Find Academic Supervisors

Sooyeon LeeView profile

Assistant Professor

• Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
• Assistive Technology
• Accessibility Design
• +5 more

Dr. Sooyeon Lee is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Informatics at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). Her research focuses on accessible technologies for people with disabilities, particularly those with visual impairments and deaf or hard-of-hearing (DHH) needs. She designs innovative solutions in areas such as AI-driven navigation systems, multimodal interaction frameworks, and inclusive virtual reality experiences. Her work bridges human-centered design principles with cutting-edge AI and sensor technologies. Dr. Lee holds a Ph.D. and B.S. in Information Sciences and Technology from Pennsylvania State University, with a specialization in Human-Computer Interaction. Her academic contributions span over 30 peer-reviewed publications, including seminal work on NaviGPT, an AI-driven navigation system for visually impaired users, and BubbleCam, a privacy-focused remote assistance tool. Central to her research are collaborations with user communities, including participatory design studies with blind users, DHH viewers, and ASL learners. She explores topics such as non-speech audio captioning trends, spatial audio descriptions for VR performances, and text simplification for DHH adults. Her datasets, such as the ASL-Homework-RGBD dataset, have become benchmark resources for sign language technology research. Dr. Lee’s work addresses emerging challenges in human-AI collaboration for accessibility, ethical AI practices in assistive tech, and the intersection of privacy and remote assistance systems. She actively contributes to advancing accessibility standards in multimedia content, educational tools, and smart environments.

Bern JordanView profile

Researcher

• Accessibility and Inclusive Design
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Assistive Technology
• +3 more

Bern Jordan is an Assistant Research Scientist at the University of Maryland’s College of Information Studies (INFO). With a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering, his work focuses on accessibility of information and communications technology (ICT), emphasizing cross-disability access to public systems, standards development, and inclusive design. He leads projects like the Maryland Initiative for Digital Accessibility (MIDA) and the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Inclusive ICT (Trace RERC). His expertise includes kiosk accessibility, auto-personalization software, and accessibility training. He collaborates with federal agencies (e.g., FCC, NIH, NIST) and organizations like the Smithsonian and FDIC to advance accessibility policies and technologies. Recent work includes improving at-home test accessibility for the NIH’s RADx Tech initiative and developing tools like FormA11y for PDF remediation. Dr. Jordan has 10 patents in kiosk and touchscreen accessibility, and his research spans 50 years of Trace Center innovations. His articles emphasize user-centric design, inclusive technologies, and bridging gaps between accessibility standards and real-world practices. He advocates for auto-hyper-personalization systems to democratize technology access globally.

• Multimedia publishing
• Communication design
• Interface Design
• +7 more

Professor Ulrich Nikolaus serves as a Professor of Multimedia Publishing and Communication Design at the Faculty of Computer Science and Media at Leipzig University of Applied Sciences (HTWK Leipzig). He has held this position since his appointment in December 2002 and currently serves as Chairman of the Examination Board for technical degree programs within the faculty. His academic journey began with computer science studies at Saarland University in 1988, followed by a degree in computer science in 1996, and culminated in his doctorate on 'Multimedia Learning in Companies' in October 2001. Nikolaus's research spans multimedia publishing, interface design, electronic publishing, and digital accessibility. His work emphasizes creating inclusive digital experiences, particularly through his longstanding collaboration with the German Central Library for the Blind (since 2011). He has directed significant projects including the redesign of the Egyptian Museum website in collaboration with Leipzig University, where students under his supervision developed design, content, and technical concepts. His scholarly contributions focus on advancing accessible digital publications, voice user interfaces, eye-tracking analyses for media research, and cross-media publishing workflows. Nikolaus has been instrumental in developing digital teaching strategies at HTWK Leipzig, serving on the 'Steering Committee for Inclusion' since 2018 and as a founding member of the Institute for Digital Teaching and Learning since 2019. Among his notable recognitions are membership in the Accessibility in Education Working Group of the IAAP-DACH since 2022, and his role as co-organizer of Leipzig's first World Usability Day in 2017. He has also contributed to international standards through his participation in the DAISY 2009 International Technical Conference. Nikolaus teaches across multiple courses including Media Production, Interface Design, Electronic Publishing, and Media Management at the Master's level. His educational philosophy integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application, evident in his supervision of student projects that address real-world challenges in digital media and accessibility.

