Kari Systä is a Professor of Software Engineering at Tampere University's Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences. His career spans academia and industry, including 16 years at Nokia Corporation and current leadership in software engineering research. He teaches courses like Continuous Development and Deployment - DevOps and supervises Master's theses. Research Focus: Data-driven software engineering, web/cloud platforms, IoT architectures, energy systems software, and edge computing. Current Projects: LiquidAI (2023-2025) for IoT-Edge-Cloud ML systems; 6GSoft (2023-2026) for 6G software engineering; Microblock (2021-2023) on blockchain micro-credentials; and DELI (2023-2025) for energy research infrastructure. Research Unit: Leads work at TASE (Tampere Software Engineering Research Group). His expertise bridges software engineering theory and practice, with collaborations across Finnish universities and industry. He advocates for integrating AI/ML into software development workflows and optimizing energy systems through programmable edge-cloud solutions.
Daniel Garijo is an Associate Professor at the Artificial Intelligence Department of the Faculty of Computer Science, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM). He is a researcher at the Ontology Engineering Group and collaborates with the Information Sciences Institute at the University of Southern California. His research focuses on e-Science and the Semantic Web, emphasizing the understandability of research software and computational workflows through provenance tracking and Linked Data exposure . Key areas include FAIR principles, ontology engineering, and automated metadata extraction. Recent publications analyze FAIR software assessment metrics LLM applications for ontology engineering semantic artefact lifecycle optimization carbon emissions transparency RDF-star data integration His work bridges open science with practical standardization efforts in research software. He contributes to the Ontology Engineering Group at UPM, develops open-source tools (RO-Crate, SoMEF), and maintains semantic repositories via Github and ORCID .
Brent Hecht is an Associate Professor of Computer Science and Communication Studies at Northwestern University and Director of Applied Science at Microsoft. His research focuses on human-centered AI, spatial computing, and algorithmic fairness. He holds a PhD in Computer Science from Northwestern and has dual BS degrees in Computer Science and Geography. His work bridges HCI, social computing, and geography, addressing algorithmic bias and ethical AI. He has led studies on remote work impacts, data labor, and AI ethics, publishing at top venues like CHI, CSCW, and SIGKDD. His lab, People, Space, and Algorithms Research Group, explores sustainable AI ecosystems. He received the NSF CAREER Award and multiple best paper awards. He advises students in computer science and technology/social behavior programs. Hecht collaborates with Microsoft Research, Xerox PARC, and Google Research. His work has been featured in major media outlets. His current roles include co-leading Microsoft's future-of-work initiatives and promoting equitable data practices in AI.
Ari Korhonen is a Senior University Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science at Aalto University's School of Science. His academic career spans over two decades with a focus on computing education research and educational technology. Korhonen leads research in algorithm visualization, automatic assessment systems, and learning analytics within computer science education. Education: Doctoral degree in Engineering and Technology, Helsinki University of Technology (2003) Licentiate degree in Engineering and Technology, Helsinki University of Technology (2000) Master's degree in Engineering and Technology, Helsinki University of Technology (1997) Research Interests: Korhonen specializes in computing education research with particular expertise in algorithm visualization and automatic assessment systems . His work explores how visual representations of algorithms impact student learning, with significant contributions to tools like TRAKLA2 for data structures education. He investigates learning analytics approaches to understand programming misconceptions and develop targeted interventions. His recent research focuses on prerequisite skill assessment and differentiated learning pathways in computer science education, examining how fragile knowledge in foundational concepts affects advanced topic mastery. Publication Trends: Analysis of Korhonen's recent publications (2017-2025) reveals a strong focus on algorithm education, particularly Dijkstra's algorithm and data structures. His work increasingly incorporates learning analytics to identify student misconceptions, with growing emphasis on automated assessment systems that provide personalized feedback. The research demonstrates a progression from tool development (TRAKLA2) to sophisticated analysis of student learning patterns and prerequisite knowledge gaps, with recent work exploring JSON-based algorithm animation languages and the cognitive aspects of visualization. Awards and Recognition: Docentship at University of Turku (2012-present) Academic Service and Mentorship: Korhonen has supervised 8 theses and collaborates extensively with researchers across Finland and internationally. He serves on editorial boards for key journals including Computer Science Education and ACM Transactions on Computing Education. His service includes program committee memberships for major conferences like ICER (International Computing Education Research). Korhonen actively contributes to building educator networks, particularly through the Finland-US Network for the Study of Engagement and Learning in Games (FUN) and software engineering teacher networks in Finland. Research Groups: Korhonen leads the LeTech Learning Technology Group at Aalto University, focusing on educational technology development and evaluation. His fingerprint analysis shows strong activity in Data Structures (100%), Early Research in Computer Science (37%), Dijkstra Algorithms (37%), Learning Analytics (37%), and Case Studies (37%). He's deeply involved with the Computing Education Research community in Finland, contributing to national initiatives that strengthen computer science pedagogy across institutions.
