Find Academic Supervisors

Emmanuel StefanakisView profile

Professor

• Geospatial Data Science
• Digital Earth
• Discrete Global Grid Systems (DGGS)
• +17 more

Emmanuel Stefanakis is a Professor and Department Head of Geomatics Engineering at the Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary. He holds a PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering (National Technical University of Athens, 1997), an MScE in Geodesy and Geomatics Engineering (University of New Brunswick, 1994), and a Dipl.Eng in Rural and Surveying Engineering (National Technical University of Athens, 1992). His research focuses on Geospatial Data Science, Discrete Global Grid Systems (DGGS), GeoAI, and applications of Geomatics in natural hazards, transportation, and climate change . He has led over 140 student projects and authored/co-authored five textbooks and 150+ articles. Notable awards include the 2023 Canadian Cartographic Association’s Award of Distinction and the 2023 UCalgary Teaching Excellence Award. Recent articles emphasize high-performance trajectory analysis, DGGS integration, and geospatial quantum computing . His work bridges theoretical advancements with practical tools for flood modeling, epidemiology, and urban planning. Grants include NSERC Discovery Grants and collaborations with industry partners like McElhanney Ltd. Professional memberships span the Canadian Institute of Geomatics, Canadian Cartographic Association, and APEGA. He served as Editor-in-Chief of Cartographica (2014–2022) and actively contributes to international conferences on geoinformatics. His educational initiatives include innovative course designs in online and distance learning. Current roles include leadership in the HALOS and Geospatial Quantum Computing projects, advancing geomatics engineering education in the digital era.

Piero FraternaliView profile

Professor

• Web Engineering
• Model-Driven Development
• Human Computation
• +3 more

Piero Fraternali is Full Professor of Web Technologies at Politecnico di Milano, where he leads research on software engineering methodologies for web applications and environmental intelligence systems. His work spans model-driven development, human computation, and AI-powered computer vision. He co-founded WebRatio (commercializing model-driven web development tools) and Servitly (focused on social business process management). His PeakLens app has over 2 million users. Current research explores environmental crime detection through geospatial AI and waste monitoring via satellite imagery. Earlier contributions include the OMG-standardized Interaction Flow Modeling Language (IFML) for application design. He has led several EU projects including PERIVALLON (combating environmental crime) and enCOMPASS (behavioral energy saving). His group develops deep learning methods for gravitational lens analysis and industrial predictive maintenance.

Haoxiang LangView profile

Associate Professor

• Mechatronics
• Autonomous Robotics
• Visual Servoing
• +3 more

Haoxiang Lang serves as Department Chair and Associate Professor in the Department of Automotive and Mechatronics Engineering at Ontario Tech University's Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science. His laboratory, GRASP Lab, focuses on advanced robotics and intelligent systems research. Education: PhD in Mechanical Engineering, University of British Columbia (2013) MASc in Mechanical Engineering, University of British Columbia (2008) BSc in Marine Engineering, Ningbo University (2003) Dr. Lang's research spans mechatronics, autonomous robotics, visual servoing, and machine learning. His work focuses on developing advanced control systems for robotic manipulation, autonomous vehicle navigation, and sensor fusion techniques. Recent projects include vision-based combat vehicle control, deep learning for aerial image processing, and thermal management for robotic systems. His publications demonstrate strong emphasis on robotic perception-control integration, with recurring themes in visual servoing, sensor fusion, autonomous navigation, and machine learning applications in robotics. Recent works increasingly incorporate deep neural networks for complex tasks like object manipulation and environment mapping. Dr. Lang leads the GRASP Lab, which develops experimental platforms including autonomous combat vehicles and robotic manipulators. The lab focuses on practical implementations of control theories and collaborates on industrial applications.

