Na Du is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Informatics and Networked Systems at the University of Pittsburgh's School of Computing and Information. She holds a PhD in Industrial & Operations Engineering from the University of Michigan (2021) and a Graduate Certificate in Data Science. Her research focuses on human factors in smart cities, human-centered computing, and user experience design. She is affiliated with the Intelligent Systems Program, Pitt Cyber, and the Center for Governance and Markets. Education: PhD in Industrial & Operations Engineering (University of Michigan, 2021); Undergraduate in Psychology (Zhejiang University). Research emphasizes explainable AI, human-AI teaming, and smart technologies. Recent grants include funding from Honda Research Institute and Pitt Cyber Accelerator for projects on emotions in Human-AI interaction and Metaverse privacy awareness. Her work has been recognized with awards like the HFES Best Paper Award and the IOE Outstanding Student Award. Advising includes PhD students and researchers in human factors and UX design. The HAT Lab under her leadership explores interdisciplinary challenges in human-computer interaction and smart systems.
Alexandre RUBESAM is an Associate Professor at IÉSEG School of Management (France), specializing in Finance with a focus on asset pricing, financial econometrics, and quantitative trading. He holds a Ph.D. in Finance from Cass Business School (UK), an MSc in Statistics from the State University of Campinas (Brazil), and a Bachelor in Statistics from the same university. Education: Ph.D., Finance, Cass Business School, UK (2008) MSc., Statistics, State University of Campinas, Brazil (2004) Bachelor, Statistics, State University of Campinas, Brazil (2001) His research interests span behavioral finance, risk management, machine learning applications in finance, and portfolio optimization. Notably, he explores topics like market herding during crises, volatility forecasting, and the low-beta anomaly through behavioral lenses. Prof. Rubesam has authored influential papers on information transmission in financial markets, risk parity strategies, and the efficacy of linear models in volatility prediction. His work bridges theoretical finance with practical applications, such as developing machine learning-based portfolio construction methods for emerging markets. Awards: 2007 Dimitris N. Chorafas Foundation Prize 2006 Best Paper Award, Cass Business School His professional roles include Chief Risk Officer at Itaú-Unibanco (2013–2017) and Quantitative Researcher/Trader at Principia Capital Management (2009–2011). He is a member of LEM (Laboratory of Economics and Management) and teaches courses on financial programming, risk management, and portfolio analysis.
John Cotter is a Full Professor of Finance and Chair in Quantitative Finance at University College Dublin's Smurfit School of Business. He holds a PhD from Queen's University Belfast and prior academic roles include Associate Professor (2006-2012) and Senior Lecturer (2004-2006). His research focuses on volatility modeling, risk management, and asset pricing with applications in equity, real estate, and derivative markets. Cotter directs the Centre for Financial Markets and the Financial Mathematics Computation Cluster (FMC2), a multi-university research initiative funded by Science Foundation Ireland. Education: BComm and MEconSc from University College Cork, PhD in Finance from Queen's University Belfast. Research interests span asset pricing, volatility modeling, risk management, and financial market integration. His work has been published in top journals like Journal of Banking and Finance and Journal of International Money and Finance . He has secured grants including the ADAPT Phase 2 project (2021-2026). Cotter advises the European Securities Markets Authority (ESMA) and has consulted for numerous organizations globally. Notable awards include the UCD Outstanding Educator Teaching Award and UCD School of Business Research Contribution Award. He serves as Associate Editor for three journals and has supervised numerous PhD students through FMC2.
