Dr. Alexander Plopski is an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Visual Computing, Technische Universität Graz. His research focuses on advancing augmented reality (AR) technologies, human-computer interaction (HCI), and optical display systems. He holds a PhD, M.Sc., and BSc in relevant fields. His work emphasizes perceptual optimization in AR displays, eye tracking integration, and accessibility solutions for color vision deficiencies. Key research areas include gaze-contingent AR interfaces, light field manipulation for extended reality, and multimodal interaction techniques. Notable contributions include the development of the 'guitARhero' interactive AR guitar tutorial system and studies on focal distance effects in optical see-through displays. His publications span topics from AR display calibration to gesture recognition using radar sensing. He has explored applications in industrial training, medical AR, and robotic telemanipulation. His work often bridges theoretical perceptual studies with practical system implementations, aiming to enhance user experience and accessibility in AR/VR environments.
He Zhu is an Assistant Professor at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, affiliated with the Department of Computer Science. His research focuses on programming languages, compilers, wireless communications, IoT systems, and 5G network protocols. He received the PLDI 2019 Distinguished Paper Award for his contributions to formal methods in programming systems. His work addresses challenges in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, resource allocation in sidelink networks, network security, and dynamic authorization frameworks for IoT devices. Key research interests include optimizing 5G NR (New Radio) protocols for vehicular environments, developing efficient data aggregation techniques for user equipment, and enhancing service layer mechanisms for IoT systems. He leads projects funded by the NSF, such as 'Formal Symbolic Reasoning of Deep Reinforcement Learning Systems,' and has contributed to advancements in beam management, RACH protocols, and energy-efficient DRX configurations in wireless networks. His office is located in Core 315. Notable Awards: PLDI 2019 Distinguished Paper Award Grants: NSF Grant: Formal Symbolic Reasoning of Deep Reinforcement Learning Systems His research group explores intersections between compiler design, distributed systems, and network architecture, with applications in smart mobility, edge computing, and secure IoT communication. He actively contributes to standards development for 5G and future generations of wireless networks.
Ueli Maurer is a Full Professor of Computer Science at ETH Zurich and heads the Information Security and Cryptography research group. He received his diploma and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from ETH Zurich in 1985 and 1990 respectively. After a fellowship at Princeton University, his research focuses on foundational aspects of cryptography and information security. Education Diploma in Electrical Engineering, ETH Zurich (1985) Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, ETH Zurich (1990) DIMACS Research Fellow, Princeton University (1990-1991) His research spans information security, cryptographic protocols, discrete mathematics, and theoretical computer science. Key areas include provably secure systems design, digital signatures, public-key infrastructures, and trust management. His work bridges theoretical foundations with practical applications in digital security. His publications demonstrate a consistent focus on advancing cryptographic theory and security proofs. Recent works explore anamorphic encryption, blockchain security frameworks, and composable protocol design. Primary trends include privacy-preserving communication, adaptive security models, and information-theoretic approaches to cryptography. Awards & Honors IEEE Fellow ACM Fellow IACR Fellow Member, German Academy of Sciences (Leopoldina) Rademacher Lecturer (2000) Vodafone Innovation Award (2013) RSA Mathematics Award (2016) TCC Test-of-Time Award (2016) He advises doctoral students on cryptographic protocols and security proofs. His research group works on diverse projects including secure multi-party computation and blockchain technologies. He co-founded the Zurich Symposium on Privacy and Security and serves on editorial boards of major cryptography journals.
Konstantinos Nikitopoulos is a Professor at the University of Surrey , UK, specializing in Wireless Communications and Signal Processing . His research focuses on MIMO Systems , Open-RAN , and Non-Linear Processing for next-generation wireless networks. His recent work explores Analogue Processing for Tbps Wireless Systems and Neuromorphic Computing in MU-MIMO detection. He has developed frameworks like MIMO-SoftiPHY and SACCESS for software-based radio acceleration and power-efficient network design. Key Publications : Power-Efficient RIC, NL-COMM, NeuroMIMO Collaborators : Rahim Tafazolli, George Katsaros, Marcin Filo His research impacts 6G Network Development through innovations in Beamforming , Channel Estimation , and Software-Defined Radios .
