Find Academic Supervisors

Stefan PfefferView profile

Professor

• User Experience (UX) and Usability
• Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
• Product Design
• +5 more

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Stefan Pfeffer serves as a Professor of Technical Product Design at Furtwangen University (HFU) since September 2018, based at the Tuttlingen campus in room C 2.06. His work bridges engineering and user-centered design with emphasis on medical technology applications. His educational foundation includes: Doktor-Ingenieur (Dr.-Ing.) in Technical Design from Universität Stuttgart (2016) Diplom-Ingenieur (Dipl.-Ing.) in Technology Management from Universität Stuttgart (2008) Research focuses on usability evaluation, multimodal human-computer interaction, and virtual ergonomics, particularly through mixed reality applications in medical device design. His investigations extend to creativity methods in product development and aesthetic-usability quality assessment. Professional credentials feature Certified Professional for Usability and User Experience certifications (Foundation, Testing, User Requirements Engineering) alongside active participation in key organizations: German Usability and User Experience Professionals Association Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (USA) Standardization Committee DKE/UK 811.4 for medical technology ergonomics Association for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies (VDE)

Jennie RenView profile

Assistant Professor

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Computing Education
• Usability Engineering
• +2 more

Dr. Jennie Ren serves as Assistant Professor of Computer Science in Mercer University's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences since August 2025, specializing in Human-Computer Interaction and computing education. Her academic credentials include: Ph.D. in Computer Science, Auburn University M.S. in Computer Science, Auburn University B.S. in Computer Science, Xi’an University of Finance and Economics Dr. Ren's research centers on designing user-centered systems that merge system-level usability engineering with emotional UI/UX strategies to enhance accessibility and learning outcomes. Her work includes developing and validating a mobile cognitive behavioral therapy application for mild OCD through software testing and heuristic evaluation, with applications spanning healthcare and educational technology. Her 2024 publications demonstrate consistent focus on innovative computing education methods, particularly game-based visualization, phased assessment frameworks, and NLP integration for diverse engineering classrooms. These works collectively advance project-based learning methodologies for large-scale programming instruction. No scientific awards were documented in the source materials. Dr. Ren actively mentors students through project-based coursework including Java II and MATLAB instruction, emphasizing structured thinking and inclusive pedagogy. While specific grant details were not provided, her research trajectory suggests ongoing scholarly activity in HCI and educational technology development.

Ernesto Armando Pacheco-VelázquezView profile

Researcher

• Serious Games in Education
• Logistics and Supply Chain Simulation
• Self-Directed Learning
• +3 more

Ernesto Armando Pacheco-Velázquez serves as an Adjunct Researcher at Tecnológico de Monterrey's Institute for the Future of Education, specializing in Educational Technology within the Institute's research structure. His work bridges industrial engineering, mathematics education, and digital learning innovation. Academic Background: PhD in Administration (Operations Management focus) from Tecnológico de Monterrey (2004) Master of Science in Industrial Engineering (Honorable Mention) from Tecnológico de Monterrey Master of Education in Mathematics from Tecnológico de Monterrey Bachelor's in Mathematics from Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara His research centers on serious games and simulation-based learning for developing complex skills in logistics and supply chain education. He pioneers methodologies for creating educational simulators (notably the patented LOST: Logistic Simulator) to address VUCA challenges in Industry 4.0 environments. His work emphasizes self-directed learning, game-flow theory, and adapting educational technologies for Latin American contexts through participatory design approaches. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trend toward quantitative validation of educational technologies (2023-2025), with increasing focus on psychometric properties of engagement metrics, linear programming for game attribute evaluation, and UX optimization of virtual logistics simulators. His research consistently targets practical implementation in engineering education while contributing to theoretical frameworks in complex systems learning. Key Recognition: The Tower of Excellence (highest GPA in doctoral cohort) Mexican Researcher Certification - Candidate Honorable Mention in Industrial Engineering Master's program Pacheco-Velázquez actively contributes to educational innovation through the LOST simulator project (patented in 2019), which serves as a cornerstone for his research on developing comprehensive logistics vision through game-based learning. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals including Quality Education (SDG4), Industry Innovation (SDG9), and Responsible Consumption (SDG12), demonstrating commitment to practical applications of educational technology for societal impact.

Baki KocaballiView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Artificial Intelligence
• Digital Health
• Interaction Design
• +5 more

Baki Kocaballi serves as a Senior Lecturer at the School of Computer Science within the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), a position held since May 2020. He concurrently maintains an Honorary Research Fellow appointment at Macquarie University since the same date. His academic foundation includes a PhD in Interaction Design from the University of Sydney, completed in 2013. His research critically examines the convergence of artificial intelligence, digital health, and interaction design, with particular emphasis on multimodal and conversational systems. This interdisciplinary work manifests through projects like the Activating the Everyday Research Program and investigations into spatial collective intelligence developed with UNSW colleagues through the Smart Cities Research Cluster. His methodological approach integrates topological thinking—a conceptual framework he actively develops through dedicated research blogging—to challenge conventional spatial and relational assumptions in design. Analysis of his recent publications reveals dominant trends in healthcare AI applications, particularly conversational agents for clinical settings, digital scribes for documentation reduction, and context-aware systems for chronic disease management. These works consistently bridge technical AI development with human-centered design principles, reflecting his core commitment to usable and trustworthy digital health solutions. Best DC Paper Award at European Conference of Cognitive Ergonomics Doctoral Consortium (2010) Best Poster Award at Research Expo'09, University of Sydney (2009) His teaching portfolio includes advanced subjects in Design Thinking (2015-2017), Installation Studio (2012), and the Interdisciplinary Design Lab (2011), where he emphasizes human-centered methodologies, sensor-based interactive environments, and real-world problem solving. He actively supervises Masters and PhD research while collaborating across institutions through the Visualisation Institute Research Network and Trustworthy Digital Society initiatives. His artistic practice in photography and video complements his academic work, with exhibitions including the MAMA Art Foundation National Photography Prize and multiple international screenings.