Lauren Hall-Lew is a Professor and Personal Chair of Sociolinguistics at the University of Edinburgh's School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences. She holds a BA from the University of Arizona (2002) and MA/PhD from Stanford University (2009). Her research focuses on phonetics, social meaning, language change, and sociopolitical identity. She has pioneered projects like the Lothian Diary Project, studying linguistic impact of the pandemic, and analyzed Scottish political speech, tourist language attitudes, and ethnicity-linked variation in San Francisco. Teaching contributions include courses on sociophonetics and language variation/change, earning her EUSA Teaching Award (2013). She has supervised over a dozen PhD students and is involved in EDI initiatives, including founding the Staff BAME Network Mentoring Programme (2019-2021), recognized via CAHSS Award and Principal's Medal nominations. Active in grant work, she leads projects on homelessness and linguistic variation (British Academy-funded), Scottish tour guide discourse, and political identity in phonetics. Awards include teaching accolades and EDI recognition. Her publications span sociolinguistic theory, phonetic analysis, and applied linguistic methods.
Doug Bowman is the Frank J. Maher Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Virginia Tech and Director of the Center for Human-Computer Interaction. His work focuses on advancing virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and 3D user interfaces, with a strong emphasis on human-computer interaction and immersive environments. Education: Ph.D., Computer Science, Georgia Institute of Technology (1999) M.S., Computer Science, Georgia Institute of Technology (1997) B.S., Mathematics and Computer Science, Emory University (1994) Research Interests: Bowman explores the design and evaluation of immersive technologies, including VR/AR interfaces, 3D interaction techniques, and the application of these technologies in fields like healthcare, education, and collaborative work. His work often addresses challenges in spatial awareness, gaze-driven systems, and context-aware interfaces. Recent publications highlight trends in collaborative AR/VR systems, glanceable interfaces, and adaptive techniques for immersive analytics. His research emphasizes real-world applications, such as medical training through AR and improving productivity in virtual workspaces. Lab Affiliation: Director of Virginia Tech’s Center for Human-Computer Interaction, which focuses on interdisciplinary research in interactive technologies.
Prof. Nicola Jürgensen is a distinguished German clarinetist and Professor of Clarinet at Faculty 1 of Folkwang University of the Arts in Essen, Germany. She also serves as Dean of Faculty 1 and is a Confidential Lecturer for the German Academic Scholarship Foundation. Her career seamlessly integrates performance, education, and artistic leadership. She is the Artistic Director of WDR 3 Campus Concerts and a board member of the Folkwang University Foundation. Professor of Clarinet, Folkwang University of the Arts (2018–present) Dean, Faculty 1 Artistic Director, WDR 3 Campus Concerts Board of Directors, Folkwang University Foundation Principal Clarinet (former), WDR Symphony Orchestra Cologne (2001–2018) Regular coach, German National Youth Orchestra (2020–present) Nicola Jürgensen's research and artistic interests center on clarinet performance, chamber music, and contemporary repertoire. She is deeply committed to historical performance practice, evidenced by her recordings on basset clarinet, and to expanding the global reach of classical music through international masterclasses and festivals. Her work bridges traditional European repertoire and modern experimental works, including performances in avant-garde operatic productions. She has collaborated with leading orchestras and ensembles worldwide, from Berlin and Leipzig to New York, Bangkok, and Auckland. Her recent artistic output reveals a strong focus on rediscovered works (e.g., Wilms' concerto), contemporary compositions (e.g., Kancheli, Zwilich), and cross-cultural collaborations (e.g., German Masters Music Festival in Thailand). She emphasizes pedagogical innovation and performance excellence, mentoring students who now hold principal roles in Germany’s top orchestras. Her recordings and performances consistently highlight expressive depth, technical mastery, and scholarly engagement with historical instruments and arrangements. Scientific and Artistic Awards: Mozart Prize, Wiesbaden Mozart Society German Music Competition Soloists' Prize (1999) Germany Radio Promotion Prize (2002) Nicola Jürgensen has been instrumental in guiding numerous students into prestigious orchestral positions and leads the ensemble 'Folkwang Clarinets' with her students. She holds multiple leadership roles in academic and artistic institutions and continues to perform as a guest principal clarinetist with major orchestras like the Mahler Chamber Orchestra and NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra. Her involvement in grants and funding appears indirect through institutional roles and festival organization. She is actively involved with several artistic initiatives, including the 'Spannungen' festival, WDR 3 Campus Concerts, and international masterclass programs. Her ensemble collaborations and educational outreach reflect a sustained commitment to excellence, innovation, and accessibility in classical music.
