Weihao Xia is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Cambridge's Department of Computer Science and Technology, affiliated with the CORE Lab under Cengiz Öztireli. His work bridges computer science and human cognition, focusing on multimodal learning, brain decoding, and tactile representation. He specializes in integrating visual, textual, neural, and tactile data to enhance AI systems for perception and creativity. Research interests include neural decoding from brain signals, tactile representation learning, and generative models for cross-modal translation. Notable projects include UMBRAE (unified multimodal brain decoding) and DREAM (visual decoding via human visual system reversal). His work addresses challenges in generating realistic images, interpreting neural signals, and improving tactile-based material editing. Teaching: Supervises Part II, Part III, and M.Phil. projects at Cambridge. Research topics for students include brain-based art creation, tactile material editing, and benchmarking sensory modalities. Projects emphasize multimodal alignment, brain-imagery reconstruction, and tactile representation learning. Contact: wx258@cam.ac.uk | Room GC01, William Gates Building.
Sulafa Zidani is an Assistant Professor of Communication Studies at Northwestern University's School of Communication. She also holds an affiliation with Northwestern Qatar's Institute for Advanced Study in the Global South. Previously, she was an Assistant Professor of Global Civic Media at MIT. Her research focuses on internet cultures in the Global South, transnational youth strategies, and digital activism across geopolitical contexts. She is affiliated with critical internet studies, global communication, and media cultures in the Global South. Education: B.A. (Dual-Major) in Asia Studies and Communication and Journalism, Hebrew University of Jerusalem (2009) M.A. in Asia Studies and Communication and Journalism, Hebrew University of Jerusalem (2015) M.A. in Communication, University of Southern California Annenberg School (2019) Ph.D. in Communication, University of Southern California Annenberg School (2021) Research Interests: Internet cultures in the Global South Transnational youth digital strategies Algorithmic discrimination and digital surveillance Civic imagination in social movements Critical pedagogy and decolonial methodologies Media literacy and misinformation Her recent articles highlight themes like algorithmic resistance, Palestinian digital activism, and meme-based civic engagement. She emphasizes justice-informed media practices through her scholarship and public engagements. Awards: Teaching Award for 'Studying Internet Culture' (Annenberg School, USC) Public Engagement: Editorial board member of Pop Junctions Workshops on antiracist facilitation for organizations like NowThis and The Onion Global speaker at venues across the U.S., Palestine, Egypt, China, France, and Qatar Labs/Teams: Co-editor of The Intersectional Internet II anthology and leads interdisciplinary research on digital cultures in contested geographies.
Dr. Dominique Hétu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Francophone Studies and Languages at Brandon University since August 2020. A bilingual Canadian scholar specializing in comparative literary and cultural studies, her work focuses on vulnerability narratives, poetics of care, and representations of belonging in Quebec and Canadian contexts. She previously held a SSHRC postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Alberta (2017-2020) and served as an Assistant Teaching Professor at Faculty Saint-Jean. Her pedagogical approach emphasizes student-centered, inclusive practices fostering transcultural understanding across gender, race, and class perspectives. Education & Experience: SSHRC Postdoctoral Fellow, Canadian Literature Centre (U of Alberta, 2017-2020) Assistant Teaching Professor at Faculty Saint-Jean (U of Alberta, 2017-2020) Teaching experience since 2008 at Université de Sherbrooke, U de Montréal, Athabasca U, and others Research Interests: Her work examines how literary and cultural productions reflect sociopolitical struggles through lenses of care, vulnerability, and relationality. Current projects include a monograph on care in Quebec literature (to be published 2026) and a shift toward studying the 'politics of the ordinary'. Creative Works: Published poetry collection Il n’y aura pas de safety word (2025) addressing fat phobia, and co-edited Living and Learning with Feminist Ethics (2024). Teaching Philosophy: Prioritizes accessibility, inclusivity, and transcultural content. Develops curricula integrating historical and contemporary perspectives across Francophone and Canadian contexts.
