Charles Dorn is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics at the University of Washington. His research focuses on structural mechanics, architected materials, and reconfigurable systems. Prior to UW, he was a Postdoctoral Fellow at ETH Zurich (2021–2024), and completed his PhD in Space Engineering at Caltech (2021), with additional degrees from Ecole Polytechnique and UW-Madison. Education: PhD, Space Engineering, California Institute of Technology, 2021 M.S., Multiphysics and Multiscale Modeling, Ecole Polytechnique, 2018 M.S., Space Engineering, Caltech, 2017 B.S., Engineering Mechanics, UW-Madison, 2016 Research Interests: His work bridges mechanics, computation, and design to create structures with extreme properties like wave steering and shape reconfiguration. Key areas include mechanical metamaterials, origami-inspired systems, and spatially graded metamaterials for vibration suppression. Recent projects explore inverse design methods and multi-configuration rigidity. Key Achievements: Developed ray-tracing tools for elastic waves in graded metamaterials Winner of 2018 R&D 100 Award for video-based vibration measurement techniques Collaborated with industry leaders like Prof. Sergio Pellegrino (Caltech) and Prof. Dennis Kochmann (ETH Zurich) Labs/Teams: Leads a research group at UW focused on advanced structural architectures and their applications across aerospace, robotics, and electronics.
Mina Karimi is a Postdoctoral Scholar Research Associate in the Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering at California Institute of Technology (Caltech). She is part of the Bhattacharya group, advised by Professor Kaushik Bhattacharya. Her research focuses on computational mechanics, poromechanics, and Bayesian inference applied to porous media systems. Key areas include reactive flow modeling, multiscale simulations, and data-driven approaches for subsurface engineering challenges. Her work integrates advanced computational methods with geomechanical and materials science problems, emphasizing energy systems and environmental applications. Recent studies explore carbon sequestration mechanisms, chemo-poro-mechanical coupling, and high-dimensional parameter estimation using Bayesian frameworks. She also investigates crack-healing phenomena in shape memory alloy composites and develops accelerated micromechanical models for solute transport. Publications span topics from machine learning-enhanced groundwater modeling to Hessian-informed sampling techniques for high-dimensional inverse problems. Her research bridges theoretical developments with practical applications in subsurface energy storage, geological carbon sequestration, and material behavior under extreme conditions. Advising is conducted under the mentorship of Prof. Bhattacharya, with affiliations to the Resnick Sustainability Institute at Caltech. Current efforts emphasize computational tools for poromechanics and uncertainty quantification in complex multiphase systems.
Dr. Ke Gao is an Associate Professor in the Department of Earth and Space Sciences at Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) in Shenzhen, China. He joined SUSTech in 2019 after completing postdoctoral research at Los Alamos National Laboratory in the United States. Dr. Gao holds a Ph.D. in Rock Mechanics from the University of Toronto, which he obtained in 2017. His educational background includes: 2021–present: Associate Professor, Department of Earth and Space Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology 2019–2020: Assistant Professor, Department of Earth and Space Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology 2017–2019: Post Doc, Solid Earth Geophysics, Los Alamos National Laboratory, USA 2012–2017: Ph.D., Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, University of Toronto, Canada Dr. Gao's research primarily focuses on rock mechanics and fault mechanics, with particular emphasis on the development of multiphysics coupling models based on the combined finite-discrete element method (FDEM). His work investigates rock fracturing mechanisms, hydraulic fracturing, and the stick-slip characteristics in sheared granular faults. He has made significant contributions to tensor-based statistical methods for characterizing stress variability and heterogeneity in fractured rock masses. His research bridges computational mechanics with earthquake physics, creating innovative approaches to understanding fundamental geological processes. Analysis of Dr. Gao's recent publications reveals a strong focus on computational geomechanics and earthquake physics. His work consistently applies and advances the combined finite-discrete element method (FDEM) to solve complex rock mechanics problems. There's a clear progression from fundamental method development to applications in earthquake source mechanics and hydraulic fracturing. The integration of machine learning techniques with traditional computational methods represents an emerging trend in his recent work, particularly for predicting slip behavior in granular fault systems. Dr. Gao has received several notable recognitions: Best Paper Award at the 7th International Symposium on In Situ Rock Stress (2016) National Overseas High-level Talent Program (Youth) (2020) Shenzhen 'Peacock Plan' B Talents (2021) Dr. Gao serves as principal investigator for multiple research projects funded by prestigious organizations including the National Natural Science Foundation of China, Ministry of Science and Technology key research and development projects, Guangdong Province general projects, and Shenzhen City general projects. He actively mentors graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, recruiting candidates with backgrounds in solid geophysics, rock mechanics, geological engineering, computational mechanics, and related disciplines. His research group provides comprehensive training in both theoretical and experimental aspects of rock mechanics and earthquake physics. Dr. Gao is affiliated with several professional organizations including the American Rock Mechanics Association, American Geophysical Union, International Society for Rock Mechanics, Canadian Geotechnical Society, Society of American Seismology, and ASCE Engineering Mechanics Institute, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of his work spanning rock mechanics, geophysics, and computational engineering.
