Mukunda Mandal is a researcher with expertise in materials science and chemistry, focusing on perovskite semiconductors, catalytic processes, and optoelectronic materials. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, and conducted postdoctoral research at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research (MPI-P), Mainz, and later joined ExxonMobil in Bangalore as a research scientist. His research explores the structural and electronic properties of hybrid materials, with applications in solar cells, light-emitting diodes, and nanotechnology. Education: Ph.D. in Chemistry (2020, University of Minnesota), M.Sc. Chemistry (IIT Bombay), B.Sc. Chemistry Honors (Ramakrishna Mission Residential College). Research interests include odd-even effects in perovskite semiconductors, charge transport mechanisms, defect passivation in nanocrystals, and the design of sustainable catalytic systems. His work combines theoretical modeling (e.g., DFT calculations) with experimental techniques like X-ray scattering and fluorescence imaging. Key contributions include optimizing perovskite solar cell interfaces, enhancing LED efficiency via ligand engineering, and studying van der Waals interactions in graphene-based heterostructures. His findings have advanced understanding of material behavior at the nanoscale and their practical applications in energy and optoelectronics.
Professor Hilmi Volkan Demir is affiliated with Bilkent University and UNAM - National Nanotechnology Research Center. He leads the Demir Research Group and founded the Devices and Sensors Research Lab, focusing on chip-scale nanophotonic, optoelectronic, and RF devices for lighting, sensing, communications, and environmental decontamination. His work spans device conception to system-level applications. Research Interests: Semiconductor Nanocrystal Optoelectronics Quantum Dots and Wells Energy Transfer and Excitonics Plasmonics with Metal Nanoparticles RF Wireless Sensors and Bioimplants Medical Device Innovation Scientific Awards: EURYI Fellowship OSA Fellow IEEE Fellow The Demir Research Group includes 30+ interdisciplinary members and is funded by TUBITAK, TUBA, NIH, European Union programs, and industry partners. His team explores nanocrystal lasers, energy transfer mechanisms, and hybrid photonic devices.
Dr. Lenore Dai is Professor of Chemical Engineering and Vice Dean of Faculty Administration in the Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University (ASU). She joined ASU in August 2008 and served as Program Chair of Chemical Engineering from July 2009 to June 2015. From July 2015 to December 2022, she directed the School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy (SEMTE), overseeing programs in aerospace, chemical, materials, and mechanical engineering. Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Illinois (1997) Professor Dai’s research focuses on surface and interfacial science, microrheology, nanoscale materials, and the synthesis of novel polymer composites and smart materials. Her work spans interdisciplinary applications in aerospace, mechanical, and chemical engineering, emphasizing dynamic material design, self-healing composites, and environmental sustainability. Scientific Awards: ASU Advanced Leadership Initiative Fellow Fulton Exemplar Faculty Award (2014) National Science Foundation CAREER Award (2007) 3M Nontenured Faculty Award (2003–2005) University of Illinois Young Alumnus Award (2001) Racheff Award (1996) Her research activity includes grants from NSF, NASA, DOD, and industry collaborators for projects such as "Dynamic Modification of Spectral Radiative Properties via Core-Shell Nanoparticles" (NSF, 2012–2015) and "Materials Discovery: Characterization Equipment to Catalyze Innovation" (DOD-AMC, 2015–2016). She has also led initiatives in oil recovery, supercritical fluid recycling, and planetary micro-seismometer development.
Mehmet Sahin is an Associate Professor in the Department of Material Science and Nanotechnology Engineering at Abdullah Gul University (AGU). He holds a Ph.D. in Physics from Selcuk University (2005), with postdoctoral research at Bilkent University and the University of Sheffield. His research focuses on theoretical and computational studies of semiconductor quantum dots, excitons, and optical properties, alongside experimental work on semiconductor devices. He has held administrative roles, including Director of AGU's Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences (2012–2013) and Head of Material Science and Nanotechnology Engineering (2012–2013). Education: Ph.D. in Physics (Selcuk University, 2005) M.Sc. in Physics (Erciyes University, 1999) B.Sc. in Physics (Selcuk University, 1994) Research Interests: Theoretical investigations of quantum dots, excitonic interactions, optical transitions, and computational methods (e.g., genetic algorithms, matrix diagonalization). Experimental studies include electrical and optical characterization of semiconductor materials, including Schottky diodes and quantum dot solar cells. His work bridges nanotechnology, condensed matter physics, and optoelectronics. Grants & Projects: TUBITAK 1001 Research Project (2010–2012): Computational study of excitons in multi-layered quantum dots. SELÇUK BAP Project (2011–2013): Electrical characterization of GaAs Schottky diodes. Labs & Collaborations: Collaborates with institutions like UNAM's National Material Science Center and the University of Arkansas. His research group develops novel semiconductor nanostructures for optoelectronic applications.
