Susan Crane is a Lecturer and Chemistry Lab Manager at Mount St. Joseph University , affiliated with the Biomedical & Natural Sciences school and the Chemistry Department . She teaches General Chemistry 1 and 2, including lab components, and courses in General, Organic, and Biochemistry. Education: B.S., Warren Wilson College M.A.T., Western Carolina University Susan specializes in chemistry education , focusing on developing first-year chemistry labs that emphasize critical thinking, laboratory skills, and written communication. Her work bridges chemistry with applications in industry, environmental science, health, and everyday experiences , aiming to make the subject accessible to students from diverse majors. In her role as a lab manager, Susan oversees the design and implementation of laboratory components for chemistry courses, ensuring alignment with lecture topics and fostering student engagement.
Gonçalo Rocha Gonçalves is an Assistant Professor in the Department of History at ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon, School of Sociology and Public Policy. He is also an Integrated Researcher and Co-coordinator of the research group 'Historical Dynamics and Global Integration of the World' at CIES-Iscte – Center for Research and Studies in Sociology. His academic work spans teaching, research, and academic leadership, including roles as Director of the Bachelor’s in Modern and Contemporary History and Erasmus Coordinator in the Department of History. PhD in History, The Open University, UK (2008–2013) Master’s in Sociology, ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon (2004–2008) Bachelor’s in Modern and Contemporary History, ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon (2003) His research centers on the history of policing, state formation, transnational crime, and urban security in the Ibero-American Atlantic from the 19th to early 20th centuries. He explores how police institutions evolved through national reforms and transnational exchanges, particularly between Portugal, Brazil, Spain, and Italy. His work integrates institutional, social, and diplomatic history to understand the dynamics of state control, political exile, and international cooperation in crime suppression. His recent publications and research projects, such as CINCRA (2022–2025) on international crime and extradition, reflect a strong focus on global and comparative frameworks. His books, including Fardados de Azul: Polícia e Cultura Policial em Portugal c.1860–1939 (2023), demonstrate deep archival engagement and theoretical insight into police culture and governance. Herman Diederiks Award (2013) for contributions to crime history Gonçalo Rocha Gonçalves has supervised multiple PhD and Master’s students, contributing to the next generation of historians. His teaching covers European and Latin American history, social movements, and archival methods. He is actively involved in research projects, academic management, and international scholarly networks, including participation in scientific committees for major conferences like the VIII International Symposium of the Network of Crime Historians in the Americas (2025). He leads the 'Flammable City' and 'CINCRA' research projects, focusing on urban security and transnational crime, respectively, and conducts fieldwork in national archives across several countries. His work bridges historical scholarship with contemporary questions of state power, security, and international cooperation.
Dr. Nur Syazwani Mazlan is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Econometrics and Business Statistics at Monash University Malaysia, where she joined in July 2024. Previously, she was a faculty member at Universiti Putra Malaysia’s School of Business and Economics from 2015 to 2024. Her academic qualifications include a PhD in Econometrics from the University of Bristol (2015), an MSc in Finance from Imperial College London (2010), and a First Class BSc (Hons) in Mathematics, Statistics, and Financial Economics from Queen Mary, University of London (2008). Her research centers on Applied Econometrics, Big Data, Sentiment Analysis, and International Economics , with strong applications in the gig economy, financial development, and policy analysis. She has developed innovative teaching materials, including a copyrighted module on Stata-based econometric modelling. The recent research articles show a consistent focus on gig economy dynamics, financial inclusion, trade, and socio-economic policy in Malaysia and Asia, leveraging big data and econometric techniques. Her work increasingly integrates public policy and sustainable development goals. Excellent Service Award, Universiti Putra Malaysia (2017, 2019, 2020, 2021) Excellent Staff Award, School of Business and Economics, UPM (2019) Recognition for Contribution to Industry and Community Network Involvement Best Presenter Award at a National Conference Dr. Mazlan has secured over RM1 million in research funding from agencies including MOHE (FRGS, LRGS), UNFPA, and KWSP. She has advised PhD students and served as a consultant to MARA, KWAP, and the Ministry of Health. Her editorial roles include Managing Editor (2017–2019) and Associate Editor (2024) of the International Journal of Economics and Management . She is actively involved in peer review and professional networks such as the World Economics Association and the International Statistical Institute. She leads and contributes to multidisciplinary research teams, including projects on ageing, food security, and gig economy analytics. Her affiliations extend to national committees and industry partnerships, including with the Ministry of Economy and wildlife conservation agencies, reflecting her applied and policy-oriented research approach.
