Ningning Hou is a Lecturer in Computing (IoT/Networking) at Macquarie University's School of Computing. They are affiliated with the Future Communications Research Centre and Data Horizons Research Centre. Previously, they served as a Postdoctoral Fellow at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and earned their PhD in Computer Science from PolyU in 2021, followed by a B.Eng. in Telecommunication Engineering from Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications (2017). Research Interests: Low Power Wide Area Networks (LPWANs) Internet-of-Things (IoT) Wireless Sensing and Networking Wireless Security Recent research focuses on enhancing LoRa communication through innovations like full-duplex gateways (FDLoRa) and scalable logical channels (XGate), addressing challenges in network scalability, signal interference, and security threats. Their work spans topics such as data aggregation efficiency, antenna diversity, and covert channel mitigation. Advising: Actively seeking self-motivated PhD students and researchers for projects in LPWANs, edge computing, and wireless security. Labs/Teams: Involved with Future Communications Research Centre and Data Horizons Research Centre.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sema Alaçam Doğan has been affiliated with Istanbul Technical University since 2014, serving as an Associate Professor in the Department of Architecture . She has held administrative roles including Deputy Head of Department and Erasmus Coordinator. Education : PhD in Informatics in Architectural Design (2008-2014), MS in Informatics in Architectural Design (2005-2008), and BS in Architecture (1999-2005) from Istanbul Technical University. Her research explores Computational Design , Artificial Intelligence in Architecture , and Sustainable Material Innovation . She investigates digital tools for heritage preservation, daylight optimization in BIM, and cognitive development in architecture students. Recent publications analyze AI-assisted design literacy , machine learning for Sinan mosques , and environmental comfort in Harran houses . Her work integrates algorithmic frameworks with sustainable practices. Scientific awards include multiple ITU Publication and Performance Awards (2021-2024), FABFEST Prizes , and the 2024 Artemis Educator Award from NASA. Active projects like "Physical Computation in Architectural Drawing" and "Robotic Fabrication with Recycled Wind Turbine Blades" demonstrate her leadership in computational and sustainable research.
Anastasia Ailamaki is a Professor at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL), renowned for her work in database systems and data management . Her research focuses on optimizing query processing for modern hardware, particularly GPUs and heterogeneous systems, and advancing cloud data analytics with serverless architectures like PixelDB . She has co-authored influential frameworks for adaptive query optimization , hardware-conscious database engines , and model-relational data management . Key research areas: GPU acceleration , HTAP , query approximation , spatial data processing , and cloud-native databases . Recent work emphasizes cross-task optimizations in distributed environments, efficient sampling , and context-aware joins integrating vector embeddings. In 2023, she contributed to adaptive recursive query optimization and speculative K-means clustering, while 2024 publications addressed proportional caching (HPCache) and model-relational systems . Her collaborations span institutions such as MIT, Microsoft, and ETH Zurich, with publications in top venues like SIGMOD , VLDB , and ICDE .
Ian Ewart is an Associate Professor at the University of Reading's School of the Built Environment, serving as Head of Construction and Engineering Management and Research Group Lead for Organisation, People and Technology. He chairs the Research Ethics Committee since 2016 and supervises undergraduate/postgraduate dissertations. His academic journey spans engineering and anthropology: DPhil Social and Cultural Anthropology, University of Oxford, St Hugh's College (2007-2012) MSc Material Anthropology and Museum Ethnography, University of Oxford, St Hugh's College (2006-2007) BA (Hons) Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Oxford, Harris Manchester College (2003-2006) Diploma in Management Studies, University of the West of England (1990-1994) BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering, Staffordshire University (1983-1987) Ewart's research integrates ethnographic methods with digital technology studies, examining human-technology interactions in construction and domestic settings. His work bridges engineering practice and social anthropology, focusing on skill transmission, sustainable design, and multisensory experiences in virtual environments. Publications from 2025-2013 reveal a dominant trajectory in digital twins for socio-ecological sustainability, VR-based occupant behavior prediction, and HBIM for heritage conservation. The corpus demonstrates consistent cross-disciplinary innovation, merging archaeological reconstructions with healthcare applications while maintaining anthropological rigor. Key recognition: ESRC Future Research Leader fellowship (2013) for Designing Healthy Homes project He supervises PhD candidates like Afolabi Dania (Nigerian sustainable construction) and Joanna Hull (Heritage BIM), leveraging ESRC funding for ethnography-VR health studies. His grants emphasize participatory design and real-world impact assessment in built environments. Leaders the Organisation, People and Technology research group, developing multisensory Roman town reconstructions with sound/smell integration to advance archaeological and architectural experience modeling.
