Zaheer Hussain serves as a Lecturer in Psychology within the Department of Life Sciences, focusing on behavioral addictions related to digital technologies. His research examines the psychological impacts of excessive technology use through rigorous empirical methodologies. His primary research domains include: Behavioral Addictions (smartphone, social media, gaming) Cyberpsychology and digital behavior analysis Technology's impact on mental health and well-being Personality factors in technology overuse Clinical implications of digital addictions Between 2015-2019, Hussain published 15 peer-reviewed articles establishing critical connections between technology engagement and psychological outcomes. His work demonstrates consistent patterns: problematic smartphone use correlates strongly with anxiety, narcissism, and depression; Facebook behaviors link to fear of missing out and self-esteem issues; and gaming disorder classification requires careful cultural and clinical consideration. Methodologically, he employs eye-tracking, large-scale surveys, and mixed-methods approaches to validate behavioral metrics and diagnostic criteria.
Amanda Luby is an Assistant Professor of Statistics at Carleton College, affiliated with the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. She holds a PhD in Statistics from Carnegie Mellon University (2019) and previously taught at Swarthmore College for five years. Her research focuses on statistical methods for forensic decision-making, particularly applying Item Response Theory (IRT) to fingerprint and firearm analysis. She advocates for improving statistical education by integrating computing and theory in courses, and actively collaborates on criminal justice projects. Key research interests include forensic statistics, Bayesian methods, and pedagogical innovation. She co-authored a 2024 paper addressing methodological flaws in forensic firearm comparison studies and received the 2023 Stephen E Fienberg Young Investigator Award for her work on firearms analysis with Erwin Mattijssen. Upcoming activities include presentations at ENAR 2025 and JSM 2025 on data-driven justice and forensic science advancements. Dr. Luby leads a research group at Carleton and contributes to the Center for Statistics and Applications in Forensic Evidence (CSAFE). She teaches courses like Data Science and Statistical Inference, emphasizing applied statistical techniques. Her work bridges academic research and real-world applications in criminal justice systems.
Dr. Ulf Krumnack is a researcher at the Institute of Cognitive Science, University of Osnabrück, affiliated with the LE Cognitive Science faculty. His research focuses on Deep Learning, Computer Vision, Machine Learning, and the theoretical foundations of analogical reasoning. He has contributed to projects on neural network architecture optimization, malaria detection via computer vision, and cognitive models for analogy-making. Krumnack teaches courses such as Advanced Topics in Deep Learning and Computer Vision, emphasizing practical applications in AI. His work integrates interdisciplinary approaches, bridging cognitive science and computational methods. Research interests include developing algorithms for structure from neural networks, visual analytics of gaze data, and ethical implications of AI. He collaborates on international projects like the I-Cog framework for integrated cognition. His publications span conferences like IEEE WACV and journals like the Journal of Computers. Teaching highlights include machine learning and computer vision seminars, alongside study projects on AI applications in animal communication. Krumnack’s contributions to cognitive systems emphasize human-like rationality and spatial cognition modeling.
Joshua Gross is an Assistant Professor of Computer Science at the School of Computing & Design. His research spans computational modeling of cognitive and neural processes, human-computer interaction, cybersecurity, and creative technologies. He has contributed to understanding sleep deprivation effects on attention, email management systems, and privacy policy frameworks. Research focuses include integrating mathematical models with cognitive science, designing user-centric security solutions, and developing visual programming tools for artists. His work bridges computer science with interdisciplinary fields like neuroscience and education. Notable contributions include studies on high-throughput email user behavior, trust mechanisms in digital policies, and game design methodologies. While no formal advisement list is provided, his work suggests involvement in student-led projects in computational modeling and HCI applications.
Mark Mattesi is an Assistant Professor at Delaware State University. His research focuses on aggression and anger management, particularly in collegiate ice hockey players, employing both quantitative and qualitative methods. He developed an Aggression-Management Training Intervention Program combining mental skills training (e.g., positive self-talk, relaxation techniques) with cognitive-behavioral therapy approaches. Education: Biopsychology, University of Michigan, 1994 Counseling, West Virginia University, 2002 Sport & Exercise Psychology, West Virginia University, 2002 His intervention program aims to reduce hostile-reactive aggression through individualized mental training regimens. No specific awards or grants are listed in the provided text. Research interests include applying biopsychosocial models to athletic aggression and evaluating intervention efficacy via self-report and quantitative data.
