Rachel Denison is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences at Boston University. Her research focuses on understanding how the brain constructs perceptual experience through integrating visual perception, attention, and decision-making processes with a particular emphasis on temporal dynamics. She directs the Denison Lab, which combines behavioral measurements (psychophysics, eye tracking), neuroimaging (fMRI, EEG/MEG), and computational modeling to explore these mechanisms. Dr. Denison holds a PhD from U.C. Berkeley and is affiliated with interdisciplinary programs including the Center for Systems Neuroscience and the Cognitive Neuroimaging Center. Her work addresses fundamental questions about perceptual processing, decision-making under uncertainty, and the neural basis of temporal attention. Recent research highlights include studies on Bayesian decision-making in autism, temporal attention effects in fronto-cingulate cortex, and computational models of sensory evidence integration. The lab's methodologies emphasize cross-disciplinary approaches to bridge psychological theory and neurobiological mechanisms. Lab members have received UROP awards for research in 2025, and Denison has presented in prominent venues like the Cognitive Neuroscience Society 'Rising Stars' session. Collaborations span visual neuroscience, cognitive modeling, and clinical applications of perceptual processes.
Erin Walker is an Associate Professor in the School of Computing and Information at the University of Pittsburgh, with a joint appointment as a Research Scientist at the Learning Research and Development Center (LRDC). She also serves as Associate Dean for Research within the School of Computing and Information. Her work focuses on improving educational technology through interdisciplinary methods, encompassing personalized learning environments, robotic learning companions, and culturally-responsive pedagogies. Education: PhD in Human-Computer Interaction, Carnegie Mellon University (2010) B.Sc. (Honors) in Computer Science and Psychology, University of Manitoba (2004) Research Interests: Dr. Walker's research bridges AI, human-computer interaction, and education. Key areas include: - Design of socially-engaged robots for STEM learning - Adaptive learning systems and collaborative pedagogies - Culturally-responsive computing education for marginalized groups - Neuroadaptive learning environments Grants & Projects: Recipient of a $900,000 NSF grant to study robots in math classrooms (LRDC collaboration) Developed EMBRACE: an AI-based reading comprehension tool for dual-language learners LEGO-based robo-tangible learning environments (rTAG) for geometry education Labs & Teams: Her lab focuses on human-centered AI design, collaborating with LRDC and interdisciplinary teams. Current projects emphasize equity in technology design, particularly for Black and Latino communities.
Rajkumar Kubendran is an Assistant Professor at the University of Pittsburgh's Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering within the Swanson School of Engineering. His research focuses on neuromorphic engineering, low-power analog circuits, and biomedical hardware design. He holds a PhD from the University of California San Diego (2014–2020), an MS from Purdue University (2009–2012), and a B.Tech from the National Institute of Technology (2004–2008). His work includes prototypes like dynamic vision sensors (DVS) and in-memory compute architectures, with applications in event-driven computer vision and medical devices. Research interests span brain-machine interfaces, compute-in-memory systems, and neuromorphic computing for robotics and biomedical applications. Notable projects include retina-inspired cameras, custom AI hardware, and programmable stimulators for neural interfaces. His team emphasizes energy-efficient architectures and bio-inspired designs, with recent publications in areas like event-based sensorimotor control and neuromorphic benchmarking frameworks. Professional experience includes internships at Intel, IMEC Belgium, MaxLinear, and Qualcomm. He is an IEEE Senior Member. Though no awards are explicitly listed, his contributions to neuromorphic systems reflect significant technical impact. Current work integrates hardware-software co-design for scalable neuromorphic systems and biomedical device startups.
