Mitra Baratchi is an Associate Professor at the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS) , Leiden University. She leads the Spatio-temporal data Analysis and Reasoning (STAR) research group, co-leads the Automated Design of Algorithms (ADA) group, and founded the Special Interest Group on Spatio-Temporal Data Mining (SIG-SDTM) . PhD from University of Twente (Mobility Data) Master’s/Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering, Iran Research Interests focus on automated pattern extraction from spatio-temporal data across urban, environmental, and industrial domains. Key applications include: Automated Machine Learning (AutoML) for Earth Observations Time-Series Forecasting for public health (e.g., pandemic modeling) Urban Mobility Optimization with ESA, Honda, and municipalities Reliable Vehicular Communication Systems Smart Garments for Health Risk Detection Geocast Protocols for Internet-wide Communication Grant Highlights include €120K NWO-Aspasia, €2.9M Marie Skłodowska-Curie, €350K NWO-KLEIN, and €135K Center for BOLD Cities funding. She has supervised 12 PhD students and 4 current Master’s students since 2011, with notable best paper award at WWIC'16. Teaching includes Machine Learning (2020-present) and Urban Computing (2018-present) at Leiden, plus past courses in Data Visualization, Software Engineering, and Research Methods.
Dessislava Georgieva Petrova-Antonova is a Professor at Sofia University's Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics , specializing in the Department of Software Technologies . Her work focuses on service-oriented architectures, web services, and big data systems for smart cities. She holds a PhD in Software Technologies from Technical University of Sofia (2007) and an MSc in Computer Systems and Control (2000). PhD: Technical University of Sofia, Faculty of Computer Systems and Control (2007) MSc: Technical University of Sofia, Faculty of Computer Systems and Control (2000) Research Interests: She pioneers methodologies for testing web service compositions (e.g., TASSA ), develops big data platforms for smart governance, and explores digital twin modeling for urban environments. Her projects integrate IoT, quality of service (QoS) frameworks, and data-driven policy tools. Projects: Leads initiatives like National CogniTwin (National Science Fund, 2019–2022) and Big4Smart (NSF, 2017–2020). Collaborates in EU programs such as Digital Twin Cities Centre (2020–2025) and People Network+ (FP7, 2012–2013). Labs & Collaborations: Affiliated with the GATE Center of Excellence and contributes to international teams in big data and smart city research. Her work bridges academia and industry through tools like TESSI (Web Service Testing Tool) and faultInjector (BPEL Fault Injection Tool).
Tania Allen is an Interim Department Head and Professor of Media Arts, Design and Technology at North Carolina State University's College of Design. She serves as a Faculty Fellow with the Center for Geospatial Analytics and co-directs the design research group co-lab, which focuses on critical mapping as a participatory design research tool. Her work bridges academic research with practical applications in community engagement and social justice. Her educational background includes: B.A. in History with Minors in Fine Arts/Graphic Design from Washington University Certificate in Visual Communication from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago Master of Graphic Design from North Carolina State University Allen's research centers on critical cartography and critical mapping as tools for design research. Building on theories from anthropology, action research, placemaking, and participatory design, her work seeks to 'thicken' the way data is visualized and the stories at the core of data collection and communication. Her approach emphasizes the reciprocal activity of encoding and decoding, bridging the researcher's perspective with the subject's lived experience. She challenges assumptions embedded in mapping processes while embracing cartography as both an analytic and synthetic research tool. Analysis of her publication trajectory reveals a clear evolution from foundational explorations of critical mapping toward concrete applications addressing social justice issues. Her recent work increasingly focuses on Confederate memorialization, urban development, and oppressive infrastructures, demonstrating her commitment to using design as a catalyst for community engagement and social change. This progression reflects growing sophistication in applying critical cartography to address systemic inequities. As a Faculty Fellow with the Office of Faculty Development, Allen helped create an online certificate program focused on higher-order thinking through critical and creative pedagogy. Her contributions to the TH!NK initiative have transformed campus teaching culture toward student-centered instruction that promotes critical thinking across disciplines. She has also taught Design Thinking, focusing on creative research strategies for beginning design students. Allen co-directs the cross-institutional colloquium 'Oppressive Infrastructures: Examining Systems of (in)Equity In/Through/By Data,' which investigates how data systems perpetuate inequality. Through her professional practice, she has worked with organizations including the Chicago Botanic Garden, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Accenture, MIT, and Harvard University, consistently focusing on design as a participatory process that empowers communities to address social issues and create change from the ground up.
