Dr. Iason Sideris is affiliated with ETH Zürich's Department of Neue Fertigungstechnologien (New Manufacturing Technologies), holding a Researcher position within the Professorship for Advanced Manufacturing. His work focuses on advancing additive manufacturing techniques, particularly in path planning optimization, temperature control, and material processing. He contributes to fields like Direct Energy Deposition, Wire-Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM), and data-driven finite volume methods. Key Research Areas: Additive Manufacturing, Thermal Modeling, Process Optimization, Materials Science Recent research emphasizes scalable path planning for temperature uniformity in AM processes, with publications addressing challenges in WAAM thermal management and real-time simulation methods. His work combines computational modeling with experimental validation to enhance manufacturing efficiency and material properties.
Dr. Vakil Takhaveev is a Lecturer at ETH Zurich's Department of Health Sciences and Technology, within the Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health. His research focuses on DNA damage mechanisms, aging, cancer, and neurodegeneration, with particular emphasis on developing novel DNA-damage-sequencing methods like click-code-seq and TRABI-Seq . He investigates anticancer drug action (e.g., trabectedin), aging clocks using DNA oxidation profiling, and stress-induced carcinogenesis. His work integrates multi-omics approaches and advanced sequencing techniques. Research Directions: Novel DNA-Damage-Sequencing Methods: Developed click-code-seq and TRABI-Seq for genomic mapping of DNA lesions and repair dynamics. Anticancer Drug Action: Explored mechanisms of trabectedin and other chemotherapeutics, linking DNA repair vulnerabilities to therapy resistance. Aging Clocks: Created DNA oxidation-based biomarkers for biological aging using genome-wide profiling in human and mouse models. Stress-Induced Pathologies: Studies metabolic and DNA damage links to early tumorigenesis and neurodegeneration. Awards & Recognition: 2025 Public Award Winner in PIs of Tomorrow competition 2024 ETH Zurich Career Seed Award Best presentation awards (Swiss Chemical Society, American Chemical Society) Grants & Collaborations: Impetus grants for aging clock development Swiss Chemical Society and American Chemical Society fellowships Labs & Teams: Leads research on DNA damage and aging mechanisms at ETH Zurich, collaborating with international groups in oncology and toxicology.
Desiderio Kovar is a Professor at the University of Texas at Austin holding the BFGoodrich Professorship in Materials Engineering and the Distinguished Teaching Professor title within the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Cockrell School of Engineering. He is affiliated with the Texas Materials Institute, the Center for Electromechanics, and is a core member of the Center for Additive Manufacturing and Design Innovation. Dr. Kovar currently serves as the Associate Chair for Academics for the Mechanical Engineering Department. Dr. Kovar's research focuses on the interface between materials science and engineering and additive manufacturing, with particular expertise in ceramic processing. His work encompasses Advanced Design and Manufacturing, Advanced Materials Science and Engineering, and Nano and Micro-scale Engineering. He teaches undergraduate and graduate classes in the Materials Engineering area, having developed the Materials Science and Engineering minor in 2018, the first minor in Engineering at UT Austin. His recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate a strong focus on ceramic additive manufacturing processes, particularly Selective Laser Flash Sintering and Micro-Cold Spray technologies. These works explore fundamental mechanisms of high-velocity particle impact, sintering kinetics, and process optimization for ceramic film and part production, reflecting his pioneering work in direct ceramic additive manufacturing without polymer binders. Dr. Kovar has received numerous prestigious awards for his teaching and research: Engineering Foundation Young Faculty Excellence Award (2000) Teaching Excellence Award from the Student Engineering Council (2000) Cockrell School of Engineering's Jack and Maxine Zarrow Family K-16 Teaching Innovation Award (2014) Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Award for Excellence in Engineering Teaching (2016) Mechanical Engineering Department's Teaching Award (2016) University of Texas' Outstanding Graduate Advisor (2012) Inducted into the University of Texas at Austin's Academy of Distinguished Teachers (2019) Dr. Kovar has supervised 47 undergraduate students, 21 MS theses, and 17 Ph.D. dissertations, and currently supervises 12 graduate students and one undergraduate student. His research has been generously funded by the National Science Foundation, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratory, the Army Research Laboratory, the Office of Naval Research, the US Department of Energy, and various corporate sponsors. In 2013, he founded the Cockrell School's Longhorn Maker Studio, which evolved into Texas Inventionworks. Dr. Kovar leads the Kovar Research Group which currently includes multiple graduate students and postdoctoral researchers working across three main research thrusts: Additive Manufacturing of Ceramics by Selective Laser Flash Sintering, Additive Manufacturing of Ceramics by Indirect Selective Laser Sintering, and Direct Writing of Patterned Films and Devices using the Micro-cold Spray Process.
