Margaret Robinson is an Associate Professor at Dalhousie University, holding dual appointments in the Department of English and Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. She is a bisexual two-spirit scholar from Eski'kewaq, Nova Scotia, and a member of the Lennox Island First Nation. Her interdisciplinary work bridges Indigenous studies, queer theory, and intersectional feminism, with a focus on decolonizing methodologies and Indigenous oral traditions. Robinson’s research explores representation of Indigenous peoples and sexual/gender minorities in creative works, including fanfiction and popular culture. She holds a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Reconciliation, Gender, & Identity (2019-2023) and leads the Mi’kmaw Cultural Research Lab funded by the Canadian Foundation for Innovation (2021-2024). Her education includes a BA from Saint Mary’s University and MA/PhD from the University of Toronto. Key research areas include Indigenous New Wave literature, Mi’kmaw spirituality, and Two-Spirit feminism. Recent grants focus on reconciliation frameworks and LGBTQ2S+ health equity. She has published widely on topics like queer mental health, animal personhood in Mi’kmaw cosmology, and decolonizing pedagogies.
Catherine Guastavino is a Professor at McGill University's School of Information Studies (within the Faculty of Arts) and an Associate Member at the Schulich School of Music. She also contributes to the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Music Media and Technology (CIRMMT). Her roles include leading research projects and supervising graduate students in music technology and related fields. She holds a PhD in Psychoacoustics from Université Pierre et Marie Curie (Paris VI), an MSc from IRCAM (France), and a BSc in Mathematics from McGill University. Her research focuses on auditory perception, soundscape analysis, human-computer interaction, and urban acoustics. Notable projects include the 'Sounds in the City' partnership addressing urban noise policy and the development of immersive soundscape simulation tools. She leads or co-leads grants from SSHRC, NSERC, and MITACS, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to sound in urban environments. Guastavino's work bridges academic research with practical applications, such as designing sound installations for public spaces and improving acoustic environments in transportation and performance venues. She collaborates with city planners, musicians, and engineers, reflecting her commitment to making cities sound better through evidence-based strategies. Key Projects: SSHRC Partnership Grant for urban soundscape management (2018-2023) NSERC Discovery Grant on auditory localization (2019-2024) MITACS projects on Montreal festival soundscapes and noise policy Labs & Partnerships: Multimodal Interaction Laboratory (MIL) Collaborations with Ville de Montréal and Quartier des Spectacles Education: PhD: Psychoacoustics (Paris VI) MSc: Computer Science & Music Technology (IRCAM) BSc: Mathematics (McGill) Her teaching includes courses like Music Information Retrieval, integrating computational methods with artistic and scientific applications.
Dominic Thibault is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Music, Université de Montréal . His research-creation explores human-machine interaction in musical contexts, focusing on embodied cognition through electroacoustic compositions, audiovisual performances, and musical software development. Co-director, Laboratoire Formes·Ondes Active member, CIRMMT (Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Music Media and Technology) Research axis leader, Expanded Musical Practice (CIRMMT) Member, Québecor Millénium entrepreneurship committee Scientific committee member, ACFAS
Nicholas Ng-A-Fook is a Full Professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Ottawa, where he has served as former Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and Director of Teacher Education and Indigenous Teacher Education Programs. His work is deeply engaged with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 94 Calls to Action, working in partnership with Indigenous communities and school boards to disrupt colonialism, systemic racisms, and inequalities in educational curricula. Dr. Ng-A-Fook's educational background includes a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Louisiana State University (2006), an M.A. in Education (Multicultural Education) from York University (2001), a Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary Science and History) from the University of Western Sydney (1998), and a B.A. in Classical Studies from the University of Ottawa (1996). His research interests span Curriculum Studies, History of Education (particularly oral history), Life-writing research (autobiography and narrative inquiry), Critical Youth Studies (focusing on first-generation immigrant and Indigenous youth), Community-based research, and Contemporary perspectives in philosophy, science and technology including AI, genomic education, and anti-racist science education. Dr. Ng-A-Fook approaches his work as a curriculum theorist who draws on life writing research methodologies to co-create culturally responsive, relevant, and relational curriculum with educators. Dr. Ng-A-Fook's publications reveal a strong focus on reconciliation education, decolonizing curriculum, and addressing systemic racism in educational contexts. His work increasingly engages with digital technologies and artificial intelligence from a critical, decolonial perspective, examining how these technologies intersect with historical and ongoing colonial structures. His research shows a clear evolution toward more interdisciplinary work connecting curriculum studies with Indigenous knowledge systems, technology studies, and social justice movements. Among his notable honors are the 2024 Coutts Prize, the Ted T. Aoki Distinguished Service Award (2018), and the R.W.B. Jackson Award for an outstanding article in the Canadian Journal of Education. He also serves as Director of the EdCan Network and was Past-President of the Canadian Society for the Study of Education. As a supervisor, Dr. Ng-A-Fook currently mentors several graduate students including Melissa Daoust, Lisa Ambaye, Bahareh Samsamiardekani, and Madelaine McCracken. He created the FooknConversation podcast to address educational challenges with colleagues, community activists, artists, education leaders, teachers, and politicians, and maintains the Canadian Curriculum Theory Project website as a resource for his research.
