Alanson Sample is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Michigan (since 2018), leading the Interactive Sensing and Computing Lab. His research focuses on Human-Computer Interaction, Cyber-Physical Systems, and wireless technology innovations. He holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering from the University of Washington (2011), with prior postdoctoral work there developing implantable medical devices. Before academia, Sample held senior roles at Disney Research (2013-2018) as Executive Lab Director and Principal Research Scientist, leading teams in Robotics, AI, Computer Vision, and HCI. Earlier, he worked at Intel Labs (2008-2013) on energy harvesting for wearables and IoT. Key research themes include wireless power systems, embedded sensing, and privacy-aware technologies. Over 150+ publications span topics like magnetic sensing (MagDesk), acoustic gesture recognition (HandSAW), and privacy-preserving activity tracking (PrivacyMic). His work bridges academic and industry innovation, particularly in scalable interactive systems and medical technology. Notable projects include the Quasistatic Cavity Resonance wireless charging system, RFID-based sensing platforms (WISP), and wearable health monitoring devices. His lab develops hardware-software co-design frameworks for energy-efficient embedded systems. Current research emphasizes medical applications, smart infrastructure, and ubiquitous computing interfaces.
Michele Zorzi is a Professor of Telecommunications at the School of Engineering, University of Padova, Italy, where he has held a faculty position since 2003. He leads the SIGNET (Signal processing and Networking) Research Group, focusing on cutting-edge wireless networking challenges including mmWave communications and underwater networks. His extensive publication record exceeds 600 papers in top-tier journals and conferences, reflecting significant contributions to the field through both theoretical and experimental work. He received his Laurea Degree (1990) and Ph.D. (1994) in Electrical Engineering from the University of Padova. Prior academic appointments include Politecnico di Milano (1993-1996), University of California San Diego (1995-1998), and University of Ferrara (1998-2003), where he progressed from Associate Professor to full Professor. His educational trajectory demonstrates deep roots in Italian academia with international exposure. Professor Zorzi's research spans wireless communications and networking, with current emphases on mmWave networking for vehicular systems, underwater acoustic/optical communications, non-terrestrial networks, and AI-driven networking solutions. His group conducts experimental validations including at-sea trials for underwater systems and testbeds for vehicular networks. Key projects include PRATA for predictive QoS in autonomous driving and IoT-based environmental monitoring of the Venice Lagoon, demonstrating practical applications of theoretical work. Analysis of his 2022-2025 publications reveals strong trends in applying artificial intelligence to networking challenges across diverse environments. There is significant emphasis on vehicular networks (predictive QoS, teleoperated driving), underwater systems (acoustic/optical communications, AUV swarms), and satellite networks (Starlink integration, NTN security). Experimental validation in real-world scenarios like the Venice Lagoon monitoring project and underwater sea trials characterizes his applied research approach. His scientific accolades include: IEEE Fellow (2007) IEEE Communications Society Best Tutorial Paper Award (2008, 2019) Stephen O. Rice Best Paper Award (2018) Multiple best paper awards at IEEE conferences (2005-2020) As principal investigator for numerous European and US research projects plus 20+ industry-funded initiatives, Professor Zorzi has mentored over 35 PhD students and post-docs. Graduates now hold prominent positions at institutions including Stanford, UCSD, CTTC, and Huawei. His SIGNET group maintains active international collaborations and contributes to open-source networking tools via GitHub, demonstrating commitment to community engagement. The SIGNET Research Group, housed within the Department of Information Engineering, operates specialized experimental facilities for mmWave and underwater communications. Current initiatives include AI-based predictive QoS frameworks for vehicular networks, underwater optical communication systems using ultraviolet light, and large-scale IoT deployments for environmental monitoring. The group's GitHub presence indicates strong open-science practices, while recent sea trials confirm hands-on experimental capabilities beyond theoretical work.
