Florian Muijres is an Associate Professor and Chairholder at the Experimental Zoology Group, Wageningen University & Research, where he leads the Animal Flight Lab. His research focuses on the biomechanics, aerodynamics, and flight control of natural flyers such as insects, birds, and bats, with applications in bio-inspired robotics and ecological solutions like mosquito traps and flapping-wing drones. He holds a PhD from Lund University (Sweden) and conducted postdoctoral research at the Dickinson Lab, University of Washington (USA). Research Interests: Merging experimental and computational methods, his work explores primary research on flight mechanics (e.g., mosquito evasion, butterfly gliding) and applied studies (e.g., drone design, pollinator behavior in greenhouses). His lab uses advanced videography and robotic models to study flight dynamics under real-world conditions. Labs & Teams: The Animal Flight Lab collaborates with biologists, physicists, and engineers to investigate flight adaptations in mosquitoes, bumblebees, and pied flycatchers. Projects include developing high-efficiency traps and analyzing flight performance in complex environments.
Dr. J. David Frost is the Elizabeth and Bill Higginbotham Professor of Civil Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology and a Regents' Entrepreneur. He has held academic positions at Purdue University and Georgia Tech, with a focus on geotechnical engineering and disaster response. As founding director of Georgia Tech's Savannah campus and head of the Geosystems Engineering Group, Frost has shaped academic programs and research initiatives. Education: B.A.I and B.A. in Civil Engineering and Mathematics, Trinity College, Dublin (1980) M.S. and Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, Purdue University (1986, 1989) Research Interests span geotechnical engineering, bio-inspired design, and disaster resilience. His work emphasizes digital data collection systems for subsurface hazard assessment, soil-polymeric material interactions, and geotechnical responses to earthquakes, hurricanes, and anthropogenic disasters. Recent projects integrate ant nest geometry, plant root mechanics, and geosynthetic innovations into infrastructure solutions. Scientific Contributions include two U.S. patents for subsurface data systems, leadership in NSF-funded post-disaster reconnaissance missions (e.g., 9/11, Türkiye earthquakes), and co-founding the Geotechnical Extreme Events Reconnaissance (GEER) Association. His articles reflect expertise in bio-inspired geotechnics, machine learning for disaster modeling, and advanced computational simulations. Awards & Recognition: ASCE Huber Civil Engineering Research Prize NSF National Young Investigator Award Georgia Society of Professional Engineers Engineer of the Year in Education Coastal Business & Education Technology Alliance Leadership Innovation Award Professional Engagement includes chairing the Savannah Area GIS board, advising on ASCE Geo-Legislative Committees, and founding a software company serving 350+ global clients. His work bridges academia, policy, and industry innovation.
Vivek Boominathan is an Assistant Research Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Rice University. He is affiliated with the GLEE lab (Geometry, Light, & Imaging lab). His research focuses on computational imaging, combining computer vision, machine learning, applied optics, and nanofabrication to develop innovative imaging systems for applications such as robotics, medical sensing, and virtual/augmented reality. He has contributed to projects like PhlatCam (a lensless camera) and NeuWS (neural wavefront shaping). His work bridges optics, algorithms, and materials science to overcome traditional limitations in imaging systems. Boominathan's research interests include lensless imaging, optical meta-devices, turbulence mitigation, and bio-inspired imaging systems. He has developed systems like Foveated thermal imaging prototypes and real-time lensless microscopes. His lab emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating hardware design with machine learning. Key projects include: NeuWS: Neural wavefront shaping for imaging through scattering media CoIR: Compressive implicit radar for sensing applications FlatCam and PhlatCam: Ultra-thin lensless imaging devices Bioluminescence imaging in marine species His work has been published in top venues like Science Advances, Optica, and IEEE TPAMI. He collaborates with institutions like NASA JPL and industry partners on applied imaging solutions. Current research trends emphasize sensor-algorithm co-design and high-speed imaging systems for AR/VR applications. Boominathan holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering and has extensive postdoctoral experience in computational imaging. He advises projects in the GLEE lab and mentors students in hardware-software co-design for imaging systems. His lab focuses on translating theoretical innovations into practical devices with commercial potential.
