Crystal S. Rudds is an Assistant Professor in the Department of English at the University of Utah, specializing in African American literature and culture. Her research focuses on twentieth-century American and African American fiction, qualitative narratives about urban life and housing, Black Feminisms, and black geography/ecology. PhD in English from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2016) MFA in Creative Writing from Indiana University-Bloomington (2004) BA in Communications with minors in French and Theatre from Wake Forest University (1999) Her scholarly work examines the intersection of literature and urban environments, particularly through public housing fiction. She uses interdisciplinary approaches combining qualitative research with literary analysis, emphasizing community engagement and the phenomenological experiences of residents in urban spaces. Her publications address topics like the historical context of public housing narratives and the concept of 'the black interior' as a framework for understanding spatial identity. Rudds has received prestigious honors, including the David D. Anderson Award for Midwestern Literary Studies and the Mary Blinn Poetry Prize. She is also a Faculty Research Fellow and Intersectionality Pedagogy Fellow at the University of Utah. Her teaching philosophy integrates experiential learning and community-focused methods, with courses such as African Amer Lit 2, Seminar in Lit. Study, and Studies Af Amer Lit. She emphasizes archival research, site visits, and performance-based learning to empower students as co-creators of knowledge.
Crystal S. Rudds is an Assistant Professor of African American literature and culture in the Department of English at the University of Utah, specializing in twentieth-century American and African American fiction, urban life narratives, Black Feminisms, and black geography/ecology. She earned her PhD in English from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2016) and MFA in Creative Writing from Indiana University-Bloomington (2004). Her research explores intersections between literary analysis and community engagement, focusing on urban spatiality, public housing representation, and black interiority. She has published works analyzing Frank London Brown and Jasmon Drain's housing narratives, digital archiving practices, and pedagogical identity evolution. Key grant activities include: Gathering, Sewing, Giving: Chronopolitics and Black Women's Quilting (TRIC/Mellon Foundation, 2023) Utah Presidential Leadership Fellowship (2023) Recognitions: David D. Anderson Award for Midwestern Literary Studies (2023) Mary Blinn Poetry Prize (2022) University of Utah Fellowships (2022) Teaching activities feature: Experiential learning with archival documents Historic site visits Performance-based literary analysis Community-focused pedagogy
Jennifer Ross is a Professor of Physics and Associate Dean for Creativity, Scholarship, and Research at the College of Arts & Sciences of Syracuse University . As a biophysicist, she investigates how cells organize their interiors through self-assembly and active matter principles, focusing on the microtubule cytoskeleton and enzyme-driven systems using single-molecule imaging . Her research bridges fundamental physics with biological organization . Education: Ph.D. in Physics, University of California, Santa Barbara (2004) B.A. in Physics and Mathematics, Wellesley College (2000) Research Focus: Self-organization of cytoskeletal networks Active matter dynamics in biological systems Motor protein interactions and cargo transport Programming circadian materials via biomolecular systems Microtubule severing mechanisms Recent Article Trends: 2025 studies explore kinesin-driven cytoskeletal composites, urease-DNA origami engineering, and crosslinker-regulated network mechanics 2024-2023 work examines ionic strength effects on microtubules, programmable circadian materials, and motor-cargo dynamics Earlier studies analyze actin-microtubule composites, liquid crystal phase control, and severing enzyme mechanisms Scientific Awards: Fellow of the American Physical Society (APS) and American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Cottrell Scholar (2025) and STAR Award Margaret Oakley Dayhoff Award (Biophysical Society) Grants: Leads multiple NSF, Sloan Foundation, and Research Corporation grants for projects like "Energy and Entropy Sculpting" and "Explorations: SUPER-Tech SHIP" . Teaching: Offers courses in experimental physics, microscopy, and biophysics, including a globally adopted hands-on microscope-building curriculum. Lab: Heads the Bio-Active Matter Lab , studying how cells harness noisy systems for autonomous organization.
