Katerina Brandes hat einen Bildungshintergrund in Ressourcenmanagement und Entwicklungszusammenarbeit und verfügt über Forschungserfahrung zu globalen Nachhaltigkeitsthemen, unter anderem in Tansania und Indien. Ihre freiberufliche Arbeitserfahrung in der Erwachsenenbildung führten sie an das Zentrum für Lehrentwicklung der TH Köln. Dort arbeitet sie in einem Karriereentwicklungsprogramm für Wissenschaftler*innen früher Karrierestufen mit dem Schwerpunkt transformative Wissenschaft. Ihr besonderes Interesse liegt in der Gestaltung kreativer, interaktiver Workshopformate mit körperorientierten und theaterpädagogischen Methoden.

Katerina Brandes hat einen Bildungshintergrund in Ressourcenmanagement und Entwicklungszusammenarbeit und verfügt über Forschungserfahrung zu globalen Nachhaltigkeitsthemen, unter anderem in Tansania und Indien. Ihre freiberufliche Arbeitserfahrung i... Show more

Soumya Bhowmick is an economist, a Fellow at the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), and a Visiting Fellow at the Stimson Centre, Washington, D.C., working at the intersection of trade, climate policy, and inclusive growth — a framework called sustainomics.

He leads research on Subnational Inclusive Wealth estimations for India, a data-driven framework that measures human, physical and natural capital stocks. Soumya presented the research to the United Nations Environment Programme HQ in 2025 and testified before the U.S. Congressional Commission (U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission) on Indo-Pacific regional power balances in 2026.

He holds an industry-endorsed PhD supported by consecutive SYLFF Research Grants by the Tokyo Foundation in 2024 and 2025, and degrees from the University of Antwerp (Erasmus Mundus Fellow, European Commission) and Jadavpur University (SYLFF Fellow, Tokyo Foundation). He has almost a decade of experience in policy research, has published multiple edited volumes and papers in peer-reviewed journals, and writes regularly for The Indian Express, The Telegraph, India Today, The Diplomat, and the Council on Foreign Relations, among others.

Soumya Bhowmick is an economist, a Fellow at the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), and a Visiting Fellow at the Stimson Centre, Washington, D.C., working at the intersection of trade, climate policy, and inclusive growth — a framework called sustai... Show more

💃 Devika Toprani is a systems architect and the founder of Somagraphic Learning™, a research-backed, human-first, AI-supported visual-cognitive framework built around Attempt → Map → Refine.

It helps educators and learners externalize early thinking, make concept relationships visible through a codified visual grammar (Shape-Emotion Grammar™), and refine understanding only after structure is clear (grounded in embodied cognition, cognitive load theory, and human-AI interaction research).

🤖 Unlike AI tools that polish output too early, Somagraphic Learning™ introduces a deliberate orientation layer before AI engagement - positioning AI at the refinement stage, not the starting point. It surfaces the learner's sequence, dependencies, tensions, and conceptual gaps "before" AI assistance arrives - so clarity supports reasoning rather than replacing it.

💪 Long-term vision
Scaling her framework across EdTech, K-12, Higher Education, MedEd, Learning Management Systems, HR Training and Organizational Strategy.

🎯 The goal?
To enhance critical thinking, AI Literacy, Responsible AI, reduce cognitive load and bridge the global CLARITY gap.

🌎 Professional Experience
- Expertise in learning design, workforce strategy, program operations, and analytics
- Built national accreditation systems and competency evaluation pipelines
- Developed centralized learning infrastructure across K-12 and higher education
- Global exposure across Oman, India, the UAE, and the United States

🎓 Education
Devika holds an M.S. in Management & Quantitative Sciences (STEM) with academic foundations in Psychology and Education.

🌸 Perspectives
Devika pioneers the philosophy that "Learning is not AI-made; it is Soul-made." Conceptual clarity begins with the learner's own struggle, and AI enters later for refinement.