Andrea W. Richa is a President's Professor at Arizona State University (ASU), holding positions in the School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence (SCAI), Barrett Honors College, and multiple research centers including the Biodesign Institute's Center for Biocomputing, Security, and Society. She specializes in distributed algorithms, programmable matter, and bio-inspired computing. Richa has led major research initiatives, including a DoD MURI award and an NSF CAREER Award, and has delivered keynote speeches at top conferences like DISC and LATIN. Her work focuses on self-organizing particle systems, wireless networks, and algorithmic foundations of active matter. Educations: PhD (Computer Science, Carnegie Mellon University, 1998), M.S. (Computer Science, Carnegie Mellon University, 1995), B.S. (Computer Science, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 1989). Research Interests: Distributed algorithms, programmable matter, bio-inspired systems, wireless communication models, graph algorithms, combinatorial optimization, and resource allocation. She leads the Self-Organizing Particle Systems Lab and is part of SCAI's Theory and Algorithms group. Awards: 2024 ASU Mentorship Award, 2021 Mentor of the Year, 2017 SCAI Research Excellence Award, NSF CAREER Award (1999), and multiple grants including DoD MURI. Her research spans theoretical and applied domains, with over 150 publications in top venues. Grants: Current DoD MURI funding (2019-25), NSF awards on Markov chain algorithms and active matter (2021-25), and prior funding on programmable matter (2014-2017). Labs/Teams: SOPS Lab (sops.engineering.asu.edu), contributing to interdisciplinary research in algorithmic matter and bio-inspired systems.
Yan Delaure is Associate Professor of Fluid Mechanics at Dublin City University's School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering and Deputy Director of the DCU Water Institute. His research focuses on multiphase flows, environmental hydraulics, and computational fluid dynamics applications in wastewater treatment and marine systems. Research includes microbubble dynamics for aeration, fluid-structure interactions in deformable systems, and biomimetic antifouling solutions. Recent publications explore advanced simulation methods for turbulent flows and additive manufacturing process optimization.
Kalaichelvi Saravanamuttu is an Associate Dean in the Faculty of Science and a Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at McMaster University. Her research focuses on optochemical self-organization in soft materials, nonlinear optics, and photonics, with applications in light capture, waveguide architectures, and all-optical computing. She holds a PhD in Chemistry from McGill University (2001) and conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Oxford (2001-2003). Her work combines polymer chemistry, photochemistry, and optical physics to develop functional materials like photoresponsive hydrogels and waveguide-encoded lattices. Key research themes include light-induced structural changes in soft matter, dynamic optical systems, and bio-inspired optical devices. Teaching includes courses on equity in science (SCIENCE 2AR3/4AR6) and advanced materials (CHEM 4W03). She has received funding from NSERC, the Canadian Foundation for Innovation, and the US Army Research Office. Her research group collaborates widely, with recent studies exploring electroactive hydrogels and switchable self-trapped light beams.
Cynthia Sung is an Associate Professor in the Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics department at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Engineering and Applied Science, with secondary appointments in Computer and Information Science and Electrical and Systems Engineering. She directs the Sung Robotics Lab, focusing on computational methods for robot design, origami robotics, planning for distributed systems, and fabrication of reconfigurable systems. Her lab is funded by NSF, ONR, ARO, NASA, and Penn Health-Tech. Her research spans four key areas: Computational co-design integrating mechanical, electronic, and software components Soft/origami robotics leveraging compliance for adaptable systems Distributed planning for multi-robot coordination Novel fabrication techniques for deployable structures Publications show consistent focus on robotic mechanisms with recent trends in magnetic origami reconfiguration (2025), underwater jet coordination (2025), educational robotics kits (2025), and tunable-stiffness actuators (2024). Article keywords predominantly fall in Robotics, Material Science, and Control Systems. Awards & Recognition ONR Young Investigator Award (2023) NSF CAREER Award (2019) Johnson & Johnson Women in STEM2D Scholars Award (2020) Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Award (2017) Research Teams & Advising Leads the GRASP Lab-affiliated Sung Robotics group. Current doctoral students include Zhiyuan Yang (jet propulsion), Daniel Feshbach (kinematic design), and Gabriel Unger (reconfigurable structures). Recent graduates include Yipeng Zhang (MSc, SALP robotics) and Christopher Kim (PhD, self-sensing actuators).
