Matthew Potolsky is Professor of English at the University of Utah, specializing in nineteenth-century literature and literary theory. His career spans from 1998 Lecturer at Harvard University to current University Professorship. He earned a BA in Comparative Literature and Philosophy (1990), followed by MA and PhD in Comparative Literature (1992, 1997) from UC Irvine. Chair of English Department (2013-2016) University Professor (2014-2016) Research focuses on Decadence , Mimesis , Finance-Aesthetics intersections , and Government Secrecy . His work traces connections between financialization and decadent aesthetics, revealing how economic cycles influence artistic production. Key themes include: Decadent anti-realist literary movements Finance capital's cultural impact Decadent counterpublic formations Victorian aesthetic education debates Sublime aesthetics in national security Cosmopolitanism in literary communities Recent publications analyze: Decadent style as financialization rhetoric Reintroduction of verisimilitude theory Decadent responses to financial crises Mimetic labor in artistic production Decadent cosmopolitan counterpublics Historical parallels between financialization and literary decadence
Rhonda Goldman is a Full Professor in the Clinical Psychology Department at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Chicago, Illinois. She is a licensed Clinical Psychologist in Illinois and runs her private practice, Emotion-focused Therapy, Chicago, where she sees both couples and individuals. Dr. Goldman is a founding board member of the International Society of Emotion-focused Therapy and serves as President of the Emotion-focused Therapy Institute. Dr. Goldman earned her academic credentials from York University in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, receiving her Bachelor of Arts in 1987, Master of Arts in 1991, and Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology in 1997. She taught at the Illinois School of Professional Psychology for 22 years before transitioning to her current position at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology following the closure of the Illinois School. Dr. Goldman is a leading expert in Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), a therapeutic approach that integrates elements of client-centered therapy, Gestalt therapy, and modern emotion theory. Her research focuses on EFT for couples, emotional processes, empathy, vulnerability, depression, case formulation, and self-soothing. She has authored six texts on EFT and two professional videos published by the American Psychological Association. Dr. Goldman teaches graduate courses in Humanistic and Experiential Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Seminars, and Emotion-Focused Therapy, emphasizing the importance of emotional processing in therapeutic change. Dr. Goldman's publications demonstrate a consistent focus on advancing Emotion-Focused Therapy through both theoretical development and practical application. Her work spans individual therapy, couples therapy, case formulation, and therapist training, with recent emphasis on adapting EFT for online delivery. Her research shows how emotional awareness and processing serve as central mechanisms of change in psychotherapy, with applications across various clinical issues including depression and relationship distress. Dr. Goldman is actively involved in professional organizations that support the development and dissemination of Emotion-Focused Therapy. She serves as a founding board member of the International Society for Emotion-focused Therapy, past-president of the Society for the Exploration of Psychotherapy Integration, Action-Editor for the Journal of Person-centered and Experiential Psychotherapies, and member of the Society for Psychotherapy Research. As an educator and clinician, Dr. Goldman has mentored numerous professionals in the field of psychotherapy. She travels internationally conducting training workshops for mental health professionals in Emotion-focused therapy for Couples and Individuals across Europe, Asia, and North America. Her work bridges research and practice, emphasizing the importance of emotional processing in therapeutic change while maintaining a strong commitment to evidence-based practice. Dr. Goldman co-founded the Emotion-focused Therapy Institute (EFTI), which facilitates and fosters training and educational opportunities for psychologists and therapists interested in incorporating EFT into their professional practices. Through EFTI and her international workshops, she has created a global community of practitioners dedicated to advancing Emotion-Focused Therapy.
