Alyssa Avery, Ph.D., is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Oklahoma State University. She holds a Ph.D. (2019), M.S. (2015), and B.S. (2013) in Aerospace Engineering from Oklahoma State University. Her research focuses on icing simulations for small unmanned aircraft (UAS), sensor design for UAS, and low-altitude cloud physics investigations. She has contributed to field campaigns like CLOUD-MAP and severe weather research using UAS platforms. Her publications span icing prediction models, cylinder ice accretion studies, and UAS design for extreme environments. Research collaborations include work with the American Meteorological Society (AMS) and the AIAA Aviation Forum. No scientific awards are listed, but her work emphasizes interdisciplinary applications of aerospace engineering principles to climate and safety challenges. Though no student advisees are explicitly listed, her research teams likely involve graduate students in aerospace engineering. Her work reflects a strong focus on practical applications of theoretical fluid dynamics and atmospheric physics, particularly in unmanned systems development.
Dr. Ahmet Yozgatlıgil is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Middle East Technical University (METU) and currently serves as the Rector (President) of the university. His academic journey includes a B.Sc. (1996) and M.Sc. (1998) from METU, followed by a Ph.D. (2005) in Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics from Drexel University. His research focuses on microgravity combustion, sooting processes, particle characterization, and alternative fuels, with notable work conducted at NASA-Glenn Research Center, the University of Maryland, NIST, and the Japan Microgravity Center (JAMIC). Recent research emphasizes lignite combustion, oxy-fuel combustion, and SO₂ capturing using TGA and circulating fluidized bed systems. Dr. Yozgatlıgil has advised 22 theses and contributed to advanced energy technologies, including alternative fuels and nanoparticle synthesis. His contributions span experimental and theoretical studies in combustion dynamics, microgravity environments, and sustainable energy solutions. Professional activities include administrative leadership at METU and collaborative research in international facilities.
Paolo Luzzatto-Fegiz is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). His research focuses on fluid dynamics, thermal sciences, and materials science, with a particular emphasis on superhydrophobic surfaces, wind energy systems, and microgravity particle interactions. He integrates theoretical models, numerical simulations, and experimental methods to address challenges in environmental engineering and aerospace applications. Education PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University MS in Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University MSc in Applied Mathematics, Imperial College London BEng in Aerospace Engineering, University of Southampton Research Interests His work explores: Superhydrophobic Surfaces: Investigating drag reduction mechanisms and surfactant contamination effects in laminar and turbulent flows. Wind Energy: Developing theoretical limits for wind farm performance and mitigating atmospheric stratification impacts. Microgravity Fluids: Studying particle aggregation and fluid dynamics in low-gravity environments. Laboratory Innovations: Designing affordable experimental tools like desktop wind tunnels and conductivity probes. Awards & Recognition Early CAREER Award, National Science Foundation (2021) Excellence in Teaching Award, Northrop Grumman (2020) Invited Speaker, National Science Foundation (NSF) Panel (2022) Advising & Grants He leads projects funded by the NSF and CBET-EPSRC, focusing on surfactant impacts on superhydrophobic surfaces. While no advisees are listed, his work involves collaborative teams and grants for experimental setups. Labs & Teams He directs research initiatives involving open-source instruments, including microscale conductivity probes and affordable wind tunnel designs for academic use.
Barry Garraway is a Professor of Quantum Physics at the University of Sussex's School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences. His research focuses on matter-wave physics, quantum optics, and quantum information processing, with specific expertise in atom interferometry, cold atom manipulation, and quantum control techniques. His work bridges theoretical quantum mechanics with experimental applications in precision measurement and quantum technologies. Research interests span three primary areas: theoretical quantum optics including decoherence and cavity QED; matter waves and Bose-Einstein condensation; and molecular control through femtosecond processes. Recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on space-based quantum experiments and quantum sensing technologies. Professor Garraway has secured multiple research grants including funding from DSTL and EPSRC, supporting projects on ultra-cold atoms, atom-chip gyros, and quantum sensors. His work contributes to the UK Quantum Technology Hub in Sensors and Metrology, driving innovations in quantum-enabled measurement systems.
Paul DesJardin is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University at Buffalo, where he also serves as Director of the Center for Hybrid Rocket Exascale Simulation Technology (CHREST) and the Combustion and Energy Transport Laboratory (CET). He holds a PhD from Purdue University (1998), an MS from Purdue (1995), and a BS from the University at Buffalo (1993). His research focuses on multiphase reacting flows, propulsion systems, fire and combustion phenomena, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and fluid-structure interaction. Key areas include radiative heat transfer in combustion systems, turbulent boundary layer dynamics, and advanced numerical methods for exascale computing. His work bridges theoretical models with experimental validation, particularly in hybrid rocket combustion and microgravity environments. Notable contributions include developing radiative flamelet models for solid fuel flame spread, uncertainty quantification in combustion diagnostics, and physics-informed machine learning approaches for chemistry tabulation. He has pioneered experimental techniques like two-color pyrometry for non-intrusive heat flux measurements in hybrid rocket systems. Awarded Fellow of ASME (2020) and UB’s Exceptional Scholar Award (2019), his research has been funded through grants focusing on combustion modeling, fire safety, and aerospace engineering challenges. He advises students in fluid dynamics and combustion, leading interdisciplinary teams at CHREST and CET labs.
