Find Academic Supervisors

• Bio-inspired Design
• Additive Manufacturing
• In-Space Manufacturing
• +4 more

Salil Bapat is a Research Scientist at Purdue University's Department of Mechanical Engineering, located at the West Lafayette campus. His research focuses on bio-inspired design, additive manufacturing, in-space manufacturing systems, and frugal engineering strategies for resilient supply chains. He explores applications in robotics, materials science, and socially conscious technologies to address challenges in space exploration and resource-limited environments. His work includes developing bio-inspired end effectors for in-space servicing, advancing lightweight materials through biomimicry, and creating innovative solutions for food insecurity via 3D printing. He also investigates the intersection of biology and engineering for sustainable product innovations, such as adaptive supply chains and resource-efficient manufacturing processes. Key themes in his recent articles include ISAM (In-Space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing) robotic systems, digital twins for space applications, and the use of AI in additive manufacturing quality control. His research bridges biological principles with engineering to create resilient, cost-effective, and socially impactful technologies.

• Oceanography
• Marine Biology
• Climate Science
• +6 more

Professor Jonathan Sharples is a Professor of Ocean Sciences at the University of Liverpool, affiliated with the School of Environmental Sciences and the Faculty of Science and Engineering. He leads undergraduate programs in Ocean Science, Geography and Oceanography, Marine Biology with Oceanography, and Maths with Ocean and Climate Science. His research focuses on physical and biological oceanography, particularly the interplay between ocean dynamics (tides, currents, internal waves) and plankton populations, linking these processes to marine food webs and climate regulation in shelf seas. Research interests include ocean mixing mechanisms, climate impacts on dissolved oxygen levels, and anthropogenic influences like offshore wind farms. His work integrates field observations from research ships with modeling approaches. Teaching responsibilities include modules such as Oceanography, Plankton and Climate, and Sea Practical, emphasizing hands-on data analysis. Professional activities include editorial roles (e.g., Continental Shelf Research) and membership in scientific societies like the American Geophysical Union. Publications highlight studies on internal tides, wind farm impacts, and seasonal stratification effects. Advising includes supervision of theses on topics like plankton productivity and oceanographic processes. Current research explores climate change effects on shelf sea oxygenation and the role of physical processes in sustaining marine ecosystems.

• Machine Learning in Mechanical Systems
• Fluid Mechanics
• Renewable Energy Systems
• +4 more

Dr. Muhammad Sajid is an Assistant Professor in Automotive Engineering (Fluid Mechanics) at the School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University College Dublin. He holds a B.Eng. from NUST (Pakistan), a Master's from ENSAM ParisTech (France), a PhD from University of Cergy Pontoise (France), and completed postdoctoral research at Texas A&M University Qatar and NUST. His research focuses on integrating AI/ML with mechanical engineering challenges, particularly in fluid dynamics, renewable energy systems, and smart building technologies. He coordinates courses like Computational Fluid Mechanics and Mechanics of Fluids. His work spans experimental and numerical studies in energy harvesting, HVAC optimization, and sustainable urban infrastructure. As PI of the AIMS laboratory, he leads projects on AI-driven mechanical systems. He actively participates in international conferences and has authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications. Education: Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.), National University of Sciences and Technology Master’s Degree, École Nationale Supérieure d’Arts et Métiers (ENSAM) Paris Tech PhD, University of Cergy Pontoise Postdoctoral Research: Texas A&M University at Qatar and NUST Research interests include cloud-based high performance computing for fluid dynamics simulations, solar/wind energy forecasting using machine learning, IoT sensor analytics for HVAC systems, and aerodynamic design optimization. His recent work emphasizes achieving net-zero energy buildings through smart environmental control systems.

