Maher Ahmed is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Science, Wilfrid Laurier University. His research focuses on pattern recognition, artificial neural networks, and expert systems. He has contributed to diverse fields including robotics, medical informatics, network security, and computer vision. Key research interests include developing algorithms for shape representation, improving network anomaly detection, and applying machine learning to financial fraud prevention. His work bridges theoretical computer science with practical applications in healthcare and autonomous systems. Publications span robotics localization, medical literature reviews, encryption techniques, and sign language recognition, reflecting a cross-disciplinary approach. He currently holds no listed awards but maintains an active research agenda with a focus on applied artificial intelligence.
Western Switzerland University of Applied SciencesSwitzerland
Maria Sokhn is a Professor at the Haute Ecole Arc - Gestion within the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO). She leads the School of Economics and Services and specializes in digital transformation, knowledge management, and data-driven solutions. Her work bridges academia and industry through innovative projects addressing organizational digital maturity, sustainable supply chains, and accessibility technologies. Key Affiliations: HES-SO Master (Lausanne), Haute Ecole Arc (Neuchâtel) Research Focus: Digital transformation frameworks, blockchain applications, VR in tourism, and social innovation Research Interests: Sokhn's work spans digital maturity models for SMEs, blockchain-based supply chain transparency, and leveraging VR for destination branding. Her projects often integrate gamification and crowdsourcing to enhance data quality and user engagement. Notable collaborations include SwissRenov (circular economy in construction) and City-Stories (spatio-temporal data visualization). Grants & Projects: Over 20+ funded projects totaling CHF 2.5M+, including roles as Main Applicant for Digital Arc Hub (CHF 98K) and City-Stories (CHF 392K). Recent initiatives include SUDAC-2 (CHF 575K) expanding Switzerland's academic partnerships in the Global South. Labs/Teams: Active in HES-SO's interdisciplinary teams focusing on digital governance, inclusive technology, and smart manufacturing. Co-leads the Knowledge Discovery and Parapheur Electronique research groups.
Tjeerd Van Staa is a Professor of Health e-Research at the University of Manchester's Division of Informatics, Imaging & Data Sciences. He specializes in pragmatic randomized trials using electronic health records (EHRs), with a focus on cluster trials and pharmacoepidemiology. His research addresses interventions in primary care, drug safety, and osteoporosis. He holds a MD from Erasmus University Rotterdam, a PhD in Pharmacoepidemiology from Utrecht University, and advanced degrees in Epidemiology and Medical Ethics. His career includes roles as Director of Research at the Clinical Practice Research Datalink and leadership in international collaborations like the Innovative Medicines Initiative. He teaches at Utrecht University and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, covering pharmacoepidemiology and drug safety. Notable awards include the 2005 Iain I Boyle Award for contributions to bone disease research. Key projects include the RAPID-RT initiative improving lung cancer survival through real-world data, and the DynAIRx study optimizing medication reviews for patients with multimorbidity. He has contributed to over 310 publications, focusing on antibiotic prescribing, EHR data utilization, and clinical trial design.
Jason Paolo Telles is a PhD Candidate and Assistant Lecturer at Monash University School of Media, Film and Journalism. He specializes in critical media histories, indigenous media, and Southeast Asian media studies. As Founder and Executive Director of the Southeast Asian Media Studies Association (SEAMSA), he promotes academic collaboration in media research across Southeast Asia. His work bridges media studies with environmental, cultural, and sport-related themes. Education: Bachelor of Arts in Communication (University of the Philippines Baguio) Master of Arts in Media Studies (University of the Philippines Diliman) Research focuses on indigenous media representation, ecomedia, sport communication, and media history in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. His publications analyze topics like vernacular music broadcasting, sport mega-events as national memory platforms, and environmental discourses in media. SEAMSA serves as a key platform for regional academic exchange. His work engages with marginalized communities through media studies, emphasizing cultural preservation, indigenous self-determination, and environmental advocacy. No formal grants or awards are listed, but his contributions to SEAMSA highlight collaborative academic leadership.
George Evelyn is an Assistant Professor in the Animation Program at the California College of the Arts (CCA). He has over two decades of experience directing animation for major networks like Disney Junior, Nickelodeon, and BBC, co-creating and directing the preschool series Sheriff Callie’s Wild West . Previously, he directed commercials, broadcast IDs, and immersive theme-park animations at studios like Colossal Pictures and Wild Brain. His work spans TV series, commercials, and interactive media, with a focus on transitioning from traditional to digital animation techniques. Academic Role: Assistant Professor, Animation Program Institution: California College of the Arts His research and professional interests center on animation storytelling, character design, and the evolution of animation technologies. Notable projects include directing Jungle Junction (UK Disney), Bubble Guppies (Nickelodeon), and immersive rides using hydraulic motion effects. Professional accolades include the Clio Award, multiple Emmy nominations, and recognition at the Sundance Film Festival. He has worked with iconic characters like the Trix Rabbit, Wile E. Coyote, and musician Prince. Education: BFA from the University of Georgia.
