Sarah L. Swisher is the Russell J. Penrose Professor in Nanotechnology and Associate Director for Research Advancement at the Minnesota Nano Center. She is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Minnesota, leading the Swisher Research Group. B.S., Electrical Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln M.S. and Ph.D., Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences, University of California, Berkeley Her research spans semiconductor device physics, materials science, and bioengineering, focusing on nanomaterial synthesis, flexible electronics, and biomedical sensors. Key applications include wearable medical devices, graphene-based neural interfaces, and photonic curing processes for high-performance thin-film transistors (TFTs) on plastic substrates. The 15 most recent publications highlight trends in flexible electronics (e.g., graphene arrays, polymer skulls with transparent electrodes), biomedical sensors (e.g., microneedle ion-selective sensors, impedance monitoring), and advanced fabrication methods (e.g., photonic curing, inkjet printing). Subfields include device layout optimization, thermal management, and high-κ dielectrics. Swisher's lab actively recruits graduate students for PhD research in semiconductor materials, flexible sensors, and smart biomedical devices. She collaborates with interdisciplinary teams at the Minnesota Nano Center and has received funding from undisclosed sources.
Christopher A. Mattson is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Brigham Young University (BYU) and director of the Design Exploration Research Group. With a PhD from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (2003), he has received prestigious awards including the Presidential Early Career Award (PECASE), NSF CAREER Award, Fulbright Scholarship, and ASME Fellowship. Education: PhD, Mechanical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (2003) MS, Mechanical Engineering, BYU (2001) BS, Mechanical Engineering, BYU (1999) Research Interests: Focus on engineering design theory, multiobjective optimization, and social impact modeling for global development. Applications span poverty alleviation, sustainable design, and modular product platforms. He develops formal methodologies integrating computational optimization with social and environmental factors during conceptual design stages. Teaching Interests: Specializes in team-based engineering design, teaching courses like Advanced Product Development and Global Product Development. His pedagogy emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, industry-sponsored projects, and global engagement through travel and cross-cultural partnerships. Scientific Awards: ASME Fellow (2020–Present) NSF CAREER Award (2010–2014) Presidential Early Career Award (PECASE) (2012) Ben C. Sparks Medal (ASME) (2015) Fulbright Scholar (2014–2015) Professional Service: Holds leadership roles in ASME committees, serves as Associate Editor for Journal of Mechanical Design , and contributes to multidisciplinary design optimization societies. His work bridges academia, industry, and international development through sponsored projects and research collaborations.
Chrysanthos Maraveas is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Technology and Natural Resources Management & Agricultural Engineering in the School of Environment and Agricultural Engineering at the Agricultural University of Athens since 2022. He earned his PhD in Structural Engineering from the University of Manchester and has held postdoctoral research positions at the University of Liège (EU-funded) and the University of Patras (Greek Ministry of Development-funded). Research Interests : Applications of AI and quantum computing in agriculture Sustainable materials and biodegradable polymers from agricultural waste Internet of Things (IoT) for greenhouse optimization Structural durability and corrosion resistance in agricultural environments Plastic waste management in agrifood systems 4D printing for sustainable agricultural plastics Scientific Recognition : Ranked in the top 2% of scientists worldwide by Stanford University (based on citations and h-index) Publications focus on: Cybersecurity in Agriculture 4.0/5.0 Smart sensors and edge computing for resource management Biopolymer innovations and nanotechnology Structural analysis of agricultural systems Sustainable construction materials from agro-waste Fire resistance in steel and composite structures
