Find Academic Supervisors

Zhili ZhangView profile

Professor

• Laser Diagnostics
• Combustion Systems
• Plasma Physics
• +3 more

Zhili Zhang serves as the B. Ray Thompson Professor in the Mechanical, Aerospace and Biomedical Engineering Department at the University of Tennessee's Tickle College of Engineering. He has progressed through the academic ranks since joining in 2008, from Assistant Professor (2008-2014) to Associate Professor (2014-2019) to Professor (2019-2023), and currently holds the distinguished B. Ray Thompson Professorship since August 2023. Dr. Zhang's academic credentials include: PhD in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from Princeton University (2008) MA in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from Princeton University (2006) Bachelor's degree from Tsinghua University (2000) His research focuses on advanced laser diagnostics for combustion and plasma systems, computational imaging, and spectroscopy. Dr. Zhang has pioneered innovative techniques including Resonantly Ionized Photoemission Thermometry (RIPT), Focused Laser Differential Interferometry (FLDI), and Multiplexed Structured Image Capture (MUSIC), enabling high-speed, non-intrusive measurements in challenging environments like supersonic flows and plasma reactors. His recent work (2023-2025) demonstrates continued innovation in plasma-assisted ammonia synthesis, advanced temperature measurement techniques, and high-speed imaging applications for combustion diagnostics. Dr. Zhang's scholarly excellence has been recognized through: AIAA Walter Lempert Best Paper Award Associate Fellowship in the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics ASEE Air Force Summer Faculty Fellowship (2012, 2013) Crocco Teaching Award from Princeton University Tickle College of Engineering Research Achievement Award (2025) Outstanding faculty award for research (2023) B. Ray Thompson Professor award (2023) Dr. Zhang has mentored numerous graduate students to completion of their degrees, including Seth Holladay (PhD, 2024), Walker McCord (PhD), Cary Smith (award-winning student), Alexander Miloshevsky (PhD), Camden Carroll (MS), and Anthony Kim (MS). His research group actively participates in major conferences like AIAA SciTech, where they've presented multiple papers annually. He maintains strong collaborations with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, particularly through the ORNL/UT Joint Faculty program, and serves as a mentor for undergraduate research through programs like EUReCA. Dr. Zhang leads a dynamic research laboratory focused on advanced diagnostics for combustion and plasma systems, with current projects spanning plasma-assisted ammonia synthesis, supersonic flow diagnostics, and high-speed imaging techniques. His group continues to recruit new graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, maintaining an active research environment at the forefront of laser-based diagnostic technologies.

Feng-Yuan ZhangView profile

Professor

• Micro-/nano-scale fluidics
• Energy storage and conversions
• Electrochemical systems
• +5 more

Dr. Feng-Yuan Zhang is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK), part of the Tickle College of Engineering. He holds a PhD from Nagoya University (Japan) and has held academic and research roles since 1999, including positions at the University of Tennessee Space Institute and international institutions such as Stanford University and UCLA. His research focuses on micro/nano-fluidics, electrochemical energy systems (fuel cells, electrolyzers, batteries), sustainable energy (hydrogen, biofuels, solar/wind integration), advanced materials (MEMS/NEMS), thermal management, and diagnostics using spectroscopy (laser, X-ray). His lab, the Nanodynamics and High-Efficiency Lab for Propulsion and Power (NanoHELP), emphasizes interdisciplinary studies in energy conversion, corrosion, and additive manufacturing. Key achievements include developing novel electrodes for green hydrogen production, optimizing PEM electrolyzers, and advancing in-situ visualization techniques for electrochemical reactions. He has received awards such as the 2023 MABE Translational Research Award and 2022 TCE Research Achievement Award. His work bridges fundamental science with industrial applications, leveraging additive manufacturing and nanotechnology. Professional service includes roles in ASME, AIAA, ECS, and ASEE, with editorial and reviewing roles for journals like Applied Energy , Electrochimica Acta , and Journal of Power Sources . His research group collaborates with national labs and industries to address global energy challenges.

