Prof. Frank Kalter holds the Chair of General Sociology at the School of Social Sciences, focusing on explanatory sociology that integrates theoretical frameworks with empirical research. His work emphasizes understanding social mechanisms underlying phenomena like migration, integration, and education. Teaching priorities include theoretical foundations of sociology and their application to contemporary issues such as migration policies, labor markets, and family dynamics. Research projects like the Children of Immigrants Longitudinal Survey in Four European Countries (CILS4EU) highlight his commitment to large-scale, comparative studies. Key themes in his publications include discrimination effects on youth, intergenerational integration, and structural assimilation patterns. The team collaborates on projects involving social capital, transnationalism, and methodological innovations in sociological research. Advising and grants are central to advancing these interdisciplinary efforts. Education Focus: Bachelor's/Master's programs in sociology with emphasis on action theories and decision-making contexts. Research Labs: Collaborations with the DeZIM Institute and longitudinal surveys like CILS4EU-DE. Key Methodologies: Longitudinal analysis, mixed-methods, and micro-macro simulations.
Prof. Dr. Angela Schwarz serves as Professor of Modern and Contemporary History at the University of Siegen, Germany, where she has held a chair position since 2006. She currently acts as Subproject Manager for multiple research initiatives including B05 'Popular History in Digital Games Between Mainstreaming and Diversification,' AG5 'Somatics of the Popular: Transformations of the Physical,' and AG8 'Global Dimension of Popularity' (since 2025), as well as previously leading subprojects 1 'Imagery' (2021-2024) and 5 'case analyses.' Her academic work examines the intersection of history, media, and popular culture with particular expertise in digital games as historical sources and pedagogical tools. Professor Schwarz pioneered scholarly investigation of historical representation in computer games, having organized one of the first academic conferences on the topic shortly after her appointment at Siegen. Her research interests focus on popular history , especially as it manifests in digital media, transnational cultural history , and the popularization of historical knowledge across different media platforms. She completed her habilitation thesis on popular scientific non-fiction books in 1998, establishing popularization as one of her central research interests, and has since expanded this work to examine how historical narratives are constructed and consumed in interactive digital spaces. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a consistent focus on historical representation in digital games, with increasing attention to diversity, authenticity, and spatial dimensions of historical experience. Her work demonstrates how video games function as both historical sources and pedagogical tools, exploring concepts like historical tourism in virtual environments (as seen in her work on Assassin's Creed). She examines how games construct historical narratives, shape player understanding of the past, and negotiate complex historical concepts through interactive media, with particular interest in how these representations influence public historical consciousness. Subproject Manager, B05 Popular History in Digital Games (Current) Subproject Manager, AG5 Somatics of the Popular (Current) Subproject Manager, AG8 Global Dimension of Popularity (since 2025) Lecturer in Modern and Contemporary History (2006-Present) Professor Schwarz leads a research team including Dr. Daniela Mysliwietz-Fleiß, Tom Pinsker, Milan Weber, and Jan Pasternak, with student assistants supporting her work. She has been actively teaching courses on modern and contemporary history since 2006, with lecture topics spanning from historical representation in media to specific historical periods and events. Her research extends beyond digital games to examine historical representation across various media forms, including world exhibitions, advertising imagery, and scientific popularization, demonstrating how historical narratives are constructed and consumed in the public sphere through diverse media channels.
