Marco Di Renzo is a CNRS Research Director (Professor) and Head of the iPhyCom group at the Laboratory of Signals and Systems (L2S) at Paris-Saclay University, France. He is affiliated with both CNRS and CentraleSupélec. His roles include: Member of L2S Management Committee and Board Council Member of the Ph.D. School Admission Committee Academic Vice Chair, ETSI Industry Specification Group on RIS Editorial and leadership roles in IEEE communications journals Education: Laurea (cum laude) and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from University of L’Aquila (2003, 2007) Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches from Paris-Saclay University (2013) Research focuses on 6G networks , reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) , and integrated sensing and communications (ISAC) . He explores electromagnetic theory, machine learning applications, and energy-efficient wireless systems. His work addresses challenges in near-field communications, multi-user MIMO, and holographic beamforming. He advocates for physics-driven design principles in next-gen networks. Key awards include IEEE/IEE Fellowships, the Michel Monpetit Prize, and multiple IEEE Best Paper Awards. He holds international visiting professorships at institutions like the University of Oulu (Finland) and Nanyang Technological University (Singapore). Active in standardization via ETSI ISG RIS and contributes to global initiatives like the ITU 6G Vision. His research bridges theoretical models with practical implementations, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration between physics, signal processing, and AI.
Gerd Bruder is an Associate Professor at the University of Central Florida , affiliated with the Department of Computer Science . He previously held positions as a Research Associate Professor at UCF's Institute for Simulation and Training (2016-2022), Post-Doc at University of Hamburg (2014-2016), and Post-Doc at University of Würzburg (2011-2014). Habilitation : Computer Science, University of Hamburg (2017) Ph.D. : Computer Science, University of Münster (2011) M.Sc. : Computer Science (minor in Mathematics), University of Münster (2009) Research Interests : Gerd Bruder's work focuses on Extended Reality (XR) systems, spanning Virtual Reality (VR) , Augmented Reality (AR) , and Mixed Reality (MR) . Key areas include human factors , digital twins , 3D user interfaces , and perceptual modeling , with applications in healthcare, military operations, architecture, and smart environments. Recent Publications highlight innovations in XR locomotion , trust calibration with autonomous agents, spatial cognition , and haptic-visual integration . His 2025 articles address task-switching efficiency in XR and collaborative mixed reality design. Scientific Awards : Best Paper at ACM VRST 2023 2021 TechConnect Innovation Award Best Demo at ACM SUI 2021 Multiple Best Paper Awards (2016-2023) Best Poster & Demo Awards (2015-2020) Patents include systems for medical simulation , smart environment interruption management , and adaptive AR interfaces . His work bridges academic research and practical applications across VR, AR, and MR domains.
Jiajun Wu is an Assistant Professor of Computer Science and, by courtesy, of Psychology at Stanford University. He holds multiple affiliations including membership in Bio-X, Faculty Affiliate status at the Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI), and membership in both the Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance and Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute. Dr. Wu earned his Ph.D. and S.M. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology before joining Stanford. Dr. Wu's research program focuses on creating AI systems that understand and interact with the physical world through the integration of computer vision, machine learning, robotics, and cognitive science. His work emphasizes physics-based modeling combined with deep learning to develop systems capable of perceiving, reasoning about, and predicting physical interactions. Key research areas include 3D scene understanding, neurosymbolic AI approaches, multimodal perception (combining vision, sound, and language), and embodied intelligence for robotics applications. His lab develops novel frameworks that bridge the gap between neural networks and symbolic reasoning to create more interpretable and robust AI systems. Analysis of Dr. Wu's recent publications reveals a strong trajectory toward integrated multimodal understanding for embodied AI. His work increasingly combines vision, sound, and language processing with physical reasoning to create systems that can interact meaningfully with the physical world. There's a clear progression from foundational computer vision research toward practical robotics applications, with significant emphasis on foundation models for robotics, sim2real transfer techniques, and creating comprehensive datasets for embodied AI research. Dr. Wu's exceptional contributions have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards including the NSF CAREER award (2024), Young Investigator Programs from ONR (2024) and AFOSR (2023), the Okawa research grant (2024), and being named to IEEE Intelligent Systems' 'AI's 10 to Watch' (2024). He has received multiple best paper awards at leading conferences including ICRA (2024), SIGGRAPH Asia (2023), and CoRL (2023). Dr. Wu actively mentors a large cohort of students across multiple levels, serving as primary advisor for doctoral candidates, master's students, and numerous independent researchers. His research is supported by substantial funding from major technology companies including Google, Meta, Amazon, Samsung, and J.P. Morgan, as well as government agencies like NSF, ONR, and AFOSR, reflecting the significance and impact of his work in physical AI and multimodal perception systems. Dr. Wu leads a dynamic research group at Stanford that collaborates extensively with the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute and Institute for Human-Centered AI. Current projects include developing neurosymbolic models for computer graphics, creating multisensory datasets like OBJECTFOLDER 2.0 for sim2real transfer in robotics, and building foundation models for embodied intelligence that can understand and manipulate objects with human-like physical intuition.
