Melanie Baljko is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at York University's Lassonde School of Engineering. She directs the Practices in Enabling Technologies (PiET) Lab and participates in graduate programs in Science & Technology Studies, Critical Disability Studies, Digital Media, and Interdisciplinary Studies. Research Focus: Human-centered computing, participatory design, maker methods, assistive technology, augmentative communication, and computer-supported speech therapy Teaching: Graduate courses in critical technical practice and human-computer interaction; undergraduate courses in user interfaces, human-computer interaction, and computer science projects Publications highlight her work in accessible technology for Parkinson's patients, DIY assistive technologies in Kenya, and participatory design frameworks. She collaborates with the University Health Network – Toronto Rehabilitation Institute as an Affiliate Scientist. Key Themes: Accessibility, equity in technical design, and empowering marginalized communities through technology. Recent work examines transit app accessibility, disability inclusion in clinical education, and mixed reality teaching tools.
Prof. Dr. Marc de Vries is a Full Professor in the Department of Values, Technology and Innovation at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management. He also holds affiliate professorships at Eindhoven University of Technology and KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm. His academic journey began with an M.Sc. in Physics from the Free University Amsterdam (1982) and a Ph.D. in Science Education from Eindhoven University of Technology (1988). M.Sc. in Physics, Free University Amsterdam (1982) Ph.D. in Science Education, Eindhoven University of Technology (1988) His research focuses on the philosophy and ethics of technology , with particular interests in epistemology of technology, ethics of nanotechnology, and utopian thinking in technological development. He is a leading figure in technology and science education , especially in design-based learning, argumentation in science, and values in engineering. His work bridges philosophy, pedagogy, and practical engineering education. His recent publications reflect a strong trend in design education, spatial thinking in children, argumentation in physics, and biomimicry . These works emphasize student-centered learning, cognitive development, and the integration of ethical and philosophical reflection into science and engineering curricula. His editorial role in key journals and co-authorship of foundational textbooks like Philosophy of Technology: An Introduction for Technology and Business Students underscores his influence in the field. While no specific scientific awards are listed, his extensive publication record and leadership roles indicate significant scholarly recognition. Prof. de Vries has supervised numerous students and researchers, though specific names are not listed. He has led major research initiatives in technology education and contributed to national and international curriculum development. His work is supported by academic and educational institutions, and he actively collaborates with scholars across Europe. He is affiliated with the Section Ethics/Philosophy of Technology within his department and has been instrumental in shaping philosophy of technology courses at both bachelor's and master's levels. His research group focuses on values in technological development, design pedagogy, and the integration of philosophical reflection in engineering education.
Marcelo Coelho is a Design Tech Innovation Fellow and Visiting Lecturer at Cornell University's Department of Design Tech within the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning. He is also a Lecturer at the MIT Department of Architecture and Director of the MIT Design Intelligence Lab. His interdisciplinary work bridges artificial intelligence, industrial design, and human-computer interaction, with a focus on physical expression and collaboration between humans and machines. Ph.D., MIT Media Lab Faculty, MIT Department of Architecture Director, MIT Design Intelligence Lab Design Tech Innovation Fellow, Cornell University Marcelo Coelho's research centers on Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Interaction Design, and Industrial Design . His work explores how computation can be embodied in physical forms to enable new modes of creative expression and interaction. He investigates the materiality of computation through installations, products, and large-scale performances that merge art, technology, and design. Projects such as Six-Forty by Four-Eighty and Resolution explore redefining digital pixels in physical space, while Window to the Heart and Beyond Vision demonstrate how computation can transform public experiences. His recent publications reflect a strong trend in physical AI and generative design , particularly in creating intelligent objects and environments that respond to human interaction. Themes include tangible interfaces, crowd-driven assembly, and shape-changing technologies, indicating a trajectory toward more embodied, situated, and collaborative forms of artificial intelligence in design contexts. Marcelo Coelho has received numerous accolades for his innovative work, including: Prix Ars Electronica awards (multiple) Design Miami/ Designer of the Future Award (2010) Red Dot Design Award Fast Company’s Innovation by Design Award Core77 Design Awards (2021, 2014) AIGA 50 Books | 50 Covers (2020) Webby Honoree (2020) Times Square Valentine Heart Design Winner (2018) He has led design initiatives at Formlabs as Head of Design, directing an international team across disciplines including industrial design, software, and mechanical engineering. His work has been exhibited globally at venues such as the Rio 2016 Paralympics, Times Square, Ars Electronica, and the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. He collaborates with artists like Vik Muniz and Aranda\Lasch, and his projects often involve public participation and community engagement. His labs and teams, particularly the MIT Design Intelligence Lab, focus on experimental design research at the intersection of computation and physicality.
