Constance Gnanasagaran is a Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering and Course Director for the Advanced Product Design Engineering and Manufacturing (MSc) program at Kingston University's Roehampton Vale campus. With prior experience at Guildford College and Malaysian universities, she integrates industry insights and innovative pedagogy into her teaching and research. Her research focuses on tissue engineering and regenerative medicine , emphasizing additive manufacturing of scaffolds biomaterials (e.g., PLA/PMMA, PHA/nCaP composites) mechanical behavior of ceramics and polymers sustainability via life cycle assessment Industry 4.0 technologies Her recent publications analyze 3D printing of ceramics, composite materials, and biomechanical performance. She leads grants totaling £56,600, including the Kickstarter Grant (£9.9k) and Women in Science and Health Fund (£7,700), focusing on tissue engineering and advanced ceramics. Professional roles include Board Member of the Biomedical Division of IMechE UK and mentorship in the Women in Engineering Society.
Hans-Christian Ebke is a Researcher at the Department of Computer Science , RWTH Aachen University . He specializes in Computer Graphics and Computational Geometry , focusing on Quad Meshing , Surface Parametrization , and 3D Modeling . His work emphasizes interactive control, scale-aware algorithms, and robust extraction methods for high-resolution meshes. His notable contributions include the QEx method for reliable quad mesh extraction, the libQEx open-source implementation, and techniques for handling Scale-Invariant Directional Alignment and Level-of-Detail Quad Meshing . He has collaborated extensively with researchers like Marcel Campen, David Bommes, and Leif Kobbelt on geometric design and optimization problems. He has authored key publications at venues such as SIGGRAPH Asia , SIGGRAPH , and the Eurographics Symposium on Geometry Processing . These works address challenges in Integer-Grid Mapping , Cross Field Computation , and Vascular Structure Meshing , with applications in medical imaging and computer-aided design.
Dr. Henrik Zimmer is a researcher at RWTH Aachen University specializing in computer graphics and geometry processing. His work bridges theoretical computational geometry with practical applications in digital fabrication, medical visualization, and industrial manufacturing. Affiliated with the Department of Computer Science, he has made significant contributions to mesh processing, 3D modeling, and optimization algorithms for real-world applications. His research focuses on geometry optimization for fabrication constraints, including Zometool-based approximation of freeform surfaces and rationalization of point-folding structures. Key interests include Mesh processing and topology preservation Variational methods for planar polygonal meshing Mixed-integer optimization for quadrangulation Medical visualization techniques for diffusion fiber tracking Industrial vision systems for laser welding process control His publication record shows consistent innovation from 2006 to 2014, with recent work emphasizing digital fabrication and practical optimization for consumer-level manufacturing. Notable scientific contributions include: Efficient algorithms for shortest path-concavity computation in 3D meshes Interactive volume-based visualization for diffusion MRI data Rationalization methods reducing fabrication costs by over 90% Novel approaches to melt pool monitoring in industrial welding Zimmer's collaborative work with Leif Kobbelt demonstrates strong industry-academia connections, particularly in translating geometric algorithms to manufacturing applications. His research spans both theoretical computer graphics (SIGGRAPH, Eurographics) and industrial applications (laser welding process control), reflecting a unique interdisciplinary approach. Current work focuses on making advanced geometric modeling accessible through personal fabrication technologies.
Dr. Zhixiang Chen is a Lecturer in Machine Learning at the Department of Computer Science, University of Sheffield, and an active member of both the Machine Learning and Computer Vision research groups. Previously, he held postdoctoral positions at Imperial College London and Tsinghua University. Education: PhD in Computer Science, Tsinghua University, China B.Eng. in Computer Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China His research focuses on advancing Computer Vision and Machine Learning through human analysis, object detection, and image retrieval systems. Recent work integrates deep learning for industrial applications like PCB inspection and autonomous systems, while earlier contributions pioneered video hashing techniques for efficient multimedia search. His methodology emphasizes robust feature representation and scalable algorithm design. Publication trends reveal a strategic shift from foundational hashing research (2016-2019) toward applied 3D vision and industrial automation (2020-2024), with increasing emphasis on uncertainty-aware models and sensor fusion for real-world deployment. Scientific Awards: China Society of Image and Graphics Doctoral Dissertation Award (2019) IEEE International Conference on Multimedia and Expo Best Paper Award (2018) China National Postdoctoral Program for Innovative Talents (2017) Dr. Chen currently leads the EPSRC-funded project 'VIM: towards a Vision based System for Inventory Management with Deep Learning' (2024-2026, £46,354) as Principal Investigator. He serves as a Grant Reviewer for UKRI-FLF and NSFC, Senior Program Committee Member for AAAI 2023, and regularly reviews for top-tier conferences (CVPR, ICCV, NeurIPS) and journals (IEEE T-PAMI, IEEE T-MM). As a core member of Sheffield's Machine Learning and Computer Vision research groups, he contributes to collaborative projects involving industrial partners and interdisciplinary teams focused on AI-driven solutions for healthcare, manufacturing, and autonomous systems.