He David ZhangView profile

Assistant Professor

• Computer Vision
• Robotics
• SLAM
• +3 more

He David Zhang is an Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Governors State University and a Postdoctoral Associate at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Robotics Lab. His research focuses on computer vision, robotics, and assistive technologies for visually impaired individuals. Ph.D. in Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Arkansas at Little Rock (2018) B.S. in Computer Science & Technology, Chinese University of Mining and Technology at Beijing (2009) Study Certificate in Computer Architecture, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (2010) Dr. Zhang's research integrates vision-based algorithms with inertial sensors to create robust systems for indoor localization, 3D mapping, and human-robot interaction. Key projects include Smart Cane, CoRobotic Cane (CRC), Wearable Robotic Object Manipulation Aid (W-ROMA), and Quadrupedal Human-Assistive Robotic Platform (Q-HARP), which aim to enhance mobility for the visually impaired and elderly populations. His recent publications emphasize improving Visual-Inertial Odometry (VIO) accuracy through depth uncertainty modeling and hybrid perspective-n-point methods. He has contributed to benchmark datasets like VCU-RVI and explored SLAM applications in real-time assistive robotics. Awards include Best Conference Paper honors and competitive recognitions in IROS and 3MT competitions. Best Conference Paper Award, IEEE HSI 2019 2nd Place, IROS 2020 UZH-FPV VIO Competition System Engineering Award for Excellent Ph.D. Student, UA Little Rock (2018)

Meredith Ringel MorrisView profile

Adjunct Professor

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Human-AI Interaction
• Accessibility
• +6 more

Meredith Ringel Morris serves as Director for Human-AI Interaction Research at Google DeepMind and holds dual Affiliate Professor appointments at the University of Washington in the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering and the Information School. Previously, she directed Google's People + AI Research team and founded Microsoft Research's Ability group as Sr. Principal Researcher leading Interaction, Accessibility, and Mixed Reality initiatives. Her educational foundation includes a Sc.B. in Computer Science from Brown University and M.S./Ph.D. degrees in Computer Science from Stanford University, where her dissertation Supporting Effective Interaction with Tabletop Groupware pioneered surface computing research. Morris is a globally recognized leader in Human-Computer Interaction and Human-AI Interaction , with transformative contributions to accessibility technologies , social computing , and ethical AI frameworks . Her work spans collaborative web search systems (founding the field with SearchTogether), user-defined gesture methodologies adopted industry-wide, and accessible AI applications for blind users, people with dyslexia, and AAC device users. Current research critically examines generative AI's societal impact while developing human-centered interaction paradigms. Recent publications reveal accelerating focus on AI ethics , human-AGI interaction frameworks , and accessibility-specific AI applications , with generative models increasingly central to solving communication barriers for diverse user groups while addressing alignment challenges. Her scientific recognition includes: ACM Fellow designation ACM SIGCHI Academy membership Lasting Impact Award (ACM ISS 2016) Technology Review's 35 Innovators Under 35 Morris has co-taught University of Washington courses including Input and Interaction (2012) and organized seminal events like the UW-MSR Summer Institute on Expanding Accessibility Research. Her research leadership spans conference chair roles (CSCW General Chair), editorial boards (TOCHI), and steering committees (CHI/CSCW), supported by industry funding yielding over 100 publications and 20+ patents influencing Microsoft and Google product ecosystems. She founded Microsoft Research's Ability group focusing on inclusive design and currently leads Google DeepMind's human-AI interaction research, directing projects including Generative Ghosts (AI afterlives), LaMPost (dyslexia writing assistant), and alt text systems for AI-generated imagery, with ongoing collaboration through UW's dub research consortium.

