Dr. Alexander Plopski is an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Visual Computing, Technische Universität Graz. His research focuses on advancing augmented reality (AR) technologies, human-computer interaction (HCI), and optical display systems. He holds a PhD, M.Sc., and BSc in relevant fields. His work emphasizes perceptual optimization in AR displays, eye tracking integration, and accessibility solutions for color vision deficiencies. Key research areas include gaze-contingent AR interfaces, light field manipulation for extended reality, and multimodal interaction techniques. Notable contributions include the development of the 'guitARhero' interactive AR guitar tutorial system and studies on focal distance effects in optical see-through displays. His publications span topics from AR display calibration to gesture recognition using radar sensing. He has explored applications in industrial training, medical AR, and robotic telemanipulation. His work often bridges theoretical perceptual studies with practical system implementations, aiming to enhance user experience and accessibility in AR/VR environments.
Dr. Tuquabo Tesfamichael is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering (MMPE), Faculty of Engineering at Queensland University of Technology (QUT). He obtained his Ph.D. from Uppsala University (Sweden) in 2000 followed by a 2-year postdoctoral fellowship at QUT. Dr. Tesfamichael serves as the Subject Area Coordinator for undergraduate Mechanical Engineering (EN01) and Course Coordinator for postgraduate Advanced Materials (EN54). Dr. Tesfamichael's research spans multiple cutting-edge areas in materials science and engineering. His primary interests include thin film technology, nanostructured materials and nanotechnology, metal oxide thin film gas sensors, perovskite solar cells, and nanostuctured metallic glasses thin films for biomedical applications. His work bridges fundamental materials science with practical applications in energy, sensing, and biomedical fields. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on thermoelectric materials, metallic glasses for biomedical applications, and advanced sensor technologies. His research consistently explores the intersection of nanotechnology, materials engineering, and practical applications, with significant contributions to flexible electronics, energy harvesting, and biomedical device development. The work demonstrates a progression toward increasingly sophisticated material systems with multifunctional properties. Dr. Tesfamichael has secured over $1.3 million in research grants and awards from prestigious sources including Defense Science Technology, ARC Discovery Grants, and Japanese Society for Promotion of Science Fellowships. His research collaborations span international institutions including Hokkaido University in Japan and Uppsala University in Sweden. Defense Science Technology - DST (2021-22) National and International Research Alliances Program (2010-12) AINSE Research Grants (2003-2013) ARC Discovery Grant (2006-08) Japanese Society for Promotion of Science Fellowships (2007, 2013) With over 70 journal articles, more than 3000 citations, and an h-index of 31, Dr. Tesfamichael has established himself as a significant contributor to materials science. He has supervised 13 PhD students to completion in the last decade and currently mentors 5 additional PhD candidates. His research leadership extends to membership on the Board of Directors for the UNI Doctoral Program in Sciences and active participation in the Centre for Materials Science and Centre for Biomedical Technologies at QUT.
Yi-Chin Toh is a Professor in the Faculty of Engineering at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), leading the Micro Tissue Engineering Lab. She holds an ARC Future Fellowship and has held prior roles as an Assistant Professor at the National University of Singapore. Her expertise lies in microfluidic tissue models for drug testing and organ-on-a-chip technologies. She earned her B.Eng. (2001) and Ph.D. (2008) in Bioengineering from National University of Singapore, followed by postdoctoral training at MIT and A*STAR. Her research focuses on advancing alternative animal-free technologies, with notable contributions to multi-organ microfluidic platforms and 3D bioprinted tissue models. She has published over 70 peer-reviewed articles, secured eight patents, and received accolades like the 2022 Lab on a Chip Pioneers in Miniaturization Award and 2019 Global 3R Award. She holds editorial roles in journals like Biomicrofluidics and contributes to conferences such as MicroTAS. Key research areas include mechanobiology modeling, hepatic-microbiome interactions, and AI-driven single-cell analysis. Her lab’s work bridges academia and industry, emphasizing translational applications in drug safety and toxicology. Current projects include modular microfluidic platforms for multi-organ interactions and FDA-regulatory compliant non-animal testing systems. Education: B.Eng in Chemical Engineering, National University of Singapore (2001) Ph.D. in Bioengineering, National University of Singapore (2008) Awards & Leadership: Lab on a Chip Lectureship (2022), Global 3R Award (2019), ARC College of Experts member, and leadership roles in MicroTAS conferences. She also leads the ARC Training Centre for Cell and Tissue Engineering Technologies.
