Haijun Xia is an Assistant Professor at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), where he directs the Foundation Interface Lab and contributes to the Cognitive Science and Design Lab. His work focuses on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and Human-AI Collaboration , emphasizing the development of dynamic, malleable interfaces that integrate human cognition with intelligent systems to enhance thinking and working paradigms. Education: Bachelor's, Tsinghua University Master's and PhD, University of Toronto His research spans generative AI , interface design , and creative collaboration , with applications in data visualization, programming, and scholarly work. He advocates for treating information as a malleable material that can be flexibly manipulated by users and AI agents. Recent publications highlight advancements in: 2025 CHI Conference - Generative user interfaces, malleable overview-detail designs, and compositional structures for human-AI co-creation 2024 CHI Conference - Structured design space exploration with LLMs, ASCII diagram analysis, and adaptive presentation systems 2023 CHI/UIST Conferences - Data particle visualization, contextual logging tools, and metaphor generation for science communication Scientific recognitions include: Multiple Best Paper Awards and Honorable Mentions at CHI and UIST Hellman Fellowship and grants from NSF , Microsoft , Google , Meta , Apple , and Adobe He actively recruits undergraduate and graduate interns and has an upcoming postdoc position in early 2025 for researchers interested in foundational interface development.
University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignUnited States
Pasquale Bottalico serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Speech and Hearing Science at the University of Illinois, with dual appointments as Associate Professor at the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies and Affiliate Faculty in the School of Music. His unique interdisciplinary profile bridges engineering, music performance, and speech science, reflecting his dual academic training and professional artistry. His educational foundation includes: Bachelor's in Telecommunications Engineering from Univeristà Mediterranea di Reggio Calabria, Italy Concurrent Opera Singing degree from F. Cilea Music Academy, Reggio Calabria Master's in Telecommunications Engineering from Politecnico di Torino, Italy Ph.D. in Metrology specializing in acoustics measurement uncertainty and classroom acoustics Dr. Bottalico's research centers on vocal load quantification and professional voice techniques , with significant contributions to understanding vocal fatigue in teachers and singers. His work spans Speech Intelligibility in educational environments, Room Acoustics for performance and learning spaces, and Musical Acoustics of historical vocal styles. A distinctive thread throughout his research examines how acoustic conditions modulate voice production and perception, increasingly incorporating virtual reality and bone conduction technologies for innovative assessment and intervention approaches. His Colombian vocal health study demonstrates cross-cultural applications of his work. Analysis of his 2023-2025 publications reveals three dominant research trajectories: (1) The impact of noise and dysphonia on children's speech processing in educational settings, using multimodal assessment including EEG; (2) Virtual reality applications for voice production research and therapeutic intervention; (3) Cross-cultural validation of vocal fatigue metrics and development of biofeedback systems. His work consistently bridges engineering precision with clinical applicability, particularly for professional voice users in challenging acoustic environments. No scientific awards were documented in the available information. While specific advising relationships aren't detailed, his research collaborations span international institutions including Colombian and Italian universities, suggesting graduate mentorship in interdisciplinary projects. No grant information was provided, though his systematic reviews and cross-cultural studies imply externally funded research activities. Though no dedicated laboratory is specified, his virtual reality voice studies and acoustic parameter assessments suggest affiliations with audio engineering facilities and voice clinics, likely through the Speech and Hearing Science department's research infrastructure.