Robert KeeView profile

Professor

• Chemically Reacting Flow Modeling
• Clean Energy Technologies
• Fuel Cells
• +5 more

Robert Kee holds the George R. Brown Distinguished Professor chair in Mechanical Engineering at Colorado School of Mines. His research focuses on chemically reacting flow modeling and simulation for clean energy applications, including fuel cells, photovoltaics, combustion, and electrochemistry. He is renowned as the principal architect of the CHEMKIN software, a leading global tool for chemically reacting flow simulation. Developed computational methods for stiff differential equations and chemical kinetics Work spans solid-oxide fuel cells, advanced combustion, and catalytic processes Current efforts address electro-chemo-mechanical coupling in batteries and hydrogen production Scientific Contributions: Recent publications emphasize Li-ion battery optimization, protonic ceramic electrochemical cells, and hydrogen production technologies. His work integrates thermodynamics, transport phenomena, and chemical kinetics across multiple energy domains. Research Trends: Focus areas include multi-physics battery modeling, solid-state electrolysis, ammonia synthesis, and catalytic hydrocarbon processing. Methodologies combine computational modeling, experimental validation, and materials optimization. Awards: George R. Brown Distinguished Professor Software Development: Creator of CHEMKIN, a foundational tool for reacting flow simulations. His NSF-funded work demonstrates ongoing contributions to computational thermochemistry and energy systems.

Siby ThomasView profile

Assistant Professor

• Multiscale Simulations
• Machine Learning
• Energy Storage
• +5 more

Dr. Siby Thomas is an Assistant Professor at the Colorado School of Mines , where he focuses on multiscale simulations and machine learning for energy storage , chemical sensing , and catalysis . Prior to this, he held postdoctoral positions at Hanyang University, Colorado School of Mines, and Technical University of Munich. Ph.D. in Physics (2017) from NIT-K, India Research expertise: 2D materials, energy-environmental applications Over 40 publications in top journals His research spans multiscale computational methods , with emphasis on machine learning and DFT simulations for 2D material design in energy systems. Key areas include Li-ion battery anodes , gas sensing , and catalytic processes , particularly for renewable energy and decarbonization . Recent publications highlight advancements in Mg-vanadate catalysts , MXene-based supercapacitors , and defect engineering in 2D materials. Dr. Thomas actively contributes to academic peer review and serves on the editorial board of Carbon Trends (Elsevier). He teaches courses in instrumentation , dynamics , and advanced mechanics , prioritizing active learning pedagogy .

Shane GarlandView profile

Researcher

• Waste Heat Utilization
• Hybrid Energy Systems
• Thermal Energy Storage
• +3 more

Shane Garland is a Researcher in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Colorado State University, affiliated with the Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering. He serves as a Research Associate in the REACH CoLab led by Dr. Todd Bandhauer. His work focuses on cross-disciplinary energy systems, including hybrid solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC)-internal combustion engine systems, waste heat utilization, and membrane desalination technologies. Education: M.S. 2018, Colorado State University – Mechanical Engineering (Thesis: Waste Heat Driven Turbo-Compression Cooling) B.S. 2015, Bradley University – Mechanical Engineering Research interests emphasize energy efficiency, carbon capture, and sustainable technologies. Key collaborations include the ARPA-e INTEGRATE Program with Colorado School of Mines and industry partners, and a waste heat-powered desalination project with Dr. Tiezheng Tong (Civil Engineering). Garland advises on Turbo-Compression Cooling Technologies for manufacturing and naval applications, supported by DOE EERE and DOD grants. Labs/Teams: Active in the REACH CoLab and collaborates with the Colorado School of Mines and industry partners (e.g., Kohler Power Systems, Air Squared, Inc.). Current projects target 70% energy efficiency in hybrid systems and scalable wastewater treatment solutions using waste heat.

Shantanu JatharView profile

Associate Professor

• Emissions Formation and Control
• Secondary Aerosol Chemistry
• Air Quality and Climate Modeling
• +3 more

