Maj Keith A. Wyman, PhD is a researcher affiliated with the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), specializing in quantum optics and atmospheric photonics. His work focuses on photonic qubit propagation, atmospheric turbulence effects, and laser-based quantum technologies. He holds a PhD in Applied Physics from AFIT (2023), an M.S. in Applied Physics (2014), and dual B.S. degrees in Physics and Mathematics from the United States Air Force Academy (2012). Wyman’s research interests include developing atmospheric turbulence simulators, studying quantum communication protocols, and advancing laser technologies for free-space optical networks. His recent publications address photon pair indistinguishability, qubit degradation under turbulence, and sodium beacon systems for adaptive optics. He collaborates with institutions like Ohio State University’s Center for Quantum Information Science and Engineering. His academic contributions span conferences such as SPIE and FQMT, with a focus on experimental quantum systems and optical metrology. Wyman’s work bridges theoretical quantum mechanics with applied engineering solutions for military and civilian optical communication challenges.
Gianluca Iaccarino is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Stanford University and the Robert Bosch Chairholder. He serves as Director of the PSAAP Center and leads large-scale computational research initiatives in uncertainty quantification, exascale computing, and multiphysics simulations. His academic journey includes a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Politecnico di Bari (2005), postdoctoral work at Stanford's Center for Turbulence Research, and progression from Research Engineer to full Professor. Education : PhD (Politecnico di Bari), MS/BS in Aeronautical Engineering (University of Naples) Research : Computational engineering, turbulence modeling, uncertainty quantification, biomedical fluid dynamics, and exascale-ready algorithms Publications : 15+ recent articles focus on turbulence modeling, data-driven simulations, and uncertainty quantification across diverse applications in aerospace, biomedical, and energy systems Awards : PECASE (2010), APS Fellow (2019), multiple best paper awards (AIAA, ASME), Terman Fellow (2007) Students : Advises doctoral and master's students in mechanical engineering and computational methods Leadership : Director of PSAAP Center (2014-present), Chair of Mechanical Engineering Department (2024-present)
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)United States
Tapio Schneider is the Theodore Y. Wu Professor of Environmental Science and Engineering at the California Institute of Technology. His research focuses on atmospheric dynamics across Earth and other planets, climate modeling innovations, and geophysical turbulence analysis. He contributes to the Climate Modeling Alliance (CliMA) and develops advanced computational tools for climate prediction. Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg (Vordiplom, 1993) Princeton University (M.Sc. 1997, Ph.D. 2001) University of Washington, Seattle (Visiting Graduate Student, 1994-1995) His research spans climate dynamics , atmospheric turbulence , and AI-enhanced climate modeling , addressing challenges in cloud dynamics, extreme weather patterns, and planetary climate systems. Current work emphasizes hybrid machine learning-physical models and computational acceleration for high-resolution simulations. Recent publications highlight trends in AI integration for climate science, with applications in hydrology , cloud microphysics , ocean circulation , snowpack modeling , and climate tipping points . His team develops open-source tools like ClimateMachine for GPU-accelerated simulations. Scientific Recognition: Fellow, American Geophysical Union (2022) Rosenstiel Award (2019) World Economic Forum Young Scientist (2012) David and Lucile Packard Fellow (2005-2010) Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellow (2004-2006) Tapio leads climate dynamics research at Caltech, directs the Linde Center for Global Environmental Science (2011-2012), and serves as Editor for the Journal of Advances in Modeling Earth Systems . His group collaborates with NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (2016-2024) and Google Research (2022-present).
