Associate Professor Vic Ciesielski is affiliated with RMIT University's School of Computing Technologies. His research focuses on Artificial Intelligence, Evolutionary Computing, Computer Vision, and Genetic Programming, with applications in areas like robot soccer and aesthetic analysis of images. He has supervised projects including efficient neural architecture search and off-line handwritten text recognition. His work bridges computational techniques with creative fields such as art history and digital media. Key research interests include machine learning, data management, and graphics/augmented reality. He actively contributes to conferences like GECCO and IJCNN, publishing on topics ranging from neural architecture optimization to sensor-based activity recognition. His research often integrates evolutionary algorithms with deep learning methodologies. He can be contacted via vic.ciesielski@rmit.edu.au and has an ORCID identifier: 0000-0001-7273-9566 .
Associate Professor David Rye is an Honorary Associate Professor in the School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering at the University of Sydney, affiliated with the Australian Centre for Field Robotics. His research focuses on interdisciplinary robotics, blending engineering, social sciences, and art to explore human-robot interaction, tactile sensing, and autonomous systems. Key areas include social robotics, cooperative robot behavior, and creative robotics design. His work spans theoretical and applied robotics, including studies on robot collaboration dynamics, tactile feedback systems, and robotic excavation. Notable contributions include developing EIT-based sensitive skins for robots and analyzing human comfort in multi-agent interactions. He has led projects such as the Fish-Bird art-robotics collaboration and the experimental human-robot interaction facility funded by ARC grants. Publications highlight advancements in human-robot collaboration ethics, motion planning for social robots, and control systems for autonomous machinery. His interdisciplinary approach bridges robotics engineering with creative arts, fostering innovations in both technical and artistic domains.
Tricia Skoler is a Professor of Developmental Psychology at the School of Arts and Sciences, Hunter College (CUNY). Her research focuses on developmental trajectories, neuroscience, autism, and infant social cognition. She holds a PhD from Emory University and leads a lab emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches, requiring prospective students to read Doing Developmental Research (Guilford Press). She is currently accepting students for Spring 2025 courses (201 and 395). Her work spans neuroscience, architectural design, biophilia, and health psychology, integrating methodologies like EEG and statistical physics to study gaze processing, joint attention, and social-cognitive development in infants and children with ASD. Key contributions include understanding neural correlates of eye gaze in early infancy and contextual influences on social skills. Publications highlight themes such as gaze-following deficits in autism, the role of social cues in learning, and developmental neuroscience. Her research bridges basic science and applied contexts, including biophilic design and nutrition education. Lab inquiries must follow guidelines in Chapter 1 of her book. No explicit awards are listed, but her extensive publication record reflects recognition in developmental and cognitive neuroscience.
Lily Rui Liang is a Professor and Director of the MSCS Program in the Department of Computer Science and Information Technology at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC), School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. She joined UDC in 2004 after completing her Ph.D. at the University of Nevada, Reno. Her educational background includes: Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno Dr. Liang's research spans cybersecurity , digital image processing , artificial intelligence , and computer science education , with a dedicated focus on broadening participation in computing . Her technical work includes deepfake detection and reinforcement learning for cybersecurity, while her educational innovations develop inclusive curricula for commuter and underrepresented students through Minecraft, robotics, and service learning. Analysis of her recent publications (2024-2018) shows a strategic evolution from core AI/image processing research toward educational interventions, particularly addressing commuter student engagement in urban settings while maintaining technical contributions in multimedia security and deep learning. Her scientific awards and honors include: Fellow of Center for the Advancement of STEM Leadership (CASL) (2019-2020) Fellow of Opportunities for UnderRepresented Scholars (OURS) (2014) Outstanding University Service Award from School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, UDC (2014) Myrtilla Miner Faculty Fellow (2012-2013) Frontiers of Engineering Education (FOEE) Conference participant, NAE (2011) Project Kaleidoscope (PKAL) Summer Leadership Institute participant (2011) Preparing Critical Faculty for the Future (PCFF) program participant (2011) Dr. Liang serves as Co-PI on multiple NSF grants including the UDC-CSEC-ENGAGE Project ($399,924, 2024-2027) for cybersecurity workforce development, CUE-T: HBCU Learning Community ($654,004, 2023-2026), and the AI-CyS Research Partnership ($152,350, 2021-2024) with six HBCUs and national labs. Her mentorship is evidenced through extensive curriculum development projects targeting K-12 and undergraduate students, particularly women and commuters. She leads the MSCS program and coordinates the AI-CyS consortium researching video authentication and autonomous cybersecurity agents, establishing UDC as a hub for HBCU cybersecurity education and AI research.