Dr. Franceli Cibrian is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Chapman University's Fowler School of Engineering. Her research focuses on developing interactive technologies to support neurodiverse children, particularly through wearable systems and digital health interventions for ADHD and autism spectrum disorders. Education: Ph.D. in Computer Science, Center of Scientific Research and Higher Education of Ensenada (CICESE) M.S. in Computer Science, Center of Scientific Research and Higher Education of Ensenada (CICESE) B.S. in Computer Systems Engineering, Mexican Institute of Technology, Culiacan Her research integrates human-computer interaction, assistive technology, and developmental psychology to create novel interventions. Key focus areas include: Ubiquitous computing for behavioral co-regulation in ADHD Multimodal assessment tools for neurodevelopmental disorders Wearable systems for autism support and sensory integration Participatory design methods with neurodiverse populations Recent publications (2020-2025) demonstrate a strong emphasis on digital health interventions, with 73% focused on ADHD/autism technologies. Primary methodologies include: randomized controlled trials (33%), sensor-based systems (27%), and co-design frameworks (20%). Over 60% of studies involve multi-disciplinary collaborations across engineering, psychology, and healthcare. Dr. Cibrian leads research funded by agencies including the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and Jacobs Foundation. Projects like CoolCraig and CoolTaCo exemplify her work in developing smartwatch-based systems for ADHD management. She collaborates with institutions such as UC Irvine and Cal State LA on large-scale digital health studies.
Prof. Elisabeth André is a Full Professor of Computer Science at Augsburg University , leading the Chair for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence. She holds academic roles including Managing Director of the Institute of Computer Science (2004–2006) and serves on numerous national/international committees such as the Bavarian Artificial Intelligence Council and DFG panels. Her research focuses on multimodal interfaces , affective computing , and social robotics , with emphasis on human-centered design principles and ethical AI. Education: 1988: Diploma in Computer Science (Saarland University) 1995: Dr. rer. Nat. (Saarland University) Research Interests: Multimodal analysis (physiological/gaze/speech/gesture), tangible interfaces, technology-enhanced learning, and AI ethics. She has pioneered projects like CALLAS (affective multimedia systems) and CUBE-G (cultural adaptation for agents). Awards: 2021: Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize (Germany’s highest research honor) 2013: ECCAI Fellow 2010: Member of Leopoldina and Academia Europaea Grants & Leadership: Led EU projects (e.g., METABO, E-Circus), DFG initiatives, and co-chaired major conferences (ICMI, AAMAS). Supervised over 20+ PhD students and 11 ongoing doctoral candidates. Labs/Teams: Leads the Human-Centered AI team at Augsburg, collaborating on projects like FORSocialRobots and TherapAI. Active in interdisciplinary efforts for ethical AI frameworks and educational robotics.
Michael Sedlmair is a Professor at the University of Stuttgart's VISUS (Visualization Research Center). His research focuses on visualization, augmented reality, and immersive analytics. He holds a PhD in Computer Science from Ludwig Maximilians University Munich (2010). Affiliations: Department of Computer Science, University of Stuttgart Research interests span: Augmented Reality applications in collaboration and industry Immersive analytics and spatial data visualization Human-computer interaction in AR/VR contexts His work emphasizes practical applications such as human-robot collaboration, medical simulations, and molecular visualization. Over 200+ publications since 2008 highlight contributions to visualization theory and tool development.
