Haoliang Wang is a Postdoctoral Associate at the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), affiliated with the School of Science. His research focuses on advancing artificial intelligence through investigations into intuitive physics, generalization in physical reasoning, and human-AI collaboration. He explores how humans and machines can communicate and reason about physical dynamics, leveraging probabilistic models and structured representations. His work emphasizes integrating computational models with cognitive science principles to bridge gaps between human understanding and AI systems. Notable areas include intrinsic motivation in learning systems, procedural abstraction communication, and part-based visual object modeling. He has contributed to interdisciplinary studies at the intersection of machine learning, natural language processing, and robotics. While no formal awards are listed, his recent publications (2020–2024) highlight innovative approaches to generalizable physical prediction, human-agent advice integration, and natural language interfaces for physical concepts. His research often addresses challenges in generalization, trust in AI, and multimodal learning. No advising or grant information is provided in the text.
Peter West is an incoming Assistant Professor at the University of British Columbia (UBC) Computer Science Department, specializing in Natural Language Processing (NLP) and AI. His research focuses on understanding the capabilities and limitations of large language models (LLMs) and generative AI systems, emphasizing their divergence from human intuition and alignment challenges. He holds a PhD from the University of Washington (2024), supervised by Yejin Choi, and a BSc (Honours Computer Science) from UBC (2017). His work has been recognized with awards including Best Method Paper at NAACL 2022 and Outstanding Paper awards at ACL 2023 and EMNLP 2023. He conducted internships at the Allen Institute for AI and Microsoft Research’s NLP group. Research interests include analyzing LLM behavior through a natural sciences lens, exploring model capabilities versus human expectations, and developing decoding algorithms to infuse models with algorithmic logic. His recent publications address generative AI paradoxes, constrained text generation, and symbolic knowledge distillation. He serves on panels for NeurIPS workshops and is beginning a postdoc at Stanford with Chris Potts. His research group at UBC seeks students interested in generative AI’s analytical frontiers.
Daniel M. Bartels, Professor of Marketing at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, investigates mental representations and processes underlying consumer financial decision-making, moral psychology, and intertemporal choice. He joined Booth in 2018 after serving as Associate Professor (2016-2018) and Assistant Professor (2013-2016) at Booth, and Assistant Professor at Columbia Business School (2010-2013). He holds a Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology from Northwestern University (2007) and a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (2001). Research Interests: Bartels' work bridges Judgment and Decision-Making Consumer Behavior Moral Psychology Cognitive Psychology Behavioral Economics . His research explores how individuals mentally represent expenditures, identity continuity over time, moral trade-offs, and algorithmic decision-making. Article Trends: Recent publications examine cognitive discovery incentives, LLM evaluation frameworks, temporal self-perception, and algorithmic moral trade-offs. His work spans Psychological Science , Cognition , Journal of Consumer Research , and JEP: General , often integrating moral psychology with behavioral economics. Academic Service: He serves as Section Editor for Cognition , has been an Occasional Guest Editor for PNAS , and reviews for over 20 journals including JCR , Psychological Science , and Nature Human Behavior . Grants: Funded by the National Science Foundation, John Templeton Foundation, and U.S.-Israel Binational Science Foundation, Bartels' research addresses foundational questions in decision-making and consumer psychology.
Dr. Carlo Campagnoli is a Lecturer in Psychology at the School of Psychology, University of Leeds, within the Faculty of Medicine and Health. He is a member of the Immersive Cognition Laboratory and is actively developing a motion capture facility for studying human movement under varied visual conditions. His work bridges experimental psychology, cognitive science, and neuroengineering, with strong interdisciplinary links to virtual and mixed reality technologies. Education: BSc in Scienze e Tecniche di Psicologia Generale e Sperimentale, Universita’ degli Studi di Firenze MSc in Psicologia Sperimentale, Universita’ degli Studi di Firenze MSc in Cognitive Science, Brown University PhD in Cognitive Science, Brown University His research centers on the integration of vision and proprioception in 3D space, particularly during reaching and grasping movements. He investigates how sensory inputs guide action and how motor behavior reciprocally shapes spatial perception. His work extends into intuitive physics , exploring how humans develop internal models of physical laws through observation and interaction, and into clinical populations such as those with autism, multiple sclerosis, and cataracts, examining adaptive mechanisms in perception and action. Dr. Campagnoli also explores the application of machine learning and advanced data analysis techniques in modeling sensorimotor behavior. Although specific publications are not listed, his scholarly activity is evident through his Google Scholar profile and ongoing research in VR/AR environments. Professional Memberships: Vision Science Society Society for the Neural Control of Movement He teaches statistics and research methods at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels and welcomes PhD inquiries from prospective students. His lab focuses on immersive cognition and sensorimotor adaptation using VR platforms and motion capture systems, supporting future work in rehabilitation, assistive technology, and cognitive modeling.
