Ivan Šimac is a Lecturer at the College of Rijeka, Croatia. He teaches courses such as Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence, Mobile Application Development, and Programming Methodologies. His research focuses on machine learning applications in sports analysis, database systems, and natural language processing. He has published works on swimmer detection via machine learning, non-relational database performance, propaganda detection using sentiment analysis, and swimming technique analysis. He is actively involved in curriculum development for object-oriented programming and software engineering. His teaching portfolio includes foundational programming courses (Procedural and Modular Programming) and advanced topics like API development and software engineering practices.
Kerry Hourigan is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering at Monash University. He serves as Director of the Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering (LBE) and Co-Director of the Fluids Laboratory for Aeronautical and Industrial Research (FLAIR), highlighting his leadership in interdisciplinary fluid dynamics research. PhD in Astrophysics, Monash University (1981) BSc in Applied Mathematics and Physics, Monash University (1975) His research centers on fluid dynamics, particularly bluff body flows, flow-induced vibrations, and bio-inspired fluid systems. He combines experimental and computational approaches to study vortex dynamics, fluid-structure interactions, and novel engineering applications in biomedical and aeronautical contexts. His work spans fundamental fluid mechanics to applied engineering solutions. The recent articles highlight a strong trend in using data-driven and machine learning techniques to model and control complex fluid-induced vibrations, especially around bluff and elliptical bodies. His work integrates computational fluid dynamics with physical experiments, often targeting applications in energy harvesting and biomedical devices. The research consistently appears in top-tier journals such as Journal of Fluid Mechanics and Physics of Fluids , reflecting sustained scholarly impact. His primary scientific recognition is as a Fellow of Engineers Australia, awarded in 1996, acknowledging his contributions to engineering science and practice. Lead investigator on multiple ARC and NHMRC-funded projects, including studies on wake transitions, bioreactors for stem cell culture, and intracellular delivery systems. Actively supervises PhD students and collaborates internationally with institutions in France (CNRS), Denmark (Technical University), and the USA (Caltech). He leads the Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering (LBE) and co-directs the Fluids Laboratory for Aeronautical and Industrial Research (FLAIR), both fostering collaborative, cross-disciplinary research in fluid mechanics and biomedical applications.
Saverio E. Spagnolie is a Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison within the College of Engineering, holding dual affiliations in Chemical and Biological Engineering and Mathematics. His research focuses on interdisciplinary fluid-structure interactions and soft matter physics through the Madison Applied Mathematics Laboratory , exploring phenomena like curvature-induced rigidity in elastic sheets, active suspensions in nematic liquid crystals, and microorganism locomotion in complex fluids. Recent work (2025-2024) examines geometric effects on elastic rigidity, arrested wave states in active nematics, and bubble-mediated levitation in supersaturated fluids. His group employs experimental, numerical, and analytical approaches to study biological and synthetic fluid systems. Collaborations span biophysics, materials science, and applied mathematics. Key research themes: Fluid Mechanics, Soft Matter, Biophysics, Applied Math Publications address topics like helical swimming trajectories, vesicle dynamics, and ESCRT-III complex membrane interactions. Funding from NSF and NIH supports his investigations into complex fluids in biological systems, with applications in disease modeling, microfluidics, and material characterization.
Dr. Paweł Żychowicz is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Adapted Physical Activity and Sport, Institute of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Motor Rehabilitation at the Academy of Physical Education in Krakow. He serves as Head of Department since 2010 and is the Rector's Plenipotentiary for Persons with Disabilities since 2007. His academic career spans over two decades, progressing from Assistant to Assistant Professor at the institution. Dr. Żychowicz received his PhD in Physical Culture Sciences in 2004, with a thesis focusing on biological development, body type, and motor skills in children and adolescents with visual impairment. He holds two master's degrees from the University of Physical Education in Krakow - in motor rehabilitation (1996) and physical education (1995). His research interests center on adapted physical activity, occupational therapy for people with disabilities, and sports for people with disabilities. His work explores how physical activity and sports can serve as comprehensive rehabilitation tools for individuals with various disabilities, particularly focusing on children and youth populations. He investigates the relationship between physical fitness, somatic development, and motor skills in people with intellectual disabilities, and examines barriers to participation in extracurricular activities. His publications consistently address practical applications for improving quality of life through physical activity. Dr. Żychowicz's publication record since 2009 shows a strong focus on disability studies and adapted physical activity. His recent work (2021-2024) has expanded into examining children's participation in extracurricular activities, wheelchair rugby training methodologies, and ergonomics in occupational therapy settings. His research demonstrates consistent thematic development with increasing sophistication in methodology and application. Member of Polish Rehabilitation Society (since 2012) Member of Polish Scientific Society of Adapted Physical Activity (since 2012) Member of Polish Occupational Therapy Association (since 2018) Reviewer for Postępy Rehabilitacji journal (2017-2019) Dr. Żychowicz's practical experience extends beyond academia as Vice President for Sports at Special Olympics Poland-Lesser Poland since 2003. He has developed extensive expertise in adapted physical activity through various certifications including as a Nordic walking instructor, Halliwick instructor, and multiple sports coaching qualifications (athletics, volleyball, swimming, gymnastics). His teaching portfolio includes Adapted physical activity, Occupational therapy for people with intellectual disabilities, Inclusive physical activity, and Evidence-based physical activity planning.
