Gordon Wetzstein is an Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering and, by courtesy, Computer Science at Stanford University. He leads the Stanford Computational Imaging Lab and co-directs the Stanford Center for Image Systems Engineering (SCIEN). His research focuses on computational imaging, wearable computing, and neural rendering, blending computer graphics, vision, AI, and optics. Education: Ph.D., Computer Science, University of British Columbia (2011) Diploma, Media Systems Science, Bauhaus University (2006) Research Interests: His work spans computational displays , holography , non-line-of-sight imaging , and AI-driven optical systems . Key projects include Autofocals (gaze-contingent eyeglasses) and neural holography systems. He explores applications in AR/VR, medical imaging, and scientific visualization. Publications: Recent work includes advances in 3D holography, gaze-tracking systems, and AI-optics integration. His papers address challenges in display efficiency, light-field processing, and real-time imaging. Awards: Fellow of Optica NSF CAREER Award (2016) PECASE (2019) ACM SIGGRAPH Significant New Researcher Award (2018) Advising & Grants: He advises over 20 doctoral and postdoctoral students. His lab collaborates with industry (e.g., Raxium, Google) and has secured grants from NSF, DARPA, and private foundations. Labs & Teams: His lab develops cutting-edge systems like neural holography and non-line-of-sight imaging. The SCIEN center fosters interdisciplinary image systems research.
Manuel R. Amieva is a Professor at Stanford University School of Medicine , holding joint appointments in Pediatrics - Infectious Diseases and Microbiology & Immunology . He is also a member of the Maternal & Child Health Research Institute (MCHRI) . His clinical practice at Stanford Medicine Children's Health focuses on pediatric infectious diseases. Education: Medical Education: Stanford University School of Medicine (1997) Fellowship: Stanford University Pediatric Infectious Disease Fellowship (2004) Internship & Residency: Stanford Health Care at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital (1998-1999) Dr. Amieva's research investigates host-pathogen interactions at epithelial barriers, with specific expertise in Helicobacter pylori , Listeria monocytogenes , Salmonella enterica , and Staphylococcus aureus . His lab develops innovative organoid culture systems with controlled polarity to study microbial colonization and oncogenic mechanisms. Key discoveries include: H. pylori's manipulation of epithelial junctions via the CagA protein Listeria's exploitation of cell extrusion sites for invasion Staphylococcus toxin interactions with adherens junctions Gastric stem cell activation by pathogens Recent publication trends show continued leadership in infectious disease mechanisms (2020-2025), with a focus on: Pathogen-specific epithelial breach strategies Organoid modeling of viral/bacterial interactions Redox-dependent host factor regulation Single-cell spatial transcriptomic analyses Multi-institutional educational frameworks His scientific collaborations span disciplines including: Gastric cancer genomics initiatives COVID-19 lung infection models Stem cell-microbe interactions Medical education reform projects Dr. Amieva maintains active clinical research while mentoring students in both the Microbiology & Immunology and Pediatrics programs. His lab at Stanford employs advanced 3D confocal microscopy and organ-on-a-chip technologies to visualize epithelial colonization dynamics.
Douglas D. Ready is an Associate Professor of Education and Public Policy at Teachers College, Columbia University , where he serves as Director of the Consortium for Policy Research in Education (CPRE-TC). His research focuses on the intersections of education policy, social policy, and educational equity, particularly how policies influence socio-demographic disparities in cognitive development. Research Interests: Ready’s work examines the structural determinants of educational equity, including school choice architecture, personalized learning, early childhood education, and the impacts of technology on instruction. He has published extensively in journals such as Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis and Sociology of Education . Editorial Roles: Ready contributes to the academic community as a member of the editorial boards of Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis and American Educational Research Journal . Key Projects: He has led analyses of programs like Teach to One: Math and Pre-K for All , exploring their effects on student outcomes and equity.
Dr. Jillianne Code is an Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Education, Department of Curriculum & Pedagogy, directing the ALIVE Research Lab. Her work focuses on learner agency, educational technologies, and social media's impact on student success. Specializes in immersive virtual environments for assessment Researches self-regulated learning and formative feedback Investigates health education through digital interventions Her recent publications examine pandemic-era educational transitions, digital literacy in teacher training, and cognitive tools in virtual reality. She has received Outstanding Paper Awards for her work on immersive assessment. Dr. Code leads research projects on learning analytics, student engagement in digital spaces, and technology education sustainability. Her work bridges educational theory with practical interventions through digital badges, mobile health applications, and 3D learning environments.
