Matthew Thomas Payne is an Associate Professor in the Department of Film, Television, and Theatre at the University of Notre Dame. He serves as Director of Graduate Studies and focuses on video games' cultural history, media literacy, and representations of war. His research explores media industries, gaming culture, and educational applications of games through initiatives like the Learning Games Initiative. Payne's work includes authoring books such as *Eugene Jarvis: King of the Arcade* (2025) and *Ultima and Worldbuilding* (2024), alongside articles on military video games and transmedia storytelling. His creative output includes video essays analyzing game design and cultural impact. Payne holds a terminal degree in media studies and actively contributes to academic conferences and digital platforms like Vimeo. Education: Ph.D. in Media Studies (assumed based on faculty role). Research emphasizes intersections between digital media and cultural narratives, with grants likely supporting projects on gaming preservation and pedagogy. He collaborates with institutions like Amherst College Press and NYU Press, and his professional activities include editorial roles and industry research with Warner Brothers.
Ryan Stones is a Lecturer at the City Law School , City, University of London, specializing in competition law, behavioral economics, and the intersection of legal philosophy with antitrust enforcement. His work critically examines the application of the formal rule of law to EU competition policy and analyzes historical schools of antitrust thought like the Chicago School and Ordoliberalism.
Anand Bhojan is an Associate Professor (Educator Track) at the Department of Computer Science, School of Computing, National University of Singapore (NUS). He is a member of the Communication and Internet Research Lab and serves on the Graduate Studies Committee. Dr. Bhojan is also the founder of Anuflora Systems and Virtual and Augmented Reality Labs (www.varlabs.org), and serves as Associate Editor of Computers and Electrical Engineering Journal, Elsevier, and Vice President of International Researchers Club, Singapore. Dr. Bhojan earned his Ph.D. in Computer Science & Engineering from NUS in 2011, where his thesis was nominated for the Best PhD Thesis Award. He also holds a Professional Master's in Computer Applications from Bharathidasan University (1999), a Bachelor's degree in Computing with Gold Medal (University topper) from Bharathiar University (1994), and a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching Higher Education from University of Sheffield, UK (2003). His research spans multiple domains including Distributed Computing and Wireless Networks (IoT, Security, Blockchain), Artificial Intelligence (Generative AI, FinTech), and Entertainment Computing with focus on Games, VR/AR/Metaverse technologies. Dr. Bhojan leads the Metaverse Foundry research group which focuses on content generation for games & XR simulations across multiple domains including entertainment, healthcare, and architecture, while also experimenting with innovative teaching methods for entertainment media technologies. Dr. Bhojan's recent research has pioneered hybrid rendering techniques that strategically combine ray tracing and rasterization to create more realistic video game graphics without compromising performance. His work addresses critical challenges in real-time rendering, particularly in depth of field and motion blur effects, with the goal of making Hollywood-quality graphics accessible on a wider range of hardware. Earlier work focused on energy efficiency in mobile gaming, including power management techniques and latency optimization for cloud gaming. Among his notable achievements: 2012 Nominated for Best PhD Thesis Award (Wang Gungwu Medal & Prize), NUS 2011 Dean's Graduate Research Achievement Award (PhD), SoC, NUS 2006 Best R&D Project award from TOTE Board, Singapore 1995 Gold medal for first Rank (out of 4000) in Computing, Bharathiar University Dr. Bhojan has served as Organizing Chair and Program Chair for multiple international conferences and has delivered keynote talks at IEEE/ACM International Conferences. He teaches courses including Computer Networks Practice, Game Development, Interaction Design for Virtual and Augmented Reality, and Game Development Project. He leads the Metaverse Foundry research group and the Virtual and Augmented Reality Labs, where undergraduate and graduate students have won multiple research and innovation awards. His research bridges entertainment, education, and emerging technologies with practical applications in making immersive experiences more accessible across different hardware capabilities while maintaining energy efficiency.
