Find Academic Supervisors

Mohammad F. Islam is a Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), affiliated with the College of Engineering. His research focuses on soft materials, nanomaterials, and their applications in energy, healthcare, and manufacturing. He holds the National Science Foundation CAREER Award, Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship, Kavli Frontiers Fellowship, and the George Tallman Ladd Research Award. His work spans advanced materials processing, sustainable energy systems, and self-healing materials. Education: Ph.D. in Physics, Lehigh University (2000) Research Interests: Additive manufacturing and nanofabrication techniques Development of smart materials with self-healing and shape-memory properties Energy storage systems using carbon nanotube aerogels Applications in biomedicine and environmental sustainability Grants & Recognition: Recipient of multiple grants from the Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation Co-founder of Watson Nano, commercializing carbon nanotube technologies Labs & Teams: Islam Group at CMU investigating soft matter, nanomaterials, and interdisciplinary applications

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Additive Manufacturing
• +6 more

Tathagata Srimani is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), affiliated with the College of Engineering. He previously served as a Postdoctoral Scholar in Electrical Engineering at Stanford University. His academic journey includes a Ph.D. and S.M. in EECS from MIT (2022 and 2018 respectively) and a B.Tech. in E&ECE from IIT Kharagpur (2016). Research Focus: Srimani’s work centers on nanoelectronics and transformative NanoSystems. Key areas include: Carbon nanotube field-effect transistors (CNFETs) and their monolithic 3D integration with silicon Ultra-dense 3D integration of logic and memory to address the 'memory wall' in AI/ML Technology-architecture co-design frameworks for energy-efficient computing Key Achievements: Developed first silicon fab-compatible CNFET processes (TNANO ’18, Nature ’19) Enabled CNFET RISC-V microprocessor and monolithic 3D integration with Analog Devices/SkyWater Recipient of MIT Presidential Fellowship (2016) and Morris Joseph Levin Award (2018) Teaching & Outreach: Teaches semiconductor devices and hardware design, including hands-on 'Hacker Fab' courses. Leads the NEXUS Research Group exploring heterogeneous nanomaterials (e.g., magnetic and oxide semiconductors) and thermal/power management in 3D systems. Future Directions: Expanding into probabilistic computing hardware, co-design frameworks for application-specific systems, and scaling 3D NanoSystem technologies for industrial adoption.

• Nanotechnology
• Beyond-silicon CMOS technologies
• 3D Integration
• +7 more

Dr. Gerald Wang is an Assistant Professor in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University with courtesy appointments in Chemical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering. He leads the M5 Lab (Mechanics of Materials via Molecular and Multiscale Methods), focusing on nanoscale mechanics using computational approaches to solve civil engineering challenges related to water-energy systems, material resilience, and sustainable polymers. Education: Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering and Computation, MIT (2019) S.M. in Mechanical Engineering, MIT (2015) B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics & Physics, Yale University (2013) His research integrates statistical physics, fluid mechanics, and high-performance computing to investigate nanoscale structural and transport phenomena. Key areas include climate-resilient infrastructure, energy-water nexus solutions, and nanoscale thermal transport in materials. Recent work explores molecular-scale separation processes and recyclable polymer design using advanced simulation techniques. Publication trends demonstrate consistent focus on nanoscale transport mechanisms, computational method development, and interdisciplinary applications from materials science to urban systems. Articles frequently bridge molecular dynamics with macro-scale engineering problems. Awards: Scott Institute Seed Grant for clean energy research CMU Celebration of Education Award for teaching excellence Current projects include NSF-funded work on nanoscale slip phenomena and polymer upcycling collaborations. The M5 Lab develops open-source simulation tools and maintains active industry partnerships in advanced materials.

• Nanoscale Transport Phenomena
• Fluid Mechanics
• High-Performance Computing
• +5 more

Stefanie A. Sydlik is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry and holds a courtesy appointment in Biomedical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University. She received her Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from MIT (2012) and completed postdoctoral research with Professors Timothy Swager (MIT) and Robert Langer (MIT). Her research focuses on developing biomaterials for regenerative medicine and sustainability, including functional graphenic materials (FGMs) and polymers for bone regeneration, drug delivery, and environmental applications. Key projects include osteoinductive graphene scaffolds, therapeutic methacrylic cements, and sustainable FGM-polymer composites. Her awards include the 2024 Humboldt Fellowship, Moore Inventor Fellow (2022), and World Economic Forum Young Scientist (2020). She advises a dynamic group of graduate students and undergraduates, including Zoe Wright, Anne Arnold, and Brian Holt. Notable collaborations span biomedical engineering, materials science, and environmental chemistry. Labs/Teams: The Sydlik Group at CMU, focusing on interdisciplinary biomaterials innovation. Current projects address drug overdose treatment via peptide amphiphiles, heavy metal remediation, and sustainable materials from repurposed plastics.

