Vittorio Solina is a Researcher at the Department of Mechanical, Energy and Management Engineering (DIMEG) of the University of Calabria, specializing in industrial systems simulation and digital twin technologies. His work spans Industry 4.0/5.0 applications, supply chain optimization, and human-robot collaboration. Affiliation: University of Calabria Academic Role: Researcher (Legge 240/10) Research Focus: Digital twins, simulation modeling, sustainable manufacturing His research emphasizes advanced simulation tools for decision support, including applications in Industry 4.0 , Smart Manufacturing , and Agri-Food Supply Chains . Recent work explores adaptive simulation optimization for Industry 5.0 and 5G-enabled robotics. Key publication trends include: (1) Digital twin integration for supply chain resilience (2024-2025), (2) Simulation automation methodologies (2025), and (3) Human-robot collaboration frameworks (2024).
Fabian Fagerholm is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Aalto University. His work bridges software engineering, human-computer interaction, and empirical research methodologies. He actively participates in research groups such as Software and Service Engineering (SSE) and Human-Computer Interaction and Design (HCID). Fagerholm's research explores: Continuous experimentation in software development Developer cognition and mental models Agile methodologies and team dynamics Low-code platforms and end-user programming Software engineering education and pedagogy His publications reflect a strong empirical focus, with recurring themes of human factors in technical systems and educational innovation. He has received notable awards including: Journal of Systems and Software Best Paper Award (2018) EUROMICRO SEAA Distinguished Paper Award (2017) Teacher of the Year (2013) Nokia Foundation Scholarship (2013) Fagerholm contributes to software engineering infrastructure through tools for experimentation and boundary artifacts, enhancing collaboration in distributed teams.
Christopher L. Tucci is a Professor of Digital Strategy & Innovation at Imperial College London's Business School and currently serves as Interim Vice Dean of Education. He is also the Founding Dean of NEOM's College of Business & Innovation in Saudi Arabia. Previously, he held the Chair in Corporate Strategy & Innovation at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), where he served as Dean of the College of Management from 2013 to 2018. His academic qualifications include a PhD in Management from MIT and multiple degrees from Stanford University: an AB in Music, BS in Mathematical Sciences, and MS in Computer Science and Computer Science. His research focuses on digital strategy, innovation management, open innovation, and business model innovation, with particular emphasis on how firms transition to new technologies and organizational forms. He has pioneered work on crowdsourcing, inter-networking, and AI-driven innovation. His award-winning article 'Crowdsourcing as a Solution to Distant Search' (co-authored with Allan Afuah) has received multiple accolades, including the AMR Decade Award in 2022. Professor Tucci teaches courses such as AI Ventures, Co-Creation in AI & Robotics, and Design Thinking. He actively contributes to academic leadership roles, including serving on the Academy of Management's Board of Governors and leading initiatives like Imperial's I-X (Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation hub). His work integrates technology, strategy, and organizational dynamics to address modern business challenges. Educations: PhD in Management, MIT (1992–1997) SM in Technology & Policy/EECS, MIT (1989–1991) BS in Mathematical Sciences, Stanford (1978–1982) AB in Music, Stanford (1979–1983) MS in Computer Science, Stanford (1982–1984) Labs/Teams: Co-Director of Imperial's I-X initiative, focusing on AI, data science, and digital innovation.
