Julian McAuley is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). His research bridges machine learning, natural language processing, and computer music, with a focus on generative models, recommender systems, and multimodal learning. He leads a lab that has produced influential datasets and frameworks for recommendation tasks. Primary Affiliation: UCSD, Department of Computer Science Research Themes: Generative AI, Recommender Systems, Music-Cognition Interfaces, Multimodal Learning McAuley's work explores the intersection of large language models (LLMs) with sequential recommendation, causal inference, and creative applications in music generation. His lab develops novel architectures like CoMMIT (multimodal instruction tuning) and SAND (LLM agent deliberation), while also advancing ethical AI through normative alignment techniques. Recent publications highlight trends in code-augmented reasoning , symbolic music processing , and contextual preference optimization . Notable applications include video-guided music synthesis, Explainable Chain-of-Thought systems, and tools for scalable self-updating models. He advises PhD students in areas spanning large language models , vision-language systems , and healthcare-driven AI . Collaborations span institutions like MIT-IBM Watson AI Lab, CMU, and companies including Google Deepmind, Meta, and Nvidia.
Dr. Quanying Liu serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), where she leads the Neural Computing and Control Laboratory (NCC lab) as Principal Investigator and Doctoral Supervisor. Her academic journey includes a PhD from ETH Zurich in Biomedical Engineering, postdoctoral training at Caltech, and research positions at Huntington Medical Research Institute, KU Leuven, and Oxford University. PhD in Biomedical Engineering, ETH Zurich (2013-2017) Master in Computer Science, Lanzhou University (2010-2013) Bachelor in Electrical Engineering, Lanzhou University (2006-2010) Dr. Liu's research bridges neuroscience, machine learning, and control theory with focus on multi-modal neural signal processing (EEG, sEEG, fMRI, DTI), explainable AI for brain interpretation, and optimization frameworks for neuromodulation (tES, TMS). Her work develops high-density EEG source imaging algorithms, data-driven brain network modeling, and control-theoretic approaches for neural stimulation. The NCC lab specializes in machine learning algorithms, neural computation, multimodal data fusion, network control theory, and bidirectional brain-computer interfaces. Analysis of her recent publications reveals strong trends in EEG-based visual decoding, multimodal neural embeddings, and AI-driven brain network modeling. Her work increasingly integrates generative models for neural data synthesis, control theory for precise neuromodulation, and cross-modal approaches connecting neural signals with cognitive functions. The New Brain 30 (2023) AAIC travel award (2019) Estes Stars Award (2018) Shenzhen Peacock Talent Plan C Dr. Liu actively mentors students through SUSTech's doctoral program and leads multiple significant research initiatives including a National Natural Science Foundation Youth Project, a National Key R&D Program in Bio-Information Fusion, and several Shenzhen municipal projects. Her lab receives funding from Guangdong Provincial Basic Research Fund, Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Commission, and international fellowships including Boswell Postdoctoral Fellowship and Swiss National Science Foundation grants. The NCC lab maintains strong international collaborations with Caltech, ETH Zurich, and Oxford University while developing novel platforms like WheelCon for sensorimotor control studies. The Neural Computing and Control Laboratory operates as an interdisciplinary hub integrating computational neuroscience, machine learning, and control engineering. The lab develops specialized hardware-software systems for closed-loop neurostimulation, maintains the EEGdenoiseNET benchmark dataset, and pioneers methods like MOVEA for transcranial electrical stimulation optimization. Current research directions include generative models for neural decoding, network control theory applications, and AI-human cognitive interaction frameworks.
Associate Professor Terry Ord is an evolutionary ecologist at the School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). His research focuses on the interplay between phylogeny, natural selection, and sexual selection in shaping behavioral diversity, with a particular emphasis on animal communication and visual signaling. University: University of New South Wales (UNSW) School: School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences Email: t.ord@unsw.edu.au Location: Room 5106, Level 5, Biological Sciences South (E26), UNSW Ord employs large-scale phylogenetic comparative analysis and targeted experimental studies to investigate macro- and microevolutionary processes. His work spans topics such as signal evolution in noisy environments, ecological transitions (e.g., fish moving to land), and the adaptive significance of animal ornaments. Recent publications highlight research on: Signal complexity trade-offs in herpetofauna Environmental drivers of behavioral plasticity Convergent evolution in visual communication Ecological release from predation pressures Ornament allometry and locomotor constraints Central place foraging strategies in ectotherms His laboratory, ordlab.unsw.edu.au , serves as the hub for his ongoing research. He utilizes robotic prey and playback experiments to test hypotheses about signal function and species recognition.
