Emre Ilhan is a Lecturer in the Department of Health Sciences , Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences at Macquarie University . He is also a practicing physiotherapist with expertise in pain management, evidence-based healthcare, and inclusive education. Education: PhD (2021), Macquarie University Doctor of Physiotherapy (2016), Macquarie University BSc (Honours) in Psychology (2010), Macquarie University Research Focus: Emre’s work applies critical theory and intersectionality to address health inequities in marginalized populations, including LGBTQIA+ communities, neonates, children with cerebral palsy , and individuals with hypermobility disorders . His studies span quantitative and qualitative methodologies , focusing on pain assessment, rehabilitation, and digital health interventions. Recent Publications highlight his contributions to online pain management programs for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, dance injury surveillance systems , and intersectional frameworks in physiotherapy education. Scientific Awards: Excellence in Education - Rising Star (2023) Leadership Roles: Co-chair of the MQ Ally Network Steering Committee and the MQ d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing Lived Experience Network; Representative in Early Career Researcher networks.
Lisa Stafford is a Researcher at the School of Public Health & Social Work within Queensland University of Technology (QUT) . Her work bridges Disability Studies , Social Work , and Urban Planning , focusing on dismantling barriers for individuals with disabilities in community and employment contexts. PhD in Social Work from QUT (2013) Her research explores inclusive urban design , child and youth advocacy , and disability employment policy . Recent publications emphasize seamless work journeys for disabled youth and challenging ableism in social work education. She collaborates with multidisciplinary teams across Australia and the UK. Stafford’s 15 recent articles (2020-2023) span topics like disability policy analysis , accessible transport networks , and participatory methods in family support services. Her work integrates critical disability theory with environmental design to advocate for spatial justice. Collaborations with institutions such as the QUT Centre for Justice and Design Research Society (UK) highlight her cross-sector impact. She contributes to policy submissions (e.g., Royal Commission on Disability Exploitation) and behavioral research on workplace independence.
Martha L. Minow is the 300th Anniversary University Professor at Harvard University and has taught at Harvard Law School since 1981. She served as dean of Harvard Law School from 2009 to 2017. Her expertise spans constitutional law, human rights, and legal responses to social conflicts, with a focus on exclusion, discrimination, and the role of law in divided societies. She is a prolific author, including works like Saving the News: Why the Constitution Calls for Government Action to Preserve Freedom of Speech (2021) and When Should Law Forgive? (2019). Minow’s research addresses legal frameworks for communications, technology, and education. She serves on boards of organizations such as the Massachusetts Public Media (GBH), the Campaign Legal Center, and the MacArthur Foundation. Her honors include the Reporters Committee Lifetime Achievement Award (2023) and the Ruth Bader Ginsburg Award (2024). Her career includes collaborations with institutions like the Department of Education to improve accessibility for students with disabilities, and roles in international initiatives like the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees’ Imagine Co-existence program. She advocates for governmental support for media ecosystems, antitrust reforms for digital platforms, and policies to strengthen democratic institutions. Minow’s recent articles explore justice in divided societies, algorithmic equity, and the intersection of law with emerging technologies. Her work emphasizes constitutional democracy’s preconditions, legal responses to technological challenges, and balancing free speech with public interest.
John J. Foxe, Ph.D. holds multiple academic appointments at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry (SMD), including Professor in the Departments of Neuroscience, Neurology, and Psychiatry. He serves as Chair of the Department of Neuroscience and Research Director of the Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience. His research focuses on neurophysiological mechanisms underlying neuropsychiatric disorders, particularly autism and schizophrenia, with emphasis on sensory processing, multisensory integration, and developmental neurobiology. He employs advanced methodologies like neuroimaging, electrophysiology, and virtual reality to study neural bases of perception and cognition. Key contributions include identifying biomarkers for neuropsychiatric conditions and investigating neural unreliability in disorders like Rett Syndrome. Dr. Foxe leads large-scale collaborative projects, including the NIH-funded RECOVER initiative studying post-COVID-19 impacts in youth. His lab has secured significant NIH/NSF funding and produced over 160 publications. He previously directed research programs at Einstein College of Medicine and CUNY, emphasizing translational research to bridge basic science and clinical applications. Education: PhD & MS from Albert Einstein College of Medicine (1999/1996), BS from Iona College (1989) Research Focus: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Schizophrenia, Sensory Processing, Multisensory Integration, Neurodevelopmental Disorders His work integrates EEG, fMRI, and behavioral studies to explore how sensory deficits contribute to neuropsychiatric symptoms. Recent studies examine temporal processing in autism, neural correlates of multisensory speech perception, and cognitive effects of Long COVID in adolescents. Dr. Foxe is also active in promoting diversity in neuroscience through initiatives like the ALBA network and Black In Neuro movement.
