Dr. Shabnam Sadeghi Esfahlani is an Associate Professor in Robotics at the School of Engineering and the Built Environment, Anglia Ruskin University , where she serves as Deputy Leader of the BORI research group and leads the Automation & Robotics MSc program. Her interdisciplinary expertise spans mechatronics, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and serious games , with a focus on applications for rehabilitation, medical training, and autonomous systems . As a Chartered Engineer and Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy , she has secured significant funding from Innovate UK, Horizon 2020, and GCRF , with grants exceeding £3 million. Education PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Anglia Ruskin University BSc (First Class) in Statistics & Mathematical Science, Shahid Beheshty University Her research integrates AI with robotics for societal impact, exemplified by the open-source SROBO ground robot and projects like Rehabgame and the Assistive Feeding Robot . She has published over 45 peer-reviewed articles and contributes to academic communities as a journal guest editor and conference organizer . Key collaborations include IET, IMechE, and the Nuffield Foundation as a mentor for young students. Scientific Awards & Recognitions: Chartered Engineer (CEng), Engineering Council UK Senior Fellow (SFHEA), Higher Education Academy Student-Voted 'Made a Difference Award' (2018) Post-Graduate Certificate in Higher Education
Olivier ALLIX is a Professor at the Laboratoire de Mécanique et Technologie (LMT) at École Normale Supérieure de Cachan (ENS-Cachan). His research focuses on computational mechanics, including multiscale modeling of composite materials, structural failure analysis, and non-intrusive coupling strategies. He has held leadership roles such as Head of LMT-Cachan and Vice-president of the International Association for Computational Mechanics (IACM). Expertise: Computational structural mechanics, material failure, inverse problems, and multiscale approaches. Editorial Roles: Associate editor of multiple journals including Computational Mechanics and Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering . Awards: IACM Fellow, Euromech Fellow, and recipient of the Gay-Lussac Humboldt Prize (2019). His work integrates experimental mechanics with computational methods, emphasizing big data applications and model validation. He has organized major conferences like the World Congress on Computational Mechanics and co-led international research initiatives such as the IRTG ‘Virtual Material and Structures’ with Hannover University. Teaching includes advanced courses on structural dynamics, composite materials, and computational mechanics at the Master’s level. His research group collaborates with industries like Safran, IFPEN, and DGA on projects involving fatigue analysis, mooring systems, and composite testing.
Gaël Bonnin is a Professor of Marketing at NEOMA Business School, France, where he has held the role of Director of Research from 2020 to 2023. He teaches technology innovation, marketing strategies, design, and qualitative research methods across undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs (DBA/PhD). His research focuses on product/place design, technology adoption, and narrative approaches to market construction, with notable contributions to healthcare servicescape optimization, consumer resistance to misinformation, and senior engagement with new technologies. Director of Research (2020–2023), NEOMA Business School Co-led EU-funded projects on companion robots, agricultural robotics, and AR tourism applications Published in International Journal of Hospitality Management , Advances in Consumer Research , and Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services Research highlights include analyzing sensory elements (colors/music/scent) in hospital environments to reduce patient anxiety, studying emotional responses to fake news warnings, and evaluating anthropomorphic design impacts on robot acceptance among elderly populations. His work bridges consumer behavior theory with practical applications in retail, healthcare, and technology sectors. Key contributions span over 30 years, including book chapters on B2B technology branding, neutralization strategies in piracy contexts, and design marginalization in retail spaces. He frequently presents at conferences like ACR, IMP, and CAUTHE, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to market dynamics.
