Exergame Development Professors and Supervisors

Simon HoermannView profile

Associate Professor

University of CanterburyNew Zealand

Simon Hoermann serves as an Associate Professor at the School of Product Design within the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Canterbury. His research in Transformational Computing integrates cutting-edge technology with health applications, focusing on creating impactful solutions to improve health outcomes. With a PhD from the University of Otago (2013) and an MSc from Free University of Bozen-Bolzano (2008), he brings extensive technical and research expertise to his position. PhD, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand (2013) MSc, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Bolzano, Italy (2008) Postgraduate Certificate in Tertiary Teaching, University of Canterbury (2022) Hoermann's research spans neurorehabilitation, mental health technologies, health training simulations, and food psychology. His work on Extended Reality applications for brain injury recovery has been pioneering, and he has developed augmented intelligence systems for online community moderation and virtual AI companions for mental health support. His recent collaborations explore virtual reality applications in understanding eating behaviors and cravings, with implications for obesity prevention and smoking cessation. His 15 most recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on virtual reality applications in healthcare, mental health support, and serious game design, with particular emphasis on therapeutic alliance in virtual environments, VR exergaming for neurological conditions, and culturally appropriate game design for disaster preparedness. These works span computer science, psychology, and healthcare domains. 1st Place in the Business Category at the GALA International Serious Games Competition (2024) for Nutri-Islands Hoermann has successfully supervised numerous graduate students and secured significant research funding, including grants from the Health Research Council of New Zealand, Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment, and Tertiary Education Commission. His Nutri-Islands project represents a significant impact, winning international recognition for its culturally inclusive approach to promoting healthy eating behaviors among young people in New Zealand. He actively collaborates with health professionals, technologists, and domain experts to develop user-centered, evidence-based solutions.

Official University Profile

Dale HarrisView profile

Senior Lecturer

Victoria UniversityAustralia

Dr. Dale Harris serves as a Senior Lecturer and Research Fellow at Victoria University's Institute for Health & Sport in Melbourne, Australia, with an additional Adjunct Research Fellow position at La Trobe University since February 2024. His academic career spans multiple roles including Senior Lecturer (commencing January 2025) and Research Fellow (since January 2020), establishing him as a specialist in exercise science and neuromodulation interventions for Parkinson's disease and neurological conditions. Dr. Harris completed his educational journey with: PhD in Exercise and Sports Science from Deakin University (July 2021) Masters in Exercise and Sports Science, Strength and Conditioning from Edith Cowan University Bachelors in Exercise Science (Hons) from Deakin University Dr. Harris's research focuses on falls prevention , neuromodulation techniques , and exercise-based interventions for Parkinson's disease . His technical expertise includes transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), surface electromyography (EMG), functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), balance assessment using the NeuroCom Balance Master, and clinical examinations including the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale. He developed a reliable Parkinson's disease-specific falls questionnaire now used internationally by the Struthers Institute and translated into multiple languages. Analysis of Dr. Harris's publication record reveals a strong trajectory in neuromodulation approaches for Parkinson's disease management, with increasing focus on strength and power training protocols tailored for neurological populations. His recent work demonstrates innovative integration of gym-based powerlifting adaptations for people with early-onset Parkinson's disease, alongside significant research on sex-specific exercise responses and neuromuscular adaptations across diverse populations including elite athletes and women's health. Dr. Harris has received significant recognition for his contributions: Victoria University's Early Career Research Award (2021) Shake-It-Up Foundation travel award to present at the World Parkinson's Congress in Spain (2023) Australia Active National Awards Program Finalist - Most Inclusive and Diverse Programs (2025) for his clinical trial 'Powerlifting for People with Early Onset Parkinson's disease' As an active supervisor, Dr. Harris co-supervises three HDR students with research spanning resistance training for women's health and physical activity patterns in law enforcement. He successfully secured a $50,000 AUD grant as lead investigator in 2023 for a world-first exercise training feasibility study in people with young-onset Parkinson's disease through the Bethlehem Griffiths Research Foundation. His community engagement includes expert panel discussions with Fight Parkinson's on exercise for people living with Parkinson's disease, reaching multiple community members across Victoria. Dr. Harris maintains active collaborations with clinical and research partners, contributing to both academic advancement and practical applications of exercise science in neurological rehabilitation. His work bridges laboratory research with real-world implementation, particularly evident in his community-focused outreach and innovative clinical trials.

Official University Profile