Find Academic Supervisors

• Biophysics
• Biological membranes
• Lipid interfaces
• +4 more

Margarita Staykova serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Physics at Durham University, Director of Science at the Institute of Advanced Study, and Executive Board Member at the Biophysical Sciences Institute. She also holds affiliations with Durham CELLS (Centre for Ethics and Law in the Life Sciences) and the Biophysical Sciences Institute Executive Board. Her educational background includes: PhD in Biophysics from Rostock University, Germany (2006) MSc in Molecular Biology from Sofia University, Bulgaria Staykova's research centers on biophysics of cellular interfaces, investigating how plasma membranes, actin cortices, and extracellular matrices interact mechanically. Her group develops synthetic cells and model interfaces using soft matter and microfluidics to study membrane responses to electrical and mechanical stimuli. Current work explores membrane fracture, cholesterol dynamics, and biohybrid systems with life-like properties through the Material Imagination project. Recent publications (2021-2025) reveal dual research trajectories: fundamental membrane biophysics (lipid bilayer mechanics under stress, adhesion dynamics, cholesterol effects) and socially engaged science (responsible innovation, public engagement with engineered living materials). Her work bridges experimental physics with Science and Technology Studies through collaborations with social scientists and artists. No major scientific awards were listed in the provided information. Staykova supervises postgraduates including Alex Brown, Mary Patterson, Natalie Richards, and Ruth McTiernan. Her research receives industrial support from GSK, Procter & Gamble, and Mondelēz. She actively sponsors Visiting IAS Fellows from anthropology, physics, and art, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations on biohybrid futures. She leads a biophysics group combining experimental membrane model systems with living cells, operating within Durham's Biophysical Sciences Institute. Current initiatives include the Material Imagination project studying microbe-lipid membrane interactions for pathogenesis insights and biohybrid system design, with explicit attention to ethical and societal dimensions through collaborations with anthropologists and artists.

Richey DavisView profile

Professor

• Physical chemistry of polymer solutions
• Ion-containing polymers
• Polymer nanoparticles
• +5 more

Richey Davis is a Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Virginia Tech, specializing in polymer science and nanomedicine. His research focuses on the design of polymer-based nanoparticles for applications in drug delivery, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents, and biomedical engineering. He holds a Ph.D. from Princeton University (1983) and a B.S. from Clemson University (1977). Key research interests include the physical chemistry of polymer solutions, ion-containing polymers, and self-assembly processes. His work emphasizes the development of stable colloidal systems and nanoparticles for targeted therapy, such as magnetite nanoparticles for MRI and drug delivery systems like NanoBEADS (nanoscale bacteria-enabled autonomous drug delivery systems). Recent publications highlight advancements in MRI-guided ultrasound surgery using custom iron-based coupling media, encapsulation of therapeutic agents (e.g., PI3K inhibitors, CRISPR-Cas9 plasmids), and biofabrication techniques for drug delivery systems. His nanotechnology research spans materials science, biocompatible materials design, and optoelectronic applications. Dr. Davis collaborates on projects involving gene therapy vectors (e.g., PLGA nanoparticles for CRISPR delivery), antibiotic-loaded nanoparticles for chronic infections, and biomaterials for tissue engineering. His lab focuses on translating fundamental polymer science into clinical applications through interdisciplinary approaches.

• Microfluidics
• Optofluidics
• Rapid prototyping
• +7 more

Dr. Mark S. Friddin is a Research Fellow at the Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, based at the Dyson School of Design Engineering. He leads the BioNano Manufacturing Group and focuses on developing platform technologies for additive biomanufacturing. His research spans microfluidics, optofluidics, rapid prototyping, ion channel electrophysiology, and bottom-up synthetic biology. His work often integrates interdisciplinary engineering and nanotechnology to advance artificial cell systems and biomanufacturing tools. The 15 most recent publications highlight his contributions to droplet interface bilayers, lipid bilayer assembly, thermoresponsive vesicles, and optical manipulation techniques. These articles reflect trends in microfluidic device design, biomimetic membrane engineering, and synthetic biology applications. Dr. Friddin actively seeks MRes and PhD students, directing interested candidates to contact him via email. He has explored platforms like handheld laser-cut devices, optically sculpted vesicles, and transparent 3D-printed systems for biomimetic research.

