Kin Tak Raymond Tsang is a Lecturer in Cinema Studies at the University of Southern California (USC) within the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. He holds a Ph.D. and M.Phil. in Cinema Studies from New York University, an M.A. in Comparative Literature from Peking University, and a B.A. in Cultural Studies from Lingnan University. Previously, he served as an Adjunct Professor at Columbia University from 2022 to 2023. Education: B.A., Cultural Studies, Lingnan University M.A., Comparative Literature, Peking University M.Phil., Cinema Studies, New York University Ph.D., Cinema Studies, New York University Dr. Tsang’s research interrogates the geopolitical dimensions of cinema, particularly focusing on Hong Kong martial arts films, Third Cinema, and Cold War-era activism. His first book project, The 'law' outside the Law: The Political History of Hong Kong Martial Arts Cinema, 1949 to 1976 , redefines the genre by analyzing its ties to colonial governance, transnational networks, and cultural containment strategies. He also explores the translocal circulation of progressive films and literature, connecting Hong Kong to Cuba, China, and Malaysia during the Cold War. In 2023, Dr. Tsang published a special issue of the Journal of Chinese Cinemas examining Hong Kong’s leftist film movements (1950–1979). His scholarship extends Third Cinema theory to bridge Asia, Africa, and Latin America, emphasizing alternative globalization through cultural exchange. He teaches courses such as EASC 150: East Asian Societies , addressing topics like Cold War geopolitics and Southeast Asian film networks. His work intersects film history, cultural studies, and political activism, offering critical insights into colonial and transnational cinema.
Xuesheng You is a Lecturer at Cardiff Business School, Cardiff University, specializing in economic history of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century Britain. He joined Cardiff in July 2022 after serving as a lecturer in economics at Swansea University for two years and remains an affiliated researcher at the Cambridge Group for the History of Population and Social Structure. His educational background includes a Bachelor's degree from the University of Manchester, an MPhil from the University of Cambridge, and a PhD in Economic History from Cambridge as a Gates Scholar. Dr. You's research focuses on two interconnected domains: gendered labor markets and household economy during the British Industrial Revolution , examining women's employment patterns and familial labor organization; and transport infrastructure's role in industrialization , analyzing railways' impact on labor migration, resource allocation, and urban development. His recent work extends to transport and economic development in late imperial China. His 2019-2025 publications demonstrate consistent methodological rigor using census data and historical records, revealing how industrialization reshaped gender roles in domestic service and factory labor while highlighting transport networks as catalysts for regional economic divergence. Scientific recognition includes: Economic History Society Carnevali Research Grant (2024) Textile History Society Pasold Research Grant (2024) Gates Scholarship As principal investigator for a Victorian child labor project funded by the Textile History Society and Economic History Society, he actively supervises research students in economic history. He serves as PhD examiner for the London School of Economics and reviews for top journals including Nature: Communications and Economic History Review . He contributes to academic governance as a member of Cardiff University Senate (2024-present) and maintains collaborative ties with Cambridge's population history group.
Mounira M. Charrad serves as Associate Professor in the College of Liberal Arts at The University of Texas at Austin, holding a courtesy appointment in the Department of Middle East Studies. She maintains active affiliations with the Center for Women’s and Gender Studies, Center for Middle East Studies, Rapoport Center for Human Rights and Justice, Center for European Studies, Center for Russian/East European/Eurasian Studies, and Plan II Honors Program. Additionally, she holds a non-resident fellowship at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy. Her academic credentials include a Ph.D. from Harvard University and undergraduate studies at the Sorbonne in Paris. This foundation supports her interdisciplinary approach bridging sociological theory with regional expertise. Charrad’s research centers on gender politics within kin-based societies, examining how state formation processes interact with colonial legacies to shape women’s rights trajectories. Her work challenges religious textualism by emphasizing social solidarity structures—whether grounded in kinship, ethnicity, or associations—as decisive factors in political outcomes. Current projects investigate Tunisian women’s associations, secularism debates, and civil society development, extending her established focus on family law reforms across the Middle East and North Africa. Analysis of her recent publications reveals persistent engagement with post-Arab Spring transformations, particularly how revolutionary moments create opportunities and constraints for gender justice. Her scholarship consistently connects macro-level political economy with micro-level lived experiences, emphasizing women’s agency within religious and legal frameworks. Recurring themes include constitutional gender debates, inheritance law conflicts, and the strategic navigation of secular-religious tensions by women activists. Professor Charrad actively mentors doctoral students pursuing diverse research on U.S. and international topics while teaching core courses in political sociology, comparative historical sociology, social theory, and gender politics. Her research program has secured significant funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities, Mellon Foundation, American Association of University Women, and American Institute of Maghribi Studies, enabling extensive fieldwork and collaborative projects across the MENA region.
