Find Academic Supervisors

Jorge PeñaView profile

Professor

• Computer-Mediated Communication
• Virtual Environments
• Video Game Studies
• +3 more

Jorge Peña is a Professor at the University of California, Davis, specializing in computer-mediated communication and virtual environments. His research explores cognition, affect, and behavior in video games and VR/AR contexts, with a focus on avatar customization, social comparison, and health outcomes. He serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication and previously chaired the National Communication Association's Game Studies Division. Education: Ph.D. in Communication, Cornell University (2007) M.S. in Communication, Cornell University (2004) B.A. in Social & Organizational Psychology, Universidad de Santiago de Chile (2002) Research Interests: Peña investigates how digital environments shape social interactions, including priming effects in virtual contexts, avatar embodiment, and the impact of video games on empathy and prosocial behavior. His work combines quantitative methods like experiments and linguistic analysis. Publications Trends: Recent studies focus on VR/AR health applications (e.g., pain reduction, social connection), avatar appearance influencing physical activity, and the Proteus Effect. His work bridges communication studies with emerging technologies like AR and EEG hyperscanning. Awards & Grants: $25,000 UC Davis CAPR seed grant (2021) $63,000 UC systemwide Innovative Learning Technology Initiative grant (2018) His lab ( Victr Lab ) develops interventions using immersive technologies to address mental health and social issues. Current projects explore VR-based pain management and avatar-driven behavioral interventions.

• Media Psychology
• Mass Communication
• Moral Psychology
• +3 more

Matthew Grizzard is an Associate Professor in the School of Communication at The Ohio State University. His research focuses on media psychology and mass communication, particularly exploring how audiences form moral judgments when engaging with media narratives. He investigates character evaluation, narrative context's role in shaping perceptions, and applications to real-world phenomena like polarization and Schadenfreude. Grizzard holds a PhD from Michigan State University and serves as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Media Psychology , alongside editorial roles in other journals. His work bridges media effects and moral psychology, with recent studies addressing character depth measurement, affective disposition theory, and the impact of video games on guilt. He has explored narrative dynamics across films, social media, and interactive media, emphasizing audience cognition and emotional engagement. Grizzard has held leadership positions within the National Communication Association's Communication and Social Cognition Division. Grizzard's research trends highlight interdisciplinary approaches to media's moral influence, with a focus on theoretical frameworks like disposition theory and their validation through empirical experiments. His articles consistently address narrative structures, character development, and the psychological mechanisms underlying audience responses to media content.

Atsusi HirumiView profile

Professor

• Instructional Design
• E-Learning Systems
• Distance Education
• +4 more

Dr. Atsusi Hirumi is a Professor of Instructional Technology at the University of Central Florida (UCF), affiliated with the College of Community Innovation and Education and the Department of Learning Sciences and Educational Research. Born in New York and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, he holds a B.S. in Biology from Purdue University, an M.A. in Educational Technology from San Diego State University, and a Ph.D. in Instructional Systems from Florida State University. His research focuses on advancing e-learning systems, particularly in medical education, instructional design, and game-based learning. Key areas include the design of virtual patient simulations (e.g., InterPLAY), evidence-informed curriculum frameworks (AVIDesign), and the impact of multimedia elements like background music on learner performance. He has published over 100 articles and presented globally on topics such as blended learning strategies and competency-based education. Dr. Hirumi has received notable awards, including the Star Faculty Award for teaching and service, and is a two-time recipient of the WebCT Exemplary Online Course Award. His work emphasizes bridging theory and practice, collaborating across institutions to train educators in innovative teaching methods. His recent research highlights include exploring medical students' use of curriculum resources, analyzing the role of background music in learning, and advancing virtual patient simulation methodologies. These efforts aim to optimize educational outcomes in K–12, higher education, and corporate training settings.