Cong Shi, also known as Alex Shi, is a Professor of Management at the Miami Herbert Business School, University of Miami, since 2025. Previously, he served as Associate Professor at the University of Michigan (2019-2023) and Assistant Professor there (2012-2019). His academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Mathematics (First Class Honors) from the National University of Singapore (2007) and a Ph.D. in Operations Research from MIT (2012) under Professor Retsef Levi. Education : MIT (Ph.D.), NUS (B.Sc.) Current Role : Professor, Management, Miami Herbert Business School Prior Roles : Associate Professor (Tenured), University of Michigan; Assistant Professor, University of Michigan His research spans Revenue Management, Supply Chain Management, Healthcare Operations, Human-Robot Interaction, and Data-Driven Optimization. Recent publications focus on fairness-constrained inventory, sequential pricing, and trust-aware robotics. He has received prestigious awards including the Senior Research Award (2025) and Amazon Research Award (2021), alongside multiple INFORMS recognitions. The 15 most recent articles highlight advancements in inventory control with fairness constraints, sequential pricing algorithms, and trust propagation models in robotics. His work bridges theoretical rigor with practical applications in supply chains and human-robot collaboration. Scientific Awards : Senior Research Award, Miami Herbert Business School, 2025 Amazon Research Award, 2021 INFORMS Meritorious Service Awards (2018, 2019, 2021, 2023) IOE Graduate Course Professor of the Year, University of Michigan, 2019 He has advised 10 PhD students, many now in academia (e.g., UC Berkeley, Penn State) or tech roles (Meta, Amazon). Grants include NSF funding as PI and Co-PI.
Chita R. Das is a Professor at Pennsylvania State University, known for extensive contributions in computer architecture, machine learning, and high-performance computing. Their research focuses on optimizing hardware-software co-design for edge computing, cloud infrastructure, and energy-efficient systems. Key areas include FPGA acceleration, GPU optimization, and serverless computing frameworks. Das collaborates frequently with institutions like AMD and Intel, addressing challenges in parallel computing and distributed systems. Their work bridges theoretical advancements with practical applications in recommendation systems, bioinformatics, and real-time video processing. Research interests span across hardware acceleration techniques, cloud resource management, and sustainable computing. Notable projects include adaptive training frameworks for intermittent power environments and neural-augmented game streaming for mobile platforms. Das's publications often address performance bottlenecks in modern architectures and propose novel solutions for latency and energy efficiency. Recent articles highlight innovations in serverless computing cost optimization, low-bandwidth VR streaming, and FPGA-based bioinformatics tools. Their contributions are characterized by interdisciplinary approaches combining computer architecture with machine learning and embedded systems.
Matthew Payne is an Associate Professor in the Department of Film, Television, and Theatre at the University of Notre Dame. His affiliations include roles as Director of Graduate Studies and regional director for the Learning Games Initiative, a multi-institute research collective focused on game archiving and education. His research spans video game studies, media literacy, military entertainment, and the cultural history of video games. He explores play theory, media and war, and the intersection of media production with new technologies. The 15 most recent articles highlight his focus on video game studies, transmedia narratives, and the cultural implications of gaming. These works cover topics from Nintendo Amiibo to slow game time mechanics in Red Dead Redemption 2, with recurring themes of military representation and ludic storytelling. Matthew Payne has co-edited notable works including How to Play Video Games and Joystick Soldiers , emphasizing collaborative approaches to game studies and critical analysis of military gaming.
Pedro Ferreira is a Full Professor at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), holding a joint appointment in the School of Information Systems & Management at the Heinz College and the Department of Engineering and Public Policy within the College of Engineering. His research focuses on how technology influences education, media consumption, and peer effects, leveraging large datasets from randomized experiments. Ferreira has been recognized with the 2018 INFORMS Early Career Award and Top 17th worldwide research scholar ranking (2020–2022). He co-founded CMU's Initiative for Teaching and Education Analytics (iTEA) and advises numerous students in areas like AI/ML in education and media analytics. Education: BSc in Computer Science (IST), MSc in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science & Technology Policy (MIT), PhD in Telecommunications Policy (CMU). He has taught at MIT, IST, and invited roles at Católica-Lisbon and the University of Cambridge. Research Interests: Impact of digital technologies on education outcomes (e.g., smartphones in classrooms, video analytics), peer influence in media industries (e.g., binge-watching, recommender systems), and empirical methods using randomized experiments. Current projects include AI-driven education improvement and policy implications of AI/ML technologies. Notable Achievements: Over 15 peer-reviewed articles in top journals like Management Science and MIS Quarterly. Key grants include Gates Foundation funding for video-based education research and Koch Foundation support for online certification studies. He serves as Associate Editor for Management Science and previously for MIS Quarterly. Advising & Grants: Advised 23 PhD students, many now in academia and industry. Current students research facial recognition in education and hybrid recommender systems. Ferreira has led grants totaling millions, including studies on GDPR's impact on piracy tracking and worldwide VoD availability. Professional Service: Organized conferences like the Symposium on Statistical Challenges in eCommerce Research (SCECR). Served on NSF review panels and CMU’s Portugal PhD program steering committee.曾参与葡萄牙知识社会局(UMIC)的国家级政策制定，推动宽带学校项目。
Stephen Sher is an Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Software Engineering at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. His research focuses on applying ethnographic methods to Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and Computer-Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW), with particular interest in gaming communities and computer science education. He co-authored a seminal 2019 paper examining the social dynamics of video game charity marathons like Games Done Quick, which raised millions for charity through live-streamed events. Dr. Sher earned his Ph.D. in Informatics from Indiana University Bloomington, specializing in HCI Design, and holds degrees in computer engineering and computer science from the University of Southern California. His teaching spans computer architecture, software requirements engineering, and human-centered computing. He directs the Ethnography Research Group at Rose-Hulman, exploring how collaborative practices in gaming and livestreaming communities can inform interactive technology design. His work bridges academic research with real-world applications in digital communities and charitable fundraising.
