Hang Lu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication and Media at the University of Michigan's College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. He specializes in science, health, environmental, and risk communication (ComSHER), with a focus on media psychology. His research explores audience responses to media messages about sensitive topics and strategies to enhance message effectiveness. Lu holds a Ph.D. in Communication from Cornell University (2018), along with advanced degrees from Cornell, Marquette University, and Central South University in China. He directs the Media and Risk (MaR) Lab and previously served as a postdoctoral fellow at the Annenberg Public Policy Center. His research spans four main areas: 1) emotion dynamics in media responses, 2) predictors of information behaviors, 3) media effects on stigmatization, and 4) AI applications in sensitive domains. He has published in journals like Journal of Communication , Risk Analysis , and Public Understanding of Science , earning multiple top paper awards. As Vice Chair of the Environmental Communication Division at the International Communication Association, Lu contributes to interdisciplinary dialogue. His work addresses critical societal issues such as climate change communication, vaccination hesitancy, and emerging technology ethics.
Stuart Hargreaves is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Law , The Chinese University of Hong Kong . His research focuses on information and privacy law and constitutional law and legal theory , reflecting his prior legal practice and academic background. Education: SJD, University of Toronto (2013) BCL, Oxford University (2008) JD, Osgoode Hall Law School (2006) BA in Politics & Sociology, McGill University (2000) His work examines the intersection of artificial intelligence and legal education , with projects like “Teaching Avatars” using AI for educational content creation. He also investigates surveillance technologies , privacy law , and constitutional rights in the context of Hong Kong’s political and legal environment. Scientific Awards and Grants: CUHK Teaching Excellence Award (2017) CUHK Direct Grant for Research University Grants Committee Teaching Development Grant Research Grants Council General Research Fund Joseph-Armand Bombardier Canada Graduate Scholarship Google Policy Fellowship He has contributed to AI in legal pedagogy through multiple conference presentations (e.g., “Teaching Avatars” at the 2024 CUHK Teaching & Learning Innovation Expo) and serves on the Board of Advisors for Teach for Hong Kong . His external roles include journal reviewing and LAWASIA membership.
Cecilia Leal is a Professor and Racheff Faculty Scholar in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, with additional appointments at the Carle Illinois College of Medicine, Materials Research Laboratory, and Beckman Institute. Her interdisciplinary research program bridges materials science, biophysics, and medicine to develop innovative therapeutic delivery systems. Dr. Leal's research focuses on the self-organization of biomolecular systems, particularly lipid membranes, peptides, and nucleic acids. Her lab investigates how structural complexity of lipids and bio-membranes relates to disease mechanisms and informs the design of better gene and drug delivery systems. Key projects include developing lipid nanoparticles for mRNA delivery, studying polymer-lipid hybrid membranes, and characterizing lipid droplet dynamics in metabolic diseases. The lab employs advanced techniques including Small Angle X-ray Scattering, Cryo-EM, and live cell imaging. Her recent publications (2023-2025) reveal a strong emphasis on lipid-based delivery systems for mRNA therapeutics and cancer treatment, with particular attention to how nanostructure affects delivery efficiency. The research spans from fundamental biophysics of lipid-polymer interactions to applied therapeutic development, demonstrating consistent translation of basic science to medical applications. University of Illinois Provost's Distinguished Promotion to Full Professor Award (2024) University of Illinois Scholar (2023) NIH New Innovator Award (2016) NSF CAREER Award (2016) Racheff Faculty Scholar Award (2019) Dr. Leal has mentored numerous graduate students and postdocs, many now in prominent positions at MIT, Stanford, Dow Chemical, and pharmaceutical companies. Her research is supported by multiple NIH and NSF grants, and she maintains active collaborations with medical researchers studying obesity, cancer, and respiratory diseases. She teaches core courses including MSE 201 (Phases and Phase Relations) and MSE 473 (Biomolecular Materials Science), consistently earning excellent teaching ratings. The Leal Lab operates as an interdisciplinary team of materials scientists, physicists, and chemists using cutting-edge characterization tools to solve biomedical challenges. The lab's work on lipid nanoparticle structure has direct relevance to next-generation mRNA vaccines and cancer therapies, with several publications highlighted in C&EN News and other prominent scientific media.