💃 Devika Toprani is a systems architect and the founder of Somagraphic Learning™, a research-backed, human-first, AI-supported visual-cognitive framework built around Attempt → Map → Refine. It helps educators and learners externalize early think... Show more

He is a passionate advocate for Responsible and Ethical AI in Africa. He believes that Artificial Intelligence should be developed and deployed for common good by considering the factors that make them ethical and socially responsible.

Having a background in Law and Computer Engineering, Kingsley has a deep understanding of the potential Impacts of AI on Individuals, communities, and the environment with a special focus on Africa. Kingsley’s experience cut across academia, industry, and NGO.

Currently a Tech Policy and Research Fellow at the Emerging Technology for Emerging Markets.

He was the Team Lead of Nigeria’s National Artificial Intelligence Policy Development, General Cluster where he worked with a group of Volunteer AI experts in developing the first Artificial Intelligence policy for Nigeria.

Part of his contributions to the African Responsible AI in recent times both in the Academia and industry includes:

- Fellow, Emerging Technologies for Emerging Markets (E4E)
- Mentor, Artificial Intelligence Community, Ghana
- Mentor, Teens in AI Global Hackathon
- Team-Lead, General Cluster, National Artificial Intelligence Policy, Nigeria
- Researcher, Mankind in Artificial Intelligence
- Member, Coalition for Independent Research
- Member, Black in AI
- Speaker, AI Summit, Kenya, “AI for Smart City: Ethical Consideration”
to mention a few.

In his free time, He writes computer software, volunteers, and Speaks.

He is a passionate advocate for Responsible and Ethical AI in Africa. He believes that Artificial Intelligence should be developed and deployed for common good by considering the factors that make them ethical and socially responsible. Having a ba... Show more

Christopher I. Mathews Jr., LCSW, MPH, is the Capacity Building and Technical Assistance Manager at the Emory COMPASS Coordinating Center within Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health and a current Doctor of Social Work (DSW) student at Tulane University. He has extensive experience supporting community-based nonprofit organizations through capacity-building, program development, and evaluation, with a focus on strengthening organizational infrastructure and sustainability. His background in public health and social work includes facilitating trainings, providing technical assistance, and engaging organizational leaders through qualitative approaches. As a licensed clinical social worker, he is trained in conducting sensitive conversations and engaging participants in an ethical and respectful manner.

Christopher I. Mathews Jr., LCSW, MPH, is the Capacity Building and Technical Assistance Manager at the Emory COMPASS Coordinating Center within Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health and a current Doctor of Social Work (DSW) student at T... Show more

Laura Gates is a software engineer, researcher and consultant based at Bath Spa University whose work sits at the intersection of human agency and complex systems. Her background in performance and puppetry research gives her a distinctive lens on software design and human-computer interaction.

She has applied this thinking practically: building and commercialising Obwob, a feedback and impact PWA, and developing a methodology for grounded, TDD-led AI-assisted development using Claude Code. Her approach treats AI tools not as shortcuts but as surfaces that can deepen engineering discipline when properly structured.

Laura advises on human-centred AI integration with a consistent focus: preserving human agency, authorship and flow in environments where humans increasingly share work with non-human systems.

Laura Gates is a software engineer, researcher and consultant based at Bath Spa University whose work sits at the intersection of human agency and complex systems. Her background in performance and puppetry research gives her a distinctive lens on so... Show more

I am a dynamic Partnerships Manager and entrepreneur with a solid background in AI partnerships, global startup scouting, open innovation, and international business development. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in International Relations with a research focus on the AI ecosystems, I combine academic insight with practical expertise in technology, AI strategy, and partner ecosystem development.

My career bridges the corporate world and global startup ecosystems, with experience at companies like Engevix, Eletrobras, Intelbras, and Rocket Internet in China. I specialize in AI scouting, building B2B and SaaS partnerships, and driving cross-border collaborations between enterprises and AI solution providers.

As a Partnerships Manager at AI Collaborator, I lead the expansion of a global network of AI startups, enabling enterprises to adopt cutting-edge AI solutions. My work focuses on strategic partnerships, partner success management, and scaling partner ecosystems aligned with client needs.

Passionate about AI commercialization, digital transformation, and internationalization, I help companies grow globally through sustainable partnership strategies and innovation-driven growth.

