Deepak Kumar is a Professor at Bryn Mawr College, dedicated to advancing computer science education and innovative pedagogical approaches. His work focuses on integrating creative computation, robotics, and interdisciplinary methods into curricula. He has contributed extensively to introductory computer science education, emphasizing project-based learning and the use of tools like Processing for visual programming. Research Interests: Revolutionizing introductory CS education through creative coding and robotics Designing interdisciplinary curricula that bridge technology with humanities Evaluating the impact of hackathons vs traditional lab environments Developing accessible educational tools like the Pyro robotics framework Publications highlight trends in pedagogy innovation, with a focus on K-12 outreach and undergraduate curriculum design. His work often addresses equity in computing education through creative and inclusive methodologies.
Behrooz Mansouri is an Assistant Professor of Computer Science at the University of Southern Maine. He holds a Ph.D. (2022) in Computer Science from the Rochester Institute of Technology (Rochester, NY), an M.Sc. (2017) in Software Engineering from the University of Tehran, and a B.Sc. (2013) in Software Engineering from Shahid Beheshti University. His roles include Director of the Michael E. Dubyak Center, Director of the Artificial Intelligence and Information Retrieval (AIIR) Lab, and Graduate Program Director. He previously worked on the Parsijoo Persian search engine project and co-organized the ARQMath lab during his Ph.D. Education: Ph.D., Computer Science, Rochester Institute of Technology, USA (2022) M.Sc., Software Engineering, University of Tehran, Iran (2017) B.Sc., Software Engineering, Shahid Beheshti University, Iran (2013) His research focuses on Information Retrieval (IR) , Natural Language Processing (NLP) , and Mathematical Information Retrieval (MIR) . He leads the AIIR Lab, which develops systems like MathMex (a conversational math search engine) and explores cross-lingual math retrieval, legal question classification, and cloud detection in satellite imagery. Recent projects include NSF-funded work on conversational math search and participation in CLEF SimpleText labs. His lab's work has been recognized, including a Best Lab Paper at SimpleText'24 and an NSF CRII Grant (2024). He advises students on projects like legal case search, math definition extraction, and AI ethics in STEM education. Grants & Awards: NSF CRII Grant: 'Towards Conversational Search Systems for Math' (2024) Best Lab Paper at SimpleText'24 (2024) Outstanding Reviewer at ECIR 2024 Doctoral Consortium Co-chair at SIGIR 2025 The AIIR Lab collaborates on interdisciplinary projects, including MathMex (math definition search), Cloud Detection in Satellite Images , and Tree Classification . Prospective students are encouraged to align with these research themes and apply via specific guidelines outlined on his website.
Dr. Almasa Mulalić Dr. Almasa Mulalić serves as the Dean of the Faculty of Education and holds the academic rank of Associate Professor at the International University of Sarajevo, the top private university in Bosnia and Herzegovina. She specializes in Applied Linguistics, focusing on English Language Teaching (ELT), Peace Education, and Gender Studies. Currently overseeing the ELT Program, she actively contributes to academic governance through roles in conference committees, scholarship exams, and postgraduate study programs. Her research emphasizes student perceptions in educational settings, including AI integration in language learning, peacebuilding roles of female academics, and critical thinking pedagogy. She has authored books, journal articles, and participated in scientific projects addressing language acquisition, personality-learning strategy correlations, and cross-cultural communication dynamics. Dr. Mulalić’s work bridges theoretical research with practical educational challenges, particularly in post-conflict societies. Her contributions span both local and international collaborations, reflecting her commitment to advancing pedagogical practices and institutional development in higher education.
