Haijun Xia is an Assistant Professor at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), where he directs the Foundation Interface Lab and contributes to the Cognitive Science and Design Lab. His work focuses on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and Human-AI Collaboration , emphasizing the development of dynamic, malleable interfaces that integrate human cognition with intelligent systems to enhance thinking and working paradigms. Education: Bachelor's, Tsinghua University Master's and PhD, University of Toronto His research spans generative AI , interface design , and creative collaboration , with applications in data visualization, programming, and scholarly work. He advocates for treating information as a malleable material that can be flexibly manipulated by users and AI agents. Recent publications highlight advancements in: 2025 CHI Conference - Generative user interfaces, malleable overview-detail designs, and compositional structures for human-AI co-creation 2024 CHI Conference - Structured design space exploration with LLMs, ASCII diagram analysis, and adaptive presentation systems 2023 CHI/UIST Conferences - Data particle visualization, contextual logging tools, and metaphor generation for science communication Scientific recognitions include: Multiple Best Paper Awards and Honorable Mentions at CHI and UIST Hellman Fellowship and grants from NSF , Microsoft , Google , Meta , Apple , and Adobe He actively recruits undergraduate and graduate interns and has an upcoming postdoc position in early 2025 for researchers interested in foundational interface development.
Dr. Edyta Chlebowska is an Assistant Professor at the Cyprian Norwid Research Center, John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin. Specializing in the visual art and literary legacy of Cyprian Norwid, she explores intersections between Polish Romanticism, art history, and cultural studies. Her work extends to album art analysis and interdisciplinary connections with music (e.g., Pink Floyd, Czesław Niemen). Her research focuses on Norwid's self-portraits, eschatological themes in his drawings, and comparative studies with 19th-century Warsaw painting. She reconstructs lost artworks, documents private collections (e.g., Konstancja Górska, Victor Gomulicki), and examines Norwid's reception in Florence and Odessa. Key projects include translating Studia Norwidiana and critical editing of Norwid's complete works. As editor-in-chief of multiple On Cyprian Norwid. Studies and Essays volumes and organizer of conferences like Niemen Non Stop and Colloquia Norwidiana , she bridges academic rigor with public engagement. Her publications span peer-reviewed books, journal articles, and popular science pieces, emphasizing Norwid's unpublished works and symbolic programs.
Nathaniel Street is Associate Professor and Writing Minor Coordinator in the English Department at Mount Saint Vincent University. He holds a PhD in English (Composition and Rhetoric) from the University of South Carolina. His research examines the intersections of philosophy, rhetoric, and pedagogy, with particular focus on the performative power of writing. Street's scholarly work analyzes persuasion mechanisms and figuration in rhetorical traditions, drawing on thinkers like Deleuze and Guattari. His recent publications explore philosophical approaches to writing practice and pedagogical frameworks. His articles demonstrate consistent engagement with rhetorical theory across historical and contemporary contexts, examining writing as both theoretical concept and practical discipline. No awards listed
John Lowe is a Teaching Professor of Sequential Art at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), holding this position since 2012. Previously, he served as Dean of the School of Communication Arts (2008–2012), Chair of the Sequential Art Department (2003–2008), and Professor of Sequential Art (2002). His career spans academic leadership and professional inking for major comic publishers like DC Comics, Marvel Comics, and Archie Comics. Education: M.F.A., Sequential Art, Savannah College of Art and Design B.F.A., Drawing/Studio Art, University of Knoxville His research interests focus on advancing sequential art education and visual storytelling techniques. He has curated exhibitions such as Contemporary Cartoonists (2006) and Panel Progressions: 100 Years of Sequential Art (2005). His publications include textbooks like Foundations in Comic Book Art (2014) and articles in Varoom Magazine . Awards: Presidential Fellowship (SCAD, 2006) Outstanding Graduate Student (SCAD, 2002) Board of Trustees Fellowship (SCAD, 2000) He has advised numerous students through his editorial roles in anthologies and has engaged in civic initiatives linking art education to community projects.
