Grazia Ragone | Human-Computer Interaction | Best Researcher Award

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

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

Profile

Education 🎓

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 Master’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 👨‍🏫

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 🔬

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 🏅

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 📚

  •  Supporting and understanding autistic children’s non-verbal interactions through OSMoSIS, a motion-based sonic system
    International Journal of Child-Computer Interaction
    2025-02 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcci.2025.100726
    CONTRIBUTORS: Grazia Ragone; Judith Good; 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 | Conference paper
    DOI: 10.1145/3628516.3661157

    EID:

    2-s2.0-85197894406

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

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

    arXiv
    2024 | Other
    DOI: 10.48550/arXiv.2404.14218

    EID:

    2-s2.0-85192517180

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

Meredith Storey | Pedagogy | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Meredith Storey | Pedagogy | Best Researcher Award

📌 Meredith Storey, Ph.D. is a Senior Manager at the UN Global Compact’s Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME), dedicated to advancing business education for sustainable development. 🌱 She has extensive experience in pedagogy, curriculum development, and lifelong learning, integrating play-based learning strategies into management education. 🎓 Before joining PRME, she contributed to the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network and held academic roles at the University of Limerick. 📚 Her work has been influential in shaping responsible management education (RME), emphasizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 🌍 As a researcher, she has led interdisciplinary projects and collaborated with global institutions to drive innovation in education. ✨ Meredith actively contributes to policy discussions, global education initiatives, and industry collaborations, ensuring the next generation of business leaders is well-equipped for ethical and sustainable leadership. 🚀

Profile

Education 🎓

🎓 Ph.D. in Responsible Management Education & Sustainability – Focus on integrating SDGs into business curricula and experiential learning models. 🌍 M.A. in Educational Leadership – Specialized in pedagogical innovations and lifelong learning. 🏛️ B.A. in Business & Management – Studied at renowned institutions with a focus on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and ethical leadership. 📚 Meredith’s education blends business, education, and sustainability, enabling her to bridge the gap between academic research and practical applications. 🏆 She has received global recognition for her scholarly contributions, shaping the field of responsible management education. 🔬 With training from institutions like Harvard Graduate School of Education, she remains at the forefront of education policy, curriculum development, and international collaboration in sustainability education. 🌱

Experience 👨‍🏫

💼 Senior Manager, PRME, UN Global Compact – Leading business education for sustainability initiatives. 🌍 Formerly at the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, spearheading research on SDGs integration in education. 🎓 University of Limerick (Kemmy Business School) – Developed curricula on responsible leadership. 📚 Key projects: LEGO Learning Through Play in Business Education, oikos LEAP Programme, Business Education for Sustainable Development. 🔍 Consultancy Experience: Worked with The LEGO Foundation, Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI), Sulitest, and PRME Chapters worldwide. 🌱 Active in global forums, industry projects, and research collaborations, Meredith influences policy, curriculum innovation, and business education reform. 🏆 Her expertise spans pedagogical development, corporate sustainability, interdisciplinary learning, and digital education strategies. 🚀

Research Interests 🔬

🔍 Responsible Management Education (RME) & Curriculum Development – Innovating pedagogical models for sustainable business leadership. 🌱 Integration of SDGs in Higher Education – Designing curricula that foster ethical decision-making and corporate responsibility. 📚 Experiential Learning & Play-Based Pedagogy – Leveraging LEGO Learning Through Play in business education. 🌍 International Collaboration in Sustainability Education – Engaging with global institutions to shape educational policies. 💻 Digital Learning & Online Pedagogies – Exploring AI-driven education models for global business training. 🌟 Community Building & Stakeholder Engagement – Creating networks of educators, policymakers, and industry leaders. 🚀

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

🏆 PRME Leadership Excellence Award – Recognized for advancing sustainability in business education. 🌱 Global Responsible Management Education Innovator Award – Honored for pioneering curriculum strategies integrating SDGs. 📚 Best Research Paper Award (International Journal of Management Education) – Acknowledged for groundbreaking work on transformative pedagogy. 🎖️ LEGO Foundation Learning Through Play Recognition – Applauded for creative pedagogical approaches in management education. 🌍 Higher Education Sustainability Impact Award – Celebrated for influencing education policies worldwide. 🚀 Invited Speaker at Global Sustainability Summits – Shared insights on digital learning, ethics, and sustainability education.