James Allan is a Distinguished Professor and Associate Dean of Research & Engagement in the Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He joined the Computer Science Department in 1994 and has been a Professor since 2008. He also directs the Center for Intelligent Information Retrieval (CIIR) and holds a part-time joint appointment as a GI-CoRE Affiliated Professor with the Faculty of Information Science and Technology at Hokkaido University, Japan. Dr. Allan received his PhD and MS in Computer Science from Cornell University in 1995 and 1991, respectively, and an AB in Mathematics from Grinnell College in 1983. Prior to his academic career, he spent five years as a systems programmer/analyst at Dickinson College and co-founded a startup selling email software in the 1980s. Professor Allan's research focuses on information retrieval, with particular emphasis on interactive information retrieval systems, automatic information organization, and evaluation methodologies. His work explores how novelty can be incorporated into retrieval algorithms, techniques for querying across languages, and methods for recognizing controversial or misleading information in text on the internet. His recent work has expanded into understanding large language models for information retrieval tasks, including mechanistic analysis of ranking LLMs and explainability in search results. His research has significant implications for improving user experience in search systems and addressing challenges in misinformation detection. Dr. Allan has received numerous prestigious awards, including Best Paper awards at SIGIR in 2001 and 2006, a Best Student Paper from CHIIR in 2017, and Best application paper from ECIR in 2019. He received the SIGIR Test of Time Award for a 1998 paper on event detection and tracking and the ECIR Test of Time Award for a 2009 paper on topic models in IR. In 2021, he was elected to the SIGIR Academy and elevated to Fellow of the ACM. He has served on the CRA Board of Directors since 2018, including as Treasurer. As Associate Editor of ACM's Transactions on Information Systems (TOIS) and Elsevier's Information Processing and Management (IPM), and as a member of the editorial board of Foundation and Trends in Information Retrieval, Dr. Allan has significantly shaped the field. He has served on organizing and program committees for major conferences including SIGIR, CIKM, and WSDM, and chaired the SIGIR organization. His leadership extends to directing the CIIR, which has been instrumental in shaping the International Conference on the Theory of Information Retrieval (ICTIR). The Center for Intelligent Information Retrieval (CIIR), which Dr. Allan directs, is a leading research center focused on advancing information retrieval technologies. The center has been at the forefront of research in interactive information retrieval, cross-lingual information retrieval, and novel evaluation methodologies. Under his leadership, CIIR researchers have made significant contributions to understanding user behavior in search systems and developing more effective and transparent retrieval algorithms.
Lucia Bellora-Bienengräber is an Assistant Professor of Accounting at the Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Groningen . She is an active scholar whose research advances the intersection of management accounting, control systems, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and risk governance. Education : While the text does not list specific degrees, her title "Dr." indicates a completed doctoral qualification. Research Interests : Management Control Systems – investigating how diagnostic and interactive controls shape organisational behaviour and performance. Corporate Social Responsibility – analysing how CSR metrics are integrated into performance evaluations and the cognitive processes evaluators apply. Risk Governance & Workshops – studying calculative cultures and distributed cognition in risk assessment workshops. Experimental & Meta-Analytic Methods – employing laboratory experiments, agent-based modelling and meta-analyses to refine theory and evidence in management accounting. Publications & Trends : Across 2021-2024 her work reveals a consistent focus on the levers of control framework , integrating CSR and risk considerations into performance measurement. Methodologically, she increasingly combines behavioural experiments with agent-based simulations to uncover causal mechanisms underlying control effectiveness. Scientific Awards : Responsible Research in Business & Management Honor Roll, 2022 Distinguished Reviewer Award 2018, Journal of Management Control Advising & Grants : While no individual students are named, her role as lead researcher on multiple articles and chapters implies active supervision of graduate researchers. External grant details are not provided. Labs & Teams : Collaborations with scholars such as R.F. Speklé, S.K. Widener, K. Derfuss, J. Endrikat, and others indicate participation in interdisciplinary research networks within the University of Groningen and beyond.