• Network Security
• Cybersecurity
• Cloud Computing Security
• +4 more

Martine Bellaïche is a Full Professor in the Department of Computer Engineering and Software Engineering at Polytechnique Montréal. With a B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. from Montreal, she has established herself as a leading researcher in network security and cybersecurity. She is affiliated with the Mobile Computing and Networking Research Laboratory (LARIM), where she contributes to cutting-edge research in communications systems, networks, and algorithms. Dr. Bellaïche's research spans multiple critical areas of modern cybersecurity, with particular focus on network security, prevention and detection of attacks, performance evaluation of defense systems, and defense against Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. Her work extends to specialized domains including sensor network security, vehicular network security, cloud computing security, and Internet of Things security. Her research approach often combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, addressing real-world security challenges across various technological domains. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong trend toward AI-driven security solutions, particularly using deep learning and federated learning approaches for intrusion detection in IoT environments. Her work increasingly addresses emerging security challenges in blockchain technology, metaverse applications, and industrial IoT systems, demonstrating adaptability to evolving technological landscapes while maintaining focus on fundamental security principles. Supervised 5 PhD students to completion, including Alfalqi (2022), Alghamdi (2022), Abusitta (2018), Halabi (2018), and Benbrahim (2016) Mentored 6 Master's students, with research spanning DDoS detection, VANET security, and graph coloring algorithms Active participant in multiple research grants, including Discovery Grants from Polytechnique Montréal Dr. Bellaïche teaches several foundational computer science courses including procedural programming, object-oriented programming, microcomputer architecture, and data structures and algorithms, bridging theoretical knowledge with practical security applications in her teaching.

Grant AllenView profile

Professor

• Atmospheric Physics
• Remote Sensing
• Greenhouse Gases
• +4 more

Grant Allen is a Professor of Atmospheric Physics at the University of Manchester's School of Earth and Environmental Sciences. His research focuses on atmospheric composition, greenhouse gas emissions, and remote sensing technologies, particularly using drones and aircraft. He has led multiple national and international projects, including NERC-funded initiatives such as GAUGE, MOYA, and MOMENTUM. His work integrates field measurements, satellite data, and modeling to address climate change mitigation and environmental policy challenges. Allen holds a PhD in Infrared Remote Sensing of Peroxyacetyl Nitrate from the University of Leicester (2005). He is a Fellow of the Royal Meteorological Society and actively contributes to global environmental assessments through organizations like the NERC Peer Review College. Research interests include drone-based methane quantification, Arctic methane dynamics, and shale gas environmental baselining. Key projects include developing UAV technology for regulatory monitoring and quantifying emissions from landfills, oil platforms, and biomass burning. Allen’s work has informed UK policy on methane reduction and global climate budgets. His expertise spans atmospheric physics, spectroscopy, and interdisciplinary environmental solutions aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals.

• Building Information Modelling (BIM)
• Information & Communication Technologies in Built Environment
• Project Risk and Cost Modelling
• +4 more

Dr. Madhav Nepal is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Architecture & Built Environment, Faculty of Engineering at Queensland University of Technology (QUT). He holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the University of British Columbia and has extensive academic qualifications in construction engineering and project management. His research focuses on Building Information Modelling (BIM), sustainable construction practices, project lifecycle management, and infrastructure asset management. Dr. Nepal has supervised numerous postgraduate research projects, including work on BIM implementation, power plant risk assessment, and e-tendering readiness in construction. Education: Ph.D., Civil Engineering (Project & Construction Management), University of British Columbia (2011) M.Sc., Building (Project Management), National University of Singapore (2004) M.Eng., Civil Engineering (Construction Engineering & Management), Asian Institute of Technology (2001) His research interests span BIM integration in construction workflows, ICT applications for sustainability, and risk modeling in large infrastructure projects. Recent work emphasizes machine learning applications for urban sustainability and ontology-based risk management in public-private partnerships. Dr. Nepal actively contributes to teaching units like Project Management Principles (BEN610/PMN610) and Managing Project Cost (BEB113). His publications highlight innovations in BIM adoption frameworks, cost overrun risk assessment methodologies, and safety inspection technologies using mobile computing. Supervision highlights include doctoral work on BIM-GIS infrastructure frameworks and cost overrun modeling in power plants. He has collaborated on interdisciplinary projects addressing nonconformity in construction supply chains and smart building technologies for UAE prisons.

