Andrea Stevenson Won is a researcher at Cornell University in the Department of Communication , focusing on virtual reality (VR), human-computer interaction, and social dynamics in immersive environments. Her work explores avatar embodiment , nonverbal behavior , and accessibility in VR for users with disabilities. Research Themes : Virtual embodiment and its psychological effects Accessibility solutions for blind and low-vision users in social VR Nonverbal communication analysis in immersive environments Pro-social behavior through VR interventions Collaborative VR systems and AI integration Recent Article Trends : 2024: Investigated avatar behavior transformation in mixed reality ( MRTransformer ), AI-guided accessibility tools, and nonverbal cue adaptations 2023-2022: Focused on educational VR applications, 360° video narratives, and longitudinal team dynamics 2021-2014: Pioneered avatar embodiment studies, anxiety detection via movement tracking, and homuncular flexibility in VR
Taskin Padir is a Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Northeastern University and concurrently serves as an Amazon Scholar. He holds a PhD and MS from Purdue University and a BS from Middle East Technical University. His research focuses on experiential robotics, human-robot teaming, and embodied AI, with leadership roles in the Robotics and Intelligent Vehicles Research Laboratory (RIVeR Lab) and the Institute for Experiential Robotics. Padir has led projects for DARPA, NASA, and industry partners, advancing autonomous systems for extreme environments and human-robot collaboration. Education: PhD, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Purdue University (2004) MS, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Purdue University (1997) BS, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Middle East Technical University (1993) Research Interests: Shared autonomy and human-in-the-loop robotics Embodied artificial intelligence Human-robot teaming in extreme environments (e.g., space, disaster zones) Collaborative robotics for industrial applications His work bridges robotics, AI, and real-world challenges, with recent projects addressing seafood processing automation, robotic navigation in unstructured terrains, and spectroscopy-based environmental monitoring. Awards: Recipient of the 2024 Faculty Research Team Award, 2023 Impact Award, and 2022 Amazon Scholar distinction. His research has been funded by NSF, DARPA, NASA, and industry collaborators like Amazon Robotics and Intel. Labs: Director of the RIVeR Lab and Institute for Experiential Robotics, fostering interdisciplinary research in autonomous systems and intelligent vehicles. Current projects include CRISP (Co-worker Robots for Seafood Processing) and PROSPECT (robotic spectroscopy tools).
James Lawler is a Professor in the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems at Pace University, focusing on Information Technology. He has dedicated his career to advancing Disability Studies and STEM technologies for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities (IDD), while also contributing to e-Business strategies and social entrepreneurship. His work bridges technology and inclusivity, with a strong emphasis on community engagement and equity. Education: DPS, School of Computer Science and Information Systems, Pace University (2002) MBA, Graduate School of Business, Pace University (1974) BBA, Business Administration, Saint Francis College (1971) APC in Computer Applications (Audited), New York University (1979) Research Focus: Professor Lawler's research spans Customer Relationship Management (CRM) technologies, service-oriented architecture, and web services. He has pioneered initiatives for neurodiverse students in STEM, developed multisensory environments using virtual reality, and created programs like the Disability Film Festival to promote inclusion. His work often involves partnerships with AHRC New York City and other organizations. Awards: National Jefferson Award for Community Service (2024) Pace University Golden Graduates Reunion 50th Year of Service (2024) SEINFORMS Certificate of Recognition (2021) ISECON Meritorious Paper Award (2013) Grants & Professional Contributions: He has secured multiple grants for projects like the Disability Film Festival, robotics for elderly people with disabilities, and mobile app development for food waste reduction. His professional service includes roles with AHRC NYC, IEEE Education Society, and editorial boards for academic journals. He also teaches courses on design thinking, information systems, and e-commerce strategies.
