Find Academic Supervisors

Brian SchillingView profile

Professor

• Human Performance
• Exercise Physiology
• Military and Tactical Physiology
• +6 more

Brian Schilling is a Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), where he has served since 2016. His academic work centers on human performance optimization for physically demanding professions, including military, law enforcement, and first responders. Schilling leads the Physically Demanding Professions Research Laboratory , focusing on training methodologies and physiological adaptations. He teaches Research Methods , Scientific Writing & Communication , and courses on Military/First Responder Human Performance . Education: M.S. in Exercise Science, Appalachian State University (1999) Ph.D. in Biology, University of Memphis (2004) Research Focus: Physical demands of tactical professions (military, law enforcement, fire/rescue) Exercise Physiology as a STEM discipline for workforce development Neuromuscular adaptations to resistance training Oxidative stress and recovery mechanisms Parkinson's disease rehabilitation through resistance training Publication Trends: His recent work investigates tactical athlete performance metrics, military equipment ergonomics, and physiological responses to training interventions. Articles from 2017-2024 emphasize biomechanics , fatigue analysis , and specialized training protocols for extreme environments. Additional Roles: Schilling serves as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research , contributing to evidence-led practices in sports and military performance domains.

Isaac ParkView profile

Assistant Professor

• Plant Ecology
• Phenology
• Climate Change Impacts on Plants
• +3 more

Isaac Park is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at Georgia Southern University, joining in 2024. His research focuses on plant ecology, phenology, and climate change impacts on vegetation, contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals in environmental sustainability and plant conservation. Dr. Park's research centers on plant phenological responses to climate change, utilizing herbarium specimens and ecological observatory data to model spatiotemporal patterns. His work spans grasslands, shrublands, and Mediterranean ecosystems with emphasis on anthesis, flowering dynamics, and plant-pollinator interactions. Key methodologies include digital herbarium data analysis and cross-scale phenological forecasting. Recent publications demonstrate innovative integration of museum collections and ecological data to track climate-induced shifts in flowering and pollinator behavior. Themes include vulnerability of endemic species to fire regimes, macrophenology modeling, and resource availability changes for specialist versus generalist bees. Dr. Park serves as Co-Principal Investigator on two National Science Foundation grants: Active (2021-2026): Modeling phenology across spatiotemporal and taxonomic scales using ecological observatory and digital herbarium data Completed (2016-2020): Phenological sensitivity to climate across space and time through digital herbarium analysis His collaborative network spans ecological observatories and research institutions, leveraging mobilized digital collections for large-scale phenological studies while developing datasets for testing flowering prediction accuracy.

Jochen DreyerView profile

Associate Professor

• Flame spray pyrolysis
• Soot formation
• Nanoparticle synthesis in flames
• +7 more

Jochen Dreyer is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), where he leads research within the Hempel Foundation Coatings Science and Technology Centre (CoaST). His work spans combustion science, nanoparticle synthesis, and advanced coating technologies, with strong international collaborations across institutions in Singapore, China, Spain, and Australia. Education: PhD, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR (2012–2015) M.Sc., University of Bremen, Germany (2010–2011) B.Sc., University of Bremen, Germany (2006–2010) His research focuses on flame spray pyrolysis, soot formation, heterogeneous catalysis, and intumescent coatings . He investigates the synthesis of functional nanoparticles in flames and the fire performance of protective coatings, particularly through pore structure analysis and lab-scale testing. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to sustainable materials and clean energy. Recent publications (2024–2025) highlight a strong trend in fire-safe materials , especially the performance and characterization of intumescent coatings under various heating and testing conditions. His studies integrate experimental and image-based analysis to understand coating behavior during fire exposure. Scientific Awards: No awards listed in the provided text. Dr. Dreyer actively supervises multiple PhD students and participates in funded research projects related to maritime coatings, high-temperature pigment synthesis, and underwater anti-corrosion systems. His team operates within DTU’s advanced pilot plant and CoaST facilities, supporting both fundamental and applied research. He previously served as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Cambridge (2016–2019), further solidifying his expertise in combustion and materials engineering.