Toni Kotnik is an Associate Professor in the Department of Architecture at Aalto University, Finland. He holds dual expertise in mathematics and architecture, with a Ph.D. from the University of Zurich and a second degree in architecture. His roles include principal of d’HKL , a Zurich-based experimental architecture firm, and adjunct lecturer at institutions like Harvard University and the Bartlett School of Architecture. His research focuses on integrating science, engineering, and computation into architectural design, emphasizing structural innovation and sustainability. Education: Ph.D. in Mathematics (Dr. sc. Nat.), University of Zurich, 1999 Second degree in Architecture Research Interests: Computational design and generative systems Structural aesthetics and neuroaesthetics Sustainable urban and architectural solutions Parametric modeling and material systems Key Contributions: Advances in graphic statics and form-finding Design strategies for high-density urban environments Integration of AI and generative tools in architectural practice Recent Work Trends: Recent articles emphasize computational methods for industrial layout optimization, AI’s role in architecture, and embodied perception in structural design. His work bridges theoretical research with practical applications, such as the Singapore Hawker Centre redesign and experimental structures like hypar-combined shells. Awards: Aalto University Doctoral Thesis Awards (2022) Best Presentation Award (2019) Oscari-Vilamo Award (2023) Advising & Grants: Supervised 4 theses, including recipients of awards like the Metex Award shortlist. Active in international academic networks, serving on conference committees (e.g., International Association for Shell and Spatial Structures) and editorial roles (e.g., Automation in Construction journal). Labs & Teams: Leads the d’HKL studio, collaborating globally on projects like the AA/ETH Pavilion and the Hypercube for Gardens by the Bay. Research focuses on experimental design and material systems.
Zackary Johnson , the Juli Plant Grainger Associate Professor of Biological Oceanography and Marine Biotechnology at Duke University, leads interdisciplinary research at the intersection of marine microbiology and biogeochemical innovation. Affiliated with the Nicholas School of the Environment and based at the Duke Marine Laboratory , his work spans microbial ecology, algal biotechnology, and climate mitigation strategies. Education: Ph.D. in Marine Science (Duke University, 2004), B.S. in Biology (MIT, 1994) Research Interests focus on marine microbial communities, particularly the model phytoplankton Prochlorococcus , algal cultivation for sustainable bioproducts, and the ecological impacts of ocean acidification. His lab investigates microbial interactions across diverse environments—from coastal estuaries to open-ocean gyres—and develops technologies for carbon-negative aquaculture systems. Publications highlight expertise in microbial biogeography, algal biofuels, and climate-resilient marine food webs. Recent work explores drone-based ocean color sensing, Gulf Stream eddy microbiomes, and the role of Labyrinthulomycetes protists in carbon export. Scientific Awards: Juli Plant Grainger Associate Professorship DOE and NSF-funded projects Grants include high-profile initiatives like the Marine Algae Industrialization Consortium (MAGIC) and REU Site program for coastal research training. His lab maintains a dedicated research site for studying microbial dynamics and sustainable algal cultivation.
Yini Chen is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Apparel, Merchandising, Design and Textiles at Washington State University (WSU), part of the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS). Their work focuses on retail innovation, consumer behavior, and sustainable practices in the fashion industry. Education: PhD in Individual Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program, WSU MS in Apparel, Merchandising, Design, and Textiles (AMDT), WSU MA in Organizational Leadership, Gonzaga University BS in Business Administration (B.B.A.), International Business, University of Technology Sydney, Australia AS in Business Administration and Management, Shanghai University, China Research Interests: Chen’s research explores omnichannel retail strategies, lifestyle retailing in emerging markets, consumer responses to sustainability initiatives, and the impact of technology (e.g., AR, social media) on shopping behavior. Key themes include: Omni-channel integration and consumer decision-making Environmental stimuli in luxury retail environments Sustainability in apparel recycling and material innovation Millennial consumer behavior in fashion consumption Publications: Chen’s recent work highlights trends in sustainable materials (e.g., regenerated cellulose fibers), post-pandemic retail shifts, and omnichannel strategies. Over 15 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters since 2017 reflect a focus on empirical studies of consumer behavior and retail innovation. Awards & Honors: 2nd Place, 2022 GPSA Research Expo Poster Competition CAHNRS 2021 Graduate Student Leadership Award 2022 GPSA Excellence Awards Graduate Student Instructor Awardee WSU 2020 President’s Award for Leadership Grants & Advising: PI on a $2,000 CAHNRS-funded 2023 study exploring metaverse shopping experiences. Teaches courses in retailing, sustainability, and leadership, emphasizing practical applications of research findings. Labs/Teams: Engaged in cross-disciplinary collaborations within CAHNRS and WSU’s School of Food Science to address retail and supply chain challenges in the apparel industry.
