Sale Lilly IV is a Senior Policy Analyst and Professor at the RAND School of Public Policy. His research focuses on China's economic development, soft power, crisis wargaming, and military systems optimization. He holds an M.A. in Economic and Social History and Modern Chinese Studies from Oxford University, and a B.S. in Economics from the U.S. Naval Academy. His career includes eight years as a U.S. Navy officer and prior work in management consulting designing crisis simulations for Fortune 500 firms. Research interests span geopolitical competition, military strategy, and defense industrial analysis. Recent work addresses Sino-Russian military cooperation, Taiwan defense strategies, and the role of digital currencies in U.S.-China competition. His articles often combine historical patterns with forward-looking scenarios, particularly analyzing PLA vulnerabilities and U.S. strategic responses. Notable contributions include frameworks for assessing defense industrial bases and evaluating military training efficacy in great-power conflicts. Though no formal awards are listed, his work frequently appears in high-impact RAND publications and informs policy discussions on Indo-Pacific security, cyber resilience, and innovation trends.
Xiao Hui Tai is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Statistics at the University of California, Davis, within the College of Letters and Science. Her research sits at the intersection of statistics, data science, and social science, with a focus on global public health, conflict dynamics, and socioeconomic development. She leverages large-scale, granular data sources such as mobile phone records, satellite imagery, and geospatial datasets to study the impacts of violence, displacement, and environmental hazards. Her research interests include statistical and machine learning methods for causal inference, spatiotemporal modeling, and interdisciplinary applications in public policy and development economics. She is particularly interested in how data science can inform decision-making in humanitarian and low-resource settings. Her work bridges technical rigor with real-world impact, often involving collaboration across disciplines such as political science, economics, public health, and environmental science. The recent publications reflect a strong trend in using novel data sources to address pressing global challenges. Themes include conflict and education, air pollution and mortality, displacement due to violence, and illicit crop monitoring. Her methodological expertise spans record linkage, hierarchical clustering, natural language processing, and satellite-based environmental monitoring. These works demonstrate a consistent focus on both methodological innovation and policy-relevant applications. Hellman Fellow (2024–25) Tai advises students through her research and teaching, having developed and taught courses such as STA 35A (Introductory Statistical Data Science), STA 160 (Capstone in Data Science), and STA 250 (Data Science for International Development). She has mentored student-led research, including a project on air pollution in Chile that led to a publication in Communications Earth & Environment . Her current projects involve interdisciplinary collaborations funded by the L&S Unites Initiative, including automated text analysis of lobbying influence on global health policy. She is actively engaged in the academic community, presenting her work at major conferences such as the Households in Conflict Network, WNAR/IMS, and the Australasian Development Economics Workshop. Tai leads research that integrates data-intensive methods with social science questions, often in collaboration with labs and centers such as the UC Davis DataLab. She previously worked with the Global Policy Lab at UC Berkeley and CyLab at Carnegie Mellon University, maintaining connections to interdisciplinary research teams focused on data for development and security.
Sheree May Plinz-Saßmannshausen is a research associate at Faculty III (IT for an ageing society) at the University of Siegen. She leads the BMBF-funded PAIRADS project, which develops AI-driven tools for prostate cancer diagnosis in radiology, and previously led the EU-funded Creactive Citizen project focused on digital citizen participation in urban development using augmented reality. Her work bridges human-computer interaction, AI, and societal applications in healthcare and governance. She holds an M.Sc. in Media Informatics from TH Köln, where she specialized in Human-Computer Interaction. Her research interests include Human-Centered AI, UX Design, participatory design, and augmented reality applications in healthcare and urban planning. She has extensive experience in user-centered design processes and interdisciplinary collaboration with industry and medical institutions. Her recent publications, primarily in top HCI venues like CHI and DIS, focus on integrating AI into clinical workflows, enhancing citizen engagement through AR, and improving stakeholder training in participatory health research. The articles reflect a strong trend toward human-centered technologies in sensitive domains such as medical diagnostics and democratic participation, emphasizing usability, trust, and collaboration. She has collaborated with researchers across Europe and institutions such as Philips and university hospitals. Her projects are funded by major agencies including BMBF and EU (EFRE). She actively contributes to workshops and interdisciplinary dialogues on AI ethics and participatory design. Sheree has supervised development projects in interactive systems and taught modules in human-computer interaction and web-based applications during her tenure at TH Köln from 2013 to 2019. She continues to advance research at the intersection of technology and society, with a focus on real-world impact in healthcare and urban development.