David Thornton is a Professor of Computer Science at Jacksonville State University's College of Arts, Humanities, and Sciences. He holds a PhD in Computer Science from Auburn University (2008), and MS/BS degrees from Jacksonville State University (2003/2001). His research focuses on game development, cybersecurity awareness through gamification, multimodal interfaces, and human-computer interaction. He leads the game development concentration for computer science majors and has developed widely-used gamification tools adopted in 40+ schools across 7 countries. Dr. Thornton's work emphasizes cybersecurity education through interactive games and has been funded by DoD-NSA grants. His research collaborations explore player behavior analysis, EEG monitoring in game environments, and dynamic difficulty adjustments. He received the George Mehaffy Excellence in Learning Technology Award (2014) for his educational technology innovations. His publications span cybersecurity training methodologies, game-based learning systems, and multimodal interface design. Recent work highlights include analyzing EEG data from cybersecurity games and developing low-stakes mathematics placement tools. He actively promotes cybersecurity awareness through workshops and educational game development initiatives.
Philippe Chauveau is an Assistant Professor of Humanities and Communication at the College of Arts and Sciences, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. His research focuses on video game storytelling, eudaimonic entertainment outcomes, and paratextual content's impact on gaming experiences. He investigates emotions evoked by digital media, including guilt from violent games, cooperative play with AI agents, and tourism intent influenced by virtual environments like Persona 5's Tokyo. Education: Master’s degree from University of Cincinnati, Doctorate from Texas Tech University. Prior sports management work with the International Olympic Committee shaped his interdisciplinary approach. Research interests include moral judgments in gaming, digital environment perception, and interactive media's psychological effects. Recent work explores how paratextual elements (trailers, cover art) affect game appreciation. Publications span 2019–2025, addressing topics from robotics ethics to retro gaming history. Notable recognition includes the 2024 Champion Award. Advising and grant details not specified in text.
Gina Tran, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Marketing in the Department of Marketing at Florida Gulf Coast University's Lutgert College of Business. She teaches courses including MAR 3023 Introduction to Marketing, MAR 3503 Consumer Behavior, and MAR 3235 Social Media Marketing, bringing her research expertise directly into the classroom. Education: Ph.D. in Marketing, University of North Texas M.S. in Industrial-Technical Merchandising & Fabric Analytics, University of North Texas B.A. in Asian Studies, Rice University B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Rice University Dr. Tran's primary research focuses on the intersection of digital technology and consumer behavior, with special emphasis on social media marketing, e-commerce, and how technological advancements impact consumer decision-making processes. Her work bridges academic theory with practical business applications, examining how brands can effectively engage consumers in digital environments while addressing emerging challenges like privacy concerns and authenticity in influencer marketing. She has developed a robust research program investigating consumer responses to various digital marketing tactics across different platforms and contexts. Analysis of Dr. Tran's recent publications reveals a strong trajectory in digital and social media marketing research, with increasing focus on emerging phenomena like deinfluencing, ethical consumption, and the psychological mechanisms behind consumer engagement with digital content. Her work consistently applies theoretical frameworks like the Technology Acceptance Model while addressing contemporary issues in mobile marketing, influencer effectiveness, and in-game advertising. There's a clear progression from foundational research on e-servicescapes and trust to more nuanced investigations of consumer emotions, sustainability concerns, and the complex dynamics of digital brand relationships. Scientific Awards: Most Innovative Research Paper from Elsevier 19th European Institute of Retailing and Services Studies Conference for 'The Impact of Microblog Postings and Emails on E-servicescape, Trust, Retail Patronage, and E-WOM' Dr. Tran actively contributes to the academic marketing community through conference presentations at venues including the Academy of Business Research Global Conference, Services and Retail Management conference, American Marketing Association Winter and Summer Educators' Conferences, and the Academy of Marketing Science Annual Conference. Her research has secured recognition in top marketing journals across multiple sub-disciplines, demonstrating the breadth and impact of her scholarly contributions.