Peter A. Raymond is the Oastler Professor of Biogeochemistry at Yale University's School of the Environment and Department of Geology and Geophysics. He serves as Senior Associate Dean of Research & Director of Doctoral Studies and is Co-Director of the Yale Center for Natural Carbon Capture. Raymond leads the Raymond Biogeochemistry Lab, which investigates the biogeochemistry of inland waters, enhanced weathering, methane cycling, and blue carbon systems through cutting-edge field, laboratory, and modeling approaches. Education B.S., Marist College Ph.D., College of William and Mary/Virginia Institute of Marine Science Research Focus Raymond's research fundamentally reshapes our understanding of carbon cycling in aquatic systems, demonstrating that rivers serve as dynamic conduits rather than passive pipes in the global carbon cycle. His work examines how biology and watershed variables alter carbon chemistry in streams, rivers, and estuaries, with particular emphasis on understanding global carbon cycles in relation to climate change. Raymond employs radiocarbon measurements to explore the age and turnover of carbon in aquatic ecosystems, revealing that rivers are variable sources of both old and young terrestrial dissolved organic carbon to oceans. The Raymond Lab is particularly known for developing the Pulse-Shunt Concept, which challenges traditional views of riverine biogeochemistry by emphasizing the episodic and dynamic nature of elemental fluxes. Current research directions include enhanced weathering and alkalinity studies for carbon removal, global greenhouse gas budgets through projects like RECCAP 2, natural methane cycling in aquatic systems, and blue carbon ecosystems such as mangroves and salt marshes. Publication Trends Raymond's recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate a strong focus on global carbon and methane cycling, with particular attention to inland water systems' role in the Earth's climate system. His work increasingly integrates large-scale datasets with field measurements to understand how climate change and human activities affect greenhouse gas emissions from rivers and streams. A significant portion of his recent work contributes to international efforts like the Global Carbon Project, aiming to refine estimates of global carbon and methane fluxes. His research also shows growing emphasis on carbon removal strategies, particularly enhanced rock weathering through the Earthshot-funded GOAL-A project, and their potential for climate mitigation. Scientific Recognition Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science Member of the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering Coastal and Estuarine Research Federations Cronin Award for Young Scientists ISI highly cited author Past Editor and Chief of the American Geophysical Union's journal Global Biogeochemical Cycles Mentorship and Funding Professor Raymond currently mentors four doctoral students (Jon Gewirtzman, Shou-En "Samuel" Tsao, Benjamin Saalidong, and Mingyu Zhang) and masters student Bella Garrioch. His research is supported by multiple grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF), including CAREER awards, and participation in the Earthshot-funded GOAL-A (Global Ocean And Land Alkalinization) project. Raymond has also been involved in significant collaborative projects with USGS data to research how climate and land use change alter carbon export from US watersheds, and with Lamont Doherty to develop methods for measuring air-sea gas exchange of CO2 in rivers and estuaries. Research Infrastructure The Raymond Biogeochemistry Lab at Yale is a dynamic research group comprising research scientists, postdocs, doctoral and masters students, and postgraduate researchers. The lab recently acquired a Mini Carbon Dating System (MICADAS) at Yale, significantly expanding their research capabilities in ecosystem carbon turnover and verification of natural climate solutions. The lab collaborates globally on projects in the Arctic, Hudson River, and middle Atlantic Bight, and is actively involved in the NASA Carbon Monitoring System BlueFlux field campaign to assess carbon exchange in coastal wetlands.
University of North Carolina at Chapel HillUnited States
Barbara J. Turpin, PhD, is a Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. She specializes in aerosol science, atmospheric chemistry, and environmental engineering, with a focus on linking air pollution emissions to human exposure risks. Her research integrates laboratory experiments, chemical modeling, and field studies to advance public health protection strategies. Dr. Turpin holds a BS from the California Institute of Technology and a PhD from OGI at Oregon Health and Science University. Her work has contributed to understanding organic particulate formation, indoor-outdoor air pollution dynamics, and the health impacts of PM2.5. She currently serves on the EPA’s Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC) and is an Associate Editor of Environmental Science and Technology . Her research highlights include studies on aerosol chemistry in clouds, PM2.5 exposure disparities, and regulatory model development. Key awards include the Haagen-Smit Prize (2009) and AAAS Fellowship (2011). She actively advises on EPA air quality standards and collaborates with faculty in atmospheric chemistry and public health at UNC.
F. James Boerio is a Professor of Materials Science at the University of Cincinnati, affiliated with the School of Engineering Education. He holds a Ph.D. in Macromolecular Science from Case Western Reserve University, an M.S. in Macromolecular Science, and a B.S. in Physics from Case Institute of Technology. Education : Ph.D. (Case Western Reserve, 1971), M.S. (Case Western Reserve, 1968), B.S. (Case Institute of Technology, 1966). His research focuses on adhesion , plasma polymerization , and surface characterization using techniques like XPS, FTIR, VASE, and Raman spectroscopy. Key applications include rubber-to-metal bonding , corrosion inhibition , and nanoscale hybrid materials . His work has leveraged plasma reactors for in-situ characterization and large-volume plasma reactors for batch processing. Dr. Boerio’s recent publications emphasize plasma-polymerized films , interfacial analysis , and surface modification for adhesion and durability. He has explored carbon nanofiber actuators , breath figure films , and semiconductor/insulator interfaces , aligning with his expertise in materials science and engineering education. Scientific awards include: Outstanding Teacher by Engineering Tribunal (1983) Professor of the Year (2002-03) College of Engineering Research Award (1989) Dean’s Award for Educational Innovation (2001) Robert L. Patrick Fellow of The Adhesion Society (1997) Adhesion Society Award for Excellence (1999) He has secured significant grants from the National Science Foundation , Boeing , EPA , and others for projects on adhesion science , nanotechnology , and engineering education innovation . His leadership roles include Director of the School of Engineering Education and Interim Head of Materials Science and Engineering departments.