Marwan Osman is an Associate Research Scientist in the Department of Neurosurgery at Yale School of Medicine and an Affiliated Faculty member with the Yale Institute for Global Health. With a background in medical microbiology and molecular epidemiology, Dr. Osman focuses on infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and One Health interventions. His research bridges clinical, environmental, and public health perspectives to address global health challenges, particularly in low- and middle-income countries and conflict-affected regions. Dr. Osman's educational background includes a PhD in Immunology, Microbiology, Virology, and Parasitology from Lille 2 University (2015), an MSc in Medical Microbiology from Lebanese University (2012), and a BSc in Medical Laboratory Sciences from Lebanese University (2009). He completed postdoctoral training at Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine in 2023 and holds board certification as a Specialist in Clinical Microbiology from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (2023). His research program investigates the epidemiology of infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance across human, animal, and environmental interfaces. Dr. Osman has conducted large-scale One Health investigations using both conventional and next-generation sequencing analyses in Lebanon and the United States. His work has significantly influenced public health policy, including identifying the first cases of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis in refugees and migrants in Lebanon, which led to new sustainable diagnosis policies. His research on colistin resistance genes (mcr) contributed to Lebanon's Resolution No. 221/1, banning colistin for agricultural use - one of the first such laws in the Middle East. Dr. Osman's recent publications demonstrate his focus on antimicrobial resistance patterns in diverse settings including refugee camps, food systems, and environmental reservoirs. His work spans from basic molecular characterization of resistance mechanisms to population-level epidemiological studies and public health interventions. He has made significant contributions to understanding how conflict, displacement, and economic collapse exacerbate antimicrobial resistance challenges. Dr. Osman serves as Associate Editor for PLoS One (since 2023), Frontiers in Medicine (since 2021), and Frontiers in Public Health (since 2021), reflecting his standing in the scientific community. His research provides critical science-based information for addressing the global proliferation of antimicrobial resistance, with particular emphasis on vulnerable populations and the interconnected nature of health challenges across borders.
Professor Yuosre F. Badir is a distinguished academic and administrator at the Asian Institute of Technology, serving as both Dean and Professor of Technology and Innovation Management at the School of Management (SOM). With a Ph.D. in Management of Technology from EPFL Lausanne and advanced degrees in logistics, project management, and civil engineering, he brings over two decades of expertise in innovation management and digital transformation across global institutions. Education : Ph.D. in Management of Technology (EPFL), Master in Logistics (EPFL), MSc in Project Management (University of Putra Malaysia), B.Sc. in Civil Engineering (University of Benghazi) Research Interests : Managing technological innovation, digital transformation, green innovation, and innovation dynamics in SMEs International Experience : Research Fellow at Tokyo Institute of Technology, Visiting Scholar at NYU, and various roles at EPFL and European University in Geneva His publications demonstrate a consistent focus on innovation management in emerging markets, with particular emphasis on green innovation , open innovation strategies , and digital transformation in SMEs. Over 15 recent publications reveal patterns in sustainable business practices , technology adoption , and organizational innovation across multiple disciplines. Key Awards and Recognitions : Best paper award in Strategic Marketing Track at ANZMAC 2017 Best paper award in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Track at ANZMAC 2016 Best article award at International Conference on Emerging Trends in Business and Economy 2014 Selected among top ten engineering 'works of value' by IEEE USA Today's Engineer 2003 Professor Badir has advised numerous publications through collaborative research while teaching advanced courses in Technology-based M&A , Corporate Technology Strategy , and Qualitative Research Methods . His work has been published in top journals including Research Policy , Journal of Product Innovation Management , and IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management .
