Pedro Dias is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of the Azores and a Researcher at the Research Center for Human Development (CEDH). His work bridges clinical, developmental, and educational psychology with a focus on mental health and psychometric tools. PhD in Psychology (University of Minho, 2007), specializing in attachment and autonomic regulation in eating disorders Active contributor to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through mental health literacy and educational inclusion projects Key research areas include Developmental Psychopathology , Attachment Theory , and Music Performance Anxiety , with recent emphasis on validating psychological scales and universal well-being screening for adolescents. His publications span Psychometrics (100% of projects), Mental Health (87%), and Adolescence (100%). Major projects: MUS-A (CoPI) - Music performance anxiety in children LETS CARE (PI) - Building inclusive school environments CAPSULE (Investigador) - Media impact on body image His work involves extensive collaboration with international researchers and institutional partnerships, with recent presentations on school-based well-being initiatives and music psychology. No formal awards are documented, but his 98 activities and 97 scientific productions demonstrate sustained academic engagement.
Gražina Korvel is a Professor and Senior Researcher at the Image and Signal Analysis Group of Vilnius University's Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics. Her work bridges speech signal processing , machine learning , and natural language processing , with a focus on applications like noise profiling , Lombard effect modeling , and propaganda detection . She leads projects such as the HUMAN-INSPIRED SPEECH ENHANCEMENT (2024–2027) and CLINICAL NLP FOR RECORDS (2024). Education : Doctor of Science in Computer Engineering (2013, Vilnius University), Master’s in Computer Science (2009, Vilnius Pedagogical University), Bachelor’s in Mathematics (2007, Vilnius Pedagogical University). Her research interests include speech enhancement , deep learning for audio analysis , and cross-linguistic emotion recognition . Recent work explores fake news detection , synthetic speech , and Lithuanian language modeling . From 2020–2024, she taught Natural Language Processing at Vilnius University. She has held visiting research roles at Gdańsk University of Technology and International Hellenic University, and serves on editorial boards for Journal of Intelligent Information Systems and Informatica .
Peter Peer is a Full Professor at the University of Ljubljana's Faculty of Computer and Information Science, where he leads the Computer Vision Laboratory. He serves as Executive Editor for ICT Express , Area Editor for IEEE Access and IET Biometrics , and coordinates dual-degree programs with Kyungpook National University. His administrative roles include membership in the Faculty Board of Directors (2018-present) and Senate (2021-present), and he previously served as Vice-Dean for Economic Affairs (2018-2022). His research spans computer vision and biometrics , with specialization in privacy-enhancing technologies, deep learning applications, and multimodal recognition systems. Key focus areas include: Face/sclera/ear biometric recognition and segmentation Deepfake detection and media forensics Generative models for data privacy Efficient model optimization techniques Publication analysis shows strong emphasis on biometric security (65% of recent works), privacy-preserving AI (25%), and generative modeling (10%), with applications spanning surveillance, forensics, and human-computer interaction. Awards highlight leadership in international biometric competitions and recognition for high-impact publications. Significant scientific honors include: NIST FATE evaluation winner (2025) Top 3 placements in ACM/IEEE biometric competitions (2023-2024) IEEE Transactions top-downloaded articles (2022-2024) European Association for Biometrics awards (2021-2024) He mentors 10+ PhD students working on biometric recognition, privacy preservation, and deep learning applications. Research is supported by national grants including DeepFake DAD (2023-2026) and MIXBAI (2023-2026), focusing on explainable AI and deepfake detection. Leads the Computer Vision Laboratory with international collaborations across Europe and Asia.
