Walid G. Aref is a Professor of Computer Science at Purdue University since Fall 1999. His research focuses on database systems, spatial and spatio-temporal data management, query processing, and indexing. He has led projects funded by NSF, NIH, and industry partners. Aref is a Fellow of the IEEE and has received awards including the NSF CAREER Award (2001) and VLDB’s Ten-Year Best Paper Award (2016). He serves as Editor-in-Chief of ACM Transactions on Spatial Algorithms and Systems and has authored numerous influential papers. Education: BSc/MSc from Alexandria University (Egypt), PhD from University of Maryland (1993). Research Interests: Extending database functionality for emerging applications like spatial, graph, and sensor databases. Notable contributions include the Chameleon project, AQWA system for big spatial data, and privacy-preserving Casper framework. Selected Projects: NSF-funded work on multi-predicate spatial queries, in-memory graph relational systems, and adaptive spatio-textual processing. Systems like Tornado (spatio-textual streams) and LocationSpark (distributed spatial data) exemplify his contributions. Awards: Multiple best paper awards, IEEE Fellow, and leadership roles in ACM SIGSPATIAL.
Thuy T. Le is a Professor of Electrical Engineering at San Jose State University's College of Engineering. With a distinguished career spanning several decades, he teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in digital system design, computer architecture, microprocessor systems, and related fields. His academic journey began with earning B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees from the University of California, Berkeley. Professor Le's research interests encompass a broad spectrum of cutting-edge technological domains. His primary focus areas include System-on-Chip (SoC) and Embedded System Design, Hardware Accelerators for complex algorithms, Quantum Computing, implementation of Probability theory and Monte Carlo simulation, and radiation effects on electronic devices and systems. His work bridges traditional electrical engineering with emerging computational paradigms, demonstrating a consistent ability to adapt to evolving technological landscapes while maintaining strong foundations in core engineering principles. Analysis of Professor Le's publication record reveals a consistent trajectory from nuclear reactor physics and computational methods toward modern hardware acceleration and quantum computing. His early work focused on nuclear reactor simulation and radiation shielding, then evolved to parallel computing and distributed systems, and has recently centered on hardware acceleration for complex algorithms, quantum computing applications, and AI hardware. This progression demonstrates his ability to transition between major technological paradigms while maintaining expertise in computational methods and hardware implementation. Professor Le has demonstrated significant leadership in professional service, having served as keynote speaker, general chair, technical program chair, session chair, reviewer, and committee member for numerous international conferences. His service extends beyond academia through his role as Co-Founder and Advisor of the Vietnamese Strategic Ventures Network and Chairman of the Board of the United States–Vietnam Foundation. In his educational role, Professor Le has made substantial contributions to engineering curriculum development and assessment. He has taught a wide range of courses including EE271 (Advanced Digital System Design), EE210, EE250, and various project/thesis courses. His research advising spans digital system design, ASIC, SOC, and hardware accelerators. He has also collaborated with local companies on projects related to high-performance system architectures, parallel algorithms, digital arithmetic, and System-on-Chip verification.
Professor George Ghinea is a distinguished academic in the Department of Computer Science at Brunel University London's College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences. With over 350 publications and 33 successfully supervised PhD students, he leads cutting-edge research at the intersection of computer science, media studies, and psychology. His educational background includes a PhD from the University of Reading (1999) where he pioneered the Quality of Perception (QoP) metric - a precursor to today's widely adopted Quality of Experience (QoE) concept. He holds multiple degrees with distinction from the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa, including BSc, BSc (Hons), and MSc in Computer Science. Professor Ghinea's research focuses on perceptual multimedia quality and human-centered e-systems, with particular emphasis on mulsemedia (multiple sensorial media) - his own conceptual framework extending multimedia to engage non-traditional senses. His work spans eye-tracking applications, telemedicine, multi-modal interaction, and ubiquitous computing. Current research explores mulsemedia integration in autonomous vehicles, security-enhanced systems, and accessibility solutions. His publications reveal strong trends in multisensory computing (42% of recent works), telemedicine applications (28%), accessibility research (18%), and network optimization (12%). The work consistently bridges theoretical frameworks with practical implementations, often incorporating physiological data and user perception metrics. Distinguished Visiting Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering (2018) SPARC DUO-India 2020 Fellowship Programme recipient Principal Investigator for multiple EU Horizon 2020 projects Research featured in major media including BBC, Forbes, and Daily Telegraph Professor Ghinea has secured substantial research funding through projects like the EU H2020 NEWTON initiative, Royal Academy of Engineering partnerships, and multiple Newton Fund collaborations. His supervision portfolio includes 33 PhD completions with diverse research spanning security behavior in Ghana, physiological QoE in VR, smart city adoption in Oman, and sustainable digital transformation in Qatar. He leads the IMUSY research group focusing on mulsemedia systems and human perception. His laboratory work centers on the IMUSY research group where they develop mulsemedia applications integrating thermal, wind, and olfactory devices for enhanced user experiences. Current team projects include mulsemedia in autonomous vehicles (MulsEAV), physiological data for QoE assessment, and smart city adoption studies.
