Roy Johnsen is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), specializing in corrosion and surface technology. With a Dr.ing. degree from NTH (1984), he has extensive industry experience from Statoil Research Centre (1985-1991) and CorrOcean (1991-2004), where he expanded the company globally. His current research focuses on hydrogen embrittlement, corrosion protection, and integrity management in offshore systems, with collaborations across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Prof. Rama Cont is a Statutory Professor of Mathematics at the University of Oxford and a Professorial Fellow at St Hugh's College . He serves as Director of the Centre for Doctoral Training in Mathematics of Random Systems , Faculty Member of the Stochastic Analysis Group , and Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for New Economic Thinking . Additional roles include Director of the Oxford Martin Programme on Systemic Resilience , Principal Investigator at the Oxford Suzhou Centre for Advanced Research , and Editor-in-Chief of Mathematical Finance . His research interests span pathwise methods in stochastic analysis, rough analysis, functional Ito calculus, mathematical modeling in finance, systemic risk, and data-driven decision systems. Recent publications focus on causal transport, rough volatility, and deep residual networks, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to mathematics and finance. Functional Ito calculus and pathwise integration Rough volatility and financial market dynamics Systemic risk in financial networks Deep learning applications to finance and stochastic processes He has received prestigious awards including the Louis Bachelier Prize , SIAM Fellowship, Royal Society APEX Award, and IMA Fellowship. His editorial roles and seminar leadership underscore his influence in mathematical finance and stochastic analysis.
Hani Henein is a Professor in the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering at the University of Alberta's Faculty of Engineering. He obtained his MEng from McGill University (1975) and PhD from UBC (1981), later joining Carnegie-Mellon University before moving to the University of Alberta in 1989. His research integrates ICME, machine learning, and physical modeling to study additive manufacturing, rapid solidification, pipeline steels, and thermophysical properties. Research Focus: Dr. Henein leads projects on ultrasonic atomization, Al-Ce/Al-Sc alloy solidification, hybrid investment casting, and in-situ composite formation for wear-resistant applications. His work emphasizes microstructure control in high-temperature processes and industrial collaborations with Syncrude, EVRAZ, and space agencies (ESA/DLR). Awards & Leadership: Killam Research Fellowship and 5 best paper awards Fellow of 5 major societies (CIM, ASM, CAE, TMS, IOM3) 2019 President of AIME and 2014 President of TMS Education Initiatives: Founded international work-abroad programs (80+ students placed since 2002) and a Dual Degree Program with Université de Lorraine. Currently advises 6 PhD and 7 MSc students on projects spanning rapid solidification, pipeline welding, and lattice composites.
Alex Shestopaloff is a Lecturer in Statistics at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), affiliated with the School of Mathematical Sciences. Previously, he was a Research Fellow at the Alan Turing Institute (2017–2020) and a Junior Research Fellow at Campion Hall, Oxford. He holds a PhD in Statistics from the University of Toronto (2016), supervised by Radford M. Neal. His research focuses on developing efficient MCMC methods, high-dimensional time series analysis, network science, and applications in financial market microstructure. Education: PhD in Statistics, University of Toronto (2016) Supervisor: Radford M. Neal Research Interests: Bayesian online learning in non-stationary environments Limit order book modeling and trading strategies Graph clustering and network analysis Statistical methods for high-dimensional data Algorithmic trading and cryptocurrency markets His recent work spans financial engineering, machine learning, and statistical methodologies. Notable contributions include cluster-based trading strategies (ClusterLOB), generalized Bayesian filtering frameworks, and scalable graph analysis techniques. Collaborations with industry partners (e.g., Wise Plc) highlight applied research in financial systems. Advising & Alumni: Current advisees include Yichi Zhang (Oxford), Maria Fernanda Pintado (QMUL), and Dave Lui (Oxford) Alumni: Gerardo Duran-Martin (Postdoc at Oxford-Man Institute), Claudio Bellani (Citadel Securities) Labs/Teams: Leads interdisciplinary projects at QMUL and collaborates with the Alan Turing Institute on financial and network science initiatives.
