David Lindlbauer is an Assistant Professor at the Human-Computer Interaction Institute (HCII) of Carnegie Mellon University . He leads the Augmented Perception Lab and co-directs the CMU Extended Reality Technology Center . His research focuses on enhancing human perception and interaction with digital information through novel Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality technologies. Research Interests : Computational interaction techniques Adaptive user interfaces Spatial audio and haptic feedback Dynamic interface element placement Environmental context awareness Noticeability prediction models Scientific Recognition : Best Paper Honorable Mention at ACM CHI 2024 Best Paper Award at ACM ISS 2023 ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship Multiple best paper recognitions at ACM UIST and IEEE VR Professional Engagement : Subcommittee Chair for CHI 2025 Workshops Co-Chair for UIST 2023 Doctoral Symposium Chair for ISS 2023 Regular reviewer for top venues like CHI, UIST, SIGGRAPH, and IEEE VR Education : PhD from TU Berlin Postdoctoral Researcher at ETH Zurich
Enrico Rukzio is a Professor at the University of Ulm, Germany, leading a prominent research group focused on human-computer interaction with particular emphasis on automotive user interfaces, mixed reality, and accessibility. His research spans multiple domains including automated vehicles, virtual reality, and sustainable interaction design, with consistent publication output in top-tier venues such as CHI, UIST, and AutomotiveUI. Professor Rukzio's research interests center around the intersection of human factors and emerging technologies. His work investigates how users interact with automated systems, particularly in transportation contexts, with significant contributions to external vehicle communication, in-vehicle interfaces for automated driving, and accessibility solutions for diverse user populations. His research group has pioneered methods for optimizing user interfaces through Bayesian optimization and has conducted extensive studies on user acceptance of automated vehicle technologies. His publication portfolio reveals a clear trajectory of research evolution from foundational HCI work to specialized applications in automated transportation systems. Recent work shows increasing focus on accessibility aspects of automated vehicles, particularly for users with visual impairments, as well as exploration of emerging domains like Urban Air Mobility. The research demonstrates strong methodological diversity, incorporating controlled experiments, field studies, and computational optimization techniques. Professor Rukzio has supervised numerous doctoral students who have become active researchers in the field, including Mark Colley, Pascal Jansen, and Luca-Maxim Meinhardt. His research group maintains strong international collaborations and has secured funding for multiple projects at the forefront of automotive user experience research. The group's work has practical implications for automotive manufacturers and technology developers creating next-generation transportation interfaces.
Adam Palmquist is a Professor at Nord University, leading the HABIT research group focused on human-centered AI, behavior analytics, and technology design. He holds a PhD in Applied Information Technology for Learning and specializes in gamification, learning analytics, VR games, and organizational learning dynamics. His work bridges academia and industry, addressing real-world challenges through cross-disciplinary collaboration. Education: PhD in Applied Information Technology for Learning. Research Interests: Palmquist’s research explores gamification’s role in lifelong learning, AI integration in education, and VR game development. He investigates how generative AI, learning analytics, and game mechanics enhance engagement and motivation. His studies on group processes in workplace learning highlight frameworks for effective organizational learning systems. Current Projects: GOAL: Uses gamification to train leadership in crisis scenarios, funded by the University of Borås. ETUS: Enhances game research via eye-tracking and analytics, funded by Nord University. BiP: Studies remote-first VR game development methodologies, funded by Erasmus+. Scientific Affiliations: Member of the University of Gothenburg’s research team, steering committee for the Design Society’s Data Informed Design group, and the Swedish Game Researcher Council. Grants & Advising: Active in Nordic and international collaborations, including the Norwegian Centre for Excellence in IT Education (EXCITED). Supervises Izabella Jedel’s PhD on gamification in higher education. Labs/Teams: Heads HABIT, which integrates experts from Journalism, Games, Business, and Social Work to develop innovative tech solutions.