Dr. Brent Fox is a Professor at Auburn University's Harrison College of Pharmacy, where he also serves as Special Assistant to the Dean and Director of Student Affairs . He earned all his degrees (BS, PharmD, PhD) at Auburn and has been an integral member of the faculty since 2006. His work spans academic leadership, teaching, and research in pharmacy informatics. Education : B.S. in Pharmacy, PharmD, and Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Auburn University. Dr. Fox's research focuses on pharmacy informatics education and health information technology (HIT) in clinical practice, particularly medication management. He pioneered work on integrating informatics into pharmacy curricula and explored mHealth applications to support health outcomes. His recent work addresses the opioid epidemic through prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) and machine learning for adverse drug events. His scholarly contributions include over 300 presentations/posters, two published informatics texts, and collaborative research projects funded by NIH and FDA. Key funded initiatives include machine learning for adverse drug event detection and comparative surveillance of generic drugs. Scientific Awards : ASHP Distinguished Service Award (2012), Young Alumni Achievement Award (2012), Excellence in Outreach Award (2017), ASHP Fellow. Dr. Fox has advised six PhD students and three Master's candidates while teaching courses in pharmacy foundations, practice management, research methods, and graduate seminars. His leadership extends to founding the Auburn University Center for Opioid Research, Education, and Outreach and chairing the ASHP Section of Pharmacy Informatics and Technology.
Knut Bjørkli Rolstad is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics at NTNU. He holds an MSc in Physics from NTNU (2005) and specializes in integrating educational technology into teaching and assessment practices. His research focuses on formative assessment, flipped classroom methodologies, and the use of digital tools in STEM education. His teaching includes courses such as Astrophysics (FY2450), Fundamental Physics (FY1010), and Mechanical Physics (FY1001), emphasizing hands-on and technology-driven learning. Rolstad has contributed to multi-campus course design and distance learning initiatives, particularly in vocational education through projects like EVET2Edu. Research highlights include studies on mobile-enhanced assessment (2014), formative assessment practices (2024), and student experiences with flipped classrooms using short videos (2022). His work often explores how technology improves student engagement and learning outcomes in engineering and physics education. Rolstad has presented at international conferences such as SEFI and INTED, focusing on topics like interactive learning environments and student response systems. His efforts extend to outreach activities, including workshops on leveraging modern AV-technology for regional labor market training.
David Ogborn is a Professor in McMaster University’s Department of Communication Studies and Media Arts within the Faculty of Humanities. He coordinates the Networked Imagination Laboratory (NIL) and teaches across undergraduate and graduate programs including Media Arts, Communication and New Media, and PhD in Communication, New Media, and Cultural Studies. His work bridges computational arts, live coding, and interdisciplinary research. Education: Not explicitly mentioned Current Appointments: Professor at McMaster University Research focuses on live coding environments, networked musical ensembles, and computational creativity. He has developed platforms like Estuary (collaborative live coding), Seis8s (localized computer-music language), and EspGrid (synchronization protocol). His interests include improvisation in digital settings and software as artistic medium. Recent scholarly activity spans 2012-2022, covering live coding pedagogy, collaborative platforms, and networked music systems. He has secured SSHRC Insight grants and Canada Foundation for Innovation support for NIL. Teaching includes digital audio, game design, and doctoral seminars. The Cybernetic Orchestra (laptop ensemble) remains active since 2010 with global collaborations. Professional contributions include multiple software tools (Estuary, NIL, EspGrid), international performances at live coding festivals, and publications in journals like Computer Music Journal and Journal of Music, Technology and Education . No scientific awards are mentioned in available records.
Tamara Rabinovich is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Bentley University’s Experience Design department, where she teaches User Experience and Business Statistics courses. With a doctorate in Educational Media and Technology from Boston University, she specializes in integrating cutting-edge technologies into educational and business contexts. Education: Ed.D. from Boston University MS in Education of Technology and Science from Technion – Israel Institute of Technology BA in Computer Science from Haifa University Research Interests focus on distance education , hybrid learning environments, and UX design . Her work explores the application of synchronous web-based technologies to minimize transactional distance and enhance educational experiences. Publication Trends span from foundational studies on synchronous web-extended learning (2006–2014) to recent analyses of AI technologies (2024) and misinformation dynamics in marketing (2020–2023). Themes include educational technology, user experience, and strategic technology integration. Teaching and Consulting : Dr. Rabinovich serves as a Senior Consultant for Research and Learning Technologies at Bentley, advising faculty on tools like GoToMeeting, Saba, and Turnitin.com to support hybrid and online education.
