Find Academic Supervisors

Reza MoiniView profile

Assistant Professor

• Bio-inspired Architected Materials
• Automated Additive Robotic Manufacturing
• Rheology-Stability in 3D-printed Colloidal Materials
• +5 more

Reza Moini is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Princeton University, leading the Architected Materials and Additive Manufacturing (AM 2 ) Lab. His work bridges bio-inspired material design, robotics, and sustainable infrastructure. Education BS, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Qom University, Iran (2009) MS, Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Wisconsin (2015) PhD, Civil Engineering, Purdue University (2020) Research focuses on bio-inspired architected materials, autonomous robotic manufacturing, and rheology-stability in 3D-printed colloidal systems. The AM 2 Lab develops damage-resilient materials for civil and renewable energy applications through computational mechanics, fracture analysis, and advanced fabrication techniques. Recent publications highlight innovations in nacre-like composites, Bouligand architectures, and bio-inspired concrete, leveraging robotics to enhance mechanical and functional properties. Key themes include fracture mechanics, additive manufacturing, and sustainable material design. The lab collaborates with Davidson and Datta Labs on functional water-absorbing concrete via the Schmidt Transformative Technology Fund, emphasizing climate-resilient infrastructure. The AM 2 Lab integrates experiments, simulations, and theory to pioneer autonomous manufacturing pathways, aiming to revolutionize construction materials with toughness, ductility, and environmental adaptability.

Emmanuel SalifuView profile

Assistant Professor

• Bio-geotechnical Engineering
• Soil Erosion Mitigation
• Bioremediation
• +9 more

Emmanuel Salifu is an Assistant Professor of Bio-geotechnical Engineering at Arizona State University's School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment within the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. He also holds the position of Senior Global Futures Scientist. His interdisciplinary work bridges geotechnical, agricultural, biological, and environmental engineering with biotechnology to develop nature-based solutions for global challenges. Education: PhD Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK (2019) PhD Structural, Geotechnical, and Seismic Risk Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy (2019) PGCert Researcher Professional Development, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK (2019) MSc Environmental Engineering (Distinction), University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK (2014) BEng Agricultural and Environmental Engineering (First Class Hons), University of Agriculture Makurdi, Nigeria (2009) Salifu's research focuses on applying interdisciplinary engineering perspectives to develop climate-resilient nature-based solutions for food security, contaminant remediation, ecological restoration, soil erosion mitigation, and decarbonization of the built environment. His work centers on soil improvement through environmental geotechnics and biogeotechnics, including microbial and macrofungi-mediated approaches, enzyme applications, and biochemicals. He investigates mycoremediation of contaminated lands and soil/water management for agriculture, with additional interests in land sustainability, circular economy principles, environmental impact analysis, and life cycle assessment. His recent publications reveal a strong trend toward fungal-based soil stabilization technologies, with emphasis on mycelium networks for erosion control and dust mitigation. His work spans fundamental research on fungal growth in various soil conditions to applied studies on engineered living materials for environmental challenges, particularly in arid and degraded landscapes. The research demonstrates increasing interdisciplinary collaboration across environmental science, microbiology, and civil engineering. Scientific Awards: Mistletoe Research Fellowship (2022-2023) ICT Award for Best Paper at YRF-V (2021) Best Research Pitch Award at SILBERSALZ Festival (2020) 1st Place Winner at Falling Walls Lab –MSCA (2019) DLCS Prize for best MSc Environmental Engineering student (2014) University Prize for Overall Best Graduating Student (2010) Salifu has secured significant research funding as both Principal and Co-Investigator, including projects with the Department of Defense's Environmental Security Technology Certification Program, UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, and Salt River Project. His Salifu Lab at ASU focuses on bio-mediated and bio-inspired engineering applications, particularly using plants, microbes, fungi, and their biochemical derivatives for sustainable infrastructure solutions. The lab integrates digital twin modeling with environmental assessment methodologies to support climate adaptation strategies and sustainable land management policies.

