Jeffery Wayne Baur is the Scott R. White Professor in Aerospace Engineering and holds affiliations with the Materials Research Lab and Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology at the University of Illinois. His research focuses on advanced composite materials, additive manufacturing, and polymer chemistry. Key areas include frontal polymerization, carbon fiber reinforcement, and sustainable thermoset materials. Research interests span composite materials science, nanotechnology applications (e.g., carbon nanotubes), shape memory polymers, and energy-efficient manufacturing processes. His work emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, with recent studies addressing autonomous composite shaping, chemical recycling of thermosets, and warpage mitigation in additively manufactured composites. Publications from 2024-2025 highlight innovations in material synthesis, recycling strategies, and advanced manufacturing techniques. Collaborations include projects funded by NASA for space-based manufacturing initiatives, as evidenced by a 2024 media feature. Baur’s affiliations with the Beckman Institute and Materials Research Lab position him at the forefront of cutting-edge research in materials science and engineering applications. His work bridges fundamental material science with practical industrial challenges, particularly in aerospace and sustainable manufacturing sectors.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Katharina Schmitz serves as Institute Director and Vice Dean at the Institute for Fluid Power Drives and Systems, RWTH Aachen University. Her leadership within the Production Technology Cluster and extensive contributions to fluid power engineering establish her as a leading authority in mechanical engineering research and education. Her research spans fluid power systems, hydraulic component design, tribology, and physics-informed machine learning applications. She pioneers sustainable propulsion solutions through bio-hybrid fuels research while addressing fundamental challenges in polymer material behavior under hydraulic stresses. Current work focuses on carbon-neutral heavy-duty transportation, physics-based neural networks for lubrication modeling, and advanced control systems for electro-hydraulic actuators. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals a dominant trend toward integrating physics-based modeling with deep learning to solve complex engineering problems. Her team consistently develops novel frameworks for cavitation prediction, flow rate determination, and material compatibility assessment - significantly advancing fluid power system reliability, efficiency, and digitalization. Scientific recognition includes: GfT Förderpreis 2023 for experimental and simulative investigation of partially hydrostatic relieved contacts in variable speed axial piston machines As head of the Institute for Fluid Power Drives and Systems, she leads cutting-edge research in sustainable fluid power technologies. The institute maintains strong industry partnerships while driving innovation in hydraulic component design, digital twins for condition monitoring, and next-generation propulsion systems through its position within RWTH Aachen's Production Technology Cluster.
Leonardo Orazi is a Full Professor at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia's Department of Engineering Sciences and Methods. He specializes in advanced manufacturing technologies, particularly laser processing, polymer engineering, and biomedical surface functionalization. His teaching roles include courses on Smart Manufacturing, Injection Molding, and Additive Manufacturing in Digital Automation and Mechatronic Engineering programs. Research focuses on laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS), material characterization, and micro/nanostructuring for biomedical and industrial applications. Develops innovative manufacturing processes for antibacterial surfaces, microfluidic devices, and enhanced material properties. Research Interests: Laser texturing, polymer processing, surface engineering, additive manufacturing, and simulation-driven design. Labs/Teams: Active in laser-matter interaction research and collaborative projects on biomaterial functionalization. His work bridges computational modeling (e.g., Moldflow simulations) with experimental validation. Publications: Over 40 peer-reviewed articles since 2010, emphasizing laser-based manufacturing advancements, polymer molding optimization, and biomedical material surface treatments. Recent work includes antibiofouling polymer functionalization via ultrafast lasers and fiber orientation modeling in composites.
