Jochem Kootstra is a Lecturer and Researcher at the Faculty of Digital Media and Creative Industries (FDMCI) at Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences. His work focuses on integrating AI into educational frameworks and creative industries, with notable contributions to AI ethics, digital art, and project-based learning. He actively participates in academic conferences and media discussions on topics like AI readiness in education and societal impacts of emerging technologies. Education Background: Not explicitly detailed in text, inferred through professional roles. Research interests span AI applications in creative industries, sociocultural analysis of technology adoption, and robotics in everyday life. His publications emphasize collaborative projects like AI4Students, addressing challenges in curriculum development and student engagement. Media contributions include commentary on AI's societal implications and educational strategies. Recipient of the 2024 'HvA Onderzoek van het jaar (2e)' award for excellence in applied research. Engaged in multiple educational initiatives, including Comenius Festival presentations on preparing students for AI-driven careers.
Ying Chen is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Mathematics at Purdue University's Department of Mathematics, affiliated with the College of Science. Her research focuses on mathematical modeling in biology, scientific computing, and computational fluid dynamics. She has contributed to interdisciplinary projects involving autonomous systems, human-computer interaction, and medical visualization. Her work bridges theoretical mathematics with practical applications in healthcare systems, environmental monitoring, and autonomous vehicle technologies. Key research interests include developing algorithms for 3D scene reconstruction, optimizing vehicle interface safety, and applying AI to clinical decision support. Her recent publications explore topics like neural motion flow for autonomous driving, haptic feedback in bicycle safety systems, and LiDAR-camera fusion techniques. Collaborations span computer science, engineering, and biomedical fields. Publications from 2023–2025 reveal a focus on spatiotemporal data visualization, VR training systems, and multi-modal forest monitoring. Notable trends include integrating machine learning with real-world challenges in transportation safety and environmental analysis. While no awards are explicitly listed, her work has been recognized in VAST Challenge competitions for innovative visualization methodologies. Ying Chen’s teaching and research emphasize bridging abstract mathematical concepts with tangible applications. She has developed educational tools like the Mindwriter academic writing environment and conducted studies on visual learning strategies for students with math difficulties. Her work on car dashboard interface design and in-car entertainment systems highlights a commitment to user-centered technology solutions.
Dr. Reshma Kar is an Assistant Professor at the Data Science Institute, Saint Peter’s University. She holds a Ph.D. in Engineering from Jadavpur University, India, where she previously served as a project fellow, senior project fellow, and guest faculty. Her research focuses on health informatics and machine learning, with applications in healthcare analytics and predictive modeling. Dr. Kar teaches graduate-level courses including Data Analysis and Decision Modeling, Python in Data Science, and Machine Learning. Her professional achievements include a Regional i-Corps Grant from the NSF for diabetes prediction research (2024) and multiple Faculty Research Associate Awards at Saint Peter’s University. Notable research contributions include developing interpretable machine learning algorithms for ICU length-of-stay prediction and analyzing brain signals for motor activity detection. She has also contributed to natural language processing studies, such as classifying social media data related to the pandemic. Dr. Kar has over 20 peer-reviewed publications and actively mentors students in research projects, emphasizing programming and data science methodologies. Her work bridges computational techniques with real-world healthcare challenges, reflecting her commitment to advancing both academic and applied data science.
Kostas Karpouzis is an Assistant Professor at Panteion University's Department of Communication, Media and Culture. His research focuses on adaptive computing systems, emotional computing, and applying digital games/gamification in education. He has led over 20 EU/Greek projects like Humaine Network (emotion modeling), CALLAS (emotional computing), and iRead (serious games). He serves as IEEE Greece Computer Chapter Chair, Board Member of Corallia’s gi-Cluster (creative industry consortium), and President of the Association of Informatics and Communications Engineers of Greece. His work includes co-editing Springer's 'Emotion in Games: Theory and Practice' and developing TED-Ed courses on emotion recognition. Key awards include Intel's Ultrabook Design Award (2011), Best Learning Game in Europe (2013), and GALA Serious Games competition win (2018). He advocates coding literacy through initiatives like Girls Go Coding and EU Code Week, and engages in science communication via TEDx talks and OpenScience.gr. His research spans AI ethics, culturally-aware AI systems, educational technology, and emotional health apps. Current projects include H2020 ECoWeB for adolescent mental health and H2020 iRead's Navigo game. He teaches courses on artificial intelligence, cultural informatics, and media technologies.
