Haoran Zhang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics & Finance at Manhattan University. His research focuses on financial markets, corporate finance, and crisis impact analysis. He teaches courses such as Corporate Finance (FIN 324), Insurance and Risk Management (FIN 370), and Fixed Income Analysis (FIN 432). His work explores topics like herding behavior, market regulations, and the effects of financial crises on corporate strategies. With a publication record emphasizing China's financial markets and regulatory interventions, his research bridges theoretical models and real-world market dynamics. He holds no listed awards but has contributed to understanding post-crisis financial futures markets and retail investor behavior. His advising and grants activities are not detailed in the provided materials.
Dr. Megan Ware is an Assistant Professor at the University of the Incarnate Word. She holds a PT. DPT from Hardin Simmons University (2010) and a ScD in Physical Therapy from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (2018). Her clinical expertise includes outpatient orthopedics and neurological rehabilitation, complemented by certifications as a Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist. She teaches functional anatomy, patient management, and psychosocial considerations in physical therapy. Her research focuses on nociplastic pain and student success strategies. Education: Bachelor’s in Exercise Sports Science, Abilene Christian University (2007) Doctor of Physical Therapy, Hardin Simmons University (2010) Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (2018) Affiliations: Member of APTA, Education and Orthopedic Academies; former delegate for Heart of Texas region in APTA House of Delegates. Her teaching spans five years, emphasizing hands-on patient management and interdisciplinary approaches. She advocates for student engagement through innovative pedagogy in clinical skills education.
Bilal Farooq is an Associate Professor and Program Director for the Master of Engineering in Interdisciplinary Engineering (MEIE) at Toronto Metropolitan University, holding the Canada Research Chair in Disruptive Transportation Technologies and Services within the Department of Civil Engineering. His educational background includes a PhD from the University of Toronto (2011), MASc from Lahore University of Management Sciences (2004), and BSc from the University of Engineering and Technology (2001). Dr. Farooq's research pioneers disruptive transportation solutions through cyber-physical systems, AI/machine learning applications, behavioral modeling, and optimization techniques. His work specifically targets on-demand multimodal systems, sustainable urban transportation, urban air mobility, automated vehicles, and extended reality applications, addressing critical urban mobility challenges with human-centered approaches. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trend toward quantum-enhanced computational methods, privacy-preserving federated learning frameworks, and sustainability-focused decarbonization strategies across transportation domains, with increasing emphasis on human factors and real-world implementation. Notable scientific awards include: Ontario Early Researcher Award (2018) Canada Research Chair (2017) MassMotion Academic Pedestrian Modelling Project of the Year (2016) Québec Early Researcher Award (2014) Dr. Farooq actively supervises graduate students and secures significant research funding through his Canada Research Chair position and Early Researcher Awards. He directs the Laboratory of Innovations in Transportation (LiTrans), which develops interdisciplinary solutions integrating mathematics, engineering, computer science, and economics to address emerging transportation challenges. LiTrans focuses on disruptive transportation technologies, complete streets design, cyber-physical systems, pedestrian dynamics, resilience, and climate change impacts, collaborating with industry and government partners to translate research into practical urban mobility innovations for smart cities worldwide.
Justin Jansen is a Professor of Corporate Entrepreneurship at Rotterdam School of Management (RSM) within Erasmus University Rotterdam. Affiliated since 2001, his academic career spans over two decades. He holds a PhD in Management (2005) from Erasmus University. His research focuses on organizational growth, strategic renewal, and leadership dynamics in fast-growing firms. He co-founded the Erasmus Centre for Entrepreneurship (ECE) and pioneered the European ScaleUp Institute, fostering scale-up ecosystems across Europe. His work bridges academia and practice, addressing how organizations navigate paradoxes between exploration and exploitation. He has advised companies and governments on innovation strategies and entrepreneurial ecosystems. Editorships include Journal of Management Studies , and he’s an editorial board member of leading journals like Academy of Management Journal . Notable awards include the ERIM Best Paper Award and being named one of the world’s top entrepreneurship scholars. Research highlights include frameworks for scale-up DNA, leadership roles in ambidextrous organizations, and the role of social networks in corporate-startup collaborations. He co-developed BuildtoGrow, a venture applying research-based game-based learning tools for scaling organizations. Key collaborations include work with the European ScaleUp Institute and advisory roles for governmental agencies on entrepreneurial climate improvement. His 50+ publications span topics like absorptive capacity, strategic agility, and middle management roles in strategy implementation.
