Frank Zöllner is a Visiting Professor in the Department of Art & Archaeology. His research bridges Renaissance art theory, GDR art analysis, and methodological debates inspired by Aby Warburg. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Hamburg and held an Aby Warburg Fellowship at the Warburg Institute in London. His scholarship emphasizes rigorous source study and visual evidence, particularly in Leonardo da Vinci studies and controversies like the Salvator Mundi attribution. Key research areas include Renaissance humanism, optical theory in art, and the intersection between architectural anthropomorphism and political aesthetics. Recent work examines Aby Warburg’s methodology and its contemporary relevance. Publications span monographs on Leonardo’s expression techniques to analyses of East German socialist art. His 2019 catalog of Leonardo's works remains a landmark resource. Awards include the prestigious Aby Warburg Fellowship. Zöllner’s teaching philosophy prioritizes scholarly rigor and attention to visual detail, reflected in his pedagogical approach and publications. He has held visiting appointments at multiple institutions and continues active research into Renaissance art’s methodological frameworks.
Claudio Fazio is a Full Professor in the Department of Physics and Chemistry at the University of Palermo. His academic focus lies in physics education research, particularly in innovative teaching methodologies, active learning strategies, and overcoming student misconceptions in physics. He actively engages in designing inquiry-based learning experiences and leveraging technology (e.g., smartphones, AR/VR, simulations) for effective STEM education. Research interests include conceptual understanding in mechanics, thermodynamics, and relativity, with a strong emphasis on pedagogical tools like cluster analysis to evaluate student reasoning patterns. He has pioneered low-cost experimental setups and open-inquiry approaches to enhance learning outcomes, especially in engineering and teacher training programs. Professor Fazio’s work addresses challenges in remote education, pandemic-era pedagogy, and integrating contemporary technologies (e.g., Moodle, MATLAB) into curricula. His contributions span K-12 teacher preparation through university-level educational innovation, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and evidence-based practices.
Anne B. Fulton, MD, is a Professor at Harvard Medical School and Director of the Pediatric Medical Retinal Service at Boston Children's Hospital. She holds dual roles in clinical practice and research, focusing on pediatric ophthalmology and retinal disorders. Her affiliations include the Department of Ophthalmology at Harvard and leadership in the Precision Medicine Service. Dr. Fulton earned her MD from Tufts University School of Medicine, followed by residency at Yale University School of Medicine. Her research emphasizes retinal development, retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), and genetic eye disorders. She pioneered non-invasive assessments like visual electrophysiology and adaptive optics imaging to study pediatric vision. Her research interests span retinal degeneration mechanisms, photoreceptor maturation, and inherited retinal diseases. Over 30 years of NIH-funded work has led to breakthroughs in understanding rhodopsin's role in visual development and ROP pathophysiology. Recent studies include algorithm validation for ROP diagnosis and genetic basis of retinal dystrophies. Dr. Fulton’s articles highlight advancements in ROP treatment protocols, genetic syndromes (e.g., Bardet-Biedl), and adaptive imaging techniques. Though no named awards are listed, her sustained NIH funding underscores her research impact. She advises on NIH grants and collaborates with teams at Boston Children's Hospital’s Infant Vision Laboratory. Labs/Teams: Infant Vision Laboratory, Precision Medicine Service. Her work bridges clinical care and translational research to improve outcomes for pediatric retinal patients.
