Alison Baker is a Senior Lecturer at the University of East London within the School of Childhood and Social Care. She specializes in Education and teaches modules on inclusion, Primary English, children's literature, and reflective practice in Primary Teaching. PhD candidate researching white working-class children in children's fantasy fiction Areas of expertise: Social class representation, reading for pleasure, inclusive pedagogy Research Focus: Investigates how social class portrayal in fantasy literature impacts children's reading engagement, with particular attention to working-class disempowerment in fictional narratives. Her work bridges literary analysis with educational practice through projects like the UEL Goodreads discussion group. Key Publications: Contributions on social class in Harry Potter, children's comics, and critical reading pedagogy. Notable works include analyses of social capital in fantasy fiction and the use of social media for teacher development. External Roles: Served as Children's Programme Coordinator at Eastercon 2019 (Ytterbium) and currently sits on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Historical Fiction.
Sergiusz Michalski is a Professor at the Institute of Art History within the Faculty of Philosophy at the University of Tübingen, where he has held his position since 2001. Previously, he served as Managing Director of the Art History Institute at TU Braunschweig from 1996-2001 and completed his Habilitation at Goethe University Frankfurt in 1995. His distinguished academic career spans multiple European institutions including universities in Munich, Leipzig, Frankfurt, Kiel, Fribourg, Zurich, and Torun. Michalski's research focuses encompass Reformation and Art, Mannerism, 16th and 17th century Dutch and Flemish painting, Art theory, 18th century French painting, 20th century art, Public monuments, and Methodological questions in art history. His scholarly output includes approximately 270 publications with notable books such as 'The Reformation and the Visual Arts' (1992), 'Public Monuments' (1998), 'L'art de l'Europe Centrale' (2008), and 'Einführung in die Kunstgeschichte' (2015). His recent publications demonstrate continued engagement with contemporary issues in art history, particularly in public monument discourse, digital methodologies, and Central European art traditions. Michalski has edited several prominent art history journals including Ars Artibus et Historiae, Folia Historiae Artium, and Ikonotheka. Member of Royal Swedish Academy for Literature and Humanities Member of Polish Academy for Sciences and Arts Member of Göttingen Academy of Sciences Member of Academia Europaea / The Academy of Europe London Member of Latvian Academy of Sciences Member of Council of Experts of European Science Foundation Michalski maintains an active research profile with recent publications addressing digital methodologies in art history, contemporary monument discourse, and Central European art traditions. His international scholarly network is reflected in his editorial roles and academy memberships across Europe.
Kevin Limonier is a lecturer in geography and Slavic studies at the French Institute of Geopolitics (Paris 8 University) and deputy director of GEODE, a Center of Excellence selected by France's Ministry of the Armed Forces. His research focuses on the geopolitics of Russian-speaking cyberspace, digital sovereignty, and open-source intelligence (OSINT), with particular relevance to the Ukraine conflict and Russian information warfare. His work bridges digital and physical spaces, challenging traditional notions of cyberspace by proposing the datasphere as a tangible layer of reality. He has developed tools for tracking information dissemination on social networks and analyzing Russian strategies of influence, including fake news and support for political figures like Marine Le Pen. Expertise : Digital ethnography, cybersecurity, Russian strategic studies Key Contributions : Co-editor of Hérodote issue 186 on OSINT, fieldwork in Dubna (Russia) on nuclear cities and hacker communities His articles highlight trends in cyber geopolitics , Ukraine war analysis , digital sovereignty , and Russian influence operations , particularly in Africa and Europe.