Getachew Agmuas Adnew is a Postdoctoral Researcher in Forest and Landscape Ecology at the Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen. His research focuses on isotope geochemistry applications to understand climate-relevant processes in extreme environments. Dr. Adnew's research interests center on isotope geochemistry , particularly clumped isotope measurements to investigate methane dynamics beneath the Greenland ice sheet and atmospheric CO 2 composition. His work bridges glaciology, atmospheric science, and climate change research, with significant contributions to understanding subglacial biogeochemical processes. He also participates in interdisciplinary projects like CloudRoots-Amazon22 that examine land-atmosphere interactions across multiple scales. Analysis of his 18 research outputs (15 journal articles and 3 conference abstracts from 2023-2025) reveals a strong thematic focus on methane emissions from subglacial environments and atmospheric isotope signatures . His work frequently employs advanced isotopic techniques to trace biogeochemical processes relevant to climate change. The research demonstrates increasing collaboration across international boundaries, particularly with European and South American institutions. Dr. Adnew actively collaborates with major climate research groups, including those led by T. Röckmann, T. Blunier, and C.J. Jørgensen. His work appears in high-impact journals such as Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, Atmospheric Measurement Techniques, and Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society. His research has garnered attention across academic platforms with multiple citations and mentions in scientific networks. His current research involves field work at the Greenland ice sheet margin and analysis of atmospheric samples from various global locations. The ongoing projects suggest continued focus on understanding the connections between subglacial processes and global climate systems through innovative isotopic approaches.
Catherine Pinel is a Research Director (DR2) at the Institute for Research on Catalysis and Environment of Lyon (IRCELYON, UMR 5256), a joint research unit of the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) and Claude Bernard University Lyon 1. She has held this senior research position since October 2008, following progression from CR1 (1998-2008) and CR2 (1994-1998) roles at the same institution. Her academic journey includes postdoctoral research at Cambridge University (1992-1993) under Professor S.V. Ley and with Professor M. Lemaire (1993-1994). Her educational foundation includes: Diplôme Universitaire de Technologie in Chemistry from Paris XI University (1986) Engineering Degree from École Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Paris (1989) Advanced Studies Diploma in Organic Chemistry from Paris VI University (1989) PhD in Organic Chemistry from Paris VI University (1992) on chiral ruthenium complexes and enantioselective reductions Habilitation à diriger des recherches from Lyon I University (1999) on catalysis and fine chemistry Dr. Pinel's research pioneers sustainable catalytic processes with emphasis on biomass valorization, green chemistry, and heterogeneous catalysis. Her work bridges fundamental catalyst design with industrial applications, particularly in hydrogenation, oxidation, and biorefinery processes. Current focus areas include catalytic conversion of biomass-derived platform molecules (glucose, succinic acid, polyols), development of bimetallic catalysts, and valorization of hemicellulose streams. Her approach integrates advanced catalyst characterization with reaction engineering to create environmentally benign chemical transformations. Analysis of her recent publication trajectory (2019-2025) reveals evolving expertise from fundamental organometallic chemistry toward applied sustainable catalysis. Key trends include increasing focus on biomass-derived feedstocks (glucose, succinic acid, polyols), development of metal-carbide/nitride catalysts, and optimization of aqueous-phase reactions for industrial biorefineries. Her work demonstrates strong interdisciplinary collaboration across catalysis, materials science, and green chemistry, with growing emphasis on circular economy principles and renewable chemical production. No scientific awards were explicitly mentioned in the source materials. Dr. Pinel actively contributes to academic training through graduate instruction at University of Lyon (Master 2 'Catalysis and Physical Chemistry' since 2007) and University of Savoie (M2 courses in New Catalysts in Organic Chemistry since 1999 and Coordination Chemistry since 2012). While specific grant details aren't provided, her extensive publication record across high-impact journals indicates sustained research funding. She maintains collaborative networks within IRCELYON and internationally, particularly in biomass conversion and catalyst characterization. As a core researcher at IRCELYON (celebrating 60 years of catalysis research in 2021), she operates within a world-class facility housing specialized equipment for catalyst synthesis, characterization (including in situ techniques), and testing. Her work aligns with the institute's focus on sustainable catalysis for energy transition, air/water depollution, and biomass valorization, contributing to France's strategic research priorities in green chemistry.
