Krisztián Széll is a Habil. Associate Professor at Eötvös Loránd University’s College of Education, specializing in educational inequality and school resilience. His research explores student achievement, school climate, Roma student integration, adaptive testing, and school dropout risk. He leads the Research Group on Innovation and Equality in Education and serves on the university’s Research Ethics Committee. Key Research Areas: Educational equity, resilience development, language policy, psychometric testing, and pandemic-era learning patterns. Publications: Focus on Hungary, cross-national comparisons, and methodological advancements in educational assessment. Affiliations: Eötvös Loránd University, Research Ethics Committee, Research Group on Innovation and Equality in Education. His recent work analyzes contextual factors in student belonging, adaptive testing formulas, and pandemic impacts on learning. He contributes to debates on reliability metrics like Cronbach’s alpha and institutional factors shaping educational outcomes.
Karen Berkowitz, MD, is an Associate Professor and Associate Dean for Medical Student Research at Drexel University College of Medicine, affiliated with the Departments of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and Obstetrics & Gynecology. Her clinical expertise includes infertility, in vitro fertilization, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). She holds board certifications in obstetrics/gynecology and reproductive endocrinology/infertility. Education: MD: Albert Einstein College of Medicine (1993), Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society Residency: Obstetrics & Gynecology at Yale New Haven Hospital (1993–1997) Fellowship: Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility at University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine (1997–2000) Research Interests: Dr. Berkowitz focuses on molecular mechanisms of mammalian germ cell development, particularly the role of CHTF18 in gametogenesis and meiotic processes. Her work explores how defects in these pathways contribute to infertility and aneuploidy. She employs mouse models to study chromosome segregation and reproductive disorders. Key Contributions: Her studies on Chtf18 deficiency reveal critical roles in meiotic recombination and embryonic viability, advancing understanding of infertility and genetic disorders. Awards: Top Doctor, Philadelphia Magazine (2018) Alpha Omega Alpha National Honor Society NIH Women's Reproductive Health Research Career Development Award Advising & Grants: Dr. Berkowitz mentors students in reproductive biology and molecular genetics. Her research is supported by NIH grants, focusing on reproductive health and genomic integrity. Labs/Teams: Her laboratory integrates molecular genetics, cell biology, and mouse models to study gametogenesis and infertility mechanisms.
Dr. Kia Saeian is a Professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), specializing in gastroenterology and transplant hepatology. He holds board certifications in Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, and Transplant Hepatology. His clinical practice focuses on liver diseases, including viral hepatitis, end-stage liver disease, hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver transplantation. He has authored numerous publications on hepatic encephalopathy and viral hepatitis, and has directed gastroenterology training programs since joining MCW in 1999. Dr. Saeian has been recognized as a Top Doctor by Milwaukee Magazine and America’s Best Doctors. Education and Training: MD: University of California, San Diego School of Medicine (1992) Residency: Medical College of Wisconsin (1992–1995) Chief Medical Resident: MCW Affiliated Hospitals (1995–1996) Fellowship in Gastroenterology: MCW Affiliated Hospitals (1996–1999) Fellowship in Liver Diseases: University of Miami (1997–1998) Research Interests: Dr. Saeian’s work addresses complex gastrointestinal cases, with a focus on clinical management of advanced liver diseases. His publications emphasize diagnostic approaches for hepatic encephalopathy, hepatitis C treatment strategies, and complications of cirrhosis such as ascites and variceal bleeding. He also explores public health aspects of liver cancer disparities linked to residential segregation. Professional Contributions: His textbook Managing Complex Cases in Gastroenterology: A Curbside Guide (2023) provides clinical guidance for challenging cases. He maintains affiliations with Froedtert Hospital, where he oversees liver transplant evaluations and post-transplant care. Awards: America’s Best Doctors Milwaukee Magazine’s Top Doctor Advocacy and Service: Dr. Saeian has contributed to educational programs, mentoring over 20 gastroenterology trainees. His research extends to ecological studies on health equity, particularly in liver cancer mortality patterns.
