Professor Christopher McCool is a faculty member at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), specializing in Artificial Intelligence and Electrical Engineering. He holds a PhD from QUT and has contributed extensively to robotics and automation in agriculture, focusing on applications such as precision agriculture, weed management systems, and robotic vision for fruit detection. His work integrates computer vision, mechatronics, and environmental sustainability. Education: PhD in Electrical Engineering, Queensland University of Technology Research Interests: Development of agricultural robotics for crop monitoring and harvesting Computer vision techniques for environmental and agricultural analysis Autonomous systems for obstacle detection and navigation Unsupervised learning methods in robotic weed management Key Contributions: Co-edited special issues on agricultural robotics in the Journal of Field Robotics Advanced fruit detection and ripeness estimation through robotic vision systems Designed mechatronic systems for precision weed management Grants and Collaborations: Active in interdisciplinary projects involving robotics and environmental science Partnerships with industry for agricultural automation solutions
Professor Andy Leigh is a plant ecologist at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), specializing in plant responses to extreme environmental conditions, particularly thermal stress and climate change impacts. She holds a professorial position in the School of Life Sciences and has led interdisciplinary research on thermal tolerance, resilience of plant communities, and Indigenous knowledge integration. Her work bridges ecology, physiology, and climate science, with a focus on arid and alpine ecosystems. Education and Roles: PhD in Botany (Australian National University, 2007) BSc Honours and BA (Visual Arts) from ANU Past leadership roles: Head of School (Life Sciences), UTS; Associate Dean for Teaching and Learning (2015–2021) Research Focus: Her research investigates how plants acclimate to heatwaves, drought, and fire, with emphasis on thermal thresholds, genetic adaptation, and ecosystem resilience. Collaborations include Indigenous custodians at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and global networks like the Leaf Temperature Working Group. Awards and Recognition: Senior Fellow, Higher Education Academy UTS Learning and Teaching Award (2013) Three UTS Faculty of Science Excellence Awards Grants and Leadership: Current grants include ARC-funded projects on thermal tolerance and alpine resilience. She co-leads the AusTraits plant trait database and IDEAcology expert elicitation tool. Over 50 peer-reviewed publications span plant physiology, climate adaptation, and ecological modeling. Labs and Teams: Leigh Lab members include 8 PhD/Honours students and co-supervised researchers. Partnerships with ANU, CSIRO, and Parks Australia drive field-based and genomic studies. Public engagement includes media appearances, podcasts, and blogs on plant science and climate change.
Andrew Novak is a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), affiliated with the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation and the Human Performance Research Centre (HPRC). His research focuses on human performance in sports, esports, and military settings, emphasizing data-driven approaches using tools like Tableau, R, and AWS. He collaborates with Rugby Australia, the Australian Defence Science and Technology Group, and the Office of Naval Research Global. Novak holds a PhD from the University of Newcastle and has published over 50 peer-reviewed papers. He is accredited as a Level 2 Sports Scientist and Exercise Scientist. Teaching roles include co-developing the 'Performance Analysis and Data Science' subject in UTS's Masters of High Performance Sport program. His research interests span performance analysis, team dynamics, and decision-making, with recent work on environmental impacts on football performance, cooperative networks in invasion games, and esports perceptual-motor skills. He has secured grants for projects like applying machine learning to cricket performance and military team dynamics. Award highlights include a runner-up for the best sports science research poster (2016). Professional experience includes roles at Fusion Sport, developing athlete management software, and bicycle fitting expertise through Specialized Bicycles.