Joseph Eremondi is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Regina, Faculty of Science, Canada. He began his tenure in 2024 after serving as a Royal Society Newton International Fellow at the University of Edinburgh, where he conducted postdoctoral research with Ohad Kammar in the Laboratory for Foundations of Computer Science. He earned his PhD from the University of British Columbia (UBC) under the supervision of Ron Garcia at the UBC Software Practices Laboratory. His research is centered on programming languages theory, with a strong focus on type systems that enhance software reliability and usability. He is particularly known for his work in dependent types, gradual typing, and the integration of both paradigms. His research interests include: Dependent pattern matching and its semantic foundations Gradual dependent types and approximate normalization Error message generation and usability in dependently typed languages Static analysis using set constraints and SMT solvers Theoretical properties of reversal-bounded counter automata and shuffle operations His recent publications, appearing in premier venues like POPL, ICFP, and CPP, reflect a consistent trajectory toward making advanced type systems more accessible and practical. Key themes include coverage semantics for dependent pattern matching, formal models of gradual dependent typing, and improving the developer experience through better tooling and error diagnostics. Notable scientific recognitions include the NSERC Discovery Grant (awarded in 2025) and the prestigious Royal Society Newton International Fellowship. These awards underscore the impact and promise of his research program on the usability of dependently typed programming languages. Joseph is actively mentoring and recruiting graduate students, particularly in areas such as dependently typed programming (Lean, Agda, Idris, Coq), gradual typing, live programming environments, and static analysis. He emphasizes close collaboration within a small, focused research group. He has also served on program committees, including for TyDe and POPL Artifact Evaluation, demonstrating active engagement in the programming languages community. His work bridges theoretical rigor with practical implementation, evident in his artifact releases on GitHub and integration with tools like Ott and DrRacket. He maintains a personal website and open-source repositories that support reproducibility and community involvement.
Nordakademie University of Applied SciencesGermany
Volker Ahrens is a Professor of Production Management at NORDAKADEMIE since 2007. He also serves as Head of the Industrial Engineering (B.Sc.) program and the International Business & Administration (B.Eng.) program, while acting as Coordinator of the Department of Engineering. His career spans academic and industrial roles, including leadership positions in medium-sized industrial companies and editorial work on VDI standards. Education: Diplom-Ingenieur in Mechanical Engineering (1989, Universität Hannover); Doktor-Ingenieur (1997, Universität Hannover) Industrial Experience: 10 years of executive management in industry, including König Metall GmbH & Co. KG and Wilhelm Schröder GmbH His research focuses on Systems Engineering and Production Management, with emphasis on lean production, quality management, and Industry 4.0. His publications since 2025 explore systemic approaches to socio-technical systems, cardboard engineering for collaborative design, and human-technology interaction in production environments. He has contributed extensively to process modeling, simulation of production systems, and meta-process frameworks like PDCA cycles. The 15 most recent articles highlight trends in systemic production design, lean manufacturing, and Industry 4.0 applications. Key keywords include Systems Engineering, Production Management, Lean Production, and Quality Management. Subfields span socio-technical systems, simulation techniques, human-centered design, and cyber-physical system integration across industrial contexts. Volker Ahrens is actively involved in teaching, serving as a lecturer at Hochschule Karlsruhe (1998–2013) and Fachhochschule Vorarlberg (since 2017). He contributes to academic governance as a member of the NORDAKADEMIE faculty and chairs VDI committees on simulation standards for production systems. His advisory roles include peer reviewing for quality assurance agencies like FIBAA and ZEvA.
Zohreh Pourzolfaghar is an Assistant Professor in Management Information Systems (MIS) at the School of Business, Maynooth University (MU). She serves as Director of the IT-Enable Innovation Programme and cluster lead for the Digital Construction cluster at the Innovation Value Institute (IVI). She is also a member of Lero, the SFI Research Centre for Software. Education: PhD in Project Management (University Putra Malaysia, 2011); MSc in Management Systems and Productivity; BSc in Software Engineering. Research Interests : Focuses on digital transformation for SMEs, information management in construction, and smart city architectures. Leads EU-funded projects like EnTrust (agri-data governance), DIGI+ (sustainable digital transformation), and DigiFABs (food & beverage SMEs). Co-PI for projects such as GDI-IE (genomic data infrastructure) and PERFORM (digital retail innovation). Grants & Awards : Secured funding from SFI, Enterprise Ireland, and EU. Notable awards include the BIM Hero Award (2022) and Research Engaged Award (2022). Teaching : Courses include Digital Business, Digital Technology Governance, and Enterprise Architecture. Advises PhD students in MIS and digital transformation. Industry Collaboration : Works with firms like ArcDox and Corballis Technologies on BIM standards and data governance. Active in national and EU policy networks, including NSAI committees.
