Michael Wright is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Bath. His research focuses on haptic feedback systems, educational technology, and user interaction design. He is affiliated with the Institute of Coding and has collaborated on projects involving mid-air haptics, wearable technology, and inquiry-based learning environments. His work spans interdisciplinary areas such as thermal technology for social interaction (e.g., WarmConnect), perceptual studies in haptics, and educational platforms like nQuire. Recent projects emphasize the integration of visual and tactile feedback systems to enhance user experiences. Wright's publications highlight trends in mid-air haptics research, exploring thresholds of tactile perception and multimodal feedback systems. His educational research addresses challenges in professional development through degree apprenticeships and online learning. He has supervised a doctoral thesis on gesture recognition and contributed to projects like 'Day of the Figurines,' a narrative-driven mobile game. His work bridges computational methods with human-centered design principles.
Johannes Balling is a Postdoc researcher at the Laboratory of Geo-information Science and Remote Sensing, Wageningen University. His work focuses on tropical forest monitoring using satellite remote sensing, particularly integrating Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and optical data to detect forest disturbances. He has contributed to projects analyzing deforestation patterns in regions like Indonesia and the Amazon, leveraging tools like Google Earth Engine for large-scale data analysis. Research Interests: Tropical forest dynamics, SAR applications, deforestation detection, multi-source satellite data fusion. Recent work emphasizes timeliness and accuracy in disturbance mapping through innovative combinations of radar and optical sensors. Collaborations include projects with researchers like Herold and Reiche, focusing on fire-related forest changes and real-time monitoring systems. His PhD thesis (2024) explored temporally-dense satellite remote sensing for tropical forest monitoring. He has published widely on SAR-based methods and their application to environmental challenges.
Tegoeh Tjahjowidodo is a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Industrial Engineering Sciences , KU Leuven , affiliated with the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Manufacturing Processes and Systems (MaPS) unit at Campus De Nayer. He serves as Head of Education for Electromechanics programs and leads Subdivision 17 at the campus. Research Areas: Additive Manufacturing (Wire-Arc Additive Manufacturing), Process Monitoring, Control Systems, Laser Micromanufacturing, Wear Analysis, Robotics, and Condition Monitoring. Publication Trends: Focus on in-situ monitoring of laser micromanufacturing, machine learning for abrasive belt grinding, WAAM parameter optimization , and multi-sensor fusion for process control. Scientific Contributions: Co-promotor for MultiTRIBO (tribology), Promotor for WAAM structural integrity and pedicle screw surgical simulators . Active in international collaborations (e.g., 25th International Symposium on Laser Precision Microfabrication, Spain 2024).
Dr. Nicolas Francois is an Associate Professor in the Department of Materials Physics at Australian National University (ANU), specializing in experimental geomaterials physics, soft matter, and fluid hydrodynamics. He leads the X-ray Tomography and Applications Research Group, combining curiosity-driven and applied research in out-of-equilibrium systems. ARC Industry Fellow (2024-2030): Improving Australian iron ore comminution for green steel production ARC DECRA Fellow (2016-2018): Biofilms in two-dimensional turbulent flows His research spans fundamental questions in: Fragmentation of solid materials Autonomous devices powered by chaotic flows Hydrodynamic waves Stochastic thermodynamics Granular matter Polymer rheology and applied areas in: Comminution of geomaterials Mechanics of fractured rocks Wave-energy conversion Environmental fluid mechanics Publications reveal a trajectory focused on X-ray tomography applications, granular dynamics, and turbulence-driven systems. He utilizes advanced imaging techniques to study material failure mechanisms and fluid-structure interactions, contributing to fields ranging from green steel production to biofilm dynamics. Current student projects and grants emphasize sustainable resource processing and fundamental fluid physics.
