Steffi de Jong is Associate Professor of Public History and History Didactics at NTNU's Department of Historical and Classical Studies. She holds a PhD from NTNU and previously held positions at Maastricht University and University of Cologne. Research encompasses: Museum representation of historical testimony Digital memory of the Holocaust Re-enactment as historical practice Sensory dimensions of public history Virtual reality in memorial culture Her publications critically examine how technologies like VR transform Holocaust commemoration, arguing that simulated experiences create new forms of 'post-witnessing'. Recent projects include Gerda Henkel Foundation-funded research on historical re-enactment origins and analyses of digital Holocaust memory. Monographs include 'The Witness as Object' (Berghahn, 2018), which analyzes video testimony in memorial museums, and edited volumes on choreomusicology and women's musical leadership.
Nicolas Davidenko is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC). He leads the High Level Perception Lab, focusing on behavioral and computational studies of human perception, particularly face recognition, spatial orientation, and visual ambiguity. His work emphasizes 'top-down' processes like attention and expectations. Davidenko holds a Ph.D. in Psychology from Stanford University (2006), an M.S. in Statistics from Stanford (2004), and an A.B. in Mathematics from Harvard (1998). His research explores how humans perceive and interpret complex visual information, including studies on illusions, virtual reality, and misophonia. He has developed parametric models of faces to study memory encoding and drawing accuracy. Notable achievements include a Top-10 Finalist placement in the 2015 Best Illusion of the Year Contest for his 'Mind-controlled motion' research. He teaches courses such as PSYC 121 (Perception), PSYC 139K (Face Recognition), and advanced cognitive research seminars. Davidenko also runs the CSASS Matlab Workshops, training researchers in statistical tools. His lab includes graduate students and postdocs, with alumni like Jennifer Day (Ph.D. ’19) and Pat Samermit (Ph.D. ’18). Recent projects include investigations into vection in VR environments, cross-sensory modulation of aversive sounds, and time perception in virtual reality. His work bridges cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and computational modeling, contributing to understanding how perception shapes human interaction with the environment.
Wesley Willett is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Calgary, holding the NSERC CRC II Chair in Visual Analytics. His primary research focuses on information visualization, human-computer interaction, and new media applications. He leads the Data Experience Lab and Interactions Lab, exploring innovative methods for data representation and interaction in augmented/virtual reality environments. Education includes a B.S. in Computer Science from the University of Colorado (2006) and a Ph.D. in Computer Science from UC Berkeley (2012). His work bridges technical innovation with user-centered design principles, emphasizing ethical considerations in data visualization and inclusive representation. Key research contributions include: spatial visualization techniques for large environments, gesture-based interfaces for AR/VR, and physical data representations through projects like Cetonia (swarm robotics visualization) and Data Embroidery. His work has been recognized with Best Paper awards at CHI 2015 and Pervasive 2010. Current research emphasizes immersive analytics, wearable visualization systems, and demographically diverse anthropographics. He collaborates with urban designers, neurologists, and environmental scientists to apply visualization in diverse domains like epilepsy surgery planning and air quality monitoring.
Ana Serrano is an Associate Professor at Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain, where she is affiliated with the Graphics & Imaging Lab in the EINA (Edificio Ada Byron) school. She earned her PhD at the same institution under the supervision of Prof. Diego Gutierrez and Prof. Belen Masia, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Max-Planck-Institute for Informatics under Prof. Karol Myszkowski. Her research focuses on visual computing , particularly in computational imaging , material appearance perception and editing , and virtual reality . She is especially interested in developing perceptually-driven methods that leverage knowledge of the human perceptual system to enhance user experiences and assist content creation in immersive environments. Her recent publications (2023–2025) span top-tier venues such as SIGGRAPH, CVPR, IEEE TVCG, and Eurographics. These works explore topics like saliency prediction in 3D and 360° video, crossmodal perception in VR, gloss modeling, radiance fields, and perceptual evaluation of immersive content. The research demonstrates a strong integration of machine learning, human perception, and computer graphics to solve real-world problems in visual computing. She has received several prestigious awards, including: Eurographics 2023 Young Researcher Award VGTC VR 2024 Significant New Researcher Award Eurographics 2020 PhD Award Adobe Research Fellowship (honorable mention, 2017) NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship (2018) Ana Serrano actively supervises PhD and Master’s students and has taught courses such as Virtual Reality, Computational Imaging, and Deep Learning applications. She serves as an Associate Editor for Computer Graphics Forum , ACM Transactions on Applied Perception , and Computers and Graphics , and has held leadership roles in major conferences including Eurographics (Tutorials co-chair, 2023), ACM SAP (Program co-chair, 2022), and CEIG (Program co-chair, 2022). Her professional service includes extensive program committee and reviewer roles for SIGGRAPH, IEEE VR, ISMAR, and others. She leads a vibrant research group focused on human perception in virtual environments, with current projects on computational models of attention and perception, integrated with physiological signals. Her lab, the Graphics & Imaging Lab, fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation in visual computing.