Carryl Baldwin is the Carl and Rozina Cassat Distinguished Professor of Aging & Regional Institute on Aging and Director of the Wichita Auditory Research Group (WARG) at Wichita State University's Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Her work spans neuroergonomics, aging research, auditory cognition, and human-vehicle interface design, with funding from NHTSA, NIH, NASA, and private industry partners. Education : PhD in Human Factors Psychology (1997), MA in Human Factors Psychology (1994), BA in Psychology/Asian Studies (1987) Dr. Baldwin's research focuses on human interaction with automation , particularly in transportation contexts. She investigates driver attention, mind wandering, cognitive workload, and multimodal alarm systems using physiological metrics like EEG. Her lab explores aging-related cognitive changes and develops technologies to enhance safety and performance in semi-autonomous systems. The 15 most recent publications reveal trends in neuroergonomics , aging populations , and automated vehicle safety . Key themes include attention management in automation, auditory alarm optimization, and sustainability applications of human factors, with methodologies spanning EEG analysis, eye-tracking, and multimodal interface evaluation. Dr. Baldwin's lab has secured external funding from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NIH-NIA, NASA centers, and defense contractors like Northrop Grumman. Current research includes driver vigilance in Level 2/3 vehicles, pandemic-related social isolation in older adults, and FAA-funded training technology evaluation.
Donato Romano serves as Associate Professor at The BioRobotics Institute of Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Italy, where he coordinates the Bio-Robotic Ecosystems Lab and co-founded the spin-off company HUBILIFE srl. His interdisciplinary work bridges robotics, biology, and AI to develop biohybrid systems for biodiversity preservation, sustainable environmental management, and life support in extreme scenarios including space exploration. With over 90 publications and an H-index of 27 (Scopus, March 2025), he has established significant academic leadership through editorial roles across 12+ international journals. Romano's educational foundation includes advanced degrees with honors: an M.Sc. in Agriculture Science and Technologies (2014) and a PhD in BioRobotics (2018), both from Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna. His academic journey includes visiting scholar positions at Khalifa University and substantial industry-academia collaboration through HUBILIFE srl, which commercializes bioinspired devices for human daily life improvement. His research program focuses on bioinspired and biomimetic robotics with particular emphasis on animal-robot interaction, biohybrid systems, and natural intelligence. Key projects address critical global challenges: SENSORBEES develops biohybrid environmental surveillance for ecological monitoring; REGOLIFE investigates lunar soil-terrestrial organism interactions for space agriculture; and OCEAN ROBOCTO explores marine ecosystem solutions. This work demonstrates a strategic progression from fundamental behavioral studies toward applied ecological and extraterrestrial systems. Analysis of his recent publications reveals strong trends in AI-driven behavioral analysis, with deep learning increasingly applied to entomological studies and pest management. The research spans agricultural applications (precision monitoring traps, larval detection systems), ecological conservation (biodiversity surveillance), and extreme-environment adaptation (lunar regolith studies). A distinctive feature is the consistent integration of biohybrid approaches where living organisms and robotic systems create synergistic capabilities exceeding either component alone. Romano's scientific recognition includes election as Junior Fellow of the Italian Academy of Engineering and Technology (2025), the Lucani fuori dal Comune award (2024), and multiple best-thesis prizes. His editorial leadership spans high-impact journals including IEEE Transactions on Medical Robotics and Bionics and Pest Management Science, where he serves as Associate Editor. As principal investigator, Romano coordinates major international projects totaling over €15M in funding: HORIZON-EIC's SENSORBEES (2024-2029), ASI's REGOLIFE (2024-2027), National Geographic's OCEAN ROBOCTO (2024-2026), and PRIN's COSMIC (2023-2025). His teaching portfolio includes PhD courses in Biosystems for Biorobotics and M.Sc. instruction in Bionics Engineering at Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna and University of Pisa. The Bio-Robotic Ecosystems Lab under Romano's direction pioneers biohybrid technologies where living organisms and robotic systems create integrated solutions. Current initiatives include SENSORBEES' environmental monitoring swarms, REGOLIFE's moonworm colonization systems, and HUBILIFE's commercial vector-control devices. The lab maintains active collaborations with space agencies, agricultural institutes, and conservation organizations, positioning biohybrid systems as next-generation tools for planetary-scale challenges.
