Dr. Laura Martin is an Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the School of Modern Languages & Cultures , University of Glasgow . Her academic work bridges Comparative Literature , German Romanticism , and Psychoanalytic Theory , with a focus on Fairy Tale Studies , Gender Theory , and Narrative Ethics . Education: Ph.D. from Emory University’s Institute of Liberal Arts (1996) Academic Affiliation: Senior Lecturer in Comparative Literature (2005–present), previous Lecturer in German (1995–2005) Key research themes include: Historical Context of 18th–19th century German, British, and American literature Fairy Tale Evolution (Grimms, Musäus, Naubert) Gender Representation in Romantic-era works Jungian Psychology applied to literary analysis Eco-Criticism and Anthropocene challenges Her publications span peer-reviewed articles and edited volumes , with recent work exploring “magical narratives” that merge inner and outer realities. She has organized interdisciplinary conferences like Narrative Magic: Transformations Through Storytelling (2012) and supervises research on topics including: Gender Studies Narrative Theories Comparative Fairy Tale Interpretation Eco-Criticism Laura also integrates artistic practice into her work, as an amateur singer with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra Chorus and Edinburgh Festival Chorus.
Todd Rosenthal serves as the Jaharis Family Foundation Endowed Professor of Theater in the Department of Theatre at Northwestern University's School of Communication. A Chicago-based set designer with an international reputation, Rosenthal has designed for Broadway, Off-Broadway, major regional theaters across the United States, and international productions in London, Dublin, Sydney, and Ireland. His work spans theater, opera, and exhibition design, establishing him as a versatile and influential figure in scenic design. Rosenthal earned his MFA in Set/Lighting Design from Yale University and his BA in English/Theater from Colgate University. His design philosophy emphasizes creating immersive environments that serve as active participants in storytelling rather than mere backdrops. His work often features innovative spatial arrangements, attention to historical detail, and a strong sense of how physical environments shape narrative and character development. Throughout his career, Rosenthal's work has demonstrated consistent excellence across multiple genres and formats, from intimate Off-Broadway productions to large-scale Broadway shows and international opera productions. His designs for August: Osage County (winning both Tony and Olivier Awards) and other major productions reveal his ability to create environments that are simultaneously realistic and metaphorically rich. His exhibition design work through XL Scenic further demonstrates his capacity to translate theatrical design principles to museum contexts. Major Awards and Honors: 2024 Joseph Jefferson Award for Best Set Design for Matchbox Magic Flute 2019 USITT Distinguished Achievement Award 2009 Laurence Olivier Award for Best Set Design (first American set designer) 2008 Tony Award for Best Scenic Design of a Play for August: Osage County 2013 Helen Hayes Award for Best Set Design for Red Multiple Joseph Jefferson Awards and nominations (21 nominations total) Rosenthal's teaching at Northwestern University focuses on developing the next generation of theater designers through courses including Stagecraft: Scenery, Design Process: Scene Design, and Advanced Studies in Scenic Design. He has been instrumental in connecting academic training with professional practice, often bringing real-world design challenges into the classroom. His work with XL Scenic provides students with exposure to exhibition design principles beyond traditional theater contexts. Rosenthal was named one of Newcity magazine's 50 Players 2025: The 50 People Who Really Perform for Chicago, highlighting his significant impact on Chicago's arts scene.
