PUBLICATIONS

Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles

• Schwartz-Miler, T., & Steinfeld, N. (2025). Intergroup interaction and identity expression in immersive social virtual reality. IADIS International Journal on Computer Science and Information Systems, 20(1), 57-74.
• Passig, D., & Schwartz, T. (2014). Solving conceptual and perceptual analogies with virtual reality among kindergarten children of immigrant families. Teachers College Record, 116(2), 1-36.

Conference Proceedings (Peer-Reviewed)

• Schwartz-Miler, T., & Steinfeld, N. (2025). Interaction and collaborative intergroup dynamics in social virtual reality (SVR). In Proceedings of the International Conference on Virtual Reality (ICVR 2025). IEEE Xplore. [Accepted, forthcoming]
• Schwartz-Miler, T., & Steinfeld, N. (2025). Intergroup dynamics in virtual reality: Observing in-group preferences and intergroup cooperation in a multi-user social VR immersive environment. Proceedings of the 23rd International Conference on e-Society 2025, 400-407. Selected as Best Paper Award and invited for extended publication in the IADIS International Journal on Computer Science and Information Systems.
• Passig, D., & Schwartz Miller, T. (2012). The effect of intervention in solving analogies using virtual reality technology on solving conceptual and perceptual analogies among kindergarten children of Ethiopian origin. In Y. Eshet-Alkalai et al. (Eds.), Proceedings of the Chais Conference on Learning Technologies Research 2012 (pp. 230-238). Ra'anana: The Open University.

Book Chapters

• Schwartz-Miler, T., & Steinfeld, N. (in press). Social virtual reality (SVR): A new space for intergroup encounters in polarized Israel. In Israelis Series. Open University of Israel & Ben-Gurion University Press. [In Hebrew]

CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS & WORKSHOPS

• Schwartz Miler, T., & Steinfeld, N. (2025, July). Interaction and collaborative intergroup dynamics in social virtual reality (SVR). Paper presented at the 11th International Conference on Virtual Reality (ICVR 2025), Wageningen University & Research, Netherlands.
• Schwartz Miler, T. (2025, June). Session Chair (invited). International Conference on eDemocracy & eGovernment (ICEDEG 2025), Bern University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Switzerland.
• Schwartz Miler, T., & Steinfeld, N. (2025, March). Intergroup dynamics in virtual reality. Paper presented at the 23rd International Conference on e-Society (ES 2025), Funchal, Madeira Island, Portugal.
• Schwartz Miler, T., & Steinfeld, N. (2024, July). Intergroup dynamics in virtual reality: Observing participant behavior, ingroup preference and intergroup cooperation in a multiuser social VR environment. Paper presented at ISPP's 2024 Annual Meeting, Santiago, Chile.
• Schwartz Miler, T. (2024, February). Intergroup contact in social virtual reality. Doctoral students workshop in digital sociology, The Open University, Ra'anana, Israel.
• Schwartz Miler, T. (2023, June). Intergroup contact in virtual reality. Paper presented at the 5th Annual Haifa International Social Sciences Conference for Graduate Students, University of Haifa, Israel.
• Schwartz Miller, T. (2011, July). The influence of intervention with analogical thinking in virtual reality on conceptual and perceptual analogies among kindergarten children. Paper presented at IACEP International Conference, Boston, MA, USA.

HONORS & AWARDS

• Best Paper Award (2025) - 23rd International Conference on e-Society. Paper invited for extended journal publication.
• Excellence Award for Doctoral Degree (2024) - Ariel University
• Award for Outstanding Research Work (2011) - Penina and Ze'ev Barnovsky Fund and the Department of Counseling and Human Development, University of Haifa

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

• Conducted mixed-methods study of four socio-cultural groups in Israeli society (ultra-Orthodox, secular, Ethiopian diaspora, and mainstream)
• Examined formation of new cross-cutting identities based on shared positive experiences in virtual spaces
• Analyzed spatial presence, dialogic space, and social proximity using factor analysis
• Key finding: Digital divides are primarily social-psychological rather than technical
• Methods: Quantitative surveys, qualitative observations, thematic analysis, statistical modeling
• Research Group Member (2024-2025)
  Menomadin Center for Jewish and Democratic Law, Bar Ilan University
  Project: "The State of Israel and the Threat of Polarization" - Interdisciplinary research examining social cohesion and democratic institutions