Prof Heath McDonald is the Dean of Economics, Finance & Marketing at RMIT University's College of Business and Law. With over 20 years in academic and industry roles, his expertise spans marketing science, subscription markets, and fan engagement. He has advised over 50 elite sports organizations globally and holds the 2015 NASSM Research Fellow award. Research focuses on customer retention in subscription markets (e.g., sports memberships), leveraging large datasets and repeated modeling. Notable collaborations include the AFL's post-COVID membership strategy and Zoos Victoria pricing structures. He has secured $2.5M+ in ARC grants and published the second edition of *Sports Consumer Behavior: Marketing Strategies* (Routledge). Teaching includes MKTG1089 Sport Marketing, and supervision spans topics like fandom in tech-mediated environments. He serves as Associate Editor of *Journal of Sport Management* and President of the Sport Management Association of Australia and New Zealand.
Bertha Jimenez is an Industry Assistant Professor at the Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, specializing in Technology Management and Innovation. She is also the Co-founder and CEO of Rise Products, a food-tech startup converting organic by-products into food-grade ingredients. Her research focuses on entrepreneurship education, sustainable technology, and innovation ecosystems. Education: Ph.D. in Technology Management and Innovation from NYU Tandon (2016). Her doctoral work explored the role of higher education in fostering entrepreneurship, leading to improved co-curricular programs at the university. She taught an Innovation Management course, blending research and startup experience. Research Interests: Bertha's work bridges academia and industry, emphasizing upcycled ingredients, sustainable product development, and entrepreneurship's societal impact. She consults food brands on sustainable practices and collaborates with NYC's craft beer network to reduce food waste. Her findings have been published in top journals and presented globally. Community Engagement: She actively supports minority and women entrepreneurs through alumni associations, mentoring, and advocacy. Her startup, Rise Products, exemplifies her commitment to environmental and social impact through innovation.
Bharat Rao is an Associate Professor in the Department of Technology Management and Innovation at New York University’s Tandon School of Engineering. His research focuses on managing emerging technologies, innovation strategy, and the societal impacts of disruptive technologies such as AI, drones, and 3D printing. He explores topics including defense innovation cycles, technology diffusion in underdeveloped societies, and the role of universities in fostering entrepreneurship. Affiliations: Tandon School of Engineering, NYU Office: LC 401 Dibner Email: bharat.rao@nyu.edu His work bridges technology adoption, business models, and strategic implications across sectors like defense, entertainment, and environmental sustainability. Rao’s recent publications address AGI prospects, AI’s impact on defense industries, and social entrepreneurship approaches for river revitalization. His research also examines innovation ecosystems in government agencies (e.g., Defense Innovation Unit) and multinational corporate expansion strategies (e.g., TCS in Europe). Rao has published extensively on topics ranging from cloud computing in developing regions to the cultural economics of magic performances. His work integrates technical analysis with organizational and policy perspectives, often using case studies to illustrate innovation dynamics.
Larry Miller is a Clinical Professor and Executive Director of the Sony Audio Institute for Music Business and Technology at New York University's Steinhardt School. He also directs the Music Business Program and serves as an adjunct faculty member. With an MBA from Columbia Business School, his expertise spans music entrepreneurship, analytics, valuation, and strategic marketing. He advises music creators, rights holders, and tech firms on policy, litigation, and growth strategies. Professor Miller has held leadership roles at L.E.K. Consulting and MediaNet, and founded Or Music, a Grammy-winning record label. He contributes to media through his Musonomics podcast and voice-over work, including a Clio-winning performance. His research focuses on music industry transformation, streaming economics, and metadata foundations. Key achievements include the 2024-25 Music Business Association Educator of the Year award and expert testimony before the Copyright Royalty Board. His work bridges academia, industry, and innovation, addressing global challenges in music business and technology.