Stuart Perry is a Professor at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), serving as Head of Discipline for Signal Processing and Analytics in the School of Electrical and Data Engineering. He holds affiliations with UTS' Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, the Global Big Data Technologies Centre, and the Visualization Institute. With over 20 years of experience, his career spans roles at DSTO and Canon Information Systems Research Australia (CiSRA), focusing on image processing, signal processing, and perceptual quality measurement. Perry co-directs the Perceptual Imaging Laboratory (PILab), researching 3D environments, light field technologies, and human perception in immersive realities. He actively contributes to international standards committees like ISO/TC42 and ISO/SC29/WG7, leading JPEG's point cloud coding efforts. His research emphasizes adaptive image processing, machine learning-driven object detection, and medical imaging applications. Perry has authored 60+ publications, two books, and 20 patents. Current projects include VR empathy case studies, point cloud compression, and disaster management digital transformation. Education: PhD in Engineering, University of Sydney (1999) Research Interests: His work bridges computational imaging and human perception, addressing challenges in augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR), 3D scanning, and immersive media. Key areas include light field and point cloud coding, psychophysics of visual perception, and medical diagnostics via machine learning. He explores how perceptual principles can optimize interactive technologies for education, healthcare, and entertainment. Recent Research Trends: Recent articles focus on 3D Gaussian splatting, glaucoma detection via deep learning, and JPEG Pleno standards for plenoptic imaging. His work balances technical innovation (e.g., efficient point cloud compression) with human-centric design (e.g., reducing VR motion sickness through display lag analysis). Awards & Recognition: Member of IEEE and founding SPINet participant. Over 60 refereed publications and 20 patents highlight his industry-academic impact. Grants & Leadership: Leads SmartSat CRC projects on yield estimation and Aus4innovation-funded disaster response tech. Manages grants totaling millions AUD. Editorial roles include Associate Editor of SPIE/IS&T Journal of Electronic Imaging. Labs & Collaborations: PILab collaborates internationally on perceptual imaging standards. Active in ISO committees shaping future media technologies.
Professor Casey Chow is a faculty member at the University of Wollongong's School of Computing and Information Technology, where he serves as Deputy Head of School for Teaching and Learning. His research focuses on cybersecurity, virtual reality, and multimedia security, particularly investigating synergies between visualization techniques and cybersecurity frameworks. His current projects include developing robust defenses against adversarial machine learning for UAV systems through an ARC-funded grant. Professor Chow teaches courses in Java programming and supervises Master's research on network intrusion detection systems. He maintains membership in the Institute of Cybersecurity and Cryptology and contributes to curriculum development as coordinator for undergraduate computing courses.
Jacob Lewis is Senior Lecturer of Cell and Molecular Biology at University of Wollongong's School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience. An NHMRC Investigator and ARC DECRA Fellow, he leads research on DNA replication dynamics using cryo-EM and single-molecule biophysics. His work challenges textbook models of replication machinery through structural studies of origin activation and replisome heterogeneity. Current projects investigate mitochondrial DNA replication and replication fork stalling mechanisms relevant to cancer therapeutics. Lewis maintains collaborations with international institutions including the Francis Crick Institute and holds continuous fellowship support since 2019. His research combines biochemical reconstitution with advanced imaging to analyze nucleic acid-protein interactions.
Antony Mullins is a Lecturer at the School of Management and Marketing , part of the Faculty of Business and Law at Curtin University. He holds positions in the Office of the Provost and teaches across multiple campuses including Perth, Dubai, Malaysia, Mauritius, and Singapore. His academic credentials include a PhD, Master of Commerce (Information Systems), and other postgraduate qualifications in Information Systems and Technology. Education Background: PhD MCom (Information Systems) PgDipCom (Information Systems) BCom (Information Systems) Dip (Information Technology) Research Interests: Focus on cybersecurity (particularly in K-12 education and e-government), machine learning applications, social network analysis, team performance metrics, and sports data analytics. His work bridges technology management with interdisciplinary fields like sports science and public policy. Teaching: Leads courses such as Introduction to Business Technology , Advanced Business Technology , and Technological Infrastructure . Previously taught programming, informatics project management, and business information systems. Affiliations: Member of the Australian Computer Society ITIL Foundation Certified Advising & Grants: No formal advisees listed. Teaching spans multiple disciplines including Business, Health Sciences, and Science & Engineering. Active in curriculum development across diverse departments.
Dr. Will Harrison is a cognitive neuroscientist and Lecturer in Psychology at the University of the Sunshine Coast's School of Health. He received his PhD from the University of Queensland and completed postdoctoral fellowships at Harvard Medical School, University of Cambridge, and Queensland Brain Institute. His research program examines how the brain transforms visual information into conscious perception and memory, with specific focus on peripheral vision processing, eye movement interactions, and neural utilization of environmental structures. Methodologies include psychophysics, neuro-imaging, and computational modeling. Dr. Harrison's recent publications explore luminance processing, neural segmentation, perceptual control mechanisms, and vision in natural environments. He has received prestigious fellowships including the NHMRC CJ Martin Fellowship and ARC DECRA Award.
