Grazia Ragone | Human-Computer Interaction | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Grazia Ragone | Human-Computer Interaction | Best Researcher Award

šŸ”¬ Grazia Ragone is a researcher in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) with a focus on autism and interactive systems. šŸ« She earned her PhD from the University of Sussex, UK, where she investigated social motor synchrony in autistic children through motion capture and sonification. šŸŽ¼ With a background in psychology, developmental science, and music therapy, she integrates interdisciplinary methods into assistive technology. šŸ’» She has extensive teaching experience in research methods, cognitive science, and HCI at the University of Sussex. šŸ† Her research has been recognized with multiple international awards, including Microsoft Researchā€™s Best Student Research Competition. šŸŒ She actively contributes as a reviewer and associate chair for HCI conferences and journals. šŸ“– Her work bridges psychology, technology, and education, aiming to enhance accessibility and interaction for neurodiverse individuals.

Profile

Education šŸŽ“

She completed her PhD in 2023 at the University of Sussex, UK, where her research focused on autism, motion capture, and social motor synchrony. Prior to this, she earned an MSc in Psychological Methods from the University of Sussex in 2018, with a focus on autism and interactional features. She also holds an MPhil in Developmental Psychology from London Metropolitan University (2015), specializing in child development and interaction. In 2014, she completed her BSc in Developmental Psychology at London Metropolitan University, studying early cognitive and social development. She further enriched her expertise with a Masterā€™s in Music & Art Therapy from Tor Vergata University in Rome (2006), where she focused on therapeutic interventions for individuals with special needs. Her academic journey began with a BA in Humanities from the University of Pavia, Italy (2004), where she studied philosophy, linguistics, and cultural studies.

Experience šŸ‘Øā€šŸ«

From 2019 to 2023, she worked as a Teaching Assistant at the University of Sussex, UK, where she taught Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), research methods, and professional skills. Prior to this, she served as a Research Assistant at the University of Sussex (2016-2018), focusing on technology designed for neurodiverse children. From 2014 to 2016, she conducted research on autism and interactive environments at London Metropolitan University. Earlier in her career, she was a Research Assistant at CNR-ISTI Pisa, Italy (2008-2014), where she contributed to the development of assistive software for autistic children. Her experience also includes working as a Music Therapist for the Rome City Council (2005-2010), providing therapeutic interventions for autistic children. Additionally, from 2010 to 2019, she worked as a Trainer and Consultant, conducting workshops and training programs for professionals in the field of autism.

Research Interests šŸ”¬

Her research focuses on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and autism, developing interactive systems to support neurodiverse individuals. She explores the role of music and sonification in enhancing motor and social skills through auditory feedback. Her work also includes investigating social motor synchrony using motion capture technology. She designs AI-powered assistive technology to support autistic children and applies user-centered design principles to create accessible interfaces for individuals with special needs.

Awards & Recognitions šŸ…

She has received several prestigious awards and honors for her contributions to autism research and assistive technology. In 2021, she was awarded the Best Student Research Award by Microsoft Research at the ASSETS Conference. Her work was also recognized with the Best Work in Progress Award at the IDC Conference on autism research in 2020. In 2013, she received the Horizon Research Award from London Metropolitan University for outstanding research. Her contributions to autism research earned her a Massachusetts Senate Citation in 2012, and in 2011, she was honored with the Rotary Club Research Award from CNR Pisa for excellence in autism studies.

Publications šŸ“š

  • Ā Supporting and understanding autistic childrenā€™s non-verbal interactions through OSMoSIS, a motion-based sonic system
    International Journal of Child-Computer Interaction
    2025-02 |Ā Journal article
    DOI:Ā 10.1016/j.ijcci.2025.100726
    CONTRIBUTORS:Ā Grazia Ragone;Ā Judith Good;Ā Kate Howland

  • Child-Centered AI for Empowering Creative and Inclusive Learning Experiences

    Proceedings of ACM Interaction Design and Children Conference: Inclusive Happiness, IDC 2024
    2024 |Ā Conference paper
    DOI:Ā 10.1145/3628516.3661157

    EID:

    2-s2.0-85197894406

    Part ofISBN:Ā 9798400704420
    CONTRIBUTORS:Ā Ragone, G.;Ā Ali, S.A.;Ā Esposito, A.;Ā Good, J.;Ā Howland, K.;Ā Presicce, C.

  • Designing Safe and Engaging AI Experiences for Children: Towards the Definition of Best Practices in UI/UX Design

    arXiv
    2024 |Ā Other
    DOI:Ā 10.48550/arXiv.2404.14218

    EID:

    2-s2.0-85192517180

    Part ofĀ ISSN:Ā 23318422
    CONTRIBUTORS: Ragone, G.; Buono, P.; Lanzilotti,

Gerardo Fernandez | Eye tracking | Excellence in Innovation

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Dr. Gerardo Fernandez | Eye tracking | Excellence in Innovation

Gerardo Abel FernĆ”ndez šŸ‡¦šŸ‡·, born on October 29, 1976, in BahĆ­a Blanca, Argentina, is a researcher specializing in neuroscience and cognitive science šŸ§ . He is a professor and adjunct researcher at CONICET, focusing on eye movement-based biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases šŸ‘€. His work integrates philosophy, cognitive psychology, and technology to advance Alzheimerā€™s diagnosis šŸ„.

