Wenhu Chen is an Assistant Professor at the University of Waterloo's Computer Science Department and a CIFAR AI Chair at the Vector Institute. He also holds a part-time role as a Senior Research Scientist at Google DeepMind (20% allocation). His research focuses on natural language processing, deep learning, and multimodal reasoning, with contributions to models like MAmmoTH, OpenCoderInterpreter, and VISTA. He received awards including the Canada CIFAR AI Chair (2022) and the UCSB CS Outstanding Dissertation Award (2021). Education: PhD in Computer Science from the University of California, Santa Barbara (under William Wang and Xifeng Yan). Research interests include complex reasoning, controllable GenAI, and multimodal benchmarks like MEGABench and MMMU. Grants include CIFAR AI Chair Funding (2022-2027), NSERC Discovery Fund (2023-2028), and multiple NRC Canada grants. He directs the TIGER Lab, advancing generative models in text, images, videos, and music. Recent talks include presentations on multimodal reasoning at Apple and NeurIPS workshops.
Casey Reas is a Professor of Design Media Arts at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), within the UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture. Previously, he served as an Associate Professor at Interaction Design Institute Ivrea (2001–2003). His academic background includes a BSc in Design from the University of Cincinnati (1996) and an MSc in Media Arts and Sciences from MIT (2001). Reas co-created the open-source programming language Processing with Ben Fry, revolutionizing visual arts and education globally. He is renowned for blending art and technology, creating generative works exhibited in institutions like the Centre Georges Pompidou and the Whitney Museum of American Art. His research focuses on computational aesthetics, algorithmic art, and digital media's intersection with music and design. Education: Bachelor of Science in Design, University of Cincinnati, 1996 Master of Science in Media Arts and Sciences, MIT, 2001 Research Interests: Reas explores the synergy between code and creativity, emphasizing generative systems, real-time visualization, and interactive installations. His work often addresses themes of randomness, pattern formation, and human-computer interaction. Notable projects include Processing language development, music video collaborations with The National, and immersive installations like Sketch Machine and Warm Up . Recent Collaborations: Music videos for The National’s Sleep Well Beast (2017), blending algorithmic visuals with Grammy-winning music. Interactive installations such as Impure Functions (2017) and Warm Up (2017), co-created with UCLA’s Conditional Studio. Public commissions like Sketch Machine (2018), an open-source drawing tool for GIPHY. Awards: Contributor to The National’s Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album ( Sleep Well Beast , 2018). Labs/Teams: Reas leads the Reas Studio and collaborates with UCLA’s Arts Conditional Studio, focusing on experimental software, generative art, and interdisciplinary projects.
Alexandra Papoutsaki is an Associate Professor of Computer Science at Pomona College since 2017. Her research focuses on Human-Computer Interaction , particularly in webcam-based eye tracking and shared gaze for remote collaboration . Ph.D. in Computer Science from Brown University M.Sc. in Computer Science from Brown University B.Sc. in Computer Science from Athens University of Economics and Business Her work spans personal informatics , crowdsourcing methodologies , and remote usability testing , with recent projects examining collaborative drawing interfaces, baby tracking reflection, and digital health communities. Earlier contributions include computational biology research in genome-wide survival analysis and pan-cancer mutation networks. Key trends in her publications include: Remote collaboration tools enhanced by eye tracking Personal data systems for health and creative domains Foundational work in crowdsourcing quality control Interdisciplinary approaches combining computer science with psychology and medicine Scientific recognition includes: NSF CRII Grant (2020-2022) Wig Distinguished Professor Award (2020) Best Paper at RECOMB (2013) She has developed multiple open-source platforms including WebGazer for scalable eye tracking and Remotion for mobile usability testing. Her research team has published extensively in top venues like CHI, IMWUT, and IJCAI.
