Professor Xuan-Thao Nguyen is the Pendleton Miller Chair in Law and Director of the Asian Law Center at the University of Washington School of Law. She specializes in Intellectual Property , Corporate Governance , Technology Law , and Banking , with a focus on Cryptocurrency , Law and Technology , and E-Commerce . Her work bridges legal frameworks with innovation economics. Her research explores IP Taxation as a tool for economic growth, Blockchain applications in corporate law, and Global Tech Competition between China and the U.S. She has advised on high-profile cases involving Trademark Disputes (e.g., Starbucks vs. Starbucks Workers United) and Trade Secrets (Group14 litigation). Recent publications analyze AI Copyright Class Actions (2025), Crypto Losses (2024), and Tech Bankruptcy trends. Her book Silicon Valley Bank: The Rise and Fall of a Community Bank for Tech (2024) provides a critical case study of tech finance. She actively engages in international policy discussions, including Vietnam Data Protection (2024), U.S.-Vietnam Economic Ties (2024), and Metaverse Regulation . She leads UW's Entrepreneurship and Law Speaker Series and collaborates with institutions across Southeast Asia and the U.S.
Vivienne Brand is Professor in Law at Flinders University's College of Business, Government and Law, where she leads the corporate law research program. She serves as General Editor of the Australian Journal of Corporate Law and Deputy Chair of the Law Council of Australia’s Corporations Committee, with expertise in corporate governance, whistleblowing systems, and social licence to operate frameworks. Her policy influence includes invited testimony before Federal parliamentary inquiries on whistleblowing reform and liquidator regulation. Her academic qualifications include: LLB (Honours) Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (GDLP) Master of Laws (LLM) with Merit Master of Educational Studies (MEdSt) PhD Brand's research critically examines corporate ethics through empirical studies of director behavior, particularly regarding whistleblowing mechanisms and social licence to operate in Australian business contexts. She investigates how directors' duties evolve with societal expectations, regulatory changes, and emerging challenges like AI governance. Her work bridges legal theory with practical compliance frameworks, emphasizing the role of non-financial incentives in ethical corporate behavior. Recent publications (2020-2024) reveal three key trends: (1) Deepening analysis of whistleblowing regulation with focus on financial incentives and Regtech solutions; (2) Expansion into Middle East/North Africa trade law and sustainability governance; (3) Critical examination of AI's impact on director responsibilities and corporate accountability frameworks. Her scholarship consistently connects corporate law with UN Sustainable Development Goals through ethical business practices. Awarded national recognition for teaching excellence: Australian Citation for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning Vice Chancellor's Award for Teaching Excellence (awarded twice) Brand actively supervises corporate law research and secured funding as Chief Investigator for the 2023-2024 project Innovations in health and aged care: promoting Arab-Australia knowledge transfer , addressing cross-cultural healthcare challenges. Her professional engagement includes non-executive directorships and leadership in the Society of Corporate Law Academics (serving as President until February 2024). She maintains active roles in Law Council of Australia committees, including the Whistleblowing Working Party and Foreign Bribery Divisions, while contributing to global policy discussions on corporate governance standards.
Prof. Eleftherios H. Drosinos is a Professor at the Agricultural University of Athens , specializing in Food Safety and Quality Management Systems . He teaches undergraduate and postgraduate courses in these areas and leads research initiatives focused on microbial quality control, HACCP systems, and ISO 9000 series standards. Education: Graduated from the Agricultural University of Athens; Ph.D. from Bath University (UK). His research explores microbial interactions in food systems, particularly pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms, with a strong emphasis on Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Listeria monocytogenes dynamics across various substrates. He has published extensively on topics like sourdough microbiota, cheese safety, and antimicrobial strategies under the One Health framework. Recent publications (2024) highlight advancements in food spoilage detection, GMO monitoring, and microbial ecology. His work spans both experimental studies and reviews, addressing food safety in retail, fermented products, and fresh-cut vegetables. He directs the Laboratory of Food Quality Control and Hygiene , contributing to standardization and regulatory compliance in the food sector.
