Deborah Richards is a Professor in the School of Computing at Macquarie University, affiliated with the Ethics and Agency Research Centre, Performance and Expertise Research Centre, and Frontier AI Research Centre. She holds roles as Industry and External Relations Director for the School and Director of the Virtual Reality Lab. Her research focuses on Intelligent Virtual Agents, Virtual Reality applications in education and health, knowledge acquisition, and cybersecurity ethics. She has authored over 425 publications and led 19 research projects, including studies on AI in healthcare and ethical AI design. Education: PhD (Artificial Intelligence, Macquarie University), MAppSc (Information Studies), BBus (Computing and MIS), and a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (Leadership and Management). She advises on PhD and MRes students in Intelligent Virtual Agents research. Research interests include virtual agents for health behavior change, AI ethics, and educational technology. Notable projects include the eADVICE web-based management system for urinary incontinence and the development of embodied conversational agents for wellbeing support. Awards include the ABC Science Media Fellowship (2005) and Vice-Chancellor’s Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning (2017). Grants and collaborations span health informatics, cybersecurity, and AI ethics. She co-leads initiatives like the Respectful Maternity Care study and the Virtual Reality Lab’s immersive learning environments. Future work emphasizes ethical AI integration in education and healthcare.
Dr. Farha Sattar is a Lecturer in Education (Mathematics) at the Faculty of Arts and Society, Charles Darwin University. With over thirty years of teaching experience in Mathematics, Science education, GIS, Remote Sensing, and e-Learning technologies at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, Dr. Sattar brings extensive expertise to her academic role. She holds a PhD in Geospatial Science from Charles Darwin University, focusing on Spatial Mathematical Modelling for 3D Gully Mapping and Erosion Quantification. Her educational background includes: PhD in Geospatial Science (Three Dimensional Gully Mapping and Erosion Quantification within a Geoinformatics Framework), Charles Darwin University (2012) Prior academic experience at several Asian and European universities Dr. Sattar's research spans multiple interdisciplinary fields with a strong focus on the intersection of education and technology. Her primary research interests include Mathematics Education, STEM Education, Geoscience Education, Spatial Mathematical Modelling, Drone Technology, Remote Sensing, Geographic Information Systems, and Innovative Pedagogies such as experiential learning and inquiry-based approaches. She has developed expertise in cognitive development, particularly in fostering critical and creative thinking skills through iSTEM approaches. An analysis of Dr. Sattar's recent publications reveals a consistent trajectory toward integrating emerging technologies like drones, augmented reality, and geospatial artificial intelligence into educational contexts. Her work demonstrates a progression from foundational geospatial research on erosion mapping to innovative applications in STEM education. Recent publications increasingly focus on drone technology for educational purposes, spatial data infrastructure for policy development, and computational thinking development through technology-enhanced learning. Dr. Sattar has received numerous accolades for her contributions to education and research: NT Science Week Awards – Inspired NT STEM Hero of the Year award (2021) Long Service Recognition Award (2023) Finalist, CDU Alumni Award (2023) Multiple Best Presentation Awards (2008, 2010, 2017) Australian College of Educators - 2021 College Medal Nominee As a supervisor, Dr. Sattar mentors postgraduate research students including Ayesha Farhan, who is working on "A Framework for Cognitive Development: Fostering Critical and Creative Thinking Skills, Using iSTEM Approach." She actively secures research funding through various projects such as "DBELaSTEM: Drone-Based Experiential Learning and STEM Education," "STEM_D & VR: Youth STEM Learning and Empowerment with Drones and VR," and "CodProg Drone Lab." Her research is supported by grants from NT Government projects and other external funding sources. Dr. Sattar leads the CodProg Drone Lab, an innovative research space exploring drone technology applications in education. She is a certified drone pilot and aeronautical radio operator, which enables her to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical applications. Her work with the "Flying Forward: Drones, STEM Equity, and Indigenous Empowerment" initiative demonstrates her commitment to community engagement and addressing educational disparities through technology.