Ben Branyan is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Connecticut's School of Public Policy and currently serves as Chief Financial and Administrative Officer for Greenwich Public Schools in Greenwich, CT. He holds a Master of Public Administration from Western Michigan University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Calvin College. With over 25 years of experience, he specializes in strategic operational leadership, budget management, and organizational transformation through innovative strategies. He has held senior roles including Town Administrator/COO for Greenwich, CT; Town Manager/CAO for Stratford, CT; and COO for Stratford Public Schools. Branyan is a certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, applying its principles to drive efficiency in public and non-profit sectors. He actively contributes to community service, serving as Vice-Chair of nOURish Bridgeport, Inc., member of Stratford Board of Education Finance Committee, and former Board Trustee of Sterling House Community Center. As an adjunct professor, he integrates real-world public administration and operations management expertise into teaching, emphasizing problem-solving skills for future leaders. His career highlights include managing multimillion-dollar budgets, overseeing agency operations, and leading organizational restructuring initiatives. He maintains dual professional roles in academia and public service, bridging theoretical knowledge with practical governance challenges.
Ahmed Hammad is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Alberta's Faculty of Engineering, where he also serves as Director of Academic Integrity, ENG WIL, Co-op and Career Connections. With 25 years of industry experience as a Project Planning & Control Manager on global mega-projects (including Oil Sands, LNG, and Infrastructure across Canada, UAE, Australia, and Egypt), he brings extensive practical expertise to academia. Education: Doctorate of Philosophy, Construction Engineering & Management, University of Alberta (2009) Master of Science, Construction Engineering & Management, University of Alberta (1999) Master of Engineering, Construction Engineering and Management, Cairo University (1996) Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering, Mansoura University (1989) Research Focus: Dr. Hammad's work centers on applying smart tools to achieve sustainable construction through maximizing efficiency and minimizing waste . His research employs Machine Learning , Multi-Criteria Decision Making , Knowledge-Based Decision Support Systems , and digital twin technologies to optimize project planning, resource allocation, and sustainable material selection. He investigates the integration of BIM and Augmented Reality to enhance construction processes while reducing environmental impact. Publication Trends: Recent publications (2023-2025) emphasize sustainable construction methodologies, with 60% focusing on GHG reduction, resource optimization, and decision support systems. Key themes include machine learning for labor estimation, TOPSIS/MCDM for sustainable material selection, and digital twins for production planning, reflecting his NSERC-funded projects on KBDSS and construction-oriented digital twins. Scientific Recognition: Best Paper Award at 8th International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management (2018) Best Paper Award at HBRC Green Smart Sustainable Buildings Conference (2024) Research Leadership: Dr. Hammad secures major industry-academic partnerships, including NSERC Mission Alliance Grants ($1.2M+) with 16 industry partners for GHG reduction projects and NSERC Alliance Grants with 9 partners for digital twin development. His completed projects include collaborations with the City of Edmonton and Alberta Ministry of Infrastructure on resource allocation models. Research Ecosystem: As leader of the Sustainable Construction Research Group (SCRG), he fosters industry-academia collaboration through regular workshops with construction firms and government agencies, focusing on translating research into practical tools for sustainable project delivery.
Federica De Stefano is an Associate Professor of Organisation Studies at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, and a Research Fellow of Green Templeton College. She serves on editorial boards for Organization Science , Human Resource Management , and Human Resource Management Review , while holding roles in the Strategic Management Society (SMS). Previously, she was an Assistant Professor at HEC Paris and a Post-Doctoral Fellow at Wharton People Analytics. She earned a PhD from Bocconi University, with additional degrees from Fudan University and Bocconi. Her research focuses on people management's impact on organizational and individual outcomes, including employee mobility, workplace safety, and social sustainability. Using quantitative methods and large datasets, her work has been published in top journals like Academy of Management Journal and Strategic Management Journal . She has received the Marie Curie Individual Fellowship and recognition as a top 40-under-40 MBA professor. Teaching focuses on people analytics and management, with a 2023 completion of the International Teachers Program (ITP). Her research grants and collaborative work at Wharton People Analytics underscore her commitment to advancing strategic human capital practices. Federica's work bridges academic rigor with real-world organizational challenges, emphasizing ethical and sustainable workforce strategies.
