Marco Paggi is a Full Professor of Structural Mechanics at the IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca, Italy, since 2017. He previously held academic roles at Politecnico di Torino (Assistant Professor, 2007-2013) and has been an Alexander von Humboldt Fellow at Leibniz University Hannover. His research focuses on fracture mechanics, contact mechanics, and computational methods applied to renewable energy systems, composite materials, and multi-scale modeling. Key Themes: Fracture propagation, contact interfaces, phase field modeling, photovoltaic durability, and material heterogeneity. Awards: Stanford Top 2% Scientists (2020-2024) Research.com Top Scientists (2022-2024) European Structural Integrity Society Young Scientist Award (2010) Publications: His work spans tribology, computational fracture mechanics, and material degradation, with recent emphasis on phase field modeling for quasi-brittle materials and photovoltaic systems. He has pioneered methods for multi-scale and multi-physics analysis of structural systems. Mentorship: Supervised 17 PhD graduates and 14 postdocs, including award-winning researchers like Pietro Lenarda and Zeng Liu.
Soumendra N. Basu is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Associate Division Head of the Division of Materials Science and Engineering at Boston University. He earned his Ph.D. in Materials Science from MIT in 1989 and an M.S. in Materials Science from Case Western Reserve University. Basu leads two research labs and one undergraduate lab, focusing on materials degradation, coatings, and interface stability. High Temperature Oxidation Laboratory : Investigates oxidation behavior up to 1,600°C using advanced equipment. Microscopy Laboratory : Prepares electron-transparent samples for TEM analysis. Undergraduate Materials Laboratory : Trains students in metallography and materials testing. His research spans environmental barrier coatings for silicon-based ceramics, plasma-sprayed thermal barrier coatings , and photonic materials like InGaN alloys. He studies microstructural evolution, defect analysis, and degradation mechanisms under extreme conditions. Recent work includes modeling residual stresses and optimizing coatings for durability. Scientific Collaborators include: MIT Lincoln Labs Boston University colleagues: M. Gevelber, D. Wroblewski, V.K. Sarin UCLA's V. Gupta Basu has advised numerous graduate students, including Guosheng Ye and Dharanipal Doppalapudi , and his labs have received funding from NSF, DOE, and LANL. He also contributes to cricket, having won the MVP trophy for the Melbourne Cricket Club.
Denizhan Yavas is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Rice University, joining in 2024. He holds a Ph.D. in Engineering Mechanics from Iowa State University (2018), an M.Sc. in Aerospace Engineering from Middle East Technical University (METU Ankara, 2013), and a B.S. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (METU Ankara, 2010). Prior to Rice, he served as teaching faculty at the University of Central Florida. His research focuses on experimental and computational solid and fracture mechanics , with emphases on deformation/failure mechanisms in advanced composites and additively manufactured materials, architected materials, interfacial fracture, and ice adhesion. Key areas include bioinspired interfaces, interfacial fracture toughness, and material characterization under dynamic and static loading conditions. Notable recent work explores fracture behavior of 3D-printed thermoplastics, bioinspired soft-hard interfaces, and additive manufacturing techniques for enhancing interlaminar shear strength. These studies highlight cross-cutting themes in materials science, mechanical engineering, and aerospace applications. Awards: Preeminent Postdoctoral Award (University of Central Florida) Research Excellence Award (Iowa State University) Teaching Excellence Award (Iowa State University) Teaching & Advising: No current advisees listed, but actively involved in undergraduate/graduate mechanical engineering education. His work bridges fundamental mechanics research with practical applications in advanced manufacturing, materials design, and aerospace engineering.
