Zackaria Chacko is a Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Maryland and a founding member of the Maryland Center for Fundamental Physics (MCFP). His research focuses on theoretical particle physics, addressing unresolved questions in the Standard Model through novel frameworks like weak scale supersymmetry, extra dimensions, and composite Higgs models. His work intersects with experimental efforts at the Large Hadron Collider, dark matter detection, neutrino oscillation studies, and gravitational tests. Affiliations: Maryland Center for Fundamental Physics (MCFP) Teaching: Courses include Mathematical Methods for Physics I/II, Advanced Quantum Mechanics, and Advanced Quantum Field Theory. Research Interests: Chacko explores dark matter, baryogenesis, and neutrino physics, with connections to cosmological observations (e.g., cosmic microwave background) and precision measurements. His theories aim to resolve gaps in fundamental physics, such as the hierarchy problem and matter-antimatter asymmetry. Awards: Elected Fellow of the American Physical Society (APS). Labs/Teams: Active contributor to MCFP’s theoretical physics initiatives, collaborating on projects bridging particle physics and cosmology.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Selin Kara is a Professor at the Institute of Technical Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Leibniz University Hannover. She leads research in biocatalysis and bioprocessing, with a focus on sustainable and innovative enzyme-based technologies. Her leadership roles include Spokesperson of the Curriculum and Teaching Committee for Life Science and Chairperson of the Admissions Board for MSc Life Science. Full Name: Selin Kara Institution: Leibniz University Hannover Faculty: Faculty of Natural Sciences Department: Institute of Technical Chemistry Academic Rank: Professor Email: selin.kara@iftc.uni-hannover.de Her research interests center on biocatalysis and bioprocessing , particularly in redox biocatalysis , enzyme immobilization , non-conventional media such as deep eutectic solvents, biocatalytic cascades , and flow biocatalysis . She explores enzyme kinetics and process engineering to enhance efficiency and sustainability in chemical synthesis. Her group develops novel reactor systems and materials, including hydrogels and 3D-printed microfluidics, for advanced biocatalytic applications. She emphasizes green chemistry principles, aiming to replace traditional chemical processes with eco-friendly enzymatic alternatives. The most recent publications (2024–2025) demonstrate a strong trend in deep eutectic solvents , fusion enzymes , immobilization techniques , and sustainable synthesis of bio-based chemicals . Her work integrates experimental and computational methods to understand enzyme behavior and optimize reaction systems. Key themes include process intensification, solvent engineering, and industrial scalability, with applications in pharmaceuticals, fragrances, and sustainable materials. She holds leadership positions in academic governance, including: Spokesperson, Curriculum and Teaching Committee, Life Science (BSc/MSc) Chairperson, Admissions Board for MSc Life Science Executive Board Member, Institute of Technical Chemistry Deputy Representative for Professors in Faculty Council and Examination Boards Her research is highly collaborative, involving interdisciplinary teams and international partners, and is consistently published in high-impact journals such as Green Chemistry , ACS Catalysis , and ChemSusChem . While specific scientific awards and student advisees are not listed in the provided text, her extensive publication record and leadership roles reflect significant academic contributions.
Prof. Dr. Nadine Lehnen is a Research Group Leader at the Department of Psychosomatic Medicine , Faculty of Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM). Her work bridges computational neuroscience and psychosomatic disorders, focusing on the central nervous system (CNS) mechanisms underlying functional symptoms that lack organic explanations. Research Focus : Functional somatic disorders, sensorimotor processing, vestibular system dysfunction, and computational modeling of symptom pathogenesis. Key Collaborations : EURONET-SOMA Group, interdisciplinary teams in neuroscience and clinical psychology. Her recent studies explore sensorimotor dysregulation in irritable bowel syndrome, post-COVID symptoms, and functional dizziness, emphasizing transdiagnostic mechanisms. Publications highlight translational approaches combining computational and experimental methods to redefine understanding of persistent physical symptoms. She mentors students such as Dr. Lena Schröder and Dr. Dina von Werder, contributing to training in psychosomatic research. While no specific awards are listed, her work has been supported by institutional affiliations and collaborative grants.
