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Zhenzhen Yu is an Associate Professor in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines. She directs the Center for Welding, Joining, & Coatings Research (CWJCR) and co-directs the Manufacturing and Materials Joining Innovation Center (Ma2JIC). Her research focuses on advanced manufacturing processes, particularly materials joining, non-equilibrium phase transformations during welding, and multi-material system design. She holds a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from East China University of Science and Technology. Research interests include: joining of dissimilar materials, weld microstructure-property relationships, in-situ characterization of transient material states, and stress relaxation cracking susceptibility evaluation. Notable awards include the NSF CAREER Award (2019) and the McKay-Helm Award (2019). Her recent work addresses challenges in high-temperature materials for energy storage systems, stress corrosion cracking mechanisms in nuclear applications, and development of multi-principal element alloys for advanced joining applications. She teaches courses such as Advanced Welding Metallurgy and Solidification. Labs: Center for Welding, Joining, & Coatings Research (CWJCR) Key Projects: Residual stress control in welding, AI-enabled robotic NDE for power plant boilers, molten salt tank failure analysis

• Materials Joining
• Welding Metallurgy
• Non-Equilibrium Phase Transformations
• +5 more

Sean Willems holds the Haslam Chair in Supply Chain Analytics and serves as Haslam Family Faculty Fellow at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville's Haslam College of Business. His expertise encompasses applied optimization, lean operations, and supply chain analytics. Research Focus: Willems specializes in inventory optimization, supply chain configuration, demand forecasting, and analytics implementation in complex industrial settings. His work often addresses coordination challenges in multi-echelon supply networks and the impact of emerging technologies on operations strategy. Publication Trends: Recent research explores supply chain resilience in post-pandemic environments, safety stock optimization under expediting scenarios, and innovative teaching methodologies for operations management. His publications demonstrate consistent application of analytical methods to real-world industrial challenges across high-tech, manufacturing, and retail sectors. Teaching Innovation: Willems has pioneered advanced synchronous online teaching techniques, including the 'World of EdCraft' approach for operations management education. His investments in specialized home studio technology reflect a commitment to replicating classroom engagement in virtual environments. Awards: Haslam Family Faculty Fellow

• Supply Chain Analytics
• Applied Optimization
• Inventory Management
• +2 more

Ketki Lichade serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University at Buffalo's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, where she drives innovation in advanced manufacturing methodologies with applications spanning biomedical engineering and sustainable materials development. Educational background: PhD in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago (2023) BE in Mechanical Engineering, Savitribai Phule Pune University (2016) Her research program centers on Advanced Manufacturing and Additive Manufacturing with specialized focus on process-structure-property relationships and bio-inspired design . She pioneers acoustic-assisted photopolymerization, direct ink writing, and multiscale manufacturing techniques to engineer functional materials with programmable adhesion and hierarchical structures. This work enables breakthroughs in conductive hydrogels for flexible electronics, bone-mimetic scaffolds for tissue engineering, and atmospheric water harvesting systems, fundamentally advancing the integration of materials science with precision manufacturing. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2021-2025) reveals dominant innovation in acoustic assembly photopolymerization for bioinspired multifunctional materials. Key trends include rapid single-layer fabrication processes, multimaterial 3D printing with spatially controlled properties, and hierarchical porous structures that replicate natural systems. These contributions bridge mechanical engineering, fluid dynamics, and biomimetics to solve critical challenges in manufacturing speed, material functionality, and sustainability. As principal investigator of the Advanced Manufacturing Lab, Dr. Lichade secures external funding for cutting-edge research in sustainable production methods and multifunctional material systems. She actively mentors graduate researchers while collaborating with industry partners to translate academic discoveries into industrial manufacturing solutions, particularly in medical device fabrication and environmental technology sectors. The Advanced Manufacturing Lab team specializes in acoustic streaming, two-photon polymerization, and electrohydrodynamic printing techniques. Current initiatives focus on developing programmable adhesion surfaces for biomedical implants, scalable water vapor harvesting systems using biomimetic composites, and AI-driven process optimization for multimaterial additive manufacturing, positioning the lab at the forefront of next-generation sustainable manufacturing research.

