Dr. Kevin Kuykendall is a Senior Lecturer in Palaeoanthropology at the School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield. He serves as Course Director for the MSc Palaeoanthropology programme and Postgraduate Research Programmes Admissions Tutor. His career spans academic roles at the University of the Witwatersrand and fieldwork across South African palaeocave sites. Education: BA in Archaeology, University of Arizona (1984) PhD in Dental Development, Washington University, USA (1992) Research Focus: Specializes in Plio-Pleistocene hominin evolution, dental development in primates, CT analysis of fossil crania, and GIS-based landscape approaches to palaeoanthropology. Current projects include UK limestone cave surveys for Neanderthal sites and dental development studies in extant apes. Academic Contributions: Over 15 publications since 2003, emphasizing dental evolution, cave taphonomy, and environmental isotopes. Collaborates with institutions like Creswell Crags Museum and Wessex Archaeology. Professional Memberships: European Society for the study of Human Evolution American Association of Physical Anthropologists Palaeoanthropology Society Advising: Supervises postgraduate research on topics ranging from Neanderthal stone tool use to historical skeletal disease analysis. Teaches courses on human evolution, digital cultural heritage, and quantitative methods in anthropology. Labs/Teams: Leads the South African Palaeocave Survey Project and contributes to public engagement initiatives at Creswell Crags Museum.
Oscar Argudo serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the Barcelona School of Informatics, Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya (UPC), focusing on computer graphics and virtual reality applications for environmental simulation. His expertise bridges computational techniques with real-world ecological concerns, particularly human impact on natural landscapes through recreational activities like hiking. Education: PhD in Computer Science, Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya (2018). Thesis: "Realistic reconstruction and rendering of detailed 3D scenarios from multiple data sources". Advisors: Carlos Andujar and Antoni Chica. His research pioneers terrain modeling methodologies that simulate erosion, vegetation decay, and trail formation through procedural algorithms and crowd behavior modeling. Current work integrates pathfinding optimization for uneven terrains with anthropogenic degradation effects, creating immersive VR experiences that visualize environmental consequences of human activity. This approach uniquely combines his mountaineering passion with computational rigor to address ecological awareness through technology. Recent publications demonstrate consistent innovation in terrain analysis, digital nature rendering, and environmental simulation across top venues like SIGGRAPH and Eurographics, with emerging focus on open-sourcing tools for broader scientific impact. Scientific Awards: Maria Zambrano research fellowship (2022) R3 accreditation by Agencia Estatal de Investigación (2025) Accreditation of research by AQU (2025) He actively supervises students evidenced by the 2025 Eurographics Spanish Chapter Best BSc Thesis award for "Interactive viewer of natural scenes with hiking trails in Unity" and multiple master's theses converted to conference papers. As co-Principal Investigator of the SENDA project (funded by Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación), he leads a team developing novel algorithms for virtual human simulation and terrain degradation modeling, with two postdoc positions recently advertised to expand this research. His work operates within UPC's Barcelona School of Informatics research ecosystem and the SENDA project team, which develops both VR applications for immersive environmental education and web-based tools for public engagement with terrain degradation phenomena.
Kristina Krklec is an Associate Professor at the Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, where she teaches courses including Global Ecology, Geomorphology with Fundamentals of Geology, and Geomorphology and Landscape Ecology. She earned her PhD in Geology from the University of Zagreb's Faculty of Science in 2011, focusing on carbonate rock corrosion and relief genesis. Her career progression includes roles as Assistant (2008–2012), Senior Assistant (2012–2016), Assistant Professor (2016–2021), and Associate Professor (2021–present). Her research centers on karst geomorphology, rock weathering, and paleoclimate reconstruction , utilizing isotopic analysis, U-Th dating, and denudation measurement techniques. She investigates pedogenic carbonates, cave ventilation dynamics, and soil-cave hydrology to decode past climate signals and landscape evolution. International collaborations include projects at the University of São Paulo (speleothem analysis), Xi'an Jiaotong University (isotope dating), and University of Minnesota (carbonate sediment dating). Research trends from her publications reveal a strong emphasis on karst system responses to climate change , integrating field measurements (e.g., rock tablet denudation, dripwater conductivity) with geochemical modeling. Recent works explore thermal impacts on speleothem records, pedogenic carbonate formation, and continental-ocean climate teleconnections during glacial cycles. Coordinated projects include antibiotic resistance in karst caves (MZOM/OeAd), karst denudation methodology (Croatian Science Foundation), and paleoenvironmental studies in Krka National Park. No scientific awards are documented. Laboratory expertise includes isotope analysis at Minnesota Isotope Laboratory and CENIEH (Spain). Fieldwork spans Croatia's Northern Velebit, Krka National Park, and North Dalmatian Plain, with technical focus on cave monitoring systems and erosion quantification.
