Steve Loughnan is a Professor of Psychology at the University of Edinburgh's School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences. His research focuses on dehumanization, objectification, and human-animal relations, exploring how societal and psychological factors influence moral judgments and behaviors. He teaches undergraduate courses on social psychology, experimental/applied social psychology, and social class, and supervises PhD students in related fields. Research interests include: Dehumanization of social and ethnic outgroups Psychological impacts of objectification on women and marginalized groups Moral psychology of meat consumption and animal treatment Effects of economic inequality on societal attitudes Anthropomorphism in human-AI and human-pet relationships His publications analyze topics like the psychological mechanisms behind meat consumption paradoxes, the role of dehumanization in conflict scenarios, and the ethical implications of AI romance. He has received no explicitly listed awards but has been widely cited in social psychology domains. Teaching includes year-long programs on social psychology principles, experimental research methods, and social class analysis. Office hours are held weekly to support students. His work bridges theoretical social psychology with applied issues in global inequality, environmental ethics, and veterinary mental health.
Dr. Stefanie Ullmann is a Researcher at the University of Cambridge's Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy . She holds a PhD in Linguistics from University of Marburg, Germany, where her thesis analyzed metaphorical framing of the 2011 Arab Spring revolutions in media/political discourse. Her research spans functional linguistics, critical theory, and digital ethics with particular focus on algorithmic bias, counterspeech strategies, and socio-political conflict discourse. Current affiliation: University of Cambridge, UK Education: PhD in Linguistics (University of Marburg, Germany) Key research areas: Critical metaphor analysis, corpus linguistics, machine translation ethics, digital democracy Recent projects: Giving Voice to Digital Democracies (AI communication impacts) Her publications include: Discourses of the Arab Revolutions in Media and Politics (Routledge, 2022) - monograph on metaphorical framing Counterspeech: Multidisciplinary Perspectives (Routledge, 2023) - co-edited volume on dangerous speech mitigation Contact: su272@cam.ac.uk
Professor Tiago Moreira is a leading scholar in the Department of Sociology at Durham University, with fellowships at the Wolfson Research Institute for Health and Wellbeing and the Institute for Medical Humanities. His work bridges science and technology studies with social and cultural gerontology. Professor of Sociology Fellow of Wolfson Research Institute Fellow of Institute for Medical Humanities Research focuses on: Intersections of aging, technology, and society Knowledge organization in health care Priority setting in health innovation Social studies of medicine Recent publications explore engineered living materials, AI in aging, biological age metrics, and post-COVID frailty dynamics. Collaborations span Physics, Medical Humanities, and Environmental Sciences. Scientific roles include: Plenary speaker at BSA Medical Sociology Conference (2014) Research Professorship at Copenhagen University (2013) Editorial board memberships (Science, Technology and Human Values, Journal of Aging Studies) ESRC Inclusive Ageing Programme panel (2021) Supervises postgraduate researchers in: Jiaxi Li Katie Smith Luany Promenzio Shuman Xie Trayten Zhang Coleads SMART Soils Laboratory initiative and founded the Health and Social Theory Research Cluster, advancing responsible innovation frameworks in biotechnology and aging studies.
Laura Gonzalez is a Professor of Research and Interdisciplinary Work at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and an Athenaeum Research Fellow. She serves as a summer faculty member, advisor, and supervisor for the MFA and PhD residency program at Transart Institute. Her work spans performance art, medical humanities, psychoanalysis, and embodied practices, with a particular focus on hysteria studies and breathwork. Her educational background includes: PhD in Cultural Communication and Computing Research Institute (C3RI), Art and Design Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University (2005-2010) Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Art, Design and Communication (2004-2005) Master of Fine Art: Drawing, Wimbledon School of Art (2000-2001) Licenciada en Bellas Artes (BA equivalent), Universidad del Pais Vasco, Spain (1995-2000) Gonzalez's research explores the intersections of performance, psychoanalysis, and medical humanities, with particular emphasis on hysteria as a cultural and embodied phenomenon. Her work investigates how knowledge is produced through the body, especially through 'illegitimate forms of knowledge' such as intuition, magic, and oracles. She examines the relationship between breath, performance, and consciousness, developing practices that connect somatic awareness with artistic expression. Her research also engages with feminist theory, exploring how women's bodies have been historically pathologized while simultaneously serving as sites of resistance and creative transformation. Her recent publications reveal a consistent trajectory exploring embodiment, hysteria, and breath as artistic and scholarly concerns. She has increasingly focused on the medical humanities, examining historical medical texts and case histories through performance. Her work demonstrates a movement from theoretical analysis of seduction in art toward practical applications of breathwork and embodied knowledge in performance contexts. The interdisciplinary nature of her scholarship bridges art practice, psychoanalytic theory, and medical history. Her notable awards and recognitions include: Shortlisted for the Adrian Howells Award For Intimate Performance (2019) Athenaeum Award – Knowledge Exchange Route (2023) Glasgow Medical Humanities Network Foundation Award (2023) Athenaeum Award for research (2021) Multiple Research Development Funds from The Glasgow School of Art (2012-2016) AHRC Collaborative Doctoral Awards (2005, 2006, 2013) Gonzalez has supervised numerous doctoral students across institutions including the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Glasgow School of Art, and Transart Institute. Her supervision focuses on interdisciplinary projects at the intersection of performance, visual arts, and embodied research. She has secured significant grant funding for projects exploring the relationship between imitation and dance, breath practices, and hysteria studies. Her collaborative projects often involve partnerships with medical humanities scholars, performance practitioners, and community organizations. She is actively involved in several research collectives including The Workroom (since 2017), where she develops collaborative performance projects. She co-founded @TheGlasgowJam (2015-2018), creating space for multidisciplinary arts exploration. In 2021, she created the Scottish Breath Network, fostering interdisciplinary research on breathing practices. She also co-founded the Dialectical Materialist Book Group with Ian Macbeth, exploring Marxist theory through collective reading.
