Ruben Taelman is a postdoctoral researcher at IDLab , Ghent University – imec, specializing in decentralization, Linked Data publishing, and querying. He develops open-source JavaScript libraries like the Comunica engine for decentralized data access and focuses on intelligent infrastructure for data publication and retrieval. His research bridges academic and industrial perspectives, addressing challenges in decentralized knowledge graphs, policy negotiation, and data governance. Key projects include Triple Storage for versioned RDF querying and contributions to the Solid ecosystem for user-centric data control.
Kelly Sutherland is a Professor of Biology at the University of Oregon , affiliated with both the College of Arts and Sciences and the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology (OIMB) in Charleston. She holds a Ph.D. from MIT/Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (2009), an M.S. from the University of South Alabama (2004), and a B.S. from Tufts University (1999). Her research bridges biology and physics, focusing on biomechanics and fluid-environment interactions in marine organisms, particularly gelatinous zooplankton. Education: B.S., Tufts University (1999) M.S., University of South Alabama (2004) Ph.D., MIT/Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (2009) Sutherland’s lab investigates ecological and evolutionary roles of gelatinous plankton, which are understudied yet critical to marine food webs. Her work emphasizes predator-prey dynamics , multi-jet propulsion , and microbial-grazing interactions , employing in situ video, kinematic analysis, and flow visualization. Recent studies explore colonial salp swimming efficiency, appendicularian particle selection, and ctenophore ecological impacts in open oceanic ecosystems. Research Trends: Recent publications highlight Salp colonial architecture , multi-jet propulsion , microbial prey dynamics , particle surface properties , and hydrodynamic advantages in pelagic organisms . Collaborative themes span biomechanics , ecosystem impacts , and evolutionary adaptations . Advising & Outreach: Dr. Sutherland mentors undergraduate, MSc, and PhD students at both the Eugene campus and OIMB, with lab opportunities in lab/field studies and summer research. She encourages external funding applications and collaborates with environmental studies programs. Outreach includes partnerships with journalists, filmmakers, and artists to communicate science to broader audiences.
Marianna Nicolosi Asmundo is an Associate Professor of Mathematical Logic (MAT/01) at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science (DMI) of the University of Catania. She earned her PhD from the same university in 2003 and serves as a proposing member of CINUM - Interdepartmental Center for Humanistic Computing. Teaches undergraduate and graduate programs in Mathematics Master's Degree Programs in Computer Science Textual Sciences for Digital Professions (Department of Humanities) Her research spans automatic deduction, tableaux-based deductive systems, decision procedures in elementary set theory and non-classical logic, interactive theorem proving, knowledge bases, ontologies, and reasoning services for the semantic web. Recent publications emphasize ontology interoperability, blockchain-based knowledge representation, and set-theoretic reasoning frameworks. She contributes to ontologies for cultural heritage (Saint Gall monastery modeling, archaeological Sicilian landscapes) and blockchain applications. Collaborates extensively with researchers like D. Cantone and D.F. Santamaria on description logic systems. Active member of CINUM - Interdepartmental Center for Humanistic Computing Supervises thesis projects on semantic web and blockchain ontologies
Prof. Dr. Susann Müller is Senior Scientist and Group Leader of the Flow Cytometry Working Group at the Department of Applied Microbial Ecology, Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research (UFZ) in Leipzig, Germany. Since 2011, she has held an Associate Professor position for Microbiology at Leipzig University’s Faculty of Life Sciences, bridging fundamental microbial ecology with environmental biotechnology applications through single-cell analytics. Education: 1985: Diploma in Biochemistry, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg 1992: PhD, University of Halle-Wittenberg (Population dynamics of S. cerevisiae) 2003: Habilitation, Technical University Dresden (Multiparametric Cytometry) Her research pioneers microbial community flow cytometry to extract single-cell high-dimensional data, applying macroecological concepts to quantify stability metrics (resistance, resilience, displacement speed, elasticity) in engineered systems. Current focus includes bio-based