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.
Karel Van Acker is a full professor in the Faculty of Engineering Science at KU Leuven , leading the Sustainable Materials Processing and Recycling (SeMPeR) research group. His work focuses on integrating environmental and economic sustainability assessments, particularly for metallurgical residues and circular economy systems. Head of SeMPeR group Contact person for SeMPeR at Arenberg campus Head of Subdivision 39, Brussels Campus Research areas include: Circular Economy: Monitoring systems, stock-flow models, and business models Sustainability Assessments: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), techno-economic analysis, carbon footprinting Resource Valorization: Steel slag mineral carbonation, rare earth reduction, biorefinery processes Key article trends: 2025 works emphasize steel slag carbonation for carbon capture, hydrogen storage technologies, and clothing sufficiency as circular economy strategies 2024 research explores car mobility circularity , AI environmental impacts , and policy integration for circular economy monitors Earlier works (2023-2020) address textile recycling , biomass to biofuels , and landfill mining using system dynamics Teaching responsibilities: Sustainable Materials Management (H00R6A) Environmental Impact Analysis (I0V86A) Material Selection & Sustainability (D0X32A) Global Challenges for Sustainable Society (H0O00A)
Davide Donadio is a Professor of Chemistry at the University of California, Davis. His research focuses on molecular modeling and simulations of materials, particularly in non-equilibrium processes, thermal transport, and nanostructure assembly. He leads the Naotheory Group, which develops predictive multiscale models for energy-related materials. Education : Habilitation in Materials Science, Italian Ministry for University and Research (2013) Ph.D. in Materials Science, University of Milano (2003) M.S. in Physics, University of Milano (1998) Research Interests : His work spans molecular-level understanding of energy conversion, thermal management, and nanostructure formation. Key areas include phononics, thermoelectrics, and interfacial phenomena in materials like ice surfaces, semiconductors, and clathrates. He employs machine learning and first-principles methods to bridge simulation and experiment. Awards : UC Davis Hellman Fellow (2017–2018) Young Scientist Award, Italian Institute for the Physics of Matter (1998) Grants & Labs : His funding and collaborations drive advancements in nanostructured materials and computational tools like PLUMED tutorials. The Naotheory Group actively publishes in high-impact journals and collaborates internationally on thermal transport and materials design.
Candace K. Chan is a Professor in the School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy at Arizona State University , with a joint appointment in the School of Molecular Sciences graduate faculty. Her research bridges materials science , electrochemistry , and energy storage , with additional focus on water treatment technologies and photocatalysis . She leads the NSF Nanosystems Engineering Research Center for NEWT water treatment projects and holds multiple patents in solid-state electrolytes and clathrate battery materials . Education: Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry (Stanford University), B.S. in Chemistry (Rice University) Expertise: Inorganic/Materials Chemistry, Nanoscience, Renewable Energy Her research group specializes in solid-state battery materials , photocatalytic water treatment , and clathrate electrochemistry , with recent work on flexible battery mechanics and metal oxide photocatalysts . Publications focus on garnet-type electrolytes , Si/Ge clathrates , and LDH nanocomposites . Key scientific awards include: NSF CAREER Award (2016) Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship (2016–2018) ECS Battery Division Travel Grant (2014) ASU Fulton Exemplar Faculty (2017–2018) Advising: Mentored 12 Ph.D. students (e.g., Andrew Dopilka , Ting Yang ), 8 M.S. students, and 6 Barrett Honors Thesis students. Collaborates with international researchers from Max-Planck-Institut , Universität Göttingen , and Universidade Federal de Itajubá . Grants: Currently leads 3 active NSF/industry projects on solid electrolyte interphases , clathrate synthesis , and selective nano-sorbents . Completed 8 projects including SRP-funded selenium removal studies and ACS Petroleum Research Fund grants.
