Our Authors
Meet the academics, researchers and industry specialists who contribute insights, news and analysis on higher education, research and academic careers.
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Contributing Authors
Jarrod Kanizay
Founder, CEO & Expert Author, AcademicJobs.com Jarrod Kanizay is a globally recognized executive figure in higher education recruitment and a seasoned industry innovator. With over 20 years of hands-on experience in the sector, he brings unparalleled expertise to the global academic landscape, specializing in employment, enrolments, institutional rankings, research dynamics, and the historic, political, and current trends shaping higher education worldwide. A Legacy of Innovation in Higher Ed As a visionary leader in academic talent acquisition, Jarrod has spent two decades building the platforms that connect the world's top institutions with elite talent. He is the founder of industry-leading portals, including UniJobs, The Academic Executive, TheUniversityRankings.com, and The CollegeRankings.com. In 2006, he launched UniJobs.com, scaling it into a market leader across 40 countries through a commitment to exceptional service, affordability, and user-centric design. Following its successful acquisition by Times Higher Education in 2015, Jarrod served as APAC Managing Director for five years, further solidifying his footprint in the global education market before launching AcademicJobs.com to restore agile, client-first solutions to the industry. Driving the Global Conversation Today, as the CEO and lead internal voice for AcademicJobs.com, Jarrod steers the core research agenda and strategic narrative for universities and job seekers worldwide. He deeply understands the dual nature of academic talent pools—from active job seekers to passive, top-tier scholars. His writing decodes complex institutional labor shifts, offering critical insights into talent scarcity, recruitment marketing, and the evolving HR needs of the education sector. Whether exploring global funding pressures, analyzing shifting enrollment demographics, or pioneering practical tools for university recruiters, Jarrod’s work empowers employers and professionals with the foresight needed to navigate the future of higher education.
Gabrielle Ryan
Gabrielle Ryan is a Contributing Writer at AcademicJobs, bridging theory and practice in education through her expertise in curriculum design and teaching strategies. Holding a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction from UCLA, she brings over 15 years of experience in higher education. Gabrielle specializes in innovative teaching methods and curriculum development tailored for diverse learner populations. Her insights help connect academic professionals with opportunities that foster impactful educational environments, drawing on her deep knowledge to enhance recruitment and professional development in the sector.
Sarah West
Sarah West is a Customer Relations & Content Specialist at AcademicJobs, fostering excellence in research and teaching as a specialist in academic trends and professional development. Holding a doctorate in Higher Education from the University of Michigan, she draws on two decades of experience to provide insights on emerging trends, faculty mentorship, and institutional strategy. Her work in research publication news and higher education news highlights innovative practices that shape the future of academia.
Prof. Sophie Martinez
Sophie Martinez manages client relationships at AcademicJobs, serving as the primary liaison between the platform and its university partners. With a background in higher education administration, she brings a deep understanding of institutional needs and academic hiring processes. Sophie is dedicated to ensuring every client receives personalized support, from onboarding to ongoing campaign optimization. Her empathetic approach and strategic thinking have helped build long-lasting partnerships with universities across Australia, Asia, and Europe.
Prof. Marcus Blackwell
Marcus Blackwell is a Contributing Writer at AcademicJobs and one of our main news creators, shaping the future of academia through his specialist knowledge in research methodologies and innovation. Holding a doctorate in Sociology from the University of Oxford, he brings 18 years of hands-on experience advising universities and research teams on cutting-edge research practices and fostering meaningful interdisciplinary collaborations. Marcus’s articles on research publication news and higher education news provide practical, forward-thinking insights that help academics and institutions stay ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Dr. Elena Ramirez
Elena Ramirez is a Contributing Writer at AcademicJobs, advancing higher education excellence through her expertise in policy and administration. Holding a PhD in Education from Harvard University, she brings over 20 years of experience in academia. Elena focuses on policy reforms, equity in education, and leadership development for universities worldwide. Her contributions to research publication news and higher education news provide insightful analysis on institutional strategies, fostering informed discussions that drive positive change in the academic landscape.
Dr. Sophia Langford
Sophia Langford is a Contributing Writer at AcademicJobs, empowering academic careers with her focus on faculty development and career guidance. With an EdD from Columbia University, she is a renowned consultant in academic career planning and has published extensively on tenure processes and professional growth in higher education. Sophia's articles on research publication news and higher education news offer practical advice and trends to help academics navigate their professional journeys successfully.