Rhonda Goldman is a Full Professor in the Clinical Psychology Department at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Chicago, Illinois. She is a licensed Clinical Psychologist in Illinois and runs her private practice, Emotion-focused Therapy, Chicago, where she sees both couples and individuals. Dr. Goldman is a founding board member of the International Society of Emotion-focused Therapy and serves as President of the Emotion-focused Therapy Institute. Dr. Goldman earned her academic credentials from York University in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, receiving her Bachelor of Arts in 1987, Master of Arts in 1991, and Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology in 1997. She taught at the Illinois School of Professional Psychology for 22 years before transitioning to her current position at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology following the closure of the Illinois School. Dr. Goldman is a leading expert in Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), a therapeutic approach that integrates elements of client-centered therapy, Gestalt therapy, and modern emotion theory. Her research focuses on EFT for couples, emotional processes, empathy, vulnerability, depression, case formulation, and self-soothing. She has authored six texts on EFT and two professional videos published by the American Psychological Association. Dr. Goldman teaches graduate courses in Humanistic and Experiential Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Seminars, and Emotion-Focused Therapy, emphasizing the importance of emotional processing in therapeutic change. Dr. Goldman's publications demonstrate a consistent focus on advancing Emotion-Focused Therapy through both theoretical development and practical application. Her work spans individual therapy, couples therapy, case formulation, and therapist training, with recent emphasis on adapting EFT for online delivery. Her research shows how emotional awareness and processing serve as central mechanisms of change in psychotherapy, with applications across various clinical issues including depression and relationship distress. Dr. Goldman is actively involved in professional organizations that support the development and dissemination of Emotion-Focused Therapy. She serves as a founding board member of the International Society for Emotion-focused Therapy, past-president of the Society for the Exploration of Psychotherapy Integration, Action-Editor for the Journal of Person-centered and Experiential Psychotherapies, and member of the Society for Psychotherapy Research. As an educator and clinician, Dr. Goldman has mentored numerous professionals in the field of psychotherapy. She travels internationally conducting training workshops for mental health professionals in Emotion-focused therapy for Couples and Individuals across Europe, Asia, and North America. Her work bridges research and practice, emphasizing the importance of emotional processing in therapeutic change while maintaining a strong commitment to evidence-based practice. Dr. Goldman co-founded the Emotion-focused Therapy Institute (EFTI), which facilitates and fosters training and educational opportunities for psychologists and therapists interested in incorporating EFT into their professional practices. Through EFTI and her international workshops, she has created a global community of practitioners dedicated to advancing Emotion-Focused Therapy.
Daniel Krutz is an Associate Professor in the Department of Software Engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) , with a secondary appointment as Courtesy Associate Professor at the University of Florida's Department of Computer & Information Science & Engineering. He directs the AWARE Lab , focusing on Autonomous Systems, Warfare Applications, and Software Engineering , supported by $6M+ in federal grants from NSF, NSA, DOD, and AFRL. His research spans AI/ML, Self-Adaptive Systems, Decision Support Systems, and Accessibility in Computing Education . He holds a PhD from Nova Southeastern University and has taught courses including Software Engineering Freshman Seminar and Capstone Research Project . He is an NSF CAREER Award recipient (2022) and former AFRL Fellow (2018). Educations: BS, St. John Fisher College MS, Rochester Institute of Technology PhD, Nova Southeastern University Labs: AWARE Lab (Autonomy, Warfare, and Engineering) Awards: NSF CAREER Award (2022) AFRL Research Faculty Fellowship (2018) Teaching: Undergraduate/Graduate courses in software engineering, accessibility, and AI/ML Research Interests: Focus on experiential learning in computing education, neuroevolutionary algorithms, and AI ethics. Recent projects address empathy-building interventions for inclusive software development and context-aware decision support systems . Grants & Funding: Over $6M secured since 2018 from NSF, DOD, and NSA for projects in AI/ML, cybersecurity, and adaptive systems. Current work explores AI-driven stock trading frameworks and accessibility education modules.
Alice Reznickova is an Associate Teaching Professor and Capstone Lead in the Masters of Environment (MENV) Program at the University of Colorado. She holds a PhD in Environment and Resources from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, an MS in Chemistry from the same institution, and a BA in Chemistry from Smith College. Her work focuses on sustainability education, food systems, urban design, and policy, with a strong emphasis on equity and community engagement. Previously served as Director of Sustainable Urban Environments at NYU Tandon School of Engineering Worked as Campus Sustainability Director at Ripon College Interdisciplinary Scientist at Union of Concerned Scientists, focusing on sustainable food policy Reznickova pioneered NYC's first urban agriculture census and developed experiential learning programs such as the C40 Students Reinvent Cities competition and Ripon's Sustainability Fellowships. Her research addresses food justice, nutrition security, and inclusive sustainability practices.
