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Markus PiroView profile

Associate Professor

• Nuclear Engineering
• Energy Systems
• Thermodynamics
• +3 more

Dr. Markus Piro is an Associate Professor in the Department of Engineering Physics at McMaster University, specializing in Nuclear Engineering and Energy Systems. He teaches ENG PHYS 3D04, focusing on fission/fusion energy systems, reactor design, and radiation interactions. His research emphasizes thermodynamic modeling of nuclear fuels, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and severe accident analysis in reactors like CANDU and molten salt systems. Key projects include phase equilibrium studies of advanced fuels, corrosion mechanisms, and coupling CFD with thermodynamic simulations for reactor safety. He leads the Nuclear Fuels And Materials Group, developing tools like Thermochimica and collaborating on fuel design, cladding interactions, and accident mitigation strategies. Recent work includes investigations into Nd-C/Ce-C TRISO coatings, molten salt reactor chemistry, and FeCrAl cladding behavior under accident conditions. Dr. Piro’s computational expertise spans reactor hydraulics, thermal-hydraulic modeling, and material compatibility studies. He actively contributes to international initiatives like the TAF-ID database and engages in experimental validation of corium behavior. Current activities include accepting graduate students and advancing multiphysics simulation frameworks for next-gen reactors.

Ahmed F. GhoniemView profile

Professor

• Energy Conversion
• Computational Fluid Dynamics
• Combustion Dynamics
• +5 more

Professor Ahmed F. Ghoniem is the Ronald C. Crane (1972) Professor of Mechanical Engineering at MIT, directing the Center for Energy and Propulsion Research and the Reacting Gas Dynamics Laboratory. He holds a B.Sc. and M.Sc. from Cairo University and a Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley. His research focuses on computational methods in fluid-thermal sciences, turbulent combustion, energy conversion systems, and CO2 capture technologies. He has authored over 500 publications and mentored over 100 students, many of whom are leaders in academia and industry. His research interests include multiscale simulations of turbulent reactive flows, clean energy systems, and advanced combustion technologies. He has pioneered work on oxy-fuel combustion, gasification processes, and ion transport membrane reactors. Ghoniem’s contributions span fundamental science and applied engineering, addressing challenges in sustainable energy and environmental sustainability. Honors: ASME James Harry Potter Gold Medal (2015), AIAA Propellant and Combustion Award (2016), Fellowships from ASME, APS, and The Combustion Institute. Service: Leadership roles in MIT’s Energy initiatives, KAUST collaborations, and advisory boards for energy research centers. Extensive contributions to curriculum development and graduate education in mechanical engineering. Labs/Teams: Directs the Reacting Gas Dynamics Lab and leads the Center for Energy and Propulsion Research, focusing on integrated energy systems and CO2 capture innovations.

Nikolaos NikiforakisView profile

Professor

• High Performance Computing
• Numerical Algorithms
• Computational Fluid Dynamics
• +4 more

Prof Nikolaos Nikiforakis is a Professor at the University of Cambridge, leading the Laboratory for Scientific Computing at the Cavendish Laboratory. He holds roles including Director for Academic Programmes of the Centre for Scientific Computing, Course Director of the MPhil in Scientific Computing, and Deputy Director of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Computational Methods for Materials Science. He is also a Fellow and Director of Studies in Mathematics at Selwyn College, Cambridge. He directs The Gianna Angelopoulos Programme for Science Technology and Innovation. He holds a BSc in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Manchester, followed by an MSc in Aerospace Propulsion and a PhD in 'Evolution of Detonation Waves' from Cranfield Institute of Technology. His postdoctoral research at the University of Cambridge’s Department of Chemistry focused on computational models for stratospheric ozone depletion. He later founded the Laboratory of Computational Dynamics at the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics before joining the Cavendish Laboratory in 2008. His research focuses on numerical algorithms and High Performance Computing for multi-physics simulations involving complex systems of nonlinear PDEs. Applications span detonation dynamics, plasma physics, and materials science, with industry collaborations for software development. His work addresses multi-scale, multi-physics problems previously deemed intractable, with practical applications in aerospace, energy, and environmental fields. He leads academic programmes in scientific computing and supervises doctoral research through the EPSRC CDT. His contributions bridge fundamental science and industrial innovation, emphasizing computational methods for materials and fluid dynamics.

