Alex Mariakakis is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Toronto, leading the Computational Health and Interaction (CHAI) lab. His research focuses on leveraging ubiquitous and wearable technologies for healthcare applications, including smartphone-based health sensing for conditions like traumatic brain injury, jaundice, and inebriation. He holds affiliations with KITE@UHN and AXL venture studio, emphasizing translational research. Education: PhD in Computer Science (University of Washington, advised by Shwetak Patel and Jacob O. Wobbrock), B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering and Computer Science (Duke University). Prior roles include postdoctoral work at Sage Bionetworks and academic advising roles at UW. Key research interests include mobile health (mHealth), human-computer interaction, and machine learning applied to sensor data. His work has received Best Paper Awards at ACM CHI and COMPASS, and media attention from BBC and National Geographic. Recent activities include talks on embracing ubiquitous tech for healthcare (KITE Research Rounds, June 2025) and contributions to courses like 'Advanced Topics in Mobile Health.'
Pourang Irani is a Professor and Principal’s Research Chair in Ubiquitous Analytics at the University of British Columbia (Okanagan campus), within the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science’s Department of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics. Previously, he served at the University of Manitoba for 19 years as a faculty member and Acting Associate Dean of Science. His research focuses on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Wearable Computing, and Information Visualization, with an emphasis on designing interactive systems for 'anytime, anywhere' sensemaking using emerging technologies like mixed reality and smart devices. He leads interdisciplinary projects such as the NSERC CREATE grant on Visual and Automated Disease Analytics, training data scientists in health analytics. Education: PhD in Computer Science (University of New Brunswick, 2002), supervised by Dr. Colin Ware. Research Interests: Wearable interfaces (smartwatches, smartrings, and AR/VR) Data visualization for health and pervasive systems Persuasive health technologies and data storytelling Mid-air and hands-free interaction techniques Embodied interaction through social robots Recent Work Trends: Articles emphasize innovations in smartwatch interaction (e.g., bezel-to-bezel gestures), tactile visualizations via skin-dragging, and voice assistant-driven health data queries. Projects like Databiting explore transient personal data exploration, while Data Videos focus on narrative-driven health communication. Grants & Leadership: Principal Investigator of NSERC CREATE Visual and Automated Disease Analytics program. Co-leads UBCO’s Digital Transparency cluster. Active in interdisciplinary teams addressing health informatics and HCI challenges. Labs & Teams: Leads a lab developing prototypes in wearable computing, spatial analytics, and immersive technologies. Collaborates with researchers in medicine, engineering, and data science to translate HCI innovations into practical solutions.
Ryo Suzuki is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Calgary's Faculty of Science. His research focuses on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and robotics, particularly in tangible user interfaces, swarm robotics, and shape-changing interfaces. He holds a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Colorado Boulder (2020) and has conducted research internships at Stanford University, UC Berkeley, the University of Tokyo, and Adobe Research. His educational background includes advanced coursework in robotics and HCI, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary innovation. He teaches courses such as Human-Computer Interaction II, Human-Robot Interaction, and Special Topics in Mixed Reality Application Design. Research interests include designing novel interfaces for AR/VR/MR systems, haptic feedback mechanisms, and collaborative robotics. His work often bridges physical and digital spaces, such as through projects like LiftTiles (shape-changing building blocks) and RoomShift (room-scale haptic environments). Key awards include the UIST 2020 Honorable Mention Paper Award, DIS 2019 Best Paper Award, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications in Japan Innovation Award. His research has been featured in IEEE Computer Graphics and Applications, TechXplore, and Wired. He actively explores future work in symbiotic AI systems, AI-in-the-loop AR applications, and scalable shape-changing robotics. His lab emphasizes hands-on prototyping and user-centered design principles.
