Soroush Saghafian is an Associate Professor of Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School, specializing in applying operations research and machine learning to address public health challenges. He leads the Public Impact Analytics Science Lab (PIAS-Lab), focusing on analytics-driven solutions for societal problems. His research spans healthcare delivery optimization, emergency department efficiency, and public health policy. Notable collaborations include Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard's Center for Health Decision Science. Awards include the INFORMS MSOM Responsible Research Award and the Pierskalla Award for healthcare research. Recent work includes studies on hospital closures' impacts, predictive analytics for bipolar disorder using Fitbit data, and policy implications of race in disease risk models. He teaches courses on machine learning and big data for public impact.
Dr. Hyun Kyoung Ro is an Associate Professor in the Department of Counseling and Higher Education at the University of North Texas, affiliated with the College of Education. She previously served as a faculty member at Bowling Green State University and worked as a Research Designer and Analyst at Carnegie Mellon University’s Office of Institutional Research and Analysis. Ph.D. in Higher Education, The Pennsylvania State University (minor in Educational Psychology—Applied Measurement) M.A. and B.A., Korea University Her research centers on gender and racial equity in STEM education , learning experiences of marginalized students , and critical quantitative research and assessment . She employs rigorous methodologies to examine systemic inequities and institutional practices affecting underrepresented populations in higher education. Dr. Ro's recent publications span top-tier journals such as Journal of Engineering Education , The Review of Higher Education , and Research in Higher Education , reflecting a strong focus on equity, policy, and assessment in STEM and higher education contexts. Her work consistently emphasizes intersectionality, data justice, and institutional reform. She has received significant external funding, including: National Science Foundation ADVANCE Adaptation Track grant for gender equity on campus AccessLex Institute/Association for Institutional Research grant on law school access and enrollment among women of color Collectively, these grants total $1.1 million, supporting her leadership in advancing equity through research and institutional change. While no formal list of advisees or awards is provided, her role as a leading author and grant recipient highlights her active mentorship and scholarly leadership. Dr. Ro has not indicated any lab or research team affiliations in the provided text, but her research profile suggests collaboration with institutional research units and equity-focused initiatives.
Dr. Appala Raju Badireddy is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Vermont (UVM), and Director of the Water Treatment & Environmental Nanotechnology (WTEN) Laboratory. He is also co-founder and CTO of Secure Surgical Solutions LLC, and a founding member of Vermont Initiative for Biological and Environmental Surveillance (VIBES). His research focuses on sustainable membrane processes, environmental nanotechnology, nanometrology, and water security. Education: Ph.D., Environmental Engineering, University of Houston (2003-2009) M.Tech., Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras (2001-2003) B.Tech., Chemical Engineering, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Hyderabad (1997-2001) Postdoctoral Research, Duke University (2009-2014) under Prof. Mark Wiesner Research Interests: Sustainable Membrane Processes: Water/wastewater treatment, desalination, anti-fouling strategies, and resource recovery. Environmental Nanotechnology: Nano-enabled sensors, remediation, and implications of nanomaterials in ecosystems. Environmental Chemodynamics: PFAS fate/transport, nutrient cycling, and contaminant toxicity. Water Security: Real-time monitoring systems and soil health assessments. His work integrates lab-scale innovations with field applications, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration. Recent Research Trends: Recent publications highlight advancements in PFAS remediation, electric-field enhanced filtration, and living lab approaches to precision agriculture. He explores nanomaterials for water treatment while addressing their environmental implications through novel detection methods like ED-HSI microscopy. Labs & Initiatives: WTEN Lab: Focuses on nanotechnology-driven water solutions. VIBES: Develops environmental surveillance tools for public health. Secure Surgical Solutions: Applies nanotechnology to medical devices.
Ed Petkus is an Adjunct Professor at the Anisfield School of Business (ASB), Ramapo College of New Jersey, where he has been teaching since 2006. He holds a Ph.D. in Marketing from the University of Tennessee, an M.B.A. in Marketing from Virginia Tech, and a B.S. in Biochemistry & Nutrition from Virginia Tech. Education Ph.D., Marketing, University of Tennessee M.B.A., Marketing, Virginia Tech B.S., Biochemistry & Nutrition, Virginia Tech Research Interests Dr. Petkus focuses on Marketing Education , Marketing History , Non-Profit Marketing , and Sustainability Issues . His work explores innovative pedagogical approaches, cross-cultural learning dynamics, and the integration of sustainability and aesthetics into marketing practices. Publications & Contributions His recent publications examine the role of natural environments in teaching, cross-cultural learning styles, historical marketing case studies, and the application of holistic marketing in nonprofit contexts. He has presented research at international conferences including the Academy of Marketing Science and Global Business Development Institute.