Paul Kingsley, Ph.D. is a Research Assistant Professor (Part-Time) in the Department of Pediatrics, Hematology and Oncology at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. His academic credentials include a Ph.D. and M.S. in Developmental Biology from the University of Rochester (1992, 1987) and a B.A. in Biology from Reed College (1982), followed by a Cancer Center Fellowship in Hematopoiesis at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry (1992-1994). Dr. Kingsley's research focuses on: Embryonic Hematopoiesis Erythroid Differentiation Ontogeny of Hematopoietic Progenitors Erythroid Precursor Self Renewal His laboratory employs diverse approaches including subtractive hybridization, degenerate PCR, genechip technology (Affymetrix), and in situ hybridization to investigate blood formation in mammalian embryos. His work examines how hematopoiesis initiates in the yolk sac, migrates to the fetal liver, and finally homes to the bone marrow at the end of gestation. Dr. Kingsley's publication record demonstrates consistent focus on molecular mechanisms of blood cell development, with recent work emphasizing erythroid maturation, hematopoietic stem cell regulation, and chromatin dynamics during erythropoiesis. His research spans from fundamental developmental biology to potential clinical applications in blood disorders and radiation protection. Key research contributions include: Mechanisms of erythroblast enucleation and maturation Regulation of hematopoietic stem cell specification and migration Chromatin remodeling during late-stage erythropoiesis Mitochondrial iron metabolism in heme synthesis Developmental origins of immune cell lineages Effects of radiation on hematopoietic recovery Dr. Kingsley has maintained a productive research career with extensive collaboration, particularly with Dr. James Palis, resulting in numerous high-impact publications in journals such as Nature, Science, Blood, and The EMBO Journal.
Kathryn Johnson is a Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at Colorado School of Mines with a joint appointment at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). She holds the Ben Fryrear Chair for Innovation and Excellence and earned her B.S. from Clarkson University (2000), and M.S./Ph.D. from University of Colorado Boulder (2002/2004). Her research spans wind energy control systems (floating offshore turbines, ultra-scale rotors, wind farm optimization) and sociotechnical engineering education (macroethics, social justice integration). Research Focus: Dr. Johnson leads pioneering work in aerodynamic control of floating offshore wind turbines, developing morphing rotor technologies for 50-MW systems, and optimizing wind-hydrogen integration. Her education research examines how sociotechnical thinking develops in engineering students, with fieldwork validated through international collaborations. Publication Trends: Recent works (2021-2023) demonstrate dual emphasis on: 1) Advanced wind turbine control (aerodynamic load mitigation, floating platform stabilization, grid integration) and 2) Engineering pedagogy (sociotechnical identity formation, ethics frameworks, justice-oriented curriculum design). Over 75% of recent publications involve experimental validation through NREL field tests. Awards & Honors: Fulbright Canada Research Chair in STEM Education (2021) Clare Boothe Luce Endowed Professorship (2005) IEEE Senior Member recognition Educational Leadership: Teaches core courses including Feedback Control Systems, Modern Control Design, and Wind Energy Systems. Developed Mines' first sociotechnical integration modules for control engineering curricula. Supervised 15+ graduate students in wind energy and education research. Facilities & Collaboration: Leads experimental work at NREL's National Wind Technology Center, directing the SUMR (Segmented Ultralight Morphing Rotor) consortium. Collaborates with 10+ institutions on DOE-funded projects including USFLOWT floating turbine initiative.