Scott Leon is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at Loyola University Chicago, specializing in Clinical Psychology . He holds a Ph.D. from Northwestern University (2002) and a B.A. from the University of California, San Diego (1995). His research focuses on the role of natural support networks in child development within foster care systems, guided by Ecological Systems Theory and the Convoy Model of Social Relations. His work explores: Influence of extended family and fictive kin on emotional, behavioral, and educational outcomes for foster children Impact of paternal involvement, including non-custodial and incarcerated fathers Interaction between Adverse and Positive Childhood Experiences (ACEs/PCEs) in predicting well-being Key findings from the PACE Lab include protective effects of strong social networks against internalizing symptoms and enhanced placement stability. Collaborative studies span multiple states (Idaho, Illinois, Washington, Wisconsin) and large datasets (up to 25,000 children). Scientific awards and honors are not explicitly listed in the provided text.
József Garay is a Senior Research Fellow at the ELTE-MTA Theoretical Biology and Evolutionary Ecology Research Group, part of the Department of Plant Systematics, Ecology and Theoretical Biology at Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest, Hungary. His research spans evolutionary biology, mathematical ecology, and game theory, with a particular focus on evolutionary stable strategies and their applications to biological systems. Dr. Garay received his M.Sc. in Biology from Eötvös University (1981-1986), followed by postgraduate studies in Mathematics (1985-1989). He completed his PhD at the Hungarian Academy of Science in 2004, after doctoral studies in the Department of Plant Taxonomy and Ecology (1990-1994) and a summer school on Evolutionary Models of Cooperation in Seewiesen, Germany (1994). Garay's research interests center on evolutionary game theory and its applications to biological systems. He has made significant contributions to understanding evolutionarily stable strategies (ESS) in sexual populations, the evolutionary roots of morality, and the mathematical foundations of population dynamics. His work bridges theoretical mathematics with practical ecological applications, particularly in areas like optimal foraging, habitat selection, and the evolution of cooperation. A key aspect of his research involves extending classical game theory concepts to more complex biological scenarios, including multi-species systems and time-constrained evolutionary processes. His work on the evolutionary stability of self-sacrificing behavior and the relationship between individual fitness and group survival has provided important insights into the evolution of altruism and social behavior. Analysis of Garay's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on evolutionary game theory applied to biological systems, with increasing sophistication in modeling approaches. His work has evolved from foundational studies on evolutionarily stable allele distributions (ESAD) to more complex applications in areas like cannibalism dynamics, predator-prey interactions, and kin selection. There's a clear trajectory toward more integrative models that combine mathematical rigor with biological realism, often addressing questions at the intersection of evolutionary theory, ecology, and behavior. Notably, his research increasingly incorporates mathematical modeling techniques to analyze complex ecological phenomena, demonstrating the power of theoretical approaches to address empirical biological questions. Dr. Garay has received several prestigious awards and fellowships throughout his career: Juhász-Nagy Pál junior fellowship at Collegium Budapest Institute for Advanced Study (1999-2000) NATO research fellowship at Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Canada (2002) Research fellowship at Konrad Lorenz Institute, Austria (2005) Bolyai János fellowship of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (2006-2008) While specific information about his advising activities is limited in the provided materials, Garay's extensive publication record spanning over three decades suggests he has likely mentored numerous graduate students and early-career researchers. His collaborations with colleagues like Zoltán Varga, Manuel Gámez, and Tomás Cabello indicate a strong network of research partnerships. Garay has secured multiple research grants supporting his work, including the Bolyai fellowship and international research opportunities that have enabled him to extend his theoretical models to practical ecological applications. His work on ecological monitoring systems demonstrates how theoretical frameworks can be applied to real-world environmental challenges. Garay is a core member of the HAS Theoretical Biology Group at Eötvös Loránd University, where he contributes to a vibrant research environment focused on mathematical approaches to biological problems. His work intersects with several research teams studying evolutionary ecology, population dynamics, and mathematical biology, creating opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration on complex biological questions that require both theoretical insight and empirical validation. The group's research has significant implications for understanding fundamental biological processes and developing more effective conservation and management strategies.