Joeri Hofmans is a Professor at the Work and Organizational Psychology department of Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) , Belgium. With an h-index of 35 and over 217 research outputs, his work focuses on personality dynamics, leadership studies, and workplace behavior. Current projects: Crimes of Character (2024-2028), Trust-building dynamics (2023-2027), Mindfulness at work (2022-2026) Research Interests : Personality psychology, organizational behavior, emotional intelligence, psychological contracts, and behavioral dynamics at work. His work examines how personality traits interact with workplace environments, including sleep effects on performance, trust mechanisms, and destructive leadership patterns. Scientific Contributions : Recipient of multiple awards including Best Faculty Paper Award (2014), Hogan award (2017), and runner-up for Journal of Organizational Behavior paper (2016). His recent articles explore emotion regulation across cultures, behavioral signatures in personnel assessment, and the dynamics of acting out of character. Notable Supervisions: Yara Bouckaert (Trust dynamics), Gina Rossi (PhD committee), Bart Wille (PhD committee) Editorial Roles: European Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology, European Journal of Personality
Johannes Reckel is a Senior Lecturer and subject specialist in Altaic, Paleoasian, and East Asian languages, cultures, and ethnology at the Lower Saxony State and University Library in Göttingen since 2004. He is also a Privatdozent at the University of Hamburg and teaches Korean, Manchurian, and Mongolian studies. His affiliations include the East Asian Seminar at the University of Göttingen. Altaic and Paleoasian Languages, Literatures, and Cultures (DFG-funded) International Association of Mongolian Studies (IAMS) Pan-Asiatic Conference (PIAC) Societas Uralo-Altaica Reckel's research spans Altaic Studies , Manchurian History , and Korean-Manchurian Relations . He has conducted extensive fieldwork in Manchuria, Xinjiang, and Vladivostok, focusing on the Bohai Empire , Jurcen people, and endangered languages like Sibo and Oirat. His work combines historical analysis , archaeology , and linguistic studies . His recent publications (2016–2015) emphasize language preservation in Central Asia and the development of Oirat script . Earlier works (2001–2007) explore ethnolinguistic interactions and historical dynamics between Korea and Manchuria. Reckel has received scholarships from the DAAD , Korea Foundation , and Chiang Ching-kuo Foundation . His academic leadership includes heading the DFG-funded special collection on Altaic languages.
Professor R. Lisle Baker has served at Suffolk University Law School since 1973, teaching courses on Property, Negotiation, and Positive Psychology for Lawyers. A Harvard Law School graduate and Williams College alumnus, he chairs multiple university committees and serves on Newton's City Council. His work integrates psychological principles with legal education through publications and conferences on well-being practices. Williams College, AB (1964) Harvard Law School, LLB (1968) University of Pennsylvania, Master of Applied Positive Psychology (2016) Research focuses on Professional Identity Formation and Well-being in Legal Education , including character development, compassionate lawyering, and resilience-building frameworks. Conference convenings (2016-2020) explore psychology integration in legal curricula. Scientific leadership includes: Suffolk University Award for Service (2019) International Positive Psychology Association Outstanding Practitioner Award (2023) Key contributions include co-authoring A Guide to Law Student Wellness and Well-Being and pioneering courses on professional identity. Active in Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court committees on lawyer well-being.
Markus Gross is a Professor of Computer Science at ETH Zurich, where he founded the Computer Graphics Laboratory in 1994. He also serves as the Chief Scientist of the Walt Disney Studios and Director of DisneyResearch|Studios, a position he has held since 2008. His work bridges academia and industry, with research that has been applied in Hollywood films, sports broadcasting, and medical applications. Professor Gross received his Master of Science in electrical and computer engineering and his Ph.D. in computer graphics and image analysis from Saarland University in Germany in 1986 and 1989. His research spans multiple domains of computer graphics and visual computing. Early in his career, he pioneered point-based graphics techniques that offered alternatives to traditional triangle-based rendering pipelines. More recently, his work has focused on digital humans, AI characters, and machine learning applications for visual computing. His research has led to significant practical applications, including the Medusa capture system used in Hollywood films, the blue-c immersive telepresence system, and the Liberovision technology now used by major sports broadcasters. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on neural rendering techniques, particularly around Gaussian splatting and diffusion models. His work increasingly integrates AI with traditional computer graphics methods, with applications in digital humans, medical visualization, and video processing. Many papers demonstrate practical applications in film production, medical treatment planning, and interactive systems. Professor Gross has received numerous prestigious awards throughout his career: 2024 Eurographics Gold Medal 2021 Steven Anson Coons Award for outstanding creative contributions to computer graphics 2019 Technical Achievement Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences 2013 Karl Heinz Beckurts-Preis 2013 Konrad-Zuse-Medaille für Informatik 2013 Technical Achievement Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences 2012 Academy Sci-Tech Oscar award for Wavelet Turbulence Professor Gross has mentored numerous Ph.D. students throughout his career, with 20 Ph.D. students contributing to his blue-c project alone. His research has been supported by significant funding from both academic and industry sources, enabling the creation of multiple startups including Cyfex, Novodex, LiberoVision, Dybuster, and Animatico (acquired by Nvidia in 2022). He leads the Computer Graphics Laboratory at ETH Zurich and DisneyResearch|Studios, fostering collaboration between academic research and practical industry applications. His teams have developed groundbreaking technologies that have impacted film production, sports broadcasting, medical visualization, and educational technology.