Professor Dan Zenkert is a faculty member at Kungliga Tekniska Högskolan (KTH) in the Department of MATERIAL AND STRUCTURAL MECHANICS. He earned his M.Sc. (Aeronautics) and Ph.D. (Lightweight Structures) from KTH, becoming a docent (D.Sc.) in 1996, associate professor in 1998, and full professor in 2001. His research focuses on multifunctional composite materials, particularly carbon fiber-based systems for energy storage (structural batteries), shape-morphing composites, integrated sensing, and energy harvesting. Collaborations with Electrochemistry and Polymer Chemistry groups drive innovations in structural batteries, where materials simultaneously bear mechanical loads and store energy. He teaches courses on lightweight structures and composite mechanics. Research highlights include structural battery design using laminated carbon fiber electrodes, piezo-electrochemical sensing via Li-ion intercalation, and shape-morphing composites through electrochemical actuation. Recent work explores electrolyte optimization, LiFePO₄-coated electrodes, and long-term performance of multifunctional systems. Publications span over 30 years, with contributions to journals like Composites Science and Technology and Advanced Energy & Sustainability Research . His teaching includes roles as examiner and course responsible for programs like Fibre Composites and Future Sustainable Aviation. Personal interests include fly-fishing, motorcycle riding, and basketball coaching. Scholarly contributions include over 130 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, with active involvement in conferences like ICCM and ECCM.
Prof. Julia Herzen holds the Associate Professorship of Physics in Biomedical Imaging at the Department of Physics , TUM School of Natural Sciences , Technical University of Munich . Her research focuses on advancing X-ray imaging techniques using synchrotron radiation and laboratory sources, with applications in medical diagnostics and tissue analysis. Position: Associate Professor Department: Physics School: TUM School of Natural Sciences University: Technical University of Munich Contact: julia.herzen@tum.de Her core research interests include: Quantitative multi-modal X-ray imaging (spectral & phase-contrast) 3D virtual histology of human tissue Breast cancer detection improvement Lung disease imaging (emphysema, pneumonia) X-ray phase-contrast tomography Dark-field imaging material decomposition Recent publications demonstrate expertise in dark-field imaging for lung pathology , phase-contrast CT for organoid visualization , and spectral X-ray applications in multi-material differentiation . Her team explores clinical translation of X-ray techniques for non-invasive diagnostics . She supervises PhD students and teaches Biomedical Engineering courses, including: Quantitative X-Ray Imaging (3 VI) Image Processing in Physics (2 VO) Biostatistics (2 VO) Advanced Lab Courses in X-ray Micro-CT
Dr. Yusuf AYAN is a Lecturer in the Department of Mechatronics Engineering at Karabük University's Faculty of Technology, Turkey, since 2022. He holds a PhD (2022) and Master's degree (2017) in Manufacturing Engineering from Karabük University, alongside a BSc (2012) in Mechanical Engineering from Kocaeli University. Education: PhD, Manufacturing Engineering, Karabük University (2022) MSc, Manufacturing Engineering, Karabük University (2017) BSc, Mechanical Engineering, Kocaeli University (2012) His research focuses on Welding Technologies , Metallic Materials , and Additive Manufacturing , with over 103 citations and an h-index of 5. Notable projects include TÜBA/TÜBİTAK-funded research on wire arc additive manufacturing (2023-2025) and functionally graded material development (2020-2024). His publications span journals like Materials Chemistry and Physics , Journal of Materials Engineering and Performance , and Materials Today Communications , emphasizing WAAM process optimization, fatigue properties, and multi-material fabrication. Collaborators include Nizamettin Kahraman (24 joint works, 2018-2024) and researchers such as Kenan Kaan Yetil and Ercan Çağlar.
Peyman Karami is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Laboratory of Biomechanical Orthopedics (LBO) within École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)'s College of Engineering . Research focuses on adhesive hydrogels for cartilage repair and orthopedic applications Investigates biomimetic stimuli (hydrostatic pressure, temperature) in chondrocyte homeostasis Develops ligin-based multifunctional hydrogels for sustainable biomedical applications Expertise in mechanobiology and thermomechanical regulation of tissue-engineered constructs Scientific Contributions: Leads 15+ publications on hydrogel technologies for cartilage regeneration, thermomechanical stimulation effects, and lignin functionalization, including breakthrough work in NIR-light photocuring , malacic trachea repair , and biomimetic temperature gradients . Current Research Trends: Prioritizes injectable adhesive hydrogels , noninvasive tissue repair , and multi-functional biomaterials that couple mechanical and biochemical cues for enhanced regeneration.
