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Deborah E LeckbandView profile

Professor

• Cell Adhesion
• Biomaterials
• Tissue Engineering
• +4 more

Deborah E Leckband is the Reid T. Milner Professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, holding joint appointments in the School of Chemical Sciences, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Bioengineering, and Chemistry. Her research focuses on the biophysics of cell adhesion, biomaterials, and mechanotransduction at biological interfaces. She leads the Biosurfaces Laboratory , exploring how surface chemistry and mechanics influence cell behavior, with applications in drug delivery, tissue engineering, and medical devices. Education: B.S., Humboldt State University, 1982 Ph.D., Cornell University, 1988 Postdoctoral Research: MIT and UC Santa Barbara (1988–1992) Research Interests: Her work integrates surface science, biophysics, and cell biology to study protein interactions (e.g., cadherins), cell adhesion mechanics, and the design of smart biomaterials. Current projects include: Engineering cell microenvironments to control stem cell differentiation Mechano-chemical signaling in cancer metastasis and wound healing Design principles for non-fouling coatings and drug delivery systems Awards: Fellow, American Chemical Society (2009) Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science (2005) Langmuir Lectureship Award (2021) Advising & Grants: Leckband has mentored numerous students and secured funding from agencies like the NSF and NIH. Her lab collaborates widely to translate fundamental discoveries into biomedical innovations. Labs/Teams: The Biological Interfaces Group and Cell Adhesion Biophysics Group under her leadership explore interdisciplinary challenges in biomaterials, mechanobiology, and regenerative medicine.

Aurore Patricia MrozView profile

Associate Professor

• Foreign language education
• Second Language Acquisition
• Computer- and Mobile-Assisted Language Learning
• +9 more

Aurore Patricia Mroz serves as Associate Professor of French in the Department of French and Italian at the University of Illinois, holding key administrative roles including Director of Graduate Studies, Graduate Program Advisor for the Second Language Acquisition Teacher Education (SLATE) program, Director of French Around the Corner, and Co-Director of a Center of Excellence. Her academic credentials include a Ph.D. and M.A. in Foreign Language and ESL Education from The University of Iowa, and an M.A. in Rhetorics of Arts from Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour (France). Dr. Mroz's research investigates the nexus of mobile technology and language acquisition, with particular focus on study abroad contexts. Her work employs mixed methods and complex dynamic systems theory to examine smartphone impacts on language proficiency development, social attachment, and crisis management during international experiences. Key areas include phonetics of French, language justice, and computer-assisted language learning. Recent publications demonstrate consistent thematic focus on mobile technology's role in mediating language learning outcomes and social dynamics during study abroad, with methodological emphasis on longitudinal case studies and microgenetic analysis. Her scholarly contributions have been recognized through: ACTFL-NFMLTA/MLJ Emma Marie Birkmaier Award for Doctoral Dissertation Research in World Language Education (2013) ACTFL Research Priorities Award (2019) MwALT Graduate Student Presentation Award (2011) As Graduate Program Advisor for French SLATE, Dr. Mroz oversees student training while directing outreach initiatives like French Around the Corner. Her leadership in the Center of Excellence supports interdisciplinary research in language education and technology integration.

Apoorva ChauhanView profile

Assistant Professor

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Crisis Informatics
• Education Research
• +3 more

Apoorva Chauhan serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics & Information Technology within the Faculty of Science at Concordia University of Edmonton, specializing in the intersection of technology and human behavior during critical events. Education: Ph.D in Computer Science from Utah State University, USA M.S. in Computer Science from Utah State University, USA B.E. in Computer Science from Lakshmi Narain College of Technology, India Postdoctoral research at David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science, University of Waterloo, Canada Research Focus: Dr. Chauhan's pioneering work bridges Human-Computer Interaction with Crisis Informatics , examining how digital platforms shape disaster response and public communication. Her Education Research investigates technology-mediated learning, particularly through conversational agents and collaborative platforms. Recent projects analyze humor in pandemic communication, trustworthiness of crisis-related social media, and innovative tools like the Curiosity Notebook for learning-by-teaching methodologies. Publication Trends: Her 2017-2023 publications reveal a consistent trajectory in crisis informatics, with increasing focus on social media dynamics during disasters (wildfires, pandemics) and educational technology applications. Key contributions include frameworks for evaluating crisis information trustworthiness, design principles for educational conversational agents, and novel analyses of humor as a communication strategy in high-stress scenarios, all presented at premier venues like CHI, CSCW, and ISCRAM. Scientific Awards: No awards were documented in available sources. Academic Contributions: While specific advising details remain unreported, her research demonstrates significant industry and community impact through partnerships with crisis response organizations. Current projects likely involve securing grants for crisis communication infrastructure and educational technology development, though formal grant documentation wasn't accessible. Research Infrastructure: Collaborative work with Amanda Hughes (Virginia Tech) and Edith Law (University of Waterloo) suggests interdisciplinary team structures, though dedicated labs weren't specified in institutional materials.