Andrés F. ClarensView profile

Professor

• Decarbonization of infrastructure
• Carbon capture and sequestration
• Low-carbon cement development
• +5 more

Andrés F. Clarens is a Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Virginia and Associate Director of the UVA Environmental Institute. His research focuses on decarbonization pathways for infrastructure systems, including industrial sectors like cement production and energy systems. He leads the Clarens Lab, which develops low-carbon cements and models climate mitigation strategies using tools like industrial ecology and systems analysis. His work integrates geoscience, engineering, and policy to address climate change challenges. Clarens holds a B.S. from the University of Virginia and advanced degrees from the University of Michigan. Key research areas include carbon capture/sequestration, negative emissions technologies, and sustainable materials. He has been recognized with awards like the NSF CAREER Award and a Fulbright Fellowship. Teaching responsibilities include courses on environmental engineering fundamentals, green engineering, and water chemistry. Current students include PhD candidates Suzanne Moore Nguyen, Wade Fritzeen, and Kimmie Dela Cerna. Recent initiatives include advancing U.S. industrial innovation policy at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (2024). His lab's C5 cement project develops low-emission alternatives to traditional cement using calcium silicate carbonation. Collaborative grants include DOE ARPA-E and NSF funding. Over 100 peer-reviewed publications span topics from carbon storage to biofuel lifecycle assessments. Research highlights include modeling climate policies under 1.5°C targets and quantifying mineral reactivity via machine learning.

Jana EichelView profile

Assistant Professor

• Biogeomorphology
• Climate Change Impacts on Landscapes
• Vegetation-Grounded Feedbacks
• +3 more

Dr. Jana Eichel is an Assistant Professor in Biogeomorphology at the Department of Physical Geography, Utrecht University. She specializes in understanding feedbacks between Earth surface processes and plant dynamics, particularly in mountain and polar regions undergoing rapid climate change. Her work integrates field observations, remote sensing, and modeling to study landscape evolution across scales. Education: PhD in Geomorphology (2016), University of Bonn MSc in Geography (2011), University of Bonn/Aberdeen Research Interests: Her research focuses on biogeomorphic feedbacks in alpine and polar environments, including vegetation-geomorphic interactions, solifluction dynamics, and climate change impacts. She combines UAV imagery, machine learning, and experimental methods to analyze landscape resilience and ecosystem adaptation. Grants & Projects: Lead of NWO-Veni project “Go or grow?” (2022–2026) German Research Foundation (DFG) project on Chilean biogeomorphic feedbacks (2019–2023) Awards: EGU Geomorphology Division Early Career Award (2024) German Society for Geomorphology PostDoc Award (2023) Hanna Bremer Award (2017) Labs/Teams: She leads the Mountain Biogeomorphology Lab at Utrecht University, collaborating with global institutions on projects combining fieldwork and advanced geospatial technologies.

• Climate Change
• Artificial Intelligence Applications
• Sustainability Science
• +6 more

Francesca Larosa is a Research Fellow at KTH Royal Institute of Technology's Division of History of Science, Technology and Environment. She holds a Marie Curie MSCA Postdoc Individual fellowship (2024) focusing on AI-driven methods to assess sustainability benefits and environmental costs of AI investments. Her research bridges climate change, digitalization, and policy, with a particular emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) synergies and policy informatics. Education includes a PhD in Climate Change Sciences (Ca' Foscari University of Venice), MSc in Economics (Bocconi University), and BA in Economics (University of Pisa). She is affiliated with the Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change (CMCC) and previously conducted postdoctoral research at University College London's Institute for Sustainable Resources. Key research areas include climate finance, AI ethics, climate adaptation, and computational sustainability. Her work emphasizes policy-relevant solutions for climate action, integrating interdisciplinary methods like agent-based modeling and complexity science. Recent projects analyze AI's dual role in accelerating climate solutions while mitigating its own environmental impacts. Publications (2023-2025) highlight themes like AI's sustainability trade-offs, fossil fuel finance challenges, and equitable climate policy frameworks. Awards include recognition as a 'Rising Star in ESG' and roles as a TEDx speaker and EU ClimatePact ambassador. Funding comes from Digital Futures (KTH) and Marie Curie Actions, collaborating with Prof. Ricardo Vinuesa and Prof. Fuso-Nerini. She advocates for inclusive AI governance and communicates climate science through public platforms and educational outreach.

