Eva Vetter is a full Professor at the University of Vienna , affiliated with both the Department for Teacher Education and the Department of Linguistics . She specializes in multilingualism, language teaching methodologies, and minority language education, with a focus on integrating climate justice themes into linguistic pedagogy. Email: eva.vetter@univie.ac.at Office: Porzellangasse 4, 1st floor, 1090 Vienna Her research interests include: Applied linguistics in educational contexts Minoritized language preservation Language policy and equity Interdisciplinary approaches to multilingualism Recent teaching activities focus on: Developing communication spaces for multilingual learners Empirical research methods in language education Climate justice integration in linguistic curricula Doctoral supervision in applied linguistics She actively mentors educators through professional development programs and leads research initiatives at the intersection of linguistics and teacher education.
Gaston Bacquet is a Lecturer in Education Studies at the University of Glasgow's School of Education, specializing in Culture, Literacies, Inclusion & Pedagogy. A Chilean teacher trainer and educator based in Scotland, he also holds qualifications as a meditation and yoga instructor. With extensive international teaching experience across K-12 and higher education systems in Chile, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Myanmar, the US, and UK, his work bridges practical pedagogy and theoretical innovation. His educational background includes a DipTESOL from Trinity College London, an MA in TESOL from the Institute of Education (UCL), and a PhD in Education from the University of Glasgow. Bacquet currently teaches in the MSc/MEd Education Studies program and leads the undergraduate Asian Religions course, while supervising dissertation students across the School of Education. Research interests center on nonviolence as transformative educational practice, with emphases on decolonial approaches, contemplative pedagogy, and inclusion of minoritized groups. His work integrates Buddhist philosophy, indigenous wisdom traditions, and international perspectives to challenge Western epistemological dominance. Key methodological commitments include participatory action research and qualitative approaches that prioritize community voices. Recent publications reveal evolving trajectories from language education toward decolonial nonviolence frameworks, with increasing focus on Global South contexts, indigenous knowledge systems, and teacher preparation. His 2024-2025 work shows intensified engagement with Buddhist-Christian dialogue, indigenous contributions to peace education, and practical applications of nonviolence in classroom power structures. As a supervisor, Bacquet mentors Master's students in inclusion, nonviolence, and educational ethics, welcoming PhD proposals aligned with his research interests. His professional activities span editorial roles with Cogent Arts and Humanities and SAGE Open , alongside active participation in international scholarly networks including the Comparative and International Educational Society and the European Network for Buddhist-Christian Studies. Professional affiliations reflect his interdisciplinary reach: British Educational Research Association (2021-present), American Educational Research Association (2022-present), International Society for Contemplative Research (2023-present), and the International Society for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (2025-present). His conference presentations consistently address nonviolence pedagogy, decolonial curriculum development, and participatory research ethics across global contexts from Chile to New Zealand.
Dr. Andrew Hatala is an Associate Professor in the Department of Community Health Sciences at the Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba. His research focuses on arts-based methodologies, community psychology, Indigenous knowledge systems, and health equity. He examines social and cultural determinants of health, particularly among Indigenous communities in Canada and Belize. Education: PhD in Psychology (Culture, Health, and Human Development), University of Saskatchewan (2014) CIHR Post-Doctorate Fellowship in Community Health and Epidemiology, University of Saskatchewan (2016) Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), University of Saskatchewan (2008) Research Interests: Youth resilience and mental wellness Indigenous healing practices and epistemology Photovoice and ethnographic methodologies Health equity in urban and rural contexts Affiliations: Research Scientist at Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM) Research Affiliate at Ongomiizwin Indigenous Health Research Institute Member of CIHR College of Reviewers Editorial Board Member of BMC Public Health Awards: CIHR New Investigator Award (2017–2021) Advising & Grants: He currently advises master’s and PhD students in community health sciences. His work emphasizes decolonizing methodologies and systemic equity in healthcare. Labs/Teams: Engages with Indigenous-led research teams and collaborates with CHRIM to address health disparities through participatory approaches.
