Find Academic Supervisors

Paul G. O'BrienView profile

Associate Professor

• Clean Energy Transition
• Energy Storage Systems
• Thermophotovoltaic Technologies
• +5 more

Dr. Paul G. O'Brien is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at York University, Canada, affiliated with the Lassonde School of Engineering. His research focuses on interdisciplinary clean energy solutions, including energy storage, thermophotovoltaic systems, decarbonization of buildings, and life cycle assessments. He leads the Advanced Materials for Sustainable Energy Technologies (AM-SET-Lab) and has authored over 50 journal articles. His work spans materials science, photonic crystal engineering, and radiative cooling technologies. Research interests include optimizing thermal energy storage systems, photonic crystal-based filters for solar applications, and CO2 capture via direct air capture systems. His lab develops materials for passive cooling, solar-thermal integration, and advanced photocatalytic CO2 reduction. Dr. O’Brien collaborates across engineering disciplines to address global energy challenges. Recent publications highlight innovations in ellipsoidal optical cavities for thermophotovoltaics, radiative cooling materials, and techno-economic assessments of carbon capture technologies. His work bridges fundamental material science with applied engineering solutions for sustainable energy systems.

Paul HenshallView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Renewable Energy Systems
• Energy Storage Systems
• Mathematical Modelling
• +7 more

Dr Paul Henshall is a Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering at Oxford Brookes University, affiliated with the School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics. His work bridges advanced thermal systems, renewable energy, and mathematical modelling, with a strong focus on sustainable technologies. His research interests include: Mathematical modelling of renewable energy systems Second-life battery energy storage Thermal management of battery packs Lithium-ion cell characterization Advanced solar thermal systems Thermochemical energy storage The analysis of his recent publications (2018–2025) reveals a consistent focus on energy storage and solar thermal technologies. His work emphasizes computational modelling, experimental validation, and sustainability assessment, particularly in second-life batteries and high-efficiency solar collectors. Key themes include battery degradation prediction, thermal stress analysis, and the integration of renewable systems in buildings and industry. Professional recognitions include: Chartered Physicist (CPhys) Member of the Institute of Physics (MInstP) Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) Member of the Institute of Physics Energy Group Committee Paul supervises MEng and PhD students, including Dr. Farhad Salek, whose thesis focused on second-life battery systems. He teaches core modules in engineering mathematics, numerical methods, and computational modelling. He is involved with the Centre for Batteries, Electric Vehicles and Electronics and the Architectural Engineering Research Group, contributing to interdisciplinary research in sustainable energy systems.

Farzan BanihashemiView profile

Research Fellow

• Urban Building Energy Modeling
• Building Energy Simulation
• Machine Learning and Deep Learning
• +1 more

Farzan Banihashemi serves as a Research Fellow at the Chair of Energy Efficient and Sustainable Design and Building at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), maintaining this affiliation since 2019 while concurrently working as a Data Scientist at Climateflux GmbH since 2023. His work bridges sustainable building design and data science, focusing on computational approaches for urban energy systems. His academic credentials include: Master in Management from TUM School of Management (2019) Master in Energy Efficient and Sustainable Building from TUM (2017) His research centers on data-driven urban building energy modeling (UBEM) , building energy simulation , and machine learning applications for occupant behavior analysis . He develops non-intrusive sensing methodologies to model window operations and occupancy patterns using environmental data streams, with significant contributions to CO2-based occupancy detection systems and predictive modeling for office environments. His work integrates climate change considerations into early-stage building design processes. Analysis of his 2022-2024 publications reveals a concentrated research trajectory applying artificial intelligence to building energy challenges. Over 60% of his recent work addresses occupant behavior modeling—particularly window operations and space occupancy—using explainable AI techniques. His publications also demonstrate growing engagement with urban-scale applications, including urban heat island mitigation and vertical densification strategies, often incorporating life cycle assessment frameworks. No scientific awards were documented in the source materials. While specific advising activities aren't detailed, his collaborative publication pattern (average 4.3 co-authors per paper) indicates active participation in research teams. Grant involvement is implied through project affiliations though specific funding mechanisms aren't specified. He operates within TUM's Chair of Energy Efficient and Sustainable Design and Building, contributing to major initiatives including Building Climate–Municipal (BauKlima-Kommunal), CircularFTmehrRAUM, CircularGreenSimCity, and the NAWAREUM project. These efforts focus on sustainable urban development, climate adaptation strategies, and circular economy implementation in the built environment, particularly examining urban densification under climate change scenarios.

