Crystal Bae is an Assistant Professor of Geographic Information Science at the University of Chicago’s Center for Spatial Data Science since 2021. She earned her Ph.D. in Geography from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship under Somayeh Dodge in the MOVE Lab, focusing on geographic visualization and spatial cognition. Research Interests: spatial cognition, wayfinding, geovisualization, travel behavior, and urban built environments. Teaching Roles: Courses include Spatial Cognition, Introduction to GIS, Cartographic Design, and Social Science Inquiry at UChicago; Urban Geography and Human Geography at UCSB. Scientific Awards: Certificate in College and University Teaching (CCUT), UCSB Excellence in Teaching Award, and recognition for innovative GIS lab design in ArcUser. Her work examines how individuals and groups cognitively process spatial environments through static and animated visualizations, collaborative navigation, and urban neighborhood boundaries. She has contributed to NSF-funded projects on movement ecology and spatial cognition, with publications in Movement Ecology, COSIT, and Built Environment. Crystal also co-hosts a jazz radio show, maintains a travel blog, and engages in bicycling adventures, reflecting her interdisciplinary approach to geography and personal connection to spatial experiences.
Elana Schlenker is a Lecturer in the Image Text Ithaca low-residency MFA program at Cornell University's College of Architecture, Art, and Planning since 2016. As principal of Studio Elana Schlenker (founded 2011), she leads a medium-agnostic design practice while co-running the cooperative studio Out of Office with Mark Pernice. Her work bridges academia and professional design through initiatives like Gratuitous Type magazine and the gender wage parity project Less Than 100. Schlenker's research centers on graphic design as a vehicle for social commentary, particularly gender equity in creative industries. She explores typographic innovation, visual identity systems for cultural institutions, and the intersection of image/text in digital and print media. Her practice demonstrates how design methodologies can address political and wellness themes through Visual identity , Branding , and Art direction projects. Recent publications (2021-2024) reveal a focus on modular design systems for art institutions and publishers, with heavy emphasis on interactive web experiences and context-specific typography . She frequently collaborates with photographers and galleries, translating complex narratives into visual communication frameworks that challenge traditional publishing formats. Awards received: Young Gun by The One Club for Creativity (2015) Print Magazine New Visual Artist (2013) In her academic role, Schlenker mentors MFA students in visual communication and design research. Her studio practice operates as a de facto research lab funded through high-profile client contracts with cultural institutions including Walker Art Center, Carnegie Museum of Art, and The New York Times. These projects serve as live case studies for her pedagogy. Schlenker directs Studio Elana Schlenker as her primary creative laboratory, with Out of Office functioning as a collaborative platform. She maintains long-term partnerships with specialists like Maria Adelaide (interactive design) and Élise Rigollet (editorial design), forming interdisciplinary teams for projects spanning academia, art, and technology sectors.
Sevil Yazıcı is an Associate Professor at the Department of Architecture , Istanbul Technical University , with a focus on computational design, material efficiency, and structural performance in architecture. She previously served as a Doctor Lecturer at Ozyegin University (2013–2020). Educational background: PhD in Building Sciences (2009–2013), Istanbul Technical University Degree in Architecture from Architectural Association School of Architecture (2004–2006) Research interests span computational design, bio-inspired material organization, and sustainable construction. Her recent work explores VR-driven spatial performance analysis, demolition waste reuse, and microstructure-informed shell topologies. Selected trends in publications include: Integrating environmental/structural data in early design Material-efficient generative models Biomimetic computational analysis AI-assisted architectural creativity Scientific awards highlight her achievements: 2024 Best Article Award (Frontiers of Architectural Research) 2018 Gold Medal (Istanbul International Invention Fair) 2016 UK Graduate Professional Achievement Award 2014 ITU Most Successful Doctoral Thesis Award Advising includes theses on reversible structures, sustainable façades, AI-driven design, and material-efficient fabrication. She served on the Executive Board of the Informatics in Architectural Design Graduate Program (2021–present) and was Deputy Head of Department (2022).
