Jennifer R Mc Conville is a researcher at Chalmers University of Technology's Department of Urban Design and Planning. Her work focuses on sustainable sanitation systems, particularly in developing countries, with extensive research on wastewater management, community-based approaches, and resource recovery. Key affiliations: Formas-funded projects (2012–2020) Geographic focus: Bolivia, West Africa, Sweden Methodologies: Gamification, participatory planning, regime analysis Research interests include: Sanitation planning frameworks Decentralized wastewater systems Equity in urban-rural transitions Policy implementation barriers Recent publications analyze: Circular economy in sanitation Decision-support tools Community-managed infrastructure Role-playing in engineering education
Daniel G. Aliaga is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Purdue University, part of the College of Science. His research focuses on urban computing, combining computer graphics, computer vision, and AI to develop tools for urban modeling and simulation. He leads the Computer Graphics and Visualization Laboratory (CGVLAB), pioneering work in inverse procedural modeling and generative AI for urban environments. Aliaga has a PhD from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and has held visiting professorships at ETH Zurich and KAUST. Education: BS (Brown University), MS & PhD (UNC Chapel Hill) Research Areas: Urban Computing, Computer Graphics, AI, Robotics Notable Projects: WUDAPT initiative, urban weather modeling, 3D reconstruction techniques His work spans interdisciplinary collaborations with urban planners, meteorologists, and engineers. Over 150 peer-reviewed publications and $42M in grants highlight his impact. Awards include the Fulbright Scholar Award and Discovery Park Fellowship. Aliaga advises numerous PhD and undergraduate researchers, contributing to startups and patents.
Professor Grant Mills is the Faculty Lead for Health at University College London's Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction. His research focuses on advanced healthcare infrastructure delivery, interdisciplinary design, and project management, with funding from EPSRC, ESRC, NIHR, and international bodies. He leads initiatives like Project HERCULES and explores topics such as digital twins, BIM adoption, and modular healthcare design. Education: PhD from Loughborough University (2013), Master of Science from De Montfort University (2001). Previous roles include Senior Lecturer and Lecturer at UCL, and Senior Research Associate at Loughborough University. Research Interests: Healthcare infrastructure innovation, sustainable construction, BIM implementation challenges, modular design, and governance frameworks for large projects. His work addresses healthcare facility adaptability, AI integration in emergency departments, and post-pandemic healthcare systems. Grants & Funding: Department of Health, European Investment Bank, WHO, and EPSRC grants. Active in megaproject collaborations and strategic asset management for NHS infrastructure. Lab/Teams: Leads Bartlett Health-related research groups, collaborating with global institutions on healthcare infrastructure projects and digital twin applications.
James O'Donnell is an Associate Professor in the School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at University College Dublin (UCD). He joined UCD in 2013 after working at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. His research focuses on multi-scale energy modeling, interoperable BIM solutions, and sustainable building design. He contributes to buildingSMART’s Energy Modelling Expert Panel and teaches modules on building physics and energy analysis. Education: B.E. Civil and Environmental Engineering, University College Cork Ph.D. in Holistic Building Performance Analysis, University College Cork Professional Diploma in University Teaching & Learning, University College Dublin Research Interests: James specializes in energy informatics, building energy simulation, and semantic web technologies for the built environment. His work bridges BIM integration with energy modeling to optimize urban-scale performance. Grants & Funding: PROBONO (2022–2026): Integrator-centric approach for energy-efficient buildings NexSys (2022–2026): Next-Generation Energy Systems ALIVE (2020–2024): Indoor Environmental Quality in Energy-Efficient Buildings Teaching & Editorial Roles: James coordinates courses like Energy Systems in Buildings and serves as an Associate Editor for Journal of Building Engineering and editorial board member of Advanced Engineering Informatics . Professional Affiliations: Member of Engineers Ireland, International Building Performance Simulation Association (IBPSA), and European Council on Computing in Construction.