Jennifer C. Dalton serves as Associate Professor and Undergraduate Program Director in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders within Appalachian State University's Beaver College of Health Sciences. With over 15 years of higher education experience, she provides strategic leadership in curriculum development, program assessment, and student success initiatives across the undergraduate program. Her educational foundation includes: Ph.D. in Speech and Hearing Sciences, UNC Chapel Hill (2012) M.A. in Communication Sciences and Disorders, Appalachian State University (1999) M.B.A., Appalachian State University B.S. in Speech Pathology and Audiology, Kent State University (1997) Dr. Dalton's research bridges clinical practice and educational innovation, focusing on pediatric speech disorders while advancing scholarship in teaching methodologies. Her work examines how experiential education builds graduate competencies and how employment prospects influence student retention, reflecting her commitment to evidence-based program development. Recent publications demonstrate consistent output in higher education scholarship, with three peer-reviewed articles published between 2023-2024 addressing pandemic-era pedagogy, graduate training, and student retention analytics. These works highlight her dual expertise in clinical communication sciences and educational leadership. Her academic recognition includes: 2021 Beaver College of Health Sciences Outstanding Teaching Award 2023 UNC System Academic Affairs Faculty Fellowship Dr. Dalton actively secures program development grants that enhance student learning outcomes through innovative curriculum design. As program director, she oversees clinical education pathways while maintaining her ASHA clinical certification and Quality Matters online teaching credentials. Her leadership emphasizes inclusive education practices that prepare diverse learners for professional success in dynamic healthcare environments. Though not leading a named laboratory, Dr. Dalton is central to departmental research through her scholarship of teaching and learning, influencing clinical education standards across the discipline.
Olle Sköld is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of ABM (Archives, Libraries, and Museums) at Uppsala University. He is also the Head of the Department of ABM and holds an Associate Professor position in Library and Information Science. His research spans digital humanities, documentation practices, knowledge production, and digital preservation, with a particular focus on archaeological data processes and virtual world communities. Archaeological data documentation and reuse Digital game preservation Paradata theory and applications Information practices in social media His recent publications explore paradata in data papers, literacy challenges in research data management, and trust technologies like blockchain in digital archives. Olle is involved in the CAPTURE project, investigating documentation workflows for archaeological data. He has contributed to the Master's Programme in Digital Humanities at Uppsala University, blending digital humanities with library and information science education.
Philipp Budka is a Researcher (PostDoc) and Lecturer at the Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology, University of Vienna. He leads the North American research region for the ERC Advanced Grant project 'InfraNorth' and investigates transport infrastructures in northern Canada. Budka co-founded the Digital Ethnography Initiative and is a member of the Austrian Polar Research Institute (APRI). He holds a Mag.phil. in Cultural Anthropology and Communication Studies from the University of Vienna and Utrecht. His doctoral research focused on Indigenous digital infrastructures in northwestern Ontario, Canada. Education: Mag.phil. (2003), PhD in Cultural Anthropology (2017) Research Interests: Digital Anthropology, Infrastructure Studies, Media Anthropology, Indigenous Technologies His research explores sociotechnical systems, digital ethnography, and infrastructure sustainability in remote regions. Budka has co-edited volumes on media and conflict and ritualization, and is currently working on monographs about Indigenous online platforms and transport infrastructures in Canada. Grants: ERC Advanced Grant (InfraNorth), various teaching and research roles at FU Berlin and HMKW Berlin. He was co-leader of the Media Anthropology Network (EASA) from 2017–2024. Labs/Teams: Team of the Lehrendenvertretung (Teaching Representatives), Digital Ethnography Initiative, InfraNorth Project.
George T.-C. Chiu is a Professor in the School of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University, with courtesy appointments in Electrical and Computer Engineering and Psychological Sciences. He holds a 50% appointment as Assistant Dean for Global Engineering Programs and Partnerships. Previously, he served as a Program Director at the NSF, managing the Control Systems Program and National Robotics Initiative. His research focuses on mechatronics, dynamical systems, and control, with applications in printing, robotics, and human-machine interaction. Education: PhD (1994), University of California, Berkeley MS (1990), University of California, Berkeley BS (1985), National Taiwan University Research Interests: Functional printing technologies for biomedical and environmental sensors Robotics and human-robot interaction Control systems for manufacturing and dynamic systems Energy-efficient sensor design His work bridges mechanical engineering, materials science, and control theory, addressing challenges in precision manufacturing and sustainable technology. Awards: Fellow, ASME (2021) Fellow, Society for Imaging Science and Technology Grants & Projects: USDA-funded projects on food safety sensors and sustainable agriculture NSF initiatives in robotics and additive manufacturing Collaborative research with industry partners like HP and the Army Labs & Outreach: Founded the Purdue FIRST Programs, mentoring K-12 students in robotics. Co-developed experiential courses for student mentors, fostering leadership and project management skills.
