Hello Tamas is an Associate Professor at the Department of Constitutional Law within the Faculty of Political Science and Law at the University of Miskolc, Hungary. He has served in this faculty since 2004, progressing from university assistant professor to associate professor in 2014, with continuous contributions to research and education. Education: Ságvári Endre High School (1995) Lawyer degree from University of Miskolc (2001) Ph.D. in Political Science and Law (2004) Research Focus: His work spans logistics optimization, Industry 4.0 integration, and sustainable operations management. Key areas include vehicle routing problems, milkrun supply systems, and cyber-physical logistics frameworks. Technological Specialties: Real-time maintenance optimization IoT applications in logistics Drone-based delivery systems Mathematical modeling for supply chains Sustainability in manufacturing Human-machine resource assignment Methodological Approach: Combines algorithmic optimization (Weiszfeld, Wagner-Whitin, Silver-Meal) with practical implementations across automotive manufacturing, food industry, and healthcare logistics.
Francesco Facchini is an Assistant Professor at the Politecnico di Bari (Poliba) in the Department of Mechanics, Mathematics & Management. His research focuses on Industry 5.0 , cognitive workload assessment, sustainable manufacturing, and smart supply chain systems. Academic Rank: Assistant Professor Department: Mechanics, Mathematics & Management Contact: francesco.facchini@poliba.it Research Interests include cognitive workload optimization, digital twin applications for environmental performance, circular economy rebound effects, and collaborative robotics in manufacturing. His work bridges human-centric design with technological advancement , emphasizing sustainability and operational efficiency. Recent Publications (2024-2025) highlight trends in Industry 5.0 maintenance , smart logistics , decarbonization pathways , and ergonomic job rotation . Articles often employ systematic reviews and analytical models to address environmental, economic, and operational challenges. Professional Contributions span process optimization, human error probability modeling, and sustainable energy systems. He has developed decision support frameworks for material handling, cogeneration, and Industry 4.0/5.0 implementation readiness.
Dr. Žiga Emeršič is an Assistant Professor at the University of Ljubljana , Faculty of Computer and Information Science, and a member of the Computer Vision Laboratory (LRV). His research focuses on biometrics , deep neural networks , and computer vision with a specialization in ear-based recognition systems. IEEE Member (#98052610) Recipient of the European Biometrics Association Award (2021) and SDRV Excellence Plaque (2023) Co-organizer of international challenges in ear recognition and machine learning workshops His work addresses unconstrained ear detection , model compression for edge devices , and privacy-preserving biometric systems . He has contributed to AI education through EU projects like AIM@VET and developed curricula for computer vision and biometrics. Highlights: Published in top journals ( Neural Computing & Applications , IET Biometrics , Entropy ) Authored chapters in Springer publications on deep ear recognition and ocular biometrics Active in international conferences (IEEE, IAPR) with over 60 publications He has received special recognition for both research (2018) and teaching excellence (2016, 2019), and his work has been featured in media outlets across Slovenia.
Esteban Moro is a Professor in the Physics Department at Northeastern University. He leads the Social Urban Networks (SUN) Lab, which focuses on developing computational social science tools to address urban challenges, from climate change and inequality to health and economic development. His research lies at the intersection of big data, network science, and computational social science, with a focus on human dynamics, collective intelligence, social networks, and urban mobility. Professor Moro's research spans three key areas: Biological and Health Systems (understanding biological interdependencies by integrating networks in biological systems, network medicine, and epidemiology & public health), Complex Systems Forecasting (developing network-based models for prediction and decision-making), and Urban Networks and Infrastructure (optimizing urban systems for efficiency, sustainability, and resilience). His work applies to problems like natural disaster management, food accessibility, and economic segregation in cities, using large datasets of human behavior and tools from physics and network science. Analysis of Professor Moro's recent publications reveals a strong focus on leveraging computational methods to address urban challenges. His research consistently uses human mobility data to understand urban inequalities, pandemic responses, economic resilience, and social interactions. A notable trend is the integration of network science with urban studies to develop practical policy tools, particularly for cities facing pandemics, climate change, and economic inequality. His work bridges theoretical network science with real-world applications, emphasizing data-driven solutions for urban environments. Professor Moro actively mentors researchers through the SUN Lab, which has recently advertised for postdoctoral positions. His research is supported by collaborations with government, industry, and local communities to design adaptable solutions for urban areas. Current projects include mapping urban inequality using high-resolution mobility data, detecting economic resilience in dependency networks, and modeling behavioral determinants of health outcomes through physical exposure analysis. The SUN Lab, under Professor Moro's leadership, combines insights from large-scale human behavior data with network science and mathematical modeling. Recent lab activities include hosting events, welcoming new postdocs, and collaborating with visiting scholars. The lab's work has significant implications for creating more resilient and equitable urban environments through computational social science approaches.