• Cybersecurity
• Digital Image Processing
• Artificial Intelligence
• +2 more

Lily Rui Liang is a Professor and Director of the MSCS Program in the Department of Computer Science and Information Technology at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC), School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. She joined UDC in 2004 after completing her Ph.D. at the University of Nevada, Reno. Her educational background includes: Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno Dr. Liang's research spans cybersecurity , digital image processing , artificial intelligence , and computer science education , with a dedicated focus on broadening participation in computing . Her technical work includes deepfake detection and reinforcement learning for cybersecurity, while her educational innovations develop inclusive curricula for commuter and underrepresented students through Minecraft, robotics, and service learning. Analysis of her recent publications (2024-2018) shows a strategic evolution from core AI/image processing research toward educational interventions, particularly addressing commuter student engagement in urban settings while maintaining technical contributions in multimedia security and deep learning. Her scientific awards and honors include: Fellow of Center for the Advancement of STEM Leadership (CASL) (2019-2020) Fellow of Opportunities for UnderRepresented Scholars (OURS) (2014) Outstanding University Service Award from School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, UDC (2014) Myrtilla Miner Faculty Fellow (2012-2013) Frontiers of Engineering Education (FOEE) Conference participant, NAE (2011) Project Kaleidoscope (PKAL) Summer Leadership Institute participant (2011) Preparing Critical Faculty for the Future (PCFF) program participant (2011) Dr. Liang serves as Co-PI on multiple NSF grants including the UDC-CSEC-ENGAGE Project ($399,924, 2024-2027) for cybersecurity workforce development, CUE-T: HBCU Learning Community ($654,004, 2023-2026), and the AI-CyS Research Partnership ($152,350, 2021-2024) with six HBCUs and national labs. Her mentorship is evidenced through extensive curriculum development projects targeting K-12 and undergraduate students, particularly women and commuters. She leads the MSCS program and coordinates the AI-CyS consortium researching video authentication and autonomous cybersecurity agents, establishing UDC as a hub for HBCU cybersecurity education and AI research.

Tyler HollettView profile

Associate Professor

• Interest-driven learning
• Learning in informal settings
• Digital media and learning
• +5 more

Dr. Tyler Hollett serves as an Associate Professor of Learning Sciences in the Department of Learning and Performance Systems at The Pennsylvania State University, contributing to the Learning, Design, and Technology program from 315 Keller Building, University Park, PA. His research champions interest-driven learning often devalued by formal institutions and neoliberal markets, investigating contexts like skateboarding, video gaming, and nature hobbies (fishing, birding). Hollett examines how passion-fueled activities generate embodied, affective learning that transcends goal-oriented education, advocating for equitable alternatives to capitalist learning trajectories. Current projects focus on intergenerational play through the FIGMENT Lab, exploring family gaming dynamics, climate engagement via outdoor hobbies, and evolving children's play across settings. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a methodological commitment to qualitative inquiry, with recurring themes of spatial-temporal rhythms, affective atmospheres, and embodied cognition. His work bridges learning sciences, critical pedagogy, and digital media studies, increasingly emphasizing intergenerational and ecological dimensions of informal learning. No scientific awards are listed in his current profile. However, Hollett actively mentors graduate students, inviting collaboration on FIGMENT Lab initiatives. His advising philosophy emphasizes rigorous scholarship within supportive, interest-driven research teams, with the FIGMENT Lab representing his current focus on family-centered learning in gaming, nature, and play contexts.

Ian SturrockView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Game Studies
• Narratology
• Game Narrative
• +7 more

Dr. Ian Sturrock is a Senior Lecturer in Games, Animation & Visual Effects at Teesside University, within the Department of Computing & Games. He is actively involved in teaching across undergraduate, postgraduate, and foundation levels, and contributes to the university's Arts Research Group. His academic work spans game design, narrative theory, and digital innovation, with a strong focus on motivation and world-building in games. His research interests include: Game narrative and narratology Transmedia storytelling and world-building Player motivation and identity Cybersecurity awareness through games The cultural impact of role-playing games Dr. Sturrock's recent publications explore innovative frameworks for measuring game motivation and examine how transmedia narratives can promote social justice. His work often bridges academic theory with practical game design, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches. He has led the Innovate UK-funded project 'HackEscape,' which uses game mechanics to teach cybersecurity. His research has been published in journals such as Gamevironments and Analog Game Studies , and he has contributed to educational syllabi collections on game design pedagogy. He is currently accepting PhD students and has supervised research in game studies. Dr. Sturrock was previously affiliated with the University of Hertfordshire, where he served as Partnership Manager for the Creative Enterprise degree and contributed to the Media Research Group, co-organizing the first international Game of Thrones Conference in 2017. His professional engagements include media contributions on video game adaptations and the success of Games Workshop, reflecting his public-facing scholarship. He is an active researcher with a growing body of peer-reviewed work in digital games and narrative.

