Alyssa Newman, PhD is a Senior Research Scholar at the Kennedy Institute of Ethics and Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology at Georgetown University. Previously, she held positions as the Hecht-Levi Postdoctoral Fellow at Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics (2020-2022) and the Hixon-Riggs Early Career Fellow in Science and Technology Studies at Harvey Mudd College (2018-2020). Her research focuses on assisted reproductive technologies, racial health disparities, and multiracial identity formation. Educationally, she earned her PhD in Sociology with a doctoral emphasis in Black Studies from UC Santa Barbara (2015) and a BA in Sociology from UC Berkeley with minors in African American Studies and Demography. She teaches courses on the sociology of health/illness and technology/human reproduction at Georgetown. Her work bridges sociology, bioethics, and science & technology studies, addressing intersections of race, gender, and technology in healthcare systems and family formations. Courses she teaches integrate empirical research with critical analysis of institutional structures impacting marginalized communities.
Katina Sawyer is an Associate Professor of Management and Organizations at the Eller College of Management , University of Arizona. She joined Eller in 2022, prior to which she served as Assistant Professor of Management at George Washington University and Assistant Professor of Psychology in Human Resource Development at Villanova University. Education: PhD in Psychology (Industrial-Organizational) and Women's Studies, Pennsylvania State University (2012) BA in Psychology, Villanova University (2006) Research Interests: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Organizations Employee Well-being and Positive Organizational Scholarship Work-Family Dynamics and Transgender Workplace Experiences Mindfulness, Gratitude, and Prosocial Behavior Intersectionality and Layered Discrimination Publication Trends: Sawyer's recent work explores DEI interventions, ethical leadership, and psychological mechanisms in workplace discrimination. Her studies span journals like Administrative Science Quarterly , Journal of Applied Psychology , and Human Resource Management , focusing on marginalized identities and organizational well-being. Scientific Awards: Outstanding Publication in Positive Organizational Scholarship (2022) SIOP Scientist-Practitioner Presidential Distinction (2019) SIOP’s LGBT Research Award (2016-2018) Multiple teaching and editorial excellence awards Grants & Service: Recipient of National Science Foundation and Society for Human Resource Management grants. Active editorial board member for Journal of Applied Psychology , Journal of Organizational Behavior , and Journal of Business and Psychology .
Anniken Sørlie serves as an Associate Professor of Law at the Department of Social Sciences within the Faculty of Social Sciences at Oslo Metropolitan University. Her academic career spans multiple institutions including the University of Oslo and Østfold University College, with expertise in human rights law, particularly focusing on vulnerable populations. Sørlie holds leadership roles in professional organizations including JURK – Legal Advice for Women and The European Commission on Sexual Orientation Law (ECSOL), where she contributes to shaping legal frameworks for gender and sexual diversity in Norway and internationally. Doctorate in Law, University of Oslo (2018) - Thesis: "The Right to Gender Identity: A Grounded Life Cycle Perspective" Master's Degree in Law, University of Oslo (2012) Bachelor's Degree in European and American Studies, University of Oslo (2009) Professor Sørlie's research primarily focuses on the legal rights of LGBT individuals in Norway, with special emphasis on transgender rights and the intersection of gender identity with legal frameworks. Her work critically examines how laws impact people in vulnerable situations, particularly regarding privacy rights, protection against discrimination, and access to healthcare. She has made significant contributions to understanding compensation mechanisms for victims of violence following extreme events and the legal aspects of welfare benefits. Her scholarship bridges theoretical legal analysis with practical implications for policy development and social justice initiatives. Sørlie's recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on gender identity, transgender rights, and inclusive legal frameworks. Her work spans children's rights, elderly care, workplace inclusion, and reproductive justice, revealing how cisnormative structures within legal systems create barriers for transgender individuals. The publications show a progression from foundational legal analysis toward practical interventions for creating more inclusive societies, with increasing attention to intersectional approaches that consider how gender identity intersects with other aspects of identity and social position. His Majesty the King's Gold Medal (2019) for doctoral thesis "The Right to Gender Identity: A Grounded Life Cycle Perspective" As an educator, Sørlie teaches human rights, administrative law, and welfare law at both bachelor's and master's levels, with specific focus on children's rights, social security, and health law. She serves as an examiner at the University of Oslo's Faculty of Law and other educational institutions, contributing to the development of future legal professionals. Her external engagements include board membership with JURK – Legal Advice for Women, active participation in the European Commission on Sexual Orientation Law, and previous service on Norway's Equality and Discrimination Board, demonstrating her commitment to applying academic expertise to real-world legal challenges. Sørlie participates in the "Living conditions, health, work and social inequality" research group at OsloMet, contributing to interdisciplinary work that connects legal scholarship with broader social science perspectives. Her involvement in projects like "LAW22JULY: RIPPLES" demonstrates her engagement with research teams addressing the legal aftermath of significant societal events. She collaborates with researchers across institutions including the University of Oslo and Oslo Pride to advance understanding of transgender experiences in Norwegian society.
