Michael McAlpine is a Professor in the Mechanical Engineering department at the University of Minnesota . He also holds affiliations with the Biomedical Engineering and Electrical and Computer Engineering departments. His research focuses on 3D printing functional materials & devices , Nanoscale inks , Biomedical devices , Bioelectronics , and Flexible Microsystems . Research Interests : 3D Printing, Biomedical Engineering, Nanotechnology, Flexible Electronics, Microfluidics Labs : ME 361/363 Contact : mcalpine@umn.edu , (612) 626-3303, ME 117 Recent Research Trends include 3D Printed Biomedical Devices , Flexible Electronics , and Bioprinting Applications . His work spans from Spinal Organoid Formation to Programmable Drug Release Capsules . Scientific Award : Circulation Research 2020 Best Manuscript Award
Josh Atkinson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the Omenn-Darling Bioengineering Institute at Princeton University. His research focuses on using synthetic biology and protein engineering to control electron transport in microbes for environmental applications, such as bioelectronic sensors and bioremediation. The Atkinson Lab investigates microbial energy processing, biofilm-electronic interfaces, and sustainable biotechnologies. Affiliations: Princeton University, Omenn-Darling Bioengineering Institute Research Interests: Microbial electron transport, bioelectronic systems, environmental monitoring, sustainable catalysis His work bridges disciplines like electrochemistry, bioengineering, and environmental science to engineer living materials for real-world challenges. The lab recruits students across levels, emphasizing diversity and interdisciplinary collaboration. Recent projects include real-time contaminant sensors and light-controlled biofilm patterning. Articles highlight innovations in bioelectronics and microbial systems engineering. The lab’s future directions involve scaling-up bioelectronic devices and enhancing microbial community understanding.
Elisabeth Prince is an Assistant Professor at the University of Waterloo, specializing in polymer chemistry and biomaterials. Her research focuses on developing advanced materials for biomedical applications, sustainable materials, and microfluidic technologies. Key areas include conductive hydrogels, cleavable polymers for recyclability, and biomimetic systems for drug delivery and cancer therapy. Her work bridges disciplines such as materials science, nanotechnology, and biomedical engineering. Recent studies involve applications in strain-stiffening hydrogels, filamentous aerogels for electromagnetic shielding, and microfluidic platforms for organoid production. These innovations aim to address challenges in regenerative medicine, environmental sustainability, and personalized cancer treatments. No scientific awards are listed in the provided materials. Research activities include collaborations on 3D-printed microfluidic devices and nanofibrillar hydrogels mimicking biological systems. No advising relationships or grants are explicitly mentioned in the text.
Thomas Winkler is an Associate Professor at the Division of Micro and Nanosystems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden, and collaborates with TU Braunschweig, Germany. His research focuses on solving life science challenges using microsystems tools, particularly in neuropsychiatric disorders like schizophrenia. He develops organ-on-chip models, engineered microfluidic platforms, and biosensors for point-of-care diagnostics. Winkler leads an interdisciplinary ERC-funded team addressing metabolic coupling in neurovascular units and oxidative stress biomarkers. Key achievements include the ERC Starting Grant (2023) and work on electrochemical sensors for clozapine monitoring. He teaches courses such as Microsystem Technology (EK2350) and supervises PhD and postdoctoral researchers. Current projects include machine learning-guided robotic organoid maturation and electrochemical technology development for the CHIPzophrenia initiative. His lab actively seeks talent through open positions in Stockholm and Braunschweig. Scientific awards include the ERC Starting Grant and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Fellowship. Research spans sensor development, microfabrication, and biomaterials, with a focus on translating lab technologies to clinical applications. Collaborations bridge engineering and life sciences, emphasizing personalized mental healthcare solutions.
