Chao Liu is a Research Scientist at CNRS (French National Center for Scientific Research) since 2008, affiliated with the DEXTER team and the Department of Robotics, LIRMM at University of Montpellier, France. He earned his Ph.D. in Electrical & Electronic Engineering from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (2006). Current research focuses on surgical robotics , haptics , teleoperation , and nonlinear control theory with applications in computer vision. His work addresses challenges in robotic-assisted telesurgery, including: Stable and transparent human-robot interaction through wave variable compensators and passivity filters Physiological motion compensation using spatio-temporal LSTM and dual Kalman filters EMG-based motion recognition for surgical skill assessment 3D soft-tissue reconstruction with stereo-endoscopes and deep learning Dr. Liu leads European and French projects like: TS2RT (CNRS-funded): Safer teleoperation with motion compensation ROBACUS (ANR-funded): Needle positioning with MPC control HaTUMoCo (CNRS-funded): Haptic teleoperation with uncertainty handling ARAKNES (EU-funded): Microrobotic systems for endoluminal surgery Scientific honors include Senior Member of IEEE and Member of Sigma Xi . He supervises Ph.D. and Master's students working on topics such as concentric tube robot optimization, haptic teleoperation, and EMG-based force estimation. Dr. Liu serves on IEEE Technical Committees for Telerobotics and Haptics , and as Technical Editor of IEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics.
Dr Mark Hammond is a Senior Lecturer and Deputy Research Lead at the Manchester School of Architecture , affiliated with Manchester Metropolitan University . His research investigates the intersections between architecture and urban ageing, focusing on housing inequality, spatial justice, and participatory design methodologies. Hammond collaborates extensively with local government and communities, including a two-year secondment at the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (2018-2021) and ongoing projects like Co-creating Age-Friendly Social Housing (2022-2025). Current Research : Urban Ageing, Spatial Justice, Participatory Design Publications : Author of A Design for Life: Urban Practices for an Age-Friendly City (2021), co-editor of Reimagining Age-Friendly Cities (2024) Awards : Fellow of the Higher Education Academy Academic Affiliation : Manchester Metropolitan University Email: m.hammond@mmu.ac.uk
Mark Hertzberg is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Tufts University, located within the School of Arts and Sciences. He holds a PhD from MIT (2010), following degrees from the University of Sydney. His research focuses on theoretical physics at the intersection of cosmology, particle physics, and astrophysics, with a particular emphasis on dark matter (e.g., axions), cosmological inflation, gravitation theory, and quantum phenomena. He has been Director of the Institute of Cosmology at Tufts since 2023. Education: PhD Physics, MIT, 2010 MSc Physics, University of Sydney, 2004 BSc Physics & Mathematics, University of Sydney, 2002 Research Interests: Dark matter structure and axion physics Cosmological inflation and post-inflationary dynamics Gravitational theory and quantum gravity constraints Large-scale structure and cosmic microwave background analysis Grants: Multiple NSF awards including 'Cosmology and Fundamental Physics' (2024-2026) and 'Constraining Physics Beyond the Standard Model with Cosmological Observations' (2023-2026). Teaching: Courses include General Relativity, Cosmology, Quantum Field Theory, and graduate research supervision.
