Merve Acer Kalafat is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Istanbul Technical University. She specializes in robotics, control systems, compliant mechanisms, and additive manufacturing, with a focus on sensor integration and advanced material applications. Her research involves origami-inspired mechanisms, tactile sensors, and flexible electronics. Her work spans interdisciplinary areas such as piezoelectric actuators, parallel manipulators, and neural network-based performance analysis. Collaborations include studies on textile-based strain sensors and inkjet-printed flexible electronics. She has supervised 3 ongoing theses and contributed to over 20 publications since 2011. Key research interests include improving manufacturing processes (e.g., FDM parameters), developing foldable robotics systems, and advancing tactile sensing technologies for soft robotics applications.
Liji Shen is Professor of Operations Management and Chairholder at WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management, Campus Vallendar, Germany. She is affiliated with the Supply Chain Management Group and leads research in scheduling, optimization, and sustainable manufacturing. Her academic journey includes a Ph.D. and Habilitation from Technische Universität Dresden, and she has held visiting scholar positions at institutions including École des Mines de Saint-Étienne and Huazhong University of Science and Technology. Ph.D. (Dr.rer.pol.), summa cum laude, Technische Universität Dresden (2009) Habilitation, Technische Universität Dresden (2015) Master of Business Administration (Dipl.-Kffr.), Technische Universität Dresden (2006) Liji Shen's research focuses on Operations Management , particularly scheduling optimization in manufacturing systems. Her work spans flexible job shops , parallel machine scheduling , energy-efficient production , and sequence-dependent setup times . She applies advanced techniques such as evolutionary algorithms , hybrid metaheuristics , and mathematical programming to solve complex industrial problems. Her recent publications emphasize sustainability through energy-aware scheduling and time-of-use pricing models. The 15 most recent publications highlight a consistent research trajectory in production scheduling , with increasing emphasis on energy efficiency , distributed manufacturing , and real-world constraints like eligibility and delivery times. Her work frequently appears in top journals such as European Journal of Operational Research , IEEE Transactions on Evolutionary Computation , and Computers & Operations Research , often in collaboration with leading researchers like Dauzère-Pérès, Mönch, and Buscher. Scientific Awards: European Journal of Operational Research, Best Paper Award (2021) DFG and TU Dresden, 'Support the Best' Prize for Outstanding Researchers (2013) Dr. Feldbausch-Prize for Best Dissertation, TU Dresden (2010) Scholarship for Young Researchers in Saxony (2006–2009) DAAD Prize for Best Foreign Students (2007) Best Master’s Thesis, German Operations Research Society (2007) Liji Shen has been an active advisor and researcher, leading projects in operations research and industrial optimization. Her editorial role on Operations Research Perspectives underscores her standing in the academic community. She has directed research labs and collaborated internationally, contributing to both theoretical advancements and practical applications in manufacturing and logistics. No specific grants are mentioned, but her sustained publication record and leadership roles indicate strong research support. She leads the Operations Management research group at WHU, focusing on algorithmic solutions for complex scheduling problems. Her team investigates energy-aware production, hybrid flow shops, and distributed systems, aiming to bridge the gap between theoretical models and industrial implementation. The lab collaborates with researchers across Europe and China, fostering a global research network in operations research and supply chain management.
