Dr. Guohong Tian is a Senior Lecturer in Automotive Engineering at the University of Surrey's School of Mechanical Engineering Sciences. He holds roles including Departmental representative for the Faculty International Relations Committee and coordinator for Headstart and Summer School programs. His research focuses on advanced engine technologies, alternative fuels, and thermal management systems. Prior to Surrey, he was at Newcastle University (2010–2015) and Birmingham University as a Research Fellow (2008–2010). Education: PhD in Mechanical Engineering (Birmingham University). Collaborations: Jaguar Land Rover, Cummins, BP, Shell, JCB, and Avid. Research areas include: Internal combustion engines: novel designs (free piston, scroll engines), waste heat recovery via ORC, and desalination integration. Battery thermal management using capillary-driven cooling and heat pipes. Soot oxidation mechanisms and catalytic diesel particulate filters. Key projects: KTP project with William Medcalf Limited improving vintage engine performance. ADVICE-ADvancing thermal energy management in hybrid vehicles. Publications emphasize combustion diagnostics, emission reduction, and scroll expander optimization. He supervises students on pyrolysis oils and scroll expander development. His lab includes a state-of-the-art engine test bench with FTIR emission analysis and high-speed imaging systems.
Alvin NG Theng Haw is an Adjunct Associate Professor at the Division of Information Technology and Operations Management, College of Business (Nanyang Business School), Nanyang Technological University (NTU). He combines over 20 years of global leadership experience in Sales and Product Management with academic roles, including serving as a Senior Career Fellow and executive coach for NTU’s Global Executive MBA and Full-Time MBA programmes. His work focuses on integrating Digital Transformation, Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence for Business into strategic frameworks. Research Interests : Alvin specializes in leveraging Digital Transformation and Advanced Technologies (IoT, AI) to drive business innovation. His publications in materials science demonstrate interdisciplinary applications of these technologies to fields like Soft Robotics, Self-Healing Materials, and Wearable Electronics. His expertise extends to Smart Cities, Sustainability Technology, and Industry 4.0, where he applies business strategies to technological challenges. Contributions : As a founding member of the World Economic Forum’s Digital ASEAN Skills Task Force, he advocates for digital literacy and skills development. His industry experience includes roles in networking, software, cloud platforms, and biorenewable materials, reflecting a bridge between business and engineering.
Xiaoze Pei is a Professor in the Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering at the University of Bath, affiliated with the Institute for Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems (IAAPS) and the Electronics Materials, Circuits & Systems Research Unit (EMaCS). His research focuses on superconductivity applications in electric systems, cryogenic power electronics, and DC network technologies for aerospace and renewable energy integration. Key projects include leading initiatives such as Towards Zero Emissions Electric Aircraft through Superconducting DC Distribution Network and HSTEA - Aerospace R&I , addressing challenges in electric propulsion, fault current limiters, and cryogenic power converters. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to clean energy and sustainable transport. Expertise: Superconducting fault current limiters (SFCL), DC circuit breakers, cryogenic power systems. Current roles: Principal Investigator (PI) on multiple UK and EU-funded projects. Collaborations: Extensive work with industry partners and academic institutions on electric aircraft, hydrogen control systems, and e-mobility technologies. Recent research emphasizes high-current cryogenic DC circuit breakers, superconducting air-core motors for aircraft, and topology optimization for power electronics. He actively supervises doctoral students in these areas and has published over 90 peer-reviewed articles. Labs/Teams: Leads research within EMaCS and collaborates with teams specializing in power electronics, cryogenics, and aerospace propulsion.
Caroline Samer is an Associate Professor at the University of Geneva (UNIGE) Faculty of Medicine and serves as the Head of the Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology at the Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève (HUG) . She also acts as the Delegate to the Dean's Office for Data Issues since July 2023. Medical Degree (2001), PhD in Pharmacogenomics, Postdoctoral Fellowship in Molecular Pharmacology (Sydney) President of the Swiss Society for Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology (SSPTC) and Swiss Society of Pharmacology and Toxicology (SSPT) Vice-President of Swissethics and the Geneva Research Ethics Committee (CCER) Her research focuses on personalizing drug therapy through pharmacogenomics and precision medicine , emphasizing gene-environment-disease interactions and omic technologies . Key themes include drug interactions , pharmacokinetic modeling , and therapeutic information . Recent publications highlight her work in pharmacogenomics , drug safety , and clinical pharmacology , with a focus on opioids , antiaggregants , and drug metabolism . Her collaborations span oncopediatrics , internal medicine , medical informatics , and pharmaceutical sciences . She leads the Samer-Daali Research Group , which integrates in vitro , in vivo , and in silico models to advance personalized therapy . Her work is supported by institutional affiliations with the Faculty Center of Translational Investigation in Biomarkers and CIOMS .
