Find Academic Supervisors

Joel L. PlawskyView profile

Professor

• Interfacial Phenomena
• Transport Processes
• Thin Films
• +7 more

Joel L. Plawsky is a Professor and Department Head in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) within the School of Engineering. He earned his BS from the University of Michigan and MSCEP/ScD from MIT. His research spans interfacial phenomena, transport processes, thin films, and their applications in microelectronics, photonics, and microgravity environments. BS: Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan MSCEP/ScD: Chemical Engineering, MIT Plawsky's work focuses on interface science, including thin film dynamics, contact line behavior during evaporation/condensation, and microgravity fluid mechanics. His innovations address challenges in semiconductor materials, concrete curing, and thermal management for space missions, supported by over $5 million in grants and collaborations with NASA, Semiconductor Research Corporation, and the Department of Transportation. His research impacts diverse fields, from microelectronics cooling to pollution prevention, as evidenced by 250+ publications in Physics, Engineering, and Materials Science. Recent studies explore chiral tiling transport, bubble nucleation in microgravity, and dielectric breakdown mechanisms. Scientific Awards and Recognitions Fellow of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) Herb Epstein Award from AIChE NASA Faculty Fellow (1999-2000) Max Jakob Memorial Award Paper (2020) Plawsky has mentored 26 PhD and 6 Master’s students, authored over 135 peer-reviewed articles, and holds seven patents. He served as a visiting professor at Delft University of Technology (2002) and contributed to resolving the Challenger shuttle disaster through material analysis. His work is affiliated with RPI's Center for Future Energy Systems (CFES) and Center for Materials, Devices, and Integrated Systems (CMDIS).

• Fluid Mechanics
• Polymer Processing
• Pharmaceutical Processing
• +5 more

Tim Gough is a Professor of Fluid Mechanics at the University of Bradford's Faculty of Engineering & Digital Technologies, affiliated with the Department of Mechanical & Energy Systems Engineering. He previously served as Head of his department until 2021 and holds roles as Deputy Director of the IRC in Polymer Engineering and Manager of their Materials Characterisation laboratories. His research focuses on flow effects in polymeric and pharmaceutical materials, utilizing advanced characterization techniques like neutron and x-ray probes. He has a BEng and PhD from the University of Surrey (Fluid Mechanics). Key research areas include polymer processing, pharmaceutical processing, rheology, and materials science, with emphasis on flow-induced crystallization and structure-property relationships. He has secured EPSRC funding for Microscale Polymer Processing projects and maintains strong industry-academia collaborations. His work has led to three patents and over 50 peer-reviewed publications, along with 100+ conference papers. Teaching responsibilities in 2024-2025 include modules such as Advanced Fluid Mechanics, Sustainable Energy, and Design/Build/Test projects. Awards include the 2010 Baroness Lockwood Award for Teaching and 2019 Lecturer of the Year. He has supervised 13 completed PhD/MPhil students and currently guides four PhD researchers in fluid mechanics, hydrogels, and pharmaceutical processing. His lab facilities leverage large-scale international neutron/x-ray facilities in the UK, France, and the U.S. to study soft matter and pharmaceuticals under deformation and crystallization conditions.

Deborah AndrewsView profile

Professor

• Sustainable Design
• Circular Economy
• Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment
• +4 more

Deborah Andrews is a Professor of Design for Sustainability and Circularity at the School of Engineering, specializing in sustainable design, circular economy, and life cycle assessment. She has over 20 years of experience and 60+ publications, leading the ERDF/Interreg-NWE funded CEDaCI project for the data centre industry since 2018. Active member of Institution of Engineering Designers (Education and Training Committee) Chartered Environmentalist Guest editor for Frontiers of Sustainability journal Her research involves collaborations with commercial refrigeration, solar shading sectors, and data centre industry. Key projects include: CEDaCI project (2018-2023): Circular Economy for Data Centre Industry ERDF A2i, Low Carbon London, SimDH programs InnovateUK KTPs Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals through: Product and Engineering Design Life Cycle Assessment Behavior Change for Circular Economy Scientific contributions and recognition include: Runner-up for Data Centre Dynamics Global Awards (2019) Highlighted by European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform (2020)

Mengchu ZhouView profile

Professor

• Systems Engineering
• Automation
• Discrete Event Systems
• +2 more

Dr. Mengchu Zhou is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. His research spans discrete event systems, industrial IoT, optimization algorithms, and intelligent manufacturing. With over 30 years of experience, he has made significant contributions to Petri net theory and its industrial applications. Research interests include intelligent automation, manufacturing systems, optimization algorithms, and quantum computing applications. His work frequently addresses scheduling problems, robotic systems, and IIoT implementations using advanced computational methods. Publication trends demonstrate consistent focus on scheduling optimization, manufacturing automation, and emerging computing paradigms. Recent works increasingly explore quantum computing applications and security aspects of industrial systems. Honors include election as National Academy of Inventors Fellow and the IEEE Norbert Wiener Award. His research has been recognized through multiple patents and technology transfer implementations. Dr. Zhou maintains strong industry connections and has advised numerous graduate students through his laboratory focused on automation and intelligent systems.

