Markus Bacher is a researcher at the Institute of Chemistry of Renewable Resources, Department of Natural Sciences and Sustainable Resources, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). His research spans renewable resources chemistry, cellulose and lignin valorization, natural product isolation, and bioactive compound discovery from fungi and plants. His scientific interests include: Cellulose chemistry and modification Lignin analysis and functionalization Green solvents and ionic liquids Phytochemical profiling of medicinal plants Bioactive metabolites from fungal endophytes and filamentous fungi Material properties of biopolymers and biomass-derived compounds The recent publications reveal a strong focus on analytical methodologies (HPLC, NMR, FTIR), reaction mechanisms in polysaccharide chemistry, and the development of sustainable materials from renewable feedstocks. Key themes include cellulose dissolution and cross-linking, lignin characterization, and the discovery of novel bioactive natural products. Markus Bacher has not received any explicitly mentioned scientific awards in the provided text. He has not supervised any theses or led externally funded research projects listed in the profile. However, he has been a project employee in several significant research initiatives, including the Christian Doppler Laboratory for Modern Cellulose Chemistry and Analytics and projects on lignocellulose recycling and fungal metabolites. His work is conducted within collaborative research environments at BOKU, particularly within the Institute of Chemistry of Renewable Resources and in cooperation with the Institute of Microbial Genetics, focusing on interdisciplinary approaches to renewable materials and bioactive compounds.
Prof. Francesco Canestrari is a Full Professor at the Università Politecnica delle Marche (UNIVPM) within the Faculty of Engineering , affiliated with the Department of Civil, Environmental, Architectural Engineering (ICEA) under the INFRASTRUTTURE section and STRADE area. His research focuses on asphalt pavement engineering, sustainable road materials, and advanced testing methodologies. Specializes in bitumen modification , warm mix asphalt (WMA) , and recycled pavement materials Expert in skid resistance analysis , interlayer bonding , and fatigue characterization of asphalt systems Conducts field-scale validation and machine learning applications (ANN models) for pavement diagnostics Recent publications emphasize sustainable asphalt mixtures incorporating crumb rubber , bio-binders with lignin , and graphene-enhanced composites . His work addresses climate resilience , resource efficiency , and innovative testing protocols for road infrastructure.
Maria Chiara Mistretta is Associate Professor of Engineering at University of Palermo, teaching biomaterials transformation and environmental chemistry courses. Her research develops sustainable biocomposites and functional materials. Laboratory work focuses on polymer processing, biodegradation analysis, and valorization of agricultural waste. Recent publications explore 3D-printed biomedical devices and antifungal packaging systems, emphasizing circular economy principles.
Roberto Di Capua is an Associate Professor affiliated with the CNR Institute for SuPerconductors, INnovative materials, and devices in Naples, Italy. His research focuses on advanced materials science, including graphene-like materials, oxide interfaces, superconductivity, and nanotechnology. He explores applications in energy materials, biomedical engineering, and environmental chemistry, such as developing biocompatible bio-interfaces and sustainable waste-to-material solutions. His studies on two-dimensional electron systems, ferromagnetic materials, and quantum phenomena contribute to the understanding of electronic and spin properties in novel heterostructures. He also investigates practical applications in sports biomechanics, analyzing gait variability and footwear effects on motor performance. Key research areas include hybrid materials synthesis (e.g., metal-organic frameworks), surface reconstructions in SrTiO3 systems, and the interplay of spin-orbit coupling in magnetic materials. His work bridges fundamental physics with applied technologies, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to material innovation.
