Find Academic Supervisors

• Geotechnical Engineering
• Soil Stabilization
• Materials Science
• +4 more

Dr. Arya Assadi Assadi Langroudi is an Associate Professor in the Department of Engineering at the University of East London, affiliated with the Architecture, Computing & Engineering research institute. His research focuses on geotechnical engineering, sustainable materials, and construction management, with a particular emphasis on soil stabilization, nanotechnology applications, and environmental adaptation of construction materials. He has contributed to advancements in nature-inspired solutions for ground engineering (NiSE) and the optimization of materials for small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the construction sector. His work integrates fractal geometry principles for sustainable design and explores the use of colloidal silica, nanobiosilica, and recycled materials to enhance soil properties. Notable projects include studies on pore-pressure effects in rocking foundations, liquefaction resistance of reinforced soils, and the formation of loess in UK environments. Dr. Langroudi's interdisciplinary approach bridges civil engineering, environmental science, and materials science to address challenges in sustainable infrastructure development. Research Interests : Geotechnical engineering, soil stabilization, biomimetic materials, construction supply chains, sustainable infrastructure, nanotechnology applications in geomechanics. Recent Trends in Articles : His recent work emphasizes sustainable material innovation, with a focus on colloidal nano-silica hydrosols for sand stabilization, fiber-reinforced soils for liquefaction resistance, and conceptual frameworks for MSME material procurement. He has also explored the environmental significance of loess deposits and the probabilistic modeling of ground properties for urban excavation projects.

Bhisham SharmaView profile

Associate Professor

• Acoustic Metamaterials
• Additive Manufacturing
• Elastic Wave Propagation
• +3 more

Bhisham Sharma is Associate Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Michigan Technological University, specializing in structural acoustics and advanced materials. Holding a Ph.D. in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Purdue University, he leads research at the intersection of structural mechanics, dynamics, and acoustics to develop safer, quieter engineering structures. Research programs focus on: Acoustic metamaterials and phononic crystals Additive manufacturing of functional materials Wave propagation in complex media Multiphysics modeling of material systems His publications demonstrate consistent innovation in acoustic material design, particularly through additive manufacturing techniques. Recent work explores triply periodic minimal surface structures, sustainable nanocellulose aerogels, and bio-inspired material systems for noise control applications. Current research translates fundamental discoveries into solutions for aerospace, automotive, and energy industries.

Neda YaghoobianView profile

Associate Professor

• Environmental Fluid Dynamics
• Boundary Layer Meteorology
• Computational Fluid Dynamics
• +5 more

Neda Yaghoobian is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Florida A&M University-Florida State University (FAMU-FSU), associated with the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Institute. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of California, San Diego, and has held postdoctoral positions at the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins University. Her research focuses on environmental thermo-fluid dynamics, including land-atmosphere interactions, boundary layer meteorology, urban microclimates, fire dynamics, and energy efficiency. She leads the Environmental Thermo-Fluid Dynamics (ETFD) Lab, exploring multiscale phenomena such as firebrand transport, urban heat island mitigation, and natural structures' thermal functions. Dr. Yaghoobian teaches advanced courses in turbulent flow, aerodynamics, and numerical methods. She is an NSF CAREER awardee and actively mentors graduate and undergraduate students. Her work integrates computational fluid dynamics (CFD), large-eddy simulations (LES), and energy balance models to address challenges in wildfire safety, sustainable urban design, and bio-inspired engineering. She collaborates on projects like the 'Complex-environment Temperature and Moisture Predictor (CeTMP)' and investigates thermal functions of termite mounds. Key research areas include: Urban microclimatology and heat island mitigation strategies Firebrand transport dynamics in wildland-urban interfaces Diurnal effects on building energy use and urban pollution Thermal modeling of complex fuels and fire behavior prediction Bioinspired design of natural structures like termite mounds She has supervised numerous students and contributed to over 50 peer-reviewed publications. Her lab actively recruits graduate students with backgrounds in CFD and fluid dynamics.

