Prof. Klaus Roppert is a researcher at the Institute for Fundamentals and Theory of Electrical Engineering, Technische Universität Graz. His work focuses on electromagnetism, hysteresis modeling, and computational methods in electrical engineering. He holds degrees including Dipl.-Ing., Dr.techn., and BSc. Research Interests: Electromagnetic field theory and hysteresis modeling Finite element analysis for nonlinear systems Aeroacoustic simulations and fluid-structure interactions Material characterization and parameter identification Development of open-source simulation tools (e.g., openCFS) Recent work emphasizes transient analysis of transformers, rotational loss calculations, and energy-based vector hysteresis frameworks. He has contributed to modeling MEMS devices and EMI filters, with a focus on DC-biased components. Teaching and supervision: Involvement in courses and final theses supervision at TU Graz. Labs/Tools: Core contributor to openCFS, an open-source platform for coupled field simulations in acoustics and electromagnetics.
Roles & Affiliations: Dionisios G. Vlachos is the Unidel Dan Rich Chair in Energy Professor of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Delaware, with a joint appointment in Physics and Astronomy. He directs the Catalysis Center for Energy Innovation (CCEI), Delaware Energy Institute (DEI), and the University of Delaware node of RAPID. He also holds the ExxonMobil Visiting Chair Professorship at the National University of Singapore (2018–2021). Education: PhD in Chemical Engineering (1992, University of Minnesota), M.S. (1990, University of Minnesota), and a 5-year diploma from the National Technical University of Athens (1987). Research Focus: Dr. Vlachos pioneers multiscale modeling, catalysis for renewable fuels/chemicals, waste-to-value processes, and distributed manufacturing. His work integrates computational modeling with experimental catalysis to address global energy challenges. Recent efforts include polymer deconstruction, CO₂ utilization, and microwave-assisted reactions. Awards: Recipient of the 2020 Irving Wender Catalysis Award, 2016 Catalysis Club of Philadelphia Award, AAAS Fellow (2009), and multiple industry/university grants. His research has led to >600 publications, 40,000 citations, and an h-index of 106. Grants & Labs: Leads major initiatives like CCEI (an Energy Frontier Research Center) and DEI. His group collaborates on projects involving novel reactors (e.g., electrified washcoated systems), microwave chemistry, and AI-driven catalyst design. Active in bio-based materials and sustainable chemical processes.
Marcel Meinders is a VLAG Researcher specializing in Food Technology at Wageningen University & Research. His work focuses on protein functionality, food emulsions, and sustainable food ingredients. He collaborates on projects combining physics, data science, and food processing innovations. Notably, he co-supervises PhD candidates and contributes to initiatives like the 'How Low Can You Go' series targeting healthier food products. Research interests include pea protein, functional ingredients, and multiscale systems modeling. He has published on topics ranging from protein solubility to tropical climate packaging solutions. His activities include conference participation and media contributions discussing food technology advancements. Projects: Led initiatives on sodium reduction, functional protein-starch mixtures, and predictive modeling through physics-based neural networks. Advising: Co-promotor for two PhD candidates and involved in six supervised works. Labs/Teams: Active in Wageningen Food & Biobased Research, contributing to datasets like water migration monitoring in snacks.
Dr. Victor Francia is an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Mechanical, Process & Energy Engineering within the School of Engineering & Physical Sciences at Heriot-Watt University. His research focuses on multiphase flow systems and decarbonization strategies, leading the xFlow group to develop advanced process technologies for carbon-neutral manufacturing and energy sectors. He holds a Chemical Engineering degree from Universidad de Salamanca (2006) and postgraduate qualifications in environmental engineering and international cooperation. Research Interests: His work spans transport phenomena (rheology of cohesive powders, agglomeration), device design (oscillatory fluidized beds, vortex chambers), and systems integration (dynamic fouling mitigation, AI-driven monitoring). xFlow’s mission involves integrating clean energy solutions and responsive technologies into traditional processes through multiscale modeling and hybrid digital twins. Article Trends: Recent publications emphasize gas-solid fluidized beds, pulsed flow dynamics, and machine learning applications in multiphase systems. Key topics include bubble self-organization, heat transfer optimization, and scalable reactor design for decarbonization. Professional Background: Prior to academia, Francia worked at Procter & Gamble (R&D Manager), Acciona (desalination), and ExxonMobil (heat exchanger optimization consultant). He contributed to Imperial College London’s Thermofluids division and co-founded Hexxcell Ltd before joining UCL for process intensification research. Lab & Activities: Leads the xFlow group, actively participates in conferences (e.g., Fluidization XVII), and serves as a guest editor for Powder Technology . His work aligns with UN SDGs related to sustainable energy and industrial innovation.