Dr. Joseph Bosco Bangura is a Senior Researcher in Religious Studies & Missiology at the Evangelical Theological Faculty (ETF Leuven) and Senior Researcher in Intercultural Theology at the Protestant Theological University, Groningen. He serves as a Part-Time Lecturer at Aachen University and has held roles at institutions in Sierra Leone, Germany, South Africa, and Uganda. His work bridges Pentecostalism, missiology, and intercultural theology across Africa and Europe. Education: Ph.D. in Theology and Religious Studies (ETF Leuven & Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 2013) M.Th. (ETF Leuven, 2007) M.Phil. (Fourah Bay College, 2004) Post-Graduate Certificate in Ecumenical Studies (Ecumenical Institute Bossey, 2001) B.Th. (Evangelical College of Theology, 1997) Research Interests focus on African Pentecostalism, contextual theology, secularization in Africa and Europe, interfaith engagement, and the cultural adaptation of migrant churches. His work explores the intersection of religion with environmental disasters, gender dynamics, and digital media in African Christianity. Selected Articles highlight eco-theology in Sierra Leone, gender and leadership in diaspora churches, and the impact of secularization on Pentecostal communities. His publications also address urban missiology, transnational practices, and the historical evolution of African churches. Academic Memberships: European Academy on Religion and Society American Society of Missiology GloPent Research Network Lamin Sanneh Institute (University of Ghana)
Naz Koont is an Assistant Professor of Finance at the Stanford Graduate School of Business . Her research explores how technology and nonbank intermediaries reshape banking landscapes, focusing on financial stability, competition, and consumer welfare. PhD in Finance (Columbia Business School, 2024) MPhil in Finance (Columbia Business School, 2021) Honors BSc in Mathematics and Economics (University of Toronto, 2018) Her research interests include: Financial Intermediation : Analyzing digital banking’s impact on bank roles. Credit Markets : Studying credit lines and leverage constraints. Industrial Organization : Modeling competition dynamics in banking. Technology : Assessing digitalization’s effects on financial systems. Article trends reveal her work combines empirical analysis and structural modeling to examine: Digital banking’s role in bank competition and consumer welfare Credit lines’ function in debt dilution mitigation ETFs’ active management strategies in illiquid markets Peer effects in deposit market demand Scientific awards include: HEC Paris Top Finance Graduate Award (2024) Bernstein Center Doctoral Grant (2021) Columbia Finance Department Best 4th Year Paper (2021)
Steven Davidoff Solomon is a Professor at the University of California, Berkeley - School of Law. He is also affiliated with the European Corporate Governance Institute (ECGI) and the Berkeley Center for Law and Business, reflecting his deep engagement in corporate law and governance research. His research interests span Corporate Law, Securities Regulation, Mergers and Acquisitions, Corporate Governance, Financial Regulation, Private Equity, and ESG . His scholarship often integrates empirical legal studies with doctrinal analysis, focusing on the economic and regulatory implications of corporate transactions and governance structures. His recent publications reveal a consistent focus on modern corporate governance challenges, including dual-class stock, passive investing, public benefit corporations, and the impact of social movements on executive contracting. His work frequently appears in top-tier law reviews and is highly cited, indicating significant scholarly influence. He has collaborated extensively with leading scholars such as Jill E. Fisch, Matthew D. Cain, David Zaring, and Randall S. Thomas. While no specific awards or students are listed in the provided text, his prolific output and institutional affiliations underscore his prominence in the legal academic community. His research has practical implications for policymakers and practitioners, demonstrated by his testimony before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on financial regulatory reform. He continues to be an active contributor to legal scholarship, with recent publications extending into 2025.
Prof. Dr. Koert van Bekkum serves as Professor and Department Chair of Old Testament at the Evangelische Theologische Faculteit Leuven (ETF Leuven), where he also holds the position of Academic Vice Dean for Research since 2022. Previously, he was an Associate Professor of Old Testament at ETF Leuven (2018-2020) and continues to hold an Associate Professor position at Theological University Kampen since 2018. His academic career spans biblical scholarship, theological education, and research leadership in the field of Old Testament studies within the Reformed tradition. His educational background includes: PhD from Theological University Kampen (2010) with highest honors, dissertation: 'From Conquest to Coexistence: Ideology and Antiquarian Intent in the Historiography of Israel's Settlement in Canaan' Basiskwalificatie Onderwijs, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (2014) Visiting PhD Candidate, Archaeological Institute, Hebrew University Jerusalem (2000) Member Megiddo Expedition (1998, 2000) Drs. theol., Theological University Kampen (1997) VWO-diploma (gymnasium), Gomarus College, Groningen (1989) Van Bekkum's research interests span multiple dimensions of Old Testament scholarship, with particular emphasis on biblical historiography, archaeology of the Southern Levant, and the intersection of biblical studies with Reformed theology. His work demonstrates deep engagement with ancient Near Eastern contexts, biblical chronology, and the theological interpretation of scripture. He has made significant contributions to understanding biblical covenants, ancient Israelite history, and the relationship between biblical texts and archaeological evidence. His scholarship often bridges traditional Reformed theological perspectives with contemporary academic approaches to biblical studies, creating a distinctive voice in the field that values both confessional commitments and scholarly rigor. His recent publications reveal a consistent focus on the intersection of biblical texts with historical and archaeological contexts, particularly regarding the chronology of ancient Israel and the Southern Levant. Van Bekkum frequently examines how biblical narratives interact with ancient Near Eastern contexts, as seen in his work on Joshua, Deuteronomy, and biblical covenants. His scholarship shows a growing interest in reception history and how biblical texts have been interpreted across different eras, including contemporary contexts of religious pluralism. Notably, he has engaged with controversial topics like the Shapira forgeries and biblical chronology, demonstrating willingness to tackle complex scholarly debates while maintaining theological integrity. Van Bekkum is actively involved in academic service, serving on the Executive Board of the Netherlands School for Advanced Studies in Theology and Religion (2017-), as a member of the American Schools of Oriental Research (2019-), and previously as Secretary of the Oudtestamentisch Werkgezelschap in Nederland en België (2017-2022). His leadership extends to editorial roles, including previous service on the Editorial Board of Verantwoordingsreeks (2014-2017) and the Board of the Society for Christian Philosophy (2013-2017). His academic work is characterized by a commitment to integrating biblical scholarship with Reformed theological tradition while engaging constructively with contemporary scholarly debates. Van Bekkum's research demonstrates how historical-critical methods can coexist with confessional theological commitments, offering a model for evangelical scholarship that is both academically rigorous and theologically faithful.