Prof. Dr. Harald Reiterer is a leading researcher in Human-Computer Interaction at the University of Konstanz, where he has served as Professor since 2009. His academic journey includes a Ph.D. (1991) and habilitation (1995) from the University of Vienna, followed by roles including Senior Researcher at Fraunhofer FIT and Associate Professor at Konstanz. He currently holds multiple leadership roles: Dean of the Faculty of Sciences , Senator of Section 1 , and Consulting Dean . Ph.D. in Computer Science (University of Vienna, 1991) Venia Legendi (Habilitation) in HCI (University of Vienna, 1995) His research focuses on: Interaction Design for mixed reality environments Information Visualization in immersive contexts Hybrid User Interfaces combining physical and virtual elements 3D Object Manipulation in handheld AR Behavioral Analytics through mHealth interventions Recent work explores: Avatar representation in Augmented Reality (2024) Node selection efficiency in Virtual Reality (2024) Peripheral vision toolkits for Head-Mounted Displays (2023) Hybrid interface optimization for Mixed Reality (2023) Smartphone AR extensions for Spatial Memory (2023) Key scientific contributions: Landeslehrpreis 2021 for interdisciplinary exhibition design Development of Colibri cross-reality toolkit (2023) Foundational work on Re-locations for remote collaboration (2022) He leads numerous projects including: SMARTACT (Smart Mobility, 2015-2023) SFB TRR 161 (2009-2027) on XR interface measurement Blended Library (2011-2015) for future library design
Robert Laganière is a Professor at the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Ottawa, where he has been actively contributing to the fields of computer vision and image analysis. He is a member of the VIVA research laboratory and holds a Ph.D. and M.Sc. from INRS-Telecommunications in Montreal, as well as a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from École Polytechnique de Montréal. Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering: École Polytechnique de Montréal (1987) Master's Degree: INRS-Telecommunications (1990) Doctorate: INRS-Telecommunications (1996) Professor Laganière's research focuses on computer vision, with particular expertise in image and video analysis, visual surveillance, embedded vision systems, and deep learning applications. His work spans fundamental research in feature detection and matching to practical applications in autonomous driving, human recognition, and real-time object tracking. He has made significant contributions to the development of algorithms for pedestrian detection, age and gender recognition, and 3D object localization. His publication trends reveal a consistent focus on practical computer vision applications with a strong emphasis on real-time performance and embedded implementation. Over the past decade, his research has evolved from foundational work in feature matching and homography estimation toward more complex applications in action recognition, human-computer interaction, and intelligent surveillance systems. His work consistently bridges theoretical computer vision with practical engineering constraints, particularly for mobile and embedded platforms. Best Paper Award, IEEE International Conference on Computer and Robot Vision (CRV 2014) Best Paper Award, CVPR Embedded Vision Workshop, Providence, RI, June 2012 Best Real-time Tracker, IEEE International Conference on Computer Vision (ICCV) Workshop on Visual Object Tracking (VOT2015) Professor Laganière has supervised numerous graduate students through the years, with a particular focus on practical applications of computer vision in surveillance, human recognition, and embedded systems. His research has been supported through industry partnerships with companies including CogniVue Corp, NXP, iWatchLife.com, Solink Corp, CBSA Canada, Ross Video, Thales, Habitat Seven, and YouI Labs. He has successfully translated his research into commercial applications through his founding of Visual Cortek (acquired by iWatchLife in 2009) and Tempo Analytics (founded in 2016). As a member of the VIVA research laboratory, Professor Laganière collaborates with colleagues on advanced computer vision projects, particularly those involving intelligent video analytics for security and commerce applications. His work on NAVIRE (Virtual Navigation in Remote Environments) demonstrates his commitment to developing practical solutions for real-world navigation challenges using image-based representations of real environments.
Dr. Maxime Cordeil is a Senior Lecturer in Human Centred Computing at the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, The University of Queensland. His research focuses on Virtual and Augmented Reality technologies for data interaction, interactive visualization systems, and AR interfaces for industry applications. He has authored over 60 publications in top-tier venues such as ACM CHI and IEEE VR, and was nominated as Australia's Field Leader in Computer Graphics in 2021 and 2022. Research Interests: Data visualization, immersive analytics, medical imaging, collaborative systems, and human-computer interaction. Current Projects: Includes embedded visualizations for sports performance, interactive machine learning in 3D environments, and mixed-reality applications in forensic science. PhD Supervision: Actively guiding students in topics like immersive gesture exploration, AR for digital health, and collaborative VR systems. His work bridges theory and practice, with tools like IATK (Immersive Analytics Toolkit) and the MADE-Axes hardware system. He collaborates with industry partners like Raytracer and CSIRO, focusing on applications in space exploration, underwater training, and remote operations. Awards: Multiple best paper recognitions at ISS and CHI, plus industry-driven research grants. Labs: Leads the Immersive Analytics research group at UQ, specializing in embodied interaction and spatial computing.