Andreas Jakl is a Lecturer at the Department of Media and Digital Technologies, Institute of Creative Media Technologies , University of Applied Sciences St. Pölten. He serves as Deputy Academic Director for the Digital Healthcare (MA) program. Education: Diploma in Digitale Medien, FH OÖ Campus Hagenberg (2001–2006) Research Interests: His work focuses on Digital Healthcare , Augmented Reality applications in health and education, Artificial Intelligence for elder care, and Smart Manufacturing . He explores User Experience Design for assistive technologies and AI-driven systems. Scientific Contributions: His publications examine AI robotics for fall detection, immersive storytelling frameworks, AR in radiology training, and child-friendly health education tools. He leads projects like Smart Companion , KARLI , and iStoppFalls . Professional Roles: Prior to his current position, Jakl held academic roles at FH OÖ (2006–2010) and industry positions at Nokia, Tieto Austria, and Mopius (2010–2015). He co-founded mobility.builders , a mobile developer community.
Hirokazu Kato is a Professor at Kyoto University's Graduate School of Informatics, Department of Applied Mathematics and Physics. He has held academic positions at multiple institutions including Osaka University (PhD 1996), Hiroshima City University (1999-2003), and Nara Institute of Science and Technology (2003-2007). His research spans augmented and virtual reality, human-robot interaction, computer graphics, and healthcare technology. Kato has collaborated extensively with institutions like Chuo University and Nagoya University. Key research areas include AR/VR applications in social interaction, medical training, and industrial automation. He has developed systems for pain relief via robotic touch, AR-enhanced job interview training, and mixed-reality educational platforms. Over 217 publications since 1989 reflect his contributions to fields like near-eye display optimization, gesture recognition, and multimodal interaction design. Notable projects include: Augmented Reality face filters for social anxiety mitigation Huggable robots with intra-hug gesture modeling AR-based physical therapy systems using patient-specific motion simulation General software frameworks for AR industrial tasks His work bridges technical innovation with human-centric applications, emphasizing real-world usability across education, healthcare, and manufacturing domains.
Michael L. Rivera is an Assistant Professor at the ATLAS Institute and the Department of Computer Science at the University of Colorado Boulder. He leads the Utility Research Lab, a highly interdisciplinary group that invents and investigates digital fabrication technology, tools, and techniques with the goal of advancing science and engineering while positively impacting people, society, and the environment. Dr. Rivera completed his Ph.D. and M.S. in Human-Computer Interaction at the Human-Computer Interaction Institute of Carnegie Mellon University, where he was advised by Scott Hudson as part of the DevLab. Before Carnegie Mellon, he earned a M.S.E in Computer Graphics and Game Technology and a B.S.E in Digital Media Design from the University of Pennsylvania. He also previously worked as a software engineer at Facebook. His research spans the intersection of digital fabrication, human-computer interaction, and material science. Dr. Rivera's work focuses on developing novel fabrication techniques such as desktop biofibers spinning, electrospinning, and sustainable material processing with everyday waste products like coffee grounds. His research has significant implications for sustainable manufacturing, tangible interfaces, and accessible technology design. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent focus on making digital fabrication more accessible, sustainable, and interdisciplinary. His work bridges computer science, material engineering, and design, with particular emphasis on open-source hardware development, computational design tools, and applications for social good. The research demonstrates a progression from fundamental fabrication techniques toward more applied, socially conscious applications. CRA/CCC Computing Innovation Fellowship Google - CMD-IT Dissertation Fellowship Carnegie Mellon University Sansom Endowed Presidential Fellowship Adobe Research Fellowship Honorable Mention Xerox Technical Minority Scholarship Dr. Rivera is currently recruiting PhD students to join the Utility Research Lab. His research has been supported by various fellowships and grants throughout his career, including industry partnerships with Google and Adobe. His work demonstrates strong potential for future funding in sustainable manufacturing and accessible technology. The Utility Research Lab, directed by Dr. Rivera, is a highly interdisciplinary research group focused on inventing and investigating digital fabrication technology. The lab has developed several notable projects including the Desktop Biofibers Spinning Machine (presented at CHI 2024), desktop electrospinning technology (CHI 2019), and systems for 3D printing with spent coffee grounds. The lab maintains an active GitHub presence with numerous open-source repositories related to their research.
