Dr. Kelly Fitzgerald is a Lecturer/Assistant Professor and Head of the School of Irish, Celtic Studies and Folklore at University College Dublin (UCD). She also served as Vice-Principal (International) at UCD from September 2020 to August 2023. Fitzgerald holds a BA and PhD from UCD, focusing on folklore and early Irish studies. Her research emphasizes the intellectual history of Irish folkloristics, archives, and oral history, with notable contributions to journals like Béaloideas . She chairs ANU Productions and directs oral history initiatives, including projects for Dublin’s Tenement Museum and social housing communities. Her teaching spans modules such as Folklore and Folkloristics , Healers and Healing , and Oral Text Interpretation . Fitzgerald has held leadership roles, including Head of Irish Folklore & Ethnology (2019) and Head of School (2021). She contributes to professional activities like committee memberships (e.g., The Royal Society of Antiquaries) and public engagements, including talks on Irish cultural traditions and folklore. Her research outputs include analyses of aging discourse, cultural heritage preservation, and interdisciplinary studies. Fitzgerald’s work bridges academic and public spheres, advocating for inclusive cultural narratives and policy-informed research on aging.
Dr. Francis Summers is an Associate Lecturer in Photography at Camberwell College of Arts. His work spans photography, video, and interdisciplinary research, focusing on appropriation, time-based media, and subjectivity. He holds degrees from Wimbledon School of Art, the Courtauld Institute, and the Royal College of Art in Fine Art, Art History, and Photography. Research interests include photography’s role as a communicative tool across social and aesthetic practices, queer theory in fashion (e.g., Hood By Air), and digital anomie. Collaborating as lmfs with Louisa Minkin, he explores banner forms and experimental writing. Recent publications address Jenn Nkiru’s Afrofuturist film aesthetics, Linder’s feminist collage, and fashion’s performative dimensions through queer theory. Publications and talks include a 2022 Palgrave Macmillan chapter on transgressive fashion, a 2021 Screen Conference paper on Black digital histories, and a 2020 conference presentation on Linder at the University of Cambridge. His work intersects art, theory, and critical practice, emphasizing interdisciplinary dialogue between visual media and cultural critique.
Ted Simpson is a Distinguished Senior Lecturer in the Department of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies at Tufts University. He holds an MFA in Set and Lighting Design from Brandeis University. His professional career spans over 100 theatre productions across the northeast, including work at the George Street Playhouse, Arena Stage, and Broadway-related projects. He has also served as a resident designer at the Brevard Music Center and contributed to the Late Show With David Letterman and Paper Mill Playhouse. Education: MFA in Set and Lighting Design, Brandeis University, United States Research and Practice: Simpson specializes in set and lighting design for theatre, opera, and musicals. His work emphasizes technical precision and artistic innovation, with notable projects in New York, New England, and North Carolina. He has also contributed extensively as a scenic artist, painting scenery and backdrops for major institutions. Awards and Recognition: No scientific awards listed, but his body of work reflects significant industry recognition. Advising and Grants: No formal advising or grant details provided in the text. Labs and Teams: Active collaborations with theatre companies and design teams across multiple states, though specific lab affiliations are not mentioned.
