Declan Nolan is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Queen's University Belfast. He holds a PhD (2013) on 'Defining Simulation Intent,' focusing on automating simulation workflows. Before academia, he worked at Michelin, Williams F1 (as a Stress Engineer), and B/E Aerospace (Senior Structural Engineer), specializing in composite structures and structural integrity. He currently serves as Postgraduate Research Director (since 2022) and is a member of the EPSRC Early Career Forum in Manufacturing and the Circular Economy, and UKACM board member. His research spans design-to-simulation automation, bio-inspired design, and structural impact analysis. Key projects include PROTEUS (reimagining engineering design), COLIBRI (composite research), and Biohaviour (biological development analogies). He teaches Mechanics of Materials and Computer-Aided Engineering courses. Education: PhD in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (2013) Affiliations: Chartered Engineer, IMechE Member Grants/Projects: 4 active research grants, including EPSRC-funded initiatives Research outputs include 45+ publications, with recent focus on propulsion system integration, parametric nacelle modeling, and CAD-based machine learning. He has received two Best Paper Awards (2019) for manufacturing research contributions.
David Bogard is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin, holding the Baker Hughes Incorporated Centennial Professorship. He leads research in thermal-fluid systems and turbulence, with a focus on turbine blade cooling and drag reduction. His work combines experimental and computational methods to optimize film cooling designs, thermal barrier coatings, and internal cooling channel configurations. Key contributions include studies on shaped film cooling holes, additive manufacturing applications, and crossflow effects in turbine components. Educational background: Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University (1982). Joined UT Austin faculty immediately post-Ph.D. Research interests emphasize turbine aerothermal performance, with specializations in: Adjoint-optimized film cooling hole geometries Compressible flow effects on cooling efficacy Additive manufacturing for turbine cooling components Thermal degradation mechanisms and contaminant deposition Recent work includes evaluating adjoint-optimized cooling hole performance (2024), printability of additively manufactured cooling geometries (2023), and crossflow-fed shaped hole analysis (2022). His research bridges fundamental fluid mechanics with industrial turbine design challenges. Awarded the 2002 Outstanding Graduate Advisor at UT Austin. Over 130 technical publications span experimental validation, CFD modeling, and turbine cooling innovation. Active in collaborative industry projects with companies like Baker Hughes. Labs/Teams: Turbulence and Turbine Research Cooling Laboratory. Collaborates with research centers focusing on aero-thermal systems and advanced manufacturing.
Professor Geraint Jewell is affiliated with the University of Sheffield , serving as Director of the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre in Advanced Electrical Machines (since 2006) and Director of the EPSRC Future Electrical Machines Manufacturing Hub (since 2019). He is a graduate of the university (BEng 1988, PhD 1992) and has held academic roles since 1994. EPSRC Advanced Research Fellowship (2000-2005) Royal Society Industry Fellowship at Rolls-Royce (2006-2008) Former Faculty Director of Research and Innovation (2008-2011) Former Head of Department (2013-2019) His research focuses on power-dense electrical machines for aerospace applications , including permanent magnet machines , switched reluctance machines , and linear actuators . He has supervised ~20 PhD students and led collaborations with Rolls-Royce on high-temperature devices (up to 800°C) and aero-engine starter-generators. Recent publications analyze stator insulation thermal degradation , eddy current control in additively manufactured materials , and magnetic loss prediction in silicon steel. His work spans electromagnetic modeling , core loss calculation , and advanced manufacturing techniques for electrical machines. EPSRC Advanced Research Fellowship (2000-2005) Royal Society Industry Fellowship (2006-2008) He has advised PhD students across topics like consequent-pole PM machines , doubly salient SynRMs , and core loss characterization . His Electrical Machines and Drives Research Group explores modular motor design and magnetic material optimization for aerospace and electric vehicles.
