Ehud Sharlin is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Calgary, Faculty of Science. His research focuses on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) with specializations in human-robot interaction, tangible interfaces, virtual/augmented reality, and autonomous vehicle interactions. He holds a Ph.D. in Computing Science from the University of Alberta (2003), and M.Sc. and B.Sc. degrees in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (1997 and 1990). Teaches CPSC 481: Human-Computer Interaction I Recipient of the NSERC Discovery Accelerator Award (2019), ACM Creativity & Cognition Honourable Mention (2018), and multiple academic excellence awards Active in industry collaborations, particularly in medical simulation (e.g., VRSpineSim) and geosciences (e.g., PLANWELL) Research explores: Embodied interaction through robotics and wearables Autonomous vehicle-pedestrian communication systems Immersive tools for creative and professional domains Accessibility in human-technology interfaces Publications span over 100 peer-reviewed works, emphasizing design methodologies, user experience in XR systems, and ethical considerations in sociotechnical systems. His work bridges technical innovation with human-centered design principles.
Dr. Svetlana Yanushkevich is a Professor in the Department of Electrical and Software Engineering at the Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary. She is also a Full Member of the Hotchkiss Brain Institute and the Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education. Her research focuses on biometric technologies, decision support systems, biomedical applications, and computational intelligence. She leads the Biometric Technologies Laboratory, developing strategies for risk assessment in biometric systems and healthcare monitoring through machine reasoning and signal processing. Education : BSc/MSc in Electrical Engineering (1989), State University of Informatics and Radioelectronics, Minsk PhD in Electrical Engineering (1992), same institution Dr. Habilitated in Technical Sciences (1999), Warsaw University of Technology Research Interests : Dr. Yanushkevich’s work spans biometric system design (e.g., gait analysis, facial attributes), decision support via probabilistic models (Bayesian networks, causal inference), biomedical applications (stroke rehabilitation, wearable sensors), and computational intelligence for data science. She emphasizes fairness, bias mitigation, and trustworthiness in AI systems, particularly in healthcare and accessibility contexts. Recent Research Trends : Her recent publications address causal modeling for accessibility barriers, UAV operator cognitive workload, and medical device optimization in radiation therapy. She explores AI ethics, stress contagion in human-robot teams, and cross-spectral biometric systems. Awards & Recognition : 2024 FEIC Fellow (Engineering Institute of Canada) 2019 Research Excellence Award (Schulich School of Engineering) 2001 Senior IEEE Membership Advising & Grants : She coordinates courses like ENCM 509 (Biometric Systems Design) and ENEL 610 (Biometric Technologies). Her research is supported by grants focusing on healthcare AI, accessibility technologies, and computational epidemiology. Labs & Collaborations : Her Biometric Technologies Lab collaborates with institutions like Hokkaido University and the IEEE Computational Intelligence Society. Projects include wearable health monitoring, decision support platforms, and AI-driven epidemiological modeling.
Jonathan W. Chipman is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Dartmouth College and Director of the Citrin Family GIS/Applied Spatial Analysis Laboratory. He holds an A.B. from Dartmouth College and M.S./Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Specializing in geospatial science, his work integrates remote sensing, GIS, and spatial analysis to study environmental and social systems. Research focuses include lake optical properties via satellite imagery, land-use changes in Egypt/China, vegetation dynamics in southern Africa, and socio-spatial segregation patterns in the US. Education: A.B., Dartmouth College M.S., University of Wisconsin-Madison Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison Research Interests: Chipman applies geospatial tools to environmental challenges, including climate change impacts on glaciers, land-cover transformations, and socio-environmental linkages. His work bridges disciplines like hydrology, ecology, and public health through innovative GIS methods. Recent projects explore tropical glacier dynamics, greenspace health correlations, and malaria endemicity patterns. Key Article Trends: Publications emphasize remote sensing applications in glaciology, environmental toxicology, and socio-environmental systems. Themes include satellite-based monitoring of river systems, glacier classification in High Mountain Asia, and GIS-driven analysis of human health exposures tied to land cover. Lab & Collaborations: Leads the Citrin Lab, focusing on applied spatial analysis. Courses taught include GEOG 54 (Geovisualization) and EARS 77 (Environmental GIS). Active in 3D landscape modeling collaborations via SketchFab and Google Scholar.
