Visiting Scholars and Students
Michael Quinn
Conducting a PhD in the Philosophy of Education, University of Glasgow

Michael is conducting a PhD in the Philosophy of Education, which explores the intersections between aesthetics and education, at the University of Glasgow. These research interests emerged from Michael’s previous academic experiences, having completed a Masters in Fantasy Literature as well as a Joint Honours, undergraduate degree, in English Literature and Philosophy. Michael also has a strong passion for education, having taught Literature in secondary schools in Scotland, Spain and Australia for almost a decade.
Since 2023, Michael has been researching the potential to engage philosophically with film and literature. For example, Michael has published on how philosophical topics, such as attention, AI engagement and extended cognition, can be effectively explored through film. While at TC, Michael will be continuing to explore similar themes but with a more intentional focus on attention and literature, drawing especially from the works of Iris Murdoch. Megan Laverty and David Hansen will be on Michael’s dissertation committee for the duration of his stay. This research visit will provide Michael with wider opportunities to engage in developing novel approaches to AI and exploring aesthetic injustice.
Outside of academia, Michael is an avid music, film and sports fan and will be making the most of New York’s vibrant cultural communities. He looks forward to visiting the MSG and US Open (and many more places!).
Gang Zhu
Associate Professor, The Institute of International and Comparative Education, East China Normal University

Vannesa Hortal de Lucas
Doctoral researcher and educator in the Department of Educational Studies at the Complutense University of Madrid

Vannesa Hortal de Lucas is a doctoral researcher and educator in the Department of Educational Studies at the Complutense University of Madrid, currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Education through a fellowship from the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities. Her research focuses on philosophy of education, with a particular emphasis on the work of Maxine Greene. Through a hermeneutic approach, she is exploring Greene’s contributions to aesthetic education and political formation in pluralistic societies. Vannesa is also involved in several research and teaching innovation projects focused on ethical-civic education, critical thinking, and writing practices in teacher training programs.
Steven Zhao