Leslie ShorView profile

Professor

• Microbial Systems Engineering
• Environmental Biotechnology
• Microfluidics & BioMEMS
• +5 more

Leslie Shor is a Professor in the College of Engineering at the University of Connecticut, where she also serves as Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Dean of the Graduate School. Her research focuses on microbial systems engineering, environmental biotechnology, and microfluidics, with applications to sustainable agriculture, environmental remediation, and medical diagnostics. Current research projects include bio-inspired microplastic removal technologies using mussels and microbes, advanced optical methods for soil ecosystem analysis, and protist-mediated delivery systems for beneficial agricultural bacteria. Her work bridges microbial ecology with engineering innovation. Microbial Systems Engineering Environmental Biotechnology Microfluidics & BioMEMS Agricultural Biotechnology The Engineered Microhabitats research group, which she leads, investigates microbial interactions in complex environments. Recent publications highlight interdisciplinary applications of microfluidics, enzymatic processes, and optogenetic tools across environmental and biomedical domains. 2023 Finalist, Connecticut Women of Innovation 2022-2026 Centennial Term Professorship 2014-2017 DuPont Young Professor 2011 National Academy of Engineering Frontiers of Engineering Education 1996-1999 NIH Biotechnology Training Program Fellow Leslie Shor's research group trains students in microbial transport mechanisms, biofilm dynamics, and sustainable technology development. She has held leadership roles including Division Chair of the Environmental Division at AIChE and Associate Dean for Research & Graduate Education (2009-2024). Her lab collaborates on projects involving soil protist applications, optogenetic biofilm control, and microplastic remediation. Current work emphasizes scalable solutions for agricultural and environmental challenges.

Alexandros GiagkosView profile

Lecturer

• Bio-Inspired Computer Networks
• Network-Aware Multi-Robot Systems
• Developmental Robotics

Dr. Alexandros Giagkos is a Lecturer in Applied AI & Robotics at Aston University's College of Engineering and Physical Sciences. He is affiliated with the School of Computer Science and Digital Technologies and the Aston Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research and Application. Research interests: His work focuses on bio-inspired network systems, multi-robot coordination algorithms, and developmental approaches to robotic learning. Applications include UAV networks and humanoid robot cognition. Awards: Recognized with multiple honors including Distinguished Poster Award (ICDL-EPIROB 2016) and Best Paper Award (TAROS 2015).

Eduardo Castelló FerrerView profile

Assistant Professor

• Robotics
• Blockchain Technology
• Swarm Robotics
• +3 more

Eduardo Castelló Ferrer is an Assistant Professor of Robotics & AI at IE University (Spain), affiliated with the School of Science and Technology. He holds a PhD in Robotics Engineering from Osaka University (Japan) and was a Marie Curie Fellow at MIT Media Lab (USA). His research integrates robotics with blockchain technology to enhance security, autonomy, and cooperation in robotic systems. He leads the Cyber-Physical (CyPhy) Life research group and teaches courses on robotics, blockchain, and AI. Education: PhD in Robotics Engineering, Osaka University (2016) M.Eng. in Robotics Engineering, Osaka University (2011) BSc in Intelligent Systems, University of Portsmouth (2007) Research Interests: Dr. Castelló focuses on secure decentralized robotics systems, economic autonomy for robots, and blockchain applications in swarm robotics. His work addresses challenges like Byzantine fault tolerance, trustless collaboration, and autonomous decision-making. Notable projects include Gaka-chu (a self-employed robot artist) and iTrash (decentralized waste management). Awards: Marie Curie Fellowship (MIT Media Lab, 2016–2019) Teaching: Courses include Robotics and Automation, Blockchain & Fintech, and Technology Trends in Customer Experience. He emphasizes practical skills using tools like ROS and blockchain frameworks. Labs & Projects: Active projects include urban swarm systems, robotic economic autonomy, and secure multirobot cooperation. His work is published in top journals like Science Robotics and IEEE Transactions on Robotics .

Ketki LichadeView profile

Assistant Professor

• Advanced Manufacturing
• Process-Structure-Property Relationship
• Additive Manufacturing
• +5 more