Richard Gomer is a Lecturer in Computer Science at the University of Southampton, affiliated with the Web, AI and Society research group. He holds a BSc, MSc, and PhD in Computer Science from Southampton. His research focuses on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), particularly how individuals and groups interact with large-scale systems and the role of values and agency in design. Education: BSc Computer Science (University of Southampton), MSc Web Science (via Web Science Doctoral Training Centre), PhD examining values in Privacy/Data Protection and Personal Fitness Devices. Research Interests: Human-Computer Interaction, Agency-oriented Design, Data Institutions, Consent & Privacy. His work explores topics like participatory budgeting, mobility systems, and ethical design in wearable technology. Recent projects include CivicMAGIC (mobility futures) and QROWD (human-AI collaboration in transportation data). Teaching: Leads COMP2213 (Interaction Design), COMP3227 (Web Architecture), and COMP6250 (Social Media & Network Science). Supervises PhD students in areas like Web Science and Politics. External Roles: Member of World Economic Forum Taskforce on Data Intermediaries (2020-2021), Councillor for Eastleigh Borough Council (West End North ward), and Chair of the Policy and Performance Scrutiny Panel. Labs/Teams: Active in the Web and Internet Science research group and the Agents, Interaction and Complexity cluster.
Erich Neuhold is a Professor of Computer Science at the University of Vienna and Darmstadt University of Technology. He holds honorary professorships at several institutions, including the University of Guiyang and the New Jersey Institute of Technology. His career spans over five decades, with roles as Director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Publication and Information Systems (IPSI) and professorships at multiple universities globally. Education: Erich Neuhold earned a Dipl.-Ing. (M.S.) in Electronics and a Dr.-techn. (PhD) in Mathematics and Computer Science from the Technical University of Vienna. He holds special honors in his academic career, including Fellowships from IEEE and the Gesellschaft für Informatik. Research Interests: His work focuses on distributed databases, object-oriented systems, internet databases, information retrieval, semantic web, interoperability, and applications in digital libraries, e-science, and e-government. He pioneered advancements in transaction models, multimedia databases, and semantic integration frameworks. Publications: Over 200 papers and four books, with recent contributions including retrospectives on computing history and foundational work in supercomputing architectures. His articles reflect deep engagement with historical and future trends in computer science. Awards: Recognitions include the Meritorious Service Award from IEEE, medals from academic institutions, and honorary professorships worldwide. Grants & Labs: Led projects like the POREL distributed database system and contributed to initiatives like the EU’s FRESCO e-science cockpit. His work spans academic-industrial collaborations, with budget leadership at IPSI (€10M/year). Labs/Teams: Co-founded the Fraunhofer IPSI and directed research teams in Austria, Germany, and internationally, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration in information systems.
