Zahra Gharineiat is an Associate Professor at the University of Southern Queensland , affiliated with the School of Surveying and Built Environment . She has over 8 years of tertiary teaching experience and 11 years of administrative responsibilities. Bachelor of Surveying (BSurv), University of Tabriz Master of Engineering Management (MEngMgt), University of Melbourne PhD, University of Newcastle Research Interests : Zahra specializes in Geomatic Engineering and Machine Learning , with a focus on applications like Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) , LiDAR , Digital Twins , and Remote Sensing . Her work spans Earth Science Observations , Satellite altimetry , and Geodetic data capturing , integrating Computational Modelling and Geoinformatics for innovative solutions. Professional Affiliations : She is a member of the Surveying and Spatial Sciences Institute (SSSI) and the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG) . Her research affiliations include the Centre for Future Materials (CFM) , Institute for Advanced Engineering and Space Sciences (IAESS) , and Centre for Astrophysics (CA) .
Christos Gatzidis serves as Executive Dean of Bournemouth University's Faculty of Science and Technology since October 2023, overseeing six departments including Computing and Informatics, Creative Technology, and Psychology. Previously Deputy Dean (2021-2023) and Head of Creative Technology Department (2016-2021), he was appointed Professor in Creative Technology in November 2019. The Faculty leads five REF Units of Assessment and secures funding from AHRC, NIHR, and Innovate UK for research spanning digital healthcare, gaming technologies, and cultural heritage applications. His educational qualifications include: PhD in Information Science, City University London (2010) PG Cert in Research Degree Supervision, Bournemouth University (2010) MA in Computer Animation, Teesside University (2003) BSc (Hons) in Computer Studies (Visualisation), University of Derby (2002) Professor Gatzidis specializes in computer graphics with research spanning virtual reality, serious games, and digital healthcare applications. His work bridges technical innovation and practical implementation, particularly in mindfulness prototypes for healthcare and stroke rehabilitation systems. Current projects focus on the multidisciplinary application of gaming technologies in medical contexts, emphasizing user experience and therapeutic outcomes through collaborations with industry partners. His publication record (2014-2025) demonstrates evolving expertise from foundational computer graphics research in terrain generation and deformation to applied work in healthcare, cultural heritage, and music education. Key trends include virtual reality for therapeutic mindfulness, usability studies in mobile gaming, and digital cultural presentation techniques, reflecting a trajectory toward socially impactful technological solutions with strong industry translation. No scientific awards are documented in the provided information. He has supervised PhD students and secured competitive research funding, including two Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Partnerships. His principal investigator role in a virtual reality mindfulness prototype project exemplifies his approach to translating academic research into practical industry solutions, with current focus on expanding knowledge exchange activities to support the University's civic engagement mission. As Executive Dean, he leads faculty-wide research strategy across six departments, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations particularly in digital healthcare and cultural heritage. His personal research integrates computer graphics expertise with clinical applications through partnerships with healthcare providers and technology companies, driving innovation in therapeutic VR systems and educational gaming platforms.
Jon McCormack is a Professor jointly appointed in Monash University's Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture (MADA) and Faculty of Information Technology. He founded and directs SensiLab, a research facility focusing on computational creativity, human-machine interfaces, and generative systems. His work spans electronic media art, evolutionary music, and artificial life. McCormack holds a PhD in Computer Science from Monash University, along with degrees in Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, and Film/Television. Research interests include computational creativity, tangible interfaces, and cybernetic systems. Notable projects include 'Explainable Artificial Creativity' (ARC-funded) and 'Building 4.0 CRC,' addressing architectural innovation through AI. He has been recognized with awards for collaborative projects like the Blundstone Intelligent Footwear for Healthcare. McCormack's recent articles explore AI-driven art, generative systems, and interdisciplinary design. His work bridges artistic practice with technical innovation, emphasizing ethical and creative dimensions of human-AI collaboration. SensiLab serves as a hub for practice-based research in digital media and interactive systems. Education: PhD in Computer Science, Monash University (2004) Bachelor of Science (Honours), Computer Science/Applied Mathematics, Monash University (1987) Graduate Diploma in Film/TV, Swinburne University (1986) Bachelor of Science, Computer Science/Applied Mathematics, Monash University (1985) Key Projects: Lead investigator on 'Explainable Artificial Creativity' (2022–2026) Co-investigator in 'Building 4.0 CRC' (2020–2027), exploring AI-driven architectural design Awards: 2022 Designers Australia Award for Blundstone Footwear 2020 'On the Machine Condition' Prize McCormack's lab, SensiLab, fosters collaborations across disciplines, producing exhibitions, software, and theoretical frameworks for computational creativity. He actively supervises PhD students in practice-based research, emphasizing the intersection of art and technology.
