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Fernando Rodriguez Jr.View profile

Assistant Professor

• Educational Psychology
• Learning Analytics
• Self-Regulated Learning
• +5 more

Fernando Rodriguez Jr. is an Assistant Professor at the University of California, Irvine's School of Education. He directs the Education, Technology & Culture (ETC) Lab and co-directs the IES-funded Career Pathways for Researching Learning and Education, Analytics and Data Science (CP-LEADS) program. B.A. in Psychology from California State University, Northridge (CSUN) Master's in Developmental Psychology from the University of Michigan Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the University of Michigan Dr. Rodriguez's research integrates cognitive theories to enhance student learning. He specializes in: Learning analytics to analyze online platform data for learning behaviors Self-regulated learning and its impact on academic outcomes Social learning theories applied to peer-driven online environments (e.g., Flip, YouTube, Perusall) Dual-process theories of cognition examining critical thinking and persuasive texts His work bridges educational psychology, data science, and instructional technology to optimize digital learning experiences. Scientific recognition includes: Fellowship at the International Max Planck Research School on the Life Course Support from the NIMH-COR training program during undergraduate studies As co-director of the CP-LEADS program, he mentors emerging scholars in education data science methodologies. His research lab investigates how cognitive frameworks can inform adaptive learning technologies and collaborative digital pedagogies.

Kirti RuikarView profile

Associate Professor

• Digital Construction
• Building Information Modeling (BIM)
• Data Science in Construction
• +7 more

Dr. Kirti Ruikar is a Reader in Digital Construction with 19 years of experience, specializing in applying digital technologies like BIM and AI to enhance safety, resilience, and performance in construction and infrastructure projects. She holds a BArch, MSc, and EngD, and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA). As a University Special Envoy for India, she bridges international collaborations. Her research focuses on BIM integration for site safety and sustainability, Data-driven solutions for infrastructure projects, AI applications in construction safety, Public-Private Partnerships in developing countries, Enterprise systems optimization, and policy interventions in roadworks management. Notable projects include Data Lakes for Indian highways (collaboration with IIT Delhi), BIM-based safety frameworks for staircases and ladders, Social network analysis for knowledge management, and FCDO-funded automated construction safety systems. Her work spans over 150 publications, including 3 books and 50 journal papers, with a strong emphasis on Q1 journals. She has secured £1m+ in funding from Innovate UK, EPSRC, and international bodies. Collaborations include Asite, Arup, and Derby City Council. Her research outputs highlight trends in Industry 4.0 adoption, AI-driven safety systems, and leveraging data lakes for infrastructure resilience. She advocates for ethical innovation and cross-disciplinary collaboration to address global construction challenges.

Ondrej VaculinView profile

Professor

• Passive Vehicle Safety
• Automated Driving
• Vehicle Dynamics
• +3 more

Prof. Ondrej Vaculin, Ph.D., is a Professor at Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt (THI), specializing in passive vehicle safety, mechatronic systems, and automated driving. He joined THI in 2018 and previously held roles at TÜV SÜD Prague (2008–2018) as Vice President for Safety and Security in Automotive, and as a researcher at Czech Technical University (2005–2008) and DLR Oberpfaffenhofen (2000–2005). His research focuses on enhancing vehicle safety through advanced simulation, sensor integration, and machine learning applications. Education: Ph.D. in Mechanics of Solids, Deformable Bodies and Continua from Czech Technical University in Prague (2001), and a degree in Technical Cybernetics from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering at the same university (1991). His work bridges theoretical research and practical implementation, addressing challenges in automated driving systems, crash simulation, and human body diversity in safety design. Research interests include passive safety systems, autonomous vehicle dynamics, and infrastructure integration for safety enhancements. Recent publications emphasize collaborative smart infrastructure, sensor fusion for free space detection, and machine learning in crash detection. He actively contributes to FISITA, serving as a Council Delegate and member of technical committees. Awards/memberships: Active in FISITA, holding leadership roles in technical committees. No explicit awards listed, though his contributions to automotive safety standards are notable. Grants and advising: While no specific grants or students are detailed, his extensive industry and academic collaborations (e.g., IN2Lab testing field projects) highlight his role in applied research and development.

