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Elaine ShortView profile

Assistant Professor

• human-robot interaction
• accessibility
• robotics
• +4 more

Elaine Short is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science and a secondary appointment in Mechanical Engineering at Tufts University's School of Engineering. She leads the Assistive Agent Behavior and Learning (AABL) Lab, focusing on human-robot interaction, accessibility, and assistive technology. Education: PhD in Computer Science, University of Southern California (2017) MS in Computer Science, University of Southern California (2012) BS in Computer Science, Yale University (2010) Her research applies human-centered design and disability community values to AI/ML development in robotics, emphasizing robust human-robot interaction in natural environments, group/crowd dynamics, and inclusive design for non-normative users. Recent publications highlight trends in human-robot co-creative collaboration, shared control systems, policy modification through imagined actions, and accessibility challenges in robotics. Awards include NSF Graduate Research Fellowship, Google Anita Borg Scholarship, and multiple teaching/research recognitions. Scientific Awards: National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship USC Provost's Fellowship Google Anita Borg Scholarship Viterbi School of Engineering Merit Award WiSE Merit Award Best Research/Teaching Assistant Awards Saybrook College Mary Casner Prize

Niels van BerkelView profile

Professor

• Artificial Intelligence
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Large Language Models
• +4 more

Niels van Berkel is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Aalborg University, affiliated with The Technical Faculty of IT and Design. His research focuses on Human-Centered Computing and AI for societal benefit, with key projects including the HERD initiative on human-robot collaboration and initiatives to enhance mental health through digital tools. He leads multiple research projects involving AI ethics, healthcare applications, and swarm robotics. His educational background includes a Ph.D. in Computer Science. Research interests span AI explainability, human-AI interaction design, and the ethical implications of AI systems in healthcare and daily life. He has supervised 1 doctoral student and contributed to over 169 research outputs across journals, conferences, and datasets. Notable contributions include work on chatbot-driven data collection, coordination in AI development teams, and swarm robotics for search & rescue. His project 'AI for the People' emphasizes technology's role in improving societal wellbeing, while collaborations with medical professionals address chronic pain management and telehealth innovations. He received the DIS 2024 Honourable Mention and has actively engaged with media to communicate research impacts, including discussions on AI ethics and robot swarms. His work bridges technical innovation with human-centric design principles, addressing challenges in explainable AI, moral agency perceptions, and sustainable urban mobility solutions.

Francisco PalermoView profile

Associate Professor

• Child Development
• School Readiness
• Adverse Childhood Experiences
• +2 more

Francisco Palermo is an Associate Professor and Millsap Missouri Professor in Human Development and Family Science at the University of Missouri's College of Education & Human Development. His PhD in Family & Human Development from Arizona State University informs his research on promoting school readiness and mitigating adverse childhood experiences, particularly among dual-language learners and economically vulnerable populations. Research examines bilingual development, family stress processes, and resilience factors during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent publications investigate how caregiver-child interactions, economic hardship, and play behaviors moderate child outcomes. Analytical trends show innovative methodological approaches including meta-analyses, observational coding systems, and cross-cultural comparisons. He maintains active research projects on early cognitive development, family communication patterns, and environmental influences on child health. Current work includes developing the Creativity in Play Scale and investigating paternal involvement in Korean families. Despite no documented awards, his Millsap endowed professorship recognizes research impact. Palermo mentors graduate students in developmental research methods and contributes to departmental initiatives on child well-being. His work informs early education policies and family support programs through community partnerships.

