Dr. Francis Ward is Assistant Professor in Music Education at Dublin City University's Institute of Education. His interdisciplinary work connects academic scholarship, creative practice, and technology-enhanced learning with emphasis on socially engaged education and inclusive community arts. Research spans music education across formal/informal contexts, technology in music pedagogy, multicultural music education, Irish traditional music/dance, and responsible integration of generative AI in higher education. Current projects include GenAI in capstone assessment and Creative Linguistic Strategies for Irish Dance. Awarded Fulbright Scholar Fellowship (2019-20) and Irish Research Council PhD scholarship. Publications appear in Q1 journals covering virtual transmission of traditional arts, social justice in music education, and playful pedagogies. Creative outputs include compositions and choreography presented internationally. Teaches undergraduate/postgraduate courses in music/arts education and research methods. Co-developed Socially Inclusive Music Education specialism and MEd in Arts Education Practice. Supervises doctoral candidates in music/arts education and creative practice research.
Dr. Muhammad Intizar Ali is an Assistant Professor in the School of Electronic Engineering at Dublin City University (DCU). He holds a PhD (with distinction) from Vienna University of Technology, Austria (2011) and has held roles including Adjunct Lecturer and Research Fellow at the Insight Centre for Data Analytics, NUI Galway. His primary research focuses on IoT, Data Analytics, Machine Learning, and Knowledge Graphs with applications in Smart Cities, Manufacturing, Farming, and Healthcare. Education: PhD in Computer Science, Vienna University of Technology (2007-2011) Research Interests: IoT and Edge Analytics Federated and Distributed Machine Learning Semantic Web and Knowledge Graphs Smart Manufacturing and Industry 4.0 Stream Processing and Real-Time Systems Recent Work Trends: His publications emphasize federated learning frameworks, IoT-enabled adaptive intelligence, and knowledge graph applications in industrial contexts. Recent projects include digital twin systems for predictive maintenance and ontology-driven manufacturing solutions. Grants & Projects: Lead Investigator in SFI-funded projects like MultiRoof (2025-2029) and Neuro-Symbolic AI for Building Management EU/Industry collaborations including Terrain-AI and Bentley-funded initiatives Labs & Teams: Active in DCU's Data Analysis and Machine Learning research groups, leading projects like Smart DCU Digital Twin for campus optimization.
Dr. Jennifer Lock serves as Vice Dean and Professor at the Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary. She specializes in Educational Technology with a focus on e-learning, online learning communities, and technology integration in education. Her research explores distance education, leadership in educational innovation, and makerspaces in STEM pedagogy. Dr. Lock has held roles including Coordinator of Distance Education at Aurora College and has taught across undergraduate and graduate programs at Werklund. Education: Doctor of Philosophy (Educational Technology), University of Calgary, 2004 Master of Education (Thesis), University of Saskatchewan, 1992 Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Arts, University of Saskatchewan, 1984/1989 Research Interests: E-learning, technology integration, leadership in educational technology, scholarship of teaching and learning, and experiential learning through makerspaces. Her work emphasizes culturally responsive pedagogy, online collaboration, and assessment frameworks for skill development. Awards: Izaak Walton Killam Graduate Supervision Award (2019) U Calgary Teaching Award for Educational Leadership (2015) U Make a Difference Award (2016) Multiple excellence in supervision and teaching awards from 2012–2018 Advising & Grants: Supervised numerous graduate students (not listed explicitly). Active in curriculum development and educational leadership initiatives. Collaborated on projects funded by institutions including the Werklund School of Education and University of Calgary. Labs/Teams: Involved with the Werklund School’s educational technology teams and the International Maker Education Network. Leads projects on immersive education and design thinking in teacher training.