• Explainable Artificial Intelligence Applications in Cyber Security
• Information Security
• Self-Protecting System
• +2 more

Dr. Sharmin Jahan serves as a tenure-tracked Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Oklahoma State University since August 2022. Her research centers on dynamic security assurance for autonomous systems (self-adaptive systems) through explainable AI models that interpret uncertain operational environments to enable autonomous security decision-making and compliance maintenance. Her educational background includes a Ph.D. and Master's in Computer Science from the University of Tulsa (2018-2021), and a B.Sc. in Computer Science and Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (2007-2012). She teaches Introduction to Computer Security (CS 4243/5243) and leads Dr. Jahan's Lab focused on security for autonomous systems. Research interests span Explainable AI in Cyber Security, IoT Security, Self-Protecting Systems, and Micro-service Security. Her work develops frameworks that embed security awareness in dynamic systems, using XAI to interpret environmental uncertainty and maintain security compliance through autonomous adaptation. Current projects explore machine learning models for security analysis and XAI challenges in domain-specific security applications. Recent publications (2025-2020) demonstrate concentrated research on security assurance in self-adaptive systems, particularly for IoT and microservice architectures. Key trends include XAI-driven anomaly detection, security profile extraction from operational data, and risk-adaptive access control. Subfield specializations cover service mesh security, blockchain-based access frameworks, runtime trust evaluation, and autonomous threat containment. Scientific awards include: Principal Investigator for 2023 Arts and Sciences Summer Research Award on XAI-enhanced security awareness in autonomous systems Senior personnel on 2022 NSF RET Grant for Big Data and Machine Learning research experiences She advises M.Sc. student Masrufa Bayesh and teaches graduate/undergraduate security courses. Her lab actively investigates frameworks for security assurance in dynamic environments, with emphasis on IoT and microservice architectures requiring continuous adaptation to environmental changes while maintaining security compliance. Dr. Jahan's research team develops analysis and assessment models to determine security compliance degradation risks and optimal adaptation strategies, enhancing system resiliency through separate analytical frameworks integrated with her PhD-developed assessment methodology.

Mario HarperView profile

Assistant Professor

• Machine Learning
• Data Science
• Robotics
• +2 more

Mario Harper is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Utah State University. His research emphasizes Machine Learning, Data Science, Robotics, and their intersections with Finance and Artificial Intelligence. He specializes in autonomous systems, energy-efficient robotics, and AI-driven solutions for transportation and urban sustainability. His work includes developing tools like simulators for electric vehicle systems and stealth-centric navigation algorithms inspired by biological systems. Key research areas include multi-robot coordination, reinforcement learning applications in robotics, and algorithmic approaches to environmental and economic challenges. He has contributed to projects like POSEIDON-SAT for satellite-based fishing vessel detection and electrified transportation equity analysis in urban settings. His publications span topics from trajectory planning in legged robots to AI modeling for economic systems. Beyond research, he designs interactive visualization tools to support policy decisions on sustainable transportation infrastructure. No scientific awards are explicitly listed in the provided information. Mario Harper’s advising and grants focus on robotics, energy systems, and AI applications, though specific student advisees or grant details are not detailed here. He collaborates on projects involving lab tools such as the Unknown Building Exploration Simulator (UBES) and Stealth Centric Autonomous Robot Simulator (SCARS), advancing robotic autonomy in unstructured environments.