Masaki HayashiView profile

Professor

• Alpine Hydrology
• Permafrost Hydrology
• Prairie Hydrology
• +2 more

Masaki Hayashi is a Professor at the University of Calgary's Department of Earth, Energy, and Environment, specializing in physical hydrology across diverse environments. Educational Background: PhD Earth Sciences, University of Waterloo, 1997 MS Earth Sciences, Chiba University, 1990 BS Earth Sciences, Waseda University, 1986 His research integrates field observation with mathematical analysis to study physical processes in the hydrologic cycle. Current projects investigate alpine hydrology in the Rockies, permafrost hydrology in sub-Arctic regions, prairie hydrology, and Banff hot springs hydrogeology. He leads a research team within the CREATE for Water Security program. Recent publications focus on alpine aquifer characterization, permafrost modeling innovations, and groundwater response to climate variability across various spatial scales. Scientific Awards: Henry Darcy Distinguished Lecturer, National Groundwater Association (2018) Canada Research Chair (Tier 2, 2007-2017) Canadian Geophysical Union Meritorious Service Award (2011)

Mahir YazarView profile

Research Fellow

• Climate Policy
• Urban Climate Governance
• Environmental Justice
• +5 more

Mahir Yazar is a Research Fellow in the Department of Geography at the University of Bergen. He holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Social Science from Arizona State University and is a visiting researcher at the London School of Economics. His work focuses on socio-political dynamics of climate policy implementation, particularly urban climate governance challenges and political backlashes against green transitions in Europe and Turkey. Research interests include climate justice, environmental policy diffusion, populist politics in decarbonization, and urban vulnerability to climate hazards. He leads projects like BALTIC (comparing green transition obstruction in Baltic states) and CINTRAN (decarbonization challenges in carbon-intensive regions), alongside the completed LOCALNET project analyzing local climate policy narratives in Turkish cities. His recent publications explore urban flood vulnerability in Istanbul, equity gaps in climate decision-making, and far-right political tactics against regional decarbonization. He collaborates with institutions like the European Commission (Horizon Europe funding) and has co-authored over 20 peer-reviewed articles in journals such as Urban Studies , Global Environmental Change , and Political Geography .

Asgeir SortebergView profile

Professor

• Climate Science
• Meteorology
• Climatology
• +3 more

Asgeir Sorteberg is a Professor at the University of Bergen's Geophysical Institute and affiliated with the Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research. His research focuses on climate dynamics, extreme weather events, and their societal impacts. Key areas include projections of windstorm damages under climate change, offshore wind energy potential, and climate adaptation strategies. He has contributed to projects like StormRisk, examining damage modeling and future wind climates. His work integrates meteorological data, machine learning, and climate modeling to address challenges in environmental science and renewable energy. Notable collaborations include the Bergen Offshore Wind Centre (BOW) and the Norwegian Meteorological Institute. His presentations at workshops and conferences highlight contributions to climate policy, infrastructure resilience, and Arctic climate studies. Sorteberg's research spans regional climate analysis, hydrological responses to precipitation extremes, and validation of high-resolution climate datasets like NORA3. He frequently addresses interdisciplinary topics such as the impact of atmospheric rivers on Norwegian precipitation and the mitigation of energy intermittency through interconnected offshore wind systems. His findings inform climate adaptation policies and sustainable energy planning in Norway and beyond.