Josef Strobl is an Associate Professor at the Department of Geoinformatics , Paris Lodron University of Salzburg. With over 40 years of research activity (since 1982), he has produced 168 publications and participated in 51 projects. His work focuses on GIScience, spatial data infrastructure, remote sensing, and environmental engineering applications. Education : Not explicitly detailed in the text Research Interests : Geospatial technologies, data sharing frameworks, climate action support, hydrological modeling, and interdisciplinary applications in Central Asia Recent Publications (2021-2025) demonstrate expertise in geospatial ecosystems, water resource analysis, disease monitoring, and educational frameworks using GIS technologies across multiple domains including climate science, health geography, and regional development. Scientific Awards Christian-Doppler Preis (1989) Ehrenzeichen des Landes Salzburg (2018) Erasmus+ Botschafter (2022) Kulturfonds Salzburg Kinder- und Jugendprojektpreis (2020) Lifetime Achievement Award (2023) Leadership Roles include membership in the European Academy of Sciences and Arts (since 2021), full membership in the Austrian Academy of Sciences (since 2010), and organizing major conferences like GISCA 2024-2025. He contributes to editorial activities and peer review processes.
Dr. Richard Becker is a Professor in the Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of Toledo , affiliated with the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics . He directs the Environmental Remote Sensing Lab , where he employs interdisciplinary methods including remote sensing, geochemistry, hydrologic modeling, and UAV technologies to address geological and environmental challenges. Education: Ph.D. (2008) from Western Michigan University, M.A. and B.A. from Washington University Contact: richard.becker@utoledo.edu | 419.530.4571 | Wolfe Hall, Toledo, OH Research Focus Dr. Becker's work spans three decades, concentrating on: Environmental applications of remote sensing and GIS for geohazard mapping Assessment of land subsidence in arid regions and coastal areas Monitoring toxic algal blooms in the Laurentian Great Lakes Hydrological impacts of engineering projects on wetland systems Climate change effects on groundwater resources in Africa and the Middle East Article Trends His recent publications (2018-2024) demonstrate a consistent focus on: Integration of UAV/drone technologies for high-resolution environmental monitoring Application of remote sensing to track climate change impacts on water systems Development of multi-model ensembles for watershed management Analysis of human-environment interactions through geospatial methods
Prof. Kazimierz Bęcek is affiliated with the Wrocław University of Science and Technology as a faculty member in the Faculty of Geoengineering, Mining and Geology , specifically within the Department of Geodesy and Geoinformatics . His research spans multiple domains including geodesy, remote sensing, and geomatics, with a strong focus on elevation data analysis and environmental monitoring. Ecology Photogrammetry Remote Sensing Geodesy Geomatics Prof. Bęcek's work primarily investigates geospatial data accuracy, environmental dynamics, and geodetic methodologies. He has contributed significantly to elevation model validation, land subsidence detection, and vegetation collapse analysis through advanced remote sensing techniques. Recent publications highlight his expertise in Digital Elevation Model evaluation , LiDAR data processing , and environmental monitoring using satellite observations. His research extends to climate-ocean interactions and real-time geospatial mapping challenges. Contact: kazimierz.becek@pwr.edu.pl Physical address: ul. Na Grobli 15, 50-421 Wrocław, building L-1 (Geocentrum), room 366
