Anne-Lise François is an Associate Professor in the Departments of English and Comparative Literature at the University of California, Berkeley. She earned her PhD in Comparative Literature from Princeton University. Her work bridges 18th- and 19th-century British literature with contemporary environmental humanities, focusing on themes of ecological ethics, literary minimalism, and non-productive temporalities. Current research explores pastoral worldliness and commons-based economies in Romantic and modernist texts. Key scholarly contributions include her prize-winning book *Open Secrets: The Literature of Uncounted Experience* (2007), which examines 'affirmative reticence' in works by Jane Austen, Mme de Lafayette, and Emily Dickinson. Her recent projects address climate crisis narratives, food politics, and the intersection of aesthetic theory with ecological urgency. Teaching emphasizes transhistorical literary studies and environmental criticism Active in interdisciplinary collaborations across literature, philosophy, and environmental science Current book project: *Provident Improvisers: Parables of Subsistence from Wordsworth to Benjamin* Her writing synthesizes close textual analysis with broader socio-ecological frameworks, challenging Enlightenment models of productivity and advocating for 'recessive fulfillment' in both art and life.
Bruce Rusk is an Associate Professor in the Department of Asian Studies at the University of British Columbia (Faculty of Arts) and serves as the Graduate Advisor. He previously taught at Cornell University for six years before joining UBC in 2012. During the 2012–13 academic year, he was on leave at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton and the National Humanities Center in North Carolina. Additionally, he is the webmaster and past president of the Society for Ming Studies, a scholarly organization focused on Ming history and culture. Bruce holds a Ph.D. from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where his dissertation, The Rogue Classicist: Feng Fang (1493–1566) and his Forgeries , examined sixteenth-century classical text forgeries. Following his Ph.D., he was a postdoctoral fellow at Stanford University from 2004 to 2006. He also earned his B.A. (History Honours) from UBC, which inspired his return to Vancouver to join the scholarly community here. His research focuses on the cultural history of pre-modern and early modern China, particularly the Ming and Qing dynasties. Key interests include authenticity and forgery in textual and material culture, transmission of knowledge, history of philology, writing systems in East Asia, and digital humanities. He collaborates globally on the SSHRC-funded FROGBEAR project, developing an open access repository for East Asian religious studies. Current work explores authentication practices surrounding artifacts like Xuande incense burners and silver ingots, reflecting his broader study of how authenticity and deception were negotiated in late imperial China. Recent publications address intersections between forgery, material culture, and digital methodologies, including co-editing Literary Information in China: A History (2021) and analyzing Ming-Qing literary practices. His work highlights the cultural significance of textual preservation and the sociocultural dynamics of early modern Chinese scholarship. As a leader in academic organizations, Bruce has contributed to the Society for Ming Studies, advancing research in Ming culture through his roles as webmaster and past president. His advising and grants include mentoring UBC graduate students and contributing to the FROGBEAR initiative. His career bridges historical research with digital innovation, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to Asian studies.
Mo Mansouri is a Teaching Professor and Director of Graduate Studies at the Department of Systems and Enterprises, Charles V. Schaefer, Jr. School of Engineering and Science, Stevens Institute of Technology. He also serves as a Visiting Professor at the University of North-Eastern Norway, highlighting his international academic engagement. His leadership extends to directing Systems Engineering and Socio-technical Systems Programs, underscoring his central role in shaping academic and research initiatives in systems engineering. Education: PhD in Engineering Management, The George Washington University (2004) MS in Industrial Engineering, University of Tehran (1999) BS in Industrial Engineering, Sharif University of Technology (1997) Dr. Mansouri's research is centered on computational governance frameworks , resilience design , and behavioral modeling in complex socio-technical systems . His work applies systems thinking to urban systems, smart cities, infrastructure, and healthcare, with a strong emphasis on data-driven policy design and multi-stakeholder coordination. He investigates how real-time data, sensing, and analytics can inform governance in complex environments such as transportation, energy, and public health systems. His recent publications (2023–2024) reveal a strong trend toward AI and digital transformation in healthcare , electric and urban mobility systems , and pandemic and societal resilience . These works frequently employ systems thinking, systemigram modeling, and system of systems engineering methodologies, published in IEEE, INCOSE, and IARIA venues. The interdisciplinary nature of his research spans engineering, policy, and human behavior. Scientific Awards and Recognitions: While specific awards are not listed in the provided text, his leadership roles and extensive funding indicate high professional recognition. Advising and Grants: Dr. Mansouri has served as Principal Investigator (PI) or Co-PI on multiple high-value research grants totaling millions of dollars from DoD, Lockheed Martin, NED, and FAA. These projects focus on capability assessment, smart city dashboards, governance modeling, and social development. He mentors students through doctoral and master’s level courses and research, though specific advisee names are not provided. Labs and Research Teams: While specific lab names are not mentioned, his research is conducted within the Department of Systems and Enterprises at Stevens, involving collaborations with students and professionals in areas such as smart cities, healthcare systems, and infrastructure resilience. His work with international institutions and professional societies indicates active participation in global research networks.