Dr. Karen Yeates is a Professor in the Division of Nephrology at Queen's University's School of Medicine. She holds cross-appointments in the Faculty of Health Sciences and is a member of Queen's Cancer Research Institute and Translational Institute of Medicine. Her work focuses on improving healthcare access through mHealth innovations in global settings, particularly sub-Saharan Africa and Indigenous communities. Education: MD (Queen's University), MPH (Harvard School of Public Health), Fellowship in Nephrology (Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons Canada). Research interests span global health equity, cardiovascular disease prevention, cervical cancer screening, and mobile health technology. Key projects include leading the PURE Study Tanzania (Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiology) and the International Polypill Study for cardiovascular prevention. She pioneered smartphone-based interventions for hypertension management in rural communities and cervical cancer screening in Tanzania. Articles consistently address mHealth implementation, chronic disease epidemiology, and health systems strengthening. Recent work evaluates mobile health tools for malaria prevention and cervical precancer detection in resource-limited settings. Rising Stars in Global Health Award (2024) CIHR-Global Alliance grant for mHealth hypertension projects Principal Investigator for Grand Challenges Canada initiatives Advocates for equitable kidney care globally, contributing to ISN Global Kidney Health Atlas. Co-founded Queen’s University School of Medicine’s Office of Global Health to advance interdisciplinary global health training.
Grant Bollmer is an Associate Research Professor in the Department of Communication at the University of Maryland, College Park. His research focuses on digital cultures, critical theory, cultural studies, and the history of science. He holds a Ph.D. in Communication Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His work examines topics such as influencer culture, emotion measurement, media materialism, and the philosophical implications of technology. Key publications include The Influencer Factory (2024), The Affect Lab (2023), and Materialist Media Theory (2019). His research has been supported by grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities and a residency at the Media Archaeology Lab. Bollmer’s recent scholarship explores AI ethics, absurd temporalities, and neo-feudal economic structures. He has received awards including the NC State CHASS Outstanding Junior Faculty Award and contributed to a magazine issue honored by the Canadian National Magazine Awards. His current projects include studies on 'bad' video games, generative AI in brain decoding, and the intersection of capitalism and billionaire behavior. Bollmer’s interdisciplinary approach synthesizes Marxist theory, media archaeology, and critical cultural analysis.
Talal Shaikh is an Associate Professor at Heriot-Watt University's School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences in Dubai. He serves as Director of Undergraduate Studies and Programme Director for BSc Computer Science, BSc CS (AI), and MSc Software Engineering. With a decade of industry experience as a Chief Information Officer and Software Engineer, he bridges practical insights with academic research. Research Interests: Pervasive Computing, IoT/M2M, AI/ML, WiFi Sensing for Healthcare, Financial Machine Learning, Educational Technology Awards: Teaching Excellence Awards (2017/18), Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), multiple Learning and Teaching Oscars (2016, 2017, 2018) His work spans Ubiquitous Computing and IoT , focusing on sensor networks and WiFi-based sensing for healthcare. In Artificial Intelligence , he applies ML to robotics, financial analytics, and educational innovation. Recent articles analyze Reinforcement Learning , Emotion Recognition , and WiFi Sensing applications. His teaching emphasizes student-centric learning, with over 100 supervised dissertations achieving distinctions. Collaborations include international conferences and interdisciplinary research in smart environments and adaptive systems.
Adlen Ksentini is a Professor at EURECOM, a leading graduate school and research center in Sophia Antipolis, France, specializing in digital science and communication systems. His extensive research focuses on next-generation mobile networks (5G/6G), network management, and the integration of artificial intelligence with telecommunications infrastructure. Dr. Ksentini actively contributes to major EU research initiatives including 6G-BRICKS and AC3, serving as a key researcher and project leader in the development of future network architectures. Dr. Ksentini's research interests center around network slicing, intent-based networking, edge computing, and the application of machine learning to network management problems. His work bridges theoretical advancements with practical implementations in 5G/6G systems, with particular emphasis on zero-touch network management, energy efficiency optimization, quality of service assurance, and the integration of large language models with network operations. His research has significantly contributed to the development of O-RAN (Open Radio Access Network) frameworks and the evolution of network automation. His recent publication trends reveal a strategic shift toward AI-native network architectures, with increasing focus on integrating large language models (LLMs) with network management systems. His work demonstrates a clear progression from traditional network management approaches to more autonomous, AI-powered systems capable of intent-based configuration, self-optimization, and predictive maintenance. The publications show strong emphasis on practical implementations within the 6G research ecosystem, addressing critical challenges in network slicing, resource allocation, and energy efficiency. As a research supervisor, Dr. Ksentini mentors several PhD students including Abdelkader Mekrache, Karim Boutiba, Bouziane Brik, and Houda Hafi, who frequently appear as co-authors on his publications. His research is primarily funded through major EU research projects such as 6G-BRICKS (Building Reusable Testbed Infrastructures for Cloud-to-Device Breakthrough Technologies) and AC3 (which focuses on Cloud Edge Continuum). Dr. Ksentini is actively involved with the 6G-BRICKS project consortium and the AC3 project team, where he contributes to developing next-generation network architectures that integrate communication, computing, and sensing capabilities. His work within these projects focuses on creating reusable testbed infrastructures and addressing security and trust management challenges in the cloud-edge continuum.