Dr. Yuye Ling is an Associate Professor in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Oklahoma (OU), part of the Gallogly College of Engineering. He previously held academic positions at Columbia University (postdoc) and Shanghai Jiao Tong University (Assistant/Associate Professor). His research focuses on computational optical imaging, particularly optical coherence tomography (OCT) and holography, with applications in biomedical imaging and 3D display technologies. He holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Columbia University (2018), an M.S. from UCLA (2013), and a B.E. from Shanghai Jiao Tong University (2011). His research interests include developing advanced optical systems and algorithms for medical diagnostics, leveraging machine learning and optimization techniques. Dr. Ling has been recognized with awards such as the Optica Women Scholar and Best Paper Awards at SPIE conferences. He advises multiple students, including Jiaxuan, Mengyuan, Zhenxing, and others, and serves on the editorial boards of journals like Optica and Biomedical Optics Express . Key contributions include Motion Hologram (Science Advances, 2024) and Monte Carlo-based OCT simulations . His work bridges computational imaging with medical applications, emphasizing real-time processing and photorealistic visualization. Dr. Ling actively engages in academic outreach, including a recent talk at OU’s Data Institute for Societal Challenges.
Pete Calabresi is Professor of Neurology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where he leads a dynamic research laboratory focused on the neurobiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) and CNS demyelination. His work bridges fundamental neuroscience and clinical neurology, with a focus on understanding how immune cells impair remyelination and drive neurodegeneration. His research interests include: Neuroimmunology of MS Endogenous remyelination mechanisms Glial cell biology (astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia) Neurodegeneration and axonal injury Metabolomics and biomarker discovery in neurological disease Human iPSC-based disease modeling Dr. Calabresi's recent publications reveal a strong trend toward integrating advanced technologies—such as spatial transcriptomics, CEST MRI, and iPSC models—to dissect the molecular and cellular mechanisms of CNS injury in MS. His work frequently explores immune-glial crosstalk, with a focus on T cell modulation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells and the role of reactive astrocytes in neurotoxicity. His research is generously supported by: National Institutes of Health (R01NS041435, R01NS082347, U01NS111678) Department of Defense (W81XWH1910622) National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS 1907-34756, NMSS 1904-33800) Dr. Calabresi actively mentors graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, including Leslie Kirby and Jaime Gonzalez Cardona. He leads a multidisciplinary team comprising research associates, clinical fellows, laboratory managers, and research technologists. His lab's collaborative approach integrates animal models, human tissue analysis, and cutting-edge imaging to advance neuroprotective and reparative strategies for MS.
Shane Christian Eason is an Associate Professor and Director of the School of Communication and Multimedia Studies at Florida Atlantic University. He holds a BFA in Film from the University of Regina and an MFA in Studio Art, Cinema from Concordia University. His academic and artistic work spans experimental and documentary filmmaking, curation, and media education. BFA, Film, University of Regina MFA, Studio Art, Cinema, Concordia University His research and creative practice focus on Documentary Film, Experimental Film, Expanded Cinema, and Media Art , often exploring themes of memory, identity, abstraction, and cultural performance. His work interrogates the intersections of personal and collective identity through innovative cinematic forms. Shane's recent and ongoing film projects include PAPA , SIN BIN , and Works of the Flesh , which reflect trends in found footage, archival media, and sensory experimentation. These works engage with cultural narratives, bodily materiality, and performative identities, often blurring the lines between documentary and avant-garde art. Nomination for Best Feature Documentary - The Digital Ticket (Los Angeles, CA) Nomination for Best Documentary - 3rd Annual Tampa Bay Underground Film Festival (Tampa, FL) Nomination for Best Feature Documentary - 5th Annual YES Film Festival (Columbus, IN) Winner for Best Story & Best Editing of a Documentary - 5th Annual Madrid International Film Festival (Madrid, Spain) Nomination for Best Feature Documentary - 21st Annual Palm Beach International Film Festival (West Palm Beach, FL) Shane Eason has advised and mentored students in film production and experimental media. He teaches courses such as Digital Audio Recording and Editing, Video Production, Experimental Video Production, and Documentary Video Production. His creative projects often involve collaborative teams and curatorial initiatives, including the Flamingo Film Festival and 1:1 Super 8 Cinema Soirée, which serve as platforms for emerging artists and experimental works. He leads several artistic and curatorial initiatives, including the Flamingo Film Festival , 1:1 Super 8 Cinema Soirée , and the Key West Film Festival , fostering experimental and youth cinema. These platforms support interdisciplinary collaboration and public engagement with avant-garde media.