Lei Chen, MD, MHS is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics (Emergency Medicine) and of Emergency Medicine at Yale School of Medicine, with additional affiliation as Faculty at the Yale Institute for Global Health. Dr. Chen specializes in pediatric emergency medicine, treating children suffering from trauma, seizures, asthma, abdominal pain and other conditions at Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital. Dr. Chen's educational background includes a BS from California Institute of Technology (1992), MD from New York University School of Medicine (1997), residency at Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital (2000), followed by fellowships there in 2001 and 2004, and an MHS from Yale University School of Medicine (2010). Dr. Chen is deeply committed to Health Services Research aimed at improving care for children in acute settings. Their research focuses on applying new technologies to enhance pediatric emergency care, with particular emphasis on increasing efficiency and patient safety. Recent efforts have concentrated on improving healthcare for children in developing countries, especially in Rwanda and China, where they have worked on projects including recognition of pediatric sepsis, epidemiology in pediatric intensive care units, developing low-cost medical devices like high-flow nasal cannula systems, and creating clinical research curricula. Dr. Chen's publications over the past five years reveal a consistent focus on point-of-care ultrasound applications in resource-limited settings, global health implementation, and pediatric emergency care protocols that can be adapted across different healthcare systems. Their work bridges clinical emergency medicine with global health implementation science, focusing on practical solutions for resource-constrained environments. Dr. Chen has been involved in significant projects including Human Resource for Health (2012-2020) and volunteering during a measles epidemic in 2019. They are currently mentoring students to build a low-cost respirator for the developing world, inspired by the work of Dr. Paul Farmer as described in "Mountains Beyond Mountains." Dr. Chen maintains active collaborations with colleagues across Yale, including Allen Hsiao, Antonio Riera, Melissa Langhan, Christopher Moore, Cicero Torres Silva, and Gauthami Soma, focusing on emergency ultrasound, pediatric critical care in resource-limited settings, and global health education. Their laboratory work, often conducted in challenging field settings, focuses on adapting existing technologies for acute pediatric care in developing countries.
Dana Brooks is a Research Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Northeastern University, with affiliations in Bioengineering. He holds a PhD from Northeastern University (1991) and has received the Søren Buus Outstanding Research Award (2006). His primary research focuses on biomedical signal and image processing, medical imaging techniques (including MRI and electrocardiography), and neuromodulation technologies such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). He is also involved in protein conformation estimation using X-ray scattering and optimization algorithms for medical applications. Dr. Brooks leads the Biomedical Signals Processing Lab and collaborates with the Center for Integrative Biomedical Computing . His work bridges engineering and medicine, with recent grants including a $400K NSF MRI grant for advanced TMS systems and a $600K NSF grant for motor cortical organization studies. He has advised students like Setareh Ariafar (PhD’20) and contributed to innovations in image mosaicking for confocal microscopy and machine learning applications in dermatology. His publications span computational neuroscience, cardiac imaging, and uncertainty quantification in biomedical simulations. Notable achievements include developing algorithms for ECG imaging, optimizing TMS protocols, and creating tools like UncertainSCI for simulation reliability assessment.
