Patrik Kovačovský is a Professor and Studio Manager at the Department of Sculpture, Object, Installation at the Academy of Fine Arts in Bratislava. He works at the intersection of sculpture, architecture, and digital space, focusing on innovative artistic research and practice. Academy of Fine Arts in Bratislava (Department of Sculpture, 1990–1996) Art.D. studies, Academy of Fine Arts, 2001–2003 His research integrates traditional sculpture with virtual reality and architectural contexts, producing installations that explore memory, cosmic themes, and cultural identity. Recent works include Fluid Pictures (2011) and Kosmos (2006). 1996 Young Artist of the Year, Slovak National Gallery 2000 Annual Award, Galéria Klatovy/Klenová 2008 Visegrad Artist Residency 2010 Prohelvetia Residency in Zurich
François Goulette is a Professor and Deputy Director of the Computer Science and Systems Engineering Unit (U2IS) at ENSTA Paris, part of Institut Polytechnique de Paris. His research focuses on 3D point cloud processing, LiDAR perception, and autonomous systems within the Robotics Center (CAOR). His primary research interests lie in 3D point cloud processing , LiDAR perception , and autonomous systems . His work spans fundamental algorithm development to practical applications in autonomous driving, cultural heritage digitization, and robotics. He has made significant contributions to domain generalization of LiDAR perception, semantic segmentation of 3D point clouds, and point cloud registration techniques. The analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on domain generalization for LiDAR perception systems, with multiple papers addressing challenges in 3D semantic segmentation across different environments. His work combines multi-scale architectures , unsupervised learning , and dataset creation to advance the state-of-the-art in autonomous systems perception. The research spans both theoretical algorithm development and practical applications in urban environments. François Goulette leads research activities within the Robotics Center (CAOR) at ENSTA Paris. His team develops advanced techniques for 3D environment understanding, with applications in autonomous vehicles, cultural heritage preservation, and industrial robotics. The research combines computer vision, machine learning, and robotics to solve challenging problems in 3D perception and scene understanding.
Holly McIlwee Golecki serves as a Teaching Assistant Professor in the Department of Bioengineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign . With advanced degrees in Materials Science and Engineering (BS, MS - Drexel University) and a PhD in Engineering Sciences from Harvard University, she specializes in Soft Robotics , Mechanics of Biomaterials , and Engineering Education . Education: BS, Materials Science and Engineering, Drexel University MS, Materials Science and Engineering, Drexel University PhD, Engineering Sciences, Harvard University Her research focuses on soft robotics education and medical device design , with particular emphasis on making human-centered design accessible through hands-on prototyping and interdisciplinary collaboration . She maintains active research groups that explore biomaterials in robotic systems , soft robotics education , and innovative engineering pedagogy . Recent publications highlight her work in soft robotics education with applications in pressure ulcer prevention , biofabrication , and soft underwater robotics . The ASEE and Soft Robotics journals feature her team's research on soft robotics curriculum development and medical device innovation . Scientific Awards: NSF funding as co-PI for Southern and Central Illinois Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation Jump Arches Program funding for active wheelchair seat cushion development Clare Booth Luce Scholar Program mentorship Innovate & Iterate Prototyping Microgrant recipient As an advisor, Golecki mentors students in soft robotics , medical device design , and bioengineering education , with former students like Omolola Okesanjo and Cornell Horne pursuing graduate studies at Carnegie Mellon and UIUC. She co-organizes professional development workshops and maintains active collaborations with Conor Walsh's Harvard Biodesign Lab and Sandia National Labs .