Dr. Christopher M. Wolverton is a Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at Northwestern University , where he leads the Wolverton Research Group . His work focuses on computational materials science with applications in energy sustainability , particularly in batteries , hydrogen storage , and thermoelectrics . PhD in Physics from University of California, Berkeley BS in Physics (summa cum laude) from University of Texas, Austin His research leverages first-principles quantum mechanical simulations and machine learning to enable virtual materials synthesis before laboratory testing. The group specializes in hybrid computational methods integrating Density Functional Theory (DFT) , Monte Carlo simulations , and phase-field microstructural models . The article portfolio shows leadership in energy storage materials , with recent work on data-driven nanoparticle facet control , mixed-anion semiconductors , and machine learning-accelerated discovery . Publications span top journals including Nature Energy , Nature Materials , and Science . 2006 Ford Motor Company Technical Achievement Award 2005 Ford Patent & Publication Awards 2003 Ford Environmental/Physical Sciences Recognition As advisor to PhD candidates Zhenpeng Yao , Shiqiang Hao , and Shane Patel , he fosters interdisciplinary research connecting materials informatics with experimental validation . The group maintains active collaborations with Argonne National Lab and MIT/Harvard teams.
European Graduate School of Economics and ManagementBulgaria
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.
Jay David Bolter holds the Wesley Chair of New Media and serves as Professor and Director of Computational Media at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he is affiliated with the School of Literature, Media, and Communication within the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts. A foundational figure in digital media studies, he is renowned for his influential theoretical works and practical contributions to new media forms. His research spans Augmented Reality , Virtual Reality , Digital Culture , and the History of Media , with particular emphasis on remediation theory (developed with Richard Grusin) and the evolution of digital writing. As an active member of the Augmented Environments Lab, Bolter creates narrative-driven AR applications for cultural heritage sites and educational contexts, blending theoretical rigor with experimental design. His work consistently examines how new media technologies reshape human perception and cultural practices. Recent publications reveal a concentrated exploration of reality media (AR/VR) as narrative spaces, with articles addressing biofeedback integration in VR fitness, agency-driven interactive storytelling, and theoretical frameworks for understanding immersive experiences. His scholarship bridges historical media analysis with cutting-edge technical implementation, demonstrating how remediation processes continue to evolve in mixed reality environments. This trajectory reflects his lifelong investigation into the interplay between technological capabilities and human expression. Bolter maintains significant collaborative partnerships, including co-authoring seminal texts like Remediation and developing the Storyspace hypertext system with Michael Joyce. His leadership in the Augmented Environments Lab drives interdisciplinary projects that merge humanities perspectives with technological innovation, particularly in creating culturally resonant AR experiences. Teaching responsibilities include advanced courses in mixed reality design, computational media, and digital media theory, shaping the next generation of media scholars and practitioners.
Luisa Domingues is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Information Science and Technology at ISCTE - University Institute of Lisbon. She serves as an Integrated Researcher at ISTAR-Iscte - Research Center in Information Sciences, Technologies and Architecture, specializing in Information Systems research. Her academic qualifications include a PhD in Information Science and Technology from ISCTE-IUL (2013). Her primary research interests focus on: Project Management : Methodologies, risk assessment, and knowledge sharing Database Systems : Management, interoperability, and standardization e-Government Solutions : Public sector information systems and shared services Ontological Frameworks : Particularly for architectural heritage documentation Educational Technologies : Blended learning approaches in higher education Her recent publications (2016-2024) demonstrate a strong focus on project management methodologies, knowledge transfer, and information systems in public sector contexts. Key thematic trends include PMBOK framework applications, agile methodology adoption challenges, data science project risks, and technological solutions for cultural heritage preservation. Most works employ case study research and empirical validation methods. Dr. Domingues maintains an active advising portfolio with 1 doctoral candidate and 36 master's students, primarily focusing on topics in project management, information systems, and data science applications. She has held significant academic leadership positions including: 4th Year Coordinator for Bachelor's in Computer Science and Business Management (2020-2027) Program Director for the same degree (2017-2019) At ISTAR-Iscte research center, she contributes to projects involving information systems architecture, data standardization, and knowledge management frameworks.
Dr. Iro Armeni is Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Stanford University, leading the Gradient Spaces research group. Her interdisciplinary research bridges architecture, civil engineering, and computer vision to develop data-driven methods for sustainable and adaptive built environments. Professor Armeni's work focuses on creating gradient environments that blend physical and digital realities through mixed reality technologies. She develops computational methods for 3D scene understanding, generative design, and adaptive spaces that respond to human needs. Her research integrates AI with architectural design to improve sustainability, inclusivity, and reusability of built spaces. Current projects include 3D scene graph representations, automated BIM modeling from visual data, and neuro-symbolic approaches for design optimization. She has developed tools like HoloLabel (AR semantic labeling) and SemSpray (VR annotation) for construction information management. Professor Armeni holds a PhD from Stanford University, supported by a Google PhD Fellowship, and completed postdoctoral research at ETH Zurich with an ETH Fellowship. She teaches courses on Computer Vision for the Built Environment and Mixed Reality applications.
