Find Academic Supervisors

Chamith KarannagodageView profile

Researcher

• Fire Safety Engineering
• Timber Structures
• Structural Engineering
• +3 more

Chamith Karannagodage is a Doctorate student at ETH Zürich's D-BAUG (Department of Architecture) and holds the role of Scientific Associate at the Institute of Structural Engineering (IBK). His research focuses on fire safety of timber structures, including natural fire exposure and cross-laminated timber (CLT) performance. He has contributed to experimental and numerical studies on timber fire dynamics and structural integrity under fire conditions. Education: 2020: Master of Science in Fire Safety Engineering (Ghent, Edinburgh, Lund, ETH Zurich) 2018: Master of Science in Civil Engineering (Specialization in Structural Engineering) from University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka 2016: Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from University of Moratuwa Research Interests: Chamith specializes in fire safety engineering for timber structures, particularly CLT behavior under fire exposure. His work integrates experimental fire testing, numerical modeling (e.g., char layer analysis), and performance-based design principles. He also explores composite materials and structural dynamics, as seen in his earlier work on deployable booms and smartphone-based structural monitoring. Professional Experience: 2021: Scientific Associate at ETH Zurich's IBK 2020, 2019: Summer intern at Basler & Hofmann AG (Fire Safety Engineering) 2018: Teaching Assistant for Structural Mechanics at University of Moratuwa Membership: Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) since 2018 Publications: His recent work emphasizes fire safety innovation in timber construction, including compartment fire experiments and CLT char layer modeling. Earlier research spans composite materials in deployable systems and structural health monitoring using smartphones. Labs/Teams: Active in the Institute of Structural Engineering (IBK) at ETH Zurich, contributing to cross-disciplinary fire and structural engineering projects.

Sonya A BrownView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Aerospace Engineering
• Composite Materials
• Structural Design
• +3 more

Dr. Sonya A Brown is a Senior Lecturer in Aerospace Design at the School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, UNSW. Her research focuses on aerospace design, composite materials, and manufacturing technologies, with a particular emphasis on carbon fiber composites and structural supercapacitors. She collaborates with organizations such as the Defence Science and Technology Group and Quickstep Technologies. Education: Doctor of Philosophy, School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, University of Sydney (2012) Bachelor of Engineering (Aeronautical, Honours Class I with University Medal), University of Sydney (2007) Research Interests: Dr. Brown’s work spans multifunctional composites, automated fiber placement (AFP), hypersonic materials, and crash investigation. Her projects include developing conductive carbon composites for electromagnetic interference protection and optimizing manufacturing processes for aerospace components. She also explores sustainable materials and energy storage solutions within composite structures. Key Collaborations: Defence Science and Technology Group (DST) Axowind Holdings Quickstep Technologies Public Engagement: Dr. Brown is a frequent commentator on aviation safety and emerging technologies, including flying cars and hypersonic travel. She has provided expert analysis on high-profile incidents such as the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 disaster and the Boeing 737 MAX controversies. Professional Affiliations: Member of the Royal Aeronautical Society (MRAeS) Senior Member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Member of Engineers Australia (MIEAust)

Julia FawcettView profile

Associate Professor

• Restoration and Eighteenth-Century Literature
• Performance Studies
• Celebrity Culture
• +3 more

Julia Fawcett is an Associate Professor of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies at the University of California, Berkeley, with an affiliate appointment in the English Department. Her research examines concepts of privacy, publicity, domesticity, imperialism, and urban space in Restoration and eighteenth-century literature and performance across the circum-Atlantic world. She is the author of Spectacular Disappearances: Celebrity and Privacy, 1696-1801 (2016), a finalist for the George Freedley Memorial Award, and her forthcoming book, Movable Londons: Performance and the Making of the Modern City (2025), explores how non-property owners shaped Restoration London's spaces after the Great Fire of 1666. Education: Ph.D. in English Literature from Yale University. Her work bridges literary analysis with performance studies, emphasizing how historical performances reflect societal structures. Fawcett has contributed essays to journals like PMLA , Theatre Survey , and Modern Drama , and has served as a dramaturge in New York and scholar-in-residence at Harbourfront World Stage in Toronto. Her research interests include celebrity culture, gender performance in early modern theatre, and the interplay between performance and urban development. Articles highlight themes like Restoration actresses' agency, imperial theatrical networks, and the economic dimensions of public theatre in London. Awards reflect her scholarly impact in theatre and literary studies. Her academic contributions extend beyond publishing to collaborative projects and public scholarship. Office hours for Fall 2024 are available by appointment.