Professor Dr. Michael Woywode is a full professor and holds the Chair of SME Research and Entrepreneurship at the University of Mannheim , within the Business School . His research and teaching are embedded in the Institute for SME Research and Entrepreneurship (ifm Mannheim) , a central research institute of the university, and the Mannheim Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (MCEI) , which offers entrepreneurship courses university-wide. Research Interests: Family Firms: Succession planning, leadership transitions, and post-succession innovation. Entrepreneurship: Founder behavior, startup ecosystems, and entrepreneurial decision-making. Digitalization in SMEs: Competitiveness, digital transformation, and innovation in small and medium-sized enterprises. Self-Employment & Labor Markets: New forms of self-employment and their societal implications. Teaching: Prof. Woywode teaches across Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral levels, offering courses such as Strategic and International Management , Introduction to Entrepreneurship , and Managing the Family Business . Research Output: His recent publications span high-impact journals including Organization Science , Family Business Review , and Journal of Small Business Management , with a clear focus on entrepreneurship, family business, and institutional theory. Team & Collaboration: He leads a multidisciplinary team including postdocs, PhD candidates, and research associates, working closely with the MCEI and ifm Mannheim to foster entrepreneurship research and education.
FOONG Pin Sym is a Senior Research Fellow at the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore. She leads the Telehealth Core, a research center focused on developing and studying eHealth projects. Her academic background includes a Master's in Human Computer Interaction Design and a PhD in Interactive Media. Her research emphasizes patient-centered technologies, with a focus on chronic disease prevention, caregiver support, and mobile health applications. Her work addresses challenges in healthcare decision-making, end-of-life care, and lifestyle interventions. Notable projects include developing digital tools for diabetes risk communication, caregiver decision support systems, and studies on telehealth during the pandemic. She teaches courses in Human-Computer Interaction, Mobile Interaction Design, and Technology for Older Adults. Her research spans qualitative and quantitative methodologies, including randomized controlled trials and participatory action research. She actively participates in interdisciplinary collaborations across health, technology, and design sectors to improve patient and caregiver outcomes. Education: PhD in Interactive Media, Master's in Human Computer Interaction Design Labs/Teams: Leads the Telehealth Core research team Grants/Projects: SMART-GDM Study, Vita project for dementia care
Carla P. Gomes is a Professor of Computer Science at Cornell University with joint appointments in the Department of Computer Science and the Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management. She holds a PhD in computer science from the University of Edinburgh and an M.Sc. in applied mathematics from the University of Lisbon. Her research focuses on artificial intelligence, constraint reasoning, optimization, and computational sustainability. As Director of the Institute for Computational Sustainability (ICS) and co-director of the Cornell University AI for Science Institute, she leads efforts to integrate AI with sustainability challenges. Her research themes include the integration of constraint reasoning, machine learning, and operations research to solve large-scale problems. She pioneered the field of Computational Sustainability, addressing environmental, economic, and societal challenges through AI. Gomes directed two NSF Expeditions in Computing awards and established CompSustNet, a large-scale sustainability research network. Key awards include the 2021 ACM–AAAI Allen Newell Award, AAAI Feigenbaum Prize, and fellowships from AAAI, ACM, and AAAS. Her work spans over 200 publications, with contributions to AI, sustainability, and materials discovery. She advises numerous PhD students and oversees postdocs in AI, sustainability, and interdisciplinary projects. Gomes' lab focuses on AI for scientific discovery, including autonomous materials synthesis and crystal-structure phase mapping. She collaborates with institutions like JCAP and the Materials Project, advancing AI-driven solutions for energy and environmental challenges. Current projects include Schmidt AI in Science postdoc initiatives and AI-driven materials discovery platforms like DRNets and SARA.
Hiroyuki Iseki is Associate Professor of Urban Studies and Planning at University of Maryland's School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation, and Research Affiliate with the National Center for Smart Growth. His work examines interactions between transportation, land use, equity, and environmental sustainability. Research focuses on: Transit-oriented development impacts on firm location Equity in public transit finance Climate policy implementation in urban planning Active transportation infrastructure analysis Recent publications analyze post-pandemic transit demand shifts, campus multimodal conflicts, and bicycle accessibility modeling. Methodological strengths include spatial econometrics, GIS analysis, and longitudinal data approaches. Work increasingly addresses climate adaptation in transportation planning and EV charging grid impacts. Research contributes to urban policy through WMATA collaborations and Japanese municipal climate planning studies. Current PhD program directorship advances urban planning analytics training.
