Maria Sara Folhadela Figueiredo Pina is a Professor at both Lusofona University and Nova University Lisbon's Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FCSH), specializing in Communication Sciences . Her career spans academic research, political advising, journalism, and media ethics. Current research focuses on digital political communication, social media's societal impact, and media-law intersections. Education: PhD in Comparative Politics (2018), University of Lisbon/ICS Master in Media and Society, FCSH/Nova University Lisbon Degree in International Journalism, Escola Superior de Jornalismo do Porto Specializations from Harvard Kennedy School, ENA-France, and Austria's Peace Centre Her research integrates digital political communication , media ethics , and cross-Atlantic strategic analysis , with a 2023 article on extreme-right social media tactics in Iberian elections. Earlier works address media's role in democracy and crisis governance. Scientific output includes peer-reviewed journals, book chapters on political philosophy, and edited volumes. Key trends show consistent focus on media accountability , digital election dynamics , and ethical governance .
Benjamin Archer is a Lecturer in Acting & Performance at the School of Art and Music, Solent University. He specializes in Shakespearean performance techniques, combining Stanislavsky's 'System' with Elizabethan acting practices. His recent work includes presentations on accessing Shakespeare's verse through physical action and historical performance methodologies. ORCID: 0000-0003-1084-1324 Research focuses on bridging early modern performance practices with contemporary actor training, emphasizing physicality and textual analysis. His 2024 presentations address methodologies for interpreting Shakespearean texts through embodiment and historical context. Professional service includes membership on the Solent Research Ethics Panel since November 2024.
Krzysztof Bobrzecki is a vocal lecturer and Dean of the Vocal and Acting Faculty at the Stanisław Moniuszko Academy of Music in Gdańsk since 2020. A baritone with dual degrees in Management and Public Relations, he transitioned to music, graduating from Gdańsk Academy in 2008 under Prof. Ryszard Minkiewicz. His artistic work focuses on vocal mastery across Baroque to contemporary repertoires, with over 500 songs including major cycles by Schubert, Schumann, and Ravel. Expertise in oratorio (e.g., Telemann’s Gdańsk Passion) and operatic roles (Don Giovanni, Verdi’s Un Ballo). Notable recordings: Shakespeare Songs (2016), Moniuszko’s The Haunted Manor (2019), Juliusz Wertheim song collection (2020). Recognized for blending vocal technique with dramatic acting trained under Prof. Grzegorz Chrapkiewicz. His research includes reviving overlooked works like Wertheim’s songs and Telemann’s Gdańsk Passion. As a pedagogue, he emphasizes both vocal technique and artistic interpretation in modern performance contexts.
Philippe Brunet is a Researcher affiliated with the University of Rouen Normandy, based in the UFR Letters and Human Sciences. He is a member of the ERIAC (Research Institute on Ancient and Modern Cultures), where he co-directs the research axis focused on forms, experiences, and interpretations. His work bridges classical philology, ancient theater, and performance studies, emphasizing the restitution of ancient Greek metrics and staging practices. Director of the Homeros Group for Greek and Latin Metric Analysis Founder and leader of the Théâtre Démodocos, producing performances of ancient texts Organizer of the Dionysies Festival (2006-2019), showcasing Greek tragedies His research interests include Greek metrics, ancient Greek drama, and the intersection of philology with modern performance. He has directed numerous doctoral theses on topics ranging from Homeric intonation to digital humanities. Brunet’s work often involves interdisciplinary collaborations, combining textual analysis with experimental staging, musicology, and digital tools like the Scande&Chante software for metric analysis. Key publications include bilingual editions of Sophocles’ Antigone and Homer’s Iliad , as well as works on ancient masks and the adaptation of classical texts into film. His films, such as Le Double Destin du Roi Œdipe , explore cinematic interpretations of Greek tragedies.
Dr. ADEM DOĞAN is an Associate Professor at Bingöl University's Department of Arabic Language and Literature, Faculty of Arts and Sciences. He holds a PhD in Fundamental Islamic Sciences, specializing in Arabic Language and Rhetoric from Bingöl University (2019). His academic career includes over 17 years of teaching and administrative roles in Bingöl's educational institutions before transitioning to academia in 2021. He is fluent in Arabic (83.75/100) and English (77.5/100). His research focuses on classical Arabic literature, modern Arabic theater, and Islamic cultural studies. He has authored/co-authored 6 books and over 9 peer-reviewed articles, including works on the influence of One Thousand and One Nights on modern Arab theater and the political themes in Fâdıl Kellû el-’Azzâvî’s novels. Recent articles explore Palestinian themes in Salah Cerrār’s makāma works and classical Arabic poetic criticism. His courses cover Arabic rhetoric (Nahiv/Sarf), classical texts, and the history of Arabic literature. Dr. Doğan has presented at international conferences like the 6th BILSEL International Efes Scientific Congress and refereed for journals such as Rumeli Dİl ve Edebiyat Araştırmaları Dergisi . His books include Modern Arap Edebiyatında Makâme Sanatı (2025) and a critical edition of Miftâh li-Hulâsati'l-Miftâh (2024).