Austin Lee is a Research Fellow at the Boston University Society of Fellows, Department of Sociology, specializing in race, gender, and sexuality. Her work focuses on extended kin networks, communal mothering practices among Black women, and the intersections of antiblackness with gender and sexual norms. She holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Pennsylvania and a B.A. in Black Studies from Amherst College. Her research explores the nuanced dynamics of Black families, gender conformity, and compulsory heterosexuality, supported by grants from the National Science Foundation and the University of Pennsylvania Center for the Study of Ethnicity, Race, and Immigration. She has held prestigious fellowships, including the UC President's Postdoctoral Fellowship (2023) and the Turner-Schulman Graduate Fellowship (2021). Her book manuscript, Feeling Communal Motherhood , employs affect and Black feminist theories to analyze how class and parental status shape communal care practices in Black kin networks. Her recent work addresses topics like gentrification's impact on Black spatiality and anti-gay stigma in religious communities. Key contributions include studies on Black women’s romantic challenges, childless Black women’s experiences, and LGBTQ+ inclusivity in churches. Lee’s interdisciplinary approach bridges sociology, geography, and cultural studies, emphasizing intersectional frameworks to address systemic inequalities.
Hannu Lehti is an Academy Research Fellow at the INVEST Research Flagship Centre and a University Teacher in the Department of Social Research at the University of Turku, Finland. His work integrates sociology, quantitative methods, and evolutionary social science to examine intergenerational mobility, educational outcomes, and social stratification. Academy Research Fellow, INVEST Research Flagship Centre University Teacher, Department of Social Research PhD, Docent in Social Sciences His research centers on the interplay between family background, kinship networks, and socioeconomic attainment across generations. He applies evolutionary social science frameworks—such as the Trivers-Willard hypothesis—to explain gendered educational investments and adoption behaviors. His work emphasizes the complex transmission of disadvantages through family structures and extended kin, using Finnish population data and advanced quantitative methods. Lehti's recent publications span topics including the gender achievement gap, adoption typologies, perceived economic disadvantage in children, and the duration of university studies influenced by cultural and economic capital. His work appears in journals like Frontiers in Sociology , Journal of Biosocial Science , and Evolutionary Psychological Science , reflecting a strong interdisciplinary focus bridging sociology, psychology, and biosocial sciences. His scientific contributions have not yet been publicly linked to specific awards or fellowships, but his consistent publication record in high-quality journals underscores his impact in the field. He has supervised or advised no publicly listed students. However, he collaborates with prominent researchers such as Antti O. Tanskanen, Janne Salminen, and Markus Laaninen. His research is supported through the INVEST Flagship Centre, suggesting involvement in large-scale, team-based projects focusing on well-being and inequality. He likely contributes to teaching graduate and undergraduate courses in quantitative methods and social theory. Lehti maintains active research profiles on ORCID and ResearchGate , facilitating academic collaboration and dissemination.
