Jessie André serves as Assistant Professor of Social Work at Our Lady of the Lake University within the Online Faculty program, specializing in the intersection of immigration, sexual identity, and health disparities among first-generation populations through a social justice lens. Her academic foundation includes: PhD in Human Sexuality from Widener University Master of Education in Human Sexuality from Widener University Master of Social Work from Temple University Bachelor of Science in Women Studies from Pennsylvania State University Dr. André's research examines bicultural identity formation, sexual/mental health inequities in immigrant communities, trauma stemming from migration and sexual violence, and culturally responsive sexuality education. She emphasizes how power differentials and intersecting identities perpetuate systemic disparities in clinical and educational settings. Her teaching philosophy centers on collaborative learning that bridges micro, mezzo, and macro social work skills, requiring students to critically analyze their worldviews to address oppression. Professional memberships include the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW), and Clinical Social Work Association (CSWA). Outside academia, she practices yoga, pottery, and knitting for self-care while traveling to explore global cultures.
Nancy Beck Young is the Moores Professor of History and Director of the Center for Public History at the University of Houston's Department of History. Her research examines how ideology shapes public policy and political institutions, with focus areas including Congress, the presidency, electoral politics, first ladies, and Texas political history. She joined UH in 2007 after teaching at McKendree College. Her publications predominantly analyze American political development through presidential administrations, legislative conflicts, and ideological battles. Recent works explore electoral politics (1964 Johnson-Goldwater election), congressional dynamics during WWII, and collaborative digital projects on women's political activism. Honors include: Fellowships at Clements Center and Woodrow Wilson Center NEH grants for Gender/State research and Sharing Stories project Guittard Book Award (2014) and D.B. Hardeman Prize (2002) She directs graduate/undergraduate research through the Center for Public History and NEH-funded initiatives documenting women's political participation.
Yujia Qing is an Associate Professor of Organic Chemistry at the University of Oxford, affiliated with Lady Margaret Hall. Her research explores single-molecule chemistry, particularly polymer behavior under nanopore confinement, and engineering protein nanoreactors for vectorial catalysis. BSc in Chemistry, University of Sheffield (2012) MSc in Pharmacology, University of Oxford (2014) DPhil in Chemical Biology, University of Oxford (completed under Prof. Hagan Bayley) Her work leverages engineered protein nanopores as nanoreactors to monitor bond-making and breaking events in real time, enabling innovations like mobile molecules for biopolymer movement and sequence analysis. This bridges single-molecule chemistry , nanopore technology , and synthetic biology . Recent publications highlight advancements in bioorthogonal chemistry , post-translational modification detection , and nanopore-based sensing . Key themes include real-time reaction monitoring , directional molecular control , and enzyme-free analytical methods . Scientific Awards : Reaxys PhD Prize (2019) Dream Chemistry Award (2019) Glasstone Research Fellowship in Science (2020) She has held postdoctoral and fellowship roles at the University of Oxford, contributing to chemical biology and nanopore applications .
Heidi Schlipphacke is a Professor of Germanic Studies at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), affiliated with the School of Liberal and Cultural Studies (LCSL) within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Her research explores how imaginative arts like literature and film reveal social and political structures, with a focus on gender, sexuality, kinship, queer aesthetics, and the aesthetics of the nation-state. Her work spans German and Austrian cultural contexts, often engaging with comparative frameworks. Education: PhD in German Studies (University of Washington), MA and BA in related fields. She holds editorial roles with journals like The Goethe Yearbook , Lessing Yearbook , and Journal of Austrian Studies , and serves on professional committees for organizations such as the MLA and the Goethe Society of North America. Research Themes: Her scholarship bridges continental philosophy, queer theory, and critical theory, analyzing works from the Enlightenment to contemporary times. Key themes include the intersection of form and social norms, affective responses to cultural trauma, and the queer reimagining of historical narratives. Publications: Includes monographs like Nostalgia After Nazism (2010) and The Aesthetics of Kinship (2023), as well as essays on topics ranging from Goethe’s Wahlverwandtschaften to contemporary queer cinema. Awards: Recognitions include a 2024 Senior International Research Fellowship, a 2020 Graduate Mentoring Award, and the 2019 Goethe Society Essay Prize. Her work frequently addresses post-fascist cultural identity and the ethical dimensions of aesthetic representation.
