Maria Lindholm is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Faculty of Management and Business, Tampere University. Her research focuses on occupational health and safety (OSH), particularly in healthcare and manufacturing sectors, emphasizing risk assessment frameworks, ergonomic standards, and emerging challenges like climate change impacts. She has published extensively on home care worker safety, safety culture development, and future-proofing occupational safety practices. Key research themes include: OSH risks in non-traditional work environments (e.g., clients’ homes) Risk assessment tools and self-evaluation methodologies Human factors and ergonomics in business education Cross-sectoral safety challenges (healthcare, rail transport, manufacturing) Her work often integrates qualitative reviews, case studies, and systematic analyses to address practical industry needs. Notable contributions include developing safety frameworks for home care personnel and evaluating occupational hazards in SMEs.
Dr. Alex Black is an Associate Professor in the School of Optometry & Vision Science at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Faculty of Health. He serves as Course Coordinator for the Master of Optometry program and leads the Vision and Everyday Function research group within QUT's Centre for Vision and Eye Research. His expertise spans vision science, ageing-related vision decline, falls prevention, and driving safety. Dr. Black holds dual qualifications: a PhD in Vision Science (QUT, 2010) and a Masters of Public Health (University of Queensland, 2012). Teaching roles: Coordinates OP85 Master of Optometry program Research focus: Vision impairment impacts on mobility, driving safety, and academic performance Awards: FAAO (Fellow of American Academy of Optometry), FHEA (Fellow of Higher Education Academy) Research highlights include AUD $3.2 million in grants, over 100 publications, and contributions to international journals like Clinical & Experimental Optometry . His work bridges clinical practice and research, addressing real-world issues through innovative studies such as night-time pedestrian safety clothing design and advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) usability for older adults. Key collaborations include NHMRC-funded projects on injury prevention and Vision and Driving research laboratory studies. Dr. Black also serves editorial roles for Clinical & Experimental Optometry and peer review activities.
Melissa A. Schilling is the Herzog Family Professor of Management at New York University Stern School of Business, where she is also Deputy Chair of the Management & Organizations Department and Director of the Innovation Initiative at the Fubon Center for Technology, Business and Innovation. She joined NYU Stern in 2001 and is a leading scholar in innovation and strategic management. Ph.D., Strategic Management, University of Washington, 1997 B.S., Business Administration, University of Colorado at Boulder, 1990 Melissa Schilling's research centers on innovation in high-technology industries, including smartphones, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy. She explores platform ecosystems, network externalities, technological standards, and the cognitive and social traits of breakthrough innovators. Her work integrates strategic management with organizational behavior and technological evolution. She is particularly known for her studies on how firms can accelerate innovation adoption and create value in complex ecosystems. Her recent publications reveal a strong trend in digital transformation, platform competition, and the cognitive foundations of visionary leadership. She analyzes how firms manage innovation in platform-based markets and how breakthrough ideas emerge from outlier thinking. Her articles frequently appear in top journals such as Strategic Management Journal , Organization Science , and Management Science . Scientific Awards and Recognitions: National Science Foundation CAREER Award 2022 Sumantra Ghoshal Award for Rigour and Relevance in Management 2018 Leadership in Technology Management, PICMET Best Paper in Management Science and Organization Science, 2012 Broderick Prize for Excellence in Research, Boston University Melissa Schilling has advised numerous doctoral students and contributed to major research initiatives, including a National Academy of Sciences committee on electric vehicle deployment. She has secured grants from the NSF and Kauffman Foundation. She is a senior editor at Strategy Science and serves on the editorial boards of several leading management journals. She also leads the Innovation Initiative at the Fubon Center, fostering industry-academia collaboration in tech innovation. She is actively involved in research labs and innovation centers at NYU Stern, particularly those focused on technology ecosystems and digital transformation. Her leadership in the Fubon Center drives interdisciplinary research on how businesses can leverage technological change for competitive advantage.
