Dr. Tamar Kohn is a Full Professor at EPFL, leading the Laboratory of Environmental Virology (LEV) within the Institute of Environmental Engineering (IIE), School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC). She holds additional roles as Director of the IIE-GE unit and serves on the ENAC School Direction. Her expertise focuses on environmental virology, waterborne pathogens, and disinfection mechanisms. Education: 2000–2004: PhD in Environmental Engineering, Johns Hopkins University 1999: Diploma in Environmental Sciences, ETH Zurich 2004–2006: Postdoc at UC Berkeley Research Interests: Her work investigates viral behavior outside hosts, particularly in water and air. Key areas include viral inactivation mechanisms, environmental stability of pathogens, and applications in wastewater surveillance. She explores how factors like pH, salinity, organic compounds, and microbial interactions influence virus survival and transmission. Key Contributions: Recent studies highlight aerosol pH's role in influenza stability, bacterial promotion of viral inactivation in lakes, and mpox monitoring via wastewater. Her lab also models virus transport in Lake Geneva under climate change scenarios. Advising & Grants: Supervised over 20 PhD students, including Chaojie Li (2023), Aline Schaub (2024), and Margot Olive (2022). Her research leverages advanced techniques like mass spectrometry and metagenomics for pathogen detection. Labs/Teams: Leads the LEV lab, collaborating on projects combining virology, environmental chemistry, and engineering to combat waterborne and airborne diseases.
Dr. Kaisen Lin is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) at Michigan State University, leading the Lin Aerosol Lab . His research focuses on bioaerosol behavior, lung deposition dynamics, and airborne pathogen transmission, with applications to public health and environmental engineering. He teaches courses like Environmental Chemistry and Air Pollution Engineering, and has received awards including the Withrow Teaching Excellence Award (2023) and the ASCE ExCEEd Fellowship (2023). Education: Ph.D., Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech (2020) M.S., Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech (2016) B.A., Agricultural Resources and Environmental Science, Zhejiang University (2013) Key Research Areas: Decay of airborne pathogens in environmental conditions Lung deposition patterns of inhalable particles Bioaerosol detection in HVAC systems Microcystin degradation in harmful algal bloom aerosols Hand dryer microbial dispersion Awards: 2023: Withrow Teaching Excellence Award 2023: ASCE ExCEED Teaching Workshop Fellowship 2021: UC Davis Professors of the Future Fellowship 2019: Awardee of The Graduate Research Development Program Lab Team: Supervises PhD students (Zhouyuan Wang, Lenny Sun), undergraduates (Janie Cooper, Om Nair, etc.), and alumni including Zoe Linko (M.S. 2025) and Joshua Gleason (B.S. 2023). Grants & Projects: Funded by Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research (CIGLR) for microcystin degradation studies Collaborates with MSU IPF on HVAC filter pathogen detection
Dr. Luiz Felipe Aguinsky is a Lecturer in Computational Nanoelectronics and Deputy Group Leader of the DeepNano Research Group at the University of Glasgow. He holds a PhD (Dr. techn.) from TU Wien, Austria, where he specialized in semiconductor fabrication process modeling. As an Erwin Schrödinger Fellow at ETH Zurich, he developed machine learning-enhanced models for memristors. His research focuses on computational nanoelectronics, combining advanced simulation techniques with cutting-edge materials science. Education: PhD (Dr. techn.) in Microelectronics, TU Wien (Austria), 2019 (with distinction) Erwin Schrödinger Fellowship at ETH Zurich's Computational Electronics Group (2021–2023) Research Interests: His work integrates machine learning with atomistic simulations to address challenges in semiconductor manufacturing. Key areas include: High-performance TCAD for nanofabrication processes Quantum transport and neuromorphic computing Applied computer graphics for nonimaging applications Level-set methods for surface evolution modeling Publications Trends: Recent work emphasizes knudsen diffusion modeling for nanofabrication, atomic layer deposition simulations, and plasma etching optimization. Cross-disciplinary methods like ray tracing and machine learning feature prominently in his latest projects. Awards & Fellowships: EUROSOI-ULIS Best Poster Award (2021) Erwin Schrödinger Fellowship (FWF, 2023–2025) Professional Activities: Active member of IEEE Nanotechnology Council's Modelling & Simulation Technical Committee. Co-author of over 15 peer-reviewed publications since 2019, with contributions to IEEE NANO, SISPAD, and EuroSOI conferences. Labs/Teams: Leads computational modeling efforts in the DeepNano Research Group, collaborating globally on TCAD innovations for next-generation semiconductor devices.
