Robert Kaufman is a Professor of Comparative Literature at the University of California, Berkeley. He holds a B.A. (1979), J.D. (1982), and Ph.D. (1995) from UC Berkeley. Prior to academia, he practiced labor and employment law. His career includes positions at McGill University, Stanford University (where he was an Assistant Professor of English and affiliated with German Studies and Modern Thought & Literature), and visiting roles at the University of Chicago and UC Berkeley. He has held fellowships including Stanford Humanities Center, Hellman Family, and Institute of International Studies. He co-chairs Berkeley's Program in Critical Theory. His research focuses on 20th-21st century American poetry, Latin American poetry, Romantic-era poetics, Frankfurt School Critical Theory, and aesthetic philosophy. Key projects include Negative Romanticism: Adornian Aesthetics in Keats, Shelley, and Modern Poetry , and studies on César Vallejo, Paul Celan, and Robert Duncan. His work bridges Marxist theory, lyric form, and sociopolitical critique. Kaufman's essays analyze Adorno's influence on modern poetry, the ethics of lyric form, and intersections between poetry and democracy. His recent work engages postmodernism's aftermath and contemporary political crises. He frequently collaborates on translation projects and public humanities initiatives, including events on Paul Celan's centenary.
Vincent J. Cheng is a Distinguished Professor of English at the University of Utah, holding appointments since July 2019. He previously served at the University of Southern California (1979–2019) in roles including Professor of English and Director of Asian American Studies. His academic leadership includes directing the Tanner Humanities Center (2003–2007). Cheng specializes in modernist literature, particularly James Joyce, with research focusing on cultural memory, national identity, and postcolonial studies. He has authored influential works like Amnesia and the Nation and edited volumes on Joyce’s legacy. Recognized for teaching excellence, he received the Calvin S. and JeNeal Hatch Prize in Teaching (2024) and the Distinguished Teaching Award (2014). Cheng’s research integrates philosophy, history, and literature, exploring themes like migration, empathy, and ethical remembrance. His recent work analyzes Joyce’s treatment of memory and history, connecting Irish and American Southern narratives. He also contributes to Joyce Studies Annual and serves on editorial boards for Western Humanities Review . Teaching-wise, he leads advanced seminars on literary studies and British writers, guiding Ph.D. thesis research. Award highlights include the Fulbright Scholar Award (2015) and the Carole & Gordon Segal Visiting Chair in Irish Studies (2014). He remains active in community outreach, such as presenting Joyce’s Dubliners to high school students. His interdisciplinary approach bridges literary analysis with cultural and ethical inquiry.
Dr. Carolyn Emery is a Professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology at the University of Calgary, with joint appointments in Pediatrics and Community Health Sciences at the Cumming School of Medicine. She holds leadership roles as Chair of the Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre (an International Olympic Committee Research Centre) and the Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute. Her affiliations include the McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, and O’Brien Institute for Public Health. Dr. Emery’s education includes a BScPT from Queen’s University (1988), MSc in Epidemiology from the University of Calgary (1999), and PhD in Epidemiology from the University of Alberta (2004). Her research focuses on injury prevention in youth sports, concussion, and pediatric rehabilitation, aiming to reduce long-term health consequences such as osteoarthritis and post-concussion syndrome. She leads major grants including CIHR’s “SHRed Injuries” and NFL-funded concussion surveillance programs. Her research interests emphasize practical interventions for injury prevention, including neuromuscular training and policy changes. Recent work explores concussion outcomes in adolescents, biomechanical injury mechanisms, and global sport safety initiatives. She has published extensively on topics like sport-related musculoskeletal injuries, concussion management, and the epidemiology of youth sports. Dr. Emery has received over 20 awards, including the Royal Society of Canada Fellowship, Killam Professorship, and CIHR Canada Research Chair. Her work bridges clinical practice, policy, and community engagement to enhance public health outcomes in sports and youth recreation. Her lab, the Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, collaborates internationally to develop evidence-based strategies for injury prevention. Current projects include evaluating the impact of tackle laws in rugby, head acceleration in wrestling, and long-term consequences of pediatric concussions.
