Vanessa Cesário, a PhD holder in Digital Media, is a postdoctoral researcher at Interactive Technologies Institute (LARSYS, IST) and a passionate Professor who teaches "Technology and Society": her goal is to provide students with an understanding of the ethical implications that arise from the development and use of information technology products and services. Vanessa's research uses participatory design to create immersive and engaging experiences in cultural heritage sites. She combines game design and storytelling to break down barriers and make heritage accessible to all. Participatory design is uncovering new ways to engage people with cultural heritage, promoting empathy, understanding, and preservation. These experiences are delivered through virtual reality, interactive exhibits, or mobile apps, encouraging active participation in preserving history and traditions. Vanessa's work has been published in international journals and conferences in Human-Computer Interaction, Museum Management, and Interaction Design.