Martin Shuster is a Professor of Philosophy and the Isaac Swift Distinguished Professor of Jewish Studies at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, affiliated with the College of Humanities & Earth and Social Sciences (CHESS). He directs the Philosophy and Critical Theory Lab (PaCT Lab), founded in 2019. His research spans political philosophy, ethics, aesthetics, critical theory, and genocide studies, with interdisciplinary engagement in film theory and psychoanalysis. He has held visiting roles at Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne and the US Holocaust Memorial Museum. Notable works include Genocide and the State and co-editing the Oxford Handbook of Theodor W. Adorno . Shuster also writes for public platforms like The Jewish Forward and engages in prison education initiatives. Education: Ph.D. and M.A. from Johns Hopkins University, M.A. from Yale University, B.A. from University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Research focuses on the structural connections between political agency and genocidal violence, critical theory applications to new media, and intersections of Jewish thought with modern philosophy. Recent scholarship critiques state homogenization imperatives and explores television's evolving aesthetics. His awards include the Isaac Swift Chair and a visiting fellowship with the US Holocaust Memorial Museum. Teaching includes groundbreaking courses like 'Ethics after Auschwitz' and 'Critical Theory and Philosophy.' He collaborates on major projects like the Oxford Handbook of the Frankfurt School and leads the 'TV-Philosophy' book series at University of Exeter Press. His work bridges academic rigor with public intellectual engagement.
Wei Yang is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Texas at Dallas, working within the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science. He holds a regular faculty position with an office in ECSS 4.225 and is actively engaged in teaching, research, and mentoring graduate students. His academic journey spans multiple prestigious institutions, and he currently serves on editorial boards for major software engineering journals. Dr. Yang received his Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2018, advised by Prof. Carl A. Gunter and Prof. Tao Xie. He earned his M.S. in Computer Science from North Carolina State University in 2013 under Prof. Tao Xie, and his B.E. in Software Engineering from Shanghai Jiao Tong University in 2011 under Prof. Jianjun Zhao. He was also a visiting researcher at the University of California, Berkeley, invited by Prof. Dawn Song. Dr. Yang's research spans multiple cutting-edge areas at the intersection of software engineering and security. His primary focus centers on software engineering for AI systems , particularly addressing challenges in deploying AI on edge devices like mobile phones, IoT devices, and autonomous vehicles. His pioneering work on efficiency robustness (initiated in 2019) explores how different inputs can trigger varying computational costs in neural networks, leading to novel attacks and defenses. He also develops infrastructure support for AI deployment , including compiler toolchains for dynamic-shaped neural networks and security analysis for IoT deployments. His research extends to mobile testing (since 2012), malware detection using expectation context analysis, and intelligent tools for software engineers and security researchers. Dr. Yang's publication record demonstrates a clear trajectory toward addressing critical challenges in AI security and efficiency. His recent work shows increasing focus on foundation models, large language models, and their security implications, while maintaining strong connections to practical software engineering challenges. The publications reveal a consistent pattern of high-impact research in top-tier venues across software engineering, AI, and security domains. NSF CAREER Award (2022) ACM SIGSOFT Distinguished Paper Award (2021) Amazon Research Award Dr. Yang actively mentors a large group of graduate and undergraduate students, with several PhD students currently working under his supervision. He serves as a faculty advisor for the ASTRO (AI Security and Trustworthiness Operations) team, which was selected as a red teaming participant in the Amazon Nova AI Challenge. His research is supported by significant grants, including the NSF CAREER award providing approximately $500,000 over five years. He emphasizes practical student development, helping them navigate the job market and transition from academic training to professional careers. Dr. Yang leads a vibrant research group focused on software engineering and security challenges in AI systems. His team, including the ASTRO group participating in the Amazon Nova AI Challenge, develops innovative techniques for testing, securing, and improving AI-based systems. The research environment fosters collaboration across multiple domains, with students working on projects ranging from mobile security to foundation model engineering.
