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Alexander RubanView profile

Professor

• Photosynthesis
• Light Harvesting
• Chloroplast Adaptation
• +4 more

Prof Alexander Ruban is a Professor in Biophysics at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), affiliated with the School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences. He leads research in the Centre for Molecular Cell Biology and the Centre for Biodiversity and Sustainability. His work focuses on photosynthesis mechanisms, light harvesting, chloroplast adaptation, and photoprotection. Ruban's research employs advanced spectroscopic and biochemical techniques to explore how plants regulate energy distribution under varying light conditions. He has contributed extensively to understanding the structural and functional dynamics of light-harvesting complexes and their role in non-photochemical quenching (NPQ). Key interests include the molecular basis of photoprotection, carotenoid function, and the interplay between membrane lipid composition and photosynthetic efficiency. His studies often involve interdisciplinary approaches, combining biophysics, biochemistry, and genetics to address fundamental questions in plant biology. Ruban has published over 200 peer-reviewed articles, with recent work highlighting novel insights into PsbS protein functionality, lipid-protein interactions in thylakoid membranes, and the impact of environmental stress on photosynthetic systems. Notable contributions include identifying mechanisms behind NPQ activation, characterizing the role of hydrophobic mismatch in energy dissipation, and elucidating the structural basis of light-harvesting antenna reorganization. Ruban collaborates globally, contributing to international initiatives in plant bioenergy and sustainability. His research group actively investigates applications of photosynthetic systems in biotechnology and climate resilience.

Hans Jakob WörnerView profile

Professor

• Ultra-Fast Spectroscopy
• Physical Chemistry
• Molecular Dynamics
• +5 more

Prof. Dr. Hans Jakob Wörner is a Full Professor of Physical Chemistry and Head of the Laboratory of Physical Chemistry at ETH Zürich's Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences. His research focuses on ultra-fast molecular spectroscopy with attosecond resolution (10 -18 s), aiming to characterize molecular valence shell dynamics through novel experimental methods. He leads the Atto Group, developing attosecond X-ray and laser spectroscopy techniques for studying electron and nuclear dynamics in liquids, clusters, and gases. Education: BSc (2003) and PhD (2007) in Physical Chemistry from ETH Zürich. Postdoctoral Work: Laboratoire Aimé Cotton (France) and National Research Council (Canada). Roles: Full Professor since 2013, ERC Consolidator Grant recipient (2017), and numerous international awards including the Coblentz Award (2018). Research interests include attosecond electron dynamics in molecules, liquids, and clusters; X-ray transient absorption spectroscopy; and intermolecular Coulombic decay in liquids. His lab pioneered attosecond techniques for imaging electron wave packets and studying conical intersection dynamics in aqueous systems. Awards: New Horizon Lectureship (2020) Coblentz Award (2018) ERC Consolidator Grant (2017) Carus Medal (2015) Young Academy Membership (2013) Lab & Collaborations: The Laboratory of Physical Chemistry at ETH Zürich focuses on ultrafast dynamics with state-of-the-art attosecond sources and liquid-jet technologies. Current projects explore proton transfer in aqueous solutions and Jahn-Teller effects in molecular cations.

Rolf ErniView profile

Professor

• Electron Microscopy
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• +3 more

Rolf Erni is a Professor and Lecturer at the Department of Materials, ETH Zurich, and the head of the Electron Microscopy Center at Empa, Dübendorf. He has held academic and research roles since 2013, including adjunct positions at institutions such as the University of Antwerp's EMAT institute and FEI Company. His career includes postdoctoral research at UC Davis and NCEM (Lawrence Berkeley Lab), followed by industry roles before returning to academia. Education: PhD in Materials Science from ETH Zurich (formerly Institute of Applied Physics), followed by postdoctoral training in the U.S. and Europe. His research focuses on advanced electron microscopy techniques, including atomic resolution, low-voltage, in-situ methods, and valence electron energy-loss spectroscopy. Applications span nanomaterials, semiconductor structures, functional oxides, and interplanetary dust particles. He collaborates widely, contributing to interdisciplinary studies at the atomic scale. Awards & Grants: ERC Consolidator Grant (2015), ETH Medal (2003), and recognition as a Distinguished Senior Researcher (2021). Teaching includes specialized courses on electron and ion microscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy at ETH Zurich. He leads Empa's microscopy center, fostering cutting-edge imaging and analytical capabilities.