Roza Yazdani McCordView profile

Visiting Professor

• Thermal Energy Storage
• Phase Change Materials
• Biochar Applications
• +3 more

Roza Yazdani McCord is a Visiting Professor at the Department of Energy and Mechanical Engineering, Aalto University. She holds a Doctoral degree in Engineering and Technology (Aalto University, 2018), a Master's in Engineering from Amirkabir University of Technology (2011), and a Bachelor's from the University of Guilan (2009). Her research focuses on sustainable energy solutions, particularly in thermal energy storage systems using phase change materials (PCMs), biochar applications, and composite materials. Key interests include enhancing thermal conductivity, form-stabilization of PCMs, and multifunctional material design for energy efficiency. Education: PhD, Engineering and Technology, Aalto University (2018) MSc, Engineering and Technology, Amirkabir University of Technology (2011) BSc, Engineering and Technology, University of Guilan (2009) Her research aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to affordable and clean energy, climate action, and industrial innovation. Projects include principal investigator roles in initiatives like 'PCMI IES' (2023–2024) and 'Green engineering of sorption materials for seasonal thermal energy storage' (2021–2024). Recent articles highlight advancements in form-stabilized PCMs, conductive polymer integration, and bio-based materials for thermal management. Her work bridges material science and environmental engineering, emphasizing scalability and sustainability. Labs/Teams: Collaborates on interdisciplinary teams at Aalto University, focusing on renewable energy systems and eco-friendly material development.

Shih-Feng ChouView profile

Assistant Professor

• Process-structure-property Relationships of Biomaterials
• Mechanics of Biological Materials
• Drug Release
• +3 more

Dr. Shih-Feng Chou is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Texas at Tyler. Previously, he served as a Senior Fellow in Bioengineering at the University of Washington and a Research Associate at Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College. He holds a Ph.D. in Materials Engineering from Auburn University, an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from National Chiao Tung University, Taiwan. Education: B.S., Mechanical Engineering, National Chiao Tung University, Taiwan (2001) M.S., Mechanical Engineering, Southern Illinois University Carbondale (2005) Ph.D., Materials Engineering, Auburn University (2011) His research focuses on biomaterials, drug delivery systems, and tissue engineering. Key areas include process-structure-property relationships of biomaterials, mechanics of biological materials, and electrospun fiber applications in wound healing and biomedical devices. Recent work explores drug-release mechanisms using nanofibers, thromboresistant materials, and the effects of sleep disturbances on gait performance. Research Trends (2020–2024): Dr. Chou’s publications emphasize electrospun nanofibers for drug delivery, biomaterials for tissue engineering, and biomedical applications of polymer blends. He also investigates the biomechanical impacts of traumatic brain injury and sleep disruptions on human movement. Advising/Grants: No advising or grant details provided in the text. Labs/Teams: His work aligns with UT Tyler’s Mechanical Engineering department and prior collaborations at Dartmouth and University of Washington bioengineering labs.

Andrea SecchiView profile

Professor

• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Molecular Recognition
• Nanoscience
• +4 more

Andrea Secchi is a Full Professor in the Department of Chemical, Life and Environmental Sustainability Sciences at the University of Parma. He holds a Master's in Chemistry (1992) and a PhD in Chemical Sciences (1995) from the University of Parma. His research focuses on supramolecular chemistry, molecular recognition, and nanoscience, particularly involving calixarene-based systems, molecular machines, and functional nanomaterials. He has supervised over 60 theses and 8 PhD students in chemistry and materials science. His work bridges organic synthesis, materials science, and bioapplications, with over 94 peer-reviewed articles and a citation count exceeding 2,800. Education: PhD in Chemical Sciences, University of Parma (1995) Master's in Chemistry, University of Parma (1992) Research interests include calixarene functionalization for molecular machines, hybrid organic-inorganic nanomaterials, and NIR dye-plasmonic material interactions. His nanomaterials research spans gold/silver nanoparticles, magnetic nanoparticles, and self-assembled monolayers. Recent work explores applications in biosensing, drug delivery, and environmental analysis. Teaching roles since 2005 include courses in Physical Methods in Organic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry of Materials, and Environmental Chemistry at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Administrative roles include Chair of the Chemistry Course of Study Board, member of the Department Safety Committee, and international mobility committee. He collaborates with institutions in France, Germany, Belgium, and the UK on calixarene-based projects. Publications demonstrate expertise in calixarene derivatives, rotaxane/catenane synthesis, and nanomaterial functionalization. Over 2860 citations highlight impact in supramolecular and materials chemistry fields.