Stephen E. Spear is a Professor of Economics at the Tepper School of Business, Carnegie Mellon University, since 1982. He holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania and a BA in English Literature from Beloit College. His research focuses on economic theory, including rational expectations, overlapping generations models, and dynamic economic systems. He has contributed to top journals such as Econometrica and Journal of Political Economy . Affiliations: Tepper School of Business (Carnegie Mellon University), Fellow of the Society for Economic Measurement, and Associate Editor of Macroeconomic Dynamics . Education: Ph.D. in Economics, University of Pennsylvania, 1982 B.A. in English Literature, Beloit College, 1974 His research interests span macroeconomic theory, optimal growth models, and market dynamics. Notable work includes studies on price stickiness, managerial compensation, and sunspot equilibria. He has received prestigious fellowships and authored influential books like Overlapping Generations Methods, Models and Morphology . Teaching: Spear teaches courses such as Microeconomics I, Political Economy, and Dynamic Competitive Analysis. His courses emphasize theoretical frameworks and applied economic models. Awards: Fellow, Society for the Advancement of Economic Theory (2017) Fellow, Society for Economic Measurement (2012) Labs/Teams: Spear collaborates on interdisciplinary research in macroeconomic dynamics and computational economics. His work bridges theoretical models with empirical applications.
Joan Walker is the Department Chair and T.Y. and Margaret Lin Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley. She holds a Ph.D. in Transportation Systems from MIT (2001), an M.S. in Transportation from MIT (1994), and a B.S. in Civil Engineering from UC Berkeley (1991). Prior to UC Berkeley, she served as Director of Demand Modeling at Caliper Corporation and as Assistant Professor of Geography and Environment at Boston University (2004-2008). Walker’s research intersects behavioral modeling, discrete choice analysis, travel behavior, and transportation planning. Her work focuses on enhancing models for transportation decision-making by incorporating social influences, environmental attitudes, and lifestyle factors. She has led major projects on autonomous vehicles, pandemic mobility shifts, and sustainable transportation policy. Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) National Science Foundation CAREER Award UC Berkeley Hellman Family Faculty Fund Best Paper Award, AGIFORS Scheduling & Strategic Planning Her students have received numerous accolades including the UCCONNECT Outstanding Student of the Year and Women’s Transportation Seminar Leadership Legacy Scholarships. Walker’s grants include NSF CAREER funding and UC Transportation Center projects. She co-directs the Center for Global Metropolitan Studies and has served as Acting Director of the Institute of Transportation Studies.
Jillianne Code is an Associate Professor in the Department of Curriculum and Pedagogy at the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Education. As Director of the ALIVE Research Lab (Assessment for Learning in Immersive and Virtual Environments), she focuses on postdigital learner agency, exploring how digital technologies shape educational experiences and power dynamics. Her work integrates immersive environments like VR, game-based learning, and social media to empower student autonomy. Dr. Code holds a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from Simon Fraser University, with postdoctoral training at Harvard University and visiting scholar roles at the University of Edinburgh. She co-founded the HeartLife Foundation, Canada’s first national patient-led heart failure advocacy network, leveraging her personal journey as a heart transplant recipient to advance patient-centered healthcare. Her research bridges education and health equity, addressing algorithmic literacy, digital access, and agency in both academic and medical contexts. Education: Ph.D. in Educational Psychology, Simon Fraser University M.Ed. and B.Ed. in Science Education, University of Alberta Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Harvard Graduate School of Education Visiting Scholar, University of Edinburgh’s Centre for Research in Digital Education Research emphasizes critical pedagogy in postdigital spaces, examining how technologies mediate learning and health outcomes. Key themes include equity in edtech adoption, agency in virtual environments, and healthcare advocacy for chronic conditions like heart failure. Her interdisciplinary approach merges educational theory with clinical practice, resulting in interventions such as digital counseling systems for heart patients and frameworks for assessing inquiry-based learning in VR settings. Labs/Initiatives: ALIVE Research Lab (UBC) HeartLife Foundation (national patient advocacy network) Key contributions include the development of immersive assessment tools for science education and patient-centered frameworks for chronic disease management. Her work is funded through interdisciplinary grants focusing on technology’s role in education and healthcare innovation.