Hasti Seifi is an Affiliated Associate Professor at the Department of Computer Science (DIKU), University of Copenhagen, specializing in Human-Centred Computing. Her research focuses on haptics, augmented reality, and human-robot interaction. Institution: University of Copenhagen Department: Department of Computer Science Section: Human-Centred Computing Research interests include: Designing innovative haptic feedback systems Exploring tactile experiences in augmented reality Developing human-robot interaction frameworks Creating generative models for haptic design Investigating social touch technologies Advancing mid-air and ultrasound haptic interfaces Recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on: Generative haptic modeling for AR/XR systems Human-robot interaction dynamics Text input in extended reality environments Visual-haptic multisensory integration Ultrasound mid-air haptic design tools Social touch technologies
Mark D. Gross is a Professor of Computer Science and Director of the ATLAS Institute at the University of Colorado Boulder, where he leads an interdisciplinary hub for creativity and invention. His academic journey began at MIT with BS and PhD degrees, followed by faculty roles at Carnegie Mellon University (2004-2013), University of Washington Seattle (1999-2004), and CU-Boulder (1990-1999, 2014-present). As co-founder of Modular Robotics Incorporated and Blank Slate Systems LLC, he bridges academia and entrepreneurship. Education: BS and PhD in Computer Science from MIT Gross’ research spans design methods, modular robotics, computational design tools, and tangible interaction. He pioneered sketch recognition software like 'The Electronic Cocktail Napkin' and explores physical computing through projects such as shape-changing interfaces, interactive construction kits, and augmented reality systems. His work integrates IoT, digital fabrication, and educational technology. Recent publications highlight innovations in AR/VR collaboration, shape-changing robotics, and interactive fabrication. Key themes include climate communication through data physicalization, AI-driven creative systems, and soft robotics for dynamic interfaces. Despite no explicit awards listed, his career demonstrates sustained impact through ACM conference leadership (Creativity and Cognition 2009, TEI 2011) and industry partnerships. Gross’ prior industry experience includes positions at Atari Cambridge Research and Logo Computer Systems. His lab at ATLAS fosters radical creativity through projects like PaperMech, DynaBlock, and WearAir, emphasizing hands-on learning and cross-disciplinary experimentation.
Dr. Lauren Emberson (she/her/hers) is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of British Columbia, Faculty of Arts. She directs the Baby Learning Lab, which is part of UBC's Early Development Research Group, a consortium focused on infant and child development. Prior to her position at UBC, Dr. Emberson was an Assistant Professor at Princeton University where she co-founded and co-directed the Princeton Baby and Princeton Kid Labs. Education: Postdoctoral Associate, University of Rochester (PI Aslin) Ph.D, Cornell University (PIs Amso, Goldstein, Spivey) B.Sc, University of British Columbia Dr. Emberson's research focuses on learning, perception (audition, vision, crossmodal or multisensory), language development, face/object perception, and attention in infants. She investigates these capacities using behavioral and neuroimaging techniques, particularly fNIRS (functional near infrared spectroscopy), working primarily with very young infants (birth through 1 year) and preterm/premature infants. Her work examines how infants' learning capacities contribute to rapid development of perception in ecological contexts, with implications for understanding how early life experiences affect later outcomes. Analysis of Dr. Emberson's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on infant perception, learning mechanisms, and neuroimaging methodology. Her work increasingly incorporates advanced fNIRS techniques while maintaining focus on fundamental questions about how infants learn from their environment. There's a growing emphasis on individual differences, cross-cultural comparisons, and applications to infants facing developmental challenges. Dr. Emberson serves on the editorial board of Infancy (journal of the International Congress of Infancy Studies) and is a consulting editor for the Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience . Her research has been published in top journals including PNAS, Current Biology, Psychological Science, Cognition, Developmental Science, and the Journal of Neuroscience. Dr. Emberson has secured significant research funding from prestigious organizations including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, James S. McDonnell Foundation, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). She collaborates with clinicians at BC Women's and Children's Hospitals to understand how different early life experiences impact learning and brain development. Dr. Emberson is currently accepting graduate students into her research program. The Baby Learning Lab, under Dr. Emberson's direction, is part of UBC's Early Developmental Research Group and collaborates with multiple institutions. The lab strives to provide interactive research experiences for infants and families while advancing scientific understanding of early cognitive development. The lab acknowledges that it operates on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) people.
