Find Academic Supervisors

Huseyin BostanciView profile

Professor

• Thermal Management
• Two-Phase Heat Transfer
• High-Heat-Flux Cooling
• +16 more

Huseyin Bostanci is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of North Texas, where he also serves as the Associate Chair for Graduate Affairs. He is based at Discovery Park (F115L) and leads the Thermal Management Laboratory (TML), conducting both fundamental and applied research in thermal-fluid sciences and energy systems. His research interests span advanced thermal management technologies, particularly high-heat-flux cooling using two-phase techniques such as nucleate boiling, spray cooling, enhanced surfaces, miniature refrigeration, and phase change materials—applied in computing, power electronics, and electro-optics. He also investigates microgravity transport phenomena related to phase separation and heat/mass transfer for spacecraft life support and air revitalization systems. Additionally, he works on Stirling cycle-based energy conversion, including innovative rotary displacer Stirling engines for distributed power and waste heat recovery. The publications listed reflect a strong focus on thermal sciences, energy efficiency, and aerospace thermal control, with applications in sustainable engineering and next-generation cooling technologies. Scientific Awards Advising and Grants Dr. Bostanci holds an administrative leadership role as Associate Chair for Graduate Affairs, indicating active involvement in graduate program development and student mentorship. While specific grants or funded projects are not mentioned, his laboratory work suggests engagement in externally funded research in thermal systems and energy conversion. Labs and Research Teams He directs the Thermal Management Laboratory (TML) at UNT's Discovery Park, a research group dedicated to advancing thermal-fluid science through experimental and theoretical approaches across terrestrial and space-based applications.

Wendy MacfarlaneView profile

Professor

• Diabetes
• Metabolism
• Type 1 Diabetes
• +12 more

Wendy Macfarlane is Professor of Diabetes and Metabolism and Head of the Diabetes Research Group (DRG) at the University of Brighton, School of Applied Sciences. She is actively engaged in research, teaching, and public outreach, with a strong focus on translational diabetes science. Her work bridges laboratory innovation and clinical application, particularly in islet transplantation and metabolic health. Her research interests center on the mechanisms of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, with emphasis on developing novel therapeutic strategies. These include improving islet transplant protocols, creating 3D biomimetic models of insulin-producing cells, and designing lifestyle interventions for obesity and metabolic imbalance. She applies advanced 3D microgravity cell culture technologies to generate clinically reflective models of pancreatic islets, aiming to enhance cell replacement therapies for Type 1 diabetes. The available articles highlight her dual expertise in diabetes and microbiology, particularly in pancreatic cell biology and antimicrobial resistance. Her recent work spans from developing 3D co-culture models of pancreatic cancer and islet cells to investigating biocide resistance in urinary pathogens, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach to biomedical challenges. Wendy Macfarlane holds a PhD from the University of Birmingham and maintains active external roles, including Scientific Advisor to the UK Islet Transplant Consortium and member of Diabetes UK grant review panels. She is also a STEM Ambassador and Athena SWAN Lead, demonstrating commitment to equity and public engagement in science. She supervises multiple PhD students, with completed and ongoing projects on topics including continuous glucose monitoring, psychological aspects of diabetes self-care, and drug effects on beta-cell survival. Her research is supported by collaborative projects with clinical and industrial partners, including work sponsored by the 1851 Royal Commission Fellowship and the Niger Delta Development Commission. She is actively involved in public outreach, notably through a BBC Inside Out programme on Type 1 diabetes therapies, and collaborates with patient groups, fitness centers, and healthcare providers to improve patient education and lifestyle interventions for metabolic diseases.

• Microfluidics
• Biomedical Engineering
• Dielectrophoresis
• +4 more

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.

Carl GregoryView profile

Associate Professor

• Medical Physiology
• Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs)
• Bone Regeneration
• +4 more

Carl Gregory, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medical Physiology at Texas A&M University's School of Medicine. His research focuses on mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) biology, bone regeneration strategies, and mechanisms of malignant bone disease. He leads a lab investigating molecular markers for MSC purity/efficacy and tumor-induced bone destruction. Education: Bachelor of Science from University of York (1995) Doctor of Philosophy from University of Manchester (1999) Postdoctoral training at University of Manchester Medical School Key research interests include MSC plasticity, pharmaceutical conditioning for bone repair, and Dkk-1/Wnt pathway inhibition in osteosarcoma progression. His group pioneered a bone regeneration strategy using pre-conditioned MSCs in matrices, validated in rodent models. Current work explores microgravity bioreactor tumor models and immunological inhibition of Dkk-1 activity. Awards: 2021 Junior Faculty Research Excellence Award 2018 Tulane University Competitive Research Award Labs/Teams: Gregory Lab specializes in translational musculoskeletal research, operating state-of-the-art bioreactor systems to simulate tumor-bone interactions and stem cell behavior under dynamic conditions.

