Filippo Gabriele Pratticò is a researcher at Politecnico di Torino , Department of Control and Computer Engineering (DAUIN). His work focuses on Virtual Reality (VR) , Mixed Reality (MR) , and Extended Reality (XR) systems, particularly in applications for rehabilitation, robotic training, and autonomous vehicle communication. Key Research Areas : VR/AR/MR systems, haptic interfaces, digital twinning, immersive training platforms. Recent Trends : Design of multimodal interfaces for AV safety, MR exergames for neurological disorders, and 6G-enabled telepresence systems. Scientific Awards : Not explicitly mentioned in available records. Advising & Collaborations : Frequently collaborates with Fabrizio Lamberti and Davide Calandra on projects involving robotic gaming , prosthetic limb simulation , and XR training systems .
Dr. Miklós Kiss is an Associate Professor of Audiovisual Arts and Cognition at the University of Groningen, Netherlands, affiliated with the Faculty of Arts and the Department of Arts, Culture, and Media – Culture and Cognition. His research focuses on narrative and cognitive film theory, digital film forensics, and complex cinema, particularly 'puzzle films.' He holds a Ph.D. in Literary and Film Studies (University of Jyväskylä and University of Pécs) and has extensive editorial roles, including on Projections and [in]Transition . His work bridges cognitive science and film studies, analyzing how audiences engage with narrative complexity. Key publications include Impossible Puzzle Films (2017) and Puzzling Stories (2022). He teaches videographic criticism and explores the intersections of technology, narrative, and cognition. Recent research includes studies on 3D film effects, virtual reality nonfiction, and ambiguous framing in media across disciplines. Dr. Kiss advocates for videographic scholarship as a valid academic method, emphasizing transparency and argumentative rigor. His contributions span film analysis, documentary practices, and pedagogy, reflecting a commitment to innovative interdisciplinary approaches in media studies.
Caroline Scarles is a Professor of Technology in Society at the University of Surrey's School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. She holds leadership roles in the Centre for Digital Transformation in the Visitor Economy and serves on national/international advisory boards, including the Royal Geographical Society's Geographies of Leisure and Tourism Research Group. Her research focuses on technology's role in social good, healthy ageing, and cultural sustainability through innovations like augmented reality in arts/heritage and digital solutions for tourism. Education: MA, MSc, PhD (degrees not detailed further). Research collaborations span £multi-million grants from EPSRC, ESRC, and Innovate UK, addressing topics like nature engagement post-pandemic, virtual tourism during lockdown, and immersive technologies for elderly care. She supervises over 10 PhD students and advises Visit Surrey, Surrey Cultural Partnership, and Surrey Hills Arts. Notable projects include the Next Generation Paper (£1.174m) and Digital Futures in Arts and Heritage (£14k). Her work bridges academia and industry, emphasizing ethical tourism practices, community engagement, and technology's societal impact. Recent studies explore travel vlogs' influence, social media-induced tourism challenges, and conservation philanthropy. She publishes in journals like Tourist Studies, Tourism Management, and Personal and Ubiquitous Computing. Grants: Over £1.5m secured across 12+ projects Labs/Teams: Director of DIGMY Centre; collaborator on Smartify, Let's Explore AR Awards: Lead Editor of Tourist Studies; ESRC-funded research impact on tour operator policies
Şahin Akın is a Research Fellow at the Faculty of Architecture and Design of NTNU, Norway, and affiliated with MIT's Building Technology Program. His research focuses on energy-positive building transformations, urban sustainability, and resource efficiency, with contributions to global initiatives like the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the International Resource Panel (IRP). Education: Ph.D. in Industrial Ecology, NTNU (Norway) M.Arch., Middle East Technical University (Turkey) B.Arch., Izmir University of Economics (Turkey) Research Interests: His work bridges architecture, engineering, and industrial ecology, emphasizing building energy modeling, positive energy districts (PEDs), and archetype-based resource use analysis. Key areas include climate-positive design strategies, Global South urban energy systems, and circular economy approaches in construction. Projects: He contributes to projects such as DUT-Making PEDs, CIRCEULAR, and CO2NSTRUCT, addressing building energy efficiency, data integration, and European Commission policy requirements. His work on the Middle Eastern residential stock integrates GIS-based modeling and dynamic stock analysis. Labs/Teams: Engaged with NTNU’s Industrial Ecology Programme and MIT Building Technology Program, collaborating on global resource efficiency frameworks and urban energy system innovations.
