Dr. Grey Ballard is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Wake Forest University . He earned a B.S. in Math and Computer Science (2006), M.A. in Math (2008) from Wake Forest, and PhD in Computer Science (2013) from the University of California, Berkeley. He was a Truman Fellow at Sandia National Laboratories before joining Wake Forest. Research Focus: Ballard develops communication-optimal algorithms for high-performance computing , particularly in tensor decompositions , symmetric matrix computations , and nonnegative matrix factorization . His work combines numerical linear algebra with parallel algorithm design to reduce data movement costs in distributed systems. Publications demonstrate expertise in communication lower bounds , randomized tensor rounding , and visualization tools for parallel algorithms. He has contributed software packages such as TuckerMPI , GentenMPI , and PLANC for large-scale data compression and clustering. Scientific Awards: Wake Forest Excellence in Research Award NSF CAREER Award SIAM Linear Algebra Prize Three Conference Best Paper Awards (SPAA, IPDPS, ICDM) C.V. Ramamoorthy Distinguished Research Award (UC Berkeley) ACM Doctoral Dissertation Award – Honorable Mention Teaching: Courses include Introduction to Computer Science , Numerical Linear Algebra , and Parallel Algorithms . He has developed educational tools using the Thread-Safe Graphics Library to visualize parallel dynamic programming and collective communication.
Peter Kazanzides is a Research Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, where he joined the faculty in 2002. His research focuses on robotics, medical robotics, augmented reality, and computer-assisted interventions with primary applications in computer-integrated surgery. His educational background includes multiple degrees from Brown University: ScB (1983) in Electrical Engineering AB (1983) in Computer Science ScM (1985) in Electrical Engineering ScM (1987) in Applied Mathematics PhD (1988) in Electrical Engineering Kazanzides is a member of the Robotics, Vision, and Graphics research group and directs the Sensing, Manipulation, and Real-Time Systems (SMARTS) laboratory. His work spans surgical robotics, mixed reality, and systems engineering, with emphasis on computer-assisted surgery in extreme environments including minimally invasive surgery, microsurgery, and space teleoperation. The SMARTS lab develops real-time sensing systems, augmented/mixed reality interfaces using head-mounted displays, high-performance motor control, and sensor fusion technologies, with strong focus on system integration and open-source platforms like the da Vinci Research Kit (dVRK). Analysis of his recent publications (2024-2025) reveals dominant trends in surgical robotics autonomy, augmented reality navigation, force estimation, and digital twin technologies. Key themes include AI-driven task automation, haptic feedback enhancement, real-time instrument segmentation, and simulation environments for surgical training, primarily leveraging the da Vinci Research Kit framework. As director of the SMARTS lab within the Laboratory for Computational Sensing and Robotics (LCSR), Kazanzides leads a collaborative ecosystem including the Computer Integrated Interventional Systems (CIIS) Lab, Advanced Medical Instrumentation and Robotics (AMIRO) Lab, Dynamical Systems and Controls Lab (DSCL), Computer Aided Medical Procedures (CAMP) Lab, Medical UltraSound Imaging & Intervention Collaboration (MUSiiC) Lab, and Photoacoustic & ULtrasonic Systems Engineering (PULSE) Lab. His lab maintains responsibility for the development and support of the open-source da Vinci Research Kit, a critical resource for surgical robotics research worldwide.
Francisco Javier Canton Correa is a researcher at the Universidad de Granada, specializing in sociology. He earned his PhD in 2019 with the thesis Socialización digital y creatividad audiovisual , supervised by Dr. Jordi Alberich Pascual. Education: PhD in Sociology (2019), Universidad de Granada Research Interests focus on digital sociology, social media analysis, and the societal impact of artificial intelligence. His work explores disinformation combat, visual communication, and urban culture through computational methods. Recent Publications highlight AI-driven tools for misinformation detection, social media analytics, and critical perspectives on digital humanities. Key trends include cross-platform verification systems and sociological risk frameworks for global disinformation. Labs & Collaborations include Medialab UGR, where he contributes to cross-media communication experiments.