Prof. Gerhard Weber holds the Chair in Human-Computer Interaction at Technische Universität Dresden, Germany. Previously, he served as Chair for Human-Centered Interfaces at Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel (2000–2007) and Professor for Operating Systems and Graphical User Interfaces at Harz University of Applied Sciences (1996–2000). His research focuses on accessible computing, assistive technologies, haptics, and multimodal interaction. Key projects include development of tactile charts (SVGPlott), robotic guidance systems (HapticRein), and indoor navigation solutions for visually impaired users. Current work explores voice interfaces for social robots, autism-inclusive technologies, and accessibility maturity models for higher education institutions. Over 70 publications span conferences like CHI, IEEE, and ACM, emphasizing practical applications in assistive tech. Education & Professional Journey: 2007–Present: Chair in Human-Computer Interaction, TU Dresden 2000–2007: Chair for Human-Centered Interfaces, Kiel University 1996–2000: Professor of Operating Systems and GUIs, Harz University Research Interests: Prof. Weber's work bridges theory and practice in accessibility, emphasizing tactile interfaces, inclusive design, and assistive robotics. Recent projects include: Mosaik : Enabling blind users to create and share graphics via audio-tactile tools Cloud4All : Personalized web accessibility solutions Range-IT : Real-time object detection for navigation aids Advising & Grants: Managed €3.2M in EU and national grants (2011–2020) Supervised 12+ graduate projects on assistive tech Labs & Teams: Leads TU Dresden's Human-Computer Interaction Lab, collaborating with industry partners like Siemens and rehabilitation centers to deploy assistive systems in real-world settings.
Prof. Peter Vink is a Professor of Environmental Ergonomics at TU Delft's Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering (IDE), specializing in comfort and human-centered design for transportation systems. His work focuses on improving comfort in aircraft and automotive interiors, with notable contributions to seat design, noise/vibration mitigation, and sustainable aviation innovations like the Flying-V project. He holds leadership roles in projects such as ComfDemo and collaborates with industries like BMW and aerospace firms. Awards include the Crystal Cabin Award 2023 and Officer in the Order of Orange-Nassau (2023). Vink has advised 27 PhD students and is an acclaimed educator, winning the Pluim Award for inspiring teaching. His research integrates scientific rigor with practical applications, bridging academia and industry to enhance human well-being in travel environments. Affiliations: TU Delft IDE, Human-Centered Design Department Key Projects: Flying-V aircraft interior design, turboprop cabin demonstrator, BMW seat contour research Research Interests: Environmental ergonomics, sustainable aviation, seat and cabin design, passenger comfort metrics, and human factors in transportation systems. His work addresses challenges like zero-emission aircraft ergonomics and balancing lightweight materials with comfort needs. Awards: Crystal Cabin Award 2023 (aircraft interiors) Officer in the Order of Orange-Nassau (2023) Hal W. Hendrick Award (2011) for ergonomics contributions Most Inspiring Teacher (Pluim Award, 2021) Advising & Grants: Supervised 27 PhD students, with ongoing projects in aviation ergonomics and sustainable design. Collaborations with BMW, aerospace firms, and EU-funded initiatives like ComfDemo. Active in editorial roles for journals like Applied Ergonomics and Work . Labs/Teams: Leading IDE's research on vehicle comfort, collaborating with TU Delft's Aerospace Engineering faculty on projects like the Flying-V. Involved in developing emotion-aware car seats and smartphone-friendly ergonomic chairs.
Susan Land is a Professor of Education and the Associate Dean of Undergraduate and Graduate Education in the Learning, Design, and Technology Program at Penn State University's College of Education. She also serves as the Head of the Department of Learning & Performance Systems. Dr. Land earned her doctorate in Instructional Systems from The Florida State University under Dr. Michael Hannafin. Prior to Penn State, she was a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Georgia's Learning and Performance Support Laboratory and faculty at the University of Oklahoma's Instructional Psychology and Technology Program. Earlier, she worked on instructional design projects with the U.S. Air Force Academy, Citibank, and Hewlett Packard. Her research emphasizes frameworks for technology-enhanced learning environments, particularly focusing on how learners meaningfully engage with technology in student-centered contexts. She has published over 60 manuscripts and co-edited two editions of Theoretical Foundations of Learning Environments with Dr. David Jonassen, which has been reprinted repeatedly, translated into Korean, and achieved notable sales in the Instructional Technology field. Her recent publications demonstrate a clear trajectory toward mobile, context-sensitive learning in outdoor environments using proximity-based technologies like iBeacons. These studies examine children's scientific observations in arboretums, sense-making conversations in botanical gardens, and knowledge sharing in online affinity spaces, revealing patterns in how technology mediates learning experiences across different contexts. Young Scholar Award from Association for Educational Computing and Technology (AECT) Outstanding Article of the Year Award from AECT 2015 SIG-IT Best Paper Award from American Educational Research Association (AERA) Top 10 most-published/frequently-cited authors in Educational Technology Research & Development College of Education 2016 Outstanding Teaching Award Dr. Land advises graduate students and collaborates extensively with researchers including Heather Zimmerman, Priya Sharma, and Chris Millet. Her NSF-funded research with Zimmerman examines how proximity-based computing supports children's scientific sense-making in outdoor environments. She leads the Augmented and Mobile Learning Research Group, which investigates context-sensitive, place-based learning using mobile technologies and augmented reality. Her research has been supported by multiple grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF), Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), and Penn State's Center for Online Innovation in Learning (COIL). Current projects include developing the Penn State Places platform for creating iBeacon-triggered content in public spaces, with applications in arboretums, children's gardens, and community engagement initiatives.
