Prof. Dr. Gregg Caruso | Arts and Humanities | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Gregg Caruso | Arts and Humanities | Best Researcher Award

Director of Waide Center for Applied Ethics at Fairfield University, United States

Dr. Gregg D. Caruso is a distinguished philosopher and professor of applied ethics, currently serving as Director of the Patrick J. Waide Center for Applied Ethics at Fairfield University and Honorary Professor at Macquarie University. Renowned for his expertise in free will, moral responsibility, punishment, and neurolaw, Caruso has authored numerous influential books, including Rejecting Retributivism and Neurolaw, and co-authored works with leading figures like Daniel Dennett. He has received prestigious honors such as the American Philosophical Association’s Gittler Award and the SUNY Distinguished Professor title, underscoring his national and international impact. Caruso’s work bridges philosophy, law, and neuroscience, advancing a public health-oriented model of justice. He also demonstrates academic leadership through center directorships, research networks, and international collaborations. His scholarship, marked by intellectual rigor and societal relevance, makes him a leading voice in contemporary applied ethics and an outstanding candidate for recognition in research excellence.

Professional Profile 

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Education

Dr. Gregg D. Caruso holds a Ph.D. and M.Phil. in Philosophy from the City University of New York (CUNY) Graduate Center, where he developed his foundational expertise in free will, ethics, and consciousness. He earned his B.A. in Philosophy from William Paterson University and an A.A.S. in Music from Nassau Community College. His academic journey reflects a multidisciplinary background that combines the humanities and the arts, shaping his unique perspective in philosophy and ethics. Caruso’s education at CUNY, a leading public research institution, provided a rigorous grounding in both analytic and applied philosophy, allowing him to explore topics at the intersection of law, neuroscience, and moral responsibility. This solid academic preparation laid the foundation for a distinguished career as a scholar and educator, enabling him to critically engage with some of the most challenging ethical and philosophical questions of our time.

Professional Experience

Dr. Caruso has held a variety of academic positions, reflecting both depth and versatility in teaching and research. He currently serves as Professor of Applied Ethics and Director of the Patrick J. Waide Center for Applied Ethics at Fairfield University. Prior to this, he was SUNY Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at SUNY Corning Community College, where he also served as Chair of the Humanities and Social Sciences Department. Caruso has held honorary and visiting appointments at prestigious institutions, including Macquarie University in Australia and Northeastern University London. His career spans over two decades of university-level teaching and leadership, covering roles such as department chair, ethics center director, and research network organizer. Through these roles, Caruso has demonstrated excellence in academic administration, mentorship, and interdisciplinary collaboration, enhancing the impact of applied ethics in diverse academic and social contexts.

Research Interest

Dr. Caruso’s research interests focus on free will, moral responsibility, punishment, and the intersection of philosophy with neuroscience and law. He is a leading advocate of free will skepticism and has developed the “public health-quarantine model” as an ethical alternative to retributive justice. His work bridges applied ethics, moral psychology, philosophy of law, and neuroethics, and he engages with contemporary debates on consciousness, determinism, and social justice. Caruso’s interdisciplinary approach allows him to explore how empirical findings in neuroscience and psychology can inform normative ethical theories and public policy. His recent interests also extend into business ethics and public health, as seen in his forthcoming book Putting People Before Profit. Caruso’s scholarship aims to reframe how society understands agency, culpability, and justice, making significant contributions to both academic philosophy and practical reform in criminal justice and ethical governance.

Award and Honor

Dr. Gregg D. Caruso has received numerous awards and distinctions recognizing his scholarly excellence and thought leadership. Notably, he was named a SUNY Distinguished Professor in 2024, one of the highest honors in the SUNY system, awarded for national and international prominence in research. In 2022, he won the American Philosophical Association’s Joseph B. Gittler Award for his groundbreaking book Rejecting Retributivism, which explores the implications of free will skepticism for criminal justice. He has received several research grants from institutions like Cornell University and the University of Aberdeen and has twice been awarded sabbaticals to work on major book projects. Additional honors include the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Scholarship and multiple teaching excellence awards. These accolades highlight Caruso’s sustained contributions to philosophy, his impact on interdisciplinary research, and his commitment to bridging theory with ethical and social applications.

