Greer Crawley is a Visiting Lecturer in the Department of Drama, Theatre and Dance at Royal Holloway, University of London , specializing in scenography, landscape design, and interdisciplinary collaborations between performance, arts, science, and technology. Their research explores oceanic spaces and fluid imaginaries through projects like 'Imagined Ecologies: Scenographies of the Sea' and 'The Wind Tunnels Q121 and R52' in partnership with institutions such as the Victoria and Albert Museum and Farnborough Air Sciences Trust. Education: MAS in Scenography from the University of the Arts, Zurich; DrPhil from the University of Vienna. Greer's work bridges historical and contemporary contexts, focusing on war landscapes, climate themes, and speculative design. They have taught at Buckinghamshire New University, London College of Fashion, Central Saint Martins, and the University of the Arts, Zurich. As a Director of the Society of British Theatre Designers and co-curator of international exhibitions, they integrate curation and scenography into innovative academic and public projects.
Dr. Mira Mayrhofer serves as a Senior Lecturer in Advertising at the University of Vienna's Department of Communication within the Faculty of Social Sciences. Currently on maternal leave, she maintains her office at Währinger Straße 29 (Room 7.43) in Vienna and continues research through the Advertising and Media Psychology Research Group (AdMe) led by Prof. Jörg Matthes. Her academic profile spans health communication, advertising research with focus on food and alcohol, product placement in digital media, and quantitative methodology. Her educational background includes: Ph.D. in Journalism and Communication Studies (2019, University of Vienna) M.Sc. in Marketing (2015, Vienna University of Economics and Business) B.A. in Journalism and Communication Studies (University of Vienna) B.Sc. in Business, Economics & Social Sciences (2013, Vienna University of Economics and Business) Mayrhofer's research centers on the psychological mechanisms of media effects, particularly examining how alcohol and food are portrayed in entertainment media and social platforms. Her work investigates observational learning of drinking behaviors, the impact of product placements on children's eating habits, and the persuasive dynamics of user-generated brand content. She employs rigorous quantitative methods to analyze audience responses across demographic variables, with significant contributions to understanding how perceived similarity influences alcohol consumption modeling. Her publication trajectory reveals evolving expertise from early studies on alcohol portrayal in comedy series (2016-2018) toward broader health communication applications including pandemic response analysis (2022). Key thematic clusters include alcohol risk communication, children's food marketing, and social media persuasion mechanics, with methodological strengths in experimental design and content analysis. Award highlights: Top Faculty Paper Award, AEJMC (2018) for observational learning research Top Student Paper Award, International Communication Association (2017) for alcohol education studies Research leadership includes serving as postdoctoral researcher (2021-2022) for the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK)-funded project 'Concept for Marketing/Communication for the Disease Management Program Chronic Heart Failure' under Prof. Matthes. She previously contributed to the 'Food Product Placements in Children’s Movies' project (2015) and has mentored numerous junior researchers within the AdMe group. Current collaborative work examines pandemic-era healthcare delivery through qualitative GP interviews. As core faculty in the Advertising and Media Psychology Research Group, Mayrhofer contributes to the department's international reputation in media effects research. Her team collaborates across disciplines including public health and nutrition science, with ongoing projects analyzing social media's impact on health behaviors and the effectiveness of disease management communications.
Ulf Friberg serves as a University Lecturer and Director of Acting Education at Luleå University of Technology, holding a Ph.D. in Stage Design. He is affiliated with the Department of Music, Media and Theatre within the School of Arts, where his research focuses on scenic presentation and theatrical performance practices. Dr. Friberg's research interests center on the intersection of stage design and dramatic interpretation, with particular emphasis on master-apprentice relationships in performing arts education, contemporary theatrical presentation, and audiovisual design. His work explores how scenic elements shape narrative interpretation and audience engagement in modern theatre productions. His recent publications demonstrate a consistent trajectory in both artistic creation and academic analysis of performance. The works span from practical artistic outputs like Mother Goose: The Epilogue (2024) to scholarly examinations of pedagogical approaches in performing arts education, revealing his dual commitment to creative practice and theoretical understanding of theatrical presentation. As Director of Acting Education, Friberg oversees the development and implementation of acting curriculum while mentoring emerging theatre professionals. His leadership in the department shapes the educational direction for future performers and theatre practitioners at Luleå University of Technology. Friberg's professional activities include significant contributions to Swedish television drama, having appeared as an actor in productions such as Gåsmamman: Epilogen (2024), demonstrating his active engagement with contemporary performance media beyond academic settings.