Dr. Lucie Kruse is a researcher at the Department of Informatics, University of Hamburg, specializing in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and Virtual Reality (VR). Her work focuses on immersive user interfaces for cognitive and physical training, particularly for older adults and those with dementia. She has been an active member of the University of Hamburg's HCI group since 2018 and served on the Ethics Commission since 2023. Her research interests include: Virtual Reality Exergames Serious Games Assistive Technologies Accessibility in VR Mental Health Applications Her publications from 2021-2025 demonstrate expertise in designing VR systems for healthcare, analyzing age-related interaction patterns, and developing inclusive interfaces. She has received multiple awards including the 2024 Honorable Mention for Best Poster at ACM SUI and the 2023 Honorable Mention at ACM CHI. Scientific Awards: Honorable Mention for Best Poster Award at ACM SUI (2024) Runner-Up Prize at Metaverse for the Good (2024) Honorable Mention at ACM CHI'23 Interactive Demo (2023) Honorable Mention at ACM VRST (2021) She has supervised multiple theses on topics like AI agents for mental health, accessibility of chatbots for seniors, and VR exergame design. Her work spans collaborations with institutions like HITLab NZ and Western Sydney University's MARCS Institute.
Professor David Abbink is a Full Professor of Haptic Human-Robot Interaction at Delft University of Technology, holding a joint appointment between the Department of Cognitive Robotics in the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Design Engineering since November 2023. He founded the Delft Haptics Lab and co-founded the Cognitive Robotics Department in 2017. Abbink leads the transdisciplinary research and innovation centre FRAIM, which was awarded the prestigious NWO Stevin Premie (Dutch Nobel Prize equivalent) in June 2024. Trained as a mechanical engineer specializing in biomechanics, Abbink's research focuses on human behavior adaptations when interacting with autonomous systems. He has published over a hundred scientific articles on human-robot interaction, haptics, shared control, tele-operation, driver assistance systems, and sensorimotor control. His research has been funded by industry partners (Nissan, Boeing, Renault), RVO (Brightsky project 2022-2026), and the Dutch Science Foundation NWO through personal grants (VENI 2010-2014, VIDI 2015-2019). Abbink's recent work centers on worker-robot relations as an academic focus, collaborating with organizations like Erasmus Medical Centre for nursing work, Schiphol and KLM for baggage handling, and KLM Engine Repair Services for maintenance work. He also serves as scientific director for the Centre for Meaningful Human Control, launched in October 2024. His work bridges engineering, social sciences, and practical applications to responsibly shape the future of work with emerging robotic capabilities. NWO Stevin Premie (2024) Best IEEE SMC journal paper on Cybernetics (2019) Top 25 scientific talents according to New Scientist (2015) Best teacher of Faculty 3mE (2013, 2014) Best teacher of Department of BioMechanical Engineering (seven consecutive years) Abbink has supervised over 110 MSc students and 11 PhD students. His educational contributions include developing the Master Programme in Robotics at TU Delft and receiving international recognition for his course 'The Human Controller.' He is also a prominent science communicator, featured on national television, radio, and major Dutch newspapers, and has delivered lectures at venues like The Royal Institution and Lowlands Festival. Despite his academic commitments, Abbink maintains a drummer persona, having recorded four albums and performed over 400 shows across three continents between 1999-2014.
Teresa Hirzle is a Tenure Track Assistant Professor at the Department of Computer Science , University of Copenhagen , specializing in Human-Centred Computing . Her research focuses on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) , Virtual Reality (VR) , Extended Reality (XR) , and Gaze-Based Interaction . Research Interests: Designing interaction techniques for immersive environments Eye movement analysis for educational applications Addressing digital eye strain in interactive systems Evaluating user experience in VR/AR Recent Research Trends: Her recent publications examine AI representation in VR co-creation, VR sickness in locomotion, eye strain in gaze-driven systems, and hybrid applications of comics/AR. She also explores pedagogical implications of eye tracking in remote learning. Contact: Email: tehi@di.ku.dk Office: Sigurdsgade 41, 2200 København N.
Danielle Morales is an Assistant Professor in the Sociology Department at the University of Massachusetts Boston, specializing in medical sociology and the sociology of education. Her work examines how health and education systems intersect to create inequality, with particular attention to food insecurity, disability, and environmental injustice. Morales earned her PhD from Texas A&M University and has established herself as a leading researcher on mentoring relationships in higher education. Her research portfolio demonstrates a consistent focus on how institutional constraints shape educational experiences, particularly for marginalized populations. Her research interests span medical sociology, education inequality, disability justice, and mentoring dynamics in academia. Morales investigates how care work functions within and against institutional structures, with current projects centering disability justice amid climate crisis and reimagining mentoring as radical care during higher education retrenchment. Her work frequently examines the intersection of race, ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status in educational contexts. An analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on mentoring relationships in undergraduate research experiences, particularly how mentor competency affects student outcomes. Her work consistently addresses racial and ethnic disparities in STEM education, with special attention to Hispanic/Latinx students. The pandemic has significantly influenced her research trajectory, with numerous studies examining how COVID-19 impacted student wellbeing, research experiences, and educational trajectories. Morales' advising work focuses on mentoring dynamics in undergraduate research, with particular attention to how mentor-mentee relationships affect student outcomes in STEM fields. Her research demonstrates how mentoring can serve as both a protective factor and potential source of stress for students navigating higher education. Her laboratory work centers on undergraduate research experiences, investigating how these programs can be structured to maximize student benefits while addressing systemic inequalities. Current projects examine disability justice within the context of climate crisis and how mentoring functions as a radical act of care in constrained academic environments.
