Roberta Sinatra is a Professor in Social Data Science at the University of Copenhagen, with part-time affiliations at ITU Copenhagen, ISI Foundation (Italy), and CSH (Austria). She co-founded the NERDS Research Group at ITU and co-leads the Pioneer Centre for AI in Copenhagen. Research Interests: Her work spans computational social science, network science, and data science, focusing on fairness in AI, scientific careers, and human mobility. Recent projects include analyzing child protection algorithms and modeling urban bicycle networks. Scientific Awards: ERC Consolidator Grant Villum Young Investigator Grant Complex Systems Society Junior Prize DPG Young Scientist Award for Socio- and Econophysics Sapere Aude: Starting Grant Publications: Her research, often in top-tier venues like Nature and Science , explores interdisciplinary themes, including AI ethics, gender disparities in science, and social network dynamics. Labs & Teams: She leads research initiatives at the Center for Social Data Science (KU) and co-founded the NERDS Research Group at ITU, fostering international collaboration in network science and AI ethics.
Paulo Blikstein serves as Associate Professor of Communications, Media and Learning Technology Design at Columbia University. Previously, he was Assistant Professor of Education and (by courtesy) Computer Science at Stanford University and co-founded the Lemann Center for Brazilian Education (2008-2018). Education: Ph.D. in Learning Sciences, Northwestern University (2009) M.A. in Media Arts & Sciences, MIT Media Lab (2002) M.Eng. in Electronic Engineering, University of São Paulo (2000) B.S. in Metallurgical Engineering, University of São Paulo (1998) His research pioneers constructionist learning environments through digital fabrication, educational robotics, and tangible interfaces—focusing on equitable access for underserved communities. Inspired by Paulo Freire and Seymour Papert, he develops open-source tools like the GoGo Board robotics platform and leads the global FabLab@School initiative establishing fabrication labs in schools across four continents. Current work emphasizes multimodal learning analytics to study student interactions in maker-centered classrooms. Publications reveal strong focus on democratizing invention through maker education, with recurring themes in constructionist theory application, multimodal assessment, and context-specific technology adaptation. Brazilian education reform and low-cost computational solutions form significant threads, particularly in 2016-2017 publications. Scientific Awards: Two Google Faculty Awards National Science Foundation Early Career Award (highest U.S. government honor for early-career scientists) Blikstein directs the Transformative Learning Technologies Lab (TLTL) and co-founded Stanford's Center for Educational Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Brazil. His FabLearn conference established the first academic forum on Maker Movement applications in education. While specific grant details aren't listed, the NSF CAREER Award signifies major federal research funding. He spearheads the FabLab@School project deploying advanced fabrication labs in K-12 institutions worldwide and founded the FabLearn conference series. His work integrates teams of engineers, educators, and designers to create scalable solutions for resource-constrained learning environments.
Gerold Schneider is an Associate Professor at the University of Zurich , affiliated with the Department of Computational Linguistics under the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and Faculty of Business, Economics and Informatics . He leads the Text Crunching Center (TCC) , focusing on interdisciplinary research at the intersection of NLP, Digital Humanities, and Health Data Science. Research Interests His work spans Text Analytics , Digital Humanities , Corpus Linguistics , and Health Data Science , with applications in: Biomedical NLP (e.g., Alzheimer’s detection, clinical trials) Digital Humanities projects (e.g., analyzing Charles Dickens, UN archives) Migration discourse framing across languages Adversarial data collection for hate speech detection Interdisciplinary methodologies for digital unstructured data Recent Publications 2025–2024 research highlights include annotated corpora for preclinical and neurological studies, AI-driven analysis of historical linguistic variation, and innovative tools for language learners. His NLP applications address health diagnostics, ethical AI, and cross-lingual political discourse. Labs & Teams As TCC leader, he spearheads collaborative projects within the Digital Society Initiative (DSI) communities (AI & Law, Health, Ethics, etc.), integrating computational methods with humanities and health research.