Federica Claudia Abramo serves as Research Fellow in Modern Language Teaching and Lecturer in German Literature at the University of Catania's Department of Humanities, actively contributing to the Erasmus+ ENID-Teach project under Scientific Director Prof. Renata Gambino for developing digital teaching environments. Her academic formation includes: PhD in German Literature, University of Trento (2021) Research Fellowship, Free University of Berlin/DINE Lab (2017) Her research integrates Language Teaching with Educational Technology through blended literature-based courses, while exploring German Romanticism's intersections with Medical Humanities and Fantasy Literature. She pioneers innovative methodologies for L2/LS acquisition using digital tools, examining Romantic-era medical discourse and late 18th-century fantastical writings through neurocognitive frameworks. Publication analysis (2012-2025) reveals consistent interdisciplinary scholarship connecting cognitive literary studies with historical medical contexts, teacher collaboration models, and biopolitical analyses of canonical texts. Key trends include digital adaptation of fairy tales, mind-body representations in Hoffmann, and Büchner's theatrical animal symbolism. As web content manager for NEWHUMS (Neurocognitive and Humanistic Studies) research center and editorial board member for Mimesis' Wunderkammer series, she bridges academic research with digital humanities infrastructure.
Joseph Cermatori is an Associate Professor and Director of Periclean Honors Forum in the English Department at Skidmore College. He holds an A.B. from Princeton University, an M.F.A. from Yale University, and a Ph.D. from Columbia University, establishing a robust foundation spanning literary studies, creative writing, and critical theory. Dr. Cermatori's educational trajectory reflects his interdisciplinary approach: A.B., Princeton University M.F.A., Yale University Ph.D., Columbia University His scholarly work centers on the philosophical dimensions of theatrical and literary forms, with research interests spanning Comparative Literature, Philosophy, Aesthetics, and Critical Theory , alongside Modern and Contemporary Drama, Shakespeare and Early Modern Drama, Opera and Music-Theatre, Media and Performance Studies, and Queer Theory and Gender Studies . Cermatori's approach consistently bridges historical periods, connecting early modern theatrical practices with contemporary performance innovations while maintaining critical engagement with questions of spectatorship, media, and political dimensions of performance. His scholarship demonstrates a unique ability to synthesize complex theoretical frameworks with close analysis of theatrical and literary works. Cermatori's recent publications reveal a sustained trajectory exploring the philosophical underpinnings of theatrical practice. His 2024 article "On Criticism: Seven Meditations" continues his longstanding engagement with critical theory, while his 2023 pieces on Walter Benjamin and Hans-Thies Lehmann demonstrate his deep connection to foundational theoretical frameworks in performance studies. His book "Baroque Modernity: An Aesthetics of Theater" (2021) represents a significant contribution connecting historical theatrical aesthetics with modern practice. His scholarship appears consistently across prestigious venues including CoSMO, Salmagundi, PMLA, and PAJ, reflecting his standing in both literary and performance studies communities. His scholarly recognition includes: Anna Balakian First Book Prize honorable mention, International Comparative Literature Association, 2022 Summer Research Fellowship, Yale University Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, 2022 Helen Tartar First Book Award and Subvention, American Comparative Literature Association, 2021 Multiple Faculty Development Grants from Skidmore College (2017, 2019, 2020, 2021) As Director of the Periclean Honors Forum, Cermatori plays a pivotal role in mentoring high-achieving students through interdisciplinary honors programs that connect academic work with social engagement. His extensive teaching portfolio spans foundational writing seminars to advanced courses in drama, Shakespeare, queer theory, and literature and philosophy. His critical work published in The New York Times and PAJ: A Journal of Performance and Art demonstrates his commitment to bridging scholarly and public discourse on contemporary performance.
