Humanities & Social Sciences

Esteemed speakers contributing their insights into human culture, behavior, and societal development

Ivana Vermiglio

Ivana Vermiglio

Ivana Vermiglio (1996) è una dottoranda di ricerca in Studi Umanistici presso l’Università di Palermo. Si occupa dello studio della microtoponomastica di tradizione orale-popolare degli arcipelaghi e delle piccole isole siciliane. Fa parte del comitato scientifico del progetto ASES (Archivio dei soprannomi etnici siciliani) e di quello redazionale della collana DATOS (Dizionario-atlante dei toponimi orali in Sicilia) diretto dal Centro di studi filologici e linguistici siciliani, con cui collabora per l’allestimento della piattaforma digitale ATOS (Archivio dei toponimi orali in Sicilia): cfr. Chichi M., Vermiglio I., Verso la realizzazione di ATOS: struttura e progetto di una piattaforma digitale sulla toponomastica siciliana, in «Bollettino dell’Atlante Linguistico Italiano» 47, 2023, pp. 186-211. Tra i suoi interessi principali la toponomastica (Isola Ferdinandea. Breve resoconto di una storia onomastica emersa e inabissata, in «RIOn» 39/2, 2023), lo studio della testualità nei nuovi media (Quando la testualità si fa lingua nei giochi televisivi, in Paternostro G., Pinello V. (a cura di), Teorie e pratiche del testo. Grammatica, nuovi metodi, didattica e letteratura, University Press, Palermo 2024, pp. 143-165), l’onomastica letteraria (Emersioni letterarie e testuali di Ferdinandea dall’Ottocento a oggi: un casus anche onomastico, in «the Italianist», in corso di pubblicazione). Ha preso parte a diversi convegni nazionali e internazionali.

Ivana Vermiglio (1996) è una dottoranda di ricerca in Studi Umanistici presso l’Università di Palermo. Si occupa dello studio della microtoponomastica di tradizione orale-popolare degli arcipelaghi e delle piccole isole siciliane. Fa parte del comita... Show more

Julie Ham

Julie Ham

Julie Ham is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology at Brock University.

Julie Ham is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology at Brock University. Show more

Lena Chen

Lena Chen

Lena Chen (she/her) is an artist and Ph.D. student at the University of California, Berkeley in the Department of Theater, Dance, and Performance Studies. Her scholarship examines the figure of the Asian America woman as (Tiger) Mother and Whore. Her work appears in the edited volumes Curating as Feminist Organizing (Routledge, 2022), Sex Work Now (NYU Press, forthcoming), and To Be Named (Routledge, forthcoming). She has taught classes on feminist theory, performance art, and socially engaged art. As an artist, she has exhibited, performed, and screened her work internationally. She has been awarded grants and residencies from Mozilla Foundation, Sundance Institute, Millay Colony for the Arts, Center for Cultural Power, Burning Man Global Arts Fund, Office of Public Art, and others. Currently, she is hosting community workshops on AAPI sexuality to devise a collective performance as part of her practice-based research.

She is a co-founder of JADED, the largest AAPI arts and cultural platform in Western Pennsylvania, and a founding member of MATERNAL FANTASIES, an interdisciplinary collective of mothers/artists and their children. She coordinates the Performing Asian American and Diasporic Sexualities working group at UC Berkeley’s Center for Race & Gender.

Lena Chen (she/her) is an artist and Ph.D. student at the University of California, Berkeley in the Department of Theater, Dance, and Performance Studies. Her scholarship examines the figure of the Asian America woman as (Tiger) Mother and Whore. Her... Show more

Eleonora Buonocore

Eleonora Buonocore

Born and raised in the medieval city of Siena, Italy, Eleonora Buonocore earned a Master in Philosophy and a PhD in Philosophical Sciences from University of Siena (2009). In the USA she earned an MA in Italian from University of Notre Dame, IN and a PhD in Italian Language and Literature from Yale University (2016), where she worked on Medieval and Renaissance Italian Literature, completing a dissertation titled “Ciphers of Remembrance and Fluidity of Oblivion: A Study of Memory in Dante.” Her research lies at the intersection between philosophy and literature in the Middle Ages and in the Renaissance. Her work includes a thesis on medieval philosophy, and she has published articles on medieval logic, Ramon Llull and Lullism, Giordano Bruno, Dante, and Italian Cinema. In the modern period, she also has an interest in Italian women poets and novelists. Since August 2017, Eleonora teaches Italian language and literature at the University of Calgary, AB where she is also finishing her book on memory in Dante.

