Michael McAlpine is a Professor in the Mechanical Engineering department at the University of Minnesota . He also holds affiliations with the Biomedical Engineering and Electrical and Computer Engineering departments. His research focuses on 3D printing functional materials & devices , Nanoscale inks , Biomedical devices , Bioelectronics , and Flexible Microsystems . Research Interests : 3D Printing, Biomedical Engineering, Nanotechnology, Flexible Electronics, Microfluidics Labs : ME 361/363 Contact : mcalpine@umn.edu , (612) 626-3303, ME 117 Recent Research Trends include 3D Printed Biomedical Devices , Flexible Electronics , and Bioprinting Applications . His work spans from Spinal Organoid Formation to Programmable Drug Release Capsules . Scientific Award : Circulation Research 2020 Best Manuscript Award
Karen C. Cheung is a Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of British Columbia, with cross-appointments in the Faculty of Medicine and the School of Biomedical Engineering where she serves as Director of the Graduate Program. She holds her office in KAIS 3064 and can be reached at (604) 827-4114. Dr. Cheung received her BSc and PhD degrees in Bioengineering from the University of California, Berkeley in 1998 and 2002, respectively. From 2002-2005, she was a postdoctoral researcher at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne in Switzerland. She joined UBC in 2006 and has established herself as a leading researcher in biomedical microsystems. Her research spans multiple areas of biomedical engineering with particular focus on lab-on-a-chip systems for cell culture and characterization , inkjet printing for tissue engineering , and implantable neural interfaces . Her work integrates microfluidics, biosensors, and tissue engineering to create platforms that better mimic in vivo conditions for drug screening and disease modeling. Current projects include developing organ-on-a-chip models of the human airway for studying aerosol exposure effects, creating microscale tumor models for cancer research, and advancing silicon photonic biosensors for medical diagnostics. Dr. Cheung leads the Bio-Medical Micro Devices Laboratory at UBC, which houses multiple research teams working on cutting-edge biomedical technologies. Her lab has developed microfluidic platforms capable of precisely controlling oxygen levels around tumor spheroids to study cancer treatment responses under realistic physiological conditions. The lab also works on novel fabrication techniques for microelectrode arrays and tissue clearing protocols for 3D imaging of microtissues. As an educator, Dr. Cheung teaches several specialized courses including ELEC 361 (Molecules to Mechanisms), ELEC 464 (Nanotechnology and Nature), EECE 301 (Topics in Nanotechnology and Microsystems), ELEC 473 (Biological Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems), and ELEC 521 (Biomedical Microdevices). She has supervised numerous graduate students through their MASc, PhD, and postdoctoral work, with many alumni now holding academic positions or working in the biomedical industry. Her research is supported through multiple funding sources and collaborations with industry partners. Dr. Cheung is affiliated with several research centers including the Airway Centre, Bionics Network, Centre for Blood Research, and the Institute for Computing, Information and Cognitive Systems (ICICS) at UBC.
Dr. Yayun Du is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Vanderbilt University School of Engineering. She holds a Ph.D. in Robotics and System Control (Minor: Solid Mechanics) from UCLA (2022) and was a postdoctoral scholar at Northwestern University's Rogers Group through 2024. Current faculty at Vanderbilt University Ph.D. from University of California, Los Angeles Postdoctoral experience at Northwestern University Her research integrates bioelectronics and robotics through three core directions: 1) Developing multimodal wearable/implantable sensors for health monitoring, 2) Creating human-in-the-loop interaction systems using brain-computer interfaces, and 3) Applying machine learning to medical environment robotics. She has deployed four sensor types across seven hospitals globally, serving users from neonates to elderly patients. Dr. Du's recent publications focus on wireless bioelectronic devices ( PNAS ), sustainable sensor materials ( ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering ), and agricultural robotics ( ICRA , IROS ). She serves as Associate Editor for ICRA 2025 and has received two Best Paper Award final nominations at IROS 2021. Finalist - Best Paper Award in Agri-Robotics (IROS 2021) Finalist - Best Paper Award in Robot Mechanisms and Design (IROS 2021) As head of the Du Group, she leads interdisciplinary research with applications in both healthcare and agricultural contexts, collaborating with Vanderbilt Institute for Surgery and Engineering (VISE) and clinical partners. Her work emphasizes deployable systems that transition from academic research to real-world implementation in medical and industrial environments.
