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Joanna Deaton BertramView profile

Assistant Professor

• Medical Robotics
• Continuum Robotics
• Surgical Robotics
• +4 more

Dr. Joanna Deaton Bertram is an Assistant Professor in the Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science at Duke University’s Pratt School of Engineering. She concurrently holds an Assistant Professor appointment in Surgery, underscoring her interdisciplinary commitment to advancing medical robotics. Dr. Bertram leads a research laboratory devoted to the design, modeling, and control of robotic systems for surgical and interventional applications, working closely with Duke’s clinical and engineering communities. Education Ph.D. in Robotics, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2024 M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2024 B.S. in Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2018 Research Interests Dr. Bertram’s research program is centered on medical robotics , with particular emphasis on continuum robotics and image-guided interventions . Her work integrates novel mechanical design with advanced control algorithms and smart materials to create robotic systems capable of navigating complex anatomical pathways. A hallmark of her approach is the incorporation of real-time fiber-optic shape and force sensing (using Fiber Bragg Grating technology) to provide surgeons with unprecedented feedback during procedures. Application domains include steerable needles for brachytherapy , robotic guidewires for endovascular surgery , and pediatric neuroendoscopy . Publication Themes Across more than fifteen peer-reviewed articles, Dr. Bertram has systematically advanced the state of the art in surgical robotics , fiber-optic sensing , and robotic system modeling . Her 2024 tutorial on Nitinol and Tungsten tendon attachment techniques provides practical guidance for building highly articulated continuum robots, while her 2023 series on the COAST guidewire robot demonstrates model-based design and simultaneous shape/force sensing for large-deflection medical devices. Earlier work explored 3D-printed patient-specific robotic tools and carbon-nanotube flexible sensors, illustrating a trajectory from fundamental sensor research to full robotic system integration. Scientific Recognition & Collaboration Although no major external awards are explicitly listed, Dr. Bertram’s publications in top-tier venues such as IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters , IEEE Transactions on Medical Robotics and Bionics , and IEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics attest to strong peer recognition. She actively invites motivated graduate students, post-docs, and research staff to join her lab, fostering an open and interdisciplinary environment. Advising & Grants Dr. Bertram’s lab is presently recruiting trainees at all levels. While specific funded grants are not enumerated, her dual departmental appointments and extensive publication record suggest active federal or foundation support. Prospective students and collaborators are encouraged to contact her directly at joanna.d.bertram@duke.edu . Laboratory & Teams Dr. Bertram directs a laboratory within Duke University’s Pratt School of Engineering that collaborates closely with clinicians in the School of Medicine. The group focuses on rapid prototyping of medical devices, in-vitro and ex-vivo validation, and translation of robotic technologies to the operating room.

Gianmarco PintonView profile

Associate Professor

• Biomedical Imaging
• Ultrasound Imaging
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• +4 more

Gianmarco Pinton is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His research focuses on nonlinear ultrasound and mechanical wave propagation, with applications to medical imaging and therapy. He specializes in traumatic brain injury, shear shock waves, and ultrasound therapy. Ph.D., M.S., and B.S.E. in Biomedical Engineering/Physics from Duke University His lab develops physics and simulation tools for nonlinear wave propagation, aiming to create advanced diagnostic ultrasound methods. Key areas include traumatic brain injury, transcranial imaging, and therapeutic ultrasound. His recent work explores super-resolution imaging, brain motor circuits, and Alzheimer's disease vascular mapping using ultrasound. Article trends highlight innovations in transcranial ultrasound, super-resolution techniques, lung imaging, and neuromodulation. His publications address image degradation, contrast agents, and shear wave dynamics in neurological contexts.

• Antimicrobial Development
• Microbial Community Behavior
• Biofilm Research
• +5 more

Hans Steenackers is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, KU Leuven, where he leads the MICA Lab within the Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems. His research focuses on innovative antimicrobial strategies targeting microbial communities, including socio-active, anti-resistance, and observation-guided approaches. Key research areas include biofilm dynamics antimicrobial resistance evolution in situ microbial monitoring Salmonella Typhimurium pathogenesis anti-virulence therapies His recent publications highlight advancements in biofilm inhibition, triggered antimicrobial release systems, and evolutionary robustness of probiotics. The majority of his work involves interdisciplinary collaborations, particularly in projects like TARDIS, ULTiMatE-MS, and MICROTUNe, with a focus on translating fundamental research into clinical applications. As an educator, he teaches advanced courses in microbial physiology, biofilm research, and applied biotechnology. The MICA Lab actively partners with academic and industrial stakeholders in initiatives such as the Flemish Scientific Research Network on Biofilms and the Bioclean H2020 project.

