Mariela Martins Nolasco is an Assistant Researcher at the Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro. She specializes in computational spectroscopy, focusing on bridging theoretical and experimental research through combined computational and spectroscopic methods. Her work emphasizes understanding molecular dynamics in materials like deep eutectic solvents, polymers, and luminescent systems. Education: B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering (1999), M.Sc. in Chemistry (2004), Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry (2007), all from University of Aveiro. Research Interests: Computational Spectroscopy, Neutron Scattering, Deep Eutectic Solvents, Polymer Dynamics, Cellulosic Materials. She has led 9 R&D projects (2 national, 7 international) and contributed to 15 others. Notable collaborations include work at ISIS Neutron & Muon Source (UK) and Institut Laue-Langevin (France). Her awards include the 2021 ISIS Impact Award for societal impact in polymer research.
Stephan Rosenkranz is a Research Fellow and Group Leader at the Materials Science Division of Argonne National Laboratory, where he has been a key figure in advancing neutron and synchrotron x-ray scattering techniques since 2002. He holds a Ph.D. in Physics from ETH Zurich (1997) and a Diploma in Experimental Physics (1992) from the same institution. Educational Background Ph.D. in Physics, ETH Zurich (1997) Diploma (with distinction) in Experimental Physics, ETH Zurich (1992) His research focuses on probing short-range spin, charge, and lattice correlations in strongly correlated electron systems using neutron and x-ray scattering methods. He has led the development of the CORELLI instrument at Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Spallation Neutron Source and pioneered novel approaches to model correlated disorder from diffraction data. Recent publication trends highlight his expertise in charge density waves, spin density waves, and geometrically frustrated magnets. His work integrates experimental scattering with machine learning for big data analysis, particularly in quantum materials like nickelates, iron pnictides, and superconductors. Scientific Awards ETH Pólya Prize (1992) ETH Zurich Medal (1997) University of Chicago Distinguished Performance Award (2006) Fellow of the American Physical Society (2013) Fellow of the Neutron Scattering Society of America (2018) As Co-Director of the National School on Neutron and X-ray Scattering (2018–2024) and former President of the Neutron Scattering Society of America (2013–2016), Rosenkranz plays a pivotal role in training and governance in scattering sciences. He has contributed to beamline reviews, grant panels, and international workshops on competing interactions in transition metal compounds. His leadership extends to the development of advanced x-ray and neutron instrumentation and fostering collaborations between Argonne, Northern Illinois University, and the University of Illinois Chicago through graduate faculty appointments.
Flora Meilleur serves as a Neutron Scattering Scientist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) working on the IMAGINE and MaNDi diffractometers (HFIR CG-4D and SNS BL-11B), and holds a joint appointment as Associate Professor in the Biochemistry Department at North Carolina State University since 2007. She joined ORNL in 2005 after completing her PhD and has been instrumental in developing neutron scattering capabilities for structural biology research. Dr. Meilleur earned her Ph.D. in Structural Biology from the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and Université Grenoble Alpes (Grenoble, France) in 2004. Prior to joining ORNL, she served as an instrument scientist at the Institut Laue Langevin (ILL) on the LADI diffractometer. She was promoted to Associate Professor at NCSU in 2015 and established a university consortium that secured NSF funding to build the IMAGINE instrument at HFIR in 2009, serving as lead scientist for this project from 2009-2017. Her research focuses on applying neutron scattering techniques to understand enzymatic mechanisms, particularly in cellulose-degrading enzymes including lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases. She leads projects on cellulose deconstruction for biofuel production, nylon depolymerization, and enzyme immobilization in biopolymer matrices. Her laboratory employs a multidisciplinary approach combining X-ray and neutron diffraction and scattering, DFT calculations, and isotopic labeling techniques to study protein structure, dynamics, and function. Current research includes characterizing nylon hydrolases in collaboration with Dr. Josh Michener and studying biopolymer matrices as part of the BIG collaboration funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation. Analysis of Dr. Meilleur's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on advancing neutron scattering methodologies for structural biology, with particular emphasis on enzymatic mechanisms in biomass degradation. Her work spans fundamental method development (beamline instrumentation, sample environments) to biological applications (viral proteins, polymer-degrading enzymes). A notable trend is the expansion of neutron techniques to study challenging biological questions, including time-resolved studies and complex enzyme systems, with increasing applications to viral research as evidenced by her SARS-CoV-2 related publications. 2013 ORNL Significant Event Award (Team award for construction and commissioning of CG4-D beamline and IMAGINE instrument; Role: Science lead) Dr. Meilleur has mentored numerous graduate students and post-doctoral fellows who utilize small angle X-ray/neutron scattering, X-ray/neutron crystallography, and computational methods in their research. She serves as Editor for the Journal of Applied Crystallography (2015-present) and was appointed as a main editor in 2021. She also mentors for the IUCr Early Career Board (2025-present) and previously served as Secretary of the Neutron Scattering Society of America (2019-2022). She has organized and led the annual 'Neutrons in Structural Biology' workshop at ORNL since 2010, fostering community development in this specialized field. Dr. Meilleur leads the Meilleur lab at NC State which focuses on structural enzymology using neutron scattering techniques. Her laboratory collaborates extensively with researchers at ORNL's High Flux Isotope Reactor and Spallation Neutron Source facilities. She has served on multiple professional committees including the SNS/HFIR user committee (SHUG) from 2007-2009 and as a member-at-large of the NSSA between 2008-2012, demonstrating sustained leadership in the neutron scattering community.