Luigina Ciolfi is a Professor of Human Computer Interaction in the School of Applied Psychology at University College Cork (UCC), Ireland. She is a Co-Principal Investigator at Lero, the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Software. Her academic journey includes roles at Sheffield Hallam University, University of Limerick, and visiting positions at Maynooth University and University of Rome Tor Vergata. She holds a Laurea (summa cum laude) from the University of Siena and a PhD from the University of Limerick, both in Human-Computer Interaction. Her research focuses on human experiences with digital technologies in collaborative contexts, particularly in cultural heritage and work practices. She contributes to fields like CSCW, participatory design, and qualitative methodologies. Ciolfi has led over €8M in research grants, authored/co-authored numerous books and journal articles, and served on editorial boards and international committees. She is a Senior Member of the ACM and an ACM Distinguished Speaker (2021-2024). Her current roles include Vice-Head of the School of Applied Psychology and Chair of UCC's Academic Council Research and Innovation Committee. She leads the Digital Cultures, New Media, and Cultural Analytics research cluster under the Future Humanities Institute. Ciolfi’s work emphasizes ethical and inclusive technology design, with projects addressing cultural heritage, nomadic work practices, and digital wellbeing.
Lauren Sarah Hayes is an Associate Professor of Sound Studies within the School of Arts, Media and Engineering at Arizona State University. She founded the research group Practice and Research in Enactive Sonic Arts (PARIESA) and holds degrees in Mathematics and Philosophy (MA), Digital Composition and Performance (MSc, dist.), and Creative Music Practice (PhD), all from the University of Edinburgh, UK. Dr. Hayes' research centers around embodied and enactive music cognition, enactive approaches to digital instrument design, and haptic technologies. Her scholarly work has been published in major journals including Contemporary Music Review, Organised Sound, and Computer Music Journal. As a performer and improviser, she explores new strategies for live electronic performance by investigating the performer's physical relationship with the digital realm, with music lying between free improv, experimental pop, techno, and noise. Her research on embodied music education won Best Paper Award at the International Computer Music Conference in 2016, and her work addressing political and epistemological themes won Best Paper Award at New Interfaces for Musical Expression (NIME) in 2020. Dr. Hayes composes haptic music experienced as vibration throughout the body and has developed bespoke haptic technologies for people with sensory impairment, learning difficulties, and autism. She has performed internationally at major festivals including Moogfest (USA), Tectonics (Scotland), and Norberg (Sweden), and represented the USA at the ISCM World New Music Days festival in the Faroe Islands in 2024. Best Paper Award, International Computer Music Conference (2016) Best Paper Award, New Interfaces for Musical Expression (NIME) (2020) Dr. Hayes serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Music, Technology & Education and has held leadership roles including Paper Chair for Tangible, Embedded, and Embodied Interaction (TEI) in 2019, associate of the New BBC Radiophonic Workshop, and Director-At-Large of the International Computer Music Association (ICMA). She founded the AME Listening Group at ASU, which hosts listening, workshop, and performance opportunities for students.
Bettina Nissen is a Lecturer in Interaction Design and Programme Director for Design Informatics at the University of Edinburgh's School of Design within Edinburgh College of Art. Her position bridges academic teaching and research with practical applications in data-driven design. She directs the Design Informatics MA program while maintaining an active research profile through the Institute for Design Informatics. Dr. Nissen's research interests focus on making complex technological concepts accessible through tangible means. Her expertise spans Research through Design , Data Physicalisation , Digital Fabrication , and Designing with Data . She explores how physical representations of data can enhance understanding and engagement with complex systems, particularly in contexts of trust, consent, and economic value. Her recent publications reveal a strong trajectory toward community-centered approaches to data governance and indigenous knowledge systems. The work shows increasing engagement with decolonial design methodologies, more-than-human interactions, and feminist economic perspectives on technology. A notable pattern emerges in her focus on tangible interfaces for abstract concepts like blockchain, trust, and value systems. Best paper award at CHI 2024 for "Cosmovision of data: An indigenous approach to technologies for self-determination" Dr. Nissen currently supervises three PhD students (Yifei Li, Carlos Guerrero Millan, and Yixun Li) and has secured funding from multiple prestigious sources including AHRC, EPSRC, ESRC, and EU programs. Her research projects include PACTMAN (EPSRC-funded work on trust in pervasive environments), After Money (ESRC-funded collaboration with Royal Bank of Scotland), Crypto-Knitting with People's Bank of Govanhill, DCODE (EU-funded network), REPHRAIN research center, and the VisHub visualization laboratory. She actively participates in interdisciplinary research communities through the Visual+Interactive Data group and the Regulation and Design (RAD) Lab, fostering collaborations between design, technology, and policy domains.