• Biomaterials
• Graphene Oxide
• Polymers
• +4 more

Evan Spotte-Smith is a computational scientist focusing on sustainable materials and energy systems. In Fall 2025, he will join Carnegie Mellon University as an Assistant Professor in Chemical Engineering. Previously, he completed his Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering at UC Berkeley under Kristin Aslaug Persson, specializing in computational simulations, machine learning, and reaction networks. His research addresses climate change through decarbonizing chemical manufacturing, improving battery technologies, and establishing ethical standards for AI in chemistry. He is a CBI Post-Doctoral Fellow, leveraging this role to advance machine learning in catalysis and electrochemistry. Education: Ph.D., Materials Science & Engineering, UC Berkeley (Advisor: Kristin A. Persson); Postdoctoral Research at CBI, CMU. Research Interests: Computational chemistry, data-driven materials discovery, sustainability in chemical processes, electrochemical systems, and ethical AI frameworks for chemical sciences. He explores how machine learning can accelerate the design of energy storage materials while addressing environmental impacts. Recent articles focus on machine learning ethics, electrochemical reaction cascades, battery degradation mechanisms, and sustainable electrolyte design. His work bridges fundamental chemistry with industrial applications, aiming to translate lab discoveries into scalable environmental solutions. Awards: CBI Post-Doctoral Fellowship, which provides mentorship and resources for early-career researchers in computational and data science. Grants/Advising: His upcoming faculty position will expand collaborations with CBI and CMU’s energy initiatives. Current focus includes decarbonizing feedstock chemicals and improving plastic recycling via electrochemistry. Labs/Teams: Active in CMU’s Center for Behavioral and Integrated Data Science (CBI), collaborating with Bosch and other industry partners on applied electrochemical challenges.

• Computational Chemistry
• Data Science
• Sustainability
• +4 more

Mohammad Islam is a Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University's College of Engineering. He holds a Ph.D. in Physics from Lehigh University (2000) and completed postdoctoral work at the University of Pennsylvania's Department of Physics and Astronomy. His research spans additive manufacturing EVs and mobility micro/nano manufacturing sustainable energy storage bioactive materials with focus on carbon nanotube aerogels and graphene composites. Islam's work reveals self-healing materials for sensing/actuation interfaces superelastic aerogels with extreme thermal stability bio-compatible carbon nanotube delivery systems high-efficiency supercapacitors through collaborations in physics, biomedical engineering, and chemistry. Scientific recognition includes National Science Foundation CAREER award Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship Kavli Frontiers Fellowship George Tallman Ladd Research Award with patents on carbon nanotube aerogel composites. He leads the Islam Group, which investigates soft matter-nanomaterial synergies for applications in tissue engineering, stretchable electronics, and energy systems.

• Additive Manufacturing
• Advanced Materials Processing
• Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Mobility
• +8 more

Nimer Murshid is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar. His research focuses on nanomaterials, environmental science, and computational chemistry, with a particular emphasis on aerogels, nanofluids, and machine learning applications in material characterization. He has contributed to studies on oil and dye removal using advanced materials, thermal radiation analysis, and sustainable energy solutions. His work frequently employs principal component analysis (PCA) and other computational tools to optimize material performance and environmental remediation strategies. Research Interests include: Development and application of nanomaterials for biomedical and environmental uses Thermal and fluid dynamics analysis in nanofluid systems Machine learning-driven material optimization Sustainable energy integration in desalination and wastewater treatment Environmental remediation using advanced composites Recent articles highlight innovations in aerogel efficiency evaluation, nanotube functionalization for cancer diagnosis, and wind energy applications for desalination. Collaborative efforts emphasize sustainable technologies and interdisciplinary approaches to global environmental challenges. Grants and advising activities are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, though his role as a teaching professor suggests active involvement in academic mentorship within the Department of Chemistry.

• Nanomaterials
• Chemistry
• Environmental Science
• +3 more

Kevin Noonan is an Associate Professor at the Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University , where he leads the Noonan Lab . His work focuses on developing novel conjugated materials, ionic polymers with main group cations, and catalysts for polymer synthesis, emphasizing environmentally sustainable alternatives for commodity polymers. Research Interests : Catalyst design, conjugated polymers, ionic materials, sustainable chemistry, and advanced characterization techniques like cryo-STEM. Article Trends : Recent work highlights machine learning applications in polymerization reactions, solvent-driven conformational transitions in chiral polymers, and nanostructural characterization of ion exchange membranes. His studies bridge fundamental polymer science and applied energy technologies. Scientific Awards : NSF CAREER Award (2015). Advising : Mentored students include Anthony Varni, Chris Birch, and others who defend their theses or contribute to publications. The lab actively engages in interdisciplinary projects involving electrochemistry and materials science.