Ameil Joseph is an Associate Professor at McMaster University's School of Social Work, where they contribute to critical scholarship at the intersection of mental health, race, and social justice. Their work examines how ideas about difference, normalcy, sexuality, eugenics, race, ability and mental 'illness' cohere and perform within policy, law and practice, with over a decade of professional experience in mental health settings including supportive housing, settlement services, crisis respite, and forensic community treatment. Education: Ph.D in Social Work, York University (2009-2014) MSW, Wilfrid Laurier University (2005-2007) BA in Psychology, University of Waterloo (1998-2003) Dr. Joseph's research engages with critical mental health, postcolonial theory, critical race theory, and critical disability studies to examine the historical production of ideas about difference. Their scholarship particularly focuses on how these ideas manifest in mental health systems, immigration policy, and criminal justice, with attention to issues of social justice, violence, ethics, and confluence. Their work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical implications, addressing the complex interplay of colonialism, racism, sanism, and eugenics in contemporary social systems. Analysis of Dr. Joseph's recent publications reveals a sustained focus on colonial and eugenic violence within mental health, immigration, and criminal justice systems. Their scholarship consistently examines how racism, sanism, and ableism intersect to produce particular forms of state violence, particularly against racialized immigrants with mental health conditions. Recent work has expanded to address temporal dimensions of oppression, data colonialism, and community responses to grief and loss during the pandemic, demonstrating both theoretical sophistication and practical relevance to current social issues. Scientific Awards: University Scholar 2025 - Recognized for research leadership and impact among eight McMaster professors honored as University Scholars Dr. Joseph has secured significant research funding, including nearly $75,000 from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) for community-engaged projects addressing social justice issues. Their teaching portfolio includes advanced courses on critical mental health perspectives, race and colonialism in Canadian society, and social justice theory. While specific graduate students aren't listed in available materials, their extensive co-author network suggests active mentorship and collaboration. Dr. Joseph contributes to community-based initiatives in Hamilton addressing racism in healthcare and mental health systems, connecting academic scholarship with practical community responses to systemic issues. Dr. Joseph maintains an active presence in community responses to contemporary challenges, particularly through initiatives addressing grief during the pandemic and systemic racism in healthcare. Their work exemplifies the integration of scholarly rigor with community engagement, demonstrating how academic research can inform and be informed by real-world social justice efforts.
Maile Arvin is a Kanaka Maoli feminist scholar and Assistant Professor at the Department of Ethnic Studies, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Her research and teaching focus on Indigenous relationships to land, histories of race and settler colonialism in Hawaiʻi, Oceania, and the United States. Previously, she was faculty in History and Gender Studies at the University of Utah and founding director of the Center for Pasifika Indigenous Knowledges. PhD in Ethnic Studies, University of California San Diego (2013) MA in Ethnic Studies, University of California San Diego (2009) BA in English, Swarthmore College (2005) Her research examines: Colonial production of racial categories, particularly Polynesians as an 'almost white race' in historical social science History of incarceration of Native Hawaiian children in government institutions (1865–1960s) Intersection of settler colonialism and Indigenous feminisms Critique of eugenics and genomic studies in the Pacific Community-engaged memorialization projects in Hawaiʻi Recent scholarly trends include analyses of Indigenous sovereignty, critiques of settler colonial whiteness, and interdisciplinary studies of race-gender dynamics. Arvin's publications explore Polynesian racialization, decolonial feminism, and the socioeconomic impacts of colonial institutions. NEH Chair's Grant for Nā Lei Poina ʻOle ACLS Digital Justice Seed Grant Arvin leads Nā Lei Poina ʻOle (Beloved Children Never Forgotten), a community history project about reformatories and industrial schools in Hawaiʻi. In collaboration with Kawela Farrant and the North Shore Community Land Trust, this project uses archival and oral histories to confront the legacy of child incarceration. She also critiques the nonprofit-industrial complex's role in limiting Indigenous sovereignty.
