Sile O'Modhrain is a Professor in Performing Arts Technology at the School of Music, Theatre and Dance at the University of Michigan. She earned her Master's in Music Technology from the University of York and her PhD from Stanford University's Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics (CCRMA). From 2001-2005, she directed the Palpable Machines group at Media Lab Europe and previously taught at Queens University Belfast's Sonic Arts Research Centre. Education Master's, Music Technology - University of York PhD - Stanford University (CCRMA) Her research focuses on Human-Computer Interaction , particularly haptic and auditory feedback in interfaces for blind users, handheld devices, and musical instruments. She has developed projects like Holy Braille (microfluidic tactile arrays), Mesh (haptic backpacks), and EpipE (electronic woodwind controllers). Her work often bridges accessibility , mobile hardware , and music technology . Recent publications emphasize refreshable tactile displays , cross-modal interaction , and haptic teleoperation . Her research has been funded by the National Science Foundation (Award #1319922). Scientific Awards Fulbright Scholarship (1994) Best Paper Award at European Conference on Interactive Television (2003) She has collaborated with researchers like Alex Russamanno , Ian Oakley , and Georg Essl . Her career also includes prior work as a sound engineer/producer for BBC Network Radio.
Teresa Romão is an Associate Professor at the Department of Computer Science, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (FCT/UNL), Portugal, a position she has held since October 2007. She is also an integrated researcher at the NOVA Laboratory for Computer Science and Informatics (NOVA LINCS), contributing to cutting-edge research in human-computer interaction and related fields. Romão earned her PhD with a dissertation titled 'Multidimensional Visualisation of Spatial Information - Improving Data Accessibility and Perception,' with part of her research conducted at the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam. Prior to her current position, she served as Assistant Professor at the Universidade de Évora, where she taught in the Computer Science Department. Her research spans Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), multimedia systems, augmented reality, mobile storytelling, ubiquitous computing, and persuasive technology. Romão's work consistently explores how technology can enhance user experiences across diverse domains including education, sports, healthcare, and cultural heritage. She has made significant contributions to understanding how interactive systems can influence behavior change, particularly in environmental awareness and physical activity contexts. Her research often involves developing innovative frameworks that integrate multiple technologies to create seamless, engaging user experiences that address real-world challenges. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on immersive technologies, particularly virtual and augmented reality applications for education, sports, and healthcare. Her work demonstrates a consistent trajectory toward more sophisticated integration of visual aesthetics with persuasive technology, especially in health and wellness contexts. The research shows increasing collaboration across disciplines, with publications spanning computer science, design, psychology, and domain-specific fields like sports science and cultural heritage. BEST POSTER AWARD at Persuasive Technology 2017 for 'Does Beauty Matter in Behavior Change?' Editorial board member of Frontiers in ICT – Human-Media Interaction since 2014 Extensive publication record in top venues including CHI, UIST, MobileHCI, INTERACT, and ACE Romão has supervised 4 PhD and 25 MSc students to completion while currently guiding 5 PhD and 5 MSc students. Her research has been supported by numerous national and European funding agencies including FCT/MCTES and Horizon 2020, with projects spanning environmental awareness systems (DEAP), urban regeneration through culture (T-Factor), augmented reality for emergency response (AudaCidade), and medieval manuscript color analysis (COLOUR IN MEDIEVAL ILLUMINATED MANUSCRIPTS). She serves on the Digital Media Ph.D. Scientific Committee for the UT/Austin-Portugal Program and the MIEI Scientific Committee at FCT/UNL. As a member of NOVA LINCS, Romão contributes to a vibrant research ecosystem focused on advancing computer science and informatics. Her work frequently involves interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together researchers from diverse fields to tackle complex challenges in human-technology interaction. She has been instrumental in establishing research networks through her extensive conference organization activities, including serving on the Steering Committee of the International Conference on Advances in Computer Entertainment (ACE) from 2012-2017 and chairing numerous program committees for major HCI conferences.