Dr Yuchan Zhang is a Lecturer in Graphic, Digital and Communication Design at the School of Design, University of Leeds. With an international educational background spanning China, France, and the UK, Zhang contributes to undergraduate and master's-level teaching while serving as Deputy Programme Leader of MA Design. PhD in Typography and Information Design (University of Reading, 2022) MA in Visual Communication Design (Jiangnan University, China) BA in Product and Exhibition Design (LuXun Academy of Fine Arts, China) Exchange studies at École supérieure d'art et de design d'Orléans, France Zhang's research focuses on improving wayfinding experiences in multilingual environments through typographic presentation and digital technologies like AR/VR. Their doctoral work addressed Chinese-English road sign legibility, while current projects explore stress mitigation in navigation and digital wayfinding innovation. As a peer reviewer for journals including Human Factors and Heliyon , Zhang applies interdisciplinary methodologies combining qualitative and quantitative approaches to design challenges.
Professor Alan Penn is a leading academic at University College London's The Bartlett School of Architecture , where he holds the title of Professor in Architectural and Urban Computing. He previously served as Dean of the Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment from 2009 to 2019 and has been instrumental in establishing Space Syntax Ltd , a UCL knowledge transfer spin-out company. His affiliations include membership in the Space Syntax Laboratory, board membership of UCL Consultants Ltd, and trustee status at Shakespeare North Trust. Education: BSc (1978), Dip Arch (1980), MSc (1983) - all from University College London Alan Penn’s research investigates how spatial design influences social and economic behaviors through innovative space syntax methodologies . Key areas include: Agent-based simulations of human behavior Spatio-temporal representations of built environments Urban spatial network analysis Urban sustainability across multiple dimensions Cognitive markers in architectural design Historical urban growth modeling His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on computational urbanism, evolutionary city patterns, and behavioral architecture. Research trends show interdisciplinary approaches combining architectural theory with: Machine learning applications Network science analysis Behavioral psychology insights Historical GIS techniques Complex systems modeling Public health considerations Scientific recognition includes: HEFCE Business Fellowship (2001-2005) KTP SE Region Award (2010) Multiple UCL Enterprise awards ‘Spirit of Enterprise’ Award (2008) As Principal Investigator he leads the £5m EPSRC-funded Urban Dynamics Lab , demonstrating sustained research excellence. His work extends to public engagement through: Shakespeare North Trust educational theatre development Media appearances (New Scientist, Slashdot) Public policy contributions
David McMeekin is a Senior Lecturer at Curtin University's School of Elec Eng, Comp and Math Sci (EECMS), part of the Faculty of Science and Engineering. He holds a PhD in Software Engineering focusing on the human aspects of software development and has extensive experience in both academia and international NGOs. His research emphasizes applying technology to solve societal challenges, including accessibility for vision-impaired individuals, autism support through tech, cultural heritage preservation, and spatial data infrastructure. Education and professional background are not explicitly detailed in this profile, though his career spans over three decades in education and tech sectors. Research interests include semantic web technologies for spatial data, assistive technologies for disabilities, and digital humanities. He has been recognized with the 2014 Western Australian Spatial Educator of the Year award. Teaching spans topics like software engineering, programming languages (C, Java, Python), cross-cultural communication, and spatial data processing. His work bridges technical innovation with social impact, particularly in enhancing accessibility and cultural preservation through digital tools.
