Mark Steven Cohen is the Dean and Senior Vice President & Chief Academic Officer at Carle Illinois College of Medicine. He holds the title of Professor in multiple departments including Biomedical and Translational Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Bioengineering, and affiliated institutes like Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology. His research focuses on cancer pharmacology, drug repurposing (e.g., sulfasalazine for adrenocortical carcinomas), Hsp90 inhibitors for melanoma treatment, and medical imaging technologies integrated with mixed reality for clinical training. Recent work emphasizes overcoming drug resistance in melanoma via C-terminal Hsp90 inhibitors and advancing healthcare innovation through mixed reality applications. Cohen has contributed to over 121 scholarly publications and media engagements, including commentaries on AI’s impact on healthcare and the LCME accreditation of Carle Illinois College of Medicine. His interdisciplinary collaborations span bioengineering, genomic biology, and clinical sciences, reflecting his role as a founder professor in bioengineering and his leadership in translational research initiatives.
Professor Kurt Squire is a leading scholar in games research and development at the University of California Irvine, affiliated with the Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences. He holds a Ph.D. in Education from Indiana University (2004). His work focuses on leveraging computer games and augmented reality to enhance learning outcomes and social impact. Squire has pioneered platforms enabling students and teachers to co-create educational tools, fostering global grassroots communities through collaborative game design. Notable contributions include the Games + Learning + Society (GLS) center, which he co-founded with Constance Steinkuehler and has since relaunched at UCI. He currently explores AR applications, community-based AI design, and mitigating right-wing extremism in gaming ecosystems. Squire’s research has been funded by NSF, NIH, and major foundations, with over a dozen commercially launched games stemming from his projects. Education: Ph.D. in Education, Indiana University, 2004 Research Interests: Squire investigates how games and emerging technologies can address societal challenges through participatory design. His work spans educational equity, cognitive development via casual gaming, and ethical AI frameworks. He emphasizes translating academic innovations into market-ready solutions while aligning with institutional goals. Recent projects include wearable apps for youth self-regulation and trauma-informed GenAI design with marginalized communities. Notable Achievements: Recipient of the Inaugural Hasso Plattner Endowed Chair in Artificial Intelligence (2025) Co-founder of GLS, a globally influential research hub Authored Making Games for Impact (2021), a practitioner-focused guide Labs/Teams: Directs the Games + Learning + Society center at UCI, focusing on XR research, well-being technologies, and entrepreneurship in education. Collaborates with MIT on augmented reality initiatives.
Professor Eduardo Velloso is an academic staff member at the School of Computer Science , University of Sydney . He is a member of the Centre for AI Trust and Governance and holds a PhD in Computer Science from Lancaster University and a Bachelor of Computer Engineering from Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro. Teaches COMP4447/5047 - Pervasive Computing and INFO1111 - Computing Professionalism Research Interests focus on distributed collaboration in mixed reality , human-AI interaction , and HCI theory and methodology . His work integrates Engineering, Design, and Psychology to explore gaze interaction, adaptive agents, and multimodal interfaces. Key projects include Blended Whiteboard for remote MR collaboration and GazeGrip for mobile accessibility. Publication Trends show expertise in Virtual Reality , Mixed Reality , and Human-AI Interaction , with recent work on Algorithmic Recourse and Immersive Educational Tools . Awards include ACM Best Paper Awards at CHI, UIST, TOCHI, and DIS venues. Scientific Awards 2024 ACM CHI & DIS Honorable Mentions 2022 UoM-FEIT Teaching & Learning Award 2019 UoM-CIS Excellence in Research Award 2015 ACM UIST Best Paper Award Advising includes supervision of research students Marvin, Tinghui LI, and Wendi YU in projects on asynchronous MR collaboration , situationally-induced impairments , and physical environment integration . His lab explores AI-assisted interaction and context-aware computing through projects like SpinalLog and LiftSmart .