Dr. Srikanthan Ramesh serves as an Assistant Professor in the School of Industrial Engineering and Management within Oklahoma State University's College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology. Since establishing the Advanced Materials and Additive Manufacturing Laboratory in August 2022, he has led interdisciplinary research at the intersection of materials science, physical phenomena, and advanced manufacturing technologies, with applications spanning healthcare, aerospace, and electronics sectors. His educational foundation includes a Ph.D. in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering from Rochester Institute of Technology (2022) and an M.S. in Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering from Iowa State University (2017). This academic background enables his innovative approach to manufacturing science. Dr. Ramesh's research program focuses on biological and micro-scale additive manufacturing (bio-AM), specializing in biomaterial development for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. His work integrates computational fluid dynamics, machine learning, and real-time process monitoring to achieve precise control over mechanical, biological, and electrical properties of manufactured structures. He develops experimental tools and process frameworks for droplet-based and extrusion-based AM systems, with particular emphasis on wound healing applications and space-compatible microelectronics. Analysis of his 14 publications from 2020-2025 reveals a strong trajectory toward AI-driven manufacturing solutions, with increasing emphasis on multi-objective Bayesian optimization for bioink design, aerosol jet printing process refinement, and bioprinted tissue construct development. His recent work demonstrates sophisticated integration of machine learning with physical manufacturing processes to solve complex biomedical challenges. His scientific recognition includes: Doctoral Dissertation Pitch Competition (Runner-up), IISE, 2021 Best Oral Presentation, Graduate Showcase, Rochester Institute of Technology, 2019 Gilbreth Memorial Fellowship, IISE, 2018-2019 Wakonse College Teaching Fellowship, Iowa State University, 2018-2019 Graduate Research Excellence Award, Iowa State University, 2017 Best Overall Oral Presentation, Nano@IAstate, Iowa State University, 2017 Dr. Ramesh currently leads significant research initiatives including as Principal Investigator for an NSF REU Site on Additive Manufacturing and Cybersecurity ($464,606, 2025-2028) and a NASA EPSCoR Travel Grant for aerosol jet printing in space missions (2024-2025). As Co-PI on an NSF grant for Privacy-aware Collaborative Design in additive biofabrication ($599,981, 2025-2028), he develops frameworks for mass personalization in medical applications while addressing data security challenges. These projects support his lab's mission to advance manufacturing science through rigorous experimentation and computational innovation. The Advanced Materials and Additive Manufacturing Laboratory operates as a collaborative hub where Dr. Ramesh directs research teams in developing novel biomaterials, optimizing printing processes, and creating functional prototypes for wound dressings, liver tissue models, and space-rated microelectronics. The lab's interdisciplinary approach combines expertise in materials characterization, computational modeling, and machine learning to push the boundaries of what's possible in additive manufacturing for critical applications.
Dr. Frank Alifui-Segbaya is a Senior Lecturer at Griffith University's School of Dentistry and Oral Health, with expertise spanning dental technology, biomaterials, and additive manufacturing (3D printing). He has held academic roles since 2012 and serves as a consultant to Fiji National University. His work focuses on digital design integration, biomaterials analysis, and advancing affordable, safe dental care. Education: PhD in Materials Science (Griffith University, 2018) MPhil in Biomaterials Science (Cardiff Metropolitan University, 2011) Advanced Certificate in Dental Technology (Academia-Dental, Germany, 2006) Research Interests: Additive manufacturing, biomaterials characterization, dental device innovation, zebrafish embryo models for toxicity screening, and CAD/CAM integration in clinical workflows. His work addresses safety, precision, material durability, and environmental ethics in dental technology. Scientific Awards: Recipient of the 2024 Griffith Teaching Awards and Dean's Commendation for educational leadership. His research outputs emphasize technological impact on patient outcomes and global dental care standards.
Alan J Murphy serves as a Senior Research Fellow at the PRISM (Polymer, Recycling, Industrial, Sustainability and Manufacturing engineering) Research Institute. His academic profile is characterized by interdisciplinary research at the intersection of materials science, engineering, and environmental sustainability, with a focus on polymer applications and recycling technologies. Research interests span: Polymer Science and Engineering (including polylactide and natural fiber composites) Sustainable Manufacturing and Recycling Technologies Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing) and its limitations in medical applications Biomedical Materials for drug delivery systems Artificial Intelligence applications in microplastics detection and classification Sterilization processes for medical polymers His recent publications (2019-2025) demonstrate a clear trajectory toward solving environmental and biomedical challenges through innovative materials engineering. Notably, he has pioneered AI-driven methods for microplastics identification and developed novel polymer-based drug carriers, while also addressing critical gaps in the stability of 3D-printed medical devices under sterilization. Scientific awards: None mentioned in available sources. Advising and grants: No information on student supervision or grant funding was provided in the source material. Laboratory context: Murphy is embedded within the PRISM Research Institute, a multidisciplinary hub advancing sustainable polymer technologies. The institute's collaborative network spans multiple countries, reflecting global engagement in tackling plastic waste and promoting circular economy principles.
