Prof. Dr. Andreas Butz is a Full Professor and Chair for Human-Computer Interaction at the Department for Informatics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU Munich). He leads the Media Informatics Group, focusing on innovative interaction techniques and interfaces in immersive environments like VR/AR, automotive systems, and smart spaces. His research emphasizes perceptual user interfaces, social robotics, and designing systems that balance invisibility with transparency. Key research areas include: Virtual/Augmented Reality interfaces for productivity and social interaction AI-driven decision support in safety-critical domains (aviation, healthcare) Haptic and wearable interaction technologies Automotive UI design for driver assistance systems Principles of explainable AI and human-AI collaboration His work bridges theory and practice through projects like: VR-based movement training systems AI trust calibration mechanisms Multi-modal interaction frameworks for automotive environments Systems for analyzing long-term music listening behavior Recent articles explore topics ranging from AI support in pilot decision-making to haptic wearables and creative writing interfaces. His team collaborates with industry partners on electric vehicle information systems and in-car interaction challenges.
Dr. Jessica A Eisma is an Assistant Professor of Water Resources in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Texas at Arlington. Her research focuses on urban and dryland hydrology, remote sensing, machine learning, citizen science, and climate change adaptation. She holds a PhD from Purdue University (2020) and prior degrees from Purdue and Michigan State University. Her work emphasizes community-centered solutions for flood resilience and green infrastructure planning in vulnerable areas. Education: PhD, Civil Engineering, Purdue University, 2020 MS, Civil Engineering, Purdue University, 2015 BS, Civil Engineering, Michigan State University, 2012 Research Interests: Urban hydrology and climate impacts on rainfall patterns Remote sensing applications for water resource management Machine learning in hydrological modeling Citizen science for environmental data collection Green infrastructure design for flood mitigation Recent Article Trends: Dr. Eisma’s recent work addresses urbanization effects on extreme rainfall, UAV-based thermal mapping of micro-urban heat islands, and equity-focused green infrastructure planning. Her publications often bridge technical innovation and community-driven solutions for climate resilience. Awards: 2024: Faculty/Staff Graduating Student Impact Reception (UTA) 2023: Emerging Leaders Award (Purdue CEG SAC) 2020: Magoon Award for Excellence in Teaching (Purdue College of Engineering) 2015: NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Advising & Grants: Advises 3 PhD students and multiple undergrad researchers Principal Investigator on grants totaling over $1M from NOAA, NSF, and others Focus areas: Houston flood resilience, Texas urban stormwater systems Lab & Teams: Leads the SEUSI Lab, dedicated to socio-environmental solutions in urban sustainability and infrastructure. Collaborates with national and international partners on water security and climate adaptation projects.
Dr. Amir Hakami is a Professor in the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering at Carleton University , where he leads the Carleton Atmospheric Modelling Group . His research focuses on advanced air quality modeling techniques to inform environmental policy. Degrees: B.Sc. (Polytechnic of Tehran), M.Sc., Ph.D. (Georgia Tech), Postdoc (Caltech) Contact: Office 3454 Mackenzie Building, Phone: 613-520-2600 ext. 8609, Email: amir.hakami@carleton.ca Research Interests: Air quality modeling at multiple spatial scales Adjoint sensitivity analysis for atmospheric response Inverse modeling and data assimilation techniques Uncertainty quantification in environmental systems Interdisciplinary applications in policy, public health, and economics Teaching: Courses include Environmental Engineering Systems Modeling , Contaminant Transport , and Air Pollution & Emissions Control at undergraduate and graduate levels. Research Group: The group includes Ph.D. candidates, postdoctoral fellows, and alumni working on topics ranging from atmospheric chemistry to sustainable energy systems. Members come from diverse backgrounds in engineering, science, and policy disciplines.