Shanghong Xie is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Statistics at the University of South Carolina, College of Arts and Sciences. She is also a member of the Carolina Autism and Neurodevelopment (CAN) Research Center and the Institute for Mind and Brain (IMB), reflecting her interdisciplinary focus on statistical methods for neuroscience and public health. Dr. Xie earned her PhD in Biostatistics from Columbia University in 2019 and completed her postdoctoral training there. Her research centers on developing machine learning and generative models to tackle complex challenges in functional data analysis, network modeling, causal inference, and precision medicine. She applies these methods to neuroimaging (fMRI, DTI, EEG), genetic biomarkers, and public health data, particularly in mental health and neurological disorders. Her recent publications demonstrate a strong trajectory in methodological innovation with high-impact applications, including COVID-19 forecasting models adopted by the CDC, mediation analysis with neuroimaging, and personalized treatment regime estimation. The research trends highlight expertise in high-dimensional data, graphical models, and integrative learning across multi-modal biomarkers. American Statistical Association (ASA) Statistics in Imaging Section First Prize Student Paper Award American Statistical Association (ASA) Mental Health Statistics Section Best Student Paper Award International Conference on Health Policy Statistics (ICHPS) Student Travel Award Dr. Xie advises several graduate students and co-founded the Functional and Complex Data Analysis (FUNCODA) Working Group, fostering collaboration on advanced data modeling. She has been involved in significant grant-supported work, notably contributing to the CDC’s ensemble forecasting effort during the pandemic through her survival-convolution model. Her lab emphasizes computational statistics and open science, with code available on GitHub.
Estela Zarate, Ph.D., is the Dean of the Loyola Marymount University (LMU) School of Education and the first dean of Latinx heritage at LMU. With nearly two decades as an academic leader and scholar at institutions like California State University, Fullerton, and the University of California Irvine, she focuses on educational access, equity, and community-centered research. Her career includes administrative roles such as Vice Provost of Academic Affairs and leadership in initiatives for formerly incarcerated students and cultural repatriation projects. B.A. in Mathematical Economic Analysis, Rice University Ph.D. in Education, University of California Los Angeles Her research examines immigrant students' and students of color's trajectories in U.S. schools, family-school connections, multilingual learners, and anti-racist leadership. She co-edited a volume on migrant student interventions and developed programs to improve first-generation college student support. A former English language learner and first-generation college student, she has lived in Los Angeles for 25 years.
David Wick is a Professor at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies (MIIS), part of Middlebury College, specializing in International Education Management. He has been teaching at the Institute since 2015 and has worked in international education since 1988. His experience includes leading study abroad efforts at Arkansas State University, San Francisco State University, and Santa Clara University, along with private sector experience as a project manager in advertising and design. Wick holds an EdD in Educational Leadership from San Francisco State University, an MSE in Educational Theory and Practice from Arkansas State University, and a BA in French, German, and Dance from Macalester College. His international experience spans study in Mexico, France, Germany, Austria, and the UK, as well as teaching in Hungary and France through the Teaching Assistant Program in France (TAPIF) from 1991-92. His research focuses on designing and delivering education to foster equity and social justice. He has published extensively on diversity, equity, and inclusion in international education, with particular emphasis on marginalized student populations including first-generation Latinx students and LGBTQUI+ students. Wick's work demonstrates a consistent commitment to connecting theory with practice and preparing students to address real-world challenges through project-based learning. His publications reveal a clear trend toward increasingly focused research on inclusive practices, wellness support systems, and equity-minded program design in international education contexts. Recent work shows particular attention to pandemic adaptations and virtual learning environments for diverse student populations. Diversity Abroad 2023 Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion in International Education Award for Inclusive Excellence in Teaching NAFSA awards for international education policy leadership Fulbright Scholar (2011 International Education Administrators' Program in India) Wick serves in multiple leadership capacities including as facilitator for the Diversity Abroad International Education Diversity & Inclusion Certificate Program, Associate Editor for Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad, and editorial board member for Diversity Abroad Global Impact Exchange. He has co-authored the Standards of Good Practice for Education Abroad Sixth Edition and regularly presents at major conferences in the field. His teaching approach emphasizes student development, intercultural communication competencies, and practical application of theory to real-world international education challenges.