Francis Y. Yan is an Assistant Professor of Computer Science at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), holding an affiliate appointment in Electrical & Computer Engineering within the Grainger College of Engineering. He leads the Illinois Networked Systems and AI (NSAI) research group, focusing on building intelligent networked systems that are safe, robust, and performance-optimized through practical machine learning integration. Prior to joining UIUC in January 2025, he served as a Senior Researcher at Microsoft Research Redmond under Victor Bahl. His educational background includes: Ph.D. in Computer Science from Stanford University (2020), advised by Keith Winstein and Philip Levis B.S. in Computer Science (Yao Class) and B.A. in Economics from Tsinghua University (2015) Additional undergraduate studies at MIT Yan's research adopts a holistic approach to practical machine learning for networked systems, emphasizing judicious application rather than indiscriminate use. He builds real-world systems and research platforms to lay ML foundations, devises deployable algorithms using domain insights, and validates performance through extensive empirical evidence. His work consistently addresses operator concerns regarding ML deployment—focusing on safety, robustness, generalization, and efficiency—while strategically combining ML with classical networking and systems techniques. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2023-2025) reveals dominant themes in resource allocation for microservices (DeDe, Autothrottle), real-time video optimization (Mowgli, GRACE), and LLM-driven network algorithm design. His work bridges theoretical advances with industrial deployment, evidenced by platforms like Puffer (400,000+ users) and OpenNetLab that have become community standards for validating congestion control algorithms. His research has been recognized with top honors: USENIX NSDI Outstanding Paper Award (2024) for Autothrottle APNet Best Paper Award (2022) IRTF Applied Networking Research Prize (2021) USENIX NSDI Community Award (2020) USENIX ATC Best Paper Award (2018) for Pantheon Yan actively recruits master's and undergraduate researchers for his NSAI group, prioritizing self-motivated students for projects in networked systems and AI. His research is supported by industry collaborations (notably Microsoft) and manifests in deployable platforms like Puffer—which has enabled award-winning research at NSDI and SIGCOMM—and OpenNetLab for real-time communications. His work directly impacts production systems including Microsoft Teams and Bing. He founded and directs the Illinois Networked Systems and AI (NSAI) research group, which operates critical infrastructure including Puffer (a live TV service and research platform) and OpenNetLab. These platforms facilitate community-wide validation of novel algorithms, with Puffer alone supporting multiple best-paper awards at top conferences. Current workstreams span cloud resource management (Teal, Autothrottle, DeDe), low-latency video (Puffer, Tambur, Mowgli), and LLM-augmented systems (Nada, Designing Network Algorithms via LLMs).
Dr. John Hastings is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Dakota State University, part of the Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences. With nearly 35 years of experience, he specializes in teaching and curriculum development in computer science, combining academic rigor with industry insights from his roles as an AI/ML engineer, team leader, and business owner. Education: Ph.D., Computer Science, University of Wyoming M.S., Computer Science, University of Wyoming B.S., Computer Science, University of Wyoming Research interests include machine learning, AI applications in natural language processing (LLMs), generative AI, computer vision, ecological/environmental AI, AI in games, and gamification in education. Recent publications focus on cybersecurity challenges, AI ethics, and insider threat detection. His work has been recognized with awards such as the AAAI’s Innovative Applications of Artificial Intelligence (IAAI) Award and an International IPM Award for Excellence related to the CARMA AI tool. Teaching emphasizes active learning and practical skills, including courses on programming, data structures, AI, and cybersecurity. He advocates for gamification in education to enhance student engagement and success.
