Associate Professor Naseem Ahmadpour is a leading researcher in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and Design at the University of Sydney 's School of Architecture, Design and Planning. She directs the Affective Interactions Lab and serves as Associate Dean (Research) and Chair of the EDI Committee . PhD, University of Montreal MSc, Chalmers University of Technology BSc, Bahonar University Her research critically examines the ethical implications of sociotechnical systems in care and work futures, focusing on participatory design with vulnerable populations. She explores immersive technologies like VR for mental health, pain management, and clinical training, while advocating for equity in design practices. Recent work includes 15+ publications (2023-2026) on VR applications, ethical design tools, and sociotechnical critiques. She has received the SOAR Prize (2022-2023) and led grants on VR in clinical education, digital volunteering, and aging technologies. Dr. Ahmadpour supervises PhD students in projects like Collaborative Reflection in Mental Health and Cultural Bias in Digital Design . She contributes to the Design. Think. Make. Break. Repeat methodology handbook and co-leads the VirtX Community of Practice for immersive realities.
Dr. Chien-Ming Huang is the John C. Malone Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Johns Hopkins University. He leads the Intuitive Computing Laboratory and is affiliated with the Malone Center for Engineering in Healthcare, Laboratory for Computational Sensing and Robotics, Institute for Assured Autonomy, and Data Science and AI Institute. His research focuses on human-robot interaction, human-computer interaction, and artificial intelligence applications in healthcare and education. BS in Computer Science, National Chiao Tung University (2006) MS in Computer Science, Georgia Institute of Technology (2010) PhD in Computer Science, University of Wisconsin–Madison (2015) Postdoctoral Research, Yale University (2015-2017) Dr. Huang's work bridges human-robot interaction, robotics, and AI to develop technologies that enhance social, physical, and behavioral support for diverse populations. His research includes adaptive robot systems for autism intervention, aging care technologies, and explainable AI frameworks for medical decision support. Current projects focus on end-user robot programming, socially aware navigation, and conversational agents for health management. His publications span major venues like Science Robotics , HRI, CHI, and ICRA, with recent emphasis on robot error awareness, small talk in collaboration, and AI explanation design for healthcare. Dr. Huang has received numerous accolades including the NSF CAREER Award and John C. Malone Endowed Chair. 2022 NSF CAREER Award John C. Malone Endowed Chair 2013 RSS Best Paper Runner-Up 2012 Human-Robot Interaction Pioneer Dr. Huang mentors PhD, postdoctoral, and undergraduate researchers, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and technical rigor. He serves as Associate Editor for ACM Transactions on Human-Robot Interaction and has organized key conferences including HRI and ICMI. His lab develops systems for robotic assistance in surgical training, home healthcare, and educational contexts.
Dongwook Yoon is an Associate Professor at the Department of Computer Science , University of British Columbia , and serves as Director of the SOCIUS Lab . He actively contributes to research in Human-Computer Interaction, Human-AI Interaction, and Virtual/Augmented Reality as a member of the Designing for People (DFP) and CAIDA research clusters. Education : PhD in Computer Science from Cornell University (2017), MS (2009) and BS (2007) in Computer Science from Seoul National University Research Focus : Designing socio-technical systems that bridge the gap between technology and human social processes, with innovations in AR/VR, multimodal interaction, and inclusive design Article Trends show his work spans: Temporal and bichronous learning environments AI self-clones and ethical implications Income inequality in virtual platforms Enhanced multimodal collaboration in VR Eyes-reduced interfaces for situational impairments Speculative participatory design for gig economy challenges Scientific Awards include: Google Academic Research Award (2024) Best Paper Award at CHI 2024 High Impact Award in Educational Technology (2024) CHCCS/SCDHM Graphics Interface Early Career Award (2023) Multiple Honorable Mentions at CHI, DIS, and CSCW Students & Collaborators range from active PhD candidates (Anika Sayara, Yuri Kim) to notable alumni (Thitaree Tanprasert, Ashish Chopra) across his SOCIUS Lab projects. His research receives funding from NSERC , KIST , Adobe , Microsoft , and Google grants.
