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Niels OtaniView profile

Associate Professor

• Cardiac Electrophysiology
• Computational Biology
• Biomechanical Imaging
• +9 more

Niels Otani is an Associate Professor in the School of Mathematics and Statistics at the College of Science, Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). He holds a BA from the University of Chicago and a Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley. His research focuses on cardiac electrophysiology, computational biology, and biomechanical imaging, with a particular emphasis on understanding and controlling cardiac arrhythmias such as ventricular fibrillation. Dr. Otani has pioneered methods for visualizing action potential propagation using ultrasound and developed novel defibrillation strategies that reduce energy requirements. He also investigates the role of ephaptic coupling in cardiac dynamics and the mechanisms underlying spiral wave formation and termination. His work bridges mathematics, physics, and cardiology, with applications in clinical therapies and biomedical engineering. Dr. Otani's research has been supported by grants such as an NSF award for developing diagnostic tools for cardiac disease. He teaches advanced courses in multivariable calculus, linear algebra, and research thesis supervision. Collaborations span interdisciplinary teams, including veterinary cardiology and biomedical imaging groups. His contributions include over 50 publications on topics ranging from action potential dynamics to computational modeling of cardiac tissue, with a focus on translating theoretical findings into clinical solutions.

Josh BongardView profile

Professor

• Evolutionary Robotics
• Artificial Intelligence
• Machine Learning
• +4 more

Josh Bongard is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Vermont, within the College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences. He holds the Cyril G. Veinott Green and Gold Professorship and directs the Morphology, Evolution & Cognition Laboratory. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Zurich. Affiliations: University of Vermont, Department of Computer Science, College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences. Education: Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Zurich. His research focuses on evolutionary robotics, embodied intelligence, and synthetic biology. Key projects include developing soft robots, Xenobots (biological machines), and exploring how morphology influences cognition. His work bridges robotics, biology, and artificial intelligence, emphasizing adaptability and resilience. Recent articles highlight advancements in shape-changing robots, self-replicating organisms, and the ethical implications of machine behavior. He has pioneered methods for co-optimizing robot morphology and control systems, enabling more efficient and adaptive designs. Awards: Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE, 2010) Microsoft Research New Faculty Fellowship (2007) MIT Technology Review's Top 35 Innovators Under 35 (2007) Cozzarelli Prize He advises graduate students in robotics and teaches courses like Evolutionary Robotics and Human-Computer Interaction. His lab collaborates with NASA, NSF, and DARPA, advancing robotics through biologically inspired approaches. Future work includes developing systems that integrate biological and computational principles for novel applications. His book How the Body Shapes the Way We Think explores embodied cognition, and he directs outreach programs like Twitch Plays Robotics to engage the public in robotics innovation.

Peter H.M. BovendeerdView profile

Assistant Professor

• Cardiovascular Biomechanics
• Mathematical Modeling in Clinical Data
• Cardiac Electromechanics
• +5 more

Peter H.M. Bovendeerd is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), specializing in the Cardiovascular Biomechanics research group. He holds affiliations with the Eindhoven MedTech Innovation Center and EAISI Health. His work focuses on developing mathematical models to interpret clinical patient data, particularly in cardiac electromechanics, perioperative monitoring, and perinatal monitoring, collaborating with Catharina Hospital and Máxima Medical Center. Academically, Bovendeerd earned his MSc in Applied Physics (cum laude, 1985) and PhD (1990) from TU/e and Maastricht University, respectively. His research integrates fundamental physical/physiological principles to estimate pathologies from patient data through inverse modeling, aiding diagnosis and treatment planning. He teaches courses including Biomechanics, Cardiac Function, and Continuum Mechanics. Recent research emphasizes fetal blood circulation modeling, cardiac mechanics frameworks, and post-infarct ventricular function. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals through advancements in healthcare technology and innovation.

Jelle J.F. SleeboomView profile

Researcher

• Cancer Metastasis
• Microfluidics
• Organ-on-a-Chip Technology
• +5 more

Jelle J.F. Sleeboom is a Researcher in the Microsystems group at Eindhoven University of Technology's Department of Mechanical Engineering under Prof. Jaap den Toonder. His work focuses on developing Cancer-on-a-chip technologies to study metastasis mechanisms, particularly oxygen's role in directional migration and extracellular matrix mechanics. Education: BSc (2012) and MSc (2013) in Mechanical Engineering from TU Eindhoven. PhD (2020) in joint Soft Tissue Engineering & Mechanobiology and Microsystems groups, with research on tumor microenvironment modeling. Research Interests: Microfluidics, organ-on-a-chip systems, mechanobiology, and cancer metastasis. Key projects include Harvard collaboration on Blood-Brain Barrier models and development of 3D oxygen gradient chips. Collaborations: Active in international research networks, contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals through biomedical innovation. Advising: Supervised 2 theses in microfluidic applications. Lab involvement: Core member of den Toonder's Microsystems group, advancing lab-on-a-chip technologies.