Dr. Tobias Grundgeiger is an Associate Professor in Human-Computer Interaction at Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg, where he serves as an Academic Councillor in the Faculty of Human Sciences. He leads research in the Institute for Human-Computer-Media, specifically within the Psychological Ergonomics group under Prof. Dr. Jörn Hurtienne. Additionally, he holds an Associate Professor/Honorary Research Fellow position at The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. His educational background includes: PhD studies at The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia (2007-2010) Psychology studies at the University of Regensburg (2001-2006) Habilitation/Associate Professor qualification in Human-Computer Interaction (2022) Dr. Grundgeiger's research focuses on the interaction between people and technology in socio-technical systems, particularly in healthcare environments such as hospitals, control rooms, and aviation. His work examines how technology can be designed and integrated into complex systems to maximize user benefits while maintaining safety. A secondary research interest explores technology's role in relation to dying and death, aiming to develop technologies that transform engagement with these experiences into meaningful, eudaimonic encounters. His methodological approach combines empirical studies in real-world settings with theoretical frameworks from activity theory, embodied interaction, and psychological need satisfaction. His recent publications reveal a strong focus on AI applications in anesthesiology, human-AI teaming, augmented reality interfaces, and interruption management in safety-critical contexts. A significant portion of his work examines how technology can support clinicians during high-stress medical procedures while maintaining workflow integrity. His research demonstrates how cognitive aids, documentation assistants, and monitoring systems can be designed to align with clinical workflows rather than disrupt them. Dr. Grundgeiger is actively involved in several major research projects, most notably as contact person for the CASSANDRA project (2022-2025), which develops an AI team member for anesthesiology. This €1.34 million project, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, aims to create a voice-based virtual agent that supports anesthesia teams through automated documentation and clinical decision support. His teaching responsibilities span both undergraduate and graduate levels, covering Human-Computer Systems, Psychological Ergonomics, Healthcare Usability & User Experience, Eye-Tracking methods, and Theories of Human-Computer Interaction. His pedagogical approach emphasizes practical applications of theoretical concepts in real-world settings.
Carina Lüke is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Pedagogy and Intervention for Language and Communication Impairments at the Institute for Special Education within the Faculty of Human Sciences at Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg. Since August 2020, she has held this prestigious position, leading research and teaching in the field of language disorders and communication impairments. She also serves as the Representative for Equal Opportunities for Women in Science at the Faculty of Human Sciences, demonstrating her commitment to diversity and inclusion in academia. Prof. Lüke earned her Doctor of Philosophy (summa cum laude) from Technical University of Dortmund in 2015, following a Master of Science in Clinical Linguistics from Bielefeld University in 2010. Her academic journey includes positions as Research Project Leader at Paderborn University (2018-2020), Visiting Professor at Heidelberg University of Education (2018-2019), and Research Project Leader at Technical University of Dortmund (2016-2018). She also spent time as a Visiting Scholar at the University of Pittsburgh in 2018. Her research focuses on language and communication development, with particular emphasis on the definition and terminology of language development disorders, diagnosis and therapy for language development delays, multilingualism, supportive communication, and gesture research. She has made significant contributions to understanding how early gesture usage predicts later language abilities, and how multimodal approaches can enhance language learning for children with communication needs. Her work bridges theoretical understanding with practical applications in educational settings, especially in inclusive classrooms. Her publication record reveals several key trends: a strong focus on developmental language disorders terminology and diagnostics, innovative approaches to language assessment (particularly through tools like the Mottier Test), and groundbreaking research on the role of gestures in language acquisition. Her work increasingly addresses multilingual contexts and the intersection of language development with other cognitive domains like theory of mind and metaphor comprehension. Recent publications highlight her leadership in developing clinical guidelines for language disorder interventions across German-speaking countries. Delphi-Study on Definition and Terminology of Developmental Language Disorders (2023-2024) German S3 Clinical Guideline on Interventions for Developmental Language Disorders (2024) Multilingual Assessment Tools Development (Mottier Test) Gesture Research in Language Acquisition Prof. Lüke has secured research funding from major German funding bodies including the BMBF and DFG. Her research group includes doctoral students, research assistants, and collaborators across multiple institutions. She has developed practical materials for educators and clinicians, including 'Gesten und Gebärden zur Wortschatzförderung in Kita & Grundschule' (2024), which translates research into classroom applications. Her research team at the University of Würzburg operates within the Chair of Pedagogy and Intervention for Language and Communication Impairments, conducting studies on projects including ModaKiS, Multitasking, SprESE, and STARKE STIMME macht SCHULE. The team collaborates with outpatient clinics, schools, and international research groups to translate findings into practical applications for children with language development disorders.
