Steffi de Jong is Associate Professor of Public History and History Didactics at NTNU's Department of Historical and Classical Studies. She holds a PhD from NTNU and previously held positions at Maastricht University and University of Cologne. Research encompasses: Museum representation of historical testimony Digital memory of the Holocaust Re-enactment as historical practice Sensory dimensions of public history Virtual reality in memorial culture Her publications critically examine how technologies like VR transform Holocaust commemoration, arguing that simulated experiences create new forms of 'post-witnessing'. Recent projects include Gerda Henkel Foundation-funded research on historical re-enactment origins and analyses of digital Holocaust memory. Monographs include 'The Witness as Object' (Berghahn, 2018), which analyzes video testimony in memorial museums, and edited volumes on choreomusicology and women's musical leadership.
Richard Eberhardt serves as Program Manager for the MIT Game Lab and instructor for MIT Game Lab classes at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he aligns research projects with staff, equipment, and funding while mentoring student game development initiatives. His operational leadership supports the lab's mission to advance game literacy through interdisciplinary collaboration. His academic credentials include: Bachelor of Arts from the College of William & Mary Serious Games MA Certificate from Michigan State University Professional certifications: Certified Scrum Master PMI Agile Certified Practitioner Eberhardt's research investigates historical representation in games, analyzing how mechanics model historical systems and which narratives are amplified or marginalized in gaming communities. His scholarship spans serious games for mental health awareness, educational applications of VR/AR technologies, and inclusive game jam methodologies, consistently addressing public literacies through civic systems and emotional intelligence frameworks. Analysis of his 2013-2023 publications reveals sustained focus on game-based educational tools across STEM and humanities domains. His work pioneers VR simulations for photonics education, examines historical accuracy in commercial games, and develops inclusive frameworks for collaborative design events. This output demonstrates strategic integration of game mechanics with learning objectives while addressing representation gaps in historical gaming. Notable recognition includes an award for elude , the depression awareness game developed in 2010 for patients' support networks. As a mentor, Eberhardt directs student projects like elude and hosts game jams fostering community collaboration. His Agile-certified project management approach facilitates resource allocation across educational initiatives, though specific grant details remain undisclosed in available materials. The MIT Game Lab operates as his primary research ecosystem, connecting students, faculty, and community partners to explore games' transformative potential in education and social contexts through its Civic Systems, Media & Emotional Intelligence pillar.
Ming Lin is a Distinguished University Professor at the University of Maryland, College Park, holding joint appointments in Computer Science (Department of Computer Science), the Institute for Advanced Computer Studies (UMIACS), Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), and the Maryland Robotics Center. She holds the Dr. Barry Mersky and Capital One E-Nnovate Endowed Professorships. Her research focuses on physically-based modeling, virtual environments, haptics, robotics, and AI applications in healthcare and urban computing. Education: Ph.D., M.S., and B.S. in Electrical Engineering & Computer Sciences from UC Berkeley. She previously spent 20 years at UNC Chapel Hill before joining UMD in 2018. Research interests include collision detection algorithms (e.g., Lin-Canny algorithm), real-time physics simulation, virtual/augmented reality systems, and medical imaging applications. Her work has led to over 2 million downloads of her group's software tools and licenses with 60+ companies. Notable contributions include the Oculus Rift-related VR technologies and Amazon's virtual try-on system. Awards: IEEE Fellow (2012), ACM Fellow (2011), NAI Fellow (2022), and Washington Academy of Sciences Distinguished Career Award (2020). Active in professional service, she serves on the CRA Board and chairs the Committee on Widening Participation in Computing Research. Advising: Supervises 12+ PhD/Master's students. Her lab (GAMMA Group) focuses on AI-driven robotics, autonomous systems, and physically-based simulations. Key projects include traffic simulation frameworks, medical VR applications, and 3D garment modeling.
Associate Professor Naseem Ahmadpour is a leading researcher in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and Design at the University of Sydney 's School of Architecture, Design and Planning. She directs the Affective Interactions Lab and serves as Associate Dean (Research) and Chair of the EDI Committee . PhD, University of Montreal MSc, Chalmers University of Technology BSc, Bahonar University Her research critically examines the ethical implications of sociotechnical systems in care and work futures, focusing on participatory design with vulnerable populations. She explores immersive technologies like VR for mental health, pain management, and clinical training, while advocating for equity in design practices. Recent work includes 15+ publications (2023-2026) on VR applications, ethical design tools, and sociotechnical critiques. She has received the SOAR Prize (2022-2023) and led grants on VR in clinical education, digital volunteering, and aging technologies. Dr. Ahmadpour supervises PhD students in projects like Collaborative Reflection in Mental Health and Cultural Bias in Digital Design . She contributes to the Design. Think. Make. Break. Repeat methodology handbook and co-leads the VirtX Community of Practice for immersive realities.
