Fred M. Duer is a Professor and Department Chair of Theater at Temple University's School of Theater, Film and Media Arts. He also serves as Head of Design, overseeing scenic and production design initiatives. His professional career spans theater, opera, and television, with notable credits including work for The Monomoy Theatre, Opera Delaware, The Old Globe Theatre, and television series like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Saved By The Bell: The New Class . Affiliations: Temple University (current), former roles at Kansas State University and Indiana University. Design Work: Over 22 years with The Shakespeare Festival/Los Angeles, including 11 productions as a founding member. His academic contributions include leading the Scenic Design Program at Indiana University, where his designs were featured in productions of The Cherry Orchard , Hamlet , and Urinetown . He received an Emmy nomination for his work on The Pat Sajak Show (1989). Fred’s expertise bridges classical theater, contemporary productions, and television, emphasizing technical and aesthetic innovation in design.
Manuel Escourido Calvo is a faculty member at the Faculty of Humanities, University of A Coruña (UDC), Spain, where he teaches in the Department of Business. He specializes in Market Research and Commercialisation, with a strong focus on applied marketing and industrial economy. He is actively involved in teaching across multiple programs, including the BA in Fashion Industry Management, Master’s in Labour Management, and various specialized master’s degrees in design, technology, and sustainable fashion. His research interests span Applied Marketing , Fashion Marketing , Sustainable Fashion , Marketing 5.0 , Influencer Marketing , Product Placement , Neuromarketing , and Consumer Behavior . He is a member of the Investigación en Marketing Aplicado research group, contributing to interdisciplinary studies that bridge business, technology, and sustainability in the fashion sector. The recent publication trends of Manuel Escourido Calvo highlight a strong emphasis on digital transformation, sustainability, and emerging marketing technologies. His work explores the integration of artificial intelligence in fashion marketing (Marketing 5.0), the role of social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, and innovative strategies such as advergaming and product placement in digital media. Many of his articles focus on sustainability, ethical marketing, and the socioeconomic impact of fashion, reflecting a commitment to responsible business practices. Manuel Escourido Calvo has supervised numerous final-year and master’s theses on contemporary marketing topics, demonstrating his role as an academic mentor. His research has been supported by projects funded by institutions such as the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT) and local cultural organizations. He has collaborated with researchers like A. Javier Prado Domínguez and Félix Puime-Guillén on interdisciplinary projects related to sustainability, digital communication, and economic development. He has also contributed to academic dissemination through conference proceedings, book chapters, and co-edited volumes. Notably, he co-edited the Communication and Applied Technologies proceedings from iCOMTA 2022, published by Springer Nature. His work appears in journals such as Sustainability and Revista Estrategia Organizacional , as well as in international conference proceedings across Spain, Portugal, Romania, Ukraine, and Colombia.
Jay W. Junker is a Professor in the Department of Music at the University of Hawaii at Mānoa, specializing in ethnomusicology. He teaches courses such as Music in Modern America and A History of Rock & Roll , focusing on cultural preservation, artistic innovation, and the impact of technology on music. His work bridges traditional and commercial music, emphasizing their roles as cultural expressions and commercial enterprises. Outside academia, Junker is a prolific producer and consultant, co-creating the television series Na Mele , organizing concerts at the Honolulu Academy of Arts, and producing traditional Hawaiian music albums. He has also contributed liner notes for the slack key masters series with George Winston and authored documentaries like Ku‘u Home: Hawaiian Songs of Home . His radio programs include Na Mele O Hawai‘i and Hawaiian Boogie , exploring global musical connections. Recipient of the 2024 Korean Presidential Award and honored for his lifelong impact on American music in 2025, Junker’s research and outreach highlight his commitment to cultural exchange. He actively consults for institutions like the Smithsonian Institution and National Public Radio, advocating for music’s role in societal dialogue.
