Anamaria Crisan is an Assistant Professor at the University of Waterloo, affiliated with the Insight Lab. Her research focuses on interdisciplinary work at the intersection of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Data Visualization, and Applied AI/ML. She explores human-centered approaches to AI/ML systems, visualization design for decision-making, and healthcare data science applications. Dr. Crisan holds a PhD in Computer Science from the University of British Columbia (2019), an MSc in Bioinformatics (2010), and a BComp in Biomedical Computing from Queen’s University (2008). Her educational background bridges computer science, biology, and healthcare informatics. Her research interests include responsible AI/ML systems, interactive visualization for data-driven decisions, and leveraging visualization in healthcare to improve outcomes. She emphasizes transparency, trustworthiness, and human alignment in AI technologies. Her work spans diverse applications such as genomic epidemiology, dashboard design, and ethical AI evaluation. Notable contributions include studies on human-AI collaboration, visualization linters, and scalable dashboard census methodologies. She has published widely in top-tier venues like IEEE VIS and ACM CHI. Dr. Crisan’s lab (UW Insight Lab) focuses on human-centered approaches to automating data science and improving visualization practices in critical domains like healthcare and public health.
Aleksandar Jeremic is an Associate Professor in both the Electrical & Computer Engineering department and the McMaster School of Biomedical Engineering at McMaster University. His research focuses on biomedical signal processing, statistical signal processing, and biometrics, with applications in healthcare and biomedical systems. He holds a Dipl. Ing. from the University of Belgrade, and an M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Chicago. His expertise spans physiological signal analysis (e.g., ECG/EEG), medical imaging, and machine learning for biomedical applications. He has authored over 50 technical articles and two book chapters, and has been recognized with a teaching award from the McMaster Electrical and Computer Engineering Society (2018). He supervises graduate students in both theoretical and applied research areas. Dr. Jeremic teaches advanced courses such as Biomedical Signal Modeling and Processing and Advanced Probability and Random Processes , emphasizing practical applications of signal processing in healthcare. His work includes clinical implementations like neonatal seizure monitoring software and microwave imaging for breast cancer detection.
Qianwen Wang is a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the Computer Science department at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. Her research combines interactive visualization with interpretable machine learning to foster intuitive, efficient, and reliable Human-AI collaboration. She actively seeks motivated students, research assistants, and interns to join her dynamic research team at UMN CS. Dr. Wang's research focuses on three primary themes: Human-AI Collaboration, where she designs tools to facilitate Human-AI interaction; Automatic & Intelligent Visualization, where she develops techniques to make visualizations accurately interpreted and easily used; and VIS+(X)AI in Biomed/Healthcare, where she studies how visualization and explainable AI can promote scientific discoveries in biomedicine and healthcare. Her work has made significant contributions to visualization, human-computer interaction, and bioinformatics, with particular applications in biomedical knowledge graphs and single-cell omics analysis. Her recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward integrating visualization with large language models and graph neural networks for biomedical applications. She has published extensively at top venues including IEEE VIS, ACM CHI, and Nature Medicine, with a focus on making AI systems more interpretable and useful for domain experts, particularly in healthcare contexts. Her work often bridges theoretical advances in visualization with practical applications in genomics and healthcare. Two IEEE VIS Honorable Mention Awards (2022, 2024) Best Paper Award from IMLH@ICML 2021 Two Best Abstract Awards from BioVis ISMB (2021, 2022) HDSI Postdoctoral Research Fund Award Research covered by MIT News and Nature Technology Features Dr. Wang actively contributes to the academic community through service roles including General Chair for ISMB BioVis, VisNotes and Poster Chair for IEEE PacificVis, and Program Committee member for IEEE VIS, ACM CHI, and ACM IUI. Her research has been supported by various grants that enable her team to develop innovative visualization techniques and explore their practical applications in biomedical domains. Her research group maintains an active presence in the visualization and HCI communities, with members participating in major conferences and workshops. The lab focuses on creating tools that bridge the gap between complex AI models and human understanding, with particular emphasis on making these technologies accessible and useful for domain experts in biomedical research.