Roger Giner-Sorolla is Professor of Social Psychology at the University of Kent's School of Psychology, where he has been a faculty member since 2001 after completing his PhD at New York University in 1996. He served as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology from 2016-2022 and currently leads a Leverhulme Foundation grant examining moral heroism across professions. His academic journey includes a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Virginia and has established him as a leading figure in social and moral psychology. Professor Giner-Sorolla's research focuses on the social role of emotions, particularly moral emotions including self-condemning emotions (guilt and shame) and other-condemning emotions (anger, contempt, and disgust). His work extends to intergroup apologies, dehumanization, emotionally driven prejudice, and collective moral roles, with a notable side interest in the ironic enjoyment of music and aesthetic experiences. He is a strong advocate for transparency in scientific reporting, having written extensively on improved reporting guidelines, pre-registration, and open science practices. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent focus on moral psychology with expanding interdisciplinary reach. His work bridges traditional social psychology with emerging areas including cross-cultural emotion research, replication science, and historical memory. The trend shows increasing attention to methodological rigor while maintaining core interests in emotion and morality, with growing emphasis on practical applications in conflict resolution and intergroup relations. Fellow of the Association for Psychological Science Member of Rising Stars selection committee (2023-2024) Promising Scholars Award (University of Kent, 2006) Vacation Research Scholarship (Wellcome Trust, 2005) Multiple ESRC grants totaling over £400,000 European Science Foundation Workshop Award (2004) Professor Giner-Sorolla has supervised an impressive number of PhD students, with 17 doctoral candidates listed in the documentation including both current and past students. His grant portfolio demonstrates significant research impact with funding from major organizations including ESRC, Wellcome Trust, and Leverhulme Foundation. His supervision style appears to encourage students to pursue research that aligns with his core interests in moral emotions while allowing exploration of novel applications and contexts. While the documentation doesn't specify laboratory or research team structures, his extensive collaborative work suggests leadership of research groups focused on moral psychology and emotion research. His numerous international collaborations and invited workshops indicate an active research program with global reach, likely involving multiple research teams working on interconnected projects related to his core interests in moral psychology and scientific methodology.
Laura Edmondson is the Helman Family Distinguished Professor and Chair of the Department of Theater at Dartmouth College. She holds affiliations with the African and African American Studies Program and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Program. Her work bridges postcolonial African drama, feminist/queer performance studies, and transnational theater historiography. Education: B.A. Indiana University, M.A./Ph.D. University of Texas at Austin. Her research examines Eastern/Central African performance through lenses of empire, trauma, and humanitarianism. Recent projects include a NEH-funded book on contagion and care in Central Africa. Notable publications include Performing Trauma in Central Africa: Shadows of Empire (IU Press, 2018) and articles in GLQ , Theatre Journal , and Journal of the African Literature Association . She received the 2021 Oscar Brockett Prize for her analysis of Faustin Linyekula's work. Service includes editing Theatre Journal , leading Dartmouth's Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies program, and mentoring through awards from the Dean of the Faculty. Her collaborative theater project Forged in Fire (2015) explored South Sudanese refugee narratives.
Dr. Gavin Morris is a Lecturer in Education at Charles Darwin University's College of Education, with over two decades of teaching experience in Australian schools. His academic qualifications include a PhD from Charles Darwin University (2019), Master of Education from University of Sydney (2016), and Bachelor of Education from James Cook University (2000). Morris specializes in Indigenous research methodologies, Health & Physical Education, and Sport Science. His qualitative work focuses on trauma healing, truth-telling, and decolonization practices in Aboriginal communities, particularly using Dadirri (deep listening) methodologies. Recent research explores digital platforms for cultural preservation and community resilience. As a registered postgraduate research supervisor, Morris contributes to undergraduate and postgraduate programs while maintaining active fieldwork in remote Northern Territory communities like Nauiyu at Daly River.
Karl Gustafsson is a Professor at Stockholm University within the Department of Economic History and International Relations. His work bridges security studies , collective memory , and digital research methods in international relations. Current Role: Professor of International Relations, Stockholm University Previous Positions: Post-Doc at Lund University, Researcher at Swedish Institute of International Affairs Visiting Appointments: University of Tokyo, Osaka University, Keio University, Academia Sinica, Nordic Institute of Asian Studies Research Focus: Karl specializes in memory politics , ontological security , and anxiety-driven international dynamics , particularly in Sino-Japanese relations and digital platforms . His studies explore how historical narratives and online memory construction influence state identity and policy. Awards & Grants: Recipient of the Wang Gungwu Prize (2014) and Stockholm University Association’s award (2011). Holds Swedish Research Council and Marianne & Marcus Wallenberg Foundation grants for projects on apologies in international politics and digital memory in East Asia . Publications: His work appears in journals such as International Studies Quarterly , European Journal of International Relations , and Memory Studies , addressing topics like narrative power in East Asia, anxiety’s role in policy change , and digital humanities applications in IR.