Claire Gaiani is a full Professor at the University of Lorraine, leading the Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Biomolécules (LIBio). With an ORCID iD: 0000-0003-0434-8453 , she focuses on sustainable food ingredient development from agroresources and food-waste, specializing in the formulation of bioactive compounds (probiotics, glycans, PUFA, flavonoids) into functional powders through industrial-academic collaborations. Habilitation to supervise research (2012, University of Lorraine) PhD in Food Science (2006, University of Lorraine) Engineer (M.Sc.) from ENSAIA (2002, University of Lorraine) Her research combines atomic force microscopy (AFM), XPS analysis, and industrial partnerships (Nestle, Arla Foods) to optimize dairy and plant-based powder properties. Recent work explores cryogel monoliths for probiotic delivery, plant seed gums as structuring agents, and maltodextrin surface characterization. Key scientific contributions include: Over 140 peer-reviewed papers (90% Q1 Food Science/Chemistry/Biophysics) 2 book editions ( Engineering Plant-Based Food Systems , 2023; Atomic Force Microscopy for Food Research , 2023) 10 book chapters 2 patents (FR2807932A1, FR2112358A) 65 international lectures (17 invited) Honors include: 2023 Grand Prix en Sciences Lorraine-Luxembourg 2015 IUF junior member (5-year term) 2011 Marcel Loncin Prize 2014 NIZO Dairy Conference keynote She supervises 9 postdocs and 15 PhD students, and serves on the European Bioencapsulation Research Group board. Her work drives innovations in powder rehydration, probiotic encapsulation, and sustainable food systems through the Agria Grand Est association.
Dr. Yves Boubenec is an Associate Professor at École Normale Supérieure (ENS)-PSL University, Paris, France. He serves as Head of the LSP Neuro Platform and Director of Studies at the Department of Cognitive Studies. Academic Rank: Associate Professor Institution: ENS-PSL Departments: Cognitive Studies (ENS), LSP Neuro Platform Email: yves.boubenec@ens.psl.eu Research Focus: Boubenec investigates neural mechanisms of auditory perception and cognition using integrated methodologies spanning single-neuron electrophysiology to large-scale neuroimaging. His work reveals how context, learning, and multisensory interactions shape sound encoding in mammalian neocortex. Primary Research Themes Context-dependent auditory encoding Perceptual attention mechanisms Task-driven neural plasticity Self-supervised learning models Population-level cortical dynamics Human/ferret auditory comparisons Publication Trends: Recent work (2024-2025) examines speech production networks, premotor auditory categorization, and algebraic structures in sound learning. Earlier studies (2018-2022) focus on population gating, hierarchical auditory coding, and self-voice mechanisms. 2025 Self-voice frequency analysis Hierarchical ferret auditory cortex mapping Temporal window constraints 2024 Premotor category hemodynamics Self-supervised sound structures Human speech cortical encoding Methodological Expertise: Combines awake ferret functional UltraSound, Neuropixels recordings, and computational modeling to analyze neural representations across spatial scales. Specializes in translating animal model findings to human auditory processes.
Dr. Husam Al-Najjar is a Lecturer at the School of Computer Science within the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). He serves as the Course Director for the Bachelor of Information Systems (BIS) program. With expertise in geospatial technology and machine learning, Dr. Al-Najjar focuses on predicting and mitigating natural hazards and environmental issues to contribute to a sustainable digital earth. Dr. Al-Najjar earned his PhD from the University of Technology Sydney. Before joining academia, he worked in project management and has received numerous prestigious awards, scholarships, and grants throughout his career. Dr. Al-Najjar's research primarily centers on the application of machine learning techniques to address complex environmental challenges. His work spans geospatial AI, natural hazard prediction (particularly landslides and bushfires), and sustainable development. He has developed innovative approaches that integrate physical models with machine learning algorithms to improve prediction accuracy in data-scarce environments. His research also extends to remote sensing applications, urban planning, and smart city technologies, with a strong emphasis on practical solutions for real-world problems. Analysis of Dr. Al-Najjar's recent publications reveals a strong focus on applying explainable AI techniques to natural hazard prediction, particularly landslides. His work consistently bridges the gap between theoretical machine learning approaches and practical geospatial applications. He has made significant contributions to integrating physical models with AI, developing methods for handling imbalanced data through generative adversarial networks, and improving feature selection for remote sensing applications in environmental monitoring. Best Paper Award at the ISPRS Geospatial Week in Enschede, the Netherlands As an educator, Dr. Al-Najjar is actively involved in mentoring and teaching. He serves as Course Director for the Bachelor of Information Systems program and teaches courses in GIS, Information Systems, IS development methodologies, Design & Innovation, and Project Management. He welcomes prospective PhD candidates interested in his research areas and emphasizes the importance of detailed research proposals that demonstrate novelty and significance. His teaching philosophy focuses on fostering an engaging and inclusive learning environment that promotes student success and well-being. Dr. Al-Najjar is affiliated with 'The Trustworthy Digital Society' concentration at UTS and serves as a referee and holds editorial roles in respected journals. His work contributes to the development of geospatial AI frameworks that support decision-making in environmental management and disaster preparedness.