Dr. Scott L. Nykl is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), part of the Graduate School of Engineering & Management. He is a leading researcher in computer vision, real-time 3D graphics, and autonomous aerial systems, with a focus on automated aerial refueling and navigation in GPS-denied environments. Education: Ph.D. in Computer Science, Ohio University (2008–2013), Summa Cum Laude, GPA: 4.0/4.0 M.S. in Computer Science, Ohio University (2011–2012), Summa Cum Laude, GPA: 4.0/4.0 B.S. in Software Engineering, University of Wisconsin–Platteville (2002–2006), Summa Cum Laude, GPA: 3.94/4.0 Dr. Nykl's research interests include computer vision, sensor fusion, interactive virtual worlds, and real-time 3D graphics, with applications in aerospace and defense. His work bridges simulation and real-world deployment, particularly in autonomous aerial refueling using stereo and monocular vision. He has pioneered techniques in pose estimation, occlusion mitigation, and sim-to-real transfer learning. His recent publications and projects show a strong trend toward robust, vision-based navigation systems for unmanned and manned aircraft, with emphasis on reliability, accuracy, and real-time performance. His work frequently appears in IEEE, AIAA, and ION venues, reflecting its high technical and operational relevance. Scientific Awards and Recognitions: 2024 Harold Brown Award – Highest U.S. Air Force scientific honor 2024 General Bernard A. Schreiver Award 2025 AETC Airmen of the Year Multiple Air Force Outstanding Scientist/Engineer Awards (2017–2023) Best Paper Award, ACM SIGGRAPH i3D 2013 Forbes' The Greatest Young Inventors in America (2012) NSF GK-12 Fellow (2006) Dr. Nykl has advised numerous graduate students and collaborated extensively on projects involving automated aerial refueling, 3D reconstruction, and cyber education. He has secured significant research funding, including a $100,000 Ohio Third Frontier grant. His work has led to multiple patents and technology transfers. He leads research integrating virtual worlds, digital twins, and augmented reality for both research and pedagogy. Laboratories and Research Teams: His work is conducted within AFIT’s research ecosystem, involving collaborations with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Boeing, and academic partners. He leads projects under the Aerial Refueling Systems Advisory Group (ARSAG) and presents regularly at ION, AIAA, and IEEE conferences.
Dr Lynette Pretorius is a Lecturer at Monash University's School of Curriculum Teaching & Inclusive Education, where she has established herself as an award-winning educator and researcher. With extensive experience teaching across undergraduate, postgraduate, and graduate research levels, she supervises PhD students while weaving together interdisciplinary expertise to create inclusive and transformative learning environments. Her work spans multiple academic contexts while maintaining a consistent focus on compassionate, equitable education. Dr Pretorius's research centers on doctoral education, academic identity, student wellbeing, and AI literacy, with particular emphasis on creating more just and creative academic spaces. Drawing from autoethnography and qualitative methodologies, her work interlaces personal narratives with institutional systems to understand how lived experiences and academic structures shape one another. She champions pedagogies of care that prioritize wellbeing, justice, and student growth through reflexive, relational ethics and methodological transparency. Her recent publications reveal a growing focus on AI literacy in higher education, with multiple 2024-2025 works developing frameworks for responsible AI use, examining AI's decolonial potential, and exploring how generative AI transforms academic communication and research practices. Alongside this emerging AI focus, her longstanding work on doctoral education continues through writing groups, wellbeing research, and investigations into academic identity formation. Dr Pretorius has received significant recognition for her contributions, including: Dean's Award for Teaching Excellence (2022) Global Impact Grant (Student Success) (2022) Senior Fellow, Higher Education Academy (2021) Dean's Citation for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning (2019) Dean's Award for Programs that Enhance Learning (2019) Her research leadership extends to multiple funded projects including 'Behind the Academic Curtain: Doctoral Students and the Hidden Rules of Academia' (2025-2026) and 'Learning about Academic Publishing through Collaborative Online International Learning' (2024-2025). She actively supervises doctoral students and has developed innovative approaches to research and teaching, particularly through her work on doctoral writing groups as transformative spaces. Dr Pretorius maintains a strong public scholarly presence through her Scholar's Way Blog, University Study Made Easy YouTube Channel, and the AI Literacy Lab. These platforms extend her research impact beyond traditional academic boundaries, reaching broader educational communities and providing practical resources for students and educators navigating contemporary academic challenges.