Jered Haun is an Associate Professor at the Samueli School of Engineering , University of California, Irvine , with joint appointments in Biomedical Engineering , Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering , and Materials Science and Engineering . Based in 3107 Natural Sciences II , his research focuses on developing nanoengineering and molecular medicine technologies to improve disease diagnosis and treatment. Email: jered.haun@uci.edu Phone: (949) 824-1243 Research Interests include: Nanomaterial Probes for molecular profiling and disease detection Microfabricated Platforms for cell analysis and tissue processing Targeted Delivery Carriers that interact with unique disease molecules Technologies employed in his lab encompass: Fluorescence imaging and MRI enhancements Bioorthogonal chemistry and nanosensor development Micro-NMR for tumor analysis Quantum dot-based detection systems Awards include: NIH National Cancer Institute's Innovative Molecular Analysis Technologies Funding The Haun Laboratory actively recruits graduate and undergraduate students for projects related to nanoengineering, molecular medicine, and microfluidic device development.
Adam Khalifa is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering at the University of Florida. His research focuses on low-power analog/RF/Mixed-mode ASIC design, miniaturization of biomedical devices, wireless powering solutions, and neural stimulation/recording techniques in animal models. He holds a PhD from Johns Hopkins University and degrees from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. His work emphasizes implant packaging, electrode microfabrication, and coil design for medical applications. Key research areas include developing energy-efficient wireless systems for implanted devices, such as magnetoelectric antennas and galvanic body-coupled powering. He has pioneered advancements in miniaturized implantable devices, including the 'Microbead' stimulator. His NIH T32 Fellowship (2019) and Ferdinand H. Fellowship (2018) reflect his impactful contributions. Publications highlight innovations in wireless power transfer, metamaterials for biomedical implants, and injectable microdevice fabrication. His work spans from circuit-level modeling to in vivo validation, emphasizing both technical and biological integration challenges. Collaborative efforts address challenges like implant migration tracking via MRI and energy harvesting for battery-free systems.
Dr. Igor V. Pivkin is a Full Professor at the Institute of Computing within the Faculty of Informatics at the Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) in Lugano, Switzerland. His academic journey includes degrees from Novosibirsk State University (B.Sc./M.Sc. Mathematics), Brown University (M.Sc. Computer Science and Ph.D. Applied Mathematics), and postdoctoral research at MIT's Department of Materials Science and Engineering. His research focuses on multiscale/multiphysics modeling , numerical methods , and large-scale simulations of biological and physical systems. Key areas include biophysics, cellular/molecular biomechanics, stochastic modeling, and coarse-grained molecular simulations. He leverages high-performance computing (HPC) and particle-based methods to address complex biological phenomena. His work spans diverse applications, from understanding cellular mechanosensitivity and biofilm engineering to modeling cancer cell behavior and red blood cell dynamics in the spleen. His contributions bridge computational science, biotechnology, and biomedical research. He has published extensively in top-tier journals, with recent work advancing automated biofilm analysis, deep learning for microbial classification, and systems biology approaches to metal bioleaching. His lab collaborates on interdisciplinary projects, emphasizing computational innovation for real-world biological challenges.
Lukas Hiendlmeier is a Researcher at the Technical University of Munich, affiliated with the Munich Institute of Biomedical Engineering (MIBE) and the Associate Professorship of Neuroelectronics led by Prof. Bernhard Wolfrum. He holds a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from TUM. His research focuses on advanced fabrication technologies such as 3D printing, laser micromachining, and polymer material science, with applications in neuroelectronics and biomedical devices. Hiendlmeier’s work emphasizes developing self-folding bioelectronic interfaces, flexible electrodes, and implantable neural devices for peripheral nerve interfacing. His contributions include innovations in 4D printing techniques, thermoformed materials, and origami-inspired electrode designs. He collaborates on projects involving cell manipulation, microfluidic lab-on-a-chip systems, and closed-loop neural stimulation systems. Publications span topics like self-folding bioelectronics, flexible sensor arrays, and nanorobotics, showcasing expertise in materials science and biomedical engineering. His research bridges fundamental science and translational applications, addressing challenges in neural prosthetics, wearable diagnostics, and tissue engineering. Hiendlmeier is actively involved in the neuroTUM initiative and contributes to interdisciplinary teams at TUM, focusing on advancing neurotechnology through innovative fabrication methods and biomaterials.