Claire Robins serves as Professor of Museology and Art at University College London's Institute of Education, leading the Art, Design & Museology Academic Group and acting as Department Graduate Tutor for the Department of Culture, Communication and Media. Her work critically bridges art practice, museum studies, and educational theory to advance democratic engagement in cultural institutions. Education: PhD in Museum Education, University of London (2009) Master's degree in Gallery/Museum Education, University of London Bachelor's degree in Fine Art, St Martins School of Art (now University of the Arts London) Research Focus: Robins investigates the intersection of artists' practices with critical pedagogy, emphasizing progressive education and avant-gardist strategies in twentieth-century knowledge production. Her scholarship examines how contextual forces shape learning definitions in museums, with particular attention to materialities, pedagogic forms, and democratic potential within institutional frameworks. This work consistently challenges conventional museum narratives through artist-led interventions. Publication Trends: Her 15 most recent publications (2012-2025) reveal sustained exploration of museology-art education synergies, highlighting pedagogic innovation through artists' interventions, critical assessment frameworks, and democratic museum practices. Key thematic threads include narrative disruption in galleries, sustainability in art education assessment, and the transformative role of fiction in reimagining museum epistemologies. Advising & Leadership: Robins has supervised PhD/EdD students since 2010 and directed the MA Art Education, Culture and Practice program (2011-2023). She currently teaches MA modules in Museums and Galleries in Education and leads the Education and Curation component, while mentoring MA dissertations. Her leadership extends to developing gallery-based short courses with Engage. Professional Engagement: As editorial board member for Arts & Communication and Engage , and active participant in ICOM and NSEAD, Robins shapes global discourse through international keynotes (e.g., Korean Society for Education in the Arts, 2019) and curated seminars like Soft Subjects: Material Practice in Gallery Education (2024). Her review work for Routledge and Intellect Books further demonstrates scholarly stewardship.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Selin Kara is a Professor at the Institute of Technical Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Leibniz University Hannover. She leads research in biocatalysis and bioprocessing, with a focus on sustainable and innovative enzyme-based technologies. Her leadership roles include Spokesperson of the Curriculum and Teaching Committee for Life Science and Chairperson of the Admissions Board for MSc Life Science. Full Name: Selin Kara Institution: Leibniz University Hannover Faculty: Faculty of Natural Sciences Department: Institute of Technical Chemistry Academic Rank: Professor Email: selin.kara@iftc.uni-hannover.de Her research interests center on biocatalysis and bioprocessing , particularly in redox biocatalysis , enzyme immobilization , non-conventional media such as deep eutectic solvents, biocatalytic cascades , and flow biocatalysis . She explores enzyme kinetics and process engineering to enhance efficiency and sustainability in chemical synthesis. Her group develops novel reactor systems and materials, including hydrogels and 3D-printed microfluidics, for advanced biocatalytic applications. She emphasizes green chemistry principles, aiming to replace traditional chemical processes with eco-friendly enzymatic alternatives. The most recent publications (2024–2025) demonstrate a strong trend in deep eutectic solvents , fusion enzymes , immobilization techniques , and sustainable synthesis of bio-based chemicals . Her work integrates experimental and computational methods to understand enzyme behavior and optimize reaction systems. Key themes include process intensification, solvent engineering, and industrial scalability, with applications in pharmaceuticals, fragrances, and sustainable materials. She holds leadership positions in academic governance, including: Spokesperson, Curriculum and Teaching Committee, Life Science (BSc/MSc) Chairperson, Admissions Board for MSc Life Science Executive Board Member, Institute of Technical Chemistry Deputy Representative for Professors in Faculty Council and Examination Boards Her research is highly collaborative, involving interdisciplinary teams and international partners, and is consistently published in high-impact journals such as Green Chemistry , ACS Catalysis , and ChemSusChem . While specific scientific awards and student advisees are not listed in the provided text, her extensive publication record and leadership roles reflect significant academic contributions.