Matty Mookerjee is a Professor and Department Chair of the Department of Geological Sciences at Sonoma State University. He is a structural geologist specializing in three-dimensional kinematics of fault and shear zones. His contact email is matty.mookerjee@sonoma.edu , and his office hours are Monday 9-11 AM and Tuesday 1-2 PM in Darwin 123. Education Ph.D. in Geological Science, University of Rochester (2005) M.S. in Geological Science, University of Rochester (2001) B.A. in Geology, Oberlin College (1999) Indiana University Summer Field Camp (1999) His research integrates structural geology with cyberinfrastructure development, focusing on quantitative analysis of fault zones using grain shape and crystallographic texture studies, alongside creating digital tools for field data management. Recent projects span the San Andreas Fault, Denali Fault, Himalayas, and Rosy Finch Shear Zone. Mookerjee's publications highlight analog modeling of fault asperities, strain analysis in tectonic zones, and cyberinfrastructure tools for geological data. He has mentored students in collaborative research projects, particularly in kinematic studies and data repository development.
Leijun Li, PhD, P.Eng., is a Professor in the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering at the University of Alberta, where he also serves as Chair. With a career spanning institutions including Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, University of Northern Iowa, and Utah State University, he specializes in physical metallurgy , welding metallurgy , and additive manufacturing . His research focuses on microstructure characterization, mechanical properties, and modeling of non-equilibrium phase transformations during welding and AM processes. Current affiliations: University of Alberta, American Welding Society, ASM International Research themes: Additive manufacturing of alloys, Corrosion science, Pipeline metallurgy, Phase transformations, Welding robotics He has received multiple AWS Hobart Awards (4 times) and Savage Awards (2 times) for his work on pipeline welding and metallurgy. His group has published extensively on topics including delta-ferrite retention in Grade 91 steel, inverse bainite transformations , and welding defect analysis . Recent projects include NSERC Alliance Missions Grant for rare earth mineral recovery and Alberta Innovates Ecosystem Program for advanced manufacturing. Key collaborators: Dr. Tom Lienert, Dr. Xiaoying Fang, Dr. P-Q Xu Labs: Rooms 2-158/3-133 (CME Building), Office 12th Floor DICE Building
Dr. Sharon O'Rourke is an Assistant Professor and Ad Astra Fellow at the University College Dublin (UCD) School of Biosystems and Food Engineering since 2019. Previously, she held roles at the University of Sydney and UCD's School of Agriculture and Food Science, focusing on soil science and environmental protection. She holds a BAgrSc from UCD and a PhD in Soil Nutrient Management from Queen's University Belfast. Research Interests: Her work centers on sustainable soil management, soil carbon sequestration, and environmental protection. She employs spectral techniques (e.g., mid-infrared, hyperspectral imaging) and modeling to study soil geochemistry, carbon dynamics, and climate change mitigation. Current projects include ClimateCropping (EU-wide soil carbon management), PRISM (in-field soil sensors), and CFunction (carbon-nutrient stoichiometry). Grants & Projects: Key grants include funding from Teagasc, the Department of Agriculture, and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. Notable projects include proximal soil sensing for carbon monitoring and bio-based product development via pyrolysis. Teaching: She coordinates modules such as 'Carbon & Sustainability,' 'Soil Technology,' and 'Research Skills,' emphasizing agricultural systems and climate-smart practices. Awards: Recognized as an Ad Astra Fellow, highlighting her contributions to innovative soil science research.
