Randolph Cooper is a Professor in the Department of Decision and Information Sciences at the Bauer College of Business, University of Houston. He joined the faculty in 1990 after teaching at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. His research focuses on information systems' impact on decision-making, media richness theory, and technology diffusion. Education: Ph.D., MBA, and BA in Economics from UCLA Prior Experience: Programmer and Systems Analyst at Motel 6 and Computer Sciences Corporation Research Interests: Diffusion of Information Technology Innovations Management of Systems Design Creativity Impact of Information Systems on Effective Decision Making Effect of Information Systems on Bargaining Behavior His publications over the past two decades highlight a sustained focus on computer-mediated negotiations, media richness theory, and organizational technology adoption. Key themes include emotional dynamics in digital communication, power structures in bargaining, and creativity in systems design.
Jian Zhao is an Associate Professor at the University of Waterloo's School of Computer Science, specializing in Information Visualization (InfoVis), Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), and Data Science. With a Ph.D. from the University of Toronto (2016), his research emphasizes interactive visualization techniques, AI integration in design processes, and socio-technical systems. He explores how human-AI collaboration can enhance data analysis, presentation, and user experience in complex systems. Key research areas include: 1) AI-Driven Design (e.g., code generation via sketching, infographic creation), 2) Health Informatics (therapeutic AI tools for autism support), 3) Immersive Technologies (VR/AR interfaces for presentations and education), and 4) Social Computing (remote family communication, multi-modal emoticons). His work bridges technical innovation with human-centered design principles. His publications (2021–2025) reflect a focus on interactive visualization frameworks (e.g., iTrace for cross-view data analysis), AI-human collaboration (CoLadder for hierarchical code editing), and specialized applications like TherAIssist for art therapy and EMooly for autism support. Zhao frequently explores novel interaction modalities , including gesture-based VR interfaces and sketch-based programming tools. He leads projects in computational notebooks (EDAssistant, Slide4N), visual analytics (MissBin for bipartite networks), and neurofeedback training games (Eggly). His work often emphasizes systematic design considerations for missing data, cross-view analysis, and contextual visualization in spatial AR environments.
Thorsten Schoormann is an Associate Professor at Roskilde University's Department of People and Technology, specializing in Sustainable Digitalization. He holds a PhD in Information Systems from the University of Hildesheim (2019), along with MSc (2015) and BSc (2014) degrees in the same field. His research focuses on digital sustainability, circular economy, AI applications, and data ecosystems. He also held an Assistant Professorship at the Technical University of Braunschweig (2023–2025) and was a PostDoc at the University of Hildesheim (2020–2023). Research Interests: Digital transformation, sustainable business models, design science, and AI ethics. Awards: Multiple Best Associate Editor Awards (ECIS 2023/2024), Best Reviewer Award (PACIS 2022), and Best Paper in ICIS Track (2021). Activities: Organized conferences like INFORMATIK 2025 and Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences 2026; editorial roles in journals like European Journal of Information Systems . His work spans theoretical advancements in design science and practical implementations of sustainable technologies, with a focus on unlearning systems, data spaces, and AI-driven sustainability solutions.
Qing (Cindy) Chang is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Virginia. Her research focuses on cyber-physical systems for smart manufacturing, real-time production control, and human-robot collaboration. Prior to academia, she worked at General Motors, earning three Boss Kettering Awards for innovation. She holds an M.S. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Ph.D. in Manufacturing from the University of Michigan. Education: M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin - Madison Ph.D. in Manufacturing, University of Michigan – Ann Arbor Research Interests: Cyber-Physical Systems for Smart Manufacturing Real-time Production Control Knowledge-guided Machine Learning-based Control Human-Robot Collaboration in Industrial Settings Intelligent Maintenance and Energy Management Awards: 20 most influential professors in smart manufacturing (2020) NSF CAREER Award (2014) General Motors Boss Kettering Awards (2005, 2006, 2008) GM R&D Charles L. McCuen Special Achievement Awards (2005, 2006, 2008) Leadership & Grants: She serves on the board of NAMRI/SME and holds editorial roles in ASME, IEEE, and SME journals. Her work bridges AI, robotics, and manufacturing systems, with notable grants including the NSF CAREER Award. Labs & Teams: Her Intelligent Systems Lab develops AI-driven solutions for manufacturing efficiency and sustainability, focusing on energy management, predictive analytics, and human-robot collaboration.
