Jo Renate Bauwens is a Senior Lecturer in Communication Sciences at Vrije Universiteit Brussel, affiliated with the ECHO: Media, Culture & Politics Research Group. Her work focuses on media studies, television studies, and media reception analysis, with a particular interest in media use in everyday life and transnational media dynamics. She has contributed to projects such as the GROW initiative on wastewater reuse perception and the Far Right Fictions study analyzing media consumption among youth with far-right sympathies. Her research spans environmental communication, existential-ethical approaches to digital culture, and the intersection of media and truth. Notable activities include public lectures on media desinformation and truth in mediated worlds, as well as workshops on speech-making and far-right audiovisual discourse. She has supervised master’s and doctoral theses on topics like HIV narratives, Flemish rock festivals, and social media engagement during TV viewing. Projects: 19 active projects, including transnational media studies, environmental policy communication, and cultural analyses of Brussels. Media engagements: 31 press contributions addressing urban polarization, media framing of Brussels, and children’s television. Labs/Teams: Core member of the ECHO Research Group, collaborating on interdisciplinary media studies. Bauwens’ work bridges theoretical frameworks with empirical analyses, emphasizing participatory research methods and societal impact.
Caren Cooper is a Professor at North Carolina State University in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, College of Natural Resources. Her research focuses on geospatial analytics to study bird ecology, environmental hazards, and equity in environmental data. She leads the Public Science Lab, developing participatory programs to engage volunteers in large-scale environmental data collection. Her work emphasizes racial and economic disparities in environmental risks and the representativeness of scientific data. Research interests include urban forest ecosystem services, citizen science methodology, and ethical frameworks for participatory projects. Notable projects include Crowd the Tap to assess lead plumbing disparities and the IDEAL Guide for inclusive science initiatives. Cooper has secured grants totaling over $2M from NSF, DoD, and other agencies for projects addressing environmental justice, STEM diversity, and citizen science infrastructure. Her publications span ethics in citizen science, participatory science design, and environmental equity. Cooper collaborates with organizations like the Citizen Science Association and SciStarter to advance equitable practices. She teaches courses on science communication and public engagement, leveraging interdisciplinary approaches at NC State. Labs/Teams: Public Science Lab, IDEAL Working Group. Key grants include 'Advancing Capacity for a Resilient NC Sentinel Landscape' ($124K) and 'Iterative Improvement of IDEAL Participatory Science' ($1.1M).
Luisa Arango is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Ethnology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Strasbourg, where she also serves as Director of Studies for the Bachelor's program in Anthropology and Ethnology in Distance Learning (EàD). She is based at the MISHA building and is affiliated with the SAGE Laboratory (UMR 7363). Her academic work spans research, teaching, and interdisciplinary collaboration, with a strong focus on urban anthropology and environmental issues. Her research centers on urban environments, water and land resource management, identity dynamics in cities, and the anthropology of techniques, with fieldwork conducted in the Nile Valley (Sudan) and the Colombian Caribbean. She explores themes such as urbanization processes, spatiality and power, local perceptions of climate change, and alternative ethnographic methods. Her work often engages with political ecology, interdisciplinary environmental research, and the social dimensions of nature and resources. Luisa Arango’s recent publications (2013–2024) reflect a consistent focus on hydrosocial systems, urban water governance, land appropriation, and knowledge production in Africa and Latin America. Her articles appear in journals such as Canadian Journal of African Studies , Espaces et Sociétés , Autrepart , and Sources . She has also contributed to interdisciplinary dialogues on climate change, artistic ethnography, and field drawing as research tools. Knowledge about nature in Africa Urban water management in Khartoum and Cartagena Land rights and ethnic identity in Colombia Interdisciplinary approaches to climate and urban planning Ethnographic and artistic methodologies Luisa Arango is actively involved in research networks such as WATERLAT-GOBACIT and GAIA (University of Antioquia, Colombia). She has supervised academic projects and contributed to methodological innovations in ethnographic research. She teaches courses on ethnographic methods, urban anthropology, and research forums for distance-learning students. Her work emphasizes the political dimensions of resource access, the transformative power of collective action, and the importance of integrating social and material realities in understanding urban and environmental change. She has no listed scientific awards in the provided text, but her sustained publication record and leadership roles indicate significant scholarly impact. She is also engaged in public-facing research, including graphic works and documentaries on anthropological practice.
