Dr. Mara Zukowski serves as Associate Dean of Humanities and Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Felician University's School of Arts & Sciences. She holds a PhD in Systematic Theology (Fordham University), MA in Biblical Studies (Fordham), and BA in English/Religious Studies (University of Massachusetts at Boston). Her research focuses on death and dying, scriptural interpretation, and moral theology, with notable works like Dimensions of Death Through a Catholic Lens (2013) and scholarship on ecclesiological ethics. Teaching specialties include Christology, medical ethics, and religious experience. She has published extensively in Salem Press series on ethics, family life, and social issues, contributing to over 20 scholarly entries since 1994. Her academic reviews span contemporary theological debates, including interventions on clergy accountability and faith-based ethics in healthcare. As Associate Dean, she oversees humanities curricula while maintaining an active research agenda. Professional service includes leadership in Franciscan educational vision initiatives and interdisciplinary moral education programs.
Emanuele Castelli is Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Parma , where he teaches Political Science and International Politics . He holds multiple leadership roles including Rector's Delegate for Social Justice (2023-2029), Director of CSEIA (Center for Studies in European and International Affairs), and Coordinator of the Jean Monnet FOSTER Project (2024-2027). Previously, he was a researcher at the University of Parma, postdoctoral fellow at the Bruno Kessler Foundation, and contract professor at the Free University of Bolzano and the University of Trento. His research spans the intersection of Peace Research and International Relations Theory , focusing on how economic modernization influences state behavior domestically and internationally. He has participated in projects funded by Italy's Ministry of Education, NATO's Allied Command Transformation, and banking foundations. His work emphasizes creative destruction , elite incentives , and technological innovation as drivers of conflict and pacification. Recent publications analyze topics like food security and terrorism (Boko Haram/Al-Shabaab), Schumpeterian peace theories , and bargaining in ethnic conflicts (South Tyrol). He has authored two monographs on revolution theory and co-edited works on identity conflicts , with over 20 peer-reviewed articles. His 2012-2016 analysis of counterinsurgency myths and 2007-2008 studies on Armed Forces trade-offs demonstrate methodological diversity. Castelli graduated magna cum laude in Political Science (2000) at the University of Bologna, earned a Master's there in International Relations, and completed his PhD in Sociology and Political Studies at the University of Parma. He manages the activities of the Standing Group on International Relations (SGRI) and has organized its annual conference since 2012.
Dr Aimée Fox is a Senior Lecturer in the Defence Studies Department at King’s College London, serving as Director of Postgraduate Research (DRSC chair). She specializes in twentieth-century warfare, focusing on military innovation and organizational learning in historical and contemporary contexts. Her research explores how armed forces adapt to change, particularly in the British Army during the First World War (c.1899–1923). She holds editorial roles at journals like British Journal for Military History and War in History , and co-edits academic book series with McGill-Queen’s University Press and Brill. Her research interests include military families in early twentieth-century Commonwealth forces, social and military history of the First World War, and the role of gossip as a form of military knowledge. Key publications include Learning to Fight: Military Innovation and Change in the British Army, 1914-1918 (2018), winner of the Templer Medal and British Army Military Book of the Year. Recent work addresses historical narratives in UK defence policy and inter-theatre learning challenges in the First World War. Aimée is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and Higher Education Academy. She advises the National Army Museum and serves as a Trustee of the Society for Military History. Her research affiliations include the Sir Michael Howard Centre for the History of War and King’s Contemporary British History research group. Her academic contributions span book editions, peer-reviewed articles, and collaborative projects on military history. She actively supervises PhD students in historical approaches to military studies and has held fellowships with institutions like the Marine Corps University and Australian War Memorial.