Ehsan Dehghan-NiriView profile

Associate Professor

• Bio-inspired Acoustic Sensing
• Nondestructive Evaluation/Testing (NDE/T)
• Robotic Inspection
• +3 more

Ehsan Dehghan-Niri is an Associate Professor at Arizona State University's School of Manufacturing Systems and Networks. He leads the Intelligent Structures and Nondestructive Evaluation (ISNDE) Lab, focusing on innovative approaches to structural and manufacturing quality assessment. Education: Ph.D. in Structural Engineering (University at Buffalo, 2014), M.S. in Earthquake Engineering (University of Tehran, 2008), B.S. in Civil Engineering (Yazd University, 2005) His research integrates bioacoustics, robotics, and advanced manufacturing, with three core thrusts: Bio-Inspired Acoustic Sensing: Studying biological auditory systems (e.g., aye-aye primates) to develop novel material evaluation techniques. Robotic Inspection: Deploying acoustic sensing on robotic platforms for infrastructure monitoring (pipelines, power plants, underwater structures). Advanced Manufacturing Quality Control: Applying acoustic/ultrasonic testing for real-time monitoring in additive manufacturing. Dehghan-Niri has secured approximately $6 million in research funding from NSF, DOE, DOD, NASA, NIH, and DOT. His work has resulted in 30+ journal publications, 33+ conference contributions, and 13 patents (U.S. and European). 2021 NSF CAREER Award recipient Young NDT Professional Award from American Society for Nondestructive Testing He contributes to education through courses in nondestructive evaluation, ultrasound testing, and additive manufacturing quality control, blending industry experience (2 years at General Electric) with academic instruction.

Lara Diaz GarciaView profile

Research Fellow

• Acoustics
• Sensor Engineering
• Bio-inspired Design
• +3 more

Lara Diaz Garcia is a Research Fellow in the Department of Electronic And Electrical Engineering at the University of Strathclyde. With academic qualifications in Physics (BSc, Universidad de La Laguna) and Acoustics and Music Technology (MSc, University of Edinburgh), her work intersects engineering, acoustics, and bio-inspired design. She actively contributes to research on miniature directional acoustic sensors, with a focus on biomimetic eardrum models and innovative sensor technologies. Education BSc Physics, Universidad de La Laguna (2016) MSc Acoustics and Music Technology, University of Edinburgh (2017) Her research explores directional hearing mechanisms in moths and develops acoustic metamaterial microphones using 3D-printable ionic gels. This work aligns with advancements in biomedical engineering and structural acoustics. Recent projects include soil quality monitoring, tumor neo-vasculature modeling, and collaborations with institutions in Japan. Key research output trends include applications of finite element analysis, bio-inspired sensor design, and additive manufacturing techniques. Her work has strong interdisciplinary connections to biomedical engineering, sensor engineering, and structural vibration mitigation. Scientific Awards IEEE Sensors Journal Best Paper Runner-Up (2023) Acoustical Society of America Student Challenge (2022) Diaz Garcia has participated in 17 public engagement activities, including outreach at the Glasgow Science Festival and contributions to UKESF Girls into Electronics initiatives. She serves as Principal Investigator for multiple funded projects and contributes to datasets related to hydrogel-based vascular modeling.

Xiaodong LiView profile

Professor

• Additive Manufacturing
• Smart Manufacturing
• Nanomaterial-enabled Energy Systems
• +5 more

Xiaodong Li serves as the Rolls-Royce Commonwealth Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Virginia, maintaining an active research profile with over 300 peer-reviewed publications in top-tier journals including Science , Nature Communications , and Advanced Materials . His work has garnered 26,282+ citations (H-index 87), earned Fellow status in ASME and SEM, and received global media coverage from BBC and New York Times (Year in Ideas 2010). Dr. Li's research program integrates advanced manufacturing with biomimetic materials science, featuring core emphases on additive/smart manufacturing , nanomaterial-enabled energy systems , and biomechanics . His interdisciplinary approach bridges micro/nanomechanics, surface engineering, and tribology to develop innovative solutions for energy storage, biomedical devices, and high-performance composites, frequently leveraging bio-inspired design principles observed in natural materials like nacre. Analysis of his publication record reveals consistent leadership in nanomaterial characterization and biomimetic engineering, with recent work focusing on graphene composites for structural applications and textile-based flexible power systems. His research demonstrates methodological rigor across experimental mechanics, materials synthesis, and multi-scale modeling. Major recognitions include: World’s Top 2% Scientists designation Department of Energy VTO Distinguished Achievement Award TMS MPMD Distinguished Scientist/Engineer Award Professional Engineering Publisher's PE Prize UVa Distinguished Researcher and SEAS Faculty Awards Fellowships in ASME and SEM MRS Best Poster Award Dr. Li actively contributes to academic service through editorial roles (including ASME Applied Mechanics Reviews Associate Editor 2014-2018) and extensive peer review for 222 journals. His 90+ invited international lectures highlight significant community impact, though specific grant histories and student mentorship details aren't documented in the source material.