Tolga Soyata is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at George Mason University's College of Engineering, specializing in cyber-physical systems, digital health, and high-performance computing. Previously, he served as an Associate Professor at SUNY Albany (2016-2019), Senior Lecturer at Johns Hopkins University (2020), and Assistant Research Professor at the University of Rochester (2008-2016). PhD, Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Rochester (2000) MS, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Johns Hopkins University (1992) BS, Electrical and Communications Engineering, Istanbul Technical University (1988) His research focuses on cyber-physical systems , digital health applications , and FPGA/GPU-based high-performance computing , with significant contributions in medical cyber physical systems, brain-computer interfaces, and energy harvesting for embedded systems. His work bridges hardware design with healthcare applications and smart city infrastructure. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on medical applications of cyber-physical systems (30%), smart city infrastructure (25%), energy-efficient computing (20%), and security/privacy frameworks (15%). His work consistently integrates hardware innovation with real-world applications, particularly in healthcare monitoring and urban systems. BEST PAPER AWARD (UEMCON18-BCI) PRESIDENTIAL AWARD FOR UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH BEST PAPER AWARD (HONET-ICT'15) IEEE Senior Member (2016-present) ACM Senior Member (2016-present) As an advisor, he has mentored 12 PhD students (including 2 who completed degrees under his supervision) and over 25 master's/undergraduate researchers, many of whom received awards for their work. His TTIP directorship at GMU focuses on expanding graduate education in computer engineering through innovative recruitment and bridge programs. His research has been supported by industry partnerships with NVIDIA, Xilinx, and MOSIS. He leads research in medical cyber physical systems and energy-harvesting architectures, with lab facilities supporting FPGA development, GPU programming, and medical sensor integration for digital health applications.
Dr. Muhammad Diyan is a Lecturer in Computer Science at Teesside University, UK, with over 10 years of experience in academia and industry. He holds a Ph.D. from Kyungpook National University, South Korea (2017–2021), where his research focused on scheduling sensor duty cycling using Bi-Directional LSTM and Reinforcement Learning. He has held prestigious roles including Research Associate at University of Glasgow and Edinburgh Napier University, and Lecturer at University of Dundee. His research spans AI, IoT, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Healthcare, and Computer Vision. Notable contributions include deep learning models for brain tumor detection, skin cancer early diagnosis via mobile applications, and energy-efficient IoT protocols. He has authored over 25 journal papers and conference proceedings, and received the UK Royal Academy of Engineering's Global Talent Visa for early-career innovators. Diyan actively serves as a reviewer for high-impact journals, conference track chair, and guest editor for special issues. His work emphasizes real-world applications in healthcare, smart cities, and cybersecurity, blending theoretical rigor with practical implementation.
Dr. Dirk Rodenburg is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Queen's University's Dan School of Drama and Music within the Faculty of Arts and Science. He holds cross appointments as an Educational Consultant in the Schools of Medicine and Rehabilitation Therapy (Faculty of Health Sciences) and as a Term Adjunct Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering (Faculty of Engineering). His research focuses on human performance, real-time data analytics, ethics in technology, and wearable technology applications in healthcare and education. Education: B.A. Psychology, Queen's University M.A. Adult Education, University of British Columbia Ph.D. Faculty of Information, University of Toronto Research interests span human-computer interaction, cognitive load measurement, adaptive simulation systems, and neurotechnology ethics. He has pioneered work in wearable-based emotion recognition, stress detection using ECG, and ethical guidelines for brainwave technologies. Professional roles include Board Member of the Centre for Responsible Brainwave Technologies (CeReB), Associate Editor for International Journal of Sport and Society , and Section Editor for Technology Source . His work bridges academia and industry through 20+ years as a software entrepreneur in educational tech and biotechnology. Grants & Labs: His cross-disciplinary focus integrates engineering, medicine, and arts through collaborative research initiatives in adaptive training systems and ethics frameworks for emerging technologies.
Eugenio DiSciascio is a Full Professor and Scientific Coordinator at the Department of Information Engineering (DEI) of the University of Bari. His research spans Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Recommender Systems, and Semantic Technologies with a focus on Trustworthy AI principles. He leads projects in healthcare informatics, user modeling through Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI), and multimodal learning frameworks like Ducho 2.0. Key research areas include explainable AI for medical diagnosis (e.g., Alzheimer’s detection), ethical AI frameworks such as POLARIS, and adversarial defenses in recommender systems. He organizes international events like ICWE 2022 and workshops focused on cybersecurity and BCI applications. His work integrates interdisciplinary approaches, combining machine learning with neuroimaging, wearable devices, and regulatory compliance. Recent publications emphasize multimodal recommendation systems, cybersecurity in AI models, and human-centric AI development. Ongoing projects include NeuroSense (EEG-based emotion detection) and ARIEL (BCI-driven emotional support systems). He contributes to standards for trustworthy AI through frameworks like POLARIS, addressing ethical, legal, and social implications of AI technologies. DiSciascio’s lab, SisInf Lab, explores intelligent systems in software engineering, big data, and IoT. His work bridges theoretical advancements with real-world applications in healthcare, cybersecurity, and user-centric technologies.
