Find Academic Supervisors

Cynthia SturtonView profile

Associate Professor

• Hardware Security
• Formal Methods
• Computer Security
• +4 more

Cynthia Sturton serves as Associate Professor and Peter Thacher Grauer Scholar in the Department of Computer Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She leads the Hardware Security @ UNC research laboratory focused on developing formal verification tools for hardware security analysis. Her educational background includes a Ph.D. (2013) and M.S. from UC Berkeley, and a B.S.Eng. from Arizona State University. Her research centers on hardware security, applied formal methods, and symbolic execution techniques for identifying security vulnerabilities in processor designs before fabrication. Sturton's research demonstrates consistent innovation in hardware security verification, particularly through tools like Sylvia (symbolic execution for Verilog) and SylQ-SV (SystemVerilog analysis with query caching). Her work bridges theoretical formal methods with practical security applications, addressing critical challenges like path explosion and security property generation at scale. Nominated for Best Paper award at IEEE/ACM MICRO 2018 Intel Hardware Security Academic Award, 2nd place ($50,000) at IEEE Symposium on Security and Privacy 2020 Selected as Top Picks in Hardware and Embedded Security 2021 She advises multiple graduate students including Rui Zhang and Calvin Deutschbein, and has secured significant research funding from NSF (Grants 1816637, 651276), Semiconductor Research Corporation, Intel, Google, and UNC Chapel Hill. Her Hardware Security @ UNC lab develops critical tools for security property generation and vulnerability detection in hardware designs.

• Fiber Optics
• Laser Systems
• Optical Sensors
• +2 more

Dr. Morten Ibsen serves as an Associate Professor at the University of Southampton's Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC), a world-leading institution in photonics research. His academic profile demonstrates extensive involvement in cutting-edge optical technologies with significant contributions to fiber optics and laser systems. Dr. Ibsen's research focuses on advanced optical sensing technologies, particularly in fiber Bragg gratings, bi-doped fiber lasers, and optical refractometers. His work spans applications from environmental monitoring (heavy metal detection) to high-speed explosives diagnostics and navigation systems. The research demonstrates exceptional versatility across fundamental photonics and practical engineering applications. His publication record from 2018-2020 reveals consistent high-impact output in top photonics journals, with recurring themes in fiber laser development, optical sensor optimization, and novel measurement techniques. The research shows strong international collaboration patterns with institutions across Europe and Asia. Dr. Ibsen actively supervises PhD candidates including Robin Elliott and Sergei Shevtsov within the ORC's doctoral program. His research projects have attracted substantial funding from major organizations including the Royal Society, EPSRC, and the European Union's FP7 program. As a core member of the Fibre Bragg Gratings and Smart Lasers research groups, he contributes to the ORC's reputation as a global leader in photonics innovation. His experimental work bridges theoretical optics with practical engineering solutions for real-world sensing challenges.

• Environmental Chemistry
• Microbiology
• Water Science and Engineering
• +4 more

Professor Frederic Coulon holds the position of Professor of Environmental Chemistry and Microbiology at the Cranfield Water Science Institute, part of Cranfield University's School of Management. His work focuses on transdisciplinary environmental science, including soil and water chemistry, bioremediation, wastewater treatment, and risk assessment. He leads research on microbial interactions in engineered systems, biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons, and emerging contaminants. His professional interests span soil and water chemistry, fate of chemicals in environmental systems, hazardous waste site remediation, and policy-influencing research. Key collaborators include BBSRC, NERC, Defra, and the European Commission. He has advised on contaminated land management and developed solutions for pragmatic risk-based remediation strategies. Research activities include microbial adaptations in cold environments, environmental monitoring technologies, and anaerobic digestion optimization. Over 200 peer-reviewed articles highlight his contributions to environmental engineering and science, with a focus on bioremediation, bioaerosol risk assessment, and sustainable waste management. Current projects address challenges in low-carbon remediation, landfill mining, and antimicrobial resistance in agricultural environments. He supervises multiple PhD students and collaborates internationally on initiatives like the UK-India vWa project and the REGENERATIS program for metallurgical site regeneration.

