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Jun Liu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University at Buffalo. His research focuses on advanced energy materials, nano/micro-mechanics, and self-powered systems, with applications in triboelectric energy harvesting and scanning probe microscopy. Education: PhD, Materials Engineering, University of Alberta (2018) MS, Materials Science, Shanghai University (2015) BE, Materials Science and Engineering, Nanchang University (2012) Research Interests: Development of tribovoltaic and triboelectric systems for self-powered electronics Mechanical energy harvesting via dynamic heterojunctions and Schottky contacts 3D-printed hydrogel structures for energy absorption and flexible electronics Nanoscale characterization using atomic force microscopy Design of nanocomposite sensors and catalytic materials Publication Trends: His work emphasizes triboelectricity, nanoscale energy conversion, and sustainable materials. Recent articles explore bionic tactile sensing, tunable hydrogels, and quantum dynamics in sliding interfaces. Awards: SONY Faculty Innovation Award (2021) Nature Springer MINE Young Scientist Award (2020) International Contest of Applications in Nano/Micro Technology Prize (2013) Laboratory: Advanced Energy Materials and Nanomechanics Lab at University at Buffalo.

• Advanced energy materials
• Nano/micro-mechanics
• Self-powered electronics and systems
• +2 more

Dr. Longji Cui is an Assistant Professor in the Thermo Fluid Sciences, Materials, and Micro/Nanoscale disciplines at the University of Colorado Boulder, affiliated with the Department of Mechanical Engineering within the College of Engineering and Applied Science. His laboratory focuses on high-precision instrumentation and computational techniques to explore energy transport, conversion, and dissipation at extreme scales, including scanning thermal microscopy, picowatt-resolution sensors, and nanophotonics. Lab Location: ECME 1B66F / ECME 108 Office Location: ECME 267B Research Interests: Dr. Cui's work spans thermal energy sciences, ultrahigh-resolution sensing, scanning probe microscopy, nano-optics, and quantum engineering. His interdisciplinary projects address critical challenges in sustainable energy systems, next-generation microelectronics, and advanced sensor technologies for high-performance applications. Notable contributions include innovations in thermophotovoltaic systems, molecular-scale thermal transport, and plasmonic light emission mechanisms. Recent publications emphasize near-field thermal radiation, quantized thermal transport in single-atom junctions, and enhanced energy conversion through nanoscale engineering. These studies bridge fundamental physics with practical applications in renewable energy and nanotechnology. Awards: 2025 CEAS Innovation & Entrepreneurship Fellow 2024 ASME Rising Star Award 2023 NSF CAREER Award 2023 CU Boulder Lab Venture Challenge Award His research group collaborates across disciplines to advance instrumentation for atomic-scale thermal measurements and develop novel materials for energy applications. Ongoing efforts include optimizing thermophotovoltaic devices and exploring hot-carrier dynamics in plasmonic systems.

• Thermal Energy Sciences
• Ultrahigh Resolution Sensors
• Scanning Probe Microscopy
• +4 more

Marc Hodes is Professor in Mechanical Engineering and Mathematics at Tufts University. With a PhD from MIT, his research focuses on heat transfer phenomena with applications in electronics cooling, supercritical fluids, and thermoelectric systems. He directs the graduate program in Mechanical Engineering. Education: BS, University of Pittsburgh (1990) MS, University of Minnesota (1994) PhD, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1998) Research Areas: Thermal management of electronics through microchannel cooling and liquid metal technologies; Apparent slip phenomena in microstructured surfaces; Mass transfer in supercritical CO 2 systems for aerogel processing; Thermoelectric module optimization for precision temperature control. Awards & Honors: NSF REU Fellowship (1989) E.T.S. Walton Visitorship Award Best Associate Editor, ASME Journal of Heat Transfer (2023) Research Leadership: Principal investigator on multiple NSF grants including projects on aerogel manufacturing, dropwise condensation, and analysis of convection in slip flows. Industry collaborations include Google, DARPA, and Bell Labs.

