Marianne Kinnula is a Professor in Human-centred Design and Digitalisation at the University of Oulu, affiliated with the Faculty of Information and Electrical Engineering. She serves as the research unit vice-leader of INTERACT, focusing on bridging information systems and human-computer interaction with interdisciplinary approaches. University of Oulu Faculty of Information and Electrical Engineering INTERACT Research Unit Her research emphasizes the social sustainability of technology , examining social inclusion, empowerment, and ethical stances in technology development across individual, organizational, and societal levels. Key areas include design citizenship , computational empowerment of children , and critical design methodologies . Her work often involves participatory design projects with children and marginalized communities. Recent publications highlight trends in AI ethics for youth , democratizing technology , and design futuring . She explores how children interact with emerging technologies like metaverse digital twins and ChatGPT, advocating for inclusive design practices and ethical frameworks. marianne.kinnula@oulu.fi +358400482855
Anna-Kaisa Kaila is a Doctoral student and Researcher at KTH Royal Institute of Technology working within the Division of Media Technology and Interaction Design. She holds dual expertise as a musicologist (MA) and economist (M. Sc. Econ.), specializing in arts, communications, and intellectual property. Her interdisciplinary PhD project, part of the Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program – Humanities and Society, examines artificial intelligence's social, ethical, and legal implications on artist communities. Dr. Kaila's research spans several interconnected domains: Socio-political effects of technology on creative and cultural sectors Ethics and aesthetics of creative-AI systems Copyright frameworks applied to AI-generated art Shifting narratives of creativity in the AI era Music semiotics and psychology regarding listeners' visual imagery She has developed innovative methodological tools including the Ethically Aligned Stakeholder Elicitation (EASE) framework for ethical analysis in music AI applications. Her work engages directly with artists using AI in creative work and provides critical analyses from humanist, social science, and legal perspectives. Her recent publications reveal significant tensions around environmental sustainability, data colonialism, and evolving notions of artistic authorship. Dr. Kaila actively contributes to academic discourse through: Teaching courses including Degree Project in Media Technology, Human Perception for Information Technology, and Machine Learning for Media Technology Supervising Bachelor and Master's thesis projects on creative-AI, AI-music, arts and media, and AI ethics Organizing influential workshops such as 'Fictional Abstracts: Ethics, Sustainability, and Creative-AI Futures' at ICCC '23 Moderating panel discussions on AI and Music at venues like the Museum of Artificial Intelligence in Stockholm Contributing to media discussions, including features in Opus Magasin, a prominent classical music magazine
Niels Pinkwart is a Professor at Humboldt University of Berlin within the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences and Institute of Computer Science, serving as Member of the Faculty Council. His research group focuses on Computer Science and Society and Computer Science Didactics, developing AI-driven educational solutions for diverse learning contexts including vocational training, language acquisition, and autism support. His research centers on human-centered AI in education, with emphasis on adaptive learning systems, creativity assessment in programming environments, and inclusive technologies. Recent work examines physical embodiment in educational robots, bias mitigation in assessment algorithms, and neural engagement patterns in VR learning for neurodiverse populations. He investigates how multimodal feedback systems and LLM integration can enhance language learning while maintaining pedagogical alignment. Current publications reveal a strong trend toward practical AI implementation in real-world educational settings, particularly in vocational contexts and global health education. His team develops deployable tools like the AI Campus 2.0 platform and Zirkus Empathico 2.0 game, with increasing focus on ethical AI deployment and cross-cultural applicability as evidenced by Nigeria-based healthcare studies. The research consistently bridges theoretical frameworks with classroom-ready applications. Professor Pinkwart supervises doctoral candidates including Heinrich Mellmann, Kerstin Wagner, Gregor Wrobel, and Michael Piechotta, with disputation dates scheduled through late 2025. His work receives funding through collaborative projects like the Verbundprojekt KI-Campus 2.0, where HU Berlin leads the platform development component. The research group maintains strong industry and international healthcare partnerships, particularly in digital transformation initiatives for resource-constrained environments. He directs development of specialized educational technologies including sound-driven robot quiz systems with fair responder detection and multimodal feedback, alongside serious games for social-emotional development in autism. Current lab activities focus on scaling bias-mitigated exam assembly tools for vocational education while expanding VR-based cognitive engagement metrics across neurodiverse populations.