• Polymer Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Catalysis
• +1 more

Kelvin Gregory is a Professor and Executive Director of Undergraduate and Graduate Studies in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University. His research focuses on environmental biotechnology, microbial ecology, and geologic carbon sequestration, with applications to produced water management and environmental nanotechnology. Gregory holds a B.S. in Biological Systems Engineering from the University of Nebraska, an M.S. and Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Iowa, and completed postdoctoral studies at the University of Massachusetts Environmental Biotechnology Center. His work bridges microbiology, geochemistry, and engineering to address environmental challenges such as water contamination, energy sustainability, and climate resilience. He leads research initiatives at the Center for the Environmental Implications of NanoTechnology (CEINT) and Steinbrenner Institute for Environmental Education and Research. His lab explores microbial interactions with nanoparticles, microbial dynamics in hydraulic fracturing, and sustainable water technologies for developing communities. As Faculty Advisor for CMU's Engineers Without Borders, he promotes equitable engineering solutions to global water and energy access issues. His research portfolio includes over 60 peer-reviewed articles, spanning topics like microfluidic cell sorting, CO₂ sequestration, and bioremediation of pollutants. Key contributions include advancing understanding of nanoparticle toxicity mechanisms and microbial responses to environmental stressors.

• Environmental Engineering
• Biotechnology
• Environmental Nanotechnology
• +5 more

Jonathan S. Minden is a Professor of Biological Sciences at Carnegie Mellon University, affiliated with the Mellon College of Science. He holds a Ph.D. from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and completed postdoctoral research at the University of California, San Francisco. His research focuses on cellular adaptation mechanisms, including Pattern repair in Drosophila embryos (cell fate specification and morphogenesis) Proteomic analysis of mutational and environmental adaptations Development of advanced proteomics tools like Difference Gel Electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) Key methodologies include time-lapse microscopy, photoactivated gene expression, and microfluidic systems for mechanotransduction studies. His lab also explores applications in neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Huntington’s) and tumor immunology. Notable contributions include innovations in protein separation (Nano-Armored Proteins) and antigen profiling workflows (IP-to-MS). His work bridges developmental biology, proteomics, and biomedical engineering.

• Proteomics
• Developmental Biology
• Cell Biology
• +5 more

Tagbo H.R. Niepa is the Arthur Hamerschlag Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University. His research focuses on tackling drug-resistant pathogens, interfacial biofilms, and microbiome engineering through physicochemical innovations. Education: Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, Syracuse University (2014) B.S., Bioengineering, Syracuse University (2009) Transferred from University of Dortmund, Germany Research Interests center on: Electrochemical eradication of antibiotic-resistant biofilms and persister cells Interfacial biofilm dynamics at oil-water and biomedical interfaces Microbiome replication via microencapsulation and nanoculture systems Article Trends span antimicrobial materials, electrochemical therapies, microfluidic platforms, and environmental bioremediation, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to microbial control. Scientific Awards: National Institutes of Health Director’s New Innovator Award National Science Foundation CAREER Award Rising Star of Mechanical Engineering, American Society of Mechanical Engineers (2024) Advising includes Ph.D., Master’s, and undergraduate students working on projects like smart bandages, bioremediation, and microbial nanocultures. His lab also administers the Bugs as Materials summer internship program. Labs & Teams include the μBiointerface Lab and collaborations with institutions like the University of Pennsylvania, University of Pittsburgh, and Syracuse University.

• Biomaterials
• Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering
• Colloids
• +11 more

Sarah Bergbreiter is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), with a courtesy appointment in Electrical and Computer Engineering. She specializes in robotics, particularly in microrobotics, bioinspired systems, and soft robotics. Her research focuses on developing tiny, high-performance robots and understanding principles of energy-efficient, rapid mechanical systems. Education: B.S.E. in Electrical Engineering from Princeton University (1999), M.S. and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from UC Berkeley (2004–2007). She joined CMU in 2018 after faculty positions at the University of Maryland. Key awards include the NSF CAREER Award (2011) and PECASE (2013). Research Interests: Microrobotics, bioinspired design (e.g., trap-jaw ants, spiders), legged/aerial robotics, soft materials for robotics, and sensor integration. Notable projects include the picotaur hexapedal robot and airflow sensors for micro aerial vehicles. She emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, blending mechanical, electrical, and biomimetic engineering. Awards: DARPA Young Faculty Award (2008), Best IEEE ICRA Paper (2010), and leadership in NSF/NCS grants. Her work bridges fundamental science and applied robotics, addressing challenges in energy efficiency, miniaturization, and autonomy. Advising/Grants: While specific student names aren't listed, her research teams focus on robotics innovation. Grants include NSF-funded studies on sensorimotor control and microscale systems. She collaborates with CMU’s Robotics Institute and other institutions. Labs/Teams: Engages with CMU’s robotics community and leads projects in microrobotics, soft sensing, and biohybrid systems. Her lab develops novel fabrication techniques (e.g., 3D printing of actuators) and explores environmental sensing for small robots.