Maureen Kendrick is a Professor and Deputy Department Head in the Department of Language & Literacy Education at the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Education. Her research examines literacy and multimodality as integrated communicative practices, addressing social and cultural issues in diverse contexts with particular emphasis on visual communication and refugee/migrant education. Her research interests span digital literacies, multiliteracy and multimodality, and international perspectives on literacy education. She investigates how youth from refugee backgrounds use multimodal approaches to construct identities and engage with learning, often through digital storytelling and visual methodologies. Her work extends to health literacy in Ugandan contexts and the role of play in early childhood literacy development across Canada, Kenya, and Uganda. Analysis of her recent publications reveals consistent focus on refugee/migrant education, digital storytelling, and multimodal literacy. She examines how digital tools empower marginalized youth to express identities while addressing challenges in language learning and cultural integration. Her research also explores HIV/AIDS education through makerspaces and the intersection of arts-based practices with science literacy. Dr. Kendrick's scientific recognition includes: Canadian Committee for Graduate Students in Education (CCGSE) Mentorship Award (2024) Killam Teaching Prize (2012-13) Alan C. Purves Award (2013) She actively supervises graduate students across doctoral and master's programs, with current research focusing on refugee education and multilingual learners. Her SSHRC-funded projects include the 2025-2029 grant 'Digital Multimodal Composing-To-Learn' and the 'Language and Literacy Learning Among Refugee and Migrant Background Children' initiative, involving collaborators from UBC, York, and Western universities. Dr. Kendrick leads international research teams across Canada, Uganda, and Kenya, developing community-engaged approaches to literacy education that bridge academic research and classroom practice.
Laura M Denzer is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Drawing, Painting Department of the School of Art + Art History at the University of Florida. She holds a BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (2011) and an MFA from the University of Florida (2017). Her practice focuses on spatial and corporeal investigations through collage, painting, and mixed media, exploring themes of memory, identity, and transformation. Denzer’s research examines how physical and abstract spaces shape personal and collective narratives. Her work often incorporates fragmented forms, architectural references, and domestic patterns to reflect on liminal states and life transitions. Recent projects address motherhood and pandemic experiences as catalysts for reimagining selfhood and temporal continuity. Her artistic output includes over 100 works across decades, with notable series from 2023-2024 featuring screenprints that blend color theory and narrative imagery. Earlier works like Arms Folded (2016) and Party Favors (2011) demonstrate her evolving engagement with material experimentation and conceptual layering. Denzer’s practice also extends to curatorial roles, including her guest editorship of Number Magazine #96: Dependency . Her creative process integrates found materials, intuitive color choices, and formal investigations to create compositions that balance rootedness and transience. Current work explores spatial fragmentation as a metaphor for life transitions, reflecting on both personal and societal upheavals.
Dr Dongbin Wei is an Associate Professor at the School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering , University of Technology Sydney (UTS), with a career spanning academia and industry. He holds a PhD in Materials Processing Engineering from the University of Science and Technology Beijing (2001) and academic appointments from 2005–2012 at the University of Wollongong (Research Fellow to Lecturer) and 2013–2017 at UTS (Senior Lecturer) before his promotion to Associate Professor in 2018. His research lies at the intersection of Mechanical Engineering , Manufacturing Engineering , and Materials Processing , focusing on: Ultrasonic Additive Manufacturing (UAM) Micro Metal Forming and Size Effects Tribology and Lubrication Numerical Simulations of Material Processing Composite Material Fabrication Key contributions include: Development of the Springback Path–Displacement Adjustment (SP-DA) method for stamping accuracy Advancements in femtosecond laser texturing for silicon wettability control Studies on nanolubrication in hot rolling Optimization of micro-deep drawing parameters He has secured competitive grants from the Australian Research Council (ARC) and industry partners like Weir Minerals Australia Ltd , including projects on: Revolutionizing mineral separation via additive manufacturing Super high-speed grinding technologies Mechanics of micro composite drill fabrication As a lead supervisor, he guided the 2022 thesis 'Creation and Validation of 3D Printable Mineral Separation Spiral' . His work bridges theoretical analysis, computational modeling (FEM/FEA), and practical validation in advanced manufacturing systems.