Sibel Alumur Alev is an Associate Professor and Associate Chair of Graduate Studies at the University of Waterloo. Her research focuses on logistics network design, hub location optimization, and sustainable transportation systems. She actively contributes to the fields of operations research and supply chain management, with a strong emphasis on addressing uncertainty in network design and strategic infrastructure planning. Her work spans applications in autonomous mobility systems, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, healthcare logistics, and pandemic response. She has published extensively on hub-and-spoke network models, reverse logistics for environmental sustainability, and multi-period resource allocation strategies. Notable areas of interest include the integration of stochastic and robust optimization methodologies into real-world logistics challenges. Dr. Alev’s research also bridges academic and industrial needs, addressing practical problems such as optimal testing center locations during pandemics and strategic freight hub expansions. Her contributions have been featured in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings, reflecting her commitment to advancing both theoretical and applied aspects of logistics and operations research.
Dr. Lesley Batty is a Reader in Ecological Education at the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham. She plays key leadership roles as Head of Wellbeing and Head of Employability and Placements within the School, reflecting her strong commitment to student development and inclusive education. Her educational background includes a PhD from the University of Sheffield, an MRes and BSc from the University of Reading, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching from the University of Birmingham. She is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a HEFi Scholar, underscoring her excellence in teaching. Dr. Batty's research centers on the ecology of industrial pollution, particularly in post-mining landscapes. She investigates phytoremediation techniques for contaminated soils, focusing on heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Her work extends to ecological education, where she explores inclusive teaching practices, barriers in STEM laboratories, and the integration of employability skills into the curriculum. She is actively involved in national educational policy through her role as Lead Secretary of the British Ecological Society Special Interest Group in Teaching and Learning and as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Geochemical Exploration. Her recent publications reveal a dual focus: one stream on environmental contamination and remediation (e.g., metal and PAH pollution in brownfield sites, phytoremediation with bacteria and chelates), and another on innovative pedagogy in geography and ecology (e.g., virtual field trips, inclusive lab practices, and the future of fieldwork education). This reflects her unique position at the intersection of environmental science and educational leadership. Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) HEFi Scholar Lead Secretary, British Ecological Society Special Interest Group in Teaching and Learning Dr. Batty is a dedicated educator and researcher who bridges the gap between environmental science and pedagogical innovation. She has made significant contributions to both her field of research and the national discourse on ecological education. Her leadership in student wellbeing and employability, combined with her research on pollution and inclusive learning, demonstrates a holistic approach to academic life. She actively supervises research, as evidenced by her co-authorship with doctoral researchers, and welcomes PhD applications in her areas of expertise. She is a key member of several research groups, including those focused on Physical Geography, Global Biogeochemistry, and Environmental Health Sciences at the University of Birmingham. Her collaborative work, especially in large consortia on conservation education, highlights her strong network and impact in the academic community.
Dr. Dirk Oudes is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Landscape Architecture and Spatial Planning at Wageningen University. His research focuses on the intersection of renewable energy transitions and landscape transformation, particularly solar power plants and agrivoltaics in the Netherlands. He explores how solar energy systems interact with agricultural landscapes, urban planning, and policy frameworks, emphasizing sustainable land use and climate adaptation. Recent trends in his publications highlight spatial analysis of solar infrastructure, regulatory challenges in energy projects, and circular economy principles in agrivoltaics. His work often bridges academic research with practical implementation, as seen in reports and media engagements addressing landscape aesthetics, public acceptance, and policy-relevant findings. Dr. Oudes collaborates with researchers like Sven Stremke and actively participates in workshops, keynote speeches, and expert consultations. He supervises PhD projects on landscape-inclusive energy transitions and spatial quality frameworks, contributing to both academic discourse and professional practice in sustainable design.