Jacqueline Butler is Associate Professor in Fine Art and serves as Dean and Head of the School of Arts at the University of the West of England, part of the College of Arts, Technology and Environment. She is a member of ACE – Creative and Cultural Industries and contributes significantly to academic leadership, research, and teaching in arts practice. Her research centers on photography, digital video, artist books, and writing, with a focus on archives and hybrid forms. She explores the evolving nature of photography in the 21st century, merging pre-photographic principles with traditional and digital print technologies. As a founding member of the Family Ties Network, she engages with themes of memory, place, and family narrative through collaborative exhibitions and publications. Jacqueline completed her PhD at the Glasgow School of Art in 2021, titled The Photograph as Haptic and Virtual Object: Realms of Ephemeral Sensation and Material Objecthood , which investigates the material and virtual dimensions of photographic media. She regularly presents her research at international conferences in cities such as Stuttgart, Edinburgh, and Cork, advocating for innovative pedagogies in art education. Her leadership is guided by a commitment to inclusivity, equity, and access in higher education, drawing from her experience as a first-generation university graduate. She actively works to challenge exclusion and support diverse communities within the arts. Fellow of Advance HE Trustee, Council for Higher Education in Art & Design (CHEAD) since March 2023 Jacqueline supervises research students and leads institutional partnerships across the creative and cultural sectors. She is involved in expanding regional, national, and international collaborations to enhance student experience and graduate outcomes. Her work bridges artistic practice, academic research, and educational leadership. She is a key figure in promoting practice-based research and has contributed to executive, advisory, and gallery boards, influencing policy and innovation in art and design education. Her current projects continue to interrogate the impact of digital technology on artistic creativity and pedagogy.
Dr. Muhammad Khan is a Senior Lecturer in Computer Science at the University of the West of England, Bristol, affiliated with the School of Computing and Creative Technologies and the Department of Computer Science and Creative Technologies within the College of Arts, Technology and Environment. Educational Background : First Class Honours in Engineering (2008) PhD in Electronic & Computer Engineering (2013–2018) Research Interests : Dr. Khan specializes in cutting-edge telecommunications and computer science domains, including: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for network optimization Congestion Control and Load Balancing in 5G and Beyond Networks Cloud Radio Access Networks and Data Analysis for next-generation communication systems Scientific Awards : Awarded a prestigious PhD scholarship under the Higher Education Commission Faculty Development Program in 2013 for his academic excellence. Academic Career : Dr. Khan began his teaching journey in 2009 as a Lecturer in Computer Science and later conducted postdoctoral research on 5G congestion control at New York University (2020–2022). Currently, he mentors students at the University of the West of England, focusing on advancing telecommunications technology through collaboration and innovation.
Rose Ann Rico Eborda Gutierrez is an Assistant Professor of Equity and Diversity in Education in the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Nevada, Reno, specializing in racial equity and intersectional justice in educational contexts. Her work centers on marginalized student populations including Asian American and Pacific Islander, undocumented, and first-generation students of color. Her academic credentials include: Ph.D. in Social Sciences and Comparative Education (Race and Ethnic Studies), University of California, Los Angeles M.A. in Student Development Administration, Seattle University B.A. in Sociology, University of Richmond Dr. Gutierrez's research employs critical race theory and qualitative methodologies to examine how racial inequities intersect with other systems of oppression in educational settings. Drawing from her Pinay epistemology as a 1.5-generation immigrant and first-generation college student, she investigates student navigation of oppressive structures and institutional roles in shaping educational pathways. Her scholarship emphasizes community-engaged approaches like kuwentuhan (Filipino storytelling) and participatory action research to center embodied epistemologies of marginalized communities. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals consistent focus on anti-Asian racism, undocumented student experiences, and institutional responses to equity challenges. Her work frequently addresses Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs) and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander student success, demonstrating interdisciplinary connections between immigration studies, critical pedagogy, and institutional policy reform. Professional recognition includes: Rookie Teacher of the Year (awarded during middle school teaching career) Dr. Gutierrez has contributed to AANAPISI grant-funded initiatives examining program leadership and student success strategies. Her community engagement extends beyond academia through facilitation of intergenerational dialogues and summit organization with Filipino American National Historical Society, Pilipino American Unity for Progress, and Southern California AANHPI Educators. This practice-oriented approach bridges research with community-based advocacy for educational justice. She maintains active involvement in AANHPI community organizations, particularly those focused on Filipino American experiences, where she designs intergenerational programming and institutional partnerships to advance equity goals.
