Christian Lafforgue is a Lecturer and active staff member at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), affiliated with the School of Engineering (STI), Institute of Microengineering (IEM), and Photonic Systems Laboratory (PHOSL). He contributes to teaching in Electrical and Electronics Engineering through the SEL - Teaching unit. His research focuses on photonic systems, with specific emphasis on integrated optical technologies and engineering applications. He works within EPFL's Photonics laboratory infrastructure located in ELB 134, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Babak Ziaie serves as an Associate Professor in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Purdue University, a position he has held since January 2005. Previously, he was an Assistant Professor at the University of Minnesota (1999-2004) and a postdoctoral fellow/assistant research scientist at the University of Michigan's Center for Integrated Microsystems (1995-1999). He earned his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan in 1994, with doctoral research focused on implantable microstimulators for neuromuscular rehabilitation. His academic trajectory reflects deep specialization in bioengineering interfaces between electronics and physiological systems. Dr. Ziaie's research pioneers biomedical applications of MEMS and microsystems, with emphasis on implantable wireless devices for glaucoma management, hydrogel-based physiological sensors, brain-machine communication interfaces, biomimetic actuators, and ultra-sensitive molecular detection systems. His work bridges microengineering with clinical neuroscience and ophthalmology. His scientific recognition includes: NSF Career award in Biomedical Engineering (2001) McKnight Endowment Fund Award for Technological Innovations in Neuroscience (2002) He maintains active professional engagement through memberships in IEEE, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the American Physical Society, contributing to interdisciplinary discourse in bioelectronics and neural engineering.
Artur Kopitca is a Researcher at the Department of Electrical Engineering and Automation of Aalto University, affiliated with the Robotic Instruments research group. His work focuses on advanced robotic manipulation techniques at micro and macro scales. Research interests include: Acoustic manipulation and programmable assembly Machine learning applications in robotics Stochastic force field control systems Jet-induced airflow dynamics for automation Recent publications highlight his contributions to integrating large language models with microrobotics, model-based learning control, and programmable particle assembly using Chladni plates. His work bridges robotics, control theory, and acoustic engineering. Email: artur.kopitca@aalto.fi
Christopher Dennison is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Victoria. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Victoria and is a licensed Professional Engineer (P.Eng), with research centered on traumatic injury mechanisms in civilian, sports, and defense contexts. His work focuses on biomechanics and biomedical instrumentation for protective device development, including head-gear and body armor. Dr. Dennison employs in vivo, ex vivo, in vitro, and in silico methodologies to analyze injury biomechanics, collaborating extensively with professional sport leagues, equipment manufacturers, and defense scientists on real-world applications. He actively contributes to North American and International standards organizations for protective gear testing and serves on the scientific review committee of the International Research Council on the Biomechanics of Injury. His research spans multiple laboratories: Biomechanics and Instrumentation Laboratory (BaIL), Biomedical Design & System laboratory, Laboratory for Innovations in Microengineering (LiME), Orthopaedic Technologies & Biomechanics Lab, Nanoplasmonics Research Group, UVic Biomedical Engineering Design Student Team (UVic BMED), and Willerth Lab.
Alexander Schüssler is a Researcher at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), affiliated with the School of Engineering and the Institute of Microengineering . He works in the Reconfigurable Robotics Lab , focusing on robotics, control systems, and intelligent systems. Contact details include his primary office at MED 1 1326, Lausanne, and the email alexander.schuessler@epfl.ch .