About Vipul Jain: Associate Professor Vipul Jain leads Supply Chain and Logistics Management at RMIT University’s School of Accounting, Information and Supply Chain Management. With over 20 years of academic experience, he has held senior roles at institutions like Victoria University of Wellington (NZ) and IIT Delhi (India), contributing to curriculum development, research strategy, and academic-industry collaboration. His international collaborations span over 20 global institutions, emphasizing interdisciplinary research in supply chain resilience, sustainability, and Industry 4.0. Education & Academic Leadership: Previously served as Programme Director for Master of Technology (Industrial Engineering) at IIT Delhi, leading the establishment of the Modelling and Analysis of Supply Chain (MASC) Lab. Holds editorial roles for journals like International Journal of Intelligent Enterprise and Computers & Industrial Engineering . Research Focus: Specializes in supply chain design, sustainability, circular economy, and business analytics. His work integrates ICT and big data to address complex supply chain challenges, with notable contributions to vaccine distribution, blockchain adoption, and post-pandemic resilience. Over 145 peer-reviewed publications, including high-impact journals like OMEGA and International Journal of Production Economics , reflect his prolific output. Industry Impact: Conducted management training for organizations like JCB and IBM. Served as an expert assessor for New Zealand’s Ministry of Business and Industry and advised the Indian Railways. His research has been funded by the Department of Science and Technology (India) and EU initiatives like FP6 I*PROMS. Awards & Recognition: Ranked #7 in India’s top logistics academics (2018), recipient of Literati Awards (2024, 2020), and multiple editorial leadership roles. Active in global conferences, including co-chairing ANZAM 2023. Labs & Collaborations: Founded MASC Lab at IIT Delhi. Collaborates with Coventry University, Monash University, Hong Kong Polytechnic, and institutions in Switzerland, Spain, Canada, and the U.S. Focus areas include sustainable supply chains, digital transformation, and crisis resilience.
Susan Helper is the Frank Tracy Carlton Professor of Economics at the Weatherhead School of Management , Case Western Reserve University . She also holds the title of Professor in the Department of Economics at the same institution. Beyond academia, she served as Chief Economist of the U.S. Department of Commerce (2013–2015) and as Senior Economist on the White House Council of Economic Advisers (2012–2013). She is a Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research, Non-resident Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution, and Co-Chair of the National Academy of Sciences. Education: PhD in Economics, Harvard University (1987) BA in Economics, Government, and Spanish, Oberlin College (1979) Research Focus: Susan Helper's research centers on the globalization of supply chains , manufacturing revitalization , and the interplay between technology, work systems, and policy . She explores how organizational structures, relational contracts, and digital transformation influence innovation, productivity, and job quality. Her work spans both theoretical and empirical studies, with a strong emphasis on policy implications for U.S. manufacturing competitiveness. Scientific Awards & Honors: Becker Friedman Fellow , University of Chicago (2018) Women of Achievement Award , Flora Stone Mather Center for Women, CWRU (2009) Professional Service & Impact: Helper has held influential roles such as Program Organizer for the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (2019–2024), Editorial Review Board Member for the Strategic Management Journal (2008–present), and Member of the Bureau of Labor Statistics Technical Advisory Committee. Her advisory work bridges academic research and federal policy, shaping strategies for industrial innovation and workforce development.
Sunder Kekre is the Vasantrao Dempo Professor of Operations Management at Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business , where he has held academic appointments since 1984. His research focuses on manufacturing systems, global supply chains, and healthcare operations management. Research Expertise : New product development structures, strategic costing, lean innovation, knowledge sharing in enterprise networks, and business analytics for coordinated supply chains. Key Publications : Contributions to journals like Management Science , Operations Research , and Production and Operations Management , with work on LNG storage valuation, RFID logistics, and healthcare disparities. Scientific Recognition : Dempo Chair Professorship Bosch Chair Professorship Best Paper Award (1995) Teaching : Courses in Operations Management, Strategic Management of the Enterprise, and Information Systems Project. Non-Academic Experience : Prior engineering roles at Tata Steel (1974-1980) and consulting engagements with Fortune 500 firms like Bosch, Caterpillar, and IBM.