James UnwinView profile

Associate Professor

• Theoretical Particle Physics
• Astrophysics
• Cosmology
• +5 more

James Unwin is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), affiliated with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. He holds a DPhil in Physics from the University of Oxford (2013) and has held postdoctoral positions at the University of Notre Dame. His research focuses on theoretical particle physics, astrophysics, and cosmology, particularly exploring physics beyond the Standard Model, dark matter models, and interdisciplinary applied mathematics. Current interests include dark matter interactions, primordial black holes, and novel experimental approaches like Coulomb explosion imaging. Research Interests: Dark Matter Models: Including freeze-in mechanisms, annihilation signatures, and cosmological constraints Particle Astrophysics: Supersymmetry, LHC searches, and Grand Unified Theories Interdisciplinary Work: Applications of mathematics to epidemiology (e.g., COVID-19 forecasts via stock market indicators) and social dynamics Recent publications emphasize ultrafast molecular dynamics, XUV spectroscopy, and cosmological impacts of primordial black holes. He has advised PhD students Prolay Chanda and Qingyun Wang, both advanced to candidacy in 2021. Professional activities include visiting roles at UC Berkeley (2022–2023) and a Distinguished Academic Visitor appointment at Queen’s College, Oxford (2023). Affiliations: UIC Department of Physics Adjunct roles at UC Berkeley and University of Oxford Collaborations with institutions like Fermilab and CERN

Matthew J. GrahamView profile

Research Professor

• Astronomy
• Astrophysics
• Time-domain Astronomy
• +5 more

Matthew J. Graham is a Research Professor of Astronomy at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), serving as the Project Scientist for the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF). His work bridges astronomy, machine learning, and data science, focusing on time-domain sky surveys that produce hundreds of thousands of public transient alerts per night. Previously, he has worked on the Catalina Real-time Transient Survey (CRTS), NOAO DataLab, Virtual Observatory, and Palomar-Quest Digital Sky Survey. Dr. Graham's primary research interests involve applying machine learning and advanced statistical methodologies to astrophysical problems, particularly the variability of quasars and other stochastic time series. His work addresses the unprecedented data volumes generated by 21st-century astronomy while expanding our ability to work with complex information systems beyond simple correlations. His current projects include real-time low latency inferencing via the NSF-funded A3D3 Institute, reinforcement learning for optimizing astrophysical follow-up campaigns, neural differential models for supermassive black hole variability, and functional analysis of multivariate time series. Analysis of Graham's recent publications reveals a strong focus on time-domain astronomy, particularly leveraging the capabilities of the Zwicky Transient Facility. His work spans multiple areas including gravitational wave counterpart identification, active galactic nuclei variability, supernova characterization, and machine learning applications for transient detection. A notable trend is the integration of artificial intelligence techniques to handle the massive data streams from modern sky surveys, enabling real-time analysis and decision-making that would be impossible with traditional methods. Dr. Graham has been instrumental in developing infrastructure for time-domain astronomy, including the alert distribution system for ZTF and data processing pipelines for handling massive transient datasets. His work on the Catalina Real-time Transient Survey established important methodologies for identifying variable and transient sources that continue to influence the field. As Project Scientist for ZTF, Graham leads a major international collaboration involving Caltech, IPAC, and numerous partner institutions worldwide. The facility represents a significant advancement in time-domain astronomy, providing unprecedented coverage of the dynamic sky and enabling discoveries across multiple areas of astrophysics.