Kudirat AyinlaView profile

Lecturer

• Digital Technology in Construction
• Sustainable Construction Methods
• Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning in AEC
• +3 more

Kudirat Ayinla is a Lecturer in Construction Management and Programme Lead for the BSc (Hons) in Commercial Management and Quantity Surveying at the University of Loughborough. Her research focuses on enhancing construction industry efficiency through digital technologies like AI, BIM, and Digital Twins, with specific emphasis on offsite construction methods and sustainability. Education: BEng, MSc, PhD, PGCert Professional Affiliations: MCIOB, FHEA Key research areas include knowledge-based modeling, AI applications in construction, and circular economy integration in waste management. She leads the British Council UK grant project on Digital Manufacturing and collaborates with the Council for the Heads of the Built Environment on apprenticeship studies. Her recent articles explore TDABC models for offsite manufacturing, AI impacts on costing practices, and BREEAM perceptions in the industry. She actively supervises PhD candidates researching ontology applications and modern construction methods.

Cynthia Marie D'AngeloView profile

Assistant Professor

• Science Education
• Learning Analytics
• Collaborative Learning
• +3 more

Assistant Professor in Educational Psychology and Curriculum at University of Illinois specializing in science education and technology-enhanced learning. PI of $1.5M NSF project developing learning analytics for face-to-face collaboration. Research focuses on leveraging speech analytics, augmented reality, and NGSS-aligned assessments to improve STEM education. Published extensively on collaborative learning analytics and educational technology. Research examines student interaction patterns using advanced audio analysis techniques in STEM classrooms. Publications focus on technology-enhanced collaborative learning, virtual labs, and multimodal analytics frameworks.

Randall W SadlerView profile

Professor

• Technology-Infused Language Teaching
• Virtual Worlds and VR in Education
• Second Language Acquisition
• +3 more

Dr. Randall W. Sadler is a Professor of Linguistics and Director of the MATESL/ESL Programs at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He specializes in technology-infused language teaching, with a focus on Virtual Reality (VR), Telecollaboration, and Virtual Worlds. His research explores how these technologies enhance second language acquisition (SLA) and language learning environments. He is also co-owner of the EduNation Islands in Second Life, where he engages in immersive educational projects through his avatar Randall Renoir. His teaching includes courses on L2 reading/writing, technology in language teaching, and SLA fundamentals. Research interests center on leveraging digital tools to improve language instruction, particularly in virtual environments. Recent publications (2022–2024) highlight VR applications for data collection, EFL communication strategies, and XR innovations in language education. Dr. Sadler’s work bridges theoretical SLA frameworks with practical technology integration, emphasizing real-world language learning experiences. He collaborates internationally on projects exploring virtual worlds’ educational potential and contributes to journals like ReCALL , CALICO Journal , and Language Learning & Technology .

• Healthcare Design
• Human-Centered Design
• Ergonomics
• +5 more

Dr. Armagan Albayrak is an academic researcher at the Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology, specializing in Human-Centered Design and Ergonomics . Their work focuses on healthcare innovation, particularly in improving patient experiences, sustainable medical technologies, and extended reality (XR) applications. Albayrak leads research projects like HiPP (optimizing orthopedic patient journeys) and Virtual Patient (surgical training systems), and teaches Health courses since 2023. Their research spans medical device design, dementia care technologies, telemedicine systems, and ICU sustainability. Key projects include redesigning syringe and glove usage in ICUs to reduce environmental impact, developing AR/VR tools for medical education, and co-designing assistive technologies with patients. Albayrak collaborates with healthcare providers, engineers, and interdisciplinary teams to bridge design and clinical practice. They are a 2025 Open Education Ambassador , advocating for accessible learning resources. Publications highlight themes like pediatric hemophilia care, cross-cultural surgical training, and dementia care personalization. Their work emphasizes user-centered approaches, emphasizing how design can enhance healthcare equity, efficiency, and sustainability.