Jeffrey A Cully, Ph.D., is a tenured Professor in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Baylor College of Medicine with secondary appointments in Medicine (Health Services Research). He maintains dual appointments as Staff Psychologist/Health Services Researcher at the Houston VA HSR&D Center of Innovation and Associate Director for Improving Clinical Care at the South Central Mental Illness, Research, Education and Clinical Center. Education: Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, Saint Louis University (2002) Geropsychology Residency, Baylor College of Medicine (2002) Fellowship, Veterans Affairs Medical Center Houston (2003) Cully's research pioneers implementation science methodologies to integrate evidence-based mental health treatments into primary care and specialty medical settings, particularly within the Veterans Health Administration. His work focuses on hybrid effectiveness-implementation designs that simultaneously evaluate clinical outcomes while optimizing real-world adoption of interventions like brief cognitive behavioral therapy for depression, anxiety, and chronic disease comorbidities. Current projects address rural health disparities and cardiopulmonary-mental health integration through VA-funded initiatives. His publication portfolio demonstrates consistent leadership in translating evidence-based practices into operational healthcare systems, with emphasis on veteran populations. Key trends include development of computer-aided training systems, external facilitation strategies, and effectiveness-implementation hybrid trials that bridge research-practice gaps in complex healthcare environments. Scientific Awards: Four Baylor College of Medicine Faculty Excellence Awards (2009-2014) across educational leadership, research, and teaching domains VA HSR&D Career Development Awards (Level 1 & 2, 2003-2009) Cully directs two major VA-funded research programs: Creating Practice-Ready Evidence-Based Psychotherapies ($546,917, 2019-2023) and Effectiveness and Implementation of Brief CBT in VA Clinics ($1.1M, 2015-2020). His grant portfolio reflects sustained focus on generating implementation evidence within Veterans Affairs healthcare systems while mentoring junior researchers through structured career development pathways. His work operates at the nexus of the Houston VA HSR&D Center of Innovation and Baylor's academic infrastructure, leveraging multi-institutional partnerships to advance mental health services research with direct clinical impact.
Lily Qiao is a Senior Lecturer in Space Systems Engineering at the School of Engineering and Technology , University of New South Wales (UNSW) Canberra . She holds a PhD in Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) from Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics (2011) and has been affiliated with UNSW since 2011, progressing from Research Associate to her current role. Her teaching includes postgraduate courses on Space Systems Design (ZEIT8008) and Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) (ZEIT8009), and undergraduate Radar Technology and Application (ZEIT4227). PhD in Guidance, Navigation, and Control (NUAA, 2011) Study exchange at UNSW Sydney Certificate of Completion with Merit (Graduate Teaching Training Program, UNSW Canberra, 2015) Foundations of University Learning and Teaching (FULT) Program (2019) National Mental Health First Aid Certificate (2019–2021) UNSW Course Design Institute (2023) Her research focuses on space systems engineering and the application of AI/CI-based methods to aerospace challenges, including autonomous spacecraft navigation (GNSS, celestial navigation), spacecraft attitude determination and control , Kalman filter technology , and cybersecurity for space systems . She has published over 50 peer-reviewed works and supervised six PhD students. Her recent publications highlight trends in cybersecurity for space systems, GNSS reflectometry for Earth observation, and modular design analysis for CubeSats. Notable awards include the UNSW Career Advancement Fund for Female Academics (2018–2020) and IEEE Senior Membership (2024) . Associate Editor, IEEE Transactions on Aerospace and Electronic Systems Chair, IEEE Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Section (2024) Founder and Chair, AESS Chapter in IEEE ACT Section (2022–2024) President, Women in Space Chapter (WiSC) , National Space Society of Australia Executive Committee, IEEE ACT Section (2020–2023) UNSW Canberra Representative, Women in Research Network (since 2021) She offers $35,000 AUD scholarships for PhD candidates with H1/High Distinction in undergraduate or Master’s programs. Current research supervision topics include AI Test and Evaluation , Real-Time Cybersecurity Platforms , and Dynamic Modular System Architectures .
