Find Academic Supervisors

• Integrated Smart High-Frequency Components
• Sustainable Micro and Nanosystems
• Low-Cost Microfabrication Processes
• +3 more

Nutapong Somjit holds dual academic roles as an Associate Professor in the School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering at the University of Leeds and an adjunct faculty member in the Micro and Nanosystems Department at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden. His career includes a research leadership position at TU Dresden and a Doctoral Research Award from IEEE in 2012. Specializing in high-frequency components and sustainable microsystems, his work emphasizes innovative fabrication techniques and MEMS integration. He has received over a dozen awards, including the 2009 EuMIC Best Paper Award and editorial roles in IET Electronics Letters. Education: MSc (Dresden University of Technology, 2005), PhD (KTH, 2012) Awards: 6 major honors including IEEE fellowships and chair positions at international conferences Research focuses on next-gen RF systems, with 15+ peer-reviewed articles since 2006. Key innovations include 3D-printed antennas, cost-effective MEMS phase shifters, and high-aspect-ratio TSV fabrication using magnetic assembly techniques. His work bridges microfabrication scalability with practical high-frequency applications. Grants: Not explicitly stated in provided text Labs: Leads research teams at both Leeds and KTH focusing on millimeter-wave and nanoscale systems

• MEMS/NEMS
• Nanofabrication
• Energy Harvesting
• +2 more

Dr. Yong Shi is Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering at Stevens Institute of Technology, researching MEMS/NEMS, energy harvesting, and micro-robotics. His work focuses on nanoscale electromechanical systems for biomedical and aerospace applications, including stroke therapy devices and chip-scale spacecraft. He directs advanced nanofabrication techniques and thermal actuation systems. Research domains include: Nanostructured piezoelectric materials Micro-deployable structures for space Surgical device force modeling Recent innovations feature electrothermal microrobotic sails for orbital maneuvering, SMA-based helical actuators, and vascular contact models for neurointervention. As ASME Micro Nanosystem Technical Committee chair, he advances microsystem design methodologies while developing educational simulations for robotic navigation.

Qianmei FengView profile

Professor

• Quality and Reliability Engineering
• Probability and Statistics
• Advanced Manufacturing Technology
• +4 more

Qianmei (May) Feng is a Professor and Graduate Program Director in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at the University of Houston’s Cullen College of Engineering. She holds the Brij and Sunita Agrawal Faculty Fellowship. Her research focuses on quality and reliability engineering, stochastic processes, and their applications in advanced manufacturing, healthcare systems, and homeland security. She has led projects funded by NSF, DHS, and other agencies. Education: Ph.D., Industrial Engineering, University of Washington, 2005 M.S., Industrial Engineering, University of Washington, 2002 M.S., Management Science, Tsinghua University, 2000 B.S., Dual Degrees in Manufacturing & Industrial Engineering, Tsinghua University, 1998 Research Interests: Dr. Feng’s work emphasizes degradation-based reliability models, stochastic processes (e.g., Lévy processes), and their application to complex systems like MEMS, biomedical implants, and wind turbines. She also explores data-driven approaches for manufacturing process control and aviation security screening strategies. Grants & Awards: NSF Grant (2017): $348,077 for maintenance planning in dynamic environments Emerald Literati Network Award (2009) Featured in IE Magazine (2010–2014) Advising & Labs: Her research group advises over 15 students and collaborates on interdisciplinary projects. Key contributions include models for stent reliability, superconductor manufacturing, and aviation security. She leads the Feng Research Group , focusing on integrating quality, reliability, and statistical methods.

Cory MerkelView profile

Associate Professor

• Neuromorphic Computing
• AI Hardware Design
• Memristor Technology
• +3 more

Cory Merkel is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), part of the Kate Gleason College of Engineering. He holds a BS, MS, and Ph.D. in engineering from RIT, completing his Ph.D. in Microsystems Engineering in 2015. Prior to joining RIT in 2018, he worked as a research electronics engineer at the Air Force Research Lab's Information Directorate. His research focuses on neuromorphic computing, AI hardware design, and energy-efficient systems using memristors and mixed-signal architectures. Key areas include mapping neural networks to novel hardware, brain-inspired computing, and optimizing neuromorphic systems for edge devices. Merkel's work emphasizes practical applications in defense, healthcare, and energy-constrained environments. Recent articles highlight advancements in quantum computing integration, neuromorphic device scalability, and security against hardware vulnerabilities. His research has been published in Neurocomputing, IEEE journals, and conferences like International Conference on Neuromorphic Systems. Merkel also leads the Brain Lab at RIT, advancing interdisciplinary AI research. Teaching responsibilities include Digital System Design II, Machine Intelligence, and Special Topics in Computer Engineering. His scholarly contributions bridge theoretical computer science and practical hardware implementation, with a focus on sustainability and performance.