Ruben Portugues is a Professor of Brain Circuit Function and Dysfunction at the Institute of Neuroscience, Technical University of Munich (TUM). He is a full member of the Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences (GSN), an associate and advisory board member of the Munich Center for Neurosciences (MCN), and leads a research group focused on understanding the neural basis of behavior. His lab uses larval zebrafish as a model organism to investigate sensorimotor control, decision-making, and motor learning through whole-brain imaging and circuit analysis. His research interests lie at the intersection of systems neuroscience and behavior. He investigates how brain circuits process sensory information, integrate it with motor output, and enable adaptive and flexible behavior. Key areas include the function of the cerebellum, heading direction networks, sensorimotor transformations, and the neural mechanisms of decision-making. His lab employs cutting-edge techniques including custom-built microscopes, behavioral assays, and computational analysis. The recent publications and preprints from his lab demonstrate a strong trend in decoding distributed neural circuits underlying navigation and decision-making in zebrafish. There is a clear focus on identifying specific brain regions (e.g., interpeduncular nucleus, cerebellum) and cell types involved in processing visual, motor, and spatial information. The work increasingly emphasizes whole-brain functional imaging and the emergence of cognitive-like representations such as allocentric heading direction. FENS-Kavli Network of Excellence (FKNE) PhD Thesis Prize (awarded to student Luigi Petrucco) Ruben Portugues actively mentors PhD students, including current advisees Luigi Petrucco, Ot Prat, and Shuhong Huang, and has successfully graduated Dr. Elena Dragomir and Dr. Vilim Štih. His lab engages in extensive collaborations, hosts visiting researchers, participates in teaching (e.g., CSHL Imaging Course, Cajal Course), and secures resources for advanced research. The lab is known for building its own microscopes and software, fostering technical innovation. The Portugues Lab operates as a dynamic, interdisciplinary team that combines experimental neuroscience with computational and engineering approaches. They regularly hold retreats, participate in scientific events, and contribute to community initiatives like the Munich Brain Day. The lab is preparing to relocate to the Department of Neurobiology and Behavior at Cornell University, marking a new phase in its research trajectory.
Prof. Dr. Ercan Yüksel is a full Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at Istanbul Technical University (ITU), College of Engineering. He has been a faculty member at ITU since 1990, progressing from Assistant Professor to Professor in 2017. His research focuses on earthquake engineering, structural dynamics, and numerical modeling, with applications in seismic design, energy dissipation, and structural health monitoring. PhD, Civil Engineering, Istanbul Technical University MS, Structural Engineering (with thesis), Istanbul Technical University BS, Civil Engineering, Istanbul Technical University His research interests are centered on earthquake engineering , particularly seismic input energy analysis , energy dissipation systems , reinforced and precast concrete structures , and seismic isolation . He actively investigates the dynamic behavior of structures under earthquake loads and develops innovative solutions for improving structural resilience. His work integrates advanced numerical modeling with experimental validation. Recent publications (2023–2025) highlight a strong focus on energy-based seismic design, performance of mechanical couplers, damping systems for high-voltage insulators, and fatigue behavior of railway tracks. These works are closely tied to real-world seismic events like the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquake, demonstrating applied and impactful research. His scientific recognition includes: Notable Work Award, Turkish Academy of Sciences (TÜBA), 2012 Golden Beam Award, Turkish Prefabricated Association, 2011 Prof. Yüksel is an active Principal Investigator on multiple research projects funded by ITU’s BAP program, covering topics such as smart sleepers for railway monitoring, novel seismic input energy spectra, and earthquake isolation for racking systems. He has supervised numerous theses and is involved in professional organizations including UNESCO-IPRED and the Turkish Earthquake Foundation. He leads research on structural health monitoring of ballasted railway lines using smart sleeper technology and is developing earthquake isolation systems for industrial storage racks. His lab integrates experimental testing with numerical simulation to validate new structural components under cyclic and biaxial loading.