Jacob Fish is the Robert A.W. and Christine S. Carleton Professor and Chair of the Department of Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics at Columbia University. He directs the Multiscale Science and Engineering Center and leads Columbia's Computational Science and Engineering initiative (iCSE), coordinating 65+ faculty. With 35 years of pioneering research, he specializes in multiscale computational methods bridging aerospace, automotive, and healthcare industries. His research integrates multiscale computational science with applications in: Homogenization and reduced-order methods for complex materials Stochastic modeling of heterogeneous systems Coupled thermo-chemo-electro-mechanical processes Data-physics driven frameworks for industrial processes Recent work emphasizes AI-enhanced modeling for composites, porous media, and environmental systems. His 15 most recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate strong trends toward: Data-physics integration in manufacturing (e.g., resin transfer molding) Multiscale environmental applications (canopy flows, CO2 mineralization) Advanced numerical methods (discontinuous Galerkin, solver-free homogenization) Digital twin development for composite lifecycle management Scientific Awards & Honors: 2018 JSCES Grand Prize 2010 IACM Computational Mechanics Award 2005 USACM Computational Structural Mechanics Award 2003 Rensselaer Research Award Fellowships: AAM, USACM, IACM Two Best Paper awards He founded the commercial Multiscale Designer software suite (250+ global clients) and secured major grants including an NSF-DFG collaboration on thermoplastic interfaces. His textbooks are used in 200+ universities worldwide. Leads the Multiscale Science and Engineering Center focusing on industrial-scale computational challenges and mentors researchers through Columbia's iCSE initiative. Former President of USACM and current IACM Vice-President for the Americas.
John Miller is a Professor of Economics and Social Science at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) and a Research Professor at the Santa Fe Institute. His work focuses on complex adaptive systems, computational modeling, and social dynamics. He holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Michigan (1988) and has held academic positions since 1990. Miller’s research explores emergent patterns in social systems through agent-based models, experimental economics, and nonlinear dynamics. His research interests span complex adaptive systems, game theory, auction markets, and behavioral economics. Notable contributions include foundational work on computational social science, the Standing Ovation Problem, and cooperative behavior analysis. Miller has authored influential books such as Complex Adaptive Systems: An Introduction to Computational Models of Social Life and A Crude Look at the Whole . He has received awards including the Elliot Dunlap Smith Award for Teaching Excellence and has led initiatives like the Open Learning Initiative. Miller’s academic leadership roles include Director of Graduate Studies at CMU and Faculty Director of the Omidyar Fellows Program at Santa Fe Institute. His work bridges economics, computer science, and interdisciplinary complexity research.
Soumendra N. Basu is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Associate Division Head of the Division of Materials Science and Engineering at Boston University. He earned his Ph.D. in Materials Science from MIT in 1989 and an M.S. in Materials Science from Case Western Reserve University. Basu leads two research labs and one undergraduate lab, focusing on materials degradation, coatings, and interface stability. High Temperature Oxidation Laboratory : Investigates oxidation behavior up to 1,600°C using advanced equipment. Microscopy Laboratory : Prepares electron-transparent samples for TEM analysis. Undergraduate Materials Laboratory : Trains students in metallography and materials testing. His research spans environmental barrier coatings for silicon-based ceramics, plasma-sprayed thermal barrier coatings , and photonic materials like InGaN alloys. He studies microstructural evolution, defect analysis, and degradation mechanisms under extreme conditions. Recent work includes modeling residual stresses and optimizing coatings for durability. Scientific Collaborators include: MIT Lincoln Labs Boston University colleagues: M. Gevelber, D. Wroblewski, V.K. Sarin UCLA's V. Gupta Basu has advised numerous graduate students, including Guosheng Ye and Dharanipal Doppalapudi , and his labs have received funding from NSF, DOE, and LANL. He also contributes to cricket, having won the MVP trophy for the Melbourne Cricket Club.
Peyman Karami is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Laboratory of Biomechanical Orthopedics (LBO) within École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)'s College of Engineering . Research focuses on adhesive hydrogels for cartilage repair and orthopedic applications Investigates biomimetic stimuli (hydrostatic pressure, temperature) in chondrocyte homeostasis Develops ligin-based multifunctional hydrogels for sustainable biomedical applications Expertise in mechanobiology and thermomechanical regulation of tissue-engineered constructs Scientific Contributions: Leads 15+ publications on hydrogel technologies for cartilage regeneration, thermomechanical stimulation effects, and lignin functionalization, including breakthrough work in NIR-light photocuring , malacic trachea repair , and biomimetic temperature gradients . Current Research Trends: Prioritizes injectable adhesive hydrogels , noninvasive tissue repair , and multi-functional biomaterials that couple mechanical and biochemical cues for enhanced regeneration.
