Marlyse Baptista is the President's Distinguished Professor of Linguistics at the University of Pennsylvania, Department of Linguistics. She is affiliated with the School of Arts & Sciences and MindCore initiative. Her research focuses on language contact, creolization processes, bilingualism, and experimental methods in creole studies. Baptista leads the Language Contact and Cognition Lab, previously known as the Cognition, Convergence and Language Emergence (CCLE) group at the University of Michigan. Education includes a PhD in Linguistics (Harvard, 1997), MA degrees from Harvard and the Université de Bordeaux III, and extensive training in multilingual education. Her work bridges generative syntax with experimental approaches, including artificial language learning to study language convergence. Key themes include the cognitive underpinnings of creole formation, bidirectional influences in Cape Verdean Creole, and the role of congruence in language acquisition. Research highlights include studies on Cape Verdean Creole's grammatical properties, genetic-linguistic admixture correlations, and pedagogical resources for creole language education. Recent projects explore experimental validation of creole genesis theories through multilingual acquisition studies. Scientific Awards: President's Distinguished Professorship (University of Pennsylvania) Labs/Teams: Language Contact and Cognition Lab, MindCore Grants/Projects: MULTI Project (creole language educational resources), NSF-funded studies on creole genesis mechanisms Baptista's work emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating syntax theory, psycholinguistics, and sociolinguistics to address foundational questions in contact linguistics and creolistics.
Dr. Amber West is a Lecturer in the Writing Programs at UCLA, part of the Humanities Division within UCLA College. She holds a B.A. in Literature & Creative Writing from UC Santa Cruz, an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from NYU, and a Ph.D. in English from the University of Connecticut. Her research interests span poetry and poetics, puppet theater, race and gender studies, performance studies, intersectionality, and service learning. West's scholarly work appears in journals like Journal of Research on Women & Gender and Puppetry International , alongside contributions to edited volumes such as Episodes from a History of Undoing and The Routledge Companion to Puppetry & Material Performance . Her creative works include poetry collections published by Finishing Line Press and The Word Works. She co-founded Alphabet Arts, a bi-coastal artist collective, and created/directed the Puppets & Poets festival in NYC (2011-2015). With nearly two decades of experience, she has taught writing, trained educators, and fundraised for programs in underserved communities, including roles with AmeriCorps VISTA, Brooklyn Public Library, and Girls Write Now.
Antonio Rangel is the Bing Professor of Neuroscience, Behavioral Biology, and Economics at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), where he also serves as Head Faculty in Residence. He is a faculty member in the Division of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) with research focusing on the computational and neurobiological basis of value-based decision-making. Dr. Rangel received his educational training at prestigious institutions: B.Sc. from Caltech in 1993 M.S. from Harvard University in 1996 Ph.D. in 1998 Professor Rangel's research lies at the intersection of neuroscience, economics, and psychology, with a focus on understanding how the brain makes decisions. His work investigates the neural mechanisms underlying value computation, choice processes, self-control, and social decision-making. Using a multidisciplinary approach that combines functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), eye-tracking, computational modeling, and behavioral experiments, his lab has made significant contributions to the field of neuroeconomics. His research has revealed how value signals are represented in the brain, how attention influences choice, and the neural basis of self-control failures. Professor Rangel has pioneered methods for studying decision processes with high temporal resolution using eye-tracking data, demonstrating how fixation patterns relate to value computations and choice outcomes. His work spans from theoretical frameworks of value-based decision-making to practical applications in behavioral public economics. Professor Rangel's work has been recognized with prestigious awards: 2019 NOMIS Distinguished Scientist Award 2018 Fellow of the Association for Psychological Science As an academic leader, Professor Rangel has mentored numerous students and researchers who have gone on to make their own contributions to neuroscience and economics. His lab, the Rangel Neuroeconomics Laboratory at Caltech, serves as a hub for interdisciplinary research, bringing together students and scholars from neuroscience, economics, psychology, and computer science. The lab has received significant funding to support its research on the neural basis of decision-making, including support from the NOMIS Foundation. The Rangel Neuroeconomics Laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including fMRI analysis capabilities, eye-tracking systems, and computational resources for modeling decision processes. The lab fosters a collaborative environment where researchers apply methods from experimental economics and cognitive neuroscience to unravel the complexities of human decision-making.
