Find Academic Supervisors

• Volcano Seismology
• Earthquake Seismology
• Seismic Hazard Assessment
• +3 more

Dr. Ellen Gottschämmer is a geophysicist who served as Senior Lecturer and researcher at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology's Geophysical Institute (GPI) until April 2022, now working in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Her roles included Department Manager, Head of Study Program Management for ETIT and MACH programs, and founder of KIT's Geophysics school lab in 2012. She actively contributed to academic governance through the Faculty Council, Examination Committee, and German Geophysical Society's Executive Board. Her research focuses on Volcano Seismology and Earthquake Seismology, specializing in seismic hazard assessment through field-based methodologies. She pioneered "in-situ lecturing" techniques conducting geophysical field exercises across global locations including Guatemala's Santiaguito volcano, Indonesia, the Black Forest, Eifel region, and Mediterranean volcanoes. Her work integrates seismic, infrasound, and thermal monitoring to analyze volcanic processes and associated hazards, with particular emphasis on eruption dynamics and long-term activity patterns. Recent publications (2019-2021) demonstrate concentrated research on Santiaguito volcano, examining seismic tremor mechanisms, open-vent activity transitions, and explosion characteristics using multi-parameter monitoring. These studies reveal evolving eruption styles and precursory patterns critical for hazard assessment, often resulting from international collaborations with institutions in Guatemala and Indonesia. Her methodology emphasizes practical field data integration with classroom instruction. Dr. Gottschämmer developed comprehensive geophysics curricula including Introduction to Geophysics, Geological Hazards, and specialized field courses. She supervised student research through geophysical laboratory exercises and international field schools, while managing study program accreditation and module coordination. Her administrative leadership extended to chairing the Committee for Academic Studies at the German Geophysical Society. She founded KIT's Geophysics school lab in 2012, creating a dedicated space for hands-on geophysical education. This facility supports her innovative teaching approach through practical instrumentation training and serves as the operational base for international field expeditions to volcanic regions worldwide, fostering direct student engagement with active geohazards.

Arthur OlsonView profile

Professor

• Biomolecular Interactions
• Computational Structural Biology
• Drug Design
• +4 more

Arthur J. Olson is a Professor and Anderson Research Chair in the Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology at Scripps Research. His work focuses on computational methods for studying biomolecular interactions, including protein-substrate interactions in drug design, protein-protein recognition, and mesoscale modeling of cellular environments. He pioneered molecular visualization techniques and developed foundational software tools like AutoDock, AutoDock Vina, and CellPACK. His FightAIDS@Home project leverages distributed computing to combat HIV drug resistance. Education: Ph.D. in Chemistry from UC Berkeley (1975). Postdoctoral training at Harvard University (1976-1979). Notable awards include the Anderson Research Endowment (1985), California State Legislature Honor (2006), and recognition as a Computer Graphics Pioneer (1999). Leads the Center for Computational Structural Biology (CCSB), successor to the Molecular Graphics Lab founded in 1981 Developed visualization software for 3D printing and augmented reality applications Collaborates on whole-cell modeling projects, including the first complete Mycoplasma cell structural model Research emphasizes HIV therapeutics, covalent inhibitor design, and integrating experimental data across scales. His lab's tools are used globally by tens of thousands of researchers.

Brennan ThompsonView profile

Associate Professor

• Exercise Physiology
• Neuromuscular Fatigue
• Resistance Training
• +4 more

Brennan Thompson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Science at Utah State University . He directs the Neuromuscular Research Lab and serves on graduate student committees, supervising research projects. Previously, he co-directed the muscular assessment lab at Texas Tech University . PhD in Health and Human Performance (Applied Exercise Physiology), Oklahoma State University (2013) MS in Human Movement Science , Utah State University (2008) BS in Exercise Science , Weber State University (2004) Research Interests focus on neuromuscular fatigue , resistance training adaptations , and muscle function across the lifespan . His lab investigates optimal strategies to improve neuromuscular health in older adults , with applications in rehabilitation , occupational health , and sports performance . Teaching includes Advanced Neuromuscular Exercise Physiology and Research Methods in Kinesiology , with a focus on neuromuscular physiology principles and their application to human performance . Scientific Awards Fellow of the National Strength and Conditioning Association (2024) A.B. Harrison Endowed Scholarship Award (2013) Distinguished Graduate Fellowship Award (2013) Graduate Student Research Award Winner (2012) Outstanding Graduate Assistant of the Year (2012) Supplementary Fellowship Award (2010) His student mentorship includes guiding graduate researchers in muscle physiology , resistance training , and occupational fatigue studies , with over 14 mentees since 2015.