Professor Maria Craig is a distinguished academic and researcher at the University of New South Wales, Faculty of Medicine & Health, specializing in childhood diabetes research. She holds a prominent position as a Professor with extensive contributions to the field of pediatric endocrinology and diabetes, particularly focusing on type 1 diabetes in children. Professor Craig's educational background includes: MB BS from the University of Melbourne MMedSc(ClinEpid) from the University of Newcastle PhD from the University of Sydney FRACP (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians) Professor Craig's research primarily focuses on childhood diabetes, with special emphasis on prediction and prevention of type 1 diabetes. She has a significant interest in the association between viruses and type 1 diabetes, collaborating with the Virology Research Group at Prince of Wales Hospital (POWH). Together with Professor Bill Rawlinson, she leads the viral theme for the multicentre ENDIA study (endia.org.au). As principal investigator for the CoRD trial, she is conducting a world-first phase 1 study using autologous cord blood for prevention of type 1 diabetes in children with islet autoimmunity. Additionally, she serves as principal investigator for the Australasian Diabetes Data Network (ADDN). Her research portfolio also encompasses the epidemiology of various forms of childhood diabetes (type 1, type 2, cystic fibrosis related diabetes and monogenic diabetes) and diabetes complications, in collaboration with Professor Kim Donaghue at the Children's Hospital at Westmead. Professor Craig's extensive publication record, including over 361 journal articles, demonstrates her leadership in advancing our understanding of childhood diabetes. Her recent work shows increasing focus on early detection methods, risk prediction models, technological interventions for diabetes management, and the complex interplay between viral infections and autoimmune diabetes development. She has been instrumental in developing clinical practice guidelines through her role as co-editor of the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) guidelines. Professor Craig has received numerous prestigious awards recognizing her contributions to pediatric endocrinology and diabetes research: Australian Paediatric Endocrine Group Young Investigator's Award (1997) Asia Pacific Paediatric Endocrine Society Clinical Teaching Award (2008) Lifetime Honorary Member, Caring and Living as Neighbours (2013) Australian Diabetes Society Jeff Flack Diabetes Data Award (2019) Australian Paediatric Endocrine Group Norman Wettenhall Award for Research and Innovation (2019) Throughout her career, Professor Craig has demonstrated exceptional leadership in professional societies, having served as former president/treasurer of the Australasian Paediatric Endocrine Group (APEG) and currently as Scientific Convenor of the Asia Pacific Paediatric Endocrine Society Fellows school. Her work with the ENDIA study and Australasian Diabetes Data Network represents significant collaborative research efforts involving multiple institutions across Australia and internationally. Her principal investigator roles for major studies indicate substantial research funding support. Professor Craig leads several important research initiatives including the ENDIA study, the CoRD trial, and the Australasian Diabetes Data Network. These programs involve multidisciplinary teams of researchers, clinicians, and support staff working collaboratively to advance understanding and treatment of childhood diabetes. Her work at the intersection of virology and diabetes represents a unique and innovative approach to understanding the environmental triggers of type 1 diabetes.
Franz Heukamp is the Director General of IESE Business School at the University of Navarra and Professor in the Department of Decision Analysis. He holds the Antonio Valero Chair of Business Administration since 2016 and previously served as Vice Dean of the MBA program and Secretary General of IESE. His academic background includes a Ph.D. in Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, an Ingénieur Civil des Ponts et Chaussées from Ecole Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées in Paris, and a Diplom-Ingenieur from Technische Universität München. Professor Heukamp's research focuses on behavioral decision-making with a special interest in neuroeconomics, examining how people make decisions under uncertainty, particularly regarding time-probability trade-offs. His work bridges business decision theory with neuroscience, as evidenced by his publications in journals like Management Science , European Neuropsychopharmacology , and British Journal of Pharmacology . In recent years, he has expanded his research interests to include artificial intelligence applications in management and sustainability. His recent scholarly output shows a progression from fundamental decision theory research to practical applications of AI in business leadership and management education. He has published extensively on risk preferences, intuition in decision making, and the neurological basis of economic choices, with increasing focus on how digital transformation and AI are reshaping management practices. As Director General, Heukamp has championed several strategic initiatives including internationalization efforts across North America, Latin America, and Central Europe, development of new degree programs like the Master in Management and Munich Executive MBA, and integration of digital learning technologies while maintaining the school's commitment to in-person educational excellence. Professor Heukamp is an active member of both the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences and the Neuroeconomics Society, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to business education and research. His leadership prioritizes supporting faculty research, advancing lifelong learning solutions for executives, and maintaining IESE's mission of service to society through academic innovation.