Professor Simon Buckingham Shum is a leading academic in Learning Informatics at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), serving as inaugural Director of the Connected Intelligence Centre since 2014. His work bridges Human-Computer Interaction, Educational Technology, and Learning Analytics to develop AI-driven tools like OnTask that enhance student belonging through personalized feedback. Key research areas: Human-Computer Interaction, Learning Analytics, AI in Education, Collective Intelligence Recent work focuses: LLM-augmented qualitative analysis, Belonging Analytics frameworks, and ethical AI implementation in education CIC received the 2024 Vice-Chancellor’s Student Experience Award for scaling OnTask across multiple faculties. His contributions span over 30 years, including founding roles at The Open University’s Knowledge Media Institute and innovations in Open Educational Resources (OER), SocialLearn, and FutureLearn platforms. Notable awards: 2024 Student Experience Award (OnTask), Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (RSA), DEFI STRI Researcher at University of Cambridge Education: B.Sc. in Psychology (York), M.Sc. in Ergonomics (UCL), PhD in Human-Computer Interaction (York) He leads multidisciplinary collaborations with teams across Business, Law, and Education faculties, pioneering tools like Theme Explorer and Qreframer bot. His recent focus on the "metacrisis" reframes educational technology’s role in addressing global systemic challenges through transdisciplinary approaches.
Anna Berge is a Professor of Linguistics at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, directing the Alaska Native Language Archive. She holds a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley (1997), specializing in the documentation, description, and historical analysis of Eskimo-Aleut languages, particularly Unangam Tunuu (Aleut). Her research integrates linguistics with archaeology, genetics, and environmental studies to explore prehistoric language contact and divergence patterns along the North Pacific Coast. Her work focuses on morphosyntax, discourse analysis, and language revitalization for highly endangered languages. She teaches courses in Morphology, Field Methods, Community Language Documentation, and Eskimo-Aleut Linguistics, emphasizing practical skills for language preservation. Berge's multidisciplinary approach addresses Aleut language divergence from Eskimoan branches, leveraging data from multiple disciplines to reconstruct linguistic prehistory. She actively collaborates with Indigenous communities in Russia, Alaska, Canada, and Greenland to archive linguistic materials and support language maintenance initiatives.
José Eduardo Villalobos Graillet is an Assistant Professor of Spanish at Idaho State University , specializing in Modern Peninsular Literature and Culture with a focus on visual culture (film and television) . He previously held a position as Spanish Instructor at Wilfrid Laurier University in the Department of Languages and Literatures. Research Areas : Spanish Film Studies, Spanish Medieval Literature, Latin American and Caribbean Studies, Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language, Visual Culture, and Critical Pedagogy. His scholarly work examines film and television adaptations of 'La Celestina' , analyzing censorship dynamics across Francoist Spain, the Democratic Transition, and contemporary Spain. He also contributes to Spanish pedagogy , developing technological tools like Lang-8 for written expression and culturally immersive teaching units on topics such as winter festivals and Caribbean music. His publications span both critical academic analysis and methodological innovations for language instruction. Key Themes in Publications : Adaptation fidelity, political censorship, intercultural pedagogy, and the role of digital platforms in language learning.
Tuuli Mattelmäki is a Professor at Aalto University's School of Arts, Design and Architecture , affiliated with the Department of Design . Her work centers on co-design , service design , and creative practices , with a focus on empathic approaches and societal transformations. Research Interests : Empathic Design : Human-centered methodologies in public sector innovation Transformational Futures : Exploring creative practices for sustainability Service Design : Cross-organizational B2B innovation and prototyping Design Probes : Experimental tools for participatory engagement Recent Articles (2022-2025) reflect expertise in service design , sustainability , and creative interventions , spanning subfields like co-laboratories, inner conditions in co-design, and climate-responsive design. Collaborations include institutions such as University of Sussex, RMIT, and Utrecht. Scientific Awards : Ziman Award (2024) for the CreaTures project Industrial Designer of the Year (2008) by TKO and ORNAMO Dean's Publication Bonus (2012) for the Encore team Teams & Labs : Principal Investigator of the CreaTures (Creative Practices for Transformational Futures) project, leading a multidisciplinary team with partners including Superflux, Kersnikova, and RMIT University.
