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Pablo Alejandro Figueroa ForeroView profile

Associate Professor

• Virtual Reality
• Augmented Reality
• Video Game Development
• +4 more

Pablo Alejandro Figueroa Forero is an Associate Professor in the Department of Systems and Computer Engineering at the School of Information Technology, University of the Andes, Colombia. With over 15 years of continuous service at the university (promoted to Associate Professor in 2009), he maintains a strong research and teaching profile in virtual reality and video game development. His academic journey includes a Ph.D. from the University of Alberta (2004), an M.Sc. from Universidad de los Andes (1994), and a B.Sc. from Universidad Nacional de Colombia (1992). Professor Figueroa's research spans multiple domains of virtual and augmented reality applications. His work focuses on practical implementations including healthcare training systems, emotional well-being assessment tools, educational environments, and cultural preservation projects. He leads the IMAGINE-Visual Computing research group and serves as Technical Director of the Colivri laboratory ( http://colivri.uniandes.edu.co ), which provides infrastructure for VR development and serves as a hub for student projects. His recent publication record (2022-2025) shows remarkable productivity with multiple articles per year in reputable venues including IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics and Frontiers in Education. These works demonstrate a consistent focus on practical VR applications across healthcare, education, and cultural domains, with increasing attention to metaverse environments and advanced interaction techniques like gaze tracking and haptic feedback. Best article: 'A Scalable, Learning Based, VR Simulation of Machine Tools,' IADIS International Conference (2010) IBM Faculty Innovation Awards (2007) iCORE Graduate Student Award, Alberta Informatics Circle of Research Excellence (2000) Walter H Johns Graduate Fellowship, University Of Alberta (1999, 2000) NSERC Scholarship, Canada (1999) Professor Figueroa supervises numerous graduate and undergraduate students, with recent thesis topics covering VR applications for facial paralysis rehabilitation, public speaking training, memory assessment, and cultural preservation. His teaching responsibilities include Video Game Development, Interactive Visual Computing, and Introduction to Computational Thinking, with 50% of his time dedicated to instruction. He has established the IGDA (International Game Developers Association) student chapter at University of the Andes to foster student interest in game development.

Randy JamiesonView profile

Professor

• Cognitive Psychology
• Human Memory
• Associative Learning
• +3 more

Randy Jamieson is a Professor in the Department of Psychology within the Faculty of Arts at the University of Manitoba, where he conducts research at the intersection of cognitive psychology and computational modeling. His work explores fundamental mechanisms of human memory, learning, and knowledge representation through both experimental and theoretical approaches. His academic credentials include: NSERC Postdoctoral Fellow (Cognitive Science), McMaster University (2007) PhD (Brain, Behaviour, and Cognitive Science), Queen's University (2005) MA (Brain, Behaviour, and Cognitive Science), Queen's University (2001) BA (Specialized Honours) in Psychology, York University (1999) Dr. Jamieson's research focuses on human memory systems , particularly the relationship between episodic and semantic memory, and how memory drives intuitive inferences. He develops formal models of lexical retrieval and cognitive technologies such as psychologically grounded search engines. His methodological approach combines experimental paradigms with computational modeling to investigate learning, memory, and cognition across species. His recent publications (2022-2025) demonstrate a clear trajectory toward unifying theoretical frameworks, with increasing emphasis on computational implementations of memory models. This work bridges cognitive theory with practical applications in cognitive technology, particularly through his development of instance-based modeling approaches applied to diverse phenomena from associative inference to semantic memory. Dr. Jamieson's contributions have been recognized through prestigious honors: Richard C. Tees Distinguished Leadership Award (Canadian Society for Brain, Behaviour, and Cognitive Science) Fellow of the Canadian Psychological Association Fellow of the Canadian Society for Brain, Behaviour, and Cognitive Science Fellow of the Psychonomic Society Faculty of Arts Teaching Excellence Award (New Faculty Category, University of Manitoba) He actively mentors graduate students at both Master's and PhD levels through his Cognitive Science Lab, emphasizing rigorous experimental design and computational methodology. His teaching portfolio spans foundational courses in cognitive processes and advanced seminars in computational psychology, reflecting his commitment to training the next generation of cognitive scientists. The lab serves as an interdisciplinary hub for research on memory systems and cognitive modeling, fostering collaboration across psychology and computer science disciplines.