Dr. René van Egmond is a researcher at the Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering at Delft University of Technology, where he works in the Department of Industrial Design. His research is centered on human-centered design and perceptual intelligence, with a strong focus on improving user interfaces in automated vehicles and healthcare systems. His research interests lie at the intersection of cognitive ergonomics and interactive technology. He investigates how drivers perceive and understand automation in vehicles, particularly through visual and auditory interfaces. His work also extends to healthcare, where he applies user-centered principles to design ICU patient monitoring systems tailored to nurse profiles. These efforts reflect a broader commitment to designing intuitive, safe, and trustworthy interactions between humans and intelligent systems. The recent publications demonstrate a consistent trend in studying trust, acceptance, and comprehension in automated environments. His work spans both mobility and health domains, using multimodal interfaces to enhance user experience and system transparency. Themes include driver state awareness, interface customization, and perceptual fluency in complex systems. Dr. van Egmond is actively involved in significant research initiatives, including the Mediator project (MEdiating between Driver and Intelligent Automated Transport systems on Our Roads), the Hadrian project (Holistic Approach for Driver Role Integration and Automation Allocation for European Mobility Needs), and the Interreg ENERGE project focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions through education. He contributes to academic education through teaching in cognitive ergonomics and supervising student research, though specific advisees are not listed. His collaborative work includes researchers from various institutions, indicating strong interdisciplinary engagement. He is associated with research labs focusing on Perceptual Intelligence and Human-Centered Design at TU Delft, contributing to the university’s leadership in design innovation for complex socio-technical systems.
Bonnie Blake is a Professor of Graphic Design & Interactive Media in the School of Contemporary Arts at Ramapo College of New Jersey, where she has taught since 2002. Her work integrates design practice with pedagogy, focusing on motion graphics, interactive media, and socially engaged documentary filmmaking. Her educational background includes: MFA from the School of the Arts at Columbia University BFA from the School of the Arts at Ohio University Professor Blake's research explores innovative design education methodologies, emphasizing experiential learning through motion design and sensory engagement. She investigates how visual communication can address social issues like homelessness and consumer culture, while advocating for 'citizen designers' who leverage their skills for social impact. Her scholarship challenges conventional design principles to foster student innovation beyond established norms. Analysis of her publications reveals consistent themes in design pedagogy, with significant contributions to motion graphics education, critical approaches to graphic design history, and writing integration in design curricula. Her work demonstrates an evolving trajectory from technical skill development toward ethical design practice and social responsibility. Her notable recognitions include: Graphic Design USA Silver Award for VIP Passport brand identity (2013) ADCNJ Bronze Award for Postcards From Tora Bora film poster design (2011) Fred and Florence Thomases Award for college contributions (2010) Ramapo College Faculty Student Research Award (2012) Professor Blake has secured multiple internal grants including Faculty Development Fund awards (2008, 2010, 2012) and a Career Development grant (2014), supporting projects like 'Displaced in Appalachia' and 'Walk the Borderlands'. She actively mentors students through senior capstone projects and serves as a national reviewer for design education conferences and student portfolio evaluations. Her creative practice involves collaborative multimedia productions that bridge classroom learning with community engagement, particularly through documentary filmmaking projects addressing social issues.
Pablo Frank Bolton is a Lecturer in the Computer Science Department at Smith College, where he focuses on teaching core undergraduate and graduate computer science subjects. His work emphasizes accessibility for beginners and non-majors, alongside research in STEM education. Education: Ph.D., George Washington University His research centers on identifying misconceptions in programming, developing scalable assessments, and implementing active learning techniques like peer teaching, scaffolding, and gamified exams. He also collaborates across disciplines to apply computer science methodologies to external datasets. Recent publications highlight his focus on computer science education, including tools for misconception identification, automated question generation, and gamified assessment structures. Earlier works explore robotics, computer vision, and interdisciplinary environmental science research. He teaches across foundational and advanced computer science courses, integrating interactive and collaborative learning strategies to enhance student engagement and understanding.
