Sonit Bafna is an Associate Professor and Director of the Ph.D. Program in Architecture at the Georgia Institute of Technology's College of Design. He holds a Ph.D. from Georgia Tech (2002), an SMArchS from MIT (1993), and a professional degree in Architecture fromCEPT University (1990). His research bridges empirical studies on space-human interaction and critical architectural theory, focusing on morphology, behavior, perception, and aesthetics. Key research areas include home layout's impact on mental health (e.g., reduced depression risk in living-area-centered apartments), workplace design's role in employee wellbeing, and the relationship between spatial configuration and cognitive abilities. His work is funded by organizations like the General Services Administration and Kaiser Permanente. Bafna supervises doctoral research in morphology, design theory, and cognitive studies. Current projects include a book on imaginative reasoning in architecture and studies on hospital corridor design and film spatial analysis. His courses cover architectural theory, design analysis, and research methods. Notable contributions include interdisciplinary studies on space syntax, the therapeutic potential of domestic environments, and the visual functioning of buildings. His research emphasizes the socio-cultural dimensions of architecture and its imaginative potential beyond functionalism.
Tijay Chung is an Associate Professor at the College of Engineering , Virginia Tech , specializing in Internet Security and Internet Measurement . His work bridges theoretical and applied aspects of cybersecurity, focusing on secure communication protocols and infrastructure. Education Ph.D., Computer Science and Engineering, Seoul National University (2015) B.S., Computer Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (2009) Research Interests Chung's research centers on improving certificate revocation mechanisms, DNSSEC, and TLS security. He explores vulnerabilities in web encryption, develops decentralized cryptographic solutions, and analyzes internet governance protocols like BGP and RPKI. His work also extends to privacy in contact-tracing technologies and understanding content distribution dynamics in peer-to-peer systems. Recent publications highlight trends in : Enhancing TLS and DNSSEC operational security Decentralized cryptographic accumulators for revocation Longitudinal studies of PKI and certificate ecosystems Privacy guarantees in Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) systems Advising No student names were explicitly listed in the provided materials.
Gary Koenig is Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Virginia. His research program focuses on advanced materials for energy storage systems, particularly lithium-ion batteries and flow batteries. He holds a PhD from University of Wisconsin-Madison and completed postdoctoral research at Argonne National Laboratory. His group develops novel electrode architectures, including thick sintered electrodes and all-active-material designs, to improve battery energy density and rate capability. Research spans materials synthesis, electrochemical characterization, and transport modeling to overcome limitations in current energy storage technologies. Honors include the NSF CAREER Award (2017) and Fulbright Research Fellowship (2020). Recent publications examine electrode processing techniques, lithium extraction methods, and transport phenomena in battery systems. His work demonstrates innovations in electrode design that enable higher energy densities while maintaining cycling stability. He has taught courses including Applied Statistics, Chemical Reaction Engineering, and Energy Technology Options.
Heikki Handroos is a Full Professor of Mechanical Engineering at LUT University, leading the Laboratory of Intelligent Machines since 1993. He holds a DSc (Technology) from Tampere University of Technology and has served as Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Technology (2007-2009) and currently chairs the Collegiate Body of LUT University. His research focuses on mechatronics, robotics, control systems, and fluid power, with over 300 publications and 2,400+ citations. He has supervised 34 doctoral theses and 150+ MSc projects, managed R&D projects exceeding €20M, and co-founded four tech startups. His work spans industrial collaborations, digital twin applications, and innovative robotics for nuclear energy (e.g., DEMO reactor maintenance systems). He has held visiting professorships in the U.S., Japan, and Russia, and actively contributes to academic editorial roles and professional societies like ASME and IEEE.