• Biomaterials Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Biomineralization
• +6 more

Dr. Liza-Anastasia DiCecco is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Systems Design Engineering at the University of Waterloo, where she leads the Regenerative Biomaterials Innovation Group. Her research focuses on biomimetic implant development for hard tissues, biomineralization processes, and advanced materials characterization using liquid phase electron microscopy. She holds a PhD in Materials Engineering from McMaster University and completed postdoctoral training at Penn State University supported by the NSERC Banting Fellowship. Education: PhD, Materials Engineering, McMaster University (2023) MASc, Materials Engineering, University of Windsor (2019) BASc, Mechanical Engineering, University of Windsor (2017) Research Interests: Biomaterials design for musculoskeletal applications Biomineralization mechanisms at organic-inorganic interfaces In situ liquid transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for dynamic material analysis 3D printing of functionalized medical implants Computational modeling of biomaterial behavior Awards & Recognition: 2023 NSERC Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship 2019-2022 NSERC Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship 2024 M&M Microanalysis Society Creative Canvas Award 2023 McMaster University Fall Valedictorian Professional Affiliations: Councillor-At-Large, Microscopy Society of Canada Core Member, Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology Member, Canadian Biomaterials Society Lab Focus: The DiCecco Team develops novel biomaterial characterization workflows linking atomic-to-macro scale structures, with emphasis on hydrated environments. Current projects explore titanium-based implants with genistein coatings and collagen mineralization mechanisms.

Utku YavuzView profile

Assistant Professor

• Biomedical Engineering
• Neurophysiology
• Neuromuscular Systems
• +5 more

Dr. Utku Yavuz is an Assistant Professor in the Biomedical Signals and Systems Department at the TechMed Centre. His expertise spans neuromuscular physiology, wearable sensor technologies, and clinical monitoring systems. He holds a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Ege University, complemented by earlier degrees in Physics Engineering (Hacettepe University) and Biophysics (Hacettepe University). Research Focus: Motor unit physiology, neuromuscular modeling, and clinical applications of wearable sensors. Key Areas: Spinal motor neuron behavior, electromyography (EMG), and translational technologies for diabetes and musculoskeletal health. Dr. Yavuz’s work bridges neuroscience and engineering, addressing challenges in prosthetic design, real-time neuromuscular signal decoding, and improving clinical decision-making through sensor data analysis. Recent studies include optimizing wearable glucose monitors and analyzing muscle-tendon dynamics in amputees. His research outputs span 43 publications, with contributions to high-impact journals like BMC Digital Health and IEEE Sensors Journal . Collaborations include institutions focused on biomechanics, robotics, and clinical informatics. Advising: Supervised 1 graduate project, though specific advisee names are not listed. Active in academic activities such as thesis examinations and conference presentations.

Shiva AkbarzadehView profile

Adjunct Associate Professor

• Burns
• Skin Bioengineering
• Regenerative Medicine
• +3 more

Shiva Akbarzadeh is an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery at Monash University’s School of Translational Medicine, leading the Skin Bioengineering Lab. Her work focuses on skin tissue engineering to address severe burn injuries, emphasizing engineered skin substitutes to reduce mortality and disability. She has secured over $2.8 million in grants and holds editorial roles at journals like Journal of Bioengineering and Current Stem Cell Research & Therapy . A/Prof Akbarzadeh completed her PhD at the University of Melbourne (2002) and postdoctoral training at the Peter McCallum Cancer Centre and University of Birmingham. Education: PhD (Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, 2002), Master of Applied Science (RMIT University, 1996), Bachelor of Science (University of Melbourne, 1992). Her research integrates stem cell technology, animal models, and clinical trials to develop therapies like the HSE skin substitute, which utilizes patient-derived stem cells. Key interests include accelerating wound repair, reducing scarring, and improving rehabilitation outcomes through engineered skin solutions. Awards include the 2024 Journal of Wound Care Award and recognition for her work on burn wound closure. She actively contributes to the Australian & New Zealand Burn Association and promotes STEM education through community outreach.

