Anup Basu is a Professor in the Department of Computing Science at the University of Alberta. His research focuses on computer graphics, computer vision, and multimedia communications. He holds an B.S. in Math & Statistics from the Indian Statistical Institute (1980), an M.E. in Computer Science from the Indian Statistical Institute (1983), and a Ph.D. in Computing Science from the University of Maryland (1990). His work emphasizes Quality of Service (QoS) in multimedia delivery for e-commerce and telelearning, adaptive bandwidth monitoring, and 3D visualization tools. He pioneered foveated image compression and stereo visualization techniques, contributing to MPEG-4 coding standards. He leads major initiatives like the ASRA/TelePhotogenics/IBM 3D Medical Imaging project ($2M+ funding) and developed patented SHR Stereo/3D scanning technologies. Awards include the American Neurological Association Fellowship. He has held leadership roles as General Chair for IEEE International Conferences on SMC (2017), Multimedia & Expo (2013), and SMC (2014). His research integrates interdisciplinary collaborations across universities and industry partners, leveraging advanced equipment like the CAVE system for immersive visualization.
David Chalmers is a University Professor of Philosophy and Neural Science at New York University and co-director of the Center for Mind, Brain, and Consciousness. He is also an Honorary Professor of Philosophy at the Australian National University and co-director of the PhilPapers Foundation. His work bridges philosophy, cognitive science, and emerging technologies. Research Interests: Chalmers is best known for his work on the 'hard problem of consciousness'—the challenge of explaining subjective experience. His research spans philosophy of mind, metaphysics, epistemology, philosophy of language, and the foundations of physics and AI. He actively explores the implications of virtual reality, simulation theory, and large language models for philosophy and consciousness studies. Recent Research Trends: His recent publications focus on AI consciousness, the ethical treatment of AI systems, the simulation hypothesis, and the nature of thought in language models. These works reflect a growing engagement with artificial intelligence and digital metaphysics, positioning philosophy at the forefront of technological inquiry. Scientific Awards: While no specific awards are listed in the provided text, Chalmers is widely recognized as one of the most influential contemporary philosophers, particularly in philosophy of mind. Advising and Grants: He mentors students and postdocs, though specific names are not listed. His leadership in the Center for Mind, Brain, and Consciousness and the PhilPapers Foundation suggests active grant-funded research and academic collaboration. Labs and Teams: He co-directs the Center for Mind, Brain, and Consciousness at NYU and the PhilPapers Foundation , both of which support research, publications, and global philosophical discourse in philosophy of mind and related fields.
Maria Camila Ceballos Betancourt is an Assistant Professor (Teaching & Research) in Beef Cattle Welfare at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine , University of Calgary . She holds a Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Animal Welfare and Behaviour from São Paulo State University (UNESP) , Brazil, and a B.Sc. in Animal Science from National University of Colombia . Her research focuses on animal welfare , human-animal interactions , and cattle temperament , with an emphasis on livestock handling practices and sustainable production systems . Education: B.Sc. in Animal Science, National University of Colombia (2010) M.Sc. in Animal Welfare and Behaviour, UNESP (2014) Ph.D. in Animal Welfare and Behaviour, UNESP (2017) She teaches VETM322: Animal Welfare and Behaviour annually since 2020. Her research integrates animal behavior , physiological and reproductive performance measures , and applied handling interventions . Recent publications address grimace scales for pain assessment , human-animal dynamics in livestock systems , and technological innovations for piglet monitoring , reflecting her interdisciplinary approach between agricultural science , veterinary medicine , and behavioral neuroscience . Her work spans continents, including internships at the Animal Welfare Science Centre (University of Melbourne, Australia) and postdoctoral research at the University of Pennsylvania (USA). While no formal awards are listed, her research has been highlighted in media outlets like Canadian Cattlemen’s The Beef Magazine and CBC Calgary .
