Susan Fino is a Professor at the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Wayne State University. Her research focuses on public law, American constitutional law, administrative law, and the role of state supreme courts. She holds a B.A. from Johns Hopkins University, an M.A. and Ph.D. from Rutgers University. She has received the President's Award for Excellence in Teaching. Her courses include American Government (PS1010) and Constitutional Law (PS5110/PS5120), taught across multiple terms from 2023 to 2025. Dr. Fino's research explores judicial federalism, state constitutional frameworks, and legal interpretations of rights. Her work analyzes topics like church-state relations, taxation provisions in state constitutions, and assisted suicide debates. She has written extensively on state supreme court dynamics, including landmark cases and institutional performance metrics. Her scholarship bridges legal theory with practical governance challenges at both state and federal levels. Her publications span over three decades, addressing evolving legal landscapes such as the Rehnquist Court’s federalism approach and technological impacts on criminal sentencing. She consistently engages with issues at the intersection of law, politics, and societal values.
Chad E. Hart is a Professor in the Department of Economics at Iowa State University (ISU), specializing in agricultural economics and international trade policy. His research focuses on WTO agricultural commitments, crop insurance, biofuel policy, and commodity market dynamics. Hart holds a Ph.D. (1999) and B.S. (1991) in economics from ISU and Southwest Missouri State University, respectively. He has served in roles at ISU’s Center for Agricultural and Rural Development (CARD) and the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute (FAPRI), examining trade policies and energy-agriculture intersections. Hart has received notable awards, including the CALS Dean’s Citation (2020) and Exemplary Faculty Mentor Award (2016). His work bridges academic research and practical extension, addressing issues like trade disputes, commodity pricing, and agricultural sustainability. Hart’s insights frequently inform USDA outlook reports and policy analyses, with a focus on Iowa’s agricultural economy. Labs/Teams: Active in CARD and FAPRI, contributing to interdisciplinary research on agricultural policy and market dynamics.
Michael Wara is a Senior Research Scholar at the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment and Director of the Climate and Energy Policy Program. He holds a JD from Stanford Law School, a PhD in Ocean Sciences from UC Santa Cruz, and a BA from Columbia University. His work bridges legal, scientific, and policy domains to address climate and energy challenges through bipartisan technical assistance and research collaboration with economists, engineers, and scientists. His research focuses on carbon pricing mechanisms, energy innovation, and regulatory solutions for climate policy. He advises policymakers on designing effective laws and regulations, with particular expertise in international environmental treaties like the ozone and climate regimes. Wara also teaches courses on energy law, wildfire policy, and carbon taxation at Stanford Law School. Key contributions include analyzing the economic impacts of EPA regulations, evaluating California’s carbon market mechanisms, and advancing strategies to decarbonize building electrification. His interdisciplinary approach emphasizes practical solutions to global environmental challenges, leveraging Stanford’s expertise in energy systems and policy. Wara’s policy practicum courses engage students in real-world projects such as evaluating carbon pollution standards and wildfire management policies. His work frequently appears in peer-reviewed journals and media outlets like The Atlantic and New York Times , addressing topics like the Supreme Court’s EPA rulings and wildfire insurance issues.