Johann Kastner is a Professor at Upper Austria University of Applied Sciences, leading the Research Center Wels Computed Tomography R&D-Headquarters. He is affiliated with Centers of Excellence in Automotive/Mobility, Energy, and Smart Production. His research focuses on advanced materials characterization using X-ray computed tomography (X-CT), with applications in non-destructive testing, composite materials, and biomedical engineering. Key research areas include porosity analysis in carbon fiber reinforced polymers, phase contrast imaging, and additive manufacturing. He has led over 10 projects, including the EU-funded xCTing initiative (2021–2025) and the X-PRO project (2020–2024), emphasizing industrial CT applications and cross-virtuality data analysis. His work spans 335+ publications, with notable contributions to XCT-based defect detection, material microstructure analysis, and AI-driven image segmentation. Collaborations include COMET K Projects and FTI-Structurförderung grants. He has advised 2 PhD students and actively participates in international conferences and workshops. Laboratory facilities include state-of-the-art XCT systems for 3D microstructural analysis, Talbot-Lau grating interferometry, and augmented reality visualization tools for industrial applications.
Dr. Scott Ross serves as a Professor of Kinesiology and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG), specifically within the School of Health & Human Sciences. His primary role involves academic leadership and teaching in the Athletic Training Program. He directs the Balance Analysis and Training (BAT) Lab, focusing on ankle instability, postural control, and rehabilitation interventions using stochastic resonance stimulation and video games. Ross collaborates in the Applied Neuromechanics Research Laboratory Group to investigate injury associations in collegiate athletes and is part of a military concussion research team. Research interests include neuromechanics, sensorimotor control, and the application of virtual reality (VR) in mobility rehabilitation. He teaches courses such as KIN 634 (Athletic Training Foundations) and KIN 725 (Management and Professional Issues in Athletic Training). His publications span topics like noise-enhanced balance, VR in physical therapy, and postural control differences across populations. Ross actively explores technology-driven solutions for rehabilitation and injury prevention, with a focus on translating VR training into real-world environments. His work emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, combining biomechanical analysis with clinical applications to improve patient outcomes in sports medicine and military healthcare. Current projects include assessing postural stability in individuals with chronic ankle instability and investigating the neurobiological systems involved in gait symmetry and obstacle navigation.
Dr. Robb Lindgren is a Professor of Educational Psychology and Curriculum & Instruction at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign , with affiliate appointments at the Beckman Institute, National Center for Supercomputing Applications, iSchool Informatics, Center for Social & Behavioral Science, and Grainger College of Engineering. His research focuses on interactive and immersive digital technologies for learning, particularly in STEM education . PhD in Learning Sciences and Technology Design from Stanford University MA in Psychology from Stanford University BS in Computer Science from Northwestern University Dr. Lindgren explores how body-based interactions with technologies like virtual reality and augmented reality enhance understanding of abstract concepts. His work combines embodied cognition with digital learning environments , examining how physical engagement shapes multimodal learning and collaborative problem-solving . Recent projects include haptic feedback systems and gesture-augmented simulations for molecular visualization and climate change education. His publications analyze trends in XR (Extended Reality) applications, emphasizing gestural agency , collaborative discourse , and multisensory learning . Key findings show how embodied interactions improve conceptual retention in physics and explanatory modeling in thermal conduction, alongside innovative assessment methods using attention tracking and behavioral analytics. 2017 - Jan Hawkins Award for Early Career Contributions Multiple NSF-funded projects on technology-enhanced learning As Director of the Technology Innovations in Educational Research and Design (TIER-ED) initiative, Dr. Lindgren fosters cross-campus collaboration to address educational challenges through emerging technologies. He teaches courses on digital learning environments , educational game design , and embodied learning theories , while developing prototypes for STEM education in partnership with schools and museums.