Jennifer Smith is a faculty researcher at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, where she leads the Smith Lab within the Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation. Her work focuses on coral reef ecosystems, integrating ecology with conservation, restoration, and sustainability. Her research explores how human activities such as nutrient pollution, invasive species, and climate change affect benthic marine communities. She has pioneered the use of large-area imaging and structure-from-motion technology to monitor long-term changes in Maui's coral reefs, including responses to sequential bleaching events and wildfire impacts. Her lab investigates microbial interactions with corals and the role of algae in reef degradation and resilience. Dr. Smith’s publication record reveals a strong focus on coral-algal interactions, nutrient dynamics, invasive seaweeds, and ecosystem-scale analyses. Her work spans tropical regions including Hawaii and the Great Barrier Reef, contributing to global understanding of reef resilience. She mentors graduate students and collaborates widely across marine science disciplines. Scientific Awards: No awards mentioned in the provided text. Advising and Grants: Dr. Smith advises graduate students such as Orion McCarthy and Morgan Winston. Her lab conducts long-term monitoring supported by institutional and likely federal funding, though specific grants are not listed. She leads field campaigns in Hawaii and publishes in high-impact journals. Labs and Teams: The Smith Lab is actively engaged in coral reef research, focusing on resilience, restoration, and human impacts. The team includes researchers and volunteers who conduct field surveys, analyze imagery, and produce outreach materials such as the 'Underwater Gardens' film.
Dr Cosette Crisan is an Associate Professor (Teaching) in Mathematics Education at University College London’s IOE, ranked World Number 1 in Education. She specializes in curriculum design, subject-specific mentoring, and integrating digital technologies into mathematics education. Prior to joining UCL IOE in 2010, she taught mathematics at secondary and university levels for 16 years. Her research focuses on enhancing mathematics teaching practices through collaborative mentorship frameworks and technology integration. She co-leads the Curriculum and Subject Specialism Research Group and the ROPE group, driving pedagogical innovation. Notable achievements include the 2021 UCL Faculty Education Team Award for pandemic-era teaching support and leadership roles such as Academic Head of Learning and Teaching (2020–2023). She holds a PhD in Mathematics Education from London South Bank University and is a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Current initiatives include developing a Mathematics and Secondary Mathematics Education BSc (QTS) Teacher Degree Apprenticeship program. Her research emphasizes revitalizing geometry education and preparing mentors to effectively guide novice teachers. Publications span topics like computer-aided assessment (STACK), pandemic-era teaching adaptations, and cross-cultural mentorship studies. Dr Crisan’s work bridges theory and practice, advocating for mathematics education as a design science. She actively contributes to the London Mathematical Society’s Education Committee, promoting public engagement with mathematics. Awards include the UCL Faculty Education Team Award (2021) and recognition for her role in transitioning teaching to online platforms during the pandemic. Her teaching portfolio includes leadership of the MA Mathematics Education program and supervision of doctoral candidates. Recent interests include exploring intersections between mathematics and cognitive neuroscience, inspired by her daughter’s career path.
Lana Wells is an Associate Professor at the University of Calgary's Faculty of Social Work and holds the Brenda Strafford Chair in the Prevention of Domestic Violence. As Founder/Director of Shift: Primary Prevention Research Hub and Research Fellow at the School of Public Policy, she specializes in preventing gender-based violence through systems change, policy innovation, and community engagement. Key research areas: Gender equity, Indigenous sovereignty, AI ethics for social work, and male allyship in violence prevention Led over $11M in research funding and 22.5M+ in prevention initiatives 2023 Killam Professor Award recipient Recent publications focus on AI applications for violence prevention, gamification in male engagement, and rural/small-town violence reduction strategies. Her work spans interdisciplinary collaborations with public health agencies, Indigenous communities, and international organizations. Major projects: Alberta's Primary Prevention Playbook, Strong Women's Circle with Indigenous communities, ConnectED Parents virtual intervention Active in policy advisory roles for governments and NGOs Scientific awards include: 2023 Killam Annual Professor Award 2022 Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal 2019 Alberta Inspiration Award 2015 & 2013 Carthy Foundation Leadership Awards 2012 School of Public Policy Fellowship As a graduate supervisor in Social Work and Public Policy, she develops prevention workforce capacity through Shifttolearn.com. Current initiatives include data-driven dashboards for real-time violence prevention and cultural transformation in male-dominated institutions.
