Dr. Igor V. Pivkin is a Full Professor at the Institute of Computing within the Faculty of Informatics at the Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) in Lugano, Switzerland. His academic journey includes degrees from Novosibirsk State University (B.Sc./M.Sc. Mathematics), Brown University (M.Sc. Computer Science and Ph.D. Applied Mathematics), and postdoctoral research at MIT's Department of Materials Science and Engineering. His research focuses on multiscale/multiphysics modeling , numerical methods , and large-scale simulations of biological and physical systems. Key areas include biophysics, cellular/molecular biomechanics, stochastic modeling, and coarse-grained molecular simulations. He leverages high-performance computing (HPC) and particle-based methods to address complex biological phenomena. His work spans diverse applications, from understanding cellular mechanosensitivity and biofilm engineering to modeling cancer cell behavior and red blood cell dynamics in the spleen. His contributions bridge computational science, biotechnology, and biomedical research. He has published extensively in top-tier journals, with recent work advancing automated biofilm analysis, deep learning for microbial classification, and systems biology approaches to metal bioleaching. His lab collaborates on interdisciplinary projects, emphasizing computational innovation for real-world biological challenges.
Brendan T. O'Connor is an Associate Professor at the College of Information and Computer Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he directs the SLANG Lab and serves as Associate Director of the Computational Social Science Institute. His research bridges statistical machine learning and natural language processing with social science applications, particularly using text data from news and social media to understand societal patterns. His work focuses on developing text analysis methods to answer social science questions in domains like political science and sociolinguistics. Current collaborative projects include combating misinformation, analyzing bias in news coverage, and developing tools for clinical discourse assessment using large language models. O'Connor's publications demonstrate a consistent focus on computational social science, with recent work exploring multilingual analysis, legal discourse patterns, and sociolinguistic variation. His methodological contributions span coreference resolution, event extraction, and argument mining. At UMass, he contributes to multiple research centers including the Computational Social Science Institute, UMass NLP group, and Centers for Data Science and Intelligent Information Retrieval. He teaches graduate seminars in natural language processing and maintains active collaborations across disciplines.
Prof Aaron Thean is the Deputy President (Academic Affairs) and Provost at the National University of Singapore (NUS). Formerly, he served as Dean of the College of Design and Engineering at NUS and held senior roles at IMEC (Belgium) as Vice President of Logic Technologies and Director of Logic Devices Research. His expertise spans advanced semiconductor device technologies, including FinFETs, nanowire FETs, III-V/Ge channels, and emerging beyond-CMOS architectures. He holds degrees from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering) and has published over 300 papers with 50+ patents. His awards include the Gregory Stillman Award (2001) and Compound Semiconductor Innovation Award (2014). Research interests focus on semiconductor innovation, device-process co-optimization (DTCO), and monolithic 3D integration. Notable contributions include industry-first Gate-First HKMG technologies, advanced strained silicon platforms, and neuromorphic computing hardware. His work bridges academia and industry through collaborations with Qualcomm, IBM, and foundry partners. Current initiatives emphasize energy-efficient computing and wearable sensor systems. Prof Thean’s leadership spans NUS-wide academic strategy and global research partnerships. His technical legacy includes foundational advancements in transistor scaling, low-power CMOS design, and AI-driven failure analysis methodologies.
