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Jean-François GaillardView profile

Professor

• Environmental Chemistry
• Metal Speciation
• Biogeochemical Cycling of Metals and Metalloids
• +5 more

Jean-François Gaillard is a Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and (by courtesy) Earth and Planetary Sciences at Northwestern University's McCormick School of Engineering. His research group focuses on understanding the molecular and biogeochemical processes that affect the fate of metals in aquatic systems, with special emphasis on how chemical speciation controls metal biouptake and bioavailability. His educational background includes a D.Sc. in Physical Sciences - Geochemistry from University Denis Diderot (Paris 7) and Paris Institute of Earth Physics, a Dr. in Water Sciences from University Pierre et Marie Curie, an M.S. in Advanced Water Studies from the same institution, and a B.S. in Air and Water Science and Technology from the University of Savoie. Professor Gaillard's research employs field studies, laboratory experiments, and modeling approaches using advanced analytical, microscopic, and spectroscopic methods. His work particularly focuses on the chemical fate of arsenic, nickel, and mercury in aquatic environments as well as the environmental impacts of nano-structured materials. His group has developed various methods for spectral decomposition and reference spectrum selection for X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS) data analysis. His recent publications show a strong trend toward environmental applications of nanomaterials, metal speciation studies using advanced spectroscopic techniques, and the development of remediation strategies using drinking water treatment residuals. His work bridges fundamental environmental chemistry with practical engineering solutions for water quality challenges. Professor Gaillard currently advises multiple graduate students working on projects related to mercury biouptake, bacterial responses to nanomaterials, and metal mobility in sediments. His research has been supported by various grants focusing on environmental chemistry, nanomaterial impacts, and water treatment technologies. His laboratory utilizes advanced techniques including X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy, synchrotron X-ray microtomography, and various analytical electron microscopy methods. The research group collaborates with other Northwestern faculty, particularly in chemistry and earth sciences, to address complex environmental challenges through interdisciplinary approaches.

Maarten MerkxView profile

Professor

• Protein Engineering
• Chemical Biology
• Synthetic Biology
• +5 more

Maarten Merkx is a full professor and dean of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). He leads the Protein Engineering research group, focusing on biomolecular sensors and actuators for applications in intracellular imaging, diagnostics, optogenetics, and therapies. His work bridges chemical biology and synthetic biology, with a focus on engineering protein switches like fluorescent and bioluminescent sensors. He has received prestigious grants including ERC Consolidator (2011) and Proof of Concept grants (2014, 2017). Notable achievements include developing glow-in-the-dark diagnostics and DNA computing applications. He is an associate editor of ACS Sensors and has been recognized for teaching excellence (Best TU/e Teacher, 2012). Education: Radboud University Nijmegen (BSc/ MSc, cum laude), PhD (University of Amsterdam, 1999), postdoc (MIT, 2000). Research Themes: Bioluminescent sensors, protein engineering, point-of-care diagnostics, synthetic biology. Key Collaborations: Multi-institutional projects on vaccine platforms, sepsis therapy (with Radboudumc and TU/e). His research contributes to UN SDGs through innovations in healthcare diagnostics and therapies. He supervises over 100 students and actively engages in public discourse (e.g., World Economic Forum, Wired features).

Florence PojerView profile

Research Professor

• Integrative Structural Biology
• Protein Sciences
• Macromolecular Production
• +2 more

Florence Pojer heads the Protein Production and Structure Platform (PTPSP) at EPFL's School of Life Sciences. Her expertise spans integrative structural biology techniques including X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM, SPR and biophysical characterization. The PTPSP core facility supports macromolecule production and structural analysis across bacterial, insect and mammalian expression systems. Research applications include antibody engineering, membrane protein characterization, and therapeutic development against targets like SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins. Recent publications demonstrate innovations in antibody-peptide conjugates for oncology, artificial metalloenzymes, and MHC-II epitope prediction algorithms. Educational roles include protein sciences instruction and oversight of doctoral training programs.

