Talal Shaikh is an Associate Professor at Heriot-Watt University's School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences in Dubai. He serves as Director of Undergraduate Studies and Programme Director for BSc Computer Science, BSc CS (AI), and MSc Software Engineering. With a decade of industry experience as a Chief Information Officer and Software Engineer, he bridges practical insights with academic research. Research Interests: Pervasive Computing, IoT/M2M, AI/ML, WiFi Sensing for Healthcare, Financial Machine Learning, Educational Technology Awards: Teaching Excellence Awards (2017/18), Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), multiple Learning and Teaching Oscars (2016, 2017, 2018) His work spans Ubiquitous Computing and IoT , focusing on sensor networks and WiFi-based sensing for healthcare. In Artificial Intelligence , he applies ML to robotics, financial analytics, and educational innovation. Recent articles analyze Reinforcement Learning , Emotion Recognition , and WiFi Sensing applications. His teaching emphasizes student-centric learning, with over 100 supervised dissertations achieving distinctions. Collaborations include international conferences and interdisciplinary research in smart environments and adaptive systems.
Henry Tang is an ATS Assistant Lecturer at the University of Alberta, affiliated with the Faculty of Science and Department of Computing Science. He specializes in software development education and foundational computing concepts. Courses Taught: CMPUT 174B (Introduction to the Foundations of Computation I), CMPUT 201 (Practical Programming Methodology), CMPUT 301 (Introduction to Software Engineering) His research interests focus on software engineering practices, including object-oriented design, Unix programming tools, C language methodology, and abstract data type implementations. Course descriptions highlight his expertise in software architecture, design patterns, and practical programming education. Contact: Email hktang@ualberta.ca for academic inquiries.
Dr. Lydia Bouzar-Benlabiod is an Assistant Professor at the Jodrey School of Computer Science, Acadia University, Nova Scotia, Canada. Her research focuses on hardware-based machine learning, privacy-preserving techniques, and explainable AI. She holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Université d’Artois, France, and an M.Eng from Ecole nationale Supérieure d’Information (ESI), Algiers, Algeria. Her work bridges theoretical advancements with practical applications in cybersecurity, medical imaging, and intelligent systems. Research interests include adversarial machine learning, neural architecture search, and AI-driven healthcare solutions. Her lab explores cost-effective hardware implementations for medical diagnostics and anomaly detection systems. Key projects involve NeuroMem® chip integration for breast cancer detection and RNN-VED models to reduce false positives in cybersecurity. Dr. Bouzar-Benlabiod’s publications span 2013–2024, emphasizing data-driven modeling, case-based reasoning, and AI ethics. She contributes to special issues on heuristic data science and reuse in intelligent systems. Her work is accessible via CILS Lab and personal page .
Wieland Konrad is a researcher affiliated with the Institut für Softwaretechnik und Interaktive Systeme at TU Wien. His work focuses on model-driven engineering, software versioning, and collaborative systems. He has extensively contributed to advancing model versioning techniques, conflict resolution in software models, and UML-based solutions. His research emphasizes practical applications in software development lifecycle management and educational methodologies for UML. Key research areas include: Model versioning systems and semantics Conflict detection and resolution algorithms Collaborative cross-organizational modeling EMF/UML profile-based extensions Software evolution analysis His publications highlight advancements in concurrent modeling tools like Colex, adaptable versioning frameworks, and educational strategies for large-scale UML teaching. While no awards are listed, his prolific output since 2009 demonstrates sustained academic contribution.
Alessandra Cavarra is a University Lecturer in Software Engineering at the University of Oxford, holding roles as Director of Graduate Studies for Professional Programmes and Supernumerary Fellow at Kellogg College. She earned her MSc and PhD in Computer Science from the University of Catania (Italy), with research periods at U.S. and German institutions. Her research focuses on formal methods, UML behavioral diagrams, model-based testing, and integrating formal/semi-formal languages. She teaches postgraduate courses in Object-Oriented Design and Software Testing. Research interests include formal semantics for UML diagrams, tool development for symbolic execution and test case generation, and abstract state machines (ASMs). Her work bridges software engineering theory and practice, emphasizing rigorous methods for system validation. Publications span model-based testing, UML formalization, and concurrency analysis. Key areas include data-flow approaches for multi-agent systems, workflow testing, and formal verification of software models. Recent work addresses challenges in concurrent workflows and abstract state machine analysis. No scientific awards were explicitly mentioned. She has advised at least one student, Aadya Shukla, and contributes to academic service roles. No lab or team affiliations are detailed in the provided information.