Jack Bowman is a Teaching Fellow in Modern History at the University of Warwick, School of Arts, Department of History. He teaches modules such as "Britain in the Twentieth Century" and "Race, Racism, and Resistance in Modern Britain," and serves as an Academic Writing Adviser and Teaching Representative for the Social Inclusion and Diversity Committee. PhD in History, University of Warwick (2019–2023) MA in Modern History, University of Warwick (2018–2019) BA (Hons) in History, University of Warwick (2015–2018) His research focuses on anti-colonial print cultures, particularly within the British Empire and the Pan-African movement. He specializes in book history, global histories of empire, queer histories, and visual media. His work explores the role of political publishing in anti-colonial activism and the intellectual networks of figures like V. K. Krishna Menon and Ras T. Makonnen. The recent publications and presentations reflect a strong engagement with transnational anti-colonial movements, Black radicalism, and the material culture of print. His work spans historical biography, archival research, and critical reviews of scholarship in visual culture, decolonization, and global knowledge systems. He frequently contributes to public history through outreach and digital media. University of Warwick, History Department Doctoral Scholarship (2019–2023) Jack Bowman advises undergraduate students and contributes to academic governance through committee roles. He is also involved in public engagement, including outreach to school children as the historian for George Padmore and creating educational resources for GCSE and A-Level students. He is a Convenor of the Modern British History Reading Group and a member of the Global History and Culture Centre and Manuscript and Print Cultures Research Group at Warwick. He is currently working on a new book project on the League Against Imperialism and maintains an active public presence through Twitter (@DrJackBowman) and podcast contributions, such as with Shoga Films on the Harlem Renaissance.
Subodha Kumar is the Paul R. Anderson Distinguished Chair Professor of Statistics, Operations, and Data Science at Temple University’s Fox School of Business. He serves as the Founding Director of the Center for Business Analytics and Disruptive Technologies and has a secondary appointment in Information Systems. His roles include Ph.D. Program Concentration Director for Operations and Supply Chain Management. With over 240 publications, he ranks #1 globally in Information Systems Research publishing and holds a robotics patent. His research focuses on AI, blockchain, healthcare analytics, and cybersecurity, with notable contributions to digital transformation and operations management. Awards include the INFORMS ISS Distinguished Fellow and POMS Fellow. He advises major journals like Production and Operations Management and organizes conferences like POMS 2018. Media mentions span NYT, WSJ, and CBS. Education: University of Washington faculty Texas A&M University faculty Research Interests: Dr. Kumar explores AI applications, blockchain in fintech, healthcare system optimization, and supply chain analytics. He investigates cybersecurity’s operational impacts and data mining strategies. His work bridges theory and practice, addressing challenges in digital transformation and platform economies. Publications Trends: Recent work emphasizes digital platforms (e.g., blockchain adoption, telemedicine impact), organizational behavior (real-time feedback systems), and healthcare operations (personalized treatment algorithms). He frequently collaborates internationally, with studies appearing in Management Science, Information Systems Research, and Decision Sciences. Awards & Recognition: Changjiang Scholars Chair (China) ISB Visiting Professorship POMS Executive Editor Grants & Labs: Secured NIH grants for health analytics projects. Leads Temple’s analytics center fostering industry partnerships. Active in editorial roles (e.g., Production and Operations Management Journal Deputy Editor). Teaching: Offers courses in data science, optimization methods, and innovation entrepreneurship at graduate/undergraduate levels.