Professor Sylvia Gustin (PhD, BPsych, MPsych) is a leading neuroscientist at the University of New South Wales and Neuroscience Research Australia . She serves as Director of the NeuroRecovery Research Hub and Founding Director of the Centre for Pain IMPACT , focusing on multimodal neuroimaging and psychological assessment to investigate chronic pain and spinal cord injury rehabilitation. Her work bridges basic science research with clinical translation through innovative technologies like virtual reality walking and brain-computer interface neuromodulation. Her research program emphasizes neuroimaging , neuropathic pain , and spinal cord injury recovery , with key projects targeting: Restoration of somatosensory perception using haptic virtual reality Development of novel neurofeedback interventions for pain management Investigation of stress-related brain alterations in chronic pain Recent publications span EEG neurofeedback , telehealth interventions , and emotion regulation therapies for chronic pain, reflecting her translational pipeline approach. She has received significant recognition as the Rebecca Cooper Senior Medical Research Fellow and secured major funding from the NHMRC , MRFF , and US Department of Defence . Her work involves collaborations across neuroscience, psychology, and rehabilitation medicine.
Professor Richard Kemp is a distinguished academic in the School of Psychology at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), specializing in cognitive and forensic psychology. With a BSc (Hons) Psychology from Durham University (1981) and a PhD in Psychology from University College London (1995), he has established himself as a leading researcher in face recognition, eyewitness memory, and forensic identification. His educational background includes: BSc (Hons) Psychology, Durham University, UK (1981) PhD Psychology, UCL, London (1995) Professor Kemp's research focuses on the intersection of cognitive psychology and legal applications, with particular emphasis on: Face recognition processes and expertise development Eyewitness memory reliability and co-witness effects Forensic identification procedures and error rates Unfamiliar face matching in applied settings Cognitive aspects of visual expertise His scholarly work demonstrates an evolution from foundational research on face processing to highly applied studies in forensic contexts. Recent publications reveal sophisticated investigations into police super-recognizers, training methods for face identification, and comparative analyses between human and algorithmic recognition systems. The interdisciplinary nature of his work bridges cognitive science, law enforcement practices, and judicial processes. Notable contributions include research examining: Effective methods for improving eyewitness identification The psychological factors affecting identification accuracy Best practices for forensic reporting and evidence presentation The development of expertise through specialized training Professor Kemp maintains an active research program with numerous current projects examining face recognition in real-world settings, the psychological impact of judicial work, and the communication of forensic science evidence. His work has significant implications for legal procedures involving eyewitness testimony and facial identification evidence.
Professor Branka Spehar is a distinguished researcher in visual perception at the University of New South Wales' School of Psychology. With a PhD in Experimental Psychology from Rutgers University (1994), her career spans decades of groundbreaking research on how humans process visual information. Her research interests encompass lightness and color perception , perceptual organization , attentional capture , and the perceptual foundations of aesthetic experience . She investigates how neural mechanisms process visual information, how these processes develop from infancy through adulthood, and how they relate to the statistical properties of natural images. Her work bridges experimental psychology, neuroscience, and aesthetics. Professor Spehar's recent publications demonstrate her focus on fractal properties in visual perception, cross-cultural emotion recognition, and the relationship between visual form and aesthetic experience. Her research employs diverse methodologies including fMRI, EEG, behavioral experiments, and computational analysis of visual stimuli. She has secured significant funding including ARC Discovery Grants for projects on aesthetic appreciation and the relationship between natural form and the human brain. She actively supervises PhD and honors students, maintaining a robust research program that explores both fundamental visual processes and their applications to real-world contexts. Her laboratory investigates how context affects perception, how fragmented visual information is integrated into global percepts, and how aesthetic preferences relate to underlying neural mechanisms.