Anna Wera Elisabeth Fåhraeus is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences at Halmstad University. She serves as Head of English and leads the university-wide course Fiction, Empathy and Social Sustainability. Doctoral degree from Gothenburg University (2008) Employment history at Halmstad University since 2006 Additional studies at Oxford University Research interests focus on: Cognitive approaches to literature Digital reading practices Lesbian representation in Modernist-era U.S. literature Empathy dynamics through fiction analysis Renaissance drama and textual masculinity Postcolonial and race studies in media Notable projects : Empathy Lab collaboration with Halland County libraries and psychiatric professionals Historical analysis of exploitative lesbian film narratives Longitudinal empathy studies through literary education
Katarzyna Sobańska is an accomplished Assistant Professor (Adiunkt) of Scenography at the Academy of Fine Arts in Katowice, where she co-runs the Set Design Studio with Marcel Sławiński. She also holds a position at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw in the Faculty of Scenography, Department of Film and Television Scenography. With over two decades of professional experience, she has established herself as one of Poland's leading set designers for film, theater, and television productions. Her educational background includes graduation from the Graphic Arts Department of the Academy of Fine Arts in Kraków (1992), Katowice branch. She has exhibited her work in galleries across Katowice, Warsaw, Gliwice, Munich, and London, demonstrating her versatility as a visual artist beyond scenography. Sobańska's research and professional interests focus on visual storytelling through set design, with particular expertise in creating historically accurate environments, psychological spaces that reflect character states, and minimalist aesthetics that enhance narrative without overwhelming it. Her work demonstrates a deep understanding of how physical spaces influence audience perception and emotional engagement with stories. Analysis of her recent projects shows a consistent focus on Polish historical narratives, psychological depth in character environments, and a distinctive visual style that balances authenticity with artistic interpretation. Her work on 'Ida' exemplifies her ability to create powerful visual narratives through minimalistic yet profoundly symbolic set designs. Golden Mask for set design for 'Oliver!' (2010) Main Prize for set design at Polish Feature Film Festival in Gdynia for 'The Mill and the Cross' (2011) Polish Film Award 'Eagle' for set design (2011) Main Prize for set design at Polish Feature Film Festival in Gdynia for 'In Darkness' (2012) Polish Film Award nomination 'Polish Eagles' for set design for 'Ida' (2014) Individual Award for Set Design at Gijon Feature Film Festival for 'Ida' (2014) Award at Ostend Film Festival for 'United States of Love' (2016) Throughout her career, Sobańska has collaborated with prominent Polish directors including Paweł Pawlikowski, Agnieszka Holland, and Magdalena Piekorz. Her teaching at the Academy of Fine Arts in Katowice focuses on practical set design techniques, historical research methods for visual storytelling, and the integration of traditional and digital design tools. She has participated in numerous workshops and masterclasses, including events at the Off Film Festival in Kraków and the New Opening Festival in Katowice, sharing her expertise with emerging designers. Sobańska works closely with Marcel Sławiński through their collaborative studio, which has become a significant center for scenographic innovation in Poland. Their joint projects often explore the intersection of historical authenticity and contemporary visual language, creating sets that serve as active participants in storytelling rather than mere backdrops.