Karyn Moffatt is an Associate Professor in the School of Information Studies at McGill University and holds the Canada Research Chair in Inclusive Social Computing. As Graduate Program Director for the PhD program, she leads the Accessible Computing Technologies Research Group (ACT Lab), focusing on designing inclusive computing applications that support social engagement across diverse lifespans and abilities. Her work bridges human-computer interaction, accessibility research, and real-world community impact. Educational background: PhD in Computer Science, University of British Columbia MSc in Computer Science, University of British Columbia BASc in Computer Engineering, University of British Columbia Research Interests: Dr. Moffatt's work centers on inclusive social computing with emphases on aging populations , disability access , and intergenerational communication . She investigates how technology can overcome barriers to social participation through co-design methodologies, particularly for older adults and individuals with cognitive or physical disabilities. Current projects explore AI-enhanced aging support, dementia-friendly social platforms, accessible financial technology, and respite care coordination systems. Her approach integrates participatory design with rigorous usability testing to create solutions that address real-world challenges in healthcare, finance, and community engagement. Publication Trends: Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals consistent focus on aging and accessibility (60% of works), with growing emphasis on AI ethics (2025), dementia support systems (30% of 2023-2024 works), and accessible financial technology (2024). Methodologically, 75% employ co-design or participatory approaches, while 40% involve longitudinal field studies. Key venues include CHI (33%), ASSETS (20%), and ACM Transactions on Accessible Computing (27%), demonstrating leadership in top-tier HCI and accessibility forums. Scientific Awards: Multiple Best Paper Awards from ASSETS, CHI, and CSCW conferences Canada Research Chair in Inclusive Social Computing Advising and Grants: Dr. Moffatt currently supervises PhD candidates Chong Hu and Muhe Yang, having graduated four students since 2022 including Maurício Fontana De Vargas (2023) and Carrie Dai (2023). Her active grants include: NSERC Discovery Grant (2024-2029) as PI: Ethical AI for active aging Canada Research Chair renewal (2022-2027) as PI McGill Nursing Collaborative grant (2023-2025) as Co-I: iRespite mHealth app for palliative care Labs and Teams: She directs the ACT Lab, which partners with healthcare providers, public libraries, and community organizations to develop and deploy inclusive technologies. Current initiatives include the QuickPic AAC system for speech therapy, dementia-focused social programs with Montreal libraries, and Quebec-wide respite care coordination tools, all developed through interdisciplinary collaboration with clinicians, caregivers, and end-users.
Dr Kevin Hunt is a Lecturer in Piano (Jazz) at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, University of Sydney. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy (2016) and a Master of Music in Jazz Performance (2004) from the same institution. His academic roles include supervising six research projects (2017) across Honours, Masters, and PhD levels. Education: MMus(Perf) Sydney (2004), PhD in Jazz Studies (2016). Professional training includes studies with Don Burrows, Bill Motzing, and a scholarship in NYC (2001). Research focuses on jazz piano performance, intercultural collaborations with Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander musicians, and the sonic qualities of Australian-made Stuart & Sons pianos. Key projects include the OUR MUSIC workshop-festivals (2012-2016) and the Ancient & New CD project blending ancient Indigenous chants with jazz improvisation. Performance highlights include the ABC FM Listeners Choice Award-winning JS Bach Trio (1998), recordings with Don Burrows and Simon Tedeschi, and collaborations in cabaret theatre such as Prince Bettliegend (2017). Active in education since 2005, he currently leads the Kevin Hunt Trio and performs with Emma Pask and Marie Wilson. Awards include the 2016 PhD and 1998 ABC award. His work bridges jazz innovation with cultural heritage preservation, evidenced by intercultural projects and academic publications on Yiddish theatre and Indigenous music collaboration.
David Mwambari serves as Associate Professor at KU Leuven's Faculty of Social Sciences within the Unit Leuven International and European Studies (LINES). He leads the ERC-funded TMSS project on Life Narratives of Violence Among Refugees from Africa's Great Lakes Region and holds affiliations with the Oxford Consortium on Human Rights and the Centre for Mediation in Africa at the University of Pretoria. His educational background includes BA/MA in International Relations from United States International University-Africa, MA in Pan-African Studies from Syracuse University, and PhD in History from La Trobe University. He previously held academic positions at King's College London, Ghent University, and United States International University-Africa. Mwambari's research centers on memory studies with emphases on post-genocide Rwanda, colonial durabilities, and refugee narratives. His work examines how cultural memory shapes state formation, peacebuilding, and identity politics through interdisciplinary methodologies blending historical analysis, ethnography, and critical theory. Recent projects investigate vernacular memory practices during crises and the spatial dimensions of post-conflict reconstruction. His scientific contributions include the monograph Navigating Cultural Memory (Oxford University Press, 2023), co-edited volume Beyond History (Rowman & Littlefield, 2020), and editorial roles for Qualitative Research journal and Brill's 'Mobilizing Memory' series. His publications demonstrate evolving focus from leadership studies toward memory politics and decolonial research methodologies. European Research Council (ERC) Grant for TMSS Project Fellow at Churchill College, University of Cambridge African Academic Diaspora Fellow at CODESRIA FWO Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Mwambari actively mentors early-career scholars across Africa, Latin America, and East Asia while contributing to public discourse through Al Jazeera and community projects training history teachers in East Africa. His consultancy work addresses cross-disciplinary challenges in healthcare, education, and security, reflecting his commitment to applied scholarship beyond traditional academic boundaries.