Andrew DownesView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Raman Spectroscopy
• CARS Microscopy
• Atomic Force Microscopy
• +3 more

Dr. Andrew Downes is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Engineering at the University of Edinburgh, specializing in Mechanical Engineering and affiliated with Bioengineering research. A Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, he holds a PhD in Physics from the University of Cambridge. His research develops advanced optical techniques including Raman spectroscopy, CARS microscopy, and atomic force microscopy for biological and medical applications. Research focuses on label-free diagnostic methods for cancer and neurodegenerative diseases using Raman spectroscopy, high-speed imaging of living cells, and nano-optical microscopy techniques. Recent innovations include machine learning-enhanced liquid biopsy platforms for early breast cancer detection and Raman-based drug interaction analysis in cellular environments. Awards: Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA)

• Synthetic Biology
• Bioengineering
• Raman Spectroscopy
• +5 more

Professor Alistair Elfick holds a Personal Chair in Synthetic Biological Engineering at the University of Edinburgh's School of Engineering, where he directs the Centre for Engineering Biology and the BBSRC Synthetic Biology Network on Standardisation. His interdisciplinary work bridges mechanical engineering principles with advanced biological systems. His academic background includes a PhD in Biomedical Engineering (University of Durham, 1999), MSc in Bioengineering (University of Strathclyde, 1994), and BSc in Mechanical Engineering (University of Durham, 1993). Elfick's research pioneers synthetic biology standardization for multicellular mammalian systems, nonlinear optical microscopy for label-free cellular imaging, and DNA nanotechnology applications. He develops tools like the PUFFFIN cell-labeling system and PaperClip DNA assembly method, while investigating nanoparticle toxicity through CARS microscopy and impedance biosensing. His work emphasizes translational applications in tissue regeneration, drug delivery, and environmental biotechnology. Recent publications reveal a strong focus on mammalian synthetic biology standardization, with key themes including plasmid engineering for cell-neighborhood mapping, Raman-based toxicity screening, and DNA nanoswitch development. His team consistently bridges optical physics with biological engineering to create non-invasive monitoring solutions. Major scientific awards include the Fulbright Distinguished Scholars Award (2003), EPSRC Advanced Research Fellowship (2004-2009), and Royal Academy of Engineering Global Research Award (2003). US-UK Fulbright Commission, Distinguished Scholars Award, University of California Berkeley, 2003 EPSRC Advanced Research Fellowship, 2004-2009 Royal Academy of Engineering, Global Research Award, University of California Berkeley, 2003 Fellow of the Society of Biology Elfick currently leads EPSRC-funded projects including Formulating MetaVarnish (2025-2026) for metamaterial coatings and DASA's Engineering Biology for Defence initiative (2023), building on prior BBSRC grants for biomanufacturing optical materials. His grant portfolio demonstrates consistent success in securing major UK research council funding for bioengineering innovation. As Director of the BBSRC Synthetic Biology Network, he coordinates national standardization efforts while maintaining active collaboration with the Orthopaedic Research Society and European Society for Biomaterials through his Centre for Engineering Biology.

Connor Wilson ColeyView profile

Associate Professor

• Artificial Intelligence
• Machine Learning
• Cheminformatics
• +4 more

Connor W. Coley is the Class of 1957 Career Development Professor and Associate Professor at MIT, with joint appointments in the Department of Chemical Engineering and the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. He is also affiliated with the Schwarzman College of Computing. He holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Caltech, a Ph.D. from MIT, and completed postdoctoral training at the Broad Institute. His research integrates AI, chemistry, and automation to accelerate molecular design and reaction discovery. Key focus areas include: AI-driven synthesis planning and reaction prediction Machine learning for molecular property optimization Laboratory automation and high-throughput experimentation Therapeutic discovery and bioisosteric drug design His work bridges computational models with experimental validation. His publications emphasize machine learning in chemistry, with recent trends in generative models for molecular design, reaction mechanism prediction, and autonomous experimentation. Key themes include improving model generalizability, addressing data biases, and enhancing synthesizability predictions. Scientific Awards & Honors: NSF CAREER Award (2021) Forbes 30 Under 30: Healthcare (2019) Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar (2025) MIT Common Ground Award for Excellence in Teaching (2023) James W. Swan Outstanding Faculty Award (2024, 2025) He leads the Coley Research Group, advising 18+ graduate students and postdocs. His team develops open-source tools like ASKCOS for synthesis planning and collaborates with industry partners (e.g., Sanofi). The group leverages robotic platforms for high-throughput experimentation and maintains active projects in retrosynthesis, metabolomics, and polymer design.