Professor Ola Isaksson is a faculty member in Product Development at Chalmers University of Technology, where he leads the Systems Engineering Design research group. With over 40 research projects nationally and internationally, his work bridges academic research and industrial application, particularly in aviation and transport-related manufacturing sectors. His expertise spans digitalization, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing methods in product development. Ola Isaksson received his PhD in Computer Aided Machine Design from Luleå University of Technology in 1999. Prior to his academic career, he had a specialist career at GKN Aerospace Engine Systems (formerly Volvo Aero) in Trollhättan, focusing on design and product development until 2015. Professor Isaksson's research focuses on developing new product development capabilities to address societal and industrial needs through digitalization and advanced manufacturing. His primary interests include platform-based development, Set Based Engineering, multidisciplinary engineering methods, Value-driven development, and knowledge-intensive system support. He has particular expertise in additive manufacturing integration, design space exploration, and sustainability transition in product development. Analysis of Professor Isaksson's recent publications reveals a strong focus on integrating digital technologies with sustainable manufacturing practices. His work demonstrates a progression from traditional design methodologies toward AI-assisted design, digital twins, and advanced data analytics. Key thematic areas include additive manufacturing implementation, design margin management, sustainability integration, and aerospace component optimization, reflecting his commitment to bridging theoretical research with industrial applications. Professor Isaksson is one of the founders of the Swedish Product Development Academy and maintains active membership in the Design Society, ASME, and SIG PM, reflecting his significant contributions to the field of engineering design. With over 100 scientific publications and leadership in more than 40 research projects, Professor Isaksson has established himself as a leading figure in product development research. His work frequently involves close collaboration with industry partners, particularly in the aviation sector, securing substantial research funding for projects addressing digitalization, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing challenges. Professor Isaksson leads the Systems Engineering Design research group at Chalmers University of Technology. His team focuses on developing methodologies for complex product development, with particular emphasis on digital tools, sustainability integration, and manufacturing innovation. The group maintains strong industry connections, especially with aerospace manufacturers, facilitating the translation of research into practical applications.
Cheng Huang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Kansas. His research focuses on computational fluid dynamics, aerospace propulsion, turbulent combustion modeling, and reduced-order modeling techniques. He is affiliated with the Computational AeroPropulsion Laboratory and can be contacted at chenghuang@ku.edu. Education: B.S. from Shanghai Jiaotong University M.S. and Ph.D. from Purdue University Research Interests: LES Modeling of Turbulent Reacting Flows Data-Driven and Reduced-Order Modeling of Complex Fluid Flows Combustion Instability Analysis in Aerospace Propulsion Recent Work Trends: His publications emphasize reduced-order modeling techniques for rocket combustion dynamics, rotating detonation engines, and multiscale fluid systems. Key methodologies include projection-based models, data-driven approaches, and nonlinear approximations of latent dynamics.
Simone Salvadori is an Associate Professor at the Department of Energy (DENERG) of Politecnico di Torino, specializing in Computational Fluid Dynamics, Heat Transfer, and Turbomachinery. His research intersects Aerospace Engineering , Propulsion , and Energy Sustainability (SDG 7 & 9). He leads the EnaTech-RDE project on CO2-Free Rotating Detonation Engines and contributes to H2POWRD for hydrogen propulsion systems. Editorial roles: Guest Editor for Frontiers in Aerospace Engineering and Applied Sciences , Member of Energies Editorial Board. Organizing Committee Member for 8th ART Summer School (2024) and multiple international conferences including Aerospace Europe Conference 2023. His research focuses on pressure gain combustion , film cooling optimization , and machine learning-driven turbine design . He employs advanced computational tools to analyze unsteady flows, cavity dynamics, and exhaust systems in gas turbines, with applications to hydrogen/natural gas blends and rotating detonation engines . Salvadori supervises PhD students in projects related to high-pressure turbine vane coupling , cooling channel optimization , and exhaust flow control . He collaborates with the TEP Research Group and networks like ETN Global (Energy & Turbomachinery Network).