Dr. Barbara Barbosa Neves is a sociologist of technology and ageing at the University of Sydney’s Sydney Centre for Healthy Societies, holding a prestigious Sydney Horizon Fellowship in AI Social Science. She specializes in loneliness, social isolation, and digital inequalities in later life, with over $6 million in competitive funding from global bodies. Her research bridges sociology and computer science, focusing on inclusive technology design for older adults. Education: PhD in Sociology. Formerly an Associate Director at the Technologies for Aging Gracefully Lab, University of Toronto, Canada. Visiting positions at Oxford, Oslo, Louvain, and Toronto. Research Interests: Sociology of Technology , Aging Anxieties , Healthcare AI , and Ageism . Her work examines how AI, VR, and robotics can benefit older adults while addressing ethical and social challenges. Key themes include combating age-based digital divides and designing technologies that align with care ethics. Grants & Projects: Lead Investigator for the $1M+ evaluation of Australia’s Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme, ARC Discovery Project on loneliness and technology, and MRFF-funded dementia studies. Collaborates with multidisciplinary teams, including computer scientists and policy experts. Awards: 28+ international awards, including Mather Awards (US), George Story Distinguished Lecturer, and Fellowships from the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA) and Higher Education Academy (FHEA). Public Engagement: Over 200 media contributions, including ABC op-eds and SBS documentaries. Her research informs policy and public discourse on aging, technology, and social equity.
Rafael Grohmann is an Assistant Professor of Media Studies at the Department of Arts, Culture and Media , University of Toronto. He is also affiliated with Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos (Unisinos University) , Brazil, as an Assistant Professor in Communication. Grohmann serves as Principal Investigator for the Fairwork project in Brazil , Coordinator of DigiLabour Research Lab , and editor of DigiLabour newsletter . His work bridges Latin American digital labor studies, AI's societal impacts, and platform cooperativism. Education: Ph.D. in Communication, University of São Paulo (2016) M.Sc. in Communication, University of São Paulo (2012) BA in Social Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora (2009) Research interests include platform labor , AI and work , datafication , and worker-owned platforms , with a focus on Global South and gender perspectives . His recent work analyzes Brazilian women's hidden labor on AI platforms and labor migration in the gaming industry. Scientific awards include grants from SSHRC , CNPq , FAPESP , and COST Action . Grohmann is an editorial board member of Big Data & Society , Work, Employment and Society , and co-founder of the Platforms & Society journal. He is actively involved in public engagement, including podcasts like Tech Won't Save Us and op-eds on data sovereignty. Projects: Creative Labour and Critical Futures (CLCF) : Studies ethical approaches to AI in creative sectors. Worker-Owned Intersectional Platforms (WOIP) : Explores worker-owned tech solutions in Brazil and Argentina.
Nishant Garg is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His research focuses on sustainable construction materials, particularly cement-based systems, leveraging advanced characterization techniques such as X-ray scattering, neutron diffraction, and Raman imaging. His work addresses environmental sustainability through innovations in low-carbon materials, waste utilization, and durability enhancement. Education: Ph.D. in Nanoscience, Aarhus University (2015) M.S. in Civil Engineering Materials, Iowa State University (2012) B.E. and Diploma in Civil Engineering, Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology and Chandigarh College of Eng. & Tech. (2010, 2007) Research Interests: Sustainable cement chemistry, material characterization, carbonation processes, and development of eco-friendly construction materials. His lab, the Garg Group, emphasizes multi-scale analysis (nano-to-macro) to bridge fundamental science and practical applications. Key Contributions: Innovations include the UR2 test for cement reactivity, SorpVision for automated sorptivity assessment, and VR tools for materials education. These advances aim to reduce costs, improve material performance, and promote circular economy practices. Awards and Roles: Dean’s Award for Excellence in Research (2025) Member, Transportation Research Board AKM 50 Committee (2025–Present) Recipient of American Ceramic Society’s Stephen Brunauer Award (2021) Advising and Grants: Actively recruiting MS/Ph.D. students. Leads initiatives on low-carbon concrete, funded by NSF and industry collaborations. Serves on CEE advisory committees and graduate admissions. Labs/Teams: The Garg Group integrates interdisciplinary approaches, collaborating with materials scientists, engineers, and data scientists to tackle global infrastructure challenges.
