Tania Pérez Cano is an Associate Professor at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth in the Department of Global Languages and Cultures. She holds a PhD in Hispanic Studies from The University of Iowa (2013), an MA in Latin American Literary Studies (2005), and a BA in Hispanic Language and Literatures (1996) from the University of Havana. Prior to joining UMass Dartmouth, she taught at the University of Wisconsin-Lacrosse and the University of Pittsburgh.
Dr. Shannon Sandford is a Lecturer in Literary Studies at the School of Humanities, Languages and Social Science, Griffith University. She completed her BA (Hons) and PhD at Flinders University, South Australia. Her research explores self-representation, embodiment, and marginalized lives in exploratory literary forms, particularly focusing on graphic storytelling for personal disclosure of trauma, illness, violence, and displacement. Research interests center on: Life writing and autobiographical forms Graphic narratives and visual cultures Digital media and experimental literature Representations of trauma and marginalization Works by women, queer, non-binary, migrant, and refugee creators Publications demonstrate consistent focus on narrative forms in crisis contexts, with recent work analyzing refugee webcomics, ecological crisis narratives, and pandemic-era academic discourse. Article themes show strong interdisciplinary engagement with cultural, gender, and memory studies. Scientific awards include: GCSCR ECR Seed Funding Grant (2024) Transnational Literature Fellowship (2022-2023) Best Higher Degree by Research Student Publication (2022) Currently serves as Associate Supervisor for doctoral research on collaborative storytelling in aged care. Affiliated with the Griffith Centre for Social and Cultural Research, contributing to Sustainable Development Goals on Gender Equality and Reduced Inequalities.
Caitlan Smith is an Instructor of Art History at Arkansas State University, affiliated with the College of Liberal Arts and Communication. Her research focuses on material culture, ancient Greek athletes, and classical reception in contemporary society. She holds an MPhil from the University of St. Andrews, an MSc from the University of Edinburgh, and dual degrees from Texas State University. **Education:** MPhil in Ancient History, University of St. Andrews, Scotland, UK MSc in the Hellenistic World, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK BA in Art History & BFA in Drawing, Texas State University, Texas **Research Interests:** Material Culture and Ancient Sports History Artistic Representations of Greek Athletes Hellenistic Period Studies Classical Myth Adaptations in Modern Media Her published work includes an analysis of the webcomic Lore Olympus , exploring modern reinterpretations of classical myths like Hades and Persephone. No scientific awards are mentioned in the text. **Advising & Grants:** No formal advisees or grants listed. **Lab/Teams:** No dedicated labs or teams described.
Wai Ming (Nicky) Soh is a Part-Time Professor of Sequential Art at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), teaching via SCADnow online platforms. As a digital media consultant for Fortune 500 companies, he specializes in publishing market analytics, B2C strategies, and transcontinental content trends between US and Asian markets. Professional roles include: Illustration Director at Brilliant Illustrations (New York) Global Senior Editor for IP acquisition Author of webcomic 'Alice Elise' Animation producer for 7 Steps Productions
Ahmad Rashad Doucet is a Professor of Sequential Art at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in Savannah, GA, where he has taught since 2015. He holds an M.F.A. in Sequential Art from SCAD and a B.A. in Art from the University of New Orleans. His courses cover concept illustration, storytelling, digital coloring, and speed sketching. Professionally, Doucet works as a sequential artist, concept artist, and cover artist for Oni Press (since 2009), contributing to projects like Alabaster Shadows , Rick and Morty , and Invader Zim . He also maintains freelance work for clients including DC Comics, Nickelodeon, and Lucasfilm. Previously, he served as an SCAD admission adviser (2013–2015), managing financial aid for 800+ students. His research explores sequential storytelling mechanics, graphic novel development, and illustrative techniques. Publications include the award-winning Elements Anthology and SpaceTails . Awards highlight his creative impact: Eisner Award (2018), Ignatz Award (2017), and U.S. Embassy Cultural Envoy appointment (2014).
María Abellán Hernández is a researcher affiliated with the University of Murcia under the Faculty of Information Sciences and Communication Department . Her work spans transmedia narratives, digital communication, and gender representation in visual media. Research Interests : Transmedia storytelling and digital content creation Gender dynamics in comics and visual culture Brand storytelling and platform-specific media strategies Article Trends : Her recent publications focus on Instagram as a webcomic platform, feminist agendas in social media, and case studies on brand narratives. Topics include local memory in urban art, digital moral literacy, and historical gender archetypes in comics.