Professor Guy Wallis is a Professor and Director of Research at the School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences at the University of Queensland. He is also an Affiliate of the Centre for Sensorimotor Performance. His work bridges visual neuroscience, computational modeling, and applied human factors research, with significant contributions to understanding visual recognition and visuomotor behavior. Education: Bachelor (Honours) of Engineering in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Imperial College London PhD in Visual Neuroscience from University of Oxford, UK Prof. Wallis's research program combines computational modeling with behavioral studies, many conducted in computer-controlled virtual environments. His work spans visual neuroscience, object recognition, visuomotor control, and simulator-based training. He has made significant theoretical contributions to understanding how visual recognition is achieved in biological systems and how everyday visuomotor tasks are regulated, challenging existing paradigms and offering new insights. His recent publications reveal a strong focus on virtual reality applications, visual-motor integration challenges, and cross-species cognitive studies. There's a clear trend toward investigating how virtual environments can be optimized for training and assessment, with particular attention to visual perception limitations and how humans adapt to these environments across diverse contexts from surgical training to aviation. Scientific Awards and Recognitions: Elected Fellow of the Queensland Academy of Arts and Sciences (2022) ARC Medical Research Advisory Group (2022-2024) ARC College of Experts (2019-2021) CSIRO CSS Human Research Ethics Committee member (2020-2022) UQ Health and Behavioural Sciences Faculty, HDR Supervision Award (2018) ARC Future Fellowship (2011-2014) ARC QEII Fellowship (2003-2007) UQ Postdoctoral Fellowship (2001-2003) Prof. Wallis has successfully secured funding from major organizations including the Australian Research Council, the Human Frontier Science Program, and the Wellcome Trust. His industry partnerships span diverse sectors such as construction training, mining, healthcare, and aerospace. His research has led to the development of novel training programs for health professionals, impacted the design of man-machine interfaces for mining equipment, and informed the design parameters for pilot training systems. As Director of Research, he oversees the research direction of the School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations and supporting early-career researchers through his leadership in the Centre for Sensorimotor Performance.
Dr Luke Hespanhol is a Senior Lecturer in Design and Computation at the University of Sydney's School of Architecture, Design and Planning. He is affiliated with the Sydney Southeast Asia Centre and Sydney Nano Institute, and previously served as a guest researcher at Aarhus University's Department of Aesthetics and Communication. His work focuses on interactive media installations that foster reflection on human-environment relationships, blending urban design, technology, and social engagement. He holds a PhD in interactive media architecture from the University of Sydney's Design Lab, with research exploring user-centred hybrid urban environments. His doctoral work laid the foundation for his current interests in digital placemaking, urban informatics, and smart cities. Research Interests: - Designing technology-infused public spaces - Media architecture as a tool for inclusive urban development - Ethical implications of AI and blockchain in cultural contexts - Temporal and spatial dimensions of urban interaction design - HCI methodologies for multiperspectival cultural heritage interpretation - Antifragile city frameworks integrating citizen participation His recent publications highlight trends in reimagining urban futures through speculative design, ethical AI systems, and autonomous vehicle interaction paradigms. While no specific scientific awards are listed, his work often addresses critical societal issues like decolonization in technology and climate-resilient infrastructure. Grants and Collaborations: - 2025: 'Waste to Resilience: Sanitation Against Stunting and Climate Vulnerability in Informal Coastal Areas' (Sydney Southeast Asia Centre) - 2022: 'The Metaverse as Vehicle for Aboriginal Digital Inclusion, Wellness and Self-Determination' (Facebook Research) Dr Hespanhol is actively involved in the Media Architecture Institute and contributes to cross-disciplinary initiatives uniting technology, art, and urban planning. His research emphasizes co-creation processes with communities to ensure equitable technological integration in urban systems.