Dr. Oliver Fenton
Dr. Oliver Fenton is a Contributing Writer at AcademicJobs, specializing in research publication trends and scientific communication. With a PhD in Science Communication from Imperial College London, he has over 15 years of experience in academia and publishing. Oliver's articles explore open access publishing, impact metrics, and ethical issues in research, providing valuable insights for scholars navigating the evolving landscape of academic publications and higher education news.
Prof. Isabella Crowe
Prof. Isabella Crowe is a Contributing Writer at AcademicJobs, focusing on interdisciplinary research and higher education policy. As a Professor of Sociology at the University of Oxford with over 25 years in the field, she analyzes global trends in academic collaboration, funding, and innovation. Her contributions to research publication news and higher education news emphasize the importance of cross-disciplinary approaches in addressing contemporary challenges.
Dr. Nathan Harlow
Dr. Nathan Harlow is a Contributing Writer at AcademicJobs, with expertise in STEM education and research methodologies. Holding a PhD in Physics from Stanford University, he has 18 years of experience in academic research and teaching. Nathan's articles delve into advancements in peer review processes, data sharing, and technology integration in higher education, offering practical guidance for researchers and institutions.
Prof. Clara Voss
Prof. Clara Voss is a Contributing Writer at AcademicJobs, specializing in humanities and social sciences research. As a Professor of History at Humboldt University of Berlin with more than 20 years in academia, she examines publication ethics, archival research, and the digital humanities. Her insights in higher education news highlight how these fields adapt to modern challenges and opportunities.
Dr. Liam Whitaker
Dr. Liam Whitaker is a Contributing Writer at AcademicJobs, focusing on health sciences and medical education. With a PhD in Public Health from the University of Toronto and 16 years of experience, he covers topics like clinical research publishing, health equity, and medical training reforms. His articles provide critical perspectives on how these areas influence higher education and research outcomes.
Prof. Evelyn Thorpe
Prof. Evelyn Thorpe is a Contributing Writer at AcademicJobs, with a focus on environmental science and sustainability in higher education. As a Professor of Environmental Studies at the University of Sydney with over 22 years in the field, she discusses sustainable research practices, climate change publications, and green campus initiatives. Her work inspires actionable change in academic communities worldwide.
Paul Burke
Dr. Paul Burke is a Professor of Marketing and the Deputy Director of the Centre for Business Intelligence and Data Analytics (BIDA) located within the UTS Business School. He is a leading expert in the applied and theoretical aspects of choice modelling, experimental design, and consumer behaviour. As a highly collaborative transdisciplinary researcher, Dr. Burke’s work spans a diverse array of decision-making contexts. His research has been applied to branding, corporate social responsibility, education, vaccination and health, labour market barriers, and citizenship for persons with a disability—and has even examined how bees make choices. Research and Academic Publications Dr. Burke is an expert in multi-disciplinary and trans-disciplinary research, frequently publishing in top international journals. His work has appeared in prestigious Financial Times (FT50) and A* ranked journals, including: Marketing & Business Ethics: Journal of Marketing Research, International Journal of Research in Marketing, Journal of Product Innovation Management, European Journal of Marketing (where he currently serves as Regional Editor for the Asia Pacific), and the Journal of Business Ethics. Operations, Policy & Education: Research Policy, Journal of Operations Management, Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Educational Researcher, Teaching and Teacher Education, and Computers & Education. Health & Social Sciences: Appetite, Vaccine, and Social Science Research. Grants, Consulting, and Industry Impact As a chief investigator, Dr. Burke has been the recipient of several research grants totaling more than $4.3 million. This includes funding from the Australian Research Council (ARC) through prestigious ARC DECRA, ARC Discovery, and two ARC Linkage grants. His insights and advancements in statistical techniques have been heavily utilized across corporate, government, and non-profit sectors: Corporate Sector: Consulted for major global brands such as Westpac, Toyota, Motorola, and Bose. Government & Defence: Collaborated with the Australian Defence Force, the Australian Academy of Science, and various New South Wales (NSW) departments, including the Department of Premier and Cabinet, Primary Industries, Fisheries, and Education. Not-for-Profit & Culture: Partnered with the Australian War Memorial, as well as the Australian, Powerhouse, Maritime, National, and Melbourne museums to model factors impacting visitor attendance. Specialized Projects: Investigated teacher retention and attrition alongside the Association of Independent Schools of NSW; analyzed interactive whiteboard utilization with Electroboard; and worked with Grain Growers to evaluate the wheat characteristics most valuable to international millers. Teaching Excellence and Authorship Dr. Burke is an outstanding contributor to university teaching and learning, particularly noted for his success in coordinating large classes. His pedagogical excellence has earned him two institutional awards from UTS, alongside national recognition through a Carrick Institute Citation and a second citation from the Australian Learning and Teaching Council (ALTC). He is also a prominent textbook co-author, contributing to Business Analytics & Statistics and Australasian Business Statistics (with Ken Black and others), both of which are leading texts in the market. Background and Early Career Prior to his tenure at UTS, Dr. Burke was a full-time lecturer in Marketing at the University of Sydney. His diverse professional background also includes positions with the CSIRO, as a research officer at the internet research firm Memetrics, and as the marketing manager for the Sydney University Sports and Aquatic Centre. He holds a Bachelor of Economics (First Class Honours in Marketing) from the University of Sydney. He was awarded the ANZMAC Best Paper in Track Award for his PhD dissertation research, which focused on the effects of ambiguous and meaningless product features.