Yazan Roumani is an Associate Professor of Quantitative Methods at Oakland University's School of Business Administration. His office is located in Elliott Hall, and he can be contacted via email at roumani@oakland.edu or phone at (248) 370-4974. Dr. Roumani specializes in analytics, operations management, and healthcare research, with teaching interests in statistics, management science, and business analytics. Education: Ph.D. in Business Analytics & Operations, University of Pittsburgh (2013) M.S. in Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh (2006) MBA, Indiana University of Pennsylvania (2004) Research Focus: Dr. Roumani's work bridges data-driven methodologies and practical applications in healthcare, business operations, and technology adoption. His publications demonstrate expertise in predictive modeling, risk assessment, and optimization techniques across diverse domains including cybersecurity, sports analytics, and patient care. Publication Trends: Recent articles (2018–2025) emphasize healthcare operations and business analytics, with evolving applications in emerging areas like ransomware forecasting and remote work dynamics. Methodologically, his work consistently employs advanced statistical modeling, machine learning, and simulation techniques. Awards and Fellowships: SBA Spring-Summer Research Fellowships (2015–2017, 2019, 2022–2023) URC Faculty Research Fellowships (2014, 2018) Founder's Day Teaching Excellence Award (2021) Faculty 'Impact' Player Recognition (2020) Graduates and Champions Faculty Recognition (2014)
Dorina Rajanen is a University Lecturer and researcher at the Interact Research Unit, Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, University of Oulu. She holds a PhD in Information Systems from Åbo Akademi University (2008) and completed postdoctoral research at Aalto University School of Business. Her work focuses on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), climate change communication, media psychology, and gamification. She teaches courses on UX evaluation, digital cultures, and research methods. Research interests include climate change perceptions shaped by media, psychophysiological studies of media engagement, and safety culture in digital fabrication. She leads projects funded by the Wihuri Foundation and has published widely in HCI and data mining. Notable awards include the 2022 Best Reviewer Award and 2021 Most Exemplary Course distinction. Her recent articles explore gamification for climate engagement, VR technology acceptance, and safety protocols in maker spaces. Supervised over 30 theses on topics like sustainable design, wearable devices, and cloud computing adoption. Active in academic service and has reviewed for journals like Computers in Human Behavior.
Robert O. Duncan is an Associate Professor of Behavioral Sciences at York College, City University of New York (CUNY), and also holds a dual appointment as Associate Professor in Psychology – Behavior Cognitive Neuroscience at the CUNY Graduate Center. His academic career bridges neuroscience research and educational innovation, with significant contributions to both fields through his work on visual processing disorders and game-based learning methodologies. Duncan earned his Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of California, San Diego in 1999, following an MA in Psychology (1994) and a BA in Psychology/Music Humanities (1993), all from UC San Diego. His academic trajectory has positioned him as a leader in interdisciplinary research connecting cognitive neuroscience with educational technology. Duncan's research program spans two interconnected domains: first, the physiological mechanisms of visually guided behavior in healthy individuals, with particular focus on how the brain processes visual information; and second, the development of novel fMRI techniques to quantify neuronal contributions to neurodegenerative visual disorders, especially glaucoma. His early work established important correlations between blood flow in the visual cortex and visual function in glaucoma patients, examining retinotopic organization in relation to optic nerve damage. More recently, his research has pivoted toward educational technology, exploring how game-based approaches, virtual reality, and interactive digital narratives can enhance learning outcomes. Analysis of Duncan's publication history reveals a clear evolution from pure neuroscience research toward educational applications. While his earlier work (2000-2012) focused predominantly on visual processing and glaucoma, his recent publications (2017-2025) increasingly address game-based learning, virtual reality applications, and digital narrative. This shift aligns with his leadership in the CUNY Games Network, where he has organized annual conferences and promoted game mechanics across educational disciplines. His most recent work examines embodiment and presence in virtual environments, connecting his neuroscience background with educational technology. Duncan is deeply committed to undergraduate research and has developed the Transformative Games Initiative at York College, which engages students in designing educational games across multiple disciplines. Through this initiative, students have created games addressing topics from anxiety disorders to nutritional literacy, with many co-authoring publications and presenting at conferences alongside Duncan. His work demonstrates how game design can serve as a powerful classroom laboratory that develops both domain knowledge and 21st-century skills. As an active member of the academic community, Duncan regularly presents at conferences, leads workshops on game-based learning, and collaborates with colleagues across CUNY. His blog and involvement with the CUNY Games Network show ongoing commitment to advancing educational practices through technology. His dual expertise in neuroscience and educational technology creates a unique perspective on how cognitive principles can inform effective teaching practices.
Prof. Michael Weber is currently the President of Ulm University since October 2015 and holds the position of Full Professor and Chair in Media Informatics at the CS Faculty. His career spans over three decades, including roles as Associate Professor at Ulm (1994–2000) and research stints at Siemens Telecooperation Center and DFKI. His research focuses on interactive systems, mobile computing, and automotive-HCI interfaces. Notable contributions include studies on VR player experience, automated vehicle cooperation, and adaptive user assistance systems. Education background includes a doctoral degree (Dr.-Ing.) and prior research at the University of Kaiserslautern (1985–1990). His work bridges academia and industry, addressing challenges in multimodal interaction, context-aware systems, and human-centric design. Research interests emphasize practical applications of media informatics, such as gaze-based driver assistance, emotion-driven game mechanics, and privacy-aware smart environments. His publications span over 20 years, highlighting innovations in both theoretical and applied domains.