• Photography
• Fine Art
• Interdisciplinary Art
• +3 more

Sarah Pickering is an Associate Professor in Fine Art at the Slade School of Fine Art, University College London (UCL), where she has been actively contributing to undergraduate, graduate, and PhD student practice-led research since 2008. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges fine art photography with scientific and emergency service practices, resulting in internationally recognized work exhibited in over 71 venues worldwide. Her research centers on themes of falsity and deception, using photographic image-making as a method to examine mediated versions of reality. Pickering investigates subjects including fakes, tests, hierarchy, science-fiction, explosions, photography, and gunfire through an intense scrutiny of their implications. Her work often involves collaboration with scientists, police, pickpockets, fire services, forensic investigators, historians, and firearms experts, creating innovative interdisciplinary engagement that has positioned her as a leading figure in photographic fine art practice. Pickering's artistic output shows a consistent exploration of simulated environments and staged realities. Her most recent works examine constructed spaces related to conflict, national identity, and scientific concepts, while maintaining her signature focus on the relationship between truth and perception. The articles reflect her evolving interest in how society represents and processes traumatic events, with increasing attention to political divisions, gender studies, and interdisciplinary connections between art and science. Pickering has made significant contributions to academic discourse through her role as co-founder of the Global Photographies Network, established in 2020 with partners across multiple international institutions. She has supervised PhD researchers including Feiyi Wen, Dana Ariel (both completed), and currently supervises Richard Muller (Geography) and Lucy Helton (Slade School of Fine Art). Her teaching spans over 20 years, including tutorials and talks at 22 universities worldwide. Her work is held in significant art collections including Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Brooklyn Museum of Art USA, and the Victoria & Albert Museum UK. Pickering's monograph Explosions, Fires & Public Order (124 pages) was published by Aperture, and her work has been featured in key survey books on photographic practice since 2006.

• Structural Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Materials Science
• +7 more

Amit H Varma is the Karl H. Kettelhut Professor in Civil Engineering and Director of the Bowen Laboratory at Purdue University. He specializes in structural engineering, with a focus on advanced composite materials, seismic design, fire resistance, and infrastructure resilience. His research addresses challenges in steel-plate composite walls, concrete-filled steel tubes, and blast-resistant designs. He leads the Civil and Construction Engineering department and contributes to the CoE Safety Committee and other university initiatives. His research interests include structural integrity under extreme loads (seismic, fire, blast), composite materials behavior, and innovative repair strategies for corroded bridges. Notable projects include the development of SpeedCore wall systems for enhanced seismic performance and experimental studies on thermal loading effects on steel and concrete components. Recent studies emphasize multi-hazard resilience, such as post-earthquake fire behavior in steel frames and modular SC wall systems. He has collaborated on grants like CPF Research Grant# 03-20 for fire-resistant floor-to-wall connections. His work bridges cutting-edge materials science with practical engineering applications for safer infrastructure. Labs and facilities associated with his work include the Bowen Laboratory, where large-scale testing is conducted on structures like SC walls and composite members. His contributions span academic leadership, research innovation, and advancing industry standards in structural engineering.

• Structural Engineering
• Blast Engineering
• Impact Mechanics
• +6 more

Professor Alex Remennikov is a structural engineering academic at the University of Wollongong (UOW), affiliated with the School of Civil, Mining and Environmental Engineering. He holds a PhD from the National University of Construction and Architecture, Kyiv (1994), followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Canterbury, NZ. Since joining UOW in 2001, he has focused on structural analysis under extreme loads, blast/impact mitigation, and infrastructure protection against terrorism. His research spans experimental and numerical methods, with notable contributions to coal mine safety, hydrogen explosion hazards, and timber-steel composites. Education: PhD, National University of Construction and Architecture, Kyiv, Ukraine (1994) Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of Canterbury, NZ (Civil Engineering, Seismic Analysis) Key Research Themes: Blast and impact-resistant structures Protective infrastructure design Coal mine explosion safety Hydrogen explosion dynamics Advanced composites and hybrid materials His recent work emphasizes hydrogen explosion modeling, timber-steel hybrid systems, and blast hazard mapping for underground coal mines. He leads projects funded by ARC and industry, including the ARC Training Centre for Innovative Composites. Prof. Remennikov is a member of the Centre for Infrastructure Protection and Mine Safety (CIPMS) at UOW.

