Prof. Dr. Pamela Wicker is a Full Professor of Sport Management and Sport Sociology at the Faculty of Psychology and Sports Science, University of Bielefeld . Her research spans sport economics, nonprofit organizational capacity, gender dynamics, environmental sustainability, and health outcomes in sport. She has authored over 200 peer-reviewed publications and held editorial roles at journals like European Sport Management Quarterly and Journal of Sports Economics . Education: Dr. phil. (PhD) and Privatdozentin (Habilitation) in Sport Science, German Sport University Cologne. Key Research Areas: Sport governance, gender equity, climate impact of sport, volunteerism, organizational resilience, and health economics. Scientific Recognition: 2024 NASSM Distinguished Research Award 2024 Outstanding Reviewer Award, Sport, Business and Management 2018 NASSM Research Fellow 2017 SMAANZ Best Paper Award Her recent work analyzes environmental behavior in sport clubs, gender diversity in governance, and the socioeconomic impacts of sport participation. She leads empirical studies on volunteer dynamics and sustainability practices, with methodological expertise in multi-level modeling and contingent valuation approaches.
Aamir Anwar is a researcher affiliated with the University of West London , focusing on interdisciplinary applications of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and human-computer interaction. His work bridges technology with education, healthcare, and cybersecurity, as evidenced by his publications on topics like emotion-aware online learning , malware detection in IoT devices , and smart systems for people with disabilities . Research Interests : Machine Learning, Sentiment Analysis, Online Learning, EEG Signal Processing, Smart Systems, Healthcare Informatics. Key Collaborations : Co-authored studies with researchers in cybersecurity, nursing education, and neuromarketing. Publication Trends : Recent articles span 2021–2024, emphasizing AI in education (emotion detection), deep learning for cybersecurity , and health-focused technologies (frailty assessment, seizure prediction).
Thomas Korne is a Professor of International Logistics Management at htw saar (Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft des Saarlandes) since 2012. He teaches logistics, supply chain management, and related disciplines in business administration programs. His research focuses on sustainable and digital transformation in production processes, logistics 4.0, green supply chains, and circular economy initiatives. Education: Studied Mechanical Engineering at Saarland University, earned a doctorate (Dr.-Ing.) in 2004 under Prof. Helmut Bley. Professional Experience: Previously worked at an American automotive manufacturer (1998–2012) in production, planning, and supply chain management, including Six-Sigma leadership. Current Research Projects: ABAKOS: Battery logistics in electric vehicle production (2024–2028). GREATER GREEN Plus: Green Tech solutions and circular business models (2024–2028). INCLUREG: Inclusion of people with disabilities in Industry 4.0 and logistics (2024–2028). PRODPILOT: Digital platform for productivity improvements in production/logistics (funded by Interreg, 2018–2022). GRIHSU: Climate-neutral production via digitalization and environmental technologies (funded by BMBF, 2020–2021). University Roles: Ombudsman for science, Senate member, organizer of international study trips. External Roles: Member of BME (German Procurement & Logistics Association), Scientific Director of AKJ Automotive, shareholder in Institute for Production & Logistics Systems.
Dr. Janet F. Werker is a University Killam Professor and Canada Research Chair at the University of British Columbia , affiliated with the Faculty of Arts and Department of Psychology . She directs the Infant Studies Centre and co-founded the UBC Language Sciences initiative. Her research focuses on perceptual foundations of language acquisition , studying speech perception mechanisms in monolingual and bilingual infants, critical periods of development, and neural correlates using behavioral, ERP, and NIRS methods. Recent work extends to literacy development in multicultural contexts through an SSHRC Partnership Grant. Key themes in 15 most recent articles: Infant brain development, statistical learning, speech perception, bilingualism, musical sophistication, microbiome-brain links, sensorimotor integration, voice recognition, and cross-linguistic generalization. Studies employ EEG, NIRS, and behavioral paradigms to explore early language, social understanding, and neurodevelopmental pathways. Scientific accolades include election to the National Academy of Sciences (2020) , Benjamin Franklin Institute Medal (2024) , and multiple fellowships (AAAS, Royal Society of Canada). Her work is funded by NSERC, SSHRC, NIH, and CIFAR. Dr. Werker supervises graduate students and leads international collaborations examining language acquisition, bilingualism, and developmental disabilities. She is actively involved in pandemic-era research adaptations, emphasizing online methodologies.
