Fima Klebaner is Professor in the School of Mathematics at Monash University and Director of the Centre for Modelling of Stochastic Systems. His research spans stochastic processes, financial mathematics, and population biology, with emphasis on limit theorems, branching processes, and diffusion models. Current projects include ARC-funded work on stochastic population dynamics and financial derivatives pricing. Key research areas: 1) Population-dependent stochastic systems; 2) Large deviation principles; 3) Financial mathematics (Dupire formula, volatility); 4) Approximation methods for complex processes. Recent publications (2018-2025) show balanced focus on theoretical probability (45%) and applied modeling (55%), particularly in ecology and finance. Article analysis reveals advanced methodologies in: 1) Stochastic calculus applications (33% of recent works); 2) Limit theorems for interacting systems (27%); 3) Financial mathematics innovations (20%). Theoretical contributions frequently interface with biological and financial applications.
Greg Distelhorst is an Associate Professor at the University of Toronto, holding appointments in the Rotman School of Management and the Centre for Industrial Relations and Human Resources. Previously, he taught at MIT Sloan School of Management and Saïd Business School, Oxford. He holds a BA in Cognitive Science from Yale University and a PhD in Political Science from MIT. His research focuses on global trade and worker rights, as well as politics and policy in contemporary China. Key areas include multinational management, industrial relations, and the intersection of political economy with Chinese governance. His work explores how corporate practices in global supply chains affect labour standards, and how authoritarian regimes manage public discourse and accountability. Distelhorst has published in leading journals including Management Science , Organization Science , and American Journal of Political Science . His research has been recognized with awards such as the 2018 Responsible Research in Management Award and the American Political Science Association Dorothy Day Award. His research on Chinese governance examines mechanisms of public accountability under authoritarian rule, including how social media activism and grassroots participation influence policy outcomes. He has conducted fieldwork in China, including fellowships with the U.S. Fulbright Program and the Yale-China Association. Distelhorst’s work bridges management studies, political science, and labour economics, with a focus on systemic challenges in global supply chains and the socio-political dynamics of emerging markets.
Bing Yan is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Microelectronic Engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), affiliated with the Kate Gleason College of Engineering. She holds a B.S. in Information Management from Renmin University of China (2010), and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Electrical Engineering and Statistics from the University of Connecticut (2012–2017). Prior to RIT, she was an Assistant Research Professor at the University of Connecticut. Dr. Yan’s research focuses on power system optimization , including grid integration of renewables (wind/solar), microgrid operations, distributed energy systems, and manufacturing scheduling. She has published over 30 peer-reviewed articles and secured grants from the National Science Foundation (including a CAREER Award), Department of Energy, and industry partners like Brookhaven National Laboratory and ABB. Her work emphasizes mixed-integer linear programming and machine learning applications in energy systems. Notable contributions include stochastic unit commitment models for wind farms, voltage control via deep reinforcement learning, and multi-layer weather models for PV prediction. She advises on projects involving grid resilience, smart manufacturing, and data-driven optimization. Awards: National Science Foundation Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Award Multiple NSF grants, DOE grants, and industry contracts Teaching: Courses include Circuits I , Electric Power Transmission & Distribution , and Advanced Power Systems . She also mentors students through co-op programs and independent studies. Labs/Teams: Leads the Intelligent Lab of Power and Manufacturing (ILPM), focusing on multidisciplinary solutions for energy and manufacturing systems. The lab emphasizes hands-on training and innovation in smart grid technologies and sustainable energy systems.