Shuling YangView profile

Assistant Professor

• Multicultural Education
• Literacy Studies
• Teacher Education
• +5 more

Dr. Shuling Yang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Education at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). Her work bridges multicultural education, literacy studies, and teacher education through innovative research and pedagogical practices. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and has received prestigious awards including NCTE’s 2023 ELATE Research Award and the AERA Division C Equity Grant. Dr. Yang’s research emphasizes family literacy, AI integration in education, and racial literacies. She explores how culturally sustaining pedagogies can empower marginalized communities, particularly through studies of Asian American immigrant experiences and bilingual education. Her work often employs ethnographic methods and critical frameworks to examine identity negotiation in educational contexts. Her publications span journals like Bilingual Research Journal and Journal of Digital Learning in Teacher Education , addressing topics ranging from generative AI in lesson planning to the role of Mandopop lyrics in biliteracy development. She has held leadership roles including Chair of the Awards & Grants Committee at the International Literacy Association (2022-2024). Awards: 2024 Early Career Reviewer Award (Bilingual Research Journal), NCTE ELATE Award, and multiple grant recognitions. Grants: AERA Equity Grant, NCTE Research Foundation Grant, and others supporting literacy innovation. Professional Engagement: Editorial board member of Reading Horizons Journal and Journal of Literacy and Urban Schools . Dr. Yang’s teaching spans undergraduate and graduate literacy courses, emphasizing critical reflection and culturally responsive practices. Her recent work highlights AI’s transformative potential in teacher education while addressing equity concerns in technology adoption.

Jim CocolaView profile

Professor

• American Literature
• Comparative Literature
• Cultural Geography
• +14 more

Jim Cocola is a Professor of Literature, Film, and Media at the Department of Humanities & Arts, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), where he has held positions since 2009. His academic career includes roles as Associate Head for the Humanities (2016–2020) and Academic Director of the Worcester Branch of The Clemente Course in the Humanities (2014–2021). He holds a PhD in English from the University of Virginia (2009) and an AB in American History and Literature from Harvard University (1998). Dr. Cocola's research bridges geography and the humanities , focusing on modern and contemporary American literature and culture through comparative, multiethnic, and transnational lenses. His work explores cultural production by Mediterranean Americans , digital humanities , critical theory , and experimental writing . He has also contributed to film studies , media analysis , and creative writing pedagogy . His recent publications highlight a trajectory in literary geography and poetics , including the 2016 book Places in the Making: A Cultural Geography of American Poetry . His 2024 article on Elizabeth Bishop and Robert Lowell examines anthology practices, while 2022 works engage with African American and Mediterranean American literatures. Teaching remains central to his mission, with courses ranging from digital media to environmental literature and creative writing . Scientific Awards include the Binienda Center Community Engagement Award (2018) Romeo L. Moruzzi Young Faculty Award for Innovation in Undergraduate Education (2015) Helen Tartar First Book Subvention Prize (2015) MacDowell Academic Fellow (2008) Dr. Cocola has advised student projects with institutions like the American Antiquarian Society and Worcester Art Museum , and co-organized initiatives such as the Shuster Lab for Digital Scholarship (2018) and the WPI Film Series (2013–). His work in digital humanities includes curating the Clemente Emergency Library (2020) and developing Olsoniana , a digital archive for Charles Olson studies.

Tracey BoneView profile

Associate Professor

• Mental Health
• Deaf Studies
• Criminal Justice
• +3 more

Tracey Bone is an Associate Professor at the University of Manitoba's Faculty of Social Work, specializing in mental health disparities, Deaf identity, criminal justice, and art-based interventions. Her community-engaged research examines accessibility barriers in health and justice systems for marginalized populations. Education: Ph.D., Social Work, University of Manitoba, 2014 MSW, University of Manitoba, 1998 BSW, University of Manitoba, 1984 Research examines mental health challenges in Deaf communities, art-based recovery programs, and correctional system accessibility. She leads SSHRC-funded projects exploring mental health service access for Deaf Manitobans and board capacity-building for newcomers. Current work includes a major study on interactive case-based learning tools for social work education. Publications address systemic barriers in criminal justice for Deaf individuals, Indigenous-Deaf intersectionality, and art therapy applications. Recent works emphasize human rights frameworks and community-based solutions. Professional service includes board membership with the Canadian Criminal Justice Association and Legal Help Centre. She presents internationally on topics including women's mental health leadership and Deaf offender rehabilitation.