Conner Leigh Shaw serves as a Lecturer of Music at Western Colorado University within the School of the Arts and Music Program. His teaching responsibilities include Music Industry, Music Technology, History of Rock 'n Roll, Guitar Performance, Jazz Ensemble, and Pop Ensemble courses. Shaw's educational background includes: M.M. in Music Composition from University of Southern California (2021) B.M. in Jazz Studies from University of Northern Colorado (2019) B.M. in Music Composition from University of Northern Colorado (2019) B.A. in Music with Classical guitar emphasis from University of Northern Colorado (2019) Shaw's creative work spans multiple genres and formats, reflecting his diverse interests in contemporary composition. His formative experiences in Colorado's landscapes and responses to global events inform his distinctive style described as "simultaneously haunting and beautiful." He has composed for classical chamber ensembles, created film scores, and performs across genres including bluegrass, folk, jazz, ambient, and industrial rap metal. His work often blends traditional instrumentation with experimental approaches, creating unique sonic landscapes that reflect both personal and collective experiences. Shaw's recent compositions demonstrate a clear trajectory toward increasingly ambitious multimedia projects, with his 2024 opera "A Date With Reality" representing a significant milestone. His work shows consistent exploration of emotional depth through musical narrative, with recurring themes of alienation, connection, and transformation. The integration of technology with traditional composition techniques is a hallmark of his approach, evident in both his academic teaching and professional creative output. As an educator, Shaw brings his professional experience to the classroom, connecting theoretical concepts with practical application. His industry experience spans multiple musical domains, providing students with valuable insights into diverse career paths within the music field. While specific grant information isn't publicly documented, his active performance schedule and composition output suggest ongoing professional development and creative exploration. Shaw maintains active professional affiliations including the Shaw Zimola Music Company (a professional bluegrass and folk duo with Aaron Zimola), the Millennium Composers Institute, and the Greeley Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. These connections bridge his academic work with professional performance and composition opportunities, enriching his teaching practice with current industry perspectives.
Svein Anders Noer Lie serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Philosophy and First Semester Studies at UiT The Arctic University of Norway, where he actively contributes to philosophical discourse at the intersection of environmental studies, ethics, and ontology. As a member of the Center for Arctic Humanities research group, his work addresses fundamental questions about humanity's relationship with nature within the unique context of the Arctic region. His research program centers on: The philosophical concept of naturalness and its applications across environmental philosophy, restoration ecology, and the Anthropocene Dispositional approaches to ethics and ontology, examining how potentialities rather than actualities shape ethical reasoning Critical examinations of sustainability frameworks and development paradigms Medical ethics, particularly regarding causation and evidence-based practice The philosophical implications of technological interventions in natural systems Dr. Lie's scholarship demonstrates remarkable continuity in exploring the human-nature relationship while evolving to address contemporary challenges. His early work established foundations in dispositional ontology, which later informed his environmental philosophy contributions. Recent publications reveal increasing engagement with post-sustainability frameworks, the ethical dimensions of genetic engineering, and the philosophical challenges posed by the Anthropocene. This trajectory shows how theoretical philosophical work can provide crucial insights for practical environmental decision-making. His collaborative work with scholars like Rani Lill Anjum, Stephen Mumford, and Fern Elisabeth Wickson demonstrates interdisciplinary reach, bridging philosophy with medical practice, environmental science, and policy considerations. Dr. Lie frequently engages with public discourse through media appearances and popular publications, translating complex philosophical concepts for broader audiences while maintaining academic rigor in his scholarly work.