Hao Zeng serves as the Moti Lal Rustgi Professor of Physics in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University at Buffalo and co-directs UB's Center for Advanced Semiconductor Technologies. His internationally recognized research program develops nanoscale magnetic materials with applications spanning quantum computing, renewable energy, and biomedical therapeutics. Zeng's research integrates experimental physics and materials chemistry to engineer novel nanomaterials including 2D heterostructures, core-shell nanoparticles, and chalcogenide perovskites. His group pioneers techniques for manipulating electronic properties in ultrathin materials like tungsten disulfide for quantum information processing, develops barium zirconium sulfide thin films for high-efficiency solar energy conversion, and creates magnetic nanoparticles for targeted cancer hyperthermia therapy. Current work emphasizes spintronic applications and topological magnetism in covalent 2D systems. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals dominant research thrusts in chalcogenide perovskites for optoelectronics, anomalous Hall effects in 2D magnets, and superconducting thin film engineering. Key trends include bandgap tuning via cation coupling, spin-polarized electron injection at nanoscale interfaces, and topological transport phenomena in atomically thin magnets. His scientific honors include: Fellow of the American Physical Society (2024) for pioneering contributions to nanoscale magnetic materials NSF CAREER Award (2006) Zeng maintains continuous funding from the National Science Foundation, Department of Defense, Department of Energy, and SUNY Applied Materials Research Institute. His research group has produced over 200 publications with significant impact on nanomagnetism and semiconductor technologies, while his editorial role at the Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials shapes field discourse. As co-director of UB's Center for Advanced Semiconductor Technologies, he leads a multidisciplinary team advancing microelectronics research and workforce development for the national semiconductor industry, with focus areas including quantum materials integration and advanced thin-film processing.
Jo Anne Balanay is a Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health at East Carolina University's College of Health and Human Performance. A Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) since 2008, she holds MS and PhD degrees in Environmental Health-Industrial Hygiene from the University of Minnesota and University of Alabama at Birmingham respectively. Research Focus: Occupational exposure to volatile organic compounds, physical hazards (noise, heat stress, UV radiation), and respiratory protection efficacy Key Projects: WBGT Heat Stress App development, permethrin-treated clothing evaluation, agricultural worker safety studies Academic Contributions: Over 30 peer-reviewed publications since 2009, with recent work in Sensors , PLOS ONE , and Pathogens and Global Health . Her research spans environmental health, vector control, and workplace safety technologies. Honors: 2024 Health Sciences Author Recognition Award, 2023 Scholar-Teacher Award, and 2014 AIHA Best of Session Award. She serves on multiple advisory boards including AIHA's Thermal Stress Working Group. Grants & Collaborations: Funded by NSF i-Corps, NIOSH, and industry partners. Maintains affiliations with University of Alabama at Birmingham and serves as guest editor for Environmental Health Insights .
Steven L. Barnett, MD is a Professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Department of Public Health Sciences at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. He joined the UR Department of Family Medicine faculty in 2002 in the research division and serves as Director of the CDC-funded Rochester Prevention Research Center: National Center for Deaf Health Research. Dr. Barnett is also the Program Director for the NIH-funded Rochester Bridges to the Doctorate program and was previously medical director (2002-2015) of Strong Connections, the University of Rochester Medical Center's Telehealth Sign Language Interpreter Services Program. Dr. Barnett's primary academic focus is health and healthcare research with populations of Deaf American Sign Language (ASL) users and people with hearing loss, their families and communities. His research spans health disparities, community-based participatory research, health communication, sign language interpretation services, and health equity for deaf populations. He has pioneered approaches to accessible health surveillance and interventions specifically designed for deaf communities, with particular attention to weight management, mental health, and preventive services. Dr. Barnett's publication record demonstrates consistent focus on deaf health research, with recent work examining weight management interventions for deaf sign language users (Deaf Weight Wise trial), occupational health of sign language interpreters, suicidal behaviors among deaf college students, and community-based participatory research methods. His work consistently addresses communication barriers, cultural adaptations, and health equity issues affecting deaf communities. His numerous awards include the 11th Annual Dr. David Satcher Community Health Improvement Award (2020), Community Advocate Award (2015), and Award for Excellence in Research Addressing Cardiovascular Health Equity (2014). Additional recognition includes multiple teaching awards and honors for mentoring medical students and supporting deaf scholars. As Director of the CDC-funded Rochester Prevention Research Center: National Center for Deaf Health Research, Dr. Barnett leads a major research initiative focused on deaf health disparities. His NIH-funded Rochester Bridges to the Doctorate program supports deaf and hard-of-hearing students pursuing doctoral degrees. Dr. Barnett has also been instrumental in developing Strong Connections, a pioneering telehealth sign language interpreter service that operated from 2002-2015.