Marissa Tremblay is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences at Purdue University. She holds a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley (2017) and a BA from Barnard College, Columbia University (2012). Her research focuses on noble gas geochemistry to study Earth's climate history, tectonic geomorphic interactions, planetary impact histories, and volcanic processes. Key contributions include cosmogenic noble gas paleothermometry and experimental work on noble gas diffusion in minerals. Research Highlights: Quantifies past climate changes through noble gas isotopes in rocks. Explores interactions between tectonics, topography, and erosion. Investigates impact histories of planetary bodies like the Moon and Mars. Develops new methods for thermochronology and diffusion kinetics. Publications Trends: Recent work emphasizes Mars aqueous activity, glacial bedrock temperatures, and magma system dynamics. Methodological advances in cosmogenic noble gas techniques and Bayesian geochronology are prominent. Awards: 2023 Antarctica Service Medal 2022 Sloan Research Fellowship 2020 Marion Milligan Mason Award Advising & Grants: Advises graduate students (e.g., Addison Curtis, Moe Mijjum). Active in NSF-funded projects on ice-forced magmatic systems and Deccan Traps volcanism. Labs/Teams: Leads the T@P lab at Purdue, specializing in noble gas thermochronology. Collaborates internationally on projects like the IF-AMPS volcanic system study.
Anatoly B. Kolomeisky is a Professor of Chemistry and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Rice University, serving as Chair of the Department of Chemistry. He earned his BS/MS from Moscow State University and PhD from Cornell University (1998), followed by postdoctoral research at the University of Maryland. His research focuses on statistical mechanics applied to biological systems, including molecular motors, cellular transport mechanisms, error correction processes, and cancer dynamics. Over 20 PhD students and postdocs have graduated from his lab, now contributing to academia, industry, and national labs. Key research areas include theoretical biophysics, stochastic processes in biological systems, and nanocatalysis. His work has been recognized through awards like the NSF CAREER Award, Sloan Fellowship, and Humboldt Research Fellowship. He is a Fellow of the American Physical Society. Recent publications explore transcriptional bursting, antimicrobial peptide mechanisms, and plasmon-driven molecular machines. His lab develops coarse-graining methods for chemical networks and analyzes protein-DNA interactions using discrete-state stochastic models. Grants and collaborations span cancer initiation dynamics, evolutionary network theory, and nanoparticle-based therapies. His research bridges physics, chemistry, and biology, with applications in drug design, cancer therapy, and nanotechnology.
John R. Morris is a Professor of Chemistry and Associate Dean for Research at the College of Science, Virginia Tech. He holds the Dr. A.C. Lilly Jr. Faculty Fellowship in Nanoscience. His research focuses on interfacial chemistry, with emphasis on gas-surface reactions, catalysis, and chemical sensing. Key projects include chemical warfare agent detection, environmental pollutant interactions, and energy materials. Education: B.S., Aquinas College, 1991 Ph.D., University of Notre Dame, 1996 Postdoctoral Associate, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1996–1999 Research Interests: Dr. Morris explores molecular mechanisms in gas-surface interactions using advanced techniques like molecular beam scattering and ultrahigh vacuum spectroscopy. His work addresses environmental chemistry (e.g., atmospheric pollutants), energy storage (e.g., MOFs for diborane), and defense applications (e.g., nerve agent decomposition). Recent studies include photocatalytic oxidation mechanisms on Au/TiO₂ and the development of novel sensors for volatile organic compounds. Awards: National Science Foundation CAREER Award (2001) Army Research Office Young Investigator Award (2001) Schug Research Award (2012) Advising & Grants: Morris has mentored over 10 students and led projects funded by NSF, DoD, and industry. His lab (005 Hahn Hall South) focuses on interdisciplinary collaborations in materials science and environmental chemistry. Labs/Teams: The Morris Group operates a state-of-the-art facility for studying gas-surface reactions, including custom-built chambers for CRDS and molecular beam experiments.