Allen N. Berger is the Carolina Distinguished Professor and H. Montague Osteen, Jr. Professor of Banking and Finance at the University of South Carolina's Darla Moore School of Business. He co-founded and co-directs the Center for Financial Institutions, chairs the Fixed Income-Financial Institutions Conference organizing committee, and is a Senior Fellow at the Wharton Financial Institutions Center. Education includes: Ph.D. in Economics, University of California, Berkeley (1983) M.A. in Economics, University of California, Berkeley (1979) B.A. in Economics, Northwestern University (1976) Research expertise spans financial institutions, with 138 refereed publications in leading finance and economics journals. Major contributions include developing liquidity creation measures used globally, analyzing bank efficiency, and examining crisis interventions. His work has received over 104,000 Google Scholar citations with an H-index of 113. Honors include the Southern Finance Association's Lifetime Service Award (2023), Best Paper Award from Review of Corporate Finance (2023), and University of South Carolina's top research award. He has addressed central banks worldwide and serves on eight editorial boards. Before academia, he spent 26 years at the Federal Reserve Board. Research areas: Bank liquidity creation and financial crises Government interventions (TARP, PPP) Bank competition and FinTech International banking comparisons Small business lending dynamics
Dr Dawn Elizabeth Cavanagh is a Researcher at Manchester Metropolitan University, affiliated with the Faculty of Health and Education. Her work focuses on healthcare equity for individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism, particularly addressing systemic issues like restrictive practices and long-term segregation. She holds a PhD from the University of South Wales, where her research explored annual health checks and self-management for people with learning disabilities. Dr Cavanagh’s research has included NIHR-funded studies on psychotropic medication decision-making and the impact of the pandemic on people with learning disabilities. She is currently evaluating the HOPE(S) Programme to End Long-Term Segregation, focusing on mothers of children detained in secure hospitals. Her advocacy extends to campaigning against institutional segregation through initiatives like Stolen Lives Wales and her role as a trustee of the Paul Ridd Foundation. Her research interests intersect personal advocacy, as she is autistic and the parent of an adult son with multiple disabilities whose experiences informed her work. She co-chaired the 2023 RRN conference and has been recognized with awards for her contributions to restraint reduction and disability advocacy. Education: PhD in Intellectual Disability Healthcare (University of South Wales) Dr Cavanagh’s articles emphasize ethical healthcare practices, policy reform, and co-produced solutions for marginalized groups. Her work bridges academic research with grassroots advocacy, aiming to dismantle systemic barriers in healthcare access and institutional care. Awards: Restraint Reduction Network’s 2024 Outstanding Contribution Award, Cardiff Parents’ Federation 2024 Trustee Award She collaborates with organizations like the Rightful Lives Team and leads Stolen Lives Wales, advocating for systemic change in healthcare provision for vulnerable populations.
Sebastian Pfotenhauer is a Carl von Linde Professor for Innovation Research at Technical University of Munich (TUM) and Deputy Head of the STS Department. He specializes in the societal dimensions of innovation, including governance of emerging technologies, regional innovation cultures, and responsible innovation practices. His work bridges academic research and policy, with leadership roles in major initiatives like the €50M Munich Cluster for the Future of Mobility (MCube) and the EU-funded SCALINGS project on co-creation in innovation. He holds a PhD in Physics from the University of Jena and postdoctoral training at MIT and Harvard. Research interests include innovation policy, science governance, and the interplay between technology and societal change. Notable projects include comparative studies of innovation cultures, governance frameworks for AI and neurotechnology, and global partnerships in science and innovation. He advises governments and international bodies like the OECD and the German Engineers’ Association (VDI). Publications span journals like Research Policy , Social Studies of Science , and Nature Biotechnology , addressing topics from regulatory sandboxes to neurotechnology ethics. Awards include the Leading Technology Policy Fellowship (MIT) and NSF grants for studying complex international partnerships.