Alenda Y. Chang serves as an Assistant Professor in Film and Media Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara. With a multidisciplinary background spanning biology, literature, and film, she integrates ecocritical theory with contemporary media analysis. Her scholarly work appears in journals including Interdisciplinary Studies in Literature and Environment , Qui Parle , and electronic book review , focusing on sustainable media practices and ecological frameworks for digital engagement. Her educational background includes: M.A. and Ph.D. in Rhetoric from the University of California, Berkeley M.A. in English Language and Literature from the University of Maryland Chang specializes in environmental media and game studies, developing theoretical frameworks for ecological game design. Her research examines how digital games model environmental systems and foster player engagement with climate change through concepts like "slow violence" and "rambunctious play." She advocates for sustainable design patterns that address gaming's carbon footprint while creating immersive ecological narratives. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals a consistent trajectory from foundational ecological game theory (2013-2018) to current work on thermal contexts of play and sustainable infrastructure (2022-2024). Her scholarship increasingly bridges data-driven activism with critical game design, emphasizing multispecies entanglements and infrastructural play as tools for environmental awareness. As co-founder of Wireframe—a collaborative media studio at UCSB—Chang cultivates critical game design practices through initiatives like growinggames.net . The studio supports data-driven global media art, environmental activism, and experimental pedagogy, serving as a hub for translating ecological theory into tangible digital interventions that challenge anthropocentric perspectives in gaming.
Ulf Hanefeld is a Full Professor and Section Leader in the Department of Biotechnology at the Faculty of Applied Sciences , Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) , where he leads the Biocatalysis research section. His work integrates chemistry and biology to develop sustainable synthetic methodologies using enzymes. PhD from Georg-August-Universität zu Göttingen (1993) Postdoctoral experience at Imperial College London, University of Cambridge, and TU Delft Recipient of a Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) fellowship His research interests center on biocatalysis , particularly enzymes that enable difficult chemical transformations such as C–C bond formation , enantioselective hydration , and ozonolysis . He focuses on enzyme discovery, engineering, immobilization, and application in flow chemistry to achieve sustainable and efficient synthesis. His work spans from fundamental enzyme mechanism studies to industrial applications in green chemistry . The publication trends reveal a consistent focus on enzyme immobilization , flow reactor systems , and chemo-enzymatic cascades . His recent work emphasizes the use of hydroxynitrile lyases , aldolases , and methyltransferases for the synthesis of chiral intermediates under environmentally benign conditions. The integration of biocatalysis with continuous manufacturing highlights a strong commitment to industrial applicability and process sustainability. Scientific contributions and recognition : Active contributor to high-impact journals in chemistry and biotechnology Coordinated research in the CassaFLOW project (international academic-industrial collaboration) Author of influential reviews, e.g., in Chemical Society Reviews (2022) Teaching and supervision : He teaches Catalysis (Bachelor) and Advanced Biocatalysis (Master), and supervises numerous Master’s theses (MEP) and Bachelor’s projects (BEP) . Students in his group are actively involved in research and often become co-authors on scientific papers. Projects center on green chemistry, enzyme engineering, and spectroscopic analysis of biochemical systems. Laboratory and research environment : The Ulf Hanefeld Group operates within the Biocatalysis section, a multidisciplinary environment fostering collaboration on enzyme discovery, immobilization, and cascade reactions. The group emphasizes practical innovation, with strong links to industry and international research networks.
Elaine J. Francis is a Professor of English and Linguistics at Purdue University, where she also serves as the Associate Head of the Department of English. She holds affiliate appointments in the Department of Linguistics and the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. At Purdue, she directs the Experimental Linguistics Lab and teaches linguistics courses at both graduate and undergraduate levels. Francis completed her B.A. in Linguistics at the College of William and Mary in 1993, followed by her M.A. (1995) and Ph.D. (1999) in Linguistics at the University of Chicago under the direction of Salikoko Mufwene. Her dissertation examined variation among members of the same lexical category in English using Sadock's Autolexical Grammar framework. Prior to joining Purdue in 2003, she served as an Assistant Professor at the University of Hong Kong from 1999 to 2002, where she collaborated with Stephen Matthews on research concerning syntactic categories and relative clauses in Cantonese. Her research focuses on syntax and its interfaces with semantics, discourse information structure, and language processing in production and comprehension. Francis employs experimental methods to investigate syntactic, semantic, discourse-pragmatic, and cognitive factors underlying the grammar and usage of complex sentence structures. Her specific interests include word order alternations, filler-gap dependencies, resumptive pronouns, relative clauses, grammatical categories, and syntactic alternations. She has published extensively in top linguistics journals including Language and Cognition, Glossa Psycholinguistics, Linguistics, Lingua, Cognitive Linguistics, and the Journal of Psycholinguistic Research. Analyzing her recent publications reveals a consistent focus on experimental approaches to syntactic phenomena. Her work demonstrates a strong interest in gradient acceptability, syntactic priming, cross-linguistic comparison (particularly involving English and Cantonese), and the relationship between grammatical theory and language processing. Her 2022 book Gradient Acceptability and Linguistic Theory represents a major contribution that synthesizes experimental findings with theoretical linguistics frameworks. Francis plays an active role in the broader linguistics community. She regularly teaches short courses at the Linguistic Society of America Linguistic Institutes, serves on the LSA Ethics Committee, and is on the editorial board of Glossa Psycholinguistics. She has also edited several books and special journal issues, including Mismatch: Form-Function Incongruity and the Architecture of Grammar (2003) and Polymorphous Linguistics: Jim McCawley's Legacy (2005). As an educator and administrator, Francis has supervised numerous graduate students and currently serves as Associate Head of the Department of English at Purdue. Her Experimental Linguistics Lab provides research opportunities for students interested in the intersection of theoretical syntax and experimental methodology. While she recently announced she will not be accepting new graduate students for the 2025-2026 cycle, her established mentorship record demonstrates her commitment to training the next generation of linguists. The Experimental Linguistics Lab, which she directs, serves as a hub for research combining theoretical linguistics with experimental methods. Her collaborative work extends across disciplines, including collaborations with researchers in speech-language pathology, cognitive science, and computational linguistics, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of modern linguistic research.