Nagu Daraboina serves as Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering and Associate Director of the Tulsa University Paraffin Deposition Projects at The University of Tulsa’s Russell School of Chemical Engineering. His research pioneers hydrate-based technologies for flow assurance, carbon capture, storage and utilization (CCSU), produced water desalination, and energy recovery, with significant experimental advancements in water treatment and carbon capture systems. His educational background includes: Ph.D. in Chemical & Bio Engineering from University of British Columbia (2008) MBA from The University of Tulsa (2019) M.S. from Indian Institute of Science (2006) B.S. in Technology from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (2002) Dr. Daraboina's research focuses on critical energy sector challenges through flow assurance in oil/gas pipelines, CCSU, produced water management, and energy recovery. His group develops innovative hydrate-based experimental approaches that enhance sustainability and efficiency in hydrocarbon production while addressing environmental concerns through novel water treatment and carbon capture methodologies. His 2024-2025 publications reveal concentrated expertise in hydrate technology applications for desalination and carbon capture, alongside flow assurance challenges like wax/paraffin deposition. The research integrates thermodynamic modeling, kinetic studies, and experimental validation to optimize energy efficiency in produced water treatment and pre-combustion CO2 capture systems, with direct industry relevance for oil and gas operations. Notable awards include: Society of Petroleum Engineers Regional Projects, Facilities, and Construction Award (2025) University of Tulsa Faculty Champion of Global Engagement Award (2025) University of Tulsa Distinguished Graduate Mentor Award (2024) Zelimir Schmidt Outstanding Researcher Award (2023) Donald W. Davidson Gas Hydrates Research Award (2023) Stanford University Top 2% Most Cited Scientist (2022) Influential Researcher Award (2021) Rising Star in Energy Research (2021) Recognized with the Distinguished Graduate Mentor Award (2024), Dr. Daraboina actively supervises graduate researchers despite specific student names not being publicly listed. His research group's extensive publication record and industry partnerships indicate substantial grant funding from energy sector stakeholders and federal research agencies. He leads the Daraboina Research Group and directs the Tulsa University Paraffin Deposition Projects, which operates specialized laboratories for flow assurance testing, hydrate formation studies, and multiphase flow experiments. The group collaborates with industry partners on pipeline transport challenges and develops next-generation technologies for sustainable energy production.
Javier Vela is a University Professor and Associate Chair of the Department of Chemistry at Iowa State University, where he also serves as a faculty scientist with the Ames National Laboratory. His research program focuses on the synthesis and characterization of nanostructured materials with applications in energy conversion, chemical catalysis, and fluorescence imaging, with over one hundred peer-reviewed publications and patents to his name. Dr. Vela received his educational training at prestigious institutions: B.S. (with Honors) in Chemistry from UNAM (2001) M.S. in Chemistry from University of Rochester (2003) Ph.D. in Chemistry from University of Rochester (2005) Following his doctoral studies, he completed postdoctoral research at the University of Chicago and Los Alamos National Laboratory before joining Iowa State University in 2009, where he received tenure in 2015, became a full professor in 2019, and was named University Professor in 2020. Dr. Vela's research program centers on the development of novel nanomaterials, particularly focusing on: Synthesis of nanostructured materials for energy applications Development of inorganic compounds for chemical catalysis Design of fluorescent materials for imaging applications Surface chemistry and structural characterization of nanocrystals Lead-free semiconductor materials for sustainable technologies Advanced solid-state NMR techniques for nanomaterial characterization His group employs a range of advanced techniques including solid-state NMR spectroscopy, dynamic nuclear polarization, and computational methods to understand nanomaterial structure-property relationships at the atomic level. Analysis of Dr. Vela's recent publication record reveals a strong focus on advanced materials characterization techniques, particularly solid-state NMR applications to nanomaterials. His work spans multiple disciplines including materials science, analytical chemistry, and environmental chemistry, with particular emphasis on sustainable energy solutions and advanced characterization methods. A significant portion of his recent work addresses challenges in nitrate reduction for sustainable ammonia production and the development of lead-free semiconductor alternatives through innovative synthesis approaches. Dr. Vela has received numerous prestigious awards and honors: Fulbright Scholar in Italy (2024) ACS Fellow (2021) John D. Corbett Endowed Professor (2020-2023) AAAS Fellow (2018) NSF CAREER Award (2013) Multiple LAS awards including Cassling Innovator (2018) and Early Achievement in Research (2014) ACS Midwest Stanley C. Israel Award (2014) As an educator and mentor, Dr. Vela has directed twenty doctoral and four master's theses while successfully mentoring numerous undergraduate researchers, including three NSF graduate research fellowship awardees. His research has been supported by significant funding including the NSF CAREER Award and various other grants that have enabled his group to investigate nanostructured materials for energy conversion, chemical catalysis, and fluorescence imaging applications. His service to the chemical community includes serving as Councilor for the Ames local section of the American Chemical Society, Program Chair for the Midwest Regional Meeting in 2018, and Treasurer of the Division of Inorganic Chemistry. Dr. Vela leads an active research group focused on inorganic and materials chemistry, with strong connections to the Ames National Laboratory where he has been a faculty scientist since 2010. His group collaborates extensively with researchers across disciplines to address challenges in sustainable energy and advanced materials development, maintaining an active presence in the scientific community through publications, conference presentations, and editorial board service for journals including ACS Energy Letters, Chemistry of Materials, and ACS Applied Engineering Materials.