Anil K. Jain is a University Distinguished Professor at Michigan State University, where he has taught and conducted research for over 50 years. His work focuses on Pattern Recognition , Biometrics , and Machine Learning , with foundational contributions to fingerprint, face, and palmprint recognition. B.S., Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (1969) M.S. and Ph.D., The Ohio State University (1970, 1973) in Electrical Engineering His research spans Computer Vision , Deep Learning , and Biometric Security , addressing challenges in adversarial robustness , demographic bias , and generative models . Recent publications emphasize transformer-based architectures , domain adaptation , and contactless biometric systems . Scientific awards include: Inductee, National Academy of Engineering (2016) Inductee, The World Academy of Sciences (2019) BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award (2025) Fellowships: Guggenheim, Humboldt, Fulbright Doctor Honoris Causa: 3 universities He has authored seminal works like Introduction to Biometrics and Handbook of Face Recognition , and served as Editor-in-Chief of IEEE Transactions on Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence . His leadership in Forensic Science includes roles on the Defense Science Board and AAAS study teams.
Antoinette Schoar is the Stewart C. Myers-Horn Family Professor of Finance and Entrepreneurship at the MIT Sloan School of Management. She holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Chicago and an undergraduate degree from Germany. Her research focuses on entrepreneurial finance, fintech, consumer finance, and cryptocurrencies. She co-founded ideas42, a nonprofit applying behavioral economics to social issues, and co-directs MIT's Consumer Finance Initiative. Education: PhD in Economics, University of Chicago Undergraduate Degree, Germany Research Interests: Her work spans cryptocurrency markets, household finance, and financial intermediation. Recent projects include analyzing the Terra Luna crash, crypto retail trading behavior, and the impact of remote work on labor dynamics. She emphasizes policy-relevant insights, particularly in consumer protection and financial stability. Articles Overview: Her recent publications examine financial advice markets, mortgage market segmentation, and the effects of the pandemic on small businesses. These reflect a focus on real-world applications of financial theory, blending empirical analysis with policy implications. Awards: 2024 TIAA Paul A. Samuelson Award 2009 Kauffman Prize Medal Brattle Prize (Journal of Finance) Advising & Grants: She advises on fintech policy and has led NBER Corporate Finance research. Her executive education courses (e.g., Blockchain and Crypto Applications) bridge academic insights with industry practices. Labs/Initiatives: Co-directs MIT Sloan’s Consumer Finance Initiative, exploring technological impacts on consumer markets. Engaged with the NBER Corporate Finance group and serves as Executive Editor of the Journal of Finance.
Aviad Levis is an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto's Department of Computer Science, starting July 2024. He is affiliated with the Dunlap Astronomical Data Science and Technology Group (DADDAA) and collaborates with the Toronto Computational Imaging Group alongside Kyros Kutulakos and David Lindell. Previously, he was a postdoctoral researcher at Caltech's Computing + Mathematical Sciences department under Katherine Bouman, working with the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) collaboration. PhD in Electrical Engineering from the Technion (supervised by Yoav Schechner) Research focuses on computational imaging tools at the intersection of AI and physics Develops algorithms for 3D tomography in both cloud physics and black hole imaging Recipient of ERC Synergy grant for CloudCT space mission His research spans two major domains: Computational Climate Imaging through cloud tomography to improve climate models, and Black Hole Imaging with the EHT collaboration. He pioneered methodologies for 3D cloud structure recovery using scattered sunlight and contributes to dynamic 3D reconstructions of black hole environments. Current interests include non-linear inverse problems, equation discovery from data, and ML-accelerated scientific simulations. Recent publications highlight advancements in atmospheric tomography and black hole emission modeling. His work on CloudCT involves coordinated nano-satellites for 3D cloud imaging, while EHT contributions include first images of Sagittarius A* (2022) and ongoing development of algorithms for 3D structure recovery. The ERC Synergy grant underscores his impact on climate imaging technology. Personal Website Work Email
Dr. Ben Clarke is an Associate Professor and Department Head of Special Education and Clinical Sciences at the University of Oregon’s College of Education. His research focuses on mathematical development, assessment systems, and school-based interventions to support student achievement. He has led over 20 federally funded grants totaling ~$55 million, emphasizing early numeracy interventions and multi-tiered instructional models. Clarke’s work bridges theory and practice, with publications on mathematics instruction, assessment, and RTI frameworks. Education: PhD (2002), MA (2001) in School Psychology/Special Education from University of Oregon; BS (1997) in Psychology from Wabash College (Phi Beta Kappa). Research Interests: Mathematics intervention design and efficacy Early numeracy assessment Multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) Technology in education Equity in mathematics education Publications highlight his focus on intervention fidelity, tiered models, and outcomes for students with learning difficulties. Awards include the AERA Special Education SIG Research Award and recognition for academic excellence. Grants and Advising: Principal Investigator on ~$55M in federal grants; advises graduate students in School Psychology and Special Education. His lab develops evidence-based tools like the KinderTEK iPad program and contributes to national practice guides (e.g., IES RTI for Mathematics). Labs/Teams: Leads research teams focused on early mathematics intervention and MTSS implementation, collaborating with schools and policymakers to scale effective practices.
