Joe Pitt-Francis is Associate Professor of Computer Science and Tutorial Fellow in Computer Science at St Edmund Hall, University of Oxford . Since 1999 he has tutored Oxford computer-science students and formally became a Tutorial Fellow of St Edmund Hall in 2024. His research lies at the intersection of computational biology and mathematical biology . Using sophisticated numerical techniques he constructs and analyses models of the heart , cancer and blood flow . A central strand of his work is software development for biological simulation; he is an active contributor to Chaste ( Cancer, Heart and Soft-Tissue Environment ), a large-scale C++ library that supports multiscale computational models in physiology and medicine. Across more than 60 peer-reviewed publications since 1998, his work has progressively advanced from foundational software-engineering papers describing Chaste’s architecture to highly-cited studies on cardiac electrophysiology , tumour-induced angiogenesis , microvascular haemodynamics and cell-cycle dynamics under hypoxia . The 2024-2025 corpus shows strong emphasis on multiscale frameworks , open benchmarking , and radiotherapy-induced vascular remodelling , positioning his group at the forefront of translational in-silico oncology. Contact: Email: Joe.Pitt-Francis@seh.ox.ac.uk
Prof. Dr. Talja Blokland is a Professor of Urban and Regional Sociology at the Institute of Social Sciences within the Faculty of Cultural, Social and Educational Sciences at Humboldt University of Berlin. Based at Universitätsstraße 3b, Room 301, she actively contributes to urban sociological research and teaching, with contact via talja.blokland@sowi.hu-berlin.de. Her position as Women's* representative underscores her institutional engagement beyond academic duties. Bloklund's research centers on urban sociology, examining social inequality, neighborhood dynamics, social capital, public space, and urban diversity through qualitative and ethnographic lenses. She investigates how spatial arrangements shape social interactions, community formation, and exclusionary processes in cities like Berlin, Rotterdam, and São Paulo. Her work emphasizes the lived experiences of marginalized populations and the role of public spaces in mediating urban life, particularly in contexts of migration, segregation, and rapid urban transformation. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a dominant focus on 'urban impasses'—structural deadlocks where inequality becomes entrenched. Her scholarship consistently explores segregation mechanisms, social trust in public spaces, and the impact of policies like lockdowns on urban dwellers. Methodologically, she prioritizes ethnographic approaches to capture nuanced social realities, with recurring attention to Berlin's evolving urban landscape. Key thematic threads include the paradoxes of diversity, the spatial dimensions of social capital, and how marginalized groups navigate urban inequalities through everyday tactics.
Gabriele de Seta is a researcher at the University of Bergen's Department of Linguistic, Literary and Aesthetic Studies, leading the ALGOFOLK project funded by the Trond Mohn Foundation (2024-2028). A sociologist by training with a PhD from Hong Kong Polytechnic University, he previously served as postdoctoral fellow at Academia Sinica (Taipei) and on the ERC-funded Machine Vision in Everyday Life project. Department of Ethnology, Academia Sinica (postdoctoral fellow) Department of Linguistic, Literary and Aesthetic Studies, University of Bergen (researcher) His research focuses on algorithmic folklore, synthetic ethnography, and Chinese digital culture. He examines how digital technologies and creative practices mutually shape each other, particularly in China's sociotechnical landscape. Key areas include platform governance, machine vision, algorithmic accountability, and digital vernaculars. Recent publications analyze TikTok/Douyin's infrastructural role, deepfakes, QR codes as globalized gateways, and Chinese internet vulgarity. His work combines theoretical frameworks from STS, media studies, and digital anthropology with fieldwork on Chinese digital practices. Trond Mohn Foundation Starting Grant ERC-funded research As educator, he designed the Machine Vision module for Bergen's Critical Approaches to Technology and Society course and taught Key Theories in Digital Culture. He supervises multiple MA/PhD students including co-supervision of Hanna Lauvli. Through his blog and podcast, he promotes public engagement with digital research.