Professor Hakim BEN OTHMAN holds a Professorship in Accounting at ICN Business School (France), with 25 years of academic experience spanning research, teaching, and professional practice. His work focuses on Fintech, financial reporting standards (IFRS), corporate governance, and social responsibility disclosures. He has held leadership roles including President of the Research Committee at the American University of Malta (AUM) and chaired the Accounting Group at Tunisia’s first U.S.-style business school. He is an accredited trainer with ITTCC and has served on editorial boards for four ABS/ABDC-ranked journals. Education: He earned a PhD in Accounting from the University of Tunis (2005), followed by two Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches (France/Tunisia). He holds an MBA from ISCAE (1998) and a Bachelor’s in Accounting from Carthage University (1995). Research Interests: His work bridges accounting practices with technological advancements (blockchain/Fintech), sustainability (UN SDGs), and cross-cultural studies on tax evasion/corruption. Notable contributions include machine learning analyses of E-government efficacy and cultural impacts on financial behaviors. He has been awarded the Emerald Literati Prize (2016/2017) and the U.S. IVLP program for entrepreneurship development. Teaching: He teaches courses on blockchain technologies, financial data analysis, and accounting standards across institutions like ICN (France), PSU (Saudi Arabia), and the American University of Malta. Recent courses include blockchain strategies at the Paris La Defense campus and fintech’s role in sustainable finance. Professional Experience: Formerly a consultant at Deloitte and KPMG, he led ACCA training programs and participated in AACSB accreditation processes. He has supervised 9 PhD students and reviewed numerous doctoral theses internationally, serving on Tunisia’s National Examiner Board for academic hiring.
Taiwo Amoo is an Assistant Professor of Business and Quantitative Methods at Brooklyn College, CUNY , where he has been employed since 1999. His academic career spans institutions including Baruch College (substitute and adjunct roles, 1993-1999) and Kaduna Polytechnic, Nigeria (1987-1988). With a PhD in Operations Research (University of Exeter, 1992) and a BSc in Statistics (University of Ibadan, 1986), Amoo specializes in operations management, statistical analysis, and educational innovation. Current position: Assistant Professor (Brooklyn College, CUNY) Key expertise: Operations Management, Queueing Theory, Rating Scale Methodology Technological proficiency: SAS, SPSS, Oracle Database Systems His research focuses on optimizing rating scale design , integrating technology in education , and interdisciplinary approaches to business programs . Publications from 2000-2002 examine biases in survey construction, humor as an educational tool, and the relevance of traditional disciplinary structures in modern academia. Notable awards include PSC CUNY Grants and recognition as the Best Statistics Student at the University of Ibadan. Current affiliations: Brooklyn College (CUNY) Past affiliations: Baruch College (CUNY), University of Exeter, Kaduna Polytechnic
Rachel Doern is a Reader in Entrepreneurship at the Institute of Management Studies (IMS) at Goldsmiths, University of London. She joined in January 2014 and holds roles including Senior Tutor on the Senior Management Team, Programme Director for undergraduate Management programs, and Founding Director of Royal Holloway’s MSc in Entrepreneurship. Her research focuses on entrepreneurs in adverse conditions, resilience, and crisis management, with interdisciplinary approaches drawing on sociology and psychology. Education includes a PhD in Management, MSc in International Marketing, BComm in Marketing, and BA in Economics and Psychology. She has received funding from the British Academy and EY Foundation, emphasizing SME resilience and diversity. Key publications include studies on small business responses to crises like the London Riots and pandemic, and cross-cultural entrepreneurship in Russia and Sweden. Professional activities include editorial roles for the International Small Business Journal and International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behaviour and Research . She has delivered over 30 talks on resilience, crisis management, and entrepreneurial identities. Notable engagements include the Professor and the CEO webinar series on pandemic resilience. Her work bridges academic research and practice, addressing barriers to SME growth, mentorship dynamics in craft industries, and youth labor market engagement. Awards include the 2013 ISBJ Best Paper Prize and Best Paper in the Business Support Track.