Angela Sweigart-Gallagher serves as Associate Professor of Performance and Communication Arts at St. Lawrence University and holds the NY6 Academic Leadership Fellowship. She teaches beginning and advanced acting courses alongside specialized offerings in Political Theatre and Performance, Drama for Teaching and Learning, Arts Administration & Marketing, and Theatre, Sustainability, and the Natural World. As University Theatre director, she employs collaborative approaches to develop inexperienced theatre artists' creative processes and artistic voices. Education: PhD Theatre Research (Minor: Curriculum and Instruction), University of Wisconsin MA Theatre Research, University of Wisconsin BA English and Theatre, University of Mary Washington Sweigart-Gallagher's research centers on political theatre as resistance, with specialization in applied theatre methodologies. Her work critically examines gender politics through performance, particularly regarding women's bodily autonomy and political representation. Co-founder of The Wandering Uterus Project, she creates satirical performances that challenge patriarchal structures and governmental policies affecting women. Her scholarship increasingly addresses sustainable theatre practices, integrating environmental consciousness into production design and theatrical processes. Her publication pattern reveals evolving scholarly interests from historical analyses of nationalism in youth theatre toward immediate political commentary on contemporary issues. Recent works demonstrate consistent engagement with youth performance, gender politics, and resistance strategies, particularly through satire. She maintains active regional theatre criticism while producing theoretically rigorous scholarship connecting performance to broader social and political movements, with increasing emphasis on sustainability and pandemic-era performance adaptations. Scientific Awards: NY6 Academic Leadership Fellow Sweigart-Gallagher mentors students through collaborative production work and specialized courses that blend theory and practice. Her DIY Theatre course exemplifies project-based learning where students design and execute theatrical elements under faculty guidance. She has secured production resources for sustainable theatre initiatives, incorporating recycled materials and LED lighting to reduce environmental impact. Her collaborative research with colleagues like Victoria P. Lantz and Melissa C. Thompson demonstrates commitment to interdisciplinary approaches to performance scholarship. The Wandering Uterus Project functions as her primary creative research laboratory, producing politically charged performances including 'Dr. Womb and Dr. Tomb' and 'A Series of Modest Pronouncements' that satirize policies affecting women's bodies. This collective has presented work nationally at festivals and academic conferences, using interactive and site-specific techniques to engage audiences in political discourse. Her 'Dissent/Resist' durational performance and Women's March protest art demonstrate ongoing commitment to using performance as direct political action.
Katarzyna Burzyńska is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of English, Adam Mickiewicz University. Holding degrees including a D.Litt. in Literature (2023), her academic work bridges Shakespeare studies, literature-philosophy intersections, and translation studies. PhD in English (2014) and D.Litt. in Literature (2023) from UAM Principal investigator for NCN-funded project on pregnancy in Early Modern drama Active in international Shakespearean organizations (ESRA, BSA, Société Française Shakespeare) Her research explores existentialism, gender dynamics, and ethical frameworks in Renaissance texts, with a focus on pregnancy phenomenology, maternal identity, and over-reacher characters. Recent publications include 2024 analyses of Pericles and Renaissance literature through trans studies lenses. Key awards include: 2016 Adam Mickiewicz University Rector's Award for Teaching Excellence 2019 Best poster award at University of Warwick conference 2020 Polish Ministerial Scholarship for Distinguished Young Researchers Burzyńska has presented at 15+ international conferences since 2011, spanning topics from Shakespearean mythologies to early modern memory studies, and coordinates academic programs like the 2017 ESRA conference in Gdańsk.
José Antonio Álvarez Amorós is a Professor of English Literature and Criticism at University of Alicante , Spain, with a distinguished career spanning decades. His academic journey began with a Licenciatura (1984) and Doctorado (1987) in English Philology from the University of Alicante. Formerly, he held a professorship at the University of Corunna (1995-1999). His teaching portfolio includes courses like Anglo-American Criticism , Aesthetic Currents in Literary History , and graduate thesis supervision across diverse programs such as Spanish Language and Literatures and Arab and Islamic Studies . Álvarez Amorós’ research revolves around cognitive narratology , examining how fictional minds are constructed through aspectuality , metarepresentation , and extended cognition , particularly in Henry James’ short stories. He investigates how absent protagonists are socially constructed within narrative worlds, integrating theories from cognitive psychology and philosophy of mind. His recent work builds on transgeneric analysis and intertextuality in James’ dramatic adaptations. His scholarly output includes journal articles in English Studies , Journal of Narrative Theory , and Style , alongside book chapters in collective works like The Failed Text: Literature and Failure and Contemporary Debates on the Short Story . Notable projects include coordination of the Teorías Literarias Anglo-Americanas del siglo XX (1999-2002) and collaboration in Research in Transhistorical Literary Studies (2017). He has also served as Department Director at both University of Alicante (2009-2013) and University of Corunna (1996-1999). Active in international academic exchange, Álvarez Amorós was a Fulbright Visiting Scholar (2017) at Ohio State University's Project Narrative and a Visiting Professor (2018) at SUNY University at Albany. His work bridges literary theory, narrative analysis, and cognitive approaches to fiction, with a focus on 19th-20th century Anglo-American literature.