Eric D. Widmer is a Professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Geneva, where he conducts research on family and personal configurations, life course trajectories, and social networks. He is a member of I-DEMO and affiliated with the Swiss National Center of Competence in Research LIVES. Widmer developed the Family Network Method (FNM) and applies a configurational perspective influenced by Norbert Elias to study evolving family structures. University of Geneva – Department of Sociology Member, I-DEMO Affiliated with LIVES – Swiss Center of Expertise in Life Course Research Former Visiting Researcher, Research Group Demography and Inequality (2014) His research focuses on family diversity, gendered life courses, and methodological innovations such as multichannel sequence analysis. He investigates how family configurations evolve across the life course, how they relate to health and social capital, and how spatial dispersion is shaped by inclusiveness. His work emphasizes the historical and structural nature of family interdependencies. The most recent publications highlight trends in family ambivalence, conflict structures in older adults’ networks, spatial dispersion, and misleading social norms affecting life trajectories. His methodological contributions include optimizing sequence analysis techniques by borrowing from bioinformatics, enhancing the robustness of life course typologies. Scientific contributions include: Development of the Family Network Method (FNM) Advancement of configurational theory in family sociology Innovations in multichannel sequence analysis Typologies of male and female life trajectories Analysis of vulnerability and social norms across the life course Widmer has supervised and collaborated with numerous researchers across Europe, contributing to major publications and collective volumes. His work is supported by Swiss and European research networks. He has not disclosed specific grants, but his involvement with LIVES and the Swiss Household Panel indicates institutional funding. He is actively involved in research teams focusing on life course analysis, family configurations, and mental health trajectories. His lab-like collaborations include the Pavie group and interdisciplinary teams with bioinformaticians and statisticians, emphasizing methodological rigor and theoretical innovation.
Karen Marrero is an Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in the History Department at Wayne State University, part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Her research focuses on early North American and Indigenous history, with a particular emphasis on transnational borderlands and intercultural networks. She holds a Ph.D. in History from Yale University (2011), along with multiple advanced degrees in History and English from Yale and the University of Windsor. Her work explores how Indigenous and French kin networks leveraged Detroit’s strategic location in the 17th and 18th centuries to shape political, economic, and cultural dynamics. Current projects extend this analysis to comparative studies of border regions in Michigan/Upper Canada, Texas, and Australia during the 19th century. Marrero has received numerous awards, including grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Michigan Humanities Council. Her teaching includes courses on colonial North America, comparative history, and research methodologies. She actively mentors graduate students and has contributed to initiatives like the Michigan USA 250th Committee. Marrero’s publications emphasize interdisciplinary approaches to historical truth, memory, and the intersection of gender with colonial power structures.
Sarah Mitchell serves as Associate Professor of Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) in the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Nevada, Reno. She concurrently holds the position of HDFS Director of Graduate Studies and serves as Book Review Editor for the Journal of Family Theory and Review. A Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE), Dr. Mitchell actively engages in community service focused on diverse populations. Her educational background includes: Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Science from University of Missouri M.A. in Human Development and Family Science from University of Missouri B.A. in Psychology from University of Missouri Dr. Mitchell's research centers on intersectionality within family contexts, specifically examining how intersecting minoritized identities (LGBTQ+, racial/ethnic, and gender identities) shape familial experiences. Utilizing feminist and intersectional frameworks alongside social identity theory, her work emphasizes qualitative methodologies to explore lived realities of BIPOC LGBTQ+ individuals. Key themes include chosen kin relationships, identity navigation within academic systems, and family dynamics under societal marginalization. Her IIRS Research Lab provides critical mentorship for students investigating these complex social phenomena. Her extensive publication record reveals consistent focus on minoritized identity intersections, with recent works analyzing chosen kin networks, nonbinary POC experiences, and doctoral student family support systems. The research demonstrates methodological rigor in qualitative approaches while addressing urgent social issues like reproductive justice and homelessness among LGBTQ+ youth. Dr. Mitchell maintains an active mentorship program through the IIRS Research Lab, offering multiple pathways for student involvement including: Undergraduate opportunities: HDFS 401 Independent Study, McNair Scholarships, PREP/NURA awards Graduate opportunities: HDFS 752 Graduate Research, HDFS 791 Internship credit Prospective Ph.D. students in HDFS or Interdisciplinary Social Psychology She teaches diverse HDFS courses including Human Sexuality, Black Families, and Children in Multi-Ethnic Societies, consistently integrating underrepresented perspectives. Her service extends to editorial work and community engagement focused on historically marginalized populations.