Enamul Hoque Prince is an Associate Professor and Director of the School of Information Technology at York University. He leads the Intelligent Visualization Lab, funded by the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) and Ontario Research Funds (ORF). He holds a PhD in Computer Science from the University of British Columbia and completed postdoctoral work at Stanford University. His research integrates information visualization, human-computer interaction (HCI), and natural language processing (NLP) to address information overload challenges. Dr. Prince's educational background includes a PhD from UBC, an MSc from Memorial University of Newfoundland, and a BSc from Chittagong University of Engineering & Technology. He has conducted research at institutions like Tableau Software and the Qatar Computing Research Institute and serves on committees for top conferences like ACL and IEEE Vis. His work is supported by grants from NSERC, CFI, and others. Research interests focus on NLP-driven visual analytics, user-adaptive visualization, and accessible interfaces. Notable projects include Evizeon (natural language interfaces for visual analytics), ConVisIT (topic modeling for online conversations), and CIDER (concept-based image search). Publications highlight trends in multimodal systems, chart comprehension, and accessibility. Key awards include the NSERC Discovery Grant (2019) and a Best Paper Honorable Mention at DIS 2021. He supervises graduate and undergraduate students in areas like visualization, NLP, and HCI. Labs and collaborations emphasize interdisciplinary approaches, with the Intelligent Visualization Lab advancing tools for data exploration and user-centered design. Teaching includes courses on design principles and information visualization.
Alex Mariakakis is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Toronto, leading the Computational Health and Interaction (CHAI) lab. His research focuses on leveraging ubiquitous and wearable technologies for healthcare applications, including smartphone-based health sensing for conditions like traumatic brain injury, jaundice, and inebriation. He holds affiliations with KITE@UHN and AXL venture studio, emphasizing translational research. Education: PhD in Computer Science (University of Washington, advised by Shwetak Patel and Jacob O. Wobbrock), B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering and Computer Science (Duke University). Prior roles include postdoctoral work at Sage Bionetworks and academic advising roles at UW. Key research interests include mobile health (mHealth), human-computer interaction, and machine learning applied to sensor data. His work has received Best Paper Awards at ACM CHI and COMPASS, and media attention from BBC and National Geographic. Recent activities include talks on embracing ubiquitous tech for healthcare (KITE Research Rounds, June 2025) and contributions to courses like 'Advanced Topics in Mobile Health.'
Dr. Thomas E. Doyle is an Associate Professor at the McMaster School of Biomedical Engineering and the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering at McMaster University. His research focuses on biomedical signal processing, human-computer interfacing (HCI), and machine learning applications for healthcare augmentation, rehabilitation, and enhancement. He holds a Ph.D. from Western Ontario, Canada, and teaches courses like COMPENG 2DI4 (Logic Design). His work bridges cybernetics and clinical applications, emphasizing AI-driven solutions for medical diagnostics, patient monitoring, and space exploration. Education: B.E.Sc, B.Sc, M.E.Sc, Ph.D. from Western Ontario, Canada Recent Projects: Developed AI systems for remote healthcare diagnostics (2023) Collaborated with NASA on medical emergency simulators for deep space missions (2017–2023) Led ventilator development efforts for local hospitals during the pandemic (2020) His research interests span machine learning for mental health diagnostics, trust quantification in medical AI, and extended reality (XR) for medical training. He emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating computational methods with healthcare challenges. Recent publications highlight applications in pediatric emergency care, chronic pain management, and reliable medical device design. Dr. Doyle actively engages in educational initiatives, including first-year engineering pedagogy and experiential learning programs. He has received funding for projects such as the Educating the Engineer of 2025 (EtE-25) awards and contributes to initiatives like the Digital & Smart Systems and Health & Bio-innovation research clusters at McMaster.
