Johannes Pekkilä is a Doctoral Researcher in the Department of Computer Science at Aalto University, Finland. His research focuses on high-performance computing and GPU-accelerated simulations for astrophysical and fluid dynamics applications. University: Aalto University Department: Computer Science Academic Rank: Researcher His work includes optimizing stencil computations, developing magnetohydrodynamic turbulence models, and creating open-source simulation tools like the Pencil Code and Astaroth. Recent publications highlight GPU acceleration strategies for astrophysical simulations and scalable communication in parallel computing environments. Johannes contributes to advancements in computational physics through collaborations on large-scale dynamo interactions, solar magnetism studies, and CUDA-aware MPI implementations. His research spans numerical methods, computational efficiency, and multi-user code maintenance frameworks. Contact: johannes.pekkila@aalto.fi
Artur Malaquias is an Associate Professor at the Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, specializing in nuclear fusion and plasma diagnostics. He has held multiple international roles, including ITER Visiting Home Team Personal, ITER Science Fellow, and Systems Engineer for the DEMO diagnostics and control program. Education: University Diploma in Physics Engineering (Universidade de Coimbra, 1989), Master in Physics and Plasmas Engineering (Instituto Superior Técnico, 1993), PhD in Physics Engineering (Instituto Superior Técnico, 2000). His research focuses on heavy ion beam diagnostics , ITER-relevant technologies , and tritium inventory analysis. He has contributed to laser-based diagnostics for deposited layers and advanced neutron activation dosimetry. Recent publications highlight developments in DEMO diagnostics , plasma potential measurements , and microwave reflectometry for fusion devices. His work spans experimental validation in tokamaks like ISTTOK and TJ-II, with emphasis on real-time control systems and plasma fluctuation analysis . Internationally, he has coordinated Portuguese participation in DEMO , served on Fusion for Energy's Scientific Advisory Panel (2016–2018, 2022–present), and organized IAEA technical meetings.
Carlos Cartagena-Sánchez is an Assistant Professor of Physics, Engineering, and Astronomy at Beloit College. He holds a B.S. from West Chester University and a Ph.D. from Bryn Mawr College. His research focuses on plasma turbulence and its applications in fusion energy and astrophysics, with emphasis on magnetic fluctuations and plasma wind tunnel experiments. He is actively involved in the CHIMERAS Project, advancing collisionless plasma studies for astrophysical systems. Dr. Cartagena-Sánchez is committed to fostering inclusive, student-centered learning environments and has contributed to experimental setups like the Bryn Mawr Experiment (BMX) and the Bryn Mawr Plasma Laboratory (BMPL). Education: B.S., Physics, West Chester University Ph.D., Physics, Bryn Mawr College Research Interests: Plasma turbulence, magnetic confinement systems, fusion energy technologies, and astrophysical plasma dynamics. His work bridges experimental plasma physics with computational modeling, emphasizing turbulence intermittency and anisotropy in magnetized plasmas. Recent Research Trends: His articles (2020–2025) explore magnetic turbulence in laboratory setups, plasma wind tunnel diagnostics, and the interplay between kinetic and MHD regimes. Key themes include Taylor scale measurements, nozzle dynamics, and self-organized magnetic structures. Awards: No scientific awards explicitly mentioned in the provided texts. Advising & Grants: While no specific grants or advisees are listed, his teaching philosophy emphasizes mentorship in both classroom and laboratory settings. His experimental work suggests collaborative projects with institutions like the Bryn Mawr Plasma Laboratory. Labs/Teams: Collaborates with the Bryn Mawr Experiment (BMX) team and the CHIMERAS Project consortium, focusing on advanced plasma turbulence research and fusion energy applications.
Samuel Lander is a Lecturer in Physics at the University of East Anglia (UEA) , affiliated with the School of Engineering, Mathematics and Physics . He joined UEA in January 2020 and holds dual roles as the overarching Director of Admissions for the School and the subject-specific Director of Admissions for Physics. His academic expertise centers on theoretical astrophysics, particularly neutron stars and their magnetic fields. Education & Career: Bachelor's degree in Maths and Physics (Warwick University) PhD in General Relativity at Southampton University (supervised by Ian Jones) Postdoctoral positions at Tübingen University (Germany), Copernicus Astronomical Centre (Warsaw), and short-term stints at institutions like the Albert Einstein Institute (Potsdam) and the Anton Pannekoek Institute (Amsterdam) Research Interests: Lander specializes in neutron star physics, focusing on magnetic fields, magnetohydrodynamics, and relativistic astrophysics. His work integrates analytical and numerical methods to explore neutron star dynamics, including crustal behavior, superconductivity, and observational connections via telescopes like NICER. Grants & Projects: Active Royal Society-funded project: Probing the physics of magnetar crustquakes through their energetic bursts (2023–2025) Teaching: Organizes modules on Stellar Physics , General Relativity , and Relativistic Astrophysics . Affiliations: Member of the Quantum Matter research group and collaborates internationally on neutron star dynamics and magnetic field evolution.
