Ben Sparkes is a Research Fellow at the University of Adelaide's Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology, affiliated with the School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences and the Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing. His work focuses on quantum technology development for next-generation computing and secure communications. Educational background: PhD in Physics, Australian National University (2013) Research interests span quantum information storage/manipulation, cold atom electron/ion sources for ultra-fast biological imaging, and sub-nanometer fabrication. Current DECRA-funded work develops fibre-based quantum networks for secure communications infrastructure. Key recognitions: McKenzie Fellowship for novel electron source development ARC DECRA Fellowship for quantum network research 2018 SA Tall Poppy Award for science outreach leadership Dr. Sparkes leads ARC-funded quantum technology projects and supervises graduate students. He actively participates in public engagement through the Amazing University of Adelaide Laser Radio program and presented at the 2019 Research Tuesday seminar on quantum mechanics' societal impact. He contributes to the Precision Measurement Group's mission of advancing quantum sensing technologies through interdisciplinary collaboration with South Australia's Department for Industry and Skills.
Suguman Bansal is an Assistant Professor in the School of Computer Science at Georgia Institute of Technology. Her research focuses on formal methods and their applications to artificial intelligence, programming languages, and machine learning. Previously, she held an NSF/CRA Computing Innovation Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania (2020-2022) and completed her PhD at Rice University (2016-2020). Education: PhD in Computer Science, Rice University (2016-2020) MS in Computer Science, Rice University (2014-2016) BSc (Honors) in Mathematics and Computer Science, Chennai Mathematical Institute (2011-2014) Research Interests: Formal methods, reinforcement learning, reactive synthesis, quantitative verification, and trustworthy AI systems. Her work bridges logic-based formal methods with modern AI challenges, emphasizing safety, reliability, and generalization in AI systems. Key Contributions: Pioneering work on specification-guided reinforcement learning, compositional synthesis algorithms, and formal verification of AI systems. Notable tools include Lisa (LTLf synthesis tool) and DiRL (compositional reinforcement learning framework). Awards: 2020 NSF CI Fellowship, 2021 MIT EECS Rising Star, 2023 ATVA Best Paper Award, and Keynote Speaker at SAS 2022. Advising & Grants: Advises PhD and Master’s students in reinforcement learning and formal methods. Lead PI on a collaboration grant with IIT Bombay (2024) and recipient of a ~$250K NSF/CRA postdoctoral grant. Labs/Teams: Leads the BansalLab at Georgia Tech, focusing on trustworthy AI through formal methods and algorithmic innovation.
Miryam Sas is a Professor of Comparative Literature at the University of California, Berkeley. Her work bridges Japanese literature, film, theater, and avant-garde arts with critical theory. She specializes in 20th-century cultural movements, postwar Japanese experimental arts, and media theory. Her research includes studies on surrealism, intermedia, and post-Holocaust representation, with notable works like Feeling Media: Potentiality and the Afterlife of Art (2022) and Experimental Arts in Postwar Japan (2010). Her research interests span Japanese modernism, intermedia art, feminist film analysis, and photographic theory. She has curated exhibitions for institutions such as MoMA, the Getty Museum, and the Mori Art Museum, contributing essays on postwar avant-gardes and Japanese photography. Recent projects include translations of modernist poets Sagawa Chika and Ema Shōko, and collaborative archival work on Finding Zbaraż . Prof. Sas has been awarded the UC President’s Research Fellowship for her media theory work. Her teaching focuses on critical theory, Japanese cinema, and media studies, offering courses on infrastructural aesthetics and transnational Asian media. She actively participates in interdisciplinary dialogues through lectures and radio programs like France Culture’s La Fabrique de l’Histoire .