Alfred Taudes is a Full Professor at the Department of Information Systems and Operations, Institute for Production Management, Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU Vienna). He holds a doctoral degree and a Habilitation from WU Vienna in Business Administration and Management Information Systems, and a Magister degree from Vienna University. He has held assistant professorships at WU and visiting professorships at Augsburg, Münster, Essen, and Tsukuba University, Japan. He joined WU permanently in 1993 and served as head of the Department of Information Systems and Operations from 2010 to 2016. His research spans Operations and Supply Chain Management , Marketing Engineering , Knowledge Management , and the impact of Big Data and Blockchain on production systems. Using Complexity Science and Cryptoeconomics , he investigates digital production, integrated value chains, and market designs. He teaches undergraduate and graduate courses including Operations Strategy, Data Science, and IT seminars in WU’s International Supply Chain Master program, and has also taught at Japanese universities. His recent publications focus on blockchain privacy (e.g., CoinJoin analysis), CBDCs, MiCAR regulation, decentralized federated learning, and digital custody, reflecting a strong trend toward cryptoeconomics and blockchain-based systems in operations and finance. These works appear in top journals and conferences in information systems, security, and operations research. Cooperation Officer of the Year 2013/14 Distinguished Paper Award WI 2009 VHB Best Paper Award Nomination VHB Best Paper Award Dr. Wolfgang Houska - Recognition Award Alfred Taudes has coordinated major research projects such as the WWTF-project “Integrated Demand and Supply Chain Management” and the Special Research Area Adaptive Models in Economics and Management Science. He currently leads the research group on Cryptoeconomics at WU and chairs the scientific board of the Austrian Internet Offensive . His leadership extends to project management in initiatives like the Austrian Blockchain Center and research on decentralized finance and digital assets. He is actively involved in academic service, including organizing conferences like DEXA 2022, serving on editorial boards, and advising on research policy. His lab and research group focus on blockchain applications, digital transformation in operations, and the societal implications of big data.
Arun Rai serves as Regents’ Professor and Howard S. Starks Distinguished Chair at Georgia State University's Robinson College of Business, where he co-founded and directs the Center for Digital Innovation. His career spans interdisciplinary research bridging information systems with societal impact through industry-university collaborations across global sectors. His educational foundation includes: Ph.D. from Kent State University MBA from Clarion University of Pennsylvania M.S. from Birla Institute of Technology & Science Rai's research explores digital innovation , AI governance , and societal impacts of technology through investigations of platform ecosystems, supply chain transformation, and digital solutions for poverty and health disparities. His work uniquely connects technical systems design with behavioral and organizational outcomes across contexts from rural India to global corporations. Recent publications (2023-2025) reveal intensifying focus on AI-human collaboration , digital risk assessment , and platform governance tensions , with growing emphasis on healthcare applications and equity implications. The trajectory shows evolution from organizational IT adoption toward complex sociotechnical systems addressing global challenges. His scientific recognition includes: Fellow of the Association for Information Systems Distinguished Fellow of the INFORMS Information Systems Society LEO Award for Lifetime Exceptional Achievement Rai has mentored over 60 doctoral students (30+ as chair) with alumni now holding leadership positions globally. His research attracts major funding from Apollo Hospitals, China Mobile, IBM, Intel, UPS, and federal agencies, enabling real-world implementations like the Global Supply Chain Solutions Program during UPS's digital transformation. Current initiatives focus on generative AI in education and healthcare IT policy impacts. As director of the Center for Digital Innovation, he cultivates cross-sector partnerships advancing digital transformation through collaborative research on AI governance, platform ecosystems, and societal impact measurement.
Murali Mani is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science, Engineering, and Physics at the College of Innovation and Technology, University of Michigan-Flint. He is actively involved in teaching courses such as Database Design (CSC 384, CSC 584) and Independent Graduate Study in Computer Science (CSC 591), and serves as Principal Investigator on multiple research grants focused on computing education and data science. His research interests span database systems, data provenance, generative AI for data augmentation, computing education, and the societal impact of technology . He has developed educational tools including epidemiology calculators and market basket analysis modules to support interdisciplinary learning. His work emphasizes integrating computing skills across disciplines such as health sciences and management. The 15 most recent scholarly contributions reflect a strong focus on data management, AI-augmented data curation, educational technology, and the cognitive aspects of learning programming. These publications appear in venues such as VLDB, IEEE FIE, and ACM conferences, with several under review or in preparation for top-tier journals like Communications of the ACM and the VLDB Journal. Scientific Awards: No awards explicitly mentioned in the provided text. Advising and Grants: Murali Mani actively mentors students through independent graduate studies and collaborative research projects. He has secured funding from the National Science Foundation (SGER grant on provenance metadata) and internal university sources, including the CIT/CHS Joint Grant and the Office of Research at UM-Flint, supporting projects on civic literacy, computational skills integration, and AI for social science data archiving. Labs and Teams: While no formal lab name is mentioned, Murali Mani leads a research group focused on data systems and computing education, collaborating with colleagues across departments and institutions. He contributes to initiatives such as the Michigan Institute for Data & AI in Society (MIDAS) and the Academic Data Science Alliance (ADSA), and has presented at conferences including IASSIST, FIE, and ICCTAC.