Jonathon S Reinhardt is a Professor of English and Director of the English as an Additional Language (EAL) Program at the University of Arizona's Department of Modern Languages. His research focuses on technology-enhanced second language pedagogy, digital game-based learning, and the role of social media in language education. He currently leads the Clarify Initiative, a project enhancing critical language awareness through grammar analysis in rhetoric and disinformation contexts. He is a recipient of the 2023 Fulbright Scholar Award for collaborative work on game-based language learning in Germany. Reinhardt holds editorial roles at CALICO Journal (Associate Editor) and Language Learning and Technology . He will serve as President of the Computer Assisted Language Instructional Consortium (CALL) from 2023–2025. His recent work emphasizes digital literacies, autonomous learning, and the integration of emerging technologies into language education. He teaches courses on technology-enhanced language instruction and English grammar pedagogy. His research trends reflect a focus on leveraging digital tools (e.g., games, social media) to address challenges in language learning beyond traditional classrooms. Key themes include learner autonomy in digital spaces, design-informed approaches to L2 gaming, and critical language practices in virtual environments. Awarded the Fulbright Scholar Award (2023), Reinhardt's leadership extends to curricular innovation and professional associations. His work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications, such as the Clarify Initiative's focus on disinformation literacy through language analysis. Advising and grants: While no specific student advisees are listed, his directorship roles and editorial leadership reflect his mentorship in the field. His current sabbatical (2023) likely supports ongoing research and institutional initiatives. Labs/Teams: Leads the Clarify Initiative and collaborates internationally on CALL-related projects through his editorial and consortium roles.
Dr. Panagiotis D. Ritsos is a Senior Lecturer in Visualization and Director of Research at the School of Computer Science and Engineering, Bangor University, UK. He holds a Visiting Fellowship at the University of Staffordshire's School of Digital, Technologies and Arts. His academic credentials include an MEng in Electronic Systems Engineering (University of Essex, 2000), a PhD in the same field (Essex, 2006), and a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (2016). His research explores human-computer interaction with emphasis on immersive analytics , virtual/augmented reality (XR) , and information visualization . Key applications span environmental science, pandemic response, cultural heritage, and education. His work emphasizes multi-sensory interfaces, ubiquitous data interaction, and beyond-desktop visualization paradigms. Publications focus on XR-enabled analytics , collaborative visualization systems , and crisis informatics , with recurring themes in adaptive interfaces, situated analytics, and transdisciplinary methodologies. Recent articles address pandemic visualization, AR view management, and immersive storytelling. He leads the XReality, Visualization and Analytics (XRVA) Lab and co-directs the Visualization, Data, Modelling and Graphics (VDMG) group. Grants include: BODAH (EU Interreg): Big Data for Atlantic heritage management (2019–2022, PI) RAMP VIS (EPSRC): Pandemic visualization infrastructure (2021–2022, Co-I) Water4Cities (H2020): Sustainable water management (2017–2021, Co-I) He supervises doctoral candidates in visualization, machine learning, and natural language processing, and has mentored over 75 undergraduate/postgraduate projects.