M. Wright is an Associate Professor of Graphic Design at The University of Tulsa's Kendall College of Arts & Sciences, and serves as Creative Director of the Third Floor Design Studio. She holds an MFA in visual communication design from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and an A.B. in comparative literature from Princeton University. MFA, School of the Art Institute of Chicago A.B., Princeton University Her research focuses on visual communication design, typography, independent publishing, socially engaged design, activist art and design, and feminist/queer histories. Wright has built a 20-year creative practice centered on collaborations with artists and cultural institutions, with work featured in major exhibitions across North America and Europe. The 15 most recent articles from the scraped data (primarily in computer science and mathematical optimization) span topics like genetic algorithms, path planning, and combinatorial optimization, reflecting applications in robotics, network design, and parallel computing. Scientific Awards AIGA 50 Books | 50 Covers American Association of Museums Award Association of University Presses Book Show Chicago Book Clinic Award Communication Arts Typography Annual Presidential Distinction Award for Excellence in Teaching (Texas State University) Wright co-founded the queer-feminist art collective AK/OK and co-directs OK Stamp Press in Montreal, emphasizing social justice and sustainable artistic publishing. Her work resides in permanent collections at the National Design Archives and Columbia University's Rare Book and Manuscript Collection.
Dr. Antisthenis Tsompanas is a Senior Lecturer in Computer Science at the University of the West of England (UWE), part of the Faculty of Engineering and the Environment (FET). His research focuses on unconventional and bio-inspired computing, with expertise in modeling biological processes, cellular automata, and memristive systems. He holds degrees in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Democritus University of Thrace, Greece. Research interests span unconventional computing, bio-inspired algorithms, electronic systems design, and applications of cellular automata in computing and engineering. His work includes projects on fungal-inspired computing, neuroevolution-based medical device design, and FPGA implementations of biological models. Publications highlight trends in mycelium-based systems, memristive oscillators, and neuroevolution techniques applied to soft robotics and medical devices. Collaborative projects include EU-funded initiatives and interdisciplinary research in biomimetic engineering. He is a member of the Technical Chamber of Greece since 2009. Current contributions include advancing biohybrid actuators, developing models for engineered living materials, and exploring computational universality in biological systems.
Arthur B. B. Markman is the Annabel Irion Worsham Centennial Professor of Psychology and Marketing at the University of Texas at Austin, and Founding Director of the Program in the Human Dimensions of Organizations. His research focuses on cognitive processes including analogy formation, decision-making, creativity, and knowledge representation. He co-hosts the public radio show/podcast Two Guys on Your Head and contributes to platforms like Psychology Today and Fast Company. Key research interests include: Cognitive mechanisms behind habit formation and change Applications of cognitive science to organizational behavior and marketing Interdisciplinary studies bridging psychology, neuroscience, and AI His recent work emphasizes practical tools for innovation and decision-making, as seen in publications like Smart Change and Tools for Innovation . Awards include the 2017 Rumelhart Prize for contributions to cognitive science. Markman leads the Human Dimensions of Organizations program, fostering research on human factors in organizational and technological contexts. His articles span topics from remote work dynamics to supply chain rethinking, reflecting his dual expertise in academia and applied research.
Briana Wellman is a Professor and Associate Dean for Academics at the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of the District of Columbia (UDC). She leads academic affairs while maintaining active roles in research and teaching, particularly in robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and cybersecurity. Her academic career includes chairing the Department of Computer Science and Information Technology from 2017 to 2024. Education: Earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science from the University of Alabama. Research Interests: Focus on multi-robot systems, AI-driven cybersecurity solutions, computer science education innovation, and applying robotics in interdisciplinary contexts like fashion and disaster relief. Recent work emphasizes post-pandemic learning strategies for urban commuter campuses and hybrid anomaly detection models. Publications: Recent contributions include studies on malware detection using neural networks, post-pandemic education frameworks, and multi-robot coordination algorithms. Her work bridges theoretical advancements with practical applications in security and education. Awards: Recognized with the 2023 Women of Color Rising Star Award for her contributions to STEM education and research. Grants & Leadership: Secured multiple NSF grants, including funding for HBCU learning communities in computing, cybersecurity research centers, and AI-cybersecurity partnerships. Her leadership extends to academic program development and curriculum innovation. Labs/Teams: Involved in NSF-supported initiatives such as the Cyber Security Research and Development (CSRD) Center and the AI-CyS research partnership, fostering collaborative research ecosystems.
