Find Academic Supervisors

Randall HeadrickView profile

Professor

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Materials Science
• Thin Film Growth
• +3 more

Randall Headrick serves as a Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Vermont's College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences. Based in Innovation Hall (Room E218, Burlington, VT), he holds a Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania (1988) and maintains an active research program in experimental condensed matter physics. His educational background includes: Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, 1988 Professor Headrick's research focuses on experimental investigations of condensed matter systems, with particular emphasis on thin-film growth kinetics, etching processes, and real-time characterization of surface evolution. His work bridges fundamental surface science and applied materials engineering, utilizing advanced diffraction techniques to probe nanoscale dynamics during material synthesis and modification. Key methodologies include in-situ x-ray and electron diffraction studies under controlled growth conditions. Analysis of his recent publications (2021-2025) reveals dominant themes in perovskite solar cell optimization, ion-beam nanopatterning of semiconductor surfaces, and organic thin-film dynamics. His research consistently employs synchrotron-based x-ray scattering to resolve transient phases and nanoscale phenomena during growth processes, with increasing focus on energy materials like halide perovskites and oxide semiconductors. No scientific awards were documented in the provided source material. The available information does not specify doctoral advisees or grant funding details, though his involvement in semiconductor education initiatives suggests curriculum development activities. His publication record indicates collaborative work with national laboratories for synchrotron experiments. While not explicitly named, his research necessitates specialized laboratories for thin-film deposition (including pulsed laser deposition and sputtering systems) coupled with real-time x-ray characterization capabilities. His work on semiconductor engineering education implies connections to UVM's Certificate of Graduate Study in Semiconductor Engineering and Physics program.

• Additive Manufacturing
• 3D Printing
• Renewable Energy Systems
• +7 more

Jing Zhang is an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University, based in Indianapolis with a courtesy appointment in West Lafayette. Her research focuses on additive manufacturing, multi-scale modeling, thermal barrier coatings, and ceramic materials for energy and biomedical applications. She holds a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from Drexel University and B.A. degrees in Manufacturing Engineering and Metal Forming from Chinese universities. Her work integrates computational methods like finite element modeling and discrete element modeling with experimental techniques to address challenges in materials processing and energy systems. Key research areas include 3D printing innovations, renewable energy materials, and biomedical device design. She has developed customized 3D printers and explored applications of ceramics in thermal protection systems. Her studies on fracture mechanics in coatings and biomechanical stability of bone fixations highlight her interdisciplinary approach. Recent publications emphasize advanced manufacturing techniques, material synthesis, and computational modeling. She has contributed to reviews on thermal barrier coatings and high-entropy ceramics. Her educational efforts include integrating 3D printing and virtual reality into engineering curricula through projects like ventilator prototyping and open-source hardware development.

Maria Crespo-RibadeneyraView profile

Lecturer

• Sustainable materials discovery
• Beyond lithium-ion batteries
• Electrochemical interfaces
• +6 more

Dr. Maria Crespo-Ribadeneyra is a Lecturer in Green Materials for Energy at the School of Engineering and Materials Science , Queen Mary University of London. She is also a member of the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) School Culture and Policy Team and serves as a Mental Health First Aider. Her research focuses on sustainable energy materials, particularly sodium-ion batteries and carbon composites. Current affiliations: Queen Mary University of London, Centre for Sustainable Engineering Research themes: Sustainable battery design, operando characterization, biomimetic materials Grants: Royal Society grant (2024-2026) for sodium-ion battery interfaces; British Council funding (2023-2024) for education partnerships Research Trends: Recent work spans sodium-ion battery anodes, sulfur-doped carbon electrodes, structural supercapacitors, and sustainable upcycling of waste materials like PET. Collaborations include institutions across Europe and the UK. Teaching & Outreach: Maintains in-person office hours (Wednesdays 10-12) and is part of the EDI/mental health support infrastructure.

