Paolo Ruffino is a Senior Lecturer in Digital Curation and Computational Creativity at the Department of Digital Humanities, King's College London, and currently serves as Postgraduate Research Lead. His work bridges academia and artistic practice through collaborations with the artist group IOCOSE, which explores future narratives in technology and society. He previously held positions at the University of Liverpool, University of Lincoln, and others. Education background includes prior academic roles rather than explicit degree details Research focuses on videogames’ role in the Anthropocene, posthumanism, media philosophy, and labor dynamics in the games industry. Current projects include a monograph on post-Anthropocene imaginaries in games and studies on game engines’ impact on visual culture. His work intersects cultural studies, semiotics, and media theory. Publications span critical analyses of game mechanics, labor practices, and independent game development. He contributes to interdisciplinary initiatives like the Digital Humanities Game Lab and the Centre for Digital Culture at King’s. Teaching includes modules on digital culture, media studies, and game studies at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Active in fostering collaborative research between academics and game developers.
Pasquale Cascarano is a fixed-term Assistant Professor at the University of Bologna , affiliated with the Department of the Arts . His research bridges computer science with creative industries (cinema, art, fashion) and biomedical applications, focusing on Artificial Intelligence and Extended Reality paradigms. He collaborates with national and international institutions on interdisciplinary projects. Institutional Affiliation: University of Bologna Academic Role: Assistant Professor (fixed-term) Research Interests center on integrating AI and XR into creative sectors and healthcare, with emphasis on: Generative AI for immersive environments Medical imaging and diagnostics Digital heritage preservation XR-based educational tools 3D visualization techniques Creative technology applications Recent Publications highlight trends in: Medical XR for surgical training AI-driven image restoration LLM integration with AR/VR Privacy in collaborative AR Fashion and cultural heritage digitization Deep learning for video enhancement
Dr. Dana Dabiri is a Professor in the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics and an Adjunct Professor in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Washington. He specializes in experimental fluid dynamics, developing advanced techniques like Digital Particle Image Velocimetry (DPIV) and Particle Tracking Velocimetry (PTV). His research focuses on fluid flow visualization, turbulence, aerodynamics, and heat transfer. Education: Ph.D., Aerospace Engineering, University of California, San Diego (1992) M.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley B.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of California, San Diego (1985) Dr. Dabiri's work emphasizes innovative diagnostic methods for studying fluid dynamics, including DPIV, DPITV (temperature-velocity measurement), and 3D PTV. His contributions span aerodynamics, hydrodynamics, boundary layers, flow control, and cardiovascular flows. He co-authored the book Particle Tracking Velocimetry (2019), detailing advancements in flow measurement techniques. He has advised students like Lillie LaPlace, who received the Sigma Gamma Tau honor. His research has been supported by grants for projects such as film evaporation experiments on the ISS. He maintains active collaborations in fluid mechanics and experimental approaches to turbulence modeling.
Professor Anna Giacomini is a leading academic in Rock Mechanics and Civil Engineering at the University of Newcastle. She holds a PhD from the University of Parma, Italy, and has been at the University of Newcastle since 2005. Her roles include Director of the Priority Research Centre for Geotechnical Science and Engineering and Deputy President of the Academic Senate (Research). She specializes in rockfall hazard analysis, mine geotechnics, and numerical modeling of geomechanical systems. Her research focuses on improving safety in mining and civil environments, with over $7.5M in funding and 140+ publications. Key areas include rockfall trajectory analysis, energy absorption in safety barriers, and drapery systems. She has led 20 major projects through ACARP and pioneered low-cost photogrammetric monitoring systems for rock slopes. Professor Giacomini is also a co-founder of HunterWiSE, promoting women in STEM. She has received prestigious awards such as the 2022 NSW Premier’s Engineering Prize and the 2019 John Booker Medal. Her administrative roles include membership in the ARC College of Experts and leadership in gender equity initiatives. Her technical contributions span experimental and numerical rock mechanics, including advancements in discrete element modeling (DEM) and stochastic approaches for discontinuity shear strength prediction. She collaborates internationally with institutions like the Colorado School of Mines and the University of Bologna.
