Stephanie Rogers is an Assistant Professor of Geosciences at Auburn University's College of Sciences and Mathematics, specializing in geospatial technologies and environmental applications. She leads the GeoIDEA Lab, focusing on GIScience, water quality modeling, and environmental impacts on honey bee colonies. Her research integrates emerging technologies like drones for ecological monitoring and addresses interdisciplinary challenges such as groundwater management and pollution tracking. Education: PhD in Geosciences from the University of Fribourg, Switzerland. Research Interests: Rogers' work bridges geospatial innovation with real-world problem-solving. Key areas include: GIS-driven environmental monitoring and modeling Drone-based assessment of water quality and algal blooms Groundwater contamination dynamics and public health implications Honey bee colony health through spatial analysis Advising & Grants: Currently mentors two trainees (Bethany Foust and Mallory Jordan) and collaborates on projects funded by environmental agencies. Her grants focus on geospatial data integration for ecological decision-making. Labs/Teams: GeoIDEA Lab coordinates multidisciplinary efforts in environmental geoscience, with active projects in Alabama's Black Belt region and international glacial archaeology initiatives.
Leila Character is an Assistant Professor at Texas A&M University, with expertise in machine learning and geospatial analysis. Her research bridges disciplines like archaeology, environmental science, and geospatial intelligence, often involving fieldwork and computational modeling. She has a multidisciplinary background as a professional geologist, environmental scientist, and AI researcher. Ph.D. and M.A. in Geography and the Environment from University of Texas at Austin B.S. in Geology with a minor in Anthropology/Archaeology from Sewanee: The University of the South Her active projects focus on underwater aircraft wreck detection for MIA service members, multimodal sensor fusion with autonomous underwater vehicles, seafloor characterization in West Africa, and ancient burial mound detection in Romania using vegetation indices. All projects emphasize combining computational rigor with field validation. Recent publications highlight deep learning applications in marine archaeology, Maya cave detection, and sensor fusion technologies. These articles span 2019–2025 and reflect cross-cutting themes in AI-driven geospatial analysis, underwater exploration, and archaeological discovery.
Dr. Shadi Hashem is a Research Fellow at the School of Geosciences, University of Aberdeen. His work bridges behavioural economics, agricultural systems, and sustainable food supply chains, with a focus on promoting environmentally and socially responsible production and consumption practices. His research interests lie at the intersection of Behavioural Economics , Sustainable Agriculture , and Entrepreneurship . He investigates consumer behaviour related to sustainable food choices, examines how supply chain collaboration can improve competitiveness—especially for small-scale and disadvantaged farmers—and explores digital innovations such as blockchain technology and knowledge exchange hubs to enhance transparency and sustainability in agri-food systems. Dr. Hashem is currently contributing to the VISIONARY project, a research initiative aimed at understanding the drivers and barriers to transitioning food systems toward sustainability. This work involves interdisciplinary analysis of policy, economic incentives, technological adoption, and social dynamics across global food supply networks. While no specific scientific awards have been listed, his involvement in high-impact sustainability research demonstrates recognition within the academic community. He has not advised any named students in the provided text, nor are specific grants mentioned, but his participation in large-scale collaborative projects suggests active engagement in funded research. He is part of a research team working on sustainable agri-food systems, likely embedded within a larger research group or center focused on environmental sustainability or food security at the University of Aberdeen. The VISIONARY project indicates collaboration with European partners and stakeholders across the agri-food sector.
Jean-Pierre Gattuso is a CNRS Research Professor at the Laboratoire d'Océanographie de Villefranche (Sorbonne University) and Associate Scientist at the Institute for Sustainable Development and International Relations (IDDRI-SciencesPo, Paris). His research focuses on the impacts of ocean acidification and warming on marine ecosystems, as well as ocean-based solutions to climate change mitigation and adaptation. Current Roles : CNRS Research Professor, Associate Scientist at IDDRI-SciencesPo Past Positions : Research Professor at Shantou University (2006–2009), Visiting Scientist at Rutgers University and NCAR (2004–2005), Group Leader at Laboratoire d'Océanographie de Villefranche (1998–2004), and others. His research interests span ocean acidification , carbon and carbonate cycling , climate change impacts on marine ecosystems , and ocean-based mitigation strategies . He co-edited the first book on ocean acidification and contributed to IPCC AR5 and AR6 reports. Recent publications highlight his work on ocean alkalinity enhancement , CO2 sequestration , and climate policy integration . He has developed tools like FOCE systems for in situ ocean acidification experiments and standardized ocean carbonate chemistry analysis. Scientific Awards : Ruth Patrick Award (2020), Blaise Pascal Medal (2014), Vladimir Vernadsky Medal (2012), and others. Academic Memberships : Foreign member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, elected member of the European Academy of Sciences, Academia Europaea, and founder of the European Geosciences Union. Gattuso has led the Ocean Acidification International Coordination Centre at the International Atomic Energy Agency and will co-chair the 2025 One Ocean Science Congress.