Dr. Yuhan Jiang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Built Environment at North Carolina A&T State University's College of Science and Technology. He serves as the Founding Director of the HUD Center of Excellence for Innovation in Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (CIAHSC). Dr. Jiang leads a multidisciplinary research team focused on integrating robotics, artificial intelligence, and Building Information Modeling in construction operations and infrastructure management. Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Marquette University M.M. in Construction Management from Guangzhou University Additional Construction Management degree from Guangzhou University Dr. Jiang's research primarily focuses on artificial intelligence applications in architecture, engineering, construction, and operations (AECO). His work integrates robotics and remote sensing for data collection, computer vision and machine learning for data processing, and BIM, GIS, and AR/VR for data visualization. His research enables more efficient construction operations, building inspection, and infrastructure management. Additionally, he has extensive experience in community redevelopment planning and complex systems simulation, including investigating urban village formation mechanisms. Analysis of Dr. Jiang's recent publications reveals a strong focus on applying drone technology, computer vision, and deep learning to construction and infrastructure challenges. His work spans multiple domains including façade modeling, pavement evaluation, sidewalk inspection, earthwork calculation, and 3D reconstruction. A consistent theme across his research is the development of automated systems that improve efficiency, accuracy, and safety in construction and infrastructure management through AI and robotics. N.C. A&T and CoST Junior Faculty Teaching Excellence Award 2024-25 N.C. A&T and CoST Rookie Researcher of the Year Award 2024 ASCE Journal of Architectural Engineering Best Paper Award 2022 ASCE CI & CRC Joint Conference Best Paper Award 2024 AAAS HBCU Making and Innovation Showcase 1st Place 2024 CoST SciTech Week Innovation Challenge awards (2023-2025) N.C. A&T Provost's Faculty Fellow (2023 & 2024) Dr. Jiang has successfully secured over $4.5 million in research funding as PI or Co-PI, including a $2.5 million HUD Center of Excellence grant. He has mentored students who won 1st and 3rd place in the 2023 & 2024 Sci-Tech Week Innovation Challenge competitions and 1st place at the 2024 AAAS HBCU Making and Innovation Showcase. His funded projects span AI-driven BIM education tools, smart farming with robotics, drone-based façade modeling, and digital twin applications for infrastructure management. As Founding Director of the HUD Center of Excellence for Innovation in Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (CIAHSC), Dr. Jiang leads a multidisciplinary team focused on innovative approaches to affordable housing and sustainable community development. His lab work integrates drone technology, computer vision, and AI to create practical solutions for real-world construction and infrastructure challenges.
Leila De Floriani is a Professor at the University of Maryland, with appointments in the Department of Geographical Sciences and the University of Maryland Institute for Advanced Computer Studies (UMIACS). She previously served as a professor at the University of Genova (Italy) since 1990, where she developed Italy's first undergraduate and graduate curricula in computer graphics and directed the Ph.D. program in Computer Science for eight years. Her professional activities include serving as the 2020 President of the IEEE Computer Society and currently as IEEE Division VIII Director for 2023-24. Professor De Floriani's research spans geometric modeling, data visualization, spatial data representation and processing, computer graphics, shape analysis, and topological data analysis. Her work focuses on developing mathematical models and algorithms for representing, analyzing, and visualizing complex spatial data, particularly through hierarchical models, mesh-based representations, and topology-based approaches. Her research group, the GeoVis group, investigates applications in terrain modeling, environmental data analysis, and forest structure mapping using LiDAR technology. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on terrain representation and processing, with increasing emphasis on topological data analysis, machine learning integration, and efficient algorithms for large-scale spatial data. Her work bridges theoretical foundations in computational topology with practical applications in geospatial sciences, demonstrating consistent innovation in data structures and visualization techniques. Scientific Awards & Recognitions Fellow of IEEE (2016) for contributions to geometric modeling and scientific visualization Fellow of International Association for Pattern Recognition (IAPR) (1998) for contributions to geometric modeling and image analysis Fellow of Eurographics Association (2020) for outstanding contributions to computer graphics and visualization Pioneer of Solid Modeling Association (2017) for seminal work in solid and feature-based modeling Inducted Member of IEEE Visualization Academy (2020) IEEE Computer Society Golden Medal Award (2018) Inducted Member of IEEE Honor Society Eta Kappa Nu (2019) Multiple best paper awards at major conferences including Shape Modeling International (2015), IEEE/EG Symposium on Volume and Point-Based Graphics (2008), and ACM SIGSPATIAL (2008) Professor De Floriani has successfully advised numerous PhD students including Xin Xu, Yunting Song, and Noel Dyer, whose recent dissertations focused on topology-based individual tree mapping, efficient terrain analysis, and bathymetric data visualization respectively. Her research has been funded by prestigious agencies including the National Science Foundation, NASA, and the European Commission. As the leader of the UMD GeoVis group, she oversees a research program that develops open-source tools for spatial data analysis available on GitHub, with current projects focusing on forest point cloud processing and topology-based geospatial data visualization. The GeoVis group, affiliated with the Department of Geographical Sciences, UMIACS, and the Center for Geospatial Information Sciences, maintains a strong collaborative environment with ongoing projects in geometric modeling, spatial data structures, topology-based machine learning, and mesh-based terrain modeling. The group has received recent funding from NASA's HPOSS program for developing an open-source library for forest point cloud processing based on topological data analysis.
