Zoran Đukanović is a Professor at the Faculty of Architecture, University of Belgrade. His work focuses on urban design, cultural heritage, and sustainable development, with a particular emphasis on participatory methods and community engagement in urban planning. His research explores the intersection of architecture, public spaces, and social dynamics, addressing challenges such as climate change adaptation, heritage conservation, and urban regeneration. Notable projects include studies on Belgrade’s urban policies, waterfront revitalization, and the role of cultural sites in tourism and placemaking. He has contributed to interdisciplinary initiatives linking education, urban planning, and place branding, advocating for inclusive and equitable urban development.
Dr. Daniel Allen is a Lecturer in Human Geography at Keele University's School of Life Sciences, specializing in human-animal relations. An IUCN/SSC otter specialist, his research on otter conservation and dog theft informs policy and advocacy. He led an Environment Agency project on otter predation perceptions and founded the 'Pet Theft Reform' campaign, influencing UK legislation (Pet Abduction Act 2024). His research examines human-animal bonds, including dog theft impacts and mental health benefits. Current projects include 'No pets! Young people’s transitions to campus living,' funded by the Society for Companion Animals Studies. Teaching includes modules on Nature Conservation, Space and Society, More-than-human Geographies, and Animals and Society. He supervises PhD student Emma Randall on eco-therapy. Awards include the Daily Mirror’s Peoples Pet Awards Special Recognition (2021) and the PM’s Points of Light Award (2022). Publications emphasize spatial justice, animal advocacy, and policy impacts, with recent work on pet theft trends and human-animal bonds in crises.
Andrea Stevenson Won is a researcher at Cornell University in the Department of Communication , focusing on virtual reality (VR), human-computer interaction, and social dynamics in immersive environments. Her work explores avatar embodiment , nonverbal behavior , and accessibility in VR for users with disabilities. Research Themes : Virtual embodiment and its psychological effects Accessibility solutions for blind and low-vision users in social VR Nonverbal communication analysis in immersive environments Pro-social behavior through VR interventions Collaborative VR systems and AI integration Recent Article Trends : 2024: Investigated avatar behavior transformation in mixed reality ( MRTransformer ), AI-guided accessibility tools, and nonverbal cue adaptations 2023-2022: Focused on educational VR applications, 360° video narratives, and longitudinal team dynamics 2021-2014: Pioneered avatar embodiment studies, anxiety detection via movement tracking, and homuncular flexibility in VR
Dr. George Allen O. Villanueva is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication and Journalism at Texas A&M University, affiliated with the Race & Ethnic Studies Institute and Latinx/o/a & Mexican American Studies programs. His research focuses on how marginalized communities of color navigate structural oppression through communication, media, activism, and expressive culture. His interdisciplinary work integrates critical theories from communication, anthropology, and sociology. Dr. Villanueva holds a PhD in Communication from the University of Southern California and has taught at Loyola University Chicago before joining Texas A&M. Education: B.A. in Black Studies and History (UC Santa Barbara), M.Sc. in Global Media and Communications (London School of Economics), and PhD in Communication (USC Annenberg School). Research Interests : Urban equity advocacy, communication infrastructure, critical hip hop pedagogy, anti-displacement strategies, and engaged scholarship. His methods emphasize participatory and autoethnographic approaches to address systemic inequities in cities. Notable projects include the Chinatown anti-displacement map and walking tour, the Hollywood Community Studio, and the Northeast Los Angeles Riverfront Collaborative. His 2022 book Promoting Urban Social Justice won the 2023 Jane Jacobs Book Award for its contribution to urban communication studies. Community Engagement : Over 20 years of experience in community organizing, urban planning, and social change advocacy, including roles in electoral politics and strategic communication consulting.
Professor Kylie Peppler is a dual Professor of Informatics and Education at the University of California, Irvine, leading the Creativity Labs and the Connected Learning Lab. Her research focuses on leveraging hands-on creativity—such as e-textiles, robotics, and traditional fiber crafts—to enhance STEM education, particularly for marginalized populations. She emphasizes the role of materiality in fostering systems thinking and equity in learning environments. Education: PhD in Education (UCLA), Postdoctoral training at UC Irvine, and prior roles at Indiana University. Her academic journey bridges psychology, art, and technology. Research Interests: Maker culture, computational thinking, STEAM integration, workforce development, and the impact of arts in education. She explores how tools like e-textiles and looms democratize access to STEM while addressing gender disparities. Key Projects: NSF-funded work on computational construction kits, Re-Crafting STEM initiatives, and Future of Work research using AR/VR for manufacturing training. Collaborations include Boeing, Inner-City Arts, and NYSCI. Awards: NSF Early CAREER Award, Mira Tech Educator of the Year, and Indiana Governor's Award. Her work is supported by NSF, Wallace Foundation, and industry partners. Grants & Labs: Over $10M in grants; directs labs advancing connected learning and equity through technology. Recent studies include virtual reality welding simulators and culturally sustaining arts practices. Labs/Teams: Creativity Labs (designing maker tools), Connected Learning Lab (digital equity), and partnerships with museums and industry to scale inclusive learning.