Tim Schwab is a Professor in Communication Studies at Concordia University, specializing in documentary production and media studies. His work spans continents and formats, combining traditional filmmaking with interactive media. Recipient of Distinguished Documentary Achievement Award from International Documentary Association Principal investigator for Cinema Palestine project funded by Concordia VPRGS, FQRSC, and Doha Film Institute Creative director of Imagining NDG community media project Research focuses on documentary representation of marginalized communities, examining intersections between culture and environment . His filmography demonstrates commitment to politically engaged media across broadcast television, festivals, and interactive platforms. Recent works show thematic continuity in exploring identity in transition - from Middle Eastern diasporas to urban ecological changes. His production methods blend experimental techniques with traditional documentary forms, often incorporating multimedia storytelling . Scientific awards include: International Documentary Association Award (2004, 1997) Current teaching includes graduate and undergraduate documentary courses, indicating ongoing academic engagement.
Marina Bettaglio is a Professor in Hispanic and Italian Studies at the School of Languages, Linguistics and Cultures, University of Victoria. With a PhD in Hispanic Studies (SUNY-Buffalo) and international academic background including institutions in Italy, Spain, and the US, she specializes in interdisciplinary research at the intersection of gender, media, and cultural studies. Key research areas: Maternal narratives, neoliberal ideology, gender violence, graphic novels Current projects: SSHRC Insight Grant on 'Maternal Self-Expression in Spanish Graphic Narratives' Collaborations: Universidad de Salamanca, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona Her work analyzes maternal representations in Spanish and Latin American comics, TV series, and literature, challenging patriarchal norms and neoliberal self-branding. She has co-edited special issues on maternal neoliberalism and contributed to Palgrave and Demeter Press publications. Scientific Awards SSHRC Insight Grant (2022-2027) Excellence in Teaching Award (SUNY-Buffalo) Visiting Scholar Fellowships (UVic CSRAS, Salamanca, Barcelona) Contact: bettagli@uvic.ca
Thomas Fahy is a Professor of English and Creative Writing at Long Island University, where he also serves as Director of English Graduate Studies. He is affiliated with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and leads the undergraduate fiction journal Loomings . His academic and creative work spans American Literature, Cultural Studies, Horror, Food Studies, Disability Studies, and Fat Studies. B.A., University of California at Davis M.A., Ph.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill His research explores the intersections of identity, marginalization, and popular culture, particularly through the lens of horror and 20th-century American theatre. He examines how media reflects societal anxieties around race, gender, class, and the environment. His recent publications include Dining with Madmen (2019) and Understanding Tracy Letts (2021), both of which analyze cultural commentary in horror and drama. His novels Sleepless and The Unspoken have received national recognition for young adult readers. The 15 most recent publications reflect a strong trend in interdisciplinary cultural criticism, with recurring themes of identity, trauma, consumerism, and social justice. His scholarly works combine literary analysis with insights from disability studies, gender theory, and environmental criticism, while his fiction often centers on psychological suspense and marginalized experiences. He frequently engages with television and film, analyzing auteurs like David Chase, Alan Ball, and Aaron Sorkin. Newton Award for Excellence in Teaching (2014) American Library Association Award for Reluctant Young Readers for 'Sleepless' (2009) American Library Association Award for Reluctant Young Readers for 'The Unspoken' (2008) Thomas Fahy actively mentors students and supports emerging writers through the Ivory Tower Writing Scholarship, which funds undergraduate creative writing pursuits. He has launched a national student-run fiction journal and guided graduates into prestigious MFA programs. He has received external funding and recognition for his teaching and public engagement. Fahy is a member of Phi Beta Kappa and several academic associations, including the Modern Language Association and the American Studies Association. He also performs as a classical pianist at major venues like Carnegie Hall.
