Find Academic Supervisors

Giulio Jacucci is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Helsinki, affiliated with the Helsinki Information Technology Research Institute. He serves as a Supervisor in the Doctoral Programme in Computer Science, mentoring PhD candidates in human-computer interaction and related fields. His academic career spans over two decades with continuous research productivity from 2006 through 2025. Professor Jacucci's research interests center on Human-Computer Interaction , particularly focusing on Virtual Reality , Brain-Computer Interfaces , and Neuroadaptive Systems . His work explores how technology can adapt to users' cognitive and physiological states, with significant contributions to social virtual reality environments, embodied agents, and information retrieval systems. He investigates how virtual representations affect social behavior, time perception, and communication in digital spaces. His publication record shows a clear evolution from foundational work in information retrieval toward increasingly sophisticated neuroadaptive systems. Recent publications (2024-2025) demonstrate his leadership in examining social dynamics within virtual reality platforms, including votekicking mechanisms, mirror watching behaviors, and communication tools like mutes. His work bridges technical innovation with deep understanding of human social behavior in digital environments. Professor Jacucci currently leads multiple research projects funded by the Academy of Finland, including DataLit: Datalukutaito ja vastuullinen päätöksenteko (2023-2026) and MyModel: Selitettävyys suositusten hallinnassa (2023-2027). These projects focus on data literacy, responsible decision-making, and explainability in recommendation systems, reflecting his commitment to ethical and user-centered technology development. His research has received media attention, particularly around brain-computer interfaces and virtual reality applications, with coverage in outlets discussing how deep learning transforms mobile applications and sensor landscapes. He has presented his work at major conferences including CHI 2017 and continues to be an active contributor to the international research community.

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Virtual Reality
• Social Virtual Reality
• +4 more

Turkka Keinonen is a Professor of Industrial Design at Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture, serving as Vice Dean of Research and Head of Doctoral Education. His career spans academic leadership, industry roles in Finnish technology sectors (shipbuilding, medical equipment), and a visiting associate professorship at National University of Singapore. He specializes in human-centered design, product concept design, and ethical considerations in design. Keinonen’s research emphasizes public sector innovation, digital service development, and the intersection of technology with societal needs. His work bridges theory and practice, focusing on how design can foster equity, civic engagement, and sustainability. Recent projects explore libraries as digital innovation hubs, smart home technologies’ ethical implications, and volunteer-based IT services. He has authored influential books including Mobile Usability (2003), Product Concept Design (2006), and Designers, Users and Justice (2017), alongside over 100 publications. Keinonen’s research trends reflect a shift toward relational design in public sectors, emphasizing stakeholder collaboration and systemic change. His articles analyze digital literacy initiatives, quasi-public service models, and design’s role in mediating technological control. He advocates for ethical frameworks that prioritize user autonomy and societal justice in design processes. Labs/Teams: Active in Aalto’s design innovation networks, particularly in public service design and human-centered design methodologies. Collaborates with industry partners (e.g., Nokia Research Center) and Nordic institutions on applied design research.