Natalia Andrienko is a Professor of Computer Science at City University London and Lead Scientist in the Knowledge Discovery department at Fraunhofer-Institut für Intelligente Analyse- und Informationssysteme. Her work bridges visual analytics with mobility data science and machine learning, focusing on human-in-the-loop systems for pattern discovery and spatiotemporal data exploration. Professor, Computer Science, City University London (2013-present) Lead Scientist, Knowledge Discovery, Fraunhofer Institute (1997-present) Research interests center on visual analytics methodology for spatiotemporal data, human-centered machine learning, and mobility pattern analysis. She develops frameworks for interactive dashboards, trust visualization in ML, and semantic exploration of location-based data, with a focus on scalable and privacy-respecting techniques. Her recent publications investigate hybrid human-machine discovery of movement patterns, contextual visual analytics for multivariate events, and the integration of temporal periodization with spatial analysis. Articles emphasize applications in sports analytics, transportation systems, and collaborative visual analysis workflows. Key collaborations include work with Gennady Andrienko and Salvatore Rinzivillo. She has contributed to journals like Visual Informatics , IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics , and International Journal of Cartography , maintaining active research output across visual analytics, mobility science, and geospatial data modeling.
Guanrui Li is an Assistant Professor at Worcester Polytechnic Institute's Robotics Engineering Department and the director of the Aerial-robot Control and Perception Lab (ACP Lab). He holds a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from NYU (2024), an M.S. in Robotics from the University of Pennsylvania (2018), and a B.E. in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics from Sun Yat-sen University (2016). His research focuses on aerial robotics, including control methodologies for collaborative transportation, human-robot interaction, and perception-aware systems. Key contributions include Hybrid Perception-Aware MPC frameworks, cooperative manipulation algorithms, and simulation tools like RotorTM. Education: Ph.D., Electrical and Computer Engineering, NYU (2024) M.S., Robotics, University of Pennsylvania (2018) B.E., Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, Sun Yat-sen University (2016) Research Interests: Control and perception of aerial robots, human-robot collaboration, cooperative manipulation, and autonomous systems. Notable work addresses challenges in payload transportation, sensor fusion, and safety-critical navigation. Awards: NSF CPS Rising Stars (2023) Outstanding Deployed System Paper Finalist (IEEE ICRA 2022) NYU Dante Youla Award (2022) NYU Outstanding Dissertation Award (2024) Lab & Team: ACP Lab focuses on advancing aerial robotics through interdisciplinary research. Current projects include mixed reality interfaces for human-robot interaction and fault-tolerant control systems. Recent collaborations include workshops on Rust for Robotics (ICRA 2025) and embodied-AI for aerial systems (ICUAS 2025).
Jose Miguel Espi Huerta is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electronic Engineering at the School of Engineering, University of Valencia. He is an active researcher in power electronics and control systems, contributing significantly to grid-connected converters, renewable energy integration, and digital control techniques. His research interests include: Power Electronics and Inverter Control Predictive and Robust Control Strategies Renewable Energy Systems (Photovoltaic and Wind) Induction Heating Technologies Remote and Web-Based Educational Labs The analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on improving the efficiency and reliability of grid-connected power converters using advanced control methods such as predictive current control and MPPT strategies. His work spans both industrial applications and academic education, particularly in developing remote laboratory platforms for control systems. Scientific awards and honors: No awards listed in the provided text. He has supervised academic theses and is affiliated with the LEII (Laboratory of Industrial Electronics and Instrumentation) research group. While no formal grants are listed, his extensive publication record indicates sustained research activity. He has contributed to the development of educational tools such as air levitation systems accessible via PLC and web interfaces, promoting innovative teaching methods in engineering education. The LEII research group focuses on industrial electronics, instrumentation, and power systems, providing a collaborative environment for applied research in energy conversion and control technologies.