Benjamin Lev is a Professor in the Department of Decision Sciences and Management Information Systems (DS&MIS) at the LeBow College of Business, Drexel University. He previously served as Trustee Professor (2014–2021) and Department Head (2009–2014) at Drexel. His academic leadership extends to prior roles as Professor, Department Head, and Dean at the University of Michigan-Dearborn (1990–2009), Professor and Department Head at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (1987–1990), and Professor and Department Head at Temple University (1970–1987). He has held short appointments at institutions in China and the U.S., including the Wharton School and Tel Aviv University. Lev’s research spans Operations Research, Management Science, and Decision Sciences , with expertise in mathematical programming, operations planning, inventory control, supply chain management, and optimization under uncertainty. His recent work focuses on applications in disaster management, sustainable supply chains, AI in operations, water resource allocation, and emergency logistics. He has published over 150 journal articles and authored or edited 18 books, with a strong emphasis on real-world problem-solving using quantitative methods. The trends in his recent publications (2022–2025) reflect a focus on complex optimization under uncertainty , particularly in humanitarian logistics, environmental sustainability, and digital commerce. His work frequently employs advanced methodologies such as bi-level programming, stochastic optimization, fuzzy logic, and data envelopment analysis (DEA), often applied to critical societal challenges like disaster response, air pollution, and resource scarcity. Lev is an INFORMS Fellow (2003) and has received several honors, including the 2023 Top Cited Article award in Naval Research Logistics and the 2023 First Prize from the Jiangxi Province Social Science Outstanding Achievement Award. His editorial leadership is most notably demonstrated by his 23-year tenure as Editor-in-Chief (2002–2025) of OMEGA – The International Journal of Management Science , one of the premier journals in the field. He has advised numerous scholars and presented his work globally, particularly on his experience as EiC of OMEGA . He has been actively involved in academic collaborations, especially in China, serving on advisory boards and as an external reviewer for institutions like Sichuan University. He has also received significant grant funding from the U.S. National Institutes of Health, U.S. Public Health Service, and U.S. Air Force for research in medical information systems and operations research applications. Lev has been instrumental in organizing major international conferences and has served on the editorial boards of over 20 journals, including Interfaces, IIE Transactions, OR Journal, and Financial Innovation . His role as Vice President of TIMS and INFORMS further underscores his leadership in the global operations research community.
Diego Patiño is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), a position he began in September 2024. He earned his Ph.D. in Computer Engineering from the National University of Colombia in 2020, following M.S. and B.S. degrees from the same institution. Prior to joining UTA, he served as a Postdoctoral Fellow at Drexel University and a Postdoctoral Researcher at the GRASP Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania. B.S. in Computer Engineering, National University of Colombia, 2010 M.S. in Computer Engineering, National University of Colombia, 2012 Ph.D. in Computer Engineering, National University of Colombia, 2020 Dr. Patiño's research centers on geometric computer vision and machine learning, with applications in robotics and 3D vision. His primary interests include 3D reconstruction, graph neural networks, symmetry detection, physics-informed machine learning, and reinforcement learning. He develops algorithms that integrate geometric priors and physical constraints into deep learning models to improve robustness and generalization in real-world robotic systems. His recent publications demonstrate a strong trend in leveraging implicit neural representations for 3D shape reconstruction, applying graph neural networks to swarm robotics, and enhancing computer vision tasks with self-supervised and physics-informed learning. Work spans high-impact venues such as IEEE RA-L, ICRA, ICPR, and MICCAI, showing a consistent focus on geometric reasoning, robotic perception, and medical imaging applications. His scientific contributions have been recognized with awards from the UTA Division of Student Affairs for exceptional dedication and positive impact (2024 and 2025). He is actively involved in securing research funding, with multiple grants under review from NSF, Air Force SBIR, and industry partners like Sony. Exceptional dedication and positive impact recognition, UTA Division of Student Affairs (December 9, 2024) Exceptional dedication and positive impact recognition, UTA Division of Student Affairs (April 30, 2025) Dr. Patiño advises and serves on committees for multiple graduate students in computer science and engineering, including doctoral and master’s candidates. He is also leading or co-leading several research grants under review, covering topics such as aerial swarm navigation, neuromorphic sensing, and industrial computer vision. He teaches graduate courses in computer vision and is involved in service roles including PhD admissions and faculty appointments committees. He is affiliated with research initiatives at UTA, including the UTARI Research Institute, where he has presented on geometric modeling and physics-informed learning. His lab focuses on developing next-generation computer vision algorithms for robotics, industrial inspection, and safety-critical systems.