Professor Cedo Maksimovic is a leading academic in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Imperial College London, Faculty of Engineering. He is a Principal Research Fellow and heads the Urban Water Research Group (UWRG), with affiliations to the Environmental and Water Resource Engineering group, Grantham Institute, Space Lab, and Urban Systems Lab. His research focuses on urban water systems , including storm drainage, urban flooding, water supply, and the interaction between urban infrastructure and the environment. He has pioneered work in applied fluid mechanics , smart water infrastructure , and flood risk management , with innovations such as the AOFD method for urban surface flood modelling and intelligent sensor networks recognized by the ICE Telford Gold Medal. His recent research, as reflected in publications, spans urban pluvial flooding , leakage detection , integrated urban water management , and blue-green infrastructure . These works emphasize computational modelling, real-time monitoring, and climate resilience in urban environments. UNESCO/IAHR Lecturer of the Year 2001 ICE Telford Gold Medal (WINES project team) Prof. Maksimovic has led major projects funded by EPSRC, EU (Climate-KIC, Interreg), UNESCO, and ERANET_CRUE. He advises postgraduate students and has created international educational initiatives like the EDUCATE programme. He also serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Urban Water Book Series and co-founded the Urban Water journal. He leads the UNESCO-endorsed IRTCUD/CUW network with centres in Banjaluka, Belgrade, Cairo, Kuala Lumpur, London, Porto Alegre, Tehran, and Trondheim, promoting global collaboration in urban water research and education.
Marcos Cruz is Professor of Innovative Environments at The Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London (UCL), where he leads research in bio-integrated design. He runs Bio-ID with Dr. Brenda Parker, a multidisciplinary research platform investigating design driven by biotechnology, computation, materials, and fabrication. Previously, he served as Director of The Bartlett from 2010-2014 and founded the BiotA Lab (2014-2018). His academic career spans multiple institutions including University College London (where he ran MArch Unit 20 for 19 years), University of Westminster (2008-2010), UCLA (2010), and IAAC (2014-present). Professor Cruz holds a Licenciatura from ESAP Porto, a Masters with distinction from UCL, and a PhD from UCL (2007), sponsored by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology. His doctoral research on 'Neoplasmatic Architecture' earned him the RIBA President's Research Award in 2008. He is a registered architect with both the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and the Portuguese Architecture Chamber. His primary research area is Bio-Integrated Design, which explores how biotechnology and computation can reshape our built environment in response to climate change. This work goes beyond using nature as inspiration; instead, it treats nature as the medium for a multi-layered design approach. His key research project, Poikilohydric Living Walls, investigates integrating growth systems directly on building facades using algae and mosses that can switch photosynthetic activity on and off without additional maintenance. Another significant research area is The Body in Architecture, which examines the relationship between human flesh and architectural flesh, proposing a 'thick embodied flesh' that creates truly inhabitable architectural interfaces. His recent publications demonstrate a strong progression toward integrating living systems directly into building materials and facades. The research spans from microbial to tectonic scales, with increasing focus on biomaterials, robotic fabrication, and sustainable design approaches that actively participate in urban ecosystems rather than merely responding to them. RIBA President's Research Award (2008) for 'Neoplasmatic Architecture' Multiple Best Unit awards at Bartlett Summer Show (awarded by Thom Mayne, Paul Finch, Richard Rogers, Claude Parent, and Ross Lovegrove) Work part of permanent collection at FRAC Orleans Exhibitions at Venice and São Paulo Biennales Professor Cruz has supervised numerous PhD students through UCL's Research-by-Design programme and currently directs the MArch/MSc in Bio-Integrated Design. His research has been supported by EPSRC and involves industrial partners including Laing O'Rourke, Pennine Stone Limited, and Amorim, with academic partners at UCL Biochemical Engineering, University of Coimbra, and IST Tomar. He co-founded MAM-ARCH London (formerly marcosandmarjan) in 2000, whose work has built buildings and pavilions, won international competitions including the Kunsthaus Graz, and been exhibited globally. His practice represents a significant bridge between architectural design and biological systems, positioning him at the forefront of bio-integrated architectural research.