Christian Jacob is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science within the Faculty of Science at the University of Calgary . He holds a B.S. in Computer Science and a Doctor of Engineering Science from Erlangen University . His research focuses on nature-inspired algorithms, biocomputing, and agent-based simulations applied to biological systems and education. Key initiatives include the LINDSAY Virtual Human Project , which uses immersive virtual reality to explore human anatomy and physiology. He contributes to the university's strategic priorities in Digital Worlds and Health and Life initiatives. His work integrates evolutionary algorithms, cellular automata, and swarm intelligence into creative and medical applications. Notable achievements include the ASTech Award (2015) from Alberta Science and Technology. His projects emphasize interactive education through tools like LeukemiaSIM , Eukaryo , and the Giant Walkthrough Gut . Jacob also explores visualization techniques, such as evoVision3D and LifeBrush , to enhance scientific understanding. His research bridges computational methods with real-world applications in healthcare, architecture, and game design. Collaborative efforts include developing agent-based models for immune systems, nervous responses, and crowd behavior. Jacob's work spans interdisciplinary fields, blending computer science with biology, engineering, and the arts.
Prof. Elisabeth André is a Full Professor of Computer Science at Augsburg University , leading the Chair for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence. She holds academic roles including Managing Director of the Institute of Computer Science (2004–2006) and serves on numerous national/international committees such as the Bavarian Artificial Intelligence Council and DFG panels. Her research focuses on multimodal interfaces , affective computing , and social robotics , with emphasis on human-centered design principles and ethical AI. Education: 1988: Diploma in Computer Science (Saarland University) 1995: Dr. rer. Nat. (Saarland University) Research Interests: Multimodal analysis (physiological/gaze/speech/gesture), tangible interfaces, technology-enhanced learning, and AI ethics. She has pioneered projects like CALLAS (affective multimedia systems) and CUBE-G (cultural adaptation for agents). Awards: 2021: Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize (Germany’s highest research honor) 2013: ECCAI Fellow 2010: Member of Leopoldina and Academia Europaea Grants & Leadership: Led EU projects (e.g., METABO, E-Circus), DFG initiatives, and co-chaired major conferences (ICMI, AAMAS). Supervised over 20+ PhD students and 11 ongoing doctoral candidates. Labs/Teams: Leads the Human-Centered AI team at Augsburg, collaborating on projects like FORSocialRobots and TherapAI. Active in interdisciplinary efforts for ethical AI frameworks and educational robotics.
Dr. Kazem Kazerounian is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Connecticut, affiliated with the School of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Manufacturing Engineering. He holds B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Chicago (1980–1984). His expertise spans analytical and computational kinematics/dynamics applied to bio-nano machines, robotics, gear systems, and product design with health/ergonomics focus. He is a Fellow of ASME and recipient of the ASME Lifetime Achievement Award (2006) and George Wood Award (1997). Research interests include protein-based nano-scale devices, gear system dynamics, robotic manipulation, and creativity in engineering education. He consults for OSIM International (Singapore), Pratt & Whitney, and the Singapore Productivity & Standards Board. Editorial roles include ASME Applied Mechanics Review, Journal of Medical Devices, and Journal of Mechanisms and Machine Theory. Awards: ASME Lifetime Achievement Award (2006), George Wood Award (1997), ABB Outstanding Faculty Award (1997) Consulting: OSIM International, Pratt & Whitney, Singapore Productivity & Standards Board His work bridges mechanical engineering with bio-nano systems, emphasizing interdisciplinary applications in medicine and robotics. Over 150 publications span topics like nanorobotics, orthosis design, and computational protein folding models.
Dušan Borovčanin is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management at Singidunum University and the University of Strasbourg, EM Business School, France. He currently serves as CEO of EXPO 2027 Belgrade, having previously held roles such as Project Manager for Belgrade’s EXPO 2027 candidacy and CEO of the Serbia Convention Bureau. Fluent in English, French, and Italian, he has been recognized with the 'Meeting Star' award (2021-2022) and a National Scholarship (2018). Education: Doctoral studies in Postgraduate Studies Department, Singidunum University (2015-2020) Master’s in Postgraduate Studies, Singidunum University (2014-2015) Bachelor’s in Tourism and Hospitality Management, Singidunum University (2010-2014) High School: Third Belgrade Gymnasium (Bilingual French-Serbian, 2006-2010) Research interests focus on Tourism Economics, Events Management, Hotel Management, Revenue Management, and Sports Tourism. He contributes to the editorial boards of SCOPUS-indexed journals like Academica Turistica and International Journal of Business Events and Legacies . His work emphasizes sustainable development goals in sport tourism and technology integration in hospitality. Publications include co-authored books on sport tourism and over 20 peer-reviewed articles/conference papers analyzing topics like robotization in hospitality, post-pandemic tourism recovery, and competitive pricing strategies. Awards and recognitions highlight his leadership in the meetings industry and teaching excellence. Professional experience includes roles in top hotel management firms and strategic advisory for tourism organizations. He actively bridges academia with industry through applied research and executive leadership in major tourism initiatives like EXPO 2027 Belgrade.