A.A.J.F. van den DobbelsteenView profile

Professor

• Sustainable Architecture
• Climate-Resilient Design
• Urban Climate Adaptation
• +5 more

Prof. Dr. Ir. Andy van den Dobbelsteen is a Professor of Climate Design & Sustainability at Delft University of Technology's Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment . His work focuses on integrating sustainable energy systems , climate adaptation strategies , and urban development through innovative design solutions. Department: Architectural Engineering + Technology Expertise: Energy systems, climate-responsive architecture, urban sustainability He actively translates research findings into actionable concepts for heritage building retrofitting , data center energy alternatives , and vertical urban farming , emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge transfer. His recent publications explore parametric modeling for energy efficiency, renewable backup systems , and synergetic urban design . He received prestigious awards including the edX Prize and Knight of the Netherlands Lion . 2020 edX Prize for Zero-Energy Design MOOC 2020 Golden Heron for educational film 'Energy Slaves' 2019 Solar Decathlon Europe 2nd prize As a dedicated educator, he supervises students in user-centred sustainability projects while maintaining active industry partnerships through secondary roles as speaker and columnist.

Xiaolin WangView profile

Associate Professor

• Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)
• Gas Hydrate Sciences
• Thermal Energy Storage (TES)
• +3 more

Dr Xiaolin Wang is an Associate Professor at the Australian National University's School of Engineering. She leads a research group focused on carbon capture, hydrogen storage, thermal energy storage using phase change materials, gas hydrate sciences, and green building technologies. Her work emphasizes sustainable energy solutions and environmental engineering. She has secured over $2M in research funding, including an ARENA-funded hydrogen storage project. Education: PhD from ANU (2013), joined ANU as an education-focused lecturer in 2018. Awards: ANU Vice Chancellor’s Award for Early Career Academics, AIRAH Excellence in HVAC&R Research, and CECC Remote Teaching Award. She serves as Sub-Dean of Student Experience in her college. Research Interests: Innovations in low-capital-cost hydrogen storage via nano-scaffolding, heat/mass transfer enhancement in hydrate-based CCS, novel PCM recipes for thermal management, and strategies for green building design. Her lab explores biomimetic encapsulation for CO₂ capture and eco-friendly hydrogels for methane hydrate formation. Publications focus on hydrate-based carbon capture mechanisms, thermal energy storage systems, and advanced materials. Key projects include mass transfer enhancement for hydrate CCS and a Global Research Partnership on building physics and acoustics. Grants & Funding: ARENA hydrogen storage project, ARC DECRA Fellowship, and ANU Global Research Partnerships Scheme. Supervises research on carbon capture, thermal systems, and sustainable materials.

Travis HortonView profile

Associate Professor

• Thermal Energy Conversion Systems
• Building Energy Utilization
• Renewable Energy Integration
• +3 more

W. Travis Horton is an Associate Professor of Civil Engineering at Purdue University, with a courtesy appointment in Mechanical Engineering. He holds a Ph.D. from Purdue University and has over 20 years of academic and industry experience in thermal systems research. His affiliations include the Lyles School of Civil Engineering and the Ray W. Herrick Laboratories at Purdue, focusing on advanced thermal energy conversion systems and sustainable building technologies. Dr. Horton’s research emphasizes integration of HVAC systems with renewable energy, optimization of ground-source heat pumps, and innovative compressor/expander technologies. He leads projects on building energy modeling, combined heat and power systems, and waste heat recovery. His work bridges experimental facilities with computational models for system analysis and optimization. His teaching includes courses on building mechanical systems design and energy audits. He is a licensed Professional Engineer (Michigan) and holds universal refrigerant certification. Active in professional organizations like ASHRAE, his research has produced over 50 peer-reviewed articles since 2001, addressing thermal efficiency, energy systems integration, and sustainable building design.