Septimiu (Tim) E. Salcudean is a Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of British Columbia (UBC), holding both the Laszlo Chair in Biomedical Engineering and a Canada Research Chair. He earned his BEng and MEng from McGill University and his PhD from UC Berkeley in Electrical Engineering. From 1986 to 1989, he was a Research Staff Member at IBM T.J. Watson Research Center's robotics group before joining UBC. Education: BEng (McGill University, 1979) MEng (McGill University, 1981) PhD (University of California at Berkeley, 1986) Dr. Salcudean's research focuses on Medical Robotics , Image-Guided Interventions , and Elastography applications . He develops systems for robot-assisted surgery with da Vinci integration and ultrasound vibro-elastography for tissue parameter identification. His work spans prostate brachytherapy guidance , needle insertion simulation , and haptic interfaces for virtual environments. His research projects include Medical robotics with da Vinci system integration Ultrasound vibro-elastography for tissue analysis Needle insertion simulation in deformable tissue Prostate brachytherapy treatment planning His publications demonstrate expertise in Robotics and control systems Medical imaging and segmentation Teleoperation and haptics Scientific Awards: NSERC Synergy Award (2009) IEEE Fellowship (2004) UBC Killam Research Prize (2004) PRECARN Research Excellence Award (2008) Best Paper Awards (2004, 2003, 1999) As Technical/Editorial Board member of IEEE Transactions on Robotics and steering committee member at IPCAI , he contributes to academic leadership. He has supervised numerous graduate students in projects ranging from medical ultrasound to needle steering systems , with funding from NSERC, CIHR, and NIH. The Robotics and Control Laboratory at UBC, which he co-leads, houses advanced equipment including 5-DOF haptic interfaces, ultrasound machines, and motion simulators for medical and industrial applications.
Gedas Adomavicius is a Professor at the University of Minnesota ’s Carlson School of Management , holding the Larson Endowed Chair for Excellence in Business Education. He obtained his PhD in Computer Science from New York University (2002) , with prior degrees in Mathematics (BS/MS, Vilnius University, 1995) and Computer Science (MS, NYU, 1998). Research Focus: Personalization technologies, recommender systems, and machine learning for decision-making in information-intensive environments. Key Contributions: Pioneered techniques for improving recommendation stability, reducing biases, and integrating contextual information into recommendation algorithms. Grants & Recognition: Recipient of the U.S. National Science Foundation CAREER award, INFORMS Information Systems Society Distinguished Fellow Award, and Association for Information Systems Fellow Award. Publications: His work spans leading journals across computer science, information systems, and biomedical informatics. Key trends include advancements in recommender systems (context-aware, multi-stakeholder, and bias-aware models), machine learning for health analytics , and e-market mechanism design . He has over 33,000 citations according to Google Scholar. Education: Diploma (BS/MS) in Mathematics from Vilnius University, 1995 MS in Computer Science from New York University, 1998 PhD in Computer Science from New York University, 2002 Awards & Grants: INFORMS Information Systems Society Distinguished Fellow Award Association for Information Systems Fellow Award National Science Foundation CAREER award Academic Leadership: Served as Senior Editor for Information Systems Research and MIS Quarterly , and as department chair and academic director of the MSBA program at the Carlson School.
Dr. Joon Chung is a Professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Toronto Metropolitan University, specializing in aircraft design optimization and immersive simulation technologies. His educational background includes: PhD from the University of Toronto (1997) MASc from the University of Toronto (1993) BSc from Iowa State University (1990) Chung's research integrates Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (MDO) with cutting-edge VR/AR applications to solve holistic aircraft design challenges. His work spans flight simulation, Human Machine Interfaces (HMI), and aircraft interior customization, focusing on how immersive technologies can optimize aerodynamics, control systems, and user experience across pilot training, maintenance, and customer configuration processes. He actively supervises graduate students and leads the MIMS (Mixed-Reality Immersive Motion Simulation) Lab, one of Canada's pioneering research groups developing VR/AR solutions for aerospace engineering applications.