Nausheen Husain is an Assistant Professor in the Magazine, News and Digital Journalism department at Syracuse University's S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communication. She is a tenure-track faculty member specializing in data journalism, civil liberties issues, and coverage of Muslim communities in the context of the 'War on Terror.' As a 2023-2025 Lender Center for Social Justice faculty fellow, she leads research examining American news coverage of post-9/11 security infrastructures and their impact on Muslim communities. Her research interests focus on the intersection of data journalism and underrepresented communities, particularly examining how surveillance, incarceration, and civil liberties issues affect Muslim Americans. She investigates how media coverage shapes public understanding of 'War on Terror' infrastructures, including communication management units, FBI stings targeting young Muslim men, and surveillance operations in Muslim neighborhoods. Her work emphasizes using data analysis and documents-focused reporting to bolster stories about civil rights issues and inequities. Husain's recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on civil liberties, incarceration systems, and the impacts of security policies on marginalized communities. Her investigative work often employs FOIA requests and data analysis to uncover patterns in prison conditions, surveillance practices, and policy implementation. She has developed expertise in using R and Python for data parsing, Datawrapper for visualization, and MAXQDA for research-based data analysis. Scientific Awards: 2023-2025 Lender Center for Social Justice faculty fellow Husain actively mentors students in data journalism practices and has incorporated Newhouse students into investigative projects, such as the analysis of Muslims affected by the 2017 Muslim Ban. Her academic research connects with practical journalism applications, focusing on how data can be used to cover underrepresented communities while maintaining ethical standards. She frequently speaks about news coverage of the 'War on Terror,' data journalism techniques, and the limitations of using data in reporting. Husain leads projects including 'Islam For Reporters,' which tracks anti-Muslim hate crime data and provides resources on Islam-related terminology, and 'Driving Force,' an investigation into New York state police vehicle crashes. Her approach combines technical data skills with deep community engagement, particularly with Muslim communities affected by security policies.
Melinda Erdmann is a Research Fellow at the WZB Berlin Social Science Center, focusing on educational inequality, guidance counseling, and post-secondary education decisions. She leads the ZuBAb project examining future and career plans of high school students. Previously, she researched first-year university experiences and study success at the University of Potsdam. Her work emphasizes experimental methods, such as randomized controlled trials, to evaluate interventions addressing educational disparities. Erdmann holds a Magister in Sociology from the University of Potsdam (2012), with minors in Philosophy and Business Administration. She has extensive experience in higher education studies, including roles as Deputy Director of the Centre for Quality Development at the University of Potsdam and as an exchange student at the University of Technology Sydney. Her research interests span educational policy, gender studies, and social stratification, with a focus on reducing inequality through effective counseling programs. She has collaborated on projects funded by Germany's Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), investigating interventions to improve educational transitions. Erdmann's recent publications highlight the impact of guidance counseling on university enrollment, gender segregation in higher education, and methodological advancements in evaluating educational interventions. Her work bridges academic research with practical policy recommendations, aiming to enhance equity in education systems. No scientific awards are explicitly mentioned in her profile, though her contributions to educational equity research are widely recognized. Erdmann is affiliated with the Research Department Skill Formation and Labor Markets at WZB, contributing to interdisciplinary teams studying labor market dynamics and skill development.