• Organic Chemistry
• Inorganic Chemistry
• Homogeneous Catalysis
• +7 more

Professor Philip Wai Hong Chan holds a Chair in Chemistry at Monash University, leading research in organic and inorganic chemistry with a focus on sustainable catalytic methodologies. He earned a B.Sc.(Honours) from the University of Bristol (1995) and a D.Phil. from the University of Oxford (1998), followed by postdoctoral training at Tohoku University, University of Sydney, and University of Hong Kong. Since 2014, he has been a Professor in Monash's School of Chemistry, advancing studies in homogeneous catalysis, photoredox systems, and organocatalysis. His research integrates synthetic chemistry with applications in drug discovery and materials science, particularly targeting bioactive natural products and functional materials. Key areas include transition metal catalysis for complex molecule synthesis and development of green chemistry approaches. Chan leads major projects like the ARC Training Centre for Advanced Radiochemical Technologies and has authored over 157 publications. Recognition includes multiple Asian Core Program Lectureship Awards (2007, 2014), a SPMS Teaching Excellence Award (2012), and contributions to antimicrobial research through self-assembling nanoparticles. He collaborates globally on topics like sustainable catalysis and medical imaging, reflecting his commitment to UN Sustainable Development Goals in health and innovation.

Sam EmaminejadView profile

Associate Professor

• Biomedical Engineering
• Wearable Technology
• Microfluidics
• +3 more

Sam Emaminejad is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). His research focuses on developing advanced wearable bioelectronic systems for continuous, noninvasive health monitoring and personalized therapeutics. Key Research Areas: Biomarker detection via flexible sensors Microfluidic and ferrobotic systems Stress and drug level monitoring Biodegradable and breathable wearable materials Recent Trends: Analysis of sweat and interstitial fluids using microneedles, aerogel skins, and programmable microfluidics. Machine learning integration for physiological evaluation is prominent. Awards & Collaborations: While specific awards aren't listed, he collaborates with major UCLA Health and Engineering faculty, including Ali Khademhosseini and Dino Di Carlo, on projects funded by NIH T32 grants and institutional fellowship programs. Grants & Labs: Leads projects in NIH-funded wearable sensor research, including the development of autonomous systems for cystic fibrosis and glucose monitoring. His lab explores ferrobotic swarms and hydrogel-based interfaces for clinical and consumer applications.

Julie M. GoddardView profile

Professor

• Biomaterials
• Food Science
• Materials Science
• +4 more

Julie M. Goddard is a Professor of Food Science at Cornell University , affiliated with the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the Department of Food Science . Her research focuses on Biomaterials and Biointerfaces , with emphasis on food quality, safety, and sustainability. She leads the Goddard Research Group, which develops innovative polymeric materials and coatings for food packaging, bioprocessing, and equipment. Key projects include antimicrobial/nonfouling coatings, biocatalytic materials, and active packaging to reduce synthetic additives and food waste. Dr. Goddard holds a Bachelor of Science (1999) and Ph.D. (2008) in Food Science from Cornell University. Her work is supported by grants from USDA NIFA, NIH, NSF, and FFAR. Notable awards include the National Excellence in Multistate Research Award (2019) , APLU Junior Moulton Medal (2015) , and Institute of Food Technologists Young Scientist Award (2013) . Her research spans nonmigratory active packaging (e.g., antioxidant, antimicrobial films), biofilm inhibition , and enzyme immobilization . Recent articles highlight advancements in PETase engineering for microplastic degradation and optimization of curcumin-grafted biodegradable materials. She collaborates across disciplines, including materials science, chemical engineering, and microbiology. Labs/Teams: The Goddard Group operates in Stocking Hall, Cornell. Projects include biocatalytic packaging , hydrogen sulfide formation in canned beverages , and consumer acceptance of novel food technologies . Key grants fund exploration of bio-based materials and food safety innovations.