Jay Henderson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Memorial University of Newfoundland, leading the Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Lab. His research focuses on quantitative HCI, measuring human performance with emerging technologies such as mixed reality and generative AI. He holds a PhD from the University of Waterloo and has held roles including Postdoctoral Fellow at Carleton University and Senior Research Scientist at Huawei Technologies Canada. Education: PhD in Computer Science, University of Waterloo (2021) BSc Hons in Computer Science (minors in Mathematics and Psychology), Mount Allison University (2016) Research Interests: Henderson’s work bridges computer science with psychology and mathematics, emphasizing objective measurement of user interactions. Key areas include mixed reality productivity, generative AI interfaces, gesture-based input, and multimodal feedback systems. His quantitative approach ensures practical insights for technology design. Key Grants & Awards: NSERC Discovery Grant ($155,000 over 5 years) NSERC Discovery Launch Supplement ($12,500) David R. Cheriton Graduate Scholarship ($20,000 over 2 years) Teaching & Supervision: Teaches courses like COMP 4303 (AI for Games) and supervises multiple graduate and undergraduate researchers. Notable supervisees include Daniel Jo (MSc) and Arunav Saha (BSc Honours). Service Contributions: Served on ACM committees including Graphics Interface and CHI Late Breaking Work. Acted as Virtual Chair for ACM ASSETS 2024 and contributed to ACM’s name change policy as a transgender advocate.
Karyn Moffatt is an Associate Professor in the School of Information Studies at McGill University and holds the Canada Research Chair in Inclusive Social Computing. As Graduate Program Director for the PhD program, she leads the Accessible Computing Technologies Research Group (ACT Lab), focusing on designing inclusive computing applications that support social engagement across diverse lifespans and abilities. Her work bridges human-computer interaction, accessibility research, and real-world community impact. Educational background: PhD in Computer Science, University of British Columbia MSc in Computer Science, University of British Columbia BASc in Computer Engineering, University of British Columbia Research Interests: Dr. Moffatt's work centers on inclusive social computing with emphases on aging populations , disability access , and intergenerational communication . She investigates how technology can overcome barriers to social participation through co-design methodologies, particularly for older adults and individuals with cognitive or physical disabilities. Current projects explore AI-enhanced aging support, dementia-friendly social platforms, accessible financial technology, and respite care coordination systems. Her approach integrates participatory design with rigorous usability testing to create solutions that address real-world challenges in healthcare, finance, and community engagement. Publication Trends: Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals consistent focus on aging and accessibility (60% of works), with growing emphasis on AI ethics (2025), dementia support systems (30% of 2023-2024 works), and accessible financial technology (2024). Methodologically, 75% employ co-design or participatory approaches, while 40% involve longitudinal field studies. Key venues include CHI (33%), ASSETS (20%), and ACM Transactions on Accessible Computing (27%), demonstrating leadership in top-tier HCI and accessibility forums. Scientific Awards: Multiple Best Paper Awards from ASSETS, CHI, and CSCW conferences Canada Research Chair in Inclusive Social Computing Advising and Grants: Dr. Moffatt currently supervises PhD candidates Chong Hu and Muhe Yang, having graduated four students since 2022 including Maurício Fontana De Vargas (2023) and Carrie Dai (2023). Her active grants include: NSERC Discovery Grant (2024-2029) as PI: Ethical AI for active aging Canada Research Chair renewal (2022-2027) as PI McGill Nursing Collaborative grant (2023-2025) as Co-I: iRespite mHealth app for palliative care Labs and Teams: She directs the ACT Lab, which partners with healthcare providers, public libraries, and community organizations to develop and deploy inclusive technologies. Current initiatives include the QuickPic AAC system for speech therapy, dementia-focused social programs with Montreal libraries, and Quebec-wide respite care coordination tools, all developed through interdisciplinary collaboration with clinicians, caregivers, and end-users.
