Professor Hong Hao is a John Curtin Distinguished Professor at Curtin University, affiliated with the School of Civil and Mechanical Engineering and the Curtin Research Centre for Infrastructural Monitoring & Protection. His expertise spans Structural Dynamics, Earthquake Engineering, Blast and Impact Engineering, and Structural Health Monitoring. He holds prestigious roles like Fellow of ATSE, ISEAM, and ASCE, and has led organizations such as the International Association of Protective Structures and the Australian Earthquake Engineering Society. Education: BE (Tianjin University, 1982), MSc (UC Berkeley, 1985), PhD (UC Berkeley, 1989). Awards include the Tan Chin Tuan Fellowship and multiple Ko Medals. He has authored over 200 journal articles, with recent work focusing on blast-resistant materials, seismic fragility, and AI-driven structural health monitoring. His research emphasizes resilient infrastructure, including metaconcrete structures, corrosion-resistant materials, and sensor-based damage detection. Ongoing projects involve smart tunnel safety under BLEVE explosions and modular building systems.
Professor Rainer Böhme is a prominent academic in the field of IT security and privacy at the University of Münster's School of Business and Economics, Department of Information Systems. He also holds a professorship for Security and Privacy at the University of Innsbruck's Institute of Computer Science. His research spans multiple dimensions of digital security, with particular expertise in steganography, digital forensics, privacy-enhancing technologies, and the economic aspects of cybersecurity. Dr. Böhme earned his Doctoral Degree from TU Dresden's Faculty of Computer Science in 2008, following studies in Communications, Economics and Computer Science at Technische Universität Dresden and Université Paris XII. His academic journey includes positions as Assistant Professor at the University of Münster (2010-2015), Postdoctoral Fellow at the International Computer Science Institute in Berkeley (2009-2010), and Scientific Staff at TU Dresden's Chair of Privacy and Data Security. His research interests focus on steganography and steganalysis, digital forensics, privacy-enhancing technologies, security and usability, economic and behavioral aspects of information privacy, virtual currencies, and the economics of information security. His work bridges technical security mechanisms with economic and behavioral considerations, creating a unique interdisciplinary approach to cybersecurity challenges. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trend toward the economics of security, particularly regarding blockchain technologies, cryptocurrency, and privacy valuation. His work increasingly examines the intersection of technical security mechanisms with market dynamics, regulatory frameworks, and user behavior. The research spans theoretical game-theoretic models, empirical studies of user behavior, and practical applications in digital forensics and privacy protection. Program Co-Chair, Financial Cryptography and Data Security (2015) Program Co-Chair, New Security Paradigms Workshop (NSPW) (2015) General Chair, 8th International Conference on IT Security Incident Management & IT Forensics (2014) Organizer and Program Co-Chair, 1st Workshop on Bitcoin Research (2014) Associate Editor, Electronic Commerce Research (since 2013) Associate Editor, EURASIP Journal on Information Security (since 2013) Professor Böhme has supervised multiple Master's theses in Information Systems, including work on static code analysis for smart contracts, remote maintenance protocol security, and application protection requirements in retail banking. His research is supported by significant grants from the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space, the DFG, and the EU FP7 program, with projects focusing on digital forensics, privacy-enhancing technologies, and cryptocurrency crime prevention. He leads the IT Security Research Group at the University of Münster, which investigates theoretical and applied aspects of information security with particular emphasis on the economic dimensions of security decisions.