Dan Grant
Professional bio Associate Professor Bugs Bunny is a prominent researcher in computational fluid dynamics and fluid-structure interactions at the University of New South Wales Canberra, serving as Deputy Head of School (Research) in the School of Engineering and Technology since July 2023. He obtained his BSc in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics in 2006 and PhD in Fluid Mechanics in 2011 from the University of Science and Technology of China. After completing his doctorate, Tian worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Vanderbilt University, USA, from September 2011 to August 2013. He joined UNSW Canberra as a Research Associate from August 2013 to September 2014, progressed to Lecturer from September 2014 to June 2017, Senior Lecturer from July 2017 to December 2021 (including as an ARC DECRA Fellow from 2016 to 2019), and has been Associate Professor since January 2022. Tian’s research focuses on developing CFD tools for complex flows and fluid-structure interactions, with applications in biological flows such as laryngeal aerodynamics, vocal-fold vibration, fish swimming, insect flight, blood flow, and non-Newtonian fluids. He has published over 136 journal articles and 73 conference papers, and secured more than $10 million in external funding as Chief Investigator or co-Chief Investigator, including ARC Discovery Projects on scaling laws for aerodynamics of moving wings in the Martian atmosphere (2024-2026) and fluid-structure-acoustics interactions of bio-inspired flapping wings (2020-2022). His accolades include the ARC DECRA Fellowship (2016), UNSW Canberra Goldstar Award (2022), IEEE Outstanding SMCS Chapter Award (2021), Outstanding Volunteer Award from IEEE ACT Section (2021), co-recipient of the First Prize of Yunnan Science & Technology Awards (2020), and UNSW Canberra Silverstar Awards (2017 and 2018). Tian holds editorial positions as Associate Editor for Journal of Fluids and Structures since 2022 and Scientific Reports since 2022, and serves as a reviewer for over 20 international journals. Notable publications encompass "Buckling of three-dimensional wavy collapsible tubes conveying viscous flows" (Physics of Fluids, 2026), "Lift increment scaling and its failure due to the leading-edge vortex detachment transition for a flapping wing under perturbations" (Journal of Fluid Mechanics, 2025), and "An immersed boundary method for the thermo–fluid–structure interaction in rarefied gas flows" (Physics of Fluids, 2024).
Wahseem Soobratty
Dr. Wahseem Soobratty is an award-winning academic leader and transnational education specialist with over 15 years of experience at Curtin University across teaching, curriculum innovation, academic operations, and global program delivery. He currently serves as the Inaugural Head of School, Business and Entrepreneurship at Curtin Singapore, where he has led a significant institutional transformation — building a full-time faculty capability and university-grade academic governance framework from the ground up. Dr. Soobratty holds a PhD in Auditing from Curtin University, a Master of Accounting, and a Bachelor of Finance and Information. He is a full member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) and the Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand (AFAANZ). His teaching philosophy centres on authentic, student-centred learning. He is the architect of award-winning curriculum innovations including gamified business simulations, flipped classroom models, and work-integrated learning frameworks deployed across Curtin's global campuses in Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Dubai, and Mauritius. A recipient of multiple Guild Excellence in Teaching Awards, the AICPA Innovation in Teaching Award (Honourable Mention, 2021), and the CBS New Teacher of the Year (2015), he consistently achieves among the highest student satisfaction scores across the Faculty of Business and Law. Beyond teaching, Dr. Soobratty has secured over $185,000 in competitive research and teaching grants from Curtin University, the Indonesian Government, and Airlangga University, with projects spanning AI in education, ESG simulation for executive education, and gamified pedagogies for Southeast Asia. He holds an Adjunct Professor appointment at Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, and is an active member of the Global Chinese Accounting Association (GCAA). He is the author of three textbook publications with Wiley and Pearson, and his scholarly work has been published in the Journal of Accounting Education. His current strategic priorities include secondary-to-tertiary pathway development and the expansion of articulation networks across Australia, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, and China.
