Amy Glass is an Associate Professor at Texas A&M University, specializing in Microeconomic Theory with a focus on international trade policies, foreign direct investment (FDI), and intellectual property rights. Her research explores topics such as tariff effects on national economies, technology transfer mechanisms, and the economic implications of global investment strategies. She holds an office in WCSS 255 and can be reached at aglass@tamu.edu. Her research interests include analyzing the role of FDI in fostering technological advancements, evaluating the impact of intellectual property frameworks on innovation, and investigating how trade policies shape global economic dynamics. Notable works include studies on tariffs’ economic benefits, the coordination of tax policies to attract FDI, and the compilation of the Princeton Encyclopedia of the World Economy . Amy Glass’s publications span over two decades, demonstrating sustained engagement with themes like technology diffusion, international investment strategies, and policy reforms in intellectual property. While no scientific awards are explicitly mentioned, her extensive bibliography reflects significant contributions to economic theory and policy analysis.
David Shean is an Associate Professor in Civil & Environmental Engineering at the University of Washington, with adjunct roles in Aeronautics & Astronautics and Earth and Space Sciences. His research focuses on remote sensing and geomatics to study Earth's cryosphere, including glaciers, snow, and ice sheets. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Washington (2016) and advanced degrees from Brown University. Notable projects include SlideRule (cloud-based ICESat-2 processing) and NASA's High-Mountain Asia Team (HiMAT). He teaches courses like Geospatial Data Analysis with Python and Advanced Surveying. His work leverages modern data science, satellite imagery, and UAVs for high-resolution topographic analysis. Education: Ph.D., Earth and Space Sciences, University of Washington, 2016 Sc.M., Geology, Brown University, 2006 Sc.B., Geology-Physics/Mathematics, Brown University, 2004 Research Interests: Remote sensing, glaciology, planetary science, and hydrology. His work emphasizes automated data pipelines, cloud computing, and satellite stereo DEMs. Recent projects address ice shelf dynamics, snow depth mapping, and natural hazards like debris flows. His group develops open-source tools for processing NASA missions like ICESat-2 and commercial smallsat data. Labs & Teams: UW Terrain Analysis and Cryosphere Observation Lab Autonomous Flight Systems Lab eScience Institute Advising & Grants: Mentors PhD students in cryospheric science and geospatial analysis. Leads NASA-funded projects on STV mission technology, smallsat data analytics, and glacier mass balance. Collaborates with agencies like Malin Space Science Systems and Boston University.
Dr. Iryna Heiets is a Senior Lecturer in Aviation at RMIT University's School of Engineering and serves as Program Manager for the BP070 Bachelor of Applied Science (Aviation) and BP284 dual-degree programs. She holds a PhD from the National Aviation University (Ukraine), with postdoctoral research at Université de Montpellier and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Her research focuses on air transportation management, aviation strategy, game theory, coopetition, airline marketing, and operations. She teaches six courses annually across Melbourne, Singapore, and Hong Kong, emphasizing blended learning. Key grants include funding from Ukraine's Ministry of Education (2014), EU Commission (2015), RMIT's Global Business Innovation Fund (2019), and Australia-Ukraine Research Fund (2023). Research interests span aviation strategy, digital transformation in travel, and policy analysis. Industry collaborations include Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines. Professional experience includes roles at National Aviation University and courses in aviation safety, EU regulations, and air service agreements. Teaching responsibilities include AERO2410, AERO2407, and other strategic aviation courses. Grants and partnerships highlight her global impact, while her articles address topics like UAV applications, digital twins, and airline alliances. She actively presents at international conferences and integrates cutting-edge technologies into classroom practices.
Darius Ornston is Professor and Director of Academic Life at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, University of Toronto. His research examines innovation policy, regional economic development, and institutional adaptation, particularly how cooperation facilitates economic restructuring. Ornston has authored books analyzing how small states enter high-technology markets and how governance systems can lead to policy overshooting. His current research investigates how cities leverage civic capital to compete in technology markets, the role of anchor firms in regional innovation ecosystems, and political barriers to policy experimentation. Ornston collaborates with international organizations including the OECD and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development on innovation policy design. He teaches courses on global innovation policy, political economy of the welfare state, and innovation in urban contexts. Ornston's work combines comparative political economy with economic geography to understand how regions adapt to technological change and economic crises.