Francesco Ambrogi is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at Queen's University, where he leads the Fluids, Energy, and Bio-inspired Unsteady Simulations (FEBUS) lab. His research focuses on computational and theoretical studies of turbulent boundary layers under pressure gradients, with applications in unsteady aerodynamics (turbine blades, rotor blades) and biomimicry (swimming/flying animals) for flow control. Dr. Ambrogi received his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Queen's University in 2024, following a MASc in Energy and Nuclear Engineering from the University of Bologna, Italy (2019), and a BAsc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy (2015). He previously served as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Queen's University in 2024 and completed a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at the University of Waterloo in Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering. His research program centers on advancing the understanding of turbulent boundary layer physics under unsteady pressure gradients. Dr. Ambrogi's team leverages modern computational tools, particularly large-eddy simulations, to investigate separated turbulent boundary layers and large-scale coherent structures. These structures are pivotal for the transport of mass, momentum, energy, and contaminants in turbulent flows. His work has significant implications for engineering applications such as turbulent mixing, heat diffusion, and contaminant transport in the atmosphere, with direct relevance to turbine blades, rotor blades, and biomimetic systems for flow control. Dr. Ambrogi's recent publications demonstrate a consistent research trajectory focused on unsteady boundary layer separation phenomena, showing increasing sophistication in handling complex unsteady flow physics. His work combines rigorous computational methods with practical applications in aerodynamics and flow control, particularly examining how time-varying freestream conditions affect boundary layer separation and how turbulent kinetic energy is advected in these complex flows. Dr. Ambrogi has secured funding through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC-CRNSG) under the Discovery Grant Program, with computational support provided by the Digital Research Alliance of Canada. His educational initiatives include ARC4CFD, an open-source course designed to bridge the gap between small-scale CFD simulations and large-scale computations on high-performance computing systems. As director of the FEBUS lab at Queen's University, Dr. Ambrogi leads research that combines fundamental fluid dynamics with practical engineering applications. The lab's work spans from theoretical investigations of flow separation mechanisms to the development of computational tools for practical engineering problems in aerospace and bio-inspired systems.
Carolyn Sparrey is an Associate Professor and Graduate Student Supervisor in the School of Mechatronic Systems Engineering at Simon Fraser University (SFU). She leads the Neurospine Biomechanics Laboratory, focusing on injury prevention and management through biomechanical research. Her work bridges engineering principles with clinical applications, collaborating with Vancouver General Hospital and accident reconstruction experts. Dr. Sparrey holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering (UC Berkeley, 2008), M.A.Sc. (UBC, 2004), and B.A.Sc. (University of Waterloo, 2001). Her research emphasizes spinal cord injury mechanics, tissue material characterization, and patient-specific modeling. She teaches courses like MSE 420 (Biomechanical Engineering) and MSE 222 (Kinematics and Dynamics). Her lab’s current projects include mechanical characterization of neurological tissues, thermodynamic modeling of spinal cord injury treatments, and injury prevention device design. Funding opportunities are available for exceptional graduate students through NSERC and CIHR awards. Undergraduate and co-op students can engage in projects aimed at publishing or presenting results. Dr. Sparrey actively promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, with a focus on translating engineering solutions into clinical practice. Her teaching philosophy prioritizes preparing students for industry, research, and societal contributions through innovative curricula.
Dr. Oscar Meruvia-Pastor is a faculty member in the Department of Computer Science at Memorial University of Newfoundland, within the Faculty of Science. He holds a B.Sc. from ITESM-Monterrey, Mexico, an M.Sc. from the University of Alberta, and a Ph.D. from Otto-von-Guericke Universität Magdeburg, Germany. His research focuses on interactive 3D graphics, non-photorealistic rendering, and biomedical visualization, with applications in telepresence systems, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR). He has developed tools like OMARC for respiratory condition training and GeNET for gene co-expression network analysis. Dr. Meruvia-Pastor has supervised numerous graduate students and contributed to over 50 publications. His work includes evaluating stereo correspondence methods in AR, robot arm manipulation via depth sensors, and smartphone integration in immersive VR. He has been recognized with awards such as the Best HCI Poster at Graphics Interface 2014 and a semi-finalist poster at SIGGRAPH 2015. He teaches courses in computer science, including computer graphics, multimedia development, and introductory science modules. His research lab focuses on 3D telepresence, medical visualization, and human-centered VR/AR solutions. His academic contributions span software tools for medical imaging analysis, interactive visualization systems, and educational technologies. He actively collaborates with health professionals to advance telemedicine and remote procedural training through AR platforms. His work bridges computer graphics with real-world applications in healthcare, education, and environmental advocacy.
