Professor Jo Barraket is a leading academic and researcher in social equity, social innovation, and public policy. As Director of the Melbourne Social Equity Institute and member of the Dilun Duwa Centre for Indigenous Business Leadership, she focuses on improving social equity through organizational innovation, cross-sector collaboration, and policy design. Her research addresses social procurement, health equity, digital inclusion, and employment pathways for marginalized groups. Her work includes landmark projects such as the Australian Digital Inclusion Index and evaluations of Commonwealth Social Enterprise Development Funds. She has secured over $11M in research grants, including multiple ARC grants, and produced over 75 scholarly publications. Her current projects compare social procurement policies in Australia and Scotland, and study youth unemployment in construction via employment-focused procurement. Key research themes include: social enterprise scaling strategies, cross-sector partnerships for policy implementation, and the role of philanthropy in equitable housing. She advises governments and OECD on inclusive employment policies and chairs major research initiatives like the Social Enterprise Impact Lab. Prof Barraket’s transdisciplinary approach combines rigorous academic research with practical outputs like policy guides and digital tools to maximize societal impact. She previously founded the Centre for Social Impact Swinburne, now a global leader in social economy research.
Jonathan Rosa is Associate Professor in the Graduate School of Education, Center for Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity, and, by courtesy, Departments of Anthropology, Linguistics, and Comparative Literature at Stanford University. He serves as Director of Stanford's Program in Chicanx-Latinx Studies and has held leadership positions including President of the Association of Latina/o and Latinx Anthropologists of the American Anthropological Association. Dr. Rosa's educational background includes: Ph.D. in Sociocultural and Linguistic Anthropology from the University of Chicago (2010) M.A. in Sociocultural and Linguistic Anthropology from the University of Chicago (2006) B.A. in Linguistics and Educational Studies from Swarthmore College (2003) Dr. Rosa's research examines the co-naturalization of language and race as a key feature of modern governance, tracking colonially structured interrelations among racial marginalization, linguistic stigmatization, and institutional inequity. His scholarship centers on raciolinguistic ideologies, Latinx studies, and educational justice, with a community-based approach that develops tools for challenging systemic vulnerability. He investigates how race and language are jointly defined across historical, geopolitical, and institutional contexts, with particular focus on Latinx communities and educational settings. His recent publications demonstrate a consistent thematic focus on decolonizing linguistic and educational frameworks, challenging standard language ideologies, and examining the intersections of race, language, and power. The work spans multiple disciplines including sociolinguistics, anthropology, education, and critical race studies, increasingly emphasizing undoing raciolinguistics and addressing coloniality in language education and assessment practices. Dr. Rosa has received numerous prestigious awards for his scholarship: Distinguished Summer Scholar, Banks Center for Educational Justice, University of Washington College of Education (2024) Outstanding Book of the Year Award for "Looking like a Language, Sounding like a Race," American Association of Teaching and Curriculum (2022) First Book Award for "Looking like a Language, Sounding like a Race," American Association for Applied Linguistics (2021) Prose Award for Excellence in Language & Linguistics for "Looking like a Language, Sounding like a Race," Association of American Publishers (2020) Charles A. Ferguson Award for Outstanding Scholarship, Center for Applied Linguistics (2018) Dr. Rosa actively mentors doctoral students across multiple programs, serving as primary advisor for students researching race, ethnicity, language, and education. His research has been supported by major grants from the National Science Foundation, Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation, and Ford Foundation. He collaborates extensively with community organizations, particularly in Chicago, to develop educational approaches grounded in decolonial praxis, focusing on how scholarship can serve as a platform for social transformation. Dr. Rosa co-directed Stanford's Center for Global Ethnography (2021-2023) and directed Stanford's Program in Chicana/o-Latina/o Studies (2020-2023). He serves on multiple editorial boards including Current Anthropology and Equity & Excellence in Education, and has held leadership positions in professional organizations including President of the Association of Latina/o and Latinx Anthropologists (2020-2022).