Matthew Manos: Academic & Social Innovator Matthew Manos serves as Associate Dean for Academic Planning and Associate Professor of Practice in Design Strategy at the University of Southern California. He is the founder of verynice , a design strategy firm that provides free services to nonprofits, working with clients like Apple, UNICEF, and NASA. He previously chaired the Los Angeles Creative Advisory Board under Mayor Garcetti and designed curricula for the IYC high school initiative. His research focuses on creative facilitation tools in healthcare, education, and social entrepreneurship. Education Master of Fine Arts in Media Design Practices, ArtCenter College of Design Bachelor of Arts in Design Media Arts, UCLA Research & Impact Manos pioneers frameworks for equitable collaboration and strategic foresight . His work includes Models of Impact (a toolkit for social enterprises) and Comix from the Heart (healthcare storytelling via comics). His articles in Forbes , HOW Magazine , and academic journals address CSR, education reform, and design ethics. Awards & Recognition Golden Root Award (2013) for pro-bono leadership Forbes 30 Under 30 nomination LA Mayor’s Pro Bono Service Award (2014, 2018) Leadership & Outreach At USC, he oversees admissions, curriculum, and industry partnerships. He has lectured globally at institutions like Singularity University and Google, advocating for design-driven social change . Prior roles include adjunct professorships at CCA and ArtCenter, and teaching at Moscow’s Strelka Institute. Projects & Labs verynice : Pro-bono design services ($50M+ impact) Models of Impact : Used by 100,000+ practitioners Comix from the Heart : Patient-art collaboration in healthcare
Ala Arvidsson is a Senior Lecturer at the Supply and Operations Management Department within the Technology Economics and Organization school at Chalmers University of Technology. Their work focuses on supply chain innovation, procurement strategies, and logistics resilience. Key affiliations include projects funded by VINNOVA and collaborations with industry partners such as the automotive and humanitarian sectors. Research Interests : Arvidsson’s research spans supply chain management, sustainable procurement, blockchain applications in logistics, disaster relief coordination, and Industry 5.0 adoption in SMEs. Recent work emphasizes multi-tier supply chain resilience, right-to-repair policies, and circular economy frameworks. Projects : Active projects include Hållbar cirkulär tillförsel av teknologi till bilindustrin (SusTeq) (2024–2028) and COLLECT: Horizontal Cooperation in Urban Logistics (2022–2023). Past initiatives involved developing procurement big data software and frameworks for disaster relief resource sharing. Grants & Collaborations : Funded by VINNOVA and industry partners, Arvidsson collaborates with researchers across disciplines, including transportation engineering and humanitarian logistics. Their work bridges academic theory with practical applications in manufacturing, healthcare, and disaster management.
Kwamie Dunbar is a tenured Professor of Finance at WPI and currently serves as the Interim Dean of The Business School and Director of the FinTech Program. He holds a PhD in Financial Economics from Fordham University, an MS in Mathematics from Fairfield University, an MBA in Economics and Finance from Sacred Heart University, and a BS from the University of the West Indies. His research focuses on FinTech innovation, cryptocurrency markets, blockchain assets for social good, and the impact of environmental policies on investment. He has published in leading journals such as Quantitative Finance , Economic Modelling , and International Review of Financial Analysis , with notable contributions to topics like CBDC implications, climate finance, and DeFi governance. Dr. Dunbar actively engages with industry through collaborations with Fortune 500 companies and serves on editorial boards for journals like Heliyon and I-Science . His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education), 7 (Clean Energy), 9 (Innovation), 11 (Sustainable Cities), 12 (Responsible Consumption), and 13 (Climate Action). Professional affiliations include the American Finance Association, Eastern Finance Association, and Financial Management Association. He has received media attention for insights on cryptocurrency in retirement portfolios and WPI’s pioneering FinTech programs.