Dr. Ian Bruce is a Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada. He has been with the department since 2002, conducting interdisciplinary research that bridges electrical engineering with auditory neuroscience. His work has significant implications for hearing technologies and auditory rehabilitation. Education: B.E. (electrical and electronic) from The University of Melbourne (1991) Ph.D. from the Department of Otolaryngology, The University of Melbourne Dr. Bruce's research program focuses on auditory modeling, hearing aids, cochlear implants, tinnitus, neural coding of speech, and digital speech processing. His work centers on understanding the physiological mechanisms of auditory processing and applying this knowledge to develop improved hearing technologies. He has pioneered computational models of the auditory periphery that accurately predict speech intelligibility for hearing-impaired listeners, directly informing hearing aid and cochlear implant design. Analysis of Dr. Bruce's recent publications (2019-2025) reveals a consistent focus on cochlear implants and auditory nerve modeling, with increasing integration of machine learning techniques. His work demonstrates a sophisticated balance between physiological accuracy and computational efficiency, with recent papers exploring WaveNet-based approximations of cochlear models and DNN-based auditory processing. A significant portion of his research examines the relationship between neural responses and perceptual outcomes in hearing-impaired individuals, particularly regarding temporal processing and speech understanding. Scientific Awards and Recognitions: Fellow of the Acoustical Society of America Member of the Association for Research in Otolaryngology Registered Professional Engineer in Ontario Associate Editor of the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America Dr. Bruce has mentored numerous graduate students through various capstone design projects across multiple engineering disciplines including biomedical, electrical, mechanical, and software engineering. His teaching portfolio includes specialized courses in biomedical signals and systems, cellular bioelectricity, models of the neuron, and advanced signal processing. He has consistently supervised M.Eng. projects and independent studies, demonstrating commitment to training the next generation of engineers in auditory technology development. Dr. Bruce's research is conducted within McMaster University's interdisciplinary biomedical engineering framework, collaborating with clinicians and researchers in otolaryngology and audiology. His laboratory work focuses on developing and validating computational models that simulate auditory nerve responses to both natural and prosthetic stimulation, with direct applications to improving cochlear implant performance and hearing aid algorithms for real-world listening environments.
Dr. Tristan A.F. Long is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Wilfrid Laurier University's Faculty of Science in Waterloo, Ontario. A behavioral ecologist and evolutionary geneticist, he focuses on sexual selection and the role of female mate preference variation in evolutionary change. With teaching responsibilities for large introductory biology courses like BI111 and BI393, he has developed innovative active learning techniques using playing cards, iClickers, and role-playing games to teach population genetics and ecological principles. University of Western Ontario - BSc in Honours Ecology and Evolution (1999) University of Guelph - MSc in Zoology (2001) Queen’s University - PhD in Biology (2005) University of California Santa Barbara - Postdoctoral Fellow (2005-2009) University of Toronto - Postdoctoral Fellow (2009-2010) His research examines how female Drosophila melanogaster vary in their mating preferences and how these differences shape evolutionary trajectories. He has published extensively on reproductive plasticity, sexual conflict, and environmental interaction effects. His laboratory combines experimental evolution with computational modeling to explore genetic trade-offs and behavioral adaptations. Scientific awards include the Laurier Teaching Award for Sustained Excellence (2017). He has developed innovative classroom techniques like the Battle of the Beaks exercise for teaching adaptive evolution and an iClicker-based population genetics simulation using playing cards. His 2024 BI393 biostatistics course policy strongly discourages generative AI use due to concerns about educational integrity and environmental impact.