• Mathematics Education
• STEM Education
• Early Childhood Development
• +5 more

Joanne Mulligan is a Professor at the Macquarie School of Education, Macquarie University, specializing in mathematics and STEM education across early childhood to secondary levels. Her research focuses on early mathematical development, pedagogy, assessment, and curricula, with expertise in educational psychology and teacher education. She has led major projects like the $2.3m Opening Real Science (ORS) Project and currently oversees ARC-funded initiatives exploring spatial reasoning and interdisciplinary learning. Research Interests: Mathematics Education, STEM Education, Cognitive Development, Early Childhood Learning, Teacher Professional Development. Key Projects: Connecting Mathematics Learning with Spatial Reasoning (2017–2020), Enriching Mathematics and Science Learning (2018–2020), and the ORS Project (2013–2017). Contributions: Developed programs like PASA and PASMAP, impacting national and international curricula. Active in global organizations such as ICME and ICMI. Research Trends Mulligan’s recent work emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, spatial reasoning, and data modeling in early education. Her articles highlight pedagogical frameworks for integrating mathematics and science, enhancing teacher training, and fostering student engagement through collaborative and inquiry-based methods. Grants & Collaborations ARC Discovery Projects: Focus on spatial reasoning (2017–2020) and interdisciplinary learning (2018–2020). Collaborations: International Spatial Reasoning Study Group (IOSTEM), Deakin University, and CSIRO. Labs & Teams Associated with the Centre for Research in Mathematics and Science Education (CRiMSE) and the MQ Learning Sciences Laboratory (MQSL). Her work bridges research and practice, influencing curriculum design and teacher education nationally and globally.

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Cybersecurity
• Privacy and Ethics in Technology
• +5 more

Leah Zhang-Kennedy is an Assistant Professor at the Stratford School of Interaction Design and Business, University of Waterloo. She holds a cross-appointment in Faculty roles, focusing on interdisciplinary research at the intersection of technology, ethics, and human behavior. Her research explores privacy implications in emerging technologies like AI, IoT, and extended reality (XR), with a focus on deceptive design patterns, cybersecurity education, and cryptocurrency user behavior. Key themes include ethical responsibility in AI failures, user perceptions of smart home devices, and mitigating privacy harms through storytelling and design interventions. Zhang-Kennedy’s work spans over a decade, with publications analyzing deceptive game mechanics, VR privacy risks, and children’s online privacy education. Her projects often involve collaborative development of educational tools such as interactive comics and visualizations to enhance public understanding of security and privacy concepts. While no specific grants or awards are listed, her contributions highlight innovative approaches to addressing technology’s societal impacts through both critical analysis and practical design solutions.

Vivian ChenView profile

Associate Professor

• Digital Media Studies
• Social Psychology
• Interactive Technology Design
• +5 more

Dr. Vivian Chen is an Associate Professor at the Erasmus School of History, Culture and Communication, Department of Media and Communication, Erasmus University Rotterdam. Her work focuses on the social and psychological impacts of interactive digital media such as AI, video games, virtual reality, and social media. She investigates how technology influences communication behaviors, identity negotiation, and social relationships in both real and virtual environments. Her expertise includes interdisciplinary projects designing digital media for positive social outcomes, contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals. Key research clusters include REACT (Responsible Engagement with AI, Culture and Technology) and VEGAS (Virtual Environments, Games and Society). Her recent articles emphasize VR's role in empathy enhancement, avatar embodiment for immigrant integration, and educational VR applications. She has been invited as a keynote speaker on immersive technology's prosocial potential and has engaged in media commentary on gaming culture and digital identity. Active in academic organizing, she chairs events like the Dutch DiGRA 2024 Symposium. Notable research highlights include studies on social presence in online education, classification of VR experiences, and the psychological effects of avatar personalization. Her work bridges digital media design with societal impact, addressing issues like prejudice reduction and cultural diversity through innovative technology applications.

