Kyros Kutulakos is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Toronto, where he leads research in computational imaging and 3D sensing. His affiliations include the Toronto Computational Imaging Group, Computer Vision Group, Dynamic Graphics Project (DGP), and Vector Institute Group. He teaches graduate and undergraduate courses such as CSC320 (Introduction to Visual Computing) and CSC2530 (Computational Imaging & 3D Sensing). His research interests span computational imaging, non-line-of-sight imaging, single-photon detectors, 3D sensing, and neural rendering. Notable contributions include advancements in structured-light imaging, time-of-flight systems, and super-oscillatory microscopy. He has advised numerous PhD and MSc students, fostering cutting-edge research in imaging technologies. Kutulakos has received prestigious awards, including the Dean’s Research Excellence Award (2023) and multiple best paper prizes (e.g., Marr Prize at ICCV 2023). He has served as program chair for ICCV 2013, ICCP 2010, and CVPR 2003, contributing to academic leadership in computer vision. His work bridges optics, photonics, and computation, with applications in autonomous systems, medical imaging, and astronomy. Current research focuses on extreme imaging scenarios, such as imaging in pitch-black environments and around corners, leveraging novel sensor designs and computational techniques.
James Briscoe is a Senior Group Leader at The Francis Crick Institute in London, where he leads a research group focused on developmental biology and morphogen signaling. He previously held positions at the Medical Research Council's National Institute for Medical Research, which later became part of the Francis Crick Institute. Education: BSc in Microbiology and Virology from the University of Warwick, UK PhD from Imperial Cancer Research Fund/King's College London Postdoctoral training at Columbia University with Thomas Jessell Dr. Briscoe's research focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of graded signaling by morphogens and the role of transcriptional networks in cell fate specification. His laboratory employs a range of experimental and computational techniques using model systems including mouse and chick embryos and embryonic stem cells. His work has significant implications for understanding developmental processes and their relationship to disease. His recent publications demonstrate a continued focus on morphogen gradients, neural tube development, and computational approaches to understanding cell fate decisions. His research increasingly integrates single-cell technologies and computational modeling to unravel the complexities of developmental patterning. Scientific Awards and Honors: EMBO Young Investigator (2001) EMBO Gold Medal (2008) Elected to EMBO (2009) Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences (2019) Fellow of the Royal Society (2019) As Editor-in-Chief of the journal Development since 2018, Dr. Briscoe plays a significant role in shaping the field of developmental biology. His leadership extends to mentoring researchers and contributing to scientific policy discussions, as evidenced by his recent publication 'Science under siege: protecting scientific progress in turbulent times.' Dr. Briscoe's laboratory at the Crick Institute is well-equipped with access to advanced facilities including light microscopy, flow cytometry, genomics, and computational resources, enabling a multidisciplinary approach to developmental biology questions.
Dmitri N. Basov is the Higgins Professor of Physics at Columbia University, with a joint appointment as Professor of Physics at the University of California, San Diego. His research focuses on quantum materials, utilizing nano-optical techniques to investigate electronic phenomena and polaritonic systems. He leads the Basov Group at Columbia and has pioneered methods for imaging quantum materials at nanoscale resolutions. PhD in Physics, Lebedev Physics Institute (1991) Professor, Columbia University (2016–present) Professor, UC San Diego (2001–present) Postdoctoral Research, McMaster University (1992–1996) His work spans plasmonics , terahertz spectroscopy , and van der Waals heterostructures , with recent emphasis on polariton dynamics, superconductivity modulation, and moiré-driven electronic states. He employs cutting-edge tools like quantum scanning near-field optical microscopy (q-SNOM) and resonant inelastic X-ray scattering. Besides leading major grants such as the Gordon and Betty Moore Investigator award and Vannevar Bush Fellowship, Basov has received accolades like the National Academy of Sciences membership (2020), Ken Button Prize (2019), and Frank Isakson Prize (2012). His team explores novel quantum phases in 2D and topological materials.
