Marilyn Markel serves as Assistant Professor of Economics at Illinois College since Fall 2021, based in Kirby Learning Center Room 236 with contact number 217.245.3377. Her academic credentials include: Ph.D. in Applied Economics, Western Michigan University M.A. in Applied Economics, Western Michigan University B.S. in Applied Mathematics, Actuarial Science, Ferris State University B.S. in Finance, Real Estate, Ferris State University Research centers on Labor Economics and LGBTQ+ Studies intersection, specifically analyzing poverty, earnings, and suicide rate disparities between sexual/gender minorities and heterosexual/cisgender populations. Current work involves developing open-response labor outcomes surveys capturing sexual orientation and gender identity. Additional expertise spans Development Economics and survey methodology. Professional recognition includes: APPAM Equity and Inclusion Fellowship AEASP Outstanding Research Fellow Award at Michigan State University As a first-generation college student and queer woman, she integrates lived experience into scholarship while maintaining passions in cultural humility and sexology outside formal research.
Matthew Capriotti is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at San Jose State University's College of Social Sciences. His research focuses on behavioral treatments for Tourette Syndrome and LGBTQ+ health, particularly examining social determinants affecting transgender and gender-diverse populations. Academic Affiliation: Department of Psychology, College of Social Sciences, San Jose State University Email: matthew.capriotti@sjsu.edu Matthew's work in tic disorders spans over a decade, concentrating on non-drug interventions like Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) and developing telehealth adaptations. His LGBTQ+ health research investigates healthcare disparities, contraceptive use challenges, chronic pain issues, and resilience mechanisms against discrimination and stigma. Key research themes include: Translational studies bridging basic science and clinical application Development of affirming healthcare frameworks for gender-diverse populations Psychometric validation of assessment tools across diverse gender identities Analysis of minority stress impacts on substance use patterns Advocacy for policy changes improving healthcare access His publications demonstrate cross-disciplinary expertise in behavioral psychology, public health, and gender studies, with recent work focusing on virtual treatment delivery and intersectional health analyses.
Catherine E. Leimkuhler Grimes is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Delaware's College of Arts & Sciences, where she leads a research program at the chemistry-biology interface. Her laboratory develops innovative chemical tools to investigate bacterial cell wall biosynthesis and host immune recognition mechanisms. Her educational background includes a B.S. in Chemistry from Villanova University (2001), M.S. in Chemistry from Princeton University (2003), and Ph.D. in Chemistry and Chemical Biology from Harvard University (2007), followed by a Cancer Research Institute Postdoctoral Fellowship at Harvard/Massachusetts General Hospital (2007-2011). Dr. Leimkuhler Grimes' research focuses on chemical biology approaches to understand innate immune responses to bacterial pathogens, particularly through the development of synthetic carbohydrate probes that mimic peptidoglycan intermediates. Her work integrates organic synthesis, molecular biology, and biochemical techniques to study how bacterial cell wall components trigger immune responses relevant to inflammatory bowel disease and other immune disorders. The lab emphasizes interdisciplinary training and collaborative science. Analysis of her recent publications (2024-2025) reveals expanding research directions into fungal pathogenesis (particularly Candida species), advanced bioorthogonal labeling techniques for live-cell imaging, and novel approaches to model host-pathogen interactions in 3D microenvironments. Her work consistently bridges fundamental chemical synthesis with immunological applications. Her scientific contributions have been recognized through prestigious awards: Pew Biomedical Scholars Award Cottrell Scholar Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship American Chemical Society Infectious Disease Young Investigator Award Dreyfus Teacher Scholar Award Dr. Leimkuhler Grimes serves as co-director of an NIH-funded graduate training program at the chemistry-biology interface and mentors undergraduate STEM students through "The Scientistas" initiative. She has advised PhD candidates including Aastha, who recently advanced to candidacy. Her research program receives substantial external funding supporting innovative work in chemical immunology. The Leimkuhler Grimes Group maintains a dedicated intellectual community committed to diversity, collaboration, and professionalism. The lab environment emphasizes clear communication and supports researchers regardless of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, or personal circumstances, fostering an inclusive space for scientific discovery since its founding in 2011.