Veronica Garcia Hansen is an Associate Professor in the School of Architecture & Built Environment at Queensland University of Technology (QUT). Her research focuses on the interplay between building design and performance, emphasizing visual/thermal comfort, human health/wellbeing, and innovative methodologies using sensors, machine learning, and VR. She is an internationally recognized expert in high-performance building envelopes, daylighting, and lighting's non-visual health effects. Her 2020 WiSTEM2D award ($250k grant) supported 'healing environments in hospitals via efficient lighting design,' one of six global awards selected from 550 applications. Education: PhD (Queensland University of Technology), BArch (Other). Professional memberships include AIA, ASA, ISES, CIE (Division 3 Editor), and multiple editorial roles. Research Leadership: HDR Training Coordinator (2019–2021), Deputy Academic Lead (Architecture), and leader of QUT's Design Lab 'Emerging Technologies' program. She chairs CIE Division 3 (Interior Environment & Lighting Design) and represents Australia in IEA Task 61. Awards & Recognition: 2020 Johnson & Johnson Scholar; 2003 Asian Innovation Award (Bronze); Division Editor roles; and leadership in global architectural science initiatives. Supervision & Grants: Advised over 100 postgraduate students and led projects like 'Designing Healthy and Efficient Luminous Environments' (LP150100179). Current supervision includes lighting design strategies for healthcare staff wellbeing. Labs/Teams: Core member of QUT's Design Lab, focusing on emerging technologies and interdisciplinary architectural science research.
Josep Casanovas is a Full Professor at the Statistics and Operations Research Department of the Technical University of Catalonia (UPC), affiliated with the Barcelona School of Informatics. He previously served as head of inLab FIB (2012-2020) and as dean (1998-2004) and vice-rector (2006-2011) of UPC, leading strategic initiatives in university governance and ICT policies. His research focuses on Modelling and Simulation , Internet and Information Systems , and Urban Mobility . He has led projects for the European Union, including C-ROADS Spain, REMEDiAL, and ECHORD++, addressing intelligent transport, software automation, and robotic innovation. Recent publications highlight his work on agent-based simulation for urban health, deep learning applications in traffic and energy savings, and wildfire management tools . He co-directs LogiSim and coordinates the Severo Ochoa Research Excellence Program at the Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC-CNS).
Yucheng Xie is a Tenure-track Assistant Professor in the Graduate Department of Computer Science and Engineering at Yeshiva University, affiliated with the Katz School of Science and Health. He holds a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Purdue University and a Master’s in Computer Science from Stevens Institute of Technology. His research focuses on Security in Machine Learning/AI Systems , Smart and Mobile Healthcare , and Mobile Computing and Sensing . Notable contributions include non-invasive wireless sensing via mmWave and Wi-Fi signals for health monitoring, adversarial attacks on activity recognition systems, and secure mobile deep learning. His recent articles explore topics like contactless human concentration monitoring, palm-based authentication, and environment-invariant eating behavior tracking. These works highlight innovations in mmWave technology, cybersecurity for AI systems, and healthcare applications. Awards : Best Paper Runner-up (IEEE Conference on Communications and Network Security, 2024) Best Paper Runner-up (IEEE International Conference on Computer Communications and Networks, 2022) Best Paper Award (EAI International Conference on IoT Technologies for HealthCare, 2019) While no advising or grant details are provided, his work emphasizes practical applications of wireless sensing and secure AI systems. No specific lab affiliations are mentioned, though his research often involves interdisciplinary collaboration.
Jacqueline Griffin is an Associate Professor in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at Northeastern University's College of Engineering, serving as Director of Industrial Engineering and Operations Research. She holds a PhD from Georgia Institute of Technology (2012) with prior degrees from Lehigh University. Her research focuses on healthcare operations optimization, supply chain resilience, and decision-making under uncertainty, with emphasis on multi-objective resource allocation, simulation modeling, and stochastic optimization. She leads NSF-funded projects addressing pharmaceutical supply chain resilience and outpatient clinic design. Notable awards include the ARCS Foundation Fellowship and Omega Best Reviewer Award. Griffin's research integrates operations research methods to improve healthcare systems, including dynamic bed management, disaster preparedness algorithms, and patient flow optimization. She has designed simulation frameworks for hospital layouts and emergency response systems. Her work spans academic-industry collaborations with Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Children’s Hospital, and the National Institutes of Health. Education: PhD Industrial Engineering (Georgia Tech 2012), MS/BS Industrial Engineering (Lehigh 2006/2005) Grants: $1.5M in NSF funding for supply chain resilience and healthcare systems projects Professional Affiliations: INFORMS, IIE, POMS Her teaching includes graduate courses on operations research and supply chain management. Recent innovations include gamified educational tools for supply chain decision-making and EHR-integrated diagnostic safety interventions. She advises interdisciplinary teams on healthcare system modeling and has published over 30 peer-reviewed articles since 2011.
