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.

Steve Raquel is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Business Administration at the Gies College of Business, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. With a rich background in marketing and digital strategy, he has over 20 years of experience working with major brands such as McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, and the Olympic Games. Since joining the University of Illinois in 2014, Steve has earned recognition for his engaging teaching style and has received multiple "Excellence in Teaching Awards." He teaches courses including "Marketing in a Digital World" and "The Digital Marketing Revolution," where he integrates real-world experiences into his curriculum to enhance student learning.