Find Academic Supervisors

Santiago Romero-Vargas CastrillonView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Membrane Technology
• Environmental Engineering
• Colloid and Interface Science
• +4 more

Dr Santiago Romero-Vargas Castrillon is a Senior Lecturer in Chemical Engineering at the University of Edinburgh, affiliated with the Institute for Infrastructure and Environment and the School of Engineering. He previously held positions at the University of Minnesota and Yale University. His research focuses on membrane technology, environmental nanomaterials, and biofouling mitigation. Education: PhD in Chemical Engineering (Princeton University), postdoctoral research at Yale, and degrees from McGill University and University of Western Ontario. Research interests include colloid science, membrane separations, and 2D nanomaterial applications. Key projects involve developing novel cleaning processes for water treatment membranes and studying bioadhesion mechanisms using AFM. Recent awards include RSE Young Academy membership and EPSRC funding. He actively supervises PhD students and collaborates with industry partners like Panton-McLeod.

Ralph H. ColbyView profile

Professor

• Polymer Physics
• Rheology
• Ionomers
• +5 more

Ralph H. Colby serves as Professor of Materials Science and Engineering and Chemical Engineering at Pennsylvania State University's College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, holding the Corning Faculty Fellowship. His research focuses on molecular-level dynamics in complex fluids, particularly polymers, ionomers, and liquid crystalline systems. With over 130 publications and authorship of the textbook Polymer Physics (2003), he directs an active research program examining structure-property relationships in soft matter. B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering, Cornell University (1979) M.S. in Chemical Engineering, Northwestern University (1983) Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Northwestern University (1985) Professor Colby's research spans polymer physics, rheology, and materials for energy applications. His group employs mechanical rheology, dielectric spectroscopy, and scattering techniques to investigate ion transport in single-ion conductors for batteries, dynamics of glass-forming liquids, and self-assembly in polyelectrolyte systems. Current work emphasizes structure-property relationships in ionomers, liquid crystalline polymers, and branched architectures. Analysis of recent publications reveals consistent focus on ionomer membranes for energy applications, processing-structure relationships in advanced polymers, and fundamental dynamics of complex fluids. Key trends include increasing integration of computational modeling with experimental characterization, expansion into sustainable materials processing, and growing emphasis on applications in battery technology and biomedical materials. Penn State Faculty Scholar Medal for Outstanding Achievement (2022) Bingham Medal, Society of Rheology (2012) American Chemical Society Fellowship Corning Faculty Fellowship in Materials Science and Engineering Professor Colby leads multiple federally funded projects including NSF's 'Fundamental Studies of Flow-Induced Polymer Crystallization' and DOE's 'Conduction mechanisms and structure of ionomeric single-ion conductors'. His group maintains strong industry partnerships with Corning Incorporated and participates in interdisciplinary initiatives like the Penn State Intercollege Graduate Degree Program in Materials Science and Engineering. Current research includes collaborations on breast cancer adherence interventions in Rwanda and conjugated polymer development for flexible electronics. The Colby Research Group operates specialized facilities for rheological characterization, dielectric spectroscopy, and X-ray scattering at Penn State's Materials Research Institute. The team maintains active collaborations with national laboratories and international research groups, focusing on translating fundamental polymer physics discoveries into practical applications for energy storage and advanced manufacturing.

Nonappa NonappaView profile

Associate Professor

• Nanochemistry
• Material Chemistry
• Biobased Optics and Photonics
• +7 more

Nonappa Nonappa is an Associate Professor (tenure track) in Nanochemistry at Tampere University's Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences since 2020. With a multidisciplinary background spanning organic chemistry, supramolecular systems, nanoparticle self-assembly, and advanced electron microscopy, he leads research at the intersection of materials science and biomedical applications. PhD in Organic Chemistry (IISc Bangalore, 2008) Docent in Soft Matter Microscopy (Aalto University, 2017) Executive MBA (Quantic School, 2020) Research focuses on bio-based optical materials using nanocellulose for sustainable photonics, breast cancer models via lab-on-a-chip systems, and precision nanomaterials through tailored self-assembly mechanisms. His team develops 3D extracellular matrices for cancer tissue culture and plasmonic nanodevices for photonic applications. Recent publications highlight gold/silver nanocluster assemblies (43+ citations in 2021-2025), electron tomography for structural analysis, and metastasis modeling systems. Key awards include Italy's Abilitazione Scientifica Nazionale (2018) and Aalto University's Docent title (2017).