Dr. Juan S. Gnecco serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Tufts University School of Engineering, holding concurrent appointments as Graduate Biomedical Sciences Member in Genetics, Molecular and Cellular Biology and Associate Principal Investigator at Tufts Medical Center's Mother Infant Research Institute. His laboratory bridges tissue engineering and reproductive biology to address women's health inequities through innovative engineering approaches. Dr. Gnecco's research focuses on three interconnected domains: Tissue engineering and organoid systems for modeling the human endometrium using synthetic hydrogels that replace Matrigel, enabling fully defined studies of hormone-mediated processes Tissue clearing and 3D pathology techniques to visualize endometriotic lesion architecture in unprecedented detail Disease modeling of endometriosis as an estrogen-dependent, progesterone-resistant condition affecting over 10% of women, characterized by debilitating pelvic pain and infertility His work has established critical tools for deciphering immune-endocrine mechanisms in reproductive physiology and disease pathogenesis. Dr. Gnecco's publication record demonstrates consistent advancement in modeling the female reproductive tract, with recent work emphasizing biophysical microenvironment effects on endometrial cell behavior, synthetic matrix development for organoid culture, and molecular characterization of endometriosis. His research trajectory shows deepening focus on translational applications of engineering approaches to endometriosis pathology. Recognition includes: Multiple Gates Foundation funding rounds (2018-present) for phenotypic screening models of the female reproductive tract Rising Star in Engineering and Health by Columbia University (2020) Invited presentations at Society for Reproductive Investigation and Gates Foundation Consortium Editorial board membership for Frontiers in Reproductive Health As Principal Investigator of the Laboratory of Reproductive Engineering, Dr. Gnecco leads interdisciplinary efforts to identify novel therapeutic targets for endometriotic diseases through physiomimetic model systems. His educational background includes a PhD in Cellular and Molecular Pathology from Vanderbilt University Medical Center (2018) and BS in Biotechnology from Rutgers University.
John Quarles is a Professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio, specializing in Virtual Reality (VR) and Human-Computer Interaction. His research focuses on accessibility in immersive technologies, cybersickness mitigation, and inclusive design. He has contributed over 100 publications across top venues like IEEE VR, ISMAR, and IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics. His work addresses challenges faced by users with disabilities, such as balance impairments and mobility limitations, through innovative feedback systems and adaptive algorithms. Quarles has co-authored influential papers on cybersickness prediction, VR accessibility for persons with Multiple Sclerosis, and disability simulations to reduce societal bias. He has held leadership roles including Program Chair for IEEE VR 2023, demonstrating his influence in academic and industrial VR communities. His research spans interdisciplinary applications in healthcare, education, and rehabilitation, with notable collaborations on datasets like 'Mazed and Confused' and frameworks like SmoothRide. Key themes include multimodal feedback methods, user-centric design principles, and leveraging AI for personalized VR experiences.
Niels Christian Nilsson is a faculty member at Aalborg University , Denmark, with a research focus on Virtual Reality , Haptic Feedback , and Human-Computer Interaction . His work explores techniques for enhancing immersion and realism in VR through multimodal feedback, including tactile, auditory, and visual cues. Key research themes include redirected walking , body ownership illusions , and interactive sound synthesis , often in collaboration with Stefania Serafin and Rolf Nordahl. Nilsson's recent publications (2023-2024) address VR sickness in locomotion systems, tactile auditory augmentation for hearing-impaired users, and applications of VR in rehabilitation. He investigates novel input methods like blink-based interaction and geometric environments for mathematics education. His contributions span both practical implementations (e.g., ElboVR for post-surgery recovery) and theoretical frameworks for sensory feedback in virtual environments. Nilsson's work has been presented at premier venues such as CHI , VR , and IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics . While no formal awards or students are listed in this dataset, his research emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and user-centered design in immersive technologies, with implications for healthcare, gaming, and education.
