Lillie Padilla is an Assistant Professor of Spanish Linguistics at Sam Houston State University's Department of World Languages and Cultures. Holding a Ph.D. and M.A. in Spanish Linguistics from Arizona State University alongside a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Ghana, her research explores interdisciplinary connections between: Afro-Latinx representation in educational materials Discourse analysis and language ideologies Sociolinguistic studies in Equatorial Guinea Critical race theory applications in language teaching Her work focuses on Spanish subject pronoun expression patterns in multilingual contexts and curriculum development for inclusive pedagogy. Recent publications examine: Representation gaps in Spanish language textbooks Methodological challenges in Equatorial Guinea research Critical discourse analysis of Netflix's Elite series Intersectional representation of Afro-Latinx women Scientific achievements include: Finalist for American Association of Linguistics 2025 award for co-edited volume Representation, Inclusion and Social Justice in World Language Teaching Padilla's research continues to shape conversations about linguistic diversity and marginalized voices in language education through both empirical studies and theoretical frameworks.
Mary Bucholtz is a Professor in the Department of Linguistics at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). She holds affiliations with multiple departments including Anthropology, Feminist Studies, Spanish and Portuguese, the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education, Comparative Literature, and Latin American and Iberian Studies. Her research integrates sociocultural linguistics with anthropological, gender, and social justice frameworks. Education: PhD in Linguistics, University of California, Berkeley (1997) Bucholtz's work examines how language shapes and is shaped by social identities, particularly among youth, through dimensions like race, gender, and cultural practices. She emphasizes community-centered research , linguistic activism , and interdisciplinary methodologies to address systemic inequalities. Recent publications explore affective agency in Latinx youth, educational equity, and antiracist linguistics. Her collaborative projects often involve partnerships with educational institutions and youth communities in California, focusing on translanguaging , Black language justice , and raciolinguistic ideologies . Grants from the National Science Foundation, Spencer Foundation, and Wenner-Gren Foundation support her research. She co-edited the open-access volumes Decolonizing Linguistics and Inclusion in Linguistics (Oxford University Press, 2024), alongside authoring White Kids: Language, Race, and Styles of Youth Identity (Cambridge, 2011) and Talking College: Making Space for Black Language Practices in Higher Education (Teachers College Press, 2022).
Lucie DE CARVALHO is a Lecturer in British Civilization at the University of Lille, Faculty of Languages, Culture and Societies, Department of English Studies. She is affiliated with ULR 4074 - Center for Studies in Civilizations, Languages and Foreign Literature. Graduated from ENS Cachan Specializes in British Civilization Based at University of Lille (BO.529) Dr. DE CARVALHO's research focuses on contemporary British politics, political discourse studies, British energy policies (particularly nuclear and renewable energy), neoliberalism, historiography of science, and climate governance. Her work demonstrates a consistent engagement with the intersection of political power, energy policy, and media representation in the British context. She has developed a particular expertise in analyzing how the UK state manages controversial technologies like nuclear power within neoliberal frameworks. Her publication record shows a consistent output spanning from 2014 to 2024, with recent work examining twenty-first century UK broadcasting ecology, teaching British history to French students, and contemporary nuclear power policies. The analysis of her articles reveals a strong thematic continuity centered on British governance, energy policy, and the complexities of neoliberal state intervention. Her research employs interdisciplinary approaches drawing from political science, media studies, and science and technology studies. Member of the SAES (Society of Anglicists in Higher Education) Member of CRECIB (Centre for Research on British Civilization) Associate member of the Research Center in British Civilization (CREC) Institute of the Anglophone World, Sorbonne Nouvelle University – Paris 3 Member of the UK Political Studies Association Member of the European Association for the Study of Science and Technology (EASST) Member of UACES Dr. DE CARVALHO has demonstrated sustained research activity across multiple domains related to British studies, with particular emphasis on energy policy and political discourse. Her work bridges academic research with pedagogical practice, as evidenced by publications on teaching British history to French undergraduate students and language learning through television series.
José Eduardo Villalobos Graillet is an Assistant Professor of Spanish at Idaho State University , specializing in Modern Peninsular Literature and Culture with a focus on visual culture (film and television) . He previously held a position as Spanish Instructor at Wilfrid Laurier University in the Department of Languages and Literatures. Research Areas : Spanish Film Studies, Spanish Medieval Literature, Latin American and Caribbean Studies, Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language, Visual Culture, and Critical Pedagogy. His scholarly work examines film and television adaptations of 'La Celestina' , analyzing censorship dynamics across Francoist Spain, the Democratic Transition, and contemporary Spain. He also contributes to Spanish pedagogy , developing technological tools like Lang-8 for written expression and culturally immersive teaching units on topics such as winter festivals and Caribbean music. His publications span both critical academic analysis and methodological innovations for language instruction. Key Themes in Publications : Adaptation fidelity, political censorship, intercultural pedagogy, and the role of digital platforms in language learning.