• Nanotechnology
• Materials Science
• Biomedical Sensors
• +4 more

Professor Antonio Tricoli is a leading researcher in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Sydney, specializing in Nanotechnology and Biomedical Engineering . He directs the Nanotechnology Research Laboratory and serves as Associate Editor for the Chemical Engineering Journal . His work bridges light-matter interactions and multi-scale interface engineering for applications in Personalized Medicine and Renewable Energy . Education: B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Mechanical and Process Engineering, PhD in Nanotechnology from ETH Zurich Leadership: Co-chair of the 2017 ANU Grand Challenge program "Our Health in Our Hands" Affiliations: Member of The Net Zero Institute and The University of Sydney Nano Institute Research Interests: His work spans Biomedical Sensors for disease monitoring, Renewable Energy systems like solar fuel production, and Nanomaterials with tailored electrochemical properties. Recent projects focus on Nanoscale Architectures for enhanced gas/chemical detection and Stable Catalysts for water splitting and CO2 reduction. Scientific Contributions: He has received prestigious awards including the 2010 HILTI Prize for innovative PhD work and 2020 ARC Future Fellowship . His team has developed self-powered nanosensors and ultraporous coatings for industrial applications. Advising & Grants: Actively supervises PhD students in areas like Green Hydrogen Production and Nanopore Reactors , with funding from ARC and Westpac. Collaborates across STEM and HASS disciplines to advance transformative health technologies.

Brian D. DavisonView profile

Professor

• Data Science
• Machine Learning
• Artificial Intelligence
• +6 more

Dr. Brian D. Davison is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Computer Science & Engineering at Lehigh University. He co-founded the Catastrophe Modeling Center and pioneered interdisciplinary programs such as the Master’s Program in Data Science and an undergraduate data science minor. His research focuses on data science, machine learning, and AI applications in disaster resilience, catastrophe modeling, and biomedical systems. Davison holds an NSF CAREER Award and has secured funding from NSF, NIH, DARPA, and industry partners like Microsoft and Amazon. Education: Ph.D., Computer Science, Rutgers University M.S., Computer Science, Rutgers University B.S., Engineering, Bucknell University Research Interests: His work spans data science fundamentals, including information retrieval, web search, and natural language processing. He applies these techniques to critical infrastructure resilience, biosensing technologies, and ethical AI. Recent projects involve optimizing DNA-based sensors for disease detection and developing robust computer vision models for dynamic environments. Publications Trends: Recent articles emphasize domain adaptation, bias mitigation in ranking systems, and biomedical applications of vision-language models. He also explores foundational issues in robustness and fairness across machine learning domains. Awards: NSF Faculty Early CAREER Award Advising & Grants: Leads multi-institutional initiatives like the Catastrophe Modeling Center and I-DISC. His grants address disaster recovery modeling, AI ethics, and healthcare applications. Advises on foundational AI projects and collaborates with industry leaders. Labs & Teams: Directs the Center for Catastrophe Modeling at Lehigh’s Mountaintop Campus, fostering interdisciplinary teams across engineering, computer science, and public policy.

Sara Abalde-CelaView profile

Researcher

• Medical Diagnostics
• Optofluidics
• Nanotechnology
• +5 more

Dr. Sara Abalde-Cela serves as Research Scientist and Principal Investigator leading the Medical Devices group at the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) in Braga, Portugal. Her research pioneers optofluidic platforms for disease diagnosis and monitoring, integrating nanotechnology, Raman spectroscopy, microfluidics, and liquid biopsy with significant clinical translation potential. She has secured over €6 million in competitive European funding and co-founded startup RUBYnanomed where she acts as CTO. Her academic foundation includes: PhD in Nanotechnology from Universidade de Vigo, Spain (2008-2013), developing hybrid plasmonic nanostructures for biosensing Postdoctoral research at University of Cambridge, UK (2013-2016) focusing on microfluidics for single-cell monitoring Dr. Abalde-Cela's research program centers on creating ultrasensitive diagnostic tools through optofluidic integration, with particular emphasis on cancer applications. Her group develops microdroplet-based SERS platforms for liquid biopsy, plasmonic nanomaterials for molecular detection, and portable systems enabling point-of-care disease monitoring. This work bridges fundamental nanotechnology with clinical needs through active technology transfer initiatives and international collaborations. Analysis of her 2023-2025 publications reveals strong trends toward clinical implementation of SERS-microfluidic systems, with increasing focus on AI-driven data analysis, multi-analyte detection, and user-friendly portable devices. Key application areas include cancer phenotyping, pathogen detection, and metabolic monitoring, demonstrating a clear trajectory from benchtop innovation to real-world diagnostic solutions. Her recognitions include: Women Innovators Prize Finalist, European Innovation Council (2022) As Principal Investigator, Dr. Abalde-Cela has directed major European grants including Pathfinder, FET Open, and RIA/IA Actions totaling €6+ million, while through RUBYnanomed she has secured €5+ million for commercialization. She actively mentors researchers and engages in international science outreach across Cambridge, London, Boston, Vigo, and Braga. She leads the INL Medical Devices research group developing next-generation diagnostic platforms and serves as CTO of RUBYnanomed, driving the clinical translation of nanotechnology-based medical devices through strategic partnerships with healthcare providers and industry.