Dr. Bill Baker is a Senior Lecturer in Drama, Visual Arts & Music Education at the University of Tasmania's School of Education, College of Arts, Law and Education (CALE). With a career spanning 35 years, he specializes in arts education, technology-enhanced learning (TELT), and the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL). His research focuses on youth resilience through arts participation, particularly in community youth orchestras, and the preparation of pre-service teachers in arts pedagogy. Dr. Baker holds a Doctor of Education (RMIT, 2002), a Master of Education (Arts Administration, RMIT, 1997), and a Bachelor of Music Education (University of Melbourne, 1988). He has received multiple awards, including Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2019) and Honorary Life Member of the Australian Society for Music Education (2021). His funded projects include the Tasmanian Community Fund Grant and Australia-ASEAN Council grants for youth orchestra research. His peer-reviewed publications (over 40) address arts education, online teaching methodologies, and the social impacts of music participation. Current research collaborations include partnerships with the Tasmanian Youth Orchestra and institutions like University of Southern Queensland and The University of Melbourne. Dr. Baker supervises HDR students in arts participation, leadership, and teacher education reforms. Scientific Awards: Vice Chancellor's Teaching Excellence Award Vice Chancellor’s Citation for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning CALE Teaching Excellence Award Senior Fellow, Higher Education Academy (UK) Honorary Life Member, Australian Society for Music Education Supervision & Teaching: Dr. Baker has supervised numerous HDR students, including completed PhDs on contemporary music pedagogy and Masters theses on visual arts education. He coordinates units in the Master of Teaching and Bachelor of Education degrees, emphasizing technology integration and reflective practice.
Richard Scott is a Lecturer in Creative Writing at Goldsmiths, University of London, specializing in poetry and queer theory. He holds a BMus in Music & Performance (Opera) from the Royal College of Music (2004) and an MA in Creative & Life Writing from Goldsmiths (2012). His research explores queer poetics, ekphrasis, art history, and London's Soho district. Key publications include Soho (Faber & Faber, 2018), shortlisted for the T.S. Eliot Prize, and Wound (Rialto, 2016), winner of the Michael Marks Poetry Award. His work has been translated into German and French. Recent articles engage with queer ekphrasis (e.g., 'Still Life with Cup...'), mineral symbolism ('Red Jasper'), and urban queer narratives ('from Coy'). He has collaborated with institutions like Southwark Park Galleries and BBC Radio 4. Awards include the Poetry London Competition (2017) and residencies at Edwin Morgan Trust and Resonance FM. His teaching focuses on creative writing and life writing at the MA level.
Professor Barley Norton is a distinguished ethnomusicologist and filmmaker at Goldsmiths, University of London, where he serves as Director of the Asian Music Unit (AsMU), convenor of the MA in Music (Ethnomusicology), and leader of the Goldsmiths Gamelan Group. His academic career focuses on the music and culture of Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam, where he has conducted extensive field research. His research interests span ethnomusicological filmmaking and theory, the cultural politics of musical practice, discourse on cultural heritage and music revival, music and religious experience, music and emotion, music and gender theory, music censorship, improvisation, and performance and modal theory. Norton's academic work is deeply informed by his practical musical engagement; during his field research in Vietnam, he learned to play the dan day and dan nguyet lutes, and he also performs Sundanese music from Indonesia on the kacapi zither and in the gamelan degung orchestra. Norton's scholarly output reveals significant trends in Southeast Asian music studies, particularly focusing on the intersection of traditional musical practices with contemporary political and social contexts. His work consistently examines how musical traditions navigate processes of canonization, heritage safeguarding, and creative innovation within rapidly changing cultural landscapes. A notable thread throughout his research is the relationship between music, ritual, and identity in Vietnamese cultural contexts, with increasing attention to environmental concerns and climate change impacts on musical heritage in his most recent work. American Musicology Society's 2014 Ruth A. Solie Award for 'Music and Protest in 1968' Commendation - Intangible Culture Film Prize at the Royal Anthropological Institute's 12th International Festival of Ethnographic Film for 'Hanoi Eclipse: The Music of Dai Lam Linh' Professor Norton has supervised numerous doctoral students including Christopher Hanby (Applied Ethnomusicology and Jèrriais language revitalization), Lin Lin (Creative Realization in the Compositional Process), Clare Salaman (Reimagining the trumpet marine), and Jasmine Hornabrook (Transnational networks in London's Tamil diaspora). His research has been generously funded by the Getty Foundation, Arts and Humanities Research Council, British Academy, and ASEASUK, supporting projects on Vietnamese music revival and audiovisual archiving. He has also undertaken consultancy work with UNESCO, the British Council, and Vietnamese cultural institutions on music heritage projects. As a key figure in the field, Norton directs Goldsmiths' Asian Music Unit, which serves as a hub for research, performance, and teaching focused on Asian musical traditions. The unit facilitates cross-cultural musical dialogue and supports field research in Asia, while the Goldsmiths Gamelan Group provides hands-on experience with Indonesian musical traditions. His leadership extends to international scholarly organizations, having served as Chair of the British Forum for Ethnomusicology (2015-2018) and as a member of the Society for Ethnomusicology Council (2017-2020).