Miriam Stock is Professor of Cultural Studies at the Institute of Humanities at Pädagogische Hochschule Schwäbisch Gmünd, where she also serves as Director of the Cultural Studies Department and Spokesperson for the Master's program 'Interkultur und Integration.' She is a founding member of the Center for Migration and Integration Studies 'Migration – Society – School.' Dr. Stock holds a PhD in Geography from Europa-Universität Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder) and completed her diploma in Geography at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München. Her academic journey includes research fellowships, organizational roles in international projects, and advisory work with refugee communities. Her research focuses on migration geographies, cultural theories, postcolonial approaches, urban development from post-migrant perspectives, and qualitative research methodologies. She examines migration and flight between the Arab region and Europe, urban development and consumption, rural perspectives on migration society, anti-discrimination in schools, critical masculinity and family studies, and theoretical-practical approaches. Dr. Stock's recent publications reveal a strong emphasis on transnational migration experiences, particularly Syrian refugee families, with attention to emotional dimensions, gender dynamics, and educational contexts. Her work frequently bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications through projects like Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Program 'Education, Migration, and Diversity' (2024-2030). Success Story 2020 award for the Enable project As an advisor, Dr. Stock has supervised PhD candidates like Sara Mazzei (University of Calabria/PH Schwäbisch Gmünd) working on Arab-Islamic education systems in migrant experiences. Her grant portfolio includes significant Erasmus+ projects such as Enable (Self-learning for Arab refugee children) and PARENTable (Communicating with parents of newly migrated children), alongside research funded by the Werner-Zeller Foundation. Dr. Stock leads the Institute for Humanities and directs Cultural Studies department activities, including organizing lecture series on topics like 'Right Established - How the New Right Changes Education and Society,' 'Migration and Body,' and 'Emotions in Migration Society.'
Steven T. Brown is a Professor of Comparative Literature at the University of Oregon, affiliated with the Schnitzer School of Global Studies and Languages within the College of Arts and Sciences. His scholarship examines Japanese visual culture through transnational frameworks, with expertise in horror cinema, posthumanism, and critical theory. His academic credentials include: B.A. in East Asian Studies and Classics, University of Illinois (1987, Summa Cum Laude) M.A. in East Asian Studies, Stanford University (1988) Ph.D. in Comparative Literature, Stanford University (1994) Brown's research investigates sensory dimensions of Japanese cinema—particularly sound design in J-horror and slow-burn aesthetics—while exploring anime's engagement with posthuman identity. His work bridges Surrealist film theory, transnational cultural flows, and Japanese popular media, revealing how visual narratives interrogate human-machine boundaries in digital societies. Key contributions include analyzing Kurosawa Kiyoshi's sonic landscapes and Ghost in the Shell's technological uncanny. His publication trajectory from Noh theater studies (1990s) to contemporary anime/horror analysis (2000s-2010s) demonstrates evolving focus on sensory experience in visual media. Articles consistently address transnational cultural exchange, with recurring themes of gender representation, technological embodiment, and Japanese-Western artistic dialogues across 27 years of scholarship. Scientific awards: No awards listed in source material While the text doesn't specify current advisees or grants, Brown's extensive publication record—including three monographs with Palgrave Macmillan and Stanford University Press—suggests significant research impact. His editorial work on special journal issues indicates scholarly leadership in Japanese performance studies and anime criticism. No dedicated research labs or collaborative teams are mentioned, though his transnational approach implies cross-institutional academic networks.
Xuan Tian is the JD Capital Chair Professor of Finance at PBC School of Finance, Tsinghua University, where he has been actively contributing to academic research and teaching since at least 2014. His institutional affiliation is evident through his university email address (tianx@pbcsf.tsinghua.edu.cn) and his extensive publication record representing Tsinghua University as his primary academic institution. Professor Tian's research interests center on theoretical and empirical corporate finance and entrepreneurial finance, with primary focus areas including Venture Capital, Corporate Innovation, Mergers and Acquisitions, Labor Economics, and Payout Policy. His scholarly work demonstrates a consistent trajectory exploring how financial markets, institutions, and policies influence corporate innovation and entrepreneurial activities, with particular attention to Chinese market dynamics and global comparative perspectives. Analysis of his recent publication trends reveals a growing emphasis on the intersection of technology, information, and finance, with increasing attention to patent systems, innovation ecosystems, and the impact of digital transformation on traditional financial markets. His work frequently examines how market participants process information and how institutional arrangements affect innovation outcomes. Jensen Prize (2nd prize) of Journal of Financial Economics Jensen Prize (1st prize) of Journal of Financial Economics Professor Tian has presented his research at numerous prestigious conferences including the American Finance Association (AFA), Western Finance Association (WFA), and National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) programs. His teaching portfolio includes Corporate Finance for Master's students and Ph.D. Seminars on Advanced Topics in Finance, demonstrating his commitment to both research and academic mentorship. His publications have been featured in prominent outlets including the Harvard Law School Forum on Corporate Governance and Financial Regulation, indicating significant impact on both academic and practitioner communities.