Professor Wolfgang Schief is a faculty member at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), affiliated with the School of Mathematics & Statistics . His research bridges integrable systems , nonlinear physics , and geometric analysis , with a focus on differential and discrete differential geometry and their applications in continuum mechanics , general relativity , and soliton theory . Research Interests His work centers on the interplay between integrable systems and geometric structures , particularly in nonlinear partial differential equations and their discrete analogs. Key areas include: Integrable discretizations of classical and modern geometric problems Backlund and Darboux transformations for physical systems Nonlinear elasticity and magnetohydrodynamics Self-dual Einstein spaces and heavenly equations Log-aesthetic curves and geometric design Recent Publications Recent studies highlight multi-dimensional integrability in affine manifolds, canonical reductions of TED equations, and geometric frameworks for fiber-reinforced fluids and relativistic systems. His work often reveals connections between soliton theory , Lagrangian mechanics , and discrete geometry . Scientific Awards Queen Elizabeth II Research Fellow (UNSW, 1999–2004) Academic Leadership Currently Professor at UNSW (since 2010), Schief has held roles including Senior Lecturer , Associate Professor (2005–2006), and Professor at TU Berlin (2006–2010). His career spans 2+1-dimensional integrable systems and geometric applications in physics and mechanics.
Cenk Misirli is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Trakya University , where he has worked since 1999. He earned his PhD in Mechanical Engineering (2006) with a thesis on gear-like part manufacturing via lateral extrusion and an MSc in Mechanical Engineering (2002) focused on extrusion-type forging processes. Academic Titles: Research Assistant (1999), Assistant Professor (2007), Associate Professor (2018), Professor (2023) His research spans tribology , metal forming , surface coating technologies , and composite materials , with notable work on HVOF-sprayed coatings , friction welding , and micro arc oxidation . Recent publications (2021-2023) examine high-temperature wear behavior in copper alloys, WC-coated brake discs, and electrical conductivity changes in multi-metallic billets. Key scientific contributions include awards like the 3rd R&D Innovation Competition (2019) and multiple TÜBITAK Publication Incentive Awards (2008-2014). He has authored over 30 peer-reviewed papers and contributed to books like Aluminium Alloys: New Trends (Intech, 2012). Projects highlight his expertise in manufacturing process optimization , such as studies on plasma electrolytic oxidation , friction welding , and computer-aided design of industrial systems.
Dr. Elke Holzer is an Associate Professor at the School of Finance, Banking and Insurance of the Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien (WU) , specializing in healthcare management and insurance systems. With over 73 publications, her work focuses on controlling in public hospitals , risk management , and quality assurance in healthcare. She co-edited multiple anthologies on effect-driven resource management and contributed to foundational studies on Austrian certification models for healthcare facilities. Key Research Areas: Healthcare sustainability, organizational reform, risk analysis frameworks, patient-centered care, and financial systems. Publication Trends: Empirical studies on hospital management, benchmarking in public healthcare, and policy-oriented works spanning 1985–2018. Notable Collaborations: Frequent co-authorship with Eugen Hauke and Helmut Bauer on healthcare reforms and quality management.