Peter D. Minev is a Professor in the Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences at the University of Alberta, Canada. His research specializes in computational fluid dynamics, numerical methods for partial differential equations (PDEs), and large-scale simulations for scientific and engineering problems. He develops advanced algorithms for incompressible Navier-Stokes equations, fluid-structure interaction, multiphase flows, and magnetohydrodynamics (MHD). Education: MSc and PhD from Sofia University, Bulgaria. Research Focus: Minev's work spans: High-order time-stepping schemes and splitting methods for complex PDEs Fictitious domain approaches for fluid-structure interaction Parallel algorithms for supercomputing applications Modeling of multiphysics phenomena (e.g., porous media flows, phase-field equations) He has created benchmark results for 3D lid-driven cavity flows and simulations of particle sedimentation/bubble dynamics. Publications: His recent articles (2014–2021) focus on: Efficient splitting schemes for stress/vorticity formulations High-order adaptive time integration Algorithms for spherical/heterogeneous geometries Applications in fuel cells, geophysics, and biomechanics A consistent theme is minimizing computational complexity while maintaining accuracy.
Timothy Handy is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Michigan's Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering department, associated with the Center for Laser Experimental Astrophysics Research. He earned his PhD in Computational Science from Florida State University (2014) under Prof. Tomasz Plewa, focusing on core-collapse supernova theory. His research bridges computational astrophysics and high-energy density physics, specializing in supernova explosion mechanisms, hydrodynamic instabilities (e.g., Rayleigh-Taylor), and plasma dynamics. He has conducted experiments at facilities like OMEGA and NIF to study astrophysical phenomena under extreme conditions. Key research interests include stellar evolution, nucleosynthesis, and the interplay between computational models and observational data. His work addresses challenges like shock revival in supernova progenitors and turbulence in supernova remnants. Timothy's contributions span both theoretical modeling and experimental design in laser-driven plasma systems. His publications emphasize late-stage supernova dynamics, Rayleigh-Taylor instability growth under high-energy fluxes, and turbulence in high-energy-density plasmas. He collaborates with experimental teams to validate numerical simulations against laboratory astrophysics data.
Steven Pearce is a Lecturer in the School of Computing Science at Simon Fraser University (SFU). He holds a PhD from the University of Arizona (1995), an M.Sc. from the University of British Columbia (1984), and a B.Sc. (Honors) from the same institution (1981). His research spans computational magnetohydrodynamics, astrophysical dynamo theory, and quantum computing. He has taught extensively across computer science, mathematics, physics, and earth sciences at SFU and other institutions. Education: PhD, University of Arizona, 1995 M.Sc., University of British Columbia, 1984 B.Sc. (Honors), University of British Columbia, 1981 Research Interests: Spectral methods, computational fluid dynamics applied to astrophysical phenomena, mathematical inverse theory in high-energy astrophysics, and the theoretical foundations of technology. His work integrates advanced numerical methods with interdisciplinary applications in physics and engineering. Teaching: Courses include CMPT 320 (Sociotechnological Issues of Computing), MACM 101 (Discrete Mathematics), and physics/mathematics courses. He has taught at SFU, UFV, Zhejiang University, and others. Awards: Recognized for teaching excellence in CMPT 320 (2000). Labs/Teams: Collaborates on projects in computational astrophysics and alternative energy solutions through his former role at Enterra Environmental Corporation.
Daniel Lathrop is a Professor of Physics and Geology at the University of Maryland (UMD), and a Fellow of the American Physical Society. He joined UMD in 1997 following postdoctoral roles at Yale and faculty positions at Emory University. His research spans nonlinear dynamics, quantum science, and geophysical fluid dynamics. Lathrop directs the Nonlinear Dynamics Laboratory, focusing on experiments simulating Earth’s core (e.g., the 3-meter liquid sodium spherical Couette experiment) and superfluid helium phenomena. Education: B.A. in Physics (UC Berkeley, 1987), Ph.D. in Physics (University of Texas at Austin, 1991). Research emphasizes turbulent flows in rotating systems, magnetic field generation (dynamo effects), and quantum fluid behavior. His lab integrates machine learning for prediction of magnetic field evolution and turbulence dynamics. Collaborations include developing UAV-based geophysical sensors for landmine detection and advancing stochastic computing hardware using magnetic tunnel junctions. Awards include the NSF Presidential Early Career Award (1997), APS Stanley Corrsin Award (2012), and UMD Distinguished Scholar-Teacher designation. He served as Director of the Institute for Research in Electronics and Applied Physics (2006–2012). Advising: Supervised numerous graduate students in experimental physics and geophysics. Active in interdisciplinary projects combining fluid dynamics, quantum science, and machine learning. Labs/Teams: Nonlinear Dynamics Laboratory, Quantum Materials Center, and Institute for Research in Electronics & Applied Physics (IREAP). Research themes include planetary magnetic field modeling, turbulence in extreme conditions, and novel computing hardware inspired by physical systems.