Jane Howe is an Associate Professor at the University of Toronto with joint appointments in the Department of Materials Science & Engineering and the Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry. Her research focuses on in situ microscopy techniques, advanced materials characterization, and energy storage systems. Dr. Howe holds nine US patents related to electron microscopy and materials development, and has been recognized with two R&D 100 Awards for innovations in lithium battery technology and nano-structured carbon materials. Before joining UofT, Jane worked as a Senior Applications Scientist at Hitachi High-Technologies (2012–2017) and served as a Staff Scientist and Principal Investigator at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (2001–2012). She earned her Ph.D. in Ceramic Science from Alfred University in 2001, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at ORNL. Her expertise spans materials processing, corrosion science, and advanced electron microscopy techniques, including in situ TEM and correlative microscopy. Her research portfolio includes over 100 peer-reviewed publications, with recent work emphasizing nanomaterials for energy storage, corrosion-resistant coatings for nuclear fuel containers, and Bayesian optimization of carbon nanolattices. Jane’s lab also explores microbial interactions in anaerobic cultures and novel catalysts for CO₂ hydrogenation, reflecting her interdisciplinary approach to materials science challenges. Education: Ph.D. in Ceramic Science, Alfred University (2001) Postdoctoral Fellowship, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (2001–2008) Key Awards: R&D 100 Award (2020s): Lithium Battery Technology R&D 100 Award (2020s): Nano-Structured Carbon Materials Grants & Collaborations: Active in Canada’s nuclear fuel container materials research and US-Canada cross-border microscopy partnerships.
Professor Timothy P. Bender is a distinguished faculty member at the University of Toronto, holding a primary appointment in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry with cross-appointments in the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. His research laboratory focuses on developing novel organic electronic materials for applications in sustainable energy technologies, particularly organic solar cells and light-emitting devices. Professor Bender earned his B.Sc. and Ph.D. from Carleton University before joining the University of Toronto faculty in 2006. Prior to his academic appointment, he was a research staff member at the Xerox Research Centre of Canada from 2000-2006, where he filed over 65 US patents and published numerous peer-reviewed papers. His industrial research experience provides valuable perspective on the commercialization pathway for academic discoveries. Professor Bender's research program centers on the design, synthesis, and engineering of new materials for organic electronic devices, particularly organic photovoltaics (OPVs) and organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). His group has made significant contributions to the understanding and application of boron subphthalocyanines (BsubPcs) and silicon phthalocyanines (SiPcs), establishing methodologies for tailoring their chemical structure to optimize device performance. The Bender Lab employs a comprehensive 'applied chemistry-device continuum' approach, integrating computational modeling, synthetic chemistry, physical characterization, and device engineering to establish molecular structure-property relationships. Their research spans fundamental chemistry to applied device engineering, with strong emphasis on sustainability considerations throughout the materials development process. Analysis of Professor Bender's recent publications reveals a strong focus on developing BsubPcs as triplet harvesting materials in organic photovoltaics, engineering silicon phthalocyanines for enhanced electron transport, and exploring halogen bonding to control solid-state arrangements of these materials. His work demonstrates how molecular engineering can overcome traditional limitations in organic electronic materials, particularly regarding solubility, charge transport, and environmental stability. The research shows consistent progression toward higher efficiency devices with improved longevity. 2008 Professor Diran Basmadjian Teacher of the Year Award from the Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry Corporate Special Recognition Award from Xerox Corporation for photoreceptor technology that enabled 'life of machine' parts Professor Bender actively mentors a diverse team of highly qualified personnel (HQP), including undergraduate students, graduate students, and post-doctoral fellows. His laboratory fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration between chemists, materials scientists, and chemical engineers, allowing students to engage with the complete research cycle from molecular design to environmental testing. He has secured funding from NSERC, SABIC Corporation, and other sources to support his research program, which maintains strong industrial partnerships with companies including SABIC Corporation, Siltech Corporation, and Xerox Corporation. His research bridges fundamental academic discoveries with practical commercial applications in the growing field of organic electronics. The Bender Laboratory maintains comprehensive infrastructure for organic synthesis, materials characterization, and device fabrication. Their facilities enable complete development cycles from molecular design to environmental testing of organic electronic devices. The lab's 'applied chemistry-device continuum' approach ensures that fundamental discoveries are rapidly translated into practical device applications, with particular emphasis on sustainability considerations throughout the materials development process. Current research directions include accelerated materials development, sustainable chemical processes, and life cycle analysis of organic electronic devices in real-world environments.