Anand Bhojan is an Associate Professor (Educator Track) at the Department of Computer Science, School of Computing, National University of Singapore (NUS). He is a member of the Communication and Internet Research Lab and serves on the Graduate Studies Committee. Dr. Bhojan is also the founder of Anuflora Systems and Virtual and Augmented Reality Labs (www.varlabs.org), and serves as Associate Editor of Computers and Electrical Engineering Journal, Elsevier, and Vice President of International Researchers Club, Singapore. Dr. Bhojan earned his Ph.D. in Computer Science & Engineering from NUS in 2011, where his thesis was nominated for the Best PhD Thesis Award. He also holds a Professional Master's in Computer Applications from Bharathidasan University (1999), a Bachelor's degree in Computing with Gold Medal (University topper) from Bharathiar University (1994), and a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching Higher Education from University of Sheffield, UK (2003). His research spans multiple domains including Distributed Computing and Wireless Networks (IoT, Security, Blockchain), Artificial Intelligence (Generative AI, FinTech), and Entertainment Computing with focus on Games, VR/AR/Metaverse technologies. Dr. Bhojan leads the Metaverse Foundry research group which focuses on content generation for games & XR simulations across multiple domains including entertainment, healthcare, and architecture, while also experimenting with innovative teaching methods for entertainment media technologies. Dr. Bhojan's recent research has pioneered hybrid rendering techniques that strategically combine ray tracing and rasterization to create more realistic video game graphics without compromising performance. His work addresses critical challenges in real-time rendering, particularly in depth of field and motion blur effects, with the goal of making Hollywood-quality graphics accessible on a wider range of hardware. Earlier work focused on energy efficiency in mobile gaming, including power management techniques and latency optimization for cloud gaming. Among his notable achievements: 2012 Nominated for Best PhD Thesis Award (Wang Gungwu Medal & Prize), NUS 2011 Dean's Graduate Research Achievement Award (PhD), SoC, NUS 2006 Best R&D Project award from TOTE Board, Singapore 1995 Gold medal for first Rank (out of 4000) in Computing, Bharathiar University Dr. Bhojan has served as Organizing Chair and Program Chair for multiple international conferences and has delivered keynote talks at IEEE/ACM International Conferences. He teaches courses including Computer Networks Practice, Game Development, Interaction Design for Virtual and Augmented Reality, and Game Development Project. He leads the Metaverse Foundry research group and the Virtual and Augmented Reality Labs, where undergraduate and graduate students have won multiple research and innovation awards. His research bridges entertainment, education, and emerging technologies with practical applications in making immersive experiences more accessible across different hardware capabilities while maintaining energy efficiency.
Professor Andrew Hudson-Smith is the Director of the Bartlett Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis (CASA) at University College London (UCL), where he holds the title of Professor of Digital Urban Systems. He leads UCL's academic and applied research in smart cities, digital twins, and urban informatics. His roles include Editor-in-Chief of the Future Internet Journal and academic lead for the Smart Queen Elizabeth Park project. He contributes to strategic initiatives such as the Greater London Authority Smart London Board and EPSRC Digital Economy Programme Advisory Board. Education: PhD (2003), MSc (1996) from UCL; BSc in Geography from the University of Plymouth (1992). Research focuses on digital urban systems, IoT applications, sustainable urban planning, and cyberphysical systems. Notable projects include urban heat island monitoring, participatory planning platforms, and metaverse-driven urban design. His work bridges technology, art, and public engagement, exemplified by initiatives like Tales of Things and the Haggle-O-Tron. Recent publications emphasize digital twins, metaverse urbanism, and IoT integration in urban environments. Awards include a Fellowship of the Royal Society of Arts. His work addresses SDGs 3 (Good Health) and 11 (Sustainable Cities), with a focus on equitable smart city development and public space innovation.