Gabriel Dadi is an Associate Professor at the University of Kentucky , holding the W.L. Raymond & R.E. Shaver Chair of Construction Engr & Mgmt within the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering . His research focuses on Construction Safety Management , Emerging Construction Technologies , and Safety Culture Education . Ph.D., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Kentucky M.B.A., Gatton College of Business and Economics, University of Kentucky B.S., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Kentucky His research applies operational excellence to construction safety, with industry collaborations including the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet . Key projects involve e-ticketing for asphalt paving , digital twins for asset management , and wireless sensing technologies in highway construction. Publications emphasize measurable safety improvements through technology integration and workforce training. Recent articles highlight trends in digital transformation (e-ticketing, mobile devices), safety culture (leading indicators, toolbox talks), and data-driven asset management (digital twins, BIM-GIS integration). These align with his focus on people-process-technology maturity models for state DOTs. As Program Manager at the Kentucky Transportation Center , he bridges academic research with practical applications, including Kentucky Transportation Cabinet partnerships. His work impacts real-world practices, with students gaining employment through on-campus construction site exposure. Labs/teams: Collaborates with industrial contractors , government agencies , and Breakthrough Strategy Committee (Construction Industry Institute). Research spans asphalt material tracking, safety climate assessment, and digital terrain models.
Dr. Hafiz Mudassir Rehman is a Lecturer in Business Strategy at Ulster University Business School, Department of Global Business and Enterprise. He holds a PhD from Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (2022), where his research focused on Industry 4.0 readiness in the Malaysian manufacturing sector, examining organizational innovation and aging workforce dynamics. His research explores technology adoption, crisis management, and innovation leadership, with emphasis on supply chain resilience, agricultural tech, and behavioral analytics. Recent publications analyze machine learning applications in transport safety, mobile banking continuance, and open innovation strategies during crises. Methodologically, he employs Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) and predictive analytics. Dr. Rehman leads the DfE-funded STAR PENANG project (2024–2025) and co-investigates the Educational Alliance for Research in Sustainability (EARS) . His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in promoting industrial innovation and sustainable economic growth.
Sara Brito is an Associate Professor at Eastern Kentucky University specializing in occupational therapy, with clinical expertise in hand and upper limb rehabilitation and brachial plexus injury recovery. She actively addresses rural health disparities through workforce development initiatives and maintains strong professional engagement via multiple associations. Her academic credentials include: Ph.D. from Monash University M.O.T. from Curtin University M.Ed. from University of South Australia B.Sc. from Butler University Research focuses on psychosocial rehabilitation after brachial plexus injury, evidence-based hand therapy protocols, and systemic solutions for rural healthcare access. Her work bridges clinical practice with community health advocacy, emphasizing patient participation and workforce innovation in underserved areas. Publication trends reveal interdisciplinary collaboration across rehabilitation science, rural health education, and public health. Key themes include culturally responsive fieldwork training, community-based men's health interventions, and transportation accessibility, consistently employing mixed-methods approaches to address complex rehabilitation challenges. Professional affiliations and certifications include: Accredited Hand Therapist (Australian Hand Therapy Association) Member of American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Member of Kentucky Occupational Therapy Association (KOTA) Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR/L) Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) Registration
Dr. Timothy D. Ropp is a Professor of Practice in Aeronautical Engineering Technology at Purdue University's School of Aviation and Transportation Technology. He leads the Hangar of the Future Research Laboratory, focusing on advanced aerospace manufacturing, safety risk management, and MRO innovation. Ropp has over 18 years of industry experience in technical operations and educational development, including roles in air vehicle maintenance for a major U.S. airline. His research emphasizes technology integration in aviation education and industry collaboration, with notable contributions to safety systems, augmented reality training, and digital twin applications. He has advised student teams in national competitions, winning awards from the FAA, Boeing, and National Academies. Ropp holds FAA certifications as an Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic and Private Pilot. Awards: Multiple Charles B. Murphy Teaching Awards, Outstanding Faculty in Engagement, and competition wins for student projects. Grants: Collaborations with United Airlines, Nanshan Corporation, and others on smart manufacturing and MRO research. Labs: Directs the Aerospace and MRO Technology Innovation Center and Hangar of the Future Lab, advancing next-generation aviation technologies. Ropp’s research bridges academia and industry, emphasizing workforce readiness through immersive learning platforms and partnerships with global aerospace companies.