Dr. Bas Vriens is an Assistant Professor at Queen's University, Department of Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering, within the Faculty of Arts and Science. He leads the NFRF-Exploration Project and holds cross-appointments at the Beaty Water Research Centre. His research focuses on metal contaminants in mine wastes and the Great Lakes basin, integrating environmental geochemistry, hydrology, and engineering to quantify anthropogenic pollutant impacts. Education : Ph.D. in Environmental System Sciences (2015), ETH Zurich M.E.Sci. in Environmental Geochemistry (2011), Utrecht University B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering (2009), Avans Hogeschool Breda Research Interests : He investigates metal mobilization from mine wastes and emerging contaminants in wastewater. His work integrates interdisciplinary methods, including geochemical modeling, geospatial statistics, and field monitoring. Key areas include: Mine waste management and metal recovery Trace metal biogeochemistry in aquatic systems Wastewater effluent and biosolids management Advising & Grants : Current advisees span MSc to postdoctoral researchers (e.g., Nathan Beckner-Stetson, Mehran Mahdian). He supervises projects on surface water quality, watershed modeling, and industrial waste analysis. Labs & Teams : His research group collaborates with industry and government partners, focusing on lab-scale experiments, field studies, and computational modeling. Active projects include the Great Lakes trace metal budget and mine waste-rock weathering dynamics.
Christopher Price is an Associate Professor at the Ammon Pinizzotto Biopharmaceutical Innovation Center, University of Delaware. His research focuses on musculoskeletal biomechanics, bone adaptation, and cartilage degeneration, with a particular emphasis on mechanotransduction and fluid flow dynamics in tissues. He holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences from Mount Sinai School of Medicine (2008) and a B.Sc. in Biomedical Engineering from Boston University (2000). Dr. Price’s research interests include the role of load-induced fluid flow in bone and cartilage health, advanced bioimaging techniques, and the development of disease-modifying therapies for osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. His work has received national/international recognition, including the Orthopaedics Research Society’s New Investigator Recognition Award (2010) and multiple Young Investigator Awards (2009–2010). Research focuses on mechanobiology, mechanosensory pathways, and tissue adaptation in musculoskeletal systems. Key areas: post-traumatic osteoarthritis, cartilage lubrication, and aging-related bone fragility. Utilizes cross-disciplinary methods: biomechanics, imaging, cell biology, and animal models. Publications span topics like solute transport in bone, cartilage tribology, and genetic influences on bone healing. His lab explores translational applications of mechanotransduction research to develop therapies targeting musculoskeletal diseases.
