Olga Sorkine-Hornung is a Professor of Computer Science at ETH Zurich and head of the Institute of Visual Computing. She leads the Interactive Geometry Lab, focusing on theoretical and practical advancements in digital content creation, geometry processing, and shape modeling. Current position: ETH Zurich, Department of Computer Science Previous roles: Courant Institute (NYU), Technical University of Berlin Education: BSc and PhD from Tel Aviv University, postdoc at TU Berlin Her research spans shape representation, digital fabrication, computer animation, and fundamental geometry processing. Key contributions include Laplacian surface editing, as-rigid-as-possible deformation, and generalized winding numbers. She works on applications in VR, AR, and autonomous systems. Awards include Test of Time Awards (2024), ACM Fellow (2020), ERC Consolidator Grant (2020), and EUROGRAPHICS Young Researcher Award (2008). She has supervised numerous students and co-developed software libraries like libigl and Instant Meshes . Co-chair roles for SIGGRAPH, Eurographics, and Pacific Graphics Editorial board member for ACM Transactions on Graphics and other journals Keynote speaker at VMV, CVPR, and SIAM conferences Her work bridges mathematical rigor with practical implementation, advancing computer graphics and geometry processing through intuitive algorithms that maintain surface detail while enabling efficient computation.
Prof. Dr. Markus Zimmermann leads the Chair of Product Development and Lightweight Design at the Technical University of Munich (TUM). With a background in mechanical engineering from TU Berlin and the University of Michigan, and a doctorate from MIT on solid-state singularities, he bridges academic rigor with industrial application. His career spans 12 years at BMW focusing on vehicle development before transitioning to academia. Specializes in solution space engineering for robust design Expert in additive manufacturing and systems engineering Develops methodologies for managing design complexity and uncertainty His research focuses on multidisciplinary design optimization and lightweight structures , particularly in robotics and automotive systems . His team applies digital twin frameworks and attribute dependency graphs to enhance design processes. Recent publications emphasize topology optimization in robotic systems and thermal management for medical X-ray sources. Key trends in his 2024-2025 publications include: Topological optimization for additive manufacturing and robotics Application of solution spaces to manage design uncertainty Development of compact X-ray systems for medical therapy Integration of digital twin technologies in industrial contexts
Xianguo Li is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering at the University of Waterloo, Canada. He holds prestigious fellowships including Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering (FCAE), Fellow of the Engineering Institute of Canada (FEIC), and Fellow of the Canadian Society for Mechanical Engineering (CSME). His primary research focuses on thermal fluid science, energy systems, and fuel cell technology, with a strong emphasis on green energy solutions. **Education**: 1989: Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, USA 1986: Master's in Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, USA 1982: Bachelor's in Thermal Energy Engineering, Tianjin University, China **Research Interests**: His work spans fuel cells, spray dynamics, fluid dynamics, heat and mass transfer, power generation, and renewable energy systems. He leads the Fuel Cell and Green Energy Lab, advancing innovations in energy storage, propulsion systems, and sustainable technologies. **Awards**: Outstanding Performance Award (University of Waterloo, 2007) Frank Walk Service Award (2001) Best Paper Award (2003) Recipient of the Simpson Fellowship (1988) **Advising & Grants**: He supervises graduate students and research associates in projects funded by NSERC, Auto 21, CFI, and industry partners. His lab collaborates on fuel cell durability, thermal management, and green energy policy initiatives. **Editorial Roles**: Founding Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Green Energy , Field Chief Editor of Frontiers in Thermal Engineering , and serves on dozens of editorial boards. He chairs major conferences like the International Green Energy Conference and the World Fuel Cell Conference series.