Tao Huan is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry , University of British Columbia , and holds the Canada Research Chair in Metabolomics and Exposomics . His research focuses on advancing mass spectrometry (MS) for metabolomics , integrating bioinformatics to address challenges in cancer metabolism , disease biomarker discovery , and exposome characterization . Education: Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry (University of Alberta, 2015), Postdoctoral Research Associate (The Scripps Research Institute, 2015-2018). Dr. Huan’s work emphasizes systems biology , combining metabolomics with genomics and proteomics to decode complex biological mechanisms. He has pioneered methods for chemical isotope labeling and multimodal data integration , enhancing metabolite identification and pathway analysis. His recent publications (2020-2019) highlight innovations in LC-MS/MS workflows , freeze-thaw sample stability , and applications in colorectal cancer and Alzheimer’s disease . Dr. Huan’s lab actively recruits students and postdocs in analytical chemistry, metabolomics, and bioinformatics. Awards: Fred Beamish Award (2025), President’s Award, Metabolomics Society (2025), UBC Killam Faculty Research Award (2024), Michael Smith Health Research BC Scholar Award (2023). He serves as a faculty member in UBC’s Graduate Program in Bioinformatics , Genome Science and Technology , and the Cluster for Microplastics, Health and Environment . Lab alumni include Ph.D. and M.Sc. students now in academia and industry.
Yingying Wang is an Assistant Professor in the Computing and Software department at McMaster University , where she joined in January 2022. Her research focuses on generating expressive animations for AR/VR applications and games through interdisciplinary approaches combining Computer Graphics , Artificial Intelligence , and Human Behavior Analysis . Education : Bachelor and Master degrees from Nanjing University , Ph.D. from University of California, Davis (2017) Her research explores: Generative models for human motion style transfer Physics-based motion simulation Audio-driven character synthesis Dance choreography for virtual characters Cartoon animation perception Conversational character gesture synthesis Markerless hand motion capture Recent publications focus on 3D hand pose estimation , motion style transfer , gesture-locomotion coordination , and personality perception in virtual agents . Key methodologies include deep learning , multimodal data analysis , and real-time animation systems . Scientific contributions recognized through: $240,000 Labarge Catalyst Grant in Mobility in Aging (interdisciplinary team award) US Patent 10,796,482 (3D hand pose estimation) US Patent 9,811,937 (gesture-locomotion coordination) Teaching includes graduate and undergraduate courses in Computer Animation (CAS 737), Computer Graphics (COMPSCI 3GC3/SFWRENG 3GC3), and Software Development (COMPSCI 2ME3). Research group actively recruits Ph.D. and Master's students in graphics + deep learning domains.
Simon Yang is a Professor in the School of Engineering at the University of Guelph, part of the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences. His research focuses on artificial intelligence, robotics, sensors, control systems, and bio-inspired intelligence. He has contributed to advanced robotics applications, including mobile robot navigation, underwater vehicle control, and agricultural automation. Dr. Yang holds editorial roles for journals such as the International Journal of Robotics and Automation and IEEE Transactions on Cybernetics . His work bridges theoretical advancements with practical implementations in areas like sensor networks, machine learning, and multi-agent systems. Recent projects include developing robust control frameworks for autonomous systems, digital twin applications, and bio-inspired neural network algorithms. His research emphasizes real-world challenges in robotics, environmental monitoring, and precision agriculture, with a focus on integrating AI-driven solutions for enhanced decision-making and system reliability. Professional contributions include advisory roles in multiple journals and conference committees, reflecting his leadership in the field.