Ingvild Koksvik is a Researcher at the University of Agder, working in the Department of Popular Music. She is a Norwegian singer and songwriter with several albums of original music, commissioned works for festivals, and extensive touring experience in Norway and Europe. Her academic work bridges artistic practice and scholarly research in popular music production. Koksvik holds a master's degree in musicology from the University of Oslo, where she also served as a research assistant for two years. Her educational background combines formal academic training with extensive practical experience as a performing artist. Her research focuses on record production and songwriting , particularly examining how notions of space influence aesthetic, performative, and compositional aspects of popular music. A significant part of her doctoral work investigates the use of Dolby Atmos 3D audio format in setting new premises for staging compositional design from a recording artist's perspective. Her research methodology is practice-based, using her own artistic work as the foundation for scholarly inquiry. Analysis of Koksvik's publications reveals a strong focus on the intersection of artistic practice and academic research in music production. Her work explores mental imagery in song-making, spatial aspects of audio production, and the unsayable elements of musical ideas. A recurring theme is the application of innovative technologies like Dolby Atmos to expand creative possibilities in record production, while maintaining a strong connection to practical artistic experience. No specific scientific awards are mentioned in the available documentation. However, her ongoing research projects and publications in reputable venues demonstrate recognition within her academic and artistic communities. While specific details about advising relationships and research grants are not explicitly mentioned in the available information, Koksvik's doctoral project represents a significant research undertaking. Her collaborative work with researchers like Hallgjerd Aksnes and Svein Fuglestad on music therapy applications suggests interdisciplinary research partnerships. Koksvik is affiliated with research groups focused on Popular Music Studies, Popular Music Performance, and Songwriting and Production at the University of Agder. Her work appears to integrate closely with her artistic practice, suggesting a studio-based research environment where creative work directly informs scholarly inquiry.
Dr. Conor Linehan is a pianist, composer, and educator at the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM) since 2008. He specializes in diverse musical styles, from baroque to contemporary, and has performed with major orchestras including RTÉ Concert Orchestra and the National Symphony of Ireland. His compositional work spans theatre, opera, and concert halls, with notable pieces like Roadshow (commissioned by Joanna MacGregor) and Intermezzo (2018 Dublin International Piano Competition). He has been Musician in Residence for Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown (2018) and collaborated with companies like Coiscéim Dance Theatre. His doctoral research (Trinity College Dublin) focused on orchestrations of late 19th/early 20th-century French piano music. As a teacher, his students have won prizes at the Dublin Feis Ceoil and Henle Beethoven competitions. Performances & Commissions: 2023 Irish Tour with Claudia Boyle/Niall O’Sullivan (Music Network) RTÉ Radio 1 broadcast of Mícheál Ó’Súilleabháin’s Oíche Nollaig Premiere of Don Ray’s Piano Concerto (Albany Label) Adaptations: Schubert’s Winterreise for theatre, Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf for dance Awards: Two Irish Theatre Awards (2010 & 2023) Five ITA nominations total National Symphony of Ireland collaborations Teaching & Curation: Developed contemporary Irish piano syllabus for the Contemporary Music Centre Teaches improvisation modules at RIAM Guided prize-winning students in major competitions
Stewart Long - Lecturer in Audio Design Stewart Long is a Lecturer in Audio Design at the University of Tasmania , specifically within the Conservatorium of Music under the School of Creative Arts and Media. He has been actively involved in music and audio technology since 1984, transitioning to academia in 2009 after 17 years in the audio/music/media industry. His professional experience includes running Red Planet Recording studio for 27 years and managing Sonic Solution Pty Ltd . Research & Teaching Focus His research emphasizes music as a communication tool for sustainability, climate change, and indigenous knowledge, alongside innovations in recording techniques and music production. He coordinates Music Technology at the Conservatorium and teaches core units including Music Practice 1-6 , Music and the Future , and the capstone Music Industry Project . Community Engagement Stewart has collaborated extensively with national media outlets (ABC, SBS) and produced recordings for artists like Psycroptic, Violent Femmes , and Hey Mook . Notable projects include the USA Tour Documentary of the Southern Gospel Choir and the I Can Make This Journey exhibition. His work spans over 100 recorded projects, blending technical expertise with artistic vision. Teaching & Supervision Teaches 11 music practice and performance units. Focuses on ensemble skills development and music technology integration. Guides students through industry-oriented capstone projects. Technical Expertise Expert in analog/digital recording, live sound engineering, and mastering. Specializes in capturing classical, rock, folk, and experimental music with a focus on studio acoustics and artist collaboration.