Ketki Lichade serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University at Buffalo's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, where she drives innovation in advanced manufacturing methodologies with applications spanning biomedical engineering and sustainable materials development. Educational background: PhD in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago (2023) BE in Mechanical Engineering, Savitribai Phule Pune University (2016) Her research program centers on Advanced Manufacturing and Additive Manufacturing with specialized focus on process-structure-property relationships and bio-inspired design . She pioneers acoustic-assisted photopolymerization, direct ink writing, and multiscale manufacturing techniques to engineer functional materials with programmable adhesion and hierarchical structures. This work enables breakthroughs in conductive hydrogels for flexible electronics, bone-mimetic scaffolds for tissue engineering, and atmospheric water harvesting systems, fundamentally advancing the integration of materials science with precision manufacturing. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2021-2025) reveals dominant innovation in acoustic assembly photopolymerization for bioinspired multifunctional materials. Key trends include rapid single-layer fabrication processes, multimaterial 3D printing with spatially controlled properties, and hierarchical porous structures that replicate natural systems. These contributions bridge mechanical engineering, fluid dynamics, and biomimetics to solve critical challenges in manufacturing speed, material functionality, and sustainability. As principal investigator of the Advanced Manufacturing Lab, Dr. Lichade secures external funding for cutting-edge research in sustainable production methods and multifunctional material systems. She actively mentors graduate researchers while collaborating with industry partners to translate academic discoveries into industrial manufacturing solutions, particularly in medical device fabrication and environmental technology sectors. The Advanced Manufacturing Lab team specializes in acoustic streaming, two-photon polymerization, and electrohydrodynamic printing techniques. Current initiatives focus on developing programmable adhesion surfaces for biomedical implants, scalable water vapor harvesting systems using biomimetic composites, and AI-driven process optimization for multimaterial additive manufacturing, positioning the lab at the forefront of next-generation sustainable manufacturing research.

Daisuke TakagiView profile

Associate Professor

• Fluid Mechanics
• Biological Physics
• Applied Mathematics
• +3 more

Dr. Daisuke Takagi is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematics at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, specializing in fluid mechanics and biological physics. He joined the university in 2013 after earning his Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge (2010), advised by Herbert Huppert FRS and Jim McElwaine. His research focuses on fluid dynamics in biological systems, including microswimmer locomotion, hydrodynamic sensing, and granular flows. Research Interests: Fluid Mechanics Biological Physics Low Reynolds Number Flows Bio-inspired Robotics Predator-Prey Dynamics Thin Film and Surface Wave Dynamics Research Trends: Takagi's work bridges theoretical fluid mechanics and biological systems, with recent focus on microscale propulsion (copepods, snails, bacteria), ecological escape mechanisms, and bio-inspired engineering. His 2023-2025 publications emphasize optimal fluid transport systems and adaptive behavior in confined environments. Awards & Grants: No specific honors listed in text, though his work suggests sustained research activity in biomathematics and fluid dynamics. Advising & Collaborations: No advisees listed; however, his research involves interdisciplinary projects with marine biology and robotics teams. Office: Keller 406.

• Neuromorphic Engineering
• VLSI Design
• Computational Neuroscience
• +3 more

Ella Janotte serves as an external researcher at the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials within the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Groningen. Holding an MSc degree, she actively contributes to cutting-edge research in neuromorphic engineering with expertise in analog VLSI design for spiking neural networks and bio-inspired sensory systems. Her work bridges computational neuroscience and electronic circuit design to develop efficient hardware solutions for artificial intelligence applications. Janotte's research focuses on neuromorphic hardware implementation including complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) neural circuits, synaptic normalization techniques, and capacitive tactile sensors. She investigates biological principles from systems like the fly brain to engineer robust motion-vision systems capable of real-time processing in complex environments. Her interdisciplinary approach spans electrical engineering, computer science, and neuroscience with emphasis on energy-efficient circuit design for sensory processing applications. Analysis of her recent publications reveals consistent innovation in neuromorphic motion-vision systems and low-power analog circuit design. Key trends include synaptic trace generation mechanisms, attractor networks for robust computation, and on-chip learning algorithms implemented in hardware. Her collaborative work with the Chicca research group demonstrates strong translation of neurobiological insights into practical electronic implementations for robotics and autonomous systems. No scientific awards or honors were documented in the available information. Details regarding student supervision, grant funding, or specific project budgets were not provided in the source material. Within the Zernike Institute, Janotte contributes to the neuromorphic engineering research team led by Professor Elisabetta Chicca. This group specializes in designing and fabricating neuromorphic chips that emulate neural processing, with active projects targeting sensory processing systems, learning algorithms, and hardware-software co-design for brain-inspired computing architectures.