Joël Thibeault is a Professor at the Faculty of Education, University of Ottawa and Adjunct Professor at the Faculty of Education, University of Regina . His research focuses on the teaching and learning of French grammar in Francophone minority contexts, the integrated instruction of French and English, and the use of children’s literature in linguistic education. He has secured major funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada for studies on bilingual grammar pedagogy. Research Themes: Francophone minority education, plurilingual approaches, drama-based pedagogy, and curriculum innovation. Awards: Received the Prix du nouveau chercheur (2024) from the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Education. Recent Publications emphasize inductive grammar strategies, plurilingual vocabulary instruction, and drama/literature integration in minority language classrooms. His work bridges policy, practice, and technology in Canadian French-language education. Scientific Awards: SSHRC Grant (2024) Prix du nouveau chercheur (2024)
Dongwook Yoon is an Associate Professor at the Department of Computer Science , University of British Columbia , and serves as Director of the SOCIUS Lab . He actively contributes to research in Human-Computer Interaction, Human-AI Interaction, and Virtual/Augmented Reality as a member of the Designing for People (DFP) and CAIDA research clusters. Education : PhD in Computer Science from Cornell University (2017), MS (2009) and BS (2007) in Computer Science from Seoul National University Research Focus : Designing socio-technical systems that bridge the gap between technology and human social processes, with innovations in AR/VR, multimodal interaction, and inclusive design Article Trends show his work spans: Temporal and bichronous learning environments AI self-clones and ethical implications Income inequality in virtual platforms Enhanced multimodal collaboration in VR Eyes-reduced interfaces for situational impairments Speculative participatory design for gig economy challenges Scientific Awards include: Google Academic Research Award (2024) Best Paper Award at CHI 2024 High Impact Award in Educational Technology (2024) CHCCS/SCDHM Graphics Interface Early Career Award (2023) Multiple Honorable Mentions at CHI, DIS, and CSCW Students & Collaborators range from active PhD candidates (Anika Sayara, Yuri Kim) to notable alumni (Thitaree Tanprasert, Ashish Chopra) across his SOCIUS Lab projects. His research receives funding from NSERC , KIST , Adobe , Microsoft , and Google grants.
Rasha Baruni is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Manitoba's Faculty of Arts. She teaches courses including Seminar in Behaviour Modification (PSYC 4540/8240) and Seminar in Basic Operant Research (PSYC 4540/8270). Her academic background includes a PhD in Applied Behaviour Analysis from the University of South Florida (2023), an MS in Applied Behaviour Analysis from St. Cloud State University (2012), and a BA Honours in Psychology from York University (2007). PhD (Applied Behaviour Analysis), University of South Florida, 2023 MS (Applied Behaviour Analysis), St. Cloud State University, 2012 BA Honours (Psychology), York University, 2007 Baruni's research focuses on applied behavior analysis for child safety , particularly in digital environments. She develops and evaluates behavioral skills training (BST) and conjugate reinforcement schedules to address physical and digital safety threats (e.g., firearms, social media risks). Her work extends to staff training methodologies and procedural fidelity in intervention implementation. Recent publications analyze conjugate reinforcement dynamics, remote safety training efficacy, and BST adaptations. Research trends show emphasis on digital safety threats , cross-cultural interventions , and technology-assisted training for both children and practitioners. She actively explores ways to improve stakeholder accessibility to safety programs. Currently accepting Master’s and PhD students, Baruni collaborates with international institutions on behavioral safety initiatives and maintains active research connections through platforms like Google Scholar and ResearchGate.