Agnes Horvat is an Associate Professor of Communication (with a courtesy appointment in Computer Science) at Northwestern University. She directs the Technology and Social Behavior (TSB) joint doctoral program between the McCormick School of Engineering and the School of Communication, and leads the Lab on Innovation, Networks, and Knowledge (LINK). Her research focuses on human-centered computing, network science, and AI's impact on information production/sharing in digital platforms. She has received NSF CAREER, CRII, and collaborative awards as PI. Her work examines algorithmic bias in online spaces, AI-assisted creativity (e.g., LLMs in biomedical writing and music), and collective intelligence dynamics. Media coverage includes Nature , Washington Post , and Le Monde . Her advisees have won prestigious fellowships like the Northwestern Presidential Fellowship and best paper awards at top conferences. Research interests include: (1) algorithmic bias in social media and crowdfunding, (2) AI-driven creativity expansion, (3) network structures of scientific attention, and (4) opinion dynamics in online discussions. Current projects explore LLMs' role in scientific writing and music composition, while past work analyzed gender disparities in scholarly self-promotion and retraction paper attention patterns. Grants: NSF CAREER Award (202?), NSF CRII (202?), Collaborative Grant (202?) Labs/Teams: LINK Lab (focusing on innovation networks), TSB Program (interdisciplinary engineering/communication PhD)
Steve Tanimoto is a Professor at the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering at the University of Washington, with an adjunct appointment in the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering. His work focuses on human-centered computing, particularly in educational technology and collaborative problem-solving environments. He has made significant contributions to the understanding of liveness in programming environments and their application to education, including a keynote at the International Conference on Live Coding (2015) that traced historical influences leading to widespread use of liveness in modern software environments. Dr. Tanimoto's research spans several interconnected domains: Novice programming environments and educational technology Collaborative problem-solving environments and tools Technology for educational assessment, particularly using pattern-recognition methods for teaching written language on tablets Liveness in programming environments and its applications Image processing from interdisciplinary perspectives (as detailed in his MIT Press book "An Interdisciplinary Introduction to Image Processing: Pixels, Numbers, and Programs") His recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on the intersection of computing education, human-computer interaction, and collaborative problem-solving. A notable trend is the exploration of "liveness" in programming environments and how this concept can enhance educational experiences. His work increasingly integrates AI technologies with educational applications, particularly in the areas of writing instruction and collaborative problem-solving, with significant NIH funding support (P50 HD071764 and U54 HD083091). His notable recognition includes: VL/HCC Best Showpiece Award in 2015 for "Solving Problems by Drawing Solution Paths" Dr. Tanimoto has advised several graduate students through to completion, including Robert Thompson (2019), Sandra Fan (2013), and Tyler Robison (2012). He currently advises Emilia Gan (co-advised with B. Mako Hill) and Edward Misback. His research has been supported by NIH grants for work on computerized writing and reading instruction for students with learning disabilities. His CoSolve research group has developed experimental facilities for collaborative problem-solving, exploring tools that support problem formulation, visualization of problem spaces, and team collaboration dynamics, with applications in education, design, and various problem-solving domains.
Keith Obadike is a Professor in the Department of Art at Cornell University's College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP), where he also serves as Director of Undergraduate Studies. He is an acclaimed interdisciplinary artist and composer, known for his collaborative work with Mendi Obadike, which spans sound art, digital media, public installations, performance, and internet-based projects. His artistic and academic work critically engages with technology, race, history, and identity. Obadike earned a B.A. in Visual Art from North Carolina Central University and an M.F.A. in Sound Design from Yale University. Prior to joining Cornell, he taught at William Paterson University and held visiting positions at Princeton University, Columbia University, Northwestern University, and the Art Institute of Chicago. His research and creative practice focus on sound art, digital media, public art, performance, and collaborative practice , with strong interdisciplinary connections to Afrofuturism, data sonification, and social justice. He explores how sound and technology mediate racial identity, memory, and liberation, notably through the concept of acousmatic blackness , which he and Mendi developed to describe the racial perception of sound when its source is unseen. Obadike’s selected works include large-scale public sound installations such as Blues Speaker (for James Baldwin) , Free/Phase , Compass Song (Times Square Arts), and GuideStar (Space Needle, Seattle). His projects often use data sonification, archival research, and mythic storytelling, blending historical inquiry with futuristic vision. Notable series include the Opera-Masquerades , Americana Suites , and Numbers Station works, which transform databases of violence into sonic experiences. His honors include: Rockefeller New Media Arts Fellowship (2004) Louis Comfort Tiffany Biennial Award (2015) New York Foundation for the Arts Fellowship in Fiction New Music USA Creator Development Fund (2022) Obadike has received commissions and support from institutions such as the Vera List Center, Harlem Stage, Times Square Arts, the American Composers Orchestra, and the Cornell Mui Ho Center for Cities. He has exhibited and performed at The New Museum, The Whitney Museum of American Art, MoMA, and The Studio Museum in Harlem. His writings and publications include contributions to Studies into Darkness (2022), and artist books such as Four Electric Ghosts and Big House / Disclosure (both 2014). He has also released albums like Crosstalk (2008) and created internet artworks such as Blackness for Sale (2001) and The Interaction of Coloreds (2002), which are foundational in new media and critical race art. While specific advisees are not listed, his role as Director of Undergraduate Studies and Professor indicates active mentorship. His work is deeply collaborative, often co-created with Mendi Obadike, and supported by interdisciplinary teams and institutions.