Scott WilsonView profile

Assistant Professor

• Biomaterials
• Immunoengineering
• Drug Delivery
• +4 more

Scott Wilson, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University, affiliated with the Translational Tissue Engineering Center. His research focuses on synthesizing immunomodulatory biomaterials to control adaptive immune responses for treating malignancies, infectious diseases, and autoimmune conditions. Key interests include tolerance-inducing therapies, spatial-temporal drug delivery, and nanoparticle formulations. Education: PhD in Chemical Engineering (Bioengineering) from Georgia Institute of Technology (2011) MS in Chemical Engineering from University of Oklahoma (2004) BS in Chemical Engineering from University of Oklahoma (2001) Research Interests: Wilson’s lab develops bespoke biomaterials to bias immune responses toward immunity or tolerance. Projects include cancer immunotherapy via polymeric glyco-adjuvants, allergy suppression through glycoengineered antigens, and antimicrobial coatings for titanium implants. His work bridges organic chemistry and biomedical applications, emphasizing preclinical validation. Collaborative Grants: Wilson contributed to two Johns Hopkins Discovery Awards (2020 and 2024), fostering interdisciplinary projects. His lab collaborates on translational efforts, including gene therapy delivery systems and osseointegration enhancements. Labs & Teams: The Wilson Laboratory for Biomaterials Synthesis and Immunoengineering focuses on engineering immune responses via functional biomaterials. Key themes include antigen-specific tolerance induction and targeted drug delivery platforms.

• Materials Science
• Waste Management
• Resource Efficiency
• +3 more

Chris Cheeseman is a Professor of Materials Resources Engineering at the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Imperial College London. He leads the Materials Section and directs the UKCRIC Centre for Infrastructure Materials, funded by EPSRC. His expertise lies in materials science applied to sustainability, including waste management, circular economy, and low-carbon materials. He holds affiliations with multiple interdisciplinary centers, including the Grantham Institute and the Marine and Coastal Environments Network. Chris earned his PhD in ceramics science from the University of Oxford, followed by industry experience as a Technical Manager. At Imperial since 1990, he has supervised over 120 graduate students and published 220+ papers. His research emphasizes innovation, spawning spin-off companies like Novacem (low-carbon cements) and Aeropowder (waste feather applications). Key research themes include carbon sequestration via olivine, magnesium-based cements, and recycling of industrial byproducts. His work bridges material science with environmental engineering, addressing global challenges like climate change and resource efficiency. Recent articles focus on novel cements, waste valorization (e.g., sewage sludge ash), and sustainable construction materials. Collaborative projects include EPSRC-funded infrastructure initiatives and collaborations with industry on permeable pavements and superhydrophobic surfaces. Chris has pioneered curricula in advanced materials for sustainable infrastructure and environmental engineering. His labs focus on material lifecycle analysis, industrial symbiosis, and scalable low-carbon solutions.

Jason SzafronView profile

Assistant Professor

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Pulmonary Vascular Disease
• +6 more

Jason Szafron is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University’s College of Engineering. He leads a research group focused on developing computational tools to understand and treat cardiovascular diseases, particularly congenital heart defects, pulmonary vascular diseases, and fetal growth restriction. His work integrates biomechanical modeling with experimental data to improve treatment planning and medical device design. Education: B.S. in Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University (2015) M.S. and Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, Yale University (2018, 2020) Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Stanford University’s Department of Pediatrics (2023) Research Interests: Simulation tools for cardiopulmonary disease progression Biomechanical modeling of vascular adaptation Computational frameworks for organ-scale growth remodeling Optimization of tissue-engineered vascular grafts His lab combines experimental and computational approaches to study disease mechanisms, with a focus on mechanobiological and immunological factors driving vascular pathology. Publications highlight advancements in pulmonary hypertension modeling, vascular graft design, and open-source diagnostic tools like HemoLens. Recent work emphasizes personalized treatment planning via neural network-based digital twins. Awards: Parker B. Francis Fellow (2022–2025) for pulmonary disease research Labs/Teams: Director of the Szafron Lab at CMU, focused on translational cardiovascular engineering. Collaborates with Stanford University and Mayo Clinic on clinical applications.

Helen N. SchwerdtView profile

Assistant Professor

• Neuroscience
• Bioengineering
• Materials Science
• +6 more

Helen N. Schwerdt is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Bioengineering at the University of Pittsburgh, affiliated with the Swanson School of Engineering and the Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition (CNBC). Her research focuses on developing implantable tools for probing electrical and chemical neural activity, with a particular emphasis on long-term monitoring in both rodents and primates. Key areas include dopamine signaling in Parkinson’s disease, neural interface design, and chronic neural recording systems. Her lab’s work spans interdisciplinary fields such as bioengineering, materials science, and neuroscience. Notable contributions include scalable carbon fiber electrode arrays for neurochemical monitoring and wireless passive neurorecording systems. Schwerdt’s team collaborates extensively, addressing challenges in neural prosthetics and translational neuroscience. Recent research highlights include the 2023 publication on rodent neurochemical arrays and 2020 studies on dopamine and motor control in primates. The lab actively recruits students and postdoctoral researchers across disciplines, emphasizing training in microfabrication, electrophysiology, and computational neuroscience.