Professor Laura Funk is a Professor in the Department of Sociology and Criminology at the University of Manitoba, located within the Faculty of Arts. Her work focuses on social and critical gerontology, examining care work, family caregiving, and palliative care policy. She has led multiple SSHRC-funded research teams and participated in Tri-Council grants addressing aging, home care, and family care work. Funk’s research explores how care practices engage broader societal discourses on age, responsibility, and care in contexts of eroding formal supports. Education: PhD in Sociology, University of Victoria (2008) MA in Sociology, University of Victoria (2002) Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Gerontology, Simon Fraser University (2000) BA (Honours) in Sociology, University of British Columbia (1997) Research Interests: Care work, family/friend caregiving, palliative care policy, service-integrated housing for older adults, and aging in the context of systemic and policy changes. Her work bridges academic inquiry with public advocacy, including op-eds and consultations with Manitoba’s Seniors and Healthy Aging Secretariat. Key Contributions: Funk’s research addresses structural barriers for older adults, including housing access, navigation of formal supports, and the emotional labor of care workers. She has published widely on topics like aggression in care settings, dying at home preferences, and feminist care activism. Recent projects include SSHRC-funded studies on care mobilization and a community-based inquiry into low-income housing supports for older adults. Awards: 2019 Canadian Association of Gerontology Recognition Award 2015 Rh Institute Outstanding Contributions Award 2010 Anselm Strauss Award Teaching & Outreach: Funk teaches courses on aging, qualitative research, and end-of-life care. She is known for mentorship and received a 2023 teaching award from the Arts Student Body Council. Her outreach includes collaborations with Manitoba’s Public Interest Law Centre and community-based projects like Lions Place and Indigenous Seniors Research initiatives.
Nenad Radakovic is an Associate Professor of STEM Education at Queen's University's Faculty of Education. His research focuses on transdisciplinary approaches in mathematics and STEM education, emphasizing how interdisciplinary integration can enhance learning across PK-12 and post-secondary contexts. He holds a PhD in Curriculum Studies and Teacher Development from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), University of Toronto, and has taught secondary mathematics in Croatia and Canada. Prior roles include Associate Professor at the College of Charleston and Sessional Lecturer at the University of Toronto, where he instructed courses on holistic mathematics pedagogy and curriculum design. Dr. Radakovic’s research interests span transdisciplinary curricula, risk education, mathematics teacher training, and the role of technology in education. He is a STaR Fellow with the Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators and contributes to professional organizations like NCTM and PMENA. His work explores how mathematics education can address societal challenges through critical pedagogy and inclusive practices. Key publications include edited volumes on transdisciplinarity in mathematics education and borders in teacher training. His recent articles address STEM curriculum innovation, inclusive pedagogical frameworks, and the application of feminist theory to educational research. Collaborations include transdisciplinary projects blending arts and mathematics, such as using 3D printing to explore cultural heritage through art.
Dr. Angelique Jenney is an Associate Professor and the Wood’s Homes Research Chair in Children’s Mental Health at the Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary. With over 25 years of experience in gender-based violence, child protection, and children’s mental health sectors, she specializes in trauma-informed approaches and simulation-based learning methodologies. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Social Work – University of Toronto (2011) Master of Social Work (MSW) – Wilfrid Laurier University (1998) Bachelor of Arts (BA), Psychology Co-op Program – University of Guelph (1995) Her research focuses on child mental health , gender-based violence , trauma across the lifespan , and simulation-based learning . She develops tools to enhance clinical competencies through experiential training, addressing gaps in child protection responses to violence and trauma. Dr. Jenney’s publications highlight innovative practices such as virtual simulations for interdisciplinary education, narrative shelter models for resilience, and trauma-informed interventions with perpetrators. Her work bridges academic research and frontline practice, emphasizing practical knowledge dissemination to parents and policymakers. Faculty Publication Award (2017–2022) Faculty of Social Work Early Career Researcher Award (2021) Teaching Experiential Learning Initiatives Teaching Award (2023) She collaborates with agencies like the Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, contributing to policy development and training frameworks in child welfare.