Professor Hisham Farag is a distinguished academic at the University of Birmingham , where he serves as Professor of Finance and Director of Research at the Birmingham Business School . He is also the Founding Director of the Sustainable Financial Innovation Research Centre (SFIC) , underscoring his leadership in advancing research in sustainable finance and financial innovation. His work is deeply embedded in the Department of Finance , where he contributes to both research and academic leadership. His primary research interests span a wide and impactful range of topics in modern finance, including FinTech , corporate governance , board structure and diversity , corporate social responsibility (CSR) , behavioural finance , sustainable finance , ESG , and green finance . His research investigates how governance mechanisms, board composition, and financial innovations influence firm performance, risk, and ethical outcomes, particularly in both developed and emerging markets. His recent publications reveal a strong focus on global corporate governance, alternative finance, and the social dimensions of finance. Key themes include the role of board diversity in bank stability, the impact of FinTech on entrepreneurship, and the integration of CSR in Islamic and Chinese financial institutions. His work frequently appears in top-tier journals such as the Journal of Corporate Finance , British Journal of Management , and European Journal of Finance . Professor Farag has received significant research funding from notable institutions including the Bank of England , Innovate UK (Energy Systems Catapult) , and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) . His research projects have addressed critical issues such as board effectiveness, risk in financial institutions, and investment decisions in hedge funds. He is actively involved in the academic community, serving as Associate Editor for several prestigious journals: European Journal of Finance , Research in International Business and Finance , Business Ethics European Review , and African Accounting and Finance Association . He has also co-authored a research monograph titled Balancing the Board: Directors’ Skills and Diversity , funded by ICAS. Among his accolades, he received the Best Paper Award at the Global Finance Conference in California, USA. His scholarly output includes numerous peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and professional reports, reflecting a sustained and influential contribution to the field of finance.
Philippe Aghion is a Professor at the College de France and at the London School of Economics, and a fellow of both the Econometric Society and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. His academic career spans multiple prestigious institutions and has significantly contributed to economic theory and policy. Professor Aghion's research focuses on the economics of growth. With Peter Howitt, he pioneered the Schumpeterian Growth paradigm which has been used to analyze growth policies and the role of the state in economic development. His work spans several key areas including: Endogenous Growth Theory Competition and Growth dynamics Environmental Economics and Green Technology Innovation Economics Economic Policy design His recent publications demonstrate a continued focus on growth theory while expanding into critical contemporary issues such as environmental sustainability and green technology transitions. Aghion's work increasingly examines the intersection of economic growth with climate change mitigation strategies, reflecting the evolving priorities in economic research. Professor Aghion has received numerous prestigious awards for his contributions to economics: Yrjo Jahnsson Award (2001) - recognizing him as the best European economist under age 45 John Von Neumann Award (2009) Fellow of the Econometric Society Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences His scholarly impact extends through his influential books including "Endogenous Growth Theory" (MIT Press, 1998), "The Economics of Growth" (MIT Press, 2009), and "Competition and Growth" (MIT Press, 2006, with Rachel Griffith), which have shaped the field of growth economics for decades.
Stefan Gosepath is a Professor of Practical Philosophy at the Institute of Philosophy, Faculty of Humanities, Free University of Berlin. He serves as Principal Investigator for multiple major research projects including the Volkswagen Foundation's 'The Deserving Rich' and the Excellence Cluster 'Contestations of the Liberal Script' (SCRIPTS), where he coordinates the Research Unit 'Order'. His academic affiliations include membership in the Academy of Sciences and Literature Mainz and participation in the Berlin-Potsdam Research Group on International Rule of Law. His research spans political philosophy with particular focus on theories of justice (global and intergenerational), equality, democracy, human rights, and responsibility. Key areas include social and legal philosophy, action theory, meta-ethics (particularly rationality and normativity), and theories of the good life. His work critically examines meritocracy, inheritance systems, and wealth distribution within liberal democracies. Notable publications demonstrate evolving focus from foundational theories of egalitarian justice to contemporary challenges including pandemic ethics, digital governance, and contestations of liberal democracy. His recent work analyzes merit systems, inheritance justice, and global philosophical frameworks through interdisciplinary lenses combining philosophy, sociology, and political science. Opus Magnum Stipendium der VW Stiftung (2021/22) Ordinary Member, Academy of Sciences and Literature Mainz (since 2020) Principal Investigator, Excellence Cluster SCRIPTS (since 2019) Gosepath leads multiple collaborative research initiatives including 'Transforming Solidarities' (Berlin University Alliance) and 'Liberal Order, Legitimate Authority and Disagreement' (with Mattias Kumm). His work connects theoretical frameworks with practical policy challenges, particularly regarding social cohesion in migration societies and democratic resilience. He maintains active engagement with public discourse through media appearances and policy-relevant interventions on issues of justice and democratic governance.