Amit Kuber is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematics & Statistics at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur . He specializes in representation theory of associative algebras, order theory, and K-theory of model-theoretic structures, with a growing portfolio of high-impact publications and teaching accolades. Education PhD (2011-14) – University of Manchester, UK (Thesis: "K-theory of theories of modules and algebraic varieties"; Supervisor: Prof. Mike Prest) Master of Advanced Studies/Part III of Mathematical Tripos (2010-11) – University of Cambridge, UK M.Sc. (2008-10) – University of Pune B.Sc. (2006-08) – Garware College, Pune Research Interests & Focus Kuber's work lies at the intersection of algebra, model theory, and combinatorics. He explores combinatorial aspects of the representation theory of bound quivers , arithmetic properties of linear orders, and Grothendieck rings arising from model-theoretic structures. His research often bridges abstract categorical frameworks with concrete combinatorial problems, yielding insights into both tame and wild representation types. Scientific Awards & Honors Gopal Das Bhandari Memorial Distinguished Teacher Award (2023) Excellence-in-Teaching Award (2022) Sushila and Kantilal Mehta Award (2019) Eduard Čech Institute Post-doctoral Fellowship (2016) University of Manchester Overseas Students Scholarship (2011-14) Cambridge Commonwealth Trust Scholarship (2010-11) NBHM M.Sc. Scholarship (2008-10) Lt. Padmabhushan A. Garware & Lt. R.G. Kunte Memorial Awards for First Rank in B.Sc. Mathematics (Pune University) Professional Experience & Grants After completing his PhD, Kuber held post-doctoral positions at Masaryk University, Brno (2014-15) and the Second University of Naples, Caserta (2016). While explicit grant details are not provided, his continuous appointment at IIT Kanpur and multiple teaching awards indicate sustained institutional support for his research and pedagogical initiatives. Extracurricular Interests Beyond academia, Kuber engages in Indian classical and light music (vocal, harmonium, tabla) and poem writing .
Rhiannon Kallis is an Assistant Professor at the School of Communication, University of Akron, where she has been affiliated since Fall 2019. Her research focuses on the qualitative analysis of social media's influence on interpersonal relationships, particularly in the context of dating apps, romantic dynamics, and workplace cyberbullying. Ph.D., Indiana University of Pennsylvania (2017) M.A., University of Delaware (2011) B.A., California University of Pennsylvania (2008) Her research explores dating app motivation , romantic relationship escalation via digital platforms , social media-induced jealousy , and organizational impacts of cyberbullying . Recent publications include studies on the Ovia Pregnancy App's role in social support and analyses of Disney princess narratives' cultural evolution. Dr. Kallis's peer-reviewed articles span topics such as technology-mediated relationships , digital emotional regulation , and online harassment frameworks . Her work has been featured in journals like the Atlantic Journal of Communication and the Journal of Communication Technology . She teaches undergraduate courses on Principles of Social Media , Advanced Strategic Social Media , and PR Writing , alongside graduate-level Strategic Social Media and Applied Communication Theory classes. Her responsibilities center on public relations and social media pedagogy.
Michael J. Kramer is an Associate Professor of History at SUNY Brockport, specializing in Modern US History, Cultural History, and Digital Humanities. His work bridges traditional historical inquiry with innovative digital methodologies, including digital editing and speculative digital humanities tactics. PhD & MA in History from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill BA in History from Columbia University Research interests include the intersection of folk music revival and cultural democracy, sensory history approaches, and the role of technology in historical interpretation. He actively engages in public history projects such as the Fannie Barrier Williams Project and SUNY HistoryLab, connecting historical inquiry to civic education. Current projects explore the 1976 US Bicentennial celebrations, computational approaches to folk music ballads, and affective theories of social change. His upcoming publications span topics from the Berkeley Folk Music Festival to the selected writings of Theodore Roszak.