Profile

Education šŸŽ“

šŸŽ“ Gerardo Abel FernĆ”ndez obtained a degree in Philosophy (2003) from Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Argentina, with a specialization in Logic and Epistemology. He later pursued a PhD in Philosophy (2011) at UNS, with his thesis titled “Dynamic word processing during reading: Mental strategies driving visual exploration”, earning a perfect 10/10 with special mention. His academic journey includes postdoctoral research as a fellow at AGENCIA (ANPCYT) and the DAAD Max Planck Institute in Berlin. His educational background bridges philosophy, neuroscience, and cognitive psychology, forming a solid foundation for his pioneering research in eye movement analysis and Alzheimerā€™s biomarkers. His expertise in cognitive science and technological innovation has led to the development of diagnostic tools for early neurodegenerative disease detection. šŸ“ššŸ”šŸ§ 

Experience šŸ‘Øā€šŸ«

šŸ’¼ Dr. Gerardo Abel FernĆ”ndez has extensive experience in neuroscience research and technological innovation. He served as a Professor of Audiovisual Language at UNS (2011ā€“2013) and is currently an Adjunct Researcher at CONICET, focusing on non-endemic degenerative pathologies. He has worked as a Visiting Scholar at Heriot-Watt University and Strathclyde University (UK), contributing to the development of eye-tracking biomarkers for Alzheimerā€™s disease. Dr. FernĆ”ndez is also a scientific reviewer for prestigious journals like PlosOne, Journal of Alzheimerā€™s Disease, and Neuropsychologia. As CTO of Viewmind, he leads biocognitive and functional performance measurement innovations. He has patented cognitive evaluation methods and received grants from institutions like ANPCYT and DAAD. His interdisciplinary expertise spans cognitive neuroscience, machine learning applications in diagnostics, and technological development for neurodegenerative disease assessment. šŸ…šŸ”¬šŸ‘ļø

Research Interests šŸ”¬

šŸ”¬ Dr. Gerardo Abel FernĆ”ndez specializes in cognitive neuroscience, neurodegenerative disease biomarkers, and eye-tracking technology. His research focuses on early Alzheimerā€™s detection through oculomotor behavior analysis. He has developed innovative methods to study visual exploration, reading difficulties, and memory impairments in neurodegenerative conditions. His work integrates machine learning and artificial intelligence for cognitive assessment tools. As a Visiting Scholar in the UK, he contributed to developing biomarkers for Alzheimerā€™s disease. His patented eye-tracking system has clinical applications in detecting mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimerā€™s disease. He has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, exploring predictive eye movement models and their correlation with cognitive decline. His cutting-edge research bridges philosophy, neuroscience, and technology, offering non-invasive diagnostic solutions for early-stage neurodegeneration. His ultimate goal is to revolutionize cognitive healthcare through technological innovation. šŸ§ šŸ‘ļøšŸ“Š

Awards & Recognitions šŸ…

šŸ† Dr. Gerardo Abel FernĆ”ndez has received numerous awards for his contributions to neuroscience, cognitive evaluation, and Alzheimerā€™s diagnostics. His eye-tracking research for Alzheimerā€™s detection earned the Dr. JosĆ© Borda Clinical Psychiatry Prize at the 22nd International Congress of Psychiatry. He won the Novartis Innovation Award for his work on measuring cognitive performance in health and disease. As CTO of Viewmind, his team received international recognition, including the Fit4Start Luxembourg Award for health applications and the Medica Innovation Prize in DĆ¼sseldorf. His research and patented cognitive evaluation equipment have been acknowledged by ANMAT (Argentinaā€™s National Administration of Drugs, Foods, and Medical Technology) and INPI (Argentinaā€™s National Patent Office). Dr. FernĆ”ndez’s groundbreaking innovations in neurocognitive assessments have positioned him as a leading figure in technological advancements for early Alzheimerā€™s detection. šŸ…šŸ§ šŸ”¬

Publications šŸ“š

  • Oculomotor behaviors and integrative memory functions in the alzheimer’s clinical syndrome

    Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease
    2021 |Ā Journal article
    DOI:Ā 10.3233/JAD-201189

  • A non-invasive tool for attention-deficit disorder analysis based on gaze tracks.

    ACM International Conference Proceeding Series
    2019 |Ā Conference paper
    DOI:Ā 10.1145/3309772.3309777

  • Microsaccadic behavior when developing a complex dynamical activity

    Journal of Integrative Neuroscience
    2018 |Ā Journal article
    DOI:Ā 10.3233/JIN-170057

    EID:

    2-s2.0-85053731401