Prof. Dr. Sakibe Nalan BÜYÜKKANTARCIOĞLU is a Professor at Çankaya University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Translation and Interpreting Studies (English). She previously served as Professor (2007–2019), Associate Professor (2000–2007), and Assistant Professor (1997–2000) at Hacettepe University, Department of English Linguistics. PhD in English Linguistics (Hacettepe University, 1991) MA in English Language Teaching (Middle East Technical University, 1985) BA in English Teaching (Istanbul University, 1978) Her research spans Linguistics, Cognitive Linguistics, Discourse Analysis, Psycholinguistics, Sociolinguistics, Translation Studies , with a focus on figurative language, interjections, political discourse, and endangered languages. She received the European Language Award (2011) and has supervised numerous PhD and MA theses, including work on Turkish idioms, gender representation, and language awareness. A prolific editor and conference participant, she has contributed to interdisciplinary projects and publications on Turkish sociolinguistics.
Dr. Hassan Qudrat-Ullah is a Professor at the School of Administrative Studies, York University, and Coordinator of the Certificate in Logistics Management. He holds a PhD in Decision Sciences from NUS Business School and completed a post-doctoral fellowship at Carnegie Mellon University. His research focuses on dynamic decision making, system dynamics modeling, energy planning, and interactive learning environments. He teaches courses on quantitative methods, logistics, and decision analysis, informed by global industry experience across 20+ countries. Research interests include sustainability, climate change, systems thinking, and educational applications of decision sciences. He serves as Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Complexity in Applied Science and Technology and is a member of IEEE, DSI, and the International System Dynamics Society. His work has been published in Energy , Decision Support Systems , and others. Key projects include studies on 'structured-debriefing in dynamic decision making' and renewable energy policies in Africa. His recent articles (2023–2025) address AI integration in energy governance, system dynamics for supply chain resilience, and education for sustainability. Hassan advocates for systems thinking in K-12 education and enjoys traveling (visited 129 countries) and bird-watching.
Professor Simon Buckingham Shum is a leading academic in Learning Informatics at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), serving as inaugural Director of the Connected Intelligence Centre since 2014. His work bridges Human-Computer Interaction, Educational Technology, and Learning Analytics to develop AI-driven tools like OnTask that enhance student belonging through personalized feedback. Key research areas: Human-Computer Interaction, Learning Analytics, AI in Education, Collective Intelligence Recent work focuses: LLM-augmented qualitative analysis, Belonging Analytics frameworks, and ethical AI implementation in education CIC received the 2024 Vice-Chancellor’s Student Experience Award for scaling OnTask across multiple faculties. His contributions span over 30 years, including founding roles at The Open University’s Knowledge Media Institute and innovations in Open Educational Resources (OER), SocialLearn, and FutureLearn platforms. Notable awards: 2024 Student Experience Award (OnTask), Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (RSA), DEFI STRI Researcher at University of Cambridge Education: B.Sc. in Psychology (York), M.Sc. in Ergonomics (UCL), PhD in Human-Computer Interaction (York) He leads multidisciplinary collaborations with teams across Business, Law, and Education faculties, pioneering tools like Theme Explorer and Qreframer bot. His recent focus on the "metacrisis" reframes educational technology’s role in addressing global systemic challenges through transdisciplinary approaches.