Xihong ZhangView profile

Associate Professor

• Structural Engineering
• Construction Materials
• Blast and Impact Protection
• +3 more

Dr. Xihong Zhang is an Associate Professor at Curtin University's School of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, affiliated with the Centre for Infrastructural Monitoring & Protection. He holds a BEng (Civil Engineering) from the University of Western Australia (2010) and a PhD (Structural Engineering) from the same institution (2015). His research focuses on advanced materials, structural protection against hazards (blast, impact, earthquake), and dynamic material modeling. He leads multiple ARC projects, including DECRA grants, and has published over 150 peer-reviewed articles. Awards include the Curtin Early Career Researcher of the Year (2020) and the Young Researcher Award from the International Association of Protective Structures (2015). His work spans blast-resistant materials, interlocking brick systems, and hydrogen explosion mitigation. He supervises PhD/Master’s students and teaches courses like Reinforced Concrete Design. He holds editorial roles in journals such as Frontiers in Built Environment and is a member of Engineers Australia and the International Association of Protective Structures. Education : BEng (Civil Engineering, UWA, 2010); PhD (Structural Engineering, UWA, 2015) Research Grants : ARC DECRA (2021–2023), ARC Discovery Project (2019–2021), ARC Linkage Projects (2018–2021, 2024–2027). Teaching : STEN3005, STEN4005. His research emphasizes sustainable construction materials and structural resilience, with applications in mining, oil/gas sectors, and disaster prevention. Recent work includes hydrogen explosion prediction, geopolymer concrete performance under impact, and suction anchor behavior in complex soils.

Karen SauerView profile

Professor

• Low-Field Magnetic Resonance
• Quantum Magnetometry
• Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance (NQR)
• +3 more

Dr. Karen L. Sauer is a Professor in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at George Mason University (GMU), affiliated with the College of Science and the Quantum Science and Engineering Center. She holds a PhD in Atomic Physics from Princeton University (1998) and a BA in Physics from Cornell University (1992). Her postdoctoral work includes positions at École Normale Supérieure (Paris, France) and the Naval Research Laboratory (Washington, D.C.). Her research focuses on low-field magnetic resonance, quantum magnetometry, and the detection of explosives using nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR). She directs the Magnetic Resonance Laboratory (MRL), which explores spin-dynamics in systems like optically pumped atoms and develops advanced magnetometer technologies. Key innovations include sub-femtotesla sensitivity magnetometers and interference-resistant NQR detection arrays. Dr. Sauer has secured significant grants, including NSF CAREER (2006-2012) and ADVANCE awards (2002-2006). Recent publications emphasize zero-field NMR in superconductors and magnetic field detection advancements. She has mentored over 25 graduate and undergraduate students, many of whom have pursued academic and industry roles. Her lab collaborates with institutions like Princeton University and Twinleaf Inc., advancing applications in national security and materials science.

Zhen ChenView profile

Professor

• Blast/Impact-Resistant Design
• Nanotechnology
• Simulation-Based Engineering Science
• +3 more

Zhen Chen is a Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the Nuclear Engineering Program at the University of Missouri, with an adjunct appointment in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. He specializes in blast-resistant design, nanotechnology, and simulation-based engineering science. His research focuses on material failure under extreme conditions, multi-scale modeling, and computational mechanics. He has received prestigious awards including the NSF CAREER Grant and ASME Fellowship. Education: PhD (University of New Mexico), MS (University of New Mexico), BE (Shanghai University). Prior to MU, he worked at Sandia National Laboratories and the New Mexico Engineering Research Institute. Research Interests: Blast-resistant structural systems Nanoporous materials and nanotechnology Material point method (MPM) and computational modeling Multi-scale simulation of materials Failure mechanisms in metals and composites Recent work emphasizes fluid-solid interactions in explosion-resistant designs, strain localization in laminated glass, and atomistic studies of nanoporous materials. Over 200 peer-reviewed articles demonstrate his contributions to computational mechanics and material science. Awards and Grants: NSF CAREER Award (2015) ASME Fellow (2019) Funding from NSF, AFOSR, ARO, and Sandia National Labs His work bridges micro- and macro-scale phenomena, with applications in aerospace, civil infrastructure, and defense systems. Active collaborations span mechanical, nuclear, and materials engineering disciplines.