Matthew Fiorelli serves as an instructor of American politics in the Department of Social Sciences at the United States Military Academy. A U.S. Army Major, he commands significant operational experience including leadership of an attack helicopter company in the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, with deployments to Afghanistan (2018-19) and Europe (2020). His academic credentials include: B.S. in American Politics and French from the United States Military Academy (2014) Master's in Public Affairs from Princeton University, where he served as a graduate fellow at the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions Fiorelli's research centers on American foreign policy frameworks, U.S. national security decision-making, and foundational American political philosophy. His scholarly approach integrates historical case analysis with contemporary policy challenges, examining military experience in legislative contexts, nuclear deterrence dynamics, and maritime security threats through interdisciplinary political science and international relations lenses. His publication trajectory reveals evolving methodological sophistication—from policy commentary on counterinsurgency ( Defense One , 2020) to historical security analysis (Georgetown Security Studies Review, 2024) and rigorous empirical legislative studies (Legislative Studies Quarterly, 2025). This work consistently bridges academic theory with military application, emphasizing veteran perspectives in national security governance. Information regarding student advising, research grants, laboratory affiliations, or team leadership structures is not provided in available materials.
Dr. Maggie Dwyer serves as Senior Lecturer in African Studies and International Development at the University of Edinburgh, specializing in African security dynamics, peacekeeping operations, and political violence. Her research examines military institutions across West Africa with fieldwork conducted in Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso, The Gambia, Liberia, Tanzania, and Kenya. Her primary research interests focus on African militaries , international peacekeeping interventions , and political transitions , particularly analyzing how security forces navigate democratic transitions and post-conflict environments. She investigates the social dimensions of military service including soldiers' family dynamics during deployments and the political implications of social media in African governance. Recent publications reveal consistent thematic development across three interconnected domains: (1) Peacekeeping effects on veterans and contributing nations, (2) Military fragmentation and coup dynamics in West Africa, and (3) Digital politics and security sector communication. Her 2023-2025 work increasingly examines post-deployment veteran welfare and transitional security challenges in The Gambia following the 2017 democratic transition. Dr. Dwyer has secured significant research funding including the ESRC-funded 'Return from Peacekeeping' project (2019-2024), Gerda Henkel Foundation support, Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation grants, and UKRI Global Challenges Research Fund awards. She has collaborated with Peace Research Institute Oslo and contributed to projects involving the U.S. State Department and World Bank. Her academic supervision focuses on African politics, peace and conflict studies, and security-development nexus topics for PhD candidates in African Studies, Politics, and International Development programs. She maintains active research partnerships with institutions across Africa and regularly contributes policy analysis to international media outlets including Washington Post, New Lines Magazine, and African Arguments.
Dr. Ron Bergquist is a Teaching Professor at the UNC School of Information and Library Science , with roles including Coordinator for the Undergraduate Program (2013–present) and former Associate Dean for Academic Affairs (2016–2020). He retired as a Colonel from the U.S. Air Force after 26+ years of service, including combat roles in Vietnam and Desert Storm. His expertise spans public libraries in North Carolina , visual language , and user-centered design . Education: B.A. in Geography, University of Texas at Austin (1968) M.A. in National Security Affairs (Middle East Studies), Navy Postgraduate School (date unspecified) M.S.L.S. and Ph.D. in Information and Library Science, UNC Chapel Hill (1999 and 2006) His research integrates his military background and library science, focusing on public policy for small-town libraries and collaborative virtual environments. Recent publications explore distributed scientific collaboration and information flow in command structures. He teaches courses like Information Tools and Information Use for Organizational Effectiveness . Advising & Grants: Supervises field experiences (INLS992) and holds regular office hours. No formal grants or awards are listed, but his work bridges military strategy and civilian information systems.
Geoffrey Sloan is an Associate Professor at the University of Reading, specializing in strategic studies, geopolitical theory, and intelligence studies. He focuses on British military doctrine, intelligence operations, and Anglo-Irish relations. His research spans the 20th century's geopolitical developments, including the role of intelligence in international politics. He coordinates the Mackinder Forum in the UK and teaches postgraduate programs. Education: BA (Hons), PhD, and PGCE from Keele University. Research Interests: Geopolitical theory evolution Military intelligence's role in conflict British military doctrine history Colonial and postcolonial conflict dynamics Publications reflect deep engagement with British military history, intelligence failures/successes, and strategic thought. His 2025 work examines Irish conflicts, while 2020 publications honor foundational strategic theorists like Colin Gray and Halford Mackinder. No specific grants or advising roles mentioned, though he actively contributes to academic networks like the Mackinder Forum.