Igor Jankovic is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering at the University at Buffalo's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. His research focuses on groundwater flow and contaminant transport in heterogeneous aquifers, with particular emphasis on the impact of aquifer heterogeneity on solute movement and transport modeling. Education: PhD in Civil Engineering, University of Minnesota (1997) MS in Civil Engineering, University of Minnesota (1993) BS in Civil Engineering, University of Split, Croatia (1990) His work addresses critical issues in groundwater hydrology including: Advective transport mechanisms in heterogeneous media Breakthrough curve prediction and analysis Effective hydraulic conductivity modeling Upscaling of flow and transport parameters Application of the Analytic Element Method (AEM) for complex aquifer simulations Comparison of transport models (CTRW, MRMT) in heterogeneous environments Research trends in his publications reveal a focus on: Three-dimensional heterogeneous aquifer modeling Non-Fickian and anomalous transport behavior Impact of spatial variability on contaminant migration Development of numerical algorithms for large-scale groundwater simulations Validation of stochastic transport theories against field experiments (e.g., MADE and Borden aquifers) Interaction between physical and chemical heterogeneity in reactive transport
Caleb Madden serves as a Research Student Lecturer at the University of Brighton's School of Art and Media within the Creative Sound and Music Research Excellence Group, concurrently completing a practice-based PhD. His interdisciplinary work bridges critical theory, philosophy, and contemporary art practices including performance, installation, and film. His educational background features: MA Fine Art from the University of Brighton (awarded October 2016) Madden's research centers on critical noise theory and the political agency of contemporary art, examining how sound and digital technologies interrogate control societies and temporal structures. He investigates hauntological dimensions of the virtual, sonic fictions, and ritualistic elements in digital spaces, often through collaborative artistic interventions that challenge modern subjectivity and online individualization. His methods integrate theoretical frameworks with tangible art production to expose ideological underpinnings of technological systems. Analysis of his 2019-2023 outputs reveals a cohesive trajectory exploring digital-physical interfaces, with recurring motifs of parrhesia (frank speech), inhuman agency, and spectral aesthetics. Works frequently manifest as radio broadcasts, digital artefacts, and exhibitions that dissect control mechanisms through sound-based political commentary and virtual hauntologies. As an active contributor to academic discourse, Madden has presented invited talks including 'How do we Keep It Joyous?' (April 2024) and 'A Utopia Briefly Made Real' (September 2023), alongside workshop participation in AUDINT - Unsound:Undead (January 2020). His external role as Visiting Lecturer at the Royal College of Art since 2019 extends his influence beyond Brighton. Embedded in the Creative Sound and Music Research Excellence Group, Madden collaborates on projects examining the intersection of sonic practices and socio-political critique, particularly through the group's focus on digital art's capacity to generate alternative temporalities and counter-hegemonic narratives.
Minchen Li Assistant Professor at Carnegie Mellon University's School of Computer Science (Computer Science Department). Formerly an Assistant Adjunct Professor at UCLA's Mathematics Department. Holds a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania's SIG Center for Computer Graphics, followed by a postdoctoral position there. Research focuses on physics-based simulation, integrating numerical analysis, high-performance computing, and machine learning. Notable contributions include the IPC method for frictional contact simulation and large-scale material point methods. Education Ph.D., Computer and Information Science, University of Pennsylvania (2020) M.Sc., Computer Science, University of British Columbia (2018) B.Eng., Computer Science and Technology, Zhejiang University (2015) Research Interests Advances in physical simulation for visual computing, robotics, and manufacturing. Specializes in robust and efficient methods for solid/fluid dynamics, contact modeling, and GPU acceleration. Combines numerical analysis with machine learning to address challenges in simulation accuracy and versatility. Awards 2021 ACM SIGGRAPH Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award 2024 SCA Early Career Researcher Award Advising & Labs Leads the Simulation Intelligence Group (SIG) at CMU Graphics Lab. Advises PhD students Guying Lin, Juntian Zheng, Michael Liu, and Zhaofeng Luo. Collaborates with industry and academic partners on projects like VR-based modeling systems and scalable simulation frameworks.