Amandine Mercier is a Lecturer in Performing Arts at the University of Artois since 2020, affiliated with the Praxis and Aesthetics of the Arts team and associated with De Scripto, CRISS Research Unit at Polytechnic University of Hauts-de-France, Valenciennes. Her research spans two primary domains: (1) ob-scène in contemporary interdisciplinary stage creations, examining body transfiguration, transgressive performances, and artistic generation processes through works of Romeo Castellucci, Lisbeth Gruwez, and Kris Verdonck, employing aesthetic, philosophical, and anthropological frameworks; (2) alternative cultural policies for social innovation, analyzing Social and Solidarity Economy's impact on cultural institution transformation, territorial development, and participatory governance models. Key publication trends include 15 articles (2014-2024) focusing on body studies, birth metaphors, intermediality, and transgressive aesthetics across theatre, dance, and digital performances. Notable collaborations include co-organizing doctoral training modules with A2U alliance universities and directing 25 Master's theses in stage arts. She holds administrative roles in curriculum development (LCeR license design) and cultural policy implementation, while maintaining active engagement with theatre companies like Les Lucioles s’en mêlent and Au-delà du seuil. Her technical expertise includes French Sign Language (B2), audiodescription, and certified entrepreneurship training for performing arts students.
Angie Hauser is a Professor of Dance and Director of the MFA Program in Dance at Smith College. A BESSIE award-winning performer and choreographer, she is known for blending set choreography with improvisation, emphasizing movement, collaboration, and personal history. She serves on the advisory board for the Design Thinking Initiative and the Sherred Center for Teaching and Learning at Smith. Education includes an M.F.A. from Ohio State University and a B.A. from the University of South Carolina. Her research focuses on stage-based dance creation, contact improvisation, and the application of movement and design-thinking to creative problem-solving. Her recent artistic projects (2012–2024) span global venues, exploring themes of human connection, ecological awareness, and collaborative dynamics. Notable collaborations include work with Bebe Miller Company since 2000 and Chris Aiken since 2003, with performances in the U.S., Taiwan, Hong Kong, Germany, and Moldova. She co-created the course Movement, Ecology, and Performance (2021) and contributes to digital dance scholarship through projects like TWO: an online score (2013). Scientific Awards : BESSIE award 2020 Massachusetts Cultural Council Fellowship in Choreography Hauser's work integrates dance with liberal arts education, emphasizing physical intelligence and emotional resonance in contact improvisation workshops. She has taught at Cornell University, Denison University, and Columbia College prior to Smith.
Ross Cloak is an Associate Professor of Sport and Exercise Science at the Faculty of Education, Health, and Wellbeing , University of Wolverhampton. He holds a PhD in the same field from the same university and has been actively involved in both research and consultancy for elite athletes and teams, including Wolverhampton Wanderers FC , Walsall FC , and GB Judo . Education: PhD, University of Wolverhampton (2016) MPhil, University of Wolverhampton (2009–2011) BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science (First), University of Wolverhampton (2003–2006) Research Interests: Ross’s research spans exercise physiology , injury prevention , performance enhancement , and decision-making under fatigue , with a focus on team and combat sports . He emphasizes translating research into practical applications for elite and amateur athletes. Recent work includes altitude training for Olympians , virtual reality in football academies , and injury risk assessment in youth athletes . Scientific Awards: Senior Fellowship from Higher Education Authority (2020) Grants and Collaborations: Ross has secured funding from organizations like Wolverhampton Wanderers FC , the Office for Students , and ASPIRE HE for projects on virtual reality, lab refurbishment, and coaching CPD. He collaborates with institutions such as Ochanomizu University on dance medicine. Labs and Teams: He contributes to the Human Performance Labs at the University of Wolverhampton and leads CPD provision for the British Association of Sport and Exercise Science (BASES) .
Prof. Thomas Neuhaus is a German Professor of Music Informatics at the Institute for Computer Music and Electronic Media (ICEM) within the College for Music and Art at Folkwang University of the Arts. As Artistic Director of ICEM since 2011 and co-developer of the AUDIAC computer-aided composition system, he bridges computer science and musical artistry through interactive systems. Education: Studied composition with Wolfgang Hufschmidt and electronic composition with Dirk Reith at Folkwang Positions: Faculty 1 member since 1994, full professor since 2004 Research: Focuses on formalization of musical structures and human-machine collaboration His work manifests in algorithmic composition languages and real-time interaction systems , exemplified through 20+ years of collaboration with Theater der Klänge. Key trends include: Interactive sound sculptures (Zollverein installations) Intermedial theatre works (Vanitas, Megalopolis) Digital heritage projects (PPP composition framework) Acoustic-architectural integrations (A Bigger Clock software) Scientific recognition: Student-nominated teaching award (2008/09) Research Prize finalist (FH Dortmund, 2003) His software developments like fkir scheduler and PPP-2 framework demonstrate computational creativity in music. Current projects combine electronic composition with live performance technologies , as seen in the NOW! Festival commissions.