Philipp David Schaller is a Professor of Business Administration/Management at Harz University of Applied Sciences, where he coordinates the Bachelor's program in Service Management and the Sustainable Management program. He supervises doctoral theses through the Doctoral Center for Social, Health, and Economic Sciences (SGW) and leads projects like Gründerwald (promoting startups) and KlimaPlanReal (climate neutrality initiatives). Based in Wernigerode, Germany, he teaches in areas such as corporate management, change management, and evidence-based practices. Education: B.Sc. & M.Sc. in Economics and Organizational Sciences from UniBw Munich (2007-2011). His research bridges organizational development with military leadership concepts (e.g., 'mission tactics'), scaled agile frameworks, and sustainable transformation. He advocates for experimental methodologies in organizational change, emphasizing learning from failure and evidence-based approaches. His recent publications explore agile management inspired by Prussian military strategies and practical experimentation in corporate settings. Selected publications highlight his work on hybrid organizational structures, experimental development, and agile leadership. He has presented at conferences including the European Group for Organizational Studies Colloquium and the Nachwuchswissenschaftler:innenkonferenz. Despite extensive contributions, no specific scientific awards are explicitly listed. Projects & Collaborations: Schaller co-leads KlimaPlanReal and founded the consultancy explayn Management Consulting (2017-2023). His military background (2003-2007) and roles at the Bundeswehr Planning Office and Command College inform his research on leadership and organizational design.
Ryszard Szynowski is a researcher affiliated with WSB University , focusing on Security Studies and Safety Engineering (50% each). His work spans national defense, military administration, and crisis management, with extensive contributions to academic literature and Polish security policy development. He has supervised 33 promoted theses, indicating a strong mentorship role in shaping defense and security research. Affiliation: WSB University Research Interests: Security Studies, Safety Engineering, National Defense, Military Administration, Crisis Management His research explores historical evolution of military administration, comparative analysis of defense systems in Poland, Czech Republic, and Slovakia, and security challenges in educational institutions. He has contributed to conceptual frameworks for territorial defense forces and Polish-Ukrainian cross-border security collaboration. While his publications emphasize practical applications of security science and administrative integration, the absence of explicit scientific awards or a detailed educational background in the provided data limits further categorization. His work often bridges legal frameworks with operational needs in defense and emergency contexts.
Johannes Hürter is an Associate Professor and Head of the Research Department Munich at the Institute for Contemporary History (IfZ) in Munich. He also holds an affiliation with Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz where he completed his habilitation in 2006. Born in Hamburg in 1963, Hürter has dedicated his career to researching 20th century German history, particularly focusing on military history, the Nazi dictatorship, and Federal Republic history. His research interests span military and diplomatic history of the German Empire, Weimar Republic, and Nazi Germany, with particular expertise in Wehrmacht history, private life under Nazism, and terrorism studies in the Federal Republic. Hürter leads several major research projects including 'Screening National Socialism: Ideology and Everyday Life in German Cinema 1933-1945' (SCREENS), 'The Chancellery. Federal German Democracy and the Nazi Past,' and 'The Private in National Socialism.' Hürter serves as editor of the Vierteljahrshefte für Zeitgeschichte (Quarterly Journal of Contemporary History) and its publication series. His scholarly output demonstrates consistent productivity across multiple historical subfields, with recent publications focusing on Leningrad as a site of German mass atrocities, colonial policy in National Socialism, and new perspectives on family separations during WWII. 2024: 'Die Zeit der Generale. Hermann Foertsch am Institut für Zeitgeschichte 1950-1952' 2024: 'Kolonialpolitik und Kolonialismus im Nationalsozialismus' 2023: 'Leningrad: Dimensionen, Erforschung und Endphase eines deutschen Massenverbrechens im Zweiten Weltkrieg' As Head of the Research Department Munich since 2010, Hürter oversees multiple research initiatives at the IfZ, including the Center for Holocaust Studies and the Berlin Center for Cold War Studies. His editorial work with the Vierteljahrshefte für Zeitgeschichte has shaped contemporary historical scholarship on 20th century Germany. Hürter's academic trajectory reflects both deep specialization in German military and political history and increasing engagement with broader European and transnational historical frameworks.