Mani Golparvar Fard is a Professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, holding joint appointments in the Siebel School of Computing and Data Science and the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. He also contributes to the Technology Entrepreneur Center. His research focuses on integrating artificial intelligence, computer vision, and data analytics to advance construction management, infrastructure monitoring, and automation. Key areas include BIM integration, reality capture systems, and deep learning-based progress tracking. His work emphasizes automated construction progress monitoring through semantic segmentation, vision-language models, and UAV-based data collection. He has pioneered methods like Scan2BIM-NET for converting point clouds into BIM models and developed frameworks for worker safety analysis using machine learning. Awards: Walter L. Huber Civil Engineering Research Prize (2018) Daniel W. Halpin Award for Scholarship (2016) Advising & Grants: While no specific grant details are provided, his research is supported by collaborations with industry and government initiatives, such as the Japanese national bridge inspection project. He advises a team focused on AI-driven construction solutions and maintains active partnerships with engineering firms. Labs & Teams: Leads research groups in vision-based construction analytics, automated scheduling systems, and BIM integration. His work is disseminated through platforms like the VisualSiteDiary system and the InstaDam open-source platform for structural damage analysis.
Florian Schäfer is an Assistant Professor at the School of Computational Science and Engineering at Georgia Tech. His research spans numerical computation, statistical inference, and competitive games, with applications in materials science, turbulence modeling, computer graphics, and computational geometry. He will join the Courant Institute at NYU in September 2025. PhD in Applied and Computational Mathematics, Caltech Bachelor’s and Master’s in Mathematics, University of Bonn His work focuses on information geometric mechanics to design structure-preserving numerical methods for continuum mechanics. This includes: State-of-the-art solvers for elliptic PDEs via Gaussian elimination and conditional independence Efficient multi-agent optimization algorithms Information geometric regularization for compressible fluid dynamics Enabling the first compressible fluid simulation exceeding 100 trillion grid cells His recent research trends integrate: Machine learning for materials science (e.g., active learning, Bayesian approaches) Stochastic modeling of microstructures and phase-field problems Neural operators for super-resolution fluid dynamics Generative models for polycrystalline material datasets Optimal transport and diffusion models for conditional density transformations High-performance computing at extreme scales Florian collaborates with researchers including Houman Owhadi, Jessie Liu, Spencer Bryngelson, Tamer Zaki, and Ali Mani. He actively presents at conferences like SIAM and UCLA seminars, and is recruiting PhD students for work at the Courant Institute starting 2025.
Prof. Christian Heipke is a distinguished academic serving as Dean of the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geodetic Science at Leibniz University Hannover, Germany. He also holds the position of Executive Director at the Institute of Photogrammetry and GeoInformation (IPI), one of the leading research institutions in geospatial sciences within the faculty. His leadership extends across multiple committees including the Curriculum and Teaching Committee, Admissions and Examination Boards for Geodetic Science and Geoinformatics, and Navigation and Environmental Robotics. As a Professor at IPI, he maintains active research while overseeing significant academic and administrative responsibilities at the university. Professor Heipke's research spans multiple domains within geospatial sciences, with particular emphasis on: Advanced photogrammetric techniques and algorithms Remote sensing applications for environmental monitoring Computer vision approaches for geospatial data analysis Urban development monitoring using satellite imagery Machine learning applications in geoinformatics Disaster prediction and management systems His recent scholarly output reveals a strong focus on integrating cutting-edge computer vision and deep learning techniques with traditional photogrammetric methods. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications shows a clear trajectory toward more sophisticated AI-driven approaches for processing geospatial data, with particular attention to time-series analysis, uncertainty quantification, and multi-view systems. His work bridges theoretical advancements with practical applications in flood forecasting, deforestation monitoring, urban planning, and construction materials analysis. The geographic scope of his research has expanded significantly, with recent projects focusing on international case studies in the Philippines and tropical regions. Professor Heipke leads the Institute of Photogrammetry and GeoInformation, a major research hub that has celebrated 75 years of contributions to the field. His leadership extends to the Graduiertenkolleg 2159: "Integrity and Collaboration in Dynamic Sensor Networks," where he serves as a professor overseeing doctoral research. The institute maintains state-of-the-art facilities for processing satellite imagery, aerial photography, and developing novel algorithms for geospatial data analysis. Under his direction, the institute has strengthened its international collaborations and interdisciplinary research approaches, particularly in addressing Sustainable Development Goals through geospatial technologies.