Tom Holberton is an Associate Professor (Teaching) at The Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London, where he also completed his BSc, DipArch, and MArch degrees. A chartered architect (RIBA ARB) with over ten years of research and teaching experience at UCL's Unit 21, he leads innovative design pedagogy integrating artificial intelligence and computational techniques. His educational background includes: BSc in Architecture from the Bartlett School of Architecture DipArch from the Bartlett School of Architecture MArch from the Bartlett School of Architecture His research pioneers the application of artificial intelligence within architectural design, specifically investigating the latent space of deep-learning models as a novel design medium. This work examines historical computational design paradigms alongside emerging technologies including Generative Adversarial Networks (GAN), Large Language Models (LLM), and crossmodal systems like DALL-E and Midjourney, critically assessing their impact on design agency and creative processes. Analysis of his 94+ publications reveals consistent thematic threads: integration of Japanese cultural elements with Western design practices, sustainable urban interventions in London, and experimental applications of AI in architectural representation. His projects frequently bridge heritage preservation with technological innovation, particularly in exhibitions and public space transformations. His distinguished awards include: RIBA Bronze Medal RIBA Sergeant Award for Excellence in Drawing RIBA Skidmore Owings Merrill Foundation Scholarship Victor Chu Prize Hamilton Prize Faculty Medal As an educator, Holberton serves as Design Unit Tutor for both BSc (UG21) and MArch (PG21) Architecture programmes, Practice Tutor for Design Realisation, and Technical Thesis Tutor. Since 2020, he co-pioneered a vertical teaching model integrating four academic years. His research attracts Arts Council funding for Japanese craft-AI collaborations and additive manufacturing partnerships, with projects featured in Monocle, Wallpaper, and Japanese national media. He founded the research studio SoHoKo (2013) specializing in AI-driven installations and exhibitions for institutions including the Victoria and Albert Museum, British Museum, and Japan House London. As a member of UCL's AI in Education working group, he investigates AI's pedagogical implications while serving as D&AD Awards advisor and judge.
Enrique Valera is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Bioengineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), where he has been working since March 2021. He is also a Research Affiliate at Carle Hospital's Biomedical Research Center. Prior to his current position, he served as a Research Scientist at UIUC from July 2018 to March 2021 and was a Post-Doctoral researcher in the Bashir Lab starting in October 2016. Dr. Valera received his Ph.D. in Electronic Engineering from Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Barcelona, Spain in 2008. Following his doctoral studies, he joined the Applied Molecular Receptors group at the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC, Barcelona, Spain) as a Post-Doctoral researcher with a Juan de la Cierva fellowship in 2009. In 2012, he joined the Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN, Barcelona, Spain), and in June 2014, he joined the Bayley Lab at the Department of Chemistry at UIUC as a Post-Doctoral researcher. Dr. Valera's research focuses on developing point-of-care diagnostic devices and microfluidic platforms for clinical applications. His work centers on biosensor technology that combines specific biological recognition elements with transducers for signal processing. He aims to create tools that enable personalized medical approaches and more precise diagnoses, particularly for identifying specific bacteria causing infections and monitoring immune responses to infections. His research spans electronic technology, micro and nano devices, silicon micromachining, microfluidics, and various biosensor applications including point-of-care detection, multiplexed detection, and biomarker and pathogen detection using optical and electrochemical transducers. Analysis of Dr. Valera's recent publications reveals a strong focus on developing rapid, multiplexed diagnostic platforms for infectious diseases, particularly respiratory viruses and bloodstream pathogens. His work often integrates microfluidics with smartphone technology to create accessible point-of-care devices. Many of his recent papers address challenges in pathogen detection, sample preparation techniques (particularly blood drying methods), and biosensor development using novel materials like nano-corrugated graphene. His research demonstrates a consistent trajectory toward creating practical diagnostic tools that can be deployed in resource-limited settings. Dr. Valera has published over 50 papers in prestigious international journals and holds 4 patents (2 in Spain and 2 in the USA). His work has been supported by funded projects in Europe, Spain, and the USA. As a researcher, Dr. Valera has participated in numerous international and national conferences and has collaborated extensively with other researchers in the development of diagnostic technologies. His work on the mitigation of SARS-CoV-2 transmission at a large public university demonstrates his engagement with real-world public health challenges. Dr. Valera works within the Bashir Research Group at UIUC, which is known for its work in bioengineering, micro- and nanotechnology, and diagnostic device development. His research integrates aspects of electronic engineering, chemistry, and biology to create innovative diagnostic solutions.