Dr. Eric Tan is a Senior Lecturer in Finance at the University of Queensland's School of Business. He holds a PhD in Finance from the University of New South Wales and a Bachelor of Commerce (First Class Honours) from Monash University. Currently, he serves as the postgraduate coordinator for the finance PhD program and is a member of the Low and Negligible Risk (LNR) Ethics Review Panel. His research focuses on investments, fund management, and institutional investors like mutual funds and hedge funds. He has expanded into corporate finance, examining media coverage and political connections' roles. His work has been presented at major conferences such as the American Finance Association (AFA) and European Finance Association (EFA). He has received numerous grants from AFAANZ, industry bodies, and internal funding. Dr. Tan's articles explore topics like media influence on CEO dominance, climate transition risk in banking, and mutual fund performance. His research has won three Best Paper Awards at academic forums between 2016 and 2018. He also referees for top journals including the Review of Financial Studies and Financial Analysts Journal . Educations: PhD in Finance, University of New South Wales Bachelor of Commerce (First Class Honours), Monash University Awards: Best Paper Award, UWA Accounting and Finance Research Forum (2018) Best Paper Award, FIRN Annual Conference (2017) Best Paper Award, New Zealand Finance Colloquium (2016) Grants: AFAANZ, industry, and internal research grants. His advisory roles include overseeing the finance PhD program and ethics review. He contributes to the academic community through peer review and conference participation.
Ke Xu is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Finance, Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Victoria. His research bridges finance, econometrics, and cryptocurrency, focusing on market microstructure, high-frequency trading, and price discovery mechanisms. He has extensively studied Bitcoin ETFs, fractional cointegration models, and machine learning applications in financial markets. Key Research Areas: Market Microstructure High-Frequency Trading Cryptocurrency Dynamics Price Discovery Machine Learning in Finance Financial Econometrics Article Trends: Xu’s work spans empirical analyses of Bitcoin ETFs, volatility modeling (e.g., affine GARCH), and algorithmic trading strategies. His recent papers explore mini flash crashes using machine learning, regulatory impacts on market quality, and sustainable crypto portfolios.
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)United States
Zhijian Huang is an Associate Professor in the Department of Finance and Accounting at Saunders College of Business, Rochester Institute of Technology, with expertise in corporate finance, behavioral finance, and risk management. Education: B.Eng., Shanghai Jiaotong University (China) M.S., Michigan State University M.Eng., Cornell University Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University His research focuses on financial markets, cognitive dissonance in investor behavior, cryptocurrency volatility, and climate policy impacts on stock prices. Recent publications explore asymmetric responses to earnings news, social media sentiment effects, and credit risk modeling. Huang teaches courses in equity analysis, options/futures, and risk management, with a strong emphasis on derivative instruments and portfolio optimization strategies.
Jacobus (Kobus) Kok is Professor and Chair of New Testament Studies at Evangelische Theologische Faculteit (ETF) Leuven, with additional appointments as Professor Extraordinarius at the University of Pretoria. His multifaceted research integrates exegetical analysis with social identity theory, focusing on early Christian community formation. Education Ph.D. Theology: Religious Studies and Missiology, University of Pretoria (2017) Ph.D. Theology: New Testament Studies, University of Pretoria (2008) M.Th. New Testament Studies, University of Pretoria (2004) M.Div., University of Pretoria (2003) B.Th., University of Pretoria (2001) Kok's scholarship explores boundary dynamics in early Christianity, examining how texts like 1 Peter and Johannine literature navigated inclusion/exclusion tensions. Recent works employ social identity complexity theory to analyze community formation amid persecution. He maintains active collaborations across European universities and contributes to international theological dialogues. His extensive publications in venues like Mohr Siebeck and Brill analyze power dynamics, missional ethics, and decolonial interpretations of scripture, particularly focusing on Pauline and Johannine corpora. Kok serves on editorial boards for several theological series and participates in academic societies including SNTS, EABS, and NOSTER, promoting interdisciplinary engagement between biblical studies and social sciences.