Dr. David Toal is an Associate Professor at the University of Southampton, specializing in the application of machine learning techniques to aerospace system design optimization. His research focuses on automated geometry creation, prediction of simulation outputs, and fundamental machine learning advancements. He is affiliated with the Computational Engineering and Design Group and the Institute for Life Sciences. His teaching interests include engineering design methods, optimization, reliability, and CAD integration. He supervises multiple PhD students in areas such as aerodynamic geometry generation and structural design automation. Dr. Toal has led projects funded by the European Union and EPSRC, including E-Break (FP7) and equipment grants for advanced computational tools. His work emphasizes multidisciplinary collaboration, leveraging CAD systems and deep learning for applications in advanced aerial mobility and turbine optimization. Recent publications highlight advancements in Kriging models, adversarial auto-encoders, and semantic segmentation for engineering design. Dr. Toal's research bridges computational methods with practical aerospace challenges, aiming to accelerate design processes through data-driven and AI-enhanced approaches.
Giuseppe Giorgi is a fixed-term researcher at the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (DIMEAS), Politecnico di Torino. He serves as Scientific Coordinator for multiple EU-funded projects including MERMAIDS, BLUE-X, and AIMS, and leads commercial research contracts for offshore wind microclimate studies. Research focuses on hybrid offshore platforms integrating Floating Offshore Wind Turbines (FOWTs) with Wave Energy Converters (WECs) Expertise in nonlinear hydrodynamics , fluid-structure interaction , and experimental validation through lab tests and sea trials Research Interests : Marine Renewable Energy Systems Nonlinear Dynamic Modeling Mechanical and Techno-Economic Optimization Hybrid Wind-Wave Energy Platforms Parametric Resonance Energy Harvesters Scientific Achievements : 2022: IFAC CAMS Best Paper Award 2022: Institution of Civil Engineers - Baker Medal 2022: AIMETA Junior Mechanics of Machines Award 2023: IFToMM Bronze Best Student Paper Award Academic Leadership includes supervising 6 PhD students and teaching Numerical Modeling of Marine Energy Converters (PhD level). His 15 most recent publications focus on wave energy converter optimization, floating wind turbine dynamics, and hybrid offshore energy systems with applications in the Mediterranean Sea and North Sea.
Anders Forslund is a researcher at Chalmers University of Technology, specializing in Product Development with a focus on aerospace and mechanical engineering. His work bridges theoretical research and practical application in multidisciplinary design. Department: Product Development Key Collaborations: VINNOVA, EU Horizon 2020, AIAA, ASME His research interests revolve around robust design and uncertainty modeling for aerospace structures. He develops simulation platforms to minimize geometric variation in welded components and optimize turbine lifecycle robustness. His work integrates genetic algorithms , 3D scanning , and PLM systems for multidisciplinary convergence. The 15 most recent publications span 2011–2018, covering welding optimization , geometric robustness , simulation frameworks , and sustainable aerospace design . Key trends include bridging CAD/point cloud gaps , virtual trimming , and set-based design in collaborative platforms. Anders participates in grants and projects such as: TOICA (2013–2016): EU-funded thermal-driven aircraft design. ELISE (2018–2018): Vinnova-funded electric aviation. Design av de aerodynamiska egenskaperna för ett elektriskt flygplan (2021–2022): Chalmers-led aerodynamic R&D. He has contributed to research teams in propulsion, thermal sciences, and acoustic engineering, collaborating with experts like Rikard Söderberg and Lars Davidson.