Dr. Srikanthan Ramesh serves as an Assistant Professor in the School of Industrial Engineering and Management within Oklahoma State University's College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology. Since establishing the Advanced Materials and Additive Manufacturing Laboratory in August 2022, he has led interdisciplinary research at the intersection of materials science, physical phenomena, and advanced manufacturing technologies, with applications spanning healthcare, aerospace, and electronics sectors. His educational foundation includes a Ph.D. in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering from Rochester Institute of Technology (2022) and an M.S. in Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering from Iowa State University (2017). This academic background enables his innovative approach to manufacturing science. Dr. Ramesh's research program focuses on biological and micro-scale additive manufacturing (bio-AM), specializing in biomaterial development for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. His work integrates computational fluid dynamics, machine learning, and real-time process monitoring to achieve precise control over mechanical, biological, and electrical properties of manufactured structures. He develops experimental tools and process frameworks for droplet-based and extrusion-based AM systems, with particular emphasis on wound healing applications and space-compatible microelectronics. Analysis of his 14 publications from 2020-2025 reveals a strong trajectory toward AI-driven manufacturing solutions, with increasing emphasis on multi-objective Bayesian optimization for bioink design, aerosol jet printing process refinement, and bioprinted tissue construct development. His recent work demonstrates sophisticated integration of machine learning with physical manufacturing processes to solve complex biomedical challenges. His scientific recognition includes: Doctoral Dissertation Pitch Competition (Runner-up), IISE, 2021 Best Oral Presentation, Graduate Showcase, Rochester Institute of Technology, 2019 Gilbreth Memorial Fellowship, IISE, 2018-2019 Wakonse College Teaching Fellowship, Iowa State University, 2018-2019 Graduate Research Excellence Award, Iowa State University, 2017 Best Overall Oral Presentation, Nano@IAstate, Iowa State University, 2017 Dr. Ramesh currently leads significant research initiatives including as Principal Investigator for an NSF REU Site on Additive Manufacturing and Cybersecurity ($464,606, 2025-2028) and a NASA EPSCoR Travel Grant for aerosol jet printing in space missions (2024-2025). As Co-PI on an NSF grant for Privacy-aware Collaborative Design in additive biofabrication ($599,981, 2025-2028), he develops frameworks for mass personalization in medical applications while addressing data security challenges. These projects support his lab's mission to advance manufacturing science through rigorous experimentation and computational innovation. The Advanced Materials and Additive Manufacturing Laboratory operates as a collaborative hub where Dr. Ramesh directs research teams in developing novel biomaterials, optimizing printing processes, and creating functional prototypes for wound dressings, liver tissue models, and space-rated microelectronics. The lab's interdisciplinary approach combines expertise in materials characterization, computational modeling, and machine learning to push the boundaries of what's possible in additive manufacturing for critical applications.
Lydia Tabernero is a Professor of Structural Biology & Drug Discovery at the University of Manchester, affiliated with the Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics. Her research focuses on structural and chemical biology of protein phosphatases and signaling proteins, with a particular emphasis on drug discovery targeting cancer and infectious diseases. She leads projects investigating molecular mechanisms of disease, including tuberculosis and fungal infections, using X-ray crystallography, biochemical methods, and computational tools. Her research interests include: Reversible phosphorylation in signaling pathways Structure-based drug design for protein phosphatases In vitro screening and computational methods for inhibitor discovery Collaborative preclinical trials across Europe and the US Recent articles highlight work on Mycobacterium tuberculosis inhibitors, fungal pathogen metabolism, and drug discovery tools like VSpipe-GUI. Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and well-being. She has supervised 9 students and collaborated on projects such as the High-resolution cyclic ion mobility HDX mass spectrometry initiative. Notable contributions include advancing non-antibiotic tuberculosis treatments and identifying novel drug targets in pathogens. Her lab is part of the Lydia Becker Institute and Christabel Pankhurst Institute, fostering interdisciplinary research in drug development and structural biology.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Konrad Koch is a Professor at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), leading the working group on energy-efficient wastewater treatment since 2012. He holds the Chair of Urban Water Management within the TUM School of Engineering and Design. His career includes a habilitation in 2018 and appointment as an Extraordinary Professor (Apl.-Prof.) in 2023. He previously worked at the Bavarian State Research Center for Agriculture and earned his PhD from TUM in 2010. Education: PhD (Dr.-Ing.), Technical University of Munich (2010) Diploma in Waste Management and Contaminated Sites, TU Dresden (2007) Research at TU Hamburg-Harburg (2006–2007) Research focuses on sustainable use of organic waste streams, anaerobic digestion, wastewater treatment innovation, and energy recovery. Key areas include biological methanation, CO₂ utilization, and process optimization for resource efficiency. Koch actively bridges lab-scale to full-scale applications, emphasizing practical implementation in urban wastewater systems. Publications highlight advancements in biogas potential testing standardization, microbial methanation, and co-digestion strategies. His work addresses challenges like nitrogen oxide emissions and substrate selection for anaerobic processes. Lab affiliation: Chair of Urban Water Management, TUM. Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams on projects like ENCOVER, CANDO, and the Urban Water-Energy-Food Nexus. Editor for Bioresource Technology and Environmental Technology & Innovation .