Mirko KarakašićView profile

Professor

• Mechanical Engineering
• Product Design and Development
• Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
• +7 more

Prof. Dr. Mirko Karakašić is a Full Professor and Chair Head at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering in Slavonski Brod, University of Slavonski Brod. A graduate of Production Engineering and holder of a Ph.D. in Product Design and Development, he has taught courses such as Computer-Aided Design , Industrial Design , and Optimization of Structures . His research focuses on mechanical design, ecological product evaluation, and additive manufacturing. Doctor of Technical Sciences (2004-2010), Faculty of Mechanical Engineering in Slavonski Brod, JJ Strossmayer University of Osijek Mechanical Engineering graduate (1999-2004), Faculty of Mechanical Engineering in Slavonski Brod, JJ Strossmayer University of Osijek His research spans product development , finite element analysis , and sustainable design . Recent publications highlight applications in 3D printing , LCA for battery-powered tools , and structural optimization across industrial and biomechanical contexts. The 15 most recent articles reveal a focus on: Modular design and functional modeling Additive manufacturing mechanics (PLA/ABS testing) Life Cycle Assessment for sustainable products Structural analysis of steel and composite systems Thermal management and sensor modeling Bio-inspired medical device prototyping As project leader of the EU-funded Center of Competence for Advanced Engineering Nova Gradiška (CEKOM NI NG) , he bridges academia and industry through collaborations with firms like Same Deutz-Fahr Žetelice d.o.o. . He serves on the editorial board of Organization and Maintenance Technology and as a reviewer for MDPI Applied Science . His technical expertise includes: Computer-Aided Modeling and Simulation Rapid Prototyping Eco-Design Methodologies Finite Element Analysis Biomechanical Device Development Industrial Project Leadership

• Acoustic Metamaterials
• Fibrous Materials for Sound Absorption
• Numerical Acoustics
• +3 more

Yang Tao, Ph.D. , a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellow at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), works at the Chair of Acoustics of Mobile Systems under Prof. Steffen Marburg. His research focuses on developing textile-based metamaterials for low-frequency noise absorption, bridging acoustics, material engineering, and computational modeling. Acoustic metamaterials Fibrous material characterization Numerical acoustics Multi-functional textiles Recent publications highlight his expertise in Johnson-Champoux-Allard-Lafarge models for fibrous materials, acoustic bound states, and modular multilayer systems. Yang's work addresses urban noise challenges through scalable textile manufacturing techniques. Scientific awards include the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship . His research integrates experimental and computational approaches to advance sound absorption and material design.

Ido LevinView profile

Assistant Professor

• Soft Matter
• Material Chemistry
• Physical Chemistry
• +9 more

Ido Levin is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Chemistry and Department of Mathematics within the Faculty of Science at the University of British Columbia. His research integrates geometrical modeling, responsive materials, and innovative fabrication techniques to design programmable and active materials inspired by natural systems. He combines experimental approaches with analytical and numerical tools to study shape morphing in soft systems, chemo-mechanical active solids, and lipid membrane patterning. Education: B.Sc. in Physics and Mathematics, Hebrew University of Jerusalem (2012) M.Sc. in Physics, Hebrew University of Jerusalem (2014) Ph.D. in Physics, Hebrew University of Jerusalem (2021) His work spans soft matter, material chemistry, and theoretical modeling, focusing on distributed actuation, multi-responsive materials, and geometric frustration. Articles from 2015 to 2024 highlight his contributions to programmable materials, fluid dynamics in bio-inspired structures, and mechanical instabilities in amorphous systems. Scientific Awards: WRF Postdoctoral Fellow (2022-2025) Fulbright Postdoctoral Scholar (2021-2022)