Dr. Uma Pradhan is an Associate Professor at UCL's Institute of Education (IOE), Faculty of Education and Society, and serves as Deputy Programme Leader for BA Education, Culture, and Society. She also holds the position of Inclusion Co-Lead for the Department of Education, Practice and Society (EPS). At UCL, she is actively involved with the Centre for Education and International Development (CEID) and the Centre for the Study of South Asia and the Indian Ocean World. Prior to her current position, Dr. Pradhan was a Lecturer and Leverhulme Early Career Fellow at the University of Oxford from 2018 to 2022, and then a Lecturer at University College London from 2022 to 2024 before her promotion to Associate Professor in 2024. Dr. Pradhan's research spans multiple interconnected fields including Anthropology, Development Studies, Applied Linguistics, Humanitarian Disasters, Conflict and Peacebuilding, and Educational Technology. Her work particularly focuses on South Asian educational contexts, with extensive research on Nepal's educational landscape. She examines how educational policies intersect with social structures, linguistic diversity, and political transformations, with special attention to marginalized communities and post-disaster educational reconstruction. Her research demonstrates a consistent commitment to addressing educational inequality and exploring how education can serve as a vehicle for social justice. Dr. Pradhan's scholarly output reveals a strong focus on the intersections between language, technology, and education in South Asia. Her recent publications examine how artificial intelligence is being used for indigenous language preservation, the impact of the pandemic on educational systems across South Asia, and the bureaucratic mechanisms that can inadvertently reproduce social inequality through scholarship programs. Her work consistently connects theoretical frameworks with practical implications for educational policy and practice. Leverhulme Early Career Fellow Fellow of Higher Education Academy (FHEA) As an academic leader, Dr. Pradhan supervises research degrees and engages in collaborative projects and consultancy work. Her research aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Quality Education (SDG 4), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (SDG 16), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17). Her position at the intersection of multiple research centers at UCL enables her to foster interdisciplinary collaborations that address complex educational challenges in global contexts.
David Brown is a Professor in Interactive Systems for Social Inclusion at Nottingham Trent University's School of Science & Technology, Department of Computer Science. He serves as Director of the Computing and Informatics Research Centre (CIRC) and Research Group Leader for the Interactive Systems Research Group (ISRG). Director, Computing and Informatics Research Centre Research Group Leader, Interactive Systems Research Group Governor, Oak Field School for students with severe learning disabilities Conference Chair, International Conference on Disability, Virtual Reality and Associated Technology (ICDVRAT21) Associate Editor, Frontiers: Virtual Reality in Medicine Professor Brown's research focuses on developing inclusive technologies for people with disabilities. His work spans accessibility for students with learning, physical and sensory impairments; virtual reality applications for rehabilitation; multimodal affect recognition systems; social robotics for education; accessible visual programming toolkits; and serious games for developing physical and cognitive skills. His research is characterized by strong interdisciplinary collaboration and practical application in educational and healthcare settings. His recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on applying emerging technologies like virtual reality, machine learning, and social robotics to address real-world challenges in accessibility and inclusion. The research shows a clear trajectory toward increasingly sophisticated multimodal systems that can detect user states and adapt accordingly, with applications ranging from autism support to mental health interventions. Extensive EU-funded research projects including Horizon 2020, Erasmus+, and EPSRC grants Notable projects: DIVERSIA, MaTHiSiS, Pathway, AI-TOP, EDUROB, No One Left Behind, Real Life, RISE Professor Brown has supervised numerous PhD students and collaborates extensively with international partners across Europe and Asia. His work bridges computer science, psychology, education, and healthcare to create technologies that promote social inclusion and improve quality of life for people with disabilities.
Andrea Di Falco serves as Professor and Director of Impact at the School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews. He leads the Centre for Biophotonics and maintains an active research group focused on cutting-edge photonics research. His institutional affiliations include editorial work for Photonics and Nanostructures: Fundamentals and Applications journal since 2013. University of St Andrews - School of Physics and Astronomy (Current) Centre for Biophotonics (Current) Photonics and Nanostructures: Fundamentals and Applications (Editor since 2013) Professor Di Falco's research spans multiple photonics domains with particular expertise in nano-photonics, metamaterials, plasmonics, and biophotonics. His work bridges fundamental optical physics with practical applications, especially in metasurface technology and flexible photonics. The research demonstrates strong interdisciplinary connections between physics, materials science, and biomedical applications, contributing to multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals. His recent publication portfolio shows a clear trend toward increasingly sophisticated metasurface applications, with growing integration of machine learning techniques for photonic design. The research spans fundamental optical physics, novel material development, and practical biomedical applications, demonstrating remarkable breadth while maintaining technical depth in photonics. EPSRC Fellowship (2010) for flexible metamaterials and plasmonics research ERC Consolidator Grant (2019) for biophotonic applications of optically trapped photonic membranes Professor Di Falco actively supervises postgraduate research students and has led numerous significant research projects, including the current Holographic Integrated Photonic Platform project (2024-2025). His research program has secured substantial funding from EPSRC, European Research Council, and Medical Research Council, demonstrating strong recognition of his work's significance and potential impact. His group maintains the SynthOpt research website as a hub for their collaborative work. The SynthOpt research group operates within the School of Physics and Astronomy at St Andrews, maintaining strong connections with both theoretical and experimental photonics researchers. The team focuses on developing novel photonic structures with applications ranging from fundamental optics to biomedical sensing and human-computer interaction technologies.