Let’s connect to explore synergies in AI, emerging technologies, and global partnership opportunities.

I am a dynamic Partnerships Manager and entrepreneur with a solid background in AI partnerships, global startup scouting, open innovation, and international business development. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in International Relations with a research f... Show more

Sohom is a second-year PhD student at the Wolfpack Privacy and Security Lab at North Carolina State University. Besides researching web browsers, he spends his time playing CTF challenges, contributing to open-source projects, and writing about cybersecurity topics on Wikipedia!

Sohom is a second-year PhD student at the Wolfpack Privacy and Security Lab at North Carolina State University. Besides researching web browsers, he spends his time playing CTF challenges, contributing to open-source projects, and writing about cyber... Show more

Lance Cheramie is an Associate Teaching Professor in Apparel Merchandising and Product Development at the University of Arkansas, specializing in sustainability, global sourcing, and experiential learning in higher education.

His work focuses on bridging the gap between academia and industry by integrating real-world tools, data, and partnerships directly into the classroom. Through hands-on simulations and industry collaborations, he challenges students to solve complex problems related to sustainability, retail strategy, and global supply chains.

Dr. Cheramie holds a Ph.D. in Public Policy from the University of Arkansas, with research centered on sustainability in the apparel and textile industry. He is a certified Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) professional and has presented nationally on sustainability, sourcing, and retail innovation.

His teaching and research are driven by a central goal: preparing the next generation of industry professionals to make informed, responsible, and strategic decisions in a rapidly evolving global marketplace.

Lance Cheramie is an Associate Teaching Professor in Apparel Merchandising and Product Development at the University of Arkansas, specializing in sustainability, global sourcing, and experiential learning in higher education. His work focuses on b... Show more

Dr. Monifa McKnight is an accomplished executive leader, governance strategist, and former Superintendent of Montgomery County Public Schools, one of the largest school districts in the United States. With more than 25 years of experience leading complex institutions, she is known for guiding organizations through high-stakes transitions, strengthening governance, and building resilient, people-centered leadership cultures. As Founder of McKnight Lotus Leadership Group, she advises executives and boards on leadership strategy, crisis navigation, and sustainable performance. She also serves as a leadership coach for the University of Maryland’s Central Office Leadership Academy (COLA) and holds board roles with Bowie State University, Africa University, and the National Capital Area Council of Scouting America.

Dr. Monifa McKnight is an accomplished executive leader, governance strategist, and former Superintendent of Montgomery County Public Schools, one of the largest school districts in the United States. With more than 25 years of experience leading com... Show more

I am an independent researcher and consultant on programming-language design and implementation, currently working with the Kotlin language team. Before going independent, I was a professor at Cornell University, and I worked with the Kotlin team in its early days to integrate my research on mixed-site variance and gradual types into what became platform types. Beyond Kotlin, I have contributed to the designs of Java, Ceylon, Julia, Scala, and WebAssembly.

I am an independent researcher and consultant on programming-language design and implementation, currently working with the Kotlin language team. Before going independent, I was a professor at Cornell University, and I worked with the Kotlin team in ... Show more

Wenlan Zhang is a PhD researcher at University College London specialising in geospatial AI. Her work in Nairobi focuses on using multimodal data and computer vision to examine spatial inequality, infrastructural gaps, and bias in urban data systems. She applies causal and statistical methods to support more equitable, data-driven urban planning in rapidly growing cities.

Wenlan Zhang is a PhD researcher at University College London specialising in geospatial AI. Her work in Nairobi focuses on using multimodal data and computer vision to examine spatial inequality, infrastructural gaps, and bias in urban data systems.... Show more

Dr. Kathryn Burkgren, Associate Vice President of Organizational Development and Effectiveness and HR strategist at Cornell University, partners with and provides strategic consultation and executive coaching to leaders across Cornell’s multiple campuses and beyond to create individual and organizational excellence. She works with leaders to help them better understand themselves and what is important to them and from that, shape strategy and decisions to advance individual, team, and organizational effectiveness. And, as part of Cornell's strategic transformation Kathy leads, oversees, and manages the impact on HR as it relates to Cornell Experience Modernization Initiative, Resilient Cornell, and HR Optimization efforts.

