Dr. Iason Sideris is affiliated with ETH Zürich's Department of Neue Fertigungstechnologien (New Manufacturing Technologies), holding a Researcher position within the Professorship for Advanced Manufacturing. His work focuses on advancing additive manufacturing techniques, particularly in path planning optimization, temperature control, and material processing. He contributes to fields like Direct Energy Deposition, Wire-Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM), and data-driven finite volume methods. Key Research Areas: Additive Manufacturing, Thermal Modeling, Process Optimization, Materials Science Recent research emphasizes scalable path planning for temperature uniformity in AM processes, with publications addressing challenges in WAAM thermal management and real-time simulation methods. His work combines computational modeling with experimental validation to enhance manufacturing efficiency and material properties.
Jörg F. Löffler is a Full Professor of Metal Physics and Technology at the Department of Materials, ETH Zürich , where he has been since 2003. He previously served as Chairman of the Department (2010–2013) and holds Adjunct Professor positions at Tohoku University (Japan) and a Visiting Faculty role at Caltech. His research focuses on bulk metallic glasses , metallic biomaterials , and magnetic materials , combining synthesis, characterization, and applications in biomedical and structural contexts. Educations : Studied Physics and Materials Science at Saarland University (Germany), earned his doctorate at ETH Zurich and Paul Scherrer Institute on magnetism and neutron scattering (1997). Research Trends : Recent work explores additive manufacturing (e.g., laser powder bed fusion), biodegradable magnesium alloys for implants, and magneto-structural coupling in metallic glasses. Collaborative efforts integrate in situ analysis with computational modeling. Scientific Awards : International Magnesium Science and Technology Award (2023) MRS Fellow (2021) DGM 'Breakthrough' Prize (2016) Masing Memorial Prize (2005) ETH Zurich Medal (1998) Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship (1998-2001) Löffler advises the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at UC Davis and serves on editorial boards. His group at ETH Zürich investigates advanced metallic materials using synchrotron radiation and neutron scattering facilities.
Wei Xiong is the Hugh Leander and Mary Trumbull Adams Professor in Finance and Professor of Economics at Princeton University, affiliated with the Department of Economics and Bendheim Center for Finance. His research centers on behavioral finance and capital market imperfections with a focus on China's financial system and commodity markets. His educational background includes: Ph.D. in Finance from Duke University (2001) B.S. in Physics from University of Science and Technology of China (1993) Research Interests: Professor Xiong's work fundamentally explores behavioral finance and capital market imperfections , pioneering studies on speculative bubbles , heterogeneous beliefs in asset pricing , and financing frictions . His recent scholarship critically examines the financialization of commodity markets , belief distortions during financial crises , and the unique institutional dynamics of China's hybrid economy , where state and market forces interact. Publication Trends: Xiong's 48 publications in top-tier journals reveal an evolving trajectory from classical behavioral finance (2001-2013) toward contemporary China-focused systemic analysis (2017-2025). Recent works integrate cryptocurrency economics, real estate risk management, and policy design in emerging markets, demonstrating methodological rigor through structural modeling and empirical analysis of large-scale financial datasets. Scientific Awards: 2012 Smith Breeden Award (first prize) for the best non-corporate finance paper published in Journal of Finance 2013 NASDAQ OMX Award for the best asset pricing paper presented in Western Finance Association Meetings Professional Activities: As NBER research associate and former Management Science finance editor (2009-2011), Xiong bridges academia and policy. He co-founded VoxChina.org to foster China-world economic dialogue and co-edited The Handbook of China’s Financial System (Princeton University Press). His keynote addresses at major conferences—including the 2024 Chinese Economists Society meeting on “Information Discovery in a Hybrid Economy”—demonstrate sustained policy influence. Labs and Initiatives: Xiong leads Princeton's Bendheim Center for Finance research initiatives and directs VoxChina.org, which produces influential policy analyses on China's economy. His recent work includes the NBER-commissioned study on commodity market risks and ongoing projects examining big tech lending models and data privacy impacts on digital finance.