Maneesh Agrawala is the Forest Baskett Professor of Computer Science at Stanford University and Director of the Brown Institute for Media Innovation. His research spans computer graphics, human-computer interaction, and information visualization. Agrawala's lab develops computational tools for visual communication, investigating how design principles improve media effectiveness. Current projects include diffusion models for image and video generation, sketch-based interfaces, and visualization tools for scriptwriting. His team creates systems that enable new forms of content creation and analysis. His publications demonstrate consistent innovation in visual computing, with recent advances in controllable generative models, video understanding, and visualization design. Agrawala has received numerous honors including the MacArthur Fellowship and ACM Fellowship for his contributions to visual computing.
Dmitri Tymoczko is a Professor of Music at Princeton University, where he has taught composition and theory since 2002. His work bridges the gap between academic music theory and contemporary composition, creating a unique interdisciplinary approach that has earned him recognition as a leading figure in modern music scholarship and creation. Tymoczko's research interests focus on the geometric modeling of musical structures, polystylistic composition that draws from genres spanning Renaissance to rock, and the mathematical foundations of tonality. His theoretical work explores how harmonic structures can be represented geometrically, revealing fundamental patterns that connect diverse musical traditions. He approaches composition as 'a logical deduction from absurd premises,' blending rigorous structural thinking with playful musical exploration. His scholarly publications and compositions reveal a consistent interest in the intersection of mathematical precision and expressive freedom. The articles demonstrate expertise across music theory, composition, and the cognitive aspects of musical perception, with recurring themes of geometric modeling, tonal structure, and genre hybridization. His work often challenges traditional boundaries between academic and popular music forms. Guggenheim fellowship Rhodes Scholarship Leonard Bernstein fellowship from Tanglewood Fellowship from the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study Block lectureship from the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics First music-theory article published in Science magazine Tymoczko maintains an active performance career alongside his academic work, with his compositions performed by leading ensembles including the Brentano Quartet, Newspeak, and Roomful of Teeth. His teaching integrates theoretical insights with practical composition, fostering a generation of musicians who understand music's structural foundations while embracing creative freedom. He has developed innovative tools like the musical programming language 'arca' to explore new compositional possibilities.
Professor Martin Salisbury is a renowned illustrator and academic at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), leading the world-renowned MA Children’s Book Illustration programme at the Cambridge School of Art. He holds a BA (Hons) in Illustration and has transitioned from a freelance career into academia, designing the MA course which now serves 150+ international students. His research focuses on children’s picturebooks, British Neo-Romantic art, and visual narrative structures. He has authored influential books on illustration techniques and history, including Illustrator's Sketchbooks and Children’s Picturebooks: The Art of Visual Storytelling . As Director of the Children's Centre for Book Studies, he oversees interdisciplinary research in children’s literature. Martin has presented globally at venues like the Bologna Children’s Book Fair and Tsinghua University, and serves on prestigious juries such as the Bologna Ragazzi Awards and CJ Picturebook Festival in Seoul. His professional memberships include the Art Workers Guild. Beyond academia, he remains active in the creative industry through consultancy roles and international advisory boards.
Daniel Kidane is a British composer and Visiting Tutor in Composition at the Royal Northern College of Music and University of Cambridge. His works blend multicultural influences with contemporary classical techniques, exploring themes of identity, conflict, and social justice. Key roles include commissions from major orchestras like the BBC Symphony and London Symphony Orchestra, alongside awards such as the Paul Hamlyn Award (2016) and an honorary doctorate from Coventry University (2022). Education: Began violin at age 8, composition studies at Royal College of Music Junior Department Private study in St. Petersburg with Sergey Slonimsky BMus and postgraduate studies at Royal Northern College of Music under Gary Carpenter and David Horne Research Interests: Kidane’s music merges traditional orchestration with modernist innovation. Key themes include multiculturalism (evident in works like Aloud reflecting his Russian-Ukrainian heritage), pandemic reflections ( Be Still ), and socio-political commentary ( Dream Song setting MLK’s texts). His compositional style draws from Russian chant, Messiaen, and Janáček, creating vivid soundscapes that balance tension and resolution. Awards: Royal Philharmonic Society Prize (2013) Paul Hamlyn Award for Artists (2016) Jerwood Composer+ (2018) Coventry University Honorary Doctorate (2022) Current Projects: 2024 violin concerto Aloud with Julia Fischer and London Philharmonic Orchestra. Upcoming works include a cello piece Sarabande and continued exploration of pandemic-era compositions. Labs/Teams: Collaborates with ensembles like Chineke! Orchestra (pioneering BAME representation) and mentors through Music Masters charity.