Siran LiView profile

Academic

• Genomics
• Single-cell Analysis
• Cancer Biology
• +3 more

Siran Li is a Research Assistant Professor at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, where she develops novel high-throughput, multi-omics methods for single-cell analysis and applies them to complex physiology and disease. She created the BAG-seq platform for single-cell sequencing, which encapsulates nucleic acids in polyacrylamide gels to prevent cross-contamination. Her current research investigates host-tumor interactions in cancer using this technology. Li holds a PhD from Princeton University (2015) and collaborates with Dr. Dan Levy on genome assembly techniques. Her research program focuses on characterizing tumor microenvironments and developing advanced genomic tools for precision medicine applications. Recent publications demonstrate innovations in magnetic hydrogel functionalization, targeted genome assembly, and mammary oncogenesis mechanisms.

• Veterinary Sciences
• Animal Nutrition
• Ruminant Nutrition
• +7 more

Ana Cristina Martins de Miranda Vítor is an Assistant Professor at the Egas Moniz Higher Institute of Health Sciences , where she teaches courses such as Introduction to Animal Organism , Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , and Genetics across Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences programs. Her academic training includes a Doctorate in Veterinary Sciences (University of Lisbon, 2018–2023) and an Integrated Master's in Veterinary Medicine (University of Lisbon, 2012–2018). Her research focuses on Ruminant Nutrition and Lipid Metabolism , particularly the use of Nannochloropsis oceanica microalgae to protect omega-3 fatty acids from ruminal biohydrogenation. Key projects include GENOCRYPT-Lamb , RumOmics , and Gene2Rumen , funded by institutions like Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia . She employs multi-Omics and metaproteomics to study rumen microbiota interactions and dietary impacts on lamb meat and tissue quality. Her publications explore rumen-protected lipid encapsulation , reticulo-rumen morphology , and omega-3 enrichment in lamb tissues. While no explicit scientific awards are listed, her work is recognized through presentations at conferences like the European Federation of Animal Science Congress and AlgaEurope Congress . She also contributes to teaching and research dissemination via seminars and scientific expeditions.

Hrvoje NovakView profile

Researcher

• Control Systems
• Machine Learning
• Energy Management
• +6 more

Hrvoje Novak is a Leading Researcher at the Department of Control and Computer Engineering, University of Zagreb Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing. His work focuses on interdisciplinary research spanning energy systems optimization, precision agriculture, and advanced control methodologies. He has contributed to innovative solutions in predictive control for building energy management, railway traction systems, and water treatment infrastructure. His research integrates machine learning, IoT, and remote sensing technologies to address challenges in smart grids, crop health monitoring, and insect pest management. Key research areas include: Predictive control strategies for energy-efficient systems Machine learning applications in agricultural pest detection Data-driven modeling of urban traffic and infrastructure IoT-based plant development modeling systems Optimization of railway traction and energy storage systems His publications emphasize practical implementations such as hierarchical building energy management, flight mill analysis for invasive species, and grey-box modeling of water treatment plants. Novak collaborates across academic and industrial sectors to advance sustainable technologies.

Donald FreytesView profile

Associate Professor

• Regenerative Medicine
• Stem Cell Biology
• Tissue Engineering
• +5 more

Dr. Donald Freytes is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at NC State University. He holds dual affiliations with NC State and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His research focuses on designing bioengineered tissues using pluripotent stem cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffolds to restore tissue function. Key areas include leveraging ECM to guide stem cell differentiation, understanding macrophage interactions with engineered tissues, and developing biomaterials for vocal fold regeneration and cardiac repair. His work bridges cell biology, materials science, and clinical applications. Education includes a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh, an M.S. from Purdue University, and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue. Research achievements include over 50 peer-reviewed publications and two significant awards: the 2012 TERMIS Young Investigator Travel Award and the 2010 NYSTEM Fellow-to-Faculty Award. His lab develops novel ECM-derived hydrogels, bioreactor systems for vocal fold engineering, and mathematical models to optimize bioprocessing. Current projects explore maternal aging models using uterine tissue constructs and inhalable ECM-based substrates for laryngeal repair.