• Statistical Inference
• Data Modelling (Environmental events)
• Bayesian Statistics
• +7 more

Dr. Pragalathan (Prahan) Apputhurai is a Lecturer in Applied Statistics at Swinburne University of Technology's School of Health Sciences . With a PhD in Applied Statistics from Swinburne and prior degrees from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, his expertise spans Bayesian Statistics , Structural Equation Modeling , and Extreme Events Data Modelling . He teaches undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Applied Statistics and supervises PhD/Master's students in areas including Factor Analysis and Social Determinants of Health. Education: PhD in Applied Statistics, Swinburne University of Technology, Australia Bachelor of Science & Applied Statistics, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka Research Interests: Specializing in statistical methods for health and social sciences, Dr. Apputhurai's work addresses issues including intimate partner violence, mental health in chronic disease populations, and empathetic AI in healthcare. His recent publications focus on structural equation modeling applications, psychometric validation in gastrointestinal disorders, and conversational agent empathy assessment. Grants: Rome Foundation (2025): Dietary interventions for IBS pain management Civil Aviation Safety Authority (2022-2024): Bayesian methodology in aviation safety Department of Communities and Justice (2018-2019): Indigenous women's reintegration through empowerment pathways Professional Recognition: Vice Chancellor's Teaching Excellence Award (2016) SUPRA Scholarship Recipient (2009) Academic Excellence in B.Sc. Examinations (2003) Academic Supervision: Currently supervising research projects in inflammatory bowel disease mental health support, conversational agent development, and trauma impact on quality of life across various health conditions.

Nicola SavvidesView profile

Senior Lecturer

• International Education
• Intercultural Education
• International Schools
• +5 more

Nicola Savvides is a Senior Lecturer in International Education at the University of Bath's Department of Education, joining in September 2017. She is a core member of the Internationalisation and Globalisation of Education Research Cluster and holds an Honorary Senior Research Associate position at the Institute of Education, University College London. Her academic journey includes prior lecturer positions at King's College London and Durham University following her ESRC-funded doctorate at the University of Oxford. Her research focuses on International and Intercultural Education, International Schools (particularly Schola Europaea), Internationalisation of Higher Education, and Comparative Education. Key projects include the BAICE-funded Internationalising the Curriculum study across Russell Group Universities and an EU Horizon 2020 project on youth inclusion. Her recent publications (2022-2024) reveal strong thematic continuity in United World Colleges research, ritual theory applications, and early school leaving prevention, with methodological emphasis on ethnographic and comparative approaches. She serves on editorial boards for Compare , Intercultural Education , and Research in Comparative and International Education , and convenes the BERA SIG Comparative and International Education. Her teaching spans the MA Internationalisation and Globalisation, MA Education, and EdD programs, with doctoral supervision in her specialty areas. Key Affiliations: University of Bath (primary), UCL Institute of Education (honorary) Research Leadership: Principal Investigator on BAICE project, Co-Investigator on EU Horizon 2020 grant Her fingerprint analysis shows dominant expertise in Short Courses (100%), UK education systems (88%), European Identity (79%), and Case Study methodologies (75%), with emerging work connecting educational rituals to emotional energy in international settings.