Dr Federico Tartarini is a Senior Lecturer at the Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning and a Sydney Horizon Fellow at the University of Sydney. His research focuses on preventing heat stress through improved indoor environmental design, with expertise in thermal comfort, building performance, and health. He leads innovative projects at the intersection of environmental engineering and human well-being. Member of Sydney Environment Institute Member of Charles Perkins Centre Collaborator at UC Berkeley's Center for the Built Environment Research Themes: Combines laboratory and field studies with software/hardware development to address thermal health challenges. Specializes in occupant-centric building design, thermophysiological modeling, and real-time monitoring technologies. Scientific Awards 2023 Future Leader Award – AIRAH 2023 Excellence in HVAC&R Research – AIRAH 2023 Horizon Fellowship from University of Sydney Multiple awards from 2014-2021 including best paper and researcher accolades Tools & Impact: Creator of widely used open-source platforms like pythermalcomfort, CBE Thermal Comfort Tool, and Cozie smartwatch app. Founded EMU Systems for IEQ monitoring solutions. Key work includes modifying Sports Medicine Australia's heat stress policies and ASHRAE standard contributions.
Professor Tuck Wah Leong is Deputy Dean (Learning & Teaching) at RMIT University's School of Computing Technologies. His research focuses on human-centered computing, data science, and applied computing with particular emphasis on narrative visualization, healthcare communication, and inclusive technology design. Leong has contributed significantly to understanding usability challenges in self-service technologies and virtual training systems. His work bridges academic research with practical applications, addressing issues like queer youth experiences on social platforms and ethical considerations in AI-driven self-care tools. Leong collaborates across disciplines to develop innovative solutions for diverse populations including Indigenous communities and elderly users. His recent studies explore the impact of immersion levels in VR training and the role of generative AI in mental health support systems. Leong maintains active engagement in educational technology, co-designing tools like XRAuthor for immersive learning content creation. His research consistently emphasizes participatory methodologies to ensure technologies align with user needs and societal values.
Vanessa Echeverria is a Lecturer in the School of Computing Technologies at RMIT University, Australia, and an Assistant Professor at Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL), Ecuador. She holds a PhD in Information Technology from the University of Technology Sydney (2020), a Master’s in Computer Science from KU Leuven (2012), and a Bachelor’s in Computer Science from ESPOL (2004). Her research focuses on human-centred AI, learning analytics, and educational technologies, emphasizing the design of AI-driven tools for stakeholders in education and healthcare. She has held postdoctoral roles at Monash University and Carnegie Mellon University. Her work integrates multimodal data analysis, generative AI, and human-centred design to enhance educational outcomes and healthcare simulations. Research Interests: Learning analytics, multimodal data, AI in education, human-centred AI systems, and collaborative learning environments. Her projects include developing dashboards like TeamVision for healthcare simulations and TeamTeachingViz for team-based reflection. She also explores ethical considerations in AI and learning analytics through frameworks like VALA/AID and FATE in MMLA . Teaching: Teaches Python Programming (COSC3106) at RMIT, emphasizing practical coding skills and their application in computational problem-solving. Publications: Over 80 outputs since 2020, including high-impact journal articles in Computers & Education and conference papers at CHI and LAK. Recent work addresses generative AI adoption policies, data storytelling in dashboards, and human-AI collaboration in thematic analysis. Collaborations: Engages in transdisciplinary research across institutions, including Monash University’s Centre for Learning Analytics and partnerships with healthcare and educational institutions globally.