Professor Jianhua Guo is a faculty member at The University of Queensland (UQ), holding the position of Professor and UQ Amplify Fellow in the Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology (ACWEB). He is also the ACWEB Deputy Director - Research. His research focuses on integrating process engineering, environmental microbiology, and biotechnology to develop sustainable solutions for contaminant removal in water and wastewater systems. He is a pioneer in studying the environmental dimension of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), particularly how non-antibiotic pharmaceuticals and chemicals contribute to AMR spread. His groundbreaking work has been featured in over 100 media outlets and has secured over $14M in research funding. He has published over 200 peer-reviewed articles in journals like Nature Microbiology , Water Research , and Environmental Science & Technology . His accolades include the 2013 DECRA and 2017 ARC Future Fellowship. He serves as an editor for Journal of Hazardous Materials and Water Science & Technology . Research Interests Environmental AMR and microbial ecology Methane-based biotechnology and bioconversion Nitrogen cycling microorganisms Bioremediation and biofilm reactors Microplastics and health risks Wastewater treatment innovations Grants & Funding $14M+ in ARC Discovery/Linkage grants and industry partnerships ARC Training Centre for Environmental and Agricultural Solutions to Antimicrobial Resistance (CEA-StAR) Dual-membrane upgrading and anaerobic alkane oxidation projects Awards 2013 DECRA 2017 ARC Future Fellowship Supervision Prof. Guo actively supervises PhD and master’s students in areas like AMR mitigation, methane-based bioreactors, and microbial ecology. Notable supervised projects include studies on antibiotic resistance in wastewater, novel disinfection processes, and microbial oxidation of gaseous alkanes. Labs & Teams He leads research teams within ACWEB and collaborates with the Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Science. His lab focuses on cutting-edge technologies like membrane biofilm reactors and gas fermentation systems.
John M. Woodley is a distinguished Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), where he leads research at the PROSYS - Process and Systems Engineering Centre and contributes to the DTU Microbes Initiative. With over 30 years of experience, he has established himself as a leading expert in biocatalysis and bioprocess engineering, with research spanning both theoretical and experimental work across multiple scales. His primary research interests focus on the interface of bioprocess engineering, process chemistry, and reaction engineering. Dr. Woodley's work encompasses multi-step biocatalysis (including systems biocatalysis and flow chemistry), downstream processing from biocatalytic reactors and fermentations (including ISPR), modeling tools for bioprocess assessment (thermodynamics, kinetics, process simulation, economic evaluation), and bio-oxidations (including oxygen supply methods). His enzymatic investigations particularly target alcohol oxidases, carbohydrate oxidases, cytochrome P450s, Baeyer-Villiger monooxygenases, and transaminases. His research portfolio demonstrates consistent innovation in sustainable chemical production, with particular emphasis on enzymatic synthesis of pharmaceuticals and chemicals from renewable resources. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on overcoming industrial implementation challenges, particularly regarding enzyme stability in various reactor environments, optimization of multi-enzyme systems, and scale-up methodologies for biocatalytic processes. Dr. Woodley actively supervises multiple PhD students and leads several significant research projects, including 'P450-based biocatalytic processes for the pharmaceutical industry' (2025-2028), 'Integrated model for up- and downstream bioprocess intensification' (2024-2027), and 'ENFACE: A tool for prediction of enzyme stability at gas-liquid interfaces' (2024-2027). His work has resulted in an impressive publication record of 781 research outputs across various formats, including journal articles, book chapters, and conference proceedings. His research group operates within the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering at DTU, utilizing advanced facilities for biocatalysis research, including specialized reactor systems for studying gas-liquid interfaces, computational modeling resources, and laboratories for enzyme characterization and bioprocess development. Through his leadership in the PROSYS center, he contributes to DTU's strategic focus on sustainable process technologies and systems engineering.
