Professor Albert Cheng is a faculty member in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Houston. His research focuses on real-time systems, cyber-physical systems, smart cities, and embedded systems with societal impacts. He has authored over 270 publications and a textbook on real-time systems. Cheng holds roles as an Associate Editor for the IEEE Transactions on Knowledge and Data Engineering and ACM Computing Surveys. His research interests span real-time scheduling, machine learning applications, and systems optimization. Recent work includes vehicular traffic modeling for epidemiological risk reduction, quantum computing response time analysis, and satellite mission planning. Awards include Fulbright Specialist, Distinguished ACM membership, and IEEE Senior Member status. Cheng’s articles demonstrate expertise in real-time scheduling algorithms, cyber-physical systems development, and smart city infrastructure. His contributions bridge theoretical computer science with practical implementations in transportation, healthcare, and aerospace domains. Ongoing efforts include fault-tolerant systems, energy-efficient scheduling, and CPS education initiatives. Awards: Fulbright Specialist, ACM Distinguished Member, IEEE Senior Member, Institute of Physics Fellow Labs/Teams: Hewlett Packard Enterprise Data Science Institute (HPE DSI), Research Computing Data Core (RCDC)
Kuanshi Zhong is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering and Construction Management at the University of Cincinnati. He holds a PhD from Stanford University (2021) in Civil and Environmental Engineering, with prior degrees from Stanford (Master, 2017) and Tongji University (Bachelor, 2015). His research focuses on earthquake engineering, structural resilience, and advanced computational methods for infrastructure safety. Key research interests include seismic design of tall buildings, probabilistic modeling of structural response (e.g., using Probabilistic Learning on Manifolds), and material failure mechanisms in reinforced concrete. He also explores multi-hazard resilience, regional risk assessment, and software tools for disaster simulation (e.g., R2DTool and EE-UQ). Dr. Zhong has secured grant funding as PI/Co-PI, including a National Science Foundation grant (2023-2026) for equitable building decarbonization strategies and a Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute grant (2024-2025) for bar performance improvements. He teaches graduate/undergraduate courses on concrete design and structural mechanics. His work spans collaborations with institutions like Stanford University and the SimCenter, contributing to open-source tools for regional loss assessments and hurricane impact modeling. Current projects address cascading hazards, steel reinforcement durability, and high-resolution seismic risk evaluation.
Dr. Gladis Kersaint is Vice Provost for Strategic Initiatives and Professor of Mathematics Education at the University of Connecticut's Neag School of Education. Previously serving as Dean from 2016 to 2021, she led initiatives that maintained the school's top-20 ranking, raised over $10 million for scholarships, and enhanced diversity. Her academic background includes a Ph.D. in Mathematics Education from Illinois State University, an M.S. in Education from the University of Miami, and a B.S. in Mathematics from the same institution. Her research focuses on mathematics education, teacher preparation, educational technology, rural women's development, and diversity initiatives. She has secured approximately $30 million in grants from NSF, DOE, and Florida DOE, supporting collaborative STEM projects involving school districts and university faculty. Dr. Kersaint has published extensively on topics including multilingual mathematics education, technology integration, and teacher retention. Her scholarship demonstrates consistent focus on improving educational outcomes through innovative pedagogical approaches and systemic reforms. She serves on national boards including the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education. Prior to academia, she taught high school mathematics in Miami-Dade County Public Schools.
Essa Yacoub is a Professor in the Department of Radiology at the University of Minnesota, affiliated with the PhD Program in Medical Physics and the Center for Magnetic Resonance Research. His work focuses on advancing MRI and fMRI technologies, particularly at ultrahigh magnetic fields (e.g., 10.5 T), to achieve unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution in brain imaging. He leads projects in RF coil design, noise reduction algorithms, and developmental neuroimaging. Roles: Professor, Medical Physics Program Faculty Affiliations: Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, Department of Radiology Research emphasizes high-resolution fMRI applications, including layer-specific brain mapping, pediatric neurodevelopment studies (e.g., Baby Connectome Project), and translational tools like BIBSNet for infant brain segmentation. His innovations bridge hardware engineering (RF coils) and software (denoising pipelines) to tackle challenges in mesoscopic-scale imaging. Key contributions include optimizing imaging protocols at 7T/10.5T, developing NORDIC denoising for submillimeter data, and advancing understanding of brain networks in aging and neurological disorders. His work is foundational for large-scale initiatives like the Human Connectome Project and non-human primate neuroimaging collaborations. Grants and collaborations focus on translational imaging technologies, while educational contributions include training through the Medical Physics PhD Program. Ongoing efforts aim to refine ultra-high field MRI applications for clinical and basic neuroscience research.