Daisy Asquith is Professor and Head of the School of Media, Communications & Cultural Studies at Goldsmiths, University of London. She is a documentary filmmaker with 25 director credits for BBC, Channel 4, Irish Film Board and the BFI over the last two decades. She convenes the MA Filmmaking: Screen Documentary and Experimental Film programs and teaches the theory module Representing Reality. PhD Creative and Critical Practice, University of Sussex (2018) MA Cultural History, Memory & Identity, University of Brighton (2013) As a scholar-practitioner, Daisy's work bridges documentary filmmaking theory and practice. Her research focuses on documentary storytelling, with particular reference to new forms and hybrids, autobiographical film, gender, sexuality and class in film and television, representation, archive film, found footage, and home video. Her creative work often explores LGBTQ+ themes and historical representation, as evidenced in her acclaimed documentary Queerama which examines a century of gay rights and desires on film. Her publications and creative works demonstrate a consistent engagement with marginalized voices and alternative narratives, spanning from queer history to single motherhood (Opera Mums with Bryony Kimmings) and fandom culture (This is Not Us). Her work frequently combines archival research with contemporary storytelling techniques. Grierson Award winner RTS Best Documentary Series winner BAFTA nominee Has served on juries for Bafta, RTS, Grierson, Sheffield Docfest and the London Film Festival Daisy has extensive experience mentoring students, with her MA students winning awards for their graduation films and securing work with leading practitioners in the industry. She has also created educational resources like the Gold Docs Masterclasses featuring interviews with leading UK documentary practitioners. Her international work includes filming in Zimbabwe, Kyrgyzstan, India, Russia, Pakistan, Japan, Iceland, on a cruise ship, and across the USA.
Nicholas R. Spitzer is a Professor in the Department of Anthropology and American Studies at Tulane University, specializing in folklore, ethnography, and American vernacular music. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin. His research explores cultural creolization, Gulf Coast ethnography, and public cultural policy, with extensive fieldwork in Louisiana's Creole communities. Publications focus on cultural resilience in post-disaster contexts and music as identity expression. Key awards include the Benjamin Botkin Lifetime Award, Guggenheim Fellowship, and Louisiana Humanist of the Year for post-Katrina cultural recovery efforts. He founded the Louisiana Folklife Program and produces the radio show American Routes .
Ann Lucas is an Associate Professor in the Music Department at Boston College. She specializes in ethnomusicology with a focus on Persian and Arabic-speaking Near East music traditions, the history of music in Iran, and the relationship between cultural upheaval and musical change. Her research also explores music and mysticism in Islamic contexts. Education: B.M., Kansas State University M.A., University of California Los Angeles Ph.D., University of California Los Angeles Research interests include the intersection of cultural shifts and musical evolution, particularly in Iran and the broader Near East. She is currently conducting ethnographic fieldwork on Arab music and dance, examining connections between musical expression and bodily movement. Her work has been published in journals like Asian Music Journal and The Middle East Studies Bulletin , with a focus on historical ethnomusicology and gender studies. She directs the Middle East Astaza! Music Ensemble, which maintains active Soundcloud and YouTube channels showcasing ensemble performances. No formal grants or advising records are listed in the provided text.