Neil HunterView profile

Professor

• Photosynthesis
• Chlorophyll Biosynthesis
• Light-Harvesting Complexes
• +5 more

Professor Neil Hunter FRS is the Krebs Chair of Biochemistry at the University of Sheffield’s School of Biosciences. His career spans over four decades, with key roles including Professor (1993–2008), Reader (1990–1993), and Senior Lecturer (1988–1990) at the University of Sheffield, and earlier positions at Imperial College London and Rutgers University. He leads research on photosynthesis, focusing on chlorophyll biosynthesis, light-harvesting complex assembly, and photosynthetic membrane organization. His work integrates molecular genetics, structural biology (e.g., cryo-EM), and nanotechnology to understand energy conversion in photosynthetic systems. Research Interests: Dr. Hunter’s lab investigates chlorophyll biosynthesis pathways, engineering light-harvesting complexes, and membrane organization using atomic force microscopy and cryo-EM. Projects include metabolic engineering of E. coli to produce chlorophyll, bionanotechnology for artificial photosynthetic systems, and collaborations on computational modeling of photosynthetic membranes. Publications: Over 200 peer-reviewed articles, including recent work on reaction center-LH1 complex structures (2023), perovskite solar cell manufacturing (2025), and CO₂-fixing bacteria (2022). His research bridges fundamental biology and applied technologies like bio-inspired energy systems. Achievements: Awarded Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS) for contributions to photosynthesis research. Collaborates globally with institutions in the UK, Europe, the U.S., and China on structural biology and synthetic biology projects. Labs/Teams: Leads the Sheffield Photosynthesis Research group, focusing on interdisciplinary approaches to photosynthetic systems. Active in initiatives like the PhotoRedesign consortium to redesign photosynthetic light reactions.

• Structural Engineering
• Biomechanics
• Structural Health Monitoring
• +3 more

Cecilia Surace is an Associate Professor in the Department of Structural, Building and Geotechnical Engineering (DISEG) at the Polytechnic University of Turin. She is a member of the Interdepartmental Centre R3C (Responsible Risk Resilience Centre), the Polito Spin Off Evaluation Commission, and the Patent Commission. Her research focuses on structural dynamics, medical devices, and structural health monitoring, with expertise in biomechanics, nonlinear dynamics, and biomimetic materials. She has been recognized with the Elsevier Journal Exemplary Reviewer award (2013). She teaches courses in structural mechanics, dynamics of structures, and bio/nano construction science at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Her research involves projects like DIMOSS (displacement monitoring using strain sensors) and T-SURE (tissue surgical repair), and she leads teams in developing innovative repair technologies for biological tissues and aerospace structures. She advises three PhD students and holds patents for medical devices such as SurgiFET for tendon repair. Her work spans interdisciplinary applications, including bridge health monitoring, soft tissue repair, and bio-inspired nanomechanics. She contributes to editorial boards and international conferences, demonstrating leadership in her field.

Emil M. PetriuView profile

Professor

• Bio-Inspired AI and Robotics
• Intelligent Sensor Systems
• Human-Computer Interaction
• +3 more

Emil M. Petriu is a Professor and University Research Chair in the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Ottawa, Canada. He holds prestigious fellowships from IEEE, Canadian Academy of Engineering, and Engineering Institute of Canada. His career spans academia and research, with a focus on bio-inspired AI, robotics, and sensor networks. Education: Dr. Eng. in Electrical Engineering (1978, Polytechnic Institute of Timisoara, Romania), postdoctoral scholarship at Technical University of Delft (1979). Research: Pioneered pseudo-random encoding techniques and developed tactile sensors, bio-inspired neural networks, and autonomous robotic systems. Directed the DISCOVER Lab. Awards: Recognized for contributions to instrumentation, robotics, and AI, including IEEE awards and national grants. Leadership: Served on IEEE committees, organized major conferences, and edited journals. His research bridges robotics, healthcare, and security, with applications in hazardous environments and human-robot interaction. He has advised 78 graduate students and 10 postdoctoral fellows.