• Environmental Policy
• Energy Systems Transition
• Waste Management
• +7 more

Professor Phil Longhurst is a faculty member at Cranfield University, holding the Chair of Environment and Energy Technology in the School of Water, Energy & Environment . He leads the Centre for Renewable and Low Carbon Energy and serves as Director of Partnerships, bridging academia with industry and government clients. His academic background includes a PhD in Innovation & Technology Assessment, a degree in Design and Technology, and a B.Ed. (Hons). Prior to academia, he worked in the furniture industry and trained as a Design and Technology educator, developing educational wind tunnel demonstrators. His research focuses on waste management innovation , including material recovery from waste streams, energy-from-waste applications, and pollution prevention. Key projects involve risk assessments for agricultural use of composts (PAS100) and anaerobic digestates (PAS110), trace metal recovery from contaminated land, and systems modeling for waste minimization and net-zero transitions. He has pioneered methods like mechanical-biological treatment (MBT) of solid waste and solid recovered fuels (SRF) quality analysis. Professor Longhurst collaborates with major institutions such as EPSRC, NERC, Defra, BEIS , and industrial partners like Viridor, Biffa, Boeing . He teaches in Energy, Environment, and Agrifood themes while supervising doctoral researchers. Recent work includes contributions to HM Treasury’s Infrastructure study via the Engineering Interdependencies Expert Group (EIEG) and developing short courses on biowaste regulation and odour control. His research emphasizes cross-sector collaboration, environmental policy implementation, and transitioning energy systems to net-zero. Clients span government departments (e.g., HM Treasury, UK Water Industry Research), NGOs, and commercial sponsors. Phil has also evaluated methane diffusion dynamics in coal gasification and pioneered neural network-based approaches for solar PV adoption modeling.

• Organic Chemistry
• Organometallic Chemistry
• Inorganic Chemistry
• +2 more

Prof. Alex Bissember is a Professor of Chemistry at the University of Tasmania's School of Natural Sciences. His research focuses on organic, organometallic, inorganic, and natural products chemistry, with a strong emphasis on chemical education. He holds qualifications including a PhD (ANU, 2010) and BSc degrees from ANU (2004-2005). His career includes postdoctoral research at MIT and Caltech, supported by the American Australian Association Merck Fellowship. He has led independent research since 2013 and was an ARC Future Fellow. Education: PhD (Chemistry), Australian National University, 2010 BSc (1st Class Hons Chemistry), ANU, 2005 BSc (Chemistry & Physics majors), ANU, 2004 Research Interests: His work spans synthetic chemistry innovations, including transition metal catalysis, photoredox systems, and natural product total synthesis. He also explores sustainable materials (e.g., microplastic alternatives) and green chemistry. His recent studies highlight advancements in C-H functionalization, verdazyl radical applications, and energy storage materials. Article Trends: Recent publications focus on catalytic methodologies (e.g., copper/photoredox catalysts), sustainable chemistry innovations (e.g., bio-based plasticizers), and mechanistic studies in cross-coupling reactions. His work bridges fundamental organic chemistry with practical applications in materials science and environmental solutions. Awards & Honors: 2023 Royal Society of Tasmania M. R. Banks Medal 2021 RACI Fellowship 2017 Tasmanian STEM Innovation of the Year Multiple ARC grants (DP250100285, LP220100252) Advising & Grants: He leads funded projects on catalyst development, polymerizable eutectics, and natural product isolation. His team explores photoredox systems, electrosynthetic methods, and mechanistic studies of cross-coupling reactions. He mentors students in advanced synthetic chemistry and catalysis. Labs & Teams: Active in collaborative networks including the Southern Highlands Conference on Heterocyclic Chemistry and RACI committees. His lab focuses on interdisciplinary research at the interface of synthesis, catalysis, and sustainability.

Ehsan EsfahaniView profile

Associate Professor

• Artificial Intelligence in Engineering
• Human-Machine Interaction
• Robotics
• +4 more

Ehsan Esfahani is an Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University at Buffalo's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. He is affiliated with the Stephen Still Institute for Sustainable Transportation and Logistics. His research focuses on AI-driven robotics, human-machine interaction, and bio-mechatronics systems. Education: PhD in Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Riverside (2012) MS in Electrical Engineering, University of California, Riverside (2012) MS in Mechanical Engineering, University of Toledo (2007) BS in Mechanical Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology (2004) Research Interests: Brain-computer interfaces for CAD/robotic systems Human-robot collaboration and neuroergonomics Bio-inspired robotics and tactile sensing Swarm intelligence and multi-agent systems Variable stiffness actuators for safe manipulation Key Contributions: Esfahani's work bridges AI with physical systems, emphasizing real-time human-in-the-loop control. Recent trends in his publications focus on scalable swarm robotics, human-swarm interaction dynamics, and adaptive gripper designs for confined environments. His neurophysiological approaches assess cognitive load in collaborative tasks, enhancing system safety and efficiency. Awards: American Power Public Associations DEED Scholarship (2012) UC Riverside Dissertation Year Fellowship (2011–2012) Lung-Wen Tsai Memorial Scholarship (2010) Advising & Labs: Directs the HILS Lab (Human-Inspired Learning Systems), exploring human-centered robotics. Active in grants focusing on AI-driven factories, cognitive modeling in surgery, and variable stiffness mechanisms. Collaborates on projects like SHaSTA (Human-Swarm Team Simulator) and MyoTrack rehabilitation systems. Labs & Teams: HILS Lab: Human-AI collaboration frameworks Stephen Still Institute: Transportation logistics and sustainability