Isabella Guido is a Senior Lecturer in Experimental Soft Matter Physics at the University of Surrey's School of Mathematics and Physics. She holds a PhD from TU Berlin (2010) and has conducted postdoctoral research at Peking University and the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization. Her research focuses on synthetic biology, active bioinspired systems, and microtubule-motor protein dynamics. Guido's work bridges active matter physics and synthetic biology, aiming to develop minimal systems mimicking natural cellular structures. Key projects include synthetic beating structures resembling cilia, 3D active nematics, and investigations into cellular symmetry breaking via biomimetic systems. Her education includes a PhD on dielectrophoretic effects in mammalian cells, followed by postdoctoral studies on cell mechanics, microfluidics, and electroporation. Guido's interdisciplinary approach combines experimental biophysics with synthetic biology to uncover principles governing living matter. She leads the Synthetic Active Systems group and collaborates internationally on projects such as light-powered artificial cells and motor-driven microtubule networks. Her work addresses sustainable development goals through bio-inspired material design and active matter applications. Publications highlight contributions to electrotaxis mechanisms, live-cell imaging techniques (e.g., MIET), and microtubule network dynamics under depletion forces. Guido's research has advanced understanding of ciliary beating patterns, synthetic axoneme models, and biopolymer self-organization under mechanical stress.
Anja Boisen is a Professor and Head of the Drug Delivery and Sensing Section at the Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark (DTU). Her research focuses on advanced drug delivery systems, sensing technologies, and nanotechnology applications in biomedical engineering. She leads a multidisciplinary team developing innovative devices such as microcontainers, microneedles, and lab-on-a-disc platforms for targeted drug delivery and diagnostics. Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in improving health and reducing inequalities. Key research areas include surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), microfabrication for medical devices, and biomaterials for tissue engineering. She has supervised multiple PhD students, including projects on oral drug delivery systems, gastrointestinal retention devices, and energy-harvesting materials for biomedical applications. Boisen’s team has pioneered technologies like self-unfolding foils for oral delivery and smart drug delivery microparticles. Their innovations aim to enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing side effects. She has been recognized with the Sensor Division Outstanding Achievement Award (2022) for her contributions to sensor technology. Her lab actively collaborates internationally, advancing applications in cancer therapy, antibiotic monitoring, and gut microbiota research. Current projects explore high-throughput 3D tumor modeling, SERS-based diagnostics, and biodegradable materials for bone fixation.
Steven A. Soper is a Foundation Distinguished Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Kansas. He serves as Director of the NIH-funded Center for BioModular Multi-Scale Systems for Precision Medicine and leads international collaborations with institutions like UNIST in South Korea. His career spans faculty roles at LSU, UNC, and KU, with interdisciplinary research bridging chemistry, biomedical engineering, and materials science. Ph.D. in Bioanalytical Chemistry, University of Kansas (1989) Postdoctoral Fellow, Los Alamos National Laboratory (1991) B.S. in Chemistry and Psychology, University of Nebraska (1980-1982) Research Interests focus on micro-/nanofabricated biochemical analysis systems for clinical diagnostics, particularly circulating tumor cell analysis , cell-free DNA detection , and single-molecule fluorescence applications. His work integrates polymer microfabrication, FRET-based assays, and thermoplastic nanofluidics for cancer, stroke, and infectious disease diagnostics. Scientific Awards include: R&D 100 Award (2010) Shannon Award (NIH) (1994) Distinguished Research Master, LSU (2002) Fellow, AAAS/RSC/SAS (2010) Sutton Family Research Impact Award (2021) Teaching & Collaboration involves mentoring 39 professional-degree recipients, organizing multidisciplinary research teams, and co-teaching courses in Biofluid Mechanics and Nanotechnology . His lab partners with institutions in South Korea and UNC/NCSU, while hosting international students and professionals. Labs & Centers : Leads the Soper Research Group and the Center for BioModular Multi-Scale Systems , which provides access to state-of-the-art nanofabrication tools and collaborative expertise across 12 institutions.
