Ms. Jessica Teixeira | Human-Computer Interaction | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Jessica Teixeira, University of Porto, Portugal

Ms. Jessica Teixeira is a creative innovator and researcher with a strong background in Communication Design and Multimedia, specializing in Interactive Technologies and Digital Games. Based in Porto, Portugal, she earned her Master’s degree from the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Porto, with a high distinction (18/20). Her interdisciplinary expertise bridges visual communication, emotional design, and digital health technologies. As Creative Director at ebankIT, she led impactful design projects and mentored design teams. Her research explores the integration of Human-Computer Interaction with emotional and cognitive needs, notably addressing dementia care. With awards in visual storytelling and digital design, Jessica’s career demonstrates a seamless blend of artistic excellence and applied research that pushes the boundaries of digital user experiences.

🌍 Professional Profile

Orcid

🏆 Suitability for Best Researcher Award

Jessica Teixeira’s suitability for the Best Researcher Award lies in her innovative fusion of design and technology to solve real-world problems. Her Master’s thesis, “Bridging Emotional Design with Mobile Technology: Towards the Needs of Dementia Informal Caregivers,” is a standout contribution to Human-Computer Interaction, reflecting empathetic, user-centered research with practical applications in healthcare. Her work exemplifies how creative technologies can enhance emotional well-being and accessibility. With a track record of leading design innovations in industry and contributing to academic discourse through conference presentations (e.g., HCIST 2024), Jessica merges aesthetics with functionality and social impact. Her ability to translate research into meaningful user experiences makes her an exceptional candidate for recognition as a forward-thinking, interdisciplinary researcher.

🎓 Education

Jessica Teixeira earned her Master’s degree in Multimedia – Interactive Technologies and Digital Games from the University of Porto (2019–2024), graduating with distinction (18/20). Her thesis, titled “Bridging Emotional Design with Mobile Technology: Towards the Needs of Dementia Informal Caregivers,” reflects her strong interdisciplinary approach and was presented at HCIST 2024. Prior to that, she completed her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Design from the same university (2009–2013), laying the foundation for her expertise in visual communication and digital interfaces. Her academic journey showcases a consistent focus on integrating creativity with emerging technologies to address societal and emotional challenges, making her educational background deeply aligned with current and future digital transformation needs.

💼 Experience

Jessica has over a decade of professional experience in creative direction, UI/UX design, and visual communication. As Creative Director at ebankIT (2018–2024), she led a team that redefined digital interfaces, increasing user engagement by 60%. At Visual Kitchen Agency (2016–2018), she worked on branding and content for high-profile clients including political campaigns and art museums. Her earlier role at Strongstep (2013–2016) included leading UI/UX design for Scraim, a project management platform. Across these roles, Jessica has demonstrated a capacity to blend research, aesthetics, and user experience, driving both innovation and social value through digital platforms. Her leadership in cross-disciplinary teams reflects her skill in turning creative ideas into real-world impact.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Jessica Teixeira’s design and storytelling talents have been recognized nationally and internationally. She was a finalist in the Afortunado Wine Label Contest (2018), where her typography-based wine label was exhibited in Barcelona. Her short animation “A minha vida dava uma sardinha” received an Honorable Mention during the Festas de Lisboa in 2015, celebrating Portuguese cultural identity. She also won 1st Prize in the “Martelinhos de São João” contest (2014) for a creative short film highlighting traditional Porto festivities. These honors reflect her ability to creatively interpret cultural themes and convey meaning through digital media, enhancing public engagement. Her accolades span animation, illustration, and branding—underscoring her excellence across multiple creative platforms.

🔬 Research Focus

Jessica’s research lies at the intersection of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), emotional design, and digital health, particularly focusing on dementia care. Her Master’s thesis, presented at HCIST 2024, explores how mobile technologies can meet the cognitive and emotional needs of informal caregivers of dementia patients. She investigates how interface design and emotional cues can enhance user experience and psychological comfort. Leveraging tools from communication design, cognitive psychology, and mobile development, Jessica aims to make technology more empathetic and accessible. Her research contributes to Procedia Computer Science and informs the development of inclusive digital health solutions. By focusing on underrepresented users, such as dementia caregivers, her work holds promise for meaningful societal transformation through thoughtful design.