David A. Foster is a Professor in the Department of Geological Sciences at the University of Florida, affiliated with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. His research integrates thermochronology, structural geology, and petrology to investigate tectonic and magmatic processes, with a recent focus on enhanced weathering of basaltic rocks for carbon sequestration. He leads the Thermochronology Lab, providing analytical services for mineral separation, Ar/Ar dating, and thermal modeling. Research interests span: Tectonics & Geodynamics : Orogenic collapse, terrane accretion, and supercontinent cycles. Thermochronology : Application of temperature-sensitive isotopic systems to crustal evolution. Surface Processes : Links between tectonic uplift, erosion, and carbon capture via rock weathering. His publications emphasize regional tectonics (e.g., Andes, Appalachians, Cordillera), utilizing geochronology, isotope geochemistry, and structural analysis. Recent work explores collisional orogens, basin provenance, and magmatic arcs, with recurring themes of extensional collapse and paleogeographic reconstructions. Educational contributions include co-authoring the comprehensive textbook Geology of National Parks , now in its 8th edition, which synthesizes geological features of U.S. national parks in the context of plate tectonics and landscape formation.
Ronald G. Larson serves as the George Granger Brown Professor of Chemical Engineering and A. H. White Distinguished University Professor at the University of Michigan's College of Engineering, with additional appointments in Mechanical Engineering and Macromolecular Science & Engineering. His research leadership spans multiple departments within the Chemical Engineering Division, where he directs the Larson Lab focused on fundamental and applied soft matter physics. His research program investigates complex fluids through computational and theoretical frameworks, emphasizing polymer physics, rheology, and molecular simulations. Key thrusts include polymer melt processing, biomembrane dynamics, colloidal systems, and polyelectrolyte coacervation. The group employs advanced techniques like Brownian dynamics, coarse-grained modeling, and multiscale simulation to address challenges ranging from industrial polymer processing to biomedical applications. Recent publications (2023-2025) reveal strong momentum in rheological modeling of complex fluids, with particular emphasis on self-healing materials, wax deposition in pipelines, and crystallization mechanisms. The work bridges fundamental molecular insights with industrial applications, demonstrating consistent high-impact output across polymer science, soft matter physics, and chemical engineering domains. The Larson Lab operates as a collaborative hub within the Chemical Engineering Department, leveraging computational resources to advance understanding of fluid mechanics and material properties. Current projects integrate machine learning with traditional modeling approaches, reflecting the group's commitment to methodological innovation while maintaining strong connections to experimental validation and real-world engineering problems.
Stine Krøijer is an Associate Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Social Sciences. Her research focuses on political anthropology, nature-culture relations, cosmology, time, multispecies ethnography, anarchism, autonomy, and indigenous peoples, with regional expertise in the Amazon and Scandinavia. She is actively involved in major research projects such as 'Lokale Landvindinger' (2021–2025) and 'Fire and Political Alterity in Amazonia' (2023–), funded by the Velux Foundation and the Danish Research Council, respectively. Her educational background includes a PhD in Anthropology from the University of Copenhagen, awarded in 2011. Prior to her academic career, she worked with Oxfam_IBIS on forest, climate, and indigenous rights issues in the Amazon basin from 2002 to 2007 and again from 2010 to 2014. Stine Krøijer’s research explores the political agency of non-human entities like trees, the performative aspects of climate activism, and the temporalities of radical politics. Her work bridges anthropology with environmental studies, political theory, and indigenous epistemologies. She investigates how radical environmental change—such as deforestation, peatland restoration, and forest fires—reshapes political subjectivities and social futures. Her recent publications reflect a strong trend in climate politics, environmental activism, and the ontological status of nature. Themes include the agency of trees, dystopian imaginaries in environmental movements, and the co-creation of landscapes in Denmark. Her research combines ethnographic depth with theoretical innovation, particularly in understanding how ecological crises generate new forms of political alterity. Member, Expert Council on Nature National Parks, Ministry of Environment, Denmark Coordinator, Green Solution Centre, University of Copenhagen Editor, Tidsskriftet Antropologi She teaches courses on climate, nature, environment, global flows, project design, and fieldwork methods. Her advisory and grant activities are centered on externally funded research projects focusing on climate change, indigenous rights, and environmental transformation. She is also involved in public engagement through lectures and exhibitions such as 'Amazon Trails' and 'Climate/Kettle: Aesthetics of Resistance'. Stine Krøijer leads and participates in research groups focused on nature, environment, and climate. She collaborates with interdisciplinary teams across Denmark and Latin America, particularly in the Amazon region. Her work is embedded in both academic and policy-oriented networks, contributing to the Green Solution Centre and national environmental councils.