Robert N. Watson is a Distinguished Professor of English at the University of California, Los Angeles , affiliated with the Department of English within the College of Letters and Science . He has held significant leadership roles including Chair of the Department of English , Chair of the Faculty of the UCLA College of Letters and Science , and Associate Vice-Provost for Educational Innovation . Education : B.A., summa cum laude , Yale University (1975) Ph.D., Highest Honors , Stanford University (1979) Professor Watson’s research focuses on William Shakespeare and Ben Jonson , literature and the environment , cultural evolution , and the U.S. in the 1960s . His work in ecocriticism explores intersections between environmental ethics and early modern literature , while his interdisciplinary research on cultural memeplexes investigates self-replicating cultural systems that parasitize human cognition. His recent publications apply algorithmic analysis to Shakespearean texts, revealing computational patterns in Elizabethan dramatic structure . Scientific Awards : Guggenheim Fellowship NEH Senior Research Fellowship Thomas J. Wilson Prize (1984) Elizabeth Dietz Memorial Prize (2007) ASLE Prize for Ecocriticism (2005-07) UCLA Distinguished Teaching Prize (2001) Gold Shield Prize (2006-08) As a humanities educator , he has created interdisciplinary courses on the 1960s cultural era and served as Head Scholar at the Teaching Shakespeare Summer Institute . His editorial work includes New Mermaids Series editions of Jonson’s plays and the forthcoming Arden edition of Measure for Measure . With publications spanning Shakespearean fear of death to Japanese cinema analysis , he remains a prominent figure in humanistic responses to cultural crises .
Dr Yumi Hara Cawkwell is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Music, Writing & Performance in School of Arts and Creative Industries at University of East London. As a composer, improviser, and performer, she works across piano, harp, voice, and clavichord. Specializes in avant-garde/experimental rock and RIO (Rock in Opposition) movements Known for collaborations with notable musicians from Soft Machine, Henry Cow, Gong, and faUSt Active in both contemporary classical and experimental rock scenes Research Interests: Her work focuses on musical improvisation, composition, and performance with particular emphasis on: Complex rhythmic structures and polymeter applications Cultural identity in diaspora musical practices Hybridization of ethnic and western instruments Memory and transcription in avant-garde contexts Recent Outputs: 2023 album Groove Study explores odd meter applications in dance music, while 2017 conference presentation on Lindsay Cooper's compositions highlights her interest in feminist musicology. Awards & Professional Involvement: 2006 British Composer Awards finalist Committee member, Ivors Composer Awards (British Composer Awards) Board member, JASMIM (Japanese Association for the Study of Musical Improvisation) 2015-2017 Panel chair, Improvisation research at international conferences Teaching: Leads modules in music performance, production techniques, and collaborative projects at University of East London.
Liane Gabora is a Full Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of British Columbia's Okanagan Campus, affiliated with the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. She holds additional research affiliations with the Australian National University's School of Music, University of Waterloo's Institute for Complexity & Innovation, and Free University of Brussels' Centre Leo Apostel for Interdisciplinary Studies. Her educational background includes a BSc from the University of Western Ontario, PhD from the Free University of Brussels, and postdoctoral positions at UC Berkeley and the Free University of Brussels. Gabora's research program explores creativity, cultural evolution, and cognitive transitions through interdisciplinary approaches. Her work examines: How concepts combine and adapt to new contexts The origins of modern cognition and human creativity Computational models of cultural evolution Quantum formalisms for concept interactions Self-Other Reorganization (SOR) theory of cultural evolution Honing theory of creativity integrating complex systems and memory Her publications demonstrate strong cross-disciplinary integration spanning psychology, physics, anthropology, and computer science. Major research awards include the 2011 Berlyne Award from the American Psychological Association for outstanding research by a junior scholar. She has secured over $1 million in funding from NSERC, SSHRC, and private donors. Gabora supervises graduate students in Psychological Science and Digital Humanities programs and leads research on cognitive transitions underlying cultural evolution. Her laboratory focuses on mathematical and computational modeling of creativity mechanisms, with ongoing projects exploring AI creativity, quantum models of cognition, and the evolution of behavioral modernity through autocatalytic network frameworks.
