Prof. Dr. Malte Oppermann is a full Professor at the University of Basel , leading the Ultrafast Chiral Dynamics Laboratory within the Department of Chemistry. His group specializes in developing cutting-edge time-resolved spectroscopic techniques to probe molecular transformations on femtosecond to microsecond timescales, focusing on chirality and structural dynamics in complex systems. Research Focus: Ultrafast Chiral Spectroscopy : Using circularly polarized laser pulses to resolve structural changes in chiral systems. Molecular Motors & Protein Dynamics : Capturing conformational changes in synthetic motors and proteins in native environments. Photoactive Materials : Investigating light-energy conversion mechanisms in chiral photochemical systems. His research bridges physics and chemistry, employing state-of-the-art laser technology and collaborating internationally across synthesis, spectroscopy, and theory. Publications & Impact: Prof. Oppermann’s work (2011–2025) spans ultrafast spectroscopy , chiral dynamics , nanomaterials , and biomolecular photophysics . Key themes include spin-crossover dynamics, DNA photodamage, and plasmonic nanoparticles, with techniques like transient X-ray absorption and deep-UV circular dichroism. Team & Opportunities: The group actively recruits MSc/PhD students and postdocs in physics, chemistry, and materials science. Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Prof. Oppermann directly.
Gert Cauwenberghs is a Professor of Bioengineering at the University of California San Diego (UCSD), affiliated with the Jacobs School of Engineering. He co-directs the Institute for Neural Computation and holds a visiting professorship at MIT. His research focuses on neuromorphic engineering, energy-efficient neural interfaces, and wearable biosensors. Key contributions include silicon-based adaptive neural circuits, implantable neural recording systems, and in-ear biosensing devices. Education: M.Eng. in Applied Physics (University of Brussels, 1988), M.S. and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering (Caltech, 1989–1994). Prior roles include Professorships at Johns Hopkins University and Visiting Professor at MIT. Research Interests: Biomedical integrated circuits, neuromorphic computing, brain-machine interfaces, and energy-efficient neural systems. His work bridges neuroengineering and clinical applications, emphasizing adaptive intelligence and low-power designs. Recent Work: Development of femtojoule-efficient neural chips, high-density neural interfaces, and closed-loop wearable systems. Projects include neurobench benchmarking frameworks and RRAM-based neuromorphic hardware. Awards: NSF Career Award (1997), ONR Young Investigator (1999), PECASE (2000), IEEE Distinguished Lecturer (2003–2004). Grants & Labs: Active in NIH and DoD-funded projects, co-directs the UCSD Institute for Neural Computation. Collaborates with industry on neural interface technologies. Labs/Teams: Cauwenberghs Lab at UCSD focuses on integrated neuroengineering systems, including neural recording systems and neuromorphic computing architectures.
Nancy M. Wells is a Professor in the Department of Human Centered Design and serves as the Senior Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Education in the College of Human Ecology at Cornell University. Her work bridges environmental psychology and public health, examining how built and natural environments impact human health and behavior across the lifespan. Dr. Wells received a joint PhD in Psychology and Architecture from the University of Michigan and completed National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) post-doctoral training at the University of California, Irvine. Her educational background uniquely positions her to investigate the intersection of physical environments and human wellbeing through both psychological and architectural lenses. Her research focuses on how environmental contexts—from homes to neighborhoods to schools—affect health outcomes, cognitive functioning, and resilience. A central theme examines nature's role in human resilience, particularly how natural environments buffer against adversity and challenge. She has conducted influential work on school gardens and their effects on children's physical activity, dietary habits, and learning. More recently, she has pioneered research on nature and autism, conducting a randomized controlled trial examining natural environments' effects on autistic youth wellbeing. Analysis of Dr. Wells' recent publications reveals consistent focus on nature's health benefits, with strong emphasis on experimental methodologies including randomized controlled trials and natural experiments. Her work spans environmental psychology, public health, and education, with particular attention to vulnerable populations including low-income communities and children of color. NSF Funding for environmental health research USDA Funding for school garden studies Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Funding MacArthur Foundation Funding Senior Associate Editor of Environment and Behavior (4 years) Research Advisory Board of Children and Nature Network Board of Directors for reDirect Dr. Wells actively mentors undergraduate and graduate students through the Wells Lab, involving them in all research stages from data collection to publication. Her research has been supported by multiple significant grants examining housing quality effects on mental health, neighborhood design impacts on physical activity, and school garden interventions. She leads interdisciplinary research teams that integrate perspectives from environmental psychology, public health, landscape architecture, and education. The Wells Lab operates as an integrated research-teaching-outreach unit that develops practical yet rigorous studies to assess causal relations between environment and health, creates valid measurement tools, and identifies causal pathways. Current projects include examining nature's effects on autistic youth wellbeing in partnership with The Center for Discovery in New York, and investigating multi-sensory design in urban public spaces.
