Find Academic Supervisors

Gonzalo Campillo-AlvaradoView profile

Assistant Professor

• Molecular Crystals
• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Materials Science
• +7 more

Gonzalo Campillo-Alvarado is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Reed College, specializing in molecular crystals and their dynamic properties. His research integrates organic, supramolecular, and materials chemistry to engineer bioinspired crystalline materials with applications in petrochemistry, pharmaceutics, electronics, and mechanochemistry. He holds degrees from Universidad Veracruzana (B.Sc.), Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos (M.Sc.), and the University of Iowa (Ph.D.). Before joining Reed, he was a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. B.Sc. in Biopharmaceutical Chemistry M.Sc. in Chemistry Ph.D. in Chemistry (Advisor: Prof. Leonard R. MacGillivray) His research interests focus on designing dynamic crystalline materials, including molecular 'sponges' for chemical separations and flexible crystals for electronics. He emphasizes boron-based coordination and supramolecular interactions, with applications in drug delivery and solvent-free reactions. His lab's recent projects include NSF-funded NMR instrumentation upgrades and Murdock Trust grants for crystal sensor development. Key achievements include the International Union of Crystallography Young Scientist Award (2018) and multiple fellowships from CONACyT. His work bridges academia and industry, with outreach programs like 'Cena y Ciencias' engaging bilingual families in science. Awards: DRIVE Postdoctoral Fellowship, Lynn Anderson Award, Inclusive Excellence Achievement Grants: NSF I-Corps, Murdock Trust, Reed College equipment grants He advises students on crystal engineering and teaches Organic Chemistry and Advanced Physical Organic Chemistry at Reed.

Jordan R. RaneyView profile

Associate Professor

• Mechanical Metamaterials
• Architected Materials
• Nonlinear Dynamics
• +6 more

Jordan R. Raney is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering & Applied Mechanics at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Engineering and Applied Science. He leads the Architected Materials Laboratory, focusing on advanced manufacturing, nonlinear mechanics, and smart materials. His work integrates 3D printing, mechanical metamaterials, and autonomous systems to design materials with programmable behaviors. Research Thrusts: Geometric Control of Nonlinear Behavior : Studies wave propagation, phase transitions, and energy absorption in metamaterials. 3D-Printable Composites : Develops sustainable composites like amylopectin-based materials and fiber-reinforced systems. Mechanical Logic & Autonomous Materials : Creates systems that perform decision-making via material properties, eliminating traditional electronics. Funding: Supported by NSF, Army Research Office, Air Force Office of Scientific Research, and DARPA. His lab's innovations span robotics, aerospace, and biomedical applications. Teaching: Courses include MEAM/MSE 507: Fundamentals of Materials , MEAM 321: Vibrations of Mechanical Systems , and MEAM 211: Engineering Mechanics: Dynamics . Lab & Team: The Architected Materials Lab includes PhD students, master’s candidates, and undergraduates. Notable alumni have joined industry leaders like Intel and Lam Research.

Luc de WitteView profile

Professor

• Assistive Technology
• Healthcare Technology
• Care Robotics
• +3 more

Luc de Witte is a Professor of Technology for Healthcare at The Hague University of Applied Sciences (THUAS). Previously, he held the Chair in Health Services Research at the University of Sheffield's Centre for Assistive Technology and Connected Healthcare (CATCH). His research focuses on assistive technology, e-health applications, care robotics, and technology-supported care innovations for low-resource settings. He has supervised 35 PhD students and co-authored over 300 publications. Key themes in his work include inclusive societal design, sustainable healthcare systems, and the ethical integration of technology in care. His research group prioritizes 4 open programs addressing functional limitations and 3 core themes: supportive technology, social robots in care, and self-management support.