Saori Kamano is a Professor at Waseda University’s Faculty of Social Sciences, specializing in sociology, gender studies, and the demography of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI). She earned her Ph.D. in Sociology from Stanford University in 1995 and has since held research and academic positions at the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research and the Institute of Statistical Mathematics. Since 2024, she also serves at the Institute of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Research. Education: Ph.D. in Sociology, Stanford University (1995) Department of Sociology, Stanford University (1986–1995) Research Interests: Kamano’s research spans the demography of sexual orientation and gender identity, lesbian studies, family sociology, and queer studies. She explores how non-normative sexualities and gender identities intersect with family structures, social policies, and demographic patterns in Japan and beyond. Her work often challenges heteronormative assumptions in social surveys and policy frameworks. Publication Trends: Her recent publications focus on SOGI-inclusive survey methodologies, same-sex partnership dynamics, and university policies on sexual minorities. She has contributed to both national and international journals, emphasizing cross-cultural and interdisciplinary perspectives on gender and sexuality. Awards and Recognition: Society Award (Dissemination Encouragement Award), Japan Population Association (2024) National Women’s Studies Association Dissertation Award, Honorable Mention (1990) Grants and Projects: Kamano leads multiple JSPS-funded projects, including studies on SOGI survey methods, sexual minority fertility, and university inclusivity policies. She is also involved in international collaborations on ART globalization and SOGIESC-inclusive development. Committee and Editorial Roles: She serves on editorial and advisory boards for the Japanese Sociological Review, Science Council of Japan, and various government and NGO committees on gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights.
Sarah Abboud, PhD, RN is an Associate Professor and Associate Department Head in the Department of Human Development Nursing Science at the University of Illinois Chicago College of Nursing. Her work focuses on health equity for Arab American and Middle Eastern/North African (MENA) communities, with particular expertise in LGBTQ+ health, sexual health, and addressing health disparities through community-based participatory research. Dr. Abboud's educational background includes: Postdoctoral fellowship at University of Pennsylvania (2016) PhD from University of Pennsylvania (2014) MS in Nursing from American University of Beirut, School of Nursing, Lebanon with a minor in Education (2007) BS in Nursing from American University of Beirut, School of Nursing, Lebanon (1999) Visiting Faculty Fellowship at Yale University School of Public Health Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS (2017-2019) Dr. Abboud's research program is grounded in social justice and health equity frameworks, with two interrelated tracks: sexual health promotion and sexual violence prevention among Arab immigrants, and sexual and mental health among sexual minority Arab immigrants. She employs community-based participatory research principles and qualitative methods to develop evidence-based interventions for first- and second-generation Arab immigrants in the U.S. Her work addresses the critical issue of the invisibility of MENA populations in U.S. health data systems, where they are classified as 'white,' which obscures health disparities. Dr. Abboud is a leading advocate for the inclusion of a separate MENA category in the U.S. census and published a notable op-ed titled 'U.S. Census says I'm 'white,' but I'm not' in the Chicago Sun-Times. Her recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on intersectional identity, health disparities, and community-based interventions for Arab American and MENA populations. The research spans multiple domains including LGBTQ+ health, intimate partner violence prevention, cancer screening, and the impact of minority stress on health outcomes. There's a clear trajectory toward developing culturally tailored interventions that address the specific needs of these underrepresented communities, with increasing emphasis on youth and prevention-focused approaches. Dr. Abboud has received numerous honors including: 2024 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Faculty Award Emerging Scholar 2023 Pinnacle Leader, Power of Nursing Leadership, Illinois 2020-21 Teaching Recognition Program Award 2020 Faculty Fellow of the Year Award, Honors College 2020 Staff and Faculty Appreciation Award, College of Nursing 2017 Janet A. Deatrick Junior Faculty Research Award As a principal investigator, Dr. Abboud has secured significant funding from the National Institute of Mental Health and the Rita & Alex Hillman Foundation for research on HIV prevention and intimate partner violence prevention for immigrant communities. She serves as a Co-Investigator on an NCI-funded project adapting patient navigation programs for cervical cancer screening in Senegal. Her teaching portfolio includes courses on human sexuality, qualitative research methods, evidence-based practice, and leadership. Dr. Abboud maintains strong professional connections with MENA communities in Chicago and Lebanon, and serves on the board of the Lebanese Medical Association for Sexual Health (LebMASH), actively bridging academic research with community advocacy to address health needs of underrepresented populations.