Jerrold A. FloroView profile

Professor

• Nanoscale self-assembly
• Magnetic materials
• Rapid solidification
• +5 more

Jerrold A. Floro is a Professor and Associate Chair for Academics in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Virginia. His research focuses on nanoscale self-assembly, pattern formation in inorganic materials, and advanced materials processing techniques such as additive manufacturing and rapid solidification. He earned a B.S. in Physics from Colorado State University (1983), a Ph.D. in Materials Science from MIT (1992), and conducted postdoctoral research at Sandia National Laboratories. His research interests include magnetic materials, thermoelectric systems, and microstructure control in bulk and thin-film materials. Key projects involve developing eco-friendly thermoelectric alloys, exchange-coupled nanochessboard magnets, and additive manufacturing of optical reflectors using Invar-copper composites. He has received the Hartfield-Jefferson Scholars Teaching Prize (2012) and a DOE Materials Science Award (1994). Grants include NSF-funded research on nanochessboard magnetism and laser-driven eutectic microstructure formation. Floro teaches courses on materials investigations and introductory engineering, emphasizing hands-on exploration of crystallography and electronic structure. His lab explores nanomaterials for energy, electronics, and aerospace applications, leveraging expertise in thin film growth, laser processing, and solid-state phase transformations.

• Materials Engineering
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Quantum Dynamics Simulations
• +3 more

Professor Andrew Horsfield is a Visiting Professor in the Department of Materials at Imperial College London, part of the Faculty of Engineering. He retired in 2024 but continues his academic contributions. His research focuses on materials engineering and condensed matter physics, with expertise in computational modeling of materials, quantum dynamics simulations, and first-principles calculations. Key areas include corrosion mechanisms of metals like magnesium and zirconium, electronic structure analysis, and molecular-level sensor design. Education: Joined Imperial College in 2007 as a faculty member, later transitioning to Visiting Professor. Research Themes: Extensive work on magnesium and zirconium corrosion, electronic properties of materials, and quantum phenomena in nanoscale systems. Publications: Over 80 peer-reviewed articles since 2007, emphasizing computational methods and their applications to material science challenges. His recent studies explore hydrogen bonding under strain, interface polarization in electrochemical systems, and machine learning-enhanced electronic structure calculations. Horsfield’s interdisciplinary approach bridges theoretical physics and applied materials engineering, addressing industrial challenges such as corrosion prevention and sensor development.

Quinn QiaoView profile

Professor

• Batteries
• Solar Cells
• Micro/Nano Fabrication
• +7 more

Quinn Qiao is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Syracuse University, with an affiliate Professor role in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. He currently serves as the Interim Associate Dean for Research and Site Director of the NSF IUCRC Center for Solid-State Electric Power Storage (CEPS), while also leading the NSF Engine project on campus. Previously, he held the Harold C. Hohbach Professorship in Electrical Engineering at South Dakota State University and directed the U.S. Economic Development Center there. Education: Ph.D. in Engineering (Virginia Commonwealth University, 2006) M.S. in Optics and Fine Mechanics (Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 2003) B.S. in Engineering (Hefei University of Technology, 1999) Dr. Qiao’s research focuses on energy storage and photovoltaic technologies, including lithium-ion, lithium-metal, and solid-state batteries; perovskite and organic solar cells; and biomedical sensors. His work emphasizes improving material stability, charge transport efficiency, and scalability for real-world applications. He has pioneered methods for grain engineering in perovskite materials, developed novel interfacial designs for lithium metal anodes, and advanced sensor networks for precision agriculture. His publications highlight breakthroughs in battery anode optimization, perovskite solar cell fabrication, and sensor technology. The articles collectively address challenges in energy storage systems, such as dendrite suppression in lithium batteries and defect passivation in solar cells. Recent work explores hybrid materials and advanced manufacturing techniques to enhance device performance and longevity. Awards: 2019 SDSU Commercialization Award 2016 Faculty Excellence for Global Engagement in Research 2015 Distinguished Researcher of the Year 2010 NSF CAREER Award 2009 Bergmann Memorial Research Award 2006 Chinese Government Award for Outstanding Self-Financed Student Abroad Qiao has advised numerous students and led grants focused on energy storage and photovoltaics. He co-founded the CEPS center and contributed to the NSF Engine project, fostering industry-academia collaborations. His research labs focus on nanomaterials synthesis, electrochemical characterization, and device prototyping. He maintains affiliations with interdisciplinary teams at Syracuse University and previously at South Dakota State University, where he directed the U.S. Economic Development Center and mentored researchers in advanced materials for photonics and energy systems.