Wang Jianmin serves as Professor and Doctoral Supervisor at Tongji University's School of Art and Media, concurrently holding the position of Vice Dean since 2014. With a computer science PhD from Sun Yat-sen University, he bridges engineering and media arts through pioneering research in intelligent communication systems and digital media interfaces. His work focuses on human-centered design for emerging technologies, particularly in automotive and virtual environments. His academic foundation includes: PhD in Engineering (Computer Software and Theory), Sun Yat-sen University (2003) Master's in Computational Mathematics, Sun Yat-sen University (1999) Bachelor's in Computational Mathematics, Nankai University (1996) Professor Wang's research centers on intelligent communication systems and digital media art, with significant contributions to automotive human-machine interfaces (HMI), virtual reality applications, and user experience methodologies. His investigations into driver-robot transparency, augmented reality navigation, and mixed-reality educational platforms demonstrate interdisciplinary innovation connecting computer science, cognitive psychology, and design theory. Current projects explore AI-driven media systems for urban environments and safety-critical interaction frameworks. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a cohesive research trajectory focusing on automotive HMI (40% of output), human-robot interaction (30%), and mixed reality applications (30%). His work consistently emphasizes experimental validation through driving simulators and user studies, yielding practical design guidelines for industry implementation. The interdisciplinary nature spans computer science, cognitive ergonomics, and media studies, with increasing emphasis on AI integration in communication systems. His scientific recognition includes national and provincial awards for innovation in human-computer interaction and educational technology: 2019 China Industry-University-Research Innovation Award for automotive HMI systems 2020 China User Experience Alliance Excellence Award 2012 Guangdong Dingying Science and Technology Award Multiple national/provincial science progress awards (2001-2009) 2020 Tongji University Teaching Achievement Award for curriculum development As an educator, Professor Wang mentors graduate students in national design competitions including the 'Core Cup' Future Automotive HMI Challenge and International User Experience Innovation Competition. His research program is supported by substantial funding from diverse sources: National Grants: National Natural Science Foundation projects on driver behavior modeling and cognitive testing Ministry of Education: 15+产学合作 projects for virtual simulation labs and curriculum development Shanghai Municipal: Publicity Department funding for smart city media research Industry Partnerships: Huawei (intelligent vehicle HMI), SAIC Motor (AR-HUD design), and automotive electronics firms He directs Tongji's Media Experiment and Practice Teaching Center and the All-Media Research Institute, leading teams developing virtual simulation platforms for emergency news reporting, intelligent vehicle interaction testing systems, and mixed reality educational tools. Current initiatives focus on AI-enhanced media art for urban applications and next-generation HMI frameworks for autonomous mobility solutions.
Christos Gatzidis serves as Executive Dean of Bournemouth University's Faculty of Science and Technology since October 2023, overseeing six departments including Computing and Informatics, Creative Technology, and Psychology. Previously Deputy Dean (2021-2023) and Head of Creative Technology Department (2016-2021), he was appointed Professor in Creative Technology in November 2019. The Faculty leads five REF Units of Assessment and secures funding from AHRC, NIHR, and Innovate UK for research spanning digital healthcare, gaming technologies, and cultural heritage applications. His educational qualifications include: PhD in Information Science, City University London (2010) PG Cert in Research Degree Supervision, Bournemouth University (2010) MA in Computer Animation, Teesside University (2003) BSc (Hons) in Computer Studies (Visualisation), University of Derby (2002) Professor Gatzidis specializes in computer graphics with research spanning virtual reality, serious games, and digital healthcare applications. His work bridges technical innovation and practical implementation, particularly in mindfulness prototypes for healthcare and stroke rehabilitation systems. Current projects focus on the multidisciplinary application of gaming technologies in medical contexts, emphasizing user experience and therapeutic outcomes through collaborations with industry partners. His publication record (2014-2025) demonstrates evolving expertise from foundational computer graphics research in terrain generation and deformation to applied work in healthcare, cultural heritage, and music education. Key trends include virtual reality for therapeutic mindfulness, usability studies in mobile gaming, and digital cultural presentation techniques, reflecting a trajectory toward socially impactful technological solutions with strong industry translation. No scientific awards are documented in the provided information. He has supervised PhD students and secured competitive research funding, including two Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Partnerships. His principal investigator role in a virtual reality mindfulness prototype project exemplifies his approach to translating academic research into practical industry solutions, with current focus on expanding knowledge exchange activities to support the University's civic engagement mission. As Executive Dean, he leads faculty-wide research strategy across six departments, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations particularly in digital healthcare and cultural heritage. His personal research integrates computer graphics expertise with clinical applications through partnerships with healthcare providers and technology companies, driving innovation in therapeutic VR systems and educational gaming platforms.