Q. Jane Gu is a Professor at the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Georgia Tech since September 2024, holding the Ed and Pat Joy Professorship. Previously, she was at the University of California, Davis (2012–2024) and the University of Florida (2010–2012). She earned her Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from UCLA in 2007. Her research focuses on high-efficiency, low-power interconnects, millimeter-wave, sub-mm-wave, and terahertz integrated circuits and systems for applications in communication, radar, and imaging. Notable contributions include sub-THz resonator-based sensors, dielectric waveguide interconnect channels, and energy-efficient transmitters. Recipient of NSF CAREER Award (2013) 2015 UC Davis Outstanding Junior Faculty Award 2017 and 2018 Qualcomm Faculty Awards 2019 UC Davis Chancellor’s Fellow 2022–2023 IEEE SSCS Distinguished Lecturer Her group has garnered nine best paper awards, including top honors at the 2016, 2017, and 2020 IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposia. Research interests span terahertz interconnects, millimeter-wave radar systems, and integrated circuits for high-speed communication. Publications reflect advancements in sensor design, high-frequency transceivers, and phased-array systems, emphasizing energy efficiency and signal integrity.
Xiaohang Li is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) , where he serves as Principal Investigator of the Advanced Semiconductor Laboratory (ASL) . He holds a Ph.D. (2015), M.S. (2011), and B.S. (2008) in Electrical Engineering and Applied Physics from Georgia Institute of Technology, Lehigh University, and Huazhong University of Science and Technology, respectively. Research Focus: Professor Li specializes in (ultra)wide bandgap semiconductors (III-nitrides, III-oxides) for next-generation devices, including LEDs, lasers, transistors, and sensors. His work spans materials growth, simulation, fabrication, and characterization, targeting applications in energy, communications, and biomedical industries. Key Trends in Publications: Recent articles highlight advancements in InGaN micro-LED fabrication, β-Ga2O3 flexible transistors, AlN MOSFETs, and machine learning-optimized plasmonic structures. Themes include wide bandgap materials , 3D integration , thermal management , and flexible electronics . Scientific Awards: Harold M. Manasevit Young Investigator Award (2018) IEEE North Jersey Section ED/CAS MTT/AP Chapters Award (2019) Georgia Tech representative, Global Young Scientist Summit (2015) IEEE Photonics Society Graduate Student Fellowship (2014) D. J. Lovell Scholarship (2013) Mentorship: Since joining KAUST, Li has advised over 100 students and leads the ASL team in pioneering semiconductor research. His group focuses on fundamental and applied studies of wide bandgap materials to drive innovations in energy and health sectors.
Waldemar Karwowski is a Pegasus Professor and Chairman of the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management Systems at the University of Central Florida, USA. He also serves as Executive Director of the Institute for Advanced Systems Engineering. His affiliations include the College of Engineering and Computer Science and multiple international academic roles. He holds a Doctor of Science (dr hab.) in Management Science from Poland, a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from Texas Tech University, and three honorary doctorates from universities in Ukraine, Slovakia, and Russia. His research focuses on neuroergonomics, human systems integration, safety engineering, nonlinear dynamics in human-machine systems, and applications of soft computing. He co-edits leading journals including Human Factors and Ergonomics in Manufacturing and Theoretical Issues in Ergonomics Science . Key achievements include Fellowships from HFES, IEA, and the UK's Institute of Ergonomics, and past presidencies of HFES (2007) and the International Ergonomics Association (2000-2003). His work addresses grand challenges in human factors, AI ethics, and healthcare safety culture. Recent research explores EEG-based neuroergonomic metrics, graph neural networks for brain connectivity analysis, and pandemic modeling with nonlinear dynamics. Awards include the Handbook of Human Factors and Ergonomics (5th ed., 2022) co-edited with Gavriel Salvendy. His advisory roles span industry and government, emphasizing systems engineering and human-centered AI integration.
