Ruth Deller is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Media Arts and Communication, Sheffield Hallam University, where she has held roles including Reader/Principal Lecturer, Programme Leader (2013–17), and Senior Lecturer (2011–13). Her academic journey includes a BA (Hons) Media Studies (2001), MA Communication Studies (2007), PhD (2011), and MA Writing (2017), all from Sheffield Hallam University. Her research focuses on cultural studies, media representation, celebrity culture, and fan communities. Notable areas include digital media ethics, reality television dynamics, and the intersection of religion/spirituality with mediated content. She has explored topics ranging from YouTube celebrity mythmaking to ethical challenges in fan studies. Ruth has published extensively in journals like Celebrity Studies , European Journal of Cultural Studies , and International Journal of Communication , with key works analyzing fan activism (#nomakeupselfie campaigns), celebrity reality TV, and negotiated identity in makeover shows. Her work often bridges theoretical frameworks with empirical analyses of contemporary media phenomena.
Moritz Haakh serves as an academic assistant for costume design within the Art Department at the State Academy of Fine Arts Stuttgart since 2024, collaborating with Prof. Bettina Walter in the stage and costume design program. His institutional affiliation spans teaching, design implementation, and academic mentorship in theatrical costume arts. His educational foundation includes a Diploma (FH) in costume design from the Dresden Academy of Fine Arts complemented by formal training as a men's tailor in Frankfurt am Main. This dual expertise bridges academic theory and artisanal craftsmanship. Haakh's creative focus centers on historical costuming for opera and theatre, with specialization in Baroque and classical repertoire requiring precise period accuracy alongside contemporary reinterpretation. His work demonstrates mastery in integrating costume with directorial vision across diverse genres including opera, chamber theatre, and variety spectacles. Key strengths include choral ensemble coordination, cross-cultural narrative adaptation, and solving complex staging challenges through innovative costume solutions. Analysis of his 15 most recent productions reveals consistent engagement with European opera houses and music academies, particularly Giessen City Theatre and University of Music Würzburg. His output shows evolving sophistication in merging historical research with modern directorial concepts, especially evident in Baroque opera revivals where he balances authenticity with contemporary relevance. Prix Juste-au-Corps (Young Talent Award for Costume Design) for “La Bohème” (2015) Haakh maintains significant professional collaborations beyond academia, serving as recurring costume master for the Bayreuth Festival and Bad Vilbel Castle Festival while mentoring through assistantships with established designers including Gabriele Jaenecke, Anja Rabes, Nini von Selzam, Julia Müer, and Jürgen Rose. His freelance practice since 2016 encompasses full costume design cycles from concept to implementation across opera, theatre, and variety productions. His creative laboratory operates at the intersection of institutional training grounds like Dresden Laboratory Theatre and professional venues including Senftöpfchen Theater Cologne, facilitating knowledge transfer between academic and professional spheres through hands-on design implementation.
Norm Klassen is a Professor at the University of Waterloo specializing in medieval literature, literary theory, and the intersection of theology with humanities. He holds a DPhil from Oxford University, an MA and BA from the University of Waterloo, and a BTh from Canadian Bible College. His research bridges Chaucer studies, Christian humanism, and intellectual history, with current projects including a cultural history of love/reason dynamics and a translation of Peter Martyr Vermigli's 16th-century commentary on Romans. Klassen's research explores rationality in literary theory, medieval conceptions of knowledge, and the theological dimensions of art. His publications consistently analyze Chaucer's works through lenses of power structures, rhetoric, and religious symbolism, while recent work examines aesthetic unity in ecumenical dialogue. Honors include the 2017 Excellence in Publishing Award (Theology), Dean’s Innovative Teaching Award, and multiple SSHRC fellowships. He supervises graduate research in Chaucer, medieval English literature, and literature-theology intersections. Current creative projects include a detective novel set in London.