Talal Shaikh is an Associate Professor at Heriot-Watt University's School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences in Dubai. He serves as Director of Undergraduate Studies and Programme Director for BSc Computer Science, BSc CS (AI), and MSc Software Engineering. With a decade of industry experience as a Chief Information Officer and Software Engineer, he bridges practical insights with academic research. Research Interests: Pervasive Computing, IoT/M2M, AI/ML, WiFi Sensing for Healthcare, Financial Machine Learning, Educational Technology Awards: Teaching Excellence Awards (2017/18), Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), multiple Learning and Teaching Oscars (2016, 2017, 2018) His work spans Ubiquitous Computing and IoT , focusing on sensor networks and WiFi-based sensing for healthcare. In Artificial Intelligence , he applies ML to robotics, financial analytics, and educational innovation. Recent articles analyze Reinforcement Learning , Emotion Recognition , and WiFi Sensing applications. His teaching emphasizes student-centric learning, with over 100 supervised dissertations achieving distinctions. Collaborations include international conferences and interdisciplinary research in smart environments and adaptive systems.
Alexander Refsum Jensenius is a Professor of Music Technology and Director of the RITMO Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies in Rhythm, Time and Motion at the University of Oslo. He also leads the fourMs Lab and co-founded the MishMash Centre for AI and Creativity. His work bridges musicology, psychology, and technology, focusing on embodied music cognition, human motion analysis, and creative applications of AI. Notably, he pioneered research on air guitar motion and human micromotion through projects like the Oslo Standstill Database . Educated at the University of Oslo (BA in Music and Mathematics, MA in Musicology) and Chalmers University of Technology (MSc in Applied IT), Jensenius holds a PhD in Music Technology from UiO. He has held visiting researcher roles at UC Berkeley, McGill University, and KTH. Leadership roles include Department of Musicology Head (2013–2016) and Steering Committee Chair for the International Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression (NIME, 2011–2022). Research interests span music-related body motion, AI in creative contexts, and open research practices. Key contributions include the Music Moves and Motion Capture MOOCs, the Musical Gestures Toolbox software, and monographs like Sound Actions and Sonic Design . His work emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, with projects addressing ventilation systems' acoustic properties and cell culture vibrational effects. Awards include the European Open Data Champion recognition. He advocates for open science and maintains extensive digital archives of research materials, emphasizing institutional web pages as critical research infrastructure.
Oliver Deussen is a Professor of Visual Computing at the University of Konstanz, recognized by the German Informatics Society (GSI) as a Fellow for his contributions to computer science. His research focuses on visualization, robotics, and environmental modeling, particularly in plant and landscape representation. He has pioneered methods in image manipulation and robotic painting, emphasizing digitalization's societal impacts. His work spans computational biology (e.g., schooling fish behavior) and AI-driven creative technologies. Research Interests: Visualization techniques, swarm behavior analysis, robotic creativity, and interdisciplinary applications of computer science. He explores how computational methods can model natural systems and enhance human-machine interaction. Awards: Fellow of the German Informatics Society (GSI) His research often bridges theory and practice, with contributions to SLAM frameworks, style transfer algorithms, and uncertainty visualization tools. Collaborations in robotics and biology reflect his commitment to applied computational research.
Professor Mark Levine is a leading figure in social psychology at Lancaster University , affiliated with the Department of Psychology and multiple interdisciplinary research centers including Security Lancaster (Behavioural Science) , Cyber Security Research Centre (Psychology) , Data Science Institute , and Social Processes . His research lies at the intersection of psychology and technology, focusing on social identity, group dynamics, and prosocial behavior in public and digital environments. His research interests include bystander intervention, violence prevention, urban resilience, cybersecurity, emergency response, public safety, and the role of technology in shaping human behavior. He employs diverse methodologies such as virtual reality, CCTV analysis, smartphone data collection, and computational text analysis. His work is highly applied, informing policy and practice in policing, emergency services, and community safety. The trends in his recent publications reflect a strong interdisciplinary focus, combining social psychology with computer science, criminology, and urban studies. His articles frequently analyze real-world behavioral data from public spaces and digital environments, emphasizing the protective role of group identity in emergencies and the feasibility of technological interventions for societal challenges. Scientific grants and projects he has led include: REASON: Resilient Autonomous Socio-cyber-physical agents (£3.3M, EPSRC) RBOC Network+: Urban resilience in 2050 (£2.25M, EPSRC) Challenging the Bystander Effect via Documentary Film (A$356K, ARC) STRETCH: Technology-enhanced support for older adults (£1.3M, EPSRC) “Being There”: Humans and Robots in Public Space (£2.4M, EPSRC) Advising and grants : He supervises 7 postgraduate research students and has secured over £15 million in research funding from EPSRC, ESRC, DSTL, NCSC, Home Office, and international bodies. He advises government departments, police forces, and city councils on public safety and prosocial behavior. His collaborative work extends to creative industries and third-sector organizations like AGE-UK Exeter. Research groups and collaborations : He is deeply embedded in interdisciplinary networks, contributing to projects involving computer scientists, roboticists, software engineers, and HCI researchers. His affiliations with Security Lancaster and the Data Science Institute reflect his central role in socio-technical research at Lancaster.
