Dr. Aric Rindfleisch serves as the John M. Jones Professor of Marketing, Area Chair of Marketing, Vernon Zimmerman Faculty Fellow, and Executive Director of Illinois MakerLab at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Since joining the university in 2012, he has established himself as a pioneering figure in digital marketing and 3D printing innovation. His academic credentials include a BS from Connecticut State University (1987), an MBA from Cornell University (1990), and a PhD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (1998). His research focuses on 3D printing, new product development, and consumer values, with recent publications exploring artificial intelligence in marketing, digital consumer behavior, and retail innovation. Named one of "The Best 300 Professors" in America by Princeton Review, he has served on editorial boards of 10 prestigious journals in marketing, consumer psychology, and supply chain management. He leads several popular Coursera courses including "The 3D Printing Revolution," "Marketing in a Digital World," and "The Digital Marketing Revolution," sharing his expertise in emerging technologies and digital marketing strategies with a global audience. His recent research explores cutting-edge topics such as AI in qualitative research, consumer response to COVID-19, and content sharing strategies in online learning platforms.

Kevin Hartman is an accomplished professional in the field of business analytics and digital marketing, currently serving as the Head of Analytics for the Consumer, Government, and Entertainment sectors at Google since 2015. He holds an MBA from the University of Chicago, earned in 1998, and has extensive teaching experience as an adjunct instructor at both the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the University of Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business. His teaching focuses on courses such as Digital Marketing Analytics and Introduction to Business Analytics, where he equips students with essential skills in data collection, analysis, and visualization for real-world applications. Additionally, Hartman is actively involved in advisory roles for the Notre Dame Executive Business Council and has held various positions in analytics and consulting prior to his current role at Google.

Vishal Sachdev is a Clinical Associate Professor of Business Administration at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where he also serves as the Director of the MS in Analytics program and the Illinois MakerLab. Joining the university in 2008, Dr. Sachdev has dedicated his career to exploring the intersection of technology and business, focusing on areas such as 3D printing, digital marketing, and the applications of blockchain and artificial intelligence. His research emphasizes how technology can enable collective action and enhance collaborative work environments, particularly in online and blended learning settings.As the director of the Illinois MakerLab since 2013, Dr. Sachdev has been instrumental in fostering innovation and hands-on learning among students. He is passionate about empowering students to become makers and helping organizations leverage rapid prototyping technologies. His contributions to education have been recognized with the Emerging Award for Excellence in Public Engagement, reflecting his commitment to local and global initiatives. Dr. Sachdev holds a Ph.D. in Information Systems from the University of Texas at Arlington and has taught various courses that prepare students for success in a rapidly evolving technological landscape, including "3D Printing Applications" and "Digital Marketing Capstone." Through his leadership and innovative teaching methods, he continues to inspire future leaders in business and technology.

Mike Yao is a distinguished Professor of Digital Media and Head of the Charles H. Sandage Department of Advertising at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. With a dual appointment as an Affiliated Professor of Business Administration, he blends interdisciplinary expertise to deliver cutting-edge insights in digital marketing, media strategies, and advertising principles. His academic leadership and innovative teaching approach empower students to thrive in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.Professor Yao’s courses, offered in both English and Arabic, reflect his commitment to global accessibility and inclusivity. By bridging theory with practice, he provides learners with practical tools to navigate and excel in the dynamic world of digital media and marketing. As an educator and thought leader, he continues to shape the future of digital advertising and media education.