Tatiana Segura is a Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Neurology, and Dermatology at Duke University's Pratt School of Engineering, where she also serves as Co-director of the Center for Biotechnology and Tissue Engineering and MPI of the T32 Biotechnology Training grant. Her research focuses on designing biomaterials to promote endogenous repair through geometry design and delivery of genes, proteins, and drugs. She has made significant contributions to the development of microporous annealed particle (MAP) hydrogels and other biomaterial systems for tissue regeneration. B.S. in Bioengineering from University of California, Berkeley (1999) Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Northwestern University (2004) Professor Segura's research centers on biomaterials engineering for tissue repair and regeneration. Her lab designs innovative biomaterial interventions that promote brain plasticity after stroke, enable scarless healing in skin wounds, induce tolerance of transplanted skin, and promote constructive immune responses after biomaterial implantation. She pioneered the development of microporous annealed particle (MAP) hydrogels that have become widely adopted in regenerative medicine research. Her work uniquely bridges immunology, materials science, and clinical applications to create therapeutic biomaterials that harness the body's own healing capabilities. Her recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on spatial control of biomaterial properties, with emphasis on void space analysis, immune cell recruitment, and vascularization. The research shows a progression from fundamental biomaterial characterization to increasingly sophisticated therapeutic applications, particularly in stroke recovery and wound healing. Her work integrates proteomics, lipidomics, and advanced imaging to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying biomaterial-mediated tissue regeneration. Senior Member of the National Academy of Inventors (2023) Acta Biomaterialia Silver Medal (2021) Clemson Award for Contributions to Literature (2024) 15 d/e Plenary Award from AICHE Food, Pharmaceutical, and Bioengineering Division (2018) Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineers (2016) Professor Segura actively mentors the next generation of scientists, currently supervising 12 graduate students, 4 postdoctoral scholars, 2 master's students, 16 undergraduates, and other trainees. Her laboratory has been continuously funded since 2008 with multiple NIH grants, including her current role as MPI of the T32 Biotechnology Training grant. She has received substantial support from the NSF (including a CAREER award), American Heart Association, and American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy. Her Segura Lab operates as a multidisciplinary team comprising engineers, biologists, and clinicians working together to translate biomaterial discoveries into clinical applications. The lab's 'MAP' technology platform has enabled numerous collaborations across Duke and other institutions, focusing on brain repair after stroke, scarless skin healing, and immune-modulating biomaterials. The lab maintains strong industry partnerships to accelerate the translation of their biomaterial technologies into clinical use.
Nabil Bassim is an Associate Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at McMaster University and serves as Scientific Director of the Canadian Centre for Electron Microscopy (CCEM). His research focuses on advanced electron microscopy techniques, ion microscopy, nanofabrication, and beam-sample interactions, applied to nanomaterials, 2D materials, and structural materials like concrete and alloys. He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of South Florida, and M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Florida. Research interests include: Development of novel electron/ion microscopy techniques Nanomaterial synthesis and characterization Beam-induced damage and doping mechanisms Structural materials analysis Machine learning optimization for microscale processes Recent publications demonstrate strong focus on semiconductor characterization, nanomaterials synthesis, and advanced microscopy techniques. Article trends highlight innovative approaches to nanoscale analysis, materials for energy applications, and correlative microscopy methods. As Faculty Lead for McMaster Engineering's Aerospace and Defense Initiative, Dr. Bassim coordinates interdisciplinary research. He co-founded the FIB-SEM User Meeting and teaches graduate courses in electron/ion microscopy characterization techniques.