Jacob Mackenzie is an Associate Professor at the University of Southampton's Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences , affiliated with the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) and Zepler Institute. His work spans advanced laser physics and photonics, focusing on efficient solid-state systems via planar waveguide geometries and cryogenic cooling for power scaling. Research interests: Waveguide amplifiers, cryogenically cooled lasers, ultra-fast compact lasers Key applications: Materials processing, space-borne LIDAR, silicon photonics Research Themes include innovative gain media engineering, thermal management, and spectroscopic optimization. His group explores non-standard laser transitions to expand accessible wavelengths and power regimes in continuous-wave (CW) and pulsed configurations. Publications highlight advancements in resonant waveguide gratings, thermal performance metrics, high-repetition rate systems, and optical coating durability. These align with his leadership in high-power laser design and novel manufacturing techniques. Scientific Awards Royal Academy of Engineering Postdoctoral Fellow (2004) Senior Member of the Optical Society (OSA) PhD Supervision includes Isaac Brock, Georgia Mourkioti, and Sahar Alidousti. He also mentors postgraduate students through technical workshops and co-teaches Photonics II (ELEC3217) for undergraduates. External Roles encompass invited speaking (2020), journal reviewing (2021-2022), and chairing conferences like the 10TH EPS-QEOD EUROPHOTON CONFERENCE (2022).
Gabriele de Seta is a researcher at the University of Bergen's Department of Linguistic, Literary and Aesthetic Studies, leading the ALGOFOLK project funded by the Trond Mohn Foundation (2024-2028). A sociologist by training with a PhD from Hong Kong Polytechnic University, he previously served as postdoctoral fellow at Academia Sinica (Taipei) and on the ERC-funded Machine Vision in Everyday Life project. Department of Ethnology, Academia Sinica (postdoctoral fellow) Department of Linguistic, Literary and Aesthetic Studies, University of Bergen (researcher) His research focuses on algorithmic folklore, synthetic ethnography, and Chinese digital culture. He examines how digital technologies and creative practices mutually shape each other, particularly in China's sociotechnical landscape. Key areas include platform governance, machine vision, algorithmic accountability, and digital vernaculars. Recent publications analyze TikTok/Douyin's infrastructural role, deepfakes, QR codes as globalized gateways, and Chinese internet vulgarity. His work combines theoretical frameworks from STS, media studies, and digital anthropology with fieldwork on Chinese digital practices. Trond Mohn Foundation Starting Grant ERC-funded research As educator, he designed the Machine Vision module for Bergen's Critical Approaches to Technology and Society course and taught Key Theories in Digital Culture. He supervises multiple MA/PhD students including co-supervision of Hanna Lauvli. Through his blog and podcast, he promotes public engagement with digital research.
Duncan Wilson is a Professor of Connected Environments at the Bartlett Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis (CASA) at University College London. His work bridges academia and industry, focusing on IoT, AI, and spatial analysis to enhance understanding of built and natural environments. Current role: Professor of Connected Environments at UCL Education: PhD in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Vision (UCL, 1997), BEng (Hons) in Electrical Engineering (Loughborough University, 1993) Research interests include: Cognitive computing at the network edge Extraordinary sensory systems for data capture Spatial reasoning and digital twins IoT for healthcare and biodiversity Edge AI and TinyML Recent articles span digital twin development , IoT for biodiversity monitoring , and smart healthcare infrastructure . He has received recognition for collaborative R&D approaches during his directorship at Intel's Sustainable Connected Cities institute. Teaching: Leads MSc Connected Environments and modules on IoT ethics, AI on microcontrollers, and sensor network deployment Projects: IoT Living Lab at UCL, Project Hercules for eye clinic analytics, and Shazam for Bats environmental monitoring Professional activities: Former Director of Intel Collaborative Research Institute (2012-2018), ex-member of Smart London Board (2017-2022)
Paras N. Prasad is a SUNY Distinguished Professor with joint appointments in Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, and Electrical Engineering at the University at Buffalo. He serves as Executive Director of the Institute for Lasers, Photonics and Biophotonics (ILPB), which he founded in 1999. Dr. Prasad holds the Samuel P. Capen Chair of Chemistry and has pioneered interdisciplinary research at the interface of photonics, nanotechnology, and biomedicine. Education: BSc, Bihar University, India (1964) MSc, Bihar University, India (1966) PhD, University of Pennsylvania (1971) Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Michigan (1971-74) Research Focus: Dr. Prasad's multidisciplinary research spans photonics, nanophotonics, and biophotonics, with emphasis on nonlinear optical processes in nanostructured materials. His work develops photonic technologies for information processing, medical imaging, and cancer therapy through nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems and diagnostic platforms. The ILPB laboratory features state-of-the-art instrumentation for advanced optical research. Publication Trends: Recent articles demonstrate strong focus on nanomedicine applications, particularly cancer theranostics using functional nanoparticles. Key themes include drug delivery systems, chiral photonic materials, bioimaging technologies, and nanoparticle synthesis techniques. The research consistently bridges fundamental materials science with translational medical applications. Honors and Awards: SPIE Gold Medal (2016) IEEE Photonics Society William Streifer Award (2021) American Chemical Society Peter Debye Award (2018) OSA Michael Feld Biophotonics Award (2017) IEEE Pioneer Award in Nanotechnology (2017) Fellow of National Academy of Inventors (2016) Guggenheim Fellowship (1997) Leadership: As ILPB Executive Director, Dr. Prasad leads multidisciplinary teams developing photonic technologies with applications in healthcare, energy, and communications. His research has generated nine spin-off companies, including Nanobiotix currently in advanced cancer therapy trials.