Dr. Yuemei Lin is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biotechnology at the Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology (TU Delft). Her work is centered within the Environmental Biotechnology research section, where she leads the Yuemei Lin Group. She is actively involved in research and teaching related to sustainable resource recovery and biobased materials. Her research focuses on the extraction and characterization of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) from microbial aggregates such as flocculent sludge, granular sludge, and biofilms. She investigates the role of EPS in aggregate formation and reactor performance, and explores the recovery of EPS from waste sludge for conversion into valuable biobased materials. This work aligns with the transition toward a circular economy. Dr. Lin teaches the course Biobased Materials in a Circular Economy and contributes to the Minor Sustainable Chemistry and Biotechnology in collaboration with Leiden University. Her recent publications (2024–2025) reflect a strong focus on EPS composition, extraction methods, thermal stability, hydrogel properties, and industrial applications, particularly in wastewater treatment contexts. Research Themes: EPS, biopolymers, wastewater valorization, circular economy, microbial aggregates. Applications: Kaumera development, sustainable materials, resource recovery. Scientific Awards: Zilveren Zandloper Innovation Award (2019) Aquatech Innovation Award for Kaumera (2019) Water Innovation Award 2013 (TU Delft and partners) Dr. Lin has secured funding through programs such as NWO’s Open Technology Program and Take-off, demonstrating strong grant acquisition. She collaborates extensively with leading researchers including Prof. Mark C.M. van Loosdrecht. While no formal advisees are listed, her role in teaching and group leadership indicates active student supervision. Her work is closely tied to applied research initiatives and industrial implementation, particularly through the development of the Kaumera biopolymer from wastewater sludge.
William W. Burke-White is Professor of Law at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School , where he is a leading scholar at the intersection of international law and international relations. He also serves as Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution and Senior Advisor to White & Case LLP , bridging academic research with policy and legal practice. He previously held leadership roles as Inaugural Director of Perry World House (2014–2019) and Deputy Dean of Penn Law (2011–2014). Harvard University – A.B., J.D. University of Cambridge – Ph.D. in International Relations (Fulbright Scholar) Burke-White’s research focuses on global governance, multilateral institutions, U.S. foreign policy, human rights, and international economic law . His work examines how shifting power dynamics affect international legal structures and how sub-state actors influence global norms. He has significant regional expertise in Russia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America . His current book project explores the new geography of global governance . His recent scholarly output reveals a consistent trend toward analyzing institutional reform, legal pluralism, and the interplay between domestic and international law . He frequently publishes in top journals on topics such as investor-state arbitration, complementarity in international criminal law, and the legitimacy of global legal regimes. His work often combines doctrinal legal analysis with political science theory. A. Leo Levin Award (2008) Robert A. Gorman Award for Excellence in Teaching (2007) Burke-White has advised governments, law firms, and investment funds on sanctions, sovereign debt, and international litigation. He has served as an expert witness in international arbitrations and currently advises sovereign states on cases before the International Court of Justice . He is also active in media commentary, contributing to The Hill, CNN, The Atlantic , and others. He has taught as a visiting professor at institutions including Harvard Law, Hebrew University, and Moscow State Institute of International Relations .
Femi Amao is a Professor of Company Law & Sustainability at University College Cork (UCC), Ireland. He previously held academic roles including Reader in Law at Sussex Law School (2019-2023) and Senior Lecturer at Brunel University (2015-2019). His research focuses on law's role in regulating emerging social phenomena, particularly in the areas of corporate sustainability, business & human rights, and African Union Law. He holds a Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA) and won the University of Sussex Teaching Award in 2021. Education: PhD and PG Cert, University College Cork (2009) LLM, University of Warwick (2005) LLM, University of Ibadan (2003) LLB, Obafemi Awolowo University (1997) BA, University of Ilorin (1991) His research explores corporate governance, ESG frameworks, and legal mechanisms to address multinational corporations' impact in developing countries. Notable publications include African Union Law: The Emergence of a Sui Generis Legal Order (2018) and co-editing The Emergent African Union Law (2021). His articles frequently analyze comparative legal systems, corporate accountability, and human rights obligations. Research Grants: Lead Investigator for the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)-funded African Union Law Research Project (2017-2020) Awards: Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (UK) University of Sussex Teaching Award: Transformative Technology (2021) His work bridges legal theory and practice, addressing contemporary challenges in corporate law, sustainability, and African regional legal frameworks.