Dian Tjondronegoro is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Griffith University's School of Information and Communication Technology. With over 120 publications spanning from 2002 to 2025, Professor Tjondronegoro has established a significant research presence in artificial intelligence, computer vision, and human-computer interaction. Professor Tjondronegoro's research interests center around affective computing, multimedia systems, and responsible AI development. Their work bridges technical innovation with practical applications in healthcare, public safety, and education. Recent research has increasingly focused on ethical AI implementation, privacy-preserving technologies, and sustainable computing practices, reflecting a growing concern for the societal impact of technological advancements. Analysis of the publication trends shows a clear evolution from foundational work in facial expression recognition and video processing toward more complex systems integrating AI ethics, privacy considerations, and human-centered design principles. The research demonstrates strong interdisciplinary collaboration across computer science, healthcare, and social sciences. Professor Tjondronegoro has collaborated extensively with researchers including Vinod Chandran (19 publications), Ligang Zhang (19 publications), Wei Song (18 publications), and Yi-Ping Phoebe Chen (15 publications), among others. Their work appears in prestigious venues including IEEE Transactions, ACM journals, and major conferences in multimedia and computer vision. Current research directions include the TOAST Framework for ethical AI integration, privacy-preserving video surveillance systems, and collaborative approaches to bridge knowledge gaps in AI adoption among innovation champions. These projects reflect a commitment to developing technologies that balance innovation with social responsibility.
Eleonora Russo is an Assistant Professor and Principal Investigator of the Brain Dynamics Laboratory at the BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna in Pisa, Italy. Her career includes positions as an Independent Research Fellow at Johannes Gutenberg University (2021–2023) and the Central Institute of Mental Health (2020–2021), supported by the Chica and Heinz Foundation. She holds a PhD in Neuroscience from SISSA (2012) and earlier degrees in Physics from the University of Pisa (B.Sc. 2005, M.Sc. 2007). Her research integrates computational modeling with experimental neuroscience to study cognitive processes, particularly focusing on neural assembly dynamics in the brain. This includes analyzing hippocampal-prefrontal interactions, reward systems, and olfactory learning using machine learning techniques. Key innovations involve unsupervised methods for decoding neural signals and understanding context-dependent information encoding. Scientific Awards: Independent Research Fellow of the Chica and Heinz Foundation Her work bridges cognitive science and systems biology, with recent studies exploring dopamine’s role in reward prediction and oxytocin’s impact on social cognition. Ongoing projects investigate neural coordination in the zona incerta and motor cortex decoding for neuroprosthetics.