Ahmad Amiri serves as an Assistant Professor in both the Chemical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering departments within the College of Engineering & Natural Sciences at The University of Tulsa. His academic career is dedicated to pioneering research in advanced energy storage systems and multifunctional materials, with a strong emphasis on practical applications in sustainable energy and corrosion resistance. Dr. Amiri's educational journey includes dual Ph.D. degrees in Mechanical Engineering: one from Texas A&M University (2022) and another from the University of Malaya (2017), along with foundational studies culminating in a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering from Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (2011). Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, 2022 Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, 2017 M.Sc., Chemical Engineering, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, 2011 His research spans advanced energy storage technologies including lithium-ion, lithium-metal, sodium-ion, and zinc-ion batteries, alongside supercapacitors and hybrid systems. He leads innovations in structural batteries that integrate energy storage with load-bearing capabilities, stretchable energy storage for flexible electronics, and corrosion-resistant materials. His work encompasses the full innovation pipeline from material synthesis to integrated mechano-electrochemical characterization, with additional focus on water treatment technologies, multifunctional composites, and vitrimer-based self-healing systems. Analysis of Dr. Amiri's 15 most recent publications (2024-2025) reveals concentrated efforts on overcoming critical energy storage challenges. Key trends include ultra-low-temperature electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries, structural zinc-ion supercapacitors, and self-healing vitrimer coatings for corrosion protection. His work increasingly integrates nanomaterials like MXenes and graphene derivatives across diverse applications from agricultural biomaterials to advanced tribological coatings, demonstrating a highly interdisciplinary approach bridging battery chemistry, materials science, and environmental engineering. Dr. Amiri's scientific contributions have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards: Top 2% scientists (Most-Cited Scientists) by Stanford University & Elsevier (2020-2024) Faculty Development Summer Fellowship, The University of Tulsa (2024) Top Cited Article Award – Wiley (Carbon Energy), Wiley Publishing (2024) Interdisciplinary Energy Research Award, The University of Tulsa (2024) Outstanding Charles Crawford Award, Texas A&M University (2021) Graduate Summer Research Grant Award, Texas A&M University (2020) Bright Spark Award (full scholarship for Ph.D. studies in Malaysia, 2014-2017) Top MSc Thesis National Award, Sharif University of Technology (2012) Top University-Researcher Award, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (2011) As principal investigator of the Multifunctional Energy Storage Lab, Dr. Amiri mentors graduate students in cutting-edge research while securing competitive funding for projects spanning battery innovation, corrosion science, and sustainable materials. His lab's collaborative framework integrates expertise from chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, and materials science to address real-world energy challenges through industry and national laboratory partnerships. The Multifunctional Energy Storage Lab operates as a dynamic research hub focused on rapid synthesis and manufacturing of advanced energy storage devices. Current initiatives include structural batteries serving dual purposes as load-bearing components and power sources, stretchable hybrid supercapacitors for wearable electronics, and vitrimer-based self-healing coatings. The lab maintains state-of-the-art facilities for material characterization, electrochemical testing, and 3D printing of advanced polymers, driving innovation in sustainable energy solutions.
Xingru Wu is an Associate Professor in the Mewbourne School of Petroleum and Geological Engineering at the University of Oklahoma. His research focuses on multiphase flow physics in porous media, enhanced hydrocarbon recovery, reservoir characterization, and geothermal energy utilization. B.Sc., Petroleum Engineering, China Petroleum University, 1997 M.Sc., Petroleum Engineering, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, 2002 Ph.D., Petroleum Engineering, University of Texas, Austin, 2006 Dr. Wu’s work integrates experimental and numerical approaches to solve challenges in unconventional reservoirs, casing integrity, and CO2-based enhanced recovery. He pioneered thermoelectric energy harvesting in oil wells and developed machine learning frameworks for production forecasting. Recent publications highlight advancements in reservoir modeling (Connected Reservoir Storage Model), CO2 EOR mechanistic studies, casing deformation analysis during fracturing, and machine learning applications for type curves and flow pattern prediction. Key subfields include shale gas flowback analysis, proppant transport, hydrate dissociation, and cement sheath failure modes. His work bridges reservoir engineering , geomechanics , and energy sustainability .
Chaoliang Fu is a researcher at the Chair and Institute of Highway Engineering at RWTH Aachen University. His work focuses on innovative asphalt materials and sustainable infrastructure technologies. RWTH Aachen University: Chair and Institute of Highway Engineering His research explores microwave and electromagnetic induction heating for asphalt self-healing, utilizing industrial waste materials like steel shavings and ferrites. Key areas include multiscale modeling of pavement mechanics, chemical modification of bitumen, and thermal systems for snow melting. Recent publications highlight his expertise in electromagnetic heating, sustainable recycling of waste materials, and advanced computational and experimental analyses of asphalt properties. Topics like rubberized epoxy asphalt mixtures, polyurethane-modified binders, and molecular dynamics simulations demonstrate his interdisciplinary approach. A notable trend in his work involves integrating energy-saving technologies, such as piezoelectric devices and magnetic concentrating techniques, into pavement systems to enhance durability and environmental performance.