Lusophone University of Humanities and TechnologiesPortugal
Maria José Lisboa Brites de Azeredo is an Associate Professor with Habilitation at Lusófona University, Portugal. She serves as Vice-President of the Centre for Research in Applied Communication, Culture and New Technologies (CICANT) and coordinates the Media Literacy and Civic Cultures Lab (MeLCi Lab). She holds leadership roles in the Portuguese Association for Communication (SOPCOM) and the European Communication Research and Education Association (ECREA). Her academic career spans over two decades, including roles at institutions like Universidade Lusófona do Porto and Universidade Nova de Lisboa. Her education includes a PhD and Habilitation in Communication Sciences from Universidade Nova de Lisboa. She has completed specialized courses in digital education, intercultural dialogue, and pedagogical training from institutions like the University of Edinburgh and the Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas. Brites’ research focuses on youth journalism, audience studies, digital citizenship, and participatory methodologies. She has led projects such as the YouNDigital study (PTDC/COM-OUT/0243/2021) and the SMaRT-EU initiative. Her work has been recognized with awards including the Research Prize (2017, 2020, 2023) and the Gold Medal of Academic Value (2019). She coordinates the Master's Degree in Media and Information Literacy and Digital Citizenship at Lusófona University and has trained educators through initiatives like the Media in Action (MIA) project. Her publications span peer-reviewed journals, edited books, and conference proceedings addressing media literacy, generational media practices, and civic engagement.
Laverne Jacobs, PhD, is a Full Professor at the University of Windsor's Faculty of Law where she holds the Research Chair in Disability Equality & Administrative Justice. She serves as the founder and Director of the Law, Disability & Social Change Project, a research and public policy center dedicated to fostering inclusive communities. Notably, Professor Jacobs was elected to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2022, becoming the first Canadian to serve on this UN Human Rights Treaty Body. She also serves as Co-Director of the Disability Rights Working Group at Berkeley Law's Center for Comparative Equality & Anti-Discrimination Law and previously held the position of Associate Dean (Research & Graduate Studies) for the Faculty of Law from 2018-2021. B.A. (Honours), McGill University, 1994 LL.B., McGill University, 1999 B.C.L., McGill University, 1999 Ph.D., Osgoode Hall Law School, York University, 2009 Professor Jacobs' research sits at the intersection of disability equality law and administrative law and justice, characterized by an interest in the everyday work of the administrative justice system and the lived experiences of people who use it, particularly persons with disabilities. Her work spans disability rights, administrative justice, human rights law, socio-legal theory, and empirical research methodologies. She has made significant contributions to understanding accessibility legislation, transportation inequality, post-secondary education access for students with disabilities, and the implementation of disability equality principles in administrative decision-making. Her scholarship bridges theoretical legal frameworks with practical applications, emphasizing citizen participation in policy development and the importance of inclusive design in legal systems. Analysis of Professor Jacobs' recent publications reveals a consistent focus on how administrative law can better serve persons with disabilities through inclusive design and accessible processes. Her work demonstrates growing attention to intersectional issues, particularly how women with disabilities experience administrative systems, and increasingly examines the implementation challenges of accessibility legislation across Canadian jurisdictions. She frequently employs empirical research methods to ground her legal analysis in real-world experiences of marginalized communities. Scientific Awards and Honors: Canadian Bar Association Touchstone Award (2021) Canadian Association of Law Teachers (CALT) Academic Excellence Award (2022) Hummingbird Award from the Disabled Women's Network of Canada (DaWN), 2022 Election to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2022) Professor Jacobs has held significant leadership roles including service on the Board of Directors of the Income Security Advocacy Centre and the Canadian Institute for the Administration of Justice. Through her role as Director of the Law, Disability & Social Change Project, she has secured research funding to support policy-relevant scholarship on disability rights and administrative justice. Her work has influenced accessibility legislation development across Canada, particularly through her annotated version of the Accessible Canada Act. She provides expert consultation to government bodies and international organizations on disability rights implementation. The Law, Disability & Social Change Project serves as Professor Jacobs' primary research hub, bringing together interdisciplinary scholars, disability advocates, and policy makers to develop practical solutions for creating more inclusive legal and administrative systems. The project has produced numerous research reports, policy briefs, and public resources that translate academic research into actionable recommendations for improving accessibility and disability equality in Canadian society.