Prof. Dr. rer. nat. habil. Stephan Kopf is a faculty member at the Faculty of Spatial Information, where he holds the Professorship in Informatics and Geoinformatics. He actively contributes to research in geographic information systems (GIS), computer graphics, computer vision, and multimedia technologies. His academic leadership roles include serving as Dean and as a member of the Faculty Council, with advisory roles in the Senate. His research spans crowd simulation , image/video retargeting , augmented reality platforms , and interactive learning systems . He focuses on algorithm development for GIS, temporal effects in re-captured video, and scalable solutions for classroom interactivity. His work frequently integrates machine learning, mobile computing, and geospatial data. For teaching, he oversees courses such as Internet Technologies, Informatics, and Programming in degree programs like Geoinformatics/Management and Surveying. He supervises theses involving programming-centric topics like mobile app development , VR applications , and astronomical analysis of geospatial data .
Haider Sami is a researcher at the University of Vienna , affiliated with the Faculty of Life Sciences and the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences . He works in the Macromolecular Cancer Therapeutics (MMCT) laboratory under Professor Manfred Ogris, focusing on RNA-based therapeutics and nanocarrier delivery systems . His research addresses critical challenges in splice-switching oligonucleotide (SSO) delivery , particularly regarding endosomal escape , nuclear targeting , and systemic biodistribution . Haider Sami's research expertise spans nanocarrier design for RNA splicing modulation , with a particular emphasis on redox-responsive polymers like disulfide cross-linked polyethylenimine (cLPEI) . He has pioneered methods for accelerated endosomal release and hepatic splice correction , validated through transgenic mouse models expressing split-luciferase reporters . His work demonstrates that cLPEI-SSO polyplexes significantly improve in vivo bioavailability while reducing renal excretion and enhancing tumor accumulation . Key research contributions include disulfide crosslinking strategies for endosomal escape enhancement , one-step nanoparticle synthesis using Brij-linkers , and spatiotemporal delivery tracking via NIR fluorescence imaging and X-ray computed tomography . These studies have direct implications for monogenic disease therapies and cancer treatment applications. Haider Sami has authored 24 publications since 2014, with recent work (2023-2025) emphasizing biocompatible delivery systems , quantitative biodistribution analysis , and functional protein restoration in multiple organ systems including liver, lung, kidney, and bladder.
Marileen Dogterom is a Professor of Bionanoscience at the Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, and holds a dual appointment as a Medical Delta Professor at the Leiden Institute of Physics, Leiden University. Her research focuses on the quantitative biophysics of the cytoskeleton, particularly microtubule dynamics and their role in cellular organization and division. Her work integrates in vitro reconstitution , theoretical modeling , and live-cell experiments to dissect the physical mechanisms underlying cytoskeletal processes. She leads the national 'Building a Synthetic Cell' (BaSyC) initiative, aiming to construct a minimal synthetic cell, reflecting her pioneering role in bottom-up synthetic biology. Her lab investigates cytoskeletal crosstalk, DNA segregation systems, microtubule-kinetochore coupling, and force generation using advanced techniques like optical tweezers and liquid-phase electron microscopy. The most recent publications highlight a strong trend in mechanistic biophysics and synthetic cell engineering , with a focus on protein complexes (Ndc80, Ska), microtubule end dynamics, actin-microtubule coordination, and the development of minimal in vitro systems to model cellular processes like polarity and coacervate formation. Spinoza Prize (2018) : One of the highest scientific awards in the Netherlands. Member of the KNAW board (2017) : Elected to the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences. She actively supervises PhD and master’s students, fostering the next generation of scientists in biophysics and synthetic biology. Her lab collaborates widely, including with groups at TU Delft, Leiden University, and international institutions like BIOCEV in Prague. The lab is deeply involved in cutting-edge projects such as building light-controllable DNA segregation systems and visualizing microtubule dynamics with liquid-phase EM. Her research is conducted at the intersection of physics, biology, and engineering, primarily within the Marileen Dogterom Lab at TU Delft, and through collaborative efforts with the Koenderink group (TU Delft) , the Schneider lab (Leiden University) , and the broader European Synthetic Cell initiative .