Woo Soo Kim is a Professor and Associate Director in the School of Mechatronic Systems Engineering at Simon Fraser University. As a Graduate Student Supervisor, he leads the SFU Additive Manufacturing Laboratory, focusing on advanced 3D printing, sensing robotics, and agritech applications. His research integrates additive manufacturing with smart systems for healthcare, agriculture, and IoT. Education: Ph.D. in Materials Engineering (KAIST, 2006), Postdoc at MIT (2009) Research Themes: 3D printed devices, bio-medical sensors, AI-driven robotics, and sustainable manufacturing His work emphasizes practical applications, such as wireless pressure sensors for helmets, AI-based crop monitoring, and portable health diagnostics. The lab collaborates on projects like the Agritech 4.0 Bootcamp and develops 3D printed neuromorphic systems. Kim’s publications span advanced materials, sensor integration, and robotics, with a focus on solving real-world challenges through additive manufacturing. He supervises graduate students in mechatronic design and teaches courses like MSE220 (Engineering Materials) and MSE812 (Advanced 3D Printing). The lab’s innovations include 3D printed disposable sensors, smart robotic grippers, and flexible electronics. His research bridges academia and industry, addressing sustainability and technological advancement in multiple sectors.
Professor Rajesh Ramanathan is a renowned interdisciplinary scientist and research leader at RMIT University's School of Science. He holds the rank of Professor and co-leads the NanoBiotechnology Research Lab (NBRL). His work focuses on nanotechnology, materials chemistry, and sensor development for healthcare applications, with over 85 peer-reviewed publications and 20 patents. He has secured AUD $22 million in research funding and mentored 16 PhD students and 3 postdocs. Education: PhD in Science (RMIT University, 2012), Master of Biotechnology (RMIT, 2006), and Bachelor of Science (Ruia College, 2004). Awards include the Hartung Lecturer Award (2022), Rising Star Award (2022), and Philip Law Postdoctoral Award (2019). Research interests span nanobiotechnology, nanozymes, antimicrobial surfaces, and sensors for environmental/clinical analytes. He leads projects in supercapacitor materials, inflammation theranostics, and UV protection textiles. Current students include Pyria Mariathomas (antibacterial nanozymes) and Shalu Yadav (2D nanocomposites for viral biomarkers). Professional roles include President of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute VIC Branch and leadership roles in the Australian Nanotechnology Network. His work bridges academia and industry, with collaborations in biomedical imaging and sensor commercialization.
Jill Rotruck, MD, is an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Science at Yale School of Medicine, where she serves as a Fellowship-trained pediatric ophthalmologist and adult strabismus specialist at the Yale Eye Center. Her clinical practice encompasses comprehensive pediatric ophthalmology, strabismus in children and adults, amblyopia, nasolacrimal duct obstruction, pediatric cataracts, eyelid disease, and various other pediatric ophthalmic conditions. BS in Biology and BA in Music from Shepherd University MD from West Virginia University School of Medicine Internship in Internal Medicine at West Virginia University Ophthalmology Residency at California Pacific Medical Center Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Fellowship at Duke Eye Center Dr. Rotruck's research program focuses on advancing pediatric vision care through innovative approaches including binocular treatments for amblyopia, application of optical coherence tomography in pediatric eye disease, and pediatric ocular infection management. She is particularly interested in developing telehealth solutions for pediatric ophthalmology, having contributed to research evaluating vision screening devices during the pandemic to enhance patient convenience while maintaining quality care. Her work on improving amblyopia treatment outcomes has been influential in shaping AAPOS guidelines. Dr. Rotruck serves on the American Association of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Vision Screening Committee and contributes to EyeWiki as an editorial board member. She is actively involved in resident education and international medical outreach initiatives. American Academy of Ophthalmology Fellow (2018) Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Honor Medical Society Membership (2011) John E. Prescott Award for Academic Excellence (2009) Joseph McMurran Scholar (2006) Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Fraternity Member (2006) Through her clinical work, research, and teaching, Dr. Rotruck is dedicated to improving pediatric vision outcomes and quality of life for children with eye conditions. She emphasizes the importance of early vision development, noting that 'Helping to ensure that children are set up to develop the best vision they can has repercussions that impact so many aspects of their daily experience throughout their lifetime.'
