Dr. Martin Collier is an Associate Professor in the School of Electronic Engineering at Dublin City University and director of the Entwine Centre, focusing on IoT infrastructure. His research spans data and computer communications, network security, energy-efficient networking, and SDN/NFV. He leads projects like Horizon 2020's INPUT and FP7's ECONET, collaborating with IBM on data centre network design. His work emphasizes switch fabrics, green routers, and optical technologies. Research Interests: Switching/Routing, SDN, NFV, IoT, Energy Efficiency, Data Centre Networks. Recent Projects: INPUT (SDN/NFV personal cloud services), ECONET (energy efficiency), and IBM-funded data centre design. Laboratory activities include NetFPGA-based testing and SDN implementations. Teaching: Modules include Broadband Networks (EE552), Network Programming (EE562), and Communications Theory (EE450). Supervises final-year and MEng projects. Labs/Teams: Switching & Systems Lab (NetFPGA testbed), Entwine Centre (IoT infrastructure).
Dr. Xiaojun Wang is an Associate Professor at the School of Electronic Engineering, Dublin City University (DCU). He holds a BEng and MEng from Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications (BUPT) and a PhD from Staffordshire University (UK). His research focuses on energy-efficient networking, hardware acceleration for packet classification/deep inspection, and cryptography algorithms. He has been instrumental in establishing China-Ireland academic collaborations, including the China-Ireland International Conference on Information and Communications Technologies (CIICT), and coordinated a successful joint Telecommunications Engineering program with Wuhan University (2006–2012). He is also a member of DCU's Entwine Research Centre. Key roles include Head of China Affairs at DCU (2002–2007), contributing to institutional partnerships. His technical work spans green energy solutions for networks, quantum computing protocols, and hardware-software co-design for cryptographic systems. He has led projects on edge computing security, vehicular communication optimization, and blockchain-based trust frameworks. Educations: BEng in Computer & Communications, BUPT (1984) MEng in Computer Applications, BUPT (1987) PhD in Engineering, Staffordshire University (1992) Affiliations: Member of Entwine Research Centre Former Head of China Affairs, DCU His recent publications emphasize secure edge computing, quantum steganography, and 5G resource orchestration. He has pioneered energy-efficient router architectures and contributed to standards for vehicular networks and blockchain trust systems.
Dar-Jen Chang is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Louisville. He holds a B.S. in Mathematics from National Tsing Hua University (1970), an M.S. in Computer Information/Control Engineering from the University of Michigan (1982), and a Ph.D. in Mathematics from the same institution (1982). His research focuses on parallel computing, GPU programming, bioinformatics, 3D modeling, and algorithm optimization. His work spans disciplines including computer science, data mining, and biomedical applications. Chang’s research interests emphasize leveraging GPU acceleration for computational tasks such as RNA folding algorithms, hierarchical clustering, and Euclidean distance calculations. He has explored applications in 3D anatomical modeling, robotics simulation using Unity, and gaming frameworks with CUDA integration. His contributions include developing frameworks for algorithm visualization and database systems for automated process planning. His publications highlight trends in GPU-optimized algorithms, graph database analysis (e.g., Yelp and IMDb datasets), and interdisciplinary applications like medical imaging and genetic sequence prediction. He has also contributed to neural networks for fuzzy logic systems and biological sequence mining.
Ozgur Keles is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering at San José State University (SJSU), where he has worked since August 2015. He previously held a Lecturer and Senior Research Associate position at Illinois Institute of Technology from 2013 to 2015 after completing his Ph.D. in Materials Engineering at Purdue University (2013). His research focuses on developing AI-driven discovery machines for new materials, leveraging active learning and high-throughput methods to explore uncharted chemical and structural spaces. He investigates processing-structure-property-design (PSP-D) interrelationships in multi-functional materials, combining additive manufacturing with data-driven numerical approaches to control hierarchical structures from sub-nano to macro-scale. B.S. in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering from Middle East Technical University, Turkey (2005) M.S. in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering from Middle East Technical University, Turkey (2008) Ph.D. in Materials Engineering from Purdue University (2013) His research interests span artificial intelligence in materials discovery , graphene quantum dots in epoxy composites , sustainable design for smart cities , and virtual reality in engineering education . He uses molecular dynamics, finite element analysis, and vibration-assisted 3D printing to enhance mechanical reliability in composites. Recent projects include NSF CAREER grant-funded work on multi-scale mechanical behavior of quantum dot nanocomposites and an NEA grant for 3D printing cultural heritage artifacts . His publications highlight advancements in additive manufacturing , nanocomposite toughening , and machine learning for structural analysis . Notable contributions include studies on the effects of raster angle on 3D printed parts , thermal conductivity enhancement via GQDs , and stochastic fracture of porous composites . Scientific Awards: ASME Rising Star of Mechanical Engineering (2025) 2023 College of Engineering Award for Excellence in Scholarship 2019 Advisor of the Year at SJSU Keles collaborates extensively, securing grants such as the NSF MRI for a metal AM system and DOE PARC Xerox for ceramic alignment studies. His lab engages students in hands-on research, and he promotes engineering education through virtual reality modules .