Christina Haynes is an Assistant Professor in the Department of African American Studies at Pennsylvania State University. She holds a B.S. in History and English from Louisiana State University, an M.A. in African American and African Studies from Ohio State University, and a Ph.D. in Education and Human Ecology from Ohio State University. Her academic work centers on the intersection of race, gender, and space within higher education contexts. Research Focus Dr. Haynes' scholarship investigates: The navigation strategies of academically successful Black women in predominantly White institutions (PWIs) Media representations of Michelle Obama and their societal implications Spatial practices and emotional labor in educational environments Counter-narratives challenging racial and gender stereotypes Her research employs frameworks including Black Feminist geography and intersectionality to analyze how race, gender, and institutional spaces shape educational experiences. Publication Themes Her publications (2011-2022) demonstrate consistent focus on African American women's educational experiences and media representation. Major thematic clusters include: Qualitative analyses of spatial navigation in PWIs Critical media studies of Michelle Obama's public image Historical examinations of racial violence and resistance Methodological innovations in narrative and content analysis Professional Activities She is currently authoring a book on academically successful African American women at PWIs. Her teaching includes courses such as African American Women (AFAM 101N) and Afro-American Studies Seminar (AFAM 401). No awards, grants, or student advisement details are available in the source materials.
Christine Bacareza Balance is an Associate Professor at Cornell University's College of Arts and Sciences, jointly appointed in Performing & Media Arts and Asian American Studies. Her scholarship interrogates Filipino and Filipino American cultural production through lenses of performance studies, sound analysis, and critical theory. Education Ph.D. in Performance Studies, New York University (2007) M.A. in Performance Studies, New York University (2000) B.A. in Ethnic Studies, University of California Berkeley (1999) Her research traces how Filipino diasporic communities construct cultural memory through musical performance, media representation, and embodied acts. Key projects include analyzing the Marcos regime's sensory politics and mapping digital affective labor in Asian American YouTube content. Current book Making Sense of Martial Law examines cultural critiques of authoritarianism. Scientific Awards 2023 Cornell Faculty Award for Excellence in Research, Teaching and Service through Diversity 2018 AAAS Best First Book Award 2014-15 Cornell Society for the Humanities Fellow 2012-13 Ford Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow Balancing academic rigor with creative practice, Balance co-edits artist-scholar anthologies and collaborates with LA-based media organizations. She's also one-eighth of indie rock band The Jack Lords Orchestra, demonstrating interdisciplinary engagement across performance forms.
Emily Bernard is the Julian Lindsay Green & Gold Professor of English at the University of Vermont (UVM), where she has served since 2001. She holds a B.A. and Ph.D. in American Studies from Yale University. Her research focuses on African-American literature, critical theory, race and ethnicity in literature, and Women's studies. Bernard has held prestigious fellowships from institutions such as the Ford Foundation, National Endowment for the Humanities, and Harvard University’s W.E.B. Du Bois Institute. Her notable works include Remember Me to Harlem: The Letters of Langston Hughes and Carl Van Vechten , a New York Times Notable Book, and Black is the Body , which won the Christopher Isherwood Prize for autobiographical prose. Her essays appear in Best American Essays and Best African American Essays . Bernard’s awards include the 2010 NAACP Image Award and multiple teaching accolades such as the Kroepsch-Maurice Excellence in Teaching Award (2007). She teaches courses on African-American literature, race representation, and Toni Morrison’s work.
Professor Peter Thonemann is a University Lecturer in Ancient History at the University of Oxford and holds the Forrest-Derow Fellowship and Tutor role at Wadham College. He specializes in Hellenistic and Roman Asia Minor, Greek Epigraphy, and Numismatics. Thonemann earned a First Class Honours degree in Literae Humaniores from Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford (2001), followed by an M.Phil. (2003) and D.Phil. (2007) from All Souls College, Oxford. His research focuses on ancient Anatolia (modern Turkey), including rural societies, coinage, and inscriptions. He has published extensively, including award-winning works like The Maeander Valley (2011, Runciman Prize) and The Hellenistic Age (2016). He serves on editorial boards for journals such as the Journal of Roman Studies and Gephyra , and co-edits the Routledge History of the Ancient World . Honors include the Philip Leverhulme Prize (2012) and an AHRC Early Career Grant (2009). His work bridges academic and public engagement, with frequent contributions to media outlets like the Times Literary Supplement and Wall Street Journal .
