Dr. Helena Mentis is Professor and Department Head of Information Science at Drexel University's College of Computing & Informatics. She holds a PhD in Information Sciences from Pennsylvania State University, an MS in Communication from Cornell University, and a BS in Psychology from Virginia Tech. Her research focuses on human-centered computing in healthcare, with emphases on telemedicine, online safety for vulnerable populations, and responsible technology design. Research Interests: Dr. Mentis investigates collaborative technologies for healthcare contexts using sociotechnical frameworks. Her work includes: Developing telemedicine systems for surgical training and rehabilitation Designing cybersecurity safeguards for older adults with cognitive impairments Creating ethical frameworks for computing education Awards & Leadership: US Fulbright Scholar (2021) Former Executive VP/President of ACM SIGCHI Grants & Labs: Secured $1.4M+ in NSF/Mozilla funding for projects like Telemedicine at Scale and Negotiating Cyber Systems Access . Directed UMBC's Center for Responsible and Inclusive Technology and Bodies in Motion Lab.
Dr. Anne Koelewijn is an Assistant Professor leading the Biomechanical Motion Analysis and Creation (BioMAC) group at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) since 2019. Her research bridges biomechanics, computational modeling, and wearable technology to analyze human movement. She holds a Junior Professorship in Computational Movement Science within the Department of Electrical-Electronic-Communication Engineering. Her educational background includes a Doctor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from Cleveland State University (focus: prosthesis design and gait simulations), an MSc in Mechanical Engineering (BioMechanical Design specialization), and a BSc in Aerospace Engineering , both from Delft University of Technology. She completed postdoctoral work at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne on neuromuscular control. Research interests center on human movement optimization , neuromuscular control mechanisms , and in-the-wild movement analysis . Her work integrates musculoskeletal modeling, optimal control theory, and machine learning to study gait adaptations, exoskeleton design, and pathological movement patterns (e.g., Parkinson’s disease). Publications emphasize predictive simulations , wearable sensor technology , and biomechanical energy optimization , with recent advances in radar-based motion capture, inertial pose estimation, and digital twin applications for medical engineering. Promising Scientist Award , International Society of Biomechanics (2023) Best Paper Award , 5th International Symposium on Wearable Robotics (2020) She leads the BioMAC research group, focusing on computational methods for movement science and collaborating internationally on projects involving exoskeletons, injury prevention, and neuroprosthetics.
Herb Winful is a Professor of Optics at the University of Michigan's College of Engineering, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. He specializes in nonlinear optics, laser physics, quantum tunneling , and photonics , with a focus on phenomena like superluminal group velocities, frequency comb generation, and light storage via stimulated Brillouin scattering. Research areas span quantum tunneling times , nonlinear photonic materials , and coherent beam combining in fiber laser arrays. His work includes frequency comb spectroscopy using quantum-well diode lasers, ultrafast erbium fiber lasers , and negative group delay engineering in birefringent waveguides. The article list reveals expertise in supercontinuum generation , evanescent wave dynamics , photonic crystals , and nonlinear pulse manipulation . Key subfields include stimulated Brillouin/Raman scattering , parabolic similaritons , and time-domain modeling of optical systems. Award-winning scientific contributions include resolving the Hartman effect paradox and optimizing fiber laser arrays for high-power applications. His research bridges theoretical insights with practical innovations in optical engineering and quantum optics .
Manolis Chatzis is an Associate Professor in the Department of Engineering Science at the University of Oxford and a Tutorial Fellow at Hertford College. His research focuses on dynamic systems and earthquake engineering, particularly modeling risks for unanchored structural and non-structural components subjected to ground motions. University of Oxford - Department of Engineering Science Hertford College - Tutorial Fellow His work on system identification and observability of nonlinear systems aims to optimize sensor setups for infrastructure reliability. Recent publications address discontinuous Kalman filters for non-smooth dynamics, energy loss in rocking bodies, and experimental validation of seismic response models. Applications span seismically isolated buildings, museum artifacts, hospital equipment, and supercomputers. Key research trends include: Nonlinear dynamics of rocking/sliding systems Bayesian identification methods Energy dissipation mechanisms 3D motion tracking algorithms Sensor fusion and data-driven modeling His publications since 2010 demonstrate interdisciplinary collaboration across civil, mechanical, and computational engineering domains.