Tobias Ritschel is a Professor of Computer Graphics at University College London . His research spans advanced rendering techniques, perceptual modeling, and data-driven graphics, with a focus on bridging physical accuracy and artistic flexibility in visual computing. Key research themes include: Interactive Global Illumination : Real-time simulation of complex lighting effects on GPUs Perceptual Graphics : Human vision-driven rendering and display optimization Non-physical Graphics : Beyond-photorealistic techniques for artistic expression Data-driven Graphics : Leveraging large datasets for novel rendering and modeling approaches His recent work emphasizes neural rendering , differentiable graphics , and X-ray tomography , with applications in 3D reconstruction , NeRF manipulation , and holographic imaging . Notable scientific achievements include the Eurographics Young Researcher Award 2014 and Eurographics Thesis Award 2011 . He has advised multiple PhD students including Philipp Henzler (EG PhD Award 2024) and Thomas Leimkühler (Otto Hahn Medal 2019), while actively contributing to conference leadership as co-chair for EGSR 2024 and Pacific Graphics 2024 . His team collaborates on X-ray reconstruction with Pablo Villanueva-Perez and works on 3D perception with Anthony Steed.
Dr. Charles Forceville is an Associate Professor in the Department of Media Studies at the Faculty of Humanities, University of Amsterdam. His academic career spans over three decades with significant contributions to visual and multimodal communication studies. Previously, he served as Head of MA programmes Media Studies (2016-2018) and taught at Amsterdam University College (2008-2021). Forceville's research focuses on visual and multimodal metaphor, cognitive linguistics, relevance theory, and visual rhetoric across diverse media including political cartoons, advertising, children's picture books, documentaries, and animation. His landmark publications include Visual and Multimodal Communication: Applying the Relevance Principle (Oxford University Press, 2020) and Multimodal Metaphor (Mouton de Gruyter, 2009). His recent work examines metaphor in Stand Up 2 Cancer animations, political cartoons, medical animations, and Chinese-American trade conflict representations. His research demonstrates how visual and multimodal metaphors function across cultural contexts, with particular attention to the JOURNEY metaphor schema and its applications in film, animation, and comics. Forceville's methodological approach combines cognitive linguistics with relevance theory to analyze how meaning is constructed visually and multimodally. Among his notable contributions is the development of frameworks for identifying and interpreting visual metaphors where traditional linguistic analysis falls short. His work on pictorial runes (emotion lines in comics), visual argumentation in documentaries, and cultural variations in metaphor representation has significantly advanced the field of multimodal communication studies. Forceville has taught courses on Pictorial & Multimodal Metaphor, Tutorial on Multimodality & Cognition, History & Theory of Documentary Film, and Film Analysis. His extensive publication record of over 170 scholarly works reflects his leadership in establishing multimodal metaphor studies as a rigorous academic discipline.
Nigel Robinson is a Senior Lecturer in Graphic Design at Bath School of Design, Bath Spa University. A founding director of the globally recognized 'Graphic Thought Facility' (GTF), he transitioned to an independent creative practice while maintaining a robust academic career. His teaching spans prestigious institutions like Central St Martins, Camberwell School of Art, and Yale University. Research and Practice: Nigel's work spans illustration, graphic design, moving image, and editorial projects. His designs have been featured in Creative Review , Baseline , and Graphics International . Notable contributions include covers for Wallpaper and Télérama magazines, focusing on themes like post-punk culture, urban studies, and handmade design. Academic Contributions: His scholarly outputs include exhibitions and publications that explore the intersection of music, typography, and visual storytelling. While specific scientific awards are not listed, his work has been recognized in major design retrospectives and cited in influential texts like 'The Birth of British Graphic Design' (Guardian, 2014). Education: Nigel holds a BA (Hons) in Graphic Design from Central St Martins and an MA from the Royal College of Art.