Borello Domenico is a Full Professor in the Department of Industrial and Environmental Engineering at Sapienza University of Rome. His research focuses on renewable energy systems, fluid dynamics, combustion engineering, and environmental sustainability. He has contributed to advancements in hydrogen production, ammonia combustion, and sustainable waste-to-energy technologies through experimental and numerical methodologies. His work integrates computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and machine learning to optimize energy systems and reduce emissions. Key research areas include green hydrogen production via floating photovoltaic systems, cavitation prediction in hydrodynamic systems, and techno-economic analysis of energy transport. He has developed novel approaches for turbine design, compressor erosion assessment, and biofuel gasification processes. His studies address both technical challenges and policy implications of decarbonizing transportation and industrial sectors. Borello has collaborated on projects involving microbial fuel cells for environmental remediation, chemical looping cycles for carbon capture, and hybrid powertrain efficiency testing. His research emphasizes real-world applications, such as railway energy consumption modeling and microgrid integration of renewables.
Michael R. Hill is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of California Davis, College of Engineering. His research focuses on mechanical design, solid mechanics, experimental methods, fatigue and fracture, and manufacturing processes. He investigates the relationship between manufacturing processes and structural integrity, particularly in aerospace, power generation, and automotive sectors. His work emphasizes residual stress analysis, fatigue behavior, and the application of finite element simulation to predict structural performance. Research Interests: Residual stress measurement and mitigation (e.g., laser shock peening, cold working) Fatigue crack growth analysis and structural integrity assessment Integration of experimental and computational methods for material characterization Impact of manufacturing processes (e.g., additive manufacturing, machining) on material performance Key Contributions: Developed frameworks to predict residual stress in additively manufactured components Advanced techniques for residual stress mapping via contour method, slitting, and X-ray diffraction Investigated distortion in milled aluminum components due to residual stresses Validated crack compliance and stress intensity factor analysis methods Awards: Recipient of the 2022 G.A. Brewer Award Grants & Collaborations: Focus on aerospace, automotive, and energy sectors Partnerships with industry and government agencies for applied research Labs/Teams: Research lab specializing in experimental mechanics and material testing, with expertise in fatigue testing, residual stress measurement, and computational modeling.
Professor Ting Ren is a leading academic in Mining Engineering and Mine Safety at the University of Wollongong. He holds a PhD from the University of Nottingham and has over 30 years of industry experience, focusing on dust mitigation, gas management, and computational modelling. He is affiliated with the School of Civil, Mining and Environmental Engineering and serves as an Adjunct Professor at China University of Mining & Technology. His research spans coal mine safety, geomechanics, and mine fire prevention, supported by over $4 million in industry and governmental grants. Education: PhD in Mining Engineering, University of Nottingham (UK). Key roles include leading industry-driven projects for BHP, Anglo American, and CSIRO. Awards include the BMAs Health & Safety Award (2009) and CSIRO's Partnership Excellence Award (2006). He has advised government committees and international bodies, such as the Queensland Coal Mining Board of Inquiry and the US National Academies. Research Interests: Underground mining methods, mine dust control, coal gas management, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) applications in mining. Recent articles focus on tunnel stability, coal fracture mechanics, and dust mitigation via machine learning and VR-CFD tools. His work addresses global mining challenges, including spontaneous combustion and gas outburst risks. Grants and Leadership: Over 30 funded projects, including ARC Training Centres and ACARP initiatives. Serves as ERA Cluster Chair (Engineering) and collaborates internationally with institutions in China, India, and South Africa. Actively supervises PhD and MPhil students in dust monitoring, gas drainage, and composite materials for mining infrastructure. Labs/Teams: Leads the Mining Safety and Technology research group, focusing on innovative solutions for health and safety in underground operations. Collaborates with industry partners to develop practical applications of advanced modelling and protective technologies.