Raffaele MezzengaView profile

Professor

• Self-Assembly Processes
• Biopolymers
• Protein-Based Materials
• +6 more

Prof. Raffaele Mezzenga is a Full Professor at ETH Zürich's Department of Health Sciences and Technology and Head of the Institute of Food, Nutrition, and Health. He earned his master's from Perugia University (Italy) and a PhD in Polymer Physics from EPFL, followed by postdoctoral work at UC Santa Barbara. His career includes roles at the Nestlé Research Center and the University of Fribourg before joining ETH in 2009. His research focuses on self-assembly processes in polymers, biopolymers, and colloidal systems, with applications in environmental remediation, bioplastics, and biomedical materials. Key contributions include pioneering protein-based materials and advancing understanding of amyloid fibrils. Education: Master's, Materials Science & Engineering, Perugia University PhD, Polymer Physics, EPFL Research Interests: Self-assembly, biopolymers, amyloid materials, sustainable technologies, food colloids, and soft condensed matter. Awards: 2011 AOCS Award, 2017 APS Fellowship, and 2013 Biomacromolecules Young Investigator Award. Visiting Roles: Held visiting professorships at Aalto University, RMIT, Monash University, Nanyang Technological University, and others. Labs/Teams: Leads the Institute of Food, Nutrition, and Health at ETH, focusing on interdisciplinary research in food science and biomaterials. His work bridges fundamental science and applied innovation, addressing global challenges in sustainability and health through materials science. Recent projects include creating bioplastics from food waste, developing amyloid-based water purification systems, and advancing targeted drug delivery via lipidic mesophases.

• Robotics
• Mechatronics
• Ferrofluids
• +3 more

Zoran Cenev holds a Tenure Track Assistant Professor position within the Mechatronics and Dynamics section of the Department of Mechanical and Production Engineering at the School of Engineering, Aarhus University. His primary institutional affiliation is with AU Engineering, and contact details include email zoran.cenev@mpe.au.dk and telephone +45 20 64 75 44, with office location Aarhus N, 5128-140. Research interests focus on interdisciplinary applications of magnetic and robotic systems: Robotic micromanipulation via electromagnetic needles Ferrofluid-based biofabrication for skeletal muscle engineering Laser-induced photothermal droplet control Theoretical modeling of particle dynamics at fluid interfaces Surface engineering for underwater metallic stability Nanostructure formation through ion bombardment His recent publications (2023-2025) reveal a dominant trend in adapting ferrofluids for biomedical automation, particularly 3D bioprinting of magnetically responsive tissues and droplet manipulation on engineered surfaces. This work bridges mechanical engineering with regenerative medicine, emphasizing practical implementations of theoretical models for microscale precision. Scientific awards are not documented in the provided information. As a faculty member, Dr. Cenev likely mentors graduate students and pursues research grants, though specific advisees or funding details are absent. Departmental laboratories and workshops support his experimental work in mechatronics, with emphasis on magnetic manipulation systems and surface characterization.

Frank L. H. BrownView profile

Professor

• Theoretical Biophysics
• Physical Chemistry
• Statistical Mechanics
• +4 more

Frank L. H. Brown is a Professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara with joint appointments in the Department of Physics and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. His research focuses on theoretical and computational approaches to understanding biomembrane dynamics and related biophysical phenomena, situated within the College of Letters and Science. Dr. Brown's research interests span the interface between physical chemistry and biophysics. He employs a variety of theoretical tools including statistical mechanics , hydrodynamics , elasticity theory , and quantum mechanics to study complex biological systems. His work particularly emphasizes the dynamics and structure of biomembranes and the interpretation of various spectroscopy experiments including single molecule fluorescence, neutron spin echo, and flicker spectroscopy. Analysis of his publication record reveals a consistent focus on computational modeling of lipid bilayers, membrane proteins, and related phenomena, with particular emphasis on developing novel theoretical frameworks for understanding membrane behavior across multiple scales. Dr. Brown leads an active research group that includes current members Ehsan Noruzifar (Postdoctoral Researcher) and Sean Cray (Graduate Student). His former group members include numerous successful scientists such as Grace Brannigan, Brian Camley, Lawrence Lin, and Max Watson who completed their graduate studies under his supervision, along with several postdoctoral researchers. His research has been supported by funding that enables theoretical and computational investigations of biomembrane systems. The Brown Research Group operates at the intersection of physics, chemistry, and biology, with facilities connected to the Biomolecular Sciences & Engineering Program and the California NanoSystems Institute (CNSI) at UCSB. Their work combines advanced computational techniques with theoretical physics to address fundamental questions about soft and living matter systems, particularly at biological interfaces.