Michael Mejia is an Associate Professor in the Department of English at the University of Utah, where he teaches creative writing. He is also Editor-in-Chief of Western Humanities Review and co-founding editor of Ninebark Press . Mejia is the author of the novels TOKYO and Forgetfulness , with his work appearing in journals like AGNI , DIAGRAM , and Seneca Review . His creative practice bridges fiction, nonfiction, and visual media, interrogating narrative form and socio-cultural dynamics.
Bunty Avieson is a Senior Lecturer in Journalism and Media at the University of Sydney's Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. She holds a PhD and MPhil from Macquarie University, specializing in media theory and literary analysis. Her research focuses on Bhutanese media development, Wikipedia's societal impact, and the intersection of journalism with literary practices. PhD Thesis: Media development in Bhutan during its democratic transition MPhil: 'The Poetics of Paranoia' exploring self-construction through Derrida and Nagarjuna Research Interests: Her work spans media policy in Bhutan, Wikipedia's role in knowledge equity, and the ethics of memoir writing. She has published extensively on Bhutan's media evolution and co-edited volumes on memory mediation and trauma narratives. Articles Trends: Recent work examines lifestyle journalism identity, Wikipedia's pandemic-era contributions, and Bhutan's unique digital media strategies. Earlier research explored Bhutan's transition from oral traditions to social media under Gross National Happiness principles. Awards: Vice-Chancellor's PhD Commendation (2013), Ned Kelly Awards for crime fiction (2001-2003) Grants & Projects: Principal Investigator in the Bhutan-Wiki Project (DECRA-funded), co-developed the Australian Colonial Narrative Journalism Database. Received grants for Tamil diaspora storytelling and Bhutan media studies. Professional Roles: Wikimedia Australia Vice President, member of journalism education associations, and former editor of Woman's Day.
Jon Singletary serves as Dean and holds the Diana R. Garland Endowed Chair of Child and Family Studies at Baylor University's Diana R. Garland School of Social Work. He joined Baylor in 2003 after earning his PhD in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), alongside an MSW from VCU and MDiv from Baptist Theological Seminary. His career includes prior roles as Associate Dean (2010–2015) before becoming Dean in 2015. Before academia, Singletary worked as a pastor, community organizer, and social service administrator. His research focuses on strengthening congregational ministries, community development, and advocacy for vulnerable populations. Notable projects include launching the Texas Hunger Initiative and directing the Strengthening Congregational Community Ministries Project. He co-founded the Faith and Service Technical Education Network (FASTENnetwork.org) to bridge faith-based organizations and social service sectors. His publications explore spirituality's role in social work, faith-based program development, and community organizing strategies. Recent work examines career resilience among professionals in aging care and leadership development through Enneagram frameworks. Earlier research addressed child food security, orphan care in Kenya, and rural community capacity building. Singletary's leadership emphasizes integrating faith and practice, evidenced by his edited volumes on Christianity and social work, and his advocacy for competency-based education models. He holds leadership roles in national organizations like the North American Association of Christians in Social Work and has advised global initiatives in Africa.
Christopher M EARLS is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at Université de Montréal's Faculty of Arts and Sciences. He specializes in forensic psychology, psychopathology, and behavioral studies with a focus on sexual delinquency and juvenile prostitution. His research explores the intersections of psychopathy, criminal behavior, and mental health comorbidities. He teaches courses including Psychopathology: Introduction across undergraduate programs in psychology, social sciences, and cognitive neuroscience. His academic contributions span over two decades, with notable work on psychopathy assessment, parenting practices in non-criminal populations, and sexual behavior conditioning. Education Affiliations: Université de Montréal (primary) Teaching Programs: Baccalauréat en psychologie, Neuroscience cognitive, Social Work programs Dr. EARLS has directed 10+ theses and mémoires since 1998, focusing on forensic psychology topics like sexual delinquency correlates and psychopathy measurement validity. His work bridges clinical psychology with sociocultural factors, particularly in marginalized populations like sex workers and juvenile offenders. Research Highlights: Clinical assessment tools comparison (paper vs. digital psychopathy scales) Gender differences in psychopathy expression Impact of childhood trauma on sexual interest development Though no formal awards are listed, his extensive publication record reflects sustained contributions to forensic and clinical psychology research.
