Sven Werner is a Senior Professor at Halmstad University's Academy of Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Sustainability. His expertise lies in district heating and cooling systems, with a focus on decarbonization, energy efficiency, and fourth/fifth generation technologies. He has authored foundational textbooks, such as Energiförsörjning: En introduktion till vårt energisystem , and contributed to international platforms like DHC+ and the IEA's Low-Temperature District Heating Annex. His research includes pioneering the concept of 'Fourth Generation District Heating' and analyzing global heating/cooling demands. Key achievements include over 50 short courses for industry professionals and presentations across 20 countries. Current projects include a book on the world history of district heating. Research Highlights: Low-temperature systems, renewable integration, and thermal storage. Impact: Most-cited article on district heating (Annex X Final Report, 2014), cited every six hours in 2021. International Contributions: Co-developed the Pan-European Thermal Atlas (PETA) and advised the EU Energy Council on energy efficiency. Werner's work bridges academia and industry, emphasizing practical solutions for sustainable energy systems. His publications span journals, conference papers, and policy guides, addressing topics like heat distribution costs, industrial heat recovery, and smart grid technologies.
Manuel DeLanda is a New York-based cross-disciplinary theorist and artist. He holds the rank of Professor at The European Graduate School / EGS and serves as a lecturer at Princeton University's School of Architecture and Pratt Institute's Graduate Architecture and Urban Design program. His academic career includes past roles as a Fellow at Princeton's Institute for Advanced Study (2000/01) and teaching positions at the University of Pennsylvania and Columbia University. Education: BFA from the School of Visual Arts (New York), PhD from the European Graduate School (2010). Research interests span philosophy, complexity theory, materialism, science studies, and Deleuzean thought. His work integrates interdisciplinary approaches to topics like assemblage theory, urban capitalism, morphogenesis, and the philosophy of science. Key themes include the application of mathematical concepts (topology, chaos theory) to social and historical analysis, and rethinking materialist frameworks across disciplines. Notable contributions include books such as War in the Age of Intelligent Machines , A Thousand Years of Nonlinear History , and Assemblage Theory . His lectures (e.g., on economic agglomeration, urban capitalism, and Deleuzean philosophy) reflect his commitment to bridging abstract theory with empirical analysis. Labs/Teams: No specific lab affiliations mentioned, but his work is collaborative through academic networks and interdisciplinary projects in architecture, urbanism, and philosophy.
Eoghan Smith is a Lecturer in English and Creative Writing at Carlow College, St. Patrick's, where he has taught since 2011. He specializes in modern and contemporary Irish writing, creative writing, and world literature, bringing both scholarly expertise and creative practice to his academic role. As an active contributor to Irish literary studies, Smith bridges academic research with creative production, enriching both fields through his dual perspective. Dr. Smith's academic background includes: PhD in English from Maynooth University (2009), with dissertation 'John Banville: Art, Authenticity and Epic' MA in Anglo-Irish Writing and Drama from University College Dublin (2003) BA (Hons) in English & Philosophy from University College Dublin (2002) Smith's research focuses on twentieth- and twenty-first-century Irish literature, particularly fiction, with specific expertise in contemporary Irish writing, John Banville's work, literary and visual cultures of suburban Ireland, and intersections between philosophy and Irish writing. His scholarship demonstrates how Irish literature has evolved through periods of social and economic transformation, especially examining the post-Celtic Tiger era. As a creative writer himself, he brings practical insight to theoretical concepts, creating a dynamic dialogue between academic study and literary creation. Analysis of Smith's recent publications reveals a consistent engagement with contemporary Irish literary developments, particularly the flourishing post-recession literary scene. His work spans scholarly analysis, book reviews in major publications, and creative fiction, demonstrating his multifaceted contribution to Irish letters. He shows particular interest in how Irish writers navigate identity, authenticity, and social change through innovative literary forms. As chair of the Carlow College Research Hub, Smith has co-organized numerous conferences and symposiums that foster academic exchange. His 2024 appointment as editor for the Irish Literature in English area of the Literary Encyclopedia marks significant recognition of his expertise. Smith regularly peer-reviews for journals in contemporary Irish literary studies and contributes to public discourse through reviews in the Irish Times, Books Ireland, and Literary Review. Smith is also an accomplished novelist with three published works: The Failing Heart (2018), A Provincial Death (2022), and A Mind of Winter (2023). His creative output informs his scholarly perspective, creating a rich interdisciplinary approach to Irish literary studies. His leadership in the Research Hub and editorial work on publications like 'Imagining Irish Suburbia in Literature and Culture' (2018) demonstrates his commitment to advancing scholarship in Irish literary studies.