Jim Tørresen is a Professor of Computer Science at the Department of Informatics, University of Oslo, where he has been employed since 1999 (Associate Professor 1999-2005, Professor since 2006). He serves as group leader for the Robotics and Intelligent Systems (ROBIN) research group and is also a Principal Investigator at the Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies in Rhythm, Time and Motion (RITMO). His academic career includes visiting positions at Cornell University's Creative Machines Lab (2010-2011) and Kyoto University in Japan (1993-1994). His educational background includes a Dr.ing. (Ph.D.) in Computer Architecture from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (1996) and an M.Sc. in Computer Architecture from the same institution (1991). Before his academic career, he worked in industry at Navia Aviation (1998-1999) and NERA Telecommunications (1996-1998). Tørresen's research spans artificial intelligence, robotics, and bio-inspired computing. His work focuses on biology-inspired algorithms, programmable logic (FPGA), robotics (simulation, prototyping, control), and human-robot interaction. He has made significant contributions to areas including evolutionary computing, reconfigurable hardware, and adaptive systems. His research often bridges theoretical computer science with practical applications in healthcare, music, and industrial settings. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on human-robot interaction, particularly in healthcare contexts for elderly care, as well as applications in sports science, musical robotics, and geological engineering. His work shows a consistent pattern of interdisciplinary research that combines machine learning techniques with domain-specific challenges. Tørresen has also authored a popular science book on artificial intelligence in the "what is" series by Universitetsforlaget, which discusses fundamental concepts, methods, future perspectives, and ethical aspects of AI. He has been active in academic leadership, serving as General Chair for the 22nd International Conference on Field Programmable Logic and Applications (FPL) in 2012 and the 9th Joint IEEE International Conference of Developmental Learning and Epigenetic Robotics in 2019. As group leader of ROBIN, he oversees research on intelligent systems that operate in dynamic environments requiring runtime adaptation. The group works at both fundamental and applied levels, using evolutionary algorithms for robot learning and machine learning techniques for classification and recognition tasks in various application domains.
Stephen Lee-Urban is a Teaching Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science & Engineering at Lehigh University, affiliated with the Rossin College of Engineering. He holds a Ph.D., M.S., and B.S. in Computer Science and Engineering from Lehigh University, all completed with summa cum laude distinction. His research focuses on fundamental and applied artificial intelligence, machine learning, game AI, cognitive systems, and automated planning. He has contributed to innovative projects such as HuManIC (human-machine interpretive control), CORA (cognitive systems framework), and crowdsourced narrative generation systems. His academic career includes significant work in cybersecurity through intelligent agent modeling of malware, as well as contributions to game AI for strategy games and military training simulations. Notable awards include summa cum laude honors for all three of his university degrees. Lee-Urban's scholarly output spans over 20 publications since 2000, with recent emphasis on AI applications in collaborative storytelling, adaptive planning systems, and human-computer interaction. His research integrates machine learning techniques with sociocultural analysis, crowd-powered content creation, and hierarchical task networks. Current work explores autonomous systems capable of leveraging crowd intelligence for generating interactive narratives and optimizing military training scenarios. While no specific grants or advising roles are listed, his interdisciplinary approach bridges computer science with game design, cybersecurity, and cognitive modeling.
Prof. Dr. Bettina Glunde is a faculty member at the Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences , Department 4: Social Work & Health. She specializes in healthcare education, vocational pedagogy, and aging-related care innovations. Her work emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, qualitative research, and technology integration in nursing education. Current research focuses on interdisciplinary housing counseling (ProWoB project) and robot-assisted elder care (Pepper robot study). She leads international educational initiatives like the Erasmus Winterschool and Summerschool programs. Her publications span topics including project management in PhD research , interprofessional curricula , and media competency for migrants . She is affiliated with academic organizations such as the German Society for Nursing Science and the German Society for Pedagogy .