Hoda FaresView profile

Assistant Professor

• Intelligent Neuroprosthetics
• Artificial Sensory-Motor Restoration
• Tactile Sensing & Electronic Skin
• +3 more

Hoda Fares is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Aarhus University, specializing in neuroprosthetics and human-machine interfacing. Her research focuses on developing brain-inspired neural interfaces (BI-BCIs) that integrate neuromorphic hardware and flexible materials to restore sensorimotor function in individuals with disabilities such as stroke or amputation. She works on closed-loop systems combining bioinspired spiking neural networks (SNN) with low-power neuromorphic hardware. Her expertise includes intelligent neuroprosthetics, tactile sensing technologies, and electrotactile stimulation for bionic limbs. Current projects involve wearable neuromorphic interfaces for bidirectional control of prostheses and enhancing rehabilitation systems through artificial sensory-motor restoration. Fares' work bridges artificial intelligence with neuroengineering to create adaptive, miniaturized neural implants. Selected publications highlight advancements in functional electrical stimulation for stroke recovery, electronic skin validation, and multi-channel tactile feedback systems. Her research emphasizes clinical translation of technologies for real-world prosthetic applications, leveraging flexible/stretchable materials and distributed sensing networks. Despite no listed academic awards, her contributions to tactile sensing and prosthetic control systems demonstrate significant innovation in biomedical engineering. Ongoing work includes collaborations on neuromorphic hardware design and validation of virtual prosthetic systems with tactile feedback interfaces.

Ed PopeView profile

Associate Professor

• Marine Invertebrate Biology
• Fish Biology
• Marine Ecology
• +4 more

Dr. Ed Pope is an Associate Professor in Biosciences at Swansea University, where he serves as Head of the Marine Biology degree program. His research focuses on marine animal-environment interactions, particularly under environmental stressors like ocean acidification, climate change, and pathogen exposure. He teaches field ecology, fisheries, and marine invertebrate biology, emphasizing hands-on learning through field courses and lab practicals. His research spans marine invertebrate and fish biology, exploring topics such as behavioral resilience to acidification, disease ecology in crustaceans, and the trophic roles of large marine species. Notable projects include studies on European sea bass responses to CO2 levels and the biomechanical adaptations of barnacles. Recent publications highlight his work on ocean acidification impacts, crustacean cognitive abilities, and the ecological effects of pathogens. Dr. Pope co-organizes the Oriel Science Café, promoting public engagement with marine science topics. His teaching and research emphasize interdisciplinary approaches to understanding and mitigating environmental challenges.

Andrew GouldstoneView profile

Professor

• Biomechanics
• Material Science
• Engineering Mechanics
• +6 more

Andrew Gouldstone is a Professor and Associate Chair for Undergraduate Affairs in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at Northeastern University's College of Engineering. His research focuses on biomechanics, material science, and engineering mechanics with specializations in lung mechanics, thermal spray coatings, and heterogeneous systems. He holds a PhD from MIT (2001) and conducted postdoctoral work at Harvard School of Public Health. His work is funded by NSF grants including a CAREER Award (2005). Education includes B.S. and Ph.D. from MIT's Materials Science & Engineering (1996, 2001), followed by NIH postdoctoral research at Harvard. He previously served as faculty at SUNY Stony Brook (2003-2007) before joining Northeastern. Awards include 2022 Faculty Research Team Award and 2014 COE Fellow. Research projects span sub-THz satellite networks (NSF-funded), lung mechanics via indentation studies, and thermal spray coating mechanics. His lab uses optical coherence tomography for lung deformation analysis and explores nanoporous metallic surfaces through thermal spray innovation. He advises student groups like Northeastern Electric Racing and mentors PEAK Experiences scholars. Key contributions include understanding atelectasis mechanics in lungs, bubble dynamics in metallic splats, and interdisciplinary programs like Bringing Education and Lifelong Learning to Adults (BELLA). Current grants include $750K NSF support for sub-THz satellite communication platforms.

Marco Lo PrestiView profile

Academic

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Sustainable Materials
• +6 more

Marco Lo Presti is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Tufts University. His work focuses on developing sustainable and functional biomaterials through bio-inspired approaches, with particular emphasis on silk fibroin composites, diatom biosilica, and bioadhesives. He holds a PhD from the University of Bari Aldo Moro (Italy) and has pioneered innovations in materials science and green chemistry. Education: Doctor of Philosophy (2019), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Italy. Research interests include bio-inspired material design, sustainable materials processing, and functionalization of natural polymers. His projects span from eco-friendly adhesives to bioelectronic interfaces, leveraging interdisciplinary methods like nanotechnology and chemical engineering. Recent work highlights include silk-based supercapacitors, dynamic adhesive fibers for robotics, and novel applications of diatom-derived biosilica. Publications reflect a strong focus on biomaterials innovation, with contributions to journals like Advanced Functional Materials and Biomaterials Science. His research emphasizes scalability and environmental impact, addressing challenges in renewable energy storage, wearable sensors, and sustainable manufacturing. Key projects involve biohybrid systems combining bacterial photosynthetic components with synthetic materials, and development of additive manufacturing techniques for leather-like silk materials. This work bridges fundamental science with applied engineering solutions for global sustainability goals.