Takuya Tsunoda serves as Assistant Professor of Japanese Film and Media in the Department of East Asian Languages & Cultures at Columbia University, with prior teaching appointments at Colgate University and the University of Chicago. Currently on leave for spring 2022, he maintains his office in 416 Kent Hall (contact: (212) 854-5040, tt2101@columbia.edu). His academic credentials include: BA: Waseda University (2002), Columbia University (2005) MA: Columbia University (2008) PhD: Yale University (2015) Dr. Tsunoda's research centers on institutional-media interplay through historical and theoretical lenses, examining how technologies shape socio-cultural practices and knowledge formations. His seminal work investigates Iwanami Productions' evolution from educational/science film provider to New Cinema pioneer, arguing that Japan's 1960s cinematic revolution originated in institutionalized audio-visual pedagogy rather than political radicalism. Current explorations extend to media reflexivity, alpine photography, insect ecology, children's media engagement, and diegesis in contemporary visual culture. Teaching : Courses include East Asian Cinema, Japanese Contemporary Media Culture, Japanese New Wave Modernism, Documentary Film Studies, and Critical Approaches to East Asian Theory. His publication trajectory (2018-2022) reveals consistent focus on postwar Japanese media archaeology, connecting educational film, industrial cinema, and New Wave movements through archival analysis. Key themes include cross-medial academicism, mediascape transformations, and the socio-political dimensions of visual pedagogy in reconstructing cinematic modernism. Active research trajectories include transnational New Wave parameters, television documentary studies, and ecological media representations, with ongoing book project examining Iwanami Productions' institutional legacy.
Dr James Lamb is a Lecturer in Digital Education at the Moray House School of Education and Sport, University of Edinburgh, where he is affiliated with the Institute for Education, Community and Society (IECS) and Edinburgh Futures Institute. He teaches on the MSc in Digital Education and MSc in Education Futures programs, and serves as course organiser for several key courses including 'Learning Spaces and Digital Technologies', 'The Future of Learning Organisations', and 'Education and Digital Cultures'. As an active researcher, he contributes to the Centre for Research in Digital Education and leads the Hybrid Pioneers research group. Dr Lamb's educational background includes a PhD from the University of Edinburgh (funded by ESRC), an MSc with distinction from the University of Edinburgh, and a BA degree with distinction from Edinburgh Napier University. His doctoral research focused on 'Space, Sociomateriality, Sound: the Learning Spaces of Higher Education,' reflecting his longstanding interest in the relationship between physical environments and educational experiences. Dr Lamb's research primarily investigates the relationship between learning spaces and digital technologies, with particular attention to how sound features within educational contexts and how multimodal approaches can enhance teaching and assessment. His work bridges theoretical frameworks from postdigital studies, sociomaterial theory, and spatial analysis to examine how digital technologies transform physical and conceptual learning environments. He has developed innovative methodologies for studying learning spaces, including the use of 'digital multimodal postcards' that capture both visual and auditory dimensions of educational experiences. His research is characterized by a strong commitment to practical applications that can inform educational design and improve student learning experiences in both physical and digital settings. Dr Lamb's extensive publication record demonstrates a clear evolution toward increasingly sophisticated explorations of postdigital learning spaces. His recent work integrates concepts from architecture, music, and mobility studies to create a more holistic understanding of how learners inhabit and transform educational environments. A notable trend is his growing focus on sustainability, equity, and well-being within learning space design, reflecting broader shifts in educational priorities toward more humane and socially responsible approaches to technology integration. Dr Lamb actively supervises PhD students Edward Martin and Nick Hood, and is open to supervising projects related to learning spaces, sound in education, and multimodal teaching and assessment in higher education. His supervision approach emphasizes connecting theoretical frameworks with practical educational applications, encouraging students to develop innovative methodologies for investigating complex educational phenomena. Dr Lamb leads the Elektronisches Lernen Muzik project, which explores the relationship between music and learning, and is a co-author of the influential Manifesto for Teaching Online. He is also a key member of the Hybrid Pioneers research group, which investigates the challenges and opportunities of hybrid teaching and learning environments. These initiatives reflect his commitment to exploring the intersections between traditional educational practices and emerging digital possibilities.