Daria Tsoupikova is a Professor of Digital Media Design at the University of Illinois Chicago's School of Design. She serves as Co-Founder and Design Chair of the bachelor's in computer science and design program and is affiliate faculty in the UIC Electronic Visualization Laboratory (EVL). Her work bridges artistic expression and technological innovation, focusing on virtual reality and interactive media applications across multiple domains. Her educational background includes: MFA in Computer Art from Syracuse University BFA in Graphic Design from Moscow State Academy Positioned at the crossroads of artistic and technological innovation, Tsoupikova's research explores the potential of new media and interactivity in relation to traditional arts. Through development of virtual reality art projects and networked multiuser exhibitions for VR projection systems like the CAVE and CAVE2, her work applies computer graphics to diverse research domains including educational multimedia, cultural heritage, and virtual rehabilitation for stroke survivors. Her approach integrates theater methodologies, design principles, and coding to create immersive experiences that address global challenges while preserving cultural heritage. Analysis of her publication history reveals an evolving trajectory from foundational VR art installations toward increasingly sophisticated therapeutic applications. Her recent work demonstrates a strong focus on the intersection of art, healthcare, and virtual reality, with particular emphasis on collaborative multiuser environments that transform traditional storytelling and therapeutic practices. The progression shows movement from artistic exploration to clinically validated therapeutic interventions with measurable patient outcomes. Her notable awards include: Session's Best Paper at IMCIC 2019 and QRMS/IMCIC 2016 Fulbright Scholar Award (2011) and Intercountry Lecturing Award Communication Arts Award of Excellence and Creative Quarterly Excellence Award National Endowment for the Arts grant and Presidential Award from University of Illinois Tsoupikova has secured significant research funding from the National Science Foundation, National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), and the Department of Education for projects including MARS2 (2007-2012) and MARS3 (2012-2018). She has developed innovative courses including Mobile App Design where students collaborate with professional partners such as Caterpillar, UIC medical departments, and clinics. Her work with stroke survivors at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab has demonstrated improvements in patients' daily lives, regained trust in their hands, and increased therapy motivation. She is deeply involved with the UIC Electronic Visualization Laboratory, collaborating on advanced visualization projects including IBM partnerships exploring sustainable development goals through VR. Her leadership in establishing the computer science + design undergraduate program positions UIC as the only public university in the United States offering such a specialized degree, reflecting her commitment to interdisciplinary education at the technology-art intersection.
Vanessa Vermeirssen is a Research Professor at Ghent University , leading the Computational Biology, Integromics and Gene Regulation (CBIGR) Laboratory and affiliated with the Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG) . Her work focuses on unraveling disease mechanisms through bioinformatics, systems biology, and multi-omics integration. Specializes in gene regulatory networks , network inference , and machine learning Key application areas: neuroblastoma , glioblastoma , Alzheimer's disease , and neuroinflammation Develops tools like HTSplotter for high-throughput data analysis Research trends combine single-cell transcriptomics , multi-omics modeling , and personalized medicine approaches. Her lab applies network biology to identify therapeutic targets in complex diseases. Active in radiation-induced developmental defects and electroceutical therapies (e.g., vagus nerve stimulation) Investigates stress response networks in plants and humans
Mai Elshehaly is a Lecturer in Computer Science at City, University of London, where she is affiliated with the giCentre in the Department of Computer Science, School of Science and Technology. She focuses on designing, developing, and evaluating visualisation solutions that support data-driven decision-making, particularly for non-technical users in healthcare and public sectors. Her work involves close collaboration with healthcare practitioners, local authorities, and schools to co-design tools grounded in real-world needs. Her research interests center on information visualisation and human-computer interaction , with a strong emphasis on user-centered and co-design methodologies . She investigates how lived experiences of stakeholders can shape visual analytics systems, especially in healthcare quality improvement, population health management, and digital transformation initiatives. Her approach bridges technical innovation with social impact, promoting equitable access to data insights. Her recent publications highlight trends in narrative visualization, integration of lived experience with electronic records (e.g., CLEVER framework), and adaptable dashboards for healthcare (QualDash). These works are published in top venues such as IEEE VIS, IEEE TVCG, and Computer Graphics Forum, reflecting a consistent focus on usability, evaluation, and real-world deployment of visual analytics tools. Department-level achievement award during PhD at Virginia Tech University-level achievement award during PhD at Virginia Tech Mai has secured research funding from the Bradford Institute for Health Research (BIHR), NIHR, and internal university sources including EPSRC doctoral training funds. She has led and contributed to interdisciplinary projects such as the Digital Makers Programme and Connected Bradford, which involve partnerships across academia, healthcare, and local government. While no formal PhD students are listed, she mentors through collaborative research and advisory roles. She is actively involved in applied research through leadership positions: Co-Director of the Digital Makers Programme, Deputy Director of the Workforce Observatory for West Yorkshire, member of the advisory board at the Wolfson Centre for Applied Health Research, and cross-theme visualisation expert at the Yorkshire and Humber Patient Safety Research Centre. These roles underscore her commitment to translating research into practice within health and education systems.