Associate Professor Judy Hart is a materials scientist at the School of Materials Science & Engineering, UNSW Sydney , specializing in the development of semiconducting materials for renewable energy applications. Her work integrates computational (DFT) and experimental approaches to understand composition-property relationships in systems like solid solutions , heterostructures , and doped materials for photocatalysis and solar cells . She leads projects funded by ARC Discovery and Linkage grants , including work on photo-electro-catalysis systems and stabilizing ceramic materials . Education: PhD in Materials Engineering (Monash University, 2007), BEng (Materials) (Monash, 2002) Professional Experience: Senior Lecturer (UNSW, 2017–), Lecturer (UNSW, 2013–2017), University of Bristol (2007–2012) Research Interests Her research focuses on designing materials for renewable energy , particularly photoelectrochemical water splitting and organic oxidation reactions . Key areas include Density Functional Theory (DFT) , defect engineering , band gap tuning , and nanostructured materials . She investigates ferroelectric polarization effects , metal oxide heterostructures , and stability of battery components , with applications in hydrogen production , CO2 conversion , and advanced battery materials . Scientific Awards Ramsay Memorial Fellowship (University of Bristol, 2007–2009) Teaching Contributions She is co-author of the 1st Australian & New Zealand edition of "Materials Science and Engineering: An Introduction" , and teaches courses on computational materials science , corrosion-resistant surfaces , mechanical behavior of metals , and materials design .
Leif Ristroph is an Assistant Professor of Mathematics at the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences , New York University . His research bridges experimental physics and applied mathematics , focusing on fluid-structure interactions in both biological and geophysical contexts. Key research areas include: Biophysical Flows : Aerodynamics of insect flight ( Applied Mathematics Laboratory ), hydrodynamics of fish schooling, and flow-sensing mechanisms via the fish lateral line system Geophysical Flows : Shape evolution during erosion, dissolution patterns in fluid flows, and bubble formation dynamics Recent publications (2019-2015) explore: Flow interactions in flapping swimmers and hovering systems Evolutionary optimization of wing shapes and self-sculpting processes Stability mechanisms in tandem flapping and insect flight His work has been featured in major media outlets like Nature , New York Times , and ScienceDaily . Ristroph's lab at NYU's Applied Mathematics Laboratory combines physical experiments, computational models, and theoretical analysis to study complex fluid-structure interactions.
Andrew Pavlo is a Professor in the Computer Science Department at Carnegie Mellon University's School of Computer Science. His research focuses on database management systems, particularly in the areas of transaction processing, in-memory databases, and self-driving database systems. He leads a productive research group that has published extensively in top database venues including VLDB, SIGMOD, and CIDR. Pavlo's research interests span database management systems, transaction processing, in-memory databases, non-volatile memory databases, and self-driving database systems. His work often bridges theoretical database concepts with practical system implementation, focusing on performance optimization, query processing, and system architecture. Recent work has explored machine learning applications for database tuning, novel storage techniques, and innovative approaches to transaction processing. An analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on self-driving database systems, with significant work on the Database Gym framework for training machine learning models to optimize database performance. His research also examines columnar storage formats, transaction scheduling, and novel approaches to user-defined function optimization. The work demonstrates a consistent trajectory toward making database systems more autonomous and efficient through a combination of systems techniques and machine learning. Pavlo has been instrumental in mentoring numerous PhD students who have become active contributors to the database research community. His research has been supported by significant grants that have enabled the development of innovative database technologies and frameworks. His research group operates within CMU's vibrant database ecosystem, collaborating with other researchers on projects related to database systems, storage engines, and query processing frameworks. The group maintains close connections with industry partners to ensure practical relevance of their research contributions.