Dr. Luis da Vinha is a Lecturer in Politics and International Relations at De Montfort University, where he is affiliated with the School of Humanities and Performing Arts within the Faculty of Arts, Design and Humanities. Previously, he served as a Senior Lecturer and Teaching Program Director for the Government department at Flinders University in Adelaide, Australia, and as a tenured Associate Professor and coordinator of the political science program at Valley City State University in North Dakota, USA. Dr. da Vinha's educational background includes: Ph.D. in International Relations from the University of Coimbra, Portugal M.A. in Geography from the University of Coimbra, Portugal B.A. in Geography from the University of Coimbra, Portugal Dr. da Vinha's research focuses on International Security, International Order, International Political Economy, Foreign Policy Analysis, and Geopolitics/Political Geography. His work particularly examines how geographic mental maps influence foreign policy decision-making, with special attention to U.S. foreign policy across different presidential administrations. He has developed innovative teaching methods using interactive technologies to enhance student learning in international relations. His recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on understanding foreign policy decision-making processes, particularly examining how cognitive frameworks and mental maps shape geopolitical perceptions and policy outcomes. His work spans traditional security concerns, digital governance issues in Africa's smart cities, and pedagogical innovations in political science education, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach that bridges political science, geography, and international relations. Dr. da Vinha has received numerous teaching awards recognizing his innovative approaches to education: 2024 National Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning (Australia Awards for University Teaching) 2023 Vice Chancellor's Award for Innovation in Teaching Commendation (Flinders University) 2022 CBGL Vice-President and Executive Dean's Teaching and Learning Innovation Award (Flinders University) 2021 Vice-Chancellor's Innovation in Teaching Award (Flinders University) 2021 CBGL Vice-President and Executive Dean's Award for Excellence in Teaching (Flinders University) 2016 VCSU Teacher of the Year Award (USA) As an academic advisor, Dr. da Vinha currently supervises several PhD students including Lachlan Poel (principal supervisor) working on electoral disinformation in American and Australian parliamentary committees, Vinícius Guedes Gonçalves de Oliveira (auxiliary supervisor) researching cybersecurity challenges to Australian space infrastructure, and Thomas O'Donnell (auxiliary supervisor) examining AUKUS and the deterrence of grey zone activities. His research has been published with major academic presses including Routledge, Palgrave Macmillan, Springer, and numerous prestigious journals. Dr. da Vinha is affiliated with several research groups including the Institute of Global Challenges and Cultures, the Jeff Bleich Centre for Democracy and Disruptive Technologies, and the Space Power and Policy Applied Research Consortium, where he contributes expertise on geopolitical issues related to space policy and international security.
Philippe Gachon is a Professor in the Department of Geography at the University of Quebec at Montreal (UQAM), Director of the ESCER Research Centre, and leader of the Quebec InterSectoral Flooding Network (RIISQ). He specializes in hydro-climatology and climate risk assessment, with extensive experience at Environment Canada and as a Strategic Research Chair holder on Hydrometeorological Risks Related to Climate Change. His research examines climate change impacts on extreme weather events including floods, droughts, and heat waves. Recent work focuses on improving risk identification and adaptation strategies through intersectoral approaches. Key research themes include: Regional climate modeling and validation Hydro-meteorological hazard intensification Systemic risk assessment Community-scale resilience building Climate services development His recent publications demonstrate advanced statistical approaches for modeling non-stationary flood regimes, evaluating wildfire risks under climate change, and quantifying vector-borne disease transmission. Collaborative projects with 16 universities address physical climate risks and socioeconomic vulnerabilities across Quebec.
Sergey Dyachenko is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics at the University at Buffalo, New York. He holds a PhD in Applied Mathematics from the University of New Mexico (2014) and a BS in Applied Physics and Mathematics from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (2007). PhD: University of New Mexico BS: Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology His research focuses on nonlinear wave phenomena and fluid dynamics, particularly singularity formation in free-surface flows like water wave breaking and whitecapping. He employs computational mathematics and applied analysis to study: Free surface wave dynamics Stokes wave singularities Wave turbulence theory Integrable systems (NLS, KdV) Recent publications analyze: Stokes wave instabilities Capillary wave propagation Conformal mapping techniques Operator splitting methods Contact: Office: 312 Mathematics Building, UB North Campus Email: sergeydy@buffalo.edu
Patricia Clayton, Ph.D., PE, is an Associate Professor specializing in structural and natural hazards engineering. Her office is located at 455 Vine Street, Bldg 60 South, Rm 4512, and she can be reached via phone at 336.702.1924. She holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from North Carolina State University (2007), an M.S. (2010) and Ph.D. (2013) in Civil Engineering from the University of Washington. Her research focuses on: Hazard-resistant structural technologies Multi-scale modeling of natural hazard impacts Applications of 3D printing in construction Computational modeling and data analysis Small-scale structural testing methodologies She maintains active investigations in earthquake engineering and structural resilience. Recent publications (2022-2025) demonstrate three primary research streams: Structural Seismic Performance : Innovations in steel connections, composite systems, and deployable structures Engineering Education : Remote teaching pedagogy and inclusive curriculum development Disaster Technology : AI-enhanced damage assessment and field instrumentation Her work consistently integrates experimental validation with practical applications.