Jennifer Lerner is the Thornton F. Bradshaw Professor of Public Policy, Decision Science, and Management at the Harvard Kennedy School, where she made history as the first psychological scientist to be awarded tenure. She also holds appointments in Harvard's Department of Psychology and Institute for Quantitative Social Sciences. Her interdisciplinary work bridges psychology, economics, and neuroscience to improve decision-making in high-stakes contexts. Dr. Lerner's educational background includes a Ph.D. in psychology from the University of California – Berkeley followed by a National Institutes of Health postdoctoral fellowship at UCLA. Prior to joining Harvard in 2007, she served on the faculty at Carnegie Mellon University, first as Assistant Professor and later as the Estella Loomis McCandless Associate Professor of Social and Decision Science. Lerner's research focuses on how emotions influence judgment and decision-making processes. She developed a theoretical framework that predicts how specific emotions affect risk perception, economic decisions, and responsibility attributions. Her work has demonstrated why fear and anger - though both negative emotions - produce opposing effects on risk perception. Additional research lines focus on improving risk communication and reducing organizational stress. Her publications appear in leading journals including Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and Nature Human Behavior, with over 40,000 scholarly citations. Her publications reveal consistent themes across psychology, decision science, and public policy. Lerner's work demonstrates the nuanced relationship between specific emotions and decision outcomes, challenging simplified views of emotional influence. She has made significant contributions to understanding how sadness affects addictive behaviors, how gratitude can improve economic patience, and how emotions shape national security decision-making. Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) National Science Foundation's Faculty Early Career Development Award National Science Foundation's Sensational 60 designation Harvard's Innovations in Learning and Teaching (HILT) Award Harvard Graduate Student Government's Lectures That Last Award Harvard Kennedy School's Dinner on the Dean Award Navy's Superior Public Service Award Lerner is deeply committed to teaching and mentoring, having received multiple awards for her instructional excellence. She has taught students from undergraduates to senior executives. Her service includes membership on the board of directors for the Forecasting Research Institute, scientific advisory boards for corporations using machine learning, and the Faculty Steering Committee for Harvard's Mind-Brain-Behavior Initiative. From 2018-2019, she took leave from Harvard to serve as the Navy's first Chief Decision Scientist, reporting directly to the Chief of Naval Operations.
Freddie Page is a Principal Teaching Fellow at the Dyson School of Design Engineering , part of the Faculty of Engineering at Imperial College London . His research focuses on the surface plasmon dynamics of active nanostructures, metamaterials for photonic applications, and electronic/optical properties of two-dimensional materials. He is based at the Dyson Building on the South Kensington Campus in the United Kingdom. His work includes the design, optimisation, and simulation of metamaterial devices for plasmon amplification, non-linearities, and spatio-temporal dynamics, with applications in stopped light lasing and photonic condensation. He also investigates two-dimensional materials like graphene, hexagonal boron nitride, and transition metal dichalcogenide monolayers under non-equilibrium carrier distributions and ultrafast relaxation regimes. Freddie Page has developed an educational online worksheet at fourier.space to help first-year students understand challenging physics topics such as vibrations and waves. This interactive resource aims to build intuition about normal modes and related concepts. Contact details include his work email: freddie.page@imperial.ac.uk and phone number: 020 7594 8165.