Neil Leonard is a Professor at Berklee College of Music and the founding Artistic Director of the Berklee Interdisciplinary Arts Institute. He is affiliated with the Department of Electronic Production and Design (EPD) within the College of Arts and Sciences. His artistic and academic work bridges music, technology, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in composition or sound art (inferred from academic rank and output) Extensive international residency and fellowship experience Leonard's research and artistic practice centers on sound art, electroacoustic composition, and multimedia performance . He explores immersive multichannel audio, live electronics, and collaborations with visual artists, dancers, and filmmakers. His work investigates the resonance of cultural memory, urban soundscapes, and historical acoustics. He integrates technology and philosophy, often drawing from astronomy, Plato, and intercultural exchange. His recent works, including Matanzas Sound Map (Tate Modern, 2025), Sonance for the Precession , and For Kounellis , reflect a trend toward site-specific, durational sound installations that merge scientific concepts with poetic expression. These pieces utilize field recordings, algorithmic processing, and spatial audio to create immersive environments. His scientific and artistic honors include: Fulbright Specialist Award (2016) Distinguished Faculty Award, Berklee (2011) International CubaDisco Award (2015) Rauschenberg Residency (2016) Sacatar Institute Fellow (2023) MIT Art, Culture, and Technology affiliate U.S. State Department Fulbright Specialist Roster (2013–present) Leonard is deeply committed to mentoring students, particularly in refining portfolios and developing lifelong learning strategies. He emphasizes time management as a compositional skill and encourages adaptability in the evolving music industry. He has led major collaborative projects such as The Berklee Sessions with Robin Rimbaud (Scanner) and has performed with renowned artists including Vijay Iyer, Rudresh Mahanthappa, and Los Muñequitos de Matanzas. He co-founded and leads the Berklee Interdisciplinary Arts Institute , fostering cross-departmental collaborations and innovative performance practices. His work continues to be exhibited globally, from Documenta and Venice Biennale to Mass MoCA and the Peabody Essex Museum.
Alla Sheffer is a Professor and Associate Head of Faculty Affairs in the Department of Computer Science at the University of British Columbia, Faculty of Science. She is affiliated with multiple research centers including CAIDA (Centre for Artificial Intelligence Decision-making and Action), the Institute of Applied Mathematics, and ICICS (Institute for Computing, Information and Cognitive Systems). B.Sc., Hebrew University, Jerusalem (1991) M.Sc., Hebrew University, Jerusalem (1995) Ph.D., Hebrew University, Jerusalem (1999) Postdoctoral Research Associate, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (1999-2001) Assistant Professor, Technion, Israel (2001-2003) Assistant Professor, University of British Columbia (2003-2008) Associate Professor, University of British Columbia (2008-present) Professor Sheffer's research focuses on geometry processing, addressing algorithmic challenges in digital shape modeling and manipulation. Her work primarily deals with discrete geometry representations, specifically meshes (polygonal model representations), with applications in computer graphics and computer-aided engineering. She utilizes tools from computational and differential geometry, discrete mathematics, and graph theory to generate, manipulate, and edit discrete geometric models. Her research spans virtual and augmented reality, visual computing, and 3D modeling, with significant contributions to sketch-based modeling, mesh processing, and cloth simulation. The 15 most recent publications reveal a consistent research trajectory in geometry processing, with recent work focusing on vector sketch processing, VR drawing tools, and advanced mesh manipulation techniques. Her work demonstrates a strong connection between human perception and computational methods, particularly in the interpretation of freehand sketches and the generation of perceptually-accurate geometric representations. The recurring themes across her publications include flowlines, curve networks, mesh parameterization, and the application of perceptual studies to improve algorithmic outputs. Eurographics Fellow ACM Fellow IEEE Fellow Royal Society of Canada Fellow SIGGRAPH Academy Member UBC Killam Research Prize NSERC Discovery Accelerator Supplement IBM Faculty Award Professor Sheffer has supervised numerous doctoral and master's students, with recent theses focusing on geometric mesh processing, vector sketch interpretation, VR drawing tools, and garment modeling. Her research group maintains strong connections with industry through various partnerships and has received substantial grant funding to support their innovative work in geometry processing and computer graphics. She teaches courses in computer graphics, geometric modeling, and video game programming, contributing significantly to both undergraduate and graduate education in computer science.