Dr Andrew Rhead is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Bath, specializing in aerospace composites and damage tolerance analysis. His research focuses on impact damage detection, failure mechanism modeling, and Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) techniques for composite structures. MSci in Mathematical Sciences (Dynamical Systems) - University of Bristol (2006) PhD in Composite Damage Tolerance - University of Bath (2009) His work develops computationally efficient analytical models for compression after impact (CAI) strength prediction in composite laminates, surpassing traditional finite element methods. Key projects include hydrogen storage systems for aircraft, cryogenic composite testing, and steered fiber manufacturing optimization. Active in 10 projects including ASPIRE and HyFIVE Collaborates with Airbus, GKN Aerospace, and EPSRC Research trends show emphasis on sustainable aviation materials, structural battery integration, and advanced testing methodologies. Current affiliations include the Institute for Mathematical Innovation (IMI) and Centre for Integrated Materials, Processes & Structures (IMPS).
Dr. Sungjin Kim is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at The University of New Mexico (UNM). He earned his Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from MIT (2020) as a Samsung Scholarship Fellow, with prior degrees from KAIST (M.S. 2011, B.S. 2009) and exchange experience at Georgia Tech (2008). His research focuses on bioinspired, energy-efficient materials design for sustainability and healthcare. Education: Ph.D., MIT (2020) M.S. and B.S., KAIST (2011, 2009) Exchange Student, Georgia Tech (2008) Research Interests: Dynamic crosslinking in polymers, bioinspired mineralization for CO2 utilization and hard-tissue engineering, vitrimers for recyclable composites, and sustainable additive manufacturing. His work bridges fundamental chemistry (e.g., metal-coordinate bonds) and applied engineering (e.g., 3D printing). Notable Publications (2025-2022): Explore polyisocyanurate foams, dynamic vitrimer composites, and bioinspired mineralization strategies. Common themes include sustainable materials, dynamic bonding, and hybrid organic-inorganic systems. Awards: Samsung Scholarship Fellow (2014-2019) Government Scholarship (Korea, 2009-2011) Research Report of the Year Award (2012, SKC Co., Ltd.) Outstanding New Researcher Award (2011, SKC Co., Ltd.) Students: Advisees include graduate students Leila Shahriari and Michael Nelwood, and undergraduates Tyrus Antonson and Jacqueline Buenviaje. Former members include Catherine Biju (M.S. candidate) and Lillian Elam (undergraduate).
Albert Presto is a Research Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University with a courtesy appointment in Civil and Environmental Engineering. He serves as Director of the Center for Atmospheric Particle Studies (CAPS) and is a Faculty Affiliate at the Steinbrenner Institute for Environmental Education and Research. His work spans multiple interdisciplinary collaborations across environmental science, engineering, and public health domains. Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering Center for Atmospheric Particle Studies (CAPS) Steinbrenner Institute for Environmental Education and Research Africa Clean Air Network Advisory Council Health Effect Institute's Energy Review Committee Presto's research focuses on pollutant emissions from energy extraction and consumption and their subsequent atmospheric transformations. His work examines how gas and oil wells emit methane, how vehicles emit carbon monoxide and particulate matter, and how these pollutants undergo oxidation in the atmosphere to create secondary pollutants like ozone and secondary particulate matter. His approach combines ambient measurements, laboratory experiments, source testing of pollution sources, and atmospheric models to provide a holistic view of pollutant emissions and transformations. His recent publications reveal a strong emphasis on air quality monitoring technologies, particularly low-cost sensor networks deployed internationally. There's a clear trend toward studying air pollution in African cities (especially Nairobi, Kampala, and Addis Ababa), examining spatial and temporal variability of particulate matter, and investigating the health impacts of air pollution exposure. His work increasingly integrates machine learning approaches for pollution forecasting and leverages international collaborations to address global air quality challenges. Member of Africa Clean Air Network Advisory Council Collaborator with US embassies worldwide on air quality data collection Quoted in The Guardian on inequality of air pollution exposure, specifically noting how people of color are more likely to be exposed to harmful air pollution Collaborated on research regarding chemicals released during the Ohio train derailment Presto actively collaborates with medical professionals to develop neighborhood-by-neighborhood studies of pollutant exposure and to understand relationships between emissions and health effects like childhood asthma. His work includes investigating racial-ethnic exposure disparities to airborne pollutants and examining how proximity to pollution sources like fast-food restaurants affects pediatric asthma outcomes. He has received seed funding from the Scott Institute for Energy Innovation for research in clean hydrogen production, AI hardware efficiency, and decarbonizing transportation. As Director of CAPS, Presto leads a research team focused on atmospheric particle studies with applications ranging from local Pittsburgh air quality to global monitoring initiatives. His lab develops and deploys advanced air quality monitoring technologies, including low-cost sensor networks that have been implemented in multiple cities across Africa. The CAPS research group works at the intersection of environmental engineering, atmospheric science, and public health to address critical air quality challenges worldwide.