Dr. Lukas R.A. Wilde is a Full Professor of Media Studies at the Department of Art and Media Studies, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). He holds a PhD from the University of Tübingen and has held academic positions including Associate Professor at NTNU, Post-Doc researcher at Collaborative Research Center 923 “Threatened Orders,” and research roles at institutions such as the University of Tübingen and Dôshisha University Kyoto. His expertise spans Generative AI imagery, Transmedia Studies, Comic/Manga Research, Emoji Semiotics, and Japanese Popular Culture. Education: Master’s in Theatre and Media Studies (FAU Erlangen-Nuremberg), Doctoral Scholarship from the German Academic Foundation Key Affiliations: Second Board Member of ComFor, Member of GfM’s Comic Research Group, Founder of Comic Solidarity Initiative Research focuses on the intersection of media theory, visual culture, and digital transformation. Notable awards include the Roland-Faelske-Preis (2018) and GIB Dissertations-Wissenschaftspreis (2021). Teaching includes courses on Media Analysis, AI Ethics, and Digital Humanities at NTNU, alongside seminars on Transmedia Characters and Comic Narratology.
Allen T Passalaqua is an Adjunct Professor in the Graduate Comics Program at California College of the Arts (CCA). As a professional comic color artist, he has contributed to major titles like Batman and Robin Eternal , Justice Society of America , and the Eisner Award-winning Battlepug . His work spans commercial projects for National Parks, San Diego Zoo, and The Grand Canyon, alongside Emmy-winning commercials. Current projects include Godzilla Aftershock and Battlepug . His research interests focus on digital illustration techniques, narrative-driven visual storytelling, and the intersection of traditional art with modern digital tools. He has pioneered innovative color approaches for DC Comics, blending hyper-realism with stylized comic book aesthetics. Passalaqua has received multiple accolades: the Harvey Award for Best Online Comics Work (2013, 2014) and the Eisner Award for Best Digital Comic (2012). His portfolio showcases mastery across genres including superhero art, fantasy, anime adaptation, and satirical webcomics. Teaching emphasizes hands-on exploration of digital tools like Adobe software and iPad Pro, balancing technical skill with creative vision. Notable works include intricate watercolor pieces ( SF Giants ), detailed character studies ( Nezuko Kamado ), and experimental projects like Cthulhu coloring . His studio practice bridges professional comic industry demands with academic exploration of visual storytelling's evolving mediums.
Ursula Offenberger is Professor for Methods of Qualitative Research at the Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen. She has been in this role since 2017, following her appointment as Assistant Professor with a focus on Teaching in Empirical Social Science Research. She is affiliated with multiple interdisciplinary centers including the Methods Center, Institute for Social Sciences, and contributes to the Tübingen School of Education and the Center for Islamic Theology. PhD in Sociology, University of Tübingen (2017) Studies in Sociology and Scandinavian Studies, University of Tübingen and Humboldt-Universität Berlin Her research focuses on qualitative methodologies , particularly situational analysis as an extension of grounded theory, with strong interdisciplinary links to gender studies, science and technology studies (STS), and sustainable consumption. She explores how gender, technology, and social practices co-construct each other in domains such as home energy use, healthcare, and academic governance. Her work integrates pragmatist philosophy with empirical research, emphasizing reflexive and interpretive approaches. The recent articles reflect a strong trend in methodological innovation , gender and technology , and qualitative health research . Themes include the application of situational analysis in health contexts like deep brain stimulation, performative storytelling in social science history, and critical reflections on gender equality in academia. Her publications demonstrate a consistent engagement with discourse analysis, organizational change, and interdisciplinary dialogue. Dissertation award from the University of Tübingen Prof. Offenberger actively supervises academic events and workshops, including the Spring and Summer Schools on qualitative research, and has contributed to research projects on gender equality and sustainable consumption. She has collaborated with institutions such as the University of St. Gallen and the University of Hamburg. While no direct mention of grants is provided, her involvement in national and international research initiatives suggests active participation in funded projects. She has advised numerous collaborative research efforts, particularly with Julia Nentwich and other scholars in organizational and gender studies. She is a founding member of the Arbeitskreis Pragmatismus und Sozialforschung and contributes to interdisciplinary research networks such as QualiNet Wiso and the Leibnizkolleg. Her work bridges sociology, education, theology, and health sciences, fostering collaborative and transdisciplinary inquiry.
Ana Compañy Martínez is an Associate Professor in the Department of Translation and Interpreting at the University of Alicante. She teaches General Translation, Theory and History of Translation, and specializes in literary and museum text translation. She holds a Bachelor's (2014) and Master's in Institutional Translation (2017) from the University of Alicante, and a Master's in Literary Translation from the Complutense University of Madrid (2017). Currently pursuing a PhD in Translation Studies and co-member of the INCOGNITO research group. Her research focuses on digital media translation challenges, particularly webcomics, as evidenced by her 2019 chapter in Insights into Audiovisual and Comic Translation . She collaborates on the Professional and Academic English (IPA) research project (2024-2024) funded by the University of Alicante. Teaching responsibilities include courses in German-Spanish and English-Spanish translation across undergraduate programs. No doctoral supervision to date, but actively contributes to academic translation research and professional practice. Affiliated with the INCOGNITO group exploring intercultural communication and translation cognition. Professional work combines academia with freelance translation editing for literary and museum content.