Dr. Jonathan Skinner is a Reader in the Anthropology of Events at the University of Surrey's Department of Hospitality and Events. He holds MA and PhD qualifications and is a Senior Fellow member of the Higher Education Academy. His work focuses on contested events, dark tourism, and the anthropology of social dancing and health. Previously, he lectured at Queen's University Belfast, the University of Roehampton, and the University of Abertay Dundee, where he contributed to academic leadership roles including chairing AHRC doctoral programs. His research explores topics such as disaster tourism in Montserrat, cultural mediation by tour guides, and the role of festivals in conservation efforts. Notable achievements include co-editing Collaborations: Anthropology in a Neoliberal Age , which won the 2020 Best New Book Award. Dr. Skinner combines fieldwork with innovative methods like dance-based ethnography, as seen in his podcast series on body awareness in research. He has also engaged in applied projects like community well-being initiatives and policy work on sea turtle conservation in Anguilla. His recent publications highlight interdisciplinary themes linking anthropology to health, tourism, and environmental policy. Awards include recognition for his collaborative research and contributions to higher education pedagogy. Dr. Skinner's work bridges academic rigor with practical community engagement, emphasizing the transformative potential of cultural practices and events.
Prof. Dr. Yaşar Güneri ŞAHİN serves as the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Sciences at Izmir University of Economics, where he also holds a professorship in the Department of Software Engineering. With over two decades of experience in both academia and industry, he has established himself as a prominent figure in software engineering, real-time systems, and educational technologies. His academic journey began with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering from Middle East Technical University in 1994, followed by a Master's in Computer Education from Gazi University in 1999, and culminated with a Ph.D. in Industrial Technology from Gazi University in 2005. Prior to joining Izmir University of Economics in 2008, he served as a faculty member at Yaşar University starting in 2005, and before that, he gained nearly a decade of industry experience in high-level management roles overseeing numerous software projects for both public and private sectors. Prof. ŞAHİN's research spans several interconnected domains with a strong emphasis on practical applications. His work in software engineering focuses on project management methodologies, team building models for educational contexts, and database systems. In real-time systems, he has made significant contributions to forest fire detection technologies using innovative approaches like animal-based biological sensors and radio-acoustic sounding systems. His educational technology research addresses challenges in nursing education, special education for individuals with autism, and internet resource utilization by university students. Notably, his interdisciplinary approach bridges computer science with healthcare applications, particularly in medical informatics where he has developed public health information systems and tools for medical data entry. His scholarly output demonstrates a consistent trajectory of innovation across multiple domains, with particular concentration in the period from 2007-2013. While his early work focused on foundational software engineering concepts and database systems, his research evolved to address pressing societal challenges including forest fire detection, healthcare information systems, and educational technologies. This evolution reflects his ability to identify emerging technological needs and apply software engineering principles to diverse real-world problems. His contributions have been recognized through multiple prestigious awards: TÜBİTAK Scientific Publication Awards (2008-2012) İzmir University of Economics Scientific Publication Awards (2008-2011) As an academic advisor, Prof. ŞAHİN has supervised doctoral and master's theses on diverse topics including heart failure management, triage algorithms for multiple injuries, and software project selection metrics for small and medium enterprises. His administrative leadership extends beyond his deanship to include serving on juries for national art, design, and architecture competitions, as well as evaluating research projects for TEYDEB and TÜBİTAK. His grant activities include serving as a project reviewer and monitor for various technology development initiatives including "Bulut," "ARAGES," "SADE," and "SWH-ATLANTIS." Prof. ŞAHİN maintains an active research laboratory environment focused on real-time systems and software engineering applications. His work often involves interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly with medical professionals on health informatics projects and with education specialists on technology-enhanced learning initiatives. Current research directions appear to focus on the intersection of software engineering principles with healthcare applications and environmental monitoring systems.