Dominick Pilla is an Associate Professor with tenure at the City College of New York's Spitzer School of Architecture, where he has been teaching since 2010. Previously, he served as an Adjunct Associate Professor at CCNY (2004-2010) and as a Lecturer at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (2017-2021). He is also the Principal of DRPILLA, PC, an engineering firm specializing in structural, site/civil, geotechnical, and architectural engineering services. Education: M.S., Civil Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, 1991 B.S., Civil Engineering with a Minor in Architecture and Planning, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 1990 Dominick Pilla's research and professional interests span structural engineering, building design, and construction. His expertise includes structural analysis, building retrofitting, sustainable design, and the adaptive reuse of historic structures. He has particular focus on innovative solutions for urban environments, including sliver buildings, rooftop developments, and affordable housing projects. His work bridges theoretical engineering principles with practical construction applications. Pilla's publications demonstrate consistent focus on practical structural engineering solutions for urban environments. His research shows progression from fundamental structural analysis (as evidenced by his 2016 textbook) to specialized applications in building expansion, retrofitting, and sustainable design. Many of his works address New York City-specific challenges, reflecting his deep engagement with urban construction constraints and opportunities. Professional Memberships and Accreditations: American Institute of Steel Construction American Concrete Institute American Society of Civil Engineers LEED Accredited Professional National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying National Council of Structural Engineers Association New York Society of Architects New York Building Congress Structural Engineering Council Board Structural Engineering Institute As an educator and practitioner, Pilla bridges academic theory with real-world engineering practice. His firm, DRPILLA, PC, has completed numerous projects ranging from single-family residences to large-scale affordable housing developments. His research project on 'Effects of Wind' conducted with the New York City Mayor's Office of Recovery and Resiliency demonstrates his engagement with critical urban infrastructure challenges. His work often addresses the intersection of structural integrity, sustainable design, and urban constraints. Through DRPILLA, PC, Pilla leads a multidisciplinary team providing integrated engineering solutions across all project phases. The firm specializes in innovative structural systems for challenging urban sites, including waterfront properties, constrained lots, and historic building renovations. Their portfolio demonstrates expertise in creating efficient structural solutions that accommodate both architectural vision and practical construction requirements.
Univ.-Prof. Urs Leonhard Hirschberg is a Professor at the Institute of Architecture and Media at Graz University of Technology. His work bridges architecture , parametric design , and digital fabrication , focusing on sustainable systems and interactive physical spaces . Academic Rank: Professor Department: Institute of Architecture and Media Institution: Graz University of Technology Hirschberg's research explores parametric design , deep learning methods , and creative processes in architecture. His recent publications highlight the integration of AI-infused design and collaborative learning in architectural education. He received the Österreichischer Baupreis in 2005 and 2006. His projects include AUGMENTED PARAMETRICS (2012-2015), Non-standard architecture (2009-2012), and ongoing work on interactive environments (2006-2024).
Clay Ewing serves as Associate Professor at the University of Miami, where he operates as a creative technologist specializing in serious games and real-world application of game mechanics. His work directly addresses social justice issues, vector-borne disease prevention, healthcare cost analysis, and labor practice reform through innovative game design. Collaborating with major organizations including Red Cross Red Crescent, Open Society Foundations, ROC United, Oxfam, and AIDS & Rights Alliance for Southern Africa, his projects have received coverage from NPR, Forbes, The Huffington Post, and The Consumerist. Professor Ewing's research centers on Social Impact Games, Interactive Design, Gameful Learning, and Mobile Development. He develops experiences that transform complex social issues into engaging interactive formats, exemplified by award-winning projects like Unsavory (which uses social media crowdsourcing for peer learning) and Zoo Rush. His methodology integrates game mechanics with real-world problem solving, particularly in public health education and social safety net systems, creating accessible platforms for community engagement and behavioral change. His scholarly output demonstrates strong interdisciplinary connections between computer science, public health, and social sciences. The 2015 publication on crowdsourced water service data in Ghana exemplifies his focus on community-driven technological solutions for global development challenges, combining spatial analysis with open-source platform development to address critical infrastructure gaps. Professor Ewing's work has earned significant recognition across the digital media and