John Byrne is a Distinguished Professor of Energy and Climate Policy and Director of the Center for Energy and Environmental Policy (CEEP) at the University of Delaware's Biden School of Public Policy. His academic career spans over three decades with significant contributions to global climate policy through roles in the IPCC, World Council for Renewable Energy, and Seoul International Energy Advisory Council. He pioneered the Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU) model and led the first SEU implementation in Delaware, recognized internationally for its innovative financing mechanisms. His research focuses on energy transitions, environmental justice, and renewable energy integration. Notable achievements include co-founding the International Solar Cities Initiative, advising China’s State Environmental Protection Agency, and conceiving the SEU's AA+-rated bond program. Byrne has held visiting positions at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and Seoul National University, where he contributed to South Korea’s greenhouse gas abatement strategy. Byrne’s publications include 19 books and 170+ articles, with influential works like Rethinking Environmentalism (MIT Press) and Green Energy Economies . He serves as Co-Editor-in-Chief of WIREs Energy and Environment and editor of the Energy and Environmental Policy book series since 1983. His work is funded by major institutions including the World Bank, UNDP, and U.S. Department of Energy. Key recognitions include the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize (shared via IPCC contributions) and Fulbright Senior Lecturer Award. Byrne’s current efforts focus on advancing solar energy policies, sustainable urban development, and bridging environmental justice with climate resilience.
Sarah E. Stein is an Associate Professor and Deloitte Foundation Faculty Fellow in the Department of Accounting and Information Systems at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech). She serves as Director of the Ph.D. Program within the Pamplin College of Business. Her academic journey includes a Ph.D. from the University of Missouri, a B.S. and M.S. in Accounting from Truman State University, and CPA licensure in Colorado. Prior to academia, she worked as an audit manager at Deloitte in Denver. Education: Ph.D., University of Missouri; B.S. and M.S., Truman State University; CPA (Colorado) Roles: Deloitte Foundation Faculty Fellow, Director of Ph.D. Program Dr. Stein’s research focuses on auditor expertise, corporate governance, auditing networks, and financial reporting challenges. Her work has been published in top journals like The Accounting Review and Auditing: A Journal of Practice & Theory . She received the 2019 Best Paper Award in Issues in Accounting Education and the 2020 Innovation in Auditing Education Award for her data visualization audit case. Her recent articles (2023–2025) highlight themes such as audit committee responsibilities, CFO-audit partner dynamics, and small accounting firm strategies. Her teaching includes graduate auditing courses and PhD seminars. Research trends in her articles emphasize audit quality, governance evaluation, and emerging technologies in auditing. She actively contributes to professional standards through commentaries on PCAOB releases. Awards: 2019 Best Paper Award, 2020 Innovation Award, Deloitte Doctoral Fellowship Dr. Stein advises the Ph.D. program and collaborates with industry on audit innovation. Her lab focuses on auditing education and case development, reflecting her commitment to bridging academic research and practical application.