Barbara DignamView profile

Assistant Professor

• Contemporary Art Musics
• Electroacoustic Music Studies
• Women in Contemporary Music
• +3 more

Dr. Barbara Dignam is an Assistant Professor in Music at Dublin City University's School of Theology, Philosophy, and Music. She holds a PhD in musicology from Maynooth University and a PGDHE. Her research explores intersections of sound, language, and digital technologies in 20th/21st-century music, focusing on human interactions with cultural output. Research interests include contemporary art musics, electroacoustic studies, technology-mediated creativity, and pedagogy in higher education. Her publications reflect interdisciplinary engagement with cultural hybridity and digital innovation. She received the 2021 DCU President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning for innovative assessment approaches. She serves on the Council of the Society for Musicology in Ireland and chairs SMI Grants.

Erika M. Nelson MukherjeeView profile

Associate Professor

• German Studies
• Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies
• Narrative Medicine
• +7 more

Erika M. Nelson Mukherjee is an Associate Professor of German Studies and Director of the Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies program at Union College. Her work bridges academic and interdisciplinary realms, emphasizing the intersection of literature, culture, and social issues. She holds a B.A. in English and Comparative Literature (Classics, German, French) from Oberlin College, a Graduate Certificate in Narrative Medicine from Columbia University, and M.A. degrees in Germanic Languages and Literatures from The University of Texas at Austin and in Psychology of Education from Teachers College Columbia University. Her Ph.D. in Germanic Studies is also from The University of Texas at Austin. Her research interests span Transnational German-Language Poetry and Film , Narrative Medicine , studies of Rainer Maria Rilke and Doris Dörrie , Modern Retellings of Myth in German culture, Buddhism and Spirituality , and Transformative Learning . She explores how artistic mediums like poetry and cinema reflect cultural, psychological, and transformative themes, particularly through lenses of gender and transnationalism. Her publications analyze diverse topics, including East Asian encounters in German cinema, urban landscapes post-reunification, and pedagogical strategies using film. These works highlight her engagement with cultural intersections and critical theory. Recipient of the GSWS Minerva Prize 2019 , she actively contributes to academic and creative communities. Her teaching and advising focus on German language, literature, and global citizenship, integrating eco-feminism and narrative medicine into her curriculum design. She leads Union College's Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies program, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and research initiatives in this field.

Kyle DiederichView profile

Assistant Professor

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Education Technology
• Child Development
• +3 more

Kyle Diederich is an Assistant Professor of Computer Science at St. Norbert College (SNC), where he also earned his B.A. in Mathematics. His research focuses on interactive technologies that support social and physical play for young children, emphasizing the '3Cs' framework: Create, Connect, and Communicate to Learn. He designs and evaluates systems that enhance collaborative, face-to-face activities while minimizing distractions to child development. Education: B.A. in Mathematics, St. Norbert College M.S. in Mathematics Education, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh M.S. and Ph.D. in Computer Science, University of Iowa His work bridges human-computer interaction (HCI) and education, with a focus on technologies for children under five. Key themes include sociodramatic play, voice-based interfaces, and participatory design processes that involve children in shaping their own tools. Recent projects explore how voice agents and collaborative storytelling systems can foster social skills and creativity. Publications: Over 15 articles in venues like ACM Interaction Design and Children (IDC) and CHI, focusing on play-based design, voice interfaces for preschoolers, and technology’s role in early childhood socialization. Teaching: Courses include Software Engineering, Data Structures, Algorithms, and Computer Organization.

