Zohreh Pourzolfaghar is an Assistant Professor in Management Information Systems (MIS) at the School of Business, Maynooth University (MU). She serves as Director of the IT-Enable Innovation Programme and cluster lead for the Digital Construction cluster at the Innovation Value Institute (IVI). She is also a member of Lero, the SFI Research Centre for Software. Education: PhD in Project Management (University Putra Malaysia, 2011); MSc in Management Systems and Productivity; BSc in Software Engineering. Research Interests : Focuses on digital transformation for SMEs, information management in construction, and smart city architectures. Leads EU-funded projects like EnTrust (agri-data governance), DIGI+ (sustainable digital transformation), and DigiFABs (food & beverage SMEs). Co-PI for projects such as GDI-IE (genomic data infrastructure) and PERFORM (digital retail innovation). Grants & Awards : Secured funding from SFI, Enterprise Ireland, and EU. Notable awards include the BIM Hero Award (2022) and Research Engaged Award (2022). Teaching : Courses include Digital Business, Digital Technology Governance, and Enterprise Architecture. Advises PhD students in MIS and digital transformation. Industry Collaboration : Works with firms like ArcDox and Corballis Technologies on BIM standards and data governance. Active in national and EU policy networks, including NSAI committees.
Yusupova Guzel Fatehovna is an Associate Professor at the Department of Applied Economics within the Faculty of Economic Sciences at the National Research University Higher School of Economics (HSE), where she has been working since 1998 with 28 years of scientific and teaching experience. She also serves as a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for Enterprise and Market Analysis, specifically in the Laboratory of Competition and Antimonopoly Policy. Her research interests focus on Industrial Organization, Competition Policy, Antitrust Economics, Digital Markets, Market Analysis, and Economics of Network Effects, with particular attention to Russian industrial markets. Her professional expertise stems from her Candidate of Economic Sciences degree (2007) in Economics and Management of the National Economy, with a dissertation on "Boundaries of Russian markets and competition," and her Associate Professor title awarded in 2013. Dr. Yusupova's publication record shows a consistent focus on competition policy and market analysis, with her most recent work examining AI applications in cartel detection, digital platform competition, and the nuances of antitrust enforcement in specialized markets. Her research demonstrates progression from foundational industrial organization topics to increasingly complex digital market challenges. Honorary certificate of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation (November 2022) Gratitude of HSE (March 2022) Gratitude of the Faculty of Economic Sciences HSE (January 2021) Winner of the Competition for the best Russian-language scientific works of HSE employees - 2021 Multiple academic bonuses for publications and contributions to HSE reputation (2010-2024) As an educator, Dr. Yusupova teaches graduate and undergraduate courses including Analysis of Industry Markets and Competition Policy, Introduction to the Economy of Digital Platforms, and Theory of Industrial Markets. Her teaching reflects her research expertise, bridging theoretical industrial organization concepts with practical antitrust applications. She has participated in numerous international conferences and research projects focused on competition policy effectiveness, with particular emphasis on Russian market contexts and transition economy challenges.