Professor Peter Vamplew is a leading academic in Artificial Intelligence at Federation University’s Mt Helen campus. He holds a B.A., B.Sc. (Hons) from Flinders University and a PhD from the University of Tasmania. As a former Associate Dean (Research) and leader in multiple research initiatives, he has pioneered multi-objective reinforcement learning (MORL) since 2008, focusing on ethical AI alignment and safety. His roles include co-founding the Australian Responsible Autonomous Agents Collective (ARAAC) and membership in the Future of Life Institute’s AI Safety Research Community. His teaching spans computer games design, programming, AI, and industry engagement through professional experience courses. Research interests include MORL applications in human-aligned AI, explainable systems, and cybersecurity. He has supervised over 20 PhD/Masters students on topics like AI ethics, malware analysis, and game classification. Key collaborations include the Centre for Smart Analytics (CSA) and Health Innovation and Transformation Centre (HITC). Research funding exceeds $4.2M, including projects on adversarial environments, autonomous systems safety, and fraud detection. Notable publications address MORL algorithm development, AI apology frameworks, and ethical decision-making. His work bridges theoretical AI advancements with real-world deployment challenges in autonomous systems.
Professor Tony Myers holds dual roles as Interim Head of Sports and Professor in Quantitative Methods at Newman University’s Faculty of Arts, Society and Professional Studies. His research focuses on applied statistical modeling in sport, exercise, and public health, with notable work on Bayesian data analysis, Muay Thai judging biases, and physical activity interventions. He chairs the Journal of Sports Science Statistics and Research Design Advisory Group and founded BASES’ Sport Analytics SIG. Research Interests: - Quantitative and qualitative analysis of sport/exercise/public health - Bayesian statistical modeling in sports training and performance - Public health interventions (e.g., Malta’s diet/activity project) - Athlete development (e.g., bio-banding in soccer) - Wearable technology applications Grants & Collaborations: - £424k Comic Relief grant for PhD scholarship - Maltese government-funded diet/activity school project - International collaborations with USA, Dubai, Tunisia, Germany, Portugal, Australia Key Administrative Roles: - Director of Sport and Health - External examiner at University of Wolverhampton, Chichester, Birmingham, and others - Advisor for Solent University’s REF2029 submission Teaching: - Research methods modules - Quantitative data analysis pedagogy
Günter Wallner is an Assistant Professor (Part-time) in the Systemic Change Cluster within the Department of Industrial Design at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). He simultaneously holds positions as Professor for Game Computing at Johannes Kepler University Linz, Adjunct Professor at Ontario Tech University, and Senior Scientist at the University of Applied Arts Vienna, Institute of Art & Technology. His work bridges multiple institutions and focuses on the intersection of games, data analytics, and visualization. Wallner's academic credentials include: Diploma in Computer Science from University of Technology, graduated with distinction in 2005 Doctoral degree in Natural Sciences from University of Applied Arts Vienna, graduated with distinction in 2009 His research program centers on understanding player behavior in games and developing methods to explore and communicate collected data for actionable game design insights. Wallner's expertise spans three interconnected domains: games user research examining player engagement, data analytics specifically for game-related behavioral datasets, and information visualization techniques for representing complex game data. A significant portion of his work focuses on creating data visualizations to support analysis of increasingly large-scale player behavioral datasets used in game analytics. Wallner's recent publications reveal several key research trends. His work shows a strong focus on visual analytics for games with multiple papers exploring effective representation of player behavior through visualization techniques. There's growing interdisciplinary reach into healthcare applications, as seen in his 2024 paper on MR imaging preparation. Many publications address practical applications in competitive gaming environments like League of Legends and Hollow Knight. The interdisciplinary nature of his work is evident in publication venues spanning top-tier HCI conferences (CHI, CHI PLAY), visualization conferences (EuroVis), and specialized game research venues (FDG). Wallner has received various awards and recognitions for his work on games, though specific awards are not detailed in available information. As an active researcher, Wallner provides substantial service to the academic community. He frequently serves on program committees for games, visualization, and human-computer interaction conferences. He has held significant organizational roles including Program Chair for CHI PLAY 2019 and currently serves as Steering Committee Vice-Chair for CHI PLAY since 2023. His editorial work includes serving on boards of ACM Games: Research and Practice and Behaviour & Information Technology. He has been instrumental in organizing workshops such as the PLEY series on Eye Tracking in Games and Play. At TU/e, Wallner is affiliated with multiple research groups: EAISI Foundational, Industrial Design Research, and specifically the Design Of Empowering Systems subgroup. His work demonstrates extensive interdisciplinary collaboration across game studies, human-computer interaction, and data visualization researchers, particularly within the EAISI (Eindhoven Artificial Intelligence Systems Institute) ecosystem.