Bhaskar Reddy Sudireddy is an Associate Professor in the Department of Energy Conversion and Storage at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). His research focuses on advanced materials for energy technologies, including solid oxide fuel cells, electrocatalysts, and ceramic processing. He contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to affordable and clean energy (SDG 7) and industry innovation (SDG 9). His work emphasizes the development of high-performance electrodes, metal-supported solid oxide cells, and gas sensors. He leads projects on eco-friendly fabrication methods for energy storage systems and collaborates on piezoelectric materials sintered in humid air. His research group, Applied Ceramics and Processing, explores novel ceramic materials for applications in renewable energy and environmental monitoring. Advises five PhD students working on projects like high-temperature electrolysis cells and antiferroelectric materials. Supervises interdisciplinary research spanning electrochemistry, materials synthesis, and device fabrication. Located at DTU’s campus in Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark, with extensive international collaborations.
Irene Taurino is an Assistant Professor (tenure track) in the Faculty of Engineering Science at KU Leuven, affiliated with the Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Department of Electrical Engineering (ESAT). She leads the Laboratory of Electrochemical Materials and Bio Interfaces (eMATI), focusing on nano- and microtechnologies for biomedical applications. Her work emphasizes developing advanced electrochemical systems for therapeutic and sensing purposes, including biodegradable platforms and stretchable substrates. Research Interests: Electrochemistry, Nanotechnology, (Bio)sensing, Drug delivery, Bimetals/Metal Oxides, and Smart materials. Projects include HumiPlast (plant transpiration sensors), QuantPAH (firefighter health monitoring), and TALENT (thin-film deposition technologies). She holds leadership roles in Leuven One Health, LIMNI, and the Plant Institute. Advising & Grants: Promotes/Co-promotes 10+ projects on biosensors, CO2 electroreduction, and smart farming. Key roles in funding initiatives like EU Horizon and industry partnerships. Labs/Teams: Heads eMATI, fostering interdisciplinary research in bioelectronics and soft materials. Emphasizes creativity and translational research from fundamental science to practical applications.
Gustavo Alonso is Full Professor at the Department of Computer Science (D-INFK) of ETH Zurich and Head of the Institute for Computing Platforms . He has been at ETH since 1995, first as a post-doc, then as Assistant Professor from April 1998, and promoted to Full Professor in October 2001. Within the Systems Group he leads the Information and Communication Systems Research Group . Education: 1989 – Telecommunications Engineering (undergraduate), Madrid Technical University (UPM-ETSIT), Spain 1992 – M.S. Computer Science, University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) 1994 – Ph.D. Computer Science, University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) Research Interests: His work spans databases, distributed systems, cloud-computing architecture, FPGAs, hardware acceleration for data science, parallel and reconfigurable computing . The group investigates how modern heterogeneous hardware—from GPUs to SmartNICs—can be integrated into data-processing systems to achieve orders-of-magnitude performance gains, energy savings, and new functionality such as in-network computation and serverless acceleration. Scientific Awards & Honors: Fellow of the ACM (Association for Computing Machinery) Fellow of the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) Distinguished Alumnus, Department of Computer Science, UC Santa Barbara Four Test-of-Time / Most Influential Paper Awards across databases, programming languages, cloud computing, and software engineering Labs & Projects: He directs the Information and Communication Systems Research Group within the Systems Group ( systems.ethz.ch ). The lab develops open-source platforms such as Coyote v2 for FPGA abstractions, Shuhai for HBM benchmarking, and MicroRec for micro-second recommendation serving, while collaborating with industry on SmartNICs, serverless analytics, and cloud-scale data analytics.