Marit Sijbrandij is a Full Professor at the Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, specializing in Clinical Psychology. She serves as Director of the WHO Collaborating Center for Mental Health (APH - Mental Health). Her research focuses on preventing and treating trauma-related mental disorders globally, emphasizing scalable interventions in low-resource settings. She leads projects such as STRENGTHS and Simagery, addressing mental health challenges in conflict zones and refugee populations. Teaching includes courses like Cross-cultural and Global Mental Health (Master’s program) and Political violence and the human condition . She chairs the Exam Subcommittee Psychology at her faculty. Current projects include EU-funded initiatives (e.g., U-RISE for Ukrainian refugees) and collaborations on neurobiological correlates of PTSD. Ancillary roles include leadership in the MHPSS Academy. Research interests span trauma aetiology, psychological mechanisms of interventions, and global mental health equity. Over 240 publications cover PTSD treatment, pharmacological prevention, and meta-analyses of psychotherapy efficacy. Key areas include randomized controlled trials in LMICs and conflict zones, with recent work on pandemic impacts on mental health and displaced populations. Labs/Teams: Active in global mental health networks, leading multidisciplinary teams on scalable interventions. Supervised 6 PhD theses, focusing on refugee mental health and intervention design.
Henry Boateng, MD, is a Professor in the Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation Division of Trauma. His research focuses on acetabular fractures, complex poly-trauma, pelvic fractures, and trauma mortality, with a multidisciplinary approach to patient care. He has active collaborations in orthopedic trauma research and has contributed to studies on surgical timing, femur fractures, and global health initiatives. MD from Georgetown University (2003) Orthopaedic Surgery Internship at Johns Hopkins University (2004) Orthopaedic Surgery Residency at Johns Hopkins University (2008) Orthopaedic Trauma Fellowship at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School (2009) Dr. Boateng's research explores the intersection of orthopedic trauma surgery, geriatric care, and diagnostic imaging. His work includes studies on CT accuracy in detecting elbow arthrotomies, factors influencing trauma mortality, and outcomes of international surgical rotations. His publications emphasize multidisciplinary care and surgical optimization. His recent articles highlight advancements in orthopedic trauma diagnostics, geriatric mortality analysis, and global surgical capacity-building. Dr. Boateng has received multiple teaching awards, including the Dean's Award for Excellence in Teaching (2016) and Lion Care Award (2017). He serves on the Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation's Board, Conflict of Interest Committee, and Research Committee since 2017.
Magnus Öberg is a Senior Lecturer and Associate Professor at the Department of Peace and Conflict Research, Uppsala University. He serves as Director of the Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) and previously held the position of Head of Department from 2012-2017. His work focuses on systematic data collection and analysis of global conflict patterns, making significant contributions to peace research methodology. Öberg's research examines the causes and consequences of civil war, with particular emphasis on the psychology of grievances, escalation processes, forced migration, and traumatization. His current project, The Moral Psychology of Grievances in Intrastate Conflict , funded by the Swedish Research Council (grant #2018-02108), investigates how moral values condition the effects of social, political, and economic factors on intrastate conflict. This work specifically addresses previously overlooked moral dimensions in nationalist, religious, and authoritarian mobilization. His extensive publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on conflict data collection and analysis. Öberg has led the annual Organized Violence reports since 2019, documenting global patterns of armed conflict across various dimensions including interstate conflicts, non-state violence, and the impact of emerging technologies like drones. His research spans traditional civil war studies, forced migration patterns, and methodological challenges in measuring civilian casualties. As Director of the Uppsala Conflict Data Program, Öberg oversees one of the world's most comprehensive conflict databases. The UCDP produces several widely used datasets including the UCDP/PRIO Armed Conflict Dataset, the UCDP Non-State Conflict Dataset, and the UCDP Peace Agreement Dataset. These resources are essential for researchers and policymakers worldwide working in conflict resolution and peacebuilding.
Nathali Jones is a Teaching Professor in the Exercise & Sport Science department at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. She holds an M.S. (2015) and B.S. (2013) from the same institution. Previously, she taught K-12 physical education for eight years, including roles at Lincoln High School (2015-2023) and Washington High School (2014). Her expertise spans Adventure Education, Aquatics, Outdoor Education, and Secondary Physical Education, with a focus on inclusive practices and low-cost program development. Her research emphasizes accessible adventure activities, aquatics integration in physical education, and curriculum design. Notable presentations include 'Low to No Cost Adventure Activities' (2024) and 'Adventure for All: Universal Adventure Activities for all Abilities' (2024). She also contributes to professional development through workshops and conferences, addressing topics like equipment-free adventure education and aquatic pedagogy. Dr. Jones actively participates in professional organizations as Central District Coordinator for WHPE and SHAPE America's Central District EDI Chair. Her work consistently bridges theoretical frameworks with practical K-12 applications, emphasizing equity and resourcefulness in educational settings.