Charles HigginsView profile

Associate Professor

• Computational Neuroscience
• Bio-inspired Engineering
• Neural Systems Modeling
• +3 more

Charles Higgins is an Associate Professor at the University of Arizona, specializing in computational neuroscience and bio-inspired engineering. His research integrates mathematical modeling of neural systems with engineering applications, bridging neurobiology and robotics. The Higgins Laboratory collaborates closely with neurobiology labs to study insect sensory systems and translate findings into efficient computational and VLSI designs for visual navigation and motion processing. Key projects include biomimetic visual motion sensors, small-target tracking algorithms, and neuromorphic architectures for autonomous systems. Research interests focus on understanding biological neural architectures—particularly in insects—and applying these insights to create superior engineering solutions. Notable contributions include models of elementary motion detection in flies, VLSI implementations of visual motion algorithms, and systems for obstacle avoidance in robotics. His work emphasizes parallel, continuous-time computing inspired by neuronal circuitry. Publications highlight advancements in bio-inspired visual processing, including motion detection modules for dragonfly-inspired robots and algorithms for image speed estimation. Higgins' engineering innovations often aim to mimic natural systems' efficiency and robustness, with applications in both basic science and applied robotics. Labs and collaborations involve cross-disciplinary teams focused on integrating biological principles with cutting-edge technology. While no specific awards are listed, his extensive publication record reflects sustained contributions to neuromorphic engineering and computational neuroscience.

Fabio CaraffiniView profile

Associate Professor

• Evolutionary Computing
• Heuristic & Hyperheuristic Optimization
• Algorithm Behaviour
• +5 more

Dr. Fabio Caraffini is an Associate Professor in Computer Science at Swansea University's School of Mathematics and Computer Science. He holds dual PhDs in Mathematical Information Technology (University of Jyväskylä, 2016) and Computer Science (De Montfort University, 2014), along with BSc and MSc degrees in Engineering from the University of Perugia. His research focuses on computational intelligence, particularly heuristic optimization methods like evolutionary algorithms and differential evolution. He also holds an honorary position as Senior Research Fellow at De Montfort University (2022–2024). Education History: BSc in Electronics Engineering (University of Perugia, 2008) MSc in Telecommunications Engineering (University of Perugia, 2011) PhD in Mathematical Information Technology (University of Jyväskylä, 2016) PhD in Computer Science (De Montfort University, 2014) Research Interests: Dr. Caraffini's work bridges theoretical optimization and practical applications. Key areas include evolutionary computing, structural bias analysis in algorithms, and interdisciplinary AI applications such as medical imaging, climate risk modeling, and robotics. His SOS Platform and BIAS toolbox are notable contributions to algorithm benchmarking and bias detection. Recent projects include AI-driven solutions for crop mapping, medical record analysis, and rail scheduling optimization. Publications & Trends: His 150+ publications span journals like Information Sciences , IEEE Transactions , and Applied Soft Computing . Themes include algorithmic robustness, constraint handling, and real-world optimization challenges. Notable works address differential evolution improvements, climate transition risk prediction, and medical decision support systems. Awards & Grants: Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) Recipient of multiple research grants for projects in optimization and AI applications Advising & Collaboration: Actively supervises PhD students in AI-driven optimization and interdisciplinary applications. Collaborates with institutions globally on topics like microgrid energy management and pandemic prediction through self-organizing maps. Labs & Teams: Engaged in Swansea's Computational Foundry and the Morgan Advanced Studies Institute (MASI), contributing to cross-disciplinary research initiatives in AI and computational science.

• Bio-Inspired Artificial Intelligence
• Evolutionary Algorithms
• Artificial Neural Networks
• +5 more

Keith L. Downing is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at NTNU, affiliated with the Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering. His research focuses on bio-inspired artificial intelligence, including evolutionary algorithms, artificial neural networks, and computational neuroscience. He has authored two MIT Press books: *Intelligence Emerging* (2015) and *Gradient Expectations* (2023). His work bridges AI, artificial life, and cognitive science, emphasizing the emergence of intelligence in both natural and artificial systems. Teaching responsibilities include Introductory AI, AI Programming, Cognitive Architectures, and Deep Learning courses at NTNU. He also engages in public outreach, such as a 2015 TV appearance on *Schrødingers katt: Kunstig Intelligens*. His research spans predictive neural mechanisms, evolutionary computation, and the societal implications of AI, as seen in his 2014 feature article in *Aftenposten*. Key publications include foundational work on the Baldwin Effect (2004), neural predictive models (2013), and computational neuroscience (2009). He actively promotes interdisciplinary approaches to AI, blending technical innovation with biological plausibility.