Yi ShenView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Protein Biophysics
• Soft Materials
• Microfluidics
• +5 more

Dr. Yi Shen is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Sydney, and Chair of RACI Women in Chemistry. She is also affiliated with multiple research institutes including Sydney Institute of Agriculture, Sydney Southeast Asia Centre, The Centre for Drug Discovery Innovation, and The University of Sydney Nano Institute. PhD in Soft Materials from ETH Zurich Postdoctoral research at University of Cambridge and Harvard University Her research focuses on protein phase behavior and functional biomaterials development, utilizing soft matter approaches and microfluidic techniques to address challenges in neurodegenerative diseases, sustainable materials, and biomedical engineering. She has published extensively in top journals like Nature Nanotechnology and PNAS, with a particular emphasis on: Protein liquid-liquid phase separation mechanisms Biomaterials from protein nanofibrils Microfluidic manipulation of biological systems Biodegradable bioplastics development Shear force effects on biomolecular systems Pathological protein aggregation dynamics Key scientific achievements include: 2022 ARC DECRA Fellowship 2022 Sydney Nano Frontier award 2018 ETH Zurich Spark Award (for Fe delivery system invention) 2012 Princeton Grand Challenges Program 2 patents pending 2 Nature Nanotechnology cover articles As an educator, she coordinates CHNG2802 Chemical Engineering Modelling and Analysis, co-teaches CHNG3804 Biochemical Engineering and CHNG5605 Bio-products: Laboratory to Marketplace, and guest lectures across biomedical and nanotechnology programs. Her lab actively collaborates with institutions in Switzerland (ETH Zurich), UK (Cambridge), and US (Harvard, Princeton), focusing on transforming biomolecular understanding into real-world applications in health, industry, and environmental sustainability.

Susanna ThonView profile

Associate Professor

• Renewable Energy Conversion
• Photovoltaics
• Nanomaterials Engineering
• +5 more

Susanna Thon is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Johns Hopkins University (JHU), affiliated with the Whiting School of Engineering. She serves as Associate Director of the Ralph O’Connor Sustainable Energy Institute (ROSEI) and a member of the Data Science and AI Institute. Her research focuses on nanomaterials engineering for optoelectronic devices, emphasizing solar energy conversion and sensing. Notable areas include plasmonic-photocatalytic systems using aluminum nanoparticles and nanostructured materials like colloidal quantum dots for next-generation devices. Thon holds a BSc from MIT (2005) and MSc/PhD in Physics from UC Santa Barbara (2008/2010). She joined JHU in 2013 after postdoctoral work at the University of Toronto. Her work is funded by agencies such as the NSF, U.S. Army, and Maryland Energy Innovation Institute. She has published over 50 peer-reviewed papers and received JHU’s Catalyst and Discovery awards. Key research projects include developing plasmonic systems to enhance light absorption in titanium dioxide and creating scalable fabrication techniques for optoelectronic materials. Thon’s team also advances quantum dot solar cells and novel characterization methods for energy materials. She actively participates in professional societies, including the Optical Society of America and IEEE. Her grants and collaborations aim to train the next generation in sustainable energy research, with recent initiatives funded through NSF and Space@Hopkins seed grants. Thon’s lab integrates nanophotonics, materials science, and machine learning to address global energy challenges.

Zvonimir DogicView profile

Academic

• Self-Assembly of Materials
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Active Matter
• +7 more

Zvonimir Dogic is a Research Associate Professor of Physics at the Martin A. Fisher School of Physics, Brandeis University. He leads the Dogic Lab, focusing on self-assembly of active and soft materials, with interdisciplinary work spanning statistical mechanics, biochemistry, and biophysics. His research explores how particle shape, chirality, and entropic forces drive emergent structures in colloidal systems and active matter. He holds a PhD from Brandeis University (2001) and has supervised numerous PhD students now in academic and industrial roles. Notable honors include the 2010 Cozzarelli Prize and the 2013 Andor Insight Award for his work on oscillating microtubule bundles. Research interests include active matter dynamics, liquid crystalline phases, and biomimetic systems. Recent work includes studies on microtubule-based active gels, chiral colloids, and self-organized cilia-like structures. His lab collaborates with institutions like Harvard, the Mayo Clinic, and the Francis Crick Institute. Key funding sources include the NSF MRSEC, W.M. Keck Foundation, and NIH. The lab’s YouTube channel and Science Blog posts highlight breakthroughs like self-propelled emulsions and entropy-driven membrane formation.

