Jeyeon Jo is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Textiles, Merchandising and Interiors at the University of Georgia's College of Family and Consumer Sciences. Her research focuses on wearable sensors, assistive technology, and ergonomic design, with an emphasis on sustainable materials and healthcare applications. She holds a Ph.D. in Human Centered Design from Cornell University (2023), an M.S. in Fashion Design (2017), and a B.S. in Clothing and Textiles (2014), both from Seoul National University. **Education:** Ph.D. Human Centered Design, Cornell University (2023) M.S. Fashion Design, Seoul National University (2017) B.S. Clothing and Textiles, Seoul National University (2014) **Research Interests:** Jeyeon develops wearable healthcare solutions using stretchable fiber optics and passive RFID, with a focus on optimizing user comfort and performance. Her work spans assistive technologies, firefighting gear ergonomics, and cross-cultural studies of clothing's sociocultural role. Recent projects include sustainable textile prototyping (LeatherBoard) and gait-monitoring systems (RFInsole). **Awards:** Human Service Studies Graduate Fellowship (Cornell, 2022) Best Brief at ISWC 2021 (2021) Roberta G. & John B. De Vries Graduate Award (Cornell, 2020) **Grants & Advising:** Currently no grants explicitly listed; actively advising students in wearable tech and textile engineering. Editorial roles include Fashion and Textiles (2024–present) and Korean Fashion & Textile Research Journal (2025–2026).
Martin Wynn is an Associate Professor of Information Technology at the University of Gloucestershire's School of Computing and Engineering. With 20 years of industry experience as an IT professional and senior manager at Glaxo Pharmaceuticals and HP Bulmer Drinks, he transitioned to academia with a focus on knowledge transfer partnerships and post-doctoral supervision. His research interests span digital transformation, emerging technologies, sustainability, IT strategy, and risk management. He holds a PhD in Town and Country Planning and a PGCFHE in Education. Education: BA (Hons) Geography (Durham, 1973), MA Geography (Durham, 1977), PhD Town and Country Planning (Nottingham Trent, 1981), PGCFHE Education (Gloucestershire, 2003). Research focuses on leveraging technology for sustainable development, including digitalisation in manufacturing, cybersecurity, and the interplay between technology and urban planning. Over 20 doctoral students have been supervised in areas like digitalisation, analytics, and sustainability. Publications span e-business adoption in developing countries, ERP systems in SMEs, and ICT utilization in Libyan universities. He is a PRINCE2 Practitioner and Certified Management Consultant (CMC).
Merve Acer Kalafat is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Istanbul Technical University. She specializes in robotics, control systems, compliant mechanisms, and additive manufacturing, with a focus on sensor integration and advanced material applications. Her research involves origami-inspired mechanisms, tactile sensors, and flexible electronics. Her work spans interdisciplinary areas such as piezoelectric actuators, parallel manipulators, and neural network-based performance analysis. Collaborations include studies on textile-based strain sensors and inkjet-printed flexible electronics. She has supervised 3 ongoing theses and contributed to over 20 publications since 2011. Key research interests include improving manufacturing processes (e.g., FDM parameters), developing foldable robotics systems, and advancing tactile sensing technologies for soft robotics applications.