Dr. Silvia VESCO is an Associate Professor in the Department of Asian and North African Studies at Ca' Foscari University of Venice, where she specializes in Japanese art history, particularly Edo-period visual culture, ukiyo-e prints, illustrated books, and the works of Katsushika Hokusai. She is actively involved in research, teaching, and cultural curation, with a strong focus on Italian collections of Japanese art and cross-cultural artistic dialogues between Japan and the West. Education: PhD in History of Indian and East Asian Art, Ca' Foscari University of Venice (1999) Master in Art & Archaeology, SOAS, University of London (1995) Degree in Oriental Languages and Literatures, University of Venice (1993, with honors) Her research interests encompass Japanese aesthetics, museum studies, and the global reception of Japanese art. She has led major digitization projects for the Museum of Oriental Art in Venice and contributed to the development of its new museological framework. Her scholarly work reveals a consistent focus on Hokusai, Edo-period print culture, and the philosophical dimensions of Japanese visual forms. The recent publications highlight a deep engagement with Hokusai’s pedagogical works, the aesthetics of emptiness, and contemporary reflections on nature in post-Fukushima Japan. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges art history, cultural studies, and museum practice. Scientific Recognition: Finalist, Premio Nazionale per la divulgazione scientifica 'Giancarlo Dosi' (2020) Japan Foundation Fellowship (1997) Postgraduate scholarship from the University of Venice (1994) She has supervised numerous MA theses, served on PhD committees, and mentored students in Japanese art history. Her research has been supported by grants from the Japan Foundation and institutional collaborations with museums and cultural centers. She is a referee for VQR, Edizioni Ca' Foscari, and international journals, and serves on the scientific committees of several academic and museum publications. Labs and Teams: Scientific Committee, Museum of Oriental Art, Ca' Pesaro, Venice Scientific Committee, Edizioni Ca' Foscari Coordinator, Scientific Committee for Ca' Foscari Japanese Studies, Arts and Literature Member of the editorial board of 'Venezia Arti' and 'Quaderni del Polo museale del Veneto'
Cynthia Gabbay is a researcher at the Institute of Cultural History and Theory, Humboldt University of Berlin, and is completing her Habilitation at the University of Orléans, France. She is a multilingual poet, translator, and editor specializing in Jewish and Romance languages with primary affiliations in Jewish studies and Latin American research. Her educational background includes a Ph.D. from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and ongoing Habilitation research at the University of Orléans. Ph.D.: Hebrew University of Jerusalem Habilitation: Rémélice Laboratory, University of Orléans Gabbay's research explores Jewish diaspora experiences in Latin America through interdisciplinary lenses of translation studies, multilingualism, and historical memory. She investigates how cultural legacies are preserved through literature and bibliographic projects, with particular focus on Argentina's Jewish communities and transnational connections to Iberian history. Her work bridges literary analysis, archival research, and creative practice as a poet and translator. Recent publications demonstrate a trend toward examining traumatic historical events through Jewish cultural frameworks, connecting Argentine Jewish settlements with Spanish Civil War narratives. This reflects growing scholarly interest in comparative diaspora studies and the role of literature in reconstructing fragmented histories. Scientific recognition includes: Maurice Amado Foundation Fellowship at University of Pennsylvania German Research Foundation Project Grant for 'The Jewish Library in Argentina' New Frontiers in Contemporary Jewish Life Fellowship (2025-2026) Gabbay coordinates the Network for the Study of Jewish Translation and Multilingualism and serves on the administrative board of the Latin American Jewish Studies Association (LAJSA). As editor-in-chief of the Latin American Jewish Studies Series (De Gruyter), she oversees scholarly publications while co-editing the journal Lingua Franca: The History of the Book in Translation . Her upcoming event 'Figuring Dystopia in 'Ho! Literary Magazine' (November 2025) continues her exploration of literary responses to historical trauma. She founded and coordinates Simania: Salon Readings, creating platforms for multilingual literary exchange within the Latin American Jewish Studies Association framework.