Maneesh Agrawala is the Forest Baskett Professor of Computer Science and Director of the Brown Institute for Media Innovation at Stanford University. He is also a consulting AI Scientist at Roblox. His research lies at the intersection of computer graphics, human-computer interaction (HCI), and visualization, with a focus on cognitive design principles for improving audio/visual media. He leads a vibrant research group and has advised numerous PhD students and postdocs. His research interests include: Computer Graphics Human-Computer Interaction Visualization and Visual Communication Cognitive Design Principles Generative AI and Diffusion Models Interactive Video and Sketch-based Interfaces Data and Information Visualization His recent publications (2023–2025) reflect a strong trend toward leveraging generative models—particularly diffusion models—for video and image synthesis, editing, and personalization. Key themes include controllable generation (e.g., SparseCtrl, ControlNet), sketch-to-image translation, relightable texturing, and tools that enhance visual storytelling and data communication. His work integrates cognitive science with computational tools to build systems that support human creativity and understanding. His scientific honors include: MacArthur Foundation Fellowship (2009) Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Fellowship (2007) NSF CAREER Award (2007) SIGGRAPH Significant New Researcher Award (2008) Allen Distinguished Investigator Award (2014) Induction into the SIGCHI Academy (2021) ACM Fellow (2022) Okawa Foundation Research Grant (2006) A dedicated mentor, Agrawala has advised a large cohort of students and postdocs, many of whom have gone on to influential positions in academia and industry. His lab develops tools for video editing (e.g., AnimateDiff, ControlNet), sketch-based design, and visualization (e.g., EmphasisChecker), often bridging theory with practical applications in media and education. He continues to be a leading figure in visual computing and interactive systems.
Anthony Hornof is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Oregon, part of the College of Arts and Sciences. He has been a faculty member since 1999 and was granted tenure in 2005. His research is centered on human-computer interaction, with strong emphases on cognitive modeling, eye tracking, and assistive technology. He leads an active research laboratory and has secured substantial funding from the National Science Foundation and the Office of Naval Research. University: University of Oregon School: College of Arts and Sciences Department: Department of Computer Science Position: Professor Email: hornof@uoregon.edu, hornof@cs.uoregon.edu Office: 356 Deschutes Hall Phone: (541) 346-1372 Education: B.A. in Computer Science, Columbia University, 1988 M.S. in Computer Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, 1996 Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, 1999 Research Interests: Dr. Hornof's research lies at the intersection of human cognition and computing. He is particularly interested in understanding and modeling the perceptual, cognitive, and motor processes involved in human-computer interaction. His work uses eye tracking both as an evaluation tool for cognitive models and as a real-time input method for creative expression and accessibility. A major focus is assistive technology, especially developing tools like EyeDraw that enable children with severe motor impairments to create art using only eye movements. He also explores eye-controlled musical compositions, bridging technology and artistic expression. His research is grounded in participatory design, involving end-users directly in the development process. Publication Trends: His recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on modeling human behavior in complex interactive tasks. Key themes include visual search strategies, dual-task performance, cognitive modeling using eye-tracking data, and accessibility. His work spans top venues in HCI (CHI, TOCHI), cognitive science (CogSci, ICCM), and specialized conferences like ETRA and NIME. There is a strong methodological thread involving data calibration, model validation, and the development of predictive tools for interface design. Scientific Awards: Best Paper Award (Top 1%) at CHI 2014 (two papers) Honorable Mention Paper (Top 5%) at CHI 2010 Siegel-Wolf Award for Best Applied Paper at ICCM 2010 Advising and Grants: Dr. Hornof actively seeks to mentor exceptional undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers in his lab. He emphasizes rigorous and creative scientific research. He has been awarded over $2.9 million in single-investigator research grants from prestigious agencies including the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Office of Naval Research (ONR). Notably, he served as an NSF Program Director from 2012 to 2014, contributing to funding decisions for approximately $65 million in research. Labs and Teams: He leads the Human-Computer Interaction Laboratory at the University of Oregon, where interdisciplinary research is conducted on cognitive modeling, eye tracking, and assistive technologies. His team has developed software such as VizFix for visualizing eye-tracking data and has ported the Eyegaze system to Macintosh. The lab fosters collaborations with new media artists and musicians, and engages in participatory design with children who have disabilities.