Daphna HellerView profile

Associate Professor

• Psycholinguistics
• Semantics
• Pragmatics
• +4 more

Daphna Heller serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Linguistics at the University of Toronto, located in Sidney Smith Hall, Room 4088. Her academic work bridges theoretical linguistics with experimental methodologies to investigate core aspects of human language processing. Research interests focus on psycholinguistics , experimental semantics/pragmatics , and referential processing . Key specialties include perspective-taking in communication, probabilistic models of reference, language processing in understudied languages (particularly Hebrew and Niuean), and the cognitive mechanisms underlying definite descriptions. Her work integrates theoretical linguistics with experimental paradigms including eye-tracking, corpus analysis, and cross-linguistic comparison. Recent publications reveal strong trends in perspective integration theory and referential choice mechanisms , with increasing focus on mental state attribution in communication. The 2020-2025 publications demonstrate methodological diversity spanning psycholinguistic experimentation, cross-linguistic analysis of Niuean and Hebrew, silent gesture studies, and computational modeling of pragmatic phenomena. 2022 Faculty Research Fellow, Jackman Humanities Institute Heller's research program examines how speakers and listeners manage reference in context, with particular attention to the probabilistic weighing of multiple perspectives. Her work on Hebrew linguistics contributes to understanding Semitic language processing, while Niuean studies provide insights into ergative language comprehension. Current projects appear to extend the Multiple Perspectives Theory to question-answer dynamics and mental state attribution in communication.

Dave KushView profile

Assistant Professor

• Psycholinguistics
• Syntax
• Sentence Processing
• +4 more

Dave Kush is an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC), cross-appointed to the Department of Linguistics. He directs the Eyelands Lab (previously the ØyeLab at NTNU), which studies real-time language processing and syntactic knowledge. His research focuses on sentence processing, syntactic theory, and cross-linguistic variation, with specialties in filler-gap dependencies, anaphora, and computational modeling. Education: PhD from the University of Maryland and BA from the University of Michigan. He has advised numerous graduate students, including Anastasia Kobzeva (PhD Candidate), Parker Robbins (MA Student), and Sunniva Strætkvern (PhD Student). The lab is affiliated with the CAP Lab at UTSC and collaborates with the Department of Language and Literature at NTNU. Recent work examines island effects in Norwegian, L2 acquisition, and computational models of dependency resolution. His studies often bridge theoretical syntax with experimental methods, exploring how grammatical constraints interact with real-time processing. Lab members include researchers specializing in syntax, psycholinguistics, and computational modeling, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach to language science.

• Cognitive Science of Language
• Speech Perception
• Psycholinguistics
• +5 more

Philip Monahan is an Associate Professor in the Department of Linguistics at the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC). His research focuses on cognitive science of language, speech perception, psycholinguistics, and neurolinguistics. He holds a PhD from the University of Maryland and MA/BA degrees from the University of Florida. Dr. Monahan's work explores how linguistic knowledge influences auditory processing, particularly in areas like tonal languages, bilingualism, and the neural mechanisms underlying speech perception. He employs experimental methods including electrophysiological recordings (EEG/MEG) and computational modeling to investigate phonological representation, lexical access, and cross-linguistic variation. Key research themes include: the cognitive processing of script-mixing in bilingual contexts, acoustic-perceptual factors in phonological typology, and the role of language dominance in heritage speaker populations. His studies often bridge traditional linguistic analysis with neuroscientific methodologies to uncover how abstract linguistic structures manifest in real-time cognitive processes. Recent publications (2019-2025) reveal a focus on speech envelope entrainment during communication, auditory translation priming effects, and the neural coding of phonetic features across languages. His research demonstrates interdisciplinary engagement, integrating insights from cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and computational linguistics.