Professor Marcin Ciszewski is a distinguished faculty member at the Stanisław Moniuszko Academy of Music in Gdańsk, where he serves at the Faculty of Vocal and Acting. A graduate of the same institution with distinction in 1999, he has established himself as one of Poland's leading countertenors and vocal pedagogues. His educational background includes studies under Professor Piotr Kusiewicz and additional training with renowned instructors including Kinga Chełmińska, Ryszard Minkiewicz, Kai Wessel, Gerhard Kahry, and Dariusz Paradowski. Graduated with distinction from the Academy of Music in Gdańsk (1999) Habilitated doctor of musical arts (2019) Professor at the Faculty of Vocal and Acting Professor Ciszewski specializes in early music performance and is recognized as one of the first Polish countertenors who made significant contributions to the development of vocal art in the authenticity movement in Poland. His research focuses on the history and physiology of countertenor voices, and he regularly conducts lectures and voice training for professional and academic groups. His artistic output spans several hundred concerts across Poland and Europe, featuring collaborations with renowned ensembles, orchestras, and conductors. He has given over a dozen world premieres of both early and contemporary works, including compositions specifically written for him by modern composers. His recordings include extensive work for Polish Radio and Television, the French music television channel Mezzo, and Radio Classique. Notable Achievements Member of the European artists' association Spedidam based in Paris Nominated for the "Fryderyk" music award in the Early Music category Honored with international titles "Outstanding Teacher" and "Excellent Vocal Teacher" Since 2006, Professor Ciszewski has maintained a successful artistic partnership with organist Ewa Bąk, performing at over one hundred national and international organ festivals. Their collaborations have resulted in numerous CD, radio, and television recordings, including world premieres of works by Polish composers such as Marian Sawa and Jacek Urbaniak.
Alexey Vladimirovich Vdovin is a Professor and Senior Research Fellow at the National Research University Higher School of Economics (HSE), working within the Faculty of Humanities and School of Philological Sciences. He began his tenure at HSE in 2012 and has accumulated 15 years of scientific and teaching experience. His academic journey includes a Doctor of Philology degree from HSE (2023), a PhD from the University of Tartu (2011), and his initial degree in 'Russian language and literature' from Vyatka State Humanitarian University (2007). He has held significant roles including Deputy Dean for Science at the Faculty of Humanities (2018-2020) and serves on numerous academic councils and committees. Vdovin's educational background demonstrates both depth and international perspective. After completing his undergraduate studies at Vyatka State Humanitarian University in 2007, he pursued doctoral studies at the University of Tartu, where he earned his PhD in 2011 with a dissertation on 'The concept of 'chapter of literature' in Russian criticism of the 1830-1860s.' His academic development has been enriched by numerous international experiences, including visiting researcher positions at Selwyn College, University of Cambridge (2019), Jordan Center at New York University (2017), and multiple research stays at Humboldt University in Berlin through the Aurora Erasmus Mundus program. Professor Vdovin's research focuses on Russian intellectual history, the history of ideas, the Russian Empire, Russian literature of the 19th century, and nationalism studies. His work particularly examines the formation of the Russian literary canon, representations of peasants in literature, and the relationship between literature and society. He has authored approximately 80 articles and 4 monographs on 19th-century Russian literature, culture, and criticism, with works on major figures like Turgenev, Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, Goncharov, Belinsky, Chernyshevsky, Dobrolyubov, and Nekrasov. His recent book 'Monsters at the Threshold: Dracula, Frankenstein, Viy and Other Literary Monsters' (2024) demonstrates his expanding interest in literary archetypes and cultural phenomena. Vdovin has received numerous awards and recognitions for his scholarly work, including the Moscow Government Prize for young scientists (2017), multiple 'Best Teacher' awards (2013-2015, 2017-2024), and recognition as a winner of HSE's competition for best Russian-language scientific works (2022, 2024). He has also received various letters of gratitude from HSE administration, the Faculty of Humanities, and the School of Philology for his contributions to academic life. As an advisor, Vdovin has supervised numerous student research projects, including Smirnova T.V.'s 2014 master's thesis on 'Representation of 'Russianness' and 'Otherness' in Russian essays of the 1840s.' He has also served as a curator for HSE's Personnel Reserve Program at the School of Philological Sciences and has been actively involved in dissertation councils. His research has been supported by significant grants, including a 2024-2025 Russian Science Foundation grant 'The Genre of 'Peasant Life Story' in Russian Literature Before 1861: Poetics, Plots, Socio-Cultural Functions' (No 24-28-00184) and a 2018-2020 RFBR grant on 'State and Literary Institutions: From Peter I's Reforms to the 'Great Reforms.' Professor Vdovin is actively engaged in academic communities beyond HSE, serving as editor-in-chief of the HSE preprint series 'Literary Studies' and participating in the Big Project 'Literature and Society: An Experience of Sociocultural Description.' He is also involved in public scholarship, frequently giving public lectures through platforms like 'Arzamas,' 'Postnauka,' and 'Stradarium,' and appearing on the 'Observer' television program (Culture channel). Since 2015, he has been a mentor at Maya Kucherskaya's Creative Writing School, bridging academic scholarship with creative practice.