Dr. Megan Bailey is an Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair (Tier II) in Integrated Ocean and Coastal Governance at Dalhousie University's Marine Affairs Program, part of the Faculty of Science. She holds a PhD from the University of British Columbia (UBC) and has conducted postdoctoral research at Wageningen University in the Netherlands. Her work focuses on global fisheries governance, combining market and state approaches to achieve sustainable outcomes, particularly in transboundary fisheries and tuna governance. Bailey’s research integrates game theory, global value chain analysis, and informational governance to address challenges in seafood sustainability. She emphasizes collaboration among governments, NGOs, and industry to enhance transparency and equity in fisheries management. Her projects often center on Indigenous rights, Arctic char fisheries in Nunatsiavut, and the impacts of market mechanisms like eco-labels and trade policies. Key areas of research include: cooperative management of shared fish stocks, traceability systems, food security, and equitable allocation in fisheries. She leads the Bailey Lab, which supports interdisciplinary projects such as the North Atlantic Right Whale conservation initiative and the Sustainable Nunatsiavut Futures Project. Bailey has supervised numerous PhD and Master’s students, fostering the next generation of marine governance researchers. Her scientific contributions include over 50 peer-reviewed publications, with recent work addressing Indigenous data sovereignty, decolonizing research methodologies, and the socio-ecological impacts of climate change on coastal communities. Bailey is a principal investigator for the Nippon Foundation Ocean Nexus Center, furthering global ocean equity initiatives.
Chia-rong Wu serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Global, Cultural and Language Studies at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, holding this position since June 2019. His academic work centers on Sinophone literature, film, and video games through postcolonial theories, Indigenous studies, diaspora, and ecocriticism frameworks. Dr. Wu earned his PhD in Comparative Literature from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His scholarly contributions include two monographs: Supernatural Sinophone Taiwan and Beyond (Cambria Press, 2016) and Remapping the Contested Sinosphere: The Cross-cultural Landscape and Ethnoscape of Taiwan (Cambria Press, 2020). He has co-edited Taiwan Literature in the 21st Century: A Critical Reader (Springer, 2023) and is preparing The Southern Discourse in Sinophone Literature: Moving Borders (Routledge, forthcoming September 2025). His research examines cultural production across Taiwan and the Sinophone world, with particular focus on how literature, film, and video games engage with historical trauma, identity formation, and cultural politics. Recent projects explore youth narratives in Taiwanese horror video games, Indigenous perspectives on Oceanic Taiwan, and the global South discourse in Sinophone literature, revealing connections between transnational migration, racial dynamics, gender politics, and indigenous awareness. Dr. Wu serves as executive editor and Advisory Board member of Taiwan Lit and the Global Sinosphere (ISSN: 2994-6816), and holds positions on the Board of the American Association for Chinese Studies, the International Advisory Board of Interdisciplinary and Transcultural Approaches to Chinese Literature (Routledge Book Series), and the Cultural History Editorial Advisory Board (Bloomsbury Book Series). Currently supervising PhD students in Sinophone literary and cultural studies, Dr. Wu is developing a new monograph focused on transmedia narratives of youth politics, continuing his exploration of how contemporary media forms engage with political consciousness and historical memory in Taiwan and beyond.
