Giuliano Casale is a Professor in the Department of Computing at Imperial College London, leading the Quality of Service Research Lab (QORE). His research focuses on performance assurance, resource management, and fault-tolerance in distributed systems. He teaches courses on Probability and Statistics and Scheduling and Resource Allocation at undergraduate and Master’s levels. Casale’s work spans cloud computing, edge AI, and machine learning applications in system modeling. Key contributions include methodologies for performance engineering, anomaly detection, and automated resource management in large-scale systems. He actively participates in international conferences, delivering keynote speeches on topics such as performance evaluation and AI-driven systems. His research integrates queueing theory, machine learning, and generative models to address challenges in distributed software systems. Casale also engages in service activities like PhD admissions tutoring and collaborates on projects involving resilience planning and cloud service optimization. His lab, QORE, emphasizes practical solutions for real-world distributed systems, including edge federations and serverless architectures. Casale’s work bridges theoretical performance analysis with industrial applications, contributing to advancements in both academia and industry.
Dr. Gül Calikli is a Lecturer in Software Engineering at the University of Glasgow specializing in empirical software engineering and human factors in software development. Her research investigates cognitive biases, code review practices, and human-centered aspects of software quality. Current work focuses on LLM-generated code evaluation, financial incentive design for software experiments, and variability management in software product lines. She develops methodologies to study developer behavior, team dynamics, and decision-making processes in software projects. Recent publications examine the impact of request formats on effort estimation, financial incentive guidelines for experiments, and vulnerability detection during code reviews. Her research bridges software engineering practice with cognitive psychology and organizational behavior. Dr. Calikli teaches software engineering courses and supervises research in human aspects of software development. She contributes to international collaborations on adaptive decision-support systems and privacy dynamics in social software.
Dr. Stephan Rave is a Researcher in the Institute for Analysis and Numerics at the University of Münster. He is affiliated with the Applied Mathematics Münster cluster and serves as an Investigator in Mathematics Münster. His work focuses on numerical analysis, scientific computing, and machine learning, with a strong emphasis on model reduction techniques for complex systems. Education : PhD in Mathematics (2012), University of Münster, thesis on finitely summable K-homology. Master's and Bachelor's degrees in Mathematics from the University of Münster. Research Interests : Dr. Rave specializes in model order reduction (MOR) methods, including reduced basis techniques, localized orthogonal decomposition (LOD), and nonlinear approximation strategies. His work addresses challenges in multiscale modeling, domain decomposition, and parametrized partial differential equations. He also develops open-source software tools like pyMOR for MOR and contributes to initiatives like the MaRDI (Mathematical Research Data Initiative) to enhance interoperability in scientific computing. Projects : Key initiatives include the MaRDI project (2021–2026), EXC 2044 Cluster of Excellence (Geometry-based modeling), and MULTIBAT (lithium-ion battery simulation). His research bridges theoretical developments with practical applications in battery modeling, electrochemistry, and computational fluid dynamics. Grants & Awards : Funded by DFG, the German Federal Ministry of Research, and internal university grants, his work addresses strategic areas like sustainable research software and energy storage systems. He leads projects on distributed model reduction and communication-avoiding algorithms. Teaching : Dr. Rave teaches advanced numerical methods courses, including Model Order Reduction, Numerical Methods for PDEs, and Python-based computational labs. He co-organizes seminars and workshops on MOR and scientific software engineering.
CHEN Siyuan is a Full-time Faculty Associate Professor of Law at the Yong Pung How School of Law (YPHSOL), Singapore Management University (SMU), serving concurrently as Associate Dean (Student and Alumni Affairs) since July 2022 and Director of Moots since September 2020. He holds additional roles including Chairperson of the SMU Faculty Mooting Committee and membership in the Singapore Academy of Law since 2007. His legal career began as an Assistant Registrar at the Supreme Court of Singapore (2008–2009) and included adjunct faculty roles at NUS (2008–2009) and SMU (2008–2010). Academically, he earned an LL.B. (First Class Honours) from NUS (2007) and an LL.M. from Harvard University (2010). Notable recognitions include the Student Life Award (2018), Lee Kong Chian Fellowship (2015), and Alona E. Evans Award at the Jessup Moot (2007). He has served as a law clerk to Singapore’s Justices (2007–2009) and completed international clerkships at Gray’s Inn and Freshfields Bruckhaus Derringer in London. His research focuses on Evidence Law , Civil & Criminal Procedure , Family Law , Technology Law , and Legal Education . Key publications include The Law of Evidence in Singapore (2025), Halsbury’s Laws of Singapore: Civil Procedure (2024), and Annotated Statutes of Singapore: Evidence Act (2023). Recent work addresses online hate speech regulation, autonomous vehicle liability frameworks, and procedural reforms in family law. CHEN has authored over 50 scholarly articles and reports, with recent themes including judicial discretion in evidence exclusion, tiered standards of proof in international courts, and balancing technological innovation with legal safeguards. His academic contributions span Singapore’s legal reforms, including the 2021 Rules of Court and family justice system modernization. He teaches courses in Evidence & Civil Procedure , International Moots I & II , and Appellate Advocacy Skills . His professional service includes moot coaching, curriculum development, and advising on legal education policy.