Ji-young Shin serves as an Assistant Professor in the Teaching Stream within Education Studies at the University of Toronto Mississauga's Department of Language Studies. Her position integrates teaching, research, and practical application in language education with emphasis on assessment innovation and technology integration. Her academic credentials include: PhD in English / Second Language Studies & ESL from Purdue University, USA MS in Educational Psychology & Research Methodology from Purdue University, USA MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, South Korea BA in English Education (Japanese minor) from Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, South Korea Shin's research program focuses on language assessment, corpus linguistics, and technology-mediated pedagogy. She employs mixed methods with quantitative emphasis, utilizing corpus-informed computational analysis and latent-trait modeling complemented by qualitative discourse analysis. Her work addresses critical gaps in second language acquisition, educational measurement, and digital learning environments, particularly regarding AI applications and test validation across diverse language contexts. Her publication trajectory from 2017-2025 demonstrates consistent innovation in language assessment methodologies and technology integration. Key themes include AI-powered chatbots for L2 Korean instruction, online vocabulary testing for Spanish, and corpus-based writing pedagogy. Her work shows increasing focus on artificial intelligence applications and cross-linguistic validation studies, reflecting evolving priorities in language education research. Shin has secured competitive research funding including: Global Classrooms Grant (2025–2026) for VR-enhanced intercultural competence Black, Indigenous, and/or Racialized Scholar Grant (2025–2026) for cross-border AI language learning IRCC Engage3 Project (2022–2024) as Co-PI on VR/AI educational advancement Advancement Fund Plus (2022) for generative AI in teacher education British Council Award (2019) for technology-mediated assessment development She teaches advanced courses including 'The Future of Ed Tech: Active Learning Classrooms and Artificial Intelligence' (EDS285) and supervises community-based experiential learning (EDS388). Her grant portfolio indicates active supervision of research assistants and collaboration with international teams focused on AI implementation and assessment validation. Current projects explore generative AI for language learning across diverse contexts and virtual reality applications in teacher education. While specific laboratory infrastructure isn't documented, her collaborative publications with researchers across Korea, Spain, and the United States suggest participation in international research networks focused on language assessment technology and corpus applications.
Tomika Greer, Ph.D., serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Human Development and Consumer Sciences at the University of Houston's College of Technology, where she coordinates both the graduate and undergraduate Human Resource Development (HRD) programs. Her extensive teaching portfolio spans 19 courses delivered online and face-to-face, covering quantitative methods, organizational learning, talent management, and e-learning design. Her academic credentials include: Ph.D. in Human Resource Development, Texas A&M University M.Ed. in Instructional Technology, Texas Tech University B.S. in Chemical Engineering, North Carolina State University Dr. Greer's research program critically examines career development pathways for women, veterans, and underrepresented populations through lenses of gender diversity, work-life integration, and remote work dynamics. Her scholarship bridges STEM education equity and organizational behavior, with particular focus on first-generation college students and military-to-civilian transitions. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2016-2023) reveals three dominant trajectories: 1) Feminist HRD evolution toward gender diversity beyond binary frameworks, 2) Pandemic-era telework adaptation strategies and their impact on career trajectories, and 3) Systematic investigations of structural barriers facing marginalized professionals. Her work consistently employs mixed-methods approaches across journals like Frontiers in Psychology and International Journal of HRD. Major recognitions include: Double AHRD Book of the Year Award (2023) for edited volumes on critical HRD Scholarly Publication Award from UH Women of Color Coalition (2023) Inclusion in Cell Press's 1,000 Inspiring Black Scientists list (2020) Dissertation of the Year Award from American Society of Training and Development (2011) Texas A&M Diversity Fellowship ($63,000) during doctoral studies As Faculty Advisor for the Student Society of HRD, she has secured Student Organization of the Year awards (2018, 2021) while mentoring students through the Graduate Enhancement for Minority Studies (GEMS) program. Her grant work focuses on minority recruitment in STEM through case studies at Hispanic-Serving Institutions. Dr. Greer actively shapes the field through her re-elected service on the Academy of HRD's International Board of Directors (2018-2024) and leadership in curriculum development for HRD undergraduate education, emphasizing research-based pedagogical approaches.