Zoya Popovic is a Distinguished Professor and holds the Lockheed Martin Endowed Chair in RF Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder's Department of Electrical, Computer, and Energy Engineering. She earned a Dipl.Ing. from the University of Belgrade (1985) and a PhD from Caltech (1990). She has advised over 50 PhD students and was a visiting professor at Technical University of Munich (2001). Her research focuses on high-efficiency microwave/millimeter-wave circuits, smart antenna arrays, wireless powering systems, and biomedical microwave applications. Notable contributions include quasi-optical imaging techniques and low-noise amplifier designs. Key awards: IEEE Microwave Prizes (1993/2006), Humboldt Research Award (2000), Terman Medal (2001) Lab Group Website: [Link] Recent work emphasizes in-band full-duplex systems, GaN MMICs, and quantum-based waveform modulation. Her group maintains advanced facilities for millimeter-wave and terahertz research.
Nedim Pervan is a Full Professor at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. His academic position focuses on mechanical engineering with emphasis on product design, structural analysis, and biomechanical applications. He maintains an active research profile with numerous publications and collaborations across various engineering disciplines, with office hours every workday from 09:00 to 10:00 in room 314. Professor Pervan's research interests span multiple domains of mechanical engineering. He has made significant contributions to additive manufacturing, particularly in polymer gear production and analysis. His work explores mechanical properties, failure mechanisms, and service life of polymer gears manufactured through additive processes. Additionally, he has conducted extensive research on external fixation devices used in orthopedic treatments, analyzing their biomechanical characteristics and structural stability under various loading conditions. His expertise extends to finite element analysis, structural optimization, and the application of 3D scanning technologies within Industry 4.0 contexts. His research demonstrates a strong connection between theoretical engineering principles and practical applications across automotive, medical devices, and manufacturing industries. His recent publication record reveals a strong trend toward interdisciplinary research bridging mechanical engineering with biomedical applications and advanced manufacturing technologies. A significant portion of his work focuses on polymer gears and additive manufacturing, examining material properties and performance characteristics. Another substantial research stream involves biomechanical engineering, particularly the analysis of external fixation devices. His publications demonstrate a methodological approach combining experimental testing with finite element analysis. More recently, his research has expanded into 3D scanning applications in manufacturing and the electrification of transportation systems in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Professor Pervan has been involved in numerous research projects that have advanced the capabilities of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. These include the "Integrated Intelligent CAD System for Interactive Design, Analysis and Prototyping of Compression and Torsion Springs" (2022), "Opremanje Laboratorije za razvoj i dizajn proizvoda" (2020), and "Modernizacija Laboratorije za ispitivanje mašinskih konstrukcija" (2019-2020). These projects have focused on developing advanced laboratory facilities, intelligent CAD systems, and equipment for mechanical design and analysis, with several specifically targeting 3D scanning technology implementation. His collaborative work extends across multiple research teams within the Department of Mechanical Constructions at the University of Sarajevo. He frequently collaborates with researchers including Adis Muminović, Elmedin Mešić, and Muamer Delić on projects related to additive manufacturing, biomechanical engineering, and structural analysis. His research group appears actively involved in both theoretical and applied engineering research with practical industrial and medical applications, contributing significantly to Bosnia and Herzegovina's engineering research landscape.
Prof. Alexander Pretschner is a Professor of Software & Systems Engineering at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and Founding Director of the Bavarian Research Institute for Digital Transformation (bidt). He also serves as Scientific Director of fortiss, a Bavarian research institute for software-intensive systems. His research focuses on software engineering, testing, information security, and ethical software development. Pretschner holds a PhD from TUM and has held academic positions at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and TU Kaiserslautern. He is a co-editor of several prestigious journals, including IEEE Transactions on Reliability and the Journal of Software Testing, Verification and Reliability. Education: PhD in Computer Science, Technical University of Munich MSc in Computer Science, University of Kansas (on Fulbright Scholarship) Diplom in Computer Science, RWTH Aachen University Research Interests: His work spans testing methodologies, secure software design, and ethical considerations in agile development. Notable contributions include frameworks for metamorphic testing, distributed data usage control, and accountability mechanisms for cyber-physical systems. Awards: IBM Faculty Award (2012, 2013) Google Focused Research Award (2011, 2012) EARTO Innovation Prize (2014) 2nd Platz Supervisory Award (2020) Advising & Grants: Pretschner has supervised numerous PhD and Master’s students, contributing to over 200 publications. He leads projects like EDAP (Ethical Deliberation in Agile Processes) and collaborates with industry partners on cybersecurity and AI ethics initiatives. Labs & Teams: His work is anchored in bidt, fortiss, and TUM’s Chair of Software & Systems Engineering, focusing on societal impacts of digitalization and trustworthy AI systems.