Veysel Murat İstemihan Genç is a Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at Istanbul Technical University (ITU), College of Engineering. His research is centered on modern power systems, with a focus on transient stability, cybersecurity, and integration of renewable energy sources. He actively leads multiple research projects and supervises graduate students in advanced power system technologies. Research Interests: His work spans key areas including transient stability assessment, machine learning applications in power systems, cyber-attack detection in AGC systems, and dynamic security evaluation under high renewable penetration. He employs cutting-edge techniques such as ensemble learning, deep neural networks, and hybrid optimization algorithms. Publication Trends: Recent publications (2023–2025) highlight a strong trend toward integrating AI and machine learning for real-time transient stability prediction, cybersecurity in distributed energy systems, and performance optimization of solar and wind-integrated grids. His work frequently addresses challenges in low-inertia systems and false data injection attacks. Scientific Projects: Strengthened Machine Learning-Based Dynamic Security Evaluation for Transient Stability under False Data Injection Attacks (BAP, 2025) Analysis and Control Methods for Stability of Large-Scale Low-Inertia Power Systems (BAP, 2023–2024) Dynamics Security Evaluation of Renewable-Rich and Cyber-Attacked Power Systems (BAP, 2022–2024) Risk-Based Stability Assessment and Corrective Control Methods in Power Systems (BAP, 2019–2022) Wide-Area Monitoring Protection and Control System Design Using Advanced Signal Processing and Machine Learning (TÜBİTAK, 2018–2020) Advising and Grants: He is the principal investigator (PI) on multiple funded research projects from BAP and TÜBİTAK, indicating strong grant acquisition and leadership. His supervision of 27 ongoing theses reflects an active role in mentoring graduate students in electrical engineering and power systems. Labs and Teams: While specific lab names are not mentioned, his projects suggest leadership in a research group focused on smart grid technologies, AI-enabled power system security, and renewable integration at Istanbul Technical University.
Jordi Perelló Muntan is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Architecture at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Barcelona, Spain, where he is also affiliated with the Escola Tècnica Superior d'Enginyeria de Telecomunicació de Barcelona (ETSETB). He is a member of the Broadband Communications Systems and Architectures (CBA) and IDEAI-UPC research groups, focusing on advanced optical and future internet networking technologies. Research Interests: His research spans telecommunications networks, optical fiber and optical networking, resource optimization, network architectures, and the Future Internet. He investigates performance optimization in 5G transport networks, Spatial Division Multiplexing (SDM), Recursive Inter-Network Architecture (RINA), elastic optical networks, and cognitive networking. His work integrates SDN, network virtualization, and green networking principles for scalable and efficient infrastructures. Publication Trends: His recent publications focus on probabilistic constellation shaping in multicore fiber networks, cognitive strategies for optical margin reduction, RINA-based QoS assurance, and migration planning toward spectrally-spatially flexible optical networks. These reflect a strong trend toward intelligent, adaptive, and energy-efficient network design for future communication systems. Scientific Awards: Co-recipient of the 2020 Fabio Neri Best Paper Award Runner-up (Elsevier Journal of Optical Switching and Networking) Co-recipient of the ONDM 2021 Best Paper Award Co-recipient of the 2019 IEEE Communications Society Charles Kao Award Co-recipient of the ONDM 2012 Best Student Paper Award Advising and Grants: He has advised multiple PhD students on topics including RINA, optical network planning, and virtual provisioning. He has led or participated in major European (H2020, FP7) and national (PID, TEC) research projects such as SLICENET, PRISTINE, TRAINER, and ALLIANCE, focusing on 5G, RINA, and sustainable network infrastructures. Labs and Teams: He is an active member of the CBA research group at UPC, contributing to experimental and theoretical advancements in optical and programmable networks. His team collaborates internationally on testbed development and standardization efforts in next-generation networking.
