Dr. Alexandre Mermillod-Blondin is a Principal Investigator heading a DFG-funded project on 'Micromachining with few-cycle pulses' at the Max Born Institute. His research focuses on fundamental laser-matter interactions and direct laser writing of 3D micro-optical systems in transparent materials. Key investigations include plasma formation mechanisms in dielectrics, relaxation dynamics, and applications in photonic device fabrication. His group utilizes phase-contrast microscopy and time-resolved techniques to characterize ultrafast processes.
Prof. Dr. Gaia Tavosanis is a faculty member at RWTH Aachen University , affiliated with the Department of Developmental Biology . Her research focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying neuronal resilience and dynamics in Drosophila , particularly during development and adult life. Research Interests Her work investigates dendritic structural remodeling, lipid metabolism in neuronal health, and the role of the Drosophila mushroom body in sensory processing and memory formation. These studies integrate genetic models, advanced imaging techniques, and functional analyses to uncover conserved biological principles. Publications Trends Recent publications highlight her expertise in neurodevelopmental mechanisms, lipid metabolism in neurons, and computational ethology using Drosophila . Key themes include dendritic plasticity, disease modeling, and neural circuitry optimization. Contact Email: gaia@devbiol.rwth-aachen.de Phone: +49 241 80 20870 Address: Worringerweg 3, 52074 Aachen, Germany
Unni Olsbye is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Oslo, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. Her research focuses on catalytic processes in micro- and nanoporous materials, with particular emphasis on structure-composition-function correlations in catalytic reactions and mechanistic studies of product formation. She is affiliated with several research groups including the Catalysis Section, SMN (Center for Materials Science and Nanotechnology), ProfMOF A/S, and iCSI (industrial Catalysis, Science and Technology). Professor Olsbye's research interests center on heterogeneous catalysis, particularly examining how the chemical composition of catalytic sites, their immediate environment, and steric factors influence reaction rates and selectivity in porous materials. Her work spans zeolites, zeotypes, and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for applications in CO 2 conversion, methane activation, methanol-to-hydrocarbons processes, and light alkane dehydrogenation. She investigates confinement effects in micro- and nanoporous materials, with processes studied including C-H activation, C-O activation, methane partial oxidation to methanol and syngas, methyl halide conversion, and ethene oxychlorination. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on energy-related catalysis for sustainability, particularly CO 2 conversion to fuels and chemicals, methane activation to methanol, and olefin production. Her work frequently employs copper-based catalysts in zeolites and MOFs, with increasing attention to bio-inspired catalytic systems. The research combines experimental approaches with advanced characterization techniques to understand reaction mechanisms at the molecular level. Professor Olsbye leads or participates in several significant research projects including BIZEOLCAT (bifunctional catalysts for alkane activation), CCU-NET (Nordic mobility network), CO 2 LO (CO 2 hydrogenation, TRL1-3), COZMOS (CO 2 hydrogenation, TRL3-5), CUBE (C-H activation, ERC Synergy), and ProfMOF (MOF scale-up and testing). These projects address critical challenges in catalysis for sustainable energy and chemical production. Her laboratory work focuses on advanced characterization of catalytic materials, particularly using in situ and operando techniques to monitor reactions as they occur. The research group collaborates extensively with experts in organic and inorganic synthesis, advanced spectroscopy, and theoretical calculations to develop a comprehensive understanding of catalytic processes in confined environments.
Tianna Paschel is an Associate Professor in the Department of African American Studies at the University of California, Berkeley. Her research focuses on the intersection of racial ideology, politics, and globalization in Latin America, particularly exploring shifts from universal citizenship to multicultural frameworks recognizing black populations’ rights. She is the author of Becoming Black Political Subjects (winner of multiple awards) and co-editor of Afro-Latin@s in Movement . Paschel holds affiliations with the American Political Science Association Task Force on Race and Class Inequality, the Network of Anti-Racist Action and Research (RAIAR), and the Law Section of the American Sociological Association. Her work examines black mobilization in Colombia and Brazil, anti-blackness in immigration politics, and transnational solidarity networks. Key themes include racialized state policies, intersectionality of race and class, and hemispheric black activism. Her research methods combine ethnography, archival work, and survey data analysis. Paschel’s scholarly contributions bridge sociology, political science, and ethnic studies. Her 2020s work explores California’s racialized immigration debates while earlier projects analyzed Latin America’s ethno-racial rights frameworks. She has received prestigious awards recognizing her groundbreaking analysis of race, statecraft, and social movements. Her professional service includes advising on anti-racist research initiatives and collaborating across disciplines to center black perspectives in academic discourse. Office hours are held Monday-Friday 9am-4pm in 660 Social Sciences Building, UC Berkeley.