Dr. Claire Kremen is a Professor at the University of British Columbia (UBC), holding joint appointments in the Institute for Resources, Environment, and Sustainability (IRES) and Zoology within the Faculty of Science. She is the President’s Excellence Chair in Biodiversity and a highly-cited researcher since 2014. Her work focuses on reconciling agricultural land use with biodiversity conservation, emphasizing strategies like diversified farming systems to enhance ecological connectivity, ecosystem services (e.g., pollination), and sustainable livelihoods. Her research spans field, lab, and modeling studies, addressing how diversified farming systems influence wildlife population persistence, pest control, and socio-economic outcomes. She has held prior faculty roles at Princeton University and the University of California, Berkeley, where she co-founded the Berkeley Food Institute. Her international collaborations include work in Madagascar and roles on Conservation International’s Scientific Advisory Board. Research Interests: Community ecology, ecosystem services, agricultural diversification, conservation policy, and environmental change. Key projects investigate how landscape design and farming practices balance biodiversity conservation with food production, using case studies in strawberry farming, pollinator networks, and pest control. Awards & Recognition: President’s Excellence Chair in Biodiversity (UBC), Clarivate Analytics Highly Cited Researcher (2014–present). Grants & Advising: Advises students via courses like RES 509 (Advanced Conservation Science) and RES 510 (Social-Ecological Systems). Her lab integrates empirical and theoretical approaches to address barriers to sustainable agriculture adoption and promotes policy frameworks for biodiversity-friendly farming. Labs & Teams: Leads the Conservation and Sustainable Agriculture Lab (WorCS Lab), collaborating with interdisciplinary teams on global food systems and biodiversity research.
Douglas Abbey is a Lecturer in Finance at the Stanford Graduate School of Business since 2005, specializing in real estate investment and urban development. He co-founded IHP Capital Partners, AMB Property Corporation (now Prologis), and Swift Real Estate Partners, contributing to industrial real estate and affordable housing sectors. Abbey holds an MCP from UC Berkeley and a BA from Amherst College. His research and teaching focus on real estate investment strategies, land use policies, and their socio-economic impacts. He emphasizes how market forces, demographics, and regulations shape housing affordability and urban integration. Abbey has authored multiple case studies analyzing real estate projects and development challenges. Education: MCP, UC Berkeley, 1979 BA, Amherst College, 1971 Abbey has served on boards of prominent organizations, including the Urban Land Institute (past Global Board member, Chairman of the ULI Foundation), Bridge Housing Corporation (emeritus after 20 years), and the Nantucket Yacht Club. He supports the Abbey Master in Real Estate Development + Design at UC Berkeley. His academic service includes teaching GSBGEN 306: Real Estate Investment and advising students on career paths in real estate. His case studies explore diverse topics like hotel development, distressed asset management, and industrial REIT strategies.
Professor Anthony Richardson is a mathematical ecologist at the University of Queensland , holding a joint position with CSIRO Environment since 2005. He leads the Mathematical Marine Ecology Lab , focusing on marine conservation through mathematical, statistical, and computational modeling. School of the Environment, Faculty of Science, University of Queensland Affiliate, Centre for Marine Science Affiliate, Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science Research Interests span marine spatial planning (climate-smart protected areas, 3D ocean zoning), marine ecosystem modeling (lower trophic levels, plankton-dynamics), and climate change impacts (carbon sequestration, fisheries productivity, and marine diseases). His work has been cited in IPCC Assessment Reports and emphasizes international collaboration through projects like the Global Working Group on Climate Change Synthesis . Recent Publications focus on Zooplankton's role in carbon cycling Climate-smart marine protected area design Ecosystem modeling under climate uncertainty Marine megafauna connectivity patterns Supervision is offered for >250 peer-reviewed papers and advanced projects in climate-smart conservation planning, with established funding from ARC Discovery Projects and Norwegian Polar Institute .
Mel Ainscow is a Professor in Education at the University of Glasgow and holds adjunct and emeritus roles at Queensland University of Technology and the University of Manchester. He is recognized globally for his work on inclusion and equity in education, particularly through systemic reforms and collaborative research with schools. His career includes roles as a head teacher, adviser, and researcher, emphasizing strategies to make schools effective for all students. Key projects include leading the Greater Manchester Challenge (a £50M initiative for school improvement) and Schools Challenge Cymru (a Welsh Government program focusing on disadvantaged students). He advises UNESCO and the Organization of American States on equity in education. His research focuses on systemic change, policy analysis, and inclusive practices, with over 90 publications including books like Struggles for Equity in Education and articles in journals like Journal of Educational Change and Prospects . Dr. Ainscow's awards include a CBE for services to education (2012). His work bridges theory and practice, advocating for equity through collaboration, ethical leadership, and evidence-based strategies. He has collaborated with international networks in Australia, Portugal, Spain, and Latin America, emphasizing global approaches to educational challenges.