Dr Dee Wu serves as a Senior Lecturer at the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), specializing in the integration of computational mechanics, machine learning, and engineering design. With a strong research profile focused on structural reliability and safety assessment, Dr Wu develops innovative frameworks that bridge theoretical mechanics with practical engineering applications, particularly in the realm of composite materials and uncertain structural behavior. Dr Wu's research interests center on computational stochastic and non-stochastic mechanics, with particular emphasis on machine-learning-aided engineering safety assessment, nondeterministic methods for isogeometric analysis with polymorphic uncertainties, and AI techniques for composite material design. Their work addresses critical challenges in structural engineering where uncertainty quantification becomes essential for safety evaluation. The research output reveals a clear trajectory toward developing virtual modeling techniques that significantly enhance computational efficiency while maintaining accuracy in structural analysis. Dr Wu's publications demonstrate expertise in phase-field methods, support vector regression variants (including Extended SVR, Capped SVR, and Twin SVR), and uncertainty quantification frameworks that handle both aleatoric and epistemic uncertainties. These techniques have been successfully applied to fracture mechanics, buckling analysis, vibration analysis, and impact assessment problems. Dr Wu actively pursues funded research in three main areas: Digital twin applications in Civil Engineering, Machine learning aided engineering analysis and design, and Safety assessment for Smart City initiatives. Currently, they are a key participant in the ARC Discovery Project 'Assessment of Dynamic Pile Driving Using Machine Learning' (DP230102781), running from June 2023 to May 2026, working alongside researchers Khabbaz M, Fatahi B, and Zhang X. In teaching, Dr Wu delivers courses including Introduction to Civil and Environmental Engineering (48310), Advanced Engineering Computing (48371), and Finite Element Analysis (49047), demonstrating commitment to both foundational and advanced engineering education. Their ORCID identifier is 0000-0002-7284-5024, and they maintain an active Google Scholar profile reflecting their substantial research contributions in computational structural engineering.
Mahmoud Karimi is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering , University of Technology Sydney (UTS), leading the Vibroacoustics Research Group within the Centre for Audio, Acoustics and Vibration. He holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from UNSW with specialization in vibration and acoustics, and has conducted visiting research at University of Cambridge, Technical University of Munich, and INSA Lyon. His research focuses on computational hydroacoustics, vibroacoustics, and uncertainty quantification in noise/vibration problems. Academic Leadership : Editor-in-Chief of Acoustics Australia since 2025 Research Income : Attracted $6M in competitive grants ($2M as Chief Investigator) since 2017 Technical Expertise : Specializes in acoustic black hole structures, flow-induced vibration modeling, and leak detection in buried pipelines Scientific Awards : Recipient of ARC DECRA Fellowship (DE190101412) 2019-2022 Research Trends : His 91+ publications demonstrate expertise in hybrid acoustic modeling techniques, sustainable hempcrete development, and vibration energy harvesting solutions with applications in mining, rail systems, and water infrastructure. International Collaborations: University of Cambridge (UK), Technical University of Munich (Germany), INSA Lyon (France) Teaching Portfolio: Advanced numerical methods, dynamics & control, and computational modeling at UTS
Prof. Dr. Ilona Buchem is a Professor of Communication and Media Studies at the Berlin University of Applied Sciences (BHT), Department I of Business and Social Sciences. She serves as Head of the Communication Laboratory and leads research in human-robot interaction, educational robotics, and technology-enhanced learning. Her work spans multiple interdisciplinary projects including Social Robotics, Open Virtual Mobility, and ePA-Coach, focusing on digital media for communication, collaboration, and digital sovereignty for older adults in healthcare contexts. Dr. Buchem holds a doctorate in business education from Humboldt University and a certificate in business administration from the University of St. Gallen, Switzerland. Her academic background bridges business education with digital media expertise, positioning her at the intersection of technology and communication for innovative educational approaches. Her research interests focus on human-robot interaction in educational contexts, social robotics for learning, AI applications in education, and digital media for communication and collaboration. She explores how robots can serve as educational tools in business studies, language learning, and health-related applications. Her work also investigates digital sovereignty, particularly for older adults using electronic health records, and the use of open digital credentials like Open Badges for recognizing learning achievements. The integration of gamification elements with social robots represents another significant strand of her research, enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on practical applications of social robots in educational settings, particularly examining student perceptions of different robot platforms (NAO, Pepper, Furhat). Her work increasingly integrates generative AI with robotics, exploring conversational interfaces and new learning paradigms. There's also a consistent thread examining digital literacy for seniors, especially regarding electronic health records, and innovative approaches to recognizing learning through micro-credentials and digital badges. Dr. Buchem actively supervises numerous bachelor's and master's theses across multiple programs including Business Administration: Digital Economy and Media Informatics Online. She has established a digital award system based on Open Badges to recognize outstanding thesis work with top grades. Her research is supported through various funding sources including BMBF, EU, DFG, and industry partners, with projects spanning social robotics, virtual reality applications, and digital credentialing systems that connect academic research with practical applications. She leads the Communication Laboratory at BHT and is actively involved in the 'House of Robotics' initiative at the university. Her work connects with international partners through projects like Social Robotics (EU) and Open Virtual Mobility, creating a global network for educational robotics research and development that bridges European institutions and promotes cross-cultural educational exchange.