Dr. Colleen Morgan is a Senior Lecturer in Digital Archaeology and Heritage at the University of York's Department of Archaeology. She directs the Digital Archaeology and Heritage Lab and oversees MSc programs in Digital Archaeology and Digital Heritage. Her research focuses on critical digital archaeology, digital embodiment, and immersive storytelling. Notable projects include the AHRC-funded OTHER EYES project creating avatars from bioarchaeological data and the Avebury Papers digitization initiative. She has held roles as a Marie Curie Fellow and postdoctoral researcher at the Centre for Digital Heritage. Her teaching includes modules on digital creativity, archaeogaming, and AI in archaeology. Education : No explicit details provided, but extensive fieldwork experience across three continents. Research Projects : OTHER EYES, Avebury Papers, TETRARCHS, Cults of the Head?, BOCCAHD. Lab Leadership : Director of the Digital Archaeology and Heritage Lab and Centre for Digital Heritage. Her work bridges theory and practice, emphasizing feminist, queer, and posthuman approaches. Projects like the Hili Archaeological Park excavations in UAE showcase her commitment to fieldwork and digital innovation. She collaborates with institutions like York Museums Trust and BetaJester on immersive technologies.
Dr Guy Schofield is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Arts and Creative Technologies, University of York, with dual affiliations in Archaeology and Interactive Media. He holds a PhD in Computing Science from Newcastle University following prior BA and MA degrees in Fine Art. Schofield bridges art practice with technology through projects like Bootlegger (mobile documentary filmmaking) and Cinehack (micro-budget film solutions). MA in Fine Art PhD in Computing Science, Newcastle University His research focuses on affect-adaptive game design, cinematic virtual reality, and participatory media. Key projects include emotion-driven gameplay modification, immersive museum experiences, and VR applications for dementia care. Schofield's work spans kinetic sculpture, live performance, and interactive environments. Recent publications analyze threat response in VR, emotion-memory relationships, and appraisal-based affective architectures. He received the 2017 York Culture Award for Media Arts Excellence and serves as Programme Director for the MA/MSc in Postproduction and Visual Effects. Excellence in Media Arts (2017)
Ross Hollett is a Lecturer in Psychology at Edith Cowan University's School of Arts and Humanities. He coordinates the undergraduate psychology program and teaches courses in psychological inquiry, learning and cognition, and research skills. Doctor of Philosophy (2015), University of Western Australia Honours in Psychology (2010), University of Western Australia Bachelor of Science (Psychology) (2009), University of Western Australia Ross employs eye-tracking technology to investigate how visual media (e.g., video games, pornography, activewear advertising) affects real-world attitudes, particularly in body image and sexual objectification. His research also examines substance use, risk-taking behavior, and student engagement in higher education. Recent publications analyze: Activewear advertising's impact on body image threat markers Alcohol advertisements' influence on consumption inclinations Gender representations in violent/sexual media Virtual reality avatar realism and social interaction quality Anti-junk food advertising effectiveness Eye tracking metrics for sexual assault propensities Scientific Awards 2019 Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching Ross supervises PhD students in topics including music's impact on reading comprehension and ethical principles weighting in psychology. He has received multiple research grants totaling over $140,000, including ECU Early Career Researcher Grant (2017-2019, $30,000) and Innovation Connections Grant (2018-2019, $99,998).
Cesar Delgado is an Associate Professor in the Department of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education at North Carolina State University. His research focuses on scale cognition, visual representations, project-based learning, and inclusive STEM education. He has led NSF-funded projects exploring virtual reality (VR) for teaching scale and collaborative learning in engineering education. Dr. Delgado teaches courses on educational technologies, learning theories, and equity in STEM. Education: Ph.D. in Science Education, University of Michigan (2009) M.S. in Chemistry, University of Michigan (2008) M.A. in Learning Technologies, University of Michigan (2008) M.A. in Secondary Education, University of Alabama (2003) B.S. in Chemical Engineering, UCLA (Year not specified) Research Interests: Scale cognition and immersive VR environments Interdisciplinary STEM education Gender and sexual diversity inclusion Communities of practice in graduate education His work bridges cognitive science, educational technology, and equity, addressing challenges in teaching abstract scientific concepts like scale through innovative tools. Grants: NSF SCALE-VR Grant (2021–2025): $1.3M to develop VR for scale education NSF IGE Grant (2021–2024): $332K to study collaborative engineering education through communities of practice Publications: His recent work includes studies on VR-induced awe in learning, frameworks for diversity-inclusive STEM education, and pedagogical models for work-integrated learning. Articles span Journal of Research in Science Teaching , International Journal of STEM Education , and VR conferences. Awards: NC State Outstanding Teacher Award (2019) Publons Top Peer Reviewer (2019) Advising & Impact: Advised Gary Wright, recipient of the NARST Dissertation Award. His courses are used at 44 universities. He contributed to national initiatives on teacher preparation and online education quality. Labs & Teams: Active in the Cognition, Computers and Learning group and Learning Sciences initiatives at NC State.