Pourang Irani is a Professor and Principal’s Research Chair in Ubiquitous Analytics at the University of British Columbia (Okanagan campus), within the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science’s Department of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics. Previously, he served at the University of Manitoba for 19 years as a faculty member and Acting Associate Dean of Science. His research focuses on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Wearable Computing, and Information Visualization, with an emphasis on designing interactive systems for 'anytime, anywhere' sensemaking using emerging technologies like mixed reality and smart devices. He leads interdisciplinary projects such as the NSERC CREATE grant on Visual and Automated Disease Analytics, training data scientists in health analytics. Education: PhD in Computer Science (University of New Brunswick, 2002), supervised by Dr. Colin Ware. Research Interests: Wearable interfaces (smartwatches, smartrings, and AR/VR) Data visualization for health and pervasive systems Persuasive health technologies and data storytelling Mid-air and hands-free interaction techniques Embodied interaction through social robots Recent Work Trends: Articles emphasize innovations in smartwatch interaction (e.g., bezel-to-bezel gestures), tactile visualizations via skin-dragging, and voice assistant-driven health data queries. Projects like Databiting explore transient personal data exploration, while Data Videos focus on narrative-driven health communication. Grants & Leadership: Principal Investigator of NSERC CREATE Visual and Automated Disease Analytics program. Co-leads UBCO’s Digital Transparency cluster. Active in interdisciplinary teams addressing health informatics and HCI challenges. Labs & Teams: Leads a lab developing prototypes in wearable computing, spatial analytics, and immersive technologies. Collaborates with researchers in medicine, engineering, and data science to translate HCI innovations into practical solutions.
Ryo Suzuki is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Calgary's Faculty of Science. His research focuses on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and robotics, particularly in tangible user interfaces, swarm robotics, and shape-changing interfaces. He holds a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Colorado Boulder (2020) and has conducted research internships at Stanford University, UC Berkeley, the University of Tokyo, and Adobe Research. His educational background includes advanced coursework in robotics and HCI, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary innovation. He teaches courses such as Human-Computer Interaction II, Human-Robot Interaction, and Special Topics in Mixed Reality Application Design. Research interests include designing novel interfaces for AR/VR/MR systems, haptic feedback mechanisms, and collaborative robotics. His work often bridges physical and digital spaces, such as through projects like LiftTiles (shape-changing building blocks) and RoomShift (room-scale haptic environments). Key awards include the UIST 2020 Honorable Mention Paper Award, DIS 2019 Best Paper Award, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications in Japan Innovation Award. His research has been featured in IEEE Computer Graphics and Applications, TechXplore, and Wired. He actively explores future work in symbiotic AI systems, AI-in-the-loop AR applications, and scalable shape-changing robotics. His lab emphasizes hands-on prototyping and user-centered design principles.
Matt Ratto is a full Professor in the Faculty of Information at the University of Toronto , where he also serves as Associate Dean, Research . He is a faculty affiliate of the Climate Positive Energy Institute , the Schwartz Reisman Institute for Technology and Society , and an SDG Fellow with the Sustainable Development Goals Institute . His work bridges critical theory and digital innovation , focusing on the social production of knowledge through emerging technologies. His research explores critical making and socio-technical systems , with applications in 3D-printed prosthetics (deployed in Cambodia, Tanzania, and Uganda), AI-driven healthcare solutions , and climate justice in computing . He has received over $6 million in funding, including two Canada Grand Challenge grants , and founded organizations advancing equitable technology access. Ontario Minister of College and Universities’ Award of Excellence (2020) Bell Canada Usability Labs Chair in Human-Computer Interaction (2018–2023) He supervises students such as Olivia Doggett and Sarah Gram , with past advisees including Brian Sutherland and Dan Southwick . His Critical Making Lab fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, and he teaches courses like INF2241: Critical Making and INF351: Information Design Studio .
Jas Brooks is an incoming Assistant Professor at MIT's Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) and the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL), starting Fall 2026. They completed a PhD in Computer Science at the University of Chicago under Prof. Pedro Lopes, focusing on perceptual engineering—designing interfaces to modulate human sensory perception. Their work addresses challenges in power efficiency and miniaturization for senses like taste, touch, and smell, enabling applications in health, safety, and immersive experiences. Research interests span HCI, olfactory interfaces, thermal feedback systems, and wearable technology. Notable publications include Best Paper Awards at CHI 2020 and CHI 2021, and Honorable Mentions at UIST 2023 and UIST 2021. Awards include the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship, Siebel Scholar, and Rising Star in EECS. Brooks has presented at MIT, UCSD, and international symposia, including a keynote at the 'New Metabolism' event. They co-organized workshops on smell/taste interfaces (STT21, STT23) and led projects like the Timeless Smell Archive and Smell & Paste prototyping toolkit. Teaching includes a graduate VR course at SAIC and contributions to sensory education via the CBORG initiative. Labs/teams include Pedro Lopes' research group at UChicago and collaborations with institutions like the Media Archaeology Lab. Current projects explore adaptive EMS systems, thermal feedback wearables, and historical scent technologies.