Dr. Rebecca Pratt is a tenured Professor in the Department of Foundational Medical Studies at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine (OUWB), where she has been a faculty member since January 2018. She previously held professorial roles at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM), where she taught anatomy, embryology, neuroanatomy, physiology, and histology, and served as Associate Professor and Director of Histology at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. She also held appointments at Grand Valley State University and completed postdoctoral training at Purdue University. Ph.D., Cell Biology and Oncology, Purdue University B.S., Zoology and Botany/Plant Pathology, Michigan State University Dr. Pratt's research focuses on the fascial system and its role in whole-body health, including fascial continuity, muscle attachment, somatic pain transmission, and biochemical communication. She integrates radiology into anatomy education and advocates for evidence-based medical curricula. Her work bridges clinical anatomy, histology, embryology, and physiology with modern educational practices. Her recent publications reflect a strong emphasis on fascial anatomy, medical education innovation, and the integration of imaging in teaching. Themes include plastination, generational learning trends, and fascia’s role in women's health and athletic performance, published in journals like Clinical Anatomy and Anatomical Sciences Education , as well as in Women and Men’s Health and NIKE magazines. Scientific awards and honors include: Basmajian Award (American Association of Anatomy) Keith and Marion Moore Award (AAA) Five consecutive Golden Apple Teaching Awards at MSUCOM Golden Apple Award at OUWB Dr. Pratt has served in major leadership roles, including President of the International Fascia Research Society, Board Member of the American Association of Anatomy (AAA) and the American Association of Clinical Anatomy (AACA), and Chair of multiple AAA committees. She is a Visiting Anatomy Professor at Weill Cornell and St. George’s University School of Medicine, and faculty advisor for the Docapellas at OUWB. She has been an invited speaker internationally and contributed to high-impact projects like the BodyWorlds Fascial Net Plastination Project. She actively serves on OUWB’s Admissions and Student Promotion and Retention Committees. Dr. Pratt leads and organizes major international initiatives, including the Women's Clinical Health Summit in Rio de Janeiro (2024) and the Fascia Research Congress in New Orleans (2025), fostering global collaboration in fascial science. Her lab and research team focus on fascial anatomy and medical education, working closely with institutions in Italy (University of Padova) and Germany (BodyWorlds project).
Andreas Geiger is a Professor and Head of the Department of Computer Science at the University of Tübingen, Germany. He leads the Autonomous Vision Group (AVG) within CyberValley and is a core faculty member of the Tübingen AI Center. His roles also include PI in the ML in Science Excellence Cluster and the CRC Robust Vision, as well as ELLIS Fellow and coordinator of the ELLIS PhD program. He specializes in machine learning models for computer vision, robotics, and autonomous systems, with applications in self-driving cars, VR/AR, and scientific document analysis. Educational background: While not explicitly detailed, his positions imply a Ph.D. in Computer Science or related field. His work spans interdisciplinary collaborations with institutions like ETH Zürich, Microsoft, and the University of Bonn. Research focuses on 3D scene understanding, Gaussian splatting, generative models, and reliable autonomous systems. Notable contributions include the KITTI dataset and foundational work in neural radiance fields. Awards include the Sage 10-Year Impact Award (2024), ERC Starting Grant (2019), and IEEE PAMI Young Researcher Award (2018). Key projects include the Scholar Inbox paper recommender platform, ReSim (reliable world simulation), and advancements in 3D scene generation (e.g., UrbanCAD, PrITTI). His lab maintains a strong focus on open-source tools and datasets, such as the CARLA Route Generator. Grants and funding include support from Vector Stiftung (MINT innovation program) and EU initiatives like the ML in Science Cluster. His team collaborates internationally, with recent work presented at CVPR, SIGGRAPH, and NeurIPS.
Juan Ortiz-Apuy is a Canadian-Costa Rican artist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Studio Arts at Concordia University . His practice critically examines intersections of commodity fetishism , object-oriented ontology , and post-colonialism through installations addressing sustainability and environmental exploitation . He has exhibited internationally in institutions such as Les Abattoirs Museum (France) and MASS MoCA (USA). MFA, NSCAD University (2011) PG Dip, The Glasgow School of Art (2009) BFA, Concordia University (2008) His research investigates material cultures and ecological impacts of consumerism, employing found objects, 3D animation, and industrial materials. Key projects include Tropicana (2020), which critiques tropicality commodification, and La Guaria Morada (2019), exploring Costa Rican identity through environmental systems. Best International Representation (2024) by AICA, Costa Rican Chapter Grants from Canada Council for the Arts, Conseil des arts et lettres du Québec, and SSHRC Ortiz-Apuy has participated in residencies at MASS MoCA and Guldagergaard Ceramic Research Center . His work has been reviewed in Canadian Art , MOMUS , and local Montreal publications.
