Pablo Meninato is an Associate Professor at the Temple University Tyler School of Art and Architecture , specializing in the intersections of architecture, urbanism, and social change in Latin America. Doctor of Philosophy, Architecture (Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, 2015) Master of Architecture (University of Pennsylvania, 1988) Diploma of Architect (Universidad de Belgrano, 1985) His research explores how architectural practices and urban planning can catalyze social transformation, particularly in Latin American contexts. Key themes include informal settlements , placemaking , and critical architectural theory . Meninato’s recent publications include On Streets (2025), Urban Labyrinths (2024), and Informality and the City (2022), reflecting his focus on urban design, social equity, and architectural history. Keywords across his work span Architecture , Urban Studies , and Social Impact . Scientific Awards Fulbright US Scholar Award (2024-2025) Presidential Humanities and Arts Research Program (2019) Faculty Dean’s Grant (2019) Summer Research Grant (2018) X BIAU Madrid Biennale Doctoral Dissertation Award (2016) Meninato has practiced and taught in Philadelphia, Buenos Aires, and Monterrey, Mexico, and serves on the Philadelphia Chapter of the Society of Architectural Historians. His essays appear in architectural magazines and journals, addressing urban informality and design theory.
Paul Erhart is a Professor in Condensed Matter and Materials Theory at the Department of Physics, Chalmers University. He received his PhD from Technische Universität Darmstadt in 2006, followed by postdoctoral and staff positions at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory from 2007, before joining Chalmers in 2011. His research bridges computational physics, materials science, and machine learning to tackle fundamental problems in materials design and characterization. Dr. Erhart's research focuses on computational materials science with particular emphasis on condensed matter physics, nanomaterials, and quantum materials. His work spans from developing computational methods like machine-learned potentials (GPUMD, neuroevolution potentials) to studying fundamental phenomena in perovskites, 2D materials, thermal transport, and plasmonics. He has pioneered approaches connecting simulation with experimental techniques through correlation functions and has made significant contributions to understanding phase transitions, defect physics, and electronic structure in complex materials systems. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trend toward integrating machine learning with traditional computational physics methods. His work increasingly focuses on developing and applying neuroevolution potentials to study thermal properties, phase transitions, and optical phenomena in materials. There's also a clear emphasis on connecting computational results with experimental observations, particularly in neutron scattering, Raman spectroscopy, and plasmonic sensing applications. His research spans fundamental materials physics to applied areas like hydrogen sensing and sustainable materials development. Dr. Erhart has contributed to numerous software packages essential to the computational materials science community, including WulffPack for Wulff constructions, Dynasor for extracting dynamical structure factors, calorine for neuroevolution potential models, and ICET for alloy cluster expansions. His collaborative work spans multiple institutions and disciplines, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of modern materials research. His contributions to understanding perovskite materials, thermal transport phenomena, and plasmonic systems have established him as a leading researcher in computational materials science.
Yael Feldman Maggor is a Postdoctoral Fellow at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, affiliated with the Media Technology & Interaction Design Division and the Digital Futures research center. Her work bridges educational technologies, artificial intelligence, and science education, with a focus on enhancing pedagogy through innovative tools. Research Themes: Generative AI in education, self-regulated learning, learning analytics, chemistry education, and ethical considerations in AI integration. Key Projects: Contributions to the International Journal of Science Education, development of AI-driven evaluation frameworks, and pandemic-era online teaching analysis. Methodologies: Expertise in quantitative and qualitative research, educational data mining, and design of interactive learning platforms. Recent publications emphasize cross-cultural trust in AI, generative AI applications in chemistry education, and explainable AI for teacher professional development. She co-authored studies on nanotechnology courses for educators and self-regulation strategies in online learning environments.
Prof. Dr. Naika Foroutan is a leading scholar at Humboldt University of Berlin, where she holds the Professorship of Integration Research and Social Policy. She serves as Director of the German Centre for Integration and Migration Research (DeZIM) and Head of Department at the Berlin Institute for Empirical Integration and Migration Research (BIM). Her work bridges empirical migration studies, social policy, and radicalization analysis. Research Interests: Transformation of immigration societies into post-migrant societies, Islam and minority policies, radicalization, racism, Islamism, intergroup relations, and democratic pluralism. Her publications and projects explore intergenerational integration, anti-Muslim sentiment, hybrid identities, and radicalization prevention through bridging narratives. She has received prestigious awards, including the Berlin Integration Prize (2011), Fritz Behrens Science Prize (2012), Höffmann Science Prize (2016), and an honorary doctorate from Lund University (2025). Contact her directly via anfragen@dezim-institut.de for academic or institutional inquiries.