Professor Martial Staub holds the position of Professor of Medieval History at the University of Sheffield, serving as Internationalisation Officer and SRDS Director within the School of History, Philosophy and Digital Humanities. He joined the university in 2004 after a research fellowship at the Max Planck Institute of History in Göttingen, Germany. His academic training includes degrees from the University of Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne, Paris X Nanterre, and the Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales, alongside studies at the Ecole Normale Supérieure de Fontenay/St Cloud. Staub’s research focuses on late medieval European history, particularly South German and Italian cities, with expertise in medieval philanthropy, historiography, and spatial mobility. He co-directs the Centre for the Study of Abrupt, Violent and Traumatic Change and leads projects on medieval global citizenship. His teaching spans undergraduate courses like 'Pagans, Christians and Heretics in Medieval Europe' and postgraduate programs such as 'Approaching the Middle Ages.' Professional roles include editorial board memberships for journals like Zeitschrift für Ideengeschichte and German History , alongside affiliations with institutions such as the Görres-Gesellschaft. His work bridges interdisciplinary collaborations, addressing themes of exile, urban history, and the interplay between medieval and modern contexts.
Will Perkins is an Associate Professor in the School of Computer Science at Georgia Institute of Technology. Previously, he held faculty positions at the University of Illinois at Chicago, the University of Birmingham (UK), and was an NSF Postdoc at Georgia Tech. He earned his PhD in 2011 from New York University's Courant Institute under Joel Spencer. His research focuses on algorithms, statistical physics, and discrete mathematics, particularly exploring algorithmic tractability of random computational problems, statistical physics spin models, and combinatorial methods derived from algorithmic intuition. Research Interests : Algorithms, statistical physics, combinatorics, phase transitions, random graphs, and Gibbs measures. His work bridges theoretical computer science and statistical mechanics, addressing questions about sampling, phase coexistence, and algorithmic barriers. Recent Activities : Director of the Algorithms and Randomness Center at Georgia Tech, Managing Editor of Combinatorial Theory , and Associate Editor of Random Structures and Algorithms and SIAM Journal on Discrete Mathematics . Upcoming engagements include the Rocky Mountain Summer Workshop (2024), Park City Mathematics Institute (2024), and conferences on Random Structures and Algorithms (2025). Teaching : Courses include Design and Analysis of Algorithms (CS 3510), Advanced Algorithms (CS 4540), and specialized topics like Statistical Physics in Algorithms and Combinatorics (CS 8803). He has taught across institutions, including at the University of Birmingham and University of Illinois at Chicago. Key Contributions : His work on phase transitions in combinatorial structures, algorithmic sampling in statistical physics models, and rigorous analysis of Gibbs measures has been published in top venues like FOCS, STOC, and Communications in Mathematical Physics. Notable results include hardness of sampling for anti-ferromagnetic Ising models and novel contour methods for Pirogov-Sinai theory.
Assoc Prof Haoming Liu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Economics at National University of Singapore. His research focuses on applied economics, econometrics, and labor economics, with a particular emphasis on labor and demographic economics, health, education, and welfare, as well as economic development and technological change. His work often examines the intersections between environmental factors (e.g., heat, pollution) and economic outcomes, such as labor productivity, crime rates, and educational attainment. He has also contributed to studies on minimum wage policies, housing markets, and fertility-education trade-offs in developing economies. Education: PhD in Economics from the University of Western Ontario, Canada. Research highlights include analyzing the impact of heat on economic activity in tropical cities like Singapore, the effects of air pollution on labor productivity in China, and the role of discount rates in long-term housing market decisions. His teaching interests span labor economics, income distribution, and applied econometrics. Key contributions include demonstrating how heat influences workplace attendance and student performance in air-conditioned versus non-air-conditioned environments, and how minimum wage increases reduce urban crime disparities between low- and high-income communities. His articles frequently employ innovative econometric methods to address policy-relevant questions, such as optimal contest design, microgrid energy trading mechanisms, and urban density pricing in housing markets.