Barbara S. Kreiger is an Adjunct Associate Professor at Dartmouth College, affiliated with the Jewish Studies Department and the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS) Program. She has served as Chair of the MALS Program and specializes in nonfiction creative writing and historical travel literature. B.A., Russell Sage College M.A., Boston College Ph.D., Brandeis University Her research focuses on the intersection of environmental studies, Middle Eastern history, and science communication. She explores ecological challenges like the drying of the Dead Sea and Jordan River, as well as cross-cultural narratives in historical contexts. Kreiger also examines the role of travel literature in shaping perceptions of sacred landscapes. Kreiger's publications span environmental conservation and historical biography, including works on the Dead Sea's ecological crisis and the story of Clorinda Minor, an American Christian woman who pioneered agricultural cooperation in 19th-century Palestine. Her 2016 book The Dead Sea and The Jordan River highlights environmental threats and geopolitical implications in the region, while her 1999 work Divine Expectations delves into religious, cultural, and agricultural history. She has contributed to media projects like CNN's The Wonder List (2015), which examines the Dead Sea's ecological decline, and has authored articles for Smithsonian Magazine . Her academic expertise bridges environmental advocacy, historical narrative, and interdisciplinary studies.
Lisa S. Sosin is a Professor of Counseling and Director of the Ph.D. Program in Counselor Education and Supervision at Liberty University's School of Behavioral Sciences. With over 30 years of clinical and teaching experience, she specializes in clinical psychology, professional counseling, and qualitative research. Her work integrates creativity, spirituality, and emotion regulation into therapeutic practices and education. Her research focuses on multicultural and social justice interventions for interpersonal violence, expressive arts therapy for mindfulness, and trauma recovery from bullying. She has developed graduate curricula and community programs on family development, evidence-based practices, and clinical excellence, while her publications explore psychotherapeutic processes, ethics, and peace psychology. Dr. Sosin's recent works emphasize creative approaches to counseling, including Trinitarian-informed classroom dynamics and the CAPG Group Leader Manual for therapeutic applications. She serves as Founder and Owner of Connections Psychological Services, bridging clinical practice with academic leadership.
Dr. Andrew Hass is a Reader in Religion at the University of Stirling, where he has been a faculty member since September 2003. Operating in an interdisciplinary space at the intersection of religion with other conceptual and creative modes of enquiry, his work is informed by the Critical Religion framework developed at Stirling, an internationally recognized research paradigm. His educational background includes studies in English (BA) and Theology (MTh) in Canada, followed by a PhD at the Centre For the Study of Literature, Theology and the Arts in Glasgow. Prior to joining Stirling, he held a position as the Carolyn Grant Fay Visiting Associate Professor in Religion and Literature at the University of Houston in Texas. Dr. Hass's research explores how we think under and about the concept of religion, examining its prismatic effect that refracts concepts into spectrums of ethics, concerns, and creative expressions. His work spans literature, philosophy, hermeneutics, critical theory, and the arts, with particular focus on German Idealism (Kant, Hegel), W.H. Auden studies, nothingness and negation, and postsecular theology. He investigates how the sacred might find expression in a world where neither secular nor religious paradigms are stable, developing what he terms a 'music of theology' rather than a 'theology of music.' His publication trajectory reveals an evolving scholarly journey from early work on German Idealism to current explorations of postsecular religious expression through musicality and poetics. The most recent works (2021-2025) demonstrate a sophisticated integration of theology, philosophy, and artistic expression, particularly through the innovative concept of theological musicality that operates across language, space, and silence. As General Secretary of the International Society of Religion, Literature and Culture and a founding member of the Critical Religion Association, Dr. Hass maintains extensive international scholarly networks. He collaborates with colleagues across Europe and maintains working connections with scholars in China, Hong Kong, and South Korea, particularly concerning the impact of digital/media revolution on global communities. Dr. Hass is deeply engaged with interdisciplinary teams and networks focused on developing new creative modes of practice and thinking for the globalized twenty-first century. His work with the Critical Religion Association represents a significant institutional framework for his research, while his international collaborations with scholars in Asia reflect his commitment to global perspectives on religion in contemporary society.