Marcetta DarensbourgView profile

Professor

• Inorganic Chemistry
• Organometallic Chemistry
• Bioinorganic Chemistry
• +3 more

Marcetta Y. Darensbourg is a Distinguished Professor and Davidson Chair in Science at Texas A&M University's Department of Chemistry within the College of Science. With a career spanning over five decades since earning her Ph.D. in 1967 from the University of Illinois at Urbana, she has established herself as a leading figure in inorganic and bioinorganic chemistry. Her laboratory focuses on creating bio-inspired catalysts that mimic natural enzyme systems, particularly hydrogenase enzymes, with applications in sustainable energy production. B.S., 1963, Union College Kentucky Ph.D., 1967, University of Illinois at Urbana Professor Darensbourg's research centers on bio-inspired catalysts for hydrogen production, with a focus on creating robust catalysts from earth-abundant transition metals that mimic hydrogenase enzyme active sites. Her work explores the connection between Fe(NO) 2 units and Fe(CX) 3 units found in hydrogenase enzymes to design new electrocatalysts. A significant portion of her research investigates dinitrosyl iron complexes (DNICs) as biomimetics of products from FeS cluster degradation by nitric oxide, examining their electronic ambivalence and redox behavior. Her group also studies the chemistry of iron with diatomic molecules like O 2 , CO, N 2 , and NO, which are central to important life processes. Analysis of Professor Darensbourg's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on bioinorganic chemistry with particular emphasis on hydrogen production catalysts, metal-nitrosyl chemistry, and enzyme mimics. Her work demonstrates increasing sophistication in designing heterobimetallic and polymetallic complexes that model biological systems. The research shows progression from fundamental structural studies toward functional catalysts with practical applications in energy production and potential medical applications, as evidenced by her work on SARS-CoV-2 protease inhibitors. Willard Gibbs Medal Award, American Chemical Society – Chicago Section (2019) SEC Professor of the Year (2018) Member of the National Academy of Sciences (2017) American Chemical Society Award in Organometallic Chemistry (2017) Royal Society of Chemistry Fellows (2014) American Academy of Arts & Sciences Fellows (2011) American Chemical Society Fellows (2009) Throughout her distinguished career, Professor Darensbourg has mentored numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in academia and industry. Her group photos document generations of researchers who have contributed to her laboratory's scientific output. She has successfully secured funding for her research from various sources, enabling her to maintain a vibrant research program focused on bioinorganic chemistry. Her mentorship has been recognized with multiple awards, including the Texas A&M University College of Science Undergraduate Research Mentoring Award (2016) and the Texas A&M Association of Former Students Award for Graduate Mentoring (2012). Professor Darensbourg leads the MYD Research Group at Texas A&M University, which maintains an active presence in both fundamental and applied inorganic chemistry research. The group's work spans multiple projects focused on hydrogen production catalysts, metal-nitrosyl chemistry, and biomimetic systems. Photos from group events show a collaborative environment with regular gatherings at locations like Yankee's Tavern, indicating a strong group culture. The laboratory has produced numerous publications in high-impact journals and maintains collaborations with other research groups, as evidenced by multi-institutional author lists on many publications.

• Bio-Nano Interactions
• Nanomedicine
• Drug Delivery Systems
• +3 more

Dr. Shiyao Li is a Researcher in the School of Science at RMIT University, specializing in bio-nano interactions and nanomedicine. Their work focuses on nanoparticle design for biomedical applications, including targeted drug delivery systems, biomolecular corona effects, and immune cell interactions. Dr. Li’s research integrates materials science, cell biology, and chemical engineering to advance therapeutic solutions for conditions like leukemia and vaccine development. Research areas: Bio-Nano Interactions, Nanomedicine, Biomaterials Supervision: Advises on projects involving lipid nanoparticles, biomolecular coronas, and nanomedicine development Publications emphasize quantitative tracking of bio-nano interactions, enzyme-mediated nanoparticle assembly, and overcoming anti-PEG antibody challenges in vaccines. Collaboration networks include multidisciplinary teams exploring spatiotemporal drug release and immune evasion strategies.