Min ZhouView profile

Professor

• Multiscale Modeling
• Fracture Mechanics
• Nanomaterials
• +6 more

Min Zhou is a Professor at Georgia Institute of Technology, holding a joint appointment in the School of Materials Science and Engineering and the School of Mechanical Engineering. He joined Georgia Tech in 1995 as an Assistant Professor and has since contributed extensively to research in material behavior across multiple scales. His work focuses on microstructure effects, nanoscale deformation, and multiscale modeling, using computational and experimental methods like finite elements and molecular dynamics. Education: Ph.D., Brown University, 1993 Sc.M., Brown University, 1990 M.S., Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 1985 B.S., Taiyuan Heavy Machinery Institute, China, 1982 Research Interests: Dr. Zhou’s research spans biomolecular-solids, ceramics, composites, metals, and nanostructures. He investigates microstructure-driven phenomena in heterogeneous materials, energy dissipation in composites, and thermal-mechanical-chemical coupling. His experimental tools include laser interferometry and novel digital diagnostics, while computational approaches emphasize equivalent continuum models and multiscale simulations. Key Contributions: Recent work includes advancing microscale models for intergranular damage, detonation behavior in energetic materials, and piezoelectric/flexoelectric composites. He has developed an equivalent continuum framework linking molecular dynamics and continuum mechanics. Awards: American Society of Mechanical Engineers Fellow (2005) Woodruff School Faculty Fellow (2004–2008) Sigma Xi Georgia Tech Chapter Best Paper Award (2004) NSF Faculty Early Career Award (2000–2005) Advising & Grants: Current projects include NASA-funded research on metallic nanowires and Air Force-sponsored work on multifunctional energetic materials. He maintains a lab with advanced facilities like split Hopkinson pressure bars and torsion-compression testing systems. Labs & Teams: His research group focuses on dynamic material response and failure mechanisms, with collaborations in energy storage, nanomaterials, and bioinspired materials design.

Justin WilkersonView profile

Associate Professor

• Micromechanics
• Multiscale modeling
• Nanomaterials
• +5 more

Justin Wilkerson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University, holding the Sallie and Don Davis ’61 Career Development Professorship. His research focuses on micromechanics, multiscale modeling, nanomaterials, and dynamic failure mechanisms of materials under extreme conditions. He leads the Laboratory for Nonequilibrium Phenomena (NEPLab), which explores materials in high-strain-rate and thermal environments. Wilkerson earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University (2015) and B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Texas A&M (2009). Education: Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University (2015) M.S.E., Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University (2013) B.S., Aerospace Engineering, Texas A&M University (2009) Research Interests: Wilkerson investigates material behavior under extreme conditions, including impact mechanics, shock physics, and planetary science. His work bridges computational models and experimental techniques to design multifunctional materials. Key areas include cavitation, spall failure, and thermal fatigue effects in metals and composites. Publications: His recent work emphasizes high-throughput testing, hypervelocity impact analysis, and asteroid surface mechanics. Notable themes include spall strength quantification across strain rates and fracture dynamics in planetary materials. 2023 Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) NSF CAREER Award (2023) AFOSR Young Investigator Award (2016) Grants & Advising: Wilkerson has secured major grants, including NSF and AFOSR funding. His advising focuses on graduate students in mechanical and aerospace engineering, though specific names are not listed here. Lab & Teams: NEPLab combines computational and experimental approaches, contributing to aerospace materials, planetary science, and defense applications. Collaborations include NASA and Department of Defense initiatives.

Jonathan TranView profile

Associate Professor

• Sustainable Digital Construction
• 3D Printing of Smart Materials
• Biomimetic Structures
• +4 more

Associate Professor Jonathan Tran is an Academic Lead for Engineering International Research and Innovation at RMIT University's School of Engineering. He specializes in sustainable digital construction and leads the Post-Carbon Research Centre as Deputy Director. His research focuses on 3D-printed smart materials, biomimetic structures, and innovative lightweight materials for extreme loading protection. He has pioneered advanced 3D printing techniques and biomimetic designs recognized with awards such as the 'Highly Commendable Paper Award' at the 12th International Conference on Shock & Impact Loads on Structures. Tran's work spans computational mechanics, composite materials, and additive manufacturing. He serves on editorial boards for journals like Virtual and Physical Prototyping and standards committees (ASTM, RILEM). His contributions address challenges in construction sustainability, energy efficiency, and material innovation. He is open to supervising Masters and PhD students in these areas. Key Projects: 3D-printed Bouligand concrete panels, lunar regolith sintering, and sustainable ceramic tiles with recycled waste. Grants & Funding: ARC Discovery Project, mRNA Victoria, and industry partnerships. Labs/Teams: Research group focused on smart materials and bioinspired fabrication within RMIT's Post-Carbon Research Centre. Tran has over 140 peer-reviewed publications and 6 book chapters, with media coverage in outlets like Reuters and New York Post. His work bridges advanced materials science with real-world construction applications, emphasizing environmental and structural resilience.