Dr. Jianhui Zhou is an Associate Professor in Wood Engineering at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), based in the School of Engineering. He joined UNBC in 2018 after completing a PhD in Wood Engineering at the University of New Brunswick (2018) as a Vanier Scholar and postdoctoral work at the University of Alberta (2017–2018). His research focuses on wood mechanics, building vibration, acoustics, engineered wood products, and multiphysics in timber systems, with an emphasis on serviceability performance in mass timber buildings. Education: PhD, Wood Engineering, University of New Brunswick (2018) MSc, Wood Science and Engineering, South China Agricultural University (China) BSc, Wood Science and Engineering, South China Agricultural University (China) Research emphasizes vibration and acoustics of mass timber floors, including floating concrete toppings, CLT-concrete composite systems, and IoT-based structural health monitoring. His work addresses industry challenges like footfall vibration and noise control, supported by grants from CFI and BCKDF. He leads the Wood Engineering & Building Technology Research Group, supervising graduate students in MASc, MEng, and PhD programs. Awards include the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship (2015–2018). Teaching responsibilities include courses on wood mechanics, finite element analysis, and building acoustics. His lab facilities specialize in structural dynamics, acoustic testing, and timber material characterization. Current projects involve IoT-based vibration monitoring systems for mass timber buildings and developing parametric design tools for timber floor systems. Alumni include Chenyue Guo (PhD candidate at University of Alberta) and Reza Chaboki (MASc graduate).
Dr. Prashant Khare is an Associate Professor and Bradley Jones Chair in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Cincinnati (UC), leading the College of Engineering and Applied Science. He holds a Ph.D. from Georgia Institute of Technology and an M.S. from Penn State University. His research focuses on multiphase fluid dynamics, combustion, and machine learning applications in aerospace engineering, leveraging high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure. He co-founded UC's Advanced Research Computing (ARC) center and has secured significant federal/state grants totaling over $2.5M in recent years. His research group investigates hypersonic flows, spray combustion, and shock-droplet interactions, employing LES/DNS simulations and data-driven modeling. Notable achievements include AIAA Associate Fellow (2024), Best Research Paper Award (2024), and multiple teaching/mentorship accolades. He advises graduate students and collaborates with industry partners like General Electric Aviation. Current projects include NASA-funded studies on hypersonic propulsion and NSF-supported HPC cluster development. Education: Ph.D. Aerospace Engineering (Georgia Tech, 2014), M.S. Mechanical Engineering (Penn State, 2009) Labs/Teams: Khare Research Group, Advanced Research Computing (ARC) Center Grants: Over 20 active/funded projects including $1M NSF MRI award and ONR computational naval sciences initiatives
Dr. Anne-Catherine A.A.M. Dieudonné is an Assistant Professor in Geotechnical Field Testing and Monitoring at Delft University of Technology's Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences. She holds a Ph.D. in Structural, Seismic, and Geotechnical Engineering from Politecnico di Milano, where she previously worked as a doctoral researcher and assistant professor until joining TU Delft in 2022. Her research focuses on experimental, numerical, and theoretical analysis of soil-structure interaction problems, including foundations, tunnels, embankments, and slope retaining systems. Key interests include developing simplified models for infrastructure design, improving sustainability and reliability of structures, and understanding time-dependent material responses. Her work spans geotechnical monitoring with fiber optics, constitutive modeling of geomaterials (e.g., cement-bentonite mixtures), and energy geotechnics. Notable contributions include studies on tunnel face stability, pile-supported embankments, and bio-cemented soils. Publications emphasize THM modeling for geothermal systems, fracture mechanics, and nuclear waste repository optimization. She collaborates internationally, contributing to advanced multiphysics approaches in geomechanics.