Born and raised in the medieval city of Siena, Italy, Eleonora Buonocore earned a Master in Philosophy and a PhD in Philosophical Sciences from University of Siena (2009). In the USA she earned an MA in Italian from University of Notre Dame, IN and a... Show more

Gimena Rodriguez Matto

Gimena Rodriguez Matto

I am an English teacher specializing in virtual learning environments, currently pursuing a Bachelor’s in Education at UdelaR. My focus is on integrating technology into teaching. With experience in curriculum design and online learning, I am dedicated to creating engaging and impactful educational experiences.

I am an English teacher specializing in virtual learning environments, currently pursuing a Bachelor’s in Education at UdelaR. My focus is on integrating technology into teaching. With experience in curriculum design and online learning, I am dedicat... Show more

Heejoo Park

Heejoo Park

Assistant Professor of English at Texas Christian University

Assistant Professor of English at Texas Christian University Show more

Yves Richez

Yves Richez

Yves Richez est docteur en sémiologie, anthropologue et lexicologue (historien des mots) ; membre du Syndicat des Serious Game Designer et président de la maison d’édition Les Editions de l’Homo-Viator™, spécialisée dans le développement de dispositifs digitaux et gamifiés.

Yves Richez est docteur en sémiologie, anthropologue et lexicologue (historien des mots) ; membre du Syndicat des Serious Game Designer et président de la maison d’édition Les Editions de l’Homo-Viator™, spécialisée dans le développement de dispositi... Show more

Tammy Ho

Tammy Ho

Associate Professor of Gender and Sexuality Studies, UCR.
Sino-Burmese immigrant: born in Burma, raised in California.

Associate Professor of Gender and Sexuality Studies, UCR. Sino-Burmese immigrant: born in Burma, raised in California. Show more

Zoe Lee-Park

Zoe Lee-Park

Zoe Lee-Park is a second-year Master of Environmental Science student at the Yale School of the Environment. She studies the theory of environmental justice, within a law and society framework. Outside of academics, Zoe is a Graduate Intern at the United States Forest Service and the President of the Yale Asian Graduate Network. She is part of the Conference on Asian Pacific American Leadership. Zoe will pursue her PhD in Jurisprudence and Social Policy at the University of California, Berkeley.

Zoe Lee-Park is a second-year Master of Environmental Science student at the Yale School of the Environment. She studies the theory of environmental justice, within a law and society framework. Outside of academics, Zoe is a Graduate Intern at the Un... Show more

Angela Jackson

Angela Jackson

Angela is an author, writer, educator, and activist. She is on the path to completing her doctorate in educational leadership. Her dissertation topic is centered around African-American Parental Involvement. She is a former VP and active member of the UCLA Black Alumni Association. Her passion for youth and parents drives her to empower parents and youth to demand the public school system properly educate students of all colors, starting with capable African-American students who, as a whole, underperform their peers at every level of education.

Angela is an author, writer, educator, and activist. She is on the path to completing her doctorate in educational leadership. Her dissertation topic is centered around African-American Parental Involvement. She is a former VP and active member of t... Show more

Lada Bogović Božić

Lada Bogović Božić

I have an MA in cultural studies, but I work as a kindergarten teacher. Tolkien was/is my first love, and I haven't cared much for Marvel until I met my Thor.
I love reading, boardgames, quizzes, arts & crafts and karaoke (try me at your own peril) and have two beautiful children (I promise pics only on request).