Changhuei Yang is the Thomas G. Myers Professor of Electrical Engineering, Bioengineering, and Medical Engineering at California Institute of Technology, serving as Executive Officer for Electrical Engineering and Investigator at Heritage Medical Research Institute. He holds a Ph.D. and three master's degrees from MIT, with appointments at Caltech since 2003. Research focuses on: Advanced microscopy techniques including Fourier Ptychography Wavefront shaping for biological tissue imaging Optical phase conjugation for deep-tissue applications Compact medical devices for cerebral monitoring Publications demonstrate leadership in computational imaging, with recent advances in stain-free embryo analysis, portable cerebral blood flow monitors, and high-resolution volumetric imaging techniques using neural representations. Honored as National Academy of Inventors member. Research applications span deep-tissue biochemical imaging, incisionless surgery, and optogenetic activation systems.
Kevin C. Zhou is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Michigan. His research focuses on developing high-performance computational optical imaging systems with unprecedented spatiotemporal throughput, integrating advanced optical instrumentation with machine learning-driven algorithms to analyze big data in biology and medicine. His lab specializes in creating imaging systems capable of capturing high-resolution, high-speed, and high-dimensional datasets. Dr. Zhou holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Duke University (NSF GRFP Fellow) and a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Yale University (Barry Goldwater Scholar). Prior to joining U-M, he was a Schmidt Science Fellow and postdoctoral researcher at UC Berkeley. Key research areas include: High-throughput microscopy (gigapixel-scale systems) 3D tomographic imaging Light field and Fourier-based imaging modalities Machine learning for image reconstruction and analysis Biomedical applications in cellular/molecular imaging His recent work has advanced technologies like multi-camera array microscopes (MCAM/MCAS) and Fourier light field mesoscopes, achieving video-rate 3D imaging of freely moving organisms. These innovations enable applications in digital cytopathology, behavioral tracking, and high-content biological studies. Notable awards include the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship and Barry Goldwater Scholarship. His research has been featured in top journals and conferences with a focus on advancing optical imaging hardware and computational pipelines.
Mark Wallace is a Professor of Chemistry at King's College London, affiliated with the Department of Chemistry and the Faculty of Natural, Mathematical & Engineering Sciences. He holds a Royal Society University Research Fellowship (2005–2016) and has been a lecturer at Oxford University before joining King's in 2016. His research focuses on membrane protein function and artificial membrane mimics, combining optical microscopy and nanotechnology. He earned a PhD from the University of Cambridge (2002) and postdoctoral training at Stanford University and the National Institute for Medical Research. Key research interests include membrane protein dynamics, lipid bilayer engineering, and single-molecule imaging. He has pioneered techniques like droplet interface bilayers and interferometric scattering microscopy. His work has led to patents and applications in molecular sensing and medical research. Awards include the 2002 Gregorio Weber Prize and the 2015 RSC Norman Heatley Award. He is actively involved in public outreach, including video podcasts and educational competitions. Recent publications emphasize artificial ion channels, nanoparticle formation monitoring, and mitochondrial protein dynamics. His lab collaborates with institutions like the London Centre for Nanotechnology and the Rosalind Franklin Institute. Over 30 students and researchers have been mentored, with active grants from EPSRC, Wellcome Trust, and BBSRC.
Jiwoong Park is Professor of Chemistry and Chair of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Chicago, and simultaneously Professor of Molecular Engineering in the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering. His interdisciplinary research group, the Park Group, is jointly affiliated with the James Franck Institute and the Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC) at UChicago, and operates from the Gordon Center for Integrative Science. Education & Training Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley (2003) B.S., Seoul National University (1996) Junior Fellow, Rowland Institute, Harvard University (2003–2006) Assistant → Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University (2006–2016) Research Interests Park’s research centers on the science and technology of precisely engineered nanomaterials, particularly atomically-thin two-dimensional (2D) crystals and van der Waals solids. Spanning chemistry, physics, materials science and electrical engineering, his group develops novel synthetic, imaging and characterization techniques to uncover new physical phenomena and translate them into scalable device technologies. Key thrusts include growth of wafer-scale molecular crystals, optical and transport spectroscopy of 2D semiconductors, mechanical behavior of polycrystalline nanomembranes, and integration of these materials into photonic, electronic and energy-harvesting devices. Scientific Awards Elected Fellow of the American Physical Society (2022) – “for the development of synthetic, imaging, and characterization techniques of atomically thin materials and the discovery of novel properties of van der Waals solids.” Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher (2023) – recognition for multiple papers ranking in the global top 1% by citations in Materials Science and Chemistry. Group & Collaborations The Park Group is an interdisciplinary team of postdocs, graduate researchers and undergraduates housed in the Gordon Center for Integrative Science. The group actively collaborates with colleagues across the Department of Chemistry, Department of Physics, and the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, leveraging shared facilities at the James Franck Institute and MRSEC to push the frontiers of 2D material science.
