John Levee is an Assistant Professor and Assistant Program Director of Game Sound Design at Champlain College's Division of Communication & Creative Media. As an artist, composer, and educator, his work explores human interaction with technology and the environment through obsolete media formats like VHS tapes and CRT TVs, often incorporating field recordings and found objects. Education: MFA in Sound Art from Columbia University; BS in Audio Technology & Industry and BA in Digital Arts from Stetson University His research examines how advancing technology impacts natural spaces, using landfill-bound devices to critique industrialization. He integrates these themes into both artistic practice and pedagogy, emphasizing constraints in creative processes. Levee's career spans music production (Quad Studios, Looking Glass Studios), broadcast engineering at Vermont Public, and indie game audio development. He founded Breadbox Productions for documentary work, including the award-winning "Liemba" about Africa's oldest operational ship.
Ana Pires is a cognitive psychologist and Research Fellow at ITI-LARSyS, with affiliations at the Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona (PhD in Psychology), Universidade de La República (Co-PI of the 'Interaction and Perception' research line), and Instituto Superior Técnico / Universidade de Lisboa as a Post-Doc researcher in the Faculty of Sciences and LASIGE. Her career spans multiple institutions across Spain, Uruguay, and Portugal, focusing on inclusive educational technology for children with mixed visual abilities. PhD in Psychology (Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona) Research Fellow (ITI-LARSyS) Co-PI (Universidade de La República) Post-Doc Researcher (Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa) Her research bridges Human-Computer Interaction and Educational Technology to create Inclusive Design solutions. Key projects include: TACTOPI : Multisensory environment for computational thinking CETA : Tangible interaction device for mathematics DCitizens : Digital Civics innovation in Lisbon Accembly : Spatial programming for visually impaired children Her work emphasizes participatory design and user-centered approaches , incorporating tangible interfaces , auditory/haptic feedback , and collaborative learning . Google Scholar shows 25+ peer-reviewed publications since 2009, with recent focus on: AI education through tangible storytelling Ethical frameworks for community-based design Neurodiverse classroom interventions Gamification for mental health awareness Assistive robotics for aging populations Mathematical learning through physical manipulatives While no explicit scientific awards are documented in the text, her 15 most recent articles (2024-2025) demonstrate continuous funding and research activity. She actively engages with families, educators, and cross-disciplinary teams (psychologists, designers, computer scientists) in developing and evaluating accessible technologies.
Gabriel Vigliensoni is an Assistant Professor in Creative Artificial Intelligence within the Department of Design and Computation Arts at Concordia University. He holds a PhD in Music Technology from McGill University and maintains active research and creative practice at the intersection of artificial intelligence, music, and human-computer interaction. His work spans academic research, artistic performance, and music production. PhD in Music Technology, McGill University Assistant Professor, Department of Design and Computation Arts, Concordia University Vigliensoni's research focuses on sound and music making through machine learning, human-computer interaction, artificial intelligence, embodied musical interaction, music information retrieval, and new interfaces for musical expression. His approach merges formal musical training with extensive experience in sound recording, music production, and computational techniques. His creative work challenges traditional notions of liveness and immediacy in digital music production through procedural composition and embodied interaction. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on interactive machine learning for creative applications, particularly in audio and music domains. The research trends show increasing emphasis on explainable AI for the arts, ethical considerations in AI music applications, and the development of interfaces that facilitate sustained artistic practice with machine learning systems. His work spans from theoretical foundations to practical implementations in musical interfaces. 2025-2027: Co-Applicant, New Frontiers in Research Fund—Exploration 2024–2025: PI, Petro-Canada Young Innovator Award (PCYIA) 2024–2025: Collaborator, Responsible AI UK international partnerships UKRI 2023–2025: PI, Explore and Create | Research Creation (Canada Council for the Arts) 2023–2025: PI, Faculty Research Development Program (Concordia University) 2022–2023: PI, Knowledge Mobilization Grant (FRQSC) 2020–2022: PI, Postdoctoral Research Creation (FRQSC) Vigliensoni supervises graduate students in Design (MDes), Individualized Programs (MA, MSc), and Individualized Programs (PhD). His research is supported by significant grants from Canadian funding agencies as well as international collaborations. His work bridges academic research with artistic practice, creating feedback loops between theoretical exploration and creative output. His studio practice and research involve developing interactive systems for musical expression, with notable projects including Clastic Music, Telematic Awakening, and Re•col•lec•tions. These projects often combine real-time audio processing, machine learning, and gestural interfaces to create novel musical experiences that explore the relationship between human performers and AI systems.