• Mechanical Engineering
• Manufacturing Systems
• Robotics
• +7 more

George Abdou is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). His research focuses on advanced manufacturing systems, robotics, and optimization techniques. Notable areas include palletization optimization, waterjet technology for surgical applications, and milling process parameters. He has contributed to linear motor dynamics, finite element analysis, and logistics systems design. Abdou's work spans from foundational engineering challenges like tool life analysis in machining to interdisciplinary applications such as medical devices leveraging waterjet technology. His research integrates simulation, optimization algorithms, and experimental validation to address real-world manufacturing and automation problems. His recent studies (2019) explore waterjet technology for surgical procedures, advancing biomedical engineering through precise incision techniques using physical experimentation on animal skin. Earlier contributions include optimizing high-speed milling operations (2001) and developing 3D palletization strategies that enhance storage and logistics efficiency. Research Themes: Palletization, Robotics, Waterjet Applications, Milling Optimization, Linear Motors Key Publications: Over 30 peer-reviewed articles since 1988, with notable works in International Journal of Production Research and International Journal of Computer Integrated Manufacturing . Abdou teaches courses in industrial engineering and project management at NJIT, reflecting his expertise in both theoretical and applied aspects of manufacturing systems.

Xiaodong JiaView profile

Assistant Professor

• Smart Manufacturing
• Advanced Process Control
• Machine Learning
• +3 more

Xiaodong Jia is an Assistant Professor (ISE-Data Science Focus) at the University of Cincinnati's Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering, affiliated with the College of Engineering, Architecture and Art. He leads the Lab for Intelligent Metrology Systems and has held roles including Post-Doc Research Fellow at the Center for Intelligent Maintenance Systems and Research Assistant Professor at UC. His research focuses on smart manufacturing, advanced process control, and machine learning applications in industrial systems. Education includes a Ph.D. in Industrial Big Data and Prognostics from UC (2018), M.S. in Turbomachinery from Shanghai Jiaotong University (2014), and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Central South University (2008). Research interests include data-driven modeling, prognostics and health management (PHM), and digital twin technologies. His work addresses challenges in semiconductor manufacturing, robotics, and predictive maintenance. Recent projects involve closed-loop defect identification in roll-to-part systems and AI-driven yield enhancement for semiconductors. Grants include $498K from the Department of Army for defect remediation in manufacturing, $325K from NIST for semiconductor yield optimization, and multiple industry partnerships with GM, Applied Materials, and Hitachi. Awards include top placements in global industrial AI and PHM competitions. His lab collaborates with industry leaders like General Motors, Mitsubishi, and TSMC, focusing on applied machine learning solutions for manufacturing systems. Ongoing projects emphasize transfer learning, data anonymization, and digital twin applications.

Cristina Ruiz MartínView profile

Assistant Professor

• Organizational Resilience
• Discrete-Event Modeling and Simulation
• Agent-Based Modeling
• +3 more

Cristina Ruiz Martín is an Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream at Carleton University's Department of Systems and Computer Engineering (Faculty of Engineering and Design). She holds a Ph.D. from both Carleton University (Canada) and Universidad de Valladolid (Spain) through a cotutelle program. Her academic background includes an MSc in Industrial Engineering (2014) and a Project Management degree (2013) from Universidad de Valladolid. Her research focuses on Organizational Resilience , Discrete-Event Modeling and Simulation , Agent-Based Modeling , and Network Theory . Recent work explores resilience in firms, pandemic modeling, and simulation frameworks like DEVS and Cell-DEVS. She has taught courses in Strategic Management and Managerial Economics at Universidad de Valladolid, and currently contributes to engineering education at Carleton. Her publications emphasize applications of simulation techniques to real-world challenges, including pandemic spread analysis, emergency communication systems, and organizational dynamics. She actively develops collaborative modeling tools and integrates simulation into interdisciplinary studies. Key technical contributions include methodologies for combinatorial auctions, real-time DEVS kernels, and integrating BDI agents with simulation environments. Her work bridges theoretical modeling with practical applications in manufacturing, healthcare, and crisis management.