Matthew Lee-Smith is a Teaching Fellow in Physical-Digital Design at Loughborough University, holding concurrent roles as EDI Champion and former Technical Tutor in User Experience. With a PhD from Loughborough University (2018–2023), his research focuses on posthumanism, critical design, and reimagining technology’s role beyond anthropocentrism. Education: BSc Product Design, Brunel University London (2011–2015) Final project: Bright , a smart cycling jacket improving road safety through responsive lighting. MA Interaction Design, Goldsmiths University of London (2016–2017) Thesis: Designing Practice for Dishevelling Research . PhD: Things, Be~things, and Beings (2018–2023), exploring techno-informational assemblages and post-anthropocentric design frameworks. Research & Awards: His work challenges human-centric design paradigms, emphasizing non-human agency and ethical technology. Notable awards include the Most Aesthetic Presentation (2018) and First Place in machine learning workshops (2018). He pioneered the Technological Being Framework and designed speculative projects like the Data Hungry Home and Himilco (a data-expressing device). Teaching & Advocacy: Leads courses in interaction design, AI product design, and UX prototyping. Active in EDI initiatives and曾 served as Postgraduate Research Representative (2019–2020). His pedagogy integrates graphic design principles to create immersive learning experiences. Publications & Outreach: Over 10 peer-reviewed articles, including work in International Journal of Design and CHI Conference Proceedings . Invited talks span institutions like Simon Fraser University and TU Delft, focusing on posthuman design and interdisciplinary frameworks.
Anu Bourgeois is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Georgia State University. She holds a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Louisiana State University. Her research spans health informatics, security and privacy, wireless and sensor networks, and computer science education. Dr. Bourgeois has served as general co-chair for the IEEE International Parallel and Distributed Processing Symposium (2020, 2023) and program co-chair for the IEEE International Conference on Internet of Things (2019). Her technical contributions include developing energy-efficient MAC protocols for sensor networks, privacy protection frameworks for context-aware services, and mobile health interventions for opioid use disorder. In computer science education, she explores bridge programs for underrepresented groups, TA training methods, and visualization of career pathways. Current projects include cosmic ray detection systems, natural language-controlled UAVs, and animation workflow innovations.
Professor Mark Clark serves as Chair of the Department of Management at American University's Kogod School of Business, where he teaches courses including Leading High Performance Teams, Leadership Challenges & Competencies, and Strategic Human Capital Management. His academic journey includes a Ph.D. in Business Management from Arizona State University, an M.A. in Policy & Leadership from Ohio State University, and a B.S. in Psychology from Eastern Michigan University. With extensive field experience in public and private sector management prior to his academic career, Professor Clark bridges theoretical knowledge with practical application across diverse organizational contexts. Ph.D., Arizona State University (Business Management) M.A., Ohio State University (Policy & Leadership) B.S., Eastern Michigan University (Psychology) Professor Clark's research centers on leadership and team performance, with particular expertise in high performing teams, diversity, strategic human capital, and the integration of artificial intelligence in design. His current projects explore diverse paths to leadership, family business leadership, team knowledge sharing, and stigmatized occupations. His field research engages design, medical, sports, and high-tech companies, as well as entrepreneurial startups, examining knowledge networks, cybersecurity, time, culture, diversity, remote work, and strategic human capital practices in real-world settings. Professor Clark's publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on team dynamics and leadership across multiple contexts. His recent work shows increasing attention to the intersection of technology and human collaboration, particularly in design thinking with AI. Earlier research established foundational work in 'dirty work' and stigma management, which earned the inaugural AMJ Impact Award. His publications span top journals in management, psychology, healthcare, and design, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to understanding how teams function effectively across diverse settings from medical innovation to America's Cup sailing teams. Inaugural winner of the AMJ Impact Award (2020) for 'Normalizing Dirty Work: Managerial tactics for countering occupational taint' Professor Clark has advised numerous students through their research and professional development, though specific names aren't listed in the available information. His professional services include membership in multiple academic organizations including the Interdisciplinary Network for Group Research (INGRoup), American Psychological Association, Southern Management Association, Academy of Management, and Society for Industrial & Organizational Psychology. He has held visiting scholar appointments at Instituto de Empresa (Madrid, Spain), ISCTE (Lisbon, Portugal), Erasmus University (Rotterdam, Netherlands), and Tongji University (Shanghai, China), facilitating international research collaborations. While not explicitly mentioning specific labs, Professor Clark's research engages 'field settings, including private & public sector organizations, sports & design teams, entrepreneurial startups, and medical innovation contexts.' His work with the Interdisciplinary Network for Group Research (INGRoup) suggests participation in collaborative research teams focused on group dynamics. His visiting scholar appointments worldwide indicate participation in international research networks that function as extended research teams across multiple institutions.