Jue HouView profile

Academic

• Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs)
• Membrane Separation
• Photonic Crystals
• +4 more

Dr. Jue Hou is a Senior Research Fellow and DECRA Fellow at RMIT University's School of Engineering. He holds a BS in Materials Chemistry from Peking University (2011) and a PhD in Materials Science from ICCAS (2016). His postdoctoral work included roles at Monash University (2017–2019) and CSIRO (2019–2022). His research focuses on MOFs, membrane separation, photonic crystals, sensors, and bio-inspired materials. Key projects include developing MOF-based membranes for separation and photonic sensors for intelligent packaging and environmental monitoring. Dr. Hou's teaching interests include courses such as PROC2088 Process System Design and OENG1167/OENG1168 Capstone Project. He is actively supervising PhD and Masters students in areas like ammonium-selective membranes, lithium extraction, and bioinspired ion transporters. His awards include the ARC DECRA Fellowship (2022–2025) and the Rod Rikards Fellowship (2025). He collaborates widely, with ORCID 0000-0003-0325-6979 and LinkedIn profile linked. His research outputs span 49 publications, with recent work emphasizing nanofluidic devices, ion selectivity, and sustainable separation technologies. He engages in editorial roles (e.g., Biomimetics) and professional memberships (e.g., Membrane Society of Australasia). His lab focuses on translating MOF-based innovations into practical applications for energy and environmental challenges.

• Robotics
• Morphological Computation
• Soft Robotics
• +3 more

Thrishantha Nanayakkara is Professor of Robotics at Imperial College London's Dyson School of Design Engineering, where he directs the Morph Lab. His research pioneers controllable stiffness robotics, investigating how physical mechanisms in robots and environments enable computational solutions for perception and action in dynamic settings. His work spans bioinspired systems, medical robotics, and morphological computation, with applications in terrain navigation, haptic interfaces, and embodied intelligence. Recent innovations include origami-inspired endoscopic devices and adaptive robotic feet. Professor Nanayakkara holds Chartered Engineer status (IET, 2018) and is an IEEE Senior Member (2015).

• Nanobiomaterials
• Drug Delivery
• Bio-Inspired Materials
• +4 more

Hyunjoon (Joon) Kong is the Robert W. Schaefer Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Illinois, affiliated with Bioengineering and Pathobiology. He joined in 2007 and holds editorial roles for Biomaterials and Biofabrication . His research focuses on nanobiomaterials for therapeutic and diagnostic applications, including drug delivery, bio-inspired materials, and biofilm removal. Kong has authored over 150 papers and patents, with awards such as IAMBE and AIMBE Fellowships. Education: PhD (2001), University of Michigan; Postdoc at Harvard University (2004-2006). Research Themes: Active hybrid materials, self-propelling colloids, stretchable hydrogels, bio-abiotic machinery. Lab Activities: Active BioHybrid Matter Lab, group retreats, and collaborations in interdisciplinary fields like neuroscience and environmental engineering. His work addresses vascular diseases, infection control, and tissue regeneration, with recent advances in self-locomotive microrobots and neuron-muscle interfaces. Kong mentors over 20 students and actively participates in academic outreach and recruitment.