Dr. Simone Schäffner serves as a Scientific Associate and Lecturer at the Chair of Pedagogy and Intervention for Language and Communication Impairments within the Institute for Special Education at the Faculty of Human Sciences, Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg. Since January 2021, she has held dual roles as both a lecturer in the Academic Speech Therapy/Speech Therapy program at Würzburg's Vocational School for Speech Therapy and as Coordinator of the Academic Speech Therapy/Logopedics program at the university. Her educational background includes: Doctor of Philosophy (Dr. phil., summa cum laude) from RWTH Aachen University (2018) Master of Science in Teaching and Research Logopedics from RWTH Aachen University (2012) Bachelor of Science in Logopedics from RWTH Aachen University (2010) State-certified Logopedist qualification (2008) Dr. Schäffner's research centers on multimodal language processing , particularly examining how different sensory inputs affect language comprehension in children with language development disorders. Her work explores bilingual language processing in bimodal bilingual individuals and investigates the relationship between language disorders and sensory integration. A significant portion of her recent research focuses on metacognitive training approaches for improving executive functions in children, with direct applications for speech therapy interventions. She examines gesture production differences, modality switching mechanisms, and the role of modality compatibility in elementary school children's language processing. Analysis of her publication trajectory reveals a clear progression from foundational research on modality effects in language switching to applied research examining these phenomena in clinical populations. Her work increasingly bridges cognitive psychology and speech therapy, developing evidence-based interventions that translate theoretical findings into practical therapeutic approaches, particularly through metacognitive and working memory training protocols. Dr. Schäffner supervises bachelor's theses in the Academic Speech Therapy program and coordinates clinical internships at the ENT Clinic of the University Hospital Würzburg. Her teaching encompasses courses on research methodology in speech therapy, language comprehension disorders, and multilingualism. She leads several active research projects: Investigating modality-specific effects in language processing in children with language development disorder Conducting multitasking studies to examine modality effects in bimodal bilingual individuals Studying the relationship between diagnosed language disorders and sensory integration Her research takes place within the Chair of Pedagogy and Intervention for Language and Communication Impairments, which functions as part of the university's broader infrastructure for special education research and clinical practice.
Associate Professor Maarten Immink is a faculty member at the College of Nursing and Health Sciences and an associate member of the Medical Device Research Institute at the University of South Australia . His work bridges neurocognitive processes in skilled movement acquisition with applications in industry, defense, sports , and clinical rehabilitation . His research focuses on optimizing skill training environments and enhancing learning capacity through mindfulness , exercise cognitive training , and non-invasive brain stimulation . Key contributions include systematic reviews and experimental studies on motor sequence learning , cognitive control , and mindfulness effects in athletes and stroke survivors. Recent publications highlight trends in movement-based mindfulness interventions for stroke rehabilitation , executive function in youth via motor learning, and neurophysiological dynamics during meditation and motor tasks. His work aligns with SDGs related to health and education . Supervisory Roles: Edward O’Connor (PhD, 2023) on Mindfulness-based cognitive training for athlete wellbeing Russell Weili Chan (PhD, 2018) on Meditation-based enhancement of motor sequence learning Chloe Dziego (PhD, 2024) on Cognitive training in defense settings James Brown (Masters, 2022) on Motor memory consolidation
Hiroyasu Iwata is Professor at Waseda University's Faculty of Science and Engineering, School of Creative Science and Engineering. He serves as Director of the Frontier Mechanical Engineering Research Institute and Director of Global Robot Academia Institute. Holding a Dr. Engineering degree from Waseda University, his research spans intelligent machines, medical robotics, and rehabilitation engineering, with over 256 publications and an h-index of 22. His research focuses on human-robot symbiosis with emphasis on humanoid robotics, tactile perception, and medical applications. Iwata develops systems for rehabilitation, tele-operated medical procedures, and human-coordinated machine systems that enhance human capabilities. His recent work explores VR applications for cognitive rehabilitation, particularly for stroke patients with spatial neglect, and human augmentation through supernumerary robotic limbs. Iwata's publications reveal strong interdisciplinary trends across medical robotics, virtual reality applications, and human augmentation technologies. His research bridges engineering and medical fields with particular focus on stroke rehabilitation, echocardiography robotics, and VR training systems for cognitive and physical rehabilitation. Best Paper Award, Robotics Society of Japan (2018) Multiple Outstanding Presentation Awards from Society of Instrument and Control Engineers (2017) Grand Prize, System Control Fair 2017 Executive Committee (2017) The Young Scientists' Prize from Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (2009) Distinguished Achievement Award from Waseda University (2007) Iwata actively collaborates with medical institutions including Nippon Medical School through joint symposia on medical-science-engineering collaboration. His laboratory conducts research on robotic echocardiography, VR rehabilitation systems, and supernumerary robotic limbs, securing funding for projects that translate engineering innovations into medical applications. He directs the Frontier Mechanical Engineering Research Institute and Global Robot Academia Institute at Waseda University, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration between engineering and medical fields. Through the Nippon Medical School and Waseda University Joint Symposium series, his work promotes the integration of robotics, medicine, and engineering for clinical applications.