Farhad Pourkamali Anaraki is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences at the University of Colorado Denver, part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on Machine Learning, Data Science, and Computational Mathematics, with interdisciplinary applications in engineering, materials science, and uncertainty quantification. He specializes in developing data-driven methodologies for complex systems, including composite materials, seismic response prediction, and additive manufacturing. Key research themes include probabilistic neural networks, adaptive machine learning for sparse data, and computational techniques for engineering challenges. His work integrates advanced algorithms with domain-specific problems, such as optimizing material properties and enhancing predictive models in civil and mechanical engineering contexts. Despite his prolific publication record, no specific scientific awards or grants are explicitly listed in the provided information. He maintains an active profile in teaching and mentoring, though formal advisee details are not documented here.
Jay David Bolter holds the Wesley Chair of New Media and serves as Professor and Director of Computational Media at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he is affiliated with the School of Literature, Media, and Communication within the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts. A foundational figure in digital media studies, he is renowned for his influential theoretical works and practical contributions to new media forms. His research spans Augmented Reality , Virtual Reality , Digital Culture , and the History of Media , with particular emphasis on remediation theory (developed with Richard Grusin) and the evolution of digital writing. As an active member of the Augmented Environments Lab, Bolter creates narrative-driven AR applications for cultural heritage sites and educational contexts, blending theoretical rigor with experimental design. His work consistently examines how new media technologies reshape human perception and cultural practices. Recent publications reveal a concentrated exploration of reality media (AR/VR) as narrative spaces, with articles addressing biofeedback integration in VR fitness, agency-driven interactive storytelling, and theoretical frameworks for understanding immersive experiences. His scholarship bridges historical media analysis with cutting-edge technical implementation, demonstrating how remediation processes continue to evolve in mixed reality environments. This trajectory reflects his lifelong investigation into the interplay between technological capabilities and human expression. Bolter maintains significant collaborative partnerships, including co-authoring seminal texts like Remediation and developing the Storyspace hypertext system with Michael Joyce. His leadership in the Augmented Environments Lab drives interdisciplinary projects that merge humanities perspectives with technological innovation, particularly in creating culturally resonant AR experiences. Teaching responsibilities include advanced courses in mixed reality design, computational media, and digital media theory, shaping the next generation of media scholars and practitioners.
Ashwani K. Gupta is a Distinguished University Professor at the University of Maryland, holding the Minta Martin Professorship in Engineering. He serves as Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Professor at the Institute of Physical Science and Technology, and Affiliate Professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering. With over 45 years of experience in combustion engineering since graduating from Southampton University in 1970, Gupta has established himself as a leading authority in advanced combustion technologies. Dr. Gupta earned his Ph.D. from the University of Sheffield in 1973, followed by a D.Sc. from the same institution in 1986 and another D.Sc. from Southampton University in 2013. His academic journey includes six years at MIT as a research staff member and three years at Sheffield University as an independent research worker before joining the University of Maryland in 1983. Gupta's research focuses on revolutionizing combustion technology through innovations in swirl flows, high-temperature air combustion (HiTAC), and distributed combustion systems. His pioneering work on 'colorless distributed combustion' has enabled ultra-low emission combustion processes with significant applications in gas turbine engines and waste-to-energy conversion. His research spans biofuels, CO2 utilization, sulfur chemistry, waste conversion, and advanced laser diagnostics, addressing critical challenges in sustainable energy and environmental protection. Analyzing his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on waste-to-energy conversion, biomass processing, and CO2-assisted technologies. Gupta's work demonstrates a clear trajectory toward sustainable energy solutions, with increasing integration of artificial intelligence for combustion optimization and emission control. His research bridges fundamental combustion science with practical engineering applications for cleaner energy systems. Among Gupta's numerous accolades are: Election to Fellowship of the Royal Academy of Engineering (2023) Honorary Fellowship of the Royal Aeronautical Society (2020) Recognition as one of the top 2% of scientists worldwide by Stanford University (2022-2024) Multiple prestigious medals from ASME and AIAA including the Soichiro Honda Medal (2018) and AIAA Air Breathing Propulsion Award (2014) Honorary doctorates from three international universities Gupta has secured substantial research funding throughout his career, resulting in over 850 technical papers, three books, 18 edited books, and 22 book chapters. He has delivered over 100 plenary/keynote/invited presentations at international conferences. His mentorship has shaped numerous graduate students who continue to contribute to the field of combustion engineering. Gupta directs the Combustion Laboratory at the University of Maryland, which serves as a hub for cutting-edge research in sustainable combustion technologies. The Combustion Laboratory, under Gupta's leadership, has become a center of excellence for advanced combustion research, particularly in distributed combustion systems, waste-to-energy conversion, and alternative fuels. The lab maintains strong collaborations with industry partners and international research institutions, facilitating technology transfer and practical implementation of research findings. Gupta's team employs state-of-the-art diagnostics and computational tools to advance fundamental understanding while developing practical engineering solutions for cleaner energy systems.