Amy Hillier is an Associate Professor at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2), where she teaches introductory research methods, social welfare history, and co-directs the online course The Penn Experience on racism and oppression for graduate students. Previously, she held a faculty position in the Department of City & Regional Planning at the Weitzman School of Design. Her research has evolved from historical mortgage redlining and urban public health to LGBTQ+ communities, particularly trans youth. She founded SP2’s LGBTQ Certificate program and explores intersections of gender identity, policy, and health equity. Dr. Hillier earned a BA in History from Middlebury College and MSW/PhD degrees from the University of Pennsylvania. Her work bridges academia and community, addressing food security, spatial inclusion, and anti-racist education. She has led projects on SNAP cycles’ impact on diet quality, park accessibility, and the legacy of WEB Du Bois’ The Philadelphia Negro . Her current research emphasizes queer youth empowerment and the moral challenges faced by gender-affirming care providers. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates GIS mapping, participatory research, and policy analysis to address systemic inequities. She collaborates across disciplines to advance inclusive urban planning, healthcare equity, and LGBTQ+ advocacy.
Dr. Stefan Fuest is a Researcher at the Institute of Cartography and Geoinformatics, Leibniz University Hannover. He holds a Dr.-Ing. in Geoinformatics and has been affiliated with the university since 2018. His career includes roles as a Research Associate, Scientific Coordinator of the Leibniz Research Center GEO (2023-2024), and currently leads research projects in cartography and geoinformatics. Education: Abitur, Kopernikus-Gymnasium, Beckum (2009) M.Sc. in Geoinformatics, Westfälische Wilhelms-University Münster (2017) Research Interests: Focus on cartographic symbolization, cognitive aspects of map visualization, route choice behavior, and uncertainty visualization. His work bridges theoretical cartography with practical applications in urban mobility and environmental science. Publications Trends: Recent work emphasizes route optimization for cyclists, visual communication of risk, and historical spatial data analysis. He actively publishes in journals like International Journal of Cartography and Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives , with a focus on applying cartographic methods to societal challenges. Advising & Grants: Supervised theses on environmentally balanced routing algorithms (2019) and historical sea voyage visualization (2024). Collaborates on projects like DiViAS (digitization of colonial collections) and urban mobility safety assessments. Lab/Team Affiliation: Part of the Institute of Cartography and Geoinformatics, contributing to interdisciplinary projects at the Leibniz Research Center GEO.
Sung-Gheel Jang is a Lecturer and Faculty Director of Geospatial Sciences at the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS), Stony Brook University. He specializes in geospatial sciences and geographic information systems (GIS), directing the Geospatial Center and overseeing certificate programs in Geospatial Science. His work integrates GIS with urban sustainability, public health, and climate resilience. Education: Ph.D. in Regional Planning from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; MA in City Planning and BS in Landscape Architecture from Seoul National University. Research: Focuses on geospatial narratives, GIS database design, coastal zone management, and interdisciplinary projects like the Mapping Long Island initiative. Recent work includes climate risk mapping for Long Island and FAHSS-funded cultural mapping of Latino communities. Collaborates with historians and engineers to apply GIS in diverse fields. Teaching: Offers courses on digital cartography, geospatial problem-solving, and GIS project management, emphasizing hands-on learning. Developed an online geospatial portal for teaching/research. Labs & Projects: Leads the Geospatial Center and contributes to ISO standards (e.g., ISO 19134 for multimodal navigation). Current projects include NYS RISE-funded flood risk analysis and the Cultural Social Map of Latino Long Island.
