Aino Ahtinen is a University Lecturer in Computing Sciences at Tampere University's Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences. Her work focuses on human-robot interaction, particularly in educational and healthcare contexts. She has extensive experience designing socially assistive robots, wellness technologies, and participatory design frameworks for diverse populations including older adults, children, and professionals. Her research emphasizes co-learning models involving social robots, accessibility in senior-robot interactions, and the integration of robotics into primary education and workplace well-being. Notable projects include the ROBOTOUR co-learning initiative for seniors and ROBOCAMP programs for youth. She has pioneered studies on robot literacy metrics and ethical design considerations in social robotics. Dr. Ahtinen has contributed to over 60 peer-reviewed publications since 2003, with recent work focusing on robot-assisted physical activity, privacy-aware robotic systems, and cross-generational technology education. Her research bridges human-computer interaction, gerontechnology, and educational technology, consistently prioritizing user-centered design principles.
Juan Rojas, MD, MS is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at Rush Medical College. He holds multiple leadership roles including Associate Chief Medical Information Officer and Director of the Rush Health Equity Analytics Studio. He is also the Associate Program Director for the Clinical Informatics Fellowship. His research focuses on critical care medicine, healthcare informatics, and machine learning applications in healthcare. Dr. Rojas leads the Rush Health Equity Analytics Studio, addressing disparities through data-driven solutions. He is a key contributor to the Common Longitudinal ICU Data Format (CLIF) initiative, advancing multi-institutional critical care research. His work emphasizes standardizing ICU-to-ward handoffs via tools like the ICU-PAUSE framework, improving communication and patient outcomes. His research spans ventilator management, sepsis protocols, and AI-driven predictive models for ICU readmissions and discharge planning. Collaborations across institutions highlight his commitment to evidence-based practices in critical care and health equity. He has also explored the impact of cultural factors, such as patient language preferences, on sedation practices in intensive care settings. Dr. Rojas has led quality improvement projects to enhance resident education and patient care in pulmonary and critical care fellowships. His contributions to national surveys on AI adoption in healthcare provide insights into health system priorities and challenges. His work continues to bridge clinical practice, technology, and health equity in critical care environments.
Adam Pacton is an Associate Teaching Professor at Arizona State University's College of Integrative Sciences and Arts, where he serves as the Dean's Fellow for AI Literacy and Integration and the English 105 Course Coordinator in the Writers' Studio. He has been at ASU since January 2016, contributing significantly to online education through MOOCs and innovative writing instruction. Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Composition, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (2015) M.A. in English, East Tennessee State University (2009) B.A. in Philosophy, Marquette University (2001) His research and teaching focus on bridging personalization and scale in writing instruction. Key areas include composition theory, pedagogy, writing program administration, disability studies, and multimodal composition. He is deeply engaged in online, hybrid, and MOOC-based education, emphasizing accessibility and innovation. His recent publications and presentations reflect a strong interest in scalable writing instruction, grammar pedagogy, and inclusive composition practices. Themes across his work include educational access, peer tutoring, and the integration of technology in writing education. ASU President's Award for Innovation (2017, 2021) Society for Disability Studies Tanis Doe Prize (2013) University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Distinguished Graduate Student Fellowship (2013) James A. Sappenfield Fellowship (2012) Dr. Pacton has advised on the development of Study Hall and Crash Course YouTube playlists and has served on multiple university committees related to composition and faculty hiring. He is also active in editorial roles, including as a reviewer for Pedagogy and copyeditor for Queen City Writers . He leads initiatives in writing assessment and curriculum development, particularly in large-scale and online contexts. He has coordinated writing programs at multiple institutions and is involved in the assessment redesign and online composition instruction. His service includes leadership in writing centers, curriculum committees, and faculty development workshops.