Kristina Hummel serves as a Lecturer in the Department of Social Sciences at the United States Military Academy (West Point) and holds the influential position of Co-Editor-in-Chief for the CTC Sentinel at the Combating Terrorism Center (CTC). Her professional trajectory bridges academia and frontline security analysis, following prior experience as an Al-Arabiya News producer covering Middle Eastern affairs from UN headquarters and work in magazine editing. Her academic foundation includes: Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration (University of Florida) Master of Public Administration (University of Southern California) Higher Education Teaching Certificate (Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning, Harvard University) Hummel's research centers on the nexus of counter-terrorism and global security architecture, with emphasis on operational implementation across governmental sectors. Her work examines: Transnational terrorist network disruption mechanisms Biodefense and public health security integration Financial intelligence as a counter-terrorism tool Regional security dynamics in conflict zones Policy coherence between military, law enforcement, and public health agencies Analysis of her CTC Sentinel publications reveals a strategic focus on interagency counter-terrorism coordination. The "CT Foxhole" interview series systematically maps institutional interfaces—from Treasury Department financial tracking to Homeland Security prevention programs—demonstrating how biodefense, military operations, and diplomatic channels converge in modern counter-terrorism. This cross-sectoral approach highlights evolving threats requiring integrated responses beyond traditional military frameworks. As Co-Editor-in-Chief of the CTC Sentinel, Hummel operates within the Combating Terrorism Center's research ecosystem at West Point, which functions as a critical node connecting military education with real-world counter-terrorism practitioners. The CTC's output directly informs U.S. national security policy through its practitioner-focused analysis and global network of subject matter experts.
Cornelia Gräbner is a Senior Lecturer in Hispanic Studies and Comparative Literature at Lancaster University's School of Global Affairs. Her research focuses on three core areas: poetry-in-performance, committed writing, and cultural imaginaries of acquiescence and critical hope. She explores intersections of poetry with politics, critical thinking, and social transformation, with a geographic focus on Europe and Spanish-speaking Americas. Gräbner has led major projects like POEPOLIT II (funded by Spain’s Ministry of Science) and the Leverhulme Trust-supported 'Cultural Imaginaries of Acquiescence.' She curates poetry events like 'Poems in Port Cities' and collaborates with organizations such as Music for Hope. Her recent publications analyze Carolyn Forché’s work, necropolitical resistance through poetry, and port city poetics. Gräbner supervises PhD students in comparative literature and performance studies. Education: Doctorate in Hispanic Studies Affiliations: Poetics of Resistance research group, Latin America Research Cluster Research Interests: Poetry performance’s role in social critique, committed writing as ethical intervention, and countering low-intensity democracy’s acquiescence through 'critical hope' narratives. Methodologies include literary analysis, cultural studies, and interdisciplinary performance studies. Her funded projects include investigations into poetic dialogisms with social conflict (2020-2023), and a current British Academy grant exploring CAMeNA archives. Gräbner’s work bridges academic and public spheres through festivals, workshops, and advisory roles.
April Lidinsky is a Professor of Women’s and Gender Studies and Director of the Master of Liberal Studies Program at Indiana University South Bend. She is affiliated with the School of Humanities and Social Sciences within the College of Arts and Sciences. Her work focuses on feminist pedagogy, community engagement, and social justice advocacy. Lidinsky emphasizes transformative education through high-impact practices, including service learning and collaborative projects. She collaborates with organizations like Planned Parenthood and AAUW to advance gender equity and civil rights. Her research critiques neoliberal influences on academia while promoting feminist labor and institutional reform. Lidinsky’s scholarship spans feminist theory, educational innovation, and literary analysis. She has authored influential textbooks on academic writing and pedagogy, such as From Inquiry to Academic Writing . Her community-oriented approach includes organizing workshops on low-intensity engagement projects for faculty, reflecting her commitment to accessible civic participation. Lidinsky’s academic leadership positions and community partnerships underscore her dedication to bridging classroom learning with real-world impact.