Christina Youngmi Choi is a Professor in the School of Design at the Royal College of Art (RCA), specializing in emerging technologies, healthcare, and inclusive design. She holds a BFA and MA in Industrial Design from South Korea, followed by a MSc and PhD from the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), where she also served as faculty, earning tenure and holding leadership roles such as Associate Chair and Director of the Graduate Program. Her research focuses on leveraging technology for assistive and inclusive design, emphasizing evidence-based and human-centered approaches. Key areas include usability assessment, assistive product design, and healthcare innovation. She has over 60 publications in journals, conferences, and books, with notable works exploring augmented reality in design and accessibility. Dr. Choi has led or contributed to significant grants, including the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (RERC) for Wireless Inclusive Technologies (2016–22), and the NSF-funded Feasibility and Usability Assessment of an Intraoral Inconspicuous Control Surface (2013–16). Her work spans collaborations with industry partners like LG Electronics and Jeju Airlines, addressing challenges in healthcare, education, and consumer technology. Awards: Best Paper Award at AHFE 2022 Georgia Tech Teaching Excellence Recognition (multiple years) National Science Foundation Women of Excellence Award (2016) Her advising and grants highlight interdisciplinary projects, such as integrating traditional wood joinery into CNC manufacturing and developing user-friendly medical devices. She is an editorial board member of the Journal of User Experience and peer reviewer for multiple journals and conferences. Her work also addresses privacy in health technologies and medication adherence systems, reflecting a commitment to societal impact through design.
Dr. Joyoung Lee is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). He previously served as Laboratory Manager at the Federal Highway Administration's Saxton Transportation Operations Laboratory. His research focuses on Connected Vehicle (CV) systems, including applications in traffic management, signal control optimization, and autonomous vehicle infrastructure integration. Dr. Lee holds a Ph.D. (2010) and M.S. (2007) in Transportation Engineering from the University of Virginia, and a B.S. (2000) in Transportation Engineering from Hanyang University. His work emphasizes CV-based solutions for real-time traffic systems, cooperative vehicle-infrastructure systems (CVIS), and autonomous vehicle integration. Notable achievements include the 2019 IEEE CAVS Best Paper Award and multiple best paper recognitions from PTV User Group Meetings. His research also addresses traffic safety through innovations like the Virtual Guide Dog system for visually impaired pedestrians and advanced traffic monitoring frameworks using LiDAR and computer vision. Education: Ph.D., Transportation Engineering, University of Virginia (2010) M.S., Transportation Engineering, University of Virginia (2007) B.S., Transportation Engineering, Hanyang University (2000) Dr. Lee's research interests span smart city infrastructure, edge computing for traffic systems, and sustainable transportation solutions. He has pioneered algorithms for cooperative intersection management, automated platooning systems, and federated learning-based traffic optimization. His work bridges theoretical models with real-world implementation through partnerships with FHWA and industry stakeholders. Key contributions include development of the Cumulative Travel-Time Responsive (CTR) traffic signal control system, smart arrival notification systems for paratransit services, and advanced microsimulation calibration techniques. His lab focuses on translating CV data into actionable strategies for safer, more efficient transportation networks. Awards: IEEE CAVS Best Paper Award (2019) ASCE Grand Challenge Innovation Contest Honorable Mention (2017) PTV VISSIM Best Paper Awards (2012, 2008) Excellence in Research Award (University of Virginia, 2011) Ongoing projects include semi-decentralized graph neural networks for traffic forecasting and low-cost LiDAR-based traffic monitoring systems. His work addresses critical challenges in autonomous vehicle integration, incident management, and infrastructure resilience through interdisciplinary collaborations.
Yuan Tian is an Assistant Professor in the School of Computing at Queen's University, Faculty of Arts and Science. She holds a PhD in Information Systems from Singapore Management University (2017) and a B.Sc. in Computer Science from Zhejiang University (2012). Her research focuses on integrating heterogeneous data sources to enhance software engineering practices, including data mining, recommender systems, and social network analysis. Prior to Queen's, she was a data scientist at Living Analytics Research Centre (LARC), SMU. She has held visiting positions at Carnegie Mellon University, INRIA Paris, and SAIL Canada. Research Interests: Data Mining Software Engineering Social Network Analysis Information Retrieval Recommender Systems Computer Security Recent Research Trends: Her work emphasizes AI-driven solutions for software bug management, code translation, vulnerability detection, and developer behavior analysis. Notable contributions include leveraging LLMs for technical debt repayment and enhancing code vulnerability detection via Graph Neural Networks. Awards: SMU Presidential Doctoral Fellowship (2015-2016) Best Paper Award at SANER 2017 Grants & Advising: No formal advisees listed, but active in collaborative projects with industry and academic partners. Labs/Teams: Previously associated with SOAR Group at SMU and currently leads research in Queen's School of Computing.