Dr. Ahmet Atay is a Professor of Global Media and Communication at the College of Wooster. He holds a Ph.D. from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. His research focuses on diasporic experiences, queer and immigrant identities, new media technologies, and critical communication pedagogy. He is the author of Globalization’s Impact on Identity Formation: Queer Diasporic Males in Cyberspace and co-editor of numerous volumes on digital media, intercultural communication, and postcolonial studies. His work bridges media studies, cultural analysis, and queer theory. Education : Ph.D., Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Research Interests : Atay explores transnational queer digital networks, postcolonial communication, autoethnographic methodologies, and the intersection of technology with diasporic identity. He critiques globalization’s impact on cultural and gendered identities, particularly through media representation. Recent work examines pandemic-era pedagogical shifts and service-learning in higher education. Publications Trends : His 2022 articles emphasize critical pedagogy and media narrative evolution, while 2021 works focus on queer digital spaces and decolonial frameworks. Earlier studies (2020–2019) analyze Italian cinema, autoethnography, and international faculty experiences. His writing consistently links digital media to identity politics across transnational contexts. Awards : 2021 Top Three Finalist, ASHE CIHE Award for Research on International Higher Education Advising & Grants : No listed advisees, but his collaborative edited volumes suggest extensive mentorship in academic publishing. No grants explicitly mentioned. Lab/Teams : No dedicated lab mentioned, but his work involves global academic networks through co-edited books and interdisciplinary research partnerships.
Drexler James is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, and an affiliate faculty member of the Robert J. Jones Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center. His research focuses on the social and psychological determinants of health among minoritized groups, particularly African American adults and men of color who have sex with men. He also examines the health consequences of biological race essentialism, using intersectionality as a framework to understand health inequities. James holds a B.Sc. in Psychology from the Illinois Institute of Technology and a Ph.D. in Social & Personality Psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago, with a minor in Community Health Research. His specialties include racism and health, psychological essentialism, and internalized oppression. As the primary investigator of the Health, Intersectionality, Essentialism, & Stigma (HIES) Research Team, he investigates how stigma operates dynamically across perceivers and targets to reinforce health disparities. Recent work explores barriers to healthcare access, internalized racism’s mental health impacts, and the socio-cultural implications of racialized stereotypes. His academic contributions span over 20 peer-reviewed articles addressing race-related health disparities, internalized oppression, and the psychological impacts of systemic racism. While no formal awards are listed, his work demonstrates significant engagement with marginalized communities’ health challenges.
Laura Smith is a Professor in the Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology at Teachers College, Columbia University. She focuses on critical psychology, social inclusion, and emotional wellbeing, with a particular emphasis on poverty, classism, and racism. Her email is ls2396@tc.columbia.edu. Educational Background: Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University M.S. in Counseling Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University B.A. in English and Psychology with High Distinction, University of Virginia Smith’s research examines how psychological practice and theory marginalize low-income and racially minoritized populations. She advocates for participatory action research (PAR) to democratize knowledge production and address systemic inequities. Her work spans topics like epistemic injustice, Arab American women’s identity, and therapeutic practice in poverty contexts. The 15 most recent articles reflect her expertise in race, class, and qualitative methodologies. Key trends include anti-racism in counseling, intersectional discrimination, and PAR as a tool for social change. She collaborates closely with graduate students and community partners through the Inclusive Inquiry Research Lab (IncLab). Key Contributions: Editorship of books on diversity and poverty Leadership in PAR projects with schools and marginalized communities Advocacy for psychology’s role in structural change
Tatjana Marković is an Austrian Academy of Sciences researcher and Adjunct Professor at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, where she leads the FWF project on music historiography at the Habsburg Monarchy's southern borders (1750–1914). As editor of TheMA journal and chair of the IMS Study Group Music and Cultural Studies, she specializes in reconstructing pluricultural musical life along the Austro-Ottoman frontier. Adjunct Professor, University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna Head, FWF Discourses on Music project Editor, TheMA – Theatre, Music, Arts Chair, IMS Study Group Music and Cultural Studies Her research intertwines musicology with cultural studies, focusing on Southeast European musical traditions and their representation in Habsburg and Ottoman contexts. Key areas include diplomatic music exchanges, military border cultural dynamics, and gendered perspectives in regional music history. Recent publications address microregional musical networks, operatic diplomacy, and 19th-century battlefield commemorations through music. She contributes to international conferences on Balkan musicology and Austro-Ottoman cultural interactions, with editorial roles in multiple academic series.