Yiming Yang is a Professor at the Language Technologies Institute and Machine Learning Department within the School of Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University , where he has held faculty positions since 2003. His research spans foundational and applied aspects of machine learning , artificial intelligence , and scientific computing . Professor, Carnegie Mellon University (2003–Present) Associate Professor, Carnegie Mellon University (1996–2003) Yang's research focuses on LLM-based problem-solving agents , combinatorial optimization , and scalable oversight frameworks . His work explores diffusion models, Langevin dynamics, and Fourier neural operators for NP-hard problems, while advancing reinforcement learning techniques for self-play supervision and principle-driven fine-tuning of large language models. Recent publications highlight his contributions to code synthesis , PDE solving , and multi-agent reinforcement learning . Key methodologies include demonstration-guided control, retrieval-augmented reasoning, and test-time scaling laws. His team has developed frameworks like FEEDER for efficient in-context learning and μTransfer-FNO for zero-shot hyperparameter transfer in PDE solvers. Notable scientific achievements include: Best Student Paper Runner Up (2013) Best Theoretical Paper Award (1994) Best Theoretical Paper Award (1993) Yang has mentored over 20 PhD students and postdocs, including Shengyu Feng , Zhiqing Sun , and Aman Madaan , across domains like graph learning , extreme multi-label classification , and language model alignment .
Eileen M. Van Aken is a Professor and Department Head in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at Virginia Tech's College of Engineering. She holds a Ph.D. (1995), M.S. (1991), and B.S. (1988) in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Virginia Tech. Her research focuses on performance measurement systems, lean work systems, and organizational improvement methodologies, with particular emphasis on Kaizen event effectiveness, nonprofit performance frameworks, and military organizational dynamics. Key professional roles include Editor of Engineering Management Journal (2012-present), ABET Evaluator, and Fellowships in IISE, ASEM, and the World Academy of Productivity Sciences. Recent research projects include studies on lean management in local governments, digital engineering metrics, and nonprofit performance measurement systems. She has led over 20 sponsored research initiatives, including studies funded by the Belgian Armed Forces, National Science Foundation, and Danaher Corporation. Education: Ph.D. & M.S. in Industrial and Systems Engineering (Virginia Tech, 1995/1991), B.S. Industrial Engineering (Virginia Tech, 1988) Research Projects: Kaizen sustainability (NSF), military learning organizations (Belgian Armed Forces), and enterprise transformation frameworks Professional Roles: IISE Fellow (2014), ASEM Fellow (2010), Technical Vice President of Institute of Industrial Engineers (2012-2015) Publications emphasize Kaizen event success factors, lean healthcare systems, and nonprofit performance measurement. Her work bridges theoretical frameworks and practical applications in organizational performance improvement across industries and military contexts.
Claudia Plant is a Professor in the Faculty of Computer Science , leading the Research Group Data Mining and Machine Learning . Her research focuses on clustering algorithms, data mining, and machine learning applications in areas like biomedical data, wind energy, and causality inference. She has contributed to projects such as Knowledge-infused Deep Learning for Natural Language Processing (2020–2028) and Hybrid Computational Sciences (2021–2021). Plant has authored over 160 publications, with recent work emphasizing deep learning, anomaly detection, and GPU-optimized algorithms. She actively engages in academic activities, including talks on clustering methods and interdisciplinary projects like Governing Algorithms: The Politics of Data and Decision-Making . Her research interests span clustering algorithms , graph neural networks , causality discovery , and ethical digital transformation . Notable projects include causal analysis of wind farm dynamics and AI-enhanced education tools. Plant’s work bridges computational methods with societal challenges, such as empowering marginalized communities through ethical technology adoption.
Sabine Waschull is an Assistant Professor of Operations Management at the Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Groningen. She holds a MSc and PhD in Operations Management from the same institution. Her research focuses on human-centric design in Industry 4.0/5.0 contexts, including AI integration, digitalization, and work system evaluation. She is a member of the IFIP WG 5.7 working group on Production Management Systems. Her teaching includes courses such as Smart Industry Operations, Technology-Enabled Innovation, and Operations Strategy & Technology across bachelor and master programs. Her work emphasizes human-AI synergies and co-creation methodologies in manufacturing systems. Recent research trends highlight AI-driven enterprise interoperability, socio-technical evaluation of manufacturing systems, and human-centric design of augmented reality tools. Collaborations with co-authors like Christos Emmanouilidis and Joost Bokhorst explore AI ethics, digital twin integration, and assembly process optimization.