Matthieu Cord is a Professor at Sorbonne University and Scientific Director of valeo.ai, leading research in computer vision, deep learning, and computational cooking. He heads the MLIA team at ISIR Lab, focusing on multimodal models, transformers, and efficient architectures. Research areas include computer vision, large language models with vision, and AI-driven food analytics. Key projects: VISA-DEEP AI chair, Foundation VaViM models, and SmolVLA collaboration with Hugging Face. His recent work examines scalable multimodal models , trajectory prediction , and diffusion-based segmentation , with studies on in-context learning and biased shortcut learning in visual question answering. Articles highlight DeiT variants , fishr for OoD generalization , and STEEX for counterfactual explanations . Scientific awards include IUF Honorary Membership (2009), BMVC 2017 Best Paper, and ICIP 2018 Best Paper. As an advisor, he supervised PhD theses on topics like GAN editing , semantic segmentation , and multimodal retrieval . Current roles involve mentoring the 'Research Band' at MLIA and leading EU-funded initiatives like SCAPE. His work bridges theoretical AI exploration with practical applications in autonomous driving and food technology.
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.
Nozomu Togawa is a Professor at Waseda University's Faculty of Science and Engineering, School of Fundamental Science and Engineering, specializing in Computer Science. He has held this position since 2009 and also serves as Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) of Quanmatic Inc. since 2022. With a PhD in Engineering from Waseda University (1997), his academic journey includes positions at Waseda University and the University of Kitakyushu before his current professorship. His research interests focus on integrated system design , quantum computation , and information security . Togawa has published extensively with over 368 papers and significant citation metrics (Scopus h-index: 23, Google Scholar h-index: 28). His work bridges theoretical quantum computing with practical security applications, particularly in hardware security and IoT systems. Togawa's research demonstrates a clear progression from traditional hardware security toward quantum-inspired computing solutions. His recent publications focus on Ising machines, quantum annealing, and hardware Trojan detection, showing how quantum approaches can solve complex optimization problems in security contexts. He has made significant contributions to applying quantum computing techniques to practical problems like course selection optimization, travel planning, and hardware security verification. Among his notable recognitions are the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award for Science and Technology (2018), SCOPE Results Development Promotion Award (2022), and multiple Best Paper Awards. He serves on important committees including the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications Cyber Security Task Force and the Institute of Electronics, Information and Communication Engineers' VLSI Design Technology Research Committee. Togawa actively mentors students who frequently appear as co-authors on his publications. His research group produces high-impact work in quantum computing applications and hardware security, with strong industry connections through his CSO role at Quanmatic Inc. He has received substantial research funding supporting his innovative work at the intersection of quantum computing and security.
Sauvik Das is an Associate Professor at Carnegie Mellon University's Human-Computer Interaction Institute (HCII), directing the SPUD Lab. His research focuses on the intersection of HCI, AI, and cybersecurity, emphasizing user agency over personal data online. He previously held roles at Georgia Tech and co-founded FuguUX, an early-stage startup improving web usability. Key research areas include socially-aware cybersecurity, privacy collective action, and physically-intuitive privacy interfaces. Notable contributions include work on seed phrase management for cryptocurrency users, anti-surveillance RFID systems, and tools like Purpose Mode to combat social media distractions. His work has received accolades such as a CHI Best Paper (2024) and a USENIX Security Distinguished Paper (2024). He has secured grants from NSF, CMU, and industry partners, and his research is covered in outlets like The Atlantic and Dark Reading. Current projects include designing subversive AI systems against surveillance, exploring ethical agent simulations, and advancing privacy governance through collective action frameworks.