Theja DeSilvaView profile

Associate Professor

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Quantum Many-Body Systems
• Statistical Mechanics
• +5 more

Theja DeSilva is an Associate Professor in the College of Science and Mathematics at Augusta University, holding appointments in both the Department of Chemistry and Physics and the Department of Physics and Biophysics. With a PhD in Physics from the University of Cincinnati (2004), DeSilva specializes in quantum many-body theory, applying statistical mechanics to biological systems, and physics education research. Research interests span Condensed matter physics of quantum spin systems and superconductors Emergent collective phenomena in biological cells Interactive teaching methodologies using Socratic engagement Non-equilibrium quantum dynamics and optical lattice simulations Their work bridges fundamental quantum theory with biological applications through statistical mechanical frameworks. DeSilva's academic contributions include: KITP Scholar Awards (2018-2019) from UC Santa Barbara ITAMP Visiting Scientist Award (2017) at Harvard University Recognition for compassionate teaching at Augusta University (2018) In education, they champion interactive engagement strategies, utilizing cooperative learning and technology integration. As a theorist, DeSilva explores how complex quantum phenomena emerge from simple particle interactions, with recent publications focusing on optical lattice dynamics, lipid membrane self-organization, and protein folding thermodynamics.

• Materials Science
• Sustainable Materials
• Bio-inspired Materials
• +1 more

Dr. Maria Murace serves as a Research Fellow at the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces in Potsdam, Germany, where she is embedded within the Sustainable and Bio-inspired Materials research group. Her work focuses on developing advanced material systems through biomimetic approaches with explicit sustainability objectives. Her research interests center on Materials Science , particularly Sustainable Materials and Bio-inspired Materials , exploring how natural structural principles can inform eco-friendly synthetic material design. This work intersects with Colloid Science to address challenges in resource efficiency and environmental impact reduction, emphasizing renewable feedstocks and biodegradable composites. Her investigations target applications in sustainable packaging, biomedical interfaces, and energy-efficient manufacturing processes. Based at the institute's Am Mühlenberg 1 campus (K-1.240 office), Dr. Murace collaborates within a multidisciplinary team advancing green material innovation. Contact is available via telephone (+49 331 567-9235) or email addresses maria.murace@mpikg.mpg.de and mm2518@mpikg.mpg.de.

• Nanophotonics
• Disordered Nanophotonics
• Metasurfaces
• +5 more

Dr. Aso Rahimzadegan is a postdoctoral researcher at the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, specializing in Sustainable and Bio-inspired Materials. His work focuses on the electromagnetic properties of nanoscale structures, particularly light interaction with metasurfaces and metamaterials. PhD in Nanophotonics from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) Current research on sustainable nanostructured materials and multipolar light scattering Research interests include: Disordered Nanophotonics Resonant Metasurfaces Electromagnetic Chirality Light-Induced Forces Optical Homogenization Lensless Imaging His recent publications span topics like metasurface design, multipolar theory, and optical force diagnostics, emphasizing both ordered and disordered systems. Collaborative efforts involve modeling light-matter interactions at multiple scales.

• Sustainable Polymers
• Biocompatible Materials
• Self-Assembly
• +5 more

Dr. Zhen Wang is a postdoctoral researcher at the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, specializing in sustainable and bio-inspired photonic materials. He focuses on designing degradable block copolymers, optimizing polymer structures for controlled breakdown, and characterizing their optical properties. Education: B.S. and M.S. in Chemistry from Renmin University of China Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Cambridge Research Interests: Development of biocompatible and biodegradable block copolymers Microfluidic droplet-based self-assembly for structurally colored pigments Photothermal conversion and controlled decomposition mechanisms High refractive index polymers for soft photonics

• Biopolymers
• Photonic Materials
• Self-Assembly
• +3 more

Xiaowen Wu is a postdoctoral researcher at the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces , affiliated with the Department of Sustainable and Bio-inspired Materials . His work focuses on leveraging natural biopolymers and their derivatives to design photonic materials with structural color properties. Education : PhD from ETH Zurich (2023), supervised by Prof. Laura Nyström. Research interests center on natural block copolymers , their self-assembly, and applications in sustainable photonic materials. His expertise spans biopolymer characterization (polysaccharides, polypeptides), polymer interactions, and chiral light manipulation. Current projects aim to integrate synthetic block copolymer technology with natural substances for precise material design. He has published in journals like Carbohydrate Polymers and ACS Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters , though specific titles are not listed in the provided text. Xiaowen’s work emphasizes biocompatibility, biodegradability, and environmental sustainability.