Mortaza Saeidi-JavashView profile

Assistant Professor

• Flexible Electronics
• Thermoelectric Devices
• 3D Printing Technologies
• +5 more

Dr. Mortaza Saeidi-Javash is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). He joined in Fall 2022 following his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame, where he received the Prince Engineering Fellowship and Dehner Graduate Fellowship. His research focuses on developing next-generation flexible electronics using advanced materials and 3D printing technologies, particularly thermoelectric devices for wearable applications and multifunctional sensors for structural health monitoring. Dr. Saeidi-Javash's academic background includes interdisciplinary work combining materials science, additive manufacturing, and machine learning. His Ph.D. research emphasized aerosol jet printing and ultrafast flash sintering to create high-performance, low-cost thermoelectric devices. He has published extensively in journals like Advanced Materials and Nano Energy , with a focus on flexible electronics, energy harvesting, and sensor integration. His recent publications highlight innovations in machine learning-aided materials discovery, plasma sintering processes, and hybrid printing methods. These contributions address challenges in scalable manufacturing, energy efficiency, and wearable technology applications. Dr. Saeidi-Javash’s work bridges gaps between fundamental materials research and practical engineering solutions for sustainable energy systems and smart devices. Awards: Prince Engineering Fellowship (University of Notre Dame) Dehner Graduate Fellowship in Engineering (University of Notre Dame) Advising & Office Hours: Office: ECS-647 Office Hours: Wednesday 12:00-2:00 PM Advising Hours: Thursday 12:30-1:30 PM His research lab focuses on additive manufacturing of functional materials, with ongoing projects in thermoelectric energy conversion, wearable sensors, and biomaterials for cardiac tissue engineering.

Kathryn A. WhiteheadView profile

Professor

• Drug Delivery
• RNA Therapeutics
• Bionanotechnology
• +4 more

Dr. Kathryn A. Whitehead is a Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and holds a courtesy appointment in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University. She joined the faculty in 2012 after completing postdoctoral training at MIT. Her research focuses on engineering drug delivery systems for RNA therapeutics, maternal-infant health, and overcoming biological barriers to enhance drug efficacy. Key areas include lipid nanoparticle (LNP) design for mRNA delivery, intestinal permeation enhancement, and leveraging maternal milk cells for therapeutic applications. Education: H.B.Ch.E., University of Delaware (2002); Ph.D., University of California, Santa Barbara (2007); Postdoctoral Fellow, MIT (2008–2012). Research Interests: Drug delivery systems, RNA interference, bionanotechnology, personalized medicine, and translational nanomedicine for diseases such as cancer and diabetes. Her lab develops novel LNPs for targeted delivery to tissues like the liver, brain, and pancreas. Awards and Recognition: AIMBE Fellow, DARPA Young Faculty Award (2016), CMBE Young Innovator Award (2016), MIT Technology Review Innovator Under 35 (2014), and NIH Director’s New Innovator Award. Her work has been cited over 9,000 times, with patents in RNA delivery and permeation enhancers. Lab Members: Active researchers include Ph.D. students, postdocs, and undergraduates working on projects such as LNP formulation, maternal milk cell biology, and siRNA therapies. Notable alumni have advanced to roles at Moderna Therapeutics, Verve Therapeutics, and academic institutions. Grants and Funding: Supported by NIH, DARPA, and industry partnerships. Current projects include NIH grants on pregnancy-safe mRNA delivery and DARPA funding for maternal-infant therapeutics.

Ken OakesView profile

Associate Professor

• Environmental Remediation
• Aquatic Toxicology
• Nanotechnology
• +4 more

Ken Oakes is an Associate Professor in the Biology Department at Cape Breton University (CBU) and holds the Industrial Research Chair in Environmental Remediation. He specializes in environmental toxicology, nanotechnology, and aquatic ecosystems. With a Ph.D. from the University of Guelph and postdoctoral training at the University of Waterloo, his research focuses on reactive oxygen species, water treatment, and pollution mitigation. He has over 60 peer-reviewed publications and supervised numerous graduate/undergraduate theses. Key research areas include photocatalytic water treatment using TiO₂ composites, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) for contaminant detection, and transdermal drug delivery via polymeric microneedles. His work addresses industrial effluent impacts on marine ecosystems and sustainable antifouling technologies. Recent studies investigate nanomaterials for environmental remediation and biomedical applications. Dr. Oakes has contributed to projects assessing pulp mill effluent effects on coastal ecosystems, copper-based Fenton chemistry for biofilm removal, and uranium extraction from water. His lab develops innovative solutions for environmental challenges, combining engineering, chemistry, and biology disciplines. Funding sources include industrial partnerships and academic grants focused on clean technologies.