• Advanced Manufacturing
• Process-Structure-Property Relationship
• Additive Manufacturing
• +5 more

Debora Lyn Porter is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of California, Merced. Her research focuses on bioinspired design, advanced manufacturing, and material characterization, particularly drawing insights from natural structures such as fungal systems. She leads the Porter Bioinspired Lab, which investigates how evolutionary-developed structures can inform more efficient and durable engineering materials. Education: Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, University of Utah M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, University of Utah B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Brigham Young University Research emphasizes understanding the mechanical and material properties of natural systems—especially fungi—to engineer bioinspired materials with enhanced performance. Current projects include fungal sporocarp characterization, bioinspired hydrophilic/oleophilic materials, and extrinsically controlled manufacturing techniques. Her work bridges biology, materials science, and mechanical engineering to address challenges in energy, environment, and structural design. Her publications highlight trends in bioinspired materials, fungal mechanics, and advanced manufacturing. The lab collaborates on developing sustainable materials and structural systems that mimic nature’s efficiency. Lab Website: Porter Bioinspired Lab

• Advanced Manufacturing
• Bioinspired Design
• Material Characterization
• +3 more

Dr. Jose Angel Diosdado De la Peña is an Assistant Professor of Engineering at the University of Mount Union's College of Engineering. His research focuses on materials science, mechanical engineering, and additive manufacturing, with expertise in ultrasonic testing, thermal stress analysis, and structural optimization. He holds a Ph.D. in both Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering, with professional roots in Mexico. Research interests span: Advanced materials characterization techniques 3D printing of functional structures Thermomechanical processing of metals Structural integrity assessment Experimental mechanics and nondestructive testing His recent publications demonstrate consistent focus on additive manufacturing innovations, material performance under stress, and engineering education methods. The work shows strong interdisciplinary connections between mechanical engineering, materials science, and industrial applications.

• Materials Science
• Mechanical Engineering
• Ultrasonic Testing
• +3 more

Elisa Valenzuela, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Management at the University of Saint Joseph (USJ), affiliated with the School of Arts, Sciences, Business, and Education’s Department of Business Administration since 2019. She holds a Ph.D. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico and additional degrees in Industrial Psychology and Psychometrics. Prior to USJ, she taught at institutions including Siena College and the Universidad del Este. Her expertise spans organizational development, human resources, and strategic management. Research focuses include learning strategies in corporate training, workplace innovation, and team dynamics. She has consulted for diverse sectors including banking, manufacturing, and non-profits, emphasizing high-performance teams and employee engagement. Publications and blog posts address topics like fostering innovation, emotional management in disciplinary actions, and team failure causes. She actively contributes to professional organizations and community initiatives, such as the Sila Calderón Foundation.

• Organizational Development
• Human Resources Management
• Strategic Management
• +4 more

Joseph Tracy is a University Faculty Scholar and Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at North Carolina State University, part of the College of Engineering. His research focuses on nanoscale materials, particularly magnetic and noble metal nanoparticles, with applications in soft robotics, sensors, and medicine. Key areas include nanoparticle synthesis, characterization, self-assembly, and functionalization through methods like silica overcoating and thiol-ene chemistry. Tracy’s work integrates interdisciplinary approaches, such as machine learning for optimizing nanoparticle designs and 3D-printed hydrogels for photothermal actuation. His lab explores magnetic actuation for programmable materials and adaptive systems, including kirigami metasheets and reconfigurable cilia. Applications span biomedical diagnostics (e.g., mucus hydration assays with gold nanorods) and structural composites (e.g., aluminum/SmCo5 alloys). Publications emphasize advancements in nanoparticle functionalization, plasmonics, and material characterization. Collaborative projects highlight ties to fields like optical coherence tomography for medical imaging and microfluidic assembly techniques. Tracy’s research bridges fundamental materials science with real-world applications, fostering innovation in nanotechnology and soft robotics. While no specific awards are listed, his high-impact publications and leadership in nanomaterials research reflect significant contributions to the field. His advising and grants are not detailed here, but his lab’s active projects suggest extensive collaborative and funded work. The MSE Nanomagnetism Lab, directed by Tracy, serves as a hub for exploring cutting-edge material systems and their transformative uses.