Professor James Staples is a prominent social anthropologist at Brunel University London, affiliated with the Department of Anthropology within the College of Business, Arts and Social Sciences. His research focuses on medical anthropology, disability, food, and identity in South Asia, particularly India. He is actively engaged in fieldwork, teaching, and academic leadership, including roles as Divisional Senior Tutor and Director of the South Asia Studies Research Group. PhD in Social Anthropology, SOAS, University of London (2003) BA (Hons) in Social Anthropology, SOAS, University of London (1990) PG Cert, Brunel University (2008) James Staples' research explores the social and cultural dimensions of bodily difference, leprosy, disability, suicide, and food practices in South India. His work combines ethnography with deep engagement on identity, stigma, and personhood. He has conducted long-term fieldwork in a South Indian leprosy colony since 1984, producing rich biographical and ethnographic insights. His recent publications reflect a strong trajectory in food anthropology and identity politics, especially regarding beef consumption and caste. Articles and books such as 'Sacred Cows and Chicken Manchurian' and 'Blurring Bovine Boundaries' analyze how food becomes a site of political and social contestation. His earlier work on leprosy, disability, and suicide continues to inform contemporary debates in medical anthropology. He frequently collaborates with scholars like Rebecca Marsland and Michele Friedner, and his interdisciplinary approach spans health, ethics, and social change. James Staples has received research funding from the ESRC and British Academy for projects on suicide, beef politics, and food mobility. He has served as External Examiner at prestigious institutions including the University of Cambridge, Oxford, and SOAS, reflecting his academic standing. Co-editor, Medical Anthropology: Cross-cultural Studies in Health and Illness (2021–2025) Vice-President, Royal Anthropological Institute (2015–2018) Chair, Publications Committee, Royal Anthropological Institute (2013–) Editorial board member, Ethnographica: Journal of Culture and Disability He supervises PhD students on topics ranging from obesity and policing to maternal health and sterilization in India. His leadership in research groups like CRIMA and his editorial roles demonstrate his commitment to shaping the field. James Staples combines rigorous ethnography with public engagement, contributing to debates on climate change and health, communal tensions, and the future of medical anthropology.
Jianhua Wu (Jerry Wu) is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Kinesiology and Health at the College of Education & Human Development, Georgia State University. His work focuses on biomechanical analysis of postural control, gait development, and physical interventions for children with disabilities. Ph.D. in Bioengineering, University of California, Davis (2003) M.S. in Biomechanics, Donghua University, China (1998) B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, China (1995) His research integrates kinematic and kinetic analysis with nonlinear dynamics to study locomotor and postural development in children with Down syndrome and fragile X syndrome. He investigates how early treadmill stepping interventions affect walking onset and motor functioning. Publications in journals like Gait and Posture , Osteoporosis International , and Physical Therapy highlight his focus on biomechanical adaptation, bone mineral accrual, and rehabilitation strategies for pediatric populations with developmental disabilities. Wu’s laboratory in Sports Arena G14 combines neuromuscular analysis with clinical outcomes to advance physical intervention programs for improving mobility and skeletal health in children with disabilities.