Sara Abelson, PhD, MPH is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Urban Health and Population Science at Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine and serves as Senior Director at The Hope Center for Student Basic Needs. Her work focuses on advancing structural approaches to enhance student success, mental health equity, and basic needs security in higher education through applied research and program development. Dr. Abelson's educational background includes: PhD, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI MPH, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI BA, Cornell University Her research centers on adolescent and young adult mental health, health equity, and social determinants of health, with particular attention to structural and systemic drivers of health inequities. She investigates how school settings influence youth health outcomes and serve as intervention points for promoting wellbeing. Her work bridges research, policy, and practice to develop evidence-based approaches for reducing inequities in higher education settings. Dr. Abelson's publication record shows a clear evolution toward increasingly sophisticated analyses of mental health disparities in educational contexts. Recent work examines racial/ethnic disparities in mental health service utilization, gender minority mental health, and the impact of political events on vulnerable student populations. Her research consistently emphasizes structural interventions over individual-level approaches. Among her notable recognitions: 2022 Weiss Writing Prize for her pivotal publication on college mental health Lewis Barbato Award from the American College Health Association K. Patricia Cross Future Leader Award from the American Association of Colleges & Universities George Orley Mental Health Advocate Award Dr. Abelson has extensive consulting experience with major educational organizations including the American Council on Education, Center for Community College Student Engagement, and Association of Public & Land-grant Universities. Her current projects focus on evidence-based interventions for student mental health, community college mental health initiatives, and integration of basic needs and mental health resources to improve educational attainment. As Senior Director at The Hope Center, she leads initiatives addressing the critical intersection between mental health and basic needs security, developing comprehensive approaches to student wellbeing that recognize the interconnected nature of these challenges in higher education.
Lane A. Hemaspaandra (formerly Hemachandra) is a Professor at the Department of Computer Science, University of Rochester, New York. His academic career spans over three decades, with research focusing on computational complexity theory (especially structural complexity) and computational social choice theory . He holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Cornell University (1987) and has been recognized with prestigious awards such as the Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Award from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and NSF Presidential Young Investigator (1989–1995). Education: B.S. in Computer Science and Mathematics & Physics, Yale University (1981) M.S. in Computer Science, Stanford University (1982) M.S. in Computer Science, Cornell University (1984) Ph.D. in Computer Science, Cornell University (1987) Hemaspaandra's research bridges theoretical computer science with political science and economics , particularly analyzing the computational complexity of election systems. His work includes foundational studies on Carroll/Dodgson voting , control complexity , and manipulative attacks in single-peaked societies. He has pioneered the use of complexity as a shield against election manipulation and control. The 15 most recent articles (2021–2024) span topics like backbone opacity , electoral control dichotomies , iterative constant-setting for complexity , and online bribery in sequential elections . These works often intersect with parameterized complexity , multi-agent systems , and game-theoretic models . Scientific Awards: AAAI Senior Member (2020–...) ACM Distinguished Scientist (2007–...) Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Renewed Research Stay (2018–2019) SIGACT Distinguished Service Prize (2013) Edward Peck Curtis Award for Undergraduate Teaching (2012) Hertz Foundation Fellowship (1982–1987) He has advised 15 Ph.D. students and postdocs, including prominent researchers like Prof. Piotr Faliszewski (AGH University) and Dr. Curtis Menton (Google). His NSF-funded projects explore complexity-theoretic approaches to election systems, and he has collaborated with institutions in Germany, Japan, and Poland.
