Chantal Stern is Professor and Department Chair at Boston University's College of Arts and Sciences, where she directs the Cognitive Neuroimaging Laboratory and Cognitive Neuroimaging Center. Her research uses fMRI to study memory formation, spatial navigation, and neurodegenerative conditions. Research examines neural mechanisms underlying visual/spatial information processing, memory encoding/retrieval dynamics, and cognitive changes in normal aging and dementia pathologies. Current projects investigate navigation systems, attentional networks, and computational models of reasoning. Publications demonstrate consistent methodological innovation in neuroimaging, particularly in mapping temporal aspects of navigation and developing predictive models integrating perceptual and abstract reasoning systems.
Roles and Affiliations: Daniel Berkowitz is a Professor of Economics at the University of Pittsburgh. He holds a secondary appointment at the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs. His research focuses on comparative institutions, development economics, and applied microeconomics, with a strong emphasis on legal frameworks and economic reforms in transitioning economies, particularly China and post-Soviet states. Recent Activities: Visiting Researcher, Bank of Finland Institute for Emerging Economies (2024) Visiting Professor, Heinz School of Carnegie Mellon University (2022) Executive Secretary of the Association for Comparative Economic Studies (2019-2021) Former Co-Managing Editor of the Journal of Comparative Economics (2007-2016) Research Interests: Berkowitz’s work explores how legal institutions, political dynamics, and historical contexts shape economic outcomes. Key themes include: The impact of legal transplants on trade and development State-owned enterprises and reforms in China Environmental and energy economics, including fracking’s economic implications Bureaucratic capacity and policy effectiveness His interdisciplinary approach merges law, economics, and policy analysis. Publications Overview: His recent work addresses topics like household financial strategies in fracking regions, bureaucratic influences on income distribution, and corporate governance in China. Earlier research examined Russia’s market reforms and the long-term effects of legal systems on trade. Grants and Labs: Active in cross-institutional collaborations, including visiting roles at Tsinghua University and the National Bureau of Economic Research. No specific lab affiliations were mentioned, but his work often involves empirical field studies and institutional analysis.
Daniel P. Gitterman is the Duncan MacRae ’09 and Rebecca Kyle MacRae Professor of Public Policy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He also serves as Director of the Honors Seminar in Public Policy and Global Affairs (Washington, DC) and Executive Director of EPIC. His research focuses on the American Presidency, education and labor markets, welfare policy, and globalization. Education: B.A. from Connecticut College; M.A. from the University of Pennsylvania; A.M. and Ph.D. in Political Science from Brown University. Postdoctoral work included Harvard University’s Health Policy program and a National Institute of Mental Health fellowship at UC Berkeley. Key awards include the Tanner Award and John L. Sanders Award for teaching excellence. He has held fellowships from the Institute of Arts and Humanities, Academic Leadership Program, Chairs Leadership Program, and Global Research Institute’s inaugural Globalization program. His work emphasizes cross-sector collaboration (public, private, nonprofit) and executive governance tools like presidential executive orders. EPIC and the Honors Seminar exemplify his commitment to applied policy education and global engagement.
Professor Meziane Lasfer holds the position of Professor of Finance at Bayes Business School, City, University of London. He has been affiliated with the institution since 1990, contributing to academic leadership roles, including directing the MSc Finance and PhD programs. His expertise spans Applied Corporate Finance, Capital Markets, and Corporate Governance. He has held visiting professorships at institutions such as HEC Paris, University Paris Dauphine, and the University of Bologna. Education: He earned a PhD in Finance from the University of Bath (1985–1987), a Dip in Finance from the London School of Economics (1981–1982), and a BSc in Economics from an unknown institution. His research has been sponsored by organizations like the National Association of Pension Funds and the Institute of Chartered Accountants. Research Interests: His work focuses on dividend policy, capital structure, M&A, and corporate governance. Key themes include the impact of taxation on corporate decisions, insider trading dynamics, and institutional investor behavior. His findings are published in top journals like the Journal of Finance and frequently cited in financial media. Articles Trends: His recent publications analyze executive compensation, insider trading strategies, and M&A performance in high-risk environments. A common thread is exploring how governance structures and market inefficiencies shape corporate outcomes. Awards: Multiple Dean's Teaching Excellence Awards (1998, 2003, 2006, 2008) for outstanding pedagogical contributions. Advising & Grants: While no explicit student advising list is provided, his research has been funded by industry partners like BP and Land Securities-Trillium. He has advised on corporate recovery strategies and regulatory policies, with parliamentary discussions referencing his work on retirement savings. Labs & Collaborations: His research often involves international collaborations, reflecting his visiting appointments and global academic networks. Key areas of focus include cross-border governance and European market dynamics.