Lori Escallier, PhD, RN, CPNP-PC, FAAN is a Professor and Dean at the College of Nursing, Downstate Health Sciences University. With over 36 years of experience in nursing education, she is recognized nationally for developing innovative mentorship models and educational engagement strategies that have significantly impacted underrepresented and minority nursing students. Academic Qualifications BSN from Salve Regina College (1980) MSN from SUNY Stony Brook (1988) PhD from Adelphi University (1995) Her research focuses on diversifying the nursing workforce, addressing healthcare disparities, and leveraging veteran experiences in academic settings. She pioneered the Veteran to BS Program, translating military experience into academic credit, and co-authored the award-winning RWJF/AACN Transition to Practice Toolkit. Scientific Awards RWJF Innovation Award Above and Beyond Award (2015) Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN) Her publications emphasize nurse mentorship, veteran healthcare transitions, and digital tools for reducing disparities. She has secured over $9M in grants from RWJF and HRSA to support these initiatives.
Dr. Elaine T. Jurkowski serves as Professor in Social Work at Southern Illinois University's College of Health and Human Sciences, holding multiple leadership roles including Graduate Program Director (2021-present) and Program Director for Gerontology Programs (2020-present). She maintains cross-appointments as Adjunct Professor in the School of Medicine's Family Practice Residency Program and Professor in the Department of Health Education, demonstrating her interdisciplinary impact. B.S.W. (Industrial Social Work), University of Manitoba, Canada M.S.W. (Policy and Administration), University of Manitoba, Canada Ph.D., Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago M.B.A., Southern Illinois University Carbondale (2022) Dr. Jurkowski's research program centers on health disparities, access to mental health services, aging, and disability issues, with particular focus on rural populations. Her work bridges public health, social work, and gerontology through innovative approaches to program evaluation, technology-enhanced teaching, and culture change in long-term care settings. She has developed expertise in international health planning and inter-professional collaboration across diverse cultural contexts. Her publication portfolio shows consistent thematic development across decades, with recent work focusing on medical tourism during the pandemic, rural-urban health disparities, and technology applications in gerontology education. These publications reflect her commitment to addressing healthcare access challenges for vulnerable populations through both scholarly inquiry and practical interventions. Great Cities Research Fellow in Health Provost Faculty Fellow (2018) Provost Assessment Fellow (2016) Student Hotspotting certification (2018-present) A.P.M. Assessment Academy certification (2016, 2017) Dr. Jurkowski has successfully secured over $1 million in research funding from agencies including Health Resources and Services Administration, The Hartford Foundation, and Administration on Aging. Her grant portfolio demonstrates sustained commitment to improving services for older adults and people with disabilities, particularly in rural settings. She has served as Graduate Program Director twice (2003-2014, 2021-present), mentoring numerous social work students through their academic and professional development. Her professional activities extend beyond campus through international consulting in West Africa, Hong Kong, India, China, Russia, and Egypt, and community engagement via the "Dare to Care" radio show and board service with Caring Counseling Ministries, Supporting People in Need, and UNA/USA Southern Illinois Chapter.
Christina García, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Spanish at Saint Louis University's Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, within the College of Arts and Sciences. She specializes in Phonetics, Phonology, Sociolinguistics, and Second Language Acquisition, with a focus on Ecuadorian Spanish. Dr. García teaches courses such as Spanish Phonetics & Phonology, Spanish for the Health Professions, and Spanish in the World. Education: Ph.D., The Ohio State University, 2015 M.A., The Ohio State University, 2011 B.A., The Ohio State University, 2009 Her research interests emphasize the application of phonological principles to language teaching and the sociolinguistic variation of Spanish. She is a member of the Professional Latino Action Network (PLAN), reflecting her community engagement. Awards: 2017 Saint Louis University Faculty Commitment to Experiential Learning Award No advising or grant details are explicitly mentioned. She is affiliated with Morrissey Hall, Saint Louis, MO.