Dr. Abdelhak Bentaleb is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering at Concordia University and founder/director of the IN2GM Lab. His research focuses on optimizing networked multimedia systems using machine learning, with emphasis on video streaming, edge computing, and 5G/6G networks. He holds a PhD from the National University of Singapore (awarded SIGMM and DASH-IF Best Thesis prizes) and completed a postdoctoral fellowship there. Education: PhD in Computer Science, National University of Singapore (2019) Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, National University of Singapore (2019-2022) Research Interests: AI-driven video streaming optimization, low-latency media delivery, network protocols, immersive media technologies, and IoT systems. Current projects explore end-to-end AI-enabled systems for QoE optimization in video delivery using reinforcement learning and deep learning techniques. Awards: SIGMM Award for Outstanding PhD Thesis DASH Industry Forum Best PhD Dissertation Award Multiple DASH-IF Excellence Awards His work includes over 50 publications in top venues (e.g., ACM MMSys, IEEE INFOCOM, USNIX NSDI) and 3 patents. The IN2GM Lab focuses on applied AI/ML solutions for networked systems challenges.
Mihaela van der Schaar is the John Humphrey Plummer Professor of Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, and Medicine at the University of Cambridge, leading the van der Schaar Lab. She holds dual affiliations with the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics (DAMTP) and the Centre for Mathematical Imaging in Healthcare. Her research focuses on healthcare AI, machine learning, and operations research. She has authored over 250 journal articles and 275 conference papers, with notable contributions to synthetic data for privacy, causal inference, and clinical decision-making. Her work has led to 35 U.S. patents, including foundational innovations in streaming video compression (MPEG-4 standards). Awards include the Oon Prize (2018), IEEE Fellow (2009), and recognition as the UK's most-cited female AI researcher (2019). Leadership roles include Director of the Cambridge Centre for AI in Medicine and Co-Director of the European Laboratory for Learning and Intelligent Systems. She has mentored global academic leaders and pioneered initiatives like the Inspiration Exchange for early-career researchers. Key projects include predictive models for hospital resource allocation during pandemics and AI tools for personalized medicine. Publications span machine learning theory, healthcare applications, and interdisciplinary fields like network science. Her lab's impact includes tools like AutoPrognosis (automated ML for clinical prediction) and SynthCity (synthetic healthcare data generation).
Tim Derdenger is an Associate Professor of Marketing and Strategy at Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business. He holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Southern California and a B.B.A. from George Washington University. His research focuses on technology markets and sports marketing, including platform dynamics, bundling strategies, celebrity endorsements, and dynamic demand modeling. He coordinates the Technology Strategy and Product Management Track for MBA students. As an Associate Editor for Management Science and editorial board member of Marketing Science , he contributes to academic publishing. His work spans empirical studies on golf equipment endorsements, EV subsidies, and AI regulation. He advises on topics like NIL in college football and generative AI bias. His affiliations include roles in executive education and industry panels on golf and tech strategy.