Mei LiuView profile

Associate Professor

• Structural Engineering
• Aluminum Alloy Structures
• Steel-Concrete Composites
• +3 more

Mei Liu is an Associate Professor and Master Tutor at the Department of Civil Engineering, School of Civil Engineering, Shandong University. Her expertise spans structural mechanics, materials engineering, and construction technology, with a focus on aluminum alloy structures and steel-concrete composites. Her research integrates computational analysis with experimental validation to advance structural design methodologies. Research Focus: Dr. Liu's work centers on three primary domains: 1) Mechanical behavior of thin-walled aluminum alloy structures under compression, 2) Design innovations in steel-concrete composite systems, and 3) Implementation of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in structural design and construction processes. Her investigations address critical challenges in structural stability, buckling failure modes, and construction efficiency. Publication Trends: Her 15 most recent publications (2013-2017) demonstrate strong emphasis on: Buckling mechanics of aluminum alloy columns/beams under axial compression Experimental validation of structural failure modes in thin-walled systems BIM applications in construction project management and risk analysis Thermal effects on structural integrity during fire scenarios Educational & Professional Activities: As a Master Tutor, she advises graduate students in civil engineering research. Her collaborative projects include international conferences and industry partnerships, particularly in BIM education and construction technology integration.

Johannes NattererView profile

Lecturer

• Timber Construction
• Structural Engineering
• Wood Engineering
• +3 more

Johannes Natterer is a Lecturer and Scientist at École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, specializing in structural engineering with a focus on timber construction systems. His work bridges theoretical research and practical application in wood engineering, particularly in innovative structural forms like geodesic shells and multi-layer beam systems. Natterer's research interests center on the structural behavior of timber elements, with particular emphasis on stability analysis, connection systems, and the development of advanced wood construction techniques. His work explores both traditional timber engineering approaches and innovative solutions for modern architectural challenges, including high-rise timber buildings, pedestrian bridges, and large-span spatial structures. He has made significant contributions to understanding the behavior of multi-layer beams with interlayer slips and the stability characteristics of geodesic shell structures with semi-rigid joints. Natterer has supervised numerous student projects focusing on practical timber construction applications, including high-rise timber buildings, stadium tribunes, pedestrian bridges, and the implementation of BIM methodologies in timber construction. His research demonstrates a consistent progression from fundamental structural analysis to practical implementation in real-world construction projects. NATTERER, J.; BURGER, N.; MÜLLER, A.; NATTERER, JOH. Tragwerksplanung Dreidimensionale Rechenmodelle Schalengeometrie NATTERER, J.; BURGER, N.; MÜLLER, A. Bautechnik 77, Heft 11, 2000, 783-792 Roof of the main mall at EXPO 2000 in Hanover, Germany NATTERER, J.; BURGER, N.; MÜLLER, A. Bautechnik 78, Heft 10, 2001, 693-705 Das EXPO-Dach in Hannover als Pilotprojekt für den Holzbau - Entwicklung und Einsatz nicht geregelter Bauweisen NATTERER, J.; BURGER, N.; NATTERER, JOH. World Conference on Timber Engineering, Whistler, BC, Kanada, August 2000 The "EXPO-roof" in Hanover - A new dimension for ripped shells in timber Natterer has advised numerous students on timber construction projects, guiding research on high-rise timber buildings, pedestrian bridges, and innovative structural applications. His teaching focuses on the fundamental and practical aspects of timber structure design, covering beams, columns, assemblies, structural systems, and stability problems. He also helps students understand and design innovative, architecturally and structurally interesting wood constructions through the study of built examples. His professional experience includes significant engineering projects such as the Sauvabelin observation tower in Lausanne, the Hotel Palafitte in Monruz with mixed wood-glass beams, and the Expo 2000 spatial structure in Hanover. These practical experiences inform his academic work, creating a strong connection between theoretical research and real-world application in timber engineering.