Izak BenbasatView profile

Professor

• Human-Computer Interaction
• E-Commerce
• Artificial Intelligence
• +6 more

Izak Benbasat is the Sauder Distinguished Professor of Information Systems and Professor Emeritus at the University of British Columbia's Sauder School of Business. His research focuses on human-computer interfaces, especially in e-commerce, trust in AI systems, and IT competencies. He holds a PhD from the University of Minnesota and honorary doctorates from Université de Montréal (2009). He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and a Member of the Order of Canada (C.M.). Benbasat's research interests include designing user-friendly web interfaces, enhancing system transparency in recommendation agents, and measuring IT-related competencies. He has explored topics such as privacy in mobile apps, algorithm aversion, and the impact of envy on social media behavior. Education: BA, Robert College, Istanbul MSc, PhD, University of Minnesota Doctorat Honoris Causa, Université de Montréal His recent work addresses algorithm aversion, transparency in advice systems, and cybersecurity policies. He has published extensively in top journals like Management Information Systems Quarterly and Information Systems Research . Awards: Fellow, Royal Society of Canada (2009) Member of the Order of Canada (2012) Doctorat Honoris Causa, Université de Montréal (2009) Benbasat advises on strategic IT alignment and has contributed to frameworks for improving communication between IT professionals and business managers. His research bridges theory and practice, emphasizing real-world applications in digital commerce and technology governance.

Oliver HardtView profile

Associate Professor

• Behavioural Neuroscience
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Memory
• +3 more

Oliver Hardt is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at McGill University, where he leads the Memory and Forgetting Lab. His research focuses on the neurobiology of memory with particular emphasis on memory maintenance and forgetting mechanisms, employing a systems-level approach across multiple model organisms and human subjects. His primary research areas include Behavioural Neuroscience and Cognitive Neuroscience, with core interests in memory systems, forgetting processes, and neurobiological mechanisms. The lab utilizes behavioral studies in genetically modified Drosophila melanogaster , pharmacological manipulations of specific rodent brain regions, and computer-based cognitive tasks in human subjects. Collaborative work extends to clinical populations with memory dysfunctions including Fragile X syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, and Alzheimer's disease. Analysis of his publication record reveals a consistent focus on synaptic mechanisms underlying memory persistence and decay, particularly AMPA receptor trafficking and endocytosis. His work bridges molecular neuroscience with behavioral outcomes, establishing critical links between cellular processes and cognitive phenomena in both healthy and pathological memory systems. Scientific Awards: No awards were mentioned in the provided documentation. Advising and Grants: The available information does not specify graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, or external grant funding. Labs and Teams: The Memory and Forgetting Lab operates as an interdisciplinary research unit integrating molecular, systems, and cognitive neuroscience approaches to investigate fundamental memory processes across species.

Robert StampsView profile

Professor

• Magnonics
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Artificial Spin Ice
• +3 more

Robert Stamps is a Professor and Department Head of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Manitoba, within the Faculty of Science. His research focuses on magnonics, artificial spin ice systems, hyperbolic optics, and neuromorphic computing. He explores complex systems such as spin textures, magnetic dynamics, and the interplay between spintronics and photonics. His work bridges condensed matter physics, materials science, and computational approaches. Research Interests: Magnonics and spin wave dynamics in antiferromagnetic materials Artificial spin ice configurations and defect control Hyperbolic metamaterials and optical propagation Neuromorphic systems modeled using restricted Boltzmann machines Phase transitions and topological defects in nanostructured magnets Recent Work Trends: Over 2021-2025, his publications emphasize cavity magnonics, active inference in spin systems, and hyperbolic optical phenomena in antiferromagnets. He investigates emergent behaviors in artificial spin ice under varying fields and thermal conditions. Advising & Grants: No specific students or grants listed, though his research likely involves collaborative experimental/theoretical projects. His lab likely focuses on advanced microscopy, magneto-optical measurements, and computational simulations. Labs/Teams: While not explicitly named, his work suggests involvement in multi-institutional collaborations in spintronics and condensed matter physics.