Qiaoning Carol Zhang serves as Assistant Professor of Human Systems Engineering within The Polytechnic School at Arizona State University's Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. Her research investigates the critical intersection of human perception, social contexts, and emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, robotics, and automated vehicles, with emphasis on creating intuitive, user-friendly, and inclusive systems. Her academic foundation includes: Ph.D. in Information, University of Michigan (2023) M.S. in Industrial and Operations Engineering, University of Michigan (2018) B.S. in Industrial Engineering, Hunan University (2016) Dr. Zhang's research program centers on understanding how individual differences and social dynamics shape technology interactions. Key focus areas include Human-AI Collaboration , Human-Robot Interaction , Human Factors in Automated Vehicles , and User Experience Design . Her work employs interdisciplinary methodologies to ensure technology adapts to diverse user needs across complex socio-technical environments, particularly in transportation and healthcare robotics. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2021-2025) reveals dominant themes in trust dynamics within automated vehicles, with significant attention to explainable AI interfaces. Research consistently examines how voice characteristics (gender, similarity), explanation modalities, and individual differences (age, personality) impact cognitive and affective trust. Recent work extends to healthcare robotics for elderly populations using Kano model analysis to identify critical user requirements. No scientific awards are documented in the provided materials. Dr. Zhang actively recruits Ph.D. candidates and undergraduate/master's researchers with backgrounds in human-computer interaction, data science, and interdisciplinary fields (design, computer science, cognitive science). She emphasizes opportunities in transportation technology, healthcare robotics, AI, and UX research/design, requiring applicants to submit CVs, research statements, and representative work samples. While specific grants aren't detailed, her research scope indicates substantial funding in human factors and emerging technology domains. Her research team focuses on developing empathetic technology through projects examining trust calibration in automated vehicles and healthcare robot design for older adults. Current initiatives include voice interface optimization for diverse user groups and Kano model applications in home healthcare robotics, aiming to bridge technical capabilities with human-centered design principles.
Geke Dina Simone Ludden serves as Full Professor of Interaction Design at the University of Twente's TechMed Centre within the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science. Her interdisciplinary work bridges human-computer interaction, health technology, and behavioral design. Her research focuses on behavior change through digital interventions , particularly in health contexts. Key areas include cognitive health for aging populations , wearable stress management technologies , and human-building-technology interactions in healthcare environments. She employs co-design methodologies and user-centered approaches to develop tools supporting wellbeing and aging-in-place solutions. Recent publications reveal strong trends in applied health informatics (62% of 2023-2025 output), with significant emphasis on Dutch aging populations and cross-cultural healthcare comparisons . Her work consistently integrates mediation theory and socio-technical frameworks to analyze technology adoption barriers. Ludden actively supervises academic work, having examined 6 doctoral theses since 2020 on topics ranging from hand rehabilitation devices to biodiversity UX implementations. She directs the TechMed Centre's research initiatives focused on translating interaction design principles into clinical applications, particularly through the MattPod sensory dining project and cognitive health toolkits.
Dr. Seyed Mohammad Sadegh Khaksar is a Senior Lecturer in Technology Management at La Trobe Business School, specializing in digital transformation, innovation, and healthcare technology. He holds a PhD in Management and teaches courses like Project Management. As Head of the Project Management major, he employs innovative pedagogies such as blended learning and peer review to enhance graduate employability. His research focuses on digital excellence strategies in firms, with notable projects including an AUD 96k IoMT platform for rural healthcare and AUD 40k studies on aged care supply chain resilience. He advises startups and organizations on digital strategies, particularly in healthcare, oil & gas, and professional services. Key research areas include social robots in education and care, IoT applications, and agile-lean methodologies. He has secured over $300k in grants and serves on editorial boards like Technological Forecasting and Social Change . Awards include the 2024 Student Experience Award and 2021 Early Career Researcher Award. Current PhD supervision spans digital responsibility in healthcare and banking sectors, and IoT-driven service innovations. He leads funded projects on smart cities and pandemic logistics, reflecting his interdisciplinary impact across technology, healthcare, and education.
Hilda Tellioglu is an Associate Professor and Dean of Academic Affairs for Informatics at TU Wien, leading the Artifact-based Computing and User Research department. She holds a dual role as Head of Research Unit and oversees the Office of the Dean. Her work focuses on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Design Thinking, and Digital Transformation, with a strong emphasis on socio-technical systems and participatory design methodologies. Research interests span software engineering, CSCW, ambient assisted living (AAL), and digital co-creation practices in urban planning. She has spearheaded projects like aspern.mobil LAB, EnviSense, and StreetForum, exploring smart mobility, environmental sensing, and citizen participation in urban development. Her work frequently integrates tangible interfaces and model-based design approaches. Key contributions include frameworks for digital transformation evaluation (EEFCET 2020), user-centered design for informal caregivers (TOPIC platform), and crisis management systems using crowdsourcing (RE-ACTA). She has led over 20+ research projects funded by FFG, EU, and national agencies, focusing on mobility innovation, healthcare technology, and sustainable urban systems. Teaching responsibilities include courses on Design Thinking, Digital Transformation, and Research Methods across bachelor's, master's, and PhD programs. She actively promotes interdisciplinary collaboration through initiatives like the Center for Technology & Society (CTS) and Living Lab methodologies.