• Conversation Analysis
• Interactional Linguistics
• Peer Support
• +7 more

Saija Merke is a University Lecturer in the Faculty of Arts, Psychology and Theology at Åbo Akademi University, specializing in the Department of Languages. Her academic work bridges linguistics, education, and health sciences, with a strong focus on interactional dynamics in learning and professional contexts. Her research interests lie at the intersection of conversation analysis, peer support mechanisms, and educational discourse. She investigates how knowledge is co-constructed in practical nursing study circles, classroom interactions, and storytelling events. Key themes include epistemic authority, peer advice, and the role of digital platforms in shaping interaction. Her work employs ethnomethodological conversation analysis to uncover the micro-structures of communication that facilitate learning. The trends in her recent publications reflect a sustained engagement with peer interaction in educational settings, particularly in nursing and language learning. Her work spans both empirical studies and critical reviews, with increasing attention to digital interaction and its methodological implications. She frequently publishes in interdisciplinary venues that connect linguistics, education, and health sciences. Saija Merke has contributed to key journals such as Linguistics and Education , Puhe ja Kieli , and Virittäjä , as well as book chapters with Åbo Akademi University Press. Her research is openly accessible and has been downloaded internationally, indicating a growing scholarly impact. She is actively involved in mentoring and academic discourse, though no formal advisees are listed. Her collaborations include researchers in Finland and potentially beyond, as indicated by her network in nursing and linguistic studies. While no specific grants or awards are mentioned, her consistent publication record suggests sustained research activity. She contributes to academic discourse through book reviews and theoretical reflections, particularly on the state of digital interaction research. Her work helps map emerging fields and identify future directions for interdisciplinary scholarship.

Klaus MelchersView profile

Professor

• Personnel Selection
• Applicant Reactions
• Personality Assessment in Work Context
• +7 more

Klaus Melchers is a Professor of Work and Organizational Psychology at Ulm University, where he has held a W3 professorship since October 2012. Previously, he served as an Assistant and Senior Assistant at the Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, from 2003 to 2012. He completed his psychology studies at Philipps-University of Marburg and University College, followed by a dissertation in 2003 on stimulus processing in human learning. His research focuses on key areas in personnel selection, including applicant reactions, personality assessment in work contexts, impression management, and the effectiveness of training. He investigates how candidates respond to various selection procedures, particularly focusing on fairness, transparency, and the impact of digital tools such as video interviews and gamified assessments. The recent publication trends reveal a strong emphasis on technology-mediated interviews, applicant faking, fairness in hiring, and the validity of assessment methods. His work increasingly explores digital transformations in recruitment, including asynchronous video interviews, game-based assessments, and algorithmic bias. Themes such as psychological reattachment to work, mobile device use, and sleep also reflect a growing interest in daily work experiences and well-being. Klaus Melchers frequently collaborates with researchers such as Janine Basch, Benjamin Bill, Nina Merkl, and Martin Kleinmann. His publications appear in top journals like Personnel Psychology , Journal of Business and Psychology , and International Journal of Selection and Assessment . While there is no explicit mention of advising students or receiving awards, his extensive publication record and book chapters suggest active mentorship and leadership in the field. He leads the Department of Work and Organizational Psychology at Ulm University, contributing to both academic research and practical applications in HR diagnostics. His work bridges theory and practice, often addressing real-world challenges in personnel selection and organizational psychology.

• Educational Research Methods
• Evaluation in Education
• Learning Analytics
• +7 more

Cristian Molla Esparza is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Research and Evaluation Methods in Education at the Faculty of Philosophy and Educational Sciences, University of Valencia. He holds a PhD from the same institution, where his research focused on adolescent sexting behaviors and the development of the A-SextS scale. He is actively involved in research on learning analytics, text mining, meta-analysis, and socioemotional competencies in higher education. Research Interests: His work centers on educational research methodologies, particularly quantitative and mixed methods. Key areas include sexting behavior in youth, learning analytics, text mining for conceptual learning, and systematic reviews. He applies advanced statistical techniques such as multilevel modeling, mediation analysis, and structural equation modeling in meta-analysis. Recent Publications: His recent articles (2020–2025) reflect a strong focus on digital behaviors in adolescents, academic performance analysis using learning analytics, and methodological advancements in meta-research. Trends include the use of text mining to understand learning processes, scoping and systematic reviews on socioemotional and risk behaviors, and the development of psychometric tools. Scientific Projects: Minería de textos para mejorar el aprendizaje conceptual en las universidades (2024–2025) Valoración de la calidad del reporte de estudios cuantitativos no experimentales (2023–2027) Evidence-driven teaching and learning analytics (2023–2024) How to Use ChatGPT for University Learning (2023–2024) Teaching and Supervision: He teaches courses in educational research, data analysis, and thesis supervision across bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs at the University of Valencia and other institutions. He has coordinated teaching innovation projects and delivered training on research methods and educational technology. Research Stays: He has conducted research at the University of Murcia (systematic reviews), Autonomous University of Madrid (instrument development), and Universidad Autónoma de Encarnación, Paraguay (doctoral teaching and research).