• MEMS/NEMS
• Electromechanical Energy Conversion
• Motion Control Systems
• +4 more

Jeffrey H. Lang is a Professor of Electrical Engineering at MIT's School of Engineering, specializing in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS). He joined MIT's faculty in 1980 and became a full professor in 1992. His affiliations include the Research Laboratory of Electronics and the Microsystems Technology Laboratories. Education: B.S. (1975), M.S. (1977), and Ph.D. (1980) in Electrical Engineering from MIT, with a doctoral thesis on electrostatically-shaped reflecting antennas. Research & Teaching: Focuses on electromechanical energy conversion, MEMS/NEMS, and motion control systems. He has developed high-torque-density motors for MIT's Cheetah Robot and pioneered courses like 6.002 (Circuits and Electronics) and 6.142 (digital control systems lab). His work spans applications in robotics, electric vehicles, and energy harvesters. Awards: Harold E. Edgerton Award (1986) Graduate Student Council Teaching Award (1987) IEEE Fellow (1998) Advising & Leadership: Served as EE Graduate Admissions Chair (2012), driving guaranteed support for incoming students. His teaching innovations include co-authoring the textbook Foundations of Analog and Digital Electronic Circuits with Anant Agarwal. Labs & Projects: Active in cross-disciplinary research through MIT's Research Laboratory of Electronics and Microsystems Technology Laboratories, advancing MEMS sensors and energy-efficient systems.

Ryan St. PierreView profile

Assistant Professor

• Microrobots
• Robotics
• Insect Biomechanics
• +3 more

Dr. Ryan St. Pierre is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University at Buffalo (School of Engineering and Applied Sciences). His research focuses on microrobots, insect biomechanics, and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), aiming to understand biological systems and develop microrobot analogs. He leads the Robot Form and Function Lab and has been recognized with the 2018 Best Paper Award at the Solid-State Sensors Workshop and inclusion in the 2020 Forbes 30 Under 30 Science list. Education: PhD in Mechanical Engineering, University of Maryland, 2018 MS in Mechanical Engineering, Northeastern University, 2012 BS in Mechanical Engineering, Northeastern University, 2012 Research Interests: Dr. St. Pierre’s work bridges robotics, biomechanics, and MEMS to design highly mobile microrobots. Key themes include energy-efficient locomotion, bio-inspired mechanisms (e.g., springtail-inspired jumping), and control strategies for ultrafast systems. His lab explores applications like reconfigurable swarms and autonomous millirobots. Publications: Recent work emphasizes innovations in jumping microrobots, latch-mediated control systems, and biomimetic actuators. Themes across his articles include energy storage/release mechanisms, multi-modal locomotion, and dynamics optimization. Awards: Best Paper Award, Solid-State Sensors, Actuators, and Microsystems Workshop (2018) Forbes 30 Under 30 Science List (2020) Labs & Teams: He directs the Robot Form and Function Lab , focusing on interdisciplinary robotics research. Collaborations span mechanical engineering, computer science, and biomimetics.

• Bio-Photonics
• Nanophotonics
• Optical Microscopy
• +3 more

Prof. Alexander Rohrbach is a W3 Professor in the field of Bio- and Nano-Photonics at the Institute of Microsystem Technology (IMTEK), Faculty of Engineering, University of Freiburg since January 2006. He is also a member of the Physics Faculty of the University of Freiburg since 2007. His academic journey includes a diploma in Physics from the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (1994), a PhD in Physics from Heidelberg University (1998), and a habilitation in Physics from Heidelberg University (2005). He held postdoctoral and project leadership roles at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research in Heidelberg, focusing on microscopy, light scattering, optical forces, and biophysics applications. His research interests span Bio-Photonics, Nanophotonics, and advanced microscopy techniques such as Photonic Force Microscopy, with applications in biophysics and soft matter physics. He contributes to interdisciplinary research clusters including BrainLinks–BrainTools, FRIAS, and microTEC. His work bridges engineering and physics, emphasizing technical developments in optical methodologies. Prof. Rohrbach’s affiliations include leadership roles in IMTEK’s research projects and service facilities like the Cleanroom Service Center and Mechanical Micromanufacturing. He actively participates in academic administration and teaching within the Faculty of Engineering.

