Dr. Alison Downie is a faculty member in the Department of History, Philosophy, Political Science, and Religious Studies at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), affiliated with the Women's and Gender Studies and Sustainability Studies programs. She earned her PhD in Systematic Theology from Duquesne University, focusing on Christian Feminist Theology . Her research spans ecofeminist theologies , disability theologies , religious autobiography , interfaith dialogues , and the intersection of religion with literature and film . Downie's recent publications address theological responses to mental illness , shame , and religious trauma . Her work often explores spiritual agency , ethical frameworks , and pedagogical innovations . She has received the Faculty Recognition Award in Content Pedagogy for her scholarship in teaching, including publications on active learning , World Religions pedagogy , and feminist educational practices . Her courses include World Religions , Christian Feminist Theology , and Religious Autobiography . Downie also serves as advising coordinator for Religious Studies students.
Wahiba Abu-Ras is a Professor in the School of Social Work at Adelphi University, specializing in the Low Residency Master's in Social Work Program. She holds advanced degrees including a Ph.D. from Columbia University (2000), an M.S.W. from Rutgers University (2007), and multiple master's degrees from institutions like Harvard’s Kennedy School (1991) and Hebrew University (1989). Her research focuses on Muslim and Arab American mental health, spirituality in healthcare, post-9/11 trauma, Islamophobia, domestic violence, and immigrant populations. She has authored over 60 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, including influential works on chaplaincy care, cultural trauma, and mental health interventions in conflict zones. Abu-Ras has secured significant grants, including a 2023 Fulbright Award for telemental health research in Qatar and multiple faculty development grants. Her professional activities include editorial roles at journals like the Journal of Immigrant and Refugee Studies and Journal of Muslim Mental Health . Awards include the 2010 Institute for Social Policy and Understanding Scholar Excellence Award and repeated nominations for teaching excellence at Adelphi University. Her work emphasizes culturally responsive social work education and advocacy against systemic discrimination. She has collaborated internationally, presenting at conferences in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the U.S., and has trained healthcare professionals in cultural competency and trauma-informed care. Current projects include studies on sexual health promotion via animation, mental health resilience in post-blockade Qatar, and digital storytelling for marginalized communities.
Anita Trigg is a Professor of Social Work at Belhaven University, affiliated since 2012. Her expertise spans ethics in social work, cultural competency, poverty simulation methodologies, and intersections with criminal justice systems. She holds a B.A. from Samford University, an M.A. from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and an M.S.W. from Southern University of New Orleans. Education: B.A. (Samford), M.A. (New Orleans Baptist), M.S.W. (Southern U of New Orleans) Her research emphasizes ethical practices in diverse settings, cultural competency training for healthcare providers, and innovative poverty simulation programs. Recent work addresses pandemic-related challenges in social welfare systems. She has presented at major conferences including the Mississippi NASW State Conference and USM School of Social Work events. No scientific awards listed. Active in professional organizations including National Association of Social Workers and Clinical Social Work Association. Advising/grants section: No specific advising activities or grant details mentioned in available data. Engaged in program development through her role in Missionary training initiatives. Labs/teams: Not explicitly stated, though her work with We Will Go Ministries suggests collaboration with faith-based organizations in fieldwork initiatives.
Moira Tolan is a Professor of Business at Marymount Manhattan College's School of Business. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy from the State University of New York at Albany, a Master of Business Administration from Iona College, and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the same institution. Her academic focus lies in management education, particularly addressing sustainability practices in business and organizational behavior. Professor Tolan has served on the Board of Directors of the Northeast Business and Economics Association (NBEA) since 2014, holding roles like Vice President and Program Director. She teaches courses such as Organizational Behavior, International Business, and Research Seminar in Business Policy. Her research emphasizes integrating sustainability into business curricula and fostering ethical leadership. Recent work includes exploring quantitative literacy in accounting education and the socio-cultural dimensions of American business practices. Tolan prioritizes student engagement through technology-enhanced learning and real-world relevance, aiming to cultivate lifelong learning skills. Her publications span books, conference proceedings, and articles on business education, ethics, and sustainability. Professional contributions include mentoring initiatives for accounting students and advocating for practical pedagogy in faith-based educational settings. Her work highlights bridging theoretical management concepts with real-world applications, reflecting a commitment to both academic rigor and practical relevance.