Professor Lien Fan Shen is a faculty member in the Department of Film and Media Arts at the University of Utah. She holds a PhD in Art Education from The Ohio State University and an MFA in Computer Art from the School of Visual Arts, New York City. Her work spans graphic novels, animation, and digital media arts, with a focus on gender, sexuality, and East Asian pop culture. Shen has been recognized with awards including the College of Fine Arts Faculty Excellence Award in Research (2017) and multiple honors at international film festivals. Her research interests include animation, Japanese anime, manga studies, and queer representation. Notable creative works include the animated documentary Seeing Through the Eyes of Crocodiles (screened at Beijing Queer Film Festival) and the graphic novel I Will Be Your Paradise , Taiwan's first lesbian-themed comic. Shen has led projects funded by grants such as the CFA Faculty Course Release Grant and the Research Foundation Seed Grant. Teaches courses like Animation Project I/II, Japanese Anime, and 3D Character Animation. Professional affiliations include the Society of Cinema and Media Studies and Utah System of Higher Education's General Education Creative Arts Group. Community engagement includes animation workshops for Project Youth and the Green Map Project public art initiative. Shen's work bridges art, technology, and social critique, with exhibitions in Singapore, Japan, South Korea, and the Netherlands. Her recent projects explore digital storytelling and queer narratives in East Asian contexts.
Andrew Crooks is a Professor in the Department of Geography at the University at Buffalo's College of Arts and Sciences. He holds a PhD from University College London (2007) and specializes in Geographical Information Science, Geocomputation, Agent-based Modeling, Social Network Analysis, Urban Geography, and Computational Social Science. His research integrates advanced computational methods with urban and environmental challenges, focusing on topics like disaster resilience, pandemic modeling, and synthetic population dynamics. Key research contributions include frameworks for urban digital twins, synthetic population modeling, and agent-based simulations of human behavior and disease spread. He teaches courses such as GEO 281 (Web-Based GIS), GEO 120 (Maps: Earth from Above), and GEO 503 (Spatial Simulation). His work bridges geospatial technologies with social sciences, addressing issues like climate adaptation, urban shrinkage, and vaccine uptake dynamics through innovative data-driven approaches. Crooks' recent articles highlight trends in generative AI for urban modeling, crowdsourced environmental monitoring, and hybrid space information diffusion. His methodologies emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration, leveraging social media, citizen science, and large-scale computational tools to solve complex geographical problems. He has contributed to disaster response strategies, urban policy design, and pandemic preparedness through actionable insights derived from spatial and agent-based models.
Professor Nuria Lorenzo-Dus is a leading academic at Swansea University's Department of Applied Linguistics, holding a Personal Chair since 2011. She serves as the University’s Dean of Postgraduate Research since 2017 and founded the Language Research Centre (2010–2015). Her research focuses on Discourse Analysis in digital and broadcast media, particularly examining cyber-threats, online grooming, terrorism propaganda, and political communication. Key projects include the DRAGON-S initiative (2021–2022), funded by the End Violence Fund, which integrates AI and linguistics to combat child online exploitation. She also contributes to Swansea’s Cyber Threats Research Centre and Digital Humanities Centre. Her expertise spans corpus-assisted discourse studies, multimodal analysis, and digital manipulation. Notable works include Online Child Sexual Grooming Discourse (2023, Cambridge UP) and Digital Grooming: Discourses of Manipulation and Cyber-Crime (2022, Oxford UP). Research highlights include analyzing jihadist magazines (e.g., Inspire/Dabiq), far-right social media strategies (e.g., Britain First), and online conspiracy theory discourse. She has advised on youth justice communication protocols and collaborates internationally across Spain and Latin America. Dr. Lorenzo-Dus has supervised over 15 PhD students focusing on topics like mock jury deliberations, dialect mapping across UK-Welsh borders, and radical right online communities. She holds editorial roles in journals like Journal of Language Aggression and Conflict and Memory Studies .
Gunnar Liestøl is a Professor at the University of Oslo's Department of Media and Communication. His research focuses on digital genre design, mobile locative media, and augmented reality (AR) applications in cultural heritage preservation. He directs the SitsimLab, which develops situated simulations for immersive storytelling and heritage dissemination. Key projects include the INVENTIO and ClimSim initiatives, funded by the Norwegian Research Council and EU programs like Creative Europe. His work bridges technology and humanities, emphasizing AR's role in bridging indoor/outdoor and center/periphery divides in cultural communication. Notable publications include studies on AR storytelling for historical sites, climate change visualization, and quasi-mixed reality in heritage reconstruction. Liestøl collaborates with institutions like Oslo Science Park and the Arts Council Norway. His research spans archaeology, environmental science, and urban design, leveraging AR for education, tourism, and public engagement. He leads the Creative Computing Hub Oslo (C2HO) and has been involved in interdisciplinary projects like BitFROST and the Marebox initiative. His grants include funding from the EEA-Grant and Interreg programs, reflecting his commitment to applied research in digital media innovation.