H-Dirksen Bauman is a Professor of Deaf Studies at Gallaudet University, affiliated with the Arts and Humanities School. His work centers on Deaf cultural studies, audism, and the intersection of disability studies with broader sociocultural frameworks. He has contributed significantly to redefining academic discourse through concepts like 'Deaf Gain,' emphasizing the value of deafness as a mode of human diversity rather than a deficit. Bauman’s research spans sign language literature, sensory politics, and architectural design for Deaf communities (DeafSpace). He has taught courses such as Language, Culture, and Power and Enforcing Normalcy: Deaf and Disability Studies , reflecting his commitment to critical pedagogy. His scholarly contributions include foundational texts on audism and co-editing Deaf Gain: Raising the Stakes for Human Diversity . He has held leadership roles including Director of ASL Connect and advisor to the Deaf Studies Digital Journal. Awards include the Maryland State Arts Council’s Independent Artist Award and recognition for bilingual literary works. His work bridges academia, artistry, and activism to challenge ableist norms and advocate for deaf-centered frameworks in education, architecture, and policy.
Sohail K. Mirza, MD, MPH is a Professor of Engineering at Dartmouth College's Thayer School of Engineering, specializing in biomedical engineering and orthopaedic surgery. His dual roles as a clinician and researcher focus on spinal biomechanics, surgical innovation, and healthcare policy. He received a BA in Physics from Colorado College (1985), an MD from the University of Colorado (1989), and an MPH from the University of Washington (2005). Research Interests: Dr. Mirza's work bridges clinical practice and engineering, with a focus on improving spinal surgery outcomes through advanced imaging techniques (e.g., intraoperative stereovision), reducing surgical overuse via policy analysis, and developing evidence-based guidelines for lumbar fusion procedures. His innovations include systems for pain measurement post-surgery and handheld stereovision tools for surgical navigation. Awards & Recognition: 2014 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Kappa Delta Award 2002/2008 University of Washington Service Excellence Award 1998 Cervical Spine Research Society Award Grants & Collaborations: His research has been supported by the National Institutes of Health and the Dartmouth College NSF I-Corps. He collaborates with biomedical engineers like Keith Paulsen and clinicians such as Roberts DW on projects like image-based registration for spine surgery. Labs & Teams: Leads the Spinal Surgery Innovation Lab at Thayer School, focusing on translating engineering solutions into clinical practices. Co-directs the Dartmouth Center for Surgical Innovation.
Boris Shor is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the Hobby School of Public Affairs, University of Houston, where he conducts research on state legislatures, political polarization, representation, and health policy. He is associated with multiple interdisciplinary initiatives and contributes to major data infrastructure in political science. Education: Ph.D. and M.A. in Political Science, Columbia University B.A., Princeton University Shor specializes in American politics with a focus on legislative behavior, ideological measurement, and health policy. His work combines quantitative methods, roll call analysis, and survey data to understand polarization and representation across U.S. states. He has developed one of the most comprehensive datasets on state legislative ideology, influencing both academic research and policy analysis. His recent publications span top journals such as American Political Science Review , American Journal of Political Science , and Political Analysis , with a thematic focus on state-level political dynamics, methodological innovation, and health policy politics. The research consistently explores how partisanship, ideology, and institutional structures shape policy outcomes. Scientific Awards and Honors: Robert Wood Johnson Scholar in Health Policy, UC Berkeley Fellow, Center for the Study of Democratic Politics, Princeton University Shor has secured major external funding from the National Science Foundation and the Russell Sage Foundation . He has advised undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students throughout his career. His ongoing book project examines the politics of health policy in the American states, building on his interdisciplinary background in political science and public health. He is affiliated with research centers focused on democratic governance and public policy, contributing to collaborative academic networks across institutions.