Martin Nthakomwa is a Lecturer and Programme Manager in International Disaster Relief and Community Reconstruction at the School of Energy, Construction and Environment, part of Coventry University's Faculty of Engineering, Environment and Computing. He holds a Pg.Cert in Higher Education Professional Practice from Coventry University, an M.Sc. in Applied Development Studies and an MBA from the University of Lincoln, and a B.A. in Theology and Ministry with Development and Management components from the University of Sheffield. His research focuses on international emergencies, disaster governance, humanitarian relief strategies, and the role of religion and spirituality in disaster contexts. He also explores HIV/AIDS in Africa, migration dynamics, and vulnerability in disaster-prone regions. Notably, he contributed seven entries to the Encyclopedia of Disaster Relief (2011), addressing topics like disaster policy frameworks, refugee management, and famine analysis. Dr. Nthakomwa has managed projects such as the 2004-2005 Quality of Life: Area Profiles Research for the Audit Commission. He actively promotes diversity as a Diversity Champion and oversees academic support roles like Clearing and Study Life coordination.
Dr. Helen Beckett serves as Director of the Safer Young Lives Research Centre at the University of Bedfordshire, under the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences. She specializes in child sexual exploitation (CSE), youth sexual violence, and ethical research methodologies. With a PhD in Ethnography of Youth Homelessness from Queen's University Belfast, she has held roles across academia, policy, and voluntary sectors. Her research emphasizes participatory approaches with marginalized youth and bridges academic work with policy impact. She co-edits the Journal of Children's Services and advises on national policy forums. Key achievements include conceptualizing Contextual Safeguarding and leading projects on CSE responses in London and Northern Ireland. Publications span over two decades, focusing on criminal justice reform, safeguarding frameworks, and youth rights. Her work has influenced UK statutory guidelines and local authority practices. She supervises doctoral students and teaches in professional doctorate programs.
María José Pou Amérigo is an Associate Professor at the Department of Communication and Journalistic Information , CEU-Cardenal Herrera University . She has 30 years of teaching experience at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. Additionally, she is a columnist for the Valencian newspaper Las Provincias since 1999. Educational Background : Bachelor in Information Sciences (1992), CEU-Cardenal Herrera University PhD in Information Sciences (1999), Complutense University of Madrid Bachelor in Humanities (2009), Open University of Catalonia Master in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language (2012), National University of Distance Education (UNED) Currently studying Geography and History (UNED) Research Focus : Her work centers on journalistic discourse analysis in social and religious contexts, digital media transformations , and social challenges in media . Current projects examine energy poverty in media agendas and ageism in pandemic reporting . Article Trends : Her publications reveal a trajectory from social and religious journalism to digital education innovations (e.g., flipped classroom, gamification) and contemporary media ethics (e.g., ageism, cultural conflicts). University Management : She has served as Director of the Journalism Department , Head of the Bachelor's Program , and Quality Coordinator for Communication degrees at CEU-Cardenal Herrera University. She currently coordinates first-year Journalism courses, provides academic tutoring, and supervises Final Degree Projects and Master's Theses.
Yuanyuan "Faith" Zhang, M.D., Ph.D. , is an Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology at UT Southwestern Medical Center specializing in lung cancer treatment. She earned her M.D. and Ph.D. from UT Southwestern and completed a transitional year at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Her research focuses on enhancing radiation therapy efficacy through immunometabolism, spanning basic science to clinical trials. She leads the Zhang (Faith) Lab, which emphasizes translational research in precision radiotherapy. Education: M.D. and Ph.D., UT Southwestern Medical Center Transitional Year Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Radiation Oncology Residency, UT Southwestern Medical Center Research Interests: Dr. Zhang’s work integrates immunometabolism to improve radiation therapy outcomes. Key areas include: Mechanisms of radiation response in cancer cells Personalized radiotherapy strategies Combination therapies with immunotherapy Targeted metabolic interventions in cancer Awards & Honors: ASCO Young Investigator Award KL2 Clinical and Translational Research Scholar Award President’s Research Council Distinguished Researcher Award American Cancer Society Award NCI-UTSW Lung SPORES Career Enhancement Award Grants & Advising: Dr. Zhang’s lab actively pursues grants to advance translational research. She mentors students and collaborates on clinical trials for novel radiation therapies. Notable projects include SCINTIX® biology-guided radiation and adaptive radiotherapy protocols. Labs & Affiliations: Principal Investigator of the Zhang (Faith) Lab , focused on patient-centered translational oncology. Active member of ASTRO, ASCO, AACR, and RSNA.
John Blevins is an Associate Research Professor at the Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University. He also holds a secondary appointment in Emory's Graduate Division of Religion. His roles include Director of the Interfaith Health Program (IHP) and Director of Social-Behavioral Science for the Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) Network. Dr. Blevins earned a B.A. from Furman University, M.Div. from Duke University, and Th.D. from Emory University. His research focuses on the intersection of religion and public health, particularly addressing HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa through partnerships with religious leaders and faith-based organizations. His work is funded by PEPFAR and UNAIDS, emphasizing collaboration between governments, civil society, and faith communities. Key projects include building faith-based partnerships to strengthen HIV prevention and support, and leading CHAMPS to investigate child mortality through minimally invasive tissue sampling. He is affiliated with organizations like the American Public Health Association and the American Academy of Religion.