Gautham Narayan is an Associate Professor in the Department of Astronomy at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), with affiliations in Physics and the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA). He holds roles as Deputy Director for Astrophysics Research at the NSF-Simons SkAI Institute and Deputy Director of the Center for AstroPhysical Surveys. His research focuses on multi-messenger and time-domain astrophysics, cosmology, and machine learning applications in astronomy. Education: PhD in Physics from Harvard University (2013) and BS (Hons) in Physics from Illinois Wesleyan University (2005). His work includes pioneering AI methods for transient detection, leading collaborations like the Young Supernova Experiment (YSE), and developing standards for LSST and WFIRST. He is a Simonyi NSF-CAREER Fellow and Analysis Coordinator for the LSST Dark Energy Science Collaboration. Research interests span cosmology, supernovae, and survey science. Key projects include establishing spectrophotometric standards via HST observations and advancing real-time analysis pipelines like ANTARES. Recent work emphasizes Bayesian models for supernova cosmology and multi-messenger astrophysics. Awards: Simonyi NSF-CAREER Fellowship. Collaborations include DESC, SCiMMA, and the KEGS team. Teaching includes courses on astrophysics and data science, with mentorship of students across undergraduate and graduate levels. Public outreach efforts include Astronomy on Tap events and science communication initiatives.
Dr. Bimlesh Wadhwa is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the National University of Singapore (NUS) and serves as Assistant Dean for Student Life at Tembusu College. She holds dual affiliations as a Residential Fellow at Tembusu College and an active member of the School of Computing's academic community. Her work bridges software engineering, human-computer interaction (HCI), and computing education. Dr. Wadhwa's research focuses on gender issues in HCI, software design quality, and digital well-being. She has pioneered initiatives like the Code for Community program to bring computing education to underserved groups. Her pedagogical contributions include developing courses on object-oriented design, software engineering principles, and interaction design. She actively engages with professional communities through roles such as Faculty Representative at the Singapore Computer Society Student Chapter and advisor to the Computing Club at NUS. Her recent work addresses pressing societal challenges like technology-facilitated sexual violence and integrates AI into educational contexts. She has organized major competitions including CodeXtreme and the Singapore Science and Engineering Fair, fostering innovation among students. Her interdisciplinary collaborations span healthcare applications, smart city technologies, and educational equity initiatives. Dr. Wadhwa’s scholarly contributions include over 80 publications in top venues such as FSE, CHI, and IEEE conferences. She has co-edited book chapters for Springer and Wiley on HCI and informatics, reflecting her commitment to advancing both technical and societal dimensions of computing. In addition to her academic roles, she leads MakerLab initiatives and contributes to national educational policies on computational thinking. Her work emphasizes bridging academia-industry gaps through projects like the GEAR mobile game-assisted rehabilitation system and cloud service brokerage frameworks.