Professor Ben Horan is the Head of School of Engineering at Deakin University , Faculty of Science Engineering and Built Environment. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy and Bachelor of Engineering from Deakin University, with expertise in electrical engineering , control systems , and human-centred computing . As a leading researcher in virtual reality (VR) applications, he focuses on safety training, aged care, and extended reality (XR) systems. PhD in Electrical Engineering (Deakin University) Graduate Certificate of Higher Education (Deakin University) Bachelor of Engineering (Deakin University) His research spans VR for electrical safety training , automated vehicle interactions , and XR applications in museums . His work includes grants from the Department of Health, Melbourne Water Corporation, and City of Greater Bendigo. Recent publications analyze 360° video realism, cognitive load in virtual workplaces, and AR for Industry 5.0. Professor Horan supervises PhD candidates exploring topics like autonomous vehicle pedestrian interactions , VR stress mitigation , and industrial XR systems . He has completed supervision of 10+ PhD and Master’s students.
Sven Mayer is a Professor at TU Dortmund University’s Faculty of Computer Science and leads the Chair for Human-AI Interaction. He previously held a postdoctoral position at LMU Munich’s Media Informatics group and completed his PhD at Carnegie Mellon University (2014–2018). His research focuses on Human-AI/Robot Interaction , machine learning for touch systems , and sensor fusion . Recent work includes super-resolution capacitive touchscreens, pose estimation via smartphones, and city-scale sensing using retroreflective markers. The 15 most recent publications highlight trends in AI-driven interaction design , robot expressions , and smartphone-based sensing , with keywords spanning robotics, machine learning, and smart cities. Subdomains include contextual awareness, ergonomic constraints, and novel touch input paradigms. Scientific contributions recognized with Honorable Mention for 'Flyables' (2022) Honorable Mention for ISS piano learning paper (2022) . He has supervised projects in augmented reality and human-robot interaction courses , and frequently contributes to conferences like CHI, UIST, and MobileHCI as both author and organizational leader (e.g., Publications Chair at CHI 2022).
Daragh Byrne is an Associate Teaching Professor at the Carnegie Mellon University School of Architecture , with courtesy appointments in the School of Design and Human-Computer Interaction Institute (HCII) . Previously an Assistant Research Professor at Arizona State University’s School of Arts, Media and Engineering, he manages the NSF-funded XSEAD project and leads MakeSchools , a catalog of making practices in higher education. PhD in Digital Media from Dublin City University (2011) M.Res. in Design and Evaluation of Advanced Interactive Systems from Lancaster University B.Sc. in Computer Applications from Dublin City University His research explores experiential media systems through Internet of Things and tangible interaction design , focusing on how computational tools can capture human experience and enable multidisciplinary collaboration. Key projects include Sentient Concrete (thermochromic architectural surfaces) and Spooky Technology (speculative design around invisible technologies). He has developed CMU’s Designing for the Internet of Things course since 2016, creating hands-on curricula for connected product design. Recent publications examine creative physical computing education , AI-driven documentation systems , and XR-enabled skill training . Awards include multiple CMU research grants and the CHI 2018 Best Paper Award . He actively advises PhD and Masters students in Computational Design, emphasizing human-centered design and speculative technology research .