Dr. Wai Kiong Oswald Chong is an Associate Professor at Arizona State University's School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, with a dual affiliation as Senior Global Futures Scientist at the Global Futures Scientists and Scholars program. He holds a PhD in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas-Austin, MSc and BSc in Building from the National University of Singapore, and focuses on integrating artificial intelligence with sustainable engineering systems. PhD (2005): Civil Engineering, University of Texas-Austin MSc (1999) & BSc (1997): National University of Singapore His research bridges lunar construction with Earth-bound sustainable systems, covering topics like: Space habitat modularization Resource circularity systems AI-enhanced building codes Climate-resilient infrastructure Advanced energy modeling Construction supply chain optimization Publications demonstrate consistent focus on: Semiconductor facility HVAC optimization Building energy consumption anomalies Life cycle assessment frameworks Construction risk management Deconstruction and material reuse AI-driven system modeling Current research projects include: Lunar MVI (Moon Village Initiative) Semiconductor fab design optimization Human-AI knowledge interfaces Thermal insulation systems for extreme environments Smart grid energy modeling
Professor Marilyn Lennon is a leading academic in the Department of Computer and Information Sciences at the University of Strathclyde , holding the title of Professor in Digital Health and Care. She founded and directs the Digital Health and Wellness Group (DHaWG) , focusing on multidisciplinary research for designing, evaluating, and implementing digital technologies that enhance individual and population health and wellbeing. First class BSc in Psychology (University of Glasgow, 1998) PhD in Computing Science (University of Glasgow, 2002) Postgraduate diploma in academic practice (Fellow of Higher Education Academy) With over two decades of experience in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) , usability, and user-centered design, her research spans wearable and mobile technologies for home healthcare, including remote monitoring (predictive falls monitoring), remote diagnosis (colon capsule technology evaluations), and smart home solutions for social care. She specializes in addressing technical and social barriers to real-world health technology implementation, emphasizing robust yet rapid evaluation methods. Recent publications highlight her work in 3D healthcare visualization, telehealth implementation, and medication management systems. Her research combines lab-based usability testing with real-world ('in the wild') evaluations of technologies like smart home systems and telehealth solutions. Key trends include cross-disciplinary collaboration, accessibility for sensory-impaired individuals, and AI-driven healthcare innovations. Scientific Awards MyCity: Glasgow - Gamechanger Award (Gold Medal) 2025 Images of Research 2025 Shortlist Emerald Outstanding Paper Award 2013 Best Paper Award (most replicable scientific paper) 2013 As course director for the Masters in Digital Health Systems , she has supervised 5 PhD students (2 completed) and over 100 honors projects. Current projects include the No Need to Fall initiative funded by the Health Foundation (£400k) and the PREMIO project co-creating clinical trials in advanced breast cancer. She maintains active collaborations with NHS, charities, and international institutions like the University of Waterloo.
Arnab Nandi is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science & Engineering at The Ohio State University. His work bridges human interaction with data infrastructure, focusing on database systems, LLM-augmented analytics, and immersive query interfaces. Education: PhD in Computer Science & Engineering from the University of Michigan Leadership: Co-founder of OHI/O Hackathon Program and STEAM Factory interdisciplinary network Research spans human-in-the-loop data analytics , vibe querying (natural language + gestural interfaces), LLM integration into education, and climate response systems . Key projects include Omni (multimodal exploration), GestureDB , and Icarus (clinical pipelines). Recent publications analyze LLM-driven query stacks (HILDA 2025), video analytics (SIGMOD 2022), and data sunglasses for cognitive limits (HILDA 2025). Awards include NSF CAREER Google Faculty Research Award IEEE TCDE Early Career Award ACM Distinguished Member Advises students in database innovation , with alumni at Amazon, AWS, Roblox, and Meta. Teaches CSE 3241 (Database Systems), CSE 5889 (Software Startups), and CSE 5242 (Advanced Databases).