Professor Marilyn Lennon is a leading academic in the Department of Computer and Information Sciences at the University of Strathclyde , holding the title of Professor in Digital Health and Care. She founded and directs the Digital Health and Wellness Group (DHaWG) , focusing on multidisciplinary research for designing, evaluating, and implementing digital technologies that enhance individual and population health and wellbeing. First class BSc in Psychology (University of Glasgow, 1998) PhD in Computing Science (University of Glasgow, 2002) Postgraduate diploma in academic practice (Fellow of Higher Education Academy) With over two decades of experience in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) , usability, and user-centered design, her research spans wearable and mobile technologies for home healthcare, including remote monitoring (predictive falls monitoring), remote diagnosis (colon capsule technology evaluations), and smart home solutions for social care. She specializes in addressing technical and social barriers to real-world health technology implementation, emphasizing robust yet rapid evaluation methods. Recent publications highlight her work in 3D healthcare visualization, telehealth implementation, and medication management systems. Her research combines lab-based usability testing with real-world ('in the wild') evaluations of technologies like smart home systems and telehealth solutions. Key trends include cross-disciplinary collaboration, accessibility for sensory-impaired individuals, and AI-driven healthcare innovations. Scientific Awards MyCity: Glasgow - Gamechanger Award (Gold Medal) 2025 Images of Research 2025 Shortlist Emerald Outstanding Paper Award 2013 Best Paper Award (most replicable scientific paper) 2013 As course director for the Masters in Digital Health Systems , she has supervised 5 PhD students (2 completed) and over 100 honors projects. Current projects include the No Need to Fall initiative funded by the Health Foundation (£400k) and the PREMIO project co-creating clinical trials in advanced breast cancer. She maintains active collaborations with NHS, charities, and international institutions like the University of Waterloo.