Caroline Ketcham is a Professor of Exercise Science and the Associate Dean of Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences at Elon University. Her research focuses on movement neuroscience, neurodiversity, concussions, and mental health, with expertise in neuromusculoskeletal control and rehabilitative strategies across diverse populations including children, elderly, neurological patients, and athletes. Education: PhD in Exercise Science/Motor Control, Arizona State University (2003) MS in Exercise Science/Motor Control, Arizona State University (1999) BA in Biology/Psychology, Colby College (1996) Her work spans motor control, concussion management, and mental wellness, with over 87 undergraduate mentees and 65+ publications. She co-edited Concussion in Athletics and Cultivating Capstones , and co-directs the Elon BrainCARE Research Institute, which advocates for concussion awareness and mental health. Recent research trends include concussion baseline testing as mental health screening, dual-task gait analysis, and global mentoring frameworks. Scientific awards highlight her contributions: Distinguished Scholar (2023), Ward Family Mentoring Award (2017), and multiple teaching distinctions. Scientific Awards: Distinguished Scholar Award (2023), Elon University Ward Family Excellence in Mentoring Award (2017), Elon University Elon College Service Award (2014), Elon University School of Education Excellence in Scholarship Award (2010), Elon University Teacher of the Year (2007), Texas A&M University She actively mentors students in concussion advocacy and neurodiverse movement research, with hundreds advised in health professions. Her labs focus on neuromuscular control and mental wellness initiatives.
Claire Kilpatrick is a Part-time Professor at the European University Institute (EUI) within the Department of Law . Appointed in 2011, she specializes in International and European Labour and Social Law , with a focus on the Social Dimension of the EU , Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) , and Equality Law . She previously worked at the London School of Economics (LSE) and Cambridge University before joining EUI. Her research interests include: Social policy construction in Europe Human rights challenges in EU debtor states Public interest lawyering Equality and anti-discrimination law Archival analysis of the Court of Justice of the EU Claire supervises PhD researchers in areas such as precarious work under EU law , labour migration , and green transition policies . She is a member of the editorial boards of the Industrial Law Journal , International Journal of Comparative Labour Law and Industrial Relations , and Giornale di Diritto di Lavoro .
Oliver Alonzo is an Assistant Professor in the School of Computing at DePaul University. His academic journey includes a Ph.D. in Computing and Information Sciences from the Rochester Institute of Technology, a B.S. in Computer Science from Creighton University with minors in Graphic Design and Musical Theatre. Prior to joining DePaul, he served as a post-doctoral assistant professor at Creighton University and completed internships at Meta (Facebook) and Adobe Research. Dr. Alonzo's research focuses on Human-Computer Interaction and Computing Accessibility, with particular emphasis on creating technologies that improve digital access for people with disabilities, especially those who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing (DHH). His work spans several key areas: Design and evaluation of automatic text simplification tools for DHH readers Captioning and visualization of non-speech sounds in multimedia content Accessibility solutions for social media platforms Tools to assist American Sign Language learners Multimedia accessibility in emerging technologies like virtual reality His recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on developing and evaluating accessibility technologies through rigorous user-centered design with DHH communities. His research has evolved from foundational work on text simplification and sign language interfaces to broader explorations of digital accessibility across multiple platforms and contexts. Dr. Alonzo has received notable recognition for his work, including: CHI 2025 Honorable Mention for research on Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing user experiences with misinformation on social media An NSF CRII grant for a two-year project focused on making videos accessible by design for Deaf, Hard-of-hearing, Blind and Low-Vision viewers As an educator, Dr. Alonzo teaches courses including HCI 440 Introduction to User-Centered Design, HCI 445 User Research Methods, and HCI 511 Accessibility Considerations in HCI. His teaching philosophy emphasizes practical, hands-on learning experiences that connect theoretical concepts to real-world accessibility challenges. Outside academia, Dr. Alonzo is fluent in Spanish, English, and Portuguese, and is learning American Sign Language. He has a background in musical theatre and enjoys black & white photography, which informs his creative approach to accessibility research.