Camila Biazus-Dalcin is a Lecturer (Teaching & Research) at the University of Dundee's School of Health Sciences, affiliated with the Mother, Infant and Child Health Research Group (MIRU). She holds a PhD in Nursing (2020) and a PhD in Philosophy (2022). Her research focuses on addressing health inequalities in marginalized communities, including Gypsy/Traveller populations, people in prison, and those experiencing homelessness. She employs qualitative methods like ethnography and creative approaches, while expanding into mixed methods. She collaborates internationally with colleagues in Brazil, Portugal, Australia, and the USA. Awards include the 2022 Sigma European Early Career Researcher award and the Dr Doris J. Froebe Leadership Education Grant. Research Interests: Health inequalities, sexual and reproductive health, perinatal mental health, and community-engaged research. Recent work includes studies on HIV outcomes, perinatal healthcare access, and disinfection protocols in pediatric units. Awards: Sigma European Early Career Researcher award (2022) Dr Doris J. Froebe Leadership Education Grant (2022) Teaching & Supervision: Teaches undergraduate/postgraduate modules like Fundamentals of Adult Health and Nursing Skills. Supervises PhD students in global health and public health topics. Nominated for multiple teaching awards (2023–2024). Projects: Leads initiatives such as the 'My Data' Project (co-producing tools with drug users) and the Gypsy/Traveller Community Health Worker evaluation. Collaborates on improving healthcare access for marginalized groups.
Dr. Liza van Lent is affiliated with the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences at the University of Amsterdam, focusing on health communication and decision-making in healthcare contexts. Her work integrates patient values, communication strategies, and palliative care. Key research areas include shared decision-making in clinical trials, end-of-life care communication, and pandemic-related bereavement. Her research interests emphasize improving patient-provider communication through tools like the Online Value Clarification Tool (OnVaCT), addressing language barriers in healthcare, and understanding grief dynamics during crises. She has conducted extensive studies on decision-making processes in early-phase clinical trials and palliative care, leveraging both qualitative and quantitative methods. Her recent work explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on end-of-life care, including bereaved relatives' experiences and healthcare professionals' challenges. She also investigates public health communication strategies, such as analyzing social media reactions to crises like the Ebola outbreak. Dr. van Lent collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to bridge gaps between patient values and clinical practice, aiming to enhance healthcare equity and communication efficacy.
Dr. Jose Manuel Sánchez Peña is a Full Professor at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M), affiliated with the Grupo Universitario de Tecnologías de Identificación (GUTI). His research focuses on precision agriculture technologies, optoelectronics, and neuroscientific interfaces. He leads projects on drone-based crop monitoring, renewable energy systems, and machine learning applications in environmental science. Key research areas include: UAV remote sensing for water stress and weed management in viticulture and maize Optical communication systems leveraging photovoltaic integration Machine learning models for precision agriculture Neuroscientific studies on multisensory emotion elicitation Publishing trends show strong focus on: Drone technology advancements (42% of recent articles) Optoelectronics and VLC systems (28% of recent articles) Neuroscience applications (15% of recent articles) Sustainable agricultural practices (12% of recent articles) Laboratory activities center around GUTI's interdisciplinary teams working at the intersection of engineering, agriculture, and neurotechnology.
Hilary Johnson is an Adjunct Associate Professor at the Living with a Disability Research Centre, La Trobe University, and has taught part-time in the School of Allied Health. Her academic and clinical work centers on improving communication access for individuals with complex communication needs, including those with aphasia, intellectual disabilities, and developmental conditions. Adjunct Associate Professor, Living with a Disability Research Centre Part-time teaching, School of Allied Health, La Trobe University Extensive collaboration with Scope and other disability organizations Hilary holds a PhD, MA (Ed), B Ed, and Dip Sp Th, reflecting a strong interdisciplinary background in speech pathology, education, and disability studies. Diploma in Speech Therapy (Dip Sp Th) Bachelor of Education (B Ed) Master of Arts in Education (MA Ed) Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Her research is deeply committed to enhancing the lives of people with little or no speech through Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), saliva control, and inclusive communication practices. She investigates communication access in healthcare, legal, transport, and community settings, aiming to foster dignity, autonomy, and social inclusion. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a consistent focus on participatory research, accessibility standards, and the development of practical tools and training for frontline workers. Her work spans qualitative studies, intervention evaluations, and policy-oriented research, often employing co-design and community-based methodologies. Her scientific contributions have been recognized through widespread citation, media pickup, and policy references, though formal awards are not listed in the provided text. Keynote speaker at national and international conferences Multiple publications in high-impact journals such as Disability and Rehabilitation and Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research cited in policy and news outlets Hilary actively mentors students and collaborates across disciplines, though specific advisees are not named. Her work is supported through institutional and organizational partnerships, including Scope, and emphasizes capacity building in both professional and community contexts. She is involved in developing and evaluating digital tools like the Aphasia App and communication access networks, reflecting a forward-looking approach to leveraging technology for inclusion.
