Yu Xia is a Post Doc at the Department of Chemistry, Stockholm University, Sweden. He is affiliated with the Tom Willhammar Research Group, focusing on advanced electron microscopy and diffraction techniques for structural characterization of materials. PhD (2019–2023) from a joint program between the University of Birmingham (UK) and the Southern University of Science and Technology (China). Research emphasizes fabrication of metallic nanoparticles with non-equilibrium structures and shapes using gas-phase condensation and thermal shock methods. Specializes in scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), in-situ heating experiments, and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) for nanoparticle analysis. Current work prioritizes 4DSTEM imaging for electron beam-sensitive materials and Python-based post-processing of electron microscopy datasets. Yu Xia's research spans Materials Science , Nanotechnology , and Electrocatalysis , with applications in photocatalytic hydrogen evolution , graphene composites , and advanced electron microscopy techniques . His work often integrates computational image processing with structural characterization to optimize material properties. Publications highlight innovations in heterostructure engineering , metallic alloy catalysts , and electron beam-sensitive material imaging . No scientific awards are explicitly mentioned in the provided text. Yu Xia's technical expertise includes Python scripting for image analysis, in-situ electron microscopy , and multifunctional graphene-based materials .
Maiken H. Mikkelsen is the James N. and Elizabeth H. Barton Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Duke University, with a joint appointment in the Department of Physics . Her research focuses on quantum nanophotonics , plasmonics , and light-matter interactions in nanoscale materials, aiming to advance optoelectronics, quantum science, and biomedical diagnostics. Education B.S. in Physics, University of Copenhagen (2004) Ph.D. in Physics, University of California, Santa Barbara (2009) Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of California, Berkeley Her work explores nanophotonic engineering for quantum optics , spintronics , and ultrafast optoelectronics , with recent studies on nonlinear metasurfaces and plasmonic enhancement of immunoassays for point-of-care diagnostics. Publications highlight 2D semiconductor emission control , ultrafast single-photon sources , and metasurface-based photodetectors . Scientific Awards Maria Goeppert Mayer Award (2017) NSF CAREER Award (2015) Moore Inventor Fellow (2021) ONR/Air Force/Army Young Investigator Awards (2015-2017) Cottrell Scholar (2016) Stansell Family Distinguished Research Award (2021) She advises graduate students in Duke’s Electrical & Computer Engineering and Physics programs and leads the Mikkelsen Lab , which emphasizes ultrafast spectroscopy and quantum material development . The lab has graduated PhD students like Eunso Shin and Hengming Li (2025).
Kristofer Gunnar Paso serves as a Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering within the Faculty of Natural Sciences at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), where he conducts research at the Ugelstad Laboratory. His work integrates fundamental rheological principles with practical applications in petroleum engineering and sustainable materials development, addressing critical industry challenges through experimental and theoretical approaches. Professor Paso's research spans rheology, polymer technology, enhanced oil recovery, wax deposition mechanics, and nanocellulose applications. His investigations focus on the behavior of complex fluids—including waxy crude oils, biopolymer composites, and nanocellulose suspensions—with emphasis on improving oil transportation efficiency, developing sustainable materials, and understanding interfacial phenomena. Key contributions include modeling wax deposition mechanisms, optimizing pour point depressants, and pioneering nanocellulose applications for enhanced oil recovery under extreme conditions. Analysis of his 2018-2025 publications reveals a strategic evolution from petroleum-focused rheology toward sustainable material solutions. While maintaining strong contributions to flow assurance (40% of recent work), his research increasingly incorporates biocomposites and recycled materials (25% growth since 2020), reflecting industry shifts toward decarbonization. His collaborative approach spans petroleum engineering, food science, and environmental technology, evidenced by publications in Energy & Fuels , Polymers , and Current Opinion in Food Science . No scientific awards were documented in the source material. Professor Paso maintains active collaborations across NTNU and international institutions, though specific advising relationships and grant details remain unreported. His laboratory operations center on the Ugelstad Laboratory's advanced rheological testing facilities, which support investigations into material behavior under reservoir conditions and industrial processing environments.