Michael LiutView profile

Assistant Professor

• Adaptive Systems
• Algorithms
• Computer Science Education
• +6 more

Michael Liut is an Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream in the Department of Mathematical and Computational Sciences at the University of Toronto Mississauga. He is cross-appointed in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Toronto and affiliated with the Institute for the Study of University Pedagogy. His research focuses on Adaptive Systems, Algorithms, Computer Science Education, Education Technology, and Generative AI. He holds a Ph.D. and M.Eng. in Computer Science from McMaster University. Education: Completed his Ph.D. in Computer Science and M.Eng. in Software Engineering at McMaster University under Drs. Antoine Deza and Frantisek Franek, within the Advanced Optimization Research Laboratory (AdvOL). Research Interests: Explores adaptive systems (behavioral tools, conversational agents), algorithms (machine learning, NLP), and innovations in computing education (adaptive interventions, predictive modeling, student support). Co-founded the CORE Lab and contributes to the CS Education Research Group. Awards: UTM Dean's Merit Award (2021, 2022, 2024) and Outstanding Faculty Guidance & Support Award (2021). Service: Serves as Co-Chair of ACM's SIGMOD/PODS' DataEd (2024–2026), Faculty Advisor for WiSC (Women in Science & Computing), and Advisor for UTM's CSSC (Computer Science Student Community). Labs/Teams: Leads the Computational Research and Education (CORE) Lab at UofT and participates in the CS Education Research Group, formerly involved with AdvOL and Indoor Positioning teams.

Andrew PetersenView profile

Professor

• Computer Science Education
• Educational Technology
• Introductory Programming Education
• +3 more

Andrew Petersen is a Professor, Teaching Stream and Vice Chair (Computer Science) in the Department of Mathematical and Computational Sciences at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM). He holds a cross-appointment in the Institute for the Study of University Pedagogy. His academic roles include directing teaching initiatives and serving on UTM’s leadership teams, including Acting Vice-Dean and Acting Associate Dean roles. Petersen earned his MSc in Computer Science from the University of Washington. Research Interests: His work focuses on computer science education, particularly introductory programming courses and teaching methodologies. He emphasizes active learning, student engagement, and the use of technology to enhance educational outcomes. His research group investigates topics like self-explanation, gamification, and the impact of AI on education. Publications: Petersen’s recent work includes studies on educational technology, such as the efficacy of videos, voice-based learning, and AI-driven interventions. His research trends highlight innovative methods to address student challenges in computing education. Awards: UTM Teaching Excellence Award, U of T President’s Teaching Award, OCUFA Teaching Award Advising & Grants: Co-supervises PhD student Angela Zavaleta Bernuy. His work often involves collaborative projects with students on educational tools and interventions, supported by grants exploring topics like formative feedback and student motivation. Labs/Teams: Member of the U of T CS Education Research Group, contributing to conferences like ICER and Koli Calling.

Jingyuan ZhaoView profile

Assistant Professor

• Artificial Intelligence
• Healthcare Technology
• Big Data Analytics
• +5 more

Jingyuan Zhao is an Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream at the University of Toronto, specializing in the intersection of technology, education, and innovation. His research focuses on generative AI, healthcare technology, big data analytics, and collaborative systems. He explores how emerging technologies like IoT and AI can transform industries such as healthcare, education, and global business operations. Dr. Zhao’s work also examines organizational transformation through virtual teamwork and digital ecosystems, emphasizing competitive strategies in challenging environments. His research integrates case studies from China and global contexts, analyzing regional innovation patterns, biopharmaceutical clusters, and vocational education reforms. He has contributed to understanding international market entry strategies for pharmaceutical firms and the governance of IT systems in developing economies. Dr. Zhao’s publications highlight trends in AI-driven collaboration, e-collaboration during global crises, and the application of cognitive technologies. His recent work emphasizes the convergence of medical IoT and generative AI to enhance healthcare delivery systems. Though no formal awards or grants are listed, his extensive academic output reflects a commitment to advancing knowledge in technology-driven innovation and education.

Blair ArmstrongView profile

Assistant Professor

• Perception
• Cognition
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• +3 more

Blair Armstrong is an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto Scarborough (undergraduate appointment) and the University of Toronto (graduate appointment), affiliated with the Department of Psychology. He is also an Affiliated Researcher at the Basque Center on Cognition, Brain, and Language (BCBL). Holding a PhD from Carnegie Mellon University, his research focuses on cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying word comprehension, semantic memory, and lexical processing. His work integrates computational modeling, electrophysiological techniques, and behavioral experiments to explore ambiguity resolution, cross-linguistic differences, and decision systems. Education: PhD in Cognitive Science, Carnegie Mellon University. Research Interests: Cognitive and neural representations of word comprehension, semantic memory dynamics, ambiguity resolution, and computational methodologies for experimental design. He develops tools like Chronset for speech onset detection and SOS for optimizing stimuli, contributing to the broader field of psycholinguistics and cognitive neuroscience. Service and Grants: He has served on program committees for conferences such as the Cognitive Science Society and the Implicit Learning Seminar. He reviews grants for NSERC, SSHRC, ERC, and others. His editorial work includes guest editing a theme issue on statistical learning for Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society. Labs/Teams: Collaborates with BCBL researchers and contributes to interdisciplinary projects on statistical learning and language processing.