Dr. Kenneth Chelst is a Professor in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at Wayne State University , where he directs the Engineering Management Program. His work bridges operations research with engineering management and K-12 mathematics education . A Rabbinic Ordination holder from Yeshiva University, he combines analytical rigor with pedagogical innovation. Educational Background: Ph.D., M.S. in Operations Research from MIT B.A. in Mathematics and Physics from Yeshiva College His research focuses on structured decision-making , OR applications in emergency services , and math curriculum development . The NSF-funded Project MINDSET ($3.3 million) and Project MEDeATe highlight his efforts to integrate OR into high school education. His From Percentage to Algebra middle school book and Ford-funded workshops have impacted hundreds of teachers. Scientific Awards: INFORMS President's Award (2011) for K-12 OR outreach Edelman Prize Laureate (2000) for Ford's OR application Multiple teaching awards from Ford Motor Company Dr. Chelst consults with Urban Science Applications Inc. and previously led the INFORMS Roundtable. His courses include Decision and Risk Analysis and Leadership Projects in Engineering Management , emphasizing corporate partnerships and immediate ROI.
Michelle Doas is an Associate Professor of Nursing at Chatham University 's College of Health Sciences , where she has been actively contributing since 2007. Her expertise spans clinical nursing, education, and interdisciplinary research applications. Ed,D., MSN, BSN, RN Research Interests Dr. Doas focuses on critical thinking development in nursing education , adult literacy in healthcare , and reminiscence therapy . Her work bridges clinical practice with pedagogical innovation, exploring how techniques from service industries (e.g., Disney's hospitality model) can enhance patient satisfaction and communication in healthcare settings. Article Trends Her publications and presentations demonstrate a consistent emphasis on improving clinical outcomes through structured interventions like mind mapping for education, relaxation therapy for post-operative care, and concept mapping for knowledge organization. Key themes include patient safety , workplace culture , and interdisciplinary applications in nursing. Scientific Awards She is a member of the prestigious Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society , recognizing her contributions to nursing scholarship. Additional Contributions Dr. Doas has served on the Business Faculty Search Committee (2008) and presented on diverse topics such as food handling safety in environmental science contexts and nursing career advocacy at high school outreach events.
Professor Jeevan R. Sharma serves as Chair of South Asia and International Development and Co-director of the Centre of South Asian Studies at the University of Edinburgh's School of Social and Political Science. An elected General Secretary of the Britain Nepal Academic Council (BNAC), he brings extensive field research experience from Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, and Malawi to his work in development and political anthropology. His current Wellcome Trust-funded transdisciplinary project examines health and well-being of South Asian migrant workers through collaboration with medical scientists and social anthropologists at Aga Khan University and Kathmandu Medical College. Sharma's research interests span labor migration, border-crossing, Maoist conflict, humanitarianism, human rights documentation, and health policy with particular focus on gender dynamics and social transformation. His fieldwork has investigated community health volunteers, maternal and child health, and international research collaboration in South Asia. He has previously worked at Feinstein International Centre at Tufts University (2009-2011) and Save the Children UK (2007-2009), bringing practical development experience to his academic work. His publication trends reveal consistent focus on migration, health policy, and political transformation in South Asia, with increasing attention to transnational health issues and pandemic impacts on vulnerable populations. Recent work examines Covid-19's effects on migrant workers, mental health policy in Nepal, and cross-cultural health measurement tools, demonstrating his commitment to bridging academic research with practical health interventions. Elected General Secretary of the Britain Nepal Academic Council (BNAC) Co-editor of HIMALAYA Journal (2019-2025), transitioning to Editor-at-large from January 2025 Associate Editor of 'South Asia: Journal of South Asian Studies' Co-editor of Routledge Edinburgh South Asia Series Member of ESRC GAP panel C (2024-2025) Member of the commissioning panel for the ESRC Centres Competition 2018 Sharma has secured significant research funding including a Wellcome Trust grant for migrant worker health research, ESRC funding for projects examining low-income migrant workers' access to services in India, and NERC funding for flood resilience research in Nepal's Terai region. His collaborative approach is evident in projects involving multiple institutions across South Asia and the UK, with particular emphasis on transdisciplinary work that bridges social science and medical research. He has served as Principal Investigator on six completed projects and currently leads an active Wellcome Trust-funded initiative. As Co-director of the Centre for South Asian Studies in Edinburgh, Sharma contributes to one of the UK's leading institutions for South Asian research, fostering academic collaboration and knowledge exchange between scholars in the UK and South Asia. His work with the Britain Nepal Academic Council strengthens bilateral academic relations, while his editorial roles with HIMALAYA Journal and South Asia: Journal of South Asian Studies position him at the forefront of scholarly discourse on the region.