Heidi R. Lewis is the David and Lucile Packard Professor of Feminist & Gender Studies at Colorado College. She serves as President of the National Women's Studies Association (2023-25) and Editor-in-Chief of the Oxford Bibliography in Women's & Gender Studies. Her research focuses on Black Feminisms, Hip Hop discourse, and Critical Media Studies, with a current project challenging narratives around Mumble Rap's authenticity. Lewis holds a Ph.D. in American Studies from Purdue University and has taught interdisciplinary courses including Hip Hop & Feminism and Critical Media Studies. Education: Ph.D., American Studies, Purdue University (2011) M.A., English Literature, Ohio University (2005) B.A., English Studies, Robert Morris University (2003) Research Interests: Lewis interrogates intersections of race, gender, and media through projects like her forthcoming book on Mumble Rap and a documentary on her experiences during the crack cocaine epidemic. She employs discourse analysis to challenge dominant narratives in Hip Hop and feminist theory, emphasizing marginalized voices and transnational collaborations. Service & Leadership: As Director of Feminist & Gender Studies, Lewis secured funding for new faculty lines, student programs, and community partnerships. Nationally, she co-created the #FemSTEMSymposium to bridge feminist inquiry and STEM fields. Her service prioritizes equity, including roles on promotion committees and external reviews for academic centers. Community Engagement: Lewis collaborates with organizations like the Kampagne für Opfer Rassistischer Polizeigewalt and the U.S. Olympic Committee. Her work extends beyond academia through public talks, media contributions, and initiatives like the Marsha P. Johnson Professorship.
Paul Mohai is a Professor at the University of Michigan’s School of Natural Resources and Environment (SNRE). His work focuses on environmental justice, racial and socioeconomic disparities in pollution exposure, and policy development. He has contributed extensively to understanding historical and contemporary patterns of environmental inequity, particularly regarding hazardous waste siting and school proximity to industrial hazards. Mohai’s research bridges community-based activism, quantitative analysis, and policy advocacy. Education and Affiliations: Affiliated with the Program in the Environment at the University of Michigan. Research Interests: Mohai’s scholarship addresses how marginalized communities bear disproportionate environmental burdens, including air and water pollution, and advocates for equitable policy solutions. He has analyzed longitudinal data to assess demographic changes around hazardous facilities and collaborated with communities to design environmental screening tools. His work emphasizes the intersection of race, class, and environmental health outcomes. Publications: Mohai’s recent work includes studies on cumulative impacts of pollution, Michigan school siting guidelines, and the Flint water crisis. His articles span journals and conference proceedings, highlighting interdisciplinary approaches to environmental justice. Awards & Grants: No specific awards are listed, but his extensive publication record reflects sustained academic contribution. His grants likely support community-engaged research on environmental disparities. Labs/Teams: Collaborations include the Program in the Environment and the Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition.