Kusum L. Ailawadi is the Charles Jordan 1911 TU'12 Professor of Marketing at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College. She has established herself as a leading expert in marketing channel strategy, brand equity, and multi-channel distribution systems. Her research examines the strategic interaction and distribution of power between manufacturers and their distribution channel partners, with particular focus on how store brands, promotions, and brand equity affect performance. Education: PhD, University of Virginia, 1991 MBA, Indian Institute of Management, 1984 BSc (Honors), St. Stephen's College, Delhi University, 1982 Professor Ailawadi's research spans two primary streams: the first focuses on manufacturer-retailer relationships and channel strategy, examining how power dynamics affect brand performance; the second investigates how marketing actions influence consumers' health status and the nutritional quality of grocery shopping. She has pioneered research showing how warehouse club shopping affects consumer behavior, revealing that club store shoppers spend more, shop more frequently, and consume more calories than non-club shoppers. Her work on multi-channel distribution has been synthesized in her influential 2020 book Getting Multi-Channel Distribution Right , which provides practical guidance for managing brands across physical and digital channels. Her extensive publication record in top marketing journals like Journal of Marketing , Journal of Marketing Research , and Marketing Science demonstrates consistent scholarly impact. Analysis of her recent work shows a strong focus on the evolving retail landscape, with particular attention to private label brands, multi-channel strategies, and the behavioral economics of consumer shopping patterns. Her research increasingly bridges marketing theory with practical applications in retail strategy and consumer health. Notable Awards: Winner, Paul H. Root Award for Significant Contribution to the Advancement of the Practice of Marketing (2018) Distinguished Alumni Award, Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (2020) Winner, John D.C. Little Best Paper Award, Marketing Science (2005) Winner, First William Davidson Award for Best Contribution to Theory and Practice in Retail Marketing (1997) Multiple finalist positions for Paul E. Green Award across various years Professor Ailawadi serves as president of the INFORMS Society for Marketing Science and has held editorial positions at major marketing journals including Journal of Marketing , Journal of Marketing Research , and Marketing Science . She teaches the highly regarded MBA elective on Multi-Channel Routes to Market and has consulted with companies across consumer goods, retailing, consulting, and financial services sectors. Her expertise has also been sought in legal cases related to distribution, brand equity, and promotions, where she has served as both consulting and testifying expert. Her research has been widely covered in media outlets including Harvard Business Review , Wall Street Journal , Forbes , and Advertising Age , demonstrating the practical relevance of her academic work. Her TEDx talk 'Outsmarting the Marketers' further illustrates her ability to translate complex marketing concepts for broader audiences.
Steve Worthington is an Adjunct Professor at Swinburne University of Technology's School of Business, Law and Entrepreneurship in Melbourne, Australia. Previously, he held a Professorship in Marketing at Monash University until 2013. His research focuses on financial services distribution via electronic channels, payment systems regulation, and cross-cultural financial practices. He has contributed extensively to academic journals such as the International Journal of Bank Marketing and practitioner outlets like The Financial Times and ANZ's BlueNotes . His work includes analyses of payment card markets in China and Japan, regulatory interventions in Australia's payment system, and expert testimony on financial services marketing disputes. Worthington's research interests span payment systems innovation, consumer behavior in financial contexts, and the intersection of technology with financial services. Notable contributions include studies on cashless society debates, payment fraud dynamics, and the cultural dimensions influencing financial product adoption. He frequently engages with industry conferences and media, offering insights into emerging trends like digital payment adoption and regulatory challenges in the financial sector. His publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches, blending economic policy analysis with marketing strategy. Key themes include the societal implications of cash decline, fairness perceptions in financial services, and the ethical dimensions of payment technologies. Despite no explicit awards listed, his prolific media engagement and advisory roles reflect recognition of his expertise in payment systems and financial markets.
Professor Cati Connell is an Associate Professor of Sociology at Boston University and former Director of the BU Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Program. She holds a PhD in Sociology from the University of Texas at Austin (2010). Her research focuses on LGBTQ+ rights, military inclusion, gender dynamics, and workplace experiences. Key themes include queer identity formation, policy impacts on marginalized communities, and the intersection of labor practices with gender and sexuality. Education: PhD in Sociology from the University of Texas at Austin, 2010 Her research interests center on military integration post-DADT repeal, generational solidarities in LGBTQ+ communities, and the evolving meanings of self-identification terms like “lesbian.” She explores how institutions shape queer narratives, analyzing topics such as homonormativity, gendered compromises, and aesthetic labor in retail environments. Her work combines qualitative methodologies with theoretical frameworks like Bourdieu’s sociology of the body. In her recent publications (2015–2024), Connell examines the paradoxes of queer visibility in professional spaces, the tensions between civil rights and institutional policies, and digital platforms’ role in fostering LGBTQ+ solidarity. Her analysis often critiques how equality reforms can inadvertently reinforce exclusionary norms. Scientific awards: No awards explicitly mentioned in the provided texts. Advising and grants: While no specific advisees or grants are listed, Connell’s research trajectory suggests active mentorship in LGBTQ+ studies and sociology. Her work likely involves collaborative projects, though funding details remain undocumented. Labs/teams: Affiliated with Boston University’s Sociology Department and previously led the Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Program. No specific lab or team affiliations are noted in the texts, but her interdisciplinary focus implies potential collaborations across gender studies, queer theory, and military sociology initiatives.