Jan Gerrit HorstmannView profile

Researcher

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Materials Science
• Ferroic Materials
• +5 more

Jan Gerrit Horstmann is a Researcher at ETH Zürich's Department of Multifunctional Ferroic Materials since October 2022. His work focuses on correlation dynamics in systems with coexisting electronic, magnetic, and structural orders, emphasizing microscopic heterogeneity effects like domains and domain walls. He develops ultrafast imaging techniques to study these phenomena with high spatiotemporal resolution. He earned his Physics PhD from the University of Göttingen (2021), where his research involved ultrafast low-energy electron diffraction (ULEED) and optical spectroscopy to investigate nonequilibrium structural dynamics in low-dimensional materials. His doctoral work demonstrated coherent control of solid-state phase transitions via phonon mode manipulation. Education: PhD in Physics, University of Göttingen, 2021 His research interests include ultrafast dynamics, domain engineering, and phase transitions. Notably, he pioneered timed femtosecond laser sequences to control phonon modes and demonstrated metastable phase stabilization in indium wires on silicon surfaces. Awards: 2023 SNSF Swiss Postdoctoral Fellowship 2022 ETH Postdoctoral Fellowship 2021 Born-Franck-Dissertation Award (University of Göttingen) His publications span 2018–2025, covering topics like charge-density wave dynamics, ferroic domain control, and surface structural transitions. Current projects involve thermal quenching effects and valley-controlled nanoscale switching in multiferroic systems.

• Neurotransmitter Transport Proteins
• Neuropsychiatric Disorders
• Structural Biology
• +5 more

Dr. Satinder Kaur Singh is an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Cellular & Molecular Physiology at Yale University School of Medicine. Her research focuses on the atomic-level mechanisms of neurotransmitter transporters, particularly serotonin (SERT) and dopamine (DAT) transporters, which are critical targets for antidepressants, antipsychotics, and illicit drugs. PhD in Biochemistry & Molecular Biophysics from University of Minnesota Postdoctoral training at Oregon Health and Science University and Columbia University Her work combines X-ray crystallography, hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS), and molecular dynamics simulations to investigate transporter conformational changes, substrate/ion specificity, and antagonist binding sites. Current projects aim to elucidate disease-associated polymorphisms in OCD and depression while advancing structure-based drug design. Key publications span 2014–2019, covering topics like paroxetine binding mechanisms, LeuT dynamics in lipid bilayers, and VMAT homologue functional residues. Awards include the NARSAD Independent Investigator Award and NIH K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award. Email: satinder.k.singh@yale.edu Office: 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT

Rodrigo BernalView profile

Associate Professor

• Nanomechanical Engineering
• Multiphysics Phenomena
• Nanomaterials
• +3 more

Rodrigo Bernal is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Texas at Dallas' Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science. He leads the Nanomechanical Multiphysics Lab , focusing on advanced nanomaterial characterization and multiphysics phenomena. His work integrates experimental techniques like in-situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with computational modeling to study nanoscale mechanical properties and failure mechanisms. Education: Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University (2014) Postdoctoral Fellowship in Mechanical Engineering, University of Pennsylvania (2016) Research interests include nanomechanical behavior of materials, MEMS/NEMS device mechanics, and additive manufacturing of nanoscale structures. His lab specializes in high-resolution imaging and mechanical testing of nanomaterials, particularly silver, gold, and diamond-like carbon systems. Recent work emphasizes electromigration in flexible electronics, adhesion mechanisms at 2D material interfaces, and high-throughput nanomaterial testing. Advising: Currently accepting undergraduate and graduate students Focus areas: nanomaterials, in-situ TEM, and multiphysics modeling Laboratory: Nanomechanical Multiphysics Lab (ECSW 4.355E) Equipment: advanced TEM setups, nanoindentation systems, and localized pulsed electrodeposition tools