Dr. K. Max Zhang is a Professor in the Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Cornell University. He is the director of the Energy and the Environment Research Laboratory (EERL) and a fellow at the Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future. His research is deeply interdisciplinary, focusing on sustainable energy systems, air quality, and environmental justice, with significant impacts on policy and community development in New York and beyond. Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, University of California-Davis, 2004 B.S., Thermal Engineering, Tianjin University, 1998 B.A., English Language, Tianjin University, 1998 Dr. Zhang’s research centers on the integration of energy and environmental systems. He investigates air pollution dynamics using advanced numerical models like CTAG, with applications in near-source pollution, indoor air quality, and environmental justice. His work on renewable energy systems includes designing sustainable solar farms and managing distributed energy resources such as heat pumps to enhance grid flexibility. He also leads a pioneering initiative to create the first statewide public IoT network in the U.S., enabling hyperlocal weather forecasting and microclimate monitoring. His recent publications reflect a strong trend toward agrivoltaics, peer-to-peer energy markets, and IoT-based environmental monitoring. These works demonstrate a consistent focus on data-driven modeling, community-scale energy solutions, and the integration of social considerations into technical systems. The keywords across his articles highlight expertise in sustainability, machine learning, air quality, and energy transition. Cornell Town-Gown Achievement Award (2022) Engaged Scholar Prize, Cornell University (2017) People's Choice Sign of Sustainability Award, Sustainable Tompkins (2016) Scientific and Technological Achievement Award, Environmental Protection Agency (2015) Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Dr. Zhang is actively involved in mentoring students and securing research grants from agencies such as the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). His projects often involve interdisciplinary collaboration across eight Cornell colleges and 16 academic departments. He has led initiatives such as the Cornell Atkinson Academic Venture Fund projects and the development of a county-level energy roadmap for Tompkins County. He also teaches courses in engineering thermodynamics, future energy systems, and air quality, emphasizing experiential and community-based learning. Dr. Zhang leads the Energy and the Environment Research Laboratory (EERL) and collaborates with the Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future. His lab functions as a hub for innovation in sustainable communities, combining advanced modeling with real-world applications. Through partnerships with community organizations, government agencies, and industry, his team develops science-driven solutions to urban and rural sustainability challenges.
Professor Hanumant Singh leads the Electrical and Computer Engineering department at Northeastern University, with a joint appointment in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering , and serves as Program Director for the Master of Science in Robotics. He earned his Ph.D. from MIT/WHOI Joint Program in 1995 and has conducted over 60 expeditions globally, focusing on marine geology, polar studies, and coral reef ecology. His research emphasizes field robotics , including SLAM, underwater manipulation, and imaging in extreme environments. He developed the Seabed AUV and Jetyak ASV , widely used in scientific research. His labs include the Field Robotics Lab and the Institute for Experiential Robotics . Research Interests: Machine Learning for Fisheries SLAM with dynamic objects Underwater imaging and manipulation Autonomous surface and aerial systems Polar and marine robotics Awards: ICRA Best Student Paper Award, IEEE Oceanic Engineering Society Distinguished Faculty Award (2025), Lifetime Achievement Award (2022), and IEEE Fellow status. His work has been featured in Nature Geoscience , Polar Biology , and media outlets like WGBH. Students & Collaborations: Advises students like Srinidhi Pattala (MS Robotics) and Dennis Giaya (PhD Computer Engineering). Collaborates with institutions on projects such as Antarctic sea ice thickness estimation and deep-sea submersible missions.
Andrea Korda, PhD (University of California, Santa Barbara), is an Associate Professor of Fine Arts & Humanities and Associate Dean (Research) at the Augustana Campus of the University of Alberta. Her academic career bridges art history, material culture studies, and pedagogical innovation. Educations: BA in Fine Arts, Queen's University MA in Art History, Concordia University PhD in Art History, University of California, Santa Barbara Research Focus: Dr. Korda specializes in 19th-century visual and material culture, with a focus on education's visual dimensions, children's literature, and community-engaged projects like the award-winning Crafting Communities initiative. She co-curated the virtual exhibition Photographies (Bruce Peel Special Collections) and explores hands-on learning through historical crafts. Teaching: Courses include modern art history (AUART 220), photography theory (AUART 225), and special topics in visual culture (AUART 382). She emphasizes experiential learning and digital humanities integration, as seen in her work with the Getty Museum Challenge and OER projects. Collaborations: Leads interdisciplinary teams on projects like Crafting Communities , blending scholarship with public engagement. Her research bridges historical methodologies with contemporary pedagogical practices, fostering connections between academia and communities.
Brad D. Jokisch is a Professor and Undergraduate Chair in the Department of Geography at Ohio University’s College of Arts and Sciences. He is affiliated with International Studies and Latin American Studies, and his research focuses on population, environment, and development, particularly in Latin America. His work explores transnational migration, land-use change, and livelihoods in the Ecuadoran Andes. Education: Ph.D., Clark University, 1998 B.A., Augustana College, 1989 His research interests lie at the intersection of cultural/political ecology, population dynamics, agriculture, and development. He investigates how migration influences environmental change and how development shapes population movements, with a regional focus on Latin America. His fieldwork in the Ecuadoran Andes examines the impact of remittances and emigration on landscapes and rural communities. Recent publications highlight trends in transnational migration, land-use change, and development policy. His work spans interdisciplinary journals in geography, anthropology, and development studies, reflecting a strong emphasis on human-environment systems and migration. Key themes include remittances, land cover change, indigenous urbanization, and migration policy in South America. Scientific Awards: Fulbright Scholarship (2023–2024) for research on family emigration in southern Ecuador Dr. Jokisch advises undergraduate students as chair and teaches core courses such as Population Geography, Geography of Latin America, and Agricultural Ecosystems. While specific grant details and advisees are not listed, his sustained research output and leadership in the department suggest active mentorship and scholarly engagement. He is currently conducting research in Ecuador under a Fulbright award, indicating ongoing international collaboration and field-based inquiry. He is a key contributor to human-environment geography and migration studies, with a long-standing commitment to theoretical and empirical research in Latin America.