Olcay SALICI is an Associate Professor at the Department of Physical Education and Sports , Faculty of Sports Sciences, Süleyman DemireL University. With a background in coaching education and sports management, they focus on interdisciplinary research spanning sports performance, psychological aspects of physical education, and racket sports. Doctorate in Business Administration from Süleyman Demirel University (2016) M.A. in Physical Education and Sports from Çukurova University (2010) B.Ed. in Coaching Education from Çukurova University (2007) Current research integrates table tennis analysis , student behavioral studies , and sport consumption trends . Recent work examines: Impact of nutritional supplements on adolescent athletes Psychological effects of pandemic-related fear in sports consumption Gender dynamics in volleyball performance Table tennis interventions for primary school attention levels As Vice Dean and former Department Head (2017-2024), they lead institutional sports science development. They co-authored 15+ publications and served as assistant editor for biomechanics studies.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdullah Yavuz AKINCI is affiliated with the Faculty of Sports Sciences at an unspecified university, specializing in the Department of Sports Management . With an H-index of 9 and 240 total citations , his research focuses on Sports Management , Physical Education , and Sports History . He has supervised MSc theses and contributed to international conferences. Doctorate in History (2018) from Süleyman Demirel University MA in Physical Education (2007) from Dumlupınar University Licence in Physical Education (1994) from Gazi University His research spans self-efficacy in athletes , teacher motivation , innovative sports approaches , and historical perspectives in sports sciences . Recent publications show trends in handball psychology , social media impacts , and career awareness in sports students . He teaches courses including Sociology of Physical Education , Innovation in Sports , and History of Turkish Education . His edited book Bireysel ve Takım Sporlarına Bakış (2021) highlights his contributions to sports literature.
Amy O'Neal is a Lecturer in Dance History, Hip-Hop, and Composition at the University of Southern California's Glorya Kaufman School of Dance since 2018, with over 20 years of professional experience as a dancer, choreographer, educator, and curator. Previously based in Seattle for two decades, she developed hip-hop curriculum for the University of Washington and co-directed the experimental company locust (2000-2010) with Zeke Keeble. Education: Cornish College of the Arts: BFA Her research centers at the intersection of hip-hop, house, and contemporary dance communities, exploring hybridized movement vocabularies through the lens of race, gender, and cultural innovation. She investigates nuanced differences within Black social dance practices while creating spaces for experimentation and improvisation across dance forms, particularly through platforms like The Hybrid Lab. O'Neal's choreographic works critically examine societal structures through dance innovation, with recent projects like Runnin' (2019) extending into virtual reality collaborations and How it Feels (2019) documenting the gender explorations in Opposing Forces (2014-2017). Her artistic trajectory consistently bridges historical dance forms with contemporary technological and social contexts. Notable awards and recognitions: Creative Capital grantee National Performance Network grantee National Dance Project grantee Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation grantee Foundation for Contemporary Art grantee 4 Culture grantee Artist Trust Fellow (two-time) DanceWEB Vienna scholar Herb Alpert Award nominee Cornish College of the Arts Distinguished Alumni Award (2014) Grant Support: Creative Capital National Performance Network National Dance Project Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation Foundation for Contemporary Art 4 Culture Residencies: Bates Dance Festival Headlands Center for the Arts US/Japan Choreographer’s Exchange Velocity Dance Center The Kennedy Center/The Reach Social Impact Residency Harvard University Visiting Dance Innovators program O'Neal founded and curates The Hybrid Lab: Conversations in Merging Dance Cultures , a platform for Black social dance practitioners to experiment within contemporary performance contexts. She organizes Cypher Celebration emphasizing cross-dance-form improvisation and curates Kaufman Converge at USC, profiling professional artists navigating diverse dance ecologies while fostering community-centered artistic development.