Dan Abel is a Senior Fellow-Adjunct at RAND and Senior Fellow at National Defense University, with additional roles as Crisis Leadership instructor at Virginia Commonwealth University and President of Status Paratus consulting firm. A retired U.S. Coast Guard Vice Admiral with 37 years of active duty, he leverages operational command experience across homeland security, national security, and international affairs domains. His academic credentials include degrees from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, National Defense University, and College of William and Mary. Abel's research examines institutional effectiveness in security operations, with emphases on Coast Guard international engagement, Arctic capabilities, and crisis leadership frameworks. His work bridges military practice and academic analysis, addressing resource constraints in global security cooperation and climate-impacted operational environments through evidence-based policy recommendations. Recent publications (2023-2024) reveal concentrated analysis of U.S. Coast Guard international operations and Arctic military readiness, demonstrating consistent focus on optimizing governance structures and strategic prioritization for security services operating in complex geopolitical contexts. No specific scientific awards are documented in available materials, though his career achievements—including Vice Admiral rank and senior fellowships at premier defense institutions—represent significant professional recognition. His research is institutionally funded through RAND and National Defense University contracts, including Department of Defense commissions. Teaching occurs through Virginia Commonwealth University's graduate security program, while applied work continues via Status Paratus consulting on crisis response systems. Abel leads Status Paratus as its President, maintaining active collaboration networks across defense agencies, international security bodies, and academic institutions to translate operational experience into policy solutions for emergent security challenges.
CPT Amanda (Harrison) Fredrickson serves as an economics instructor in the Department of Social Sciences at the United States Military Academy (West Point). A graduate of West Point (Class of 2015), she is an active-duty Army officer with significant operational experience including a deployment to Iraq in 2016 supporting the recapture of Mosul. Her military assignments span the 101st Airborne Division and 4th Infantry Division in roles such as Sapper Platoon Leader, Battalion S-4, Company Commander, and Battalion S-3. Her academic credentials include: B.S. in Economics from the United States Military Academy M.S. in Engineering Management from the University of Missouri Science and Technology M.P.P. from the University of Chicago with a concentration in data analytics Research interests center on military family policy, examining economic implications and recruiting effects, alongside military healthcare systems and incentive structures. Her work integrates economic theory, public policy analysis, and data-driven approaches to address challenges facing military personnel and their families. As an active-duty officer and educator, Captain Fredrickson contributes to developing future Army leaders through economics instruction while maintaining operational readiness. No specific scientific awards, advisees, or research grants are mentioned in available sources.