Associate Professor Craig Sherman is a leading researcher at Deakin University, where he serves as Associate Head of School (Research and Industry Engagement) in the School of Life and Environmental Sciences under the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment. His work bridges ecological and molecular approaches to address critical questions in evolutionary biology, population genomics, and marine ecosystem restoration. Education : PhD (University of Wollongong), Graduate Certificate in Higher Education (Deakin University), BSc (University of Wales) Research Interests focus on genetic adaptation in marine and terrestrial organisms, invasive species dynamics, ecosystem restoration strategies (particularly seagrass), and the application of environmental DNA (eDNA) for biosecurity and forensic purposes. His group investigates species like sea anemones, European starlings, and marine invertebrates to uncover fundamental ecological and evolutionary mechanisms. Recent Publications highlight advancements in seagrass restoration techniques, genomic assessments of apex predators like white and tiger sharks, and the development of eDNA tools for marine monitoring and forensic applications. His work also addresses climate change impacts on marine ecosystems, biofouling management, and genetic diversity in aquaculture practices. Grants and Projects include significant funding from organizations like Melbourne Water Corporation, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry, and Ecological Society of Australia. These initiatives support research into seagrass nursery development, marine pest detection, and climate-resilient restoration methods. Supervision spans 18 current and completed doctoral projects, covering topics such as white shark genetics, seagrass restoration, invasive species ecology, and climate adaptation in marine organisms. His lab, EcoGenetics Lab , trains students in advanced molecular and ecological techniques. Teaching emphasizes evolutionary biology, population genetics, and marine ecology. His collaboration network extends globally, with partnerships in Australia, the UK, and the US.
Dr. Rich Little is a Senior Research Scientist at CSIRO Environment in Hobart, Australia. His work focuses on integrating biophysical models with socioeconomic analyses to address challenges in marine resource management, fisheries economics, and climate adaptation. He has developed decision-support tools like ELFSim for coral reef fisheries and leads the South East Australian Marine Ecosystem Survey (SEA-MES). Additionally, he contributes to Marine Visual Technologies, which employs AI for sustainable fisheries monitoring. Certificate in Executive Management and Development (2018), Australian Graduate School of Management PhD (2000), University of Alberta MSc (1995), University of Western Ontario BSc (1989), University of Western Ontario Diploma (1993), University of Western Ontario Rich Little’s research spans marine population dynamics, tradeable permit markets, Bayesian Belief Networks for fishing behavior, and the economics of marine protected areas. His recent work explores parametric insurance for climate adaptation, deep learning applications in electronic monitoring, and resilience-building in mixed fisheries. Publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches to reconciling ecological, economic, and social objectives. His scientific accolades include the CSIRO Julius Career Development Award (2008-2011), the Early Career Research Excellence Award (2005), and an Honorary Associate position at the University of Tasmania (2007-2010). He has also contributed to transdisciplinary initiatives like the Theo Murphy Frontiers of Science meeting.