Professor Athina E Markaki serves as Professor of Materials & Biomedical Engineering in the Department of Engineering at the University of Cambridge, leading research in advanced biomaterials and tissue engineering solutions for regenerative medicine with emphasis on vascularization and tubular scaffold development for human conduit replacement. Her academic credentials include a Diploma in Metallurgical Engineering (8.6/10) from the National Technical University of Athens and a PhD in Materials Science from the University of Cambridge. Markaki's research program centers on vascularisation techniques for clinically relevant tissue dimensions and tubular scaffolds to replace diseased or damaged human conduits, integrating biomaterials science with regenerative medicine principles. Key applications span liver tissue engineering, neural crest-derived stem cell differentiation, and vascular graft development, with strong translational focus on orthopaedic and cardiovascular medical devices. Analysis of her recent publications reveals dominant trends in biomimetic scaffold design, particularly collagen-based tubular structures and hydrogel systems for vascularized tissue constructs. Her work demonstrates interdisciplinary convergence of AI-driven retinal assessment, glioblastoma modeling, and self-healing cementitious materials, with consistent emphasis on clinically applicable regenerative solutions for liver, bone, and neural tissues. Her distinguished scientific contributions are recognized by major awards: Rosetrees Trust 2017 Interdisciplinary Award European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant (2010) Advanced EPSRC Fellowship (2005) De Montfort Award at SET for Britain National Event (2004) Young Scientist Prize 2003 (5th Euromech Solid Mechanics Conference) Multiple academic excellence awards from Greek foundations Markaki directs a well-funded research program including ERC and EPSRC grants, mentoring graduate students in tissue engineering while teaching core engineering curricula covering plastic deformation, fracture mechanics, and medical materials design. Her group maintains strong industry and clinical partnerships to advance regenerative technologies. Her laboratory, accessible via http://www-memti.eng.cam.ac.uk/, specializes in vascularized tissue constructs and tubular scaffolds using laser-based manufacturing, biomimetic design, and hydrogel engineering to address critical challenges in tissue replacement and disease modeling.
Prof. Dr. Tunç ÇATAL is a Professor of Molecular Biology and Genetics at Üsküdar Üniversitesi. He holds a PhD from İstanbul Technical University (2008) and conducted postdoctoral research at Oregon State University and the National University of Ireland Galway. His expertise spans microbial biotechnology, molecular biology, and hydrogen production. Education: BSc in Biology, İstanbul University (2001) MSc in Biology, İstanbul University (2004) PhD in Molecular Biology-Genetics and Biotechnology, İstanbul Technical University (2008) Administrative Roles: Head of Molecular Biology and Genetics Department (English Program) Director of PROMER Research Center Bologna Coordinator and Erasmus Coordinator His research focuses on microbial electrochemical systems, bioremediation, and bioenergy. Notable contributions include optimizing hydrogen production using microbial electrolysis cells and studying the effects of pharmaceuticals on microbial fuel cell efficiency. He has supervised 3 graduate theses and holds TÜBİTAK awards for impactful publications. His work integrates environmental science and molecular biology, with applications in sustainable energy (e.g., hydrogen production) and wastewater treatment. Recent studies explore novel curcumin compounds for toxicity mitigation and marine mucilage-based bioelectrochemical systems.
João F. Mano is a Full Professor at the Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, and Director of the Doctoral Program on Biotechnology. He leads the COMPASS Research Group and serves as Vice-Director at CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials. His academic appointments include Invited Professor at University of Lorraine (France), Visiting Professor at KAIST (South Korea), and Adjunct Professor at Ajou University (South Korea). Education: PhD in Chemistry (1996, Technical University of Lisbon); D.Sc. in Tissue Engineering, Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cells (2012, University of Minho) Research Interests focus on Biomaterials for Regenerative Medicine , integrating Nanotechnology , Microtechnology , and Biofabrication . His group develops Bioinspired Materials using polymer chemistry, Decellularized Extracellular Matrix , and 3D Bioprinting to engineer Cell Microenvironments for therapeutic applications. Recent Publications highlight advancements in Human-Derived Hydrogels , Photopolymerizable Scaffolds , Magneto-Responsive Biomaterials , and Programmable Bioinks . Trends show emphasis on Organ-on-a-Chip integration, Smart Living Materials , and Green Bioprinting methodologies. Scientific Awards include: European Research Council Advanced Grants (2015, 2020) Fellow at IUPAC, European Academy of Sciences, and American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering ERC Proof of Concept Grants Doctor Honoris Causa from University of Lorraine and Utrecht UNESCO Chair on Biomaterials George Winter Award (European Society for Biomaterials) Supervisions & Collaborations encompass 74+ MSc, 26+ PhD students, and 40+ postdocs. He co-founded METATISSUE and CELLULARIS Biomodels , and serves as Editor-in-Chief of Materials Today Bio .
Charl FJ Faul is a Professor of Materials Chemistry and Associate Pro Vice Chancellor (Global Engagement) at the University of Bristol’s Faculty of Science. He leads the Faul Research Group, focusing on functional materials for sustainable energy and soft robotics, including conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs) for CO2 conversion, electroactive materials, and 3D-printed soft actuators. His roles include academic leadership, global engagement initiatives, and research collaboration across institutions like Kyoto University and Tsinghua University. Education: B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.(Stellenbosch). Research emphasizes scalable CMP synthesis, bio-adhesives, and materials for mobility assistance. Collaborates on projects like the £14M EPSRC-funded VIVO Hub for Enhanced Independent Living. Advises over 15 students, including recent PhD graduates Dr Helal Alharbi and Dr Yubing Wang. Research outputs span 2025-2023, highlighting advancements in hydrogen storage, CO2 capture, and soft robotic actuators. The group actively publishes in journals like Small and Journal of Materials Chemistry A . Grants include EPSRC funding for VIVO Hub and Innovate UK support for conductive composites.
