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Duane CroninView profile

Professor

• Trauma Biomechanics
• Injury Prevention
• Finite Element Modeling
• +5 more

Duane Cronin is a Professor and Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Trauma Biomechanics and Injury Prevention at the University of Waterloo. His research focuses on computational biomechanics, human body modeling, and injury prevention strategies, with applications in automotive safety, sports safety, and military protection systems. He leads a lab investigating material characterization, finite element modeling, and biomechanical testing of musculoskeletal systems. Key areas of study include neck injury mechanisms in vehicle crashes, thorax response to ballistic impacts, and spinal cord biomechanics. He develops advanced computational models validated against experimental data to predict injury risks under various loading conditions. His work integrates multidisciplinary approaches combining engineering, medicine, and computer science. Recent research trends involve refining human body models with anatomically specific geometries and advanced material properties, particularly for vulnerable populations like elderly and pediatric patients. He also explores adhesive joint mechanics in automotive materials and synthetic turf performance in sports injury mitigation. His team collaborates on projects funded by industries and government agencies, aiming to translate biomechanical insights into real-world safety improvements. Active in academic leadership, he mentors graduate students in biomechanics and hosts international symposia to advance injury prevention research.

Sihang LiuView profile

Assistant Professor

• Computer Architecture
• Computer Systems
• Persistent Memory Systems
• +3 more

Dr. Sihang Liu is an Assistant Professor in the School of Computer Science at the University of Waterloo. Prior to this role, he served as a visiting faculty member at SystemsResearch@Google. He holds a PhD from the University of Virginia, where his research was supported by the Google Fellowship Award. His academic career has been marked by contributions to computer architecture, systems, and persistent memory technologies. Dr. Liu's research interests span computer architecture, systems, and cybersecurity, with a focus on persistent memory systems, energy-efficient computing, and data center optimization. His work bridges hardware-software co-design and explores challenges in scalable computing, fault tolerance, and sustainable AI systems. His recent publications highlight advancements in adaptive memory tiering (HybridTier), carbon intensity forecasting (EnsembleCI), and securing persistent memory (Side-Channel Attacks on Optane). These contributions underscore his commitment to addressing critical issues in modern computing systems' performance, security, and environmental impact. Awards: Google Fellowship Award (PhD), NVMW Memorable Paper Award Finalist (2019), 2019 MICRO Top Picks Honorable Mention Professional Service: Program committees for ISCA, MICRO, ASPLOS; Artifact evaluation roles in leading conferences As an advisor, Dr. Liu mentors a diverse group of students, including current PhD candidates Henry Tian and Desen Sun, and numerous undergraduates. His lab focuses on innovation in sustainable computing and resilient systems design.

Derek I. GransdenView profile

Assistant Professor

• Aerospace Engineering
• Crashworthiness Analysis
• Finite Element Methods
• +5 more

Dr. Derek I. Gransden is an Assistant Professor - Teaching Stream in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Carleton University. He holds a B.Eng (2003) and Ph.D (2011) from Carleton University, specializing in vibration and control of parallel chain kinematics. His postdoctoral research at TU Delft focused on composite aircraft crash safety and open-rotor systems impact analysis. He has taught at Carleton University, Laurentian University, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, and Sudbury. His teaching emphasizes novel pedagogical methods in mechanics of materials, dynamics, and finite element analysis, earning a teacher-of-the-year nomination. Research focuses include UAV collision safety, space debris impact mitigation, finite element modeling, and aerospace structural dynamics. Education: B.Eng (Carleton University, 2003), Ph.D (Carleton University, 2011). Research Interests: Crashworthiness analysis of composite aircraft structures Impact dynamics of unmanned aerial systems (UAVs) Hypervelocity impact of space debris on spacecraft Finite element modeling of aerospace systems Active control of flexible aerospace structures Publications highlight advancements in UAV safety standards, space debris mitigation strategies, and material failure analysis under impact conditions. His work bridges computational modeling with real-world safety applications in aviation and aerospace sectors. Awards: Teacher-of-the-year nomination (unspecified year). Teaching Portfolio: Courses include ECOR 1047 (Visual Communications), AERO 4306 (Aerospace Vehicle Performance), and MECH 4604 (Finite Element Methods). He pioneered bio-inspired environmentally-friendly UAV design in AERO 4907O.

Sean MawView profile

Associate Professor

• Sports Engineering
• Winter Sports (Curling, Speed Skating, Skiing)
• Crash Protection Engineering
• +6 more

Sean Maw holds the Jerry G. Huff Chair in Innovative Teaching and is an Associate Professor at the Ron and Jane Graham School of Professional Development, Division of Biomedical Engineering, University of Saskatchewan. His academic career includes roles at Mount Royal University and leadership in Olympic sports engineering projects. He earned a PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Alberta (2002), M.A.Sc. and B.A.Sc. from the University of Waterloo's Systems Design Engineering program (1993, 1990). Research Interests: Sports Engineering: Focuses on winter sports like curling, speed skating, and bobsleigh, with contributions to ice friction modeling, crash protection systems, and equipment optimization. Engineering Education: Specializes in curriculum innovation (e.g., first-year program redesign), academic integrity, creativity in design, and competency-based assessment. Pioneered VR tools like TrussVR for teaching mechanics. Teaching: Currently teaches mechanics, engineering design, and entrepreneurship courses. Recent roles include leading a multidisciplinary capstone design course and piloting competency-based assessment frameworks. Key Projects: Designed crash pads for Short Track Speed Skating. Collaborated with Speed Skating Canada on safety guidelines and equipment testing. Contributed to the Olympic Oval energy audit and sustainability initiatives. Labs/Teams: Active in biomechanics and sports engineering research groups, including collaborations with the Hotchkiss Brain Institute and NASA-related space education projects.