Sadie Creese is Professor of Cybersecurity in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Oxford. She serves as Director of the Global Cyber Security Capacity Centre at the Oxford Martin School and Director of the Oxford Martin Programme on AI Threat Detection. Additionally, she is a Governing Body Fellow at Worcester College and Chair of Examiners for the MSc in Computer Science. Professor of Cybersecurity, Department of Computer Science, University of Oxford Director, Global Cyber Security Capacity Centre, Oxford Martin School Director, Oxford Martin Programme on AI Threat Detection Governing Body Fellow, Worcester College Chair of Examiners for MSc in Computer Science Sadie Creese holds a DPhil in Computer Science from the University of Oxford, an MSc in Computation, and a BSc (Hons) in Mathematics and Philosophy. Her academic background bridges theoretical computer science with practical applications in security. Her research spans multiple domains of cybersecurity including cyber situational awareness, visual analytics for cybersecurity, predicting organizational cyber-value-at-risk, agent-based simulations for malware propagation, threat modeling and detection, network defense, and cyber-resilience strategies. She also studies national cybersecurity capacity, working with countries and international organizations worldwide. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates insights from computer science, social sciences, and policy studies to address complex security challenges in an interconnected digital world. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a consistent focus on practical cybersecurity applications with strong emphasis on human factors in security systems. Her work bridges technical security mechanisms with organizational and human elements, particularly in areas like insider threat detection, risk communication, and security operations. The research demonstrates a trajectory toward more integrated security frameworks that consider both technical vulnerabilities and human behaviors within complex systems. Sadie Creese has been recognized as one of The 50 most influential women in cyber-security UK . Her work with the Global Cyber Security Capacity Centre has influenced national cybersecurity strategies worldwide, and she actively contributes to policy discussions through platforms like the World Economic Forum's AI Governance Alliance. The 50 most influential women in cyber-security UK Professor Creese has supervised numerous PhD and Master's students including Mary Bispham, Rodrigo Carvalho, Elizabeth Phillips, Marcel Stolz, and Meredydd Williams. Her research has been supported by significant grants including AXIS-sponsored projects on cyber-risk modeling, World Economic Forum collaborations on cybersecurity futures, and Lloyds Register Foundation funding for cyber security research related to the Industrial Internet of Things. She leads major interdisciplinary projects that bridge technical security research with policy implications. Principal Investigator on AXIS-sponsored project 'Analysing Cyber-Value-at-Risk, Residual Risk and models for Systemic Cyber-Risk' Collaboration with World Economic Forum's Shaping the Future of Cybersecurity Platform Co-Chair of Lloyds Register Foundation sponsored Foresight review of cyber security for the Industrial Internet of Things Professor Creese founded and directs the Global Cyber Security Capacity Centre (GCSCC) at the Oxford Martin School, which conducts research into national cybersecurity capacity. She was also the founding Director of Oxford's Cybersecurity Network (now CyberSecurity@Oxford), established in 2008. Her team includes senior researchers like Ioannis Agrafiotis, Louise Axon, and Michael Goldsmith, who collaborate on projects spanning cyber analytics, security protocols, and identity management. The GCSCC works with governments and international organizations to build cybersecurity capacity globally, while the Oxford Martin Programme on AI Threat Detection focuses on emerging security challenges posed by artificial intelligence technologies.
John C. Hart is Professor and Director of Online and Professional Programs in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, while also serving as Executive Associate Dean of the Graduate College. His research in computer graphics and data visualization has secured funding from Adobe, AT&T, DARPA, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, Nokia, NVIDIA, and the NSF. He earned his Ph.D. from the Electronic Visualization Laboratory at the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1991. Prof. Hart's research spans computer graphics , data visualization , and interactive computing with significant contributions to natural modeling , computational topology , and GPU programming . His work bridges academic research and industry applications in graphics hardware, visual effects, game development, and medical imaging. His major awards include: Fellow of the Big Ten Academic Leadership Program (2017) University of Illinois Award for Excellence in Online and Distance Teaching (2021) Prof. Hart designed and directs UIUC's online Master of Computer Science in Data Science program (now the university's second largest graduate program) and created the Data Visualization MOOC reaching over 360,000 learners. His consulting engagements include Microsoft, NVIDIA, AMD, Samsung, Pratt & Whitney, SAIC, and Adobe Systems. He serves as graphics area editor for ACM Books, previously edited ACM Transactions on Graphics, co-authored "Real-Time Shading," and executive-produced "The Story of Computer Graphics" documentary.