Li Tang is an Associate Professor with tenure at École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), affiliated with the Institute of Bioengineering (IBI) and the Institute of Materials Science and Engineering (IMX) within the School of Engineering (STI). She leads the Laboratory of Biomaterials for Immunoengineering, focusing on developing innovative strategies at the intersection of immunology, materials science, and cancer therapy. Her work bridges fundamental research and clinical translation, with multiple ongoing clinical trials based on CAR-T cell therapies developed in her lab. B.S. in Chemistry, Peking University (2003–2007) Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2007–2012) Postdoctoral Fellow, MIT (2013–2016) Her research lies at the forefront of immunoengineering, integrating chemical, metabolic, and mechanical approaches to modulate immune responses. Key areas include cancer immunotherapy, immune metabolism, mechano-immunology, and biomaterials. She investigates how physical and biochemical cues can reprogram T cells, overcome exhaustion, and enhance tumor targeting. Her work emphasizes multidimensional immunity-disease interactions, aiming to develop safer and more effective therapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in engineering immune cells (especially CAR-T) for enhanced durability and function, using advanced biomaterials and metabolic reprogramming. There is a clear focus on overcoming challenges in solid tumors, modulating the tumor microenvironment, and translating findings into clinical applications. The use of nanoparticle delivery, single-cell analysis, and biomechanical cues are recurring themes across her work. Notable scientific awards include: Friedrich Miescher Award (2025) ERC Starting Grant (2018) MIT TR35 Innovators Under 35 (China Region, 2020) Nano Research Young Innovator Award (2018) Biomaterials Science Emerging Investigator (2019) Materials Horizons Emerging Investigator (2020) Li Tang actively mentors PhD students across multiple doctoral programs (EDBB, EDMS, EDMX) and has advised numerous graduates who have gone on to prestigious postdoctoral and faculty positions. She is involved in significant research grants, including an Innosuisse project with Novochizol SA, and her lab is supported by competitive funding. She teaches core courses such as Immunoengineering and Next-Generation Biomaterials, shaping the next generation of scientists. Her lab fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation, with active projects in chemical, metabolic, and mechanical immunoengineering, as well as CAR-T cell development. She is the Principal Investigator of the Tang Lab, which includes postdoctoral fellows, PhD students, and technical staff. The lab is actively recruiting and has a strong publication and clinical translation record. Tang Lab is also involved in multiple MA/BA training projects and promotes student engagement in cutting-edge research. The lab’s discoveries are being translated into clinical trials, reflecting a strong commitment to translational science.
Dr. Jean Goodwin is the SAS Institute Distinguished Professor of Rhetoric & Technical Communication at NC State University's Department of Communication, part of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. She specializes in science communication ethics, civil argumentation, and the rhetoric of controversial scientific topics such as climate change and GMOs. Her work bridges theory and practice, including NSF-funded initiatives like Teaching Responsible Communication of Science, which develops case studies for STEM graduate students. She also leads the Leadership in Public Science cluster through NC State's Chancellor’s Faculty Excellence Program. Education: B.A. in Mathematics (University of Chicago, 1979), J.D. (University of Chicago, 1984), and Ph.D. in Communication/Rhetoric (University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1996). Her career includes over 25 years of teaching rhetoric and mentoring students across communication subfields. Research focuses on how scientists communicate effectively with non-experts, leveraging discourse analysis and conceptual frameworks like speech act theory. Key themes include trust-building in contentious contexts, ethical advocacy roles for scientists, and historical rhetorical strategies from Cicero to modern policy debates. Her work often intersects with civic engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration, such as organizing conferences for science communication scholars and advising organizations like the AAAS. Major publications explore ethical dimensions of science communication, including climate change advocacy, disinformation detection, and pandemic messaging. Awards include the EB Knight Journal Award (2007) and her distinguished professorship. Current initiatives emphasize translating scholarly insights into practical tools for scientists and fostering dialogue between scientific and public communities through funded research partnerships.