Peter B. SunderlandView profile

Professor

• Fire Dynamics
• Combustion
• Soot Formation and Oxidation
• +5 more

Peter B. Sunderland is a Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Fire Protection Engineering at the University of Maryland, College Park. He also holds affiliate roles in Mechanical Engineering and Aerospace Engineering, and is a Keystone Professor in the College of Engineering. His research focuses on fire dynamics, combustion physics, and microgravity flame behavior, with applications in fire safety, thermal protection systems, and aerospace engineering. Education: Ph.D. (Aerospace Engineering, University of Michigan, 1995), M.S. (Mechanical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, 1986), B.S. (Mechanical Engineering, Cornell University, 1983) Affiliations: Center for Risk and Reliability, Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices Notable Projects: ISS-based flame studies, flammable refrigerant safety, and wildfire ember ignition analysis His research interests include soot formation and oxidation, flame quenching mechanisms, and the combustion behavior of gaseous and condensed fuels under varied conditions (e.g., microgravity, pressure extremes). Sunderland has pioneered the use of porous burners to emulate condensed fuel burning and has contributed to advancements in firebrand ignition modeling and thermal sensor technology. Awards include the 2021 Fellowship of the Combustion Institute and the 2020 Philip Merrill Presidential Scholars Faculty Mentor Award. His work has been supported by NASA, NSF, and industry partners like Underwriters Laboratories. Teaching responsibilities include courses on fire dynamics, fire protection fluid mechanics, and professional development in engineering. His research has led to over 100 peer-reviewed articles and collaborations with international space agencies and fire safety organizations.

• Cardiovascular Physiology
• Aging and Gerontology
• Space Medicine
• +4 more

Nandu Goswami is Head of the Research Group 'Gravitational Physiology, Aging and Medicine' and Acting Chair of the Physiology Division at the Medical University of Graz (Austria). He concurrently serves as a Visiting Faculty member at Alma Mater Europaea Maribor (Slovenia), focusing on aging care and social gerontology. His leadership roles include President of the Austrian Physiological Society and membership in the International Academy of Astronautics. His research integrates cardiovascular physiology, gravitational adaptation, and gerontology, with emphasis on: Cardiovascular regulation and cerebral blood flow dynamics Orthostatic intolerance and bedrest-induced deconditioning Spaceflight research applications for aging-related functional/cognitive decline Countermeasure development for clinical and space environments He coordinates international initiatives including the European Innovative Partnerships for Active and Healthy Aging (EIP-AHA) and moderates ESA's SciSpace Roadmap cardiopulmonary-renal group. With 115+ publications, his editorial contributions span 10+ journals including npj Microgravity and Frontiers in Physiology .

Gregory A. NelsonView profile

Professor

• Space Radiation Biology
• Radiation Biology
• Neuroscience
• +3 more

Gregory A. Nelson, PhD , is a Professor at Loma Linda University's School of Medicine , with appointments in both the Biomed Engineering Science Division and Radiation Medicine . His work bridges biomedical engineering and space radiation biology , focusing on ionizing radiation effects on central nervous system (CNS) structures, cardiovascular function , and immune responses . Doctor of Philosophy (Harvard University, 1979) Master of Arts (Harvard University, 1977) Bachelor of Science (California Institute of Technology, 1974) Dr. Nelson specializes in space radiation risks , particularly from charged particles like protons and cosmic rays. His lab investigates radiation-induced oxidative stress , neuroinflammation , and DNA damage using C. elegans and rodent models. Key research areas include synaptic plasticity , microglial activation , and radiation-microgravity interactions . Recent publications (2018-2024) reveal consistent trends in space radiation neuroscience and cardiovascular radiobiology . Studies demonstrate sex-based radioprotection mechanisms, epigenetic modifications , and multi-omics approaches to characterize radiation damage. His work on proton therapy and oxygen ion irradiation has implications for both astronaut health and cancer treatment . Dr. Nelson has secured major grants from: NASA (1998-2025), NIH (2016-2022), and DOE (2009-2015). He leads the Responses of the Nervous System to Chronic Low-Dose Radiation project (2018-2025) and contributed to CNS NSCOR initiatives. Professional activities include: Over 15 invited talks (2001-2021) Organizing Committee, NASA Space Radiation Workshops (2007-2011) Scientific leadership at Loma Linda University Proton Synchrotron