She oversees a team responsible for consulting, developing, and coaching senior leaders and their teams in the areas of organizational development and organizational effectiveness. She is an Executive Coach accredited through International Coaching Federation and certified through Assenter Coaching, LLC. Her passion is helping leaders discover their purpose, passion, and personal mission by giving them the space and freedom to explore new possibilities aligned to the mission and vision.

She is a past NCCI president and holds a Ph.D. from Cornell University in educational psychology with an emphasis in organizational behavior and a B.S. Dual Degree—Ag Journalism (May, 1986) and Ag Education (May, 1985), Agricultural and Life Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA.

Dr. Kathryn Burkgren, Associate Vice President of Organizational Development and Effectiveness and HR strategist at Cornell University, partners with and provides strategic consultation and executive coaching to leaders across Cornell’s multiple camp... Show more

Dr. Seema Sidhu is a transformative district leader and the 2026 AUHSD ACSA Central Office Administrator of the Year. Currently serving as the Director of Learning and Development for the Anaheim Union High School District, Dr. Sidhu oversees the strategic "braiding" of millions in state and federal programs to move the needle on equity and justice. A former English teacher, Assistant Principal, and Principal, her career is defined by a refusal to accept the status quo of top-down governance. Dr. Sidhu is recognized for bringing innovation to compliance, dismantling administrative silos to institutionalize authentic democratic school governance. Her leadership in operationalizing the "Voice to Action" Equity Transformation Cycle has resulted in historic academic gains for English Learners and at-promise youth. A recipient of the Woman of Distinction Award from the California State Senate, Dr. Sidhu is a sought-after speaker on AI implementation, strategic planning, and the power of shared leadership. She holds an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership from the University of La Verne and is dedicated to equipping leaders with the tools to transform school systems and level up through student voice and agency.

Dr. Seema Sidhu is a transformative district leader and the 2026 AUHSD ACSA Central Office Administrator of the Year. Currently serving as the Director of Learning and Development for the Anaheim Union High School District, Dr. Sidhu oversees the str... Show more

Johanna Clausen-Meixner is a communication coach, trainer, and speaker who works at the intersection of dialogue, perspective, and collaboration. With more than 25 years of experience in communication, teaching, and coaching, she helps people and teams navigate complexity, strengthen understanding, and create better outcomes through the way they communicate.

Her perspective is especially relevant to design contexts, where ideas, decisions, and innovation are shaped through conversations across disciplines, roles, and ways of thinking. Johanna brings a deeply human and strategic lens to questions of clarity, friction, alignment, and meaningful collaboration — all essential ingredients in strong design processes.

She is the host of the podcast Worlds of Communication and the author of Kraft liegt im Wandel. Working in German and English, she is known for combining depth, warmth, and sharp insight in ways that open new perspectives and create real connection.

Johanna Clausen-Meixner is a communication coach, trainer, and speaker who works at the intersection of dialogue, perspective, and collaboration. With more than 25 years of experience in communication, teaching, and coaching, she helps people and tea... Show more

Dr. Richard L. Watkins is a scientist, strategist, and advocate working at the intersection of research, policy, and society. He is the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of The Science Policy Action Network, Inc. (SPAN), where he is responsible for setting the organization’s overall direction and service strategy. He leads the development of SPAN’s consulting offerings and operational infrastructure, with a focus on impact across education, innovation, and public health.

Dr. Watkins holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a B.S. in Psychology from Fayetteville State University. His scientific background informs a systems-level approach to policy advising and program design, particularly in areas such as school safety, mental health, and science-based governance.

A dynamic communicator and bridge-builder, Dr. Watkins also hosts The Richard Watkins Podcast, a platform for thought leaders across disciplines. His work continues to shape public conversations and institutional strategies through science, equity, and community engagement.

Dr. Richard L. Watkins is a scientist, strategist, and advocate working at the intersection of research, policy, and society. He is the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of The Science Policy Action Network, Inc. (SPAN), where he is responsible for setting ... Show more

Alfi is a pioneer in the space of Learning & Development, with a revised approach to development centred around self-directed learning.