Nicolas Lebbe is a CNRS researcher at the Laplace laboratory in Toulouse, France, specializing in applied mathematics and computational physics for photonic and electromagnetic systems. Current CNRS Researcher (2023–) Postdoctoral Researcher at Langevin Institute (2022) Postdoctoral Researcher at INRIA Sophia-Antipolis (2020–2022) PhD in Applied Mathematics from CEA & LJK (2016–2019) His research focuses on shape and topology optimization , homogenization , and scientific computing applied to nanophotonics and metasurfaces . He developed methods to optimize photonic components using the level-set approach and General Sheet Transmission Conditions (GSTC) for metasurface modeling. His work bridges mathematical rigor with practical electromagnetic and photonic device design. Nicolas has published extensively on Maxwell equations , plasmonics , and finite element simulations , with key contributions to robust optimization and interface homogenization . His recent publications (2023–2025) emphasize homogenization techniques for curved and quasi-periodic metasurfaces, while earlier works (2017–2019) span robust optimization theory and mid-IR photonics. He collaborates with institutions like the Langevin Institute, INRIA, and École polytechnique, and has presented at international workshops including OWTNM and GDR MecaWave. His PhD thesis, Contribution in topological optimization and application to nanophotonics (2019), laid foundational work for nanophotonic device optimization.
Uwe Klemradt is a Professor in the Department of Physics at RWTH Aachen University. His research focuses on experimental condensed matter physics, with a strong emphasis on advanced characterization techniques such as X-ray scattering and in situ studies of thin film growth. Key areas include ferroelectric materials, phase transitions, and nanotechnology. His work often involves the exploration of material properties at surfaces and interfaces, leveraging synchrotron radiation and laboratory-based light sources. Recent studies include investigations into the crystallization dynamics of BaTiO3 thin films, resistive switching in oxide films, and the structural evolution of heterostructures. Notable contributions span thin film deposition methods, such as RF sputtering, and the analysis of material behavior under external fields (e.g., magnetic field-induced ferroelectricity). His research bridges fundamental physics with applications in electronics and nanotechnology. No scientific awards are explicitly listed. His advising and grant activities are not detailed in the provided texts. The Department of Physics at RWTH Aachen University serves as his primary affiliation, with access to advanced experimental facilities.
Robert D Nevels is a Professor in the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering at Texas A&M University. He holds the rank of Fellow in both the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the Electromagnetics Academy (EM). His research focuses on analytical and numerical electromagnetics, nanophotonics, electromagnetic scattering, and antenna design. He has served as President of the IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society (AP-S) in 2010 and has been a member of its Administrative Committee during 1998-2001 and 2011-2014. His teaching excellence has been recognized through multiple awards, including the Region 5 Outstanding Educator Award and the University-level Distinguished Teaching Award from the Association of Former Students. Dr. Nevels earned his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Mississippi, followed by an M.S. from Georgia Institute of Technology and a B.S. from the University of Kentucky. His research interests emphasize advanced computational methods for electromagnetics, including FDTD techniques for nonlinear optics and propagator methods for wave analysis. His work spans theoretical foundations (e.g., Coulomb gauge formulations) and practical applications (e.g., antenna design for high-power systems). Key honors include: Eugene E.Webb'43 Faculty Fellow (Texas A&M) Twice recipient of the Outstanding Professor Award from IEEE Texas A&M Student Chapter Amoco Foundation Award for Distinguished Teaching Nevels has collaborated on grants related to electromagnetic scattering, plasma-based devices, and terahertz technology. His lab focuses on numerical methods and experimental validation of electromagnetic phenomena.