Dr. Enrica Dall'Ara serves as the Associate Dean of Planning and Landscape Architecture and an Associate Professor at the University of Calgary's School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape. Her work bridges academic research and professional practice, exemplified through her firm PARC, which specializes in public space design, urban renewal, and the rehabilitation of industrial sites. She emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, integrating fields like environmental engineering and biology into landscape architecture. Education: Laurea in Architettura (Master Degree equivalent in Architecture), University of Ferrara, Italy Master in Landscape Architecture, ETSAB, Polytechnic University of Catalonia, Spain PhD in Landscape Design, University of Florence, Italy Research Interests: Dr. Dall'Ara focuses on practice-based research, public space design, service landscapes, and the integration of cultural advocacy into landscape architecture. Her work explores site-specific design solutions, the role of agriculture in urban-rural dynamics, and the preservation of traditional rural landscapes. She advocates for designs that serve life through poetic, functional, and culturally sensitive approaches. Contributions: Through her teaching, Dall'Ara encourages students to view design as research, fostering critical thinking and interdisciplinary dialogue. Her firm’s projects, such as the roundabout gardens in Imola, Italy, demonstrate her commitment to merging ecological, functional, and aesthetic considerations in landscape interventions. Professional Affiliations: Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA) Alberta Association of Landscape Architects (AALA) Associazione Italiana di Architettura del Paesaggio (AIAPP) Ordine degli Architetti, Pianificatori, Paesaggisti e Conservatori (Province of Forlì-Cesena, Italy)
Daniel Abadi is the Darnell-Kanal Professor of Computer Science at the University of Maryland, College Park, with an appointment in the University of Maryland Institute for Advanced Computer Studies. He leads the Data Systems Lab at Maryland (DSLAM) and has made significant contributions to database system architecture and implementation, particularly in scalable and distributed systems. Prof. Abadi's research focuses on database system architecture, especially at the intersection with scalable and distributed systems. He is best-known for the development of the storage and query execution engines of the C-Store (column-oriented database) prototype, which was commercialized by Vertica and eventually acquired by Hewlett-Packard, and for his HadoopDB research on fault tolerant scalable analytical database systems which was commercialized by Hadapt and acquired by Teradata. His current work includes deterministic distributed systems like Calvin and SLOG, which provide strictly serializable, low-latency, geographically replicated database transactions. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on modern database challenges including transaction processing, distributed systems architecture, data mesh concepts, schema evolution, and IoT data management. His work consistently addresses the tension between consistency, availability, and performance in distributed database systems, with recent emphasis on moving beyond traditional two-phase commit protocols and exploring novel approaches to data architecture like data mesh. ACM Fellow Sloan Research Fellowship Churchill Scholarship NSF CAREER Award VLDB Best Paper Award Two VLDB Test of Time Awards (for C-Store and HadoopDB) 2008 SIGMOD Jim Gray Doctoral Dissertation Award 2013-2014 Yale Provost's Teaching Prize 2013 VLDB Early Career Researcher Award PhD dissertation advisor for Alexander Thomson and Jose Falerio, whose dissertations won SIGMOD Jim Gray Doctoral Dissertation Awards in 2015 and 2020 respectively Prof. Abadi has advised multiple PhD students, including Alexander Thomson and Jose Falerio, both of whom received the prestigious SIGMOD Jim Gray Doctoral Dissertation Award. His research has been supported by numerous grants including NSF funding for projects like SLOG. He maintains an active presence in the database community through his widely-read blog DBMS Musings and through service on program committees for major conferences including SIGMOD, VLDB, and CIDR. He leads the DSLAM research group at the University of Maryland, which focuses on cutting-edge database system research with strong industry connections and practical impact.
Felicity McArdle is a Professor in the Department of Early Childhood Education within the Faculty of Education at Queensland University of Technology. With a distinguished career spanning over two decades, her work centers on reimagining early childhood pedagogy through critical lenses of social justice, art education, and play-based learning. Her research has significantly influenced Australian early childhood policy and practice. McArdle's research interests demonstrate a consistent commitment to transformative education. She critically examines how art and play function as vehicles for social justice, challenging neoliberal discourses in early childhood education. Her work on refugee children's artistic expression and anti-bias curriculum development reveals her dedication to equity-oriented pedagogy. Through collaborative drawing methodologies and visual research approaches, she has pioneered innovative ways of understanding children's perspectives. Her publication trends reveal a sophisticated evolution from foundational work on visual arts in education (2001-2010) toward increasingly critical examinations of power, policy, and social justice (2011-2021). The consistent citation impact of her work—particularly her 2002 paper 'Early Childhood Art Education: A Palimpsest' with over 13,000 citations—demonstrates her field-defining contributions to reconceptualizing art education as critical praxis. McArdle has held significant editorial roles including co-editing the influential 2013 volume 'Young Children, Pedagogy and the Arts' and serving on the editorial board of Australian Journal of Early Childhood. Her collaborations with leading scholars like Susan Grieshaber, Jennifer Sumsion, and Linda Knight have produced seminal work on intentional teaching and play-based learning. Her research methodology expertise centers on visual and arts-based approaches, particularly collaborative drawing techniques that engage children as active research participants. This methodological innovation reflects her commitment to ethical research practices that honor children's agency while generating meaningful insights about early childhood experiences.