Giacomo Landeschi is an Associate Professor at Lund University's Department of Archaeology and Ancient History, affiliated with the Joint Faculties of Humanities and Theology. He serves as deputy director of the Digital Archaeology Laboratory (DARK Lab) and works as a research engineer in the LU Humanities Lab. His expertise lies in digital archaeology, 3D GIS, and digitally informed sensory archaeologies. Lund University, Department of Archaeology and Ancient History Deputy Director, DARK Lab Research Engineer, Humanities Lab Landeschi's research focuses on spatial analysis of ancient environments using advanced digital tools. He leads or co-leads projects studying: Space and movement in Pompeian houses via 3D GIS (since 2016) AI-based methods for Scandinavian forest land analysis Ancient urbanism in southern Etruria His recent publications include co-authored books on sensory archaeology and 3D GIS methods. Landeschi also contributes to academic evaluation as an ERC Consolidator Grant committee member (SH6 - The Study of Human Past). Grant for publication (2018) Travel grant (2018) Conference grant (2017) Research Initiation grant (2017)
Th. Udelhoven is a Professor and Head of the Environmental Remote Sensing & Geoinformatics Department at Trier University's Faculty of Regional and Environmental Sciences in Germany. He maintains an active research program in remote sensing technologies and environmental monitoring with extensive publications spanning over two decades. His research interests focus on Remote Sensing , Geoinformatics , Environmental Monitoring , Satellite Data Analysis , and Land Degradation Assessment . His work integrates advanced hyperspectral imaging, UAV technology, and spatial analysis techniques to address environmental challenges related to soil science, precision agriculture, and forest ecology. His methodological expertise spans from traditional remote sensing techniques to cutting-edge machine learning applications in geospatial analysis. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on practical applications of remote sensing technologies for environmental monitoring, with particular focus on agricultural systems, soil health assessment, and land cover change detection. His research demonstrates consistent innovation in applying remote sensing technologies to solve real-world environmental problems across diverse geographical contexts from European agricultural landscapes to African and Asian ecosystems. Professor Udelhoven actively teaches courses including Pattern Recognition in long term global satellite archives, Statistik I: Statistische Grundlagen für die Bio- und Geowissenschaften, and Umweltwissenschaftliche Projektstudie, demonstrating his commitment to education in environmental sciences and geoinformatics. He has mentored numerous students who appear as co-authors on his publications, particularly in areas of crop monitoring, land cover analysis, and soil science applications. His collaborative research extends across multiple institutions and international boundaries, reflecting the global relevance of his work in environmental monitoring and sustainable land management.
Alejandro Kuratomi is an Assistant Professor in Data Science at the Department of Computer and Systems Sciences (DSV), Faculty of Social Sciences, Stockholm University. His academic journey includes a Ph.D. in Machine Learning (2024), M.Sc. in Engineering Design: Mechatronics (2019), and dual B.Sc. degrees in Industrial and Mechanical Engineering (2014). Ph.D., Machine Learning – DSV, Stockholm University M.Sc., Mechatronics – KTH Royal Institute of Technology B.Sc., Industrial Engineering – Universidad de Los Andes B.Sc., Mechanical Engineering – Universidad de Los Andes Kuratomi’s research focuses on Machine Learning Interpretability , Algorithmic Fairness , and Multivariate Time Series Classification , with applications in GNSS error estimation and healthcare decision-making. He develops interpretable models like CRITS and ORANGE to address technical and ethical challenges in AI. His recent work explores Transformer/LLM interpretability , mechanistic explanations , and integer-justified counterfactuals . While no awards or students are mentioned, his publications highlight interdisciplinary efforts combining computer science, ethics, and engineering.