Andrew Zohn is a Professor at the Schwob School of Music, Columbus State University, where he has served on the faculty since 1999. He directs the annual CSU Guitar Symposium and maintains an active international career as a performer, instructor, and composer specializing in classical guitar. His artistic research focuses on Classical Guitar performance techniques, contemporary Composition for plucked instruments, and innovative Music Education methodologies. As a performer, he has toured extensively across five continents, with recent engagements in China, Argentina, Italy, Egypt, Malaysia, Germany, and the Netherlands, demonstrating exceptional technical mastery and tonal subtlety as noted by The Star of Kuala Lumpur. Professor Zohn's pedagogical impact is evidenced by his students winning major international competitions including The Parkening International, Guitar Foundation of America, World Guitar Competition (Serbia), and Asia International (Bangkok), with several featured on NPR's From the Top . His creative output includes original compositions and transcriptions published by Les Productions d'Oz, Tuscany Publications (Theodore Presser), and FJH Publications. Critical acclaim for his Clear Note and Centaur Records releases spans American Record Guide , Classical Guitar Magazine , GuitArt Magazine , and Soundboard .
Lynda R. Hasseler is Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at Capital University's Conservatory of Music, leading the Chapel Choir since 1990 as the first woman to head a choral program at a Lutheran institution. Her ensembles have performed at national conferences, won international competitions, and toured globally including the Netherlands, Belgium, and Carnegie Hall. Her educational background includes: Doctor of Musical Arts in Conducting from Michigan State University Master of Music in Conducting from Michigan State University Bachelor of Arts in Music Education K-12 from Calvin College Dr. Hasseler specializes in narrative, theme-based choral programming that "tells a story," with research interests spanning choral music, conducting pedagogy, American music, and choral composition. She co-edits the Capital University Choral Series published by Beckenhorst Press, expanding contemporary choral repertoire through scholarly-artistic collaboration. Her honors include: 2017-18 American Prize, Ernst Bacon Memorial Award for the Performance of American Music (shared with Chapel Choir, Choral Union, and Jake Runestad) As mentor to ensemble members, she guides the Chapel Choir, Choral Union, and Philomel Chamber ensemble while teaching Beginning and Advanced Choral Conducting. Her collaborations with composers like Jake Runestad and Eric Whitacre have premiered works at the ACDA National Conference and Carnegie Hall, including the 2020 performance of "A Silence Haunts Me" and "Dona Nobis Pacem." Her leadership extends to international festivals and the 2019 Gala celebrating 100 Years of Music at Capital University, demonstrating sustained artistic innovation in choral arts.
Greggory Brandt serves as Professor of Theater and Director of Theater at Saint Vincent College within the School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences and Department of Music & Performing Arts. With over 35 years as a professional actor and director, he is an active member of Actors’ Equity Association and Stage Directors and Choreography Society. His academic credentials include: MS in Public Policy/Arts Management from Heinz School, Carnegie Mellon University BFA in Musical Theater/Voice from Carnegie Mellon University Professor Brandt specializes in theater performance and production, with expertise spanning musical theater direction, voice instruction, and classical acting techniques. His professional background includes Broadway performances in A Tale of Two Cities and national tours of Les Misérables , Camelot , and Bells Are Ringing , directly informing his pedagogical approach. No scientific awards were documented in the source material. He mentors students through hands-on production experience in courses including Acting I/II, Musical Theater History, and Theater Production. As Producing Artistic Director of Saint Vincent Summer Theatre, he has guided over 30 productions including Into the Woods , Beauty and the Beast , and Always...Patsy Cline , providing immersive training in professional theater practices. The Saint Vincent Summer Theatre functions as his primary creative laboratory, where students gain practical experience in staging full-scale productions under his direction across genres from musicals to contemporary drama.
Peter Markes serves as Associate Professor of Music Education in the Bass School of Music at Oklahoma City University, where he specializes in guiding students toward becoming music education leaders. He previously directed orchestras at Edmond North High School for 15 years, earning Oklahoma State Teacher of the Year (2014) and leading ensembles to Carnegie Hall and the Midwest Clinic. A renowned performer, he focuses on live-looping violin and singer-songwriter genres, with international tours spanning 30 countries and Grand Ole Opry performances with Horseshoe Road. He holds a Master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of Central Oklahoma and a Bachelors in Music Education (Summa Cum Laude) from OCU. His music education research emphasizes Social Emotional Learning (SEL) integration, detailed in his 2024 publication. He maintains active roles as Artistic Director of Oklahoma Youth Orchestras Summer Camp and founder of Songs To ReJoyce Publishing. Awards include the Global Health Inspirational Teacher Award and 40 Under Forty recognition. Peter performs regularly with Kyle Dillingham & Horseshoe Road and releases original music, including the 2018 album I Have a Dream . Professional achievements include conducting the European premiere of Samuel Magrill’s Summer Song , serving on state music education boards, and leading U.S. Embassy cultural exchanges in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. He balances academic leadership with a thriving performance schedule, blending classical training with folk and pop influences.
