Computer Graphics Archives - Research Data Analysis Awards

Assoc. Prof. Dr. A’eashah Alhakamy | Data Visualization | Research Excellence Award

University of Tabuk | Saudi Arabia

Assoc. Prof. Dr. A’eashah Alhakamy is an academic leader and researcher in computer science whose work spans computer graphics, computer vision, imaging, visualization, and extended reality, with a scholarly record comprising 27 published documents, 271 citations from 250 citing documents, and an h-index of 9. She earned her Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Computer Science from Purdue University, specializing in illumination integration in dynamic augmented-reality environments, following a B.Sc. in Computer Science from Taibah University. She serves as Associate Professor and Department Chair at the University of Tabuk, holding key leadership roles in data governance, academic affairs, research centers, and national committees. Her research focuses on augmented and extended reality, human-computer interaction, data visualization, immersive technologies, and AI-driven sensing systems, contributing to reputable venues such as IEEE Access, Applied Sciences, Sensors, and Sustainability. She has received multiple awards for outstanding scientific research, excellence in teaching, innovation, and high-impact publications from the University of Tabuk and national academic bodies. In addition, she has led funded grants, supervised numerous postgraduate and undergraduate projects, and contributed to major institutional initiatives. Through research, leadership, and continuous academic service, she remains committed to advancing immersive technologies and impactful computing research.

Featured Publications

Alhakamy, A. (2025). Intersecting Realms: Examining the Convergence of Vision and AI in Extended Reality Graphics. IEEE Access. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2025.3599337

Friedman, A., Tazike, M., Shelton, E. G., Patel, N. A., Alhakamy, A., & Cafaro, F. (2025). Puppeteers and Forecasters: How Children Engage. Conference paper. https://doi.org/10.1145/3694907.3765950

Alhakamy, A. (2025). Advancing SDG5: Machine Learning and Statistical Graphics for Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equity. Sustainability. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17219706

Friedman, A., Tazike, M., Shelton, E. G., Patel, N., Alhakamy, A., & Cafaro, F. (2025). “I’m a Fish!”: Exploring Children’s Engagement with Human–Data Interactions in Museums. Applied Sciences. https://doi.org/10.3390/app152111304

Alhakamy, A. (2024). Extended Reality (XR) Toward Building Immersive Solutions: The Key to Unlocking Industry 4.0. ACM Computing Surveys. https://doi.org/10.1145/3652595

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.