Danielle T. Cooper is an Associate Professor at the University of New Haven , affiliated with the Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences and the Criminal Justice Department . She also serves as the Director of Research for the Tow Youth Justice Institute and Chair of the Criminal Justice Undergraduate Committee . Education Ph.D. in Criminology, Law, & Society, University of Florida, 2015 M.A. in Criminology, Law, & Society, University of Florida, 2011 B.S. in Justice Systems, Truman State University, 2009 Dr. Cooper’s research focuses on youths and young adults , juvenile justice policy reform , sex offender registration policies , and police-community dynamics . Her work emphasizes restorative justice , systemic equity , and prevention strategies for marginalized communities. Recent publications explore diversion programs , economic impacts of sex offender registries , and media narratives in criminal justice . Her awards highlight contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion , as well as leadership development . Scientific Awards 2019 Faculty of the Year Award 2021 MO-KAN-NE TRIO Achiever Alumni Award 2021 Faculty Excellence in DEI 2022 Martin Luther King, Jr. Vision Faculty Award 2024 RAND Pardee Fellowship She has secured grants for diversionary services and youth-police relations , and her media commentary addresses youth violence , census participation , and social justice .
Christopher Emdin is a Professor of Science Education and Maxine Greene Chair for Distinguished Contributions to Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. He directs the STEAM, DREAM & IdeaLab initiatives. Emdin holds a B.S. in Physical Anthropology/Biology/Chemistry from Lehman College (2000), an M.S. in Natural Sciences from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (2003), and a Ph.D. in Urban Education from the CUNY Graduate Center (2007). His research focuses on urban STEM education , culturally responsive pedagogy , and Hip-Hop Education (HipHopEd) . Emdin has received prestigious awards including the Strage Prize (2011) and PDK International Outstanding Dissertation Award (2008) . He pioneered projects like the Science Genius B.A.T.T.L.E.S. , using rap battles to engage urban students in science. His work bridges theory and practice, emphasizing reality pedagogy and cosmopolitan ethics . Key contributions include over 50 publications on urban science education, equity, and hip-hop pedagogy. He is a leader in professional organizations such as NARST and AERA. Emdin’s grants include collaborations with NSF and Fund for Teachers, focusing on science agency and leadership in urban schools. His lab, IdeaLab , advances innovative teaching strategies rooted in youth culture.
Sarah Bracke is a Professor in Sociology of Gender and Sexuality at the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, University of Amsterdam . Her work critically examines intersections of gender, sexuality, race, and secularism, particularly in European contexts. She is deeply engaged in analyzing systemic crises—capitalist, nationalist, and ecological—and their impact on marginalized communities. Current Affiliation : University of Amsterdam, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences. Research Focus : Gender theory, reproductive rights, anti-LGBTQ+ mobilizations, secularism, and the political dimensions of care economies. Bracke’s research emphasizes the deliberate erosion of gender, reproductive, and LGBTQ+ rights, often highlighting transnational collaborations among far-right and mainstream political forces. She connects these issues to broader crises, including climate change, capitalist precarity, and nationalist rhetoric. Her work advocates for feminist coalitions that transcend traditional boundaries, prioritizing care ethics and collective solidarity over exclusionary frameworks. Her recent publications explore topics like the racialized dimensions of reproductive politics, the secularist underpinnings of European ‘Muslim Question’ discourse, and the role of academia in resisting oppressive systems. Although no specific awards or advisees are mentioned in the text, Bracke’s scholarship consistently bridges feminist theory, critical race analysis, and critiques of neoliberalism, urging transformative responses to global crises.