Abdulkadir C. Yucel serves as an Assistant Professor at Nanyang Technological University's School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, where he leads the Applied and Computational ELectromagnetics (ACEL) Group. His research spans applied electromagnetics, radar imaging, and AI-driven electromagnetic analysis with applications in smart cities, neurotechnology, and quantum systems. Education: Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Michigan (2013) M.S. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Michigan (2008) B.S. in Electronics Engineering, Gebze Institute of Technology (2005, Summa Cum Laude) Yucel's research focuses on developing advanced computational techniques for electromagnetic analysis, particularly through machine learning applications in radar detection, uncertainty quantification, and integral equation solvers. His team pioneers innovations in tree radar systems for root imaging, through-wall sensing, and bio-electromagnetic analysis for MRI/TMS applications. Recent work integrates deep learning with tensor decomposition to accelerate EM simulations. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals a strong trend toward AI-augmented electromagnetic solvers, with 60% applying deep learning to radar imaging and uncertainty quantification. Key domains include tree defect detection (24%), bio-electromagnetic dosimetry (16%), and accelerated computational methods (28%), demonstrating cross-cutting applications from forest health monitoring to medical safety. Scientific Awards: IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics Prize Paper Award (2024) NTU EEE Early Career Teaching Excellence Award (2024) Young Antenna Scientist Award (2023) Fulbright Fellowship (2006) Yucel actively mentors 11 graduate students and postdocs, with notable successes including Qiqi Dai's PhD on deep learning for GPR imaging and Mingyu Wang's work on tensor-based EM solvers. His research is supported by Singapore's National Research Foundation and industry partnerships, with recent grants focusing on standoff tree radar systems and neural network-accelerated EM analysis. The ACEL Group maintains collaborations with MIT, KAUST, and National Supercomputing Center Singapore. The ACEL Group operates advanced radar testbeds including custom tree radar systems and MRI safety validation platforms, with recent deployments highlighted in NTU's social media and National Supercomputing Center newsletters. Current projects focus on real-time tree health monitoring and AI-driven electromagnetic compatibility analysis for next-generation wireless systems.
Zijian Shao is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Princeton University's School of Engineering and Applied Science, affiliated with the Department of Electrical Engineering. His work focuses on advanced antenna design, electromagnetic modeling, and machine learning applications in RF/mmWave systems for 5G/6G telecommunications. Advisor: Kaushik Sengupta Email: zs9193@princeton.edu Office: Engineering Quadrangle Atrium Shao's research explores the intersection of machine learning and electromagnetic design , particularly for next-generation wireless communication. He specializes in antenna miniaturization , MIMO decoupling , and metasurface-enabled beamforming , with applications in sub-terahertz circuits and integrated sensing systems. His recent publications demonstrate expertise in deep learning-assisted inverse design of multi-port RF systems and spoof surface plasmon polariton-based antenna optimization . While no formal awards are listed, his work contributes to advancing compact, high-efficiency antenna arrays for 5G/6G networks.
Teng-Fong Wong is a Research Professor in the Department of Geosciences at Stony Brook University, where he has been a faculty member since 1982. His research focuses on the intersection of rock mechanics, earthquake processes, and environmental applications, making significant contributions to understanding deformation mechanisms in geological materials. Education: Sc.B., Brown University, 1973 M.S., Harvard University, 1976 Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1981 Research Interests: Professor Wong's research centers on rock mechanics with emphasis on earthquake mechanics, energy resources, and environmental applications. He investigates both phenomenological and micromechanical aspects of rock deformation and fluid flow using an integrated approach combining high-pressure deformation experiments, quantitative microstructure characterization, and theoretical analysis. His work spans brittle-ductile transitions in porous rocks, permeability evolution, strength properties of fault zone materials from SAFOD and TCDP drilling projects, and submarine groundwater discharge systems. Publication Trends: Wong's recent publications (2006-2008) demonstrate a consistent focus on strain localization mechanisms in porous rocks, particularly examining compaction bands and deformation bands in sandstones. His work integrates advanced imaging techniques (X-ray radiography, CT scanning) with mechanical testing to understand the micromechanics of rock failure. A significant thread connects his research on fault zone properties from major drilling projects (SAFOD, TCDP) with fundamental rock deformation processes. Scientific Recognition: U.S. Patent 6,874,371 for Ultrasonic Seepage Meter (2005) U.S. Patent 7,107,859 for Ultrasonic Seepage Meter (2006) Co-author of "Experimental Rock Deformation - The Brittle Field" (2nd Edition, Springer-Verlag, 2005) Professional Activities: Professor Wong maintains an active international research profile with numerous visiting appointments including at Australian National University, MIT, ETH Zurich, and institutions in China and France. His work involves extensive collaboration with USGS and international research teams on major fault zone drilling projects. He has developed specialized equipment like the ultrasonic seepage meter for measuring submarine groundwater discharge. Research Infrastructure: Wong's laboratory utilizes advanced capabilities including high-pressure deformation equipment, 3D visualization through laser scanning confocal microscopy and synchrotron microCT, and integrates these with analytic modeling and numerical simulation techniques (finite element and discrete element methods) to investigate micromechanics of dilatant and compactant failure in geological materials.