Richard Shultz is the Shelby Cullom Davis Professor of International Security Studies and Director of the International Security Studies Program (ISSP) at The Fletcher School, Tufts University. His work focuses on U.S. national security policy, irregular warfare, special operations, and intelligence strategy. He holds a PhD in Political Science from Miami University. Shultz has held distinguished academic chairs, including at the U.S. Military Academy and Naval War College, and serves as a Senior Fellow at the Joint Special Operations University. His recent research examines military innovation in counterinsurgency, AI’s role in warfare, and security sector reform. Notable publications include *Transforming US Intelligence for Irregular War* (2020) and *Big Data at War* (2020). Shultz’s research emphasizes adapting U.S. security paradigms to non-state threats and 21st-century warfare. His articles analyze Task Force 714’s Iraq operations, AI integration in military strategy, and counterterrorism tactics. Awards include the Bradley Fellowship and Scaife Foundation support. He advises U.S. agencies and teaches courses on intelligence policy, irregular warfare, and crisis management. Grants include funding from the Smith Richardson Foundation and Deloitte for projects on China’s South China Sea strategy and malign influence detection. Shultz leads ISSP, which trains students in national security careers through curriculum development, crisis simulations, and military fellowships. He has conducted fieldwork globally, including in the Middle East and NATO regions, teaching special operations strategies to foreign militaries. Labs/teams include collaborations with SOCOM, JSOU, and the Marine Corps on irregular warfare and AI-driven intelligence systems.
Farzan Kazemifar is an Associate Professor and Associate Chair in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at San José State University, where he also serves as Director of the SJSU Industrial Assessment Center. His academic background includes a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, an M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from the same institution, and a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from Sharif University of Technology. Dr. Kazemifar's research focuses on thermal energy systems and energy efficiency in buildings, with specialized expertise in multiphase flow, porous media dynamics, and carbon capture technologies. His work integrates experimental methods with theoretical modeling to address challenges in sustainable energy and environmental applications. His 15 most recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on fluid dynamics in porous media, particularly examining CO2-water interactions for carbon sequestration applications. These studies utilize advanced micro-PIV techniques to quantify flow phenomena at pore scales, contributing to improved understanding of multiphase flow regimes under reservoir conditions. Dr. Kazemifar directs the Industrial Assessment Center, which focuses on energy efficiency solutions for industrial applications. No information is available regarding student advising, research grants, or specific laboratory facilities.
Cleo Valentine is a Vice Chancellor's Doctoral Scholar at the University of Cambridge and Senior Design Researcher in Neuroarchitecture at HKS. Affiliated with the Department of Architecture and Computational Neuroscience Group, her work establishes the field of architectural neuroimmunology , investigating how architectural forms mediate neuroinflammatory responses. She lectures at Politecnico di Milano and Harvard University, and contributes to editorial boards of Intelligent Buildings International and Buildings . Education: MPhil in Architecture and Urban Studies (Cambridge), MSc in Sustainable Urban Development (Oxford), BA in Urban Systems and Economics (McGill/Copenhagen) Research Affiliations: UCL Spatial Cognition Lab, MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning, Cambridge Design Engineering Centre Her research combines neuroimmunology , computational neuroscience , and biophilic design to demonstrate how architectural features like curvature, proportions, and enclosure affect allostatic load and neuroinflammation . Key findings show that biomorphic design reduces neuroinflammatory activity, with implications for urban health policy and architectural ethics. Recent publications analyze visual stress in architectural façades , epigenetic consequences of urban design , and neuroethical frameworks for architectural practice. She advocates for human-centric design tools to balance creative expression with neurophysiological health impacts. Scientific Awards: Vice Chancellor's Doctoral Scholarship (Cambridge), Cambridge Trust funding, Wolfson College support, Harvard Visiting Fellowship Partnerships: Heatherwick Studio’s Humanise Campaign, UCL/RISE Centre for NeuroArchitecture, Beautiful Places AI Her work intersects with the Mind Body Space International Symposium , ANFA Conference , and International Making Cities Livable Conference , emphasizing cross-disciplinary collaboration to redefine architecture’s role in public health.