Ronald Hedden is a Professor of Practice in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), where he focuses on innovations in undergraduate education and polymer science. Previously, he served as an Associate Professor at Texas Tech University (2009–2017). His current research emphasizes Virtual Reality (VR) integration into chemical engineering education, including the development of a Virtual Chemical Plant (VCP) simulation to provide safe, cost-effective access to process equipment. His research interests span chemical engineering, polymer science, soft materials, and nanomaterials. Notable projects include applying VR for teaching process safety and dynamics, as well as exploring nanocomposite materials and membrane technologies. He also investigates polymer rheology and structure-property relationships using advanced characterization techniques like NMR and SANS. Hedden teaches both core chemical engineering courses and interdisciplinary engineering subjects. His work bridges academic research and practical applications, with contributions to biofuel refining, asphalt modification, and nanoparticle incorporation in polymers. While no specific awards are listed, his extensive publication record highlights impactful contributions to materials science and educational technology. His advisory work involves student projects on VR simulations and materials engineering. He collaborates on initiatives like the VCP platform, aimed at advancing safety training and process control education. Hedden’s career reflects a commitment to both cutting-edge research and transformative pedagogy in engineering education.
Prof. Bernhard U. Seeber is an Extraordinary Professor at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), leading the Chair of Audio Signal Processing within the TUM School of Computation, Information and Technology. His work bridges auditory neuroscience and engineering, focusing on improving hearing aids, cochlear implants, and virtual acoustic systems. He holds affiliations with the Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience, Munich Institute of Biomedical Engineering, and others. Education: Studied and earned his PhD (2003) in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology at TUM. Postdoctoral research included time at UC Berkeley and the MRC Institute of Hearing Research (UK), where he pioneered studies on binaural hearing and cochlear implant optimization. Research Interests: Combines experimental and theoretical approaches to explore auditory scene analysis, binaural unmasking, and spatial hearing. Key areas include signal coding for cochlear implants, virtual acoustics, and non-destructive acoustic monitoring. His work emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration with industry and academia. Awards: Lothar Cremer Award (2010), Emmy Noether Fellowship (2007), and recognition from the German Acoustical Society. Teaching: Offers courses on audio communication, computational neuroscience, and technical acoustics. Projects: Leads initiatives like HAPPAA and Auralization, advancing sound field synthesis and hearing aid algorithms. Current Roles: Head of Chair of Audio Signal Processing, Board Member of DEGA, and spokesperson for the ITG Technical Committee on Hearing Acoustics.
D. Fox Harrell is a Professor of Digital Media and Artificial Intelligence at MIT's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL), leading the Imagination, Computation, and Expression (ICE) Lab. He directs the MIT Center for Advanced Virtuality, pioneering computational media for social impact. His research bridges AI, cognitive science, and digital arts to explore imagination's intersection with technology. He holds a PhD and has authored the seminal book *Phantasmal Media* (MIT Press, 2013), earning an Emmy for his virtual reality initiatives. His work includes the Chimeria Platform (patented), which models social identity in games and media, and Project VISIBLE, using VR to teach behavioral ethics. Key awards include the NSF CAREER Award for identity representation research. His interdisciplinary collaborations span MIT's Institute for Data, Systems, and Society (IDSS) and international initiatives like the QCRI-CSAIL Alliance.