Timothy A. McKay serves as the Arthur F. Thurnau Professor of Physics, Astronomy, and Education at the University of Michigan's College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA), where he also holds the administrative role of Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education. His dual expertise bridges astrophysics research and educational innovation, with significant contributions to both observational cosmology and learning analytics. His educational background includes: B.S. in Physics from Temple University (1986) Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Chicago (1992) McKay's research spans two interconnected domains. In observational cosmology, he pioneered work with major astronomical surveys including the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS), Robotic Optical Transient Search Experiment (ROTSE), and Dark Energy Survey (DES), focusing on galaxy clusters, cosmic rays, and large-scale structure. Since 2015, he has strategically shifted toward learning analytics, applying data science to transform STEM education. His innovative projects include E 2 Coach (a personalized student support system) and the NSF-funded REBUILD initiative, which creates intergenerational research teams to develop evidence-based teaching practices across physics, chemistry, astronomy, biology, and mathematics. Analysis of his publication trajectory reveals a deliberate pivot from astrophysics to educational research around 2015. While his early work centered on galaxy clusters and cosmological phenomena, recent publications (2020-2024) overwhelmingly focus on systemic equity gaps in STEM education, data-driven interventions, and multi-institutional collaborations. This evolution demonstrates how his data science methodology transitions seamlessly between cosmic structures and educational ecosystems. His scientific recognition includes: Prestigious Arthur F. Thurnau Professorship (awarded for exceptional undergraduate teaching) McKay directs the NSF-funded REBUILD project and the Digital Innovation Greenhouse, securing substantial research funding while mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in interdisciplinary teams. His work with the Big Ten Academic Alliance (CIC) has generated cross-institutional studies on grading patterns, performance disparities, and student support systems, with practical applications implemented across multiple universities. He actively collaborates with faculty across STEM disciplines to develop scalable educational technologies. His research infrastructure includes the Digital Innovation Greenhouse (an educational technology incubator) and REBUILD project teams, which integrate undergraduates, graduate students, postdocs, and faculty in evidence-based educational research. These teams operate at the intersection of data science and pedagogy, developing tools that analyze institutional datasets to personalize student support while maintaining rigorous scientific methodology.
Professor Mark Weal is a faculty member in the Department of Electronics and Computer Science at the University of Southampton. He holds roles as Co-Director of the Web Science Institute, Director of the Centre for Doctoral Training in Web Science Innovation, and Web Science Trust Fellow. His research focuses on digital health interventions, behavioral change technologies, and semantic web applications. Notably, he co-leads the LifeGuide project, a £45M initiative developing online health interventions for conditions like diabetes, cancer, and respiratory illnesses. Research interests include social media analytics for disaster management, semantic web infrastructures, and information systems design. He has supervised multiple PhD students in web science and digital health domains. Professor Weal has received significant grant funding from bodies like MRC, EPSRC, and the European Commission. Key achievements include over 45 million pounds in research funding and leadership in interdisciplinary projects. His work spans technical innovation and societal impact, addressing challenges in healthcare accessibility and digital infrastructure governance.
Lu Yin is an Assistant Professor in the School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering at the University of Surrey. He holds affiliations as a long-term visiting researcher at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) and collaborator with the Visual Informatics Group (VITA) at the University of Texas at Austin. Previously, he served as a Postdoctoral Fellow at TU/e and worked as a research scientist intern at Google's New York City office. His work bridges academic and industrial research, focusing on AI Efficiency, AI for Science, and Large Language Models. His research emphasizes optimizing neural networks through sparsity techniques, including pruning strategies for LLMs and vision models. Notable contributions include the OWL method for LLM pruning and Lottery Pools for improving sparse network performance. Yin actively collaborates with institutions like TU/e, Google Research, and Intel Research, and has organized conferences such as CAPBS 2025 and CAI 2025 Workshops. Yin has secured significant grants, including a 10,000,000 NWO-funded grant for NVIDIA A100 GPU resources. He has delivered invited talks at prestigious institutions like Carnegie Mellon University and City University of Hong Kong. His work has been recognized with the Best Paper Award from LoG 2022.