Leslie Herrenkohl is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Washington's College of Education, holding a Ph.D. from Clark University (1995). As a developmental psychologist and learning scientist, her research examines contextual and social features of learning environments, with emphasis on science education in formal/informal settings and holistic learner development. Research Focus Her work centers on three interconnected strands: Conceptual/social dimensions of science learning Holistic learning integrating knowledge, skills, and identity Research-practice partnerships bridging academic and community settings She investigates how affective, motivational, and epistemological factors influence learning, particularly in diverse urban elementary populations. Leadership & Collaboration Serves as Co-Director of The 3DL Partnership – a joint initiative between UW's School of Social Work and College of Education focused on integrating social, emotional, and intellectual learning in PreK-12 environments. Collaborates extensively with practitioners, including landscape architecture educators and the Exploratorium museum. Publications & Impact Her scholarly output demonstrates consistent focus on classroom discourse, equity in science education, and teacher-researcher collaboration. Recent works explore studio pedagogy in design education and holistic learning models. Publications frequently appear in top-tier journals including Journal of the Learning Sciences and Cognition and Instruction .
Dr Michael Grant is a Senior Enterprise Fellow at the University of Southampton specializing in Quaternary science and archaeology. With over 20 years of experience, he operates through the university's Coastal and Offshore Archaeological Research Services (COARS) enterprise unit, providing expert archaeological consultancy for major national infrastructure projects including offshore wind farms, nuclear developments, and marine aggregate extraction. His work bridges academic research and commercial application in maritime environments. Grant's research focuses on palaeoecology, geoarchaeology, and geochronology, with particular expertise in Pleistocene-Holocene landscape evolution. His methodologies integrate sediment analysis, pollen studies, and dating techniques to reconstruct past environments. Current projects include Tales of Discovery and HEIF 2024/25 Lines of Discovery investigating Royal Research Ship design, alongside work on Southampton's medieval heritage through digital storytelling. His publication portfolio demonstrates consistent output in high-impact journals and reports, with recent work spanning coastal lagoon evolution, pollen productivity modeling, and agricultural impacts on biodiversity. Grant's research shows a clear trajectory toward applied environmental archaeology supporting modern infrastructure development, particularly in marine and coastal zones where his expertise in submerged landscapes proves critical for compliance with heritage legislation. As a Senior Enterprise Fellow, Grant oversees COARS operations including sampling strategies, offshore surveys, and expert witness testimony at public inquiries. His role emphasizes translating academic research into practical solutions for developers while maintaining rigorous scientific standards. Affiliated with the Centre for Maritime Archaeology, Geology and Geophysics group, and Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute, he contributes to interdisciplinary marine research initiatives.
Dr Francis Wenban-Smith serves as Principal Enterprise Fellow in the Department of Archaeology within the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at the University of Southampton, bridging academic research with commercial enterprise through Palaeolithic archaeology and geoarchaeological consultancy. His academic foundation includes a BA from the London Institute of Archaeology, an MA in Lithic Analysis and Microwear from University College London, and a PhD from the University of Southampton (1996) focused on the Baker's Hole Palaeolithic site in Kent. Research centers on Palaeolithic Archaeology , Human Evolution , and Geoarchaeology , examining hominin ecology during Europe's Pleistocene colonization, cognitive development, and material culture. His fieldwork-driven approach integrates lithic analysis with experimental flint-knapping, emphasizing British Palaeolithic settlement patterns and Pleistocene chrono-stratigraphy. Current projects address heritage management challenges in development zones like the Ebbsfleet Valley and Thames Crossing corridors. Publication trends reveal sustained focus on British Palaeolithic sites, particularly Thames Valley discoveries (Ebbsfleet Elephant, Dartford Neanderthal occupation), increasingly incorporating Quaternary geological analysis for environmental reconstruction across interglacial periods. Wenban-Smith actively collaborates with Historic England, Natural England, and National Highways on mitigation strategies for infrastructure projects, directing fieldwork for HS1, M25 expansion, and Lower Thames Crossing developments while modernizing Kent's Palaeolithic heritage records. He operates within the Centre for the Archaeology of Human Origins (CAHO), leveraging interdisciplinary frameworks to investigate Ice Age fossil contexts and lithic technologies across prehistoric periods.