Professor Lenny Vartanian is a distinguished academic at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), where he serves in the School of Psychology. With a prolific research career spanning over two decades, Professor Vartanian has established himself as a leading expert in body image, eating disorders, weight stigma, and social influences on eating behavior. His work has been published in numerous high-impact journals across psychology, nutrition, and public health domains, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to understanding the complex relationships between psychological processes and eating behaviors. Professor Vartanian's research primarily focuses on body image concerns, eating disorders, and weight stigma. His work explores how self-concept clarity, social comparisons, and internalization of societal ideals influence body dissatisfaction and disordered eating. He has conducted extensive research on the impact of social media on body image, the psychological factors affecting adherence to lifestyle changes after bariatric surgery, and the cognitive biases that influence food intake. His recent work has also examined the role of self-serving biases in food consumption attributions, the effects of appearance comparisons in everyday life, and the psychological predictors of comfort food consumption. Analysis of Professor Vartanian's recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong emphasis on methodological innovation, particularly in the use of daily diary studies and rapid review methodologies to examine eating behaviors and body image concerns in real-world contexts. His work increasingly integrates social psychology with clinical applications, focusing on developing practical interventions for eating disorders and weight management. There is a clear trajectory toward examining the intersection of digital media, social comparison processes, and body image, reflecting contemporary concerns about the impact of social media on mental health. Professor Vartanian has contributed significantly to the understanding of weight stigma and its psychological consequences. His research has illuminated how weight bias affects health motivation, exercise behavior, and psychological well-being. He has developed and validated several measurement tools, including the Flexible or Rigid Control of Eating Scale (FORCES), which represents an important advancement in assessing eating behavior patterns. Throughout his career, Professor Vartanian has demonstrated a commitment to translating research into practice, particularly through his involvement in rapid reviews that inform public health policy in Australia regarding eating disorders. His collaborative approach is evident in his numerous multi-author publications that bring together experts from across the field to address complex issues in eating disorder research and treatment.
Dr Daniel Pearson serves as a Research Associate at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) within the School of Psychology under the Faculty of Science. His cognitive psychology research investigates how learned experiences shape perception, selective attention, and cognitive control, with applications in real-world alert design and understanding psychopathology. Research interests focus on the cognitive and neural mechanisms of visual cognition, particularly how reward-related stimuli (money, drugs, food) capture attention and influence behavior. His work bridges theoretical cognitive science with clinical applications, examining interactions between attention to reward cues and conditions like substance use disorders and psychosis. Publications reveal consistent exploration of value-modulated attentional capture, reward learning, and attentional suppression mechanisms. His research demonstrates how reward history persistently influences visual attention even after outcome devaluation, with implications for addiction treatment and human-computer interaction design. Current projects examine why reward-related stimuli capture attention, building on postdoctoral work at the UCL Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience where he studied perceptual capacity's impact on attention. His methodology frequently employs eye-tracking to measure overt attentional selection in visual search tasks.
Dr. Tom Beesley is a Visiting Fellow at the University of New South Wales in the School of Psychology. His academic work focuses on understanding human learning processes, particularly how individuals process and learn about environmental relationships and how this learning shapes behavior. His primary research interests include associative learning mechanisms, computational modeling of human learning, and comparisons between effortful reflective processing versus rapid stimulus processing. He investigates the role of intentionality in learning and whether conscious awareness is necessary for learning to occur. His work frequently employs eye-tracking methodology to examine cognitive processes during learning tasks. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on contextual cuing in visual search tasks, attentional processes during associative learning, and the role of uncertainty in exploration and decision-making. His work bridges cognitive psychology with computational modeling approaches, examining how predictive relationships shape attention and behavior. A significant portion of his research investigates how contextual information guides visual search and how attentional biases develop through learning. Dr. Beesley's research employs a combination of experimental psychology methods, computational modeling, and eye-tracking technology to investigate fundamental learning processes. His work contributes to our understanding of how humans extract regularities from their environment and how these regularities guide attention and behavior, with implications for both theoretical models of learning and potential applications in educational and clinical settings.