Tatiana Segura is a Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Neurology, and Dermatology at Duke University's Pratt School of Engineering, where she also serves as Co-director of the Center for Biotechnology and Tissue Engineering and MPI of the T32 Biotechnology Training grant. Her research focuses on designing biomaterials to promote endogenous repair through geometry design and delivery of genes, proteins, and drugs. She has made significant contributions to the development of microporous annealed particle (MAP) hydrogels and other biomaterial systems for tissue regeneration. B.S. in Bioengineering from University of California, Berkeley (1999) Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Northwestern University (2004) Professor Segura's research centers on biomaterials engineering for tissue repair and regeneration. Her lab designs innovative biomaterial interventions that promote brain plasticity after stroke, enable scarless healing in skin wounds, induce tolerance of transplanted skin, and promote constructive immune responses after biomaterial implantation. She pioneered the development of microporous annealed particle (MAP) hydrogels that have become widely adopted in regenerative medicine research. Her work uniquely bridges immunology, materials science, and clinical applications to create therapeutic biomaterials that harness the body's own healing capabilities. Her recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on spatial control of biomaterial properties, with emphasis on void space analysis, immune cell recruitment, and vascularization. The research shows a progression from fundamental biomaterial characterization to increasingly sophisticated therapeutic applications, particularly in stroke recovery and wound healing. Her work integrates proteomics, lipidomics, and advanced imaging to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying biomaterial-mediated tissue regeneration. Senior Member of the National Academy of Inventors (2023) Acta Biomaterialia Silver Medal (2021) Clemson Award for Contributions to Literature (2024) 15 d/e Plenary Award from AICHE Food, Pharmaceutical, and Bioengineering Division (2018) Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineers (2016) Professor Segura actively mentors the next generation of scientists, currently supervising 12 graduate students, 4 postdoctoral scholars, 2 master's students, 16 undergraduates, and other trainees. Her laboratory has been continuously funded since 2008 with multiple NIH grants, including her current role as MPI of the T32 Biotechnology Training grant. She has received substantial support from the NSF (including a CAREER award), American Heart Association, and American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy. Her Segura Lab operates as a multidisciplinary team comprising engineers, biologists, and clinicians working together to translate biomaterial discoveries into clinical applications. The lab's 'MAP' technology platform has enabled numerous collaborations across Duke and other institutions, focusing on brain repair after stroke, scarless skin healing, and immune-modulating biomaterials. The lab maintains strong industry partnerships to accelerate the translation of their biomaterial technologies into clinical use.
Dr. Alexandre Mermillod-Blondin is a Principal Investigator heading a DFG-funded project on 'Micromachining with few-cycle pulses' at the Max Born Institute. His research focuses on fundamental laser-matter interactions and direct laser writing of 3D micro-optical systems in transparent materials. Key investigations include plasma formation mechanisms in dielectrics, relaxation dynamics, and applications in photonic device fabrication. His group utilizes phase-contrast microscopy and time-resolved techniques to characterize ultrafast processes.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Johannes Henrich Schleifenbaum is a Professor and Chair of Digital Additive Production at RWTH Aachen University, where he leads research in the Profile area Production Engineering (ProdE). His work advances additive manufacturing (AM) through interdisciplinary approaches combining materials science, process engineering, and digital technologies. His research encompasses: Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) process optimization and defect mitigation Development of novel alloys/composites for AM applications Sustainable manufacturing practices including material recycling Integration of AI/ML for accelerated material and process design Digital tools for automated design and distributed manufacturing Recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate a strong focus on: Multi-material processing and microstructure control Machine learning-driven alloy development Standardization and scalability of AM processes Advanced simulations for meltpool dynamics and thermal behavior Applications in aerospace, construction, and biochemical engineering He leads the Chair of Digital Additive Production, collaborating with industry partners to translate research into industrial solutions for next-generation manufacturing.
Olivier Tougait is a Professor at the Chemistry, materials and processes for sustainable nuclear power (CIMEND) department within the Unité de Catalyse et Chimie du Solide (UCCS) at Université Lille . He specializes in solid-state chemistry, nuclear materials, and actinide-based compounds, with a focus on understanding fuel cycle processes for nuclear energy. Academic Background: PhD in Chemistry (1998, Université de Rennes1), Postdoctoral Fellow at Northwestern University (1998-2000). Career: Lecturer at Rennes1 (2000-2014), now Professor at UCCS since 2014. Collaborations include the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) , Orano , and Framatome . Research Interests: Actinide-based intermetallic compounds Phase diagrams of nuclear materials Magnetocaloric properties Fuel cycle process optimization Synthesis and thermodynamic behavior of uranium alloys Collaborative industrial nuclear R&D Publications since 2012 focus on: Uranium-molybdenum fuel characterization Germanium/Aluminum substitution in actinide systems Thermal stability of uranyl peroxide nanoclusters Crystallographic analysis of heavy-fermion materials Labs: Directs the joint research laboratories LR4CU and LRC PUMA, which collaborate with Orano and Framatome on nuclear fuel cycle innovations.
Professor Dan Balint is the Head of the Mechanics of Materials Division in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Imperial College London. He holds a Ph.D. in Engineering Sciences from Harvard University (2003), an S.M. in Applied Mathematics from Harvard (2001), and a B.S. in Engineering Mechanics from Michigan State University (1998). Prior to joining Imperial in 2006, he was a Research Associate at the Cambridge Centre for Micromechanics. His research spans theoretical and computational solid mechanics, with focus areas including: Micromechanics of crystalline materials (metals/ceramics) Dislocation-defect interactions and failure mechanisms Discrete dislocation plasticity methods Nuclear cladding materials and zirconium hydrides Thin film failure and metal forming processes Fracture mechanics and material size effects Recent publications (2022-2025) predominantly explore dislocation dynamics, zirconium alloy behavior under nuclear conditions, computational modeling of microstructural stresses, and machine learning applications in materials science. Common themes include thermomechanical degradation, crack initiation mechanisms, and multi-scale modeling approaches. Professor Balint serves as Associate Editor of the European Journal of Mechanics - A/Solids and consults for industrial partners including Rolls Royce, BP, and the US Air Force.
Mitra Taheri is a Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University, serving as Director of the Materials Characterization and Processing (MCP) facility and a member of the Hopkins Extreme Materials Institute. She holds affiliations with the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and the Ralph O’Connor Sustainable Energy Institute. Her research focuses on electron microscopy, particularly in-situ and operando techniques, combined with artificial intelligence to study materials under extreme conditions (e.g., high temperatures, radiation, and oxidation). She aims to accelerate materials discovery by integrating AI with microscopy for real-time analysis. Dr. Taheri earned her BS, MSE, and PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University. Her work spans corrosion-resistant alloys, additive manufacturing, quantum materials, and biomaterials. Research sponsors include PNNL, JHU, NSF, ARPA-E, and ONR. She leads the Dynamic Characterization Group (DCG), which develops autonomous platforms for materials analysis and explores applications in energy, aerospace, and medical systems. Key research areas include: Design of corrosion-resistant multi-principal element alloys AI-driven microscopy for real-time material behavior insights Additive manufacturing of soft magnetic composites for electric vehicles Biomedical hydrogels for tissue engineering Her team develops novel materials and tools to probe structural, functional, and biological systems across scales, with an emphasis on sustainability and extreme environment applications.
Grethe Winther is a Professor and Head of Section in the Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), specializing in Materials and Surface Engineering. Her research is centered on the analysis and modeling of microstructure and mechanical properties of metals, with a strong emphasis on dislocation structures, deformation textures, and recrystallization processes. Her research interests include: Dislocation structures and boundary analysis in deformed metals Crystal plasticity modeling using synchrotron data (3DXRD) Orientation relationships in recrystallization Prediction of mechanical properties in industrial metal forming Multiscale modeling of plastic deformation and surface roughening The recent articles (2025) highlight a consistent focus on advanced characterization techniques like dark-field X-ray microscopy and discrete dislocation dynamics simulations. These works explore the formation of geometrically necessary boundaries, dislocation cell evolution, and multiscale surface deformation, reflecting a strong integration of experimental and computational methods in materials science. Key themes include plastic deformation mechanisms, microstructure evolution, and predictive modeling in metallic systems. Grethe Winther actively supervises multiple PhD projects, including those on dislocation dynamics, X-ray microscopy, and ductile failure simulations. She collaborates extensively with researchers such as H.F. Poulsen and C.V. Nielsen. Her work is supported by ongoing research projects at DTU, focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of metal deformation and microstructure. She is affiliated with the Materials and Surface Engineering section at DTU, where she leads research efforts combining advanced experimental techniques with theoretical modeling to understand and predict metal behavior under deformation.