Marcia O’Malley is the Thomas Michael Panos Family Professor in Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Bioengineering at Rice University’s George R. Brown School of Engineering. She chairs the Department of Mechanical Engineering and directs the Mechatronics and Haptic Interfaces (MAHI) Lab. Her research focuses on haptics and robotic rehabilitation, particularly wearable robotic systems for training and rehabilitation in virtual environments. She holds adjunct roles at Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Texas Medical School. Educated at Purdue University (B.S., 1996) and Vanderbilt University (M.S./Ph.D., 1999/2001), Dr. O’Malley has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the ONR Young Investigator Award, NSF CAREER Award, and multiple fellowships. She has twice won Rice’s George R. Brown Award for Superior Teaching. Her work bridges engineering and medicine, addressing human-robot interaction challenges in surgical training, workforce safety, and neurorehabilitation. The MAHI Lab develops devices like the hBracelet and Rice Haptic Rocker to enhance human-robot collaboration. She co-founded Houston Medical Robotics, Inc., applying her innovations to real-world medical applications. Research Interests: Haptics, wearable robotics, neural interfaces, surgical training metrics, and rehabilitation robotics. Labs/Teams: MAHI Lab (Biosciences Research Collaborative), collaborations with medical institutions. Grants/Awards: Extensive funding from NSF, ONR, and industry partnerships; leadership in editorial roles for IEEE Transactions on Haptics.
Prof. Dr. Otmar Hilliges is a Full Professor at the Department of Computer Science at ETH Zurich. He leads the AIT lab and serves as the head of the Institute of Intelligent Interactive Systems. His research focuses on spatio-temporal understanding of human movement and interaction, leveraging algorithms and representations from videos, images, and sensor data for applications in Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Human-Robot Interaction. Education: Diplom (MSc) in Computer Science, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Germany PhD in Computer Science, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), Germany (2009) Research Interests: Hilliges' work spans computer vision, robotics, and human-computer interaction. He develops methods for 3D human pose estimation, generative models for realistic avatar creation, and physically plausible simulation of human-object interactions. His research emphasizes practical applications in AR/VR and assistive robotics, aiming to bridge the gap between perception and action. Grants & Contributions: ERC Consolidator Grant (2022-2027): 'AI-Perceive: Robust Human-Centric Computer Vision for Advanced AI-Agents' Google Research Agreement (2020-2025): 'Generative Modelling of Humans' Microsoft Research Grants: Focus on human-centric robotics and interactive technologies Labs & Teams: Leads the AIT Lab at ETH Zurich, which pioneers research in intelligent interactive systems, emphasizing human-centric AI and robotics. The lab collaborates on projects ranging from drone cinematography to haptic feedback systems.
Professor Christopher Carman is the Stevenson Professor of Citizenship at the University of Glasgow, holding a PhD from the University of Houston. He has served in leadership roles including Head of Subject (Politics & International Relations), Head of the School of Social and Political Sciences, and Deputy Head of the School. His research focuses on political representation, electoral processes, public opinion, and Scottish politics, with notable contributions to studies on the Scottish Parliament and rural-urban political divides. Carman has led the Scottish Election Study (SES) since 2011 and co-leads the NORFACE-funded RUDE project on European rural-urban dynamics. He also contributes to the Glasgow-Nankai Joint Graduate School and the Stevenson Trust, fostering citizenship education and democratic research. Education: PhD in Political Science, University of Houston (2000). Previous academic roles include professorships at the Universities of Strathclyde and Pittsburgh. Research Interests: Political representation alternatives (e.g., public petitions systems), electoral behavior, Scottish and UK politics, direct democracy, and comparative legislative politics. Recent work addresses rural-urban divides in Europe and political compromise in democratic systems. Key Projects: Scottish Election Study (SES), Rural and Urban Divide in Europe (RUDE), and studies on political scandals and multilevel governance. His publications span electoral studies, comparative politics, and political behavior, with a focus on institutional trust and democratic engagement. Grants and Funding: ESRC and NORFACE grants support his research. The Stevenson Trust supports his work on citizenship education and public lectures.