Dr. Canan Dagdeviren is an Associate Professor and LG Career Development Professor of Media Arts and Sciences at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where she directs the Conformable Decoders research group at the MIT Media Lab. She joined the MIT faculty in January 2017 and has established herself as a leading innovator in conformable biomedical devices. Education: Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign M.Sc. in Materials Science and Engineering, Sabanci University, Istanbul, Turkey B.Sc. in Physics Engineering, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey Dr. Dagdeviren's research focuses on creating mechanically adaptive electromechanical systems that can intimately integrate with biological surfaces for sensing, actuation, and energy harvesting. She believes vital information from nature and the human body is 'coded' in various physical patterns, and her work develops 'conformable decoders' to translate these patterns into beneficial signals and energy. Her research spans wearable and implantable medical devices, with particular emphasis on piezoelectric systems that can be twisted, folded, stretched, wrapped, and implanted onto curvilinear surfaces of the human body without damage or significant alteration in performance. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on medical applications of conformable electronics, particularly in ultrasound technology for breast cancer detection, deep brain stimulation, and bladder monitoring. Her work consistently bridges materials science, electrical engineering, and medical applications, with increasing emphasis on practical healthcare solutions that can be deployed outside clinical settings. Major Scientific Awards: NSF CAREER Award (2021) 3M Non-Tenured Faculty Award (2021) MIT Technology Review's Top 35 Innovators Under 35 (2015) Forbes' Top 30 Under 30 in Science (2015) National Academy of Engineering US Frontiers of Engineering Symposium participant (2019) Frank E. Perkins Award for Excellence in Graduate Advising Aziz Sancar Science Award Dr. Dagdeviren actively mentors graduate students and has received recognition for her advising excellence. Her research is supported by significant grants including the NSF CAREER award and has resulted in numerous patents and commercialization opportunities. She has developed innovative cleanroom-based courses at MIT that train students in microfabrication techniques for biomedical devices. The Conformable Decoders research group operates a specialized cleanroom facility at the MIT Media Lab, enabling the development and fabrication of novel conformable electronic systems. The group's work has attracted attention from major media outlets including BBC, CNN, and Nature, and has potential applications across multiple medical specialties including neurology, oncology, and urology.
Yehuda Ben-Zion is a Professor of Earth Sciences at the University of Southern California (USC), affiliated with the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. He serves as Director of the Statewide California Earthquake Center (SCEC). His expertise lies in geophysics and seismology, with a focus on earthquake mechanics, fault dynamics, and seismic hazard assessment. He holds a Ph.D. in Geophysics and Seismology from USC (1990) and a B.S. in Geology and Physics from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (1982). Research interests include physics of earthquakes and faults, high-resolution fault zone imaging, earthquake source properties, and dynamic rupture processes. Recent work emphasizes multi-scale modeling of rupture zones, seismic velocity monitoring using anthropogenic signals (e.g., train tremors), and probabilistic seismic hazard analysis frameworks like CyberShake. He leads projects such as Quakeworx, an open-source earthquake simulation platform, and investigates fault zone architecture in regions like the San Andreas, San Jacinto, and Marmara faults. His studies address critical questions about large earthquake mechanisms, ground motion prediction, and the interplay between tectonic stress and seismicity patterns. He has pioneered the use of dense seismic arrays and machine learning to analyze seismic data, advancing understanding of fault zone processes and their implications for hazard mitigation.
Giuseppe Carlo Marano is a Full Professor at the Department of Structural, Building and Geotechnical Engineering at Politecnico di Torino. He is also a component of the SISCON Interdepartmental Center for Infrastructure Safety. With expertise in civil and structural engineering, his work focuses on machine learning applications, seismic risk reduction, and sustainable structural optimization. Education Graduated cum laude in Structural Engineering from Polytechnic University of Bari PhD in Structural Engineering from University of Florence (2000) Research Interests Marano's research spans structural optimization, seismic engineering, and machine learning applications in civil infrastructure. He develops advanced computational models for: Seismic retrofitting of existing structures Optimization of steel and masonry structures Recycled materials in concrete production AI-driven structural health monitoring Multiobjective design methodologies Publication Trends His recent work emphasizes: Machine learning for concrete mix design and damage assessment Optimization of gridshells and arch structures Seismic isolation systems and vibration control Sustainable construction practices with recycled materials Multiobjective genetic algorithms for structural design Scientific Recognitions National Scientific Qualification - First Band (2013, MIUR Italy) Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Lecture (2012, China) Academic Contributions As an educator, he teaches: Consolidamento Strutturale (Structural Consolidation) Dinamica delle Vibrazioni Random (Random Vibration Dynamics) Progettazione Generativa (Generative Design) He also leads Challenge@PoliTo initiatives and contributes to national infrastructure safety regulations. Research Projects ADAPT4CE - Adaptive Digital Systems for Circular Economy (2025-2028) AI-ENVISERS - AI for Seismic Retrofit Environmental Impact (2023-2025) ADDOPTML - Additive Manufacturing Optimization (2021-2025)