Dr Christine Hadfield is a Lecturer in Modern Languages Teacher Education at the University of Glasgow, specializing in Pedagogy, Praxis & Faith. She holds a First Class degree in Hispanic Studies from the University of Strathclyde and a PhD from the University of Hull. With over a decade of teaching experience in secondary schools and additional roles as Assistant Head of Department and Advanced Skills Teacher, her career spans both classroom practice and educational leadership. She has contributed to strategic networks as a Regional Coordinator for Modern Languages Teachers and trained educators as an Advanced Mentor and Coach. Her research focuses on modern languages education, trauma-informed practices, and pupil mental health. Key areas include the intersection of pedagogy with faith-based education and skills-based learning methodologies. Publications address topics such as early childhood trauma care, school mental health policies, and reflective teaching practices. She actively engages in conferences, presenting at events like the European Conference on Educational Research (ECER Plus 2022) and Scottish Educational Research Association (SERA 2022). Academically, she teaches on the MEduc and BEd4 programs, focusing on Modern Foreign Languages, and supervises Masters students in the School of Education. Her work emphasizes practical, evidence-based approaches to creating healthy educational environments.
Dr. Lynn Bohecker is a Professor of Counseling in the Department of Counselor Education and Family Studies at Liberty University's School of Behavioral Sciences. She previously served as Director of the Marriage and Family Therapy program and currently chairs doctoral dissertation studies. As CEO of The Counseling Center at Tree City, she combines academic and clinical leadership. Her research focuses on integrating spirituality/religion into counseling, group work dynamics, and professional identity development. Teaching specialties include CACREP core courses, research methods, and marriage/family therapy. Her recent publications explore systemic theory applications in counselor education, culturally sensitive supervision practices, and intersectional counseling approaches for Black Christian women. She also investigates mentorship readiness in cross-cultural counseling contexts. No scientific awards are explicitly listed in the provided materials. Her professional roles include both academic administration and clinical leadership, though specific grants or advising details are not documented here.
Jorge Rosales Lopez, PhD, CRC, LPC, NCC, is an Assistant Professor in the Counseling Department at Palo Alto University (PAU), where he contributes to teaching, research, clinical training, and community engagement. A bilingual (English/Spanish) licensed professional counselor, he is deeply committed to advancing culturally sensitive and socially just mental health services for marginalized communities, particularly Latinx and disabled populations. His academic journey includes a PhD in Counselor Education & Counseling from Idaho State University, an MS in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling from Georgia State University, and a BA in Psychology from the University of California, Riverside—all from CACREP-accredited programs. Dr. Lopez’s research and professional interests center on multicultural sensitivity, Relational Cultural Theory, liberation-oriented research, social justice, disability awareness, and mentorship of BIPOC and Latine students and faculty. He emphasizes collaborative community efforts (comunidad) as a pathway to effective service delivery. His work reflects a commitment to inclusive excellence in counselor education and supervision. His recent publications span topics such as cultural competence in rehabilitation counseling, religious coping in cancer patients, suicide intervention, and healing dialogues within Latine communities. These works reflect interdisciplinary engagement across counseling, health psychology, and social justice frameworks. NBCC Doctoral Minority Fellow (2022–23) Rehabilitation Services Administration Scholarship Program (U.S. Department of Education) Dr. Lopez actively mentors future counselors through the NBCC Foundation and serves in leadership roles, including Western Regional Representative for the Association of Multicultural Counseling and Development. He is faculty advisor to the Latinx student organization PULSO and serves on the Latinx Task Force at PAU. He is also involved in collaborative research projects with colleagues and participates in doctoral admissions. Dr. Lopez is establishing a private clinical practice with his wife, also a counselor, and advocates for expanding Spanish-language clinical training at PAU. He is passionate about reducing power differentials in education and values lived experience as a form of wisdom. He is actively engaged in labs and teams focused on multicultural counseling research, social justice initiatives, and community-based partnerships such as Immigrant Justice Idaho during his doctoral studies. His future work aims to further integrate community collaboration, bilingual services, and liberation-oriented frameworks into counselor training and practice.
