Multiphysics Synthesis Professors and Supervisors

François AvellanView profile

Professor

Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in LausanneSwitzerland

Prof. François Avellan is a prominent academic at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), affiliated with the School of Basic Sciences and the Department of Mechanical Engineering. His research focuses on hydraulic machinery, particularly Francis turbines, Pelton turbines, and cavitation phenomena. Key areas include CFD simulations, turbine design optimization, and hydropower system analysis. He leads projects like DuoTurbo (counter-rotating hydroturbines for energy recovery) and investigates fluid-structure interactions in off-design turbine operations. His work bridges experimental fluid mechanics with computational modeling, addressing challenges in renewable energy and grid stability. Education details are not explicitly provided in the text, but his extensive scholarly output indicates a strong academic background in mechanical engineering and fluid dynamics. Collaborations with institutions like the Laboratory of Hydraulic Machines (LMH) and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology underscore his interdisciplinary involvement. Research interests emphasize cavitation dynamics, turbine instability mechanisms, and hydroacoustic resonance prevention. Recent studies explore part-load resonance risks, vortex rope behavior, and the integration of emerging hydropower technologies. His contributions span both fundamental and applied research, impacting turbine efficiency, energy recovery systems, and sustainable energy solutions. Publications highlight advancements in CFD validation, particle-based methods for erosion prediction, and predictive control of unstable flows. Innovations like the Y-junction hydraulic short-circuit and variable-speed pump-turbine simulations demonstrate practical applications of his research. Ongoing work includes multiscale erosion modeling and strategic hydropower potential assessments for Switzerland. Laboratory affiliations include the Laboratory of Hydraulic Machines (LMH), where experimental facilities support his investigations into turbine dynamics and fluid mechanics. His research directly informs industrial practices in hydropower plant design and operational reliability.

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Harley T JohnsonView profile

Professor

University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignUnited States

Harley T. Johnson is the Executive Director and CEO of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park and a Founder Professor in the Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He holds courtesy appointments as Professor of Materials Science and Engineering and affiliates in the Materials Research Lab (MRL) and the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA). He directs the Illinois NSF Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (I-MRSEC). His academic roles include Associate Dean for Research (2019–2025) and leadership in various research initiatives. Education: Ph.D. Engineering, Brown University (1999) Sc.M. Applied Math, Brown University (1998) B.E.S.M. Engineering Science and Mechanics, Georgia Institute of Technology (1994) Research focuses on mechanics of electronic/photonic materials, nanostructures, and optical properties. Key areas include quantum dots, MEMS stress modeling, and nanophotonics. His work integrates atomistic and continuum models to address multiphysics phenomena in energy, microelectronics, and materials processing. Recent articles emphasize graphene mechanics, twisted bilayer systems, and machine learning-driven design. His publications span journals like Nature Materials , Physical Review B , and Acta Materialia . Themes include defect dynamics, moiré engineering, and strain-driven phenomena. Awards: SES Fellow (2020), ASME Fellow (2012) Xerox Faculty Research Award, UIUC (2011) UIUC Campus Award for Leadership (2020) Teaching includes TAM 451 (Solid Mechanics) and TAM 559 (Atomistic Solid Mechanics). He advises on interdisciplinary initiatives like the NRT-HDR Materials Informatics program. His labs collaborate on projects such as emergency ventilator design for pandemic response and graphene-mediated surface stabilization.

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Victoria TimchenkoView profile

Senior Lecturer

University of New South WalesAustralia

Dr. Victoria Timchenko is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering at UNSW Sydney. Her research focuses on computational fluid dynamics, natural convection, heat transfer, and biomedical engineering applications such as nanoparticle transport for cancer treatment. Her work integrates numerical simulations and experimental studies to address challenges in energy efficiency, renewable energy systems, and medical technologies. Key research interests include solidification/melting processes under varying gravity conditions, microchannel heat sink optimization, and laser hyperthermia using gold nanoshells. She has authored over 131 journal articles, 115 conference papers, and contributed to 6 book chapters. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges mechanical engineering with biomedical and renewable energy applications. No scientific awards or advisee students are explicitly listed. Dr. Timchenko collaborates on projects involving solar chimney integration, vortex generators for photovoltaic cooling, and advanced composite materials. Her research often addresses practical engineering solutions for energy efficiency, thermal management, and sustainable technologies.

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Stepanov Igor BorisovichView profile

Professor

National Research Tomsk Polytechnic UniversityRussia

Stepanov Igor Borisovich is a Doctor of Technical Sciences and Deputy Vice-Rector for Science and Strategic Projects at Tomsk Polytechnic University (TPU). With over 30 years of service, he has held key positions including Professor at the Department of Experimental Physics (2014-2016), Director of the Research School of High-Energy Physics (2017-2018), and Vice-Rector for Research and Innovations (2018-2020). His academic journey includes graduating with honors from TPU's Physics and Engineering Faculty in 1993, earning a PhD in 1999, and a Doctorate in 2011, both specializing in charged particle beam physics. Research Interests: His work spans radiation-matter interactions , condensed matter physics , particle accelerator design , and ion-plasma material modification . He develops technologies for radiation sources, surface engineering, and plasma diagnostics, with applications in materials science and nuclear engineering. Scientific Publications: Recent works focus on advanced betatron designs for high-resolution imaging (2017-2018), plasma-deposited coatings for tribological applications (2016-2017), and innovations in ion beam sources and diagnostics (2014). His publications consistently address precision instrumentation and materials enhancement. Awards and Honors: Honorary Worker of Science and Technology of the Russian Federation (2015) Gold/Silver medals: International Salon of Innovations (x2), High Technologies Exhibition Certificates of Honor: Ministry of Education (2011), Tomsk Region (2017), Tomsk City (2008) Anniversary medals: 400 Years of Tomsk (2004), 100 Years of TPU (2000) Teaching and Mentorship: Supervised postgraduate, bachelor's, and master's students at TPU. Co-authored two textbooks on physics and plasma applications. Laboratory Leadership: Headed the Center for Measuring Material Properties (2002-2011) and contributed to the Nuclear Physics Research Institute , driving advancements in ion-beam processing and non-destructive testing.