circular economy initiatives: developing the carboxylate platform for sustainable chemical production and biological phosphate recovery from wastewater streams for resource valorization. Recent publications (2021-2025) reveal consistent innovation in flow cytometry applications, with emphasis on stability assessment in bioreactors, predator-prey dynamics in complex communities, and real-time monitoring of wastewater systems. She integrates ecological theory with multi-omics and data science to decode microbial assembly principles across environmental, agricultural, and industrial contexts. Professional roles: President, German Society of Cytometry (DGfZ, 2008-2010) Associate Editor, Microbiology for Cytometry Part A ISAC Educational Committee (2011-2012) and Scholars Program Committee (2013-2015) Current grants: PHOM project (SMWK InfraProNet 2024-2027): €449,160 for wastewater phosphorus recovery Z-PROJECT (DFG 2022-2025): €556,550 for bacterial biofilm analysis PROMICON (EU H2020 2021-2025): €200,000 for industrial microbiome consortia Moore Foundation (2020-2024): $23,000 for archaeal evolutionary tools Chinese Scholarship Council (2022-2026): Artificial community construction The Flow Cytometry Working Group under her leadership at UFZ develops standardized mock communities (Nature Protocols 2020), automated analysis tools (flowEMMi), and cytometric barcoding methods. It collaborates with Leipzig University, Technical University Dresden, and international partners including UC Santa Barbara, driving innovations in real-time environmental monitoring and wastewater treatment optimization.
Assoc Prof Geraldine Torrisi is the Deputy Head of School (Learning & Teaching) at the School of Information and Communication Technology at Griffith University. With a PhD in Educational Studies and degrees in Science (Physics/Mathematics) and Education, she focuses on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) , User Experience , and Learning Theory . She is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and Griffith Learning and Teaching Academy . Education: PhD in Educational Studies (Griffith University) Masters of Educational Studies (James Cook University) Bachelor of Education (Secondary Science and Maths) (James Cook University) Bachelor of Science (Physics/Mathematics) (James Cook University) Research Interests include Interactive Digital Media , Educational Technology , and Data Literacy . Her 2025 book chapters explore AI's role in education, while 2024-2023 articles address data literacy frameworks and hybrid teaching models. Scientific Awards include Griffith Award for Excellence in Teaching (2011) , Excellence in Teaching Award (2015) , and Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2018) . She also received multiple Group Learning and Teaching Commendations (2009, 2017, 2019). Grants include The Dignity Project (2024-2025), Promoting Renewable Energy Adoption (2022-2025), and Smart Environmental Sensing (2022-2023). She supervises PhD students on topics like Human-Machine Teaming and Instructional AR Design .
Prof. Dr. Thomas Farrenkopf is a full-time Professor in the Department of Business Informatics at the Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen , serving as Dean of Studies . He leads the Business Informatics Bachelor program and specializes in digitalization, multi-agent systems, and AI-driven decision support. Expertise Areas : Industry 4.0, Smart Factory, Semantic Web, full-stack software development Contact : thomas.farrenkopf@mnd.thm.de Research Focus : His work bridges knowledge-based methods with practical applications in artificial intelligence, particularly through multi-agent systems for traffic modeling and business simulations. He developed AGADE Traffic (a knowledge-based traffic simulator) and ATHOS (a domain-specific language for multi-agent simulations), focusing on scalability and complexity reduction. Recent studies explore individual preferences' impact on traffic policies and agent-based feedback mechanisms in business contexts. Academic Contributions : With over 15 publications since 2013, his research spans agent-based modeling, semantic web applications, and smart manufacturing - notably improving throughput times in toolmaking by 90% through Industry 4.0 implementations. Teaching & Supervision : Actively supervises Bachelor's Practical Projects (BPP), providing guidance for internship-related academic work through structured evaluation processes and electronic reporting systems. Collaborations : Works with international researchers like Johannes Nguyen, Simon T. Powers, and Michael Guckert, publishing in venues such as SN Computer Science , Lecture Notes in Computer Science , and Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation .
Shaileshh Bojja Venkatakrishnan is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at The Ohio State University's College of Engineering. His research spans multiple domains at the intersection of networking, distributed systems, and machine learning with a particular focus on blockchain technologies and cryptocurrency networks. Educational Background: PhD in Computer Science from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), 2017 Bachelor's degree from Indian Institute of Technology Madras, 2012 Dr. Bojja Venkatakrishnan's research interests center around fundamental algorithmic questions at the networking layer of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency networks. He is particularly interested in applying machine learning techniques for developing algorithms over networks and graphs, with emphasis on 'first-principles' thinking to solve complex distributed systems problems. His work extends to scheduling algorithms for data center networks, peer-to-peer networks, and information theory. The breadth of his research is evident in his publications spanning blockchain networking, payment channel networks, decentralized applications, and machine learning applications for network optimization. Research Impact: Recipient of the Joan and Lalit Bahl fellowship at UIUC His publication record demonstrates significant contributions to the field, with papers appearing in top venues including SIGCOMM, NSDI, SIGMETRICS, and IEEE Transactions. His recent work focuses on enhancing blockchain scalability through peer sampling techniques, transaction reordering mitigation, and efficient peer-to-peer network design for decentralized applications. The trajectory of his research shows a consistent focus on addressing fundamental challenges in distributed systems with practical implications for real-world blockchain implementations and network architectures.
Kenza Kellou-Menouer is a researcher affiliated with the ETIS Laboratory at ENSEA, France, and part of the MIDI research group . Her work focuses on schema discovery for Semantic Web data, data mining, and big data optimization. Research: Semantic schema discovery, clustering/classification algorithms, and association rules. Teaching: Semantic Web technologies, database design, algorithms, and programming languages (Java, C++, C#, C). Research Interests center on Semantic Web data integration, RDF schema inference, and hybrid machine learning approaches. She has contributed to scalable schema discovery systems and real-time profiling techniques for large datasets. Publications include work on schema inference tools (SchemaDecrypt++, HInT) and methodological frameworks presented at top-tier venues like VLDB (A*), ICDE (A*), SSDBM (A), and ISWC . Her research bridges theoretical advancements with practical implementations for RDF datasets. Community Contributions include organizing tutorials at the International Semantic Web Conference (ISWC) 2022 and developing educational materials for database and programming courses.
F. Donelson (Don) Smith is a Research Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill . He holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science (1978) from UNC-Chapel Hill, with prior degrees in Chemistry (1962) and Industrial Management (1964) from the University of Tennessee. Key research areas: Computer networking, multimedia systems, distributed systems Collaboration with: Kevin Jeffay , Jasleen Kaur , and the DiRT Lab Notable contributions include: Co-inventor of U.S. Patents 7,444,720 (2008) and 5,892,754 (1999) Key roles at IBM (1965-1997) in network architecture , protocol development , and multimedia networking Active in professional service: Program Chair, TriComm '91 Co-chair, ACM CSCW '94
Alexey Gotsman is a tenured Research Professor at the IMDEA Software Institute in Madrid, Spain, where he leads research at the intersection of software verification and distributed computing. He also works part-time as a visiting academic at Amazon Web Services. His educational background includes a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge, where he was previously a postdoctoral fellow. His research spans theoretical foundations and practical implementations of distributed systems, with particular emphasis on fault tolerance, consensus algorithms, and consistency models. His research interests focus on the theoretical and practical aspects of distributed systems, including Byzantine fault tolerance, state machine replication, distributed transactions, and consistency models. His work bridges the gap between formal verification techniques and real-world distributed systems