Dr. Stephen Roulston is a Lecturer in the School of Education within the Faculty of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences at Ulster University. He currently serves as an Honorary Research Fellow and has been with Ulster University since 2009. Prior to his university position, Dr. Roulston spent 20 years teaching Geography and Geology in Northern Ireland schools and worked as an Educational Consultant in eLearning. Dr. Roulston completed his PhD in Education at Ulster University in 1991 while still teaching in schools. His academic journey includes serving as Course Director for the MEd with Specialisms program, where he taught modules in educational leadership and ICT specialisms, and later as Course Director for the PGCE Geography course. His research focuses on the intersection of technology and education, with particular expertise in online learning, GIS applications in education, and virtual/augmented reality for teaching and learning. Dr. Roulston has pioneered innovative uses of virtual learning environments in collaborative problem-based learning scenarios and has worked extensively with the School of Geography and Environmental Sciences to develop GIS training for teachers. An analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on educational challenges in Northern Ireland, particularly school segregation, the application of geospatial technologies in education, and the integration of emerging technologies like AI and VR in teaching practices. His work consistently addresses the complexities of the divided education system in Northern Ireland and explores potential pathways for integration and improvement. Dr. Roulston's significant contributions to education have been recognized through numerous awards, including: Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society Distinguished Teaching Team Award from Ulster University Digital Earth GIS Centre of Excellence award Association of Geographical Information Education Award (2015) BERA Public Engagement and Impact Award (2022) The John Coolahan Award (2018 and 2020) Dr. Roulston has secured multiple research grants and leads significant projects including the Repurposing Education through Blended Learning (REBEL) initiative and the Future Schools Prototype Resource. He serves as External Examiner at the University of Strathclyde and represents Northern Ireland on the International Geographical Union. His work on educational segregation in Northern Ireland has received significant media attention, with his research estimating the cost of division at £600,000 per day. Through his partnership with the School of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Dr. Roulston has developed a masters-level short course in GIS for teachers. His work extends to authoring 13 textbooks for schools, demonstrating his commitment to practical educational resources that bridge academic research and classroom application.
Overview Prof. Gudrun Klinker is a Professor at Technische Universität München (TUM), leading the Chair of Computer Science Applications in Medicine & Augmented Reality. She holds a PhD from Carnegie-Mellon University and has extensive experience in academia and industry, including roles at Digital Equipment Corporation and Fraunhofer Institute. Affiliations Professor (C3/W2) since 2000 Head of the FAR (Augmented Reality) research group Member of the CAMP (Computer Aided Medical Procedures) interdisciplinary team Research Dr. Klinker specializes in augmented reality (AR) with focuses on industrial applications, sensor fusion, 3D interaction, and healthcare integration. Her work bridges computer science with medical and industrial challenges, emphasizing user-centric design and real-world deployment. Key projects include: AR-based maintenance systems for complex machinery Healthcare applications like serious games for nutrition education VR/AR training environments for medical and aerospace domains Awards and Recognition Robert Sauer Prize (2010) for contributions to Bavarian science ISMAR Lasting Impact Award (2014) for influential AR research Teaching and Mentorship Prof. Klinker teaches courses on 3D user interfaces, AR fundamentals, and game design. She advises students in thesis projects, focusing on AR applications, HCI, and medical computing. Labs and Collaborations Her research is supported by partnerships with industry and institutions, leveraging TUM's interdisciplinary environment to advance AR/VR systems for real-world impact.
Dr. Ruoyu Jin serves as Reader in Construction Management and Technology at Brunel University's Civil and Environmental Engineering department within the College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences. Based in Howell Building 204, Dr. Jin can be reached at ruoyu.jin@brunel.ac.uk or by phone at +44 (0)1895 267703. Dr. Jin's research spans two primary domains: sustainable construction materials and digital construction safety. In sustainable construction, the focus is on recycled aggregate concrete, circular economy practices in construction & demolition (C&D) waste management, and Industry 4.0/5.0-featured digital technologies for C&D waste reuse. This research has yielded over 80 peer-reviewed journal articles, two book chapters, and editing one book. Notably, a research paper on C&D waste diversion earned the Most Cited Paper Award of Year 2019 in Journal of Resources, Conservation, and Recycling, while another paper received the Highly Cited Paper designation in Web of Science. In construction safety management, Dr. Jin has over ten years of practical and research experience developing digital solutions, particularly Building Information Modelling (BIM) and immersive technologies, as early-stage interventions for workforce education and pre-construction safety planning in the post-pandemic era. The interdisciplinary approach integrates artificial intelligence, construction engineering, and cognitive psychology to create interoperable digital platforms that improve safety perception and inform behavioral reactions. Dr. Jin has secured multiple research grants as Principal or Co-Investigator, including projects from the Global Challenges Research Fund, British Council Enabling Grants, Harold Samuel Research Prize, and Royal Society UK. Current PhD supervision topics include developing methodological frameworks for Industry 5.0-featured construction safety education, evaluating AI-driven building design effectiveness, and exploring digital circular economy approaches for deconstruction waste management. Professional memberships include MCIOB (Chartered Institute of Building) and FHEA (Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy), reflecting commitment to both professional practice and academic excellence in construction management and technology.