David M. Higdon is a Professor and Department Head of the Department of Statistics at Virginia Tech within the College of Science. He specializes in Bayesian statistical modeling of environmental and physical systems, focusing on integrating physical observations with computer simulations for prediction and inference. Previously, he spent 14 years at Los Alamos National Laboratory as a scientist and group leader in the Statistical Sciences Group. Education: Ph.D. in Statistics, University of Washington, 1994 M.A. in Mathematics, University of California San Diego, 1989 B.A. in Mathematics, University of California San Diego, 1987 Research Interests: Higdon’s work spans space-time modeling , inverse problems in hydrology and imaging , statistical modeling in ecology and environmental science , and multiscale models . He develops methods for parallel processing in posterior exploration , statistical computing , and Monte Carlo simulations . His research addresses critical challenges in uncertainty quantification (UQ), including climate modeling, nuclear density functional theory, and geophysical imaging. Publications Trends: His recent articles emphasize Bayesian methodologies applied to complex systems, such as climate forecasting, materials science, and cosmology. A recurring theme is the development of emulators and surrogate models to handle computationally intensive simulations. Awards: Fellow of the American Statistical Association Advising & Grants: While no specific advisees are listed, Higdon has contributed to interdisciplinary collaborations in UQ and statistical modeling. His work has been supported by grants from agencies such as the National Science Foundation and Department of Energy. Labs/Teams: He leads the Statistics Department’s efforts in UQ and computational statistics, fostering collaborations across engineering, environmental science, and physics.
Sebastian Henn is a Professor of Economic Geography at the Institute of Geography, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, where he has held the Chair since 2014. He serves as Dean of Studies for the Faculty of Chemistry and Geosciences (since 2020) and Deputy Director of the Leibniz ScienceCampus "Eastern Europe - Global Area". His research spans transnational entrepreneurship, knowledge-based regional development, cluster dynamics, polarization/peripheralization, and migration studies . Education: Dipl.-Geogr. (University of Mannheim, 2001); Dr. rer. nat. (University of Halle, 2006); Habilitation (University of Halle, 2014) Key research areas include spatial perception, mobilities, health geography, and global-local interactions in sectors like pharmaceuticals, medical technology, and the diamond industry. Publications (2013-2024) focus on global production patterns, cluster evolution, regional embitterment, and the role of transnational entrepreneurs in industries from Gujarat to Antwerp. His 2023 work explores populist resentments in rural regions and health infrastructure disparities in Thuringia. Awards include the 2017 Journal of Economic Geography Best Referee Award. He co-edits the Springer series "Perspectives in Human Geography" and holds leadership roles in academic societies like the Schumpeter Centre for Social and Economic Change. Editorial and Review Activities : Active on boards of the Journal of Economic Geography and ZFW journal. Regular reviewer for 20+ journals and funding bodies including DFG and DAAD. Leads research on BRIC investments, Southern multinationals, and spatialization processes under globalization .