Bianca D. Goodrum, PhD, LPC-S, is an Assistant Professor in the Counseling Program at Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLUSA). Her work focuses on Counselor Wellness, self-care practices for mental health professionals, and grief counseling. She holds certifications as a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor (Texas) and Certified Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor. Her teaching philosophy integrates Person-Centered theory and Constructivist approaches, emphasizing empathy, unconditional positive regard, and experiential learning. She prioritizes student-centered education, facilitating dialogue over didactic instruction. Dr. Goodrum’s research stems from her decade-long experience in grief counseling and her dissertation on grief counselors’ self-care practices. She advocates for holistic well-being among counselors to sustain effective client care. Notable recognitions include the 2019 Spirit of the Jaguar Award and multiple alumni features in Texas A&M University publications. Her professional memberships include the Texas Counseling Association (TCA). Outside academia, she enjoys Marvel media, music, reading, and family time.
Ezequiel Peña is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU), where he teaches courses focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice. His scholarly work examines intersections of Latinx identity, class, gender, spirituality, and bilingualism. He emphasizes strengths-based, bilingual (Spanish-English) clinical training and reducing mental health disparities in Spanish-speaking communities. Education: PhD in Counseling Psychology from The University of Texas at Austin; BA in Psychology from Trinity University Research Focus: Equity for first-generation Latinx students, cultural healing practices, and social justice in clinical practice Dr. Peña is a Mental Health First Aid Trainer and active member of the American Psychological Association and National Latinx Psychological Association. His volunteer work includes establishing the Mexican American Civil Rights Institute in San Antonio. He integrates cultural attunement into teaching through reflective writing and student-centered approaches.
Bonnie Laughlin-Schultz is a Professor of History at Eastern Illinois University's College of Arts and Sciences, where she serves as the History with Teacher Licensure in Social Science Coordinator and History Unit A Representative. She specializes in 19th century United States history with a focus on American women's history and radical abolitionism. Her research interests center on American women's history, particularly examining the roles of women in the Civil War era and abolitionist movements. She has made significant contributions to understanding the family of John Brown and women's political thought in early America. Her work bridges historical scholarship with contemporary issues in civics education and social justice. Professor Laughlin-Schultz's publications demonstrate consistent scholarly output across multiple decades, with recent work focusing on history education reform, intersectional activism, and the legacy of 19th century feminism. Her scholarship spans book reviews, articles, and book chapters that connect historical analysis with current educational practices and social issues. Her notable recognition includes the Kansas Notable Book Award (2014) for her monograph The Tie That Bound Us: The Women of John Brown's Family and the Legacy of Radical Abolitionism . She actively engages with the educational community as a Civics Instructional Coach with the McCormick Foundation, assisting middle level and secondary Civics teachers in downstate Illinois, and contributes to IllinoisCivics.org. Her work extends to media commentary on historical topics, particularly regarding Critical Race Theory and civics education.
Sarah S. Willen is Associate Professor of Anthropology at the University of Connecticut and Director of the Research Program on Global Health and Human Rights at the university's Human Rights Institute. A former NIMH Postdoctoral Fellow in Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School, she holds a PhD in Anthropology and an MPH in Global Health, both from Emory University. Her work bridges medical anthropology, migration studies, and human rights frameworks to address critical questions of health equity and social justice. Her educational background includes: PhD in Anthropology from Emory University MPH in Global Health from Emory University Willen's research spans multiple critical areas at the intersection of health, migration, and human rights. Her work examines how undocumented migrants navigate healthcare systems, how health equity is conceptualized across different communities, and the lived experiences of people during global crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. She approaches these topics through a critical medical anthropology lens that emphasizes embodiment, structural violence, and the social production of health disparities. Her scholarship consistently centers on questions of dignity, deservingness, and the right to health in contexts of social and political marginalization. Her publication record reveals a trajectory from early work on migration and health in Israel to increasingly interdisciplinary projects engaging with pandemic experiences, health equity frameworks, and the concept of flourishing. Her recent scholarship, particularly through the Pandemic Journaling Project and ARCHES study, demonstrates a methodological innovation combining digital humanities approaches with traditional anthropological methods to capture lived experiences during global crises. Her major awards include: Stirling Prize for Best Published Book in Psychological Anthropology (2020) Edie Turner First-Book Prize in Ethnographic Writing (2020) Yonathan Shapiro Prize for Best Book in Israel Studies (2019) Two-time recipient of the Rudolf Virchow Prize (2004, 2012) Willen has received significant research support from the National Science Foundation, Fulbright-Hays, the Social Science Research Council, the Wenner Gren Foundation, the Lady Davis Fellowship Trust, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. She has advised numerous graduate students and mentored early-career scholars through her leadership roles in professional organizations. She serves on the editorial boards of several leading journals including Social Science & Medicine, Culture Medicine & Psychiatry, and Medical Anthropology Quarterly. She leads two major research initiatives: the Pandemic Journaling Project, which collects first-person accounts of pandemic experiences, and ARCHES (the AmeRicans' Conceptions of Health Equity Study), which investigates how Americans conceptualize health equity. She is also a network partner in the WAIT project examining temporalities of irregular migration.