Dr. Dijiang Huang is an Associate Professor in the School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence at Arizona State University (ASU). He joined ASU in 2005 after completing his Ph.D. in Telecommunications and Computer Networking from the University of Missouri-Kansas City (2004). His research focuses on cybersecurity, mobile computing, and cloud computing, supported by grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF), Office of Naval Research (ONR), and industry partners like HP. He has received prestigious awards, including the ONR Young Investigator Award and HP Innovative Research Award. Education: B.E. in Telecommunications, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications (1995) M.S. in Computer Science, University of Missouri-Kansas City (2001) Ph.D. in Telecommunications and Computer Networking, University of Missouri-Kansas City (2004) Research Interests: Huang’s work emphasizes secure communication protocols, privacy-preserving techniques, and resilient network architectures. He has pioneered frameworks like Secure Group Communication (SeGCom) and Attribute-Based Cryptography , addressing challenges in VANETs, SDN, and edge computing. His recent projects include developing Waterfall for SDN security and SmartDefense for DDoS mitigation. Grants & Awards: ONR Young Investigator Award (2008) HP Innovative Research Award (2008) NSF grants for secure mobile cloud frameworks and cyber-physical systems Professional Contributions: Huang has served as a reviewer for journals like IEEE Transactions on Wireless Communications and conferences such as ACM MobiArch. He co-developed the Open Human-Robotic Mobile Networking and Security Testbed (OHReST) and the Virtual Laboratory (VLab) for cybersecurity education.
Abraham Silberschatz is the Sidney J. Weinberg Professor of Computer Science at Yale University. He previously served as Vice President of the Information Sciences Research Center at Bell Laboratories and held a chaired professorship at the University of Texas at Austin. His research focuses on database systems, operating systems, and network management. Silberschatz has advised over a dozen PhD students, many now in academia and industry. Education: Ph.D., Computer Science, Stony Brook University (SUNY) Research Interests: His work spans database systems, operating systems, storage systems, and network management. Notable contributions include foundational textbooks like Operating System Concepts and Database System Concepts , which have become industry standards. He has also developed innovative systems like DataPlay and contributed to projects such as NetInventory. Publications: His 15+ years of research include influential papers on database architecture, network routing, and distributed systems. Recent work explores leveraging non-volatile memory technologies in systems design. Awards: ACM Karl V. Karlstrom Outstanding Educator Award (1998) IEEE Taylor L. Booth Education Award (2002) VLDB Test of Time Award (2019) Multiple Bell Laboratories President's Awards for innovation Grants & Patents: Recipient of over two dozen grants and over four dozen patents, including foundational IP in multimedia storage and distributed systems. His team's HadoopDB project merged MapReduce and DBMS technologies. Labs/Teams: Collaborates with Prof. Robert Soulé on projects in database systems and networking, focusing on next-gen memory technologies. Active in mentoring graduate students and postdocs in their research group.
Emine Ayaz is a Professor at Istanbul Technical University's Department of Electrical Engineering. Her research spans fault detection in electric motors, signal processing, and nuclear power plant monitoring, with recent work integrating deep learning (e.g., dual RNN architectures) and medical applications (e.g., parasitology, plant-based wound healing). Key Collaborations : International partnerships in motor diagnostics and nuclear engineering. Projects : Led grants on high-voltage training and predictive maintenance for TEİAŞ and industrial processes. Research Trends : Recent publications emphasize neural networks for motor fault classification, coherence analysis for insulation diagnostics, and interdisciplinary work in plant biotechnology and parasitology. Labs & Teams : Involved in projects analyzing vibration signals, wavelet transforms, and sensor fusion for industrial and nuclear systems.