Laura Moriarty is a Professor in the Department of English at the University of Kansas, within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. She is an accomplished literary novelist whose work explores complex characters and emotional depth across historical and contemporary settings. Her research and creative practice center on fiction writing, particularly the novel form. She investigates how voice, character, plot, and language sustain reader engagement over long narratives. Her focus includes the intellectual and emotional growth of female protagonists, class dynamics, and moral transformation in ordinary lives. Laura Moriarty’s publications reveal a consistent engagement with character-driven storytelling. Her novels often examine pivotal life moments, moral dilemmas, and personal reinvention, spanning genres from young adult dystopia to historical and contemporary literary fiction. Themes of identity, resilience, and social context recur throughout her body of work. Notable scientific awards include: Elle Magazine's reader-chosen Novel of the Year (2007) for The Rest of Her Life She is actively involved in mentoring graduate writers, advising MFA theses and PhD creative dissertations. Her advisees include Tracey Lien, Rebekah Taussig, and Kate Elizabeth Russell. While no specific grants are mentioned, her sustained publication record with major presses (Hyperion, Riverhead, HarperTeen) reflects significant creative achievement. She continues to contribute to the literary community through her writing and pedagogy.
Gregory Frost-Arnold is Professor of Philosophy at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, where he has been a faculty member since 2009. He holds a Ph.D. in History and Philosophy of Science from the University of Pittsburgh (2006), an M.A. in Philosophy from the same institution (2005), and a B.A. in Philosophy from the University of Chicago (1999). Ph.D., History and Philosophy of Science, University of Pittsburgh, 2006 M.A., Philosophy, University of Pittsburgh, 2005 B.A., Philosophy, University of Chicago, 1999 His research centers on philosophy of science, the history of analytic philosophy, and philosophical logic. He investigates the evolution of scientific realism, the intellectual development of figures like Quine, Carnap, and Tarski, and the semantics of scientific and ordinary language. His work combines historical scholarship with rigorous philosophical analysis, particularly in understanding the nature of scientific theory change and the justification of scientific realism. His publications span major journals such as Philosophy of Science , Synthese , and British Journal for the Philosophy of Science . The most recent articles reveal a sustained focus on historically motivated anti-realism, the semantics of scientific terms, and the emergence of analytic philosophy as a self-conscious movement. He often collaborates with other scholars, as seen in joint articles with James Beebe and P.D. Magnus. Associate Editor, Journal for the History of Analytical Philosophy (2011–2018) Book Reviews Editor, Journal for the History of Philosophy of Science (2018–present) He has advised on editorial projects and contributed book reviews to Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews and other outlets. His teaching includes Philosophy of Science, Symbolic Logic, Biomedical Ethics, and seminars on ancient philosophy and mind. He is actively engaged in the academic community through presentations at international conferences and workshops.
Jack HALE is a Research Scientist at the University of Luxembourg's Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine (FSTM), Department of Engineering. He joined Prof. Stéphane Bordas' team in 2013, focusing on computational mechanics and numerical methods. His work integrates advanced techniques like meshfree methods, XFEM, and isogeometric analysis to address challenges in solid mechanics and high-performance computing. Education : PhD in Aeronautics, Imperial College London (2009-2013), supervised by Dr. Pedro M. Baiz Villafranca. MEng in Engineering, University of Bristol (2004-2008). Research exchange at Rice University (2006-2007) on cross-flow filtration processes. Research Interests : Implicit boundary methods for medical image-based simulations. Development of scalable meshfree/XFEM/isogeometric analysis frameworks. Mixed variational methods to resolve locking phenomena in solid mechanics. High-performance computing for distributed parallel systems. Publications & Software : His 50+ publications emphasize open-access research via ORBilu, with a focus on FEniCSx-based tools (e.g., DOLFINx, FEniCS-shells). Recent work addresses Bayesian model selection, melt instability identification, and SAR data assimilation in aquifer modeling. Collaborations : Open to academic/industrial partnerships in computational mechanics, material science, and biomedical engineering.