Feng Gu is a Professor of Computer Science at The College of Staten Island, CUNY, and a doctoral faculty member at The Graduate Center, CUNY. He holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from China University of Mining and Technology, MS in Information Systems from Beijing Institute of Machinery, and MS/PhD in Computer Science from Georgia State University. His research focuses on Modeling and Simulation , Complex Systems , High Performance Computing , and Bioinformatics . Notable contributions include work on wildfire spread simulation, particle filters, and machine learning applications in healthcare and genomics. Recent grants include a $563,411 NSF grant for crime analysis and a $40,000 CUNY-IRG grant for obesity modeling. He has received awards such as the TMS/DEVS 2018 Best Paper Award and the 2018 Emerald Literati Award. His work bridges computational methods with real-world challenges in environmental science, cybersecurity, and social policy. Professional activities include serving as a reviewer for journals like IEEE Transactions and conferences like Winter Simulation Conference . He has organized sessions at events such as the International Conference on Cloud Computing and Big Data Analysis (ICCCBDA).
Dominique Bohrmann is a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) group at the University of Trier’s Faculty of Computer Science (Faculty IV) . He completed his PhD in Human Factors at the Technical University of Munich (TUM School of Engineering and Design), focusing on automotive human factors and motion sickness mitigation in automated vehicles through collaborations with Mercedes-Benz AG. At Trier, he leads the interdisciplinary FlexiTeams project, using artificial intelligence to optimize crisis management strategies for emergency teams during events like the COVID-19 pandemic. His research integrates human-machine interface design with industrial and organizational psychology insights. Education: PhD in Human Factors, TU Munich (TUM School of Engineering and Design) Previous academic and professional work in automotive safety and accessibility Research Focus: Human factors in automated vehicles, AI-driven crisis management, ergonomic vehicle interior design, and accessibility for mobility-impaired passengers. His work bridges engineering and social sciences to enhance user-centered mobility solutions. Key Collaborations: German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI), University of Trier’s Department of Industrial/Organizational Psychology, and Mercedes-Benz AG. Labs/Teams: Core member of the HCI group at Trier University, actively involved in the FlexiTeams project and automotive safety research initiatives.
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical UniversityUnited States
Anthony Rundles Jr. is an Adjunct Professor of Graphic Design at Florida A&M University's School of Journalism and Graphic Communications. He holds a Master of Fine Arts in Media Design from Full Sail University (2021) and a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and Design from Clark Atlanta University (2014). His expertise spans graphic design, media arts, and visual communication, with a focus on data visualization and creative innovation. He is the founder of A.Rundles Design, LLC (2013–present), providing graphic design services for clients like Cushman & Wakefield and Turner Network Television. Key achievements include Full Sail University’s Salutatorian award (2021) and Course Director Awards for Personal Development, Effective Copywriting, and Multi-Platform Delivery. He teaches courses such as PGY 4820C Electronic Still Photo, emphasizing social activism themes in design projects. His professional experience includes roles as a marketing specialist, high school design teacher, and freelance designer for brands like the TNT Claws campaign and the Slutty Vegan. Research interests include visual storytelling, user experience design, and integrating educational mentorship with industry practices. Notable projects include rebranding Kell High School, creating a thesis campaign for a Las Vegas hockey team, and designing promotional materials for the Jeffery album cover by Young Thug. His work is showcased on arundlesdesign.com, Behance, and Adobe Spark, reflecting his commitment to bridging creative design with effective communication strategies.
Seokyon Hwang, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor at Lamar University, specializing in Construction Project Management. He holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and has over six years of construction field experience as a project engineer/superintendent. His research focuses on probabilistic modeling, BIM integration, sensor technologies, and organizational sustainability, with over 20 publications and a book in these areas. Education: Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Research Interests: Statistical modeling of longitudinal data Computer simulation for process dynamics BIM and sensor technologies in construction Resilience engineering for infrastructure systems His work bridges engineering and technology, emphasizing practical applications in construction safety, cost analysis, and sustainable practices. Teaching Contributions: Teaches courses like Construction Planning and Scheduling and Construction Project Management in Lamar’s MBA program. Emphasizes career development and collaborative learning, fostering student resilience through real-world projects. Advising & Grants: While no advisees are listed, his research has received attention for innovations in infrastructure resilience and automated inspection techniques. Active in grant proposals for BIM integration and drone-based monitoring systems. Labs/Teams: Engaged in interdisciplinary projects involving UAV technology, AI, and smart infrastructure systems, collaborating with industry partners to advance practical solutions.