Cécile Zakri is a Professor at the University of Bordeaux and a researcher at the Paul Pascal Research Center (CRPP), a joint unit of CNRS and the University of Bordeaux. She has been heading the laboratory since 2016 and has maintained a continuous academic career at the University of Bordeaux since 1999, progressing from Assistant Professor (1999-2008) to her current Professor position. Her educational background includes a PhD from the Laboratoire de Spectrométrie Physique in Grenoble (1994-1997), a postdoctoral fellowship at EPFL in Lausanne, Switzerland (1997-1999), and an Accreditation to Conduct Research (HDR) from the University of Bordeaux in 2006. Dr. Zakri's research focuses on self-organization , colloidal suspensions , nanotubes and graphene , and nanocomposites . Her work explores the fundamental properties and applications of these materials, particularly their mechanical, electrical, and structural characteristics. As a member of the NTG team at CRPP, she investigates how nanostructured materials can be engineered for advanced technological applications. Her publication record demonstrates consistent high-impact research output, with publications in prestigious journals including Science, PNAS, and Nature Communications. Her work shows a strong trend toward graphene-based materials and nanocomposites with applications in energy storage, electromechanical systems, and smart materials. The interdisciplinary nature of her research is evident in her collaborations across physics, chemistry, and materials science. Dr. Zakri collaborates extensively with researchers such as Poulin, Neri, Yuan, and Colin, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of her work which bridges multiple scientific domains. Her leadership as laboratory head since 2016 indicates significant responsibility in research direction and likely mentoring of junior researchers.
Dr. Chunhong Ye is an Associate Professor at the School of Physical Science and Technology , ShanghaiTech University. She earned her BS and MS from Nanjing Forestry University (2006, 2008) and a Ph.D. through a joint program with Georgia Institute of Technology (2013). Her postdoctoral work included positions at Georgia Tech (2013–2015) and a Humboldt Fellowship at the Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research (2015–2018). Education: BS, Nanjing Forestry University (2006) MS, Nanjing Forestry University (2008) Ph.D., Georgia Institute of Technology/Nanjing Forestry University (2013) Her research focuses on soft matter-based biomimetic micro/nanostructures with environmental responsiveness, spanning plasmonic nanoparticle assembly , chiroptical properties , circularly polarized phosphorescence , and applications in biological sciences . Recent work includes 3D cellulose actuators and tunable chiral plasmonic films. Group Members include 9 Master candidates and 2 Assistant Research Fellows. Research Trends integrate materials science with biomimetic design, emphasizing dynamic optical and mechanical properties. Key collaborations include the Center for High-resolution Electron Microscopy and Soft Material Nanofabrication Laboratory . Laboratory Instruments include plasma processing machines, spectroscopic ellipsometers, fluorescence spectrometers, and specialized equipment for nanofabrication and optical characterization.
Jasmine Y Foo is a Professor in the School of Mathematics at the University of Minnesota, specializing in mathematical oncology with a focus on cancer mechanisms, drug resistance evolution, and tumor-stromal interactions. Her interdisciplinary work bridges mathematics, biology, and clinical oncology through computational modeling and data-driven approaches. Her research centers on evolutionary dynamics in cancer, particularly non-genetic drug resistance mechanisms, tumor microenvironment interactions, and quantitative biomarker development. Key methodologies include statistical frameworks for therapy resistance detection, spatial modeling of mutant populations, and integrated imaging-mathematical models for tumor organoid systems. This work directly addresses challenges in treatment optimization and personalized cancer therapy. Recent publications (2024-2025) reveal a concentrated effort on translating mathematical insights into clinical applications, with emphasis on circulating tumor DNA kinetics, stromal-induced resistance dosing strategies, and spatial models of cancer evolution. These studies consistently integrate high-throughput experimental data with novel computational approaches to predict treatment outcomes. Dr. Foo maintains an active grants portfolio as Principal Investigator, including: National Science Foundation: Evolutionary dynamics of non-genetic drug resistance mechanisms (2021-2025) National Institutes of Health: Microengineered colon cancer-chip for tumor-stromal interaction studies (2021-2023) Rainwater Charitable Foundation: Progressive supranuclear palsy genetics-to-drug-discovery pipeline (2024-2025) Research Council of Norway: Norwegian-American alliance for data-driven cancer modeling (2020-2024) Her research group operates at the mathematics-biology interface, collaborating with experimental oncologists and clinicians to develop predictive models using patient-derived organoids and tumor-chip systems. Current team efforts focus on creating dynamic biomarkers for treatment response and computational tools for resistance prevention in heterogeneous tumor populations.
