Päivi Häkkinen is a **Professor and Vice Director** at the **Finnish Institute for Educational Research (FIER)**, part of the University of Jyväskylä. Her research focuses on technology-enhanced learning, particularly in collaborative problem-solving, computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL), and the integration of virtual/augmented reality in education. She leads projects like the EDUCA Flagship for future education and LearnDigi , exploring digitalization in learning. Research Interests: She investigates ICT integration in education, learning analytics, and the cognitive and social dynamics of collaborative learning. Her work emphasizes remote collaboration mechanisms, digital tools for assessment, and AI-driven educational innovation. Key Projects: EDUCA Flagship: Addresses future education challenges through interdisciplinary research. LearnDigi: Examines technology’s role in knowledge construction and digitalization impacts. METEOR: Enhances transversal skills for early career researchers via teamwork methodologies. Recent Work Trends: Her publications analyze joint attention in remote collaboration, AI-human partnerships in education, and neural bases of problem-solving. She emphasizes practical applications for teachers and educators. Labs/Teams: Active in FIER and LearnDigi, focusing on collaborative learning design and technology evaluation.
Nilanjan Sarkar is the Vice Dean and Senior Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs at Vanderbilt University's School of Engineering, holding the David K. Wilson Professorship in Engineering. He is a Professor in Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Computer Science. His research focuses on intelligent systems for human interaction, including robotics, virtual/augmented reality, and assistive technologies for neurodevelopmental disorders and aging populations. Education: PhD (Mechanical Engineering, University of Pennsylvania), ME (Indian Institute of Science), BE (Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, Shibpur). Research interests span human-robot interaction, sensor fusion, and rehabilitation engineering. His lab develops systems for autism intervention, stroke rehabilitation, and elderly engagement through socially assistive robotics and VR/AR. Notable projects include robot-mediated therapy for children and AR telepresence systems for long-term care facilities. Labs/Teams: Robotics and Autonomous Systems Laboratory. Key contributions include CoMove, RASSLE, and the Career Interview Readiness in VR platform. His work emphasizes participatory design with end-users for ethical and inclusive technology.
Dr Colin Allison is an Honorary Research Professor at the University of St Andrews' School of Computer Science, specializing in Multi-User Virtual Worlds (Metaverses), Distributed Systems, Computer Networks, and Quality of Service (QoS). He holds a PhD in Computer Science from the University of St Andrews, an M.Sc. in Computing from the University of Dundee, and an M.A. in Sociology from the University of Edinburgh. His research focuses on immersive learning environments, virtual world infrastructure, and educational technologies. Notable projects include leading the Immersive Learning Research Network (iLRN), managing Open Virtual Worlds initiatives, and investigating Quality of Service in distributed systems. Dr. Allison has organized international conferences and published extensively on virtual reality applications in education and cultural heritage. Key contributions include advancing scalable learning environments like Finesse, exploring video fingerprinting for digital asset management, and investigating covert channels in internet protocols. He has collaborated on interdisciplinary projects such as LAVA (virtual archaeology) and the Global Smart Spaces initiative. Dr. Allison has secured grants for projects like the European Learning Grid Infrastructure (ELeGI) and has served as Principal Investigator for initiatives such as Interface and the Scottish Metropolis Area Networks project. His work bridges academic research with practical applications in education, technology, and heritage preservation. He has advised on multiple research projects and has been a keynote speaker at conferences on internet security, immersive education, and virtual worlds.
