Dick Zijp is an Assistant Professor in Heritage of the Dutch Performing Arts at Utrecht University's Department of Media and Culture Studies. He teaches in the Bachelor Media and Culture program, Master Contemporary Theatre, Dance and Dramaturgy, and Master Arts & Society. Specializes in politics and aesthetics of humor (1966–present) PhD thesis (2023) awarded Christie Davies Award Postdoctoral work at KU Leuven on European humor controversies Research Focus : Explores humor's role in public sphere politics, ideological framing in cabaret, and socio-cultural implications of stand-up comedy. Key themes: transgressive humor, cultural memory, and neoliberal critiques in academic contexts. Academic Trends : Recent work examines comic personas (Burnham, Gadsby), heritage documentation (Lurelei cabaret, Showponies 2), and political polarization in comedy. Publications span journals like European Journal of Humor Research and edited volumes on cultural preservation. Honors : Christie Davies Award (2023) Nominated for Boekman Dissertatieprijs (2024) Public Engagement : Regular contributor to De Groene Amsterdammer , NRC , and Theaterkrant.nl . Serves on Nederlands Theater Festival's Cabaret Collectie selection committee since 2023.
Samantha Katz Seal is an Associate Professor of English and the Pamela Shulman Professor of European and Holocaust Studies at the University of New Hampshire, specializing in gender, race, and embodiment in medieval English literature with particular expertise in Chaucer and premodern medical discourses. Her educational foundation includes a B.A. from Washington University in St. Louis and advanced degrees from Yale University: B.A., Washington University - St Louis M.A., Yale University M.Phil., Yale University Ph.D., Yale University Dr. Seal's research interrogates how medieval texts construct identity through intersections of gender, race, disability, and religion, with groundbreaking work on Jewish studies in medieval contexts and the history of reproduction. Her interdisciplinary methodology bridges literary analysis with feminist theory, disability studies, and critical race theory to expose the complexities of medieval subjectivity and its modern implications. Recent publications demonstrate an intensified focus on race-making processes in late medieval England, particularly the racialization of Christianity and Jewish identity, while maintaining her signature exploration of gender and reproduction as seen in her digital project cataloging premodern maternal mortality. Her scholarly recognition includes: ACLS Fellowship (2019-2020) Pamela Shulman Professor of European and Holocaust Studies Dr. Seal has secured significant research funding including the ACLS Fellowship supporting her book on medieval race ideologies. She actively shapes her field through editorial leadership on Speculum: A Journal of Medieval Studies and the MLA Chaucer Forum Executive Committee, while co-editing special journal issues that advance feminist medieval scholarship. Her service extends to mentoring emerging scholars through intersectional frameworks. She directs the digital humanities initiative Death in Childbirth: Memory, Maternity, and Premodern Europe, 1000-1700 and collaborates on feminist theory projects, demonstrating sustained commitment to innovative scholarly communication and community building.
Robyn Mallett is a Professor of Social Psychology and serves as the Vice Provost for Academic Programs and Planning at Loyola University Chicago, where she is a core faculty member in the Department of Psychology. Her leadership extends across academic administration and research innovation within the university structure. Her educational background includes: Post-Doctorate Fellowship at the University of Virginia Doctorate in Social Psychology from The Pennsylvania State University Master's in Psychology from The Pennsylvania State University Bachelor's in Psychology from the University of Alaska Anchorage Professor Mallett's research examines how individuals navigate social worlds through the lens of bias confrontation, intergroup relations, and environmental behavior. She investigates why people confront prejudice (particularly sexism), how expectations shape intergroup interactions, and how identity-focused interventions can promote sustainable behavior. Her methodological approach combines high-impact lab studies, daily diary research, and qualitative analysis of real-time interactions. Analysis of her recent publications (2021-2025) reveals three dominant trends: 1) The complex dynamics of bias confrontation—especially how humor mitigates perceived sexism and affects confrontation outcomes; 2) Interventions to foster belonging and retention for underrepresented faculty; 3) Identity-based environmental campaigns that reduce resource consumption without technological fixes. Her work consistently bridges theoretical social psychology with actionable social change. Professor Mallett has secured significant research funding, including a Russell Sage Foundation grant for her intergroup forecasting error research. She has co-edited influential volumes such as Confronting Prejudice and Discrimination (2019) and Moving Beyond Prejudice Reduction (2011), demonstrating her leadership in translating psychological science into practical frameworks. She leads an active research laboratory that conducts field experiments on campus sustainability initiatives and collaborates with Loyola's Institute for Environmental Sustainability. Current projects focus on faculty mentoring frameworks and the civic impact of intergroup dialogue, reflecting her commitment to applying psychological insights to institutional challenges.