• Heat transfer
• Thermal management
• Supercritical fluids
• +3 more

Sean Lubner is Core Faculty at the Boston University Institute for Global Sustainability (IGS) and Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering within the College of Engineering. He holds a PhD from UC Berkeley and BS degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Physics from Carnegie Mellon University. His research focuses on energy transport and storage systems, including thermal energy storage, battery diagnostics, and CO₂ capture technologies. Education: PhD in Mechanical Engineering, UC Berkeley (NSF Fellow) BS in Mechanical Engineering & Applied Physics, Carnegie Mellon University Research Interests: Lubner specializes in grid-scale thermal energy storage, non-invasive sensors for harsh environments, and decarbonization strategies. His work integrates machine learning with materials science to develop advanced energy systems. He collaborates with industry on patents involving battery safety, photonic surfaces, and phase change materials. Article Trends: Recent publications emphasize high-temperature materials, battery failure prediction via thermal signatures, and femtosecond laser processing for photonic surfaces. His work bridges nanoscale phenomena with macro-scale energy systems, leveraging interdisciplinary methods. Awards: Lubner was an NSF Graduate Research Fellow during his PhD. Advising & Grants: While no advisees are listed, his research is supported by industry partnerships and grants focusing on energy storage innovation. He leads the Lubner Group, which develops novel sensing and storage technologies. Labs/Teams: The Lubner Group at BU focuses on sustainable energy solutions, combining experimental and computational approaches to address climate challenges.

• Energy Storage
• Thermal Engineering
• Materials Science
• +5 more

R. Dean Astumian is a Professor of Physics in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Maine, based in Bennett Hall (Room 122) with contact details astumian@maine.edu and 207/581-1024. His academic credentials include: B.S. in Chemistry (1978), University of Texas at Arlington M.S. in Chemistry (1982), University of Texas at Arlington Ph.D. in Mathematical Science/Physical Chemistry (1983), University of Texas at Arlington Professor Astumian's research centers on biophysics and condensed matter physics, specializing in chemically driven molecular motors and pumps. His work investigates energy transduction mechanisms at the molecular scale, focusing on non-equilibrium thermodynamics, kinetic asymmetry, and directional motion in synthetic and biological systems. This research bridges fundamental physics with applications in nanotechnology and synthetic biology. His 2023-2025 publications reveal persistent exploration of molecular ratchets, enzyme chemotaxis, and artificial molecular machines. Key themes include dissipation-driven directionality, electric molecular motors, and compartmentalized reaction networks, demonstrating consistent innovation in understanding how chemical energy drives mechanical motion at nanoscales across diverse chemical and biological contexts. Information regarding graduate students, research grants, scientific awards, laboratories, or collaborative teams was not provided in the available text.

• Biophysics
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Molecular Motors
• +3 more

Georg Fantner is an Associate Professor at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) with dual appointments in the School of Engineering (STI) within the Institute of Bioengineering and the School of Life Sciences (SV) for teaching. He directs the Laboratory for Bio- and Nano-Instrumentation (LBNI) and holds leadership roles including President of the Open Science Strategic Committee and the Association des Professeurs de l'EPFL. Research Focus: Bioinstrumentation, Nanotechnology, Scanning Probe Microscopy, and Metrology Teaching: Structural Mechanics for Life Sciences, Metrology, and Metrology Practicals His research pioneers advanced instrumentation for nanoscale characterization, emphasizing data-driven approaches to enhance microscopy techniques. Recent work integrates deep learning with scanning probe microscopy for real-time biological imaging and develops novel MEMS devices for fluid-compatible nanoscale manipulation. Key innovations include hermetically sealed sample chambers for pathogen studies and deterministic nanotopography engineering. Professor Fantner actively mentors 7 current PhD students and has supervised 14 graduates. His laboratory fosters interdisciplinary collaboration across engineering, physics, and life sciences to advance nanoscale measurement technologies and instrumentation development.

• Bioinstrumentation
• Nanotechnology
• Scanning Probe Microscopy
• +3 more

Lenan Zhang is an Assistant Professor in the Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Cornell University, joining in July 2024. He directs the Energy Research Laboratory (ERL), focusing on energy sustainability through advanced materials and metrology tools. His research spans thermal and fluid transport phenomena at extreme scales, and he has developed innovative solutions for clean energy and water production. Education: B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Purdue University (2016) M.S. and Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2018 and 2022) Research Interests: Advanced Materials, Computational Fluid Dynamics, Sustainable Energy Systems, and Thermal Systems. His work integrates mechanistic modeling and high-resolution spectroscopy to address global challenges in energy and environment. Publications: Recent work emphasizes solar desalination, energy-efficient systems, and electrochemical processes. Key trends include optimizing thermal localization, developing novel materials for desalination, and advancing renewable energy applications. Awards: Best Inventions of 2023 (TIME Magazine) Wunsch Foundation Silent Hoist and Crane Award (2022) Luis de Florez Award in Science (2021) Martin Family Fellowship for Sustainability (2020) Advising and Labs: Leads the Energy Research Laboratory (ERL) at Cornell. Prior roles include Research Scientist at MIT’s Mechanical Engineering Department. Collaborates across disciplines to advance clean energy solutions.