Juliana Byzyka is a researcher affiliated with the Transportation Research Center and the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Construction at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), within the Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering. She was appointed to the National Academies’ Transportation Research Board (TRB) Standing Committee on Pavement Maintenance (AKT30) for a three-year term in 2024, where she contributes expertise in pavement maintenance and asphalt material research. Research Interests: Focus on asphalt and concrete materials, thermal properties in road repair, sustainable construction techniques, and pavement performance optimization. Key Contributions: Investigates innovative heating methods for asphalt patch repairs, evaluates nanomaterials in asphalt modification, and studies sulfate resistance in concrete. Publications Trends: Recent work emphasizes sustainable materials (e.g., nano calcium carbonate, waste glass powder), thermal analysis of asphalt mixtures, and computational modeling of repair durability.
Bernhard Hofko is a Professor at Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien), affiliated with the Department of Road Engineering. His research focuses on asphalt and bitumen chemistry, aging behavior, and sustainable road materials. Contributions to asphalt binder characterization via FTIR spectroscopy Development of machine learning models for asphalt performance prediction Leadership in circular economy initiatives for asphalt recycling Recent work explores polymer-modified bitumen chemistry, real-time viscosity monitoring with MEMS sensors, and climate-adaptive asphalt solutions. He supervises multiple theses on topics like photooxidation effects, low-temperature behavior, and energy-efficient asphalt production.
Volkan Emre Uz is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at İzmir Technical University. His research focuses on sustainable materials in civil engineering applications, pavement engineering, and recycling of industrial by-products. He holds a PhD from Süleyman Demirel University in Civil Engineering, following B.S. and M.S. degrees from the same institution. Key research areas include skid resistance optimization, bitumen modification using waste materials (engine oil, cooking oil), and geotechnical analysis of subgrade stabilization. He has extensively studied aggregate properties using advanced techniques like artificial neural networks and image processing. Recent publications (2020-2025) emphasize sustainability in road construction, with notable contributions on waste paper sludge stabilization, SMA surface texture analysis, and smart card data for transit behavior studies. His work bridges material science with practical engineering solutions for safer, durable infrastructure systems. No specific grants or awards are listed, though his active publication record indicates sustained research activity. He advises on projects related to pavement performance and has collaborated on geogrid applications for low-bearing subgrades.
Dr. Shadi Saadeh is a Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering and Construction Engineering Management at California State University, Long Beach, College of Engineering. He joined CSULB in 2007 after research positions at Texas Transportation Institute (2003-2005) and Louisiana Transportation Research Center (2006-2007). His research focuses on experimental characterization and modeling of highway materials, with emphasis on sustainable infrastructure development. Education includes: BSc Civil Engineering - University of Jordan (1997) MSc Civil Engineering - Washington State University (2002) PhD Civil Engineering - Texas A&M University (2005) Research spans granular material behavior, asphalt technology, and advanced characterization using X-ray CT and image analysis. Recent work emphasizes sustainable materials including recycled plastics, biochar additives, and permeable pavements to reduce environmental impact. Publications demonstrate strong focus on pavement performance testing (82% of recent articles), recycling technologies (43%), and advanced material characterization (37%). Trends show increasing emphasis on sustainability aspects since 2020.
Dr. Ehsan Barjasteh is an Associate Professor in the Departments of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering and Chemical Engineering at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). He holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Southern California (2011) and has over 10 years of industry experience in polymer composite development for aerospace and commercial applications. His research focuses on advanced composite materials, 3D printing technologies, and material durability under environmental stresses. Education: Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering (USC, 2011). Industry Experience: Consultant roles at Composite Technology Corp., Henkel Aerospace, and Tencate Advanced Composites. Research Interests: Development of lightweight composites using out-of-autoclave processes, self-healing materials, 3D-printed polymers for high-temperature applications, and fracture toughness enhancement. Key areas include hygrothermal aging analysis, nanocomposite synthesis, and sustainable material utilization. His recent publications emphasize advancements in additive manufacturing for dental appliances, composite interlayer toughening, and thermal aging studies. These works highlight innovations in both material design and process optimization. Advising Roles: Graduate Advisor and BSME Advisor (A-G) at CSULB. Office Hours: Mon. 6:00-7:00 p.m. (Zoom). Advising Email: BSME-Advisor1@csulb.edu.