Vanessa BowdenView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Human factors
• Applied psychology
• Visual perception
• +5 more

Vanessa Bowden is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Psychological Science at The University of Western Australia. She serves as Graduate Research Coordinator for the School, Deputy Director of the Master of Industrial and Organisational Psychology program, and Co-Director of the Human Factors and Applied Cognition Laboratory. Her academic credentials include a PhD from The University of Western Australia and a Graduate Diploma in Human Factors and Safety Management Systems from the University of South Australia. Dr. Bowden's research expertise spans multiple domains within human factors and cognitive psychology. Her primary research interests include: Human interaction with technological systems Automation design and human-automation interaction Driver distraction and transportation safety Cognitive processes in complex work settings Situation awareness and workload management Prospective memory in applied contexts Her recent research has focused on understanding how humans interact with automated systems across various domains, from driving to air traffic control. Dr. Bowden has developed computational models of human decision-making with automated advice and has investigated the impact of automation transparency on operator performance. Her work has important implications for designing safer technological systems that optimize human performance. Dr. Bowden has received significant research funding, including an Australian Research Council Discovery grant (2024) for $924,198 for "A Unified Computational Model of How Humans Use Automated Advice" and multiple Department of Defence grants. Her research has been published extensively in top-tier journals in human factors and cognitive psychology. She has supervised numerous research students and currently accepts PhD and other Higher Degree by Research students. Dr. Bowden teaches several courses including Psychology of Training (PSYC5573), Industrial and Organisational Psychology (PSYC3309), and Perception and Sensory Neuropsychology (PSYC3318).

• Ancient Greek Religion
• Contemporary Paganism
• Reception Studies
• +3 more

Stian Sundell Torjussen is an Associate Professor at the University of Innlandet , affiliated with the Department of Social Sciences, Religion and Ethics within the Faculty of Education . His primary research interests focus on ancient Greek religion, contemporary Paganism, reception studies, and the role of religion in popular culture. He actively contributes to teacher education programs in religion, philosophy, and ethics. Dr. Torjussen leads the Research Group Formation, Values and Cultural Heritage and serves as the Subject Manager for "Classical religion" at the Great Norwegian Encyclopedia . His work bridges classical religious studies with modern cultural phenomena, such as analyzing ancient myths in video games (e.g., Dungeons & Dragons: Mythic Odysseys of Theros ) and exploring contemporary Hellenic polytheistic practices in North America. His publications span over 15 years, addressing topics like Orphic gold tablets, Etruscan tomb iconography, and the reception of classical motifs in modern media. Recent work includes studies on teacher education ethics and transnational research collaboration through the TRANSPEER project. Though no formal awards are listed, his extensive scholarly output underscores his academic influence in religious and classical studies. Dr. Torjussen’s advising and grants focus on fostering interdisciplinary research and pedagogical innovation. He collaborates internationally, evident in projects like EMERGE (a European university alliance). His academic presence extends to platforms like Cristin , Academia.edu , and ResearchGate .

James F. O'BrienView profile

Professor

• Computer Graphics
• Computer Animation
• Physical Simulation
• +7 more

Dr. James F. O'Brien is a Professor of Computer Science at the University of California, Berkeley, affiliated with research centers including the Berkeley Artificial Intelligence Research Lab (BAIR) and the Visual Computing Lab (VCL). His research focuses on computer graphics, animation, physical simulation, and image forensics, with applications in film, gaming, and virtual reality. O'Brien pioneered destruction modeling techniques used in over 200 films and games, earning an Academy Award in 2015. He holds leadership roles in tech companies like Juice Labs and Get Klothed, and has advised on patent litigation cases. Education: PhD in Computer Science (Georgia Tech, 2000), MS (Georgia Tech, 1997), BS (Florida International University, 1992). Research Interests: Computer Animation & Simulation Image/Video Forensics Human Perception of Motion VR/AR Privacy & Motion Data Machine Learning Applications Awards: Recipient of the 2015 Academy Award for Technical Achievement, ACM Distinguished Scientist (2009), and MIT TR-35 Innovator (2004). His work spans over 50,000+ VR user studies and groundbreaking contributions to cloth simulation and destruction modeling. Current Projects: Exploring ethical implications of extended reality (XR) motion data, developing privacy-preserving VR systems, and advancing AI-driven animation techniques.