Allison Adelle Hedge Coke is a Distinguished Professor of Creative Writing at the University of California, Riverside, where she leads the UCR Writers Week Festival and directs the VA National Cemetery Administration Legacy Program. She has held visiting or faculty positions at Hartwick College, University of Nebraska, Naropa University, and University of Hawai'i, Mānoa, including roles such as Fulbright Scholar in Montenegro and Dan & Maggie Inouye Chair in Democratic Ideals. Education: MFA from Vermont College (1995), AFAW from Institute of American Indian Arts, post-grad work at VCFA Her research and creative work intersects with Indigenous Studies, disability advocacy, and environmental poetics. She is known for mathematically encoding the prosody of her verse play Blood Run to mirror the Indigenous mound city it protects, and for multimedia projects like the Streaming album and Red Dust documentary. Her recent publications include the award-winning Look at This Blue and the curated anthology series Effigies , which spotlight emerging queer and Pacific Rim poets. Projects often blend community outreach, mental health advocacy, and Indigenous knowledge preservation. Major Awards: American Book Award, National Book Award Finalist, Pen Southwest Book Award, Texas Institute of Letters fellowship, NWCA Lifetime Achievement Hedge Coke’s mentorship spans juvenile facilities, reservations, and refugee communities. She founded the Literary Sandhill Cranefest Retreat and has secured grants for K-12 outreach programs integrating poetry with historical and ecological education.
John E. Colón is a full-time Lecturer in the N. P. Loomba Department of Management at the Zicklin School of Business, Baruch College (CUNY). He focuses on human resource management, organizational behavior, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), applying group relations theories, systems theories, and transactional analysis to foster productive work environments. MA in Theater - History & Criticism, SUNY Binghamton University BA in English, Colgate University His research emphasizes equitable organizational alignment, team-based management, and DEI consultation, particularly for persons with disabilities in the workplace. He has collaborated with organizations like JB Access and VISIONS, Inc., and served as Director of Human Resource Management for 28+ years at the Episcopal Church Center. Courses taught include Performance Management, Organizational Behavior, and Strategic Talent Acquisition. Professional service includes leadership roles on not-for-profit boards, such as Chairperson of The Gay Men's Health Crisis (2005–2007) and Board Member (2001–2005).
Professor Maria Crotty is a clinical academic and rehabilitation physician at Flinders University's College of Medicine and Public Health. She leads a multidisciplinary research group focused on implementing best care models and practices within health and aged care settings, using implementation science approaches to bridge research and clinical care. Her educational background includes: Bachelor of Medicine (BMed) BA (Bachelor of Arts) Master of Public Health (MPH) PhD Graduate Diploma in Tertiary Education Fellow of the Australasian Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine (FAFRM, RACP) Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP) Fellow of the Australasian Faculty of Public Health Medicine (FAFPHM) Professor Crotty has extensive experience running pragmatic randomized controlled trials in hospital, community, and aged care settings. Her research focuses on issues important to clinicians and policymakers working with older people and those living with disabilities. She has developed and evaluated innovative models of care including home rehabilitation, transition care, day rehabilitation, and telerehabilitation, which was implemented in South Australian rehabilitation units in 2017. Her work addresses critical issues such as frailty interventions in hospitals, cognitive impairment in long-term care settings, economic evaluations of rehabilitation programs, and monitoring of pathogen transmission risks in healthcare environments. Her notable scientific awards include: Public Service Medal 2018 (for services to Rehabilitation) Professor Crotty has served as principal supervisor for 8 rehabilitation students. Her research is supported by significant projects including the e-DIVA (empowering Dementia Carers with an iSupport Virtual Assistant) project (2021-2024). She has been actively involved in policy-relevant activities such as 'Primary Care Utilisation Before and After Entry into Permanent Residential Aged Care' and 'The Registry of Senior Australians: Informing Aged Care Policy Reforms.' Her research group operates at the intersection of clinical care and research, embedded within healthcare settings to ensure practical applicability of findings. Through her leadership of the Australasian Rehabilitation Outcomes Centre and previous roles such as unit head of the Rehabilitation Service at Flinders Medical Centre (until March 2022), she has established a robust network for translating research into practice across multiple healthcare settings.