Swadeshmukul SantraView profile

Professor

• Nanoscience
• Nanotechnology
• Nano-Agriculture
• +5 more

Swadeshmukul Santra, Ph.D., is a Professor at the University of Central Florida with joint appointments in the NanoScience Technology Center and Department of Chemistry. As founding director of the UCF Materials Innovation for Sustainable Agriculture (MISA) Center, his work focuses on nanotechnology applications in agriculture and medicine. His research addresses crop protection through nanomaterials like nano-pesticides and nano-fertilizers, as well as nanomedicine innovations such as drug delivery systems and bioimaging probes. Dr. Santra has secured over $6 million in grants from NSF, USDA, and industry partners, and holds 35 patents. His nano-agriculture projects target citrus diseases like greening and canker, while nanomedicine efforts explore targeted therapy delivery. Notable collaborations include developing zinc oxide-based formulations (Zinkicide) for plant vascular pathogens and silk-based microneedles for drug delivery. Research Interests: Engineered nanomaterials, nanobioimaging, nanotoxicology, nano-pesticides, and sustainable agricultural technologies. Key Projects: Citrus disease management, antimicrobial nanocomposites, and FAIR database systems for bacterial identification (BacteSign). Grants & Awards: Over $6M funding from NSF/USDA; 35 issued patents (28 U.S.-based). His lab emphasizes translational research, with technologies under evaluation by multinational agrochemical companies. Commercialization efforts include partnerships with UCF’s Office of Research and Commercialization for startup opportunities in quantum dot imaging and nano-fertilizer platforms.

Pasi VahimaaView profile

Professor

• Photonics
• Diffractive Optics
• Optical Coherence
• +5 more

Professor Pasi Vahimaa is a prominent academic at the University of Joensuu, affiliated with the Department of Physics and Mathematics within the Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology. His research focuses on theoretical optics, photonics, and the application of advanced technologies in education. He leads projects such as the Mehtimäki Well-being and Sports Testing Center, emphasizing innovation in learning environments and healthcare through photonics. His work integrates flipped learning, VR/AR, and AI/ML to enhance educational tools and sensor technologies for monitoring learning processes. Key research interests include diffractive optics, optical coherence, SERS substrates, nanomaterials, and the development of sensor systems. Vahimaa has contributed to over 100 peer-reviewed articles, focusing on photonics applications, nanotechnology, and educational technology. His recent projects aim to create innovative learning environments and leverage AI for personalized education. Notable collaborations involve advancements in SERS substrates for biosensing, femtosecond laser processing, and polymer-based optical components. Vahimaa’s work bridges fundamental optics research with practical applications in health, education, and industry, emphasizing interdisciplinary innovation.

• Chemistry Education
• Membrane Biophysics
• Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy
• +6 more

Dr. Deborah Gater serves as an Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Associate Director for Enrolment Management at Northeastern University London, part of the CoMENS Faculty. She holds dual Master’s degrees (Chemistry and Protein/Membrane Chemical Biology) and a PhD in Chemistry from Imperial College London. Her research bridges membrane biophysics, solid-state NMR, and educational innovation, focusing on cholesterol-membrane interactions and technology-enhanced chemistry teaching. She previously worked at Khalifa University and UCL’s Centre for Languages and International Education. Her research explores cholesterol’s role in membrane systems, semiconductor-based biosensors, and vitamin D’s effects on membranes. She collaborates across disciplines to advance biophysical techniques and educational accessibility. Teaching areas include general/organic chemistry and drug discovery for apprenticeships. Key Research Areas : Membrane biophysics, solid-state NMR, amino acid detection via GaAs sensors, vitamin delivery systems, and evidence-based teaching methods. Notable Projects : Development of transdermal vitamin D3 systems, chip-based biochemical sensors, and Moodle-based online assessment analytics. Locations : Based at Northeastern’s London campus (Devon House, E1W 1LP). Dr. Gater’s work emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, with publications spanning chemical education, biophysical methods, and material science applications. Her teaching innovations address inclusivity and technology integration in STEM education.