Yongho Bae, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences at the Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo. He is also an Affiliated Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and an affiliate of the NSF Science and Technology Center for Engineering MechanoBiology. His research bridges cell biology, bioengineering, and mechanomedicine, with a focus on how mechanical forces regulate cellular function in health and disease. Department: Pathology and Anatomical Sciences School: Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences University: University at Buffalo Affiliation: Biomedical Engineering (Affiliated Associate Professor) NSF Science and Technology Center for Engineering MechanoBiology (Affiliate Faculty) Education: PhD, Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh (2010) MS, Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Rutgers University (2005) BS, Biotechnology, Ajou University (1998) Dr. Bae's research centers on cell mechanics and mechanotransduction , particularly in cardiovascular biology and stem cell regulation. His work investigates how extracellular matrix stiffness influences vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) behavior in diseases like atherosclerosis and arterial stiffness. He employs advanced techniques including atomic force microscopy, traction force microscopy, optogenetics, and machine learning to study cellular responses. His lab also develops nanophotonic platforms to control stem cell differentiation using light, offering non-invasive strategies for regenerative medicine. His recent publications reveal a strong trend in understanding Survivin (BIRC5) as a central mediator of stiffness-induced cell proliferation, motility, and ECM remodeling in VSMCs. He also explores lamellipodin , FAK , and Rac signaling in mechanosensitive pathways. His work integrates transcriptomics, computational modeling, and high-resolution imaging to decode mechanobiological networks. Scientific Awards: Excellence in Mentoring Award for Research (2025) Louis Sklarow Award (2025) Professional Development Award (2023) LeapRx Drug Discovery Incubator Program Award (2022) Buffalo Blue Sky Silver Coin (2019) American Heart Association Career Development Award (2018) Eugene Mindell & Harold Brody Clinical Translational Research Award (2017) Cell and Molecular Bioengineering Meeting: Fellow Travel Award (2015) American Heart Association Postdoctoral Fellowship (2013) Dr. Bae actively mentors students and has served as a faculty mentor for undergraduate research programs. He has been the Principal Investigator on multiple NIH, NSF, and industry-funded grants, including projects on corneal endothelium, vascular matrix, and drug discovery for arterial stiffening. He is also a co-PI on NSF-funded collaborative research in neuronal network programming. His lab, the Bae Mechanobiology and Mechanomedicine Laboratory, focuses on translating mechanistic insights into therapeutic strategies. He serves on editorial boards and as a peer reviewer for journals such as APL Bioengineering , Scientific Reports , and Cellular and Molecular Bioengineering , and is involved in faculty governance and admissions committees.
Lisa Graham is a researcher at Northumbria University's Department of Sport Exercise and Rehabilitation , focusing on neuroscience and neurorehabilitation. Her work bridges biomedical engineering with clinical applications in movement disorders. Research Areas: Parkinson's Disease, Gait Analysis, Eye Movement, Wearable Technology, Neurological Biomarkers Collaborators: Stuart, Morris, Godfrey, Vitório, Walker Her recent publications highlight digital biomarkers for neurological conditions and wearable sensor barriers . She contributes to neurorehabilitation through clinical trials and systematic reviews. Notable trends include eye-tracking innovations and personalized gait interventions using blazepose technology. She co-authored works on cognitive-motor interactions in Parkinson's, with implications for fall prevention and freezing of gait.
Prof. Robert Burduk is a full-time professor at the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology , Wrocław University of Science and Technology , specializing in artificial intelligence and machine learning. His research focuses on supervised classification, ensemble learning, and decision support systems with applications in photovoltaic energy forecasting, insect rearing monitoring, and software bug assignment. Key research areas: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Business Intelligence Department: Systems and Computer Networks Recent Publications (2024-2023): Burduk's work addresses classifier fusion, photovoltaic power optimization, and agricultural monitoring using advanced AI techniques like convolutional neural networks and domain shift detection. Notable themes include ensemble learning strategies, energy system modeling, and interdisciplinary applications.