Michael Vynnycky is an Affiliated Professor at KTH Royal Institute of Technology , specializing in mathematical modeling and numerical analysis of industrial metallurgical processes. His research focuses on continuous casting , electromagnetic stirring , and fluid-structure interactions in manufacturing systems. Key Research Areas: Continuous casting of metals, fluid dynamics, heat transfer, computational methods (FEM, CFD), inverse Stefan problems, and oscillation mark formation. Collaborations: Frequent collaboration with researchers like H. Fredriksson, B. Glaser, and A. Safavi Nick. Applications: Steel production, die casting, redox flow batteries, and polymer electrolyte fuel cells. Recent publications highlight work on blast furnace dynamics , muon radiography for structural analysis, and asymptotic modeling of gas-solid flows. His methodologies emphasize mathematical rigor and industrial relevance , as seen in studies on macrosegregation and electromagnetic flow control. Techniques: Leverages asymptotic analysis multiphysics simulation finite element methods computational fluid dynamics boundary reconstruction algorithms experimental validation to solve complex industrial problems. Email Contact: michaelv@kth.se
Prof. Dr. Peter-Michael Kaul is a Professor of Physics, Statistics and Measurement Technology at the University of Applied Sciences Bonn-Rhein-Sieg (H-BRS), where he serves as Research Professor and Founding Director of the Institute for Security Research (ISF). He is also a member of the University Council and the Research Commission of H-BRS. His academic career spans over two decades at the university, with significant leadership roles including Vice Dean of the Department of Biology, Chemistry and Materials Engineering (1999-May 2002), Prorektor für Lehre (Vice President for Teaching and Studies) (May 2002-Oct 2005), and Dean of the Department of Applied Natural Sciences (Oct 2005-Nov 2007). Since November 2010, he has been deputy director of the Institute for Detection Technologies, and since January 2011, he has served as Director of the Institute for Security Research. Prof. Kaul's research interests focus on: Sensor technology and actuation systems Microsensors and mass-sensitive sensors Chemical and biosensors for gaseous and liquid media Sensor signal processing and multisensor systems Intelligent sensor systems Explosives detection technologies and Counter-IED methods Laser drilling and gas analytics for security applications Instrumental analytics for explosive and odor component detection His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on advanced sensor technologies for security applications, particularly in the detection of explosives and hazardous materials. His work spans from fundamental sensor development (such as semiconductor gas sensors, Raman spectroscopy, and SERS substrates) to practical applications in security screening and explosives detection. A significant portion of his research involves the development of specialized detection systems for triacetone triperoxide (TATP) and other energetic materials, often using innovative approaches like laser initiation and acoustic monitoring. His team also works on improving the reliability of explosives detection dogs and developing algorithms for sensor data validation. Prof. Kaul has received funding for numerous research projects, including: TeamUP: Addressing CBRN-E events (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive hazards) DigitalTwin-4-Multiphysics-Lab: Urban digital twins and multiphysics twins for industry NAkSU: New analysis methods for complex security and environmental data WireLife: Lifetime of new aluminum wires in power electronics SYNergie: Detection and inactivation of Synchytrium endobioticum in potatoes ReDeX: Reductive treatment method for removal of disinfection by-products from drinking water PräventinS: Prevention strategy for invasive pests like the Asian longhorned beetle ALBERO: Safe integration of alternative vehicles in roll-on/roll-off ferry traffic FHInvest: Field emission electron microscope with computed tomography for materials development Prof. Kaul leads the Institute for Security Research and has been instrumental in establishing security research as a key focus area at H-BRS. His work bridges fundamental sensor research with practical security applications, particularly in the areas of explosives detection and counter-terrorism technologies. He collaborates extensively with industry partners, government agencies, and international research institutions to develop innovative security solutions.
Ahmad Ghassemi serves as the ONEOK Chair in Natural Gas Engineering and Management and Associate Professor of Petroleum and Geological Engineering at the University of Oklahoma's Mewbourne School of Petroleum & Geological Engineering. He directs the Natural Gas Engineering and Management Program and leads one of the largest academic reservoir rock mechanics groups in the United States. His educational background includes: B.Sc. in Geological Engineering from the University of Oklahoma M.S. in Engineering Geology from South Dakota School of Mines (1988) M.S. in Geomechanics from University of Minnesota (1990) Ph.D. in Geological Engineering from University of Oklahoma (1996) Ghassemi specializes in geomechanics for unconventional petroleum and geothermal reservoir development, with nearly 30 years of research on high-temperature reservoir rock mechanics, hydraulic fracturing, and wellbore stability. His work emphasizes thermo-poroelastic effects, induced seismicity, rock heterogeneity impacts on stimulated reservoir volume, reactive fluid flow in fractures, and constitutive modeling for chemically-active rocks. Current research integrates experimental and numerical analysis of hydraulic stimulation under in-situ stress conditions. His recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate intense focus on the Utah FORGE geothermal project, with recurring themes in thermo-poroelastic modeling, fracture propagation in heterogeneous rocks, proppant transport dynamics, and advanced monitoring techniques using fiber optics. Key subfields include natural fracture interaction, temperature-dependent rock properties, and coupled thermal-hydraulic-mechanical-chemical processes. Notable recognition: Geothermal Resources Council Special Achievement Award (2012) for contributions to coupled process modeling Funded by federal agencies and industry for two decades, Ghassemi has led extensive research programs including experimental characterization and numerical modeling of reservoir stimulation. He has served on numerous national/international panels for geothermal systems, CO2 sequestration, and induced seismicity, including SPE Geomechanics Forums, DOE workshops, and EPA technical committees. His group maintains strong industry connections through specialized reservoir geomechanics courses. Experimental work occurs within OU's integrated geomechanics/petrophysics characterization program, while numerical efforts employ finite element and boundary element modeling of THM processes. Current activities focus on Utah FORGE stimulation modeling, proppant transport in fracture networks, and thermal cycling effects on reservoir rocks.