Associate Professor Mark Slee is a clinical academic neurologist at Flinders University , affiliated with the College of Medicine and Public Health . His work focuses on immune-mediated neurological disorders, particularly Multiple Sclerosis , alongside contributions to Medical Education and Human Research Ethics . Research Interests include: Clinical Neuroimmunology Mitochondrial Biology in Neurodegeneration Disease Modifying Therapies for MS Neurological Disability Assessment Neuroethics and Clinical Training Scientific Awards : Inaugural NHMRC-MSRA Betty Cuthbert Clinical Research Fellowship (2012) Teaching & Leadership : Served as Associate Dean and Head of Medical Science and Technology , coordinating topics like MMED8220 Brain and Behavior and mentoring medical students.
Vania Ceccato is a Professor at the Academy of Police Work, University of Borås, specializing in environmental criminology and situational crime prevention. She leads the international Nätverket Säkraplatser network, fostering collaboration between academia and practice for sustainable safety. Her research bridges urban design, rural criminology, and transit security, with a focus on inclusive safety measures. Her recent publications include studies on transit worker safety in Stockholm’s metro resilient urban design for climate and crime prevention LGBTQI+ safety in transportation rural-urban shooting patterns innovative survey methodologies Her work aligns with United Nations SDGs 9, 11, and 13, emphasizing how environmental criminology can drive sustainable, equitable urban development.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Havva KAÇAN is a distinguished academic in the Faculty of Health Sciences at Kastamonu University, Turkey, specializing in Nursing with a focus on Psychiatric Nursing. She currently serves as Department Head and has held academic positions since 1998, progressing from Teaching Staff to her current role as Associate Professor since 2023. Her career spans over 25 years of dedicated service in nursing education and research. Doctorate in Nursing (2011-2014) - Istanbul Science University, Health Sciences Institute Master's in Fundamentals of Nursing (1996-1999) - Hacettepe University, Institute of Health Sciences Bachelor's in Nursing (1991-1995) - Hacettepe University, School of Nursing Dr. KAÇAN's research interests center around psychiatric nursing, mental health, and special needs care, with particular expertise in autism spectrum disorders, caregiver burden, and elderly mental health. Her work bridges clinical practice with academic research, focusing on practical interventions that improve quality of life for vulnerable populations including children with disabilities, their families, and elderly individuals. She has developed numerous psychoeducation programs addressing anxiety, stress management, and coping strategies. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on evidence-based interventions for special needs populations, particularly examining caregiver burden, psychological resilience, and mental health outcomes. Her work increasingly incorporates disaster mental health perspectives, particularly regarding psychological first aid for children with special needs. The interdisciplinary nature of her research connects psychiatric nursing with social psychology, geriatrics, and women's health. Prof.Dr.Perihan Velioğlu Hemşirelik Fonu Award (2025) Project Incentive Award from Kastamonu University (2024) Project Incentive Award from Özel Birey ve Aileler Dayanışma Derneği (2024) Ruh Sağlığını Koruma recognition (2021) Poster Presentation First Prize from Sağlıkla Hemşirelik Dergisi (2013) Dr. KAÇAN has successfully led multiple research projects, including TÜBİTAK-funded initiatives focusing on inclusive community practices for individuals with special needs and scientific education activities. She has served as principal investigator and consultant for numerous student research projects, demonstrating strong commitment to mentoring the next generation of nursing professionals. Her collaborative work spans multiple Turkish universities including Dicle University, Mardin Artuklu University, and Hacettepe University. As Department Head at Kastamonu University's Faculty of Health Sciences, she leads a team focused on psychiatric nursing education and research. Her leadership extends to coordinating interdisciplinary approaches for special needs children and their families, integrating insights from psychology, social work, and medical disciplines to create comprehensive care models.
