Find Academic Supervisors

Steven M. LaValleView profile

Professor

• Robotics
• Motion Planning
• Artificial Intelligence
• +7 more

Steven M. LaValle is a Professor at the University of Oulu's Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering since 2018. Previously, he held tenured positions at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) and was a Principal Scientist at Oculus VR. His research spans robotics, motion planning (notably pioneering RRT algorithms), virtual reality, and sensor fusion. He has authored influential textbooks like Planning Algorithms and Virtual Reality . Education: PhD (1995), MS (1993), and BS (1990) in Electrical Engineering from UIUC. Research Interests: Focuses on minimal information requirements for robots, perception engineering, and foundational VR/AR systems. His work integrates control theory, computational geometry, and human perception. Achievements: Recipient of the IEEE ICRA Milestone Award (2019), University Scholar (UIUC, 2012), and XTIC Award 2024 for Innovation. Leads the Perception Engineering Group at Oulu, advancing VR/AR and telepresence technologies. Grants & Industry: ERC Advanced Grant (2021–2026), former VP of Huawei's VR/AR division, and collaborator with institutions like IIT Madras. Advises startups in robotics and virtual reality.

Andrew HoolachanView profile

Lecturer

• Urban Governance
• Urban Political Ecology
• Sustainability
• +4 more

Dr Andrew Hoolachan is a Lecturer in Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Glasgow's School of Social and Political Sciences. He holds a PhD from the University of Cambridge, an MSc from UCL, and an MA from the University of St Andrews. His research focuses on urban governance, sustainability, and political ecology, particularly exploring localism, devolution, and scalar politics in UK cities. He has conducted fieldwork in East London examining the Localism Act's impact on sustainable urban development and the Olympic Legacy. His methodological expertise includes visual and digital methods, policy analysis, and urban political ecology frameworks. Theoretical interests span scale constructions, cultural geographies, and phenomenology. He is affiliated with the Socio-Environmental Action and Place & Built Environment research groups. Recent outputs include studies on urban flood resilience, housing retrofitting, and walking-based pedagogy. His work bridges academic research with policy practice, contributing to reports for institutions like the Royal Town Planning Institute and the UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence. He teaches modules on spatial planning strategies and urban economics, emphasizing experiential learning approaches.

• Mobile Robotics
• Underwater Robotics
• Autonomous Systems
• +4 more

John Folkesson is an Associate Professor at the Department of Robotics, Perception and Learning at KTH Royal Institute of Technology. His research focuses on mobile robotics, underwater autonomous vehicles (AUVs), and Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM), particularly addressing challenges in dynamic underwater environments. He leads the AUV group within the Swedish Maritime Robotics Centre (SMaRC2.0) and supervises multiple PhD projects, including those funded by Ocean Infinity and Vinnova. Folkesson has pioneered work on sonar-based SLAM, bathymetric mapping, and autonomous underwater navigation without human intervention. He teaches courses such as Probabilistic Graphical Models (DD2420) and Applied Estimation (EL2320). Recent projects include developing neural rendering techniques for sidescan SLAM and automatic launch systems for AUVs in collaboration with Purdue University and SAAB. His research emphasizes long-term autonomy, environmental ambiguity, and sensor data interpretation in unstructured underwater scenarios. Education: PhD in Robotics (2005, KTH Royal Institute of Technology) Recent Funding: 2024 projects include ALARS (Vinnova), WASP WARA-PS, and industrial collaborations. Research Interests Folkesson's work spans underwater robotics, SLAM algorithms, and sensor fusion. Key areas include: Underwater SLAM and sonar modeling Bathymetric reconstruction using neural networks Autonomous decision-making in AUV missions Real-time terrain modeling and localization Articles Trends Recent publications emphasize neural networks for SLAM optimization, sonar data processing, and autonomous underwater systems. Themes include real-time bathymetric mapping, sensor fusion in dynamic environments, and neural rendering techniques for improving navigation accuracy. Folkesson's work bridges theory and practice, with applications in marine robotics and industrial surveys. Advising & Grants PhD supervision: AUV perception (2024), SLAM with Ocean Infinity, event-response AUV systems. Collaborations: Purdue University, SAAB, Ocean Infinity. Course responsibilities: Over 10 advanced robotics and engineering courses at KTH. Labs & Teams Lead of SMaRC2.0, KTH's official research center for maritime robotics. Active in developing AUV systems for long-duration missions, including ice-covered and deep-sea exploration.