Dr. Keith Joiner is a Senior Lecturer at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Canberra within the School of Engineering and Technology. He joined academia in 2015 after a distinguished 30-year career in the Australian Air Force, where he served as an aeronautical engineer, project manager, and Director-General of Test and Evaluation for the Australian Defence Force (2010-2014). His military contributions earned him the Conspicuous Service Cross and U.S. Meritorious Service Medal. Dr. Joiner holds a PhD in Calculus Education, an MSc in Aerospace Systems Engineering (Loughborough University, UK), an MMgmt, and a BEng in Aeronautical Engineering. He is a Certified Practising Engineer (CPEng) and Certified Practising Project Director (CPPD) with professional affiliations including MAIPM and MIEAust. His research integrates statistical methods (design-of-experiments, regression modeling) with defense and cybersecurity applications. Key areas include: (1) Test/evaluation frameworks for autonomous systems, electronic warfare, and cyber-resilience; (2) Project governance in defense digitization and critical infrastructure; (3) Engineering education reforms focusing on inclusive curricula and peer-review efficacy. He actively explores human-autonomy teaming and cyber-physical system safety. Recent publications emphasize aerospace innovation (hybrid vehicles, electrification), AI assurance, and NLP applications in aviation safety. Methodological rigor in test design and computational modeling unifies his work, reflecting defense-industry collaboration and real-world problem-solving. Awards/Honors: Conspicuous Service Cross (2010-2014) U.S. Meritorious Service Medal (2009 Baghdad service) He mentors part-time PhD students in industry-collaborative projects related to test design, project governance, and autonomous systems. Current priorities include drone technology validation and cyber-resilience frameworks for space systems.
Dr. Murat Tahtali is a Senior Lecturer at UNSW Canberra within the School of Engineering and Information Technology at the University of New South Wales. His academic career spans multiple engineering disciplines with a strong focus on interdisciplinary research connecting engineering principles with medical applications. Dr. Tahtali's research interests span several interconnected fields including Medical Imaging , particularly Light Field CT and SPECT (L-SPECT), Adaptive Optics , Computer-Aided Design , Finite Element Analysis , Vibration Analysis , and Image Processing . His work bridges theoretical engineering concepts with practical medical applications, developing novel imaging techniques that can operate through challenging environments and media. His research has significant implications for both defense applications and medical diagnostics. An analysis of Dr. Tahtali's recent publications reveals a strong trend toward integrating machine learning techniques with traditional engineering approaches. His work spans medical imaging innovations, structural health monitoring using vibration analysis, computer vision for challenging environments, and deep learning applications. The interdisciplinary nature of his research connects mechanical engineering principles with computational methods and medical applications, demonstrating consistent innovation across multiple domains. Dr. Tahtali actively supervises research students and offers PhD scholarships ($35,000 per year) for high-achieving students in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering. His research group works on cutting-edge problems at the intersection of engineering disciplines, with particular emphasis on medical imaging technologies and computational methods for challenging environments. His laboratory work focuses on developing novel imaging systems, particularly Light Field SPECT technology, as well as computational methods for image restoration through turbulent media. The research team combines experimental work with sophisticated computational modeling to advance imaging capabilities in both medical and defense contexts.
Dr. Sreenatha Anavatti is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Engineering and Information Technology at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Canberra campus (Australian Defence Force Academy). With over three decades of academic experience, he has held positions at prestigious institutions including the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, where he served as Assistant Professor (1991-1997) and Associate Professor (1997-1998), before joining UNSW ADFA as Lecturer (1998-2001) and subsequently Senior Lecturer (2001-present). Dr. Anavatti's research spans the interdisciplinary fields of aerospace engineering, control systems, and artificial intelligence. His work primarily focuses on the application of fuzzy logic and neural networks to aerospace applications, including wing rock attitude control for flexible spacecraft, control of flexible robotic arms, and design and analysis of robust autopilots for aircraft and missiles. His research interests also encompass flight dynamics, flexible spacecraft dynamics and control, active vibration control, and practical applications of fuzzy and neural network systems. His expertise bridges theoretical control systems with practical aerospace applications, making significant contributions to both academic knowledge and real-world engineering solutions. His extensive publication record demonstrates significant contributions to the fields of UAV control systems, swarm robotics, and neuro-fuzzy applications. His recent work shows a strong trend toward integrating machine learning techniques with traditional control systems, particularly in the areas of autonomous vehicle navigation, source localization, and robust control under uncertainty. His research has evolved from foundational work in classical control systems to cutting-edge applications of deep learning and reinforcement learning in robotics and aerospace systems, with publications spanning from 1990 to the present, including numerous book chapters, journal articles, and conference papers. Dr. Anavatti has taught a wide range of courses including Flight Mechanics, Flight Control Systems, Missile Guidance, Spacecraft Dynamics, Orbital Mechanics, and Classical and Modern Control Theory. His academic journey reflects a consistent focus on advancing control system methodologies while adapting to emerging technologies in artificial intelligence and robotics.