Vikramaditya G. Yadav is an Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science. He directs the Master of Engineering Leadership (MEL) Program in Sustainable Process Engineering and leads the BioFoundry research group. Education: B.A.Sc., University of Waterloo (2007) Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2013) Postdoctoral Associate, Harvard University (2014) His research spans sustainable chemical manufacturing, metabolic engineering, and biotechnology. Key areas include: Designing biosynthetic enzymes for biomass valorization Developing bioremediation strategies for industrial water quality Creating innovative drug delivery systems and tissue engineering solutions Advancing synthetic biology for pharmaceutical and bioenergy applications His recent work focuses on ocular drug delivery, cannabinoid biosynthesis in E. coli, lignin-based nanoparticles for cancer therapy, and computational analysis of plant secondary metabolites. Collaborations with start-ups, industry, and medical labs drive innovation in Canada's bioeconomy. Professional Leadership: Chair, Biotechnology Division of the Chemical Institute of Canada Associate Editor, The Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering He is affiliated with UBC's BioProducts Institute and contributes to project-based learning pedagogy.
Dr Alison Powell is an Associate Professor in the Department of Media and Communications at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), serving as Programme Director for the MSc Media and Communications (Data and Society). Her research focuses on technology design, public sector technology, and digital futures. She is known for her book Undoing Optimization: Civic Action in Smart Cities (2021) and her participatory research method, data walking. From 2019–2023, she directed the JUST AI network, supported by the Ada Lovelace Institute and UKRI, advancing AI ethics research. Her work integrates critical theory, participatory methods, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Education: PhD in Communication from Concordia University (Canada), MA in Media Studies from Toronto Metropolitan University, and postdoctoral research at the Oxford Internet Institute. Prior to academia, she worked in the film and TV industry. Research interests include civic engagement in data-driven governance, ethical AI, and participatory urbanism. She has advised projects like Africa Just AI and Operationalising Ethics for AI, funded by Horizon Europe, AHRC, and the Open Society Foundations. Her articles address topics such as AI governance, urban light ecology, feminist research praxis, and the ethical implications of technology for marginalized communities. She contributes to blogs like Media@LSE and leads initiatives at Polis and the LSE’s Digital Futures for Children project. Grants and collaborations include work with Projects by IF, Open Rights Group, and the Human Data Interactions Network (EPSRC). She explores intersections of technology, justice, and sustainability, emphasizing equitable and inclusive innovation.
Michael J. Aziz is the Gene and Tracy Sykes Professor of Materials and Energy Technologies at Harvard University's John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS). He serves as Area Chair for Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering and is a Faculty Associate at the Harvard University Center for the Environment. His research focuses on electrochemical engineering for energy and environmental applications, including redox flow batteries, carbon capture, and sustainable energy technologies. Aziz leads the Aziz Group, which develops grid-scale energy storage solutions and innovative methods for CO₂ removal. He holds equity in Quino Energy, a startup commercializing his battery research, and serves as Chief Scientist and Board Member. His work bridges fundamental materials science with practical engineering, emphasizing ClimateTech solutions. Key contributions include aqueous organic redox flow batteries, quinone-based carbon capture systems, and wearable energy storage devices. Education & Affiliations: Affiliated with SEAS since joining Harvard, his academic roles include coordinating the Graduate Consortium for Energy and Environment (2009–2018). His lab (Materials Science Group) is located at McKay 504, with administrative support from Sabrina Azinheira. Research Interests: Aziz's group investigates electrochemical energy storage, CO₂ capture via electrochemical systems, and novel materials for sustainable technologies. They employ advanced techniques like operando electrochemical fluorescence microscopy to study porous electrode dynamics and battery degradation mechanisms. Their work emphasizes scalability and real-world applicability, such as grid-scale battery infrastructure and decarbonization strategies. Recent Trends in Publications: Aziz's recent work emphasizes carbon capture innovations (e.g., acid-base concentration swing methods), hydrogen storage under ambient conditions, and electrochemical synthesis of industrial chemicals like hydrogen peroxide. His group also develops open-source tools like RFBzero for battery modeling and explores bioinspired materials (e.g., self-gelling hydrogel batteries). Awards & Recognition: While no personal awards are explicitly listed in the text, his team members (e.g., Dawei Xi) have received accolades such as the 2025 Carbon Future Young Investigator Award. Aziz's contributions have been recognized through industry partnerships and startup ventures. Advising & Industry Impact: Aziz advises PhD students focusing on electrochemical systems (e.g., Jordan Sosa, Tommy George). His industry engagement includes licensing intellectual property to Quino Energy, which achieved a manufacturing milestone in 2024 for grid-scale battery systems. His research bridges academia and industry, addressing climate challenges through technological innovation. Labs & Teams: The Aziz Group includes interdisciplinary researchers from electrochemistry, chemical engineering, and materials science. Collaborators include institutions like MIT and industry partners. Current projects target next-gen batteries, CO₂ removal systems, and scalable energy storage solutions.