Richard Steigmann-Gall is an Associate Professor of History at Kent State University's Department of History, within the College of Arts & Sciences. He previously served as Director of the Jewish Studies Program (2004–2010). Holding degrees from the University of Michigan (BA, MA) and the University of Toronto (PhD), his research focuses on religion and Nazi Germany, transatlantic fascism, and antisemitism. His seminal work, *The Holy Reich: Nazi Conceptions of Christianity, 1919-1945*, has been translated into Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian, earning widespread academic and public acclaim. His research has been supported by grants from institutions like the Social Science and Humanities Research Council of Canada, the Max Planck Institute, and the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. Dr. Steigmann-Gall has presented globally, including at Georgetown, NYU, Cambridge University, and the University of Sydney. He is a recipient of the Distinguished Teaching Award from Kent State's College of Arts & Sciences (2004) and has been a frequent media commentator on fascism and modern political movements. Research & Education: His expertise spans Nazism’s religious dimensions, comparative fascist ideologies, and the cultural underpinnings of antisemitism. Current projects include a chapter on religion and genocide in pre-WWII American fascist thought for *American Fascism: Past and Present* (Cambridge). He has published in journals like *German History*, *Journal of Holocaust Research*, and *Totalitarian Movements and Political Religions*. Teaching & Outreach: Dr. Steigmann-Gall teaches courses on modern European history, fascism, and the Holocaust. He has mentored students in topics including Nazi Germany and transnational extremism, and his pedagogical approach has been recognized through teaching awards and nominations. He has also engaged with public discourse through media appearances in *The New York Times*, *The Daily Beast*, and documentaries on the History Channel. Awards & Grants: Distinguished Teaching Award (2004) Grants from the Max Planck Institute, SSHRC, and the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum Collaborations & Networks: He has collaborated on edited volumes and contributed to projects at institutions worldwide, reflecting his commitment to transnational historical inquiry.
Mark Thouin is a Clinical Professor of Information Systems and Associate Dean for Graduate Programs - Academic Operations at The University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas), Jindal School of Management. He holds an MBA from George Mason University and a PhD from Texas Tech University. His research focuses on IT business value, experiential learning, and postsecondary leadership, with notable contributions to information systems curriculum development and agile methodologies. He teaches courses like Business Analytics with SAS and Agile Project Management. His awards include the Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award from UT Dallas Jindal School of Management and AITP Region 3 Star Performer of the Year. His recent articles emphasize competency models in information systems education, experiential learning simulations for agile methodologies, and curriculum standards through collaborations like ACM/AIS IS2020 initiatives. Education: PhD, Texas Tech University, 2007 MBA, George Mason University, 2004 BS, Virginia Tech, 1992 Professional Organizations: Association for Information Systems (AIS) Society for Information Management Association for Computing Machinery His work bridges academic curriculum design with industry needs, particularly through competency-based frameworks and experiential learning approaches. He has contributed to global standards for information systems graduate programs (MSIS 2016) and undergraduate curriculum guidelines (IS2020).
Zakia Salime is an Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2005). Her research focuses on intersections of gender, globalization, and postcolonial theory, with a regional specialization in Morocco and North Africa. Research Interests: Examining global-local dynamics of human rights frameworks and Islamic legal systems Gendered spatial politics during Arab Spring uprisings Neoliberal land governance and peasant resistance in Morocco Sociolegal analysis of citizenship and resource privatization Current Projects: Her upcoming book manuscript, Seeing like a Woman: Land and Extractive Governance in Morocco , centers rural women's perspectives in land privatization struggles. This ethnographic work explores legal barriers to land access, economic transformations, and grassroots resistance movements. Media Engagement: New York Times coverage (2017): 'In a Fight for Land: A Women’s Movement Shakes Morocco' Analysis of Moroccan cultural politics featured in Monkey Cage blog (2016) Affiliations: Member of SAS Gender Studies Program Research collaborations with Middle East studies initiatives Office: Davison Hall 137, New Brunswick campus
Xavier Oberson is a Full Professor of Swiss and International Tax Law at the University of Geneva's Faculty of Law since 1994. He also serves as a practicing lawyer at Oberson Abels SA, specializing in tax and commercial law. His academic leadership includes directing the LL.M Tax program at the University of Geneva since 2011 and chairing the annual Tax Law Day since 2000. He holds a DES and PhD from the University of Geneva, along with an LL.M and International Tax Program Certificate from Harvard Law School. Research focuses on tax law modernization, including groundbreaking work on taxing artificial intelligence and corporate tax reform. Key publications include seminal works on international tax transparency and Swiss tax systems. He actively participates in national and international tax policy committees, such as the Federal Commission for Harmonisation of Direct Taxes (CHID) and the Tax Committee of TIAETL. Recipient of the Geoffrey Shindler Award (2012) for contributions to the profession, he also serves on cultural foundations like the Grand Théâtre de Genève and Montreux Jazz Festival. His academic and professional roles bridge legal scholarship, policy-making, and practical legal advice.