Maria Cascio is a Research Fellow at the University of Aberdeen, currently serving as Senior Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Partner within the Directorate of People. She holds a PhD in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from the University of Fisciano, Salerno, Italy (2006) and has been based at the University of Aberdeen since 2007. Her academic journey includes significant research contributions in cannabinoid pharmacology and medicinal chemistry. PhD in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, 2006, University of Fisciano, Salerno, Italy Master in Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technologies, 2002, University of Palermo, Italy Maria Cascio's primary research interests lie in the pharmacology and therapeutic potential of plant cannabinoids, with a focus on the endocannabinoid system in health and disease. Her work spans medicinal chemistry, allosteric modulation of cannabinoid receptors, and the development of novel CB1 and CB2 receptor ligands. She also investigates the anti-proliferative effects of omega-3 fatty acids and their derivatives in prostate cancer. Her research combines biochemical, pharmacological, and cell-based assays to characterize cannabinoid activity. Her recent publications reflect a strong trend in methodological development for cannabinoid receptor assays, pharmacological characterization of phytocannabinoids like THCV and CBD, and exploration of their therapeutic applications in inflammation, cancer, and neurological disorders. The work often involves interdisciplinary collaboration and synthetic chemistry approaches to probe receptor mechanisms. Maria Cascio is actively involved in university governance and inclusion initiatives, serving on multiple committees including the University Race Equality Strategy Group, the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, and as a Social Bias Observer in Promotions Committees. She has supervised both undergraduate and PhD students and has secured research funding from diverse sources including NIDA, NHS Grampian, Tenovus Scotland, and the University of Aberdeen. Her collaborations span institutions in the UK, Italy, and the US, reflecting the international scope of her research. She also contributes to the scientific community as a peer reviewer, book reviewer, and former Guest Associate Editor for Frontiers in Neuropharmacology. Maria Cascio leads and participates in several research teams focused on cannabinoid pharmacology, prostate cancer, diabetic nephropathy, anticonvulsant effects, and analgesia. Her work is supported by internal collaborators such as Dr Iain Brown, Professor Matteo Zanda, and Dr Mirela Delibegovic, and external partners across Europe and the United States.
Vera Slaveykova is a full professor in Environmental Biogeochemistry and Ecotoxicology at the Department of F.A. Forel for Environmental and Aquatic Sciences and the Institute for Environmental Sciences at the University of Geneva. She has held leadership roles including Director of the Department and President of the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences. She currently serves on the National Research Council of the Swiss National Science Foundation and represents the University of Geneva in the UNEP Global Mercury Partnership. She is also the Specialty Chief Editor for Biogeochemical Dynamics in Frontiers in Environmental Science. Research Interests: Her work centers on the behavior and impacts of trace elements, nanoparticles, and microplastics in aquatic systems. Key areas include: Speciation and bioavailability of trace elements and nanoparticles Aquatic toxicology of inorganic contaminants, nanoparticles, and microplastics Transcriptomics and metabolomics in environmental stress responses Community ecotoxicology and biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems Publication Trends: Her recent articles (2023–2025) show a strong focus on mercury speciation and transformations, nanoplastic and nanoparticle toxicity, eco-corona formation, and advanced analytical techniques like single-cell Raman spectroscopy and asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation. There is a clear emphasis on mechanistic understanding of pollutant-organism interactions across multiple biological levels. Scientific Leadership: She plays a major editorial and advisory role in environmental science, particularly in mercury research and nanoparticle ecotoxicology. Advising and Grants: She has supervised numerous doctoral students whose theses focus on mercury cycling, nanoparticle bioaccumulation, and ecotoxicological methods. Her research is likely supported by Swiss and international funding bodies, given her leadership in national science councils and global partnerships. Labs and Teams: She leads a research group focused on biogeochemical dynamics and ecotoxicology, collaborating with experts in analytical chemistry, microbiology, and environmental engineering, particularly through the Institute for Environmental Sciences and the F.A. Forel Department.