Marek Locmelis is an Associate Professor at the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences and the Bureau of Economic Geology within the Jackson School of Geosciences at the University of Texas at Austin. His research focuses on magmatic, hydrothermal, and sedimentary ore deposits, with an emphasis on critical mineral supply strategies, including recycling of mine waste and STEM education in economic geology. He holds a PhD from Macquarie University and prior roles at Missouri University of Science and Technology and NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. Education PhD in Earth and Planetary Sciences, Macquarie University (Australia) Diploma (MSc equivalent) and Pre-Diploma (BSc equivalent) in Geosciences, University of Hannover (Germany) Research Interests His work spans geochemistry, petrology, and planetary evolution, with a focus on critical minerals (e.g., lithium, rare earth elements) and novel exploration techniques. He investigates pathways to enhance domestic critical mineral recovery through reprocessing mine waste and optimizing production streams. His planetary research includes atmospheric toxicity studies and habitability potential of extraterrestrial environments. Awards Fellow of the Society of Economic Geology (SEG) SEG Graduate Student Fellowship Program Chair NSF CAREER Award (2020) NASA Postdoctoral Fellowship (2014) Advising & Grants Locmelis has advised postdocs and students through workshops on critical mineral resilience. His NSF CAREER project explores metal transport via magmatic-hydrothermal fluids. He co-organized conferences on critical minerals and led the Roadmaps Into the Geosciences (RIGS) program to support student career development. Labs & Teams He collaborates with the Bureau of Economic Geology and interdisciplinary teams in critical mineral research, combining fieldwork, geochemical analysis, and policy advocacy.
John Paisley is an Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering at Columbia University's Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, and a member of Columbia's Data Science Institute (DSI). He holds a B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Duke University (2004-2010), followed by postdoctoral research in Computer Science at Princeton University and UC Berkeley. His research focuses on Bayesian models, posterior inference techniques for Big Data, and applications in data analysis, recommendation systems, information retrieval, and compressed sensing. He has pioneered methods like Bayesian Gaussian Process ODEs and Double Normalizing Flows, with recent work emphasizing uncertainty quantification in environmental modeling and neuroimaging analysis. His collaborative workflows (e.g., bneR ) address air pollution exposure and PM2.5 concentration uncertainties, combining Bayesian nonparametric ensembles with geospatial data. He has also developed frameworks for neural network interpretability, image denoising, and compressed sensing MRI. Paisley's work bridges statistical theory and applied machine learning, with applications in healthcare, environmental science, and geophysics. His academic contributions include over 50 publications since 2016, spanning topics like deep metric learning, adversarial learning, and variational inference optimization. He maintains an active research group and serves on editorial boards for machine learning and signal processing journals.
Amilcare Porporato is the Thomas J. Wu '94 Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Princeton University, with joint appointment at High Meadows Environmental Institute. His research integrates hydrology, ecology, and thermodynamics to study soil-water interactions and sustainable resource management. Education includes: Ph.D. Polytechnic of Milan (1996) M.S. Civil Engineering, Polytechnic of Milan (1992) Research explores nonlinear hydrologic systems, soil moisture dynamics, ecohydrology, and environmental complexity using theoretical and experimental approaches. His work advances understanding of water-biota interactions across scales from pore-level processes to landscape evolution. Honors and Awards: Hydrologic Sciences Award, AGU Borland Lecturer American Geophysical Union Fellow Inaugural Landolt Chair, EPFL Teaches courses on Environmental Thermodynamics (ENV 385/CEE 385) and Ecohydrology (CEE 587/ENV 587).