Lourdes Baez Conde is Distinguished Professor of Population and Public Health Sciences and Senior Associate Dean for Community and Workforce Development Initiatives at the University of Southern California's Keck School of Medicine. She serves as Associate Director for Community Outreach and Engagement at the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and oversees the Center for Health Enhancement (CenHealth), which provides critical health information during crises like the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires. She holds a courtesy appointment at the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. Dr. Baez Conde earned her MPH and PhD in Public Health with an emphasis in Community Health Sciences from UCLA. Her educational background underpins her transdisciplinary approach to public health research and community engagement. Her research focuses on cancer prevention (particularly cervical cancer through the signature "It's Time" program), innovative health communication using narrative techniques and film collaborations with USC Cinema, and tobacco/vaping regulation in diverse communities. She develops community-based interventions that merge academic rigor with grassroots creativity, emphasizing bidirectional communication through community advisory boards. Her work addresses health disparities through culturally tailored approaches for Hispanic populations and vulnerable communities. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals dominant themes in tobacco/vaping research (60% of articles), cancer prevention (27%), and community-engaged methodology (13%). The tobacco studies examine vape shop environments, regulatory compliance, and youth behavior, while cancer work emphasizes breast and cervical screening in underserved groups. All publications demonstrate her signature transdisciplinary approach, frequently partnering with design schools, communication experts, and community organizations. Major Awards: American Association for Cancer Research Outstanding Services (2024) UCLA Public Health Hall of Fame Induction (2023) USC Distinguished Professor (2023) Lazarex Cancer Foundation Hands of Hope Award (2022) NIH Common Fund 10-Year Commemoration Video Contest Winner (2014) APHA Public Health Education Best Multimedia Award for cervical cancer film (2013) Dr. Baez Conde has mentored approximately 300 students across all academic levels and is renowned as a faculty mentor. Her research is continuously funded by NIH (NCI, NIDA), including a transformative R01 grant investigating narrative communication in cancer messaging. She leads community-academic partnerships that secure multimillion-dollar grants for population health initiatives, with recent projects focusing on wildfire health communication and cervical cancer screening in East LA. She directs the Center for Health Enhancement (CenHealth) for crisis communication and leads the "It's Time" cervical cancer screening initiative developed with Art Center College of Design. Her transdisciplinary teams consistently include cinematic arts experts, communication scholars, community health workers, and design specialists, creating innovative health interventions that bridge academic research and community action.
Sanchit Pawar is a Lecturer at Kristiania University College, affiliated with the School of Economics, Innovation and Technology. His research focuses on interdisciplinary areas at the intersection of neuroscience, consumer behavior, and technology-driven marketing strategies. Key expertise includes Human-Technology Interaction (HCI), Digital Marketing, Developmental Psychology, and Electroencephalography (EEG) applications in consumer research. His work explores how emerging technologies like blockchain, smart fitting rooms, and AI chatbots influence consumer decisions and experiences. Notable themes include the impact of QR codes on omnichannel engagement, the role of mood states in hotel evaluations, and co-creation processes in marketing. Recent studies also address neuro-techniques to understand healthy food choices and the effects of profile images in digital platforms like Airbnb. Pawar’s publications span 2017–2024, emphasizing technology’s role in reshaping consumer behavior across retail, hospitality, and health sectors. While no awards are listed, his research contributes to bridging neuroscience methodologies with real-world marketing challenges. His teaching and research activities likely integrate practical case studies, such as LEGO’s co-creation strategies, to inform academic and industry practices.
Jewon Lyu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Textiles, Merchandising and Interiors at the University of Georgia's College of Family and Consumer Sciences. His research focuses on consumer behavior and technology integration in retail contexts, particularly in areas like augmented reality (AR), social media marketing, and omnichannel retailing. He teaches courses such as Fashion Marketing, Retail Planning and Buying, and Retail Analytics. Lyu holds a Ph.D. in Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and has professional experience at institutions like Kent State University and Tennessee Tech University. Education: Ph.D. (2012): Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management, University of Tennessee M.A. (2008): International Business, University of Florida B.S. (2007): Business Administration, Chung-Ang University, South Korea His research investigates how emerging technologies influence consumer decisions, including AR applications, social media engagement, and self-service technologies. Recent work explores sustainability in fashion consumption, Gen Z behavior, and racial dynamics in retail spaces. Lyu serves as a reviewer for journals like the International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management and Clothing and Textile Research Journal, and holds editorial roles in academic publishing. Teaching and service contributions include curriculum development in merchandising and retail analytics, and leadership roles in organizations like the American Collegiate Retailing Association.