Alan Sussman is a Professor and Associate Chair of Undergraduate Education in the Computer Science department at the University of Maryland. His research focuses on databases, high-performance computing, parallel systems, and educational curriculum development for computing disciplines. He holds a Ph.D. from Carnegie Mellon University (1991) and a B.S.E. from Princeton University (1982). His educational contributions include integrating parallel and distributed computing concepts into early undergraduate courses, supported by NSF-funded initiatives like the CyberTraining program. He has advised students such as Harshit Soora (Master's) and Xiaolong Tian (PhD). His research spans compiler optimizations for parallel programs, distributed data management systems, and scientific workflow frameworks like DYFLOW. He collaborates with UMIACS and contributes to interdisciplinary projects like the TASCS center. Key innovations include VeloxDFS for distributed dataset streaming, compiler techniques for irregular memory access in PGAS programs, and NetCDFaster for geospatial data optimization. His work emphasizes productivity improvements for high-performance applications and curriculum modernization to address emerging computational challenges. Awards: No individual awards explicitly listed; however, collaborator Jik-Soo Kim received a best paper award in 2006. Grants: NSF CyberTraining, TCPP Curriculum Initiative, and Center for Technology for Advanced Scientific Component Software (TASCS). Labs/Teams: Active in UMIACS and interdisciplinary collaborations, including the TASCS center and InterComm framework development.
Lena Simine is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at McGill University, affiliated with the Faculty of Science. She holds a B.Sc. (2009) and Ph.D. (2015) from the University of Toronto, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at Rice University (2015–2019). Her laboratory is located in P&P 118A, focusing on developing computational approaches for modeling molecular phenomena in theoretical chemistry and chemical physics. Her research interests center on computational materials design, quantum dynamics, and the application of machine learning to chemistry. Specific areas include simulating amorphous materials, aptamer design, and quantum systems modeling. She teaches CHEM 365 (Statistical Thermodynamics) and CHEM 593 (Statistical Mechanics and Machine Learning for Chemistry). Her work explores interdisciplinary frontiers, such as path-integral simulations, GFlowNets for molecular design, and the physical principles underlying deep learning in materials science. Recent studies highlight innovations like DeltaGzip for binding affinity prediction and the MAP protocol for 3D disordered matter simulations. Her lab’s contributions span computational methods, material innovation, and quantum phenomena, with a focus on advancing both theoretical frameworks and practical applications in chemistry and materials science.
Joseph P. Romano is a distinguished Professor of Statistics and Economics at Stanford University, where he has been on the faculty since 1986. He holds joint appointments in both the Department of Statistics and the Department of Economics, reflecting his interdisciplinary research that bridges statistical theory with economic applications. Romano has established himself as a leading scholar in mathematical statistics with significant contributions to econometrics, climate science, and multiple testing methodologies. Ph.D. in Statistics, University of California, Berkeley (1986) M.S. in Statistics, University of California, Berkeley (1983) A.B. in Statistics, Princeton University (1982), Summa Cum Laude Romano's research focuses on the theoretical foundations and practical applications of statistical methods, particularly in nonparametric statistics, bootstrap and resampling techniques, and multiple testing procedures. His work addresses the challenges of analyzing massive datasets with complex structures, such as those found in biotechnology, clinical trials, and econometrics. He has developed universal statistical tools applicable across diverse fields including climate science, genetics, finance, and education. His recent work emphasizes methods for multiple testing and multivariate inference driven by the availability of massive datasets, where he tackles issues like unknown dependence structures, heterogeneity, and high dimensionality. Analysis of Romano's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on developing robust statistical methodologies for complex data structures. His work spans theoretical advances in U-statistics with growing dimensions, practical applications in seroprevalence studies, and innovative approaches to ranking inference across various domains. The interdisciplinary nature of his research is evident in publications spanning economics journals, statistics journals, and even behavioral science preprints, demonstrating the broad applicability of his methodological contributions. 2021 LGBTQ+ Scientist of the Year, Out to Innovate Fellow, International Association of Applied Econometrics (2020) Fellow, Institute of Mathematical Statistics Presidential Young Investigator Award, National Science Foundation The Canadian Journal of Statistics Award Romano has mentored dozens of doctoral students throughout his career at Stanford, serving as dissertation advisor, co-advisor, and committee member for numerous PhD candidates in Statistics. His research has been consistently supported by National Science Foundation grants, including recent funding for computer-intensive inference with applications to social sciences (2020-2023) and randomization inference for contemporary statistical problems (2013-2016). He has served in various administrative roles at Stanford including Associate Chairman and Chair of Committee on Faculty Affairs. Beyond his academic pursuits, Romano is actively involved in the 500 Queer Scientists visibility campaign and maintains a balanced life with passions in music (having performed at Carnegie Hall), competitive tennis (ranked nationally in his age group), cooking, and architecture.