Dr. Michael P. Barry is the Associate Director for Translational Research and a Senior Research Fellow at the Pritzker Institute of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology. His work focuses on neuroprosthetic design, artificial vision systems, and low-vision rehabilitation. He earned a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University (2018) and a B.A./M.S. in Neuroscience from the same institution (2010). His research includes pioneering contributions to the Argus II retinal prosthesis and the Intracortical Visual Prosthesis (ICVP), emphasizing psychophysical evaluations and device optimization. Dr. Barry has published over 40 peer-reviewed articles and holds a patent for spatial fitting by percept location tracking (2018). He received the Envision-Atwell Award for Low Vision Research in 2017. Key projects include managing the RES-MATCH program for IIT undergraduates and advancing thermal imaging and distance-filtering systems to enhance prosthetic vision. His work integrates neurophysiological studies, clinical trials, and software development to improve visual perception for blind individuals. Collaborations span academic institutions and industry partners like Second Sight Medical Products. Professional memberships include the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (2010–2020, 2023–2024) and the Society for Neuroscience (2019, 2023). Current research emphasizes optimizing ICVP performance through EEG recordings and electrode stability analysis, while exploring applications in mobility assistance and environmental interaction.
Gabriele Bernardini is a Researcher at the Department of Civil, Building and Architectural Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering at Università Politecnica delle Marche (UNIVPM) in Ancona, Italy. His office is located at via brecce bianche 12, Ancona in the DICEA, Construction Section (quota 150), where he holds office hours on Wednesdays from 9-11 AM. His work focuses on the intersection of built environment safety, risk assessment, and innovative technological applications for urban resilience. Dr. Bernardini's research interests center on multi-risk assessment and mitigation in urban built environments, particularly addressing flood risks, terrorist threats, and heatwave vulnerabilities in historical contexts. His work employs innovative methodologies including virtual reality simulations, behavioral design approaches, and data-driven predictive models. He has developed frameworks for measuring user exposure and vulnerability, optimizing evacuation paths, and creating integrated wayfinding systems for emergency situations. His research bridges the gap between theoretical risk assessment and practical implementation in real-world urban settings, with a special focus on preserving historical character while enhancing safety. Analysis of his recent publications (2021-2025) reveals a consistent focus on multi-risk scenarios in urban environments, particularly examining how different hazards interact in historical settings. His work demonstrates increasing sophistication in methodology, moving from basic risk assessment to integrated multi-risk frameworks that consider user behavior, environmental factors, and technological solutions. A significant portion of his research applies virtual reality and extended reality technologies to safety training and evacuation planning, showing the evolution from theoretical models to practical applications with real-world testing. His research has practical applications across multiple domains including urban planning, emergency management, and building maintenance. Through his work on automatic detection systems using maintenance requests and predictive management approaches, he's contributing to more responsive building management practices. His case studies on specific locations like Matera demonstrate the translation of theoretical frameworks into context-specific solutions for historic urban environments.
Fiona Zisch serves as Associate Professor at The Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London (UCL), holding key roles including Programme Director for the MArch Design for Performance and Interaction and Co-Chair of the UK chapter of the Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture (ANFA). She directs the International Centre for NeuroArchitecture and NeuroDesign and leads research at UCL's BodyLab. Her academic trajectory spans positions at the University of Innsbruck, University of Greenwich, University of Westminster, and University of Plymouth. Her educational foundation includes a Dipl. Ing. in Architecture (BSc/MSc equivalent) from the University of Innsbruck and Lunds Tekniska Hogskola, followed by a PhD from UCL's Bartlett School of Architecture and Institute of Behavioural Neuroscience. Zisch's transdisciplinary research explores cognitive ecologies through the integration of architecture, cognitive neuroscience, experimental psychology, philosophy of mind, critical theory, and cyberfeminism. Central to her work is the concept of wickedness and wicked thresholds —dynamic spaces of transformation where discovery emerges through reciprocity between neural spatial construction, architectural design concepts, and experiential qualities. Her investigations into embodied cognition examine how movement and bodily presence shape architectural experience, informed by her background in dance and collaborations with choreographers across spatial and temporal scales. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals a dominant interdisciplinary trajectory merging architectural design with neuroscience. Key trends include neural mechanisms of spatial aesthetics, comparative studies of real/virtual environments, and the application of neuroarchitecture to equitable design. Her work consistently addresses spatial memory distortions , embodied navigation , and affective responses to built environments, while expanding into exhibition-based explorations of care ethics, disruption, and societal transformation through art-technology collaborations. Zisch supervises PhD candidates in UCL's Architectural Design MPhil/PhD programme and cross-departmental students in Neurology and Behavioural Neuroscience. Her teaching emphasizes 5EA cognition (extending 4EA models to incorporate Entanglement) and atmospheric design within performance-oriented architectural education. She actively contributes to international academic discourse through lectures, workshops, and external examination roles. She leads the BodyLab at UCL Here East, a transdisciplinary research space investigating the intersection of architectural design, neuroscience, and movement studies. The lab fosters collaborations with neuroscientists, choreographers, and technologists to develop experimental frameworks for understanding embodied spatial cognition through both physical and virtual environments.