Dr. Bai Ziqian is an Assistant Professor in the School of Automation and Intelligent Manufacturing at Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) in Shenzhen, China. Recognized as a Pujiang Scholar and Shenzhen Pengcheng Peacock Talent, she has established herself as a leading researcher at the intersection of wearable technology, textile engineering, and human-computer interaction. Her work bridges technical innovation with practical design applications, focusing on user-centered solutions that enhance human experience through technology integration. Dr. Bai's educational background includes: PhD in Smart Wearable Product Design (2011-2015), Hong Kong Polytechnic University MA in Fashion and Textile Design (2005-2006), Hong Kong Polytechnic University BA in Fashion Design and Engineering (2001-2005), South China Agricultural University Her research spans wearable technology, tangible interactive interfaces, IoTs, ergonomics, functional garments, wearables for healthcare, material innovation, smart home applications, and user-centered design. Dr. Bai has pioneered work in smart wearable fabrics and sensing mechanisms based on flexible materials, with a particular focus on human-computer interaction theory and practice. She has established a research team that has mastered key technologies in smart fabrics, interactive textiles, physiological signal monitoring, and human-computer interaction systems. Her approach consistently emphasizes user-centered design principles, ensuring that technological innovations serve practical human needs while maintaining aesthetic appeal. Dr. Bai's publication record demonstrates a clear evolution from foundational work in photonic textiles toward increasingly sophisticated wearable healthcare and human-computer interaction systems. Her recent publications focus on advanced sensor technologies, energy harvesting for wearables, and sophisticated data analysis for human motion and physiological monitoring. The interdisciplinary nature of her work is evident in publications spanning materials science, biomedical engineering, textile technology, and design methodology, with papers appearing in high-impact journals including Advanced Functional Materials (IF: 19.5), ACS Sensors (IF: 8.9), and Computers in Industry (IF: 10). Dr. Bai has received numerous prestigious awards that highlight both the technical and artistic dimensions of her work: 2024 German Red Dot Design Award for Best Design 2013 Neo-Neon, permanent collection at China Silk Museum (State grade 1 museum) 2019 Finalist, ThermoBlanket, TechStyle for Social Good International Competition 2017 1st Prize Teaching Award, Donghua University 2017 China National Textile and Apparel Council Teaching Award Multiple Service Learning Awards from Hong Kong Polytechnic University She has successfully secured research funding from prestigious sources including the National Natural Science Foundation of China and Guangdong Province's General Project. Her projects include a collaborative effort with the Guangdong Provincial Department of Education and Li Ning Company on a 'flexible wearable lower limb functional electrical stimulation system.' Dr. Bai has extensive teaching experience across multiple institutions and has guided student teams to success in national competitions. She currently leads the Human-Computer Interaction Design Laboratory (HCID) at SUSTech, which focuses on advanced design, engineering, and technology research at the intersection of disciplines, training the next generation of interdisciplinary designers and engineers.
Carlos Cifuentes is an Associate Professor in Human-Robot Interaction at the Bristol Robotics Laboratory (BRL) , part of the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) . He also serves as the Deputy Director of the VIVO Hub , a £13.4M UK-funded research initiative (2024-2030) focused on robotics for rehabilitation and healthcare. His research spans Human-Robot Interaction , Rehabilitation Robotics , Healthcare Robotics , and Socially Assistive Robotics , with applications for conditions such as cardiac diseases , post-stroke recovery , spinal cord injuries , cerebral palsy , Parkinson's disease , musculoskeletal disorders , and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) . Carlos has over 15 years of experience and 200+ publications in robotics for rehabilitation and assistive technologies. His recent work explores smart walkers with multimodal feedback, soft prosthetics using polymeric optical fiber sensors , and machine learning models for fatigue and stress estimation. He also investigates inclusive design for social robots in global contexts , including a CASTOR Robot for ASD therapy and collaborative design processes with Colombian communities. Carlos serves as an Associate Editor for IEEE Robotics and Automation Magazine (since 2021), ICRA , and IROS (since 2023). He leads projects integrating wearable sensors , deep learning , and haptic feedback to enhance mobility, autonomy, and quality of life for individuals with disabilities. As Deputy Director of the VIVO Hub, he focuses on long-term deployment of robotic systems in real-world healthcare settings, emphasizing collaboration with clinicians , caregivers , and neurodiverse communities . His work bridges robotics , biomedical engineering , and human-centered design .
Dr. Yasmine Abdin serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Materials Engineering within the Faculty of Applied Science at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Her research focuses on advancing polymer matrix composite materials through innovative digital simulation and probabilistic design methodologies. Her academic credentials include: B.Sc. from KU Leuven M.Sc. from KU Leuven Ph.D. from KU Leuven Dr. Abdin's research program centers on overcoming limitations in composite material durability through probabilistic design frameworks and multi-scale modeling. She integrates finite element analysis, machine learning, and Industry 4.0 technologies to predict structural reliability under stochastic service conditions, with emphasis on damage tolerance, manufacturing-process-structure relationships, and optimization of carbon fiber production from sustainable precursors like lignin and asphaltenes. Her recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate strong focus on sustainable composite manufacturing, including carbon fiber production from renewable resources, 4D printing of shape memory polymers, flax fiber-reinforced composites, cellulose nanofibril modification, and fatigue behavior analysis. Key thematic trends include the convergence of digital twin technologies with composite manufacturing, sustainable precursor development, and the application of machine learning to enhance modeling efficiency in structural reliability prediction. Information regarding doctoral students, research grants, laboratory facilities, or scientific awards was not provided in available sources.