Alexa T. McCray, PhD , is Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and a co-founder of the Department of Biomedical Informatics (DBMI). She has played a transformative role in national biomedical informatics infrastructure through leadership at the National Library of Medicine and NIH. Institution: Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Leadership: Co-Founder, Department of Biomedical Informatics Research Focus: Knowledge representation, data interoperability, undiagnosed diseases, research culture Major Projects: Undiagnosed Diseases Network (UDN), UMLS, ClinicalTrials.gov Dr. McCray's research centers on overcoming persistent challenges in the curation, dissemination, and exchange of scientific and clinical information. Her work spans knowledge representation, biomedical discovery infrastructure, and patient engagement in rare disease research. She has pioneered efforts in health data standardization, interoperability, and the ethical and practical dimensions of open science. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in patient-centered research, particularly in rare and undiagnosed diseases, genomic medicine, and health literacy. Her work increasingly integrates informatics with patient experience, data sharing ethics, and collaborative science. Themes include natural language processing, cohort resource mapping, and research culture reform, reflecting a broad impact across biomedical informatics and translational science. Scientific Awards and Honors: Elected to the National Academy of Medicine (2001) Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science Fellow, American College of Medical Informatics Fellow, International Academy of Health Sciences Informatics Chair, NASEM 2018 consensus study on Open Science by Design Immediate past chair, NASEM Board on Research Data and Information Dr. McCray has served as Co-Principal Investigator on major NIH-funded projects including the Undiagnosed Diseases Network Coordinating Center. She has advised numerous researchers and contributed to national policy discussions on data sharing and research integrity. Her leadership in academic publishing and scientific debate has shaped the field of medical informatics. She has led and contributed to major labs and teams, including the development of national resources such as ClinicalTrials.gov and the UMLS at the National Library of Medicine. At Harvard, she is affiliated with the Department of Biomedical Informatics and has collaborated extensively across institutions through the Undiagnosed Diseases Network and other consortia.
Leonardo Magela Cunha is a Lecturer in Computer Science at King's College London's Department of Informatics, part of the Faculty of Natural, Mathematical & Engineering Sciences. He holds a PhD from the Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio) and previously worked as a Software Engineer at Petrobras. His research focuses on Artificial Intelligence, Multi-agent Systems, Agent-based Modeling, Semantic Web technologies, and Responsible AI Education. He is affiliated with King's Computing Education Research Centre (CERC) and contributes to the Sustainability Hub, exploring Distributed Artificial Intelligence in socio-economic contexts. Key research interests include the intersection of AI ethics with education, semantic frameworks for collaborative environments, and agent-based approaches to group formation in e-learning platforms. He co-authored the influential 2023 working paper on Responsible AI Education frameworks, blending technical and pedagogical insights. Earlier work centered on semantic web applications, model-driven architecture (MDA), and collaborative learning platforms like AulaNet, leveraging agent-based approaches for group management and task allocation. His academic contributions span over 15 publications since 2001, emphasizing both foundational technical research and applied educational technology. He leads the Computing Education Research Centre's initiatives in curriculum design and pedagogical innovation, particularly in computer science education. Current projects aim to integrate sustainability metrics into distributed AI systems and address ethical challenges in AI curricula. Labs/Teams: Sustainability Hub, Computing Education Research Centre (CERC) Key Collaborations: Multi-institutional AI ethics frameworks, Agent-based learning systems Future Work: Expanding Responsible AI education programs, semantic web interoperability standards
Prof. Dr. Marcus Deininger serves as Professor of Computer Science at Stuttgart University of Applied Sciences within the Faculty of Surveying, Computer Science and Mathematics since 2004, concurrently holding the position of Dean of Studies for Software Technology since 2007. His academic leadership spans multiple degree programs including Bachelor of Applied Mathematics and AI, Bachelor of Computer Science, and Master's in Software Technology. His educational foundation includes a Doctorate in Computer Science from the University of Stuttgart (1995), preceded by significant industry experience: development and project management roles at debis Systemhaus (1996-2001) and T-Systems (2001-2005) provided practical grounding in enterprise IT solutions before his academic transition. Deininger's research manifests primarily through pedagogical contributions in software engineering education, with concentrated expertise in Java programming ecosystems, BPMN-based business process modeling, and UML-driven system analysis. His scholarly identity centers on translating complex technical concepts into accessible educational frameworks, evidenced by his extensive publication record focused on student skill development. Analysis of his 12 publications (2009-2024) reveals consistent emphasis on practical computer science education, evolving from foundational programming guides toward specialized exam preparation materials across software engineering domains. This trajectory demonstrates sustained commitment to curriculum development rather than theoretical research. His professional recognition includes membership in the German Informatics Society (GI), reflecting peer acknowledgment within Germany's primary computing professional organization. As Dean of Studies and thesis supervision guide author, Deininger shapes academic journeys through structural program oversight and pedagogical frameworks. His collaborative works with Thomas Kessel across 10+ publications indicate sustained research partnerships, while leadership in three distinct degree programs underscores institutional impact beyond narrow technical specialization. Though specific research laboratories aren't documented, his collaborative publication pattern suggests integration within computer science education communities, with recent works (2024) confirming active engagement in evolving pedagogical approaches for contemporary programming challenges.