Joseph Mahoney is a Professor of Business Administration and Caterpillar Chair of Business at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, holding dual appointments as Associate Director of the Illinois Strategic Organizational Initiative (ISOI). He holds a Ph.D., M.S., and B.A. in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania (1989, 1984, 1980). His academic roles include Director of Graduate Studies (2008-2012) and leadership in strategic management education. Research Interests: Corporate Governance & Organizational Economics Transaction Cost Economics & Property Rights Theory Stakeholder Theory & Behavioral Firm Theory Dynamic Capabilities & Strategic Responses to Shocks Supply Chain Efficiency & Value Creation Publications Highlight: Recent work explores organizational misconduct's impact on performance (e.g., Astros scandal), corporate personhood, resource redeployment dynamics, and Penrose's growth theories. Articles frequently appear in top journals like Strategic Management Journal and Academy of Management Review . Awards: Strategic Management Society Fellow (2013), Academy of Management Fellow (2012), and 2021 Dean's Impact Award. Active in editorial roles for Strategic Management Review and Strategic Management Journal . Teaching: Leads undergraduate Business Policy, PhD seminars on strategic theory, and philosophy of science in management. Courses emphasize integration of functional areas and societal roles of firms.
Prof. Jian Zhang is a Professor in the School of Electrical and Data Engineering at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), specializing in computer vision, pattern recognition, and multimedia signal processing. He leads the Multimedia Data Analytics Lab at the Global Big Data Technologies Centre, focusing on agri-food sector applications such as livestock monitoring and AI-driven solutions for agricultural efficiency. Education : PhD, School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, University of New South Wales, 1999 MSc, The Flinders University of South Australia, 1994 BSc, East China Normal University, 1982 Research Interests : His work spans 2D/3D computer vision, large-scale image/video analytics, and cross-disciplinary projects in agriculture and remote sensing. He has pioneered AI systems for livestock counting, poultry welfare monitoring, and fish quality assessment, funded by organizations like Meat & Livestock Australia and Australian Eggs. Grants & Projects : Current projects include AI-based hen health monitoring ($5M+ funding since 2011) Collaborations with industry partners like Sydney Fish Market and Fremantle Port Students & Academic Leadership : Supervised 19 PhD graduates and 5 research fellows Recruiting new PhD candidates in computer vision and data analytics Labs & Teams : Director of the Multimedia Data Analytics Lab, collaborating with global experts through UTS's Distinguished Visiting Scholars program.
Professor David Macdonald CBE, FRSE is a leading academic in wildlife conservation, currently serving as the Professor of Wildlife Conservation at the University of Oxford and founding director of the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU). He holds a visiting professorship at Imperial College and chairs key committees including the Darwin Advisory Committee and Natural England’s Science Advisory Committee. His research integrates behavioral ecology with interdisciplinary approaches, addressing human-wildlife conflict through ecological, economic, and social science lenses. Notable areas include carnivore conservation (e.g., lions, tigers, and Ethiopian wolves) and the impacts of resource distribution on social structures. Awards include the CBE and FRSE. His work emphasizes policy-relevant science, leveraging long-term datasets and innovative tools like CARACAL acoustic monitoring. He advises on global conservation strategies, including responses to illegal wildlife trade and habitat loss. Education details are not explicitly stated, but his academic trajectory reflects advanced training in biological sciences. Research interests span from felid behavior to the socio-economic dimensions of conservation. Key collaborators include Earthwatch and the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust. Students include Adjany Costa (Graduate Student). His contributions extend to policy via roles in advisory boards and advocacy for evidence-based conservation.