• Robotics
• Microrobotics
• Bioinspired Robotics
• +6 more

Michael Bockstaller is a Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University's College of Engineering. His research focuses on structure-property-performance relationships in polymer hybrid materials and he leads significant work in self-healing materials, nanocomposites, and advanced polymer processing. His educational background includes: Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from Johannes Gutenberg University (2000) B.S. in Chemistry from the Technical University of Karlsruhe (1997) Professor Bockstaller's research spans multiple cutting-edge areas in materials science. His primary focus is on polymer hybrid materials, with special emphasis on self-healing capabilities, optical and thermal transport properties of polymer nanocomposites, and applications in solid-state lighting and battery technologies. He also explores additive manufacturing techniques, advanced materials processing, and data-driven approaches to materials design. His work bridges fundamental polymer chemistry with practical engineering applications, particularly in developing sustainable and high-performance materials. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trend toward engineered self-healing materials, with particular focus on brush particle systems and nanoparticle-polymer hybrids. His work increasingly integrates data-driven approaches and explores thermal transport phenomena in novel material architectures. There's also a growing emphasis on sustainability applications, including polymer recycling and environmentally conscious materials design. Among his notable recognitions: Fellow of the American Physical Society Fellow of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Emmy Noether Grant recipient from the German Science Foundation Alcoa Professor (endowed chair appointment at CMU) Professor Bockstaller actively advises students and leads multiple research initiatives. He serves as a key member of the Center for Data-Driven Discovery of Multifunctional Material Systems (D3OM2S) and contributes to several interdisciplinary centers including the Center for Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology and the Manufacturing Futures Institute. His research has attracted significant funding from various sources supporting innovative work in polymer science and engineering. He leads research teams focused on polymer hybrid materials within CMU's Materials Science and Engineering department, with strong connections to the university's data science initiatives. His laboratory work emphasizes the intersection of traditional materials science with computational approaches, creating what he terms 'Engineering Better Polymers to Solve Modern Problems.'

• Polymer Hybrid Materials
• Self-Healing Materials
• Nanocomposites
• +7 more

Robert Tilton is the Chevron Professor of Chemical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), a position he has held since 1992. He holds dual fellowships from the American Chemical Society (ACS) and the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering. His research focuses on complex fluid interfacial phenomena, including colloid chemistry, surfactant systems, and nanotechnology applications in environmental and biomedical contexts. Tilton earned a B.Ch.E. from the University of Delaware (1986) and an M.S. (1987) and Ph.D. (1991) in Chemical Engineering from Stanford University, under advisors Alice Gast and Channing Robertson. His work has been recognized with the Victor K. LaMer Award and recent ACS honors for contributions to colloid chemistry. Professor Tilton’s research integrates fundamental studies of macromolecule and nanoparticle behavior at fluid interfaces with applied projects in drug delivery, sustainable emulsifiers, and environmental nanotechnology. He has led the ACS Division of Colloid and Surface Chemistry, co-chaired major symposia at CMU, and advised over 30 Ph.D. students. His group collaborates on aerosolized drug carriers, responsive polymer brushes, and interfacial engineering for industrial and medical applications. Current projects include optimizing surfactant systems for enhanced Marangoni flow control and developing pH-responsive nanocarriers for agrochemical delivery. Leadership Roles: NIH Nanotechnology Study Section member, Scientific Council at CODIRECT, ACS symposium organizer Labs/Teams: Tilton Group (research team includes postdocs and students focused on colloids, interfaces, and nanotechnology) His scientific contributions span over 200 publications, with recent emphasis on diffusiophoretic transport, surfactant synergism, and emulsion stability. Awards include the 2023 ACS Colloid Chemistry Award, reflecting his enduring impact on the field.

• Complex Fluids
• Colloid Chemistry
• Nanotechnology
• +3 more

Gregory Lowry is the Hamerschlag University Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University with a courtesy appointment in Chemical Engineering. As deputy director of the NSF/EPA Center for Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology, his research focuses on environmental nanochemistry, sustainable agriculture applications, and robotic soil sampling technologies. A highly cited scientist in ecology/environment, Lowry has published over 150 articles and serves on editorial boards for Environmental Science: Nano and Scientific Data. His investigations examine nanoparticle behavior in environmental systems, remediation technologies for groundwater contaminants, and nanomaterial applications for sustainable agriculture. Recent work includes studies on PFAS destruction, selenium bioremediation, and mercury speciation during industrial processes.

• Environmental Nanotechnology
• Nanoparticle Fate and Transport
• Groundwater Remediation
• +3 more