Lyesse Laloui is Full Professor and Director of the Soil Mechanics Laboratory at EPFL's School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering. A world-renowned expert in geomechanics and sustainability, his research develops nature-inspired solutions for climate change mitigation and renewable energy adoption. His distinguished career includes ERC Advanced and Proof of Concept Grants, two honoris causa doctorates, and leadership roles in Academia Europaea and International Society of Soil Mechanics. Research focuses on: Thermo-hydro-mechanical behavior of energy geostructures Bio-inspired geotechnical solutions for soil improvement Radioactive waste repository safety CO₂ sequestration caprock integrity Urban underground space utilization Recent publications demonstrate innovations in geothermal metro station design, shale behavior characterization for energy applications, and bio-mediated soil stabilization. His laboratory has supervised over 35 PhD graduates now advancing geotechnical engineering globally. Professor Laloui founded 5 EPFL spin-offs including Enerdrape (Swiss Top 100 startup) and serves as European Director of the International Associated Research Centers for Urban Underground Space. His awards include the ASCE Kersten Lecture and InterPore Kimberly-Clark Distinguished Lectureship.
Anne Templeton serves as a Senior Lecturer in Social Psychology at the University of Edinburgh's School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences. She holds a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship and leads the research group Identities and Collective Behaviour . Her academic journey includes a PhD from Sussex, MSc from Surrey, and MA (hons) from St Andrews. Her research centers on applying social identity theory to crowd psychology, particularly examining how group dynamics influence safety during emergencies and mass events. Key focus areas include: psychological crowd modeling, first responder communication strategies, and incorporating social identities into evacuation simulations. She develops behavioral interventions to improve public adherence during crises through computational modeling and virtual reality experiments. Her 15 most recent publications reveal strong thematic consistency across emergency management, crowd dynamics, and social identity applications. Recent work emphasizes high-rise evacuation protocols, tunnel fire egress, COP26 protest support mechanisms, and bystander CPR interventions. The research demonstrates interdisciplinary integration of psychology, computational modeling, and public safety practice. Scientific Recognition: UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship (2022) Research Leadership: Principal Investigator for ESRC, DCMS, and Chief Nursing Office grants totaling over £1.8 million, including the £1.377m UKRI project on first responder communication strategies. Current supervision of four PhD students (Waleed Alhajri, Sam Vo, Sayaka Hinata, Kayleigh Smith). Her knowledge exchange extends through government advisory roles including the Scottish Government COVID-19 Behavioural Insights team (2021-2022), UK Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Science Board (2021), and Sports Grounds Safety Authority consultation (2020). Media engagements feature BBC, Reuters, and The Conversation coverage of Hajj crowd safety and stadium atmosphere research.
Monica Kohler is a Research Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). She holds a B.A. from Harvard University (1988) and a Ph.D. from Caltech (1995). Prior to her current role, she served as an Assistant Research Engineer at UCLA (1998–2011), Visiting Associate at Caltech (2007–2011), and Research Assistant Professor (2011–2017). Her work focuses on earthquake engineering, seismic tomography, and structural health monitoring using advanced sensor technologies. Her research integrates observational seismology and engineering principles to detect damage in buildings and infrastructure through dense sensor networks like the Community Seismic Network (CSN). Projects include developing methods for damage identification using seismic data, tsunami early warning systems, and real-time monitoring of urban vibrations from human activity (e.g., concerts). Key areas of exploration include earthquake-induced building response, wave propagation analysis, and the application of Bayesian learning and Gaussian process regression for ground-motion modeling. She advises graduate students at UCLA in civil engineering and collaborates on interdisciplinary projects involving oceanography, structural dynamics, and computational modeling. Her contributions span over 150 publications, including studies on the 2019 Ridgecrest earthquakes, tsunami wavefront mapping, and high-rise structural identification. She also leads efforts to deploy seafloor sensors and improve early warning systems for natural disasters. Labs/Teams: Active in the Caltech CSN project, structural health monitoring initiatives, and tsunami hazard research groups. Her team includes researchers like Viviana Vela, Gloria Hyun, and Richard Guy.
Juliana Felkner is an academic affiliated with ETH Zurich, primarily associated with the Department of Architecture within the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering. Her research focuses on integrating structural efficiency with energy performance in tall buildings, emphasizing multi-objective optimization and sustainable design principles. Key contributions include studies on embodied vs. operational energy in buildings, structural design frameworks balancing sustainability and efficiency, and interactive optimization techniques using NURBS curves and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). Her doctoral thesis (2016) explored multi-objective design strategies addressing structural, environmental, and architectural considerations. Felkner has published extensively on topics such as energy lifecycle analysis, natural ventilation potentials, and computational design methods. Her work highlights the importance of reducing operational energy in existing building stocks to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Awards and grants are not explicitly mentioned in the provided texts, but her peer-reviewed publications indicate active engagement in academic research and collaboration across disciplines.