Professor Kilian Seeber is a full Professor at the University of Geneva's Faculty of Translation and Interpreting (FTI). He was promoted to Ordinary Professor on August 1, 2025, having previously served as Director of the Department of Interpretation until 2022 and as Vice-Dean of FTI since 2018. His research focuses on the cognitive dimensions of interpretation, particularly examining multimodality in complex language processing tasks. Professor Seeber directs two research laboratories: LaborInt, which studies multimodal aspects of language processing, and InTTech, which investigates the application of new technologies in interpreter training. Professor Seeber has significant professional experience, having organized training courses for European institutions and the United Nations. He played a key role in developing the Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) in Interpreter Training at the University of Geneva, which he now directs as Program Director. His work bridges theoretical research in cognitive linguistics with practical applications in interpreter education, making significant contributions to both academic understanding and professional training in the field of interpretation.
Dr. Christoph Schamberger is a Researcher at the Institute of Philosophy, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, focusing on logic, argumentation, and theoretical philosophy since 2022. He occasionally teaches practical philosophy and history of philosophy, and supervises B.A. and M.A. theses on related topics. Education : Ph.D. in Philosophy (2012, Humboldt University Berlin), Master’s in Philosophy, Psychology, and Sociology (2006–2011, University of Vienna & Free University Berlin). Research Areas : Philosophical logic, argumentation theory, philosophy of language, social epistemology, and political philosophy. His work explores logical structures in colloquial language, epistemic democracy, and conceptual analysis. Notable Publications : His 2025 paper on democracy and truth, 2023 metaethical analysis of epistemic democracy, and 2022 comparative study of Grice and Kant. Recent book edition (2024) updates his work on philosophical logic and argumentation theory. Academic Career : Previously held research and teaching positions at University of Erfurt (2021–2022), Humboldt University Berlin (2014–2017, 2018–2019), Free University Berlin (2015–2016), King’s College London (2014–2015), and University of Passau (2006–2011).
Dr. Jasper J. Verlinden is a Postdoctoral Lecturer and Researcher in the Department of English and American Studies at Humboldt University of Berlin's Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. His academic work spans Postcolonial Studies, American Literature, and Gender Studies with specialized focus on Trans and Queer Studies, Settler Colonial Studies, and the cultural implications of bureaucracy. Dr. Verlinden's research interests explore the intersections of bureaucratic governance, racial formation, and multi-ethnic American literature. His doctoral work examined how documentation practices affect marginalized communities, particularly in immigration contexts. His teaching portfolio includes courses on Contemporary Trans and Queer Poetry, Settler Colonial Imaginary, and U.S. Immigration Law and Culture. American Studies Association (ASA) member Center for Transdisciplinary Gender Studies (ZtG) affiliate Critical Ethnic Studies Association (CESA) member German Association for American Studies (DGfA) participant Modern Language Association (MLA) member Dr. Verlinden has received significant research support including a Dahlem International Network Junior Research Fellowship funded by the German Research Foundation and was previously a Visiting Student Researcher at UC Berkeley. He currently serves as an associate member in the ERC Consolidator Grant Project 'Tales of the Diasporic Ordinary' and coordinates BA Module 2: Introduction to Literary Studies at Humboldt University.