Alexander Hollberg is an Associate Professor in the Division of Building Technology at Chalmers University of Technology, within the School of Architecture and Civil Engineering. His academic role focuses on Computational Sustainable Design, emphasizing the development of digital tools for sustainable building and urban design. He holds a PhD in Parametric Life Cycle Assessment (2016) from Bauhaus University Weimar, an MSc in Architectural Engineering (2011), and a BSc in Civil Engineering (2008) from Technical University of Munich (TUM). His research interests include Sustainable Design Optimization, Stakeholder Interaction, Artificial Intelligence, and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). He co-founded CAALA, a software and consulting startup in Munich, Germany, advancing tools for real-time environmental performance evaluation in early design stages. Recent work includes studies on digital twins for urban planning, robust renovation strategies, and AI-driven facade optimization. Hollberg was promoted to Docent (Associate Professor) in Computational Sustainable Design in 2022, focusing on bridging computational methods with sustainable environmental transitions. His collaborative projects address tool development for stakeholder engagement, BIM integration, and circular economy frameworks in construction. Key Projects: Development of Bombyx and Twinable tools for real-time LCA and urban simulation Leading the Nordic Build-LCA PhD forum and BIM-based LCSA applications Contributions to IEA EBC Annex 72 guidelines on life cycle environmental impacts Education Background: PhD in Parametric Life Cycle Assessment, Bauhaus University Weimar, 2016 MSc in Architectural Engineering, Bauhaus University Weimar, 2011 BSc in Civil Engineering, Technical University of Munich, 2008 His research outputs prioritize early design-stage decision support through parametric modeling and AI, with a focus on carbon neutrality and material circularity in construction.
Evan Davies is a Professor in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department at the University of Alberta's Faculty of Engineering. He has been a Full Professor since July 2021, following his promotion from Associate Professor (2015-2021) and Assistant Professor (2009-2015) positions at the same institution. Education: Ph.D. (Civil and Environmental Engineering), The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario (2003-2007) M.E.S. (Environment and Resource Studies), The University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario with field research in China and India (2001-2003) B.A.Sc. (Systems Design Engineering), The University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, including a year-long exchange at Technical University of Hamburg-Harburg, Germany (1995-2001) Evan Davies' primary research focuses on water resources planning and management, systems thinking and modeling, and sustainable development. His work develops and applies hydrological, water use, and water quality models to understand complex feedbacks among water availability, use, and quality within their social, economic, and environmental contexts. His research spans municipal to global spatial scales and daily to decadal time scales, aiming to provide decision-makers with tools to compare structural, management, and policy alternatives for sustainable water planning. His recent projects include global and regional-scale modeling of water security and the water-energy-food nexus, irrigation reservoir management, municipal water demand projections, flood risk management, and chloramine dissipation in stormwater pipes. Recent research trends show a strong focus on: Integrated assessment modeling of water-energy-food systems Climate change impacts on water resources Machine learning applications in hydrology Water security under decarbonization scenarios Flood risk assessment and management Sustainable urban water systems Scientific Awards: Faculty of Engineering Graduate Teaching Award, University of Alberta (2020-2021) Faculty of Engineering Undergraduate Teaching Award, University of Alberta (2018-2019) Doctoral Fellowship (CGS), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (2005-2007) University of Western Ontario Graduate Tuition Scholarship (2005-2007) Ontario Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology (2004-2005) Masters/Doctoral Fellowship (PGS A/B), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (2002-2004) Davies has supervised numerous graduate students working on projects related to water resources planning and management. His research has been supported by various grants, including funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council. He collaborates extensively with researchers at the Joint Global Change Research Institute (JGCRI) in College Park, MD, and with government agencies and industry partners on water management projects across Canada, particularly in Alberta's Bow River basin. Davies leads a research group focused on water resources systems modeling, which employs system dynamics, optimization techniques, and machine learning approaches to address complex water management challenges. His team collaborates with decision-makers and stakeholders to ensure research outcomes are directly applicable to real-world water management problems.