Miriam G. Blitzer serves as Adjunct Professor and Division Head of Human Genetics in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, while also leading the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ABMGG) as CEO with 70% effort commitment. Her academic foundation includes: B.A. in Chemistry, University of California, Irvine (1974) M.S. in Human Genetics, University of Pittsburgh (1980) Ph.D. in Human Genetics, University of Pittsburgh (1981) A nationally recognized authority in medical genetics education , Dr. Blitzer specializes in biochemical/metabolic disorders and genomic medicine implementation . Her work bridges pharmacogenetics , clinical diagnostics , and educational framework development , significantly influencing AAMC's Medical School Objective Project in Genetics Education. She maintains board certification in clinical biochemical genetics and PhD medical genetics. Analysis of her 2010-2016 publications reveals three dominant trajectories: genomic medicine integration (evident in Bowdin et al.'s clinical practice recommendations), pharmacogenetics implementation (highlighted in the Maryland anti-platelet program), and biochemical disorder diagnostics (particularly biotinidase deficiency research). These themes reflect her dual focus on advancing clinical applications while developing educational standards. Her distinguished contributions have been recognized through: Carolyn J Pass, MD ‘66 and Richard J. Susel ’66 Academy of Education Excellence award Hedwig van Ameringen Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) Fellowship Dr. Blitzer directs medical genetics curriculum for first-year medical students and has shaped national education standards through AAMC panels. Her leadership extends to organizational governance, having presided over ABMGG and served on boards of ASHG, NCHPEG, and APHMG. She currently contributes to the American Board of Medical Specialties, advancing certification standards across medical disciplines. Leading the Division of Genetics at UMSOM, she oversees clinical, research, and educational initiatives while driving ABMGG's mission to establish professional standards in medical genetics and genomics.
Naonori Kodate is Associate Professor at the School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice, University College Dublin (UCD), where he directs the Public Policy Programme and co-founded the UCD Centre for Japanese Studies. He holds concurrent appointments as Adjunct Research Professor at Chiba University's Center for Frontier Medical Engineering and research affiliations with institutions in India and Japan. Research Interests: Comparative healthcare politics and policy Science & Technology Studies (STS) Welfare technology and social robotics Implementation science and systems thinking Global aging and dementia care Gender equality in science and technology His research explores the intersection of technology and care, particularly through the Circuits of Care documentary. Current work examines rare disease economics, rural care technology, and cross-cultural robot deployment. Recipient of JSPS and Toyota Foundation grants Multidisciplinary collaborations across 12 countries 2024 UCD Teaching Excellence Award Advises PhD students in rare disease impacts, assistive technology, and care sociology. Supervises research on healthcare robotics in Ireland-Japan-Finland contexts.
Zhang Chen serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Leadership and Organizational Management and Assistant Dean at Tsinghua University's School of Economics and Management. He earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Tsinghua University (where he was named Outstanding Graduate) and completed his PhD at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business. His research centers on organizational behavior with specific expertise in job design and redesign, workplace time/energy management, and proactive organizational behavior. Current investigations examine how task sequencing affects workday well-being, the interplay between meetings and individual work on knowledge worker energy, and leadership emergence dynamics. His work bridges academic rigor with practical application through publications in top journals and Harvard Business Review practitioner articles. Dr. Zhang teaches doctoral course 'Management Research Methods I' and undergraduate courses including 'Thinking and Doing in Management', which has been designated a Tsinghua University General Education Honors Course. He serves on Tsinghua's Online Teaching Expert Group and General Education Course Committee, having received multiple teaching awards including the University's Annual Teaching Excellence Award and Young Teacher Teaching Competition First Prize. Tsinghua University Advanced Worker (2022) Outstanding Doctoral Thesis Advisor (2024) Gong Yuzhi Teaching Fellowship for General Education (2022) National Natural Science Foundation of China research projects School of Economics and Management Teaching Excellence First Prize (2020-2023) As an active researcher and educator, he leads multiple National Natural Science Foundation projects while translating findings into practical workplace solutions through Harvard Business Review publications. His teaching philosophy emphasizes human-centered approaches, blending online and offline methods to enhance student engagement in management education.