Barzoo Eliassi is a Professor of Social Work with dual affiliations at Linnaeus University in Sweden and York University in Canada. At Linnaeus University, he is part of the Department of Social Work within the Faculty of Social Sciences, where he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses. In August 2022, he was promoted to full Professor in Social Work at York University, Canada. Previously, he served as program coordinator for the master's program in Social Work at Linnaeus University (2019-2021) and worked as a postdoctoral researcher at Lund University's Center for Middle Eastern Studies (2011-2013) and at Oxford University's International Migration Institute (2014). His research focuses on ethnic relations, social policy, citizenship, and multiculturalism in Middle Eastern and West European societies, with particular emphasis on Kurdish and Palestinian diasporas. Key areas of investigation include statelessness, political belonging in a world of nation-states, welfare policy, politics of belonging, identity formation, and youth studies. His work consistently examines how diasporic communities navigate issues of identity, belonging, and political recognition in host societies. Eliassi's publication record shows a strong trajectory of scholarly output from 2005 to present, with recent works increasingly focusing on statelessness, minority rights in Iran, and Kurdish diaspora experiences across multiple national contexts. His research combines qualitative methodologies with critical theoretical frameworks to examine how marginalized communities negotiate their place within national and transnational spaces. Reviewed research fund applications for SSHRC in Canada Reviewed positions for Max Weber Centre in Germany Peer reviewer for over 27 international academic journals Reviewed book proposals for major academic presses He serves on the editorial boards of the Journal of Qualitative Social Work, Education Sciences, International Journal of Kurdish Studies, and several other academic publications. Eliassi has participated in dissertation committees at multiple universities including Lund, Malmö, Mid Sweden, Uppsala, and Stockholm Universities, and has served as an opponent at Leicester University, University of Helsinki, and Oslo University. Currently, he supervises three doctoral students - two as principal supervisor at Linnaeus University and one as second supervisor at Bielefeld University in Germany. He is actively involved in multiple research clusters including the Cluster for Nordic Colonialism, Social Work and Migration research group, and the Cluster for Borders of Justice: Migration, Equity, and the Global Postcolonial Order at Linnaeus University Centre for Concurrences in Colonial and Postcolonial Studies.
Ismael Blanco Fillola is a Full Professor at the Department of Political Science and Public Law of the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), holding Advanced Research accreditation from AQU. His research focuses on urban inequality, socio-spatial segregation, social innovation, and participatory governance. He has held prestigious research positions at Pompeu Fabra University (Ramon y Cajal), De Montfort University (Beatriu de Pinós), and Brazilian institutions. Current director of the UAB-based IGOP and member of SGR i-GOP, he previously coordinated the SGR Urban Governance, Commons, Internet and Social Innovation (URGOCIS). PhD in Political Science (UAB) Advanced Research accreditation (AQU) Research Interests: Blanco investigates how urban social infrastructure fosters cohesion in metropolitan contexts, analyzing institutional responses to inequality. His work bridges social innovation, austerity governance, and urban policy networks, emphasizing civic capacity and political resistance. Scientific Awards: Ramon y Cajal researcher Beatriu de Pinós researcher Contact: ismael.blanco@uab.cat
Adelina Iftene is an Associate Professor of Law at the Schulich School of Law, Dalhousie University, and Coordinator of the Criminal Justice Certificate Program. She specializes in criminal law, evidence, sentencing, and prison policy, with a focus on prison health care, aging prisoners’ rights, and access to justice. Her research addresses systemic issues in Canadian penitentiaries, including compassionate release mechanisms, end-of-life care, and pandemic management. Education: LLB (Babes-Bolyai University, Romania) LLM (Queen’s University) PhD (Queen’s University) LLB Accreditation (Canadian Federation of Law Societies) Research Interests: Prison law, sentencing reform, Charter rights of incarcerated individuals, medical assistance in dying for prisoners, and the intersection of public health and criminal justice during crises such as the pandemic. Awards: President’s Research Excellence Award (2020) Hanna & Harold Barnett Teaching Award (2019) SSHRC Post-doctoral Fellowship (2015–2017) Advising & Grants: Leads projects on sentencing vulnerability, prison mother-child programs, and pandemic policies. Holds grants from SSHRC and institutional funding for penal policy research. Supervises students in criminal justice and sentencing studies. Labs/Teams: Member of the Dalhousie Health Justice Institute and the Prison Law Advisory Committee (Legal Aid Ontario). Active in advocacy roles like the Canadian Association of Prison Lawyers.