Associate Professor Colin Solomon holds a position in Exercise Physiology at the School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast. He previously held academic roles at the University of California, San Francisco, Queensland University of Technology, and completed postdoctoral training at UCSF and Harvard University. His research focuses on oxygen distribution and utilization during exercise, employing techniques like spirometry, NIRS, and gene expression analysis. He welcomes students across all academic levels. His work spans topics such as asthma physiology, inhalation toxicology, and exercise performance in diverse populations. Education: B.App.Sci.(Hon) from University of Wollongong and PhD in Respiratory Exercise Physiology from University of Queensland. Postdoctoral training in Inhalation Toxicology (UCSF) and Asthma Physiology (Harvard). Research Interests: Systemic and molecular oxygen dynamics during exercise, effects of environmental factors like air pollution, and age/gender variations in exercise responses. Techniques include near-infrared spectrometry and gene expression studies. Publications highlight contributions to human factors in sports performance, exercise physiology methodologies, and oxygen utilization studies. His recent work includes analyzing collision impacts in rugby and multifactorial approaches to ultramarathon physiology. No scientific awards are explicitly mentioned. Advising and supervision opportunities are open for undergraduate to postdoctoral researchers. His lab focuses on integrating physiological and technological approaches to enhance understanding of exercise responses.
Dr Ross Dwyer is a Senior Lecturer in Animal Ecology at the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC), based in the School of Science, Technology and Engineering. He holds a PhD in Ecology from Exon, an MRes from St Andrews, and a BSc (Zoology) with Honors from the University of Dundee (UoD). His research focuses on the environmental and behavioral drivers of animal movement and habitat utilization, particularly in aquatic vertebrates. Using satellite and acoustic telemetry, he investigates mechanisms behind habitat selection, migration, and human-wildlife conflict mitigation. Key projects include identifying critical habitats for crocodiles, turtles, and sawfish; enhancing protected areas for sharks and rays; and quantifying environmental flows for fish passage. Dr Dwyer’s work spans multiple grants, including a Rio Tinto Aluminium-funded study on elasmobranch movement ecology. He teaches courses such as ANM104 (Marine Vertebrate Ecology and Conservation), ANM203 (Understanding Ecological Data), and ANM302 (Global-Change Ecology). His research interests also include disturbance ecology, data visualization, and methods for modeling animal movement. He holds a concurrent part-time appointment at the University of Queensland, leading a tracking program for threatened sawfishes and river sharks in the Gulf of Carpentaria. His publications emphasize climate impacts on reptiles, telemetry applications, and conservation strategies. Media highlights include studies on crocodile behavior during mating and shark vulnerability in marine reserves. Dr Dwyer actively engages in public outreach, including commentary on wildlife conservation and research findings disseminated through UniSC’s news platform.
Associate Professor Sanjeev Kumar Srivastava is an academic in the Department of Geospatial Analysis at the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC), Queensland, Australia. He holds a PhD in Geographical Sciences from The Australian National University and specializes in GIS, remote sensing, and natural resource management. His teaching focuses on spatial science courses, including GIS, remote sensing, and geospatial analysis, employing innovative pedagogical methods like field-based learning and immersive visualization. Dr. Srivastava's research emphasizes fire ecology, natural resource conservation, and GIS education. He leads projects funded by organizations such as the Asia-Pacific Network Global Change Research and the Australian Koala Foundation. Notable awards include the 2018 Asia-Pacific Spatial Excellence Award and a 2013 OLT Citation for teaching excellence. Education: PhD in Geographical Sciences, Australian National University Committees: SmartSat CRC Education & Training College Member Spatial Information and Cartography Commission Co-chair His research spans GIS applications in disaster management (e.g., cyclone tracking, wildfire modeling) and ecosystem conservation (e.g., Sundarbans World Heritage Site). He actively supervises HDR and Honours students on topics like bushfire risk mitigation and koala habitat recovery.