Dr. Wanju Huang is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Learning Design and Technology program at Purdue University , where she focuses on enhancing online learning experiences through innovative instructional design and emerging technologies. Prior to joining Purdue in Fall 2016, she served as an instructional design manager at Teaching and Learning Technologies and spent six years as a lecturer and instructional designer at Eastern Kentucky University. Education: Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction (Technology concentration) from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Her research interests center on technology-mediated online communities, instructor presence in digital learning, augmented reality applications, and faculty development programs. She has published extensively on these topics, including studies on multimedia interventions for teaching presence, immersive technologies in ESL education, and adaptive cyber training platforms. Dr. Huang's publications reflect a strong focus on EdTech innovation , with trends spanning AI integration in K-12 , model-based systems engineering , and microlearning strategies . Her work bridges theoretical frameworks like social constructivism with practical implementations in professional education. Professional memberships include the American Educational Research Association, Association for Educational Communications and Technology, and Quality Matters. She teaches courses on learning design foundations, e-learning systems, and professional competency demonstrations in LDT.
Christopher T. Middlebrook is a Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Michigan Technological University (MTU), with an affiliated appointment in the Physics department. He holds a visiting faculty research engineer position at Scientific Applications International Corporation (SAIC) supporting the DoD Executive Agent for Printed Circuits and has served as visiting faculty at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane (2016–2020). His expertise spans integrated optical devices, electronic substrate manufacturing, and photonics. Middlebrook leads the Plexus Innovation Laboratory, a campus electronics maker space, and has pioneered PCB fabrication education through courses and media contributions. Education: PhD in Optics from the University of Central Florida, MS in Applied Optics from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, and BS in Electrical Engineering from MTU. His research focuses on electro-optic polymers, optoelectronic integration, and advanced manufacturing techniques. He has published 49 papers, holds two patents, and secured grants totaling over $970K, including the Michigan Economic Development Corporation-funded 'Back-End Semiconductor Curriculum' initiative (2024). Research highlights include developing UV resin printer methods for PCB prototyping, optimizing polymer waveguides, and advancing quantum communication technologies. Awards include the HKN Professor of the Year (multiple years), Michigan Tech Graduate Mentor Award, and IPC Carano Teacher Excellence Award. His work bridges academia and industry, emphasizing hands-on learning and innovation. Key Grants: Back-End Semiconductor Curriculum for Advanced Substrates: $970K (2024) Mesosphere Observation Mission (MOMBO): $38K (2022–2023) Labs/Teams: Plexus Innovation Lab, MTU's Electronics Maker Space Courses Taught: EE2230 PCB Fabrication, EE3190 Optical Sensing, EE5500 Stochastic Processes, and 15+ others emphasizing photonics and optoelectronics.