Evangelos Katsanos is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), where he contributes to research and education in structural engineering and safety. He is affiliated with the Structures and Safety research group and actively supervises PhD students. His work spans advanced computational methods for structural monitoring and risk assessment. Research Interests: His expertise lies in structural dynamics, modal analysis, state estimation, and structural health monitoring of civil and offshore infrastructure. He applies physics-informed models and data-driven techniques to assess structural response under extreme loading conditions such as earthquakes, storms, and wave impacts. His research integrates finite element modeling with Kalman filtering methods for enhanced system identification and damage detection. The recent publications highlight a strong trend toward physics-informed and data-driven structural health assessment, particularly for offshore and wind energy infrastructure. Topics include joint input-state estimation, slamming loads on offshore jackets, and damage identification using Kalman filters. These works emphasize robust modeling under uncertainty and real-world applicability in extreme environments. Scientific Awards: No specific awards are mentioned in the provided text. Advising and Grants: Evangelos Katsanos is the main supervisor of PhD student Al-Hagri, A., and co-supervisor or collaborator on several research projects. He is Principal Investigator (PI) or co-PI on multiple funded research initiatives, including projects on physics-informed structural health assessment of offshore infrastructures, residual bearing capacity of damaged concrete beams, and quality assurance for construction 3D printers. These projects reflect his leadership in interdisciplinary and applied research with societal impact. Labs and Teams: He is part of the research environment at DTU Construct, specifically within the Structures and Safety group, which focuses on resilience, risk assessment, and advanced monitoring of civil and mechanical systems. His collaborations extend to national and international partners in offshore and wind energy engineering.
Miyuki Hino is an Assistant Professor in the Department of City and Regional Planning and an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Environment, Ecology, and Energy Program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She holds a Ph.D. in Environment and Resources from Stanford University and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Yale University. Her research focuses on climate hazards, governance, and public policy , with emphasis on equitable adaptation to climate change. Key areas include sea level rise impacts, flood risk on property markets, and managed retreat strategies. She has conducted extensive work on floodplain development policies, household relocation programs, and community resilience frameworks. Dr. Hino's interdisciplinary approach integrates environmental science, urban planning, and social equity . She collaborates with academic and municipal partners, such as the Center for Urban and Regional Studies and Annapolis, MD local governments, to develop actionable solutions for climate adaptation. Her work bridges technical analyses (e.g., sensor networks, machine learning) with policy design to ensure both effectiveness and justice in climate responses. Recent projects emphasize preventing future 'trapped households' by analyzing zoning policies and market dynamics that drive risky development. She advocates for climate-smart growth strategies to balance economic needs with environmental safety, while addressing disparities in vulnerability across communities. Her research has been featured in Science Advances , Nature Climate Change , and interdisciplinary journals. She actively engages with policymakers to translate findings into practical measures, such as equitable buyout programs and floodplain management reforms.
Prof. Dr. Mirko Hornung is a Professor of Aircraft Design at the TUM School of Engineering and Design, Technische Universität München. His research focuses on conceptual aircraft design, integration of propulsion systems, and evaluation of aviation technologies in operational contexts. Education and Career: PhD in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of the Bundeswehr (2003), awarded a research prize for work on reusable space transport systems. 2003–2009: Worked at Airbus Group (EADS) on military air systems, propulsion integration, and program management. Executive Director of Research & Technology at Bauhaus Luftfahrt, a think tank for long-term aviation developments. Research Interests: Aircraft design optimization, including hybrid energy systems, electric propulsion, and UAV technologies. Environmental sustainability in aviation, such as hydrogen-powered aircraft and lifecycle assessment. Aerodynamic and structural analysis, including flutter suppression and composite materials. Key Publications Highlight Trends: Focus on hybrid-electric and hydrogen propulsion for reducing environmental impact. Advancements in UAV design, including morphing wings and autonomous systems. Integration of AI-driven tools for propulsion optimization and lifecycle analysis. Scientific Awards: EADS Promotion Award (1995) Research Prize for Thesis on Reusable Space Transport Systems (2003) Advising & Grants: Directs research at Bauhaus Luftfahrt, collaborating on future aviation concepts. Engaged in interdisciplinary projects like FLEXOP UAV demonstrator and Ce-Liner eMobility studies. Labs/Teams: Active in the Aircraft Design Professorship at TUM and leadership roles at Bauhaus Luftfahrt, focusing on next-generation aviation technologies.