Benedikt Günther is a research scientist at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) working within the Chair of Biomedical Physics led by Prof. Dr. Franz Pfeiffer. His research focuses on the Munich Compact Light Source (MuCLS), a laboratory-scale inverse Compton X-ray source that provides synchrotron-like radiation for biomedical applications. Günther plays a key role in developing, optimizing, and characterizing this innovative technology, contributing to both its fundamental physics and practical medical applications. His primary research interests center around X-ray physics and imaging techniques, particularly laser enhancement cavities for inverse Compton X-ray sources, X-ray microscopy, dynamic phase-contrast imaging, and X-ray spectroscopy. Günther's work bridges fundamental physics with practical medical applications, developing instrumentation that brings synchrotron-quality imaging to conventional laboratory settings. His research has significant implications for improving medical diagnostics while making advanced imaging techniques more accessible. Analysis of Günther's publication record reveals a consistent focus on advancing compact X-ray source technology and its applications. His work demonstrates expertise in both theoretical modeling and experimental implementation, with publications spanning instrument development, imaging techniques, and specific medical applications. The research shows progression from fundamental source characterization to increasingly sophisticated biomedical applications, particularly in breast imaging, dental diagnostics, and materials science. 2019 Best Poster Award at the combined meeting of the 68th Denver X-ray Conference (DXC) & 25th International Congress on X-ray Optics and Microanalysis (ICXOM) for 'Full-Field Structured Illumination Super-Resolution X-ray Transmission Microscopy' Günther regularly presents his work at major international conferences including the International Particle Accelerator Conference, High-Brightness Sources and Light-driven Interactions Congress, and specialized X-ray imaging meetings. His research is conducted within the Munich Compact Light Source facility, a collaborative project involving physicists, engineers, and medical researchers working to develop laboratory-scale synchrotron technology for widespread biomedical use.
Matias Zaldarriaga is the Richard Black Professor in the School of Natural Sciences at the Institute for Advanced Study (IAS), Princeton. His research focuses on theoretical cosmology, gravitational waves, and the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB). He has held previous faculty positions at Harvard University (2003-2009) and New York University (2001-2002). Education: Ph.D. in Physics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1998 Licenciado en Ciencias Físicas, Universidad de Buenos Aires, 1994 Zaldarriaga's work centers on decoding the early universe through CMB analysis and gravitational-wave astrophysics. He investigates inflation, large-scale structure formation, and black hole dynamics, leveraging advanced statistical methods to probe fundamental physics from cosmological data. His recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate a strong focus on gravitational-wave data analysis, including novel algorithms for detecting binary black hole mergers, constraints on inflationary physics from large-scale surveys, and modeling supermassive black hole evolution. Key themes include higher-order waveform harmonics, pulsar timing arrays, and computational innovations for gravitational-wave astronomy. Awards and Honors: Gruber Cosmology Prize (2021) MacArthur Fellowship (2006) European Physical Society Gribov Medal (2005) Sloan Fellowship (2004) Helen B. Warner Prize, American Astronomical Society (2003) Packard Fellowship (2001) He collaborates extensively with international teams (e.g., LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA, DESI) and mentors researchers in cosmology and astrophysics. His group develops open-source tools for gravitational-wave inference and cosmological parameter estimation.