Dr. Benjamin Xie is an Assistant Professor joining the Department of Computer Science at the University of Denver's Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science in fall 2025. He is currently a Postdoctoral Fellow at Stanford University, jointly affiliated with the Human-Computer Interaction Group and the Graduate School of Education. His research focuses on designing equitable and critical human-data interactions in educational and environmental justice contexts. PhD in Information Science, University of Washington (2022) MEng in Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2016) BS in Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2015) Dr. Xie’s research lies at the intersection of computing education, human-computer interaction, and AI ethics. He investigates how to make computing education more inclusive, ethical, and critical. His work emphasizes participatory design, co-designing curricula with educators, and developing tools that scaffold AI literacy for high school students. He also explores how data can be used to promote equity in large-scale computing courses and environmental justice initiatives. His recent publications highlight a strong trajectory in AI and computing education, including benchmarking LLMs in CS assessments, co-designing AI curricula with teachers, and developing tools like Prompty to foster critical engagement with generative AI. His work consistently addresses ethical implications and equity considerations in technology education. Dr. Xie has been recognized with prestigious awards, including: National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Embedded Ethics Fellow at Stanford’s Institute for Human-Centered AI and McCoy Center for Ethics in Society He actively mentors students and collaborates with K–12 educators and community organizations. While formal advisees are not listed, he welcomes student inquiries and is building his research group at the University of Denver. His future work will continue to bridge technical innovation with social impact, particularly in democratizing access to AI and data literacy. Dr. Xie leads projects on environmental data justice, AI literacy tools, and equitable computing education. He collaborates with teams at Stanford and will establish a research lab at the University of Denver focused on critical and equitable human-data interactions.
Dana Vaux is an Associate Professor in the Department of Industrial Technology at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, within the College of Business & Technology. She specializes in Interior and Product Design, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research connecting people and environments. Education: Ph.D., Interdisciplinary: Architecture, Design, Environmental History – Washington State University M.A., Interior Design – Washington State University B.A., Interior Design – Washington State University Her research focuses on the intersection of culture, history, and the built environment. Key areas include place theory , design pedagogy , and the cultural-historical meanings of interior spaces . Dr. Vaux explores how interiors shape human experience and identity, integrating environmental history and ethical considerations into design practice. The 15 most recent publications reflect a consistent trajectory in interdisciplinary design research , spanning ethics, pedagogy, sustainability, and cultural identity. Her work bridges architecture, interior design, and environmental psychology, often emphasizing qualitative and historical methodologies. Themes of human well-being , historical continuity , and educational innovation recur across her scholarship. Scientific Awards: 2022 Midwest Regional Best of Award for Scholarship of Teaching and Learning-Pedagogy (IDEC) 2021 Midwest Regional Best of Award for Scholarship of Design Research-History and Theory (IDEC) 2019 Best Paper in Family Studies/Human Development (AAFCS) 2021-2022 College of Business & Technology Outstanding Faculty Award: Scholarship Dr. Vaux is an active researcher and educator, contributing significantly to design scholarship and pedagogy. She has co-authored influential books used in classrooms and published in top journals. While specific grant details are not listed, her sustained output and recognition suggest successful funding and institutional support. She mentors future designers through curriculum development and research integration in teaching, emphasizing the importance of research for ethical and effective design. Though no formal lab or research team name is mentioned, her interdisciplinary approach suggests collaboration across departments, particularly in architecture, environmental studies, and family sciences. Her work continues to influence both academic and professional practices in interior design.
Hanna-Riikka Roine is an Associate Professor in Digital Culture at the University of Bergen, affiliated with the Department of Linguistic, Literary and Aesthetic Studies and the Center for Digital Narrative. Her research bridges digital media, narrative theory, and speculative fiction, with a focus on games, imagination, and democratic discourse. Her research interests include: Digital culture and computational media Narrative theory and worldbuilding Game studies, particularly narrative agency in video games Speculative fiction as a tool for imagining futures Transmediality and digital storytelling The role of fiction in democratic imagination Her recent publications explore narrative forms in social media, romance mechanics in games like Dragon Age , and the limits of narrativizing environmental systems. She investigates how digital technologies entangle with human imagination, especially in speculative contexts. Notable research projects include: CO-SPEC (Academy of Finland, 2020–2023): On human-computer entanglement in speculation Imagine, Democracy! (Kone Foundation, 2023–2026): On narrative fiction as a democratic imagination tool in Finland She has co-edited special issues and books on digital environments, games, and speculative fiction, demonstrating leadership in interdisciplinary scholarship. While no formal scientific awards are listed, her funded projects and editorial roles signify academic recognition. She has collaborated with researchers such as Laura Piippo, Esko Suoranta, and Susanna Lindberg, contributing to a vibrant research network. She has also developed innovative pedagogical methods, such as using Twine game jams for assessment in higher education. Her work is situated within a strong digital humanities framework, connecting literary theory with contemporary media and societal challenges.