Douglas P. HolmesView profile

Professor

• Mechanics
• Elasticity
• Structural Stability
• +3 more

Douglas P. Holmes is a Professor of Materials Science & Engineering and Mechanical Engineering at Boston University. He leads the Mechanics of Slender Structures (MOSS) Lab and is affiliated with the Materials by Design initiative. His research focuses on understanding and controlling the mechanics, geometry, and physics of slender structures like rods, plates, and shells, with applications in microfluidics, soft robotics, and biomimetic systems. Holmes has pioneered studies on elastic instabilities, wrinkling, and bistable systems, leveraging these phenomena for advanced functionalities. Education: PhD in Polymer Science and Engineering from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst (2015). He holds an NSF CAREER Award and has contributed to over 100 publications. His work bridges fundamental mechanics with practical engineering solutions, emphasizing the interplay between material properties and structural design. Additional affiliations include the Division of Materials Science & Engineering at BU. Research Interests: Elasticity, structural stability, geometric nonlinearities, and the mechanics of thin materials. Key areas include elastogranular metamaterials, kirigami-based actuators, and energy-harvesting systems through controlled instabilities. Notable Achievements: NSF CAREER Award (2015) for work on mechanics of materials, highlighted in media for innovations like 'rocks and rope strengthened by seeds' (2024). His lab develops novel methods to manipulate fluid flow via elastic deformations and designs bioinspired actuators. Labs/Teams: Mechanics of Slender Structures (MOSS) Lab, Materials by Design (Primary & Affiliated Faculty).

Kenneth LutchenView profile

Professor

• Biomedical Engineering
• Pulmonary Medicine
• Respiratory Physiology
• +10 more

Dr. Kenneth Lutchen is the current Provost ad interim of Boston University (BU), a Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering within the College of Engineering, and Affiliated Faculty at the Institute for Global Sustainability (IGS). He previously served as Dean of the College of Engineering and Chair of the Biomedical Engineering Department, significantly improving departmental rankings and establishing new divisions and centers. Education: PhD, Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University MS, Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University BS, Engineering Science, University of Virginia Research Interests: Dr. Lutchen focuses on lung mechanics, asthma, COPD, and pulmonary fibrosis, employing computational models and agent-based systems to study tissue structure-function relationships. His work emphasizes the role of mechanical forces in airway dysfunction and ventilation heterogeneity. He also advocates for interdisciplinary education through initiatives like the 'Societal Engineer' concept, integrating data science, energy technologies, and machine learning into engineering curricula. Publications Trends: His recent articles (2022–2024) highlight advancements in lung disease modeling, collagen degradation mechanisms, and ventilation heterogeneity. These studies often combine experimental and computational approaches to understand pulmonary pathophysiology, with implications for precision medicine and diagnostic tools. Notable contributions include agent-based models for fibrosis progression and spring network frameworks to predict airway behavior in COPD. Scientific Awards: AIMBE Pierre Galletti Award (AIMBE’s highest honor) Fellow, Biomedical Engineering Society Fellow, International Academy of Medical and Biological Engineering Advising & Grants: As a senior academic leader, Dr. Lutchen has driven institutional collaborations with industry through initiatives like the Engineering Product Innovation Center (EPIC) and Bioengineering Technology and Entrepreneurship Center (BTEC). His grants and administrative efforts focus on curricular innovation and technology transfer, with op-eds in Harvard Business Review and Forbes advocating long-term academic-business partnerships. Labs & Teams: He oversees EPIC and BTEC at BU, fosters interdisciplinary research at the Wyss Institute for Bioinspired Engineering (Harvard), and advises Beta Bionix Inc. These affiliations enable applied research in biomaterials, medical devices, and sustainable engineering solutions.

Mathias SteinacherView profile

Lecturer

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Colloidal Science
• +5 more

Dr. Mathias Steinacher serves as a Lecturer at the Department of Materials, ETH Zurich, Switzerland. His research focuses on advanced materials synthesis, colloidal systems, and functional hydrogels. He is affiliated with the Complex Materials group and has contributed to innovations in biomaterials engineering, directed evolution of microorganisms, and material fabrication techniques. His work bridges fundamental materials science with applications in biomedical and chemical engineering domains. Research Interests: Dr. Steinacher’s expertise spans nanotechnology , colloidal science , and biomaterials . His projects often involve developing novel methods for producing monodisperse hydrogel capsules, studying amorphous calcium carbonate stability, and leveraging microfluidic technologies for precise material fabrication. His contributions highlight cross-disciplinary approaches to material design and functionality. Publications: His recent work emphasizes living materials (e.g., engineered microorganisms for material production) and smart hydrogels with tunable mechanical properties. His articles address challenges in encapsulation, phase behavior, and material stability under environmental stresses. Affiliations: As part of ETH Zurich’s renowned Department of Materials, he collaborates on projects related to soft matter physics and advanced manufacturing. His lab focuses on translating fundamental material insights into practical applications, such as drug delivery systems and bioinspired materials.