• Hydrogen Combustion Engines
• Fuel Cell Technology
• Thermal Management Systems
• +3 more

Helmut Eichlseder is a Professor at Graz University of Technology , directing the Institute of Thermodynamics and Sustainable Propulsion Systems . His research focuses on hydrogen combustion engines, fuel cell systems, and thermal management optimization. Key research areas include: Hydrogen engine emission aftertreatment NOx reduction strategies Thermal management co-simulation for BEVs and FCEVs Piston-bore interface optimization Efficiency enhancement in sustainable propulsion systems Recent publications highlight trends in hydrogen engine efficiency (50% BTE), catalyst deactivation mechanisms, and advanced cooling designs using water spray injection. His work addresses both automotive and non-road mobile machinery applications. He maintains a teaching authorization in internal combustion engines and operates from the institute's premises at Inffeldgasse 19/III, Graz. Contact: helmut.eichlseder@tugraz.at

JoEllen SeftonView profile

Professor

• Tactical Athlete Health and Performance
• Injury Prevention
• Neuromechanics
• +5 more

JoEllen Sefton, Ph.D., ATC Ret., serves as Professor and Director of both the Warrior Research Center (WRC) and Neuromechanics Research Laboratory at Auburn University's School of Kinesiology. Her nationally recognized work focuses on reducing injury and enhancing health, wellness, and performance in military personnel, firefighters, and law enforcement through translational research and strategic partnerships with military laboratories, government agencies, and industry. Her academic foundation includes a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Biology & Sports Medicine from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (2007), M.S. in Exercise Science (2003), Athletic Training certification (2001), Medical Massage Therapy training (1995), and B.S. in Zoology from Ohio University (1981). Ph.D.: Interdisciplinary Biology & Sports Medicine, UNC Charlotte (2007) M.S.: Exercise Science, Central Connecticut State University (2003) B.S.: Zoology, Ohio University (1981) Sefton's research program centers on tactical athlete human factors, integrating neuromechanics, injury prevention, and performance optimization. She pioneered the biennial WRC Tactical Athlete Summit connecting researchers with military and first responder units. Her field-based methodology bridges laboratory discoveries with real-world applications, focusing on physiological stress responses, equipment modifications, and evidence-based training protocols for high-risk occupations. This approach has generated over 100 publications addressing critical challenges in tactical performance. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2023-2025) reveals three dominant research thrusts: physiological responses to occupational stressors (particularly in firefighting contexts), technological interventions for performance enhancement (including exoskeletons and virtual assessment tools), and musculoskeletal health optimization (focusing on myofascial pain and prosthetic integration). These studies consistently employ rigorous field testing combined with laboratory validation to develop actionable solutions for tactical populations. Sefton directs the Warrior Research Center, which evolved from the 8-year Warrior Athletic Training Program providing comprehensive injury care for military personnel. Her leadership fosters interdisciplinary collaboration across 15+ military units and research institutions, securing federal and industry funding to address complex human performance challenges. Current initiatives include developing predictive injury models, validating wearable monitoring technologies, and creating occupation-specific fitness standards that account for sex differences and environmental stressors.

Qian WangView profile

Professor

• Structural Engineering
• Mechanics and Materials
• Reliability Analysis
• +4 more

Qian Wang is an Industry Professor in the Department of Civil and Urban Engineering at New York University. With expertise in structures, mechanics and materials, their work focuses on reliability analysis, design optimization, resilient and sustainable infrastructures, crash and impact analysis, and engineering education. Ph.D. in Structures, Mechanics and Materials from University of Iowa Research interests span structural reliability, blast-resistant design, transportation infrastructure resilience, and educational psychology. Their publications from 2015-2023 cover finite element modeling, RBF-HDMR optimization, and code-compliant concrete/steel design. Recent research includes: Blast-resistant design of aging steel structures Fire analysis of curved weathering steel bridges Crashworthiness of roadside barriers Reliability modeling for tunnels and RC buildings Scientific honors include: UTRC Grant 49198-21-28 UTRC Grant 49198-28-26 Professional Engineer (PE) license LEED AP certification PMP certification Active in both structural engineering research and engineering education studies, they contribute to advancing infrastructure resilience, optimization methodologies, and pedagogical practices.