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Robert FlassigView profile

Research Professor

Brandenburg University of TechnologyGermany

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Robert Flassig is a Research Professor for Technical Energy Efficiency at the Brandenburg University of Applied Sciences , focusing on interdisciplinary research at the intersection of energy systems, process engineering, and computational methods. With extensive collaborations across institutions like the Max Planck Institute and TU Berlin, his work emphasizes methodological innovation in mathematical modeling, machine learning, and optimization for industrial applications. Research Highlights: Technical Energy Efficiency and Resource Management Machine Learning for Biological and Engineering Systems Reactor Network Synthesis via Flux Analysis Stochastic Modeling of Actomyosin Dynamics Scientific Recognition: 2017 DECHEMA Young Talent Award 2013 Sbv Improver 1st Place (Nature) 2009 DREAM 4 In Silico Challenge 3rd Place Key Collaborations: Rolls-Royce Deutschland, Max Planck Institute, TU Berlin, and Fraunhofer IPK. His recent projects ( VITVI , AutoBlisk ) integrate AI for virtual engine development and multidisciplinary design optimization, securing 1.5M€ in research funding.

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Ulaş MATİKView profile

Associate Professor

Karabuk UniversityTurkey

Academic Profile Assoc. Prof. Ulaş Matik is a full-time faculty member at Karabük University's Tobb Technical Sciences Vocational School, where he has served as Department Head of Machinery and Metal Technologies since 2010 and previously as Assistant Dean (2011–2015). He holds a PhD in Metal Education from Gazi University (2010), a master's from Bülent Ecevit University (2003), and a bachelor's in Metal Teaching (2000). Research Focus His research centers on Coating Technology and Powder Metallurgy , with emphasis on composite materials for enhanced wear/corrosion resistance. Key areas include electroless plating (Ni-P, Ni-B), metal matrix composites (aluminum/steel-based), and hydrogen storage materials. His work bridges industrial applications and materials science innovation. Publications Overview Recent articles (2015–2024) demonstrate consistent focus on surface-engineered materials, particularly nickel/copper-based coatings and aluminum/steel composites. Tribology and corrosion dynamics under thermal/mechanical stress are recurring themes, with methodologies spanning powder metallurgy, hot extrusion, and nanocomposite synthesis. Awards & Recognition TÜBİTAK Publication Incentive Award (2015, 2017) Best Paper Award, Selçuk University (2016) Supervision & Projects He has supervised master's students in manufacturing engineering and teaches courses including Material Inspection Methods, Coating Technology, and Occupational Safety. He leads multiple active grants, including investigations into Cu/Ag-coated metal hydrides (2024) and Fe-Ni-Cu/TiC composites.

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Alex MouapiView profile

Lecturer

Polytechnic School of MontrealCanada

Dr. Alex Mouapi is a Lecturer in the Department of Electrical Engineering at Polytechnique Montréal, specializing in energy harvesting systems for wireless communications and IoT. His research bridges theoretical frameworks with industrial applications, particularly in autonomous sensor networks. Education Ph.D. in Engineering, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC)/Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT) M.Sc. in Engineering, Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT) Master in Physics (Electronics), University of Dschang, Cameroon B.Sc. in Physics, University of Dschang, Cameroon Diploma in Technical Education (Electrotechnics), University of Douala, Cameroon Research Focus Dr. Mouapi's research centers on sustainable energy solutions for wireless devices. Key areas include: Energy Harvesting Systems: RF and piezoelectric microgenerators for self-powered sensors Circuit Design: Optimization of voltage doublers, rectifiers, and power management circuits Industrial IoT: Applications in mining, manufacturing, and infrastructure monitoring Predictive Algorithms: Energy forecasting and allocation for network efficiency Publication Trends His 33 publications demonstrate consistent focus on energy autonomy for industrial sensors. Recent works (2020-2022) emphasize RF harvesting circuit optimization and IoT integration, with theoretical contributions in efficiency modeling and practical validations through industrial case studies. Laboratory & Collaborations While no dedicated lab is specified, his research involves simulations and prototyping for energy systems. Collaborations include industrial partners in mining and manufacturing sectors.

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F. MulderView profile

Lecturer

Delft University of TechnologyNetherlands

F. Mulder is a Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science & Engineering at the School of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science. His work focuses on educational technology, particularly in peer and self-assessment systems, as demonstrated in his 2021 case study on grading 600+ students. Research Trends : Recent publications (2024-2025) highlight expertise in electrochemical systems, energy storage, and materials science, with applications in lithium-ion batteries, CO2 conversion, and hybrid battery-electrolyzers. Technical Focus : Specializes in 3D electrode modeling, solid-state electrolytes, and optimizing mass transport in electrochemical devices.

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