Jorge Camba is an Associate Professor at the School of Engineering Technology and holds a courtesy appointment in the Department of Computer Graphics Technology at Purdue University . He also serves as a Senior Research Scientist (by courtesy) in the Department of Industrial Engineering at the University of Naples Federico II , Italy. PhD in Systems and Engineering Management (Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Spain) MSc in Digital Media (East Tennessee State University) MSc in Computer Science (Universidad de Vigo, Spain) His research explores intelligent CAD systems , digital manufacturing , and mixed reality environments , focusing on model quality assurance , design intent communication , and collaborative design tools . Recent work investigates spatial cognition in CAD education , geometric variability analysis , and annotation-driven knowledge management . Key trends in his publications include parametric modeling strategies , 3D annotation systems , and XR applications in design evaluation. Awards include the Purdue Faculty Scholar (2021) and I3B Fellow (2021). He has presented at conferences on topics like Industry 4.0 , space habitat design , and digital product quality .
Hazar Dib is an Associate Professor at the School of Construction Management Technology, Purdue Polytechnic Institute, Purdue University. His work bridges Building Information Modeling (BIM) , knowledge management , and interactive learning technologies to advance construction education and process efficiency. Ph.D. in Building Construction (2007, University of Florida) MSc. in Civil Engineering (2002, University of Balamand) BSc. in Civil Engineering (2000, University of Balamand) Research Interests focus on: BIM lifecycle integration AI/knowledge-based systems for construction Digital tools for surveying and steel connection education Collaborative communication frameworks Sustainability metrics in building practices Human factors in technology adoption Scientific Awards include multiple Charles B. Murphy Awards for undergraduate teaching and the Society of Leaders in Construction induction. His NSF-funded projects like VELS (Virtual Environment for Learning Surveying) and Steel Connection Teaching Tool highlight his innovation in STEM education . Articles span serious games , visual learning , and BIM maturity assessments , reflecting his interdisciplinary approach.
Jan G. Bjaalie is Professor of Neuroinformatics and Dean of Research and Innovation at the University of Oslo Faculty of Medicine . Since 2023 he heads the faculty’s research and innovation strategy, while directing the Neural Systems and Graphics Computing Laboratory at the Institute of Basic Medical Sciences. Education: 1990 Ph.D. in Neuroanatomy, University of Oslo 1986 M.D., University of Oslo Research interests revolve around collaborative and open neuroscience, digital brain atlasing, and the cyber-infrastructures that enable data sharing. He leads efforts to build next-generation atlases that integrate multi-scale brain architecture and connectivity data, and to develop ontologies and FAIR-compliant platforms for global neuroscience. Recent work emphasizes in silico integration of rodent and human imaging datasets, leveraging machine-learning registration tools and cloud-based services such as EBRAINS. The goal is to transform how brain data are stored, visualised and reused across laboratories worldwide. Scientific output & impact: A scan of publications from 2023-2025 reveals a strong focus on digital atlas frameworks, automated image registration (DeepSlice, DeMBA), open data standards (AtOM ontology), and large-scale analyses of genetic influences on brain structure in Alzheimer’s models. These works collectively advance reproducible, high-throughput neuroanatomy and cross-species translation. Grants & leadership roles: Coordinator/Partner in EU Flagships EBRAINS 2.0, BRAIN Health, Human Brain Project (2013-2026) Infrastructure Director, Human Brain Project (2018-2023) Leader of Neuroinformatics Platform & EBRAINS Data Services (2017-2023) Head of Institute of Basic Medical Sciences (2009-2016) Executive Director, International Neuroinformatics Coordinating Facility (INCF) (2006-2008) Chair, International Brain Initiative (2021-) Editorial & governance service: Founding Chief Editor Frontiers in Neuroinformatics (2007-), Section Editor Brain Structure and Function (2002-2020), member of the INCF Governing Board and EBRAINS AISBL Management Board, and numerous international advisory panels on data governance and ethics. His laboratory hosts the Norwegian Neuroinformatics Node and collaborates closely with global consortia to deliver open-access atlases, software pipelines and FAIR data standards that underpin modern neuroscience.