Fiorella Esquivel is a Researcher at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Canberra, affiliated with the School of Engineering and Technology. Her work focuses on the sensory systems and anatomical adaptations of arthropods, particularly ants and honeybees. Research Focus: Neuroanatomy, visual navigation, and biomechanics in social insects Collaborations: Regularly works with researchers like Ajay Narendra and Stefan Ribi Current Email: f.esquivel@unsw.edu.au Her publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches combining behavioral ecology, functional morphology, and sensory biology. Key studies include sexual dimorphism in spider locomotion , honeybee stinger mechanics , and ant navigation under varying environmental cues . Recent article trends reveal a focus on arthropod sensory adaptations using high-resolution imaging, kinematic analysis, and electrophysiological methods across nocturnal and diurnal species. Collaborative work with institutions in Germany and Australia indicates strong international research networks.
Dr. Nicole Gardner is a Professor and Program Director of Computational Design at the School of Built Environment, Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture (ADA), UNSW. A Registered Architect in NSW (#7921), she holds a PhD in Architecture from the University of Technology Sydney (2018) and a First Class Honours Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Adelaide (2000). Her research bridges digital transformation, urban technology ethics, and computational design practices. PhD, School of Architecture, University of Technology Sydney (2018) Bachelor of Architecture (1st Class Honours), University of Adelaide (2000) Bachelor of Design Studies, University of Adelaide (1998) Her research interrogates digital transformation in the AEC industry through organizational learning theory, computational pragmatism, and ethical frameworks for smart cities. She explores human-machine configurations, augmented reality applications, and sustainable fabrication techniques like hybrid clay 3D printing for bio-reef structures. The 15 most recent articles reveal trends in computational design ethics, smart city scaling, digital compliance workflows, waste reduction strategies, and human-scale urban technology. Keywords span urban technology , machine learning , design automation , and gender dynamics in tech , with subfields like parametric acoustic modeling , semantic BIM consistency , and privacy-preserving occupancy analysis . 2021-2022: UNSW Faculty Research Fellowship 2022: Chief Investigator for $9M ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre 2024, 2021, 2019: DFAT Australia-Japan Foundation Grants Nicole supervises practice-based MPhil/PhD candidates focused on smart cities and digital transformation in AEC. She co-edited CAADRIA conference proceedings and chaired the 2024 CAADRIA conference 'Accelerated Design'.
Professor Tom Denson is a leading experimental social-personality psychologist at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) School of Psychology . With a PhD in Social Psychology from the University of Southern California (2007), his work focuses on the causes, consequences, and prevention of anger-driven aggression across diverse contexts including stranger interactions, romantic relationships, and alcohol-related scenarios. He has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. Education: PhD, Social Psychology (2007) - University of Southern California MA, Social Psychology (2004) - University of Southern California MA, Research Psychology (2002) - California State University BA, Psychology & Germanic Languages (1997) - University of California His research spans : Anger regulation mechanisms Neurobiological bases of aggression Alcohol-aggression relationship Violent video game effects Evolutionary perspectives on aggression Neuroendocrine influences on aggressive behavior Key trends in recent publications show expertise in: Neurostimulation techniques (tDCS) Humility-aggression link Alcohol's impact on cognitive systems Violence prevention strategies Evolutionary behavioral analysis Intergroup aggression dynamics Scientific Recognition: APS and SPSP Fellow ARC Discovery Early Career Researcher Award ARC Future Fellowship NSW Young Tall Poppy Science Award Multiple teaching excellence awards He has secured over $6.5 million in research funding from ARC and NHMRC, leads an active research lab, and serves as Officer for the International Society for Research on Aggression. Media outreach includes 6 Conversation articles reaching 290,000+ readers.