Dr. Karen Cochrane is an Assistant Professor at the University of Waterloo, specializing in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) with a focus on wearable and tangible computing for mental health and accessibility. Her research integrates soma design, autoethnography, and design fiction to address the needs of underrepresented communities, particularly those with disabilities. Key projects include developing assistive technologies for queer/crip identities, accessible gaming wearables, and tactile interfaces for sensory exploration. She explores embodied experiences through multidisciplinary approaches, blending traditional craft practices with modern computational tools. Her work prioritizes participatory design methodologies, collaborating with occupational therapists, disabled communities, and neurodivergent individuals to co-create inclusive technologies. Recent innovations include VARitouch (a haptic feedback device), Breathing Scarf (for emotional regulation), and adaptive switches for children with motor disabilities. Her research extends into sensory narratives, exploring how fabric and data can articulate bodily experiences through projects like Sensory Data Dialogues and Queer/Crip Body Mapping. While no formal grants or awards are listed, her publications reflect a strong focus on ethical technology, accessibility, and embodied interaction. Current projects emphasize the intersection of wearable tech with identity expression, mindfulness practices, and neuromotor rehabilitation. She actively designs prototypes that bridge clinical needs with creative technology solutions, though specific lab affiliations or team collaborations are not detailed in available texts.
Miguel Nacenta is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Victoria (UVic), Canada, and a founding member of the Victoria Interactive eXperiences with Information (VIXI) research group. Previously affiliated with the University of St Andrews (UK), his work bridges Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Information Visualization, and Cognitive Science. He specializes in designing interactive systems that enhance human cognition, with a focus on Infotypography (using typography to encode data), collaborative problem-solving tools, and perceptual input/output devices. Research Interests: His key areas include cognitive augmentation, visualization techniques for complex tasks, multi-display environments, and tools for constraint problem-solving. Notable projects include the WriteReason tool for essay writing, InfoTypography studies on perceptual typographic parameters, and Solvi for visual constraint modeling. Grants & Collaborations: He collaborates internationally, including with the University of St Andrews on PhD scholarship programs. His work is supported by grants focusing on HCI innovations and accessibility. He actively mentors students (e.g., Adam Binks, Johannes Lang) and supervises postdoctoral researchers. Affiliations: Member of the VIXI group,他曾是St Andrews计算机科学学院的教授, 并参与多个学术服务活动, including conference program committees and journal reviews. Labs & Teams: Leads the VIXI lab at UVic, focusing on interactive technologies for cognitive tasks. Collaborates with industry partners on projects like TypoCartographer for infoTypographic maps and HaptiQ for accessible graph exploration.
Priyank Chandra is an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto's Faculty of Information and Director of the STREET Lab (SocioTechnical Resistance and Ethical Technologies Lab). His interdisciplinary research focuses on sociotechnical practices of marginalized communities, leveraging HCI, CSCW, STS, and development studies to design inclusive technologies. He holds a PhD in Information from the University of Michigan, along with MS in Economics and BE in Electronics Engineering. Chandra has received awards at ACM CHI and CSCW for his work on labor movements, digital resistance, and accessibility. Education: PhD in Information, University of Michigan (2019) MS in Economics BE in Electronics Engineering Research Interests: Chandra explores how marginalized communities reconfigure technologies to foster self-organization and resistance. His work bridges HCI/CSCW with theories from development studies and institutional analysis, emphasizing ethical, socially just systems. Recent projects include studying farmer movements in India, gig economy platforms, and weather risk communication for visually impaired Ontarians. Grants & Awards: SSHRC Grant: Repertoires of Contention in Digital Labour Platforms (2023-2024) NSERC Grant: Designing Inclusive Platforms for the Gig Economy (2022-2027) Connaught New Researcher Award (2023) ACM CHI/CSCW Awards for contributions to labor studies and accessibility Advising & Labs: Supervises students in ICTs, design, and marginality. Directs the STREET Lab at KMDI, focusing on ethical tech for vulnerable communities. Teaches courses on inclusive design and marginalized communities' ICT practices.