Arvind UpadhyayView profile

Professor

• Sustainable Operations
• Supply Chain Management
• Big Data Analytics
• +7 more

Professor Arvind Upadhyay is a faculty member at London Metropolitan University, specializing in sustainable operations and supply chain management. His research focuses on integrating big data analytics, blockchain technology, and circular economy principles into environmental sustainability frameworks. He actively teaches these subjects and explores applications in healthcare, disaster resilience, and Industry 4.0. Research interests include lean management practices, AI-driven healthcare solutions, and the role of digital technologies in enhancing supply chain resilience. His work often addresses challenges in green supply chain management, carbon-neutral logistics, and sustainable performance metrics. Publications span topics such as blockchain’s impact on green technology, circular economy startups, and Quality 4.0 barriers. He has contributed to understanding pandemic-driven healthcare management innovations and the effects of globalization on supply chain strategies. No scientific awards or grants are explicitly mentioned, and no student advisees are listed. His work emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and practical solutions for sustainability challenges across industries.

Brian FreelandView profile

Associate Professor

• Bioprocess Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Functional Foods
• +3 more

Assoc. Prof Brian Freeland is a key academic in the School of Biotechnology at Dublin City University (DCU) , specializing in Bioprocess Engineering . He completed his PhD in 2020 focusing on process control and optimization in nanomaterials. Mechatronic Engineering (2005) MSc in Mechanical with Bioprocessing Engineering (2009) PhD (2020) His research integrates Process Analytical Technology (PAT) with bioprocessing and nanofabrication, utilizing tools like: On-line spectroscopy Biocalorimetry Gas analysis Soft-sensors and ANNs Key projects include: Grain-4-Lab (Co-Lead) - Circular bioeconomy SERKEL.bio (Lead) Principal Investigator roles at Life Science Institute , Irish Water Institute , and Advanced Processing Technology Research Centre Recent publications focus on: Silver nano-inks for antimicrobial food packaging Laser ablation synthesis in solution (LASiS) Nano-silver colloids under laminar flow Calorimetry-based bioprocess control Functionalization of silicon nanoparticles Teaching interests span bioprocess control , automation , and PAT tools , coordinating modules like Bioreactor Design and Transport Processes . Supervises PhD students in yeast bioprocessing and nanomaterials .

• Robotics
• Human-Robot Interaction
• Industrial Automation
• +3 more

Seyedamir Ahmadi is a Researcher in Automation Technology and Mechanical Engineering with expertise bridging robotics, industrial automation, and human-robot collaboration systems. His work directly addresses Industry 4.0 implementation challenges in smart manufacturing environments. Education Master of Science (Technology) in Automation Engineering (awarded 2018) Bachelor of Science (Technology) in Mechanical Engineering from UCSI University (awarded 2013) Research Focus Ahmadi specializes in human-robot collaboration systems, digital twin development for production lines, and ontology engineering for manufacturing. His research integrates ergonomics, risk analysis, and personalization to enhance operator safety and efficiency in connected factories. Key contributions include multimodal interfaces for collaborative robotics and semantic frameworks for manufacturing execution systems. Publication Evolution From 2018 to 2023, Ahmadi's work evolved from foundational ontology development (ISA-95 standards) toward applied human-robot interaction systems. Recent publications emphasize operator skill digitization in digital twins, safety-focused risk analysis for collaborative robots, and personalized interfaces in connected factories—demonstrating consistent progression toward solving real-world manufacturing challenges in Industry 4.0 contexts.

Anthony PetrellaView profile

Associate Professor

• Biomechanics
• Computational Biomechanics
• Experimental Biomechanics
• +7 more

Anthony Petrella is an Associate Professor and Department Head of Mechanical Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines. He serves as Director of the FEA Professional Certificate Program and leads the Computational Biomechanics Group. His academic career at Mines began in 2006 following a six-year industry role managing computational biomechanics research at Johnson & Johnson's DePuy Orthopaedics. Dr. Petrella's research spans computational and experimental biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system, with primary focus on orthopaedic applications. His group employs advanced nonlinear finite element methods, subject-specific anatomy modeling, and statistical techniques to investigate spine, hip, knee, and ankle mechanics. Recent work integrates machine learning for injury prediction and expands into additive manufacturing for biomedical applications. Analysis of Dr. Petrella's recent publications (2015-2024) reveals a dominant emphasis on spine biomechanics through automated finite element modeling and statistical shape analysis, with growing focus on ankle mechanics and machine learning applications. The research demonstrates consistent evolution from joint replacement studies toward comprehensive musculoskeletal system modeling and clinical outcome improvement. As director of the Computational Biomechanics Group, Dr. Petrella oversees researchers and graduate students in developing computational models of spinal function across healthy, degenerated, and surgically reconstructed states. His FEA Professional Certificate Program provides industry professionals with advanced structural and thermal analysis skills, reflecting his dual commitment to research innovation and engineering education.