James J. Gross is the Ernest R. Hilgard Professor of Psychology at Stanford University, with a courtesy appointment in Philosophy. He directs the Stanford Psychophysiology Laboratory and holds affiliations with Bio-X, Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance, and Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute. His academic journey includes a BA in Philosophy and Psychology from Yale University (1987) and a PhD in Clinical Psychology from UC Berkeley (1993). Gross's research examines emotion regulation mechanisms using multimodal approaches (behavioral, physiological, neuroimaging). Key interests include: Emotion coherence dynamics Cognitive reappraisal and suppression strategies Automatic emotion regulation processes Social anxiety pathophysiology Clinical applications for mood disorders His publications demonstrate consistent focus on affective science translation to clinical interventions, particularly for anxiety and mood disorders. Recent work explores neurophysiological correlates of emotion regulation and tech-enabled intervention tools. Notable scientific honors: 2025 Grawemeyer Award in Psychology (field-defining contributions) Dual Honorary Doctorates (UC Louvain, Tilburg University) American Academy of Arts and Sciences Fellowship APS Mentor Award and inaugural SAS Mentorship Award Walter J. Gores Award (Stanford's highest teaching honor) Gross directs the Stanford Psychophysiology Laboratory, mentoring doctoral candidates and postdoctoral scholars. He currently advises 8 graduate students across psychology and neuroscience programs. His lab investigates emotion regulation in clinical populations through NIH-funded trials, including studies on CBT mechanisms in social phobia.
Tara MacLeod is an Associate Teaching Professor of Irish Language and Literature at the University of Notre Dame, serving as Director of Undergraduate Studies and Language Coordinator. A native Irish speaker from Ceantar na nOileán in the Connemara Gaeltacht, she teaches Irish-language courses and contemporary Gaeltacht culture studies while leading immersive travel programs to Ireland. Her educational background includes: Bachelor of Social Science in Social Administration and Library and Information Studies (University College Dublin, 1991) Masters in Social Work (University College Cork, 1997) Dioplóma sa Ghaeilge (National University of Ireland, Galway, 2001) Masters of Science in Education, Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Indiana University South Bend, 2023) Professor MacLeod specializes in innovative Irish language pedagogy, focusing on second language acquisition through cultural immersion and technology integration. Her work emphasizes developing students' linguistic skills alongside authentic understanding of Gaeltacht traditions, material culture, and contemporary Irish society, particularly through experiential learning in Connemara and the Aran Islands. Her teaching excellence has been recognized with dual Notre Dame Joyce Awards: Notre Dame Joyce Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching (2011) Notre Dame Joyce Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching (2017) She actively contributes to national academic service as External Examiner for Modern Irish at the Five Colleges Consortium, MLA Celtic Languages & Literature Discussion Group Committee member, External Assessor for the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme, and manuscript reviewer for Routledge and Taylor & Francis. Her professional engagements include keynote addresses at UCLA's Celtic Studies Colloquium and presentations on language pedagogy at CALICO and the American Conference for Irish Studies.
Emily Bonner is a Professor in the Department of Interdisciplinary Learning and Teaching at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and serves as the Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Affairs in the College of Education and Human Development (COEHD). Her work focuses on equity in mathematics education, professional development in high-need schools, and parent education. Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction (Mathematics Education), University of Florida, 2009 M.A.T. in Secondary Education/Special Education, Trinity University, 2002 B.A. in Mathematics, Trinity University, 2001 Bonner’s research emphasizes culturally responsive teaching, community-based interventions, and the role of parents in mathematics education. She has led projects like the Community Mathematics Project and the San Antonio Mathematics Collaborative (SAMC), addressing systemic inequities and teacher preparation gaps. Her recent publications highlight frameworks for teacher development, equity strategies in Hispanic-serving institutions, and adaptations to virtual learning environments. These works span mathematics education, pedagogy, and policy studies. Key grants include the Community Math Project ($3.7M, DOE), ReLaTe SA ($444,474, NSF), and Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board funding for SAMC. These support initiatives to strengthen teacher education and math proficiency in underserved communities.