Ashwani Gupta is a distinguished University Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Maryland. His research focuses on combustion science, pyrolysis, and waste-to-energy technologies. Key areas include swirl flows, fuel sprays, high-temperature combustion, and environmental pollution mitigation. He has pioneered studies on catalytic pyrolysis of biomass/plastics and CO2-assisted gasification. Education details are not explicitly stated, but his academic role suggests advanced qualifications in mechanical engineering. Research interests span thermal sciences, renewable energy, and sustainable processes. Over 50 peer-reviewed articles (2022–2024) highlight work on co-pyrolysis of biomass/plastics, hydrogen-enriched combustion, and distributed combustion regimes. Notable contributions include thermal barrier coating advancements and wastewater toxicity studies in Pisum sativum. Publications frequently address synergistic effects in thermochemical processes, waste valorization, and energy recovery from expired food/industrial waste. His work integrates experimental and computational methods, with applications in micro-combustor design and carbon-neutral technologies. No listed awards, but his high citation count reflects academic impact. Advising and grants details are not provided. Research teams likely focus on combustion dynamics and environmental engineering. Active in interdisciplinary projects, including clinical trials on yoga for diabetes prevention and Ayurvedic dietary interventions.
Kristopher Klein is an Associate Professor at the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory (LPL), University of Arizona, within the Department of Planetary Sciences, College of Science. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Iowa in 2013 and has been a faculty member at LPL since 2017. His research focuses on theoretical and computational plasma physics in the context of solar and heliospheric systems. Education: Ph.D., 2013, University of Iowa Years with LPL: 2017–present Dr. Klein's research centers on fundamental plasma phenomena in the heliosphere, particularly turbulent heating, energization mechanisms, and departure from thermodynamic equilibrium in collisionless plasmas like the solar wind. He employs analytic theory, numerical simulations (e.g., AstroGK, HVM, gkeyll), and spacecraft data from missions such as Parker Solar Probe and HelioSwarm. He is a co-developer of the Arbitrary Linear Plasma Solver (ALPS), an open-source tool for dispersion analysis. His recent publications (2019–2025) reveal a strong focus on plasma turbulence, wave-particle interactions, kinetic instabilities, and solar wind heating mechanisms. The work frequently combines Parker Solar Probe observations with theoretical modeling to understand energy transfer at kinetic scales. Themes include ion and electron heating, stochastic heating, cyclotron damping, and multi-scale turbulence characterization. Scientific Awards: 2024 AAS Harvey Prize 2022 Landau-Spitzer Award for Outstanding Contributions to Plasma Physics Dr. Klein advises graduate students including Niranjana Shankarappa and Waverly Gorman, with former student Teddy Broeren (Ph.D., 2023). He leads major NASA-funded research projects related to the HelioSwarm and Parker Solar Probe missions. His involvement includes being Deputy Principal Investigator for HelioSwarm and Co-Investigator and Project Scientist for the SWEAP instrument on Parker Solar Probe. These roles involve significant grant leadership and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams. He is actively involved in instrumentation and data analysis, particularly through quasi-thermal noise spectroscopy and wave-particle correlation techniques. His work bridges theory, simulation, and observational data to advance understanding of space plasma physics.