Craig Jin is an Associate Professor at the University of Sydney, leading the CARlab (Computing and Audio Research Laboratory) and Spatial Audio Research initiatives within the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering. He holds a BS from Stanford University, an MS from Caltech, and a PhD from the University of Sydney. His work focuses on immersive audio technologies, biomedical signal processing, and assistive technologies for sensory augmentation. Research interests include spatial audio reproduction, binaural processing, acoustic sensing for accessibility, and machine learning applications in signal processing. Key contributions span HRTF interpolation, noise reduction algorithms, and acoustic touch systems for the visually impaired. Recent projects include real-time MRI analysis of vocal tract dynamics and sparse recovery techniques for sound field reconstruction. His publications span over 150 peer-reviewed articles in journals like IEEE Transactions on Audio, Speech, and Language Processing, and conferences such as ICASSP. He advises four current PhD/Master’s students on projects like predictive gesture tracking, voice disorder classification, and magnetic resonance imaging techniques.
Dr. Zara Ersozlu is a Senior Lecturer in Mathematics Education within the School of Education at the University of Newcastle, Australia. With a distinguished international career spanning multiple continents, she has held academic positions at prestigious institutions including North Carolina State University (USA), Gazi and Gaziosmanpasa Universities (Turkey), National Taiwan Normal University (Taiwan), The University of Western Australia, Murdoch University, and Deakin University. Her academic journey includes tenured positions as an Associate Professor and leadership roles as Department Head and Chair in teacher education disciplines. Currently, she teaches undergraduate and postgraduate courses in mathematics education, including Effective Pedagogies in Primary Mathematics, K-6 Mathematics, K-6 Numeracy, and Digitally Supported Learning. Dr. Ersozlu earned her Doctor of Philosophy from Firat University in Turkey and her Master of Art from Sakarya University. Her extensive academic preparation is complemented by five years of practical teaching experience in public schools prior to entering academia. This blend of theoretical knowledge and practical classroom experience informs her approach to teacher education and educational research. At the broadest level, Dr. Ersozlu's research investigates solutions to real-life problems impacting people's well-being, success, and capacity to achieve. Her scholarly work spans primary and secondary mathematics education, the psychology of mathematics (including metacognition, self-regulation, and anxiety), cross-cultural educational studies, teacher education, virtual simulated learning environments, and educational assessment. She has increasingly focused on the transformative potential of AI and machine learning in education, exploring how these technologies alter teaching, learning, and research processes. Her methodological expertise encompasses both quantitative and qualitative approaches, allowing her to effectively analyze both small and large educational datasets. Analysis of Dr. Ersozlu's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on mathematics anxiety, teacher education, and the integration of technology in learning environments. Her work demonstrates a consistent focus on practical applications of educational research to address real-world challenges in mathematics education. The interdisciplinary nature of her research connects educational psychology, technology integration, and cross-cultural perspectives, with particular attention to how these elements intersect in teacher preparation and student learning outcomes. 2023 ATEA Research Recognition Award from the Australian Teacher Education Association 2021 Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (Advance HE, UK) 2010 Fellowship Program for Postdoctoral Researchers from the Council of Higher Education of Turkey Dr. Ersozlu is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of scholars, currently supervising four PhD students and having successfully guided ten students to completion. Her grant portfolio includes significant funding for projects such as Best Practice Guidelines for RPL in Initial Teacher Education Programs ($60,000), Exploring the Reciprocal Relationship Between Mathematics Anxiety and Mathematical Resilience ($2,599), and multiple conference travel awards. She serves as an Associate Editor for several prominent journals including the International Electronic Journal of Mathematics Education and as Editor for Interdisciplinary STEM Education. Her editorial work reflects her standing as a respected voice in mathematics education research. Dr. Ersozlu's academic leadership extends to her role in developing innovative teaching approaches that integrate virtual simulation technology and learning analytics. Her work with TeachLivE™, a mixed-reality classroom simulation platform, demonstrates her commitment to creating authentic learning experiences for teacher education students. Through these initiatives, she bridges the gap between educational theory and classroom practice, preparing future educators to effectively implement evidence-based teaching strategies in diverse learning environments.