Professor Vanessa Cesário is a leading academic in Digital Media and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) , currently affiliated with the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at the University of Madeira . She is an active researcher at the Interactive Technologies Institute (ITI) , focusing on Cultural Heritage, Participatory Design , and Interactive Storytelling across international collaborations. Ph.D. in Digital Media (Communication Sciences and Technology) Master’s in Cultural Management Bachelor’s in Communication Her research integrates technology-mediated cultural preservation through methodologies like collaborative autoethnography and inclusive design . She develops gamified museum experiences and serious games for educational purposes, notably creating the OWL CLUB application for student engagement. Recent publications emphasize AR for marine conservation , LLM-driven sustainability games , and empathic design for marginalized communities . Her work addresses ethical AI implementation and emotional dynamics in gaming , with practical applications in no-code exhibition tools and retro-inspired interactive systems . Key projects include eGames Lab and MEMEX , with fieldwork spanning teenager engagement in museums , elderly participatory design , and migrant community integration . She advocates for cross-disciplinary research and modular communication frameworks to enhance cultural and educational technologies.
Morgan Tear is a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Policy Futures within the Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Queensland. He leads the Work Futures and Economic Security research stream and has over a decade of experience spanning academic, government, and private sectors. Previously, he served as the inaugural manager of Queensland's Behavioural Economics and Research Team (BERT), the state's first centrally located behavioural insights unit. Morgan Tear specializes in understanding human behavior at multiple levels—individual, organisational, and systemic—to design interventions that are well-targeted and more likely to succeed. His expertise spans behavioural science, public policy, applied psychology, and systems thinking. His research focuses on social justice, rights and empowerment, work futures, and economic security, with particular interest in organisational culture, social inclusion, regulation, and public policy. He employs a diverse methodological toolkit including qualitative approaches, trial design, statistical analysis, evaluation and impact assessment, and the application of social psychological theories of behaviour change. His publication record demonstrates a strong focus on safety culture, risk assessment, and behavioral interventions across multiple sectors. Recent works examine community attitudes toward vulnerable families, risk culture in finance, and safety culture through social identity theory. His research consistently bridges behavioral science with practical policy applications, particularly in high-risk sectors and economic security contexts, demonstrating how human-centered insights can improve policy design and implementation. Morgan Tear has secured over $2.15 million in Category 2 and 3 research funding, averaging approximately $360,000 per year. He collaborates extensively with diverse stakeholders including policymakers, academics, practitioners, government departments, think tanks, and not-for-profits. He is available for supervision of graduate students and actively contributes to advancing best-practice principles for behavioural science application in complex policy environments. His work on safety culture with international partners such as EUROCONTROL and the OECD has influenced global thinking about organisational behavior and leadership. His research into construction safety policy led to a new practice note issued by the Victorian Building Authority, supporting safer working environments through practical, policy-driven change. He has developed frameworks adopted by public and private institutions, including one of Australia's largest superannuation funds, to strengthen workforce engagement and responsible governance.
Alireza Sanaei is a Lecturer in the School of Engineering and the Built Environment within the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU). His expertise spans Electrical and Electronic Engineering with specialized focus on wearable technology development, algorithm optimization, and forensic audio signal processing applications. His academic credentials include: MPhil in Audio Forensics BEng (Hons) in Electronic Engineering Dr. Sanaei's research integrates wearable technology for extreme sports performance enhancement through tactile motion instruction systems and forensic audio analysis using electric network frequency authentication methods. His work in gait analysis and mechatronics directly supports rehabilitation applications, while sensor development and digital signal processing expertise enables serious game implementations for motor impairment therapy. Analysis of his 2014-2018 publications reveals a clear trajectory toward applied rehabilitation technology, with increasing emphasis on wearable sensor integration (Kinect, Myo armband) and adaptive control systems in therapeutic gaming environments. His foundational work in audio forensics remains relevant to digital evidence authentication protocols. Professional recognition includes: Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) Dr. Sanaei teaches core engineering subjects including Digital Electronics, Audio Electronics, and Signals and Control Systems. His industry background includes embedded AV system development at AV Niche Recording Systems Ltd (2008), and he previously held leadership positions in the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) as Secretary (2006) and Chairman (2007) of the Younger Members' Section. He operates within ARU's Medical Technology Research Centre framework and maintains active professional memberships in the Institution of Engineering and Technology (MIET) and Audio Engineering Society (AES).