Dr Christine Guo is a Senior Lecturer at Birkbeck Business School, University of London, with expertise in Financial Economics. She holds a PhD from Imperial College London and has taught at the University of Newcastle. Her research focuses on market microstructure, asset pricing, stochastic differential equations, and inflation targeting. Notably, her paper Constructing Asset Pricing Models with Specific Factor Loadings won the ABACUS Best Paper Award. Dr Guo supervises PhD students and teaches modules like Financial Management (ACCA-accredited) and Introduction to Accounting. She has published extensively in top journals including Abacus , European Journal of Finance , and Pacific Basin Finance Journal . Education: PhD in Economics, Imperial College London MSc in Economics and Financial Economics, University of Nottingham BSc in Economics and Econometrics, University of Nottingham Research Interests: Dr Guo’s work bridges theoretical and applied finance, with emphasis on: - Quantitative financial modeling - Market efficiency and regulatory frameworks - Inflation dynamics and monetary policy - ESG transparency and firm valuation Recent Publications Trends: Her articles analyze market structure (e.g., ETFs, multilateral trading facilities), Chinese financial markets, and ESG impacts. Methodologically, she applies stochastic models and spatial econometrics. Awards: ABACUS Best Paper Award (2012) for groundbreaking asset pricing methodology critiques Supervision & Teaching: Supervised 4 doctoral researchers (e.g., Stella Zhixin Xu on urban sustainability). Teaches BUMN145S5 (Financial Management) and BUMN131H4 (Accounting). Actively engages in PhD mentorship. Labs/Teams: Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams on financial regulation and ESG metrics through her research network.
Professor Shaun Bond is the Frank Finn Professor of Finance at the UQ Business School, University of Queensland. He has held prior positions as the West Shell Professor of Real Estate at the University of Cincinnati (Director of the UC Real Estate Center) and as a lecturer at the University of Cambridge’s Department of Land Economy. He has also served as a visiting professor at Pennsylvania State University and George Washington University. Education: PhD and MPhil in Economics from the University of Cambridge; Bachelor of Economics (First Class Honours) from the University of Queensland. Research Interests: Real estate finance, financial economics, investment and risk management, and financial econometrics. Publications: Over 33 works including 28 journal articles, 2 book chapters, and 2 conference publications, focusing on real estate markets, financial forecasting, and ESG integration. Funding: Current Macoun Research Scholar Program (2021–2025); recent grants from Queensland Government and QIC Limited for short-term rental regulation and investment management research. Supervision: Available for PhD supervision in real estate asset pricing and financial market sentiment.
Andreas J. Beck is Professor and Department Chair of Historical Theology at ETF Leuven, where he also serves as Director of the Institute of Post-Reformation Studies and Co-Director of the Jonathan Edwards Center Benelux. His research focuses on early modern Reformed theology, particularly Reformed scholasticism, Scotist philosophy, and post-Reformation intellectual history. Research areas include: Reformed Orthodoxy and scholastic methodology Historical development of doctrinal formulations Gisbertus Voetius studies and Scotist reception Early modern theological controversies Textual analysis of confessional documents Beck has led major editorial projects including the three-volume Synopsis Purioris Theologiae and supervises numerous PhD students. His publications demonstrate consistent focus on Protestant scholasticism and its medieval roots. Scientific Recognition: H. Henry Meeter Center for Calvin Studies Fellow (1995) He serves on editorial boards of Jonathan Edwards Studies , Augustiniana , and directs the book series 'Studies in the History of Church and Theology'.
Shiang Liu is an Associate Professor of Finance at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. His research focuses on Empirical Corporate Finance, Bank Mortgage, FinTech, Real Estate Finance, and Corporate Strategy. He holds a PhD in Finance from the University of North Texas, an MA in Economics from Clemson University, an MS in Financial Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and a BS in Economics from Zhejiang Gongshang University. His recent work explores topics such as cryptocurrency ETFs, FinTech lenders' impact on mortgage markets, CEO decision-making in FinTech adoption, and the interplay between corporate cash holdings and institutional investors' site visits. He is an Associate Editor of Economic Analysis and Policy and teaches courses like FIN 360 (Principles of Insurance and Risk Management) and FIN 370 (Corporate Finance). Key research areas include analyzing the real effects of financial instruments (e.g., CDS trading), geographic diversification strategies, and the macroeconomic implications of bank mortgage lending behaviors. His articles span journals such as Finance Research Letters , Journal of Financial Services Research , and Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics .
