University of California , Santa Barbara (UCSB)United States
Megan Valentine is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), affiliated with the College of Engineering. She leads an interdisciplinary research group focused on biological and bioinspired materials, investigating how forces are generated and transmitted in living systems to design responsive synthetic materials. Her work bridges engineering, physics, chemistry, and biology. Education: PhD in Physics from Harvard University, MS in Physics from the University of Pennsylvania, and BS in Physics from Lehigh University. Affiliations include the California NanoSystems Institute (CNSI), Materials Research Laboratory (MRL), Neuroscience Research Institute, and the Center for Stem Cell Biology and Engineering. Research interests span soft material mechanics, bioengineering, and systems biology, with applications in marine-inspired materials, mechanobiology, and soft robotics. Her lab employs advanced experimental techniques to study biophysical and biochemical mechanisms in living systems and translate them into engineered materials capable of self-healing, movement, and environmental responsiveness. Notable awards include the NSF Early CAREER Award, Fulbright Scholarship, and election as Fellow of the American Physical Society and American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering. Her contributions emphasize creativity, collaboration, and diversity, with a focus on addressing societal challenges through interdisciplinary innovation.
Michael Baldea is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin . He holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Minnesota (2006), with prior degrees from 'Babeş-Bolyai' University in Romania (M.Sc. 2001, Diploma 2000). His research group develops theoretical and computational methods for Process and Energy Systems Engineering , focusing on integrated decision-making, performance optimization, and process intensification with industrial validation. Education: Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, University of Minnesota (2006) M.Sc., Interface Process Engineering, 'Babeş-Bolyai' University (2001) Diploma, Chemical Engineering, 'Babeş-Bolyai' University (2000) Research Thrusts: Integrated decision-making in chemical/energy supply chains Process performance monitoring and optimization Process integration and intensification Key applications include grid-responsive chemical plants, intensified distillation/column designs, and renewable energy integration for building systems. Scientific Awards: Frank A. Liddell, Jr. Fellowship NSF CAREER Award (2015-2020) Moncrief Grand Challenges Faculty Award (2014) AIChE Outstanding Young Researcher Award (2017) Implementation : His group has translated research into commercial tools through partnerships with industrial test beds and is working to integrate methods into commercial simulators. They explore predictive approaches for building energy management and strategic capital investment analysis in next-generation energy systems.
Wengong Jin is an Assistant Professor at the Khoury College of Computer Sciences, Northeastern University, and a visiting research scientist at the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Center at the Broad Institute. He holds a PhD from MIT CSAIL, advised by Prof. Regina Barzilay and Prof. Tommi Jaakkola. Research Interests: His work focuses on geometric and generative AI models for drug discovery, biology, and chemical engineering. Key areas include equivariant neural networks (e.g., FAFormer), diffusion models for binding energy prediction, antibody/enzyme design (RefineGNN, SurfPro), and molecular design through graph neural networks (Junction Tree VAE). He also explores domain generalization and systems for autonomous molecular discovery. Publications: His research has been published in top venues like NeurIPS, ICLR, ICML, Nature, Science, and Cell. Recent breakthroughs include discovering novel antibiotics using explainable AI and designing synergistic drug combinations for cancer treatment. Awards: He has received the BroadIgnite Award, Dimitris N. Chorafas Prize, and MIT EECS Outstanding Thesis Award for his contributions to computational biology and AI-driven drug discovery. Teaching: Currently teaches a PhD seminar on AI for Science, focusing on integrating machine learning into scientific discovery processes.
Robert J. Hamers is a Professor of Chemistry and the Steenbock Professor of Physical Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison . He serves as the Director of the Center for Sustainable Nanotechnology , a multi-institutional collaboration, and is a Senior Editor for Accounts of Chemical Research . Additionally, he co-founded the startup Silatronix, Inc. and leads the ACS/UW-Madison Bridge to the Chemistry Doctorate Program . B.S. in Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison (1980) Ph.D. in Chemistry, Cornell University (1986) Hamers' research focuses on surface chemistry, nanotechnology, and renewable energy , with specific interests in electrochemical energy storage, photoelectron emission mechanisms, and environmental impacts of nanomaterials . His group develops ultra-stable surface chemistries for energy devices and investigates charge-transfer processes at material interfaces . Recent publications highlight advances in diamond-based materials , organosilicon electrolyte additives , and environmental fate of nanomaterials . Scientific recognitions include the Wisconsin Distinguished Professor title. His work bridges fundamental surface science with applied technologies through collaborations with academic institutions, national laboratories, and industry partners like Dow Chemical . The Hamers Group actively trains graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in multidisciplinary approaches.