Hamouda Ghonem is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Systems Engineering at the University of Rhode Island . He established the Mechanics of Materials Research Laboratory (MMRL) in 1981, focusing on experimental and computational studies of deformation and damage in advanced engineering materials under extreme conditions. Education: Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, McGill University (1978) M.S., Mechanical Engineering, McGill University (1976) B.Sc., Nuclear Engineering, University of Alexandria (1969) Research Interests span high-temperature deformation of metallic alloys, creep-fatigue-environment interactions, dislocation-precipitate interactions, grain boundary mechanics, and ultrafine grain manufacturing. His work quantifies microstructural effects on material failure and develops predictive models for damage evolution in aerospace and nuclear materials. Scientific Awards include: Fellow of ASME Sabbatical appointments at European universities and aerospace research centers Laboratory Facilities at MMRL include: MTS servohydraulic testing machines Creep and high-strain rate (Split Hopkinson Bar, gas gun) systems Computational modeling with Abaqus, MATLAB, and in-house codes Microstructural analysis via SEM and optical microscopy Vacuum and high-temperature (-196°C to 1200°C) testing environments
Daniel Shanahan is an Associate Professor at the Bienen School of Music , Northwestern University , where he coordinates the Music Theory and Cognition program and directs the Music Cognition Lab. He holds a PhD from the University of Dublin, Trinity College. His research integrates music-analytic, computational, and experimental methodologies to investigate cognitive and communicative constraints in music. Key themes include corpus studies, music and emotion, oral transmission of musical traditions, computational analysis of jazz and folk music , and the application of machine learning and generative AI to musicology. Shanahan has served as co-editor of Empirical Musicology Review (2016–2022) and sits on editorial boards of multiple journals. His work appears in Music Perception , The Journal of New Music Research , Musicae Scientiae , and Frontiers in Psychology , with chapters in Routledge Companions and the Oxford Handbook of Music and Corpus Studies . Recent projects include an NSF grant studying sound's impact on learning (2023) and co-editing the Oxford Handbook . He currently serves as treasurer for the Society for Music Perception and Cognition . Mentorship Award (Society for Music Perception and Cognition, 2024) Outstanding Multi-Author Collection Award (Society for Music Theory, 2023) Distinguished Scholar Award (Ohio State University) Rising Faculty Research & Undergraduate Teaching Awards (Louisiana State University) His publications demonstrate expertise in music cognition, computational analysis, emotional expression, and oral/embodied transmission , with trends showing interdisciplinary applications of AI and cross-cultural studies. Shanahan's mentorship emphasizes student well-being, empathetic guidance, and fostering academic potential . He has hosted global open lab meetings during the pandemic and cultivated mentees who now contribute to service roles in academic committees.
Victor Camillo Ottati is a Professor of Social Psychology at Loyola University Chicago, with a focus on political psychology, cross-cultural psychology, and communication. His research explores open-minded cognition, dogmatism, political judgment, and stereotyping. He has taught graduate courses in social psychology, social cognition, and political psychology, as well as undergraduate courses in introductory psychology, social psychology, and mass communication. Research Interests: Ottati's work addresses five key programs: (1) dogmatism and open-minded cognition, (2) cognitive processing styles in political judgment, (3) affect and nonverbal cues in political attitudes, (4) corrected vs. uncorrected social judgments, and (5) cross-cultural studies on subjective culture and stereotyping. He adopts an information-processing framework integrating affect and nonverbal cues. Recent Trends: His 2023 publications in Divided: Open-Mindedness and Dogmatism in a Polarized World emphasize group context, belief superiority, and situational factors in political cognition. Earlier works (2015-2020) investigate earned dogmatism, empathy in candidate evaluation, and Daoist thought's influence on leadership. Contact: Email vottati@luc.edu for inquiries.