Dr. Carla Bonina is Associate Professor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Surrey Business School , with affiliations to multiple research centers including the Surrey Centre for the Digital Economy , Surrey Institute for People-Centred AI , and Latin American Open Data Initiative (ILDA). Her work bridges technology, policy, and sustainable development with a focus on Latin America. PhD in Management - London School of Economics and Political Science MSc in Public Administration - Centro de Investigación y Docencia Económicas (CIDE), Mexico City BSc in Economics - University of Buenos Aires, Argentina Research explores digital platform governance in international development, AI policy frameworks, and open data ecosystems in Latin America. She investigates how digital transformation intersects with social innovation and equitable development . Recent work analyzes data justice mechanisms and algorithmic bias in public service delivery. Key contributions include comparative OGD platform studies across Buenos Aires, Mexico City, and Montevideo. Her DIODE network research examines digital economies in developing countries. As co-PI for Audio Commons Initiative , she pioneered open audio content frameworks for creative industries. Mid-Career Researcher of the Year (Surrey Business School, 2021) Impact Award for digital government work (University of Surrey, 2020) Fellow, Surrey Institute for People-Centred AI Principal Researcher, ILDA Active in digital policy advisory for World Bank, OECD, and IDRC. Coordinates Por Mi Barrio urban governance case studies and contributes to UNESCO Open Science frameworks. Recent Surrey Speaks podcast (2023) discusses AI's role in social inequality dynamics.
Dr. Tom Overmans is Associate Professor and Director of Undergraduate Programs at Utrecht University School of Governance. His research in public administration focuses on behavioral budgeting, cognitive biases in public decision-making, and innovative responses to fiscal stress. Current projects examine how cognitive biases affect politicians' budget preferences and public procurement practices. His publications consistently explore behavioral dimensions of public finance, including micro-level budget behavior, consultant selection biases, and austerity implementation challenges. Methodologically, he employs experimental approaches and case studies to investigate public sector decision-making under constraints. Awards include the Veni Talent Grant for research on politicians' spending behavior and multiple teaching recognitions. As education director, he oversees curriculum development and pedagogical innovation in public administration programs. Engagement includes keynote presentations on austerity governance and membership in international research societies (IRSPM, EGPA, PMRA).
Dr. Milena Dobreva is a Senior Lecturer in Information Behavior at the Department of Computer and Information Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Scotland. She holds roles in the Faculty of Science and is affiliated with the Strathclyde iSchool. Her work focuses on innovation diffusion in cultural and scientific heritage sectors, media literacy, and combating misinformation. She has led projects funded by the European Commission, including the Bulgarian Romanian Observatory of Digital Media and the LEARN & EXCHANGE initiative to develop international MOOCs on digital transformation. Her research explores user needs in digital heritage, open innovation tools for cultural institutions, and digital skills training in Sub-Saharan Africa. Professional Activities Principal Investigator on projects addressing digital divide, GLAM innovation labs, and disinformation policy. Member of the Scientific Board of DARIAH and the Europeana Network Association. Peer reviewer for journals like Transformations: A DARIAH Journal and conferences such as ACM/IEEE-CS JCDL. Research Interests Innovation labs for GLAM sectors (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, Museums). Data spaces and digital transformation frameworks for cultural heritage. Information behavior in the context of disinformation and media literacy. Open science infrastructures and policy implementation. Grants & Projects Bulgarian Romanian Observatory of Digital Media (2022–2025): Combats disinformation through regional collaboration. LEARN & EXCHANGE (2022–2024): Develops multilingual MOOCs for digital transformation skills. eCHOIng (2021–2024): Uses open innovation to revitalize cultural heritage institutions. Labs & Collaborations Co-leads GLAM innovation labs research, focusing on digital divide mitigation and heritage digitization. Active in the CEDCHE (Common European Data Space for Cultural Heritage) initiative.