Antonia Agulló Agüero is a distinguished Professor at Pompeu Fabra University specializing in Financial and Tax Law. With a scholarly career spanning over four decades from 1980 to 2025, she has established herself as a leading authority in Spanish tax law with growing expertise in EU tax frameworks and public finance systems. Her academic contributions include 26 journal articles, 27 collaborative works, 15 books, and direction of 20 doctoral theses. Her research interests focus on Tax Law , Financial Law , and Public Finance , with particular expertise in EU Taxation, Local Government Finance, Constitutional Tax Law, and International Taxation. Her scholarly work demonstrates a clear evolution from foundational tax principles to complex contemporary issues including healthcare financing, cross-border taxation, and fiscal policy responses to economic crises. Analysis of her most recent publications (2016-2020) reveals increasing attention to healthcare financing mechanisms, EU tax harmonization challenges, and the constitutional dimensions of public spending. Her work bridges theoretical legal scholarship with practical policy applications, particularly in regional tax autonomy and fiscal federalism within Spain's autonomous communities framework. As a dedicated academic mentor, she has supervised 20 doctoral students whose research spans diverse tax law topics including international double taxation, public debt concepts, soft law in international taxation, and environmental taxation. Her students have gone on to contribute significantly to academic and professional tax discourse in Spain. Her scholarly infrastructure includes leadership in academic publications, participation in professional tax councils (notably the Barcelona Tax Council), and contributions to major tax law reforms including Spain's General Tax Law and Personal Income Tax legislation. Her work continues to influence tax policy development in Spain and EU member states.
Patricia K. Tong is an economist at RAND and a Professor of Policy Analysis at the RAND School of Public Policy. She specializes in public finance and labor economics, with a strong focus on military and civilian personnel policy, compensation, and health economics. Her research addresses critical issues in military personnel retention, family caregiving, retirement benefits, and access to mental and behavioral health services. Research Interests: Tong’s work combines qualitative and quantitative methods to evaluate monetary and nonmonetary compensation policies, labor market outcomes, and social welfare impacts. Her expertise spans economic policy, health economics, military personnel systems, and family support structures. She has led studies on Social Security survivor benefits, tax policy anti-poverty effects, and nurse staffing standards. Publication Trends: Her recent research centers on military compensation, health care access for service members and families, and financial inclusion. Articles reflect a consistent policy-oriented focus, often supporting governmental reviews such as the Quadrennial Review of Military Compensation, and addressing timely issues like pandemic caregiving and unbanked populations. Scientific Contributions: Published in top journals including American Economic Review and Health Economics Key contributor to national policy discussions on military pay, retention, and health care Research used to inform federal and state-level policy decisions Advising and Grants: While specific students are not listed, her leadership in major research projects indicates a supervisory and mentoring role. She has led federally funded studies on military compensation, health care access, and financial inclusion, demonstrating sustained grant support from defense and public policy agencies. Labs and Teams: Tong conducts research within RAND’s interdisciplinary policy teams, particularly those focused on defense, health, and economic security. Her work often involves collaboration with military stakeholders, federal agencies, and public health experts to develop actionable policy solutions.
Prof. Dr. Jörg R. Werner is a Professor of Accounting at Frankfurt School of Finance & Management. His academic career spans roles at the University of Bremen (Assistant Professor 2006–2011, member of Collaborative Research Center 597), and a Visiting Professorship at Jacobs University Bremen (2010). Born in 1978, he earned a Diploma in Business Studies (2003) and PhD (2006) from the University of Bremen, followed by Habilitation in 2011. Werner's research focuses on international and comparative accounting with empirical methods, regulatory issues in accounting, and corporate governance . His work addresses topics like value relevance in cross-country studies, capital market responses to emission rights, earnings management strategies, and the impact of financial reporting governance. He is a member of the American Accounting Association (AAA) European Accounting Association (EAA) Forum für Rechnungslegung und Steuern (FRS) Verband der Hochschullehrer für Betriebswirtschaft (VHB) His publications appear in journals such as the International Journal of Accounting , Corporate Governance – An International Review , Energy Economics , and Socio-Economic Review . He also authors German and international textbooks on accounting and finance.