Sara Galletti is Associate Professor in the Department of Art, Art History & Visual Studies at Duke University's Trinity College of Arts & Sciences. Her research focuses on early modern architectural history with emphasis on Mediterranean construction practices, stereotomy, and cross-cultural exchanges between France and Italy during the Renaissance. Education: Ph.D. in History of Architecture and Urbanism, joint program, Université de Paris IV-Sorbonne and Università IUAV di Venezia (2004) M.Arch., Università IUAV di Venezia (1999) Galletti's research centers on architectural knowledge transfer in the pre-modern Mediterranean, particularly stone vaulting techniques and stereotomy. Her recent book project History of Stone Vaulting in the Pre-Modern Mediterranean (funded by NEH) examines how construction practices traveled across cultural boundaries. She has pioneered studies on Philibert de L'Orme's theoretical contributions, revealing how paper-based design transformed building practices. Her work uniquely bridges architectural theory, construction history, and gender studies, with special attention to Maria de' Medici's architectural patronage in Paris. Her publications demonstrate consistent focus on Mediterranean construction networks, French-Italian architectural exchanges, and the materialization of political power through space. Recent articles analyze stereotomy from Cairo to Paris, revealing transregional knowledge flows that challenge Eurocentric architectural histories. Scientific Awards: Thomas Langford Lectureship Award (Duke University, 2015) Bruno Zevi Special Mention (2012) Andrew W. Mellon Assistant Professorship (2011) Galletti actively mentors doctoral students specializing in early modern architecture, currently supervising Lachlan Hassman while having previously guided dissertations by Iara Dundas, Brittany Forniotis, Dana Hogan, and Elisabeth Narkin. She leads the multi-year "Building Duke" initiative documenting campus architectural history, securing Bass Connections grants (2018-2021). Her editorial work includes the Journal of Medieval and Early Modern Studies (2016-2024) and Opus Incertum (2018-2020). As Principal Investigator for the NEH-funded project on Mediterranean stone vaulting (2021-2022), she directs fieldwork and digital modeling efforts. Her leadership extends to Duke's 2030 Working Group reimagining shared governance and the Library Steering Group.
Dr. Shabnam Sadeghi Esfahlani is an Associate Professor in Robotics at the School of Engineering and the Built Environment, Anglia Ruskin University , where she serves as Deputy Leader of the BORI research group and leads the Automation & Robotics MSc program. Her interdisciplinary expertise spans mechatronics, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and serious games , with a focus on applications for rehabilitation, medical training, and autonomous systems . As a Chartered Engineer and Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy , she has secured significant funding from Innovate UK, Horizon 2020, and GCRF , with grants exceeding £3 million. Education PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Anglia Ruskin University BSc (First Class) in Statistics & Mathematical Science, Shahid Beheshty University Her research integrates AI with robotics for societal impact, exemplified by the open-source SROBO ground robot and projects like Rehabgame and the Assistive Feeding Robot . She has published over 45 peer-reviewed articles and contributes to academic communities as a journal guest editor and conference organizer . Key collaborations include IET, IMechE, and the Nuffield Foundation as a mentor for young students. Scientific Awards & Recognitions: Chartered Engineer (CEng), Engineering Council UK Senior Fellow (SFHEA), Higher Education Academy Student-Voted 'Made a Difference Award' (2018) Post-Graduate Certificate in Higher Education
Ricardo Aguilera Echeverria is an Associate Professor at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), School of Electrical and Data Engineering . With a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Newcastle (2012), he has held academic positions at UNSW Australia (2014-2016) and UTS since 2016. His research focuses on model predictive control (MPC) applied to power electronics , renewable energy integration , and microgrid control systems . He actively supervises Masters and PhD students and has developed courses such as Control Studio A and Control Studio B . Education: PhD in Electrical Engineering (University of Newcastle, 2012) MSc in Electronics Engineering (Universidad Tecnica Federico Santa Maria, 2007) BSc in Electrical Engineering (Universidad de Antofagasta, 2003) Research Interests: Model Predictive Control (MPC) for power converters Microgrid stability and cybersecurity Second-life battery integration Hybrid DC-AC microgrid solutions Recent Research Trends: Advancements in modular multilevel matrix converters (M3C) for LFAC systems Development of per-phase instantaneous power theories for LVRT compensation Sliding mode observers (SMO) for cyberattack mitigation in AC microgrids Optimal control strategies for delta-connected CHB converters in energy storage Grants & Projects: Lead investigator in HORIZON Europe (2024-2027) on digital solutions for renewable energy systems ARC Discovery Project (DP240102646) on extending second-life battery life (2024-2026) Collaborative grants with Sovereign Propulsion Systems Pty Ltd and NSW Department of Industry for hybrid-electric vehicle control
Xin Li is a Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Duke University and serves as the Associate Vice Chancellor at Duke Kunshan University. He holds a Ph.D. from Carnegie Mellon University (2005) and has held leadership roles in research consortia like the FCRP Focus Research Center and the Center for Silicon System Implementation (CSSI). His research bridges integrated circuits , machine learning , and cyber-physical systems , with applications in autonomous driving, battery lifetime prediction, and smart buildings. Education : Ph.D., Carnegie Mellon University (2005); M.S., Fudan University (2001); B.S., Fudan University (1998) His work emphasizes robust design methodologies for analog/RF circuits, data-driven predictive modeling , and Bayesian inference for high-dimensional variation spaces. Recent publications focus on generative adversarial networks for circuit design, multi-view imputation for incomplete data, and knowledge-driven autonomous systems . He has received numerous accolades, including the NSF CAREER Award (2012) , IEEE Donald O. Pederson Best Paper Awards (2013, 2016) , and IEEE Fellow (2017) . He has served as Editor for journals like IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering and as Chair for conferences including ISVLSI and CAD/Graphics.
