Qingguo Li is a Professor and Associate Head at the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering , Queen's University , and a member of the Ingenuity Labs Research Institute . He specializes in biomechanical system design, energy harvesting, wearable sensors, gait analysis, and load carriage systems. His research integrates robotics, biomedical engineering, and sensor technology to develop human-centric devices and mobility aids. Current Roles : Professor, Associate Head, Queen's University Research Institute : Ingenuity Labs Research Institute Lab : Bio-Mechatronics and Robotics Laboratory His work focuses on biomechanical energy harvesting , IMU-based motion analysis , and assistive device development . Key applications include stroke rehabilitation, gait monitoring, and wearable power generation systems. Articles span cable-driven robots , smart walkers , and 3D printing mechanisms , emphasizing human-robot interaction and dynamic modeling . The lab explores sensor calibration , adaptive control algorithms , and human movement optimization . Areas of impact include rehabilitation engineering , load carriage stability , wearable sensor accuracy , and assistive robotics . His team develops solutions for gait asymmetry detection , post-stroke mobility , and low-cost energy systems , leveraging machine learning and kinetic modeling .
Prof. Dr. Markus Zimmermann leads the Chair of Product Development and Lightweight Design at the Technical University of Munich (TUM). With a background in mechanical engineering from TU Berlin and the University of Michigan, and a doctorate from MIT on solid-state singularities, he bridges academic rigor with industrial application. His career spans 12 years at BMW focusing on vehicle development before transitioning to academia. Specializes in solution space engineering for robust design Expert in additive manufacturing and systems engineering Develops methodologies for managing design complexity and uncertainty His research focuses on multidisciplinary design optimization and lightweight structures , particularly in robotics and automotive systems . His team applies digital twin frameworks and attribute dependency graphs to enhance design processes. Recent publications emphasize topology optimization in robotic systems and thermal management for medical X-ray sources. Key trends in his 2024-2025 publications include: Topological optimization for additive manufacturing and robotics Application of solution spaces to manage design uncertainty Development of compact X-ray systems for medical therapy Integration of digital twin technologies in industrial contexts
Dr. Heather Culbertson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Southern California, leading the HaRVI (Haptics Robotics and Virtual Interaction) Laboratory. Her research focuses on designing haptic hardware and algorithms to create intuitive human-robot interactions through touch, emphasizing realism in virtual environments and social connectedness. Key areas include mediated touch, wearable haptic systems, and multisensory integration in VR/AR applications. The lab's work spans robotics, human perception modeling, and cross-disciplinary solutions for healthcare and immersive technologies. Research interests revolve around tactile feedback systems, social robotics, and the psychological impact of haptic interfaces. Recent work explores real-time haptic texture rendering, affective communication via touch, and motion platforms for VR. Culbertson's projects often integrate human factors early in design to ensure usability and immersion. Publications highlight advancements in haptics coding standards, drone-human interaction, and emotion regulation systems. Her contributions bridge engineering and cognitive sciences, addressing challenges in wearable tech, surgical training simulations, and assistive robotics. The HaRVI Lab collaborates across disciplines to advance tactile interfaces for virtual reality, social robotics, and medical applications.
Josef Urban is a leading researcher at the Czech Institute of Informatics, Robotics and Cybernetics (CIIRC) , Czech Technical University in Prague, heading the ERC Consolidator project AI4REASON . Previously, he held positions as a postdoc at Radboud University Nijmegen and assistant professor at Charles University in Prague, where he co-founded the Prague Automated Reasoning Group. Education Ph.D. in Computer Science (2004), Charles University, Prague M.S. in Mathematics (1998), Charles University, Prague B.S. in Economics (1995), Charles University, Prague Research Interests Urban specializes in automated reasoning over large formalized knowledge bases, combining deductive theorem proving and inductive machine learning . His work aims to realize "strong AI" through formalized mathematics, particularly using systems like Mizar and the AI/TP Challenges . He advocates for computer-verifiable mathematics as a foundation for AI progress. Article Trends Urban's publications focus on integrating machine learning with automated theorem proving in systems like ENIGMA and BliStr . Key trends include semantic guidance for ATPs, premise selection in formal libraries, and automated proof compression via concept invention. Scientific Contributions Head of ERC Consolidator project AI4REASON Marie-Curie Fellow at University of Miami Co-founder of Prague Automated Reasoning Group Editor for Formalized Mathematics Advising and Grants Urban has advised numerous PhD and MSc students including Daniel Kuehlwein, Krystof Hoder, and Yutaka Nagashima. He has secured grants like the ERC Consolidator Grant and Marie-Curie Fellowship . Labs and Collaborations Urban leads the AI4REASON team at CIIRC and collaborates with the Foundations Group at Radboud University. He contributes to projects like Mizar TWiki and XML-based API for Mizar , aiming to create a semantic AI ecosystem for formal knowledge.