Professor Alan Sangster is Chair in Accounting History at the University of Aberdeen's Business School, where he is actively engaged in research, teaching, and supervision of PhD students. His work centers on the historical evolution of accounting systems, particularly double-entry bookkeeping, and the pedagogical aspects of accounting education. University: University of Aberdeen School: Business School Position: Chair in Accounting History Email: alan.sangster@abdn.ac.uk Alan Sangster holds a BA in Business Studies, MSc in Operational Research, PhD in Accounting Education, and is a Chartered Accountant (CA). His academic journey reflects a deep commitment to understanding the historical roots of modern accounting practices. His research interests encompass Accounting History , Business History , and Accounting Education , with a focus on medieval and Renaissance accounting systems, the work of Luca Pacioli, digital methodologies in historical research, and ethical issues in accounting scholarship. He advocates for rigorous historical methodology and critical reassessment of established narratives. The 15 most recent publications highlight a sustained and influential research trajectory in accounting history, with a strong emphasis on the origins and diffusion of double-entry bookkeeping, digital transformation of archival research, and critical reflections on historiography. His work bridges historical analysis with contemporary pedagogical and ethical concerns in accounting. Professor Sangster has received numerous accolades recognizing his exceptional contributions: 2022: Outstanding Accounting Educator Award (American Accounting Association) 2022: Outstanding Contribution to Accounting & Finance Education Award (British Accounting & Finance Association) 2021: Barbara D. Merino Award for Excellence in Accounting History Publication 2015: Hourglass Award (Academy of Accounting Historians) 2014: Premio Enrique Fernández Peña de Historia de la Contabilidad 2013: Life-Time Achievement Award (British Accounting and Finance Association) He serves as Editor-in-Chief of Accounting Education (Routledge), Deputy Chair of the BAFA Accounting History SIG, and Trustee of The Academy of Accounting Historians. These roles underscore his leadership and influence in shaping the field globally. Although no specific students or grants are mentioned, his active supervision of PhDs and extensive publication record indicate a vibrant research program. He is not associated with any lab or team in the provided text, but his collaborative publications suggest active academic networks.
Oliver Shorttle is a Professor of Natural Philosophy at the University of Cambridge, holding a joint position between the Department of Earth Sciences and the Institute of Astronomy. His research focuses on planetary evolution, extrasolar planets, and geochemical cycling, integrating geological and astronomical perspectives. He explores topics such as exoplanet habitability, volcanic processes on distant worlds, and the role of volatiles in planetary systems. Education and Career: Shorttle earned his undergraduate degree in Natural Sciences from Cambridge, followed by a PhD in Earth Sciences. He held postdoctoral positions at Caltech and as a JSPS fellow in Japan before returning to Cambridge as faculty. Research Themes: His work spans planetary chemistry, magma dynamics, and the interplay between planetary interiors and atmospheres. Key projects include analyzing protoplanetary disks, simulating volcanic activity on exoplanets, and investigating phosphorus’s role in prebiotic chemistry. Collaborations: Leads the Planetary Chemistry group, collaborating across disciplines at Cambridge and internationally. Current projects involve modeling exoplanet atmospheres, studying mantle melting processes, and developing geochemical methods to probe planetary formation. Labs/Teams: Directs the Planetary Chemistry research group, fostering interdisciplinary research between geology and astronomy. Active in fieldwork, lab analysis, and computational modeling.