Amit Lal is a Professor in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Cornell University, with affiliations in Biomedical Engineering, Applied Engineering Physics, and Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. He is a member of key research centers including Cornell CCMR, NBTC, and KAUST-CU. Education: B.S. in Electrical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, 1990 Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, 1996 Prof. Lal's research focuses on the development of integrated microsystems using micro- and nanoscale fabrication. His work spans ultrasonic MEMS, low-power IoT sensors, atomic microsystems, and bio-robotics. He directs the SonicMEMS Laboratory, advancing technologies in GHz ultrasonics, inertial sensing, and chip-scale manipulation of particles. His interdisciplinary interests include biomedical imaging, solid-state devices, nanotechnology, and plasma science. His recent publications highlight innovation in energy harvesting, MEMS gyroscopes, and biologically integrated systems. The works reflect strong trends in autonomous sensing, miniaturized power sources, and hybrid bio-electromechanical systems, particularly for medical and navigation applications. Scientific Awards and Honors: NSF CAREER Award Whitaker Foundation Award Department of Defense Exceptional Service Award Best Program Manager Award, DARPA IEEE Ultrasonics and Frequency Control Symposium Best Paper Award IEEE NEMS Best Paper Award Robert M. Scharf 1977 Professor, Cornell Engineering HHMI Visiting Scientist, Janelia Farms Intel Fellowship (awarded to advisee) Prof. Lal has advised numerous students who have gone on to win awards and publish impactful research. He has secured significant research funding through DARPA and other agencies, managing and initiating multiple high-impact programs. His leadership extends to service on technical committees for IEEE conferences and journals, including Transducers and the IEEE Sensors Council. He has also contributed to academic recruiting within ECE. He leads the SonicMEMS Laboratory , a multidisciplinary research group focused on transforming sensing, communication, and computation at the microscale. The lab fosters collaboration across engineering and life sciences, pushing the boundaries of what integrated microsystems can achieve.
State University of New York at BuffaloUnited States
Prof. Kwang W. Oh is a tenured Professor at the Department of Electrical Engineering and Department of Biomedical Engineering within the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at University at Buffalo (SUNY at Buffalo) . He serves as the Director of Graduate Studies in Electrical Engineering and Director of SMALL (Sensors and MicroActuators Learning Lab) . His academic journey includes PhD and MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering from University of Cincinnati (2001, 1997) and BS in Physics from Chonbuk National University (1995). Prof. Oh's research expertise lies at the intersection of microfluidics , BioMEMS , and lab-on-a-chip technologies. His lab has pioneered vacuum-driven microfluidic devices , PDMS-based systems , droplet manipulation , and chemical-free fabrication techniques . His work enables point-of-care diagnostics , single cell analysis , and wearable medical sensors , with significant contributions to sample-to-answer nanosystems and world-to-chip interfacing . The scientific awards section highlights his excellence in teaching and research: SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching (2020) Meyerson Award for Undergraduate Teaching (2019) Qualcomm Faculty Award (2019) Senior Teacher of the Year (2017) Royal Society of Chemistry's Emerging Investigators (2013) Samsung Electronics' CEO Honor (2003) His lab has produced numerous PhD and MS students including Dr. Anyang Wang (2020), Dr. Nikhila Nyayapathi (2020), Mr. Liam Christie (2021), and Dr. Domin Koh (2019). As a conference chair , he has organized symposia at NanoTech (2012-2026) and served as editorial board member for Sensors , Micromachines , and Biomedical Engineering Letters .