Isabel Maria Dias Cabral is a Contracted Researcher at the Centre for Textile Science and Technology (2C2T) at Universidade do Minho, Portugal. She holds a Doctorate in Textile Engineering (2018) and has academic background in Industrial Design (2004) and multiple Masters in Textile and Design fields (2009, 2011). Her research focuses on smart materials applied to textile design, particularly color change materials, shape memory textiles, and sustainable practices. Doctorate in Textile Engineering (2018) Master in Space, Product and Communication Design (2009) Licenciatura in Industrial Design (2004) Her work explores intersections between Humanities (Arts, Architectural Design) and Engineering (Materials, Textiles). Key research areas include smart textiles , interactive materials , and ecological coloration , with a focus on thermochromic , photochromic , and hydrochromic textile systems. Recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate expertise in natural dyes (eucalyptus, weld, madder), colorimetry in design education , and functionalization of materials for specific applications. She co-supervises PhD and MSc students in projects related to sustainable fashion , smart printed textiles , and ecological coloration . Scientific recognition includes: CEECIND award (2022) Post-Doc grant (2018) FCT PhD grant (2012) Active in project coordination (Bioeconomia Têxtil e Vestuário_BE@T), educational outreach through workshops, and international collaboration with institutions in Sweden, Spain, and Belgium. Her work bridges art , science , and technology in textile innovation.
Dr. Juli Feigon is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at UCLA's College of Letters and Science, where she has been a faculty member since 1985. Her research focuses on the structure and function of nucleic acids using multidimensional NMR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, and cryo-EM to study telomerase, riboswitches, and RNA-protein complexes. As a member of the National Academy of Sciences and recipient of numerous prestigious awards, she has established herself as a leader in structural biology of nucleic acids. Dr. Feigon received her B.A. from Occidental College and her M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of California, San Diego where she studied with Dr. David Kearns. Her postdoctoral work was completed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as a Damon Runyon-Walter Winchell Cancer Fund Postdoctoral Fellow with Dr. Alex Rich. Dr. Feigon's laboratory studies nucleic acid structure and function with emphasis on telomerase structure and mechanism, H/ACA RNPs biogenesis, and riboswitch dynamics. Her group uses NMR spectroscopy as a primary tool, complemented by X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM, and biochemical methods to understand how RNA and RNA-protein complexes function in the cell and how mutations can lead to disease. Current research focuses on structure, function, dynamics, assembly, and folding of human telomerase, Tetrahymena telomerase, riboswitches, H/ACA RNPs, and other noncoding RNAs. Analysis of Dr. Feigon's recent publications reveals a progression from fundamental RNA structure studies to increasingly complex biological systems. Her work has evolved from isolated RNA domains to full complexes and holoenzymes, with growing integration of multiple structural biology techniques. While maintaining her core focus on telomerase structure, her research has expanded to include connections to human diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative conditions, demonstrating the broad applicability of her structural insights. Member, National Academy of Sciences (2009) Glenn T. Seaborg Medal (2024) Herbert Newby McCoy Award (2022) Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Award from Protein Society (2017) Founders Award from the Biophysical Society (2019) Presidential Young Investigator, National Science Foundation (1989-1994) Camille and Henry Dreyfus Teacher/Scholar Award (1990) Dr. Feigon has mentored numerous postdoctoral fellows and graduate students who have gone on to independent positions at institutions worldwide. Her laboratory has been exceptionally successful in securing postdoctoral fellowships for its members, including American Heart Association, NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein, and Life Sciences Research Foundation awards. She established the 'Juli Feigon Helping Hands Award' to support postdoctoral fellows, research staff, and graduate students who are primary caregivers for dependent children or other family members, with matching funds from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. The Feigon Laboratory maintains state-of-the-art NMR facilities including an 800MHz Bruker Avance with TCI cryoprobe, 600MHz with TXI cryoprobe, and two 500MHz spectrometers. The lab collaborates extensively with UCLA's DOE shared facilities for crystallization, protein expression, and X-ray/EM structure determination, as well as the EICN EM facility featuring Titan Krios and other advanced electron microscopy equipment. Her research group continues to investigate the structure, function, dynamics, assembly, and folding of telomerase and other non-coding RNA complexes.