Dr. Daniel R Obaid is a Clinical Associate Professor and Consultant Cardiologist at Swansea University Medical School , specializing in Biomedical Sciences . His clinical academic work at the Morriston Regional Cardiac Centre and ILS 2 Clinical Imaging Facility focuses on advanced cardiovascular imaging and interventional cardiology. Expertise in Interventional Cardiology , Cardiac CT , and Atherosclerotic Plaque Imaging Significant contributions to patient safety and human factors in cardiovascular procedures Recipient of the Young Investigator Prize from the Society of Cardiovascular CT, USA His research integrates invasive and non-invasive imaging techniques to identify vulnerable plaques, with publications spanning atherosclerosis , clot microstructure , and AI applications in cardiology . Current studies include virtual TAVR simulations and biomechanical analysis of plaque stress . Recent collaborative work explores low-dose radiation protocols , LDL transport modeling , and anti-inflammatory effects of GLP-1 agonists , reflecting interdisciplinary approaches to cardiovascular risk mitigation. Available for postgraduate supervision , Dr. Obaid has contributed to undergraduate medical professionalism and cardiovascular physiology modules (PM-241F, PM-266).
Dr. Yun Seong Song is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T), directing the Physical Human-Robot Interaction Laboratory. He holds a Ph.D. from MIT (2012), M.S. from Carnegie Mellon University (2006), and dual B.S. degrees from Seoul National University (2004). Prior to joining Missouri S&T, he conducted postdoctoral research at EPFL (2012-13) and served as a postdoc/lecturer at Georgia Tech (2014-16). Recognized for both research and teaching excellence, he has received the NSF CAREER Award (2021) and Faculty Teaching Award (2019). His research focuses on the intersection of robotics and biomechanics, emphasizing physical human-robot interaction (pHRI), rehabilitation robotics, wearable devices, energy harvesting from human motion, and medical device design. Key projects include developing robots for overground interaction experiments and assistive technologies for mobility support. His lab explores human motor communication through stiffness modulation, haptic feedback systems, and energy-efficient human-assistance mechanisms. Notable achievements include pioneering interactive stairs for energy-efficient mobility and a light-touch based virtual cane for walking assistance. His work integrates mechanical engineering, control systems, and biomedical applications to advance assistive technologies and human-robot collaboration. Education: Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, MIT (2012) M.S. Mechanical Engineering, CMU (2006) B.S. Mechanical Engineering & B.S.E. Computer Science, Seoul National University (2004) Awards: NSF CAREER Award (2021) Missouri S&T Faculty Teaching Award (2019) Lab Focus: Physical Human-Robot Interaction, Wearable Robotics, Biomechanical Energy Harvesting
David E. Breen is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science within the College of Computing & Informatics (CCI) at Drexel University. He leads the Geometric Biomedical Computing Group and is affiliated with the Metadata Research Center and the Center for Biological Discovery from Big Data. His research spans interdisciplinary domains including biomedical image informatics, geometric modeling, textile modeling, and bio-inspired self-organization algorithms. Education: PhD, Computer and Systems Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute MS, Computer and Systems Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute BA, Physics, Colgate University His research interests focus on computational methods for biomedical applications, including shape and image analysis for cancer diagnosis, 3D reconstruction of biological tissues, and video analysis of animal behavior. He also investigates geometric modeling techniques for textiles and self-organizing systems. His work integrates computer science with biology, medicine, and engineering to solve complex problems in biomedical computing. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in computational modeling of textiles, biomedical image informatics, and AI-driven data analysis. Key themes include geometric modeling of knitted fabrics, deep learning for medical image classification, agent-based modeling of cancer metastasis, and metadata generation for biological image collections. His work bridges fundamental geometric algorithms with practical applications in healthcare and digital archives. Scientific Awards: No specific awards mentioned in the provided text. Breen has advised numerous students and collaborators across multiple domains, particularly in biomedical computing and textile modeling. His research has been supported through affiliations with major centers and collaborations with institutions such as Johns Hopkins University and the Max Planck Institute. He has been involved in projects related to NSF Center for Visual & Decision Informatics and has contributed to over 100 technical publications. He leads the Geometric Biomedical Computing Group , which conducts research at the intersection of biology, medicine, engineering, and computer science. The group develops algorithms and software for geometry-related computing problems in biomedical applications. Collaborations include the Drexel Integrated Laboratory for Cellular Tissue Engineering, Dr. Dan Marenda's Lab, and Dr. Aleister Saunder's Lab in Drexel's Biology Department.