Tingliang Huang holds concurrent roles as the Amazon Distinguished Professor of Business Analytics at the University of Tennessee's Haslam College of Business and Honorary Professor at the UCL School of Management. He earned his PhD from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management. His research focuses on business analytics, AI-driven strategies, supply chain optimization, and behavioral operations, with notable contributions to Marketing Science, Management Science, and Production and Operations Management. Affiliations: Amazon Distinguished Professor, Haslam College of Business, University of Tennessee Honorary Professor, UCL School of Management Former tenured Associate Professor at Boston College's Carroll School of Management Education: PhD in Management, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University (2011) M.S. and B.S. from University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) Research Interests: Huang’s work bridges analytics and operations, exploring topics like opaque selling, bounded rationality in consumer decisions, supply chain dynamics, and sustainable operations. He has pioneered frameworks for probabilistic selling and dynamic pricing under uncertainty. His interdisciplinary approach integrates behavioral economics and big data analytics. Publications: Over 20 peer-reviewed articles in top journals, emphasizing service systems, supply chain strategy, and marketing-operations interfaces. Recent work explores AI's societal impacts and algorithmic targeting in vertical markets. Awards: 2025 Vallett Family Outstanding Researcher Award 2018 POMS Wickham Skinner Early Career Award 2015 POMS Best Paper Award Multiple Meritorious Service Awards (M&SOM, Management Science) Editorial Roles: Senior Editor at Production and Operations Management, Associate Editor at Manufacturing & Service Operations Management, Decision Sciences, and others. He also serves on editorial review boards for leading journals. Teaching & Mentorship: Award-winning educator recognized as Carroll School Teaching Star (2021). Advises doctoral students at UCL, UTK, and Chinese institutions, with placements at top schools like George Mason University and USTC. Labs & Teams: Leads the Business Analytics PhD Program at UTK and collaborates on AI ethics research through cross-institutional projects.
Dr. Maher Maalouf serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at Khalifa University, where he has been a faculty member since 2011. He holds a PhD in Industrial Engineering from the University of Oklahoma and teaches core courses including Six Sigma Methodology and Applications (ISYE 445), Business Analytics (ESMA 610), and Advanced Business Analytics (ESMA 711). His academic credentials include: PhD in Industrial Engineering, University of Oklahoma (USA) MSc in Industrial Engineering, University of Oklahoma (USA) BBA in Management Information Systems, University of Oklahoma (USA) Dr. Maalouf's research integrates advanced analytical methodologies with industrial applications, focusing on classification and regression algorithms in machine learning, statistical process optimization through Lean Six Sigma frameworks, and operational excellence implementations. His work bridges theoretical data science with practical business process improvement across manufacturing and service sectors. He maintains active research supervision through the Socio-Technical Systems Lab, currently mentoring PhD students Toheeb Olajide Salahudeen and Kehinde Ganiyu Ismaila alongside Research Associate Assia Chadly. No scientific awards were documented in the source material.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityUnited States
Eileen M. Van Aken is a Professor and Department Head in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at Virginia Tech's College of Engineering. She holds a Ph.D. (1995), M.S. (1991), and B.S. (1988) in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Virginia Tech. Her research focuses on performance measurement systems, lean work systems, and organizational improvement methodologies, with particular emphasis on Kaizen event effectiveness, nonprofit performance frameworks, and military organizational dynamics. Key professional roles include Editor of Engineering Management Journal (2012-present), ABET Evaluator, and Fellowships in IISE, ASEM, and the World Academy of Productivity Sciences. Recent research projects include studies on lean management in local governments, digital engineering metrics, and nonprofit performance measurement systems. She has led over 20 sponsored research initiatives, including studies funded by the Belgian Armed Forces, National Science Foundation, and Danaher Corporation. Education: Ph.D. & M.S. in Industrial and Systems Engineering (Virginia Tech, 1995/1991), B.S. Industrial Engineering (Virginia Tech, 1988) Research Projects: Kaizen sustainability (NSF), military learning organizations (Belgian Armed Forces), and enterprise transformation frameworks Professional Roles: IISE Fellow (2014), ASEM Fellow (2010), Technical Vice President of Institute of Industrial Engineers (2012-2015) Publications emphasize Kaizen event success factors, lean healthcare systems, and nonprofit performance measurement. Her work bridges theoretical frameworks and practical applications in organizational performance improvement across industries and military contexts.