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Emma Konstantinova serves as Associate Professor and Head of the "Film and Television Production" specialty at the National Academy of Dramatic Arts and Film "Krastyo Sarafov" (NATFA) in Sofia, Bulgaria, within the Department of Pre-Production and Production, Faculty of Screen Arts. Since 2024, she has additionally served as Guest lecturer in "Directing of short television forms" at Sofia University "Kliment Ohridski". Her academic journey culminated in 2018 with a Doctorate in Cinema Studies, Cinema Art and Television from NATFA under Prof. Dr. Lyubomir Halachev, following a Master's in Management in Screen Arts (2010) and bachelor's in film and TV editing (2008) from the same institution. Dr. Konstantinova's scholarly work manifests through an extensive filmography of over 50 documentaries produced between 2000-2025, demonstrating progressive technical mastery and thematic depth. Her research centers on Bulgarian cultural heritage, biographical narratives of prominent artists, social issues, and cinematic storytelling techniques. Recent works (2021-2025) reveal sustained exploration of national identity, historical memory, and community dynamics through the documentary lens, with particular expertise in portraits of Bulgarian cultural figures and regional identity studies. Her international engagement includes leadership roles in significant cultural projects: Work Package Leader for FilmEU Plus (2024-2027) and participant in the European Commission-supported "In Situ" project (2023-2026) involving 13 European institutes. She regularly conducts workshops across Europe, including recent sessions in Latvia and Ireland on audience engagement and storytelling. Multiple 2024 "Golden Rhyton" Film Festival awards including Screenplay and Plovdiv Municipality Awards "Green Feather 2024" Television Category Award Best Film Award at 10th Tegernsee International Mountain Film Festival, Germany Kodak Showcase Selection at Cannes Film Festival, 2000 As academic leader, Dr. Konstantinova oversees curriculum development while maintaining active professional practice as director, screenwriter, and editor. Her multimedia work extends to cultural ceremonies including performances for Sofia Municipality awards and Bulgaria's EU Presidency cultural program. Her career exemplifies the integration of academic scholarship, professional filmmaking, and cultural contribution within Bulgaria's artistic landscape.
Prof. Dr. Krasimir Andonov serves as the Dean of the Faculty of Screen Arts at the National Academy of Theatre and Film Arts (NATFA), Sofia. He holds a Doctorate in Computer-Manipulated Photography (2014) and dual Master's degrees in Cinematography (1995) and Artistic Photography (1997). His career spans over three decades as a cinematographer, photographer, and academic leader. Research interests focus on documentary cinematography, experimental photography, and the intersection of technology with visual arts. Notable works include the award-winning films The Court (2013, Best Cinematography) and Mouse Poison (2012, SEE Film Fest), as well as photographic exhibitions such as Retired Birds (2020) and Cloud Diaries (2014). Education: Doctor of Philosophy (2014), NATFA Master's in Cinematography (1995), NATFA Master's in Artistic Photography (1997), National Academy of Fine Arts Awards: 2015 Bulgarian Film Academy Award for Best Cinematography 2017 Beijing Humanity Photo Award 2001 Ottawa Gold Medal for Photography Professional Affiliations: Dean, Faculty of Screen Arts (2022–present) Member, Bulgarian Cinematographers' Association (since 2014) Exhibitions: "The Magic Light of Cave Minerals" (2021, Sofia) "Days of Infinity" (2015, Vienna)
Prof. Pauliina Tukiainen is a University Professor of Lied Interpretation at the Mozarteum University Salzburg since 2017. She holds a dual focus on performance and pedagogy within classical vocal music. Her research emphasizes historically informed performance practices and contemporary Lied repertoire. Education includes piano studies in Finland and Frankfurt, with specialization in Art Song under Hartmut Höll and Anne Le Bozec. Notable artistic influences include Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau and Thomas Hampson. Performance highlights include engagements at Berlin Staatsoper, Vienna Musikverein, and the Enescu Festival. Recordings on Alba Classics and Coviello Classics have garnered critical acclaim, notably the 2020 'Serious Songs' nomination. She maintains an active role in competitions like the Helsinki Lied Competition and the Bonn Schumann Festival. Teaching roles include previous positions at Frankfurt and Freiburg music academies, alongside extensive masterclass work internationally. Her pedagogical focus bridges technical mastery with expressive storytelling in vocal accompaniment.