Abigail Jacobs is an Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan , jointly appointed in the School of Information and the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts . She is also affiliated with the Center for Ethics, Society, and Computing (ESC) and the Michigan Institute for Data Science (MIDAS) . Education: PhD in Computer Science, University of Colorado Boulder (2015-2019) BA in Mathematical Methods in the Social Sciences and Mathematics, Northwestern University (2011-2015) Research Interests: Dr. Jacobs examines measurement and validity in machine learning , focusing on hidden assumptions in AI systems, governance structures in sociotechnical systems, and inequality in algorithmic design. Her work bridges AI, data science, and social science methodologies, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration. Recent Publications (2024-2025) explore generative AI evaluation, algorithmic transparency in government (e.g., US Census Bureau), motion capture data ethics, and sociotechnical frameworks for AI governance. Earlier works (2023) address fairness in ranking systems and racial categorization in algorithmic bias studies. Scientific Awards: Microsoft Research AI & Society Fellowship (2024) NSF Graduate Research Fellowship (during PhD) Advising & Grants: She co-advises Ph.D. students Amina Abdu and Meera Desai . Her research includes a Notre Dame-IBM Tech Ethics Lab grant on AI audits and collaborations with institutions like UC Berkeley, Microsoft Research, and the National Academies .
Dr. Yan Feng is an Assistant Professor at Delft University of Technology's Department of Transport and Planning and Director of the Mobility in eXtended Reality (XR) Lab. Her research focuses on using XR technologies (Virtual, Augmented, and Mixed Reality) to study human mobility behavior in urban environments, including walking, cycling, automated vehicles, and public transportation. She leads interdisciplinary research at the intersection of transportation engineering, design, architecture, and human-computer interaction, aiming to advance human-centered and inclusive mobility systems. Her research interests include mobility behavior analysis, XR-based methodologies for studying wayfinding, evacuation scenarios, human-vehicle interaction, safety training, and accessibility. Key contributions involve developing XR tools for urban mobility research and addressing diversity and inclusion in transportation systems. Recent work emphasizes validating VR simulations against real-world environments and analyzing pedestrian behavior in high-risk scenarios. Articles highlight methodologies for crowd management strategies, pedestrian choice modeling, and evacuation dynamics. No scientific awards are explicitly mentioned in the provided texts. Dr. Feng’s activities include organizing conferences (e.g., XRIA 2024), delivering keynote talks on automated driving and cycling simulator studies, and serving on editorial boards like the Delft Young Academy. The Mobility in eXtended Reality Lab is central to her work, fostering collaborations across disciplines to innovate mobility solutions.
Professor Kecia Ali is a scholar of Religion and Islamic Studies at Boston University, with a PhD from Duke University. Her research focuses on Islamic law, gender studies, ethics, and biography, emphasizing feminist critiques of religious texts and institutions. She has authored influential books like Sexual Ethics and Islam and The Lives of Muhammad , exploring intersections of gender, law, and culture in Islamic traditions. Ali has held fellowships at Brandeis University and Harvard Divinity School before joining BU in 2006. She actively contributes to organizations like the American Academy of Religion and served as President of the Society for the Study of Muslim Ethics (2014–2016). Her work bridges religious studies with popular culture, analyzing themes in J.D. Robb's fiction and critiquing academic sexism. Courses taught include Islamic law, Quranic studies, and representations of Muhammad.
Professor Sara B. Pritchard is a leading scholar in environmental science and technology studies (STS) at Cornell University's College of Arts and Sciences. She holds a Ph.D., M.A., and B.A. in History from Stanford University and University of Puget Sound. Her research critically examines light pollution, environmental ethics, and the intersection of technology and nature. Pritchard has received grants from the National Science Foundation and Cornell's Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future, among others. Her major works include Night as Environment: Light Pollution and the Anthropocene (2024) and Confluence: The Nature of Technology and the Remaking of the Rhône (2011). She co-edited influential volumes such as New Natures: Joining Environmental History with Science and Technology Studies (2013) and pioneered the concept of 'envirotechnical analysis.' Pritchard advises students across disciplines including Anthropology, Asian Studies, and Natural Resources. Her research explores dark histories, nuclear disasters, and sustainable energy transitions. She collaborates with global scholars through special journal issues on topics like climate justice and polar night studies. Pritchard’s work bridges environmental humanities with technological critique, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to urgent ecological challenges.