Adam Feinberg is a Professor in the Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). He leads the Regenerative Biomaterials & Therapeutics Group, focusing on cell-material interactions, 3D bioprinting, and bioengineered tissues. His work integrates nanofabrication, molecular biology, and 3D imaging to address challenges in muscle repair, corneal regeneration, and cancer. Key innovations include the FRESH bioprinting platform, enabling soft ECM gel-based constructs, and ECM shrink-wrapping techniques for cell encapsulation. Feinberg holds a Ph.D. and MS in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Florida (2004, 2002) and a BS in Materials Science and Engineering from Cornell University (1999). He has secured major grants, including ARPA-H funding for diabetes treatments and Canada’s New Frontiers Fund for heart disease therapies. His research has led to over 45 peer-reviewed articles and 20 patents. His scientific awards include the NIH Director’s New Innovator Award and NSF CAREER Award. Media highlights include breakthroughs in vascularized tissue models and biodegradable actuators. Feinberg collaborates widely, advancing clinical translation of bioprinted tissues and sustainable bio-bots.
Dina El-Zanfaly serves as an Assistant Professor in the School of Design at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), where she directs the hyperSENSE: Embodied Computations Lab. Her work bridges computational design and human-centered interaction, focusing on how physicality shapes sensory experiences and cognitive processes through intelligent systems. Education: PhD in Design and Computation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Master of Science in Design and Computation, MIT (Fulbright scholar) Her research critically examines computational methods for augmenting sensory perception, with emphasis on embodied sense-making in hybrid environments. She investigates co-creative interactions between humans and intelligent systems, exploring how computational tools empower designers and non-designers to shape products, social spaces, and interconnected technologies. Key questions address mutual learning between humans and machines through improvisation and creative production. Analysis of her 2022-2025 publications reveals dominant themes in mixed reality interfaces, AI-augmented skill acquisition (particularly in crafts and welding), and tangible co-creation with generative AI. Her work consistently integrates physical computing with mindfulness applications and privacy-aware smart environments, demonstrating interdisciplinary reach across education, manufacturing, and therapeutic contexts. Scientific Awards: Fulbright Scholarship As lab director, El-Zanfaly mentors students in computational making and embodied interaction projects. Her research is supported through initiatives like Fab Lab Egypt and collaborations with MIT, where she co-founded the Computational Making Group. She chairs major conferences including Fab15 in Egypt and serves on the DESFORUM program committee, indicating significant leadership in maker education and design research communities. She founded and leads the hyperSENSE Lab at CMU, which investigates computational embodiment through projects like Origami Sensei and Sand-in-the-loop. Previously, she co-established the Computational Making Group at MIT and co-founded Fab Lab Egypt (the first community maker space in North Africa/Arab world), demonstrating sustained commitment to global maker ecosystems and interdisciplinary team building.
Oskari Ville Pakari is a Lecturer at the School of Basic Sciences, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), affiliated with both the Institute of Physics (IPHYS) and the Swiss Plasma Center (SPH-ENS). He contributes to teaching and research, particularly in reactor physics and radiation detection. His research focuses on nuclear reactor diagnostics , gamma noise analysis , and neutron spectroscopy . He actively develops mixed reality visualization tools for radiation detection data and participates in the European CORTEX project for reactor monitoring. Selected publications highlight his work in gamma-ray imaging , neutron noise simulations , and detector system validation using advanced statistical methods like bootstrapping and Welch's technique. Teaching activities include courses on Radiation biology, protection, and applications Radiation and reactor experiments He advises PhD student Saliba Michel and collaborates with international institutions such as CEA, KIT, and LRS (Laboratory of Reactor Physics and Systems Behaviour) at EPFL.