Ryan EngstromView profile

Professor

• Remote Sensing
• GIS (Geographic Information Systems)
• Climate Change
• +3 more

Ryan Engstrom is a Professor and Director of Data Science in the Department of Geography at George Washington University (GW). He is affiliated with the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences and holds a Ph.D. from the joint program at San Diego State University and UC Santa Barbara. His research focuses on Remote Sensing, GIS applications, Climate Change impacts, Arctic environments, and Population Estimation, with an emphasis on poverty mapping and urban deprivation analysis. Engstrom has led major initiatives such as YouthMappers and IDEAMAPS, leveraging geospatial data and satellite imagery to address global development challenges. His work includes developing methodologies for georeferencing historical imagery, estimating non-monetary poverty, and mapping population density in regions like Sri Lanka and Ghana. He has published extensively in Remote Sensing , World Bank Economic Review , and Global Change Biology , among others. Key research trends in his publications involve integrating satellite-derived features with machine learning to model urban poverty, climate-driven land-use changes in Arctic regions, and applications of open-source geospatial tools for international development. Engstrom collaborates globally, contributing to projects like the World Bank’s welfare tracking in disaster-affected regions.

David PeetersView profile

Associate Professor

• Multimodal Communication
• Multilingualism
• Bilingualism
• +3 more

David Peeters is an Associate Professor at Tilburg University's Department of Communication and Cognition, part of the Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences. His research focuses on multimodal communication, multilingualism, and digital communication, leveraging immersive virtual reality (VR) technologies combined with EEG, eye-tracking, and fMRI. He explores neurobiological underpinnings of language, including neuropragmatics, non-verbal communication, and multilingualism. His work is supported by grants such as the NWO Veni and Tilburg University Fund. Peeters teaches courses on virtual reality, language psychology, and digital literature integration in education. He is a Research Fellow at the Donders Institute and President of the Tilburg Young Academy. Key research interests include the role of gesture and iconicity in second language acquisition, bilingual language switching in immersive environments, and the impact of dataism on academic publishing. He collaborates with libraries and schools to integrate digital literature into curricula and public collections. His scientific awards include the NWO Veni Grant and a Fellowship from the International Max Planck Research School for Language Sciences. His research bridges cognitive science, linguistics, and technology, emphasizing ecologically valid experimental paradigms.

• Artificial Intelligence
• Optimization Algorithms
• Machine Learning
• +5 more

Grégoire DANOY is a Researcher at the University of Luxembourg's Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability, and Trust (SnT) and Head of the Parallel Computing and Optimization Group (PCOG). He specializes in artificial intelligence, with a focus on optimization algorithms, machine learning, and swarm intelligence. His work addresses challenges in cloud computing, high-performance computing, smart mobility, and unmanned autonomous systems like drone swarms. He has authored over 150 publications, including articles in IEEE Transactions and conferences like NeurIPS and GECCO. He currently leads major projects such as UltraBO (€1.019M), ADHOC (€1.291M), and SERENITY (€1.228M), collaborating with institutions in France and Poland. Education: PhD in Computer Science (2008) from École Nationale Supérieure des Mines de Saint-Étienne, Master’s in Computer Science (2004), and Industrial Engineering Degree (2003) from Luxembourg University of Applied Sciences. Research Interests: Developing novel AI techniques for solving large-scale optimization problems, with applications in distributed systems, autonomous robotics, and federated learning. He emphasizes scalable solutions for combinatorial challenges using parallel computing and swarm intelligence. Grants & Projects: Principal Investigator for EU-funded initiatives like ADARS (2021–2024) and FNR PoC/SIMMS (2019–2021). His work bridges academia and industry, with technology transfer projects in autonomous robot swarms. Awards: Recognitions include the Best Student Paper Nomination (2022), IEEE CybConf Best Paper Award (2017), and ACM GECCO nominations (2016, 2009). He serves on the editorial board of Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence (EAAI). Labs & Teams: Leads the Parallel Computing and Optimization Group (PCOG), focusing on interdisciplinary research in AI and distributed systems. He also contributes to outreach programs like FNR's Researchers at School.