Dr. Saber Darmoul is an Associate Professor specializing in Systems Engineering and Multidisciplinary Design. His research bridges artificial intelligence with industrial applications, focusing on cyber-physical production systems, operational resilience, and smart transportation. He actively explores knowledge representation, reinforcement learning, and agent-based modeling to address complex system challenges. Key Research Interests: Operational resilience, AI in manufacturing, multi-agent systems, smart mobility Technical Expertise: Ontology modeling, simulation platforms, immune-inspired control architectures His recent publications (2025-2019) demonstrate a consistent focus on integrating artificial immune systems into control architectures for transportation and manufacturing. Notable trends include: Development of knowledge-based systems for dynamic reconfiguration Application of multi-criteria decision frameworks in production environments Advancing predictive maintenance strategies through distributed systems Exploring 6G system-of-systems engineering While no explicit awards or student advisement information appears in available records, his 15 most recent publications reflect sustained academic productivity and evolving focus from foundational control systems (2017-2019) to advanced applications in Industry 4.0 (2020-2025).
Sybil Derrible is a Professor of Urban Engineering at the University of Illinois Chicago's College of Engineering, with dual appointments as a Research Professor at the Institute for Environmental Science and Policy and a Courtesy Professor in the Department of Computer Science. He directs the Complex and Sustainable Urban Networks (CSUN) Laboratory, focusing on integrated urban infrastructure systems. His research spans urban infrastructure as interconnected systems, including transportation, water, energy, and waste management. Derrible applies complexity science, urban metabolism, and data science to develop sustainable and resilient urban solutions. His work emphasizes environmental justice, smart city technologies, and infrastructure system interdependencies. Derrible's recent publications reveal strong focus on applying machine learning to urban challenges, with significant work on environmental justice metrics, infrastructure burden forecasting, and pandemic-related mobility shifts. His research increasingly integrates AI with traditional engineering approaches to address complex urban problems. Fellow of American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Lead Author on United Nations Environmental Program Seventh Global Environment Outlook Chair of Critical Transportation Infrastructure Protection Committee at Transportation Research Board NSF CAREER Award recipient As an educator, Derrible advises multiple PhD students through the CSUN Laboratory while maintaining active research collaborations. His editorial roles with Scientific Reports and ASCE Journal of Infrastructure Systems demonstrate his standing in the academic community. His forthcoming book "The Infrastructure Book" aims to make complex urban systems accessible to general audiences.
Insa Schaffernak is a Research Associate at Augsburg University of Applied Sciences within the Faculty of Humanities and Natural Sciences, concurrently pursuing her PhD at the DigiTech PhD Center. She holds an M.Sc. in Cognitive Psychology from Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg and has international academic experience at the University of Innsbruck and University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her research examines cognitive psychology, AI in healthcare, and human-computer interaction, with specialization in task-switching behaviors and multitasking strategies. She contributes to the PSY-A-EYE project investigating augmented reality applications. Her 2021 publication analyzes self-reported task-selection methodologies in experimental psychology.
Fang Zhao serves as Junior Research Group Leader of the Multimedia group at FernUniversität Hagen's Center of Advanced Technology Assisted Learning and Predictive Analytics (CATALPA) since April 2021. As a cognitive and educational psychologist, she conducts interdisciplinary research on multimedia learning and multitasking within this university-funded research center, collaborating with partners across psychological and educational domains. Her academic credentials include a 2024 Habilitation from FernUniversität Hagen, a Ph.D. in Psychology from University of Koblenz Landau (2012-2015), an M.A. in Linguistics and Translation Studies from Durham University, U.K. (2010-2012), and a B.A. in Linguistics and English Language from Henan University, China (2006-2010). Dr. Zhao's research examines how individuals process multimedia information through text-picture integration, interactive simulations, and video-based instruction, with particular focus on exploration-exploitation dynamics in learning environments. Her sequence learning investigations extend to multitasking scenarios involving basic sequences, timing patterns, and complex hierarchical structures like Origami folding. This work bridges cognitive theory with practical educational technology applications through rigorous experimental methodologies. Recent publication analysis reveals consistent emphasis on optimizing visual representations for data comparison, measuring cognitive load in online learning, and evaluating guidance structures in asynchronous courses. Her research demonstrates that while interactive elements are generally preferred by learners, their educational benefits remain context-dependent with significant individual differences in effectiveness. Leading the Multimedia junior research group at CATALPA, Dr. Zhao directs investigations into how interactive and multimedia components influence learning processes across diverse student populations. The team operates within an interdisciplinary framework that integrates psychological theory with technological innovation to develop predictive analytics for learning enhancement.