Siamak Seyfi is an Assistant Professor (tenure track) in Tourism Geography at the Geography Research Unit of the Faculty of Science, University of Oulu, Finland. He holds a PhD in Tourism Geography from Pantheon-Sorbonne University, France. His research focuses on critical tourism geographies, ethical consumerism, sustainability, resilience, and the role of Generation Z in shaping future tourism trends. Research Interests: Tourism Mobilities Ethical and Political Consumerism Sustainability and Resilience Behavioral Change Generation Z and Sustainable Consumption Politics of Tourism and Peace His work is interdisciplinary, drawing from critical theories, sociology, and ethnographic methods. He has co-authored and co-edited several influential books on tourism in Iran, sanctions, Muslim travel cultures, and Gen Z’s impact on sustainable tourism. His research is published in leading journals such as Annals of Tourism Research and Journal of Heritage Tourism , and he serves on multiple editorial boards. Recent Research Trends: His recent publications emphasize political and ethical dimensions of tourism, particularly how young consumers engage in boycotts and buycotts. The works also explore tourism’s role in post-sanction recovery, cultural heritage, and peacebuilding, especially in the Middle East context. Scientific Engagement: Editorial Board Member: Annals of Tourism Research, Tourism Planning & Development, Journal of Heritage Tourism, International Journal of Tourism Cities Research Leadership: He leads or contributes to the Tourism Geographies and Sustainable Mobilities (TOGSUM) research group and is involved in projects on Arctic resilience and digitalisation in tourism. He also co-organised the CRiT Summer School on Innovation and Technology in Tourism for Sustainable Development Goals.
Dr. Katharina Graf is a Research Fellow at the Institute of Cultural Anthropology and European Ethnology, Faculty of Linguistics, Cultures and Arts, Goethe University Frankfurt. She leads the DFG-funded ethnographic research project Cyborg Cook – Domestic Cooking in the Digital Age , investigating how digital technologies transform domestic cooking practices, knowledge reproduction, and socio-political negotiations around gender, class, and race in German households. Previously, she was a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the SOAS Food Studies Centre, University of London, where she conducted research on bread as a measure of urban stability in Morocco, funded by the AXA Research Fund. Her educational background includes a PhD in Social Anthropology from SOAS, University of London (2016), with fieldwork in Marrakech, and a Diplom in Geography from the universities of Tübingen, Bonn, and Cologne, focusing on water supply in rural Morocco. Katharina Graf’s research lies at the intersection of cultural anthropology, food studies, gender, urban life, and science and technology studies. She explores how everyday practices—especially cooking—reflect and shape broader social, political, and technological transformations. Her work emphasizes the entanglement of material culture, digitalization, and human agency, particularly in domestic spaces. She investigates how food serves as a lens for understanding political legitimacy, social change, and human-machine relations. Her recent publications and blog posts from the Cyborg Cook project reveal a strong trend toward understanding digital domesticity through ethnographic, sensory, and feminist lenses. Themes include the role of mothers as technological pioneers, the disruption of routines by smart devices, and the multisensory experience of digital cooking practices. Her earlier work on bread in Morocco highlights how food security and culinary practices are deeply tied to political stability and state-society relations. Postdoctoral Fellowship, AXA Research Fund Principal Investigator, DFG-funded 'Cyborg Cook' project Dr. Graf has supervised undergraduate and postgraduate students at SOAS and Goethe University. While no specific grants beyond DFG and AXA are named, her role as principal investigator indicates leadership in competitive research funding. She is actively involved in academic service, including as associate book reviews editor for the FoodAnthropology Blog (Society for the Anthropology of Food and Nutrition) and former co-convenor of the Anthropology of Food Network at EASA. She disseminates research through innovative public formats such as photo exhibitions, cookery classes, and comedy clubs, reflecting a commitment to engaged scholarship. She is affiliated with the Cyborg Cook research team at Goethe University, an interdisciplinary group using ethnographic methods to study digital kitchen technologies. The project emphasizes collaborative, sensory, and participatory research approaches, often involving co-creation with participants through shared meals and observational cooking sessions.
