Design Optimisation Professors and Supervisors

Jaume Fitó-De-La-CruzView profile

Associate Professor

University of Savoie Mont BlancFrance

Dr. Jaume Fitó-De-La-Cruz is an Associate Professor at Université Savoie Mont Blanc, where he is affiliated with Polytech Annecy Chambéry engineering school and the LOCIE (Laboratory of Optimisation of Energy and Industrial Processes). He holds a position in CNU Section 62 - Energy, Process Engineering, and maintains an active research program focused on multi-source energy networks and sustainable energy systems. His research interests span energy efficiency, multi-source district heating and cooling systems, hybrid energy networks, energy management optimization, exergy and exergoeconomic analyses, thermodynamic processes, and waste heat recovery. Dr. Fitó-De-La-Cruz has developed innovative approaches for assessing the flexibility potential of interconnected energy networks and has pioneered multi-criteria assessment methods for projects involving multiple stakeholders. Analysis of his recent publication record (2020-2024) reveals a strong focus on district heating networks, waste heat recovery systems, and the integration of demand-side management strategies into energy system design. His work consistently applies comprehensive 4E (energy, exergy, economic, environmental) analysis frameworks to evaluate energy systems, with particular attention to multi-stakeholder projects where different parties have competing objectives. Dr. Fitó-De-La-Cruz teaches Applied Mechanics, Structural Mechanics, Climate Engineering, and Building Information Modeling at Polytech Annecy Chambéry. He has co-developed OMEGAlpes, an open-source optimization tool for district-scale energy planning, and has published extensively on topics related to energy transition and decarbonization strategies for urban energy systems. His research demonstrates how consideration of demand-side management during initial design phases can lead to more efficient system sizing and reduced investment costs. As a member of LOCIE, Dr. Fitó-De-La-Cruz contributes to research on energy system optimization, working closely with industrial partners and other academic institutions on projects related to waste heat valorization, renewable energy integration, and the development of more sustainable urban energy networks.

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Sihem GuernoutiView profile

Researcher

University of Savoie Mont BlancFrance

Sihem Guernouti serves as an Associate Researcher at LOCIE (Laboratoire Optimisation de la Conception et Ingénierie de l'Environnement), a research laboratory affiliated with the University of Savoie Mont Blanc. She is employed by Cerema West (Bureau de Production et d'Expertise), a French public establishment specializing in urban planning and environmental expertise. Her primary research interests lie in building physics and energy efficiency. Specifically, she investigates: Thermal performance of buildings through modeling and measurement Urban-scale thermal behavior of building complexes In situ characterization of building envelope performance Hygothermal (heat and moisture) transfer processes in building materials This research is conducted under the BASE and SITE themes at LOCIE, aiming to enhance sustainable building design and urban climate resilience. Dr. Guernouti's work involves collaboration between LOCIE and Cerema on practical applications for building standards and urban planning. However, details regarding student supervision, active grants, and scientific awards are not specified in available documentation.

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Stylianos SapountzisView profile

Lecturer

University of SalfordUnited Kingdom

Dr. Stylianos Sapountzis serves as Programme Leader for the MSc in Project Management at Salford Business School, University of Salford, where he leads modules including Project Management Leadership and Skills (PG), Advanced Project and Logistic Management (PG), and Project Management (UG). With an industrial background in manufacturing management within the electronics sector, he brings practical expertise to his academic role, having previously worked as a production manager and process engineer focusing on production optimization and new product introduction. His educational background includes: PG Cert Academic Practice (2015, University of Salford) PhD in Project Management (2013, University of Salford) PgDip Advanced Manufacturing Systems (1998, University of Salford) BSc (Hons) Manufacturing with Languages (1997, Manchester Metropolitan University) Dr. Sapountzis specializes in benefits realization frameworks, particularly his BeReal process for healthcare infrastructure projects, with research spanning value generation in projects, lean manufacturing applications, and digital transformation in project management. His scholarly work demonstrates a clear trajectory from healthcare infrastructure research toward contemporary applications of AI in project management and supply chain optimization, with recent publications examining digital transformation challenges in UK higher education and AI applications in negotiation activities. His research portfolio shows strong interdisciplinary connections between traditional project management principles and emerging digital technologies, with significant contributions to understanding how lean thinking can be applied across diverse sectors including healthcare, construction, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. The publication record reveals consistent output with increasing focus on digital transformation and AI applications since 2020. As a key member of the Health and Care Infrastructure Research and Innovation Centre (HaCIRIC), Dr. Sapountzis has presented research to international audiences and national bodies including the Department of Health, NHS Trusts, and Manchester City Council. His teaching expertise encompasses project planning and delivery tools, stakeholder management, and the Lean Toolbox, bridging theoretical concepts with practical industry applications developed through his earlier manufacturing career.