Dr. Mathieu Barthet is a Senior Lecturer in Digital Media at Queen Mary University of London (School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science). He leads research in Music Information Retrieval, Affective Computing, and Extended Reality (XR), with a focus on AI-driven musical interfaces and human-computer interaction. His work spans music emotion recognition, smart instruments, and participatory music systems. Education: MSc in Electronics & Computer Science (Paris VI University/Ecole Polytechnique de Montréal) MSc in Acoustics (Aix-Marseille II University/Ecole Centrale Marseille) PhD in Acoustics, Signal Processing & Computer Science applied to Music (Aix-Marseille II University/CNRS-LMA) Research: Over 100 peer-reviewed publications in fields like audiovisual interfaces, music recommendation, and AI ethics Key projects include the Internet of Musical Things (IoMT), AudioCommons, and mood-driven interactive systems Develops tools for music production collaboration (e.g., Open Symphony, Playsound.space) Grants & Collaborations: Lead on EU Horizon 2020 grants (IoMT, AudioCommons) Co-director of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in AI & Music Industry partnerships with companies like Music Tribe and Innovate UK Labs & Teams: Member of the Centre for Multimodal AI Conducts research through the Digital Music Lab (DML) initiative
Pratibha Varma-Nelson serves as Professor and Founding Executive Director of the Science Education and Research Institute (SEIRI) at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis's School of Science. Her leadership spans national educational initiatives including the Center for Authentic Science Practice in Education (CASPiE) and cyber-based Peer-Led Team Learning (cPLTL) projects funded by NSF and the Gates Foundation. Education: Postdoctoral Fellow (1977-1979), Biochemistry and Biophysics, Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry (1978), University of Illinois at Chicago (Thesis: Protein Ancestors: Heteropolypeptides from Hydrogen Cyanide and Water) M.S. in Chemistry (1974), University of Illinois at Chicago B.Sc. First Class in Chemistry (1970), Poona University, India Dr. Varma-Nelson pioneered Peer-Led Team Learning (PLTL), a transformative approach engaging students in critical thinking through peer-facilitated small groups. Her research demonstrates PLTL's effectiveness across 150+ institutions and STEM disciplines, with recent work extending these methods to synchronous online environments (cPLTL). She examines how cyber implementations maintain comparable benefits to face-to-face sessions in student engagement and conceptual mastery, supported by NSF and Next Generation Learning Challenges funding. Her publication trends reveal sustained focus on collaborative learning models, with increasing emphasis on digital education platforms since 2010. Current research investigates mobile technology integration in cyber learning and cross-institutional implementation challenges, while maintaining foundational work on peer leadership development and educational assessment. Scientific Awards: George C. Pimentel Award in Chemical Education (2018) American Chemical Society Fellow (2017) Reimagine Education Bronze Award for cPLTL (2016) James Flack Norris Award for Teaching Excellence (2008) Stanley C. Israel Regional Award for Diversity Advancement (2011) Dr. Varma-Nelson has secured major NSF grants for PLTL and CASPiE initiatives, developing national frameworks adopted across 150+ institutions. She advises faculty through workshops and training materials while serving on advisory boards for NIH BUILD, HBCU-UP, and the Network of STEM Education Centers. Her leadership in AAAS national reports has shaped undergraduate STEM education standards, particularly for active learning and diversity practices. She directs SEIRI's operations and co-founded CASPiE to integrate authentic research into early chemistry coursework. Current projects focus on scaling cPLTL through mobile technologies and analyzing cross-platform learning dynamics, with active participation in the Chemical Education Division's publications board and editorial roles for the Journal of Science Education and Technology.
Dr Alana Blackburn is a Senior Lecturer in Music at the University of New England (UNE), affiliated with the Faculty of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences and Education and the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences. She holds a PhD in Music from UNE and multiple advanced degrees including a Master of Music in Performance from the Sydney Conservatorium and a BMus from the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. Her research focuses on Baroque performance practices, contemporary recorder composition, music education technology, and ensemble dynamics. Alana's teaching spans Performance, Music Theory, and Studio Pedagogy, with a specialization in online music education strategies. She has received awards for excellence in teaching and has secured grants including the Create NSW Project Grant (2020) and UNE Early Career Researcher Grant (2019). Her work bridges performance and academia, with over 60 live performances internationally and contributions to recordings such as Derivations: Human-Machine Improvisations (2014). Her research explores intersections between technology and music, including web-based learning tools and the application of computer programming in performance improvisation. She has presented at international conferences on topics like group dynamics in chamber ensembles and the impact of digital media on music education. Alana's advocacy extends to recorder advocacy and the challenges of portfolio careers in the arts sector. Key Research Areas: Baroque ornamentation, cross-cultural composition, e-learning in music Recent Grants: 2020 ASCILITE D2L Research Grant, 2017 School of Arts International Travel Grant Performance Highlights: Salut! Baroque, Royal Wind Music, collaborations with Ben Carey and Neal Peres da Costa
Prof. Dr. Zoran Nešić is a Full Professor at the Department of Industrial Management, Faculty of Technical Sciences in Čačak, University of Kragujevac, Serbia. With over 30 years of professional experience in academia and industry, he has established himself as a leading expert in management, operations research, and decision support systems. Nešić earned his B.Sc. in Production Engineering and Organization from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Kragujevac in 1992, followed by his M.Sc. in Informatics and Computer Science Methodology in 2000, and his Ph.D. in 2008 with a dissertation on 'Contribution to the application of Internet technology in the management information system based on interactive analytical processing.' Professor Nešić's research primarily focuses on management and operations research , with particular expertise in multi-criteria decision making, business intelligence, and information systems. His work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications in industrial management, contributing significantly to optimization methodologies in production planning, resource allocation, and strategic decision-making processes. He has developed numerous software solutions for production monitoring, capacity utilization, and investment project selection, demonstrating his commitment to translating research into tangible business improvements. An analysis of Professor Nešić's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on applying advanced computational methods to management problems. His work increasingly integrates neuro-fuzzy systems , machine learning , and multi-criteria decision analysis to address complex industrial challenges. Recent research spans diverse applications including production optimization, environmental protection decision-making, structural engineering analysis, and resource management, demonstrating the versatility and applicability of his methodological approaches. Professor Nešić has served as a mentor for two doctoral dissertations and has participated in numerous research projects funded by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Serbia. His involvement in selection committees for academic positions demonstrates his standing within the academic community. Throughout his career, he has secured continuous research funding, with projects spanning from 2011 through 2025, reflecting sustained scholarly productivity and relevance. His technical expertise extends to the development of practical software solutions, with multiple technical solutions adopted by the Faculty of Technical Sciences in Čačak. These include applications for production cycle optimization, capacity utilization analysis, and multi-criteria decision support, demonstrating his ability to translate theoretical research into practical tools for industry.