Dr. Shantanu Jathar is an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Colorado State University (CSU), leading the Laboratory for Air Quality Research. His expertise spans energy-environment intersections, with a focus on aerosol emissions, atmospheric chemistry, and climate modeling. He holds a Ph.D. in Engineering and Public Policy from Carnegie Mellon University, alongside postdoctoral training in Civil and Environmental Engineering at UC Davis. Education: Ph.D. 2012, Carnegie Mellon University — Engineering and Public Policy M.S. 2007, University of Minnesota — Mechanical Engineering B.E. 2004, Government College of Engineering — Mechanical Engineering Postdoctoral Scholar 2014, UC Davis — Civil and Environmental Engineering His research integrates laboratory experiments, field measurements, and numerical models to study aerosol emissions from energy and combustion sources. Key interests include wildfire smoke evolution, climate impacts of organic aerosols, and low-cost sensor development. Dr. Jathar has secured over $1.2M as a lead investigator and $2M as co-investigator through grants from NOAA, DOE, EPA, NSF, NASA, and the state of Colorado. Recent studies highlight aerosol aging in wildfire plumes, secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation dynamics, and the interplay between urban pollution and Amazon rainforest aerosol processes. His work bridges fundamental science with practical applications, such as improving air quality models and advancing sensor technologies for environmental monitoring. Awards: Early Career Award (EPA, 2020) ORAU’s Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Award (2016) Gov. High-Impact Research Honorable Mention (2018) Dr. Jathar’s lab collaborates on projects ranging from diesel engine emissions control to wildfire smoke mitigation, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to global environmental challenges.

David MontgomeryView profile

Adjunct Associate Professor

• Engine Research & Development
• Alternative Fuels
• Internal Combustion Engines
• +3 more

Dr. David Montgomery is an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Colorado State University (CSU), holding this position since August 2018. With over 20 years of industry experience at Johnson/Evinrude and Caterpillar, his work focuses on engine research and development. He manages Caterpillar’s Natural Gas and Alternative Fuels Research group and oversees the Caterpillar/CSU Cat Lab at the Engine and Energy Conversion Laboratory (EECL), involving 6 graduate and undergraduate students. Dr. Montgomery also teaches an advanced course on Industrial Natural Gas and Dual-Fuel Engines at CSU. His educational background includes a Ph.D. (2000) and M.S. (1996) in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a B.S. (1993) in Mechanical Engineering from Colorado State University. Dr. Montgomery’s research interests span alternative fuels, engine combustion optimization, emissions reduction, and fuel system design. His work has led to over 17 peer-reviewed publications and 23 patents, emphasizing innovations in engine efficiency and environmental sustainability. His recent studies focus on natural gas engines, dual-fuel systems, and cryogenic technologies. Through his industry-academia collaborations, he bridges cutting-edge research with practical applications, particularly in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving fuel efficiency in heavy-duty engines. His lab’s projects highlight advanced fuel injection systems, exhaust gas recirculation strategies, and cryogenic seal technologies.

Azer P. YalinView profile

Professor

• Laser Diagnostics
• Plasma Engineering
• Combustion
• +3 more

Dr. Azer P. Yalin is a Full Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Colorado State University (CSU), affiliated with the Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering. He leads the Center for Laser Sensing and Diagnostics and directs the CSU NASA Space Grant program. His research focuses on laser-based diagnostics for plasmas, combustion, and environmental sensing, with applications in plasma propulsion and trace gas measurements. Education: PhD (2000) and MA (1997) in Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering from Princeton University; B.S. (1995) in Engineering Physics from Queen’s University. He held a postdoctoral position at Stanford University (2000–2002). Research interests include laser diagnostics of plasmas, combustion processes, and environmental trace gases like CH4 and NH3. His work bridges fundamental plasma physics and engineering applications, such as Hall thrusters and laser ignition systems. Key achievements include the 2019 AIAA Plasmadynamics Award and multiple invited lectures. His articles span plasma dynamics, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, and cavity ring-down sensing. He advises students in the Laser Plasma Diagnostics Laboratory and collaborates on NASA-funded projects. Labs/Teams: Director of the Center for Laser Sensing and Diagnostics and Laser Plasma Diagnostics Laboratory (LPDL), collaborating on projects like the JANUS propulsion initiative. His work integrates advanced diagnostics with aerospace and environmental engineering challenges.