Steven Waller is a Professor and Associate Department Head in the Department of Recreation and Sport Management at the University of Tennessee, within the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences. His academic career spans over three decades, with leadership roles including Co-Director of the Sport and Religion Research Alliance. Education: He holds a DMin in Pastoral Care and Counseling from United Theological Seminary, a PhD in Parks & Recreation Administration from Michigan State University, and additional degrees in Public Administration and Recreation Management from the University of Michigan and Central Michigan University. Research focuses on organizational behavior in recreation/sport organizations, diversity equity inclusion (DEI), and the intersection of religion and sport. Notable areas include barriers to career advancement for minorities, institutional evil in organizational culture, and sport chaplaincy professionalization. Recent projects examine African American career mobility patterns and the impact of religiosity on athlete families. Key publications address sport chaplaincy identity formation, compassion fatigue in therapeutic settings, and systemic racial inequities in sport structures. His work bridges faith-based practices with sport management through interdisciplinary frameworks. Received 2021 CEHHS Equity Summer Institute Certification 2017 Literary Award from Christian Society for Kinesiology 2015 Meritorious Service Award (Knox County Parks Board) Teaching incorporates Jack Mezirow's Transformative Learning Theory, emphasizing critical reflection and adult learning styles. Current appointments include Editorial Board roles for multiple journals, and leadership in diversity initiatives through UTK's Division of Diversity and Engagement. Active in community service: Board member of Project GRAD Knoxville and the International Sports Chaplaincy Federation. Serves on editorial boards for Journal of the Christian Society for Kinesiology , Journal of Public Management and Social Policy , and others. Led the 2020 Special Issue on Diversity in Aquatics for International Journal of Aquatics Research and Education , addressing systemic barriers in swimming access and equity initiatives.
Dr Ben Brindle is a Researcher at the Migration Observatory within the Centre on Migration, Policy and Society (COMPAS). His work focuses on UK immigration policy, economic impacts of migration, and visa systems. He holds a PhD from the University of Brighton, examining labor market responses to immigration post-2008 financial crisis. Previously, he contributed to migration research at the International Organization for Migration (IOM), supporting reports on global migration topics. Education: PhD in Migration Studies (University of Brighton, 2022) His research interests prioritize the interplay between migration policies and labor markets, including work visas, economic contributions of migrants, and systemic challenges faced by immigrants. Recent work has analyzed housing access, language proficiency, and immigration fees in the UK context. Publications reflect a focus on contemporary UK migration dynamics, with notable analyses on net migration trends, pandemic-era mobility restrictions, and migrant settlement patterns. He has also explored the economic consequences of migration, including earnings trajectories and labor market integration. Ben’s contributions to the Migration Observatory and IOM highlight his expertise in translating complex migration data into actionable policy insights. He collaborates across disciplines, bridging sociology, economics, and public policy to address multifaceted migration challenges.
Dr. Julie Norman is an Associate Professor (Teaching) in Politics and International Relations at University College London (UCL), specializing in conflict, political violence, Middle East politics, and foreign policy. She holds a PhD from American University and a BA from Duke University. She coordinates UCL's Israel-Palestine Initiative and is a Senior Associate Fellow at RUSI. Her research focuses on protracted conflicts, particularly in the Middle East, using mixed methods to analyze security, rights, and resistance. She has authored/co-authored books such as Gaza: The Dream and the Nightmare (2025), The Palestinian Prisoners Movement (2021), and Understanding Nonviolence (2015). She also leads consultancy projects on conflict sensitivity and resilience for organizations like Christian Aid and UNDP. Dr. Norman is a frequent media commentator on BBC, CNN, and Al Jazeera, and hosts the podcast UCL Uncovering Politics . Her work bridges academia and practice, contributing to policy through expert analysis for governments and international bodies. Education: PhD in International Relations, American University (Washington, DC) BA, Duke University Research Interests: Conflict dynamics, nonviolent resistance, Middle East politics, peacebuilding, political imprisonment, and counterterrorism strategies. Her recent work emphasizes Gaza's political history and public opinion on polarization. Key Contributions: Over 20 years of scholarship on Palestinian resistance, U.S. foreign policy, and humanitarian conflict zones. Her articles span political psychology, security studies, and Middle East policy, with a focus on resilience and grassroots movements. Consultancy & Grants: Led projects on conflict sensitivity for Christian Aid, UNDP Lebanon, and the EU’s Radicalisation Awareness Network. Her work integrates field research in Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Labs/Teams: Coordinates UCL’s Israel-Palestine Initiative and collaborates with RUSI on international security.