Andrea Stevenson Won is a researcher at Cornell University in the Department of Communication , focusing on virtual reality (VR), human-computer interaction, and social dynamics in immersive environments. Her work explores avatar embodiment , nonverbal behavior , and accessibility in VR for users with disabilities. Research Themes : Virtual embodiment and its psychological effects Accessibility solutions for blind and low-vision users in social VR Nonverbal communication analysis in immersive environments Pro-social behavior through VR interventions Collaborative VR systems and AI integration Recent Article Trends : 2024: Investigated avatar behavior transformation in mixed reality ( MRTransformer ), AI-guided accessibility tools, and nonverbal cue adaptations 2023-2022: Focused on educational VR applications, 360° video narratives, and longitudinal team dynamics 2021-2014: Pioneered avatar embodiment studies, anxiety detection via movement tracking, and homuncular flexibility in VR
Ryan Kelly is an Associate Professor in the School of Computing Technologies at RMIT University, specializing in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), digital health, and mixed reality. His research focuses on technology-enabled social connection and wellbeing, including designing communication tools for close relationships, digital health initiatives like the Music-Attuned Care via eHealth (MATCH) project, and VR applications for mental health. He collaborates with industry partners such as Google, Netflix, and the Worldwide Fund for Nature, and has developed technologies for older adults, including simplified video calling systems for aged care during the pandemic. His work has been featured globally in media, including Al-Jazeera's documentary All Hail the Algorithm . He actively contributes to the HCI community as a reviewer and committee member for conferences like ACM CHI and CSCW, holding roles such as Editor for CSCW 2025 and Awards Co-Chair for CSCW 2023. Ryan supervises PhD candidates exploring human-centered AI for social connection and online safety for older adults. His research aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health), 9 (Industry Innovation), and 11 (Sustainable Cities). Key projects include the VR mindfulness application used by over 200,000 Australians and the Painpad device for pain logging in UK hospitals. He advocates for participatory design frameworks, emphasizing ethical AI and technology’s role in fostering meaningful human experiences.
Dr. Oscar Meruvia-Pastor is a faculty member in the Department of Computer Science at Memorial University of Newfoundland, within the Faculty of Science. He holds a B.Sc. from ITESM-Monterrey, Mexico, an M.Sc. from the University of Alberta, and a Ph.D. from Otto-von-Guericke Universität Magdeburg, Germany. His research focuses on interactive 3D graphics, non-photorealistic rendering, and biomedical visualization, with applications in telepresence systems, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR). He has developed tools like OMARC for respiratory condition training and GeNET for gene co-expression network analysis. Dr. Meruvia-Pastor has supervised numerous graduate students and contributed to over 50 publications. His work includes evaluating stereo correspondence methods in AR, robot arm manipulation via depth sensors, and smartphone integration in immersive VR. He has been recognized with awards such as the Best HCI Poster at Graphics Interface 2014 and a semi-finalist poster at SIGGRAPH 2015. He teaches courses in computer science, including computer graphics, multimedia development, and introductory science modules. His research lab focuses on 3D telepresence, medical visualization, and human-centered VR/AR solutions. His academic contributions span software tools for medical imaging analysis, interactive visualization systems, and educational technologies. He actively collaborates with health professionals to advance telemedicine and remote procedural training through AR platforms. His work bridges computer graphics with real-world applications in healthcare, education, and environmental advocacy.
Francisco Camara Pereira is a Professor and Head of Section at the Department of Technology, Management and Economics at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). His research focuses on Intelligent Transportation Systems, Machine Learning, and Data-Driven Decision-Making in transportation contexts. He actively contributes to advancing transportation science through interdisciplinary approaches combining simulation, optimization, and AI techniques. His work addresses challenges in public transport analysis, charging infrastructure planning, and multimodal demand prediction. Recent projects include developing graph-based optimization methods for electric vehicle networks and causal discovery frameworks for transportation systems. He supervises multiple PhD students in areas like federated learning for cyclist safety, causal graph neural networks, and socially aware AI models. Key contributions include publications on smart card data analysis for travel surveys, stochastic infrastructure expansion models, and transfer learning for bike-share systems. His research aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to sustainable cities and innovation. Dr. Pereira collaborates internationally on transportation policy and infrastructure projects. His lab focuses on translating theoretical advancements into practical solutions for urban mobility challenges.