Dr. Mark G. Reith is an Assistant Professor of Computer Science at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), part of the U.S. Air Force’s Air University. He is based at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, within the Graduate School of Engineering and Management. Dr. Reith holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Texas at San Antonio (2009), an M.S. in Computer Science from AFIT (2003), and a B.S. in Computer Science from the University of Portland (1999). Ph.D., Computer Science, University of Texas at San Antonio, 2009 M.S., Computer Science, Air Force Institute of Technology, 2003 B.S., Computer Science, University of Portland, 1999 Dr. Reith's research focuses on cybersecurity, cyber education, game-based learning, and multi-domain operations. He investigates operational cybersecurity in space systems, software factories, and military training through serious games. His work emphasizes trust management, cyber risk assessment, and defense acquisition innovation. He actively promotes STEM outreach and cyber workforce development within the Department of Defense. His recent publications reflect a strong trend in defense-oriented cybersecurity research, particularly in the domains of space system security, military software acquisition, and gamified cyber training. Articles span journals such as Air & Space Operations Research , Defense Acquisition Research Journal , and International Journal of Serious Games , highlighting interdisciplinary work bridging computer science, military strategy, and education. Dr. Reith has received notable recognition, including: AFA Colonel Charles A. Stone Award (2023) DAF Outstanding STEM Outreach Champion Award (2023) AFIT Team of the Quarter (2017) Bernard A. Schriever Essay Contest Winner (2017) He has advised numerous graduate students, many of whom are co-authors on his publications, particularly in the areas of cyber risk, space cybersecurity, and educational games. Dr. Reith has also contributed to research grants and initiatives focused on improving cyber hygiene, military IoT security, and multi-domain command and control. He is a frequent invited speaker on topics such as game-based learning and industry-academia collaboration in cybersecurity. Dr. Reith is actively involved in research labs and teams at AFIT, particularly those focused on cyber education, serious games (e.g., Battlespace Next), and operational cybersecurity. His work often involves collaboration with students and faculty across engineering, systems, and defense domains.
Björn Ross is a Lecturer in Computational Social Science at the University of Edinburgh's School of Informatics, where he is affiliated with the Institute for Language, Cognition and Computation. He serves as Director of the SMASH research group and is part of the management team for the Centre for Doctoral Training in Natural Language Processing (CDT in NLP). His educational background includes: PhD (2019) from the University of Duisburg-Essen MSc in Computer Science (2016) from the University of Münster Exchange year (2014-2015) at the University of Strasbourg BSc in Information Systems (2013) from the University of Münster Ross's research focuses on computational social science, particularly using natural language processing, social network analysis, and agent-based modeling to study social media phenomena. His work examines misinformation, hate speech, bot activity, and the ethical implications of computational methods. He also investigates how social media can be leveraged for social good, especially in crisis communication contexts. A significant portion of his recent research addresses bias and fairness issues in AI systems, particularly regarding marginalized communities and LGBTQ+ identities. His work spans both technical development of computational methods and critical examination of their societal impacts. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trend toward examining bias in AI systems, particularly regarding marginalized communities. His work spans multiple methodologies including computational analysis of social media data, development of NLP techniques, and critical examination of AI ethics. He frequently collaborates across disciplines, working with researchers in computer science, social sciences, and healthcare domains. His professional recognition includes: Best Paper Award at the Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences (HICSS) in 2018 Associate Editor for Business & Information Systems Engineering Active membership in professional organizations including AIS, ACL, and ACM Ross currently supervises multiple PhD students including Agostina Calabrese, Eddie Ungless, Sandrine Chausson, Wendy Zheng, Seraphina Goldfarb-Tarrant, and Mahmoud Ibrahim. At the University of Edinburgh, he teaches courses such as 'Text Technologies for Data Science' and 'Evidence, Argument and Persuasion in a Digital Age,' reflecting his expertise at the intersection of computational methods and social implications.
Matthew Stephenson is a Lecturer at Flinders University's College of Science and Engineering, specializing in Artificial Intelligence applications for games. He leads the Data for Decisions initiative within the Factory of the Future Transdisciplinary Hub, focusing on AI-powered scenario generation for smart digital twins. Additionally, he is a member of IRL CROSSING, an international lab studying human-autonomous agent teaming dynamics. PhD in Computer Science (Australian National University, 2019) B.Sc.(Hons) in Computer Science (University of Canterbury, 2015) His research applies AI, Machine Learning, and Data Science to game domains, including intelligent agent development for physics-based environments, procedural content generation, and game analytics. He also investigates deceptive behaviors in multi-agent systems and leverages games as testbeds for real-world AI solutions. Recent publications focus on large language models for game benchmarking, physical reasoning challenges, and evolutionary game generation. Scientific awards include an honourable mention at Foundations of Digital Games (FDG'18). He supervises students in procedural generation, game AI, and physics-based task creation, with teaching roles in computational intelligence and neural networks courses.