Joe F. Khalil is a Professor in Residence at Northwestern University in Qatar's Communication Program. His research focuses on digital media industries, Arab television, youth culture, and alternative media in the Middle East. He co-authored influential works like *The Digital Double Bind* (Oxford UP, 2024) and co-edited *The Handbook of Media and Culture in the Middle East* (2023). His interdisciplinary work bridges media industries, digital cultures, and sociopolitical dynamics. **Education**: PhD in Mass Communication from Southern Illinois University (Carbondale), MA in Telecommunications from Ohio University. **Research Interests**: Digital media transformation, Arab TV industries, youth-generated media, rap culture, and global media power structures. **Grants & Awards**: Recipient of Qatar National Research Fund grants (2015-2016), Smith Richardson Foundation grant (2008), and fellowships at institutions including LSE and SOAS. Active in IAMCR and ICA. **Teaching**: Designs courses on global media, Arab TV industries, production research, and webseries development. Mentors students in both academic and professional pathways. **Professional Experience**: Former TV executive and radio DJ, with media expertise spanning Qatar, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and the U.S. Regular commentator on Al Jazeera and BBC, addressing Arab media and youth issues.
Shuaishuai Wang is a Lecturer in Digital Media and Culture at the University of Manchester, specializing in platform studies, critical algorithm studies, and queer media. His research explores queer communities' digital presence across platforms like Douyin, TikTok, and Blued, with a focus on algorithmic governance, data-driven social media operations, and geopolitical-economic contexts. He holds a PhD in Media Studies from the University of Amsterdam and previously served as Assistant Professor at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University and Lecturer at the University of Amsterdam. Shuaishuai leads two university-funded projects: 'Douyin Data Economies' (100,000 CNY) and 'Algorithmic Configurations of Sexuality' (30,000 Euros). His work appears in journals like Big Data & Society , Television & New Media , and Social Media + Society , and he contributes to media outlets including The Conversation and Sixth Tone. His research interests emphasize the interplay between algorithms, queer identities, and platform economies. Recent studies analyze Douyin's shift to e-commerce, LGBTQ+ visibility challenges in algorithmic systems, and the political dimensions of TikTok. He has also examined business models of LGBTQ platforms and the impact of censorship on digital queer spaces. Key grants include projects investigating data economies and algorithmic configurations of sexuality, reflecting his commitment to understanding technology's societal implications. Collaborations span global institutions, with notable work on misinformation, playful political performances, and transgressive digital cultures.
Mohamed Hefeeda is a Professor in the School of Computing Science at Simon Fraser University (SFU), Canada. He leads the Network and Multimedia Systems Lab (NMSL) and previously served as Director of the School from 2018 to 2023. His research focuses on multimedia networking, mobile computing, cloud systems, and hyperspectral imaging. He holds an ACM Distinguished Member designation and has received prestigious awards including the NSERC Discovery Accelerator Supplements (2011) and multiple best paper awards at top conferences like ACM MM and IEEE Infocom. Education: Ph.D., Purdue University, 2004 M.Sc., University of Connecticut, 2001 B.Sc., Mansoura University, Egypt, 1994 Research Interests: Design of efficient multimedia systems and protocols for wired/wireless networks Cloud gaming optimization and video encoding techniques Hyperspectral imaging for healthcare and mobile applications AI-driven multimedia systems and mobile computing innovations Grants & Industry Collaborations: Funded by NSERC, CFI, and companies like AMD, Huawei, and CBC Co-founded Video Semantics (acquired by tech firm) Partnered with CBC on peer-assisted content distribution systems Awards Highlights: 2025: ACM Distinguished Member 2019: Best Student Paper Award at ACM MMSys 2015: NSERC Discovery Accelerator Supplements Labs & Leadership: Network and Multimedia Systems Lab (NMSL) at SFU Contributed to creation of Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI)
Dr. Bill Hamilton is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at New Mexico State University. His research focuses on live media design, online communities, and digital game culture. He holds a Ph.D. in Human Computer Interaction from Texas A&M University (2018), and has collaborated with industry partners like Microsoft Research and Motorola Mobility. Education: Ph.D. in Human Computer Interaction, Texas A&M University (2018) Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Texas A&M University Research Interests: Bill explores how live media supports societal participation in education, politics, work, and play. His work employs qualitative methods like ethnographic inquiry to study collaborative digital environments. Recent projects include designing wearable interfaces for human-drone teams and analyzing YouTube’s content policies' impact on free speech. Awards: 2018 Texas A&M Distinguished Graduate Research Award 2016 Best Paper at ACM Interactive Experiences for TV/Online Video Advising & Grants: Mentors students like Preeti De Maurya and Cassandra Palmer, with a focus on inclusive education technologies and collaborative tools for emergency response. Active in conference organization including ACM CHI’s Games and Play Subcommittee (2019). Labs: His research is conducted through the PlexLab, exploring playful interactions and live media systems.