Dr. Sharon O'Rourke is an Assistant Professor and Ad Astra Fellow at the University College Dublin (UCD) School of Biosystems and Food Engineering since 2019. Previously, she held roles at the University of Sydney and UCD's School of Agriculture and Food Science, focusing on soil science and environmental protection. She holds a BAgrSc from UCD and a PhD in Soil Nutrient Management from Queen's University Belfast. Research Interests: Her work centers on sustainable soil management, soil carbon sequestration, and environmental protection. She employs spectral techniques (e.g., mid-infrared, hyperspectral imaging) and modeling to study soil geochemistry, carbon dynamics, and climate change mitigation. Current projects include ClimateCropping (EU-wide soil carbon management), PRISM (in-field soil sensors), and CFunction (carbon-nutrient stoichiometry). Grants & Projects: Key grants include funding from Teagasc, the Department of Agriculture, and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. Notable projects include proximal soil sensing for carbon monitoring and bio-based product development via pyrolysis. Teaching: She coordinates modules such as 'Carbon & Sustainability,' 'Soil Technology,' and 'Research Skills,' emphasizing agricultural systems and climate-smart practices. Awards: Recognized as an Ad Astra Fellow, highlighting her contributions to innovative soil science research.
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.
Alexander Refsum Jensenius is a Professor of Music Technology and Director of the RITMO Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies in Rhythm, Time and Motion at the University of Oslo. He also leads the fourMs Lab and co-founded the MishMash Centre for AI and Creativity. His work bridges musicology, psychology, and technology, focusing on embodied music cognition, human motion analysis, and creative applications of AI. Notably, he pioneered research on air guitar motion and human micromotion through projects like the Oslo Standstill Database . Educated at the University of Oslo (BA in Music and Mathematics, MA in Musicology) and Chalmers University of Technology (MSc in Applied IT), Jensenius holds a PhD in Music Technology from UiO. He has held visiting researcher roles at UC Berkeley, McGill University, and KTH. Leadership roles include Department of Musicology Head (2013–2016) and Steering Committee Chair for the International Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression (NIME, 2011–2022). Research interests span music-related body motion, AI in creative contexts, and open research practices. Key contributions include the Music Moves and Motion Capture MOOCs, the Musical Gestures Toolbox software, and monographs like Sound Actions and Sonic Design . His work emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, with projects addressing ventilation systems' acoustic properties and cell culture vibrational effects. Awards include the European Open Data Champion recognition. He advocates for open science and maintains extensive digital archives of research materials, emphasizing institutional web pages as critical research infrastructure.
Dr. Shirin Nilizadeh is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at The University of Texas at Arlington's College of Engineering. She leads the Security and Privacy Research Lab, conducting interdisciplinary research at the intersection of cybersecurity, privacy, machine learning, and social media analysis. Her work addresses critical societal issues related to online security, privacy, and safety through data-driven approaches. Dr. Nilizadeh received her PhD in Computer Science from Indiana University in 2014, followed by MS in Computer Science from Amirkabir University (2007) and BS in Computer Engineering from Islamic Azad University (2004). Her research focuses on security and privacy in systems and social networks, employing techniques from machine learning and big data analytics. She takes a highly interdisciplinary approach, integrating AI, NLP, social sciences, and public health to address societal issues in cybersecurity and privacy. Her research objectives include: (1) detecting and characterizing emerging threats in online social networks like social engineering attacks, misinformation, and online hate speech; (2) advancing the adversarial robustness and fairness of ML and NLG systems; and (3) studying humans' online behaviors through data-driven interdisciplinary research. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on AI-generated security threats, particularly phishing scams using LLMs, NFT fraud detection, social media toxicity analysis, and content moderation systems. Her work bridges theoretical security research with practical applications, often addressing real-world security challenges through innovative technical solutions. Among her notable scientific achievements are the prestigious NSF CAREER award (2023), Comcast Innovation Awards (2022 and 2024), College of Engineering Outstanding Early Career Research award (2024), and IEEE SP 2024 Distinguished Paper Award. Her work has also received best paper and technical poster awards at eCrime 2021 and NDSS 2022. Dr. Nilizadeh has successfully mentored numerous doctoral and master's students while securing significant research funding, including multiple NSF grants and Comcast Innovation Fund awards. She leads a vibrant research group that has produced impactful work cited in official reports submitted to The Supreme Court and the EU Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice, and Home Affairs. Her lab has also received coverage from WIRED, MIT Technology Review, Orange's Hello Future, and Communications of the ACM. She serves on numerous program committees for top international conferences including ACM CCS, USENIX Security, and POPETS, and has organized outreach programs like OurCS@DFW to broaden participation of underrepresented students in computing.