Sebastian Risi is a Professor at the IT University of Copenhagen , where he directs the Creative AI Lab and co-directs the Robotics, Evolution and Art Lab (REAL) . His work bridges computational evolution, deep learning, and collective intelligence for applications in robotics, art, and video game design. His research focuses on self-organizing AI systems that grow or assemble through local interactions, inspired by biological development. Key areas include neuroevolution , neural cellular automata , and generative modeling , with applications in adaptive robotics, game content creation, and damage-resilient AI. Recent publications highlight trends in self-assembling neural architectures (NDPs) and 3D functional machine generation (Minecraft experiments). Awards include ERC Consolidator Grant (2022), Best Paper at FDG’21 , and Google Faculty Award (2019). Scientific Awards : ERC Consolidator Grant (GROW-AI), Best Paper FDG’21, Runner-Up IEEE Games’20, GECCO 2017 Competition Winner, Sapere Aude Grant, Amazon/Google Faculty Awards He advises on projects like GROW-AI (EU-funded), AI-TESTER (game testing), and C2SIM (military systems). Media coverage includes Science , Wired , and Popular Science .
D. Fox Harrell is a Professor of Digital Media and Artificial Intelligence at MIT's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL), leading the Imagination, Computation, and Expression (ICE) Lab. He directs the MIT Center for Advanced Virtuality, pioneering computational media for social impact. His research bridges AI, cognitive science, and digital arts to explore imagination's intersection with technology. He holds a PhD and has authored the seminal book *Phantasmal Media* (MIT Press, 2013), earning an Emmy for his virtual reality initiatives. His work includes the Chimeria Platform (patented), which models social identity in games and media, and Project VISIBLE, using VR to teach behavioral ethics. Key awards include the NSF CAREER Award for identity representation research. His interdisciplinary collaborations span MIT's Institute for Data, Systems, and Society (IDSS) and international initiatives like the QCRI-CSAIL Alliance.
Marco Janssen is a Professor in the School of Sustainability and Director of the Center for Behavior, Institutions, and the Environment (CBIE) at Arizona State University (ASU). He holds affiliated roles across multiple institutions including the Biosocial Complexity Initiative, Center for Social Dynamics and Complexity (CSDC), and the ASU-SFI Center for Biosocial Complex Systems. His work focuses on governance of shared resources (water, energy, critical minerals) through behavioral experiments, agent-based modeling, and case studies. Education: PhD in Mathematics (Maastricht University, 1996) and MA in Econometrics (Erasmus University Rotterdam, 1992). Research interests include social-ecological systems, collective action challenges, and institutional design. Active in open science initiatives to enhance accessibility of research and educational materials. Key affiliations include the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory, School of Human Evolution and Social Change, and the Complex Adaptive Systems School. Grants funded by NSF and Sloan Foundation support projects on commons governance, cyberinfrastructure for modeling, and urban sustainability (e.g., ASU Project Cities).
Collin Brooks, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor at the University of West Georgia since 2020, affiliated with the Department of Sport Management, Wellness, and Physical Education in the College of Education. He holds a National Board Certification and serves on the Society of Health and Physical Educators America (SHAPE America) Board of Directors, actively contributing to online professional learning through his blog PHYEDagogoy.com. Dr. Brooks earned his BS (2006) and MS (2007) in Exercise and Sport Science/Physical Education from Oregon State University, followed by a PhD in Sport Pedagogy (2021) from the University of Northern Colorado. His research focuses on effective teacher preparation, curriculum design, and innovative uses of technology/social media in physical education. His recent publications explore AI applications in kinesiology, gamification strategies for engagement, cross-cultural physical activity experiences, and virtual professional development challenges. These works highlight trends toward technology integration and global educational practices. Scientific Awards: National Board Certified Teacher In advising and grants, Dr. Brooks has extensive K-12 teaching experience and mentors students through National Board Portfolio courses (EDUC-7001/7002). He teaches courses ranging from elementary physical education foundations (PHED-3671) to legal issues in sports (PHED-7630), emphasizing practical and administrative aspects of the field. His work with SHAPE America and PHYEDagogoy.com demonstrates commitment to professional community-building. Brooks collaborates on initiatives like the Online Professional Development in Physical Education project and contributes to the CMWL-3401 (Technology in Wellness) program. His research lab focuses on digital tools for educator training and student engagement through technology-driven methodologies.