Dr. G.K. Knopf is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical & Materials Engineering at Western University, Canada. He holds a Ph.D. (1991), M.Sc. (1987), and B.E. (1984) from the University of Saskatchewan. His work bridges product design, advanced manufacturing, and bio-inspired technologies. Research Focus: Dr. Knopf’s research spans 3D shape reconstruction , laser microfabrication , micro-optics , and bioelectronic imaging arrays . Recent projects emphasize light-driven actuators , flexible electronics , and graphene-based inks for printing circuits on unconventional substrates like silk and paper. Publications: Over 150 peer-reviewed works, including two edited CRC Press volumes ( Smart Biosensor Technology , Optical Nano and Micro Actuator Technology ). Key contributions involve non-lithographic fabrication , bacteriorhodopsin photodetectors , and self-organizing feature maps for data visualization. Awards/Patents: Co-inventor of two U.S. patents (6,542,249 for 3D surface measurement; 7,573,024 for bioelectronic imaging arrays). Teaching: Leads graduate courses in Medical Device Design and Optomechatronic Systems , as well as undergraduate Mechatronics and Medical Device Development courses.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Thomas Zwick is a full professor and director of the Institute of High Frequency Engineering and Electronics (IHE) at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). He holds a Dipl.-Ing. (M.S.E.E.) and Dr.-Ing. (Ph.D.E.E.) from the University of Karlsruhe. His career includes roles at IBM Research (2001–2004), Siemens AG (2004–2007 managing automotive radar teams), and KIT since 2007. He leads research in high-frequency technologies, antennas, radar systems, and wireless communications. Research interests include radio wave propagation, antenna design, automotive radar architectures, and millimeter-wave systems. He has authored/co-authored over 400 papers, 20 patents, and received IEEE Fellow status (2018), honorary doctorate from Budapest University (2022), and membership in the Heidelberg Academy and acatech. His work emphasizes integrating sensing and communication systems, 3D-printed RF components, and high-frequency measurement techniques. Teaching focuses on high-frequency engineering, electronic circuits, and radar systems. He oversees the IHE’s laboratories, including the Microwave Engineering Lab and Student Innovation Lab. Recent work explores sub-THz communication, RIS-aided ISAC systems, and beamforming for reduced EMF exposure in urban scenarios.
Deji Akinwande is a Professor and holds the Cockrell Family Regents Chair in Engineering #8 at The University of Texas at Austin's Chandra Family Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. He earned his PhD in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University (2009) and an MS in Applied Physics from Case Western Reserve University. His research focuses on 2D materials, nanotechnology, and flexible electronics, with breakthroughs in atomristors, graphene-based biosensors, and wearable electronic tattoos. Key achievements include pioneering work on silicene, being elevated to IEEE Fellow (2021), and receiving the PECASE Award (Obama administration). His lab, the Akinwande Nano Research Group, explores nanoelectronics, bioelectronics, and RF systems for societal applications like health monitoring and 6G communications. Education: PhD, Electrical Engineering, Stanford University, 2009 MS, Applied Physics, Case Western Reserve University Awards: 2021 IEEE Fellow APS Fellow (2017) PECASE Award Moore Inventor Fellowship His research spans neuromorphic computing, flexible sensors, and energy-efficient memory devices. Over 100+ publications highlight his work on graphene, MXenes, and 2D material applications. He co-authored a textbook on carbon nanotubes and graphene (Cambridge University Press, 2011) and serves as an IEEE Distinguished Lecturer and editor for Nature NPJ 2D Materials . Lab and Collaborations: The Akinwande Nano Lab develops scalable 2D electronics, wearable health monitors, and next-gen RF components. Recent grants include NSF CHIPS Act funding and DoD support for 6G switches and neuromorphic hardware.