Hui Yang is a Professor of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering and Biomedical Engineering at Pennsylvania State University , holding the Gary and Sheila Bello Chair Professor title. He is affiliated with multiple institutions including the Penn State Cancer Institute , Clinical and Translational Science Institute , and Institute for Computational and Data Sciences . Currently serving as PI and Site Director of the NSF Center for Health Organization Transformation (CHOT) , his career includes leadership roles in professional societies such as IISE Data Analytics and Information Systems Society (President 2017-2018) and INFORMS Quality, Statistics and Reliability (QSR) society (President 2015-2016). As Associate Editor for journals like IISE Transactions , IEEE JBHI , and IEEE Transactions on Automation Science , he maintains strong editorial influence. His research integrates nonlinear stochastic dynamics with sensor-based system informatics to advance both smart manufacturing and healthcare engineering . Recent work explores digital twin technologies , blockchain applications , and AI-driven disease modeling for conditions like Alzheimer's and cardiovascular disease . Key scientific contributions include developing character-level linguistic biomarkers for early dementia detection, self-organizing network representations of cardiac systems, and privacy-preserving neural networks for Industry 4.0 environments. His research group has received significant external funding from NSF , DOE , and NIST to address challenges in heterogeneous manufacturing networks , adaptive failure prognosis , and spatiotemporal optimization . Fulbright Award in Science, Technology and Innovation (2022) IISE Fellow (2021) NSF CAREER Award (2015) Through his Virtual Learning Factory and SCOUT spatiotemporal framework , Yang bridges manufacturing analytics with health informatics , creating cross-domain methodologies for system diagnostics/prognostics , process optimization , and smart health monitoring . His Cross Recurrence Analysis Toolbox provides open-source methods for nonlinear time series analysis.
Valentina Bertana is a Fixed-term Assistant Professor at the Department of Applied Science and Technology (DISAT) at Politecnico di Torino. She teaches across multiple colleges, including the College of Chemical and Materials Engineering and the College of Electronic, Telecommunications, and Physics Engineering, focusing on advanced manufacturing, aerospace engineering, and physical engineering courses. Her research interests span additive manufacturing, integrated electronics, lab-on-a-chip devices, microfluidics, and nanotechnology. Her work addresses sustainable materials for electric vehicles, biomedical applications, and aerospace-compliant electronics. She leads projects like PISTA, CubEArm, and Powerpack, funded by competitive calls and commercial contracts under the PNRR initiative. Valentina supervises PhD students Giulio Galfre' and Miriam Polano, whose research focuses on microfluidic chips, SiP interfaces, and innovative packaging processes. She is an inventor on patents related to gas-permeable membranes and LIG electrode manufacturing.
Carlo Ricciardi is a Full Professor in the Department of Applied Science and Technology (DISAT) at the Polytechnic University of Turin, where he serves as Coordinator of basic subjects for the 2nd year of Engineering and is a member of the Interdepartmental Center CWC - CleanWaterCenter@PoliTo. His research focuses on nanomechanical sensing and memristive nanodevices, with applications spanning biomedical engineering, environmental monitoring, and brain-inspired computing systems. His research interests center on the intersection of nanotechnology and biological systems, particularly in developing bio-inspired nanodevices for sensing applications. Ricciardi's work bridges fundamental nanoscience with practical implementations in memristive devices , nanomechanical sensors , and brain-inspired computing architectures . His research group explores how nanoscale phenomena can be harnessed for biomedical applications, environmental monitoring, and next-generation computing paradigms that mimic neural processing. The recent publications reveal a strong trend toward neuromorphic computing using nanowire networks, with significant work on self-organizing systems that exhibit brain-like computational properties. His research spans multiple disciplines including nanotechnology, materials science, electronics, and biophysics, with a particular emphasis on creating sustainable and efficient computing systems inspired by biological principles. The work often combines experimental fabrication with theoretical modeling to understand complex phenomena at the nanoscale. Young Scientist Award (European Materials Research Society, 2002) Keynote Paper Finalist, Biosensors 2010 (2010) Premio Giovedì Scienza (2012) National Scientific Qualification as Associate Professor Sector 02/B1 (MIUR, 2013) National Scientific Qualification - Second Band - Sector 02/B3 (MIUR, 2013) Ricciardi actively mentors doctoral students and serves on multiple PhD program committees across Physics and Engineering disciplines. He has secured substantial research funding through competitive national and international projects including the EU-funded GreenChips-EDU (2023-2027), NEURONE (2023-2025), and MEMQuD (2021-2024) projects. His collaborations span academia and industry, with partnerships including the University of California Berkeley and various European research institutions. As Principal Investigator of the NaMeS research group, Ricciardi leads investigations into two interconnected research domains: nanomechanical sensing and memristive nanodevices. The group operates specialized laboratories including the CHILAB Laboratory in Chivasso and the Nanoscience Vibrometric Lab, focusing on developing innovative sensor technologies and neuromorphic computing architectures that draw inspiration from biological systems.