Dr. Chandi Witharana is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment at the University of Connecticut's College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources. Previously, they served as Assistant Professor in Residence (2020-2023), Assistant Research Professor (2018-2020), and Visiting Assistant Professor (2016-2018) at UConn. Their academic journey includes a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at SUNY Stony Brook (2014-2016) and graduate work at UConn where they earned their PhD in Remote Sensing in 2014. Dr. Witharana teaches courses in high-resolution remote sensing, geospatial analysis, and introductory geomatics. Dr. Witharana's educational background includes: PhD in Remote Sensing, University of Connecticut (2014) MS in GIScience, University of Connecticut (2009) BS in Geology, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka (2005) Dr. Witharana's research focuses on methodological developments for analyzing large volumes of multi-modal remote sensing data for environmental, industrial, and agricultural applications, with special emphasis on Arctic Permafrost remote sensing. They harness sub-meter resolution satellite imagery, AI, and high-performance computing resources to map permafrost landforms, monitor thaw disturbances, and assess risks to human-built infrastructure in the Arctic. Their work extends beyond research to include innovative applications of remote sensing in K-12 STEM education through imagery-enabled lesson plans. Dr. Witharana aims to use cutting-edge geospatial technologies as transformative learning instruments to help students understand complex human-environment interactions. The recent publications of Dr. Witharana demonstrate a strong focus on applying advanced AI and remote sensing techniques to Arctic permafrost monitoring and infrastructure risk assessment. Their work increasingly incorporates vision transformers and deep learning models for more accurate detection of permafrost features and unhealthy tree crowns. There's a clear trend toward developing scalable geospatial datasets with standardized approaches, particularly for retrogressive thaw slumps. Many publications address practical applications including power outage risk modeling, forest management for storm resistance, and infrastructure monitoring in changing Arctic landscapes. The research shows growing interdisciplinary collaboration across environmental science, computer science, and engineering domains. Dr. Witharana has secured significant research funding as PI or Co-PI on numerous grants totaling over $14 million, including: NSF's Permafrost Discovery Gateway project ($3,000,000) Google-funded research on tracking Arctic permafrost thaw ($5,000,000) NSF's role of capillaries in the Arctic hydrologic system ($2,000,000) USDA projects on drone imaging for nutrient deficiency detection ($200,000) Eversource Energy projects on tree risk modeling ($275,000) As an educator, Dr. Witharana mentors students through research projects funded by these grants and teaches specialized courses in remote sensing and geospatial analysis. They serve as Director of the Remote Sensing & Geospatial Data Analytics Graduate Program and as a Steering Committee Member for UConn's Data Science Masters Program. Dr. Witharana is also an Editorial Advisory Board Member for the ISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing and regularly reviews proposals for NSF and other agencies. Their research group leverages high-performance computing resources including Frontera/NSF and XSEDE allocations for large-scale geospatial analysis. Dr. Witharana leads research teams focused on Arctic permafrost monitoring and geospatial AI applications, collaborating with institutions including University of Alaska-Fairbanks, Woodwell Climate Research Center, and UC Santa Barbara. Their work involves developing advanced workflows for processing satellite imagery and implementing machine learning models for environmental monitoring. The research group actively engages in developing educational applications of remote sensing technology, particularly for K-12 STEM education.
Professor Francesco Pilla is a Full Professor of Smart and Sustainable Cities at University College Dublin's School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy, where he also serves as Co-Director of the Spatial Dynamics Lab. Previously, he held positions as MSc Director (2018-2019) and Undergraduate Director for the School of Architecture. With over 15 years of experience in GIS modeling and spatial data analysis, Professor Pilla's work bridges technology, urban planning, and community engagement to create more sustainable cities. Professor Pilla's research focuses on developing geospatial analysis tools and environmental pollution models (air, noise, water) using GIS platforms to facilitate interoperability between research teams and end users. His approach integrates environmental pollution models with pervasive and community sensing applications for calibration and validation. A key innovation in his work is the integration of co-design principles through Living Labs in urban planning and citizen science initiatives to improve city life from an environmental perspective. His recent publications reveal a strong focus on urban sustainability challenges, with significant contributions to air quality monitoring, sustainable transportation, climate adaptation, and citizen science methodologies. His work increasingly incorporates advanced AI techniques, including large language models and machine learning algorithms, to analyze urban systems and develop data-driven solutions for complex environmental problems. The research demonstrates a clear trend toward integrating diverse data sources and developing practical tools for urban governance and planning. Haagen-Smit Prize (2024) - Recognizing outstanding papers published in Atmospheric Environment Best eMobility Project - Electric Vehicle Awards 2024 All Ireland community & council awards - Best Community Transport Initiative 2024 Academic research award: tipping point for action from Financial Times (2023) Professor Pilla leads numerous significant research projects including iSCAPE (H2020-SC5) as Coordinator, OPERANDUM (Principal Investigator for UCD) focusing on flood risk reduction with nature-based solutions, WeCount (Principal Investigator for UCD), and Connecting Nature (Principal Investigator for UCD). He has also secured funding through SFI Investigator grants for 'Scalable, Privacy-Enhanced Analytics for sharing mobility systems' and several Environmental Protection Agency projects. His collaborative work extends to partnerships with MIT through Fulbright/EPA TechImpact awards and IBM through Faculty Awards. At the Spatial Dynamics Lab, Professor Pilla oversees research that combines geospatial analysis, environmental monitoring, and community engagement. His innovative 'Bike Library' initiative, which has expanded to multiple schools in Dublin, exemplifies his commitment to translating research into practical community solutions. The lab's work integrates advanced sensing technologies, GIS platforms, and citizen science to address urban environmental challenges through collaborative approaches.