Professor Troy Farrell is the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science at Queensland University of Technology (QUT). He holds a PhD (QUT) and B.Sc (Hons) from the University of Newcastle. His expertise lies in applied mathematics and physical chemistry, focusing on industrial systems like batteries, solar cells, and biomass processing. He leads major research projects in electrochemical nano-diodes, metal-air batteries, and coal seam gas modeling. Professor Farrell has secured over $2.8M in external funding and led national initiatives such as the Mathematics in Industry Study Group (MISG) and the ATN Industry Doctoral Training Centre. He is a Fellow of the Queensland Academy of Arts and Sciences and has received prestigious awards for his research and teaching. His teaching focuses on mathematical modeling, partial differential equations, and calculus, emphasizing student-centered pedagogy and innovation. Key achievements include developing multiphase models for food drying, phase-field models for lithium-ion batteries, and population balance models for biomass pretreatment. Research Projects: Mathematical modeling of biofuel production from cellulosic materials Electrochemical nano-diodes using Poisson-Nernst-Planck models Optimization of lithium-air batteries for secondary power Multiscale modeling of porous materials with hybrid continuum/particle methods Agrochemical uptake in plant cuticles Awards: ANZIAM Mid-Career Research Award (2015) QUT Vice-Chancellor's Award for Partnerships (2013) Australian Government Citation for Teaching Excellence (2006) Teaching & Leadership: Professor Farrell pioneered innovative teaching methods recognized by the Carrick Institute, coordinating undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Mathematical Sciences. He has mentored over 13 doctoral students and actively bridges academia-industry collaboration through leadership roles in MISG and the ATN IDTC. His work emphasizes translating mathematical models into real-world solutions for energy, agriculture, and environmental sectors. Labs & Teams: He oversees interdisciplinary teams at QUT specializing in electrochemical systems, porous media modeling, and industrial mathematics. Current collaborations include projects with sugar cane industries, battery manufacturers, and coal seam gas operators to address challenges like biomass storage safety and energy storage optimization.
Dr. Peihao Song is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Oxford, affiliated with the Solid Mechanics and Materials Engineering Group. He is a member of Linacre College and is based at the Oxford e-Research Centre. His research focuses on the mechanical properties and failure mechanisms of polymeric materials under high strain rate deformation, employing advanced techniques like split Hopkinson bar testing and X-ray imaging. Dr. Song holds a BEng from the University of Nottingham (2017), an MSc in Advanced Composite Materials from Imperial College London (2019), and a DPhil in Engineering Science from the University of Oxford (supervised by Prof. Clive Siviour). His research interests include 3D-printed structure design, energy absorption mechanisms, impact behavior of polymers, and recycling of polymeric materials. He has contributed to projects such as thermomechanical coupling studies, fracture property measurement methods for adhesives, and 3D-printed energy-absorption structures using recycled materials. Dr. Song has received notable awards, including the Young Stress Analyst Competition Runner-up (BSSM, 2023) and the Golden PhD Thesis Award by DPI (2024). He collaborates with research groups in Impact Engineering, Materials Engineering, and Solid Mechanics at Oxford. His work bridges experimental and computational methods, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to polymer mechanics and materials science.