Robert 'Corky' Cartwright is a Professor of Computer Science at Rice University, specializing in programming languages and software engineering. His research focuses on parallel programming extensions for Java/Scala/Swift, smart programming environments for error-free code, pedagogic tools like DrJava, and intent-driven programming in the FAST language. He has contributed to cyber-physical systems modeling through frameworks like Acumen and DrHJ. Education: PhD (Computer Science, Stanford University, 1976), BA (Applied Mathematics, Harvard College, 1971). Awards include ACM Fellow (1998). Teaching emphasizes principles of programming languages and program design. His work bridges theoretical foundations (domain theory, formal semantics) with practical tools for education and industry.
Rita Coelho do Vale is an Associate Professor of Marketing at CATÓLICA-LISBON School of Business and Economics, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, where she serves as Dean for Undergraduate Programs and Director of the Behavioral Insights Unit. She holds a Ph.D. in Marketing from Tilburg University, an MBA from Faculdade de Economia-UNL, and a Licenciatura in Economics from Universidade Nova de Lisboa. Her research centers on consumer behavior, with a focus on decision-making, self-regulation, impulsive buying, and sustainable consumption. Rita has published extensively in leading journals such as the Journal of Consumer Research , Journal of Business Ethics , and Journal of Product & Brand Management . Her work explores how consumers regulate behavior, respond to ethical claims, and are influenced by packaging and brand strategies, particularly in private label and fair trade contexts. The trend in her recent publications shows a strong emphasis on behavioral insights, integrating psychology with marketing to understand subtle influences on consumer choices, including package size deception, copycat branding, and moral licensing. Her research often employs experimental and cross-cultural methods. Scientific Roles and Leadership: Dean for Undergraduate Programs, CATÓLICA-LISBON Director, Behavioral Insights Unit Oversees LERNE (Laboratory of Experimental Research in Economics and Management), PEO (Online Research Panel), and OSP (Observatory of the Portuguese Society) Teaching: She teaches Consumer Behavior, Services Marketing, and Research Methodologies across undergraduate, master’s, and executive education programs, including customized corporate programs. Grants and Research Leadership: As Director of the Behavioral Insights Unit, she leads a multidisciplinary team conducting experimental and applied research in consumer and economic behavior. She has contributed to national and international research initiatives, though specific grants are not listed in the source text. Labs and Teams: She leads the Behavioral Insights Unit, which integrates experimental, online, and societal observation platforms to advance behavioral research in marketing and economics.
Prof. Michael N. Smolka is a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, focusing on neuro-cognitive mechanisms underlying addictive behaviors. His research employs longitudinal approaches to study addiction development, maintenance, and recovery, integrating computational modeling of behavior with functional MRI to map brain systems. Key areas include executive functions, decision-making, learning, and motivation. He contributes to research consortia such as SFB 940 and TRR 265. Research interests emphasize brain-behavior interactions in mental health, with studies on genetic risk factors, environmental influences, and neuroimaging correlates of psychiatric disorders. His work bridges clinical psychiatry with cutting-edge computational methods, aiming to develop diagnostic tools and personalized interventions. Recent studies explore machine learning applications for predicting substance use disorders and eating disorders, alongside investigations into developmental trajectories of brain morphology and cognitive control mechanisms. Publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches, linking genetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors to addictive behaviors and mental health outcomes. His contributions to frameworks like brain-derived nosology and diathesis-stress models reflect his commitment to advancing translational research in psychiatry.