Lauren S. Grewal is an Associate Professor in the Marketing group at Tuck School of Business, Dartmouth College. She holds a PhD from the University of Pittsburgh (2018) and a BA from Brandeis University (2013). Her research focuses on identity-based consumption, digital/social media marketing, and consumer well-being, employing behavioral experiments, real-world data, and field studies. She teaches Digital and Social Media Marketing (graduate), Diversity in Digital Excellence Program (exec ed), and Principles of Marketing (undergraduate). Education: PhD in Marketing (Katz Graduate School of Business, 2018) Key Research Themes: Consumer identity, social media influence, and marketplace accessibility Her work has been featured in Journal of Consumer Research , Journal of Marketing , and Wall Street Journal . Recent studies include complaint de-escalation strategies on social media and the psychological impact of 'ugly food' on consumer choices. She has presented at global conferences like Society for Consumer Psychology and Association for Consumer Research. Notable Awards: Best Advanced Talk at 2024 AMA CBSIG Conference Teaching extends to over 6 courses across graduate/undergraduate levels and executive education. Active in conference organizing, including co-chairing panels on disability accessibility in consumer research (2023).
Associate Professor Heather Winskel holds a position in the Psychology discipline at the School of Social and Health Sciences, James Cook University (Singapore campus). She earned a B.Sc. (Hons) from Sussex University (U.K.) and a PhD from Durham University (U.K.). Her academic career includes roles at institutions such as Southern Cross University, Western Sydney University (Australia), and universities in Thailand like Prince of Songkla and Chiang Mai. Her research focuses on psycholinguistics, cross-cultural psychology, bilingualism, and cognitive development across diverse writing systems. Education: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Durham University, U.K. (1989–1992) Graduate Diploma in Education, University of Western Australia (1981) Graduate Diploma in Language Studies (TESOL), Edith Cowan University, Australia (1984) Bachelor of Science (Hons), Sussex University, U.K. (1977–1979) Research Interests: Psycholinguistics, cognitive and developmental psychology Cross-cultural and experimental psychology Language acquisition, bilingualism, and writing systems Collaborative studies in Southeast Asia Key Articles Trends: Focus on language-cognition interactions, cross-cultural differences in perception (e.g., color and emotion), and reading/writing processes in non-alphabetic scripts. Labs/Teams: Engaged in international collaborations across Asia, particularly in Thailand and Malaysia, studying multilingual education and cognitive processes in diverse languages.
Roland Cerny-Werner is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biblical Studies and Church History at the Catholic Theological Faculty of the University of Salzburg. He holds the academic title of Associate Professor and serves as both the Disability and Diversity Officer and Erasmus Representative for his department. His academic journey began with a major in Modern & Contemporary History at Friedrich Schiller University Jena, followed by a doctorate on Vatican-Eastern relations and a habilitation on post-Vatican II synods in Austria. His research interests span Modern Church History , Vatican diplomacy during the Cold War , anti-Semitism and the deicide motif , synodality , and women in church history . He is particularly known for his work on the Vatican’s role in Cold War geopolitics and the theological underpinnings of religious discrimination. His research has been supported by scholarships from the Cardinal Agostino Casaroli Study Centre and the German Historical Institute, Rome. His recent publications reflect a strong trend in analyzing ecclesial reform processes , Vatican foreign policy , and the persistence of anti-Jewish theology in modern ideological movements. He frequently contributes to edited volumes and journals such as the Swiss Journal of Religious and Cultural History , often co-editing thematic collections on synodality and church renewal. Archbishop Rohracher Study Prize (2022) Cerny-Werner actively engages in academic advising, research collaboration, and public outreach. He participates in international projects involving universities in Helsinki, Fribourg, Lund, Villanova, and McGill, focusing on the Helsinki Process and church roles in diplomacy. He organizes academic events, delivers public lectures on discrimination and remembrance, and contributes to media programs on Jewish cultural history. He has been involved in third-mission activities promoting science education in Austrian schools and is a member of research centers focused on Jewish cultural history and the Christian East.