C. Armando DuarteView profile

Professor

• Computational Mechanics
• Structural Engineering
• Multiscale Modeling
• +5 more

Prof. C. Armando Duarte is the Nathan M. Newmark Distinguished Professor in Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). He holds affiliations with the Computational Science and Engineering Program and the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA). His research focuses on computational mechanics, particularly the Generalized Finite Element Method (GFEM/XFEM), multiscale modeling, fracture mechanics, and hydraulic fracturing. He has authored/co-authored over 100 publications and co-edited books on computational methods. Education: Ph.D. (1996) and M.Sc. (1991) in Engineering Mechanics from the University of Texas at Austin and Federal University of Santa Catarina, respectively, and a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from the Federal University of Pernambuco. Professional Roles: Professor at UIUC since 2015, previously at the University of Alberta and visiting roles at institutions in Brazil, Portugal, and the Netherlands. He serves on editorial boards of computational mechanics journals and chairs committees for professional societies like USACM and ASCE. Research Interests: Multiscale problems, computational fracture mechanics, meshfree methods, and multiphysics simulations. His work emphasizes 3D fracture analysis, hydraulic fracturing, and thermal gradient modeling. Awards: Recognitions include the Nathan Newmark Professorship, USACM Fellowship, and multiple best paper awards. His work has been cited over 9,000 times, with papers featured in top journals like Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering . Teaching: Renowned for excellence in courses like Finite Element Methods, Structural Analysis, and Computational Plates and Shells. His teaching accolades span over two decades at UIUC.

Jens von WolfersdorfView profile

Professor

• Thermal Engineering
• Fluid Dynamics
• Aerospace Engineering
• +3 more

Jens von Wolfersdorf is a Professor at the University of Stuttgart's Faculty of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering. His research focuses on advanced thermal management systems for high-speed aerospace applications, particularly in the areas of heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and combustion. He specializes in experimental and numerical methods for analyzing complex flows in rotating and stationary cooling channels, transpiration cooling for rocket engines, and turbulence modeling. His work integrates cutting-edge techniques such as thermochromic liquid crystal (TLC) measurements, particle image velocimetry (PIV), and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to validate novel cooling configurations. Key projects include the COOREFLEX-Turbo initiative and contributions to the European ATLLAS-II program for high-speed vehicle materials. Recent studies emphasize rotational heat transfer effects in two-pass cooling channels, additive manufacturing of ribbed cooling structures, and validation of coupled FEM-CFD frameworks. His research addresses challenges in aerospace thermal protection, turbine blade cooling, and scramjet combustor efficiency. Publications span over 15 years, with a focus on transient heat transfer, flow visualization, and material characterization for transpiration-cooled systems. Collaborations involve experimental facilities for high-speed flows and advanced thermal measurement systems.

Kevin ClarnoView profile

Associate Professor

• Nuclear and Radiation Engineering
• Computational Nuclear Energy
• Multiphysics Simulation
• +5 more

Kevin Clarno is a tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Nuclear and Radiation Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin, holding the Charlotte Maer Patton Centennial Fellowship in Engineering. His research focuses on computational nuclear energy, multiphysics reactor simulation, and high-performance computing (HPC). Previously, he spent 15 years at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), where he led major initiatives such as the Consortium for Advanced Simulation of Light Water Reactors (CASL) and contributed to the development of software tools like SCALE, CTF, and VERA. Education and Career: Assistant Professor at University of Tennessee-Knoxville (2010–2016) Senior Research Scientist at ORNL (2006–2021) Research Interests: Multiphysics coupling methods for reactor simulation Multiscale neutronics and thermal-hydraulics modeling Advanced reactor design (e.g., molten salt reactors) HPC-driven software integration for nuclear analysis Uncertainty quantification in coupled simulations Grants and Projects: Lead of CASL’s Physics Integration Focus Area Development of the Advanced Multi-Physics (AMP) fuel code ORNL-led strategic research projects in reactor simulation Labs and Tools: VERA: Virtual Environment for Reactor Applications CTF: Thermal-hydraulic solver for PWR analysis MPACT: Neutronics simulation tool within SCALE

Haochen LiView profile

Assistant Professor

• Environmental Fluid Dynamics
• Computational Fluid Dynamics
• Physics-informed Machine Learning
• +7 more