Dr. Xiaoli Li is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering at the University of Kansas. Her research laboratory (PVT Lab) focuses on complex fluid behavior in energy systems, with particular emphasis on phase equilibria, gas transport phenomena, and enhanced hydrocarbon recovery techniques. She maintains active research programs in unconventional reservoirs, CO 2 geostorage, hydrate technology, and nanoscale fluid dynamics. Her core research domains include: Confined phase behavior: Thermodynamics of fluids in nanoporous media Gas transport mechanisms: Rarefied flow and apparent permeability modeling Hydrate science: Structure stability and phase boundaries CO 2 utilization: Enhanced oil recovery and geological sequestration Asphaltene dynamics: Precipitation mechanisms in EOR processes Dr. Li teaches across the petroleum engineering curriculum, including core courses: Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics (C&PE 221), Reservoir Engineering (C&PE 327), Well Logging (C&PE 528), and Petroleum Engineering Design (C&PE 628). Her instructional portfolio emphasizes fundamental thermodynamics, reservoir characterization, and practical field applications. Her publication record (35+ articles) demonstrates consistent focus on reservoir thermodynamics and transport phenomena, with recent emphasis on: CO 2 -oil interactions (2020-2023), gas hydrate stability (2020-2022), shale gas transport (2019-2021), and equation of state modifications for confined fluids (2018-2020). Research methodologies combine molecular simulations, experimental studies, and novel thermodynamic modeling approaches.
Sheng C. Dai is an Associate Professor and group coordinator in Geosystems Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology, holding the Georgia Mining Association Early Career Professorship in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering with courtesy appointments in Ocean Science and Engineering and the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. Dr. Dai earned his Ph.D. from Georgia Tech in 2013 following ORISE postdoctoral fellowships at the National Energy Technology Laboratory (2013-2015). His educational background includes specialized training in geosystems engineering and energy-related subsurface processes. His research focuses on energy geotechnics and nature-inspired engineering, addressing critical challenges in energy sustainability and environmental protection through studies of geomechanics, granular dynamics, and porous media flow. Key applications include gas hydrate systems for energy recovery, waste-to-fuel conversion, and biomimetic solutions inspired by natural processes like rock-boring clams. Analysis of Dr. Dai's 2023-2025 publications reveals strong interdisciplinary integration of computational modeling (DEM, SPH), machine learning, and experimental techniques across energy geotechnics, granular material flow, and bio-inspired mechanisms. His work bridges petroleum engineering, environmental sustainability, and space exploration contexts. Dr. Dai has received numerous accolades recognizing his research, teaching, and service contributions: 2025: Early Career Researcher Award (USUCGER) 2024: Emerging Leaders Program (EVPR/Georgia Tech) 2023: Interdisciplinary Research Award and Woodruff Academic Leadership Fellows 2022: NSF Game Changer Academies and CREATE-X Faculty Fellowship 2020: NSF CAREER Award 2017: Bill Schutz Teaching Award and NETL Research Spotlight His Subsurface Processes Laboratory secures funding from DOE, NSF, NASA, and DOT for projects including $1M awards for waste-to-fuel conversion and methane clathrate research. Dr. Dai serves as Associate Editor for Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth and leads ISSMGE's TC308 Energy Geotechnics Task Force while advising USGS and NETL programs. The laboratory conducts cutting-edge experimental and computational research on hydrate-bearing sediments, granular biomass flow, and bio-inspired geotechnical solutions, maintaining strong industry partnerships for real-world application of subsurface engineering innovations.