Rhonda Hadi is an Associate Professor of Marketing at the Saïd Business School, University of Oxford. She is also a Fellow of Green Templeton College and an Associate Editor at the Journal of Consumer Psychology , serving on editorial review boards for Journal of Consumer Research , Journal of Marketing Research , and Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science . Her research focuses on emerging technologies reshaping consumer experiences, including augmented reality, AI, and wearable/mobile computing. She explores crossmodal perception, cultural influences on consumer behavior, and sensory-driven decision-making. Rhonda teaches the Core Marketing course for the MBA programme and contributes to Executive MBA, Diploma in AI for Business, and executive education courses. Her engagements span industry collaborations with Fortune 500 firms, startups, and non-profits, emphasizing practical applications of her research. She is a key member of the Oxford Future of Marketing Initiative , fostering academic-industry partnerships for thought leadership. Her research interests prominently feature technology-augmented consumer behavior , particularly in multisensory interactions (e.g., haptics, temperature, scent) and how cultural contexts modulate these responses. She has pioneered studies on anthropomorphic products, chatbot ethics, and the psychological impact of digital tools like AR and the Metaverse. Rhonda received the John Elliot Teaching Award and regularly engages with media outlets like the BBC to disseminate her findings. She has delivered over 50 invited talks globally, addressing North America, Asia, Africa, and Europe. In advising and grants, she mentors students across MBA and executive programmes and secures funding via Oxford’s initiatives. Her work intersects with the Major Programme Management and Private Equity Institute , though direct grant references are not explicitly detailed. She actively participates in interdisciplinary teams at Oxford Saïd, such as the Oxford Future of Finance and Technology Initiative and the Social Thermoregulation Project , integrating insights from psychology, technology, and business strategy.
Prof. Dr. Michael Gröschel is a Professor of Business Informatics at the Faculty of Computer Science, Mannheim University of Technology. His expertise spans Business Process Management (BPMN, Process Mining), Digital Transformation, and innovative Business Models. He teaches courses on BPM, project management, and e-business, often collaborating with industry clients through student projects. As a consultant, he specializes in BPMN training and IT-driven business strategy. His work emphasizes practical applications of IT tools like RPA and low-code platforms. Recent publications focus on RPA bot performance evaluation, AI in automotive trade, and business model-IT alignment. Prof. Gröschel’s research bridges academic insights with real-world challenges, particularly in leveraging technology for business innovation. He has authored books and articles on business intelligence tools, mobile business strategies, and digital customer care. His consulting services include executive coaching for academic career advancement and enterprise IT management best practices. Office: Building A, Room 007c | Phone: +49 621 292-6764 | Professional website available for further engagement opportunities.
Haoran Zhang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics & Finance at Manhattan University. His research focuses on financial markets, corporate finance, and crisis impact analysis. He teaches courses such as Corporate Finance (FIN 324), Insurance and Risk Management (FIN 370), and Fixed Income Analysis (FIN 432). His work explores topics like herding behavior, market regulations, and the effects of financial crises on corporate strategies. With a publication record emphasizing China's financial markets and regulatory interventions, his research bridges theoretical models and real-world market dynamics. He holds no listed awards but has contributed to understanding post-crisis financial futures markets and retail investor behavior. His advising and grants activities are not detailed in the provided materials.