Prof. Dr. Nicole Ondrusch is a Professor at Heilbronn University (HHN) within the Faculty of Computer Science. She specializes in teaching methodological fundamentals of software engineering, including ERP systems, Design Thinking, Change Management, and digital transformation. Her research focuses on educational concepts for computer science technologies and future-relevant skills. Key Roles and Projects: Member of BW-CAR doctoral center Organizer of Barcamp Heilbronn, an unconference teaching project fostering student teamwork Principal investigator in funded projects like DigiTrans (digital transformation education) and DEV:GAMES (educational game development) SAP Academic Board DACH spokesperson since 2021 Research Interests: Her work emphasizes innovative teaching methods such as Design Thinking, agile project implementation, and digital experimentation. She explores ethical AI education, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the societal impact of digital transformation. Nicole also develops practical teaching tools like virtual escape rooms and game-based learning frameworks. Grants & Partnerships: Funded by DAAD (DigiTrans), Stiftung Innovation, and others Collaborates with industry partners like SAP and local IT organizations (ConnectIT) Labs & Teams: She leads the Lab:D initiative, developing digital teaching platforms, and co-organizes the Barcamp, a student-led event integrating real-world project management and community building.
Professor Kay O'Halloran serves as Chair Professor and Head of Department of Communication and Media within the School of the Arts at the University of Liverpool since August 2019. She concurrently holds the position of Co-Director for the Digital Media and Society Institute (DMSI), demonstrating significant leadership across academic and research domains. Her career spans prestigious institutions including Curtin University (2013-2019) and National University of Singapore (1998-2013), where she directed the Multimodal Analysis Lab and served as Deputy Director of the Interactive & Digital Media Institute. PhD from Murdoch University (1996) Postdoctoral position at Martin Luther University (1997-1998) Visiting Distinguished Professor at Shanghai Jiaotong University (2017-2020) Professor O'Halloran's research focuses on multimodal discourse analysis, particularly the interaction of language with visual and mathematical resources. Her pioneering work in systemic functional multimodal discourse analysis (SF-MDA) has significantly impacted mathematics education and digital communication studies. Current research emphasizes digital tools for multimodal analysis and mixed methods approaches to big data analytics, addressing contemporary challenges in misinformation and public health communication. Her recent publications reveal strong thematic concentration in pandemic-related communication analysis, misinformation resistance mechanisms, and multimodal argumentation across social and cultural contexts. The 15 most recent articles demonstrate consistent application of multimodal frameworks to urgent societal issues including public health crises, political discourse, and digital literacy challenges. Founding editor of Routledge Studies in Multimodality book series (57+ volumes) Over 150 publications in leading international journals 50+ plenary/keynote presentations globally Competitive funding from National Research Foundation, MOE Singapore, US Air Force, ARC, NHMRC, and others Professor O'Halloran has directed interdisciplinary research teams comprising social scientists, computer scientists, and designers. Her leadership extends to developing commercial multimodal analysis software (Multimodal Analysis Image and Video) adopted internationally. Current projects include Eurovision 2023 wellbeing evaluation and COVID-19 misinformation immunity development, demonstrating continued relevance to contemporary societal challenges.
Judith M. Burton is the Macy Professor of Education at Teachers College, Columbia University, holding dual affiliations in the Arts & Humanities and the Art and Art Education department. She has been honored with a Distinguished Professorship from South China Normal University (2014) for her contributions to international arts education collaboration. Her academic journey includes a National Diploma in Design from Hornsey College of Art, M.Ed. from the University of Manchester, and an Ed.D. from Harvard University, where her doctoral work examined children’s figure drawings as cognitive tools. Her research focuses on artistic-aesthetic development in youth, cross-cultural art education practices, and the role of artists in educational settings. She actively bridges theory and practice through initiatives like planning an international graduate art exhibition modeled after the Venice Biennale, and delivering keynote lectures at venues such as the National Art Museum of China. Burton’s publications emphasize pedagogical innovation, cultural exchange in art education, and the cognitive dimensions of artistic creation. Beyond academia, her work extends to curricular design and global educational partnerships, reflecting her commitment to expanding the societal role of the arts.