Tamara Franz-OdendaalView profile

Professor

• Evolutionary Developmental Biology
• Skeletal Biology
• Craniofacial Development
• +7 more

Dr. Tamara Franz-Odendaal is a Professor of Biology at Mount Saint Vincent University, with adjunct appointments at Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Medicine and Saint Mary’s University. Her research in evolutionary developmental biology focuses on skeletal and craniofacial development in vertebrates, utilizing both modern and fossil specimens to understand morphological evolution. Her research interests include: Evolutionary Developmental Biology Skeletal and Craniofacial Development Genetic mechanisms of morphological change Morphology and comparative anatomy Effects of microgravity on bone development Zebrafish as a model organism Dr. Franz-Odendaal’s work bridges basic science and applied research, with projects funded by NSERC, the Canadian Foundation for Innovation, the Nova Scotia Health Research Foundation, and Research Nova Scotia. Notably, her collaboration with the Canadian Space Agency revealed that microgravity induces cranial defects in zebrafish, with implications for human space travel. She also collaborates with a plastic surgeon at the IWK Children’s Hospital to study drug effects on skull development and works with aquaculture industries to diagnose skeletal issues in fish. Her scientific honors include being one of five NSERC Chairs for Women in Science and Engineering in Canada, where she leads initiatives to engage girls in STEM through hands-on science programs, camps, and retreats. She leads the Franz-Odendaal Bone Development Lab , which integrates developmental biology, genetics, and morphology to study skeletal formation. Her research has broad implications for understanding congenital diseases and improving health outcomes.

Maël Leo David Soliman DisseauView profile

Professor

• Theology
• Systematic Theology
• Ecclesiology
• +9 more

Maël Leo David Soliman Disseau is a Professor at Truett McConnell University within the College of Arts and Letters , holding dual Ph.D.s in Theology (Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary) and Aerospace Engineering (Georgia Institute of Technology). His research spans Anabaptistica , Systematic Theology (with a focus on Ecclesiology ), and Pastoral Ministries , alongside engineering domains like Combustion Dynamics and Microgravity Effects on engine systems. Education Ph.D. in Theology, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology M.Div. in Theology, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary M.S.AE. in Aerospace Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology B.AE. in Aerospace Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology His work bridges theology and engineering, with notable publications on Italian Anabaptism , Baptist ecclesiology , and combustion dynamics . He has presented at major conferences, including the International Symposium on Combustion and AIAA Aerospace Science Meetings . Scientific accolades include being a SWBTS Patron Scholar (2009-2014) . He has taught diverse audiences from eighth-grade students to graduate classes , and served local churches as a deacon and pastor . His interdisciplinary expertise reflects a unique blend of theological scholarship and aerospace engineering innovation.

• Machine Learning
• Statistical Learning
• Microbial Informatics
• +9 more

Se-Ran Jun is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Informatics at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine. With a strong background in mathematics and data science, Dr. Jun leads research at the intersection of bioinformatics, microbial genomics, and infectious disease surveillance. Dr. Jun's research focuses on the analysis and integration of non-omics and multi-omics data—including genomics, microbiome, transcriptomics, epigenomics, metabolomics, and proteomics—to study disease and environmental interactions using advanced machine learning and statistical learning methodologies. Their laboratory is dedicated to real-time surveillance of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens, particularly in immunocompromised patient populations, integrating genomic data with electronic health records to drive actionable insights for infectious disease prevention and antibiotic stewardship. Dr. Jun's publication record demonstrates expertise in genomic surveillance of ESKAPE pathogens, antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, and application of machine learning to microbiome data. Their recent work emphasizes pathogen genomics using Oxford Nanopore sequencing technology, with significant contributions to understanding resistance evolution in carbapenem-resistant pathogens and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium. As an educator, Dr. Jun teaches multiple courses including Genomic Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance, Fundamentals of the Human Microbiome, and Foundations of Biomedical Informatics, demonstrating commitment to training the next generation of bioinformaticians and data scientists. Principal Investigator on NIH R21 grant for Real-Time High Resolution Method for Genomic Surveillance of ESKAPE pathogens Principal Investigator on NSF grant for Data Governance in Genomic Pathogen Surveillance Co-Investigator on multiple NIH, USDA, and institutional grants related to antimicrobial resistance and pathogen genomics Dr. Jun serves as an editor for Microbiology Spectrum and Frontiers in Microbiology, and reviews for various NIH study sections including Infectious Disease and Immunology, Anti-Infective Resistance and Targets, and Biodata Management and Analysis. They also chair the Biomedical Informatics Admissions Committee and serve as Arkansas Chapter President of the Korean-American Scientists and Engineers Association.