Susan Fournier serves as the Allen Questrom Professor and Dean at Boston University Questrom School of Business. Appointed Dean in 2019, she is Questrom's first academic dean in over 40 years and the institution's first woman dean. A faculty member since 2005, she previously held leadership roles including Senior Associate Dean of Faculty & Research and Faculty Director of MBA and Doctoral programs. As a first-generation college student, she brings unique perspective to advancing diversity and inclusion initiatives. Her academic foundation includes a PhD in Marketing from the University of Florida (1994), an MS in Marketing from The Pennsylvania State University (1983), and a BSBA in Marketing from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst (1980). Fournier pioneered the brand relationships research sub-field, examining how consumers form emotional connections with brands through psychological, anthropological, and financial lenses. Her work explores brand risk dynamics, person-brands (e.g., Martha Stewart, Donald Trump), brand co-creation, and relationship phenomena including "flings," "abusive marriages," and "secret affairs." She emphasizes translating academic insights into practical business applications through her extensive industry consulting. Her publication trajectory reveals deepening focus on socio-political brand risks, digital-era consumer-brand interactions, and financial implications of branding strategies. Recent work analyzes corporate responses to sociopolitical events, brand risk mitigation, and the valuation impact of brand architecture decisions across diverse market contexts. Her scientific recognition includes: Long-Term Contribution Award in Consumer Research Maynard Award from Journal of Marketing Sheth Award from Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science Emerald Publishing Citation of Excellence Award Fournier directed Questrom's Doctoral program while maintaining active industry engagement through her consulting practice with IBM, Coca-Cola, and Procter & Gamble. Her 12-year tenure on Harley-Davidson's Harley Owners Group Board and brand advisory role at Irving Oil Corporation inform her research-practice integration. She has designed award-winning MBA electives and contributed over 40 Harvard Business School case studies. She founded and chairs the Institute for Brands & Brand Relationships, a non-profit collaborative advancing interdisciplinary research across academic and practitioner communities. This initiative fosters global dialogue on emerging brand phenomena through workshops, publications, and cross-sector partnerships.
Dr. Wenyang Sun is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Education, Culture & Society and affiliate faculty at the Asia Center at the University of Utah since 2020. Her work bridges language education , critical race theory , and transnationalism to address equity in multilingual learning environments. Education : Bachelor of Economics, Zhejiang University (2011) Bachelor of Arts, Zhejiang University (2011) Master of Education, Vanderbilt University (2013) PhD in Cultural Studies and Literacies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (2020) Research Interests : Dr. Sun examines how sociopolitical forces shape language education for Asian/Asian American communities, with a focus on raciolinguistic ideologies , critical consciousness , and neoliberalism in bilingual programs . She applies AsianCrit and Critical Race Theory to analyze teacher identity, heritage language preservation, and anti-racist pedagogies. Publication Trends : Her recent work (2022–2025) analyzes Dual Language Bilingual Education (DLBE) programs through transnational and critical lenses , addressing racial barriers in teacher practices, immigrant family agency, and curriculum reform. Earlier studies (2017–2021) focus on heritage language textbooks , immigrant student integration , and global English education policies . Grants : Principal investigator for the U.S. Department of Education: National Professional Development Grant (APEX) (2021–2026), aimed at supporting multilingual educators. Teaching : Dr. Sun has taught courses including: Language and Identity Heritage/Community Language Education Foundations of Bilingual/Biliteracy Education Instructional Methods for Linguistically Diverse Populations
Prof. Dr. Thomas Spiegler is a full-time Professor of Sociology and Empirical Social Research at the Theological University of Friedensau (THH Friedensau), where he serves as Dean of the Faculty of Christian Social Services. His work bridges sociological theory, educational mobility, and home education research, with a focus on social inequality and cultural capital in academic contexts. Current roles: Faculty Dean, Professor, and active researcher Key research themes: Social inequality, educational mobility, home education policy Spiegler’s research investigates how social and cultural capital shape educational trajectories, particularly home education and first-generation students. He has led studies on home education’s legal and societal implications, educational equity, and the role of gifted programs in social mobility. His international collaborations include conferences in Paris, Oslo, and Manchester. Scientific awards include the German Sociological Association’s 2008 Dissertation Award. His funded projects include the 2020–23 Global Church Membership Survey (27,300 USD) and a 2008 study on right-wing attitudes in schools (6,000 EUR). He has taught both bachelor’s and master’s courses in sociological theory, qualitative methods, and statistical analysis.