Rebecca Schulman is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University. She holds secondary appointments in Chemistry and Computer Science and is affiliated with multiple interdisciplinary institutes, including the Institute for NanoBioTechnology, the Hopkins Extreme Materials Institute, the Chemistry-Biology Interface Program, the Center for Cell Dynamics, and the Laboratory for Computational Sensing and Robotics. She currently co-directs the Passport to Future Technology Leadership program for PhD students. Research Interests: Schulman's research lies at the intersection of DNA nanotechnology, synthetic biology, and smart materials. Her group develops intelligent, adaptive biomolecular materials and nanostructures by integrating concepts from materials science, biochemistry, circuit design, and soft matter physics. The team focuses on engineering dynamic self-assembly processes using DNA to create reconfigurable materials, molecular circuits, and autonomous soft micro-robots. Key themes include self-healing nanostructures, feedback-regulated crystallization, programmable hydrogels, and synthetic genetic networks for materials control. Publication Trends: Her recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on using DNA-based chemical reaction networks to program spatial and temporal behavior in materials. The work spans from fundamental mechanisms like catalytic polymerization and crystal growth regulation to applications in soft robotics, self-wiring circuits, and synthetic pattern formation. The research is highly interdisciplinary, combining synthetic biology with materials engineering to achieve life-like functionalities in non-living systems. Scientific Awards: AIMBE Fellowship Award Vannevar Bush Faculty Fellowship Award Hartwell Individual Biomolecular Research Award President’s Early Career Award in Science and Engineering (PECASE) DARPA Young Faculty Award DARPA Directors Fellowship NSF CAREER Award Turing Scholar Award DOE Early Career Award Advising and Grants: Schulman mentors graduate students and leads a vibrant research group focused on next-generation biomolecular engineering. Her work is supported by major federal grants, including the NSF CAREER, DOE Early Career, DARPA, and the Vannevar Bush Fellowship—a prestigious Department of Defense award for basic research. She is actively involved in training future leaders through programs like the Passport to Future Technology Leadership. Labs and Teams: The Schulman Lab at Johns Hopkins is a multidisciplinary team working on DNA-powered materials and molecular programming. The lab is embedded within several collaborative centers, enabling strong cross-departmental and cross-institutional research. Their work combines experimental biochemistry with theoretical modeling to design and implement complex molecular systems.
Michele Klingbeil is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she leads the Klingbeil DNA Replication Laboratory. She received her PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Toledo in 1996 and previously worked at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine before moving to UMass in July 2007. Her educational background includes: PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Toledo, 1996 Dr. Klingbeil's research focuses on the unique biology of trypanosomatid parasites, particularly Trypanosoma brucei , the causative agent of African sleeping sickness. Her laboratory investigates two main areas: (1) replication of the unusual mitochondrial DNA network called kinetoplast DNA (kDNA), and (2) nuclear DNA replication initiation. Her work on kDNA is particularly significant as this structure is essential for parasite survival but has no counterpart in mammalian hosts, making it an attractive drug target. She employs a combination of reverse genetics (RNAi), cell biology, and biochemistry to understand the replication and repair mechanisms of kDNA, with a special focus on a family of four DNA polymerases related to bacterial Pol I. Dr. Klingbeil's recent publications reveal her laboratory's deep investigation into mitochondrial DNA polymerases in trypanosomatids, with discoveries showing multiple polymerases having specialized functions in kDNA replication and repair. Her research has established that several of these polymerases are essential for parasite viability, opening new avenues for drug development. She has also made significant contributions to understanding the simplified Origin Recognition Complex in trypanosomatids compared to other eukaryotes. Dr. Klingbeil has received the Thomas G. Lessie Distinguished Lectureship Award for her impact on teaching at the graduate level. Her research is funded by the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Joeph P. Healey Endowment, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She has mentored numerous graduate and undergraduate students, including current PhD candidates Dave Bruhn, Jeniffer Concepción, and Juemin Luo, as well as visiting scholar Eva Vidal Rico. Her former students have gone on to positions at institutions including Dana Farber/Broad Institute, Regis College, and Flagship Ventures. The laboratory regularly participates in scientific conferences including the Molecular Parasitology Meeting at Woods Hole and the Kinetoplastid Molecular Cell Biology conference. Dr. Klingbeil teaches several courses including Parasitology (MICRO 590S), Parasitology Lab (MICRO 590L), Molecular Mechanisms of Pathogenesis (MICRO 797P), Advanced Cell Biology (MCB 641), and Writing in Microbiology (MICRO 360). Her laboratory organizes regular social events including pumpkin carving parties and outings to Six Flags New England and Mt. Sugarloaf.
William F. Schneider is the Keating-Crawford Professor of Chemical Engineering and Chair of the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Notre Dame's College of Engineering. He also holds a concurrent professorship in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Dr. Schneider leads the Computational Environmental Catalysis research group focused on applying density functional theory (DFT) simulations to solve problems in energy and the environment. Dr. Schneider's educational background includes a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Ohio State University (1991) and a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Michigan-Dearborn (1986). Before joining Notre Dame in 2004 as an Associate Professor, he worked at the Ford Motor Company Research Laboratory where he developed expertise in catalytic chemistry related to automobile emissions control. Dr. Schneider's research focuses on molecular-scale understanding of heterogeneous catalysis, with particular emphasis on energy-related applications. His group uses computationally intensive molecular simulations to understand and predict chemical properties and reactivity from first principles. Key research areas include: Zeolites for NOx reduction Catalysis at metal surfaces Catalysis for shale gas conversion Energy-directed catalysis Carbon capture and conversion Sustainable bio/fossil fuels His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on computational approaches to understanding catalytic mechanisms, particularly in zeolite systems for environmental applications and energy conversion processes. The research often combines density functional theory with microkinetic modeling to provide molecular-level insights into catalytic processes. Dr. Schneider has received numerous honors including: Dorini Family Chair of Energy Studies Keating-Crawford Professor of Chemical Engineering Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science James A. Burns, C.S.C., Award for outstanding mentorship of doctoral students Executive Editor of the Journal of Physical Chemistry C As an advisor, Dr. Schneider mentors numerous graduate students and postdocs in the Computational Molecular Sciences and Engineering Laboratory (CoMSEL). His research group collaborates closely with experimentalists to validate computational findings and accelerate their application. Current projects include investigations into plasma-catalytic processes, copper-zeolite systems for methane oxidation, and computational screening of catalysts for various energy applications. Dr. Schneider's research is supported by various grants focusing on energy conversion, environmental catalysis, and computational materials design. He leads the Computational Environmental Catalysis group which is part of the broader CoMSEL research community at Notre Dame.
Jaehong Kim is the Henry P. Becton Sr. Professor of Engineering at Yale University, where he serves as Professor and Chair of Chemical and Environmental Engineering in the School of Engineering and Applied Science. Prior to joining Yale in 2013, he held the Georgia Power Distinguished Professor position at the Georgia Institute of Technology. His research bridges environmental science, chemical engineering, and nanotechnology, focusing on photocatalytic materials, water quality engineering, and sustainable solutions for global health contexts. Ph.D., Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2002) M.S., Chemical and Biological Engineering, Seoul National University (1997) B.S., Chemical and Biological Engineering, Seoul National University (1995) Kim’s work addresses water treatment through advanced oxidation processes , electrochemical systems , and single-atom catalysts , with applications in nitrate removal, fluoride transport, and solar disinfection. His research emphasizes nanotechnology for environmental remediation and public health engineering in developing regions. Recent publications highlight electrified membranes for nitrate conversion, photothermal water disinfection , and single-atom catalysts for pollutant degradation. His team explores atomic-scale engineering and green chemistry approaches to enhance reaction efficiency and material durability. Georgia Power Distinguished Professor Yale Superfund Research Center investigator Kim leads interdisciplinary efforts in environmental health through collaborations with Yale School of Public Health and the School of the Environment. His lab develops monolithic catalytic membranes and nanobiochars for sustainable water treatment, balancing technical innovation with global accessibility.
Ashwani K. Gupta is a Distinguished University Professor at the University of Maryland, holding the Minta Martin Professorship in Engineering. He serves as Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Professor at the Institute of Physical Science and Technology, and Affiliate Professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering. With over 45 years of experience in combustion engineering since graduating from Southampton University in 1970, Gupta has established himself as a leading authority in advanced combustion technologies. Dr. Gupta earned his Ph.D. from the University of Sheffield in 1973, followed by a D.Sc. from the same institution in 1986 and another D.Sc. from Southampton University in 2013. His academic journey includes six years at MIT as a research staff member and three years at Sheffield University as an independent research worker before joining the University of Maryland in 1983. Gupta's research focuses on revolutionizing combustion technology through innovations in swirl flows, high-temperature air combustion (HiTAC), and distributed combustion systems. His pioneering work on 'colorless distributed combustion' has enabled ultra-low emission combustion processes with significant applications in gas turbine engines and waste-to-energy conversion. His research spans biofuels, CO2 utilization, sulfur chemistry, waste conversion, and advanced laser diagnostics, addressing critical challenges in sustainable energy and environmental protection. Analyzing his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on waste-to-energy conversion, biomass processing, and CO2-assisted technologies. Gupta's work demonstrates a clear trajectory toward sustainable energy solutions, with increasing integration of artificial intelligence for combustion optimization and emission control. His research bridges fundamental combustion science with practical engineering applications for cleaner energy systems. Among Gupta's numerous accolades are: Election to Fellowship of the Royal Academy of Engineering (2023) Honorary Fellowship of the Royal Aeronautical Society (2020) Recognition as one of the top 2% of scientists worldwide by Stanford University (2022-2024) Multiple prestigious medals from ASME and AIAA including the Soichiro Honda Medal (2018) and AIAA Air Breathing Propulsion Award (2014) Honorary doctorates from three international universities Gupta has secured substantial research funding throughout his career, resulting in over 850 technical papers, three books, 18 edited books, and 22 book chapters. He has delivered over 100 plenary/keynote/invited presentations at international conferences. His mentorship has shaped numerous graduate students who continue to contribute to the field of combustion engineering. Gupta directs the Combustion Laboratory at the University of Maryland, which serves as a hub for cutting-edge research in sustainable combustion technologies. The Combustion Laboratory, under Gupta's leadership, has become a center of excellence for advanced combustion research, particularly in distributed combustion systems, waste-to-energy conversion, and alternative fuels. The lab maintains strong collaborations with industry partners and international research institutions, facilitating technology transfer and practical implementation of research findings. Gupta's team employs state-of-the-art diagnostics and computational tools to advance fundamental understanding while developing practical engineering solutions for cleaner energy systems.
Graham Dobereiner is an Associate Professor and Robert L. Smith Early Career Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Temple University's College of Science and Technology. He received his Ph.D. from Yale University (2011) and completed postdoctoral research at MIT (2012-2014) after earning his B.S. from Brandeis University (2007). His research group develops novel homogeneous transition metal catalysts for synthetic chemistry applications spanning fine chemicals manufacturing, petrochemical processing, and drug discovery. The work integrates organometallic chemistry principles, combining organic molecular diversity with inorganic compound reactivity. Research areas include catalytic isomerization, oxidative synthesis, ligand design, and mechanistic studies of transition metal complexes. Analysis of his recent publications demonstrates strong emphasis on reaction mechanism elucidation, catalyst design for stereoselective transformations (particularly Z-selective isomerizations), and development of novel catalytic systems for sustainable synthesis. His group employs computational and experimental approaches to advance synthetic methodology.
Marcella Lusardi is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and the Princeton Materials Institute at Princeton University, leading interdisciplinary research at the intersection of materials synthesis, catalysis, and sustainability. Her educational background includes: Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from MIT (2018) B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Columbia University (2012) Dr. Lusardi's research focuses on designing advanced catalytic materials for environmental challenges, with core expertise in surface science, light-matter interactions, and complex materials processing. Her group develops natural and engineered materials for energy and sustainability applications, emphasizing CO 2 capture/reduction, pollution abatement, and photocatalysis through molecular-level catalyst design. The MatCat Lab integrates experimental techniques like NMR spectroscopy with computational guidance to create scalable solutions for closed carbon cycles and greener chemical processes. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2019-2025) reveals a dominant focus on zeolite-based catalysis for CO 2 conversion and carbonylation reactions, with growing emphasis on supramolecular assemblies and water-tolerant acid catalysts. Her work consistently bridges fundamental material properties with practical sustainability applications, showing progression toward integrated systems for direct air capture and light-mediated reactions. The MatCat Lab employs a highly interdisciplinary approach centered on defect engineering in silica matrices and molecular recognition for supramolecular networks. Current projects target tailored reaction environments for CO 2 reduction and microplastic oxidation, utilizing advanced synthesis methods and structural elucidation to develop practical catalytic technologies for a sustainable future.
Chao Wang is an Associate Professor at the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering within the Whiting School of Engineering at Johns Hopkins University. He also serves as the Director of the Nano Energy Laboratory and the department’s Master’s Admissions Director. His research focuses on sustainable energy systems and nanomaterials for CO2 capture and conversion, electrocatalysis, thermocatalysis, and green chemical engineering. Education: Bachelor’s degree, University of Science and Technology of China (2004) Doctorate, Brown University (2009) Wang’s research targets efficient energy conversion and storage via nanomaterials with tailored atomic structures, emphasizing catalytic activity, selectivity, and stability. His group explores electrochemical and thermochemical processes for reduced carbon footprints, including CO2 and methane conversion, ammonia recovery, and phosphorus/nitrogen nutrient recycling using zeolite-based systems. Recent publications (2021–2024) highlight his work in high-entropy alloys, solid-state battery materials, CO2 electroreduction, and biomedical nanotechnologies. Collaborative efforts span catalysis, nanoparticle dynamics, and environmental applications. Grants include a $1M DOE award for multi-university research, a $625K DOE grant for electrified transportation systems, and $3M in startup funding for carbon-removal technology commercialization. Alumni under his mentorship include Ph.D. graduates like Michael J. Manto (2018) and Master’s students like Mitchell Keller (2018), with notable achievements in catalyst development for ammonia/phosphorus recovery and industry placements at Grace & Co. and GEA Engineering.