Dr. Elżbieta Perkowska-Gawlik is a Lecturer at the Department of English and American Studies, University of Maria Curie-Skłodowska, specializing in contemporary anglophone literature with a focus on academic and crime novels. Her research integrates narratology, cognitive theory, and gender studies to analyze fictional portrayals of academia and spatial dynamics. Research Interests Academic Mystery Fiction Heterotopia and Space Theory Gender Dynamics in Fiction Cognitive Narratology Her publications explore topics such as victimization in academic crime fiction, dystopian progress in digital narratives, and feminist reinterpretations of academic settings. She contributes to international journals and edited volumes, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to literary analysis.
Lorenzo Ghetti serves as Professor at Ababo Academy of Fine Arts in Bologna, teaching Layout and Visualization Techniques (Course Code: ABPR19) within the Comics Languages program. This 6-CFA characterizing course forms part of the second-year curriculum for Comic Book Languages students. His pedagogical approach integrates four core dimensions: Reading Analysis - Weekly group critiques of assigned comics Storyboarding - Production of 4-6 corrected pages weekly focusing on composition and narrative flow Writing Development - Dialogue and script exercises for effective story communication Digital Self-Promotion - Strategic use of social media and festival engagement Professional achievements include: Creator of TO BE continued Comics (award-winning webcomic series) Publisher of MILLENNIALS paper series Author of museum-commissioned works: Dove non sei tu (2018), Non dimenticarti di me (2019), In alto abbastanza (2021) Curator of APRI epistolary subscription project Member of SVELAMONDI role-playing game association His industry collaborations span Smemoranda, Dayjob Studio, Apple, and ERCcomics.com platform development for EU research projects.
Michael (Mike) Becker is a Professor of Sequential Art at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), serving since September 2022. He also works as a character designer and storyboard artist at Warner Bros Animation and has contributed to projects like Bushidos for Macroverse and Young Offenders , a self-published comic book funded via Kickstarter. His expertise spans character design, visual storytelling, and animation. Education: M.F.A. in Sequential Art, Savannah College of Art and Design B.F.A. in Art + Design, Towson University Research & Projects: Becker focuses on character development, visual concept design, and narrative-driven art. Recent projects include character design for an upcoming animated series at Warner Bros, storyboarding edits for an animated film, and leading the visual development of Bushidos , an original webcomic. His work on Young Offenders involved full-color comic art, character design, and world-building. Labs/Teams: Collaborates with Warner Bros Animation, Macroverse, and Silverside Productions on creative and technical art projects. Remote work experience includes contributions to animation and webcomic development.
David Allan Duncan is a Teaching Professor in the Sequential Art department at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) since 2005. He holds an M.F.A. from the University of Arizona and B.F.A. from University of Montevallo. His academic leadership includes roles as Graduate Coordinator (2006-2017), Department Chair (2008-2010), and Assessment Coordinator. His research focuses on sequential art, comics history, and graphic storytelling, with particular interest in Franco-Belgian cartooning traditions and interdisciplinary approaches to visual narrative. Publication trends reveal consistent exploration of comic art theory, historical analysis of cartooning techniques, and pedagogical applications of sequential art. Awards & Honors: Billy Ireland Cartoon Library internship (2014) SCAD Faculty Sabbatical (2013) Presidential Fellowship (2007) Medici Scholarship (2004) Professional activities include moderating academic panels at International Comics Art Forum and Popular Culture Association conferences, reflecting his standing in comics scholarship.
Kelly Latham is a Professor of Foundation Studies at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), serving since 2021. She holds an M.F.A. in Sequential Art from SCAD and a B.F.A. in Fine Arts from the University of Kansas. Her professional work spans academic roles, commercial design, and independent artistry. Education: M.F.A. Sequential Art (SCAD), B.F.A. Fine Arts (University of Kansas) Her research interests focus on illustration techniques, digital art methodologies, and the intersection of education with creative practice. She has delivered guest lectures on topics like 'Environment as a Character' (SCADextra, 2019) and 'Digital Coloring' (SCAD, 2019), emphasizing practical applications in art education. Her creative work includes comic anthologies such as Rise of the Automatic Feeder (2022 Platform Comics finalist), Covid Chronicles (2021), and Big Hype (2021), exploring narrative design and societal themes. Professionally, she leads Kelly Latham Art , a globally distributed stationery brand, and has contributed design work for major retailers like Macy's and Kroger. Awards: Platform Comics 10k Challenge Finalist (2022) Her dual focus on academic instruction and commercial creativity reflects a commitment to bridging educational theory with professional practice in the arts.
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