Conclusion

Dr. Gregg D. Caruso stands out as a thought leader in contemporary philosophy, with a body of work that is both academically rigorous and socially transformative. His contributions span key ethical domains—free will, justice, punishment, and public health—while also addressing the practical implications of philosophy in law and policy. With a strong educational foundation, a dynamic professional career, and a broad, impactful research portfolio, Caruso has influenced debates in applied ethics, neurolaw, and moral psychology. His awards and honors affirm the significance and originality of his scholarship. Whether through his books, teaching, or institutional leadership, Caruso demonstrates a sustained commitment to ethical progress and intellectual inquiry. He is not only a prolific scholar but also a public philosopher whose work is shaping how society thinks about responsibility and justice. As such, he is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Publications Top Notes

  • Title: Free Will and Consciousness: A Determinist Account of the Illusion of Free Will
    Author(s): G.D. Caruso
    Year: 2012
    Citations: 260

  • Title: Rejecting Retributivism: Free Will, Punishment, and Criminal Justice
    Author(s): G.D. Caruso
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 164

  • Title: Neuroexistentialism: Meaning, Morals, and Purpose in the Age of Neuroscience
    Author(s): G.D. Caruso, O.J. Flanagan
    Year: 2018
    Citations: 122

  • Title: Free Will Skepticism and Criminal Behavior: A Public Health-Quarantine Model
    Author(s): G. Caruso
    Year: 2016
    Citations: 122

  • Title: Skepticism About Moral Responsibility
    Author(s): G. Caruso
    Year: 2018
    Citations: 115

  • Title: Public Health and Safety: The Social Determinants of Health and Criminal Behavior
    Author(s): G.D. Caruso
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 111

  • Title: Hard-Incompatibilist Existentialism: Neuroscience, Punishment, and Meaning in Life
    Author(s): D. Pereboom, G. Caruso
    Year: 2002
    Citations: 101

  • Title: Just Deserts: Debating Free Will
    Author(s): D.C. Dennett, G.D. Caruso
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 68

  • Title: Compatibilism and Retributivist Desert Moral Responsibility
    Author(s): G.D. Caruso, S.G. Morris
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 62

  • Title: Justice Without Retribution: An Epistemic Argument Against Retributive Criminal Punishment
    Author(s): G.D. Caruso
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 59

  • Title: (Un)Just Deserts: The Dark Side of Moral Responsibility
    Author(s): G.D. Caruso
    Year: 2014
    Citations: 46

  • Title: Free Will Skepticism and Its Implications: An Argument for Optimism
    Author(s): G.D. Caruso
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 33

  • Title: Free Will Eliminativism: Reference, Error, and Phenomenology
    Author(s): G.D. Caruso
    Year: 2015
    Citations: 24

  • Title: Free Will as a Case of “Crazy Ethics”
    Author(s): S. Smilansky, G. Caruso
    Year: 2013
    Citations: 24

  • Title: A Non-Punitive Alternative to Retributive Punishment
    Author(s): G.D. Caruso, D. Pereboom
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 23

Vanessa Whittem | Architecture | Best Researcher Award

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Mrs Vanessa Whittem | Architecture | Best Researcher Award 

Mrs Vanessa Whittem , Deakin University , Australia

Vanessa Whittem is a dedicated Graduate Architect and PhD candidate at Deakin University, specializing in sustainable architecture. With a background in both architecture and construction management, she combines technical expertise with research acumen. Vanessa has a rich teaching history, guiding undergraduate students and contributing significantly to various research projects. Her previous career as a Chartered Accountant and CPA provides her with a unique perspective on financial management in architecture. Passionate about environmental sustainability, she actively engages in community initiatives and professional development, showcasing her commitment to both the architectural field and societal well-being.

Publication Profile

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Strengths for the Award

  1. Diverse Expertise: Vanessa has a unique combination of qualifications in architecture, construction management, and accounting. Her background as a Chartered Accountant and CPA adds depth to her financial and project management skills, enabling her to navigate complex research environments effectively.
  2. Extensive Research Experience: As a Post-Doctoral Researcher at Northeastern University and a Research Assistant at Deakin University, Vanessa has contributed to multiple significant projects, showcasing her ability to lead and collaborate in diverse research contexts.
  3. Publication Record: Vanessa’s strong publication history, including peer-reviewed articles in prominent journals, highlights her commitment to advancing knowledge in architectural sustainability and post-occupancy evaluations. Her recent works reflect her capacity for rigorous research and critical analysis.
  4. Teaching and Mentorship: With experience as an Adjunct Lecturer and Casual Academic, Vanessa has demonstrated her ability to educate and inspire undergraduate students. Her engagement in teaching complements her research, fostering a holistic academic approach.
  5. Grants and Awards: Her successful grant applications and recognition for research excellence, such as the Graham Treloar Research Prize and Best Student Paper awards, underscore her capability to secure funding and contribute valuable insights to the field.
  6. Professional Service: Vanessa’s involvement in professional committees and as a manuscript reviewer illustrates her dedication to the architectural community and her proactive engagement in advancing research standards.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Networking and Collaboration: While Vanessa has a solid track record of individual accomplishments, expanding her network and collaboration with international researchers could enhance her research impact and visibility.
  2. Broader Dissemination of Research Findings: Increasing her presence in industry-related conferences and workshops would allow her to share findings more widely and gather diverse perspectives that could enrich her work.
  3. Interdisciplinary Research Initiatives: Exploring opportunities for interdisciplinary research projects could leverage her diverse skills and knowledge, creating innovative solutions in architecture and sustainability.