Professor Jonathan Corney holds the Chair of Digital Manufacture in the School of Engineering at the University of Edinburgh. His research focuses on advanced manufacturing technologies, including digital twin applications, smart factory optimization, sustainability engineering, and additive manufacturing. He leads projects addressing human factors in industrial environments, predictive analytics for production processes, and intellectual property challenges in modern manufacturing systems. His academic background encompasses mechanical engineering with specialization in CAD/CAM systems, hydroforming technology, and patent analysis for design innovation. Corney has pioneered methods like the Economic and Environmental Impact Assessment for Sustainability (EENIAS), and developed decision support frameworks for energy-efficient scheduling and garment reprocessing in circular economies. Key research themes include: Smart factory design through real-time worker movement analysis Cyber-physical systems for supply chain optimization Machine learning applications in manufacturing process control Human-centric automation and safety protocols His recent work emphasizes predictive modeling using spatio-temporal graph networks, digital twin integration in assembly processes, and sustainable manufacturing practices. Over 150 peer-reviewed articles demonstrate his contributions to near-net-shape manufacturing, intellectual property management, and crowdsourced design methodologies.
Malgorzata Zboinska is an Associate Professor at Chalmers University of Technology within the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering . She is a licensed architect and member of the Swedish Association of Architects and National Chamber of Architects of Poland . Hybrid architecture-technology-art research Focus on bio-based materials , digital fabrication , and creative robotics Development Leader of Chalmers' Robotic Fabrication Laboratory Editorial board member of TAD | Technology, Architecture + Design journal Research Themes bridge architecture , digital technology , and art , with expertise in: Sustainable and circular architectural practices 3D printing and robotic construction Material bioinnovation and upcycling Interactive and kinetic architectural solutions Her publications demonstrate strong output in digital fabrication , bio-material applications , and environmental architecture , with international exhibitions at Tempe Center for the Arts (USA) , Dutch Design Week (NL) , and Färgfabriken (Sweden) .
Yuta Sugiura is an Associate Professor in the Department of Information and Computer Science at Keio University's Faculty of Science and Technology. His research focuses on innovative human-computer interaction techniques, particularly in wearable computing, tangible interfaces, and novel input methods. Previously, he worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science. Dr. Sugiura's research interests span Human-Computer Interaction, Wearable Computing, Augmented Reality, Tangible User Interfaces, Gesture Recognition, Ubiquitous Computing, Haptics, and Virtual Reality. His work often explores how everyday objects and environments can become interactive surfaces, with notable projects including the iRing (intelligent ring), SenSkin (skin as interface), and EarHover (mid-air gesture recognition for hearables). He has developed numerous novel interaction techniques that leverage physical properties of materials and human physiology for input and output. His recent publications indicate a strong focus on hearable computing, medical applications of HCI, edible interfaces, and novel authentication methods. The research shows a consistent pattern of exploring unconventional interaction surfaces and leveraging subtle physical phenomena for input sensing. His work has significant implications for healthcare applications, particularly in neurological disorder screening and rehabilitation. Best Paper Award Dr. Sugiura has advised numerous students who have gone on to publish significant work in top-tier HCI venues. His research has been supported by various grants enabling the development of novel interaction techniques and systems. He maintains strong collaborations with researchers across Japan and internationally, particularly in the fields of wearable computing and medical applications of HCI. His laboratory appears to focus on lifestyle computing, developing interfaces that integrate seamlessly into daily activities. Current projects include exploring edible displays, adaptive ear interfaces, and novel authentication methods using wearable devices. Future work seems to be heading toward more medical applications of HCI, particularly in neurological assessment and rehabilitation.