Silvia Cavagnero is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, with a research focus on protein folding and misfolding in cellular contexts. Her work integrates biomolecular spectroscopy, chemical biology, and computational methods to address fundamental questions in structural biology. B.S., First University of Rome ‘La Sapienza’ (1988) M.S., University of Arizona (1990) Ph.D., California Institute of Technology (1996) Her research explores the role of molecular chaperones like Hsp70 in protein biogenesis, the development of laser-driven NMR techniques for enhanced sensitivity, and the implications of protein aggregation in neurodegenerative diseases. Key projects include cotranslational folding studies at ribosomal exit tunnels and hyperpolarization methods for low-concentration NMR analysis. The 15 most recent publications highlight interdisciplinary advances in NMR spectroscopy optimization Protein folding kinetics Cryo-EM structural analysis Chaperone-client interactions Hsp70 antimicrobial design Hydration dynamics in folding Scientific contributions include A Prize for Going in Vivo (2017) Recognition for Diversity and Inclusion Efforts Students from the Cavagnero Group have pursued careers in academia, pharmaceutical industries, and national laboratories. Her lab emphasizes interdisciplinary training, blending physical chemistry, biology, and computational analysis.
Kent Yagi is an Associate Professor in the Physics Department at the University of Virginia, specializing in theoretical astrophysics, gravity, and cosmology. His research focuses on using gravitational waves from compact objects like black holes and neutron stars to probe fundamental physics, including testing General Relativity in strong-field regimes and determining the equation of state of nuclear matter. Position: Associate Professor (2023-present), previously Assistant Professor (2017-2023) Education: Ph.D. in Physics from Kyoto University (2012) Prior positions: Postdoctoral Research Scholar at Princeton University (2015-2017), Postdoctoral Research Associate at Montana State University (2012-2015) Yagi's research centers on theoretical modeling of neutron stars and gravitational wave physics. He is particularly known for discovering the 'I-Love-Q' universal relations among neutron star observables that are insensitive to the equation of state. His work enables testing strong-field gravity and probing nuclear physics through gravitational wave observations. He also investigates binary pulsar systems as precision laboratories for testing gravitational theories beyond General Relativity. His research has significant implications for multi-messenger astronomy, connecting gravitational wave observations with electromagnetic counterparts to extract fundamental physics. The field has evolved rapidly since the first gravitational wave detection in 2015, and Yagi's theoretical predictions have helped shape how we interpret these observations to test gravity and nuclear physics in extreme conditions. NSF CAREER Award (2023) Sloan Research Fellowship (2019) IUPAP Young Scientist Prize (2019) Mead Honored Faculty (2018-2019) Yagi leads an active research group at UVA with multiple graduate and undergraduate students. His group collaborates with researchers across departments, including high energy physicists, nuclear physicists, astronomers, and researchers at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory. Current research directions include multi-band gravitational wave tests of general relativity, constraining nuclear matter parameters with GW170817, and developing parameterized post-Einsteinian gravitational waveform models for various modified gravity theories. The group has received multiple student research fellowships and awards, demonstrating strong mentorship and training of the next generation of physicists.