Charles F. Vardeman IIView profile

Research Professor

• Computational Science
• Linked Data
• Semantic Web
• +4 more

Charles F. Vardeman II is a Research Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Notre Dame, where he also holds an appointment at the Center for Research Computing (CRC). He earned his B.S. and Ph.D. in Chemistry from Notre Dame, focusing on theoretical chemistry and molecular dynamics simulations of nano-metallic and glassy systems. His research integrates computational models with linked data and semantic web principles, emphasizing ontology design patterns (ODPs) to enhance data integration and discovery. He explores AI-driven approaches for knowledge representation in machine learning and symbolic neural networks. Education: B.S. in Chemistry (Notre Dame), Ph.D. in Theoretical Chemistry (Notre Dame). Research interests include computational modeling, semantic web technologies, ontology engineering, and the application of AI to material science and environmental sustainability. His work bridges domains like molecular dynamics simulations, geospatial data systems, and cyberinfrastructure design. Recent projects address hurricane risk assessment, resilient building design, and open-source molecular dynamics tools like OpenMD. Publications focus on advancing open-source computational tools, ontology-driven data integration, and interdisciplinary cyberinfrastructure. Notable contributions include developing the OpenMD molecular dynamics engine and frameworks for geospatial data interoperability. He has contributed to initiatives like the Cyberinfrastructure Center of Excellence and CyberEye for disaster response systems. His efforts emphasize linking computational experiments with real-world applications through semantic technologies.

Sabina DeitrickView profile

Associate Professor

• Community development
• Regional planning
• Brownfields revitalization
• +5 more

Sabina Deitrick is an Associate Professor at the University of Pittsburgh's Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences, Department of Urban Studies. Her work focuses on community development, regional planning, and post-industrial city revitalization. She holds a PhD in City and Regional Planning from the University of California, Berkeley. Deitrick leads initiatives like the Pittsburgh Neighborhood and Community Information System (PNCIS), emphasizing community engagement and data-driven solutions. Her research examines nonprofit sector impacts, brownfields redevelopment, and the role of universities in regional economies. She has collaborated on studies involving transportation infrastructure, school absenteeism, and energy policy effects. Awarded the 2019 Soska Wilds Outreach Award, her work bridges academic research with practical urban challenges. Her publications span topics from fracking impacts to innovation district inclusivity. She advises on digital governance tools and integrates participatory methods in urban planning. Deitrick's affiliations include the Urban Studies Department and the University Center for Social and Urban Research. Her lab work involves geospatial analysis and community surveys, such as the Pittsburgh Quality of Life Survey. She maintains a faculty website and has held administrative roles in academic outreach programs.

Jacqueline HannamView profile

Professor

• Soil Science
• Pedology
• Digital Agriculture
• +12 more

Professor Jacqueline Hannam is a leading academic in soil science at Cranfield University, where she holds the position of Professor of Pedology within the Cranfield Environment Centre, part of the School of Water, Energy and Environment. She leads the Soil Informatics group and the LandIS team, which manages the national soil data for England and Wales. She is President of the British Society of Soil Science (BSSS) and a member of Natural England’s Science Advisory Committee. Her work bridges science, policy, and public engagement, with extensive collaboration with Defra, Welsh Government, NERC, and international bodies. Her research expertise lies in digital agriculture, soil informatics, soil health, land use for net zero, and soil policy . She integrates machine learning with soil spectroscopy and citizen science to develop predictive models for sustainable land management. Her work has directly informed national policies, including co-developing Wales’ new soil policy during a 24-month secondment. She is a passionate science communicator, featured on BBC, Sky News, and founder of Soapbox Science Milton Keynes. Her recent publications focus on soil health indicators, climate impacts on agricultural land capability, precision nutrient management, and transdisciplinary soil science. She actively supervises PhD students in areas such as regenerative agriculture, soil carbon stability, and digital soil mapping. Her research is funded by NERC, ESRC, Defra, and the EU, and she contributes to major initiatives like the Land-Use for Net Zero Hub and the Soil Health and Carbon Dynamics Topic Advisory Group. Scientific Awards and Recognition: President, British Society of Soil Science (BSSS) Member, Natural England Science Advisory Committee (NESAC) NERC Panel Member She mentors several PhD researchers and collaborates with institutions like NIAB, BGS, University of Reading, and Syngenta. Her policy-relevant research emphasizes co-production with stakeholders. She is also involved in art-science projects, including the ‘Sensing Soil’ initiative with Goldsmiths and hosting artists at the National Soil Archive. Her outreach and interdisciplinary approach highlight her commitment to making soil science accessible and impactful.