Elsa A. Olivetti is the Jerry McAfee (1940) Professor in Engineering and Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at MIT, and a MacVicar Faculty Fellow. She leads the Olivetti Group, focusing on sustainable materials design, recycling strategies, and computational models for environmental and economic impact assessment. Her work bridges materials science with sustainability, emphasizing circular economy principles and decarbonization. Education: B.S. in Engineering Science from University of Virginia (2000); Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from MIT (2007). Her doctoral research centered on lithium-ion battery electrode materials. She joined MIT’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering (DMSE) in 2014 as an Assistant Professor, later advancing to full Professor. She co-directs the MIT Climate & Sustainability Consortium and chairs the MIT Climate Nucleus. Research interests include: sustainable materials systems, recycling-friendly material design, waste mining, and AI-driven materials discovery. She develops models for cost prediction, environmental impact analysis, and policy-relevant supply chain dynamics. Notable contributions include high-throughput zeolite design and battery recycling frameworks. Awards include the Bose Teaching Award (2021), NSF Early Career Award (2018), and Minerals, Metals & Materials Society Early Career Fellowship (2019). Her work emphasizes education and curriculum development, including courses for MIT’s Climate Scholars program. Labs/Teams: Olivetti Group (MIT), MIT Climate & Sustainability Consortium. Active in global sustainability initiatives, focusing on materials for energy transition and climate resilience.
Christopher J. Stein is an Associate Professor of Theoretical Chemistry at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), part of the TUM School of Natural Sciences. His research focuses on theoretical (electro-)catalysis, developing electronic-structure models and solvation/embedding methods to understand and optimize catalytic processes. He leads the Stein Group, which integrates computational chemistry with high-throughput simulations to advance energy materials and battery technologies. His work emphasizes realistic modeling of catalyst behavior under operational conditions and has contributed to advancements in quantum embedding and automated reaction mechanism exploration. Education and Career: Earned his PhD in Theoretical Chemistry, with postdoctoral research at Caltech (2017-2020). Became an Associate Professor at TU Munich in 2023. He previously held roles at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and contributed to projects like the BIG-MAP Materials Acceleration Platform. Research Interests: Theoretical chemistry, electrochemical interfaces, battery materials, high-throughput computational methods, and machine learning integration. His group explores topics like solid electrolyte interphases, charge transfer mechanisms, and automated workflows for materials discovery. Awards: While no explicit awards are listed, his contributions to materials acceleration platforms and theoretical catalysis have been widely recognized in the field. His work has been featured in journals like Journal of Chemical Physics , Chemical Science , and Angewandte Chemie . Labs/Teams: Leads the Stein Group at TUM, collaborating with institutions like the Munich Data Science Institute and MIRMI. His lab focuses on computational tools for accelerating energy material development, including quantum embedding and cloud-based simulations.
Thomas Ouldridge is a Royal Society University Research Fellow and Reader in Biomolecular Systems at the Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Imperial College London. He leads the 'Principles of Biomolecular Systems' group, which focuses on theoretical and computational modeling of complex biochemical systems, particularly exploring the interplay between molecular details and emergent behaviors like sensing, replication, and self-assembly. His work integrates natural systems analysis with synthetic biology applications, aiming to engineer artificial analogs of biological processes. His research spans interdisciplinary areas including stochastic thermodynamics, DNA-based computation, and molecular reaction networks. Key affiliations include the Physics of Life, Synthetic Biology Hub, and the Leverhulme Centre for Cellular Bionics. He has contributed to over 60 peer-reviewed articles since 2009, with recent work emphasizing energy-efficient molecular information processing and thermodynamic limits of biochemical systems. Awards: Royal Society University Research Fellowship (current). Labs/Teams: Principles of Biomolecular Systems Group, collaborating with multiple centers including the Centre for Synthetic Biology and Institute of Chemical Biology. Grants/Positions: Maintains research funding through the Royal Society and UKRI grants, focusing on non-equilibrium biomolecular systems and synthetic biology tools. Recent publications highlight advances in DNA templating networks, stochastic thermodynamic modeling of computation, and optimal protocols for molecular copying systems. His work bridges foundational physics with applied biotechnology, aiming to push the boundaries of synthetic biological engineering.