Katie O'Neill is a Lecturer in Art Therapy at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and a doctoral candidate in Disability Studies at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Her work bridges performance art, archiving, and activism, centering Mad experiences and challenging ableist norms. She holds a BFA from Moore College of Art & Design (2017), an MFA from SAIC (2019), and an MS from UIC (2021). Her research focuses on institutional histories of mental health, symptom notation systems, and spatial metaphors for madness. Notable projects include the Manteno Project (documenting a defunct psychiatric hospital) and Bathtub Resident (exploring hydrotherapy rituals). Her awards include the AHS Achievement Award (UIC, 2021) and Lightbox Detroit Residency. She teaches Introduction to Mad Studies , critiques compulsory able-bodiedness, and creates immersive environments blending video, text, and performance. Key exhibitions include Hyde Park Art Center (Chicago), Port Philip Specialist School (Australia), and Brick Lane Gallery (London). Current work expands her Symptom Notation system to translate lived Mad experiences into visual/performance languages.
Argenis Ramirez Gomez is a Senior Lecturer in Creative Technologies at the University of Portsmouth, Faculty of Creative & Cultural Industries, School of Film, Media and Creative Technologies. He is actively involved in research, teaching, and PhD supervision in the field of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), with a focus on emerging technologies, game interaction, and digital heritage applications. Education: Ph.D. in Computer Science (Human-Computer Interaction), Lancaster University (2016–2020) MSc in Computer Science, Lancaster University (2015–2016) MSc in Cognitive Systems and Interactive Media, Pompeu Fabra University (2014–2015) Bachelor’s in Audiovisual Systems Engineering, Pompeu Fabra University His research centers on innovative interaction techniques, particularly gaze-based and earable interfaces, often applied in playful and museum contexts. He integrates creative coding, human-centered design, and speculative methods to explore how technology can create meaningful, engaging experiences. His work spans interaction design, games, infovis, and cultural innovation, emphasizing both utility and playfulness. The trends in his recent publications reflect a strong interdisciplinary focus on blending technology with cultural heritage, especially through holography, digital avatars, and interactive museum installations. His research combines technical innovation with artistic expression, often resulting in public exhibitions and creative artifacts. Key themes include gaze interaction, embodied control, low-cost holography, and playful engagement in natural history museums. Scientific Awards and Recognition: Invited keynote speaker at Larian Studios (2024) Hosted multiple non-academic visitors and participated in industry collaborations Active contributor to conferences and workshops in HCI and digital heritage He supervises PhD, MSc, and BSc students and leads several active research projects, including 'Playing with Secret Powers' and 'Daddy the Pufferfish', often in collaboration with Dr. Chris Bailey-Ross. He has secured research funding for projects such as HoloRoom and Designing Interactions with Museums' Collections. His external roles include former Research Associate at Cardiff University and Associate Lecturer at Lancaster University. He is a core member of the Centre of Excellence for Heritage Innovation and frequently collaborates with cultural institutions like the Cumberland House Natural History Museum. His lab work involves prototyping interactive systems, developing digital exhibits, and exploring the future of museum engagement through emerging technologies.
Dr. Sarah Cooney is an Assistant Professor at University College Dublin's School of Psychology and Director of the UCD Body Lab. She holds a PhD from University College Dublin and has postdoctoral experience at Trinity College Dublin. Her research focuses on body image, interoception, perceptual cognition, and eating disorders, with a particular interest in how these factors interact across diverse populations. She has secured grants including the Ad Astra Start-Up and the HRB-funded BodyWise project. Dr. Cooney actively contributes to public engagement, including events on body image and mental health, and serves on committees such as the EDIP (Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in Psychology). She teaches courses like 'Brain & Behaviour' and coordinates advanced research methods modules. Her work bridges experimental psychology with educational technology, exemplified by her development of the Cartesian-Garden VR tool for teaching mathematics. PhD: University College Dublin Postdoctoral Fellowships: Trinity College Dublin (2017–2019) and UCD (2018–2019) Her research interests include: Body representation and sensorimotor integration Interoceptive awareness and its clinical implications Developmental spatial-numerical cognition Multisensory learning in immersive environments Dr. Cooney's articles explore topics ranging from body image disturbances in adulthood to the influence of sports/music experience on motor imagery. She has authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications and actively participates in academic conferences, including the Psychonomic Society and Spatial Cognition events.