George Giakos is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Manhattan College, NY, and Director of the Graduate Program. Previously, he served as a Professor at the University of Akron for over 20 years, directing imaging technologies and surveillance laboratories. His research focuses on imaging systems, photonics, medical diagnostics, and defense applications. Giakos holds a PhD from Marquette University and has authored over 200 peer-reviewed articles, 16 patents, and received prestigious awards including the IEEE Fellow distinction and the 2014 IEEE-USA Professional Achievement Award. Education Ph.D., Electrical & Computer Engineering, Marquette University M.S., Nuclear Physics, Ohio University Postgraduate Diploma, Nuclear Instrumentation, University of Edinburgh Laurea, Applied Physics, University of Turin Research Interests Giakos pioneers advancements in imaging devices and systems, integrating photonics, nanotechnology, and bio-inspired techniques. His work spans medical diagnostics (e.g., cancer detection via polarimetric imaging), defense (space surveillance, autonomous systems), and semiconductor characterization. He emphasizes interdisciplinary innovation, bridging defense and bioscience through novel imaging paradigms. Articles Overview Recent work includes neuromorphic architectures for space IoT, adversarial machine learning in power grids, and interdisciplinary frameworks for systematic innovation. His research often combines AI with domain-specific applications, addressing challenges in healthcare site selection, cybersecurity, and quantum sensing. Awards IEEE Fellow (2014) ONR Distinguished Faculty Fellow (2005) AFRL Space Surveillance Fellowships (2007–2009) NASA Faculty Fellowships (2000, 2001, 2004) Advising & Grants Giakos has secured over $6M in grants as PI, collaborating with AFRL, NASA, and industry partners like Lockheed Martin. His leadership spans IEEE committees, including chairing the TC-19 Imaging Systems Technical Committee and organizing international conferences like IEEE International Conference on Imaging Systems and Techniques. Labs & Teams Directs Manhattan College’s imaging and surveillance laboratories, advancing technologies such as multifusion polarimetric detection and bio-inspired robotic vision systems. His team develops platforms like the AFRL Multifunctional Imaging Surveillance system for defense and medical applications.
Aparna Bharati serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at Lehigh University's P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science. She leads the Computer Vision Research Group and maintains critical affiliations with the AIRLab, I-DISC, and NHI Initiatives, driving interdisciplinary collaboration in artificial intelligence and data science. Education: Ph.D. in Computer Science, University of Notre Dame (2020) B.Tech. in Computer Science and Engineering, Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, India (2015) Research Focus: Dr. Bharati pioneers work at the intersection of Computer Vision, Machine Learning, and Media Forensics, with deep specialization in Biometrics and Pattern Recognition. Her research develops advanced algorithms for detecting image manipulation, establishing media provenance, and mitigating security vulnerabilities in AI-generated content, directly addressing critical challenges in digital trust and authentication systems. Publication Trends: Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2023-2025) reveals an intense focus on generative AI threats and defenses. Key trajectories include negation understanding in multimodal foundation models, identity-based provenance tracking for synthetic media, and perturbation-resistant image protection mechanisms. Her work consistently targets emerging vulnerabilities in deepfakes, style transfer, and neural compression while advancing forensic methodologies for next-generation image analysis. Leadership & Grants: Dr. Bharati directs the Computer Vision Research Group while mentoring graduate students in cutting-edge media forensics projects. Her research has been supported by high-impact initiatives including the DARPA MediFor program during her doctoral work at Notre Dame. She actively shapes the field through leadership roles on the IEEE Biometric Council Editorial Board and PAMI-TC Executive Committee. Research Ecosystem: Within Lehigh's collaborative infrastructure, she leverages AIRLab for AI innovation, I-DISC for data-intensive computing resources, and NHI for health informatics applications. This tripartite affiliation enables her to bridge theoretical computer vision with real-world security and healthcare implementations through cross-departmental team science.
Lifang He is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science & Engineering at Lehigh University. She holds a B.S. in Computational Mathematics from Northwest Normal University and a Ph.D. in Computer Science from South China University of Technology. Prior to joining Lehigh, she was a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine and Weill Cornell Medical College. Her research focuses on machine learning/deep learning, data mining, tensor analysis, and biomedical informatics. Notable projects include developing BiomedGPT, an AI model for real-time patient-focused insights, and contributions to structural brain imaging analysis and rare event prediction in materials science. Her work bridges computational methods with healthcare applications, emphasizing multi-modal data fusion and federated learning in medical contexts. Recent publications span topics like self-paced learning for sign language recognition, graph-based brain network analysis, and efficient large language models. She actively participates in symposiums on AI in healthcare and has collaborated on initiatives like the Mountaintop Campus’ interdisciplinary projects.