• Industrial Design
• Human-Centered Design
• Product Concept Design
• +4 more

Prof. Pia Fricker is an Associate Professor and Vice Head of the Department of Architecture at Aalto University's School of Arts, Design and Architecture in Finland. She holds the Professorship of Computational Methodologies in Landscape Architecture and Urbanism, directing the Urban Studies and Planning Programme. Her research integrates urban design, landscape architecture, and digital design culture, focusing on data-driven methods, immersive environments, and adaptive urban development. Collaborations include ETH Zurich, Singapore University of Technology and Design, and Hafencity University Hamburg. Key projects include the Metaversity and Future Smart Cities initiatives. Fricker has led over 80 publications and exhibitions globally, including at the Venice Biennale and National Design Centre Singapore. She is an editorial board member for the Journal of Digital Landscape Architecture and peer reviewer for multiple journals. Awards include the Digital Landscape Architecture Award (2018) and DLA Scientific Merit Award (2021). Her teaching emphasizes computational pedagogy and digital innovation in design education. Education: PhD in Architecture (ETH Zurich, 2021) Postgraduate in Didactics (ETH Zurich, 2011) MAS in Computer Aided Architectural Design (ETH Zurich, 2003) MSc Arch in Urban Design & Landscape Architecture (Technical University of Karlsruhe, 2001) Research Interests: Computational design, parametric modeling, mixed reality, climate-adaptive ecosystems, generative AI, and sustainable urban development. Her work bridges emerging technologies with ecological and urban challenges, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration. Grants & Projects: Metaversity (2023–2025, Principal Investigator) Future Smart Cities Sasakawa (2023–2024, Principal Investigator) ABRA (2020–2023, Project Member) Awards: DLA Awards (2018, 2021) DLA Review Committee Awards (2020–2022) Exhibition Recognitions (Venice Biennale, National Design Centre Singapore) Labs/Teams: Leads the Urban Studies and Planning Programme and collaborates with interdisciplinary teams on projects like the RAILCORRIDOR Singapore initiative. Active in digital twin development and AI-driven design tools.

• Computational Methodologies
• Urban Design
• Landscape Architecture
• +8 more

Dr. Otto Lappi is a Research Fellow at the University of Helsinki's Department of Digital Humanities, Faculty of Arts. His work bridges cognitive science and human performance in complex dynamic tasks, particularly focusing on predictive processing in visuomotor control. PhD in Cognitive Science Title of Docent at University of Helsinki Academy Research Fellow (2020-2025) His research explores: Cognitive mechanisms in high-speed sports and driving Predictive gaze strategies and steering control Flow states in skill acquisition VR and eye-tracking applications in archaeomusicology Neural substrates of domain expertise Recent publications analyze: Flow-state dynamics in visuomotor learning Predictive gaze behavior in automated driving Computational models of attention in distracted driving Chunking mechanisms in high-speed sports performance Scientific contributions include: Academy Research Fellow (Research Council of Finland) Editorial work on high-performance cognition Organizing cognitive science workshops As doctoral supervisor, he has guided: Samuel Tuhkanen (Predictive Gaze and Steering) Jesse Kuokkanen (Mechanistic Computationalism) Ida Maasalo (Driver Behavior) Markus Mattsson (Psychometrics)

• Cognitive Science
• Human Performance
• Gaze Control
• +3 more

Anton Berg is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Helsinki, affiliated with the Department of Digital Humanities within the Faculty of Arts and the Helsinki Institute for Social Sciences and Humanities (HSSH). He is also a member of the methodological unit at HSSH, focusing on interdisciplinary research at the intersection of cognitive science, religious studies, and artificial intelligence. His educational background spans computer science, cognitive science, and religious studies, enabling him to bridge technical and humanistic approaches to AI. His research primarily investigates how commercial image recognition systems interpret and categorize religious content, exploring issues of bias, representation, and the datafication of religion. Berg's research interests include computer vision systems, automatic image recognition, machine and deep learning, large language models, and the relationship between religions, worldviews, and values related to AI technologies. He particularly focuses on inequality issues, the datafication of religion, the datafication of societies, the social scientific study of religion, and the cognitive science of religion. His work combines technical analysis of AI systems with social scientific perspectives on religion and technology. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on examining biases in commercial image recognition services, particularly regarding religious content, with significant contributions to understanding representational silence and racial biases in these systems. He has also conducted important work on pandemic psychology, contributing to large-scale international studies on COVID-19 responses across 69 countries. Berg has been actively involved in numerous academic activities, including presentations at international conferences on topics such as computer vision in religious studies, mediatized religious populism, and biases in image recognition services. His research has been presented at venues including the International Association for the Cognitive Science of Religion. His teaching areas include religious studies, cognitive science, data science, and religion and technologies, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to understanding the relationship between digital technologies and religious phenomena.