Dr. Jennifer Adams is a Professor at the University of Calgary with dual appointments in the Werklund School of Education and the Faculty of Science’s Department of Chemistry. She holds a Tier II Canada Research Chair in Creativity, Equity, and STEMM. Her work focuses on equity in STEM education, postsecondary faculty education, and transdisciplinary approaches. Dr. Adams earned her PhD in Urban Education from The Graduate Center, CUNY, and has prior roles including Associate Professor at Brooklyn College and leadership in informal science institutions like the American Museum of Natural History. Education: PhD Urban Education (2006), MS Nutrition (1996), MA Education (1995), BA (not specified) Her research emphasizes anti-deficit and justice-oriented pedagogies, with a focus on marginalized communities. Key areas include racial equity in STEM, sociocultural theory, and critical transdisciplinary methods. Dr. Adams leads the Creativity, Equity, and STEM Lab, advancing equity through community-based and arts-infused approaches. She edits academic journals such as the International Journal of Informal Science and Environmental Learning and has collaborated on projects like the Resilient Schools Consortium (RiSC). Recent publications explore belonging in STEM, anti-racist education frameworks, and transdisciplinary methodologies. Her work bridges formal and informal learning environments to address systemic inequities. Dr. Adams actively engages in policy advocacy and community partnerships to foster inclusive STEM ecosystems globally.
Sebastian Henn is a Professor of Economic Geography at the Institute of Geography, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, where he has held the Chair since 2014. He serves as Dean of Studies for the Faculty of Chemistry and Geosciences (since 2020) and Deputy Director of the Leibniz ScienceCampus "Eastern Europe - Global Area". His research spans transnational entrepreneurship, knowledge-based regional development, cluster dynamics, polarization/peripheralization, and migration studies . Education: Dipl.-Geogr. (University of Mannheim, 2001); Dr. rer. nat. (University of Halle, 2006); Habilitation (University of Halle, 2014) Key research areas include spatial perception, mobilities, health geography, and global-local interactions in sectors like pharmaceuticals, medical technology, and the diamond industry. Publications (2013-2024) focus on global production patterns, cluster evolution, regional embitterment, and the role of transnational entrepreneurs in industries from Gujarat to Antwerp. His 2023 work explores populist resentments in rural regions and health infrastructure disparities in Thuringia. Awards include the 2017 Journal of Economic Geography Best Referee Award. He co-edits the Springer series "Perspectives in Human Geography" and holds leadership roles in academic societies like the Schumpeter Centre for Social and Economic Change. Editorial and Review Activities : Active on boards of the Journal of Economic Geography and ZFW journal. Regular reviewer for 20+ journals and funding bodies including DFG and DAAD. Leads research on BRIC investments, Southern multinationals, and spatialization processes under globalization .
Dr. Carsten Nowak serves as Head of Conservation Genetics at the Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt, where he leads the national reference center for genetic analyses of wolves and lynx. His work bridges cutting-edge molecular methods with practical conservation applications, focusing on wildlife monitoring and species preservation. Since 2010, his laboratory has been responsible for central examination of all samples collected through Germany's nationwide wolf and lynx monitoring programs. Nowak's research interests center on developing highly sensitive molecular marker systems for wildlife monitoring, with particular expertise in environmental DNA (eDNA) methods and SNP chips optimized for genotyping forensic and non-invasively collected environmental samples. His work addresses critical questions in conservation biology, including inbreeding, genetic impoverishment, population origins, and human environmental impacts on genetic population structures of native species. He investigates how genetic methods can clarify previously unanswered questions in nature conservation, where data limitations often hinder efficient and targeted conservation measures. His extensive publication record (2023-2025) reveals a strong focus on wolf population dynamics across Europe, hybridization detection methodologies, and conservation genomics of endangered species like the garden dormouse. Nowak's research demonstrates sophisticated approaches to tracking animal movements across national borders, assessing genetic diversity in recovering populations, and developing practical tools for non-invasive wildlife monitoring. His work on wolf-dog hybridization has particular policy relevance as wolf populations expand across Europe. As a public-facing scientist, Nowak regularly engages with policymakers and the public through presentations, media appearances, and citizen science projects. He has participated in high-profile events including briefings for Federal Environment Minister Svenja Schulze and numerous public lectures on wildlife conservation topics. His leadership extends to coordinating international research collaborations, including the CEwolf Consortium and various transboundary monitoring networks. Nowak directs the Center for Wildlife Genetics in Gelnhausen, where his team conducts DNA-based analyses of predator-prey interactions, livestock depredation incidents, and wildlife population monitoring. His laboratory serves as the national reference center for genetic analyses of wolves and lynx in Germany, processing samples from across the country to distinguish individuals, determine relatedness, and monitor population health. The center also develops molecular methods for detecting wolf-dog hybrids and other conservation genetics applications.