Michelle D. Deardorff is a Professor at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC), holding the Adolph S. Ochs Professor of Government title. She served as Head of the Department of Political Science and Public Service from 2013 to 2024. A scholar of constitutional and statutory protections for gender and race, Deardorff’s work bridges political theory, legal analysis, and civic engagement. Research Interests: Deardorff’s scholarship focuses on equality under the law, intersectionality, and pedagogical innovation. Her recent book Race and the Law in the United States: A Contemporary Perspective (2025) explores racial equality, while her co-authored American Democracy Now (2025) emphasizes civic participation. Her research integrates Ernest Boyer’s fourfold model of scholarship: discovery, integration, application, and teaching. Scientific Awards: UTC Chancellor’s Medal of Excellence (2022) Fulbright Senior Specialist (2019) Griswold Distinguished Professor at Millikin University Service and Leadership: Deardorff has held leadership roles in the American Political Science Association (APSA), including Vice President and Chair of the Political Science Education section. She co-chaired the APSA Presidential Taskforce on Rethinking Political Science Education (2019–2024) and served on editorial boards for College Teaching , The Journal of Political Science Education , and PS: Political Science & Politics . Teaching: Deardorff teaches courses such as Introduction to Political Science , American Constitutional Law , and Black Political Thought , aligning her pedagogy with her mission to foster democratic participation and equality.
Judith Crockett is a Senior Lecturer in Healthcare Sciences and Head of Discipline, First Nations Health, at the School of Nursing, Paramedicine and Healthcare Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Australia. She has been with the university since 2023 and previously served in the School of Allied Health, Exercise and Sports Science. Her academic and professional background spans law, education, sociology, and health sciences, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach to health equity and social justice. Education: Doctor of Philosophy (Sociology), Charles Sturt University (1996–2002), awarded 2003 Master of Arts (Social Geography), University of Adelaide (1990–1993), awarded 1994 Bachelor of Arts (Geography, Politics), University of Adelaide (1983–1985), awarded 1986 Graduate Diploma in Environmental Studies, University of Adelaide (1996–1997), awarded 1988 Graduate Certificate in Humanities, (2007–2009), awarded 2010 Associate Degree in Educational Studies, Charles Sturt University (2009–2012), awarded 2012 Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies, Booth College (2004–2006), awarded 2006 Doctor of Philosophy (Sociology), Charles Sturt University (1996–2002), awarded 2003 Bachelor of Laws, University of New England (2015–2020), awarded 2020 Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice, College of Law (2021–2022), awarded 2022 Her research interests center on mental health, First Nations health, health law, disability, paramedicine, and palliative care, with a strong emphasis on social justice, human rights, and community empowerment. She teaches in the Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health) and Master of Health Management, focusing on mental health law, advocacy, and community development. Her work is guided by the principle of yindyamarra winhanganha—knowing how to live well in a world worth living in. The recent research articles reflect a strong trend in qualitative and mixed-methods inquiry, with a focus on equity, inclusion, and systemic challenges in health. Topics include LGBTQI+ palliative care, neurodiversity in paramedicine, co-teaching with Aboriginal Elders, and clinical governance in the Pacific. These works highlight her commitment to decolonial practices, cultural safety, and improving health outcomes for marginalized populations. Scientific Awards: Excellence Award in Strong University Category (2019) First Nations Impact Award (2024) Judith Crockett is an experienced postgraduate supervisor, having guided 21 students to completion and currently supervising 8 higher degree research students. She has secured internal and external research collaborations with institutions such as Greater Southern Area Health Service, Royal Far West, and Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health. Her role as a reviewer for journals including PLOS-One, Frontiers in Public Health, and Ageing and Mental Health further underscores her scholarly impact. She is actively involved in research networks and academic events, contributing to conferences such as the 32nd World Congress of IALP and the Western Health Research Network Conference. Her interdisciplinary expertise bridges law, health, education, and Indigenous knowledge systems, positioning her as a key figure in advancing equitable and culturally responsive healthcare in Australia.