Dr. Mingzhao Liu is a Senior Scientist at the Center for Functional Nanomaterials (CFN) within Brookhaven National Laboratory and has served as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering at Stony Brook University since 2014. Education: B.S. in Chemistry, Peking University (2002) Ph.D. in Chemistry, University of Chicago (2007) His research bridges two cutting-edge domains: solar energy conversion and quantum information science . For solar energy, he focuses on synthesizing defect-free bismuth vanadate photoelectrodes for hydrogen production via water splitting. For quantum applications, he investigates superconducting metal silicides to enhance qubit stability and coherence, while leading materials subthrust efforts in the Co-design Center for Quantum Advantage (C 2 QA). His work leverages advanced techniques like pulsed laser deposition (PLD), atomic layer deposition (ALD), and in situ x-ray spectroscopy to understand atomic-scale material behavior. Recent publications emphasize interface engineering , surface oxidation control , and defect mitigation in quantum and energy materials. Scientific awards include the Brookhaven Spotlight Award (2012, 2014), Yang Cao-Lan-Xian Thesis Award (2008), and the Albert J. Cross Prize (2006). He was a Peking University Mingde Scholar and earned a Gold Medal at the 30th International Chemistry Olympiad (1998). Dr. Liu manages advanced fabrication tools at CFN, including PLD systems and sputtering apparatus , and collaborates with institutions like Princeton University and IBM through C 2 QA. His work integrates theory-experiment feedback loops to correlate material properties with device performance.
Jesse B. Schallek is Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Rochester's Flaum Eye Institute, with joint appointments in the Department of Neuroscience and as a member of the Center for Visual Science. He also serves as Director of the Advanced Retinal Imaging Alliance (ARIA). His research focuses on developing and applying adaptive optics imaging technology to study blood flow and immune cell dynamics in the living retina. Bachelor's in Bioengineering from Syracuse University (2003) PhD in Neuroscience from SUNY Upstate Medical University (2010) Postdoctoral training in Adaptive Optics Imaging with David Williams at University of Rochester (2010-2015) Dr. Schallek's research centers on the neural-vascular system in the retina, which is critical for understanding the leading causes of blindness in the developed world. His lab develops specialized cameras called Adaptive Optics Scanning Light Ophthalmoscopes (AOSLO) that correct for imperfections in the eye's optics, enabling imaging of capillaries ten times thinner than a human hair. This technology allows for visualization of single blood cells flowing through retinal vessels, providing insights into blood flow dysfunction in retinal diseases. His work spans multiple projects including Blood Cell Imaging, Blood Flow analysis, Immune Cell Imaging, Laser Lesion Models, and Retinal Vascular Structure studies. Analysis of Dr. Schallek's recent publications reveals a strong focus on adaptive optics technology development and its application to retinal imaging. His work increasingly examines immune cell dynamics in the retina, particularly microglial and neutrophil responses to injury and disease. There's a clear progression from technical development to biological application, with recent studies utilizing primate models and exploring connections between retinal health and systemic conditions. His research bridges engineering, neuroscience, and clinical ophthalmology. Career Advancement Award (2022-2024) David Mahoney Neuroimaging Award (2017-2019) Research to Prevent Blindness Career Development Award (2016-2020) Ruth Kirschstein National Research Service Award (2013-2015) Edmund Optics Higher Education Grant Program Finalist (2013) Dr. Schallek mentors multiple graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, with several of his trainees receiving recognition for their work. His research is supported by five national competitive research grants, including an R01 award to study immune cell behaviors in the living eye. The Schallek Lab collaborates extensively across departments including Biomedical Engineering, Microbiology and Immunology, and with external institutions like Genentech and UCL. Current projects focus on blood cell imaging, immune cell dynamics, and developing 3D quantitative phase imaging techniques for single retinal cells. The Schallek Lab is part of the Advanced Retinal Imaging Alliance (ARIA), which brings together researchers from the Flaum Eye Institute, Center for Visual Science, and The Institute of Optics. The lab maintains active collaborations with researchers including Krishnan Padmanabhan (Neuroscience), Cristina Canavesi (LighTopTech), Justin Elstrott (Genentech), and Colin Chu (UCL and Moorfields Eye Hospital). They utilize state-of-the-art imaging facilities and have developed multiple patented adaptive optics technologies.