Maurits Haverkort is a Professor at the Institute for Theoretical Physics, Heidelberg University (Germany). His research focuses on quantum many-body systems , strongly correlated electrons , and X-ray spectroscopy of complex materials under strong fields. University of Cologne (PhD in Physics, 2005) University of Groningen (M.Sc. in Physics, 2002) Research Interests : He investigates orbital and magnetic properties in heavy fermion systems , actinide materials , and correlated oxides using resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS) , ARPES , and computational tools like Quanty . His work spans crystal field theory , spin-orbit coupling , and ultrafast electron dynamics . Scientific Awards & Activities : 2018 – Editorial Board Member, Physical Review Letters 2017 – Beam Time Allocation Panel, ESRF Grenoble 2016–2018 – Swedish Research Council Panel NT-4 2012–2016 – Scientific Selection Panel, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin Recent Publications highlight 5f electron counting , photon-modulated bonding , and precision neutrino mass experiments , reflecting his expertise in quantum materials and advanced spectroscopy .
Dr. Gregory Ryskin is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Northwestern University. His research spans cosmology, geophysics, fluid dynamics, and theoretical physics, with a recent focus on cosmological models addressing dark energy and vacuum energy. He holds dual PhDs in Chemical Engineering (Caltech) and Theoretical Physics (St. Petersburg Polytechnic Institute). Research interests include cosmic expansion mechanisms, Earth's magnetic field generation, catastrophic geological events, and fundamental physics problems like Hawking radiation. His interdisciplinary work connects astrophysics with geophysical phenomena through fluid dynamical principles. Publications include theoretical studies of vanishing vacuum energy (2020), cosmic repulsion (2015), and Hawking radiation (2014), alongside earlier contributions to fluid dynamics of polymers and liquid crystals. His 2010 paper on abrupt Earth events received recognition from paleontologist David Raup. Dr. Ryskin's current work develops physics-based explanations for cosmological observations, providing alternatives to standard dark energy models through modified gravitational theories.
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in LausanneSwitzerland
Cécile Hébert is an Associate Professor at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) , affiliated with multiple departments including the Laboratory of Electron Spectrometry and Microscopy (LSME) , SB-SPH-ENS , EDMX-ENS , and IMX-GE . She leads the Center for Electron Microscopy and contributes to projects like CHIRALTEM . Born in France (1970), she earned her PhD in Physics from École Centrale Paris . Postdoctoral work at Vienna University of Technology . Her research focuses on Electron Microscopy , particularly Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (EELS) , Magnetic Circular Dichroism (EMCD) , and 3D imaging . She develops computational tools like JEMS and advances Life Sciences applications in electron microscopy. Recent publications emphasize nanoscale magnetic characterization , low-loss EELS , and STEM-Chathodoluminescence . Her work spans materials science , physics , and computational methods . She mentors PhD students and teaches courses in Mechanics , Thermodynamics , and Electron-Matter Interactions . She is also a member of the Section Directors' Conference (CDS) and directs SB-SPH-GE .
John D. Kessler is a Professor and Department Chair in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Rochester, part of the School of Arts & Sciences. He holds a PhD from the University of California, Irvine (2005), and has held academic positions at Texas A&M University and Princeton University. His research focuses on chemical oceanography, particularly methane and carbon dioxide dynamics in oceanic systems, with an emphasis on isotope biogeochemistry to understand climate change feedbacks. Kessler's work includes developing novel analytical techniques for measuring greenhouse gases and studying methane seepage, hydrates, and oxidation processes in diverse environments like the Gulf of Mexico, Arctic, and Great Lakes. Key research interests include methane-climate interactions, ocean acidification, and the role of microbial oxidation in regulating greenhouse gas emissions. He has led over 15 funded projects as Principal Investigator or Co-PI, including NSF grants on methane oxidation kinetics and seep emissions. Notable awards include the Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship (2012) and the Goergen Award for Teaching (2015). Kessler advises graduate and undergraduate students, focusing on interdisciplinary approaches combining chemistry, geology, and engineering. His fieldwork spans 25 expeditions, including 13 as Chief Scientist, with recent cruises in the Atlantic Margin, Gulf of Mexico, and Great Lakes. Kessler's lab has published extensively on methane dynamics, with over 50 peer-reviewed articles. He teaches courses like Chemical Oceanography and Stable Isotope Geochemistry, emphasizing climate change perspectives. His research has been highlighted in Science and Nature , including studies on the Deepwater Horizon spill’s microbial response and methane oxidation rates. Scientific awards include recognition for his contributions to understanding methane’s role in climate systems. Grants include major NSF funding for developing automated greenhouse gas measurement techniques and constraining coastal methane emissions. Kessler’s interdisciplinary approach bridges analytical chemistry with environmental modeling, addressing critical global challenges in climate science and ocean health.