• Cognitive Science
• Computer Vision
• Religious Studies
• +7 more

Päivi Häkkinen is a **Professor and Vice Director** at the **Finnish Institute for Educational Research (FIER)**, part of the University of Jyväskylä. Her research focuses on technology-enhanced learning, particularly in collaborative problem-solving, computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL), and the integration of virtual/augmented reality in education. She leads projects like the EDUCA Flagship for future education and LearnDigi , exploring digitalization in learning. Research Interests: She investigates ICT integration in education, learning analytics, and the cognitive and social dynamics of collaborative learning. Her work emphasizes remote collaboration mechanisms, digital tools for assessment, and AI-driven educational innovation. Key Projects: EDUCA Flagship: Addresses future education challenges through interdisciplinary research. LearnDigi: Examines technology’s role in knowledge construction and digitalization impacts. METEOR: Enhances transversal skills for early career researchers via teamwork methodologies. Recent Work Trends: Her publications analyze joint attention in remote collaboration, AI-human partnerships in education, and neural bases of problem-solving. She emphasizes practical applications for teachers and educators. Labs/Teams: Active in FIER and LearnDigi, focusing on collaborative learning design and technology evaluation.

• Educational Technology
• Collaborative Learning
• Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL)
• +4 more

Niko Siltala is a University Instructor at Tampere University's Department of Automation Technology and Mechanical Engineering. He holds a Doctor of Science (Technology) in Mechanical Engineering (2016) and a Master of Science (Technology) in Automation Engineering (2001). His research focuses on production system design, reconfiguration, robotics, and virtual reality applications in safety training. He has contributed to the development of semantic rules for capability matchmaking, which supports rapid system design and reconfiguration. Key research areas include: Manufacturing automation and system adaptability Human-robot collaboration and safety protocols Virtual reality-based training solutions Formal resource descriptions for modular systems His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in advancing quality education (SDG 4) through innovative robotics education tools. He has received the Distinguished Committee Service Award (2004) and contributed to grants such as the K.F. ja Maria Dunderbergin testamenttisäätiö (2014). He has collaborated on projects like the D-BEST methodology for pilot lines and the ODIN project for scalable production systems. His activities include organizing conferences, presenting at international forums, and developing web-based tools for manufacturing system planning.

• Production System Design
• Robotics
• Manufacturing Automation
• +3 more

Mika Nieminen serves as Senior University Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science at Aalto University's School of Science, specializing in the Human-Computer Interaction and Design (HCID) research area. With a Doctoral degree from Aalto University (2015) and extensive background in engineering and technology, he maintains active research leadership through multiple projects including ARISE: Advanced Realities for Cultural Innovation in Europe (2025-2029). His research focuses on Human-Computer Interaction with particular expertise in Virtual Reality , Participatory Design , and Strategic Usability . His work spans multiple application domains including healthcare systems, educational technologies, and cross-cultural interfaces. His Strategic Usability Research Group (STRATUS) develops frameworks for integrating user-centered approaches into business contexts. Nieminen's publication record shows a clear trajectory toward applying HCI principles to medical education (particularly ophthalmology) and migration support systems. His recent work demonstrates increasing focus on asymmetric VR environments and their impact on presence, collaboration, and user experience. His projects often involve international collaboration, particularly with European partners. As principal investigator for the Lapsus research project (2015-2018), he developed patient experience frameworks for pediatric healthcare settings. His current ARISE project continues this healthcare technology focus while expanding into cultural innovation applications of advanced realities. His academic service includes conference presentations on topics such as crowdsourced translation within refugee information systems and visiting researcher positions at foreign academic institutions, demonstrating commitment to both theoretical and applied aspects of HCI research.

