Joman Hayajneh is a researcher at Bournemouth University's National Centre for Computer Animation (NCCA), focusing on interdisciplinary applications of 3D animation technology in education. He presented research on "3D Character Representations for Educational Purposes in Jordan" at the 15th Annual Postgraduate Research Conference (29 Nov 2023). His work bridges computer science and educational technology, with specific interests in creating culturally relevant digital learning tools through advanced computer graphics and virtual environments. Contact: jhayajneh@bournemouth.ac.uk
Matteo Toscani is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Bournemouth University since 2021. He holds a PhD in Psychology and has affiliations with Giessen University (Germany) and Florence University (Italy). His research focuses on visual and haptic perception, particularly color vision, material properties, eye movements, and peripheral vision. Education: Undergraduate in Florence (Italy), MSc thesis on EEG correlates of visual sensitivity and memory for facial emotions Collaborations: Karl Gegenfurtner, Pascal Mamassian, Roland Fleming, Katja Dörschner, Knut Drewing, Arash Akbarinia, Anna Metzger His work combines eye tracking with computer graphics and machine learning, including research on face perception in peripheral vision and haptic exploration of material textures. Recent projects examine color constancy mechanisms in virtual reality environments and vibratory signal analysis in haptic perception. Key research trends include color perception under varying illumination, 3D object visual analysis, haptic saliency modeling, and cross-modal integration of tactile and visual cues. His studies often involve computational approaches and neural network modeling. Scientific Recognition: Invited lecture at University of Washington (2022) Current grants include modeling peripheral vision in natural scenes (British Academy, 2024) and spectral color analysis (BBSRC, 2023). He serves as Associate Editor for Frontiers in Neuroscience and has extensive journal reviewing experience across vision science disciplines.
Patrick McInerney is a Lecturer at South East Technological University (SETU) , Waterford, Ireland, affiliated with the Department of Computing and Mathematics and the Centre for Information Systems and Techno-culture. His research focuses on photogrammetry, 3D modeling, computational photography, and semantic technologies for digital cultural heritage and human-machine symbiosis. Education: BSc (Hons) in Industrial Computing; Postgraduate Diploma in Sociology (The Open University) Research Interests: Metrology-based documentation of cultural heritage, semantic web applications for street art archiving, and human-centered machine learning in digital humanities. His work bridges computer science, visual arts, and social sciences. Key Collaborations: Leads the MementoArtem Digital Street Art Archive project, collaborating with SETU Library, INSYTE-Cooley research group, and external partners. His research aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goal of Quality Education through digital preservation. Professional Affiliations: Member of CIPA Heritage Documentation, ICOMOS, and IFAC. Active in the Technology, Culture and International Stability (TECIS) committee.
Jason Orlosky is an Associate Professor at Augusta University, with academic appointments in both the College of Allied Health Sciences and the School of Computer and Cyber Sciences. He is affiliated with the Department of Computer & Cyber Sciences and leads the ARVR Lab, a research group focused on augmented and virtual reality, eye tracking, and intelligent interaction systems. His work bridges computer science, health education, and human-computer interaction, with strong international collaboration with Osaka University. Research Interests: His research spans augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) , gaze-based interaction , intelligent agents , vision augmentation , and educational technology . He explores how biometrics like eye tracking and pupillometry can detect cognitive states and enhance user experience in XR environments. His lab develops novel interfaces for remote collaboration, teleoperation, and immersive learning, particularly in healthcare and training contexts. His recent publications (2021–2024) reflect a strong focus on practical and theoretical advances in XR, including gaze-driven interaction techniques, VR sickness mitigation, display prototyping, and educational applications. Themes include user comfort , ergonomic design , cognitive load assessment , and safety in mobile AR . His work appears in top venues such as IEEE VR, IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics, and ACM conferences. Scientific Awards: Outstanding Faculty Award, Augusta University (2023) Best Paper, Augmented Human International Conference (2016) Best Paper, International Conference on Intelligent User Interfaces (2013) Best Presentation Honorable Mention, IEEE VR (2024) Best Paper Nominee, ISMAR (2024) Advising and Grants: Dr. Orlosky mentors graduate students in the MS and PhD programs in Computer Science through the ARVR Lab. He offers full funding and tuition waivers for PhD students on a competitive basis. He serves as faculty advisor for the Game Design Club and Girls Who Code College Loop, and has organized international programs such as the Augusta University–Osaka University Summer Study Abroad. While specific grants are not listed, his lab's sustained activity and funding availability suggest active grant support. Labs and Teams: He leads the ARVR Lab at Augusta University, part of the Cyber-Physical Systems group, which collaborates with the Cybermedia Center at Osaka University. The lab focuses on building hardware and software for immersive interaction, with projects in outdoor AR, remote collaboration, and educational simulations.