Brandon SchmandtView profile

Professor

• Seismology
• Tectonics
• Volcanology
• +4 more

Brandon Schmandt is a Professor in the Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences at Rice University, where he leads research using seismology to investigate Earth systems. His work integrates interdisciplinary approaches, data science, and numerical modeling to study tectonic processes, magmatic systems, and environmental interactions. His educational background includes a PhD in Geological Sciences from the University of Oregon (2011) and a BA in Environmental Studies from Warren Wilson College (2006). Dr. Schmandt's research focuses on seismology, tectonics, volcanology, and surface processes , with emphasis on seismic imaging of subsurface structures. His group employs innovative time-series analysis and field projects to resolve geologic history and contemporary Earth dynamics, particularly examining fault zones, magmatic reservoirs, and deep convective processes. Key methodologies include dense seismic arrays and machine learning applications. Analysis of his recent publications (2023-2025) reveals dominant trends in seismic event discrimination (earthquakes vs. explosions), magmatic system imaging (Yellowstone, Cascades), and global mantle structure studies. There is strong emphasis on induced seismicity, machine learning applications, and high-resolution imaging of Earth's discontinuities using dense arrays. His distinguished honors include: Aki Award of the AGU Seismology Section GSA Donath Medal AGU Macelwane Medal Body Dr. Schmandt directs an active research group conducting field projects across diverse settings including the Raton Basin, Yellowstone, Antarctica, and the Caribbean. While specific student advisees and grant details aren't provided in available materials, his group's work involves collaborative data collection, advanced computational modeling, and development of novel seismic analysis techniques applicable to both natural and anthropogenic seismic sources. The research program maintains focus on magmatic systems beneath volcanic regions, induced seismicity mechanisms, and global mantle structure using dense node arrays and interdisciplinary approaches to address fundamental questions in Earth dynamics.

• Theoretical Particle Physics
• Nuclear Physics
• Cosmic Ray Physics
• +7 more

Masatoshi Takano is a Professor at the Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University, specializing in theoretical studies of nuclear physics, particle physics, and astrophysics. His work focuses on nuclear equations of state (EOS) for neutron stars and core-collapse supernovae, incorporating realistic nuclear forces like the Argonne v18 and Urbana IX potentials. He has developed variational methods with explicit energy functionals to model hyperonic nuclear matter, spin-orbit forces, and finite-temperature effects. Education : PhD in Science, Waseda University Professional Memberships : American Physical Society, Japan Physical Society Research spans neutron star structure, supernova simulations, and nuclear matter phase transitions. His recent presentations address neutrino emission rates, braking radiation in nuclear matter, and cluster variational methods. Key collaborations include H. Togashi, K. Nakazato, and K. Sumiyoshi. Scientific contributions involve refining variational energy expressions for asymmetric nuclear matter, incorporating three-body forces, and studying pion condensation effects on neutron star cooling. He has applied his EOS models to multidimensional supernova simulations and cosmic ray detector design.

• Robotics
• Human-Robot Interaction
• Machine Learning
• +7 more

Christian Smith is an Associate Professor and Lecturer at the Department of Robotics, Perception and Learning at Kungliga Tekniska Högskolan (KTH Royal Institute of Technology). His research focuses on robotics and applications in human-centered environments like home environments, small workshops, and healthcare facilities, including the development of new robotic systems for research. Teaching Roles: Course Coordinator/Teacher/Examiner for courses such as Introduction to Robotics (DD2410), Research Project in Robotics (DD2411), and Java Programming for Python Programmers (DD1380) Research Themes: Human-Robot Interaction, Behavior Trees, Exoskeletons, Intent Recognition, and Multimodal Perception Awards: No specific scientific awards mentioned in the provided text His KTH profile highlights work on adaptive robotics systems and formalized control strategies. The research portfolio spans from theoretical studies on behavior tree programming to applied work in assistive technologies and teleoperation systems.

Brandon SchmandtView profile

Professor

• Geophysics
• Seismology
• Tectonics
• +2 more

Brandon Schmandt is a Professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at the University of New Mexico. His research focuses on geophysics, seismology, tectonics, structural geology, and volcanology. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Oregon (2011). His research group specializes in seismic imaging methods to study subsurface structures related to tectonic and magmatic processes. They analyze seismic data from both fieldwork and public archives, with applications to earthquake mechanics, magma storage, and explosion discrimination. Recent work emphasizes continental magmatic systems, induced seismicity in the Raton Basin, and Yellowstone's magmatic architecture. Collaborative projects include seismic array deployments and machine learning applications for signal analysis. No scientific awards are explicitly listed in the provided texts. His advising includes undergraduate and graduate students such as Wilgus, Stairs, and Maguire. No specific grants or labs are mentioned beyond his departmental affiliation.