Professor Shlomo Y. Tarba is a Chair (Full Professor) in Strategy and International Business at the Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham. He joined the institution as a Reader in 2015 and previously held academic positions at the University of Sheffield, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Tel-Aviv University, and Ben-Gurion University. He has served as Head of the Department of Strategy & International Business and as a member of the Senior Management Team. PhD in Business Strategy, Ben-Gurion University, Israel MBA, Ben-Gurion University, Israel MSc in Biotechnology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel BSc in Agriculture, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel Prof. Tarba is an internationally recognized scholar specializing in cross-border mergers and acquisitions, organizational ambidexterity, strategic agility, resilience, and cross-cultural management. His research bridges human resource management, global strategy, and organizational behavior. He has published extensively in top-tier journals such as Journal of International Business Studies , British Journal of Management , Human Resource Management , and Academy of Management Perspectives . His recent scholarly output demonstrates a consistent focus on M&A integration, leadership, knowledge transfer, and agility. The articles reflect interdisciplinary engagement across strategic management, HRM, and international business, with a strong emphasis on empirical studies in both Western and emerging economies. His work frequently explores cultural, organizational, and managerial factors influencing post-acquisition success. Prof. Tarba has received significant recognition for his contributions: Fellowship of the Academy of Social Sciences (FAcSS), 2020 Best Paper Proceedings of the Academy of Management (USA), 2006 He plays a major editorial role as Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the British Journal of Management and is incoming Co-Editor-in-Chief. He also serves on the editorial boards of Journal of International Business Studies , Journal of Management Studies , and several other prestigious journals. He has guest-edited special issues for journals including British Journal of Management , California Management Review , and Human Resource Management . He supervises students across levels and teaches strategic management and international collaborative strategies. He has delivered invited talks at leading universities across Europe and serves as a reviewer and track chair for major international conferences.
Dr. Joachim Timlon is an Assistant Professor of Strategy and International Business at the Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham. He teaches strategy, sustainability, and innovation, with a specialized focus on strategic board governance in startup unicorn companies and the integration of AI in strategic decision-making. He serves as the module leader for the FT MBA Strategy program across campuses in Birmingham, Dubai, and Singapore. PhD and PhLic, Gothenburg School of Economics and Law, Sweden M.Sc. in International Business, Uppsala University B.A. in Business Administration, Lund University His research centers on strategic choices for scaling high-growth ventures, particularly in green tech and digital native businesses. He investigates how AI, organizational culture, and leadership mindsets influence innovation and competitive advantage. His work adopts an interdisciplinary, evidence-based approach, applied across industries such as automotive, healthcare, luxury fashion, and sustainable technology. His publications include influential teaching cases, such as one on Ford’s electric vehicle strategy in China, used in over 500 instances globally. His recent work explores innovation strategies in haute couture and DE&I in Black-led unicorn startups. The research trends reflect a strong focus on digital transformation, ethical AI, sustainability, and inclusive innovation. Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA) Fellowship, Higher Education Futures Institutes (HEFi) Joachim has extensive experience in academic program leadership, having served as Program Director and module leader for international MBA programs. He has over 8,000 hours of teaching experience across nine countries and has been a visiting professor at institutions including Toulouse Business School, Luiss Guido Carli, and the University of Hawaii. He has also advised educational institutions globally and delivered keynote speeches, including for the Chinese government. His pedagogic research emphasizes student-centered, collaborative learning environments based on adult learning principles. He leads the development of teaching cases that explore strategic governance, innovation, and sustainability in high-growth firms. These cases are used internationally and support both student learning and faculty instruction in strategy and innovation courses.