Iryna Susha serves as an Assistant Professor in the Innovation Studies group within the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development at Utrecht University's Faculty of Geosciences. Her academic journey includes obtaining a PhD from Orebro University in Sweden, establishing her expertise in digital governance and data collaboration frameworks. Dr. Susha's research focuses on how organizations across different sectors can collaborate and leverage data to address 21st century societal challenges while contributing to sustainability goals. Her work spans digital government, open data initiatives, and data collaboratives for public good, with particular attention to cross-sector partnerships, data governance models, and the practical implementation challenges of data sharing initiatives. She has developed significant expertise in analyzing how data ecosystems can be structured to support societal benefits while navigating complex regulatory and organizational landscapes. Her publication record shows a clear evolution from early work on e-participation and open government data toward more sophisticated frameworks for data collaboratives and digital innovation for sustainability. The research demonstrates consistent engagement with practical implementation challenges while maintaining strong theoretical grounding in governance and organizational theory. Prizes & Grants (1) Dr. Susha actively supervises PhD candidates, currently guiding Dwayne Ansah's research on data donations for social good and Olafur Thorarensen's work on algorithmic decision systems in healthcare. She leads the "Digital Innovation" course where students develop critical understanding of digital innovations' societal and economic impacts. Additionally, she co-leads the Special Interest Group on Digitalization & AI for Sustainability (DAISY), which serves as a hub for interdisciplinary research on sustainable digital transformation. Her research connects with several major projects including the DATA ALLY project and Data Purchasing project, demonstrating practical applications of her theoretical work in real-world contexts. The DAISY group she co-leads provides an important forum for advancing research on sustainable digital innovation across disciplinary boundaries.
Prof. Dr. Ralf Merz serves as Head of the Department of Catchment Hydrology at the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) and holds a Full Professorship in Catchment Hydrology at Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg since 2011. His career bridges hydrological modeling, flood risk assessment, and water quality analysis across diverse climates from Central Asia to Europe. MSc in Civil Engineering (Technical University of Karlsruhe, 1997) PhD in Hydrology (Vienna University of Technology, 2002) Habilitation in Hydrology (Vienna University of Technology, 2009) Research Interests span comparative hydrology, flood generation mechanisms, climate change impacts on water resources, and nitrate dynamics in river systems. His work emphasizes process-based understanding of runoff events and regional flood modeling through innovative approaches like the PHEV distribution framework. Scientific Contributions include over 100 publications (2003-2025) on: Flood frequency analysis in changing climates Groundwater recharge in arid regions Hydrochemical response to droughts Remote sensing applications for groundwater studies Multi-response calibration of hydrological models Key projects involve MOSES observatory development, TRACER research school, and Pamir Mountains glaciological studies. Recognitions : APART research grant (Austrian Academy of Sciences, 2006) Leadership extends to directing the Catchment Hydrology department and participating in European hydrological networks like the Bode Hydrological Observatory and TERENO infrastructure. His methodological advancements include flood time-scale analysis and event runoff coefficient regionalization.
Dr. Li Hailong is a Chair Professor at the School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), Shenzhen. He holds a PhD in Hydrogeology from the University of Hong Kong (2003), an MSc (1991) and BSc (1988) in Applied Mathematics from Fudan University. His academic journey includes professorships at China University of Geosciences-Beijing (2009-2020) and Anshan Normal University (1999-2009). Recipient of 2010 NSFC Outstanding Young Scientist Grant 2022 Dayu Water Conservancy Science and Technology Award 2008 Chutian Professorship (Hubei Province's highest academic honor) Dr. Li's research focuses on multi-component, multi-phase subsurface flows in coastal zones and their ecological/environmental effects. His work spans aquifer parameter estimation, ecohydrology, marine groundwater discharge, and computational fluid dynamics. Recent projects involve submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) quantification in Bohai Sea and Jiaozhou Bay using radium/radon isotopes. His publications in top journals like Nature Geoscience , Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta , and Water Resources Research have been cited 7,072 times (H-index 49). He has led 19 research projects, including 6 NSFC grants and 973 Program subprojects. Dr. Li serves on editorial boards of Advances in Water Resources and Water Science and Engineering , and was Associate Editor for Hydrogeology Journal (2012-2015).