Mark Pizzato is a Professor of Theatre and Film at the University of North Carolina Charlotte's College of Arts + Architecture (COAA). His research spans interdisciplinary studies in theatre history, performance theory, and neuro-theatrical analysis. He holds a Ph.D. in English from UW-Milwaukee, an MFA in Dramatic Writing from Catholic University of America, and a B.A. in English from Notre Dame. His major publications include European Churches and Chinese Temples as Neuro-Theatrical Sites (2024) and Mapping Global Theatre Histories (2019). He teaches courses in theatre history, screenwriting, and performance theory, with his short films earning awards at the New York Film Festival and Minnesota Community Television. Pizzato's research explores intersections between neuroscience and performance, evident in works like Ghosts of Theatre and Cinema in the Brain (2006). His recent work bridges sacred architecture analysis with cognitive studies. He maintains an active blog and contributes to the iTunes podcast 'Conversations about Buddha, Jesus, and Mohammed.'
Fabrice Thumerel is a researcher in French Literature at the University of Artois, affiliated with the Texts and Cultures Research Center. His work focuses on sociogenetic approaches to 20th and 21st-century narrative, poetic, and theatrical forms, with specific interests in carnival writing, self-writing, and critical writing. Education : Doctor of French Literature Research Themes : Thumerel explores the sociology of the literary field, intertextuality, and the evolution of avant-garde movements. His studies frequently intersect with philosophical frameworks (e.g., Sartre, Bourdieu) and cultural institutions like poetry reviews. Article Trends : His publications span from 1988 to 2008, emphasizing existentialist literature, modernist drama, and autobiographical practices. Key subfields include avant-garde canonization, sociocultural reception, and the interplay between philosophy and narrative. Collaborations & Contributions : Thumerel co-edits collective works and contributes articles to journals like Manières de critiquer and Littérature et philosophie . He also develops educational resources for literary analysis and teaches methods for studying argumentative texts. Labs/Teams : PRCE Modern Letters research group
Reza Taher-Kermani is an Assistant Professor at Concordia University in the Department of English . His work focuses on the intersection of nineteenth-century English literature and medieval Persian poetry , examining themes of empire and colonialism , Sufism and mystical traditions in Islam , and translation studies through a postcolonial and comparative lens. University of Sheffield (BA, MA) University of Bristol (PhD) His research explores the imaginative geography of Persia in Victorian poetry, tracing how historical and intellectual exchanges shaped British engagements with Persian texts. He analyzes figures like Firdausi, Hafiz, Edward FitzGerald , and Matthew Arnold , addressing contexts such as the cultural politics of the Great Game and Anglo-Iranian relations . The critical edition of FitzGerald’s Bird-Parliament (OUP, 2026) and publications in journals like Essays in Criticism and Translation and Literature highlight his transnational literary scholarship . His teaching includes courses such as ENGL 665: Studies in Postcolonial Literature , ENGL 333: Studies in 19th-Century British Poetry , and ENGL 262: British Literature from 1660 to 1900 , emphasizing postcolonial theory , Victorian fiction , and 19th-century British prose .