Robert A. Margo is a Professor of Economics at Boston University and a Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research. His work focuses on the economic history of the United States, particularly the growth of manufacturing in the 19th century, labor economics, and racial economic disparities. He holds a PhD from Harvard University. Research interests include industrialization, urbanization, wage inequality, and the long-term impacts of technological change. His recent work examines mechanisms like mechanization and automation in historical contexts, as well as urban development patterns and gentrification dynamics. Notable contributions include studies on the de-skilling effects in 19th-century manufacturing, the role of railroads in economic development, and the historical roots of racial inequality in wealth and housing. Margo has authored/co-authored six books and over 170 research articles, reflecting his deep engagement with both historical and contemporary economic challenges.
Prof. Jochen E. Gebauer leads the Chair of Cross-Cultural Social and Personality Psychology at the School of Social Sciences. His research focuses on self-concept from social and personality psychology perspectives, emphasizing cross-cultural approaches to identify universal processes. Key interests include agency, communion, religiosity, and their interplay with personality traits and societal contexts. His work explores topics such as obesity’s societal impacts, religiosity’s psychological benefits, and cultural influences on personality. Publications span over two decades, addressing global challenges like pandemics and segregation. Though no specific awards or grants are noted, his contributions highlight interdisciplinary collaborations across psychology, sociology, and public health. His team investigates themes like leadership dynamics, secularization trends, and the psychological effects of social stratification. While no student advisees are listed here, his research lab’s activities emphasize empirical studies combining large-scale data with cultural theory.
Hanna Bäckström Olofsson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Social Work at Umeå University. Her work bridges Gender Studies, Public Health, and Social Work, focusing on issues of social inequality, gender-based violence, and feminist activism. She leads the project *Negotiating the risk of segregation* examining responses to socioeconomic segregation in Umeå, and co-leads research on social services' approaches to gender-based violence. Her postdoctoral work focuses on feminist youth empowerment centers in Sweden. She holds a PhD in Gender Studies (2020) from Umeå University, exploring altruism and activism in civil society. Her research interests include feminist ethics, community development, digital activism, and the intersection of public policy with gendered violence. Notable projects include analyzing how social services identify violence through question-centered protocols and studying peer-support networks for young women's mental health. She has contributed to over 15 peer-reviewed articles since 2015, addressing topics from migrant ideologies to app-based interventions against violence. Education: PhD (Gender Studies, Umeå University, 2020) Grants: Involved in projects funded by Forte (2021–2025) and others Labs/Teams: Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams in social work, gender studies, and public health Her work emphasizes practical interventions while critiquing systemic barriers, blending theoretical frameworks from feminist ethics with participatory research methods.
Sheila Cavanagh is a Professor of Sociology and former Coordinator of Sexuality Studies at York University, with affiliations to the Graduate Program in Social and Political Thought. Her research bridges psychoanalytic theory, queer studies, and transgender scholarship through frameworks including feminist, cultural, and soma-technical approaches. Cavanagh examines gender embodiment, bathroom politics, unconscious bias training, and psychoanalytic practices through Lacanian and Ettingerian lenses. Recent work explores anti-Black racism in the Anthropocene, transgender subjectivity, and the intersection of psychoanalysis with critical race theory. Her scholarship develops concepts like the 'hygienic imagination' to analyze spatial politics of gendered spaces. Publications include the books 'Queering Bathrooms' and 'Sexing the Teacher', alongside extensive journal articles on psychoanalytic sociology. She maintains a private psychotherapy practice and is a clinical candidate at the Lacanian School of Psychoanalysis.