Prof. Mirco Becker is a Professor at the Leibniz University Hannover, holding roles as Executive Director of the Institute for Design and Presentation and leading the Department of Digital Methods in Architecture within the Faculty of Architecture and Landscape Sciences. His expertise focuses on computational aesthetics, digital fabrication, and robotic systems in architectural design. He manages the 3D printing facilities for the faculty and serves as the BAföG representative for Architecture students. His research integrates artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and advanced materials to explore innovative architectural solutions. Becker’s research interests emphasize computational methods for evaluating architectural aesthetics, immersive design environments, and modular robotic construction systems. His work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications, such as using machine learning to quantify aesthetic preferences and developing materials like felt-concrete composites. He has contributed to projects like 'VRoxel' (an immersive design tool) and 'Project DisCo' (VR-based modular block choreography). His publications highlight themes such as algorithmic aesthetics, robotic fabrication, and sustainable materials, reflecting a commitment to advancing digital tools in architecture. He actively participates in academic leadership roles, overseeing institutional facilities and student support systems.
Michael J. Clarke is a retired Professor of Chemistry at Boston College. His interdisciplinary research spans environmental science, marine geology, music technology, and medical studies. He specializes in deep-sea mining environmental management, catalysis, and the intersection of technology with creative processes in music. Clarke has contributed to frameworks for sustainable resource extraction and has published extensively on topics ranging from CO oxidation catalysts to policy analysis for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Education: Ph.D. in Chemistry (institution unspecified). His career includes leadership in developing adaptive management systems for deep-sea nodule mining and pioneering interactive software like TaCEM for musicological research. He has also explored the societal impacts of AI in creative industries and environmental policy implications of resource extraction. Research interests include: Environmental management of deep-sea mining Development of sustainable catalytic systems Music technology and interactive analytical tools Health systems resilience and NCD policy Publications highlight trends in: Framework design for ecological mining practices Material science applications in environmental remediation Musicology through digital tools Cross-sectoral policy analysis for global health challenges No formal student advisement or listed grants are documented here, though his work on the TaCEM project and deep-sea mining frameworks suggests collaborative research teams. He has been affiliated with Boston College's Chemistry Department throughout his career.
Alessandro Delfanti is a Professor at the Institute of Communication, Culture, Information, and Technology (UTM) and holds a graduate appointment in the Faculty of Information at the University of Toronto. His research focuses on digital capitalism, digital labor, hacking cultures, and resistance strategies against exploitative work systems. He has written extensively on Amazon's labor practices, open science movements, and the political economy of digital media. Key research areas include the political economy of communication, digital labor dynamics, and the intersection of technology with social movements. His work analyzes how automation and surveillance shape contemporary workplaces, particularly in large corporations like Amazon. Delfanti also investigates open science initiatives and their challenges in fostering equitable knowledge-sharing. Notable publications include The Warehouse: Workers and Robots at Amazon (2021), Biohackers: The Politics of Open Science (2013), and co-authored Introduction to Digital Media (2019). He has contributed to projects such as the international Platform Organizing research collaboration and authored reports on Amazon labor conditions for UNI Global Union. Teaching includes graduate courses on digital labor (INF2315) and undergraduate courses on media studies (CCT218) and remote work (CCT404) at UTM. His advising includes students like Ava Lew and Brendan Smith. Current research explores 'Log Out!' as a framework for resisting digital capitalism, the 'tech unconscious' of corporate futurism, and generative labor practices in AI-mediated workplaces.