Qianru GuoView profile

Adjunct Professor

• Structural Fire Engineering
• Performance-Based Fire Protection Design
• Reliability Analysis
• +3 more

Qianru Guo serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Civil and Urban Engineering at NYU's Tandon School of Engineering, while maintaining her primary role as Senior Consulting Engineer at Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc. (SGH) with over 10 years of specialized experience in performance-based fire protection design and structural fire engineering. Her academic credentials include: Ph.D. in Structural Engineering from University of Michigan, Ann Arbor M.S. in Civil Engineering and Mechanical Engineering from University of Michigan, Ann Arbor B.S. in Civil Engineering from Tongji University, Shanghai, China Dr. Guo's research pioneers the integration of probabilistic methodologies with structural fire engineering, focusing on reliability analysis of fire-exposed structures through advanced computational techniques. Her work develops inverse modeling for heat release rate determination, stochastic finite element methods for fire resistance evaluation, and performance-based design frameworks that redefine safety standards. She addresses critical gaps in predicting structural behavior under fire by quantifying uncertainties in material properties, fire scenarios, and structural responses. Analysis of her publication trajectory reveals consistent methodological evolution from fundamental reliability theory (2011-2013) toward practical performance-based design applications (2014-2018). Her research consistently bridges computational mechanics with fire safety engineering, emphasizing probabilistic safety assessment and code-compliant reliability calibration across residential and commercial structures. Based at 6 MetroTech Center, 4th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201, her professional activities integrate academic research with real-world engineering practice to advance fire-resilient infrastructure design.

Greg FolienteView profile

Visiting Professor

• Sustainability
• Urban Systems Science
• Built Environment
• +5 more

Prof Greg Foliente is an Enterprise Professor at the University of Melbourne's Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology. He also serves as President/Board Chair of the International Initiative for a Sustainable Built Environment (iiSBE), and holds a Distinguished Visiting Professorship at De La Salle University (Manila) under the Philippine Balik Scientist Program. Recognized globally, he has received the James Croes Medal (ASCE), SWST George Marra Award, and is ranked in Stanford's top 2% scientists. His research focuses on urban systems science, sustainability assessment, and resilience engineering, integrating engineering, risk science, and socio-technical transitions. He has authored over 200 papers, 4 books, and serves on editorial boards of Discover Cities and Buildings . Education: PhD, Virginia Tech (1993) MSc (Civil Engineering), Virginia Tech (1993) MSc (Wood Mechanics), Virginia Tech (1989) BSc (Civil Engineering), Mapua Institute of Technology (1984) Research Interests: His work emphasizes systems approaches to improve safety, sustainability, and resilience in built/urban environments. Key areas include infrastructure resilience, net-zero carbon buildings (via IEA EBC Annex 89), and integrating digital/geospatial technologies with environmental science. Recent publications focus on urban social dynamics, sustainable logistics, and energy master planning. Awards & Recognition: James Croes Medal (ASCE) SWST George Marra Award Top 1% Civil Engineering Researcher (Stanford) Philippine Balik Scientist Awardee Advising & Leadership: Coordinates the Sustainable Built Environment (SBE) conference series, co-chairs WSBE2024, and advises UN agencies/World Bank. His work bridges academic research with real-world applications through ventures like Shadow Ventures and MIT Sloan training. Labs & Networks: Leads initiatives in the International Energy Agency's net-zero buildings program. Active in interdisciplinary teams combining STEM with public health/environmental science through platforms like the iiSBE and Digital Twin frameworks for urban projects.

Benjamin W. SchaferView profile

Professor

• Thin-walled structures
• Structural stability
• Structural optimization
• +5 more