implementations, with numerous publications in top-tier venues like PODC, DISC, and NSDI. His recent publications show a clear progression from theoretical foundations to practical implementations, with increasing focus on real-world applications, performance considerations, and fault tolerance in large-scale distributed systems. The research demonstrates strong connections between formal methods and practical system design, particularly in the areas of consensus protocols, replication strategies, and transaction processing. Best paper award at OPODIS'23 Best paper award at DISC'18 Best paper award at CONCUR'12 EAPLS Best Dissertation Award Runner-up prize in the BCS Distinguished Dissertation Competition ERC Starting Grant 'RACCOON: A Rigorous Approach to Consistency in Cloud Databases' (2017-2022) Ramón y Cajal Fellowship (2017-2022) Alexey actively mentors PhD students including Alejandro Naser Pastoriza, Fedor Ryabinin, and Antonio José Fernández Pinto, while his alumni have gone on to faculty positions at institutions like University of Paris 7 and University of Colorado Boulder, as well as industry roles at companies like ARM and Informal Systems. He has received significant funding including an ERC Starting Grant and served on program committees for numerous top conferences including POPL, DISC, and PODC. He currently co-organizes the International Symposium on Distributed Computing (DISC) and has been instrumental in organizing workshops focused on consistency in distributed systems. His research group at IMDEA Software Institute focuses on developing rigorous approaches to consistency in cloud databases and distributed systems, with active projects spanning theoretical analysis, protocol design, and practical implementation of fault-tolerant distributed systems.
Olga Ilieva Georgieva is a Professor at the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics (FMI) , Sofia University , specializing in Software Technologies . She has held academic positions at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and Technical University of Sofia , and is actively involved in research, teaching, and national/EU-funded projects. Education: 1986 – Faculty of Automatics, TU-Sofia 1995 – PhD, Institute of Control and System Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences 2000 – Associate Professor, Institute of Control and System Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences 2008 – Associate Professor, Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics, Sofia University Research Interests: Her work spans Artificial Intelligence , Machine Learning , Data Mining , and Soft Computing Methods . She applies these to domains such as emotion recognition from EEG , QoS in web services , educational data mining , and industrial energy modeling . Scientific Awards: Best Paper Award, IEEE 8th International Conference on Intelligent Systems (2016) Teaching & Projects: She teaches courses including Requirements Engineering , Models of Software Systems , Fuzzy Sets and Applications , and Professional Ethics at Sofia University, and previously taught at TU-Sofia. She leads or co-leads multiple national and EU projects such as GATE: Big Data for Smart Society , ITDGate , and Modelling of Voluntary Saccadic Eye Movements .
Prof. Dr. Martin Raubal is a Full Professor at the Institute for Cartography and Geoinformation, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, ETH Zurich. He leads research on spatial decision-making, mobile GIS, and location-based services, with applications in transportation, energy, and aviation. His work integrates cognitive engineering and eye-tracking to analyze human mobility and interaction with geospatial systems. Doctorate in Geoinformation (with distinction), Vienna University of Technology (2001) MS in Spatial Information Science and Engineering, University of Maine (1997) Dipl.-Ing. in Surveying Engineering and Geoinformation, Vienna University of Technology (1998) His research focuses on spatiotemporal human mobility, cognitive models for GIS, and sustainable urban systems. Key projects include the Digital Underground initiative at the Singapore-ETH Centre and the Empirical Use and Impact Analysis of Mobility-as-a-Service (EIM). Awards include the UV-Helava Prize and multiple best paper recognitions. Recent publications emphasize 3D spatial analysis, AI-driven geospatial tools, and causal inference in mobility modeling. Collaborations span institutions like Lufthansa Systems, SBB, and ETH-IVT. His lab investigates applications such as electric vehicle charging networks, bikeability indexes, and augmented reality in transportation planning.