Dr. Kyle Maurice Woosnam is a Professor and Graduate Coordinator in the Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management at the University of Georgia's Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources. He holds a Ph.D. in Community Tourism from Clemson University (2008), an M.S. in Forestry from Virginia Tech (2003), and a B.S. in Leisure Studies from the University of Illinois (2001). His research focuses on social science methodologies, human-wildlife interactions, and sustainable tourism development, with an emphasis on community engagement and resident-tourist dynamics. He leads the Woosnam Lab, investigating tourism impacts, protected area management, and climate adaptation strategies. Research Interests : Quantitative research methods in social sciences Human dimensions of wildlife management Economic, socio-cultural, and environmental impacts of tourism Sustainable community tourism planning Resident-tourist emotional solidarity frameworks He teaches courses including Community Tourism Planning, Protected Area Management, and Social Science Research Methods. Notable awards include the Clemson University Distinguished Alumni Award (2020) and multiple teaching honors from UGA and Texas A&M. Current graduate advisees include Joseph Barr (PhD), Tara Denley (PhD), and Charles Davis (MNR). His work bridges theory and practice, addressing contemporary challenges in tourism policy and climate justice. Lab & Collaborations : The Woosnam Lab engages in interdisciplinary projects on climate gentrification, green infrastructure, and tourism recovery post-pandemic. Recent studies explore emotional solidarity in cross-cultural contexts and adaptive governance in amenity-rich regions.
Dr. Abdul Razeed is an Academic Director (Teaching Quality) and Senior Lecturer at the University of Sydney Business School. He chairs the University of Sydney Sub-Committee and leads the Sydney Southeast Asia Centre's curriculum. His research focuses on technology's impact on organizational reporting, environmental disclosures, and superannuation systems. He holds a PhD from the University of Sydney and has authored/co-authored books like Excel VBA for Business and Accounting (2018). Razeed has received the 2022 Beta Gamma Sigma Academic of the Year and co-authored award-winning papers, including the 2021 Best Paper in Economic Papers . He teaches courses like BUSS1030 and ACCT6014, and his grants include studies on grade inflation and corporate social responsibility during crises. Education: Diploma in Mental Health (TAFE) Bachelor of Commerce (Honours), Murdoch University Graduate Certificate in University Teaching, Melbourne Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics & Cyber Security, Griffith University Master of Education, University of Wollongong PhD in Accounting, University of Sydney Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA) Member of the Australian Computer Society (MACS) Research Interests: Abdul’s work bridges technology’s role in reporting practices, environmental accountability, and retirement system reforms. His studies on superannuation savings and grade inflation have attracted media coverage (e.g., ABC, Sydney Morning Herald). He emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, particularly in teaching creativity and pandemic-era pedagogical innovation. Grants & Media: $16,000 Education Innovation Grant (2016) for tech-enabled accounting curriculum 2021 Special Research Fund ($7,807) on semiotics in CSR skepticism 2021 AFAANZ Grant ($3,284) on grade inflation Media features in ABC, Radio National, The Project (Channel 10), and VICE Labs/Teams: Involved in the Sydney Southeast Asia Centre and the Co-Design Research Group’s management education initiatives.
Yu Zhou is a Professor of Geography at Vassar College since 1995, specializing in globalization, China's high-tech industries, urban sustainability, and transnational business networks. She earned a BS, MS from Peking University and a PhD from the University of Minnesota. Her research focuses on China’s innovation policies, green building programs, and the intersection of ethnic communities with global capitalism. Notable works include The Inside Story of China’s High-Tech Industry (2008) and co-editing China as an Innovation Nation (2016). She has been featured in New York Times , Washington Post , and frequently commented on Sino-US technological and economic relations. Zhou’s academic contributions span urban policy analysis, critiques of neoliberal urban development, and the role of state power in environmental initiatives. Her work bridges economic geography with sociopolitical dynamics, particularly in Asian contexts. Awards include the 2008 National Committee on US-China Relations Public Intellectual Fellowship. Her teaching includes courses on global economic geography and urban studies, reflecting her interdisciplinary approach to spatial analysis and socio-economic transformation.