Dr. Yu Zhong is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Cornell University's College of Engineering, where he leads the Yu Zhong Group. His research laboratory focuses on the design and synthesis of novel soft materials and nanomaterials for applications in electronics, energy, healthcare, and sustainability. As a principal investigator, he oversees a dynamic research team comprising postdoctoral associates, graduate students, and undergraduate researchers working on cutting-edge materials science projects. Dr. Zhong received his educational training at prestigious institutions, earning his B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) in 2011, followed by a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Columbia University in 2017 under the supervision of Prof. Colin Nuckolls. His doctoral research centered on designing contorted molecules for electronic and energy applications including organic solar cells, photodetectors, and gas sensors. He then conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Chicago in Prof. Jiwoong Park's group, where he worked on the design and synthesis of 2D polymers for ultrathin electronic circuits and energy conversion. Dr. Zhong's research program spans three primary directions: (1) the bottom-up synthesis of ultrathin nanoporous membranes using techniques like laminar assembly polymerization (LAP) for applications in water desalination, nanofiltration, and gas separation; (2) the study of transport behaviors in hybrid organic-inorganic 2D heterostructures created through layer-by-layer assembly for use in optical, electronic, and thermal management devices; and (3) the development of mixed ionic-electronic materials for bio-inspired and bioelectronic devices. His group employs advanced synthesis methods including organic/polymer synthesis, supramolecular and reticular chemistry, and 2D materials characterization to explore novel scientific phenomena and technological applications. An analysis of Dr. Zhong's recent publications reveals a strong focus on the synthesis and characterization of 2D polymers and organic-inorganic hybrid materials. His work bridges fundamental materials science with practical applications in energy conversion, electronics, and separation technologies. A notable trend is his development of innovative synthesis techniques like laminar assembly polymerization that enable precise control over material structure at the molecular level, leading to breakthroughs in areas such as lithium-ion transport, osmotic power generation, and ultra-narrowband photodetection. Dr. Zhong's scientific achievements have been recognized with several prestigious awards: Pegram Award for Meritorious Graduate Research, Columbia University (2016) Camille and Henry Dreyfus Postdoctoral Fellowship, Dreyfus Foundation (2016) Arun Guthikonda Memorial Fellowship, Columbia University (2015) Jack Miller Award for Excellence in Teaching, Columbia University (2014) As an advisor, Dr. Zhong mentors a diverse group of researchers including postdoctoral associate Qiyi Fang, multiple Ph.D. students (Yuhe Zhang, Kaushik Chivukula, William Xie), M.S. students, and undergraduate researchers. His group has secured funding for research on soft and nanomaterials, with projects spanning organic electronics, 2D materials synthesis, and biomimetic membranes. Dr. Zhong actively seeks motivated graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to join his research team, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing materials science. The Yu Zhong Group operates state-of-the-art laboratories in Bard Hall at Cornell University, equipped for organic synthesis, materials characterization, and device fabrication. The research team works collaboratively across disciplines, partnering with experts in physics, chemistry, and engineering to tackle complex challenges in materials science. Current projects focus on developing novel synthesis methodologies and exploring structure-property relationships in soft materials to enable next-generation electronic, energy, and healthcare technologies.