Yuta Sugiura is an Associate Professor in the Department of Information and Computer Science at Keio University's Faculty of Science and Technology. His research focuses on innovative human-computer interaction techniques, particularly in wearable computing, tangible interfaces, and novel input methods. Previously, he worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science. Dr. Sugiura's research interests span Human-Computer Interaction, Wearable Computing, Augmented Reality, Tangible User Interfaces, Gesture Recognition, Ubiquitous Computing, Haptics, and Virtual Reality. His work often explores how everyday objects and environments can become interactive surfaces, with notable projects including the iRing (intelligent ring), SenSkin (skin as interface), and EarHover (mid-air gesture recognition for hearables). He has developed numerous novel interaction techniques that leverage physical properties of materials and human physiology for input and output. His recent publications indicate a strong focus on hearable computing, medical applications of HCI, edible interfaces, and novel authentication methods. The research shows a consistent pattern of exploring unconventional interaction surfaces and leveraging subtle physical phenomena for input sensing. His work has significant implications for healthcare applications, particularly in neurological disorder screening and rehabilitation. Best Paper Award Dr. Sugiura has advised numerous students who have gone on to publish significant work in top-tier HCI venues. His research has been supported by various grants enabling the development of novel interaction techniques and systems. He maintains strong collaborations with researchers across Japan and internationally, particularly in the fields of wearable computing and medical applications of HCI. His laboratory appears to focus on lifestyle computing, developing interfaces that integrate seamlessly into daily activities. Current projects include exploring edible displays, adaptive ear interfaces, and novel authentication methods using wearable devices. Future work seems to be heading toward more medical applications of HCI, particularly in neurological assessment and rehabilitation.
Eliisa Pitkäsalo is a Senior Research Fellow and University Lecturer at Tampere University, focusing on interdisciplinary research in Translation Studies , Comics and Graphic Novels , and Multimodal Communication . Her work bridges legal accessibility and visual language, particularly through Comic Contracts . Key Research Areas: Multimodal Narrative, Visual Legal Documents, Cross-Cultural Translation Collaborations: Active in international networks, including Padova University (2015) Scientific Awards: Tiedettä suomeksi Award (2022) for 'Saavutettava viestintä' She supervises Master’s theses and contributes to editorial work, including co-editing Tekstit ympärillämme (2024) and serving on the board of AFinLA vuosikirja .
Dr. Danna Gurari is an Assistant Professor in the Computer Science Department at the University of Colorado Boulder and Founding Director of the Image and Video Computing Group. She specializes in computer vision, human-computer interaction, accessibility, and biomedical data analysis, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches. Since 2017, she has taught over 400 students in graduate and undergraduate courses while leading a multidisciplinary research team. Her research spans 60+ peer-reviewed articles and has been supported by NSF, CZI, Microsoft, Adobe, and Amazon. She mentors over 30 mentees annually, from undergraduates to postdocs. Her work bridges academia and industry, informed by prior roles at Boulder Imaging and Raytheon. Education: Ph.D. in Computer Science from Boston University, postdoctoral fellowship at University of Texas at Austin, and industry experience at Raytheon. Research focuses on visual interpretation for accessibility, biomedical image analysis, privacy preservation, and hybrid human-machine systems. Key lab projects include AI solutions for blind individuals, cancer radiation therapy optimization, and visual privacy tools. Awards: Recognitions at top venues including WACV, CHI, CSCW, and MICCAI. Active in funding and grants, including NSF Explore Access and Google Cloud Education grants. Labs/Teams: Leads the Image and Video Computing Group, collaborating with medical campuses and industry partners. Projects include VizWiz Grand Challenge and disability-first dataset development.
Teresa Mares is Associate Professor of Anthropology at the University of Vermont and Director of the Graduate Program in Food Systems. She holds M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in Sociocultural Anthropology from the University of Washington. Her research focuses on Latino/a migration, food security, and food justice, with particular attention to farmworker communities. Mares' work explores labor conditions in food systems, migrant foodways, and community-based food sovereignty initiatives. Her ethnographic approach examines how food practices sustain cultural identity while navigating structural inequalities. Current projects investigate worker-driven social responsibility in food systems. Publications address food justice, migrant health, and agricultural labor rights. Her book 'Life on the Other Border: Farmworkers and Food Justice in Vermont' examines Latinx dairy workers' experiences. Forthcoming co-authored book 'Will Work for Food' analyzes labor across food systems. Community Engagement: Collaborates with farmworker communities through participatory research methods and public scholarship initiatives.