• Nanotechnology
• Materials Science
• Nanoparticle Synthesis
• +5 more

Dr. Jacob Adams is a Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at North Carolina State University. He holds B.S. and M.S. degrees from Ohio State University and a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Prior to joining NC State in 2013, he was an Intelligence Community Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Illinois. His research focuses on electrically small and reconfigurable antennas, characteristic mode theory, time-varying antennas, and microfluidics/additive manufacturing applications in RF systems. He leads investigations into antenna design optimization, RF transmitter efficiency, and novel materials for electromagnetic applications. Dr. Adams' publications demonstrate consistent focus on advancing antenna technology through innovations in materials, manufacturing techniques, and electromagnetic theory. His recent work explores spectral efficiency limits, power optimization in transmitters, and novel lens designs for improved RF performance. DARPA Young Faculty Award (2016) ARO Young Investigator Award (2017) William F. Lane Outstanding Teaching Award (2022) NSF Graduate Research Fellowship He actively recruits graduate students for research in antenna design and RF systems. As a Senior Member of IEEE, he serves as Associate Editor for IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation. His laboratory at the Monteith Research Center investigates cutting-edge solutions for next-generation wireless communication systems.

• Antenna Design
• RF Systems
• Microfluidics
• +2 more

Kristy Kounovsky-Shafer is Professor of Analytical Chemistry at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. She holds a Ph.D. from University of Wisconsin-Madison and received the 2022 Outstanding College Teacher Award. Her research develops micro/nanofluidic devices for genomic analysis, focusing on DNA molecule presentation and concentration techniques. Innovations include 3D-printed mesofluidic systems and methods protecting DNA during cell lysis. Awards include: Outstanding Arts & Sciences Teacher (2022) Pratt-Heins Teaching Award (2019)

• DNA Nanofluidics
• Genomic Analysis
• Microfluidic Devices
• +1 more

Hiroki Sone is an Associate Professor in Civil and Environmental Engineering and Geological Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His work focuses on rock mechanics and geomechanics, integrating laboratory experiments with field data to address subsurface engineering challenges. Key areas include fault zone dynamics, shale reservoir characterization, and geothermal energy systems. Research emphasizes experimental deformation studies using high-pressure apparatuses, coupled with numerical modeling. Notable projects include the WHOLESCALE geothermal field initiative at San Emidio, Nevada, and investigations into stress relaxation in fault damage zones. Sone’s contributions span tectonophysics, resource recovery optimization, and hazard mitigation strategies. Education: Details not explicitly provided in text. Labs/Teams: Rock Mechanics Laboratory at UW-Madison, EGS Collab, and WHOLESCALE collaborative projects. Teaching: GEOSCI 474: Rock Mechanics Structural Geology (Spring 2022). Grants/Awards: CAREER grant (2021), EGS Collab SIGMA-V Project leadership. Recent publications analyze fault zone creep, thermal pressurization effects, and mechanical properties of organic-rich shales. His work bridges micro-scale material behavior with large-scale geomechanical systems, informing energy resource development and seismic safety practices.