Robert J. Wagner is an Assistant Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Binghamton University. He holds a BS from Union College (2013), a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder (2022), and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Cornell University. His research focuses on the mechanics of hierarchically structured soft materials, drawing inspiration from biological systems to develop autonomously adaptive materials. Key interests include functional morphogenesis, self-healing, and mechanoresponsive strengthening in polymers, gels, and biological tissues. He has developed mesoscale computational models to bridge microscale phenomena with macroscale material behavior. Education: BS in Mechanical Engineering, Union College (2013) PhD in Materials Science and Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder (2022) Research Interests: Wagner investigates dynamic and active materials, leveraging insights from living systems to design mechanically adaptive metamaterials. His work combines experimentation, computational mechanics, and constitutive theory to study emergent properties in systems like fire ant rafts and polymer networks. He explores mechanisms such as dynamic bonds, active constituents, and structured architectures to enable adaptive behaviors. Teaching & Outreach: Wagner emphasizes STEM education and community engagement through activities like teaching viscoelasticity to elementary students, volunteering at correctional facilities, and organizing workshops on functional fitness and materials science. Labs & Collaborations: His research integrates computational modeling with experimental validation, collaborating with groups like the Vernerey Soft Matter Mechanics Lab and the Silberstein Mechanics for Materials Design Lab. Current efforts aim to predictively design materials with self-healing and stress-responsive traits.
Neil Leonard is a Professor at Berklee College of Music and the founding Artistic Director of the Berklee Interdisciplinary Arts Institute. He is affiliated with the Department of Electronic Production and Design (EPD) within the College of Arts and Sciences. His artistic and academic work bridges music, technology, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in composition or sound art (inferred from academic rank and output) Extensive international residency and fellowship experience Leonard's research and artistic practice centers on sound art, electroacoustic composition, and multimedia performance . He explores immersive multichannel audio, live electronics, and collaborations with visual artists, dancers, and filmmakers. His work investigates the resonance of cultural memory, urban soundscapes, and historical acoustics. He integrates technology and philosophy, often drawing from astronomy, Plato, and intercultural exchange. His recent works, including Matanzas Sound Map (Tate Modern, 2025), Sonance for the Precession , and For Kounellis , reflect a trend toward site-specific, durational sound installations that merge scientific concepts with poetic expression. These pieces utilize field recordings, algorithmic processing, and spatial audio to create immersive environments. His scientific and artistic honors include: Fulbright Specialist Award (2016) Distinguished Faculty Award, Berklee (2011) International CubaDisco Award (2015) Rauschenberg Residency (2016) Sacatar Institute Fellow (2023) MIT Art, Culture, and Technology affiliate U.S. State Department Fulbright Specialist Roster (2013–present) Leonard is deeply committed to mentoring students, particularly in refining portfolios and developing lifelong learning strategies. He emphasizes time management as a compositional skill and encourages adaptability in the evolving music industry. He has led major collaborative projects such as The Berklee Sessions with Robin Rimbaud (Scanner) and has performed with renowned artists including Vijay Iyer, Rudresh Mahanthappa, and Los Muñequitos de Matanzas. He co-founded and leads the Berklee Interdisciplinary Arts Institute , fostering cross-departmental collaborations and innovative performance practices. His work continues to be exhibited globally, from Documenta and Venice Biennale to Mass MoCA and the Peabody Essex Museum.