Hanna Halaburda is an Associate Professor of Technology, Operations, and Statistics at the Leonard N. Stern School of Business, New York University, where she joined in 2019. Her research lies at the intersection of economics, technology, and digital platforms, with a strong focus on blockchain, cryptocurrencies, and platform competition. She has published extensively in top academic journals and co-authored the seminal book Beyond Bitcoin: The Economics of Digital Currencies . PhD in Economics, Northwestern University MA in Economics, Warsaw School of Economics MA in Philosophy, Warsaw University Her research interests center on the economic implications of digital transformation. She investigates how blockchain technology reshapes trust, governance, and competition in digital markets. Her work explores token design, consensus mechanisms, smart contracts, and the strategic use of decentralization in platforms. She also studies platform competition under network effects, consumer choice, and omnichannel marketing. A recurring theme is how digital technologies alter traditional economic forces and business models. The most recent articles show a strong trend toward analyzing the governance, security, and economic design of blockchain systems. Her work combines rigorous theoretical modeling with empirical insights, often applying game theory and industrial organization frameworks. Topics include permissioned vs. permissionless blockchains, the role of cryptographic tokens in coordination, and the macroeconomic implications of digital currencies. She also contributes to debates on Web3, AI, and the future of digital platforms. Scientific awards and recognitions include: ISR Best Paper Published in 2022 Runner-Up Lead article in RAND Journal of Economics Best Paper Award at Tokenomics 2023 Best Paper Award at WISE 2023 Best Paper Finalist at WISE 2022 and WISE 2021 Hanna Halaburda has advised and collaborated with numerous researchers and institutions. Her co-authors include leading scholars from Harvard, NYU, and international universities. She has received research recognition through best paper awards and invitations to contribute to high-impact journals and policy discussions. Her work has been supported by academic and policy institutions, including the Bank of Canada, where she previously served as a senior economist. She frequently publishes in both academic and practitioner outlets, including Harvard Business Review and Nature Human Behavior , indicating strong translational impact. She is actively involved in research teams focused on digital assets, blockchain governance, and platform economics. While no formal lab is mentioned, her extensive list of working papers and collaborations suggests leadership in a dynamic research group at NYU Stern. Her recent work on DAOs, public crypto mining firms, and CBDCs indicates ongoing, forward-looking research programs with real-world policy and business implications.
Arman Eshraghi is a Professor of Finance and Investment at Cardiff Business School , with 15 years of academic and industry experience. He founded the Cardiff Fintech Research Group , leads the Digital Transformation Innovation Institute 's fintech theme, and co-directs the Behavioral Finance Working Group . He serves as Editor-in-Chief of International Review of Economics and Finance and Senior Editor in multiple journals. Key academic appointments: Cardiff University (2018–present), University of Edinburgh (2013–18) International fellowships: Development Bank of Japan, University of Canterbury (New Zealand), UCL Industry engagement: Federal Reserve Bank (NY), Alan Turing Institute, CFA Society UK, CityUK Research Focus: Behavioral finance, corporate finance, financial technology, and interdisciplinary accounting. His work examines retail investor psychology, fund manager behavior, CEO decision-making, and fintech impacts on financial markets. He has published in Review of Financial Studies , Harvard Business Review , and Financial Times . Scientific Contributions: EFMD Global, Emerald Literati, and European Financial Group awards Keynote speaker at global conferences (New York, London, Mumbai, Frankfurt) Media citations in Financial Times , BBC , Forbes , and Bloomberg Teaching & Leadership: Delivers award-winning MSc/MBA/PhD courses in UK, Europe, and Asia. Holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice and Fellow of AdvanceHE. Designed executive programs for firms including Aetna CVS Health and Scottish Widows. Research Leadership: Co-organizes international conferences like the Cardiff Financial Technology Conference and European Financial Management Association Meeting . Supervises PhD students on topics spanning fintech, behavioral finance, and CEO lifestyle impacts.
Timo Rintamäki is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Management and Business , Tampere University . His research focuses on customer value creation, service ecosystems, and retail innovation, with particular expertise in co-creation, sharing economy platforms, and digital transformation. Research Themes : Customer Value Propositions, Service Ecosystems, E-Commerce, Co-Creation, Retail Experience Design Key Sectors : Retail, Healthcare, Social Media, Public Services Timo’s recent work explores sustainable value creation through collaborative platforms, analyzing customer behavior in online return processes, and optimizing value orchestration in multi-channel environments. His studies span both academic and practical perspectives, including policy implications in healthcare and innovation in consumer cooperatives. His scholarly contributions include frameworks for service experience management, insights into customer data utilization, and models for value co-creation across digital and physical touchpoints. While no specific scientific awards are listed, his interdisciplinary research bridges service science, marketing, and organizational behavior.