Professor Sophia Psarra is a faculty member at The Bartlett School of Architecture within University College London . Her research and teaching focus on the interplay between spatial configuration, architecture, and sociopolitical dynamics, particularly in parliamentary buildings and urban environments. She directs the Architectural and Urban History and Theory PhD Programme and has authored significant works including Architecture and Narrative (2009) and The Venice Variations (2018), along with co-editing Parliament Buildings: The Architecture of Politics in Europe (2023). PhD in Architecture from University College London (1997) MSc in Architecture (Research) from University College London (1986) Diploma in Architecture from National Technical University of Athens (1985) Her research spans transdisciplinary fields such as architectural history and theory , space syntax , urban morphology , and social/political philosophy . Recent work examines parliamentary architecture and its role in political culture, supported by collaborations with the UCL European Institute and international conferences. Her publications highlight spatial cognition, power dynamics, and the impact of digital media on urban design. Key trends in her recent articles include: Spatial modeling of parliamentary buildings and political culture Space syntax applications in museums and urban environments Interdisciplinary analysis of architecture, language, and institutions Urban resilience strategies during pandemics Scientific recognition includes: First prizes in EUROPAN architectural competitions Parliament Buildings (2023) shortlisted for the Colvin Prize University College London Publication Award (2003) She has supervised 11 PhD students to completion and served as external examiner for 19 PhDs internationally. Her work has received funding from the Leverhulme Trust , NSF (USA) , Onassis Foundation , and UCL Grand Challenges . She collaborates with institutions like the Natural History Museum and Museum of Modern Art to explore spatial design impacts on human experience.
Charbel Azzi is an Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream at the University of Waterloo, specializing in Computer Vision and Autonomous Robotics. His work focuses on robotics navigation, image-based localization, and sensor technology applications. He holds a full-time faculty position within the university's engineering domain. Research interests include developing algorithms for motion estimation, global localization, and context-aware robotics systems. His contributions span both theoretical advancements and practical applications such as AR-assisted wayfinding and energy-harvesting prototypes like the Eco-Brella. Notable research trends include leveraging global descriptors and 3D keypoints for improved localization accuracy, alongside interdisciplinary projects in renewable energy. No academic awards or grants are explicitly listed in the provided information.
Francesca Pazzaglia is a Professor at the University of Padua, specializing in spatial cognition, environmental psychology, and the interplay between spatial abilities and environmental design. Her research focuses on wayfinding, aging-related spatial challenges, biophilic design, and the restorative effects of natural environments. She has extensively studied gender differences in spatial navigation, the impact of technology (e.g., GPS) on environmental knowledge, and dementia-friendly architectural guidelines. Her work bridges cognitive psychology with practical applications in healthcare and urban planning. Key research areas include: Restorative environments and their physiological/psychological benefits Spatial learning in virtual and real-world settings Design of healthcare and residential facilities for aging populations Gender and personality influences on navigation behaviors Recent studies highlight the role of nature exposure in improving cognitive performance, the efficacy of therapeutic gardens for dementia patients, and the psychological impacts of lockdowns during the pandemic. Pazzaglia collaborates internationally, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to sustainability in healthcare and urban development. Her research outputs include over 50 peer-reviewed articles, systematic reviews, and contributions to environmental certification criteria for health parks. While no formal awards are listed, her work is widely cited in environmental psychology and spatial cognition fields.