Josep Lluís Micó Sanz is a Full Professor at the Blanquerna School of Communication and International Relations, Ramon Llull University, specializing in the intersection of Digital Communication , Journalism , Media and Religion , and Political Communication . His research explores the societal impacts of technology, religious media, and digital misinformation. He has collaborated extensively on studies related to social media ethics, political discourse, and cultural narratives. Key Research Trends (2023-2020): Recent work includes analyses of COVID-19 vaccine misinformation in Catholic media , environmental disaster impacts , geolocation in political Twitter conversations , and growth hacking strategies in digital brands . His publications reveal a focus on public health communication , social media ethics , and cross-cultural media analysis . Significant Contributions: He has contributed to understanding online communities (e.g., Catholic Church digital platforms), political activism on social networks , and literary journalism as interreligious dialogue . His 2011 Public Sphere 2.0 study remains one of his most cited works with 269 citations. Awards & Collaborations: While no explicit awards are listed, his collaborations with institutions like the American Behavioral Scientist and journals such as Religions and Vaccines highlight his interdisciplinary impact.
Amy Horowitz is Professor and Endowed Chair in Social Research at Fordham University's Graduate School of Social Service, where her work examines aging, disability, and family caregiving dynamics with particular focus on long-distance caregivers and sensory-loss impacts. Research Focus: Her scholarship centers on: Long-distance caregiving stressors and service utilization Vision loss adaptation in older adults Driving cessation consequences Mental health outcomes in aging populations Family support systems for disabled elders She investigates how functional limitations intersect with social support structures to shape psychological well-being in later life. Publication Trends: Recent work (2018-2022) reveals concentrated exploration of long-distance caregiving, analyzing service gaps, caregiver strain reduction through home care, and sociocultural stressors. Parallel research examines driving cessation's social context among vision-impaired elders, emphasizing life satisfaction impacts and mobility transitions. Grants & Leadership: NIH-funded projects drive her current work, including the Fordham Long-Distance Caregiving (LDC) Study examining service needs and the driving transitions initiative for elders with visual disabilities. This research informs policy recommendations for aging-in-place support systems. Research Infrastructure: She directs the Fordham LDC Study, coordinating interdisciplinary teams across gerontology, social work, and healthcare services to develop evidence-based interventions for geographically dispersed caregivers.
Jin Hui Li is an Associate Professor in the Department of Culture and Learning at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Aalborg University, Denmark. She is also affiliated with the Center for Educational Research (CFU) and the Center for Displacement, Migration and Integration (MIX). Her work bridges educational history, sociology, and welfare state studies with a focus on migration, racialization, and intersectionality. PhD in Educational Sociology and Educational Policy History cand.mag. in Pedagogy Her research centers on how education, migration, and welfare state institutions shape social inequality through intersecting categories of gender, race, class, and migration status. She investigates racialization in both primary and higher education in Denmark and the Nordic countries, with a particular interest in transitions between educational levels and pedagogical practices that foster belonging for racialized minorities. Her recent projects explore generative AI in vocational education and the future of social sciences and humanities in Scandinavia. The most recent publications reflect a strong trend in critical analysis of racialization, inclusion, and pedagogy in Danish education. Her work combines historical, sociological, and ethnographic methods to examine systemic barriers and propose inclusive strategies. Themes include racialized student participation, friendship pedagogies, and the experiences of bilingual women in vocational training. Scientific Awards: AAU SSH Talent programme (2023) Fulbright grant (2017) Li supervises PhD students and has been involved in multiple research grants, including projects funded by the Velux Foundation. She has served as a supervisor, co-principal investigator, and project participant in interdisciplinary collaborations. Her academic service includes editorial roles for Årbog for uddannelseshistorie and organizing major conferences such as the 8th Nordic Education History Conference. She has held guest researcher positions at the University of Melbourne and the University of Stavanger, reflecting her international engagement. She is actively involved in public discourse, contributing to media discussions on educational equity, dyslexia among bilingual students, and gender dynamics in the workplace. Her research has societal, cultural, and economic impacts, particularly in shaping inclusive educational policies and practices for marginalized groups in Denmark.