Publications 📚

Ana Sevilla-Pavón | Computer-assisted Language Learning | Best Scholar Award

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Dr.Ana Sevilla-Pavón | Computer-assisted Language Learning | Best Scholar Award

Universitat de València,Spain

Profile

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in English Philology and Bachelor’s Degree in French (2000 Plan). June 2007 and June 2012, respectively. Universitat de València. Graduated with Honours. Outstanding Graduate of the Year Award from the Universitat de València, Spain. Academic Excellence Award from Valencia’a Reginal Government (Generalitat Valenciana).

International PhD in Applied Linguistics. Advanced Studies Diploma. May 2013 and October 2011. “Languages and Technology” PhD Programme, Quality Award from the Ministry of Education (RD 778/1998, Ref. MCD2007-00165). Graduated with Honours. Proposed for the Outstanding PhD Graduate of the Year Award. Deparment of Applied Linguistics, Universitat Politècnica de València, Spain.

Work experience

PROFESSIONAL POSITIONS HELD

12/09/2019 to present: Associate Professor, Dept. of English and German Philology, Universitat de València (ref. tenure 10/2019, n. 6194, Universitat de València, published on 23/05/2019, BOE n. 238 from 03/10/2019, tenured confirmed on: 18/09/2019

RECENT COURSES TAUGHT AND OTHER SERVICES: RESEARCH PROJECTS

Master’s courses, UV: “Techniques and methodologies in research, Context: Advanced research techniques in linguistics” (44409), Master’s Degree in Research in Languages and Literatures, Faculty of Philology, Translation and Communication (2022-2023 to present, 1 ECTS); “English language teaching and learning” (40515), Master’s Degree in Secondary Education Teaching, Teacher Training Faculty (2019-2020 to present, 4 ECTS); “How to write and present an academic paper” (44237, 2022-2023 to present, 1.2 ECTS);) and “Research methods and resources in language and linguistics” (44230), Master’s Degree in English Advanced Studies, Faculty of Philology, Translation and Communication (2019-2020 to 2021-2022, 1.2 ECTS).

Undergraduate courses, UV: “History and Culture of English-speaking Countries” (35319), English Studies Degree, Faculty of Philology, Translation and Communication (2023-2024 to present, 6 ECTS); “Business English Communication III (C1 level)” (35876), Groups A, B and C, International Business Degree, Faculty of Economics (2019-2020 to 2022-2023, 6 ECTS per group).

PhD Supervision, Languages, Literatures and Cultures Programme, UV, 2021 to present: Amir Reza Rahimi: “Beyond Language and Culture Skills in Virtual Exchange : Toward the Computational Thinking Skills (CTCALL), and Interactive, Constructive, Active, and Passive (ICAPCALL) frameworks” co-supervisor: Ana Gimeno-Sanz); Cláudio França: “Production and dissemination of knowledge in languages other than English: a bibliometric analysis” (co-supervisor: Kyria Finardi); Marta Fortes: “Three-dimensional and telecollaborative virtual reality in the teaching of business Spanish” (co-supervisor: Marta Giralt); Ana Rachel Macêdo Mendes: “The Role of Mobility in (De)Constructing Internationalization: Dialogues and Perspectives” (co-supervisor: Kyria Finardi).