Thomas Fix is a CNRS Researcher at the Université de Strasbourg, affiliated with the ICube Laboratory and its MATISEN team (Materials for Information Technology, Sensors, and Energy Conversion). His career spans roles at the Université de Strasbourg (2012–present), Fraunhofer ISE (2013), and the University of Cambridge (2006–2012). Education: Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches (2018): Advanced Materials for Electronics and Optoelectronics PhD in Physics (2003–2006): Condensed Matter Physics MSc in Photovoltaics (2011–2013) Diplôme d'Ingénieur (2000–2003): ENSPS, Université de Strasbourg Research Interests focus on photovoltaic materials , particularly ferroelectric oxides , silicon clathrates , and oxide thin films for solar energy conversion. His work emphasizes pulsed laser deposition (PLD), ion implantation , and nanoscale characterization techniques like X-ray reflectometry and AFM. Scientific Leadership includes coordination of the ANR EXOSIL project on silicon clathrate films (2022–present), the ANR FERROPV project on ferroelectric photovoltaics (2016–2019), and co-editing a book on photovoltaic materials (Elsevier, 2019). He has mentored 3 PhD students, 2 Master’s students, and 2 engineering students. Key Techniques employed in his research include PLD , RF magnetron sputtering , UV and FIB lithography , and ferroelectric/SQUID measurements . Collaborations span institutions like IPCMS, IRDEP-IPVF, and international universities.
Ville Härkönen is a Senior Research Fellow in Physics with expertise in theoretical and computational physics. His research focuses on many-body quantum systems, particularly exploring the interplay between electrons and nuclei beyond the traditional Born-Oppenheimer approximation. Dr. Härkönen's research interests span several key areas: Many-body Green's Function Theory Quantum Field Theory applications in condensed matter systems Lattice Thermal Conductivity of clathrate materials Silicon Clathrates and their thermoelectric properties Breakdown of the Born-Oppenheimer approximation in various systems His recent work demonstrates significant contributions to understanding symmetry breaking phenomena, Kohn anomalies, and chiral phonons in novel materials. The research fingerprint analysis shows strong concentrations in Clathrate Chemistry (100%), Silicon Clathrates Engineering (72%), Many-body Green's Function Theory (66%), and Lattice Thermal Conductivity (66%). Dr. Härkönen leads the "Many-Body theory" research group, focusing on advanced theoretical approaches to quantum many-body systems. His work bridges theoretical physics with practical applications in materials science, particularly in the development of thermoelectric materials based on clathrate structures.
Praveen Linga is a Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the National University of Singapore (NUS) , where he has served since 2010. He held leadership roles as Vice Dean (Industry-Relation, Innovation & Enterprise) and Vice Dean (Communications & Outreach) at NUS's College of Design and Engineering . Dr. Linga co-leads the Centre for Energy Research & Technology (CERT) at NUS and maintains visiting professorships at institutions in India, China, and Thailand. His research focuses on clathrate hydrates for clean energy storage , CO₂ capture , and environmental stewardship , aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals 6, 7, and 13. The Linga Lab combines fundamental and applied studies to optimize hydrate formation/dissociation kinetics and explore energy recovery from natural gas hydrates. Recent publications highlight innovations in CO₂ hydrate kinetics using amino acid promoters, methane storage in seawater systems, and hydrogen hydrate stability analysis. His work appears in leading journals like Energy & Fuels , Applied Energy , and Chemical Engineering Journal , with over 200 peer-reviewed papers and significant citation impact (h-index 77). Dr. Linga is recognized as a Highly Cited Researcher (Clarivate, 2018-2024), NRF Investigator (S$3.5M grant), and recipient of multiple Best Paper Awards from Applied Energy and Advances in Applied Energy . He serves as Executive Editor of Energy & Fuels and sits on editorial boards of 12 journals. Linga Lab's work has been featured in global media (Chemistry World, Science et Vie) and recognized by Research.com as #9 in Singapore's engineering scientists. His research bridges chemical engineering fundamentals with large-scale energy applications, particularly in hydrate-based CO₂ sequestration and unconventional gas storage.