Fengqing Maggie Zhu is an Associate Professor at the Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering within Purdue University , West Lafayette campus. Her research spans image processing , video compression , computer vision , and smart health , with notable contributions to learned image compression , 3D reconstruction , and nutrition analysis via computer vision . Educational background: BS in Electrical Engineering, Purdue University (2004) MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Purdue University (2006) PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Purdue University (2011) Her work focuses on developing machine learning-based compression techniques for 2D/3D images and videos, with applications in food portion estimation , wearable dietary monitoring , and virtual reality facial expression tracking . She explores structured pruning , mixed precision quantization , and continual learning to create efficient, robust systems for edge-cloud collaboration. The 2025-2024 article collection reveals concentrated efforts in learned image compression (with 8 papers on quantization, pruning, hierarchical VAEs), food-related computer vision (12+ papers on portion estimation, databases, classification), and 3D reconstruction (MetaFood3D dataset, ICP-3DGS algorithm). Emerging themes include privacy-preserving AI for wearable cameras and class-incremental learning frameworks. Contact: zhu0@purdue.edu
Nicolò Dell'Unto serves as Professor of Archaeology at Lund University's Department of Archaeology and Ancient History within the Faculty of Humanities and Theology. His research pioneers digital methodologies for archaeological analysis, specializing in 3D visualization, spatial technology, and virtual reality applications that transform how we perceive and investigate the past. Based at Helgonavägen 3 in Lund (Room LUX:A122), he directs the Digital Archaeology Laboratory (DARKLab) and oversees undergraduate/postgraduate digital archaeology programs. His educational background includes: Archaeology studies at University of Rome, La Sapienza PhD in Technology and Management of Cultural Heritage from IMT Lucca, Italy Postdoctoral fellowship at University of California Merced Dell'Unto's research focuses on how laser scanners, photogrammetry, GIS, and virtual reality technologies fundamentally reshape archaeological practice. His work bridges technical innovation with theoretical frameworks in landscape archaeology, emphasizing practical field applications while addressing methodological challenges in data interpretation. Key themes include digital documentation standards, 3D data management, and the cognitive impact of visualization tools on archaeological reasoning. His publication trends reveal a shift toward AI integration in archaeological data interpretation, infrastructure development for 3D data sharing, and cross-disciplinary collaborations examining Mediterranean connectivity. Recent works emphasize practical frameworks for implementing digital tools in fieldwork while addressing sustainability challenges in digital heritage preservation. Award highlights: Einar Hansen Prize for Humanities (2017) Royal Physiographic Society of Lund election (2024) Best Paper Award (2014) Highly Cited Research recognition (2017) Dell'Unto supervises PhD and master's students while leading major projects including RE-OSTRAKON (3D artifact scanning), TETRARCHs (data reuse), and AIR (Archaeological Interactive Report). His DARKLab serves as Sweden's national infrastructure for digital archaeology, collaborating with institutions like University of Oslo's Museum of Cultural History where he holds a visiting professorship since 2019. He actively shapes digital archaeology policy as Domain Specialist for Swedish National Data Service, Board Member for Statens historiska museer, and Open Science Champion at Lund University, driving national standards for archaeological data management and open science practices.