Dr. Juan Miguel Kanai serves as Senior Lecturer in Human Geography at the University of Sheffield's School of Geography and Planning, where he contributes to the International Development cluster. His academic journey includes prior teaching positions at the University of Miami (2008-2015) and research affiliation with the London School of Economics' Urban Age project (2005-2006), alongside international teaching appointments at institutions including the Federal University of Amazonas (Brazil) and Henan University (China). His research expertise centers on urban geography with emphases on neoliberal urbanism, city-regional politics, and regional development in the Global South. Kanai investigates how cities navigate global capitalism pressures through entrepreneurial strategies, examining cases from Buenos Aires, Manaus, and Amazonas. His work critically analyzes culture-led regeneration, eco-entrepreneurialism, and the cosmopolitan turn in urban globalization research, maintaining strong connections to Latin American urban contexts. Kanai's publication record demonstrates consistent scholarly impact across leading geography journals, with his 2014 Environment and Planning A paper on Amazonian urbanization earning the Ashby Prize. His research often employs comparative frameworks examining urban processes across Global South contexts, particularly in Latin America, while increasingly engaging with peacebuilding and environmental dialogue in Colombian territories. Ashby Prize (2014) for 'Paving (through) Amazonia: neoliberal urbanism and the reperipheralization of Roraima' His teaching portfolio includes Urbanisation, Development and the Environment; Research Methods; International Field Courses; and Development in Practice, reflecting his commitment to bridging theoretical urban geography with practical development applications. Kanai's international research collaborations span continents, with recent work examining urban nature-based solutions across Latin American and European cities.
Sethu Pitchiaya is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Urology at the University of Michigan . His research bridges molecular biology, urologic oncology, and computational biology, focusing on prostate cancer mechanisms and biomolecular condensate dynamics. Department: Urology University: University of Michigan Academic Rank: Assistant Professor Research Interests Pitchiaya's work explores prostate cancer heterogeneity , ERG gene fusion in tumorigenesis, and biomolecular condensates in kidney disease. His studies integrate spatial transcriptomics , single-molecule imaging , and ribonucleoprotein (RNP) biology to uncover novel therapeutic targets. Recent articles highlight trends in phase separation in renal physiology, stress-induced granule formation in male infertility, and zone-specific gene expression in prostate cancer. His collaborations with Arul Chinnaiyan, Nils Walter, and Marcin Cieslik reflect interdisciplinary approaches to understanding cancer biology and cellular stress responses. Labs & Collaborations Active in the Nils Walter Lab and the Arul Chinnaiyan Lab , Pitchiaya contributes to projects involving RNA biology , prostate cancer genomics , and biomolecular condensate research . His work with digital spatial profiling and cell-free systems exemplifies cutting-edge methodologies in molecular diagnostics.
Maja Martinuš serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Geology at the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb. Her teaching responsibilities span undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, with courses including Field Course in Geology, Geology of Croatia, and specialized instruction in Karst Geology and Hydrology. Her research focuses on Karst Geology , emphasizing hydrological processes and paleoecological reconstructions in Croatian landscapes. She investigates regional geological formations through field-based studies of karst systems, integrating hydrogeological and paleontological approaches to understand landscape evolution. Scientific contributions are documented through the Croatian Science Database (CroRIS) and CROSBI repositories, though specific publication details require database access. Her academic work supports both teaching and research objectives within the Department of Geology's infrastructure.