Dr. Mohamed Gharib is an Instructional Associate Professor in the Department of Engineering Technology and Industrial Distribution at Texas A&M University's College of Engineering. He also serves as Program Coordinator for Multidisciplinary Engineering Technology and holds affiliated faculty status in Multidisciplinary Engineering. His roles include teaching, research leadership, and academic program development. Educational Background: Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, Southern Methodist University (2011) M.S., Aerospace Engineering, Cairo University (2007) B.S., Aerospace Engineering, Cairo University (2002) Research Interests: Dr. Gharib focuses on advanced engineering systems and education innovation. His technical work spans vibration control , robotics systems design , and impact mechanics , with notable contributions to drill string vibration suppression and novel damping technologies. In education, he pioneers STEM outreach programs and curriculum development, including initiatives like the Awesome STEM Lab and e-STEM programs . His COBOTICS Lab integrates robotics research, undergraduate training, and community engagement. Research Impact: Recent work addresses dexterous robotics (via NSF's HAND ERC), adaptive control algorithms for drilling systems, and advanced composite coatings for tribological applications. His publications emphasize real-world applications in oil well operations, structural acoustics, and educational technology. Awards: Francisco José de Caldas Award for Sustainable Excellence (2021) Excellence in STEM Implementation Award (ASME, 2020) Outstanding Graduate Student Awards (2010) Labs & Programs: Director of the COBOTICS Lab , which develops robotic systems, control technologies, and STEM education tools. Active in multidisciplinary projects like the NSF-funded Human Augmentation via Dexterity (HAND ERC) collaboration.
Linda Katehi is a Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering and Materials Science & Engineering at Texas A&M University, holding the O'Donnell Foundation Chair II. She is a Member of the National Academy of Engineering and American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Her research focuses on advanced electromagnetic systems, MEMS devices, and embedded intelligent sensors. Katehi earned her Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from UCLA (1984), with prior degrees from UCLA and the National Technical University of Athens. Education: Ph.D., Electrical Engineering, UCLA (1984) M.S., Electrical Engineering, UCLA (1981) B.S., Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens (1977) Research Interests: Katehi pioneers innovations in microwave circuits, MEMS-based reconfigurable systems, terahertz technology, and neuromorphic sensors. Her work emphasizes integrating artificial intelligence into hardware for adaptive sensing platforms. Recent projects include flexible electronics, time-domain system analysis, and sustainability in urban infrastructure. Awards & Recognition: Ramo Simon Founder’s Award (2015) Charter Fellow, National Academy of Inventors (2013) Leading Women in STEM Award (2012) Rudy E. Henning Mentoring Award (IEEE, 2011) Lab & Teams: Directs the Intelligent Electromagnetic Sensors Lab (IEMSL), advancing embodied intelligence in electronics. Her team develops AI-embedded sensors and reconfigurable systems for applications in healthcare, communications, and environmental monitoring. Collaborates across disciplines to address global sustainability and equity challenges.
Yu (Yvette) Zhang is a Professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics at Texas A&M University, affiliated with the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. She holds dual Ph.D.s in Economics (Texas A&M University, 2010) and Biology (Duke University, 2004), and a B.S. in Life Sciences from Peking University (1998). Her research focuses on behavioral and experimental economics, food economics, applied econometrics, and environmental economics. She has been recognized with awards such as the Uma Lele Mentor Award (2023) and contributed to editorial roles at major journals like Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy . Her work addresses critical issues like consumer behavior in food markets, pandemic impacts on global food systems, and policy interventions for sustainable agriculture. Recent studies include analyzing incentive programs to curb brain drain and evaluating the effects of climate change on crop yields. She has advised numerous graduate students and collaborates across disciplines to address complex economic challenges. Education : Ph.D. in Economics, Texas A&M University, 2010 Ph.D. in Biology, Duke University, 2004 B.S. in Life Sciences, Peking University, 1998 Her research intersects agriculture, environment, and policy, with a focus on empirical methods and real-world applications. Recent publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches to food security, pest management, and consumer preferences for sustainable products.