• Composite Materials
• Mechanical Engineering
• Thermal Analysis
• +7 more

Anirudh Kohli is a Researcher in the Department of Materials, focusing on composite materials, mechanical engineering, and thermal analysis. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to sustainable materials and innovation. Education: Doctor of Philosophy in Materials Engineering (ongoing) Master of Science in Composite Materials (Nanyang Technological University, 2023) Bachelor of Technology in Materials Science (KLE Technological University, 2015) Research interests include additive manufacturing, biodegradable materials, automotive thermal analysis, dental prosthetics, and natural fiber composites. His work combines experimental techniques (e.g., X-ray tomography, DSC/TGA) with computational modeling (e.g., ANSYS simulations). Publications highlight innovations in 3D-printed composites, automotive brake disc thermal performance, and eco-friendly materials for dentistry and footwear. Collaborations span academic and industrial partners in materials science and engineering. No scientific awards explicitly listed. Advising and grant details not provided in the text.

• Battery Systems Design
• Power Electronics
• Electric Vehicles (EVs)
• +6 more

Jorge Varela Barreras is an Honorary Research Fellow at Imperial College London (2023) and an EV and Battery Expert at CTAG since 2021. He holds a PhD in Engineering from Aalborg University (2017) and master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering and Power Electronics. His roles include IEEE Senior Member (2024), Maria Zambrano Fellow at UPC (2022), and former postdoc at Imperial College and the University of Oxford. He has over 15 years of R&D experience in battery systems, EVs, and renewable energy applications. Education: M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering (University of Vigo, 2010), M.Sc. in Power Electronics (Aalborg University, 2009), PhD in Engineering (Aalborg University, 2017). Research interests span design, control, and testing of battery systems, EVs, and energy storage. His work focuses on thermal management, battery degradation, and safety, with contributions to hybrid balancing systems and BMS optimization. Notable awards include IEEE Senior Member (2024), Honorary Research Fellowship (2023), and the STFC Batteries Early Career award (2017). He has co-authored over 40 publications, including 16 journal articles, and supervised 2 PhD students. Advising/Grants: Involved in £80M+ projects, 2 as Principal Investigator. Delivered 3 IEEE tutorials, 19 keynotes, and 20 final-year projects. Editor for eTransportation and World Electric Vehicle Journal . Labs/Teams: Collaborations with The Faraday Institution, Imperial Consultants (ICON), and industry partners like Triple Solar. Visiting researcher at RWTH Aachen, FEUP, and INESC TEC.

Palani BalayaView profile

Associate Professor

• Energy Storage
• Lithium-ion Batteries
• Sodium-ion Batteries
• +3 more

Dr. Palani Balaya is an Associate Professor in the Department of Materials at the National University of Singapore (NUS), part of the Faculty of Engineering within the College of Design and Engineering. He holds a Ph.D. in Physics from Hyderabad University (1993) and has held roles at IISc Bangalore, the Inter University Consortium Mumbai, and the Max Planck Institute. His research focuses on energy storage systems, particularly lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and grid applications. He co-founded the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (SERIS) at NUS. Dr. Balaya has authored over 100 articles, filed 25 patents, and delivered 75+ invited talks. He serves as a Topical Editor for the Journal of Solid State Electrochemistry and is a Fellow of the American Ceramic Society (ACerS), recognized with awards including the Global Star Award (2015) and ACerS Global Ambassador (2016). He contributed to the IPCC’s Special Report on Renewable Energy and organizes international conferences on energy storage. His research interests include nanostructured materials for batteries, thermodynamic stability, and electrolyte innovation. Current projects emphasize non-flammable sodium-ion batteries for stationary storage and low-cost energy solutions.