He is also a co-host on the “Edit Undo Podcast” and a Mentorship enthusiast.

Among other things, Alfi is a lifelong student in the field of mentorship, having played the role of a mentor at Jack Academy’s UX Bootcamp and a coordinator with Sprint, a student work-readiness program based in Pretoria, South Africa.

Alfi is a pioneer in the space of Learning & Development, with a revised approach to development centred around self-directed learning. He is also a co-host on the “Edit Undo Podcast” and a Mentorship enthusiast. Among other things, Alfi is a l... Show more

Over the past few years, I’ve learned that the biggest growth doesn’t happen when you wait until you’re 100% ready.

It happens when you step into opportunities and figure it out along the way.

That’s exactly how I created my own AI role within my organization.

In my talks, I focus on how to take ownership when things aren’t fully clear yet, whether in AI adoption or in your own career.

My sessions are practical, honest, and focused on action over theory.

Over the past few years, I’ve learned that the biggest growth doesn’t happen when you wait until you’re 100% ready. It happens when you step into opportunities and figure it out along the way. That’s exactly how I created my own AI role within... Show more

Muthupalaniappan Ramanathan is a seasoned software engineer specializing in large-scale data platforms, distributed systems, and modern analytics infrastructure. He focuses on building scalable, reliable, and interoperable data ecosystems that support complex analytical workloads across diverse environments. With a strong foundation in computer science and deep expertise in database systems and big data technologies, he has consistently driven innovation in data architecture and platform engineering.
Currently at DoorDash, he serves as a lead architect for enterprise-scale data platforms, advancing lakehouse architectures, SQL interoperability, and data reliability engineering. He has designed systems enabling seamless query execution across multiple analytics engines, improving developer productivity and ensuring consistent, trustworthy data outcomes. He also introduced proactive monitoring and anomaly detection frameworks to enhance data accuracy and reliability.
Previously, he contributed to large-scale data infrastructure at Yahoo, supporting advertising analytics and attribution systems. His earlier experience includes roles at Amazon, Intel, FedEx Services, and Tata Consultancy Services. He is also an active mentor, speaker, and contributor to the data engineering community.

Muthupalaniappan Ramanathan is a seasoned software engineer specializing in large-scale data platforms, distributed systems, and modern analytics infrastructure. He focuses on building scalable, reliable, and interoperable data ecosystems that suppor... Show more

Zhenhao Wen is a PhD student in Theatre and Dance at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. His research explores performance-as-research (PaR), intercultural embodiment, and diasporic memory in contemporary dance. Through improvisation and body-based inquiry, Wen examines how movement, rhythm, and affect can function as archives of emotion and decolonial resistance.

Zhenhao Wen is a PhD student in Theatre and Dance at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. His research explores performance-as-research (PaR), intercultural embodiment, and diasporic memory in contemporary dance. Through improvisation and body-based i... Show more

Ich bin Referentin für Studienreform an der Europa-Universität Viadrina in Frankfurt (Oder) und arbeite an einem Reformkonzept für Studium und Lehre, in dem die Perspektive der Studierenden eine besondere Rolle spielt. Das Thema der studentischen Partizipation liegt mir dabei besonders am Herzen, weil es zu einem demokratieförderlichen Miteinander in und außerhalb der Universität beitragen kann. Außerdem bin ich als assoziierte Forscherin am Weizenbaum Institut tätig.

Ich bin Referentin für Studienreform an der Europa-Universität Viadrina in Frankfurt (Oder) und arbeite an einem Reformkonzept für Studium und Lehre, in dem die Perspektive der Studierenden eine besondere Rolle spielt. Das Thema der studentischen Par... Show more

Sarah Becker ist seit Winter 2025 als Werkstudentin im CHE-Team des Hochschulforums Digitalisierung tätig. In ihrer Rolle unterstützt sie das Projektmanagement in den Bereichen Bildung und Digitalisierung.
Sarah studiert aktuell an der Ruhr-Universität Bochum im Master Philosophie mit einem persönlichen Fokus auf Technikphilosophie und Technikethik, insbesondere mit Schwerpunkt auf Bildungstechnologien und Künstliche Intelligenz.