Fulvio Domini is a Professor in the Department of Cognitive, Linguistic and Psychological Sciences at Brown University. He joined Brown in 1999 after completing his MSc in Electrical Engineering and PhD in Experimental Psychology at the University of Trieste, Italy. His research focuses on how the human visual system processes 3D information to enable interaction with the environment, combining computational modeling with behavioral experiments. Key areas include perception-action coupling, depth cue integration, and visuomotor adaptation. Education: Masters in Electrical Engineering, University of Trieste, Italy PhD in Experimental Psychology, University of Trieste, Italy Research Interests: 3D vision and depth perception Integration of stereo and motion cues Perception-action link in grasping movements Computational modeling of visual processing Funded Research: Multiple NSF grants including BCS #1827550 ($523,550, 2018) Investigates temporal integration of visual cues and affine shape representations Teaching: Courses include Computational Vision, Perception, and immersive reality simulations. Recent courses: CLPS 1591 (Vision for Action/Perception), CLPS 0540 (Simulating Reality). Lab: Active research on visuomotor control and perception mechanisms, with a focus on dynamic environments and adaptive systems.
Dr. Ava Fatah gen. Schieck is a Professor of Media Architecture and Urban Digital Interaction at The Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London (UCL) , where she has been affiliated since 2001. She teaches in the MSc Architectural Computation program, focusing on embodied interactions and urban digital experiences. Education: ATQ03 - Recognised by the HEA as a Fellow (UCL, 2008) Certificate in Learning and Teaching (UCL, 2007) Master of Science (UCL, 2001) Her research explores the intersection of architecture, digital media, and urban spaces. Key themes include: Mediated spatial experiences in museums and public environments Embodied interactions through dance, movement, and performative design Urban screens and community-centered digital installations Smart city critiques focusing on marginalized communities Pervasive computing's impact on social dynamics Her publication corpus (149+ outputs) predominantly addresses media architecture, HCI, museum technology, and sensory interactions , with recent work emphasizing olfactory interfaces, pandemic urbanism, and heritage digitization. Awards & Honors: Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA, 2023) Projects & Grants: As Principal Investigator for the EPSRC-funded 'Screens in the Wild' , she examines networked urban screens for community engagement. She previously led the 'SCREAM' project (UrbanBuzz program) and contributed to EPSRC's 'Urban Design and Pervasive Systems'. She reviews grants for EPSRC, UKRI, SNSF, and other international bodies. She directs research through UCL's Space Research Group and VR Centre for the Built Environment , collaborating globally. As program chair for the Media Architecture Biennale (2012-2020), she fosters interdisciplinary dialogue across architecture, HCI, and interaction design.
Elisabet Langmann serves as Associate Professor and Department Head at Södertörn University, Sweden, specializing in Teacher Training with research bridging educational philosophy and classroom practice. Her work critically examines ethical dimensions of schooling and democratic values implementation. Langmann holds a PhD in Educational Philosophy from Örebro University (2013), where her dissertation explored pedagogical approaches to teaching tolerance while avoiding student marginalization. Her academic journey reflects deep engagement with continental philosophy and didactic theory. Her research centers on ambiguities in democratic values (tolerance, justice, responsibility) and their classroom implications, investigating how value conflicts manifest and how supportive teaching climates emerge. Methodologically, she integrates empirical classroom observations with philosophical analysis, drawing from phenomenology and critical theory to examine sensory, affective, and ethical dimensions of learning environments. Analysis of her 2021-2025 publications reveals three evolving trajectories: sustainability education exploring climate change pedagogy; sensory-phenomenological approaches to classroom climate; and continued refinement of tolerance education frameworks. These strands converge in examining how affective dissonance and bodily experiences shape ethical learning. Langmann actively secures research funding including two Swedish Research Council projects (2020-2023): as project leader for "Forms of Upbringing" investigating bodily dimensions in value conflict resolution, and as co-investigator in "How can schools reduce unequal educational opportunities?" examining school culture in disadvantaged areas. She mentors junior researchers through international networks rather than formal student supervision. She contributes significantly to academic infrastructure as board member of the Nordic Society of Philosophy of Education, co-convenor for NERA/EERA educational philosophy networks, and peer reviewer for 12+ journals including Studies in Philosophy and Education. Her leadership extends to international research collectives like PEDST and SCAPE, focusing on democratic sustainability transitions and cultural conflicts in education.