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Anastasios KouvelasView profile

Lecturer

ETH ZurichSwitzerland

Dr. Anastasios Kouvelas is a Lecturer at ETH Zurich, where he serves as head of the Road Traffic Engineering research group at the Institute of Transport Planning and Systems (IVT), Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering. He has held this position since August 2018, succeeding Dr. Monica Menendez who moved to New York University in Abu Dhabi. Prior to joining ETH Zurich, he was a research associate at the Urban Transport Systems Laboratory (LUTS) at EPFL (2014-2018) and a postdoctoral fellow at Partners for Advanced Transportation Technology (PATH) at the University of California, Berkeley (2012-2014). Dr. Kouvelas' research focuses on modeling, simulation, optimization and traffic flow control. His work aims to develop real-time solutions based on control theory and operations research methods. The Road Traffic Engineering group develops algorithmic solutions that are components of intelligent transportation systems used in traffic control centers. Recent technological advances in autonomous vehicles have expanded their research topics as the industry seeks efficient operational solutions for autonomous mobility. They are particularly interested in extending their work to the design of advanced management strategies for urban networks that utilize connected vehicles to improve traffic operations and develop network-wide control strategies that minimize environmental impacts. His recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate strong focus on traffic prediction using deep learning techniques, bike lane allocation impacts on urban networks, transit network resilience against disruptions, vehicle trajectory extraction from aerial recordings, and traffic control for mixed traffic systems with connected and autonomous vehicles. His work bridges theoretical developments in control theory with practical traffic engineering challenges. Scientific Awards No specific scientific awards were mentioned in the provided information. Advising and Grants Dr. Kouvelas supervises PhD and Master's students in traffic engineering and intelligent transportation systems. His research is supported by various grants including a grant from the Hong Kong Research Grant Council (Grant No. GRF 11216323) for research on traffic speed prediction. Laboratories and Teams Dr. Kouvelas leads the multidisciplinary Road Traffic Engineering research group at IVT, which consists of researchers with backgrounds in civil engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, control, and operations research. The group's work spans multiple areas including traffic flow theory, traffic operations, connected and automated vehicles, and intelligent transportation systems.

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Darren CoughlanView profile

Lecturer

Leibniz University of Applied SciencesGermany

Darren Coughlan serves as Lecturer and Discipline Lead (Sports) at the International College of Management, Sydney (ICMS), leveraging over two decades of executive and consultancy experience in high-performance environments. His role bridges academic theory with real-world sports industry applications through innovative curriculum design and strategic industry partnerships. His educational credentials include postgraduate qualifications in Business Administration, Exercise Science, and Leadership, with ongoing completion of a Doctorate in Business Administration focused on strategic organisational transformation. Darren's research spans leadership development, strategic management, and human performance optimisation within sports contexts, establishing him as a thought leader in sports governance. His work prioritises practical methodologies that drive participation growth, revenue generation, and operational excellence in sports organisations through evidence-based human-centred approaches. While specific advising details remain unreported, his academic practice emphasises industry-integrated learning experiences. Strategic partnerships form the cornerstone of his approach to preparing sports management professionals, ensuring curriculum relevance through contemporary teaching methodologies and direct sector engagement.

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Athanasios KoutsosView profile

Lecturer

University of GlasgowUnited Kingdom

Dr. Athanasios Koutsos serves as a Lecturer in Human Nutrition within the School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing at the University of Glasgow, joining in October 2021. His academic foundation includes a 5-year Food Science degree from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (2008), an MSc in Nutrition from the University of Reading (2011) funded by the Greek State Foundation Scholarship, and a PhD from the University of Reading (2017) focused on apple fiber and polyphenols' effects on cardiovascular risk factors. His research centers on the gut microbiota-diet-health axis , investigating how specific foods and components modulate gut microbiome composition and activity to influence cardiovascular, inflammatory, and metabolic diseases. Using in vitro human gut models and dietary intervention studies, he examines mechanisms behind dietary impacts on conditions like hypercholesterolemia. Recent publications reveal a strong focus on apple polyphenols , LDL cholesterol dynamics , and microbiome-metabolome interactions , with notable contributions to understanding how saturated fat replacement affects cardiovascular biomarkers. Dr. Koutsos contributes to the MSc in Human Nutrition program, co-leading the Clinical Nutrition Specialisation course. His active research portfolio includes major grants such as: Microbiome and Exclusive Enteral Nutrition in Presurgical Crohn's Disease (Helmsley Charitable Trust, 2024-2028) Discovery Award (Scottish Funding Council, 2024-2025) Development of Ulcerative Colitis Treatment with Eating Diet (Cure Crohn's Colitis, 2023-2027) Optimising Response to Biological Therapy with UC-TREAT (Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity, 2023-2027) His work bridges fundamental microbiome science with clinical nutritional applications, particularly for gastrointestinal and cardiometabolic disorders.