Marcel Böhme is a faculty member at the Max Planck Institute for Security and Privacy (MPI-SP) , leading the Software Security research group. His work focuses on foundational advancements in fuzzing , statistical program analysis, and scalable vulnerability discovery. Education: PhD from National University of Singapore (NUS) Research interests span: Statistical and causal frameworks for software testing Efficiency/Scalability of automated testing Fundamental limits of vulnerability detection Practical fuzzing technology (e.g., Entropic in LibFuzzer) Recent publications highlight trends in: Machine learning for security analysis Privacy-preserving statistical methods Future-proof security frameworks Protocol fuzzing with large language models Scientific accolades include: ERC Consolidator Grant (2024) NUS Outstanding Young Alumni Award (2022) ARC DECRA (2019) Multiple ACM Distinguished Paper Awards He serves as: Spokesperson for Research Group Leaders at Max Planck Society Guest Editor-in-Chief for ACM TOSEM PC Chair for ASE'25 and ISSTA'26
Gökhan Seçinti is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Engineering at Istanbul Technical University, Faculty of Computer and Informatics. He currently serves as Vice Dean and has previously held the role of Vice Department Head. His research focuses on next-generation wireless networks, UAV communications, semantic communication, and AI-driven networking solutions. Research Interests: His work spans Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) , Semantic and Task-Oriented Communication , Software-Defined and Cognitive Networks , 6G Communications , and AI in Networking . He develops practical testbeds for deep learning-based communication architectures and explores digital twin applications in aerial networks. Publication Trends: Recent publications emphasize decentralized UAV service deployment, beam alignment using UWB localization, TDMA scheduling for aerial swarms, and semantic flow control. These reflect a strong trend toward intelligent, adaptive, and context-aware communication systems for IoT and mobility. Best Paper Award, IEEE, 2022 Best Conference Paper, IEEE, 2016 Best Poster Paper Award, IEEE, 2015 Advising and Grants: He has supervised 4 academic works and leads multiple funded research projects, including TÜBİTAK and SRP grants on federated learning in flying networks, semantic VANETs, AI-based intrusion detection, and UAV-assisted IoT for crisis management. Labs and Teams: His work is supported by active research teams at ITU, focusing on testbed development using SDRs, digital twins, and real-world deployment of UAV networks. He collaborates internationally, including past affiliations with Northeastern University.
Ajay Kapur serves as Associate Provost for Creative Technologies and Director of the Music Technology program (MTIID) at California Institute of the Arts. With an interdisciplinary background spanning computer science, electrical engineering, and music, he bridges technological innovation with artistic expression through leadership in academic programs and entrepreneurial ventures. His research centers on symbiotic human-machine interaction for artistic creation, particularly exploring computer improvisation with humans through Indian Classical music frameworks. This manifests in developing programmable mechatronic instruments, sensor-based interfaces, and AI-driven systems for musical expression. His work extends traditional techniques while creating new performance paradigms like the globally touring Machine Orchestra and KarmetiK Orchestra. Kapur's recent publications reveal evolving expertise from music robotics to blockchain applications, with significant focus on NFT systems, tokenization, and immersive environments. His scholarly output demonstrates consistent innovation at the intersection of artistic practice and emerging technologies. As an educator and entrepreneur, he has co-founded companies in edtech and AI while authoring foundational texts like Digitizing North Indian Music and Introduction to Programming for Musicians and Digital Artists . His performances at venues including LACMA, Singapore Arts Festival, and the 2010 Winter Olympics showcase practical applications of his research.