Elahe Soltanaghai is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science and a Faculty Affiliate in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She is also a 2022 NCSA Fellow and received her PhD in Computer Science from the University of Virginia (2019), MS in Computer Engineering from Sharif University of Technology (2014), and dual BS degrees in Computer and Information Technology Engineering from Amirkabir University of Technology (2011, 2013). PhD: University of Virginia, Computer Science, 2019 MS: Sharif University of Technology, Computer Engineering, 2014 BS (Computer Engineering): Amirkabir University of Technology, 2011 BS (Information Technology Engineering): Amirkabir University of Technology, 2013 Her research spans wireless sensing and communication, focusing on Millimeter-wave Radar Sensing (for automotive, mixed reality, structural monitoring), Machine Learning for Wireless Systems (adaptive sensing/communication), Forest IoT (through-canopy biomass and soil sensing), Metaverse Technologies (gaze-based VR/AR), and Low-Power Backscatter Communication (WiFi/power-line tags). She directs the Wireless, Sensing & Embedded Networked Systems (iSENS) Lab and co-directs the Illinois Center for IoT. Her work bridges wireless networking with cyber-physical sensing , emphasizing environmental monitoring (e.g., wildfire fuel detection via radar tags) and human-computer interaction (e.g., gaze-tracking in VR). Recent articles include innovations in passive radar profiling , through-canopy biomass characterization , and integrated communication-sensing protocols . Scientific Awards: Google Research Scholar Award (2022) N2Women Rising Star (2021) ACM SIGMOBILE Dissertation Award (2020) EECS Rising Stars (2019) NCSA Faculty Fellowship (2023) Best Demo Runner-up, IPSN (2023) Teaching Excellence Award (2023) Grants: NASA FireTech Program Grant (2025) NSF Grant for Radar-based Perception (2024) Insper-Illinois Grant for VR Research (2024) Keysight Research Gifts (2022, 2023) T-Mobile Research Gift (2022)
Dr. Fumiya Iida is a researcher affiliated with the University of Cambridge , contributing to interdisciplinary research through Cambridge Reproduction and the Department of Engineering . His work spans bio-inspired robotics , soft robotics , and embodied intelligence , with a focus on biomechanics and human-robot interaction. His research integrates evolutionary robotics , reservoir computing , and tactile sensing , aiming to bridge engineering, physiology, and synthetic biology. Recent publications highlight innovations in Soft robotic actuation Robust control systems Multimodal sensor integration Human-robot collaborative tasks Dr. Iida's 15 most recent 2025 articles emphasize reservoir computing , soft sensor design , and adaptive motor coordination , reflecting his commitment to advancing embodied intelligence in robotics. No formal awards or student advisement details were found in the provided texts.
Deborah Richards is a Professor in the School of Computing at Macquarie University, affiliated with the Ethics and Agency Research Centre, Performance and Expertise Research Centre, and Frontier AI Research Centre. She holds roles as Industry and External Relations Director for the School and Director of the Virtual Reality Lab. Her research focuses on Intelligent Virtual Agents, Virtual Reality applications in education and health, knowledge acquisition, and cybersecurity ethics. She has authored over 425 publications and led 19 research projects, including studies on AI in healthcare and ethical AI design. Education: PhD (Artificial Intelligence, Macquarie University), MAppSc (Information Studies), BBus (Computing and MIS), and a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (Leadership and Management). She advises on PhD and MRes students in Intelligent Virtual Agents research. Research interests include virtual agents for health behavior change, AI ethics, and educational technology. Notable projects include the eADVICE web-based management system for urinary incontinence and the development of embodied conversational agents for wellbeing support. Awards include the ABC Science Media Fellowship (2005) and Vice-Chancellor’s Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning (2017). Grants and collaborations span health informatics, cybersecurity, and AI ethics. She co-leads initiatives like the Respectful Maternity Care study and the Virtual Reality Lab’s immersive learning environments. Future work emphasizes ethical AI integration in education and healthcare.