Oswald J. Schmitz is the Oastler Professor of Population and Community Ecology at the Yale University School of the Environment. His research bridges biodiversity and ecosystem services, focusing on species interactions, climate change impacts, and conservation strategies. He employs field experiments and mathematical models to study predator-herbivore-plant dynamics, nutrient cycling, and carbon sequestration. Education: B.Sc., M.Sc., University of Guelph Ph.D., University of Michigan Research areas include: Trophic rewilding for climate solutions Human-wildlife conflict dynamics Meta-ecosystem nutrient flows Animal-driven carbon cycle modifications Context-dependent conservation strategies His 2024 Bormann Prize-winning work on calving impacts in nutrient cycles and other recent publications highlight innovative ecosystem science. Schmitz mentors students like Kristy Ferraro and collaborates with alumni such as Rob Buchkowski and Julia Monk. He teaches three conservation-focused courses with an emphasis on quantitative skills and real-world applications.
Dr. Michelle Cannon is a Lecturer in Digital Arts and Media Education at the University College London (UCL) Institute of Education's Culture, Communication & Media department. She co-leads the Digital Storytelling module and serves as a dissertation supervisor for the MA Digital Media: Education program. Co-investigator, ESRC/AHRC-funded Play Observatory project Editorial board member: Film Education Journal, Learning, Media and Technology Executive Committee Member, Media Education Association International collaborations: British Film Institute, EU cultural agencies Her research explores digital media production in educational settings, focusing on film literacy, postdigital theory, and pandemic-related learning adaptations. Utilizing ethnographic and participatory visual methods, she investigates how children's creative practices intersect with social and cultural learning. Recent publications highlight her work on: Digital storytelling and transludic practices in pandemic contexts Ethnographic studies of postdigital play environments Critical media education frameworks Comparative analysis of European film literacy programs Scientific contributions include: ESRC/AHRC grant for children's play research International film literacy framework development Leadership in EU-funded scoping studies She trains teachers in digital media integration and has evaluated school film programs for the BFI. Her longitudinal study on lower-achieving children's learning experiences included documentary film production.
Mariana Resener is an Assistant Professor in the School of Sustainable Energy Engineering at Simon Fraser University (SFU). She holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering (2016) from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, alongside M.Sc. (2011) and B.Sc. (2008) degrees in the same field. Her research focuses on optimizing power systems, particularly in distributed energy resources, energy storage, and volt/var control. She teaches courses like Power Electronics and Power Systems Analysis & Design. Her work emphasizes sustainable development in grid planning and energy infrastructure. As a Senior Member of IEEE and an Associate Editor for the Energy Systems Journal (Springer), she contributes to advancing smart grid technologies and renewable integration. Her research spans metaheuristic optimization, stochastic modeling, and grid resilience strategies for distributed systems. Recent projects include hybrid renewable energy systems for substations, EV charging station optimization, and fault analysis in unbalanced grids. She collaborates with industry on practical solutions for grid modernization and reliability enhancement.