Dr. Monique Verstegen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery at Erasmus MC, Faculty of Medicine. Her work is at the forefront of organoid technology and its clinical translation, particularly in liver diseases and cancer. She is actively involved in multidisciplinary research bridging surgery, regenerative medicine, and molecular oncology. Research Interests: Her primary focus lies in organoid models for cholangiocarcinoma and liver pathophysiology. She investigates the role of the extracellular matrix, chemoresistance mechanisms, and the use of decellularized matrices in regenerative applications. Her work emphasizes in vitro modeling, transplantation, and the development of clinical safety standards. The recent publications, including in Nature Medicine and Nature Biomedical Engineering , demonstrate a strong trend toward clinical translation of organoid systems, integration with immune components (e.g., macrophages), and regulatory science for tissue engineering. Her research is highly collaborative and spans oncology, virology, and bioengineering disciplines. Scientific Awards: Distinguished Researcher Award 2021 - Dutch Transplant Society Advising and Grants: She has supervised at least 6 research projects, indicating an active mentoring role. While specific grants are not listed, her high-impact publications and leadership in clinical applications suggest substantial research funding and collaborative networks, especially in transplantation and regenerative medicine. Labs and Teams: Dr. Verstegen is embedded in a dynamic research environment at Erasmus MC focused on organoid science and surgical innovation. Her collaborations span virology, immunology, and bioengineering, indicating participation in interdisciplinary teams advancing organoid-based therapeutics and disease modeling.
Dr. Ali Anwar serves as a Knowledge Exchange Fellow in the Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering within the University of Strathclyde's Faculty of Engineering. His interdisciplinary research bridges quantum physics and aerospace engineering, with significant contributions to space technology and industrial mechanical systems. He earned his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Strathclyde in 2019, completing his thesis on pressure relief valve leak tightness under high-pressure conditions. This foundational work established his expertise in fluid-structure interactions and sealing mechanisms. Dr. Anwar's research focuses on fluid dynamics in extreme environments, quantum optical systems, and granular material behavior. His current investigations include vibro-fluidization of lunar regolith under microgravity, polarization-entangled photon-pair generation, and thermovibrationally-driven particle accumulation phenomena. These projects address critical challenges in space exploration and quantum information processing. Recent publications reveal a strategic dual-track research trajectory: quantum optics advancements (particularly stable entangled photon sources using folded interferometers) and space engineering applications (fiber dispersion manipulation and regolith fluidization in microgravity). This synergy between quantum technology and aerospace systems defines his innovative approach. His scientific recognition includes: Hermann Oberth Gold Medal/Graduate 1st Prize (2024) Rudy Scavuzzo PhD Student Paper Competition (2017) IMECHE Conference grant (2017) Dr. Anwar currently leads multiple industry-funded projects including DEM tool development for wear prediction (Weir Group, 2024-2027) and XAI for high-pressure grinding rollers. His collaborative work with Marcello Lappa and Peter Watson on space environment vibrations demonstrates strong industry-academia partnerships focused on practical engineering solutions. He actively collaborates with the Microgravity Research Group at Strathclyde, contributing to the university's Space Engineering initiative through experimental and computational studies of particle dynamics in low-gravity conditions.