Roles & Affiliations: Daniel J. Jacob is the Vasco McCoy Family Professor of Atmospheric Chemistry and Environmental Engineering at Harvard University. He leads the Atmospheric Chemistry Modeling Group at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, part of the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences. He has held academic ranks including Gordon McKay Professor (1994-2004) and Associate/Assistant Professor (1991-1994), and was a postdoc at Harvard (1985-1987). Education: Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering Science from Caltech (1985), Ingenieur Chimiste from École Supérieure de Physique et Chimie Industrielles (1981), and earlier studies at Lycee du Parc (Lyon). Research Interests: Jacob's work focuses on atmospheric chemistry, climate modeling, and air quality. Key areas include methane emissions, tropospheric ozone, satellite remote sensing, and global biogeochemical cycles. His research integrates field campaigns (e.g., SEAC4RS, ARCTAS) and chemical transport models (GEOS-Chem) to address environmental challenges like pollution and climate change. Publications & Awards: Jacob has authored over 550 peer-reviewed publications, with an H-index of 145 (ISI) and 184 (Google Scholar). Notable awards include the Haagen-Smit Prize (2010), Macelwane Medal (1994), and recognition for teaching and climate science leadership. His work on methane emissions and air quality has been featured in Nature , Science , and AGU journals. Grants & Advising: Jacob advises numerous PhD students and postdocs, many of whom hold academic or research roles globally. He leads international initiatives like the Carbon Mapper project and chairs committees for NASA and the National Academies. His grants support studies on methane detection, aerosol chemistry, and climate policy. Labs & Collaborations: The Atmospheric Chemistry Modeling Group collaborates with NASA, NOAA, and institutions worldwide. Key projects include the GEOS-Chem model, TROPOMI satellite inversion analyses, and the Integrated Methane Inversion (IMI) tool for emissions monitoring.
Lorenzo M. Polvani is the Maurice Ewing and J. Lamar Worzel Professor of Geophysics at Columbia University, with dual appointments in the Department of Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics and the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences. He has taught at Columbia for over 30 years and received multiple teaching awards. PhD in Physical Oceanography, MIT/Woods Hole Joint Program (1988) MSc and BSc in Physics, McGill University His research spans Atmospheric Science , Climate Modeling , and Arctic Studies , focusing on geophysical fluid dynamics, radiative forcing, and climate sensitivity. Recent work examines nonlinear climate responses to CO2 variations, Arctic amplification mechanisms, and volcanic aerosol impacts. Scientific publications reveal trends in radiative forcing , Arctic sea ice dynamics , stratospheric ozone effects , and climate feedback interactions . Key tools include the ClimKern Python package for radiative feedback analysis. Notable research includes: Nonlinear precipitation responses to volcanic eruptions High CO2 forcing effects on North Atlantic Oscillation Cloud feedbacks reducing hydrological sensitivity Arctic amplification through radiative-advective equilibrium Stratospheric ozone impacts on tropical climate patterns
Dr. Yang Liu is the Chair and Gangarosa Distinguished Professor in the Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health at Emory University's Rollins School of Public Health. His research focuses on satellite remote sensing applications for public health, climate change impacts, and air pollution exposure modeling. He leads federally funded projects integrating satellite data into health studies and serves as a PI for the NIH-funded Climate & Health Actionable Research and Translation (CHART) Center. Education: Ph.D. (Harvard University), M.S. (University of California), B.S. (Tsinghua University). Professional Affiliations include NASA mission science teams and the ORISE Faculty Fellowship at CDC. Research interests span satellite aerosol retrieval, climate-health linkages, and machine learning in environmental statistics. Notable work includes advancing wildfire smoke health impacts, PM2.5 modeling, and climate dashboard development for Georgia. Awards include Gangarosa Distinguished Professorship, ORISE CDC Fellowship, and leadership in NIH/NASA initiatives. His lab develops innovative tools for environmental health monitoring and policy translation.
Aditi Das is a Full Professor in the School of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the Georgia Institute of Technology, College of Sciences. She leads the Das Laboratory, which focuses on the biochemistry and chemical biology of lipids, particularly studying cytochrome P450 enzymes and their role in lipid metabolism, endocannabinoid systems, and inflammatory pathways. Her educational background includes: B.Sc. in Chemistry from St. Stephen's College M.Sc. in Chemistry from Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (I.I.T) Ph.D. in Chemistry from Princeton University Postdoctoral research at Northwestern University (NSF-NSEC fellow) and Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois UC Professor Das's research interests center around understanding the physiological role of lipids in sustaining homeostasis and their implications in disease states such as neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. Her laboratory specializes in: Enzymology of cytochrome P450s, particularly CYP2J2 epoxygenase Metabolism of ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids and their derivatives Minor cannabinoid metabolism by cytochrome P450 enzymes Discovery of novel anti-inflammatory lipid metabolites and endocannabinoids Mechanistic