William Boyd is an Honorary Fellow of Jesus College, Oxford, and an alumnus who earned a DPhil in English Literature there in 1975. Formerly a Lecturer in English Literature at St. Hilda’s College, Oxford (1980–83), he is renowned as an award-winning author and screenwriter. His works include novels like A Good Man in Africa and Any Human Heart , which have garnered accolades such as the Whitbread Award and BAFTA. Boyd’s screenwriting spans films like Chaplin and adaptations of his own novels, including the BAFTA-winning Any Human Heart (2010). Education : DPhil in English Literature, Jesus College, Oxford (1975). Boyd’s research interests center on creative writing, novel adaptation, and narrative techniques, blending literary excellence with cinematic storytelling. His screen credits include original films and adaptations of literary works, showcasing versatility across mediums. Awards span literature and film, including honorary doctorates from four Scottish universities and the CBE. Literary and cinematic themes in his work explore human psychology, historical contexts, and social dynamics, often with satirical or existential undertones. His contributions to both page and screen have solidified his international reputation.
Lauren M.E. Goodlad is a Professor of English and Comparative Literature at Rutgers University, serving as Chair of Critical AI @ Rutgers and Editor of the journal Critical AI . She holds affiliations with the Center for Cultural Analysis (CCA), Rutgers British Studies Center, and Rutgers Center for Cognitive Science. Her research bridges 19th-century studies and critical AI, emphasizing 'critical AI literacies' and ethical AI development. Goodlad has held roles like Associate Chair of English and membership in Rutgers' AI Advisory Council and CASS (Cyberinfrastructure for Science, Engineering & Society). Her education includes a BSILR from Cornell University, MA in English from NYU, and PhD in English from Columbia University. Notable grants include NEH funding for global AI workshops ('Unboxing AI'), an NSF planning grant on teaching writing with AI, and an upcoming Global Humanities Institute on Design Justice AI. Research interests span Victorian literature, genre theory, television studies, and AI's sociocultural impacts. Awards include University of Illinois' Kathryn Paul Professorial Scholar and Provost Fellow for Undergraduate Education. Current projects include a book on 19th-century fiction's ontological influence and collaborations on AI ethics frameworks. Publications include The Victorian Geopolitical Aesthetic (Oxford, 2015), co-edited special issues on Mad Men and Victorian Internationalisms , and recent critical AI essays in Critical AI and New Literary History . She advocates for AI development aligned with public interest through pedagogical innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Tom van Laer is an Associate Professor of Marketing and Deputy Head of Discipline, Research at The University of Sydney Business School. He is globally recognized as the leading expert in storytelling and narrative persuasion, currently occupying the top position on Elsevier's SciVal top 100 list for the most-cited researchers in this domain. His academic journey includes a BA and MA from Nijmegen and a PhD from Maastricht University. Dr. van Laer's research explores storytelling, persuasion, and messaging through an interdisciplinary approach that bridges behavioral experiments, quantitative modeling, and interpretive research. His work spans narrative transportation theory, consumer reviews analysis, digital storytelling, and the psychological mechanisms behind how stories influence consumer behavior. He has developed influential frameworks including the Extended Transportation-Imagery Model and narrative agency theory, with particular expertise in analyzing how stories shape responses to climate change communications and social conflict narratives. His publication record features articles in the most prestigious academic journals including the Journal of Consumer Research (where he serves as Area Editor), Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, Journal of Business Ethics, Journal of Management Information Systems, and International Journal of Research in Marketing. His recent work shows a strong trend toward meta-analyses of narrative effects, climate change communication, and the psychological mechanisms of 'bleed' between fictional experiences and real-world behavior. Dr. van Laer is an active media commentator whose research has garnered extensive global coverage across Australia, France, Germany, the Netherlands, the UK, and the US, including national television and radio interviews. His media engagement focuses on storytelling in political campaigns, social media marketing, and the psychological impact of narratives in consumer contexts. He teaches MKTG3121 Advertising: Persuasive Principles and MKTG6006 Persuasive Advertising: Illuminating Dark Art, and has received recognition for both research and teaching excellence. His professional affiliations include the Association for Consumer Research, Australian Marketing Institute, Australian & New Zealand Marketing Academy, and International Society for the Study of Narrative. Dr. van Laer is a member of several university research centers including the Sydney Centre for Healthy Societies, Sydney Environment Institute, and Charles Perkins Centre, where he contributes his expertise in narrative persuasion to interdisciplinary research on societal challenges.