Prof. Jamie Paik is a Full Professor at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), where she serves as Director of the Reconfigurable Robotics Lab (RRL) and is a core member of the Swiss NCCR robotics group. She holds multiple academic appointments across EPFL's School of Engineering, including positions in the Institute of Mechanical Engineering (IGM), STI-SMT SMT-ENS, and STI-SGM SGM-ENS. Additionally, she serves as a PhD program committee member for the Doctoral Program in Robotics, Control and Intelligent Systems. Her research focuses primarily on soft robotics , origami-inspired robotics , and wearable technologies . Prof. Paik's work leverages multi-material fabrication and smart material actuation to develop novel robotic designs that push the physical limits of materials and mechanisms. Her current research includes self-morphing Robogami (robotic origami) that transforms from planar shapes to 2D or 3D structures through predefined folding patterns, similar to traditional paper origami. Prof. Paik has published extensively on robotic origami, haptic feedback systems, and soft actuators, with her most recent work (2024-2025) focusing on vibration of soft twisted beams for locomotion, semi-autonomous surgical assistance, plug-and-play pneumatic systems, and data-driven kinematic modeling. Her research demonstrates a clear trajectory toward more adaptive, reconfigurable robotic systems with applications in surgery, human-robot interaction, and wearable technologies. Among her notable achievements, she developed a 7-DoF humanoid arm during her PhD at Seoul National University (sponsored by Samsung Electronics), which was the lightest in literature at that time (3.7kg including the 8-DoF hand). During postdoctoral work at Pierre Marie Curie University, she developed the internationally patented JAiMY laparoscopic tools now commercialized by Endocontrol-medical.com. PhD: Seoul National University (Humanoid Arm and Hand Design) Postdoc: Institut des Systems Intelligents et de Robotic, Université Pierre Marie Curie Postdoc: Harvard University's Microrobotics Laboratory Prof. Paik has supervised numerous PhD students, both current and past, including Bakir Alihan, Demirtas Serhat, Jiang Shaopeng, Kanno Ryo, Schüssler Alexander Michael, and Wang Ziqiao. Her teaching includes Topics in Autonomous Robotics, Mechanical Product Design and Development, and Advanced Design for Sustainable Future.
Ronan Boulic is a Senior Researcher at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) within the School of Computer and Communication Sciences. He leads the Immersive Interaction (IIG) research group and serves as a Senior Scientist in multiple departments including IC-SIN, IC-SSC, and GR-SCI-IC. His work focuses on motion synthesis for virtual humans and robots, human movement modeling, inverse kinematics, and immersive 3D interactions in virtual environments, with applications in virtual prototyping, gaming, ergonomics, and biomedical simulations. PhD in Computer Science (1986) from University of Rennes, France Habilitation (1995) from University of Grenoble, France Research interests include: Embodiment in Virtual Reality Human Movement Modeling and Optimization Motion Capture and Real-Time 3D Interaction Avatar Emotion Expression and Synchronization Cybersickness Detection and Mitigation Collision Detection and Inverse Kinematics His recent publications (2023-2025) emphasize cybersickness frameworks, avatar embodiment, and real-time motion control. He has supervised over 15 PhD candidates, including Nana Tian (2023) and Thibault Porssut (2021), and collaborates with the EPFL Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory (LNCO). Teaching includes foundational Computer Science (ICC), Programming, and Software Engineering to first-year students. He is also a member of the PhD program committee for Robotics, Control, and Intelligent Systems at EPFL.
Dr. Samuel Mugo is a Professor in the Department of Physical Sciences at MacEwan University. Holding a PhD in Analytical Chemistry from Memorial University and a B.Sc. from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (Kenya), he has been at MacEwan since 2008. His roles include teaching analytical chemistry, industrial chemistry, and independent research courses, alongside serving as Associate Dean, Development. Research focuses on smart polymer nanomaterials for frugal point-of-need (PON) chemical sensing, integrating data analytics apps into mobile sensors for agri-food/environmental monitoring and non-invasive mental health wearables. He emphasizes technology translation from lab to industry and community impact, actively engaging undergraduates as knowledge co-creators. NSERC Discovery Development Grant (2022-2024) Alberta Newcomers Recognition Award (2022) Alberta Innovates Smart Agriculture Grant (2020-2022) MacEwan Distinguished Research Award (2021) NSERC-Discovery Grant (2016-2021) MacEwan Distinguished Teaching Award (2020) His 15 most recent publications highlight advancements in microneedle sensors for metabolite detection, wearable sweat diagnostics, and hybrid polymer systems. Keywords span Analytical Chemistry , Wearable Technology , Environmental Monitoring , and Biomedical Engineering , with subfields including Molecular Imprinting , Smart Hydrogels , Neurochemical Sensing , Green Chemistry , Mobile Health Apps , and Agri-food Analytics . As Vice Chair of the Canadian Society of Chemistry-Analytical Division and a grant adjudicator for the New York Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship Program, Dr. Mugo bridges academia with global initiatives. His work emphasizes knowledge translation ecosystems to address societal challenges through citizen science and industry partnerships.
