Marjaana Siivola – Virtual Reality Analytics – Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Marjaana Siivola - Virtual Reality Analytics - Best Researcher Award 

Aalto University - Finland

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Mrs. Marjaana Siivola's academic journey began with a strong focus on technology and its application in various domains. She obtained her Master of Science in technology with a specialization in utilizing technology to support the independent living of the elderly and disabled. This foundational education laid the groundwork for her future research and professional endeavors.

Her academic pursuits continued as she pursued a Licentiate of Technology degree, where her focus shifted towards exploring the usability of mixed reality applications. This period marked her transition into interdisciplinary research, blending technology with fields such as human-computer interaction and user-centered design. Siivola's early academic pursuits reflect a commitment to leveraging technology for social good and enhancing user experiences across different contexts.

Professional Endeavors

Mrs. Siivola's professional journey is characterized by a diverse range of roles spanning research, education, and entrepreneurship. Following her academic achievements, she delved into the realm of usability as a specialist at Finndesign Oy and later continued her research pursuits at the University of Technology. Her work during this period contributed to understanding user requirements and interface solutions for various applications, including temperature control systems and mixed reality training tools.

In 2012, Siivola founded Doules, where she assumed the roles of doula, childbirth educator, and researcher. This entrepreneurial venture allowed her to merge her expertise in technology with her passion for supporting expectant parents during childbirth. Her multidisciplinary approach to childbirth education, incorporating elements of virtual reality and digital platforms, reflects her innovative thinking and commitment to enhancing the childbirth experience.

Siivola's professional journey also includes academic pursuits as a PhD student at Aalto University, focusing on online childbirth education. This role showcases her dedication to advancing knowledge in her field and exploring innovative methods to improve access to quality education and support for expectant parents.

Contributions and Research Focus

Mrs. Siivola's research focus centers on leveraging technology to enhance childbirth education and support services. Her pioneering work in virtual reality childbirth education has garnered attention for its potential to revolutionize traditional childbirth preparation methods. Through her publications, Siivola has explored the advantages of virtual reality in childbirth education, the role of 360° videos, and the integration of flipped learning approaches. Her research contributes to bridging the gap between technological innovation and maternal healthcare, with a focus on improving outcomes and experiences for expectant parents and healthcare professionals alike.

Furthermore, Siivola's contributions extend beyond academia through her advocacy for collaboration between midwives and doulas, as evidenced by her publications and presentations. By fostering synergy between these two essential roles in maternal care, Siivola aims to create a supportive ecosystem that prioritizes the holistic well-being of expectant families.

Accolades and Recognition

Throughout her career, Siivola has received recognition for her contributions to the field of childbirth education and support. Her presentations at international conferences and publications in esteemed journals underscore her status as a thought leader in the intersection of technology and maternal healthcare. Additionally, her involvement in professional organizations such as Suomen doulat ry and DONA International highlights her commitment to advancing doula care standards and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration within the maternal health community.

Impact and Influence

Mrs. Siivola's work has had a significant impact on both academic research and practical applications in maternal healthcare. By pioneering the integration of virtual reality into childbirth education, she has opened up new possibilities for enhancing the accessibility and effectiveness of prenatal preparation. Her emphasis on user-centered design principles ensures that technological innovations are tailored to meet the needs and preferences of diverse user groups, ultimately improving the childbirth experience for expectant parents worldwide.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As a trailblazer in the field of virtual reality childbirth education, Marjaana Siivola's legacy is characterized by innovation, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to improving maternal healthcare outcomes. Her interdisciplinary approach and pioneering research pave the way for future advancements in digital education and support services for expectant families. Moving forward, Siivola's work will continue to shape the landscape of childbirth education, inspiring new generations of researchers and practitioners to embrace technology as a tool for positive change in maternal health.

Notable Publication

 

Ed Sykes – Holographic Visualization – Outstanding Scientist Award

Dr. Ed Sykes - holographic visualization - Outstanding Scientist Award 

Sheridan College - Canada

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Edward R. Sykes embarked on his academic journey with a solid foundation in computer science and mathematics. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc. Hons.) from McMaster University in Computer Science and Mathematics, his early academic pursuits showcased a keen interest in computational sciences. This passion led him to pursue further studies, culminating in a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Computer Science from McMaster University, where he delved into the intricacies of error correction algorithms. Building on this knowledge, Sykes pursued a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum Development from Brock University, focusing on the effectiveness of interactive video classrooms.His academic pursuits reached their zenith with dual Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees. The first, from Brock University in Education, underscored his interest in cognition, learning, and machine learning, with a thesis centered on the design and assessment of an intelligent tutoring system. The second Ph.D., from the University of Guelph in Computer Science, delved deeper into machine learning and human-computer interaction, with a thesis on interaction algorithms. These formative years laid the groundwork for Sykes's multifaceted expertise at the intersection of education, computer science, and artificial intelligence.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Sykes's professional journey is characterized by a diverse array of roles spanning academia, research, and industry collaboration. He began as a Professor of Computer Science at Sheridan College, where he honed his teaching skills and delved into research. Concurrently, he held adjunct and assistant professor positions at esteemed institutions such as McMaster University and the University of Guelph, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations and contributing to the academic community.His leadership roles include serving as Program Coordinator for the Honours Bachelor of Computer Science program at Sheridan College and founding the Centre for Applied AI (CAAI), formerly the Centre for Mobile Innovation. As Director of CAAI, Sykes spearheaded groundbreaking research initiatives in mobile health, securing substantial funding and forging numerous industry partnerships. Additionally, his affiliations with renowned research institutes such as the KITE Research Institute at the University Health Network underscore his commitment to advancing cutting-edge AI technologies in healthcare.

Contributions and Research Focus On holographic visualization

Dr. Sykes's research portfolio encompasses a wide spectrum of topics, ranging from machine learning and mobile computing to augmented reality and healthcare applications. His seminal work includes developing privacy-enabled mobile computing models, optimizing virtual reality-based memorization techniques, and designing innovative solutions for fall detection in senior living environments. With over 40 journal and conference publications, Sykes has significantly contributed to advancing knowledge in his field.A notable aspect of his research is its practical application, evidenced by projects such as MyHealthPortal—a web-based e-healthcare portal—and Therapy Tracker—a cross-platform medication management application. Sykes's research not only pushes the boundaries of theoretical knowledge but also translates into tangible solutions that address real-world challenges, particularly in healthcare and education domains.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Sykes's contributions have been recognized through numerous accolades and awards, attesting to the impact of his work. Notable honors include the NSERC Synergy Award for Innovation, the Minister's Award of Excellence for contributions during COVID-19, and prestigious scholarships such as the NSERC Canadian Graduate Scholarship. These accolades not only highlight Sykes's academic prowess but also affirm his commitment to driving innovation and excellence in research and education.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Sykes's influence extends beyond academia, encompassing industry partnerships, community engagement, and mentorship of future generations of researchers. Through initiatives like the CAAI and collaborative projects with industry and healthcare partners, he has bridged the gap between academic research and real-world applications, catalyzing positive change in healthcare delivery and technological innovation.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As a visionary leader and prolific researcher, Sykes's legacy lies in his transformative impact on the fields of artificial intelligence, mobile computing, and healthcare technology. His dedication to interdisciplinary collaboration, innovative research, and practical application sets a precedent for future generations of scholars and practitioners. Moving forward, Sykes is poised to continue shaping the landscape of applied AI, driving forward advancements that have far-reaching implications for society's well-being and technological progress.

Citations

  • Citations   680
  • h-index       11
  • i10-index    13

Notable Publication