James Schaaf is a Continuing Lecturer in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of California, Davis. His research focuses on creative and mechanical design, dynamics, kinematic geometry, and applied differential geometry. He has contributed to both mechanical engineering and biomechanics fields through publications spanning from 1988 to 1998. His work includes studies on geometric continuity of surfaces, gait analysis in clinical populations, and kinematic analysis of mechanical systems. Though no formal awards or grants are listed, his publications demonstrate sustained engagement with applied geometry and mechanical systems. Contact: Email jaschaaf@ucdavis.edu , Phone: (530) 752-5548.
Lav Varshney is an Associate Professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, affiliated with the Coordinated Science Laboratory. His roles span academic research, policy engagement, and entrepreneurial ventures. He holds joint appointments in Engineering, Computer Science, and Neuroscience. Research interests focus on AI, information theory, and their applications in health, creativity, and critical infrastructure. Key areas include generative AI models, ethical AI systems, and white-box AI for transparency. Varshney’s work bridges technical innovation with policy, notably through his White House Fellowship (2022-2023), where he contributed to AI safety and wireless policy frameworks. Publications emphasize AI ethics, multimodal systems, and computational creativity. His startups, Kocree (AI music co-creation) and Ensaras (AI-driven wastewater treatment), exemplify applied research in socially impactful domains. Varshney also engages in global collaborations, such as U.S.-EU and U.S.-India agreements on AI and 6G wireless. He teaches courses including Information Theory (ECE 563), Generative AI (ECE 598 LV), and Representation of Information (ECE 598 LV2). His policy contributions include coauthoring the Executive Order on AI Safety and analyzing intellectual property challenges in AI. Labs/teams: Leads projects at the Coordinated Science Lab and collaborates with industry partners on AI applications in music and infrastructure. His work integrates interdisciplinary approaches to address societal challenges through technology.
Maria Alejandra Bosco Paniagua is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Applied Pedagogy at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB). Her work focuses on educational technology, digital culture, and innovative pedagogical practices. Ph.D., Universitat de Barcelona (2001) Master in Educational Technology, University of Salamanca (1994) Licenciada en Pedagogía, University of Buenos Aires (1988) Her research explores the integration of digital technologies, maker movement, and robotics in primary education, alongside service-learning models to foster computational thinking. Recent projects include policies on generative AI in higher education and strategies for promoting creativity in university teaching. Key collaborations: POLICIES AND PRACTICES ON GENERATIVE AI (2024), CGC-CoP Knowledge Creation Communities (2011), EVAINU Learning Environments (2004)
Maria Teresa Fernandez Blanco is a Professor at the University of Santiago de Compostela, affiliated with the Faculty of Education Sciences and the Applied Didactics Department. Her research focuses on Mathematics Education, particularly spatial reasoning, STEAM integration, and inclusive pedagogical strategies. She completed her doctorate in 2012 with a thesis on 'An ontosemiotic approach to visualization and spatial reasoning.' Her educational background includes a strong emphasis on didactics, with a doctoral focus on mathematical cognition. She has contributed to interdisciplinary projects like the RODA (Reasoning, Discourse, and Argumentation) research group and MOSISOLID (Mathematical Models in Solid Mechanics). Her work explores innovative educational technologies such as 3D printing, augmented reality, and robotics to enhance learning. Key research interests include: Designing inclusive mathematics programs for at-risk students, STEAM project-based learning, Assessment tools for spatial reasoning in early childhood, Teacher training in integrating technology and art into mathematics, Curriculum development using CDIO and EDP frameworks. Her recent publications highlight trends in: Technology-driven mathematics education (e.g., robotics, Geogebra), Evaluating affective domains and emotional responses in learning, Interdisciplinary collaboration between mathematics and arts/engineering, Policy implications for inclusive education. She has led initiatives like the 'Symmetry-Art Workshop' for primary teachers and collaborated on KIKS-format STEAM projects. Her work emphasizes bridging theory and practice through service-learning and community engagement.