Affiliations & Roles Lionel P. Robert Jr. is a Professor of Information and Robotics at the University of Michigan, holding joint appointments in the School of Information and the College of Engineering's Robotics Department. He directs the Michigan Autonomous Vehicle Research Intergroup Collaboration (MAVRIC) and is an affiliate faculty member at the National Center for Institutional Diversity and Indiana University's Center for Computer-Mediated Communication. His roles include editorial board positions at journals like the Journal of Computer Information Systems and leadership in professional organizations such as ACM and IEEE. Education Ph.D. in Information Systems, Indiana University (BAT Fellow, KPMG Scholar) M.B. from Indiana University, Bloomington M.S. degrees from Clemson University and University of Louisiana, Lafayette B.S. from University of Louisiana, Lafayette Research Focus Robert's research bridges collaboration through technology, with a focus on human-robot interaction, autonomous vehicles, and virtual teams. His work addresses trust in automated systems, human-AV communication, and the sociotechnical implications of robotics in workplaces and public spaces. Recent projects explore explanations for automated vehicles, security robots' societal acceptance, and AI ethics in healthcare and labor. Key Contributions He has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles in journals like MIS Quarterly and conferences such as CHI and HRI. His research has been funded by NSF, Toyota Research Institute, and the Army Research Laboratory. Notable outcomes include frameworks for AV trust repair, models of human-robot team performance, and critiques of AI-driven labor practices. Awards & Recognition ACM Distinguished Member IEEE Senior Member Carnegie Junior Faculty Development Fellowship 3× Teaching Commendation (2006–2008) Grants & Labs Current grants include studies on explainable AI, human-AV trust dynamics, and security robot design. The MAVRIC lab focuses on AV-pedestrian interactions while the CCMC explores digital communication's societal impact.
Jun.-Prof. Dr. Sylvia Hubner-Benz is an Assistant Professor of International Management at the University of Paderborn, leading the Management International Management department within the Faculty of Business Administration and Economics. Her research focuses on cross-cultural dynamics in entrepreneurship, innovation, and virtual teamwork, with projects like SeeHerTech addressing female visibility in high-tech sectors. She teaches core courses such as 'International Business' (BSc) and 'International Comparative Management' (MSc), emphasizing practical application and global perspectives. Research interests span international management, cultural diversity, and technology's role in entrepreneurship. She leads the BMBF-funded SeeHerTech project (2024–2027), developing AI tools to support female entrepreneurs' communication strategies. Collaborations include the Technical University of Munich and industry partners like coolnis and UFUNDI. Her teaching integrates real-world projects, such as the X-Culture program for intercultural virtual teams. She has published extensively on topics like robot leadership, entrepreneurial ethics, and gender stereotypes in recruitment. Current research explores human-AI collaboration, leadership behavior in robotics, and innovation in Asian business contexts. Grants include Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) funding for SeeHerTech. Her work bridges academic research with practical tools, aiming to enhance international teamwork and equity in tech industries.
Professor Peter Kahn is a Chair in Digital Education at the Manchester Institute of Education within The University of Manchester's School of Environment, Education and Development. His research focuses on critical realist perspectives in higher education, emphasizing digital technologies, generative AI, collaboration, and sustainability. He has held leadership roles, including Director of the Centre for Higher Education Studies at the University of Liverpool and Senior Professional Development Advisor at the University of Manchester, where he established a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. He edits the journal Teaching in Higher Education and has supervised nearly 30 doctoral theses. Research interests include digital education innovations, employability frameworks, and decolonizing higher education. Awards include the National Teaching Fellowship (2014) and Principal Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy. His recent projects include analyzing student experiences in work placements for the MA DTCE program. He actively serves as an external examiner for doctoral programs at multiple UK universities. Key Contributions: Over 29 publications, including books and peer-reviewed articles on educational theory and practice. Grants: Project leadership on 'Understanding the student experience of work placements on the MA DTCE' (2023). Teaching: Leads 'Blended learning in a digital age' and contributes to 'Education, Communication and Technology' modules.
Dr. Gabriel Sandblom is a Senior Lecturer and Senior Physician at the Karolinska Institutet's Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset. His research group focuses on improving outcomes in gallstone surgery, abdominal wall surgery, and acute pancreatitis through population-based studies and clinical trials. He leads projects on gallstone disease management , hernia repair techniques , and quality of life assessments post-surgery. The group's recent publications (2025-2016) span topics such as laparoscopic cholecystectomy optimization , hernia repair complications , and acute surgical care . Articles emphasize comparative surgical techniques (ultrasonic vs electrocautery), patient safety , and long-term functional outcomes after procedures like diastasis recti repair . Studies often use Swedish national registries to analyze trends in acute cholecystitis and colorectal surgery . Key collaborators include Drs. Enochsson, Österberg, and Ali . His work addresses weekend surgery outcomes , retained gallstones , and ERAS protocols in gastrointestinal surgery. The group also explores interprofessional teamwork and surgical training innovations like virtual simulators.