Thomas Gries is a Professor at RWTH Aachen University 's Department of Textile Technology . He serves as the Director of the university's textile machinery department, leading research in composite materials, sustainable textiles, and advanced manufacturing technologies. Current Role: University Professor & Director, Chair of Textile Machinery Research Focus: Textile engineering, carbon fiber composites, sustainable manufacturing, digital twins His work spans experimental studies on fiber-reinforced composites, AI-driven process optimization, and lunar regolith-based fiber production for space applications. Collaborations include public research projects with industrial partners and events like the WIRKTag 2025 on AI in work design. Recent publications analyze: Mechanical behavior of natural/synthetic fiber composites Recycled thermoplastic composite thermoforming 3D-woven CFRP structural optimization Moon-based fiber production from lunar materials Environmental impact assessment tools for textiles
Ravinder Dahiya is a Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Northeastern University's College of Engineering. He is also an Affiliated Researcher at the Dublin Innovation Institute. His research focuses on flexible printed electronics, soft robotics, electronic skin, and sustainable technologies, emphasizing biodegradable materials and energy-efficient systems. Education: PhD in Microelectronics from the Italian Institute of Technology (2009). Awards include Fellowships from IEEE, The Royal Society of Edinburgh, and The Institution of Engineers in Scotland, alongside the Microelectronic Engineering Young Investigator Award (2016). Research interests span tactile sensing, haptics, and wearable systems, with a lab (BEST Group) developing multidisciplinary solutions for societal challenges like electronic waste reduction. Key projects include self-powered energy harvesters and biodegradable triboelectric nanogenerators. Recent grants include a $230,000 NSF EAGER award for robotic e-skin integration. Media highlights include features in TechXplore and Chemical & Engineering News, along with speaking roles at global summits like the AI for Good Global Summit (2023). Labs/Teams: Bendable Electronics and Sustainable Technologies (BEST) Group, focusing on printed electronics, material science, and robotics.
Brenda Parker serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemical Engineering within University College London's Faculty of Engineering Sciences. She co-founded the Bio-Integrated Design Lab (Bio-ID) with Professor Marcos Cruz from the Bartlett School of Architecture, establishing an internationally recognized research platform exhibited at Centre Pompidou, London Design Festival, and Venice Biennale. Her academic journey began with an MEng in Biochemical Engineering from UCL, including specialization in microbial ecology at Caltech, followed by PhD research on non-natural amino acid synthesis via BBSRC CASE studentship with Dowpharma. Her research focuses on sustainable bioprocess design and bio-integrated architecture, addressing industrial biotechnology scalability through algal biotechnology, bioremediation systems, and circular biomaterials. The Bio-ID Lab's work spans microbiome-inspired green infrastructure, robotic fabrication of biohybrid materials, and sustainable sound absorption solutions – exemplified by the INDUS algal bioremediation project winning the Water Futures Design Challenge and Beazley Designs of the Year shortlist. Current teaching includes leadership of UCL's second-year Design and Professional Skills course and directorship of the radical interdisciplinary MSc in Bio-Integrated Design. Key Awards: Churchill Travelling Fellowship (2014) Public Engagement Award from Society for General Microbiology (2011) Royal Academy of Engineering Leadership Award Professor Parker actively mentors through her MSc program while leading research collaborations with Shell (Algal Biotechnology Consortium), Cambridge Water, and EU-funded projects including Energetic Algae and Innovation in Crops. Her Bio-ID Lab maintains strong industry partnerships through Phytofutures Ltd commercialization efforts. The lab's multidisciplinary approach integrates biochemical engineering with architectural design, creating novel platforms for urban ecosystem health and sustainable material innovation through living systems.