Dr. Ben Ives is a Senior Lecturer in Sport Coaching, Programme Leader, and Faculty Lead for Science and Engineering at Manchester Metropolitan University's Institute of Sport. He joined MMU in 2019, previously holding roles at Buckinghamshire New University and the University of Hull. His research focuses on policy and practice in community sport coaching, emphasizing socio-political, pedagogical, and emotional dimensions. He collaborates with organizations like Active Partnerships, Local Councils, and National Governing Bodies to enhance community sport provision. Teaching: Ives teaches undergraduate units such as Community Sport Coaching, Advanced Community Sport Coaching, and Work-Based Learning. He supervises postgraduate researchers exploring sport coaching and community sport dynamics. Research Interests: His work addresses challenges in community coaching, including policy contexts, emotional labor, and interactional skills for coaches. He advocates for practitioner support and resource allocation to improve societal outcomes through sport. Publications: Ives has authored/co-authored studies on conflict resolution in sport work, political skills in coaching, and the emotional landscape of community sports. Recent contributions include analyses of trust dynamics and stigma in athletic environments. Labs/Teams: He leads initiatives within MMU's Institute of Sport, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations to advance community sport research and practice.
Dr. Jim Marquardson is an Assistant Professor in the Information Assurance & Cyber Defense department at Northern Michigan University's College of Business . With a Ph.D. in Management Information Systems from the University of Arizona, his research focuses on lie detection with technology, human-computer interaction, persuasive technology, information security, data analytics, and educational methodologies. Ph.D. in Management Information Systems (University of Arizona) Teaching credentials in cybersecurity, network simulation, and virtual labs Industry experience at Zions Bank and Exxon Mobil Research Interests revolve around integrating hands-on learning into cybersecurity education, including Amazon Web Services Academy implementations, GitHub-based tutorials , and Security Operations Center (SOC) frameworks . His work bridges academic theory with practical applications in information assurance and network design. Publications highlight trends in cybersecurity pedagogy , cloud computing education , risk management , and persistent skill gaps in entry-level cybersecurity roles. Articles from 2017-2025 demonstrate sustained focus on improving educational outcomes through simulation , AI integration , and collaborative learning techniques . Teaching Philosophy emphasizes practical experience , with students actively building computer networks , creating virtual machines , and developing security software . His background in corporate IT informs real-world applications of theoretical concepts. Mountain Biking Baking College Football Ethical Hacking Programming Music
Dr. Kernan Freire is a Researcher in the Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering at Delft University of Technology, specializing in Sustainable Design Engineering and Internet of Things (IoT). His work focuses on integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Large Language Models (LLMs) into manufacturing systems to enhance knowledge sharing and operational efficiency. He leads projects like COALA (COgnitive Assisted agile manufacturing for a LAbour force supported by trustworthy Artificial Intelligence) and SAM|XL , which address challenges in AI adoption across industries. Freire holds an MSc and an Ir. (engineer) degree. His research emphasizes human factors in AI systems, including conversational assistants and cognitive tools for factory operators. He explores how LLMs can improve workplace communication, reduce risks, and optimize processes. Recent studies analyze user perspectives on AI assistants, system transparency, and ethical implications of AI integration in socio-technical systems. Key contributions include developing LLM-powered cognitive assistants for knowledge sharing, evaluating conversational AI in healthcare and manufacturing, and safeguarding data integrity against AI-based attacks. His work bridges technical innovation with human-centered design principles.
Tom Chen is an Associate Professor in Business at the Canberra Business School, University of Canberra. His research focuses on marketing, consumer behavior, service management, and healthcare innovation. He has published extensively on topics like customer engagement, value co-creation, service dominant logic, technology adoption, and healthcare service frameworks. His work bridges theory and practice, addressing issues such as consumer gratitude, vulnerable populations, and digital health interventions. Research Interests Value co-creation dynamics in service systems Consumer engagement strategies across digital platforms Healthcare service innovation and blended human-technology systems Brand evangelism and emotional consumer responses Social media impact on vulnerable consumer populations Recent Trends in Articles Recent work emphasizes healthcare service innovations (e.g., eHealth interventions, blended human-technology systems), digital platforms' role in well-being (virtual communities, corporate social media), and theoretical advancements in co-creation frameworks. There's also strong focus on psychological ownership dimensions in service design and the impact of consumer emotions like gratitude on service access. Advising & Grants Accepts PhD students in marketing and consumer behavior. Active in cross-disciplinary projects including EU-funded health initiatives (EMPOWER project) and platform economy research. Collaborations span healthcare, technology, and organizational domains.