Ales Leonardis is a Professor at the University of Birmingham with significant contributions to computer vision, robotics, and artificial intelligence research. His work focuses on understanding complex visual scenes through physics-based and generative deep learning approaches. His research interests span computer vision, robotics, machine learning, and 3D generative models. Professor Leonardis explores how physical principles can be integrated with deep learning to create more robust and interpretable visual understanding systems. His work bridges the gap between theoretical computer vision and practical applications in robotics and scene understanding. His most notable publications demonstrate a consistent trajectory toward physically plausible 3D scene understanding and generation. The research shows increasing sophistication in modeling physical constraints within generative frameworks, with applications ranging from robotics to virtual environments. His work often combines classical computer vision techniques with modern deep learning approaches. His scientific achievements have been recognized through prestigious awards including the 2018 and 2023 Amazon Research Awards. These awards highlight his innovative work in understanding complex scenes in contained spaces and developing physically plausible controllable 3D generative models. Professor Leonardis has made significant contributions to advancing the field of computer vision through his research on scene understanding, 3D reconstruction, and physically grounded generative models. His work continues to influence both academic research and practical applications in robotics and artificial intelligence.
Saleh Abdel-Afou Alaliyat is an Associate Professor in Computer Science at the Department of ICT and Natural Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering. He leads the Sustainable Digital Transformation (SDT) R&D Lab. Research Interests: Dr. Alaliyat's work focuses on Digital twin architecture, simulation, and visualization in offshore energy and urban sustainability Artificial intelligence, particularly deep learning, swarm intelligence, and optimization algorithms Virtual worlds, 3D environments, and human-computer interaction Agent-based modeling for environmental and aquaculture systems Computer vision and information security applications Publications: His recent work (2022-2024) emphasizes predictive digital twins for wind energy, smart city applications, computer vision for litter detection, and AI-driven curriculum development. Earlier works (2013-2019) explore agent-based modeling for disease dynamics in aquaculture and swarm optimization algorithms. Teaching: He teaches courses in Game Development, Information Security, Computer Graphics, and Swarm Intelligence at both bachelor's and master's levels. Outreach: He has delivered lectures at international conferences like ECMS 2022 and IEEE ICMSAO 2019.
Roberta Macaluso is a PhD student in Computer and Systems Engineering (39th cycle, 2023-2026) and an External Lecturer at the Department of Control and Computer Science (DAUIN) of the Polytechnic University of Turin. She is actively affiliated with the GRAINS research group and the VR@POLITO laboratory, contributing to extended reality initiatives. Education: Bachelor's Degree in Computer Engineering, University of Catania, graduated November 2019 Master's Degree in Computer Engineering (major: Graphics and Multimedia), Polytechnic University of Turin, graduated December 2023 Research Interests: Her work centers on Extended Reality (XR) technologies for socially engaged virtual environments, spanning Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and Mixed Reality applications. She investigates computer graphics and multimedia techniques to enhance user interaction in training simulations (e.g., forest fire management), social VR platforms, and healthcare rehabilitation systems, with emphasis on embodiment, therapist representation, and multi-user dynamics. Publication Trends: Her 2024-2025 publications reveal a concentrated focus on XR applications in healthcare and social contexts. Key themes include machine learning refinement for social VR animations, prosthetic limb embodiment through AR/DR exergames, and therapist representation in tele-rehabilitation. Her research bridges computer science, human-computer interaction, and practical clinical/training implementations, demonstrating consistent innovation in XR fidelity and user experience. Awards: No scientific awards documented. Advising and Grants: Supervised by Prof. Fabrizio Lamberti and Prof. Alberto Cannavò for her PhD, she previously held a scholarship under Prof. Lamberti focused on XR tools for interactive 3D visualization in multi-user platforms. Her research directly supports the development of socially engaged virtual environments and training applications. Labs and Teams: Core member of the GRAINS (GRAphics and INtelligent Systems) research group and VR@POLITO laboratory at DAUIN, where she conducts XR development and testing for forest firefighting simulations, healthcare rehabilitation, and social interaction frameworks.