• Interactive Data Visualization
• Intelligence Augmentation
• Human-Computer Interaction
• +12 more

Arvind Satyanarayan is an Associate Professor of Computer Science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he leads the Visualization Group at MIT CSAIL. His research centers on interactive data visualization as a mechanism for intelligence augmentation—enhancing human cognition and creativity while preserving agency. Education PhD in Computer Science, Stanford University (advised by Jeffrey Heer, UW Interactive Data Lab) His research spans four primary themes: Visualization Authoring Tools , where he develops languages and systems (e.g., Vega-Lite extensions) to democratize visualization creation; Interpretability & Alignment , focusing on metrics and interfaces to align ML models with human expectations; Accessible Data Representations , co-designing non-visual displays with blind collaborators using alt text, screen readers, and tactile graphics; and Sociocultural Design , studying visualizations as social artifacts that shape norms and propagate misinformation. His work on Animated Vega-Lite , Bluefish , and Tactile Vega-Lite exemplifies his focus on expressive, usable, and inclusive tools. His recent publications show a strong trend toward AI-human collaboration , accessibility , and cultural interpretability of LLMs , with frequent appearances at top venues like ACM CHI, IEEE VIS, ACL, and UIST. Key topics include semi-formal programming, generative AI agency, tactile chart prototyping, and saliency evaluation frameworks. Scientific Awards & Recognition NSF CAREER Award Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellow (2024) Best Paper Honorable Mention, ACM CHI 2021 Outstanding Paper Award, ACL 2023 Apple Scholars in AIML (advised student) Forbes 30 Under 30 (advised student) He advises a vibrant group of PhD, MEng, and postdoctoral researchers, with alumni now faculty at MIT, Brown, and Utah. His group has secured significant recognition and impact, with tools widely used in industry, Wikipedia, and the Jupyter/Python data science communities. He collaborates across disciplines, including anthropology (Graham M. Jones), medicine, and social science. The Visualization Group at MIT CSAIL is actively developing next-generation tools for semi-formal programming with foundation models, accessible multimodal representations, and culturally grounded AI evaluation frameworks.

Andrew Van SchaackView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Technology Forecasting
• Instructional Technology Development
• Generative AI in Education
• +3 more

Dr. Andrew Van Schaack is a Principal Senior Lecturer in the Department of Human and Organizational Development at Vanderbilt University's Peabody College, and also holds an appointment as Associate Professor of the Practice in the School of Engineering. His dual roles reflect expertise in both educational theory and technological innovation. He has over 19 years of experience at Vanderbilt, teaching courses in technology forecasting, organizational psychology, and instructional design. His research focuses on preparing for technological advancements through actionable strategies and developing evidence-based educational technologies. Notable roles include serving as Associate Dean for Online Programs (2017-2019), leading the redesign of Navy instructor training programs, and consulting for the U.S. Navy on resilience training initiatives. Education: Ph.D. in Instructional Technology from Utah State University (2004) Key Research: Technology forecasting methodologies, AI integration in education, accessibility solutions for STEM Awards: Madison Sarratt Teaching Prize, Fulbright Scholarship, multiple honorary military roles He has advised over 100 undergraduate research projects and holds 12 patents related to smartpen technologies. His work bridges academia and industry through collaborations like the OpenCourseWare support project with MIT and NSF-funded initiatives improving STEM accessibility for visually impaired students.