Professor Adriana Verges is a leading marine ecologist at UNSW Sydney's School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences and the Sydney Institute of Marine Science. Her research integrates climate change science with innovative marine ecosystem regeneration strategies, particularly focusing on kelp forests and seagrass meadows. Her primary research interests include: Climate change impacts on temperate marine ecosystems Tropicalization processes and range-shifting species Kelp forest and seagrass conservation/restoration Public engagement in marine restoration through participatory art-science initiatives Ecosystem service valuation of marine forests Her recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate a strong focus on kelp forest conservation challenges, tropicalization effects on temperate reefs, seagrass restoration techniques, and global assessments of marine forest ecosystems. The research consistently addresses climate change impacts while developing practical restoration methodologies like Operation Crayweed and Green Gravel. Scientific recognition includes: Green Globe Award (2017) for Operation Crayweed UNSW Emerging Thought Leader Prize (2019) WINGS Women of Discovery Award (2024) Verges directs the Kelp Forest Alliance and co-founded Operation Crayweed and Operation Posidonia, pioneering community-based marine restoration projects that have restored seaweed forests and seagrass meadows across New South Wales. Her work uniquely bridges rigorous science with public engagement through art-science collaborations.
Dr. Narges Arastouei serves as a postdoctoral researcher at the Chair of Mobile Business & Multilateral Security, Goethe University Frankfurt since 2019. With over 12 years of industry experience including leadership of security operations at Iran's largest mobile provider (MCI), she specializes in cybersecurity for next-generation mobile networks and critical infrastructure protection. Her educational background includes: Ph.D. in Computer System Networking and Telecommunications from Amirkabir University of Technology (AUT), Tehran Research focuses on network security, 5G/6G communications, IoT security, and Security Operations Center (SOC) frameworks. Current work bridges theoretical networking with practical incident handling, emphasizing human factors in cybersecurity and privacy-preserving healthcare applications. Her projects address evolving threats in mobile ecosystems through both technical solutions and policy frameworks. Publication trends reveal progression from foundational work in opportunistic network routing (2013-2019) to cutting-edge 6G security research (2022-2025), with consistent emphasis on real-world implementation challenges. Key themes include risk-aware protocols, botnet detection, and secure healthcare systems. Scientific recognition includes: First-place doctoral student award She leads coordination of EU-funded CyberSec4Europe and CyberSecPro projects while spearheading human factor components in the ECCO initiative. Secured Goethe-Corona-Fonds grant funding for longitudinal study on Germany's Corona Warning App adoption. Hosts the SECMGT workshop on information security management since 2023. Active within Goethe University's security research ecosystem, she contributes to multilateral security frameworks and mentors junior researchers through student assistant programs.
Michael Raupach is a Professor at RWTH Aachen University holding the Chair of Building Materials Science - Building Conservation. His work focuses on concrete durability, reinforcement corrosion, and sustainable construction materials, with particular expertise in alkali-activated binders, carbon textile reinforcement, and electrochemical monitoring systems. Research Interests: Concrete durability, corrosion protection, sustainable materials, structural maintenance, BIM applications, and non-destructive testing. Recent Work: Investigates electrically heated carbon textile reinforced concrete systems, develops hybrid alkali-activated materials for realkalization, and explores chloride diffusion mechanisms in low-carbon binders. Publications: Active in journals covering concrete technology, corrosion engineering, and sustainable construction methods.