David SarpongView profile

Professor

• Strategy
• Innovation Management
• Technology Management
• +5 more

Professor David Sarpong is a leading academic in Strategy and Organisation at Aston Business School, part of Aston University's College of Business and Social Sciences. He currently serves as Head of the Marketing and Entrepreneurship Department and Director of Research for the Marketing and Strategy Subject Group. His research focuses on strategy-as-practice, relationalism, innovation management, and temporality in organizational processes. He holds adjunct roles at KNUST Business School and Bristol Business School, and is actively involved in professional organizations like EURAM and CABS. His work employs qualitative methods including ethnographic interviews and microstoria approaches. Professional Activities: He serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Strategy and Leadership, and on editorial boards for Technology Analysis & Strategic Management and European Management Journal. His external roles include UK Country Representative for EURAM and Board Membership at The Milestones Trust. He has held prior academic leadership positions at Brunel University London and visiting roles at HSE Moscow and University of KwaZulu-Natal. Research Interests: Prioritizes cross-level management problems using Heideggerian-Wittgensteinian frameworks. Key themes include second-order technology management, business tournament rituals, strategic foresight, and discursive practices in European cosmopolitan marketplaces. Methodologically innovative in combining narratives, digital datasets, and performative routines analysis. Collaborations: Active in global research networks with scholars across Africa, Europe, and Asia. Recent work addresses mining-industry partnerships, gender dynamics in extractive economies, and ethical dimensions of corporate governance. His research outputs number over 110 publications in top journals like Technovation and Journal of Business Research. Awards/Affiliations: Recognized through editorial leadership roles and visiting professorships. His research has policy implications for sustainable development, innovation ecosystems, and organizational resilience in global contexts.

Eleanor O'RourkeView profile

Associate Professor

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Artificial Intelligence
• Learning Sciences
• +3 more

Eleanor O'Rourke is an Associate Professor at Northwestern University with joint appointments in the Department of Computer Science and the Learning Sciences, part of the McCormick School of Engineering. She co-directs the Delta Lab, focusing on interdisciplinary research in Human-Computer Interaction, Artificial Intelligence, and Learning Sciences. Her work examines how learning environments can foster motivation and effective practices in computer science education, supported by grants from NSF and Google. Educated at the University of Washington (PhD, MS in Computer Science & Engineering) and Colby College (BS in Computer Science and Spanish), her research employs mixed methods, including design-based research and grounded theory, to study student motivation, affective responses during programming, and AI-driven interventions. Notable contributions include tools like Ply and Isopleth , which support novice web developers, and studies on student self-assessment biases and growth mindset incentives. Her work has been recognized with multiple Best Paper Awards at ACM conferences, including ICER 2024 and SIGCSE 2022. She teaches courses such as Transformative AI and the Learning Sciences and Design of Learning Environments , and advises a diverse cohort of PhD students and undergraduates. The Delta Lab’s collaborative approach emphasizes innovation in educational technology and human-centered design.

• Wireless Communications
• Internet of Things
• Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces
• +4 more

Xingwang Li is an active researcher affiliated with the School of Physics and Electronic Information Engineering at Henan Polytechnic University in Jiaozuo, China. He obtained his PhD from Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications in 2015, specializing in networking and switching technology. His research spans wireless communications, IoT systems, reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS), and physical-layer security, with a strong focus on 6G-enabling technologies. Dr. Li's work primarily explores: Optimization of RIS-aided satellite-terrestrial networks Covert communication systems for enhanced security AI-driven signal processing for massive MIMO Integrated sensing and communication frameworks Energy-efficient protocols for IoT networks His recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate a consistent focus on RIS applications, with 82% of works addressing reconfigurable surface optimization. Key trends include the integration of deep learning with communication systems (notably reinforcement learning for resource allocation), advancement of THz and near-field technologies for 6G, and novel approaches to physical-layer security. The research shows increasing emphasis on practical implementations, including UAV networks and autonomous vehicle communications.

Michael D. SmithView profile

Professor

• Information Systems
• Digital Economics
• Consumer Behavior in Online Markets
• +4 more