Steven AlvarezView profile

Assistant Professor

• Literacy Studies
• Composition and Rhetoric
• Ethnography
• +4 more

Steven Alvarez is an Assistant Professor of English at St. John's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, St. John's University, where he coordinates the first-year writing program. He holds a PhD and MPhil from The Graduate Center of the City University of New York (2012, 2009) and a BA from the University of Arizona (2003). His research focuses on literacy studies, bilingual education, and the experiences of Mexican immigrant communities. He teaches courses in autobiographical writing, ethnographic methods, and 'taco literacy,' exploring Mexican immigrant foodways. His work emphasizes translanguaging practices and community-based literacy initiatives. Alvarez is the author of two academic books: Brokering Tareas: Mexican Immigrant Families Translanguaging Homework Literacies (2017) and Community Literacies en Confianza (2017), as well as three poetry collections, including the award-winning The Codex Mojaodicus (2016). His research has been published in journals like Community Literacy Journal , Equity & Excellence in Education , and Language Arts . Alvarez’s work bridges creative writing and academic scholarship, often centering marginalized voices. He collaborates with bilingual communities in Kentucky and New York, advocating for culturally responsive pedagogies. His recent work examines translingual literacies, emergent bilingual learners, and the role of libraries in immigrant integration. Honors include the 2016 Fence Modern Poets Prize. He actively engages in public scholarship, such as his 'taco literacy' courses, which use food as a lens for cultural analysis.

Nam Wook KimView profile

Assistant Professor

• Data Visualization
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Accessibility
• +2 more

Nam Wook Kim is an Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Boston College, specializing in Data Visualization and Human-Computer Interaction. His research focuses on making data accessible to broader audiences through innovative tools and accessibility-focused design. He holds a Ph.D. from Harvard University and has conducted research at Microsoft, Disney, and Adobe. His work bridges academic research with practical applications, emphasizing accessibility, AI-driven interfaces, and creative computing. Education: B.S. in Mathematics & Computer Science (Stony Brook University), M.S. (Stanford University), and Ph.D. (Harvard University). Research Interests: Data Visualization Accessibility, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Creative Computing, AI Integration in Visualization, and Design Methodologies. Awards: Recognized by ACM CHI, ACM UIST, Kantar Information is Beautiful Awards, and NSF grants. His research addresses gaps between visualization research and practice, advocating for inclusive design principles. Teaching: Courses include Human AI Interaction, Data Visualization, and Web Application Development. He actively collaborates with institutions like Washington University and Northeastern University. Lab & Teams: Leads the Data Within Reach research group, focusing on accessibility and user-centric visualization tools. His work has generated over 100 publications, emphasizing empirical studies and practical tool development.

• Employment Law
• Contract Law
• Labor Rights
• +5 more

Dr Gabrielle Golding is a Senior Lecturer at the Adelaide Law School, University of Adelaide, and serves as Associate Dean of Law (Learning and Teaching). She specializes in employment and contract law, focusing on the intersection of legal norms and workplace realities. Her research has influenced Australian legislation, including amendments to the Fair Work Act, and been cited in federal court rulings. Golding holds a PhD in employment and contract law (awarded the Bonython Prize) and has held roles at Monash University, the Federal Court of Australia, and international law firm Minter Ellison. Affiliations: Adelaide Law School, Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics Education: PhD (University of Adelaide), LLM (ANU), B.Laws (Honours) & B.A. (Politics) Research Interests: Implied contract terms, right to disconnect, procedural fairness in disciplinary processes, and statutory unconscionability. Her book Shaping Contracts for Work (Oxford UP, 2023) was shortlisted for the prestigious Peter Birks Prize. Golding engages widely with media (BBC, ABC, The Guardian) and advises organizations like the International Labour Organization and Australian unions. Awards include the Barbara Kidman Women's Fellowship (2022) and multiple teaching/research nominations. Grants: Over $100,000 in funding from Adelaide Law School, the Law Foundation of SA, and external bodies like the Solidarity Center. Teaching includes courses on contract law, employment law, and legal research. Lab/Team: Coordinates the South Australian Chapter of the Australian Labour Law Association and collaborates with global networks like the Labour Law Research Network.