• Rock Mechanics
• Geomechanics
• Subsurface Engineering
• +5 more

Ozgur Keles is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering at San José State University (SJSU), where he has worked since August 2015. He previously held a Lecturer and Senior Research Associate position at Illinois Institute of Technology from 2013 to 2015 after completing his Ph.D. in Materials Engineering at Purdue University (2013). His research focuses on developing AI-driven discovery machines for new materials, leveraging active learning and high-throughput methods to explore uncharted chemical and structural spaces. He investigates processing-structure-property-design (PSP-D) interrelationships in multi-functional materials, combining additive manufacturing with data-driven numerical approaches to control hierarchical structures from sub-nano to macro-scale. B.S. in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering from Middle East Technical University, Turkey (2005) M.S. in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering from Middle East Technical University, Turkey (2008) Ph.D. in Materials Engineering from Purdue University (2013) His research interests span artificial intelligence in materials discovery , graphene quantum dots in epoxy composites , sustainable design for smart cities , and virtual reality in engineering education . He uses molecular dynamics, finite element analysis, and vibration-assisted 3D printing to enhance mechanical reliability in composites. Recent projects include NSF CAREER grant-funded work on multi-scale mechanical behavior of quantum dot nanocomposites and an NEA grant for 3D printing cultural heritage artifacts . His publications highlight advancements in additive manufacturing , nanocomposite toughening , and machine learning for structural analysis . Notable contributions include studies on the effects of raster angle on 3D printed parts , thermal conductivity enhancement via GQDs , and stochastic fracture of porous composites . Scientific Awards: ASME Rising Star of Mechanical Engineering (2025) 2023 College of Engineering Award for Excellence in Scholarship 2019 Advisor of the Year at SJSU Keles collaborates extensively, securing grants such as the NSF MRI for a metal AM system and DOE PARC Xerox for ceramic alignment studies. His lab engages students in hands-on research, and he promotes engineering education through virtual reality modules .

• Additive Manufacturing
• Materials Discovery
• Hierarchical Materials
• +6 more

Dr. Srinivasan Nagarajan serves as a Research Scientist II at the Arbegast Materials Processing and Joining Laboratory (AMP Lab) at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, leading critical projects in additive manufacturing while advising undergraduate and graduate researchers. His expertise bridges advanced materials processing techniques with mechanical behavior analysis across multiple scales. His academic foundation includes: Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from Homi Bhabha National Institute / Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research Campus (2015) M.Sc. in Materials Science from Anna University/College of Engineering Guindy Campus (2009) B.Sc. in Physics from University of Madras/D.G. Vaishnav College (2007), graduating first rank with multiple awards Nagarajan's research centers on processing-structure-performance relationships in additively manufactured materials, with pioneering work in solid-state and hybrid methods. He specializes in cold spray deposition, friction stir processing, and wire direct energy deposition for structural steels, employing nondestructive characterization techniques like digital image correlation and full-field imaging. His investigations span microstructural evolution during deformation across length and time scales, revealing fundamental mechanisms in alloys including aluminum-magnesium systems and dual-phase steels. Analysis of his publication trajectory shows consistent innovation in hybrid additive manufacturing processes, particularly for stainless steels, with increasing emphasis on in-situ characterization techniques. His work demonstrates a clear progression from fundamental deformation studies toward applied manufacturing solutions, integrating thermomechanical analysis with advanced imaging to solve industrial challenges in automotive and aerospace sectors. His accolades include: INSPIRE Faculty Award (Department of Science & Technology, 2017) National Postdoctoral Fellowship (Science & Engineering Research Board, 2017) McMaster/General Motors Postdoctoral Fellowship (2015) Multiple Department of Atomic Energy research fellowships Throughout his career, Nagarajan has secured government and industry funding as principal investigator, established specialized laboratories across institutions in India, Canada, and the United States, and mentored numerous students. His collaborative approach spans national laboratories and academic centers, with current focus on optimizing cold spray-friction stir hybrid manufacturing at SD Mines' AMP Lab. He maintains active peer review roles for leading journals including Additive Manufacturing and Journal of Materials Science, driving methodological rigor in the field.