François Guimbretière is a Professor in the Department of Information Science at Cornell University, with affiliations to the Department of Design & Technology. He holds a PhD in Computer Science from Stanford University and previously served on the faculty at the University of Maryland before joining Cornell in 2009. His research centers on human-computer interaction, human-robot interaction, and interface design, with a strong emphasis on hardware/software co-design to create seamless, sustainable, and innovative interactive systems. His work spans multiple domains including interactive fabrication, remote collaboration, and low-power interfaces. Guimbretière's recent research explores novel fabrication methods such as interactive printing and yarn-based electronics, as well as immersive remote embodiment systems that reduce reliance on physical travel. These efforts reflect a broader trend toward sustainable and accessible interaction technologies. His publications demonstrate consistent contributions to top-tier venues in HCI and ubiquitous computing, focusing on tangible, wearable, and environmentally conscious interfaces. Scientific Recognition: He advises graduate and undergraduate researchers in the development of next-generation interactive systems. His lab supports projects in digital fabrication, remote presence, and sustainable design, often involving interdisciplinary collaboration. While specific grants are not listed, his research trajectory suggests sustained funding in human-centered technology innovation. He leads a research group focused on building practical, user-centered systems that bridge the digital and physical worlds through creative engineering and design. The lab emphasizes hands-on prototyping, real-world deployment, and the integration of traditional craft with advanced technologies.
Lauren Andrews serves as Associate Professor and Marvin and Eva Schlanger Faculty Fellow in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Her research integrates synthetic biology and genetic engineering to develop programmable cellular systems for biotechnological applications. Education: Postdoctoral Training: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Biological Engineering and Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard) PhD: University of Colorado Boulder, Chemical Engineering (2012) MS: University of Colorado Boulder, Chemical Engineering (2009) BS: Cornell University, Chemical Engineering (2006) Dr. Andrews' research focuses on establishing genetic design rules for reprogramming cellular regulation and metabolism. Her lab pioneers synthetic gene networks, genetically-encoded biosensors, and high-throughput methodologies for optimizing genetic designs in both model and non-model bacteria. This work enables precise control of cellular sensing, memory, and environmental responses through multiplexed DNA assembly and next-generation sequencing. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals dominant themes in bacterial biosensor development (particularly for bioremediation), quorum sensing engineering, and programmable genetic circuits for probiotic applications. Her research consistently bridges fundamental genetic circuit design with practical implementations in bacterial consortia and non-model organisms. Scientific Awards: Marvin and Eva Schlanger Faculty Fellowship NSF CAREER Award (2020) for "Programmable synthetic microbial consortia for complex multicellular functions" Her grant portfolio demonstrates significant funding for collaborative research in bacterial communication systems and model-guided design of synthetic ecosystems. The Andrews Lab maintains active partnerships with the MIT-Broad Foundry and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, where she co-founded the Synthetic Biology Summer Course. Current projects focus on CRISPR-based regulation in non-model bacteria and algorithmic programming of sequential logic in probiotic strains. The Andrews Lab operates within the Life Science Laboratories at UMass Amherst, utilizing advanced facilities for genetic prototyping and high-throughput screening. Her team develops multiplexed tools for exploring genetic design spaces, with particular emphasis on soil bacteria and Gram-positive pathogens for environmental and therapeutic applications.