Professor David Gillespie is an Associate Professor of Engineering Science at the University of Oxford and Deputy Head of Department for New Buildings. He is also a Fellow of St Catherine's College and affiliated with the Oxford Thermofluids Institute. His research focuses on critical aspects of gas turbine and jet engine technology, particularly in thermal management and fluid dynamics applications. Professor Gillespie attended Jesus College Oxford as an undergraduate and obtained his doctorate in 1996. He has been the Rolls-Royce Fellow in Engineering Science since 2003, demonstrating a long-standing relationship with industry in advancing gas turbine technology. His primary research interests include: Development of advanced seals for jet engines and industrial gas turbines Tip clearance control mechanisms for gas turbines using thermal activation systems Heat exchanger design for intercoolers and recuperators in jet engines Engine-realistic internal cooling systems, including dendritic cooling and ribbed passages Effects of volcanic ash ingestion on engine components Advanced instrumentation methods using thermochromic liquid crystals and IR cameras Professor Gillespie's recent publication record shows a strong focus on ice crystal icing phenomena in turbomachinery, particle deposition in gas turbines, and advanced thermal management techniques. His work combines experimental, analytical, and computational approaches to address critical challenges in gas turbine operation under extreme conditions. A significant portion of his recent work involves the development of predictive models for ice accretion and particle deposition, which have important safety implications for aircraft engines. As a key member of the Oxford Thermofluids Institute, Professor Gillespie leads research that bridges fundamental fluid dynamics with practical engineering applications in the aerospace industry.
Kyun Ho Lee is an Associate Professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Sejong University, specializing in space propulsion systems, satellite thermal engineering, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). His career spans academic research and practical development in aerospace technologies. Ph.D., KAIST (2009) M.S., Yonsei University (2000) B.S., Yonsei University (1998) His research focuses on cutting-edge aerospace technologies, including Space Propulsion , Thermal Engineering , and Inverse Heat Analysis . Recent work explores CFD modeling of propulsion plumes, rarefied gas dynamics , and optimization of FEEP thrusters for small satellites. Applications extend to green propulsion systems, waste-to-fuel technologies, and advanced emitter designs. The latest publications highlight trends in ionic monopropellants , gallium-based FEEP systems , and thermal cracking of plastic waste for sustainable aviation fuels. Collaborations span computational modeling, propulsion system development, and environmental stress testing for spacecraft.
Roderick Lubbock is a Senior Strategic Teaching Fellow in the Department of Aeronautics at Imperial College London, part of the Faculty of Engineering. He leads the Engineering Practice 1 module, focusing on practical engineering and design for first-year students. His teaching emphasizes hands-on projects, such as rebuilding racing cars, re-engineering off-road trucks into planetary rovers, and designing wind turbines. Dr. Lubbock holds a BSc and MSc in Physics and Mechanical Engineering from Imperial College London, followed by a D.Phil in Engineering Science from the University of Oxford under Prof. Martin Oldfield. He previously held a Stipendiary Lectureship at Pembroke College, Oxford, where he taught thermofluids, electromagnetism, and mathematics to undergraduates. His research spans flow measurement techniques, human assistive technologies, and gas turbine aero-thermodynamics, including turbulence characterization in combustion chambers and high-pressure turbine components. He has collaborated with Rolls-Royce, Qinetiq, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries on large-scale combustion experiments and facility design. Publications highlight advancements in pressure probe calibration, heat transfer gauges, and aerothermal facility development. He is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and holds a Postgraduate Diploma in University Teaching and Learning. Dr. Lubbock’s work integrates academic research with industry partnerships, emphasizing both experimental engineering and educational innovation.
Craig Merrett serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Department at Clarkson University's Coulter School of Engineering & Applied Sciences, with additional affiliation at the Center for Advanced Materials Processing (CAMP). His academic credentials include advanced degrees from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and foundational education at Carleton University, supporting his active role in aerospace engineering education and research. His educational background comprises: Ph.D. in Engineering from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2011) M.S. in Engineering from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2008) Bachelor's degree from Carleton University (2006) Dr. Merrett's research centers on aero-servo-viscoelasticity , specifically investigating time-dependent structural instabilities in viscoelastic materials under extreme conditions. His portfolio spans aircraft flutter analysis, composite fracture mechanics, elevated-temperature material behavior for aerospace/nuclear applications, and unsteady aerodynamics for panel flutter and wind farm systems. This work bridges theoretical structural dynamics with practical engineering solutions for critical time-to-failure scenarios. Analysis of his 2014-2016 publications reveals consistent focus on viscoelastic composite structures, with significant contributions to flutter prediction models, nuclear component stability, and flight data system innovation. His research integrates computational modeling with experimental validation to address real-world challenges in material degradation and structural performance. Key recognitions include: GARDN II Turboprop Flight Advisory System projects (2016-2017) Partners in Research Virtual Researcher Award (2014) Carleton Student Engineering Society "Best Professor" Award (2014) Dr. Merrett teaches core aerospace courses AE350 (Analysis of Aircraft Structures) and AE458 (Design of Aircraft Structures), while his research is supported through industry-academic collaborations like the GARDN II initiatives. His educational publications demonstrate commitment to innovative pedagogy in engineering design instruction. He conducts experimental and theoretical research through Clarkson's Center for Advanced Materials Processing (CAMP), utilizing specialized facilities for materials testing under extreme thermal and mechanical loads relevant to aerospace and nuclear applications.