Patrick J. Vernon is a Lecturer in Gender and War Studies at King's College London's Department of War Studies. Their research specializes in queer and feminist approaches to international relations, with a focus on the intersection of coloniality, political violence, and identity politics. Employing critical theoretical frameworks Analysing humanitarian intervention through queer/decolonial lenses Contributing to debates on post-truth politics and bordering processes Key research areas include the racialized and gendered dimensions of colonial violence, LGBTQ+ inclusion in security studies, and the epistemicide of marginalized knowledge systems in global politics. Their 2024 monograph The Coloniality of Humanitarian Intervention examines how colonial temporalities shape contemporary interventionist practices through heteronormative and racist epistemologies. Recent publications demonstrate thematic clusters in: (1) queer critiques of sovereignty and security frameworks; (2) decolonial analysis of humanitarian intervention; (3) post-truth politics as discursive violence; (4) civilizational discourse in international events; and (5) LGBTQ+ inclusion in UN peacebuilding initiatives. This work consistently challenges Western-centric narratives in international relations while centering trans*, indigenous, and Palestinian lived experiences. As co-curator of The Healing Gardens of Bab and producer of community engagement projects like immersion: a celebration of community and belonging , Vernon bridges academic research with creative activism focused on minoritized communities. Their interdisciplinary methodology combines discourse analysis with queer phenomenology to interrogate the violent reproduction of international hierarchies.
Dr. Angela M. Locks is a Professor and Department Chair in Educational Leadership at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), within the College of Education. She also serves as the Executive Director of the Center for Evaluation & Educational Effectiveness. Her career spans nearly three decades in higher education, with 16 years at CSULB, where she has held leadership roles in diversity, equity, and inclusion, including Executive Director for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Academic Affairs (2020–2024), and founding roles in undergraduate research programs. Education: Ph.D. in Higher Education (Diversity & Governance), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor M.A. in Education, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor B.A. in Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Her research centers on diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education , with a focus on college access, retention, campus climate, and the experiences of racially and ethnically underrepresented students. She examines how institutional policies and practices affect student outcomes, particularly through intergroup dialogue, high-impact practices, and diversity programming. Her work emphasizes the holistic development of students and the role of equity-mindedness in educational leadership. The recent publications and edited volumes highlight a sustained focus on debunking deficit narratives (e.g., 'grit'), supporting Students of Color, and understanding the structural barriers faced by Latina/o, African American, and first-generation students. Her research bridges theory and practice, often involving longitudinal and qualitative studies that inform institutional strategies for inclusion and retention. Scientific Awards: 2021 Wang Family Excellence Award Outstanding Faculty Service Nominee, CSULB 2014 Outstanding Faculty Mentor for Student Engagement in Research, CSULB Academic Affairs 2014 Most Valuable Professor, College of Education, CSULB Alumni Association Dr. Locks has supervised 18 doctoral dissertations and 23 master’s theses, demonstrating a strong commitment to mentoring the next generation of scholars. She led the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship Program (2017–2024) and founded the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program, securing external funding and institutional support for student research. Her leadership extends to national initiatives, including serving as principal investigator for the Truth, Racial, Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) Campus Center with AAC&U. She is actively involved in research centers and programs at CSULB, including the Center for Evaluation & Educational Effectiveness and the Office of Undergraduate Research Services. Her work continues to shape institutional practices around diversity, equity, and student success through research, policy engagement, and community collaboration.