Dr. Tia C. M. Tyree is a Professor in the Department of Communication Studies at Howard University's School of Communications. Her academic and professional work centers on strategic communications, social media, and representations of African Americans and Black women in media. She has a particular focus on hip hop, rap, reality television, and film. Her research and publications span topics like gender dynamics in media, cultural identity, and the impact of social media on activism and education. M.A., University of Baltimore, Telecommunications (2000) B.S., Morgan State University, Mass Communication and Media Studies (1995) Ph.D., Howard University (2007) Dr. Tyree's research explores intersections of race, gender, and media, with a deep dive into hip hop's cultural and political dimensions. She examines how social media shapes public discourse, particularly for marginalized communities. Her work also addresses crises in media, such as weather-related emergencies, and the role of HBCUs in contemporary education. She co-founded the Social Media Technology Conference and Workshop, which bridges academic and professional discussions on social media trends. Her recent publications analyze Black radio's legacy, representations of Black women on television, and hip hop's engagement with social issues on platforms like Twitter. She has contributed to journals including Women and Language , Howard Journal of Communications , and Journal of Black Studies . Dr. Tyree actively collaborates with colleagues like Melvin Williams and Aisha Powell, and her media expertise is frequently sought by outlets like NPR, NBC News, and USA Today.
Dr. June Melby Benowitz serves as an Associate Professor of History at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus, where she specializes in American women's political engagement within conservative movements. Her scholarly contributions include the critically acclaimed Days of Discontent: American Women and Right-Wing Politics, 1933-1945 and the Encyclopedia of American Women and Religion , recognized as an “Outstanding Textbook of 1999” by Choice magazine. Her academic credentials include: BA from Portland State University MA from Portland State University PhD from the University of Texas at Austin Benowitz’s research interrogates the paradox of women’s participation in right-wing politics, examining how conservative female activists navigated education policy, school prayer debates, and anti-communist campaigns from the New Deal era through the Cold War. Her work reveals the complex intersections of gender, religion, and political ideology, challenging monolithic narratives about women’s political alignment. By analyzing grassroots movements like the Minute Women of the U.S.A. and individual figures such as Grace Wick, she demonstrates how conservative women strategically leveraged maternalist rhetoric to advance their agendas while maintaining traditional gender roles. Her publication trajectory shows consistent focus on 20th-century American conservatism, with recent works expanding to examine Baby Boom generation activism. Conference presentations at King’s College London (2013) and Oxford (2011) indicate international scholarly recognition of her expertise in religion’s role in American political life. Her scholarly recognition includes: Outstanding Textbook of 1999 by Choice magazine for Encyclopedia of American Women and Religion Benowitz’s extensive contributions to reference works like the New Handbook of Texas and Women in World History demonstrate her commitment to documenting underrepresented historical narratives. Her conference papers and book chapters reveal ongoing engagement with evolving methodologies in political and gender history.
Dr. Jamshid Derakhshan is a Stipendiary Lecturer in Mathematics at St Hilda's College, University of Oxford. He holds a DPhil in Mathematics from Oxford University and has held visiting positions at IHES (France), Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and Oxford's Mathematical Institute. His academic trajectory includes a unique early admission to Oxford at age 16 and completion of his DPhil by 21, earning him the Senior Mathematical Prize and Johnson University Prize. Derakhshan’s expertise spans mathematical logic, model theory, group theory, number theory, algebra, and algebraic geometry, with a focus on interdisciplinary interactions. His educational journey includes a DPhil under Frank Wagner and Angus Macintyre, with earlier research contributions from age 13 in set theory and algebra. Postdoctoral fellowships include the Lady Davis Fellowship at Hebrew University and roles at Bar Ilan University. His recent work includes submissions on axiomatic ring structures, adele rings, and decidability problems in algebraic systems. Research highlights include foundational contributions to model theory applied to algebraic systems, with publications in Notre Dame Journal of Formal Logic , Annals of Pure and Applied Logic , and Forum of Mathematics, Sigma . Awards include the prestigious Senior Mathematical Prize and recognition as Merton College’s youngest Senior Scholar. Derakhshan’s academic advising and grants are not explicitly listed, but his visiting positions and fellowships indicate sustained research engagement. His work contributes to bridging foundational logic with advanced algebraic structures, particularly in non-Archimedean and arithmetic contexts.