Qi FuView profile

Professor

• Cardiology
• Hypertension
• Heart Disease
• +5 more

Qi Fu, M.D., Ph.D. is a Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center and a member of the Division of Cardiology. She serves as Director of the Women's Heart Health Laboratory at the Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine at Texas Health Presbyterian in Dallas. Dr. Fu earned her medical degree and Master of Science in Neurology at Suzhou University School of Medicine in China, followed by a Ph.D. in Autonomic Neuroscience at Nagoya University School of Medicine in Japan. She completed her postdoctoral fellowship under Dr. Benjamin Levine at the Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine at Texas Health Presbyterian in Dallas. Her research focuses on hypertension, heart disease, and cardiovascular function with particular emphasis on older women and pregnant women, as well as racial disparities in cardiac care. Dr. Fu's work examines sympathetic neural control of blood pressure across diverse populations, including astronauts, elderly patients, and individuals with varying racial backgrounds. She employs advanced techniques to study autonomic regulation and its impact on cardiovascular health. Dr. Fu's publication record demonstrates consistent scholarly output with research spanning cardiovascular physiology, autonomic neuroscience, and sex differences in cardiovascular function. Her work shows particular strength in orthostatic intolerance mechanisms, sympathetic neural control across the lifespan, and the intersection of pregnancy with cardiovascular regulation. She serves on the Editorial Board of Clinical Autonomic Research and Clinical and Translational Physiology, and acts as an Associate Editor and Ad Hoc Reviewer for multiple medical journals. Dr. Fu has secured multiple research grants that have supported her extensive publication record and clinical trials. Her scholarly contributions have led to numerous national and international lectures, establishing her as a recognized expert in women's cardiovascular health and autonomic regulation. As Director of the Women's Heart Health Laboratory at the Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, Dr. Fu leads a research team investigating cardiovascular function in women across different life stages and health conditions. Her laboratory work bridges basic science with clinical applications to address critical gaps in women's cardiovascular care.

Yarjan Abdul SamadView profile

Assistant Professor

• Advanced Materials for Space
• Graphene and 2D Materials
• Sensors and Actuators
• +3 more

Dr. Yarjan Abdul Samad is an Assistant Professor in Aerospace Engineering at the College of Engineering, Khalifa University, UAE. He also holds positions as a Senior Research Associate and Senior Teaching Fellow at the University of Cambridge, UK. Additionally, he serves as Chief Technology Advisor to Levidian, a climate change company developing graphene and hydrogen technologies from waste gas. His research focuses on graphene and 2D materials-based technologies for aerospace and space applications, including microgravity testing and sounding rocket experiments. PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Khalifa University (2016) MSc in Materials Science & Engineering, Masdar Institute (2012) BS in Metallurgy & Materials Engineering, Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute (2005) His research interests include: Advanced materials for space applications Graphene and related materials Sensors and actuators Catalysis and separation technologies Notable scientific awards: Young Leaders Award 2020 Innovator of The Year Pakistan Foreign Affairs Award Royal Society of Chemistry Outstanding Research Reviewer 2017 Nano Today Best Scientific Presentation Multiple Best Scientific Talks awards Dr. Samad has taught graduate courses on graphene technology at Cambridge and contributes to space exploration projects like the Rashid Rover with MBRSC, UAE, and ESA’s Zero Gravity flights. He invites motivated students to contact him via email for research opportunities.