Chang S. (CS) Nam is a Professor of Industrial and Systems Engineering at North Carolina State University, with affiliations in the UNC/NCSU Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering and the Department of Psychology. He holds editorial roles as Editor-in-Chief of Brain-Computer Interfaces journal and is a Fellow of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society. His research focuses on advancing human-centered technologies through neuroergonomics, brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), and rehabilitation engineering, supported by grants from NSF, AFRL, AFOSR, and the Laboratory for Analytic Sciences. Education: Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering, Virginia Tech (2003) MSIE in Industrial Engineering, State University of New York at Buffalo (2000) Research Interests: His work spans neurorehabilitation, haptic interaction design, and BCI applications, aiming to bridge human cognitive and neural processes with technological systems. Key areas include adaptive human-computer interaction, EEG-based emotion recognition, and spatial augmented reality for skill training. Grants & Awards: Recipient of NSF CAREER Award (2010), Air Force Summer Faculty Fellowship (2018), and the Leland S. Kollmorgen Spirit of Innovation Award (2019) Editor of Brain-Computer Interfaces Handbook: Technological and Theoretical Advances (CRC Press) Advising & Labs: Advises students like Lingchao Mao and Priscille Koutouan Leads the Brain-Computer Interface and Neuroergonomics Lab, developing BCI systems for communication in vegetative states and neurorehabilitation
Freek Persyn is a Full Professor of Architecture and Urban Transformation at ETH Zurich, where he has held the NEWROPE Professorship since 2019. He leads the Design in Dialogue Lab within the Department of Architecture, focusing on spatial design and social innovation. Persyn co-founded the spatial planning firm 51N4E in 1998, which specializes in urban and social transformation across Europe. Persyn's research centers on the concept of 'Design in Dialogue,' which emphasizes transdisciplinary collaboration to address the complexity of contemporary urban challenges. His work explores innovative solutions for European urban spaces, aiming to rediscover Europe as a habitable terrain and shared living space. Key research areas include urban design, spatial planning, social transformation, and the intersection of architecture with social innovation. The NEWROPE initiative seeks to examine diverse urban practices that shape Europe, fostering radical openness and learning from various urban practitioners through transdisciplinary projects. His scholarly output demonstrates a strong focus on reimagining urban spaces through dialogue-based approaches. Persyn's work examines European urban transformation, rural-urban connections, industrial heritage sites, and innovative design methodologies. Key themes across his publications include sustainable approaches to building, the social dimensions of space, and transformative design processes that challenge conventional architectural practices. His research often bridges theoretical frameworks with practical design applications, emphasizing participatory methods and material investigations. Persyn delivered his inaugural lecture at ETH Zurich on October 20, 2021, titled 'Wouldn't it be nice if architects started dreaming about building less?' The lecture explored his professional background, inspiration, and future plans for the NEWROPE Chair. The event featured collective sensing exercises developed by students of Studio Seebach with theater and dance maker Manuela Runge, highlighting his commitment to experiential and collaborative approaches to architectural education and practice. The Design in Dialogue Lab serves as a hub for exploring innovative approaches to urban transformation through projects across European cities including Brussels, Piraeus, Basel, and Plovdiv. Current initiatives examine topics such as urban spaces for more than human communities, collaborative processes, design approaches, and hybrid applications for European urban environments. Persyn's work consistently emphasizes transdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together spatial and strategic knowledge with other disciplines and urban practitioners to address complex contemporary challenges.
Dr Luke Hespanhol is a Senior Lecturer in Design and Computation at the University of Sydney's School of Architecture, Design and Planning. He is affiliated with the Sydney Southeast Asia Centre and Sydney Nano Institute, and previously served as a guest researcher at Aarhus University's Department of Aesthetics and Communication. His work focuses on interactive media installations that foster reflection on human-environment relationships, blending urban design, technology, and social engagement. He holds a PhD in interactive media architecture from the University of Sydney's Design Lab, with research exploring user-centred hybrid urban environments. His doctoral work laid the foundation for his current interests in digital placemaking, urban informatics, and smart cities. Research Interests: - Designing technology-infused public spaces - Media architecture as a tool for inclusive urban development - Ethical implications of AI and blockchain in cultural contexts - Temporal and spatial dimensions of urban interaction design - HCI methodologies for multiperspectival cultural heritage interpretation - Antifragile city frameworks integrating citizen participation His recent publications highlight trends in reimagining urban futures through speculative design, ethical AI systems, and autonomous vehicle interaction paradigms. While no specific scientific awards are listed, his work often addresses critical societal issues like decolonization in technology and climate-resilient infrastructure. Grants and Collaborations: - 2025: 'Waste to Resilience: Sanitation Against Stunting and Climate Vulnerability in Informal Coastal Areas' (Sydney Southeast Asia Centre) - 2022: 'The Metaverse as Vehicle for Aboriginal Digital Inclusion, Wellness and Self-Determination' (Facebook Research) Dr Hespanhol is actively involved in the Media Architecture Institute and contributes to cross-disciplinary initiatives uniting technology, art, and urban planning. His research emphasizes co-creation processes with communities to ensure equitable technological integration in urban systems.