Stefano Curcio is a Full Professor of Transport Phenomena at the University of Calabria, leading the Department of Computer Engineering, Modeling, Electronics and Systems (DIMES). He holds a PhD in Chemical Technologies and Novel Materials (1998) and has been a faculty member since 2001. His research focuses on membrane technology, food industry processes, biofuel production, and environmental engineering. He actively contributes to the Gruppo di Principi di Ingegneria Chimica e Fenomeni di Trasporto , investigating transport phenomena, bioprocesses, and sustainable materials. Curcio’s work integrates experimental and computational methods, including CFD modeling and artificial intelligence, to optimize industrial processes. Education: Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering (cum laude, 1995), University of Calabria PhD in Chemical Technologies and Novel Materials (1998), University of Calabria Acoustics expert certification (2003) Research interests span: Membrane-based separation systems Food industry unit operations (e.g., drying, extrusion) CO 2 capture and biofuel production Rheological characterization of materials Process modeling and optimization His publications emphasize sustainable technologies, including advanced membrane composites, blockchain-based supply chain traceability, and AI-driven process control. He has authored 30 ISI-ranked papers, two book chapters, and one patent. Awards include listings in Who’s Who in Science and Engineering (2007–2009) and Outstanding Scientist of the 21st Century (2007). Curcio oversees the Laboratorio di Fenomeni di Trasporto e Biotecnologie , focusing on experimental and computational research. He collaborates internationally on projects involving membrane reactors, agri-food waste valorization, and green chemistry. His work bridges academia and industry, addressing challenges in environmental sustainability and process efficiency.
Dr. Mohammad Joardder is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), affiliated with the School of Mechanical, Medical & Process Engineering. He holds a PhD from QUT (2016) and a BSc from another institution. His research focuses on bio-transport, innovative food drying techniques, computational modeling of food processing, and renewable energy applications. He emphasizes multiphysics-multiscale transport phenomena and porous biomaterials' deformation. His work spans 47+ peer-reviewed articles, 6 book chapters, and 4 authored books with Springer-Nature and CRC Press. Notable achievements include a Field Weighted Citation Impact of 2.2 and a high citation rate, reflecting global leadership in drying and microwave heating research. He actively reviews for top journals like Nature, Springer, and Elsevier. Research interests include food microstructure analysis, renewable energy integration in food processing, and advanced computational methods. His recent articles (2022–2025) explore shrinkage kinetics in plant-based foods, CFD-driven drying models, and microwave-assisted food processing innovations. He is currently accepting PhD/Master’s students in drying technology, thermal systems, and food material science.
Jean-Michel PEREIRA is a Professor at École nationale des ponts et chaussées, serving as Deputy Chairman of the Civil Engineering and Construction Department and a researcher at the Navier Laboratory. He holds a Doctorate in Civil Engineering (2005) and a Habilitation to Supervise Research (2014). His expertise lies in geomechanics, focusing on energy production-related challenges such as geotechnical heat exchangers, CO2 geological storage, and hydrocarbon production. He teaches soil and rock mechanics, emphasizing advanced geotechnical studies. His research explores coupled thermal-hydro-mechanical behaviors of soils, with applications in energy geotechnics and sustainable infrastructure. Recent studies include experimental and numerical analyses of energy piles, frost heave dynamics, and multiphase flow in porous media. Collaborations involve advanced imaging techniques (MRI, X-ray tomography) to study material behavior at microstructural scales. Key contributions include advancing understanding of geothermal systems, CO2 storage mechanics, and structural responses under thermal cycling. His work bridges fundamental geomechanics with practical engineering solutions for energy transition challenges.
Dr. Tong Gao is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Computational Mathematics, Science, and Engineering (CMSE) at Michigan State University (MSU), with a joint appointment in the College of Engineering and College of Natural Science. He is currently transitioning to Tufts University in the fall of 2023 as a faculty member in Mechanical Engineering. His research focuses on fluid mechanics, biophysics, and computational methods, particularly in active/soft matter, fluid-structure interactions, and complex fluids. Dr. Gao holds a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania and bachelor’s/master’s degrees from the University of Science and Technology of China. Research Interests: Dr. Gao’s work integrates mathematical modeling and high-performance computing to study multiscale phenomena in soft materials and active systems. Key areas include: - Active matter and collective behavior in biological and synthetic systems - Numerical methods for fluid-structure interaction (e.g., immersed boundary methods) - Rheology of complex fluids and soft colloids - Bio-inspired robotics and soft material design Recipient of the NSF Career Award (2020) Principal Investigator on grants from NSF, MSU Strategic Partnership, and MSU-Henry Ford Health Advising and Labs: He advises a diverse group of graduate students and postdocs in the Complex Fluids Group (CFG), focusing on fluid dynamics, computational methods, and soft robotics. Notable past advisees include Zhaowu Lin (Postdoc), Andrew Hess (Ph.D.), and Sheng Chen (Ph.D.). Labs/Teams: The CFG leverages advanced numerical simulations and experimental collaborations to address challenges in energy conversion, biomedical applications, and materials science.