Rosa I. Arriaga is an Associate Professor in the School of Interactive Computing at Georgia Institute of Technology, where she directs the Ubicomp Health and Wellness Lab. Her research focuses on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Ubiquitous Computing, and mHealth, with applications in mental health, chronic disease management (e.g., diabetes), and pediatric asthma care. She designs technology systems to improve patient engagement, continuity of care, and clinician-patient communication. Research Areas: Chronic Care Management PTSD Therapy Support (PECSS project) Diabetes Management (DUCSS project) mHealth System Design AI in Healthcare Key Projects: PECSS: Leverages ubiquitous computing and machine learning to address clinical challenges in PTSD therapy. DUCSS: A diabetes management system to streamline patient education and self-monitoring, particularly for underserved populations. ZenVR: A virtual reality system for meditation education, validated through longitudinal studies. Teaching: Teaches undergraduate courses in HCI and graduate courses in Human-Centered Computing (HCC). Her Coursera course Intro to User Experience Design has over 50K learners. Grants & Partnerships: Funded by GT-Emory AI Humanity, American Diabetes Association, and Georgia Center for Diabetes Translation Research. Collaborations with Emory University, University of Rochester, and medical professionals. Labs & Teams: Leads the Ubicomp Health and Wellness Lab, fostering interdisciplinary research with graduate and undergraduate students focusing on health technology innovation.
Rong Zheng is a Professor in the Department of Computing and Software and a member of the School of Biomedical Engineering at McMaster University, Canada. She holds a Tier-1 Canada Research Chair in Mobile Computing and serves as Acting Chair of the Computing and Software department from July to December 2025. She is also an Associate Member of the Electrical & Computer Engineering department. Education: Ph.D. in Computer Science, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, USA Master of Engineering (thesis) in Electrical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China Dr. Zheng's research lies at the intersection of mobile computing, wireless networking, and machine learning, with a strong focus on applications for aging populations. She directs the NSERC Smart Mobility for the Aging Population CREATE program. Her work encompasses sensor development, wireless network design, and mobile data analytics to address real-world challenges in healthcare, mobility, and data center monitoring. She has developed innovative solutions like the MacQuest campus navigation app and has captured first prize in indoor localization competitions. Her recent publications demonstrate a clear trajectory toward applying wireless sensing technologies (particularly acoustic, Wi-Fi, and mmWave) to health monitoring and mobility assessment for older adults. There's a strong emphasis on developing efficient edge computing solutions that can process data in real-time on resource-constrained devices, as exemplified by her TeamNet framework for collaborative inference on the edge. Her work bridges theoretical advances with practical applications that have social impact. Scientific Awards: Tier-1 Canada Research Chair in Mobile Computing US National Science Foundation CAREER Award (2006) Joseph Ip Distinguished Engineering Fellow (2015-2018) Dr. Zheng leads the Wireless System Research Group (WiSeR) at McMaster University, which has secured significant funding including a $1.65M NSERC CREATE grant for smart mobility research for older adults. Her research has been supported by multiple funding agencies including NSERC, NSF, UH GEAR, and DURIP. She actively mentors graduate students and has developed specialized courses including CAS 772 (Mobile Data Analytics) and CAS 781 (Mobility in the Aging Population). The WiSeR group conducts impactful research on communication, networking, and data analytics issues in Cyber Physical Systems, with applications spanning healthcare, smart infrastructure, and data center monitoring. Their work on data center infrastructure monitoring networks has been featured in EurekAlert and Data Center Dynamics, and they've made significant contributions to indoor localization technology.