Marina Unger is a scientific collaborator at the Photographic Collection of the Bibliotheca Hertziana – Max Planck Institute for Art History since February 2025. She studied Classical Archaeology and Art History at Philipps University of Marburg, University of Naples ‘L'Orientale’, and Humboldt University of Berlin, earning a Magister Artium in 2010. In 2020–2021, she completed a Master’s degree in Literary Translation for Italian at Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich. Her current doctoral thesis focuses on Greek vase drawings within the archaeological apparatus of the Instituto di Corrispondenza Archeologica in Rome. Education: Magister Artium (Humboldt University, 2010), Master’s in Literary Translation (LMU Munich, 2021) Her research bridges archaeology , media history , and archival studies , emphasizing nineteenth-century documentation practices like vase drawings and early photography. She contributes to provenance research and digital humanities projects. Recent work includes the DFG-funded Gelehrte, Ausgräber und Kunsthändler project, analyzing the networks of the German Archaeological Institute through correspondence and linked data infrastructure. Collaborations span institutions like the German Archaeological Institute (DAI) and Scuola Normale Superiore in Pisa, with publications on Etruscan tomb paintings, Greek vases, and antiquities trade dynamics. Prior roles include: student assistant at Bildarchiv Foto Marburg, IT department member at Kunsthistorisches Institut in Florence, and research assistant at DAI Archives in Berlin. She has also worked as a freelance translator/editor and project manager.
Kristen S. Kurland is a University Professor at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), holding appointments in the H. John Heinz III College of Information Systems and Public Policy, the School of Architecture, and a courtesy appointment in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department. She also serves as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Her roles include chairing the Geographical and Geospatial Sciences Committee of The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, and serving on the Board on Earth Sciences and Resources. Her teaching focuses on GIS, Building Information Modeling (BIM), CAD, and 3D visualization, with courses at Heinz College targeting executive physicians and healthcare management students. Research interests span health and urban systems, geospatial analytics, machine learning, and smart cities. She actively collaborates with healthcare, government, and industry partners globally. Notable awards include the 2020 Carlow University Women of Spirit Award, 2012 Esri Health Communications Award, and multiple teaching accolades. Her funded research includes projects on urban quality of life, 3D visualization, and pediatric healthcare access funded by The Heinz Endowments, Deloitte Foundation, and others. Kurland advises numerous PhD students across architecture, civil engineering, and public policy, and leads grants addressing spatial health equity, urban design, and geospatial innovation. She is co-author of bestselling GIS workbooks like GIS Tutorial for Health and a frequent keynote speaker on geospatial technologies.
Dr. Faith Kwa is a Senior Lecturer and Course Director for the seven Bachelor of Health Science degrees at Swinburne University of Technology's School of Health Sciences. Her teaching interests include Research Methods, Pathology, and Molecular Biology. She leads the Drug Discovery for Chronic Diseases Laboratory and has been recognized as one of Australia's leading educators, receiving the 2024 citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning by the Australian Awards for University Teaching. Her educational background includes: Doctor of Philosophy from The University of Melbourne, Australia Graduate Certificate in Tertiary Teaching and Learning from RMIT University, Australia Bachelor of Biomedical Science from The University of Melbourne, Australia Bachelor of Science (Honours - First Class) from The University of Melbourne, Australia Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, United Kingdom (2020-present) Dr. Kwa is a molecular biologist whose research focuses on drug discovery for chronic diseases, particularly in the areas of epigenetic medicine, molecular mechanisms of action, and chronic disease prevention and management. Her laboratory has made significant contributions to understanding treatment strategies for leukemia, posterior eye diseases, and Friedreich's ataxia using natural compounds with epigenetic properties. She has made novel observations regarding low doses of epigenetic modifiers in combination therapies that potentiate cytotoxicity in leukemia cells resistant to conventional chemotherapeutic drugs. Her work with sulforaphane (a broccoli-derived compound) has shown therapeutic benefits across multiple disease models, particularly for neurodegenerative and ocular conditions. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on neurodegenerative disorders (particularly Friedreich's ataxia), ophthalmic diseases, and molecular approaches to disease treatment. Her work consistently bridges basic science with clinical applications, often examining epigenetic mechanisms and oxidative stress pathways. A recurring theme across her research is the therapeutic potential of natural compounds like sulforaphane, which appears in multiple disease contexts from mitochondrial myopathies to posterior eye diseases. Her scientific recognition includes: 2024 citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning by the Australian Awards for University Teaching 2023 Vice-chancellor's Award for Teaching Excellence (Higher Education - Individual) 2023 School of Health Science Teaching Excellence Award Fellow of the Higher Education Academy in the UK 18 other teaching accolades throughout her academic career Dr. Kwa supervises PhD and Master's students in areas related to molecular mechanisms of disease and therapeutic interventions. She has coordinated and taught eleven different subjects with student numbers ranging from 20 to over 300. As a Chief Investigator, she has secured various learning and teaching grants from Australian universities. Currently, she holds funding for 'Pre-clinical investigations on sulforaphane to advance the cure for Friedreich's ataxia' from the University of Melbourne (2022-2025). She is passionate about developing pedagogical methods to enhance teaching and learning environments and has received positive student feedback throughout her career. Dr. Kwa leads the Drug Discovery for Chronic Diseases Laboratory, where her team investigates potential treatments for various chronic disorders. She also serves as the Swinburne Women Academic Network Leader in the Career Development Team, where she develops programs supporting women academics in progressing their careers. Her laboratory work utilizes pre-clinical disease models to evaluate therapeutic approaches, with a particular emphasis on targeted therapies with superior efficacy for treating human diseases.
Arlen C. Moller is an Associate Professor and Director of Undergraduate Programs in the Department of Psychology at Illinois Institute of Technology since 2013. He leads the Motivation Science and Digital Health Lab , supervising students across multiple degree programs including Clinical Psychology (Ph.D.) and Game Design. Education: Ph.D. in Social Psychology (2007) - University of Rochester B.A. in Psychology (2000) - Cornell University His research focuses on digital health interventions that promote physical and mental wellness through motivation science and self-determination theory , particularly examining how digital technologies like wearable monitors, video games, and extended reality can be designed to support intrinsic motivation and behavioral change . This work spans multiple domains including occupational health , human-computer interaction , and game design . Current research trends include: Developing digital tools that balance competition mechanics with psychological needs Understanding social identity influences on health behaviors Examining long-term effects of extrinsic rewards on motivation Implementing self-determination theory in healthcare settings Creating peer-to-peer mental health support systems Optimizing digital behavior change through autonomy support Dr. Moller collaborates with institutions such as the Center for Self-Determination Theory , Society of Behavioral Medicine , and University of Lisbon's PANOS*SR Research Group . His lab team includes three Ph.D. candidates investigating specific applications of their research.
Sarah Easterby-Smith is a Senior Lecturer in the School of History at the University of St Andrews, where she is also affiliated with the St Andrews Institute for Transnational & Spatial History. She joined St Andrews as a lecturer in 2012 and was promoted to senior lecturer in 2018. Her educational background includes a PhD in History from the University of Warwick (2010), followed by prestigious fellowships including an Early Career Fellowship at the Institute of Advanced Study, University of Warwick, a Max Weber Fellowship at the European University Institute, and a Dibner Fellowship in the History of Science at the Huntington Library, California. As a social and cultural historian of science, Dr. Easterby-Smith's work focuses on French, British and global histories in the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Her research explores how access to knowledge was permitted and constrained, especially with regard to gender and social status. Her first monograph, Cultivating Commerce: Cultures of Botany in Britain and France , was published by Cambridge University Press in 2018. Her current research portfolio demonstrates a consistent focus on colonial knowledge systems, with particular attention to botanical networks and the role of families in colonial science. Her publications reveal an interdisciplinary approach that bridges history of science, cultural history, and global history methodologies, with increasing attention to indigenous knowledge systems in recent work. Dr. Easterby-Smith has received numerous awards and recognitions, including: Dibner Fellowship in the History of Science and Technology (2011) Early Career Fellowship at the Institute of Advanced Study, University of Warwick (2010) Max Weber Fellowship at the European University Institute (2010) Fellow of the Royal Historical Society (2018) Huntington Library Conference funding (2014) She has supervised 10 PhD students to completion on diverse topics ranging from early modern numeracy to the nineteenth-century whaling industry. Her teaching focuses on eighteenth-century politics, science, society and culture, with special emphasis on visual and material sources. She actively collaborates with external organizations, including historical consultancy for the Royal Horticultural Society and current work with UNESCO on botany and world heritage sites.