Hamid Mansoor is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Manitoba. He holds a PhD in Computer Science from Worcester Polytechnic Institute under Prof. Emmanuel Agu, and was part of the DARPA-funded WASH project. His research focuses on data visualization, digital health, and smartphone-based behavioral analysis. He previously served as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the VIXI Lab, University of Victoria, Canada, under Prof. Miguel Nacenta. Education: PhD in Computer Science, Worcester Polytechnic Institute Research Interests: Interactive data visualization frameworks for health monitoring Mobile and ubiquitous computing for behavioral analysis Smartphone-sensed human behavior and health informatics Visual representation of text-based and sensor data Publications highlight trends in visual analytics for healthcare, including tools like ARGUS and INPHOVIS for detecting bio-behavioral disruptions and smartphone-based phenotyping. His work integrates machine learning with visualization to address challenges in health data interpretation. Awards: Best short paper honorable mention (EuroVis 2020) His contributions span academic collaborations in health informatics and mobile computing, with a focus on bridging theory and practical applications in healthcare technology.
Octavia A. Dobre is a full Professor and Canada Research Chair Tier-1 in Ubiquitous Connectivity at Memorial University's Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science. Her research focuses on wireless, optical, and underwater communications, integrated sensing and communication systems, and AI-driven network innovations. She leads over 500+ journal/conference publications and holds positions like VP Publications of IEEE Communications Society. Education: Dipl.-Ing. and PhD from Politehnica University of Bucharest Roles: Editor-in-Chief of IEEE Open Journal of Communications Society, former Editor of IEEE Communications Letters Her work spans IEEE standards development, conference leadership (e.g., General Chair, Technical Chair), and industry partnerships with entities like Huawei and DRDC. Recognized globally with awards like IEEE Fellow (2020), Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering (2021), and Top 2% Global Scientist (Stanford, 2020-2024). Her lab explores cutting-edge topics including quantum networks, reconfigurable surfaces, and 6G innovations.
William (Bill) Buxton, OC, is a renowned designer, researcher, and advocate for human-centered innovation. Currently an Adjunct Professor at the University of Toronto's Department of Computer Science, he previously held roles including Partner Researcher at Microsoft Research (2005-2022), Chief Scientist at Alias|Wavefront/SGI, and faculty at the Ontario College of Art and Design. His work bridges art, design, and technology, emphasizing the social and cultural impact of interactive systems. Education: B.Mus. (Queen's University, 1973), M.Sc. Computer Science (University of Toronto, 1978) Research focuses on human-computer interaction (HCI), design thinking, and the history of innovation. He pioneered concepts like 'sketching in hardware' and contributed to foundational work on multitouch interfaces and natural user interaction. Recent talks include keynotes on ethics in technology, ubiquitous computing, and design philosophy. His writings (e.g., Sketching User Experiences ) and collections (e.g., The Buxton Collection of interactive devices) highlight his commitment to documenting design history. Honors include ACM SIGCHI Lifetime Achievement Award, Fellow of ACM, and Officer of the Order of Canada. Active in academia and industry, he advises on innovation policy and serves on design and technology boards.
Sun-ha Hong is an Assistant Professor in the School of Communication at Simon Fraser University, with affiliations at Stanford’s Humanities Center, SFU’s Digital Democracies Institute, and the VINCI Institute. Her work critically examines data-driven technologies, surveillance practices, and the epistemological shifts in a machine-readable society. Hong holds a PhD from the Annenberg School for Communication (2016), and has held fellowships at MIT and Microsoft Research. Her research focuses on the limits of datafication, exploring how predictive technologies and algorithmic systems reshape knowledge production. Key themes include speculative inequality, the politics of prediction, and the societal implications of AI bias. Hong’s monograph Technologies of Speculation (2020) analyzes state surveillance and self-tracking technologies, arguing that datafication creates gaps between technological promises and social realities. Hong has secured over $280,000 in SSHRC grants and serves on editorial boards for Media Peripheries and Big Data & Society . Her teaching spans AI ethics, surveillance studies, and media historiography, with courses like AI, Algorithms and Power . She advises 11 graduate students researching topics from biopolitical surveillance in China to gendered AI violence. Her recent work explores ‘speculative drama’ in generative AI and the ritualized temporality of technological futures. Hong frequently advises Canadian government bodies on AI policy and digital governance, balancing academic rigor with public engagement.