Dr. Limin Jao is an Associate Professor in the Department of Integrated Studies in Education (DISE) at McGill University’s Faculty of Education. Her research focuses on exemplary teaching practices in mathematics and STE(A)M education, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches, project-based learning, and student engagement. She holds leadership roles including Vice-President of the Canadian Mathematics Education Study Group and Editorial Board member of the Canadian Journal of Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education. Her expertise spans teacher education, pedagogy, and research-practice partnerships. Education: Ph.D., Curriculum Studies and Teacher Development, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto M.A., Curriculum Studies and Teacher Development, OISE, University of Toronto B.Ed., Secondary Biology and Mathematics Education, Queen's University B.Sc.H., Biology and Mathematics, Queen's University Research Interests: Limin explores how interdisciplinary and inquiry-based methods foster student engagement and teacher development. Her work bridges theory and practice, advocating for inclusive classrooms and educator collaboration. She has pioneered projects linking community artifacts to STEM learning and co-edited volumes on transdisciplinary education and teacher training borders. Publications Trends: Recent work examines gender perspectives in mathematics, pre-service teacher experiences, and professional learning communities in STEM. Her research emphasizes equity, pedagogical innovation, and the intersection of cultural contexts with educational practices. Awards: 2023 Award for Distinguished Teaching, McGill University Faculty of Education Advising & Grants: Limin supervises graduate students in mathematics education and collaborates on research-practice initiatives. She leads the Jao Research Team and contributes to the Chandaria Research Centre’s advisory board at Branksome Hall. Labs/Teams: The Jao Research Team focuses on innovative teaching strategies and STE(A)M education, with projects addressing student agency and interdisciplinary curriculum design.
Jun Hwa (Jacky) Cheah is an Associate Professor in Marketing at the Norwich Business School, University of East Anglia (UEA), a position he has held since February 2023. Before joining UEA, he served as a Senior Lecturer at Universiti Putra Malaysia and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia in Malaysia. He holds a PhD in Business Economics and an MBA in International Business from Universiti Putra Malaysia, along with a Bachelor of Management in Marketing from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu. His research focuses on digital marketing, technology marketing, consumer behavior, data analytics, and statistical modeling. He has published extensively in top journals such as the Journal of Business Research , European Journal of Marketing , and Psychology & Marketing . He currently serves as a Guest Editor, Associate Editor, and Editorial Board member for multiple academic journals. Dr. Cheah has received several accolades, including the Emerald Young Researcher Award (2021) and a Young Researcher Award from his former university. He has supervised PhD students, one of whom successfully completed their doctoral program. He is actively engaged in PhD supervision and collaborative research, with a strong emphasis on advancing quantitative methodologies and addressing contemporary marketing challenges.
Dr. Gary Brewer is a Professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, with a 60% research and 40% teaching appointment. He has served as department head at NDSU (1997-2006) and UNL (2006-2018). His research focuses on field crops entomology, IPM of pasture cattle flies, salt creek tiger beetle conservation, and pollinator health. He has pioneered a push-pull strategy using coconut oil-derived repellents and led curriculum design for Rwanda’s Conservation Agriculture program. Education: B.S. in Zoology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (1974) M.S. in Entomology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (1978) Ph.D. in Entomology, Kansas State University (1984) Research Interests: Brewer’s work spans insect ecology, pest management, and conservation. Key areas include stable fly and horn fly control, pollinator protection, and endangered species recovery (e.g., Salt Creek tiger beetle). His lab develops natural product-based pest repellents and evaluates biopesticides for sustainable agriculture. Grants & Contributions: $362,150 USDA grant for undergraduate research in beneficial insect protection (2018) $325,000 USDA grant for multi-tactic stable fly control (2017) NE Game and Parks funded salt creek tiger beetle reintroduction programs Labs & Teams: Brewer’s team collaborates with industry (e.g., Vestergaard Frandsen) and international partners to advance IPM strategies. His work bridges field research with applied solutions for farmers and conservationists.