Michelle Soledad is a Collegiate Assistant Professor in Virginia Tech's Department of Engineering Education within the College of Engineering. Her research focuses on improving undergraduate learning experiences in foundational engineering courses, faculty development, and leveraging institutional data for reflective teaching practices. She has held academic roles at institutions including Minnesota State University, Mankato, and The Ohio State University, in addition to professional experience as a software engineer at Accenture. Education: Ph.D. in Engineering Education from Virginia Tech (2019), M.Eng. and B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from Ateneo de Davao University (2013, 2000). She has taught courses such as Foundations of Engineering, AC Circuits, and Computer Systems across multiple universities. Research Interests: Prioritizing student success in challenging foundational courses (e.g., calculus, statics), faculty motivation, inter-departmental curriculum planning, and integrating student feedback through data-driven methods. Her work addresses systemic challenges in engineering education, including gender equity and stress culture. Notable Achievements: Recipient of the 2020-21 Outstanding Service to Undergraduate Students award from The Ohio State University. She has secured grants like the S-STEM Iron Range Engineering Scholarship for cooperative education programs. Her publications span educational assessment, inclusive teaching strategies, and faculty retention. Grants & Professional Contributions: Active in professional societies including IEEE Education Society and Society of Women Engineers. Her research grants support initiatives like bridging transfer student gaps and developing global competency programs. She has pioneered formative feedback systems using generative AI and exit surveys to enhance teaching quality.
Thor Magnusson is a Professor of Future Music at the University of Sussex, affiliated with the School of Media, Arts and Humanities and the Department of Music. He is also a Research Professor at the Iceland University of the Arts as part of the ERC-funded Intelligent Instruments project. His work bridges music technology, AI, and live coding, focusing on how digital tools shape musical creativity, performance, and education. Key projects include the MIMIC initiative (machine learning for creative coding) and the Sonic Writing monograph, exploring the philosophical underpinnings of musical technologies. Research interests span AI-driven instruments, generative systems, live coding environments, and the cognitive science of music. He leads the Experimental Music Technologies Lab and the Intelligent Instruments Lab, collaborating internationally on conferences like NIME and ICMC. Magnusson has pioneered live coding languages (e.g., ixi lang) and developed tools like Sema for machine learning integration in music. His awards include the Edgard-Varèse Guest Professorship and grants from AHRC and ERC. He actively contributes to editorial boards and organizes events such as the Live Interfaces Conference. Professional activities emphasize bridging academic research with artistic practice, reflected in performances at festivals like Ars Electronica and Transmediale.
Prof. Gerd Kortuem is a Professor of Internet of Things (IoT) at Delft University of Technology's Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering. His research focuses on the intersection of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Design, emphasizing responsible AI, generative AI, and data-centric design. He leads the Knowledge and Intelligence Design group and collaborates across labs like the Data-Centric Design Lab and Responsible Sensing Lab. Since 2018, he has directed the MSc Integrated Product Design program, teaching courses such as Generative AI and Design, and Artificial Intelligence and Society. Academically, Prof. Kortuem holds a PhD from the University of Oregon (USA) and a Diploma in Informatics from Stuttgart University (Germany). His career includes roles at Lancaster University, the Open University, Oxford University, and industry stints at Apple, IBM, and Fraunhofer Institute. He currently serves as Associate Editor for the ACM's Interactive, Mobile, Wearable, and Ubiquitous Technologies journal and advises Fronesys Inc. His research projects include BRIDE (exploring smart public infrastructure), IoT Rapid Proto Labs (accelerating IoT product development), and Contestable AI (designing ethically transparent AI systems). Awards include DIS '24 Best Paper (2024) and multiple Reviewers' Favourite Awards for impactful contributions to eHealth and AI ethics. Prof. Kortuem’s work bridges technical innovation with societal impact, addressing challenges in urban analytics, healthcare technology, and ethical AI deployment. His labs and courses drive interdisciplinary education and research in data-driven design methodologies.