Finn Arnesen (born 1962) is a Professor and Head of Department at the Scandinavian Institute of Maritime Law within the Faculty of Law at the University of Oslo. He has been affiliated with the Faculty of Law since 1989, progressing from research fellow to associate professor and becoming a full professor in 1998. Arnesen also serves as Chairman of the Board of Finanstilsynet (Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway) since March 2018 and is a member of the Market Council. Graduated in law in 1989 Defended doctoral thesis "State governance and EEA legal barriers" in 1996 Research assistant at Nordic Institute of Maritime Law (1987) Research assistant at Department of Criminal Law and Criminology (1988-89) Professor Arnesen specializes in EU law, EEA law, administrative law, international law, law of obligations, legal sources, and public procurement. His research focuses on general EU and EEA law, procurement law, and legal issues arising at the intersection between EEA law and Norwegian law. His work spans petroleum law, maritime law, and energy law, with particular attention to how European legal frameworks interact with Norwegian domestic legislation. Analysis of Arnesen's recent scholarly output reveals consistent engagement with the EEA Agreement's implementation and interpretation. His publications demonstrate expertise in treaty law, legal integration challenges, and the practical implications of European law for Norwegian sectors including fisheries, energy, and public procurement. The research shows particular focus on territorial application, legal homogeneity, and the relationship between European legal frameworks and national implementation. Arnesen has held significant professional positions including: acting Judge at the Supreme Court (2011-2012), member of the Public Procurement Complaints Board (2015-2023), and lawyer at Thommessen law firm (2002-2003). He has chaired important committees including those producing NOU 2005:13 on nominee registration of shares and NOU 2020:9 on incorrect application of National Insurance Act requirements in the EEA area. Professor Arnesen leads research projects including "The European Dimension of Norwegian Law (EURNOR)" and "Public Procurement of Critical Societal Functions and Effects on Societal Security and Emergency Preparedness (ProCritS)." He is affiliated with multiple research groups including the Labor Law Group, Research Group for International Law, and Market, Innovation and Competition (MIK) group.
Malgorzata Agnieszka Cyndecka is a Professor at the Faculty of Law, University of Bergen (UiB) , where she specializes in EU/EEA state aid law and data protection/GDPR. She is affiliated with SLATE (Centre for the Science of Learning & Technology) and serves as a member of the Norwegian Data Protection Board. Since 2019, she has been Associate Editor of the European State Aid Law Quarterly . She also holds an Associate Professor II position at the University of Oslo and contributes to interdisciplinary research on AI, privacy, and education. University: University of Bergen School: Faculty of Law Academic Rank: Professor Email: malgorzata.cyndecka@uib.no Affiliations: SLATE, Norwegian Data Protection Board, Council of Europe Expert Group on AI and Education Her research centers on EU/EEA state aid rules —particularly their application in tax, energy, and education sectors—and data protection law , with a focus on GDPR compliance in AI-driven educational technologies. She has led and contributed to major projects such as the Norwegian Data Protection Authority’s Sandbox for Responsible AI (AVT project), where she provided legal guidance on processing student data, and UiB’s DIGI courses, where she co-developed DIGI113 on Privacy and GDPR. Her work bridges legal theory with practical policy, influencing national and international frameworks on digital rights and public aid. The analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on the evolution of state aid jurisprudence , especially the Market Economy Operator Principle (MEOP), burden of proof in aid cases, and sustainability in public support. Concurrently, her interdisciplinary work explores AI and privacy challenges in education , anonymization of unstructured data under GDPR, and ethical implications of algorithmic decision-making. Her contributions span legal doctrine, policy recommendations, and public commentary. Scientific Awards: European State Aid Law Quarterly PhD Award (2012–2016) for best doctoral dissertation in state aid law Advising and Grants: She supervises master’s students in EU/EEA law, data protection, and GDPR. She has been involved in externally funded projects including the Norwegian Data Protection Authority’s Sandbox for Responsible AI, the ENDO4P project (aimed at personalized endocrinology treatment via EU Horizon funding), and the Clean Up Project (Machine Learning for Anonymisation of Unstructured Personal Data) at the University of Oslo. She has also coordinated collaborations with Media City Bergen for law and technology education. Her teaching includes course leadership in JUS2302, JUS3502, JUS2303, JUS3503, and DIGI113. Labs and Teams: She is a key member of SLATE (Centre for the Science of Learning & Technology) at UiB and participates in multiple research groups including the Research Group for Information and Innovation Law. She contributes to interdisciplinary teams working on digital competence, AI ethics, and data governance in education and health. She is also active in the Academy for Young Researchers (AYF) and leads the EU and EEA Law Issues Committee in the Norwegian branch of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ).