Prof. Marc Stamminger is a Professor of Visual Computing at FAU since 2002, leading the Chair of Computer Science 9 (Computer Graphics). His work focuses on algorithms for synthesizing and analyzing images through 3D modeling, LiDAR/Radar capture, and light simulation. He co-leads FAU Solar, applying 3D modeling for environmental lighting analysis under varying conditions. Stamminger has published over 250 papers, winning prestigious awards like the Siggraph Test-of-Time Award. He holds executive roles in Eurographics and is Vice Dean of FAU's Technical Faculty. Research interests span neural rendering , 3D reconstruction , radar imaging , and medical visualization . Recent work emphasizes radiance field rendering (e.g., VR-Splatting, INPC) and radar-based human motion tracking. His lab's FAU Solar project integrates large-scale 3D models with environmental lighting simulations. Publications trends highlight neural rendering optimizations , radar-MIMO systems , and agricultural digital twins . Key collaborations involve medical imaging (e.g., vocal fold reconstruction) and autonomous driving data generation. Awards: Siggraph Test-of-Time (2023?), 2× Siggraph Best-Of-Show Grants/Teams: FAU Solar Lab, Eurographics leadership, FAU Vice Dean Labs: Chair of Computer Science 9, FAU Solar Initiative
Professor Guy Wallis is a Professor and Director of Research at the School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences at the University of Queensland. He is also an Affiliate of the Centre for Sensorimotor Performance. His work bridges visual neuroscience, computational modeling, and applied human factors research, with significant contributions to understanding visual recognition and visuomotor behavior. Education: Bachelor (Honours) of Engineering in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Imperial College London PhD in Visual Neuroscience from University of Oxford, UK Prof. Wallis's research program combines computational modeling with behavioral studies, many conducted in computer-controlled virtual environments. His work spans visual neuroscience, object recognition, visuomotor control, and simulator-based training. He has made significant theoretical contributions to understanding how visual recognition is achieved in biological systems and how everyday visuomotor tasks are regulated, challenging existing paradigms and offering new insights. His recent publications reveal a strong focus on virtual reality applications, visual-motor integration challenges, and cross-species cognitive studies. There's a clear trend toward investigating how virtual environments can be optimized for training and assessment, with particular attention to visual perception limitations and how humans adapt to these environments across diverse contexts from surgical training to aviation. Scientific Awards and Recognitions: Elected Fellow of the Queensland Academy of Arts and Sciences (2022) ARC Medical Research Advisory Group (2022-2024) ARC College of Experts (2019-2021) CSIRO CSS Human Research Ethics Committee member (2020-2022) UQ Health and Behavioural Sciences Faculty, HDR Supervision Award (2018) ARC Future Fellowship (2011-2014) ARC QEII Fellowship (2003-2007) UQ Postdoctoral Fellowship (2001-2003) Prof. Wallis has successfully secured funding from major organizations including the Australian Research Council, the Human Frontier Science Program, and the Wellcome Trust. His industry partnerships span diverse sectors such as construction training, mining, healthcare, and aerospace. His research has led to the development of novel training programs for health professionals, impacted the design of man-machine interfaces for mining equipment, and informed the design parameters for pilot training systems. As Director of Research, he oversees the research direction of the School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations and supporting early-career researchers through his leadership in the Centre for Sensorimotor Performance.
Vanessa Samouëlian, MD, PhD, serves as an Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Montreal. Based at the Montreal University Hospital Center (CHUM), she specializes in gynecological oncology within the Gynecological Oncology division. Her institutional roles include leading Tumor Board meetings and serving as a service representative on CHUM's medical act evaluation committee and the University of Montreal externship committee. Her educational background includes: MD from University of Montpellier 1, France (1992-1998) Certificate of Clinical and Therapeutic Synthesis and Master's in Biological/Medical Sciences (1998) IUD in Colposcopy and Cervicovaginal Pathology (1999) DES in Gynecology-Obstetrics from University of Lille 2, France (2005) PhD from Biology-Health Doctoral School, University of Lille 2 (2007) Clinical Fellowship in Gynecology Oncology at CHUM (2009-2011) Dr. Samouëlian's research centers on gynecological malignancies with emphasis on cervical, endometrial, and vulvar cancers. She investigates molecular biomarkers for nodal metastasis, treatment outcomes in high-risk endometrial carcinoma, and surgical innovation including robotic techniques. Her work bridges clinical oncology, cancer pathology, and HPV vaccination strategies through national collaborations. Her 2015-2016 publications reveal a cohesive research trajectory focused on endometrial cancer through the Canadian High Risk Endometrial Cancer (CHREC) Consortium. Key themes include adjuvant therapy optimization, pathological pattern analysis (MELF invasion), and surgical training innovation using virtual reality simulation. These works demonstrate integration of clinical practice, molecular diagnostics, and surgical education within gynecologic oncology. Within CHUM's organizational structure, Dr. Samouëlian contributes to the Historical Assignment Team and Gynecological Oncology division. She co-developed the Contemporary Clinical Questions on HPV-Related Diseases and Vaccination booklet with Gynecologic Oncology Canada and Merck Canada, endorsed by major Canadian gynecological societies including the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada.