Fulvio Rinaudo is a Full Professor in the Department of Architecture and Design (DAD) at Politecnico di Torino, Italy, specializing in geomatics and cultural heritage documentation. With decades of experience in the field, he leads research in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Historical Building Information Modeling (HBIM), photogrammetry, and the documentation of cultural heritage through advanced metric surveying techniques. His research interests span across multiple domains of cultural heritage preservation, including: Georeferenced databases (GIS) for cultural heritage management HBIM applications for architectural documentation and conservation Automatic digital photogrammetry for objects and contexts of varying scales Metric survey techniques for documenting historical buildings and urban contexts Digital documentation methodologies for cultural heritage preservation Rinaudo's recent scholarly output demonstrates a clear focus on advancing technological approaches to cultural heritage documentation, particularly through HBIM systems, environmental risk assessment for heritage sites, and innovative surveying methodologies. His work increasingly integrates emerging technologies like SLAM systems, 360° imaging, and cloud-based platforms to create more efficient and accurate documentation workflows. A significant portion of his recent research addresses the challenges of documenting and preserving heritage in Central Asia, particularly through the ERAMCA project focused on environmental risk assessment. Among his notable recognitions is the Best Poster Award at the CIPA Symposium awarded by ICOMOS CIPA-HD in France (2013). His leadership in the field is further evidenced by his current role as President of CIPA Heritage Documentation (2024-2027) and previous position as Secretary of ICOMOS Italy (2020-2022). Professor Rinaudo actively supervises PhD students across multiple institutions including Politecnico di Torino and Sapienza University of Rome. He has secured significant research funding through competitive grants including the ERAMCA project (Environmental Risk Assessment and Mitigation on Cultural Heritage assets in Central Asia), the RURITAGE project, and the GAMHER project (Geomatics data Acquisition and Management for landscape and built Heritage in an European Perspective). He serves on editorial boards for journals including VIRTUAL ARCHAEOLOGY REVIEW and APPLIED GEOMATICS, and participates in major international conferences as a scientific committee member for CIPA and ISPRS events. His external teaching engagements include positions at Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (Belgium) and Turin Polytechnic University in Tashkent.
Dr. Anabel Rodriguez is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health at Texas A&M University, dedicated to improving occupational health and safety among agricultural working populations. Her research focuses on Spanish and Indigenous-speaking immigrant and migrant farmworkers in rural Texas and U.S.-Mexico border regions, addressing tuberculosis prevention, vaccine access barriers, and health disparities in medically underserved 'health deserts'. Education: PhD, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health MPH, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health BS, Saint Edward's University Research Focus: Dr. Rodriguez investigates occupational epidemiology and social determinants of health in precarious agricultural employment, with emphasis on infectious disease prevention (tuberculosis, influenza, brucellosis) and vaccine equity. Her work integrates Total Worker Health® approaches to address mental health barriers, diabetes management, and safety climate in dairy operations through community-based interventions. Publication Trends: Recent articles (2023-2025) reveal three dominant themes: 1) Safety leadership training for dairy supervisors using mobile technology, 2) Infection control program development for rural healthcare workers, and 3) Analysis of social-structural barriers affecting migrant shrimpers and farmworkers. Her research consistently centers on hard-to-reach populations in Texas border communities using culturally tailored methods. Professional Context: As the daughter of Mexican immigrant seasonal farmworkers from the Rio Grande Valley, Dr. Rodriguez brings lived experience to her work. She develops training programs for occupational safety and infectious disease prevention while teaching courses in Occupational Epidemiology and Immigrant Working Populations. Her contact: anabelr@tamu.edu | 979.436.9329 | 212 Adriance Lab Rd., College Station, TX.