Zoe Walker is a Career Development Fellow in Philosophy at Trinity College, University of Oxford. She holds a PhD (2018–2022), MPhil (2016–2017), and BA (2013–2016) in Philosophy from Cambridge University. Her research focuses on humor, comedy, and joking at the intersection of Aesthetics, Ethics, Philosophy of Language, and Philosophy of Mind, with interests in art-morality relationships and language-politics dynamics. Her recent publications include analyses of comic objectification, the role of joking in political speech, and humor sensibility. She teaches courses on General Philosophy, Moral Philosophy, Logic, Aesthetics, Ethics, and Plato’s Republic at Oxford. Walker’s work bridges philosophical theory with practical ethical and aesthetic questions.
Dr. Amy Slater is an Associate Professor in the Centre for Appearance Research at the University of the West of England , affiliated with the HAS - Health and Social Sciences department. Her research focuses on body image in children and adolescents, particularly the role of sociocultural factors like media and social networking platforms. She investigates the impact of digital media—such as social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram—on body dissatisfaction and self-objectification, especially among pre-adolescent girls. Additional research interests include the premature sexualisation of girls and parenting influences on body image concerns. Dr. Slater holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Flinders University (2006), with a thesis exploring gender differences in adolescent sport participation and body image. She collaborates with leading researchers such as Prof. Marika Tiggemann (Flinders University) and Prof. Susan Paxton (La Trobe University). Her work extends to developing psychological support and educational programs for individuals with visible differences, funded by the Vocational Training Charity Trust (VTCT) Foundation. Teaching: She leads the Psychology of Appearance and Embodiment module. Her research trends highlight a focus on social media's dual-edged impact, interventions to mitigate negative effects, and the intersection of media literacy with mental health outcomes. Recent studies emphasize subgroup analyses of social media users, longitudinal tracking of body image risks, and mixed-methods approaches for psychosocial needs assessment. Grants & Collaborations: Key projects include the VTCT Foundation-funded initiative on visible difference support and the SoMe social media literacy program for adolescents. She has explored interventions such as mindfulness-based therapies and cognitive micro-interventions to improve well-being. Labs/Teams: Active within the Centre for Appearance Research, focusing on translational research to address real-world appearance-related challenges in education, healthcare, and public policy.
Karen McNally is a Professor of American Film, Television and Cultural History at London Metropolitan University’s School of Computing and Digital Media. She is a Leverhulme Major Research Fellow currently working on a historical biography of Lana Turner and editing a volume on female experiences of inequality and abuse in Hollywood. Her research spans Hollywood film, American television, and US culture, focusing on stardom, gender, race, and political contexts. Education: PhD and MA (with Distinction) in Film Studies from the University of Nottingham; First Class Honours Degree in Film and Television Studies and American Studies from Brunel University. Her research expertise includes Hollywood musicals, gender dynamics in cinema, racial politics in media, and the intersection of US history and contemporary politics. She has contributed to academic journals, edited collections, and media outlets like the BBC, Politico, and The Conversation US. The 15 most recent articles highlight her focus on genre boundaries , stardom narratives , racial interventions in musicals , and political parallels in media , with recurring themes in American television and Hollywood history. Scientific Awards: Leverhulme Major Research Fellowship. Karen welcomes doctoral supervision applications in American film, television, and US culture. She is a member of the Global Diversities and Inequalities Research Centre and the Arts and Humanities Research Council’s Peer Review College.