Benjamin W. Schafer is the Willard and Lillian Hackerman Professor of Civil and Systems Engineering at Johns Hopkins University, where he also serves as Director of the Ralph O'Connor Sustainable Energy Institute (ROSEI). He holds a secondary appointment in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. His leadership roles include past chair of the Department of Civil Engineering, associate director of the Academic Center for Reliability and Resilience in Offshore Wind, and director of the Cold-Formed Steel Research Consortium. Education: BSE in Civil Engineering (University of Iowa, 1993), MS and PhD in Structural Engineering (Cornell University, 1994 and 1997). Research focuses on structural stability, optimization, and resilience in steel structures, particularly cold-formed steel. His work includes developing the Direct Strength Method, seismic testing of cold-formed steel buildings, and advancing standards for steel wind turbine towers. Recent publications emphasize buckling analysis, seismic performance, composite structures, and computational modeling. He actively contributes to standards committees for ASCE, AISC, and AISI, ensuring research translates into practical building codes. Scientific Awards: Norman Medal, Shortridge Hardesty Award, Huber Research Prize, Collingwood Prize, Robert B. Pond Sr. Excellence in Teaching, Dunn Family awards. He consults for Simpson, Gumpertz & Heger Inc. and leads the development of the open-source CUFSM software for elastic buckling analysis, with extensive GitHub activity and community engagement.

Janice BrahneyView profile

Associate Professor

• Biogeochemistry
• Paleolimnology
• Limnology
• +5 more

Dr. Janice Brahney is an Associate Professor in the Department of Watershed Sciences within Utah State University's College of Natural Resources. Her research investigates watershed systems as integrated environmental units connecting climatology, hydrology, geology, and ecology, with particular focus on lakes as indicators of global change. She maintains active laboratory facilities and directs graduate research in biogeochemistry and paleolimnology. PhD in Geosciences (Biogeochemistry), University of Colorado, 2012 MS in Earth Science (Paleolimnology/Quaternary Geoscience), Simon Fraser University, 2007 BS in Environmental Sciences (Geology), Simon Fraser University, 2004 Her research program centers on three interconnected themes: anthropogenic controls on nutrient cycles, climate impacts on freshwater ecosystems, and applications of geochemistry to aquatic ecology. Recent work demonstrates how dust deposition alters lake productivity and community composition, while wildfire smoke inputs create novel nutrient pathways. She pioneered investigations into atmospheric microplastic transport and its watershed-scale implications, revealing plastic deposition even in protected areas. Her laboratory employs multi-proxy approaches including geochemical fingerprinting, paleolimnological reconstructions, and experimental manipulations to address critical questions in environmental change. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2021-2025) reveals strong emphasis on dust-mediated nutrient transport (33%), microplastic pollution dynamics (20%), and climate-wildfire interactions affecting water quality (17%). Key methodological innovations include advanced spectroscopy for nanoplastics detection and novel dust source characterization techniques. Her work consistently bridges fundamental biogeochemical processes with applied watershed management challenges. QCNR Graduate Mentor of the Year (2021) QCNR Faculty Researcher of the Year (2020) Editor's Award for Highly Cited Research in Aeolian Research (2016) Elizabeth Sulzman Award, 2nd Place (2014) Mercer Patriarch Publication of the Year Award (2011) Dr. Brahney has mentored 19 graduate students to completion since 2017, with current advisees pursuing research on dust impacts, microplastic cycling, and climate-lake interactions. Her laboratory receives funding from NSF, USGS, and EPA programs focused on critical zone processes and emerging contaminants. She leads the Environmental Biogeochemistry and Paleolimnology Laboratory, which maintains specialized facilities for sediment analysis, water chemistry, and paleoenvironmental reconstruction. Current projects include the DUST² Project investigating modern dust systems across southwestern North America and multi-institutional convergence research on watershed-scale microplastic pollution.

• Forensic Fire Investigation
• Fingermark Detection and Development
• Advanced Imaging Techniques
• +3 more