Teresa Vidal-Calleja is an Associate Professor and Research Director at the Robotics Institute, University of Technology Sydney (UTS). She holds a Deputy Head of School (Research) role in the School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering. Her research focuses on robotics perception, alternative sensing, inertial fusion, SLAM, and applications in manufacturing, agriculture, mining, and construction. Education: B.Sc. Mechanical Engineering (UNAM, 2000), M.Sc. Electrical Engineering (CINVESTAV-IPN, 2002), Ph.D. Automatic Control (Polytechnic University of Catalonia, 2007). Postdoctoral Experience: LAAS-CNRS (France), Australian Centre for Field Robotics (Sydney). Research Interests: Teresa’s work spans robotics perception, sensor fusion, autonomous navigation, and collaborative robotics. She leads projects on next-gen infrastructure robotics (ARC Discovery Grant) and is co-lead of the Australian Cobot Centre. Her innovations target hazardous environments, infrastructure maintenance, and human-robot collaboration. Funded Research: Includes grants for robotic sensors, satellite docking systems, and multi-robot collaboration. Recent projects involve Navantia, the NSW Space Research Network, and industry partnerships. Professional Roles: IEEE Senior Member, Treasurer of the Australian Robotics and Automation Association, and Associate Editor for IEEE Transactions on Robotics and other journals. She chairs conferences like the Australasian Conference on Robotics and Automation. Labs/Teams: UTS Robotics Institute, collaborating with global institutions like ETH Zürich and DLR. Her work integrates robotics with industries such as agriculture and construction, emphasizing sustainability and safety.
Dr. Konstantin Aal is a researcher at the Department of Business Informatics and New Media within the Faculty of Information Systems and New Media at the University of Siegen, Germany. Having joined the university in 2012 after completing his studies in Business Informatics there, Dr. Aal has established himself as a prominent researcher at the intersection of technology, social activism, and human-computer interaction. Dr. Aal's educational background is rooted in Business Informatics at the University of Siegen, where he also completed his major dissertation on the social platform come_NET and its use by children as part of the come_IN project. His academic journey reflects a consistent focus on the social implications of technology. His research interests span several critical areas in contemporary socio-technical studies. Dr. Aal investigates how social media platforms are used in political conflicts and activism, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa region, with specific attention to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and content moderation practices. He also explores human-technology interaction in contexts of aging and dementia care, human-wildlife conflict, and the digital transformation of rural communities. His work consistently emphasizes participatory design approaches, ethical considerations in technology development, and the importance of cultural sensitivity in global technology deployments. Dr. Aal's publication record shows a strong trajectory of impactful research, with particular emphasis on understanding how marginalized communities appropriate technology for their needs. His recent work on the "PlurAIverse" concept expands design paradigms for artificial intelligence to be more inclusive and culturally sensitive, while his ethnographic work in conflict zones reveals critical insights about digital activism under surveillance. Member of the research team for iStoppFalls (fall prevention for elderly) Contributor to multiple EU-funded projects on digital inclusion and socio-informatics Active participant in the Socio-Informatics research program at the University of Siegen Dr. Aal's work bridges theoretical insights with practical applications, often developing technologies in close collaboration with community stakeholders. His approach emphasizes "grounded design" - developing technological solutions that emerge from deep understanding of local practices and needs.
Dr Vien Cheung is an Associate Professor at the University of Leeds' School of Design, part of the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures. Her research focuses on colour science, imaging, and textile technology, with specializations in areas like colour in EDI, cultural heritage, and material design. She holds a Gold Medal (2023) from the Society of Dyers and Colourists (SDC) for contributions to colour research and education. Dr Cheung’s expertise includes Colour and Philosophical Studies, Imaging and Vision Science, and Textile/Materials Science. She has explored topics such as colour perception, textile manufacturing innovation, and the cultural significance of colours in historical art. Her work bridges art, science, and technology, addressing both theoretical and applied challenges. Education: BSc (Hon) Textile Chemistry, MSc Colour Imaging, PhD in Colour and Imaging Science. Professional Memberships: International Colour Association (AIC), Society of Dyers and Colourists (SDC), and others. Her research outputs span colour harmony, digital anthropometry in textiles, and instructional design for language learning. She advocates for inclusive design practices and has contributed to the University of Leeds’ World Changemakers series on impactful research. Awards: SDC Gold Medal (2023), Fellowship of the SDC (FSDC), and Chartered Colourist (CCol) certification.