• Electronic Drums
• Interface Design
• Pad Design
• +2 more

Alan Kennedy is an Assistant Professor in the School of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering at Dublin City University. His research centers on electronic percussion systems, including pad design, electronic drum module development, signal processing algorithms, and human-computer interface optimization. He investigates sensor technologies for responsive musical interfaces and software architectures for real-time sound synthesis. His publications focus on computational methods for engineering problems, particularly convection-diffusion modeling using electrical analogues, which bridge mechanical engineering and computational mathematics.

Tao LuView profile

Associate Professor

• Supply Chain Management
• Transport Logistics
• Gig Economy Platforms
• +3 more

Tao Lu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Operations and Information Management at the University of Connecticut’s School of Business. Previously, he taught at the Rotterdam School of Management in the Netherlands. His research focuses on supply chain management, transport logistics, gig economy platforms, and socially responsible operations. He serves as an Associate Editor of the Service Science journal. Education : Ph.D. (2016), M.Phil. (2013), Hong Kong University of Science and Technology BBA (2011), Beijing Jiaotong University Research Interests : Dr. Lu’s work explores strategic communication in supply chains, sustainable logistics, and platform economics. He investigates how firms can optimize operations through mechanisms like fill-rate-based workforce allocation, contingent sourcing strategies, and socially responsible supplier communication. His research often integrates game theory and stochastic modeling to address real-world challenges in supply chain resilience and environmental sustainability. Publications & Contributions : His work appears in top journals such as Management Science , Manufacturing & Service Operations Management , and Operations Research . Recent trends in his publications emphasize gig economy dynamics, platform mergers, and precision agriculture’s operational implications. Grants & Advising : No specific grants or advisees are listed in the provided materials. His research funding sources and student mentoring activities remain unspecified. Labs/Teams : No dedicated lab or research team is mentioned, though his editorial role at Service Science suggests active participation in academic collaborations.

• Behavioural Operations
• Supply Chain Management
• Operations Management
• +4 more

Ahmet Onur Agca is a Lecturer in Engineering Systems & Supply Chain Management at the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Aston University, UK. His research bridges behavioral sciences with operations and supply chain management, focusing on circular economy adoption and sustainability-driven business strategies. Research Interests Behavioural Operations: Investigating how human characteristics and cognitive biases influence supply chain decisions. Circular Designs: Advocating for product/process circularity to reduce waste and enhance resource efficiency. Sustainability & Degrowth: Exploring business models balancing economic viability with ecological responsibility. Research Trends Recent work analyzes paradoxes in supply chain dynamics (bullwhip effect, coopetition). Emphasizes behavioral decision-making frameworks and circular economy implementation across industries.

Marcel HörningView profile

Researcher

• Life Science
• Biomedicine
• Mathematical & Computational Biology
• +8 more

Marcel Hörning is a Researcher at the University of Stuttgart , affiliated with the Institute of Biomaterials and Biomolecular Systems . His work spans interdisciplinary domains including Life Science & Biomedicine , Mathematical & Computational Biology , and Physics , focusing on excitable media dynamics, mechanobiology, and biomaterials. Staff Council Representative since 2019 Member of Stuttgart Research Center Systems Biology (SRCSB) Research Interests center on understanding how physical and geometric properties regulate biological systems. Key areas include: Excitable Membrane Signaling in Dictyostelium and cardiac cells Mechanobiology of myoblasts and cardiomyocytes on dynamic hydrogels Cardiac Wave Dynamics for arrhythmia control Biophysics of mitochondrial transport and ciliate galvanotaxis 3D Bioprinting of tissue-mimicking scaffolds Publication Trends reveal expertise in modeling spatiotemporal patterns in excitable systems, with applications to cardiac tissue engineering , neuronal migration , and biomaterial design . Collaborative efforts often bridge experimental and computational approaches . Technologies developed include reversible host-guest hydrogels and optical fluid pumps for dynamic cellular microenvironments. His work has implications for regenerative medicine , drug screening , and nonlinear system control .