Maslathif Dwi Purnomo is affiliated with Charles Sturt University, serving as a PhD co-supervisor within the Gulbali Research Institute under the discipline of Social Work and Arts. His role involves internal HDR supervision, contributing to advanced research training and academic mentorship. His research interests center on the intersection of language, politics, and power, with a regional focus on Indonesia. Key areas include: Discourse and political communication Multimodal analysis of public speeches Sociolinguistics and language in institutional power Indonesian political discourse, especially presidential rhetoric The supervision activity recorded indicates engagement in high-level academic mentoring, particularly in qualitative and critical linguistic approaches to political events. While no publications are listed, the thematic focus of the supervised thesis suggests strong expertise in linguistic analysis of political narratives. He has contributed to national-level research recognition through supervisory roles, though no scientific awards are documented. His academic service includes mentoring HDR candidates, specifically co-supervising research on President Jokowi's speeches. Maslathif Dwi Purnomo is associated with the Gulbali Research Institute, a multidisciplinary research center focusing on social impact, equity, and community engagement, particularly in regional Australia and Southeast Asia.
Dr. Ariel Lang is a Professor In Residence in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) and holds an Adjunct Professor position in the Department of Family Medicine and Public Health. She serves as Co-Director of the Experimental Psychopathology Track in the SDSU/UCSD Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, and directs the VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS) Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health (CESAMH). She co-leads the VASDHS Advanced Fellowship in Women's Health and specializes in evidence-based psychotherapeutic approaches for anxiety and trauma-related disorders in military populations. Education: Bachelor of Arts (BA), Psychology, Stanford University (1991) Master of Arts (MA), Clinical Psychology, UCLA (1994) Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Clinical Psychology, UCLA (1998) Master of Public Health (MPH), Public Health (Biometry), SDSU (2007) Research Interests: Dr. Lang's work centers on assessing and treating PTSD, anxiety disorders, and trauma-related conditions with a focus on complementary and integrative approaches. Her studies frequently intersect with military/veteran populations, women's health, and public health issues such as systemic racism and environmental exposures. She has pioneered interventions like Compassion Meditation , Adaptive Disclosure , and Mantram Repetition Program , often using randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate efficacy. Her research also addresses co-occurring disorders (e.g., PTSD and substance use), pregnancy/postpartum mental health, and intergenerational trauma effects. Publications Trends: Her recent articles emphasize trauma-focused treatments, integrative health modalities, and veteran-specific healthcare challenges. Over 50% of her recent work involves clinical trial methodologies, particularly RCTs evaluating novel interventions. She consistently explores interdisciplinary topics like the intersection of mindfulness and clinical psychology, and the impact of systemic stressors on mental health outcomes. Awards: In 2022, she was honored as the UCSD Dept of Psychiatry Faculty Champion of Diversity . Grants/Advising: She is Principal Investigator on NIH grants exploring compassion meditation and yoga interventions for veterans, and has led projects funded by the VA and DoD. Her role in the 2023 VA/DoD PTSD Clinical Practice Guideline underscores her influence in shaping national healthcare policies. Labs/Teams: Her work is anchored in the VASDHS CESAMH, a multidisciplinary research center focused on stress-related mental health conditions. She collaborates extensively with researchers in public health, neurology, and military medicine, evidenced by frequent co-authorships in these domains.