Sophia Papaioannou serves as Professor of Latin Literature at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, holding advanced degrees in Classics from the University of Texas at Austin following undergraduate studies at the University of Crete. Her scholarly identity centers on classical philology with particular emphasis on Latin literary traditions. Her academic formation includes: BA in Classics from the University of Crete MA in Classics from the University of Texas at Austin PhD in Classics from the University of Texas at Austin Research expertise spans Roman Comedy (especially Plautus and Terence), Latin Epic (Ovid's Metamorphoses and imperial poetry), and Augustan literature , with significant contributions to understanding Greco-Roman cultural interplay in Late Antiquity. Current projects involve a detailed commentary on Plautus' Curculio and monographic analysis of Nonnus' Dionysiaca, reflecting sustained engagement with textual interpretation and cultural transmission. Publication trends from 2005-2017 reveal consistent focus on epic intertextuality (particularly Ovidian reworkings of Homeric and Virgilian traditions) and Roman comedy, complemented by interdisciplinary editorial work bridging literature, religion, landscape studies, and performance theory. Her scholarship demonstrates methodological versatility through monographs, critical editions, and collaborative volumes examining Greek-Latin cultural dynamics across multiple genres and historical periods.
Giorgio Scorzelli is a researcher at the University of Utah, serving as Director of Software Development for the Center for Extreme Data Management, Analysis, and Visualization (CEDMAV) and the National Science Data Fabric (NSDF) . He specializes in extreme data management, scientific visualization, and computational topology, with a focus on scalable solutions for climate science, materials science, and neuroscience datasets. His work emphasizes democratizing data access through platforms like OpenVisus , enabling efficient analysis of petascale and exascale data. Key contributions include orchestrating cyberinfrastructure, optimizing parallel I/O, and developing real-time visualization systems for heterogeneous resources. Notable scientific contributions include the NSF Grant #2127548 for NSDF development . His projects integrate cloud computing, geo-distributed storage, and FAIR digital objects to lower barriers to data democratization. Giorgio's research spans multi-resolution algorithms , computational topology , and 3D geometric modeling , with applications in infrastructure security, archaeological reconstruction, and biomedical imaging. His work bridges abstract mathematical frameworks (e.g., Boolean algebras, chain complexes) with practical software solutions.
Yoshitaka Tanimizu is a Professor at the School of Creative Science and Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University. His research focuses on intelligent manufacturing systems, scheduling optimization, and human-centered production models. He holds a Doctor of Engineering degree from Osaka University and maintains an active research laboratory.