Ngaio FitzpatrickView profile

Academic

• Climate Change Communication
• Environmental Art
• Science-Policy Interactions
• +3 more

Ngaio Fitzpatrick is an Honorary Lecturer and Visiting Fellow at the ANU Institute for Climate, Energy & Disaster Solutions under the ANU College of Science. Her role involves interdisciplinary collaboration between art, science, and policy to address climate change communication. She holds an Honours degree in Glass from ANU's College of Art and Social Sciences and has a professional background in environmentally sustainable architecture. Her research focuses on representing the intersection of science, art, and politics through performance, imagery, and site-specific installations. Notable works use industrial materials like glass and coal to metaphorically explore human complicity in climate change. The 2016 ANU Vice Chancellors Artists Fellowship enabled her to develop projects at the Canberra Glassworks, a former coal-fired power plant. Key Award: 2016 ANU Vice Chancellors Artists Fellowship Artistic Mediums: Video, photography, light installations, and industrial glass Research Themes: Climate communication, environmental sustainability, and interdisciplinary methodologies Her practice emphasizes poetic representation of urgent climate issues, blending scientific data with artistic expression to provoke societal reflection.

Lee CunninghamView profile

Associate Professor

• Structural Engineering
• Coastal Resilience
• Computational Mechanics
• +4 more

Lee Cunningham is Reader in Civil Engineering and Management at the University of Manchester, leveraging 11+ years of industry experience in structural and coastal engineering. Chartered as both Civil and Structural Engineer, his research focuses on resilience of infrastructure against extreme environmental loading (floods, tsunamis, fire) using advanced computational modeling. Key qualifications: PhD in Structural Engineering (University of Glasgow, 2000) MEng (University of Strathclyde) Research spans: Performance of concrete, steel, timber and composite structures under extreme conditions Tsunami impact modeling using SPH methods Sustainable materials development including graphene-enhanced concrete Coastal defense system design Publications demonstrate strong emphasis on computational methods (65%) and experimental validation (35%), with recent focus on climate-resilient infrastructure. Thematically, 40% address coastal/flood hazards, 30% fire engineering, and 30% sustainable materials. Leadership includes heading the Structures in Extreme Environments research group and serving on editorial boards of major engineering journals. Awarded five national prizes including ICE Telford Premium (2014, 2016) for contributions to computational mechanics.

Brian UyView profile

Professor

• Composite steel-concrete structures
• Critical infrastructure protection systems
• Deconstruction techniques
• +4 more

Scientia Professor Brian Uy is a Professor in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). He specializes in composite steel-concrete structures, structural health monitoring, and sustainable construction materials. His research focuses on advancing the understanding and application of high-performance materials and systems for infrastructure resilience. Previously, he served as Head of the School of Civil Engineering at UNSW from 2016 to 2022. Professor Uy leads the development of innovative structural systems, particularly in blast-resistant designs and modular construction. He is President-Elect (2025) and Vice President (Australasia and South East Asia) of The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE). His work integrates interdisciplinary approaches, such as civionics and machine learning, to enhance structural monitoring and safety. His research interests include composite materials, critical infrastructure protection, and sustainable construction techniques. He has authored over 290 journal articles, 14 book chapters, and edited multiple conference proceedings. His contributions have advanced standards in steel and composite construction, including the Australian/New Zealand bridge design standard (AS/NZS 5100). Professor Uy collaborates with industry and academic partners globally, emphasizing practical applications of research. His lab focuses on experimental and computational analysis of structural systems under extreme conditions, such as blast loads and fires. Key projects include the study of concrete-filled steel tubular columns and seismic-resistant connections.