Antonella Coppi is a Researcher (Juniorprofessur) in Music Pedagogy and Community Music at the Faculty of Education, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano. She holds a PhD and has been conducting the University Choir and Orchestra of Modena and Reggio Emilia since 2001. Her research focuses on Community Music, Intergenerational Choral Activities, and the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education. She previously served as Adjunct Professor of Music Pedagogy at the University of Perugia (2002–2006) and is currently the national coordinator for the Coordinamento Nazionale Cori ed Orchestre Universitarie (Italian University Choirs and Orchestras Network). Dr. Coppi’s work emphasizes music as a tool for social inclusion, with contributions to El Sistema-inspired initiatives and interdisciplinary education. She has authored books like Community Music: Nuovi orientamenti pedagogici (2017) and serves on international scientific committees for music education conferences. Her academic activities span musicology, pedagogical innovation, and the intersection of arts and education. Her professional roles include being Rector Deputy for Music at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, and she actively contributes to music education policy and internationalization efforts. Her research highlights the transformative potential of music in both formal and informal learning environments.
Cara Bernard is an Associate Professor of Music Education at the University of Connecticut’s Neag School of Education, specializing in choral and elementary music education, curriculum development, and teacher evaluation policy. She holds degrees from Teachers College, Columbia University, Westminster Choir College, and New York University. Her research focuses on equity in music education, urban music programs, and diversity initiatives. Dr. Bernard has authored/co-authored multiple publications, including Teacher Evaluation in Music: A Guide for Teachers in the U.S. and serves on editorial boards for journals like Music Educators Journal and Arts Education Policy Review . She has received prestigious awards such as the 2022 University Teaching Fellowship and the 2015 Outstanding Dissertation Award. Her funded research includes projects on diversifying music educator recruitment and equity in arts education policy. Dr. Bernard previously worked in New York City public schools and led programs like Carnegie Hall’s Count Me In initiative, impacting over 1,000 students. She currently chairs the CT American Choral Directors Association and contributes to state and national committees addressing arts equity. Dr. Bernard’s work bridges research and practice, emphasizing social justice, critical pedagogy, and accessible arts education. Her recent articles explore disciplines like disciplinary literacy in teacher education, social change through choral music, and first-generation educators’ career paths. Beyond academia, she conducts workshops and performances, advocating for inclusive music education practices nationwide.
Dr. Daniel O'Brien serves as a Lecturer at the University of Essex's Department of Literature Film and Theatre Studies. His research explores the intersection of cinema, interactive art, and computer gaming through a postphenomenological framework. He examines how digital platforms transform audiences into active participants within visual and auditory narratives. His scholarly work investigates point-of-view techniques in cinema, representations of digital technology in speculative fiction, and the evolving relationship between creators and audiences in interactive media. Recent publications analyze screen representations of computers, video conferencing interfaces, and biographical portrayals in contemporary cinema. As Graduate Director since 2020, Dr. O'Brien oversees academic programs while teaching courses on digital storytelling, interactive media, and postphenomenological approaches to visual culture. His PhD from the University of Glasgow (2016) established the foundation for his research into embodied technological experiences across media platforms.
Joshua Stephen Smith serves as Assistant Professor of Music and Coordinator of the Music Department at the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma (USAO). He is simultaneously completing his Doctor of Musical Arts in Conducting at The University of Oklahoma. His multifaceted career spans conducting, teaching, and collaborative artistic creation across educational, church, theater, and community settings. Dr. Smith earned his DMA in Conducting from The University of Oklahoma (2025), MM in Conducting from Messiah University (2020), and BA in Music from University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (2011). His academic journey has been shaped by mentorship from Yoon Soo Lim and Rachel Cornacchio at Messiah University. His research interests focus on the intersection of music theory, philosophy, and pedagogy. Dr. Smith explores how musical practice connects to broader philosophical concepts, particularly examining virtue ethics in contemporary compositions. His work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications in music education and performance, emphasizing collaborative growth and experiential learning. Dr. Smith's publications demonstrate a commitment to both scholarly analysis and historical documentation within music. His work spans philosophical examination of contemporary compositions and historical documentation of regional musical institutions, reflecting his dual commitment to theoretical exploration and community engagement through projects like the Lawton Philharmonic's 50th Anniversary. American Choral Directors Association Oklahoma Choral Directors Association National Association for Music Educators Oklahoma Music Educators Association National Association of Schools of Music As an educator, Dr. Smith directs choral ensembles at USAO and teaches courses in music education, music history, aural skills, and conducting. He previously served as Director of Choirs for Marianapolis Preparatory School and Academy Director for the Summer Arts Academy of New England. His teaching philosophy centers on collective mentoring, contextual solutions, and practice that applies theory. Dr. Smith also works as an animateur, creating innovative audience experiences through interdisciplinary approaches. His projects like 'Symphony of Retrospect' with the Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra demonstrate his commitment to connecting musical performance with community engagement and audience participation.