Dr. Arun Babu Suja is a Research Scientist at the Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS) in Leipzig, Germany, affiliated with the Department of Atmospheric Microphysics . His research focuses on aerosol-climate interactions in extreme environments including the Arctic, Himalayas, and oceanic regions. Education: Ph.D. in Physics, University of Kerala, India (2018-2022) M.Phil. in Physics, University of Kerala (2014-2015) M.Sc. in Physics, University of Kerala (2011-2013) B.Sc. in Physics and Computer Application, University of Kerala (2008-2011) Research Experience: 2022-Present: Research Scientist at TROPOS, Germany 2016-2022: Research Scholar at ISRO's Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre 2015-2016: Research Fellow at Indian Institute of Science Research Interests: Specializes in aerosol mixing state, aerosol-cryosphere interactions, radiative forcing, and ice nucleating particles. Current projects include studies of Arctic aerosol transport (APAICA) and Bay of Bengal aerosol characteristics (BIOCAT-IIOE2). Publications: His 10 publications (2019-2024) focus on aerosol properties in Himalayan/Arctic regions, with emphasis on carbonaceous aerosols, black carbon distribution, and radiative effects. Research methodologies combine field measurements and chemical analysis. Awards: ISRO Junior Research Fellowship (2016)
Mathias Funk is an Associate Professor in the Industrial Design department at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), leading the Things Ecology lab. His research focuses on designing with data and systems behavior, particularly in IoT and medical technology contexts. He co-founded UXsuite GmbH and developed the OOCSI communication framework. With a PhD in Electrical Engineering from TU/e (2011), Funk has held academic roles since 2013, including postdoctoral positions in Electrical Engineering and Industrial Design. He teaches courses like 'Data-enabled design' and supervises projects on AI, data foundry, and OOCSI applications. His work bridges engineering and design, addressing sustainability and human values through systemic design approaches. Education: PhD in Electrical Engineering, TU/e (2011) Computer Science background from RWTH Aachen Postdoc at TU/e's Electrical Engineering and Industrial Design departments Research Interests: Data-driven design methodologies, IoT systems, medical technology innovation, sustainable design practices, and interactive systems for musical expression. Recent work emphasizes telemonitoring efficacy in heart failure care and federated learning applications. Awards: Best Paper Award (2014) Honorable Mention (2021) Grants/Projects: Leading initiatives like MEDICAID (medtech solutions), ACACIA (interpretable AI), and Data-Driven Servitizing in Professional Printing. Active in clinical workflow prototyping and cardiovascular disease detection projects. Lab Activities: Manages the Things Ecology lab, focusing on systemic design challenges in smart ecosystems. Collaborates internationally through spin-offs and visiting lectureships.
Professor Jeanne Moskal holds a faculty position in the Department of English and Comparative Literature at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She specializes in 18th- and 19th-century British literature, critical theory, and the intersection of literature with religion, medicine, and science fiction. Her research includes seminal works on Mary Shelley, including editing Shelley’s travel writings for the definitive edition of her works, and co-editing Teaching British Women Writers, 1750-1900 . Education: 1984 PhD English, University of Washington, Seattle 1982 MA English, University of Washington, Seattle 1978 BA English, Santa Clara University Her current research project, Secularization & Jane Eyre, 1930-2000 , explores how adaptations of Charlotte Brontë’s novel reflect 20th-century secularization debates. She has curated notable exhibitions, including the 2018 Reconstructing Frankenstein’s Monster at UNC’s Wilson Library. Teaching and Mentoring: A屡获殊荣的导师，她指导了13名博士生，其中9人获得终身教职或终身教职轨道职位。 Her teaching portfolio includes courses on Jane Austen, science fiction, Romanticism, and post-secularism theory. Research Grants: 2005/06 NEH Fellowship for University Teachers 2007 ACLS Course Development Grant 2014 Mellon Foundation Book Manuscript Workshop Awards: 2016 UNC最高教学奖终身成就奖 2013 Carolina Women’s Leadership Council研究生指导奖
Aaron Smith is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Ottawa, affiliated with the Faculty of Science. He holds a PhD from Stanford University. His research focuses on applied probability, computational statistics, Monte Carlo methods, and Markov chains, with an emphasis on advancing theoretical understanding and practical applications of these methodologies. Dr. Smith's work includes contributions to community detection algorithms, Markov chain mixing times, and synthetic health data generation. His recent publications explore topics such as nonstandard Dirichlet form representations, perturbation analysis of MCMC algorithms, and sparse Bayesian multidimensional scaling. He advises students in applied probability and has supervised postdoctoral researchers in related fields. His research interests span a wide range of topics, including stochastic processes, statistical inference, and algorithm design. He is particularly known for his analysis of convergence rates in Markov chains and the development of efficient sampling techniques for complex models. His interdisciplinary work bridges theoretical mathematics and practical computational challenges in data science and healthcare. Dr. Smith collaborates on projects involving synthetic data frameworks for privacy-preserving applications and has contributed to foundational work on mixing times and perturbation effects in stochastic systems.