Prof. Dr. Hasan Göçmez is a Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Dumlupinar University's Faculty of Engineering. With over two decades of academic experience, he has established himself as a leading researcher in ceramic materials and nanotechnology. His career spans multiple prestigious institutions including Rutgers University and Stevens Institute of Technology, where he served as a Research Assistant and Post-Doc respectively before joining Dumlupinar University in 2003. Dr. Göçmez earned his Bachelor's degree in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering from Middle East Technical University (1989-1994). His academic journey progressed from Research Assistant (1995-2002) to Assistant Professor (2003-2006), Associate Professor (2006-2011), and finally to Professor (2011-present) at Dumlupinar University. He has also held significant administrative roles including Institute Director (2012-2018), Deputy Institute Director (2009-2012), and Deputy Head of Department (2005-2011). Dr. Göçmez's research interests span multiple areas of materials science with a particular focus on advanced ceramics and nanomaterials. His work encompasses: Ceramic Materials: Zirconia-based ceramics, boron compounds, and perovskite structures Energy Applications: Battery technologies, supercapacitors, and solar cell materials Sustainable Materials: Waste recycling in composite production and eco-friendly manufacturing processes Nanostructured Materials: Nanopowder synthesis, nanocomposites, and surface engineering Advanced Processing Techniques: Spark plasma sintering, hydrothermal synthesis, and citrate gel methods His extensive publication record spanning over two decades demonstrates a consistent focus on materials characterization and development. Dr. Göçmez has made significant contributions to the understanding of zirconia ceramics, perovskite materials for energy applications, and sustainable composite manufacturing. His work bridges fundamental materials science with practical industrial applications, particularly in the automotive and energy sectors. Dr. Göçmez has received several notable awards including the Micro Enterprise Productivity Project Award from the Ministry of Science, Industry and Technology (2016), a JSPS fellowship (2006), and the YLS scholarship from the Higher Education Board (1995). As an active researcher, Dr. Göçmez has led numerous projects funded by various institutions, focusing on advanced materials development for energy storage, structural applications, and sustainable manufacturing. His editorial work for the Journal of the Ceramic Society of Japan demonstrates his standing in the international ceramics community.
Ahmad Fakheri is Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Bradley University’s Caterpillar College of Engineering & Technology . He has served the university for more than two decades, including as Interim Associate Provost & Dean of the Graduate School (1996-1998) and Director for Research & Sponsored Programs (1992-1996). A triple alumnus of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (B.S., M.S., Ph.D., all in Mechanical Engineering), he is an ASME Fellow recognized for exceptional research and service. Education Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign M.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign B.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Research Interests Dr. Fakheri’s scholarship lies at the intersection of heat transfer , fluid mechanics and thermodynamics , with concentrated effort on heat-exchanger design and optimization . His work employs second-law analysis, entropy-generation minimization and advanced numerical techniques to enhance thermal efficiency and guide sustainable energy-system development. Scientific Awards & Honors Fellow, American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Outstanding Research Award, Bradley College of Engineering Outstanding Service Award, ASME Process Industries Division NASA Summer Faculty Fellow, NASA Lewis Research Center Caterpillar Fellows Program Research Award Leadership & Service Within ASME he has chaired the Process Industries Division (6,000+ members) and the Manufacturing Technical Group (10,000+ members), served on the Board on Research and Technology Development, and acted as Technical Program Chair for the 2012 ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress. On campus he has been a member of the University Senate and has led curriculum-reform initiatives. Laboratory & Teaching Dr. Fakheri teaches undergraduate and graduate courses such as Heat Transfer , Advanced Heat Transfer , Advanced Fluid Dynamics and Advanced Computer-Aided Design , integrating computational tools and real-world design projects that connect classroom theory to industrial practice.