Jacob Clement Yde is a Professor at the Institute of Built Environment, Natural Sciences and Technology within Western Norway University of Applied Sciences . His research focuses on glaciology , glacial geology , glacier biogeochemistry and microbiology , and climate change impacts . He has held academic positions since 2004, including roles at Sogn og Fjordane University College and the University of Aarhus. 2017–present: Professor, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences 2011–2016: Associate Professor, Sogn og Fjordane University College 2004–2007: PhD in glaciology, University of Aarhus His research interests center on glacier dynamics, biogeochemical processes in glacial environments, and paleoclimatic reconstructions from Arctic and sub-Arctic glaciers. He investigates surge-type glaciers' behavior and their role in global climate systems, with recent studies on glacier retreat impacts , glacial lake evolution , and microbial communities in cryoconite ecosystems. Key publication trends include analyses of glacier meltwater chemistry, machine learning applications in glacial monitoring, and environmental impacts of radionuclide accumulation in Arctic glaciers. His work spans interdisciplinary collaborations in hydrology, ecology, and climate science. Editorial roles include: 2018–present: Review Editor for Frontiers in Chemistry and Earth Science 2012–present: Associate Editor for Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research 2016–2018: Guest Editor for special issue on West Greenland environmental change His scientific contributions involve extensive studies on: Arctic climate change effects on glacier systems Hydrochemistry of glacial meltwaters Ice-dammed lake dynamics and outburst floods Microbial processes in subglacial environments Glacier mass balance and velocity changes Current projects focus on glacial lake evolution , machine learning in remote sensing , and environmental impacts of glacier retreat across Norway, Svalbard, and Greenland.
Dr. Robin M. Aust is a Research Associate at Bielefeld University's Faculty of Linguistics and Literature, where he works with Prof. Dr. Berenike Herrmann on Collaborative Research Center 1288 (CRC 1288) Subproject E06: Practices of Comparison in the Genesis, Perpetuation, and Transformation of 'National Literature.' The Case of German-Speaking Switzerland . His research focuses on comparative literary practices, with particular expertise in German-speaking Swiss literature and its relationship to broader German-language literary traditions. Aust earned his Bachelor's degree in German Studies (core subject) and Philosophy (minor subject) from Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf starting in 2009, followed by a Master's degree in German Studies from the same institution beginning in 2012. He worked as a Research Associate at the Chair of Univ.-Prof. Dr. Herwig in the Department of Modern German Literature from 2016, completing his doctoral thesis in 2021 titled "Basically, everything that is said is quoted." The intertextual and transfictional reception of Thomas Bernhard (summa cum laude). Since 2023, he has been affiliated with Bielefeld University. His research interests span intertextuality, intermediality, and metafictionality in contemporary literature, with specializations in pop literature, Austrian literature since 1945, Swiss literature and literary history, comics and literature, film and literature, and digital literary studies. Aust's work often examines comparative practices across national literary traditions, particularly focusing on the boundaries and connections between Swiss German-language literature and broader German-language literary production. Aust's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on comparative literary analysis, with particular attention to Thomas Bernhard's reception, Swiss literary identity, and intermedial transformations. His work combines traditional literary analysis with digital humanities approaches, as evidenced by his research on automated detection of textual comparisons in constructing national literary identities. He frequently collaborates with Berenike Herrmann and other scholars on interdisciplinary projects examining spatial dimensions in literature and comparative methodologies. Heinrich Heine University Teaching Award 2020 for the seminar 'Something's happened again.' Crime novels from a literary perspective (awarded in the 'Young Researchers' category with €10,000) Nomination for the seminar 'Of Whores, Gangsters, and Losers. Jakob Arjouni's Crime Novels and Stories' (Winter Semester 2023) in the 'eLearning' category Carl-Wambach-Preis (SoSe 2015) for the linguistically and content-wise best Master's thesis in German Studies As a Research Associate on CRC 1288, Aust participates in one of Germany's most prestigious collaborative research initiatives funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). His work contributes to the project's examination of comparative practices across disciplines. He has organized several academic conferences, including 'Der Flohmarkt ruft' (2023) and 'Comparing Landscapes' (2023), and has been involved in digital humanities initiatives examining Swiss literary identity through computational methods. His current research explores the complex relationship between spatial concepts, national identity, and literary production in German-speaking Switzerland.