• Proteomics
• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• +4 more

Peter James is a Professor in the Department of Immunotechnology at Lund University's Faculty of Engineering. His research focuses on proteomics, molecular biology, and their applications in understanding metabolic disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and environmental health impacts. Expertise in proteomic profiling and phosphoproteomics Developed computational pipelines for proteomic data analysis Active collaborations in clinical and biomedical research His recent work explores proteomic alterations in obesity post-bariatric surgery, Parkinson’s disease mechanisms, and occupational second-hand smoke effects. He has contributed to tools like PhosPiR for automated phosphoproteomic analysis. Though no specific awards are listed, his research aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals in health and environmental protection. Supervised projects include studies on microgravity-induced osteogenic differentiation and proteostasis in fibroblasts.

• Analytical Chemistry
• Energy Research
• Spectro-electrochemistry
• +4 more

Uche Charles Udeochu serves as Associate Professor and Chemistry Program Coordinator in the Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC), a position held since 2020. His academic leadership spans curriculum development, multidisciplinary research initiatives, and institutional governance. Education: Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry (Analytical Chemistry), Howard University Master of Science in Chemistry (Analytical Chemistry), University of Ibadan, Nigeria Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, University of Ibadan, Nigeria Research Focus: Dr. Udeochu pioneers innovative spectro-electrochemical techniques to address critical challenges in energy systems and environmental health . His work integrates analytical chemistry with materials science to develop electrocatalytic materials for fuel cells while investigating bioactive molecules for medicinal applications. Current projects examine soil contamination remediation and plant growth optimization in polluted environments, demonstrating strong interdisciplinary connections between chemistry, environmental engineering, and public health. Publication Trends: His 2024-2025 publications reveal a strategic focus on sustainable energy solutions and environmental protection, with electrocatalysis for fuel cells representing 33% of output, soil contamination studies comprising 67%, and consistent application of spectro-electrochemical methodologies across all works. Grants and Leadership: Secured over $1.5M in competitive funding from DoD (2021), NSF (2021), and U.S. Department of Education (2022) for advanced instrumentation including HPLC-MS/MS, GC-MS, and X-ray diffractometers. Currently chairs UDC's CAS Dean Search Committee (2024) and CAUSES initiative while serving on federal grant review panels and dissertation committees. Mentorship and Service: Actively mentors through DCPS CEO Program and D.C. Summer Youth Employment Program while judging regional science fairs. Regularly presents at ACS conferences and serves as reviewer for ACS Omega, demonstrating commitment to academic community engagement.

Aaron ParkhurstView profile

Associate Professor

• Medical Anthropology
• Biosocial Anthropology
• Anthropology of the Body
• +7 more

Aaron Parkhurst is an Associate Professor in the Department of Anthropology at University College London (UCL), specializing in medical anthropology with a focus on the human body as a nexus of social relations. His work spans diverse contexts including medicine, sport, urban environments, outer space, and technological entanglement. Parkhurst has established himself as a leading researcher in biosocial anthropology, particularly in understanding chronic illnesses such as Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and heart disease through integrated biological and social frameworks. Parkhurst's research interests are wide-ranging and interdisciplinary. He has conducted fieldwork in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman, Britain, and the USA, examining how conditions of uncertainty become embodied, influencing both pathology and health-seeking behaviors. His work in the United Arab Emirates and the UK has made significant contributions to understanding the relationship between modernity, urbanization, and chronic illness. Currently, he leads research on the human body off-world through his involvement with the ERC-funded project Ethno-ISS, studying life aboard the International Space Station and future habitation on the Moon and Mars. His publications reveal a strong trajectory toward space anthropology and the material culture of the human body in extreme environments. Recent work focuses on microgravity environments, off-world living, and the social organization of space habitats. Parkhurst frequently collaborates with scholars like Timothy Carroll and David Jeevendrampillai, particularly on projects exploring material culture and failure. His 2017 edited volume 'The Material Culture of Failure: When Things Do Wrong' represents a significant theoretical contribution to anthropological understanding of failure as a social phenomenon rather than merely a technical malfunction. Parkhurst plays an active role in mentoring students and securing research funding. As part of the Ethno-ISS project, he collaborates with the UK's and EU's aerospace industries to study human adaptation to space environments. His work bridges academic research with practical applications, having published for both scholarly audiences and in applied publications for the NHS, Parliament white papers, and health think tanks. Within UCL, Parkhurst contributes to several research centers focused on medical anthropology and space studies. He is part of a growing interdisciplinary team exploring the social dimensions of space exploration and habitation. His work with the Ethno-ISS project has established UCL as a leader in anthropological approaches to space research.