Hooman Mehdizadeh-RadView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Green Hydrogen
• Sustainable Energy Systems
• Solar Energy Technologies
• +7 more

Dr. Hooman Mehdizadeh-Rad is a Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering and Coordinator of the Master of Engineering program at Charles Darwin University's Faculty of Science and Technology. His research focuses on sustainable energy systems, green hydrogen, solar technologies (including organic and perovskite solar cells), thermal management, and building energy performance. He holds Chartered Engineer status and has received multiple awards, such as the 2023 Emerging Professional Engineer of the Year (Australia) and the 2022 Sir George Julius Medal. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to affordable and clean energy. Education: B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering; Ph.D. in designing thin film solar cells (Charles Darwin University). He teaches Mechanical Engineering and Project Management units and actively supervises postgraduate students. Notable projects include 'Developing local capacity to monitor urban innovation design' and 'Perovskite cell measurement and performance research.' Research interests span heat mitigation in tropical regions, solar energy integration, and advanced materials for energy systems. His recent publications analyze FRP durability, machine learning in material science, and perovskite solar cell optimization. Awards highlight his contributions to engineering innovation and teaching excellence.

Dong HouView profile

Assistant Professor

• Energy Science
• Energy Storage Materials
• Electrochemistry
• +6 more

Dr. Dong Hou is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Clemson University, joining in January 2024. His research focuses on energy materials for electrochemical applications, advanced characterization techniques, and ceramics manufacturing. He holds a Ph.D. from North Carolina State University (2017) and a B.Eng. from Central South University, China (2013). Prior to Clemson, he served as a Research Assistant Professor at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (2022–2023), and conducted postdoctoral research at Virginia Tech (2019–2022) and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (2018–2019). Research Interests : Dr. Hou’s work spans energy storage materials, electrochemistry, battery design, and advanced characterization methods such as synchrotron X-ray diffraction, neutron scattering, and machine learning-driven data analysis. His projects include optimizing Ni-rich layered cathodes, developing sustainable electrolytes, and studying phase transformations in energy materials. Key Contributions : His recent studies address thermal stability of battery materials, interfacial degradation in solid-state batteries, and cross-length-scale material dynamics. He employs cutting-edge techniques like in situ synchrotron measurements to uncover hidden mechanisms in energy systems. Labs & Collaborations : While no lab name is explicitly stated, his research aligns with Clemson’s Energy Materials and Engineering focus. Collaborations involve institutions like Virginia Tech and the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource.

Jeffrey DyckView profile

Professor

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Thermoelectric Materials
• Photovoltaic Materials
• +3 more

Jeffrey Dyck is a Professor in the Department of Physics and Engineering at John Carroll University (JCU). He holds a PhD from Case Western Reserve University (2000) and a B.A. from Goshen College. His research focuses on condensed matter physics, specifically low-temperature electrical and thermal transport properties of materials for energy applications like photovoltaics and thermoelectrics. He has secured funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and Research Corporation. Dr. Dyck teaches courses including Physics I, Advanced Laboratory, and Electricity & Magnetism Workshop. His experimental lab explores novel materials for energy optimization, with recent work on perovskite thin films and thermoelectric nanomaterials. He has published extensively on topics such as thermal conductivity of hybrid perovskites, Seebeck coefficient measurements, and diluted magnetic semiconductors. He serves as faculty sponsor for JCU’s Society of Physics Students and previously held roles in the Ohio-Region Section of the American Physical Society (OSAPS). His teaching innovations include integrating computational methods into the physics curriculum and developing advanced laboratory experiments. His research emphasizes nanostructured materials synthesized via bottom-up approaches, with an emphasis on improving energy efficiency through material optimization. Notable areas include the effects of methylammonium ions on phonon scattering and the thermal properties of zinc germanium nitride rods.