Professor Judy Kay is a leading academic in Computer Science at the University of Sydney, holding a Chair in Human-Centred Technology Research within the Faculty of Engineering and IT. Her work focuses on designing personalized systems that empower users to control their data, particularly in lifelong learning and health contexts. She leads the Human Centred Technology Research Cluster and is Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Education (IJAIED). Education: Studied at the University of Sydney, inspired to pursue academia due to its multidisciplinary environment and student collaboration opportunities. Research interests include user modeling, scrutable AI systems, and interfaces for personal informatics. Current projects span virtual reality learning environments, health data dashboards, and ethical AI transparency. Her work has led to commercialized technologies like the Personis system. Publications include over 200 peer-reviewed works in top venues like CHI, UbiComp, and AIED conferences. Awards highlight her contributions to computing education and AIED, including the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award. Advises 4 current PhD/Master’s students focusing on topics like Open Learner Models in VR and health decision-making tools. Collaborates with multidisciplinary teams across computer science, health sciences, and education. Labs/Teams: Leads research groups in the School of Computer Science and collaborates with the Charles Perkins Centre on health-related projects.
Dr. Kanchana Thilakarathna is a Senior Lecturer in Distributed Computing at the University of Sydney's School of Computer Science, and a member of the Centre for Distributed and High Performance Computing. They hold a PhD from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and a B.Sc. Eng (Hons) from the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka. Prior to academia, they worked as a Research Scientist at CSIRO/Data61 and had industry experience as a Mobile Radio Network Engineer. Research Interests : Dr. Thilakarathna focuses on cybersecurity, privacy in mobile and IoT systems, mixed reality privacy, and distributed computing platforms. Their work emphasizes user-centric solutions like the Yalut social media app, which enables decentralized data sharing. Key themes include privacy-preserving techniques, edge computing, and secure federated learning frameworks. Recent Work : Recent articles (2023–2025) explore machine unlearning for large language models, federated learning security, and IoT network slicing using P4 programmability. Their work on synthetic video traffic generation (VideoTrain++) and drone detection (DronePrint) demonstrates cross-disciplinary innovation. Awards : Malcolm Chaikin Prize (2015), Meta Research Awards (2020/2022), and Heidelberg Laureate Fellowship (2019). Grants : ARC Research Hub for Future Digital Manufacturing (2024), NSW Defence Innovation Network Projects (2024/2021), and Facebook Research Awards (2022/2020). Students : Advising 4 current PhD students on topics like wireless trust establishment and machine unlearning. Labs/Teams : Part of the Centre for Distributed and High Performance Computing and Sydney Nano Institute.
Mark Billinghurst is a Professor and Director of the Australian Research Centre for Interactive and Virtual Environments at UniSA STEM, University of South Australia. His work focuses on Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and empathic computing, emphasizing remote collaboration, human-computer interaction, and inclusive design. He has authored influential books like Computer-Supported Collaboration: Theory and Practice (2024) and pioneered systems such as Empathy Glasses and gaze-tracking interfaces for collaborative tasks. Education & Affiliations: Mark Billinghurst is affiliated with the Empathic Computing Laboratory and has collaborated globally with institutions like Keio University, Nokia, and the University of Canterbury. His research spans AR applications in manufacturing, healthcare, and social interaction, with a focus on improving accessibility and user experience. Research Interests: Dr. Billinghurst’s research explores AR/VR for remote guidance, wearable technologies, and emotional interfaces. He investigates how gaze cues, multimodal feedback, and AI can enhance collaboration and empathy in virtual environments. His work bridges technical innovation with human-centric design, addressing challenges in industrial assembly, mental health, and workplace transformation. Publications & Impact: His 2016 study on gaze tracking in remote collaboration (cited over 100 times) and 2024 book on AR collaboration highlight his contributions. Recent projects include Vibe360 (group emotion analysis) and CAEVr (biofeedback-driven empathy systems). He actively contributes to conferences like IEEE VR and CHI, shaping the future of immersive technologies. Labs & Future Work: His lab develops tools like the SAR system for aircraft drilling and empathic agents (EMiRAs). Future directions include AI-driven emotional interfaces, inclusive metaverse design, and VR solutions for cognitive rehabilitation.