Lena Rethel is a Professor of International Political Economy at the University of Warwick, with her office located in room D1.18. She works Monday through Thursday and can be contacted at L.Rethel@warwick.ac.uk. From 2019 to 2024, she served as Director of the Centre for the Study of Globalisation and Regionalisation (CSGR), and from 2020 to 2022, she was the Lead Editor of the Review of International Political Economy. Currently, she is leading the significant research project "FINDEM-The Politics of Financial Citizenship" (2024-2029), funded by a UKRI Frontier Research grant as part of the UK guarantee scheme for successful ERC Consolidator Grant applications. Professor Rethel's research spans several interconnected domains within International Political Economy. Her primary interests include the international politics of finance and development, the global governance of Islamic economies (finance, food systems, and related areas), and the disciplinary boundaries of contemporary International Political Economy. She examines how theories and common sense shape economic and financial policymaking, leading to institutional change such as the expansion of capital markets and development of Islamic finance, with particular attention to Southeast Asia, especially Indonesia and Malaysia. Her methodological approach incorporates Everyday and Cultural Political Economy perspectives and event ethnography , focusing on how middle-class expectations shape financial policy in emerging market democracies. Her scholarly output reveals consistent engagement with Southeast Asian financial systems, Islamic finance, and the politics of financialization. The publications show an evolution from early work on the Malaysian political economy toward more recent explorations of sustainable finance regulations, alternative finance practices, and the gendered dimensions of financial citizenship. There's a clear thread connecting her research on how global financial practices are adapted and transformed in local contexts, particularly in Southeast Asia, with increasing attention to sustainability and social equity concerns in more recent work. Among her notable achievements, her book "The Problem with Banks" was shortlisted for the 2013 IPEG Book Prize. While specific teaching awards aren't mentioned in the provided materials, her recent work on pedagogy, including "Teaching the International Political Economy of Everyday Life Through Global Groupwork," demonstrates commitment to innovative educational approaches. Professor Rethel has secured substantial research funding, most notably the UKRI Frontier Research grant for the FINDEM project. Her leadership roles include directing the Centre for the Study of Globalisation and Regionalisation and editing the Review of International Political Economy. She has also organized numerous special journal issues and edited important collections that have shaped scholarly conversations in her field. Her scholarly network is extensive, with collaborations across multiple institutions and disciplines. She has co-edited major works with scholars like James Brassett, Juanita Elias, and Ben Richardson, and has established herself as a key figure in the International Political Economy community, particularly regarding Southeast Asian financial systems and Islamic finance.
Christian Blouin is a Professor and Associate Dean, Academic in the Faculty of Computer Science at Dalhousie University. His interdisciplinary research bridges computer science and molecular biology, with a strong focus on bioinformatics and computational biophysics. Education: Ph.D. in Computer Science, Dalhousie University (2001) B.Sc. in Computer Science, Université Laval (1997) His research interests lie at the intersection of algorithms, phylogenetics, protein evolution, and molecular modeling. He develops computational methods to analyze protein structure evolution, multiple sequence alignments, and phylogenetic tree reconstruction. His work integrates high-performance computing and statistical mechanics to model biophysical properties of proteins, particularly in conformational dynamics and electrostatic interactions. The most recent publications reveal a consistent trend in developing algorithmic solutions for biological problems—especially in text mining for biological events, phylogenetic distance computation, and 3D mapping of evolutionary data. His work emphasizes automation, accuracy, and scalability in bioinformatics pipelines. Scientific Awards and Honors: TULA Fellow Dr. Blouin has secured significant research funding from NSERC, the TULA Foundation, and the CFI. His research group has contributed to tools like GenGIS for geospatial genomics and libcov for bioinformatics programming. He has advised students such as Haibin Liu and Vlado Keselj, who have co-authored key publications in text mining and phylogenetics. His lab integrates algorithm development with biological validation, aiming to bridge computational innovation with real-world biological insights.
Aaron Glass is Professor and Associate Chair of Research Programs at Bard Graduate Center , New York City. His work focuses on the cultural histories of the Native Peoples of the Northwest Coast , examining intersections of Museums, Anthropology, Colonialism, Indigenous Modernities , Intercultural Exchange , and Visual Media . Education: PhD in Anthropology (New York University), MA in Anthropology (University of British Columbia), BFA in Studio Art (Emily Carr Institute), BA in Anthropology/Psychology (Reed College) Research Themes: Glass investigates how Indigenous material culture mediates colonial narratives, focusing on totem poles, Hamat'sa ceremonies, and Edward Curtis's ethnographic films. His work emphasizes Indigenous ontologies , digital networks , and decolonizing museum practices . Scientific Contributions: He received a $150,000 NEH Award (2023) for collaborative projects reassembling Franz Boas's 1897 monograph. His 15 most recent articles span topics from Kwakwaka'wakw ceremonial practices to digital ethnographic editions , reflecting interdisciplinary engagement with material culture theory , archival research , and decolonial methodologies .