Jun Tu is a Professor in the Department of Geography and Anthropology at Kennesaw State University (KSU). He specializes in Environmental Geography, Health Geography, and Spatial Analysis, with a focus on integrating GIS, spatial statistics, and modeling to study environmental and health impacts of urbanization and climate change. His research spans water quality in Georgia and Massachusetts, air pollution in China and Iran, and public health issues like preterm birth and lung cancer in Georgia. Education: Ph.D. and M.Phil. in Earth and Environmental Sciences (Geography Specialization) from The City University of New York; M.E. and B.S. in Earth Sciences from Nanjing University, China; Certificate in Urban Environmental Management from the Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies, The Netherlands. Research interests include GIS applications in environmental health, urbanization effects on natural environments, and climate resilience. Collaborations include projects funded by The Partnership for Inclusive Innovation, focusing on community preparedness in Athens-Clarke County. He has published over 35 peer-reviewed articles and reviewed for 60+ journals. Teaching includes courses on Weather and Climate, Environmental Studies, GIS in Public Health, and Geography of Asia. His work has been cited over 2500 times globally.
Mark D. Gross is a Professor of Computer Science and Director of the ATLAS Institute at the University of Colorado Boulder, where he leads an interdisciplinary hub for creativity and invention. His academic journey began at MIT with BS and PhD degrees, followed by faculty roles at Carnegie Mellon University (2004-2013), University of Washington Seattle (1999-2004), and CU-Boulder (1990-1999, 2014-present). As co-founder of Modular Robotics Incorporated and Blank Slate Systems LLC, he bridges academia and entrepreneurship. Education: BS and PhD in Computer Science from MIT Gross’ research spans design methods, modular robotics, computational design tools, and tangible interaction. He pioneered sketch recognition software like 'The Electronic Cocktail Napkin' and explores physical computing through projects such as shape-changing interfaces, interactive construction kits, and augmented reality systems. His work integrates IoT, digital fabrication, and educational technology. Recent publications highlight innovations in AR/VR collaboration, shape-changing robotics, and interactive fabrication. Key themes include climate communication through data physicalization, AI-driven creative systems, and soft robotics for dynamic interfaces. Despite no explicit awards listed, his career demonstrates sustained impact through ACM conference leadership (Creativity and Cognition 2009, TEI 2011) and industry partnerships. Gross’ prior industry experience includes positions at Atari Cambridge Research and Logo Computer Systems. His lab at ATLAS fosters radical creativity through projects like PaperMech, DynaBlock, and WearAir, emphasizing hands-on learning and cross-disciplinary experimentation.
Rikky Muller is an Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences at UC Berkeley, holding the S. Shankar Sastry Professorship in Emerging Technologies. She is Co-director of the Berkeley Wireless Research Center (BWRC), a Core Member of the Center for Neural Engineering and Prostheses (CNEP), and an Investigator at the Chan-Zuckerberg Biohub. Her research focuses on implantable/wearable medical devices, low-power wireless systems, and neurotechnology for neurological applications. Education: PhD (2013), UC Berkeley; BS and M.Eng. (2004), MIT, all in EECS. Prior roles include IC designer at Analog Devices and co-founder of Cortera Neurotechnologies (acquired). Research interests include neural interfaces, closed-loop neuromodulation, and biomedical microelectronics. Notable contributions include Neural Dust (ultrasonic implants), wireless EEG systems, and seizure prediction hardware. Awards: MIT TR35 Innovator, NAE Gilbreth Lectureship, NSF CAREER Award, IEEE SSCS New Frontier Award Grants: Bakar Fellows, Hellman Fellowship, NSF CAREER Labs: Muller Lab (UC Berkeley EECS), Chan-Zuckerberg Biohub collaborations
Robert Sharf is the D.H. Chen Distinguished Professor of Buddhist Studies in the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures at the University of California, Berkeley . He also serves as Chair of the Numata Center for Buddhist Studies and Head Graduate Advisor for the Group in Buddhist Studies . With a PhD in Buddhist Studies from the University of Michigan (1995), he previously taught at McMaster University (1989-1995) and the University of Michigan (1995-2003). Research Interests: Medieval Chinese Buddhism (especially Chan) Japanese Buddhism Buddhist Art and Archaeology Ritual Studies Buddhist Modernism Philosophical Paradoxes Methodology in Religious Studies Critical Buddhist Discourse Publications & Collaborations: Author of Coming to Terms with Chinese Buddhism: A Reading of the Treasure Store Treatise (2002) Co-editor of Living Images: Japanese Buddhist Icons in Context (2001) Co-author of What Can’t Be Said: Contradiction and Paradox in East Asian Thought (2021) Co-author of How to Lose Yourself: An Ancient Guide to Letting Go (2025) Editor of Chinese translations of his works: Xiafu Chanxue zixuan ji and Xiafu Mijiao Yanjiu zixuan ji (2022) Academic Leadership: Director of the Group in Buddhist Studies Director of Religious Studies Chair of the Center for Buddhist Studies