• ICT and Media in Educational Contexts
• Videogame Culture and Pedagogy
• Inclusive Education Policies
• +3 more

Alessandro Soriani is a Senior assistant professor (fixed-term) at the Department of Education Studies 'Giovanni Maria Bertin', University of Bologna. His research focuses on the intersection of digital technologies and educational environments, particularly in fostering inclusive policies and analyzing social dynamics in learning spaces. He also serves as a consultant for the Council of Europe’s Digital Citizenship Education Project and collaborates with international research initiatives in Palestine and Gaza. He holds a dual PhD in Pedagogical Sciences (University of Bologna) and Information and Communication Studies (Sorbonne-Nouvelle Paris 3). His academic contributions span video game pedagogy, digital citizenship, and youth media practices. He actively contributes to research centers like CEMET (Education, Media, and Technologies) and CREIF (Children and Families). Recent work emphasizes AI integration in education, substance abuse prevention strategies in schools, and inclusive education policies in conflict zones. His publications explore topics such as digital storytelling, blended learning models, and the socio-emotional impacts of media practices among adolescents. He advises on technology-mediated school-family communication and has developed courses like the blended learning Informatica per l’educazione for non-attendees. His collaborative projects include AGILE-2-VET (digital learning innovation in vocational education) and INES (prevention of new drug abuse through digital tools). Alessandro Soriani also serves as a teacher trainer and facilitator for youth participatory processes, advocating for human-centered approaches in technology and education.

Karon MacLeanView profile

Professor

• Haptic Interaction
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Affective Computing
• +4 more

Karon MacLean is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of British Columbia (UBC) , with degrees in Biology and Mechanical Engineering from Stanford (BSc) and MIT (MSc/PhD). She previously worked as a robotics engineer at the University of Utah and as a haptics researcher at Interval Research Corporation. At UBC since 2000, she directs the Designing for People Research Cluster and the CREATE graduate training program , which spans 11 departments across 5 faculties. Her research focuses on haptic interaction design for human-computer interfaces, emphasizing cognitive, sensory, and affective aspects. Applications include: Robotic interfaces Handheld devices Embedded computing environments Key research areas: Continuous/expressive control systems Low-attention interfaces Power-efficient haptic devices Standardized evaluation methods Scientific awards include: IEEE Fellow CHI Best Paper Awards (multiple) NSERC Collaborative Research Grant UBC Killam Fellowship She leads the SPIN Lab (Sensory Perception and Interaction Research Group) and has advised over 20 graduate students and research trainees.

Nikki MoranView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Music as social interaction
• Situated cognition
• Performance research
• +6 more

Dr. Nikki Moran serves as Senior Lecturer in Music and Subject Area Director of Education at the University of Edinburgh's Reid School of Music within Edinburgh College of Art. Her interdisciplinary work bridges musicology, psychology, and ethnography with focus on musical performance as social interaction. Her educational background includes: PhD in Measuring Musical Meaning: analysing communication in embodied musical behaviour (Open University, 2007) MMus in Interaction in and as North Indian classical music (University of Cambridge, 2002) Bachelor of Music (City University London, 2001) Research interests center on situated cognition in musical performance, examining interpersonal processes among North Indian instrumentalists, jazz improvisers, and classical ensembles. Her current RSE Personal Research Fellowship (2024-5) investigates accompaniment as creative-relational interaction through musical ethnographies. Methodologically, she combines ethnography, motion capture, and experimental design to explore non-verbal communication in musical contexts. Her publication trends reveal growing emphasis on ecological perspectives in music cognition, interdisciplinary methodology, and critical examination of scientific discourse. Recent work increasingly engages with AI-mediated interaction and planetary-scale sonic thinking. Award recognition includes: Finalist: 2022 Open Education Awards for Excellence As lead author of the University of Edinburgh's Coursera MOOC Fundamentals of Music Theory (300,000+ learners), she has transformed music education access. She supervises PhD candidates through the Musical Situations study group and serves as incoming Editor-in-Chief of Psychology of Music. External roles include External Examiner at Queen's University Belfast and former President of the International Society for Interdisciplinary Musicology. Her Musical Situations study group (co-led with Una MacGlone) fosters interdisciplinary collaboration within the Edinburgh Futures Institute's 'Creativity, AI, and the Human' cluster, connecting researchers across cognitive science, ethnomusicology, and digital humanities.