Gamze Z. Dane is a tenured Assistant Professor at the Department of Built Environment of Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), affiliated with EAISI Mobility and EAISI Health. She leads the Digital City Program (2020-2024) and specializes in decision-support systems, GIS, urban informatics, and data analytics for sustainable urban development. Her research integrates citizens into urban decision-making using digital tools like VR twins and data-driven approaches. Education: PhD in Urban Planning, MSc in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Decision Making. Research Interests: Focuses on human-environment interaction, transdisciplinary urban projects, and the impact of digitalization on cities. She develops tools for public participation and uses big data to analyze citizen behavior and urban experiences. Projects: Principal Investigator for EU/national projects involving cities like Eindhoven, Bologna, and Lisbon. Notable projects include UBeX Urban Behavior eXtended reality lab (2024-2026) and ROCK (2017-2020). Awards: Cuperusprijs 2020 (2nd place for student thesis) Drivers of Change Exhibition 2021 ISPRS International Journal Cover Story (2020) Teaching & Innovation: Coordinates courses like Smart Cities and Urban Redevelopment. Developed online teaching materials using VR, drones, and mobile apps. Guest lectures at Istanbul Technical University and visiting scholar at National University of Singapore. Labs & Networks: Leads the UBeX lab exploring immersive technologies for urban analysis. Active in academic networks including Urban Planning journals and international conferences.
Tara Boroushaki is an incoming Assistant Professor in Electrical & Computer Engineering at Yale University. She completed her Ph.D. at MIT (expected May 2025), advised by Prof. Fadel Adib, with a focus on sensing and mobile technologies. Her research spans wireless networking, robotics, and human-computer interaction, emphasizing multi-modal sensing for environmental perception. Key achievements include the Microsoft Research PhD Fellowship (2022–2024) and the IEEE RFID '23 Best Paper Award. Her work on RF-based 'X-ray vision' has been featured in TEDxMIT and media outlets like the BBC and World Economic Forum. She co-founded Cartesian Systems, deploying sensing technologies in retail and supply chain. Research interests include non-line-of-sight perception, RFID localization, and robotic grasping. She has developed systems like FuseBot and RFusion, highlighted as transformative in MIT's '103 Ways to Make the World Better' initiative.
Suranga Chandima Nanayakkara is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the National University of Singapore (NUS), leading the Centre for Holistic Inquiry into Lifelong Learning (CHILL) and the Smart Systems Institute (SSI). He holds roles such as AI+HCI Theme Lead at NUS+CNRS IPAL Lab and Residential Fellow at NUS College. His research focuses on assistive human-computer interfaces, emphasizing technologies that enhance perceptual and cognitive capabilities for individuals with sensory deficits. He earned his PhD and BEng from NUS, followed by postdoctoral work at MIT Media Lab. Notable projects include the Augmented Human Lab, iTILES for rehabilitation, and the FingerReader device for visually impaired shoppers. His work has garnered awards like the MIT TR35, TOYP, and INK Fellowship. Research interests include Intelligent Systems, Human Augmentation, and Design Science. He explores applications in assistive technologies, healthcare informatics, and educational tools. Over 15 publications highlight innovations in wearables, stress management, and multimodal interaction. Awards: 40+ accolades, including MIT TR35, TOYP, and multiple design awards for projects like Kiwrious and FingerReader. Grants: Led projects funded by institutions like NUS and Singapore’s innovation initiatives. Labs: Augmented Human Lab (founded 2011), focusing on humanizing technology through natural interfaces.