Guido Perrone is a Tenured Associate Professor at the Department of Electronics and Telecommunications (DET) , Politecnico di Torino, with a focus on Photonics, Fiber Optic Sensors, and High-Power Lasers. His research bridges industrial and biomedical applications, particularly additive manufacturing and laser therapy, aligning with SDG goals like Good Health, Industry Innovation, and Clean Water. Research Interests : Photonics, Fiber Optic Sensors, High-Power Lasers, Biomedical Applications, Additive Manufacturing, Electromagnetic Fields, Signal Processing, and Machine Learning. Projects : Led competitive grants including DESIGN (2024–2028), Yellow-FLiCkEr (2022–2025), and STELLAR (2021–2022) as Scientific Director/Manager. Teaching : Course instructor for Photonics , Industrial Photonics , and Passive Optical Components at undergraduate and graduate levels. Grants & Patents : Supervised >10 research projects and holds 2 patents (national/international) on optical transducers. Students : Mentored 4 PhD candidates in laser and sensor technologies.
Zahabul Islam is an Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering at Bowling Green State University, School of Engineering. His research focuses on additive manufacturing (3D printing) and material characterization, particularly for energy and biomedical applications. Ph.D., M.S., and B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Penn State University His expertise spans Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF), Selective Laser Melting (SLM), Direct Energy Deposition (DED), and Stereolithography. Current research includes process map optimization for polymer/metal additive manufacturing, radiation damage studies, and multiscale modeling of fused filament fabricated composites. Recent publications highlight work on tungsten lattice structures, MoSiB alloys, and Haynes 282 superalloys. He actively collaborates on projects involving supercritical CO2 heat-to-power systems and ultrahigh-temperature refractory metal alloys for aerospace applications.
Kaiyan Qiu is the Berry Family Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Washington State University , leading interdisciplinary research at the intersection of 3D printing , artificial organs , and flexible electronics . His work combines advanced manufacturing techniques with biomedical innovation. Ph.D. in Fiber Science & Biopolymers from Cornell University (2012) Postdoctoral experience at University of Minnesota, Princeton University, and Dartmouth College Research focuses on: Medical Applications : 3D printed presurgical organ models (prostate, aortic root) with integrated sensors Wearable Electronics : Stretchable tactile sensors and photodetectors for health monitoring Biomimetic Systems : Bioinspired actuators and surfaces for robotics Advanced Printing : Multimaterial and multiscale additive manufacturing Recent publications address machine learning-enabled 3D printing , biomimetic device fabrication , and direct printing on freeform surfaces . Collaborations with Medtronic Inc. and Visible Heart Laboratory at UMN demonstrate clinical impact. Honors include: Berry Family Assistant Professor (2021) Best of 2018 article selection National Textile Center Competition Awards Liu Memorial Scholarship Qiu's lab develops customized 3D printing systems with motion control, ink dispensing, and monitoring subsystems for biomedical and robotics applications.
Dr. Anulipt Chandan is a Lecturer in the School of Civil and Mechanical Engineering at Curtin University, located on the Curtin Perth campus. He holds a PhD in Sustainable Engineering, M.Tech in Electrical Engineering, and B.Tech in Electronics Engineering. His roles include contributing to the Faculty of Science and Engineering and serving in the Office of the Provost. Dr. Chandan's research focuses on interdisciplinary areas including blockchain technology, sustainability in energy systems, smart grid innovations, supply chain traceability, and materials science. His work bridges electrical engineering with emerging technologies, addressing challenges in renewable energy integration, failure analysis of materials, and achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through blockchain applications. His publications span from materials science studies on alloy steels and nanocrystalline structures to blockchain frameworks for supply chain transparency and energy management systems. He has taught courses such as 'Renewable Energy Principles,' 'Sustainability and Renewable Energy,' and 'Ethics and Sustainability in Engineering.' Dr. Chandan’s research emphasizes practical solutions for global sustainability challenges, leveraging his expertise in both technical and socio-economic dimensions of innovation.
