A’eashah Alhakamy | Data Visualization | Research Excellence Award

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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.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid

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

Marjaana Siivola – Virtual Reality Analytics – Best Researcher Award

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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