Aminah Mae Safi is an author and Affiliate Faculty member at Antioch University Los Angeles' MFA in Creative Writing Program. With a background in Islamic Art History (University of Chicago, Master's) and Art History (University of Southern California, Bachelor's), her work bridges academic rigor with contemporary storytelling. Educational Background University of Chicago – Master’s in Islamic Art History (Medieval and Modern/Early 20th century) University of Southern California – Bachelor’s in Art History, minor in French Safi’s writing focuses on Young Adult Fiction with themes of LGBTQ+ identity , cultural representation , and personal growth . Her novels like Tell Me How You Really Feel (2019) and Travelers Along the Way (2023) explore these topics through modern settings and historical remixes. Academic trends in her work include queer narratives , female-centric friendships , and critiques of societal expectations . Scientific and literary accolades: We Need Diverse Books Young Adult Short Story Award (2018) Junior Library Guild Selections (2018, 2019) Indie Next Pick (2019) Autostraddle Best Book of 2019 Her teaching philosophy emphasizes critical evaluation, constructive feedback, and balancing structural awareness with creative rule-breaking. She has contributed essays to platforms like Salon and Pub Crawl , discussing writing techniques and cultural representation.
Greg Belliveau is an Instructor in the Department of English at Capital University, where he teaches writing courses including Basic Writing, Academic Writing, and UC 320: Seeds of Romanticism. He holds an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Pacific University and both an M.A. and B.A. in English from Kent State University. His research and creative interests span creative writing , fiction , gothic thrillers , dystopian science fiction , and creative nonfiction with theological themes . His work often explores identity, grace, technology, and existential questions through narrative. His recent publications show a consistent trend in speculative and spiritually reflective literature, blending genre fiction with deep philosophical inquiry. From gothic suspense in Blood Clan to the technological mythos of the IMAGO series, his writing merges imaginative storytelling with ethical and metaphysical exploration. Scientific and Literary Awards: Christopher Isherwood Foundation Grant Christy Award Finalist for Best First Novel ( Go Down To Silence ) Greg Belliveau advises student writers through his teaching, though no formal advisees are listed. He has received grant support for his creative work, notably the Isherwood grant. No additional grants or funded projects are mentioned in the provided text. There is no mention of labs, research teams, or collaborative research groups associated with his profile.
Bosco Bae is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Religion at Centre College, where he joined in 2023. He holds a PhD in the Interdisciplinary Study of Religion from Durham University (UK) and contributes to academic and community initiatives across disciplines. His educational background includes: PhD in Interdisciplinary Study of Religion, Durham University MA in Philosophy, Universiteit van Amsterdam BA in Philosophy & Psychology, Boston University BA in Anthropology, University of Utah Dr. Bae's research and teaching interests span religious studies, philosophy, anthropology, and psychology, reflecting a deeply interdisciplinary approach to understanding religion. His work integrates humanistic and social scientific perspectives, particularly in the context of global and African studies, informed by his postdoctoral research in South Africa. While no publications are listed, his academic trajectory suggests engagement with theoretical and ethnographic dimensions of religion, potentially involving mediation, human economy, and cultural praxis. He has received no listed scientific awards. Bosco Bae advises no students mentioned in the text and has no grants explicitly referenced. However, his postdoctoral fellowship with the Human Economy Program at the University of Pretoria and ongoing role as a research associate at the Centre for Mediation in Africa indicate active research engagement and collaborative academic networks. He is involved with a non-profit organization in Chicago as executive director and maintains an artistic practice in wheel-thrown pottery, suggesting an integrative approach to scholarship, service, and creative expression.
Susan Isaacs is an Assistant Professor at the Lawrence and Kristina Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, Chapman University. As a writer, actor, and Groundlings alumna, she has appeared in TV and film credits including Seinfeld , Parks and Recreation , and Planes, Trains & Automobiles , while teaching Feature I and II screenwriting courses and mentoring undergraduate/graduate thesis scripts. Education: BA in Film Production, UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television; MFA in Screenwriting, USC School of Cinematic Arts; studied at Royal Central School of Drama, London Her research and creative work focus on screenwriting pedagogy, film analysis, and intersections between faith and cinema. She co-wrote the rom-com Sun Moon (Sony, 2023) and served as script doctor for Universal Studios' Jurassic World. Notable awards include the United Solo Theater Festival's Best Adaptation for her memoir Angry Conversations with God , which was also named a top book by Publisher’s Weekly and Relevant magazine. She has led improvisation workshops and presented at international festivals.