Univ.-Prof. Torsten Möller, PhD is a Professor at the University of Vienna and serves as Head of the Research Group Visualization and Data Analysis and Head of the Research Network Data Science. His work spans data visualization, visual analytics, and human-computer interaction, with a focus on biomedical, environmental, and societal data applications. Academic rank: Professor Research group: Visualization and Data Analysis Network: Data Science Email: torsten.moeller@univie.ac.at Research interests include: Visual data analysis for complex systems Interdisciplinary applications in climate science and medicine Human-computer interaction in data exploration Image processing and computer graphics Recent publication trends show expertise in: Visualizing climate change and pandemic data Multi-volumetric and network analysis Algorithmic transparency and user-centered design Interdisciplinary collaborations (e.g., astrophysics, medical imaging) Statistical and uncertainty visualization Design frameworks for visualization recommendation Teaching includes courses in: Computer graphics and visualization Image processing and analysis Human-computer interaction Data analysis projects Doctoral research seminars
Nedim Pervan is a Full Professor at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. His academic position focuses on mechanical engineering with emphasis on product design, structural analysis, and biomechanical applications. He maintains an active research profile with numerous publications and collaborations across various engineering disciplines, with office hours every workday from 09:00 to 10:00 in room 314. Professor Pervan's research interests span multiple domains of mechanical engineering. He has made significant contributions to additive manufacturing, particularly in polymer gear production and analysis. His work explores mechanical properties, failure mechanisms, and service life of polymer gears manufactured through additive processes. Additionally, he has conducted extensive research on external fixation devices used in orthopedic treatments, analyzing their biomechanical characteristics and structural stability under various loading conditions. His expertise extends to finite element analysis, structural optimization, and the application of 3D scanning technologies within Industry 4.0 contexts. His research demonstrates a strong connection between theoretical engineering principles and practical applications across automotive, medical devices, and manufacturing industries. His recent publication record reveals a strong trend toward interdisciplinary research bridging mechanical engineering with biomedical applications and advanced manufacturing technologies. A significant portion of his work focuses on polymer gears and additive manufacturing, examining material properties and performance characteristics. Another substantial research stream involves biomechanical engineering, particularly the analysis of external fixation devices. His publications demonstrate a methodological approach combining experimental testing with finite element analysis. More recently, his research has expanded into 3D scanning applications in manufacturing and the electrification of transportation systems in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Professor Pervan has been involved in numerous research projects that have advanced the capabilities of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. These include the "Integrated Intelligent CAD System for Interactive Design, Analysis and Prototyping of Compression and Torsion Springs" (2022), "Opremanje Laboratorije za razvoj i dizajn proizvoda" (2020), and "Modernizacija Laboratorije za ispitivanje mašinskih konstrukcija" (2019-2020). These projects have focused on developing advanced laboratory facilities, intelligent CAD systems, and equipment for mechanical design and analysis, with several specifically targeting 3D scanning technology implementation. His collaborative work extends across multiple research teams within the Department of Mechanical Constructions at the University of Sarajevo. He frequently collaborates with researchers including Adis Muminović, Elmedin Mešić, and Muamer Delić on projects related to additive manufacturing, biomechanical engineering, and structural analysis. His research group appears actively involved in both theoretical and applied engineering research with practical industrial and medical applications, contributing significantly to Bosnia and Herzegovina's engineering research landscape.