Ronaldo I. Borja is a Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Stanford University's School of Engineering. His academic career spans decades of research and teaching in theoretical and computational solid mechanics, geomechanics, and geosciences. He teaches undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral level courses including Geotechnical Engineering (CEE 101C), Mechanics and Finite Elements (CEE 281), Computational Poromechanics (CEE 314), and Plasticity Modeling and Computation (CEE 315). Professor Borja's research focuses on theoretical and computational solid mechanics, with particular emphasis on geomechanics and geosciences. His work includes the development of multi-scale discontinuity frameworks for crack and fracture propagation utilizing strong discontinuity and extended finite element methods; solution techniques for multi-physical processes such as coupled solid deformation-fluid diffusion in saturated and unsaturated porous media; stabilized finite element methods for solid/fluid interaction and nonlinear contact mechanics; and nanometer-scale characterization of the inelastic deformation and fracture properties of shales. His research spans multiple projects including shale characterization, poromechanics, and large deformation inelasticity. His recent publications demonstrate expertise across computational mechanics, geomechanics, and materials science, with a focus on finite element methods, constitutive modeling, and multi-scale analysis. His work bridges theoretical developments with practical applications in geotechnical engineering and earth sciences. 2016 ASCE Maurice A. Biot Medal for work in computational poromechanics Professor Borja serves as editor of two leading journals in his field: the International Journal for Numerical and Analytical Methods in Geomechanics and Acta Geotechnica. He has also authored the textbook 'Plasticity Modeling and Computation' published by Springer. His research is supported by multiple projects examining shale mechanics, poromechanics in unsaturated porous media, and large deformation inelasticity in crystalline materials.
Mani Golparvar Fard is a Professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, holding joint appointments in the Siebel School of Computing and Data Science and the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. He also contributes to the Technology Entrepreneur Center. His research focuses on integrating artificial intelligence, computer vision, and data analytics to advance construction management, infrastructure monitoring, and automation. Key areas include BIM integration, reality capture systems, and deep learning-based progress tracking. His work emphasizes automated construction progress monitoring through semantic segmentation, vision-language models, and UAV-based data collection. He has pioneered methods like Scan2BIM-NET for converting point clouds into BIM models and developed frameworks for worker safety analysis using machine learning. Awards: Walter L. Huber Civil Engineering Research Prize (2018) Daniel W. Halpin Award for Scholarship (2016) Advising & Grants: While no specific grant details are provided, his research is supported by collaborations with industry and government initiatives, such as the Japanese national bridge inspection project. He advises a team focused on AI-driven construction solutions and maintains active partnerships with engineering firms. Labs & Teams: Leads research groups in vision-based construction analytics, automated scheduling systems, and BIM integration. His work is disseminated through platforms like the VisualSiteDiary system and the InstaDam open-source platform for structural damage analysis.
Assoc Prof Ng Teng Yong is an Associate Professor at the School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering (NTU), specializing in numerical modeling and simulation. With a background as Research Manager at A*STAR Institute of High Performance Computing, his work spans materials science, nanotechnology, and aerospace engineering. Current focus on graphene-based desalination membranes Expertise in molecular dynamics simulations Investigates nanoscale fluid mechanics and structural dynamics Recent publications highlight advancements in energy-efficient electrodialysis, smart robotics, and nonlinear vibration analysis. His interdisciplinary approach integrates computational methods with experimental validation in additive manufacturing and soft material mechanics.