Isabella Guido is a Senior Lecturer in Experimental Soft Matter Physics at the University of Surrey's School of Mathematics and Physics. She holds a PhD from TU Berlin (2010) and has conducted postdoctoral research at Peking University and the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization. Her research focuses on synthetic biology, active bioinspired systems, and microtubule-motor protein dynamics. Guido's work bridges active matter physics and synthetic biology, aiming to develop minimal systems mimicking natural cellular structures. Key projects include synthetic beating structures resembling cilia, 3D active nematics, and investigations into cellular symmetry breaking via biomimetic systems. Her education includes a PhD on dielectrophoretic effects in mammalian cells, followed by postdoctoral studies on cell mechanics, microfluidics, and electroporation. Guido's interdisciplinary approach combines experimental biophysics with synthetic biology to uncover principles governing living matter. She leads the Synthetic Active Systems group and collaborates internationally on projects such as light-powered artificial cells and motor-driven microtubule networks. Her work addresses sustainable development goals through bio-inspired material design and active matter applications. Publications highlight contributions to electrotaxis mechanisms, live-cell imaging techniques (e.g., MIET), and microtubule network dynamics under depletion forces. Guido's research has advanced understanding of ciliary beating patterns, synthetic axoneme models, and biopolymer self-organization under mechanical stress.
Jun Liu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University at Buffalo. His research focuses on advanced energy materials, nano/micro-mechanics, and self-powered systems, with applications in triboelectric energy harvesting and scanning probe microscopy. Education: PhD, Materials Engineering, University of Alberta (2018) MS, Materials Science, Shanghai University (2015) BE, Materials Science and Engineering, Nanchang University (2012) Research Interests: Development of tribovoltaic and triboelectric systems for self-powered electronics Mechanical energy harvesting via dynamic heterojunctions and Schottky contacts 3D-printed hydrogel structures for energy absorption and flexible electronics Nanoscale characterization using atomic force microscopy Design of nanocomposite sensors and catalytic materials Publication Trends: His work emphasizes triboelectricity, nanoscale energy conversion, and sustainable materials. Recent articles explore bionic tactile sensing, tunable hydrogels, and quantum dynamics in sliding interfaces. Awards: SONY Faculty Innovation Award (2021) Nature Springer MINE Young Scientist Award (2020) International Contest of Applications in Nano/Micro Technology Prize (2013) Laboratory: Advanced Energy Materials and Nanomechanics Lab at University at Buffalo.