Justin P. Shaw serves as Assistant Professor of English at Clark University, specializing in Shakespeare and early modern literature through critical lenses of race, disability, and emotions. His current book project "Melancholy Marks: Emotion and Race-Making in Early Modern English Literature" investigates racial identity formation via melancholic discourse across 16th-17th century dramatic, poetic, and prose traditions. His academic credentials include: Ph.D. in English Literature, Emory University (2020) M.A. in English and American Literature, University of Houston (2014) B.A. in English Literature, Morehouse College (2011) Shaw's research fundamentally examines how racial categorization intersects with emotional expression and disability frameworks in Renaissance texts, revealing how melancholy functions as both racial signifier and embodied experience. His scholarship actively bridges academic rigor with public engagement through inclusive pedagogy frameworks and performance-centered approaches that challenge traditional Shakespearean interpretation. His recent publications demonstrate consistent thematic focus across multiple formats—journal articles, book chapters, and edited volumes—with recurring exploration of racialized emotions in canonical and non-canonical texts. Notable patterns include dismantling white supremacist frameworks in Shakespeare reception, applying disability justice principles to early modern studies, and developing accessible pedagogical models that center marginalized perspectives. His scholarly recognition includes: North Star Collective Fellowship (New England Board of Higher Education, Dec 2021–May 2022) CU Advance Fellowship (Clark University Dean of Faculty, Oct 2021–May 2022) Committed to transformative academic practice, Shaw actively develops inclusive teaching methodologies through courses like "Shakespeare and Race" and "Working my Nerves: Emotions in the Renaissance." His co-edited volume "Inclusive Shakespeare: Identity, Pedagogy, Performance" exemplifies his dedication to creating accessible scholarly spaces, while conference presentations consistently advocate for disability justice frameworks in humanities research and classroom practice. Though no formal lab structure is documented, his collaborative work with Race B4 Race collective and interdisciplinary teams at institutions like Folger Shakespeare Library demonstrates commitment to collective knowledge production centered on race, disability, and early modern studies.
Dr. Brendon Boudinot serves as the Head of Entomology II at the Senckenberg Society for Nature Research, leading research in evolutionary and systematic morphology with a focus on insects, particularly ants. His work integrates advanced techniques like micro-CT scanning and phylogenetic statistics to study insect anatomy and evolutionary history. Dr. Boudinot is known for his contributions to understanding ant evolution through fossil analysis, including seminal studies on Cretaceous ants and their morphological adaptations. His research spans formicidae systematics, fossil insect morphology, and the evolutionary origins of parasitoid wasps and other hexapods. He frequently publishes in peer-reviewed journals and collaborates on interdisciplinary projects involving amber fossils, as seen in his co-hosting of the podcast 'Weird Species' discussing entomological curiosities. Dr. Boudinot’s expertise also extends to insect genital homology, functional morphology, and the application of phenomics in entomology. His work bridges paleontology and modern systematics, providing critical insights into the biodiversity of Mesozoic insects and their descendants.
Duncan White is an Associate Director in Harvard University's Program in General Education and a Lecturer in History & Literature. He joined Harvard in 2015, teaching courses like 'England After Empire' and 'Espionage: A Cultural History.' His research focuses on Cold War literature, postcolonialism, and British imperial legacies. Previously, he held roles as a Research Fellow at Wellesley College and worked as a journalist for The Sunday Telegraph . Education: B.A. in English from the University of Cambridge, M.A. in Russian and East European Literature from University College London, and a D.Phil in English from the University of Oxford (2011). Key publications include Cold Warriors: Writers Who Waged the Literary Cold War (2019) and Nabokov and his Books (2017). His writing appears in The Wall Street Journal , New York Times , and The Daily Telegraph . White’s work bridges academic history and public-facing literary analysis, with a focus on ideological conflict, cultural memory, and the intersection of literature with political power.