Abigale StanglView profile

Assistant Professor

• Inclusive Design
• Accessibility
• Human-Centered Design
• +5 more

Dr. Abigale Stangl is an Assistant Professor in the School of Industrial Design at the Georgia Institute of Technology . Her research focuses on inclusive design practices , accessibility , and sensory AI , prioritizing disability-first innovation . She explores tactile media, multimodal systems, and human-centered design principles to enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities, particularly those who are blind or visually impaired. Her research interests include: Development of tactile interfaces and eyes-free interaction techniques Visual privacy management for blind users Collaborative design processes with disabled communities Ethical AI integration in assistive technologies Her work spans diverse domains such as: Video/audio accessibility solutions Children’s crossmodal learning through play Disability advocacy in workplace innovation Private content detection in visual assistance tools Though no specific grants or awards are listed, her projects emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration and real-world impact.

Henner GärtnerView profile

Professor

• Industrial Logistics
• Production Management
• Decentralized Manufacturing Control
• +5 more

Prof. Dr. Henner Gärtner is a full Professor for Industrial Logistics in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Production at Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW Hamburg). He is also Program Coordinator of the cooperative Mechanical Engineering program with the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Chairman of the Study Reform Committee, and deputy member of the Department Council. Education & Academic Focus Doctorate (Dissertation on stock-out cost quantification, PZH-Verlag, 2011) Research stays and teaching activities in Germany and China Research Interests Prof. Gärtner’s work spans decentralized production control , Industry 4.0 testbeds , autonomous transport systems (AGVs) , and real-time ergonomic monitoring . A flagship project is the Shared Guide Dog 4.0 , an AI-equipped autonomous rollator that supports blind and visually impaired pedestrians through advanced navigation and puddle-detection algorithms. Scientific Awards Hamburger Lehrpreis 2022 – Excellence in Teaching Projects & Funding SafeWalker – safe navigation assistance for elderly pedestrians Shared Guide Dog 4.0 – AI-driven mobility aid (with DAAD & BMAS support) GehwegNavi – sidewalk navigation for the visually impaired Decentralized Manufacturing Control testbed – “swimming-pool” model for resource negotiation Collaborative projects with Lufthansa Technik Logistik Services, VTG AG, DESY, and Krüss GmbH Teaching & Supervision He teaches bachelor and master modules such as Industrial Logistics , Production Planning & Control , Operations Management , and Project Management & Communication . Prof. Gärtner has supervised more than 30 bachelor and master theses on topics ranging from decentralized AGV control to AI-based computer-vision apps for barrier-free mobility. Labs & Teams Prof. Gärtner leads activities within the Institute for Product and Production Management (IPP) at HAW Hamburg and coordinates interdisciplinary student teams working on robotics, lean production, and service engineering.

Rubén AlcarazView profile

Associate Professor

• Digital Humanities
• Web Accessibility
• Human-Computer Interaction
• +3 more

Rubén Alcaraz is an Associate Professor at the University of Barcelona's Department of Library and Information Science, with teaching roles at Pompeu Fabra University (since 2013) and EINA Barcelona (since 2014). He holds a PhD in Engineering and Information Technology from University of Lleida (cum laude), Master's in Digital Content Management (UB/UPF), and Library Science Diploma (UB).

• Computer Graphics
• Computer Vision
• Video Processing
• +4 more

Prof. Dr. Thorsten Thormählen is a University Professor for Computer Graphics and Multimedia Programming in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at Philipps University Marburg, Germany, a position he has held since October 2012. Prior to this, he served as Substitute Professor for Interactive Graphics Systems at the University of Tübingen (2011-2012) and led the independent research group "Image-based 3D Scene Analysis" at the Max Planck Center for Visual Computing and Communication (2007-2012). His academic background includes a PhD (Dr.-Ing.) from the University of Hannover (2000-2005), where he also worked as a full-time scientific assistant, and a Diploma in Electrical Engineering from the University of Duisburg (1994-1999). Prof. Thormählen's research centers on Visual Computing , spanning Computer Graphics , Computer Vision , Video Processing , and Human-Computer Interaction . His work pioneers tools for 3D reconstruction (e.g., Multi-View Photometric Stereo), video manipulation (e.g., MovieReshape), and multimedia processing (e.g., GSN Composer), with groundbreaking contributions to accessibility through haptic and auditory interfaces for blind 3D modelers. His lab develops practical systems that bridge theoretical computer vision with real-world applications. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals a consistent focus on photometric stereo techniques for 3D reconstruction, video processing innovations, and accessibility-driven interfaces. His work increasingly emphasizes inclusive design, particularly for visually impaired users, while maintaining technical rigor in camera calibration, surface modeling, and multi-sensor fusion. At the Max Planck Center, he established and led the "Image-based 3D Scene Analysis" research group, which advanced methods for reconstructing 3D environments from video sequences. His current work at Marburg continues this trajectory, integrating computer vision, graphics, and human-centered design to solve complex problems in digital content creation and accessibility.