Haochen Li is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, within the College of Engineering. He leads the multidisciplinary Water Infrastructure Laboratory (Ψ Lab), which focuses on advancing urban water infrastructure through high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics (CFD), physical modeling, and physics-informed machine learning (ML). Education: PhD in Environmental Engineering, University of Florida, 2019 MS in Mechanical Engineering, University of Florida, 2019 MS in Civil Engineering, University of Florida, 2015 BS in Coastal Engineering, Hohai University, 2013 His research centers on environmental fluid dynamics , particularly multiphase and multiphysics flows in urban water systems. He investigates turbulence, particulate matter transport, pathogen fate, and chemical dynamics using advanced CFD simulations, volumetric particle image velocimetry (PIV), and AI-driven models. His lab develops open-source tools like InterAdsFoam for adsorption systems and integrates ML with CFD to optimize infrastructure design, retrofit, and regulatory frameworks. The recent publications reflect a strong trend toward hybrid CFD-ML frameworks for water infrastructure, with applications in clarifier design, stormwater basin optimization, and real-time sensing. His work emphasizes model validation, scalability, and practical deployment, including web-based tools for engineers. Scientific Awards: Rudolph Hering Medal, ASCE, 2023 Editor choice, Journal of Environmental Engineering ASCE, 2021 Editor choice, Journal of Environmental Engineering ASCE, 2020 Graduate School Fellowship, University of Florida, 2015 Academic Achievement Award, University of Florida, 2013 Haochen Li actively advises researchers and students in his lab, including Kai Liu, Mohamed Shatarah, and Ahmed Abdelmeguid. His team works on AI-empowered reactive flows, physics-informed ML, and CFD applications in energy and environmental systems. He has served as a reviewer for top journals and is a member of the ASCE/EWRI Computational Fluid Dynamics Committee. His lab is equipped with state-of-the-art HPC platforms and physical modeling facilities for experimental validation.

Hailong ChenView profile

Associate Professor

• Computational Mechanics
• Computational Materials
• Meshfree Methods
• +6 more

Hailong Chen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering within the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering at the University of Kentucky. His academic journey includes a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Arizona State University (2015) and an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Florida (2012). Dr. Chen's research focuses on Computational Mechanics & Materials, with expertise spanning meshfree methods, multi-scale multi-physics modeling, mechanics of stochastic heterogeneous microstructures, and pervasive fracture and impact modeling. His work bridges theoretical developments with practical engineering applications through the CM 3 (Computational Mechanics and Methods) research group, which develops advanced computational techniques for real-world mechanics problems. The CM 3 group specializes in multi-scale multi-physics modeling of solid materials, damage and failure analysis under extreme conditions, mechanics of stochastic heterogeneous microstructures (composites, polycrystals), and computational materials engineering. Recent publications demonstrate strong activity in peridynamics, lattice particle methods, and computational homogenization techniques for fibrous and porous materials. Dr. Chen's research has resulted in numerous publications in top journals including Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering and Mechanics Research Communications, with recent work focusing on generalized peridynamic formulations, micro-CT-based property computation, and fluid-structure interaction frameworks for hypersonic applications. His academic progression shows steady advancement from Postdoctoral Computational Scientist at Idaho National Laboratory (2015-2018) to Assistant Professor (2018-2024) and currently Associate Professor (2024-present) at the University of Kentucky.

Gregory J. WagnerView profile

Associate Professor

• Additive Manufacturing
• Multi-scale Simulations
• Multi-physics Modeling
• +4 more

Gregory J. Wagner is an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Director of Graduate Studies at Northwestern University's McCormick School of Engineering. His research focuses on developing computational methods for multi-scale and multi-physics problems in additive manufacturing, fluid dynamics, and heat transfer. He leads the Wagner Research Group, which specializes in high-performance computing tools for complex engineering simulations. Education includes a Ph.D., M.S., and B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Northwestern University and Boston University. His work integrates machine learning with traditional computational methods to model material behavior, microstructure evolution, and process-structure-property relationships in advanced manufacturing. Notable contributions include the GO-MELT framework for thermal simulations and the C-HiDeNN neural network approach for large-scale systems. Research interests span additive manufacturing process modeling, multiphysics coupling, and data-driven approaches for material design. Awards include the Bette and Neison Harris Chair in Teaching Excellence. Publications emphasize thermal modeling, phase change phenomena, and computational fluid dynamics innovations. His lab's work bridges mesoscopic and multiscale modeling, with applications in energy systems, biomedical devices, and environmental engineering. Collaborations focus on experimental validation and industrial-scale simulation challenges.