Emilie Caspar is an Associate Professor at Ghent University (Belgium), specializing in cognitive and social neuroscience. Her research primarily focuses on voluntary actions, sense of agency, responsibility, empathy, and moral decision-making. She leads research at the CO3 lab, which investigates the intersection of neuroscience, psychology, and social behavior. Dr. Caspar completed her master's degree in neuropsychology and cognitive psychology, along with a certificate in forensic sciences and psychiatry. She earned her PhD in social and cognitive neurosciences from the Université libre de Bruxelles (Belgium) under the supervision of Axel Cleeremans. Following her PhD, she conducted postdoctoral research at University College London (UK) in Patrick Haggard's lab and later received a prestigious Marie-Curie Individual Fellowship for a 2-year postdoc at the Netherlands Institute for Neurosciences with Christian Keysers and Valeria Gazzola. Her research investigates how obedience to authority changes individual cognition and moral behaviors, with a particular focus on the neuro-cognitive mechanisms that prevent individuals from complying with immoral orders. Dr. Caspar has pioneered innovative experimental approaches to study disobedience to authority that comply with modern ethical standards. Her work extends beyond traditional WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, Democratic) populations to include diverse groups such as inmates, military personnel, and survivors/perpetrators of genocide. This global perspective allows her to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the societal impact of obedience and moral decision-making. Dr. Caspar employs a diverse methodological toolkit including behavioral experiments, EEG, ERPs, TFR, fMRI, robotics, and brain-computer interfaces to investigate questions related to free will, voluntary action, and the sense of agency. Her research spans multiple domains including forensic psychology, psychopathology, antisocial behaviors, moral consciousness, and applications in robotics and prosthetics. Dr. Caspar has received notable recognition including a Marie-Curie Individual Fellowship, which supported her postdoctoral research at the Netherlands Institute for Neurosciences. Her work has been published in high-impact journals including Nature Communications, Scientific Reports, and PLOS ONE. As a scientific consultant through Be Brain Consultancy, Dr. Caspar applies her expertise in behavioral neuroscience to humanitarian and societal projects focused on preventing blind obedience and promoting peace-building. She collaborates with NGOs and non-academic institutions to translate her research into practical applications. Her lab website (https://moralsocialbrain.com/) provides additional information about her research team and ongoing projects.
Jörgen Jansson is a Researcher and PhD holder at Karlstad University, specializing in prehospital care and emergency nursing education. He has over 20 years clinical experience as a registered nurse, with research focusing on professional practice development. He holds a unique position combining academic research with direct clinical experience in emergency care settings. His work bridges clinical practice and academic research. His research focuses on professional competence development in healthcare education, particularly in prehospital care settings. He has over 205 years's experience in military and civilian emergency care systems. His academic work emphasize the gap between clinical practice and academic curricula. His publications explore the intersection of clinical practice and education systems, questioning how formal education prepares practitioners for real-world emergency care challenges. Recent work explores how 6G and XR technologies could revolutionize remote healthcare education. Teaching responsibilities include undergraduate and postgraduate nursing programs at Karlstad University. He has developed specialist training modules for prehospital care, including simulation-based learning and trauma team leadership. Awards: No specific honors listed, but his influence evident through consistent publication in high-impact journals. Grants: None explicitly mentioned, though research likely funded through university or healthcare partnerships. Labs/Teams: Involved in MACSIM project ( develop trauma care training programs for military and civilian medics. Collaboratesates with defense medical services on simulation training protocols.
Dr. Ulrich Theobald is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Chinese and Korean Studies at the University of Tübingen, Germany, within the Faculty of Humanities. He has been a dedicated academic at the university since 2003, advancing from Lecturer to Senior Lecturer in 2016. He holds a PhD in Sinology (2009) and an MBA in International Marketing (2002). His research focuses on the economic, military, and administrative history of late imperial China, particularly the Qing dynasty. Key areas include war finance and logistics, military reforms, bureaucratic appointments, and the sale of offices. He has led and participated in major research projects funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and the Chiang Ching-kuo Foundation. Dr. Theobald’s recent publications span topics such as Qing military logistics, the May Fourth Movement, demobilization discourse, and Tibetan military reform. His work appears in leading academic journals and edited volumes, reflecting a strong interdisciplinary approach combining history, economics, and political science. He is the editor and sole author of over 3,000 articles on ChinaKnowledge.de , a seminal online encyclopedia on Chinese history, literature, and art. He has co-edited volumes on money in Asia and Southwest China and authored the monograph War Finance and Logistics in Late Imperial China (Brill, 2013). Dr. Theobald actively supervises master’s students on contemporary Chinese politics and society. He teaches courses in modern Chinese history, economy, military history, and Sinology. He has served as co-editor of the journal East Asian Science, Technology, and Medicine and reviews for numerous academic journals. He has presented at international conferences and delivered public lectures on Chinese history, technology, and society. His work bridges classical sinology with modern political and social analysis, contributing significantly to both academic and public understanding of China.