Rhonda KnightView profile

Professor

• Medieval Literature
• Early Modern Literature
• Linguistics
• +4 more

Rhonda Knight is a Professor of English and the James Wayne Lemke Chair in University Service and Leadership at Coker University. She holds a Ph.D. from Binghamton University, an M.A. from the University of Alabama, and a B.A. from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Her research focuses on Medieval and Early Modern literature of Britain and Ireland, linguistics, Early Modern theater practices, science fiction, and Doctor Who studies. Dr. Knight has received prestigious fellowships, including an NEH Teaching Development Fellowship (2010) and participation in an NEH Summer Seminar on Shakespeare and Performance. She currently writes on Paul Doherty’s Canterbury Tale-inspired mystery series and has directed student research on topics like gender in Sherlock Holmes and medieval women’s writings. Her recent work explores intersections between historical texts and modern fan culture, emphasizing narrative adaptation and cultural legacy. Her academic contributions span interdisciplinary studies, blending literary analysis with performance history, gender studies, and cultural historiography. She teaches courses such as British Literature I, Medieval Studies, Chaucer, and Shakespearean drama, reflecting her expertise in early English literature and its modern resonances.

Martin CipolliniView profile

Professor

• Evolutionary Ecology
• Plant Reproductive Ecology
• Forest Management
• +4 more

Martin Cipollini is the Dana Professor of Biology at Berry College, specializing in evolutionary ecology, plant reproductive ecology, and forest management. He leads research programs on longleaf pine and American chestnut restoration, integrating fieldwork and student collaboration. His work spans plant-animal-microbe interactions, sexual dimorphism in dioecious plants, and fire ecology. Education: B.S. and M.S. from Indiana University of Pennsylvania; Ph.D. from Rutgers University. Teaching focuses on cell biology, microbiology, forest ecology, and field botany. Research emphasizes conservation biology, with projects in Costa Rica and Cuba involving over 130 students. Key areas include blight-resistant chestnut breeding, longleaf pine restoration through prescribed burns, and understanding fruit secondary chemistry's ecological roles. Students gain certifications in prescribed burning and contribute to ecological surveys. Publications highlight longleaf pine management, chestnut disease resistance, and plant-animal interactions. His work bridges ecological theory with applied restoration practices, emphasizing biodiversity conservation and community dynamics. Collaborative efforts include managing Berry College's Longleaf Management Area and Martha’s Meadow limestone habitat surveys. Research trends focus on integrating genetic approaches with ecological restoration to combat invasive pathogens and promote sustainable ecosystems.

• Molecular Microbiology
• Bacterial Pathogenesis
• Metal Ion Homeostasis
• +3 more

Julia E. Martin, Ph.D., serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology & Biochemistry within Idaho State University's Biological Sciences program. She joined the department in 2017 and maintains an active research laboratory in Life Sciences 329, focusing on molecular mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis. Her office contact is (208) 282-1277 and email martjul8@isu.edu. Education Ph.D. Microbiology (2013), University of Illinois, Urbana M.S. Microbiology (2008), University of Illinois, Urbana M.S. Biology (2006), California State University, Northridge B.S. Biology (Microbiology) (2004), California State University, Northridge Postdoctoral Fellow in Molecular Mechanisms of Transition Metal Ion Homeostasis (2014-2017), Indiana University, Bloomington Professor Martin's research centers on Streptococcus pneumoniae pathogenesis, specifically investigating transition metal ion homeostasis and detoxification mechanisms critical for bacterial virulence. Her lab employs interdisciplinary approaches spanning microbiology, molecular genetics, biochemistry, chemical biology, and biophysical chemistry to address three core projects: manganese-mediated toxicity mechanisms, regulation of manganese efflux, and structural characterization of the MntE manganese transporter. This work provides foundational insights for developing novel antimicrobial agents against drug-resistant pathogens. Her publication record reveals significant interdisciplinary breadth, with recent work spanning bacterial metal homeostasis, autoimmune diseases (particularly giant cell arteritis), firefighter fitness physiology, and clinical nutrition assessment. While bacterial pathogenesis remains her primary focus, she actively contributes to rheumatology, occupational health, and geriatric research through collaborative projects. Research Infrastructure Laboratory located in Life Sciences 329 at Idaho State University Active research program funded through competitive grants (specifics not detailed in source) Teaching responsibilities include BIOL 4451/5551 Immunology and BIOL 4455/5555 Pathogenic Microbiology