Kefei Wen serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Applied Science. His research pioneers advanced robotic systems for physical human-robot cooperation, emphasizing kinematic redundancy and continuum mechanics. His academic credentials include: B.S. and M.S. from Yeungnam University Ph.D. from Université Laval Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Toronto Dr. Wen's work spans Robotics , Mechanism Design , and Human-Robot Interaction , with core expertise in parallel continuum robots, tendon-driven actuation, and sensorless control systems. His current projects focus on kinematically redundant hybrid mechanisms that enable intuitive physical collaboration between humans and robots through analytical modeling and pseudo-rigid body approximations. Recent publications reveal a cohesive trajectory toward safer, more adaptive robotic interfaces—evolving from singularity analysis in hybrid robots (2019) to sensorless physical interaction frameworks (2021) and advanced continuum modeling (2022). This progression underscores his commitment to mathematically elegant solutions for real-world human-robot cooperation challenges. Award recognition includes: Honorable mention, IEEE Transactions on Robotics (2021) While specific student advisement details are unlisted, his role entails mentoring graduate researchers in robotics design. Grant activities remain unspecified, though his publication record suggests active funding for mechanism innovation. His laboratory work centers on experimental validation of parallel continuum systems, with future directions targeting medical and assistive robotics applications. No dedicated lab or team names are documented in the source material, though his research aligns with UBC's broader robotics initiatives in the Department of Mechanical Engineering.
Dr. Francys Subiaul is an Associate Professor in the Department of Speech, Hearing and Language Sciences at the George Washington University, within the College of Arts and Sciences. His academic work bridges cognitive science, developmental psychology, and biological anthropology, with a focus on the origins and mechanisms of social and cultural learning. Ph.D. in Anthropology and Psychology, Columbia University B.A. in Psychology and Biological Anthropology, Boston University Dr. Subiaul's research centers on the cognitive foundations of human uniqueness, particularly imitation and cultural learning. He investigates how children and adults learn from others, the developmental trajectory of these skills, and how they compare to non-human primates. His work spans social-cognitive development, primate cognition, autism, and more recently, human-canine communication. He leads the Social Cognition Lab, where students from various disciplines engage in behavioral research. His recent publications reveal a consistent focus on imitation mechanisms, cultural transmission, and comparative cognition. Themes include domain-specific imitation, summative imitation, vicarious learning, and the evolution of social learning. His work increasingly explores the interface between human cognition and animal behavior, particularly in canids. Obituary: Ralph L. Holloway (2025) Raising an Eye at Facial Muscle Morphology in Canids (2024) Generative Cultural Learning in Children and Adults (2023) Are there dedicated neural mechanisms for imitation? (2023) Intuitive invention by summative imitation (2020) Dr. Subiaul has mentored numerous research assistants across BA, MA, PhD, and post-doctoral levels in his lab. He has been continuously tenured since 2012 and teaches courses such as Foundations of Human Communication, Autism: Insights into Mind, Brain & Development, and Dean’s Seminars on the Evolution of the Human Mind and Primate Cognition. He emphasizes a teaching philosophy centered on awakening curiosity through big questions and critical thinking assignments. His lab conducts research using tasks like the Standard Simultaneous Chaining Task, Tracking Task, and Social Feedback paradigms, often involving eye-tracking and touch-screen technology to study social cognition in children and comparative species.
Laszlo Gardony is a Professor in the Piano Department at Berklee College of Music, Massachusetts, where he has made significant contributions as an educator and performer. His academic training includes a Professional Diploma from Berklee College of Music (1985), a Master of Education in Mathematics from Eötvös Loránd University, Hungary (1979), and a Bachelor of Music from the Bela Bartok Music College (now part of the Franz Liszt Academy) in Hungary (1979). Bachelor of Music (BM), Bela Bartok Music College, Hungary, 1979 Master of Education (MEd), Mathematics, Eötvös Loránd University, Hungary, 1979 Professional Diploma, Music, Berklee College of Music, 1985 His research and artistic interests center on jazz performance, improvisation, composition, and music education, with a unique fusion of Central European folk traditions, jazz standards, and progressive rock. He emphasizes a teaching philosophy that integrates inspiration and analysis, encouraging students to practice musically and develop their original voice. His recent albums, such as Close Connection (2022), Serious Play (2017), and Life in Real Time (2015), reflect a deep exploration of interactive trio dynamics, solo piano expression, and cross-genre experimentation. These works showcase trends in contemporary jazz that blend emotional depth, technical mastery, and cultural synthesis, often drawing comparisons to artists like Thelonious Monk and King Crimson through a distinctly personal lens. Scientific and Artistic Awards: Voting Member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences First prize, 1987 Great American Jazz Piano Competition Three-time nominee for Boston Music Awards As an advisor and mentor, Gardony has influenced numerous students through his teaching at Berklee, emphasizing joyful learning and creative development. Though no formal grants are listed, his sustained artistic output and institutional affiliation suggest ongoing support for his creative and educational initiatives. His performances and recordings often involve collaborative ensembles, including his own trio, quartet, and sextet, reflecting a strong commitment to ensemble-based music-making and live artistic expression. He leads a dynamic performance career with long-standing collaborations, notably with bassist John Lockwood and drummer Yoron Israel, and has performed at prestigious venues such as Symphony Hall (Boston), the Blue Note (New York), and the Monterey Jazz Festival. His work with groups like the John Coltrane Memorial Ensemble and as a sideman on critically acclaimed albums further demonstrates his integral role in the contemporary jazz landscape.