PD Dr. Florian Frank is Privatdozent (senior lecturer with full teaching licence) for Applied Mathematics at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and heads the Bavarian research project „Parallel mesh loading and partitioning for large-scale simulation“ . His expertise spans high-performance computing, phase-field and discontinuous Galerkin methods, digital-rock physics, and reactive transport in porous media. Education & career 2022 – Venia legendi (private lecturer), Mathematics, FAU 2019 – Dr. habil., Mathematics, FAU 2013 – Dr. rer. nat., Applied Mathematics, FAU 2008 – Graduate Mathematician, University of Frankfurt 2021-2022 (acting) W2 Professor Scientific Computing, FAU 2018-2021 (acting) W2 Professor Mathematical Modelling, FAU 2017-2018 Senior Postdoc, CAAM, Rice University, USA 2014-2017 Postdoc, CAAM, Rice University, USA Research interests Frank focuses on the development and analysis of numerical schemes for partial differential equations that govern multiphase, multicomponent and reactive processes in porous or biological media. Key themes include discontinuous Galerkin and finite-volume methods , physics-preserving discretizations , high-performance computing , and digital-rock-based pore-scale simulations . He couples phase-field approaches with (Navier–)Stokes, Cahn–Hilliard, Nernst–Planck and density-gradient equations to quantify flow, transport, colloid dynamics and interfacial phenomena. Recent publications reveal a clear trend toward data-driven modelling : convolutional neural networks are trained with direct numerical simulation data to predict permeability and diffusion coefficients from 3-D micro-CT images, while advanced preconditioners and regularization techniques accelerate multiphase thermodynamic computations. Awards & recognition 2020 – Emmy-Noether-Prize der Naturwissenschaftlichen Fakultät, FAU 2017 – Promotion to Senior Postdoctoral Research Associate , George R. Brown School of Engineering, Rice University Projects, tools & supervision Frank currently leads a Bavarian state-funded project on parallel mesh handling for large-scale simulations. Together with collaborators he maintains the open-source MATLAB/GNU Octave toolbox FESTUNG for discontinuous Galerkin methods. Since 2018 he has (co-)supervised ten BSc and MSc theses on topics ranging from Stokes preconditioning to enriched Galerkin shallow-water solvers, regularly serves as reviewer for more than a dozen international journals, and is guest editor of special issues in Computational Geosciences and Oil & Gas Science and Technology .
Nadja Ray is a Professor for Geomatics and Geomathematics at the School of Mathematics, Information, Data Science (MIDS) at Katholische Universität Eichstätt-Ingolstadt since September 2022. She also serves as Head of a Junior Research Group at Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg and is Principal Investigator for multiple research projects including DFG SPP 2089, DAAD PPP Finland, and DFG RTG 2339. Her educational background includes a Habilitation in Applied Mathematics (2016-2020), a PhD in Applied Mathematics (2008-2013), and a Diploma in Mathematics with minor in theoretical physics (2002-2008), all from Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg. Dr. Ray's research focuses on multiscale modeling, upscaling, and homogenization with applications in porous media, particularly soil microaggregates and electrohydrodynamics. Her work bridges mathematical theory with practical applications in soil science, environmental engineering, and geosciences. She develops mechanistic models that incorporate evolving microstructures to understand complex phenomena in porous media. Her recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on micro-macro modeling approaches for reactive transport in porous media, permeability estimation using machine learning techniques, and pore-scale modeling of soil processes. Her work spans mathematical analysis, numerical methods, and interdisciplinary applications in soil science and geosciences. Habilitation prize from Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg for outstanding habilitation Women's prize from the faculty of natural sciences at Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg Dr.-Körper-Preis 2014 from GAMM for outstanding PhD thesis Multiple prestigious scholarships including from Studienstiftung des Deutschen Volkes and Deutsche Telekom Stiftung Dr. Ray has secured significant research funding as Principal Investigator for multiple DFG and DAAD projects. She regularly presents her research at international conferences including the SIAM Conference on Mathematical and Computational Issues in the Geosciences and the European Geosciences Union General Assembly. She teaches in the B.Sc. Data Science program at KU Eichstätt-Ingolstadt and has completed the Certificate for Teaching in Higher Education of the Bavarian Universities. Her international collaborations include research visits to institutions in Belgium, Slovakia, Norway, and the Netherlands, demonstrating her strong international research network.