Philippe Christe is an Associate Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolution at the University of Lausanne (UNIL), Faculty of Biology and Medicine. His research centers on host-parasite interactions, with a focus on bats, birds, and their ectoparasites, integrating behavioral, physiological, and genetic approaches. He leads the Christe Group, which investigates evolutionary and ecological dynamics in host-parasite systems, particularly avian malaria and bat-mite relationships. He is actively involved in conservation initiatives, including the Jorat Peri-Urban Nature Park, and collaborates with KORA on human-wildlife interactions. Bachelor's degree in biology, UNIL (1989) PhD in Zoology and Animal Ecology, UNIL (1994) Philippe Christe’s research interests lie at the intersection of parasitology, evolutionary ecology, and conservation biology. He investigates how host defenses evolve in response to parasitic pressures, examining trade-offs between immunity and life history traits such as reproduction and survival. His work often integrates field studies with experimental and molecular techniques. Key model systems include Parus major (great tit) and Culex pipiens in avian malaria, and bat species with their ectoparasitic mites. He also explores broader ecological interactions, including predator-prey dynamics and wildlife conservation in human-modified landscapes. His recent publications reflect a strong emphasis on disease ecology, wildlife conservation, and molecular methods. Articles span topics such as avian malaria transmission, lynx population dynamics, snow leopard behavior, and habitat fragmentation effects on insects. These works employ advanced techniques like DNA metabarcoding, spatial modeling, and long-term monitoring, demonstrating a trend toward interdisciplinary, data-driven ecological research with direct conservation applications. Dubois Foundation Prize for an educational CD-Rom on bats (2004) Communication Award from the Faculty of Biology and Medicine of UNIL (2017) Philippe Christe has supervised numerous PhD and Master’s students, contributing significantly to training the next generation of ecologists and evolutionary biologists. His group collaborates widely with institutions such as the Museum of Zoology in Lausanne and KORA, and participates in large-scale conservation projects involving snow leopards, lynx, and bats. He has been involved in research grants related to host-parasite coevolution, wildlife monitoring, and conservation strategies. His leadership in establishing the Jorat Peri-Urban Nature Park and involvement in the UNIL Interdisciplinary Center for Mountain Research highlight his commitment to applied science and environmental stewardship. He leads the Christe Group, which conducts research on host-parasite coevolution, with a focus on bats and their ectoparasites, and birds affected by avian malaria. The group combines fieldwork, laboratory experiments, and molecular analyses, and includes post-docs, PhD students, and technical staff. Collaborations extend to researchers in Bern, Paris, and Spain, fostering an international and interdisciplinary research environment.
W. Gerrod Parrott is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at Georgetown University's College. His research focuses on the nature of human emotion, including social foundations of emotions like guilt, shame, envy, and jealousy, emotional self-regulation, and historical/philosophical perspectives on emotion. He has authored four influential books and served as Editor of Cognition and Emotion (1995–1999) and President of the International Society for Research on Emotion (2008–2013). Currently, he is Editor-in-Chief of Emotion Review . Education : Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania B.A. in Psychology from the University of Virginia Research Interests : Parrott explores how emotions function socially, culturally, and biologically. His work bridges psychology, sociology, and philosophy, emphasizing the role of emotion in moral judgment, interpersonal dynamics, and cultural expression. Recent studies include cross-cultural comparisons of shame, the impact of digital media on infant development, and the role of emotions in risk perception. Publications Trends : His recent articles highlight themes like moral emotions (guilt/shame), the evolution of emotion concepts across history, and the interplay between technology and emotional engagement. He critically examines cultural differences in emotional expression and their implications for psychology and policy. Editorial & Leadership Roles : Editor-in-Chief, Emotion Review Former Editor, Cognition and Emotion President, International Society for Research on Emotion Contributions to Field : Parrott’s work integrates empirical research with theoretical innovation, shaping debates on emotion’s role in cognition, morality, and culture. He advocates for interdisciplinary approaches to understanding emotion’s societal and individual impacts.
Erika Conti is a Senior Lecturer in Italian and Coordinator for Romance Languages in the School of Continuing and Professional Studies at Washington University in St. Louis. She holds a PhD in Comparative Literature from Washington University and a laurea in English, Spanish, and German languages/literatures from the University of Milan. Her research focuses on 20th-century Italian literature, particularly personal narratives and collective memories of Fascism and World War II. Teaching responsibilities include Italian language courses, surveys of Italian literature, and specialized courses on Italian cinema and Fascism. She developed online Italian culture courses for continuing education programs. Administrative roles include Assistant Director of Undergraduate Studies in Italian, coordinator for beginning language sequences (101/102/201), and Four-Year Advisor for Arts & Sciences since 2019. She also serves as a Progress Counselor since 2023. Professional contributions include translation support (Italian-English/English-Italian) for university communities. Office hours are Wednesday/Friday 11 AM–12 PM or by appointment at Ridgley 417A.