• Human-Computer Interaction
• User Interface Design
• 3D Modeling Software
• +5 more

Benjamin J. Lafreniere is a researcher affiliated with the University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. His work spans Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) , 3D Design Software , and Extended Reality (XR) . He focuses on improving user experiences through innovative input techniques, error mediation, and adaptive interfaces.

• Digital Representation
• Metadata
• Cultural Heritage
• +5 more

Lais Barbudo Carrasco is a Senior Lecturer in Archival and Information Science at Mid Sweden University's Department of Communication, Quality Technology and Information Systems (KKI). Her academic credentials include a 2019 PhD in Information Science and a 2024 Master's by Research in Media and Communication Science from MIUN. Bachelor's in Library and Information Science Master's in European Digital Media and Cultural Heritage Studies Her research focuses on digital representation , metadata , and cultural heritage with active participation in international initiatives like: Europeana Data Model (EDM) CIDOC CRM Interest Group International Council on Archives (ICA) RiC Model Current projects emphasize Indigenous data governance , exploring: CARE Principles (Collective Benefit, Authority to Control, Responsibility, Ethics) Local Contexts Labels for culturally appropriate data management Participatory approaches to Indigenous knowledge systems Parallel research examines AI ethics and algorithmic bias , addressing: Power dynamics in digital systems Justice-driven technological frameworks Human-centered information governance She applies social constructionist and DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) perspectives in: Strategic communication for cultural organizations Transformative meaning-making practices Digital preservation ethics

Laura SūnaView profile

Researcher

• Media Literacy
• Artificial Intelligence
• Digital Media
• +6 more

Laura Sūna is a researcher at the University of Siegen's Faculty I Media Studies, focusing on media literacy, digital transformation, and migration. She is currently a research assistant in the BMFSFJ-funded project Digital Germany since December 2020. Previously, she worked at the Free University of Berlin (2015–2020) and the University of Bremen (2012–2018). Research Focus: Media literacy in digital societies, AI ethics, emotional communities, diaspora media practices, and transnational identity. Key Projects: Collaborative Research Center 1171 Affective Societies, DFG projects on digital media and migration communities. Her recent publications analyze AI literacy, algorithmic discrimination, and affective dynamics in media consumption. She contributes to debates on digital equity, cultural integration, and critical reflection in data-driven environments. Methodology: Combines qualitative studies with media ethnography and discourse analysis. Collaborations: Works with Dagmar Hoffmann, Cigdem Bozdag, and Andreas Hepp on interdisciplinary media research.

Florian ToepflView profile

Professor

• Political Communication
• Media Systems in Non-Democratic Regimes
• Authoritarianism and Digital Media
• +3 more

Professor Florian Toepfl holds the Chair of Political Communication with a Focus on Eastern Europe and the Post-Soviet Region at the University of Passau since 2020. As Principal Investigator of the ERC Consolidator Project RUSINFORM , he investigates Russia’s digital informational influence abroad through computational methods. Current research: Russian informational influence in Germany Historical focus: Media-authoritarianism relations in post-Soviet states Key methodological approaches: Qualitative, quantitative, computational social science His 15 most recent publications (2011-2025) analyze: Digital propaganda via Yandex and VK Comment section dynamics in authoritarian systems Pandemic-related conspiracy theories Transnational news environment negotiations Political astroturfing mechanisms Recognized with prestigious ERC Consolidator and Emmy Noether grants, his work bridges comparative media systems, digital authoritarianism, and computational communication research.