I have an MA in cultural studies, but I work as a kindergarten teacher. Tolkien was/is my first love, and I haven't cared much for Marvel until I met my Thor. I love reading, boardgames, quizzes, arts & crafts and karaoke (try me at your own peril)... Show more

Elle Benson

Elle Benson

WHY IS SHE SO HAPPY?
Elle Benson is a keynote speaker, author, and renowned national consultant who specializes in helping organizations transition to greater impact and build capacity. She founded Nonprofit Leadership LLC to support the social sector. With a remarkable career in the nonprofit sector, she has gained extensive expertise in various areas, including organizational development and change, executive transition consultancy, strategic planning, leadership development, and board governance.

Academically, Benson holds an MBA in organizational change and a Bachelor of Arts degree in business. She has obtained certifications in BoardSource and Group Facilitation to support nonprofit board of directors.

Notably, Benson's thought-provoking TEDx talk, titled "A Crash Course in Learning to Laugh," has catapulted her into the spotlight as a highly sought-after keynote speaker. Benson's passion for sharing wisdom extends to her writing as well. She is the author of two books that focus on mindfulness and happiness. Her publications, "Cultivate Your Happiness: Mama-to-Be" and "Cultivating Calmness in Children," provide practical strategies and insights making happiness obtainable daily. Through her books and keynote presentations, Benson aims to empower individuals and teams to cultivate wellbeing in their lives.

WHY IS SHE SO HAPPY? Elle Benson is a keynote speaker, author, and renowned national consultant who specializes in helping organizations transition to greater impact and build capacity. She founded Nonprofit Leadership LLC to support the social sect... Show more

Kristen Engelke

Kristen Engelke

As a Licensed Spiritual Guide for the decade, Kristen has a thriving private practice helping others shift their thinking to change their lives. Her book, Bliss Breaks®, empowers individuals by challenging the misconception that mindfulness is difficult, time-consuming, and needs to be performed in private. Her workshops share fast, free, focused exercises that swiftly alleviate stress anywhere, anytime. She is a speaker, author, trainer, and workshop facilitator. Embracing creativity at every step, Kristen is seasoned in appealing to all types of participants and loves sharing a message of empowerment and hope.

As a Licensed Spiritual Guide for the decade, Kristen has a thriving private practice helping others shift their thinking to change their lives. Her book, Bliss Breaks®, empowers individuals by challenging the misconception that mindfulness is diffi... Show more

Minjung Noh

Minjung Noh

Lehigh University, Assistant Professor, Department of Religion, Culture & Society

Lehigh University, Assistant Professor, Department of Religion, Culture & Society Show more

Barbra Pansiri

Barbra Pansiri

Barbra is currently on study leave and a Ph.D candidate at Bowling Green State University. Otherwise, she holds the position of Director of Student Welfare at the University of Botswana (UB). The job entails directing the management of halls of residence and general on-campus life to support students’ development, with functional areas in Student Orientation, Student Housing, Student Governance, Student Life Programs, Auxiliary Services, Disability Support Services, Off-Campus Students, and Student Conduct.

Barbra is currently on study leave and a Ph.D candidate at Bowling Green State University. Otherwise, she holds the position of Director of Student Welfare at the University of Botswana (UB). The job entails directing the management of halls of resi... Show more

Kathryn Lige

Kathryn Lige

Kathryn Lige, LCSW (she/her) is a licensed psychotherapist and certificated school social worker. Her responsibilities include providing oversight of a school-based mental health program, providing psychotherapy, and consulting with staff in educational institutions. She also specializes in designing and teaching social-emotional curricula. The heart of her work is in communities of color. Kathryn has served throughout California and in New York City. She has extensive experience providing behavioral health services to children, adolescents, young adults, and parents in K-12 and college settings.

Kathryn earned a B.A. in Social Work from Cal State LA and an M.S. in Social Work from Columbia University, specializing in Advanced Generalist Practice & Programming. Her focuses included school-based social services and the integration of mental health practitioners in educational leadership. As a current doctoral student, Kathryn researches the social-emotional intelligence and well-being of educational administrators, the motivation and retention of educators, and what it takes to lead school communities of color effectively. Through opportunities in political advocacy at California’s capital, several media appearances, diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and various committee leadership roles, Kathryn is driven to make a difference in the future of education.