Taylor Perron is the Cecil and Ida Green Professor of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he also serves as the EAPS Undergraduate Officer. His research program at MIT spans multiple interdisciplinary areas within Earth and planetary sciences, with strong connections to the MIT-WHOI Joint Program in Oceanography/Applied Ocean Science and Engineering. Dr. Perron's academic background includes an AB in Earth and Planetary Sciences and Archaeology from Harvard University (1999) and a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley (2006), followed by postdoctoral work at Harvard. His leadership roles at MIT have included serving as chair of the Program in Geology, Geochemistry, and Geobiology, and as Associate Department Head for Education. His research focuses on three interconnected areas: Landscape Evolution, Planetary Surfaces, and the Human Landscape. Within Landscape Evolution, he investigates dynamic river networks, climate-landscape interactions, grain-scale sediment transport mechanics, and the connections between landscape evolution and biological diversification. His Planetary Surfaces research examines river systems on Mars and Titan, using spacecraft data to understand extraterrestrial hydrological processes. The Human Landscape component explores archaeological applications of geomorphology, particularly in the Amazon basin. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on comparative planetary hydrology, with significant work on Earth, Mars, and Titan. His research increasingly integrates field observations, mathematical modeling, and remote sensing to address questions about landscape evolution across different planetary environments and timescales, with growing attention to anthropogenic impacts on Earth's surface processes. Scientific Awards & Honors: MacArthur Fellowship (2021) James B. Macelwane Medal, American Geophysical Union (2014) Fellow, American Geophysical Union (2014) Editorial Committee Member, Annual Review of Earth & Planetary Sciences (2017-present) Dr. Perron has established a productive research group that collaborates across disciplines and institutions, including significant partnerships with WHOI, NASA missions, and archaeological teams. His work bridges fundamental questions about planetary evolution with practical implications for understanding climate change impacts on Earth's surface systems.
Joel Palka is an Associate Professor in the School of Human Evolution and Social Change at Arizona State University (ASU). His research focuses on Maya archaeology, ethnohistory, and cultural interaction in Mesoamerica, particularly in Chiapas, Mexico. He leads long-term collaborative projects with Lacandon Maya communities, emphasizing ritual landscapes, pilgrimage routes, and subsistence strategies. His work integrates archaeological, ethnographic, and historical methodologies. Key research areas include Mesoamerican warfare, sacred landscapes, and Lacandon Maya cultural resilience. He investigates how ritual practices, such as pilgrimage and cremation, reflect socio-religious dynamics. His projects at sites like Mensabak explore overland trade networks, fortified sanctuaries, and ecological adaptations like aquaculture. Recent studies highlight Lacandon Maya knowledge systems, including indigenous conservation practices and artifact repatriation. His interdisciplinary approach bridges archaeology with contemporary community engagement, addressing themes of identity, environment, and colonial impact. Publications span 30 years, with a focus on ritual symbolism, ethnohistory, and archaeological site analysis. He has collaborated with international scholars and institutions on projects such as the Paso de la Amada ceremonial center and the repatriation of Maya artifacts.
Olga Fernández López is an Associate Professor at the Department of History and Theory of Art, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, and holds a PhD in Geography and History (History of Art) from Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM). She collaborates with institutions including Intermediae (Matadero Madrid), CA2M Madrid, and Andalusian Center for Contemporary Art Seville. PhD Curating Contemporary Art, Royal College of Art (2017) PhD in History of Art, UCM Master’s in Cultural Management, Fundación Ortega y Gasset Her research focuses on: History of exhibition models and curatorial practice Contemporary art in Spain and Latin America Visual culture and political philosophy Museum decolonization Recent publications explore: Urban curatorial practices (2016-2021) Postwar European visual culture (2019) Decolonial exhibition strategies (2020) Scientific awards include: Salvador de Madariaga grant (2020) for research at Columbia University Key projects: PUBLISHERS: Publics of Contemporary Art (2019-2021) European Forum for Advanced Practices (2019-2022) Decentralized Modernities: Cold War Art (2018-2020)
Andrea Wollensak is Professor of Art at Connecticut College, where she has taught since 1993. She is an interdisciplinary artist and designer whose work explores the convergence of place, identity, and history through site-based artworks that combine new media technology with traditional design and fabrication. Her educational background includes a B.F.A. from the University of Michigan and an M.F.A. from Yale University. She has held visiting faculty positions at numerous institutions including the University of Gothenburg, Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, Concordia University, Rhode Island School of Design, and the Estonian Academy of Arts. Wollensak's research focuses on social design and place-based storytelling, employing collaboration with community partners, computer scientists, musicians, poets, and scientists. Her work addresses themes of place-based narratives, environment, and memory through forms including audio/video, interactive installations, data visualization, artist books, and digitally fabricated works. She examines how design can be used as a tool for social impact and civic participation. Her most recent projects include Mapping Your Journey to School (2023), which engages Estonian and Ukrainian refugee students in creative writing workshops; Water Stories: Visual Poetics and Collective Voices (2022), a year-long artist residency at the Anchorage Museum; and Open Waters (2019-2020), an interactive installation examining Arctic environmental change. U.S. Fulbright Scholar in Estonia (2023) Artistic Excellence Award in Digital Art from Connecticut Office of the Arts Artist residency at Hafnarborg Contemporary Art Museum in Iceland (2011) Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism Grants in New Media (2010, 2006) IASPIS International Artist Studio Program in Sweden (2007) Rockefeller Study and Conference Center residency (2000) Wollensak has advised numerous students in design and new media projects, often collaborating with community partners. She served as Director of the Ammerman Center for Arts and Technology at Connecticut College from 2014-2020 and currently serves on the Advisory Council of the Winterhouse Institute and the Advisory Board for Digital Media Connecticut. Her teaching emphasizes design as an interdisciplinary practice that prepares students to be creative problem solvers who can use design to create positive social impact. Her work has been exhibited internationally at venues including the Göteborg International Contemporary Art Biennial, Nova Scotia Art Gallery, Brno Design Biennial Moravian Gallery, Center for Visual Art in Denver, Brown University's Granoff Center Gallery, and the Burchfield Penney Arts Center in Buffalo.