Raj ManglikView profile

Professor

• Heat Transfer
• Thermal Engineering
• Fluid Dynamics
• +7 more

Dr. Raj M. Manglik is a Professor of Mechanical & Materials Engineering and Director of the Thermal-Fluids & Thermal Processing Laboratory at the University of Cincinnati. His research focuses on interfacial phenomena, molecular dynamics, heat transfer enhancement, and thermal systems design. He holds a Ph.D. from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, an M.S. from Iowa State University, and a B.Tech. from Indian Institute of Technology Madras. Dr. Manglik has secured over $9.5M in grants, including recent projects on advanced dry-cooling systems, 3D printed ceramic heat exchangers, and thermal energy storage. His work spans experimental and computational studies of heat exchangers, non-Newtonian fluids, and phase-change materials. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and co-edited books such as Principles of Heat Transfer . Awards include the ASME Heat Transfer Memorial Award (2016), ASME James Harry Potter Gold Medal (2018), and multiple university teaching and research accolades. His lab explores topics like boiling heat transfer, drop impact dynamics, and energy-water nexus solutions in power plants.

Kourosh ShoeleView profile

Associate Professor

• Fluid-structure interaction
• Computational mechanics
• Multiphase fluid dynamics
• +7 more

Kourosh Shoele is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Florida State University (FSU), part of the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering. He previously held roles as an Assistant Research Scientist at Johns Hopkins University and a Post-doctoral Researcher at the University of California, San Diego. His research focuses on fluid-structure interaction, computational mechanics, and bioinspired engineering, with applications in renewable energy, aerospace, and biological systems. Education: Ph.D. (2011) and M.Sc. (2006) in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, San Diego and Sharif University of Technology, respectively, and B.Sc. (2003) from Shiraz University. Research emphasizes multiphase fluid dynamics, aeroelasticity, energy harvesting, and shock wave dynamics. Notable projects include studies on cryogenic fuel storage, bioinspired robotics, and mask efficacy during respiratory disease transmission. His work has been recognized with awards such as the NSF Career Award (2020) and DARPA Young Faculty Award (2019). Advising and Team: Leads the Computational & Theoretical Multiphysics Laboratory (CTML), mentoring graduate students and postdocs across fluid dynamics, thermal management, and robotics. Collaborates on interdisciplinary projects including mask aerodynamics, flexible tree dynamics, and shock-boundary layer interactions. Labs/Teams: CTML Group, with ongoing collaborations in fluid-structure interaction, renewable energy systems, and biomimetic design. Active in publishing high-impact research in journals like Physics of Fluids and Journal of Fluid Mechanics.

Travis B. ThompsonView profile

Assistant Professor

• Mathematical Modeling
• Scientific Computing
• Machine Learning in Medicine
• +5 more

Travis B. Thompson, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at Texas Tech University, leading the TM4 (Texas Tech Translational and Theoretical Mathematical Modeling and Machine Learning in Medicine) research group. His academic journey includes postdoctoral work at Rice University, Simula Research Laboratory, and the University of Oxford, focusing on mathematics applied to neurodegenerative diseases. Education: Ph.D. in Mathematics from Texas A&M University (2013) Dr. Thompson develops theoretical mathematical models and applies scientific computing and machine learning to study neurological pathologies, particularly Alzheimer’s disease. His work explores complex biological processes on networks, translational healthcare applications, and nutritional security implications. Current research trends integrate neuroimaging data with finite element simulations to model tau progression , amyloid beta dynamics , and glymphatic clearance in age-related diseases. Scientific awards and honors were not explicitly mentioned in the provided materials. Dr. Thompson’s interdisciplinary approach connects computational neuroscience with biomedical engineering , utilizing techniques like diffusion tensor imaging and level set methods to analyze pathological protein spread and brain tissue mechanics . The TM4 research group focuses on network neurodegeneration , personalized medicine , and machine learning diagnostics . Their work spans from microfluidic cancer detection to computational modeling of brain clearance mechanisms , addressing challenges in both neurodegenerative diseases and biomedical engineering through rigorous mathematical frameworks.