Jose Manuel Macarro Osuna is a Professor in the Department of Public Law at Pablo de Olavide University, specializing in Financial and Tax Law with a focus on Value Added Tax (VAT), international taxation, and European Union tax frameworks. His academic leadership spans research, doctoral supervision, and institutional contributions within Spain's legal education landscape. He earned his Doctorate from Università di Bologna in 2015 with the thesis "The principle of internal neutrality in VAT (INTERNAL VAT NEUTRALITY)", supervised by Dr. Adriano di Pietro and Dr. Jesús Ramos Prieto. His research interests encompass: Tax Law and VAT Systems Indirect Taxation and Digital Services Tax European Union Tax Compliance Environmental Taxation Mechanisms Real Estate Fiscal Regulation Cross-Border Wealth Taxation His publication trends (2021-2025) reveal intense focus on VAT modernization, environmental tax integration, and digital economy taxation within EU legal frameworks. Key themes include green VAT implementation, DAC6 reporting conflicts with professional secrecy, and digital platform tax liability. Recent works critically analyze EU law supremacy in national tax systems and propose solutions for tax neutrality in cross-border transactions. As director of the research group "PCMI Consumer Protection in the Real Estate Market: Substantive and Fiscal Aspects", he leads investigations into real estate transaction taxation and consumer safeguards. He actively participates in the Doctoral Program in Administration and Justice, supervising advanced legal research while contributing to PAIDI (Andalusian Plan for Research) initiatives in Social and Legal Sciences. His work bridges academic rigor with practical tax policy development for evolving economic landscapes.
Alejandra Magana serves as the W.C. Furnas Professor in Enterprise Excellence of Applied and Creative Computing and Professor of Engineering Education at Purdue Polytechnic, Purdue University. She directs the ROCkETEd Lab and holds significant editorial roles including Deputy Editor for the Journal of Engineering Education and Co-Editor of the Education Department for IEEE Computer Graphics & Applications. Her leadership extends to multiple editorial boards in engineering and science education journals. Ph.D. in Engineering Education, Purdue University (2009) Post-doc in Engineering Education, Purdue University (2010) M.S. in Educational Technology, Purdue University (2007) M.S. in Electronic Commerce, Instituto Tecnologico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (2003) B.S. in Information Systems Engineering, Instituto Tecnologico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (2000) Magana's research focuses on how students develop computer and data science self-regulated learning skills through computational cognitive apprenticeship and authentic modeling practices. She investigates how learning analytics and AI can support student learning in computing-intensive domains and engineering thinking in K-12 education. Her work bridges educational theory with practical applications in STEM fields, emphasizing the integration of computational thinking across disciplines. She employs design-based research methodologies to create and evaluate innovative learning environments that leverage simulation, visualization, and emerging technologies. Analysis of Magana's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on collaborative learning in digital environments, with growing attention to AI applications in education. Her work spans multiple domains including virtual reality for STEM education, teamwork dynamics in software development, AI ethics education, and computational thinking assessment for teachers. A consistent theme is the development of representational competence through modeling and simulation practices, with increasing integration of learning analytics to understand student cognition and team processes. Fellow Member, American Society for Engineering Education (2024) Fulbright Specialists Appointment (2024) Purdue Polytechnic Charles B. Murphy Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award (2021) W.C. Furnas Professorship (2020) Purdue University Faculty Scholar (2016) ASEE-ERM Apprentice Faculty Grant (2012) Magana leads multiple significant research grants totaling over $15 million, primarily from NSF, focusing on computational education, AI in learning environments, and engineering education transformation. Her ROCkETEd Lab serves as the hub for these research activities, which often involve interdisciplinary collaborations across engineering, computer science, and education. She has mentored numerous graduate students who appear as co-authors on her publications, though specific advising relationships aren't explicitly documented. Her research program demonstrates strong continuity from foundational work on modeling and simulation to current projects integrating generative AI and immersive technologies. The ROCkETEd Lab (Research in Organizing Computational Knowledge for Engineering Thinking and Education) functions as Magana's primary research unit, focusing on computational cognitive apprenticeship approaches. The lab investigates how students develop representational fluency through modeling and simulation practices, with recent expansion into AI-enabled learning environments. Current projects examine hidden curricula in computer science education, high-performance computing virtual environments for AI education, and culturally relevant programming learning experiences. The lab maintains strong industry and international partnerships, particularly with institutions involved in advanced manufacturing and educational technology development.