Sandra M. Đosić is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Electronics in Niš, University of Niš, Serbia, specializing in Electronics and Embedded Systems. She has been actively contributing to research in real-time systems, fault tolerance, wireless sensor networks, and indoor localization technologies. Research Interests: Her work spans fault-tolerant real-time systems, energy-efficient computing, UWB-based indoor localization, and communication protocols for wireless sensor networks. She explores techniques such as dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS), tone-based contention resolution, and deflection routing in networks-on-chip to enhance system reliability and efficiency. Publication Trends: Her recent publications (2009–2022) demonstrate a strong focus on improving robustness and performance in embedded and distributed systems. The research integrates signal processing, network optimization, and energy-aware design, primarily applied in industrial and indoor environments. Scientific Awards: No awards are mentioned in the provided text. Advising and Grants: While no specific students are listed, she is currently participating in two national research projects, indicating active involvement in funded research. Her collaborations with researchers such as Igor Stojanovic and Milica Jovanovic suggest a strong team-based research approach. Labs and Research Teams: Although no formal lab or team name is specified, her repeated co-authorship with colleagues from the Faculty of Electronics implies active participation in a research group focused on electronics, communications, and real-time systems.
Vincent Dussart is a University Professor in Public Law at the Faculty of Law and Political Science, University of Toulouse 1 Capitole, where he is affiliated with the Maurice Hauriou Institute (IMH). His academic and professional work centers on public finance law, tax law, constitutional law, and local government finances. University: University of Toulouse 1 Capitole School: Faculty of Law and Political Science Department: Department of Public Law Academic Rank: Professor Email: Vincent.Dussart@ut-capitole.fr His research interests include public finance law, tax law, constitutional law, local and European finance, parliamentary budgetary power, and fiscal decentralization. He has published extensively on the financial autonomy of public authorities, the impact of national and EU fiscal policies on local governments, and the legal dimensions of taxation and budgeting. His recent publications (2020–2024) analyze the effects of the COVID-19 crisis on local finances, VAT justice, toxic loans, and the erosion of parliamentary consent to taxation. He is the author of the 12th edition of the Public Finance Manual and has contributed to policy debates through journals such as Revue française de finances publiques , Revue de Gestion et Finances publiques , and Pouvoirs . Dussart completed his doctoral thesis on The Financial Autonomy of Constitutional Public Authorities in 2013. He also serves as a municipal advisor, bridging academic research with practical governance. His work reflects a strong engagement with both doctrinal legal analysis and real-world fiscal challenges facing French and European institutions. Fiscal Justice and VAT Local Government Finance and Decentralization EU Budgetary Law and Fiscal Integration Parliamentary Powers over Taxation Legal Aspects of Public-Private Partnerships Modernization of Financial Administration Dussart has not received any explicitly mentioned scientific awards in the provided texts. However, his extensive publication record and editorial contributions indicate significant scholarly recognition. He advises on public finance policy and has contributed to debates on municipal governance, fiscal reform, and administrative modernization. His dual role as academic and municipal councilor highlights his engagement in public service and applied legal scholarship. He has not disclosed any specific research grants, but his institutional affiliation with IMH suggests participation in collective research programs. He is affiliated with the Maurice Hauriou Institute (IMH), a leading center for legal and political research at UT Capitole, which supports interdisciplinary work on public institutions, governance, and law. His research is likely conducted within this collaborative environment, contributing to national and European legal scholarship.