Dr. Heather B. Cunningham is an Associate Professor of Education in the College of Arts & Sciences at Chatham University , Pittsburgh, PA. With 13 years of K-12 teaching experience across Washington D.C., Pittsburgh, Honduras, and Malawi, she specializes in preparing educators to address systemic inequities. Ph.D. in Instruction and Learning, University of Pittsburgh (2015) M.A. in International Training and Education, American University (1997) B.A. in Social Sciences, Allegheny College (1993) Her research focuses on: Reimagining classroom management through equity and justice lenses Integrating global sustainability frameworks with social justice Culturally responsive teaching in urban contexts International service-learning applications Restorative discipline practices Recent publications demonstrate interdisciplinary approaches combining: Environmental education and social justice (2021) Restorative discipline models (2020) International student teaching methods (2019) Equity-focused classroom management (2018) Poverty-informed teaching strategies (2017) Dr. Cunningham teaches undergraduate and graduate teacher education courses, emphasizing the intersection of: Teacher cultural identity Effective instruction Family-community partnerships Social justice advocacy
Natasha Smith is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Virginia. She holds a Teaching Track position and serves as Director of Undergraduate Mechanical Engineering. Her research focuses on pedagogical strategies in engineering education, systems engineering design, reliability assessment using probabilistic methods, and material property analysis through statistical approaches. A registered professional engineer in Maine, she has 20 years of military service as a U.S. Navy Civil Engineer Corps officer (Seabees), including roles as a military instructor at the U.S. Naval Academy and Associate Professor at the University of Southern Indiana. Dr. Smith’s academic contributions include advancing hybrid course design, integrating industry partnerships into finite element education, and developing hands-on laboratory experiments. She has received the Hartfield Excellence in Teaching Award from The Jefferson Scholars Foundation for her impactful instruction. Her work highlights the intersection of military precision, engineering fundamentals, and innovative teaching methods. Current projects include a Jefferson Trust-funded Moon Base simulation lab for NASA competition training. Her military experience and engineering expertise inform her teaching philosophy, emphasizing practical problem-solving and technical communication. She actively collaborates with industry on experimental design and has published extensively on laboratory pedagogy, reliability analysis, and aerospace systems design since 2001.
Naoki Saito is a Professor in the Department of Mathematics at the University of California, Davis, and the Director of the UC Davis TETRAPODS Institute of Data Science (UCD4IDS). His research lies at the intersection of applied mathematics, signal processing, and data science, with a focus on multiscale analysis and harmonic analysis on graphs and networks. His research interests include Applied and Computational Harmonic Analysis , Graph Signal Processing , Multiscale Transforms , Wavelets , Spectral Graph Theory , and Mathematical Data Representation . He develops theoretical frameworks and practical algorithms for analyzing complex datasets, particularly through the use of Laplacian eigenfunctions and multiscale basis dictionaries. The recent publications reflect a strong trend toward graph-based signal processing , scattering transforms , and topological data analysis . His work emphasizes the construction of natural, adaptive bases for signals on graphs and simplicial complexes, enabling efficient and interpretable data analysis. The integration of harmonic analysis with machine learning techniques is a recurring theme. Although no specific scientific awards are listed in the provided texts, his sustained scholarly output and leadership in the field are evident. Dr. Saito advises a number of students and postdoctoral researchers, including J. Irion, Y. Shao, H. Li, and others. His research has been supported by various grants, though specific funding sources are not detailed in the provided materials. He leads the UCD4IDS, a research institute focused on data science, indicating active involvement in collaborative, interdisciplinary research and academic leadership.
Konstantinos KANAVOURAS is a Doctoral Researcher at the Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT) within the University of Luxembourg, specifically in the Space Systems Engineering research group (SpaSys). He is advised by Prof. Andreas Hein and focuses on model-based systems engineering, software development, and aerospace engineering applications in satellite systems. His research integrates agile methodologies and machine learning for spacecraft design and anomaly detection. Kanavouras holds a Master’s degree from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (2021) and contributed as an avionics engineer to ESA’s AcubeSAT nanosatellite project under the Fly Your Satellite! program. His work emphasizes lightweight data management tools, PocketQube missions like POQUITO, and fractionated satellite systems for planetary observation. His publications highlight trends in small satellite development, including agile systems engineering practices, thermal anomaly detection via machine learning, and adapting space projects to remote collaboration (e.g., during the pandemic). Key projects include the University of Luxembourg’s first PocketQube mission (POQUITO) and lean approaches to spacecraft subsystems. Current affiliations include the SpaSys group at SnT, with a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration between systems engineering and software development. No scientific awards are listed, but his work aligns with cutting-edge space technologies and mission design.