Dr. Afroditi Pina is a Reader in Forensic Psychology and Director of Graduate Studies (Research) at the University of Kent's School of Psychology. Her research focuses on forensic and social psychology with emphasis on sexual violence, gender equality, and victimisation. Research Focus Her expertise spans: Online/offline harassment dynamics and image-based abuse Rape myth acceptance and sexual aggression predictors Technology-facilitated intimate partner violence Sexual objectification effects on victim perception Pornography exposure impacts on youth Teaching & Supervision She convenes courses in Psychology of Criminal Conduct, Law & Justice, and Forensic Cognition. Currently supervising Ben Saunders, Rachel Tisi, and Jenna Harewell. Previously supervised doctoral candidates including Kayleigh Parratt (police rape perceptions) and Tom Page (sexual harassment mechanisms). Research Funding £324,417 from Ministry of Justice for Mandatory Polygraph Pilot evaluation (2010-12) £24,995 from Children's Commissioner for pornography exposure assessment (2013) Multiple University of Kent grants for cyber-harassment scales and workshop development Professional Leadership Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Sexual Aggression (2017-2021) Editorial Board: Sex Roles, Women's Studies International Forum Steering Committee: Sexual Violence Against Students initiative Image-Based Abuse Research Network member
María E. López is Professor of Sociology at the School of Social Sciences and Professions, London Metropolitan University , and Deputy Director of the Global Diversities and Inequalities Research Centre (GDIRC). She holds additional roles as Research Fellow at Mexico’s Centre for the Study of Security, Intelligence and Governance (ITAM) and Non-Resident Research Fellow at the University of California San Diego’s Center for US–Mexican Studies. Her academic journey includes a PhD in Hispanic Studies from University College London, an MA in Postcolonial Studies from London Metropolitan University, and a BA (Hons) in English Philology from the Complutense University of Madrid. She joined London Metropolitan University in 2007 as a Lecturer in Latin American and Spanish Studies and held administrative roles such as Head of the Department of Spanish and Latin American Studies and Postgraduate Research Coordinator. María’s research focuses on violence against marginalized communities , particularly LGBTQ+ populations, migrant women, and refugees. Her work examines structural inequalities in gender, race, and class within hostile environments like Cuba, Mexico, and the UK. Recent projects funded by the Center for US–Mexican Studies and the Nuffield Foundation explore feminicidal violence , Afghan/Syrian resettlement challenges, and Mexico’s necropolitical border dynamics. Her publications, such as Gender Violence in Twenty-First-Century Latin American Women's Writing (2022) and Homosexuality and Invisibility in Revolutionary Cuba (2015), address themes of gender violence , political oppression , and migrant resilience . She also edits the Violence in the Hispanic and Lusophone Worlds series for Tamesis Publishing House. Key research collaborations : Latin American and Caribbean Centre (LSE), Center for US–Mexican Studies (UC San Diego), ITAM, and CISAN (UNAM). Grants : Include Nuffield Foundation funding (2024–2025) and multiple London Metropolitan University and ITAM research awards.
Lee Shepherd is a Research Fellow at Northumbria University specializing in the psychological impact of emotions on group behavior and health-related decisions. He holds a PhD in Psychology from Cardiff University (2011) and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA, 2015). His research explores emotional responses to discrimination, prosocial behavior promotion, and health behaviors such as organ donation, cervical screening, and vaccine hesitancy. Research Focus: Dr. Shepherd’s work spans three core areas: (1) Emotions in intergroup processes (e.g., discrimination, collective action), (2) Health decision-making (e.g., organ donation, breastfeeding), and (3) Psychological consequences of experiencing discrimination. He employs mixed-methods approaches, integrating quantitative surveys with qualitative insights. Key Outputs: His recent publications analyze fear’s role in vaccine hesitancy, the impact of sexual objectification on workplace behavior, and methodological improvements in survey design (e.g., National Student Survey analysis). These studies highlight his expertise in both content areas (health/social psychology) and methodological rigor. Supervision & Training: Currently supervising three PhD students across topics like urban biodiversity interventions, medical conspiracy theories, and youth risk-taking behaviors. His mentoring emphasizes translating psychological insights into practical health interventions. Additional Contributions: Active in academic service, including reviewing for journals like Journal of Health Psychology and Psychology & Health . Engages in public-facing research communication through conferences and media collaborations.