Mehmet Uğur KAHRAMAN is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Interior Architecture and Environmental Design at Antalya Bilim University, where he has served since 2017. Previously, he held a faculty position at Kayseri Nuh Naci Yazgan University (2015–2017). His academic journey includes a Doctorate from Hacettepe University (Interior Architecture and Environmental Design), a Master of Design (Interior Design) from Swinburne University of Technology (Australia), and a Bachelor’s degree from Hacettepe University’s Department of Interior Architecture and Environmental Design. Before academia, he worked as a construction site manager at KG Architecture in Istanbul, co-founded the food and beverage brand 'Shot&Bite' in Ankara, and later served as a designer at QUBİ Design Office. His research focuses on integrating artificial intelligence into design education, neurocognitive aspects of spatial design, sustainable materials, and pedagogical innovations in interior architecture education. He has authored over 20 peer-reviewed articles on topics ranging from AI-driven furniture design to multisensory hospitality spaces. His work bridges theoretical research with practical applications, such as developing curriculum models for design studios and exploring waste-to-art construction techniques. KAHRAMAN’s studies also address health impacts of building materials and the psychological dimensions of housing during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. He maintains active research collaborations, particularly in Turkey and Australia, and has contributed to public infrastructure projects involving material conservation and adaptive reuse. His educational philosophy emphasizes student-centered learning, interdisciplinary approaches, and leveraging digital tools for contemporary design challenges.
Hannu Hyyppä is a Research Director and Project Employee at Aalto University's Department of Built Environment, affiliated with the MeMo research group. He leads the Research Institute of Measuring and Modelling for the Built Environment, focusing on advanced laser scanning, 3D modeling, and geoinformatics. His work spans interdisciplinary collaborations across engineering, geography, and arts, with a strong emphasis on applications in cultural heritage preservation, urban planning, and environmental monitoring. Education: Doctoral degree (D.Sc.) in Engineering and Technology, Helsinki University of Technology (2000) Licentiate degree in Engineering and Technology, Helsinki University of Technology (1989) Master's degree in Engineering and Technology, Helsinki University of Technology (1986) Research Interests: Laser scanning technologies, point cloud utilization in forestry and urban mapping, virtual reality for cultural heritage, and sustainable infrastructure modeling. His expertise includes photogrammetry, geographic information systems (GIS), and decision support systems for environmental management. Recent Contributions: Over 550 publications and 30+ active projects, including the Centre of Excellence in Laser Scanning Research (2014-2019) and the Pointcloud project (2015-2021). His work advances applications in autonomous road inspection, 3D cultural reconstructions, and smart city technologies. Awards: Recipient of the 2019 Kansallinen avoimen tieteen palkinto for innovative open science contributions. Grants & Leadership: Principal Investigator for projects like DICA (Digital Cultural Heritage) and ToToRo (Automatic Road Inspection). Active in organizing workshops and international conferences on 3D technologies and laser scanning. Labs/Teams: Oversees the MeMo group and collaborates with national organizations like the Finnish Geospatial Research Institute. Develops tools for real-time 3D mapping and virtual environments.
Srinivas (Sri) Talluri is the John Hoagland - Richard Metzler Professor in Purchasing and Supply Management at the Department of Supply Chain Management, Michigan State University (Broad College of Business). He holds the title of DSI Fellow and served as the faculty director of the Axia Institute, focusing on advancing supply chain research and education. His work emphasizes supply chain resilience, risk management, and sustainability through innovative applications of blockchain, generative AI, and quantum computing. Dr. Talluri's research spans demand-supply uncertainty modeling, sustainable supply chain design, and strategic sourcing. Notable contributions include frameworks for blockchain integration in logistics, eco-efficient vaccine distribution during pandemics, and data-driven optimization for remanufacturing systems. His work frequently addresses macroeconomic disruptions, geopolitical risks, and environmental compliance under carbon tax schemes. His scholarly recognition includes the Fulbright-Hanken Distinguished Chair (2016-2017) and top 100 Operations Management scholar rankings. His research has been published in leading journals such as International Journal of Production Research and IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management . Key Professional Contributions: Over 140 peer-reviewed articles, leadership in supply chain education, and industry collaborations addressing global supply chain challenges. Labs/Initiatives: Active in the Axia Institute, focusing on supply chain innovation and policy.