Dr. Gan Sheuo Hui serves as Lecturer in Animation at LASALLE College of the Arts, Singapore, with extensive international engagement through visiting positions at National University of Singapore (NUS), Kyoto Seika University, and the Sainsbury Institute for the Study of Japanese Arts and Cultures. Her academic profile bridges Japanese animation scholarship with Southeast Asian cultural contexts through fieldwork-driven research. Her educational qualifications include: PhD in Human and Environmental Studies from Kyoto University, Japan Master of Communication (Screen Studies) from University of Science Malaysia Bachelor of Communication (Film Studies) from University of Science Malaysia Dr. Gan's research examines Japanese anime, manga, and popular culture through lenses of authorship, censorship, and cultural hybridity, with particular focus on transnational adaptations in Southeast Asia. She integrates theoretical frameworks with empirical fieldwork involving creators, curators, and fans across Asia and the West, emphasizing practical production aspects alongside critical analysis. Her interdisciplinary approach connects film studies, media theory, and cultural anthropology. Her scholarly trajectory reveals consistent exploration of animation aesthetics (especially limited/selective animation), historical evolution of Japanese animation, and hybrid cultural forms in Southeast Asia. Key thematic threads include re-evaluating animation techniques beyond Western paradigms, analyzing global anime circulation, and documenting local adaptations of manga in Malaysia. This body of work demonstrates strong methodological integration of archival research, industry analysis, and ethnographic observation. Scientific recognition includes: Two-year Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Grant for postdoctoral research on Japanese anime history Sainsbury Institute for the Study of Japanese Arts and Cultures Fellowship Dr. Gan has secured competitive research funding including the JSPS grant, and maintains active international collaboration through invited lectures at institutions like Sorbonne, Tokyo University, and Keio University across 20+ countries. Her teaching innovations include NUS modules incorporating Japan-based field studies, reflecting her commitment to experiential learning in Japanese visual culture. While specific student advising isn't detailed, her pedagogy emphasizes creator-fan industry ecosystems. Her research network spans the Archive Center for Anime Studies (Niigata University), Kyoto Seika University's Manga Department, and global symposia, facilitating cross-institutional knowledge exchange on animation history and contemporary media practices.
Alison Baker is a Senior Lecturer at the University of East London within the School of Childhood and Social Care. She specializes in Education and teaches modules on inclusion, Primary English, children's literature, and reflective practice in Primary Teaching. PhD candidate researching white working-class children in children's fantasy fiction Areas of expertise: Social class representation, reading for pleasure, inclusive pedagogy Research Focus: Investigates how social class portrayal in fantasy literature impacts children's reading engagement, with particular attention to working-class disempowerment in fictional narratives. Her work bridges literary analysis with educational practice through projects like the UEL Goodreads discussion group. Key Publications: Contributions on social class in Harry Potter, children's comics, and critical reading pedagogy. Notable works include analyses of social capital in fantasy fiction and the use of social media for teacher development. External Roles: Served as Children's Programme Coordinator at Eastercon 2019 (Ytterbium) and currently sits on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Historical Fiction.
Dr Harrison Smith is a Lecturer in Digital Media & Society at the University of Sheffield's School of Sociological Studies, Politics and International Relations. He holds a PhD from the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Information, alongside MA and BA degrees in Sociology from Queen’s University, Canada. His research focuses on the political economy of data analytics, particularly in smart cities and consumer surveillance contexts. Education: PhD in Information Studies, University of Toronto (Canada) MA in Sociology, Queen’s University (Canada) BA (Hons) in Sociology, Queen’s University (Canada) Smith’s research examines how data infrastructures shape socio-economic inequality through processes like surveillance, classification, and market segmentation. Key areas include location-based marketing, 5G data infrastructures, and industry consolidation in data analytics. His work critiques how digital technologies reconfigure urban spaces and labor markets, particularly in 'smart city' contexts. Recent publications explore the metaverse's industrial implications, blockchain’s role in dispute resolution, and surveillance practices at music festivals. His teaching includes leading the module SCS2016: The Sociology of the Media. Smith’s expertise bridges media theory, urban informatics, and critical data studies, emphasizing ethical and political dimensions of digital technologies in everyday life.
Purba Hossain is a Lecturer in Modern History (post 1800) at the University of York’s Department of History, based at Vanbrugh College. She holds a BA and MA from Presidency University (Kolkata, India) and a PhD from the University of Leeds. Her research focuses on colonial India, particularly Indian experiences under British rule, indentured labour migration, and colonial language dynamics. She has held fellowships at Christ’s College Cambridge, the Institute of Historical Research (London), and the Royal Historical Society. Education: PhD (History), University of Leeds MA (History), Presidency University BA (History), Presidency University Purba’s work challenges Eurocentric narratives by centering Indian voices in colonial historiography. Her first monograph, Voices from Calcutta: Indian Indenture in the Age of Abolition (Cambridge UP, 2025), examines indentured labour migration from Calcutta’s perspective. Current research explores how Indian language workers mediated British colonial power. She co-edited Across Colonial Lines: Commodities, Networks, and Empire Building (2023) and co-curated a Past & Present special issue on language histories. Her teaching includes modules on historical analysis, empire studies, and the end of slavery. Purba actively supervises PhD students researching colonial Indian history.