Kelly Layne, PhD, OTD, OTR, is a Clinical Associate Professor at the Department of Occupational Therapy within Robbins College of Health & Human Sciences at Baylor University. She plays a key role in the Baylor Doctor of Occupational Therapy program, focusing on innovative educational practices. Bachelor of Science in Biology (1998), University of Southwestern Louisiana Master of Occupational Therapy (2001), University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (2003), University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences Master of Philosophy in Education (2024) and PhD in Education (2025) with emphasis on technology and design Dr. Layne's research centers on the scholarship of teaching and learning, simulated learning, and occupational balance. Her work explores virtual debriefing in graduate health sciences education and experiential learning theory in occupational therapy. She has developed hybrid and face-to-face OT program content and co-authored a textbook chapter on these topics. Her peer-reviewed publications address education, international collaboration, and community practice in occupational therapy. She has presented nationally and internationally on innovative educational practices and holds certifications in breastfeeding and cognition. Her professional activities extend to pro-bono services for community-based organizations serving adults, older adults, individuals with mental illnesses, and breastfeeding mothers.
Kelly D Palmer is an Assistant Professor in the History, Geography and Legal Studies Department at The University of Tampa, within the College of Social Sciences Mathematics and Education. Her academic focus centers on modern European history, with particular expertise in French history, the Holocaust, and World War II humanitarian efforts. Her educational background includes: B.A. from Michigan State University (1991) M.A. from Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver (2002) Ph.D. from Michigan State University (2010) Professor Palmer's research delves into the history of modern Europe, with a concentration on France, the Holocaust, and European postwar historical memory. She is currently completing an article on the American Friends Service Committee and Jewish rescue in World War II France, and another on Roswell McClelland's work with the American Friends Service Committee and War Refugee Board. Her upcoming project examines women humanitarian workers in the American Friends Service Committee during WWII. Her teaching covers World History from 1500, the Holocaust, Twentieth-Century Europe, and other European history courses. Her notable scientific awards and grants include: Chosen as a university-wide applicant for the 2023 National Endowment of the Humanities Summer Stipends Program Pollock Research Grant (2021) Grant from the Undergraduate Research and Inquiry Committee for an inquiry-based course (2020) College of Social Sciences Mathematics and Education Award for Outstanding Teacher (2018-2019) UCDALI Professional Development Grant (Spring 2016) CU Online Course Development Grant (Fall 2015) Nominee for College of Arts and Letters at the University of Colorado of Denver, Teaching Excellence Award (2013-2014) Dissertation Completion Fellowship, College of Social Science, Michigan State University (2010) Kussy Scholarship for Study of the Holocaust, James Madison College, Michigan State University (2008) International Studies Program Pre-dissertation Research Fellowship, International Studies Program, Michigan State University (2007) Muelder-Lowe Graduate Award, Department of History, Michigan State University (2007) Summer Research Enhancement Fellowship, Department of History, Michigan State University (2007) Summer Research Fellowship, Department of History, Michigan State University (2006) Summer Research Language Fellowship, Department of History, Michigan State University (2005) Somers Award for Excellence and Creativity in Teaching, Center for Integrative Studies in the Arts and Humanities, Michigan State University (2005) Recruitment Fellowship, Department of History, Michigan State University (2003-2004) Professor Palmer has secured significant grant funding for her research and teaching. Notable grants include: Pollock Research Grant (2021) for her research on WWII humanitarian efforts. Undergraduate Research and Inquiry Committee Grant (2020) for an inquiry-based course. UCDALI Professional Development Grant (2016) CU Online Course Development Grant (2015) She also mentors students through an internship program with the Florida Holocaust Museum, facilitating student placements and collaborative educational events. Professor Palmer collaborates closely with the Florida Holocaust Museum, where she has developed an internship program for students and co-organizes speaker events and educational activities. This partnership serves as a key platform for her students' experiential learning and community engagement.