Dr. Thilina Halloluwa is a Teaching Focused Lecturer in the Department of Human-Centred Computing at The University of Queensland (UQ). He holds a PhD in Human-Computer Interaction from Queensland University of Technology (2019) and a Computer Science undergraduate degree from the Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology. With over 15 years of academic and industry experience, his research emphasizes real-world impact in education technology, financial inclusion, smart agriculture, and HCI. Educational Background: PhD in Human-Computer Interaction, Queensland University of Technology (2019) Bachelor of Computer Science, Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology Research Interests: Education for All: Leveraging technology to enhance collaborative learning and social experiences in education. Human Money Interaction: Designing ethical AI solutions for financial services, particularly for underserved communities. Smart Agro: Developing AI-driven tools for crop disease detection, yield optimization, and precision agriculture. Software Project Estimation: Improving effort estimation accuracy through explainable AI (Metrix project). Key Contributions: Developed UrbanAgro (tomato disease detection) and BellCrop (bell pepper disease datasets). Pioneered Dhana Labha , a financial management tool for rural Sri Lankan communities. Advanced online exam proctoring systems for low-resource settings. Previous Roles: Lecturer at University of Sydney (2023) Senior Lecturer at University of Colombo (2013–2023) Lab/Team Affiliations: Smart Agro Project: AI-driven agricultural solutions Metrix Initiative: Software project estimation frameworks
Vicente Grau Colomer is a Professor of Engineering Science and Biomedical Image Analysis at the University of Oxford, affiliated with the Institute of Biomedical Engineering. He serves as Director of the Centre for Doctoral Training in Healthcare Innovation and a Professorial Fellow at Mansfield College. His work bridges biomedical engineering, medical imaging, and artificial intelligence. Education: PhD in medical image analysis from Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Spain. Postdoctoral research at Harvard University and LSU Health Sciences Center. Joined Oxford in 2004, awarded full professorship in 2015. Research focuses on medical image analysis, AI-driven diagnostics, and collaborations between academia, industry, and clinicians. Notable tools include the MSP-tracker software for cellular analysis and advancements in bone marrow fibrosis quantification. Recent articles highlight interdisciplinary efforts in AI applications, MPN pathophysiology, and biomedical software development. Awards include recognition as a Professor at Oxford. Advising: Leads the Healthcare Innovation CDT and mentors students in biomedical engineering. Active in Oxford’s e-Research Centre and Systems Approaches to Biomedical Sciences CDT. Collaborates globally to translate research into clinical solutions.
Simon Hanslmayr is a Professor in the School of Psychology & Neuroscience at the University of Glasgow. His research investigates neural oscillations' role in attention and memory processes, employing EEG, fMRI, and transcranial stimulation techniques. He focuses on healthy populations and clinical conditions like Schizophrenia and PTSD. His lab develops tools like the Brain Time Toolbox for electrophysiological data analysis. Education: Ph.D. in Cognitive Neuroscience (not explicitly detailed in text) Research interests include understanding how precise neural timing via oscillations underpins cognitive functions. Key areas: hippocampal memory coding, theta phase synchronization in associative memory, and causal effects of rhythmic stimulation on memory plasticity. Recent articles highlight mechanisms linking theta oscillations to memory formation, thalamocortical interactions in perception, and hippocampal-neocortical coupling. His work bridges experimental and computational approaches to model memory dynamics. Grants: Sensory stimulation for memory impairment (BIAL Foundation, 2025-2026) EU-funded studies on neural oscillations and memory (2020-2021) Awards: None explicitly listed, but active grant recipient. Supervised students include Kiera Capstick, Eleonora Marcantoni, and others. Collaborates with researchers worldwide through lab affiliates and visiting scholars. Current work emphasizes scalable neurotechnologies for cognitive enhancement and memory rehabilitation. Labs/Teams: Leads the Memory & Oscillations Lab at the University of Glasgow, collaborating with institutions like the University of Zurich and Maastricht University on neuroimaging and clinical studies.
Antonello Monti is a Professor and Director of the Institute for Automation of Complex Power Systems at RWTH Aachen University. His research focuses on modern power systems, including smart grid technologies, hybrid AC-DC grids, and quantum computing applications in energy systems. Recent publications demonstrate innovations in grid resilience, EV charging optimization, quantum-assisted power system planning, and advanced simulation techniques. His team develops open-source tools like JuliaGrid for power system analysis and validates concepts through real-time testing platforms. Research addresses energy transition challenges including renewable integration, grid modernization, cyber-physical security, and next-generation optimization methods combining quantum computing with traditional power engineering approaches.