Maude JIMENEZ is a Professor at the University of Lille, affiliated with the National School of Chemistry of Lille and the Materials and Transformations Unit (UMET, CNRS UMR 8207). She leads the C7-microprobe room and is a team leader within the 'Processes at Interfaces and Materials Hygiene' and 'Recycling and Functionalization Processes (PReF)' research groups. Her work bridges materials science, polymer engineering, and industrial applications in fire safety and hygiene. Her research focuses on advanced functional materials, particularly fire-retardant coatings , anti-fouling surfaces , and biomimetic designs . She specializes in plasma-based surface treatments, self-stratifying coatings, and nanocomposite development for applications in construction, food processing, and medical devices. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates polymer chemistry, materials engineering, and process optimization. The trends in her recent publications highlight a strong emphasis on sustainable and eco-efficient materials , including fluorine-free hydrophobic coatings, self-healing systems, and bio-based intumescent paints. She frequently investigates industrial fouling and cleaning mechanisms, particularly in the food sector, and develops innovative solutions to enhance fire resistance in polymers and composites. She has supervised numerous PhD theses, many co-directed with colleagues such as Serge Bourbigot, Mathilde Casetta, and Yannick Coffinier. Her research has been supported through ANR, ERC, and Interreg projects, and has led to several patents, particularly in plasma-treated fireproof materials. She also contributes to national and international scientific seminars and conferences, especially in fire science and surface engineering. She leads a dynamic research team and collaborates extensively within UMET and with external partners in industry and academia. Her lab is equipped with advanced facilities including electron microscopy, plasma platforms, and fire testing systems.
Emmanuel DORMY serves as a Professor of Mathematics at Ecole Normale Supérieure - PSL, holding the position of CNRS Directeur de Recherche since 2008. His academic appointments include Researcher and Professor at ENS since 2004, Associate Professor at Ecole Polytechnique (2008-2020), and Researcher at Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris (1999-2016). He maintains international collaborations through visiting positions at Trinity College, Cambridge and has led significant research projects including Maeva [CNES], GDRE-Dynamo [CNRS], and Magnet [ANR]. Professor DORMY's research focuses on mathematical modeling of geophysical fluid phenomena. His work spans dynamo theory examining Earth's core convection and magnetic field generation, water wave dynamics with emphasis on breaking mechanisms, tropical cyclone structure including eye formation, rotating fluid systems affected by Earth's rotation, and magnetohydrodynamics of conducting liquids. His approach combines simplified mathematical models with numerical simulations and asymptotic analysis, always grounded in real-world geophysical problems. His publication trends reveal consistent focus on fundamental fluid dynamics problems with applications to Earth's core, atmospheric phenomena, and oceanic processes. The research demonstrates progression from foundational numerical methods for convection modeling to complex multi-physical systems involving magnetic fields and rotating frames. Recent work shows increased attention to high-resolution numerical methods for capturing thin shear layers and boundary effects. Professor DORMY has mentored numerous doctoral students through their PhD programs and supervised multiple postdoctoral researchers. His collaborative projects have secured funding from major French research agencies including CNRS, ANR, and CNES, supporting both theoretical development and computational infrastructure for geophysical modeling. His laboratory work involves advanced numerical simulations of fluid systems, particularly examining convection patterns in spherical shells, wave breaking mechanisms, and cyclone dynamics. Current projects include the Mathematical Developments in Geophysical Fluid Dynamics program at IHP Paris (2026), continuing his longstanding focus on creating mathematically rigorous yet physically relevant models of complex geophysical phenomena.
Prof. Rubén D. Costa is a full professor of Biogenic Functional Materials at TUM Campus Straubing. His research focuses on sustainable optoelectronics, including protein hybrid materials and biohybrid light-emitting devices. He holds a B.Sc./M.Sc. in Chemistry from the University of Valencia (2006) and a Ph.D. from the same institution (2010). He was a Humboldt Fellow (2011–2013) and Liebig Fellow (2014) at FAU, later expanding his work to IMDEA Materials (Spain) and Waseda University (Japan) as an associate professor. Since 2020, he leads the Biogenic Functional Materials group at TUM. Research interests span biohybrid optoelectronics, nanocarbon-based solar cells, and sustainable materials for energy applications. Key innovations include ancestral protein-based lighting systems and bio-inspired optoelectronic devices. Over 180 scientific contributions and 35+ awards highlight his impact, including the RSC Horizon Prize (2022) and MIT Technology Review’s European Innovator Award (2017). Notable achievements: >180 publications, >35 awards, leadership in Hybrid Optoelectronic Materials and Devices Lab. Expertise: protein engineering, biohybrid systems, optoelectronic materials. His work bridges biology and energy technology, emphasizing eco-friendly materials. Recent publications focus on stabilizing protein-based lighting and optimizing light-emitting electrochemical cells (LEECs).