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)United States
Katherine T. Faber is the Simon Ramo Professor of Materials Science at the California Institute of Technology, part of the Division of Engineering and Applied Science. She leads the Faber Research Group, focusing on mechanical behavior of brittle materials, ceramics for extreme environments, porous solids, and cultural heritage science. Her work bridges engineering, art conservation, and space technology. Education: B.S., Alfred University, 1975; M.S., Penn State, 1978; Ph.D., UC Berkeley, 1982. Academic roles include Ramo Professor since 2014 and leadership in the American Ceramic Society. She collaborates with NASA, JPL, and institutions like the Art Institute of Chicago for cultural heritage projects. Research interests span energy materials (thermal barrier coatings, lunar regolith electrolysis), functional porous ceramics (battery separators, biomedical filters), and art conservation (nanoparticle analysis in historical artifacts). Recent projects include shape-memory ceramics and fracture mechanics studied via synchrotron X-rays. Publications highlight innovations in freeze-casting, environmental barrier coatings, and interdisciplinary studies. Awards include the W. David Kingery Award (2024) and American Academy of Arts and Sciences membership. Her group emphasizes sustainability, with a Platinum Green Lab certification. Advises numerous graduate and undergraduate students, including those in SURF and WAVE programs. Grants and collaborations span NASA, NSF, and industry partnerships. Labs focus on ceramic processing, advanced characterization, and additive manufacturing.
Dr. Xinwei Ye serves as a Researcher in the Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis division at Utrecht University's Faculty of Science. His primary affiliation is with the Department of Chemistry, where he conducts cutting-edge research on heterogeneous catalysis for environmental applications, particularly focusing on selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems for automotive emissions control. With a strong background in inorganic materials and advanced characterization techniques, Dr. Ye contributes significantly to understanding catalyst structure-performance relationships. Educational Background: Master of Science (MSc) - Institution not specified in source Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Chemistry, Utrecht University (2022) Dr. Ye's research program centers on the development and mechanistic investigation of copper-exchanged zeolite catalysts for NH 3 -SCR processes. His work integrates multiple advanced characterization methodologies including operando spectroscopy, scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM), and atom probe tomography to probe catalyst behavior under working conditions at nanometer resolution. This multi-technique approach enables unprecedented insights into active site speciation, reaction mechanisms, and deactivation pathways in emission control catalysts. Analysis of Dr. Ye's publication record from 2018-2022 reveals a cohesive research trajectory focused on copper-zeolite SCR catalysts. His work consistently addresses critical challenges in catalyst durability and performance optimization through fundamental understanding of structure-activity relationships. The publications demonstrate increasing sophistication in experimental approaches, moving from membrane synthesis (2018) to nanoscale deactivation studies (2020) and ultimately to comprehensive structure-performance correlations in his doctoral thesis (2022). As a core member of Utrecht University's catalysis research community, Dr. Ye collaborates extensively with the renowned Weckhuysen group. His research is conducted within well-equipped laboratories featuring state-of-the-art instrumentation for catalyst synthesis, testing, and characterization, including access to synchrotron radiation facilities for advanced X-ray techniques.