• Additive Manufacturing
• Materials Science
• Mechanical Behavior of Materials
• +3 more

Dr. Frank Li serves as Professor and Director of the Rayen School of Engineering at Youngstown State University, holding a concurrent position as Chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. His academic leadership spans multiple institutional roles including department chair since 2019. His educational background includes: Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering (2005, Case Western Reserve University) M.S. in Electrical Engineering (1999, Youngstown State University) B.S. in Electrical Engineering (1995, Ohio State University) Research focuses on RF engineering, autonomous power conversions, and applied magnetic fields with significant contributions to microelectronics security, wireless sensor networks, and structural health monitoring. His work bridges theoretical advancements with practical applications in battery technology, antenna design, and semiconductor verification. Recent publications demonstrate strong emphasis on terahertz antenna fabrication, trusted microelectronics, and novel sensor development. Key scientific recognitions include: Youngstown State University Distinguished Chairperson (2023) NASA Glenn Summer Faculty Fellowship (2016, 2017) As an educator, Dr. Li has mentored over ten graduate students and developed innovative low-cost laboratory systems for engineering education. His externally funded research includes collaborations with NASA and MIT's Francis Bitter Magnetic Laboratory where he served as visiting scientist (2014-2015). Current work involves advanced manufacturing techniques for RF components and security verification of integrated circuits.

• Electrical Engineering
• RF Engineering
• Autonomous Power Conversions
• +4 more

Derek H. Warner is a Professor in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Cornell University, where he has served since 2007. He previously held a Postdoctoral Research Associate position at Brown University and earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University (2006). He also served as a Visiting Professor at the École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in 2013 and 2020. His research focuses on structural materials failure, additive manufacturing, and advanced materials modeling, leveraging atomistic simulations, machine learning, and experimental techniques like X-ray CT and fatigue testing. Education: B.S. in Mathematics (2002, Saint Francis University), M.S. in Solid Mechanics (2004, Johns Hopkins University), Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering (2006, Johns Hopkins University). Research Interests: Director of the Cornell Fracture Group, collaboration with the U.S. Navy on failure mechanisms of structural materials, additive manufacturing of metallic components, and multiscale modeling. His work integrates atomistic simulations, machine learning interatomic potentials, and experimental validation to advance predictive models for material deformation and failure. Publications highlight his contributions to fracture mechanics (e.g., crack dissolution studies) and additive manufacturing (e.g., defect prediction in metal AM). Recent work emphasizes computational tools for material characterization and fatigue performance prediction. Awards: James and Mary Tien Teaching Award (2019), Presidential Early Career Award (2009), and multiple teaching recognitions. Advising and Grants: Mentors students in fracture mechanics and additive manufacturing. Active in grants related to Navy-sponsored materials research. Serves as Director of Undergraduate Studies in Civil Engineering and chairs the College Common Curriculum Governing Board. Labs/Teams: Leads the Cornell Fracture Group, a multidisciplinary team advancing materials science and structural integrity analysis.

• Structural Materials Failure
• Additive Manufacturing
• Atomistic Simulations
• +5 more

Bahar Aliakbarian is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering (BAE) at Michigan State University (MSU), affiliated with both the College of Engineering and College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Her research focuses on sustainable technologies, food waste valorization, and biomedical engineering. Dr. Aliakbarian’s work integrates RFID systems into supply chains for environmental and pharmaceutical applications, develops smart packaging solutions, and explores bioactive compounds from agricultural byproducts for health and industrial uses. Research Interests: RFID-enabled supply chain sustainability Extraction and encapsulation of phenolics from food waste Biodegradable vascular prostheses and biomedical materials Antioxidant-rich natural products for skin and vascular health Anti-tampering medical packaging design Key Contributions: Her studies on RFID technology address challenges in pharmaceutical tracking, beverage packaging, and environmental lifecycle analysis. She has pioneered methods to recover bioactive compounds like phenolics from tart cherry pits, olive pomace, and grape marc for cosmeceutical and biomedical applications. This work aligns with broader goals of reducing food waste and advancing sustainable materials science. Grants & Labs: While specific grants are not listed, her publications indicate active collaboration with industry partners on topics like smart packaging systems, vascular graft engineering, and agricultural waste upcycling. Her lab focuses on interdisciplinary solutions bridging engineering, agriculture, and healthcare.

• Sustainable Supply Chain Technology
• Food Waste Valorization
• Biomedical Engineering
• +3 more