Elyse Rosenbaum is the Melvin and Anne Louise Hassebrock Professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She also serves as the Acting Associate Dean for Research at the Grainger College of Engineering. She is the director of the NSF-supported Center for Advanced Electronics through Machine Learning (CAEML), a collaboration between the University of Illinois, North Carolina State University, and Penn State University. Education: Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, 1992 M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Stanford University B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Cornell University (with distinction) Research Interests: Her research focuses on machine learning applications in electronics, ESD-robust high-speed I/O circuit design, compact modeling, behavioral modeling of circuits, and CDM-ESD protection for advanced packaging technologies. Scientific Awards: IEEE Fellow for contributions to electrostatic discharge reliability of integrated circuits Best Student Paper Award, IEDM Outstanding and Best Paper Awards, EOS/ESD Symposium Technical Excellence Award, SRC NSF CAREER Award IBM Faculty Award ESD Association’s Industry Pioneer Recognition Award Advising and Grants: She supervises graduate and undergraduate researchers, primarily focusing on those with strong academic records and relevant experience. Her work is supported by NSF and other prominent organizations. Labs and Teams: She leads the CAEML center, which aims to apply machine learning to optimize microelectronic circuits and systems, enhancing design automation and reliability.
Theo Hofman is an Associate Professor and Program Director in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). He specializes in integrated design methods for complex engineering systems, focusing on powertrain systems for automotive, maritime, and aerospace applications. His work emphasizes computational design synthesis, machine learning, and model-based optimization. Education: Hofman holds an MSc (1999) and PhD (2007) in Mechanical Engineering from TU/e. He has held roles at Thales Cryogenics and Drivetrain Innovations before joining TU/e. He also served as an Invited Professor at ETH Zurich and Université Polytechnique Hauts-de-France. Research Interests: His research spans hybrid electric vehicles, powertrain design, energy management systems, and sustainable transportation. Key areas include automated design tools, thermal management, and co-design of plant and control systems. Applications include electric trucks, ships, and aircraft. Articles Trends: His recent publications (2021–2025) emphasize electric vehicle infrastructure optimization, battery systems, and control strategies. Key themes include energy efficiency, thermal management, and co-design methodologies for automotive and mobility systems. Scientific Awards: IEEE VPPC 2024 Best Paper Award. Advising & Grants: He has supervised over 104 MSc, 14 PDEng, and 10 PhD students. Active projects include the 'Green Transport Delta' initiative (2021–2024) and Bosch Transmission collaborations. His courses include 'Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Powertrain Design' and 'Automotive Systems Engineering Project.' Labs/Teams: He leads the Group Hofman and collaborates with the MEGEVH (France) and TU/e’s EAISI Mobility initiative. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to affordable and clean energy, industry innovation, and climate action.