Martine Jacques is a Lecturer at the University of Burgundy, affiliated with the Faculty of Letters and Philosophy. She serves as Director of the Multidisciplinary Center for Texts and Cultures (CPTC), where she leads research initiatives in literary studies. Her academic work spans multiple disciplines within humanities, with particular focus on French literature, Enlightenment studies, and cultural history. Dr. Jacques' research primarily explores the intersections of literature, history, and cultural studies. Her scholarly interests encompass utopian literature, particularly examining imaginary geographies and spatial representations in 18th century texts. She has conducted extensive research on Enlightenment-era writings, focusing on the works of figures like Madame de Genlis and L.-A. Caraccioli. Her work on theater studies investigates both historical Jesuit theater practices and contemporary performance, revealing connections between educational theory and dramatic arts. Additionally, she has made significant contributions to children's literature studies, analyzing how childhood and educational concepts are represented in literary works. Analysis of her publication record reveals consistent engagement with literary theory and historical context. Her work demonstrates a trajectory from early studies on Enlightenment literature toward broader explorations of cultural representation across different media and historical periods. The publications show particular attention to how utopian thinking manifests in various literary forms, from travel narratives to children's stories. Her more recent work has increasingly focused on theater as both cultural practice and educational tool, suggesting evolving research interests that bridge historical scholarship with contemporary applications. Martine Jacques maintains active scholarly collaborations, most notably with Hervé Bismuth, with whom she has co-edited several publications and organized research initiatives. As Director of CPTC, she oversees multiple research axes including 'New narratives in literary history' and 'Literature, minor arts, major arts.' Her leadership extends to organizing seminars and study days that bring together researchers from various institutions.
Ben Francombe is a Senior Lecturer and Head of Theatre at the University of Chichester since 2004. He serves on the Academic Board and previously held leadership roles at Bretton Hall (Head of Acting, 1997–2004) and as a Visiting Professor at California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) for the International MFA in Theatre-Performance Making (2014–2017). He directs the Showroom, a national touring theatre venue, and is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, mentoring new teaching staff in PGCert and UCPP programs. Research interests: Ben specializes in Place and Performance Marginality and Post-Colonial Discourse in British Theatre Modern Irish Drama Politics of Performance Training Professional-Amateur Dynamics in Creative Practice His work explores intersections of geography, identity, and pedagogy in contemporary performance. Publications highlight analyses of playwrights like Tom MacIntyre, Brian Friel, and Frank McGuinness, alongside dramaturgical studies of companies such as 1927, Paper Birds, and Search Party. His scholarship emphasizes Practice as Research in Performance and educational reforms in drama curricula. Awards and roles: Recognized as a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, Ben contributes to External examining for the Open University Program development with Quality Assurance Units Professional dramaturgy for award-winning companies Professional affiliations: He is an Associate Artist of 1927 Theatre Company, with international collaborations extending to Coproductions in Vienna and San Francisco.