Prof. Dr. Melanie Krüger is a faculty member at Leibniz University Hannover , where she serves as Head of the Research Unit Sports and Cognition within the Institute of Sports Science. Her academic career spans institutions including the Technical University of Munich, University of Tasmania, and Ludwig Maximilian University. She leads research initiatives in embodiment, cognitive aging, motor decision-making, and the impact of physical activity on neurocognitive and motor functioning. Current Position: Professor, Institute of Sports Science, Leibniz University Hannover Prior Appointments: Post-doctoral roles at Technical University of Munich, University of Tasmania, and Pennsylvania State University Education: PhD in Systemic Neurosciences, Ludwig Maximilian University; Diploma in Sports Science, University of Leipzig Krüger's research focuses on: Embodiment Research: Systemic interactions between cognitive and motor development Cognitive Aging: Age-related changes in motor decision-making and coordination Human Locomotion: Collision avoidance, mixed reality interactions, and real-world movement studies Open Science: Advocacy for research data management in sports science Her recent publications explore mixed reality applications ( 2024 ), stress effects on motor function ( 2023 ), and methodological innovations in locomotion studies ( 2021-2025 ). Current projects include Moving Forward (2021-2022) and two Innovation Plus initiatives (2022-2024) developing experimental frameworks for human movement analysis. Krüger actively participates in academic governance: Spokesperson, German Society of Sport Science's Ad Hoc Committee on Research Data Management (since 2022) Board member, DVS Section 'Sports Motor Skills' (since 2022) Doctoral Committee, Faculty of Humanities Examination Board, MSc Sustainable Health Promotion in Sports Science
Sidonie Christophe is a Senior Researcher (Directrice de Recherche, DR1) at UMR LASTIG, a joint research unit of Université Gustave Eiffel, IGN-ENSG, and EIVP. She serves as co-director of the LASTIG laboratory and leads research in geovisualization, map design, and interactive spatial data exploration. She also holds a part-time advisory role (60%) at the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research in the domain of digital technology, environment, climate, and sustainable urban development. PhD in Geographic Information Sciences Senior Researcher, DR1, MTECT Co-Director, LASTIG Laboratory (since 2021) Former Team Leader, GEOVIS (Geovisualization, Interaction, and Immersion) Advisor, Environment and Urban Climate, French Ministry of Higher Education & Research Her research centers on innovative methods for 2D/3D and nD geospatial data visualization, with a focus on enabling spatio-temporal understanding through visual and non-visual spatial thinking. Her work integrates principles from geographic information science, human-computer interaction, and computer graphics. Key areas include urban climate visualization, tactile and augmented reality for accessibility, expressive cartographic rendering, and cognitive aspects of map design. She investigates how aesthetic and semiotic choices impact map comprehension and utility. The 15 most recent publications reflect a strong trend in interactive and accessible geovisualization, particularly for urban and environmental applications. Topics include neural map style transfer, 3D urban climate analysis, tactile maps for the visually impaired, augmented reality in geography, and visual analytics for crisis and climate data. There is a consistent emphasis on user-centered design, interdisciplinary integration, and the development of tools for decision-making under uncertainty. Scientific Recognition and Service: Invited speaker at major conferences (IEEEVIS, AGILE, ICC, CPGIS) Co-organizer of international workshops (e.g., GeoVIS, ISPRS AR/VR sessions) Leader of national research projects (ANR ORACLES, ANR ACTIVmap, ANR ECOCIM) Recipient of international mobility grants (AMICI I-SITE FUTURE) Contributor to national glossaries and research strategy (e.g., French photogrammetry glossary) Advising and Grants: Sidonie Christophe actively supervises PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, including Markie Jiang, Maria-Jesus Lobo, and Alexandre Mielniczek. She leads or participates in multiple funded research projects such as ANR ORACLES (marine flooding visualization), ANR ACTIVmap (tactile 3D maps), and ANR ECOCIM (eco-design of city information models). Her advisory role at the MESR involves shaping national research strategy in digital and environmental sciences. Labs and Research Teams: She is a core member of the GEOVIS team (Geovisualization, Interaction, and Immersion) at LASTIG and previously served as its leader. As co-director of LASTIG, she plays a central role in the leadership and strategic direction of the entire laboratory, which comprises over 100 researchers across four teams: ACTE, GEOVIS, MEIG, and STRUDEL.