• Advanced Materials
• Computational Fluid Dynamics
• Energy and the Environment
• +10 more

Raisul Islam is an Assistant Professor of Materials Engineering at Purdue University, with a courtesy appointment in Electrical and Computer Engineering. His research focuses on advanced materials for energy technologies, semiconductor devices, and nanoscale memory systems. He holds affiliations with the College of Engineering and is actively involved in interdisciplinary collaborations. His work emphasizes the development of novel materials and device architectures for applications in solar energy, resistive memory, and neuromorphic computing. Key areas include photovoltaic cell optimization, phase-change memory innovation, and the integration of nanotechnology with electronics. Notable research trends from his publications (2020–2023) highlight advancements in tandem solar cell efficiency, thermal management in resistive memory, and multilevel switching mechanisms in ferroelectric tunnel junctions. His work bridges fundamental materials science with practical device engineering, addressing both performance and scalability challenges. Dr. Islam’s lab focuses on experimental and computational materials characterization, with a focus on thin films, nanoscale interfaces, and energy-efficient electronics. His contributions span academic journals and industry collaborations, targeting next-generation energy and computing technologies.

• Materials Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• +3 more

Maiken H. Mikkelsen is the James N. and Elizabeth H. Barton Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Duke University, with a joint appointment in the Department of Physics . Her research focuses on quantum nanophotonics , plasmonics , and light-matter interactions in nanoscale materials, aiming to advance optoelectronics, quantum science, and biomedical diagnostics. Education B.S. in Physics, University of Copenhagen (2004) Ph.D. in Physics, University of California, Santa Barbara (2009) Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of California, Berkeley Her work explores nanophotonic engineering for quantum optics , spintronics , and ultrafast optoelectronics , with recent studies on nonlinear metasurfaces and plasmonic enhancement of immunoassays for point-of-care diagnostics. Publications highlight 2D semiconductor emission control , ultrafast single-photon sources , and metasurface-based photodetectors . Scientific Awards Maria Goeppert Mayer Award (2017) NSF CAREER Award (2015) Moore Inventor Fellow (2021) ONR/Air Force/Army Young Investigator Awards (2015-2017) Cottrell Scholar (2016) Stansell Family Distinguished Research Award (2021) She advises graduate students in Duke’s Electrical & Computer Engineering and Physics programs and leads the Mikkelsen Lab , which emphasizes ultrafast spectroscopy and quantum material development . The lab has graduated PhD students like Eunso Shin and Hengming Li (2025).

• Quantum Nanophotonics
• Plasmonics
• Spintronics
• +7 more

Yi Zheng is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at Northeastern University, where he directs the Nano Energy Laboratory. He previously held positions at the University of Rhode Island before joining Northeastern in 2019. His research focuses on nanoscale thermal transport, renewable energy systems, photon-based cooling, and sustainable materials derived from biomass. Zheng serves on editorial boards for Scientific Reports and Journal of Photonics for Energy , and actively participates in conferences like ASME IMECE. He holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Columbia University (2015), with earlier degrees from Columbia and Tsinghua University. Education: Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University (2015) M.S., Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University (2011) B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University (2009) Research Interests: Prof. Zheng’s work bridges nanotechnology and energy systems, emphasizing novel materials for thermal management, radiative cooling, and sustainable energy harvesting. His lab develops biomass-derived composites for solar desalination, thermophotovoltaics, and smart cooling paints. Key projects include ultra-dark solar absorbers, phase-change material-based thermal devices, and recyclable cellulose-based materials. Grants & Awards: 2024 ASME Rising Star Award 2019 NSF CAREER Award 2025 NASA Glenn Faculty Fellow 3M Non-Tenured Faculty Award (2022) Labs/Teams: The Nano Energy Laboratory at Northeastern collaborates internationally on projects like photonics-enabled biosensors and adaptive radiative cooling systems. Recent innovations include self-cleaning cellulose composites and cooling paints for urban heat reduction.