Lisa M. Jones is a Research Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of New Hampshire , affiliated with the Crimes Against Children Research Center (CCRC) and Family Research Lab . With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in child victimization, abuse, trafficking, and digital safety. Education: Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology – University of Rhode Island (1999) M.A. in Clinical Psychology – University of Rhode Island B.A. in Psychology – University of Virginia Research Focus: Dr. Jones's research spans child abuse and neglect , commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) , human trafficking , youth internet victimization , and digital citizenship education . She leads multiple large-scale studies funded by the CDC, NIJ, WHO, and private foundations, focusing on prevention, intervention, and policy development. Current Projects: She is Principal Investigator on: A 5-year CDC-funded RCT evaluating youth-focused trafficking prevention education in Minnesota. An NIJ-funded quasi-experimental evaluation of Love 146’s services for trafficking victims. An NIJ-funded study on improving national surveillance of child sexual abuse in youth-serving organizations. Private RCTs evaluating digital citizenship programs like Common Sense Education and Google Be Internet Awesome. Publications & Impact: With over 100 publications, her work has shaped national and international discourse on child protection, digital safety, and trauma-informed practices. She regularly presents at national and international conferences. Contact: Email: lisa.jones@unh.edu Address: Crimes Against Children Research Center, 10 West Edge Dr., Suite 106, Durham, NH 03824, USA
University of California, Los AngelesUnited States
Anastasia Loukaitou-Sideris is a Distinguished Professor of Urban Planning and Interim Dean of the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs. She holds a Ph.D. in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Southern California. Her research focuses on the intersection of urban design, public spaces, and social equity, emphasizing user-centered perspectives in urban environments. Key research areas include public space utilization by diverse ethnic groups, transit security, gentrification impacts on transit neighborhoods, and urban regeneration strategies. Her work has been funded by entities like the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Mellon Foundation. She has authored/co-authored influential books such as Sidewalks: Conflict and Negotiation over Public Space (2009) and Transit-Oriented Displacement or Community Dividends? (2019). Dr. Loukaitou-Sideris has served as a consultant for organizations including the Transportation Research Board and the Greek Government, advising on urban design, land use, and transportation policy. She co-leads the UCLA Urban Humanities Initiative, blending interdisciplinary approaches to urban challenges. Her professional service includes roles as former Associate Dean at Luskin and leadership in academic programs. She actively engages in policy-relevant research, addressing issues such as parklet development, inner-city commercial corridors, and sexual harassment in transit environments.
María Rivera Maulucci is the Ann Whitney Olin Professor of Education and serves as the Education Program Director/Chair at Barnard College, Columbia University. She is a proud alumna of Barnard (Class of 1988) and has been a faculty member since 2004. Her work centers on urban education, science pedagogy, and teacher development with a strong commitment to equity and social justice. Education: BS, Barnard College, Columbia University MFS, Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies M.Phil, Teachers College, Columbia University Ph.D., Teachers College, Columbia University Her research focuses on how teachers learn to teach for social justice, emphasizing the role of language, identity, and emotions in teacher development. She employs qualitative research and evaluation methods to explore transformative pedagogical practices in urban science education. Her scholarship bridges formal and informal learning contexts and investigates the interplay between teacher agency and structural constraints. Her recent publications and presentations highlight a sustained focus on equity, critical science inquiry, teacher identity, and professional development. She has contributed extensively to journals such as Journal of Research in Science Teaching and Cultural Studies of Science Education , and has authored chapters on social justice, identity, and assessment in science education. Scientific Awards: Barnard College Emily Gregory Teaching Award (2018) National Association for Research in Science Teaching Equity and Ethics Scholar (2007) She is the Principal Investigator of the NSF-funded Barnard College Robert Noyce Teacher Education Scholars Program, which supports future science teachers in urban schools. She advises students and collaborates with national organizations, including the National Association for Research in Science Teaching, Association for Science Teacher Education, and American Educational Research Association. Her teaching includes courses such as Science in the City , Urban School Practicum , and Performance Assessment of Teaching . She is actively engaged in professional development initiatives and has led workshops on family engineering nights, multicultural pedagogy, and social justice in science education. Her lab and programmatic work centers on the Noyce Scholars Program, which functions as a living laboratory for preparing socially conscious science educators.