Stefano Grivet-Talocia is a Full Professor at the Department of Electronics and Telecommunications at the Polytechnic University of Turin, where he also serves as Director of the Doctoral School and President of the Doctoral School Council. He is a member of the Interdepartmental Center SmartData@PoliTO - Big Data and Data Science Laboratory, the University Committee for Research, Technology Transfer and Services to the Territory, and the Commission for the Promotion of Library, Archive and Museum Heritage. His academic career spans over two decades at Politecnico di Torino, where he has established himself as a leading researcher in electromagnetic modeling and signal integrity. Grivet-Talocia earned his Laurea degree (summa cum laude) in Electronic Engineering in 1994 and his Ph.D. in Electronic and Communication Engineering in 1998, both from the Polytechnic University of Turin. Between 1994 and 1996, he conducted research at NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. His educational background laid the foundation for his expertise in electromagnetic modeling, wavelet analysis, and signal processing. His research focuses on behavioral modeling, electromagnetic compatibility, macromodeling, model order reduction, numerical modeling, passivity, power integrity, signal integrity, transmission lines, and wavelets . Grivet-Talocia is particularly renowned for his work on passive macromodeling of interconnect structures, development of the TOPLine technique for transmission line simulation, and pioneering contributions to passivity enforcement algorithms. He has co-authored the first book entirely dedicated to Macromodeling (2016) and developed innovative approaches to waveform relaxation and wavelet-based signal processing. His recent publications (2024-2025) demonstrate continued leadership in model order reduction, with significant contributions to data-driven modeling of linear and nonlinear systems, power integrity analysis, and electromagnetic compatibility. His work spans both theoretical advances in numerical methods and practical applications in circuit design, with strong industry relevance particularly for semiconductor and electronic design automation companies. IEEE Fellow (2018-present) Three Intel SRS Grants (2022-2024) Three IBM SUR Grant Awards (2007-2009) Best Associate Editor Award - IEEE Transactions on Components, Packaging and Manufacturing Technology (2020) Multiple Best Conference Paper Awards (2006-2020) URSI Young Scientist Awards (1999) Ranked among the "top 2% worldwide researchers" (Stanford) since 2019 Grivet-Talocia actively supervises doctoral students including Michele Cusano, Sara Paknezhad Panahi, Antonio Carlucci, and Kun Zhao. He has secured numerous research grants from competitive national calls (PRIN) and commercial contracts with industry partners including Intel, IBM, Nokia, Hitachi, Infineon, and Cadence. His technology transfer activities include co-founding the spin-off IdemWorks (2007-2016), which was acquired by CST in 2016. He also developed the autoCircuits web service for automated circuit problem generation, widely used in electrical engineering education. He leads the EMC Group (Electromagnetic Compatibility) at DET and has been instrumental in establishing the Compact Dynamical Modeling research area. His work has practical applications in high-speed electronics design, with algorithms embedded in commercial tools like IBM PowerSPICE. Grivet-Talocia maintains strong industry connections through his research projects and serves as Associate Editor for IEEE Transactions on Components, Packaging and Manufacturing Technology.
Dr. Abbas Ziafati Bafarasat is a Chartered Town Planner and Senior Lecturer in Town Planning at Oxford Brookes University, managing the Certificate in Spatial Planning Studies. He holds a PhD in Planning & Landscape from the University of Manchester (2015) and conducted postdoctoral research at TU Dortmund, Germany. His expertise spans five national contexts, with a focus on strategic urban design, sustainable cities, and policy integration. He has supervised numerous Master’s and doctoral students and transitioned from private practice to academia. Education: PhD in Planning & Landscape, University of Manchester (2015) Postdoctoral studies at TU Dortmund, Germany MA in City & Regional Planning, AD in Law, BSc in Geography Research Interests: His research focuses on achieving healthy and sustainable cities through frameworks like strategic urban design and behavioral sustainability indicators. He pioneered concepts such as 'start-it-yourself urbanism' and developed a 99-indicator system for healthy cities. His work emphasizes policy integration, regional governance, and community-driven solutions. Advising & Grants: Supervised successful completion of doctoral and Master’s theses External examiner for postgraduate programs Labs/Teams: He contributes to the Planning, Policy and Governance (PPG) research group at Oxford Brookes, focusing on urban sustainability and policy innovation.