Prof. Raffaello D'Andrea is a Full Professor at ETH Zürich's Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, affiliated with the Institute for Dynamic Systems and Control. His research focuses on bridging digital and physical worlds through robotics, control systems, and autonomous systems. He has pioneered work in aerial robotics, swarm systems, tactile sensing, and soft robotics. His philosophy emphasizes solving 'easy' problems with scalable, robust solutions, prioritizing simplicity and replicability. Key research areas include UAV navigation, distributed control, tactile sensor design, and fault-tolerant systems. He has founded multiple organizations and led roles as CTO/CEO, emphasizing cross-disciplinary innovation. His work has commercial applications in logistics, healthcare, and automation, driven by a belief in technology's role in improving human life. Notable projects include the Cubli robotic cube, aerial vehicle swarms, and optical tactile sensors for robotics. His lab emphasizes collaboration and team leadership, aiming to translate theoretical insights into practical, scalable technologies. Scientific awards: None explicitly listed in the provided texts. Advising and grants: No students listed in the provided texts; grants information not detailed. Labs/Teams: Leads research at ETH Zurich's Institute for Dynamic Systems and Control, collaborating with industry and academic partners globally.
Prof. Dr. Gonzalo Guillén Gosálbez is a Full Professor at the Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences , ETH Zürich. He holds a PhD in Process Systems Engineering (UPC, 2005) and has held academic positions at Imperial College London (Reader), University of Manchester (Senior Lecturer), and Universitat Rovira i Virgili (Assistant/Associate Professor). His research focuses on Sustainable Chemical Processes , integrating life cycle assessment, optimization techniques, and planetary boundary analysis to evaluate and design low-carbon technologies. Current position: Full Professor, ETH Zürich (2019–present) Prior roles: Imperial College London (2016–2019), University of Manchester (2014–2016), URV Spain (2008–2014) Education: PhD (UPC, 2005), MEng/BEng (University of Murcia) His research explores CO2 valorization , green methanol synthesis , circular marine fuels , and planetary boundary compliance in energy and chemical systems. Recent work emphasizes machine learning for process modeling, single-atom catalysis , and decentralized ammonia production . Scientific contributions include 15+ peer-reviewed articles (2023–2025) in journals like Nature Chemical Engineering , ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering , and Energy & Environmental Science . Key themes: Optimization of hybrid fossil/renewable carbon systems Environmental impacts of energy transitions Catalyst design for sustainable chemistry Life cycle assessment of emerging technologies Awarded UPC Top Doctoral Student Award and Top National Student Award , he combines process systems engineering with sustainability metrics to address global challenges in chemical and energy systems.
Alexey Gorshkov is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Maryland (UMD) affiliated with the Joint Quantum Institute (JQI) and the Quantum Information and Computer Science Laboratory (QuICS). His primary academic role is in theoretical physics, focusing on quantum optics, quantum information science, and condensed matter physics. He leads a research group exploring quantum magnetism with alkaline-earth atoms, driven-dissipative systems, topological matter, and strongly interacting photons. His work bridges AMO (atomic, molecular, and optical) systems with high-energy and condensed matter physics, emphasizing quantum simulation and novel quantum technologies like precise clocks and quantum computers. Education details are not explicitly listed, but his research collaborations with institutions like JQI and UMD suggest advanced academic training in theoretical physics. His research interests revolve around understanding and controlling quantum many-body systems, particularly in far-from-equilibrium scenarios, entanglement dynamics, and dissipation effects. He has contributed to studies on Rydberg atoms, quantum routing protocols, and error mitigation in quantum simulators. Recent articles highlight his work on quantum protocols for verifying speedups, time-independent information flow, and entanglement dynamics. His group's achievements include demonstrating one-dimensional anyons and developing methods for correlated noise estimation with quantum sensors. Awards and grants are not explicitly mentioned in the provided text, but his prolific publication record indicates sustained research impact. Labs and teams associated with him include the JQI and QuICS, where he collaborates on experimental and theoretical projects. Graduate student and postdoc positions are available in his group, focusing on areas like quantum magnetism and topological systems. His work often involves close ties with experimental groups, emphasizing practical applications of theoretical breakthroughs.