Dr. Hanbo Shim is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Management at The University of Texas at Arlington, College of Business. He holds a PhD in Industrial Relations and Human Resources from Rutgers University and a BA in Mathematics and Economics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His research and teaching focus on Human Resource Management, Organizational Behavior, and HR Analytics. PhD, Industrial Relations and Human Resources, Rutgers University (2022) MS, Industrial Relations and Human Resources, Rutgers University (2019) MA, Human Resource Management, Rutgers University (2016) BA, Mathematics and Economics, University of Illinois (2012) Dr. Shim's research explores the temporal dynamics of employee performance, compensation systems, emotional intelligence, and social networks in organizations. He uses longitudinal analysis, multilevel modeling, meta-analysis, and computer simulation to examine how individual and interpersonal factors influence organizational outcomes. His work bridges HR analytics with behavioral science. His recent publications span topics such as green HRM, pay policy dynamics, emotional intelligence, and HR analytics education. These works reflect a strong interdisciplinary approach integrating psychology, sustainability, data science, and strategic management. His research has been presented at leading conferences including the Academy of Management and European Reward Management Conference. Award highlights include: Ralph Alexander Best Dissertation Award (2024) Innovative Teaching Award, Academy of Management HR Division (2022) Best Student Convention Paper Award (2020) Best Doctoral Conference Paper Award, Samsung Economic Research Institute (2020) Dr. Shim actively advises students through capstone and honors projects and serves on PhD and graduate studies committees. He has collaborated with SL Corporation on HR analytics and developed open-source educational materials. His service includes editorial board membership for Compensation & Benefits Review and ad hoc reviewing for top journals. He is also engaged in professional development workshops and public speaking, including for the Society for Human Resource Management at UTA. His lab and research activities emphasize simulation-based methods and real-world HR analytics applications.
Hanbyul Joo is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at Seoul National University (SNU). Prior to joining SNU, he was a Research Scientist at Facebook AI Research (FAIR) in Menlo Park. He completed his Ph.D. in the Robotics Institute at Carnegie Mellon University, working with Yaser Sheikh, and received his M.S. in Electrical Engineering and B.S. in Computer Science from KAIST, Korea. Dr. Joo's educational journey began at KAIST, where he earned both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees. He then pursued his Ph.D. at Carnegie Mellon University's Robotics Institute, completing his dissertation titled "Sensing, Measuring, and Modeling Social Signals in Nonverbal Communication." His doctoral work focused on developing the Panoptic Studio, a unique sensing system with over 500 synchronized cameras for capturing social interactions. Dr. Joo's research primarily focuses on endowing machines and robots with the ability to perceive and understand human behaviors in 3D . His goal is to build "social Artificial Intelligence" that can interact with humans using social signals (body languages). He pursues this direction using data-driven methods where data is collected by measuring the wide spectrum of social signals transmitted during interpersonal social interaction. His research spans computer vision, machine learning, computer graphics, and robotics , with particular emphasis on 3D human pose estimation, human-object interaction, and social signal processing. His recent publications demonstrate a clear trend toward leveraging diffusion models for 3D reconstruction and generation tasks, with a focus on human-centric applications. His work bridges the gap between 2D image understanding and 3D scene reconstruction, often utilizing pre-trained models to overcome data limitations. The research consistently addresses fundamental challenges in understanding human behavior, interaction with objects, and social dynamics in 3D space. Dr. Joo is a recipient of several prestigious awards including the Samsung Scholarship and the CVPR Best Student Paper Award in 2018 . His paper "Total Capture: A 3D Deformation Model for Tracking Faces, Hands, and Bodies" received this honor at CVPR 2018. His research has been widely recognized in top computer vision and AI conferences, with multiple oral presentations at venues like CVPR, ICCV, and ECCV. Dr. Joo actively mentors a large group of students, with approximately 15 current students working toward MS/PhD degrees under his supervision. His lab, the SNU VCLab, focuses on cutting-edge research in computer vision and graphics. He has secured significant research funding through his work, though specific grant details aren't provided on his website. Dr. Joo frequently serves as an area chair for major conferences including CVPR, ICCV, and NeurIPS, demonstrating his standing in the academic community. Dr. Joo leads the SNU VCLab, which has developed several notable datasets and tools including SNU ParaHome, FrankMocap, and the CMU Panoptic Studio Dataset. His lab maintains strong industry connections, with students interning at leading companies like Meta. The lab's research focuses on building the infrastructure and algorithms needed for social AI, with an emphasis on practical applications that can be deployed in real-world settings.
Jihyun Lee is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering at the Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary. She was awarded the Anna Boyksen Fellowship by the Technical University of Munich Institute for Advanced Study (TUM-IAS) in 2021, hosted by Prof. Michael Zäh. Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering from University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (2016) Prior post at Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (2016-2019) Her research focuses on mechatronics, robotics, manufacturing automation, and control systems , with applications in machine tools, additive manufacturing, and precision measurement. She integrates artificial intelligence and optimization to enhance industrial automation. Recent publications highlight work on vibration control , sensor fusion , and flexible manufacturing systems . Her team explores dynamic modeling , nanocomposite sensors , and human-in-the-loop robotics for industrial and marine applications. 2020 Remote Teaching Award, Schulich Engineering 2020 Early Achievement Award, Association of Korean-Canadian Scientists and Engineers 2018 Best Achievement Award, KIMM She supervises doctoral and master’s students at the University of Calgary, emphasizing hands-on experience and MATLAB/Python simulation skills in her lab. Her work bridges quantum logic and industrial robotics through interdisciplinary collaborations.