Michael G. Peletz is the Samuel Candler Dobbs Professor of Anthropology at Emory University, where he has served since 2006 and was Department Chair from 2009-2012. His research focuses on social/cultural theory, gender/sexuality, law, and Islam's role in modernity, with fieldwork emphasis on Malaysia and broader Southeast Asia. Education: PhD in Anthropology from the University of Michigan (1983). Research Interests: Explores intersections of religion, law, and social justice through historical and ethnographic lenses. Notable themes include Sharia court transformations, neoliberalism's impact on legal systems, and pluralism's cultural dynamics. Recent work examines how Malaysian institutions balance Islamization with globalization. Investigates gender diversity across Asia, particularly transgender ritual roles in Southeast Asian history, and conditions fostering tolerance vs. exclusion of difference. Key Contributions: Authored influential texts on Islamic jurisprudence's role in nation-building, gender pluralism's historical trajectories, and contemporary Sharia adaptations. His 2009 book on gender pluralism earned Choice's Outstanding Academic Title award. Professional Activities: Advised numerous graduate students (currently on hiatus) and conducted fieldwork across Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and other regions. Engages comparative analyses involving Egypt and the Netherlands.
Andrew Francis-Tan serves as Assistant Dean (Student Affairs) and Senior Lecturer at the LKY School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore. Previously, he was associate professor of economics at Emory University. His academic journey spans prestigious institutions including the University of Chicago where he earned his Ph.D. in economics, establishing his foundation in quantitative research methods. Francis-Tan's research program focuses on education, labor economics, and demography, with particular emphasis on patterns of inequality and public policies designed to empower vulnerable populations. His work explores how factors such as race, gender, and religion influence social identities and outcomes across diverse contexts, especially in Asia and Latin America. His interdisciplinary approach bridges economics, sociology, and public policy to address complex social challenges. His extensive publication record shows a clear research trajectory examining ethnic identity formation, religious dynamics under restrictive regulation, gender empowerment effects, and affirmative action policies. The publications span multiple high-impact journals across disciplines including Political Science, Sociology, Public Health, and Economics, demonstrating the cross-cutting relevance of his work. As an educator, Francis-Tan teaches advanced quantitative methods courses for PhD students (PP6706), education economics and policy (PP5196), and principles of economics for policy (PP5001). His teaching portfolio reflects his expertise in applying economic frameworks to policy analysis and his commitment to training the next generation of policy professionals with rigorous analytical skills.
Vazira Fazila-Yacoobali Zamindar serves as Associate Professor of History at Brown University, specializing in modern South Asia, decolonization, and visual archives. Her interdisciplinary work bridges historical scholarship with contemporary art and public engagement, notably through her acclaimed book The Long Partition and the Making of Modern South Asia (2007). Her educational background includes a PhD from Columbia University (2003), MA from the University of Michigan Ann Arbor (1997), and BA from Wellesley College (1992). As Director of Brown's South Asian Studies Program (2012-2016), she co-organized the Brown-Harvard Pakistani Film Festivals and founded the Theory from the South reading group. Zamindar's research critically examines decolonization, displacement, and statelessness through visual and oral histories. Current projects include a graphic novel collaboration with Sarnath Banerjee on Gandhi and Abdul Ghaffar Khan (supported by the Salomon Research Grant) and the Anticolonial solo exhibition at Karachi's Canvas Gallery (2023), exploring anticolonial resistance on the Indo-Afghan border. Her publications reveal evolving interdisciplinary trends: early works focus on Partition refugees and borders, while recent scholarship (2020-2023) emphasizes repair, statelessness architectures, and secularism in South Asian art. Recurring themes include border politics, visual culture, and decolonial methodologies across historical and contemporary contexts. Scientific recognition includes: National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowship (2009-10) Fulbright Research Scholar (2008-9) Richard B. Salomon Faculty Research Award (2022-23) Visiting Fellow at FU Berlin's Center for Affective Societies (2020-21) She actively engages public scholarship through collaborations with Primary Source, RISD Museum, Lahore Museum, and media appearances on BBC Radio's Museum of Lost Objects . Her teaching portfolio includes courses like Resisting Empire: Gandhi and the Making of Modern South Asia and Art History from the South , reflecting commitment to decolonial pedagogy. Zamindar co-leads the Decolonial Initiative on Migration of Objects and People and continues developing her graphic novel project while expanding the Art History from the South series through collaborations with scholars like Tapati Guha-Thakurta.
