's well-being, success, and capacity to achieve. Her scholarly work spans primary and secondary mathematics education, the psychology of mathematics (including metacognition, self-regulation, and anxiety), cross-cultural educational studies, teacher education, virtual simulated learning environments, and educational assessment. She has increasingly focused on the transformative potential of AI and machine learning in education, exploring how these technologies alter teaching, learning, and research processes. Her methodological expertise encompasses both quantitative and qualitative approaches, allowing her to effectively analyze both small and large educational datasets. Analysis of Dr. Ersozlu's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on mathematics anxiety, teacher education, and the integration of technology in learning environments. Her work demonstrates a consistent focus on practical applications of educational research to address real-world challenges in mathematics education. The interdisciplinary nature of her research connects educational psychology, technology integration, and cross-cultural perspectives, with particular attention to how these elements intersect in teacher preparation and student learning outcomes. 2023 ATEA Research Recognition Award from the Australian Teacher Education Association 2021 Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (Advance HE, UK) 2010 Fellowship Program for Postdoctoral Researchers from the Council of Higher Education of Turkey Dr. Ersozlu is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of scholars, currently supervising four PhD students and having successfully guided ten students to completion. Her grant portfolio includes significant funding for projects such as Best Practice Guidelines for RPL in Initial Teacher Education Programs ($60,000), Exploring the Reciprocal Relationship Between Mathematics Anxiety and Mathematical Resilience ($2,599), and multiple conference travel awards. She serves as an Associate Editor for several prominent journals including the International Electronic Journal of Mathematics Education and as Editor for Interdisciplinary STEM Education. Her editorial work reflects her standing as a respected voice in mathematics education research. Dr. Ersozlu's academic leadership extends to her role in developing innovative teaching approaches that integrate virtual simulation technology and learning analytics. Her work with TeachLivE™, a mixed-reality classroom simulation platform, demonstrates her commitment to creating authentic learning experiences for teacher education students. Through these initiatives, she bridges the gap between educational theory and classroom practice, preparing future educators to effectively implement evidence-based teaching strategies in diverse learning environments.
Adrienne Raphel is a Lecturer in the Department of English at Baruch College, part of the Weissman School of Arts and Sciences at The City University of New York (CUNY). She holds a Ph.D. in English Literature from Harvard University, an M.F.A. in Creative Writing (Poetry) from the University of Iowa, and a B.A. in English Literature and Creative Writing from Princeton University. Her research and creative work intersect contemporary culture, poetry, and the history of wordplay. She explores modernist literature, dark academia, and the evolution of puzzles like crosswords and board games as cultural artifacts. Raphel's recent publications highlight crosswords, poetry, and literary criticism, reflecting her interests in generational trends, linguistic innovation, and urban themes. Her articles analyze cultural phenomena through the lens of games, literature, and media. She has received prestigious awards, including: Visiting Fellowship at the American Library in Paris (2023) James Merrill Writer in Residence (2023) Writer in Residence at The Mastheads (2018) Raphel serves on the Awards and Honors Committee and teaches courses such as Writing II and Great Works of Literature I. She has contributed to media outlets like The New Yorker , The New York Times , and The Paris Review .
Joseph Tao-yi Wang is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Economics at National Taiwan University (NTU). He holds a PhD from UCLA and previously served as a Postdoctoral Scholar and Visiting Associate at Caltech. His research spans experimental economics, neuroeconomics, game theory, and behavioral economics, with a focus on strategic decision-making, market design, and learning in games. Wang directs the Taiwan Social Sciences Experimental Laboratory (TASSEL), which hosts large-scale experimental research and conferences like the 2017 APESA. His work integrates eye-tracking, pupillometry, and machine learning to study cognitive processes in economic decisions. Wang is also active in educational innovation, developing flipped classroom models with experiments for economics courses. His publications consistently explore behavioral deviations from game-theoretic predictions, such as overcommunication in sender-receiver games and learning patterns in auctions. Recent work emphasizes reproducibility in management science and AI applications in education. Wang’s research uses diverse methodologies—from neuroimaging to field experiments—to test economic theories in real-world contexts. Wang mentors through NTU’s Berkeley Economics Student Assistant Program (BESAP) and organizes mini-courses for high school students. He has not received scientific awards per the available data.
Natalie T. Wood, PhD (Auburn University, 2002), is a Professor of Marketing and Associate Dean at Saint Joseph’s University’s Haub School of Business. Her expertise spans consumer behavior and social media marketing, with a focus on digital engagement and virtual environments. PhD, Auburn University (2002) GradDip in Marketing, Edith Cowan University (1999) BBus in Marketing, Edith Cowan University (1996) Her research explores social media’s influence on consumer trends, political marketing, themed hospitality authenticity, and virtual education. Key journals include Journal of Consumer Behaviour and Business Horizons . Recent publications analyze microblogging’s role in customer service and brand promotion. Notable awards: Saint Joseph’s University Faculty Merit Award for Teaching (2013) and Research (2007). Grants from Arrupe Center (2019) and Direct Selling Education Foundation (2010-2011) highlight her funded work. Professional roles include Assistant Director, Center for Consumer Research (2007-2011).