Paul Taele is an Instructional Assistant Professor and Deputy Lab Director in the Sketch Recognition Lab at Texas A&M University's Department of Computer Science & Engineering. He holds a Ph.D. (2019), M.S. (2010), and dual B.S. degrees in Computer Science and Mathematics from the University of Texas at Austin (2006). His research focuses on sketch recognition, haptics, and intelligent interfaces for education and accessibility, with notable work in mid-air gesture recognition, educational sketching tools, and assistive technologies for disabilities. He has contributed to projects like Kanji Workbook , Hashigo , and HaptiMoto , and has published over 50 peer-reviewed articles across venues like CHI, IUI, and AAAI. Taele has received awards including the NSF Student Travel Grant (2014) and Ford Foundation Honorable Mention (2015). He teaches courses in capstone design, programming, and sketch recognition, and mentors students across all academic levels through strict eligibility criteria for research collaborations. Education : Ph.D. Computer Science, Texas A&M University (2019) M.S. Computer Science, Texas A&M University (2010) B.S. Computer Science & Mathematics, University of Texas at Austin (2006) Concentration in Mandarin Chinese, National Chengchi University (2007) Research Interests : Taele's work bridges HCI and AI to create accessible educational interfaces. His projects emphasize: Sketch Recognition : Developing algorithms for mid-air gestures, children's developmental assessments, and language learning Accessibility : Haptic systems for visually impaired learners and algebra education Educational Tech : Intelligent tutoring systems for music, math, and East Asian languages Awards & Grants : EAAI-20 Travel Grant (2020) Ford Foundation Dissertation Honorable Mention (2015) NSF East Asia-Pacific Summer Institutes (2013, 2012) Royce E. Wisenbaker Fellowship (2009) Lab & Teams : Director of the Sketch Recognition Lab (SRL) and collaborator with global institutions like Singapore Management University and National Taiwan University. Active in organizing workshops like SketchRec at IUI conferences.
Miguel Nacenta is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Victoria (UVic), Canada, and a founding member of the Victoria Interactive eXperiences with Information (VIXI) research group. Previously affiliated with the University of St Andrews (UK), his work bridges Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Information Visualization, and Cognitive Science. He specializes in designing interactive systems that enhance human cognition, with a focus on Infotypography (using typography to encode data), collaborative problem-solving tools, and perceptual input/output devices. Research Interests: His key areas include cognitive augmentation, visualization techniques for complex tasks, multi-display environments, and tools for constraint problem-solving. Notable projects include the WriteReason tool for essay writing, InfoTypography studies on perceptual typographic parameters, and Solvi for visual constraint modeling. Grants & Collaborations: He collaborates internationally, including with the University of St Andrews on PhD scholarship programs. His work is supported by grants focusing on HCI innovations and accessibility. He actively mentors students (e.g., Adam Binks, Johannes Lang) and supervises postdoctoral researchers. Affiliations: Member of the VIXI group,他曾是St Andrews计算机科学学院的教授, 并参与多个学术服务活动, including conference program committees and journal reviews. Labs & Teams: Leads the VIXI lab at UVic, focusing on interactive technologies for cognitive tasks. Collaborates with industry partners on projects like TypoCartographer for infoTypographic maps and HaptiQ for accessible graph exploration.
Dr. Martha Sidury Christiansen is a Professor of Applied Linguistics/TESOL at the University of Texas at San Antonio , where she serves in the College of Education and Human Development . She is the Principal Investigator of Project RESPETO , a NSF-funded initiative exploring racial equity in engineering education. Her work spans sociolinguistics, digital literacies, and raciolinguistic analysis, with a focus on transnational multilingual communities. Born in Veracruz, Mexico Ph.D. in Foreign/Second Language Education (Ohio State University, 2013) M.A. in English Composition (Indiana University, 2007) B.A. in English Language Teaching (Universidad Veracruzana, 2002) Her research examines how transnational youth navigate digital spaces through multiliteracies , challenges Western academic writing norms via Mexican decolonial methodologies , and investigates raciolinguistic intersections in identity formation. The 15 most recent publications reveal a strong focus on digital communication , transnationalism , and critical pedagogy across journals like TESOL Quarterly and Language@Internet . 2023-2025: Expanding raciolinguistic frameworks in digital contexts 2021-2022: Analyzing multimodal identity construction 2019-2020: Exploring Mexican bilinguals' online language use She has received multiple honors including ACUE Fellow (2023), Fulbright Scholar (2017), and Faculty Leadership Fellow (2021-2022). Her presentations at conferences like ICOLLITE and DDVM Lab highlight her expertise in critical sociolinguistic awareness and digital discourse analysis . Dr. Christiansen actively consults for nonprofits on linguistic equity and multilingual education .