Huaiying ZhangView profile

Assistant Professor

• Biomolecular Condensates
• Cancer Biology
• Cellular Functions
• +3 more

Huaiying Zhang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Carnegie Mellon University, part of the Mellon College of Science. His research focuses on the role of biomolecular condensates in cellular functions and cancer progression, particularly investigating phase transitions in telomere maintenance and cancer cell immortality. He holds a Ph.D. from McGill University and completed postdoctoral research at Dartmouth College, Princeton University, and the University of Pennsylvania. Research interests include engineering synthetic organelles, developing optogenetic tools to manipulate phase separation in live cells, and targeting phase transitions for cancer therapy. His work bridges biophysics, cell biology, and synthetic biology to address fundamental questions in nuclear organization and disease mechanisms. Education: Ph.D., McGill University Postdoctoral Fellowships: Dartmouth College, Princeton University, University of Pennsylvania Publications highlight advances in understanding telomere clustering in cancer cells, nuclear body formation, and applications of phase separation in therapeutic strategies. Collaborative projects emphasize interdisciplinary approaches, combining experimental and theoretical methods. Lab activities focus on biomolecular condensates' material properties, their roles in genomic processes, and translational applications in cancer treatment. The lab actively seeks students and researchers interested in cellular biophysics and disease biology.

Julie GoughView profile

Professor

• Tissue Engineering
• Biomaterials
• Cell Biology
• +3 more

Julie Gough is a Professor of Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering at the University of Manchester's School of Materials. She leads research in mechanically sensitive connective tissues, including bone, cartilage, and intervertebral discs, focusing on biomaterial-cell interactions and scaffold development. She holds roles as Deputy Director of the EPSRC CDT in Advanced Biomedical Materials and Co-Director of the Advanced Materials in Medicine initiative. Education: BSc Cell and Immunobiology (1993), MSc Molecular Pathology and Toxicology (1994), PhD Biomaterials (1998) Career: Lecturer (2002-2006), Senior Lecturer (2006-2010), Reader (2010-2014), Professor (2014-present) Research interests include hydrogel design, cell-biomaterial interfaces, and bioprinting for tissue repair. She has published over 100 papers and collaborates with academia and industry. Her lab moved to the Henry Royce Institute in 2021, leveraging advanced materials research facilities. Key projects include NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre (Co-Investigator), Advanced Materials for Regenerative Medicine (Co-Lead), and nerve conduit translation. Awards include the Royal Academy of Engineering/Leverhulme Trust Senior Research Fellowship (2012-2013).

Mikko NissiView profile

Professor

• Medical Physics
• Medical Imaging
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• +5 more

Professor Mikko Nissi holds the Chair of Medical Physics and Engineering at the University of Eastern Finland’s Department of Technical Physics, Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology. He leads research on quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (qMRI), focusing on musculoskeletal diseases and methodological advancements in ultra-short echo time techniques. His work integrates inverse problems research and machine learning to predict tissue properties unobservable via conventional MRI. Education: PhD in Physics (University of Kuopio, 2008), Adjunct Professor since 2015. Key roles include Associate Professor (2020–2024) and Academy Research Fellow (2015–2020). Active in research groups like the Academy of Finland Flagship (FAiME) and UEF’s Musculoskeletal Diseases (MSKD) community. Research interests span qMRI relaxometry, T1ρ/T2 anisotropy, and AI-driven virtual histology. Notable projects include EU-funded microMRI infrastructure for industrial applications and grants from the Research Council of Finland for AI-assisted MRI methods. Teaching: Course on MRI principles and applications. Advises on musculoskeletal biomechanics and finite element modeling. Recognized for contributions to medical physics, including societal roles in the Finnish Society for Medical Physics and International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. Hobbies: 3D printing for research tooling and handicrafts. Publications (>100 articles) address cartilage degeneration, myocardial perfusion, and MRI applications in agriculture/forestry.

Marco FarinaView profile

Professor

• Electromagnetic Fields
• Scanning Probe Microscopy
• Nanotechnology
• +4 more

Marco Farina is a Full Professor in Electromagnetics at the Department of Information Engineering, College of Engineering, Polytechnic University of Marche, Italy. His research spans electromagnetic modeling, scanning microwave microscopy, and nanotechnology, with applications in 2D materials, biosensors, and advanced measurement systems. He is a Senior Member of IEEE and actively contributes to Technical Committees on RF Nanotechnology. Laurea and Ph.D. in Electronic Engineering from University of Ancona Research interests focus on quantitative scanning microwave microscopy, electromagnetic analysis of active/passive components, and nanoscale characterization techniques. His work bridges theoretical modeling with practical implementation, including the development of the EM3DS software suite and novel inverted SMM systems. Recent publications highlight interdisciplinary applications in biomedical analysis and semiconductor physics. Scientific recognition includes the 3M-Nano Best Conference Paper Award and grants from US Army Research Laboratory and US Air Force Office of Scientific Research. He holds an ESA-funded patent for VNA calibration and has co-authored a book on planar structure analysis. Collaborative projects emphasize RF device optimization and biological imaging.