University of California, Los AngelesUnited States
Sam Emaminejad is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). His research focuses on developing advanced wearable bioelectronic systems for continuous, noninvasive health monitoring and personalized therapeutics. Key Research Areas: Biomarker detection via flexible sensors Microfluidic and ferrobotic systems Stress and drug level monitoring Biodegradable and breathable wearable materials Recent Trends: Analysis of sweat and interstitial fluids using microneedles, aerogel skins, and programmable microfluidics. Machine learning integration for physiological evaluation is prominent. Awards & Collaborations: While specific awards aren't listed, he collaborates with major UCLA Health and Engineering faculty, including Ali Khademhosseini and Dino Di Carlo, on projects funded by NIH T32 grants and institutional fellowship programs. Grants & Labs: Leads projects in NIH-funded wearable sensor research, including the development of autonomous systems for cystic fibrosis and glucose monitoring. His lab explores ferrobotic swarms and hydrogel-based interfaces for clinical and consumer applications.
Tarmo Tamm is a Researcher at the Intelligent Materials and Systems Lab, University of Tartu. His work focuses on conducting polymers, soft actuators, and biomaterials , with emphasis on applications in biomedical engineering, nanotechnology, and electrochemistry. He holds a primary affiliation with the University of Tartu and has authored/co-authored over 100 peer-reviewed articles since 2002. His research spans material characterization, actuator design, and polymer electrolyte systems. Key projects include development of biocompatible hydrogels (e.g., sea cucumber-derived materials), soft exoskeletons inspired by spider leg mechanics, and sustainable paper recycling processes . Tamm’s publications highlight interdisciplinary collaboration with institutions globally, addressing topics like ion mobility in PEDOT films, microbial interactions with silicone foams, and encapsulation techniques for biomedical actuators. His work often bridges fundamental material science with practical applications, such as energy storage systems and medical devices. Current research trends emphasize electrochemomechanical systems and bioinspired materials , with growing focus on sustainable materials engineering.
Dr. Kibret Mequanint is a full Professor at Western University's Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, with cross-appointments in Biomedical Engineering. Holding a PhD from University of Stellenbosch and postdoctoral experience at Technical University of Darmstadt and McMaster University, his research bridges polymer science, materials engineering, and life sciences with applications in Biomaterials , Tissue Engineering , and Regenerative Medicine . His work spans both fundamental and translational research in cell-material interactions , polymer biomaterial design , and therapeutic radiation dosimeters , with technologies transferred to commercial applications. Leading scholar and educator with awards from NSERC, CIHR, and Western University Fellow of: American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE), Ethiopian Academy of Sciences, International Union of Societies for Biomaterials Science and Engineering, Canadian Academy of Engineering Extensive editorial and panel service for NSERC, CIHR, and international journals His research program has produced over 170 refereed publications, focusing on conductive hydrogels , bioadhesives , and vascular tissue engineering . Recent work on endoscopy-deliverable bioadhesives and snake venom-derived hemostatic gels has attracted global media attention. He has served in leadership roles at the Canadian Biomaterials Society and university governance bodies including Senate and Board of Governors.
Prof. Annemiek ter Heijne is a Full Professor of Environmental Technology at Wageningen University & Research, affiliated with the Agrotechnology & Food Sciences faculty and leading the Environmental Technology group. She focuses on circular economy solutions, microbial electrochemistry, and sustainable resource recovery from waste streams. Her research integrates biological, chemical, and physical processes to develop technologies like bioelectrochemical systems for methane production and nutrient recovery. Education: MSc in Environmental Sciences (Wageningen University), PhD in Environmental Technology (Wageningen University & Wetsus). She has held a 0.8 FTE position since her PhD, balancing work with family and hobbies. Her leadership emphasizes collaboration, work-life balance, and the ethical use of AI in science. Research Interests: Bioelectrochemical systems, microbial fuel cells, carbon capture via electrochemical processes, and sustainable wastewater treatment. She explores how bacteria can clean wastewater while generating energy, emphasizing circularity and global sustainability. Key Projects: Scaling up methane-producing bioelectrochemical systems, CO₂-to-methane conversion, and optimizing bioanodes for ammonium recovery. Collaborates with industry to translate lab innovations into real-world applications. Awards: NWO Vidi Grant (2019) Advising: Supervises 18 PhD candidates including D. Metz (Circular Nutrients), Y. Chang (Sulfur Recovery), and J. Steller (Power-to-Methane) Grants: Multiple EU and industry funded projects on electrochemical technologies Labs/Teams: Leads the Environmental Technology group and chairs the Wageningen Energy Alliance, fostering cross-disciplinary energy research.