Dr. Humphrey Fonge is a Full Professor at the Faculty of Pharmacy , Université Laval , specializing in radiopharmacy and cancer theranostics . His research focuses on developing radiolabeled agents for molecular imaging and targeted radiotherapy , with an emphasis on HER2 and EGFR -positive cancers. Education : PhD in Radiopharmacy (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven), MBA (University of Toronto) Training : Academic radiopharmacist (Saskatchewan Health Authority), postdoctoral work in theranostics (University of Toronto) His program investigates pharmaceutical-grade radionuclides , preclinical evaluation of theranostic agents , and the impact of tumor environments on radiopharmaceutical efficacy. Recent studies involve Ac-225/67Cu-labeled antibodies for colorectal , breast , and neuroendocrine cancers . Key collaborations include the Saskatchewan Health Authority and University of Toronto . Students in his lab include Jessica Pougoue Ketchemen (postdoc), Katrina Bato (graduate), and Emmanuel Nwangele (graduate).
Robert Bergevin is a Full Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering at Laval University's Faculty of Science and Engineering, where he has been employed since 1990 and achieved full professor status in 2001. He is also a member of CeRVIM (Research Center in Robotics, Vision and Machine Intelligence) and actively participates in graduate recruitment. Dr. Bergevin's educational background includes: Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from McGill University (1985-1990), with thesis titled "Primal Access Recognition of Visual Objects" under Professor Martin D. Levine M.Sc.A. in Biomedical Engineering from École Polytechnique de Montréal (1982-1984), with thesis on "Modeling and numerical simulation of a nuclear magnetic resonance imaging system" under Professor Robert Guardo B.Sc.A. in Electrical Engineering (Communications specialty) from École Polytechnique de Montréal (1978-1982) Professor Bergevin's research spans cognitive computer vision, pattern recognition, and information systems design methodologies. His work is guided by a unique methodology that progresses "from the general to the particular" to achieve "simply communicable and universally applicable understanding." He has been a researcher in cognitive computer vision since 1985, with particular focus on ontology, methodology, and categorization. His research interests include Ontology of Cognitive Digital Vision, Cognitive Digital Vision Development Methodology, Categorization in cognitive digital vision, Analysis and understanding of images and videos, and Understandable artificial intelligence. As a generalist, he is also a proponent of the science of global anticipatory design (R. Buckminster Fuller) and general semantics (Alfred Korzybski). Analysis of Professor Bergevin's recent publications reveals a strong focus on video anomaly detection, carried object detection, and human activity recognition. His work consistently applies cognitive principles to computer vision problems, often developing novel methodologies for segmentation, tracking, and recognition. The research shows progression from foundational work on image analysis to more complex spatio-temporal understanding of video content, with increasing integration of deep learning techniques in recent years while maintaining a focus on interpretable and cognitively-inspired approaches. Among his professional recognitions: Teaching Star, Faculty of Science and Engineering (2019, 2012) Professor Bergevin has supervised numerous graduate students throughout his career, including four PhD candidates and four Master's students in recent years. His current research includes the "Cyber-physical systems and materialized machine intelligence" project funded by Université Laval, École de technologie supérieure, and Fonds de recherche du Québec - Nature and technologies, running from 2019 to 2026. He was also the director of the bachelor's program in computer engineering from 2001 to 2010 and served as Area Editor for the journal Computer Vision and Image Understanding from 2002 to 2017. As a member of CeRVIM (Research Center in Robotics, Vision and Machine Intelligence), Professor Bergevin collaborates with researchers across multiple disciplines to advance the fields of robotics, computer vision, and machine intelligence. His work bridges theoretical foundations with practical applications, particularly in the analysis of human activities and object recognition in complex visual scenes.