Elana Schlenker is a Lecturer in the Image Text Ithaca low-residency MFA program at Cornell University's College of Architecture, Art, and Planning since 2016. As principal of Studio Elana Schlenker (founded 2011), she leads a medium-agnostic design practice while co-running the cooperative studio Out of Office with Mark Pernice. Her work bridges academia and professional design through initiatives like Gratuitous Type magazine and the gender wage parity project Less Than 100. Schlenker's research centers on graphic design as a vehicle for social commentary, particularly gender equity in creative industries. She explores typographic innovation, visual identity systems for cultural institutions, and the intersection of image/text in digital and print media. Her practice demonstrates how design methodologies can address political and wellness themes through Visual identity , Branding , and Art direction projects. Recent publications (2021-2024) reveal a focus on modular design systems for art institutions and publishers, with heavy emphasis on interactive web experiences and context-specific typography . She frequently collaborates with photographers and galleries, translating complex narratives into visual communication frameworks that challenge traditional publishing formats. Awards received: Young Gun by The One Club for Creativity (2015) Print Magazine New Visual Artist (2013) In her academic role, Schlenker mentors MFA students in visual communication and design research. Her studio practice operates as a de facto research lab funded through high-profile client contracts with cultural institutions including Walker Art Center, Carnegie Museum of Art, and The New York Times. These projects serve as live case studies for her pedagogy. Schlenker directs Studio Elana Schlenker as her primary creative laboratory, with Out of Office functioning as a collaborative platform. She maintains long-term partnerships with specialists like Maria Adelaide (interactive design) and Élise Rigollet (editorial design), forming interdisciplinary teams for projects spanning academia, art, and technology sectors.
Tobias Ofner-Graff is a researcher at the Institute of Forest Growth within the Department of Ecosystem Management, Climate and Biodiversity at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). Based at Peter-Jordan-Straße 82, 1190 Wien, his work focuses on advanced forest monitoring technologies. His research interests include: LiDAR and remote sensing applications in forestry Automated forest inventory systems Forest regeneration quantification Airborne Laser Scanning (ALS) data analysis Sustainable forest harvesting planning Recent project contributions include: Leading lidar-based forest monitoring systems development Developing spatial forest growth models Implementing digital inventory workflows His publications demonstrate expertise in: Quantifying forest resources through 3D point clouds Advanced timber stack measurement techniques ALS data integration for forest modeling Mobile laser scanning applications Forest climate adaptation strategies
Professor Nick Schofield is a leading academic in Igneous and Petroleum Geology at the University of Aberdeen's School of Geosciences . His research focuses on seismic and field interpretation of volcanic terranes, with particular emphasis on igneous-hydrocarbon system interactions. He serves on the UK-IODP program advisory group and is currently on 80% secondment to Pulsar Helium as Chief Geologist. Research Themes : Igneous Systems in Sedimentary Basins, Volcanic-Hydrocarbon Interaction, Sub-Basalt Exploration, Seismic Stratigraphy, Sill Complex Analysis Geographic Scope : North Atlantic Margin, Australian North West Shelf, East African Rift, Norwegian Atlantic Margin Recent publications demonstrate his expertise in: Quantifying volcanic-sedimentary interactions through 3D seismic analysis Advancing sub-basalt imaging techniques for hydrocarbon exploration Characterizing alkaline sill emplacement in sedimentary basins Understanding magma plumbing systems' impact on petroleum geology His work bridges academic research with industry applications, particularly in volcanic terrane characterization for energy resource exploration.