Sarah Becker ist seit Winter 2025 als Werkstudentin im CHE-Team des Hochschulforums Digitalisierung tätig. In ihrer Rolle unterstützt sie das Projektmanagement in den Bereichen Bildung und Digitalisierung. Sarah studiert aktuell an der Ruhr-Universi... Show more

Prof. Carolin Schreiber leitet das Social Design Research Lab (SDRL), die größte Forschungseinheit im FB Design der FH Münster. Ihr Team betreibt partizipative Designorschung zu sozialen Herausforderungen und entwickelt medienübergreifende Lösungen die reale Bedürfnisse aufgreifen und gesellschaftliche Transformationsprozesse nachhaltig fördern. Beteiligte werden als Co-Designer*innen in anwendungsorientierten Forschungskooperationen verstanden und als Expert*innen ihrer Lebens- und Arbeitswelten sowie als zentrale Akteur*innen in Innovationsprozessen anerkannt. Prof. Schreiber leitet zudem das Design & Interaction LAB und das Mobile MR LAB, ist Studiengangsleiterin des Masters "Transformation Design und Social Design" und wurde 2016 mit dem Ars Legendi-Preis für diversitätsgerechte Hochschullehre ausgezeichnet.

Prof. Carolin Schreiber leitet das Social Design Research Lab (SDRL), die größte Forschungseinheit im FB Design der FH Münster. Ihr Team betreibt partizipative Designorschung zu sozialen Herausforderungen und entwickelt medienübergreifende Lösungen d... Show more

Svenja Geißler (geissler@kit.edu) entwickelt am Zentrum für Mediales Lernen (KIT) innovative Lernformate sowie digitale Anreicherungskonzepte für Lehrveranstaltungen und betreibt digitale Wissenschaftskommunikation. Diese Konzepte vermittelt sie in Seminaren für das Institut für Schulpädagogik und Didaktik (KIT) und gibt Workshops u.a. für das HDZ, wobei sie ihre Lernveranstaltungen zugleich als Experimentierfeld für neue virtuelle und digitale Konzepte nutzt.

Svenja Geißler (geissler@kit.edu) entwickelt am Zentrum für Mediales Lernen (KIT) innovative Lernformate sowie digitale Anreicherungskonzepte für Lehrveranstaltungen und betreibt digitale Wissenschaftskommunikation. Diese Konzepte vermittelt sie in S... Show more

Communication and advocacy professional focused on advancing digital rights, civic space, and citizen engagement through strategic storytelling and media advocacy in Africa.

Communication and advocacy professional focused on advancing digital rights, civic space, and citizen engagement through strategic storytelling and media advocacy in Africa. Show more

My name is Charity McCoy, and I reside in the Chicagoland Suburbs. I am a program and change management consultant/grant writer, author, and inventor who helps employees adapt to their new IT applications using human-centered communication and business psychology learning activities. I am certified in Prosci ADKAR change management and Diversity and Inclusion best practices. I am in my last year of my business psychology Ph.D. program at The Chicago School. The focus of my dissertation topic aims to provide insights into success factors that contribute to the meaningful and competitive employment of Black adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), also known as neurodiverse workers. I am passionate about this topic as my son is on the spectrum as a computer networking college student. I play tennis with my love, Dan Rey, to relax and stay balanced, as I too am a caregiver for my eighty-three-year-old grandmother. I am ecstatic to learn with everyone.