Anna Margulis is a Professor at the University of Quebec in Outaouais (UQO), Department of Administrative Sciences. She holds a Ph.D. in Business Administration from UQAM (2019), specializing in marketing. Her expertise focuses on digital technologies applied to interactive marketing, particularly addressing cybersecurity and privacy protection in consumer relations. She leads the research axis 'Consumers and Trust' at the Interdisciplinary Center for Research and Innovation in Cybersecurity and Society. Her research interests span interactive marketing strategies, consumer behavior in digital ecosystems, and the ethical implications of technology in business. Notable contributions include studies on RFID technology's impact, proximity marketing in banking, and models predicting consumer reactions to ubiquitous technologies. Recent publications (2020–2024) emphasize mixed-reality banking, senior consumer privacy concerns, and playful self-care technologies. Her work bridges consumer culture theory with practical marketing challenges, often presented at top conferences like the Academy of Marketing Science and Association for Consumer Research. Awards and grants are not explicitly listed in the provided text. Advising roles and lab affiliations remain unspecified, though her research collaborations are evident through co-authored works with scholars like Laroche, Boeck, and Bakpayev.
Valérie Emin-Martinez is a Researcher at the École Normale Supérieure de Lyon (France) within the Institut français de l'Éducation. She holds a PhD in Computer Science from Joseph Fourier University (Grenoble 1), focusing on intention-driven modeling for educational scenarios. Her work integrates digital technologies into pedagogical design, emphasizing game-based learning and scenario authoring tools like ScenEdit. Since 2008, she has coordinated research on pedagogical scenario design in science and technology education, collaborating with the GALA network of excellence for Serious Games. Education: PhD in Computer Science (2010, Joseph Fourier University), DEA in Artificial Intelligence (1990, Paris VI). Professional Experience includes roles as a Certified Professor of Economics & IT (1994–2015) and Research Officer at INRP/IFE. Key projects include the ANR JEN.lab initiative and EU-funded STELLAR network research on collaborative learning orchestration. Research interests span scenario design frameworks, serious games, and analysis of learning traces in hybrid environments. She has published extensively in journals like International Journal of Learning Technologies and conferences such as ECGBL and ICALT, focusing on pedagogical patterns, learning design tools, and teacher empowerment through technology. Her contributions include the ISiS model and ScenEdit tool, advancing reusable components for teachers. Current work explores cross-space learning activities and teacher-led design inquiry in game-based pedagogy.
Dr. Stephen Bright is a Senior Lecturer in Addiction at Edith Cowan University's School of Medical and Health Sciences. With 15 years of experience as a psychologist in Mental Health & AOD fields, he focuses on harm reduction, drug policy, and emerging drug trends like synthetic cannabis and darkweb markets. His PhD examined media portrayal of AOD and public perceptions, leading to the AOD Media Watch initiative (www.aodmediawatch.com.au). He advocates for evidence-based drug legislation and explores psychedelics' role in therapy and spirituality. Professional Roles: Founding member & Vice-President of PRISM (funds AOD research) Elected member of Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association (VAADA) board since 2015 Member of AOD Media Watch Reference Group Peninsula Health's Human Research Ethics Committee (since 2012) Awards: 2012: Gold Medal, Victorian Public Health Awards 2011: Best Late Breaking Paper, APSAD Conference Research Focus: His work spans AOD policy, media accountability, psychedelic-assisted therapies (e.g., MDMA, psilocybin), synthetic drugs, and older adult substance use. Key projects include drug-checking initiatives, serious game development for youth AOD education, and clinical trials for MDMA/psilocybin efficacy. Labs/Teams: Collaborates with Reset Mind Sciences on psychedelic trials and Sideffect Australia on digital AOD education tools like the Sideffect GamePlan.