Martin Pusch is a Research Group Leader and Programme Area Speaker at the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) in Berlin, Germany, where he leads the research group on Functional Ecology and Management of Rivers and Lake Shores within Department 2 (Community and Ecosystem Ecology). His research spans multiple dimensions of aquatic ecology with particular focus on: Structure and functioning of aquatic ecosystems River hydrodynamics and sediment processes Nutrient cycling and self-purification capacity of rivers EU Water Framework Directive implementation Ecosystem services of rivers and floodplains Hydropower impacts and environmental flows Integrative management of aquatic ecosystems Dr. Pusch's recent publications (2022-2025) demonstrate a strong emphasis on river ecosystem services, hydropower impacts, and responses to environmental disasters, particularly the Oder River catastrophe. His work frequently involves large-scale European collaborative projects examining human impacts on river systems and developing integrative management approaches. He has been instrumental in developing the River Ecosystem Service Index (RESI) methodology and has contributed significantly to policy recommendations following environmental disasters. He teaches courses at the University of Potsdam (Fundamentals of Stream Ecology since 2002, Applied Stream Ecology since 2003, and Ecology of Floodplains since 2018) and Humboldt University Berlin (Limnology I, focusing on running waters since 1996). Dr. Pusch leads a research team comprising Dr. Gabriela Costea, Bianca Dörgeloh, Helena Huđek, Magnus Keller, Dr. Antje Kerkow, Tim Königsberger, Jürgen Schreiber, and Dea Zyruku, focusing on freshwater ecosystem research, management, and policy implementation.
Dr. Osama Mahmoud is a Lecturer (Assistant Professor) in Data Science and Statistics at the University of Essex, affiliated with the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science (SMSAS) and the Department of Mathematical Sciences. He holds dual roles as the Director of the BSc Data Science and Analytics programme and Deputy Director of Research at SMSAS. His academic journey includes a PhD in Statistics from the University of Essex and an Honorary Senior Researcher position at the University of Bristol Medical School (2020–2024). Dr. Mahmoud's research focuses on Predictive Modelling, Health Data Science, Machine Learning, Bio and Medical Statistics, and Explainable AI. He pioneered the Slope-Hunter method (Nature Communications, 2022) for bias correction in genome-wide studies and developed tools like the Proportion Overlapping Score (POS) and open-source packages on CRAN/GitHub. His work bridges statistical methodology with applications in healthcare, environmental epidemiology, and industrial collaboration. Key contributions include studies on sleep-breast cancer mortality linkages (2025), lung function-cardiovascular risk relationships (2024), and smoking's role in depression recovery (2022). He has secured grants supporting collaborations with UNDP, Rolls Royce, and Recruitment Smart. Teaching innovations include pioneering programming and text analytics modules. Education: PhD in Statistics, University of Essex Affiliations: UK Reproducibility Network (UKRN) Institutional Lead, British Data Science Society Member Grants: Projects in Data Science, theoretical/applied Statistics, and industrial partnerships Tools: ESKNN, OTE, propOverlap packages on CRAN His work emphasizes reproducibility, with over 50 peer-reviewed publications and international teaching engagements at ICTP (Italy), EuADS (Luxembourg), and UK institutions.
Professor Christopher Fluke is a Professor at Swinburne University of Technology, holding a position within the Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing and serving as Director of the Advanced Visualisation Laboratory (AVL). His research focuses on advanced visualization technologies, human-AI teaming, and data-driven decision-making in space systems, public health, and defense contexts. Prof Fluke leads interdisciplinary collaborations with entities such as CGI Space, Defence and Intelligence Australia, and Propel Health AI. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals including Climate Action, Good Health, and Industry Innovation. Grants & Projects: Recent grants include leadership in SmartSat CRC projects on space system data fusion (2020–2023), and collaborations on carbon accounting using satellite data and digital health platforms. He also oversees the AVL, a key facility for visualizing complex scientific data. Awards: He has received the Vice Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Innovation and the David Allen Prize for contributions to astronomy education. His expertise extends to teaching roles in space technology and science communication. Labs & Teams: Directs the AVL, a国家级研究平台, and contributes to Swinburne's SmartSat initiatives. His research bridges astrophysics, AI, and real-world applications in health and defense sectors.