Peter F. Halpin is an Associate Professor in the Department of Learning Sciences and Psychological Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Education. He holds a PhD in Psychology (Theory and Methods) from Simon Fraser University and completed postdoctoral research at the University of Amsterdam. His research focuses on psychometric methodology, educational measurement, and statistical approaches to analyzing collaborative learning and teacher practices. Halpin has been recognized with awards including the National Academy of Education/Spencer Fellowship and NYU's High Merit Distinction in Research. Key research areas include developing statistical models for small group collaborations, analyzing educational technology data, and improving measurement tools for early childhood development (e.g., IDELA assessments). His work bridges theoretical psychometrics with applied educational research, addressing challenges in global education measurement and program evaluation. Halpin has authored over 20 peer-reviewed articles and contributed to open-source software projects like the scirt and hawkes R packages. He has advised numerous graduate students and led grants totaling over $2 million, including IES-funded studies on collaboration assessment and UNESCO-linked projects measuring educational outcomes in low-resource settings. Halpin also serves on editorial boards for journals like Psychometrika and Journal of Educational Measurement , and has presented globally at venues including the Psychometric Society and NCME conferences.
Bo Zhu is an Assistant Professor in the School of Interactive Computing at Georgia Institute of Technology. His research focuses on computational approaches for complex physical systems, including fluid dynamics, topology optimization, and robotics control. He holds a Ph.D. from Stanford University and completed postdoctoral research at MIT CSAIL. He has been recognized with the NSF Career Award (2022) and multiple best paper awards at SIGGRAPH conferences. Education: B.E.-M.S., Software Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Ph.D., Computer Science, Stanford University Postdoc, EECS, MIT Research Interests: Develops numerical algorithms and machine learning techniques to simulate fluidic systems, soft materials, and multi-scale phenomena. His work emphasizes vorticity preservation, real-time simulation, and physics-based AI integration. Key Contributions: Pioneered Particle Flow Map (PFM) methods for fluid simulation, developed open-source libraries like SimpleX and PFM Hub, and contributed to projects like Genesis physics engine. Over 50 peer-reviewed publications in top venues (SIGGRAPH, NeurIPS, IEEE TVCG). Awards: NSF Career Award (2022) Best Paper Honorable Mention (SIGGRAPH 2025) Best Paper Award (SIGGRAPH Asia 2024) Grants & Projects: Leads NSF-funded research on Physical AI Design, collaborating with Sandia National Labs on real-time CFD solvers. Active in open-source software development for computational physics and graphics.
Kavan Modi is a Professor at the School of Physics and Astronomy, Monash University. His research focuses on quantum information theory applied to dynamics, metrology, computation, thermodynamics, and relativity. He leads the Monash Quantum Information Science (MonQIS) group and serves as Director of the Centre for Quantum Technology at Transport for NSW (2022–2024). Education: B.Sc. Engineering Physics (Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, 2001), M.A. Physics (University of Texas at Austin, 2004), Ph.D. Physics (University of Texas at Austin, 2008). Postdoctoral positions included the Centre for Quantum Technologies (Singapore, 2008–2011) and Clarendon Lab, Oxford (2011–2013). Joined Monash in 2014. Research interests center on quantum dynamics, non-Markovian processes, and their applications in quantum computing and information science. Projects include developing error correction codes, quantum algorithms for network analysis, and mitigating correlated noise in quantum systems. He has authored over 111 publications, with recent work emphasizing non-Markovian characterization, quantum process tomography, and topology-based quantum algorithms. Awards and grants include leadership in multiple Australian Research Council projects. Advising/Grants: Primary Chief Investigator in projects like 'Quantum Software Platform' (2023–2026) and 'Mitigating Correlated Noise in Quantum Machines' (2020–2021). Supervises graduate students and collaborates globally on quantum information science. Labs/Teams: MonQIS group focuses on foundational and applied quantum research, integrating theory and experimental collaborations.
Gianvito Lanzolla is a Professor of Strategy at Bayes Business School (formerly Cass), City, University of London, where he has been employed since April 2006 and served as Dean of the Faculty of Management from 2016-2020. He founded the Bayes Digital Leadership Research Centre and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. Education: MSc in Mechanical Engineering, PhD in Strategic Management Visiting Appointments: London Business School, Indian School of Business, ESMT Berlin His research focuses on digital transformation, technology strategy, institutional change, and competitive dynamics. He examines how CEOs' digital orientation and board characteristics affect firm value, with publications in Academy of Management Journal , Harvard Business Review , and California Management Review . His work has won multiple academic prizes and been featured in major media outlets. Recent publications analyze digital ecosystems, agile transformation, and AI applications in finance. He teaches 'Strategic Leadership' and 'Digital Transformation' in MBA programs, having won teaching excellence awards in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2012, and 2015. Scientific Awards: City University Teaching Excellence Awards (2015, 2012, 2009, 2008) Strategic Management Society Best Paper Award (2012) SSRN Top Ten Downloaded Paper (2008) Spanish Academy of Management Best Paper Award (2009)