• Nanoscale thermal transport
• Renewable energy harvesting
• Thermophotovoltaics
• +6 more

Cheuk Wai Tai is a Senior Staff Researcher at Stockholm University's Department of Environmental and Materials Chemistry since 2009. He manages the transmission electron microscopes and sample preparation equipment at the Electron Microscopy Center and serves as Section Editor for the Journal of Electronic Materials. His work focuses on quantitative structure characterization in functional materials research, particularly within nanoscience and nanotechnology contexts. Education: Ph.D. in Applied Physics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 2004 M.Phil. in Applied Physics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 2001 M.Sc. in Physics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1998 B.Sc. (Hons) in Engineering Physics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 1997 Dip. in Mechanical Engineering (Computer Aided Engineering), Institute of Vocational Education (formerly Haking Wong Technical Institute), Hong Kong, 1992 His research centers on structure-property relationships in functional materials through advanced electron microscopy techniques. Current specializations include Pair Distribution Function (ePDF) & Diffuse Scattering, Energy Materials characterization, and EM sample preparation methodology development. The group maintains strong focus on translating structural data into functional performance metrics for nanomaterials. Recent publications (2013-2019) demonstrate consistent emphasis on electron microscopy applications for energy storage materials (batteries, photocatalysts) and functional ceramics. Key trends include structural disorder analysis in piezoelectrics, development of quantitative TEM methods like SUePDF, and nanoscale characterization of electrocatalyst surface phases. His work bridges materials chemistry with advanced imaging techniques. Scientific recognition includes: Fellow of The Royal Microscopical Society (U.K.) Senior Member of IEEE Marie Curie Fellowship (2007-2009) from European Commission Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fellowship (2003/2004) from Hong Kong S.A.R. Government He teaches Solid State Chemistry (KZ7003) and leads Introduction to Analytical Electron Microscopy (KZ8009), having previously taught Advanced Transmission Electron Microscopy (KZ8010) before 2011. Major grants supporting his work include: "Quantitative structural characterisation using 3D electron-based pair distribution function" (Swedish Research Council) "A Multidimensional Toolkit for Modern Electron Microscopy" (Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research) "Mitigating Ni-rich Li-ion cathode side-reactions" (Swedish Energy Agency, Co-applicant) He leads the Cheuk-Wai Tai group within Stockholm University's chemistry department and oversees operations at the Electron Microscopy Center, where his team develops and applies advanced characterization techniques for functional materials research.

• Structure-Property Relationships
• Functional Materials
• Electron Microscopy
• +6 more

G. Kane Jennings is a Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Vanderbilt University's School of Engineering, where he also serves as Director of Graduate Recruiting. His research focuses on molecular design of smart surfaces and biohybrid materials for applications in solar energy conversion, responsive coatings, and nanoscale lubrication. He leads the Jennings Lab, training students in bioinspired materials science. Jennings holds a Ph.D. from MIT and specializes in self-assembly techniques and surface-initiated polymerizations. Education: Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology M.S., Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology B.S., Chemical Engineering, Auburn University Research Interests: Jennings develops adaptive materials such as anionic chameleon coatings, biohybrid solar systems using Photosystem I proteins, and high-throughput membrane fabrication via spin coating-ROP integration. His group explores nanoscale defect detection in 3D-printed materials and corrosion-resistant surface treatments. Lab Innovations: Highlights include the mMSIP micromolding technique for customizable superhydrophobic coatings and the scROMP method enabling rapid polymer film synthesis. Collaborations with civil engineering and chemistry departments advance energy-minimizing surfaces and bioelectrochemical systems. Awards: No explicit awards listed, though his work has been funded through interdisciplinary initiatives at Vanderbilt's VINSE and Process Innovation Center.