Aleksei Zheltikov is a University Distinguished Professor at Texas A&M University's Department of Physics and Astronomy. He holds dual affiliations with the International Laser Center and Physics Department of M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, and the Russian Quantum Center. His research focuses on ultrafast nonlinear optics and biophotonics, addressing applications in imaging, laser filamentation, and strong-field physics. Zheltikov earned his PhD (1990) and Doctor of Science (1999) degrees from Moscow State University, becoming a full professor there in 2000 before joining Texas A&M in 2010. He leads a research team including Xinghua Liu and Ajithamithra Dharmasiri. Recipient of prestigious awards including the Russian Federation State Prize (1997), Lamb Award (2010), and Kurchatov Prize (2014), his work bridges fundamental optics research with medical diagnostics and quantum technologies. Key contributions include developing laser filament-based imaging techniques and advancing Raman scattering-based frequency conversion methods in hollow-core fibers.
Prof. Dr. Taner Akbay is a faculty member at Yeditepe University, Faculty of Engineering , Department of Materials Science and Nanotechnology Engineering. He has held academic positions at institutions including Kyushu University, Oita University, and Imperial College London. Education: PhD in Materials Engineering (1993, Imperial College London); Master’s (1989) and Bachelor’s (1986) degrees from Middle East Technical University. His research spans Materials Engineering , Metallurgy , and Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) , with a focus on oxide ion conductivity, laser surface treatment, and phase transformations. Recent work explores photocatalysis , anion intercalation , and CO2 reduction using computational and experimental approaches. Key article trends include SOFC optimization (2004–2009), strain effects on catalysts (2015–2020), and dual-carbon battery technology (2016–2020). His work bridges fundamental metallurgy and advanced energy materials . Scientific Awards: Postdoctoral Research Sponsorship Award (EPSRC, UK) JSPS Fellowship (Japan) Daiwa Adrian Prize (2016, UK) PhD Studentship at Imperial College (European Commission) He has supervised multiple PhD and Master’s theses, including projects on dual-carbon batteries , microwave absorption nanocomposites , and rare earth recovery . Administrative roles include Head of Department (2020–2021). Non-University Experience: Worked with Mitsubishi Materials Corporation (2001), Çolakoğlu Metalurji (2010), and National Research Council Canada (2009).
Dr. Simon Beaumont is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Durham University , with additional responsibilities as Associate Dean (PGR) in the Faculty of Science. His research program integrates heterogeneous catalysis , nanomaterials , and in situ spectroscopic techniques to develop sustainable chemical processes. BA & MSci Natural Sciences, University of Cambridge (2003-2007) PhD in Heterogeneous Catalysis, University of Cambridge (2010) Postdoctoral Fellowship at UC Berkeley (2010-2012) Research foci include mechanistic studies of catalytic processes, nanoparticle synthesis , and in situ characterization via X-ray absorption (NEXAFS), DRIFTS, and Raman. His work addresses challenges in CO2 hydrogenation , biomass conversion , and environmental remediation , supported by national/EU/industrial funding. Recent publications highlight trends in selective hydrogenation (furfural), multi-functional catalysts (acid-base systems), and nanoparticle stability under reactive conditions. All studies emphasize molecular-level understanding for practical catalyst design. Scientific awards include Leverhulme Trust and Addison Wheeler fellowships. Teaching portfolio spans first-year laboratories , organic chemistry tutorials , and advanced catalysis lectures . Supervision of five research postgraduates and leadership of industry-funded projects further demonstrate his academic impact.
Gary Rochelle is the Carol and Henry Groppe Professor in Chemical Engineering and a faculty member at the University of Texas at Austin . His research focuses on developing fundamental insights into kinetic and mass transfer phenomena in aqueous technologies for air pollution control and acid gas treating, particularly for carbon dioxide and mercury removal. Education: Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from UC Berkeley (1977), M.S./B.S. from MIT (1971) His work addresses critical challenges in CO2 capture using amine scrubbing, including process design optimization, solvent degradation mitigation, and pilot plant validation. Recent studies emphasize energy efficiency, oxidation inhibition, and environmental impacts such as amine aerosol emissions. The Texas Carbon Management Program , which he contributes to, aims to improve amine scrubbing technologies for retrofitting power plants and enabling geological sequestration or enhanced oil recovery. His group has validated concentrated aqueous piperazine (PZ) with an advanced flash stripper as the most efficient open-literature system.