Prof. Waldemar Kolanus leads the Molecular Immunology and Cell Biology department at the University of Bonn's Life & Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES) . His research bridges immunoregulation , stem cell dynamics , and metabolic stress responses in immune cells. Unit 2 member at LIMES Principal investigator in SFB 704 and ImmunoSensation Cluster Leads a multidisciplinary lab with postdocs, PhD students, and technical staff His work focuses on intracellular signaling pathways connecting immune activation to tissue homeostasis, particularly through: Cytohesin proteins in integrin-mediated adhesion and migration TRIM71 in stem cell regulation and congenital hydrocephalus High-salt environments affecting macrophage function Publication trends show expertise in immune cell migration , genetic models , and chemical inhibition , with frequent use of mice and zebrafish for in vivo studies. Key articles explore: TRIM71's dual role in auditory development and germ cell maintenance Cytohesin family's Golgi regulation and insulin signaling Ruxolitinib's off-target migration inhibition of dendritic cells Contact details: Address: LIMES Institute, Carl-Troll-Straße 31, Bonn Email: kolanus.sekretariat@uni-bonn.de Phone: +49 228 73-62788
Chao Liu is an Associate Professor at the Department of Biomedical Engineering , Southern University of Science and Technology (2024.11–present). Previously, he served as an Assistant Professor at the same institution (2019–2024.11) and completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship at New York University (2016–2019) with joint appointments in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Orthopedics at NYU Langone Health . He holds a PhD in Biomedical Engineering (2016) and MASc in Mechanical Engineering (2010) from University of Toronto , following a BASc in Engineering Science (2008). Education : PhD (IBBME, U of Toronto, 2016), MASc (Mechanical Engineering, U of Toronto, 2010), BASc (Engineering Science, U of Toronto, 2008) His research focuses on mechanobiology of stem cells , bone tissue engineering , and functional implants . He investigates how mechanical forces modulate osteogenic and angiogenic stem cells, designs implants with micro-geometry to enhance cellular activity, and develops 3D real-time imaging modalities for bone repair processes. His work spans biomechanics , regenerative medicine , and cellular mechanotransduction . The selected publications from 2022 to 2010 reveal trends in mechanical force applications for bone regeneration, pharmacological impairments in healing, nanostructured biomaterials for stem cell differentiation, and microfluidic platforms for osteocyte studies. These works are published in journals like Bone , FASEB Journal , and ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces . Scientific Awards : International Conference BME Young Investigator Award (2019), IFMRS Travel Grant (2017), ASBMR Young Investigator Grant (2016), CIHR Travel Awards (2010–2014), Ontario Graduate Scholarship (2011–2013), Barbara and Frank Milligan Fellowship (2008, 2010) Chao Liu mentors graduate students, including Zhang Jianing (2022 Master’s graduate). His lab ( https://abtrl.bme.sustech.edu.cn/ ) recruits postdocs and research assistants for projects in mechanical force applications , micro-geometric implants , and 3D imaging . He has contributed to 14 journal articles with 714 citations and presented at 6 international conferences in the past three years.
Magdy M. A. Salama is a Professor and University Research Chair at the University of Waterloo's Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering. He holds a P.Eng. license and is a Fellow of the IEEE. His research spans Energy Systems (Power Quality, Smart Grids, Renewable Energy) and Biomedical Engineering (Medical Imaging, Sleep Analysis). He has authored/co-authored over 460 publications and supervised numerous graduate students. Education: PhD (University of Waterloo), M.Sc. and B.Sc. (Cairo University). Awards include the IEEE Fellow distinction, University Research Chair, and multiple teaching/research awards from the University of Waterloo. Research trends in his articles focus on Smart Grid resiliency, renewable integration, cyber-physical security, and biomedical applications of AI. Notable projects include voltage sag mitigation, EV fleet electrification, and blockchain-based energy trading platforms. Scientific Awards: IEEE Fellow, University Research Chair, Teaching Excellence Award (2000) Grants/Consultation: Extensive industry and institutional collaborations on power systems and biomedical tech. Labs/Teams: Active in High Voltage Lab, Smart Grids Research Group, and Medical Image Processing Lab.
Dane Morgan is a Professor in the Department of Materials Science & Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, College of Engineering. His research focuses on computational materials science for materials design, including ab initio electronic structure modeling, multiscale methods, and machine learning applications in materials discovery. His work spans nuclear materials, battery and fuel cell electrodes, and electronic materials. Education : PhD, 1998, University of California, Berkeley MS, 1994, University of California, Berkeley BA, 1992, Swarthmore College Research Interests : Computational materials science, ab initio methods for electronic structure and thermokinetics, machine learning for materials discovery, electrochemical systems modeling, and applications in nuclear materials, batteries, and electronic materials. His work integrates advanced computational techniques with experimental validation. Scientific Awards : 2024 APL Materials, Editors Pick 2023 Microscopy and Microanalysis Best Paper Award (Instrumentation and Software category) 2023 IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science Best Paper Award 2023 Kellet Mid-Career Award 2015 TMS Materials Genome Initiative Ambassador 2006 3M Technical Nontenured Faculty Grant