Dr. Bernard Vukelić is a Professor of Professional Studies at Veleučilište u Zagrebu (Collegium Carolinum), specializing in cybersecurity, AI applications in education, and information systems security. He holds a Doctorate in Sociology (Dr. Sc.) and focuses on topics like digital transformation, phishing detection, and lifelong learning strategies. His research bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications in office automation, web application security, and AI-driven solutions for educational assessment. Education: PhD in Sociology (Dr. Sc.) His research interests include: Cybersecurity measures for critical infrastructure AI ethics and implementation in higher education Automated office processes using ChatGPT Phishing attack recognition and mitigation Content management system vulnerabilities Indoor positioning system analysis Recent Research Trends: His work from 2024 emphasizes AI's role in office automation and cybersecurity resilience, while 2023 papers address AI-driven examination proctoring and phishing detection methodologies. Earlier studies explored backend web frameworks and biometric algorithms. He teaches courses like Tools for Digitalization of Business and Security of Information Systems , reflecting his practical focus on industry-relevant technical skills.
Muhammed Ziya Paköz is an Associate Professor in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at Istanbul Technical University (ITU), serving concurrently as Deputy Dean. With over 15 years of academic and professional experience, he specializes in urban planning, transportation systems, and post-pandemic urban adaptation. His research focuses on spatial accessibility, urban mobility, and regional development strategies. Education: PhD in Urban and Regional Planning (Istanbul Technical University, 2015) Master’s in Regional Planning (Istanbul Technical University, 2008) Bachelor’s in Urban and Regional Planning (Istanbul Technical University, 2005) Research Interests: His work addresses spatial accessibility to healthcare facilities, bicycle urbanism, post-pandemic city dynamics, and the interplay between migration patterns and urban spatial structures. Current projects include analyzing Istanbul’s role in the Marmara region and evaluating the impact of remote work on urban residential patterns. Publications Trends: Recent articles emphasize post-pandemic urban adaptations, spatial equity in transportation, and the socio-spatial implications of infrastructure projects like Marmaray. Collaborative research with European institutions highlights his engagement with regional science methodologies. Awards: Araştırma Teşvik Ödülü (Gebze Technical University, 2022) Professional Engagement: Serves on the International Advisory Board of Design Ideals Journal and is a member of ISOCARP. Previously held roles include Department Vice Chair at Gebze Technical University and Dean’s Office responsibilities at ITU.
Pinar Coskun, MD, is a Clinical Professor in the Department of Neurology at the University of Kentucky. She is affiliated with the Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, focusing on neurodegenerative diseases, mitochondrial dysfunction, and aging-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Down Syndrome. Her research bridges mitochondrial biology with neurological disorders, investigating metabolic pathways and genetic factors influencing disease progression. Awarded the 2013 Alzheimer’s Association Research Scientist Award for work on mitochondrial dysfunction in neurodegeneration. Conducts studies on Down Syndrome dementia, Alzheimer’s pathophysiology, and mitochondrial biomarkers. Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to explore therapeutic targets in genetic and metabolic disorders. Her research emphasizes mitochondrial dysfunction as a critical factor in neurodegenerative diseases. Recent work includes examining the role of Nrf2 in Down Syndrome cells (2018), metabolic distinctions between Alzheimer’s and Down Syndrome (2016), and mitochondrial transporters in myogenesis (2022). Awards: 2020 MCI Symposium Travel Scholarship, 2005 Al Nichols Young Investigator Award, and multiple travel fellowships from the Alzheimer’s Association and UMDF. Labs/Teams: Active in the Sanders-Brown Center’s Aging and Neurodegeneration research groups.
Marco Filippo Torchio is an Associate Professor in the Department of Energy (DENERG) at Politecnico di Torino. He holds membership in both the College of Electrical and Energy Engineering and the College of Mechanical, Aerospace and Automotive Engineering. His primary teaching responsibility is Applied Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer across multiple engineering programs including Energy Engineering, Automotive Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering for over a decade. Dr. Torchio's research focuses on several key areas in energy engineering and sustainability. His primary interests include combined heat and power systems, energy and environmental sustainability, development of environmental indicators and indices, and thermodynamic irreversibility analysis. He has developed expertise in analyzing energy, exergetic, and environmental indicators for sustainability monitoring, with particular attention to OECD-PISA indicators. His work also encompasses fuel cell technology and thermophysical property measurement, including the design and construction of experimental apparatus for thermal conductivity and specific heat measurements. His publication record shows a clear evolution from more purely technical energy engineering topics toward broader sustainability assessment frameworks that integrate economic, environmental, and social dimensions. While his early work (2003-2010) focused heavily on combined heat and power systems, district heating, and fuel cell technology, his recent publications (2019-2024) increasingly address sustainability indicators, environmental cost impacts, and well-being metrics. Dr. Torchio has demonstrated strong commitment to engineering education through his consistent teaching of Applied Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer across multiple engineering disciplines. His work aligns with Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality education), 7 (Affordable and clean energy), and 12 (Responsible consumption and production), contributing to both technical education and sustainable energy development.