Ayşe Hilal Uğurlu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Architecture at MEF University's Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture. She completed her PhD in the History of Architecture program at Istanbul Technical University in 2012 with a dissertation titled 'Selim III's Istanbul: Building Activities In The Light Of Political and Military Transformations.' Uğurlu has held prestigious fellowships including a senior fellowship from ANAMED at Koç University (2014), a Barakat Trust Post-Doctoral Fellowship at Oxford University (2017-18), and Barakat Trust Major Awards (2018-19). Her research focuses on the social, political, and architectural history of the Ottoman Empire, with particular attention to the 18th-19th centuries. Uğurlu has co-edited three significant books: 'Ottoman Architectural Culture' (2016), 'Sacred Spaces + Urban Networks' (2019), and 'The Friday Mosque in the City: Liminality, Ritual, and Politics' (2020). She is currently leading a research project with Dr. Deniz Türker exploring the roles of Ottoman royal women during the 18th-19th centuries, funded by MEF University Scientific Research Projects (2023-2025) and scheduled for publication by Cambridge University Press in 2025. Uğurlu's scholarly work reveals a consistent focus on the intersection of architecture, politics, and religious practice in Ottoman Istanbul. Her publications demonstrate particular expertise in imperial mosques, sacred spaces, and the transformation of religious practices during the 19th century. Her research often examines how architectural spaces functioned as political tools and social nuclei within Ottoman urban environments. Senior fellowship from ANAMED (Research Center for Anatolian Civilizations) at Koç University (2014) Barakat Trust Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the Khalili Research Centre, Oxford University (2017-18) Barakat Trust Major Awards (2018-19) Uğurlu actively contributes to academic discourse through numerous publications and conference presentations. Her current research project on Ottoman royal women represents a significant contribution to understanding women's roles in imperial power structures. While specific information about her advising activities isn't detailed in the source material, her extensive publication record and ongoing research projects indicate active engagement with academic scholarship and likely mentorship of students.
Professor Eva Haverkamp-Rott holds the Chair of Medieval Jewish History and Culture at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU Munich) since 2009. Her work uniquely bridges Medieval History and Jewish Studies, focusing on Jewish life in Europe from the 4th to 16th centuries, with geographic emphasis on the Holy Roman Empire, Italy, France, England, and the Byzantine Empire. PhD in Medieval History (University of Konstanz, 1999) Master in Jewish Studies and Medieval/Modern History (University of Cologne, 1994) Her research explores Jewish-Christian-Muslim interactions, medieval economic systems, numismatics, and the historiography of Jewish persecution during the Crusades. She specializes in analyzing Hebrew chronicles and Latin texts to reconstruct interfaith dynamics. Her recent publications focus on global medieval history, Jewish tombstone symbolism, and economic exchanges between religious groups. She has contributed significantly to understanding Jewish roles in medieval coinage and trade. 2020: Prize for Good Teaching (Bavarian Ministry of Science and Arts) 2006: The Historical Book Prize for 'Hebrew Accounts of the Persecution of the Jews during the First Crusade' 2005: Jon Gillum Teaching Award, Radcliffe Institute Fellowship 2004: Ryskamp Research Fellowship, NEH Fellowship 2000: District of Konstanz Prize for promotion of young scientists Professor Haverkamp-Rott has led interdisciplinary projects like the Regensburg archaeological excavations and co-edited cultural guides. Her work emphasizes contextualizing Jewish experiences within broader European historical frameworks.
John G.H. Hudson is the L. Bates Lea Global Professor of Law at the University of Michigan Law School and serves as Professor of Legal History and Director of the Institute of Legal and Constitutional Research at the University of St. Andrews, Scotland. University of Oxford, MA University of Toronto, MA University of Oxford, DPhil His research focuses on medieval English and French law, lordship, and literature, particularly from the 9th to 13th centuries, and 19th-century medieval historiography. Recent publications include work on comparative legal history, colonial law, and the historical development of common law systems. His scholarship often intersects with political and social structures of the medieval period. Elected to the Royal Society of Edinburgh Elected to the British Academy Elected to the Academia Europaea
Prof. Dr. Sabrina Zajak serves as Head of the Consensus & Conflict Department at the Deutsches Zentrum für Integrations- und Migrationsforschung (DeZIM-Institut) and holds an adjunct professorship at the Faculty of Social Sciences, Ruhr University Bochum. A founding member of the Institute for Protest and Movement Research (ipb), she also serves on the board of Research Committee 47, 'Social Movements and Social Classes,' of the International Sociology Association. Her academic trajectory includes significant positions at Humboldt University Berlin, the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies Cologne, and the Social Science Center Berlin (WZB). Zajak's research centers on political sociology with dual emphases on consensus and conflict dynamics in plural societies. Her consensus research examines civil society engagement, refugee assistance networks, alliance formation, and everyday solidarity practices, while her conflict research analyzes protest movements, diversity challenges, and discrimination patterns. She has pioneered studies on transnational civil society alliances, particularly examining how social movements navigate national boundaries and build cross-border solidarity. Her recent publications reveal a decisive shift toward analyzing intersectional dynamics of race, migration, and social movements in European contexts. With significant attention to the Black Lives Matter movement's reception in Germany, her work demonstrates how global racial justice movements are adapted to local contexts. Her research increasingly addresses civil society responses to refugee crises, examining both supportive engagement and exclusionary practices, while also investigating structural barriers to diversity in German federal administration and cultural institutions. As a prolific academic leader, Zajak has served as (co-)editor for special journal issues including Development and Change (2017), Industrial Relations (2018), Social Movement Studies (2021), Competition and Change (2020), Moving the Social (2020), and European Cultural and Political Sociology (2022). Her department currently manages over 20 active research projects spanning discrimination experiences in Saxony, diversity in federal administration, Muslim youth association work, and violence protection in refugee accommodations, demonstrating the breadth and policy relevance of her research agenda.