• Smart Surfaces
• Biohybrid Materials
• Solar Energy Conversion
• +5 more

Sadaf Sobhani is an Assistant Professor in the Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Cornell University. Her research focuses on thermal management and energy conversion with applications in high-efficiency, low-emission energy systems, spacecraft thermal control, and electrochemical reactors for carbon dioxide conversion. Dr. Sobhani's educational background includes a B.S. (2014), M.S. (2015), and Ph.D. (2019) in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University. During her doctoral studies, she worked as a research associate at the NASA Ames Research Center and later joined the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory as a postdoctoral researcher. Her research program integrates computational modeling, experimental techniques, and advanced manufacturing to investigate flow, heat transfer, and chemical reactions in porous media. She leverages the connection between micro-scale features and macro-scale transport properties to develop innovative solutions for energy systems. Her work spans multiple disciplines including combustion engineering, electrochemical systems, and thermal management for spacecraft. Dr. Sobhani's publications demonstrate a consistent focus on porous media combustion, heat transfer optimization, and advanced diagnostic techniques. Her recent work has increasingly incorporated additive manufacturing and machine learning approaches to solve complex thermal management challenges, particularly for space applications and carbon dioxide conversion systems. Gallery of Fluid Motion Award, American Physical Society (2018) Accel Innovation Scholarship, Stanford Technology Ventures Program (2017) Graduate Public Service Fellowship, Haas Center for Public Service (2016) Schneider/MAP Sustainable Energy Fellowship, Haas Center for Public Service (2016) Graduate Research Fellowship, National Science Foundation (2015) AIAA Niagara Frontier Section 2025 Young Professional of the Year Award NASA Early Career Faculty Award (2023) NASA Early Stage Innovations Award (2023) Dr. Sobhani leads an active research group and has secured significant funding including a NASA Early Career Faculty Award and a FuzeHub grant with industry partners Lithoz America and Dimensional Energy. She has developed a new spacecraft thermal management course at Cornell and is actively mentoring students in her laboratory research. The Sobhani Lab, located at 182 Grumman Hall, spans approximately 850 sq. ft. and focuses on spacecraft thermal control, combustion research, non-intrusive diagnostic methods, and ceramic additive manufacturing. The lab utilizes advanced facilities including the Cornell NanoScale Science and Technology Facility and the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source.

• Thermal Management
• Energy Conversion
• Heat Transfer
• +12 more

Mahmoud Hussein is a Professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder, affiliated with the College of Engineering and Applied Science. He holds the Alvah and Harriet Hovlid Professorship and leads the Aerospace Mechanics Research Center (AMReC). His research focuses on phononics, nanophononic metamaterials, thermal transport, and fluid-structure interaction. He has pioneered advancements in controlling heat and flow using phononic crystals and metamaterials, with applications in energy efficiency and aerospace systems. Education: PhD, Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, 2004 MS, Mathematics, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, 2002 MS, Applied Mechanics, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, 1999 MS, Mechanical Engineering, Imperial College London, 1995 BS, Mechanical Engineering, The American University in Cairo, 1994 Research Interests: His work includes theoretical and experimental studies of dispersive waves, periodic materials, and phononic subsurfaces for thermal and flow control. Key areas include nanoscale thermal transport, metamaterials for thermoelectricity, and turbulence reduction in aerodynamics. He co-founded the International Phononics Society and organizes the Phononics conference series. Scientific Awards: Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (2018) NSF CAREER Award (2013) ARPA-E Grant ($2.5M, 2018) Multiple university and national awards for research and teaching Grants & Collaborations: Recipient of multidisciplinary Defense Department grants and a $2.5M ARPA-E award for nanophononic thermoelectric devices. Collaborates with NIST, JILA, and CU’s Physics and Mechanical Engineering departments on experimental validations. Labs & Teams: Leads the Phononics research group within AMReC, focusing on metamaterials and their applications in aerospace and energy systems. Active in interdisciplinary projects with industry and national labs.

• Phononics
• Thermal Transport
• Metamaterials
• +4 more

Lincoln J. Lauhon is a Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at Northwestern University. His research focuses on nanoscale structure-property relationships in low-dimensional materials, emphasizing synthesis, characterization, and device applications. He leads the Lauhon Research Group, which explores nanowires, 2D semiconductors, and heterostructures for quantum computing, high-power electronics, and energy conversion. Lauhon holds significant recognition including the Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award (2008) and National Science Foundation CAREER Award (2005). His work bridges fundamental materials science with practical technologies through advanced microscopy and modeling techniques. Education: Postdoc in Chemistry at Harvard University, Ph.D. in Physics from Cornell University, and B.S. in Physics (Honors) from the University of Michigan. Research interests span nanowire synthesis, 3D nanotomography, scanning probe microscopy, and computational modeling. Current projects include III-As-Sb nanowire networks for quantum computing, GaN diodes for power electronics, and ferroelectric 2D materials. Lauhon's lab emphasizes collaboration across disciplines, with contributions to high-impact journals like Science Advances and Nano Letters . Awards highlight his dual excellence in teaching and research, including the Teacher of the Year award (2006). Professional service includes leadership roles in the Materials Research Society and organizing conferences on electronic materials. His team's innovations include novel nanomaterial synthesis methods and device architectures, with applications in computing, energy, and optoelectronics. The group actively engages in graduate and undergraduate training, fostering future leaders in nanotechnology.

• Nanomaterials Engineering
• Quantum Computing Materials
• Semiconductor Devices
• +4 more