• 2D Materials
• Topological Insulators
• Defect Engineering
• +4 more

Hui Cai is an Assistant Professor of Physics at the University of California, Merced, affiliated with the School of Natural Sciences. Their research focuses on 2D materials, topological insulators, defect engineering, and optoelectronic properties. Key areas include synthesis of novel materials like PdSe₂ and GaTe, investigation of electronic and mechanical behavior in layered systems, and applications of machine learning for defect detection. Research interests emphasize structural phase transitions, environmental stability of nanomaterials, and quantum phenomena such as exciton-polariton condensation. Techniques employed include chemical vapor deposition, nanoindentation, and advanced microscopy (STEM). Notable contributions include studies on gallium chalcogenides, anisotropic semiconductors, and hybrid heterostructures. Ongoing work explores tunable electronic properties through defect control and mechanical characterization of 2D materials. Publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches at the intersection of materials science, condensed matter physics, and nanotechnology. No specific awards are listed, but the breadth and depth of their research portfolio reflect significant scholarly impact.

• Nanoparticle Analysis
• Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS/TOFMS)
• Environmental Chemistry
• +4 more

Alexander Gundlach-Graham is an Assistant Professor at Iowa State University, specializing in advanced mass spectrometry techniques and nanoparticle analysis. His work focuses on developing novel methodologies using inductively coupled plasma time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ICP-TOFMS) for characterizing engineered nanoparticles, environmental pollutants, and geological materials. He has pioneered techniques such as single-particle ICP-TOFMS for multi-element fingerprinting and online microdroplet calibration, enabling high-precision quantification of nanoparticles in complex matrices. His research bridges environmental science, materials science, and analytical chemistry, with applications in forensic analysis, water quality monitoring, and semiconductor material characterization. Dr. Gundlach-Graham’s educational background includes expertise in geochemistry and analytical instrumentation. He has contributed to instrument development, including digital quadrupole systems and capillary electrophoresis-ICP-MS interfaces. His work frequently integrates machine learning for data analysis and classification of nanoparticle populations. His research portfolio includes over 50 peer-reviewed articles, with recent emphases on wildfire-induced nanoparticle emissions, 3D printer aerosol toxicity, and nanomaterial fate in wastewater systems. He collaborates with environmental agencies and industrial partners to advance real-world analytical solutions.

John SchwabeView profile

Professor

• Structural Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Enzymology
• +4 more

Professor John Schwabe is a Professor of Structural Biology at the University of Leicester's Department of Molecular and Cell Biology. His research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of nuclear enzymes involved in gene regulation, particularly through the assembly of large molecular machines. His work has advanced knowledge of how these complexes interact with other proteins and are affected by diseases. He leads a group using cryo-electron microscopy to visualize molecular structures at atomic resolution, supported by the Regional Cryo-Electron Microscopy facility. His research interests include chromatin biology, histone deacetylase (HDAC) complexes, epigenetic regulation, and the structural basis of enzyme function. His studies integrate biochemical, structural, and cellular approaches to dissect the roles of these complexes in health and disease. Recent work explores the development of targeted proteolysis agents (PROTACs) to degrade specific HDACs for therapeutic applications. Publications highlight his contributions to understanding HDAC interactions, oncogenic Ras signaling, and cholesterol transport mechanisms. His findings bridge basic research and translational medicine, particularly in cancer and metabolic disorders. Awards and grants for his work are not explicitly listed in the provided text. His laboratory collaborates on cutting-edge structural biology projects, leveraging advanced imaging and biochemical techniques to unravel complex biological systems.

• Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
• Nanomaterials
• Nanoclusters and Nanoparticles
• +7 more