Dr. Omkar Prabhakar Dastane is a Senior Lecturer and Director of Postgraduate Studies at the Malaysia School of Business, Monash University Malaysia. He holds a PhD in Business from Curtin University and certifications including Certified Management and Business Educator (CMBE) from CABS, UK, and HRDF-approved trainer status in Malaysia. His research focuses on technological impacts on businesses, digital consumer behavior, and customer value perception, with publications in A-ranked journals like the Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services and Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing & Logistics . He has secured MYR 157,549 in research grants and received notable awards like the Best Paper Awards (2017/2018) and Emerald Literati Award (2024). Dr. Dastane has held leadership roles including Head of MBA Programs and Head of Postgraduate Studies at top-tier institutions. He actively contributes to editorial roles for journals like Arab Gulf Journal of Scientific Research and reviews for SSCI/SCIE-indexed publications. His teaching emphasizes strategic branding and services marketing, integrating AR/VR tools for immersive learning. He has also led educational visits across ASEAN countries. His research interests span metaverse applications in business, immersive technologies, and contemporary consumer behavior trends. Recent work explores AI-driven services, live-stream commerce, and digital transformation's role in achieving UN SDGs. He has advised on over 200 research projects and secured multiple teaching grants including the 2025 Learning & Teaching Grant.
Florian 'Floyd' Mueller is a Professor of Future Interfaces at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, where he directs the award-winning Exertion Games Lab within the Department of Human-Centred Computing (ranked among the top 20 HCI departments globally). Previously, he held positions at RMIT University, Stanford, University of Melbourne, Microsoft Research, MIT Media Lab, Fuji-Xerox Palo Alto Labs, Xerox Parc, and Australia's CSIRO. Mueller is a member of the prestigious ACM SIGCHI Academy, an honorary group recognizing leaders who have made substantial contributions to Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). Professor Mueller's research focuses on the intersections between technology, the human body, and play. He originated the concept of "Exertion Interface," arguing that we should not just design "easy-to-use" interactions when "hard-to-use" interactions can also be beneficial. His work spans movement-based interactions, whole-body interfaces, uncomfortable interactions, somaesthetics, and exertion games. Mueller's research methodology often employs research through design, design ethnography, and autoethnography to explore these novel interaction paradigms, incorporating mixed-reality, augmented reality, virtual reality, electronic muscle stimulation, biosensors, wearables, and drones. His recent publications demonstrate a continued focus on bodily interactions and human-computer integration, with particular emphasis on emerging subfields like WaterHCI and SportsHCI, brain-computer interfaces, and gustosonic (taste and sound) experiences. Mueller's work has evolved from foundational exertion game concepts to more sophisticated explorations of human-computer integration where technology becomes seamlessly woven into the fabric of human experience. Professor Mueller's contributions have been widely recognized with numerous awards including: Inaugural honouree of the Australian Design Centre's Design Honours Tall Poppy award for "intellectual and scientific excellence" 10 "Best Paper Honorable Mentions" (top 5%) from premier HCI conferences 2 "Best Paper" awards (top 1%) at CHI PLAY and CHI Shortlisted for the European Innovation Games Award (alongside Nintendo's WiiFit) Nokia Mindtrek Ubimedia Award Mueller has successfully secured some of Australia's largest and most competitive research grants, achieving a remarkable 14% success rate on Australian Research Council Discovery Project applications. He has served as General co-Chair for CHI PLAY'18 and CHI'20, becoming the first Australian-based researcher to spearhead HCI's highest-ranked publication outlet, and is currently General co-Chair for CHI'24. He is Associate Editor for tier A journals including Elsevier's IJHCS (International Journal of Human-Computer Studies) and ACM's IMWUT (Interactive, Mobile, Wearable and Ubiquitous Technologies). As director of the Exertion Games Lab, Mueller leads a research team whose innovations have been experienced by over 20,000 users across 3 continents and featured on the BBC, ABC, Discovery Science Channel, and Wired magazine. The lab has produced groundbreaking work in bodily interfaces, co-founding the CHI PLAY conference series and establishing new research directions in SportsHCI and WaterHCI through recent "Grand Challenges" papers. Mueller's lab continues to push boundaries with projects exploring brain-to-brain interfaces, lucid dreaming induction, and novel gustosonic experiences.