Michael D. Smith is a Professor of Information Technology and Public Policy at Carnegie Mellon University, with joint appointments at Heinz College and Tepper School of Business. His research employs economic and statistical methods to analyze digital markets, focusing on firm and consumer behavior in online environments. Education: B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering (Summa Cum Laude), University of Maryland M.Sc. in Telecommunications Science, University of Maryland Ph.D. in Management Science and Information Technology, MIT Research Interests: Professor Smith investigates the economics of digital information markets, consumer behavior in online platforms, and policy implications of technological disruption. His work spans copyright enforcement, digital advertising, and the impact of piracy on legal media consumption. Publications: His recent studies examine AI’s role in copyright policy, effectiveness of anti-piracy measures, and market dynamics in digital streaming. Articles often bridge economics, computer science, and public policy. Awards: National Science Foundation CAREER Award Multiple Best Teacher Awards at CMU Recognized as a Top 100 Emerging Engineering Leader (NAE, 2020) Best Paper Runner-Up (Information Systems Research, 2006) Editorial and Industry Roles: Served as Senior Editor at Information Systems Research and Associate Editor at Management Science . Prior to academia, he worked in telecommunications at GTE and Booz Allen Hamilton, earning a patent for AI applications in network design. Contact: mds@cmu.edu | Office: 4800 Forbes Avenue, Hamburg Hall 2204, Pittsburgh PA 15213

Steven SwansonView profile

Professor

• Non-Volatile Memory
• Persistent Memory Systems
• Storage Systems
• +12 more

Steven Swanson is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of California, San Diego, within the Jacobs School of Engineering. He is the Director of the Non-Volatile Systems Laboratory (NVSL), where he leads cutting-edge research in non-volatile memory, storage systems, and hardware-software co-design. His work bridges computer architecture, systems, and software to develop efficient, reliable, and secure computing platforms. Ph.D., University of Washington, 2006 B.S., University of Puget Sound, 1999 Dr. Swanson's research centers on non-volatile and persistent memory systems , exploring how next-generation storage technologies can transform computing. His lab develops full-stack solutions including file systems like NOVA and Orion , programming models such as NV-Heaps , and hardware prototypes like Moneta and Onyx . The team also works on low-power co-processors (e.g., GreenDroid ) and tools for debugging and verifying persistent memory programs. Research spans system reliability, security, energy efficiency, and performance optimization. His recent publications reveal a strong focus on persistent memory safety , zero-copy I/O , RDMA-based distributed file systems , and real-world characterization of Intel Optane . These works appear in top venues including ASPLOS, FAST, MICRO, and USENIX ATC, demonstrating sustained innovation in storage and systems research. Scientific honors include: NSF CAREER Award Google Faculty Award Facebook Faculty Award NetApp Faculty Fellow Dr. Swanson has advised 15 PhD students and 4 postdocs , many now faculty or senior engineers at Google, Microsoft, Intel, and other leading tech firms. He has secured significant research funding and leads major community initiatives such as the annual Non-Volatile Memories Workshop and Persistent Programming In Real Life (PIRL) . His educational efforts include innovative courses on robotic system design, quadcopter building, and modern storage systems, emphasizing hands-on learning and real-world implementation. The Non-Volatile Systems Laboratory (NVSL) under his leadership fosters a collaborative, international research environment, hosting visitors and postdocs from around the world. The lab is recognized globally as a pioneer in storage systems research and a key contributor to the adoption of persistent memory technologies in industry.

Charles WalterView profile

Assistant Professor

• Mobile and Wearable Security
• Adversarial Machine Learning
• Privacy
• +5 more

Charles Walter is an Assistant Professor of Computer and Information Science at the University of Mississippi, joining in Fall 2019. He holds a PhD in Computer Science from The University of Tulsa (2018), with prior degrees from the same institution (M.Sc 2016; B.S. 2014). His research focuses on Mobile and Wearable Security, Adversarial Machine Learning, Privacy, Malware Analysis, Fog Computing, and Self-Adaptive Systems. He leads the SPARC Lab, exploring cutting-edge topics like data privacy, malware detection, and security in fog computing environments. Education: B.S. Computer Science, University of Tulsa (2014) M.Sc Computer Science, University of Tulsa (2016) Ph.D. Computer Science, University of Tulsa (2018) Research Interests: His work addresses critical challenges in cybersecurity, including securing low-power wearable devices through fog computing architectures, developing adversarial machine learning defenses, and investigating human factors in code trustworthiness. Recent projects include studying privacy threats in diffusion models and creating frameworks for robust stability estimation in AI systems. Lab Activities: The SPARC Lab actively researches topics such as adversarial ML attacks, privacy-preserving video processing, and adaptive system security. Collaborative efforts focus on real-world applications like improving university transportation systems through smart bike rental programs.