David Salesin is an Affiliate Professor in the Department of Computer Science & Engineering at the University of Washington and a Principal Scientist/Director at Google Research since 2019. He has held academic roles at Cornell University (Visiting Assistant Professor, 1991-92) and guest professorships at Zhejiang University. His career spans academia and industry, including leadership at Adobe's Creative Technologies Lab (2005-17) and Microsoft Research (1999-2005). PhD, Stanford University (1991) Sc.B., Brown University (1983) His research focuses on computer graphics, particularly non-photorealistic rendering, digital typography, color science, and adaptive document layout. He pioneered techniques in image-based rendering, pen-and-ink illustration, and facial animation, with applications in multimedia and user interface design. Article Trends : His work bridges procedural content generation, 3D visualization, and artistic computing, emphasizing user-driven tools for creative industries. Key subfields include texture advection, multiresolution modeling, and real-time camera control for virtual cinematography. Scientific Awards : ACM Fellow (2002) ACM SIGGRAPH Achievement Award (2000) Carnegie Foundation Professor of the Year (1998) NSF Presidential Faculty Fellow (1995-98) Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship (1995-97) Numerous industry grants and lab donations He has advised over 30 PhD and Master's students, including leaders at Microsoft, Pixar, and Google. His labs at UW and Adobe focused on graphics, imaging, and creativity tools.
Professor Gene Bawden is a communication designer and Head of the Department of Design at Monash University’s Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture (MADA). He holds a PhD in Design focusing on Australian domestic spaces and cultural identity. His work bridges design practice and research, emphasizing gender equity in urban environments through collaborative projects like the XYX Lab. Key contributions include developing design thinking curricula, leading the D-Lab’s material tools for spatial inquiry, and co-designing safety initiatives for public transport and urban spaces. Education: PhD in Design (2015), Monash University, specializing in 'Comfort and Judgement: Nineteenth Century Advice Manuals and the Scripting of Australian Identity'. Research Interests: Gendered spatial practices, design thinking methodologies, material and visual narratives of belonging, and co-design strategies for mitigating urban gender inequity. His projects include the 'Safer Cities Crowd Mapping' initiative and the WHO-guided 'Design for Impact' toolkit. Awards: Recipient of the 2018 Dean’s Award for Research Impact, 2020 Good Design Award for 'Yours, Mine, Ours', and multiple recognitions for urban design projects addressing gender safety. Advising: Graduate supervisor for design research students. Grants: Principal investigator on projects totaling over AUD 2M, including the 'Gender-sensitive training for safe communities' and 'Co-designing health futures' initiatives. Labs/Teams: Founding director of D-Lab and core member of XYX Lab, which focus on design-driven solutions for gender equity in urban environments. Notable collaborations include the 'HyperSext City' exhibition and 'Keep Running' public safety campaigns.
Michael S. Horn is a Professor of Learning Sciences and Computer Science at Northwestern University, serving as Program Coordinator for Learning Sciences. He holds a PhD in Computer Science from Tufts University and a ScB in Computer Science from Brown University. His research focuses on the intersection of human-computer interaction and learning, emphasizing the use of emerging technologies in museums, classrooms, and informal settings. Notable projects include multi-touch tabletops in natural history museums, tangible programming languages for early education, and the TIDAL Lab’s innovative exhibits like Build-a-Tree and DeepTree. Education background includes: PhD in Computer Science (Tufts University, 2009) MS in Computer Science (Tufts University, 2006) ScB in Computer Science (Brown University, 1997) Research interests span tangible interaction design, computational literacy, and museum-based learning. He has led projects such as the ‘Energy Monsters’ board game and the TunePad music-coding platform. His work integrates technology with pedagogical practices to foster collaborative and exploratory learning environments. Active collaborations include the Computer History Museum and the California Academy of Sciences. Advising contributions include mentoring doctoral students like Dr. Mmachi Obiorah and Pei-Yi. His lab, TIDAL, explores interactive technologies for education, with grants from NSF and industry partnerships. Recent articles highlight innovations in computational thinking integration, music-coding hybrid practices, and AI-driven qualitative analysis.