Spitas Vasilios is a Professor at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), affiliated with the School of Mechanical Engineering and the Department of Mechanical Engineering & Automatic Control. His research focuses on gear dynamics, additive manufacturing, computational modeling, thermal systems, and educational pedagogy in engineering. He leads projects involving advanced gear technologies, material science applications, and sustainable energy systems. His work integrates experimental, analytical, and numerical methods to address challenges in mechanical design and industrial applications. Key research areas include optimizing gear performance through bio-inspired surface texturing, developing novel clutch systems, and enhancing 3D printing precision. He explores interdisciplinary topics like energy-efficient Ericsson engines and hyper-damping systems. His contributions to engineering education emphasize active learning strategies and project-based curricula. His recent publications analyze magnetic gear dynamics, additive-manufactured components, and educational innovations. He collaborates on international projects, such as the HEV Ventilator initiative, merging biomedical and mechanical engineering.
Giulio Marchese is an Associate Professor at the Department of Applied Science and Technology (DISAT) within the Polytechnic University of Turin. He is a member of the Interdepartmental Center IAM@PoliTo - Integrated Additive Manufacturing and actively contributes to the School of Industrial and Information Engineering. His research focuses on advanced additive manufacturing techniques for metallic materials, including electron beam powder bed fusion (EB-PBF) and laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), with applications in aerospace, automotive, and biomedical fields. Research Interests: Giulio's work spans additive manufacturing, materials engineering, advanced metallic materials, and production technology. He explores novel alloys like TiAl and Ni-based superalloys, optimizes process parameters, and investigates post-processing treatments such as hot isostatic pressing (HIP) and heat treatments to enhance mechanical properties. Publications: His recent articles highlight trends in metal additive manufacturing, including microstructure analysis of EB-PBF molybdenum, TiC composites, CuCrZr alloys, and process optimization for aerospace-grade materials. His studies often address residual stress, thermal exposure effects, and interface characterization. Advising & Collaborations: Giulio supervises PhD students in Materials Science and Technology, including Samuele Di Sturco, Serena Lerda, Hanieh Bakhshifarkoush, and Cristian Ghibaudo. He collaborates with research groups like Additive Manufacturing (DISAT), Metallic Materials (DISAT), and High-Temperature Materials (DISAT), and contributes to courses across Materials Engineering, Aerospace, and Automotive programs.