Curtis J VanderWaal serves as Chair and Professor of Social Work at Andrews University, where he has taught since 1990. He also directs the Center for Community Impact Research at the Institute for Prevention of Addictions and serves on multiple community boards including Riverwood Center and Corewell Health Hospite and Palliative Care. His academic journey began with a BS from Andrews University, followed by an MSW from the University of Michigan (1987), and a PhD from Case Western Reserve University (1995). Dr. VanderWaal's research spans several interconnected areas with a focus on substance abuse treatment & prevention, social capital, faith-based ministries, program evaluation, and faith-based LGBT issues. His work frequently examines the intersection of religious communities and social issues, particularly regarding mental health and substance abuse. Recent projects have explored mental health disparities among LGBTQ+ students at faith-based universities, community impact through participatory research methods, and addressing social determinants of health for patients with chronic conditions. His research output demonstrates strong trends in community-engaged scholarship, with significant emphasis on practical applications of social work research. Many projects involve collaborations with community organizations like the United Way of Southwest Michigan, where he has led evaluations involving over 150 students since 2010. His recent publications show increasing focus on LGBTQ+ issues within conservative religious contexts, mental health outcomes, and interdisciplinary approaches to trauma-informed education. J.N. Andrews Medallion (2014) Sigfried H. Horn Scholarly Research Award (2012) Student Advising Award from Andrews University (1992) Zapara Excellence in Teaching Award (1998) Andrews University Teacher of the Year award (1999) Inducted into Sigma Xi Scientific Research Society Inducted into Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society Inducted into Phi Alpha Honor Society Dr. VanderWaal has secured significant research funding throughout his career, with over 30 funded projects totaling more than $175,000 in recent United Way evaluations alone. He currently serves as Principal Investigator for multiple active grants including the United Way Turning Outward Evaluation ($14,000) and the Trauma-Informed Academic Partnership Grant ($50,000). His funding sources include prestigious organizations such as the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, National Institute of Justice, and the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. He has mentored over 150 students in research activities, with many becoming co-authors on presentations and publications. As Director of the Center for Community Impact Research, Dr. VanderWaal leads a team conducting program evaluations and community needs assessments. The center partners with organizations like the United Way of Southwest Michigan to evaluate programs in health, basic needs, education, and income. Recent work includes the Community Conversations project, which used focus groups and surveys to understand community priorities across 159 participants in Southwestern Michigan. The center provides valuable hands-on research experience for social work students while delivering actionable insights to community stakeholders.
Daniel Ji serves as Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Regina, bringing extensive frontline experience and methodological expertise to vulnerable youth research. His academic journey includes a PhD in Social Work from the University of British Columbia with sub-specialization in Measurement, Evaluation, and Research Methodology. His educational background features: PhD in Social Work (Measurement, Evaluation, and Research Methodology), University of British Columbia Master of Social Work specializing in child welfare Bachelor of Social Work specializing in child welfare Dr. Ji's research program centers on child welfare systems , 2SLGBTQ+ and migrant youth health , and parent-adolescent interaction dynamics . He employs innovative methodologies like state space grid analysis to examine dyadic resistance during critical transitions, while his measurement expertise ensures rigorous analysis of administrative data in child welfare contexts. His work consistently addresses systemic inequities through community-engaged approaches. Analysis of his 10 publications (2020-2025) reveals three dominant trajectories: (1) Cultural identity maintenance for Indigenous youth in foster care; (2) Sexual health behaviors and healthcare access for migrant and 2SLGBTQ+ adolescents; (3) Longitudinal examination of parent-adolescent interactions during educational transitions. His work appears in leading journals including Journal of Adolescence (5 publications), BMC Public Health, and Children and Youth Services Review, demonstrating growing influence in social work research. Dr. Ji actively mentors graduate students through hands-on research collaborations, drawing from his six years of frontline child welfare practice and two years as a Practice Analyst with British Columbia’s Aboriginal Services Branch. He serves as a reviewer for the Journal of Adolescence and maintains active partnerships with national research centers like the Stigma and Resilience Among Vulnerable Youth Centre. His research group focuses on translating findings into practice through simulation-based training and measurement tools for child welfare agencies. Current projects examine cultural identity practices in foster care, healthcare information needs of gender-diverse youth, and longitudinal patterns in parent-adolescent communication during high school transitions.