Dr. Yan Ma is a Research Fellow at the University of Wollongong's School of Mechanical, Materials, Mechatronic and Biomedical Engineering. She holds a PhD from the same institution (2015) and prior degrees from Northeastern University and Kunming University of Science and Technology. Her expertise spans material science and mechanical engineering, with focuses on advanced materials like steels, titanium alloys, intermetallics, and additive manufacturing techniques. Dr. Ma has led or contributed to significant projects including Baosteel-Australia Joint Research & Development Centre (BAJC) initiatives, Defence Materials Technology Centre (DMTC) projects, and industry consulting. Her research emphasizes welding metallurgy, material characterization, and multi-partner collaborations with organizations like ANSTO. She currently supervises PhD research on solidification behavior in high-nitrogen/molybdenum alloys. Key research interests include additive manufacturing processes, microstructural analysis of alloys, and improving material performance through in-situ alloying. Her funded work addresses challenges in pipeline integrity, defect mitigation, and next-generation materials for aerospace and industrial applications. She actively engages in teaching programs like ENGG542 and organizes events such as Materials Discovery Day. Dr. Ma’s publications (over 25 articles) explore topics like neutron diffraction for stress analysis, corrosion behavior of additively manufactured materials, and radiation effects on titanium aluminides. She is fluent in English and Mandarin, with peer-review capabilities in both languages.
David Browne is a Professor and Head of Subject in Materials Science & Engineering at University College Dublin (UCD). He holds a DPhil from the University of Oxford and has held academic roles at UCD since 1990, including Vice-Principal for Research, Innovation, and Impact (2014–2019). His research focuses on alloy solidification, bulk metallic glasses, additive manufacturing, and microgravity experiments. He has published over 230 papers and led projects such as the ESA-funded microgravity solidification study in 2015. His Phase Transformation Research Group (PTRG) explores topics like dendritic growth modeling, welding processes, and biomedical applications of BMGs. Browne has supervised numerous PhD students and collaborates internationally with institutions like Yale University and TU Delft. Education: BE (Mechanical Engineering, UCD, 1985), MSc (Materials Science, Oxford, 1987), DPhil (Oxford, 1996). Professional memberships include TMS and MIEI. He co-edits Philosophical Magazine Letters and has pioneered experimental and computational methods for solidification analysis, including in-situ synchrotron imaging and microgravity studies. Research highlights include developing methodologies for quantifying dendrite growth and solute pile-up, advancing additive manufacturing models, and discovering strain-induced ductility in BMGs. His work on space-optical applications and medical devices demonstrates interdisciplinary impact. Current interests include high entropy alloys and sustainable material design.
Dr. Alojz Ivankovic is a Full Professor of Mechanics of Materials at the School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering , University College Dublin (UCD). He also serves as a Visiting Professor at Imperial College London and has held leadership roles such as Head of Mechanical Engineering Programs at UCD since 2012. His research group focuses on advanced materials science, fracture mechanics, and additive manufacturing, supported by over €25M in research funding. Educational Background: MEngSc from the University of Sarajevo and PhD from Imperial College London. Research Interests: Process-structure-property relationships in materials, fracture behavior of polymers and composites, adhesion science, and biomechanics of atherosclerosis. His work bridges computational modeling (e.g., finite volume methods) with experimental validation. Recent Achievements: Awards include the Fellowship of Wessex Institute (2004) and Royal Academy of Engineering Travel Grant (2001). He leads the UCD Centre of Adhesion and Adhesives and collaborates with industry partners like Atlas Copco and BP Chemicals. Grants & Funding: Over €27M in research funding since 2004, including a €2.5M SFI grant for drag reduction studies. Current grants focus on floating offshore wind cables and sustainable composites. Teaching: Coordinates modules in Computational Continuum Mechanics and supervises PhD/MSc students. His group includes 5 MSc, 7 PhD students, and 4 PostDocs. Publications: Over 346 publications, including 109 journals and 232 conference papers. Recent work addresses diamond powder mechanics, piezoelectric composites, and aerodynamic drag reduction.