Deqiong Ma is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Genetics at Yale University School of Medicine and Associate Director of the DNA Diagnostic Laboratory. She holds an MD from Tongji Medical University (1991), a PhD from the University of Tasmania (2003), and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Duke University and a clinical fellowship at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Her research focuses on genetic and genomic mechanisms underlying autism spectrum disorders, particularly copy number variants (CNVs), structural variation analysis, and clinical diagnostic methodologies. Key research interests include identifying novel genetic risk factors for autism using advanced genomic techniques, such as homozygosity mapping and fine-scale structural variation analysis. Her work bridges clinical genetics and molecular biology, with applications in diagnostic testing and understanding neurodevelopmental disorders. She collaborates extensively on studies involving autism candidate genes (e.g., MBD5, TBL1X) and genomic pathway analysis. Publications emphasize translational research, including diagnostic improvements for pediatric patients and elucidating genetic architecture in autism. She leads efforts in the DNA Diagnostic Lab to integrate genomic data into clinical practice, focusing on regions of homozygosity and uniparental disomy.
Pedro Vilaça is a **Professor and Head of the Department of Energy and Mechanical Engineering** at **Aalto University's School of Engineering**, Finland. Previously, he worked at the Instituto Superior Técnico (Técnico), University of Lisbon, Portugal (1995–2013). His research focuses on **welding technology**, **solid-state manufacturing**, **non-destructive testing (NDT)**, **hydrogen-related materials science**, and **materials safety**, with applications in energy and aeronautics sectors. He leads R&D teams and has collaborated globally, contributing to 142+ publications (h-index 32 via Scopus). **Research Interests**: Advanced welding techniques (e.g., friction stir welding), hydrogen embrittlement in steels, supercapacitor materials, and smart composites. He has pioneered methods for **zero-material-loss welding** and **self-sensing metallic materials**. **Key Projects**: Led initiatives like **THEWFuelCells** (fuel cell welding innovations) and **EARLY/Vilaca** (hydrogen damage assessment). His work aligns with **UN Sustainable Development Goals**, emphasizing renewable energy storage and industrial sustainability. **Awards**: 2011 Eng. Cruz Azevedo Award for outstanding research in Mecânica Experimental. **Collaborations**: Active in international networks, including the International Institute of Welding and European research consortia. He has organized conferences, reviewed patents, and advised doctoral students globally. **Recent Articles**: Focus on corrosion-resistant materials, piezoelectric composites, and hydrogen-induced failure in steels. His 2023–2025 work emphasizes energy storage innovations and advanced joining technologies. **Grants**: Principal investigator for projects funded by Business Finland, EU EIT, and Academy of Finland. **Labs/Teams**: Oversees Aalto’s mechanical engineering research teams and collaborates with institutions like Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht.
Professor Ravi Shukla is a faculty member at RMIT University's School of Science, holding the title of Professor and Deputy Head of Department (Research). He specializes in Nanobiotechnology, with research spanning biomaterials, drug delivery systems, and medical diagnostics. His work integrates biosciences, materials science, and food technology to advance understanding of nanomaterial-biomolecular interactions. Academic History: Professor Shukla has held roles at RMIT since 2011, progressing from Research Fellow to his current professorship. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Missouri and Theme Leader for Nanobiotechnology at RMIT’s Center for Advanced Materials and Industrial Chemistry. His teaching focuses on fostering student belonging and innovation in biotechnology education, including coordinating RMIT’s undergraduate Biotechnology program. Research Interests: His lab explores hybrid biomaterial synthesis, nano-enabled proteomics, and non-viral gene therapy using MOFs. Recent work emphasizes applications in diabetes biosensing, CRISPR/Cas9 delivery, and antimicrobial resistance mitigation through nanostrategies. Over 130+ publications and substantial research funding highlight his interdisciplinary impact. Professional Engagement: Editor roles in Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology , Co-Editor-in-Chief of Current Research in Nutrition and Food Science , and advisor to the Australasian Association of Ayurveda underscore his leadership. He actively mentors students in projects like nano-antimicrobial wound healing and aptamer-based hepatitis A detection. Key Achievements: Pioneered nucleic acid-encapsulated MOFs for cancer therapy and developed paper-based biosensors for rapid diagnostics. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals 2 (Zero Hunger) and 3 (Good Health).