Hüseyin Öztürk is a Professor at Gaziantep University's Faculty of Sports Sciences, Department of Sports Management. His academic career spans nearly two decades at Gaziantep University, progressing from Lecturer (2006-2014) to Doctor Lecturer (2014-2018), Associate Professor (2018-2023), and Professor (2023-present). Prior to his university career, he served as Sports Schools Coordinator at the Turkish National Olympic Committee from 2000-2003. Dr. Öztürk earned his Doctorate in Physical Education and Sports from Gazi University (2010-2013), a Master's in Sports Management Sciences from Marmara University (2008-2010), and his undergraduate degree in Physical Education and Sports Teaching from Marmara University (1996-2000). His educational foundation has positioned him as a leading expert in sports management and recreation science. His research focuses on Sports Management, Recreation Science, Therapeutic Recreation, Sports Tourism, and the psychological aspects of sports participation. Dr. Öztürk's work examines recreation activities in correctional facilities, sports psychology applications in law enforcement, youth sports participation factors, and pandemic effects on recreation behaviors. His recent publications demonstrate a strong commitment to understanding how sports and recreation impact various population groups across different contexts. Dr. Öztürk has supervised 13 master's theses on diverse topics including women's volleyball confidence development, mediation in sports law, traditional folk dances' impact on teacher self-efficacy, and pliometric training effects on young volleyball players. His students have produced research that contributes significantly to the fields of sports psychology, management, and recreation. Fair Play Service Medal from Turkish National Olympic Committee (2018) As an active academic, Dr. Öztürk has led or participated in six research projects, including national initiatives like 'Sağlıklı Nesiller İçin Bir Adım Da Sen At' (A Step for Healthy Generations) and international projects such as 'Empowering Social Skills of Gifted Students by Inclusive Education' funded by the European Union. His administrative roles include serving as Department Chair since 2022 and previously as Deputy Director of the School of Physical Education and Sports (2010-2011).
Lukas Maximilian Günther is a Research Fellow at the Department of Mathematics Education within the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics at Leibniz University Hannover. His work bridges mathematics education and theater pedagogy, with a focus on transformative educational processes during critical transitions in learning. His educational background includes a dissertation titled Crises in Transition: The Transition to University Mathematics from a Transformational Educational Science Perspective , completed under the supervision of Reinhard Hochmuth and published in May 2025. This foundational work established his theoretical framework connecting Bourdieu, Lacan, and transformative education theory to mathematical learning transitions. Mathematics Education Research: Focused on the transition from school to university mathematics as a crisis-rich transformative process Theater Pedagogy: Explores role theory, movement choreography, and performative methods as educational tools Transformative Theory: Applies socio-cultural perspectives to understand educational crises and transitions Interdisciplinary Approach: Connects mathematical enculturation with theatrical and performative learning methods Analyzing Günther's publication trajectory from 2020-2025 reveals a distinctive interdisciplinary research path that increasingly integrates mathematics education with theater pedagogy. His early work focused primarily on mathematics transition challenges, while recent publications demonstrate a sophisticated synthesis of transformative education theory with performative methods. This evolution shows a researcher who has developed a unique theoretical framework connecting mathematical enculturation with theatrical approaches to learning, particularly examining how crises in educational transitions can be addressed through embodied and performative practices. Günther's work demonstrates significant contributions to both mathematics education and theater pedagogy through his theoretical integration of transformative education concepts with practical classroom applications. His research provides valuable insights into how students navigate the challenging transition to university mathematics and how theatrical methods can facilitate transformative learning experiences. His research activities include qualitative longitudinal studies examining student trajectories in mathematics-related degree programs, development of analysis frameworks for informal learning situations in mathematics studies, and exploration of role work in theater pedagogical processes. Günther collaborates extensively with colleagues at Leibniz University Hannover and other institutions, contributing to conference proceedings and professional journals in both mathematics education and theater pedagogy fields.
Brad Willcuts is an Associate Professor of Musical Theatre and Choreography at Michigan State University's College of Arts & Letters , where he also serves as Head of Acting . Holding a BA from Minnesota State University and an MFA in Theatre Performance Pedagogy from Virginia Commonwealth University, he specializes in musical theatre training, choreography, and movement direction while actively engaging with technology-enhanced pedagogy. Academic Background: BA (Minnesota State University), MFA (VCU) with emphasis on Musical Theatre and Movement Key Areas: Musical Theatre Acting, Choreography, New Media Integration, Social Dance Leadership: Tenured faculty, Head of Acting, 2021 promotion to Associate Professor His research focuses on musical theatre pedagogy , choreographic composition , and technology integration in performing arts education . He pioneered courses like New Media Acting Laboratory (with Ryan Welsh) and Social Dance: History and Contemporary Reflections , using virtual reality and motion capture to enhance traditional training methods. Recent publications highlight his 2024 productions of Spring Awakening and A Beautiful Day in November , 2023 Bright Star performances, and ongoing technology-enhanced pedagogy initiatives. His work spans multimedia rock musicals, social dance history, and digital performance training innovations. Scientific Recognition: 2021 All-University Teacher/Scholar Award 2022 Catalyst Award for Digital Learning Innovation 2020 Catalyst Award for New Media Practices 2019 Fintz Award for Teaching Excellence 2017 AT&T Enhanced Teaching Technology Award Brad has directed and choreographed over 15 major productions at MSU including Grease , American Idiot , and The Play That Goes Wrong . His industry experience spans Broadway ( Amazing Grace ), Chicago theatre ( Porgy and Bess ), and international engagements in Prague with Legende Holmes , demonstrating his commitment to both academic and professional theatre excellence.