Trudo Lemmens is Professor and Scholl Chair in Health Law and Policy at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law. He holds cross-appointments at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, and the Joint Centre for Bioethics, reflecting his interdisciplinary expertise in health law, ethics, and policy. He has also held visiting positions at KU Leuven, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, University of Otago, and Oxford, and was a member of the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton. His research focuses on the legal, ethical, and governance challenges in healthcare and biomedical research. Key areas include medical assistance in dying, clinical trial transparency, pharmaceutical regulation, genetic data privacy, and conflict of interest. He has extensively analyzed how legal frameworks interact with ethical norms in contexts such as assisted human reproduction, end-of-life decisions, and public health emergencies. His work emphasizes human rights, equity, and the protection of vulnerable populations. His recent publications reveal a strong focus on the ethical and legal dimensions of medical assistance in dying, particularly regarding mental illness and advance requests. He has also published on vaccine mandates, pandemic triage ethics, and transparency in pharmaceutical data. His scholarship combines doctrinal legal analysis with empirical and policy insights, often addressing urgent public health debates. Fellowship, Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium for Science and the Arts (2006-2007) Membership, School of Social Science, Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton (2003-2004) Law Commission of Canada, Legal Dimensions Initiative Award (with Duff R. Waring) (2003) Graduate Student Paper Award, Association for Politics and the Life Sciences (1996) Doctoral Fellowship, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (1995-1997) Doctoral Fellowship, Fonds pour la formation de chercheurs et l'aide à la recherche du Québec (deferred) (1995-1998) Student Paper Award, Society for Health and Human Values (1995) Chief Justice R.A.E. Greenshields Memorial Scholarship for Graduate Studies in Law (1994) Trudo Lemmens has advised numerous national and international organizations, including the Pan American Health Organization (as a member of its Advisory Committee on Health Research), the World Health Organization, and the Council of Canadian Academies. He has served on expert panels examining access to health data and medical assistance in dying. His policy submissions to Canadian parliamentary committees have shaped national debates on end-of-life legislation. He has also contributed to inquiries into research ethics and institutional governance, including an independent inquiry into the University of Ottawa and its affiliated hospitals. He is actively engaged in public discourse, publishing op-eds in major media outlets and maintaining a presence on social media. His work bridges academia, policy, and public engagement, advocating for transparency, accountability, and ethical integrity in health systems and research.
Benoit Combemale is a Full Professor of Software Engineering at the University of Rennes , currently on leave as Research Director at Inria . He is affiliated with the DiverSE research team (joint between IRISA and Inria) and the SM@RT team at IRIT. He serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Springer-Nature journal Software and Systems Modeling (SoSyM) and holds leadership roles in academic conferences like ACM SIGPLAN Intl. Conference on Software Language Engineering and MODELS . Education : Habilitation (2015) and PhD (2008) in Software Engineering from University of Rennes and University of Toulouse, respectively. Research : Focuses on Model-Driven Engineering , Digital Twins , and ICT for Sustainability , with applications in cyber-physical systems, scientific computing, and industrial systems. Recent Publications highlight trends in digital twin modeling, energy-aware software engineering, polyglot programming, and formal verification for heterogeneous systems. His scientific awards include: Editor-in-Chief of SoSyM Steering Committee member of ACM SIGPLAN Intl. Conference on Software Language Engineering General Chair for ICT4S 2023 and MODELS 2016 PC Chair for MODELS 2024, ECMFA 2019, and SLE 2014 Coordinator of Dagstuhl Seminars and Bellairs workshops Advising includes 30+ students in topics ranging from digital twin engineering to software testing and language design. He leads the GEMOC Initiative and contributes to projects like SciHook and GEMOC Studio .