Mark R. Greenstreet is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of British Columbia (UBC). He holds a BSc from Caltech (1981), MA (1988), and PhD (1993) in Computer Science from Princeton University. His primary research focuses on formal verification of analog and mixed-signal (AMS) circuits, VLSI design, and hybrid systems. Notable contributions include the STARI signaling technique, tools like Coho for reachability analysis, and PReach for parallel model checking. He has advised numerous graduate students and collaborators, including Brad Bingham, Chao Yan, and Yan Peng. His work has been recognized with a Best Paper Award at the ASYNC Symposium. Supported by NSERC, Intel, and Oracle, his research bridges theoretical foundations and practical challenges in circuit design and verification. He teaches courses on formal methods, computer architecture, and automata theory at UBC.
Professor Michael Davies is Professor of Building Physics and the Environment at the UCL Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering (IEDE) within The Bartlett School of Environment, Energy & Resources at University College London. He is also a member of the UK Climate Change Committee. With over two decades of academic experience, Professor Davies leads research at the critical intersection of building physics, environmental design, and public health, focusing on how the built environment impacts human well-being. His educational background includes: Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Westminster (1994) Postgraduate Certificate in Education from the University of York (1990) Bachelor of Science from the University of Manchester (1986) Professor Davies has pioneered transdisciplinary research methods, particularly in modeling health impacts and applying system dynamics approaches to address urban health challenges. His work demonstrates how healthy sustainable development can be achieved through innovative stakeholder participation and methodological advancements. His research spans building physics, climate change adaptation, indoor environmental quality, and the health implications of urban design, with particular attention to vulnerable populations and environmental justice considerations. His extensive publication record (over 300 outputs) reveals a consistent evolution toward more integrated approaches that connect building science with public health and climate policy. Recent work shows growing emphasis on health equity in climate adaptation, advanced modeling of complex urban systems, and the application of system dynamics to understand interconnected challenges in housing and urban environments. His research bridges technical building performance analysis with broader policy implications, reflecting his commitment to solutions that address both environmental sustainability and social equity. Professor Davies has secured significant research funding, including the prestigious EPSRC Platform Grant funding the Complex Built Environment Systems group at UCL (awarded only to "world leading" centers) and the Wellcome Trust-funded 'CUSSH' project. In total, he has served as PI or Co-I on approximately 50 research projects, demonstrating exceptional ability to lead large-scale, transdisciplinary research initiatives addressing critical urban challenges. As an educator, Professor Davies leads the 'Energy Context' module in the Environmental Design and Engineering MSc course and supervises EngD and PhD students. His teaching emphasizes the integration of energy systems within broader environmental, social, and policy contexts, preparing students to address complex sustainability challenges in the built environment sector.
Dr. Yiran Chen is the John Cocke Distinguished Professor at Duke University's Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, leading the NSF AI Institute for Edge Computing (Athena) and the Duke Center for Computational Evolutionary Intelligence (DCEI). A global leader in neuromorphic computing, emerging memory systems, and edge AI, he holds prestigious roles including IEEE Fellow and Editor-in-Chief of IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems for AI. His research spans machine learning accelerators, security-hardened hardware, and co-design of EDA tools with LLMs. With over 700 publications and 96 patents, he has been awarded 15 paper awards and 17 nominations, including rare Technical Achievement Awards from IEEE societies. He advises over 60 PhD students and 4 postdocs, many of whom hold academic positions worldwide. His work bridges academia and industry, contributing to startups and venture capital through his board roles. Education: B.S. (Tsinghua, 1998) → M.S. (Tsinghua, 2001) → Ph.D. (Purdue, 2005). Career path: Assistant/Associate Professor at University of Pittsburgh (2010–2014) → Duke since 2014. Awards include the ACM SIGDA Outstanding New Faculty Award (2014), NSF CAREER Award (2013), and the Stansell Family Distinguished Research Award (2022). Research focuses on innovations in: (1) Non-volatile memory architectures for AI acceleration, (2) Hardware-software co-design for edge computing, (3) Security in neuromorphic systems, and (4) Large-scale ML for EDA. His group pioneered ReRAM-based accelerators like ReBNN and MARC, and introduced novel edge AI frameworks like Ecco and Prosperity. These works address scalability, energy efficiency, and real-time performance challenges. Key initiatives include the NSF IUCRC for Alternative Sustainable & Intelligent Computing (ASIC), advancing sustainable computing through novel materials and architectures. His leadership in standard-setting bodies like the IEEE Circuits and Systems Society ensures cutting-edge research translates into industry practices. Grants: Lead PIs for multiple NSF AI Institutes and industry partnerships. Labs: Directs the Athena Institute and DCEI, fostering collaboration between academia and industry. Current projects include quantum computing placement algorithms (QPlacer), federated learning frameworks (FedGPT), and neuro-symbolic architectures.