Dane Rowlands is a Professor of International Affairs at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, Carleton University, where he has taught since 1994. His research spans IMF programs , sovereign debt , development assistance , conflict economics , and international migration . He teaches courses on international finance and conflict economics . International Monetary Fund World Bank and Multilateral Financial Institutions Development Assistance Conflict and Development Migration Policy His scholarly output includes empirical analyses of IMF program effectiveness, studies on disaster philanthropy, and methodological innovations in conflict mediation. Recent work explores remote sensing applications for infrastructure resilience and human rights interdependencies.
Dr. Yannick S R Verbelen is a Senior Research Associate at the University of Bristol, affiliated with the Interface Analysis Centre and the Cabot Institute for the Environment . With a PhD in nuclear engineering and materials science, his work bridges robotics, radiation monitoring, and environmental remediation. Education: MSc, PhD His research focuses on nuclear industrial archaeology , radiation detection using drones, and robotic systems for nuclear environments. Key projects include airborne gamma-ray mapping and LiDAR integration for uranium mine analysis. Recent publications highlight innovations in radiation mapping algorithms , betavoltaic recycling , and robotic inspection systems . His work has been recognized with a Superior Paper Rating in 2022. He collaborates across disciplines, contributing to datasets on Fukushima Daiichi analysis and Chernobyl exclusion zone mapping. His technical expertise spans UAV deployment , scintillator materials , and energy-harvesting systems .
Dr Peter Long is a researcher at the University of Oxford specializing in satellite remote sensing and environmental modeling to study biodiversity, ecosystem services, and land cover dynamics. His work focuses on algorithm development for processing satellite data, high-performance computing, and GIS/RS software applications. Key projects: Biodiversity monitoring in Madagascar, Marine LEFT/LEFT tools, NaturEtrade, and Community-Based Conservation evaluation Technical expertise: Databases, R programming, web-based environmental tools, stakeholder engagement Research trends indicate interdisciplinary applications of remote sensing in conservation biology, agroforestry, and climate resilience. His publications span ecological modeling, historical land-use impacts, and wetland bird conservation. He has not been documented receiving scientific awards or mentoring students. No information is available about laboratory affiliations or team memberships.
Dr. Aneurin "Nye" Grant is a Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering and Construction Management at the University of West Florida , where he has taught since 2010. His research focuses on Sustainable Construction , Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) , Water Conservation , and Construction Safety , with publications in journals such as Building Research and Information and Safety Science . He integrates project-based learning and field experiences into his courses. Bachelor's Degree in Social Ecology (University of California Irvine) Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning (University of Florida, 2003) Ph.D. in Construction Management (University of Florida, 2010) Dr. Grant’s research spans Urban Metabolism , Rudimentary Structures , and Alternative Building Materials , emphasizing practical applications in Developing World Building Technologies and Rapid Manufacturing. His recent publications analyze hurricane resilience, 3D-printed materials, and passive energy-efficient building strategies. He has presented at conferences like the Southern Political Science Association and CIB W099 International Conference , and his work has been featured in peer-reviewed journals including the Journal of Industrial Ecology and Water Science and Technology .