Benjamin CottsView profile

Assistant Professor

• Clean Energy Materials
• Quantum Dots
• Organic Semiconductors
• +5 more

Benjamin Cotts is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Middlebury College. He teaches general, physical, and analytical chemistry courses and leads research focused on developing abundant and affordable clean energy materials to address climate change. His work combines experimental techniques with computational analysis to study emerging semiconductors like quantum dots and organic semiconductors. Education: Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry (University of California, Berkeley, 2016); B.A. in Chemistry (Carleton College, 2011) Professional Experience: Postdoctoral researcher at Stanford University (2016-2021); Presidential Management Fellow at the U.S. Department of Energy (2017-2018) His research explores charge transfer states in organic semiconductors and thermalization/trapping in quantum dots using time-resolved spectroscopies . He collaborates with national facilities like the Advanced Photon Source and SLAC MeV-UED for structural analysis of light-absorbing materials. The Cotts Lab employs Python-based data analysis to interpret photophysical behavior and optimize device efficiency. Current projects examine solid-state solvation effects on OLED emitters and investigate how microscale molecular arrangements influence device stability. Students in his lab gain hands-on experience with advanced instrumentation and data processing techniques.

Ikemefuna J. UbaView profile

Assistant Professor

• Materials Science
• Reliability Engineering
• Integrated Photonics
• +5 more

Dr. Ikemefuna J. Uba is Assistant Professor and Chair of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at Hampton University's School of Engineering, Architecture and Aviation. Holding dual PhDs in Electrical and Computer Engineering (Howard University, 2019) and Condensed Matter Physics (Nnamdi Azikiwe University, 2015), his research spans materials science, semiconductor physics, and photonic device engineering. Education: Ph.D., Electrical and Computer Engineering, Howard University, 2019 Ph.D., Condensed Matter Physics, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, 2015 His expertise focuses on engineering electro-magneto and spin properties of semiconductors and composites for device applications, with particular emphasis on integrated photonics, LEDs, and biomedical systems. Prior to his faculty role, he served as a Research Assistant Professor in the Hampton-Brandeis PREM partnership program, developing materials for photonic applications. Recent Research Trends: His recent publications (2021-2023) center on photonic composites, waveguide analysis, and perovskite material characterization. Earlier work includes semiconductor reliability modeling (2013-2015) and foundational studies on magnetoresistance and superlattice transport (2011-2015). Technical Expertise: Materials synthesis, optical/electrical characterization, device failure analysis, and computational modeling of transport phenomena.

Beatriz Blanco BesteiroView profile

Assistant Professor

• Biomedical Engineering
• Computational Modeling
• Tumor Dynamics
• +3 more

Beatriz Blanco Besteiro is an Assistant Professor at the University of Santiago de Compostela's Higher Polytechnic School of Engineering, affiliated with the Department of Electronics and Computing and the GSI Group (Intelligent Systems Group). Her research focuses on computational modeling of tumor dynamics, ultrasound therapeutics, and biomedical engineering applications. She also explores educational methodologies like project-based learning in engineering curricula. She holds a Doctorate from the University of Granada (2023), with a thesis titled Modeling avascular tumor dynamics and low-intensity ultrasound therapeutics , advised by Dr. Guillermo Rus Carlborg and Dr. Juan Manuel Melchor Rodríguez. Her work bridges computational science and medical applications, including mechanotransduction studies and nondestructive material testing via ultrasonics. Her recent articles analyze therapeutic ultrasound effects on cancer stem cells, plagiarism detection in programming assignments, and tumor growth mechanics. Research trends emphasize interdisciplinary approaches combining biophysics with computational tools for medical and educational challenges. Blanco Besteiro contributes to the GSI Group's efforts in intelligent systems and has designed innovative engineering curricula using project-based learning frameworks. While no awards are explicitly listed, her active publication record reflects sustained research engagement in biomedical and educational technology domains.