Valerio Pascucci is a Professor at the University of Utah's School of Computing and a DOE Laboratory Fellow at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. He directs the Center for Extreme Data Management Analysis and Visualization (CEDMAV) and previously led projects at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and University of Texas at Austin. PhD in Computer Science (Purdue University, 2000) MSc in Electrical Engineering (University 'La Sapienza', Rome, 1993) As a pioneer in Big Data Management , Scientific Visualization , and Computational Topology , his work connects topological methods with progressive algorithms to enable interactive exploration of petascale datasets. His research spans climate modeling , neuroscience , materials science , and precision agriculture , focusing on multi-resolution techniques and geometric compression . Recent publications show specialization in web-based visualization and AI-driven analytics for climate data, with emphasis on equity in data access and FAIR data principles . His ViSUS project enables real-time data streaming from supercomputers to desktops, while NAPA explores GPU-based architectures for streaming algorithms. Scientific Awards : Best Paper Award, IEEE Pacific Visualization 2011 Best Application Paper Award, IEEE VIS 2006 DOE Laboratory Fellow He advises numerous graduate students and leads collaborations across national laboratories , universities , and industry . Funded by NSF Grant #2127548 , he develops technologies for exascale computing and geospatial intelligence .
Professor Ana Ferreira is a leading seismologist at University College London, focusing on deep Earth structure and earthquake source processes. Her research integrates seismic and geodetic data to understand planetary dynamics from the surface to the lowermost mantle. Her work includes pioneering seismic tomography, such as the SGLOBE-rani 3D anisotropy model, and earthquake source analysis using InSAR and normal mode data. She leads the Seismological Laboratory and teaches Seismology II and Field Geophysics. Recent projects include the UPFLOW experiment, which deployed 49 ocean bottom seismometers in the Atlantic, and studies on Greenland ice sheet evolution and Tonga volcanic eruptions. Her EU-funded research emphasizes multidisciplinary data integration and numerical modeling. Key article trends cover mantle anisotropy, global tomography, earthquake source inversion, cosmology-inspired machine learning, and ocean bottom seismology applications in geodynamics and cryospheric processes.
Prof. Dr. Marek Basler is an Associate Professor of Infection Biology at the Biozentrum, University of Basel , leading a research group focused on the Type VI Secretion System (T6SS) in bacterial pathogens. His work bridges structural biology, molecular microbiology, and computational analysis to unravel the mechanisms of this contractile nanomachine. PhD in Microbiology (2007, Institute of Microbiology, CAS, Prague) Postdoctoral Fellow (2007–2013, Harvard Medical School) Assistant Professor (2013–2018) and Associate Professor (since 2018) at Biozentrum His research explores the structure, assembly, and therapeutic potential of the T6SS, a critical virulence factor in pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa . Key themes include bacterial defense strategies , intermicrobial competition , and host-pathogen interactions . Recent projects highlight T6SS roles in antibiotic resistance and horizontal gene transfer . The most recent publications (2025–2024) reveal novel insights into T6SS activation by environmental stress , toxin diversity , and host cell targeting . Trends span microbial ecology , nanomachine dynamics , and computational modeling of bacterial interactions. Scientific Awards : EMBO Membership (2023) ERC Consolidator Grant (2019) EMBO Gold Medal (2018) Friedrich Miescher Award (2018) EMBO Young Investigator (2015) His lab (Basler Lab) utilizes state-of-the-art microscopy , biochemical techniques , and live-cell simulations (e.g., BacFighT6 ). Collaborations span institutions like Harvard Medical School and NCCR-AntiResist , with future work targeting antibacterial therapies .