Dr Barry Gledson is an Associate Professor of Construction Project Management at Northumbria University's Architecture and Built Environment Department. He has over a decade of industry experience in project management roles across the UK and Washington DC, managing projects worth £6M–£45M in sectors like residential, commercial, and healthcare facilities. His research focuses on digital innovations (e.g., 4D BIM), sustainable construction practices, and organizational learning from project experiences. Education: PhD in Innovation Diffusion Within the UK Construction Sector (Northumbria University, 2017) BSc (Hons) in Construction Management (1998) Additional qualifications: PGCert in Education, NVQ Level 4 in Construction Management, and a Certificate in Statistics Research Interests: Digital transformation in construction, BIM adoption, project planning efficiency, and sustainability. His work aligns with UN SDGs related to sustainable infrastructure and education. Professional Affiliations: Chartered Construction Manager (MCIOB) Full Member of the Association for Project Management (MAPM) Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA) BIM Academic Forum (BAF) member Awards & Recognitions: Best Paper Contribution to the Built Environment (2015) BIM Award (2016) Build London Live 2012 'Best Multi-disciplinary BIM' (2012) Build Qatar Live 2012 'Overall Winner' (2012) Grants & Projects: Led the Innovate UK-funded 'Digital Design Management' project (2019–2021), developing collaborative tools for construction productivity. Labs/Teams: Actively contributes to Northumbria University's research groups focusing on construction innovation and digital transformation initiatives.
Inga Hiiesalu is an Associate Professor of Molecular Plant Ecology at the University of Tartu’s Faculty of Science and Technology, within the Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences. She specializes in plant-fungal interactions, particularly focusing on mycorrhizal fungi across environmental gradients. Her work spans global-scale studies in diverse regions, including Europe, North America, the Himalayas, and Iceland. Education: PhD in Plant Ecology (2012) and Master’s in Biology (2007), both from the University of Tartu. Research: Over 50 publications in journals like *Science*, *New Phytologist*, and *Ecology Letters*, cited over 3,400 times (H-index 24). Awards: 2015 I Prize for Young Researcher Presentation and 2012 Honorary Mention in National Student Research Competition. Research interests include biodiversity conservation, soil microbial diversity, and the ecological impacts of global change. She leads projects funded by the Estonian Research Council and EU, such as *Agroecology and New Crops in Future Climates* (€1.37M) and *Soil FUNgi in FARMing Landscapes* (€577K). Her supervision includes doctoral student Merili Simmer and master’s student Epp Maria Lillipuu. Administrative roles include editorial work, conference organizing, and society memberships (e.g., Estonian Mycological Society).
Cicero Eduardo De Sousa Walter is an Assistant Professor of business and management at the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Piauí (Brazil) , with affiliations to the University of Aveiro (Portugal) through the GOVCOPP research unit (Governance, Competitiveness, and Public Policy). He holds a Ph.D. in Business and Economics from the University of Aveiro and Master's and Specialization degrees in Management from the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança (Portugal). His research focuses on Innovation Management, Business Management , and Organizational Behavior , with a particular interest in innovation dynamics in small enterprises, consumer behavior, and education-related studies. He has received scientific awards for his research. His work spans institutions in Brazil and Portugal, emphasizing empirical analyses of innovation drivers, licensing models, and educational outcomes. Recent publications highlight trends in machine learning applications for patent licensing, Generation Z's privacy concerns , post-pandemic retail strategies , and innovation policy . Collaborations with researchers like Manuel Au-Yong-Oliveira and Cláudia Veloso reflect cross-institutional partnerships. His affiliations include the Competitiveness, Innovation, and Sustainability (CIS) research group and profiles in SCOPUS, Web of Science, and other academic indexers. Scientific awards include recognition for research contributions in business management and innovation. His work bridges quantitative and qualitative methodologies , with a focus on Portuguese and Brazilian contexts .
Manuel Luís Au-Yong Oliveira is an Associate Professor with Habilitation in Management - Marketing at the University of Aveiro (DEGEIT), where he teaches at undergraduate, master's, and doctoral levels. He is affiliated with the Competitiveness, Innovation, and Sustainability (CIS) research group, GOVCOPP (as a full researcher), and INESC TEC (as a collaborator). His career includes leadership roles such as Director of the Undergraduate and Master's programs in Management at the University of Aveiro (2015-2022) and teaching at the University of Porto - FEUP (Business Construction Project, Master's in Innovation and Technological Entrepreneurship). PhD in Industrial Engineering and Management (FEUP, 2012; thesis distinction) MBA from Cardiff University (distinction; equivalence to Master's in Management by Universidade Católica Portuguesa) Undergraduate in Management Information Processing (Universidade Portucalense, 1991) His research focuses on innovation, sustainability, marketing, and organizational behavior. Recent work explores brand hate, fintech adoption, SME internationalization, work-family conflicts, and data-driven policy analysis. He has received an honourable mention in the University of Aveiro Researcher Awards 2022 for Social Sciences. Manuel's publications span journals like Administrative Sciences , Sustainability , Expert Systems , and Journal of Organizational Change Management , covering topics such as digital influencers, patent revenue modeling, and innovation performance metrics. His work emphasizes empirical analysis and practical applications in business and policy contexts. Honourable Mention, University of Aveiro Researcher Awards 2022 (Social Sciences) He currently coordinates the Commission for Ethics and Social Responsibility at DEGEIT (since 2018) and has served on the Executive Commission of DEGEIT (2014-2022).