Elena Iarskaia-Smirnova is a Professor in the Academic Department of Social Sciences at the Eurasian Humanities University. She holds a Ph.D. in Social Work from the University of Gothenburg (2011), a Doctor of Science in Sociology from Saratov State Technical University (1997), and a Candidate of Science in Philosophy from Saratov State Chernyshevskii University (1989). Her research focuses on disability studies, social work professionalization, gender studies, family and child care policies, and inclusion/exclusion dynamics. She has published extensively on disability rights, NGO-state relations in social policy, and post-Soviet welfare reforms. Key works include Disability in Eastern Europe and the Former Soviet Union (co-edited with M. Rasell) and analyses of Russian family policies and inclusive education. She leads the Journal of Social Policy Studies as Editor-in-Chief and has coordinated major research projects such as the Russian Science Foundation’s “Accessible Environment in a Modern Urban Context” (2018–2022). Her work bridges academic research with policy advocacy, particularly on issues of disability inclusion and gender equity.
Alexandra Minna Stern is the Dean of the UCLA Division of Humanities since November 2022, leading initiatives to expand interdisciplinary humanities programs and downtown Los Angeles expansion. Previously, she was a professor and associate dean at the University of Michigan, where she held appointments in American Culture, History, Women’s and Gender Studies, and Obstetrics and Gynecology. Her research focuses on eugenics, genetics, and social justice, notably through her award-winning books Eugenic Nation and Proud Boys and the White Ethnostate . Stern co-directs the Sterilization and Social Justice Lab, which influenced California’s compensation program for eugenics victims. She has received grants from the NEH, NIH, and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and her work bridges historical analysis with contemporary social justice advocacy. Educated at San Francisco State University (B.A.), UC San Diego (M.A.), and the University of Chicago (Ph.D. in History), she is a leading voice in medical humanities and critical race studies. Her leadership emphasizes strengthening global languages, health humanities, and disability studies. Notable awards include the Choice Outstanding Academic Title for Telling Genes . Stern’s academic appointments at UCLA include the Departments of English and History, and the Institute for Society and Genetics. She has advised on congressional investigations into Capitol events and continues to advocate for public humanities’ societal relevance.
Yana Litins'ka is an Associate Professor and Senior Lecturer in Public Law at Lund University's Department of Law. Her research focuses on health law, human rights law, disability law, and elder law, with an emphasis on crisis preparedness, legal frameworks for public health measures, and vulnerable populations' rights. She holds multiple affiliations including the Norma Research Programme, Human Rights Law, and Public International Law profile areas. Yana has contributed to over 40 publications since 2010, addressing topics such as vaccination policies, migrant healthcare access, and legal capacity reforms. Her educational background includes a 2018 doctoral dissertation on medical consent assessment frameworks. She teaches courses like Medical Law and Social Law, and actively participates in interdisciplinary projects like the EU-funded 'PREPARE' initiative for pandemic preparedness. Awards include the 2024 Pedagogical Prize from Lund University Law Students' Union and the 2019 File von Bahrs Prize. Key research projects involve analyzing Sweden's legal responses to public health crises, migration-related healthcare rights, and international human rights obligations. She has provided expert consultations on digital healthcare, vaccination policies, and legal capacity reforms for Swedish government agencies. Yana also collaborates with NGOs and international organizations to strengthen legal frameworks protecting marginalized groups. Education: PhD in Law (2018), Uppsala University Grants: Lead researcher in EU Horizon 2020 'PREPARE' (2021–2025) Labs/Teams: Core member of Lund University's Infect@LU and eSSENCE research networks