Dongwook Yoon is an Associate Professor at the Department of Computer Science , University of British Columbia , and serves as Director of the SOCIUS Lab . He actively contributes to research in Human-Computer Interaction, Human-AI Interaction, and Virtual/Augmented Reality as a member of the Designing for People (DFP) and CAIDA research clusters. Education : PhD in Computer Science from Cornell University (2017), MS (2009) and BS (2007) in Computer Science from Seoul National University Research Focus : Designing socio-technical systems that bridge the gap between technology and human social processes, with innovations in AR/VR, multimodal interaction, and inclusive design Article Trends show his work spans: Temporal and bichronous learning environments AI self-clones and ethical implications Income inequality in virtual platforms Enhanced multimodal collaboration in VR Eyes-reduced interfaces for situational impairments Speculative participatory design for gig economy challenges Scientific Awards include: Google Academic Research Award (2024) Best Paper Award at CHI 2024 High Impact Award in Educational Technology (2024) CHCCS/SCDHM Graphics Interface Early Career Award (2023) Multiple Honorable Mentions at CHI, DIS, and CSCW Students & Collaborators range from active PhD candidates (Anika Sayara, Yuri Kim) to notable alumni (Thitaree Tanprasert, Ashish Chopra) across his SOCIUS Lab projects. His research receives funding from NSERC , KIST , Adobe , Microsoft , and Google grants.
Nathalie Pignard-Cheynel is a Full Professor of Journalism and Digital Communication at the University of Neuchâtel since 2020, where she leads cutting-edge research on digital transformations in journalism. Previously, she held academic positions at the University of Neuchâtel (Assistant Professor, 2016-2020), University of Lorraine (2013-2016), and Grenoble 3 University (2005-2013), where she earned her doctorate in Information and Communication Sciences (2004). Doctorate in Information and Communication Sciences, University of Grenoble 3 (2004) Full Professor of Journalism and Digital Communication, University of Neuchâtel (2020-present) Assistant Professor in Digital Journalism, University of Neuchâtel (2016-2020) Lecturer in Information and Communication Sciences, Grenoble 3 University (2005-2013) Her research focuses on: Mutations in journalistic practices during digital transformations Social media usage by journalists, media, and audiences Participatory journalism and media-audience relationships Journalism and data practices Disinformation content dissemination and reception Platformization of information and algorithmic roles Digital formats analysis in journalism She has led multiple funded research projects including: PANDA (2023-2026, CHF 499,986) on pandemic data communication #sad2 (2021-2022, CHF 138,460) on disinformation architectures LINC (2018-2021, CHF 184,586) on local journalism innovation International collaborations on pandemic communication and digital media Her teaching includes: Digital technology courses for economics students NewsLab projects for journalism master's students Advanced seminars on digital media and communication Innovative journalistic format production She serves in leadership roles for: President of the Scientific Council, Initiative for Media Innovation (2018-2022) Board Member, Hirondelle Foundation (2021-present) Editorial Board Member, Cahiers du journalisme (2020-present) Qualis Commission, University of Neuchâtel (2019-present)
Wesley Willett is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Calgary, holding the NSERC CRC II Chair in Visual Analytics. His primary research focuses on information visualization, human-computer interaction, and new media applications. He leads the Data Experience Lab and Interactions Lab, exploring innovative methods for data representation and interaction in augmented/virtual reality environments. Education includes a B.S. in Computer Science from the University of Colorado (2006) and a Ph.D. in Computer Science from UC Berkeley (2012). His work bridges technical innovation with user-centered design principles, emphasizing ethical considerations in data visualization and inclusive representation. Key research contributions include: spatial visualization techniques for large environments, gesture-based interfaces for AR/VR, and physical data representations through projects like Cetonia (swarm robotics visualization) and Data Embroidery. His work has been recognized with Best Paper awards at CHI 2015 and Pervasive 2010. Current research emphasizes immersive analytics, wearable visualization systems, and demographically diverse anthropographics. He collaborates with urban designers, neurologists, and environmental scientists to apply visualization in diverse domains like epilepsy surgery planning and air quality monitoring.