Prof. Dr. Maaike Bleeker is a Full Professor at the Department of Media and Culture Studies , Utrecht University , and leads the interdisciplinary research group Transmission in Motion . Her work bridges Theatre and Performance Studies with Philosophy of Technology , Cognitive Science , and Robotics , focusing on human-non-human interactions in performance and daily life. Current research examines: (1) contemporary theatre/dance dramaturgy, (2) technology as performer, and (3) corporeal literacy in human-technology co-evolution Key projects: Acting Like a Robot (NWO-funded), Performing Robots , Rock/Body (AHRC Network), and SPECTACULAR ASTRONOMY Her publications include monographs Visuality in the Theatre (2008), Doing Dramaturgy (2023), and co-edited volumes Performance and Phenomenology (2015), Transmission in Motion (2016). She collaborates with technical universities, artists, and institutions like Buitenplaats Doornburgh . Scientific Awards: NWO Smart Culture grant (2020) for Komt een robot in het theater She supervises interdisciplinary research and has pioneered methods connecting performance practices with scientific inquiry. Her Transmission in Motion group hosts international collaborations and public events.
Laura Karreman is an Associate Professor in the Department of Media and Culture Studies at Utrecht University's Faculty of Humanities, specializing in Media and Performance Studies. She teaches in the MA Contemporary Theatre, Dance and Dramaturgy, the RMA Media, Art and Performance Studies, and the BA Media and Culture programs, and serves as the programme coordinator for the RMA Media, Art and Performance Studies. Her research focuses on embodied knowledge in dance transmission practices, digitization in performance archives, and epistemological questions related to dance and performance knowledge. She is a member of the UU Research Group Transmission in Motion, engaging with research themes such as dramaturgy, somatechnics, and 'mobilizing the archive'. Her work bridges performance studies, digital media, and human-centered artificial intelligence, examining how technology mediates and transforms embodied knowledge. Dr. Karreman's scholarly output shows a consistent trajectory exploring the intersection of dance, technology, and knowledge transmission. Her publications span from early work on body representation in theater to recent investigations into posthumanism and motion capture technology. The research demonstrates deep engagement with how digital technologies reshape our understanding of performance, embodiment, and knowledge preservation. UU Teacher Talent prize nomination (2021) As an educator, Dr. Karreman has developed courses including Expanding Performance, Research seminar on media and culture, Performance Research Lab, Research Design, and various MAPS Research Labs. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes the integration of theoretical knowledge with embodied practice, reflecting her research interests in the transmission of performance knowledge. She has also served as an advisor for the Theatre and Dance Advisory Board for the Amsterdam Art Fund and taught at the Theory and Research in the Arts honours programme at ArtEZ Institute for the Arts.
Nils Grosch is a University Professor and Head of Department for Art, Music and Dance Studies at Paris Lodron University Salzburg. With an extensive research portfolio including 103 publications and leadership of 19 active research projects, he maintains a prominent position in contemporary musicology. His academic leadership is evidenced by his role as department head and his extensive project management responsibilities across multiple significant research initiatives. Grosch's research focuses on music history with particular emphasis on musical theater, operetta, and the complex relationship between music and historical contexts. His work examines music mobility, particularly the migration of musicians and musical ideas, with significant attention to the Glyndebourne Festival and émigré musicians during the 1930s-1940s. He investigates historical representation in musical theater, especially regarding how history is portrayed in English and German-language musicals since WWII. His scholarship also addresses the production of popular music in Germany and Austria between 1930-1950, including the challenging period of the Nazi regime and its impact on musical culture. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong thematic focus on cultural displacement, artistic migration, and the complex interplay between politics and musical production. His work on the Glyndebourne Festival examines how European musicians navigated exile and cultural adaptation, while his research on Nazi-era music explores the paradoxes of artistic production under dictatorship. Grosch demonstrates particular expertise in the historical analysis of popular musical theater forms and their sociopolitical contexts. Grosch actively contributes to the academic community through numerous lectures, conference presentations, and editorial work. His 170 documented activities demonstrate extensive engagement with both scholarly and public audiences, including specialized academic lectures and public-facing presentations. He serves on various committees including examination boards, habilitation committees, and appointment committees, reflecting his standing within the academic community. His current research projects indicate significant grant funding supporting his investigations into music history, particularly concerning the representation of history in musical theater and the production of popular music during politically turbulent periods.