Yu Huang is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Engineering at Utah State University's College of Engineering, where he leads the MicroBrain Laboratory. His research focuses on BioMEMS and microtissue engineering of neurons, tumors, and stem cells with applications in neuroscience, regenerative medicine, and cellular therapy. Dr. Huang earned his educational credentials from prestigious institutions: PhD in Materials Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2011 MS in Materials Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2010 BS in Chemistry, Beijing University, 2001 Dr. Huang's research interests center on BioMEMS (microfabrication technology for biomedical applications), biomaterials, microfluidics, and tissue engineering. His laboratory specializes in microtissue engineering of neurons, tumors, and stem cells, with applications spanning neuroscience, neuro-engineering, regenerative medicine, cell assay development, and cellular therapy. His work bridges engineering principles with biological systems to create innovative solutions for healthcare challenges. His publication record demonstrates consistent focus on neural tissue engineering, organoid development, and microfabrication technologies. Recent work emphasizes brain organoid modeling, 3D-printed biomaterials, and microfluidic platforms for neural and cancer research. His publications appear in high-impact journals including Nature Biotechnology, ACS Nano, and NanoScale, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of his work at the intersection of engineering and biology. Dr. Huang has received numerous prestigious awards recognizing his research and teaching excellence: NSF CAREER Award (2022) NIH MIRA Award (2021) Multiple Faculty Research Excellence Awards from USU (2022-2023) Outstanding Graduate and Undergraduate Mentor Awards Young Investigator Award from Society for Biomaterials (2022) As an educator and mentor, Dr. Huang has guided numerous graduate and undergraduate students through research projects in his MicroBrain Lab. His teaching portfolio includes BioMEMS, Engineering Properties of Biological Materials, and Graduate Seminar courses. His lab actively recruits students interested in neural engineering, cancer research, and biomaterials development, providing hands-on research experience in state-of-the-art facilities. The MicroBrain Laboratory maintains active collaborations across disciplines, focusing on engineering micro-environments for neural tissue development, cancer migration studies, and therapeutic applications of engineered tissues. Current projects include organoid engineering, anti-inflammatory compound studies, and development of novel biomaterials for neural applications.
Harrison Caddy serves as a Research Fellow in the Department of Mechanical Engineering within the School of Engineering at The University of Western Australia. His work bridges biomedical engineering and ecological restoration through computational modeling expertise. His research focuses on cardiovascular responses to extreme environments , particularly developing 3D models of retinal vasculature using computational fluid dynamics. Key application areas include spaceflight medicine for lunar/Mars missions and health screening for military personnel in remote environments. Additional work involves ecological restoration engineering , designing machinery for landscape rehabilitation in Western Australia's South-West and Northern Pilbara regions. Publication analysis reveals consistent expertise in hemodynamics , shear stress phenomena , and thermoregulation physiology across multiple physiological systems. His 2024-2025 publications demonstrate strong collaboration with cardiovascular researchers at UWA, particularly with L.J. Kelsey and B.J. Doyle. Space Research Support Scheme (2024) His research contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to planetary health and environmental restoration. Current projects leverage computational simulation of fluid-soil interactions to develop bespoke restoration machinery, extending his expertise from biomedical to agricultural applications.
Yannis Hardalupas is a Professor of Multiphase Flows at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Imperial College London. His affiliations include the Centre for Translational Nutrition and Food Research, Climate and Health, Energy Futures Lab, and the Institute for Molecular Science and Engineering. He holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Imperial College (1989) and has over 30 years of academic experience, including roles as Reader (2003–2009) and Advanced Research Fellow (1994–1998). His research focuses on multiphase flows, combustion, turbulence, and nanofluids. Notable interests include laser-induced flame dynamics, spray flow modeling, and energy systems. He has contributed to interdisciplinary fields like food engineering and sustainable energy, addressing challenges in thermal storage and alternative fuels. Recent work emphasizes data-driven approaches for cryogenic hydrogen release, hydrogen-ammonia combustion systems, and erosion-resistant wind turbine materials. His labs combine experimental diagnostics (e.g., PIV, chemiluminescence imaging) with computational modeling (LES, CFD). Hardalupas leads collaborations in climate resilience, energy transition, and material science, reflecting his role as a cross-disciplinary academic leader.
Professor Vinod Narayanan is a faculty member in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of California, Davis. He serves as the Associate Director of the UC Davis Western Cooling Efficiency Center (WCEC) and leads the Supercritical carbon dioxide Thermal Energy Enhancement Laboratory (STEEL) and Microscale Thermal Energy Enhancement Laboratory (𝜇TEEL). His research focuses on energy efficiency, microscale heat transfer, and solar thermal energy applications. Key areas include designing compact heat exchangers for high-temperature systems, enhancing boiling and condensation in microscale environments, and optimizing energy efficiency in buildings and industrial processes. Research interests span thermal management for electronics and avionics, solar thermal power generation using supercritical CO2, and additive manufacturing of heat exchangers. Collaborations with institutions like Carnegie Mellon University and funding from the Department of Energy highlight his work's impact. Awards include the IEEE ITherm Best Poster Award and ASHRAE's Best Paper Award. His labs develop technologies to reduce energy consumption in thermal systems, with applications in decarbonizing food processing and livestock cooling. Major grants include a $4.6M DOE grant for heat exchanger optimization and a $2.4M ARPA-E award for 3D-printed heat exchangers. He has contributed to numerous high-impact publications since 2013, with recent work emphasizing additive manufacturing and solar thermal systems. His interdisciplinary approach bridges thermal science, materials engineering, and sustainable energy solutions.