Giuseppe PAGNONI is an Associate Professor at the Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neurosciences of Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia . His research spans neuroscience , computational modeling , meditation , and brain network analysis . He teaches courses such as Neural Systems Modeling for Bioengineering students and Human Physiology and Pathophysiology in Medicine programs, with a focus on predictive coding , default mode network , and emotional valence processing . Pagnoni has contributed to ENIGMA-Meditation , a global initiative exploring meditation's neuroscientific basis, and developed sparse Bayesian models for analyzing brain network individual differences. His work on Alzheimer's disease investigates anosognosia mechanisms through resting-state fMRI, while other studies examine ghrelin's role in obesity-related reward processing and oxytocin's effects on social anxiety . He employs dynamic causal modeling and predictive processing frameworks to study cognitive effort, mind wandering, and neuromorphic learning. His methodological expertise includes functional MRI , independent component analysis , and computational simulations .
Jérémie Gallien is a Professor of Management Science and Operations at the London Business School , holding a PhD in Operations Research from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and an Engineering Degree from École des Mines de Paris. His research focuses on advancing supply chain management and global health delivery through collaborations with industry leaders and international organizations. Education: PhD in Operations Research, MIT Engineering Degree, École des Mines de Paris Gallien’s work combines mathematical modeling with practical applications, targeting efficiency improvements in supply chains and health delivery systems. He collaborates with firms like Amazon, Dell, and Zara on inventory control, dynamic pricing, and warehouse optimization, while also working with the Global Fund, World Bank, and Clinton Health Access Initiative on health system challenges such as HIV early diagnosis network design and performance-based procurement funding in sub-Saharan Africa. In teaching, he contributes to Master’s degree electives and Executive Education programs at London Business School, emphasizing operational resilience and supply chain strategies. His research group accepts visiting researchers only for periods exceeding six months. For professional engagement, Gallien serves on editorial boards of top journals ( Management Science , Operations Research , Manufacturing & Service Operations Management ). His work has influenced health policy guidelines and field deployments in rural Africa.
Pejman Lotfi-Kamran is an Associate Professor at the School of Computer Science, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM), Tehran, where he also serves as the head of the school and director of Turin Cloud Services. His research focuses on computer architecture, systems, approximate computing, and cloud computing, with an emphasis on performance and energy efficiency for big-data applications. His educational background includes: Ph.D. in Computer Science, EPFL (2013) M.Sc. in Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Tehran (2005) B.Sc. in Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Tehran (2002) Lotfi-Kamran's research spans computer architecture innovations, including data and instruction prefetching, networks-on-chip, coherence protocols, and many-core processor design. He has pioneered work on scale-out processors, neural acceleration for GPUs, and approximate computing frameworks. His publications appear in top venues such as ISCA, HPCA, MICRO, and IEEE/ACM journals. His recent articles reflect a strong trend in improving system performance through intelligent prefetching, efficient NoC designs, and energy-aware architectures. Key themes include reducing frontend bottlenecks, optimizing cache behavior, and enhancing data delivery in large-scale systems. His work often combines cross-stack insights with hardware-software co-design for real-world impact. Scientific awards and recognitions include: 2017 CADS Best Paper Award 2016 Young Faculty Award from Iran's National Elites Foundation 2012-2013 Intel Ph.D. Fellowship 2012 and 2011 HiPEAC Paper Awards 2011 HPCA Best Student Paper Finalist Multiple academic honors from University of Tehran He has advised several graduate students including Paria Darbani, Ali Ansari, Mohammad Bakhshalipour, and Farid Samandi, many of whom have co-authored significant papers. His teaching spans institutions like Sharif University of Technology, Iran University of Science and Technology, and EPFL, covering advanced computer architecture and multiprocessor systems. He has led research projects such as AxBench and CloudSuite on Simics, and contributed to national initiatives like Iran’s National Grid. He is actively involved in tool development and continues to shape research in next-generation computing systems. He leads the Turin Cloud Services initiative at IPM and is deeply engaged in both theoretical and applied aspects of computer systems research, with ongoing work in neural acceleration, approximate computing, and scalable architectures.