Matthew Brehmer is an Assistant Professor at the University of Waterloo, specializing in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and data visualization. His research focuses on ubiquitous information experiences, exploring innovative ways to communicate and collaborate around data through multimodal interfaces and interactive visualizations. He holds a PhD from the University of British Columbia (2016), an MSc (2011), and a BComp from Queen's University (2009). His research interests emphasize multimodal communication , data storytelling , and collaboration platforms . Notable themes include gesture-aware augmented reality video presentations, semantic alignment of text and visual data, and adaptive visualization systems for enterprise environments. He leads efforts in designing tools like RemixTape and VisConductor to enhance data-driven narratives and remote collaboration. Recent work trends highlight advancements in dynamic data presentation , context-aware visualization , and cross-platform integration . His projects address challenges in making data accessible and interactive across diverse user contexts, from mobile devices to enterprise systems. Matthew’s contributions span over 50 peer-reviewed articles, with a focus on IEEE VIS workshops and ACM venues. He actively engages with industry through collaborations on tools like QualDash for healthcare and Charticulator for bespoke chart design.
Xing-Dong Yang is an Associate Professor of Computer Science at Simon Fraser University (SFU) and holds an adjunct appointment as Assistant Professor at Dartmouth College. He directs the XDiscovery Lab and focuses on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), particularly in developing interactive systems for smart everyday objects such as wearables, garments, and appliances. His research emphasizes accessibility for visually impaired users and prototyping tools for non-specialists. He earned his PhD from the University of Alberta, following degrees from the University of Manitoba and University of Alberta. Affiliations: Simon Fraser University (School of Computing Science), Dartmouth College (Adjunct) Education: PhD, Computer Science, University of Alberta MS, Computer Science, University of Alberta BS, Computer Science, University of Manitoba His research explores novel interactive systems, including tactile interfaces for education, assistive technologies for visual impairments, and innovative input methods for wearables. Key projects include MakeBronze (cultural preservation through interactive crafts), AccessibleCircuits (inclusive electronics for blind users), and systems like iWood and MicroFluID that merge materials science with HCI. His work has been recognized with awards such as the Best Paper Award at UIST'19 and multiple Honorable Mentions at CHI and UIST conferences. He advises a dynamic team of PhD and MSc students, emphasizing hands-on prototyping and industry collaborations through internships at companies like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. Yang has secured grants including an NSF CRII grant for device modulation and an NSF CSR Large grant for health-focused earpiece technology. His lab fosters interdisciplinary innovation, bridging computer science with design, engineering, and cultural studies.
Ralph Deters is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Saskatchewan , where he co-leads the MADMUC (Multi-Agent Distributed Mobile and Ubiquitous Computing) Lab . He has taught courses including CMPT 298, CMPT 350, CMPT 436, CMPT 842, and CMPT 898, and served as co-coordinator for CMPT 400/CMPT 405. Education Ph.D. in Computer Science, Federal Armed Forces University Munich (1998) MS (Diploma) in Computer Science, Technical University Berlin (1992) BS in Computer Science, Technical University Berlin (1988) Research Interests focus on multi-agent systems , scalable distributed systems , mobile/ubiquitous computing , and privacy-preserving technologies . Current lab projects include: Middleware infrastructures for decentralized systems (cloud/fog/mobile) Social software for sustainable user collaboration Decentralized trust-based data storage Persuasive technologies for health, physical activity, and learning Ethical AI and dark patterns in UI design Blockchain applications in IoT and access control Publications highlight trends in digital twins , blockchain integration , synthetic data for privacy , and machine learning for social impact , with recent work spanning health analytics, agricultural AI, and smart city applications. Lab Impact : The MADMUC Lab, established in 2000 with a $895,687 CFI grant, has graduated 120 researchers (17 PhD, 103 MSc), including two Vanier Scholars. The lab emphasizes awards, scholarships, and interdisciplinary collaboration with 152 total alumni.