Adam Woźniak is a Professor and Vice-Rector for Development at Warsaw University of Technology (WUT), holding positions at the Faculty of Mechatronics and the Institute of Metrology and Biomedical Engineering. He earned a PhD in 2002, D.Sc. (habilitation) in 2011, and was promoted to full professor in 2017. His research focuses on advanced geometrical measurement techniques, coordinate metrology, quality engineering, and reliability of mechatronic systems. He has authored 2 books and over 130 scientific publications, including work on probing accuracy, X-ray CT applications, and dynamic error analysis in manufacturing systems. Notably, he served as Director of the Institute of Metrology and Biomedical Engineering (2012–2020) and later as Dean of the Faculty of Mechatronics (2020). He received the Polish Prime Minister’s Prize for Scientific Achievements (2012) and multiple scholarships from the Foundation for Polish Science. Education: PhD (2002), D.Sc. (2011), Warsaw University of Technology; Visiting Professor at École Polytechnique de Montréal (2005–2006). Research interests include coordinate measuring machine (CMM) performance, probing system accuracy, and industrial CT applications. His work addresses dynamic error identification, probe error compensation, and precision measurement techniques. Recent projects involve high-density point cloud correction, scanning probe validation, and pediatric growth measurement systems. His articles analyze topics like probe reliability, CNC machine tool errors, and X-ray CT threshold optimization. Awards also include recognition for leadership in standardization bodies, including roles in Poland’s Council for Metrology and Standardization. He has supervised 6 PhD students and numerous master’s candidates, contributing to over a dozen funded research projects. His lab, the Virtual Manufacturing Research Laboratory, integrates metrology, mechatronics, and biomedical engineering for advanced measurement solutions.
Prof. Can Dincer is a Professor of Sensors and Wearables for Healthcare at the TUM School of Computation, Information and Technology, Technische Universität München (TUM). His research focuses on bioanalytical materials, wearable sensors, and AI-driven diagnostics for One-Health applications, integrating disposable sensor technology with data science. He holds a doctorate from the University of Freiburg (summa cum laude, 2016) and worked as a visiting scientist at Imperial College London before joining TUM in 2024. He is a member of the Munich Institute of Biomedical Engineering (MIBE). Key research interests include: Development of wearable biosensors for real-time health monitoring CRISPR-based diagnostics for nucleic acids and proteins AI integration for therapeutic drug monitoring in sepsis and other critical conditions Environmental health connections via point-of-need diagnostics Notable achievements include the 2021 Biosensors & Bioelectronics Best Paper Award and inclusion in Stanford's World's Top 2% Scientists since 2022. His work spans clinical applications, microfluidic platforms, and nanotechnology-based solutions for healthcare challenges. Publications highlight innovations like optogenetic bioassays (Science Advances, 2024), CRISPR-powered multiplexed biosensors, and wearable systems for continuous biomarker monitoring. His research bridges material science, electrical engineering, and biomedicine to create practical diagnostic tools. Prof. Dincer collaborates across disciplines, focusing on translating lab innovations into clinical and commercial applications through advanced sensor technologies.