Kedrick James is a Teaching Professor in the Department of Language and Literacy Education at the Faculty of Education, University of British Columbia Okanagan . As of July 2, 2024, he serves as the Interim Director of the Okanagan School of Education, a role reflecting his leadership and advisory contributions to academic excellence and mentorship. Research Focus: Intersections of language, ecology, and technology; decolonizing education; digital arts-based methods; automation of literacy; socio-cultural impacts of digital media. Projects: Founder of PhoneMe (place-based poetry app) and Singling (text sonification software for accessibility). Leads the Digital Literacy Centre and The Patch (digital arts-based research). Research Trends: His recent publications emphasize digital literacies , transmediation , and collaborative methodologies in education. Works like Text Sonification and PhoneMe Poetry highlight innovative approaches to accessibility and community engagement. Awards: Murray Elliott Service Award for Outstanding Contributions to Teacher Education (2018) Advisory Roles: Active in curriculum development, teacher education, and advancing social justice and ecological preservation in Boundary Country. Grants include unspecified funding for projects like PhoneMe and Singling.
Rigel Oliveri is the Isabella Wade and Paul C. Lyda Professor of Law at the University of Missouri School of Law. Her expertise spans fair housing law, civil rights, and constitutional law, with a focus on housing discrimination, zoning, and sexual harassment. She teaches courses in Constitutional Law, Fair Housing, Employment Discrimination, and Civil Procedure. Her research has appeared in prestigious journals and influenced judicial decisions. She co-authored key casebooks such as The Right to Fair Housing and Sexual Harassment Law , and co-edited The Legal Guide to Affordable Housing Development . Her work includes analyses of disparate impact claims, gender discrimination, and policy reform. Scientific awards include the U.S. Attorney General's Special Commendation (2003) and multiple teaching and public service accolades. She has served as Associate Dean for Research (2009–2015), Commissioner for the Columbia Housing Authority, and Board member of Mid-Missouri Legal Services.
Joowon Park is Associate Professor of Anthropology and Chair of the Anthropology Department at Skidmore College, where he also directs the Asian Studies Program. His research and teaching integrate political anthropology, migration studies, and Korean studies, with particular attention to violence, refugee resettlement, and humanitarian governance. Education: Ph.D. in Anthropology, American University M.A. in Anthropology, American University B.A., DePauw University Research Interests: Park’s scholarship centers on the intersections of violence, migration, and state power. He examines how North Korean migrants navigate resettlement in South Korea and beyond, highlighting the gendered, classed, and racialized dimensions of humanitarian intervention. His ethnographic work reveals the invisible forms of violence embedded in resettlement policies, family reunions, and transnational kinship practices. Publication Trends: Across his peer-reviewed articles and 2022 monograph Belonging in a House Divided , Park consistently foregrounds ethnographic accounts of North Korean defectors to critique both state and humanitarian regimes. Sub-themes include transnational mothering, remittance economies, and the politics of reconciliation in divided Korea. Grants & Awards: ASIANetwork Freeman Student-Faculty Fellowship Grant (2023) AAS Northeast Asia Council Research Travel Grant (2019) NSF Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grant (2013) Wenner-Gren Foundation Dissertation Fieldwork Grant (2013) Social Science Research Council Korean Studies Dissertation Workshop Fellow (2014) Explorers Club Washington Group Exploration and Field Research Grant (2012) Robyn Rafferty Mathias Grant for International Research (2011, 2012) Teaching & Advising: Park offers courses ranging from introductory cultural anthropology to specialized seminars on power and violence, migration and diaspora, and Korean popular culture. His classes are cross-listed with Asian Studies and International Affairs, reflecting his interdisciplinary orientation. While specific student names are not provided, he mentors majors through Skidmore’s honors program and supervises collaborative research funded by external grants. Labs & Institutional Service: As Department Chair he oversees curriculum development, faculty searches, and the Skidmore Archaeological Collection. He coordinates the Asian Studies Program’s events and curriculum, fostering campus-wide engagement with East Asian scholarship.