Maryam AlimardaniView profile

Associate Professor

• Brain-Computer Interfaces
• Virtual Reality
• Neurofeedback
• +5 more

Dr. Maryam Alimardani is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Science, Computer Science department, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, and a member of the Network Institute. Her research focuses on neurotechnology applications in human-computer interaction, including brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), virtual reality (VR), and robotics. She explores topics such as neurofeedback training for ADHD, workload prediction in flight simulations, and the psychological impact of human-agent interactions. Her work bridges cognitive neuroscience, robotics, and educational technology, with a particular emphasis on improving mental health interventions and learning outcomes through technology. Research interests include EEG analysis for cognitive state monitoring, gamification strategies in BCI training, and the uncanny valley effect in human-robot collaboration. She has contributed to studies on social robotics for stress management, virtual agent design, and the neurophysiological basis of trust in AI systems. Her recent publications address VR flight simulation neural patterns, the role of gender in motor imagery BCIs, and the ethical implications of passive vs. active BCIs. Collaborations span aviation neurophysiology, consumer neuroscience for sustainability, and pediatric language learning through robots. Alimardani teaches Human-Computer Interaction courses and leads projects on adaptive learning systems. Her work emphasizes translational research, applying neuroscientific insights to real-world applications in education, healthcare, and human-technology collaboration.

Jennifer K. AllenView profile

Associate Professor

• Literacy Education
• Writing Pedagogy
• Culturally Diverse Learners
• +2 more

Jennifer K. Allen is Associate Professor in Literacy and Special Education at University of West Georgia's College of Education. Her research examines writing pedagogy, critical media literacy, and culturally responsive teaching. She holds B.S. and Ph.D. degrees from University of Georgia and M.Ed. from University of West Georgia. Allen's scholarship focuses on writing identity development, teacher self-efficacy, and literacy engagement strategies for multilingual learners. Her 15 most recent publications explore prosody instruction effects, media literacy education, and innovative writing approaches like writing marathons. Methodologically, her research employs mixed-methods designs examining classroom practices, teacher perceptions, and student outcomes. Recent collaborations investigate read-aloud frequency variations and digital storytelling for countering deficit perspectives. With ten years K-12 teaching experience, Allen connects research to classroom practice. She holds endorsements in Gifted Education, ESOL, and Reading Instruction. Her courses include Writing Development & Instruction and Trends in Language & Literacy Education.

Sarah E MacPhersonView profile

Professor

• Frontal Lobe Functions
• Healthy Ageing
• Neurodegenerative Disorders
• +3 more

Sarah E MacPherson is a Professor of Cognitive Neuropsychology at the University of Edinburgh, holding a Personal Chair in the Department of Psychology. She is affiliated with the School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences and Edinburgh Neuroscience. Her research focuses on frontal lobe functions in aging and neurodegenerative disorders, particularly examining memory, executive functions, and social cognition. Education: PhD in Psychology, University of Aberdeen (2001) MA (Hons) Psychology, University of Aberdeen (1998) Research & Teaching: Dr. MacPherson supervises current PhD students and has held roles such as Undergraduate Director of Teaching and Programme Director for the MSc in Human Cognitive Neuropsychology. She has contributed to over 190 publications and 18 research projects, including the GRASP initiative exploring social pragmatics in aging and collaborative learning studies. Her work integrates virtual reality (VR) for neuropsychological assessments, notably the Virtual Reality Everyday Assessment Lab (VR-EAL). Awards & Roles: She serves on editorial boards for journals like Cortex , chairs international conferences, and holds external positions at Canterbury Christ Church University. Her research has received funding from UKRI, Leverhulme Trust, and other bodies. Key Projects: Current grants include the GRASP initiative (social pragmatics in aging) and I'm Still Learning (collaborative learning in older adults). She investigates barriers in socio-cognitive assessment for neurocognitive disorders and explores technological advancements in clinical testing. Labs & Collaborations: Leads the VR-EAL development, collaborating internationally on social cognition assessment tools like the Edinburgh Social Cognition Test (ESCoT). Her work bridges cognitive neuroscience, clinical practice, and aging research.