Joey L. Mead is a University Professor and Director at the University of Massachusetts Lowell , affiliated with the Francis College of Engineering and the Department of Plastics Engineering . He serves as Co-Director of the Nanomanufacturing Center of Excellence , Deputy Director of the NSF Center for High-Rate Nanomanufacturing , and Center Director of SHAP3D . Education: PhD in Materials Science and Engineering (1986), MIT MS in Materials Science and Engineering (1984), MIT BS in Chemistry (1981), MIT Research Interests focus on elastomer technology , thermoplastic elastomers , nanostructured materials , and additive manufacturing . His work explores electrospun nanofibers , high-rate nanomanufacturing , and interface engineering in composites . Recent studies emphasize 3D printing of heterogeneous materials , sustainable recycling , and superhydrophobic/icephobic coatings . Scientific Awards include multiple Special Act Awards from the Army Research Laboratory, recognition by Sigma Xi , and a US Army Letter of Commendation . He has secured over 20 grants, including from NSF , NextFlex Manufacturing USA , and Defense Logistics Agency . Key Collaborations involve grants with Raytheon , Nypro , and United Soybean Board . His SHAP3D Center leads in heterogeneous additive manufacturing , impacting defense, healthcare, and sustainable industries.
Noah Thomas Jafferis is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the Francis College of Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell. He directs research at the Shared Robotics Lab (Southwick Hall, Room 401) with expertise in micro-robotics, piezoelectric systems, and bio-inspired engineering. His educational background includes a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Princeton University (2012) and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Yale University (2005). Research interests focus on millimeter-scale mechanisms including flying robots, piezoelectric actuators/sensors, bio-inspired systems, and energy-efficient fabrication techniques. Key areas include: Untethered micro-robotic systems and flapping-wing vehicles Piezoelectric actuation design for high power density and efficiency Meso-scale manufacturing and 3D printing applications Biomechanics of insect-scale locomotion and bio-hybrid systems Publication analysis reveals concentrated work in piezoelectric motor design, flapping-wing aerodynamics, and bio-inspired microrobotics. Recent research (2023-2024) shows expanded focus on biomechanical properties of insect vibrations alongside continued piezoelectric actuator innovation. Laboratory leadership includes the Shared Robotics Lab at UMass Lowell, specializing in micro-robotics prototyping and piezoelectric system development. Professional activities feature numerous invited talks at institutions including MIT, Harvard, and international conferences on microrobotics and bio-inspired systems.
Prof. Dr. Heike Blümer is a Faculty Member at the University of Kassel in the Department 10 - Technology and its Didactics. Her work focuses on integrating technology into general education, particularly for primary school settings. University: University of Kassel Department: Technology and its Didactics Her research interests include: Science and technology education for children Curriculum development in elementary technical education Interdisciplinary approaches combining natural sciences with technical aspects Hands-on learning workshops (wood, metal, and ceramics) Energy concepts and sustainability in basic education Historical technology in modern classrooms Key publication trends show her focus on: Teaching methods for technical education in primary schools Application of new media in science literacy Everyday object dissection (e.g., ballpoint pens, sewing machines) Hydropower and renewable energy education Repair culture and sustainability Textile and clothing technology as educational tools She coordinates study workshops including: The wood workshop The metal workshop The ceramics workshop Learning workshop and reading room Current teaching activities cover: Children Discover Technology courses Introduction to Technology Subject-specific working methods in natural sciences Technical Internships Energy forms and effects
Dr Hanna Sykulska-Lawrence is an Associate Professor in the Astronautics Group at the University of Southampton, specializing in the miniaturization of scientific instrumentation for planetary exploration. Her work bridges microengineering and space science to develop compact sensors for extraterrestrial environments. University of Oxford (BSc Engineering Science) Imperial College London (PhD Electrical Engineering, 2009) Her research focuses on creating miniature instruments for planetary missions, including a wideband radiometer for atmospheric studies and a Raman spectrometer for Jupiter’s moon Europa. Past projects include MEMS-based sensors for Mars and lunar thermal mapping systems. Hanna’s recent publications explore cryogenic Raman spectroscopy for biosignature detection and statistical modeling of complex signals, reflecting her interdisciplinary approach to space instrumentation and planetary science. NASA Group Achievement Award (2009) Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Research Fellowship She supervises PhD students in Engineering & Environment and teaches modules in Astronautics (SESA2024) and Spacecraft Instrumentation (SESA6001).