Anna Maria Oberländer is Assistant Professor for Information Systems and Digital Transformation at the University of Bayreuth's Faculty of Law and Economics. She also serves as Deputy Academic Director of the Research Center Finance & Information Management and holds a leading position at Fraunhofer FIT's Branch Business & Information Systems Engineering, where she co-heads a research group and manages the Digital Innovation Lab as one of its co-founders. Dr. Oberländer earned her Master of Science with honors from the Elite Graduate Program Finance & Information Management at the University of Technology Munich and the University of Augsburg in 2015, including a research visit at Queensland University of Technology. She was accepted into the 16th class of the Bavarian EliteAcademy, receiving leadership training across Germany, Belgium, China, and Vietnam. Prior to academia, she worked as a strategy consultant at McKinsey & Company from 2015 to 2018, supporting clients in Advanced Industries and Financial Services with digital transformations. She completed her dissertation at the University of Bayreuth's Law and Economics Faculty in 2020. Her research focuses on understanding and designing digital transformation and innovation from established companies' perspectives. She examines digital transformation processes and patterns, the relationship between organizational digital transformation and digital ecosystems, organizational ambidexterity, resource-based digital opportunities for incumbents, and the socio-technical and economic impacts of IoT and AI technologies. Her work spans theoretical frameworks like the OCO (Orientation, Cooperation, Orchestration) Theory for understanding digital ecosystems' influence on transformation. Dr. Oberländer's recent publications reveal a strong trend toward integrated digital-sustainability research (twin transformation), AI strategy and implementation, digital ecosystem dynamics, and industry-specific digital innovation. Her work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications across diverse sectors including public administration, manufacturing, and smart cities. She has developed capability maturity models for twin transformation and explored semantic search adoption in SMEs. Science Award 2020 from Universitätsverein Bayreuth e.V. With extensive industry experience at Siemens, Siemens Financial Services, Allianz, and McKinsey & Company, Dr. Oberländer brings practical insights to her academic work. Her Fraunhofer FIT role connects her research to real-world applications through the Digital Innovation Lab. She has led collaborative research projects across multiple industries, including the print industry's sustainability potential with AI, dairy industry digital innovation, and public administration digitalization. Dr. Oberländer co-heads a research group at Fraunhofer FIT and manages the Digital Innovation Lab, which serves as a hub for collaborative research between academia and industry. Her work with the Research Center Finance & Information Management facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration across finance and information systems domains.
Fiona E. Murray is the Associate Dean of Innovation at MIT Sloan School of Management and the William Porter (1967) Professor of Entrepreneurship. She serves as Faculty Director of MIT’s Office of Innovation and the MIT Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship. Her roles include leadership in the MIT Regional Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program, focusing on global innovation ecosystems. Educated at the University of Oxford (BA/MA in Chemistry) and Harvard University (AM/PhD in Applied Sciences), her career bridges academia and policy. Her research explores the transformation of scientific investment into deep-tech ventures, addressing dual-use technologies, inclusive innovation, and gender equity in entrepreneurship. She has pioneered frameworks for evaluating innovation ecosystems and mitigating bias in funding. Notable awards include the Commander of the British Empire (CBE) and Dame Commander honors, recognizing her contributions to innovation and entrepreneurship. Key roles: NATO Innovation Fund Vice Chair, European Innovation Council member, and advisory roles to UK and European governments. Educational contributions: Courses on corporate innovation, executive education programs, and a joint MIT School of Engineering course training scientists as Chief Technology Officers. Murray advocates for inclusive innovation ecosystems, emphasizing diversity in addressing global challenges like climate change, health, and defense. Her work spans publications in Nature , Science , and the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences , alongside policy briefs and case studies.
Linda Mulcahy is Professor of Socio-Legal Studies and Director of the Centre for Socio-Legal Studies at the University of Oxford. She specializes in dispute resolution and the experiences of lay users in legal systems, with research spanning healthcare complaints, court design, and digital justice. Her interdisciplinary work bridges law, sociology, and architecture. Mulcahy's research examines the socio-legal dynamics of disputes in contexts ranging from medical negligence to neighborhood conflicts. She explores how institutional designs and digital transformations affect access to justice and procedural fairness. Her current projects include oral histories of law centers and rape crisis movements, plus studies on explaining legal rights to the public. Mulcahy's extensive publications focus on legal architecture's impact on due process, visual representations of justice, and digital court reforms. Her work demonstrates consistent attention to how marginalized groups experience legal institutions. Awards and Recognition: Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences She directs doctoral training programs and leads the Frontiers of Socio-Legal Studies blog/podcast for early career scholars. Mulcahy consults for governmental bodies including the Access to Justice Foundation and Law Centres Network.
Stacey Garrett (she/her/hers) is an Associate Professor in the Counseling, Family Therapy, and Higher Education Department at Appalachian State University’s Reich College of Education. Her research focuses on diversifying higher education through qualitative exploration of faculty, staff, and students of color’s experiences. She advises graduate students across certificate, master’s, and doctoral programs delivered both online and in-person. Member of the Reich College of Education Mentoring Guild Advocate for faculty professional and personal growth Emphasizes institutional leadership strategies for recruitment/retention of diverse faculty Her work highlights challenges like pandemic-era community disruption and burnout prevention through mentorship. Key research themes include Black women faculty navigation, culturally responsive teaching, and systemic barriers faced by marginalized groups in academia.