Stephen Brooks is a Professor in the Faculty of Computer Science at Dalhousie University, actively contributing to research and education in computer graphics, visualization, and human-computer interaction. He is affiliated with the Human-Computer Interaction, Visualization & Graphics research cluster and currently supervises multiple graduate students on diverse projects. PhD in Computer Science, University of Cambridge (2004) MSc in Computer Science, University of British Columbia (2000) BSc, Brock University (1998) His research focuses on computer graphics and visualization, particularly non-photorealistic rendering, image editing, 3D geospatial systems, ocean visualization, and real-time rendering of natural phenomena. He has also worked in sound synthesis and motion editing. His recent publications show a strong emphasis on visual analytics, network flow visualization, and ocean science applications. His work spans interdisciplinary domains including environmental science, genomics, cybersecurity, and digital art. He has developed visualization tools for ocean science under a major CFREF-funded initiative and created novel methods for rendering stained glass, mixed media art, rivers, and ocean surfaces. His research integrates perception, automation, and user interaction to enhance visual analysis. Notable scientific contributions include work on tone mapping optimization, uncertainty visualization using chromatic aberration, semantic object clouds, and hybrid 2D/3D GIS. His publications appear in top venues such as IEEE TVCG, ACM Transactions, and SIGGRAPH. NSERC Discovery Grants Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF) NSERC CREATE Mitacs Accelerate and Globalink CFI New Opportunities Grant Cyber Security Research and Development Grant He has supervised numerous PhD, Master’s, and undergraduate students in areas including ocean visualization, tone mapping, network security, VR, and geospatial analytics. He teaches courses in Game Design, Visualization, Computer Animation, and Network Computing, emphasizing project-based and interdisciplinary learning. He leads research in visual analytics for network data (FloVis), ocean science, and mixed reality collaboration. His lab develops interactive systems for data exploration in domains ranging from marine biology to cybersecurity. Future work includes expanding ocean-first climate visualization and enhancing mixed presence collaboration in immersive environments.
Maarten Coëgnarts is an Assistant Professor in Film Studies at the University of Antwerp and a Fellow of the Society of the Cognitive Studies of the Moving Image (SCSMI) . His research focuses on embodied cognition , conceptual metaphor theory , and non-verbal meaning-making in cinema , with a particular emphasis on Stanley Kubrick’s work. University of Antwerp, Film Studies, Faculty Member Research Interests Coëgnarts explores how embodied mental schemas shape cinematic perception and creation. His work bridges cognitive linguistics, neuroscience, and film theory to analyze abstract concepts in films through visual, auditory, and editing techniques . Key areas include sensory-motor grounding of emotions , spatio-temporal dynamics in art cinema , and subjectivity in narrative . Recent Publications His 2023–2022 articles examine sound analysis via container schemas , motion vectors , and temporal logic in films , while 2016–2020 works address emotional causality and metaphorical perception . He co-edited the 2023 Baltic Screen Media Review special issue on "Cinematic Minds in the Making" . Scientific Recognition Fellow, SCSMI Books He authored Film as Embodied Art: Bodily Meaning in the Cinema of Stanley Kubrick (2019) and co-edited Embodied Cognition and Cinema (2015). His work highlights filmmakers as "conceptual artists" who leverage non-verbal cinematic tools to convey abstract ideas.