Armin JamaliView profile

Researcher

• Soft Robotics
• Bioinspired Engineering
• Energy Harvesting
• +3 more

Dr. Armin Jamali is a researcher at the Institut für Mikrosystemtechnik within the Technische Fakultät of Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg. His work focuses on bioinspired soft robotics, energy-efficient actuators, and flexible electronics. He leads the "Demonstratoren für weiche, autonome Maschinen" project, developing energy-autonomous soft robots with sensor-integrated suction cups inspired by octopus tentacles. Key projects include: Design of dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA)-based suction cups with intrinsic sensing capabilities Development of stretchable printed circuit boards (S-PCBs) using silicone substrates Integration of organic photovoltaic modules for autonomous energy supply in soft robots His research emphasizes translating biological mechanisms (e.g., octopus suckers) into simplified engineering solutions using advanced materials like DEAs and PDMS. Collaborations include work with Dr. Lucia M. Comella on flexible electronics and Prof. Peter Woias on soft robotics systems. Research trends show a focus on: Energy autonomy through high-voltage organic solar modules Material innovation for stretchable electronic components Bioinspired actuator design for adaptive gripping and movement No scientific awards explicitly listed in available texts. His advising role is under Prof. Dr. Peter Woias as primary supervisor. Active in livMatS initiatives including infrastructure projects like the IDEASfactory@FIT and outreach programs. Laboratory affiliations include the Microsystems Technology Institute where he develops prototypes for soft robotic demonstrators and energy-efficient systems.

• Microfluidics
• Lab-on-a-Chip Technology
• Diagnostic Systems
• +3 more

Dr. Markus Rombach is the Head of the division "Lab-on-a-Chip Prototyping & Scale-Up" at the Institute for Microanalysis Systems, Hahn-Schickard in Freiburg. He holds a Diploma in Microsystems Engineering from the University of Freiburg (2009) and a PhD from the same institution (2016), focusing on centrifugal microfluidic platforms for diagnostic applications. Education: Diploma in Microsystems Engineering (2009), PhD (2016) Research: Automation, miniaturization, and integration of diagnostic laboratory processes on centrifugal Lab-on-a-Chip systems Key Projects: Sample-to-answer integration for molecular diagnostics, microthermoforming, and thermal sealing His work emphasizes scalable manufacturing techniques and practical applications in biomedical diagnostics. He leads teams specializing in prototyping and scaling-up of Lab-on-a-Chip technologies.

D. DodouView profile

Researcher

• Human-Robot Interaction
• Automated Vehicles
• Augmented Reality
• +7 more

D. Dodou is a researcher at Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering, specializing in human-robot interaction, automated vehicles, and augmented reality applications for transportation safety. Her work bridges mechanical engineering with human factors and biomedical instrumentation. Research Interests: Her research spans Human-Robot Interaction , Automated Vehicle Safety , Augmented Reality Interfaces , Pedestrian-Vehicle Interaction , and Biomedical Instrumentation . She employs methodologies such as eye-tracking, experimental design, and simulation to evaluate user behavior and system performance. Recent Research Trends: Her most recent publications (2024–2025) focus on open-source robotics, cross-national driver behavior, cyclist perception of automation, and AR-based safety systems. These works highlight a strong emphasis on empirical validation, multimodal interaction, and real-world deployment of intelligent systems. Applied Ergonomics Journal Best Paper Award 2022 Advising and Grants: While specific students are not named, she has supervised at least three research projects. She was a key contributor to the Shape-IT project (2019–2024), which focused on human-automated vehicle interaction, indicating involvement in grant-funded research and interdisciplinary collaboration. Labs and Teams: She collaborates closely with Prof. J.C.F. de Winter and other researchers at TU Delft, particularly in the domains of transportation ergonomics and human-automation interaction. Her work is associated with the Human Factors and Biomechanics group, contributing to datasets, simulators, and public engagement initiatives.

• Computational Biology
• Medical Physics
• Oncology
• +5 more

Mathias Weyland is a researcher at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) School of Engineering, specializing in the Applied Complex Systems Science research focus. His work bridges computational modeling, medical physics, and oncology through interdisciplinary projects. Projects : Deputy project leader for Bio-HhOST (bio-hybrid tissue models), PHARAO (pandemic response), and SARS-CoV2 Intervention Modeling , among others. Research Interests : He focuses on computational biology, medical physics, and hyperthermia applications in cancer therapy. His work includes: 3D tissue engineering with live/artificial cell integration Thermoradiation synergy in veterinary oncology Artificial life and droplet-based programmable chemistries Radiation dose optimization for diagnostic imaging Mathematical modeling of biological repair dynamics Publication Trends : His recent work (2024-2020) spans CT scan optimization, thermoradiation effects, and droplet-based artificial life systems. Collaborative projects with institutions like MIT Press, Springer, and Springer Nature dominate his publication record. Methodology : Combines phantom studies, Monte Carlo simulations, and RNA sequencing with a strong emphasis on computational modeling for medical applications.