Dr. Sara Oscar is a Senior Lecturer in Visual Communication at the University of Technology Sydney's Faculty of Design and Society. She serves as Responsible Academic Officer for Plagiarism (since May 2018) and Ethics Committee Member (since June 2019) in the School of Design. Her work bridges academic scholarship with creative practice in visual arts, focusing on how images shape historical memory and contemporary discourse. Her educational background includes: Doctor of Philosophy (Visual Arts) from the University of Sydney (2008) Oscar's research centers on photography and moving image practices that explore the archive as a starting point for creative work. She employs strategies of appropriation and digital collage to examine how visual culture mediates our understanding of the past and present. Recent work increasingly addresses the implications of AI and deepfake technologies on visual representation, identity formation, and spectatorship. Her scholarship demonstrates sophisticated engagement with feminist film theory, particularly Laura Mulvey's concepts of the 'male gaze' and 'curious spectatorship,' applied to contemporary digital contexts. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a consistent trajectory exploring visual representation through multiple lenses: historical, technological, and theoretical. Her work demonstrates growing engagement with digital technologies' impact on visual culture while maintaining connections to foundational questions about photography's ontology and politics. She has created significant exhibitions including 'From Here to Eternity' (2015) at the Centre for Contemporary Photography and 'Dress Code: The World's Longest Bar' (2013) at the Palimpsest Biennial. Her notable recognition includes: John and Margaret Baker Fellowship, National Photography Prize (2022) Dr. Oscar is available for Masters Research and PhD student supervision, teaching courses including Critical Approaches to Visual Culture, Research Through Design, Photography and Memory, and Narrative, Form and Time. She is an active member of the Faculty Visualisation Institute (VI) Research Network. Her media contributions address contemporary visual culture issues, including analyses of deepfakes, AI art, and social media censorship of women's bodies as seen in her widely discussed commentary on Instagram's removal of her childhood photos. Her creative practice extends into prominent public exhibitions including 'Under the Sun: Reimagining Max Dupain's Sunbaker' at the State Library NSW and Monash Gallery of Art, and 'An Elegy to Apertures' at the Centre for Contemporary Photography in Melbourne. Her work is held in numerous public and private collections.
Patrick J.F. Groenen is a full Professor of Statistics at the Erasmus School of Economics (ESE), Erasmus University Rotterdam , and currently serves as its Dean. His academic career spans leadership roles, including Director of the Econometric Institute (2014-2020) and President of the International Association for Statistical Computing (2015-2017). He has held visiting positions at Stanford University and contributed extensively to multidimensional scaling (MDS), data science , and statistical genetics . His research focuses on numerical algorithms for MDS, support vector machines , and optimization techniques applied to diverse fields. He is a founding editor of the open-access journal Journal of Data Science, Statistics, and Visualisation and has authored major textbooks including Modern Multidimensional Scaling and Applied Multidimensional Scaling and Unfolding . His work appears in top journals like Nature Genetics , Psychometrika , and Journal of Machine Learning Research . Recent publications highlight advancements in convex clustering , genomic prediction , and robust statistical methods . He has developed influential R packages such as GenSVM , SVMMaj , and smacof for multiclass classification and MDS software. His supervisory record includes 14 PhD students across economic psychology, genetics, and data science. Academic activities include editorial roles at Advances in Data Analysis and Classification and Psychometrika , alongside organizing international conferences like CARME 2007 on correspondence analysis. His contributions to nonlinear biplots and response style modeling have advanced visual data interpretation in social sciences.