Dr. Younghee Park is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Engineering at San José State University, part of the College of Engineering. She joined SJSU in 2013 as an Assistant Professor, advancing to her current rank in 2019. Her research focuses on network and system security, including malware detection, insider threats, botnets, smart grid security, and blockchain applications. She holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from North Carolina State University (2010) and postdoctoral experience at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Columbia University. Dr. Park has received prestigious awards such as the Kordestani Endowed Chair (2016-2017) and the Faculty Award for Excellence in Scholarship (2018). She founded the Silicon Valley Cybersecurity Institute (SVCSI), a non-profit dedicated to advancing cybersecurity. Her work integrates machine learning, blockchain, and SDN/NFV to address modern security challenges in IoT, mobile cloud computing, and critical infrastructure. Recent research emphasizes real-time intrusion detection systems, generative AI for malware analysis, and blockchain-based security mechanisms. She has led projects funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and industry partners, contributing to both academic publications and practical cybersecurity solutions.
David Ditor serves as an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at McMaster University, where he focuses on rehabilitation science and exercise physiology for individuals with neurological conditions. His scholarly activity spans over 25 years with 88 publications documented in the McMaster Experts database from 1999-2024. Dr. Ditor's research primarily centers on spinal cord injury rehabilitation, with particular emphasis on autonomic nervous system function, cardiac health, and innovative rehabilitation approaches. His work explores the intersection of exercise physiology, neurorehabilitation, and psychosocial adaptation, addressing critical gaps in understanding how physical activity, dietary interventions, and technological solutions can improve quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Analysis of his recent publications reveals consistent focus areas: cardiac autonomic function after spinal cord injury (2015-2023), anti-inflammatory dietary interventions for pain management (2016-2023), sexual health and psychosocial adaptation following neurological injury (2014-2023), and technological innovations in rehabilitation including robotic training and virtual reality applications (2018-2025). His work demonstrates methodological diversity, incorporating randomized controlled trials, qualitative studies, systematic reviews, and clinical guidelines development. Dr. Ditor maintains an active collaborative network with researchers across McMaster University, particularly working with Audrey Lyn Hicks (22 co-authored publications), Neil McCartney (10 publications), and Maureen J Macdonald (8 publications). His research has been disseminated through numerous high-impact journals including Spinal Cord, Journal of Neuroinflammation, and Neurorehabilitation.
Dr. Alistair Henry is a Senior Lecturer in Criminology at the University of Edinburgh's School of Law, holding LLB, MSc, and PhD qualifications. He maintains office hours on Tuesdays from 11:00-13:00 and serves as a key academic bridge between university research and policing practice in Scotland. His academic career includes eight years (2010-2018) as Associate Director of the Scottish Institute for Policing Research (SIPR), where he chaired the Police Community Relations Network. Currently, he coordinates the Edinburgh/SIPR Brokering Group, connecting university researchers with policing practitioners across Scotland. Dr. Henry's research focuses on: Sociology of policing and community engagement Interaction ritual theory applied to police-public encounters Governance and accountability mechanisms in policing Academic-practitioner collaborations Digital dimensions of contemporary policing Police reform implementation in Scotland His publication record demonstrates a consistent trajectory from traditional criminological studies toward increasingly digital-focused analyses of police-public interactions. Recent work examines how social media, digital rituals, and online platforms are reshaping traditional policing paradigms while maintaining core community engagement functions. As an educator, Dr. Henry actively supervises PhD students, with particular interest in local crime governance, police accountability mechanisms, democratic governance of police, police reform effects, austerity-era policing challenges, and effective partnership working strategies. His research methodology often combines theoretical sophistication with practical field insights gained through extensive knowledge exchange activities with policing practitioners.