Prof. Jörn Meissner, PhD, is a Full Professor of Supply Chain Management & Pricing Strategy at Kühne Logistics University (KLU) since 2011. He holds a PhD and Master’s in Management Science from Columbia Business School and a Diploma in Business from University of Hamburg . As an academic and entrepreneur, he founded Manhattan Review and Lancaster Executive . Education: PhD in Management Science, Columbia University (2005) Master of Philosophy, Columbia University (2005) Diplom-Kaufmann, University of Hamburg (1997) Research Expertise: Focus on stochastic and dynamic decision-making using mathematical optimization and machine learning Key projects: Global supply chain optimization , Inventory control , Revenue management , and Operations & service management Industry collaborations with British Telecom , British Airways , Apple Europe , and SAP Germany Publication Trends: Recent work addresses intermittent demand forecasting for spare parts, lateral transshipment optimization , and risk-sensitive capacity control Historical contributions include progressive interval heuristics for multi-item lot sizing and dynamic pricing with customer choice models Teaching Experience: Previously held academic positions at Lancaster University Management School , University of Hamburg , and University of Mannheim Developed MBA electives in Advanced Decision Models , Supply Chain Management, and Revenue Management
Dr. Bai Ziqian is an Assistant Professor in the School of Automation and Intelligent Manufacturing at Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) in Shenzhen, China. Recognized as a Pujiang Scholar and Shenzhen Pengcheng Peacock Talent, she has established herself as a leading researcher at the intersection of wearable technology, textile engineering, and human-computer interaction. Her work bridges technical innovation with practical design applications, focusing on user-centered solutions that enhance human experience through technology integration. Dr. Bai's educational background includes: PhD in Smart Wearable Product Design (2011-2015), Hong Kong Polytechnic University MA in Fashion and Textile Design (2005-2006), Hong Kong Polytechnic University BA in Fashion Design and Engineering (2001-2005), South China Agricultural University Her research spans wearable technology, tangible interactive interfaces, IoTs, ergonomics, functional garments, wearables for healthcare, material innovation, smart home applications, and user-centered design. Dr. Bai has pioneered work in smart wearable fabrics and sensing mechanisms based on flexible materials, with a particular focus on human-computer interaction theory and practice. She has established a research team that has mastered key technologies in smart fabrics, interactive textiles, physiological signal monitoring, and human-computer interaction systems. Her approach consistently emphasizes user-centered design principles, ensuring that technological innovations serve practical human needs while maintaining aesthetic appeal. Dr. Bai's publication record demonstrates a clear evolution from foundational work in photonic textiles toward increasingly sophisticated wearable healthcare and human-computer interaction systems. Her recent publications focus on advanced sensor technologies, energy harvesting for wearables, and sophisticated data analysis for human motion and physiological monitoring. The interdisciplinary nature of her work is evident in publications spanning materials science, biomedical engineering, textile technology, and design methodology, with papers appearing in high-impact journals including Advanced Functional Materials (IF: 19.5), ACS Sensors (IF: 8.9), and Computers in Industry (IF: 10). Dr. Bai has received numerous prestigious awards that highlight both the technical and artistic dimensions of her work: 2024 German Red Dot Design Award for Best Design 2013 Neo-Neon, permanent collection at China Silk Museum (State grade 1 museum) 2019 Finalist, ThermoBlanket, TechStyle for Social Good International Competition 2017 1st Prize Teaching Award, Donghua University 2017 China National Textile and Apparel Council Teaching Award Multiple Service Learning Awards from Hong Kong Polytechnic University She has successfully secured research funding from prestigious sources including the National Natural Science Foundation of China and Guangdong Province's General Project. Her projects include a collaborative effort with the Guangdong Provincial Department of Education and Li Ning Company on a 'flexible wearable lower limb functional electrical stimulation system.' Dr. Bai has extensive teaching experience across multiple institutions and has guided student teams to success in national competitions. She currently leads the Human-Computer Interaction Design Laboratory (HCID) at SUSTech, which focuses on advanced design, engineering, and technology research at the intersection of disciplines, training the next generation of interdisciplinary designers and engineers.