Heather Hornbeak is an active Associate Professor of Web Design in the Art Department at Charleston Southern University (CSU), where she teaches Web Design, UX/UI, and Photography. She joined CSU in 2024 after previously serving as Professor of Interactive Media at Asbury University (2016-2024) and teaching photography at Union University during graduate studies. Her career uniquely bridges academia and industry, with designs featured globally in Apple stores and major trade shows like CES and MacWorld. Education: M.F.A. in Graphic Design & Photography, Azusa Pacific University (2016) B.A. in Graphic Design, Union University (2004) Animation Design Training, School of Visual Arts (2022) Production Design Training, Asbury University (2017) Her research focuses on user-centered digital design, particularly Web Design and UX/UI methodologies. She investigates practical applications of Data Visualization in education and corporate settings, alongside sustainable design innovations demonstrated through her tiny home project and van conversion. Her work consistently connects technical design skills with real-world user behavior and ethical digital communication practices. Recent publications (2016-2024) reveal three key trends: (1) UX/UI design for corporate and educational contexts, (2) data visualization as a communication tool, and (3) design's role in lifestyle innovation. She emphasizes the intersection of technology, user behavior, and physical space optimization, with growing attention to social media's impact on community events. Heather Hornbeak has not received any listed scientific awards or fellowships in the provided text. While no formal graduate students are documented, she mentors through teaching and industry leadership. She trained employees in her AV & Home Automation business and taught photography at Union University. Grant history isn't mentioned, but her corporate work included major accounts for Target, Walmart, and Best Buy, reflecting applied research funding through industry partnerships. She co-owns a studio and AV & Home Automation business with her husband, personally training employee teams. At CSU, she collaborates with the Art Department but no dedicated research lab is specified. Her Creo Art Guild membership and AIGA judging role indicate professional team engagement.
Jeffrey W. Barbeau is Professor of Theology and Literature at Wheaton College and Editor of The Coleridge Bulletin. His academic work centers on British Romanticism, religion and literature, and the history of Christian thought. He teaches historical and systematic theology courses while researching the religious context of British literature. Barbeau is affiliated with the Conference on Christianity and Literature, Friends of Coleridge (serving as Officer and Editor), Historical Society of the United Methodist Church, New York C. S. Lewis Society, North American Society for the Study of Romanticism, Journal of The Marion E. Wade Center (Advisory Board), and Wordsworth-Coleridge Association. Education Ph.D., Marquette University Research Interests Barbeau's scholarship explores the intersection of theological reflection and literary expression, with particular emphasis on British Romanticism and Samuel Taylor Coleridge's philosophical theology. His work examines how religious thought and literary forms mutually enrich understanding, especially within historical Christian contexts. He investigates Methodist theology through John Wesley, analyzes C.S. Lewis's integration of literature and modern theology, and studies global Pentecostal Christianity. His expertise extends to autobiographical theology, the role of wonder in religious imagination, and Sara Coleridge's Victorian theological contributions. Recent Publications Barbeau's 2020-2024 publications reveal sustained engagement with Coleridgean thought, biblical hermeneutics, and theological imagination. His articles frequently bridge Romantic literature and religious belief, with increasing attention to Methodist history and global Christianity. Notable trends include examinations of figural biblical interpretation, the pedagogy of theology in postsecular contexts, and the relationship between poetic language and religious experience. His work appears consistently in The Coleridge Bulletin and major journals spanning theological, literary, and historical disciplines. Professional Service Editor, The Coleridge Bulletin Advisory Board, Journal of The Marion E. Wade Center Officer, Friends of Coleridge Member, Conference on Christianity and Literature Member, Historical Society of the United Methodist Church Member, New York C. S. Lewis Society Member, North American Society for the Study of Romanticism Member, Wordsworth-Coleridge Association
Bidhan L. Parmar, also known as Bobby Parmar, is the Associate Dean for Faculty Development and the Shannon G. Smith Bicentennial Professor of Business Administration at the Darden School of Business, University of Virginia. He teaches First Year Ethics and Second Year electives on collaboration, creative thinking, and critical thinking. Education B.A., MBA, Ph.D., University of Virginia His research focuses on decision-making under uncertainty, stakeholder management, and strategies for creating stakeholder value. His work helps executives navigate ambiguity and ethical challenges in organizational settings. Parmar has published in top-tier journals such as Organization Science , Journal of Business Ethics , and Business & Society , and co-authored books on stakeholder theory. His recent publications address topics like brand activism, ethical product design, and regulatory uncertainty in innovation. His work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications, including case studies on technology, pharmaceuticals, and global supply chains. Scientific Awards Top 40 business school professors under 40 globally Fellow, Olsson Center for Applied Ethics Fellow, Safra Center for Ethics at Harvard University Teaching and Research Awards As Co-Director of the Darden Experiential Leadership Development Lab, Parmar oversees programs where students practice leadership skills in high-stress scenarios. He collaborates with executives across industries on decision-making, stakeholder management, and leadership.