Juan Camilo Gómez is an Associate Professor with tenure at the University of Washington Bothell's School of Business, specializing in game theory, bargaining, and microeconomic theory. He earned his Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Minnesota and his B.Sc. in Mathematics from Universidad de los Andes in Colombia. Education: Ph.D. Economics (1998–2003), University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN B.Sc. Mathematics (1990–1996), Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia Research Interests: His research focuses on foundational and applied aspects of game theory, including bargaining models, coalition formation, cooperative solution concepts, and general equilibrium. He explores how efficiency can be achieved in strategic interactions, especially when agents may behave manipulatively or when traditional balance conditions do not hold. His work contributes to understanding how coalitions form and how outcomes can be predicted or designed to ensure equitable and efficient allocations. He also investigates the implications of reference points in bargaining and the role of aspirations in shaping cooperative behavior. Publications Overview: Across his publications, a clear trajectory emerges from foundational theoretical work—such as axiomatizing core extensions in cooperative games—to applied models that predict coalition formation and bargaining outcomes. His research consistently bridges rigorous mathematical frameworks with practical economic questions, including market interpretations of cooperative solutions and strategic pricing models like 'Pay What You Want'. Awards and Honors: 2010 MBA Professor of the Year, University of Washington Bothell Teaching and Advising: Gómez has taught a wide range of courses from undergraduate calculus and mathematical economics to graduate-level game theory and quantitative methods for business. He has held teaching roles at institutions including Macalester College, University of Copenhagen, Universidad de los Andes, and University of Minnesota. He has also co-directed undergraduate theses, such as that of Santiago Saavedra, and served on numerous academic committees including MBA Admissions and faculty hiring. Labs and Teams: While no specific lab is mentioned, his collaborative working papers with researchers like Camelia Bejan and P.V. Balakrishnan suggest active participation in research networks focused on game theory and economic modeling.
Juliane Walz serves as a W3 Professor of Peptide-based Immunotherapy and Medical Director at the University of Tübingen's Faculty of Medicine. She is centrally affiliated with the Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) and leads the clinic for Peptide-based Immunotherapy within the KKE Translational Immunology group. Her research focuses on developing peptide-based immunotherapeutic strategies with strong translational emphasis, bridging laboratory discoveries to clinical applications. This work spans cancer immunotherapy, infectious disease immunology, and advanced vaccinology, leveraging interdisciplinary collaboration to address complex immune-mediated disorders through novel peptide vaccine design and therapeutic implementation. Professor Walz's clinic operates within the University of Tübingen's translational research ecosystem, actively contributing to the Cluster of Excellence iFIT's mission of advancing infection and immunity research through cross-disciplinary integration of basic science and clinical practice.
Nallan C. Suresh is the Associate Dean for Faculty, Research and Centers and a SUNY Distinguished Professor in the Operations Management and Strategy department at the School of Management, University at Buffalo . His work bridges academic research with industry practice, focusing on manufacturing systems, supply chain agility, and sustainable operations. PhD , University of Cincinnati MBA , McMaster University, Canada BTech , Indian Institute of Technology Suresh's research spans cellular manufacturing , flexible automation , forecasting models , and reverse supply chains . He has pioneered frameworks for evaluating manufacturing systems and optimizing supply chain agility through empirical and simulation-based studies. Recent publications emphasize sustainability and disruptive technologies in supply chains, including reverse logistics for plastics recycling and agile responses to catastrophic events using data analytics. His work integrates DEA models , neural networks , and policy analysis . Summer Research Fellowship, University at Buffalo Joseph T.J. Stewart Faculty Scholar Alfred V. Bodine/SME Award for Machine Tool Economics Cleveland Foundation Grant for High Technology Firms Suresh has secured grants totaling over $145,000, advised numerous students, and contributed to global research through empirical studies in the Netherlands and executive training in China/Latvia. His consulting spans automotive, electronics, and manufacturing sectors.
Catherine Tucker is the Sloan Distinguished Professor of Management and Professor of Marketing at the MIT Sloan School of Management. She serves as the faculty director of the EMBA program and has chaired the MIT Sloan PhD Program. Her research focuses on the intersection of technology, marketing, and public policy, with expertise in digital privacy, online advertising, and blockchain applications. She co-founded the MIT Cryptoeconomics Lab and has testified before Congress on digital privacy issues. Tucker holds a PhD in Economics from Stanford University and a BA from the University of Oxford. Education: PhD in Economics, Stanford University Bachelor of Arts, University of Oxford Research Interests: Algorithmic bias and fairness Privacy regulation and consumer data Blockchain technology applications Healthcare technology and digital health Marketing strategy in digital ecosystems Awards: NSF CAREER Award (2010s) William F. O’Dell Award (Long-term Impact in Marketing) Garfield Economic Impact Award (2020) Editorial Roles: Senior editor at Marketing Science , former co-editor at Quantitative Marketing and Economics , and associate editor roles at Management Science and Journal of Marketing Research . Labs & Initiatives: Co-director of the NBER Digital Economics and AI program, and co-founder of the MIT Cryptoeconomics Lab studying blockchain applications.