Josefine H.E. Proll is a part-time Associate Professor in the Department of Applied Physics and Science Education at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) and serves as Group Leader for stellarator transport modelling at the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics in Greifswald, Germany since June 2024. Her work targets solving global energy challenges through nuclear fusion research, focusing on turbulence mechanisms in magnetic confinement devices like tokamaks (ITER) and stellarators (Wendelstein 7-X). Education: BSc in Physics from Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Germany MSc in Physics from Imperial College London, conducting research at Culham Centre for Fusion Energy near Oxford PhD from Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics in Greifswald Proll's research investigates instabilities driving plasma turbulence, their interactions, and saturation mechanisms. Her theory predicted instability suppression through optimized stellarator shaping in Wendelstein 7-X, with experimental validation ongoing. This work is critical for improving heat confinement in fusion reactors, directly addressing barriers to net energy generation. Her expertise spans theoretical modeling , experimental collaboration , and reactor optimization , emphasizing stellarator-specific turbulence control . Her recent publications (2024-2025) reveal a consistent focus on stellarator/tokamak turbulence mechanisms, advanced diagnostics development, and engineering solutions for sustained plasma operation. Key trends include validation of shape-dependent instability suppression, novel measurement techniques for neutral density profiles, and water-cooled component integration for long-pulse campaigns – demonstrating a multidisciplinary approach bridging physics theory and reactor engineering. Scientific Awards: NWO Grant for optimising turbulence in fusion reactors (2019) Max-Planck/Princeton Center for Plasma Physics Postdoctoral Fellowship (2014-2015) Helmholtz PostDoc Grant (2015-2016) Proll has supervised 19 students and taught the 'Fusion master class: Stellarators' course from 2016-2024. Her research is funded by major grants including the 2019 NWO award and Helmholtz PostDoc support, enabling deep collaboration with Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (USA), National Institute for Fusion Science (Japan), and University of Wisconsin (USA) teams for experimental validation and modeling. She leads the stellarator transport modelling group at Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics while maintaining active membership in the Wendelstein 7-X Team, working directly with experimentalists in Greifswald. Her diagnostics development work involves international consortia across 388+ researchers, with particular focus on turbulence reduction strategies for next-generation net energy producing stellarators.
Dr. Alex Skillen is a Lecturer in Engineering Simulation and Data Science at the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Manchester. His research focuses on the intersection of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and machine learning, with applications in magnetohydrodynamics, environmental flows, and subcooled boiling phenomena. He actively contributes to interdisciplinary projects such as the Fluids Research Group and Physics-informed Deep Learning for Fusion Thermal Hydraulics. Education: PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Manchester (2012), investigating overset grid methods for Navier-Stokes equations. Research Interests: CFD algorithm development, turbulence modeling, machine learning integration in flow simulations, and numerical analysis of multiphase phenomena. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to affordable and clean energy, and industry innovation. Collaborations include international projects on thermal hydraulics in nuclear systems and turbulence super-resolution using generative models. He has contributed datasets for turbulence research and developed open-source tools for fluid-structure interaction simulations. Advising: Supervised one PhD thesis titled 'The overset grid method applied to the solution of the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations in two and three spatial dimensions.' Active in mentoring within the Fluids Research Group. Labs/Teams: Core member of the Fluids Research Group and collaborator on the Exascale Partitioned Fluid-Structure Interaction (ParaSiF_CF) framework development.
Shohel Mahmud is a Professor at the University of Guelph in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. His work focuses on advanced thermal systems, energy conversion, and sustainable engineering solutions. Research Interests: Thermoacoustic engines, phase change materials (PCM), magnetohydrodynamic convection, and clean energy systems Teaching: Undergraduate and graduate courses in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and electromechanical devices His recent research has emphasized hybrid solar-biomass energy systems , PCM-based thermal management , and machine learning-driven energy optimization . Key contributions include innovations in thermoelectric generators, battery thermal systems, and sustainable HVAC technologies. Current projects involve experimental and numerical studies on energy storage, heat exchanger design, and thermal comfort solutions for buildings and electric vehicles.