Noelle Griffis is an Associate Professor and Assistant Division Chair in the Department of Communication and Media Arts at MMM University. Her academic work bridges film and media studies with urbanism, focusing on historical and cultural intersections of media production, city life, and identity. She is actively involved in scholarly communities, serving as co-chair of the Urbanism/Geography/Architecture Scholarly Interest Group for the Society of Cinema and Media Studies (SCMS) and on the editorial board of Mediapolis: a Journal of Cities and Culture . Ph.D., Indiana University M.A., New York University B.A., University of Alabama Her research explores film and television history, American independent cinema, New York City filmmaking, race and gender in media, production cultures, and media policy. She investigates how urban environments shape and are shaped by media narratives, particularly through the lenses of gentrification, identity, and industrial practices. Her work often centers on marginalized voices and institutional barriers in media production. Recent publications analyze gentrification in television, minority apprentice programs in urban filming, and the rebranding of cities through media. Her forthcoming work includes a collaborative oral history on women’s film collectives and a manuscript on 1960s–70s New York film production and urban development. These works reflect a sustained engagement with media’s role in urban transformation and social equity. Noelle has presented her research at major conferences including the American Studies Association, Screen Conference, and Society of Cinema and Media Studies. She also co-organized the 2026 Vassar Institute Signature Program on women’s independent film histories. She teaches courses such as Introduction to Cinema Studies, American Independent Cinema, and Cinema & the City. Her advising and professional service include editorial work, conference organizing, and leadership in scholarly interest groups, reflecting a strong commitment to both pedagogy and academic community building. She is based in Nugent Hall, Room 560E, and holds office hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to 2pm during the Fall 2025 semester or by appointment.
Hugo Miguel Marques Das Neves Barata is an active Researcher at Lusófona University's School of Communication, Architecture, Arts and Technologies (ECATI) and affiliated with the Research Center for Applied Communication, Culture and New Technologies (CICANT). He contributes to projects like Healing Nature: Animation for Health and Well-being in Children Hospital Environments (Creative Europe funded) and AH_While We Wait: Animation for Health and Wellbeing in Hospital Waiting Spaces (CICANT Seedfunding). His research focuses on animation for health , interactive digital art , and video installation to address well-being in hospital environments. He explores the intersection of immersive technology , public space , and applied communication , often collaborating with researchers like L. Vidakovic, N. Woolf, and P. Magalhães. The 2023 article For a geocinematic use of found images highlights his work on repurposing media to reflect social precarity, while the 2022 article Re[PLAY]: televised football images as video material examines media recontextualization. These studies align with his broader interests in documentary media and visual storytelling . Barata's projects emphasize community impact through creative interventions, funded by programs like Creative Europe and CICANT Seedfunding. His work bridges artistic research and applied communication , focusing on health, social space, and immersive experiences.
Professor Steffen Boehm is a leading scholar in Organisation & Sustainability at the University of Exeter Business School , where he directs the Sustainable Futures department. Previously, he was Professor of Management & Sustainability and Director of the Essex Sustainability Institute at the University of Essex (2012–2015) and held visiting roles at institutions in France, Sweden, Brazil, and Scotland. His work bridges political economy , organizational theory , and sustainability governance , with a focus on environmental justice , circular food systems , and circular economy initiatives . PhD in Organization Theory (University of Warwick, 2005) MA in Organisation Studies (University of Warwick, 1998) BA(Hons) in Business Administration (University of Lancaster, 1997) Boehm’s research interrogates the contested governance of sustainability transitions , particularly in agri-food systems , circular economy , and climate change mitigation . He critiques carbon markets , climate capitalism , and corporate sustainability claims , emphasizing grassroots agency and the paradoxes of ‘green’ initiatives. His work with the Tevi program (2018–2023) and the Circular Food platform highlights practical pathways for regional sustainability. Recent publications include Negotiating Climate Change in Crisis (Open Book Publishers, 2021) Climate Activism: How Communities Take Renewable Energy Actions (Cambridge University Press, 2022) Circular Food Systems (2022), advocating regenerative agri-food models He co-founded the open-access journals ephemera and Interface , and the publishing press MayFlyBooks , democratizing critical sustainability research. Scientific honours include Fellow of the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (FRSA) Co-Editor, Journal of Business Ethics (Environment & Business Ethics section) Associate Editor, Organization Boehm actively engages with public discourse, publishing over 30 articles in The Conversation and appearing in BBC Television and Sky News . He co-leads the Circular Food research platform, collaborating with Dr. Fatma Sabet on school food strategy in Cornwall.