📊 Publication Top Note

Bridging Emotional Design with mobile technology: towards the needs of Dementia informal caregivers

Year: 2025

Prof. Luigi Occhipinti | Human-Computer Interaction | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Luigi Occhipinti, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom

Prof. Luigi Occhipinti is a distinguished researcher in nanotechnologies, smart sensors, and AI-driven biosystems. He serves as Director of Research and Professor at the University of Cambridge, leading groundbreaking advancements in flexible electronics and human-machine interfaces. With over 25 years of industry and academic experience, he has contributed significantly to graphene technologies, biosensors, and AI-assisted wearable systems. Previously, he held leadership roles at STMicroelectronics, overseeing strategic alliances and pioneering nano-organic research. Prof. Occhipinti has 97 journal publications, 92 patents, and an h-index of 32, underscoring his impact on next-generation electronics, healthcare technology, and advanced computing systems.

🏆 Suitability for Best Researcher Award

Prof. Occhipinti’s cutting-edge contributions to nanotechnology, biosensors, and AI-driven systems make him an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His extensive patent portfolio (92 patents, 51 granted) and pioneering work in wearable human-machine interfaces and flexible electronics demonstrate an unparalleled commitment to technological advancement. As an IEEE Senior Member and recipient of the 2024 IEEE Sensor Council Technical Achievement Award, he has gained global recognition for shaping next-generation intelligent systems. His multidisciplinary expertise in bioengineering, advanced materials, and AI solidifies his standing as an innovator pushing the boundaries of science and technology.

🎓 Education

Prof. Luigi Occhipinti holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Rome “Tor Vergata” (1997), where he specialized in automation and control systems. His Master’s (MEng) and Chartered Engineering (CEng) degrees in Electronic Engineering were earned at the University of Catania (1992). His academic journey has been complemented by leading teaching roles at Cambridge University, Università degli Studi di Catania, and EPSRC Centres for Doctoral Training in Graphene Technologies. His expertise spans power electronics, flexible electronics, and nanotechnologies, contributing significantly to cutting-edge advancements in smart materials and AI-powered biosensing applications.

💼 Experience

Prof. Occhipinti’s career spans academic leadership and industrial innovation. At Cambridge University, he has been a Director of Research and Professor since 2014, spearheading nanotechnology, biosensing, and AI research. Previously, he held senior roles at STMicroelectronics (1995-2014), including Design Team Leader, Group Leader of Nano-Organics, and Strategic Alliances Manager. His expertise in soft computing, analog design, and microelectronics has influenced wearable technologies, flexible electronics, and AI-driven interfaces. His industry and academic roles have led to breakthroughs in healthcare monitoring, AI-based sensing, and next-generation human-computer interaction systems.

🏅 Awards & Honors

Prof. Occhipinti’s groundbreaking contributions have earned him numerous prestigious awards. In 2024, he received the IEEE Sensor Council Technical Achievement Award for Advanced Career, recognizing his impact on sensor technology and smart electronics. He has been an IEEE Senior Member since 2021 and an IEEE Electron Devices Society & IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society member. His membership in the American Chemical Society (2018-2021) further highlights his interdisciplinary expertise. With 97 journal publications, 92 patents, and leadership roles in international research programs, his influence on next-gen AI, flexible electronics, and biosensing technology is widely recognized.

🔬 Research Focus

Prof. Occhipinti’s research spans human-computer interaction, AI-assisted wearable human-machine interfaces, bioengineering, nanotechnology, and advanced materials. His work in flexible & stretchable electronics, AI-driven biosensors, and resilient intelligent systems has revolutionized next-gen healthcare and IoT applications. His expertise in graphene technologies and high-frequency electronics supports innovations in sustainable, energy-efficient computing. He leads groundbreaking projects in AI-enhanced neurotechnology, medical diagnostics, and smart sensor networks, with a focus on developing bioelectronic systems for precision medicine. His pioneering efforts continue to push the boundaries of AI-integrated biomedical engineering and next-generation smart systems.

📖 Publication Top Notes