Carl Gent is a Lecturer in Studio Practice at Goldsmiths, University of London's Department of Art. His practice-based research spans sculpture, performance, sound, and text, with a particular focus on historical reinterpretation, collaborative art, and interdisciplinary experimentation. Current affiliation: Goldsmiths, University of London Academic qualification: MFA Fine Art (Goldsmiths, 2015) Key research themes include: Historical narrative deconstruction through contemporary art Integration of medieval and modern cultural elements Sound-based explorations of ecological and social issues Experimental publishing formats and self-publishing practices Community engagement through participatory art forms His recent works demonstrate trends in: Performance documentation and archival practices Interdisciplinary approaches blending art, technology, and folklore Site-specific installations with minimal environmental impact Collaborative projects with artists like Linda Stupart Reinterpretation of digital media through physical performance Explorations of radical openness and connectivity in artistic practice
Matthew Sergi is an Associate Professor in the Department of English at the University of Toronto, where he teaches as Graduate Faculty and Undergraduate Instructor. His research specializes in medieval English drama, performance, and play, with a focus on staging practices, historical manuscripts, and modern reinterpretations of premodern texts. He holds leadership roles as General Director for the York Plays 2025 and hosts the Medieval World Drama Working Group at the Jackman Humanities Institute. Education: BFA, New York University PhD, University of California, Berkeley Research Interests: Sergi investigates the intersection of performance, text, and social ritual in medieval drama. His work spans theatre history, manuscript analysis, and pedagogical approaches to early English literature. Key themes include the Chester Plays' staging cues, festive piety in performance, and inclusive teaching methodologies for historical linguistics. Publications: His scholarly output emphasizes archival rediscovery, performance reconstruction, and critical reassessment of medieval dramatic traditions. Recurring topics include biblical play staging, regional performance records, and innovative pedagogical frameworks. Awards: Honorable Mention, MRDS Bevington Award (2021) & NYU Callaway Prize (2022) for monograph on Chester Plays MRDS Stevens Award (2016) for essay on theatrical marketing MRDS Palmer Award (2012) for archival research on festive piety Early Career Teaching Award, University of Toronto (2019) Grants & Leadership: Funded by a 2015 Connaught New Researcher Award, Sergi produces live medieval play performances through PLS (Poculi Ludique Societas). He serves on editorial boards for Medieval English Theatre and Research Opportunities in Medieval and Renaissance Drama , advancing global scholarship in early drama studies.
Mary Helen Kashuba is Professor of French and Russian and Chair of the Department of Foreign Language and Literature at Chestnut Hill College. She has been a central figure in the academic and spiritual life of the institution for decades, contributing significantly to curriculum development, faculty leadership, and student mentorship. Educational Background: B.A., Chestnut Hill College, 1955 M.A. in Russian, Fordham University, 1964 D.M.L. in French and Russian, Middlebury College, 1971 Additional Study: Sorbonne, Laval University, Moscow State University, Leningrad (St. Petersburg) State University Her research spans French and Russian literature of the 19th and 20th centuries, foreign language pedagogy , and the history of the Sisters of St. Joseph and Chestnut Hill College . She has authored the seminal book Tradition and Risk: Chestnut Hill College, 1924–1999 and numerous scholarly articles in the MLA 'Approaches to Teaching' series, NECTFL Review , The French Review , and Teilhard Studies . Her work emphasizes interdisciplinary connections, particularly between literature, science, and personal discovery. Her recent publications reflect a strong engagement with existential themes in Camus, moral complexity in Tolstoy, and innovative teaching strategies in language education. She has also contributed to religious and philosophical discourse through her writings on Teilhard de Chardin and Charles Péguy. Scientific Awards and Honors: Commandeur in the Palmes Académiques (French Government, 2019) Nelson Brooks Award for Leadership (NECTFL, 2019) LaMarr Kopp Lifetime Achievement Award (PaCIE, 2016) Frank Mulhern Leadership Award (PSMLA, 2012) PSMLA Educator of the Year (2003) Dorothy Ludwig Excellence in Teaching Award (AATF, 2003) Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching (1975) Sister Mary Helen has held national leadership roles, including President of the American Association of Teachers of French (2013–2015) , and has served on the boards of ACTFL and NECTFL. She currently leads in PSMLA and MLAPV. Though deeply involved in professional organizations and research, she emphasizes her identity as a teacher first, committed to inspiring students and fostering a love of learning. She has no known formal lab or research team, but her influence extends through her mentorship, publications, and service.
Emalie Savoy is a Lecturer in Voice at the Petrie School of Music, Converse University. A celebrated soprano, she has received international acclaim for her lyric vocal beauty and dramatic passion, including first prize at the 2015 ARD International Music Competition. Her debut album Emalie Savoy: A Portrait earned nominations for prestigious awards such as the Deutsche Schallplattenkritik and ICMA. Bachelor and Master of Music in Vocal Performance from The Juilliard School Completed The Metropolitan Opera’s Lindemann Young Artist Development Program Ms. Savoy maintains a vibrant teaching and coaching studio alongside her performance career. She has performed globally, including roles at the Metropolitan Opera and collaborations with renowned artists like Yo-Yo Ma. Notable scientific awards include the 2013 Leonore Annenberg Fellowship, 2012 Hildegard Behrens Foundation Award, and 2011 George London Foundation Grand Prize. Her work spans opera, concert, and recital stages, with appearances at Carnegie Hall and the New York Philharmonic.
