Professor Dave Sloggett has over 40 years of experience in the intelligence field working in both the law enforcement and military domains. His research focuses on developing models of human behaviour within the context of the customs, creeds and traditions of specific societal landscapes. These anthropological and sociological factors modulate behaviour and establish social norms and expectations of behaviour at a local level. His current activities, for which he is involved in joint studies at the Department of Mathematics at the University of Reading, are concentrated on the development of a framework of modelling human behaviour using mathematics that is able to reflect the multi-dimensional drivers that alter behaviour. Current work in this effort is directed at the application of the ideas embodied in the mathematics of Self Organised Criticality [SOC], Levy Flights, Martingale Series and a number of other mathematical constructs to the radicalisation of potential terrorists in the United Kingdom and overseas in places like the Yemen, Saudi Arabia and Iraq alongside the recruitment of insurgents in theatres such as Afghanistan where religious attitudes and beliefs are strong modulators of behaviour. Professor Sloggett has a specific interest in the regulatory effect of cognitive dissonance on the radicalisation process and how outside events given great prominence by the media can shape the journey taken by individuals and groups who are vulnerable to becoming involved in terrorism.
Gaby is a Sociologist with an interdisciplinary academic background. After studying Psychology, Sociology and Anthropology in the Netherlands and Australia, she completed her MSc in Sociology at the LSE, specialising in Employment and Organisational Sociology with a particular focus on Gender, Interpersonal Relationships and qualitative research methods. Prior to joining BDi, Gaby worked as a manager in sales and service operations environments. During her last project she recruited and managed a team that pioneered a new government service designed to help Londoners measurably reduce their carbon emissions. She has extensive experience in developing and improving business processes, quality assurance and project management. Gaby has also worked for a consultancy that specialised in experiential hostile environment training, team & leadership development and selection centres. Clients include the FCO, NGOs, humanitarian aid agencies and a number of commercial organisations. Her research interests are clustered around the sociological paradigms of Social Systems and Interactionism.
Joshua Mora has a background in behavioural economics and systems modelling, and oversees research efforts to improve the rigour of influence models using computational and system-level approaches. Past work includes development of evaluation programmes and dynamic models for influence efforts across the Middle East, North Africa, Central America and Afghanistan. Joshua completed a BS in economics and mathematics at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Binghamton, and an MSc in Decision Sciences at the London School of Economic (LSE). Professional experience includes time spent at an international investment bank, a national defence laboratory, and as a consultant on database design and training in New York City.
Dr Lee Rowland is an experimental psychologist and an expert on research methods for the behavioural sciences. He received his Ph.D. from University College London, did post-doctoral work in the Centre for the Study of Emotion and Motivation at Southampton University, and is a former assistant director and lecturer for the M.Sc. in Psychological Research at Oxford University.
Dr. Paul S. Lieber holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Mass Communication (and Public Affairs) from Louisiana State University, likewise a B.S - Magna Cum Laude. in Broadcast Journalism from Syracuse University. Paul's widely published research emphasis mirrors his several years professional practice in global strategic communication, centered on creating valid, predictive models of persuasion within interactive and/or advanced technology environments. He presently serves as an Associate Professor in Public Relations at the University of Canberra (Australia), preceded by stints as the Command Writer for U.S. Special Operations Command, head of information operations research for U.S. Central Command, and on the faculties of the University of South Carolina and Emerson College.
Dr Tania Tam has a DPhil in the Psychology of Intergroup Conflict from the University of Oxford. She has a B.A. in Psychology with Highest Honors from the University of California at Berkeley, and a second B.A. in German. Tania has conducted research on post-conflict reconciliation and sectarian relations in Northern Ireland and has won awards for her work. Tania has also conducted research for the UK government. She has expertise in social methodological issues and advanced statistical techniques and is a Fellow of the Royal Statistical Society. Tania has published widely in scholarly peer-reviewed journals.
Dr. Yael ('Elle') Lieber holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in School Psychology from Tulane University in New Orleans, and a B.A. - Highest Honors in Psychology from the University of Rhode Island, with her research - subsequently published in both journals and at conferences - emphasizing problem sets stemming from exposure to community violence within a developmental psychological perspective. She currently serves as a licensed psychologist in Canberra, Australia, a role which builds upon her several years of applied experience in clinical, hospital and school settings. Near-recently, Elle functioned as a statistical analyst at U.S. Special Operations Command's Joint Military Information Support Command, where she analyzed complex psychological operations datasets across all of the U.S. Department of Defense's Combatant Commands.