Prof. Dr. Ilona Buchem is a Professor of Communication and Media Studies at the Berlin University of Applied Sciences (BHT), Department I of Business and Social Sciences. She serves as Head of the Communication Laboratory and leads research in human-robot interaction, educational robotics, and technology-enhanced learning. Her work spans multiple interdisciplinary projects including Social Robotics, Open Virtual Mobility, and ePA-Coach, focusing on digital media for communication, collaboration, and digital sovereignty for older adults in healthcare contexts. Dr. Buchem holds a doctorate in business education from Humboldt University and a certificate in business administration from the University of St. Gallen, Switzerland. Her academic background bridges business education with digital media expertise, positioning her at the intersection of technology and communication for innovative educational approaches. Her research interests focus on human-robot interaction in educational contexts, social robotics for learning, AI applications in education, and digital media for communication and collaboration. She explores how robots can serve as educational tools in business studies, language learning, and health-related applications. Her work also investigates digital sovereignty, particularly for older adults using electronic health records, and the use of open digital credentials like Open Badges for recognizing learning achievements. The integration of gamification elements with social robots represents another significant strand of her research, enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on practical applications of social robots in educational settings, particularly examining student perceptions of different robot platforms (NAO, Pepper, Furhat). Her work increasingly integrates generative AI with robotics, exploring conversational interfaces and new learning paradigms. There's also a consistent thread examining digital literacy for seniors, especially regarding electronic health records, and innovative approaches to recognizing learning through micro-credentials and digital badges. Dr. Buchem actively supervises numerous bachelor's and master's theses across multiple programs including Business Administration: Digital Economy and Media Informatics Online. She has established a digital award system based on Open Badges to recognize outstanding thesis work with top grades. Her research is supported through various funding sources including BMBF, EU, DFG, and industry partners, with projects spanning social robotics, virtual reality applications, and digital credentialing systems that connect academic research with practical applications. She leads the Communication Laboratory at BHT and is actively involved in the 'House of Robotics' initiative at the university. Her work connects with international partners through projects like Social Robotics (EU) and Open Virtual Mobility, creating a global network for educational robotics research and development that bridges European institutions and promotes cross-cultural educational exchange.
Cecilio Angulo Bahón is a full Professor at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC), affiliated with the Barcelona School of Industrial Engineering (ETSEIB) and the Department of Systems, Automatics and Industrial Informatics Engineering . He leads research in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics , with significant contributions to healthcare data analytics, digital twins, and human-robot collaboration. His research spans machine learning for medical data harmonization, generative adversarial networks in health informatics, and evolutionary algorithms for control systems. Recent publications focus on synthetic healthcare data generation, climate-resilient agriculture , and UMAP-based data analysis . His work bridges AI theory with practical applications in industrial and healthcare domains. Scientific awards include the Sant Jordi 2023 Digital Polytechnic Initiative Award . He has supervised doctoral candidates like Carlos Flores-Vázquez and N. Raya, with key collaborations at the IDEAI-UPC Intelligent Data Science and AI Research Group and the Institute of Robotics and Industrial Informatics (CSIC-UPC).