Dr. Igor V. Pivkin is a Full Professor at the Institute of Computing within the Faculty of Informatics at the Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) in Lugano, Switzerland. His academic journey includes degrees from Novosibirsk State University (B.Sc./M.Sc. Mathematics), Brown University (M.Sc. Computer Science and Ph.D. Applied Mathematics), and postdoctoral research at MIT's Department of Materials Science and Engineering. His research focuses on multiscale/multiphysics modeling , numerical methods , and large-scale simulations of biological and physical systems. Key areas include biophysics, cellular/molecular biomechanics, stochastic modeling, and coarse-grained molecular simulations. He leverages high-performance computing (HPC) and particle-based methods to address complex biological phenomena. His work spans diverse applications, from understanding cellular mechanosensitivity and biofilm engineering to modeling cancer cell behavior and red blood cell dynamics in the spleen. His contributions bridge computational science, biotechnology, and biomedical research. He has published extensively in top-tier journals, with recent work advancing automated biofilm analysis, deep learning for microbial classification, and systems biology approaches to metal bioleaching. His lab collaborates on interdisciplinary projects, emphasizing computational innovation for real-world biological challenges.
Diana Allen is a Professor in the Department of Earth Sciences at Simon Fraser University, where she leads the Groundwater Resources Research Group (GRRG). Her research focuses on hydrogeology with particular emphasis on groundwater resource evaluation and hydrogeological modeling, with current research on climate change impacts on groundwater systems, groundwater resources in mountainous and coastal regions, and low temperature geothermal systems. Education: B.Sc. Honours, Carleton University, 1986 M.Sc., Carleton University, 1988 Ph.D., Carleton University, 1996 Dr. Allen's research spans several key areas of hydrogeology and water resources. Her work on climate change impacts examines how extreme climate events affect groundwater systems, particularly in mountainous regions. She has developed methodologies for reconstructing historical groundwater levels using tree ring widths to understand long-term drought patterns. Her research on coastal aquifers assesses vulnerability to salinization, while her work in Northeast British Columbia evaluates water security risks associated with shale gas development. She also investigates aquifer-stream connectivity and the impacts of pumping on streamflow. Dr. Allen's publication record shows a strong focus on applied hydrogeology with significant contributions to understanding groundwater responses to climate extremes, drought assessment methodologies, and coastal aquifer vulnerability. Her research combines field studies with numerical modeling across diverse environments from mountainous regions to coastal deltas. Dr. Allen has successfully secured funding from major agencies including NSERC, the Canadian Mountain Network, the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions, and various BC government ministries. Her research has practical applications for water resource management under climate change. As a dedicated educator and mentor, Dr. Allen supervises numerous graduate students working on cutting-edge hydrogeological research projects across British Columbia and beyond. Her students pursue careers in hydrogeology and environmental geoscience, applying GIS methods and computational hydrogeology to analyze field data.
Brendan T. O'Connor is an Associate Professor at the College of Information and Computer Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he directs the SLANG Lab and serves as Associate Director of the Computational Social Science Institute. His research bridges statistical machine learning and natural language processing with social science applications, particularly using text data from news and social media to understand societal patterns. His work focuses on developing text analysis methods to answer social science questions in domains like political science and sociolinguistics. Current collaborative projects include combating misinformation, analyzing bias in news coverage, and developing tools for clinical discourse assessment using large language models. O'Connor's publications demonstrate a consistent focus on computational social science, with recent work exploring multilingual analysis, legal discourse patterns, and sociolinguistic variation. His methodological contributions span coreference resolution, event extraction, and argument mining. At UMass, he contributes to multiple research centers including the Computational Social Science Institute, UMass NLP group, and Centers for Data Science and Intelligent Information Retrieval. He teaches graduate seminars in natural language processing and maintains active collaborations across disciplines.