Morgan G. AmesView profile

Adjunct Assistant Professor

• Science and Technology Studies
• Anthropology
• Human-Computer Interaction
• +5 more

Morgan G. Ames is an Assistant Adjunct Professor at the UC Berkeley School of Information and serves as Associate Director of Research for the Center for Science, Technology, Medicine & Society. She chairs the Designated Emphasis in Science and Technology Studies and is affiliated with multiple research centers including the Algorithmic Fairness and Opacity Working Group, the Center for Science, Technology, Society and Policy, and the Berkeley Institute of Data Science. Her educational background includes a Ph.D. in Communication with a minor in Anthropology from Stanford University (2013), an M.S. in Information Management and Systems from UC Berkeley (2006), and a B.A. in Computer Science from UC Berkeley (2004). Prior to her academic career, she worked as a researcher at Google, Yahoo!, Nokia, and Intel. Ames researches the ideological origins of inequality in the technology world, with a focus on utopianism, childhood, and learning. Her work critically examines how technology design practices shape identities and social structures. Current projects include 'Seeing Like a Valley: the Moral Visions of Silicon Valley,' 'Algorithms in Culture,' and 'Countercultures of Technology Use.' She has published extensively on One Laptop per Child, Minecraft, and the social implications of algorithmic systems. Her publication record shows a consistent focus on the cultural dimensions of technology, particularly examining how utopian visions shape technology design and implementation. Recent work increasingly addresses algorithmic systems and their cultural impacts, while maintaining her longstanding interest in educational technology and youth technology practices. Ames has received significant recognition for her scholarship, including: 2020 Best Information Science Book Award 2020 Sally Hacker Prize 2021 Computer History Museum Prize She advises students on interpretive research methods, particularly ethnography, and serves on doctoral committees though cannot be a primary advisor for PhD students. Her research has been supported by multiple interdisciplinary collaborations, including the 'Algorithms in Culture' conference series she co-organized through the Center for Science, Technology, Medicine & Society. Ames leads the 'Seeing Like a Valley' research collective that brings together scholars from across UC Berkeley and Silicon Valley to examine how the region's industrial practices shape moral visions that influence global technological development and social values.

• Maritime Risk Analysis
• Autonomous Ship Systems
• Safety Verification
• +3 more

Børge Rokseth is an Associate Professor at the Department of Engineering Cybernetics, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). His work focuses on maritime systems, autonomous vessel control, and safety verification. He actively supervises Master's students and contributes to research on risk-informed control systems, hybrid power systems, and systems-theoretic process analysis (STPA). Research Interests: Rokseth's research spans autonomous ship systems, dynamic risk assessment, and safety verification. He explores risk-based decision-making for maritime autonomy, hazard identification in hybrid propulsion systems, and control function allocation in dynamic positioning. His work integrates systems theory, machine learning, and regulatory compliance (e.g., COLREGS) to enhance safety and environmental performance in marine operations. Publications: His recent work includes probabilistic trajectory prediction frameworks for autonomous ships, STPA-based safety analyses, and studies on decarbonization barriers in the maritime industry. These publications emphasize risk modeling, systems-theoretic approaches, and simulation-based verification. Teaching: Rokseth teaches courses such as TTK4130 - Modelling and Simulation, contributing to the education of future engineers and researchers in cybernetics and maritime systems.

• Forecasting
• Time Series Analysis
• Applied Econometrics
• +5 more

George Athanasopoulos is Professor and Head of the Department of Econometrics and Business Statistics at Monash University, a position he has held since 2022. He was appointed Professor in 2019 and has established himself as an internationally recognized expert in forecasting, time series analysis, and applied econometrics. He serves as Past President (since 2024) and former Director (2014-2024) of the International Institute of Forecasters, and is Associate Editor of the International Journal of Forecasting since 2014. His research focuses on hierarchical and grouped time series forecasting, where he has pioneered methods for forecast reconciliation and cross-temporal coherence. His work has significantly influenced forecasting practices across diverse fields including national statistics offices, energy markets, and public health. He is particularly renowned for his contributions to tourism forecasting and macroeconomic modeling in big data environments. Awarded the Australian Awards for University Teaching in 2022 for outstanding contributions to student learning, Professor Athanasopoulos has also received multiple Dean's Awards from Monash Business School for research excellence, teaching innovation, and publication quality. His research output includes over 49 publications and leadership of six major research projects, including the ARC-funded 'Macroeconomic forecasting in a Big Data world' and the RACE for 2030 CRC project on clean energy forecasting. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals through applications in economic forecasting, energy modeling, and sustainable tourism development. He has supervised numerous research students and collaborated extensively with institutions including Australian National University, Griffith University, and international partners across multiple continents.