Fatih YÜCEL is an Assistant Professor and School Director at Istanbul Beykent University , affiliated with the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and the School of Foreign Languages . He specializes in Translation and Interpreting and English Language and Literature , with research interests spanning Victorian Gothic literature, postcolonial theory, and psychoanalytic approaches to literary analysis. Education : Ph.D. in English Language and Literature (2013) and Master's (2008) from Istanbul Aydın University, License degree from Beykent University (2004). Research Focus : His work examines intersections of gender , mental health , and postcolonial identity in canonical texts like Wuthering Heights , Carmilla , and Jane Eyre . Publications : Notably explores Shakespearean gender dynamics in Hamlet (2016). Teaching : Offers courses in Renaissance Literature , Gothic Tradition , and Drama Studies . Advising : Supervised master’s theses analyzing feminist and psychoanalytic readings of literary works. Professional Affiliations : Member of TESOL Türkiye LAMSIG and Advance Higher Education Academy . Administrative Roles : Served as Director (2017) and Deputy Director (2011) of Beykent University's Vocational School.
David Bishop is a Creative Writing Lecturer at Edinburgh Napier University's School of Arts and Creative Industries, where he helped found the innovative MA Creative Writing programme in 2009. A highly accomplished author with twenty-five published novels, he maintains active professional affiliations including the Society of Authors (Great Britain), New Zealand Society of Authors, Crime Writers' Association, and Historical Writers' Association. His scholarly and creative work spans multiple domains: Creative Writing pedagogy and alternative workshop models Historical fiction with deep focus on Renaissance Italy Graphic novels and comic book writing across international markets Genre fiction including crime, historical mysteries, and science fiction New Zealand Gothic literary tradition Adaptation studies across television, audio, and print media Bishop's creative output demonstrates exceptional versatility across formats, with his Cesare Aldo historical fiction series set in Renaissance Florence establishing him as a major figure in the genre. His publications reveal meticulous historical research combined with compelling narrative techniques, particularly evident in his Florence-based novels which have earned international recognition. Notable awards include: Robert Louis Stevenson Fellowship (2017) Sir Julius Vogel Award for 'The Elysian Blade' (2020) NZ Booklovers Award for 'City of Vengeance' (2022) CWA Historical Dagger Award for 'The Darkest Sin' (2022) Ngaio Marsh Award for 'Ritual of Fire' (2023) Multiple 2024 finalists for 'A Divine Fury' Academically, Bishop has secured research funding including £1200 from Edinburgh Napier University for his 2021 collaboration with Dr. Hope Christie on 'Dramatizing Trauma: Interdisciplinary Collaborative Research for PTSD through a radio play' in South Africa's Khayelitsha township. As Programme Leader for Creative Writing, he has developed innovative teaching methodologies that challenge traditional peer review workshop models in creative writing education.
Michele Osherow serves as Associate Professor of English at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and holds affiliate faculty status with UMBC’s Judaic Studies Program, where she previously served as director. Her academic credentials include: Ph.D. from University of Maryland, College Park M.A. from University of Maryland, College Park B.A. from Carnegie Mellon University Dr. Osherow specializes in Shakespearean studies, Renaissance literature, biblical texts as literary works, early modern women’s writing, Jewish American literature, and performance theory. Her research uniquely bridges textual analysis with material culture, examining how 17th-century women’s needlework functioned as biblical commentary and how theatrical adaptation reshapes canonical works. This interdisciplinary approach integrates literary scholarship with hands-on dramatic practice. Her publications consistently explore intersections between biblical narratives and early modern literary production, with particular emphasis on women’s reinterpretation of scriptural authority through both textual and textile arts. Recurring methodological threads include performance studies frameworks applied to Renaissance drama and feminist reexaminations of biblical reception history. Professional recognition includes: Best actress nomination from D.C. Theatre Scene Alice B. Geyer Fellowship CAHSS Research Fellowship Dresher Center Summer Faculty Fellowship UMBC Summer Faculty Fellowship Alex E. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship support Dr. Osherow maintains active cross-disciplinary collaborations with UMBC’s Theatre, Mathematics, Visual Arts, and Gender and Women’s Studies departments, plus the Imaging Research Center. Her externally funded projects include co-authoring the internationally performed play The Mathematics of Being Human with mathematician Manil Suri. She also serves as Interim Executive Director of the Shakespeare Association of America and maintains a 17-year affiliation as Resident Dramaturg at Washington D.C.’s Folger Theatre.
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