O. Burak Ozdoganlar is a Professor in the Departments of Mechanical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University. His research focuses on multiscale (meso/micro/nano) manufacturing science, combining theoretical, numerical, and experimental analyses to advance three-dimensional device fabrication. He leads the Multiscale Manufacturing and Dynamics Laboratory (MMDL), with applications spanning medical, biomedical, energy, robotics, and aerospace fields. B.S., Istanbul Technical University, Turkey M.S., Ohio State University, Columbus Ph.D., University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Post-doc, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Senior Member of Technical Staff, Sandia National Labs His work addresses mechanics of micro-scale material removal, dynamics of micro-scale structures, novel micro/nano-manufacturing techniques, and application-driven research. Key contributions include scalable fabrication of microneedle arrays, freeform 3D ice printing for vascular networks, and high-density soft-matter electronics. His research emphasizes predictability and precision in manufacturing processes. Recent publications highlight advancements in dissolvable microneedle arrays for transdermal delivery, freeform 3D printing of ice structures for biomimetic vascularization, and scalable methods for porous and soft-matter electronics. His work bridges fundamental mechanics with medical device innovation. Blackall Machine Tool and Gage Award, ASME, 2011 Russell V. Trader Career Faculty Fellow, CMU, 2009-2011 NSF CAREER award, 2006 Kuo K. Wang Outstanding Young Engineer, SME, 2007 Organizer, 'Manufacturing...The Future' symposium, NAE EU-American Frontiers Conference, 2011 Best paper award, NAMRI SME, 2007-2008 Struminger Teaching Fellow, CMU, 2007-2008 Ozdoganlar's Multiscale Manufacturing and Dynamics Laboratory (MMDL) develops cutting-edge manufacturing solutions for biomedical applications, including neural probes, cartilage implants, and biosensors. His research integrates mechanics, materials science, and process engineering to address challenges in device predictability and scalability.
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in LausanneSwitzerland
Arnaud Bertsch is a Lecturer at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) within the School of Engineering (STI) and the Department of Microengineering (IEM). He is affiliated with the Microsystems Laboratory 1 (LMIS1) and has been actively involved in teaching advanced microfabrication techniques and MEMS sensor/actuator practicals. His research spans microfluidics, nanofluidics, biomedical devices, and 3D microfabrication, with a focus on neural probes, drug delivery systems, and cell manipulation technologies. Microfluidic hydrodynamic and dielectrophoretic systems Nanovolcano microelectrode arrays for electrophysiology Thermal control of ionic transport in nanochannels 3D lipid microrobots for drug delivery MEMS-based intraocular pressure sensors Arnaud Bertsch has supervised PhD students including Torres Vila Pol, Zhang Tao, and past advisees like Clémentine Lipp, Nicolas Maïno, and Joan Teixidor. His work bridges fundamental research in nanofluidics with applied biomedical solutions, contributing to fields such as neuroscience, cancer therapy, and implantable medical devices. The articles listed demonstrate expertise in microsystem design, electrochemical sensing, and biofabrication technologies.
Cyrus Shafai, Ph.D., P.Eng., is a Professor and Associate Dean (Research/Graduate Programs) in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Manitoba. He holds degrees from the University of Manitoba (B.Sc., M.Sc.) and the University of Alberta (Ph.D.). His research focuses on MEMS technologies, including actuators, sensors, and microfabrication, with applications in biomedical devices, smart agriculture, and optical systems. He leads the Nano-Systems Fabrication Laboratory, equipped with state-of-the-art MEMS fabrication tools. Shafai's work spans interdisciplinary collaborations, emphasizing adaptive optics, low-voltage actuators, and sensor design. He has published extensively, with recent contributions covering piezoelectric sensors, Lorentz force actuators, and optically transparent antennas. His teaching includes courses on microelectronic fabrication and MEMS design. Current and past students include over 50 researchers in MEMS and related fields. His laboratory develops innovative solutions for energy-efficient actuators, wearable sensors, and high-precision optical systems. Research highlights include low-voltage deformable mirrors and MEMS-based bioelectrical interfaces. Shafai actively mentors graduate and undergraduate students in experimental and computational MEMS research.