Lars Hanson is a Professor of Product Design Engineering at the University of Skövde's School of Engineering Science. His research focuses on ergonomics, digital human modeling, and optimizing manufacturing systems with a strong emphasis on human well-being and sustainable production. He leads projects like LITMUS (Industry 4.0 to 5.0 transition) and has contributed to developing tools such as IPS IMMA for ergonomic simulations. Active in virtual verification of human-robot collaboration and smart textile systems for workplace safety Published extensively in journals like International Journal of Human Factors Modelling and Simulation and IEEE Access Editor of conference proceedings and contributor to industry standards in automotive and healthcare sectors Research interests include multi-objective optimization of factory layouts, musculoskeletal risk assessment, and integrating ergonomic evaluations into product design processes. Current projects address Industry 5.0 sustainability challenges through digital twin technologies and smart manufacturing solutions.
Onur Mutlu is a Professor of Computer Science at ETH Zurich, affiliated with the Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering. He also holds adjunct professorships at Carnegie Mellon University and Bilkent University. His research focuses on computer architecture, systems security, bioinformatics, and energy-efficient computing. He has pioneered work on memory-centric computing paradigms, RowHammer security vulnerabilities, and bio-inspired computing systems. He teaches courses such as Digital Design & Computer Architecture and supervises the SAFARI research group, which explores cutting-edge topics in memory systems, AI accelerators, and genomics. Recent activities include keynote talks at ISCA, HiPEAC, and IEEE conferences, emphasizing emerging hardware-software co-design principles. Key contributions include foundational work on memory reliability, cross-layer system design, and accelerating genomic data analysis. His research has been showcased in over 200 publications and industry collaborations with tech leaders like Intel, Huawei, and Micron.
Chris Bryan is an Assistant Professor in the School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence (SCAI) at Arizona State University (ASU), part of the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. He leads the Sonoran Visualization Laboratory (SVL @ ASU), focusing on data visualization, human-computer interaction, and advanced interfaces for data science. His research includes explainable AI, augmented/virtual reality, and privacy-preserving visualization techniques. Educations: Ph.D. Computer Science, University of California, Davis (2018) B.S. Computer Science, University of Arkansas (2008) Research Interests: Bryan’s work spans data visualization, human-computer interaction, explainable AI, and immersive visualization. He develops tools for collaborative analysis, privacy-aware systems, and visual analytics for complex data. Current projects involve VR/AR interfaces, bias reduction in NLP tasks, and educational visualization tools. Recent Achievements: Recipient of the 2024 and 2023 Top Five Percent Faculty Award at ASU’s Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. NSF grants for privacy-preserving visualization (SaTC #2224066) and visualization education (IUSE #2216452). Multiple publications in top venues like IEEE VIS, CHI, and EuroVis, including work on differential privacy, mind wandering in visualization, and LLM prompt exploration. Advising & Grants: Advises Ph.D., MS, and undergraduate students on visualization and HCI research. Collaborates with institutions like Los Alamos National Laboratory, Phoenix Children’s Hospital, and Nankai University. Lab focuses on mentoring and preparing students for academic and industry roles in visualization and AI. Labs & Teams: Leads the SVL @ ASU, which uses advanced hardware (HTC Vive, HoloLens 2) and tools like D3.js, React, and LaTeX. The lab emphasizes interdisciplinary projects with domain experts in medicine, engineering, and security.