Dr. Charlotte Gerritsen is an Associate Professor in Artificial Intelligence at the Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU), and an affiliated member of the Network Institute. Her research focuses on agent-based modeling of social and emotional dynamics, emotion contagion in virtual environments, and applications of AI in crowd management, mental health, and criminology. She has published extensively on topics such as sentiment analysis, gamification, and the ethical implications of AI in public safety. Her work integrates computational methods with social science theories, addressing challenges like real-time violence detection, avatar-mediated emotion recognition, and serious gaming for resilience training. She has supervised 5 PhD theses and teaches courses on AI and Law, Artificial Intelligence, and Socially Aware Computing. Her research project, 'Integrating sentiment analysis in real-time crowd management,' highlights her commitment to bridging technology with societal needs. Education: PhD in Artificial Intelligence (implied by title 'dr.') Affiliations: Faculty of Science, Network Institute Key Research Areas: Emotion Contagion, Agent-Based Modeling, Crowd Behavior, Gamification Her articles analyze topics like emotion contagion in crowds, AI-driven crowd control, and virtual training systems. While no specific awards are listed, her prolific publication record underscores her academic impact. She advises students on criminological and computational social science projects and collaborates internationally in criminology, healthcare, and AI ethics.
Norman Johnson is a Bauer Professor of Business Analytics and Chair of the Decision and Information Sciences Department at the University of Houston's C. T. Bauer College of Business. He holds a joint appointment as a Professor in the Hobby School of Public Affairs. His research focuses on decision-making processes, psychometric analysis, data mining, and predictive analytics, with applications in computer-mediated negotiations, virtual worlds, and healthcare information systems. He has over two decades of academic experience, including prior roles as an Assistant Actuary and current advisory roles in corporate data analytics. Johnson earned his Ph.D. from the City University of New York. His research appears in top-tier journals such as MIS Quarterly, Journal of Management Information Systems, and European Journal of Information Systems. Key themes include the impact of communication media on negotiation dynamics, affective computing in virtual environments, and the integration of structured/unstructured data analytics in public and private sectors. His applied work bridges academia and industry, with projects on predictive modeling for pension funds, healthcare IT adoption, and user engagement in virtual worlds. While no formal awards are listed, his prolific publication record reflects sustained scholarly impact. Johnson advises students in the Bauer Ph.D. programs and collaborates across disciplines, including the Hobby School of Public Affairs. His current research emphasizes big data applications in governance and healthcare, reflecting his dual role in business analytics and public policy.
Valerie Simon is a full professor and Clinical Area Chair in the Department of Psychology at Wayne State University , with a joint appointment at the Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute for Child & Family Development . She specializes in developmental psychopathology, interpersonal violence exposure, and adolescent romantic/sexual development. Postdoctoral Training: Brown University School of Medicine (T32 Grant) Clinical Internship: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Ph.D.: University of Denver (Clinical & Developmental Psychology) M.A.: American University (General Psychology) B.A.: Loyola University (Music Therapy) Her research examines how interpersonal violence exposure undermines adolescent psychosocial development through multi-method approaches including virtual reality, questionnaires, and physiological measures. She also investigates the interplay between romantic/sexual development and risk factors like revictimization. Selected trends from her publications include: Longitudinal impacts of childhood sexual abuse on adolescent adjustment Attentional bias in trauma survivors Role of social norms in early romantic/sexual experiences Intergenerational trauma and postpartum mental health Honors include grants from the Tiny Blue Dot Foundation , NIH , and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation .
Meara Faw is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication Studies at Colorado State University, serving as Director of Graduate Studies. She is also an affiliate faculty member in the Colorado School of Public Health. Her research focuses on interpersonal communication and health, particularly exploring how relationships influence health and well-being, social support dynamics, and caregiver experiences. She teaches courses in Interpersonal Communication, Conflict Management, Communication Theory, and oversees the department’s study abroad program in Murcia, Spain. Education: Ph.D. in Communication (University of Washington, 2014), M.A. in Communication (University of Washington, 2011), B.A. in Communication and Spanish (Whitworth University, 2008). Her research emphasizes caregiver support systems, the communication of social support, and health-related relational outcomes. Recent work includes studies on dementia caregiving during the pandemic, non-pharmacological interventions using arts, and the impact of diet culture on young women’s well-being. Publications span journals like Health Communication and Journal of Social and Personal Relationships . Awards: None explicitly listed, but her work reflects significant contributions to health communication and caregiving research. Advising/Grants: Leads graduate studies and research projects on caregiving support systems, though specific grants are not detailed here. She collaborates on interdisciplinary initiatives addressing caregiver well-being and relational health, emphasizing practical interventions for vulnerable populations.