Edward Li is a Tutor in Linguistics and English Language at the University of Edinburgh's School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences. He holds a PhD in Linguistics and English Language (2018-2024) and an MSc in English Language (2016-2017). His research focuses on syntax, pragmatics, and construction grammar, particularly the relationship between existential clauses and locative inversion in English. He has presented at conferences such as the Linguistic Society of Belgium (2021) and the Edinburgh Postgraduate Conference (2021). Education includes a BA in English from Fujian Medical University (2011-2015). His academic supervision was conducted under Prof. Bettelou Los and Dr. Graeme Trousdale. Edward's publications span architectural narratives, urban history, and cultural heritage, emphasizing how spaces reflect societal changes. He actively contributes to teaching initiatives like the PPLS Writing Centre.
Ozan Atsiz is an Associate Professor and Institute Director at Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University's Faculty of Tourism. With a doctorate in Tourism Management from Istanbul University (2020), he has established himself as a leading researcher in heritage tourism, cultural experiences, and the sharing economy within tourism contexts. His academic career shows steady progression from research assistant positions at Istanbul University (2014-2017) and Yozgat Bozok University (2017-2022) to his current role as Associate Professor (2023-present). Current Position: Associate Professor and Institute Director, Faculty of Tourism, Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University Previous Positions: Doctor Lecturer (2022), Research Assistant at Yozgat Bozok University (2017-2022), Research Assistant at Istanbul University (2014-2017) Education: Doctorate in Tourism Management (2020, Istanbul University), Master's in Tourism Guidance (2016, Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University), Bachelor's in Tourism and Hotel Management (2014, Anadolu University) Professor Atsiz's research primarily examines tourist behavior in cultural destinations, with particular emphasis on meal-sharing platforms, heritage site experiences, and sustainable tourism practices. His work frequently employs innovative methodologies including netnography and content analysis of online reviews to understand how tourists engage with cultural heritage through both physical and virtual experiences. He has made significant contributions to understanding local-guided tours in the sharing economy, virtual heritage tourism, and post-pandemic tourism recovery. His publication record demonstrates consistent scholarly output with multiple articles in top-tier SSCI-indexed journals across 2022-2025, showing particular strength in analyzing the intersection of technology, culture, and tourism experiences. His research often bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications for tourism destination management. 2024 Academic Performance Award from Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University As Institute Director, Professor Atsiz leads research initiatives focused on regional tourism development, particularly in Cappadocia. He teaches courses including World Heritage Sites, Natural and Cultural Heritage of Cappadocia, Tourism Economics, and Tourism Sociology, reflecting his expertise in cultural and heritage tourism. His work connects academic research with practical tourism development strategies for Central Anatolia's unique cultural landscape.
Dr. Monika Widz is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Regional Geography and Tourism at the Faculty of Earth Sciences and Spatial Management, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin, Poland. She teaches courses including Reservation Systems in Tourism, Organization and Management of Hotels, and Customer Service in the hotel industry and travel agencies for both Tourism and Recreation and Tourism Management majors. Her research interests focus on overtourism , functional changes in tourist areas, dynamics of international tourism, SERVPERF analyses of travel agency offers, quality in the hotel industry, and tourism development in Tunisia. She combines academic research with practical expertise as a tourism industry practitioner with experience in piloting, guiding, destination management, and reservation systems including Amadeus, MerlinX, and others. Dr. Widz's publication record shows consistent research output with a focus on Tunisian tourism, hotel performance during the pandemic, overtourism assessment, and tourism quality measurement. Her work spans both theoretical and applied aspects of tourism geography and management. h-index (GS Citations): 3 h-index (Scopus Citations): 1 h-index (WoS Citations): 2 Total ministerial score: 336 She has participated in significant projects including the "Uniwersalność+" project (2020-2023) focused on universal design in tourism education and the "Destination Manager" training path (2016-2019) under the Geo4work grant. Dr. Widz serves on multiple program councils including the Lublin Regional Tourism Organization and program teams for Tourism Management and Tourism and Recreation degrees.