Zhan Haifei is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Queensland University of Technology, specializing in computational nanomechanics and advanced materials science. His research program focuses on the mechanical, thermal, and transport properties of novel nanomaterials, with particular expertise in carbon-based nanostructures and two-dimensional materials. Dr. Zhan received his PhD from Queensland University of Technology in 2013 with a dissertation titled 'Numerical characterization of the mechanical properties of metal nanowires.' His academic career has been marked by consistent research productivity and collaboration with leading scientists in the field of nanomechanics, particularly with Professor Gu, Yuantong at QUT. Dr. Zhan's research spans multiple cutting-edge areas in nanomaterials science. His pioneering work on diamond nanothreads has established him as a leading expert in this emerging field, where he has characterized their exceptional mechanical properties and thermal transport characteristics through advanced molecular dynamics simulations. He has also made significant contributions to understanding graphene helicoids, bilayer graphene with sp 3 linkages, and graphene-carbon nanotube hybrid structures. His research demonstrates how structural modifications at the atomic level can dramatically alter material properties, opening new pathways for nanoscale engineering. Analysis of Dr. Zhan's recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strategic expansion from fundamental nanomechanics to address pressing engineering challenges. His work now bridges multiple disciplines, connecting nanoscale phenomena with applications in renewable energy (tidal energy harvesting), environmental remediation (adsorption of contaminants), and advanced manufacturing (supergravity-steered techniques for nanocomposite hydrogels). This evolution demonstrates his ability to translate fundamental discoveries into practical engineering solutions. Dr. Zhan maintains an exceptionally productive research program with over 149 publications spanning from 2010 to 2025. His work appears consistently in top-tier journals including Nature Communications, Advanced Functional Materials, Carbon, and Nano Letters, demonstrating both the quality and impact of his research. His citation record reflects significant influence in the field of computational nanomechanics. Dr. Zhan leads a research group focused on computational nanomechanics at Queensland University of Technology, utilizing high-performance computing resources to conduct large-scale molecular dynamics simulations. His team develops innovative computational frameworks that combine traditional simulation techniques with machine learning approaches, as evidenced by recent work on TurbineNet/FEM for fluid-structure interaction analysis. The group maintains strong connections with experimental researchers to validate computational findings and accelerate the translation of theoretical insights into practical applications.
Noor Zainab Habib is an Assistant Professor at Heriot-Watt University's School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society. Her research focuses on sustainable infrastructure materials, particularly in asphalt technology and recycled waste utilization. She has contributed significantly to the development of eco-friendly construction practices through innovative material applications. Key research areas include optimizing asphalt mixtures with recycled materials like reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP), palm oil clinker, and biochar. Her work emphasizes data-driven techniques such as response surface methodology and machine learning for material performance prediction and optimization. Habib has also explored circular economy models for palm oil waste integration in road construction. She has received notable awards including the Gold Medal at ITEX 2017, Malaysia, and has actively participated in industry-relevant events such as the Dubai Award for Sustainable Transport. Her contributions span over 39 peer-reviewed publications and include collaborations on global sustainable development goals related to infrastructure and environmental protection.
Dr. Jose Norambuena-Contreras is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Civil Engineering at Swansea University, UK, and a member of the Materials and Manufacturing Research Institute. His research focuses on self-healing bituminous materials, integrating Materials Science, Civil Engineering, and Chemical Engineering disciplines. Previously, he held roles as Assistant and Associate Professor at the University of Bio-Bio (Chile), founding the LabMAT Research Group. He has held research positions at institutions like EMPA (Switzerland), the University of Nottingham (UK), and MIT (USA). His teaching interests emphasize leadership and management in engineering education, fostering inclusive environments for future engineers. He has taught courses on Materials Technology and Civil Engineering Materials in Chile. Research Interests: Self-healing asphalt materials, sustainable road infrastructure, waste valorisation, and biobased encapsulated rejuvenators. His work bridges material innovation and environmental sustainability, emphasizing circular economy principles. Scientific Awards: Awarded the prestigious 2024 RILEM Robert L’Hermite Medal for exceptional contributions to construction materials under age 40. This honor recognizes his advancements in self-healing bituminous materials. Grants & Projects: Principal Investigator/co-investigator in multiple grants, including FONDECYT (Chile) and Chile-Switzerland collaborations. Projects focus on waste-derived materials, lignin utilization, and asphalt rejuvenation technologies. Professional Roles: Associate Editor of Materials and Structures , RILEM Latin America Convener, and Board Member of APSE. Founded spin-off company PavHeal Solutions (Chile) to commercialize self-healing asphalt technologies.