Robert Glenn Howard is a Professor of Communication, Religious Studies, and Folklore at the University of Wisconsin–Madison , directing the Digital Studies program and DesignLab . He holds affiliations with the Information School, School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Religious Studies Program, and Folklore Program. His research explores empowerment through digital expression, focusing on vernacular authority, communication technologies, and firearms discourse. Recent work emphasizes how everyday people use technology to shape identities and challenge institutional authority. Education: Ph.D. in Communication, University of Oregon, 2001 M.A. in Communication, UCLA, 1996 B.A. in Communication, UC Berkeley, 1993 Research Interests: Howard investigates participatory performance, rhetorical theory, and digital ethnography. He examines how vernacular forms of authority interact with institutional frameworks, particularly in discourses around firearms and internet communities. Recent projects include 'GunTalk: Everyday Discourse and Weaponized Expertise.' Publications Overview: His work spans books like Gunlore: American Traditions about Firearms (2024) and Digital Jesus (2011), alongside over 20 peer-reviewed articles analyzing digital networks, vernacular authority, and gun culture. His writing bridges folklore studies, communication theory, and digital humanities. Labs & Initiatives: He leads the Digital Studies Program , fostering interdisciplinary research in digital culture, and oversees DesignLab , which explores human-centered design for communication challenges.
Mia Fuller is the Gladyce Arata Terrill Distinguished Professor of Italian Studies at the University of California, Berkeley. A cultural anthropologist and urban-architectural historian, she explores connections between physical space and political power, particularly in the context of Italian colonialism and fascism. Her work has earned the International Planning History Society book prize. Current projects include a revised Italian edition of Moderns Abroad and a new book Monuments and Mussolini . On sabbatical leave during Fall 2024. Research focuses on: Colonial architecture and urban planning in Italian colonies (Libya, Ethiopia, Eritrea) Memory studies and fascist-era monuments Discourse on modernism under authoritarian regimes Cultural identity formation through built environments Postcolonial mobility and architectural legacies Her recent publications (2015-2025) analyze Italian colonial cities, fascist architecture, and postcolonial urban studies, demonstrating consistent engagement with architectural history, urban planning, and political power dynamics. Key themes include colonial memory, modernist design's politicization, and spatial manifestations of authoritarianism. Scientific awards: International Planning History Society book prize for Moderns Abroad: Architecture, Cities, and Italian Imperialism Contact: miafull@berkeley.edu
Dr. Arash Beidollahkhani is a Research Fellow at the Global Development Institute, University of Manchester. His work focuses on Middle Eastern politics, authoritarian regimes, and the intersection of social media with socio-political movements. Key research areas include Iranian political dynamics, Afghan governance structures, and Central Asian geopolitical strategies. His interdisciplinary approach integrates cultural studies, political theory, and international relations to analyze issues like religious extremism, secular identity formation, and biopolitical state control. Recent research highlights include analyzing gender dynamics in Iranian revolutionary discourse via Twitter, exploring national identity through Persian literary classics, and examining geopolitical tensions in energy security and cross-border relations. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals through critical analysis of authoritarian governance and socio-cultural transformations. Notable collaborations include studies on Russia-EU energy politics and Iran-Pakistan security dynamics. He holds an ORCID identifier (0000-0002-8295-7142) and actively publishes in peer-reviewed journals like Feminist Media Studies and National Identities .
Professor Myrto Tsakatika is a distinguished academic in the Department of Politics at the University of Glasgow's College of Social Sciences, where she has been employed since 2007. She holds the position of Professor in Political & International Studies and serves as Undergraduate Programme Director. Her office is located in the Adam Smith Building (R1311 Level 13), a prominent building housing the university's social sciences disciplines. Dr. Tsakatika earned her PhD from the University of Essex and previously taught at the Athens University of Economics. She has held prestigious visiting positions at the University of Trieste, the Juan March Foundation in Madrid, and the Centre Emile Durkheim at SciencesPo Bordeaux, establishing her as a scholar with significant international connections. Professor Tsakatika's research spans several interconnected domains within political science. Her primary focus lies in European Union politics and governance, particularly examining the democratic deficit, new governance modes, and evolving public attitudes toward European integration. More recently, she has developed expertise in radical left parties and populism, with special attention to Southern European cases including Greece, Portugal, Italy, and Spain. Her work often bridges comparative politics with European studies, analyzing how domestic political developments interact with broader European integration processes. She has made significant contributions to understanding SYRIZA's rise and governance in Greece as well as similar phenomena across Southern Europe. Analysis of Professor Tsakatika's recent publications reveals a consistent scholarly trajectory focused on the intersection of European integration, radical left politics, and populism in Southern Europe. Her work demonstrates increasing specialization in comparative analysis of radical left parties, particularly examining their organizational structures, electoral strategies, and governance challenges. The geographical focus remains firmly rooted in Southern Europe while maintaining connections to broader European political dynamics. Her publications appear in high-impact journals and prestigious academic presses, indicating recognition within the political science community. Professor Tsakatika has successfully supervised numerous PhD students whose research aligns with her expertise, including projects on populism's impact on foreign policy, EU peacebuilding, and the democratic deficit in the European Union. Her grant portfolio reflects sustained research activity, including projects funded by the Carnegie Trust, Caledonian Research Foundation, Royal Society of Edinburgh, and European Commission programs such as PADEMIA (2013-2016) and EUROSUD (2018-2024). These grants have supported comparative research on Southern European politics, European integration, and radical left parties. Within the academic community, Professor Tsakatika serves as Associate Editor for South European Society and Politics and as Editor for Politics Politics and International Relations. She teaches undergraduate courses on the Politics of the European Union (POLITIC4020) and postgraduate courses on Global Social Movements (POLITIC 5111), directly connecting her research expertise to her teaching responsibilities.