Morgan BarenseView profile

Associate Professor

• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Memory Formation
• Aging and Dementia
• +3 more

Morgan Barense is an Associate Professor at the University of Toronto (since 2014) and Director of the Toronto Neuroimaging Facility. Her research focuses on understanding how the brain supports memory formation, aging-related cognitive decline, and neurological disorders through neuroimaging, neuropsychology, and cognitive psychology. She holds a B.A. from Harvard University and a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at Peterhouse (Cambridge). Her expertise spans Perception and Cognition Cognitive Neuroscience Neuroimaging Techniques Memory Disorders She investigates neural mechanisms underlying episodic memory, autobiographical memory, and spatial navigation using fMRI, behavioral studies, and computational modeling. Her work has been recognized with prestigious awards such as the Canada Research Chair in Cognitive Neuroscience and the Young Investigator Award from the Cognitive Neuroscience Society. Her research explores applications like smartphone-based interventions to mitigate memory decline in aging populations and neuroimaging methods to assess cognitive functioning in acute stroke patients. She also studies how prediction errors and environmental boundaries influence episodic memory consolidation. Current projects include examining hippocampal function in dementia risk groups and developing frameworks for understanding memory across multiple temporal and spatial scales.

Ishtiaque AhmedView profile

Assistant Professor

• Social Justice
• Environmental Justice
• Sustainable Design
• +4 more

Ishtiaque Ahmed is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Toronto. His research focuses on social and environmental justice, sustainable design, and ethics in technology, particularly in marginalized communities. He has advised numerous students across PhD, Master’s, and undergraduate programs, with topics ranging from postsecular computing to ethics in AI and robotics. His work integrates interdisciplinary approaches, including HCI, migration studies, and global development. Key projects include mCARE (a mobile health initiative for children with ASD in LMICs), and investigations into algorithmic fairness, digital privacy, and the socio-technical challenges faced by marginalized populations. Dr. Ahmed's research has explored topics such as internet disconnection risks, faith-based violence categorization, and the ethical implications of LLMs. He collaborates widely, mentoring researchers globally and serving on PhD committees at institutions like Cornell and Monash University. His advising and mentoring network spans diverse disciplines, including computer science, political science, and public health. He emphasizes participatory design methodologies and has been instrumental in fostering international collaborations to address global challenges like climate migration and digital exclusion.

• Intelligent User Interfaces
• Computer Science Education
• Human-Robot Interaction
• +3 more

Tovi Grossman is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Toronto. He holds the NSERC/Autodesk Industrial Research Chair in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and has received prestigious awards like the Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship (2021) and the NSERC E.W.R. Steacie Memorial Fellowship (2020). His research focuses on intelligent user interfaces, mixed reality, and AI-driven interaction techniques. Education: Ph.D. in Human-Computer Interaction from the University of Toronto. Previously, he was a Distinguished Research Scientist at Autodesk Research. Research Interests: Grossman explores how emerging technologies like AI and mixed reality can enhance user experiences. His work spans intelligent UIs, human-robot interaction, and education technologies. Notable projects include Autodesk Sketchbook Motion (Apple iPad App of the Year 2016) and Geppetto (CHI 2019 Best Paper Award). Articles Trends: Recent work emphasizes AI-assisted creativity (e.g., generative design tools), mixed reality applications in education, and human-AI collaboration in programming and robotics. Over 180 peer-reviewed articles and 100+ patents highlight his contributions. Awards: 18+ best paper awards, Sloan Fellowship, NSERC Chairs. Grants: NSERC/Autodesk Chair (2019–2024), multiple industry collaborations. Team: Supervises a dynamic team of Ph.D./M.Sc. students and undergraduate researchers, focusing on HCI innovation. Collaborates with Toronto-area industry labs like Autodesk.