Kathy Fontaine serves as Senior Lecturer in Information Technology and Web Science at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Program Manager for the RPI-IBM AI Research Collaboration. She joined RPI in 2014 after 25 years at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center where she developed international data access policies through CEOS WGISS, GEO, and USGEO. Her educational background includes: B.S. in Physics with Astrophysics Option from New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (1984) M.A. in Science, Technology and Public Policy from The George Washington University (2002) Ph.D. in Public Policy and Public Administration from Walden University (2013) Dr. Fontaine's research integrates data science policy with ethical frameworks, focusing on international data sharing cultures and volunteer organization dynamics. She develops courses like Big Data Policy and Ethical Informatics that address data scientists' societal responsibilities. Her work examines how policy implementations affect global earth observation systems and research data ecosystems, with particular attention to cross-cultural collaboration challenges in scientific consortia. Analysis of her publications reveals strong interdisciplinary connections between earth sciences and computer science, with emerging trends in data dexterity training, knowledge graph applications for social equity, and mineral inventory data legacies. Her research increasingly bridges technical data infrastructure with ethical considerations in data sharing. Dr. Fontaine actively contributes to scientific communities through the Earth Science Information Partners (ESIP), where she serves on GEO's Programme Board, and maintains affiliations with AGU, ACM Web Science, IEEE GRSS, and IEEE SSIT. Her current leadership in the RPI-IBM AI Research Collaboration extends her mission to develop responsible AI frameworks.
Abdulkadir C. Yucel serves as an Assistant Professor at Nanyang Technological University's School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, where he leads the Applied and Computational ELectromagnetics (ACEL) Group. His research spans applied electromagnetics, radar imaging, and AI-driven electromagnetic analysis with applications in smart cities, neurotechnology, and quantum systems. Education: Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Michigan (2013) M.S. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Michigan (2008) B.S. in Electronics Engineering, Gebze Institute of Technology (2005, Summa Cum Laude) Yucel's research focuses on developing advanced computational techniques for electromagnetic analysis, particularly through machine learning applications in radar detection, uncertainty quantification, and integral equation solvers. His team pioneers innovations in tree radar systems for root imaging, through-wall sensing, and bio-electromagnetic analysis for MRI/TMS applications. Recent work integrates deep learning with tensor decomposition to accelerate EM simulations. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals a strong trend toward AI-augmented electromagnetic solvers, with 60% applying deep learning to radar imaging and uncertainty quantification. Key domains include tree defect detection (24%), bio-electromagnetic dosimetry (16%), and accelerated computational methods (28%), demonstrating cross-cutting applications from forest health monitoring to medical safety. Scientific Awards: IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics Prize Paper Award (2024) NTU EEE Early Career Teaching Excellence Award (2024) Young Antenna Scientist Award (2023) Fulbright Fellowship (2006) Yucel actively mentors 11 graduate students and postdocs, with notable successes including Qiqi Dai's PhD on deep learning for GPR imaging and Mingyu Wang's work on tensor-based EM solvers. His research is supported by Singapore's National Research Foundation and industry partnerships, with recent grants focusing on standoff tree radar systems and neural network-accelerated EM analysis. The ACEL Group maintains collaborations with MIT, KAUST, and National Supercomputing Center Singapore. The ACEL Group operates advanced radar testbeds including custom tree radar systems and MRI safety validation platforms, with recent deployments highlighted in NTU's social media and National Supercomputing Center newsletters. Current projects focus on real-time tree health monitoring and AI-driven electromagnetic compatibility analysis for next-generation wireless systems.
Professor Balz Kamber is a renowned academic in the Faculty of Science at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), leading research in elemental and isotopic geochemistry paired with petrology. He holds the position of Professor in Petrology within the School of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences . His work focuses on Earth's differentiation into chemical spheres, with applications in climate science, planetary evolution, and resource exploration. Kamber has held prestigious roles, including Chair in Geology and Mineralogy at Trinity College Dublin and a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair at Laurentian University. Education: PhD (University of Bern, Switzerland), MSc (University of Bern) Professional Memberships: Royal Irish Academy (since 2018), European Association of Geochemistry Research interests include thermodynamic modeling of igneous processes, automated mineralogy, and the interplay between climate and geological history. His current projects address mantle dynamics, crustal evolution, and planetary weathering. Teaching focuses on Earth Materials, Petrology, and Climate Science at QUT. Notable achievements include editorship of Chemical Geology (since 2018) and contributions to understanding the Great Oxidation Event and Deccan Traps volcanism. His work bridges fundamental geochemistry with real-world challenges, such as climate change mitigation through enhanced rock weathering. Grants/Funding: Led the 23M Euro Irish Centre for Research in Applied Geosciences (2011–2018) Labs/Teams: Heads a dynamic research group advancing LA-ICP-MS methodologies and geochemical imaging