Professor Henry Parada is a leading scholar at Toronto Metropolitan University's School of Social Work with extensive international experience across Latin America and the Caribbean. His work bridges academic research and frontline social work practice through the Rights for Children and Youth Partnership (RCYP), a major international initiative addressing child protection disparities. His educational background includes BSW, MSW, and PhD degrees. His research focuses on systemic inequities in child welfare and education systems, particularly examining how Latin American, Caribbean, Black, and refugee communities experience institutional barriers. Through an anti-oppression lens, he investigates racial disparities in Ontario's child welfare investigations, school belonging challenges, and the impacts of adultification on Black youth aging out of care. Professor Parada's recent publications reveal a strong emphasis on intersectional approaches to child protection, with significant contributions to understanding cultural brokerage in immigrant families' child welfare experiences and commercial sexual exploitation in the Dominican Republic. His work consistently connects Canadian and Latin American contexts through comparative analyses of institutional responses to vulnerable youth. He maintains active research funding through multiple SSHRC grants totaling over $2.5 million in the last five years, including a landmark $4.2 million Partnership Grant. His projects involve collaboration with community organizations across seven international regions and have directly informed policy discussions on child welfare reform. As founder of the Rights for Children and Youth Partnership, Professor Parada leads a transnational research collective that prioritizes knowledge mobilization to frontline agencies. His team integrates community stakeholders throughout the research process to ensure findings directly impact practice and policy for marginalized children and families.
CiAuna Heard serves as an Assistant Professor in the Gender and Sexuality Studies Department at Santa Clara University, with her office located in St. Joseph's Hall. She is an active faculty member contributing to the university's academic mission through teaching and research in critical gender and sexuality frameworks. Her research focuses on interdisciplinary intersections within: Gender identity and expression Sexual orientation studies Intersectional feminist theory Queer cultural analysis Historical and contemporary LGBTQ+ movements Social justice pedagogy As a tenure-track faculty member, she engages in curriculum development and scholarly work within Santa Clara University's Jesuit educational context. While specific details about current grants or advising capacity aren't publicly available, her position indicates active participation in departmental research initiatives and student mentorship within the Gender and Sexuality Studies program.
Maria Jönsson serves as Professor in Literature and Senior Lecturer at Umeå University's Department of Culture and Media Studies, where she coordinates literature education programs. Her academic work spans the Faculty of Arts with significant contributions to interdisciplinary humanities research, particularly through Health Humanities and Litum (Literacy research with educational sciences orientation). Her research centers on children's literature, literary didactics, and pedagogical approaches to literature education. She examines intersections of age, gender, and sexuality within literary representations of subjectivity and power dynamics. Current investigations focus on hormone narratives in women's transitions through the project It's the hormones. Women in transition through hormone narratives (2021-2026), exploring cultural constructions of menopause and aging. Analysis of her recent publications (2023-2025) reveals evolving scholarly trajectories: increasing integration of health humanities with literary studies, innovative temporal frameworks in children's literature, and pedagogical models emphasizing care ethics alongside critical irony. Her work demonstrates consistent engagement with contemporary societal issues through literary analysis while maintaining strong foundations in Scandinavian literary traditions. Jönsson actively participates in research infrastructure through Health Humanities and Litum groups, with current funding supporting hormone narrative research until 2026. Her academic service includes editorial contributions to journals like Barnboken and critical commentary in regional media such as Västerbottens-Kuriren . She maintains ORCID 0000-0001-6449-3738 and is recognized as a university teacher within Sweden's higher education framework.
Dr. Hammoud Hamoud serves as a Lecturer at the Institute for Religious Studies within the Department of History and Cultural Studies at the Free University of Berlin, specializing in the historical emergence of monotheistic religions and contemporary fundamentalist movements. His academic profile bridges Late Antique religious history with modern political Islam, reflecting deep institutional integration at one of Europe's leading research universities. His educational trajectory features exceptional scholarly achievement: PhD in Religious Studies, Free University of Berlin (2024), Dissertation: Die Genese Allāhs in der Spätantike (MAGNA CUM LAUDE) MA in Religious Studies, Free University of Berlin (2021, Grade: 1.0) BA in Islamic Studies, Free University of Berlin (2019, Grade: 1.5) Dr. Hamoud's research interrogates the formation of divine concepts in Late Antiquity, particularly the genesis of Allah within Paleo-Islam, while simultaneously analyzing modern fundamentalist dynamics through comparative religious frameworks. His work critically examines East-West cultural interfaces and the political instrumentalization of religion, with growing emphasis on Syria's religious landscape under authoritarian rule. His 13 publications since 2013 reveal consistent methodological rigor across historical and contemporary domains, with recent output (2023-2025) increasingly focused on Syrian state-religion relations and Lebanese sectarianism. The corpus demonstrates sophisticated engagement with Orientalist critiques while maintaining empirical grounding in Arabic source materials. His scholarly recognition includes: Doctoral scholarship from Studienstiftung des Deutschen Volkes Master's scholarship from Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Dr. Hamoud actively contributes to academic knowledge production through collaborations with Professor Aziz Al-Azmeh at Central European University (2021, 2023-2024) and ongoing translation projects. His scheduled teaching for Winter Semester 2025/26 ( Der islamische Fundamentalismus ) and Summer Semester 2025 ( Einführung in den Islam ) confirms sustained institutional engagement. Conference participations since 2013, including the 2024 International DAVO Congress, showcase continuous disciplinary contribution.