Professor Vinayak Dixit serves as the IAG Chair of Risk in Smart Cities and Director of the Research Centre for Integrated Transport Innovation (rCITI) at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), within the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering. With a distinguished career spanning academia and research leadership, Professor Dixit has established himself as a leading expert in transportation risk analysis and smart city infrastructure. Professor Dixit's research focuses on studying risk in transportation infrastructure systems, with particular emphasis on highway safety, travel time uncertainty, and resilience against natural and man-made disasters. His work integrates cutting-edge approaches including quantum computing applications for transportation network optimization, analysis of connected and automated vehicles, and development of models for transportation resilience. His research interests span multiple disciplines, bridging civil engineering, transportation science, risk analysis, and computational methods. Professor Dixit has secured significant research funding from prestigious organizations including the United States National Science Foundation, Federal Highway Administration, and the Strategic Highway Research Program of the Transportation Research Board. His leadership extends to directing the Research Centre for Integrated Transport Innovation (rCITI), where he oversees a comprehensive research program addressing critical transportation challenges in smart cities through multiple focus areas including Connected Mobility Services, Deep Data and Digitization, Engineering Smart Cities & Logistics, Human-Centred And Automated Systems Design, and Integrated Infrastructure Strategic Planning. Professor Dixit previously served as the Associate Director of Research for the Gulf Coast Centre for Evacuation and Transportation Resiliency at Louisiana State University, where he founded the Driving Simulator Laboratory in collaboration with other faculty members. This demonstrates his longstanding commitment to innovative research infrastructure development and interdisciplinary collaboration across engineering, economics, computer science, and urban planning to address complex transportation challenges in the 21st century.
Edward Andò is a Principal Scientist and Lecturer at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) , with affiliations to the IMAGING group and the College of Engineering (ENAC) . His work bridges software development, experimental geomechanics, and educational initiatives in image analysis. Principal Scientist, IMAGING-GE (EPFL) Lecturer, Sciences et Génie Civil (SGC-ENS) Lecturer, Enseignement à la Défense (EDEE-ENS) Research Interests Andò specializes in 3D image analysis , with a focus on X-ray tomography , digital volume correlation (DVC) , and micromechanical modeling of granular materials. His work addresses geomechanical failure mechanisms, soil dynamics, and open-source software tools like SPAM for practical material analysis. Publication Trends His recent articles (2025–2023) emphasize X-ray tomography for studying granular deformation , rock failure , medical imaging , and soft particle compaction . Topics span geomechanics, computational modeling, and software development for experimental validation. Labs and Teams Andò contributes to the IMAGING group at EPFL, where he co-develops the SPAM (Software for Practical Analysis of Materials) . His teaching includes courses like Fundamentals of Image Analysis and Quantitative Imaging for Engineers , which integrate hands-on training with theoretical frameworks.