Davood Pourkargar is an Assistant Professor in the Tim Taylor Department of Chemical Engineering at Kansas State University. He is also a Graduate Faculty Member at the Food Science Institute and a Faculty Researcher at the Johnson Cancer Research Center. His work focuses on integrating data with first-principle models to understand complex systems across multiple scales. Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Pennsylvania State University (2015) M.S. in Process Simulation and Control from Sharif University of Technology (2010) B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Sharif University of Technology (2008) His research interests span computational multiscale modeling, digital twin development, applied artificial intelligence, and optimization-based control of complex process networks. Dr. Pourkargar's work integrates process systems engineering with artificial intelligence to address challenging problems in chemical, biological, energy, and food systems. He develops intelligent frameworks for controlling complex process networks, designing cyber-physical architectures for smart manufacturing, and advancing system identification using machine learning and process data analytics. A significant aspect of his research involves physics-informed machine learning applied to cancer dynamics modeling and drug distribution in the human body. Dr. Pourkargar's publication record shows a strong focus on predictive modeling and control of chemical processes, particularly ammonia synthesis systems, polysilicon reactor systems, and food extrusion processes. His recent work increasingly incorporates machine learning techniques, especially transformer architectures and physics-informed approaches, applied to both traditional chemical processes and emerging areas like organ-on-a-chip systems for drug discovery. 2024 Carl R. Ice College of Engineering Outstanding Assistant Professor Award NSF EPSCoR Research Fellowship 2023 Kansas EPSCoR First Award AFOSR Faculty Fellowship Big XII Faculty Fellowship Robert F. Smith School Distinguished Junior Researcher Award from Cornell University (2017) O. Hugo Schuck Best Paper Award (2014) Dr. Pourkargar has successfully mentored numerous graduate students through their master's and doctoral research, with several receiving departmental and college-level awards. His research has been supported by significant grants from the National Science Foundation, Kansas EPSCoR, and K-State's Global Food Systems initiative. His lab has presented extensively at major conferences including AIChE Annual Meetings and American Control Conferences. The Intelligent Systems and Process Systems Laboratory (ISPSL) led by Dr. Pourkargar operates computational and experimental facilities in Durland Hall. The lab is expanding into robotic additive manufacturing and autonomous biomanufacturing, supported by research infrastructure grants. The group maintains active collaborations with the Johnson Cancer Research Center and the Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation.
Anura Fernando is a Senior Lecturer in Materials Engineering at the University of the West of England (UWE), specializing in advanced textile materials and wearable technologies. His research focuses on knitted structures, graphene-based sensors, and energy-harvesting textiles. He contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals through innovations in healthcare textiles and sustainable materials. Research Interests Dr. Fernando’s work spans textile engineering, nanomaterials integration, and smart wearable devices. Key areas include: Graphene-based flexible sensors for healthcare monitoring Thermoelectric garments for energy harvesting Recyclable and sustainable sensor technologies 3D printed polymer materials and their thermal properties Collaborations and Impact He collaborates on robotic manufacturing of medical textile reinforcements and has 17 supervised works, contributing to advancements in fetal heart rate monitoring and automotive composites. His research bridges material science with biomedical and energy applications, emphasizing scalability and real-world implementation. Labs and Teams Associated with UWE’s Digital Futures research beacon, his work leverages interdisciplinary teams to develop next-generation wearable technologies and smart textiles.
Haibin Ning is an Associate Professor and Undergraduate Program Director in the Department of Materials Engineering at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). His research focuses on high-performance lightweight composite materials, particularly thermoplastic matrix composites and environmentally friendly natural fiber composites. He has pioneered methods for fiber content measurement, developed advanced manufacturing processes, and holds patents in composite materials innovation. Education: Ph.D. in Materials Engineering from UAB. Research Interests: Dr. Ning’s work spans additive manufacturing of composites, recycled material utilization, and bio-inspired damage-tolerant materials. His studies address mechanical properties, flammability, and environmental impact, with applications in aerospace, automotive, and biomedical fields. Awards & Recognition: ASTM International Professor of The Year (2013) UAB President's Award for Excellence in Teaching (2014) Teaching & Advising: Courses include metallic materials, composite materials, and automotive materials frontiers. While no specific advisees are listed, his research group actively explores industrial and academic collaborations. Labs & Teams: Engages in interdisciplinary projects at UAB’s Center for Composites Manufacturing, focusing on structural composites for mass transit, aerospace, and biomedical applications.