studies of membrane proteins using nanodisc technology Her work bridges biochemistry, chemical biology, and pharmacology to uncover novel therapeutic targets related to lipid signaling pathways. Analysis of Professor Das's recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong focus on cannabinoid metabolism by cytochrome P450 enzymes, with particular emphasis on how these metabolic processes generate bioactive compounds that interact with the endocannabinoid system. Her research increasingly explores the therapeutic potential of omega-3 derived endocannabinoid epoxides in inflammatory and neurodegenerative conditions. The use of nanodisc technology for studying membrane proteins in near-native environments remains a consistent methodological thread throughout her work, enabling detailed mechanistic insights into enzyme function. Professor Das has received numerous prestigious awards recognizing her research excellence and teaching: 2024 NIH Outstanding Researcher Award (MIRA R35) for established investigators 2024 Vasser Woolley Faculty Fellowship 2023 Plenary Lecture at the International Society of the Study of Xenobiotics (ISSX) 2021 E.L.R. Stokstad Award 2019-2021 List of Teachers Ranked as Excellent 2019 Eicosanoid Research Foundation Young Investigator Award 2019 Zoetis Research Excellence Award 2019 Mary Swartz Rose Young Investigator Award 2015 National Scientist Development Award from the American Heart Association 2022 El Sohly Award from the American Chemical Society Professor Das actively mentors a diverse group of students and postdoctoral researchers, with several former lab members now holding faculty positions or working at prestigious institutions. Her laboratory has secured significant funding from NIH, NSF, and other sources to support research on lipid metabolism, cannabinoid pharmacology, and membrane protein biochemistry. Notable grants include an NIH R35 Outstanding Investigator Award (MIRA), an NIH R21 grant from NIDA, and multiple collaborative grants with other research groups. The Das Laboratory operates within the Petit Institute of Bioengineering and Biosciences (IBB) at Georgia Tech, utilizing state-of-the-art facilities for biochemical and biophysical studies. The lab specializes in nanodisc technology to study membrane proteins in near-native environments, with particular expertise in cytochrome P450 enzymes and their interactions with lipid substrates. Recent work has expanded into collaborative projects involving lipidomics, structural biology, and translational applications of lipid signaling research.
Jennifer C. McIntosh is a Professor and University Distinguished Scholar in the Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Arizona (UA), with a joint appointment in the Department of Geosciences. She is also an Adjunct Professor at the University of Saskatchewan. Her academic roles include teaching advanced hydrogeology courses and advising graduate students. She holds a BA in Geology-Chemistry from Whitman College, MS and PhD in Geology from the University of Michigan, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Johns Hopkins University. Her research focuses on the interplay between hydrology, geochemistry, and microbiology in the Earth’s crust, spanning micro-to-macro scales. Key projects include studying subsurface fluid dynamics, microbial methane production, and the impacts of climate and human activities on groundwater systems. She has applied these methods to critical zones, sedimentary basins, and oil/gas reservoirs, with fieldwork in the Colorado Plateau, Paradox Basin, and Western Canada. McIntosh has received numerous awards for research and teaching, including the Blitzer Award for Excellence in Teaching Physics-Related Sciences (2019) and the UA Distinguished Scholar Award (2017). She actively serves on national committees for the US EPA, National Academies, and Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board. Education: BA (Whitman College), MS/PhD (University of Michigan), Postdoc (Johns Hopkins University) Notable Awards: GSA Fellow (2019), CIFAR Earth 4D Program (2019), Morton K. Blaustein Fellowship (2004) Labs/Teams: Jemez River Basin Critical Zone Observatory, Siljan Impact Structure Research Group Future Works: Investigating anthropogenic impacts on deep groundwater systems and astrobiology of subsurface microbes
Dr. Rodney Weber is a Professor in the School of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences at Georgia Institute of Technology, part of the College of Sciences. His research focuses on atmospheric aerosols, urban air quality, and particle formation mechanisms. He holds a Ph.D. (1995) and M.S. (1991) in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Minnesota, and a B.S. (1987) from the University of Waterloo. Key research interests include atmospheric aerosol sources and processing, new particle formation via homogeneous nucleation, and aerosol growth processes. He develops novel instrumentation, such as the Particle Into Liquid Sampler (PILS), and leads field studies like the ALPACA project in Fairbanks, Alaska. His work bridges laboratory experiments and real-world atmospheric measurements. Dr. Weber has received awards including the Cullen-Peck Faculty Fellow Award (2007), Whitby Award (2005), and NASA Global Change Fellowship. His recent publications (2024–2025) address biomass burning plumes, urban pollution dynamics, and aerosol chemistry in cold climates. He collaborates on global initiatives like the NASA Atmospheric Tomography (ATom) mission and FIREX-AQ campaigns. His lab (ES&T 2107/2115) focuses on aerosol optical properties, reactive oxygen species in particulate matter, and the health effects of pollution. Research highlights include quantifying sulfur chemistry in Fairbanks and assessing oxidative potential of PM2.5 in urban environments.