Kai Hanno Schwind is an Associate Professor at the School of Arts, Design and Media within Kristiania University of Applied Sciences , Oslo, Norway. He researches and teaches in media studies, focusing on humor, satire, transgressive comedy, and transnational screen/audio cultures. Education : Master's in Theater, Film, and Media Studies and English from Goethe University Frankfurt (2004), PhD in Media Studies from University of Oslo (2015). Research : Mediatisation of humor, transnational sitcom adaptations, artistic research in audio drama, and travel literature. His recent publications include a co-authored book on Friends and a book chapter analyzing religious humor in Anglo-American comedy. He has supervised Kristiania's artistic research group and curated the AR@K symposium. Scientific Awards : Nominated for the German Audio Book Prize (2007) Guinness World Record for largest live radio play audience (2010) As a creative practitioner, Schwind has directed and written radio plays for The Three Investigators , Team X-Treme , and TKKG series, and produced podcasts like Tyskerne and Haschimitenfürst - Der Bobcast . He also engages in transnational artistic research and live stage adaptations of audio works.
Dr Andrea Cassin serves as Lecturer and Professional Placement Lead in the Media and Communication department at the University of Newcastle's School of Humanities, Creative Industries and Social Sciences. With 17 years of institutional experience since 2007, she spearheads industry partnerships for student work-integrated learning and placement programs across undergraduate degrees including Media, Creative Industries, and Digital Media. Her academic credentials include a PhD in Communication and Media Arts from the University of Newcastle (2021), a Master in Media Science and Applied Communication with high distinction from Universitat Hannover, and Certificate IV qualifications in Assessment and Workplace Training and Training and Assessment. Her doctoral research examined community engagement in renewable energy through public relations theory. Cassin's research integrates practical applications with environmental and health communication, focusing on co-creation methodologies and emerging technologies. She leads industry-funded projects addressing real-world challenges through strategic communication frameworks, with particular emphasis on community-driven solutions for urban spaces, conservation, and public health awareness. Her work bridges academic theory with professional practice in public relations and digital media engagement. Analysis of her publication history reveals consistent interdisciplinary focus on community-centered environmental communication, with increasing integration of augmented reality and digital platforms since 2016. Her projects demonstrate evolution from theoretical public relations studies toward applied urban design and health communication initiatives involving multi-stakeholder collaborations with government bodies, Aboriginal land councils, and community organizations. Her scientific recognition includes: UON Engagement Excellence Award for Industry Engagement (2022) Good Design Australia Award for Newcastle City Night-Space Activation (2022) Faculty Excellence Award for Festival X Team (2019) Outstanding Postgraduate Student Achievement Award (2013) DVC(A) Merit List for Teaching Excellence (2019) Faculty Teaching Excellence Award (2009) Cassin has secured $379,118 across 12 competitive grants, primarily funding community-engaged projects like the organ donation awareness campaign ($73,118) and Newcastle City Night-Space Activation ($168,000). She has supervised 7 research students including PhD candidates examining climate change perceptions and social media dynamics, with all completed theses achieving First Class Honours. Her grant portfolio demonstrates strategic alignment with industry needs through FASTLab and College of Human and Social Futures initiatives. As a core FASTLab member and College of Human and Social Futures board participant (2021), she leads transdisciplinary teams developing innovative urban interventions. Her current leadership of the Professional Placement program and Blue Heeler Film Festival scholarship initiative demonstrates ongoing commitment to connecting academic training with creative industry practice through structured work-integrated learning frameworks.
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