Bertan Bakkaloglu is the On Semiconductor Professor in the School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering at Arizona State University (ASU), where he has been since 2004. Prior to ASU, he worked at Texas Instruments focusing on analog, mixed-signal, and RF SoC development for communication transceivers. His research expertise spans RF and mixed-signal IC design, wireless/wireline communication systems, and broadband communication systems. Education: Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Oregon State University (1995) M.S.C. in Electrical Engineering, University of Houston (1992) Research Interests: RF and mixed-signal integrated circuits Power management ICs (including LDO regulators and DC-DC converters) High-efficiency power delivery systems Radiation-hardened electronics for space applications MEMS-based sensor systems Biomedical circuits for implantable devices Grants & Collaborations: Over 40+ funded research projects with institutions like NASA/JPL, BAE Systems, and NSF, focusing on power electronics, space systems, and biomedical applications Key projects include radiation-hardened converters, self-calibrating DACs, and implantable medical device circuits Industry partnerships with Texas Instruments, Space Micro, and FLIR Professional Activities: Technical committee member for IEEE Radio Frequency Integrated Circuits Conference Founding chair of IEEE Solid-State Circuits Society Phoenix Chapter
Prof. Bernhard U. Seeber is an Extraordinary Professor at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), leading the Chair of Audio Signal Processing within the TUM School of Computation, Information and Technology. His work bridges auditory neuroscience and engineering, focusing on improving hearing aids, cochlear implants, and virtual acoustic systems. He holds affiliations with the Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience, Munich Institute of Biomedical Engineering, and others. Education: Studied and earned his PhD (2003) in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology at TUM. Postdoctoral research included time at UC Berkeley and the MRC Institute of Hearing Research (UK), where he pioneered studies on binaural hearing and cochlear implant optimization. Research Interests: Combines experimental and theoretical approaches to explore auditory scene analysis, binaural unmasking, and spatial hearing. Key areas include signal coding for cochlear implants, virtual acoustics, and non-destructive acoustic monitoring. His work emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration with industry and academia. Awards: Lothar Cremer Award (2010), Emmy Noether Fellowship (2007), and recognition from the German Acoustical Society. Teaching: Offers courses on audio communication, computational neuroscience, and technical acoustics. Projects: Leads initiatives like HAPPAA and Auralization, advancing sound field synthesis and hearing aid algorithms. Current Roles: Head of Chair of Audio Signal Processing, Board Member of DEGA, and spokesperson for the ITG Technical Committee on Hearing Acoustics.
Barbara Linke is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of California Davis, affiliated with the College of Engineering. She leads the Laboratory for Manufacturing and Sustainable Technologies Research (MASTeR) and serves as Principal Investigator at the Advanced Highway Maintenance and Construction Technology (AHMCT) Research Center. Her research focuses on sustainable manufacturing processes, abrasive machining, and smart manufacturing technologies, with applications in aerospace, biomedical, and automotive sectors. Dr. Linke holds a Dr.-Ing. habil. and has been recognized with the UC Davis Chancellor’s Fellow (2021-2022) and the Outstanding Junior Faculty Award from the College of Engineering. She advises the UC Davis Student Chapter of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) and the Women Machinists’ Club. She collaborates with the Fire Research Group at UC Berkeley and the Wildfires Research Working Group at UC Davis, integrating sustainability into wildfire-related infrastructure projects. Her research interests include energy-efficient manufacturing systems, lifecycle assessments, and the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies. Notable contributions include developing frameworks for sustainable additive and subtractive manufacturing, analyzing residual stresses in aluminum alloys, and advancing mobile 3D printing for disaster response. Her work bridges engineering education with cutting-edge research, emphasizing hands-on projects like the Shigley Hauler design competition. Dr. Linke’s labs and affiliations include the Materials Decarbonization and Sustainability Center and the UC Davis AI Center in Engineering, reflecting her commitment to interdisciplinary innovation. She has authored over 50 peer-reviewed articles, with recent focus on smart manufacturing systems, renewable energy integration in machining, and sustainable biomedical implant production.
Yonghwi Kwon is a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Virginia. His research focuses on software systems security, cyber forensics, and software engineering. He received the CAREER Award for developing dynamic defenses against cyber threats. His work emphasizes securing software from cyber attacks, recovering forensic evidence, and improving software testing and reverse engineering techniques. Key research areas include memory safety mechanisms, automated vulnerability detection in web applications and mobile systems, and forensic analysis of phishing campaigns. He has pioneered frameworks like CMASan for memory allocator-aware sanitization and Racedb for detecting race conditions in database-backed systems. His contributions span cloud security automation, kernel exploitation analysis, and embedded system fuzzing. Notable achievements include the 2025 CAREER Award supporting his dynamic defense research, and impactful publications in areas like Android information leakage detection (DryJIN), Bluetooth protocol fuzzing (BTFuzzer), and autonomous driving bug discovery (Drivefuzz). His work bridges theoretical computer science with practical cybersecurity solutions.