Emil Rosenlund Høeg is a Postdoctoral Researcher at Aalborg University , specifically within the Multisensory Experience Laboratory under the Department of Architecture and Media Technology . His work bridges Virtual Reality (VR) with rehabilitation engineering and educational technology, focusing on enhancing well-being through immersive experiences. Emil holds a PhD (2023) from Aalborg University, a M.Sc. in Medialogy (2017) , and a B.Sc. in Medialogy (2015) . His academic journey has been rooted in problem-based learning (PBL) and participatory design methodologies. Research interests span Virtual Reality-based rehabilitation for older adults and autistic children, exergame development , human-computer interaction , and motivation theory in health technology. Recent article trends emphasize VR hygiene protocols , social collaboration in therapeutic exergames, and extrinsic motivation frameworks for sustained rehabilitation engagement. Scientific achievements include a Best Paper Award (2019) . He serves as a journal referee for BMC Medical Informatics , ISA Transactions , and Virtual Reality , while participating in conferences like IEEE VR and ICDVRAT. Projects include the Telecyclette Initiative (Velux Foundation-funded) for elder rehabilitation, GAMESS for autism education, and Virtual Reality Hygiene Research . Media involvement covers Radio Nova commentary on META's Orion glasses and VR's societal impact.
Eric Mosterd serves as the Assistant Director of the Center for Teaching & Learning, Coordinator of eLearning Design and Delivery for Continuing and Distance Education, and TechFellows Program Manager at the University of South Dakota. He additionally holds the Regents Fellow for e-Education Initiatives position with the South Dakota Board of Regents and functions as an adjunct instructor in the Department of Music, teaching Western music history, jazz history, and technology-related courses. His academic credentials include: MM in Musicology, University of South Dakota (2004) MA in Computer Science, University of South Dakota (2001) BA in Computer Science & German, University of South Dakota (1999) Professional certifications encompass Lean Management, LERN Advanced Online Teaching, Quality Matters, and multiple project management credentials. Mosterd's research centers on technology integration in instructional settings with specialized focus on music pedagogy. He has developed interactive music tools and games that directly address classroom challenges, resulting in measurable student success improvements. His interdisciplinary approach bridges music theory, computer science, and educational design to create innovative solutions for online and hybrid learning environments. Analysis of his publication history (2001-2018) reveals consistent advancement in music technology applications for education. Key trajectories include interactive online music pedagogy for non-majors, universal design for learning frameworks, development of music markup languages, and media streaming technologies. His work demonstrates progression from technical implementations toward inclusive educational design principles. Professional recognition includes: Regents Fellow for e-Education Initiatives (South Dakota Board of Regents) His grant activity includes the Interactive Music Tool Development project (2007) which directly funded classroom innovations. Conference presentations at EDUCAUSE (2019, 2008, 2005) demonstrate leadership in online course quality assurance, LMS implementation, and educational technology integration. Through the TechFellows program, he cultivates faculty innovation in teaching methodologies across the university. Within institutional structures, Mosterd leads cross-functional teams in the Center for Teaching & Learning and Continuing and Distance Education units. These teams drive USD's online course development standards, faculty training programs, and educational technology adoption strategies, particularly evident during rapid transitions to digital learning environments.
Prof. Dr. Maximilian Altmeyer serves as Professor of Web Development and Mobile Applications Engineering at Saarland University of Applied Sciences within the School of Engineering. He leads the interaction experience group and holds key administrative roles including Member of the Faculty Council, Member of the University Library Advisory Board, and Deputy Head of Production Informatics. His work bridges academic research with practical application in digital systems. Altmeyer's research centers on Human-Computer Interaction with specialized focus on User Experience (UX), Player Experience (PX), Gamification, and Persuasive Technology. His investigations span Digital Health applications, gameful design principles, and interactive system development. Recent work examines voice interfaces, music effects in gaming, and sustainable behavior change through gamified eco-feedback systems. He employs rigorous empirical methods including instrument validation, comparative studies, and large-scale literature reviews. His publication trajectory reveals consistent contributions to top venues like CHI and CHI PLAY, with growing emphasis on user typology validation (Hexad scale), multimodal feedback systems, and cross-cultural adaptation of research instruments. The work demonstrates strong methodological diversity spanning controlled experiments, content analysis of 280+ papers, and longitudinal behavior change studies. Altmeyer actively shapes the research community through leadership roles including Work In Progress Co-Chair for CHI Play 2024/2023, Associate Chair for CHI 2026-2024, and extensive reviewing for premier HCI conferences. He teaches across bachelor's and master's programs covering Web Development, Gamification, Theoretical Computer Science, and Empirical Evaluation of Interactive Systems. The interaction experience group under his direction focuses on designing, implementing, and evaluating interactive systems with particular attention to user-centered gamification techniques and persuasive health technologies. Current projects include voice experience measurement tools, office wellness interventions, and game-based learning frameworks.