Thomas K. Uchida is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Ottawa, a position he has held since May 2024. Prior to this promotion, he served as an Assistant Professor at the same institution from October 2018 to May 2024. Before joining the University of Ottawa, Dr. Uchida was an Engineering Research Associate (April 2015-August 2018) and Simbios Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellow (July 2012-April 2015) in the Department of Bioengineering at Stanford University. Dr. Uchida's research focuses on the modeling and simulation of dynamic systems, with particular emphasis on human movement biomechanics. His work spans multiple areas including: Simulation-guided design of assistive devices for improving mobility Modelling musculotendon dynamics and energy expenditure Parameter identification and model reduction methods Impact and contact dynamics Development of computational tools for biomechanical analysis He is a co-author of the book "Biomechanics of Movement: The Science of Sports, Robotics, and Rehabilitation" published by MIT Press, and actively contributes to the development of OpenSim, an open-source software platform for modeling musculoskeletal systems and generating simulations of human and animal movement. His work on OpenSim was featured on the cover of PLoS Computational Biology. Dr. Uchida's recent publications demonstrate strong activity in biomechanics, robotics, and computational modeling. His work bridges engineering principles with biological applications, particularly in understanding human movement mechanics. Key trends include applying machine learning to gait analysis, developing enhanced spine models, analyzing human balance stability with time delays, and advancing musculoskeletal simulation techniques. As an academic advisor, Dr. Uchida currently supervises seven graduate students: Firas Baklouti (expected completion August 2025) Shahin Sharafi Kazem Alambeigi Jiawei Gao Yuzhen Yan Manuel Lucas De Oliveira Blake Scott Miller Dr. Uchida collaborates with research teams focused on biomechanics and movement science. His work with OpenSim places him within an international community of researchers developing computational tools for biomechanical analysis, connecting mechanical engineering with biomedical applications in sports, robotics, and rehabilitation.
Angelica Lim is an Assistant Professor of Professional Practice and Rajan Family Scholar in the School of Computing Science at Simon Fraser University. Her research focuses on Human Robot Interaction, Affective Computing, and Multimodal Perception with applications in healthcare and developmental robotics. She holds a PhD in Informatics from Kyoto University (2014), an M.Sc. from Kyoto University (2012), and a B.Sc. in Computing Science from SFU (2008). Her work bridges robotics and human-centered AI through projects like the ROSIE Lab, exploring emotion-aware systems, socially assistive robots, and VR programs for aging populations. Key contributions include benchmarking emotional speech recognition (BERSting), developing embodied emotion models for robots, and co-designing healthcare technologies with patient partners. Recent publications emphasize ethical AI, multimodal perception systems, and human-robot collaboration in dynamic environments. Teaching includes courses on software engineering, artificial intelligence, and introductory computer science. Her research has been applied in dementia care through VR programs, robotic companionship for older adults, and emotion-aware human-robot communication systems. Current initiatives focus on inclusive HRI design and sim2real methodologies for underrepresented data in affective computing.
Ralph C. Martin is a retired Professor in the Department of Plant Agriculture at the University of Guelph. His research focuses on sustainable food production, emphasizing resilient farming systems, soil health, and nitrogen use efficiency. He holds a Ph.D. from McGill University and has contributed to interdisciplinary projects across cropping systems, forage agronomy, and environmental stewardship. Education: B.A. and M.Sc. from Carleton University; Ph.D. from MacDonald College, McGill University. Research interests include sustainable agriculture, agroecology, climate change adaptation, and food security. His work bridges agronomic practices with ecological principles to enhance productivity while preserving natural resources. Notable contributions include books like Food Security: From Excess to Enough (2019) and over 150 peer-reviewed publications. He received the 2015 Sustainability Best Paper Award for his review on organic farming's carbon impacts. Recent publications address groundwater nitrate dynamics, cover crop effects, and automated pasture technologies. Martin actively engages in public discourse on food systems through op-eds and keynote talks, advocating for systemic changes to ensure equitable and resilient food production.
Dr. Colin Garroway is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Manitoba, Faculty of Science. His research focuses on understanding how population-level processes influence biodiversity at genetic, population, and species levels. He employs interdisciplinary approaches, including genomics, ecological modeling, and data synthesis, to address challenges in conservation and climate change impacts. His work often targets systems undergoing significant environmental changes, such as urbanized areas and Arctic ecosystems. Dr. Garroway teaches advanced courses in Evolutionary Genetics and Evolutionary Biology. His research emphasizes the interplay between human-driven environmental changes—such as urbanization and climate warming—and their effects on genetic diversity, species distribution, and adaptation. He leads the Garroway Lab, which collaborates on global projects like biodiversity assessments in protected areas and epigenetic studies in wildlife. Key research themes include: biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation genetics, urban evolution, and the genetic consequences of human activities. His work integrates field studies, genomic analyses, and computational models to provide actionable insights for conservation strategies.