Adrian Bodenmann is a Research Fellow at the University of Southampton , affiliated with the Maritime Engineering Group and the Ocean Perception Group . His work focuses on high-resolution seafloor imaging, autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) operations, and uncertainty analysis in 3D reconstructions. Research Interests : High-resolution visual seafloor mapping for benthic habitat analysis Remote awareness in autonomous offshore mapping Uncertainty characterization in digital 3D reconstructions Trust in human-machine interactions (HMI) Publication Trends : Adrian's recent work emphasizes AI-driven seafloor mapping, AUV-based environmental monitoring, and uncertainty quantification. He explores applications of self-supervised learning, SLAM algorithms, and low-bandwidth data transmission for marine robotics. Education & Career : Graduated from Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) with degrees in microengineering (2009). Worked at the University of Tokyo before joining Southampton in 2017 to develop the BioCam seafloor mapping system. Field Experience : Participated in 15 ocean expeditions across the Pacific, Atlantic, and North Sea, accumulating over 6 months of at-sea research aboard Japanese, American, and British research vessels.
Michael Villamizar is a Lecturer at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), currently serving as an Invited guest under the Directorate for Learning and Education (DLE) within the Academic Vice Presidency (AVP). His affiliation lies with EDEE (Doctoral School of Electrical Engineering, Microengineering, and related fields), where he contributes to academic instruction in engineering disciplines. His primary research focus centers on: Machine Learning Artificial Intelligence Engineering He delivers the course 'Machine Learning for Engineers', which equips students with practical implementation skills for real-world applications using Python and Jupyter notebooks, emphasizing hands-on laboratory work alongside theoretical foundations.
Mehdi Nikkhah is Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Arizona State University's School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, leading research at the intersection of micro/nanotechnology, biomaterials, and biology to develop disease models and regenerative therapies. His work has yielded over 70 journal articles (12,500+ citations, H-index 51) and 9 US patents focused on cardiac and cancer applications. His educational background includes: Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Tech M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, Villanova University M.Sc. in Biomedical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic) B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic) Postdoctoral Fellowship, Harvard Medical School/Brigham and Women's Hospital Dr. Nikkhah's research centers on disease modeling on-a-chip systems, with particular emphasis on tumor microenvironment dynamics in breast cancer metastasis and electroconductive cardiac tissue engineering . His lab pioneers microfluidic platforms integrating stem cells and biomaterials to study stromal-immune crosstalk, cancer progression mechanisms, and cardiac tissue responses to nanomaterials. Current work leverages single-cell analysis to decode cellular interactions within engineered disease models. Analysis of his 2023-2025 publications reveals dominant themes in on-chip cancer modeling (particularly breast cancer stromal-immune interactions) and conductive biomaterials for cardiac tissue . His team increasingly employs single-cell transcriptomics with microengineered platforms to dissect metastatic mechanisms, while advancing nanoparticle-enhanced cardiac scaffolds that improve tissue maturation and electrophysiological function. Major awards include: NSF CAREER Award (2017) Arizona Flinn Foundation Award (2019-2020) ACS Young Investigator Award (2017) BMES Fellow Award (2014) NIH F32 Postdoctoral Fellowship (2013) Dr. Nikkhah mentors over 55 trainees from diverse backgrounds while securing significant funding including NIH R01 grants on glioblastoma invasion and NSF awards for cardiac nanomaterial studies. His lab develops microengineered tumor models to investigate drug resistance and conductive cardiac patches for myocardial repair, with current projects examining perivascular niches in cancer and electromechanical responses to gold nanomaterials. The Nikkhah Lab provides a collaborative environment for students to develop microscale platforms, tissue engineering constructs, and cancer models, aiming to translate bioengineering innovations into solutions for global health challenges through interdisciplinary approaches.