Dr Brandon M Grainger is an Eaton Faculty Fellow and Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh’s Swanson School of Engineering, where he also directs the Electric Power Technologies Laboratory, serves as Associate Director of the Energy GRID Institute, and co-directs Pitt AMPED. A key architect of Pitt’s electric power program since 2008, he focuses on advanced power conversion, high-voltage electronics, wide-band-gap semiconductors, and aerospace power systems. Education PhD, Electrical Engineering (Power Conversion), University of Pittsburgh, 2014 MS, Electrical Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, 2011 BS, Mechanical Engineering & Minor in Electrical Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, 2007 Executive Education Certificate, Tepper School of Business, Carnegie Mellon University, 2019 Research Focus Dr Grainger’s work lies at the intersection of power electronics, high-voltage engineering, and sustainable energy systems. He specializes in medium- and high-voltage power electronics (HVDC, STATCOM), resonant converters, and ultra-high-power-density designs leveraging SiC and GaN semiconductors. His investigations extend to electric-vehicle traction drives, solid-state transformers, optimized magnetics for aerospace applications, and resilient microgrids. He and his students routinely collaborate with NASA JPL, Johns Hopkins APL, Honeywell Aerospace, and the Naval Research Laboratory, leveraging Pitt’s NSF SHREC center to push the boundaries of power conversion in space and defense systems. Selected Research Themes High-frequency, high-density DC/DC converters for satellite power systems Radiation-tolerant GaN converters and point-of-load power stages Medium-voltage testbed development (13.8 kV, 5 MVA) Rare-earth-free permanent-magnet machine topologies Model-predictive control of multi-phase drives and microgrids Honors & Awards 2024 IEEE Region 2 Outstanding Educator Award 2024 Pitt STRIVE Outstanding DEI Service Award 2019 ESWP Engineer of the Year 2019 ASEE 2nd Place Best Paper Award 2019 SRI Undergraduate Best Mentor Award Richard K. Mellon Endowed Graduate Fellowship National Academies of Science & Engineering Ambassador Senior Member, IEEE Grants & Industry Partnerships Dr Grainger’s research has been continuously funded by federal agencies and industry partners including NASA JPL, Johns Hopkins APL, Honeywell Aerospace, the Naval Research Laboratory, Eaton, and the National Science Foundation through the SHREC Center. These awards support graduate students and post-docs working on next-generation power systems for aerospace, naval, and terrestrial applications. Laboratories & Teams Director, Electric Power Technologies Laboratory (EPTL) Associate Director, Energy GRID Institute Co-Director, Pitt AMPED (Advanced Multimodal Power and Energy Development) Faculty Affiliate, NSF SHREC Center
Manjesh Kumar Singh is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur. He holds a PhD in Polymer Science from ETH Zurich and has postdoctoral experience at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research and ETH Zurich. Education: PhD (2016) - ETH Zurich, Switzerland ME (2011) - Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore BE (2009) - IIEST Shibpur His research focuses on Tribology, Soft Matter, and Rheology , with expertise in molecular dynamics simulations, AFM techniques, and polymer brush systems. Key projects include studying cross-linked polymer brushes under shear, solvation behaviors of elastin-like polypeptides, and tribological responses of disentangled polymer melts. Recent publications highlight his work in polymer tribology, solvation mechanisms, and shear dynamics. He has received multiple scholarships for international conferences and a Best Oral Presentation award at IndiaTrib-2019. Awards & Fellowships: Thailand 2020 International Nanotribology Forum Scholarship IndiaTrib-2019 Best Oral Presentation Kerala 2014 International Nanotribology Forum Scholarship 2012 Gordon Research Conference Travel Grant 2011 Vietnam International Nanotribology Forum Scholarship He works in the Himanshu Hatwal Nonlinear Mechanics Lab at IIT Kanpur.
Michael Barnes is a Tutorial Fellow in Physics and Professor of Physics at the University of Oxford. He contributes to the Department of Physics through teaching and research, with a focus on plasma behavior in magnetic fields. His work has critical applications in sustainable energy production via fusion and astrophysical systems. Professor Barnes teaches Mathematical Methods for Physicists to undergraduate students at University College and lectures on Complex Numbers and Ordinary Differential Equations . His pedagogical emphasis is on developing mathematical fluency for advanced physics topics. His research explores plasma turbulence suppression by sheared flows, particularly in magnetic confinement fusion. Key projects include the development of the TRINITY multiscale gyrokinetic transport code and studies on tokamak transport barriers. Recent publications highlight advancements in gyrokinetic simulations, collision operators, and beam diagnostics for fusion applications. Notable trends in his publications include multiscale modeling of plasma turbulence, zonal flow dynamics, and experimental comparisons for fusion devices like JET, MAST, and ITER. Subfields span from fundamental kinetic theory to applied fusion engineering.