Prof. Dr. Andreas Heuer is a leading theoretical physical chemist at the University of Münster , holding the W3 Professorship for "Theory of Complex Systems" since 2012. As a full member of the Helmholtz Institute Münster (HIMS) and former Dean of Chemistry and Pharmacy (2014-2016), he bridges fundamental research and applied energy storage solutions. Key research areas include polymer electrolytes, glass-forming liquids, lipid membranes, and ion transport in batteries Develops multiscale simulation frameworks connecting molecular dynamics to macroscopic behavior Active in science communication and teaching excellence (2014 Goldener Brendel award) Research Themes: His work on polymer electrolytes reveals lithium ion transport mechanisms through segmental dynamics (τ2 reduction with ionic liquid additives). In lipid membrane studies , he demonstrates cholesterol's structural role in raft formation using coarse-grained models. His glass transition analysis via potential energy landscapes explains dynamic heterogeneities and fragility-to-strong crossovers. Scientific Leadership: • Coordinates BATTERY 2030+ European roadmap for next-gen battery research • Chairs multiple supervisory boards and commissions • Develops reactive molecular dynamics methodology ( rs@md ) Awards & Collaborations: Feodor-Lynen Stipend (post-PhD international phase) Stiftung des Deutschen Volkes member (early career recognition) Collaborates with experimental groups on SEI formation, membrane proteins, and organic electronics
Romuald N. Lipcius serves as a Professor at William & Mary's School of Marine Science within the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), specializing in marine conservation ecology and biomathematics. His research focuses on population dynamics of key species including blue crabs, eastern oysters, and spiny lobsters, with emphasis on metapopulation dynamics, habitat restoration, and ecosystem-based fisheries management. His research interests center on quantitative approaches to marine conservation, particularly: Mathematical modeling of population dynamics and source-sink metapopulations Evaluation of nursery habitats for commercially important species Predator-prey interactions and food web dynamics in estuarine ecosystems Restoration ecology of oyster reefs and seagrass habitats Ecosystem services valuation of coastal habitats His work integrates field studies with sophisticated mathematical models to inform sustainable fisheries management. Analysis of Dr. Lipcius' 15 most recent publications reveals strong focus on quantitative restoration ecology (60% of works), particularly oyster reef dynamics and habitat suitability modeling. A significant portion (35%) addresses blue crab population ecology including survey methodology improvements and habitat-nursery relationships. His research consistently demonstrates interdisciplinary approaches combining field ecology, mathematical modeling, and ecosystem service valuation. Dr. Lipcius actively mentors graduate students, currently advising Dave Schulte (Ph.D. candidate) on oyster restoration and Kristen Bachand (M.S. candidate) on seagrass nursery habitats for blue crabs. His laboratory, jointly operated with Dr. Rochelle Seitz, maintains active research programs in marine conservation ecology and community dynamics.
Zsolt Mester is an Associate Professor and lecturer at the Institute of Archaeological Sciences, Department of Prehistory and Near Eastern Archaeology, within the Faculty of Humanities at Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) in Budapest. His academic role involves research and teaching focused on Palaeolithic archaeology, with a geographical emphasis on Hungary and the Carpathian Basin. His primary research interests include: Palaeolithic lithic technology and raw material analysis Neanderthal behavior and Middle/Upper Palaeolithic transitions Prehistoric site formation and taphonomic processes Carpathian Basin settlement patterns during the Pleistocene Methodological advances in archaeological science Mester's extensive publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on re-evaluating key Hungarian Palaeolithic sites through modern analytical techniques. His work frequently integrates lithic typology, stratigraphy, and interdisciplinary methods to address debates about cultural variability, human adaptation, and chronocultural frameworks in Central Europe. No scientific awards, grants, or student advising relationships are mentioned in the source material.
Scott Diuguid McLin is a doctoral researcher at the University of Tübingen , affiliated with the Faculty of Science and the Department of Geosciences . He is currently working on the ERC REVIVE project, focusing on geoarchaeology and paleoenvironmental reconstruction. Educational Background: Doctoral candidate in Geoarchaeology (University of Tübingen, 2022–Present) M.Sc. in Quaternary Sciences & Geoarchaeology (University of Cologne, 2021) B.Sc. in Earth Sciences (University of Freiburg, 2017) McLin’s research centers on human-environment interactions, landscape evolution, and site formation processes. He employs isotopic studies, micromorphological techniques, µXRF, and SEM to analyze sedimentary processes and integrates these with computational models to understand past environmental dynamics and human responses. His work includes studies on Upper Paleolithic sites in Southeastern Europe and western Romanian karst landscapes. McLin is supervised by Dr. Sireen El-Zaatari and Dr. Christopher Miller. He is based in the Palaeoanthropology work group of the Institute for Archaeological Sciences (Room 501, Hauptgebäude, 2nd floor).