John Leahy is the Allen Sinai Professor of Macroeconomics and Public Policy at the University of Michigan, holding dual appointments in the Department of Economics (College of Literature, Science, and the Arts) and the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy. As Chair of the Economics Department, he focuses on macroeconomic theory, monetary policy, and behavioral economics, particularly rational inattention models. His research emphasizes how cognitive limitations and information processing affect economic decisions, contrasting classical economic assumptions. Leahy has held positions at Harvard, NYU, and Boston University, and served as Coeditor of the American Economic Review and Editor of the American Economic Journal: Macroeconomics. He consults with Federal Reserve Banks, advocating for data-driven, question-first research methodologies. His work bridges theoretical rigor and practical applications, influencing policy analysis and academic discourse. Education: PhD in Macroeconomics from Princeton University; MSFS from Georgetown University; BA in Math and History. His research spans macroeconomic policy, structural change, and behavioral models of decision-making, with recent focus on wishful thinking and imperfect information processing. He collaborates widely, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches and creative problem-solving. Key contributions include modeling rational inattention, analyzing age structure impacts on monetary policy, and exploring North-South economic disparities. His editorial leadership and academic mentorship reflect his commitment to advancing innovative economic inquiry.
Juan Francisco Jiménez-Alcázar is a Professor at the Universidad de Murcia, affiliated with the Department of Prehistory, Archaeology, Ancient History, Medieval History and Historiographic Sciences and Techniques within the Faculty of Arts and Humanities. His research focuses on Medieval History, Digital Humanities, and the intersection of history with video games and digital media. He holds a Doctorate from the Universidad de Murcia (1993) with a thesis on 'Espacio, poder y sociedad en Lorca (1460-1521)'. His work explores historical representation in modern media, particularly analyzing how video games depict medieval soundscapes, warfare, and cultural frontiers. Key themes include the study of linguistic diversity in medieval Spain, governance structures in frontier regions like Murcia, and the impact of historical epidemics such as the 1507-08 plague in Murcia. Recent publications include books on Digital Humanities and video games (2020), medieval warfare simulations, and interdisciplinary studies on migration and historical identity. He collaborates with institutions like CONICET and the CNR in Italy, and his research contributes to both academic and public understanding of medieval history through digital tools and cultural analysis.
Professor Gavin J. Miller is a Professor of Biological Chemistry at Keele University, UK, affiliated with the Lennard-Jones School of Chemical and Physical Sciences. He holds a MChem from UMIST and a PhD in carbohydrate chemistry from the University of Manchester. His research focuses on glycoscience at the chemistry-biology interface, with expertise in synthesizing carbohydrates and nucleosides using chemoenzymatic and biocatalytic methods. He leads the Miller Research Group, which explores biomolecule synthesis for chemical biology applications and medicinal chemistry. Education BSc Chemistry (Medicinal Chemistry focus) – UMIST PhD in Carbohydrate Chemistry – University of Manchester Research Interests Professor Miller’s work emphasizes synthetic approaches to heparan sulfate oligosaccharides, nucleoside analogs, and glycoconjugates. His group develops scalable methods for glycan assembly and explores applications in antiviral therapies, cancer drug design, and SARS-CoV-2 interaction studies. Key areas include: Chemoenzymatic synthesis of glycoconjugates Biocatalytic nucleotide production Structural glycoscience for biomedical insights Publications Recent work highlights structural studies of glycans, antiviral heparin interactions with SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins, and inhibitor design targeting bacterial dehydrogenases. His publications span Journal of the American Chemical Society , Angewandte Chemie , and RSC Chemical Biology , reflecting interdisciplinary impact. Awards & Grants No specific awards listed, but his research has received institutional support through Keele’s Glycoscience Centre and collaborations with Manchester Institute of Biotechnology. Labs & Teams Mozilla Research Group at Keele University, part of the Glycoscience Centre, focusing on automated glycan assembly and biocatalytic processes.