Christy F. Landes is the Jerry A. Walker Endowed Chair in Chemistry and Professor of Chemistry at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, with additional appointments as Professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering and Materials Research Lab, and as an Affiliate in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. She joined UIUC in 2023 after serving as the Kenneth S. Pitzer-Schlumberger Chair of Chemistry at Rice University. Education: B.S. in Chemistry, George Mason University (1998) Ph.D. in Chemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology (2003) Postdoctoral positions at University of Oregon and University of Texas at Austin Professor Landes' research focuses on physical, analytical and materials chemistry with emphasis on predictive separations, spectro-electrochemistry, protein dynamics at interfaces, imaging and signal processing, and single-molecule spectroscopy. Her work aims to understand complex structure-function relationships in biological processes to inspire innovation for materials design. The Landes Research Group develops new spectroscopic tools to image chemical dynamics at interfaces at the limit of a single event, creating new models to understand and predict macroscale processes like protein separation and photocatalysis. Her research spans several specific areas including predictive separations, spectro-electrochemistry, protein dynamics at interfaces, computational imaging/AI/data science, and interfacial energy and charge transfer in hybrid nanomaterials. By studying individual molecules rather than ensembles, her group can identify the chemical complexity of nanoscale interfacial dynamics and reveal underlying populations that form ensemble measurements. Scientific Awards: 2023 Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science 2024 Kazuhiko Kinosita Award in Single-Molecule Biophysics 2020 Award for Special Creativity, National Science Foundation 2019 Kavli Fellow, U.S. National Academy of Sciences 2016 Early Career Award in Experimental Physical Chemistry, American Chemical Society 2011 NSF CAREER Award Professor Landes has advised numerous graduate and undergraduate students throughout her career at University of Houston, Rice University, and now at UIUC. Her research has been supported by various grants including NSF funding. Her group has developed innovative methods to break the Abbe diffraction limit, achieving spatial resolutions of just a few nanometers and time resolutions faster than traditional cameras frame times. The Landes Research Group at UIUC continues to develop new spectroscopic tools to image chemical dynamics at interfaces, with specific focus areas including predictive separations, spectro-electrochemistry, protein dynamics at interfaces, computational imaging/AI/data science, and interfacial energy and charge transfer in hybrid nanomaterials.
Professor Markus Braden is a distinguished faculty member at the University of Cologne's Institute of Physics, where he leads the X-ray and Neutron Scattering Group. His research focuses on understanding the structural and magnetic properties of complex materials using advanced scattering techniques, with particular emphasis on strongly correlated electron systems and quantum materials. Braden's research interests span condensed matter physics, with special focus on unconventional superconductors, materials exhibiting strong spin-orbit coupling, and multiferroic compounds. His group employs both X-ray and neutron scattering methods to investigate crystal structures and excitation spectra in transition metal compounds, particularly those with 4d and 5d elements like ruthenates and iridates. The group has made significant contributions to understanding the magnetic interactions in α-RuCl3 as a candidate for Kitaev physics, the magnetic properties of Sr2RuO4 as a potential unconventional superconductor, and the complex behavior of multiferroic materials where magnetic order couples with ferroelectric polarization. Recent publications reveal Braden's leadership in polarized neutron scattering techniques, particularly in studying magnetic excitations with chiral properties and directional dependencies. His work on ruthenates has demonstrated how spin-orbit coupling creates highly anisotropic magnetic interactions, while research on multiferroics has revealed novel domain dynamics and electric field control mechanisms. The group frequently collaborates with international neutron facilities including MLZ in Garching and ILL in Grenoble. Braden supervises multiple PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, fostering expertise in neutron and X-ray techniques. His laboratory utilizes advanced instrumentation including the KOMPASS spectrometer, a cold triple-axis neutron spectrometer optimized for polarization analysis developed in collaboration with Prof. Böni's group, as well as X-ray diffractometers and crystal growth facilities for sample preparation.