Silvia VignoliniView profile

Professor

• Biomaterials
• Sustainable Materials
• Biophysics
• +6 more

Prof. Silvia Vignolini is a leading researcher in sustainable and bio-inspired materials. Since January 2023, she has served as Director at the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces , where she leads the department of Sustainable and Bio-inspired Materials . Her academic career includes a Lecturer in Physics at University College London (2013-2017) and a Professor of Biomaterials and Sustainability at the University of Cambridge (2020-2022). Education: University of Florence (Physics, PhD) Postdoctoral Research: University of Florence , University of Cambridge Her research bridges chemistry , soft matter physics , optics , and biology , focusing on the self-assembly of natural materials into functional architectures. She pioneered work on cellulose-based photonic materials with applications in displays, pigments, and radiative cooling. The selected articles highlight her work on cellulose nanocrystals , structural coloration , and sustainable fabrication techniques . Key trends include mechanochromic hydroxypropyl cellulose systems, bio-inspired light management, and applications in microalgae growth and bacterial symbiosis. Scientific Awards : Philip Leverhululme Prize (2019) ACS Lectureship in Sustainable Chemistry (2018) Ipazia Prize for Women in Science (2012) PhD Thesis Award (University of Florence, 2009) At the Max Planck Institute, her interdisciplinary research group explores bio-inspired design principles for sustainable materials, combining experimental and computational approaches to create functional materials from natural resources.

Orlando RojasView profile

Professor

• Renewable Materials
• Biopolymers
• Nanocellulose
• +7 more

Orlando Rojas is a Professor at the University of British Columbia (UBC), holding joint appointments in the Departments of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Chemistry, and Wood Science. He leads the Biobased Colloids and Materials (BiCMat) research group and directs the Bioproducts Institute . His research focuses on sustainable development through renewable materials, including nanopolysaccharides, bacterial nanocellulose, lignins, and multiphase systems. Rojas has advised over 50 PhD students and 40+ MS students, with a h-index of 90 (Google Scholar). Key Roles/Positions : Canada Excellence Research Chair in Renewable Materials Adjunct Professor at NC State University (USA) and Dalian Polytechnic University (China) Director of FinnCERES Flagship (Finland) Research Interests : Development of bio-based materials for energy, healthcare, and environmental applications. Key areas include nanocellulose functionalization, lignin valorization, and bioinspired materials. His work integrates colloidal science, multiphase systems, and sustainable manufacturing. Grants & Awards : ERC Advanced Grant and Horizon H2020 funding 2013 ACS Fellow, 2015 Tappi Nanotechnology Award First Latin-American recipient of the Anselme Payen Award (ACS) Labs & Collaborations : Active partnerships with Aalto University (Finland) and institutions globally. Leads the BiCMat group spanning UBC and FinnCERES, focusing on bio-based materials and sustainable technologies.

Andreas BauschView profile

Professor

• Cellular Biophysics
• Molecular Biophysics
• Structural Biology
• +6 more

Prof. Andreas Bausch holds the Heinz Nixdorf Endowed Chair of Cell Biophysics at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) within the TUM School of Natural Sciences . His research focuses on cellular biophysics , particularly the mechanical properties of cytoskeletal networks and self-organization mechanisms in biological systems, with applications in biomimetic materials and organoid modeling. Research Areas : Cytoskeletal mechanics, active matter systems, organoid morphogenesis, integrin signaling, synthetic cell models Techniques : Microrheology, in vitro reconstitution, microfluidics, advanced imaging His work has produced over 100 publications in Nature, Science, PNAS , and Physical Review Letters , with recent emphasis on pancreatic cancer organoids and artificial cell membranes . Key findings include: Discovery of topological excitations governing endothelial cell ordering Elucidation of PIP2/PIP3 regulation in integrin phase separation Development of 3D patterned organoid systems for drug screening Major awards include: ERC Synergy Grant (2018) ERC Advanced Grant (2012) ERC Starting Grant (2011) Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences Prize (2014) He serves as founding director of the Center for Functional Protein Assemblies (CPA) since 2015 and teaches biomechanics , biophysics , and protein assemblies at TUM. His lab investigates both fundamental biophysical principles and their medical applications in cancer and cardiovascular systems.