Bic Ngo is a Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Minnesota . She is also the Rodney S. Wallace Professor for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning . Her research and leadership center on culturally relevant pedagogy, urban and multicultural education, and immigrant education, with a deep focus on Hmong American and Lao American communities in the Twin Cities. Education: PhD, University of Wisconsin-Madison Research Interests: Bic Ngo’s scholarship critically examines how culture, race, class, and gender shape the educational experiences of immigrant students. Her work explores how schools and educators can adopt anti-oppressive and culturally responsive practices to mitigate inequality. She draws on critical, cultural, and feminist theories, engaging with scholars like Homi Bhabha, Michel Foucault, and Judith Butler. Her ethnographic studies with Hmong and Lao American youth reveal the complexities of identity, cultural difference, and the impact of schooling on community and family life. Research Projects & Grants: Project Thrive (2020–2026): $1.5 million AANAPISI grant from the U.S. Department of Education Asian American College Excellence (AACE) Project (2016–2021): $1.75 million AANAPISI grant from the U.S. Department of Education Editorial & Leadership Roles: Co-Editor-in-Chief, Educational Studies Associate Editor, American Educational Research Journal Associate Editor, Anthropology & Education Quarterly Courses Taught: CI 8146 – Critical Ethnography in Education CI 8156 – Asian American Education CI 8155 – Immigrant Families and U.S. Schools CI 8154 – Culturally Relevant Pedagogy CI 8148 – Conducting Qualitative Studies in Educational Contexts CI 8131 – Critical Examination of Curriculum in Context
Dr. G. Adriana Perez is an Associate Professor of Nursing at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing , holding the Anthony Buividas Term Chair in Gerontology . She leads research at the NewCourtland Center for Transitions and Health and the Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics , focusing on physical activity interventions for older Latinos with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and health equity. Education : PhD (2009), MS (2004), BS (2000) from Arizona State University Her research examines multi-level factors influencing physical activity, cardiovascular health, and sleep among Spanish-speaking older Latinos. She developed the Tiempo Juntos por Nuestra Salud intervention, funded by a 4-year NIA R01 grant. As a board-certified Adult Nurse Practitioner at Mercy LIFE, she provides community-based care for frail elders. Recent publications highlight her work on culturally adapted interventions, dementia-friendly healthcare, and structural barriers in clinical trials. Awards include the Outstanding Nurse Educator Award and the Senior Service America Senior Scholar Award . She actively mentors students and leads initiatives to expand Medicare benefits through the Affordable Care Act. Scientific Awards Senior Service America Senior Scholar Award Family & Community Health Research Award Outstanding Nurse Educator Award Fellow, Gerontological Society of America Fellow, American Academy of Nursing Dr. Perez collaborates with community organizations and serves on the Advisory Committee on Minority Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Her work integrates socio-ecological frameworks and community health promoters to address disparities in aging populations.
Dr. Clarissa Ong is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Louisville. Her research focuses on process-based therapy (PBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and obsessive-compulsive and related disorders (e.g., OCD, perfectionism, hoarding). She aims to develop personalized, accessible treatments that address mental health disparities. Dr. Ong’s work emphasizes understanding why treatments succeed or fail, particularly for minoritized populations. Education: 2022: Postdoctoral Associate, Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders, Boston University 2021: Ph.D., Clinical/Counseling Psychology, Utah State University 2020: Predoctoral Internship, McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School 2018: M.S., Clinical/Counseling Psychology, Utah State University Research Interests: Dr. Ong’s work integrates randomized controlled trials, process-of-change analyses, and single-subject designs to improve treatment efficacy. She investigates psychological flexibility, treatment personalization, and barriers to evidence-based interventions. Her research spans hoarding disorder, perfectionism-driven anxiety, and the role of sociodemographic factors in mental health outcomes. Labs/Teams: Dr. Ong directs the POIS Lab , which studies process-based interventions for OCD, hoarding, and related conditions. Undergraduate research assistant positions and graduate student applications are regularly available through the lab website. Advising & Grants: While specific grant details are not provided, her research has examined treatment outcomes in virtual partial hospital programs and telepsychotherapy for trichotillomania. She collaborates on projects addressing audiologists’ communication with parents of children with hearing loss.