Marie Violay is an Associate Professor at the Laboratory of Experimental Rock Mechanics (LEMR) within the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC) at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL). She also contributes to teaching and PhD program committees across multiple EPFL divisions. Specializes in rock mechanics, earthquake dynamics, and hydro-mechanical couplings Leads experimental studies on fluid-induced seismicity and reservoir deformation Research Focus : Investigates how pore fluid pressure variations affect rock strength, fault behavior, and permeability evolution. Her work spans from brittle fracture mechanics to ductile deformation processes under geothermal conditions, with applications to carbon storage, earthquake mitigation, and volcanic hazard assessment. Article Trends : Her recent publications examine stress biaxiality effects on fracture energy (2025), alteration impacts on geothermal reservoirs (2025), permeability changes in volcanic rocks (2024), and fundamental studies of water weakening mechanisms in sedimentary rocks (2024-2021). The work combines laboratory experiments, microstructural analysis, and numerical modeling. Labs & Collaborations : Coordinates the LEMR laboratory at EPFL. Collaborates with European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Freie Universität Berlin, and industry partners like Emch&Berger AG. Leads PhD committee work in the EDME Doctoral School .
Andrew Spakowitz is a Professor of Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, and by courtesy, Applied Physics and Chemistry at Stanford University. He currently serves as the Senior Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Affairs and holds the Tang Family Foundation Chair of the Department of Chemical Engineering. His academic career at Stanford spans from Assistant Professor (2006-2014) to Associate Professor (2014-2020) and now Professor since 2020. Dr. Spakowitz earned his PhD in 2004, MS in 2001 from the California Institute of Technology, and his BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 1999. He completed postdoctoral training in Molecular and Cell Biology and Biophysics at UC Berkeley from 2004-2006. His research focuses on theoretical and computational approaches to understanding biological processes and complex materials. The Spakowitz lab addresses fundamental chemical and physical phenomena through four main research themes: chromosomal organization and dynamics, protein self-assembly, polymer membranes, and charge transport in conducting polymers. His group employs diverse theoretical and computational methods including analytical theory of semiflexible polymers, polymer field theory, continuum elastic mechanics, Brownian dynamics simulation, equilibrium and dynamic Monte Carlo simulations, and reaction-diffusion modeling. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on epigenetics and chromatin dynamics, with significant work on DNA methylation patterns, nucleosome clustering, and chromosome organization. His research also extends to polymer physics applications in biological systems, particularly in respiratory diseases, water purification membranes, and bacterial phage interactions with human mucus. Tang Family Foundation Chair of the Department of Chemical Engineering Professor Spakowitz mentors several graduate students and postdoctoral scholars in the Chemical Engineering and Materials Science departments. His lab members work on diverse projects spanning from chromatin dynamics to polymer membranes for water purification. He teaches multiple courses including CHEMENG 120B (Energy and Mass Transport), CHEMENG 340 (Molecular Thermodynamics), CHEMENG 466 (Polymer Physics), and CHEMENG 467 (Physics of Biomacromolecules). The Spakowitz lab operates from Clark S295 at Stanford University, conducting theoretical and computational research that bridges chemistry, physics, biology, and engineering disciplines to address complex problems across multiple length and time scales.