Kristen ShinoharaView profile

Associate Professor

• Accessibility
• Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
• Design for Social Accessibility
• +3 more

Kristen Shinohara is an Associate Professor at the School of Information within the Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences at RIT. She co-directs the CAIR Lab and focuses on designing accessible technologies, supporting disabled graduate students in STEM, and integrating accessibility into computing education. Her research bridges HCI, disability studies, and inclusive design. Education: BS from University of Puget Sound, MS from University of Washington-Tacoma, PhD from University of Washington-Seattle (2017). Research Interests: Her work emphasizes social accessibility, exploring how technologies can better support marginalized groups. Key areas include: accessibility in design tools, graduate student barriers in STEM, and curriculum development for inclusive computing education. She co-developed the Design for Social Accessibility (DSA) framework and method cards to guide inclusive design practices. Publications: Over 50 peer-reviewed papers in top venues like CHI and ASSETS, focusing on accessibility challenges and solutions. Recent work addresses AI-assisted UX evaluation, cultural dimensions in accessibility, and barriers faced by visually impaired graduate students. Awards & Grants: NSF funding for projects empowering disabled graduate students and infusing accessibility into CS curricula. Recognized with Best Paper Awards and Honorable Mentions at CHI and ASSETS conferences. Advising & Grants: Mentors over 20 graduate and undergraduate students. Leads NSF-funded initiatives to improve accessibility education and support disabled researchers. Collaborates on projects like 'Empowering Disabled Graduate Students in STEM' and 'Teaching Accessibility in Computing.' Labs & Teams: Co-leads the CAIR Lab, fostering interdisciplinary research on inclusive technology. Active in organizing ASSETS 2025 as General Co-Chair, promoting diversity in accessibility research.

Rachael WynneView profile

Lecturer

• Human Factors
• Cognitive Psychology
• Road Safety
• +3 more

Rachael Wynne is a Lecturer at the University of Newcastle's School of Psychological Sciences, part of the College of Engineering, Science and Environment. She holds a PhD from the University of the Sunshine Coast and a Graduate Certificate in Tertiary Education from Central Queensland University. Her research focuses on Human Factors and cognitive psychology, particularly the interplay between experience, attention, memory, and road safety. She has contributed to projects on aviation safety, driver distraction, and autonomous vehicles. Education: PhD, University of the Sunshine Coast Bachelor of Psychological Science (Hons), Australian Catholic University Graduate Certificate in Tertiary Education, Central Queensland University Research Interests: Human Factors in aviation and road safety, cognitive psychology, driver behavior, hazard perception, and touchscreen interface usability in flight decks. Grants: $376,779: 'Tackling Looked-But-Failed-To-See Crashes for Motorcyclists and Cyclists' (2024) $1,121,313: 'Evaluation of Human Machine Interfaces in Vehicles' (2022–2025) Awards: First Place, 3 Minute Thesis Competition (UniSC, 2017 and 2018) Teaching & Supervision: Coordinated courses in cognitive psychology and human factors. Supervised 4 current and 6 past students, including PhD projects on change blindness, distraction testing methods, and environmental distractibility. Affiliations: Formerly a Visiting Researcher at the University of Southampton and Research Fellow at the Centre for Human Factors and Sociotechnical Systems (UniSC). Active in the Transportation Research Group and Human Factors Engineering teams.