Sébastien Tordeux is an Associate Professor at the University of Pau, affiliated with the Magique 3D research team in the Faculty of Sciences. His research focuses on numerical methods for wave propagation, particularly Trefftz methods, asymptotic expansions, and electromagnetic/acoustic scattering. He holds a PhD in Applied Mathematics from the University of Versailles Saint-Quentin and has held positions at INSA-Toulouse and ETH Zurich. He has advised multiple PhD students and organized conferences such as the 2017 conference in honor of Abderrahmane Bendali. His work emphasizes high-order numerical modeling and efficient solvers for wave equations in complex media. Education: PhD in Applied Mathematics (2004, Université de Versailles), DEA M2SAP (2001), ENSTA Engineer (1998-2001). Professional roles include Chair of Excellence in Numerical Analysis (INRIA-UPPA 2010-2015), and leadership in Master’s program administration and national academic committees (CNU 26). Research interests span Trefftz methods for time-harmonic models, numerical solvers reducing pollution effects, and asymptotic modeling for small obstacle scattering. Recent contributions include quasi-Trefftz methods for electromagnetic systems and iterative approaches for 3D wave simulations. He has supervised PhD students working on topics like antenna patch models, perforated plate acoustics, and multiscale electromagnetic diffraction. His collaborative projects involve institutions like ONERA and TU Berlin, focusing on high-accuracy wave modeling and computational methods.
Jaime Ortega Arroyo is a Lecturer at the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering at ETH Zürich, affiliated with the Professur für Nanophotonik. His research focuses on developing interdisciplinary methods combining optics, chemistry, microfluidics, and computer vision to address challenges in biological systems and nanoparticle characterization. Key projects include studying cellular secretion dynamics, real-time biological observations, chiral detection technologies, and optofluidic platforms for label-free sensing. His work emphasizes innovative optical microscopy techniques such as interferometric scattering and holographic imaging for high-throughput nanoparticle analysis. Recent contributions include advancements in 3D optofluidic control, molecular fingerprinting of nanoparticles, and thermal regulation of microfluidic systems. These efforts aim to bridge gaps in understanding complex biological processes and enable precise engineering solutions in nanotechnology. Active in publishing, his research spans optofluidic platforms, nanoparticle detection, and biomedical applications. He leads the Professur für Nanophotonik laboratory, fostering collaborations in optical instrumentation and biological systems analysis. His expertise bridges mechanical engineering, photonics, and life sciences, positioning him at the forefront of interdisciplinary nanotechnology research.
Cécile Hébert is an Associate Professor at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) , affiliated with multiple departments including the Laboratory of Electron Spectrometry and Microscopy (LSME) , SB-SPH-ENS , EDMX-ENS , and IMX-GE . She leads the Center for Electron Microscopy and contributes to projects like CHIRALTEM . Born in France (1970), she earned her PhD in Physics from École Centrale Paris . Postdoctoral work at Vienna University of Technology . Her research focuses on Electron Microscopy , particularly Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (EELS) , Magnetic Circular Dichroism (EMCD) , and 3D imaging . She develops computational tools like JEMS and advances Life Sciences applications in electron microscopy. Recent publications emphasize nanoscale magnetic characterization , low-loss EELS , and STEM-Chathodoluminescence . Her work spans materials science , physics , and computational methods . She mentors PhD students and teaches courses in Mechanics , Thermodynamics , and Electron-Matter Interactions . She is also a member of the Section Directors' Conference (CDS) and directs SB-SPH-GE .
Eduardo H. Fradkin is the Donald Biggar Willett Professor of Physics and Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he also serves as Director of the Institute for Condensed Matter Theory (ICMT). A Center for Advanced Study Professor, Fradkin has been a faculty member at Illinois since 1979, progressing from postdoctoral researcher to assistant professor (1981), associate professor (1984), and full professor (1989). His research spans the interface between quantum field theory and condensed matter physics, with particular focus on topological phases of matter, fractional quantum Hall effect, high-temperature superconductors, and strongly correlated systems. Fradkin pioneered the application of quantum field theory methods to condensed matter problems, including his groundbreaking work showing the smooth connection between Higgs and confinement phases in gauge theories, which remains fundamental to understanding gauge theory phases. His research has significantly advanced our understanding of electronic liquid crystal phases, pair density wave superconductivity, and intertwined orders in quantum materials. His recent publications reveal continued leadership in theoretical condensed matter physics, with 2023-2025 works exploring intertwined orders in high-temperature superconductors, topological aspects of pair density waves, quantum Hall nematics, and the physics of UTe 2 as a potential topological superconductor. These works demonstrate his ongoing contributions to understanding complex quantum phases and their experimental signatures. Fellow of the American Physical Society Member of the National Academy of Sciences Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences Eugene Feenberg Memorial Medal (2024) Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation Fellowship Donald Biggar Willett Professor of Physics Fradkin has mentored numerous graduate students who have become prominent physicists, including Matthew Fisher and Ana López. His theoretical frameworks have guided extensive experimental work in condensed matter physics worldwide. He directs the Institute for Condensed Matter Theory, fostering interdisciplinary research at the frontier of quantum materials. His influential textbooks, including "Quantum Field Theory, An Integrated Approach" (2021) and "Field Theories of Condensed Matter Systems" (2013), have shaped the education of generations of theoretical physicists.