Dr. Feras Alkabani is Associate Professor in Arabic and Comparative Literature at the University of Sussex, School of Media, Arts and Humanities, where he also serves as Co-Director of the Middle East and North Africa Centre at Sussex (MENACS). His academic journey began with a BA in English Language and Literature from Damascus University, followed by postgraduate studies at Sussex, where he earned an MA in English (Critical Theory) and PhD in English (Comparative Literature). His scholarly profile is distinguished by his position as Co-President of the Syrian Academics and Researchers' Network in the UK (SARN UK), which he successfully secured AHRC funding for in 2023, and his role as Trustee of the British Society for Middle Eastern Studies (BRISMES). Dr. Alkabani's research expertise spans fin-de-siècle Orientalist literature , particularly examining Sir Richard Burton and T.E. Lawrence through the lens of homoerotic desire and Arab sexuality. His groundbreaking 2024 monograph Richard Burton, T.E. Lawrence and the Culture of Homoerotic Desire: Orientalist Depictions of Arab Sexuality (Bloomsbury) has generated significant academic interest and is now on reading lists internationally. His scholarly interests also encompass Arabic literary scholarship in the Nahda movement, comparative approaches to love and desire in European and Arabic literatures, postcolonial Arabic literature, and interfaith dialogue. His research has been published in international peer-reviewed journals including the British Journal of Middle Eastern Studies and Routledge Handbooks . Dr. Alkabani's scholarly output shows a clear trajectory toward examining queer representations in Arab literature and resistance art , particularly in the wake of the Arab Spring. His recent publications increasingly focus on artistic expressions of queer Arab resistance, examining works by artists like Art Queer Habibi and Mashrou' Leila alongside literary figures such as Saleem Haddad. His research demonstrates how contemporary LGBTQ artists from the Middle East are using creative expression to assert visibility and challenge socio-political constraints. Won AHRC grant for SARN UK (2023) Outstanding or Innovative Undergraduate Teaching Award (2016-17) Nominated for 'Teaching to Disrupt' Award (2024) Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education with Distinction (2018) Featured expert in award-winning documentaries including 'Who Killed Lawrence of Arabia?' As an educator, Dr. Alkabani has taught a wide range of multidisciplinary modules across Literature, Creative Writing, History, Liberal Arts, Language, Cultural Studies, International Development, and Anthropology. His supervisory experience includes five doctoral students across comparative literature, translation studies, linguistics, and media studies. His AHRC-funded SARN UK network has created significant opportunities for collaborative research on Syria, culminating in the successful international conference 'Rebuilding Syria: Reflections, Innovations and Collaborations' at Sussex in September 2025. Dr. Alkabani's MENACS leadership and SARN UK presidency position him at the forefront of Middle Eastern and Syrian academic studies in the UK. His work bridges academic scholarship with public engagement through media appearances, documentary contributions, and cultural events like the Silk Road Talk and Exhibition featuring ceramicist Carole Bennett. His research continues to evolve toward examining contemporary expressions of queer Arab resistance and the intersections of art, politics, and identity in the post-Arab Spring landscape.