Nirupam Roy is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Computer Science, University of Maryland, College Park, and Director of the iCoSMoS research lab. His work bridges wireless networking, mobile computing, and acoustic sensing with applications in IoT, localization, healthcare, security, and wearables. Research Focus: Wireless Networking & Mobile Sensing Awards: Best paper award, MobiSys 2022 Best demo award, MobiSys 2021 CSL Ph.D. Thesis Award, UIUC 2019 Students: Nakul Garg, Yang Bai, Irtaza Shahid, Harshvardhan Takawale, Aritrik Ghosh, Ayushi Mishra, Sumbul Zehra, Justin Goodman Grants: NSF CAREER award (2023), Meta Research Award (2023)
Prof. Prita Pant is a faculty member in the Department of Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay). She holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Materials Science from Cornell University and a B.E. in Metallurgical Engineering from Roorkee University. Her research focuses on the mechanical behavior of advanced materials, particularly thin films and shape memory alloys. B.E., Metallurgical Engineering, Roorkee University (1997) M.S., Materials Science, Cornell University (2001) Ph.D., Materials Science, Cornell University (2004) Her research interests include mechanical behavior of thin films , dislocation dynamics , nanoindentation studies , simulation of deformation processes , and Ni-Ti based shape memory materials . She employs both experimental and computational techniques to investigate microstructural evolution and deformation mechanisms in metals. The available publications indicate a strong focus on thin film mechanics , dislocation behavior , and microstructure-property relationships , particularly under mechanical loading. Her work bridges computational modeling and experimental characterization, with applications in structural and functional materials. There are no scientific awards explicitly mentioned in the provided text. While no specific students are listed, Prof. Pant leads the Computational Mechanics and Experimental Group (CMEG@IITB) , indicating active supervision of graduate students and involvement in research grants. Her research group website suggests ongoing funded projects and collaborative work. She is affiliated with the Computational Mechanics and Experimental Group (CMEG@IITB) , which conducts research on multiscale mechanics of materials, combining simulation and experimentation to understand deformation phenomena.
Na Du is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Informatics and Networked Systems at the University of Pittsburgh's School of Computing and Information. She holds a PhD in Industrial & Operations Engineering from the University of Michigan (2021) and a Graduate Certificate in Data Science. Her research focuses on human factors in smart cities, human-centered computing, and user experience design. She is affiliated with the Intelligent Systems Program, Pitt Cyber, and the Center for Governance and Markets. Education: PhD in Industrial & Operations Engineering (University of Michigan, 2021); Undergraduate in Psychology (Zhejiang University). Research emphasizes explainable AI, human-AI teaming, and smart technologies. Recent grants include funding from Honda Research Institute and Pitt Cyber Accelerator for projects on emotions in Human-AI interaction and Metaverse privacy awareness. Her work has been recognized with awards like the HFES Best Paper Award and the IOE Outstanding Student Award. Advising includes PhD students and researchers in human factors and UX design. The HAT Lab under her leadership explores interdisciplinary challenges in human-computer interaction and smart systems.
Susanne Weis is a Research Professor and Group Leader of the 'Variability of the Brain' group at the Department of Brain and Behavior (INM-7), part of the Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM) at Research Center Jülich GmbH. Her work focuses on understanding brain variability through advanced neuroimaging techniques and machine learning, with particular emphasis on sex differences, hormonal influences, and clinical applications in mental health. Her research interests include neuroimaging methodologies, machine learning applications in cognitive neuroscience, and the structural-functional relationships underlying brain variability. She investigates how factors like sex hormones and naturalistic stimuli (e.g., movies) affect brain connectivity and cognitive performance, aiming to improve diagnostic and predictive tools for disorders such as schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease. Publications highlight her contributions to developing datasets (e.g., SpEx), analyzing confound leakage in ML models, and exploring meta-analytic networks during naturalistic viewing. Her work bridges basic science and clinical impact, addressing challenges in interpreting neuroimaging data and advancing personalized medicine approaches. In her role as a group leader, Weis oversees research projects and collaborates with interdisciplinary teams. She is affiliated with the Helmholtz Association and contributes to the broader scientific community through her research in neuroimaging and computational neuroscience.