Grey Clare is a Professor of Materials Chemistry at the University of Cambridge and holds an adjunct professorship at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Stony Brook. She is a Fellow of Pembroke College, Cambridge, and has led major research initiatives, including the Materials Research Interest Group at Cambridge (2010–2015) and the Northeastern Chemical Energy Storage Center (2009–2015). Her research focuses on NMR spectroscopy, energy storage materials, batteries, supercapacitors, and carbon capture technologies. Key contributions include pioneering work on lithium-ion battery electrodes, structural analysis of energy materials via NMR, and advancements in fuel cell and supercapacitor technologies. Clare has held leadership roles in academic and industrial collaborations, including directorships of DOE-funded energy storage centers. Her honors include the Davy Medal (2014), Fellowship of the Royal Society (2011), and multiple international awards for battery research and mentoring. Research Highlights: Development of advanced battery materials, in situ NMR techniques for energy systems, and structural insights into electrochemical interfaces. Awards: Over 20 prestigious awards, including the Royal Society Kavli Medal, Laukien Award, and multiple honorary PhDs. Leadership: Directed interdisciplinary energy storage initiatives, mentored numerous researchers, and contributed to global energy technology advancements.
Professor Rodrigo Freitas holds the TDK Professorship in Materials Science and Engineering at MIT. His research focuses on computational materials design, bridging atomistic simulations with mesoscale microstructural analysis. He leads the Freitas Research Group, specializing in machine learning-driven modeling of materials kinetics and solidification processes. Education: B.S. and M.S. in Physics, University of Campinas, Brazil M.S. and Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering, UC Berkeley Research Interests: Professor Freitas investigates microstructural evolution in metals and alloys using advanced computational methods. Key areas include solidification mechanisms, interstitial atom behavior in superalloys, and machine learning applications for materials discovery. His work emphasizes bridging atomistic and mesoscale phenomena to guide industrial applications like semiconductor manufacturing and battery design. Publications Trend: Recent work emphasizes machine learning potentials for alloy modeling, short-range order analysis in high-entropy alloys, and kinetic modeling of complex chemical systems. Themes include alloy phase stability, defect dynamics, and data-driven materials discovery. Labs/Teams: Leads the Freitas Research Group at MIT, which develops novel computational tools for materials engineering.
Ethan A. Scott is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Virginia. He holds a B.S. (2015) and Ph.D. (2021) in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from UVA, followed by a postdoctoral research associate position at Sandia National Laboratories. His research focuses on experimental techniques for analyzing heat and energy transfer in extreme material conditions, including micro- and nanoscale phenomena. He serves as Deputy Director of the EXSiTE Lab led by Professor Patrick Hopkins. Education: B.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Virginia (2015) Ph.D., Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Virginia (2021) Postdoctoral Research Associate, Sandia National Laboratories (2021–2023) Research Interests: Ethan explores advanced thermal transport phenomena using electro- and optothermal methods. Key areas include micro/nanoscale heat transfer, microfabrication, and infrared thermal detection. His work addresses challenges in material size extremes (e.g., nanoscale thin films) and environmental extremes (e.g., high-energy ion irradiation effects). Publications: His recent work emphasizes thermal conductivity manipulation through ion irradiation, optothermal sensor development, and novel material characterization. Themes include defect engineering in crystalline systems and optimizing thin-film thermometry for high sensitivity. Awards: Editor’s Pick, Applied Physics Letters (2021) Nuclear Regulatory Commission Fellowship (2017) Labs & Teams: Deputy Director of the EXSiTE Lab, focusing on experimental studies of thermal and mechanical properties of materials under extreme conditions.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Johannes Henrich Schleifenbaum is a Professor and Chair of Digital Additive Production at RWTH Aachen University, where he leads research in the Profile area Production Engineering (ProdE). His work advances additive manufacturing (AM) through interdisciplinary approaches combining materials science, process engineering, and digital technologies. His research encompasses: Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) process optimization and defect mitigation Development of novel alloys/composites for AM applications Sustainable manufacturing practices including material recycling Integration of AI/ML for accelerated material and process design Digital tools for automated design and distributed manufacturing Recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate a strong focus on: Multi-material processing and microstructure control Machine learning-driven alloy development Standardization and scalability of AM processes Advanced simulations for meltpool dynamics and thermal behavior Applications in aerospace, construction, and biochemical engineering He leads the Chair of Digital Additive Production, collaborating with industry partners to translate research into industrial solutions for next-generation manufacturing.