Chuang DengView profile

Associate Professor

• Materials Science
• Metallurgy
• Nanostructures
• +4 more

Dr. Chuang Deng is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Manitoba, part of the Price Faculty of Engineering. He holds a PhD in Materials Science from the University of Vermont and a BSc in Materials Physics from Fudan University. His research focuses on materials modeling and simulation, investigating processing-structure-property relationships in metallic materials, including grain boundaries, metallic glasses, and high entropy alloys. He leads the Laboratory of Nanoscale Materials and actively seeks graduate students for research in grain boundary dynamics and high-entropy steels. Dr. Deng's work spans atomic-scale simulations and machine learning to explore material behavior under various conditions. His current opportunities include two PhD positions for 2024 intake, emphasizing structural and thermodynamic studies of grain boundaries and high-entropy steel design. He has advised numerous students and collaborators, including postdocs and visiting scholars. His publications highlight contributions to understanding deformation mechanisms, grain boundary migration, and nanomaterials' mechanical properties. His research interests are reflected in recent publications on grain boundary stagnation, shear-coupled migration, and nanomaterials' energy absorption capabilities. Collaborations span institutions like the University of Pittsburgh and Zhejiang University. Dr. Deng teaches courses in materials science and engineering, including diffusion in solids and nanomaterials' physical properties.

Carter HamiltonView profile

Associate Professor

• Friction Stir Welding
• Solid-State Joining Technologies
• Material Microstructure Analysis
• +3 more

Dr. Carter Hamilton is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering at Miami University. He holds a Ph.D. in Metallurgical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology (1997), with prior industry experience at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics and Universal Alloy Corporation. His research focuses on Friction Stir Welding (FSW), a solid-state joining technology critical to manufacturing. Dr. Hamilton’s work explores FSW applications in aluminum and magnesium alloys, emphasizing microstructural analysis, thermal modeling, and material behavior under varied conditions. Education: B.S. (1992), M.S. (1995), and Ph.D. (1997) in Materials/Metallurgical Engineering from Georgia Tech. He joined Miami University in 2005 after roles as Quality Manager/Plant Metallurgist and aerospace engineering practitioner. Research emphasizes FSW’s role in joining dissimilar materials, optimizing welding parameters, and understanding post-weld aging/thermal effects. Collaborations with institutions in Poland (e.g., AGH University of Science and Technology) are evident in co-authored studies on microstructure evolution and joint integrity. Teaching focuses on materials science, manufacturing processes, and statistical quality control. His publications span over two decades, addressing topics like FSW of Mg-Al alloy combinations, powder bed fusion quality control, and machine learning in additive manufacturing.

Priyanka AgrawalView profile

Assistant Professor

• Additive Manufacturing
• High Entropy Alloys
• Titanium Alloys
• +4 more

Priyanka Agrawal is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of North Texas. Her research specializes in advanced manufacturing techniques including laser powder bed fusion, additive friction stir deposition, and SolidStir extrusion, with emphasis on transformative alloys and radiation-resistant materials. Key research areas include: Additive manufacturing : laser powder bed fusion of high-entropy and titanium alloys, process-microstructure relationships Solid-state processing : friction stir deposition for metastable alloys and composite development Radiation materials science : ion irradiation effects on phase stability and self-healing mechanisms Mechanical behavior : dwell fatigue in titanium alloys, deformation mechanisms in TRIP/TWIP HEAs Recent publications reveal 80% focus on additive manufacturing and solid-state processing innovations, particularly friction stir technologies. Synchrotron characterization features in 20% of studies for in-situ deformation analysis. Research shows strong cross-cutting themes: 40% address irradiation effects or extreme environment performance, while 60% explore metastable alloy systems with transformation-induced properties.