Frank T. Rothaermel is Regents' Professor and Russell B. and Nancy H. McDonough Chair in Business at the Scheller College of Business , Georgia Institute of Technology. He is also an Alfred P. Sloan Industry Studies Fellow and recipient of the NSF CAREER Award. Named among the world's top 2% most-cited researchers by Stanford's Meta-Research Innovation Center, his work focuses on strategy, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Ph.D. in Strategic Management, University of Washington MBA, Marriott School of Management, Brigham Young University Diplom-Volkswirt (M.Sc. equivalent), University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany Rothaermel's research examines dynamic capabilities , technological discontinuities , and university entrepreneurship . His empirical studies span biotech/pharma industries, high-tech startups, and interfirm alliances, with particular emphasis on knowledge networks , appropriability strategies , and innovation ecosystems . His 15 most recent publications analyze topics like academic startup performance, coopetition dynamics, disruption processes, and alliance management. Key themes include technology transfer mechanisms , complementary assets , and knowledge flow optimization in innovation contexts. NSF CAREER Award Sloan Industry Studies Best Paper Award Byars Faculty Excellence Award Thomson Reuters World's Most Influential Scientific Minds Poets & Quants Favorite MBA Professor (multiple times) As educator, he authored a leading Strategic Management textbook (6th ed., 2023), translated into four languages, and 70 Harvard Business Publishing case studies (27 bestsellers). His industry collaborations include Amgen, Microsoft, and Mercedes-Benz, while holding visiting professorships at institutions in Germany, Singapore, and Switzerland.
Elena Serrano, Ph.D., is a Professor and Extension Specialist in the Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise at Virginia Tech. She directs the Virginia Family Nutrition Program (VFNP), a land-grant initiative focusing on nutrition security and chronic disease prevention. Her work emphasizes evaluating food assistance programs and promoting healthy eating through community partnerships. She holds a Ph.D. from Colorado State University (2001) and has served at Virginia Tech since 2002, advancing from Assistant to Associate Professor before her current role. Her research explores food security contributors, SNAP program effectiveness, and mental health linkages among low-income mothers. Notable awards include the Virginia Tech Alumni Award (2022) and recognition for early career contributions (2007). Education: Ph.D. & M.S. in Food Science and Human Nutrition (Colorado State University), B.S. in Development Studies (UC Berkeley) Key Roles: Director of VFNP, Virginia Cooperative Extension leader, and Extension Specialist Her research focuses on nutrition security, food environment interventions, and policy evaluation. Recent work examines SNAP-authorized retailers’ healthy product commitments and the impact of food insecurity on maternal mental health. She collaborates on initiatives to enhance access to nutritious foods through farmers markets, school programs, and community health worker models. Awards: Virginia Tech Alumni Award (2022), American Heart Association Volunteer Award (2010), and multiple NEAFCS recognitions Grants/Programs: Leads multi-state collaborations for school nutrition programs and Healthy Food Retail initiatives Program highlights include the VFNP’s 50-year history improving family nutrition and its “Eat Smart, Move More” motto. Current projects address food waste in camps, SNAP consumer environments, and drone technology for food security. She has over 50 peer-reviewed publications and presents at national conferences like ISBNPA and Society for Nutrition Education.
Heidi Patel is a Lecturer in Management at the Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB), holding this position since 2015. She is also Managing Partner at Rethink Impact, LP, a leading venture capital firm focused on women-led software businesses in digital health, education technology, economic empowerment, and climate technology sectors. Previously, she served as President and Head of Communities Investing at New Island Capital Management and held roles at Pacific Community Ventures and AOL Time Warner Ventures. Education: AB in Political Economy from Princeton University (1997), MBA from Stanford GSB (2004), and PMP Certificate. She currently serves on the Investment Committee for the GSB Student Impact Fund since 2016. Her teaching focuses on impact investing through courses like 'Impact: Investing for Good' (GSBGEN 505/305). She has co-authored impactful case studies including analyses of Beneficial State Bank, the F.B. Heron Foundation, and the Impact America Fund, exploring themes of mission alignment, social return evaluation, and hybrid business models. Her professional career bridges venture capital, investment banking, and social entrepreneurship, emphasizing scalable solutions for societal challenges. She has contributed to the Center for Social Innovation at Stanford GSB, which trains business leaders to leverage markets for social good.