Master’s Final Theses and Practicum supervision (40561), Master’s in Secondary Education English Language Teaching, Teacher Training Faculty, UV, 2022-2023: Alexia Tudela Canet: “Exploring the efficacy of dubbing, subtitling, and audiodescription as an educational resource in English language acquisition”; Laura Moncho Moncholí: “Learning the passive voice in a baccalaureate English class through an educational breakout”; Lucía Álvarez Cuesta: “Fanfiction writing as an innovative English as a Foreign Language teaching and learning technique in Compulsory Secondary Education”; María Galindo Martínez: “Vocabulary Acquisition through Virtual Reality and Gamification” and Gloria Mª Hernández Arche: “a Photovoice initiative for contextual learning around Sustainable Development Goals in the secondary education subject of English as a Foreign Language”; 2021-2022: Adrià Jaén Cuenca: “Milers de Valències: decolonizing the teaching of English as a Foreign Language through the ethnolinguistic landscape of Valencia”; Carmina Tortosa Cerdá: “Virtual Reality in the English as a Foreign Language Classroom: Improving Students’ Speaking Fluency and Reducing their Anxiety”; Cristina Vargas Castro: “Multilingualism, Sustainable Development Goals and innovative project-based learning in the English class: fostering linguistic skills and social awareness in secondary education”; Patricia Pardo Pulido: “Staging theatre plays and analyzing literature to improve CSE students’ oral and reading skills in the EFL classroom”; 2020-2021: Carolina Elena Vicent Garcia: “Exploring the Sustainable Development Goals in the English classroom: self-perceptions of secondary education students when speaking English as a Foreign Language”; Silvia Rodilla Rivas: “Towards a Plurilingual Approach in the  English Language Classroom: Perceptions and Outcomes”; Ainhoa Rovira Garcia: “The PAEC Method on 4th of ESO: Blending Elements of the Communicative Approach and Task-Based Learning”; Alejandra Marín Pastor: “Raising SDG Awareness in the EFL Classroom: a Proposal for Students in the Official School of Languages”; Paula Puig Rubio: “Merging ICT and Corpus Linguistics: Corpus-Aided Discovery Learning as an Effective Approach to Teaching Phrasal Verbs”; 2019-2020: Cintia Álvarez Sojo: “Educational innovation project in the EFL classroom for the development of intercultural awareness: across the border”; Beata Katarzyna Groba: “Volunteering as a Tool to Improve Writing Skills”;, Irene Vallet Ruiz: “Innovating with Literary Texts and SDGs in the ESL Classroom through Dramatization”; Helena Vivancos Peñas: “Comic Strips as a Teaching Tool in the EFL Classroom: Increasing Motivation and Fostering Reading and Writing Skills”; Mar Mogort Martínez: “Fostering Motivation in the English Classroom Using Clipflair”. Master’s Final Theses and Practicum supervision (44236), Master’s in Advanced English Studies, UV, 2022-2023: Amina Benyettou: “A Comparative Analysis of Engagement Markers in Corporate Identity: Mission Statements in British, Spanish, and Algerian Business Websites”; 2020-2021: Irene Abarca López: “A Comparative Study of Verbal and Non-Verbal Expressions of Pain in Patients with Chronic and Non-Chronic Diseases in Doctor-Patient Conversations”.

Book Chapters   

Nicolaou, A.; Sevilla-Pavón, A. (2023). Exploring the impact of Virtual Exchange in Virtual English as a Lingua Franca (VELF): Views on self-efficacy and motivation. En: I. Pineda & R. Bosso (Eds.), VELF: Virtual English as a lingua franca (pp. 1 to 22). Routledge (Taylor & Francis). 270 páginas. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003342922, eBook ISBN: 9781003342922.

Sevilla-Pavón, A.; Finardi, K. R. (2022). El aprendizaje de lenguas en la Universitat de València durante y tras el confinamiento: la perspectiva del alumnado. En: Adrián J. Acosta Jiménez; Corral Esteban, A. & García Hernández, Y. (Eds.): Enseñar lenguas extranjeras después de la COVID-19. Análisis y propuestas metodológicas (pp. 143-154). Peter Lang. ISBN: 978-3-631-81522-9. https://hdl.handle.net/10550/92368

Nicolaou, A.; Sevilla-Pavón, A. (2022). Engagement in the expression of learners’ identity within virtual exchange asynchronous discussions. En: L. Klimanova (Ed.), Identity, Multilingualism and CALL: Responding to New Global Realities (pp. 244-270). Equinox. ISBN-13 (Paperback): 9781800500792. ISBN (eBook): 9781800500808. ISBN: 9781800500792.  DOI: 10.1558/equinox.43416. CALICO Book Series: Advances in CALL Research and Practice.