Gregory F. Welch serves as the Florida Hospital Endowed Chair in Healthcare Simulation at the University of Central Florida, with primary appointments in the College of Nursing, Department of Computer Science, and Institute for Simulation & Training. He also holds an Adjunct Professor position in Computer Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. With a Ph.D. from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1996, his career spans academia, NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and Northrop-Grumman's Defense Systems Division. Ph.D. in Computer Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1996 Degree in Electrical Technology, Purdue University (with Highest Distinction), 1986 Dr. Welch's research spans human-computer interaction, virtual and augmented reality, motion tracking systems, 3D telepresence, and stochastic estimation , with significant applications to healthcare training and education. His work focuses on creating seamless interactions between physical and virtual environments, particularly through innovations in tracking technology, view synthesis, and the Kalman filter. A notable contribution is his internationally-recognized website dedicated to the Kalman filter, which has become a standard reference in the field. Dr. Welch's recent publications (2016-2017) demonstrate a strong focus on social presence in virtual and augmented reality environments , particularly examining how physical-virtual interactions affect user experience. His work explores nuanced aspects like spatial coherence, gesturing, vibrotactile feedback, and environmental effects on social presence. A recurring theme is the development of "human surrogates" - physical manifestations of virtual humans that bridge the gap between real and virtual spaces, with direct applications to healthcare simulation and training. IEEE Senior Member 2nd Prize Best ICDSC 2011 Paper While specific student names aren't listed in the available materials, Dr. Welch has advised numerous researchers in virtual reality, human-computer interaction, and healthcare simulation. His work has attracted significant research funding, particularly through his role as the Florida Hospital Endowed Chair in Healthcare Simulation. His research spans multiple domains including medical applications, military training, and emergency response scenarios, suggesting diverse grant support from NIH, NSF, and defense-related agencies. Dr. Welch is affiliated with multiple research entities including the Institute for Simulation & Training at UCF and maintains connections with UNC-Chapel Hill's Computer Science department. His work often involves interdisciplinary collaborations between computer scientists, medical professionals, and educators. Notably, he co-developed the HuSIS (Human Surrogate Interaction Space), a dedicated facility for studying human interactions with virtual surrogates, demonstrating his commitment to creating specialized research environments for advancing virtual and augmented reality applications.
Catherine Conan is a Lecturer in the Department of English at the University of Brest, affiliated with the research laboratory Heritage and Creation in Text and Image (HCTI EA 4249) . Her responsibilities include managing departmental timetables, serving as Erasmus exchange coordinator with NUI Galway, and acting as webmaster for the Ceima research center. She holds a PhD (2007) from the University of Brest focused on contemporary Belfast literature and an External English Aggregation (2003). Her research specializes in Irish Studies and Ecocriticism , with emphasis on material ecocritical approaches to contemporary Irish poetry, representations of Northern Irish identity post-conflict, and intersections of technology with literary expression. Key themes include environmental ethics, cultural memory, and feminist-materialist readings of poets like Eavan Boland and Derek Mahon. Conan's publications demonstrate consistent focus on Irish literary ecocriticism (2018–2022) and earlier explorations of war representation, visual culture, and community dynamics in Northern Irish poetry (2008–2015). Recent works engage with climate crisis poetics, while seminal studies analyze Ciaran Carson's oeuvre. She has presented at international conferences including Greening the Harp (2022) on material feminisms in Irish poetry and Congrès de la Sofeir (2020) examining literary responses to Ireland's financial crisis.