Trine Syvertsen is a Professor at the Department of Media and Communication , University of Oslo, Norway, and a leading scholar in media history, policy, and digital detox studies. Her research focuses on the Nordic model of public-service media , digital disconnection, and media resistance, blending institutional, cultural, and historical perspectives. Academic education: PhD in Mass Communications, University of Leicester, UK (1992) Cand. polit. (University of Bergen, Norway) and MA in Mass Communication (cum laude), University of Leicester, UK (1986) Her work explores media regulation , television studies, and the socio-cultural implications of digital media. Recent projects like Digitox: Intrusive media, ambivalent users and digital detox (NFR Fripro) analyze how individuals navigate technology through abstinence and resistance. Scientific awards and visiting roles: Visiting Professor at Freie Universität Berlin (2019), Aarhus University (2018), University of Westminster (2017, 2016, 2000), Free University of Brussels (2015), and Aarhus University (2016) Grants and projects: Syvertsen leads the NFR Fripro-funded Digitox project on digital detox and ambivalence, while her research on Media Companies and the Public Interest investigates corporate strategies in media policy.
Donna DeCarolis is the founding Dean of the Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship at Drexel University, where she holds a faculty position in the Department of Management. Her leadership role underscores her significant contributions to advancing entrepreneurship education and innovation ecosystems within a major academic institution. Her research interests center on entrepreneurship, management, innovation, and business strategy, with a strong emphasis on startup development and technology commercialization. These areas reflect the mission and focus of the Close School of Entrepreneurship, which fosters entrepreneurial thinking across disciplines. The available information does not include recent publications, making it difficult to assess current research trends. However, as founding dean, her scholarly work likely influences both academic and practical aspects of entrepreneurial education and venture creation. No scientific awards were mentioned in the provided text. There is no public information available regarding her advising of students or grant funding activities. Similarly, no specific labs or research teams are referenced in the current description.
Dr. Nada Elnahla is an Assistant Professor/Lecturer at Maynooth University's School of Business, joining in 2022 after roles as an Instructor of Marketing at Carleton University (Canada) and Assistant Professor of English Literature at Alexandria University (Egypt). She holds dual PhDs in Management/Marketing (Carleton, 2021) and Comparative Literature (Cairo, 2012), alongside MA (Comparative Literature, Alexandria, 2008) and BA (English Literature, Alexandria, 2004) degrees. Her research bridges retail surveillance ethics, consumer behavior, and literary analysis, focusing on topics like smart surveillance in retail, loyalty programs, and the intersection of literature and marketing. Education: PhD in Management/Marketing, Carleton University (2021) PhD in Comparative Literature, Cairo University (2012) MA in Comparative Literature, Alexandria University (2008) BA in English Literature, Alexandria University (2004) Research Interests: Dr. Elnahla explores surveillance technologies in retail, consumer ethics, narrative theory, and marketing history. Her work often critiques how retail spaces monitor customers and employs literary frameworks to analyze consumer psychology and corporate practices. Awards & Grants: MUSSI Research Grants Scheme (2024) Maynooth University School of Business Seed Funding (2023) Paul R. Lawrence Fellowship (2017) Donald F. Dixon Scholarship (2019) Labs & Collaborations: She contributes to the Innovation Value Institute’s (IVI) Digital Retail Cluster and is a member of LERO, Ireland’s Science Foundation research center for software engineering. Her work integrates industry partnerships to study evolving retail technologies and consumer dynamics.
Dr. Patrick Reis Santos is a Grant-Funded Researcher (B) in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Adelaide. His research focuses on marine ecology, fisheries conservation, and the impacts of contaminants like microplastics and pharmaceuticals on marine ecosystems. He employs techniques such as otolith chemistry, stable isotopes, and natural tags to study fish population connectivity, seafood provenance, and environmental changes. Dr. Santos collaborates with industry and government agencies to advance sustainable seafood practices and mitigate plastic pollution. His work also addresses emerging contaminants, including their effects on fish biology and human health through seafood consumption. Recent research trends include analyzing microplastic contamination in fish tissues, developing methods to trace seafood origins, and assessing climate-driven shifts in fish populations. His publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches to marine conservation, combining ecology, chemistry, and policy. Dr. Santos is actively engaged in field manuals for microplastic sampling and advocating for standardized monitoring practices to address global marine challenges. He supervises students in Masters and PhD programs, focusing on fisheries management, environmental toxicology, and marine policy. His work contributes to broader initiatives like Australia’s marine conservation strategies and international efforts to combat plastic pollution.