John WhitneyView profile

Associate Professor

• Human-safe robotics
• Medical robotics
• Soft robotics
• +5 more

John Whitney is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at Northeastern University's College of Engineering. He joined the university in January 2016. His research focuses on human-safe robotics, medical robotics, soft robotics, MEMS, microrobotics, and bio-inspired design, with a particular emphasis on flapping aerodynamics and insect flight mechanisms. He has led major research initiatives including the National Science Foundation-funded 'Controllable Compliance' robotic arm project and Office of Naval Research projects on haptic manipulators for explosive ordnance disposal. Whitney holds a PhD in Engineering Sciences from Harvard University (2012) and an SM in Aeronautics and Astronautics from MIT (2006). He is affiliated with Northeastern's Institute for Experiential Robotics and has contributed to advanced systems like the ANA Avatar XPRIZE robotic avatar. His work integrates interdisciplinary approaches combining mechanical engineering, control systems, and biomedical applications. Education: PhD in Engineering Sciences, Harvard University, 2012 SM in Aeronautics and Astronautics, MIT, 2006 Awards: 2023 Impact Award Finalist, International Conference on Robotics and Automation 2022-2023 College of Engineering Faculty Award Recipient His research spans teleoperation systems, haptic feedback mechanisms, and soft material manufacturing. Notable projects include a MR-safe haptic system for prostate biopsies and a novel robotic arm for contact-rich environments. His lab's work on flapping-wing microrobots draws inspiration from insect flight dynamics to improve micro air vehicle (MAV) performance. Whitney advises teams like the Northeastern Mars Rover Team and ANA Avatar XPRIZE finalists, demonstrating his commitment to hands-on student engagement. His publications emphasize practical robotics solutions for medical, industrial, and exploratory applications.

Muralee MurugesuView profile

Professor

• Inorganic Chemistry
• Molecular Magnetism
• Quantum Properties
• +3 more

Muralee Murugesu is a Full Professor and Associate Vice-Rector of Innovation, Partnership & Entrepreneurship at the University of Ottawa's Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences within the Faculty of Science. His research focuses on designing nanoscale inorganic materials to study magnetic, conductive, and optical properties, with emphasis on molecular magnets, hybrid materials, and quantum applications. Notable projects include the development of single-molecule magnets (SMMs), lanthanide-based cluster-aggregates, and energetic materials. The Murugesu Group explores applications in quantum computing, molecular-scale electronics, and luminescence thermometry. Education details are not explicitly provided, but his academic career spans over two decades, initiating the Murugesu research program in 2006. Research interests include inorganic/organometallic chemistry, molecular magnetism, quantum properties, and nanomaterials. Key techniques used are X-ray diffraction, NMR, and SQUID magnetometry. Recent publications highlight advancements in SMMs, hybrid fullerene/carbon nanotube systems, and lanthanide-based optical/thermometric materials. Articles emphasize magnetic relaxation, luminescence thermometry, and energy transfer processes in nanostructured systems. The group's work intersects energy storage (e.g., photocatalytic hydrogen production), security (fingerprint detection), and quantum technologies. While no awards are listed, the research portfolio demonstrates significant contributions to materials science and magnetism. Advising and grants are not detailed here, though the group’s sustained output suggests strong institutional and external support. The lab’s focus on cluster-aggregates and molecular-scale devices reflects a vision for next-generation optomagnetic and energy systems.