Saleh Taghvaeian is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Systems Engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a Faculty Fellow at the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute. His research focuses on precision irrigation systems, water resource management, and climate-resilient agricultural practices. He holds a Ph.D. in Irrigation Engineering from Utah State University and academic degrees from Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran. Education: Ph.D., Irrigation Engineering, Utah State University M.S., Irrigation Engineering, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran B.S., Irrigation Engineering, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran Research Interests: His work integrates remote sensing, hydrological modeling, and machine learning to address challenges in irrigation efficiency, drought response, and sustainable water use. Key areas include soil moisture dynamics, crop water productivity, and the application of big data in agricultural systems. Publications Trends: Recent articles emphasize GRACE data downscaled analysis for water storage monitoring, AquaCrop modeling for crop performance under water stress, and machine learning applications in precision agriculture. His work spans transboundary water basins (Indus), U.S. High Plains, and Oklahoma Panhandle regions. Awards: 2021 Oklahoma State University Distinguished Early Career Faculty Award 2019 ASABE Larry W. Turner Young Extension Professional Award 2018 Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service Honor Award Grants and Advising: Leads research projects on irrigation energy conservation, soil salinity mitigation, and agricultural drought resilience. Collaborates with institutions like USDA, UCOWR, and international partners on transboundary water management. Labs/Teams: Active in Nebraska's Water for Food Institute, leading interdisciplinary teams developing decision-support tools for irrigators and policymakers. Engaged in extension programs promoting smart irrigation technologies and water policy advocacy.
Prof. Bernd Domer is an Associate Professor at the Geneva School of Landscape, Engineering and Architecture (HES-SO) specializing in Building Information Modeling (BIM) , Geographic Information Systems (GIS) , and digital transformation of civil engineering . He leads multiple ongoing research projects including CU_OFROU_PAB (CHF278,844) focused on BIM-GIS workflows for noise barriers, and SousEtoile (CHF50,000) developing subsurface prediction models for urban planning. His work addresses critical challenges in software interoperability and point cloud processing for infrastructure digital twins. BA HES-SO in Architecture (HEPIA) BSc Civil Engineering (EPFL) BSc HES-SO in Civil Engineering (HEPIA) MSc HES-SO in Engineering (HES-SO Master) His research explores digital workflows for infrastructure projects, with over 15 recent publications examining topics like: Semantic segmentation of point clouds (2024) IFC standard optimization (2023) Underground confidence level modeling (2021) Swiss BIM implementation frameworks (2020) Construction waste management platforms (2018) He serves as Head of the MIC Group and co-directs the CAS in BIM Coordination . Active in international committees like EG-ICE and Bauen digital Schweiz , his work bridges academic research with practical implementation through collaborations with HEPIA , HEIG-VD , and institutions like the Swiss Federal Roads Office (OFROU) .
Liu Ye is a Professor at The University of Queensland (UQ) within the School of Chemical Engineering. She leads the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) research program at UQ Urban Water Engineering and has secured over AU$10M in competitive research funding. Her work focuses on achieving net-zero emissions through innovations in urban wastewater systems, with collaborations spanning 15+ water utilities, governments, and technology firms like Suez and Veolia. Research Areas: Greenhouse gas mitigation, sludge minimization, biogas production, advanced biological nutrient removal, online process control, and resource recovery from wastes. Key Awards: Research Innovation Award (Australia Water Association), UQ Foundation Research Excellence Award, EAIT Faculty Teaching Excellence Award, and Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). Teaching: Courses include CHEE2020 (Process Equipment and Control), CHEE2501 (Environmental Systems Engineering I), CHEE4012 (Industrial Wastewater Management), and thesis supervision. Leadership: Associate Editor for Environmental Science: Water Research and Technology , member of IWA Strategic Council, and contributor to industry peak bodies like WSAA and WaterRA. Recent Articles: Her 2025 publications highlight strategies for balancing energy recovery with GHG emissions, systematic frameworks for N2O quantification, and advancements in phosphorus removal. Earlier works (2024–2022) explore electrochemical iron applications, ferric salt enhancements, and hybrid modeling techniques combining mechanistic and deep learning approaches. Scientific Impact: Her research has driven a 35% reduction in N2O emissions at an Adelaide treatment plant, saving $50M annually, and pioneered free nitrous acid (FNA) technology for biofilm control and sludge reduction.