Dr. Sanandam Bordoloi is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Civil Engineering, Aalto University's School of Engineering, specializing in Geotechnical and Geo-environmental Engineering. He earned his PhD from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati and has held postdoctoral positions at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). Expertise in unsaturated soil mechanics Specializing in biochar applications for geotechnical systems Focus on carbon capture and waste valorization Developed novel techniques for soft clay remediation Recipient of Telford Premium Prize His recent publications highlight trends in biochar-amended composites , CO2 mineralization , landfill restoration , and soil-hydrological interactions . Key subfields include contaminant transport mechanisms, cementitious material innovation, and root-soil feedback systems. Scientific Awards: Telford Premium Prize for exceptional civil engineering research
Unni Olsbye is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Oslo, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. Her research focuses on catalytic processes in micro- and nanoporous materials, with particular emphasis on structure-composition-function correlations in catalytic reactions and mechanistic studies of product formation. She is affiliated with several research groups including the Catalysis Section, SMN (Center for Materials Science and Nanotechnology), ProfMOF A/S, and iCSI (industrial Catalysis, Science and Technology). Professor Olsbye's research interests center on heterogeneous catalysis, particularly examining how the chemical composition of catalytic sites, their immediate environment, and steric factors influence reaction rates and selectivity in porous materials. Her work spans zeolites, zeotypes, and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for applications in CO 2 conversion, methane activation, methanol-to-hydrocarbons processes, and light alkane dehydrogenation. She investigates confinement effects in micro- and nanoporous materials, with processes studied including C-H activation, C-O activation, methane partial oxidation to methanol and syngas, methyl halide conversion, and ethene oxychlorination. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on energy-related catalysis for sustainability, particularly CO 2 conversion to fuels and chemicals, methane activation to methanol, and olefin production. Her work frequently employs copper-based catalysts in zeolites and MOFs, with increasing attention to bio-inspired catalytic systems. The research combines experimental approaches with advanced characterization techniques to understand reaction mechanisms at the molecular level. Professor Olsbye leads or participates in several significant research projects including BIZEOLCAT (bifunctional catalysts for alkane activation), CCU-NET (Nordic mobility network), CO 2 LO (CO 2 hydrogenation, TRL1-3), COZMOS (CO 2 hydrogenation, TRL3-5), CUBE (C-H activation, ERC Synergy), and ProfMOF (MOF scale-up and testing). These projects address critical challenges in catalysis for sustainable energy and chemical production. Her laboratory work focuses on advanced characterization of catalytic materials, particularly using in situ and operando techniques to monitor reactions as they occur. The research group collaborates extensively with experts in organic and inorganic synthesis, advanced spectroscopy, and theoretical calculations to develop a comprehensive understanding of catalytic processes in confined environments.
Sina Sareh is a robotics researcher at the Royal College of Art (RCA), where he leads the RCA Robotics Laboratory within the School of Design. He has established himself as an expert in soft robotics and multimodal sensing, developing innovative solutions for human safety and access problems in industrial operations. Dr. Sareh's educational background includes: PhD in Robotics from the University of Bristol, where he worked on monolithic design of flexible actuators for operation in confined liquid environments MSc in Control Systems from the University of Sheffield BSc in Electrical Engineering from Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran Dr. Sareh's research focuses on soft robotics, multi-modal mobility, manipulation and attachment, and multimodal sensing. His work bridges the gap between robotics engineering and practical applications, particularly in medical and industrial settings. He has developed novel approaches to robotic attachment inspired by octopus biology, created haptic interfaces that mimic the feeling of touching human internal organs, and designed soft robotic technologies to help articulate pain symptoms. His research consistently demonstrates innovation in creating adaptable robotic systems that can operate effectively in complex, unstructured environments where traditional rigid robots face limitations. His publication record demonstrates a strong trajectory in robotics research, with emphasis on soft robotics, medical applications, and novel sensing techniques. The research shows progression from fundamental soft actuator design to practical applications in surgery, industrial operations, and human-robot interaction, with a consistent focus on solving real-world problems through biologically inspired approaches. Dr. Sareh has successfully secured multiple research grants, including EPSRC funding for 'Getting a Grip' and 'Multi-vendor Interoperability in Robotics,' as well as InnoHK funding for 'Intelligent Medicine Warehousing.' He has also served as an impact assessor for the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 in Engineering and is a member of the editorial board at IET Cyber-physical Systems and Robotics Journal. Currently, Dr. Sareh advises research students including Filippo Sanzeni, and maintains active collaborations with industry and academic partners through the RCA Robotics Laboratory, which serves as a hub for interdisciplinary robotics research at the intersection of design, engineering, and human-centered applications. His work on projects like 'Topographies of Pain' and 'Reminisys' demonstrates a commitment to applying robotics technology to improve healthcare outcomes and quality of life.
Professor Hing-Ho Tsang is the Chair in Civil and Structural Engineering at the University of Dundee, with over a decade of academic experience in Australia and Hong Kong. His research focuses on advancing sustainable infrastructure solutions, earthquake resilience, and green technologies to enhance building and infrastructure safety against natural disasters. He holds a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) certification and advises governments and industries on building codes and seismic design guidelines. Tsang chairs the Global Network for Geotechnical Seismic Isolation (GSI) and serves as the Australian National Delegate to the International Association for Earthquake Engineering (IAEE). His expertise spans geotechnical seismic isolation, recycled materials in construction, and structural dynamics, contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) like resilient infrastructure, circular economy, and climate action. With over 200 publications and a career-long impact ranking in Civil Engineering, Tsang has received prestigious awards including the R W Chapman Medal and Research Impact Award. Research Focus: Seismic design, sustainable construction, bio-inspired materials, and geotechnical isolation systems. Awards: Top Cited Article (2021–2022), Teaching Excellence Award (2022), and multiple international recognitions. Leadership Roles: Editorial board member for Geosynthetics International , organizer of the 18th World Conference on Earthquake Engineering technical session. His work emphasizes equity-driven engineering solutions, fostering inclusive and disaster-resilient communities. Current projects include innovative modular building systems and AI-driven seismic response models.