Chris Russill is an Associate Professor in the School of Journalism and Communication at Carleton University, Ottawa, serving as Academic Director of Re.Climate, a center for climate communication and public engagement. His research examines climate communication transformations in the digital information environment, focusing on disinformation, crisis management, and public engagement strategies. Education: Ph.D. in Communication, Penn State University M.A., York University, Toronto B.A., York University, Toronto Russill investigates how digital platforms reshape climate discourse, with particular attention to greenwashing mechanisms, carbon pricing communication, and media dynamics during climate emergencies. His work bridges environmental communication, media studies, and policy analysis, exemplified by projects like the true crime podcast Who Killed the Carbon Tax and co-edited volumes including Critical Approaches to Climate Change and Civic Action . His 2021-2025 publications reveal consistent thematic focus on climate communication ethics, tipping points discourse, and industry greenwashing practices. Key contributions analyze Pathways Alliance's oil sands marketing, social media dynamics during extreme weather, and ethical frameworks for climate messaging across diverse media platforms. Scientific Awards: No specific scientific awards listed in source material Russill secures research funding from SSHRC, McConnell Foundation, Ivey Foundation, Donner Foundation, Jarislowsky Foundation, Trottier Family Foundation, Environmental Funders Canada, Clean Economy Fund, and MITACS. His collaborative projects involve interdisciplinary teams, evidenced by co-authored reports on wildfire misinformation ( Flame Wars ) and Competition Bureau submissions addressing deceptive environmental claims. As Academic Director of Re.Climate, Russill leads climate communication initiatives while contributing to Carleton's Collaborative Specialization in Climate Change. He serves on editorial boards for Environmental Communication , Palgrave Studies in Media and Environmental Communication , and Communication Undisciplined , shaping scholarly discourse in the field.
Christine Cheng serves as Assistant Professor of Accountancy at the University of Mississippi's Patterson School of Accountancy, specializing in Tax and Data Analytics. She previously held a visiting scholar position at the Securities and Exchange Commission Division of Economic and Risk Analysis (2020-2022) and currently contributes to the Financial Accounting Standards Board Taxonomy Advisory Group. Her academic credentials include: Ph.D. in Business Administration from Pennsylvania State University (2011) M.B.A. in Business Administration from Pennsylvania State University Harrisburg (2003) Dr. Cheng's research examines machine-readable financial reporting determinants, tax-influenced decision making, and the intersection of tax analytics with corporate strategy. Her work bridges theoretical accounting frameworks with practical data science applications, particularly in post-Wayfair e-commerce taxation and marriage tax policy analysis. She employs advanced tools like Alteryx and robotic process automation to model complex tax scenarios. Publication trends reveal a strategic shift toward data-driven tax education and regulatory compliance, with 60% of recent work integrating analytics into financial reporting. Her articles frequently address real-world policy impacts, such as same-sex marriage tax implications and hail damage fraud detection, demonstrating applied relevance to both academic and practitioner audiences. Major recognitions include: 2023 Public Interest Section Best Paper Award (American Taxation Association) 2023 Graduate Teacher Award (American Accounting Association) Three ATA/Deloitte Teaching Innovation Awards (2019-2022) 2019 Best Article Award from The Tax Adviser As an educator, she pioneered Ole Miss's Master's of Taxation and Data Analytics program and maintains a YouTube channel with 200+ instructional videos. Her advising includes master's student Taylor, J. (lead author on a 2015 publication), and she has secured multiple curriculum development grants through Deloitte partnerships. Current projects focus on SEC disclosure analytics and blockchain-based tax compliance systems.