Dr. Daniel Roxbury is an Associate Professor and Graduate Director at the Department of Chemical, Biomolecular and Materials Engineering within the University of Rhode Island's College of Engineering. With expertise in nanoscience and carbon nanomaterials, his research focuses on nano-bio interactions, developing functionalized nanotubes for biomedical applications and environmental monitoring through his NanoBio Engineering Laboratory. His work spans multiple disciplines including: Biomedical nanosensors Smart wearable biomaterials Targeted drug delivery systems Environmental nanotechnology Single-molecule imaging Nanotoxicology Recent publications emphasize machine learning-enhanced spectral analysis, coral reef conservation nanotechnology, and wearable stress monitoring textiles. His 2024 ACS Nano study introduces AI-driven macrophage phenotyping, while 2023 Nature Nanotechnology work explores coral reef restoration strategies using nanomaterials. Awarded the 2019 NSF CAREER grant for cellular nanometrology, he leads multiple NIH-funded projects including: $820,000 NSF CAREER: Spectral Imaging for Sub-Cellular Nanometrology $140,000 Miriam Hospital COBRE: Cortisol Detection Textiles $700,000 NSF EAGER: Multiplexed Wound Biomarker Detection His laboratory houses state-of-the-art equipment including: Near Infrared Hyperspectral Microscope Custom NIR Fluorescence Spectrometer Jasco UV/VIS/NIR Spectrophotometer Biosafety Cabinet Cell Culture Incubator Cryo-Storage System
Dr Luke Hespanhol is a Senior Lecturer in Design and Computation at the University of Sydney's School of Architecture, Design and Planning. He is affiliated with the Sydney Southeast Asia Centre and Sydney Nano Institute, and previously served as a guest researcher at Aarhus University's Department of Aesthetics and Communication. His work focuses on interactive media installations that foster reflection on human-environment relationships, blending urban design, technology, and social engagement. He holds a PhD in interactive media architecture from the University of Sydney's Design Lab, with research exploring user-centred hybrid urban environments. His doctoral work laid the foundation for his current interests in digital placemaking, urban informatics, and smart cities. Research Interests: - Designing technology-infused public spaces - Media architecture as a tool for inclusive urban development - Ethical implications of AI and blockchain in cultural contexts - Temporal and spatial dimensions of urban interaction design - HCI methodologies for multiperspectival cultural heritage interpretation - Antifragile city frameworks integrating citizen participation His recent publications highlight trends in reimagining urban futures through speculative design, ethical AI systems, and autonomous vehicle interaction paradigms. While no specific scientific awards are listed, his work often addresses critical societal issues like decolonization in technology and climate-resilient infrastructure. Grants and Collaborations: - 2025: 'Waste to Resilience: Sanitation Against Stunting and Climate Vulnerability in Informal Coastal Areas' (Sydney Southeast Asia Centre) - 2022: 'The Metaverse as Vehicle for Aboriginal Digital Inclusion, Wellness and Self-Determination' (Facebook Research) Dr Hespanhol is actively involved in the Media Architecture Institute and contributes to cross-disciplinary initiatives uniting technology, art, and urban planning. His research emphasizes co-creation processes with communities to ensure equitable technological integration in urban systems.
Devi Parikh is an Associate Professor at the School of Interactive Computing, Georgia Institute of Technology, and a Research Director at Meta’s FAIR lab. Her research focuses on generative models, AI for creativity, computer vision, and natural language processing. Education: B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Rowan University (2005), M.S. and Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University (2007, 2009). Research interests include embodied AI, human-AI collaboration, and creative applications of AI. She has held visiting positions at Cornell, MIT, CMU, and others. Awards include NSF CAREER Award, IJCAI Computers and Thought Award, and multiple fellowships. Led development of Habitat , a platform for embodied AI research, and contributed to the Open Catalyst Project for renewable energy storage.