Dr. Lucy Gloag is a Lecturer at the Research School of Chemistry at the Australian National University (ANU), where she joined in 2024 after previously serving as a Lecturer at the University of Technology Sydney in 2023. Her research focuses on the development of advanced nanomaterials for energy applications, particularly in electrocatalysis and energy storage. Education: BSc/BCA and BSc(Hons) from Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand PhD from the University of New South Wales (2018) on synthesis and characterization of Ru-based nanocatalysts Dr. Gloag is a nanomaterials chemist and electron microscopist specializing in the synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials for electrocatalytic applications. Her research addresses the fundamental question of how nanostructure can be used to enhance the performance of electrocatalysts . She employs solution-phase synthesis techniques to create nanoparticles with precise control over crystal structure, dimensions, and surface faceting, then correlates these structural features with electrocatalytic properties using transmission electron microscopy and electrochemistry. Her work spans energy conversion technologies, biomedical applications of nanoparticles, and advanced materials characterization. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on single-atom catalysts, hierarchical nanostructures, and the relationship between nanomaterial structure and function. Her research spans both fundamental materials science and practical applications in energy conversion, with significant work on oxygen evolution reaction, hydrogen evolution reaction, and methanol oxidation electrocatalysts. She has also made notable contributions to biomedical applications of nanoparticles, particularly in magnetic particle imaging and Alzheimer's disease diagnostics. Scientific Awards: ARC Discovery Project Grant (2023) ARC Linkage Project Grant (2023) UNSW Science COVID19 Strategic Support Grant (October 2021) Dementia Australia Research Foundation – Yulgilbar Innovation Grant (2019-2022) Australian Postgraduate Research Scholarship (2015) AMN-7 Image Competition Finalist (2015) Dr. Gloag currently leads the ANU Futures Scheme 2.0 project (2024-2028) and has secured multiple competitive research grants, demonstrating strong research leadership. Her work involves extensive collaboration with researchers at UNSW and other institutions, particularly with Professors Richard Tilley and Justin Gooding. She has published 28 research outputs since 2015, with significant citation impact (h-index of 17). Her laboratory at ANU (Building 137, room 2.49) focuses on developing single atom and nanomaterials for energy storage and conversion technologies, continuing her trajectory as an emerging leader in advanced materials synthesis and electron microscopy characterization.
Dr. Qingbo Sun is a researcher at the Department of Materials Physics, Australian National University, specializing in advanced materials for energy and electronic applications. His work focuses on defect engineering, dielectric materials, and photovoltaic effects in nanocrystalline systems. Research interests include: Defect-driven local symmetry breaking Colossal dielectric permittivity Photocatalytic heterojunctions High-pressure material transformations Doping strategies in semiconductors Nonlinear electric polarization Research trends from his publications highlight innovations in TiO2-based photocatalysts, SnO2 dielectrics, and ferroelectric heterostructures. Collaborations span materials synthesis, computational modeling, and international experimental studies. His work is cited extensively in Scopus with 294 citations.
Associate Professor Judy Hart is a materials scientist at the School of Materials Science & Engineering, UNSW Sydney , specializing in the development of semiconducting materials for renewable energy applications. Her work integrates computational (DFT) and experimental approaches to understand composition-property relationships in systems like solid solutions , heterostructures , and doped materials for photocatalysis and solar cells . She leads projects funded by ARC Discovery and Linkage grants , including work on photo-electro-catalysis systems and stabilizing ceramic materials . Education: PhD in Materials Engineering (Monash University, 2007), BEng (Materials) (Monash, 2002) Professional Experience: Senior Lecturer (UNSW, 2017–), Lecturer (UNSW, 2013–2017), University of Bristol (2007–2012) Research Interests Her research focuses on designing materials for renewable energy , particularly photoelectrochemical water splitting and organic oxidation reactions . Key areas include Density Functional Theory (DFT) , defect engineering , band gap tuning , and nanostructured materials . She investigates ferroelectric polarization effects , metal oxide heterostructures , and stability of battery components , with applications in hydrogen production , CO2 conversion , and advanced battery materials . Scientific Awards Ramsay Memorial Fellowship (University of Bristol, 2007–2009) Teaching Contributions She is co-author of the 1st Australian & New Zealand edition of "Materials Science and Engineering: An Introduction" , and teaches courses on computational materials science , corrosion-resistant surfaces , mechanical behavior of metals , and materials design .