Gaurav Nanda serves as an Assistant Professor in the School of Engineering Technology at Purdue University, where he leads research at the intersection of artificial intelligence and human-centered systems. His work develops intelligent decision support frameworks applicable across critical domains including occupational safety, smart manufacturing infrastructure, healthcare analytics, and educational technology. Education Background Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering, Purdue University Dual Degree: B.Tech. and M.Tech. in Agricultural and Food Engineering (Major) with Electrical Engineering Minor, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur His research program integrates applied machine learning and natural language processing to solve complex problems in safety analytics (injury surveillance systems), Industry 4.0 (IoT-enabled manufacturing), healthcare (breast cancer prediction models), and STEM education (MOOC feedback analysis). Current projects emphasize human-AI collaboration, with growing focus on ethical AI implementation and social justice integration in engineering contexts. The INDESS Research Group he directs develops systems that balance algorithmic precision with human factors considerations. Recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate accelerating adoption of large language models and vision-language systems across application domains, particularly in safety analytics and educational technology. Key trends include human-in-the-loop validation frameworks, explainable AI interfaces, and multimodal data integration (eye-tracking, text, sensor data). His work increasingly addresses fairness considerations in AI deployment, especially regarding diversity in engineering education and workplace safety systems. Dr. Nanda actively mentors the next generation of engineers through the INDESS Research Group , advising Ph.D. candidates Madhumathi Ponnusamy and Shuning Yin, while previously supervising Master's graduates including Srushti Vichare and Meet Suthar. His research receives support through Purdue-affiliated institutes including ICON (Control/Optimization Networks), RDE (Digital Enterprise), and FWL (Future Work/Learning). He maintains active service roles as Editorial Board Member for the International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics and as reviewer for leading publications including IEEE Transactions on Learning Technologies and Safety Science. The research group maintains strong industry connections through the Purdue School of Engineering Technology, with projects spanning manufacturing automation, healthcare informatics, and educational technology platforms. Current initiatives focus on real-time anomaly detection systems, ethical AI frameworks for safety-critical applications, and inclusive curriculum development for engineering education.
Wayne G. Lutters serves as an Associate Professor at the College of Information Studies (iSchool) within the University of Maryland, having joined the institution in 2019 after relocating from a prior academic appointment. His research centers on Computer-Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW), examining how technology mediates human collaboration in organizational contexts. Specialized interests include sociotechnical systems design, virtual organization dynamics, and social computing frameworks that bridge technical infrastructure with group behavior. These interconnected fields address real-world challenges in distributed teamwork and digital community formation. No scientific awards were documented in the available source material. Details regarding graduate student mentorship, research grants, and external funding sources were not provided in the institutional profile. Laboratory affiliations or research team structures were similarly absent from the published information.
Dr. Heather Petcovic is Chair and Professor in the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences at Western Michigan University, with a joint appointment in the Mallinson Institute for Science Education. Her research bridges geoscience and education, focusing on field-based learning, cognitive development, and K-12 teacher training. Ph.D., Oregon State University (2004) M.S., Oregon State University (2000) B.A., Smith College (1995) Her research explores how field experiences shape geoscientists' cognition, integrating mixed methods to study spatial reasoning, mental models, and instructional design. She leads NSF-funded initiatives to democratize geoscience education at two-year and minority-serving institutions. Recent publications highlight her expertise in spatial thinking, virtual field experiences, and hydrogeology pedagogy. Awards include the National Association of Geoscience Teachers' Distinguished Lecturer. She mentors graduate students and contributes to geoscience education policy through roles like former associate editor for the Journal of Geoscience Education .
Dr. Senay Purzer is a Professor of Engineering Education at Purdue University's School of Engineering Education in West Lafayette, Indiana. Her office is located in ARMS 1331 with a research lab in WANG 3583. Her educational background shows she has established herself as a prominent researcher in engineering education, with particular expertise in understanding how students learn engineering concepts and develop design skills. Dr. Purzer's research focuses on the relationship between self-efficacy beliefs, team interactions, and student achievement; student interactions in diverse teams; the role of group argumentation in engineering design; and P-12 engineering education. Her recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate a growing emphasis on ethical considerations in engineering design, data management, and socially transformative approaches to engineering education that address diversity, equity, and sustainability concerns. Her scholarly work spans numerous areas including design reasoning, innovation processes, assessment methodologies, and the integration of engineering concepts into K-12 education. She has published extensively in journals such as the Journal of Pre-College Engineering Education Research (J-PEER), where she has contributed annual reports and conceptual frameworks. Dr. Purzer actively collaborates with other researchers in the field, particularly with colleagues like Quintana on projects related to semantic fluency in design reasoning and argumentation processes. She is currently recruiting graduate students to work on research projects focused on engineering teamwork, diversity in engineering teams, and argumentation in engineering design.