Thomas B. Gold is a Professor of Sociology at the University of California, Berkeley, and has held multiple leadership roles, including Executive Director of the Inter-University Program for Chinese Language Studies (IUP), a consortium managing advanced Chinese language programs at Tsinghua University. He has also served as Associate Dean of International and Area Studies, Founding Director of the Berkeley China Initiative, and Chair of the Center for Chinese Studies. Gold’s research examines the emergence of individual autonomy and civil society in East Asian contexts, particularly mainland China and Taiwan, focusing on topics like guanxi, entrepreneurship, popular culture, and non-governmental organizations. Gold earned his undergraduate degree in Sociology from Oberlin College, followed by a Master’s in Regional Studies-East Asia and a PhD in Sociology from Harvard University. His early academic work included being among the first American exchange students to study in China at Fudan University in Shanghai (1979-1980). He has taught courses on Development and Globalization, Contemporary Chinese Society, and special topics like North Korean Society and non-profits in education. His advocacy for public sociology led to roles on boards of organizations such as the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations and the East Bay College Fund, alongside editorial board positions in scholarly journals. Gold’s research trends emphasize civil society development, post-authoritarian societal change, and cross-strait dynamics between China and Taiwan. His work bridges traditional cultural frameworks with modern political and economic transformations, particularly in analyzing how individual agency evolves within authoritarian systems. Awards include the 2007 Distinguished Teaching Award and the 2010 Chancellor’s Award for Civic Engagement. As an advisor, he supports international student groups like Strait Talk and the East-West Coalition, and advises programs in Japan and Singapore. His civic engagement and academic leadership highlight a commitment to both scholarly rigor and practical societal impact. Labs/Teams: Gold is affiliated with the Institute of East Asian Studies (IUP program), the Center for Chinese Studies, and collaborates with academic consortia and civic organizations globally.
Sourav Sarkar is a University Associate Professor in Probability at the Department of Pure Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics (DPMMS), University of Cambridge (since July 2024) and a Fellow of Trinity Hall. Previously, he held positions as an Assistant Professor at DPMMS (2021–2024), Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Toronto (2019–2021), and completed his Ph.D. in Statistics at UC Berkeley (2019) under Prof. Alan Hammond. His education includes a BSc (2013) and MSc (2015) in Statistics from the Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata, advised by Prof. Parthanil Roy. Research Interests : Probability theory with a focus on KPZ universality class, random growth models (e.g., last passage percolation, exclusion processes), Coulomb gas, and percolation theory. His work bridges stochastic processes, mathematical physics, and statistical mechanics. Teaching : Teaches advanced courses in Probability and Stochastic Calculus at the University of Cambridge, including Part II courses on Applied Probability and Probability & Measure. Previously taught at UC Berkeley, where he received the Outstanding Graduate Student Instructor Award (2019). Publications : Focuses on KPZ fixed point, geodesic properties, and phase transitions in interacting particle systems. Recent work includes studies on the directed landscape, stable random fields, and competitive erosion dynamics. Awards : Recognized for exceptional teaching at Berkeley and sustained contributions to probability theory research.