Moonsub Shim is a Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, affiliated with the College of Engineering. He holds a B.S. from UC Berkeley (1997) and M.S./Ph.D. from the University of Chicago (1998/2001). His research focuses on nanoscale materials and their applications in optoelectronics, photovoltaics, and quantum dot systems. Key contributions include colloidal nanorod heterostructures, charge transport mechanisms, and nanomaterial synthesis using advanced fluidic and printing techniques. Notable awards include the NSF CAREER Award (2004), Willett Faculty Scholar (2010–2014), and Xerox Faculty Research Award (2007). His work bridges fundamental materials science with applied technologies like anti-counterfeiting quantum dot patterns and high-performance LEDs. Recent studies emphasize dewetting dynamics in printed polymers and machine learning-driven nanocrystal synthesis optimization. Research interests span nanomaterials synthesis, charge separation in low-dimensional systems, and device engineering. Active collaborations involve nanophotonics, continuous-flow reactors, and semiconductor heterostructures. Shim's lab develops novel optoelectronic devices and scalable fabrication methods, with applications in energy conversion and security technologies.
Apala Majumdar is a Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Strathclyde, United Kingdom. She is a leading applied mathematician whose research lies at the interface of mathematical modeling, applied analysis, and theoretical physics, with a focus on nematic liquid crystals and soft materials. She holds visiting positions at the University of Bath and the University of Oxford, and is actively engaged in international collaborations across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Her educational and professional journey includes appointments at the University of Bristol, University of Oxford, and the University of Bath, where she served as Director of the Centre for Nonlinear Mechanics (2018–2019) and led a Bath-Chile-Mexico research network. She is currently Principal Investigator on multiple international projects, including initiatives funded by the Isaac Newton Institute and the International Centre for Mathematical Sciences (ICMS), and plays a strategic role as a member of the Global Challenges Research Funding Strategic Advisory Group in the UK. Her research centers on four main themes: (i) analysis of continuum theories for liquid crystals; (ii) multiscale modeling linking microscopic and macroscopic descriptions; (iii) non-equilibrium phenomena such as switching dynamics; and (iv) industrial applications involving geometry- and energy-driven pattern formation. Her work is inherently interdisciplinary, involving collaborations with physicists, chemists, and industry partners like Merck Chemicals. Her recent publications reflect a strong focus on advanced modeling of liquid crystalline phases, including Landau-de Gennes theories, smectic phase transitions, topological defects, and confinement effects in spherical and 2D geometries. These works span high-impact journals such as SIAM Journal on Mathematical Analysis , Soft Matter , and Physical Review E , showcasing her contributions to both theoretical depth and practical applications. She has received numerous honors, including: Fellowship of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (2024) Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Award (2022) Suffrage Science Award in Mathematics (2020) British Liquid Crystal Society Cyril Hilsum Medal Kirk Distinguished Fellowship at Isaac Newton Institute IOP Publishing Top Cited Paper Award for China (2024) She is deeply committed to mentoring and community building, supervising PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, and organizing initiatives such as the Retreat for Women in Applied Mathematics. She serves on the Programme Committee of the ICMS and is actively involved in shaping research strategy for global challenges. Her research group maintains a dedicated website at https://themajumdargroup.wordpress.com/ .
Dr. Patrick Baesjou is a Lecturer and Researcher at the Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science within the Faculty of Science at Utrecht University . His work spans Soft Condensed Matter and Nanomaterials Science , with a focus on optical properties , quantum dots , and metal-organic frameworks . He is based at the Leonard S. Ornstein Laboratory in Utrecht, Netherlands. Research Interests : Self-assembly of nanocrystals Switchable optical components (e.g., lenses, gratings) Photonic supraparticles and lasing mechanisms Catalysis of oxidative polymerization reactions Electronic paper and display technology Publication Trends : His recent work (2016-2022) focuses on titanium dioxide nanorods , supraparticle lasing , and quantum dot engineering , often involving collaborations with teams led by Prof. Alfons van Blaaderen and Prof. Andries van Blaaderen. Earlier studies (1992-2003) explored homogeneous catalysis and organic electronics . Supervised Work : As a co-promoter and research leader, he guided projects on responsive colloids and electronic paper , mentoring scholars like F. Montanarella and S.N. Hosseini. His publications frequently involve interdisciplinary teams in chemistry , physics , and materials science .