Jelena ZdravkovicView profile

Professor

• Requirements Engineering
• Enterprise Modeling
• Business Process Management
• +6 more

Jelena Zdravkovic is a Professor and Head of the Department of Computer and Systems Sciences (DSV) at Stockholm University. She leads the PRECIS research group which focuses on Process, Requirements, Enterprise, Capability, and Information Systems modelling. Her work spans theoretical and practical aspects of enterprise and IT solutions with a particular emphasis on digital transformation. Professor Zdravkovic's research interests center around Digital Business Ecosystems , Digital Twins , and Data-driven Requirements Engineering . Her work in Enterprise Modeling explores capability-oriented and consumer-oriented approaches to requirements engineering. She investigates how digital transformation and big data can be leveraged to improve requirements elicitation processes, and how organizations can model and manage complex digital business ecosystems. Her research has significant implications for how businesses can adapt to rapidly changing technological environments while maintaining resilience and competitiveness. Her recent publications reveal a clear trajectory toward integrating artificial intelligence with digital modeling techniques, particularly in the context of smart buildings and business ecosystems. There's a consistent focus on how data-driven approaches can transform traditional requirements engineering practices, making them more responsive to the velocity and variety of digital data sources. Her work bridges theoretical modeling with practical applications across various industries including healthcare, energy, and transportation. Professor Zdravkovic has been actively involved in mentoring PhD students, including supervising research on the Management Framework of Resilient Digital Business Ecosystems. She has participated in numerous national and international projects focused on interoperability and model-driven engineering, securing research funding for innovative work at the intersection of business and technology. She leads the PRECIS research group which deals with theories, methods and tools for analysis and design of organizational and IT solutions in congruence. The group's research covers three key topics – Enterprise Modelling, Business Process Management, and Conceptual Modelling. Their work brings together academic rigor with practical applications to solve real-world business challenges through innovative information systems approaches.

Kerstin Radde-AntweilerView profile

Professor

• Digital Media
• Religion
• Religious Studies
• +4 more

Kerstin Radde-Antweiler is a full Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Bremen , where she has held a chair in Media and Religion since 2018. She serves as Deputy Spokeswoman of ZeMKI (Center for Media, Communication and Information Research) and Chairwoman of the Tenure Boards at the university. Her research focuses on deep mediatization of religious practices, digital gaming cultures , and media appropriation in religious contexts . Radde-Antweiler leads international projects such as ReCov19 (funded by the Trans-Atlantic Platform ) and Video Game Development in Asia (funded by Beethoven 2 ). She founded the International Academy of the Study of Gaming and Religion and chairs the Network of German-speaking Researchers on Religion and Culture in Times of Deep Mediatization (GeNet-ISMRC). She also contributes to the University of Zürich's Digital Religion(s) research group . Her recent publications analyze digital gaming as a transformative religious space , media settlers in mediatized religion, and value formations in gamevironments . She emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches combining religious studies, media theory, and computational analysis. Her work appears in journals like Religion , Media and Communication , and Gamevironments .

Henner BuschView profile

Associate Professor

• Energy Justice
• Renewable Energy Transitions
• Community Energy & Energy Cooperatives
• +5 more

Henner Busch is an Associate Professor at LUCSUS (Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies), part of Lund University's Faculty of Social Sciences. His academic journey includes a background in Governmental Studies from Erfurt, Germany, an MSc in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science (LUMES) from Lund University (2010), and a PhD in Sustainability Science from Lund University (2016). Before his current position, he worked at the Department of Human Geography at Lund University from February 2018 to November 2020, and as a researcher at LUCSUS from 2016 to 2017. His previous professional experience includes work at the Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering in Potsdam-Bornim, Germany. Busch's research primarily focuses on the intersection between energy systems, climate policies, and society, with particular emphasis on questions of justice within energy transitions. His work examines who benefits from energy projects and who bears the burden, whose interests are served by different energy developments, and who has power to shape debates on future energy systems. He approaches these questions through multiple ongoing projects including JUSTIT (Just Swedish Transport Industry Transitions), Workers as Agents of a Green and Just Transition, Burying problems? Imaginaries of Carbon Capture and Storage in Scandinavia, and Of People, PV, Power Lines: Energy Islands in the Nordics. His research spans theoretical frameworks including energy justice, community energy development, urban climate governance, and the social dimensions of carbon capture and storage. Analysis of Busch's recent publications reveals a strong focus on energy justice frameworks across multiple contexts - from coal phase-outs to community energy initiatives and carbon capture technologies. His work consistently examines the distributional, procedural, and recognition dimensions of justice within energy transitions, with particular attention to Scandinavian and European contexts. The publications demonstrate interdisciplinary approaches combining political science, environmental sociology, and sustainability science to address complex questions of power, representation, and equity in energy systems. Researcher at LUCSUS (Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies) Associate Professor at Lund University Member of LUCID research school (Lund University Centre of Excellence for Integration of Social and Natural Dimensions of Sustainability) Busch actively engages in teaching at undergraduate, master's, and PhD levels, with supervisory experience spanning approximately 40 master's theses on topics ranging from community energy to urban development and climate change depictions in video games. His educational approach integrates methodology-oriented content such as systems thinking and energy justice with empirical examinations of energy systems and globalization. His work contributes to multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to sustainable cities and communities, affordable and clean energy, and climate action.