Dr. hab. Piotr Łukomski is an Associate Professor at the Department of Political Theory, Institute of Political Science, University of Wrocław. His academic career focuses on the intersection of political theory, philosophy, and cultural analysis, with notable contributions to Hannah Arendt's philosophy, game theory applications in politics, and the role of imagination in political thought. Department: Political Theory Email: piotr.lukomski@uwr.edu.pl ORCID: 0000-0002-5307-616X Research Interests: His work spans conceptual metaphors in political theory, decision-making under hazardous conditions, cultural evolution of tyranny, and the aestheticization of politics. He examines how digital technologies (like VR) reshape political identity and how Arendtian frameworks apply to modern governance. Teaching: Coordinates social consulting labs and teaches decision-making processes in political contexts, with a focus on practical applications in hazardous conditions. Publications: Recent articles analyze VR-era political identity, Hannah Arendt's relevance to modern democracy, and the integration of problem-solving strategies in political thought.
Professor Gene Bawden is a communication designer and Head of the Department of Design at Monash University’s Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture (MADA). He holds a PhD in Design focusing on Australian domestic spaces and cultural identity. His work bridges design practice and research, emphasizing gender equity in urban environments through collaborative projects like the XYX Lab. Key contributions include developing design thinking curricula, leading the D-Lab’s material tools for spatial inquiry, and co-designing safety initiatives for public transport and urban spaces. Education: PhD in Design (2015), Monash University, specializing in 'Comfort and Judgement: Nineteenth Century Advice Manuals and the Scripting of Australian Identity'. Research Interests: Gendered spatial practices, design thinking methodologies, material and visual narratives of belonging, and co-design strategies for mitigating urban gender inequity. His projects include the 'Safer Cities Crowd Mapping' initiative and the WHO-guided 'Design for Impact' toolkit. Awards: Recipient of the 2018 Dean’s Award for Research Impact, 2020 Good Design Award for 'Yours, Mine, Ours', and multiple recognitions for urban design projects addressing gender safety. Advising: Graduate supervisor for design research students. Grants: Principal investigator on projects totaling over AUD 2M, including the 'Gender-sensitive training for safe communities' and 'Co-designing health futures' initiatives. Labs/Teams: Founding director of D-Lab and core member of XYX Lab, which focus on design-driven solutions for gender equity in urban environments. Notable collaborations include the 'HyperSext City' exhibition and 'Keep Running' public safety campaigns.
Uwe Flick is a Seniorprofessor in the Department of Education and Psychology at Freie Universität Berlin, specializing in Qualitative Social and Education Research. He has held professorships at Alice Salomon University and Hannover Medical School and is internationally recognized for his contributions to qualitative methodology. Education: Dr. phil. from Freie Universität Berlin (1988), Habilitation in Psychology from Technical University of Berlin (1994). Professional Affiliations: Freie Universität Berlin (2013–present, Seniorprofessor since 2022), Alice Salomon University (2004–2013), Hannover Medical School (1996–1997). His research centers on qualitative methods , social representations of health and illness , chronic illness , migration , and vulnerability . He investigates the lived experiences of marginalized groups, including chronically ill youth, homeless adolescents, and refugees, often employing triangulation and mixed methods to deepen understanding. The 15 most recent publications highlight his sustained focus on advancing qualitative research methodology—editing handbooks, writing foundational texts, and refining concepts of research quality, triangulation, and design. Simultaneously, his empirical work explores health communication, peer relationships, and integration challenges among vulnerable populations, demonstrating a powerful integration of methodological innovation with socially relevant inquiry. Scientific Awards: Lifetime Achievement Award in Qualitative Inquiry, ICQI (2019) Flick actively advises doctoral students through his Promotionskolloquium and has secured substantial research funding for projects on refugee integration, sleep disorders, and chronic illness. His editorial roles in journals like Qualitative Research , Journal of Health Psychology , and Sozialer Sinn , and his leadership in book series such as Qualitative Sozialforschung , underscore his influence in shaping the field. He is a central figure in qualitative research communities, frequently engaging as a visiting scholar and professor across Europe and globally. He leads a research team at Freie Universität Berlin, supervising master’s and doctoral projects on topics like peer relations, health concepts, and migration, fostering the next generation of qualitative researchers.