Deniz Kürşad is an Associate Professor and current Head of Department in the Department of Graphic Design at Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University's Faculty of Fine Arts, where she has served since 2010. Promoted from Research Assistant (2010-2017) to Assistant Professor (2017-2021) and finally Associate Professor in 2021, she also holds multiple leadership roles including Faculty Management Board Member and Ethics Committee Member. Her educational background includes: PhD in Competence in Art, Hacettepe University, Faculty of Fine Arts, Department of Graphics (2016) MA in Postgraduate Studies, Suleyman Demirel University, Faculty of Fine Arts, Department of Graphics (2008) Bachelor's Degree, Mersin University, Faculty of Fine Arts, Department of Graphics (2003) Kürşad's research spans Graphic Design, Art and Design, Accessibility, and Branding with focus on visual identity systems and interdisciplinary applications. Her work bridges architectural visualization, typography in public spaces, and universal design principles, emphasizing practical implementation in educational and professional contexts. Analysis of her 14 recent publications (2014-2024) reveals consistent focus on three-dimensional visual communication, accessibility in branding, and environmental graphic design. Her work demonstrates strong integration of theoretical frameworks with practical applications, particularly in public space branding, responsive web design, and cross-disciplinary design methodologies. She has secured significant research funding including the 2022-2024 project 'Symbolization of Çanakkale's Historical and Cultural Values for Application on Textile Surfaces' as Principal Investigator, alongside editorial roles for the International Journal of Troy Art and Design since 2020. Her academic supervision extends through curriculum development in courses like Packaging Design and Web Design. Kürşad maintains active artistic engagement through international exhibitions including the 9th Çanakkale Biennial and interdisciplinary projects addressing cultural heritage and social issues like violence against women, demonstrating the practical application of her theoretical research.
Tian Hao is a Lecturer at the School of Big Data and Computer Science , Guizhou Normal University . He received his B.Eng. and Ph.D. in Engineering from the School of Software Engineering at East China Normal University in 2014 and 2020, respectively. During his doctoral studies, he was jointly trained at the University of Maryland under the China Scholarship Council program. From 2020 to 2022, he was a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Computer Science and Technology at the University of Hong Kong . Prior to joining Guizhou Normal University in June 2024, he served as a Senior Engineer and Team Leader at Huawei HiSilicon's Turing Robotics division. Education: 2010–2014: B.Eng., School of Software Engineering, East China Normal University 2014–2020: Ph.D. in Engineering, School of Software Engineering, East China Normal University 2018–2019: Joint Doctoral Training, University of Maryland, USA 2020–2022: Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Computer Science and Technology, University of Hong Kong Research Interests: Tian Hao's research spans embodied intelligent learning in robots , dexterous grasping simulation and planning , human-robot interaction , and virtual/augmented reality (VR/AR) . His work integrates machine learning, computer graphics, and robotics to enable robots to manipulate complex objects in cluttered or virtual environments. Publications & Trends: His publications (2016-2023) consistently focus on robotic grasping and manipulation , virtual hand interaction , and real-time simulation . Notable venues include IEEE Transactions on Robotics , IEEE VR , and ICRA , reflecting an emphasis on high-impact robotics and graphics venues. Scientific Awards: No specific awards are listed in the provided text. Grants & Projects: Research on 3D Design and Dexterous Robot Sewing Technology for Personalized Garment Manufacturing (NSFC-RGC, 2017-2020) Visual model and environment construction based on multi-source data and its dynamic simulation (NSFC, 2016-2020) Quadruped robot dog autonomous inspection solution based on Ascend AI platform (Huawei HiSilicon) Ascend-based balloon robot platform (Huawei HiSilicon) Labs & Teams: He lectures at the Robot Operating System (ROS) Summer School in China and serves as a reviewer for premier IEEE journals and conferences, indicating active engagement in the robotics and VR communities.