• Neuroendocrinology
• Behavioral neuroscience
• Hormone-behavior interactions
• +2 more

Ryan Wynne is Associate Teaching Professor specializing in neurobiology and endocrinology at University at Buffalo. His research examines hormonal regulation of neural plasticity and behavior using zebrafish and avian models. Research Areas: Neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying social behavior in zebrafish Stress physiology and cortisol effects on neural plasticity Behavioral syndromes in conservation contexts Auditory learning mechanisms in songbirds Wynne teaches undergraduate courses including Neurobiology (BIO 417) and Endocrinology (BIO 448), maintaining office hours in 229 Cooke Hall.

Seung Jae LeeView profile

Associate Professor

• Civil Engineering
• Geotechnical Engineering
• Computational Modeling
• +6 more

Seung Jae Lee is an Associate Professor and Undergraduate Program Director in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Florida International University (FIU). He holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2014). His research focuses on advanced computational modeling of granular materials, structural dynamics, and disaster-resilient infrastructure. Key areas include particle geometry characterization, soil-water interaction analysis, and wind engineering for building systems. He leads efforts in integrating 3D imaging and simulation techniques to enhance material understanding and infrastructure performance. Education: Ph.D., Civil Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2014 Research interests span particle morphology analysis, computational mechanics, and sustainable construction materials. His work emphasizes practical applications such as improving cement-based materials through aggregate morphology optimization and enhancing building envelope systems against extreme winds. Lee's methodologies often combine experimental testing with advanced numerical simulations, such as discrete element modeling (DEM) and finite element analysis (FEA). His articles highlight trends in 3D particle characterization, wind-induced structural behavior, and biotechnology-driven soil improvement. These studies aim to bridge microscopic material properties with macroscopic engineering performance, contributing to safer and more durable infrastructure systems. Notable projects include full-scale testing of curtain wall systems and development of predictive models for material degradation under cyclic loading. His lab focuses on disaster preparedness through computational frameworks integrating imaging and simulation for construction projects.

• Biomimetic Materials
• Biomedical Engineering
• Polymer Science
• +4 more

Dr. Helen Zha is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). She holds affiliations in the Biochemistry and Biophysics graduate program and the Center for Engineering and Precision Medicine. As Associate Director of the NY Fashion Innovation Center, she bridges academic and industrial innovation. Her research focuses on biomimetic materials, particularly the synthesis of silk-mimetic polymers and their applications in regenerative medicine, sustainable materials, and biotechnology. Educated at MIT (B.Sc., 2007) and Northwestern University (Ph.D., 2013), Dr. Zha completed postdoctoral training at Eindhoven University of Technology and UC Berkeley. She joined RPI in 2018 as a tenure-track faculty member. Her research interests span biomaterials design, biopolymer synthesis, and sustainable material upcycling. Key projects include converting plastic waste into recombinant proteins and developing anti-angiogenic nanostructures for medical applications. Her work emphasizes the interplay between molecular design and functional properties of materials. Dr. Zha has received prestigious awards, including the NSF CAREER Award and NIH R35 MIRA Early Career Grant. She chairs the Biomaterials program area of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and actively contributes to professional societies like the Society for Biomaterials. Her lab, the Bioinspired Materials Lab , explores bio-inspired material systems with applications in energy storage, drug delivery, and environmental remediation. Current projects include silk fibroin coatings for neural regeneration and nano-silica additives for sodium batteries.