Sampath JayarathnaView profile

Associate Professor

• Neuro-Information Retrieval
• Data Science
• Human-Computer Interaction
• +5 more

Sampath Jayarathna is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Old Dominion University, part of the College of Science. His research focuses on Neuro-Information Retrieval, Data Science, and Human-Computer Interaction, with a particular emphasis on eye tracking, biometrics, and wearable devices. He holds a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University and has been at ODU since 2018. Jayarathna has received multiple accolades, including the NSF CAREER Award in 2021 and the ODUAA New Faculty Award. His work bridges disciplines, applying computational techniques to understand user behavior and develop adaptive interfaces for accessibility. Education: Ph.D. in Computer Science (Texas A&M University, 2016), M.S. (Texas State University, 2010), B.S. (University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2006). Prior to ODU, he was on the faculty at Cal Poly Pomona. Research Interests: Neuro-Information Retrieval (eye tracking, EEG, oculomotor systems), Data Science (multi-modal sensing, user interest modeling), Human-Computer Interaction (recommender systems, accessibility for visually impaired users). His lab develops tools like the Neuro Information Retrieval and Data Science Lab, supported by grants such as NSF CAREER and COVA-CCI. His recent work includes enhancing accessibility for blind users in e-commerce and data visualization, detecting deceptive web advertisements, and real-time cognitive load analysis via pupillary metrics. He has authored over 50 publications in top-tier venues like IEEE Transactions and ACM conferences. Awards include the 2025 COS Outreach Award, 2023 NSF S&CC-PG grant, and the 2021 Provost's Award for Mentoring. He advises numerous students, with a focus on inclusive technologies and interdisciplinary research. Labs/Teams: Leads the Neuro Information Retrieval and Data Science Lab, collaborating on projects like distributed eye-tracking systems (DisETrac) and gaze analytics dashboards. Active in grants involving disinformation detection and secure IoT applications.

• Accessibility
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Assistive Technologies
• +6 more

Patrick A. Carrington is an Associate Professor in the Human-Computer Interaction Institute (HCII) at Carnegie Mellon University's School of Computer Science. His research focuses on accessibility, wearable technology, and assistive technologies, exploring how technology can understand human ability and support empowerment, independence, and improved quality of life for people with diverse abilities. His research interests span multiple areas of accessibility and human-computer interaction. He investigates user needs and designs technology systems that enhance and leverage the full potential of users with diverse abilities, with particular focus on non-visual interfaces, wheelchair computing (which he terms "chairables"), and social media accessibility. His work combines technical innovation with deep user understanding to create meaningful assistive technologies. Dr. Carrington's publication record demonstrates consistent contributions to the field of accessibility research. His work shows a clear trajectory from foundational studies on wheelchair computing and chairables to more recent explorations of non-visual cooking interfaces, social media accessibility, and the application of large language models for communication assistance. His research consistently addresses real-world accessibility challenges through carefully designed user studies and novel technological interventions. Scientific recognition for his work includes: Best Paper Award (Top 1%) at CHI 2019 for "Occupational Therapy is Making" Best Student Paper at ASSETS 2024 for "WheelPoser" Multiple Best Paper Honorable Mentions (Top 5%) across CHI and ASSETS conferences Recognition for innovative work in Twitter accessibility, wheelchair sports technology, and non-visual interfaces As an educator, Dr. Carrington teaches courses including "Designing Human-Centered Software" (FA2022-FA2024, SP2025), "Special Topics: Accessibility" (SP2021, FA2021, SP2022, FA2024), and "Programming Usable Interfaces" (SP2020, FA2020). He leads the AXLE Lab, mentoring numerous students including Franklin Mingzhe Li, Yunzhi Li, and others who have become co-authors on his publications. His lab focuses on designing human-centered software that addresses real accessibility challenges through innovative technical solutions combined with deep user understanding.