James Lawler is a Professor in the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems at Pace University, focusing on Information Technology. He has dedicated his career to advancing Disability Studies and STEM technologies for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities (IDD), while also contributing to e-Business strategies and social entrepreneurship. His work bridges technology and inclusivity, with a strong emphasis on community engagement and equity. Education: DPS, School of Computer Science and Information Systems, Pace University (2002) MBA, Graduate School of Business, Pace University (1974) BBA, Business Administration, Saint Francis College (1971) APC in Computer Applications (Audited), New York University (1979) Research Focus: Professor Lawler's research spans Customer Relationship Management (CRM) technologies, service-oriented architecture, and web services. He has pioneered initiatives for neurodiverse students in STEM, developed multisensory environments using virtual reality, and created programs like the Disability Film Festival to promote inclusion. His work often involves partnerships with AHRC New York City and other organizations. Awards: National Jefferson Award for Community Service (2024) Pace University Golden Graduates Reunion 50th Year of Service (2024) SEINFORMS Certificate of Recognition (2021) ISECON Meritorious Paper Award (2013) Grants & Professional Contributions: He has secured multiple grants for projects like the Disability Film Festival, robotics for elderly people with disabilities, and mobile app development for food waste reduction. His professional service includes roles with AHRC NYC, IEEE Education Society, and editorial boards for academic journals. He also teaches courses on design thinking, information systems, and e-commerce strategies.
Peter Fino is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Recreation within the College of Health at the University of Utah. He directs the Neuromechanics and Applied Locomotion Lab, which is situated within the Cognitive and Motor Neuroscience research theme. His research focuses on understanding and improving mobility in individuals with neurological dysfunction, particularly those with brain injuries, using core concepts from biomechanics and motor control to develop better diagnostic tools and rehabilitation approaches. Dr. Fino's research explores how humans maintain stability during everyday activities that require complex motor control. His primary areas of investigation include: Foot placement control during walking and turning on uneven surfaces Balance recovery mechanisms following perturbations Effects of neurological conditions like concussion and Parkinson's disease on gait Development and application of inertial sensor technology for clinical assessment Neuroanatomical correlates of motor dysfunction after brain injury Nonlinear dynamics approaches to understanding human movement His lab employs a multidisciplinary approach, collaborating with engineers, clinicians, physical therapists, and neuroscientists to translate research findings into practical applications that improve people's lives. Current projects examine mobility in populations with traumatic brain injury, Parkinson's disease, and other neurological conditions, with particular focus on turning gait, dual-task performance, and objective measurement of balance recovery using wearable sensor technology. Dr. Fino actively mentors a diverse research team comprising PhD students, MS students, research coordinators, and undergraduate researchers. His lab has produced numerous graduates who have gone on to academic positions, clinical research roles, and healthcare professions. He maintains strong collaborative relationships across the University of Utah and with external institutions including Oregon Health & Science University, University of Nebraska Omaha, and US Army-Baylor Physical Therapy. The lab participates in outreach through National Biomechanics Day and partnerships with high school programs to introduce students to biomechanics and neuroscience.