Zornitsa Kalibatseva, Ph.D., is a faculty member in the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Stockton University, affiliated with the Psychology department. Her research focuses on cross-cultural psychopathology, particularly examining cultural variations in depression experience and assessment among underrepresented groups like Asians, Asian Americans, Hispanics, and Iranians. Academic Rank: Researcher University: Stockton University Department: Psychology Her work explores cultural validity in clinical diagnosis, mental health stigma, and evidence-based psychotherapy adaptations for diverse populations. Recent research trends highlight parenting styles, acculturation challenges, eHealth literacy, and pandemic-related mental health disparities. Scientific awards or honors are not explicitly mentioned in the provided texts. She actively mentors student research assistants, emphasizing skills like literature review, data analysis (SPSS), IRB compliance, and conference presentation. Her lab prioritizes ethical research conduct and professional development. For collaboration or lab opportunities, contact her at Zornitsa.Kalibatseva@stockton.edu . Her lab welcomes students with a 3.3 GPA or higher and prior statistical methods coursework.
Cameron McKenzie is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Social Work at Wilfrid Laurier University. Their research focuses on social determinants of health, LGBTQ+ health equity, learning disabilities in postsecondary education, social inequalities, and social policy analysis. They actively engage in community-driven research to inform policy agendas and advocate for marginalized groups, particularly queer and disabled populations. Research interests include exploring barriers to postsecondary education for students with learning disabilities, analyzing the intersections of neoliberalism and social work practices, and investigating gaps in LGBTQ+ inclusion within healthcare policies and accreditation standards. Their work often bridges academic inquiry with grassroots activism, emphasizing actionable policy recommendations. Key research trends across their publications address systemic inequities faced by queer communities in Canada, including policy analysis of LGBTQ+ health strategies and the impact of neoliberal structures on social work education and practice. They also examine global advocacy efforts to advance SOGI (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity) rights at institutions like the United Nations. Student opportunities are available for those interested in co-authoring research on social justice, health equity, and policy advocacy. Their work often involves collaborations with community organizations to ensure research is grounded in real-world needs. Dr. McKenzie’s office is located at DAL213, 97 Dalhousie St., and they are available by appointment for consultations.
Dr. Chris Priestnall is a Lecturer in Organisational Behaviour and Human Resource Management at the Hull University Business School (HUBS), part of the University of Hull's Faculty of Business, Law and Politics. Transitioning from a management career in London, he completed an MSc (Distinction, 2015) and PhD (2024) at HUBS. He progressed from a part-time lecturer role to full-time faculty in 2018 and currently serves as the PGT Education Lead, overseeing postgraduate teaching and delivering Study Skills and Research Methods to MSc students. BA (Open University) MSc Human Resource Management (University of Hull, Distinction) PhD in Leadership and LGBT Identity (University of Hull, 2024) PCAP (Professional Certificate in Academic Practice) His research focuses on LGBT leadership identity, exploring how competing identities influence leadership perceptions. He actively contributes to academic communities through teaching and curriculum development in business education.
Jonathan Cook is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at Pennsylvania State University, affiliated with the College of Liberal Arts. His research focuses on social identity threat processes and their impacts on cognitive, emotional, and physiological outcomes. Education: Ph.D. from University of Oregon (2007) Research Interests: Explores how societal threats to identity (based on race, gender, chronic illness) undermine psychological needs for belonging and control. Develops interventions to mitigate these effects and investigates technology's psychological implications. Methodology: Uses experimental designs (lab/field), longitudinal assessments, and advanced statistical modeling to analyze complex social dynamics. Labs: Leads the Group Identity and Social Perception Lab, focusing on social power, stigma, and identity concealment mechanisms.
Jennifer Lundquist is a Professor of Sociology and Senior Associate Dean of Research in the College of Social & Behavioral Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Her scholarship focuses on racial, ethnic, and gender inequalities across institutional settings including the workplace, online dating platforms, and the U.S. military. She employs mixed methods ranging from big data analysis to qualitative interviews, often examining how institutions perpetuate or mitigate disparities. Education Joint Ph.D. in Sociology & Demography, University of Pennsylvania (2004) Research Interests : Racial hierarchies in digital intimacy, military's role in health/family inequality, institutional impacts on welfare systems, and demographic analysis of life course patterns. Her work frequently addresses how technology reshapes social divisions. Recent Publication Trends : 2018-2025 articles focus on digital platforms' influence on racial inequality, military's mitigating effects on segregation, and institutional impacts on intimate relationships. Key subfields include algorithmic bias, military family policy, and criminal record discrimination. Scientific Awards Best Article of the Year for Excellence in Research on Military and Veteran Families (2015) Grants : Funded by National Science Foundation, Mellon Foundation, and Humboldt Foundation. Research has been featured in Time, Newsweek, Washington Post, New York Times, and NPR. Leadership Roles : Senior Associate Dean of Research and Faculty Development (UMass), Co-Principal Investigator for Online College Social Life Survey (OCSLS2.0), and textbook coauthor of Demography: The Study of Human Population (4th ed).