Dr. Xiong Yi is an Assistant Professor at the School of System Design and Intelligent Manufacturing (SDIM) at Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) in Shenzhen, China. He leads the Computational Design and Fabrication (CoDeFab) research group, focusing on the integration of computational design methods with advanced manufacturing technologies, particularly in the field of additive manufacturing. Dr. Xiong has established himself as a leading researcher in computational design for additive manufacturing, with a strong international research background spanning Europe and Asia. Dr. Xiong's educational journey includes: Doctor of Science (DSc) in Engineering Design and Production from Aalto University, Finland (2012-2016) Master of Science (MSc) in Machine Automation from Tampere University of Technology, Finland (2010-2012) Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Mechanical Engineering from Hubei University of Technology, China (2006-2010) Dr. Xiong's research primarily focuses on computational design and fabrication methodologies, with particular emphasis on design for additive manufacturing (DfAM), intelligent manufacturing systems, and smart materials. His work bridges the gap between theoretical design principles and practical manufacturing constraints, developing novel approaches for the production of complex engineered products. He has pioneered research in continuous fiber-reinforced composite additive manufacturing, developing innovative process planning and optimization techniques that enable the production of high-performance structural components. His research in electrothermally controlled origami and 4D printing of smart materials represents cutting-edge work at the intersection of materials science, mechanical engineering, and computational design. Dr. Xiong's recent publications reveal a strong focus on continuous fiber-reinforced composites, with significant contributions to 4D printing, metamaterials, and intelligent process planning. His work integrates computational design with manufacturing constraints, creating novel approaches for topology optimization, toolpath planning, and structural design that consider both performance requirements and manufacturability limitations. The research demonstrates increasing sophistication in materials science applications, particularly in programmable materials and multi-functional structures. Dr. Xiong has received multiple prestigious awards for his research contributions, including: Best Presentation Award at the 24th Chinese Conference on Mechanisms and Machine Science (IFToMM CCMMS2024) Best Presentation Award at the International Conference on Frontiers of Additive Manufacturing Research (RAAM 2024) Best Paper Award at the International Conference on Design for 3D Printing (ICD3DP 2023) PhD Scholarship from Aalto University (2016) Research Travel Grant from the International Association for Vehicle System Dynamics (IAVSD) (2013) National Scholarship from the Ministry of Education (2008) As a dedicated educator and mentor, Dr. Xiong serves as a PhD supervisor at SUSTech and has successfully guided students who have gone on to pursue advanced studies and careers at prestigious institutions including Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Beihang University, DJI Innovations, and Singapore's A*STAR research institute. His research is supported by multiple competitive grants, including key projects from the National Key R&D Program of China, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, and provincial and municipal funding agencies. Dr. Xiong also serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Engineering Design and as a guest editor for Composites Communications, contributing to the advancement of his field through scholarly service. Dr. Xiong leads the CoDeFab research group, which maintains a strong collaborative culture focused on 'design leading manufacturing, manufacturing driving design, and digital-intelligent integration.' The group has developed several advanced manufacturing platforms, including multi-axis continuous fiber-reinforced composite additive manufacturing systems, smart composite additive manufacturing platforms, and multifunctional soft matter open manufacturing platforms. With a focus on practical applications and innovation, the CoDeFab group actively collaborates with industry partners and has established a joint laboratory to bridge academic research with industrial implementation.
Brandon Chalifoux serves as an Assistant Professor at The University of Arizona's Wyant College of Optical Sciences and Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering. His research focuses on enabling next-generation space telescopes through precision fabrication, mounting, and alignment of lightweight optical mirrors, with applications spanning astronomy, Earth observation, and space infrastructure development. His educational background includes: Ph.D. in Optical Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2019 M.S. in Optical Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2014 B.S. in Physics, Rice University, 2008 Chalifoux's research centers on stress-based surface shaping, precision engineering, ultrafast laser optical material processing, and astronomical optics. Through the Lightweight Optics Lab, he develops experimental and analytical techniques for manufacturing and aligning thin mirrors, with current projects targeting X-ray mirror metrology, laser stress figuring, and optical assembly methods critical for future high-resolution space telescopes. His recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate concentrated advancements in ultrafast laser stress figuring (ULSF) for optical surface correction across thin mirrors and X-ray telescope optics. Key themes include material behavior analysis in fused silica and glass, stress generation mechanisms, and novel metrology techniques like axial shift mapping, establishing foundational methodologies for space-based optical systems. Scientific Awards: No awards mentioned in source material Chalifoux has successfully advised graduate students including Dr. Hayden Wisniewski (PhD, 2023), now a metrology engineer at ASML, and Alex St. Peter (Masters, 2023). His lab secures research funding for optical engineering projects with emphasis on space telescope technology, featuring significant collaborations with MIT on stress tensor mesostructures and laser-based figuring techniques. The Lightweight Optics Lab operates at the forefront of space optics research, conducting projects from fundamental laser-material interactions to X-ray mirror segment assembly. Current team efforts focus on ultrafast laser stress figuring for mirror correction and advanced metrology for near-cylindrical surfaces, directly addressing challenges in next-generation astronomical instrumentation and space infrastructure.