Professor Andreas Chrysanthou is a Professor of Materials Engineering at the School of Engineering and Technology, University of Hertfordshire. He holds a Bachelor's and PhD from Imperial College London, specializing in novel synthesis routes for carbides. His career includes academic roles at Nottingham and Surrey Universities before joining Hertfordshire in 1996, where he established the Materials and Structures (MAST) research group in 1998. Education: Bachelor's Degree in Materials Science (Imperial College London) PhD in Materials Engineering (Imperial College London) Research Interests: Electromagnetic processing of metals and ceramics Self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) Corrosion-resistant materials development Advanced manufacturing techniques like additive manufacturing and brazing High-temperature materials for energy applications Automotive materials and joining technologies Collaborations & Funding: EU-funded KMM-Virtual Institute (KMM-VIN) EPSRC collaboration with Meggitt on aircraft brake materials FP7 Marie Curie In-coming Fellowship (electromagnetic processing) Industry partnerships with C4 Carbides (brazing of diamond tools) Awards: FP7 Marie Curie In-coming Fellowship (2007-2012) Co-author of four top-cited publications on self-piercing riveting (SPR) Labs & Infrastructure: Director of the Duncan Calder Materials Characterisation Lab Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) facilities Advanced materials testing equipment
Dr. Dikai Guan is an Associate Professor in Lightweight Materials at the University of Southampton, leading research on high-performance light alloys and additive manufacturing. He holds a PhD from the University of Sheffield (2015) and a prestigious UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship (2020). His work focuses on developing low-cost, high-performance alloys, with emphasis on magnesium alloys and sustainable materials processing. He has organized major conferences like the Royal Microscopical Society's EBSD 2021 and serves on editorial boards of journals like Carbon Neutrality Frontiers . Education: BEng and MEng in Materials Science from Central South University (2008–2011), PhD from University of Sheffield (2015). Joined University of Southampton in 2022. Active in international collaborations, including projects with industrial partners to recycle alloy waste into bespoke products. Key achievements include pioneering in-situ casting for nanostructured Mg alloys and publishing in top-tier journals like Nature and Acta Materialia . Research interests include additive manufacturing of light alloys, microstructure characterization, and sustainable materials development. Awards include the 2024 International Magnesium Award and Fellowships from the Higher Education Academy and IOM3. He advises five PhD students and oversees projects funded by the Royal Society and UKRI.
Marco Mazzarisi serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanics, Mathematics and Management at the Polytechnic University of Bari, Italy, specializing in Manufacturing Technology and Systems (ING-IND/16 classification). Based at Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, he can be contacted via marco.mazzarisi@poliba.it or the departmental line +39 080 596 3522. His research centers on laser-based additive manufacturing processes, with primary expertise in Laser Metal Deposition (LMD) and Directed Energy Deposition. Key investigation areas include real-time process monitoring using coaxial infrared systems and off-axis optical techniques, defect detection (particularly subsurface voids), melt pool dynamics analysis, and sustainability assessment through exergetic analysis. His work focuses on nickel-based superalloys (Inconel 718) and stainless steels (AISI 316L), addressing critical challenges in geometric accuracy, energy consumption, and material compatibility in hybrid manufacturing. Analysis of his 2020-2025 publications reveals consistent innovation in LMD monitoring methodologies. His research demonstrates strong interdisciplinary integration between thermal physics, optical engineering, and sustainable manufacturing principles. Notable contributions include the development of off-axis monitoring frameworks, causal models for void prediction, and exergy-based sustainability metrics that bridge process quality with environmental impact assessment. Scientific awards: No awards, fellowships, or medals are documented in the provided materials. Advising and grants: No information regarding graduate student supervision, research grants, or funding sources is provided in the source text. Laboratory facilities: The text does not specify any dedicated laboratories, research teams, or collaborative groups associated with Dr. Mazzarisi's work.
Professor Aydin Nassehi is Head of the School of Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Bristol, UK. He holds the academic rank of Professor of Production Systems and actively contributes to research in smart manufacturing, agent-based modeling, and digital twins. Research interests include AI integration in manufacturing, generative design, and systems optimization. He has collaborated extensively with Dr. Ben Hicks on projects like ProtoTwinning and Designing the Future , focusing on digital twin applications and transdisciplinary engineering. His scholarly output spans over 150 publications, with recent work emphasizing explainable AI, sustainability in food supply chains, and biomedical manufacturing innovations. Publications demonstrate expertise in machine learning, digital twin cost modeling, and additive manufacturing optimization. His projects have received funding from EPSRC and other academic institutions. Current research explores Industry 5.0 challenges, balancing automation with human-centric approaches, and advancing interoperability in cloud manufacturing environments.