Dr. Szilvia Szeghalmy is a Lecturer at the University of Debrecen, Faculty of Informatics, Department of Computer Science. She can be contacted at +36 52 512 900 75116 or via email at szeghalmy.szilvia@inf.unideb.hu, located in room I116, floor 1 of the Faculty of Informatics building. Her research focuses on: Digital Image Processing Imbalanced Learning Recent publications highlight trends in: Imbalanced data handling and noise filtering techniques (2024) Medical imaging applications (2024) Driver-assistance systems and traffic sign recognition (2018-2019) Human-computer interaction using sensors (2013-2014)
Dr. Reid Townson is an Adjunct Professor at the Department of Physics, Carleton University , and a Research Officer in Metrology at the National Research Council Canada . His research focuses on the development and application of the EGSnrc Monte Carlo radiation transport software toolkit , enabling high-precision simulations of electron, positron, and photon transport for medical and metrological applications. Primary Role: Research Officer, Metrology at National Research Council Canada Academic Role: Adjunct Professor at Carleton University Key Affiliation: National Research Council Canada Research Interests span radiation transport modeling, radiation dosimetry, Monte Carlo simulation software development, and the application of computational physics to emerging medical technologies. His work involves simulating ionization chambers, radiotherapy devices, and complex radiation scenarios to advance dose calculation accuracy and detector calibration. Publications emphasize Monte Carlo simulation techniques for radiation therapy (e.g., VMAT, IMRT, RapidArc), gamma-ray spectrometry benchmarks, and EGSnrc toolkit enhancements. His contributions include detector modeling, dose verification algorithms, and GPU-accelerated computation frameworks. Student Opportunities are highlighted through research projects involving EGSnrc, though specific student names are not listed. He utilizes platforms like GitHub for collaborative development.
Anna Ursyn is a Professor and Computer Graphics/Digital Media Area Head at the School of Art & Design , University of Northern Colorado, within the College of Performing and Visual Arts . Her work bridges academic research, artistic practice, and technological innovation. PhD, MFA in Computer Graphics/Digital Media Active in international IEEE, ACM SIGGRAPH, and educational committees Recipient of numerous grants and awards for digital media contributions Her research focuses on knowledge visualization , visual storytelling , and interdisciplinary education . She explores how computer graphics can enhance communication across science, art, and education through projects like NASA's MoonArc and exhibitions at Louvre and NTT Tokyo. Recent publications address data visualization , visual literacy , and creative interface design . Her advising includes students in digital media and computer graphics programs. Awards include ACM SIGGRAPH grants , multiple Who’s Who listings, and international art competition recognitions. Editor's Choice Award , International Library of Poetry Artistic Merit Award , Eurographics 1996 Animal Image Award , Argentina Ursyn leads the Digital Art Gallery D-ART iV and SpaceTime competition , while maintaining an active studio practice that combines 3D programming , mixed-media sculpture , and scientific illustration .
Rozina Vavetsi serves as Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Digital Art and Design within the College of Arts and Sciences at New York Institute of Technology (NYIT). An internationally exhibited graphic designer, her work has appeared in London, Milan, New York, Las Vegas, and Athens, earning recognition from Graphic Design USA, Good 50x70, and Adobe competitions while being featured in Creative Quarterly and other prominent design publications. Her educational background includes: Bachelor in Education, University of Athens, Greece Master of Science in Communications Design, Pratt Institute, New York Vavetsi's research fundamentally challenges conventional boundaries of graphic design practice. She pioneers experimental applications extending design beyond traditional 2D formats into kinetic, physical, and interactive dimensions. Her work demonstrates how design principles can transform complex information into accessible visual narratives while maintaining aesthetic integrity. Key research domains include: Information Design : Creating intuitive visual systems for data comprehension Experimental Typography : Pushing type boundaries through motion and physical media Digital Fabrication : Integrating laser cutting and 3D printing with design practice Interactive Design : Developing game interfaces and user experiences Exhibition Design : Crafting visual identities for art installations Social Impact Design : Pro bono work for organizations like the American Cancer Society Her scholarly output reveals a consistent trajectory toward making design more functional, understandable, and socially relevant. Presentations and workshops consistently address practical applications of design theory in educational and community contexts, with increasing emphasis on technology integration and social impact. Her design excellence has been recognized through: Multiple Graphic Design USA InHouse Design Awards (2014-2018) for event materials and posters Good 50x70 Whale Hunting Contest Winner (2008) for 'Brutal Appetite' Adobe HOW Commemorative Contest Winner (2006) for 'Possibilities' Publications in Creative Quarterly and AIGA Vavetsi actively mentors students through undergraduate and graduate thesis supervision while leading curriculum development initiatives. Her collaborative projects span international workshops in France and Morocco, partnerships with local high schools, and multi-year pro bono design work for the American Cancer Society. She maintains professional engagement through the Type Directors Club and AIGA. As Department Chair, she directs the Digital Art and Design program while maintaining her personal design studio for client and experimental projects, bridging academic theory with professional practice.