Efstathios (Stathis) MichaelidesView profile

Professor

• Advanced Energy Systems
• Energy Conversion and Conservation
• Geothermal Energy
• +9 more

Efstathios (Stathis) Michaelides is the W.A. "Tex" Moncrief, Jr. Founding Chair of Engineering at Texas Christian University (TCU). He holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Engineering Science from Brown University (1980, 1979) and a B.A. in Engineering Science and Economics from Oxford University (1977). His research focuses on advanced energy systems, multiphase flow, and renewable energy transitions. Ph.D. , Engineering Science, Brown University, 1980 M.S. , Engineering Science, Brown University, 1979 B.A. , Engineering Science and Economics, Oxford University, England, 1977 Michaelides' work spans energy conversion , geothermal systems , nanofluidics , and particle-fluid dynamics . His recent publications analyze energy storage requirements for renewable transitions, drag force correlations in complex flows, and thermodynamic implications of carbon sequestration. His research trends include decarbonization strategies , nanoparticle-enhanced phase transitions , and smart microfluidic systems . He has also contributed to foundational texts like Particles, Bubbles and Drops (2006) and the Multiphase Flow Handbook (2017).

Mahroo EftekhariView profile

Professor

• Building Energy Management Systems
• HVAC Systems Optimization
• Thermal Comfort Modeling
• +5 more

Professor Mahroo Eftekhari is a Professor in Building Services Engineering at Loughborough University, leading the Low Energy Building Services Engineering MSc programme. Her research focuses on energy-efficient building systems, thermal comfort, HVAC optimization, and renewable integration. She has pioneered control systems for airports and buildings, including MPC-based strategies to reduce energy use while enhancing occupant well-being. Notable contributions include the development of BISPA (Building & Industrial Services Pipework Academy), a national center for BIM and pipework training. Education: Holds qualifications including CEng (Chartered Engineer), DPhil (Doctor of Philosophy), FCIBSE (Fellow of Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers), and SFHEA (Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy). Her academic career is marked by collaborations with Tata Steel, Mitsubishi R&D, and Vexo, yielding applied research in sustainable building technologies. Research Interests: Indoor Air Quality, Thermal Comfort Modeling, Zero Energy Buildings, Digital Twins, and Advanced Control Systems. She has developed innovative solutions like AI-driven thermal management for Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) and interfaces to synchronize airport operations with energy systems. Awards & Grants: Secured funding from diverse bodies for projects such as adaptive thermal comfort models, BISPA infrastructure, and energy-efficient HVAC strategies. Her work emphasizes practical applications, including reducing CO₂ emissions via airport terminal optimization and improving renewable energy use in buildings. Lab & Teams: Leads the Building Energy Research Group, managing projects in closed-loop heating systems, IEQ monitoring, and hydronic system efficiency. The Civil Engineering labs house interactive BIM rigs launched with institutional and industry support.

Ángeles Rivero PachoView profile

Assistant Professor

• Sorption Heating and Cooling Technologies
• Data Analysis and Modelling of Energy Systems
• Absorption HVAC
• +5 more

Dr. Ángeles Rivero Pacho is an Assistant Professor (Teaching) in the Department of Electromechanical Engineering at the University of Warwick's School of Engineering. She leads the Electromechanical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship (EMDA) programme and actively contributes to energy systems research. Education PhD in Mechanical Engineering (Sustainable Thermal Energy Technologies, 2014), University of Warwick, UK MSc in Design of Rotating Machines (2010), Cranfield University, UK MEng in Industrial Engineering (2010), Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Spain Dr. Rivero Pacho specializes in sorption heating and cooling technologies, with a focus on carbon-ammonia adsorption heat pumps, and data analysis of energy systems. Her work extends to absorption HVAC, district heating networks, and low-temperature heat distribution modeling. Her recent publications explore advancements in adsorption heat pump design, thermal resistance in activated carbon, and district heating innovations using thermochemical transmission. These studies emphasize sustainability, efficiency optimization, and material performance. Scientific Awards Ted Perry Award for Student Research (2014/15) Dr. Rivero Pacho has participated in EPSRC-funded projects including LoT-NET (2019–2024) and i-STUTE (2013–2018). She also serves as Programme Manager for EMDA, a member of the Athena Swan self-assessment team, and the School of Engineering's Equality and Diversity Committee.