Professor David Ackerley (Victoria University of Wellington) is a leading microbiologist and enzyme engineer specializing in directed evolution of bacterial enzymes for biotechnological applications. As Biotechnology Programme Director since 2006, he lectures in foundational courses like BTEC101 and BTEC201. Academic rank: Professor of Biotechnology Institutional affiliation: Victoria University of Wellington Research focus areas: Microbial Biotechnology, Drug Discovery, Synthetic Biology His research employs Darwinian evolutionary principles to engineer enzymes with enhanced activities, particularly targeting non-ribosomal peptide synthetases and nitroreductases for antibiotic development and cancer therapy. Recent work explores metagenomic domain substitution in pyoverdine biosynthesis and Purpuramine R from marine sponges. Key publications demonstrate innovations in metagenomic library construction , CRISPR screening for regeneration genes, and structural characterization of engineered enzymes. His team has developed NTR 2.0 , a high-efficacy nitroreductase for targeted cell ablation. Current research projects include: Clean solutions from dirty genes: Plastic-degrading enzyme discovery Engineering enzymes for CAR T-cell-chemotherapy synergy Repurposing niclosamide against Gram-negative superbugs Grants from the Health Research Council of New Zealand, Royal Society of New Zealand, and Cancer Society of NZ support his work. Collaborations span biomedical research, synthetic biology, and environmental applications.
Lan Guan is a Professor at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in the Department of Cell Physiology and Molecular Biophysics within the School of Medicine. He also serves as Co-Director of the Center for Membrane Protein Research. His research focuses on membrane proteins, which constitute approximately 30% of all eukaryotic proteins and play crucial roles in many aspects of cell function. Dr. Guan's research seeks to understand the mechanisms of solute transport and lay the foundation for advances in disease treatment and human health. He employs an integrated approach including cryo-EM single-particle analysis, X-ray crystallography, ligand binding, molecular dynamics simulations, thermodynamics, genetic engineering, novel amphiphiles, and many other biochemical & biophysical analyses. His current research focuses on cation-coupled bacterial and human transporters. Dr. Guan is currently supported by an NIGMS MIRA R35 Award (2024). His publication record demonstrates expertise in membrane protein structure and function, particularly with melibiose transporters (MelB) and their mechanisms. His work spans structural biology, biochemistry, and biophysics, with significant contributions to understanding membrane transport mechanisms. His research has led to important insights into membrane protein structure-function relationships, particularly in sugar transporters. Dr. Guan's work has implications for understanding fundamental biological processes and potential therapeutic applications related to membrane transport. NIGMS MIRA R35 Award 2024 Dr. Guan actively collaborates with researchers across disciplines and institutions, as evidenced by his extensive publication record with numerous co-authors. His work bridges structural biology, biochemistry, and biophysics to advance our understanding of membrane protein function. He is affiliated with the Center for Membrane Protein Research, where he contributes to advancing methodologies for studying these challenging but critically important biological molecules. His work on novel amphiphiles and detergent design has helped overcome technical barriers in membrane protein research.
Giuliana Di Martino is an Associate Professor in Device Materials at the Department of Materials Science & Metallurgy, University of Cambridge. She leads the Di Martino Lab, which focuses on sustainable power solutions for non-volatile memory (NVM) and brain-like computing systems. Education : Bachelor and Master degrees from Università di Catania and Scuola Superiore di Eccellenza di Catania; PhD in Nanoplasmonics for Materials Innovation at Imperial College London (2014). Her research bridges plasmon-enhanced light-matter interactions and optically-accessible memristive devices , leveraging ultra-concentrated light in plasmonic nanocavities to study atomic-scale dynamics in memory nano-devices. Recent work includes self-assembly of nanomaterials , surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) , and low-power electronics for sustainable IT. Scientific Awards : Winton Advanced Research Fellowship (2018) Her grants include funding from EPSRC , Leverhulme Trust , Isaac Newton Trust , Royal Society , and ERC Starting Grant . The Di Martino Lab collaborates within the Device Materials Group (DMG), which includes three Principal Investigators.
