Our Team
Juan-Luis Suárez
Director, Philosopher, Digital Humanist, Runner, Amateur Cook
I founded the CulturePlex Lab in 2010 with funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation with the goal of establishing a creative place to help define the digital transformation. My work focuses on the digital condition, cultural analytics, the language of groups, cultural networks theory, and creativity.
Yadira Lizama-Mué
Software Engineer, Data & Peace Researcher, Project Manager
I am a Data Scientist and Ph.D. candidate in Hispanic Studies with a specialization in Scientific Computing and Transitional Justice. A former Software Engineer and graduate from Universidad de las Ciencias Informáticas in Havana, Cuba. My research interests are focused on data science (artificial intelligence, NLP, networks, and statistics) mainly applied to Peace Innovation.
Ana Ruiz-Segarra
Computer Graphics Engineer & Humanist, Video game enthusiast
I am a Ph.D. student and a specialist in data analysis, visualization, graphic and web design, and coding. My Ph.D. research focuses on developing VR games and digital experiences for courses in the Humanities. As a researcher at the CulturePlex Lab, I use network theory and data visualization to analyze the behaviour and interactions of people in online communities.
Daniel Varona-Cordero
Computer Scientist, Ethics in AI Researcher, Ph.D. Candidate
I have sixteen years of experience in software development. My current research interests include the study of the ethical and social impact of artificial intelligence systems, the design of trustworthy automatic decision-making solutions, and conducting empirical research on human aspects in software engineering.
Emilio Calderón
Cultural data analyst, Innovation Scout, Coffee Aficionado
I am a researcher at the CulturePlex Lab and a Ph.D. student in Hispanic Studies at the Department of Languages and Cultures. My research focuses on analyzing cultural networks combining quantitative and qualitative methods. In addition, I examine the digital transformations of cultural organizations to understand how they envision creative solutions.
Bárbara Romero-Ferrón
Digital Art History. Museums & Art Collections
I am a digital art history researcher at the CulturePlex Lab, at Western University, Canada, and at the iArtHislab group, University of Málaga, Spain. I am a third-year PhD in the Languages and Cultures Department at Western University. My research focuses on art exhibition data, data curation in GLAM, information visualization, and digital art history.
María Paula Espejo
Political scientist, Conflict resolution, Food & travel lover
I am building a creative method that leverages innovation to strengthen peacebuilding through gastronomy in post-conflict societies. I am working on a roadmap that will enhance cultural networks between sustainability, citizenship, and reconciliation. This method will advance on the betterment of society by introducing responsible and conscious use of natural resources.
Zeina Dghaim
Museum Collections & Education, Visual artist inspired in nature
My doctoral research focuses on renewing museum collections through motion design and cultural networks. My work promotes a sense of wonder, curiosity, coexistence, and beauty to inspire people of all ages. I believe in creative work that helps people, organisations, and communities reach their highest potential and approach all my projects with these deep-rooted values.