Prof. Dr. Taner Akbay is a faculty member at Yeditepe University, Faculty of Engineering , Department of Materials Science and Nanotechnology Engineering. He has held academic positions at institutions including Kyushu University, Oita University, and Imperial College London. Education: PhD in Materials Engineering (1993, Imperial College London); Master’s (1989) and Bachelor’s (1986) degrees from Middle East Technical University. His research spans Materials Engineering , Metallurgy , and Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) , with a focus on oxide ion conductivity, laser surface treatment, and phase transformations. Recent work explores photocatalysis , anion intercalation , and CO2 reduction using computational and experimental approaches. Key article trends include SOFC optimization (2004–2009), strain effects on catalysts (2015–2020), and dual-carbon battery technology (2016–2020). His work bridges fundamental metallurgy and advanced energy materials . Scientific Awards: Postdoctoral Research Sponsorship Award (EPSRC, UK) JSPS Fellowship (Japan) Daiwa Adrian Prize (2016, UK) PhD Studentship at Imperial College (European Commission) He has supervised multiple PhD and Master’s theses, including projects on dual-carbon batteries , microwave absorption nanocomposites , and rare earth recovery . Administrative roles include Head of Department (2020–2021). Non-University Experience: Worked with Mitsubishi Materials Corporation (2001), Çolakoğlu Metalurji (2010), and National Research Council Canada (2009).
Kevin Pisciotta is an Assistant Professor of Finance at the University of Kansas School of Business, specializing in empirical corporate finance, initial public offerings (IPOs), and information intermediaries. His work bridges corporate finance theory with real-world market dynamics, focusing on IPO processes, analyst behavior, and economic impacts of social issues like opioid abuse and sports betting. Education: Ph.D. in Business Administration, Pennsylvania State University M.S. in Finance, University of Delaware B.S. in Finance, University of Delaware Research Interests: His research explores how IPO bookbuilding mechanisms influence market outcomes, the role of sell-side analysts in information dissemination, and the macroeconomic consequences of phenomena like opioid abuse and sports gambling. He also investigates labor economics through the lens of corporate innovation and workforce productivity. Publications Trends: Recent work examines the interplay between sports betting and household financial stability (2024), IPO marketing strategies post-JOBS Act reforms (2018), and the spillover effects of opioid abuse on regional innovation ecosystems (2023). His studies frequently employ large-scale datasets to analyze market microstructure and policy impacts. Grants/Advising: No specific grants or advisee names are listed in available materials. Teaching experience includes undergraduate courses in investments, international finance, and corporate financial management. Labs/Teams: No dedicated lab affiliation is mentioned, though collaborations with institutions like Pennsylvania State University and the University of Delaware are implied through his educational background and co-authorships.
Philippe Mueller is a Professor of Finance at Warwick Business School (University of Warwick) and a leading researcher in macro-finance, international finance, and asset pricing. He previously held positions at the London School of Economics (2008–2017) and earned his PhD from Columbia University. His research focuses on factors driving asset prices, foreign exchange markets, corporate credit, and central bank policies. Mueller has published in top journals such as the Journal of Finance and Journal of Financial Economics , and his work on corporate bond pricing won the Fama-DFA Prize (2023). Education: PhD in Finance and Economics, Columbia University, 2008 MBF, Master of Science in Banking and Finance, Université de Lausanne, 2002 lic. rer. pol., Universität Bern, 1999 Research Interests: His primary research areas include asset pricing, financial econometrics, and international finance with a focus on fixed income markets, corporate credit provision, and monetary policy impacts. Recent work examines intraday foreign exchange patterns, central bank swap lines, and volatility dynamics in fixed income and currency markets. Teaching & Grants: Mueller teaches advanced courses in asset pricing and fixed income at Warwick. He has secured grants from the BA/Leverhulme Trust, BIS Research Fellowship, and INQUIRE Europe. His work is supported by collaborations with institutions like the Swiss National Bank and ECB. Awards & Recognition: Fama-DFA Prize for best asset pricing paper (2023) BIS Research Fellowship (2025–2027) Walter Wasserfallen Prize (2000) Professional Activities: He serves on programme committees for major finance conferences (EFA, WFA) and referees for top journals including Journal of Political Economy and Econometrica .