Gloria Samuela Pagani is an Associate Professor of Arabic Language and Literature at the University of Salento, Italy. She holds a PhD in Islamic Studies from the University of Naples 'L'Orientale' (2000) and has taught since 2005 at the Department of Humanities. Her expertise spans Arabic language pedagogy, classical and modern Arabic literature, and Middle Eastern cultural history. Education: Bachelor's in Islamic Studies (La Sapienza University, Rome, 1994) PhD in Islamic Studies (University of Naples 'L'Orientale', 2000) Research focuses on Islamic mysticism, Arabic literary traditions, and intercultural translation. She has conducted research in Damascus, Cairo, and Paris, and taught at universities including La Sapienza Rome and the Ecole des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales (Paris). Teaching responsibilities include courses on Arabic literature, language instruction, and Middle Eastern cultural history. She co-organizes international conferences and collaborates with institutions like the Institut Français d'Archéologie Orientale and the University of Tübingen's Islamic Theology Center.
Hilary Sigman is Professor of Economics at Rutgers University and Research Associate of the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), specializing in empirical environmental policy analysis. Her work bridges environmental economics, public finance, and legal frameworks through rigorous quantitative methods focused on real-world regulatory challenges. Academic Background: B.A. from Yale University M.Phil. from Cambridge University (U.K.) Ph.D. from Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sigman's research centers on environmental policy effectiveness, with three interconnected pillars: hazardous waste management (Superfund remediation, brownfield redevelopment, and liability systems), water resource economics (transboundary rivers, dam construction, and drought impacts), and waste management systems (municipal recycling and international waste flows). Her methodology combines econometric analysis of regulatory outcomes with institutional insights from policy implementation. Current projects examine climate adaptation for contaminated sites, economic consequences of China's waste import ban, and drought-related economic disruptions. Analysis of her recent publications reveals intensifying focus on climate adaptation challenges within environmental regulation, particularly regarding Superfund site resilience. The work increasingly addresses international dimensions of waste policy and transboundary water management, reflecting growing recognition of globalization's impact on environmental governance. Her empirical approach consistently links micro-level regulatory mechanisms to macro-level environmental outcomes. Professional Engagement: Research funding from National Science Foundation and Environmental Protection Agency Committee service for U.S. EPA Science Advisory Board Contributions to National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine panels Teaching: Environmental Economics (Econ 432) and Applied Econometrics (Econ 609) Sigman maintains active policy engagement through government advisory roles while advancing academic knowledge through NBER affiliation. Her research program demonstrates consistent evolution from domestic regulatory analysis toward globally interconnected environmental challenges, particularly waste flows and climate adaptation in contaminated site management. Though no specific awards are documented in source materials, her sustained research funding and policy appointments indicate significant professional recognition.
Dr. Alan James is Reader in International History at King's College London's Department of War Studies, specializing in early modern naval warfare and state formation. His research examines the changing strategic contexts of 16th-18th century Europe with focus on French naval development and imperial expansion. Research interests include: Evolution of Western naval power ideologies (1500-1815) Relationship between military innovation and state formation French absolutism and maritime policy Confessional conflicts and imperial expansion His publications demonstrate consistent focus on French naval history, particularly under Louis XIV and Colbert, with recent works exploring ideological foundations of Western sea power. James serves as trustee of the British Commission for Maritime History and convener of the King's Maritime History Seminar. Honors include a 2022-23 fellowship at the Institute of Advanced Study in Paris.
Bradley Nilsson is a Professor of Chemistry at the University of Rochester, Department of Chemistry. He leads the Nilsson Group, focusing on peptide self-assembly, amyloid structures, and their applications in biomedicine and materials science. His work bridges organic, biological, and materials chemistry, with notable contributions to amyloid-inspired hydrogels and HIV transmission mechanisms. He received the 2016 Goergen Award for Excellence in Teaching and the 2012 NSF CAREER Award. Education: PhD in Organic Chemistry (2003, University of Wisconsin-Madison), postdoctoral research at UC Irvine. He joined Rochester in 2006. Research interests include molecular recognition in amyloid peptides, SEVI fibrils' role in HIV transmission, and hydrogel development for tissue engineering. His lab has pioneered studies on stimulus-responsive self-assembly and co-assembly of peptides. Key achievements include the reductive trigger for peptide hydrogelation (JACS 2010), and NIH-funded work on anti-HIV microbicides. Current projects explore amyloid-β oligomer toxicity, SEVI mechanisms, and functional biomaterials from simple amino acid derivatives. Lab members include graduate students Elena Quigley, Melissa Jagrosse, Francine Yanchik, Hannah Distaffen, and Chris Jones. The lab collaborates on interdisciplinary projects funded through NIH and NSF grants.