Albina Tropina is a Research Professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Texas A&M University. Her primary affiliation is with the College of Engineering, focusing on advanced plasma physics and combustion engineering. She holds a D.Sc., Ph.D., and M.S. from Ukrainian institutions, including the National Aviation University and V.N. Karazin National University. Education: D.Sc., Mechanics of Liquid, Gas and Plasma, National Aviation University, Kyiv, Ukraine Ph.D., Mechanics of Liquid, Gas and Plasma, V.N. Karazin National University, Kharkiv, Ukraine M.S., School of Mechanics and Mathematics, V.N. Karazin National University, Kharkiv, Ukraine Research Interests: Tropina specializes in plasma-assisted combustion, ignition systems for engines, turbulent flows, and nonequilibrium plasma dynamics. Her work integrates experimental and computational methods to advance ignition technologies and plasma applications in high-speed flows. Key topics include femtosecond laser-induced filaments, dual-pulse ignition systems, and aero-optical effects in hypersonic environments. Awards & Honors: “Honorary Professor of Science,” Ukrainian Ministry of Education and Science (2016) Fulbright Grant, US Department of State (2009–2010) Window on Science Program, Air Force Office of Scientific Research (2011–2014) Advising & Grants: Tropina has led multiple research initiatives funded by agencies like the Air Force Office of Scientific Research and the US Department of State. Her work emphasizes collaborations, including a visiting scientist role at Princeton University’s Applied Physics Lab (2014–2015). She contributes to plasma simulation models and experimental setups for ignition systems. Labs & Teams: Her research is part of the Plasma Simulation Laboratory at Texas A&M, focusing on modeling plasma-assisted ignition, combustion, and detonation processes. She also engages in computational fluid dynamics and high-resolution diagnostics for plasma dynamics.
Sandra Gail Biedron is a Research Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of New Mexico (UNM), with a secondary appointment in Mechanical Engineering. Previously, she held roles at Colorado State University (CSU) as an Affiliate Professor and at Argonne National Laboratory. She leads Element Aero, a research company, and has served as a Visiting Professor at the University of Ljubljana. Her expertise spans particle accelerators, laser systems, AI-driven controls, and applications in security/defense. Education: B.A. in Chemistry and Biology, Trinity Christian College (1994) Ph.D. in Accelerator Physics, Lund University (2001) Research Interests: Particle accelerator systems and laser technologies AI integration in complex systems (e.g., controls, prediction) Security/defense applications (e.g., detectors, sensors) Quantum information science (Coulomb crystals in storage rings) High-power lasers and free-electron lasers (FELs) Accelerator-based science, including dark matter detection Awards & Recognition: IEEE Nuclear and Plasma Sciences Society Award (2018) George T. Abell Mid-Career Faculty Award (2013) APS Fellow, OSA Senior Member, SPIE Fellow Advising & Projects: Ph.D. students: Aasma Aslam (UNM/Computer Science), Jorge Diaz Cruz (UNM/ECE), Reza Pirayesh (UNM/ME) Lead roles in DOE projects, defense contracts, and international collaborations Deputy Lead Engineer for a Boeing defense project Labs & Teams: Research group includes postdocs and scholars (e.g., Trudy Bolin, Salvador Sosa) Collaborations at Brookhaven National Lab (ATF), CERN, and Sincrotrone Trieste