Chu Ma is a Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, leading the Acoustic Sensing and Functional Materials (ASFM) Laboratory. His primary affiliations include dual appointments in Mechanical Engineering and the College of Engineering. He specializes in acoustic functional materials and their applications in biomedical imaging, non-destructive testing, and communication systems. Education: PhD, 2019, Massachusetts Institute of Technology MS, 2013, University of Michigan-Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute BS, 2011, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Research focuses on metamaterials for acoustic sensing, biomedical ultrasonics, and computational imaging. His lab develops innovative systems for subwavelength imaging and vibration analysis. Recent projects include wireless acoustic sensors and functional material designs for medical and industrial applications. Key awards include the NSF CAREER Award (2023), 3M Non-Tenured Faculty Award (2023), and Dugald C. Jackson Assistant Professorship (2024). He has published widely on metamaterial-based sensors, acoustic subwavelength imaging, and biomedical applications of thermoacoustic systems. Teaching includes courses on electro-acoustic engineering, linear waves, and independent research supervision. Collaborations span mechanical engineering and biomedical fields, with active projects in silk-based acoustic fabrics and microwave-induced thermoacoustic signal monitoring.
Professor William Coombs is a Professor in the Department of Engineering at Durham University. He holds a first-class MEng in Civil Engineering (Durham University, 2008) and a PhD in Engineering (Durham University, 2011). His core research focuses on computational mechanics, particularly material constitutive models, finite-deformation mechanics, non-linear finite elements, and the Material Point Method (MPM). He leads projects in offshore geotechnical engineering for renewable energy applications, including cable burial and braced excavations. His work emphasizes open-source tools like the AMPLE MPM code. Grants & Collaborations: EPSRC-funded project EP/W000970/1 (Offshore Cable Burial Depth Analysis) EPSRC project EP/X024849/1 (Braced Excavation Modeling) Leadership in the Aura CDT for Offshore Wind Energy, training 130+ PhD students. Research Interests: Elasto-plasticity and fracture mechanics Non-mesh-based methods (MPM, DG-FEM) Offshore geotechnics and wind energy infrastructure Ice fracture and calving processes Students & Supervision: Supervises research on MPM applications, offshore socio-ecological systems, glacier modeling, and composite material optimization. Accepts new PhD students in aligned fields. Labs & Teams: Leads the Computational Mechanics Research Node within Durham's Engineering Department, fostering collaborations on numerical methods and industrial applications.
Roman Beigelbeck is a Researcher at the University for Continuing Education Krems, affiliated with the Center for Modelling and Simulation. He specializes in sensor technology, electromagnetic systems, and thermal modeling. His work focuses on advanced sensor development for applications in energy efficiency, aerospace, and biomedical engineering. Current research includes leading the Correlated Analysis System for in-vivo Inspection of Semiconductor Process Wafers (FFG-funded, 2022–2025). He has contributed to projects like optimizing building energy efficiency via non-invasive sensors and advancing MEMS thermal wind sensor accuracy. His expertise spans computational materials science, electromagnetic shielding, and nanomechanical actuation. Publications highlight contributions to Measurement Science and Technology , IEEE Antennas and Propagation Magazine , and MDPI Sensors . Key topics include electric field sensor design, Faraday cage shielding efficiency, and thermal flow sensor optimization. His lectures include advanced thermal models for LED modules and bulk viscosity sensing at international conferences. Notable collaborations involve FFG-funded projects and academic partnerships, such as TU Wien and TU Sofia. His work bridges theoretical modeling with practical industrial applications, emphasizing innovation in sensor technology and computational methods.