Kathryn Lige, LCSW (she/her) is a licensed psychotherapist and certificated school social worker. Her responsibilities include providing oversight of a school-based mental health program, providing psychotherapy, and consulting with staff in educatio... Show more

Ilya Zakharov

Ilya Zakharov

PhD in Psychology with vast academic and industry experience in research at the intersection between neuroscience, cognitive science, and behavioral genetics.

PhD in Psychology with vast academic and industry experience in research at the intersection between neuroscience, cognitive science, and behavioral genetics. Show more

Samah Choudhury

Samah Choudhury

Samah Choudhury is Postdoctoral Researcher and Lecturer with the Department of Race, Diaspora, and Indigeneity at the University of Chicago. She is at work on her first book, American Muslim and the Politics of Secularity, which asks how a “sense of humor” came to be a prized trait of the modern secular subject and why present-day Muslims are consistently configured as lacking this comportment. Through a study of the American Muslim standup comedians, she contends that Muslim legibility depends on situating Islam and within the logics of model secular subjecthood and the register of race. Her work has been supported by the Asian American Religions Research Initiative, the Center for Islam in the Contemporary World, the UNC Chapel Hill Asian American Center, the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding, and the Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice. She previously taught at Ithaca College and earned her PhD in Islamic Studies from UNC Chapel Hill in 2020.

Samah Choudhury is Postdoctoral Researcher and Lecturer with the Department of Race, Diaspora, and Indigeneity at the University of Chicago. She is at work on her first book, American Muslim and the Politics of Secularity, which asks how a “sense of ... Show more

Nevaeh Smith

Nevaeh Smith

3rd year Undergraduate Student Ambassador at New Mexico State University. Majoring in History and Anthropology hoping to continue working with orientation to continue crafting an inclusive and informative space.

3rd year Undergraduate Student Ambassador at New Mexico State University. Majoring in History and Anthropology hoping to continue working with orientation to continue crafting an inclusive and informative space. Show more

Elina Galanis

Elina Galanis

Trainer, speaker, educator and doctor in philosophy of psychology and psychometrics.

Trainer, speaker, educator and doctor in philosophy of psychology and psychometrics. Show more

Julia Hartmann

Julia Hartmann

Professorin für Arbeits- und Organisationspsychologie

Professorin für Arbeits- und Organisationspsychologie Show more

Andreas Wennmann

Andreas Wennmann

Theologian, Coach and public speaker

Theologian, Coach and public speaker Show more

Lior Gelernter Oryan

Lior Gelernter Oryan

Product Management leader with 10+ years of experience in financial services, AI, and NLP within global SaaS B2B companies. Passionate about going beyond the hype and using AI to solve complex challenges in production. In my other hat, I have a Ph.D. in Sociology specializing in Internet Studies, Online communities, Knowledge production and consumption in WIkipedia and other online settings.

Product Management leader with 10+ years of experience in financial services, AI, and NLP within global SaaS B2B companies. Passionate about going beyond the hype and using AI to solve complex challenges in production. In my other hat, I have a Ph.D.... Show more

Julia Dziubinska

Julia Dziubinska

I have been studying psychology for 5 years. Cutrently, I am helping people on Autism Spectrum at Warsaw’s clinical hospital. I have an experience in public speaking at various conferences, related with mental disorders.

I have been studying psychology for 5 years. Cutrently, I am helping people on Autism Spectrum at Warsaw’s clinical hospital. I have an experience in public speaking at various conferences, related with mental disorders. Show more

Bennette Baguisa

Bennette Baguisa

2nd year Ph.D. student in Women and Gender Studies

2nd year Ph.D. student in Women and Gender Studies Show more

José Luis Jiménez Figarotti

José Luis Jiménez Figarotti

EdTech scholar & VE expert, Prof. Jiménez is a prolific author on equity & human rights. His work bridges cultures inspiring empathy. His publications spark critical conversations on global exchange & social justice.