Benjamin Doolittle, MD, MA Div, is a Professor of Medicine (General Medicine), Pediatrics, and Divinity at Yale University. He serves as Director of the Combined Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Residency Program and Medical Director of the Faculty-Resident Continuity Clinic. Board-certified in internal medicine and pediatrics, Dr. Doolittle focuses on addiction, Hepatitis C, HIV, and primary care. MD, Yale University School of Medicine (2002) MA Div, Yale Divinity School (1994) BS, Yale University (1991) Dr. Doolittle's research explores the intersection of medicine and spirituality, with emphasis on wellness, burnout, and religion's impact on chronic disease. His work spans studies on emotional coping during pandemics, health professions student flourishing, and integrating spiritual care into clinical practice. Recent publications analyze telomere biology and religiosity, fractal geometry in decision-making, and social determinants of health. Awards include the Courage to Teach Award (2018), Leonard Tow Humanism Award (2015), and multiple Yale-specific honors. ACGME Courage to Teach Award Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award Primary Care Hall of Fame Inductee Leah Lowenstein Award As an ordained minister, Dr. Doolittle also serves a local urban congregation, bridging his clinical, educational, and spiritual roles.
Carolyn Pela, Ph.D., is a Professor and Dean of the School of Graduate Studies at Arizona Christian University. She is affiliated with the Department of Political Science and Family Studies, where she contributes to academic leadership and teaching in psychology and family therapy. Education: Ph.D. in Psychology, Capella University M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy, University of Wisconsin B.S. in Psychology and Sociology, Grand Canyon University Dr. Pela's research focuses on human sexuality, narrative therapy, and therapeutic outcomes for individuals experiencing unwanted same-sex attractions. Her work emphasizes cultural and religious competence in psychotherapy, sexual attraction fluidity, and well-being. She integrates clinical psychology with faith-based perspectives, advocating for client-centered, ethical therapeutic practices. Her publications and presentations over the past decade highlight a consistent focus on narrative approaches, identity reconstruction, and clinical outcomes. Themes include sexual fluidity, religious client care, and therapist bias, with research disseminated through journals like the Journal of Human Sexuality and conferences such as the Alliance for Therapeutic Choice & Scientific Integrity. Scientific Contributions: Multiple peer-reviewed articles and book reviews on gender, sexuality, and therapy Regular presenter at national and international conferences on therapeutic choice and integrity Workshop developer and trainer for professionals and students Dr. Pela advises on therapeutic best practices and has contributed to discussions on research evaluation and scientific standards. She leads academic programs and promotes rigorous, compassionate care in mental health contexts. She is actively involved in her field through research, publishing, and academic administration, with no indication of lab affiliations or team-based research groups.
Professor Damien Ridge is a leading academic in health studies and a practicing psychotherapist at the University of Westminster, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Life Sciences. He is recognized for his qualitative research on the lived experience of chronic health conditions, mental health, and patient-centered care. His work has significantly influenced national health policy, particularly through NICE adoption of his research on depression recovery conducted at the University of Oxford’s Health Experiences Research Group (HERG). Education and Academic Background: Originally trained in medicine before transitioning to social sciences Developed expertise in qualitative methodologies and patient experience research Established a national and international reputation in mental and chronic illness research Research Interests: Damien Ridge’s research spans mental health and recovery, chronic conditions (including HIV, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Long-COVID), masculinities and health, sexual health, and sensitive qualitative methods. His work critically examines patient experiences, therapeutic relationships, and the social dimensions of illness. He employs in-depth interviews, narrative analysis, and ethnographic methods to explore complex health phenomena such as benzodiazepine withdrawal, ECT experiences, and mindfulness in men. Recent Research Trends: His recent publications and funded projects reveal a strong trajectory in digital health (e.g., AI chatbots for STI advice), health inequalities (e.g., long-COVID in ethnic minorities), and innovative psychological interventions (e.g., integrating Islamic psychology into therapy). His work increasingly focuses on marginalized populations and the intersection of identity, culture, and health. Scientific Awards and Recognition: H-index of 33 and i10-index of 67 Over 100 peer-reviewed publications and two books Research cited in national clinical guidelines (NICE) Extensive funding from NIHR, MRC/ESRC, Wellcome Trust, and other major bodies Advising and Grants: Damien Ridge has led numerous high-value research projects, including a £2.5 million NIHR-funded study on cancer rehabilitation (SURECAN) and multiple projects on long-COVID, mental health in men, and digital health interventions. He frequently collaborates with multidisciplinary teams across institutions. While student advisees are not listed, he supervises MSc Psychology projects and contributes to postgraduate training. His research emphasizes participatory and patient-centered approaches. Labs and Research Teams: He is affiliated with the Centre for Psychological Sciences and the Supporting Patients with Long-term Health Conditions research group at the University of Westminster. These teams focus on qualitative evaluation of health services, mental health interventions, and the psychosocial aspects of chronic illness. His work is deeply collaborative, often involving partnerships with NHS services, community organizations, and international researchers.