Anne Roschelle is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Sociology at the State University of New York at New Paltz. Her work focuses on the intersection of race, class, and gender, with a particular emphasis on family structures, poverty, homelessness, and welfare policy. She has held leadership roles, including Chair of the Department of Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (2017–2020), and has been recognized with prestigious awards such as the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Scholarship (2024). PhD in Sociology, University at Albany (1993) M.ED, University of Maryland (1997) MA in Sociology, SUNY Albany Roschelle's research explores systemic inequalities through ethnographic studies of marginalized families. Her current book project, co-authored with Sharina Maillo-Pozo, examines Camila Henríquez Ureña's contributions to Dominican studies. Her work bridges academic inquiry with advocacy, particularly in social justice and human rights. Roschelle's publications, including her 2019 book Struggling in the Land of Plenty and 1997 award-winning work No More Kin , highlight her focus on family poverty, racial disparities, and welfare reform. Recent research on unaccompanied minors in Children and Youth Services Review extends her expertise into immigration and child welfare policy. SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Scholarship & Creative Activities (2024) CUNY Dominican Studies Institute Archives and Library Research Award (2018) Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Residency (2001) Roschelle mentors graduate students and collaborates on interdisciplinary grants, including the 2018 Experiential Learning Grant. She actively engages with community organizations, serving on the Ulster County Human Rights Commission (2014–2020) and as Vice President for Academics at UUP (2014–2017).
Chalandra Bryant is a Professor and Dr. Pauline Boss Professorship holder in Ambiguous Loss within the Department of Family Social Science at the University of Minnesota's College of Education and Human Development. She currently serves as the Department's Director of Research and maintains active editorial roles with the Journal of Family Theory and Review and Journal of Marriage and Family . Education: PhD, University of Texas, Austin MA in Science Education, The University of South Florida BS in Biology, The University of South Florida Research Focus: Dr. Bryant's work centers on the developmental roots of close relationships, sustainability of intimate ties, and how social, familial, economic, and psychosocial factors influence marital outcomes. Her NIH-funded research on African American marriage and health examines the interplay between marital quality and physical health, with particular attention to racial discrimination and economic stressors. She employs family systems theory to analyze contextual factors affecting relationship resilience, especially within marginalized communities. Publication Trends: Her recent work demonstrates consistent focus on African American family dynamics, boundary ambiguity, and health-marriage connections. Publications span interdisciplinary contexts including family therapy, trauma studies, and sociological analyses of interracial relationships, reflecting integration of clinical, systemic, and cultural perspectives in family science. Scientific Recognition: 2019 - Best Family Economics Paper of the Year Award (NCFR) 2017 - Research Superstars (University of Georgia) 2009 - Diversity Achievement Award (Penn State) 2005 - Outstanding Young Professional Award (Texas Exes) 2004 - Reuben Hill Research and Theory Award (NCFR) 2002 - New Contributions Award (IARR) Mentorship and Funding: Dr. Bryant actively mentors graduate students in PhD and MA/PhD programs, with new advisees accepted for Fall 2026. Her NIH-funded project A Study of African American Marriage and Health established foundational work on marriage-health connections, while recent seed grants support collaborations like the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical University partnership. She also contributes to NSF initiatives through CAREER program workshops and Developmental Sciences funding opportunities. Professional Engagement: As current Chair of NCFR's Inclusion and Diversity Committee, she leads national efforts to advance equity in family research. Her co-authored textbook Family Stress Management: A Contextual Approach remains a seminal resource, and her photographic work in trail guides demonstrates interdisciplinary creative expression beyond traditional academic boundaries.
Jessica Stephenson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh, housed within the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences. Her research focuses on disease ecology and evolutionary parasitology, particularly investigating how host social behavior and ecological conditions influence parasite transmission dynamics. She uses Trinidadian guppies and their gyrodactylid parasites as model systems to explore evolutionary interactions between hosts and parasites. Her work examines factors such as host individual variation, microbiome effects, and environmental pressures that shape disease spread. Key themes include behavioral tolerance to infection, kin-based disease resistance strategies, and the evolutionary consequences of parasitism. Stephenson’s lab integrates experimental evolution, field observations, and molecular techniques to address questions at multiple biological scales—from individual host-parasite interactions to landscape-level epidemiology. Publications highlight her exploration of sex-dependent parasite resistance, microbiome influences on host behavior, and the evolutionary implications of host social networks. Her research also extends to broader topics like pandemic virus evolution and comparative analyses of social distancing behaviors across species. Stephenson actively maintains a lab website detailing ongoing projects and collaborates on platforms like ResearchGate and Twitter.