Birgit Öhlinger is a Research Associate and Co-Excavation Director of the Monte Iato Project at the Leopold Franzens University of Innsbruck . Her work focuses on the archaeology of the ancient Mediterranean, particularly social transformation processes in cultural contact zones and identity formation through material culture, with a regional emphasis on Sicily. Education: Doctoral studies in Classical and Provincial Roman Archaeology (2010–2014), University of Innsbruck Master’s in Ancient History and Classical Studies (2005–2009), University of Innsbruck Master’s in Classical and Provincial Roman Archaeology (2002–2008), University of Innsbruck Research Interests: Öhlinger specializes in the archaeology of cultural contact zones, ritual and religious practices, and ceramic studies in the Archaic Mediterranean. Her methodological expertise includes digital excavation documentation, experimental archaeology, and material culture analysis, particularly focusing on Monte Iato in Western Sicily. Recent Publications: Her work examines technological choices in local ceramic production, neutron activation analysis applications in Mediterranean archaeology, and ritual consumption practices. She has contributed to debates on cultural hybridity, social identity, and the role of sanctuaries in elite formation. Awards: Anniversary Prize of Böhlau Verlag Vienna (2015) Prize of the Principality of Liechtenstein (2015) Merit Scholarship (2003–2007), University of Innsbruck Doctoral Scholarship (2013–2014), University of Innsbruck Professional Activities: Öhlinger leads projects like "Monte Iato Pots - Experimental Study on Organic Residue Analysis" and "Crime Scene Monte Iato around 500 BC: Microbiological Forensics" . She organizes international conferences and contributes to public outreach through media appearances and exhibitions.
W Robert J Funnell serves as Associate Professor at McGill University with dual appointments in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. His research addresses critical clinical challenges in hearing loss through integrated experimental and computational methodologies, focusing on translational applications for infant diagnostics and surgical interventions. His expertise spans middle-ear mechanics, three-dimensional modeling of biological structures, and development of interactive medical education tools. Core methodologies include finite-element analysis, laser Doppler vibrometry, and haptic-enabled virtual reality systems. Current priorities involve improving newborn hearing screening accuracy, designing middle-ear repair techniques, and creating 3D anatomical models for surgical training – particularly in endoscopy simulation using force feedback technology. Analysis of his 2015-2024 publications reveals persistent innovation in finite-element modeling of auditory systems, with increasing emphasis on newborn ear mechanics and optical coherence tomography applications. His work bridges biomedical engineering, otolaryngology, and medical education, demonstrating consistent progression from fundamental biomechanics toward clinical implementation – notably in Quebec's newborn hearing screening programs and endoscopic sinus surgery training models.