James King is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geography at the University of Montreal, specializing in geomorphology and aeolian processes. His research focuses on wind erosion, mineral dust dynamics, and their impacts on climate and ecosystems, particularly in high-latitude regions like the Yukon and Namibia. He holds a BSc in Earth surface sciences from the University of Guelph and a PhD in Physical Geography from an unmentioned institution, with postdoctoral training in climatology. Key research areas include dust emission climatology, glacial retreat impacts, and aerosol-climate interactions. Over 20 ongoing and completed projects, including dust dynamics in proglacial valleys and high-latitude dust sources, are funded by CRSNG, FCI, and international collaborations. King supervises graduate students on topics like dust deposition effects on ecosystems and remote sensing applications. His work integrates field measurements, remote sensing, and climate modeling to advance understanding of dust processes in arid and semi-arid environments. He collaborates with global teams, such as the Hominin Dispersals Research Group, and contributes to initiatives like the Changing Atmospheric Chemistry, Transport, and Emissions (ACTE) project.
Dr. Zara Ersozlu is a Senior Lecturer in Mathematics Education within the School of Education at the University of Newcastle, Australia. With a distinguished international career spanning multiple continents, she has held academic positions at prestigious institutions including North Carolina State University (USA), Gazi and Gaziosmanpasa Universities (Turkey), National Taiwan Normal University (Taiwan), The University of Western Australia, Murdoch University, and Deakin University. Her academic journey includes tenured positions as an Associate Professor and leadership roles as Department Head and Chair in teacher education disciplines. Currently, she teaches undergraduate and postgraduate courses in mathematics education, including Effective Pedagogies in Primary Mathematics, K-6 Mathematics, K-6 Numeracy, and Digitally Supported Learning. Dr. Ersozlu earned her Doctor of Philosophy from Firat University in Turkey and her Master of Art from Sakarya University. Her extensive academic preparation is complemented by five years of practical teaching experience in public schools prior to entering academia. This blend of theoretical knowledge and practical classroom experience informs her approach to teacher education and educational research. At the broadest level, Dr. Ersozlu's research investigates solutions to real-life problems impacting people's well-being, success, and capacity to achieve. Her scholarly work spans primary and secondary mathematics education, the psychology of mathematics (including metacognition, self-regulation, and anxiety), cross-cultural educational studies, teacher education, virtual simulated learning environments, and educational assessment. She has increasingly focused on the transformative potential of AI and machine learning in education, exploring how these technologies alter teaching, learning, and research processes. Her methodological expertise encompasses both quantitative and qualitative approaches, allowing her to effectively analyze both small and large educational datasets. Analysis of Dr. Ersozlu's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on mathematics anxiety, teacher education, and the integration of technology in learning environments. Her work demonstrates a consistent focus on practical applications of educational research to address real-world challenges in mathematics education. The interdisciplinary nature of her research connects educational psychology, technology integration, and cross-cultural perspectives, with particular attention to how these elements intersect in teacher preparation and student learning outcomes. 2023 ATEA Research Recognition Award from the Australian Teacher Education Association 2021 Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (Advance HE, UK) 2010 Fellowship Program for Postdoctoral Researchers from the Council of Higher Education of Turkey Dr. Ersozlu is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of scholars, currently supervising four PhD students and having successfully guided ten students to completion. Her grant portfolio includes significant funding for projects such as Best Practice Guidelines for RPL in Initial Teacher Education Programs ($60,000), Exploring the Reciprocal Relationship Between Mathematics Anxiety and Mathematical Resilience ($2,599), and multiple conference travel awards. She serves as an Associate Editor for several prominent journals including the International Electronic Journal of Mathematics Education and as Editor for Interdisciplinary STEM Education. Her editorial work reflects her standing as a respected voice in mathematics education research. Dr. Ersozlu's academic leadership extends to her role in developing innovative teaching approaches that integrate virtual simulation technology and learning analytics. Her work with TeachLivE™, a mixed-reality classroom simulation platform, demonstrates her commitment to creating authentic learning experiences for teacher education students. Through these initiatives, she bridges the gap between educational theory and classroom practice, preparing future educators to effectively implement evidence-based teaching strategies in diverse learning environments.