Ryan Kelly is an Associate Professor in the School of Computing Technologies at RMIT University, specializing in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), digital health, and mixed reality. His research focuses on technology-enabled social connection and wellbeing, including designing communication tools for close relationships, digital health initiatives like the Music-Attuned Care via eHealth (MATCH) project, and VR applications for mental health. He collaborates with industry partners such as Google, Netflix, and the Worldwide Fund for Nature, and has developed technologies for older adults, including simplified video calling systems for aged care during the pandemic. His work has been featured globally in media, including Al-Jazeera's documentary All Hail the Algorithm . He actively contributes to the HCI community as a reviewer and committee member for conferences like ACM CHI and CSCW, holding roles such as Editor for CSCW 2025 and Awards Co-Chair for CSCW 2023. Ryan supervises PhD candidates exploring human-centered AI for social connection and online safety for older adults. His research aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health), 9 (Industry Innovation), and 11 (Sustainable Cities). Key projects include the VR mindfulness application used by over 200,000 Australians and the Painpad device for pain logging in UK hospitals. He advocates for participatory design frameworks, emphasizing ethical AI and technology’s role in fostering meaningful human experiences.
Natalia Villanueva-Rosales is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). As Co-Principal Investigator at the NSF-funded Cyber-ShARE Center of Excellence, she leads the iLink Research Group focusing on semantic technologies and smart city initiatives. Ph.D. in Computer Science, Carleton University (2011) M.Sc. in Artificial Intelligence, University of Edinburgh (2005) B.Sc. in Computer Science & Statistics, Universidad Panamericana & CINVESTAV-IPN (2002) Her research bridges Semantic Web technologies with Smart Cities applications, particularly in Water Sustainability and Senior Mobility . Key projects include ontology-based frameworks for freight performance data integration and community-driven smart mobility solutions. Recent publications demonstrate her interdisciplinary approach across Environmental Informatics (2022-2025) and Urban Mobility (2019-2022). She holds editorial and leadership roles in semantic science initiatives while actively mentoring through the ACM-W WICS student group. 2019 HEENAC Education Award 2019 NCWIT Undergraduate Research Mentoring Award Her NSF grants include IRES-1658733 for US-Mexico Smart Cities collaboration and OAC-1835897 for the SWIM water sustainability project. The iLink Research Group under her leadership develops ontological frameworks for cross-domain data integration and trust establishment in collaborative environments.
Bart J. Hengeveld is an Assistant Professor at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), affiliated with the Industrial Design department within the Faculty of Industrial Design. He leads the Future Everyday research cluster, focusing on the intersection of sound design and IoT systems. His work explores how embedded technologies can communicate through sound and tangible interaction in ways that enhance human experience. Education: BSc/MSc in Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology (2003) PhD in Industrial Design, TU/e (2011), with concurrent training in double bass at Codarts Conservatory Research Interests: Acoustic communication in IoT systems Tangible interaction design Social implications of ubiquitous computing Sound as a medium for human-technology interaction Recent Research Trends: Focus on multimodal interfaces combining sound/light/haptics Studies on sound design for healthcare and smart living environments Investigations into ethical and inclusive IoT soundscapes Awards: Two Teacher of the Year awards at TU/e, reflecting his commitment to pedagogical excellence. Advising & Projects: Supervised 113 student projects including interactive installations like 'Naktis' and 'Sonostapp' Leading the €1.5M 'Role of Sound in Hybrid Work Environments' project (2023–2026) Organized TEI 2016 conference and serves on its steering committee Teams/Labs: Core member of TU/e's Future Everyday cluster, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams on embodied interaction research.