Upaka RathnayakeView profile

Professor

• Water Resources Management
• Hydrological Modeling
• Climate Analysis
• +6 more

Upaka Rathnayake is a Professor of Civil Engineering and Principal Investigator at the Mathematical Modelling and Intelligent Systems for Health and Environment (MISHE) research unit at Atlantic Technological University Sligo, Ireland. He has held academic and research roles globally, including in Sri Lanka, Japan, the UK, New Zealand, Australia, and Fiji. His research focuses on water resources management, hydrological modeling, climate analysis, and AI-driven solutions for environmental challenges. He holds a PhD from the University of Strathclyde and advanced certifications from Hokkaido University. Education: PhD in Optimal Management of Urban Sewer Systems (University of Strathclyde, 2013) Professional Memberships: Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka, Engineers New Zealand, International Association of Hydrological Sciences Research interests include: Hydrological modeling and climate change adaptation Multi-objective optimization and soft computing techniques Explainable AI applications in environmental systems Remote sensing and GIS for water resource management Recent articles highlight AI-driven solutions for air quality prediction, soil nutrient analysis, and flood risk assessment. Awards include the 2023 Presidential Award for Scientific Publications and multiple university excellence awards. He actively advises PhD students on projects like urban water systems optimization and climatic trends analysis. Rathnayake is an editorial board member of journals like Scientific Reports and PLoS ONE , contributing to peer review and policy-oriented research. His work bridges data-driven methods with traditional hydrological practices to address global environmental challenges.

Maneesh AgrawalaView profile

Professor

• Computer Graphics
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Information Visualization
• +2 more

Maneesh Agrawala is the Forest Baskett Professor of Computer Science at Stanford University and Director of the Brown Institute for Media Innovation. His research spans computer graphics, human-computer interaction, and information visualization. Agrawala's lab develops computational tools for visual communication, investigating how design principles improve media effectiveness. Current projects include diffusion models for image and video generation, sketch-based interfaces, and visualization tools for scriptwriting. His team creates systems that enable new forms of content creation and analysis. His publications demonstrate consistent innovation in visual computing, with recent advances in controllable generative models, video understanding, and visualization design. Agrawala has received numerous honors including the MacArthur Fellowship and ACM Fellowship for his contributions to visual computing.

• X-ray Optics
• Nanoimaging
• Synchrotron Radiation
• +3 more

Ulrich Vogt is a Professor in Applied Physics at Kungliga Tekniska Högskolan (KTH) and leads the X-ray Optics and Nanoimaging group within the Bio-Opto-Nano unit. He serves as Vice-head of the Applied Physics department for undergraduate education. His research focuses on developing advanced X-ray microscopy techniques, particularly at synchrotron facilities like MAX IV’s NanoMAX beamline. He specializes in X-ray optics, nanoimaging, and diffractive optical elements for applications in materials science, biology, and medicine. Key contributions include the design of the NanoMAX beamline, optimization of X-ray zone plates via metal-assisted chemical etching, and advancements in multi-beam ptychography. Vogt has pioneered compact X-ray microscopy systems using laser-plasma sources and liquid-jet targets. His work integrates nanofabrication, computational imaging, and synchrotron instrumentation to achieve sub-100 nm resolution in hard and soft X-ray regimes. Teaching responsibilities include courses on experimental physics, photonics, and X-ray applications. His lab collaborates internationally on projects like the European XFEL, emphasizing high-brightness sources and radiation-resistant optics. Recent innovations include adaptive multi-beam ptychography and stereo X-ray imaging for 3D nanoscale visualization. Research highlights span over 100 peer-reviewed articles, with a focus on coherence characterization, beamline instrumentation, and nanostructured materials. Vogt’s grants include a Röntgen-Ångström Cluster award supporting multi-beam ptychography and cryo-microscopy advancements.