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Participatory Design
• User-Centered Design
• +6 more

Xinyi Tu is a Postdoctoral Researcher at Aalto University's Department of Energy and Mechanical Engineering and the Department of Mechatronics. She holds a Doctoral degree from Aalto University (2024), a Master's from Technische Universität München (2021), and a Bachelor's from Tongji University (2018). Her expertise spans the Industrial Metaverse, Digital Twins, and Extended Reality, with a focus on their applications in Industry 5.0. Tu has also served as a Senior Data Scientist at PricewaterhouseCoopers Finland since 2020 and conducted research at the University of Cambridge's Cyber-Human Lab in 2024. Her research investigates ethical implications of emerging technologies and their integration into industrial systems. Notable contributions include frameworks for digital twin-enabled smart cranes and legal considerations for the Metaverse. Education: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Engineering and Technology, Aalto University (2024) Master of Science, Robotics, Cognition, Intelligence, Technische Universität München (2021) Bachelor of Engineering, Mechatronics, Tongji University (2018) Her work addresses challenges in industrial automation, data-centric systems, and ethical technology deployment. Recent publications explore regulatory frameworks for the Metaverse and XR applications in manufacturing.

• Industrial Metaverse
• Digital Twins
• Extended Reality
• +3 more

Reza Movarrei is a Postdoctoral Researcher at Aalto University's Department of Information and Service Management. His work focuses on consumer behavior, supply chain dynamics, and the intersection of technology with marketing strategies. He has conducted extensive research on topics including status consumption, gamification in prosumption, pandemic logistics, and supplier-buyer relationship management. Research Highlights: Investigates how consumer traits influence intentions to use luxury VR products Analyzes pandemic-era consumer perceptions of home delivery services Explores supplier failure attribution mechanisms through buyer-supplier arbitrator perspectives Examines the paradox of retail buyers' consumer vs industrial purchasing behaviors Awards & Recognition: Best Full Paper Award at British Academy of Management (2024) Best Paper in Operations, Logistics & Supply Chain Management Track (2024) Palkinto tai huomionosoitus tuotoksesta (2024) Key Research Themes: Status signaling and luxury consumption patterns Gamification's role in consumer participation Supply chain resilience and risk management Crisis logistics during health emergencies

• Consumer Behavior
• Supply Chain Management
• Retail Purchasing Behavior
• +5 more

David Derichs serves as a Senior University Lecturer in the Department of Accounting at Aalto University, where he pioneers technology-driven pedagogical innovations and interdisciplinary research bridging accounting, healthcare management, and educational technology. His research spans Accounting Education , Management Accounting , and Digital Finance Transformation , with notable work on VR-based business teaching, spatial design in learning environments, and healthcare cost variation analysis. He actively explores how productivity information can reshape professional identities and reduce unwarranted clinical practice variations. Derichs' 2022-2025 publications reveal a clear trajectory toward immersive educational technologies and digital finance function optimization, characterized by extensive international collaboration across business schools and healthcare institutions. His award-winning contributions include: Teacher of the Year at the Department of Accounting (November 2021) Teaching Developer of the Year for VR case development (August 2021) Entrepreneurship Facilitator of the Year for educational conception innovation (September 2021) No information regarding student advisement or research grants is available in the source material.

• Accounting Education
• Management Accounting
• Digitalization in Finance
• +3 more

Roope Raisamo is a Professor in the Department of Computing Sciences at Tampere University, part of the Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences. His research focuses on advanced human-computer interaction, virtual/augmented reality systems, haptic feedback technologies, and their applications in medical, automotive, and assistive technology domains. He leads multidisciplinary projects involving collaboration with industry partners like car manufacturers and healthcare institutions. Key areas of expertise include: (1) Design of immersive XR environments with multimodal feedback integration, (2) Haptic actuator development using smart materials like magnetorheological fluids, (3) Ergonomic interfaces for autonomous vehicles, and (4) Accessibility solutions for seniors and disabled populations. His work bridges theoretical HCI research with practical applications seen in surgical training systems, automotive UIs, and wearable communication aids. Raisamo's research outputs from 2023-2025 show strong focus on: - Sensory augmentation in food perception through XR (2025) - Medical VR applications for surgical planning and tumor visualization (2024-2025) - Haptic-mediating technologies for automotive and industrial interfaces (2023-2025) He has pioneered the use of embedded haptic waveguides in steering wheel interfaces and developed novel textile-based AAC systems for non-verbal communication. Current projects include exploring the medical metaverse for collaborative surgical planning and creating AI-enhanced research tools like TAUCHI-GPT.