Heewon Chang, Ph.D., is a Professor and Chair in the PhD in Organizational Leadership Department at Eastern University's College of Business and Leadership. She specializes in autoethnography and qualitative research methods, with notable works including Autoethnography as Method (2008). Her research focuses on multicultural education, leadership development, and collaborative learning within marginalized communities. Dr. Chang has contributed to advancing methodologies like Collaborative Autoethnography (CAE) and the Transformative Autoethnography Model (TAM). Her academic journey includes an MA in Education and Anthropology from the University of Oregon (1984) and Pennsylvania Elementary Teaching Certification (2000). She has served in leadership roles, emphasizing equity and inclusion in higher education. Her work bridges personal narratives with sociocultural analysis, impacting fields like organizational behavior and pedagogy. Key research themes include BIPOC doctoral student experiences, online leadership program efficacy, and systems thinking in education. Dr. Chang’s publications span journals and edited volumes, reflecting her commitment to democratizing knowledge through participatory research. She has also contributed to journal editing and community service, advocating for educational equity and mentorship for underrepresented scholars.
Jennifer Leeman is a Professor at George Mason University , focusing on the sociopolitics of language, with emphasis on multilingualism, Spanish in the US, and heritage language education. Her interdisciplinary work bridges critical applied linguistics, sociolinguistics, education, Latinx studies, and linguistic anthropology. BA in Spanish, University of Pennsylvania MA in Hispanic Civilization, New York University in Madrid MAT in TESOL & Bilingual Education, Georgetown University PhD in Hispanic Linguistics, Georgetown University Her research examines: Language ideologies and racialization processes in censuses Antiracist pedagogical frameworks for Spanish teaching Multilingual policy analysis across education and governance Critical service-learning in heritage language contexts Recent publications analyze census categorization, language and immigration policies, and critical pedagogy implementation. She received a 2024-25 Fulbright Senior Scholar award for research at the University of Murcia, Spain, and a 2023-24 Residential fellowship at Mason's Center for Humanities Research. Key scientific contributions include: Pioneering the online graduate certificate in Spanish Heritage Language Education (2021) Leadership roles in AAAL, MLA, and Instituto Cervantes’ advisory committees Editorial board memberships across journals like Language Policy and Hispania Her 15 most recent articles (2018-2025) reveal trends in: Language-race-national identity intersections Census-driven ethnoracial classifications Antiracist pedagogy in language classrooms Heritage speaker identity dynamics Monolingual policy critiques Transnational demographic analysis Contact: jleeman@gmu.edu | Office: Horizon Hall 5132
University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignUnited States
Asef Bayat is Professor of Sociology and the Catherine and Bruce Bastian Professor of Global and Transnational Studies at the Department of Sociology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. He has held previous academic positions at the American University in Cairo, Leiden University (where he held the Chair of Society and Culture of the Modern Middle East), and visiting appointments at UC Berkeley, Columbia University, Oxford, and Brown University. His research interests include: Political Sociology Collective Behavior and Social Movements Sociology of Religion Urban Life and Politics Islam and Modernity Contemporary Middle East Bayat's research focuses on the role of ordinary people and subaltern classes in social and political transformations, particularly in the context of the Arab Spring and Middle Eastern urban movements. His work bridges comparative and historical sociology with global and transnational perspectives, emphasizing everyday forms of resistance and the reconfiguration of political Islam. He has extensively explored the sociological dimensions of revolution, modernity, migration, and loss of home. His recent publications, including articles in International Journal of Urban and Regional Research and Journal of Democracy , reflect a sustained engagement with urban politics, revolutionary dynamics, and youth activism in the Global South. The recurring themes across his work include the agency of marginalized populations, the transformation of public space, and the evolving nature of political engagement in non-Western contexts. Bayat has received numerous honors and fellowships: Guggenheim Fellow Ford Foundation Fellow MacArthur Fellow Open Society Fellow Wissenschaftskolleg Fellow, Berlin He has been actively involved in academic leadership, having served as director of the International Institute for the Study of Islam in the Modern World (ISIM) and elected to the Board of the UN Research Institute for Social Development. He has taught key courses such as Global Social Movements, Global Religion and Politics, and Middle Eastern Societies. Though specific students are not listed, his role as a full professor and author of major works indicates extensive mentorship and academic advising. He is affiliated with multiple interdisciplinary centers, including the Center for African Studies, Center for South Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, European Union Center, and Center for Global Studies.