Suzanne C. Hopf is a Senior Lecturer and Course Director for the Master of Speech Pathology at Charles Sturt University, Australia, within the School of Allied Health, Exercise and Sports Sciences. Based in Nadi, Fiji as an Australian-Fijian citizen, she leads the blended online Master of Speech Pathology program and serves as Discipline Lead for Speech Pathology. Her work bridges academic leadership with on-ground clinical innovation in Pacific Islander communities. Her educational background includes: BAppSc (Speech Pathology) Hons Cert TESOL AdCert TEYL GradCertLTHE (Graduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education) PhD in 'Supporting Fijian children's communication' Dr. Hopf's research centers on equity in communication disability services, examining how individual, community, and societal factors create barriers and facilitators in underserved regions. She developed the Communication Capacity Research and Culturally Responsive Teamwork frameworks to guide evidence-informed, culturally responsive service development. Current projects focus on Fijian children's oral/written communication acquisition and culturally appropriate pre-school interventions, with strong emphasis on Pacific Islander contexts and multilingual populations. Her work directly contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals for health equity and quality education. Analysis of her recent publications reveals consistent thematic focus on culturally responsive practice across 111 research outputs, with accelerating productivity (21 publications in 2024). Key trends include innovative arts-based methodologies for child voice research, decolonizing clinical frameworks, and virtual work-integrated learning models addressing global workforce shortages. The research demonstrates strong interdisciplinary connections across speech pathology, early childhood education, and Pacific Islander health equity. Scientific recognition includes: 2021 Charles Sturt Executive Dean’s Teaching Award for blended online Master of Speech Pathology 2021 Staff Excellence Award: Successful Graduates 2022 Research Excellence Through Partnership Award 2023 Excellence Awards: Research (Early Childhood Interdisciplinary Research group) 2023 Excellence Awards: Social Responsibility (Highly Commended) As an educator and supervisor, Dr. Hopf has guided PhD and Honours students to timely completion while fostering collaborative publication opportunities. Her student-centered approach maximizes engagement through innovative learning spaces, recognized through departmental teaching awards. Current grants support Fijian communication capacity building and virtual study abroad placements, with active partnerships including the Frank Hilton Organisation's Technical Governance Team. Dr. Hopf co-leads the Children's Voices Centre and Social Equality Intersectionality & Inclusion Research Group, while contributing to the Early Childhood Interdisciplinary Research group. Her Pacific-focused work involves community co-design through initiatives like the Fiji National Consultation on Assistive Technology, ensuring research directly addresses local needs while building sustainable service capacity.
Carlos Cifuentes is an Associate Professor in Human-Robot Interaction at the Bristol Robotics Laboratory (BRL) , part of the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) . He also serves as the Deputy Director of the VIVO Hub , a £13.4M UK-funded research initiative (2024-2030) focused on robotics for rehabilitation and healthcare. His research spans Human-Robot Interaction , Rehabilitation Robotics , Healthcare Robotics , and Socially Assistive Robotics , with applications for conditions such as cardiac diseases , post-stroke recovery , spinal cord injuries , cerebral palsy , Parkinson's disease , musculoskeletal disorders , and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) . Carlos has over 15 years of experience and 200+ publications in robotics for rehabilitation and assistive technologies. His recent work explores smart walkers with multimodal feedback, soft prosthetics using polymeric optical fiber sensors , and machine learning models for fatigue and stress estimation. He also investigates inclusive design for social robots in global contexts , including a CASTOR Robot for ASD therapy and collaborative design processes with Colombian communities. Carlos serves as an Associate Editor for IEEE Robotics and Automation Magazine (since 2021), ICRA , and IROS (since 2023). He leads projects integrating wearable sensors , deep learning , and haptic feedback to enhance mobility, autonomy, and quality of life for individuals with disabilities. As Deputy Director of the VIVO Hub, he focuses on long-term deployment of robotic systems in real-world healthcare settings, emphasizing collaboration with clinicians , caregivers , and neurodiverse communities . His work bridges robotics , biomedical engineering , and human-centered design .