Judith Driscoll is Professor of Materials Science at the University of Cambridge in the Department of Materials Science & Metallurgy. She holds the prestigious Royal Academy of Engineering Chair in Emerging Technologies and serves as a Visiting Staff Member at Los Alamos National Laboratory. As the founding Editor-in-Chief of APL Materials, she has significantly contributed to the materials science community. Dr. Driscoll's research focuses on Energy Efficient Oxide Materials for Information and Communications Technologies and energy devices. Her work spans the development of non-volatile memory, resistive switching devices, and ferroelectric materials for neuromorphic computing applications. She investigates oxide thin films for applications ranging from data storage to energy generation and conversion, with particular emphasis on creating more energy-efficient device technologies to handle the exponential growth of data-centric applications. Her recent publications demonstrate strong trends in developing novel oxide-based memory devices with improved energy efficiency, particularly for AI applications. The work shows significant progress in hafnium-zirconium oxide ferroelectrics, resistive switching mechanisms, and vertically aligned nanocomposite structures for enhanced device performance. These innovations address critical challenges in reducing the unsustainable energy demands of modern computing, particularly for artificial intelligence systems. Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering Fellow of the Materials Research Society Fellow of the American Physical Society Fellow of IOM3, IOP, and Women Engineers Society Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences Recipient of ERC Advanced Grant Editor-in-Chief of APL Materials Dr. Driscoll leads a vibrant research group that has secured significant funding including her Royal Academy of Engineering Research Chair, an ERC Advanced Grant, and an ECCS-EPSRC grant in collaboration with researchers from the USA. She has founded the Cambridge Centre for Neuromorphic Computing (Neucam) in 2023. Her group operates world-leading growth equipment including pulsed laser deposition with RHEED control, high temperature oxide sputtering, and spatial ALD systems. She collaborates extensively across the University of Cambridge and with international partners to solve complex materials challenges, with her group's role often being to identify optimal materials for functional goals, predict fabrication methods, and then create and characterize these materials.
William F. Schneider is the Keating-Crawford Professor of Chemical Engineering and Chair of the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Notre Dame's College of Engineering. He also holds a concurrent professorship in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Dr. Schneider leads the Computational Environmental Catalysis research group focused on applying density functional theory (DFT) simulations to solve problems in energy and the environment. Dr. Schneider's educational background includes a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Ohio State University (1991) and a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Michigan-Dearborn (1986). Before joining Notre Dame in 2004 as an Associate Professor, he worked at the Ford Motor Company Research Laboratory where he developed expertise in catalytic chemistry related to automobile emissions control. Dr. Schneider's research focuses on molecular-scale understanding of heterogeneous catalysis, with particular emphasis on energy-related applications. His group uses computationally intensive molecular simulations to understand and predict chemical properties and reactivity from first principles. Key research areas include: Zeolites for NOx reduction Catalysis at metal surfaces Catalysis for shale gas conversion Energy-directed catalysis Carbon capture and conversion Sustainable bio/fossil fuels His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on computational approaches to understanding catalytic mechanisms, particularly in zeolite systems for environmental applications and energy conversion processes. The research often combines density functional theory with microkinetic modeling to provide molecular-level insights into catalytic processes. Dr. Schneider has received numerous honors including: Dorini Family Chair of Energy Studies Keating-Crawford Professor of Chemical Engineering Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science James A. Burns, C.S.C., Award for outstanding mentorship of doctoral students Executive Editor of the Journal of Physical Chemistry C As an advisor, Dr. Schneider mentors numerous graduate students and postdocs in the Computational Molecular Sciences and Engineering Laboratory (CoMSEL). His research group collaborates closely with experimentalists to validate computational findings and accelerate their application. Current projects include investigations into plasma-catalytic processes, copper-zeolite systems for methane oxidation, and computational screening of catalysts for various energy applications. Dr. Schneider's research is supported by various grants focusing on energy conversion, environmental catalysis, and computational materials design. He leads the Computational Environmental Catalysis group which is part of the broader CoMSEL research community at Notre Dame.