Dr. TÓTH Csaba is an Associate Professor at the Department of Highway and Railway Engineering, Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME), Faculty of Civil Engineering. He teaches courses such as Highway and Railway Structures (BMEEOUVAI41) and Pavement Structures (BMEEOUVMU63), while previously teaching Pavement Analysis and Design (BMEEOUVDT81) and Project Management in Transportation (BMEEOUVMU-4). His research focuses on asphalt technology, pavement diagnostics, and sustainable road construction. Phone: +36 1 463 1154 Room: ÉL. ép / 206/E Research Interests: His work emphasizes non-destructive evaluation methods (e.g., Ground-Penetrating Radar), rheological modeling of asphalt binders, recycled asphalt pavement applications, and climate-adapted pavement design. Key methodologies include the Ramberg-Osgood model for dynamic modulus prediction and the virtual inertial point method for structural diagnostics. Scientific Contributions: Recent research trends highlight sustainable road rating systems, thermal stress analysis in asphalt pavements, and advanced diagnostic techniques for infrastructure monitoring. Scientific Awards: Magyar Felvételi Scholarship (#építő250)
Seulip Lee is a Norbert Wiener Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics at Tufts University, School of Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on scientific computing, numerical analysis, and computational fluid dynamics, with an emphasis on multiphysics simulations using finite element methods. He holds a PhD in Mathematics from the University of California, Irvine (2021), and degrees from Yonsei University (M.Sc., 2015; B.Sc., 2013). Lee’s work bridges theoretical analysis and computational experimentation, addressing challenges in partial differential equations and optimization. He has published extensively on enriched Galerkin methods and numerical techniques for fluid dynamics. Teaching responsibilities include MATH 51 (Differential Equations) and MATH 125 (Numerical Analysis). His courses emphasize both analytical rigor and computational implementation, using tools like MATLAB for practical problem-solving. Professional experience includes a Limited Term Assistant Professor role at the University of Georgia (2021–2024), with research collaborations under mentors like Xiaozhe Hu and James Adler. His lab and team activities focus on advancing numerical algorithms for complex physical systems.
Delphine Périé-Curnier is a Full Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Polytechnique Montréal and Director of Graduate Studies. Her research focuses on developing quantitative MRI techniques for non-invasive characterization of living tissue mechanical properties, particularly in cardiotoxicity detection and musculoskeletal mechanobiology . She leads the Bioperformance Analysis and Innovation Laboratory (LIAB) and contributes to the Institute of Biomedical Engineering. Education: Ph.D. from Paul Sabatier University, Toulouse, France Her work bridges medical imaging , biomechanical modeling , and finite element analysis to predict disease progression through pathomechanism understanding. Key projects include exercise-induced cardiac changes in childhood cancer survivors and spinal biomechanics in scoliosis. Recent publications (2023-2024) emphasize cardiovascular MRI for childhood cancer survivorship and hemodynamic modeling in left ventricle analysis. She supervises 26 graduate students, with completed theses spanning topics like doxorubicin cardiotoxicity , knee replacement stability , and spatial cardiac MRI protocols . Teaching includes graduate courses in biomedical design , advanced biomechanics , and modeling techniques .
Brandon Karchewski is an Associate Head (Undergraduate) and Teaching Professor in the Department of Earth, Energy and Environment at the University of Calgary. He earned his PhD in Civil Engineering from McMaster University and teaches courses including Engineering Geology, Computational Methods, and Natural Disasters. His research program focuses on: Computational methods in geophysics and geomechanics Geoscience education innovation Climate change impacts on frozen soils Inverse modeling applications Karchewski has pioneered virtual field experiences and developed open-source tools for modeling climate impacts on permafrost. His educational research examines metaphor use in geoscience communication and field pedagogy. Recent computational work includes Python-based permafrost modeling and stochastic inversion methods for biogeochemical transport. He leads the geophysics field school program emphasizing team-based learning. Award recognition includes: Geoscience Teaching Award (2019) Best Poster Award for teaching innovation research (2018) Team Teaching Excellence award (2016) Multiple teaching assistant awards