Dorota Rancew-Sikora is a Professor at the University of Gdańsk , affiliated with the Faculty of Social Sciences and serving as Head of the Department of Sociological Theory and Social Research Methodology . Her work bridges qualitative sociology , social anthropology , and discourse analysis , with a focus on multimodal communication and everyday culture . Education : PhD in Sociology (Faculty of Humanities, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń), dissertation: Conversational Analysis in the Context of Social Structure Habilitation in Sociology (University of Warsaw), based on The Meaning of Hunting: Contemporary Meanings of Traditional Practices MA in Psychology (University of Gdańsk), thesis: Contradictions as Factors Favoring Intuition Research Interests center on qualitative methods , human-animal relationships , and environmental sociology . She explores conversational analysis of family rituals , hospitality practices , and social movements , often using video recordings to study multimodal interaction . Her work spans Polish-Icelandic collaborations on leisure practices and nature perception . Scientific Awards : Rector’s Individual Award (University of Gdańsk, 2010) for The Meaning of Hunting Rector’s Award (University of Gdańsk, 2022) for Hospitality: Letting Its Ideal Go Grants and Leadership include a National Science Centre Grant on Cultural Diagnostics (2009) and a Humanities Development Programme Grant (2012-2016) as principal investigator. She chairs the Polish Academy of Sciences Sociology Committee (2024–2027) and co-edits Przegląd Socjologii Jakościowej . Her international collaborations with scholars like Unnur Dís Skaptadóttir (Iceland) and Anna Horolets (Poland) highlight cross-border research on community gardens and transnational hospitality . Labs and Teams : She leads the Discourse.net network and co-founded the Discourse Analysis Consortium . Her team investigates micro-level social practices through conversation analysis , discourse theory , and ethnographic fieldwork , including studies of urban peripheries and Polish-Norwegian intercultural dynamics .
Dr Caroline Ruddell is a Reader and Senior Lecturer in Film and Television at Brunel University London, within the Department of Arts and Humanities, College of Business, Arts and Social Sciences. She previously served as Programme Director in Film at St. Mary’s University. Her academic leadership includes roles as Programme Lead and active editorial responsibilities in key animation publications. Research Interests: Caroline specializes in animation, particularly handmade and craft-based animation, and the representation of identity on screen. Her work explores themes of gender, sexuality, horror, and television, with a strong focus on historical and cultural contexts. Publication Trends: Her recent publications center on Lotte Reiniger and the cultural value of craft in animation. She frequently contributes book chapters and edited collections, demonstrating deep engagement with interdisciplinary animation studies, identity representation, and fantasy genres. Scientific and Editorial Roles: Book Series Editor, Palgrave Animation Associate Editor, animation: an interdisciplinary journal (Sage) Author of monograph The Besieged Ego Editor of four book collections PhD Supervision and Grants: Caroline supervises PhD research in animation and identity representation. While specific grants are not listed, her extensive editorial and collaborative work suggests strong research leadership and funding engagement. She has co-authored works with scholars such as Paul Ward, Karen Boeckenhoff, and Claire Holliday, indicating an active research network. Research Groups and Teams: She is part of a collaborative research network in animation studies, particularly through her co-edited volumes and series editorship. Her co-author network includes Prof. Paul Ward and Prof. Meredith Jones, with whom she explores interdisciplinary themes in media and identity.
Jane Kingsley-Smith is a Professor at the University of Roehampton's School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, affiliated with the Centre for Research in Society, Culture, and Social Change. She holds a BA from Oriel College, Oxford, and a PhD from the Shakespeare Institute, Stratford-upon-Avon. Her academic work focuses on Shakespeare's enduring cultural impact through both historical analysis and contemporary adaptations. Kingsley-Smith's research examines: Shakespeare's works in historical/cultural contexts Reception history of Shakespeare's Sonnets Early modern literature and desire (Cupid iconography) Performance adaptations across media (theater, film, music) Textual editing practices and scholarly controversies Her current book project explores Shakespeare's Sonnets in performance history. Her recent publications (2022-2025) demonstrate: Sustained focus on Shakespeare's Sonnets through editorial, racial, and emotional lenses Interdisciplinary approaches combining literary analysis with book history and performance theory Investigation of textual authenticity in early modern poetry Awards & Honors: Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy Supervision & Outreach: Actively mentors PhD candidates in early modern topics. Leads public engagement initiatives including Folger Shakespeare Library podcasts, educational YouTube content for the Shakespeare 2020 project, and theater collaborations. Serves as peer reviewer for major Shakespeare journals and book series.