Brian Lovell serves as an Assistant Professor in the Psychology Department at Northumbria University, where his research examines the psychophysiological impacts of caregiving for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). His work bridges cognitive psychology, health psychology, and psychoneuroendocrinology to investigate stress mechanisms, intervention efficacy, and caregiver well-being through rigorous clinical and observational methodologies. His academic credentials include: PhD in Psychology (awarded December 2013) BSc (Hons) in Psychology (awarded September 2001) PGCE in Education (awarded September 2001) O Level/GCSE qualifications (awarded September 1993) Dr. Lovell specializes in Autism Spectrum Disorder caregiver dynamics, with core expertise in Psychological Distress measurement, Cortisol as a biological stress marker, Social Support networks, and Health Psychology interventions. His research frequently employs psychophysiological assessments to explore how cognitive functions like prospective memory are impacted by chronic caregiving stress, while developing practical solutions such as virtual reality relaxation techniques and perspective-taking exercises to mitigate psychological burden. Analysis of his 36+ publications reveals consistent thematic focus on ASD caregivers' experiences, with methodological evolution from observational cortisol studies toward randomized clinical trials and digital interventions. Recent work demonstrates particular innovation in mediation analyses of stress pathways and the development of "Goldilocks"-principled support frameworks that optimize intervention dosage without overwhelming caregivers.
Robert G. Lord is a Professor affiliated with Durham Business School at Durham University. Previously, he served as Distinguished Professor of Psychology at the University of Akron for 38 years. He holds a Ph.D. from Carnegie-Mellon University (1975) and has authored over 125 journal articles and books. His research focuses on leadership perceptions, motivation, complexity theory, ethical leadership, and cognitive processes in organizational behavior. Lord is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association and Association for Psychological Sciences, and has received prestigious awards for his contributions to leadership research. Education: Ph.D. in Psychology, Carnegie-Mellon University, 1975 Research Interests: Lord’s work explores leadership dynamics through cognitive and social frameworks. Key themes include leadership categorization theory, follower self-identity, complexity leadership theory, and the interplay of emotion and memory in leadership processes. He emphasizes dynamic systems approaches to understanding leader-follower interactions and has pioneered studies on leadership emergence and identity dynamics. Recent Trends in Publications: Recent work focuses on leader identity fluidity, cognitive architectures in leadership perception, and the impact of vulnerability and narcissism on leadership behaviors. His research bridges psychological theory with organizational practices, emphasizing practical applications for leadership development. Awards and Honors: 2009 Leadership Quarterly Distinguished Scholar Award 2012 SIOP Distinguished Scientific Contribution Award Fellow of APA and APS Advising and Grants: He supervises doctoral students like Carolina Bysh and has contributed to grants exploring leadership skill development, gender/race impacts on leadership, and ethical leadership frameworks. Labs/Teams: While no specific lab is named, his collaborations involve interdisciplinary teams studying leadership processes, including work with Durham Business School colleagues and international researchers in leadership and organizational behavior.
Jenny Cole is a Lecturer in Psychology at Keele University's School of Psychology. Her qualitative research examines body image, weight stigma, and gendered health experiences, with recent work on endometriosis impacts and digital avatar influences. Publications investigate selfie paradoxes in young women, male body image across life stages, and video game character representation. Teaching includes qualitative methods and social psychology courses. Her career spans Staffordshire University, Manchester Metropolitan University (as Digital Education Lead during COVID-19), and Keele University since 2022.
Dr. Eduardo Vasquez is a Senior Lecturer in Forensic Psychology and Senior Academic Adviser at the School of Psychology, University of Kent. His work bridges forensic and social psychology, focusing on aggression, inter-group violence, and alcohol-related behavior. Research Interests Aggression and displaced aggression Inter-group relations (personalization, self-disclosure, inter-gang violence) Alcohol and social behavior (aggression, inter-group anxiety) Sexual objectification and domestic violence Supervision & Grants He supervises postgraduate students, including Alvaro Rodriguez and Anita Ruddle, whose work explores domestic violence proclivity and aggression predictors. Grants include funding from Kent Police (2015, £24,000) and Stockholm Police (2012, €2,500) for research on neighborhood panels and crime displacement.
Jane Turner is a Senior Lecturer at London Metropolitan University and an acclaimed choreographer, researcher, and director of the dance company TURNING WORLDS. With a career spanning dance, theatre, film, and interdisciplinary collaborations, she merges art, science, and technology to pioneer innovative performance practices. Education: PhD in Complexity as Choreographic Model (University of Chichester, 2012) Professional Affiliations: External Examiner at University of Bedfordshire and ESART Barcelona; collaborator with Cambridge University Computer Laboratory, British Embassy Warsaw, and Imperial College London Her research focuses on self-organizing systems, complexity, and emergence in choreography, showcased through projects like Gog Magog (2020) and Marconi’s Leap (2021). Recent articles and performances highlight her work in digital performance, environmental art, and intercultural praxis. Jane’s work has earned recognition, including the Pavilion Dance South West’s Joie de Vivre Bronze Award (2016). She is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and facilitates collaborations with organizations like Duckie, National Portrait Gallery, and CAST. Teaching Expertise: Specializes in dance, choreography, and creative practice with diverse communities, including prisoners, over-60s, and young people. Labs/Teams: Collaborates with international artists, scientists, and technologists; leads seminars at institutions like University of Cambridge and University of Essex.
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