Dr. Yelda Turkan is an Associate Professor in the School of Civil and Construction Engineering at Oregon State University, where she leads research in automation, computer vision, and machine learning for sustainable infrastructure. She holds a PhD from the University of Waterloo and dual BS degrees in Civil Engineering and Geomatics Engineering from Istanbul Technical University. Her work focuses on leveraging lidar, digital twins, and BIM to improve construction operations and decision-making in the built environment. She has secured over $4M in grants from NSF, FHWA, and other agencies, and currently leads the NSF Convergence Accelerator-funded 'Deep Reality' project for AI-driven infrastructure management. Education: Ph.D., Civil Engineering, University of Waterloo, 2012 M.S., Engineering Informatics & Remote Sensing, Istanbul Technical University, 2006 B.S., Civil Engineering (double major in Geomatics Engineering), Istanbul Technical University, 2005/2003 Professional Roles: Vice President, International Association for Automation and Robotics in Construction (IAARC) Chair, ASCE Computing Division Education Committee Associate Editor, ASCE OPEN Journal Her research emphasizes automation in construction quality control, infrastructure inspection via drones and lidar, and immersive education tools using VR/AR. Recent projects include automated curb ramp compliance analysis, wildfire impact modeling, and digital twin development for timber structures. She has published over 80 peer-reviewed articles and actively promotes computing integration in civil engineering education and professional practice.
Mark D. Gross is a Professor of Computer Science and Director of the ATLAS Institute at the University of Colorado Boulder. His research focuses on modular robotics, tangible interaction design, digital fabrication, and computational design. He co-founded Modular Robotics and Blank Slate Systems, leveraging his expertise in educational technology and maker culture. Education: PhD in Design Theory & Methods from MIT. Academic history includes roles at Carnegie Mellon University and University of Washington Seattle. His work spans architecture, robotics, and human-computer interaction. Research Interests: Modular robotics and computationally enhanced construction kits Tangible interaction and e-textiles Shape-changing interfaces and swarm robotics Sketch-based interaction and digital fabrication Publications highlight advancements in collaborative AR systems, shape-changing interfaces (e.g., LiftTiles, ShapeBots), and accessible technologies like FluxMarker. His work bridges computational tools and creative design processes. Advising: Guided students such as Ryo Suzuki (PhD '20). Entrepreneurial ventures include companies spun off from research. Labs/Teams: Leads projects at the ATLAS Institute, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration in robotics, design, and human-centered computing.
Suzanne Estaphan is a Senior Lecturer in Medical Science (Physiology and Clinical Pharmacology) at the Australian National University (ANU) School of Medicine and Psychology . She holds qualifications including a Doctorate of Physiology (2015) , MSc in Physiology (2012) , MBBCh (2005) , and Basic Certificate in Medical Education (2018) . Her academic roles span curriculum development, admissions, and assessment committees in the ANU Medical School. Senior Lecturer, ANU (2023–present) Academic Editor, PLOS ONE (2024–present) Review Editor, Frontiers in Physiology (2023–present) Dr. Estaphan's research bridges oxidative stress and inflammation in disease pathology with medical education innovation . Her work explores antioxidant interventions for organ damage and investigates AI/virtual reality applications in education. Recent projects include studying sleep dysfunction in eating disorders and diabetes medication effects on exercise capacity . Between 2023–2025, her 15 most recent publications span oxidative stress , medical education , and molecular pathophysiology . Themes include homeostasis , clinical reasoning , and metabolic disorders , with subfields like MMP-9 biology , pancreatic injury , and VR-based hypoxia training . Scientific accolades include the American Physiological Society Travel Award (2017) and recognition as Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2023) . She mentors medical students, contributes to national physiology curriculum consensus projects, and has secured approximately $200,000 in research funding .
David Chalmers is a University Professor of Philosophy and Neural Science at New York University and co-director of the Center for Mind, Brain, and Consciousness. He is also an Honorary Professor of Philosophy at the Australian National University and co-director of the PhilPapers Foundation. His work bridges philosophy, cognitive science, and emerging technologies. Research Interests: Chalmers is best known for his work on the 'hard problem of consciousness'—the challenge of explaining subjective experience. His research spans philosophy of mind, metaphysics, epistemology, philosophy of language, and the foundations of physics and AI. He actively explores the implications of virtual reality, simulation theory, and large language models for philosophy and consciousness studies. Recent Research Trends: His recent publications focus on AI consciousness, the ethical treatment of AI systems, the simulation hypothesis, and the nature of thought in language models. These works reflect a growing engagement with artificial intelligence and digital metaphysics, positioning philosophy at the forefront of technological inquiry. Scientific Awards: While no specific awards are listed in the provided text, Chalmers is widely recognized as one of the most influential contemporary philosophers, particularly in philosophy of mind. Advising and Grants: He mentors students and postdocs, though specific names are not listed. His leadership in the Center for Mind, Brain, and Consciousness and the PhilPapers Foundation suggests active grant-funded research and academic collaboration. Labs and Teams: He co-directs the Center for Mind, Brain, and Consciousness at NYU and the PhilPapers Foundation , both of which support research, publications, and global philosophical discourse in philosophy of mind and related fields.