Nicolaou, A.; Sevilla-Pavón, A. (2022). Developing intercultural communicative competence in ESP learning through telecollaboration: An ecological perspective. En: S. M. Hilliker (Ed.), Virtual Exchange as a way to support SLA: Studies on language learning through online interaction (pp. 117-144). Berlin, Boston: De Gruyter Mouton, ISBN:   

AWARDS AND RESEARCH STAYS

Enrique Alcaraz Research Award from the European Association of Languages for Specific Purposes (AELFE), awarded to the book Multilingual Writing and Pedagogical Cooperation in Virtual Learning Environments (Eds: Birthe Mousten, Sonia Vandepitte, Elisabet Arnó and Bruce Maylath, published by the IGI Global publishing house: chapter 8: “Examining L2 Learners’ Use of Engagement Strategies in Telecollaborative Written Interactions” (pp. 200-220), by: Ana Oskoz, Ana Gimeno-Sanz and Ana Sevilla-Pavón, June 20th, 2019.

Jaclyn Ng Shi Ing Best Research Article Award from the CALL Your Data – XIXth International CALL Research Conference: “Expanding a telecollaborative project through social entrepreneurship”, by Ana Sevilla-Pavón and Anna Nicolaou. KU Leuven’s campus, Bruges (Belgium), July 4th-6th, 2018.

Best Research Article Award from the International Workshop on Technological Innovation for Specialized Linguistic Domains: “Modalities of Assessment in Online Language Learning Materials” (Ana Sevilla-Pavón; Antonio Martínez Sáez; José Macario De Siqueira Rocha). Spanish National Distance University (UNED), Madrid, 2010.

Recent Research stays and Grants

20/06/2021 to 10/09/2021, Grant awarded by Generalitat Valenciana (Ref.: BEST/2021/122). Supervisor: Dr. Rick Kern, University of California at Berkeley (Berkeley, California, United States).

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Collaboration with the B-Coorporation Organic Boosting (April 2018 to present): Communication advisory tasks: training and advice on the design, development and execution of communication tools aligned with your business objectives, your capabilities and your strengths, among others. which include its website and videos, News Bulletin, blog, translation, post-editing, voice-over and audiovisual production tasks in relation to the dissemination of services and products, in various languages (Spanish, Valencian, English, French, Italian and Portuguese).

Board member of the following Final Degree’s Dissertations: UCAM, 2013-2014: Cristóbal Fernández Marín, María del Carmen Ferre Castelló, Yessica María Aznar Vilar; Carlos Barquero González; Ginés Carlos Hemández Morales; Juan Tudela Carrilo; Almudena Barba Pellicer; Natalia Ayala Manzanera; Marina Garda Martín; Belén del Valle Pedrero; Marina Díez Frutos; Lidia Donate Monreal; Cristina Durá Cámara; Purificación Egio Ros; Noelia Espín Ortega. President of the board of the following Master’s Theses: UV, 2018-2019: Ionut Georgian . Mercedes Juncos. Ferran Oltra. Violeta Sanchis. Natalia Sánchez. Marta Rico. Beatriz Collado. María José Escrich. Fernando Castellano. Lorena Simarro. Adrià Lapuente. María Seguí. Amalia Castillo. Board member of the following Master’s Theses: UV, 2018-2019: Eyal Handelsman Katz; Melís Urer Vega; Begoña Cercós Pérez;  Marta Rocher López; Ana Belén Conde Mena; Lara Domingo Aliaga; Lara Martínez; Marta Arenas; Celia Giner; Daniel Giménez; Marcos Gómez; Gemma Alfonso; Irina Dragomirova; Fina Mañó; Anna Tassa; Ana Crespo; Inés Tatay; Carla Ramírez; Antonio Romance; África Iglesias; Juan Carlos Sempere; Elena Marzo; Irene Moreno; Aina LLopis; Carmen Serrano; Belén Andrioti; Avelina Blay; Laura Vidal; and Marta Torres.

 

Publication