• Virtual Reality (VR)
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Haptic Feedback Systems
• +7 more

Mario Di Francesco is a Professor at the Department of Computer Science, Aalto University. He holds the position of Professor in Computing Systems (ComputingSystems) Research Area and leads multiple research projects in networking and IoT. Previously, he was a research associate and adjunct faculty at the University of Texas at Arlington (2012–2014), and completed his PhD in Information Engineering at the University of Pisa under Prof. Giuseppe Anastasi. He also served as a research fellow at Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna in 2009. Research Interests : His work focuses on wireless networking, mobile and ubiquitous computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Key areas include edge computing, fog networks, virtual/augmented reality, and AI-driven resource management. His research contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9), sustainable cities (SDG 11), and industry/infrastructure development (SDG 9). Publications : His recent work spans topics like private virtual reality conversations, cloud-based network measurement frameworks (CLAIM), microservice connectivity analysis, and edge-DNN optimization. These publications reflect a trend toward integrating AI with distributed systems for real-time, low-latency applications in IoT and edge computing. Awards : Recipient of the Google Internet of Things Technology Research Award (2016) and MobileHCI Honorable Mention (2020). Grants & Projects : CRUISE (2023–2025): Cross-system architecture for autonomous wireless networks using lifelong machine learning. MeXICO (2020–2024): Mobile cross-reality through immersive computing. ASPECT (2016–2018): Spectrum utilization for mobile video. Labs & Teams : Leads research groups focused on edge computing, IoT systems, and immersive technologies. Collaborates with international partners on projects like fog radio networks and autonomous system design.

• Wireless Networking
• Mobile and Ubiquitous Computing
• Internet of Things
• +4 more

Dr. Tero Juuti is an Associate Professor (tenure track) in Automation Technology and Mechanical Engineering at Tampere University. He holds a Doctor of Science (Technology) in Mechanical Engineering from 2009. His research focuses on product development methodologies, modularization strategies, and engineering education innovation. Key areas include high-variety low-volume manufacturing systems, design reuse, and lean design principles. Juuti has contributed significantly to understanding modular product structures and their impact on manufacturing efficiency. Education: Doctor of Science (Technology), Mechanical Engineering (2009) Research Interests: Modular product design and architecture Decision support systems for configurable products Engineering education pedagogy Lean manufacturing in HVLV contexts Knowledge management in product development Juuti has published over 78 peer-reviewed articles, with recent work addressing design reuse in engineer-to-order contexts and coordination mechanisms in modular systems. He received the Tampere University Prize for Teaching Excellence (2020) and the ICED'09 Reviewers' Favorite Award (2009). Professional Activities: Editorial board member of Journal of Engineering Design (2022–present) Session chair at NordDesign 2022 Opponent for doctoral defenses at Blekinge Institute of Technology (2023) Reviewer for multiple journals and conferences His work bridges academic research with industrial applications, emphasizing practical solutions for manufacturing challenges through systematic design methodologies and pedagogical innovation.

• Product Development
• Modularization
• Manufacturing Industry
• +3 more

Zhengya Gong is a Senior Researcher at the Faculty of Art and Design, University of Lapland, Finland. Her research focuses on Extended Reality (XR), Human-Computer Interaction, Design Creativity, and the cultural influences on design processes. She explores topics such as virtual reality (VR) stimuli, AI-driven creativity enhancement, and neurocognitive aspects of design thinking through EEG studies. Her work integrates interdisciplinary approaches, combining neuroscience, cultural psychology, and technology to advance understanding of creative processes in design education and professional practice. Key collaborations include studies on human-robot interaction, empathy through VR, and cross-cultural creativity. Zhengya Gong has published extensively on AI applications in design, VR-based priming techniques, and the impact of cultural values (e.g., uncertainty avoidance) on creativity. Her contributions span conference proceedings (e.g., Asia Design and Innovation Conference, NordDesign) and peer-reviewed journals like Computers in Human Behavior .

• Extended Reality (XR)
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Design Creativity
• +6 more