Christian von Scheve is a Professor of Sociology and Head of the Department of Sociology of Emotions at Freie Universität Berlin. He also serves on the board of the Collaborative Research Center (SFB) 1171 'Affective Societies' and is a Research Fellow at the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW Berlin). His academic journey includes positions as a Research Professor at DIW Berlin (2011-2014), Junior Professor at Freie Universität Berlin (2008-2014), and Assistant Professor at the University of Vienna (2007-2008). His research examines the interplay between culture, social structures, and emotions, with emphasis on: The social/cultural constitution of emotions and affective experiences Emotional dimensions of economic action Human/non-human social interaction He employs diverse methodologies including surveys, interviews, and experiments. His recent publications (2022-2025) predominantly explore affective polarization , refugee integration , and the role of emotions in political discourse, utilizing interdisciplinary approaches spanning sociology, neuroscience, and political science. A consistent theme is how emotions shape social cohesion and conflict in contemporary societies. He holds key editorial roles including Co-Editor of Soziale Welt , Associate Editor of Emotion Review , and Editorial Board positions for multiple book series on affective societies and emotion research. He actively advises Master's students, requiring thesis proposals to be submitted six weeks before registration deadlines. His research is embedded in collaborative projects like SFB 1171 'Affective Societies' and the 'Social Cohesion and Civil Society' initiative.
Maxim Sinitsyn is an Associate Professor of Instruction in the Department of Economics at Northwestern University, where he has held his PhD since 2005. His research focuses on product pricing strategies, particularly examining price promotions, coordination of promotions for related products, and the impact of technology licensing mechanisms on market outcomes. He has explored topics such as prescheduled sales, anti-stacking royalty clauses, and the effects of horizontal mergers in promotional contexts. Education: PhD in Economics from Northwestern University (2005). Research Interests: Dr. Sinitsyn's work concentrates on strategic pricing, including how firms optimize promotions for complementary products, the role of advance planning in promotional strategies, and the implications of different licensing payment structures for market dynamics. His studies also extend to broader economic phenomena such as price dispersion in duopolies and governance trade-offs in institutional design. Advising/Grants: No specific advising or grant information is listed in the provided texts. His contributions are primarily through research publications and teaching. Labs/Teams: No affiliated labs or research teams are mentioned.
Dr. Hilary Cremin is the Head of the Faculty of Education at the University of Cambridge and holds the rank of Professor. Her work centers on peace education, conflict transformation, and innovative methodologies such as photo-voice, poetry, and autoethnography. She chairs the Cambridge Peace Education Research Group (CPERG), which promotes research and practice in peace education through seminars and online resources. Her research explores the intersection of education and peacebuilding, emphasizing ethical and embodied approaches to conflict resolution in schools and communities. Education : PhD in Education, University of Leicester PGCE, University of Oxford (Wolfson College) BA (Hons) in French and European Literature, University of Warwick Research Interests : Hilary’s work addresses global challenges in education and peacebuilding, including: Developing transrational approaches to peace education Reducing epistemic violence through reflexive methodologies Empowering youth through restorative justice and civic pedagogy Exploring embodiment and arts-based practices in educational research Awards : Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts Leadership and Service : In addition to her academic role, Hilary serves as Chair of the Degree Committee in the Faculty of Education and has extensive experience as a mediator and educational consultant. She has collaborated with schools, communities, and international organizations to advance conflict transformation and peacebuilding initiatives. Labs/Teams : Cambridge Peace Education Research Group (CPERG) — fostering global dialogue and practical resources for peace education researchers and practitioners.