David Stebbins is a political scientist at the RAND Corporation and a Professor of Policy Analysis at the RAND School of Public Policy. He also serves as the associate director for research support for RAND's Forecasting Initiative (RFI), where he leads research on transnational criminal organizations, foreign terrorist organizations, intelligence policy, emerging technologies, and soft-power influence. His work supports various U.S. government agencies, including those within the Intelligence Community (IC), Department of Defense (DoD), and Special Operations Forces (SOF). Ph.D. in Conflict Resolution, George Mason University M.A. in International Affairs, Columbia University (focus: international security policy, conflict resolution) B.A. in Social Science, Castleton State College Stebbins’ research interests span intelligence community dynamics , counterterrorism , violent extremism , and the impact of emerging technologies on national security. He has deep regional expertise in the Middle East , with working proficiency in Arabic and extensive knowledge of extremist networks in Iraq, Syria, and the broader region. His recent work explores AI applications in intelligence , personnel vetting reform , and forecasting models for geopolitical risk . His 15 most recent publications reflect a strong focus on intelligence policy , security clearance processes , emerging technological threats , and military decision-making . Themes include bias mitigation in intelligence, AI-augmented battlefield analysis, and the risks of AI in chemical and biological warfare. His work combines rigorous policy analysis with practical frameworks for government implementation. Scientific Contributions and Awards: Developed the RAND Program Evaluation Toolkit for Countering Violent Extremism , widely used by community-based programs. Authored influential reports on defense institution building, personnel vetting, and ISR effectiveness. Regular contributor to RAND’s commentary and expert insights on homeland security and extremism. Stebbins advises on multiple national security grants and policy initiatives, particularly in intelligence reform and counterterrorism. He has collaborated with agencies including the DoD, DHS, and the Senate Judiciary Committee. His military background as an Infantry Combat Medic in the Vermont Army National Guard informs his operational understanding of defense challenges. He has led teams within RAND’s Forecasting Initiative and contributed to major research programs on extremism, AI, and security policy. His future work is expected to focus on AI ethics in national security , resilience against disinformation , and modernizing intelligence collection .
Cali Nuur is Professor of Industrial Dynamics at the Department of Industrial Economics and Management (INDEK) , KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden. His research explores industrial and technological transformations, emphasizing innovation theory, policy frameworks, and institutional influences on sustainability transitions. Head of Department, INDEK Unit of Sustainability, Industrial Dynamic and Entrepreneurship Research Focus: Cali Nuur investigates how climate imperatives and circular economy principles reshape industrial change. His empirical studies cover eco-innovations, low-carbon transitions, and supply chain reconfiguration in capital-intensive sectors like steel, pulp and paper, and chemical industries. Recent Article Trends: Nuur's work spans circular economy frameworks (solar panel recycling, steel recycling), digitalization impacts, and institutional barriers to sustainability transitions. His 2025 publications focus on EU regulations for lithium-ion batteries and digital technology integration in circular systems. Teaching & Projects: He teaches courses on industrial economics and energy business. Two major projects are funded by the Vinnova (Circular Solar Panels) and Marianne and Marcus Wallenberg Foundation (Circular Business Models in Process Industry).
Dr. Ivy Pike is a Professor in the Department of Biological Anthropology at the University of Arizona, serving as Core Faculty in the School of Anthropology. She also holds the role of Associate Director for the Anthropology department. Her research focuses on the intersection of conflict, health, and evolutionary biology, particularly among East African pastoralist communities such as the Turkana and Pokot. Key areas of interest include women's psychosocial health, developmental origins of health disparities, and resilience mechanisms in high-stress environments. Dr. Pike’s work emphasizes biocultural approaches to understanding how social and environmental factors shape human biology. Her projects include longitudinal studies examining the impacts of low-intensity violence on adolescent health and the role of maternal nurturing strategies in insecure contexts. She has secured funding from the NSF for projects like "Vulnerable Transitions: Cumulative Stress for Pastoralist Youth" (2014-2018) and research on violence and health in pastoralist communities (2008-2011). Her research spans topics such as physical activity patterns in pastoralist populations, nutritional resilience, and the evolutionary underpinnings of health disparities. Dr. Pike’s contributions bridge anthropology, public health, and evolutionary biology, with a focus on marginalized communities in East Africa. Notable publications include studies on maternal stress and fetal outcomes, the biocultural consequences of violence, and resilience frameworks in extreme environments. Her work highlights the importance of integrating qualitative and quantitative methods to address health inequities globally.