serious games landscape: Best of Competition at BEA Festival of Media Arts 2016 for ROC United Diners Guide Special Emphasis Award for Use of Social Media Crowdsourcing at Serious Games Showcase & Challenge 2015 for Unsavory Gold Award at International Serious Play Awards 2015 for Unsavory Silver Award at Davey Awards 2015 for ROC United Diners Guide Finalist at Appy Awards 2015 for ROC United Diners Guide First Place Mobile App Design at AEJMC Best of Web Competition 2015 for Zoo Rush Second Place Mobile App Design at AEJMC Best of Web Competition 2015 for ROC United Diners Guide Official Big Game Selection at IndieCade 2014 for Atlantis Top Rated EdApp Award at Balefire Labs for Zoo Rush Silver Award at International Serious Play Awards 2014 for Zoo Rush Silver Award at W3 Awards 2014 for Zoo Rush Award of Distinction at Communicator Awards 2014 for Queso Silver Award at Horizon Interactive Awards 2014 for Queso Reporting Solution at EdTech Digest Awards Finalist 2014 for Queso He maintains active partnerships with non-profit organizations that provide both funding and implementation channels for his projects. His development of Queso—an open-source learning management system—and other educational tools demonstrates consistent success in securing resources for technology-driven social impact initiatives, while his workshop leadership at events like MozFest and Meaningful Play reflects strong community engagement in the serious games ecosystem. Professor Ewing leads a dynamic project team focused on developing socially conscious technology applications, with core projects including Unsavory (social media learning platform), Zoo Rush (health education game), and Queso (classroom gamification system). His work with the New World Symphony and participation in conferences like Digital Games Research Association indicate active collaboration with both academic and arts communities to advance the serious games field through interdisciplinary team structures.
Jesus Alonso Alonso is a Researcher at the Department of Computer Science within the Faculty of Informatics of Barcelona (FIB) at the Technical University of Catalonia . His work bridges computational methods with geotechnical engineering challenges. Research Interests: Digital terrain modeling, bioengineering, computer-aided design, virtual reality, simulation, and video game development. His publications also reflect expertise in soil mechanics, landslide analysis, and mineral precipitation impacts on infrastructure. Key Projects: Development of novel data structures like the grounded heightmap tree for terrain representation, real-time rendering of dynamic terrains, and geotechnical studies on expansive claystones and liquefaction-induced landslides. Collaborations: Active with research groups such as ViRVIG (Visualization, Virtual Reality, and Graphic Interaction) and GIE (Informatics in Engineering).
Ning Wang is a Researcher at the University of Zurich 's Digital Society Initiative . Since 2017, she has combined expertise in ethics and political science to explore the responsible governance of emerging technologies like AI, robotics, and autonomous systems. Education: PhD in Biomedical Ethics and Law (University of Zurich), Master's in Applied Ethics (Sweden/Norway/Netherlands), Master's in Political Science Research Focus: Ethics assessment, value-sensitive design, societal implications of digitalization, transdisciplinary co-creation Her projects address humanitarian drones , urban drone acceptance , and digital education , funded by institutions like the Digitalization Initiative of Zurich Higher Education Institutions and Swiss National Science Foundation . She actively engages with the World Economic Forum , IEEE , and Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences .
Sunggeun Park is a Professor at the University of Michigan School of Social Work , focusing on organizational strategies to improve health and social service delivery for vulnerable populations. His research explores user representation in decision-making, interorganizational collaboration, and macro-level policies shaping service experiences for marginalized groups. Education : PhD in Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago (2018), MBA (2012) and MSW (2010) from Washington University, and dual BS/BA in Electrical Engineering & Computer Science and Social Welfare from Kyungpook National University (2008). Research Interests span human service organizations, nonprofit management, client engagement, empowerment practices, healthcare policy, child welfare, and public-private collaborations. His work examines substance use disorder treatment centers, child welfare systems, and HIV prevention networks, with a focus on structural barriers like transportation, housing, and food insecurity. Key Publications (2022–2025) analyze foster youth transitions, co-production in service planning, economic hardships, and pandemic-induced HIV service disruptions. He co-developed frameworks for collaborative governance and policy communication during crises. Scientific Awards : 2025 Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR) Fellow, 2022 SSWR Treasurer. Courses Taught : Advanced Topics in Management & Leadership, Frameworks for Understanding Social Impact Organizations, Essentials of Community and Organizational Practice, Budgeting and Fiscal Management. Collaborative Efforts include roles in the Michigan HIV/AIDS Council (MHAC) and CalYOUTH studies, addressing systemic inequities in service delivery through stakeholder engagement and policy reform.