Stephanie Jordan is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Information and Media at Michigan State University, holding a courtesy appointment. Their work bridges science and technology studies, environmental justice, and human-computer interaction, with a focus on ethical and equitable scientific infrastructures in ocean and climate sciences. Stephanie Jordan's research explores the intersection of technology, labor, and social justice, particularly in large-scale scientific data systems. They are deeply committed to intersectionality, anti-harassment, and inclusive design practices. Their methodological approach emphasizes co-design, community engagement, and participatory ethnography in collaboration with scientists and public stakeholders. Jordan’s academic background includes a BA from Rutgers University and a PhD from Cornell University. Their dissertation, The Instrumented Ocean: How Sensors, Satellites and Seafloor-Walking Robots Changed What It Means to Study the Sea , examines the sociotechnical transformations in ocean science. They have contributed to foundational projects such as U.S. ocean observatories, nuclear test ban treaty research, astrobiology initiatives, and polar remote sensing studies. Stephanie Jordan is a founding board member of the Labor Tech Research Network and has provided professional service to the National Science Foundation, NASA, the Society for the Social Studies of Science (4S), and top-tier HCI conferences (CHI, DIS, CSCW). At MSU, they co-founded the Queerpocene Ecofeminist Research Group and have led multiple Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. They have advised numerous graduate students across PhD and Master’s programs in Information and Media, Health & Risk Communication, and Marine Resource Management. Courses taught include Qualitative Methods, Digital Footprints, Usability, and special topics on Cyborgs and AI, reflecting their interdisciplinary pedagogical approach.
Prof. Dr. Veronika Waldboth is a Professor for Family-Centered Nursing at the ZHAW School of Health Sciences (Institute of Nursing). Her work focuses on Advanced Practice Nursing (APN) , Rare Diseases , Digital Technologies in Nursing , and Participative Mixed Methods Research . PhD in Nursing (2013-2017) from King's College London MSc and BSc in Nursing from Zurich University of Applied Sciences and University of Verona Her research explores family transitions in chronic conditions, with emphasis on neuromuscular diseases and low-birth-weight infants . She leads projects like the Swiss Nursing Research Agenda and Care-NMD-CH , focusing on interprofessional care models and digital health platforms. Recipient of the 2015 Nursing Science Foundation Switzerland Young Researchers Award Active in Rare Disease Action Forum and ORCID ID 0000-0003-2785-3241 Current projects include Care Management for Neuromuscular Diseases and Global Bridge in Health Professions Education . Her teaching includes Advanced Practice Competencies and Rare Diseases Nursing Education .
Sarah McKenna is a Research Fellow at the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences at Queen's University Belfast. Her work focuses on epidemiological analysis of social care systems and their impacts on child welfare outcomes. Specializes in using population-wide administrative data Advocates for co-production with lived experience experts Research aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health) and 10 (Reduced Inequalities) Research trends show consistent focus on childhood exposure to social services and subsequent mental health risks in young adulthood. Her work combines cohort analysis, data linkage methodologies, and policy-driven epidemiology. Recipient of the Professor Dermot O'Reilly Prize in 2024 for contributions to scientific periodicals. Active in organizing research workshops and peer-review activities for journals like Child and Adolescent Mental Health .
Campbell Drake is a Senior Lecturer in Interior Architecture at the University of Technology Sydney's School of Architecture within the Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building. Registered as an architect in New South Wales and Victoria with over 15 years of professional experience, he specializes in sustainable eco-tourism development in environmentally sensitive locations. His work bridges academic research and practical application through partnerships with government and non-government agencies focused on Indigenous infrastructure and housing. Education: PhD from RMIT University (2012-2018) Masters of Research Architecture from Goldsmiths College, University of London (2009-2010) Bachelor of Architecture from RMIT University (1999-2005) Dr. Drake's research centers on the interaction between urban infrastructure and social formation within remote communities, particularly investigating socio-architectural relations in Indigenous contexts. His work explores how infrastructure can enhance wellbeing, cultural practices, and environmental sustainability. He specializes in participatory design methods that empower communities through culturally responsive approaches that integrate Indigenous knowledge systems. His research spans sustainable tourism development in Indonesia, Indigenous housing policy in Australia, cultural burning practices, and the spatial politics of tourism infrastructure, demonstrating a commitment to decolonizing design practices and creating architecture that serves community needs. His recent publications reveal a clear trajectory toward evaluating specific programs (like the Roads to Home Program and Wreck Bay housing strategy) while simultaneously developing theoretical frameworks for culturally responsive architecture. There's a consistent focus on Indigenous infrastructure, housing, and participatory design methodologies, with increasing attention to the intersection of traditional knowledge systems with contemporary design practices in remote Australian communities. His work bridges practical implementation with critical theoretical analysis of power dynamics in architectural practice. Scientific Awards: 2018 UTS Teaching and Learning Awards: Indigenous Professional Capabilities High Commendation Interior Design/Interior Architecture Educators Association Teaching Award (2018 Third place finalist) 2018 AILA Research, Policy & Communication Landscape Architecture Award International Interior Design Association 2014 Global Excellence Awards Dr. Drake supervises Masters and PhD students with a focus on Indigenous architecture and sustainable design. His funded research includes culturally responsive design principles for Aboriginal housing, evaluations of the Wreck Bay Village housing program, Roads to Home evaluations for Gulargambone & Bowraville Reserves, and solar lighting projects for Namoi and Gingie Reserves. His grants come from diverse sources including the NSW Aboriginal Land Council, National Indigenous Australians Agency, and Department of Planning Industry and Environment, reflecting the practical impact of his work. As a founding member of UTS TIISHA (The Indigenous Infrastructure and Sustainable Housing Alliance), Dr. Drake leads collaborative research projects focused on 'health enabling infrastructure' to address structural factors of Indigenous disadvantage. TIISHA works with multiple Aboriginal Land Councils and government agencies to evaluate and implement housing and infrastructure programs that respect cultural values and community needs, demonstrating his commitment to creating tangible benefits for Indigenous communities through architectural practice.