Virginia DavisView profile

Professor

• Self-assembly of nanomaterials
• Rheology
• Lyotropic liquid crystals
• +4 more

Virginia Davis is the Dr. Daniel F. and Josephine Breeden Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Auburn University's College of Engineering. She holds a Ph.D. in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering from Rice University, and M.S. and B.S. degrees in Chemical Engineering from Tulane University. Research Focus: Self-assembly of nanomaterials, rheology, lyotropic liquid crystals, additive manufacturing, polymers, nanocomposites, and biosensors Key Projects: USDA-funded agricultural outreach, NSF grant for MXene dispersion studies, Alabama STEM Council member Her recent publications explore cellulose nanocrystals, MXene 3D printing, and sustainable polymer recycling. Davis has received multiple honors including the Breeden Professorship, AIChE Fellowship, and Auburn University Faculty Awards for research and mentorship. Research Trends: Dominated by bio-based nanomaterials (cellulose nanocrystals, MXenes), with applications in additive manufacturing, environmental remediation (PFAS adsorption), biosensors (carbofuran detection, cancer biomarkers), and agricultural delivery systems. Scientific Awards Auburn University Faculty Awards (2023, 2025) AIChE Fellow (2023) Dr. Daniel F. and Josephine Breeden Professorship Davis leads outreach initiatives like the Tomorrow’s Community Innovators camp and collaborates with interdisciplinary teams on plastic recycling innovations. Her work emphasizes both fundamental material science and practical applications addressing environmental and agricultural challenges.

Matthew R. JonesView profile

Associate Professor

• Nanoparticle Assembly
• Plasmonics
• Metamaterials
• +5 more

Matthew R. Jones is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Rice University and holds the Gene and Norman Hackerman Junior Chair and Norman Hackerman-Welch Young Investigator titles. He joined Rice in 2017 after postdoctoral research at UC Berkeley under Paul Alivisatos and a PhD at Northwestern University under Chad Mirkin. His research focuses on systems-level nanoparticle assembly, plasmonics, and metamaterials, with applications in energy storage and biomedicine. Jones has pioneered techniques like 4D-STEM for catalytic nanoparticles and developed adaptive materials via strain-controlled synthesis. Education: B.S. in Materials Science and Biomedical Engineering (Carnegie Mellon University), Ph.D. in Chemistry (Northwestern University as an NSF Fellow). Key awards include the Packard Fellowship (2018) and NSF CAREER Award (2022). His lab hosts over 20 graduate students and postdocs, with notable advisees including Bukky, Zhihua Cheng, and Saxton. Research emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches: combining in-situ microscopy, ligand engineering, and computational modeling to control nanoparticle behavior. Recent studies include strain-preserved nanocatalysts (2024) and chiral superlattices (2024). Collaborations span Rice’s Center for Nanoscale Imaging Sciences and the Electrochemical Society. Lab: Jones Research Group Grants: NSF CAREER, Packard Fellowship, Rice Seed Award Publications: Over 50 peer-reviewed articles, including Science Advances (2024) and Nature Communications (2023)

Nadia ShardtView profile

Associate Professor

• Interfacial thermodynamics
• Phase behavior with curvature
• CO2 storage in subsurface reservoirs
• +9 more

Nadia Shardt is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). Her research focuses on interfacial thermodynamics, particularly in systems with nanoscale curvature, with applications spanning atmospheric science, biomedical cryopreservation, and industrial process optimization. She contributes to teaching courses such as TKP4580 - Chemical Engineering Specialization Project and KP3100 - Chemical Engineering . PhD in Chemical Engineering (University of Alberta, 2019) BSc in Chemical Engineering (University of Alberta, 2015) Postdoctoral researcher at ETH Zurich (2020-2022) Her work addresses fundamental challenges in phase behavior under curvature constraints, combining microfluidic experimentation , Gibbsian thermodynamic modeling , and machine learning techniques to study systems like CO 2 storage media, cloud microphysics, and food emulsions. Recent publications emphasize surface tension modeling for complex multi-component systems and cryoprotectant loading efficiency. Scientific awards include the ETH Postdoctoral Fellowship Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Postdoctoral Fellowship Outstanding Academic Fellows Programme 2024-2028