Toshikazu NishidaView profile

Professor

• Semiconductor Devices
• MEMS
• Ferroelectric Materials
• +5 more

Toshikazu Nishida is a Professor and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at the University of Florida's Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. He holds a PhD (1988) and MS (1985) in Electrical & Computer Engineering, and a BS in Engineering Physics (1983), all from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His research focuses on multi-functional semiconductor devices, sensors, actuators, and MEMS, with emphasis on materials like strained Si, SiGe, GaN, ferroelectrics, and polymers. He has pioneered innovations in ferroelectric thin films, nanoelectromechanical systems, and flexible hybrid electronics, with applications in wearable sensors, energy harvesting, and microfluidic devices. Dr. Nishida has authored over 150 peer-reviewed publications and holds 11 U.S. patents. His awards include the NASA Invention Award (2008), IEEE Electron Device Society Distinguished Lecturer (2006-2011), and multiple teaching accolades such as the 2003 College of Engineering Teacher of the Year. His work bridges fundamental materials science with applied engineering systems. Lab/Team Affiliation : Interdisciplinary Microsystems Group (IMG) Grants : Not explicitly listed but implied through patent and publication activity. Future Work : Continued exploration of ferroelectric materials for ultra-low-power electronics and advanced MEMS integration.

Asiye DoganView profile

Researcher

• Materials Science
• Biomimetic Engineering
• Surface Restoration
• +3 more

Asiye Dogan is a Doctoral Researcher at the University of Freiburg, affiliated with the Faculty of Engineering and the Department of Microsystems Engineering. She holds the Agnes Pockels Fellow Recipient 2023 award. Her research focuses on biomimetic materials systems inspired by natural surface restoration mechanisms, such as the shedding of damaged layers in organisms like snakes and lizards. Her current project involves developing a parquet-like material system with superhydrophobic layers and sacrificial components to enable localized, controlled surface renewal. This work integrates principles from materials science, microsystems engineering, and biomimicry to create adaptive, self-restoring materials. Key Research Themes: Self-healing materials, adaptive surface engineering, superhydrophobicity, sacrificial layer design Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Jürgen Rühe Her research bridges fundamental material science with applied engineering, aiming to create durable and repairable synthetic systems modeled after biological strategies.

Indre JödickeView profile

Researcher

• Mechanical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Computational Mechanics
• +3 more

Indre Jödicke serves as an Associated Doctoral Researcher in the Department of Microsystems Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Freiburg. Her work focuses on topology optimization of nonlinear mechanical metamaterials using Fast-Fourier-Transformation-based solvers to engineer materials with tailored nonlinear responses for long-lived, trainable systems. Her research spans Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, and Computational Mechanics, with specific expertise in topology optimization, metamaterials, and nonlinear mechanical behavior. She investigates how material anisotropy and computational homogenization techniques can overcome manufacturing defects and numerical instabilities in architected materials. Analysis of her publications reveals a strong emphasis on computational material science. Her 2024 work addresses defect mitigation in architected materials through anisotropy, while her 2022 contribution solves ringing artifacts in FFT-based homogenization via finite-element projection. These studies advance structural optimization and computational homogenization methodologies. No scientific awards or fellowships are documented. She is supervised by Prof. Dr. Lars Pastewka within the livMatS cluster of excellence and has no listed advisees or additional grant information beyond her doctoral project.

Angelika GedsunView profile

Researcher

• Material Science
• Mechanical Engineering
• Artificial Intelligence
• +3 more

Angelika Gedsun is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Freiburg, affiliated with the Faculty of Engineering and the Department of Microsystems Engineering. Her research focuses on advanced interfaces for modular programmable materials, leveraging AI and biomimetic approaches to design adaptive metamaterials. She collaborates on the AI²nterface project, aiming to develop shape-changing materials with reversible adhesion mechanisms, and contributes to the NDFI-MatWerk consortium for research data infrastructure in material science. Her work integrates interdisciplinary methods, including biology-inspired AI models for optimizing unit cell geometries and interlocking mechanisms. Key technical areas include capillarity forces, photo/thermally induced polymerization, and ontology development for data exchange standards. Supervised by Prof. Dr. Chris Eberl, her research addresses challenges in structural properties, information transfer, and modular material systems.