Bruño Fraga is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Birmingham, part of the School of Engineering. He specializes in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) with a focus on turbulent and multiphase flows, particularly in applications like indoor air quality, water treatment, and airborne pathogen transport. His research group develops models such as Multiflow3D, addressing challenges in multiphase flow dynamics and environmental engineering. Education: MEng in Environmental Engineering (University of Santiago de Compostela, 1st class honors), MSc in Applied Math and Numerical Simulation (University of A Coruña), PhD in Civil Engineering (Universities of A Coruña and Chalmers). Research Interests: CFD modeling, bubble-induced turbulence, indoor air quality, water treatment technologies, and multiphase flow dynamics. Dr. Fraga leads major projects such as Fusion Forest (£1m, UKRI) and the IAQ-EMS initiative (£1m, Met Office), focusing on indoor air quality and pathogen transmission modeling. His work includes collaborations with organizations like Deltares Institute and Severn Trent, addressing wastewater treatment and environmental challenges. He is co-leader of the Fluids Research Group and the Water Technology stream at the University of Birmingham’s Water Centre. Scientific Awards: National Outstanding Graduate Prize (2011). Advising & Grants: Supervises graduate students in CFD and multiphase flow research. Oversees grants totaling over £2.1M, including fusion forest and buildair projects. Focuses on translating CFD expertise into real-world solutions for public health and environmental sustainability. Labs & Teams: Leads the Multiflow3D development team and collaborates with the Fluids Research Group and Water Technology stream.
Harish Ravichandar is an Assistant Professor at the School of Interactive Computing , Georgia Institute of Technology, and a core faculty member of the Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Machines (IRIM) . He leads the Structured Techniques for Algorithmic Robotics (STAR) Lab , focusing on structured computational frameworks and learning algorithms with inductive biases to enhance robot efficiency, reliability, and self-sufficiency in human-robot collaboration and complex applications like dexterous manipulation and multi-agent coordination. His research bridges robot learning , human-robot interaction , and multi-agent systems , emphasizing stable, frugal, and safe skill acquisition from human demonstrations. Key themes include intention inference , trajectory optimization , and heterogeneous team coordination , often leveraging Koopman operators , hypernetworks , and graph-based methods . Scientific recognition includes the NSF CAREER Award , IEEE MRS Best Paper Award , and Georgia Tech’s College of Computing Outstanding Post-Doctoral Research Award . His work also received the ASME DSCC Best Student Paper Award and P&W Institute Graduate Fellowship . Harish’s educational background includes a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Connecticut (2018) , an M.S. from the University of Florida (2014) , and a B.E. in Instrumentation and Control Engineering from Anna University (2012) . He previously held postdoctoral and research scientist roles at Georgia Tech before his current position.
Joseph A. Campbell is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Purdue University, leading the Collaborative AI for Machines and People (CAMP) Lab. He holds a Ph.D., M.S., and B.S. in Computer Science and Computer Engineering from Arizona State University. Before academia, he worked as a software engineer for five years. Prior to Purdue, he was a Postdoctoral Fellow at Carnegie Mellon University's Robotics Institute. His research focuses on explainable machine learning and robotics, particularly how agents use explanations for self-improvement and decision-making. Key areas include theory of mind in multi-agent systems, lifelong learning, and interpretable transfer learning. His work bridges robotics and AI, with applications in human-robot interaction and prosthetic control. Notable publications include advancements in reinforcement learning with language models, multi-agent collaboration frameworks, and methods for enhancing state estimation in robots. His research has been presented at top conferences like NeurIPS, EMNLP, and CoRL. Dr. Campbell maintains an active GitHub profile (joe-campbell) with repositories such as Interaction Primitives for robotics applications. His lab, CAMP, explores AI systems that collaborate effectively with humans and other machines.
Marina Blanton is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University at Buffalo, and Faculty Director of Women in Science and Engineering within the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. She holds a PhD in Computer Science from Purdue University (2007), along with multiple advanced degrees in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering from prestigious institutions in the US and Russia. Her research focuses on applied cryptography, information security, and privacy-preserving computation and outsourcing. She has pioneered work on secure multi-party computation protocols, privacy-preserving biometric authentication, and secure data analytics across distributed systems. Her contributions include foundational frameworks like PICCO, a compiler for private distributed computation, and advancements in protocols for genomic data analysis and floating-point secure computation. Blanton has been recognized with numerous awards, including IEEE and ACM Senior Membership (2016/2015), the ACM CCS Test of Time Award (2015), and the AFOSR Young Investigator Award (2013). Her research has been supported by grants such as NSF SaTC awards and AFOSR funding. Her work emphasizes practical implementations of secure computation, with applications in healthcare, biometrics, and distributed data systems. She has advised numerous students and contributed to educational initiatives promoting women in STEM through her leadership roles.