Professor Richard Palmer is a distinguished academic at Swansea University's Faculty of Science and Engineering, where he serves as Head of the Nanomaterials Lab within the Department of Engineering. He also holds a professorship at Nanjing University's School of Physics in China. With extensive experience in nanoscience research, Professor Palmer has established himself as a leading figure in nanomaterials and nanotechnology. Professor, Department of Engineering, Swansea University (2017-present) Head, Nanomaterials Lab, Swansea University (2017-present) Professor, School of Physics, Nanjing University, China (2015-present) Editor-in-Chief, Advances in Physics: X (2014-present) Professor Palmer earned his PhD in Physics from Cambridge University's Cavendish Laboratory and completed his undergraduate studies with First Class honors in Natural Sciences (Physics and Theoretical Physics) at Trinity Hall, Cambridge. His academic journey includes prestigious fellowships from the Royal Society and the 1851 Royal Commission. Professor Palmer's research focuses on nanoscience and nanotechnology , with particular expertise in nanomaterials, nanoclusters, nanocatalysts, nanosensors, and nanophotonics. His work explores neuromorphic systems for information processing, surface science including atomic manipulation, and innovations in instrumentation. The Nanomaterials Lab investigates nanoclusters (nanoparticles) using aberration-corrected electron microscopy, studying their atomic structure, metastability, and dynamics, with applications spanning catalysis, biomedicine, sensors, photonics, energy generation and storage, environmental applications, and semiconductor materials and devices. His extensive publication record shows consistent research output in nanomaterials characterization and applications, with recent work focusing on structural analysis of nanoclusters, plasmonic metasurfaces, environmental applications of nanomaterials, and neuromorphic computing systems. Professor Palmer's research demonstrates a strong interdisciplinary approach combining physics, materials science, and engineering. IOP Boys Medal dr. h.c. Hasselt University BVC Yarwood Medal EPSRC Fellowship Fellow of the Institute of Physics (IOP) Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales (LSW) Professor Palmer leads the Nanomaterials Lab, which comprises 3 faculty members (including himself), 3 postdocs, 8 graduate students, and 6 honorary staff members. His research has resulted in over 400 publications with more than 13,000 citations and an h-index of 58. He has developed 18 families of patent applications and founded three spin-out companies: Inanovate, Irresistible Materials, and Grove Nanomaterials. His research has been supported by numerous grants, including an EPSRC Fellowship. The Nanomaterials Lab is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including 4 nanoparticle beam sources, STEM, XPS, SEM, AFM, and 4-probe UHV STM. The lab operates across two locations: the Department of Engineering at Swansea University's Bay Campus and the Centre for Nanohealth at Singleton Campus. Professor Palmer's team actively investigates nanocluster formation, stability, and applications, with a strong emphasis on translating fundamental research into practical technologies.

Kartik SrinivasanView profile

Adjunct Professor

• Quantum Information Science
• Nanophotonics
• Nonlinear Optics
• +5 more

Kartik Srinivasan is an Adjunct Professor affiliated with the Joint Quantum Institute (JQI) at the University of Maryland and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Gaithersburg, MD. His research focuses on nanophotonic devices for quantum information science, metrology, and sensing, leveraging advanced fabrication techniques to enhance light-matter interactions. Key research areas include quantum frequency conversion , single-photon generation , microresonator frequency combs , and cavity optomechanics . His work integrates computational modeling, nanofabrication, and optoelectronic characterization to develop controllable platforms for quantum technologies and next-generation sensors. Recent contributions include breakthroughs in all-optical noise quenching , parametric synchronization of soliton microcombs , and visible wavelength microcomb generation . His group’s innovations in nanoscale electro-optomechanical transducers and integrated quantum photonics are advancing applications like quantum communication and high-precision imaging. Though no awards are explicitly listed here, his research has attracted significant attention, including a notable method for improving single-photon collection via 3D-printed polymer waveguides. His labs at NIST and JQI collaborate closely on integrated photonics design, fabrication, and characterization tools.

Daniel AngView profile

Researcher

• Quantum Sensing
• Precision Measurement
• Quantum Diamond Microscopy
• +4 more

Daniel Ang is a Researcher and staff scientist at the Quantum Technology Center (QTC) of the University of Maryland, working under Prof. Ron Walsworth. He leads efforts in quantum sensor development for directional detection of dark matter and neutrinos using nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond. Previously, he completed a PhD in atomic physics at Harvard University, contributing to the ACME EDM experiment to measure the electron's electric dipole moment. Education: PhD in Atomic Physics, Harvard University (2023) Bachelor's in Physics, Amherst College (2015) Research Focus: Quantum sensing with NV centers for dark matter/neutrino detection Development of quantum materials (hexagonal boron nitride, silicon carbide) Super-resolution microscopy and strain sensing techniques Machine learning-driven molecular dynamics simulations ACME Experiment Contributions: Optimized ThO molecule lifetime measurements Improved photodetector and data acquisition systems Enhanced magnetic field control for EDM sensitivity Current Projects: 3-stage dark matter detector design using diamond segments 3D quantum diamond microscopy for nanoscale track imaging Collaboration with Sandia National Lab on ion-implanted damage tracks Labs/Teams: Quantum Technology Center (QTC) at University of Maryland, Walsworth Group.