Claire O'Brien is a Senior Lecturer in Computer Animation at Teesside University, affiliated with the Department of Digital Arts and Animation within the School of Computing, Engineering & Digital Technologies. She serves as Course Leader for the MA Animation program and coordinates Animex Screen, the international student film festival linked to the annual Animex event. Her academic journey includes roles at Northumbria University and South Tyneside College before returning to Teesside in 2022. Education: Bachelor of Fine Art (Painting and Printmaking), University of East London, 1997 Post-Graduate Diploma in Arts Management, Northumbria University, 2000 Master of Computer Animation, Teesside University, 2005 Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (PgCTLHE), Teesside University, 2024 Fellow of Advance Higher Education (FHEA), awarded November 2024 Claire's research focuses on Animation Studies , Immersive Technologies (AR/VR/MR) for education, healthcare, and industrial training, Full-dome 360 filmmaking , and pedagogical innovation in digital arts. Her recent work explores how animated visualizations in film convey complex information through interfaces like HUDs and holograms, and how animation functions in public and cultural spaces such as cruise ships and heritage exhibitions. Her recent publications from 2023–2024 demonstrate a consistent engagement with animation as a tool for communication, cultural storytelling, and technological critique. Themes include representational vehicles, folklore in digital art, and the integration of generative AI in creative processes, particularly in health awareness contexts like menopause support. Scientific Awards and Recognitions: Fellow of Advance Higher Education (FHEA), 2024 Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, Teesside University, 2024 Claire leads the MenopauseXR project funded by Innovate UK (2024–2025), which investigates the use of Generative AI and Extended Reality to support menopause awareness and education. She has no listed formal students, but her role as course leader and lecturer implies significant student mentorship. Her enterprise activity includes participation in the XR Stories XR Accelerator in 2024, focusing on commercializing mobile augmented reality research. Claire is actively involved in Animex , a major animation and games festival, where she coordinates Animex Screen. She also collaborates with cultural institutions such as the National Trust , having contributed animation and prints to the exhibition "Washington: Fact, Fiction and Folklore." Her work bridges academia, creative practice, and public engagement.
Prof. Dr. Harald Reiterer is a leading researcher in Human-Computer Interaction at the University of Konstanz, where he has served as Professor since 2009. His academic journey includes a Ph.D. (1991) and habilitation (1995) from the University of Vienna, followed by roles including Senior Researcher at Fraunhofer FIT and Associate Professor at Konstanz. He currently holds multiple leadership roles: Dean of the Faculty of Sciences , Senator of Section 1 , and Consulting Dean . Ph.D. in Computer Science (University of Vienna, 1991) Venia Legendi (Habilitation) in HCI (University of Vienna, 1995) His research focuses on: Interaction Design for mixed reality environments Information Visualization in immersive contexts Hybrid User Interfaces combining physical and virtual elements 3D Object Manipulation in handheld AR Behavioral Analytics through mHealth interventions Recent work explores: Avatar representation in Augmented Reality (2024) Node selection efficiency in Virtual Reality (2024) Peripheral vision toolkits for Head-Mounted Displays (2023) Hybrid interface optimization for Mixed Reality (2023) Smartphone AR extensions for Spatial Memory (2023) Key scientific contributions: Landeslehrpreis 2021 for interdisciplinary exhibition design Development of Colibri cross-reality toolkit (2023) Foundational work on Re-locations for remote collaboration (2022) He leads numerous projects including: SMARTACT (Smart Mobility, 2015-2023) SFB TRR 161 (2009-2027) on XR interface measurement Blended Library (2011-2015) for future library design