Anne Staples is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Tech, leading the Laboratory for Fluid Dynamics in Nature (FINLAB). Her research focuses on fluid mechanics in biological systems, medical fluid dynamics, and bioinspired engineering, leveraging computational modeling and microfluidic technologies to innovate in healthcare and engineering. Education: B.S. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University (2000) M.Eng. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University (2001) Ph.D. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University (2006) Postdoctoral Researcher at the Naval Research Laboratory (2006–2008) Research Interests: Her work spans bioinspired microfluidics, medical device design, and fluid dynamics in biological systems. Notable projects include developing pulse-driven micropumps for drug delivery and studying insect respiratory systems to inform engineering solutions. Publications: Over 50 peer-reviewed articles, focusing on topics like microfluidic systems, insect-inspired flow control, and hemodialyzer modeling. Recent work emphasizes wearable drug delivery and biomechanical innovations. Awards & Service: NIH Trailblazer Award (2024) Virginia Tech Dean’s Fellow (2023–present) Editorial Board Member, PLOS ONE and Scientific Reports (2021–present) Fulbright Scholar (2016) Grants & Collaborations: Leads a NIH-funded project to develop lightweight drug delivery devices. Collaborates with statisticians and biomedical engineers to simulate and optimize prototypes. Active in interdisciplinary teams at Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech. Labs & Teams: Directs the FINLAB, which integrates computational modeling, experimental microfluidics, and biological principles to address challenges in healthcare and environmental engineering.
Simon Yang is a Professor in the School of Engineering at the University of Guelph, part of the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences. His research focuses on artificial intelligence, robotics, sensors, control systems, and bio-inspired intelligence. He has contributed to advanced robotics applications, including mobile robot navigation, underwater vehicle control, and agricultural automation. Dr. Yang holds editorial roles for journals such as the International Journal of Robotics and Automation and IEEE Transactions on Cybernetics . His work bridges theoretical advancements with practical implementations in areas like sensor networks, machine learning, and multi-agent systems. Recent projects include developing robust control frameworks for autonomous systems, digital twin applications, and bio-inspired neural network algorithms. His research emphasizes real-world challenges in robotics, environmental monitoring, and precision agriculture, with a focus on integrating AI-driven solutions for enhanced decision-making and system reliability. Professional contributions include advisory roles in multiple journals and conference committees, reflecting his leadership in the field.
Alireza Ramezani is an Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Northeastern University, leading the SiliconSynapse Lab. He focuses on bio-inspired robotics, nonlinear systems, and robot locomotion, with a particular emphasis on morphological design and control inspired by biological systems. His work integrates control theory and experimental robotics to develop robots capable of navigating confined spaces, such as caves and ducts, using mechanisms derived from bat movements. Education : PhD, Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan (2014) MS, Mechanical Engineering, ETH Zurich (2010) BSc, Mechanical Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology (2007) Research Interests : Design of robots with non-traditional morphologies Nonlinear feedback control systems Legged and fluidic-based locomotion Bio-inspired robotics and biology-driven engineering Awards : 2024 ASME Rising Star Award 2024 NSF CAREER Award 2022 NASA Game Changing Program Award Science Magazine Top 5% Research Output (2020) Advising & Labs : Ramezani mentors students in projects like the NASA-funded “Crater Observing Bio-inspired Rolling Articulator” and oversees the SiliconSynapse Lab, which develops robots for space exploration and confined environments. Notable advisees include Henry Noyes, a NASA Space Technology Fellow. Labs/Teams : His lab collaborates with institutions like NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) on projects such as the Mars Multi-modal Morphing (M4) Rover and bio-inspired snake robots for lunar crater exploration.