• Structural Health Monitoring
• Aerospace Engineering
• Control Systems
• +7 more

Professor Fotios Kopsaftopoulos is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). He joined RPI in 2017 after postdoctoral research at Stanford University and the University of Patras, Greece. His work focuses on structural health monitoring (SHM), intelligent structures, and autonomous systems with bio-inspired sensing capabilities. Education: Diploma and Ph.D. in Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering from University of Patras, Greece (2012). Research Interests: His research spans stochastic system identification, vibration-based SHM methods, model predictive control, and design of composite structural batteries. He explores SHM reliability quantification, adhesively bonded structures analysis, and autonomous system integration. Key areas include: Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) Aerospace System Design Autonomous Systems and Bio-inspired Sensing Control Systems and Optimization Composite Materials and Structural Batteries Grants & Projects: He has secured funding from AFOSR, NSF, NASA, ARPA-E, and industry partners like Boeing and Airbus, focusing on advanced materials, control systems, and aerospace applications. His work addresses challenges in green aircraft navigation, structural battery health monitoring, and composite material reliability. Labs & Affiliations: Director of the Intelligent Systems and Space Laboratory (ISSL) at RPI. Previously affiliated with Stanford’s Structures and Composites Laboratory. Active in professional committees including the Vertical Flight Society’s HUMS Committee and ASME’s SHM/NDE Committee.

Hermann EberlView profile

Professor

• Mathematical Biology
• Engineering Mathematics
• Applied Differential Equations
• +5 more

Hermann Eberl is a Professor in the Department of Mathematics & Statistics at the University of Guelph, affiliated with the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences. His research focuses on Mathematical Biology and Engineering, emphasizing modeling, analysis, and simulation of biological systems and bio/environmental engineering processes using differential equations and numerical methods. He leads the Computational Biomathematics Laboratory, which houses a diverse research group of undergraduates, graduate students, and postdocs. Key research areas include microbial biofilms, honeybee health dynamics, agricultural systems, and environmental bioprocesses. His work is supported by funding agencies such as NSERC, CFI, and OMAFRA. Students under his supervision have excelled in interdisciplinary journals and secured careers in academia, industry, and government. Dr. Eberl holds full supervisory privileges in the Mathematics and Biophysics graduate programs and actively mentors students pursuing MSc/PhD degrees. His lab is located in MacNaughton Building, with a focus on integrating mathematical modeling with real-world applications in biotechnology and environmental engineering. Research outputs span biofilm reactor modeling, quorum sensing mechanisms, and gut microbiome interactions, with notable contributions to the ADM1jl computational tool for anaerobic digestion simulations. Collaborations emphasize interdisciplinary problem-solving, reflecting his commitment to bridging mathematical theory with practical engineering challenges.

Symone AlexanderView profile

Assistant Professor

• Biopolymer Extraction
• Biopolymer Composites and Gels
• Mechanics of Soft Materials
• +3 more

Symone Alexander serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering within Auburn University's College of Engineering. Her research bridges biomimetic design and sustainable materials engineering, focusing on translating natural systems into solutions for environmental and biomedical challenges. With expertise in soft materials mechanics and biopolymer systems, she leads interdisciplinary projects addressing waste valorization and toxin remediation. Her educational foundation includes: Ph.D. in Macromolecular Science and Engineering from Case Western Reserve University B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Howard University Dr. Alexander's research centers on bio-inspired materials with four core platforms: Extraction and Utilization of Biopolymers from Mixed Food Waste, Dynamic Compatibilizers for Mixed Waste Plastics, Structural Uniformity of Cellulose Gels and Microgels, and Bioinspired Responsive Systems. She investigates how nature achieves engineering feats through efficient resource utilization, particularly studying spider web mechanics for ultrafast motion applications and dietary fiber assemblies for metabolic toxin removal. Her work emphasizes sustainable processing of agricultural and food waste into functional materials. Analysis of her publication record (2017-2025) reveals consistent innovation in cellulose-based materials, with increasing focus on medical applications like chronic kidney disease treatment. Her research trajectory shows a strategic integration of biomechanics, materials science, and environmental engineering, characterized by biomimetic approaches to solve complex problems in waste recovery and biomedical device development. Her scientific recognition includes: Research Support Program grant from Auburn University Dr. Alexander secures substantial research funding including an NSF grant for slingshot spider biomechanics and participation in a $4 million NSF-EPSCoR grant for sustainable plastic development. She actively mentors undergraduate researchers through the Research Experience for Undergraduates program, guiding students in professional skill development from elevator pitches to scientific presentations. Her #ARTist lab members like Matt and Luke May present at national conferences and secure industry internships. The Alexander Research Team (Bio-inspired Materials Advancing Science and Society) operates through four interconnected research platforms that convert waste streams into functional materials while studying natural systems for engineering inspiration. Current initiatives include extracting cellulose nanofibers from pecan shells as synthetic fiber alternatives and developing dietary fiber-inspired hydrogels for uremic toxin removal.