Bhuvanesh Unhelkar is a Professor of Information Technology at the School of Information Systems and Management, part of the Muma College of Business at the University of South Florida's Sarasota-Manatee campus. He specializes in Big Data strategies, AI applications, and Agile methodologies. Currently teaching IT and Project Management courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels, he also oversees IT program design and online education initiatives. Education: Ph.D. and M.S. in Information Technology (University of Technology Sydney, 1997/1992) Masters Diploma in Business Administration (IMDR, Pune, 1986) Bachelor of Engineering (Electronic Engineering, Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, 1982) Research Interests: Dr. Unhelkar’s work focuses on leveraging technology for business agility, including: Big Data analytics and AI-driven decision-making Cybersecurity in healthcare and IoT Agile project management frameworks Blockchain applications in finance and supply chains Cloud computing optimization IT education and curriculum development Awards & Recognition: Computerworld Object Developers Award (1995) Consensus IT Professional ‘Service to Industry’ Award (2006) Consensus IT Writer’s Award (2010) Service & Leadership: Active in academic governance through roles like: Member, Academic Programs Committee (APC) [2018–2019] Member, Faculty Professional Development Committee (FPDC) [2000–present] Search Committee Lead for Assistant Professor positions Publications: Authored/co-authored over 27 books and 109 research outputs, including seminal works like Artificial Intelligence for Business Optimization and Adoption and Adaption in Digital Business .
Goran Banjac is a researcher at the Department of Computer Science and Informatics, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Banja Luka. His work focuses on automated conceptual database design, business process modeling, and multilingual database tools. Current projects include AMADEOS (Automated Synthesis of Conceptual Database Models) and EU-funded initiatives. His research spans database systems, software engineering, and model-driven methodologies. Collaborations include Dražen Brđanin, Slavko Marić, and international partners. Recent publications analyze heterogeneous source artifacts, speech-driven design, and UML-based forward engineering. No scientific awards were reported.
Lara Letaw serves as an Instructor in the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science department within Oregon State University's College of Engineering, specializing in online education delivery through OSU Ecampus. She develops and teaches undergraduate and graduate-level computer science courses for distance learners, focusing on curriculum innovation for virtual environments. Her educational background includes: M.S. in Computer Science (Software Innovation) from Oregon State University, 2018 Dr. Letaw's research centers on inclusive design and software engineering , with pioneering work in identifying and resolving inclusivity bugs in technology. Her scholarship addresses gender inclusivity as a core software quality requirement, develops meta-methods like InclusiveMag, and explores how to embed social justice principles into technical coursework. She investigates how information processing styles affect learning outcomes and creates frameworks for accessible online education. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2011-2024) reveals a decisive pivot toward inclusive design and education research after 2019, with nearly 80% of her work focusing on inclusivity in computing education and software development. Her research trajectory shows increasing specialization in online learning environments, gender-inclusive design frameworks, and practical interventions for diversity in computer science programs. Her significant recognitions include: OSU College of Engineering Online Teaching Award (2021) OSU Ecampus Research Fellow (2020-21) OSU Ecampus Open Educational Resources (OER) Affordable Learning Grant (2020-21) for authoring a free software engineering textbook While not explicitly listed as a thesis advisor, Dr. Letaw mentors numerous online computer science students through course instruction and has secured research funding through institutional fellowships. Her OER grant directly supported the creation of accessible educational materials, demonstrating commitment to reducing financial barriers in computing education. Her collaborative research appears through co-authored publications on inclusive design, though no dedicated lab or research team is mentioned in available materials. Current work focuses on scaling inclusivity interventions across computer science curricula and developing practical tools for educators.
Marion Scholz is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Business Informatics, Technische Universität Wien (TU Wien). She specializes in software modeling education, object-oriented systems, and the application of educational technologies. Her research focuses on enhancing teaching methods through digital tools, such as UML-based modeling and multimedia learning resources. She is actively involved in courses like Foundations of Information Systems , Software Engineering , and Research Methods , emphasizing practical and innovative approaches to computer science education. Her work includes co-authoring textbooks on UML and exploring modern tools for modeling education. Scholz contributes to the Business Informatics Group at TU Wien, collaborating on projects related to educational technology and software engineering.
Dr. Aloysius Edoh Jnr is a Senior Lecturer at the University of East London affiliated with the Research Institute for Architecture, Computing & Engineering. His research bridges computational methods and biomedical applications. His primary work involves computational modeling of human anatomical systems using Unified Modeling Language (UML) and CMAUT methodologies. This interdisciplinary approach integrates software engineering principles with medical research.