Walter Westinghouse serves as a Lecturer in Champlain College's Division of Communication & Creative Media, teaching within the Filmmaking and Game Sound Design degree programs. Based in Burlington, Vermont, he leverages extensive industry experience spanning live sound engineering, studio recording, audio post-production, and component-level equipment repair to bridge academic instruction with professional practice. His expertise centers on the technical and creative dimensions of audio production, with specialized focus on: Digital Audio Workstation (Pro Tools) systems engineering Film and game audio post-production workflows Live sound reinforcement design and implementation Music production techniques for diverse media Audio equipment maintenance and studio infrastructure Interactive media sound design principles Walter holds dual Avid certifications as a Pro Tools Certified Operator for Post Production and Music, achieving Specialist status in 2023. His industry recognition includes the 2014 Seven Daysies Award for Best Recording Studio/Engineer, reflecting significant contributions to Vermont's audio engineering community. His teaching integrates real-world studio and live sound scenarios to prepare students for technical roles in creative media industries.
Jonathan Bickoff is a Lecturer in Acoustic Architecture at Berklee College of Music. With over 15 years of experience spanning academia, industry, and creative work, he specializes in blending acoustics, engineering, and music production. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Rutgers University and a Bachelor of Science in Music Industry and Business from Mercy University, earned with distinction. His teaching focuses on Architectural, Acoustic, and Audio System Design for Modern Music Production Studios , combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on application. Bickoff’s expertise extends to global projects as a Partner and Acoustician at Walters-Storyk Design Group LLC, where he oversees facility design and audio-video implementation. His philosophy emphasizes sound’s transformative power to inspire and transcend boundaries.
Christopher Niskala is a faculty member at Berklee College of Music specializing in Orchestration, Songwriting, and Music for Film, TV, and Games. He serves as an instructor in the Department of Scoring for Film, TV, and Games, bringing his extensive industry experience to the classroom. Niskala's research and teaching interests focus on video game composition, scoring for interactive media, and audio middleware technologies. His background spans multiple music production domains including Drum'n'Bass production, video game audio, and work in advertising, TV, and film. His expertise in interactive scoring techniques provides students with practical knowledge of current industry practices in game audio development. As an educator, Niskala emphasizes the technical and creative aspects of scoring for interactive media, drawing from his professional experience in the gaming industry. His courses likely cover implementation techniques, adaptive music systems, and the unique challenges of composing for non-linear media formats.
Ilze Blūmentāle is a Lecturer at the Department of Rehabilitation within the Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences at Rīga Stradiņš University . She serves as the Director of the Study Programme "Audio Speech Therapy" and holds an ORCID profile (0000-0002-2953-4407). Her work focuses on speech pathology, pediatric audiology, and craniofacial development, particularly in children with cleft lip/palate and adenoid hypertrophy. Research Interests : Speech therapy interventions, myofunctional therapy, language development in special populations, muscle strength correlations, and tactile communication strategies for deafblind children. Her recent publications (2024-2009) cover topics like postoperative fistula rates in cleft palate patients, speech-language-hearing interdependencies, and muscle physiology in pediatric ENT disorders. She actively participates in international conferences including the European Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association Congress and multidisciplinary events on societal welfare. Blūmentāle contributes to EU-funded educational reforms and technical aid assessments in Latvian institutions. She collaborates with experts across disciplines and has provided media commentary on multilingual child development and myofunctional therapy relevance.
Dr. Chris Whiter is a Lecturer in Sound Design (Video Games) at Manchester Metropolitan University's School of Digital Arts. His career bridges academic teaching with professional composition/sound design for award-winning media projects. PhD research on studio composition, improvisation, and genre hybridization Active in virtual reality music research through Music Design VR collective Research interests include: Combining contemporary jazz with experimental electronics Live electronics integration in acoustic performance 3D spatial audio for virtual environments Sound design pedagogy with industry-standard practices His professional work spans: Soundtracks for Transformers Battlegrounds (2020), Jurassic World Aftermath (2020), and Get Packed (2020) Orchestral arrangements for Grammy-winning artists Academy Award winner A.R. Rahman collaborations Debut jazz-electronics fusion album The Borderline Suite (2022)
Jeremiah Slovarp is a Professor and Lecturer in the Department of Music at Montana State University's College of Arts & Architecture. He specializes in Music Technology, Sound Design, and AV Integration, teaching courses like Sound for Film & TV and Multimedia Audio Production. Slovarp is an award-winning audio professional with 12 Emmy Awards for his work in postproduction sound for TV and film, including 11th & Grant , Winning Time , and The Old Man . He founded Jereco Studios in 2002, providing recording, live event production, and AV integration services. Slovarp serves on the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Board of Governors and is Technical Director of the Warren Miller Performing Arts Center. His research explores acoustical design and the economics of the creative arts industry. Teaching: Courses include Entertainment Business, Sound for Video Games, and Live Production Design Affiliations: Audio Engineering Society (AES), Recording Academy (Grammy) Community Roles: TEDxBozeman Technical Consultant, Bozeman Public Library Advisor His creative work spans films like 1883 and TV series such as Candy and Chicago P.D. , demonstrating expertise in postproduction sound mixing and audio design.