Prof. Dr. Melanie Krüger is a faculty member at Leibniz University Hannover , where she serves as Head of the Research Unit Sports and Cognition within the Institute of Sports Science. Her academic career spans institutions including the Technical University of Munich, University of Tasmania, and Ludwig Maximilian University. She leads research initiatives in embodiment, cognitive aging, motor decision-making, and the impact of physical activity on neurocognitive and motor functioning. Current Position: Professor, Institute of Sports Science, Leibniz University Hannover Prior Appointments: Post-doctoral roles at Technical University of Munich, University of Tasmania, and Pennsylvania State University Education: PhD in Systemic Neurosciences, Ludwig Maximilian University; Diploma in Sports Science, University of Leipzig Krüger's research focuses on: Embodiment Research: Systemic interactions between cognitive and motor development Cognitive Aging: Age-related changes in motor decision-making and coordination Human Locomotion: Collision avoidance, mixed reality interactions, and real-world movement studies Open Science: Advocacy for research data management in sports science Her recent publications explore mixed reality applications ( 2024 ), stress effects on motor function ( 2023 ), and methodological innovations in locomotion studies ( 2021-2025 ). Current projects include Moving Forward (2021-2022) and two Innovation Plus initiatives (2022-2024) developing experimental frameworks for human movement analysis. Krüger actively participates in academic governance: Spokesperson, German Society of Sport Science's Ad Hoc Committee on Research Data Management (since 2022) Board member, DVS Section 'Sports Motor Skills' (since 2022) Doctoral Committee, Faculty of Humanities Examination Board, MSc Sustainable Health Promotion in Sports Science
Associate Professor Erica Southgate is a leading researcher at the University of Newcastle , specializing in emerging educational technologies with a focus on virtual reality and AI ethics . Her work bridges digital learning and sociology of education , emphasizing equity in education and technology accessibility for all learners. PhD and BEd from University of Newcastle 2016 Equity Fellow for national research 2017 ASCILITE Innovation Award Southgate's research explores how immersive technologies can transform education through student content creation , ethical frameworks , and curriculum redesign . Recent studies focus on generative AI policy , VR learning environments , and digital footprint management . Her VR School Study demonstrates practical implementation strategies. Key publications include the first VR education book and AI ethics guidelines for Australian Government. She leads the Digital Identity, Curation and Education (DICE) research network and advocates for human rights in educational technology .
Sidonie Christophe is a Senior Researcher (Directrice de Recherche, DR1) at UMR LASTIG, a joint research unit of Université Gustave Eiffel, IGN-ENSG, and EIVP. She serves as co-director of the LASTIG laboratory and leads research in geovisualization, map design, and interactive spatial data exploration. She also holds a part-time advisory role (60%) at the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research in the domain of digital technology, environment, climate, and sustainable urban development. PhD in Geographic Information Sciences Senior Researcher, DR1, MTECT Co-Director, LASTIG Laboratory (since 2021) Former Team Leader, GEOVIS (Geovisualization, Interaction, and Immersion) Advisor, Environment and Urban Climate, French Ministry of Higher Education & Research Her research centers on innovative methods for 2D/3D and nD geospatial data visualization, with a focus on enabling spatio-temporal understanding through visual and non-visual spatial thinking. Her work integrates principles from geographic information science, human-computer interaction, and computer graphics. Key areas include urban climate visualization, tactile and augmented reality for accessibility, expressive cartographic rendering, and cognitive aspects of map design. She investigates how aesthetic and semiotic choices impact map comprehension and utility. The 15 most recent publications reflect a strong trend in interactive and accessible geovisualization, particularly for urban and environmental applications. Topics include neural map style transfer, 3D urban climate analysis, tactile maps for the visually impaired, augmented reality in geography, and visual analytics for crisis and climate data. There is a consistent emphasis on user-centered design, interdisciplinary integration, and the development of tools for decision-making under uncertainty. Scientific Recognition and Service: Invited speaker at major conferences (IEEEVIS, AGILE, ICC, CPGIS) Co-organizer of international workshops (e.g., GeoVIS, ISPRS AR/VR sessions) Leader of national research projects (ANR ORACLES, ANR ACTIVmap, ANR ECOCIM) Recipient of international mobility grants (AMICI I-SITE FUTURE) Contributor to national glossaries and research strategy (e.g., French photogrammetry glossary) Advising and Grants: Sidonie Christophe actively supervises PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, including Markie Jiang, Maria-Jesus Lobo, and Alexandre Mielniczek. She leads or participates in multiple funded research projects such as ANR ORACLES (marine flooding visualization), ANR ACTIVmap (tactile 3D maps), and ANR ECOCIM (eco-design of city information models). Her advisory role at the MESR involves shaping national research strategy in digital and environmental sciences. Labs and Research Teams: She is a core member of the GEOVIS team (Geovisualization, Interaction, and Immersion) at LASTIG and previously served as its leader. As co-director of LASTIG, she plays a central role in the leadership and strategic direction of the entire laboratory, which comprises over 100 researchers across four teams: ACTE, GEOVIS, MEIG, and STRUDEL.
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