Kristen Donnell is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) . She also serves as the Interim Director of the Center for Infrastructure Engineering Studies (CIES) and Director of the Microwave Sensing (mSense) Laboratory . She is recognized as the Woodard Associate Professor of Excellence . Education: Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology (2010) M.S.E.E., University of Missouri-Rolla (2003) B.S.E.E., Colorado State University (2001) Research Interests: Dr. Donnell's research lies at the intersection of microwave engineering and nondestructive evaluation. Her work focuses on microwave and millimeter-wave nondestructive testing , active microwave thermography , frequency selective surfaces (FSS) , and materials characterization . She has developed novel techniques for structural health monitoring of infrastructure, particularly in carbon fiber reinforced composites and cement-based materials . Her lab explores embedded sensing , 3D-printed microwave structures , and real-time defect detection using advanced microwave imaging. Scientific Awards & Honors: Woodard Associate Professor of Excellence Senior Member of IEEE Member, IEEE Instrumentation and Measurement Society Administrative Committee Laboratory & Leadership: She leads the Microwave Sensing (mSense) Laboratory at Missouri S&T, which focuses on cutting-edge research in microwave sensing and imaging. Under her leadership, the lab has contributed significantly to nondestructive evaluation techniques using microwave and millimeter-wave technologies. She also oversees the Center for Infrastructure Engineering Studies (CIES) as interim director, guiding interdisciplinary research in infrastructure health monitoring. Professional Affiliations: IEEE Instrumentation and Measurement Society – Administrative Committee member since 2007 IEEE – Senior Member
Professor Jeffrey W. Bode serves as Full Professor at the Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences at ETH Zurich, Switzerland, and maintains a secondary affiliation with the Institute of Transformative Biomolecules at Nagoya University, Japan. His internationally recognized research laboratory develops novel chemical reactions that operate under physiological conditions, bridging synthetic organic chemistry with biological applications. The Bode Research Group specializes in creating chemical methodologies that function in water and biological environments, including proteins, cells, and tissues. Their major research thrusts include acylboronate chemistry (particularly potassium acyltrifluoroborates or KATs), protein synthesis through ketoacid-hydroxylamine (KAHA) ligation, synthetic fermentation for drug discovery, and SnAP chemistry for N-heterocycle synthesis. These innovations enable applications in wound healing, drug delivery, cellular encapsulation, and artificial tissue development. The group's work on chemoselective ligation reactions has fundamentally advanced amide bond formation without traditional coupling reagents. Recent publications demonstrate a strong trajectory toward automated synthesis platforms, protein engineering, advanced bioconjugation techniques, and applications in chemical biology. The group has successfully commercialized SnAP chemistry through Sigma Aldrich and developed KAHA ligation into a robust method for synthesizing large proteins. Their research consistently focuses on creating molecules inaccessible through existing technologies, with particular emphasis on physiological compatibility and biological relevance. Professor Bode leads an international research team of approximately thirty PhD students and postdoctoral researchers from twenty different countries. The Bode Research Group maintains extensive collaborations across disciplines, contributing significantly to chemical biology, medicinal chemistry, and materials science. Their laboratory is equipped with advanced automation platforms for organic synthesis and maintains strong connections with pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries for translational applications of their chemical methodologies.