Kevin John Grimm is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at Arizona State University (ASU), serving as Director of Operations and Research within the College of Health Solutions. He holds a B.A. in Mathematics and Psychology from Gettysburg College (2000), and M.A. (2003) and Ph.D. (2006) in Psychology from the University of Virginia. Previously, he served as faculty at UC Davis before joining ASU in 2014. His research focuses on multivariate methods for analyzing developmental change, including nonlinear growth modeling, latent class analysis, and integrating machine learning with psychological data. Notable contributions include co-authoring the textbook *Growth Modeling: Structural Equation and Multilevel Modeling Approaches* (Guilford Press, 2017). Teaches courses like Structural Equation Modeling, Longitudinal Growth Modeling, and Machine Learning in Psychology at ASU. Active in professional service: Associate Editor of *Structural Equation Modeling: A Multidisciplinary Journal* since 2012. Recipient of NIH/NIDA grants for drug abuse/HIV prevention research and NICHD-funded studies on sleep health in children. His methodological work bridges quantitative innovation with substantive developmental research, emphasizing rigorous model specification and cross-disciplinary applications.
Taiwo Amoo is an Assistant Professor of Business and Quantitative Methods at Brooklyn College, CUNY , where he has been employed since 1999. His academic career spans institutions including Baruch College (substitute and adjunct roles, 1993-1999) and Kaduna Polytechnic, Nigeria (1987-1988). With a PhD in Operations Research (University of Exeter, 1992) and a BSc in Statistics (University of Ibadan, 1986), Amoo specializes in operations management, statistical analysis, and educational innovation. Current position: Assistant Professor (Brooklyn College, CUNY) Key expertise: Operations Management, Queueing Theory, Rating Scale Methodology Technological proficiency: SAS, SPSS, Oracle Database Systems His research focuses on optimizing rating scale design , integrating technology in education , and interdisciplinary approaches to business programs . Publications from 2000-2002 examine biases in survey construction, humor as an educational tool, and the relevance of traditional disciplinary structures in modern academia. Notable awards include PSC CUNY Grants and recognition as the Best Statistics Student at the University of Ibadan. Current affiliations: Brooklyn College (CUNY) Past affiliations: Baruch College (CUNY), University of Exeter, Kaduna Polytechnic
Dr. Richard Segall is a Professor in the Department of Information Systems and Business Analytics at Arkansas State University , affiliated with the Beck College of Sciences & Mathematics . He is also affiliated faculty in the Master of Engineering Management (MEM) Program , the Environmental Sciences Program , and serves on thesis committees at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) . Education: Ph.D. in Operations Research, University of Massachusetts at Amherst (1984) M.S. in Operations Research and Statistics, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (1975) M.S. in Mathematics, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (1973) B.S. in Mathematics, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (1971) Dr. Segall's research spans data mining, text mining, web mining, big data analytics, bioinformatics, supercomputing applications, and mathematical modeling . His work bridges business analytics and computational biology , with a focus on transdisciplinary applications in agriculture, healthcare, and space systems. His recent publications emphasize genomic data analysis , plant disease diagnostics , AI-driven healthcare solutions , and space technology forecasting . The integration of machine learning , data visualization , and open-source tools is a recurring theme across domains. Scientific Awards & Grants: Three research awards from the National Research Council (NRC) Software grants from Oracle Corporation and SAS Institute, Inc. Dr. Segall has served on the editorial boards of the International Journal of Data Science , International Journal of Data Mining, Modelling and Management , and International Journal of Fog Computing . He previously contributed to the Arkansas Center for Plant-Powered Production (P3) and currently participates in the Center for No-Boundary Thinking (CNBT) .