My name is Charity McCoy, and I reside in the Chicagoland Suburbs. I am a program and change management consultant/grant writer, author, and inventor who helps employees adapt to their new IT applications using human-centered communication and busine... Show more

Qishen Sam Liang
samliangsk@gmail.com | https://www.linkedin.com/in/qishen-sam-liang/

EDUCATION
University of California, Santa Barbara | September 2019-June 2023
Bachelor of Arts, Asian American Studies
Honors: Distinction in Asian American Studies & College of Letters & Science Highest Honors

University of Southern California | August 2023-May 2025
Master of Science, Computer Science (Computer Networks)

University of California, Santa Barbara | September 2019-June 2023
Bachelor of Science, Computer Science

RELEVANT RESEARCH & PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Researcher | UCSB Department of Asian American Studies | August 2022-June 2023
Research Project: The Transformation of Asian and Asian American Stereotypes and Representations in the United States

Conducted media content analysis to investigate how dominant narratives about Asians and Asian Americans have been constructed to serve shifting national interests and maintain racial hierarchies.
Analyzed a diverse range of sources, including magazine articles like “How to Tell Japs from the Chinese,” political cartoon “The Honorable Fifth Column,” and COVID-19 anti-Asian news reports.
Argued that while modes of expression evolve, the underlying hegemonic frameworks of stereotype persist, demonstrating the shift from overt to subtle forms of representation in the modern era.
This research, which drew upon frameworks of racial formation and stereotype theory, culminated in a 30 pages paper and a departmental presentation.

Project Manager & Game Developer | University of Southern California | January 2025-May 2025
Project: Area 31: A Horror Maze Game

Led the design and development of a 2D narrative game in C# and Unity, gaining practical experience in the creation of interactive media and player-driven storytelling.
Engineered systems for managing player state and progression, directly informing research into how player agency and interactive systems shape understandings.
Managed the project lifecycle using Agile methodologies, demonstrating leadership in a collaborative, creative-technical environment.

SKILLS & INTERESTS
Research Areas: Asian American Studies, Games, Stereotypes, Computer Networking, Security
Technical Skills: Python, Unity, C#, Git, Data Curation, Data Analysis
Languages: English (Fluent), Mandarin (Fluent), Cantonese (Fluent)

Qishen Sam Liang samliangsk@gmail.com | https://www.linkedin.com/in/qishen-sam-liang/ EDUCATION University of California, Santa Barbara | September 2019-June 2023 Bachelor of Arts, Asian American Studies Honors: Distinction in Asian American ... Show more

Helen is a psychologist and has been supporting teams and organizational units in learning together for several years, for example in the role of an agile coach. She uses her training, her systemic approach, and her experience in designing and facilitating collaborative workshops to make collaboration effective and at eye level. In her work, she pays particular attention to the people in the organization without losing sight of the big picture.

Helen is a psychologist and has been supporting teams and organizational units in learning together for several years, for example in the role of an agile coach. She uses her training, her systemic approach, and her experience in designing and facili... Show more

Tätig im Zentrum für Wissenschaftsdidaktik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum u.a. zum Thema Prüfen, Demokratiebildung und verantwortlich für das Online-Portal LEHRELADEN. Zuvor in der Personalentwicklung in Wirtschaft & Wissenschaft. Studierte und freiberufliche Journalistin mit einem interdisziplinären Master in Europawissenschaften (M.A. European Culture and Economy). Scrum Master und Scrum Product Owner. Systemische Beratung und Coaching. Und nebenher Yogalehrerin.

Tätig im Zentrum für Wissenschaftsdidaktik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum u.a. zum Thema Prüfen, Demokratiebildung und verantwortlich für das Online-Portal LEHRELADEN. Zuvor in der Personalentwicklung in Wirtschaft & Wissenschaft. Studierte und freiberu... Show more

Dr. Sandya Venugopal is an award-winning neurosurgeon-scientist, public policy scholar, and interdisciplinary leader with accomplishments across academic, government, and private sectors. Her global expertise spans healthcare, public health, scientific research, health policy, data analytics, bioethics, regulatory compliance, and technological innovation—all applied to advancing impactful solutions for societal and policy challenges.

Committed to fostering inclusive and forward-thinking dialogue, Sandya leverages her diverse background to inspire meaningful change. Her contributions bridge the gap between advanced technologies and humanity’s needs, offering fresh perspectives on how innovation can transform lives ethically and equitably.

Dr. Sandya Venugopal is an award-winning neurosurgeon-scientist, public policy scholar, and interdisciplinary leader with accomplishments across academic, government, and private sectors. Her global expertise spans healthcare, public health, scientif... Show more