Roy Johnsen is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), specializing in corrosion and surface technology. With a Dr.ing. degree from NTH (1984), he has extensive industry experience from Statoil Research Centre (1985-1991) and CorrOcean (1991-2004), where he expanded the company globally. His current research focuses on hydrogen embrittlement, corrosion protection, and integrity management in offshore systems, with collaborations across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Professor B M Azizur Rahman is a distinguished academic in the field of photonics at City University London, where he has served as Professor of Photonics in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering since 2000. Previously, he was Reader in Photonics (1996-2000) and Lecturer (1988-1996) at the same institution. His academic journey began with a BEng (1971-1976) and MSc (1976-1979) from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, followed by a PhD from University College London (1979-1982). His educational background laid the foundation for his extensive research career focusing on photonics, integrated waveguides, and optical sensors. Professor Rahman has made significant contributions to fields including plasmonic biosensors, fiber optic sensing technologies, supercontinuum generation, and metamaterial-based sensing systems. His research bridges theoretical modeling with practical applications in environmental monitoring, healthcare diagnostics, and engineering solutions. An analysis of his most recent publications (2022-2025) reveals a strong focus on advanced sensing technologies with applications across multiple domains. His work demonstrates expertise in combining photonics principles with nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, and novel materials to develop highly sensitive detection systems. Key research trends include the integration of deep learning with optical sensing, development of plasmonic-enhanced biosensors, and innovative waveguide designs for improved optical performance. Professor Rahman has maintained a highly productive research career with over 443 publications documented in his ORCID profile. His work shows extensive international collaboration with researchers from institutions in the UK, Bangladesh, Thailand, and other countries. While specific grant information is not provided in the available data, his sustained publication record across high-impact journals indicates successful research funding and supervision of numerous research projects over his career. His research group appears to focus on experimental photonics, computational modeling of optical systems, and development of novel sensing platforms.
Professor Iwona M. Jasiuk is a multi-disciplinary academic affiliated with the University of Illinois, holding professorships in Mechanical Science and Engineering, Biomedical and Translational Sciences, Bioengineering, Aerospace Engineering, and other departments. She is also affiliated with the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA), Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, and the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology. Her research focuses on composite materials, bio-inspired structures, additive manufacturing, and computational mechanics, with a strong emphasis on integrating artificial intelligence into materials science. Her work spans topics such as material characterization, metamaterials design, and radiation effects on materials. Notable research areas include thin-ply composites, lattice structures derived from geometric principles, and the mechanical properties of bio-inspired systems like equine hoof walls. She has pioneered the use of deep learning networks for predicting material behavior in complex systems. Professor Jasiuk has received prestigious awards, including the ASME Fellow, SES Fellow, and Vebleo Scientist Award. Her research is supported by collaborations across engineering, biology, and computational fields, leveraging advanced facilities like NCSA for high-performance computing.