Kshitij Sabnis is a Lecturer in Aerospace Engineering at the School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London. He serves as Admissions Lead and Outreach & Recruitment Lead for Aerospace Engineering, and Deputy Director of Industrial Engagement (Graduate Attributes). He is affiliated with the Centre for Intelligent Transport and conducts experimental research in high-speed aerodynamics. Education: PhD in Experimental Aerodynamics, University of Cambridge Master’s in Physics Dr Sabnis's research focuses on experimental aerodynamics across various speed regimes, particularly shock/boundary-layer interactions, vortex dynamics, and supersonic flows. His work involves wind tunnel experiments on simplified models to understand complex fluid mechanics in applications ranging from racecar wings to supersonic aircraft intakes. He employs advanced diagnostics and develops novel experimental setups to enhance physical insight into flow phenomena. His recent publications (2019–2025) reflect a strong emphasis on high-speed flow behavior, including shock-induced separation, vortex interactions, and nacelle aerodynamics. Key themes include flow control, wind tunnel design, and validation of turbulence models. His work bridges fundamental fluid dynamics with practical aerospace engineering challenges. Scientific Awards: FHEA (Fellow of the Higher Education Academy) Dr Sabnis actively supervises PhD students and leads externally funded research projects. He has secured grants from EPSRC and the Royal Society, supporting work on schlieren imaging enhancement and small-scale wind turbines for rural energy. He teaches advanced aerodynamics modules and contributes to curriculum and industrial engagement. He leads a research group focused on experimental high-speed aerodynamics and is involved in developing new diagnostic techniques and test rigs. His team investigates vortex interactions and aerodynamic performance under extreme flow conditions.
Kimberly B. Rogers is an Associate Professor of Sociology at Dartmouth College , where she has been employed since 2015. She is affiliated with the Quantitative Social Science Program and the Neukom Institute for Computational Science . Her research focuses on how inequalities are produced, maintained, and resisted through behavior and emotion dynamics in social interactions , with particular attention to status and power hierarchies , occupational inequality , and mental health outcomes . She teaches courses such as Introductory Sociology , Research Methods , and Status and Power in Social Interaction , integrating computational tools into her pedagogy. PhD in Sociology, Duke University (2013) MA in Sociology, Duke University (2008) MA in Psychology, Wake Forest University (2005) BA in Psychology, Randolph-Macon Woman's College (2003) Rogers' research spans three key areas: cultural consensus in identity sentiments , behavioral/emotional responses to inequality , and computational modeling of social processes . Her work reveals how micro-social mechanisms perpetuate or disrupt status hierarchies across contexts like occupational roles , racialized interactions , and digital collaboration . Recent publications examine technological co-diffusion , pandemic-induced identity shifts , and gendered occupational perceptions . Her scholarly output follows trends in computational social science and cross-cultural emotion analysis . She employs Bayesian affect control theory to model dynamic identity processes and uncertainty in interactions , while her 2025 work on violence against women demonstrates applications of general strain theory to contemporary social issues. Senior Faculty Grant (2023-24) , Dartmouth College Wilson Fellowship (2021-22) , Dartmouth College Outstanding Article Award (2017) , American Sociological Association Seed Funding Grant (2016-17) , Dartmouth Provost Doctoral Dissertation Grant (2010-11) , National Science Foundation Rogers has received multiple grants for collaborative projects like THEMIS.COG , examining identity and sentiment modeling in groups . She mentors students through engaged scholarship and social impact practicums , though specific advisees aren't listed. Her 2019-2020 involvement with Campus Compact and 2016 DCSI teaching grant highlight her commitment to community-engaged pedagogy .
Dr. Cosmin Ioan Roman is a Lecturer at the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering at ETH Zürich, affiliated with the Chair in Micro and Nanosystems since 2006. His research focuses on solid-state micro and nanotransducers, spanning from traditional Silicon micromachining to carbon nanotube-based (CNT) devices for bio-sensing applications, with an emphasis on energy-efficient transducer concepts. Doctoral Degree: National Polytechnic Institute of Grenoble (INPG) Roman's expertise lies in multi-physics and compact modeling of transducers. His work bridges materials science, semiconductor device physics, and biomedical sensing, utilizing advanced fabrication techniques for scalable sensor arrays on flexible substrates. The selected publications highlight his contributions to tactile sensing and cell rheology. His co-supervised doctoral thesis on carbon nanotube resonators demonstrates his interdisciplinary approach to nanoscale and biomedical systems.