Wade Goodridge is an Associate Professor in the Department of Engineering Education at Utah State University (USU), within the College of Engineering. He holds a PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering from USU and is actively involved in teaching, research, and graduate student mentorship. His academic roles include teaching core engineering courses such as Engineering Mechanics: Statics and specialized graduate courses in engineering education pedagogy and assessment. Educational Background: PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering (Hydraulic and Sedimentation Engineering), Utah State University, 2009 MS in Civil and Environmental Engineering (Hydraulic and Water Resources), Utah State University, 2006 BS in Civil and Environmental Engineering, Utah State University, 2006 BS in Industrial Technology Education, Utah State University, 1998 His research interests focus on engineering education , particularly the impact of physical modeling on student learning, metacognitive strategies in open-ended design problems, and the effectiveness of synchronous and asynchronous online instruction. He investigates how students' spatial abilities and learning styles influence performance in engineering curricula, often using psychophysiological measures like EEG and galvanic skin response. His work bridges cognitive science with engineering pedagogy to improve instructional design. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in cognitive and metacognitive aspects of engineering learning , especially during online and remote instruction. Topics include task value perception during the pandemic, neural efficiency in spatial tasks, and self-regulated learning in web-based courses. These works reflect an interdisciplinary approach combining education, psychology, and engineering. Scientific Awards and Honors: Outstanding Teacher Award, ASEE Rocky Mountain Section (2017) Outstanding Teacher of the Year, Department of Engineering Education (2016) Undergraduate Research Mentor of the Year (multiple years) Researcher of the Year, USU Regional Campuses (2013) 21st Century Fellow, ITEEA (2015) Elected CUR Engineering Division Councilor (2016) Golden Key National Honor Society Member (2007) Eagle Scout and Order of the Arrow (1992) Dr. Goodridge has advised numerous graduate students in Engineering Education, guiding them through dissertation research and independent studies. He has secured research funding and led projects such as an REU site on engineering education research. His teaching portfolio includes Statics, Fluid Mechanics, Surveying, and Engineering Graphics, demonstrating a broad impact across foundational and advanced engineering topics. He is involved in developing educational tools such as the Tactile Mental Cutting Test to assess spatial ability in blind and low-vision students, showcasing his commitment to inclusive engineering education. His technical work also extends to culvert hydraulics and sediment transport, linking his engineering expertise with educational applications.
Prof. Damianos Gavalas is a Professor and Vice Head of the Department of Product and Systems Design Engineering at the University of the Aegean, Greece. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor at the Hellenic Open University. His research focuses on mobile/pervasive computing, extended reality, wireless networks, optimization algorithms, and transportation systems. He has authored over 200 publications, with an h-index of 37, and has led major research projects such as SMARTBUY (H2020) and iDeliver (Erasmus+). Education: PhD in Electronics Engineering (University of Essex, 2001), MSc in Telecommunications (University of Essex, 1997), BSc in Informatics (University of Athens, 1995). Research Interests: Mobile & Pervasive Computing Wireless Sensor Networks Immersive Technologies (AR/VR) Intelligent Transportation Systems Optimization Algorithms Awards: Recipient of Best Paper Awards, ranked top 2% in Networking & Telecommunications (Stanford, 2022). Advising & Grants: Supervised 3 completed PhDs and numerous MSc projects. Coordinated EU-funded projects including HoPE (EC/CIP7), MOVESMART (FP7), and eCOMPASS (FP7). Labs/Teams: Involved in interdisciplinary teams focusing on smart cities, cultural heritage technologies, and automotive systems.
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