Kristen Anchor is an Associate Teaching Professor in the Media and Communication Studies Department at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), where she teaches multimedia digital production. She is an accomplished audio visual artist, curator, musician, and video designer with a significant presence in the Baltimore arts community. Her creative practice encompasses Multimedia Production , Film and Video Art , Curatorial Studies , and Performance Art . She founded and directed the Creative Alliance MovieMakers program for nine years, curating screenings and producing workshops to support local filmmakers. Her work has been exhibited in U.S. film festivals, galleries, and DVD compilations including ETC: Experimental Television Center 1969-2009 and Hondance . As a musician, she played drums for The Degenerettes and co-created the performance duo Monster Drummer Thunderupagus. Recent projects include serving as Video Designer for Pigeonnairre Production’s play Sailing Over a Cardboard Sea . Anchor continues to be an active contributor to the media arts through teaching, performance, and community engagement.
Francisco de Borja Franco Llopis serves as Professor of Art History at the National University of Distance Education (UNED) within the Faculty of Geography and History . His scholarly focus centers on visual representations of otherness, particularly examining Muslim-Christian relations, Morisco communities, and critical race theory within medieval and early modern Mediterranean contexts. He actively contributes to international research networks including COST Action 18129 on Islamic Legacies. His research interests explore visual and literary constructions of otherness through interdisciplinary lenses combining art history, critical race theory, and migration studies. Franco Llopis investigates how race, religious identity, and cultural difference were visually articulated in European societies from the 14th to 18th centuries, with particular attention to Iberian visual culture. His work reveals how artistic production functioned as both reflection and active agent in shaping intercultural relations across the Mediterranean basin. Analysis of his recent publications reveals consistent thematic trajectories across three domains: visual politics of religious difference (examining Morisco and Muslim representations), material culture of Mediterranean exchange (focusing on objects and textiles), and ceremonial constructions of power (studying royal entries and funerary monuments). His methodological approach integrates technical art analysis with critical theory to uncover hidden narratives within canonical works. Ramón y Cajal Scholarship Santander Iberoamérica Scholarship Leonardo Scholarship (BBVA Foundation) Gondra Barandiarán Junior Fellowship (Prado Museum) Fellow Member, Young Academy of Spain As Principal Investigator for three Spanish Research Projects and working group leader for COST Action 18129, Franco Llopis directs significant collaborative initiatives examining Mediterranean cultural legacies. His documentary productions for RTVE television extend academic research into public discourse through accessible visual narratives. He mentors graduate students through UNED's Master's programs in Art History and Digital Humanities while serving on Spain's State Research Agency evaluation panels. He coordinates the Arte y Pensamiento Research Group at UNED, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue between art historians, literary scholars, and cultural theorists. This collective investigates visual representation as a framework for understanding Mediterranean cultural exchanges, with particular emphasis on decolonial approaches to art historical narratives.
Dr. Jonathan Mark Ervine is a Senior Lecturer in French and Francophone Studies at Bangor University , School of Modern Languages. His research explores intersections of French popular culture, national identity, and societal belonging through lenses of cinema, humor, sports, and digital media. Academic Background PhD in Cinematic Representations of Social and Racial Exclusion in French Cinema (Leeds University, 2009) MA in The Opposition to War in French Cinema (Leeds University, 2004) BA in French and Philosophy (2002) Research Contributions examine: Football's role in shaping French identity and discrimination debates Evolution of stand-up comedy in France Humor-food-identity intersections in global contexts Videogames as cultural artifacts reflecting French society Media representation of minority groups in sports and arts Media Engagements include: Commentary on 2024 Olympic breakdancing inclusion Analysis of political exploitation of football Podcast discussions on French football culture and e-sports He serves as external examiner for French programs at Swansea, Bath, Chester, and Swansea universities (2013-2021). His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to cultural understanding and societal inclusion.