Donatella Corti is an Associate Professor in Quality Management Systems and Head of the Master of Science in Engineering program at the Department of Innovative Technologies (DTI) at SUPSI. Her research focuses on Industry 4.0, digitalization of production processes, sustainable manufacturing, and mass customization. She has held academic positions since 2005, including roles at Politecnico di Milano and SUPSI, advancing from researcher to senior researcher before her current position. Education: Laurea cum lode in Industrial Engineering (Politecnico di Milano, 2001) and PhD in Industrial Engineering (Politecnico di Milano, 2005). Her professional experience includes leading projects such as the collaBoRatIve soLutions for fLexIble Artisanal maNufacTuring (BRILLIANT) and the European research agenda for simulation and forecasting technologies. Research interests span predictive TQM approaches, RFID technology forecasting, and smart lean-green production paradigms. Her work emphasizes sustainability certifications in fashion, service-oriented business models, and operational excellence in after-sales processes. She has published over 16 peer-reviewed articles and contributed to projects addressing SME upskilling and Industry 4.0 adoption challenges. Key Projects: BRILLIANT (collaborative manufacturing solutions), Pathfinder (simulation/forecasting tech), KITT4SME (AI adoption in SMEs) Teaching Roles: Responsible for courses in quality management, analytical accounting, and engineering management Awards: None explicitly stated Labs/Teams: Active in the Istituto sistemi e tecnologie per la produzione sostenibile (ISTePS) and collaborates with industry partners like Ideal-Tek SA. Her work bridges academic research with practical manufacturing challenges, particularly in SME contexts.
Brad Millington, PhD, is an Associate Professor in Sport Management at Brock University. His research focuses on the intersection of sport with environmental sustainability, wearable technology, and media. He has authored books including *Fitness, Technology, and Society* and *The Greening of Golf*, and secured SSHRC research funding. His work critiques sport’s environmental impact while exploring innovative applications of technology in fitness and development. Professional affiliations include the North American Society for Sport Management and the Higher Education Academy (UK). Research Interests include sports analytics, sport media, wearable tech, and climate-conscious sport practices. He co-edited *Sport and the Environment: Politics and Preferred Futures* (2020), analyzing sustainable sport frameworks. Recent publications address AI in sport, urban golf course equity, and bicycles for development initiatives Recipient of SSHRC grants for environmental sport studies Supervises graduate/undergraduate research in sport sustainability and technology Awards: Research Fellow (NASSS), Higher Education Academy Fellowship. Labs/Teams: Active in interdisciplinary environmental sport research networks.
Dr. Brenda Eschenbrenner is a Professor in the Department of Accounting, Finance, and Economics at the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK), within the College of Business & Technology. She is a Certified Public Accountant (Inactive Registrant) with extensive industry experience as a Senior Finance Manager at Gateway, Inc. and Senior Auditor at Deloitte & Touche, LLP. Her academic work bridges cutting-edge research and practical application in emerging technologies. Ph.D. in Management Information Systems, University of Nebraska - Lincoln M.B.A., University of Nebraska - Lincoln B.S. in Business Administration, University of Nebraska at Kearney Her research focuses on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, the metaverse, data analytics, and information systems usage, particularly in accounting and education. She explores user competency, human-computer interaction, and the integration of technology in professional training. Her work emphasizes both theoretical contributions and real-world applicability. The analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong trend in AI and fintech applications in accounting , mobile wallet adoption, blockchain auditing, and experiential learning through digital platforms. Her research spans disciplines including information systems, accounting, education technology, and cybersecurity, often applying behavioral models like TAM to understand technology adoption. Dr. Eschenbrenner has received numerous scientific honors, including: UNK CBT Outstanding Faculty Award for Teaching and Research Ron and Carol Cope Professorship Pratt-Heins Foundation Faculty Award for Scholarship/Research Faculty Member of the Year, Beta Alpha Psi (3 years) Multiple Becker Faculty Research Incentive Fund Awards In terms of advising and grants, while specific students are not listed, she has secured multiple research incentive awards supporting her work. Her professional service includes serving on the Editorial Review Board for AIS-THCI and as a Board Member of The IMA Platte Valley Chapter, reflecting her active engagement in the academic and professional accounting community. Dr. Eschenbrenner is a strong advocate for experiential learning, designing curricula that emphasize hands-on experiences to build foundational knowledge and essential skill sets. Though no formal lab or research team is mentioned, her research direction suggests leadership in technology-integrated accounting education and emerging tech applications, positioning her at the forefront of digital transformation in the field.
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