Joaquim Loizu is a Senior Lecturer (MER) at the Swiss Plasma Center (SPC-TH) and the School of Physics and Chemistry (SPH-ENS) at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL). His work bridges theoretical plasma physics with experimental validation , focusing on advanced magnetic confinement concepts for fusion energy. Education PhD in Plasma Physics (2013), EPFL Master in Physics, Imperial College London (2009) BSc in Physics, EPFL Research Interests include: Design and stability of stellarator fusion devices MHD equilibrium and formation of magnetic islands Chaotic magnetic field transport Non-neutral plasma simulations Plasma sheath dynamics and bootstrap current analysis Scientific Contributions span 15 recent publications (2023-2025) on topics like chaotic transport quantification, gyrotron electron gun simulations, and multi-region MHD equilibrium calculations. His work has significantly advanced stellarator optimization and tokamak divertor modeling. Awards European Physical Society Plasma Physics PhD Award (2009) IUPAP Young Scientist Prize in Plasma Physics (2020) Advising includes mentoring PhD students Erol Balkovic , Pierrick Giroud-Garampon , and Zeno Tecchiolli . He contributes to major fusion experiments including Wendelstein 7-X and TCV tokamak , while developing simulation tools like GBS and FENNECS for plasma turbulence and non-neutral plasma studies.
Ronald Hesper is a Researcher at the Kapteyn Astronomical Institute within the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Groningen. He is actively involved in cutting-edge research in black hole astrophysics and astronomical instrumentation development. His work spans both theoretical and observational aspects of modern astronomy, with significant contributions to major international collaborations. Hesper's research interests focus on black hole physics, particularly through observations with the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT), which captured the first images of black holes. His work encompasses multi-wavelength studies of supermassive black holes in galaxies like M87 and Sagittarius A*, the center of our Milky Way. He has made substantial contributions to understanding black hole shadows, polarized emission, and jet formation mechanisms. His research portfolio reveals a dual focus: observational studies of black holes and development of advanced instrumentation for radio astronomy. The analysis of his recent publications shows a strong emphasis on Event Horizon Telescope results, with significant contributions to multiple papers in the landmark series that revealed the polarized structure of black hole shadows. Additionally, he has expertise in developing critical components for radio telescopes, including cryogenic amplifiers and superconducting mixers for millimeter and submillimeter observations. Hesper is an active member of several major international collaborations, most notably the Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration, which involves hundreds of scientists worldwide. His work appears in top astronomy journals including Astronomy & Astrophysics, Astrophysical Journal Letters, and IEEE Transactions on Terahertz Science and Technology, demonstrating both his theoretical and instrumental expertise. His research has contributed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to science and technology advancement. The fingerprint of his research shows strong connections to Event Horizon physics (100%), Mixers (Machinery) engineering (64%), Black Holes physics (50%), and Sidebands engineering (41%), indicating his interdisciplinary approach bridging astronomy and engineering.
Mustafa Azreg is an Associate Professor at the Department of Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering, Baskent University . His research focuses on General Relativity, Quantum Gravity, Black Holes, Wormholes, Gravitational Lensing, and Modified Gravity . He earned his PhD in Theoretical Physics from Nice-Sophia Antipolis in 1995. H-index: 22 Total Publications: 784 Citations: 4 Scientific Awards: 11 Recent work includes gravitational wave radiation from Schwarzschild-MOG black holes (2025) and observational tests of R2 gravity (2024). His research trends emphasize spacetime dynamics, quantum effects in gravity, and constraints from astrophysical observations . Editorial Roles: Reviewer for Annals of Physics , Classical and Quantum Gravity , and others (2022-2023). Labs: Mechanical Laboratory, Electrical Laboratory. Scientific Awards : IOP Trusted Reviewer Award (2023) Certificates of Reviewing (2022-2023) for journals including Physics of the Dark Universe and Classical and Quantum Gravity .
Julia Stawarz is an Associate Professor at Northumbria University's Department of Mathematics, Physics, and Electrical Engineering, specializing in space plasma physics. She holds a Royal Society University Research Fellowship and serves as an Associate Editor for Physics of Plasmas . Her research focuses on plasma turbulence, magnetic reconnection, and collisionless phenomena using spacecraft data from missions like MMS, Parker Solar Probe, and Solar Orbiter. Education: BSc in Physics (University of New Hampshire, 2011), MSc and PhD in Astrophysics (University of Colorado Boulder, 2013 and 2016). Postdoctoral work at Imperial College London before joining Northumbria in 2022. Research Interests: Solar wind dynamics, magnetospheric interactions, turbulence-driven reconnection, and developing the ESA Plasma Observatory mission. Key areas include electron kinetic physics, machine learning applications in plasma analysis, and cross-scale plasma modeling. Notable Awards: Winton Award (2021), Ronald C. Davidson Award (2024), and numerous fellowships including the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship. Current Projects: Leading the Electron Kinetic Physics book project, advising on ESA's Plasma Observatory mission, and mentoring PhD students in reconnection and turbulence studies.