Ahmed Hammad is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Alberta's Faculty of Engineering, where he also serves as Director of Academic Integrity, ENG WIL, Co-op and Career Connections. With 25 years of industry experience as a Project Planning & Control Manager on global mega-projects (including Oil Sands, LNG, and Infrastructure across Canada, UAE, Australia, and Egypt), he brings extensive practical expertise to academia. Education: Doctorate of Philosophy, Construction Engineering & Management, University of Alberta (2009) Master of Science, Construction Engineering & Management, University of Alberta (1999) Master of Engineering, Construction Engineering and Management, Cairo University (1996) Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering, Mansoura University (1989) Research Focus: Dr. Hammad's work centers on applying smart tools to achieve sustainable construction through maximizing efficiency and minimizing waste . His research employs Machine Learning , Multi-Criteria Decision Making , Knowledge-Based Decision Support Systems , and digital twin technologies to optimize project planning, resource allocation, and sustainable material selection. He investigates the integration of BIM and Augmented Reality to enhance construction processes while reducing environmental impact. Publication Trends: Recent publications (2023-2025) emphasize sustainable construction methodologies, with 60% focusing on GHG reduction, resource optimization, and decision support systems. Key themes include machine learning for labor estimation, TOPSIS/MCDM for sustainable material selection, and digital twins for production planning, reflecting his NSERC-funded projects on KBDSS and construction-oriented digital twins. Scientific Recognition: Best Paper Award at 8th International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management (2018) Best Paper Award at HBRC Green Smart Sustainable Buildings Conference (2024) Research Leadership: Dr. Hammad secures major industry-academic partnerships, including NSERC Mission Alliance Grants ($1.2M+) with 16 industry partners for GHG reduction projects and NSERC Alliance Grants with 9 partners for digital twin development. His completed projects include collaborations with the City of Edmonton and Alberta Ministry of Infrastructure on resource allocation models. Research Ecosystem: As leader of the Sustainable Construction Research Group (SCRG), he fosters industry-academia collaboration through regular workshops with construction firms and government agencies, focusing on translating research into practical tools for sustainable project delivery.
Timothy Bretl is a Professor of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, holding the Severns Faculty Scholar position since 2021. He also serves as Associate Head of the Aerospace Engineering department. His research focuses on robotics, control systems, rehabilitation robotics, and engineering education. Bretl earned his Ph.D. from Stanford University (2005), with prior degrees from Swarthmore College. He holds affiliate roles across multiple departments, including Neuroscience, Coordinated Science Laboratory, and Computer Science. Education: Ph.D. in Aeronautics and Astronautics, Stanford University (2005) B.A. in Mathematics and B.S. in Engineering, Swarthmore College (1999) His research spans engineering education innovations, robotic manipulation, and brain-machine interfaces. Notable awards include the NSF CAREER Award (2010), Best Manipulation Paper (2012), and multiple teaching honors like the Rose Award for Teaching Excellence (2016). Bretl’s work integrates theoretical foundations with practical applications in prosthetics, autonomous systems, and educational technology. He has advised numerous projects on robotics, control systems, and human-robot interaction. His lab explores advanced topics like elastic rod manipulation, magnetic positioning, and curriculum reform in STEM education. Collaborative projects include partnerships with industry and interdisciplinary teams at the Beckman Institute.
Dr. Sheryl Staub-French is a Professor and Head (Pro Tem) in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Faculty of Applied Science. She directs the BIM TOPiCS Lab, focusing on digital delivery methods for sustainable construction using BIM. Her research spans over 100 publications in BIM, VDC, and collaboration frameworks. She previously served as Associate Dean of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), advancing inclusive practices in engineering education. She holds a BS from Santa Clara University and MS/PhD from Stanford University. Her research interests include BIM implementation challenges, design coordination, 4D visualization, and sustainable construction innovation. She teaches courses like CIVL 300 (Construction Engineering), CIVL 426 (Virtual Design and Construction), and advanced BIM topics. Her lab collaborates with industry/government to develop BIM guidelines and tools. Notable projects include UBC’s Brock Commons Tall Wood Building and studies on IPD adoption barriers in Canada. Her work bridges academia and industry, emphasizing digital transformation and EDI. She has pioneered BIM-based methods for facility management and energy modeling, addressing gaps in information quality and handover processes. Her contributions span policy development, tool innovation, and educational reforms to enhance construction sector efficiency and inclusivity.