Teng-Fong Wong is a Research Professor in the Department of Geosciences at Stony Brook University, where he has been a faculty member since 1982. His research focuses on the intersection of rock mechanics, earthquake processes, and environmental applications, making significant contributions to understanding deformation mechanisms in geological materials. Education: Sc.B., Brown University, 1973 M.S., Harvard University, 1976 Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1981 Research Interests: Professor Wong's research centers on rock mechanics with emphasis on earthquake mechanics, energy resources, and environmental applications. He investigates both phenomenological and micromechanical aspects of rock deformation and fluid flow using an integrated approach combining high-pressure deformation experiments, quantitative microstructure characterization, and theoretical analysis. His work spans brittle-ductile transitions in porous rocks, permeability evolution, strength properties of fault zone materials from SAFOD and TCDP drilling projects, and submarine groundwater discharge systems. Publication Trends: Wong's recent publications (2006-2008) demonstrate a consistent focus on strain localization mechanisms in porous rocks, particularly examining compaction bands and deformation bands in sandstones. His work integrates advanced imaging techniques (X-ray radiography, CT scanning) with mechanical testing to understand the micromechanics of rock failure. A significant thread connects his research on fault zone properties from major drilling projects (SAFOD, TCDP) with fundamental rock deformation processes. Scientific Recognition: U.S. Patent 6,874,371 for Ultrasonic Seepage Meter (2005) U.S. Patent 7,107,859 for Ultrasonic Seepage Meter (2006) Co-author of "Experimental Rock Deformation - The Brittle Field" (2nd Edition, Springer-Verlag, 2005) Professional Activities: Professor Wong maintains an active international research profile with numerous visiting appointments including at Australian National University, MIT, ETH Zurich, and institutions in China and France. His work involves extensive collaboration with USGS and international research teams on major fault zone drilling projects. He has developed specialized equipment like the ultrasonic seepage meter for measuring submarine groundwater discharge. Research Infrastructure: Wong's laboratory utilizes advanced capabilities including high-pressure deformation equipment, 3D visualization through laser scanning confocal microscopy and synchrotron microCT, and integrates these with analytic modeling and numerical simulation techniques (finite element and discrete element methods) to investigate micromechanics of dilatant and compactant failure in geological materials.
Ingrid L. Nelson is an Associate Professor at the University of Vermont in the Department of Geography and Geosciences . She specializes in feminist political ecology , digital geographies , and critical development studies , focusing on how digital technologies mediate environmental expertise and sustainability projects. Current research group: Feminist Digital Natures Past projects: Campus Green and Gold (Vermont campus sustainability, 2014-2020) Key fieldwork: Miombo woodlands (Mozambique) Her teaching explores environmental justice , gender-space relations , and critical digital analysis through courses like Gender, Space and Environment and Natures, Places and the Politics of Truth . She emphasizes collaborative learning, autoethnography, and digital methods. Research interests include more-than-human politics , embodied environmental subjectivity , and critical decolonial theory applied across diverse sites: Vietnamese hostess bars, Newfoundland science labs, and Vermont campuses.
Paul Liu is a Professor and Director of International Affairs at the College of Sciences, NC State University. He holds a Ph.D. in Geological Oceanography from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (2001) and academic roles spanning 2003 to present. His research focuses on sediment dynamics, sea-level changes, and large river systems in Asia. He leads the World Large River and Delta Systems Source-to-Sink Webinar Series and serves as an NC State Provost Faculty Fellow for Global Leadership. Education: Ph.D. (2001) Virginia Institute of Marine Science; M.S. (1995) Chinese Academy of Sciences; B.E. (1992) Ocean University of China Research expertise includes AI applications in geoscience, sediment transport modeling, and paleoenvironmental reconstruction. His work integrates field observations, numerical models, and geophysical data to address coastal evolution and climate change impacts. He has published over 50 peer-reviewed articles on river deltas, continental margins, and marine sedimentation processes. Recent articles analyze delta dynamics in the Nile, Indus, and Yellow River systems, and explore sediment-carbon interactions in the South China Sea. Liu’s research also addresses human impacts on sediment fluxes and coastal management strategies in Asia. As a global leader, he collaborates internationally on delta sustainability and leads workshops on AI applications in Earth sciences. His lab, linked at https://sealevel.wordpress.ncsu.edu, focuses on bridging geoscience and emerging technologies.