Professor George Siemens is a leading academic in the field of learning analytics and AI-driven education, serving as Professor and Director of the Centre for Change and Complexity in Learning at UniSA Education Futures, University of South Australia. His work focuses on advancing educational practices through data analytics, artificial intelligence, and understanding online learning dynamics. His research spans MOOCs, social and emotional learning analytics, and the ethical integration of AI in education. Notable contributions include the development of frameworks like the MOOC Replication Framework (MORF) and the DAIR infrastructure for educational AI research. Key publications include studies on student agency in AI environments, practicum effectiveness in teacher education, and synthetic data fairness in learning analytics. He collaborates internationally, with affiliations previously including the University of Texas Arlington. As a Research Degree Supervisor, he guides students in transformative educational technology research. His work emphasizes actionable intelligence for educators and scalable solutions for lifelong learning in the digital age.
Dr. Vera J. Lee is Clinical Professor and Department Chair of Teaching Learning and Curriculum at Drexel University. Her scholarship examines literacy development, educational equity, and family engagement in multilingual communities. Research encompasses: Cultural brokering in school-family communication Critical literacy practices in K-12 education Digital/information literacy frameworks Technology-mediated language learning Publications develop models like the I-LEARN framework for information literacy instruction and 'Three Bridges' approach for culturally responsive family engagement. Recent collaborations investigate civic education policy in international contexts and multimodal writing in urban preschools. As co-editor of 'Advancing Culturally Responsive and Socially Just Approaches to Multilingual Family-School Partnerships' (2023), she advances equity-focused engagement frameworks.
Bridget L. Coggins is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Her research focuses on the intersection of domestic conflict and international relations, including secessionism, rebel diplomacy, civil war, terrorism, maritime piracy, illicit trafficking, and refugee dynamics. She holds a Ph.D. from The Ohio State University (2006). Her major projects include examining state failure's international security consequences through case studies of Somalia, North Korea, Colombia, and Afghanistan. She has authored Power Politics and State Formation in the 20th Century: The Dynamics of Recognition (Cambridge 2014). Her work appears in journals like International Organization , Journal of Conflict Resolution , and Foreign Policy Magazine . Coggins speaks Spanish, Mandarin, and Korean. She previously taught at Dartmouth College and currently holds office in Ellison Hall 3707, with office hours by appointment.
Ying MacNab is an Associate Professor in the Department of Statistics at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver Campus. She holds an additional affiliation as an Associate Member in the School of Population and Public Health (SPPH). Her research focuses on Bayesian hierarchical modeling, spatial epidemiology, and disease mapping with applications to public health surveillance and aging populations. She has contributed extensively to methodological advancements in Gaussian Markov random fields and spatiotemporal modeling frameworks. Her work bridges statistical theory and practical health challenges, including pandemic-related stress in older adults, opioid treatment outcomes, and infectious disease forecasting. MacNab has collaborated on projects involving mental health assessments (e.g., sleep dysfunction, anxiety/depression in iOAT patients) and has developed novel statistical tools for analyzing spatially and temporally correlated health data. Her research also addresses methodological gaps in coregionalized multivariate models and constrained Bayesian estimation. MacNab's publications reflect a multidisciplinary approach, integrating epidemiological theory with advanced computational methods. Recent trends in her work emphasize dynamic modeling of infection risks, mediation analysis in aging populations, and validation of psychometric scales for health-related stress. She has maintained an active research agenda since the early 2000s, with notable contributions to neonatal health outcomes, injury surveillance, and healthcare quality improvement.