Aleksandr Gurkov is a University Lecturer at the Faculty of Law, University of Helsinki. His research focuses on the intersection of law, blockchain technology, and cooperative structures, with particular expertise in international commercial arbitration, comparative law, and competition law. Gurkov holds an LLM in International Commercial Arbitration Law from Stockholm University (2007/2008), an LLM in Theory and History of Law and State from Saint-Petersburg State University (2006-2009), and an LLB (Honors) in Law from Saint-Petersburg State University (2002-2006). Gurkov's research interests span several interconnected fields at the cutting edge of legal scholarship. He has pioneered work on the application of blockchain technology to cooperative structures and arbitration systems, exploring how decentralized autonomous organizations can align with traditional cooperative identities. His research on cooperative law examines innovative approaches to cooperative dispute resolution and the role of cooperative identity in blockchain-based public equity financing. In the realm of international commercial arbitration, Gurkov has extensively analyzed Russian case law and explored the application of blockchain to improve arbitration processes. His work on data protection focuses specifically on the Russian legal framework and its relationship with international standards. Gurkov also maintains strong expertise in competition law, particularly regarding the interaction between competition regulations and international arbitration. Gurkov's publication record demonstrates a clear evolution from traditional legal scholarship toward innovative intersections of law and technology. Early in his career, he focused on Russian case law and international arbitration, particularly examining competition law issues within the Russian legal system. Over time, his research increasingly incorporated blockchain technology and decentralized systems, with a significant emphasis on cooperatives since 2018. His recent work shows a sophisticated integration of cooperative law, blockchain governance, and regulatory frameworks, particularly examining how EU regulations interact with blockchain-based cooperative structures. The consistent thread throughout his work is a deep engagement with how legal frameworks can adapt to technological innovation while preserving core legal principles. Lecturer of the year (2014) Lecturer of the year (2015) Gurkov has been actively involved in academic community building through numerous conference participations, seminar organization, and professional associations. He has presented at over 10 conferences and delivered 10 oral presentations on topics related to blockchain, cooperatives, and arbitration. Gurkov has maintained membership in several professional organizations including the Young Arbitration Club Finland, Suomalaisen Lakimiesyhdistys (Finnish Lawyers' Association), ICC Young Arbitrators Forum, and the Research Group for Business Law Institutions in an Internationalizing and Networking Business Environment. His academic service includes serving as an arbitrator for the Helsinki Pre-Moot competition and participating in the Finnish Arbitration Association.
Jeffrey Erochko is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada. His research and teaching focus on structural engineering, particularly seismic-resistant and self-centering systems for timber and hybrid structures, as well as innovative pedagogical techniques in engineering education. B.A.Sc. Engineering Science, University of Toronto Ph.D., Civil Engineering, University of Toronto Prof. Erochko’s research spans advanced seismic design for timber buildings, hybrid simulation methods, fire performance of structural systems, and nonlinear dynamic analysis of multi-hazard scenarios. His work integrates experimental testing with computational models to enhance resilience in civil infrastructure. Key trends in his publications include hybrid timber-steel/concrete systems, self-centering dampers, nonlinear modeling of seismic responses, and fire safety engineering. His pedagogical contributions emphasize technology-driven assessment tools like micro-video projects and weighted rubrics. He leads the Carleton Hybrid Simulation Research Group and collaborates with the university’s multi-hazard infrastructure protection facility, which explores integrated experimental and computational approaches to natural hazards such as earthquakes, fire, blast, and wind.
Kathryn M. E. Dominguez serves as Professor of Economics and Public Policy at the University of Michigan's Department of Economics and Ford School of Public Policy. She holds dual appointments across these institutions and maintains active affiliations with the Weiser Center for Europe and Eurasia. Her professional network includes significant roles at the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), European Systemic Risk Board (Advisory Scientific Committee), and Congressional Budget Office (Panel of Economic Advisers). Her educational background includes: PhD in Economics from Yale University (1987) AB from Vassar College (1982) Dominguez's research focuses on international financial markets and macroeconomics, with specialization in exchange rate behavior, central bank interventions, and global financial crises. Her work examines how foreign exchange reserves impact currency values, the effectiveness of unconventional monetary policy during pandemics, and the transmission mechanisms of financial shocks across borders. She has developed influential frameworks for understanding central bank balance sheet policies and international reserve management during systemic crises. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals dominant themes in central bank crisis response mechanisms (7 articles), exchange rate dynamics (5 articles), and global financial stability (3 articles). Her 2025-2020 output shows increasing emphasis on pandemic-era monetary policy and evolving central bank roles as market makers of last resort. Dominguez maintains extensive professional service through appointments at the European Systemic Risk Board and Congressional Budget Office. Her advisory roles extend to major international institutions including the Federal Reserve System, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and Bank for International Settlements. At the University of Michigan, she teaches advanced courses including Global Financial Markets (PP741), Macroeconomics (PP556), and PhD-level research seminars. Her teaching spans undergraduate (Econ 140: Jane Austen and Economics) to doctoral levels, emphasizing real-world applications of financial market theory.