• Underground Mining Methods
• Green Mining Process
• Coal Mine Safety
• +7 more

Professor Ting Ren is a Professor at the University of Wollongong's School of Civil, Mining and Environmental Engineering. He specializes in mining safety, coal mine gas management, and dust control. His research focuses on underground mining methods, computational modeling, and geomechanics. Ren has overseen over 35 higher-degree research students, contributing to advancements in mine safety technologies. He leads industry-funded projects totaling over A$4 million, addressing challenges in dust mitigation, gas drainage, and explosion-resistant materials. Ren has been recognized with awards such as the 2009 BMA Health & Safety Award and the 2012 Australian Bulk Handling Review Award. His work bridges academic research and industrial applications, with collaborations spanning global mining companies. Education PhD in Mining Engineering from the University of Nottingham, UK Research Interests Professor Ren's expertise spans coal mine safety, gas management, mine fire prevention, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) applications. His work emphasizes practical solutions for dust control, gas drainage optimization, and rock burst prevention. Recent projects include VR-based training tools for dust mitigation and advanced models for predicting infrastructure damage from explosions. Awards & Grants CSIRO Partnership Excellence Award (2006) ARC Training Centre for Innovative Composites in Mining (A$5M, 2023-2028) UOW-ANSTO Joint Project for Dust Control (2025-2026) Advising & Grants Ren supervises over 35 PhD/Master’s students, focusing on topics like silica dust monitoring and composite materials for explosion resistance. His grants include industry partnerships with BHP, Anglo American, and ACARP. Labs & Teams He leads the Green Mining and Safety Research Group , collaborating with academia and industry to develop sustainable mining solutions. His work integrates advanced modeling tools and experimental validation for real-world mining hazards.

Timothy WeihsView profile

Professor

• Reactive Materials
• Structural Materials
• Biomaterials
• +3 more

Timothy Weihs is a Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at the Johns Hopkins University's Whiting School of Engineering. He holds leadership roles as Director of the Materials Science in Extreme Environments University Research Alliance (MSEE) and previously directed the Center for Leadership Education (2010–2017). His work spans reactive materials, structural alloys, and biodegradable biomaterials, with notable contributions to magnesium alloy design for medical implants, energetic materials research, and advanced manufacturing techniques. Education: B.S. from Dartmouth College, followed by B.S. and M.S. from Thayer School of Engineering. Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from Stanford University, with postdoctoral research at Oxford and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Research focuses on linking microstructure to material properties, including: 1) reactive nanocomposites for heat sources and energetic materials; 2) magnesium alloys for armor and biomedical applications; 3) 3D-woven architectures for enhanced material performance. His group employs ball-milling, additive manufacturing, and advanced characterization techniques. Awards include NSF Career Award, R&D 100 Award, and induction into the National Academy of Inventors. He co-founded Reactive NanoTechnologies (RNT) in 2002, commercializing reactive multilayer foils. Current projects include the MSEE alliance, CAIMEE AI-driven alloy development, and collaborations on thermal management systems. His lab supports 15+ students annually, with recent graduate milestones highlighted in 2025 news updates.

Γαντές ΧαράλαμποςView profile

Professor

• Steel Structures
• Nonlinear Structural Analysis
• Earthquake Engineering
• +6 more

Professor Γαντές Χαράλαμπος serves as Director of the Steel Structures Laboratory at the School of Civil Engineering, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA). He holds a Diploma in Civil Engineering from NTUA (1985), and M.S. (1988)/Ph.D. (1991) from MIT. Since 1994, he has been a faculty member at NTUA, teaching courses on steel structures, nonlinear behavior, and marine structures. His research focuses on steel structures under extreme loads (earthquake, wind, explosion), energy sector infrastructure (wind turbines, pipelines), and deployable systems. Education: Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, MIT, 1991 M.S. in Civil Engineering, MIT, 1988 Diploma in Civil Engineering, NTUA, 1985 Research interests emphasize steel structures' nonlinear behavior, seismic resilience, and innovative designs for energy systems. He leads Eurocode 3 standardization efforts as ELOT TE67/OE3 coordinator and serves on CEN committees. His work spans 100+ journal articles, 175 conference papers, and 3 books including Deployable Structures – Analysis and Design . He advises on major projects like Attiki Odos highway, Attiko Metro tunnels, and Olympic Games infrastructure. Grants and collaborations include international conferences (e.g., EUROSTEEL 2021), journal editorships (IASS Journal), and consulting for structural projects globally. His lab explores cutting-edge topics like composite materials, fire-resistant systems, and fault-crossing pipeline design.