Millicent SullivanView profile

Professor

• Gene Delivery
• siRNA Delivery
• Biomaterials
• +7 more

Millicent Sullivan is the Alvin B. and Julie O. Stiles Professor of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering and Professor of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Delaware. She is affiliated with the Allan P. Colburn Laboratory and focuses on developing biomaterials and nanocarriers for nucleic acid and drug delivery in regenerative medicine. Her research addresses challenges in gene therapy, siRNA delivery, and targeted drug delivery for cancers and tissue repair. Dr. Sullivan holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Princeton University. Her research interests include engineering polymer and peptide-based nanocarriers to target intracellular organelles, exploring stimuli-responsive materials for controlled drug release, and integrating growth factor delivery with wound repair mechanisms. She also investigates bioinspired systems like collagen-mimetic peptides and viral-like particles for therapeutic applications. Recent work highlights advancements in light-responsive nanocarriers, HBV protein particles for targeted delivery, and ECM turnover-stimulated gene transfer. Her lab’s innovations aim to enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing side effects in conditions like cancer and chronic wounds. Collaborations focus on interdisciplinary approaches combining chemical engineering, biomaterials science, and cell biology. Her lab’s website provides further details on ongoing projects and clinical translation efforts.

• Periodontology
• Oral Microbiology
• Bacterial Adhesion
• +5 more

Wim Teughels is a Professor at KU Leuven (Faculty of Medicine) and head of the Periodontology & Oral Microbiology research group. He holds visiting professorships at Cukurova University (Turkey) and Malaya University (Malaysia). His expertise spans periodontology, oral microbiology, and biomaterials, with a focus on probiotics, antimicrobials, and biofilm management. He has authored over 200 peer-reviewed articles, 3 books, and serves as associate editor for Journal of Periodontal Research and Carranza's Clinical Periodontology . Education & Qualifications: Dental degree (2000) from Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KULeuven) Specialist in Periodontology (2006) and PhD (2006), both from KULeuven European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) certificate in Periodontology Research Interests: His work centers on bacterial adhesion, microbial interactions, and novel therapies for oral diseases. Key areas include probiotic delivery systems, antimicrobial biomaterials, and regenerative therapies. Recent projects explore electrospun probiotic encapsulation and zinc-infused polymers for dental implants. Recent Publications Trends: Recent work emphasizes probiotics in oral health, antimicrobial strategies , and biofilm dynamics . Notable contributions include systematic reviews on platelet concentrates in alveolar ridge preservation and consensus reports on periodontal diagnostic technologies. Professional Roles: Co-director, EFP Post-graduate Education Committee Advisor, EAO Consensus Conference Committee ITI University Campus Ambassador Member of multiple academic councils and committees at KU Leuven Labs & Collaborations: Leads the Periodontology & Oral Microbiology research group, collaborating on projects funded by EU grants (e.g., MICROTUNe bioreactor platform) and industry partnerships. Active in developing novel biomaterials and probiotic therapies for peri-implant infections.

• Tissue Engineering
• Biomaterials
• Spider Silk Applications
• +3 more

My Hedhammar is Professor in Biotechnology at KTH Royal Institute of Technology developing innovative methods for tissue engineering using recombinant spider silk. Her laboratory creates three-dimensional tissue models that mimic natural cellular environments. Research focuses on spider silk-derived biomaterials that serve as scaffolds for cell cultivation, enabling the creation of complex tissue structures including vascularized models. Applications include cancer tumor modeling and diabetes treatment through pancreatic islet transplantation. Recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate advancements in silk functionalization, cryopreservation techniques, and disease-specific models. Work consistently bridges biomaterial science with clinical applications in regenerative medicine and drug development.

Jingxin ShaoView profile

Researcher

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• +4 more

Jingxin Shao is a University Researcher at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) in the Department of Biomedical Engineering. She joined the Bio-organic Chemistry research group led by Prof. Jan van Hest in 2017 as a postdoctoral researcher. Her research focuses on self-assembled polymeric capsules and polymersomes with tunable size and morphology for biomedical applications , including drug delivery and cancer targeting. Her work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as Good Health and Well-being. The 15 most recent publications highlight her expertise in nanomotors , phase-separated polymersomes , and photothermal responsive systems , with keywords spanning Nanotechnology , Materials Science , and Biomedical Engineering .

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.