Shaker A. Zahra is a Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at the Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota , where he holds the Robert E. Buuck Chair of Entrepreneurship. He has served as Department Chair, Director of the Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship, and Academic Co-Director of Carlson Ventures Enterprises, and was Founding Co-Director of the Center for Integrative Leadership. Previously, he held the Paul T. Babson Distinguished Professorship at Babson College and faculty roles at Georgia State University and the University of Twente (Netherlands). Education : PhD in Business Administration (University of Mississippi), MBA (National University), B. Commerce (Al-Azhar University) His research focuses on corporate and international entrepreneurship , dynamic capabilities , and social entrepreneurship , particularly in technology-based industries. He explores industry emergence, strategic novelty, and firm heterogeneity, applying theories across global markets. His recent articles emphasize corporate entrepreneurship, international new ventures, and the role of dynamic capabilities in innovation. His work spans industries like robotics, software, pharmaceuticals, and nanotechnology, with studies in China, Brazil, India, and Europe. Scientific Awards : 2014 Global Award for Entrepreneurship Research, 5 Honorary PhDs, Fellowships from AOM, IFERA, and others, and over 20 Best Paper Awards. He has advised 75+ PhD students, taught across undergraduate to executive programs, and consulted for global technology firms. His leadership includes roles on 25+ journal editorial boards, organizing conferences, and delivering 40+ keynote speeches worldwide.
Bernadka Dubicka is a Clinical Professor and Honorary Clinical Chair in the Division of Neuroscience at the University of Manchester. She holds dual roles as a research lead at Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust and as the child and adolescent mental health research lead for Health Innovation Manchester. She is the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Child and Adolescent Mental Health and previously served as Chair of the Child and Adolescent Faculty at the Royal College of Psychiatrists (2017–2021). Her academic qualifications include a BSc in Psychology and MBBs from University College London, followed by FRCPsych accreditation in child psychiatry. She earned a gold medal for her MD thesis on behavioral disorder implications in depression. Dubicka’s research focuses on adolescent depression, mood disorders, and brief interventions, including the IMPACT and STADIA trials evaluating psychological treatments and standardized diagnostic assessments. Her work also addresses technology’s role in youth mental health and the eco-crisis’s mental health impacts. Education: BSc Psychology, University College London MBBs, University of London MD Thesis (Gold Medal), University College London FRCPsych, Royal College of Psychiatrists Her research spans depression treatment efficacy, behavioral activation, and cross-national studies on pediatric bipolar disorder. She collaborates internationally and has led over 49 publications. Awards include a gold medal for her thesis and recognition as an RCPsych Fellow. Her work also emphasizes policy advocacy, such as addressing digital rights for children and mental health responses to climate change (e.g., COP26 contributions). She trains clinicians in brief psychosocial interventions and behavioral activation through academic programs and national courses. Grants & Funding: Co-investigator on the £1.1M HTA-funded STADIA trial evaluating remote mental health assessments. Principal investigator on the IMPACT trial, one of the largest adolescent depression trials globally. Labs/Teams: Collaborations include the University of Cambridge (IMPACT trial), University of Nottingham (STADIA), and international taskforces on treatment-resistant depression.
Prof. Dr. Kianoosh Rezania is a Professor of West Asian Religious History and Director of the Käte Hamburger Kolleg Dynamics of Religious History at Ruhr University Bochum. His research focuses on Zoroastrianism, Iranian religions, and the history of religions, with a particular emphasis on ancient Iranian languages and interreligious dynamics. He holds a Ph.D. from Georg-August University Göttingen and has conducted extensive research on topics such as Zoroastrian cosmology, Sasanian-Zoroastrian interactions, and the transmission of religious texts. His work combines philological analysis with historical and cultural studies approaches. Rezania's academic career includes roles as a research associate at Göttingen University and his habilitation project on spatial concepts in early Zoroastrianism. He has directed major research initiatives like the Graduate School of Metaphor and Religion (GSMR) and the Käte Hamburger Kolleg. His publications span monographs, edited volumes, and peer-reviewed articles exploring themes such as religious economics, Middle Persian lexicography, and cross-cultural exchanges between the Safavid and Mughal empires. His current projects include the 'Zoroastrian Middle Persian: Digital Corpus and Dictionary' initiative and studies on Pahlavi literature's interreligious context. He collaborates internationally, leading interdisciplinary teams and contributing to digital humanities efforts in religious studies.