Robert Dodds Jr. is a Research Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, within the Tickle College of Engineering. His work is centered on fracture mechanics, computational modeling of crack growth, and material failure in advanced alloys and functionally graded materials. His research interests include: Fracture and failure analysis in ductile and brittle materials Cohesive zone modeling and delamination in aluminum-lithium alloys 3D finite element modeling of crack propagation under small-scale yielding Thermomechanical and cyclic plasticity modeling Fracture in functionally graded materials with mixed-mode loading The analysis of his publications from 2002 to 2018 reveals a strong focus on computational fracture mechanics, particularly on cohesive models, T-stress effects, and delamination in aerospace-grade materials. His work bridges experimental validation with high-fidelity simulations, emphasizing engineering applications in structural integrity. His scientific awards include: National Academy of Engineering George R. Irwin Medal (ASTM) Fracture Mechanics Medal (ASTM) Nathan M. Newmark Medal (ASCE) Walter L. Huber Award (ASCE) Fellow, Engineering Mechanics Institute (ASCE) Dr. Dodds has collaborated extensively with researchers such as C. Ruggieri, M. Messner, A. Beaudoin, J. Sobotka, and G. Paulino. While no formal list of advisees is provided, his mentorship is evident through co-authored student-level research. He has not mentioned specific grants or funding sources in the provided text. His research likely involves a computational mechanics lab or research group focusing on fracture simulation and material modeling, though no lab name is specified.
Dr. Sameer Mulani is an Associate Professor, Associate Department Head, and Director of Graduate Programs in the Department of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics at the University of Alabama's College of Engineering. He leads the Stochastic Mechanics and Multi-Disciplinary Optimization Laboratory (SMO Lab) and is an integral part of the Remote Sensing Center and Alabama Materials Institute. Dr. Mulani's research spans uncertainty quantification, random vibrations, multi-disciplinary optimization, and composite structures' multi-scale analysis and design. His work combines computational methods with machine learning to develop innovative solutions for aerospace engineering challenges. He has made significant contributions to self-healing composite materials, uncertainty quantification techniques, and optimization of composite structures. His research group has published extensively on topics including polynomial chaos expansion for uncertainty quantification, self-healing composites, stochastic buckling analysis, and machine learning applications in structural mechanics. The publications demonstrate a strong trend toward integrating probabilistic methods with traditional engineering analysis to improve reliability and safety of aerospace structures. AIAA Associate Fellow, Class of 2025 2025 Department of the Air Force Summer Faculty Fellowship Program 2024 Department of the Air Force Summer Faculty Fellowship Program MSC Software Contest Winner (2011) Night on the Town: General Electric Award (2007) DAAD Fellowship (1999-2000) Dr. Mulani has advised numerous graduate students who have gone on to successful careers at institutions including Los Alamos National Laboratory, Cirrus Aircraft, L3Harris, and Lockheed-Martin. His lab collaborates with various research centers including the Remote Sensing Center where they work on antenna design, manufacturing, and integration for aircraft systems. The SMO Lab utilizes advanced software including MSC NASTRAN/PATRAN, ANSYS Mechanical/FLUENT, ABAQUS, SOLIDWORKS, and CATIA for their simulations and analyses.