Casey Reas is a Professor of Design Media Arts at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), within the UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture. Previously, he served as an Associate Professor at Interaction Design Institute Ivrea (2001–2003). His academic background includes a BSc in Design from the University of Cincinnati (1996) and an MSc in Media Arts and Sciences from MIT (2001). Reas co-created the open-source programming language Processing with Ben Fry, revolutionizing visual arts and education globally. He is renowned for blending art and technology, creating generative works exhibited in institutions like the Centre Georges Pompidou and the Whitney Museum of American Art. His research focuses on computational aesthetics, algorithmic art, and digital media's intersection with music and design. Education: Bachelor of Science in Design, University of Cincinnati, 1996 Master of Science in Media Arts and Sciences, MIT, 2001 Research Interests: Reas explores the synergy between code and creativity, emphasizing generative systems, real-time visualization, and interactive installations. His work often addresses themes of randomness, pattern formation, and human-computer interaction. Notable projects include Processing language development, music video collaborations with The National, and immersive installations like Sketch Machine and Warm Up . Recent Collaborations: Music videos for The National’s Sleep Well Beast (2017), blending algorithmic visuals with Grammy-winning music. Interactive installations such as Impure Functions (2017) and Warm Up (2017), co-created with UCLA’s Conditional Studio. Public commissions like Sketch Machine (2018), an open-source drawing tool for GIPHY. Awards: Contributor to The National’s Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album ( Sleep Well Beast , 2018). Labs/Teams: Reas leads the Reas Studio and collaborates with UCLA’s Arts Conditional Studio, focusing on experimental software, generative art, and interdisciplinary projects.
Judith M. Burton is the Macy Professor of Education at Teachers College, Columbia University, holding dual affiliations in the Arts & Humanities and the Art and Art Education department. She has been honored with a Distinguished Professorship from South China Normal University (2014) for her contributions to international arts education collaboration. Her academic journey includes a National Diploma in Design from Hornsey College of Art, M.Ed. from the University of Manchester, and an Ed.D. from Harvard University, where her doctoral work examined children’s figure drawings as cognitive tools. Her research focuses on artistic-aesthetic development in youth, cross-cultural art education practices, and the role of artists in educational settings. She actively bridges theory and practice through initiatives like planning an international graduate art exhibition modeled after the Venice Biennale, and delivering keynote lectures at venues such as the National Art Museum of China. Burton’s publications emphasize pedagogical innovation, cultural exchange in art education, and the cognitive dimensions of artistic creation. Beyond academia, her work extends to curricular design and global educational partnerships, reflecting her commitment to expanding the societal role of the arts.
Timo Vesala is Professor of Meteorology and Academy Professor at the University of Helsinki’s Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research (INAR). He is also affiliated with the Viikki Plant Science Centre (ViPS) and serves as a supervisor in the Doctoral Programme in Atmospheric Sciences. Research Interests: Micrometeorology and biogeochemical cycles Ecosystem–atmosphere exchanges of greenhouse gases Eddy-covariance methodology and flux networks Boreal lakes, wetlands, and forests as components of the climate system Development of long-term observational infrastructures such as ICOS-Finland Recent research output (2023–2025) is dominated by high-impact articles in Advances in Atmospheric Sciences , Biogeosciences , Agricultural and Forest Meteorology , and Geophysical Research Letters , reflecting a balanced portfolio of process understanding, methodological advances, and large-scale synthesis studies. Scientific Awards: Academy Professor (Akatemiaprofessori) – awarded by the Academy of Finland Doctoral Advising & Grants: Supervised or co-supervised doctoral theses of Sheila Wachiye, E. Lopez-Blanco, and X. Li Principal Investigator on Academy of Finland project “The Hidden Role of Gases in Trees” (2021–2025) Project leader for “Kasvihuonekaasujen maa-ilmakehävaihto järvi- ja suoekosysteemeille” (2024–2026) Co-leader of the art-science initiative “Periferia – Metsätaiteeellinen asema” (2021–2031) Participant in EU flagship EMME-CARE (2017–2026) Labs & Teams: Timo Vesala heads the Micrometeorology Group at INAR and leads the Finnish ICOS (Integrated Carbon Observation System) network node. His team operates multiple eddy-covariance towers across boreal lakes, wetlands, and forests, integrating field observations with modeling and remote-sensing data.