Robert O. Ritchie is the H. T. & Jessie Chua Distinguished Professor of Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley, where he holds dual appointments as Professor of Materials Science & Engineering and Professor of Mechanical Engineering. He is also a Faculty Senior Scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. His distinguished career spans over four decades with significant contributions to the field of materials science and engineering. Professor Ritchie received his B.A. in Physics & Metallurgy (1969), M.A. in Materials Science (1973), Ph.D. in Materials Science (1973), and Sc.D. in Materials Science (1990), all from Cambridge University, UK. His research focuses on the mechanical behavior of advanced materials, with particular emphasis on fracture mechanics, fatigue properties, and damage tolerance. Professor Ritchie's work spans multiple domains including metallic glasses, high-entropy alloys, biomaterials, and nature-inspired structural materials. His laboratory employs cutting-edge techniques such as in situ high-temperature computed tomography to study failure mechanisms in ceramic-matrix composites and nuclear graphite. His research has significant implications for aerospace, biomedical, and energy applications. Analysis of Professor Ritchie's recent publications reveals a strong focus on advanced structural materials, particularly metallic glasses and high-entropy alloys. His work combines experimental approaches with computational modeling to understand deformation mechanisms at multiple length scales. There is a clear trend toward bioinspired materials design, with several papers examining natural structures like fish scales, horn sheaths, and bone to develop new engineering materials with exceptional mechanical properties. Member, National Academy of Sciences (2025) Foreign Fellow, Academy of Athens, Greece (2024) Robert Henry Thurston Award (ASME) (2022) ASM Gold Medal (ASM Intl.) (2021) William D. Nix Medal, inaugural winner (TMS) (2020) Fellow (Foreign Member) of the Royal Society (FRS), London, UK (2017) Morris Cohen Award (TMS) (2017) Acta Materialia Gold Medal (2014) David Turnbull Award (MRS) (2013) A. Cemel Eringen Medal (Society of Engineering Science) (2010) Professor Ritchie has advised numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers throughout his career. His research has been supported by various funding agencies including the Department of Energy, National Science Foundation, and industry partners such as Rolls-Royce. He has served on numerous advisory boards including the Rolls-Royce Materials & Structures Advisory Board (2011-2019) and the Scientific Advisory Board of the Advanced Light Source at LBNL (2013 to date). Professor Ritchie leads the Ritchie Group at UC Berkeley, which maintains strong collaborations with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The laboratory employs state-of-the-art techniques including electron microscopy, x-ray tomography, and mechanical testing across multiple length and time scales. His team has developed innovative in situ characterization methods that have significantly advanced the understanding of material failure mechanisms under extreme conditions.
Markus Schmidt is a Professor of Fiber Optics at Friedrich Schiller University Jena and serves as Head of the Research Department of Fiber Photonics at the Leibniz Institute for Photonic Technologies (IPHT), where he leads the Hybrid Fibers work group. He previously held a team leadership position at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (2006–2012) and conducted research at Imperial College London (2011). His research integrates fiber optics and photonics for applications in biophotonics, optofluidics, plasmonics, and nonlinear optics. Key innovations include 3D nanoprinted holograms for remote focus control, liquid-core fibers for stable supercontinuum generation, and fiber-integrated platforms for nanorheology and quantum spectroscopy. His work bridges materials science and applied photonics , enabling advancements in telecommunications, environmental monitoring, and bioanalytics. Scientific awards and student mentorship details are not explicitly mentioned in the provided texts. His email is markus.schmidt@leibniz-ipht.de .
Dr. Longji Cui is an Assistant Professor in the Thermo Fluid Sciences, Materials, and Micro/Nanoscale disciplines at the University of Colorado Boulder, affiliated with the Department of Mechanical Engineering within the College of Engineering and Applied Science. His laboratory focuses on high-precision instrumentation and computational techniques to explore energy transport, conversion, and dissipation at extreme scales, including scanning thermal microscopy, picowatt-resolution sensors, and nanophotonics. Lab Location: ECME 1B66F / ECME 108 Office Location: ECME 267B Research Interests: Dr. Cui's work spans thermal energy sciences, ultrahigh-resolution sensing, scanning probe microscopy, nano-optics, and quantum engineering. His interdisciplinary projects address critical challenges in sustainable energy systems, next-generation microelectronics, and advanced sensor technologies for high-performance applications. Notable contributions include innovations in thermophotovoltaic systems, molecular-scale thermal transport, and plasmonic light emission mechanisms. Recent publications emphasize near-field thermal radiation, quantized thermal transport in single-atom junctions, and enhanced energy conversion through nanoscale engineering. These studies bridge fundamental physics with practical applications in renewable energy and nanotechnology. Awards: 2025 CEAS Innovation & Entrepreneurship Fellow 2024 ASME Rising Star Award 2023 NSF CAREER Award 2023 CU Boulder Lab Venture Challenge Award His research group collaborates across disciplines to advance instrumentation for atomic-scale thermal measurements and develop novel materials for energy applications. Ongoing efforts include optimizing thermophotovoltaic devices and exploring hot-carrier dynamics in plasmonic systems.