• Deep Learning
• Neural Networks
• Artificial Intelligence
• +9 more

Elena Mocanu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Datamanagement & Biometrics and a faculty member of the Digital Society Institute. Her research focuses on advancing neural network architectures, particularly through dynamic sparse training techniques to enhance computational efficiency and model performance. Key areas include deep reinforcement learning applications in building energy optimization, federated learning for collaborative data environments, and sparse connectivity models that reduce resource usage without sacrificing accuracy. She has contributed to frameworks like the Digital Twin for autonomous driving and energy systems, emphasizing sustainability and scalability. Her work bridges theoretical advancements and practical implementations, addressing challenges in energy-efficient AI, robust noise filtering in reinforcement learning, and feature selection for medical imaging tasks. She actively organizes conferences such as ICLR workshops on sparsity in neural networks and IJCAI events, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration in artificial intelligence. Awards : Best Paper Award at AAMAS 2022 Workshop, ICML 2022 Outstanding Reviewer Award Conference Leadership : Organized ICLR 2023 Sparsity Workshop, EPIA 2023/2022 Conferences Research highlights include scalable training methods inspired by network science, energy optimization in smart buildings, and sparse ensembling techniques that achieve efficiency gains without overhead. Her contributions span foundational machine learning theory to applied domains like smart grids and autonomous systems.

Simone Baumann-PickeringView profile

Professor

• Acoustic Ecology
• Marine Mammal Biology
• Deep-Sea Biology
• +5 more

Simone Baumann-Pickering is a Professor of Biological Oceanography at the Marine Physical Laboratory, part of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. Her research focuses on acoustic ecology, marine mammal behavior, and conservation, with an emphasis on using passive acoustics to study species distribution, habitat utilization, and ecosystem dynamics. She leads the Scripps Acoustic Ecology Laboratory , which develops innovative methods for long-term acoustic monitoring and species classification. Education: PhD in Biology, Eberhard-Karls-Universität Tübingen, Germany M.S. in Biology, Eberhard-Karls-Universität Tübingen, Germany B.S. in Biology, Eberhard-Karls-Universität Tübingen, Germany B.S. in Media Engineering, Stuttgart Media University, Germany Research Interests: Acoustic ecology, adaptive strategies in changing environments, conservation management, habitat modeling, and species discrimination through sound. Her work bridges technology and ecology, leveraging machine learning and hydrophone arrays to address conservation challenges. Recent Research Trends: Her articles emphasize the integration of acoustic data with environmental variables (e.g., oceanographic conditions, climate fluctuations) to understand species behavior and distribution. Key themes include sperm whale demographics, beaked whale habitat utilization, and the impacts of vessel noise on marine ecosystems. Grants & Projects: She leads initiatives like SanctSound , which builds data systems for marine management decisions. Her work often involves collaboration with federal agencies and conservation organizations to inform policy. Labs & Teams: The Scripps Acoustic Ecology Laboratory develops tools such as Where’s Whaledo to advance array-based localization of marine animal vocalizations, enhancing conservation and research capabilities.

Leigh DisneyView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Early Childhood Education
• Digital Technologies in Education
• Early Years Mathematics Learning
• +3 more

Dr. Leigh Disney is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Educational Psychology & Counselling at Monash University, specializing in early years education with a focus on mathematics learning, digital technologies, and play-based pedagogy. He holds an adjunct position at the Coordinated Innovation Centre for Basic Education Reform and Development since 2015. His research explores young children’s mathematical development, particularly during the transition to primary school, and the role of dynamic leadership in enhancing educational outcomes. Disney has conducted cross-cultural studies in China on play-based learning and teacher practices, contributing to global early childhood education discourse. Expertise: Early Childhood Education, Digital Technologies, Play Pedagogy, Mathematics Learning, Teacher Education Collaborations: Projects in China, Victorian Curriculum development, and leadership in early years education Publications: Over 40 articles, books, and reports on topics ranging from digital play to pandemic impacts on educators Disney’s research emphasizes the integration of play and technology to improve learning outcomes. He has led or co-investigated six projects since 2018, including initiatives funded by the Victorian Curriculum Authority and the Department of Education. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to quality education and reducing inequalities. His contributions extend to policy advocacy, such as submissions to parliamentary committees on classroom disruption and teacher well-being. Disney’s interdisciplinary approach bridges early childhood education with developmental psychology and technology integration, shaping both academic and practical frameworks in the field.