Øystein PrytzView profile

Professor

• Solid State Physics
• Materials Physics
• Electron Energy-Loss Spectroscopy (EELS)
• +4 more

Øystein Prytz is a Professor of Physics and Director of the Centre for Materials Science and Nanotechnology (SMN) at the University of Oslo (UiO). He leads interdisciplinary research in energy-related materials, focusing on electron microscopy techniques like STEM-EELS to study nanoscale electronic and structural properties. His work emphasizes functional materials for energy capture, conversion, and storage, as well as semiconductor nanostructures. Affiliations: SMN, Department of Physics, UiO Education: PhD in Physics (2007), Cand. scient. in Physics (2003) Research interests include radiation tolerance in semiconductors (e.g., Ga₂O₃), defect engineering, and nanomaterial characterization. He managed NORTEM (Oslo node) from 2011–2023, a national infrastructure for electron microscopy, and now directs SMN, coordinating over 100 researchers across physics and chemistry. Key contributions include advancements in STEM-EELS methodology for band gap mapping and defect analysis, as well as studies on gallium oxide polymorphs and plasmonic materials. His work bridges theory and experiment to advance functional materials for quantum technology, catalysis, and renewable energy systems.

Shengwang DuView profile

Research Professor

• Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics
• Quantum Optics
• Quantum Computing
• +3 more

Shengwang Du is an Affiliate Research Professor of Physics at The University of Texas at Dallas (2025–2025) and currently holds a Professor position at Purdue University's Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Department of Physics and Astronomy (2025–Present). He previously served as a Professor at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (2017–2020) and held roles from 2008–2020 there, including Associate and Assistant Professor. His research focuses on AMO Physics, Quantum Optics, and Optical Imaging, with notable contributions to quantum networks, quantum computing, and super-resolution microscopy. He has been recognized as a Fellow of the American Physical Society (2019) and Optica (2019), and an Elected Member of the Hong Kong Young Academy of Sciences (2020). Education: PhD in Physics, University of Colorado Boulder (2005) MS in Electrical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder (2002) MS in Physics, Peking University (1999) BS in Electrical Engineering, Nanjing University (1996) Minor in Computer Science, Nanjing University (1995) Research Interests: Atomic, Molecular & Optical Physics (Laser Cooling/Trapping) Quantum Optics (Quantum Information Science, Quantum Computing) Optical Imaging (Nanostructure and Bioimaging Techniques) His work bridges quantum systems with practical applications, such as all-optical neural networks and precision sensors using nitrogen-vacancy centers. Grants & Labs: Recipient of a $5M NSF grant (2023) for quantum information processing research Founder of the Du Group - Quantum Optics Lab at UT Dallas Developed LiTone, a 5D light-sheet microscopy technology for live-cell imaging

• Materials Science
• Atom Probe Tomography
• Nanoscale Characterization
• +3 more

Baptiste Gault is a part-time Professor of atomic scale characterisation at Imperial College London and a permanent Group Leader in Atom Probe Tomography at the Max Planck Institute for Sustainable Materials . He is renowned for pioneering advancements in atom probe tomography (APT) for nanoscale materials characterization, particularly in energy materials and alloys. Education : PhD in Physics (2007) from Université de Rouen, France. His research focuses on hydrogen in energy materials , grain boundary engineering , and electrochemical processes in batteries , leveraging cryogenic APT and correlative microscopy techniques. He has led ERC-funded projects on nanoscale materials analysis . Recent publications highlight his work on APT methodology development for energy storage materials, correlative electron microscopy , and machine learning applications in microstructure imaging . Scientific Awards : ERC Consolidator Grant (2018), Marie Curie Research Fellowship (2009-2010). He collaborates extensively with institutions like Oxford, Sydney, and McMaster Universities, leading a multidisciplinary team at the intersection of materials science, electrochemistry, and advanced microscopy .