Matthew Payne is an Associate Professor in the Department of Film, Television, and Theatre at the University of Notre Dame. His affiliations include roles as Director of Graduate Studies and regional director for the Learning Games Initiative, a multi-institute research collective focused on game archiving and education. His research spans video game studies, media literacy, military entertainment, and the cultural history of video games. He explores play theory, media and war, and the intersection of media production with new technologies. The 15 most recent articles highlight his focus on video game studies, transmedia narratives, and the cultural implications of gaming. These works cover topics from Nintendo Amiibo to slow game time mechanics in Red Dead Redemption 2, with recurring themes of military representation and ludic storytelling. Matthew Payne has co-edited notable works including How to Play Video Games and Joystick Soldiers , emphasizing collaborative approaches to game studies and critical analysis of military gaming.
Walter Armbrust is a Professor of Modern Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Oxford, affiliated with the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies and St Antony's College. His research focuses on the intersection of mass media, popular culture, and political dynamics in the Middle East, with a particular emphasis on Egypt. Key research areas: Mass media, popular culture, revolutions, anthropology, neoliberalism Current projects: Cultural analysis of post-Mubarak Egypt and historical studies of new media in Egypt (1919-1975) Armbrust explores how media and cultural production reflect and shape political movements, including the January 25th Revolution. His work spans film, television, literature, and digital platforms, emphasizing the role of symbolic narratives in societal change. Recent publications analyze counter-revolutionary dynamics, neoliberalism, and Islamic cultural representation. He teaches undergraduate and graduate courses on topics including popular culture, social anthropology, and mass media in the Middle East. His academic contributions are linked to Oxford's Middle East Centre and interdisciplinary collaborations.
Dr. Khaldoun H. Shami is a Lecturer in Documentary Film at the School of Media, Language and Communication Studies, within the School of Art, Media and American Studies at the University of East Anglia (UEA), Norwich, UK. He is actively involved in research, teaching, and academic event organization, and is currently accepting PhD students. Education: PhD in Film, Television and Media, University of East Anglia MA in Documentary Practice, Brunel University London Master of Communication in Screen Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia Diploma in Leadership for Media, United Nations University, Tokyo His research focuses on Middle Eastern documentaries and TV news, with a strong emphasis on secularism, minority representation, censorship, and industrial challenges in media production. He specializes in ethnographic documentary, cinéma vérité, militant cinema, and alternative radio, contributing to broader discourse in media studies and film theory. His work explores how media shapes identity, resistance, and public discourse in politically sensitive contexts. Dr. Shami is the director of the documentary Secular | Aa'La'Ma'Ni (2024), which presents filmmaker perspectives from Lebanon, Tunisia, Jordan, and Palestine on religion, sectarianism, and censorship. His research contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in the area of quality education and inclusive media representation. Scientific Awards: Vice-Governor of Jakarta Award in Relief (2008) USIM Film Award - Documentary, Kuala Lumpur (2009) University of Jordan Excellence Award in Community Service (2005) Dr. Shami has been actively involved in academic and public engagement, serving as a peer reviewer for the Journal of Political Ideologies and as a Community Radio Consultant for Japan Platform JPF. He has organized and participated in numerous events, including the International Symposium on Media and the Middle East, focusing on resistance, activism, and visual stereotypes. He also contributes to public film screenings and academic forums, such as the Al Jazeera Forum for Journalism Faculties in the Arab World. He is a member of the Research and Symposium Committee for Media and the Middle East at UEA, collaborating with scholars internationally. His work bridges academic research with practical filmmaking and community outreach, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue on media, religion, and society.