David MouldView profile

Professor

• Computer Graphics
• Computer Games
• Non-Photorealistic Rendering
• +4 more

David Mould is a Professor in the School of Computer Science at Carleton University. His research focuses on computer graphics, procedural modeling of natural phenomena, non-photorealistic rendering, and computer games. He holds a PhD from the University of Toronto (2002), MSc from the University of Saskatchewan (1996), and BSc from the University of British Columbia (1994). PhD: University of Toronto (2002) MSc: University of Saskatchewan (1996) BSc: University of British Columbia (1994) Research interests include procedural modeling of trees, lightning, and terrain; image stylization techniques such as stained glass transformation and wax crayon simulation; and nonlinear storytelling in games. His work emphasizes algorithmic innovation and perceptual quality in graphics. Recent publications span topics like texture synthesis, real-time video stylization, and fluid animation techniques. He leads the Graphics, Imaging, and Games (GIGL) research group at Carleton. Teaching responsibilities include courses in game development (COMP 1501–4501), technical writing (COMP 3301), and graduate courses on game design and image processing.

Paul CohenView profile

Professor

• Artificial Intelligence
• Data Analysis
• Education Informatics
• +4 more

Paul Cohen is a Professor of Computer Science at the University of Pittsburgh's School of Computing and Information (SCI), where he also directs the Modeling and Managing Complicated Systems Institute (MOMACS). Previously, he served as the founding Dean of SCI from 2017 to 2020. Before joining Pitt, he was a Program Manager at DARPA (2013–2017), leading initiatives like Big Mechanism and Communicating with Computers. Earlier roles include founding director of the University of Arizona’s School of Information: Science, Technology and Arts (SISTA), and professor at the University of Southern California’s Information Sciences Institute and the University of Massachusetts. Education: PhD in Computer Science and Psychology (Stanford University), MS in Psychology (UCLA), BS in Psychology (UC San Diego). Research Interests: Focuses on artificial intelligence, machine learning, natural language processing, and modeling complex systems like cell signaling pathways and socio-environmental interactions. His work emphasizes explainable AI, human-computer communication, and interdisciplinary problem-solving. Key Contributions: Authored Empirical Methods for Artificial Intelligence and over 200 peer-reviewed articles. His research spans robotics, education technology (e.g., the AnimalWatch tutoring system), and collaborative analysis tools like COLAB. He has won a Telly Award for his video on systemic challenges and a Best Paper award for spatial language learning frameworks. Awards & Recognition: Elected Fellow of the AAAI, recipient of the Telly Award, and winner of the Best Paper Award at the IEEE Conference on Development and Learning. Leadership & Outreach: Advocates for polymathy in education to address global challenges. His work includes developing curricula for complex systems thinking and promoting diversity in STEM through initiatives like AnimalWatch.

• Educational Technology
• Cognitive Development
• Child-Tablet Computer Interaction
• +3 more

Adam Dubé is an Associate Professor in the Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology at McGill University's Faculty of Education. He directs the Technology, Learning, & Cognition (TLC) Lab and holds a McGill Faculty of Education Distinguished Teacher award. His research focuses on how educational technologies like tablet computers and digital games enhance learning, particularly in mathematics and cognitive development. He has published extensively on educational app design, digital assistant impacts on children’s cognitive theories, and teacher adoption of educational technologies. Education: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Toronto PhD in Psychology, University of Regina MA in Psychology, University of Regina Research Interests: Educational Technology & Teaching Innovation Cognitive Development Child-Tablet Interaction Mathematical Cognition Educational App Evaluation Awards: McGill Distinguished Teacher Award (2021) Fellow, American Educational Research Association Fellow, Society for Research in Child Development Grants & Funding: SSHRC Insight Development Grants (2021-2022, 2020-2021) MITACS Accelerate Grant (2020-2021) Labs/Teams: Lead researcher at the TLC Lab, collaborating with Ubisoft Montreal on educational game curriculum guides.