Associate Professor Dirk H.R. Spennemann is a leading cultural-heritage scholar at Charles Sturt University , Australia, holding an appointment within the School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences . He lectures and supervises in Cultural Heritage Management and Historic Ecology at the Albury-Wodonga campus. Education: Doctor of Philosophy (Prehistory), Australian National University, 1990 Master of Arts (Prehistory), Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, 1982 Research Interests: Dirk’s work straddles two major domains. First, as a foremost authority on Micronesian history and heritage , he has conducted extensive fieldwork across the Indo-Pacific, producing over 400 peer-reviewed outputs. Second, he spearheads the emerging field of heritage futures , applying strategic foresight to anticipate how contemporary and emergent heritages—ranging from modernist architecture to space exploration and generative AI—will be valued and managed by future societies. Complementary strands include digital heritage, technological and space heritage, heritage policy, rural vernacular architecture, and the interplay between heritage and community mental health. His recent publications reveal a methodological expansion into sensory ethnography of tourism sites, citizen-science approaches to ecological monitoring, and digital-forensic techniques for born-digital heritage, reflecting a commitment to innovative, cross-disciplinary inquiry. Awards & Recognition: Partnership Stewardship Award for Cultural Resources, US National Park Service (2001) Governor’s Humanities Award for Excellence in Research and Publication, CNMI (2004) CSU Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Teaching Excellence (1995) CSU Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Research Excellence (1996) Supervision & Grants: Dirk is a registered principal supervisor for higher-degree research candidates in cultural heritage and environmental history. While specific grant amounts are not disclosed, his sustained productivity (334+ research outputs and 18 datasets since 2020) indicates robust ongoing funding and institutional support. Laboratories & Teams: He is affiliated with the Gulbali Research Institute and participates in cross-faculty research groups focusing on heritage futures and sustainable environments. Editorial roles include Associate Editor for Campus-wide Information Systems and Editorial Board member for Disaster Advances .
Maysson Ibrahim is a Senior Lecturer in Computing at the School of Computing, University of Buckingham, where she joined in 2020 as a part-time Lecturer in Computer Science while continuing her research role at the University of Oxford. She holds a PhD in Bioinformatics from the Buckingham Institute for Translational Medicine (2013) and a BEng in Software Engineering and Information Systems. PhD in Bioinformatics, University of Buckingham (2013) BEng in Software Engineering and Information Systems Her research focuses on bioinformatics, genetic data analysis, and machine learning applications in big data. She has developed computational tools for pathway enrichment analysis and biomarkers identification using gene expression data. At Oxford, she leads bioinformatics work on large-scale biobanks (e.g., UK Biobank) and clinical trials like REVEAL, SHARP, and THRIVE to decode genetic determinants of complex diseases, particularly cardiovascular conditions. Her recent publications emphasize pathway-based algorithms, disease classification, and the integration of gene network analysis with machine learning techniques. Despite no explicit scientific awards listed, her contributions span academic roles in teaching statistics and data science modules at Buckingham and leading analytical pipelines for major clinical studies. She teaches modules such as Data Exploration and Visualisation and Systems and Tools for Data Science in the MSc Applied Data Science programme.
Dr. Seongsook Choi is a Senior Lecturer in Interdisciplinary Studies at the Moray House School of Education and Sport, University of Edinburgh. Their work focuses on interdisciplinary learning, teaching, and discourse analysis. They lead the Interactional Discourse Lab (IDLab), developing tools for mapping spoken interaction patterns in interdisciplinary contexts. Current research includes a forthcoming book, Interdisciplinary Discourse: Communicating across Disciplines (Palgrave Macmillan), and computational analysis of academic collaboration dynamics. Education & Affiliations : Affiliated with the Institute for Education, Community & Society (IECS) and the Centre for Research in Digital Education. Office SJL4.01 at Holyrood Campus, Edinburgh (EH8 8AQ). Research Interests : Interdisciplinary pedagogy, spoken discourse analysis, disciplinary identity dynamics, and collaborative knowledge construction. Specializes in analyzing interactional discourse in higher education through tools like the IDLab, which visualizes communication patterns in interdisciplinary teams. Student Supervision : Currently guiding 5 PhD students exploring topics like hedging devices in language education, interdisciplinary ethics, and automated feedback systems. Past student Ana Isabel Hibert researched automated writing evaluation tools for ESL learners. Labs & Projects : Founder of the Interactional Discourse Lab (GitHub-hosted), focusing on open-source tools for mapping academic collaboration. Active in developing visualisation frameworks for interdisciplinary dialogue analysis.
Dr. Neil Crawford is a Lecturer in International Politics & Public Policy at the University of Stirling, Scotland. His research focuses on climate/environmental justice, forced migration, urbanism, gender/sexuality, international organizations, and East African politics. He holds a fellowship from the Higher Education Academy and contributes to the Centre for Policy, Conflict and Co-operation Research (CPCCR). Neil’s work emphasizes qualitative methods such as art-based and ethnographic research. His recent publications (2023–2025) explore themes like UNHCR policy dynamics in Nairobi, intersectionality in climate justice, and disaster displacement in Bangladesh. Earlier work includes analyses of urban refugee camps and Scotland’s climate emergency responses. Awards: Fellow of the Higher Education Academy Labs/Groups: Centre for Policy, Conflict and Co-operation Research (CPCCR) His research bridges theoretical and applied perspectives, advocating for decolonial methodologies and equity-focused climate policies. Current projects include visualising urban climate crises and improving data on climate-induced mobility in Zambia.