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Michaela Sambanis is a Professor of English Didactics at the Institute of English Philology within the Department of Philosophy and Humanities at Freie Universität Berlin. She has held this position since 2011 and previously served as the managing director of the Institute from Winter semester 2017/2018 to October 2019. Her academic journey includes research work at the Transfer Center for Neuroscience and Learning at the University of Ulm (2008-2011), completion of her habilitation in 2006, and her promotion in 2001. Professor Sambanis's research centers on the innovative intersection of educational neuroscience and language teaching methodology. Her work pioneers the field of Positive Foreign Language Didactics, connecting positive psychology with language education. She investigates embodied cognition approaches, particularly movement-based learning, and explores theater methods and arts integration in language instruction. Her research also addresses teacher well-being and health, multilingualism in educational settings, and the application of neuroscience findings to practical classroom situations. The k2teach project represents her current focus on teaching-learning labs in English teacher education. Her scholarly output demonstrates a consistent trajectory toward integrating neuroscience with language pedagogy, with recent publications increasingly addressing mental health, digital transformation in education, and positive psychology applications. The evolution of her work shows a progression from practical teaching methods to increasingly sophisticated neurodidactic frameworks that bridge scientific evidence with classroom practice. Professor Sambanis serves on multiple scientific advisory boards including the Goethe Institut in Munich, the Transfer Center for Neuroscience and Learning at the University of Ulm, and the Schlözer Program for Teacher Education. She is also the founding chair of the cross-state E&M Berlin-Brandenburg section and a member of the German Society for Foreign Language Research (DGFF). Her editorial work includes the SELT book series on English Language Teaching. Her teaching responsibilities include supervising master's theses in English teaching, and she has developed numerous teaching-learning laboratories that connect theoretical knowledge with practical application in teacher education. Her work demonstrates a strong commitment to evidence-based foreign language didactics that incorporates insights from neuroscience, psychology, and educational research.
Dr. Lucie Kruse is a researcher at the Department of Informatics, University of Hamburg, specializing in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and Virtual Reality (VR). Her work focuses on immersive user interfaces for cognitive and physical training, particularly for older adults and those with dementia. She has been an active member of the University of Hamburg's HCI group since 2018 and served on the Ethics Commission since 2023. Her research interests include: Virtual Reality Exergames Serious Games Assistive Technologies Accessibility in VR Mental Health Applications Her publications from 2021-2025 demonstrate expertise in designing VR systems for healthcare, analyzing age-related interaction patterns, and developing inclusive interfaces. She has received multiple awards including the 2024 Honorable Mention for Best Poster at ACM SUI and the 2023 Honorable Mention at ACM CHI. Scientific Awards: Honorable Mention for Best Poster Award at ACM SUI (2024) Runner-Up Prize at Metaverse for the Good (2024) Honorable Mention at ACM CHI'23 Interactive Demo (2023) Honorable Mention at ACM VRST (2021) She has supervised multiple theses on topics like AI agents for mental health, accessibility of chatbots for seniors, and VR exergame design. Her work spans collaborations with institutions like HITLab NZ and Western Sydney University's MARCS Institute.
Sophie Caron is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Utah, where she leads a research laboratory investigating fundamental mechanisms of brain function using Drosophila melanogaster as a model system. Her work focuses on how the brain generates internal representations of the external world, stores memories, and translates these into behavior through multisensory integration. Education: B.S. from Université de Montréal Ph.D. from New York University Dr. Caron's research centers on the Drosophila mushroom body—a critical brain center for learning and memory—with emphasis on multisensory integration mechanisms. Her lab investigates how the brain combines information from multiple sensory modalities (olfaction, vision, etc.) to form unified percepts, challenging traditional views of sensory processing. Key discoveries include the demonstration that mushroom body connectivity follows near-random patterns that maximize memory capacity, and the identification of cross-modal sensory pathways beyond olfaction. Current work explores evolutionary adaptations in neural circuits across Drosophila species and developmental mechanisms establishing sensory wiring. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2019-2024) reveals three dominant research trajectories: (1) high-resolution mapping of Kenyon cell inputs using advanced techniques like dye electroporation, (2) computational modeling of how connectivity patterns shape sensory representation and learning, and (3) evolutionary studies of circuit architecture across Drosophila species. Her work consistently bridges experimental neuroanatomy with theoretical frameworks, emphasizing the interplay between random and structured wiring principles in neural circuit design. Scientific Awards: NSF CAREER Award (2021) for research on brain size evolution and neuronal circuit adaptation Dr. Caron mentors graduate students in the University of Utah's Molecular Biology Program and directs an active laboratory utilizing genetic, imaging, and behavioral approaches. Her research program is supported by competitive grants including the NSF CAREER award, with collaborations spanning neuroscience and evolutionary biology. Current projects investigate multisensory integration mechanisms, evolutionary drivers of neural circuit specialization, and developmental basis of sensory wiring. The Caron Lab maintains specialized facilities for Drosophila neurogenetics, advanced microscopy, and behavioral analysis. Her team collaborates with the University of Utah's Brain Institute and Center for Cell and Genome Science, contributing to interdisciplinary initiatives in neural circuit mapping and evolutionary neuroscience. Ongoing work explores how sensory representations evolve in response to ecological pressures and how circuit architecture enables flexible behavior in complex environments.