Joseph Scales is a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellow at the Department of Religion, Philosophy and History, University of Agder (2023–2025). His research focuses on Ancient Judaism , Second Temple Period , and Military Rhetoric , particularly analyzing pre-battle speeches in ancient Jewish literature and their role in motivating violence. He explores connections between Hellenistic and Jewish cultural practices , gender dynamics in biblical narratives , and the archaeology of the southern Levant . His work includes a monograph Galilean Spaces of Identity (Brill, 2024) and peer-reviewed articles in journals like Vetus Testamentum , Palestine Exploration Quarterly , and Journal of Ancient Judaism . Scales co-hosts the podcasts Gods & Moviemakers and Ancient Afterlives , engaging in public outreach. He has contributed to edited volumes and handbooks, emphasizing ritual purity , gender roles , and literary adaptations in ancient texts. Scientific Awards: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship (Horizon Europe) Research Themes: Scales investigates how pre-battle exhortations in ancient Jewish texts reflect motivations toward violence, comparing them to Greek and Roman counterparts. His scholarship bridges literary analysis , historical context , and archaeological evidence , with a focus on spatiality , gender , and cultural identity in Hasmonean and Herodian Galilee.
Dr. Laura Copier is an Assistant Professor in Media and Performance Studies within the Department of Media and Culture Studies at Utrecht University's Faculty of Humanities. Her academic work bridges film studies, religious studies, and gender/sexuality studies with a particular focus on transnational contexts. She is affiliated with the Institute for Cultural Inquiry and contributes to research themes including Institutions for Open Societies (IOS) with emphasis on Gender, Diversity and Global Justice, as well as Dynamics of Youth (DoY) and Higher Education Research. As a film scholar trained in cultural analysis, Dr. Copier's research centers on expressions of religion and gender/sexuality in popular culture, particularly examining how Hollywood cinema and global media transform religious themes into secular contexts. Her work emphasizes close textual analysis with attention to film form and engages interdisciplinary scholarship connecting media studies with religion studies and biblical studies. She has made significant contributions to the academic discourse around trans* representation in media and the cinematic adaptation of biblical narratives. Dr. Copier's publication record demonstrates consistent scholarly output across multiple disciplines, with recent work focusing on trans* representation in European television, martyrdom narratives in contemporary cinema, and the intersection of biblical themes with blockbuster filmmaking. Her research shows a clear trajectory from biblical reception studies toward increasingly focused examinations of gender and sexuality in media, particularly trans* representation. She has published in prestigious venues including Biblical Interpretation, Feminist Media Studies, and various academic edited collections. Teaching is integral to Dr. Copier's academic profile, with experience developing curriculum and teaching in mixed classrooms at both BA and MA levels. She has contributed to educational projects like the EUFA Project at Utrecht University, demonstrating her commitment to innovative pedagogical approaches in media studies.
Professor David Cheetham serves in the Department of Theology and Religion at the University of Birmingham , holding the academic rank of Professor of Philosophical Theology since 2020. He previously served as Head of the School of Philosophy, Theology and Religion (2016-2020) and Head of Department of Theology and Religion (2012-2015). Current research focuses on theology of religions , interreligious hermeneutics , and theology and the arts . His work explores Christianity and Asian religions , theology of creation , and public theology . Recent publications examine interreligious aesthetics , postsecular theology , and theological pluralism . He has co-edited volumes on intercultural theology and scriptural reasoning . No scientific awards are listed in the provided text. As an ordained Church of England minister and professional musician, he integrates spiritual practice and musical engagement into theological discourse.