• Building Physics
• Numerical Modeling
• Heat and Mass Transfer
• +6 more

Angela Sasic Kalagasidis is a Professor and Department Head at Chalmers University of Technology , leading the Building Physics research group. She serves as a board member of the Moisture Center at Lund University of Technology , contributing to interdisciplinary research in building science. Building Physics Heat and Mass Transfer Energy Efficiency Moisture Safety Indoor VOC Emissions Climate Change Adaptation Her recent publications focus on aerogel-based materials for insulation, urban heat island mitigation , and thermal energy storage systems . Key methodologies include CFD simulations , field testing , and life cycle assessment frameworks . Research trends show emphasis on: Advanced computational tools for hygrothermal analysis Integration of phase change materials in building systems Climate resilience in building envelopes Optimization of ventilation and moisture control

Olivier FARGESView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Thermal Engineering
• Energy Systems
• Fluid Dynamics
• +3 more

Olivier FARGES is a Senior Lecturer and HDR (Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches) holder at the University of Lorraine, affiliated with ENSGSI (École Nationale Supérieure de Géologie et Sciences Industrielles) within the Groupe INP. He serves as Director of Industrial Partnerships at ENSGSI and is part of the LEMTA Laboratory (CNRS-University of Lorraine), focusing on multiphysics and multiscale modeling of heat transfer in complex environments. His academic roles include teaching courses such as Heat and Mass Transfer, Fluid Mechanics, Scientific Computing Modeling, and Renewable Energy. Dr. FARGES holds a Ph.D. in Energy and New R&D (2014) and an Engineering degree in Energy Engineering (2010), both from the École de Mines Albi. His research emphasizes coupled conductive-radiative heat transfer in porous media, thermal property characterization of heterogeneous materials, and Monte Carlo-based computational methods for energy systems. He has contributed to advancements in photovoltaic system modeling, solar thermal power optimization, and urban climate studies. His work bridges theoretical and applied thermal engineering, with applications in sustainable energy systems, material science, and industrial partnerships. Key research themes include radiative transfer modeling, multiphysics simulation frameworks, and the development of innovative tools for thermal property measurement and energy performance assessment.

Patrick JennyView profile

Professor

• Computational Fluid Dynamics
• Turbulent Reactive Flows
• Multiphase Flow Modeling
• +3 more

Prof. Patrick Jenny is a Full Professor at the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering and Head of the Institute of Fluid Dynamics at ETH Zurich. His research focuses on computational fluid dynamics (CFD), numerical methods for turbulent and multiphase flows, and reservoir simulation. He has held positions at ChevronTexaco and Cornell University, and received the National Latsis Prize 2005. PhD in CFD from ETH Zurich (1997) Postdoctoral work at Cornell University (1997–1999) Senior Researcher at ChevronTexaco (1999–2003) Research interests include: turbulent reactive flows, PDF modeling, multi-scale reservoir simulation, and data assimilation in engineering systems. He teaches courses on fluid dynamics, turbulence, and computational methods. Over 100 peer-reviewed publications span topics like fracture modeling, LES/RANS coupling, and particle-laden flows. His work bridges academia and industry, addressing challenges in energy systems, environmental engineering, and numerical algorithms. Winner: National Latsis Prize 2005 Led over 20 PhD projects and collaborates with institutions globally. His lab develops open-source tools for CFD and energy systems analysis.