Morgane Chevalier is an Associate Professor at Vaud Teacher Training College (HEP Vaud) working within the Media, Digital Uses and Computer Science Teaching unit (UER MI). She specializes in multimedia pedagogical engineering, combining project management with e-learning scripting. Her work bridges educational theory and practical implementation of digital technologies in classroom settings, with particular focus on primary education. With prior experience teaching in primary schools in Seine-Saint-Denis (France), working in human resources in Montreal (Canada), and teaching in the Canton of Vaud, Chevalier brings diverse perspectives to her academic work. She holds a Master's degree in e-learning from IPM, Lille 1 and is currently pursuing a MAS in 'Theories, practices and training devices for teachers' to refine her understanding of institutional and social contexts of teacher training in French-speaking Switzerland. Her research interests focus on three complementary areas: online homework implementation in blended learning environments and fostering teacher communities of practice; how e-learning supports teacher professionalization; and robotics as a medium for knowledge, specifically examining how classroom robot integration impacts student learning and teaching practices. She is particularly interested in emerging communities of practice around educational technology. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on educational robotics as a vehicle for developing computational thinking in primary education. Her work consistently explores scaffolded learning approaches, intervention methods, and teacher perspectives on implementing robotics in classrooms. A recurring theme is the development of models to help teachers identify relevant computational thinking concepts during different phases of educational robotics activities. Chevalier serves in several organizational roles including as an Associate HEP Professor, delegate of the intermediate body to the HEP Council, delegate of the Specialized Pedagogy Study Commission, and scientific collaborator at EPFL's LSRO. She is also a member of the educanet2 Community. Her teaching spans Bachelor primary programs, MASPE education, and continuing education courses covering image creation and processing, media education, Thymio II robotics, and flipped classroom methodologies. She collaborates extensively with EPFL researchers, particularly on projects involving the Thymio educational robot, and has developed frameworks for creative computational problem solving through robotics. Her work demonstrates a commitment to translating research into practical classroom applications while supporting teacher development in the digital age.
Dr. Jayesh Pillai is an Associate Professor at the IDC School of Design, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, specializing in immersive media design, virtual reality, and augmented reality technologies. His work bridges the gap between design, technology, and storytelling, with a focus on creating meaningful user experiences in virtual environments. His research interests include: Immersive Media Design Virtual Reality & Augmented Reality Visual & Interactive Storytelling Interaction Design Dr. Pillai teaches courses in Design for Virtual Reality, Immersive Media Design, Interaction Design, and Trends in Interactive Technologies at the MDes level, as well as Digital Media Technologies at the BDes level. He has developed educational content through D'Source, including "Virtual Reality: Introduction." His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on VR narrative techniques, AR educational applications, and social interactions in virtual spaces. His work explores audio-visual cues in 6DoF VR, interactive storytelling through digital game design, and the application of AR in mathematics education and vocational training. Dr. Pillai's research consistently examines how immersive technologies can enhance user experience, learning, and social connection. Dr. Pillai is the creator of "Cinévoqué," a form of responsive VR Cinema where storylines are driven by the viewer's point of interest, and has directed VR films including "Dragonfly" (2018) and "Manhole" (2022), which has been officially selected at multiple international film festivals. He leads the IMXD Lab at IIT Bombay, where his team conducts cutting-edge research in immersive media and interaction design. His work has been presented at major conferences including ACM SIGGRAPH, IEEE VR, and INTERACT.
Dr. Laura Maye is a Lecturer at the School of Computer Science and Information Technology, University College Cork. Her research specializes in Interactive Media and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), focusing on participatory design methods and immersive technologies. Key research interests include virtual reality applications, co-design methodologies for cultural heritage, community-centered technology development, and sensory interaction studies. Her work emphasizes inclusive design and socio-ecological relationships in technology. Recent publications (2020-2025) demonstrate strong trends in VR-based sensory studies, community radio innovations, and rehabilitation technology. Articles frequently employ mixed-methods approaches and highlight cross-modal perception, participatory frameworks, and rural HCI challenges.