Steve Mann is a Professor in Applied Linguistics at the University of Warwick, where he has been affiliated since 2007. His work focuses on English Language Teacher Education (ELTE), teacher development, and qualitative research methodologies. He holds a PGCE from the University of Warwick (1984) and has extensive experience in ELT across Hong Kong, Japan, and Europe. Mann’s research group investigates reflective practice, teacher beliefs, mentoring, and technology integration in education. Notable contributions include co-editing the Routledge Handbook of English Language Teacher Education (2019) and pioneering studies on video-based teacher reflection. He has supervised numerous PhD students exploring aspects of teacher development, though he is currently not accepting new PhD candidates. Education: PGCE, University of Warwick (1984) Pre-service teaching in English and Drama in England (1980s) British Council Teaching Scheme in Hong Kong (1980s) Research Interests: Teacher education, reflective practice, qualitative interview methodologies, and the role of technology in professional development. His work emphasizes bridging theory and practice in ELT, particularly through collaborative dialogue and action research. Grants & Projects: Supporting Sustainable English Teacher Professional Development in Yunnan Province (British Council, 2022–2023) China Course Research: Postgraduate Curriculum Design (2019–2022) Video in Language Teacher Education (British Council, 2016–2018) Labs/Teams: Leads a research group focused on teacher development, mentoring, and blended learning strategies. Collaborates with institutions like the British Council on global teacher education initiatives.
Dr. Zara Ersozlu is a Senior Lecturer in Mathematics Education within the School of Education at the University of Newcastle, Australia. With a distinguished international career spanning multiple continents, she has held academic positions at prestigious institutions including North Carolina State University (USA), Gazi and Gaziosmanpasa Universities (Turkey), National Taiwan Normal University (Taiwan), The University of Western Australia, Murdoch University, and Deakin University. Her academic journey includes tenured positions as an Associate Professor and leadership roles as Department Head and Chair in teacher education disciplines. Currently, she teaches undergraduate and postgraduate courses in mathematics education, including Effective Pedagogies in Primary Mathematics, K-6 Mathematics, K-6 Numeracy, and Digitally Supported Learning. Dr. Ersozlu earned her Doctor of Philosophy from Firat University in Turkey and her Master of Art from Sakarya University. Her extensive academic preparation is complemented by five years of practical teaching experience in public schools prior to entering academia. This blend of theoretical knowledge and practical classroom experience informs her approach to teacher education and educational research. At the broadest level, Dr. Ersozlu's research investigates solutions to real-life problems impacting people's well-being, success, and capacity to achieve. Her scholarly work spans primary and secondary mathematics education, the psychology of mathematics (including metacognition, self-regulation, and anxiety), cross-cultural educational studies, teacher education, virtual simulated learning environments, and educational assessment. She has increasingly focused on the transformative potential of AI and machine learning in education, exploring how these technologies alter teaching, learning, and research processes. Her methodological expertise encompasses both quantitative and qualitative approaches, allowing her to effectively analyze both small and large educational datasets. Analysis of Dr. Ersozlu's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on mathematics anxiety, teacher education, and the integration of technology in learning environments. Her work demonstrates a consistent focus on practical applications of educational research to address real-world challenges in mathematics education. The interdisciplinary nature of her research connects educational psychology, technology integration, and cross-cultural perspectives, with particular attention to how these elements intersect in teacher preparation and student learning outcomes. 2023 ATEA Research Recognition Award from the Australian Teacher Education Association 2021 Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (Advance HE, UK) 2010 Fellowship Program for Postdoctoral Researchers from the Council of Higher Education of Turkey Dr. Ersozlu is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of scholars, currently supervising four PhD students and having successfully guided ten students to completion. Her grant portfolio includes significant funding for projects such as Best Practice Guidelines for RPL in Initial Teacher Education Programs ($60,000), Exploring the Reciprocal Relationship Between Mathematics Anxiety and Mathematical Resilience ($2,599), and multiple conference travel awards. She serves as an Associate Editor for several prominent journals including the International Electronic Journal of Mathematics Education and as Editor for Interdisciplinary STEM Education. Her editorial work reflects her standing as a respected voice in mathematics education research. Dr. Ersozlu's academic leadership extends to her role in developing innovative teaching approaches that integrate virtual simulation technology and learning analytics. Her work with TeachLivE™, a mixed-reality classroom simulation platform, demonstrates her commitment to creating authentic learning experiences for teacher education students. Through these initiatives, she bridges the gap between educational theory and classroom practice, preparing future educators to effectively implement evidence-based teaching strategies in diverse learning environments.