Richard Joiner is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Bath, where he serves as Deputy Head of Department for Education and Student Experience. He leads research at the intersection of digital technology and education within the Cognition, Affective Science & Technology Laboratories (CASTL). Academic appointment: Professor (since 2015) Administrative role: Deputy Head (Education & Student Experience) Research group: CASTL Research interests center on technology-enhanced learning: Digital technology for physics education Game-based engineering learning with 'Racing Academy' Conflict resolution in collaborative digital environments Gender dynamics in ICT adoption Immersive technology applications Extended mind theory in healthcare education Recent publications demonstrate: AI and VR integration in medical training ITEM framework validation for immersive tech Digital learning equity research Psychological impacts of technology mediation Curriculum innovation through tech Cross-disciplinary educational technology
Edward Nieh, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Pharmacology at the University of Virginia, leading the Nieh Lab. His research focuses on systems neuroscience, particularly motivated behaviors such as feeding, social interaction, and novelty-seeking, and their disruption in disorders like drug addiction and eating disorders. The lab employs advanced techniques including optogenetics, virtual reality for rodents, and cellular-resolution imaging, emphasizing cutting-edge neuroscience methodologies. Research interests span biotechnology, computational biology, molecular pharmacology, and neuroscience. The lab investigates how behaviors are encoded by large neuronal populations and studies sex differences in these contexts. Recent work explores neural circuits underlying reward-seeking behaviors, dopamine signaling pathways, and the interplay between homeostasis and motivation. Key technical innovations include the development of open-source microscopy tools like TWINKLE and methodologies to correct calcium imaging artifacts. Collaborations span computational modeling and experimental neurophysiology. Scientific contributions include studies on thalamo-amygdala circuits, dopamine’s role in aversive signaling, and the neural basis of observational learning. The lab’s findings bridge basic neuroscience with translational applications in neuropsychiatric disorders. Edward Nieh’s work is supported by grants focusing on neuroimaging, drug addiction mechanisms, and novel behavioral paradigms. His interdisciplinary approach integrates molecular, circuit, and behavioral levels of analysis to understand complex brain functions.
Mirka Dickel is a Professor and Chair holder of Geography Didactics at the Geographical Institute of the Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena since October 1, 2011. Prior to this position, she served as Professor of Educational Science specializing in Geography Didactics at the University of Hamburg (2008-2011) and as Academic Councilor for Geography Didactics at the University of Mainz (2006-2008). Her academic career spans over two decades with significant contributions to geography education, teacher training, and didactic methodology. Dr. Dickel completed her teaching qualification for secondary schools (SII/I) in German, English, and Geography at the University of Münster. She earned her doctorate in 'Didactics of Geography' from the Chemisch-Geowissenschaftlichen Fakultät at the University of Jena in 2004 under Prof. Dr. Tilman Rhode-Jüchtern. Before her university career, she worked for ten years as a teacher of German and Geography at the Goethe-Gymnasium in Stolberg (near Aachen). Her research focuses on geography didactics with an emphasis on phenomenological-hermeneutic lifeworld theory and socially theoretically informed spatial theory. She explores geographical thinking, representation and mediation methods, history of geography education, space theories, socialized human-nature relationships, democracy education, judgment practices in geography education, and the ecology of classroom time. Her work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical classroom applications, emphasizing ethical and aesthetic dimensions of geography teaching. Dr. Dickel's recent publications demonstrate a growing interest in virtuality, visualization, embodiment, and the intersection of geography with other disciplines such as philosophy, ethics, and visual arts. Her work increasingly examines digital media in geography education, intersectionality through comic art, and the temporal dimensions of teaching and learning processes. She has developed a distinctive approach that combines phenomenological inquiry with pedagogical practice, creating innovative frameworks for geography education that emphasize critical reflection and ethical engagement. As an active contributor to academic governance, Dr. Dickel has served as Director of the Geographical Institute (2019-2022), Chair of the Teacher Examination Committee (2011-2023), and leader of the Doktorandenkolleg 'Bildung-Forschung-Dialog' since 2019. She has coordinated several significant projects including the BMBF-funded 'Kompetenzzentren für digitales und digital gestütztes Unterrichten' (2023-2025) and the 'Qualitätsoffensive Lehrerbildung' (PROFJL) initiatives. Dr. Dickel is deeply involved in teacher education through her supervision, coaching, and workshop offerings focused on conflict resolution, team dynamics, and perfectionism in educational contexts. She leads numerous excursions that serve as living laboratories for her research on spatial awareness and human-environment relationships, including recent trips along the Saale River, to Hamburg, Vienna, and various international locations.