Jonathan FreundView profile

Professor

• Fluid Mechanics
• Biomedical Fluid Dynamics
• Aerodynamic Sound
• +4 more

Jonathan Freund is Professor of Mechanical Science and Engineering and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, holding the Donald Biggar Willett Professorship since 2016. He serves as Head of Aerospace Engineering (2020-present) and is Co-Director of the Center for Exascale-enabled Scramjet Design (CEESD). His academic journey began with all three degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University (B.S. 1991, M.S. 1992, Ph.D. 1998), followed by faculty positions at UCLA (1997-2001) before joining UIUC. Freund's research spans fluid mechanics with applications in biomedical systems, aeroacoustics, and materials science. His work focuses on computational modeling of cellular blood flow, jet noise control, plasma-coupled combustion, uncertainty quantification, and nanoscale material processing. He develops advanced simulation tools to investigate phenomena ranging from atomically thin liquid films to spacecraft propulsion systems. His laboratory leverages high-performance computing to solve complex multiphysics problems requiring exascale capabilities. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on computational fluid dynamics applied to biological systems (35%), aeroacoustics and jet noise (25%), materials processing at nanoscale (20%), and uncertainty quantification methods (20%). His work consistently bridges fundamental fluid mechanics with practical engineering applications, particularly in medical technologies and advanced propulsion systems. Donald Biggar Willett Professor (2016-present) Kritzer Faculty Scholar (2011-2016) Fellow of the American Physical Society (2011) Campus Excellence in Faculty Mentoring Award (2017) APS DFD Gallery of Fluid Motion Winner (2000) Associate Fellow of AIAA (2012) Freund has advised numerous graduate students and received multiple teaching honors including the Engineering Council Award for Excellence in Advising (2008, 2012) and repeated recognition on the List of Excellent Teachers. His research has been supported by agencies including the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration. He leads the CEESD center which develops physics-faithful predictive simulations for scramjet design using advanced high-temperature composite materials.

• Electrochemical kinetics
• Thermodynamics of aqueous solutions
• Electrode processes
• +7 more

Annick Hubin is a Professor in the Department of Sustainable Materials Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering, Vrije Universiteit Brussel. She serves in additional leadership roles including R&D Central management and as Head of a Research Group. Her work focuses on electrochemical processes with applications in materials engineering, corrosion science, and sustainable technologies. Her research interests span electrochemical kinetics, thermodynamics of aqueous solutions, electrode processes, electroreduction of metals and alloys (plating, extraction, refining, recycling), and environmental electrochemistry. She specializes in investigating basic electrochemical reactions using techniques such as potentiometric titrations, voltammetry, chronoamperometry, chronopotentiometry, and impedance measurements. Her work also examines mass transport in electrochemical processes and the action of organic inhibitors for metal deposition or dissolution reactions. Her recent publications reveal a strong focus on corrosion science, battery technologies, and electrochemical materials. There is a clear trend toward applying advanced characterization techniques and machine learning to solve complex problems in electrochemistry and materials science. Her research increasingly addresses sustainability challenges, particularly in battery technology and low-carbon solutions. Professor Hubin actively supervises doctoral students and participates in numerous research projects, demonstrating her commitment to mentoring the next generation of scientists and engineers. She has secured substantial research funding for projects spanning fundamental and applied research in materials engineering. She leads or participates in several significant research initiatives including DESTINY (Low-carbon solutions network), fundamental research on sulfide-based all-solid-state batteries, and projects focused on atmospheric corrosion prediction using machine learning. Her laboratory appears to specialize in electrochemical characterization and materials development for energy applications.

Jane WangView profile

Professor

• Biological Physics
• Theoretical Condensed-Matter Physics
• Computational Fluid Dynamics
• +4 more

Affiliations and Roles Professor Wang holds dual appointments as Professor of Physics and Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Cornell University. She is affiliated with the Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and the College of Arts and Sciences. Education B.S. in Physics, Fudan University, Shanghai, China (1989) Ph.D. in Physics, University of Chicago (1996) NSF-NATO Postdoctoral Fellow, Theoretical Physics, Oxford University (1997) Visiting Member, Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, NYU (1997-1999) Research Her research focuses on the physics of living organisms, particularly insect flight dynamics , biophysics , and computational modeling . Key projects include: Dragonfly righting reflex mechanisms Neuro-mechanical control in fruit flies Unsteady aerodynamics and fluid-structure interactions Awards and Honors Simons Fellowship in Theoretical Physics (2020) Radcliffe Fellowship (2007) Cornell Provost's Award for Distinguished Scholarship (2005) David and Lucile Packard Fellowship (2002) Labs and Collaborations Her work integrates experimental and computational approaches, often conducted in collaboration with institutions like the Janelia Research Campus (HHMI) and the Joint Texas Experimental Tokamak (J-TEXT).