Sebastian Berns is a Visiting Professor at Queen Mary University of London's School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science. He holds a PhD in generative machine learning and an MSc in AI, with 15 years of experience in UI/UX design. His research focuses on computational creativity, generative AI, and ethical implications of creative AI systems. He teaches the postgraduate module Computational Creativity , covering both technical AI techniques and philosophical debates around creative autonomy. Education: PhD in Generative Machine Learning MSc in Artificial Intelligence His research interests include generative models for artistic applications, diversity in AI outputs, and the intersection of design principles with machine learning. He has pioneered work in automated generative systems for video games and artistic content, emphasizing both technical innovation and sociocultural impact. His startup as Chief AI Officer demonstrates his focus on bridging academic research with practical applications. Awards: Red Dot Design Award (Recognition of UI/UX Design Excellence) His publications highlight explorations in generative search engines, diversity optimization in models, and ethical frameworks for creative AI. He actively collaborates with industry partners, as seen in his MSc projects involving real-world applications and his role in a pre-seed startup. Labs/Teams: Involved with qTech Programme and interdisciplinary research groups focusing on AI creativity at Queen Mary.
Andrea Guidi is a Visiting Professor at the School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science, Queen Mary University of London. His research focuses on intersections of creativity, technology, and education, particularly in art and music domains. He explores embodiment in digital musical instruments and the integration of AI into creative pedagogies. Key research areas include music technology, human-computer interaction, and educational applications of AI. Notable work includes projects like Magpick (an augmented guitar pick) and KOBI 3.0, a knowledge ecosystem for creativity research. His recent publications address AI-driven creativity education and embodied interaction in musical instruments. Guidi’s work emphasizes practical innovations alongside theoretical exploration, bridging technical systems with artistic practice. His articles highlight trends in interdisciplinary creativity research, digital instrument design, and the role of technology in shaping creative workflows and educational methodologies.
Margaret Michelle Tillander is an Associate Professor of Art Education at the University of Florida’s School of Art + Art History. She joined UF in 2006 and pioneered the online MA in Art Education (2010) and undergraduate Art Education Certificate (2019). Her work bridges art, technology, and education with a focus on AI’s impact on cognition, ecological activism through art, and decolonizing curricula. She was an Anderson Scholar Honoree (2019) and affiliate faculty at the Center for Arts and Medicine. Previously, she led the Visual Arts Department at Virginia’s first Governor’s School for the Arts (1985–1991). Education: Not explicitly stated in texts but extensive professional experience since 1985 indicates terminal degree in Art Education or related field. Research Interests: Explores how technology transforms art education, particularly AI’s role in cognitive development, ecological pedagogy, and curriculum decolonization. Her work emphasizes immersive media, critical technology use, and socially engaged art practices. Recent Projects: Includes studies on veterinary radiology observational skills (2024), decolonizing technology curricula (2023), ecological art activism (in progress), and AI’s future in higher education assessment (in progress). She frequently collaborates internationally, such as with Taiwanese creative hubs and wetlands art projects. Awards: 2019 University of Florida Anderson Scholar Faculty Honoree Grants/Advising: Developed the E.L.E.V.A.T.E. THE ARTS DOE grant workshop (Pinellas County) and advised masters projects on ecological stewardship, queer theory in art education, and inclusive STEM-ART curricula. Public Engagement: Organized events like the “What Are You Gonna Do With That?” campaign and presented at NAEA on ecological art education. Collaborates with global initiatives such as the Chen Long Wetlands International Art Project (Taiwan).