David BecerraView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Computational Biology
• Bioinformatics
• Algorithms
• +5 more

David Becerra is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Computer Science at McGill University, where he joined in 2020. His expertise spans computational biology, algorithms, and programming competitions, with a focus on interdisciplinary applications in life sciences. Dr. Becerra earned his PhD in Computer Science with emphasis in Bioinformatics from McGill University in 2017 under Professor Jérôme Waldispühl. He completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular & Biomolecular Research (2018-2020) supervised by Professor Philip Kim. His undergraduate and master's degrees are from Universidad Nacional de Colombia, where he worked with Professor Luis Niño. His research integrates machine learning, bio-inspired computing, and optimization to solve molecular biology problems at sequential and structural levels. Key areas include protein structure prediction, molecular docking, sequence alignment, and algorithm development for computational biology. He applies these techniques to model complex life science phenomena through computational simulation and data mining. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals a strong trajectory in computational structural biology, with increasing use of deep learning (particularly graph neural networks) for protein design and folding. His work consistently bridges theoretical algorithms with practical biological applications, emphasizing multi-objective optimization approaches. Qualified for ICPC World Finals (2020, 2021) Dr. Becerra actively mentors students through undergraduate research projects (COMP396/400/401), course instruction (COMP204/251), and programming competition teams. He fosters an inclusive environment where students develop algorithmic confidence and interpersonal skills through collaborative problem-solving. He leads McGill's competitive programming initiative, which has created a thriving community preparing students for international competitions like the ICPC. This program emphasizes both technical excellence and team cohesion, resulting in consecutive world final qualifications.

Arya Assadi LangroudiView profile

Associate Professor

• Geotechnical Engineering
• Micromechanics
• Emerging Geohazards
• +4 more

Dr. Arya Assadi Langroudi serves as Associate Professor in Geotechnical Engineering at the University of East London (UEL), where he leads the Engineering Cluster and directs the Emerging Geohazards Lab. He oversees Civil Engineering BEng/MEng programs and Civil Engineering with Environmental Management MSc courses. Additionally, he holds a Visiting Professorship in Geomechanics at South Africa's Central University of Technology and chairs the international Nature-inspired Solutions for the Built Environment initiative. His educational foundation includes a PhD from the University of Birmingham (2014) focused on micromechanics of collapse in loess, followed by research roles at Atkins and Newcastle University. This background informs his expertise in soil behavior and ground engineering. Langroudi's research centers on emerging geohazards through micromechanical analysis, investigating soil ageing, fatigue, liquefaction, and sinkholes in urban environments. His biomimetic approach develops decision-support systems and sustainable ground improvement techniques using advanced testing, 3D scanning, and nanomaterials. Current work emphasizes circular economy principles and nature-inspired solutions for resilient infrastructure. Recent publications reveal strong interdisciplinary trends: 60% focus on sustainable material innovation (nanosilica, biomimetics), 30% on geohazard mechanics (liquefaction, collapsible soils), and 10% on construction supply chain optimization. His work bridges geotechnical engineering, environmental science, and sustainable construction practices. Key recognitions include: Social Entrepreneurship Award from HEFCE (2012) DST-NRF Fellowship from Royal Society-DST-NRF (2018) He has secured £6.5M+ in research funding since 2011, including £5.8M as Co-I for UKPNR infrastructure projects and multiple Royal Academy of Engineering grants. His Geohazards Lab supervises PhD students through internal studentships and develops nature-inspired solutions for urban ground risks. The Emerging Geohazards Lab pioneers biomimetic ground improvement techniques and decision-support systems for urban infrastructure resilience, focusing on micro-mechanical understanding of soil behavior under extreme conditions.