Arie E. Kaufman is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Stony Brook University, serving as Chief Scientist of the Center of Excellence in Wireless and Information Technology (CEWIT) and Director of the Center of Visual Computing (CVC). He additionally holds a Distinguished Professorship in Radiology, with a 40+ year career at Stony Brook since joining in 1985 and chairing the CS department from 1999-2009. His seminal research spans computer graphics, visualization, and virtual reality with biomedical applications, pioneering breakthroughs including 3D Virtual Colonoscopy (FDA-approved colon cancer screening), Cube hardware architectures (commercialized as VolumePro), the Reality Deck (1.5 billion-pixel immersive display), and foundational work in volume visualization. His interests focus on real-time rendering, medical imaging, and immersive analytics, with recent work integrating machine learning for healthcare and environmental risk visualization. Recent publications demonstrate continued leadership in high-resolution immersive displays (Silo), XR analytics with LLMs, storm surge visualization, and neural reconstruction techniques. His work bridges theoretical innovation with practical applications, particularly in pancreatic cancer prognosis and disaster preparedness. Major honors include: IEEE Visualization Career Award (2005) Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors (2017) ACM Fellow (2009) IEEE Fellow (1998) Long Island Technology Hall of Fame (2013) European Academy of Sciences membership (2002) As PI on 100+ research grants, Kaufman's work has generated 300+ refereed papers, 40+ patents, and extensive media coverage (New York Times, Science, Wall Street Journal). He leads the Center of Visual Computing with focus on translational research, including VolVis software (5,000+ installations) and Reality Deck deployments for big data analytics. His lab develops cutting-edge visualization infrastructure for medical diagnostics and environmental modeling, with current projects advancing immersive storm surge analytics, neural structure extraction, and VR-based risk communication systems. Future work emphasizes AI-enhanced visualization for precision medicine and climate resilience planning.
Claire O'Brien is a Senior Lecturer in Computer Animation at Teesside University, affiliated with the Department of Digital Arts and Animation within the School of Computing, Engineering & Digital Technologies. She serves as Course Leader for the MA Animation program and coordinates Animex Screen, the international student film festival linked to the annual Animex event. Her academic journey includes roles at Northumbria University and South Tyneside College before returning to Teesside in 2022. Education: Bachelor of Fine Art (Painting and Printmaking), University of East London, 1997 Post-Graduate Diploma in Arts Management, Northumbria University, 2000 Master of Computer Animation, Teesside University, 2005 Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (PgCTLHE), Teesside University, 2024 Fellow of Advance Higher Education (FHEA), awarded November 2024 Claire's research focuses on Animation Studies , Immersive Technologies (AR/VR/MR) for education, healthcare, and industrial training, Full-dome 360 filmmaking , and pedagogical innovation in digital arts. Her recent work explores how animated visualizations in film convey complex information through interfaces like HUDs and holograms, and how animation functions in public and cultural spaces such as cruise ships and heritage exhibitions. Her recent publications from 2023–2024 demonstrate a consistent engagement with animation as a tool for communication, cultural storytelling, and technological critique. Themes include representational vehicles, folklore in digital art, and the integration of generative AI in creative processes, particularly in health awareness contexts like menopause support. Scientific Awards and Recognitions: Fellow of Advance Higher Education (FHEA), 2024 Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, Teesside University, 2024 Claire leads the MenopauseXR project funded by Innovate UK (2024–2025), which investigates the use of Generative AI and Extended Reality to support menopause awareness and education. She has no listed formal students, but her role as course leader and lecturer implies significant student mentorship. Her enterprise activity includes participation in the XR Stories XR Accelerator in 2024, focusing on commercializing mobile augmented reality research. Claire is actively involved in Animex , a major animation and games festival, where she coordinates Animex Screen. She also collaborates with cultural institutions such as the National Trust , having contributed animation and prints to the exhibition "Washington: Fact, Fiction and Folklore." Her work bridges academia, creative practice, and public engagement.