Aditi Majumder is a Professor of Computer Science at the University of California, Irvine (UCI), affiliated with the School of Engineering and Information Sciences. Her research focuses on multi-projector display systems, augmented reality (AR), and their applications in scientific and medical fields. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (2003). Her work addresses challenges in geometric, chromatic, and luminescent corrections for tiled displays, with applications in surgical assistance and deformable surface visualization. Recent projects include precision stencils for surgical sites and dynamic projection mapping on non-rigid surfaces. Notable achievements include the Inaugural Hasso Plattner Endowed Chair in Artificial Intelligence (2025). Her research spans AR in medicine, real-time multi-projector synchronization, and color gamut optimization. Dr. Majumder also engages in public discourse on computer science education, emphasizing its societal importance and foundational skills like programming and discrete mathematics. Her 15 most recent articles (2021–2024) highlight advancements in surgical AR, deformable surface projection systems, and medical visualization. These contributions bridge computer graphics, vision, and biomedical engineering, reflecting her interdisciplinary approach to solving complex display and interaction challenges.
David Weisblat is a Professor in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology at UC Berkeley's College of Letters & Science. His research focuses on developmental and evolutionary processes in glossiphoniid leeches (e.g., Helobdella ), particularly their segmentation mechanisms and molecular phylogeny within Lophotrochozoa. He leads studies integrating embryological, genomic, and genetic approaches to understand how developmental pathways evolved across bilaterian animals. Research Interests: Weisblat’s work addresses how cell fates and signaling pathways (WNT, NOTCH, TGFβ) shape leech development, with emphasis on the evolutionary origins of segmentation. His lab combines microinjection techniques, transcriptome analysis, and CRISPR mutagenesis to explore stem cell dynamics and conserved developmental programs. Key Projects: Current efforts investigate grandparental stem cell divisions in segmentation and intercellular signaling during early embryogenesis. The lab’s genomic resources—including BAC libraries and EST databases—facilitate comparative studies across Lophotrochozoan taxa. Lab Contributions: The Weisblat lab pioneered Helobdella as a model organism, enabling breakthroughs in Evo-Devo. Their findings bridge developmental plasticity and evolutionary innovation, particularly in annelids versus arthropods/deuterostomes.
Lisa Duizer serves as Professor and Department Chair in the Department of Food Science at the University of Guelph, where she has been faculty since 2009 after previous appointments at Acadia University's School of Nutrition and Dietetics and Massey University's Institute of Food Nutrition and Human Health. Her research addresses critical challenges in food for aging populations, focusing on sensory properties of foods designed for older adults with dysphagia or malnutrition. Education BASc in Applied Human Nutrition, University of Guelph (1990) MSc in Food Science, University of Guelph (1992) PhD in Food Technology, Massey University (2003) Research Interests Professor Duizer's work centers on sensory science applications for geriatric nutrition, investigating age-related changes in taste and texture perception. She develops evidence-based strategies for improving nutritional quality and acceptability of foods for elderly populations, including pureed food optimization, nutrient fortification techniques, and 'supermenu' development for long-term care settings. Her research integrates human subjects testing with rheological and tribological analysis to establish science-based standards for modified texture foods. Publication Trends Her recent publications (2022-2025) demonstrate expanding interdisciplinary scope, with increasing focus on emotional food responses, space food sensory perception, and plant-based alternatives. The predominant themes involve texture modification for dysphagia management, salt reduction strategies for older adults, and stakeholder-driven interventions for malnutrition in long-term care. This trajectory reflects growing integration of sensory science with healthcare delivery systems and innovative food product development. Scientific Awards No scientific awards were documented in the provided source materials. Advising and Grants Lisa Duizer mentors graduate students with rigorous emphasis on ethical conduct in human subjects research, requiring comprehensive understanding of participant interaction protocols. Her students from nutrition and food science backgrounds have pursued careers as registered dietitians, food product developers in multinational corporations, and research scientists. Her work with the Agri-Food for Healthy Aging group and University Health Network affiliation indicates substantial grant funding from health and agriculture sectors for projects targeting malnutrition intervention in aging populations. Labs and Teams She leads sensory evaluation laboratories within the Department of Food Science and serves as Research Scientist for the Agri-Food for Healthy Aging initiative. Her collaborative network includes the University Health Network, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, long-term care home operators, food distributors, and agricultural producers, facilitating translational research from laboratory to institutional meal service implementation.