Matthew J. George is the John Ireland Distinguished Professor of Music and Director of Bands and Orchestras at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. He also held the Chair of the Department of Music for twenty years and serves as Chair and conductor for the Music Education Center at Xi’an Jiaotong University in China. His roles include Artistic Director and Conductor of Grand Symphonic Winds and primary conductor of the Lake Wobegon Brass Band. Dr. George earned a D.M.A. in conducting from the University of North Texas, an M.M. in music education from Southern Methodist University, and a B.M. in music education and trumpet performance from Ithaca College. He has conducted professional and educational ensembles globally, including the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, São Paulo State Symphonic Band, and Band of the People’s Liberation Army (China). He founded the Banda Sinfônica in Mexico City and serves as Artistic Director for international festivals in venues like the Sydney Opera House. Active in academic leadership, he chairs the New Music Committee for the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) and sits on the executive board of the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles. His research focuses on conducting pedagogy, wind literature performance, and commissioning new works, with over 100 commissioned pieces by composers like Nigel Clarke and Frank Ticheli. He leads the UST Symphonic Wind Ensemble, which has released seven CDs on innova/Naxos. Recent courses include Advanced Instrumental Conducting (Summer 2025) and directs the University Orchestra and Symphonic Wind Ensemble (Fall 2025). He has been honored with the University of St. Thomas Professor of the Year Award.
Assoc Professor Swee Lin Ho is a distinguished sociologist and anthropologist at the National University of Singapore's Department of Sociology within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Joining NUS in 2012 after four years as a Korea Foundation Research Fellow and Assistant Professor at Catholic University of Korea, she maintains active research and teaching roles with office AS1 04-29 at 11 Arts Link, Singapore. Her academic journey began with undergraduate studies in Philosophy at NUS, followed by extensive professional experience as auditor, financial journalist, and Vice President in business development across China, Hong Kong, Japan, and the UK. She later earned an M.A. in Comparative Culture (Sociology) from Sophia University (Tokyo), followed by M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Social Anthropology at University of Oxford. Professor Ho's research focuses on neoliberal transformations of urban economic life across East Asia, examining how flexible labor patterns reshape self-identity, gender dynamics, money management, and urban space. Her work spans ethnographic studies on Japanese love hotels, extramarital experiences, women's drinking practices, and K-pop idolization, extending to current investigations of global classical music and food industries. She analyzes how 'creativity' and 'passion' co-option in creative sectors impacts economic security, having conducted fieldwork with violin-makers in Italy and Asian musicians in Europe. Her publications reveal consistent engagement with gender precarity in Japanese corporate culture, workplace harassment legislation, and pandemic-era consumption shifts. Key thematic clusters include gendered labor markets, urban spatial transformations, and cultural globalization's impact on intimate relationships. 2020 Book Grant by AmorePacific Foundation for Pride and Ambivalence: The Ascent of East Asia in Western Classical Music Professor Ho mentors students through ethnographic field research methods while examining emergent corporate cultures and global Asian popular culture flows. Her multilingual capabilities (English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Japanese, Korean, Malay, French, Italian, Spanish) enable deep cross-cultural analysis of financialization patterns and intimacy commercialization across Asia.