Anthony "Tony" Barnhart is an Associate Professor of Psychological Science at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He previously served as a Lecturer at Northern Arizona University from August 2013 to May 2015. His academic journey began with a Ph.D. in Cognitive Science from Arizona State University in 2013, where he initially focused on language research before expanding into the cognitive science of magic. Dr. Barnhart's educational background includes: Ph.D. in Cognitive Science from Arizona State University (2013) Dr. Barnhart's research uniquely bridges cognitive psychology and the art of magic. As a cognitive scientist and professional magician with over 30 years of performing experience, he examines how magicians function as informal cognitive scientists with hypotheses about the mind that can be empirically tested. His primary academic work focuses on handwritten word perception, a domain largely ignored by traditional psychologists. He also introduces magical methodologies into laboratory settings to increase the ecological validity of experimental studies on attention and perception. His interdisciplinary approach combines cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and performance arts to explore human perception boundaries. His extensive publication record shows a clear progression from traditional cognitive psychology toward the cognitive science of magic, with seminal works including "The exploitation of Gestalt principles by magicians" (2010), "Blinded by magic: eye-movements reveal the misdirection of attention" (2014), and "Microsaccades reflect the dynamics of misdirected attention in magic" (2019). Recent publications increasingly focus on how experiencing and performing magic affects creativity, positive emotions, and wellbeing. Dr. Barnhart has made significant academic contributions through his editorial work at PeerJ, where he has served as both Editor (4,610 contributions) and Reviewer (155 contributions) across multiple subject areas including Psychiatry and Psychology, Neuroscience, and Human-Computer Interaction. His editorial service demonstrates a commitment to advancing knowledge across disciplines. As both scholar and performer, Dr. Barnhart has developed a distinctive research program examining the cognitive mechanisms underlying magical illusions. His work demonstrates how eye movement research can uncover the mechanisms of magical deception and how magicians' practical knowledge can inform laboratory research. He maintains an active research profile with consistent publication output across multiple journals, showing particular expertise in experimental design, eye-tracking methodology, and the cognitive mechanisms of attention and perception.
Dr. Nancy Cheever is a Professor and Journalism Program Coordinator in the Department of Communications at California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH), within the College of Arts & Humanities. She serves as founding mentor of the George Marsh Applied Cognition Laboratory and president of a non-profit organization supporting homeless youth in Orange County, CA. Education: Ph.D. in Media Psychology, Fielding Graduate University M.A. in Media Psychology, Fielding Graduate University M.A. in Journalism, California State University, Fullerton B.A. in Journalism, California State University, Dominguez Hills Dr. Cheever's research investigates the psychological consequences of digital technology adoption, with empirical studies on mobile device anxiety, technology-induced sleep disorders, online dating behaviors, and multitasking cognition. Her work bridges journalism education and psychological science, emphasizing media literacy in the digital age through her co-authored books and public commentary. Scientific Awards: 2018 Presidential Outstanding Professor Award 2018 CSU Faculty Innovation and Leadership Award As Journalism Program Coordinator, Dr. Cheever mentors students in media production and research methodology while leading the George Marsh Applied Cognition Laboratory. Her extensive media appearances demonstrate effective knowledge translation from academic research to public discourse, enhancing the visibility of CSUDH's communications programs. The laboratory's interdisciplinary approach with psychology faculty creates unique research opportunities for students studying technology's cognitive impacts. The George Marsh Applied Cognition Laboratory serves as Dr. Cheever's primary research hub, where she collaborates with Psychology Professors Dr. L. Mark Carrier and Dr. Larry Rosen on longitudinal studies examining digital behavior patterns and psychological outcomes. This facility supports her empirical research program investigating the intersection of media consumption, cognitive processes, and mental health indicators.