Professor Nicola Ansell is a faculty member in the Department of Anthropology at Brunel University, affiliated with the College of Business, Arts and Social Sciences . Her research focuses on social and cultural change among young people in the Global South, particularly southern Africa, addressing themes like HIV/AIDS impacts, education policy, food security, and generational relations. MA, University of Cambridge PhD, Keele University Her work explores geographies of youth and childhood , participatory research , and the politics of global policy agendas in education and social protection. Recent projects analyze social cash transfers in Malawi and Lesotho, education-aspiration links in rural peripheries, and ethical challenges in ethnographic research. Grants from ESRC-DFID supported her studies on Education systems in rural settings , Social cash transfers , and Youth food security . She supervises PhD students on topics spanning minority education in China, menstrual experiences in India, and cultural tourism in Nigeria. Key roles include Director of Education in the Department of Social and Political Sciences and Programme Lead for the MA in Children, Youth and Education. She contributes to editorial boards and professional associations like the Royal Geographical Society and Development Studies Association .
Dr. Alison Lacey is a Research Fellow at the University of Sussex's School of Education and Social Work, specializing in qualitative longitudinal methods. She leads projects like the national evaluation of A Better Start and research on marginalized family voices during crises, earning recognition through the 2024 University of Sussex Research Culture Award. Current affiliations: University of Sussex, CRESS Lab Previous roles: Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology, Doctoral Tutor at Sussex Education: PhD in Psychology (2023), MSc in Experimental Psychology (2017), MA in Creative & Critical Writing (2011) Her research focuses on children's social-emotional development , peer play dynamics , and applied policy evaluation . Recent work examines pandemic impacts on education and inclusive research methodologies for underrepresented groups. Scientific accolades include the 2024 award for ethical research innovations and AFHEA certification (2020). She has co-authored studies on teacher well-being during lockdowns, parent-child pandemic adjustment, and policy evaluation frameworks. Teaching activities span postgraduate modules in Digital Childhoods and Applied Child Psychology , alongside undergraduate research methods instruction. She contributes to the CRESS Lab's collaborative network and advocates for gender equality in educational settings.
Dr. Suzanne Beech serves as Senior Lecturer in Human (Economic) Geography at Ulster University's Faculty Of Life & Health Sciences, School of Geography & Environmental Sciences. With Senior Fellow status from the Higher Education Academy (2024), she leads Geography programs as Course Director while pioneering blended learning approaches that predated pandemic requirements. PhD from Queen's University Belfast (2013) Bachelor's from Queen's University Belfast (2009) Her research operates at the intersection of human geography, sociology, and education with focus on: international student mobility , migration studies , Brexit border impacts , and transnational youth identities . Current work with AHRC grant (£372,287) examines post-Brexit citizenship for 16-24 year-olds along the Irish border using participatory filmmaking methods. Recent publications appear in: Transactions of the Institute of British Geographers Urban Studies Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies Scientific Recognition: Senior Fellow, Higher Education Academy (2024) Top Cited Article in Area (2023) ESRC Peer Review College membership (2024) As Active Learning Champion, she supervises: Betty Healy (First Supervisor) Odhran Fox (First Supervisor) Nicola Watson (First Supervisor)