Mark Hancock is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Management Science and Engineering at the University of Waterloo's Faculty of Engineering. He directs the Touchlab research group and holds cross-appointments in Systems Design Engineering and the David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science. His research focuses on designing interactive technologies that leverage human movement and perception to create novel interaction paradigms. Education: 2010: PhD in Computer Science, University of Calgary 2004: MSc in Computer Science, University of British Columbia 2002: BSc in Mathematics & Computer Science, Simon Fraser University Research Interests: Hancock's work centers on human-computer interaction, particularly technologies enabling richer physical interaction through hands, fingers, and body movements. His lab explores tabletop displays, large-screen interfaces, VR/AR systems, multi-touch interaction, 3D interfaces, and collaborative systems. Recent work examines VR applications for productivity, stress reduction through gaming, and gender-inclusive maker spaces. Publication Trends: Recent articles show strong emphasis on virtual reality applications (productivity tools, health considerations), tangible interfaces (card-based systems, physical props), and social computing (collaborative systems, community studies). Methodologies include phenomenological analysis, systematic reviews, and comparative evaluations of interaction techniques. Awards: NSERC Discovery Accelerator Supplement (2016) ACM CHI Golden Mouse Award (2016) ISS 2018 10-Year Impact Award Two ACM CHI Honorable Mentions (2019) Top Ontario Researcher recognition (2016) Teaching: Recent courses include Introduction to Computer Programming (MSCI 121), Algorithms and Data Structures (MSCI 240), Analytics and User Experience (MSCI 543), and Human-Computer Interaction (MSCI 630). Research Infrastructure: Directs the Touchlab, which develops novel interaction technologies. The lab's work bridges physical and digital interaction spaces, with applications in gaming, productivity tools, and collaborative systems.
Lizbeth Olivia Escobedo Bravo is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Computer Science at Dalhousie University, where she conducts research at the intersection of Human-Computer Interaction, Ubiquitous Computing, and Cognitive Assistive Technology. Her work focuses on developing and evaluating technology to improve the quality of life for vulnerable populations, particularly children with autism, pregnant women, and individuals with cognitive disabilities. Her educational background includes a BS and PhD from Universidad Autónoma de Baja California (UABC), an MSc from Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada (CICESE), and a postdoctoral fellowship in Biomedical Informatics at UC San Diego. BS – Universidad Autónoma de Baja California (UABC) PhD – Universidad Autónoma de Baja California (UABC) MSc – Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada (CICESE) Postdoc – University of California, San Diego (Biomedical Informatics) Her research interests include Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Ubiquitous Computing, Cognitive Assistive Technology (CAT), Mobile Technologies, Accessible Computing, and Children-Computer Interaction. She emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration across computer science, psychology, education, medicine, and design. The 15 most recent articles reflect a consistent focus on assistive technologies for neurodevelopmental and cognitive challenges. Key themes include early detection of developmental delays (ActEarly), handwriting assessment (PenSando), autism support (MOBIS, MOSOCO, FarmerKeeper, SATORI), maternal health (PREGO), and ADHD assistance (SmarTasko). These works span mobile, augmented reality, and sensor-based systems, with strong emphasis on usability, accessibility, and real-world deployment across diverse cultural and economic contexts. Scientific contributions and recognitions include: Active research leadership in multiple assistive technology projects Interdisciplinary collaborations with institutions such as Georgia Tech, UC Irvine, UC San Diego, MSU, Chapman University, and CREATE-NET Industry partnerships with IMSS, Pasitos A.C., ClubLia Kinder, EdNinja Inc., and others Focus on technology for social good and inclusive design She is actively involved in mentoring and advising, currently recruiting PhD and Master’s students for her research group. Her work has been supported through academic and industry collaborations, though specific grants are not listed. She previously worked in the software industry as a project manager and COO, bringing leadership experience to her academic role. Lizbeth leads a dynamic research lab focused on developing and deploying accessible, user-centered technologies. Her team works on projects such as ActEarly, PenSando, and SATORI, often involving cross-border studies and community engagement. The lab emphasizes real-world impact, ethical design, and scalability of solutions, particularly for underserved populations in Latin America and North America.