Francesca Matrone is a Fixed-term Assistant Professor in the Department of Environment, Land and Infrastructure Engineering (DIATI) at Politecnico di Torino, Italy. Her work bridges geomatics, artificial intelligence, and cultural heritage conservation, with a focus on 3D modeling, GIS, and HBIM integration for urban and historical environments. Her research interests include Geomatics, Cultural Heritage Digitization, AI in Geospatial Analysis, Drone-Based 3D Modeling, Semantic Segmentation of Point Clouds, and Smart Cities . She applies advanced technologies like UAVs, deep learning, and BIM-GIS integration to enhance the documentation, maintenance, and resilience of built heritage. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in using AI and machine learning for semantic segmentation of 3D heritage models, integration of HBIM with GIS using standards like IFC and CityGML, and drone-based photogrammetry for urban and territorial planning. These works reflect a multidisciplinary approach combining computer science, civil engineering, and digital heritage. Francesca Matrone is actively involved in research projects such as: HERITALISE (2025–2028, EU-funded): Digitization and cloud visualization of heritage buildings ACLIMO (2024–2026): Research collaboration with APAM on protected areas COGNITIO-FORT (2025–2026): Scientific Director for a project with Unione Montana Valle Stura She teaches across multiple programs: PhD : GeoAI for advanced urban analyses; Drones for 3D modeling (Main Teacher) Master’s : GIS Modeling for City and Land; Knowledge of Built Heritage under Climate Change Bachelor’s : GeoAI: Artificial Intelligence and Geospatial Data; Topography (Course Collaborator) She is a member of the Teaching Colleges for Civil and Building Engineering and Electronic, Telecommunications and Physics Engineering. She also holds a Learning to Teach (L2T) Open Badge from Politecnico di Torino, demonstrating her commitment to pedagogical excellence. Francesca is a co-inventor of the MAIN10ANCE PLATFORM , a national software patent aimed at enhancing the maintenance and conservation of historical built heritage through integrated HBIM-GIS systems.
Dr. Lixin Tao is a tenured Professor and Chairperson of the Computer Science Department at Pace University's Seidenberg School of CSIS. He earned his PhD in Computer Science from the University of Pennsylvania in 1988 and has conducted research and teaching at Concordia University (1988-2001) before joining Pace University. Research Interests: Dr. Tao's work spans Internet Computing , Server Scalability , Component Technologies , Parallel Computing , Functional Simulation , and Combinatorial Optimization , with recent focus on Knowledge Graphs , Semantic Web , and Secure Mobile Cloud Systems . He has pioneered cloud computing research since the 1990s and developed industry standards like OWL extensions. Over 300 peer-reviewed publications Director of Pace University's PhD Computer Science Program (2013-2017) Developed MS in Enterprise Analytics (2015) and BS in Computer Engineering (2017) Scientific Awards: Recognized as IEEE Senior Member (2020), ABET Evaluator (2001-2012), and recipient of multiple research grants including a $12M NSERC Strategic Technology Program and NSF awards for server infrastructure. He received Pace University's Presidential Research Grant and collaborated with institutions like Stanford University on knowledge engineering projects. Professional Contributions: Directed ABET accreditation for Pace's BS-CS program (2010-2012), served as Editor-in-Chief for the Journal of Computer Science Research (2018-present), and supervised dozens of PhD/DPS students in areas ranging from Mobile Payment Protocols to Drug Side Effect Knowledge Graphs . His lab focuses on Knowledge-Empowered AI and Secure Software Development .