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Jens GeislerView profile

Professor

Flensburg University of Applied SciencesGermany

Prof. Dr. Jens Geisler serves as Professor of Control Engineering, Modelling and Simulation at Flensburg University of Applied Sciences' Department of Energy and Biotechnology since March 2020. His career bridges academic research and industrial wind energy applications with expertise in multivariable control systems and dynamic modeling. His educational background includes: Dipl.-Ing. (FH) in Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science from Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences M.Sc. in Mechatronic Systems Engineering from Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences Geisler's research spans advanced control methodologies for renewable energy systems, specializing in wind turbine grid integration and elastic multibody dynamics . Core competencies include optimal control algorithms, real-time numerical simulation, and microcontroller implementation for industrial applications, with significant contributions to self-optimizing mechanical systems and rail vehicle guidance technologies. His 2022-2025 publications reveal a strategic research trajectory toward AI-enhanced state estimation and automated observer design, emphasizing practical validation with real-world measurements while simplifying complex aerodynamic models for control engineering applications in wind energy systems. No scientific awards were documented in the provided sources. Teaching responsibilities encompass Energy Sciences, Mechanical Engineering, and System Technology programs, with industry-focused curriculum development. No student advisement or grant information was disclosed in available materials. Geisler maintains active research collaborations through projects including the SFB614 'Self-optimising systems in mechanical engineering' and the RailCab initiative, alongside extensive industry experience developing grid-support control systems for wind turbines at Senvion GmbH and DEIF Wind Power.

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Sarah ImmanuelView profile

Senior Lecturer

Torrens University AustraliaAustralia

Sarah Immanuel is a Senior Lecturer in the Business and Hospitality vertical at Torrens University, specializing in Data Management and Data Analytics. She directs teaching, research, and subject coordination within the Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research and Optimisation (AIRO), leveraging her 23+ years of academic experience across Australian and international institutions. Her educational background includes: Bachelor of Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Bharathiar University Master of Applied Electronics Engineering from Bharathiar University PhD in Biomedical Engineering from The University of Adelaide (dissertation: Polysomnographic signal processing for advanced diagnostics of paediatric sleep disordered breathing) Immanuel's research focuses on biomedical signal processing applications for sleep disorders and clinical diagnostics. She develops machine learning models for disease prediction in sleep disorders, mental health, and cardiovascular conditions, while creating data analytics platforms for healthcare decision-making. Her work integrates Signal and Image Processing with AI to address Digitally Enhanced Living challenges, particularly for elderly populations through ARC Industry Transformation Research Hub projects at Flinders University. Analysis of her 27 research outputs reveals consistent focus on cardiorespiratory dynamics, with recent publications (2023-2024) emphasizing transvenous phrenic nerve stimulation for central sleep apnea, heart rate variability biomarkers for stress/cognitive decline, and machine learning applications for surgical candidate prediction. Her fingerprint shows dominant themes in Central Sleep Apnea (100%), Transvenous Phrenic Nerve Stimulation (100%), and Polysomnography (60%). As an active PhD supervisor, she mentors students in cardiorespiratory signal processing and machine learning for clinical applications. Her research has generated significant community impact through the ARC Hub project on elderly care technologies. Immanuel maintains active research collaborations through Flinders University's Academic status position and contributes to healthcare innovation via the AIRO center's data-driven platforms.

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Patrick ArniView profile

Senior Lecturer

Centre for European Economic ResearchGermany

Patrick Arni is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Bristol's School of Economics, specializing in empirical public policy analysis and applied microeconometrics with applications in digital transformation, labor markets, education, health, and social policy. Education: PhD in Economics from HEC Lausanne PhD program at Swiss National Bank Study Center Gerzensee Master's degree from University of Zurich Additional studies at University of Geneva Visiting scholar at UC Berkeley's Center of Labor Economics Visiting scholar at Tilburg University His research centers on labor economics and policy evaluation , with growing emphasis on digital transformation's impact on skill demand . Methodologically, he employs applied microeconometrics , duration models , and field experiments to analyze job search behavior, unemployment insurance design, and belief formation. A distinctive focus examines how overconfidence and social interactions influence economic outcomes like labor market participation and health behaviors. Recent work reveals two dominant trends: 1) Increasing integration of digital transformation with labor economics to study skill demand dynamics using big data from job vacancies, and 2) Continued refinement of labor market policy evaluation through natural experiments examining benefit sanctions, job search requirements, and counseling effectiveness. Research Grants: NRP 77 "Digital Transformation": The Swiss labour market in the digital transformation (SWISSLAB) [2020-2024] Field Experiments to Optimise Public Employment Service Counselling [2019-2024] Dr. Arni leads the SWISSLAB project constructing large-scale job vacancy databases using text mining and machine learning to analyze digital transformation's labor market effects. He designs field experiments for Switzerland's Public Employment Service and maintains an IZA Research Affiliate status (since 2010) with prior Research Associate role (2011-2016).

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