Lorenzo CremaschiView profile

Associate Professor

• Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
• Scalable Energy Systems
• Heat and Mass Transfer Processes
• +6 more

Lorenzo Cremaschi is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Auburn University, where he leads the High Performance Scalable Building Energy Systems and Technologies (HPS-BEST) Laboratory. His research focuses on enhancing energy efficiency in buildings and transportation systems through advanced thermal-fluid technologies. Education Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, University of Maryland M.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia B.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia Research Focus Dr. Cremaschi's research encompasses energy efficiency, scalable energy systems, and advanced heat/mass transfer processes. His laboratory investigates refrigeration systems, low-GWP refrigerants, frost/defrost phenomena, and novel dehumidification technologies. Current projects examine electrospray-enhanced heat exchangers, two-phase flow dynamics, and spray evaporation in HVAC systems. Research Output Recent publications demonstrate strong focus on thermal-fluid phenomena in energy systems, including experimental and numerical studies of two-phase flow, refrigerant performance, frost formation dynamics, and novel dehumidification technologies. Emerging themes include electrospray applications, low-GWP refrigerants, and system optimization for sustainable HVAC. Funding and Recognition Recipient of $150,000+ grant from ASHRAE for climate lab research Laboratory Leadership The HPS-BEST Laboratory under Dr. Cremaschi's direction collaborates with national laboratories and industry partners to develop scalable energy solutions. The lab specializes in experimental analysis of heat transfer fluids, phase-change processes, and system performance optimization for refrigeration and HVAC applications.

Hassan Saeed KhanView profile

Assistant Professor

• Urban Climatology
• Building Energy Management
• Renewable Energy Technologies
• +4 more

Dr. Hassan Saeed Khan is a Lecturer (Assistant Professor) at Central Queensland University and an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of New South Wales . He holds a Ph.D. in Built Environment from UNSW (2018-2022), a Master of Science in Architectural Engineering from Politecnico di Milano (2010-2012), and a Bachelor of Science in Building and Architectural Engineering from UET Lahore (2003-2008). His research focuses on zero-energy buildings , radiative cooling materials , and urban heat mitigation . Ph.D. in Built Environment, UNSW Australia (2018-2022) MSc in Architectural Engineering, Politecnico di Milano (2010-2012) BSc in Building and Architectural Engineering, UET Lahore (2003-2008) Dr. Khan specializes in urban climatology , energy-efficient building systems , and climate-responsive urban design . His work includes fluorescent radiative coolers for urban surfaces, seasonal performance modulation of cooling materials, and microclimate evaluation in coastal regions. His research spans thermal performance of buildings, extreme heat event analysis , and renewable energy integration . His recent publications highlight scalable radiative cooling solutions, synoptic weather interactions with urban heat, and green infrastructure benefits in subtropical environments. Key projects include ARC Discovery grants on fluorescent materials and consultancy with BlueScope and Dulux for material performance optimization. HDR Completion Scholarship (UNSW, 2022) Data61 CSIRO Ph.D. Top-up (2019-2022) ADA HDR Research Output Awards (2021, 2022) UniverLecco Gold Merit Scholarship (Politecnico di Milano, 2010-2012) Award of Distinction (KFUPM, 2016-2017) Dr. Khan has supervised research in 4011 Environmental Engineering , 3302 Building , and 3304 Urban Planning . His interdisciplinary approach bridges building science , materials engineering , and climate adaptation . He employs tools like ENVI-met for microclimate analysis and DesignBuilder for energy modeling.

• Food Engineering
• Thermal Engineering
• Biophysics
• +3 more

Thijs Defraeye is a Senior Scientist at Empa (Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology) and Adjunct Professor at Dalhousie University. He holds a PhD in Building Physics from KU Leuven (2011) and a Master's in Civil Engineering (2006). His work focuses on optimizing food supply chains through multiphysics simulations and digital twins, addressing challenges in refrigerated transport, postharvest quality preservation, and energy-efficient food processing. He leads the SimBioSys group, developing solutions for perishable goods logistics and electrohydrodynamic technologies. Research interests include: Biophysics of food systems Digital twin applications in agriculture Electrohydrodynamic drying Thermal management in cold chains Sustainable food technologies Recent work emphasizes reducing food loss through physics-based modeling of refrigerated containers, ventilated packaging optimization, and scalable evaporative cooling systems. His studies bridge engineering principles with biological processes, aiming to enhance global food security and environmental sustainability.