Dr. Jeanie Sheffield is an Honorary Associate Professor at the School of Psychology, University of Queensland. She maintains an active research profile with numerous publications spanning clinical psychology, child development, and mental health interventions. Her work primarily focuses on supporting children with neurodevelopmental conditions and their families through evidence-based interventions. Dr. Sheffield's research interests span several key areas in clinical psychology and child development. She has made significant contributions to understanding and addressing the needs of children with autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, and other neurodevelopmental conditions. Her work particularly emphasizes parenting interventions, with a strong focus on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) approaches delivered through both traditional and innovative online formats. She has also conducted important research on depression prevention in adolescents, eating disorders, and the development of quality of life measures for children with chronic health conditions. Analysis of Dr. Sheffield's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on evidence-based interventions for children with neurodevelopmental conditions and their families. Her work demonstrates a progression from foundational research on depression prevention and eating disorders toward more specialized interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder and cerebral palsy. A notable trend is her increasing use of digital and online platforms to deliver psychological interventions, making evidence-based care more accessible to families. Her research often employs rigorous methodologies including randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews. Dr. Sheffield has been involved in significant collaborative research projects, particularly those focused on: Parenting interventions for children with cerebral palsy using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Mental health support for Indigenous populations through digital platforms Development and validation of quality of life measures for children with chronic health conditions Interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder and related conditions
Konstantinos Markantonakis is a Professor of Information Security in the Department of Information Security at Royal Holloway, University of London, where he also serves as Director of the Smart Card and IoT Security Centre and the Transformative Digital Technologies, Security and Society Catalyst. He is a leading figure in embedded systems and IoT security, with extensive research and consultancy experience. BSc (Hons) in Computer Science, Lancaster University, 1995 MSc in Information Security, Royal Holloway, 1996 PhD in Smart Card Security, Royal Holloway, 2000 MBA in International Management, Royal Holloway, 2005 His research focuses on securing embedded and cyber-physical systems, including smart cards, mobile devices, drones, automotive systems, and IoT. He investigates trusted execution environments, side-channel analysis, secure protocols, and hardware-software binding. His work bridges theoretical security and practical implementation, often uncovering zero-day vulnerabilities in consumer devices. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in trusted computing, remote attestation, secure embedded systems, and privacy-preserving technologies. His research integrates blockchain for secure energy trading, develops frameworks for edge machine learning, and advances forensic techniques for damaged storage media. He also explores covert channels in mobile and cloud environments, demonstrating a deep understanding of both offensive and defensive security. Best Paper Award Markantonakis has led major research projects such as EXFILES (forensic extraction from encrypted smartphones), Future TPM (quantum-resistant trusted modules), and the Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research. He has supervised numerous PhD students and delivered keynotes at international conferences. His consultancy work has impacted financial institutions, transport operators, and mobile platform security. He leads the Smart Card and IoT Security Centre, a research hub focusing on practical security for connected devices. The centre conducts cutting-edge research in side-channel attacks, secure application execution, and forensic analysis, contributing significantly to both academic and industrial advancements in cybersecurity.
L. Thomas van Binsbergen is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science & Computer Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, affiliated with the College of Science & Health. His work focuses on language design, formal methods, and policy-based systems. His research explores Executable formal specifications of programming languages Modular meta-language frameworks (e.g., iCoLa+, eFLINT) Data-dependent grammars for network protocols Purpose-based access control derived from GDPR Functional parsing algorithms (GLL, Happy-GLL) Policy enforcement in distributed systems Recent publications (2020-2025) demonstrate trends in language parametric design, security policy formalization, and exploratory programming environments. Notable collaborations include Damian Frölich, Tim Müller, and Tom M. van Engers. Van Binsbergen earned his PhD from Royal Holloway, University of London (2019) and contributes to conferences like GPCE, SLE, and workshops on programming language theory and data security.