Peg Rawes is Professor of Architecture and Philosophy at University College London's Bartlett School of Architecture , where she directs research and leads the MA Architectural History program. Her work bridges architectural theory with philosophy, focusing on relational architectural ecologies through three intersecting areas: human/nonhuman life practices, planetary poetics, and housing ecologies. Director of Research, UCL Bartlett School of Architecture (2023-present) REF2029 Lead for Bartlett School EDICPI for EU TACK project (2020) BAUHOW5 PI for European architecture schools partnership (2016-20) Research explores biophilic design , decolonial architecture , and feminist spatial practices across three streams: Architectural ecologies : Human/nonhuman relations in 'Bioprotopia' (2023), vulnerability visualization (2021) Planetary poetics : Climate emergency dialogues (2021), Irigarayan aesthetics (2020) Housing biopolitics : Care frameworks (2017), Spinozist ethical ratios (2015) Key funded collaborations include EU TACK's Communities of Tacit Knowledge (2020) and AHRC's Equal by Design (2016). She contributes to architectural peer review for journals and international research councils while maintaining global partnerships with institutions like Cornell , ETH Zurich , and University of Minnesota .
Dr Bela Bonita Chatterjee is a Senior Lecturer in Law at Lancaster University School of Law , with a focus on teaching and scholarship since 2020. Her work bridges cyberlaw , artificial intelligence , robotics , and gender/sexuality in legal contexts. She has received multiple teaching accolades, including the 2023 Blue Plaque Award and the 2018 FASS Dean’s Senior Teaching Award . Dr Chatterjee’s research interrogates the interdisciplinary intersections of law and technology , particularly cybercrime , AI and criminal law , and widening participation in legal education . Her recent scholarship explores robotics in criminal law and business attire/fashion as legal subjects. 2025 : 'The Speakeasy' conference paper 2023 : Invited discussant on child sex dolls/robots 2022 : Workshops on assessment design and audio-visual feedback 2020 : Decolonizing the curriculum and digital teaching practices 2019 : Robotics in family law, child protection, and Lex Robotica 2018 : Robotics and sexual violence Scientific Awards: 2023 Blue Plaque Award 2022 Highly Commended Award 2018 FASS Dean’s Senior Teaching Award 2006 Sir Alistair Pilkington Prize Nominee/Shortlisted for HEA NTFS and OUP Law Teacher of the Year Awards Dr Chatterjee has supervised and examined numerous PhD and LLM dissertations , served on editorial boards of journals like Frontiers of Legal Research , and co-organized conferences such as the British Association for Canadian Studies Legal Studies Group Annual Conference . She contributes to committees including the CREST Security Research Ethics Committee and EPSRC Fellowship Advisory Board .
Dr. Jason Ney is an Associate Professor of English and the Director of the Writing Center at Colorado Christian University, where he has been a faculty member since 2013. He is affiliated with the College of Undergraduate Studies and the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, teaching courses in American Literature, Creative Writing, and Literary Criticism and Theory. Ph.D., English - Literary Studies, University of Denver M.A., English and Comparative Literature, University of Cincinnati B.A., English, Cedarville University Dr. Ney's research spans creative nonfiction and film criticism, with a strong focus on ethical issues in narrative truth and memory. He is a noted scholar of film noir and cinematic adaptations of American literature, particularly works like The Great Gatsby and The Scarlet Letter . His academic interests include semiotics, literary theory, and the intersection of faith and storytelling. His recent publications reflect a deep engagement with noir cinema, mid-century Hollywood, and the psychological dimensions of identity in film. He has contributed audio commentaries and critical essays to numerous Blu-ray and DVD releases, and his creative nonfiction has appeared in respected anthologies and journals. His work often explores moral ambiguity, personal transformation, and cultural memory. Dr. Ney is actively involved in academic and public scholarship, presenting at conferences and co-running CCU’s annual film series. He mentors students in creative writing, many of whom have achieved publication. While no formal scientific awards are listed, his sustained contributions to film and literary criticism demonstrate significant scholarly impact. He also contributes to the Augustine Honors Program and has delivered presentations on writing center pedagogy and graduate education. His leadership in the Writing Center reflects a commitment to student development across disciplines.