Dr. Amir Ghanbaripour is a Discipline Lead in Planning, Property, and Project Management at Bond University's Faculty of Society & Design, with a PhD in Construction Project Management (2020). He teaches postgraduate courses and leads the Project Management program. His expertise spans project management methodologies, systems thinking, organizational maturity, and gender equality in projects. He is an active member of the Project Management Institute (PMI) as Associate Director for Academic Outreach. Education: PhD in Construction Project Management (Bond University, 2020), MSc in Civil Engineering (Iran University of Science and Technology, 2012), BSc in Civil Engineering (Amirkabir University of Technology, 2009). Research focuses on project success models, agile methodologies, and technology integration in construction education. He leads research projects on megaprojects, sustainable practices, and gender diversity in the industry. Grants include the 2023 FSD Research Project Grant (focusing on construction project strategies) and the 2023 FSD Deans Award (exploring robotics in manufacturing). He supervises PhD candidates and collaborates with national/international organizations on project management innovation.
Associate Professor Sam Kirshner is a faculty member at the University of New South Wales within the School of Information Systems and Technology Management . His research focuses on behavioral decision making , algorithmic impact on operations , and artificial intelligence applications in business contexts. PhD in Management Science from Queen’s University, Canada Teaching expertise in data visualization, predictive analytics, and AI ethics Co-author of Business Analytics: A Management Approach Member of the Ethical AI Advisory His research explores how psychological distance and construal level theory influence decisions in supply chains, technology management, and consumer behavior. Recent work examines ChatGPT's decision biases , algorithm aversion , and sustainable operations under financial constraints. Key publication trends show focus areas: AI ethics and human-AI collaboration Behavioral supply chain analysis Temporal/spatial psychological distance effects CO2 forecasting with sparse data Consumer behavior in digital platforms Virtual reality and cognitive processing Supervision roles include mentoring 2 PhD students and 6 honors students, contributing to the next generation of scholars in business analytics and technology management.
Wenjia Tang is a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow in the Department of Media and Communications at the University of Sydney's Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, contributing to Professor Terry Flew's ARC Laureate project "Mediated Trust". Her work examines digital platforms, media policies, and transnational media dynamics with emphasis on U.S.-China comparative frameworks. Her educational background includes: BA from Sichuan University MA from University College London (UCL) PhD from the University of Sydney Dr. Tang's research spans platform regulation, streaming media business models, and transnational technology policy, with specialized focus on cultural creation in social media, recommendation algorithms, and geopolitical implications of AI, virtual reality, and metaverse technologies. She analyzes how digital platforms navigate regulatory environments while shaping global content ecosystems. Her 2023-2025 publications reveal consistent thematic focus on Chinese digital platforms' global expansion strategies (WeTV, Tencent Video), regulatory challenges in emerging technologies (NFTs, metaverse), and data sovereignty frameworks. This body of work demonstrates methodological emphasis on comparative analysis between Western and Chinese tech ecosystems, particularly regarding content localization, policy adaptation, and geopolitical tensions in digital markets. Currently working on the ARC Laureate "Mediated Trust" project investigating digital media trust mechanisms, Dr. Tang has no documented graduate student supervision. Her research directly informs policy discussions through submissions like the News Media Assistance Program response. She operates within the Mediated Trust research team, an ARC-funded initiative examining trust architectures in algorithmic media environments, with particular attention to cross-cultural regulatory approaches.
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.