Tevfik Aktekin is a Professor in the Department of Decision Sciences at the Paul College of Business and Economics, University of New Hampshire. His research focuses on Bayesian inference and stochastic modeling in service systems and business analytics. Education : Ph.D. in Decision Sciences (George Washington University), M.B.A. in Management Decision Making (George Washington University), B.S. in Mechanical Engineering (Yildiz Technical University). His work applies Bayesian state-space models to multivariate count data, with applications in call center staffing, product modification cycles, and public health analysis. He has published in journals like Annals of Applied Statistics , Bayesian Analysis , and European Journal of Operational Research . The 15 most recent articles highlight trends in sequential Bayesian learning for dynamic systems (e.g., bike-sharing, web traffic), time series of non-Gaussian data, and stochastic optimization under uncertainty. These works bridge statistical theory with practical applications in business and health.
Professor Andriy Volodymyrovych Karpenko is a Doctor of Economic Sciences and Professor at the Department of Economics and Customs within the Faculty of Business Technologies and Economics at National University 'Zaporizhzhia Polytechnic'. With over 14 years of academic experience since 2010, he has established himself as a prominent scholar in innovation economics, human capital development, and customs policy. Faculty of Business Technologies and Economics, National University 'Zaporizhzhia Polytechnic' Department of Economics and Customs Director of the Public Organization 'Zaporizhzhia Cluster Engineering - Automation - Mechanical Engineering' since 2020 Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the electronic periodical 'Management and Business' Member of multiple editorial boards of economic journals Professor Karpenko's research interests span innovations and innovation ecosystems, national and regional economy, economics and enterprise management, human capital and human development, and customs affairs. His work demonstrates a consistent focus on Ukraine's economic development through innovation, human capital investment, and cluster-based economic strategies, with particular emphasis on the impact of digital transformation and global challenges on Ukraine's economic landscape. His extensive publication record includes 354 scientific works, with 30 published internationally (7 in Scopus and Web of Science-indexed journals), 94 in Ukrainian professional periodicals, 27 in monographs (including one sole-authored monograph), and 203 conference theses. Recent publications (2020-2024) reveal a strong focus on Ukraine's economic resilience during wartime, cluster development strategies, human capital measurement, and innovation ecosystem management. Letter of thanks from Zaporizhzhia Regional State Administration (2012) Honorary certificates from Zaporizhzhia National Technical University (2013, 2015, 2018) Letter of thanks from Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine (2020) Letters of thanks and Certificate of Honor from Zaporizhzhia Regional authorities and Ministry of Education (2023) Professor Karpenko actively participates in advising and grant activities, having led multiple research projects since 2014. He currently serves as the responsible executor of research topics at the Department of Economics and Customs at National University 'Zaporizhzhia Polytechnic', focusing on sustainable development of business ecosystems. His work with the Zaporizhzhia Cluster 'IAM' demonstrates strong engagement with practical applications of his research in regional economic development. His academic leadership extends to various councils and government structures, including the Coordination Council for SME Development of Zaporizhzhia City Council and the Council of Entrepreneurs of Zaporizhzhia Region, where he contributes expertise on economic policy and business development strategies.
Michael Karcher is a Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) College of Education and Human Development (COEHD). As a leading expert in youth mentoring, his research focuses on school-based and cross-age peer mentoring, adolescent connectedness, and pair counseling interventions. He developed the Cross-age Mentoring Program (CAMP), a nationally recognized initiative listed on CrimeSolutions.gov, and served as Principal Investigator for the longitudinal SMILE study, evaluating school-based mentoring impacts on delinquency and educational outcomes. His work spans multicultural counseling, delinquency prevention, and developmental program design, with over 20 years of publications in fields like Educational Psychology, Criminology, and Counseling. He co-edited the Handbook of Youth Mentoring (2005, 2014) and Play, Talk, Learn (2010), introducing the TEAM framework. Karcher contributes to editorial boards for mentoring journals and advises organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) and MENTOR, ensuring his research informs policy and practice for at-risk youth. Recent publications highlight systemic mentoring models, connectedness assessment tools, and cross-cultural program adaptations. His work emphasizes measurable outcomes, including academic persistence, social competency development, and mental health improvements through structured mentoring interactions.