• Tomography
• Computational Imaging
• Computer Science
• +5 more

Joost Batenburg is a Professor at Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS) , with a chair in Imaging and Visualization . He is affiliated with the Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI) and serves as Program Director for the interdisciplinary Society, Artificial Intelligence and Life Sciences (SAILS) initiative. His research focuses on tomographic image processing and reconstruction , where he has published over 80 journal articles and 60 conference papers. Current projects include Universal Three-dimensiOnal Passport for process Individualization in Agriculture (UTOPIA) and Center for Optimal, Real-Time Machine Studies of the Explosive Universe (CORTEX) , both funded by NWO grants. He leads the FleX-Ray Lab , a custom CT system integrated with advanced data processing algorithms. His research spans discrete tomography , real-time imaging pipelines , and AI-enhanced reconstruction methods , with applications in industrial inspection, agricultural analysis, and cultural heritage conservation. Recent articles demonstrate novel approaches to: Single-shot dynamic object tomography using level-set methods and motion modeling X-ray scattering quantification for defect detection in real-time systems Cross-modal image registration between CT scans and physical photographs Auto-differentiation in CT workflows combining classical and machine learning algorithms Scientific Awards: Dutch Award for ICT Research (2018) C.J. Kok Prize (2007) Philips Mathematics Prize (2006) He has supervised numerous PhD candidates including Mary Go, Eani Lachmansingh, and Zhichao Zhong, while maintaining editorial roles at IEEE Transactions on Computational Imaging and Journal of Mathematical Imaging and Vision . His work bridges theoretical mathematics with practical applications in agriculture, industry, and art conservation.

Malcolm FairbairnView profile

Professor

• Dark Matter
• Dark Energy
• Cosmological Inflation
• +3 more

Professor Malcolm Fairbairn is a faculty member at King's College London's Department of Physics, part of the Faculty of Natural, Mathematical & Engineering Sciences. His research focuses on the intersection of cosmology, particle physics, and astrophysics, particularly dark matter, dark energy, and cosmological inflation. He leads projects like the ERC Consolidator Grant (2015–2020) investigating dark matter in the early Universe. He collaborates with initiatives such as the MoEDAL experiment at CERN (magnetic monopole searches) and the Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA) for gamma-ray astronomy. His interests extend to gravitational waves, supermassive black hole formation, and particle astrophysics. Fairbairn has contributed to studies on axion dark matter, primordial black holes, and dark matter constraints from dwarf galaxies. He is affiliated with the Theoretical Particle Physics & Cosmology (TPPC) Group, exploring beyond-Standard-Model physics, including supersymmetry and extra dimensions. Publications span topics like dark matter relic abundance, JWST observations of black holes, and LHC searches for exotic particles. He has advised on outreach projects like the 'Dark Matter' exhibition at Science Gallery London and interviews with alumni (e.g., Royal Navy submariner Chris Tuckley).

• Biophysics
• Soft Matter Physics
• Biosensors
• +3 more

Patrick Wagner is a full professor at the Catholic University of Leuven (KU Leuven), affiliated with the Faculty of Sciences and the Department of Physics of Soft Matter and Biophysics. His research focuses on biosensors, soft matter physics, and nanotechnology, often intersecting with biomedical and environmental applications. Head of the Department of Physics of Soft Matter and Biophysics Member of Leuven One Health and LIMNI institutes Active in interdisciplinary projects involving sensor development and biophysical systems His current projects include PFAS contamination monitoring, thermally responsive biosensors, and advanced electrode systems for lab-on-chip integration. While no explicit awards or students are listed in the provided text, his publications highlight collaborations across Europe and involvement in clinical, environmental, and materials science domains. Recent works emphasize electrochemical sensing, molecular imprinting, and temperature-driven cell adhesion techniques.

Robin MatozaView profile

Professor

• Volcanology
• Seismology
• Infrasound
• +3 more

Robin S. Matoza is a Professor in the Department of Earth Science at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). His research focuses on volcano seismology, acoustics, and infrasound, with particular emphasis on understanding volcanic processes through seismic and infrasound data. He leads studies on volcanic eruption dynamics, infrasound propagation, and the application of seismoacoustic methods for hazard mitigation. Roles: Professor, Principal Investigator Affiliations: Department of Earth Science, Earth Research Institute, UCSB Research interests include volcano acoustics, infrasound source characterization, and the development of infrasound monitoring tools. He has contributed to global volcanic eruption detection systems, such as the IMS_VASC software for automated volcanic infrasound cataloging. His work integrates field data from volcanoes like Tungurahua (Ecuador), Yasur (Vanuatu), and Kīlauea (Hawaii) with computational modeling. Key projects include studying infrasonic signals from explosive eruptions, submarine volcanic activity, and the interaction between volcanic processes and atmospheric dynamics. He collaborates on international initiatives like the International Monitoring System (IMS) for nuclear treaty verification and volcanic monitoring.