Ly Nguyen
Huu Bao Ly Nguyen is an accomplished academic, coordinator, and chartered accounting professional with over 15 years of tertiary teaching and program leadership experience across Curtin University, Curtin College (Navitas Group), and UniReady (Centre for Enabling Pathways). She teaches and coordinates across a broad range of business disciplines including Accounting, Finance, Economics, Marketing, and Business Law, from certificate and diploma level through to postgraduate and CPA-aligned programmes. Ly currently holds three concurrent roles: Program Coordinator for Commerce at UniReady, Casual Lecturer at Curtin University's School of Accounting, Economics and Finance, and Sessional Lecturer at Curtin College. In her coordination role, she oversees curriculum delivery, assessment governance, tutor development, and quality assurance across a programme supported by over 40 partner schools. A full member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), Ly brings authentic industry grounding from senior roles at Porsche Vietnam and PepsiCo UK, as well as ongoing practice as a Financial Planning Consultant and SMSF Director. She is currently a PhD candidate at Curtin University, researching cryptocurrency markets and AI in financial literacy, and serves as co-investigator on externally funded grants totalling over $70,000. Ly holds a Master of Professional Accounting with High Distinction and the Best Graduating Student Award from Curtin University, a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Business Studies from De Montfort University (UK), and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Arnhem Business School (Netherlands).
Ronnie Soh
Dr. Ronnie Soh is a lecturer and researcher with a strong interest in finance, investment analysis, financial technology, and the application of artificial intelligence in financial decision-making. His teaching and research work focus on making complex financial concepts accessible, practical, and relevant to students, practitioners, and lifelong learners. He is currently involved in research on Generative AI-based stock return prediction, exploring how machine learning, large language models, sentiment analysis, financial data, and macroeconomic indicators can be combined to support investment insights and decision-making. His broader academic interests include corporate finance, international finance, financial markets, investment strategies, and emerging technologies in education and finance. As an educator, Dr. Soh is passionate about helping students connect theory with real-world applications. He believes in using practical examples, case studies, data-driven analysis, and technology-enhanced learning to equip students with the skills needed for a rapidly changing financial landscape.
Ernel Merano
Dr. Ernel S. Merano is a seasoned educator and researcher with a PhD in Education from Eastern Visayas State University, supported by master’s and bachelor’s degrees in education from prestigious Philippine institutions. He holds multiple diplomas and certifications in early childhood education, special education, psychology, leadership, human resource management, and English language teaching, underscoring his diverse expertise in educational development. Dr. Merano has over 15 years of teaching experience across early childhood, primary, secondary, and adult education sectors, both in the Philippines and internationally, including Australia, the UAE, and Oman. His current role is at Arnhem Early Learning Centre in Australia, having previously served at Balmain Care for Kids and various K–12 and international schools in the Middle East. He has taught academic, vocational, and management courses and is certified in TEFL with licensure from the Philippine Professional Regulation Commission. He is an accomplished author with several publications in peer-reviewed journals and academic publishers, including studies on early childhood education, school leadership, and academic performance. His notable works include Grammar for Graders and studies on financial management and early literacy development. He has also received recognition for outstanding teaching performance, technological integration, and literary contribution. Dr. Merano is affiliated with various professional organisations such as the Australian Association for Research in Education, the Royal Statistical Society, and the Teaching and Education Research Association. He is an active contributor to international academic communities and a nominee for the 2025 HESTA Early Childhood Education Awards in Australia. Passionate about innovative pedagogy and lifelong learning, Dr. Merano continues to impact educational policy, practice, and research globally through teaching, writing, and academic leadership. https://rsis.international/reviewers/dr-ernel-saligumb-merano/