Leadership and International Programming

Robert served as Senior Program Director for the Center for the Study of Men and Masculinities at Stony Brook University, where he led international academic programming, coordinated four visiting scholars from around the world, organized seminars and knowledge exchange events, and contributed to the publication of three white papers. He also served on the board of directors for the American Men's Studies Association, helping organize 2 conferences and 6 panels. As an Affiliated Visiting Scholar at the University of Bucharest, he conducted independent research and navigated non-US academic systems firsthand. These experiences shaped his understanding of how academic expectations, power dynamics, and institutional cultures shift across borders.

Teaching and Student Development

Dr. Cserni earned his PhD in Sociology from Stony Brook University and served as Visiting Assistant Professor at Rhode Island College, where he received teaching evaluations of 4.85/5 with 90% response rates. He designed and led 17 sociology courses, supervised undergraduate dissertations, and provided academic and career advising to students navigating complex institutional expectations. His teaching innovation on reading compliance and critical analysis was published in College Teaching (2020).

Publications and Public Engagement

Robert has published peer reviewed research in Sociology of Health & Illness, Men and Masculinities, Sociology Compass, and Communication and Information Technologies Annual. His public engagement includes being quoted in Fatherly and The The Business of Fashion and appearing as a guest on SiriusXM Radio.

Coaching and The Global Academic Studio

Robert's coaching career bridges academia and professional development. He has coached 62 senior leaders through intensive leadership development programs at Makers Academy and tutored dozens of students at Spires across sociology, psychology, and social policy. That work confirmed what he already knew from teaching: people don't need someone to tell them what to do. They need space to think clearly, support to see what's actually happening, and strategic guidance to move forward with confidence.

In 2025, Robert founded The Global Academic Studio. He currently accepts clients for one to one coaching and writing coaching.

Robert and his partner Stefan live in London. Outside of coaching, he's an avid LEGO builder, a reluctant but persistent indoor climber, and a crocheter who finds the repetition surprisingly meditative. He bakes elaborate desserts that don't always turn out as planned but maintains that the process matters more than the result.