Maged Senbel is an Associate Professor at the School of Community and Regional Planning (SCARP), University of British Columbia (UBC) since 2007. His innovative teaching methods have earned him the Killam Prize for graduate instruction. He holds a B.Arch. (Oregon), M.Arch. (McGill), M.Sc. and Ph.D. (UBC), with professional certifications as MCIP and RPP. His research centers on transformative approaches to urban challenges, specializing in: Public engagement methodologies for neighborhood planning Climate change adaptation and GHG reduction strategies Equity-focused community development Digital/social media applications in planning Youth engagement and intercultural visioning Spatial thinking and visualization techniques This work aligns with SCARP's mission of 'Knowledge in Action - Planning in Partnership'. Awards & Honors: Killam Prize for Graduate Instruction (Faculty of Graduate Studies) He has supervised 23 PhD candidates and 95 Master's students through experiential learning projects addressing real-world planning challenges in urban design, environmental planning, and community engagement. His teaching portfolio includes courses on social justice (PLAN 331), planning studio (PLAN 541), planning theory (PLAN 558), thesis development (PLAN 560), and doctoral colloquia (PLAN 603).
Masood Masoodian is an Associate Professor in the Department of Art and Media at Aalto University, Finland. He leads the Visual Communication Design research group, focusing on interactive visualization for health, energy, and sustainability contexts. Previously, he held roles at the University of Waikato (2000-2016), University of Southern Denmark, and Massey University. Education: Doctoral degree in Other disciplines from the University of Waikato (1999) Research interests include design thinking, visualization of complex data, and creative aging interventions. Notable projects include the EU-funded INT-ACT initiative (2024-2026) addressing intangible cultural heritage. He has received an award for collaborative work on video game ludonarrative analysis (2019). Recent activities include organizing workshops on map-based interfaces, co-creating cultural heritage methods, and delivering public talks on digital design. Supervised two theses and contributed to 131 peer-reviewed outputs, emphasizing human-centered design and sustainability. Grants: Principal investigator for multiple EU projects totaling over 3 years of active funding. Awards: Prize for 'Comedy in the Ludonarrative of Video Games' (2019). Labs/Teams: Visual Communication Design group, collaborating internationally on projects like INT-ACT's cultural heritage mapping.
Mathias Funk is an Associate Professor in the Industrial Design department at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), leading the Things Ecology lab. His research focuses on designing with data and systems behavior, particularly in IoT and medical technology contexts. He co-founded UXsuite GmbH and developed the OOCSI communication framework. With a PhD in Electrical Engineering from TU/e (2011), Funk has held academic roles since 2013, including postdoctoral positions in Electrical Engineering and Industrial Design. He teaches courses like 'Data-enabled design' and supervises projects on AI, data foundry, and OOCSI applications. His work bridges engineering and design, addressing sustainability and human values through systemic design approaches. Education: PhD in Electrical Engineering, TU/e (2011) Computer Science background from RWTH Aachen Postdoc at TU/e's Electrical Engineering and Industrial Design departments Research Interests: Data-driven design methodologies, IoT systems, medical technology innovation, sustainable design practices, and interactive systems for musical expression. Recent work emphasizes telemonitoring efficacy in heart failure care and federated learning applications. Awards: Best Paper Award (2014) Honorable Mention (2021) Grants/Projects: Leading initiatives like MEDICAID (medtech solutions), ACACIA (interpretable AI), and Data-Driven Servitizing in Professional Printing. Active in clinical workflow prototyping and cardiovascular disease detection projects. Lab Activities: Manages the Things Ecology lab, focusing on systemic design challenges in smart ecosystems. Collaborates internationally through spin-offs and visiting lectureships.