Jeff Lupker serves as an Assistant Professor at Western University's Don Wright Faculty of Music, specializing in the intersection of artificial intelligence and musical creativity. His work develops computational tools that augment human composition through deep learning algorithms and interactive systems, positioning him at the forefront of AI-driven music innovation. Lupker completed his entire academic training at Western University: PhD in Composition (2021) Master of Music in Composition (2016) Bachelor of Music in Theory and Composition (2014) His research program focuses on artificial intelligence applications for musical creation, including deep learning models for algorithmic composition, sentiment analysis of social media as compositional input, and mobile-based spatial audio systems. Lupker investigates how transformer architectures generate musical structures and how real-time web applications enable collaborative performance, emphasizing practical tools that combat writer's block while expanding composers' stylistic range through AI-assisted creativity in electroacoustic and popular music contexts. Analysis of his 2021 publications reveals a cohesive research trajectory leveraging cutting-edge AI methodologies to solve creative challenges in music. The works demonstrate how deep learning transforms composition through systems like Score-Transformer and explore mood-pattern recognition using machine learning, collectively establishing foundational work for human-AI creative collaboration that bridges music theory with big data analytics. As founder of Staccato, Lupker leads the development of an AI co-writing platform that functions as an intelligent creative partner. The system generates lyrical content from keywords and suggests musical continuations, helping composers overcome creative blocks while expanding artistic possibilities across diverse genres through accessible, user-friendly interfaces.
Wessel Reijers is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Department of Media Studies, Paderborn University, Germany, with visiting scholarships at the Technion and the Robert Schuman Centre, European University Institute. Previously, he was a Max Weber Fellow at the European University Institute, a Research Associate in the ERC project "BlockchainGov" led by Dr. Primavera de Filippi, and a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Vienna. Reijers received his PhD in technology ethics from Dublin City University. His academic journey has spanned multiple European institutions, focusing consistently on the ethical implications of emerging technologies for society and citizenship. His research primarily explores how emerging technologies impact citizenship, with particular attention to social credit systems and their effects on civic virtue. He also investigates distributed governance models, analyzing both their potential to enhance democratic processes and their inherent risks. His work bridges philosophy, political theory, and technology studies, offering critical perspectives on how technological developments reshape societal structures. Recent publications demonstrate a growing focus on AI ethics, interpretability, and what he terms "Positive Luddism"—a critical yet constructive approach to technological development that emphasizes human flourishing while acknowledging technology's dangers. Reijers is the author of "Narrative and Technology Ethics" and co-editor of "Interpreting Technology." His upcoming book "Introduction to the Ethics of Emerging Technologies" (2025) further establishes him as a leading voice in technology ethics. His work has gained recognition in both academic and public spheres, with media appearances including a Deutschlandfunk interview on "Positive Luddism" (2024). Beyond academia, Reijers is a creative individual who writes fiction, composes and produces music (available on Soundcloud), and creates paintings. He is part of an international music collaboration called "Conditio Humana," demonstrating his commitment to interdisciplinary engagement between technology, ethics, and the arts.
Veronica Graham is a new media artist and printmaker serving as Lecturer in Stanford University's Department of Art & Art History. Based in Oakland and Portland, she founded the design studio Most Ancient in 2010, specializing in experimental comics and exploration games. Her interdisciplinary practice bridges digital media and analog print publishing through poetic world-building that confronts contemporary environmental and social challenges. Her research centers on virtual reality narratives, climate-focused printmaking, and surrealist comics that explore internalized fictions. Key projects include the VR experience Diatribes (2024), examining fears about global warming through a haunted house framework, and the Global Warming Agitprop Posters series (2020-present) using phosphorescent materials to visualize ecological instability. She employs techniques like Wang tile systems for pattern generation and split fountain printing to stretch technical boundaries. 2025 Writer-in-Residence, Writing Space, Chicago 2024 IndieCade Impact Award Nominee for Diatribes 2022 Oculus Launch Pad Grant Recipient 2019 Best American Comics Notable Comics selection 2017 Artist’s Book Residency Grant, Women’s Studio Workshop Graham’s work appears in MoMA, NYPL, and SFMOMA collections. Her VR projects have been presented at Kala Art Institute, Printed Matter (NYC), and Sónar+D. As an educator, she lectures on virtual reality at Stanford and has conducted workshops at institutions including Tufts University and UC Berkeley. Her studio Most Ancient functions as both creative laboratory and publishing platform, supporting collaborative projects like Real Milk (2023) which examines agricultural automation through translucent book design.