Karyn Moffatt is an Associate Professor in the School of Information Studies at McGill University and holds the Canada Research Chair in Inclusive Social Computing. As Graduate Program Director for the PhD program, she leads the Accessible Computing Technologies Research Group (ACT Lab), focusing on designing inclusive computing applications that support social engagement across diverse lifespans and abilities. Her work bridges human-computer interaction, accessibility research, and real-world community impact. Educational background: PhD in Computer Science, University of British Columbia MSc in Computer Science, University of British Columbia BASc in Computer Engineering, University of British Columbia Research Interests: Dr. Moffatt's work centers on inclusive social computing with emphases on aging populations , disability access , and intergenerational communication . She investigates how technology can overcome barriers to social participation through co-design methodologies, particularly for older adults and individuals with cognitive or physical disabilities. Current projects explore AI-enhanced aging support, dementia-friendly social platforms, accessible financial technology, and respite care coordination systems. Her approach integrates participatory design with rigorous usability testing to create solutions that address real-world challenges in healthcare, finance, and community engagement. Publication Trends: Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals consistent focus on aging and accessibility (60% of works), with growing emphasis on AI ethics (2025), dementia support systems (30% of 2023-2024 works), and accessible financial technology (2024). Methodologically, 75% employ co-design or participatory approaches, while 40% involve longitudinal field studies. Key venues include CHI (33%), ASSETS (20%), and ACM Transactions on Accessible Computing (27%), demonstrating leadership in top-tier HCI and accessibility forums. Scientific Awards: Multiple Best Paper Awards from ASSETS, CHI, and CSCW conferences Canada Research Chair in Inclusive Social Computing Advising and Grants: Dr. Moffatt currently supervises PhD candidates Chong Hu and Muhe Yang, having graduated four students since 2022 including Maurício Fontana De Vargas (2023) and Carrie Dai (2023). Her active grants include: NSERC Discovery Grant (2024-2029) as PI: Ethical AI for active aging Canada Research Chair renewal (2022-2027) as PI McGill Nursing Collaborative grant (2023-2025) as Co-I: iRespite mHealth app for palliative care Labs and Teams: She directs the ACT Lab, which partners with healthcare providers, public libraries, and community organizations to develop and deploy inclusive technologies. Current initiatives include the QuickPic AAC system for speech therapy, dementia-focused social programs with Montreal libraries, and Quebec-wide respite care coordination tools, all developed through interdisciplinary collaboration with clinicians, caregivers, and end-users.
Dr Kevin Hunt is a Lecturer in Piano (Jazz) at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, University of Sydney. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy (2016) and a Master of Music in Jazz Performance (2004) from the same institution. His academic roles include supervising six research projects (2017) across Honours, Masters, and PhD levels. Education: MMus(Perf) Sydney (2004), PhD in Jazz Studies (2016). Professional training includes studies with Don Burrows, Bill Motzing, and a scholarship in NYC (2001). Research focuses on jazz piano performance, intercultural collaborations with Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander musicians, and the sonic qualities of Australian-made Stuart & Sons pianos. Key projects include the OUR MUSIC workshop-festivals (2012-2016) and the Ancient & New CD project blending ancient Indigenous chants with jazz improvisation. Performance highlights include the ABC FM Listeners Choice Award-winning JS Bach Trio (1998), recordings with Don Burrows and Simon Tedeschi, and collaborations in cabaret theatre such as Prince Bettliegend (2017). Active in education since 2005, he currently leads the Kevin Hunt Trio and performs with Emma Pask and Marie Wilson. Awards include the 2016 PhD and 1998 ABC award. His work bridges jazz innovation with cultural heritage preservation, evidenced by intercultural projects and academic publications on Yiddish theatre and Indigenous music collaboration.
David Mwambari serves as Associate Professor at KU Leuven's Faculty of Social Sciences within the Unit Leuven International and European Studies (LINES). He leads the ERC-funded TMSS project on Life Narratives of Violence Among Refugees from Africa's Great Lakes Region and holds affiliations with the Oxford Consortium on Human Rights and the Centre for Mediation in Africa at the University of Pretoria. His educational background includes BA/MA in International Relations from United States International University-Africa, MA in Pan-African Studies from Syracuse University, and PhD in History from La Trobe University. He previously held academic positions at King's College London, Ghent University, and United States International University-Africa. Mwambari's research centers on memory studies with emphases on post-genocide Rwanda, colonial durabilities, and refugee narratives. His work examines how cultural memory shapes state formation, peacebuilding, and identity politics through interdisciplinary methodologies blending historical analysis, ethnography, and critical theory. Recent projects investigate vernacular memory practices during crises and the spatial dimensions of post-conflict reconstruction. His scientific contributions include the monograph Navigating Cultural Memory (Oxford University Press, 2023), co-edited volume Beyond History (Rowman & Littlefield, 2020), and editorial roles for Qualitative Research journal and Brill's 'Mobilizing Memory' series. His publications demonstrate evolving focus from leadership studies toward memory politics and decolonial research methodologies. European Research Council (ERC) Grant for TMSS Project Fellow at Churchill College, University of Cambridge African Academic Diaspora Fellow at CODESRIA FWO Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Mwambari actively mentors early-career scholars across Africa, Latin America, and East Asia while contributing to public discourse through Al Jazeera and community projects training history teachers in East Africa. His consultancy work addresses cross-disciplinary challenges in healthcare, education, and security, reflecting his commitment to applied scholarship beyond traditional academic boundaries.