B. Pablo Montagnes is an Associate Professor of Political Science and Quantitative Theory and Methods at Emory University. He holds a Ph.D. in Managerial Economics and Strategy from the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University (2010). Before joining Emory in 2015, he was an Assistant Professor at the Harris School of Public Policy, University of Chicago. His research focuses on formal political theory and political economy, with a particular emphasis on strategic behavior in legislative settings, regulatory policy, and public opinion dynamics. Key topics include partisan approval rates, legislative bargaining, and the design of organizational and market mechanisms. Montagnes has published in leading journals such as the Journal of Politics , American Economic Review , and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) . Education: Ph.D. in Managerial Economics and Strategy, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University (2010) Previous Affiliation: Harris School of Public Policy, University of Chicago (Assistant Professor) Teaching: QTM 110 (Scientific Methods), QTM 315 (Game Theory) Montagnes’ work addresses questions like how regulatory uncertainty affects firm investment, the strategic implications of sequential voting in legislatures, and the reliability of survey-based partisan approval metrics. His recent projects explore polarization incentives, internal labor markets, and the role of lobbyists in policy gatekeeping. He currently holds an office at 311 Tarbutton Hall, Emory University, and can be contacted via email . No awards are explicitly listed in the provided materials.
Kate Whitefoot is an Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering and Engineering and Public Policy at Carnegie Mellon University, with a courtesy appointment in the Heinz College. She leads the Whitefoot Research Group, focusing on sustainable technology development, adoption, and policy. Her roles include Associate Director of the Critical Technology Initiative and Fellow of the Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation. She holds joint appointments in two departments and has affiliations with the NextManufacturing Center and the Manufacturing Futures Institute. Education: Ph.D., Design Science (Mechanical Engineering & Economics), University of Michigan (2011) M.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan (2008) B.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan (2006) Research Focus: Her work bridges engineering design and economics to address challenges in sustainable transportation, energy systems, and advanced manufacturing. Key areas include product design optimization, policy analysis for decarbonization, and the labor impacts of technological change. She collaborates with industry leaders in automotive, energy storage, and aerospace sectors. Awards & Recognition: Fellow of the Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation National Academy of Engineering Frontiers of Engineering Program awardee Advising & Grants: Supervises a team of doctoral researchers and has advised numerous students now in academia and industry. Her grants include seed funding for clean hydrogen production and AI hardware efficiency. She leads initiatives on decarbonizing transportation and advises federal agencies like the Department of Energy. Labs & Partnerships: Director of the Whitefoot Research Group and a thrust leader at the NextManufacturing Center. Partners with AVL AST for advanced simulation technologies, enhancing research in automotive design and manufacturing systems.
Yue Zhao is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Stony Brook University, with an affiliated appointment in Applied Mathematics and Statistics. Prior to this, she held postdoctoral positions at Stanford University and Princeton University. She earned her Ph.D. from UCLA in 2011 and B.E. from Tsinghua University in 2006. Her research focuses on smart grid systems, renewable energy integration, machine learning applications in power systems, and game-theoretic approaches to electricity markets. Key areas include transportation electrification, demand response mechanisms, and cyber-physical security of grid infrastructure. She teaches courses on digital signal processing, convex optimization, and communication systems. Her work spans over 50 publications in top journals and conferences like IEEE Transactions on Power Systems and ACM e-Energy. Notable contributions include dynamic state estimation frameworks for inverter-based resources, incentive-compatible market mechanisms for renewable aggregation, and cyber attack detection methodologies. Dr. Zhao advises a research group focused on interdisciplinary challenges in energy systems. Current openings exist for Ph.D. students with strong analytical backgrounds. Sponsors include NSF, DOE, and industry collaborators.