Hossein JahromiView profile

Assistant Professor

• Biosystems Engineering
• Catalytic Processes
• Biofuel Production
• +3 more

Hossein Jahromi is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biosystems Engineering at Auburn University, located in Auburn, Alabama. His research focuses on catalytic processes for biofuel production, environmental engineering, and sustainable materials development. He leads projects involving waste-to-energy conversion, catalytic pyrolysis, and advanced biochar applications. His work addresses challenges in renewable energy systems, including the valorization of biomass, plastics, and industrial byproducts. Recent studies emphasize hydrothermal liquefaction, catalytic depolymerization, and novel materials for CO₂ capture and nutrient recovery. Dr. Jahromi collaborates with industry and government agencies to advance technologies for sustainable resource management. Key research directions include optimizing catalyst performance for biomass gasification, developing low-sulfur fuels from waste tires, and improving bio-oil upgrading processes. His laboratory integrates chemical engineering principles with environmental science to create scalable solutions for energy and environmental sustainability.

Jean-Francois LoufView profile

Assistant Professor

• Fluid and Elasticity Couplings
• Physics of Hydrogels
• Soft Robotics
• +5 more

Jean-Francois Louf is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Auburn University , specializing in interdisciplinary research at the intersection of fluid mechanics , soft materials , and bio-inspired engineering . His work combines theoretical modeling with experimental approaches to advance applications in space agriculture , crop yield optimization , and soft robotics . Education: Ph.D. in Physics of Fluids, Aix-Marseille University M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, University Lyon B.S. in Physics, University of Côte d’Azur Louf’s research focuses on fluid-elasticity couplings and hydrogel physics , particularly in plant biomechanics and soft robotics . His lab develops bio-inspired devices for microfluidic networks and smart soft structures, leveraging natural plant mechanisms like hydraulic signaling and mechano-sensing . Recent publications highlight his expertise in hydrogel dynamics (e.g., freezing behavior, swelling mechanics) and plant-inspired robotics . Key trends include acoustic stimulation for plant growth , poroelastic modeling , and hydrogel-based agricultural solutions . Scientific Awards: NSF CAREER Award American Chemical Society PRF Grant ($110,000, 2023) Research & Scholarship Connections Travel Grant (2019) Louf mentors students in chemical engineering research, including projects on hydrogel seed coatings and polymer freezing dynamics . His lab has secured grants for studies on acoustic pollination enhancement and frozen polymer solutions in oil pipelines .

Christopher ThorntonView profile

Associate Professor

• Hydraulic Engineering
• Environmental Fluid Mechanics
• River Mechanics
• +2 more

Christopher Thornton is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Director of the Engineering Research Center and Hydraulics Laboratory at Colorado State University. He leads the US Army Corps of Engineers Full Scale Wave Overtopping Simulation project, studying wave impacts on levees and erosion control systems. His expertise includes hydraulic modeling for river mechanics, dam safety, flow measurement, and environmental aspects of rivers. Education includes: B.S. Civil Engineering, Hydraulics (Colorado State University, 1993) M.S. Civil Engineering, Hydraulics (Colorado State University, 1995) Ph.D. Civil Engineering, Hydraulics (Colorado State University, 1999) Research focuses on hydraulic engineering, bio-engineering, river mechanics, erosion control, and sediment dynamics. Technical capabilities encompass open-channel flow, riprap design, bank stabilization, tailings management, and interdisciplinary erosion frameworks. As Director of the Hydraulics Laboratory, Thornton oversees experimental simulations and provides technical consultation to communities. He maintains professional memberships in ASCE, ASTM, AWRA, ECTC, EWRI, and IECA.