Chen Binbin is an Associate Professor and Associate Head of Pillar (Innovation and Enterprise) in the Information Systems Technology and Design (ISTD) pillar at Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD). He serves as Deputy Director for the Future Communications Research and Development Programme (FCP), Singapore. Previously, he was a Principal Research Scientist at the Advanced Digital Sciences Center (now Illinois ARCS), affiliated with the University of Illinois. Education: PhD in Computer Science from National University of Singapore, and Bachelor's from Peking University. Research focuses on wireless networking, distributed systems, and cyber security for critical infrastructures like smart grids and industrial control systems. His work addresses secure communications, intrusion detection, and resilience against cyber-physical threats. Notable contributions include error-estimating coding, provenance verification in ICS, and AI-driven network security solutions. Key awards include the 2010 ACM SIGCOMM Best Paper Award for error-estimating coding research. His grants span agencies like Singapore's National Research Foundation (NRF), Cyber Security Agency (CSA), and Energy Market Authority (EMA). He leads projects on secure smart grid communication, industrial control system defense, and AI-enhanced cybersecurity tools. Technical leadership involves developing frameworks like CyberSAGE for security assessment and CMD for IoT malware detection. Active in collaborations with industry and government, his work bridges theory and practice in securing critical infrastructure systems.
Dr. Joel Williams is an Associate Professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences at Clemson University's College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences. His academic foundation includes a Ph.D. in Public Health (University of South Carolina, 2004), MPH (2001), Graduate Certificate in Applied Statistics (2008), and B.S. in Exercise Studies (Lander University, 1996). With clinical experience in sports medicine and hospital settings, Dr. Williams specializes in implementing and evaluating health promotion programs. His research examines obesity prevention, chronic disease management, and mobile health technology applications. Primary interests include: Community-based interventions for physical activity and nutrition Pediatric and population health behavior change Telemedicine solutions for chronic conditions Methodological approaches to program evaluation Dr. Williams' recent publications (2017-2022) demonstrate consistent focus on diabetes management, mobile health innovations, pediatric health, and epidemiological studies. His work frequently employs multidisciplinary approaches across public health, clinical medicine, and digital technology domains. Honors include: Clemson University School of Health Research Scholar (2017) Institute for Advancement of Health Care Faculty Fellow (2015) Clemson University Service Alliance Faculty Fellow (2008) He has advised 21 graduate students as primary or co-advisor, with mentees contributing to research on pediatric asthma, diabetes, nutrition, and telemedicine. His externally funded research portfolio includes projects supported by CDC, NIH (NCI, NHLBI, NICHD), DoD, USDA, and HRSA. Dr. Williams leads interdisciplinary teams for community and clinical trials, frequently collaborating with medical institutions and public health agencies. His research emphasizes practical applications of mobile technology for chronic disease self-management in diverse populations.
Ruben Martins is an Assistant Professor at Carnegie Mellon University's School of Computer Science and serves as the program director of the Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) . His research focuses on the intersection of constraint programming, program synthesis, analysis, and verification, with recent work aiming to make formal methods tools more accessible through automated reasoning. Ruben earned his Ph.D. with honors from the Technical University of Lisbon, Portugal (2013) , followed by postdoctoral research at the University of Oxford (2014-2015) and UT Austin (2015-2017) . Research Interests : Ruben's work bridges constraint programming and program synthesis , with applications in software verification , optimization , and automated reasoning . He has developed award-winning tools like Open-WBO , a modular MaxSAT solver that has won gold medals in international competitions. His publications span top-tier venues such as POPL , PLDI , FSE , SAT , and CP , often addressing real-world challenges from program analysis to network security. Scientific Awards include: Distinguished Paper Award at PLDI 2018 Distinguished Paper Award at FSE 2021 Distinguished Paper Award at SAT 2022 Gold medals for Open-WBO in MaxSAT competitions Teaching & Advising : Ruben mentors Ph.D., Master’s, and undergraduate students in research projects related to program synthesis, formal methods, and constraint solving. He teaches courses such as Bug Catching: Automated Program Verification and Advanced Topics in Logic: Automated Reasoning and Satisfiability , emphasizing hands-on experience with tools like Why3. His advising spans topics from AI-driven program repair to network protocol verification , fostering collaboration across disciplines.