Henrik Myhre Jensen is a Professor at the College of Engineering , Aarhus University, specializing in Mechanics of Materials , Solid Mechanics , and Mechanical Engineering . His research focuses on fracture mechanics, composite materials, and computational modeling of structural behaviors. Research Focus Fracture mechanics in composites and layered materials Computational modeling of kink band propagation Surface wear and coating technologies Ultrasound imaging applications in mechanical systems Notable Contributions Henrik has contributed to understanding crack propagation in cantilever beams, developed numerical methods for simulating delamination in composites, and explored buckling instabilities in solids. His recent work connects machine learning (holomorphic neural networks) to traditional fracture mechanics problems. Key Projects MAGFLY (2017-2021): Magnets for Flywheel Energy Storage InnoVacc (2009): Pressure Testing of Vacuum Chambers Simulation of composite structures (2011-2020): Micro-mechanical modeling
Kathryn Hess Bellwald is a Full Professor at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in both the School of Life Sciences and School of Basic Sciences . She leads the Laboratory for Topology and Neuroscience and serves as Academic Director for the Euler Programme . Her work bridges pure mathematics and interdisciplinary applications in neuroscience, materials science, and data analysis. Education : PhD in Mathematics (MIT, 1989), preceded by positions at Stockholm, Nice, and Toronto universities. Her research spans algebraic topology , homotopy theory , operad theory , and algebraic K-theory , with applications in neuroscience and materials science . She has pioneered topological data analysis methods for classifying neuronal morphologies , microglia phenotypes , and nanoporous materials , creating a parameter-free framework linking neural network structure to activity. The 15 most recent publications highlight her work on topological inverse problems , neuroinflammation , and equivariant homotopy . These studies often involve collaborations with the Blue Brain Project and EPFL teams in neuroscience , machine learning , and materials science . Scientific Awards : Fellow, American Mathematical Society (2017); Distinguished Speaker, European Mathematical Society (2017); Crédit Suisse Teaching Prize (2012); Polysphère d'Or (2013); Full Member, Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences (2016); Chaire de la Vallée Poussin (2023); Fellow, Association for Women in Mathematics (2024). She has mentored numerous PhD students in mathematics and neuroscience, including Adélie Eliane Garin , Varvara Karpova , and Dimitri Zaganidis . Her EPFL Mathematics affiliations include the DIVISION MATH , while her Neuroscience lab operates under the Brain Mind Institute (BMI) in the School of Life Sciences (SV). Grants and collaborations are evident in her work on neurodegenerative diseases , synthetic materials , and machine learning frameworks .
Ehsan Samei is the Reed and Martha Rice Distinguished Professor of Radiology at Duke University. He holds concurrent professorships in Medical Physics, Biomedical Engineering, Physics, and Electrical and Computer Engineering. His leadership roles include Chief Imaging Physicist at Duke University Health System, Director of the Carl E. Ravin Advanced Imaging Laboratories, and Director of the Center for Virtual Imaging Trials (CVIT). Education: University of Michigan (PhD, 1997; MEng, 1995) Key Appointments: Radiology (Clinical Science Departments), Biomedical Engineering (Pratt School of Engineering), Physics (Trinity College of Arts & Sciences) Dr. Samei's research bridges medical imaging physics with clinical applications. His work focuses on photon-counting CT technology, virtual imaging trials, and AI-driven harmonization of CT images. He develops computational models for organ dosimetry, disease quantification, and procedural optimization in radiology. Recent publications emphasize virtual imaging trials for evaluating CT technologies, radiation dose reduction strategies, and AI integration in medical imaging. His studies compare photon-counting CT with conventional systems for lung density, liver lesion detection, and cardiac imaging, while advancing radiomics and dose monitoring frameworks. Scientific Awards Fellow of AAPM (FAAPM) Fellow of SPIE (FSPIE) Fellow of AIMBE (FAIMBE) Fellow of IOMP (FIOMP) Fellow of ACR (FACR) President of AAPM (2023) President of SDAMPP (2010-2011) Dr. Samei has secured major grants from NIH, NCI, and industry partners like GE Healthcare and Siemens. He leads the Center for Virtual Imaging Trials and directs multiple residency training programs in medical physics. His laboratory develops simulation toolkits, 3D-printed phantoms, and dose analytics platforms.
Per-Arne Andersen is an Associate Professor at the Department of Information and Communication Technology within the University of Agder . His research focuses on artificial intelligence , reinforcement learning , Tsetlin machines , and deep learning , with applications in real-time strategy games , industrial environments , and IoT systems . Projects: RESTORE Research Groups: CAIR - Center for Artificial Intelligence Research, CIEM - Center for Integrated Crisis Management, Intelligent Mechatronics (iTron) His work explores safe and sustainable reinforcement learning , interpretable AI , and generative environment modeling . He has developed frameworks like CaiRL and CostNet for high-performance RL environments and goal-directed learning. Recent publications include advancements in Tsetlin automaton analysis , GNSS jamming classification , and road quality detection . Articles from 2025-2016 span machine learning , computer vision , and environmental modeling . He contributes to IEEE , Springer , and LNCS publications, with a focus on interdisciplinary AI applications in crisis management , cybersecurity , and industrial optimization .