Rens van de Schoot is a full professor of Collaborative Methods in AI and Data Science at Utrecht University in the Netherlands and serves as an extra-ordinary professor at North-West University in South Africa. He directs the AI-LAB on AI-aided Knowledge Discovery and coordinates the open-source ASReview project (Active learning for systematic text reviewing), which has become a significant tool for researchers conducting systematic reviews across various disciplines. His research spans multiple domains with a strong focus on Bayesian statistics, artificial intelligence applications in systematic reviews, and psychological methodology. Van de Schoot's work bridges technical AI development with practical applications in social sciences and healthcare research, particularly in PTSD and mental health studies. His methodological contributions include significant work on measurement invariance, small sample size solutions, and the development of the WAMBS checklist for Bayesian statistics. The analysis of his recent publications reveals a clear trajectory toward increasingly sophisticated AI applications in systematic reviewing, with a strong emphasis on Bayesian methodology. His work demonstrates how machine learning can enhance traditional systematic review processes while maintaining methodological rigor. The interdisciplinary nature of his research connects statistics, computer science, psychology, and healthcare research in innovative ways. APA award for best dissertation of division 5 Recipient of prestigious VENI and VIDI research grants from the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research Member of the Young Academy (Jonge Akademie) of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) Elected member of the Society of Multivariate Experimental Psychology (SMEP) Van de Schoot has supervised numerous PhD candidates, as evidenced by his research on PhD delays and academic careers. His research program has been supported by multiple competitive grants, including his VENI project on integrating trauma-related background knowledge into statistical models and his VIDI project on expert knowledge and limited data. His work bridges theoretical methodological advances with practical applications across multiple domains. As director of the AI-LAB, he leads a team developing cutting-edge AI tools for knowledge discovery. His coordination of the ASReview project has created an international community of researchers applying active learning to systematic reviewing. He's also actively involved with the Utrecht Platform for Applied Data Science, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration on data-intensive research projects.
Dr. Amy Carpenter serves as an Associate Professor of English in the Department of Languages and Literature at East Texas Baptist University within the School of Christian Studies and Humanities. Hailing from Denver, Colorado, she integrates theological perspectives with literary scholarship through her teaching and research on twentieth-century poetry. Educational Background: Whitworth University: B.A. in English and Theology Baylor University: M.A. in English Literature Baylor University: Ph.D. in English Literature Research Focus: Dr. Carpenter investigates the therapeutic dimensions of repetition, ordinary ritual, and humor within poetic structures, emphasizing how these elements facilitate healing and meaning-making. Her work bridges Christian theology with literary analysis, particularly examining poetry's capacity to connect spiritual concepts with lived human experiences. Scientific Recognition: Lilly Graduate Fellow (focusing on faith-academia integration) Teaching and Mentoring: She prioritizes practical application of literary concepts in student learning, though specific graduate advisees or research grants remain undocumented. Her pedagogical approach reflects ETBU's Christian liberal arts mission through classroom instruction at the undergraduate level.
Rory Critten is an Ordinary Professor in the Department of English at the Faculty of Arts, University of Lausanne, with his office located in Anthropole Building 5127 at Quartier UNIL-Chamberonne, Lausanne, Switzerland. Professor Critten specializes in the role of French in late-medieval England as an instructed language, lexical contributor to Middle English, and conduit for continental cultural exchange. His research explores queer receptions of medieval literature and representations of queer identities within medieval households, employing methodologies from book history, gender theory, social history, historical lexicography, textual editing, and digital humanities across materials from 1000-1500 CE. His work is informed by personal experience as a second-language French learner and professional background teaching English as a foreign language (2005-2017). No scientific awards were mentioned in the provided information. Information regarding students advised and grant funding was not provided in the source material. No details about research laboratories or collaborative teams were available in the given text.
Andrew Franta is a Professor of English at the University of Utah, specializing in Eighteenth-century British and Romantic literature. His scholarly work bridges literary history, systems theory, and political economy analysis. PhD in English from Johns Hopkins University Bachelor's degree from the University of Chicago Research focuses include: Eighteenth-century British literature's relationship to emerging mass media Romanticism's engagement with systemic disorder and political philosophy Sublime aesthetics in literature and astronomy Recent publications examine sentiment analysis in 18th-century novels, systems theory in De Quincey's works, and the evolution of literary networks. His 2019 book Systems Failure won critical acclaim for its interdisciplinary approach. Major scientific awards include: Virgil C. Aldrich Faculty Fellowship (2021) Faculty Fellow, University Research Committee (2020) Multiple grants from the College of Humanities Teaching activities span advanced seminars on Romantic literature, Jane Austen studies, and honors thesis supervision. He has been active in the Modern Language Association and Keats-Shelley Association.
