Emmanouil Xylakis holds a PhD from the Institute of Digital Games, University of Malta, specializing in Virtual and Mixed Reality and Human–Computer Interaction. His work explores immersive technologies and virtual worlds, while his broader motivation lies in using technology for societal benefit — supporting cultural heritage, improving accessibility to rural areas, and renewing public interest in overlooked communities. Beyond technology, he enjoys baking (especially traditional Cretan pies), playing music — with a recent love for Cretan folk and kontylies with his mandolin — and spending time hiking and exploring nature, something he hopes to dedicate even more time to in the future.