Ryan Padrón Flasher is a Lecturer at the Department of Environmental Systems Science at ETH Zürich. His research focuses on evapotranspiration processes and the coupling of global water, energy, and carbon cycles. ORCID: 0000-0002-7857-2549 Email: ryan.padron@env.ethz.ch Phone: +41 44 632 33 64 Research trends : Analysis of 5 publications reveals expertise in climate-hydrology interactions, with emphasis on observational data constraints, nighttime terrestrial water loss, and multiscale climate modeling. Key methodologies include meta-analysis and climate model validation against observations. Teaching activities : Course 701-1251-00L Land-Climate Dynamics scheduled for Autumn Semester 2025.
Baker Perry is a Professor of Climatology and the Nevada State Climatologist at the University of Nevada, Reno. His work focuses on high-mountain climate systems, particularly the impacts of climate change on glaciers and water resources in the Himalayas and Andes. Ph.D. in Geography (Climatology), University of North Carolina, 2006 M.A. in Geography, Appalachian State University, 1998 B.A. in Comparative Area Studies, Duke University, 1996 Research emphasizes precipitation-cryosphere interactions , high-elevation weather station networks , and glacial meltwater contributions to ecosystems . He co-led National Geographic Society expeditions to install the world’s highest weather stations on Mount Everest, with findings featured in Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society and documentaries. His recent publications address glacier stability in Alaska, snowfall dynamics in the Tropical Andes, and microbiome studies at Everest’s South Col. Key fields include glaciology , hydrology , and remote sensing in extreme environments . NSF CAREER Award (2014) for multiscale Andean precipitation research Perry collaborates with institutions across Nepal, Peru, and the U.S., integrating fieldwork and satellite data to study climate impacts on high-mountain ecosystems and water security.
Ankit Agarwal is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Hydrology at the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee), where he has been serving since January 2019. He additionally holds concurrent positions as a Visiting Scientist at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (Germany) and as a Doctoral Researcher at the University of Potsdam, both positions starting from August 2020. His academic profile reflects strong international collaboration, particularly with German research institutions. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering from Jai Narayan Vyas University Jodhpur (2013), followed by a Master of Technology in Water Resource Engineering from IIT Delhi (2015), and culminating in a PhD in Hydrology from the University of Potsdam, Germany (2018). Dr. Agarwal's research spans Hydrometeorological Extreme Events, Water and Climate, Big Data & AI/ML applications in hydrology, Hydrological Modelling, and Impact-based Modelling. His work uniquely integrates complexity science, network analysis, and machine learning approaches to understand climate-hydrology interactions, with a specific focus on the Indian monsoon system, extreme events, and water resource management under climate change. He has developed innovative methodologies using complex networks to analyze precipitation patterns and climate teleconnections. His publication record demonstrates a strong trajectory of high-impact research, with recent work increasingly focusing on compound extremes (particularly dry and hot events), atmospheric moisture transport, flood dynamics in Himalayan river basins, and the application of satellite remote sensing data with hydrological modeling. His research shows a clear progression from theoretical hydro-climatic analysis toward practical applications for water resource management and disaster risk reduction. Dr. Agarwal leads multiple significant research projects funded by various national and international agencies including the Ministry of Education (STARS scheme), THDCIL, Belmont Forum, SERB, NHPC, ISRO, and Microsoft AI4Earth grants. His projects cover diverse areas including predictive modeling of Indian Summer Monsoon considering Arctic teleconnections, operational inflow forecasting systems for dams, assessing vulnerability to flood and drought hazards using machine learning, and studying compound dry and hot extremes in India. His collaborative network spans institutions including the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Technical University-Dresden, Research Institute for Development (IRD) France, and Indian institutions like IIT Delhi and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology. This international collaboration framework supports his research on hydro-climatic extremes and their societal impacts.