Warren Fearn is an Associate Professor in Design and Postgraduate Lead in Design at York St John University's School of the Arts. He is also a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Dr. Fearn teaches on the Graphic Design programme and co-leads the York Virtual and Augmented Reality Research Group with colleague Andrew Byrom. Dr. Fearn specializes in service design methodology with a focus on using augmented reality in primary schools to support science learning. His research interests span Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, Service Design, Design Thinking, Primary Education Technology, 3D Modeling, and Animation. He has developed a service design approach to implementing AR technologies in educational settings, particularly focusing on the barriers and opportunities for adoption in primary science education. His recent publications show a strong trend toward exploring practical applications of XR technologies in educational contexts, with particular emphasis on primary school settings. Dr. Fearn's work bridges the gap between technology development and practical classroom implementation, addressing both technical and pedagogical challenges. Dr. Fearn has received several notable recognitions for his work: Promax awards for his work at BBC 3DFX department Emmy Award nomination at the New York Festival Unreal Mega Grant to fund research on augmented reality in primary education Shortlisted for Educate North Awards (2025) for Digital Innovation and Education Dr. Fearn has supervised numerous postgraduate students on dissertations and practical-based projects in areas including community, sustainability, artificial intelligence, social justice, and education. He has served as an external examiner at multiple universities and has supported other institutions in curriculum development. His research is supported by collaborations with educators, programmers, artists, designers, and audio technicians from a holistic and co-creation perspective. Dr. Fearn co-established the York Research Unit for Virtual and Augmented Reality and has presented on this aspect of his work at various conferences. He collaborates with external industry partnerships and other academic institutions, having hosted a conference in 2023 that examined the virtual imperative of XR technologies with guest speakers from META, IBM, Cinesite, and other leading figures.
Carlos Cglez-Morcillo is an Associate Professor at the Higher School of Computer Science, University of Castilla-La Mancha (Spain), with an active career in academia since 2002. He holds a European PhD in Computer Science (2007) and a degree in Computer Science (2002) with an Extraordinary End-of-Degree Award. Currently, he serves as Academic Director of the Vice-Rectorate of Digital University and Director of the G9 Shared Digital Campus, while also being a founding member of the AIR Research Group and Creative Director of the university spin-off Furious Koalas. PhD in Computer Science (2007) BSc in Computer Science (2002) Technical Engineer in Computer Systems (2000) Research interests include Artificial Intelligence, Computer Graphics, and their applications in rehabilitation technology and educational innovation. His work spans mixed reality systems for stroke recovery, gamification in learning environments, and 3D rendering optimization. He has led 9 research projects with over €550,000 in funding and contributed to over 30 technology transfer initiatives. Recent publications focus on VR/AR applications for neurological rehabilitation, e-commerce metaverse environments, and AI-driven educational tools. His 15 most recent articles reflect interdisciplinary work bridging computer science with healthcare and business innovation. Scientific recognition includes being the first Spaniard to obtain the Blender Foundation Certified Trainer (2009) and leading award-winning projects like ICEIS 2025 Best Student Paper. He actively participates in conferences and media outreach, demonstrating commitment to public engagement through platforms like Naukas and CMM Radio.
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