• Biofabrication
• 3D Bioprinting
• Hydrogels
• +6 more

Associate Professor Khoon Lim is a biomedical engineer specializing in polymer chemistry and biomaterials, affiliated with the School of Medical Sciences at the University of Sydney. He holds a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from UNSW Sydney and has conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Otago. His research focuses on hydrogels for tissue engineering, 3D bioprinting, and regenerative medicine, with over $8M in grant funding. Lim leads the Light Activated Biomaterials (LAB) research group and is a member of prestigious organizations like the Australasian Society for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering. Education: BE (Chemical Engineering, Hons 1) and ME (Biomedical Engineering) from UNSW Sydney, followed by a PhD in Biomedical Engineering (2014). Postdoctoral fellowship at University of Otago Christchurch (2019). Research Interests: Biofabrication, 3D bioprinting, hydrogels for tissue regeneration, cardiovascular applications, and chronic disease management. Current projects include developing bioinks for functional tissues, smart delivery systems for growth factors, and cancer models for drug screening. Key Achievements: ARC Future Fellow (2022), Rutherford Discovery Fellowship (2021), and over 170 publications in journals like Advanced Materials and Biofabrication . Holds patents in hydrogel technologies. Leadership Roles: President of ASBTE, Board Member of ISBF, and editorial board positions in journals such as RSC Biomaterials Science . Active in translational research through collaborations in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and Asia.

• Neuroscience
• Sleep Research
• Neural Engineering
• +3 more

Dr. Manuel Carro Dominguez is a Researcher at the Department of Neural Control of Movement, ETH Zürich. His work focuses on understanding the neural mechanisms underlying sleep dynamics, arousal regulation, and their impact on motor performance and cardiovascular function. He specializes in techniques such as auditory stimulation, pupil-based neurofeedback, and EEG/ECG monitoring to explore sleep oscillations, cortical excitability, and their clinical applications. His research bridges neuroscience, biomedical engineering, and sleep medicine, with a particular emphasis on enhancing human physiology through targeted interventions during sleep. Key research interests include: sleep modulation via auditory stimuli, pupilometry as a marker of arousal states, and the development of medical devices for gas sensing and closed-loop biofeedback systems. His studies often integrate multidisciplinary approaches to address translational challenges in neurophysiology and cardiovascular health. Recent publications highlight advancements in auditory stimulation effects on cardiac function, the role of K-complexes in sleep dynamics, and the design of gas sensing technologies for biomedical applications. His work contributes to both fundamental neuroscience and applied biomedical engineering, aiming to improve clinical outcomes through innovative sleep-based interventions.

• Ultrafast Lasers
• Laser-Matter Interactions
• Materials Science
• +4 more

F. Ömer Ilday is a distinguished physicist and Alexander von Humboldt Professor at Ruhr University Bochum since July 2023, holding a joint appointment in the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology and Faculty of Physics and Astronomy. His pioneering work in ultrafast laser technology has transformed non-linear laser-matter interactions, with applications spanning precision manufacturing, medical surgery, and nanofabrication. Education: PhD in Physics, Cornell University (2003) Postdoctoral Research Scientist, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2003-2005) Ilday's research centers on ultrafast laser development and materials science, focusing on GHz-repetition-rate burst-mode systems, nonlinear laser lithography, and self-organization phenomena. His interdisciplinary approach bridges photonics, plasma physics, and materials engineering to enable breakthroughs in nanostructuring, silicon processing, and laser-based manufacturing. Current work emphasizes developing high-power laser sources and exploring fundamental laser-matter interaction mechanisms for next-generation applications. His recent publications (2023-2025) reveal dominant trends in high-repetition-rate burst-mode lasers (up to 50 GHz), ablation efficiency optimization, and nonlinear laser lithography for 3D silicon structuring. These works demonstrate strong convergence between fundamental physics and industrial applications, particularly in medical surgery, nanofabrication, and materials synthesis, with increasing emphasis on self-organization principles in laser systems. Scientific awards: Turkish Academy of Sciences Outstanding Young Scientist Award (2006) Marie Curie International Reintegration Grant (2006) ERC Consolidator Grant (2014) - Turkey's first ERC Advanced Grant (2022) Election to Academia Europaea Election to Turkish Academy of Sciences Membership in Turkish and American Physical Societies Ilday has secured major competitive grants including two ERC awards and a Marie Curie fellowship, directing research teams at Bilkent University's Ultrafast Optics & Lasers Laboratory (UFOLAB) which developed technologies adopted globally. At RUB, he is establishing the Center for Complex Laser-Matter Interactions as an interdisciplinary hub fostering collaborations between photonics, plasma research, and materials science, with explicit goals for spin-off company formation and transdisciplinary innovation in manufacturing technologies. As founding director of UFOLAB at Bilkent University, Ilday developed laser systems deployed by research institutions worldwide and established Turkey's first laser company. His RUB center integrates electrical engineering and physics expertise to advance complex laser-matter interaction research, focusing on self-organizing laser systems, nanostructuring techniques, and applications in semiconductor manufacturing and medical technology through close industry partnerships.