Jackie Acres is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Physics and Biophysics at Whitman College, Walla Walla, Washington. With dual expertise in applied physics and biophysics, she specializes in microbial motion analysis using digital holographic microscopy and has conducted groundbreaking research on bacterial behavior in extreme environments including the International Space Station. Education : Ph.D. in Applied Physics from Portland State University (2023), M.S. in Biomedical Engineering from University of Nevada, Las Vegas (2010), and B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Colorado State University (2008). Research Interests focus on: Application of physics to biological systems Microbial dynamics in microgravity environments Digital holographic microscopy development Science communication and policy initiatives STEM accessibility for diverse audiences Publications highlight her work in microbial motility analysis (2023), comparative 3D imaging techniques (2021), and spaceflight-induced microbial adaptations (2021). Her research portfolio bridges physics, biology, and engineering through innovative optical methods. Scientific Awards : Oregon Space Grant Consortium Fellowship (2020-2021) As an educator, she has taught robotics to K-12 students, mentored undergraduates, and advocated for STEM support systems through congressional outreach. Her work with the American Physical Society's Science Trust Project emphasizes science policy and communication.
Jean-Philippe Berteau is an Associate Professor at the College of Staten Island (CSI), part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system. His academic home appears to be within the biomedical or engineering disciplines, with extensive research activity focused on bone biomechanics and clinical applications. He maintains an active research laboratory and collaborates extensively both nationally and internationally. Dr. Berteau's research interests center on biomechanics, biomedical engineering, and clinical sciences, with a primary focus on the biology and mechanical behavior of bones. His work bridges engineering principles with clinical practice to improve musculoskeletal health outcomes. His interdisciplinary approach combines biomedical engineering with rehabilitation and orthopedic sciences, creating meaningful connections between theoretical mechanics and practical clinical applications. His recent publications demonstrate a strong research trajectory focused on bone biomechanics, with work spanning from fundamental bone biology to clinical applications for osteoarthritis and rehabilitation. His research employs diverse methodologies including microgravity simulation, Raman Spectroscopy, solid-state NMR, and computational modeling, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to understanding bone mechanics and pathology. Poster Prize at the Bone and Orthopedics Interdisciplinary Symposium 2024 2023 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion CUNY Fellow 2024 Building Bridges of Knowledge Fellow (focused on enhancing AI use in academia) Dr. Berteau leads the BerteauLab, which brings together biomedical engineers, clinicians, mathematicians, mechanical engineers, and imaging specialists in an interdisciplinary research environment. He maintains active collaborations with universities globally, including TCNJ, USC San Diego, University of Lyon (France), and University of Tlemcen (Algeria), demonstrating his commitment to international scientific exchange and collaborative research.
Evdokiya Kostadinova is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics at Auburn University, where she has been since 2021. Previously, she held roles including Assistant Research Professor at Baylor University (2018–2021) and graduate research/teaching assistantships (2014–2018). She earned a Ph.D. in Physics from Baylor University (2017) alongside dual bachelor’s degrees in Physics and Political Science from Furman University (2014). Her research focuses on plasma physics, applied mathematics, and transport phenomena in disordered systems. Key areas include dusty plasma dynamics, nonlocal interactions in correlated systems, lunar dust mitigation, and spectral methods for transport modeling. She authored a Springer book on spectral approaches to disordered lattices and currently investigates topics like turbulence in dusty plasma monolayers, particle transport in tokamaks, and material ablation under extreme conditions. Dr. Kostadinova serves as a grant referee for the NSF, advisory board member for Helivon Physics, and reviewer for journals like Physics of Plasmas and IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science. Her work bridges fundamental physics with applied challenges in fusion energy and space environments.
Dr. Kai Hoettges is a Lecturer at the University of Liverpool, specializing in biomedical engineering and microfluidic technologies. His research focuses on developing tools for life science experiments in microgravity environments, diagnostics, and tissue engineering. He co-founded companies like DEPtech and PhenuTest to commercialize his work. He holds a PhD in microfluidic devices from the University of Surrey and has extensive experience in dielectrophoresis (DEP) for cell characterization and separation. His current projects include the MicroAge mission on the International Space Station and lab-on-a-chip platforms for medical diagnostics. He teaches instrumentation and semiconductor design courses at the University of Liverpool. Research Interests: Microgravity experiments, bioreactors, dielectrophoresis, lab-on-a-chip technologies, and antibiotic susceptibility testing. Grants: MicroAge II: Mitochondria as Key Regulators of Muscle Mass in Microgravity and during Ageing (UK Space Agency, 2023-2026) Development of the UK study for the ESA FLUMIAS project (UK Space Agency, 2022-2027) Teaching: Coordinates final-year projects (ELEC340) and teaches instrumentation (ELEC207), semiconductor design (ELEC372/472), and integrated circuits. Labs/Teams: Leads projects in microgravity bioreactors and collaborates with the MicroAge team for space-based experiments.