Erin Smith is a Professor of American Studies and Literature at the University of Texas at Dallas, affiliated with the Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology. Her academic career spans over two decades, with prior roles including Assistant and Associate Professor at UT-Dallas and various instructorships and fellowships at Duke University. She holds a Ph.D. in Literature and Women’s Studies from Duke University (1997), alongside dual B.S. and B.A. degrees in Social Science and English from Michigan State University (1991). Her research focuses on American popular literature, book history, and gender studies. Notable works include What Would Jesus Read? (2015), examining religious publishing’s cultural impact, and Hard-Boiled (2000), analyzing working-class readership of pulp magazines. Current projects explore women’s Cold War crime fiction reception. Smith has received prestigious awards such as the School of Interdisciplinary Studies Teaching Award (2020) and a National Humanities Center fellowship (2002-2003). Her grants include funding from the NEH and Louisville Institute. She actively engages in educational equity initiatives, including LGBTQ+ teacher training and diversity symposiums. Her scholarly contributions span peer-reviewed journals like American Literary History and Book History , alongside conference presentations on topics like gender in crime fiction and reader-response studies. She maintains memberships with the American Studies Association, MLA, and SHARP.
Benjamin J. Sacks is a policy researcher at the RAND Corporation and Professor of Political Geography at the RAND School of Public Policy. He is actively engaged in national security research, focusing on geopolitical competition, polar regions, defense acquisition, and emergency preparedness. His work informs high-level policy discussions with the U.S. Department of Defense, UK Cabinet Office, and the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff. His research interests center on political geography and its application to national security policy , particularly in contested spaces such as the Arctic, Antarctic, and South China Sea. He also explores military acquisition , climate-related conflict , information warfare , and Truth Decay . His interdisciplinary approach integrates historical and geographical perspectives to generate novel policy insights. The recent publications authored by Sacks reflect a strong trend in geopolitical analysis , defense policy reform , and climate-security linkages . His work spans strategic assessments of Arctic and Antarctic governance, military procurement challenges (e.g., KC-46A), and climate-driven instability in U.S. Central Command. These articles demonstrate consistent engagement with high-impact policy domains, blending empirical analysis with forward-looking recommendations. Scientific Awards and Honors: Permanent Elected Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society Fellow of the American Geographical Society 2009 National Beinecke Scholar Advising and Grants: While no formal advisees are listed, Sacks collaborates with higher education institutions to encourage humanities doctorates to pursue policy careers. His research is supported through RAND’s institutional funding and likely external grants tied to defense and security research. He has led or contributed to numerous studies for U.S. and allied defense agencies, suggesting significant grant and contract involvement. Labs and Research Teams: Sacks works within RAND’s national security research portfolio, contributing to interdisciplinary teams focused on defense strategy, polar security, and geopolitical competition. He participates in expert conferences and tabletop exercises, such as those assessing Antarctic governance risks, indicating active collaboration in specialized research groups.
Dr. Andrew R. Thomas is an Associate Professor in the Department of Marketing at the College of Business, The University of Akron, where he has been a faculty member since August 25, 2003. He specializes in international business and marketing, teaching courses such as International Business Environments and Strategic Marketing. His academic leadership includes serving as Department Assessment Coordinator and Study Abroad Coordinator for the Panama MBA Trip. PhD, University of Bucharest, Academia de Studii Economice MA, The University of Akron BA, The University of Akron Dr. Thomas’s research centers on global strategy, sales and distribution, neuromarketing, and transportation and supply chain security. His work bridges business and public policy, particularly in high-risk environments and emerging markets. He has extensively published on topics such as innovation diffusion, ethical implications of neuromarketing, and the geopolitical impact of energy shifts like the fracking revolution. His recent publications reflect a strong trend toward interdisciplinary research, combining marketing theory with security studies, public health, and global economics. From analyzing fentanyl exposure risks in transportation to examining neuromarketing ethics, his work demonstrates a commitment to addressing real-world challenges through academic inquiry. Books like The Canal of Panama and Globalization and American Shale Energy and the Global Economy highlight his expertise in geopolitics and infrastructure. Editorial Contribution Award, Springer (2025) North America Best Business Case 2020, New World Report (2021) Fulbright Scholar, U.S. Department of State (2006) Distinguished Service Award, U.S. Department of State (2015) Dean's Excellence Award for Graduate Teaching (2020) Winner: Berry-Book Prize, American Marketing Association (2010) Dr. Thomas has secured significant research grants, including $255,000 from Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway for predictive modeling in security. He has advised honors students and served as Graduate Council member and Faculty Senate representative. His editorial roles include long-term service as Journal Editor for the Journal of Transportation Security and guest editor for the European Journal of Marketing . He leads initiatives in academic publishing as a member of the UA Press Editorial Board and has contributed to international scholarship through Fulbright and editing volumes on Eastern Europe. His presentations to regional chambers and industry groups reflect strong community engagement and applied research dissemination.