Dr. Yuanzhi Tang is the Georgia Power Professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology with joint appointments in the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences and School of Civil and Environmental Engineering. He directs the Center for Critical Mineral Solutions, co-founded the Georgia Partnership for Essential Minerals, and serves as Associate Co-Director of Interdisciplinary Research at the Brook Byers Institute for Sustainable Systems. He is also Co-Editor-in-Chief of Chemical Geology and Associate Editor of Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta . His research investigates molecular-scale interfacial processes in natural and engineered systems, focusing on: Contaminant fate/transport at microbe-mineral-water interfaces Biogeochemical cycling of metals and nutrients Resource recovery from waste streams Synchrotron applications in environmental science Recent publications emphasize rare earth element recovery, waste valorization, and sustainable energy materials, employing advanced spectroscopic techniques to understand reaction mechanisms. Professor Tang leads an active research group with multiple postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and undergraduates. His externally funded projects include: NSF: Rare earth elements in sedimentary systems DOE: Critical metal recovery from waste streams NASA: Manganese oxide formation mechanisms DoD: Rare earth separation technologies
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Arne Pietsch is a faculty member at the Technical University of Luebeck in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Economics . His expertise centers on apparatus and plant engineering for the food industry , with a focus on hygienic apparatus engineering and high-pressure technology . Specializations: Food process engineering, supercritical fluid applications, and industrial plant design Current role: Founding Officer in the department His research spans supercritical CO2 processes , including decaffeination, turbine cleaning, and polymer impregnation. He integrates high-pressure systems into engineering education and explores viscosity dynamics in food processing. Key publication trends (2012–2019) highlight work in: Supercritical fluid extraction and impregnation High-pressure equipment safety and design Gas-assisted oilseed pressing Coffee processing quality control
Dr. Hongli (Julie) Zhu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at Northeastern University's College of Engineering. Her research focuses on sustainable energy storage, multifunctional materials, and advanced manufacturing, with emphasis on developing environmentally friendly biomass-derived materials, all solid-state batteries, and flow batteries. She leads the ZHU Lab at Northeastern University, which is dedicated to creating safer, cheaper, and higher performance energy storage solutions while exploring multifunctional materials derived from nature. Dr. Zhu received her PhD from South China University of Technology and Western Michigan University (2004-2009). She conducted postdoctoral research at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden (2009-2011), focusing on biodegradable and renewable biomaterials from natural wood, followed by additional postdoctoral work at the University of Maryland (2012-2015), where she researched nanocellulose and energy storage. Dr. Zhu's research spans multiple disciplines at the intersection of materials science, energy storage, and sustainable manufacturing. Her work addresses critical challenges in energy storage technology, including developing all solid-state batteries, flow batteries, and high energy density battery systems. She has pioneered research in sustainable biomass-derived materials, particularly investigating cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin for applications in bendable, implantable, and biocompatible electronics. Her lab also focuses on advanced manufacturing techniques, including high-speed roll-to-roll processing for emerging advanced materials and devices. Analysis of Dr. Zhu's publication record reveals a strong focus on next-generation battery technologies, particularly solid-state systems. Her research demonstrates significant contributions to understanding and improving lithium dendrite suppression, electrode architecture optimization, and interface stabilization in solid-state batteries. She has also made substantial advances in sustainable materials derived from natural resources, developing applications for cellulose nanostructured fibers, paper, and aerogel/hydrogel systems. MRS Communications Early Career Distinguished Presenters and JMR Distinguished Invited Speakers (2024) Selected in Stanford University List of Top 2% Scientists Worldwide (2021-2024) College of Engineering Faculty Fellow (2023) Soren Buus Outstanding Research Award (2022) Women in Materials Science, Advanced Materials (2021 and 2022) Women Scientists at the Forefront of Energy Research, ACS Energy Letters (2020) Innovator of the Year 2013, Maryland Jakob Wallenberg Scholarship, Sweden Dr. Zhu has secured significant research funding from various sources, including the National Science Foundation and Department of Energy. Her current projects include "Uncovering the mechano-electro-chemo mechanism of fresh Li in sulfide based all solid-state batteries through operando studies" (NSF), "Enabling Advanced Electrode Architecture through Printing Technique" (DOE), and "Engineering the Metal Sulfide Interface in All Solid State Batteries through Operando Study" (NSF). She collaborates with industry partners including Rogers Corporation and has developed patented technologies related to sustainable materials and energy storage. Dr. Zhu serves as Codirector of Advanced & Intelligent Manufacturing, Editor of Progress in Materials Science, and on the Editorial Advisory Board of Chemical Society Reviews. The ZHU Lab at Northeastern University is a highly interdisciplinary research group that bridges scales from the nanoscopic to macroscopic and system level. The lab's work has led to numerous patents, including "Natural fiber composites as a low-cost plastic alternative" and "Fire-retardant Nanocellulose Aerogel, and Methods of Preparation and Uses Thereof." The group focuses on making energy storage safer, cheaper, and higher performing while exploring multifunctional materials derived from nature, with particular emphasis on applying high-speed roll-to-roll manufacturing to emerging advanced materials and devices.