Brian PriceView profile

Lecturer

• Product Development
• Engineering Project Management
• Sustainable Engineering
• +6 more

Brian Price is a Lecturer in Engineering Systems & Supply Chain Management at Aston University's College of Engineering and Physical Sciences. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, teaching on engineering masters programs. His research focuses on product development decision-making, engine architecture analysis, engineering project management, and sustainable technologies. He holds a PhD in Engineering from Aston University (2016) and has extensive industry experience spanning 25 years in senior engineering roles across automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing sectors. Education: MSc Engineering Design (Loughborough University, 1994); MEng (University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2003); MEd Higher Education (Aston University, 2019); PhD (Aston University, 2016). His research interests integrate product lifecycle management, lean manufacturing, and sustainable engineering. He leads the Sustainable Environment Research Group and contributes to the Research Centre for the Humanities. As Chief Editor of the International Journal for the History of Engineering & Technology , he bridges historical and contemporary engineering practices. He has supervised six PhD candidates in areas like product lifecycle modeling and decision-making frameworks. Professional roles include visiting lecturerships at Loughborough University and Hanyang University, alongside affiliations with the Society of Automotive Engineers and Newcomen Society. His work emphasizes applying biological analogies and adaptive systems to engineering challenges.

Varun ChandolaView profile

Associate Professor

• Big Data Analytics
• Anomaly Detection
• Data Mining
• +3 more

Varun Chandola is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University at Buffalo (SUNY Buffalo), affiliated with the Institute for Computational and Data Sciences (ICDS). He holds a PhD from the University of Minnesota and a B.Tech from IIT Madras. His research focuses on scalable anomaly detection, data mining for big graphs, and spatiotemporal data. He leads the UB Data Science Research Group and directs the ICDS/CDSE PhD program. Currently on temporary leave as a Program Director at the National Science Foundation’s Office of Advanced Cyberinfrastructure, he will resume academic advising post-leave. Key contributions include the 'Anomaly Detection: A Survey' paper, which ranked among the top-cited in computer science. Awards include the UB Teaching Innovation Award (2020), SEAS Early Career Teacher of the Year (2016), and NASA WorldWind Europa Challenge recognition (2014). Research spans healthcare informatics, energy-water nexus analysis, and applications in civil engineering. Collaborations include the Center for Hybrid Rocket Exascale Simulation Technology (CHREST) and the CS4G group for socially impactful projects.

Mehdi RaessiView profile

Professor

• Interfacial flows
• Multi-phase flows with phase change
• Energy systems (renewable/conventional)
• +2 more

Mehdi Raessi is a Professor and Graduate Program Director in the Mechanical Engineering Department at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth . He holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Toronto (2008) and has postdoctoral experience at NASA-Stanford University's Center for Turbulence Research. His research focuses on numerical simulations of interfacial flows, multiphase systems, and energy applications, with grants from NSF, Office of Naval Research, and others totaling over $1M. Notable projects include wave energy converters and super-hydrophobic surface design for wind turbines. Dr. Raessi teaches Thermal Systems Design and Masters Thesis , emphasizing thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and heat transfer. His work integrates computational fluid dynamics (CFD) with high-performance computing, addressing challenges in renewable energy, materials processing, and biomedical systems. Awards include the Early Career Teaching Award (University of Toronto) and multiple fellowships. Research Highlights: Development of computational frameworks for wave energy extraction and ice-resistant wind turbine coatings Advances in evaporation modeling and spray-wall interaction submodels Investigation of droplet dynamics and phase-change phenomena His team, the Raessi Research Group , collaborates on projects like the MUST IV wave energy system and computational studies of stratified turbulence. He actively publishes in top journals like International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer and Computing in Science & Engineering .

Aleksandar JemcovView profile

Academic

• Computational Fluid Dynamics
• Turbomachinery Flows
• Numerical Algorithms
• +6 more

Aleksandar Jemcov is the Associate Director for Computational Sciences at the NDTL and concurrently serves as a Research Assistant Professor in the Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering Department at the University of Notre Dame. With over 20 years of expertise in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and turbomachinery flows, his research focuses on numerical algorithms, solid-fluid interactions, turbulence modeling, and high-performance computing. He holds a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Belgrade (2004). His professional experience includes roles at Pratt & Whitney Canada, Fluent Inc., and ANSYS, Inc., where he contributed to combustion, CFD software development, and turbomachinery analysis. His research interests span computational methods for fluid mechanics, thermoacoustics, and linear algebra. Notable contributions include advancements in turbulence models, solver methodologies, and aerodynamic forcing analysis in compressors. He has published extensively on topics like rotor whirl detection, entropy transport, and hypersonic flow radiation modeling. His work bridges academia and industry, addressing challenges in aerodynamics, turbomachinery diagnostics, and computational efficiency. Current projects include optimizing CFD tools for high-fidelity simulations and developing predictive models for compressor instabilities.