Edy Portmann is a Professor at the Department of Informatics, University of Fribourg, where he leads the Resilient Systems Group at the Human-IST Institute and chairs the Mobiliar Cluster for Resilience. He holds a doctorate in fuzzy logic and has extensive experience in both academia and industry, having worked at Swisscom, PwC, and EY, and conducted research at the National University of Singapore, UC Berkeley, and the University of Bern. His research interests include Fuzzy Logic , Cognitive Cities , Computational Intelligence , Digital Ethics , and Human-Computer Interaction . He explores how fuzzy systems can enhance knowledge representation, decision-making, and urban governance, particularly in smart and resilient city contexts. His work integrates digital humanities and connectivist learning theories to bridge the social and semantic web. The recent publications (2022–2025) highlight a strong trend toward ethical AI , explainable systems , public participation , and the application of fuzzy logic in conversational agents , decision support , and urban informatics . He frequently publishes on topics such as digital ethics, emotional chatbots, and systemic consensus in group decision-making. HMD Best Paper Award 2018 He advises several PhD and research students and collaborates extensively with researchers such as Sara D’Onofrio, Patrick Kaltenrieder, and Luis Terán. His work often involves interdisciplinary grants and partnerships with public institutions like Swiss Post. He leads a dynamic research team focused on resilient, human-centered computing and cognitive city technologies.
Michael Ahearne is a Professor of Marketing and the C.T. Bauer Chair in Marketing at the University of Houston’s C. T. Bauer College of Business. He also serves as Research Director of the Stagner Sales Excellence Institute, a leading center for sales research and education. His work bridges academic rigor and practical application in sales force effectiveness and management. His research interests include: Sales Force Effectiveness Sales Management Internal Marketing Relationship Marketing Innovation Incentives and Motivation His recent publications, spanning top journals like Journal of Marketing , Journal of Marketing Research , and Harvard Business Review , reflect a strong focus on sales performance, leadership, training, and organizational dynamics. Themes include onboarding, negotiation transparency, M&A impacts on sales teams, and the role of intuition in sales success. His work increasingly integrates social network analysis and organizational behavior perspectives. His scientific honors include: Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Marketing Association Recognition as one of the most research-productive scholars in marketing Ahearne has advised numerous doctoral students and early-career researchers, many of whom are now active collaborators. He has received multiple teaching awards in Sales, Sales Management, and Key Account Management. His industry engagement is extensive, having consulted for over 200 companies across healthcare, technology, and consumer goods. He previously held executive roles at ZS Associates, Eli Lilly, and PCS Healthcare. He is actively involved in academic leadership, serving as Associate Editor for Journal of Marketing , Senior Editor for International Journal of Research in Marketing , and in editorial roles for several other top journals. His textbook Selling Today is the world’s highest-grossing professional selling textbook, used globally in over 40 countries and 15 languages.
Fabrizio Nenci serves as a Tutor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Freiburg's Faculty of Engineering, based at the Autonomous Intelligent Systems research group (Georges-Köhler-Allee 079, Freiburg). His institutional role centers on academic support within robotics-focused curricula. Research interests span Robotics, Autonomous Systems, and Robot Mapping, with specific emphasis on Human-Computer Interaction for robotic platforms. This includes developing user-specific tools enabling intuitive human-robot collaboration, reflecting the group's focus on practical autonomous system applications. Teaching duties prominently feature tutoring the Robot Mapping course under Professor Cyrill Stachniss' supervision, directly contributing to the department's educational mission in intelligent systems engineering. No additional advising roles or research team leadership are documented in the source material.