Guillermo A. Ameer serves as the Daniel Hale Williams Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Northwestern University's McCormick School of Engineering and Professor of Surgery in the Feinberg School of Medicine. He directs the Center for Advanced Regenerative Engineering (CARE) and maintains affiliations with the Simpson-Querrey Institute, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, and the IBiS Graduate Program. His leadership extends to founding the Regenerative Engineering Laboratory, which pioneered citrate-based antioxidant biomaterials known as polydiolcitrates. Americas' leading innovator in regenerative engineering, Ameer's research spans vascular, orthopaedic, and bladder tissue engineering. His lab developed Nanonets™ thermoresponsive oligomers and photoresponsive liquid polymers for applications including wound healing, islet transplantation, and 3D-printed vascular scaffolds. Notable breakthroughs include bioresorbable stents, bladder regeneration scaffolds, and diabetic wound healing technologies that have received FDA clearance and commercial implementation through companies like Acuitive Technologies and VesselTek BioMedical. His publication record demonstrates consistent innovation in biomaterials science, with research trends showing progression from fundamental polymer chemistry to sophisticated clinical applications. Recent work focuses on electroactive bladder scaffolds, 3D-printed vascular devices, and wearable health monitoring systems, reflecting his commitment to translating laboratory discoveries into tangible medical solutions. The 2025 launch of the Regenerative Engineering Institute underscores his growing institutional impact. Percy L. Julian Award (2024) BMES Athanasiou Medal of Excellence in Translational Bioengineering (2023) Election to National Academy of Medicine (2021) National Academy of Inventors Fellow (2019) AAAS Fellow (2018) AIChE Fellow (2017) Ameer has mentored over 30 PhD and Master's students who now lead research at institutions including Penn State, USC, and the FDA. His lab secures substantial NIH funding, including an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Challenge Grant for liquid cast arterial stents. Current projects include the development of citrate-based biomaterials for bladder regeneration, diabetic wound healing, and bioresorbable vascular scaffolds, with multiple technologies transitioning to clinical applications through partnerships with medical device companies. The Regenerative Engineering Laboratory maintains a collaborative interdisciplinary environment with approximately 20 researchers spanning engineering and natural sciences disciplines. Recent initiatives include the development of wearable skin gas sensors (2025) and CITREPORE™ bone void filler (2024), demonstrating the lab's capacity to address diverse clinical challenges through biomaterials innovation.
Christina Tringides is a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Materials Science and NanoEngineering at Rice University, affiliated with the Neuroengineering Initiative (NEI). She holds the CPRIT Scholar in Cancer Research title and leads the Tringides Lab, which develops soft materials and neurotechnologies for neural system interfaces. Her interdisciplinary work spans from cellular to organ levels, addressing both in vivo and in vitro applications. Education: B.S. in Materials Science & Engineering and Physics from MIT (2015); Ph.D. in Biophysics from Harvard University (2022) under David Mooney. Postdoctoral research at ETH Zürich with Janos Vörös as an ETH Fellow. Recognized with awards including the WIMA laureate (2023), NSF GRFP (2017), and Fulbright Scholar (2015). Research focuses on hydrogels, bioelectronics, and implantable electrode arrays. Key projects include biomimetic in vitro platforms for neural studies and viscoelastic biohybrid interfaces for neuromodulation. Her lab’s innovations aim to advance neurological disorder treatments and diagnostics. Scientific contributions include over 20 peer-reviewed articles, with recent work emphasizing conductive hydrogels, synaptic stimulation systems, and immunotherapy biomaterials. Active in professional organizations like the Materials Research Society and American Chemical Society.
Dr. Irina T. Garces is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Carleton University. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Alberta and specializes in composite-smart materials, additive manufacturing, and polymer processing. Her research focuses on developing 'materials as machines'—adaptive material systems for applications in soft robotics, biomedical devices, and aerospace. Key areas include shape memory polymers, electro-active composites, and novel 3D printing technologies for biodegradable materials. Her publications demonstrate consistent focus on smart material innovation, with recent work exploring moisture effects in additive manufacturing and cellulose-based medical implants.