EdTech scholar & VE expert, Prof. Jiménez is a prolific author on equity & human rights. His work bridges cultures inspiring empathy. His publications spark critical conversations on global exchange & social justice. Show more

Pietro Pesce

Pietro Pesce

Dr Pietro Pesce is an instructor of Italian at the University of Arkansas. He holds a PhD in Linguistics from Florida State University, where he also completed a Master's Degree in Italian Studies (Literature and Linguistics). Dr Pesce's research interests center around Acquisition of Foreign Languages and Syntax, and he is actively investigating grammatical processing of complex morphosyntax in second and heritage language speakers of Spanish and Italian. Additionally, Dr Pesce has been involved in the reshaping and redesigning of foreign language courses for several years, focusing his efforts in the renovation of grading systems, the revitalization of contents, and the integration of newer instructional tools in the classroom.

Dr Pietro Pesce is an instructor of Italian at the University of Arkansas. He holds a PhD in Linguistics from Florida State University, where he also completed a Master's Degree in Italian Studies (Literature and Linguistics). Dr Pesce's research int... Show more

Cathy Schlund-Vials

Cathy Schlund-Vials

Cathy J. Schlund-Vials is the Iris Howard Regents Professor in English Literature at the University of Texas, Austin. Prior to this academic appointment, Schlund-Vials was Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor in English and Asian/Asian American Studies at the University of Connecticut. She is a past president of the Association for Asian American Studies (2016-2018) and recently completed her tenure as the president of the American Studies Association (2021-2022).

In addition to numerous book chapters and articles, Cathy has edited and co-edited a number of collections, including Keywords for Asian American Studies (NYU Press 2015), Asian America: A Primary Source Reader (Yale UP 2016), Flashpoints for Asian American Studies (Fordham UP 2017), and The Subject(s) of Human Rights (Temple UP 2019). She is author of two monographs: Modeling Citizenship: Jewish and Asian American Writing (Temple UP 2011) and War, Genocide, and Justice: Cambodian American Memory Work (University of Minnesota Press 2012). Cathy is currently completing three monographs: Militarized Excess: Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan, Prosthetic Ecologies: Disability, Environment, and Human Rights, and Planned Obsolescence: The Mediated Rise and Predetermined Fall of Ethnic Studies.

Cathy J. Schlund-Vials is the Iris Howard Regents Professor in English Literature at the University of Texas, Austin. Prior to this academic appointment, Schlund-Vials was Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor in English and Asian/Asian American ... Show more

Ian Siderits

Ian Siderits

Ian O. Siderits is a Ph.D. Candidate and primary instructor at North Carolina State University and an adjunct instructor at Southeastern Oklahoma State University and Meredith College. He has a bachelor’s degree from The George Washington University. Ian’s research focuses on employee contact with nature, organizational trust, technology in the workplace, and employee health and well-being. He has presented on various topics at conferences such as the Society for Industrial-Organizational Psychology (SIOP), the Academy of Management (AOM), the First International Network on Trust (FINT), and 21st Century Summit on Positive Psychology Women's Mental Health & Entrepreneurship.

Ian O. Siderits is a Ph.D. Candidate and primary instructor at North Carolina State University and an adjunct instructor at Southeastern Oklahoma State University and Meredith College. He has a bachelor’s degree from The George Washington University.... Show more

Srebrenka Peregrin

Srebrenka Peregrin

Srebrenka Peregrin pripovijeda po knjižnicama, školama i vrtićima, na različitim kulturno-turističkim događanjima i SF&F konvencijama. Prevodi beletristku i piše kratke priče, od kojih je nekolicina nagrađena (metaFORA, Fairytalez, Sfera). Su-autorica je zbirki "Bajkarice", "Bajkari" i "Bajkarenje" te autorica romana o Frini, kurtizani u usponu.

Srebrenka Peregrin pripovijeda po knjižnicama, školama i vrtićima, na različitim kulturno-turističkim događanjima i SF&F konvencijama. Prevodi beletristku i piše kratke priče, od kojih je nekolicina nagrađena (metaFORA, Fairytalez, Sfera). Su-autoric... Show more

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