Lana Salman is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Toronto . A scholar of international development and urban politics, her research focuses on everyday statecraft, social reproduction, and urbanism in the Middle East and North Africa. PhD, University of California, Berkeley (City and Regional Planning, Global Metropolitan Studies) MUPP, American University of Beirut Her research explores how urban populations negotiate citizenship and state formation through: Land access and infrastructure development Microfinance institution operations Post-revolutionary governance practices Transdisciplinary north-south comparative analysis Current projects include: Tunisia State-Making: Ethnographic study of urban poor communities' role in statecraft Brussels-Beirut Comparison: Analysis of social workers' roles in refugee resettlement and urban displacement
Dr. Pascale Biron is a Professor in the Department of Geography, Planning and Environment at Concordia University, Montreal. Her research focuses on river dynamics, stream restoration, flood modeling, and climate change impacts. She has been at Concordia since 1998 and holds professional affiliations with key organizations like the Canadian Geomorphology Research Group and the American Geophysical Union. Education: PhD from Université de Montréal and Leeds University (fluvial geomorphology) Research Interests Her work integrates fluvial geomorphology, computational fluid dynamics, and societal aspects of river management. Key themes include: River restoration for fish habitat Floodplain modeling using LiDAR Climate adaptation strategies Socio-hydrological dimensions of restoration Hydrodynamic processes at river confluences Recent Research Trends Recent publications emphasize global salmonid habitat analysis, machine learning for fluvial hazard detection, and the socio-environmental impacts of urban flooding. Her work bridges technical hydrology with policy-relevant solutions for sustainable water management. Grants & Advising Supervises over 15 graduate students (PhD/MSc) in topics ranging from flood modeling to bioengineering. Active in collaborative projects like the 'Freedom Space for Rivers' initiative and large-scale floodplain mapping. Labs & Teams Member of GRIL (Limnology Research Group) and RIISQ (Quebec Flood Network), contributing to interdisciplinary water security research.
Tsun-Kong (T.K.) Sham is a Distinguished University Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Western University. His research focuses on materials science, synchrotron radiation techniques, and energy materials. He has contributed significantly to the development of synchrotron-based methodologies for studying nanomaterials and catalytic systems. Education: B.Sc. from Chinese University of Hong Kong (1971), Ph.D. from Western University (1975). Research interests include nanomaterial synthesis, bimetallic materials, and advanced spectroscopic techniques like X-ray absorption and emission. He has directed initiatives such as the Soochow University-Western University Centre for Synchrotron Radiation Research and contributed to international collaborations. Awards include the Chemical Institute of Canada Montreal Medal (2023), Officer of the Order of Canada (2016), and Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada (2012). His work spans over 100 students and collaborators, many of whom hold key academic and industrial roles. Teaching includes courses like Physical Chemistry of Materials and Synchrotron Radiation-based analysis. His recent publications highlight advancements in solid-state electrolytes and catalytic systems.
Sara Nabil is an Assistant Professor at Queen's University's School of Computing within the Faculty of Arts and Science. She leads the HCI Design Studio and previously held a postdoctoral position at Carleton University's Creative Interactions Lab. Her research focuses on integrating interior design, fashion, and product design with interactive technologies, emphasizing e-textiles, smart materials, and shape-changing interfaces. She holds a PhD from Newcastle University and prior experience as an HCI Lecturer, interior designer, and senior software developer. Education: PhD in Computing, Newcastle University (2019) MSc in Computing BSc in Computing Research interests include designing computational spaces, wearable technology, and e-textile interactions. Her work explores sustainable fabrication methods, user-centered design for smart environments, and bridging traditional crafts with digital technologies. Notable projects include exhibitions like 'Living with Adaptive Architecture' and 'Persuasive Pharmacy Space,' showcasing interactive wearables and spaces. Her recent articles (2023–2025) emphasize e-textile innovations, sustainable design, and human-building interactions. Key themes include smart materials in fashion, modular wearables, and community-driven interaction systems. Awards: None explicitly mentioned. Advising/Grants: No details provided. Labs/Teams: Head of HCI Design Studio and part of iStudio Lab, focusing on interioraction design.
Jian Zhao is an Associate Professor at the University of Waterloo's School of Computer Science, specializing in Information Visualization (InfoVis), Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), and Data Science. With a Ph.D. from the University of Toronto (2016), his research emphasizes interactive visualization techniques, AI integration in design processes, and socio-technical systems. He explores how human-AI collaboration can enhance data analysis, presentation, and user experience in complex systems. Key research areas include: 1) AI-Driven Design (e.g., code generation via sketching, infographic creation), 2) Health Informatics (therapeutic AI tools for autism support), 3) Immersive Technologies (VR/AR interfaces for presentations and education), and 4) Social Computing (remote family communication, multi-modal emoticons). His work bridges technical innovation with human-centered design principles. His publications (2021–2025) reflect a focus on interactive visualization frameworks (e.g., iTrace for cross-view data analysis), AI-human collaboration (CoLadder for hierarchical code editing), and specialized applications like TherAIssist for art therapy and EMooly for autism support. Zhao frequently explores novel interaction modalities , including gesture-based VR interfaces and sketch-based programming tools. He leads projects in computational notebooks (EDAssistant, Slide4N), visual analytics (MissBin for bipartite networks), and neurofeedback training games (Eggly). His work often emphasizes systematic design considerations for missing data, cross-view analysis, and contextual visualization in spatial AR environments.