Dr Aloysius Adotey Edoh Jnr is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Engineering & Computing at the School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering, University of East London. He serves as Course Leader for BSc (Hons) Applied Computing, International Academic Advisor, CDT Computing Assessment Lead, and Educational & Experience Lead. With over 20 years of teaching experience in UK Higher Education Institutions, he has developed numerous engineering and computer science courses taught internationally and acts as a visiting lecturer for universities in Germany, China, Ghana, Greece, and the USA. His academic qualifications include a PhD in Computing and Technology from the University of East London, an MPhil in Computer Science from City, University of London, an MSc in Information Technology from UEL, and a BEng (Hons) in Electrical/Electronic Engineering from the Belarussian State Technical University. He also holds professional certificates in Health Informatics and Machine Learning in Healthcare from UCL, Higher Education Teaching, and cloud technologies from AWS and Azure. Dr Edoh's research spans computational modelling, predictive analytics, and data re-representation techniques with emphasis on medical applications. His work includes modelling large complex real-time computer systems, developing decision support systems predictive algorithms, and applying machine learning for diabetes detection in people of African origins. He also explores enterprise architecture for cloud computing, cybersecurity frameworks using BPMN, multi-cloud optimization, and smart city technologies within Industry 5.0 initiatives. His publications demonstrate interdisciplinary work bridging computer science with healthcare engineering, featuring themes like UML for medical data representation, predictive analytics for clinical decision support, and distributed systems optimization. Recent publications focus on cloud computing, cybersecurity frameworks, and smart infrastructure aligned with Industry 5.0. Dr Edoh has been recognized with the following honor: Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) He has extensive supervision experience, having guided over 1,000 MSc students and 5 PhD students to completion while currently supervising 10 MPhil/PhD candidates. He secured £50,000 in HEFCE funding for a Diagnostic Feedback tool for Virtual Learning Environments. Dr Edoh is an active member of UEL's Distributed Systems and Software Engineering Research Group and contributes to the Intelligent Systems, Intelligent Technologies, and Smart City Research Groups, focusing on cloud computing, cybersecurity, and smart infrastructure projects.
Jadranka Pečar Ilić is a Senior Research Associate and Associate Professor at the Ruđer Bošković Institute (RBI) in Zagreb, Croatia, where she works in the Division for Marine and Environmental Research, specifically in the Laboratory for Informatics and Environmental Modelling. She also serves as an Adjunct Associate Professor at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing (FER) at the University of Zagreb, a position she has held since 2012, having previously been an Adjunct Assistant Professor from 2007-2012. Dr. Pečar Ilić earned her Ph.D. in Technical Sciences, Electrical Engineering (Telecommunications and Informatics) from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing (FER), University of Zagreb (1996-2001), with her thesis completed at the Division for Marine and Environmental Research of the Ruđer Bošković Institute. She also completed postgraduate studies at FER (1991-1995) and earned her B.Sc. from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering (1985-1990). Her primary research interests focus on Environmental Informatics (Enviromatics), Intelligent Transport Systems (particularly for Inland Navigation), and the development of specialized information systems for environmental protection, river navigation, and river information services. She specializes in formal specification of complex information systems through the integration of GIS and object-relational databases using object-oriented approaches and the Unified Modeling Language (UML). Her work also includes developing interactive dynamic WebGIS applications and services. Dr. Pečar Ilić's publication record demonstrates a clear evolution from foundational work in GIS and database systems for environmental monitoring (particularly for the Danube River Basin) toward more contemporary research on climate change impacts on aquaculture, Vibrio dynamics in marine environments, and real-time environmental monitoring systems. Her recent work (2022-2024) shows a strong focus on climate change adaptation in aquaculture, with several publications analyzing how changing environmental conditions affect marine ecosystems and aquaculture productivity in the Adriatic Sea. Best scientific paper in application of GIS (2005), awarded by ESRI representative with "Cartographica Extraordinaire" "Silver medal Josip Lončar" awarded by the FER Faculty Council for distinguished Ph.D. Thesis (2001) Dr. Pečar Ilić has secured significant research funding through Croatian Science Foundation (HrZZ) projects, Croatian Ministry for Science, Education and Sports (MSES) projects, and international collaborations including INTERREG IIIB CADSES projects and Croatia-France programs. She has served as project leader for the "Adapting Marine Finfish Aquaculture to a Changing Climate - AqADApt" project (2018-2022) and co-leader for the "Assessment of Carrying Capacity for Tourist in Nature Protected Areas - ACCTA" project (2014-2017). Her expertise is recognized through her membership in professional organizations including IEEE and the International Society for Environmental Information Sciences (ISEIS). As part of the Laboratory for Informatics and Environmental Modelling at RBI, Dr. Pečar Ilić contributes to interdisciplinary research teams focused on environmental data management, climate change adaptation, and the development of innovative information systems for environmental monitoring and protection. Her work bridges computer science, environmental science, and practical applications for sustainable resource management.