Sjanne Marie van den Groenendaal is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Human Resource Studies, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University. Her research focuses on sustainable employability of self-employed workers and inclusive Human Resource Management (HRM), with a particular interest in freelancers' employment relationships, organizational needs, and psychological contracts. She has been recognized with multiple awards, including the Best Paper Award (2016) and Best Teacher Awards (2014-2016). Her work bridges HRM practices with societal policies, emphasizing inclusive labor markets and strategic HRM approaches. Education: Master of Science (MSc) External Roles: Founder/Consultant at van den Groenendaal Consultancy since 2020. Her research explores topics such as triad employment relationships, technological impacts on HR education, and the interplay between social security policies and strategic HRM. She actively engages in academic activities, including workshops on qualitative data analysis and invited talks on career development in turbulent contexts. Awards: Best Paper Award (second place), 2016 Best Teacher Award (2014-2016) Societal Impact Competition Award, 2019 Professional Contributions: Advises on inclusive HRM strategies, delivers courses on coaching and development in the Bachelor of Personeelwetenschappen program, and collaborates internationally on research projects.
Neil Selwyn is a Professor in the Faculty of Education at Monash University with over 30 years of research experience focusing on the integration of digital technology into educational settings. His work centers on the 'real-life' constraints and problems faced when implementing technology-based education, with expertise in AI, automation, data-driven education, and digital degrowth. His primary research interests span digital technology and society, the use of digital technologies in educational settings, digital sociology of education, and environmental sustainability issues associated with digital technology use. Professor Selwyn is recognized internationally for his critical approach to educational technology and has led numerous nationally-funded projects examining educational data, learning analytics, and AI technologies. His recent publications reflect a growing focus on the environmental implications of AI in education, digital degrowth, and the practical challenges teachers face when implementing AI tools in classrooms. This work demonstrates a shift toward examining the sustainability and ethical dimensions of educational technology. Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia (2024) Professor Selwyn serves as a media commentator for major outlets including the NYT, WSJ, CNN, Guardian, BBC, and ABC, and hosts the 'Education Technology Society' podcast. He maintains significant international collaborations, currently holding visiting positions at Lund University (2025), University of Oxford (2023-2027), and previously at the University of Gothenburg (2016-2017).
Associate Professor Joyce Nip is a member of the University of Sydney's Discipline of Media and Communications and Department of Chinese Studies. Her research focuses on media dynamics in Chinese societies, particularly the political and social implications of digital platforms like social media. She has held visiting roles at the University of Hong Kong and the University of Maryland, and received the 2020 Taiwan Fellowship. Education and Professional Background: Joyce has over 20 years of experience in journalism, teaching, and research. She was a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Maryland (2004–2005) and has held academic roles in Hong Kong before joining the University of Sydney in 2010. Research Interests: Her work spans journalism studies, civic media use, and diasporic Chinese communities. Current projects include studies on online public opinion in Greater China and China’s external news communication strategies. Grants and Awards: Joyce has secured grants from the Chiang Ching-Kuo Foundation for projects on Chinese social media and public opinion. Her 2020 Taiwan Fellowship reflects her expertise in cross-strait communication. Teaching and Supervision: She teaches courses on Chinese media in global contexts and supervises research on topics like Taiwanese public communication and diasporic media. Past students include Liang Xia (PhD) and Weiwei Xu (PhD). Labs and Collaborations: Joyce contributes to the Sydney Southeast Asia Centre and serves on editorial boards for Asian Journal of Communication , Digital Journalism , and Journalism Practice .