Dr Richard Leahy is a Senior Lecturer in English Literature and Creative Writing at the University of Chester's Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. He has been with the university since 2013, progressing from Visiting Lecturer to Lecturer and ultimately to Senior Lecturer in 2021. His teaching spans all levels of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, with expertise across Victorian Literature, Gothic Literature, Literary and Critical Theory, and Science Fiction. Leahy's research focuses on the intersections of technology, culture, and literature, with particular emphasis on light in literary representation and the relationship between technological development and psychological states. His 2018 monograph Literary Illumination explores how artificial lighting transformed literary spaces and individual consciousness in the 19th century. His recent publications span diverse topics including Pre-Raphaelite art, Victorian hairwork, the psychological impact of rail travel, and contemporary science fiction. These works demonstrate his consistent interest in how technological developments intersect with literary expression across historical periods, from Victorian literature to contemporary speculative fiction. His scholarship bridges historical literary analysis with theoretical frameworks from cultural studies, psychology, and technology studies. Leahy actively supervises postgraduate research at MRes and PhD levels and contributes to the academic community through conference presentations at venues including Gladstone's Library, University of Cambridge, and Paris Diderot University.
Joan Josep Tharrats Pascual serves as an Associate Lecturer at the Blanquerna School of Communication and International Relations, Universitat Ramon Llull. His academic role focuses on communication and media studies, specializing in television fiction's societal impact on adolescent and youth audiences. Research Interests: Tharrats Pascual's work centers on television studies, cultural analysis of media, and relationship models in audio-visual content. Key areas include symbolic violence in youth-targeted programming, sentiment representation, and font/media aesthetics in serialized fiction. His research employs case studies of specific television series to dissect cultural narratives. Publications and Projects: His sole documented publication (2008) analyzes love models in the Catalan television series 'Porca Misèria'. This aligns with his 2006-2007 research project funded by the Consell de l'Audiovisual de Catalunya, which investigated symbolic violence and romantic archetypes in adolescent television fiction. Grants and Collaborations: As a core researcher on the 'Violència simbòlica i models amorosos' project, he collaborated with P. Medina Bravo, M. Rodrigo-Alsina, S. Aran Ramspott, and R.-À. Munté Ramos to examine media influences on young viewers' relationship perceptions.
Prof. Dr. Vu Duc Nghieu is a Visiting Professor at the Faculty of Linguistics, Vietnamese Language and Vietnam Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi. Born in 1954, he has dedicated his career to the study of Vietnamese linguistics, with a particular focus on historical aspects of the language. His educational background includes: 1972-1976: Faculty of Philology, Hanoi University of Science PhD (1996) Professor title (2012) Prof. Nghieu's research spans linguistic theory, Vietnamese linguistics, and language teaching, with a particular emphasis on historical linguistics. His work examines the evolution of Vietnamese grammar, vocabulary, and writing systems from ancient times to the present. He has made significant contributions to understanding historical Vietnamese grammar, particularly through the analysis of ancient texts and woodblock archives. His scholarly approach combines theoretical linguistic analysis with historical context to trace language development over centuries. His recent publications reveal a strong focus on historical linguistics, with particular attention to the evolution of Vietnamese grammar, syntax, and vocabulary. He has extensively studied ancient Vietnamese texts, including those written in Nom script and early Quốc Ngữ documents, to trace linguistic changes over centuries. His work bridges linguistic theory with practical language teaching applications, demonstrating how historical understanding informs contemporary language education. Among his notable achievements: Outstanding scientific research project of VNU, 2012 Prof. Nghieu has led several significant research projects, including the "Research on Vietnamese historical grammar (words and phrases)" and the "Orientation for preserving and promoting the value of the woodblock archives at Vinh Nghiem and Bo Da pagodas." His work on developing standards for assessing Vietnamese language proficiency of international students has practical applications for language education. He has also contributed to television-based Vietnamese language instruction through the VTV4 Program. His research often involves interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly with historians and cultural preservation specialists, to analyze ancient texts and document linguistic changes. His work with woodblock archives represents an important contribution to preserving Vietnam's linguistic heritage, connecting linguistic scholarship with cultural history and religious studies.