Michael John Janik is a Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Pennsylvania State University, with significant affiliation to the Institute of Energy and the Environment (IEE). His academic profile demonstrates exceptional research productivity with 270 research outputs, 25 funded projects, and substantial scholarly impact reflected in 17,238 citations and an h-index of 61. His research expertise centers on computational chemistry with particular focus on Density Functional Theory applications to catalysis and electrocatalysis. The fingerprint analysis of his work reveals strong concentrations in Density Functional Theory (76%), Oxidation Reactions (36%), Carbon Dioxide research (29%), Adsorption phenomena (27%), and First Principles Chemistry (22%). His work significantly contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to clean energy and climate action. Analysis of his recent publications (2020-2025) reveals a strong research trajectory in electrocatalysis, particularly examining cation effects on CO 2 reduction mechanisms, intermetallic catalyst design, and computational modeling of electrochemical systems. His work bridges fundamental computational chemistry with practical applications in sustainable energy conversion. h-index of 61 17,238 total citations Multiple high-impact publications in journals including Nature Catalysis, Journal of the American Chemical Society, and Science Advances Professor Janik actively leads and collaborates on numerous research projects, particularly with Dr. Rioux and other colleagues, focusing on advanced catalyst development and electrochemical energy conversion systems. His current research portfolio includes multiple active NSF-funded projects extending through 2027 that address critical challenges in electrocatalysis, CO 2 reduction, and intermetallic catalyst design. His research group maintains strong connections with the Institute of Energy and the Environment, positioning his work at the intersection of fundamental computational chemistry and applied energy solutions. Current projects include combining DFT with classical simulations to predict solvation effects, developing high-entropy alloys for catalysis, and studying oxide overlayers in CO 2 reaction systems.
Yiguang Ju is the Robert Porter Patterson Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Princeton University, affiliated with the HMEI Grand Challenges Program. His research focuses on plasma-assisted combustion, alternative fuels, and nano-material synthesis via flame processes. He investigates energy-efficient systems for microscale energy conversion, catalytic reactions, and low-temperature plasma chemistry. Research interests include non-equilibrium plasma dynamics, ammonia synthesis, and high-pressure oxidation kinetics. He develops advanced diagnostics like hybrid laser spectroscopy and machine learning models to study reaction mechanisms. Recent work explores plasma-enhanced combustion for hydrogen and alternative fuels, with applications in energy storage and emission reduction. His studies address challenges in plasma-chemistry interactions, material synthesis, and high-pressure combustion systems. His articles highlight innovations in plasma catalysis, combustion kinetics, and atmospheric chemistry. Collaborative projects include plasma-based material recycling and supercritical-pressure reactor analysis. He leads initiatives in clean energy technologies and sustainable chemical processes.
State University of New York at BuffaloUnited States
Jun Liu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University at Buffalo. His research focuses on advanced energy materials, nano/micro-mechanics, and self-powered systems, with applications in triboelectric energy harvesting and scanning probe microscopy. Education: PhD, Materials Engineering, University of Alberta (2018) MS, Materials Science, Shanghai University (2015) BE, Materials Science and Engineering, Nanchang University (2012) Research Interests: Development of tribovoltaic and triboelectric systems for self-powered electronics Mechanical energy harvesting via dynamic heterojunctions and Schottky contacts 3D-printed hydrogel structures for energy absorption and flexible electronics Nanoscale characterization using atomic force microscopy Design of nanocomposite sensors and catalytic materials Publication Trends: His work emphasizes triboelectricity, nanoscale energy conversion, and sustainable materials. Recent articles explore bionic tactile sensing, tunable hydrogels, and quantum dynamics in sliding interfaces. Awards: SONY Faculty Innovation Award (2021) Nature Springer MINE Young Scientist Award (2020) International Contest of Applications in Nano/Micro Technology Prize (2013) Laboratory: Advanced Energy Materials and Nanomechanics Lab at University at Buffalo.