Haifeng Wang serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Washington State University's Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture since January 2023, following adjunct and postdoctoral roles at WSU and Lehigh University. His educational background includes: Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, University at Buffalo (2021) M.S. in Civil Engineering, Southeast University (2015) B.S. in Civil Engineering, Southeast University (2012) Dr. Wang's research integrates machine learning , computer vision , and drone technology with structural engineering to advance infrastructure resilience. Key focus areas include: Physics-informed surrogate modeling for wind hazards Vision-based structural condition assessment Performance-based wind design of structures Resilience quantification under extreme events His publication trends (2018-2024) reveal a strategic shift toward deep learning-enhanced wind load identification and data-driven catastrophe modeling , with increasing emphasis on physics-guided neural networks and multi-sensor data fusion for structural health monitoring. Notable recognitions include: ASCE SEI Tier 1 Young Professional Scholarship (2023) NSF NHERI Summer Institute Travel Award (2022) Mark Diamond Research Fund (2018) Dr. Wang advises graduate students in civil engineering research while securing competitive funding through awards from ASCE, NSF, and professional societies. His lab develops cutting-edge methodologies combining experimental validation with computational innovation for infrastructure resilience challenges.
Schloss Dagstuhl - Leibniz Center for InformaticsGermany
Xiaoyang Zeng is a Professor at Tsinghua University's School of Information Science and Technology, Institute of Microelectronics, with an extensive research portfolio in VLSI design, integrated circuits, and hardware acceleration systems. With over 429 publications spanning from 2005 to 2025, Professor Zeng maintains an exceptionally active research program, particularly evident in the high publication volume in recent years (45 papers in 2024 and 28 projected for 2025). His collaborative network includes prominent researchers such as Yibo Fan, Jun Han, Xu Cheng, and Xiaoyong Xue. Professor Zeng's research focuses on cutting-edge areas including Compute-in-Memory architectures, neuromorphic computing, low-power circuit design, and hardware acceleration for AI applications. His work bridges theoretical innovation with practical implementation, as evidenced by numerous publications in top-tier IEEE journals including the Journal of Solid-State Circuits, Transactions on Circuits and Systems, and Transactions on VLSI Systems. Recent work demonstrates particular strength in RRAM-based CIM accelerators, energy-efficient converters, and advanced signal processing techniques. The publication trends show a strategic evolution from traditional circuit design toward emerging computing paradigms, with increasing focus on AI hardware acceleration, neuromorphic systems, and energy-efficient computing solutions. His research group has developed innovative approaches to address challenges in memory-centric computing, analog circuit design, and hardware implementation of machine learning algorithms, with applications spanning consumer electronics, medical devices, and edge computing systems. Selected Scientific Awards: IEEE Journal of Solid-State Circuits Best Paper Award (2022) National Natural Science Award of China (Second Class, 2020) IEEE Asian Solid-State Circuits Conference Best Paper Award (2019) Professor Zeng has successfully advised numerous graduate students who have become active contributors in the field, with several now leading their own research projects. His research has been supported by multiple national-level grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Ministry of Science and Technology, focusing on next-generation computing architectures and advanced circuit design methodologies. The research group maintains strong industry connections with leading semiconductor companies for technology transfer and practical implementation of research outcomes.
Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and ArtsGermany
Prof. Jens Rettkowski is a leading academic specializing in advanced computing architectures, particularly focusing on multi-core systems, reconfigurable hardware (FPGAs), and networks-on-chip (NoC). His work bridges theoretical computer architecture with practical applications in embedded systems, real-time processing, and autonomous technologies. Research Interests: Multi-Core Architecture Design and Optimization Networks-on-Chip (NoC) for High-Performance Systems Reconfigurable Computing and FPGA-Based Systems Hardware-Software Co-Design for Embedded Applications Real-Time Systems and Energy Efficiency Sensor Data Fusion and Autonomous Driving Publications reflect a strong focus on optimizing communication and computation in heterogeneous systems, with recent work emphasizing power savings in multi-core architectures and event-based debugging frameworks. His contributions include frameworks like MPSoCSim for simulating reconfigurable systems, and software-defined FPGA approaches for adaptive computing. He has led research in robotics applications for assisted living environments, combining navigation algorithms with real-time sensor processing. His work also addresses security aspects of FPGA configuration and partial bitstream analysis using machine learning.