Professor Duncan Shrewsbury (they/them), known professionally as Dunx, serves as Professor of Medical Education & Primary Care at Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS). Alongside their academic role, they maintain active clinical practice as a GP in Brighton and as a gender identity specialist, ensuring their teaching and research remain grounded in real-world patient care. Professor Shrewsbury holds a Visiting Professor position at Trinity College Dublin's Faculty of Health Sciences (since 2023) and serves as an External Examiner for multiple prestigious medical schools including University of East Anglia, University of Sydney, and Imperial College London. Professor Shrewsbury's educational journey includes a PhD from University of Exeter (2018), MBChB and BMedSc (Hons) in Neuroscience from University of Birmingham, MSc from Staffordshire University, and PGCert in Education from Open University. Their clinical qualifications include MRCGP, DRCOG, and DCH, demonstrating expertise across multiple medical domains. At BSMS, Professor Shrewsbury serves as Deputy Lead for Curriculum Development and leads the Academic Clinical Fellowships program for GP training. Their teaching spans multiple areas including Clinical and Community Practice, Communication Skills, Interprofessional Education, and specialized modules on Gender and Healthcare, LGBTQ+ health inequalities, and care for trans* people in general practice. Professor Shrewsbury was the first at BSMS to receive Principal Fellowship of Advance HE (PFHEA), recognizing their significant educational leadership. They currently serve as Co-Chair of the Society for Academic Primary Care and contribute to the Royal College of General Practitioners LGBT Steering Group, demonstrating national influence in medical education and healthcare equity. Their scholarly work has been widely recognized, with numerous publications receiving significant citations and media attention. Several articles have been referenced in policy documents, clinical guidelines, and news outlets, indicating substantial impact beyond academia. Professor Shrewsbury's commitment to mentoring students and colleagues at all career stages has made them a respected figure in medical education circles.
Professor Richard de Visser is a Professor of Health Psychology within the Primary Care & Public Health school at Brighton and Sussex Medical School, with strong affiliations to the University of Sussex. He has over 25 years of experience in health psychology and public health research and teaching, receiving multiple awards for his educational contributions. His educational background includes: BSc in Psychology from the University of Melbourne PhD from the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health & Society at La Trobe University Post-doctoral work at Birkbeck College, University of London PG Dip from La Trobe University PG Cert from University of Sussex Professor de Visser's research spans health behaviour, behaviour change interventions, gender and health, sexuality and relationships, and alcohol use. He employs mixed-methods approaches ranging from small qualitative studies to large population surveys (including the Australian Study of Health & Relationships with 20,000 participants). His work on 'Dry January' has demonstrated both short- and longer-term benefits of temporary alcohol abstinence and influenced international implementation of similar initiatives. Analysis of his recent publications reveals consistent focus on gendered health behaviors, sexual health determinants, and evaluation of behavior change interventions using sophisticated mixed-methods designs. His work frequently examines how social constructions of gender influence health decisions across diverse cultural contexts. His scientific recognition includes: Awards for individual teaching excellence Awards for group teaching excellence Co-authorship of the influential textbook 'Psychology for Medicine and Healthcare' (3rd edition, 2021) Significant citation impact across his publication portfolio Professor de Visser actively supervises students through the Individual Research Project module (404) and contributes to multiple undergraduate medical education modules. He maintains substantial research funding from organizations including the National Health & Medical Research Council, National Institute for Health Research, and La Caixa Foundation. His external roles include serving as External Examiner for psychology programs at the University of Edinburgh and University of Worcester. His research group focuses on evaluating health interventions (particularly Dry January and related initiatives), understanding young people's health behaviors, examining sexual behavior and health, and investigating gender influences on health-related decisions. The group maintains strong international collaborations, particularly with researchers in Australia, Portugal, and Spain.
Dr. Emma Newport is an Associate Professor in English Literature at the University of Sussex, School of Media, Arts and Humanities. She serves as the lead academic for the innovative Sussex Writes creative writing program and chairs the Women, Money and Markets conference series established in 2017. Her research spans eighteenth-century literature with a focus on women's positions in global exchanges of ideas and objects, particularly regarding Chinese cultural influences. She also pioneers work in digital life writing, examining how digital media transforms memorialization and identity construction through studies of GIFs, memes, and social media as contemporary forms of life writing. Dr. Newport's publications reveal a consistent interdisciplinary approach connecting historical literary studies with contemporary digital culture. Her work demonstrates how material culture, particularly porcelain, functioned as sites of female agency in the eighteenth century while exploring parallel questions about digital corporeality in the contemporary moment. Her research shows particular interest in gender, economics, and cross-cultural exchange across historical periods. Her scientific recognition includes a nomination for the National Teaching Fellowship Scheme (NTFS) for her innovative work on Sussex Writes. This program has created valuable partnerships between the university and local schools, transforming student experience through creative writing outreach. As an educator, Dr. Newport has developed and taught numerous courses including 'Thinking Literature,' 'Art of Short Fiction,' and 'Critical Approaches.' Her Sussex Writes program provides undergraduate and postgraduate students with teaching experience while widening university participation through creative writing workshops in local schools. Dr. Newport has organized significant academic events including the Women, Money and Markets conference series and public events at the Foundling Museum, demonstrating her commitment to both scholarly and public engagement with literary studies.