Dr. Steven Cummer is the William H. Younger Distinguished Professor of Engineering and Associate Chair of Faculty Affairs in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Duke University's Pratt School of Engineering. He is also recognized as a Bass Fellow at Duke University. Dr. Cummer received his educational foundation at Stanford University, earning his B.S.E.E. in 1991, M.S.E.E. in 1993, and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering in 1997. After completing his doctorate, he spent two years at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center as an NRC postdoctoral research associate before joining Duke University in 1999. B.S.E.E. Stanford University, 1991 M.S.E.E. Stanford University, 1993 Ph.D. Stanford University, 1997 Dr. Cummer's research focuses on theoretical and experimental electromagnetic problems related to geophysical remote sensing and engineered electromagnetic materials. His work spans multiple disciplines, including lightning physics, terrestrial gamma-ray flashes, acoustic metamaterials, and transformation optics. He has made significant contributions to understanding the connection between lightning discharges and high-energy atmospheric phenomena, particularly terrestrial gamma-ray flashes (TGFs). His research in acoustic metamaterials has pioneered new approaches to sound manipulation and control, with applications in medical imaging, underwater acoustics, and noise control. Analysis of Dr. Cummer's recent publications shows a continued focus on atmospheric electricity phenomena, particularly lightning and terrestrial gamma-ray flashes, while simultaneously advancing the field of acoustic metamaterials. His work integrates experimental observations with theoretical modeling, often using sophisticated radio frequency and optical measurement techniques. The interdisciplinary nature of his research bridges electrical engineering, atmospheric science, and physics. Dr. Cummer has received numerous prestigious awards for his research contributions: National Science Foundation CAREER award (2001) Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) (2001) Fellow of the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (2011) Stansell Family Distinguished Research Award from the Pratt School of Engineering (2018) As an educator, Dr. Cummer has taught a range of courses in electrical and computer engineering, including Fields and Waves, Waves in Matter, and various project-based courses. His research group has been consistently supported by grants from the National Science Foundation and other agencies, enabling both fundamental research and student training. Dr. Cummer has mentored numerous graduate students who have gone on to successful careers in academia and industry. Dr. Cummer leads a research laboratory that combines experimental and theoretical approaches to study electromagnetic phenomena. His team utilizes sophisticated radio frequency measurement systems, optical instrumentation, and computational modeling to investigate lightning physics, atmospheric electricity, and acoustic metamaterials. Recent field campaigns have included airborne observations of gamma-ray emissions from thunderstorms.
Matthew R. Edwards is an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Stanford University, affiliated with the School of Engineering. His research focuses on high-power lasers and plasma physics, developing optical diagnostics for fluids and plasmas, and exploring light-matter interactions. He holds a PhD and prior degrees from Princeton University in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, followed by a Lawrence Fellowship at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Education : PhD in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University (2019) MA in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University (2015) BSE in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University (2012) Research Interests : Edwards' work bridges mechanical engineering and plasma physics, emphasizing ultrafast laser-plasma interactions, plasma-based optical components, and applications in energy science. His lab, the SAPPHIRE Laser Laboratory, explores femtosecond laser technologies for creating novel optical elements (e.g., plasma gratings, holographic lenses) and advancing laser-driven particle acceleration, fusion research, and diagnostic tools. Key areas include: Design of plasma-based optical components for high-power laser control Simulation of laser-matter interactions at relativistic intensities Development of compact light and particle sources Research Trends : His recent articles (2024–2025) highlight advancements in plasma gratings, relativistic birefringence, and laser wakefield acceleration. Notable contributions include ionization-based compression of ultrafast laser pulses and polarization control in underdense plasmas. Awards/Grants : No awards explicitly listed, but his Lawrence Fellowship indicates prior recognition. His work aligns with grants in plasma physics and laser technology. Labs/Teams : He leads the SAPPHIRE Laser Laboratory , collaborating with the PULSE Institute and National Ignition Facility (NIF) on plasma optics and high-energy laser applications.