• Advanced Sensor Technology
• Photonics
• Microfluidics
• +3 more

Patric Eberle is a Professor and Head of the Sensor & Health Technologies research group at the Lucerne School of Engineering and Architecture (HSLU). He holds a BSc from ZHAW and MSc/PhD degrees from ETH Zurich, specializing in Micro/Nanosystems and Thermo-/Nanofluidics. His research focuses on advanced sensor technology, photonics, microfluidics integrated with AI, and biomedical applications. He leads interdisciplinary projects like Sorthodisc (stem cell isolation) and BODYGUARD (sensor-triggered dialog systems). He has held industry roles at Bruker AG, SKF AG, and Balluff AG, transitioning research into practical innovations. Notable achievements include ETH Pioneer Fellow (2016) and patents in sensor technologies. Eberle collaborates with industry and academic partners to develop solutions in healthcare and automation. Education: BSc Electrical Engineering (ZHAW), MSc Micro/Nanosystems (ETH Zurich), PhD Thermo-/Nanofluidics (ETH Zurich). Research interests span sensor systems, biosignal processing, and AI-driven biomedical solutions. Projects address challenges in glaucoma treatment, energy consumption prediction, and smart healthcare systems. Publications highlight work on superhydrophobic surfaces for icing prevention, microfluidic glaucoma stents, and emotion recognition chatbots for elderly care. Awards include ETH Pioneer Fellow for business innovation in technology.

Jangwook JungView profile

Associate Professor

• Tissue Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine
• Biomaterials
• +2 more

Dr. Jangwook Jung is an Associate Professor at Louisiana State University's Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering. His research focuses on developing advanced biomaterials and tissue engineering strategies for regenerative medicine applications. Research explores: Engineering biomaterials for tissue regeneration Stem cell differentiation and extracellular matrix optimization Antioxidant and oxygen-releasing scaffolds for wound healing Recent publications (2021-2025) demonstrate innovations in lignin-based composites, stem cell fusion mechanisms, and ocular drug delivery systems. Core themes include diabetic wound healing, cardiac tissue engineering, and nanoparticle-based therapies. Teaches courses including BE 4335 Tissue Engineering and BE 4337 Regenerative Medicine. Leads research on lignin composites for medical applications and develops educational tools like 3D surgical simulators.

Chao WangView profile

Associate Professor

• Construction Automation and Robotics
• Occupational Safety and Health
• Human Machine Interaction
• +3 more

Dr. Chao Wang is an Associate Professor and Graduate Program Advisor in the Bert S. Turner Department of Construction Management at Louisiana State University (LSU), holding the Eddie Rispone Professorship. He also serves as Director of the Louisiana Pollution Prevention (P2) Program and Assistant Director of the LSU-Industrial Assessment Center. His research focuses on construction automation, occupational safety, wearable technologies, and energy efficiency, with notable contributions to robotics integration and human-machine interaction in construction environments. Dr. Wang earned his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology (2014), M.S. in Transportation Information Engineering and Control from Beihang University (2009), and B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Hohai University (2006). His work bridges academic research and industry applications through projects funded by NSF, EPA, USDA, and DOE, addressing challenges like energy efficiency in schools, construction safety via wearable sensors, and robotic workforce augmentation. His research interests emphasize innovative solutions for construction safety (e.g., fatigue monitoring, near-miss detection) and sustainability (e.g., energy-efficient building systems). Recent work leverages AI/LLMs for accident report analysis and BIM integration for as-built modeling. He leads the Workforce Augmentation Lab , fostering interdisciplinary collaboration in robotics and automation. Teaching responsibilities include CM 2113 Construction Equipment and CM 7010 Research Methods for CM. He actively recruits research assistants with expertise in AI/LLMs and construction robotics, emphasizing strong publication records.