Ying Xu is an Assistant Professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE), specializing in the design of AI technologies to support children's language, literacy, STEM learning, and well-being. Her research emphasizes creating AI systems that act as interactive learning companions and language partners for children while fostering human-AI collaboration with educators and families. She holds a Ph.D. in Language, Literacy, and Technology from the University of California, Irvine, and previously served as an Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan from 2022 to 2024. Her work focuses on understanding how AI can complement human interactions, particularly through conversational agents integrated into media like books and educational TV programs. Collaborations include partnerships with PBS KIDS, GBH Education, and Sesame Workshop. Funded by organizations such as the National Science Foundation and Schmidt Futures, her research bridges developmental psychology, education, and human-computer interaction. Xu's studies highlight AI's potential for personalized learning while addressing ethical considerations like AI literacy and social impact. Key achievements include numerous best paper awards and recognition as an Early Career Interdisciplinary Scholar by SRCD. Her interdisciplinary approach involves designing technologies that reflect community values and linguistic/cultural diversity, ensuring equitable access to AI-driven educational tools. Xu advocates for balanced AI integration in children's lives, emphasizing the need for transparency about AI's limitations and the importance of maintaining human connections. She explores how AI can empower stakeholders (e.g., educators, parents) to co-create technologies tailored to their needs, ensuring AI serves as a complement—not replacement—for human interaction. Current projects investigate conversational AI's design principles, children's perceptions of AI, and strategies for fostering critical evaluation of AI-generated content. She also examines how AI affects social interactions and developmental processes, advocating for ethical guidelines to maximize benefits while mitigating risks.
Rebecca Blatt is the Senior Associate Dean and Professor of Practice at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Arizona State University (ASU). She oversees master's program recruitment, curriculum, retention, and signature programs like Cronkite News and Carnegie-Knight News21. Previously, she led the Cronkite News Digital Production Bureau and directed the Cronkite Public Insight Network Bureau, which earned the ASU President’s Award for Innovation. Her expertise spans multimedia storytelling, data visualization, and audience engagement, with a focus on preparing students for evolving journalism landscapes. Education: M.B.A., American University’s Kogod School of Business M.A. in Mass Communication, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Bachelor’s degree, University of Pennsylvania (Phi Beta Kappa) Research & Leadership: Blatt’s work emphasizes innovation in journalism education and community engagement. She has held roles at NPR and WAMU 88.5 FM, producing award-winning documentaries and event coverage. Her curriculum development integrates reporting, entrepreneurship, and cross-platform collaboration. Awards: ASU President’s Award for Innovation (2016) Honors from Radio Television Digital News Association, Education Writers Association, and New York Festivals Radio Awards Teaching: Courses include principles of journalism, practicum, and applied projects, reflecting her commitment to practical skills and industry relevance.
Yuuko Uchikoshi Tonkovich is a Professor at the School of Education, University of California, Davis, where she has served since 2004, advancing from Assistant to Associate and then to full Professor. Her work centers on language and literacy development in young dual language learners, with a focus on bilingualism, early literacy, and the role of family and media in language acquisition. Her research interests include: Early Childhood Development Multilingual Learners and Bilingual Education Language Acquisition and Literacy Parent-Child Interaction and Home Language Environment Quantitative Analysis of Educational Outcomes Educational Television and Multimedia Her recent publications span topics such as cognitive distancing in parent-child reading, morphological awareness in bilingual readers, and the impact of teacher language use in multilingual classrooms. The research consistently emphasizes longitudinal, cross-cultural, and interdisciplinary approaches, particularly focusing on Chinese American and Mexican American immigrant families. Her scientific awards include: AERA Vocabulary SIG Notable Vocabulary Researcher Award (2025) Foundation for Child Development Young Scholars Program Grant International Reading Association Dissertation Fellowship and Finalist Award Harvard Graduate School of Education Fellowships She has advised numerous research projects and secured significant funding from NIH/NICHD, the Foundation for Child Development, and other organizations. She teaches courses such as Language Development, Early Literacy, and Research on Text Comprehension. She is actively involved in national initiatives, serving on the Technical Advisory Group for the First 5 California Dual Language Learner Study and as Associate Editor of Applied Psycholinguistics . She leads the Language & Literacy Development Lab at UC Davis, which investigates the cognitive, linguistic, and socio-emotional development of dual language learners.