Education 

Vanessa Whittem holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from Deakin University, focusing on post-occupancy feedback in architecture, and is set to submit her thesis in July 2024. She earned her Master of Architecture from Deakin University in 2018, where her thesis explored post-occupancy feedback sources for architects in Victoria, Australia. Additionally, she holds a Bachelor of Design (Architecture) with Distinction and a Bachelor of Construction Management with First Class Honours, both from Deakin University. Her educational foundation is complemented by certifications as a Chartered Accountant and a US CPA, alongside a Bachelor of Commerce from the Australian National University, reflecting her strong analytical and financial skills.

Experience

Vanessa has diverse experience in both academia and architectural practice. Currently, she serves as a Post-Doctoral Researcher at Northeastern University’s Smart Cities Lab, while also lecturing at James Cook University. Previously, she was a Research Assistant at Deakin University, where she contributed to multiple projects focused on sustainability and urban architecture. Her teaching experience includes casual academic roles, where she tutored and assessed undergraduate students in various architecture and construction courses. Additionally, she worked as an Architectural Assistant at AlsoCAN Architects, gaining hands-on experience in residential projects. Vanessa has also consulted for various councils on building design regulations, enhancing her practical knowledge in urban development and community planning.

Awards and Honors 

Vanessa Whittem has received several prestigious awards, recognizing her research excellence and contributions to architecture. She was honored with the Best Student Paper at the 56th Architectural Science Association Conference in December 2023. In 2022, she received the Graham Treloar Research Prize for the Most Outstanding Publication on Sustainability from Deakin University. Her PhD scholarship, awarded in 2019, highlights her academic prowess and commitment to research. Additionally, she achieved accolades for her presentations during the School Research Day at Deakin University. Vanessa’s participation in various design competitions, such as the ASC Texo International Design Build, where her team secured 2nd place, further showcases her competitive spirit and innovative approach to architecture.

Research Focus 

Vanessa’s research primarily explores post-occupancy feedback mechanisms in architecture, aiming to enhance the sustainability and user satisfaction of built environments. Her doctoral thesis investigates the Integral Sustainable Design framework, analyzing architects’ desires and the effectiveness of feedback surveys in educational settings. Throughout her academic career, she has engaged in collaborative research addressing urban architecture and environmental sustainability, including projects on migrant architecture and the implications of architectural decisions on community well-being. Vanessa’s work reflects a commitment to bridging the gap between architectural practice and academic research, focusing on actionable insights for architects and policymakers. By contributing to scholarly articles and participating in various research initiatives, she aims to influence the future of sustainable architectural design and promote more effective communication between architects and users.

Publication Top Notes

  1. Bridging the gaps – A mixed methods approach to evaluating novel feedback surveys of children on school buildings 🌍📚
  2. How comprehensive is post-occupancy feedback on school buildings for architects? A conceptual review based upon Integral Sustainable Design principles 🏫📊
  3. Reliability of human environmental “sensors”: Evidence from first- and third-person methods 📏🔍
  4. Architectural, indoor environmental, personal and cultural influences on students’ selection of a preferred place to study 🛋️🎓
  5. Learning from built projects – sources of post occupancy feedback used by architects in Victoria, Australia 🏛️📝
  6. Symposium Vacancy and Preservation: Architecture of the Post-industrial Community 🏭📖

Conclusion

Vanessa Whittem is a highly qualified candidate for the Best Researcher Award, demonstrating a blend of academic excellence, practical experience, and a commitment to sustainability in architecture. Her strengths in research, teaching, and professional service position her as a leader in her field. By addressing areas for improvement, she can further amplify her impact on architectural research and education.