Elise Seip Tønnessen is affiliated with the University of Agder (UiA) as a researcher in the Department of Nordic and Media Studies . Her academic work focuses on children's literature, multimodal literacy, and digital media's role in education. Research Interests : Children's and young adult literature, multimodal analysis, digital storytelling, data visualization in education, and Scandinavian literary studies. Publications : Over 20 scholarly works, including books and journal articles on digital picture book apps, multimodal literacy in language teaching, and Anne-Cath Vestly's narrative universe. Email : elise.s.tonnessen@uia.no
Dean Alan Dudley is an Associate Professor (Health and Physical Education) at Macquarie University's Macquarie School of Education and a member of the Performance and Expertise Research Centre. He holds honorary Associate Professor roles at the University of Queensland, University of Sydney, and University of the South Pacific. With degrees from the University of Western Sydney, University of Wollongong, Harvard University, and the University of Oxford, Dr. Dudley specializes in interdisciplinary research linking health and education, particularly focusing on children's well-being through physical literacy, pedagogy, and policy. Affiliations: Macquarie School of Education, UNESCO International Bureau of Education, Australian Sports Commission Educations: Multiple degrees including from Harvard and Oxford His research interests center on physical education's role in child health, learning assessment methodologies, and global health policy. Key contributions include work on UNESCO's Quality Physical Education Guidelines and the Kazan Action Plan. Recent projects include the Global Observatory for Physical Education (GoPE!) and ERASMUS+ initiatives promoting physical literacy. Grants/Projects: 6 active/funded projects since 2014 focusing on pedagogy, policy, and public health Dr. Dudley has advised international bodies like UNESCO and the Oceanic National Olympic Committee, influencing policy on physical education and sports. His work emphasizes evidence-based approaches to improving children's physical activity and well-being through education systems. Notable impacts include contributions to Australian Sports Commission policies and curriculum redesign efforts in Alberta Education.
Dawn England is an Associate Professor in the School of Education at the University of Birmingham, where she also serves as Head of Full-Time Postgraduate Taught Programmes. Previously, she held roles in Dubai, including Head of the Dubai Education Department and Academic Lead for the MA Education (Leadership) programme. Her work focuses on global educational equity, gender dynamics, and transnational education leadership. Education: BSc (Hons) from the University of Connecticut (2012), MSc and PhD in Family and Human Development from Arizona State University (2016), MBA from Hult International Business School (2016), and SFHEA (2020). Her research examines barriers to education, gender development, and intervention efficacy in diverse contexts, including Guatemala and the UAE. She has conducted fieldwork in 17 countries and was awarded the US NSF Graduate Research Fellowship. Research initiatives include longitudinal studies on educational interventions in Guatemala, international comparisons of gender norms' impact on education, and leadership for social justice in transnational education. She actively contributes to professional organizations such as the Comparative and International Education Society. Awards: SFHEA (2020) and NSF Graduate Research Fellowship (for international gender studies work). Recent publications address adverse childhood experiences, gender development patterns, and Disney character gender portrayals. She advises on UAE education policy and chairs conferences on equity and child rights.
John M. Doris is the Peter L. Dyson Professor of Ethics in Organizations and Life at Cornell University’s Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management (SC Johnson College of Business) and holds a joint appointment in the Sage School of Philosophy within the College of Arts and Sciences. His research bridges cognitive science, moral psychology, and philosophical ethics, focusing on moral agency, personality, and interdisciplinary ethical inquiry. Education : Ph.D., Philosophy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (1996) M.A., Philosophy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor B.A., Philosophy, Cornell University (With Distinction) Research Interests : Doris explores how cognitive processes shape moral behavior and ethical decision-making. His work challenges traditional notions of moral character and emphasizes empirical approaches to understanding moral psychology. Key themes include the role of reflection in agency, the limits of personality in predicting behavior, and the intersection of ethics with organizational and societal contexts. Awards & Fellowships : Society for Philosophy and Psychology’s Stanton Prize Multiple fellowships from institutions like the National Humanities Center and Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences Pedagogy awards for teaching excellence at both undergraduate and graduate levels Teaching & Service : Doris teaches courses in philosophy and ethics, including PHIL 4620/6620: Topics in Philosophy of Mind and PHIL 7000: Informal Study . He also leads initiatives like the Ethics & Public Life program and the Moral Psychology Research Group . Publications : Doris is the author of influential books such as Lack of Character (2002) and Character Trouble (2022), and co-editor of major handbooks in moral psychology. His work appears in journals like Philosophical Studies , Behavioral and Brain Sciences , and Journal of Personality and Social Psychology .