Kate Jeffery is a Professor and Head of the School of Psychology & Neuroscience at the University of Glasgow. Previously, she held roles including Professor of Behavioral Neuroscience and Vice Dean (Research) at University College London. Her research focuses on the neural mechanisms underlying spatial cognition, particularly the 'cognitive map' formed by the hippocampus and related structures. She explores how sensory input constructs spatial representations and the interplay between architecture and brain spatial processing. Affiliations: University of Glasgow (Head of School), Formerly University College London Key Roles: Academic leadership, Director of the Jeffery Lab, Collaborator in neuroscientific research projects Research Interests: Spatial navigation, hippocampal function, neural coding of 3D space, grid cells, head direction cells, and the architectural influence on spatial cognition. Her work bridges neuroscience and environmental design, emphasizing translational applications. Grants & Collaborations: Extensive grants supporting studies on spatial cognition, climate-conscious lab practices, and comparative cognition across species. Collaborates with institutions globally on projects like 3D spatial encoding and gamma oscillation mechanisms. Labs & Teams: Leads the Jeffery Lab at Glasgow, which investigates spatial navigation and hippocampal dynamics. Active in interdisciplinary teams studying neural circuits and environmental impact on cognition.
Professor Constance Steinkuehler at the University of California, Irvine focuses on the social implications of online games, particularly addressing toxicity and extremism. Her research explores how games can foster learning, empathy, and social connection while mitigating harmful behaviors. She holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2005) and is actively involved in designing educational esports programs and collaboration with incarcerated populations to reduce societal divisions. Her work spans interdisciplinary areas including gaming's role in education, radicalization prevention, and community-building. Key initiatives include an esports program for youth and a partnership with San Quentin inmates to design rehabilitation-focused games. Steinkuehler emphasizes leveraging games' potential to create safer, more connected societies through intentional design and intervention strategies. Her scholarship addresses topics ranging from hate speech in games to cognitive benefits of casual gaming, with recent focus on extremism mitigation. Despite no listed awards, her contributions are notable in shaping policies for healthier gaming environments. She advises on esports curricula and has pioneered frameworks for integrating gaming into academic and correctional settings.
Hugh O'Dwyer is a Teaching Professor at Trinity College Dublin (TCD) within the Department of Electronic Engineering, where he lectures on the M.Phil in Music and Media Technology (MMT) program. He holds a Ph.D. from TCD (2021) under Prof. Frank Boland, focusing on Machine Learning applications for audio, particularly Sound Source Localization and Virtual Testing of Binaural Audio. His doctoral work included objective/subjective headphone and ambisonic microphone evaluation, alongside machine learning-based localization methods. Education: He graduated from TCD's School of Engineering with a Biomedical Engineering degree (2015), researching EEG-based musical instrument perception in the brain through his thesis. During studies, he actively participated in Trinity Orchestra and Jazz Society roles, earning a lifetime honorary membership for his contributions. Research interests span spatial audio engineering, machine learning in acoustics, and music technology education. He has published extensively with the Audio Engineering Society (AES), presenting at conferences in Helsinki, Milan, and Dublin. His work includes VR audio recording techniques, sound projector calibration, and ambisonic microphone comparisons. Outside academia, he mentors young musicians through the Suburban Sounds program and developed a CPD course in music technology for over 100 teachers during the pandemic. As a musician/producer, he has collaborated with prominent Irish artists like Hozier and Saint Sister, and his band Spies' album 'Constancy' (2018) received critical acclaim.
Thomas Erich Zinner is a Professor at the Department of Information Security and Communication Technology (IIK) at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). He leads the Networking Group@IIK and has held roles including Head of the FG INET at TU Berlin and Head of the Next Generation Networks group at the University of Würzburg. He earned his diploma (2006) and PhD (2012) from the University of Würzburg. His research focuses on network eco-systems, performance evaluation of SDN/NFV architectures, QoE-centric management, and 5G/6G innovations. Key projects include TeraFlow, aiming to revolutionize SDN traffic management in beyond 5G networks. His work bridges network technologies, applications, and protocols, emphasizing optimization for emerging paradigms like software-based networking and adaptive video streaming. Recent publications address AI integration in 6G, 5G NR performance, and QoE-aware network slicing. He collaborates internationally, publishing in venues like IEEE Transactions and CNSM. His research addresses challenges in network determinism, inter-domain connectivity, and geo-distributed analytics.
Yosra Cherni is an Assistant Professor at the School of Kinesiology and Physical Activity Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, and a researcher at the CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center. Her research focuses on biomechanics and neurophysiology to improve mobility in populations with neuromotor disorders. She holds a PhD in Kinesiology from the University of Montreal and completed postdoctoral training in neurophysiology of locomotion at Université Laval. Her expertise includes robotic technologies for pediatric rehabilitation, gait analysis, and corticospinal excitability assessment. Key affiliations include the Azrieli Research Center at CHU Sainte-Justine, the Provincial Adaptation-Rehabilitation Research Network (REPAR), and the Interdisciplinary Center for Brain and Learning Research (CIRCA). She is actively involved in supervising doctoral and master’s students and has led several research projects funded by agencies like CRSNG and FRQS, focusing on topics such as robotic gait training, 3D-printed orthoses, and neurorehabilitation strategies. Her research contributions emphasize optimizing rehabilitation technologies and clinical decision-making for children with neuromotor disorders. Recent work includes studies on gait adaptations to uneven surfaces, corticospinal excitability during complex tasks, and the efficacy of robotic interventions. She has also contributed to special journal issues and received awards for her innovative approaches in biomechanical and neurophysiological research.