Takuya Taniguchi is an Associate Professor at the Center for Data Science, Waseda University, where he has been employed since 2019, first as an Assistant Professor (2019-2021) before promotion to his current non-tenure track position. His interdisciplinary research bridges organic chemistry, materials science, and data science, with a focus on developing and analyzing functional organic materials, particularly photo-responsive molecular crystals. He maintains active collaborations with research groups including Hideko Koshima and Toru Asahi, and serves on professional committees such as the Manufacturing Industry AI Promotion Association. Education Doctor of Engineering, Waseda University (2019) Graduate studies at Waseda University's Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering Undergraduate studies at Waseda University's School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience Research Focus Professor Taniguchi's work centers on structural organic chemistry and physical organic chemistry , with particular emphasis on organic functional materials and the application of materials informatics to crystal engineering. His research investigates how molecular structure influences macroscopic mechanical properties, especially photo-mechanical behaviors in organic crystals. He has pioneered the use of machine learning techniques to predict crystal properties, optimize materials performance, and design novel functional materials with applications in soft robotics and energy conversion. His recent work demonstrates a clear progression from fundamental studies of photo-mechanical crystals toward increasingly sophisticated applications of machine learning in materials science. The 15 most recent publications reveal a strong focus on neural network potentials for crystal property prediction, optimization of photo-actuated materials, and exploration of phase transitions in molecular crystals. This research trajectory shows consistent innovation in combining experimental chemistry with advanced computational methods. Awards and Recognition Inoue Research Encouragement Prize (2019) Ono Azusa Memorial Award from Waseda University (2019) Student Presentation Award at Japan Chemical Society 99th Spring Annual Meeting (2019) Poster Presentation Award at Chirality 2017 Multiple poster and presentation awards at international crystallography conferences Research Leadership Dr. Taniguchi leads multiple research projects funded by JSPS, JST, and industry partners including ENEOS Corporation and Sumitomo Foundation. His current projects include 'Efficient crystal structure prediction for organic porous materials,' 'Machine learning simulation of HOF material stability,' and 'Machine learning application for organic solid-phase transition.' He has successfully secured competitive funding including JST ACT-X and JSPS Early-Career Scientist grants. His work has received significant media attention, with coverage in Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun and Kagaku Kogyo Nippo highlighting breakthroughs in light-driven organic crystals with 3.7x improved output force. Academic Contributions Beyond research, Professor Taniguchi teaches extensively in Waseda's Global Education Center, offering courses in data science, statistical analysis with R, and statistics literacy across multiple academic quarters. He has contributed chapters to technical publications on process informatics, Bayesian optimization, and crystallization process design. His scholarly impact is evidenced by an h-index of 11 (Google Scholar) with 581 total citations, demonstrating significant influence in the emerging field of materials informatics for organic crystals.
Sergio Cavalieri is currently Rector of the University of Bergamo and a Full Professor of Operations Management within the Department of Management, Information and Production Engineering. His academic career focuses on innovation in management processes across industrial and service companies, with emphasis on digital transformation and sustainable business models. His research interests span Operations Management, Industrial Systems, and Servitization, with particular expertise in Product-Service Systems, Maintenance Management, and Digital Manufacturing. Cavalieri has pioneered work in Industrial Agile Working, 5G applications in manufacturing, and sustainability-oriented business models, especially within the steel sector. His research bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications, addressing real-world challenges in manufacturing transformation. His publication record demonstrates consistent output in high-impact journals, with a clear trend toward integrating digital technologies with sustainable business practices. Recent work focuses on leveraging NLP for maintenance optimization, developing maturity models for agile working environments, and creating assessment tools for sustainable servitization in heavy industries. Cavalieri holds significant leadership roles including President of the U4I Foundation (University for Innovation), past President of AIDI (Association of Professors of Industrial Mechanical Plants), and Coordinator of the innovation table for the manufacturing industry of the 2021-2027 National Research Plan. He also directs the MeGMI Master's Program (Master in Industrial Asset and Maintenance Management). As an academic leader, Cavalieri serves on international scientific associations including IFAC-TC 5.1 on Advanced Manufacturing Technology and IFIP WG 5.7 on Advances in Production Management Systems. His work bridges academic research with industrial application through numerous collaborative projects focusing on digital transformation in manufacturing. His research activities are organized around several key initiatives including the MeGMI Master's Program and collaborations with industrial partners focused on implementing digital technologies in production environments. Cavalieri's work emphasizes the human-technology integration necessary for successful Industry 4.0 adoption.