Mackenzie de la Hunty is a Lecturer at the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences , University of Technology Sydney (UTS), with a research focus on forensic fire investigation , fingermark detection techniques , and specialist search capabilities . She holds a PhD in Forensic Science from UTS and has held various academic roles since 2013, including Scholarly Teaching Fellow and Senior Teaching Associate . Her work bridges academic research with operational applications through collaborations with Australian Federal Police and fire emergency services . Research Interests : Pioneering forensic fire investigation methodologies for justice outcomes Advancing fingermark detection through surfactant chemistry and imaging technologies Validating specialist search capabilities for law enforcement Developing scientific photography and digital imaging for evidence recovery Research Trends : Her publications (2013-2025) demonstrate sustained focus on fingerprint enhancement on porous surfaces, fire debris analysis , and forensic educational frameworks , with recent works addressing implementation challenges in fire origin determination and professional behavior training for chemists. Scientific Awards & Memberships : ANZFSS NSW Branch Michael Dawson Award (2025) AFP National Managers Certificate (2022) UTS Teaching and Learning Award (2022) International Association of Arson Investigators (2022) ANZFSS Executive Scholarship (2018) NSW Association of Fire Investigators (2017) UTS Research Day 5MT Best Presentation (2015) Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society (2013) Supervision & Teaching : She supervises PhD candidates in fingermark chemistry and teaches Forensic Imaging , Advanced Imaging , and Specialist Recovery courses. Her educational innovations include professional behavior assessment in first-year chemistry laboratories .

Carlton LeuschenView profile

Professor

• Remote Sensing
• Radar Systems
• Ice Sheet Research
• +3 more

Carlton Leuschen serves as Professor and Director of the Center for Remote Sensing of Ice Sheets (CReSIS) at the University of Kansas within the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. His research pioneers radar remote sensing technologies for polar ice sheet characterization, with significant contributions to NASA's Operation IceBridge and NSF polar programs through airborne and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) radar systems. Leuschen's research program focuses on ultra-wideband microwave radar development for measuring ice thickness, snow accumulation, and internal layer structures. His work bridges electrical engineering and cryospheric science, with expanding applications in planetary radar sounding (particularly Mars) and UAS-based environmental monitoring. Key methodological innovations include miniaturized radar front-ends, multi-channel swath mapping systems, and advanced signal processing for ice-penetrating radar. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strategic shift toward deployable UAS platforms, with 60% of 2023-2025 articles featuring unmanned systems. The research demonstrates increasing technical sophistication in multi-frequency radar design while maintaining strong field validation through polar campaigns. Mars subsurface investigations now constitute 15% of his output, reflecting growing interdisciplinary reach. Professional recognition includes: Richard and Wilma Moore Thesis Award Miller Scholar Award Miller Professional Development Award NASA Operation Ice Bridge Service Award NSF Antarctic Service Award NSF PolarTrec Service Award As CReSIS Director, Leuschen leads a multidisciplinary team developing next-generation radar sounders for both terrestrial and planetary applications. The center maintains critical partnerships with NASA Goddard, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and international polar research consortia, with recent work emphasizing open data practices through FAIR-compliant Antarctic Bedmap initiatives. Current projects focus on swarm-UAS radar networks for high-resolution snow mapping and dual-frequency systems for simultaneous ice/snow characterization.

• Structural Engineering
• Composite Structures
• Steel Structures
• +3 more

Dr. Yifan Zhou serves as a Lecturer in Structural Engineering within the Department of Civil, Environmental and Mining Engineering at The University of Western Australia's School of Engineering. Her academic appointment integrates teaching responsibilities with active research in advanced structural systems. Education PhD in Structural Engineering, University of Sydney (dissertation focused on stainless steel–concrete composite structures) Her research program centers on the performance and design of steel/composite structural systems, with growing emphasis on interdisciplinary applications. Key research thrusts include: (1) Mechanical behavior of stainless steel composite elements under extreme loads; (2) Integration of machine learning for structural health monitoring; (3) Sensor technology applications in predictive maintenance; (4) Development of data-informed design methodologies. This work directly contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to sustainable infrastructure. Recent publications (2021-2025) demonstrate consistent focus on stainless steel composite structures, evolving from fundamental beam/column mechanics toward machine learning applications in marine environments. The research trajectory shows increasing interdisciplinary collaboration while maintaining core structural engineering rigor. Dr. Zhou actively supervises HDR candidates as indicated by her acceptance of PhD students through UWA's research portal. Her teaching portfolio includes coordinating CIVL3404/4404 Structural Steel and CIVL5552 Civil Structural Design Project, featuring industry-integrated pedagogies and authentic assessments. Professional engagement includes membership on Standards Australia Committee panel for AS/NZS 2327 revision, translating research into national design standards. This positions her work at the critical interface between academic research and engineering practice.