Guy Savard is a Part-time Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Chicago and Senior Scientist at Argonne National Laboratory. His research conducts low-energy tests of the Standard Model using radioactive ions trapped for precision experiments. He develops novel ion trapping techniques to study weak interaction physics, including CKM matrix unitarity and searches for scalar currents beyond V-A electroweak theory. Publications focus on precision nuclear measurements using ion traps and radioactive beam facilities. Savard contributes to R&D for next-generation radioactive ion beam facilities like RIA.
Paulo Blikstein is an Associate Professor of Communication, Media, and Learning Technologies Design at Teachers College, Columbia University. He holds affiliations with the Mathematics, Science & Technology department and the Communication, Media, and Learning Technologies Design program. His expertise spans curriculum design, digital innovation, science education, and educational technology. Dr. Blikstein earned a Ph.D. in Learning Sciences from Northwestern University (2009), M.Sc. in Media Arts & Sciences from MIT Media Lab (2002), and degrees in Engineering from the University of São Paulo (Brazil). His research focuses on leveraging technology to enhance learning through computational modeling, maker education, and tangible interfaces. He leads the Transformative Learning Technologies Lab and the FabLearn Program, which develop innovative tools like MoDa and PlayData, integrating computational thinking with real-world science experiments. His work emphasizes equitable access to technology-driven education, particularly in the Global South. Recent projects include deploying cloud labs for biology education, analyzing disinformation dynamics via agent-based models, and exploring how social media influences political radicalization. He critiques commercial education technology discourse through a critical pedagogy lens, advocating for culturally responsive, hands-on learning. Blikstein’s research bridges theory and practice, addressing systemic challenges in science education through participatory design with teachers and communities. His labs create sustainable educational technologies, such as DIY liquid handling robots and haptic feedback systems, to democratize STEM access. He also investigates computational identity formation in K-12 students and the role of making in fostering gender equity in STEM.
Professor Nick Paul is a marine scientist at the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC), leading applied research in seaweed and algae for sustainable product development. He holds a PhD and BSc (Hons) from UNSW and a Graduate Certificate in Tertiary Education Management from the University of Melbourne. His work focuses on seaweed aquaculture innovations, including waste-to-resource biotechnology, functional foods, and environmental remediation. He leads international projects funded by organizations like ACIAR, CSIRO, and Advance Queensland. Research interests include seaweed-based solutions for livestock health, wastewater treatment, and sustainable aquaculture expansion near the Great Barrier Reef. He has pioneered commercial land-based seaweed farming and developed intellectual property in this field. Awards include the 2015 UNAA World Environment Day Award for Sustainable Water Management and the 2015 Queensland Water Innovation Forum Best Paper. He serves on the Asian Fisheries Society Council and Fiji’s National Seaweed Taskforce. Key publications span seaweed cultivation methods, marine genomics, and socio-economic impacts of aquaculture in the Pacific. Grants total over A$3.7 million for projects like diversifying Pacific Island seaweed industries and improving Indonesian seaweed production.
Kathy Fontaine serves as Senior Lecturer in Information Technology and Web Science at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Program Manager for the RPI-IBM AI Research Collaboration. She joined RPI in 2014 after 25 years at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center where she developed international data access policies through CEOS WGISS, GEO, and USGEO. Her educational background includes: B.S. in Physics with Astrophysics Option from New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (1984) M.A. in Science, Technology and Public Policy from The George Washington University (2002) Ph.D. in Public Policy and Public Administration from Walden University (2013) Dr. Fontaine's research integrates data science policy with ethical frameworks, focusing on international data sharing cultures and volunteer organization dynamics. She develops courses like Big Data Policy and Ethical Informatics that address data scientists' societal responsibilities. Her work examines how policy implementations affect global earth observation systems and research data ecosystems, with particular attention to cross-cultural collaboration challenges in scientific consortia. Analysis of her publications reveals strong interdisciplinary connections between earth sciences and computer science, with emerging trends in data dexterity training, knowledge graph applications for social equity, and mineral inventory data legacies. Her research increasingly bridges technical data infrastructure with ethical considerations in data sharing. Dr. Fontaine actively contributes to scientific communities through the Earth Science Information Partners (ESIP), where she serves on GEO's Programme Board, and maintains affiliations with AGU, ACM Web Science, IEEE GRSS, and IEEE SSIT. Her current leadership in the RPI-IBM AI Research Collaboration extends her mission to develop responsible AI frameworks.