Raghav Sampangi is a Senior Instructor in the Faculty of Computer Science at Dalhousie University, where he teaches courses in web development, server-side scripting, and usable security and privacy. He is also a Faculty Associate at the Centre for Learning and Teaching and actively contributes to pedagogical innovation and inclusive academic practices. Education: PhD, Dalhousie University, Canada (2015) M.Tech, University of Mysore, India (2011) B.Engg, VTU, Belgaum, India (2007) Raghav's research focuses on usable security and privacy , context-aware authentication , and innovations in computer science education , particularly compassionate teaching, ungrading, and student support. He is deeply committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion in computing and advocates for mental health and belonging in academia. His recent publications center on security in resource-constrained systems, including IoT, RFID, and wireless body area networks, often using bio-inspired cryptographic techniques. The work demonstrates a strong trend toward lightweight, adaptive, and context-sensitive security solutions. Scientific Awards: The Srini Award for Teaching Excellence (2021, 2018) Best Paper Award at Q2SWinet 2014 Best Paper in General Conference Program at SoftCOM 2014 Dalhousie Impact Leadership Award (2014) Faculty Appreciation Award (2015) Parvathamma Subbaraya Gold Medal (University of Mysore) Raghav advises students through community outreach courses and research projects. He leads multiple educational initiatives, including ungrading research and first-year student support. He is co-lead of the D-LITE Belong Cluster and the Halifax Chapter of Canada Learning Code, and is a Cultural Competence in Computing (3C) Fellow at Duke University. His service includes advocacy with Dragonfly Mental Health and the READI Group, promoting compassionate and inclusive academia. He is actively involved in lab and team-based research on usable security and CS education, collaborating with industry, alumni, and students to revise curricula and develop inclusive learning environments.
Martin Hand is a Professor and Department Head of Sociology at Queen's University. He also serves as Acting Undergraduate Chair. He holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of York, U.K. His primary research interests include the sociology of culture, media, technology, digital culture, visual culture, and consumerism. He has authored/co-authored influential books such as Ubiquitous Photography and Making Digital Cultures , and edited volumes on big data and digital research methods. Hand has extensive teaching experience, recently teaching graduate courses in sociological theory and new media cultures, as well as undergraduate courses on visual culture and consumer culture. He has supervised 4 PhDs, 29 MAs, and 37 undergraduate thesis students. His publications span over two decades, focusing on topics like computational seeing, social media visuality, smartphone practices, and digital memory. He actively contributes to academic discourse through journal articles, book chapters, and special issue editorships, such as the 2023 Photographies special issue on machine vision. Hand's work bridges theoretical sociology with empirical research on digital media's societal impacts. His research emphasizes the interplay between technology, everyday practices, and cultural dynamics, with a focus on temporality, visuality, and datafication in contemporary life.
Pourang Polad Irani is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Manitoba and holds the Canada Research Chair in Ubiquitous Analytics (Tier 2). His research focuses on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Information Visualization, and novel interactive systems for sensemaking in mixed reality and wearable technologies. He is relocating to the University of British Columbia (Okanagan campus) to launch a new lab, and currently oversees the NSERC CREATE grant 'Visual and Automated Disease Analytics' (VADA), training data scientists in health analytics. Current Affiliation: University of Manitoba, Department of Computer Science Research Themes: Ubiquitous Analytics, Pervasive Health, Mobile Interfaces Grants: NSERC CREATE VADA Program (Health Data Analytics) His research team develops prototypes integrating MR and wearable tech for visual interfaces. He has taught advanced HCI courses, including Comp 7920 (Mobile HCI) and Comp 7210 (Research Methodologies). Awards include the prestigious Canada Research Chair designation. Future plans include establishing a UBCO lab and mentoring students in emerging HCI domains. His work bridges theoretical HCI advancements with practical applications in healthcare and pervasive computing.