Dr. Hillel Adesnik is a Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at the University of California, Berkeley, and a leading researcher in the neural basis of sensory perception. His lab focuses on cortical microcircuits, optogenetics, and neural coding, with emphasis on visual processing and memory formation. Key Research Areas: Cortical Microcircuits Optogenetic Tools Gamma Band Rhythms Neural Coding Mechanisms Dr. Adesnik has pioneered high-speed optical methods like 3D-MAP and 3D-SHOT to manipulate neural activity. His work spans cortical dynamics, synaptic plasticity, and cortical layer interactions, with applications in understanding learning algorithms and sensory inference. Selected Trends from Publications: Recent preprints and papers highlight advancements in cortical VIP neuron function, channelrhodopsin structures, and inter-areal computations. His team utilizes two-photon holography, cryo-EM, and computational modeling to decode perception-related neural codes. Scientific Awards: NIH Director's New Innovator Award (2013) Dr. Adesnik's lab collaborates with institutions like NIH and develops tools for awake animal studies. Funding includes grants from the Beckman Young Investigator Program and NIH.
Bradley J. Siwick is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at McGill University, holding the Canada Research Chair in Ultrafast Science (Tier II). He specializes in developing ultrafast electron-based techniques to study atomic and molecular dynamics in materials and chemical systems. His work bridges chemical physics, materials science, and condensed matter physics, focusing on structural dynamics, phase transitions, and nonequilibrium states. Education: B.A.Sc. (Engineering Physics, University of Toronto, 1997), M.Sc. (Physics, 1998), Ph.D. (Physics, 2004). Postdoctoral training at FOM-AMOLF Amsterdam (2004–2006). Awards: NSERC Doctoral Prize (2005). Research interests include ultrafast electron diffraction/scattering, electron-phonon coupling, and imaging transient structural changes. Techniques developed in his lab combine electron microscopy with ultrafast laser spectroscopy to observe atomic motions on femtosecond timescales. Key areas of study are phase transitions in materials (e.g., VO₂, cuprates), nanocomposites, and extreme states of matter using facilities like the Advanced Laser Light Source (ALLS). Recent articles highlight advances in momentum-resolved phonon dynamics, polaron formation, and ultrafast imaging of 2D materials. His lab, based in Otto Maass and Rutherford buildings, collaborates on frontier projects in nonequilibrium materials science. Advising: Leads the Siwick Research Group, focusing on graduate students in chemical physics and materials science. Grants: Supported by NSERC and Canada Research Chairs funding. Labs and facilities: Otto Maass 25 laboratory and ALLS (Varennes, Quebec) for high-power laser experiments.
Adam de la Zerda is an Associate Professor at Stanford University's Department of Structural Biology (School of Medicine) and Electrical Engineering (by courtesy). He develops advanced optical molecular imaging technologies combining nanoparticle contrast agents and adaptive OCT systems for cancer and ophthalmic disease research. Technion-Israel Institute of Technology (BSc, 2005) Stanford University (PhD, 2011) UC Berkeley (Postdoctoral Fellowship) Research Themes : Virtual biopsy using machine learning-enhanced OCT Gold nanorod-based molecular contrast agents Speckle noise reduction for cellular resolution Needle beam optical coherence tomography angiography His 15 most recent publications demonstrate technical innovations in: Metasurface optics for extended depth-of-field Spectral deconvolution of multiple contrast agents Speckle modulation for improved diagnostic clarity Noninvasive lymphatic system mapping Scientific Honors : Pew-Stewart Scholar for Cancer Research AFOSR Young Investigator NIH Early Independence Award Forbes 30 Under 30 (x2) Chan Zuckerberg BioHub Investigator His lab team has developed clinical prototypes including OcuBell Inc. 's ophthalmic imaging systems and Visby Medical 's diagnostic platforms. Current research spans from in vivo glycoprotein imaging to de novo biosensor development for real-time disease monitoring in awake animal models.