• Leadership Practices
• Organizational Performance
• Psychological Hardiness
• +7 more

Dr. Adrian B. Popa is an Associate Professor in the Department of Organizational Leadership at Gonzaga University, a Jesuit institution in Spokane, WA. He holds a PhD from the University of Utah, alongside an M.P.A. (Public Administration), M.S.W. (Social Work), and B.A. in Psychology. His teaching emphasizes experiential learning through courses like global leadership simulations in Brussels and leadership hardiness expeditions on Mt. Adams. Research focuses on leadership practices' impact on organizational/human performance, psychological hardiness in post-conflict societies, and resilience-building. Professional roles include serving on the editorial boards of Journal of Leadership Education and AUDEM , as well as leadership roles at the Alliance of Universities for Democracy and Peak7 Adventures. He has consulted on resilience with regional organizations like WA State Fire Chiefs Association and partnered with UNHCR on refugee resettlement education. His international engagement includes collaborations in Romania and Eurasia. Publications span leadership ethics curriculum design, servant leadership in humanitarian contexts, and quantitative analysis of child welfare leadership. Teaching innovations include seven experiential expeditions integrating theory with practice.

• Disaster Response
• Fire Service Administration
• Incident Command System (ICS)
• +3 more

Ray Chang is an Associate Professor in the Security and Emergency Services Department at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's College of Arts and Sciences. With a Ph.D. in Disaster Science and Management from the University of Delaware, he bridges academic research with hands-on experience from six years as a Fire Battalion Captain in Taiwan's New Taipei City Fire Department. His research focuses on disaster response optimization, fire service administration, and cross-cultural emergency management systems, particularly the Incident Command System (ICS). Education: Ph.D., Disaster Science & Management, University of Delaware M.S., Fire Service Administration, Arizona State University B.S., Fire Science, Central Police University (Taiwan) Research emphasizes practical applications of ICS, cultural influences on emergency response, and integrating AI into firefighting operations. He advises FEMA Higher Education Program strategies and chairs the Natural Hazards Center Scholarship Selection Committee. Notable contributions include developing Taiwan's 2005 National Firefighter Handbook and organizing urban search and rescue teams for major infrastructure projects. Recent work explores pandemic response disparities between the U.S., Taiwan, and South Korea, and challenges in island disaster supply chains like Honolulu. His articles highlight AI-driven fire scene analysis and cultural factors affecting firefighter safety. Awards include the 2023 FEMA Teaching and Learning Award and multiple recognition for pandemic-era poster research. Active in professional committees such as the National Fire Protection Association 1600 code development team and Disaster Recovery Institute International's Future Vision Committee.

• Structural Engineering
• Civil Infrastructure Resilience
• Materials Science
• +5 more

Shahriar Quayyum is an Assistant Professor in Civil & Environmental Engineering at Manhattan University. He holds a Ph.D. from North Carolina State University and specializes in structural engineering, particularly enhancing civil infrastructure resilience through innovative materials and analytical/experimental studies. His expertise includes probabilistic risk assessment, post-storm damage investigations, and seismic performance of steel structures. He teaches courses like Structural Analysis and Wood Structures. Dr. Quayyum's research focuses on structural resilience under extreme loads, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and fire exposure. He has contributed to developing parametric models for wood-frame walls' wind load resistances, fire-exposed steel connections, and weld sequence effects. His work has been published in journals like Journal of Structural Engineering and Engineering Structures . He has received notable awards including the 2023 The Masonry Society Outstanding Journal Award and grants from NSF and the American Society of Engineering Education. His professional experience includes roles at Applied Research Associates and Corning Inc., where he contributed to materials modeling and process optimization. Key research areas include: Residual stress simulation in steel members Hurricane/Tornado risk assessment for wood-frame construction Seismic retrofitting of steel connections Fire damage analysis of structural systems Current grants support curriculum development in systems thinking and sustainable engineering practices.