Jared M. Allred is an Associate Professor at the University of Alabama in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry , affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on solid state chemistry, inorganic materials, and magnetic systems, utilizing advanced x-ray and neutron diffraction techniques to explore structure-property relationships. Education: BS from Case Western Reserve University (2007), PhD from Princeton University (2012), Postdoctoral work at Argonne National Laboratory (2012-2015). Research Interests: The Allred group investigates inorganic materials with functional properties, particularly magnetic and multiferroic systems. They emphasize atomic-scale characterization to guide synthesis of materials with tailored electronic, magnetic, and structural behaviors. Recent work includes studies on 1D superconductors, layered chalcogenides, and transition metal oxides. Scientific Contributions: His publications span high-impact journals like Nature Physics and Physical Review Letters , addressing topics in superconductivity, magnetic ordering, and structural transitions. Emerging themes include materials engineering across localized-delocalized electron boundaries and geometric frustration effects. Students: Advisees include PhD graduates Matt Davenport and Tyra Douglas , and current student Nolan Stager . News Highlights: • June 2022: Shared educational resources on scientific image formats. • Jan 2022: Published work on geometric frustration in Journal of Physical Chemistry C . • July 2021: Physical Review Letters publication on fragile 3D ordering in V1-xMoxO2 under extreme conditions.
Kami Mohammadi is an Assistant Professor in the Civil & Environmental Engineering department at the University of Utah , with an adjunct appointment in Geology & Geophysics . Holding a PhD from Georgia Institute of Technology and postdoctoral experience at Caltech, Mohammadi specializes in seismic wave propagation, basin effects, and computational geotechnical modeling. Education PhD (2015), Civil and Environmental Engineering - Geotechnical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology MS (2012), Geotechnical Engineering with minor in Applied Mathematics, Georgia Institute of Technology MS (2006), Civil Engineering, University of Tehran BS (2003), Civil Engineering, Chamran University of Ahvaz Their research focuses on: 3D seismic wave propagation in heterogeneous media Basin effects on earthquake amplification Hybrid physics-informed machine learning models Finite element/discrete element modeling of geotechnical systems Ground motion prediction and hazard analysis Hydraulic fracturing in fractured rock Recent work integrates full-waveform inversion with neural networks for subsurface imaging. Mohammadi teaches graduate courses in geotechnical engineering, soil dynamics, and earthquake engineering, with a focus on computational methods and laboratory practices. Current grants include: EXTERNAL GRANT OR CONTRACT (2024-2030): Integration of computational and experimental analyses for earthquake amplification EXTERNAL GRANT OR CONTRACT (2024-2029): 3D site effect modeling at LANL EXTERNAL GRANT OR CONTRACT (2021-2024): Various seismic projects Professional activities include community outreach through engineering education presentations.
Carlo U. Segre is the Duchossois Leadership Professor of Physics and Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at Illinois Institute of Technology. He holds leadership roles as Director of the Center for Synchrotron Radiation Research and Instrumentation (CSRRI), Deputy Director of the Materials Research Collaborative Access Team (MRCAT), and Deputy Director of BioCAT. His research focuses on structural and electronic properties of complex materials, including superconductors, catalysts, and energy storage systems, utilizing advanced synchrotron-based techniques like X-ray diffraction and spectroscopy. Segre has contributed significantly to battery materials, catalytic systems, and nuclear materials characterization. He is also actively involved in the International Bridge Building Committee, organizing educational competitions for high school students. Education: B.S., University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign Ph.D., University of California, San Diego Research Interests: Segre’s work spans advanced battery materials , in-situ catalytic studies , magnetoelectric perovskites , nanostructured steels , and x-ray optics development . His experimental methods include material synthesis, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and resistivity/magnetic susceptibility measurements. He leads efforts in structural materials for nuclear reactors and energy storage innovation. Lab & Affiliations: He directs CSRRI and oversees MRCAT at the Advanced Photon Source (APS), advancing synchrotron instrumentation. His contributions bridge fundamental materials science with applied engineering challenges.