Dr. Rama Hart is an Associate Professor in the Department of Management at the Opus College of Business, University of St. Thomas. Previously served as Director of the Master of Arts in Organization Development program in the College of Education, Leadership and Counseling before joining Opus in 2018. Specializes in global/virtual team communication, organizational change leadership, and workplace inclusion issues. Teaches Managing Organizational Behavior in Full-time MBA program Offers courses in Organization & Employee Development (MGMT 360) and Inclusive Leadership (MGMT 385) Active participant in equity, diversity, and intercultural competence initiatives Research Focus: Combines virtual communication studies with organizational change management, emphasizing inclusive leadership practices across domestic and global contexts. Her work examines relationship formation in distributed teams through communication patterns and technological mediation. Teaching Philosophy: Integrates experiential learning through virtual worlds and appreciative inquiry methodology, focusing on practical skill development for navigating modern workplace complexities. Institutional Roles: Involved with multiple academic units including the Schulze School of Entrepreneurship and various research centers like the Behavioral Research Center and Institute for Social Innovation.
Dr. Anil Ufuk Batmaz is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering at Concordia University. His research focuses on Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Human-Computer Interaction, with emphasis on interaction techniques, immersive analytics, and motor skill training systems. He holds a BSc in Electrical and Electronics Engineering (2007-2011), an MSc in the same field (2011-2013), and a PhD in Biomedical Engineering (2015-2018). His work bridges engineering and cognitive science, investigating how visual and haptic feedback impact user performance in immersive environments. Research interests include: 3D interaction techniques for mid-air tasks Effects of display technologies on motor coordination Hybrid UI design for mixed reality systems Training systems for precision tasks using VR Recent publications emphasize evaluation of AR/VR interfaces in healthcare, sports training, and collaborative environments. His work has appeared in venues like IEEE TVCG, ACM CHI, and ISMAR, addressing challenges in spatial navigation, error feedback, and system reliability.
Jesper Liniger is an Associate Professor at AAU Energy within the Faculty of Engineering and Science at Aalborg University. He works in the Esbjerg Energy Section focusing on Offshore Renewable Energy Systems and is affiliated with AAU BLUE – Marine & Maritime Research. His office is located at Niels Bohr Street 8, 6700 Esbjerg, Denmark. Research Interests Marine Growth Engineering and automated cleaning solutions for offshore structures Underwater robotics including Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous inspection systems Wind turbine engineering with emphasis on hydraulic pitch systems and fault detection Fluid power engineering applications in marine environments Development of robotic solutions for offshore renewable energy infrastructure Research Trends Dr. Liniger's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on developing robotic solutions for offshore renewable energy infrastructure. His work bridges theoretical control systems with practical marine applications, particularly addressing marine growth (biofouling) challenges on offshore structures. The research shows increasing interdisciplinary collaboration, combining robotics, fluid mechanics, and wind energy systems to create integrated solutions that improve operational efficiency and reduce maintenance costs in offshore environments. Scientific Awards Innovation Project of the Year (2024) - For underwater robotics development Esbjerg Universitetspris (2018) - University award recognizing research excellence Advising and Research Leadership Dr. Liniger actively supervises PhD students and serves as principal investigator or supervisor on multiple major projects including "NextGen Robotics" for offshore wind farms and "Towards Enhancing Perception and Navigation for Autonomous Underwater Inspection Drone." His research portfolio includes collaborations with industry partners like Vattenfall and Business Center Funen, demonstrating strong industry-academia connections focused on practical applications with economic impact. Research Teams and Facilities Liniger is part of AAU BLUE – Marine & Maritime Research, which provides specialized facilities for marine robotics testing and development. His work involves close collaboration with researchers in control systems, fluid mechanics, and renewable energy. The research group has developed experimental frameworks for testing underwater and surface vehicle operations, with recent media coverage highlighting their innovative approaches to solving marine growth challenges on offshore structures.