Dr. Yassin A. Hassan is a Professor at the College of Engineering , Texas A&M University , with joint appointments in Nuclear Engineering and Mechanical Engineering . He holds the L.F. Peterson '36 Chair II , is a University Distinguished Professor , and directs the Center for Advanced Small Modular and Microreactors (CASMR) . Ph.D., Nuclear Engineering, University of Illinois – 1980 M.S., Nuclear Engineering, University of Illinois – 1975 B.S., Engineering, University of Alexandria in Egypt – 1968 His research interests include: Computational & Experimental Thermal Hydraulics Reactor Safety Fluid Mechanics Two-Phase Flow Turbulence & Laser Velocimetry Imaging Techniques His recent publications focus on: Thermal hydraulics of heat pipes and microreactors AI integration in nuclear thermal-fluid systems Flow regime transitions in wire-wrapped fuel assemblies CFD validation for pebble bed and molten salt reactors Uncertainty quantification in reactor simulations Flow visualization techniques under elevated pressures Scientific awards include: American Nuclear Society Seaborg Medal (2008) James N. Landis Medal (ASME, 2017) Akiyama Medal (ICONE 24, 2016) Arthur Holly Compton Award (ANS, 2003) Texas A&M TEES Research Impact Award (2018-2019) Honorary professor, Bangor University, UK Dr. Hassan leads the Thermal-Hydraulics Research Laboratory and has pioneered advancements in reactor safety, digital twin technologies, and AI-driven thermal-fluid simulations.
Dr. Sven Mackenbach serves as a Postdoctoral Researcher and Senior Engineer at RWTH Aachen University's Institute of Construction Management, Digital Engineering and Robotics in Construction (ICoM) since January 2023. Holding a doctorate in circular construction from the same institution, he leads the development of the "Circular Construction" research area, oversees multidisciplinary projects, and teaches Sustainable Construction Management to engineering students. His academic credentials include: PhD in Circular Construction, RWTH Aachen University (2023) Mackenbach's research integrates circular economy principles with digital construction technologies, focusing on strategic management frameworks for sustainable building practices. His expertise spans modular construction methods, BIM-based sustainability assessment, and digital twinning applications for infrastructure management. He bridges theoretical research with practical implementation through sustainability consulting for construction stakeholders, addressing real-world challenges in resource efficiency and regulatory compliance. His publication portfolio reveals a decisive shift toward data-driven circular construction solutions, with increasing emphasis on BIM-ontology integration for deconstruction planning, public participation systems, and sewer infrastructure management. Recent works demonstrate sophisticated methodological approaches to quantify ecological, economic, and social sustainability metrics without specialized expertise. As a scientific supervisor, Mackenbach mentors research assistants in project execution while contributing to curriculum development through his specialized course instruction. His leadership in research project coordination indicates substantial grant management experience, though specific funding sources aren't detailed in available materials. Within ICoM's collaborative environment, he contributes to cross-disciplinary teams advancing digital engineering and robotics applications in construction, particularly through the KaSyTwin sewer management project and BIPV facade digitalization initiatives.
Michele Cooke is an Associate Professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst , affiliated with the School of Earth and Sustainability. Her research focuses on mechanical modeling of fault systems, particularly in Southern California, and she leads initiatives for disability equity in geosciences. Contact: cooke@umass.edu | (413) 577-3142 | Morrill 3 230, 611 N Pleasant St, Amherst, MA Research Interests: Active faulting and work minimization in fault evolution Integration of analog experiments (sandbox/claybox) with numerical models Disability equity in geosciences (e.g., The Mind Hears mentoring forum) Subduction zone hazards and energy budgets Earthquake early warning accessibility for deaf communities Education: Ph.D., Stanford University