Jason Slinker is a Professor of Physics and Associate Department Head in the Department of Physics at The University of Texas at Dallas, within the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. He is also affiliated with the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and the Department of Chemistry. He mentors the UTD Society of Physics Students and serves on the International Advisory Board of ChemPlusChem. Education: Ph.D. in Applied and Engineering Physics, Cornell University (2007) M.S. in Applied and Engineering Physics, Cornell University (2006) B.S. in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (Triple Major, GPA: 4.0), Southern Nazarene University (2001) Dr. Slinker's research spans optoelectronics from mixed conductors , electrochemistry of perovskites , electrochemical biosensors , and bioinspired molecular wires . His work leverages ionic and electronic conductivity to develop energy-efficient light-emitting devices, solar cells, and novel biosensors for disease diagnostics. He uses DNA-inspired systems for high-fidelity nanoscale electronic devices and studies doping and degradation mechanisms in perovskite materials. His recent publications (2023–2024) show a strong focus on perovskite electroluminescence, DNA-based electrochemical switches, and quantum dot applications. These works emphasize material stability, efficiency, and novel device architectures, reflecting a trend toward practical, high-performance optoelectronic and sensing systems. Scientific Awards: Jonathan F. Reichert & Barbara Wolff-Reichert Award for Excellence in Advanced Laboratory Instruction, American Physical Society (2025) Provost's Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentoring, UT Dallas (2022) Hyer Award, Undergraduate Research Mentoring, American Physical Society, Texas Section (2019) Institutional Improvement Award, The University of Texas at Dallas (2018) Hyer Award, Graduate Research Mentoring, American Physical Society, Texas Section (2014) Regent's Outstanding Teaching Award, University of Texas System (2014) Outstanding Alumni Award, Southern Nazarene University (2013) Dr. Slinker has been actively involved in mentoring undergraduate and graduate researchers, recognized through multiple awards. He has secured significant research funding from the National Science Foundation and the Office of Naval Research. Current grants include projects on stable electroluminescent devices, REU programs in physics, high-precision characterization of bioinspired nanowires, and DNA-inspired nanoscale electronic devices. He leads the Slinker Group , which focuses on mixed conductor optoelectronics and electrochemical biosensors. The group develops novel materials and devices at the intersection of physics, chemistry, and engineering, aiming to advance both fundamental understanding and real-world applications in energy and healthcare.
Ching-Lien Hsiao is an Associate Professor (Docent) at the Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology (IFM), Linköping University. His research focuses on the development of electronic-grade III-nitride semiconductor thin films and nanostructures using magnetron sputter epitaxy for industrial applications in chiroptical elements, electronics, and optoelectronics. PhD in Physics from National Sun Yat-Sen University, Taiwan (2004) Postdoctoral research at National Taiwan University (2004-2008) Current appointments: Associate Professor at IFM, Linköping University His work spans the synthesis and characterization of AlN, GaN, and InN materials, with a particular emphasis on understanding atomic-scale processes during film growth. Research applications include high-power electronic devices, optical elements, and quantum technologies. Scientific funding includes support from the Swedish Research Council, Swedish Energy Agency, Olle Engkvist Foundation, and STINT. Recent publications highlight advancements in gallium oxide devices, tantalum nitride growth mechanisms, and magnetron sputtering techniques for semiconductor applications. Key Awards: Outstanding Postdoc Fellowship, National Science Council, Taiwan (2008)
Antonios G. Kladas is a Full Professor at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, where he directs the Laboratory of Electrical Machines and Power Electronics. He holds a Diploma from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (1982) and DEA/PhD degrees from Université Paris VI (1983-1987). His academic career spans roles as Assistant Professor (1996-2001), Associate Professor (2001-2006), and Full Professor (2006-present). Research Focus: Prof. Kladas specializes in electric machine and transformer design, renewable energy systems, industrial drives, and electromagnetic field computation. His work integrates finite-element modeling with optimization techniques for applications in electric vehicles, aerospace actuators, and power grids. Key innovations include hybrid electromagnetic-thermal methodologies and multi-objective evolutionary algorithms for motor design. Awarded the Best Paper Award at ICEM 2010 , he has led projects like the EU Clean Sky Programme and the fuel-efficient 'Pyrforos' vehicle prototype (Shell Eco Marathon 2012). He serves on steering committees for IEEE CEFC and ICEM conferences and has evaluated research programs for Italian/Portuguese agencies. Major Grants: EU Clean Sky (HPEM, EMAS), HERACLITOS II (electric vehicles), CREAM (integrated actuators) Advising: Supervised 14 PhD theses and >100 undergraduate projects on topics ranging from PM motor optimization to wave energy converters. Laboratory Leadership: Oversees 50+ researchers in the NTUA Laboratory of Electrical Machines and Power Electronics, focusing on experimental validation of industrial and renewable energy systems.