Armir Bujari is an Associate Professor at the Department of Computer Science within the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Bologna. His research focuses on advanced networking, edge computing, digital twins, and blockchain applications. He holds a scientific disciplinary sector specialization in Information Processing Systems (IINF-05/A). Key research areas include: Edge and cloud computing architectures IoT and smart systems integration Blockchain-enabled data ecosystems Urban and industrial digital twins Disaster communication protocols Recent publications emphasize innovative solutions in federated learning, QUIC protocol optimization for satellite networks, and digital twin applications in logistics and smart cities. His work bridges theoretical advancements with practical implementations in 5G/6G networks, disaster response systems, and sustainable energy grids. Office location: 1st floor, Palazzina ex-scuderie, Viale Risorgimento 2, Bologna. Reception hours are typically Mondays 3-5 PM, with flexible scheduling via email.
Cristiano Tapparello is a Research Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Rochester's Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences. His work bridges healthcare technology and wireless communication systems, focusing on mobile health interventions and optimizing wireless networks. He holds a Research Professor position, emphasizing applied research in both medical technology and network engineering. Dr. Tapparello's research is centered on two main areas: mobile health (mHealth) interventions and advanced wireless communication networks. In mHealth, he develops and evaluates tools for caregivers of children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), emphasizing feasibility and user experience. His work also addresses pre-operative anxiety through virtual reality (VR) interventions. On the networking side, he explores energy-efficient protocols, multi-hop architectures (e.g., WiFi Direct and UAV-based systems), and the application of machine learning to optimize OFDMA systems and resource allocation. His contributions span underwater sensor networks, energy harvesting techniques, and network topology optimization. Scientific Awards: No scientific awards mentioned. Advising and Grants: No specific advising or grants listed in the provided information. Labs and Teams: While specific lab affiliations are not detailed, his research aligns with the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering's focus areas in wireless communication and health technology.
Katerina Hilari is a Professor of Acquired Communication Disorders at the School of Health Sciences, City, University of London, within the Division of Language and Communication Science. She is a certified Speech and Language Therapist with a background in Psychology, specializing in aphasia and its impact on quality of life post-stroke. She leads the Trials for Aphasia Panel of the Collaboration of Aphasia Trialists and serves on the Board of Trustees for Aphasia Re-Connect. Her educational journey includes studies in Philosophy, Education, and Psychology at the University of Athens, followed by postgraduate training in Speech and Language Therapy in the UK. She has been a faculty member at City since 2002, after working in the NHS at St Mary's and Royal Free Hospitals. Hilari’s research centers on the psychosocial impact of stroke and aphasia, quality of life assessment, and the effectiveness of speech and language therapy. She developed the Stroke and Aphasia Quality of Life scale (SAQOL-39), now used internationally, and leads research on telehealth, virtual reality interventions (e.g., VESFA in EVA Park), and peer support models (e.g., SUPERB trial). She has published extensively in top journals and contributed to major clinical guidelines, including the European Stroke Organisation (ESO) guideline on aphasia rehabilitation. Her recent publications highlight a strong focus on patient-centered outcomes, digital health innovations, and psychosocial wellbeing. Themes include telehealth practices, virtual reality therapy, coping strategies, social support, and co-designed interventions. Her work bridges clinical practice and research, emphasizing accessibility, cultural adaptation, and fidelity in intervention delivery. Shortlisted for The Times Higher Education Award for Outstanding Research Supervisor of the Year (2016) Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Doctoral Supervision (2015) City University London Staff Prize for Excellence in Research (2011) Teaching Recognition Prize (2010) Hilari actively supervises numerous PhD students and has served as Editor-in-Chief and Advisory Board member of the International Journal of Language and Communication Disorders . She is a grant reviewer for the Stroke Association and NIHR. Her leadership in aphasia research, commitment to patient involvement, and methodological rigor in developing and validating outcome measures underscore her significant contributions to the field. She is involved in multiple research labs and teams focused on aphasia rehabilitation, including the Collaboration of Aphasia Trialists, and leads projects on virtual environments (EVA Park), peer-befriending (SUPERB), and family-centered care (SEEM study). Her work consistently emphasizes co-design, accessibility, and real-world implementation of interventions.