Alexandre RUBESAM is an Associate Professor at IÉSEG School of Management (France), specializing in Finance with a focus on asset pricing, financial econometrics, and quantitative trading. He holds a Ph.D. in Finance from Cass Business School (UK), an MSc in Statistics from the State University of Campinas (Brazil), and a Bachelor in Statistics from the same university. Education: Ph.D., Finance, Cass Business School, UK (2008) MSc., Statistics, State University of Campinas, Brazil (2004) Bachelor, Statistics, State University of Campinas, Brazil (2001) His research interests span behavioral finance, risk management, machine learning applications in finance, and portfolio optimization. Notably, he explores topics like market herding during crises, volatility forecasting, and the low-beta anomaly through behavioral lenses. Prof. Rubesam has authored influential papers on information transmission in financial markets, risk parity strategies, and the efficacy of linear models in volatility prediction. His work bridges theoretical finance with practical applications, such as developing machine learning-based portfolio construction methods for emerging markets. Awards: 2007 Dimitris N. Chorafas Foundation Prize 2006 Best Paper Award, Cass Business School His professional roles include Chief Risk Officer at Itaú-Unibanco (2013–2017) and Quantitative Researcher/Trader at Principia Capital Management (2009–2011). He is a member of LEM (Laboratory of Economics and Management) and teaches courses on financial programming, risk management, and portfolio analysis.
Kristofer Pister is a Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences at the University of California, Berkeley. He co-directs the Berkeley Sensor and Actuator Center (BSAC) and the Ubiquitous Swarm Lab. His career spans groundbreaking innovations in Micro/Nano Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS), Control Systems, and Low-Power Circuits, with a focus on Smart Dust and synthetic insects. Education: Ph.D. and M.S. in EECS from UC Berkeley (1992, 1989); B.A. in Applied Physics from UC San Diego (1986). His research areas include MEMS , Control Systems , Robotics , and Integrated Circuits , with recent work on self-powered micro-sensors, crystal-free radios, and interplanetary swarm networks. Key awards include the ISA Albert F. Sperry Founder Award (2009) , Alexander Schwarzkopf Prize (2006) , and the NSF CAREER Award (1996) . He has authored numerous influential publications in wireless sensor networks and microrobotics. His lab, Ubiquitous Swarm Lab , explores distributed robotics and swarm intelligence. Pister emphasizes open collaboration in research, ethical conduct in academia, and efficient resource utilization for graduate students.
Raphael Hauser is an Associate Professor in Numerical Mathematics at the University of Oxford's Mathematical Institute, Director of Graduate Studies - Teaching, and Tanaka Fellow in Applied Mathematics at Pembroke College. His affiliations include membership in the Data Science, Numerical Analysis, and Mathematical and Computational Finance research groups, as well as a fellowship at the Alan Turing Institute. Education: PhD in Operations Research, Cornell University, Ithaca, USA Dipl. Math. ETH, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich), Switzerland Research interests span data science, numerical optimisation, medical imaging, distributed computing, and applied probability/statistics. His work integrates mathematical rigor with practical applications, particularly in optimization algorithms, machine learning theory, and medical imaging technology. Publications focus on optimization theory, stochastic processes, medical imaging systems, and computational finance, with recurring themes in non-convex optimization guarantees, PCA variants, and X-ray tomography innovations. Awards: Oxford University Teaching Award (2007) SIAM Optimization Prize (2005) SIAM Student Paper Prize (2000) Advising includes 15+ DPhil students and 40+ MSc students, with projects in optimization, finance, imaging, and machine learning. Current postdocs and students are affiliated with the Alan Turing Institute and industrial partners like Siemens and Macquarie Group. He leads teams in the Mathematical Institute's research groups and collaborates with the Alan Turing Institute on large-scale data science initiatives.
