Work with thought leaders and academic experts from University College London

Dr. Christina Lienen is a highly educated and experienced legal professional with a strong background in academia. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law from University College London, where she focused on constitutional law, judicial reasoning and human rights. Prior to this, she completed a Magister Juris (MJur) from the University of Oxford (2nd Best Results in Year) and a Bachelor of Law from Maastricht University (Best Results in Year). In addition to her academic achievements, Dr. Lienen is a qualified barrister, having been called to the Bar of England and Wales in 2019. She worked as a public law and data protection barrister in London for almost 4 years prior to joining academia full-time, regularly representing clients in court and offering litigation related advice. Dr. Lienen has extensive teaching experience, having held positions as an Assistant Professor at the British University in Dubai, as a Teaching Fellow at SOAS University of London, as a Visiting Lecturer at The University of Law, and as a Teaching Fellow at University College London. Dr. Lienen's research interests include public law, public international law, human rights, and legal theory. She has published numerous articles and book chapters on these topics and has presented her research at international conferences. With her strong academic background and practical experience, Dr. Lienen is a highly skilled and knowledgeable legal professional who is dedicated to advancing the field of law through her teaching and research.

Dr. Janel Johnson is a distinguished Biologist with over 20 years of dedicated academic research focused on the genetics of Neuroscience, Oncology, and Immunology. She obtained her BA in Biology from The Johns Hopkins University in 1999, following which she conducted groundbreaking research at The Johns Hopkins University Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center. Here, she explored the selective cytotoxic effects of a tyrosine kinase inhibitor in a transgenic mouse model of acute myeloid leukemia. Transitioning to The National Institutes of Health (NIH), Dr. Johnson continued her impactful career, making significant contributions to the study of Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson's disease genetics. Sponsored by the NIH, she pursued her MPhil and PhD in Molecular Genetics at University College London, focusing on unraveling the genetic basis of Spinocerebellar Ataxia (SCA) and Childhood Motor Neuron Disease. Notably, her research elucidated that mutations in the Tau Tubulin Kinase 2 gene cause SCA Type 11, and she identified riboflavin transporter mutations as the underlying cause of Childhood Motor Neuron Disease, highlighting the potential for vitamin B2 supplementation as a therapeutic intervention. Furthering her postgraduate research at NIH, Dr. Johnson delved into investigating the genetics of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and related motor neuron disorders. Her seminal findings uncovered that mutations in genes such as Valosin Containing Protein, Matrin-3, and a serine palmitoyltransferase subunit contribute to the pathogenesis of ALS, shedding light on overlapping pathways and pleiotropic effects on other diseases. In addition to her extensive research endeavors, Dr. Johnson has made significant strides in HIV research at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, utilizing novel multiomics technologies to investigate interactions between the retrovirus and host cells. Her recent experience in immunology includes serving as a Patent Examiner for the United States Patent and Trademark Office, where she evaluated inventions for cancer immunotherapy. Dr. Johnson is widely recognized in the field of molecular genetics for her expertise and numerous scientific breakthroughs, contributing significantly to our understanding of complex disorders. She is deeply passionate about research and serves as a vocal advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in science and healthcare. Dr. Johnson's exceptional talent lies in her ability to effectively communicate scientific concepts to both experts and the general public. Her lifelong commitment is to achieve DEI for genetic populations that have been traditionally understudied.

Experienced problem solver with experience in project management, experimental research, design and construction, and business strategy. Deep expertise in atomic, molecular and optical physics, and fusion energy research. Experienced in R&D, project and stakeholder management and identifying revenue and profit growth opportunities across a variety of industries, including consumer products, retail, and financial services.

Ramin Jannat is a highly educated and experienced engineer with a passion for solving complex problems. She earned her PhD in Engineering from Imperial College London in 2026, where she focused on developing innovative solutions for sustainable energy production. Prior to her PhD, Ramin completed her MEng in Chemical Engineering from University College London in 2021. Ramin's expertise extends beyond academia, as she has also gained valuable experience in the industry. She worked as a Consultant at LEK Consulting, where she has advised large corporations on strategic and operational issues. Additionally, Ramin served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at Imperial College London, where she shared her academic knowledge and mentored students in their engineering courses. With her strong educational background and practical experience, Ramin is well-equipped to tackle complex engineering challenges and make a positive impact in the field. She is a dedicated and driven individual, always seeking new opportunities to learn and grow in her career.

Seth Gustafson is a highly accomplished geographer with a strong background in both academic research and teaching. He received his Ph.D. in Geography from the University of Georgia in 2014, where he also earned his M.A. in Geography in 2009. He also holds a B.A. in History from Grove City College. Currently, Seth serves as an Assistant Professor at California State University - Monterey Bay, where he teaches courses related to sustainable communities. He also participates in several research projects, focusing on topics such as urban environmental sustainability. Prior to his position at CSU Monterey Bay, Seth was a Lecturer at University College London, where he taught courses in environment, politics, and society. He also spent time as a Post-doctoral Research Associate at the University of Bremen in Germany, where he worked on projects related to interdisciplinary coastal research, especially in ports. Seth's research has been published in numerous academic journals and he has presented his work at conferences around the world. He is also a member of several professional organizations, including the Association of American Geographers and the Royal Geographical Society. With his diverse educational background and extensive research and teaching experience, Seth is a valuable asset to the field of geography, environmental studies and academia as a whole.