Andrea Wollensak is Professor of Art at Connecticut College, where she has taught since 1993. She is an interdisciplinary artist and designer whose work explores the convergence of place, identity, and history through site-based artworks that combine new media technology with traditional design and fabrication. Her educational background includes a B.F.A. from the University of Michigan and an M.F.A. from Yale University. She has held visiting faculty positions at numerous institutions including the University of Gothenburg, Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, Concordia University, Rhode Island School of Design, and the Estonian Academy of Arts. Wollensak's research focuses on social design and place-based storytelling, employing collaboration with community partners, computer scientists, musicians, poets, and scientists. Her work addresses themes of place-based narratives, environment, and memory through forms including audio/video, interactive installations, data visualization, artist books, and digitally fabricated works. She examines how design can be used as a tool for social impact and civic participation. Her most recent projects include Mapping Your Journey to School (2023), which engages Estonian and Ukrainian refugee students in creative writing workshops; Water Stories: Visual Poetics and Collective Voices (2022), a year-long artist residency at the Anchorage Museum; and Open Waters (2019-2020), an interactive installation examining Arctic environmental change. U.S. Fulbright Scholar in Estonia (2023) Artistic Excellence Award in Digital Art from Connecticut Office of the Arts Artist residency at Hafnarborg Contemporary Art Museum in Iceland (2011) Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism Grants in New Media (2010, 2006) IASPIS International Artist Studio Program in Sweden (2007) Rockefeller Study and Conference Center residency (2000) Wollensak has advised numerous students in design and new media projects, often collaborating with community partners. She served as Director of the Ammerman Center for Arts and Technology at Connecticut College from 2014-2020 and currently serves on the Advisory Council of the Winterhouse Institute and the Advisory Board for Digital Media Connecticut. Her teaching emphasizes design as an interdisciplinary practice that prepares students to be creative problem solvers who can use design to create positive social impact. Her work has been exhibited internationally at venues including the Göteborg International Contemporary Art Biennial, Nova Scotia Art Gallery, Brno Design Biennial Moravian Gallery, Center for Visual Art in Denver, Brown University's Granoff Center Gallery, and the Burchfield Penney Arts Center in Buffalo.
Vassilios Tzerpos is an Associate Professor at the Lassonde School of Engineering, York University, where he has been since 2001. He holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Toronto (2001). His research focuses on audio processing for musical applications, deep learning, digital signal processing, machine listening, and software engineering education. He directs the APTLY lab exploring music-technology intersections and leads the LaSSoftE lab developing socially-oriented software solutions. Education: Ph.D. in Computer Science, University of Toronto, 2001 Research Highlights: Dr. Tzerpos' work spans music information retrieval (e.g., automatic music classification), synthetic speech detection using neural networks, and software engineering pedagogy. His recent projects include Music-STAR for audio re-instrumentation and OER-based learning path creation systems. He has pioneered methods in design pattern detection and software clustering evaluation. Grants & Labs: Leads two research groups: APTLY (music-tech) and LaSSoftE (social impact software). Active in developing adaptive cybersecurity solutions against DoS attacks and refining software architecture recovery techniques. Key Themes in Publications: Recent work emphasizes machine learning applications in music technology and cybersecurity, with foundational contributions to software clustering methodologies and design pattern detection algorithms. His work bridges theoretical computer science with practical applications in education and creative industries.