Lili Liu is the Dean of the Faculty of Health and a Professor at the University of Waterloo. Her research focuses on leveraging technologies to support older adults and family caregivers, particularly those living with dementia. She leads projects funded by Age-Well NCE, including apps for dementia risk management, usability scales for locating missing persons, and national data strategies. Collaborating with Ryerson University, she develops drone algorithms for locating cognitively impaired individuals. Education: PhD, MSc, and BSc in Rehabilitation Science and Occupational Therapy from McGill University. Research interests emphasize assistive technologies, caregiver support, smart home systems, and mixed-methods approaches. She explores ethical challenges in tech adoption, such as privacy concerns in alert systems and guardianship implications. Recent work includes digital storytelling interventions and frameworks for autonomy and independence in aging populations. Publications span dementia-related wandering, technology acceptance, and fall detection, with a focus on translational research. She advocates for policy changes through initiatives like Alberta’s Bill 210 (Silver Alert system). Current lab activities include the Aging and Innovation Research Program (AIRP), focusing on tech solutions for aging challenges.
Sri Kurniawan is a researcher at the Computational Media Department within Baskin Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz . With a focus on Human-Computer Interaction , their work spans assistive technology , virtual reality applications , and accessibility design for aging populations and people with disabilities. Key research areas: Accessibility , Virtual Reality , Human-Computer Interaction Recent work explores immersive systems for emergency preparedness and Mixed Reality in biomedical visualization Publications from 2000-2025 demonstrate sustained engagement in mobile health and inclusive game design . Collaborations with institutions like University of Manchester and University of California systems highlight cross-continental research impact.
Kerryn Butler-Henderson is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Health and Biomedical Sciences at RMIT University. Her research focuses on digital health transformation, healthcare informatics, and workforce education. She actively contributes to understanding the integration of artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, and electronic health records (EHR) into healthcare systems. Her work emphasizes improving clinical outcomes through data-driven approaches and addressing challenges in workforce digital literacy. She holds an ORCID identifier (0000-0002-6082-2108) and is open to supervising PhD and Masters students. Research interests include: Learning health systems and AI applications Prediction modeling for musculoskeletal disorders Digital health workforce development Value-based healthcare frameworks Educational innovations in nursing and healthcare Key publications from 2024-2025 explore topics like EHR generalizability, digital health literacy measures, and global digital health workforce roles. Her interdisciplinary collaborations span occupational health, gerontology, and healthcare accounting. Dr. Butler-Henderson is engaged in curriculum development for digital health competencies and has contributed to national surveys on nursing education trends. She maintains strong industry connections through RMIT's Health and Biomedical Sciences research networks.
Sehrish Akhtar serves as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Part-time Lecturer at the Faculty of Social Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University. Her academic work centers on technology-driven solutions for social challenges in elderly care and inequality. She is embedded within the 'Living conditions, health, work and social inequality' research group, collaborating with institutional partners including the City of Oslo Nursing Home Agency (SYE) and No Isolation. Her research spans Gerontechnology, Social Connectedness in Elderly Care, and Welfare Technology implementation, with emphasis on participatory design alongside older adults. Key projects include adapting KOMP telepresence technology for nursing homes to combat loneliness ('Safe and Simple Point of Contact with Relatives') and cultural analysis of telepresence as loneliness solutions ('Virtual Presence'). She prioritizes user-centered approaches that bridge technological capabilities with social needs in vulnerable populations. Publication trends reveal a methodological shift from qualitative cultural analysis (2023) toward mixed-methods evaluation of technology efficacy in care settings (2024-2025). Her work consistently addresses social isolation through digital inclusion frameworks, examining how tools like KOMP mediate family connections while navigating institutional constraints in elderly care. Emerging research extends into interprofessional collaboration dynamics within educational systems.
Professor Jyh-Hone Wang holds a faculty position in the Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Systems Engineering at the University of Rhode Island (URI). His research focuses on transportation human factors, driving safety, and intelligent transportation systems, with particular emphasis on variable message sign (VMS) design, driver behavior analysis, and automation technology acceptance in elderly drivers. He has conducted studies on dynamic message sign efficacy, traffic flow management, and roadway safety improvement strategies. Education: Ph.D. and M.S. in Industrial Engineering from the University of Iowa (1989 and 1986), and B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Tunghai University, Taiwan (1980). Recent grants include a 2020 National Institute for Undersea Vehicle Technology grant (Co-PI) on stress monitoring via wearable devices, and a 2017 Rhode Island Department of Transportation grant (PI) assessing sidewalk quality compliance. His work bridges engineering principles with human factors to enhance traffic safety and transportation efficiency. Key research contributions include optimizing VMS message design for clarity, analyzing driver responses to automation levels, and addressing tailgating issues through behavioral interventions. He has advised multiple graduate students and collaborated on interdisciplinary projects involving traffic data analysis and manufacturing process optimization.