Prof. Wojciech Sobieski is a faculty member at the Department of Mechanics and Fundamentals of Machine Design within the Faculty of Technical Sciences at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn . His research focuses on fluid mechanics, numerical modeling, and porous media analysis, with applications in environmental engineering, hydraulic systems, and 3D printing. Academic Rank: Professor Scientific Discipline: Mechanical Engineering Key Research Areas: Tortuosity Analysis, Multiphase Flow, DEM Simulations His recent publications highlight advancements in computational methods for granular porous media, fluid flow modeling, and thermodynamic applications. Notable trends include the use of the Waterfall Algorithm for geometric analysis and sensitivity studies of numerical models like the Eulerian multiphase approach. He has contributed to understanding Forchheimer's laws and cavitation phenomena in hydraulic systems. Prof. Sobieski oversees the PathFinder Project , a research initiative focused on numerical modeling of porous media. His laboratory maintains infrastructure for multiphase flow simulations and particle-scale modeling. He has supervised 2 doctoral students to completion but currently has no active advisees.
Paul F. Rottmann is an Assistant Professor in the Chemical and Materials Engineering department at the University of Kentucky 's Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering. He specializes in advanced materials characterization to connect macroscopic properties with nanoscale mechanisms in metals and thin films. Ph.D. , Materials Science & Engineering, Johns Hopkins University (2017) M.S. , Materials Science & Engineering, Johns Hopkins University (2012) B.S. , Materials Science & Engineering, University of Kentucky (2010) His research focuses on additive manufacturing (e.g., Inconel 718, aluminum alloys) and high-temperature thin film alloys , emphasizing processing-microstructure-property relationships. Techniques include custom small-scale mechanical testing , in situ SEM with FemtoTools platforms, and UK Electron Microscopy Center equipment. Recent trends in his publications highlight additive manufacturing (geometric effects on properties, applied magnetic fields), thin film characterization (refractory alloys, oxidation behavior), and fundamental deformation mechanisms (twins in magnesium, dislocation pathways, porous carbon fibers). The Rottmann Research Group trains students in fabrication-to-characterization approaches. Current members include graduate students Alewi Damilola David, Md. Imran Noor, R. Nicholaus (Nic) Quammen, Ben R. Sampson, and T. Connor Varney, who completed their Ph.D.s in 2024.
Professor Meng Tao is a full Professor in the School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering at Arizona State University (ASU), Tempe campus. He also holds the concurrent appointment of Senior Global Futures Scientist within ASU’s Global Futures Scientists and Scholars initiative. Since joining ASU in 2011, he has led the Laboratory for Terawatt Photovoltaics and played a pivotal role in founding the U.S. Photovoltaic Manufacturing Consortium under SEMATECH. Education: Ph.D. Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1998 M.S. Semiconductor Materials, Zhejiang University, China, 1986 B.S. Ferrous Metallurgy, Jiangxi Institute of Metallurgy, China, 1982 Research Focus: Professor Tao’s research is broadly centered on the science and engineering challenges of scaling photovoltaics to the terawatt level while ensuring sustainability and cost-effectiveness. His group investigates earth-abundant chalcogenide semiconductors and transparent conducting oxides for thin-film devices, substitutes silver with low-cost aluminum in Si solar cell metallization, develops energy-efficient electro-refining routes to upgrade metallurgical-grade silicon to solar-grade purity, pioneers value-added recycling technologies for end-of-life Si modules, and explores solar-powered electrolysis using metal/metal-oxide loops for long-term electricity storage. Grant Portfolio & Trends: Recent funding from NSF and DOE has supported projects on high-efficiency Schottky-barrier silicon cells, theoretical/experimental studies of iron oxysulfide absorbers, doping of cuprous oxide in electrolytes, and CVD-based valence-mending passivation for crystalline silicon. These grants underscore a consistent emphasis on materials innovation, process intensification, and circular-economy solutions for PV. Teaching & Mentoring: Professor Tao teaches and mentors across the EEE, MSE and CHE programs, offering courses ranging from introductory circuits to advanced photovoltaic energy conversion and doctoral dissertation supervision. While specific advisee names are not disclosed, the extensive thesis and research course listings indicate a large, active graduate group. Laboratory & Collaborative Networks: The Laboratory for Terawatt Photovoltaics under his direction serves as the central hub for experimental work on solar cell fabrication, electroplating, electrochemical recycling, and materials characterization. The lab collaborates closely with national consortia such as SEMATECH and leverages ASU’s advanced clean-room and analytical facilities.