Dr. Kim Barbour is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Media at the University of Adelaide’s School of Humanities. She specializes in qualitative new media studies, focusing on online persona construction and digital identity performance, particularly within domestic social media contexts. Her research explores how individuals strategically craft self-presentations through digital platforms and has resulted in influential works like Women and Persona Performance (2023) and Persona Studies: An Introduction (2019, co-authored). Barbour’s academic leadership roles include Honours Coordinator for the B.Media (Hons) program (2023–2025) and Post-Graduate Coordinator for Media, Philosophy, and European Languages and Linguistics (2024–2025). She coordinates courses such as Image and Brand , Popular Media: Text, Audience, Industry , and Media Research Methods , and supervises Masters and PhD students. She also serves as co-founder and managing editor of the open-access Persona Studies journal. Her professional activities include roles as Faculty of Arts Director for Gender Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (2021–2022), GEDI Champion for the School of Humanities (2023), and member of the University’s Ally Network and Wellbeing Champions Network. Her research and teaching address themes of digital citizenship, audience engagement, and inclusive pedagogy. Barbour’s publications span peer-reviewed journals like Convergence , Continuum , and First Monday , with a focus on digital media’s societal impacts and persona theory applications. Her recent work examines fan communities, pandemic-era identity formation, and transmedia storytelling.
Dr. Paul Gardner is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Education at Curtin University, with a focus on literacy education, writing pedagogy, and social justice. He holds positions in the Faculty of Humanities and serves on the Board of Directors for the Primary English Teachers Association of Australia (PETAA). His research emphasizes writer identity, critical literacy, and multicultural education, with a commitment to addressing educational inequities. Gardner has extensive experience in teacher training, having previously held roles at institutions such as the University of Bedfordshire and De Montfort University. Education: Doctor of Philosophy (University of Bedfordshire, UK), Master of Arts in Education (Open University, UK), and multiple teaching certifications including the RSA Teaching English in Multicultural Schools. His doctoral work explored writer identity and compositional processes, themes that continue to influence his research. Research Interests: Writer identity, critical literacy, social justice, children's literature, and embodied grammar. Key Projects: Centre for Excellence in the Explicit Teaching of Literacy (WA Government-funded), 'Student Teachers as Writers' project, and investigations into linguistic racism and EAL/D pedagogy. Awards: 2018 Curtin Faculty Teaching and Research Engagement Awards, multiple curriculum innovation awards in the UK. Publications: Over 30 peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and research reports on literacy education, including works in Literacy , Cambridge Journal of Education , and English in Education . Gardner’s work often combines autoethnographic methodologies with advocacy for marginalized voices in education. He supervises PhD students exploring writing, autoethnography, and visual literacy, and leads initiatives to improve literacy outcomes in low socioeconomic status communities.
Nannan Xi is an Associate Professor (tenure track) in the department of Information and Knowledge Management. Her research focuses on gamification, virtual and augmented reality technologies, and their applications in areas such as elderly well-being, consumer behavior, and ethical AI systems. She has collaborated extensively on studies involving the metaverse, service robots, and immersive technologies. Key research areas: Gamification design, extended reality (XR), AI ethics, and sustainable consumption. Notable contributions include experiments on metaverse shopping acceptance, gamification in healthcare, and ethical considerations in AI agents. Her work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and innovation. She has organized academic events such as workshops at the Pacific Asia Conference on Information Systems (2023) and contributed to conferences like ICIS 2024. Publications span journals like Technological Forecasting and Social Change and Internet Research , with a focus on empirical studies and systematic reviews.
Christoph Hölscher is a Full Professor and Chair of Cognitive Science at ETH Zurich, Department of Humanities, Social and Political Sciences. He is also an Honorary Senior Research Fellow at University College London’s Bartlett School of Architecture / Space Syntax group and has held visiting positions at UC Santa Barbara. His work bridges cognitive science, architectural design, and human-computer interaction. PhD in Psychology, University of Freiburg (2000) Habilitation in Psychology, University of Freiburg (2009) Project Manager, IT Industry (2000–2003) His research centers on spatial cognition , wayfinding in built environments , and usability in architectural design . He employs methods such as virtual reality, eye-tracking, and behavioral experiments to study how people navigate and interact with complex spaces. His work integrates cognitive psychology with urban planning and architecture to improve building legibility and user experience. The most recent publications reflect a strong interdisciplinary trend, combining cognitive science , urban systems , and virtual environments . Key themes include crowd simulation in emergencies, spatial reference frames in navigation, multi-level wayfinding challenges, and gaze behavior during spatial decisions. These studies often use immersive technologies and space syntax analysis to evaluate architectural configurations. Governing Board, Cognitive Science Society (since 2012) Board of Directors, SFB/TR8 Spatial Cognition (2007–2012) Co-chair, 33rd Annual Conference of the Cognitive Science Society (2011) Co-chair, Spatial Cognition International Conference (2010) Hölscher leads significant research initiatives connecting cognitive science with architectural practice. He has advised on evidence-based design, developed tools for recording spatial behavior (e.g., iPad apps), and promoted the use of personas in architectural design. His lab collaborates across disciplines, involving computer scientists, architects, and psychologists in projects focused on navigation support, spatial learning, and building usability. Future work appears to emphasize real-time spatial behavior analysis, integration of mobile technologies, and cross-modal perception in complex environments.