Julia Alekseyeva is an Assistant Professor of English and Cinema and Media Studies at the University of Pennsylvania, School of Arts and Sciences. She is affiliated with the Department of Eastern European and Russian Studies (REES) and teaches courses such as CIMS 3100 / REES 3770: Cinema and Socialism. Her academic work bridges film, media, and radical politics across transnational contexts. Ph.D., Comparative Literature (Secondary Field: Film and Visual Studies), Harvard University, 2017 Postdoctoral Fellow, Reischauer Institute of Japanese Studies Former faculty, Harvard University and Brooklyn College Dr. Alekseyeva's research centers on the intersections of global media and leftist political movements, with a comparative focus on Japan, France, and the former Soviet Union. Her work spans avant-garde cinema , documentary film , transnational animation , graphic narratives , and digital media . She investigates how radical ideologies shape media forms, particularly in response to capitalism and socialist realism. Her scholarship appears in both traditional academic and innovative visual formats. The 15 most recent articles reflect a consistent engagement with politically charged media forms across historical and cultural contexts. They span graphic narratives , documentary experimentation , avant-garde film , and activist media , demonstrating a methodological commitment to interdisciplinary and transnational analysis. Keywords include Film Studies, Political Activism, Visual Culture, and Media History, while sub-fields range from Feminist Autobiography to Digital Documentary, showcasing the breadth of her scholarly impact. Dr. Alekseyeva has received recognition for her work, most notably as the award-winning author of Soviet Daughter: A Graphic Revolution . Her publications in venues like The Nib and Jewish Currents reflect her commitment to public scholarship. Award-winning author for Soviet Daughter: A Graphic Revolution She advises students in film and media studies and is developing new curricula that integrate visual and academic scholarship. Her current projects include a monograph on 1960s avant-garde documentary and an anthology of her academic essays in graphic narrative format. While specific grants are not listed, her postdoctoral fellowship at the Reischauer Institute indicates prior competitive funding. She is actively shaping the future of media studies through hybrid, accessible, and politically engaged scholarship. Dr. Alekseyeva is also developing a new interdisciplinary lab or research collective focused on graphic scholarship and visual epistemology , aiming to bridge academic research with public-facing visual storytelling. Her work with The Paper Brigade and The Nib suggests strong collaborative ties with artists, historians, and activists committed to cultural resistance and radical pedagogy.
Mengqiu Cao is a Lecturer in Urban Systems Predictive Analytics and Machine Learning at the University College London (UCL) within the Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources . He integrates academia and industry expertise to advance interdisciplinary research at the intersection of transport analysis and urban studies. Research Focus : Sustainable transport, urban mobility, logistics, social equity, and low carbon transitions. Teaching : Coordinates modules on climate sciences, data-driven consumer behavior analysis, and transport policy. Awards : Holds fellowships with the Royal Geographical Society, Royal Statistical Society, and Royal Society of Arts. Publications : Recent works examine green space impacts on mobility, equitable EV charging access, dockless bike-sharing patterns, and 15-minute city frameworks.