Professor David Abbink is a Full Professor of Haptic Human-Robot Interaction at Delft University of Technology, holding a joint appointment between the Department of Cognitive Robotics in the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Design Engineering since November 2023. He founded the Delft Haptics Lab and co-founded the Cognitive Robotics Department in 2017. Abbink leads the transdisciplinary research and innovation centre FRAIM, which was awarded the prestigious NWO Stevin Premie (Dutch Nobel Prize equivalent) in June 2024. Trained as a mechanical engineer specializing in biomechanics, Abbink's research focuses on human behavior adaptations when interacting with autonomous systems. He has published over a hundred scientific articles on human-robot interaction, haptics, shared control, tele-operation, driver assistance systems, and sensorimotor control. His research has been funded by industry partners (Nissan, Boeing, Renault), RVO (Brightsky project 2022-2026), and the Dutch Science Foundation NWO through personal grants (VENI 2010-2014, VIDI 2015-2019). Abbink's recent work centers on worker-robot relations as an academic focus, collaborating with organizations like Erasmus Medical Centre for nursing work, Schiphol and KLM for baggage handling, and KLM Engine Repair Services for maintenance work. He also serves as scientific director for the Centre for Meaningful Human Control, launched in October 2024. His work bridges engineering, social sciences, and practical applications to responsibly shape the future of work with emerging robotic capabilities. NWO Stevin Premie (2024) Best IEEE SMC journal paper on Cybernetics (2019) Top 25 scientific talents according to New Scientist (2015) Best teacher of Faculty 3mE (2013, 2014) Best teacher of Department of BioMechanical Engineering (seven consecutive years) Abbink has supervised over 110 MSc students and 11 PhD students. His educational contributions include developing the Master Programme in Robotics at TU Delft and receiving international recognition for his course 'The Human Controller.' He is also a prominent science communicator, featured on national television, radio, and major Dutch newspapers, and has delivered lectures at venues like The Royal Institution and Lowlands Festival. Despite his academic commitments, Abbink maintains a drummer persona, having recorded four albums and performed over 400 shows across three continents between 1999-2014.
Brad Sutton is a Professor of Bioengineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Technical Director of the Biomedical Imaging Center at Beckman Institute. He holds affiliate roles in the Neuroscience Program, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and is a Health Innovation Professor at the Carle Illinois College of Medicine. His roles also include fellowship positions with the National Center for Supercomputing Applications and the CZ Biohub Chicago. Education: Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Michigan (2003). Research Interests: Focus on advanced MRI techniques for structural and functional brain imaging, including diffusion-weighted imaging, dynamic imaging, and neuromuscular coupling studies. His work emphasizes multi-scale bioimaging to understand brain function across interventions, aging, and disease. Publications: Over 180 peer-reviewed articles in 2025-2024 highlight innovations in MRI technology and applications in neuroscience, including breakthroughs in laminar fMRI specificity, myelin development modeling, and Alzheimer’s biomarker studies. Recent work extends to clinical applications like aortic imaging automation and mixed reality training tools. Awards: AIMBE and ISMRM Fellowships (2017/2024), Abel Bliss Scholar (2014-), and over 9 patents in imaging techniques. Labs & Teams: Leads the Magnetic Resonance Functional Imaging Lab. Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams across engineering, medicine, and computational science to advance imaging technologies and their clinical translation.
Stefanie Tellex is an Associate Professor of Computer Science and Engineering at Brown University. She leads research in Human-Robot Interaction, focusing on enabling robots to understand natural language instructions and collaborate effectively with humans. Her work spans robotics, artificial intelligence, and reinforcement learning, with a strong emphasis on practical applications like teleoperation, task execution, and language grounding. Education : PhD in Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2010) MS in Computer Science, MIT (2006) MEng in Computer Science, MIT (2003) BSc in Computer Science, MIT (2002) Research Interests : Her research integrates robotics with natural language processing, emphasizing: Developing systems that interpret complex human instructions Improving robot learning through weak supervision Designing intuitive human-robot collaboration interfaces Advancing reinforcement learning for real-world robotic tasks Publications Trends : Recent work highlights advancements in: - Language-grounded reward functions for robots - Virtual reality frameworks for robot teleoperation (ROS Reality) - Abstract planning techniques for non-Markovian tasks - Hybrid architectures for interpreting multi-granularity instructions. Teaching : CSCI 1410: Artificial Intelligence CSCI 1951R: Introduction to Robotics CSCI 2951K: Topics in Collaborative Robotics Advising & Labs : Advises students on robotics and NLP projects. Active in Brown’s robotics labs focusing on human-robot collaboration and AI-driven systems.