Associate Professor LAM Yulin is affiliated with the National University of Singapore (NUS), specializing in bioorganic and medicinal chemistry with a focus on green synthesis methodologies. His research interests include developing anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and neurological agents, alongside creating recyclable catalysts for sustainable organic transformations. He holds a Ph.D. (1992) and B.Sc. (1987) from NUS, with prior research fellowships at the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (1994–1996) and The Scripps Research Institute (1992–1994). Teaching contributions include courses such as CM2122 Organic Chemistry, CM3225 Biomolecules, and CM5224 Emerging Concepts in Drug Discovery. His research highlights include synthesizing chondroitin sulfate analogs for molecular recognition via surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and developing fluorous boronic acid catalysts for amide bond formation under eco-friendly conditions. Research focuses on glycosaminoglycan structure-function relationships, novel mycobacterial inhibitors, and autophagy-inducing agents. His work bridges organic synthesis with biomedical applications, emphasizing sustainability and translational potential.
Gillian Hayes is the Vice Provost for Academic Personnel and a Chancellor’s Professor at the University of California, Irvine (UCI). She holds joint appointments in the Department of Informatics (Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences), School of Education, and School of Medicine. Her research focuses on human-computer interaction, assistive technologies, and digital health interventions for children with ADHD and autism. She leads the STAR Group, which designs technologies to address real-world challenges in healthcare and education. Education: PhD in Computing from Georgia Tech, and degrees from Vanderbilt University. Professional roles include Vice Provost for Graduate Education, Dean of the Graduate Division, and faculty director of multiple programs, including the Master of Human Computer Interaction and Design. Research interests include child development, health informatics, and ethical technology deployment. Notable projects include the CERES initiative and work on smartwatch interventions for ADHD. Over 100 peer-reviewed publications and 6 books/chapters highlight her contributions. Scientific awards include NSF CAREER Award, ACM SIGCHI Academy, and recognition for teaching and innovation in accessibility. Advises graduate students in informatics, computer science, and education. Active in leadership roles at UCI and the Computing Research Association (CRA Board member). Labs/Teams: STAR Group, Intel Science and Technology Center (ISTC) collaborator, and co-founder of AVIAA and Tiwahe Technology. Focuses on interdisciplinary research with global collaborators.
Brendan Dolan-Gavitt is an Associate Professor in the Computer Science and Engineering Department at NYU Tandon School of Engineering and part of the NYU Center for Cybersecurity (CCS). He holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Georgia Tech (2014) and a BA in Math and Computer Science from Wesleyan University (2006). His research spans cybersecurity, program analysis, virtualization security, memory forensics, and embedded/cyber-physical systems, focusing on automating the understanding of large software systems to develop novel defenses. Research interests include developing techniques for static and dynamic analyses of real-world software to reveal hidden design assumptions. His work has been presented at top security conferences like USENIX Security, ACM CCS, and IEEE Security & Privacy. He led the development of the open-source PANDA platform for dynamic analysis. His publications primarily focus on AI-driven security solutions, vulnerability discovery, and automated testing tools. Recent work explores LLMs in offensive security, fuzzing enhancements, and secure code generation, emphasizing practical applications in cybersecurity. Scientific Awards: NSF CAREER Award for improving software vulnerability testing and education He leads the OSIRIS Lab, a student-run cybersecurity group, and collaborates on interdisciplinary projects addressing emerging security challenges through grants and industry partnerships.
Stefano Leonardi is a Full Professor in the Department of Computer, Control and Management Engineering Antonio Ruberti at Sapienza Università di Roma. His research focuses on Algorithm Theory, Algorithms and Data Science, and Economics and Computation. He leads the ERC Advanced Grant project AMDROMA, exploring algorithmic mechanisms for online markets. He has held roles as Conference Chair for STOC 2021, WWW 2015, and FUN 2018, and coordinates the Sapienza School of Advanced Studies (2016-2018). His work spans approximation algorithms, online algorithms, and mechanism design. Awards include the ERC Advanced Grant and EATCS Fellowship. His research interests emphasize foundational algorithmic problems in web-based markets, leveraging rigorous design and large-scale data analysis. Recent projects include ALGADIMAR (PRIN 2019-2022) for digital market algorithms. He chairs the Highlights of Algorithms conference series and serves on program committees for top venues like EC, ICALP, and SODA. His lab focuses on web algorithmics and data mining, addressing challenges in online labor markets and fair division. Leonardi's academic contributions include over 100 publications, with recent work on fair algorithms, prophet inequalities, and mechanism design in auctions. He has pioneered methods for submodular optimization, online learning, and multi-agent systems. Grants and awards reflect his leadership in bridging theory with real-world applications, particularly in digital economies. Grants: ERC Advanced Grant (2018-2023), PRIN ALGADIMAR (2019-2022) Leadership: Chair of ACM STOC 2021, WWW 2015, and 9th FUN Conference Labs/Teams: Laboratory on Web Algorithmics and Data Mining Key Projects: AMDROMA (algorithmic mechanisms), ALGADIMAR (digital markets)