Dr. Rebecca Marrone is a Lecturer at the University of South Australia's UniSA Education Futures, affiliated with the Department of Learning Sciences and Development and the Centre for Change and Complexity in Learning. Her work focuses on creativity assessment, educational technology, learning analytics, and mathematics anxiety reduction. She has contributed to projects like the preschool policy review for 3-year-olds and a pragmatic trial on self-regulated learning in primary schools. Her research spans AI applications in education, decision-making systems, and cross-cultural studies on statistics anxiety. She co-authored studies on automated creativity scoring via neural networks and the impact of AI on human creativity. Education & Professional Background: While specific educational details are not provided, her academic role and publications indicate advanced qualifications in education, psychology, or related fields. Research Interests: Her interests include AI integration in education, experiential learning, and evidence-based policy for early childhood education. She explores how technology can enhance creativity assessment and reduce academic anxiety while advocating for scalable educational interventions. Articles Overview: Her recent work addresses holistic decision-making systems in schools, the psychological impacts of statistics education, and AI's role in creativity. These studies emphasize data-driven approaches to improve teaching methods and student outcomes. Grants & Collaborations: She has collaborated on projects funded by organizations like the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute and the Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education. Her work often involves international teams, reflecting her global influence in education research. Labs/Teams: Part of the Centre for Change and Complexity in Learning, focusing on innovation in teaching and learning methodologies. She contributes to interdisciplinary teams addressing systemic educational challenges.
Jennifer Stokes is an Associate Professor and Associate Director of the Teaching Innovation Unit at the University of South Australia’s UniSA Education Futures. Her work focuses on enabling pedagogy, widening participation, and student transition in higher education. She has contributed to transformative educational strategies that support underrepresented students, including low-SES learners and Indigenous students, through enabling programs. Her research emphasizes critical pedagogy, cultural capital, and the role of educators in fostering inclusive learning environments. Stokes has authored numerous publications on enabling pathways, digital pedagogy, and student identity development. Her ADEPT framework, recognized with an AAUT Citation (2023), highlights practical strategies for empowering diverse learners. She collaborates with institutions like the Open University and has presented at international conferences on topics such as learning analytics and social media’s impact on identity. Her academic units include UniSA Education Futures and UniSA College, reflecting her dual role in curriculum design and institutional innovation. Recent work explores ethical digital learning practices and the intersection of visual culture with contemporary student experiences.
Associate Professor Georg Grossmann is affiliated with the School of IT and Mathematical Sciences at the University of South Australia (UniSA), within the Advanced Computing Research Centre. He holds roles as the Research Degree Coordinator for Maths & Stats and Systems Engineering at UniSA STEM, and co-directs the Digital Health Innovation and Clinical Informatics (DHICI) Lab. His research focuses on Digital Health, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Industry 4.0, and interoperability solutions for complex systems. He is also a member of the AI & Software Engineering Lab in the Industrial AI Research Centre, addressing challenges in data integration and business process modeling. Research Interests: Georg's work spans process and data interoperability, AI-driven systems, generative AI (GenAI), and digital transformation. He explores applications in healthcare (e.g., clinical decision support systems), industrial IoT (IIoT), and cultural heritage management. His methodologies include multi-level modeling, knowledge graphs, and semantic frameworks to enhance system interoperability and decision-making. Labs & Collaborations: He leads the DHICI Lab and collaborates with institutions like MIMOSA, Practera, and BAE Systems. His projects include frameworks for predictive maintenance in Industry 4.0, adaptive clinical decision systems, and NLP-based artifact management in museums. He has secured grants from the South Australian Premier’s Research and Industry Fund and the Australian Government’s Department of Industry. Teaching & Supervision: As a Research Degree Supervisor, he guides students in areas like enterprise modeling, software engineering, and AI applications. He also contributes to courses on Business Process Management and Software & Data Modeling.
Dr Christian Moro is an Associate Professor in Biomedical Sciences and Medicine and Associate Dean of External Engagement at Bond University's Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine. He is a globally recognized educator and researcher with over 200 peer-reviewed publications and accolades including the 2023 Queensland Government Tall Poppy Award and 2021 Reimagine Education Award. BSc in Biochemistry, University of Queensland (2013) PhD in Physiology & Pharmacology, Bond University (2013) MBus in Applied Finance, University of Southern Queensland (2008) BEd in Biology/Chemistry, University of Queensland (2003) His research spans urinary bladder physiology (urothelium, incontinence), pharmacological target identification, and innovative educational technologies (augmented reality, gamification). He has secured grants from government and industry partners. Recent publications highlight discoveries in bladder pharmacology, UTI management, and educational technology integration. These works reflect his dual expertise in clinical physiology and pedagogical innovation. Queensland Government Tall Poppy award (2023) Reimagine Education Teaching Award (2021) AAUT Teaching Excellence award (2020) AFR Higher Education Award (2019) AOLT Citation for Student Learning (2018) Dr Moro supervises PhD students and non-HDR projects in physiology and medical education. He leads the Mixed Reality Research Lab and contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals in education and health. His email is cmoro@bond.edu.au .