Francesco BernaView profile

Assistant Professor

• Archaeology of Fire
• Ancient Pyrotechnologies
• Origin of Modern Human Behavior
• +3 more

Francesco Berna is an Assistant Professor of Archaeological Science at Simon Fraser University's Department of Archaeology. He specializes in geoarchaeological methods, particularly Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy (FTIR), applied to understanding human use of fire, ancient pyrotechnologies, and site formation processes. His research focuses on the origin of modern human behavior and prehistoric adaptations in Africa, the Near East, and the Mediterranean. Education: BSc and PhD from the University of Florence, Italy, followed by postdoctoral research at the Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel. His fieldwork spans excavations at Wonderwork Cave (South Africa), Manot Cave (Israel), and Beisamoun (Levant), investigating Early Stone Age, Middle Paleolithic, and Neolithic contexts. Research interests include combustion feature analysis, lithic technology, and environmental archaeology. He has pioneered methodologies for studying prehistoric fire use through microstratigraphic and geochemical approaches, contributing to debates about hominin cognitive evolution and cultural innovation. Key Projects: Early human fire use at Koobi Fora (Kenya) and Wonderwerk Cave Manot Cave Upper Paleolithic chronology Pre-Pottery Neolithic cremation practices in the Levant Awards: Marie Curie Fellowships (2001, 2006) Teaching: Directs laboratory/field research courses for graduate students Labs/Teams: Leads SFU's Archaeological Science lab focusing on microspectroscopy and experimental archaeology. Collaborates internationally with institutions in Israel, South Africa, and Italy.

David L. BlunckView profile

Professor

• Combustion Science
• Wildfire Mitigation
• Propulsion Systems
• +2 more

Dr. David Blunck is Professor and Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs in the College of Engineering at Oregon State University, with appointments in Mechanical, Industrial, and Manufacturing Engineering. He directs the Combustion, Ignition, Radiation and Energy (CIRE) Laboratory and co-founded the Propulsion Laboratory. His research spans fundamental combustion processes from smoldering combustion to detonations, with applications in wildfire mitigation and propulsion systems. Dr. Blunck earned his Ph.D. (2010) and M.S. (2008) in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University and B.S. from Brigham Young University (2005). Prior to OSU, he conducted fundamental combustion research at the Air Force Research Laboratory. His wildfire research on firebrand generation has received international recognition from National Geographic, NPR, and Discovery Channel.

Soon-Jai KhangView profile

Assistant Professor

• Chemical Reaction Engineering
• Heterogeneous Catalysis
• Catalytic Membrane
• +6 more

Soon-Jai Khang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering at the University of Cincinnati since 1975. He has held administrative roles including Program Director (2006), Graduate Studies Director (1989-1995), and Undergraduate Studies Director (2000-2003). He has also served as a Visiting Professor at Yonsei University (1992, 2003) and contributed to ABET accreditation and curriculum development. Ph.D., M.S., Oregon State University (Chemical Engineering) B.S., Yonsei University His research focuses on Chemical Reaction Engineering with emphasis on Heterogeneous Catalysis , Catalytic Membranes , and Clean Coal Technology . He specializes in Air Pollution Control using electrostatic precipitators, SO2 removal, NOx reduction, and mercury abatement. His work spans Energy and Environmental Engineering , integrating chemical processes with sustainability. Analysis of his publications reveals trends in Diesel Emission Control , Flue Gas Desulfurization , and Carbon Capture . Key subfields include Wet Electrostatic Precipitation , Trace Metal Removal , and Combustion Byproduct Management . Scientific Awards include: 2005 Engineering Tribunal Teaching Award (Professor of Quarter Spring) 2002 Engineering Tribunal Teaching Award (Professor of Quarter Autumn) He has advised numerous graduate and undergraduate students, with a focus on Coal Desulfurization , Fluidized Bed Reactors , and Catalyst Deactivation . His grants include funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Energy (DOE), and Ohio Coal Development Office (OCDO) for projects like Mercury Removal , CO2 Sequestration , and Diesel Emissions Control .