Dr. Magdalena L. Barrera serves as the inaugural Vice Provost for Faculty Success at San José State University (SJSU) , where she leads initiatives in faculty recruitment, retention, and professional advancement. She is a Professor in the Department of Chicana and Chicano Studies within the College of Social Sciences , with a Ph.D. in Modern Thought and Literature from Stanford University (2006) and a B.A. in English and Latin American Studies from the University of Chicago (1997). Education Doctor of Philosophy, Modern Thought and Literature, Stanford University, 2006 Bachelor of Arts, English and Latin American Studies, University of Chicago, 1997 Her research focuses on the experiences of historically underserved students and faculty in higher education, with a particular emphasis on Latinx identity, graduate education, and asset-minded pedagogies. She co-authored The Latinx Guide to Graduate School (Duke University Press, 2023), which addresses institutional barriers for marginalized students. Dr. Barrera’s publications span topics in Chicanx history, pedagogy, and media representation. Notably, her work explores Americanization curricula, Latinx student engagement, and the intersection of cultural identity with academic success. Scientific Awards Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellow (1996-97) Institute for Citizens and Scholars Career Enhancement Fellow (2011-12) As a former Faculty-in-Residence for Diversifying the Faculty and Faculty Fellow at the Chicanx/Latinx Student Success Center, Dr. Barrera has advanced diversity initiatives through institutional partnerships. Her leadership roles include chairing the Department of Chicana and Chicano Studies and directing the Ethnic Studies Collaborative at SJSU. Dr. Barrera also authored the Diversity Toolkit for SJSU’s First Year Experience courses, which includes an annotated bibliography of diversity-focused readings and adaptable classroom activities across disciplines.
Aprile D. Benner is a Professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences at the University of Texas at Austin , where she has been since completing her Ph.D. at UCLA. Her research examines developmental processes among marginalized youth, focusing on Discrimination experiences School transitions Biopsychosocial health pathways Ecological contexts Her methodological expertise combines quantitative longitudinal analysis with mixed-method designs , as evidenced by her NIH, NSF, and Spencer Foundation grants. Notable awards include Association for Psychological Science Fellow (2020) National Academy of Education/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship Ruth L. Kirchstein NRSA Fellowship A key contributor to developmental demography , she leads UT Austin's Mosaic Lab while mentoring students like *Harrington, M.K.* and *Chen, S.*. Her 2025 meta-analytic work on pandemic impacts and 2024 epigenetic studies on structural racism demonstrate her commitment to equity-focused developmental science .
Adam Stephens serves as Associate Professor in the Counselor Education Department within the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences at State University of New Paltz. Holding a Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision and M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Tennessee, he was promoted from Assistant Professor (2017-2024) to his current position in 2024. His educational background includes: Ph.D. Counselor Education & Supervision - University of Tennessee M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling - University of Tennessee Dr. Stephens' research examines critical issues in counselor sustainability through three interconnected domains: counselor burnout and wellness (applying the indivisible self model to early-career professionals), group counseling dynamics (including virtual facilitation techniques and practicum training), and multicultural advocacy (exploring chosen family structures and aromantic identities). His work bridges clinical practice with social justice imperatives, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ populations and substance use counseling. His research trajectory shows increasing focus on digital counseling modalities and identity-affirming practices since 2021, with recent publications addressing virtual group facilitation and underrepresented relationship structures. Notable honors include: College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Teacher of the Year (2023-24) Two Association for Specialists in Group Work President's Awards for Extraordinary Service (2021-2022, 2023-2024) Dr. Stephens actively shapes the profession through leadership roles as President of the New York Association for Counselor Education & Supervision (2023-2024) and Co-Chair of the Association for Specialists in Group Work Special Initiatives Committee. His teaching portfolio spans Ethics & Professional Identity, Counseling Theories, Couple & Family Counseling, and Substance Use Counseling. He maintains active membership in the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision, American Counseling Association, and Association for Specialists in Group Work while holding National Certified Counselor status (#275512). His office (WH 314) hours support student engagement through weekly availability Monday 5-6PM, Wednesday 3:30-4:30PM, and Thursday 1-3PM.
Adam M. McCready is an Assistant Professor at the University of Connecticut , focusing on higher education contexts. His research bridges social psychology, gender studies, and media studies. Academic Rank: Assistant Professor University: University of Connecticut Email: adam.mccready@uconn.edu McCready’s research centers on gender dynamics in student organizations , social media impacts on college students , racial equity in educational environments , and hazing behaviors . He frequently examines how masculinity norms influence fraternity culture and student well-being . Recent work explores digital communication patterns and queer inclusion in Greek life. McCready’s publications span topics including social justice orientation in student organizations, relational leadership development , and instrument validation for racialized aggression metrics . His longitudinal studies analyze how traditional masculine norms correlate with hazing motivations and substance use in fraternities.
