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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dr. Tan Kim Lim is a Senior Lecturer at the James Cook University (Singapore Campus), specializing in organizational psychology and consumer behavior. He holds a PhD from Curtin University (2016–2019), an MBA from the University of Melbourne (2004–2006), and a Bachelor of Business from Monash University (1999–2002). His research focuses on the future of work, employee attitudes, technology adoption in hospitality/tourism, and consumer behavior analysis. He employs advanced methodologies like PLS-SEM and has published over 47 articles in top journals like the European Business Review and Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics . Dr. Lim has held roles including Assistant Professor at BNU-HKBU United International College (2020–2022) and Post-doctoral researcher at the Human Capital Leadership Institute (2019–2021). He currently serves on editorial boards of the Journal of Responsible Tourism Management and Journal of Global Responsibilities , and is a member of the Singapore Human Resource Institute and Society of Industrial-Organizational Psychology. His applied research spans commissioned projects for governments and private entities, including studies on waste classification behavior, country music festivals, and AI adoption in social services. Awards include the JCUS Early Career Researcher Award (2023) and Emerald Literati Reviewer Award (2022). Dr. Lim also actively speaks at regional conferences on topics like AI in networking and post-pandemic workplace trends. His current research interests include STARA (Smart Technologies, AI, Robotics, Algorithms) impacts on work, meaningful work dynamics, and tourism behavior analysis. He supervises PhD students exploring AI in social services, indigenous tourism, and workplace technology adoption.
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.
Mihye Won is an Associate Professor at Monash University’s Faculty of Education, specializing in innovative science education strategies. Her research integrates dialogic teaching, student-generated diagrams, immersive Virtual Reality (VR), and generative AI to enhance scientific understanding and creativity. She has secured Australian Research Council (ARC) funding for projects like Using Immersive Virtual Reality to Enhance Science Visualisation (2019–2025) and Drawing Science Diagrams to Enhance Scientific Creativity (2018–2025). Her work supports students, teachers, and early-career researchers, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goal for Education. PhD, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: Inquiry-based science education via Dewey’s theory of inquiry Her research focuses on: Dialogic teaching to foster student reasoning Student-generated diagrams for conceptual understanding VR for visualizing complex science topics Generative AI in science learning Creative and critical thinking in science education Recent articles span VR applications, AI in physics education, collaborative drawing techniques, and curriculum-aligned creative pedagogy. Awards include the Most Valuable Paper Award 2024 for her work on enzyme-substrate interactions in VR. She serves on the advisory board for Chemistry Education Research and Practice and the editorial board of the International Journal of Science Education .
Gavin Schwarz is a Professor and Head of School at the School of Management and Governance within the UNSW Business School . He specializes in organizational change , organizational failure and inertia , and the dynamics of virtual teams , with a focus on how organizations fail during change processes and how to develop applied strategies for change management . His work spans diverse sectors including healthcare, technology, and education, with publications in leading journals such as Academy of Management Learning and Education and Administrative Science Quarterly . Education : PhD in Management (University of Queensland), MPhil (Hons) in Management (University of Auckland), BA in Management and English (University of Auckland). Grants : 2020 Brock University grant for "University communication in times of COVID-19" , 2020 UNSW Medicine grant for "Translation and change: Embedding effective change management in health" , and earlier Australian Research Council and Gordon J. Samuels Fellowship awards. His research explores the development of knowledge in organizational theories , with an emphasis on collective responses to change , HR management during crises , and technology strategy . He has contributed to understanding organizational communication , team innovation , and structural inertia . His 15 most recent publications cover topics from AI’s role in organizational change to pandemic-driven research adaptation, with keywords spanning management science , behavioral economics , and digital transformation . Scientific Awards 2021-2023 : Outstanding Reviewer Awards (Academy of Management Review) 2017-2020 : Best Reviewer Awards (Journal of Organizational Behavior) 2019, 2013, 2011 : Best Paper Finalist/Awardee (Academy of Management divisions) 2007, 2006 : Editorial Board Excellence (Academy of Management Journal) and Gordon J. Samuels Fellowship As an active supervisor in organizational change and HR development , his work supports healthcare innovation and digital transformation. He serves as Editor-in-Chief for the Journal of Applied Behavioral Science and is on the editorial boards of Academy of Management Review , Journal of Management , and Journal of Organizational Behavior . Contact: g.schwarz@unsw.edu.au
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 .
Ryan Kelly is an Associate Professor in the School of Computing Technologies at RMIT University, specializing in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), digital health, and mixed reality. His research focuses on technology-enabled social connection and wellbeing, including designing communication tools for close relationships, digital health initiatives like the Music-Attuned Care via eHealth (MATCH) project, and VR applications for mental health. He collaborates with industry partners such as Google, Netflix, and the Worldwide Fund for Nature, and has developed technologies for older adults, including simplified video calling systems for aged care during the pandemic. His work has been featured globally in media, including Al-Jazeera's documentary All Hail the Algorithm . He actively contributes to the HCI community as a reviewer and committee member for conferences like ACM CHI and CSCW, holding roles such as Editor for CSCW 2025 and Awards Co-Chair for CSCW 2023. Ryan supervises PhD candidates exploring human-centered AI for social connection and online safety for older adults. His research aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health), 9 (Industry Innovation), and 11 (Sustainable Cities). Key projects include the VR mindfulness application used by over 200,000 Australians and the Painpad device for pain logging in UK hospitals. He advocates for participatory design frameworks, emphasizing ethical AI and technology’s role in fostering meaningful human experiences.
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