Adrienne Raphel is a Lecturer in the Department of English at Baruch College, part of the Weissman School of Arts and Sciences at The City University of New York (CUNY). She holds a Ph.D. in English Literature from Harvard University, an M.F.A. in Creative Writing (Poetry) from the University of Iowa, and a B.A. in English Literature and Creative Writing from Princeton University. Her research and creative work intersect contemporary culture, poetry, and the history of wordplay. She explores modernist literature, dark academia, and the evolution of puzzles like crosswords and board games as cultural artifacts. Raphel's recent publications highlight crosswords, poetry, and literary criticism, reflecting her interests in generational trends, linguistic innovation, and urban themes. Her articles analyze cultural phenomena through the lens of games, literature, and media. She has received prestigious awards, including: Visiting Fellowship at the American Library in Paris (2023) James Merrill Writer in Residence (2023) Writer in Residence at The Mastheads (2018) Raphel serves on the Awards and Honors Committee and teaches courses such as Writing II and Great Works of Literature I. She has contributed to media outlets like The New Yorker , The New York Times , and The Paris Review .
Natalie T. Wood, PhD (Auburn University, 2002), is a Professor of Marketing and Associate Dean at Saint Joseph’s University’s Haub School of Business. Her expertise spans consumer behavior and social media marketing, with a focus on digital engagement and virtual environments. PhD, Auburn University (2002) GradDip in Marketing, Edith Cowan University (1999) BBus in Marketing, Edith Cowan University (1996) Her research explores social media’s influence on consumer trends, political marketing, themed hospitality authenticity, and virtual education. Key journals include Journal of Consumer Behaviour and Business Horizons . Recent publications analyze microblogging’s role in customer service and brand promotion. Notable awards: Saint Joseph’s University Faculty Merit Award for Teaching (2013) and Research (2007). Grants from Arrupe Center (2019) and Direct Selling Education Foundation (2010-2011) highlight her funded work. Professional roles include Assistant Director, Center for Consumer Research (2007-2011).
Catherine Tucker is the Sloan Distinguished Professor of Management and Professor of Marketing at the MIT Sloan School of Management. She serves as the faculty director of the EMBA program and has chaired the MIT Sloan PhD Program. Her research focuses on the intersection of technology, marketing, and public policy, with expertise in digital privacy, online advertising, and blockchain applications. She co-founded the MIT Cryptoeconomics Lab and has testified before Congress on digital privacy issues. Tucker holds a PhD in Economics from Stanford University and a BA from the University of Oxford. Education: PhD in Economics, Stanford University Bachelor of Arts, University of Oxford Research Interests: Algorithmic bias and fairness Privacy regulation and consumer data Blockchain technology applications Healthcare technology and digital health Marketing strategy in digital ecosystems Awards: NSF CAREER Award (2010s) William F. O’Dell Award (Long-term Impact in Marketing) Garfield Economic Impact Award (2020) Editorial Roles: Senior editor at Marketing Science , former co-editor at Quantitative Marketing and Economics , and associate editor roles at Management Science and Journal of Marketing Research . Labs & Initiatives: Co-director of the NBER Digital Economics and AI program, and co-founder of the MIT Cryptoeconomics Lab studying blockchain applications.
Valeria Caiati is an Assistant Professor at the Urban Planning Group within the Built Environment School at Eindhoven University of Technology. Her research focuses on sustainable urban mobility, smart cities, and the role of ICTs in fostering sustainable development. She leads the SCRIPTS project exploring demand-driven mobility services and platform technologies. She holds a PhD from TU/e, preceded by professional experience in international consultancy and research institutes in Italy. Valeria teaches courses like 'Built Environment and Smart Mobility' and contributes to 8 active/funded projects, including LEVERAGE and NEDAM initiatives. Her research interests revolve around Mobility as a Service (MaaS), sustainable transportation policies, and behavioral modeling of transport adoption. She employs mixed-methods approaches, including stated choice experiments and portfolio analysis to assess user preferences and system impacts. Recent work examines parking guidance systems, electric vehicle adoption drivers, and corporate sustainability interventions. Valeria has supervised 9 academic works and actively participates in peer-review for journals like Transportation and European Transport Research Review . She engages in professional activities such as invited talks on MaaS bundling strategies and workshop participations on transformative urban mobility. Her teaching portfolio includes courses integrating theory with practical studio projects in urban development.