Dr. Isaac Woods is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at NC State University's College of Humanities and Social Sciences. His research focuses on equitable educational assessment, social justice advocacy through school-based collaboration, and increasing diversity in mental health professions. He holds offices in Poe Hall 713 and can be contacted at ilwoods@ncsu.edu. Education: Ph.D. in Psychology, University of Memphis M.S. in Psychology, University of Memphis B.A. in Psychology and History, University of North Carolina at Greensboro Research Interests: Dr. Woods emphasizes non-discriminatory assessment practices for Black students, community-based interventions for marginalized youth, and addressing systemic inequities in education through professional collaboration. His work intersects psychology with social justice advocacy, particularly in K-12 settings. Professional Affiliations: Member of the Department of Psychology Faculty in School Psychology and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Stephanie Torres is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC). She leads the FLOR (Familias Overcoming stress with Resilience) Lab, which develops school- and community-based programs to promote mental health among Latinx families. Her research focuses on contexts of risk and resilience, particularly addressing immigration-related stress and structural racism through a trauma-informed lens. She collaborates with The Resurrection Project, a local community agency, to pilot the FIESTA intervention program for Latinx immigrant families. Her clinical expertise includes trauma-informed care for minoritized families, with specialization in bilingual Spanish-speaking populations. She teaches courses on child development (EPSY 255), child-family-community relationships (EPSY 382), and trauma-informed practices (EPSY 471). Her work emphasizes community-based participatory research (CBPR) and policy advocacy, aiming to bridge clinical practice with systemic change. Recent publications highlight her focus on immigration stress, trauma interventions, and structural oppression. While no scientific awards are listed, her professional memberships include the National Latinx Psychological Association (NLPA), Society for Community Research and Action (SCRA), American Psychological Association (APA), and Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD).
Dominique J. Baker is an Associate Professor with a joint appointment in the College of Education and Human Development and the Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration at the University of Delaware. She holds the John and Patricia Cochran Scholar of Inclusive Excellence endowed position, reflecting her commitment to equity and inclusivity in education. Degrees: PhD in Higher Education Leadership and Policy Studies (2016), Vanderbilt University MEd in Student Affairs Practice in Higher Education (2012), University of Virginia BA in Psychology (2008), University of Virginia Research Focus: Dr. Baker's work examines how education policy affects access and success for minoritized students in higher education. Key areas include financial aid structures, admissions policies, campus climate inclusivity, and systemic racial disparities. She employs both quantitative and qualitative methods to analyze policy impacts. Article Trends: Her recent publications (2023-2025) emphasize racial and class disparities in college applications, state financial aid mechanisms, funding formulas for public institutions, media representation of student debt, and policy responses to systemic inequities. Methodological approaches include latent class analysis, NLP-driven application reviews, and comparative policy analysis. Scientific Recognition: AERA Early Career Award (2023) Diverse: Issues in Higher Ed - Top 40 Women in Higher Education (2025) Association for Education Finance and Policy Early Career Award ASHE Excellence in Public Policy Award National Academy of Education/Spencer Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship Public Engagement: Dr. Baker has testified before the US Senate on race and student loans, serves on the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine - Board on Higher Education and Workforce , and her work appears in The New York Times , The Washington Post , and NPR .
