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John CressmanView profile

Associate Professor

• Neuronal Dynamics
• Non-Equilibrium Physics
• Biophysics
• +3 more

John Cressman is an Associate Professor in the Physics & Astronomy Department at George Mason University, with affiliations in the Neuroscience Program and the Krasnow Institute for Advanced Study. His research focuses on dynamical systems in driven systems, particularly exploring their roles in brain function and non-equilibrium physics. He investigates transient correlated dynamics in biological processes and natural phenomena like tornados and fluid systems. Cressman's work bridges physics and neuroscience, addressing topics such as ion concentration dynamics in neurons, seizure mechanisms, and energy flow in neuronal systems. His research interests emphasize understanding how transient dynamical structures influence biological and physical systems, with a strong focus on neuronal behavior and the physics of non-equilibrium systems. Key themes include the interplay of excitatory and inhibitory conductances during seizures, ion concentration homeostasis, and the application of advanced imaging techniques like NIR-II fluorescent nanoprobes for biomedical applications. Recent articles highlight innovations in nanoparticle-based sensing and imaging, including DNA-based sensors for bioelectrical signals and fluorescent probes for tumor imaging. These studies reflect a trend toward integrating biophysics with cutting-edge nanotechnology for medical and neuroscientific advancements. Cressman’s work also explores turbulence and energy dissipation in complex systems, linking statistical physics principles to experimental observations. Labs and collaborations are centered at the Krasnow Institute, where interdisciplinary approaches to neurophysics and systems biology are prioritized. His research has implications for understanding neurological disorders and developing novel diagnostic tools.

Peter PlavchanView profile

Associate Professor

• Exoplanet Astronomy
• Astrophysics
• Stellar Astrophysics
• +5 more

Peter Plavchan is an Associate Professor of Physics and Astronomy at George Mason University, serving as Executive Director of George Mason Observatories. Previously, he held roles at Missouri State University and NASA's Exoplanet Science Institute. His research focuses on exoplanets around low-mass stars using radial velocity and transit methods, particularly the AU Mic planetary system. He leads NASA-funded missions like Landolt and HaZE, and collaborates on projects such as MINERVA-Australis and the EarthFinder probe concept. Education: PhD in Physics, University of California (2006) MS in Physics, University of California (2006) BS in Physics, California Institute of Technology (2001) Research Interests: Plavchan's work centers on exoplanet demographics around cool dwarfs, precision radial velocity techniques in the near-infrared, and instrumentation for space and ground-based telescopes. He has pioneered methods to mitigate stellar activity effects and contributed to major missions like Spitzer, Kepler, TESS, and JWST. His recent focus includes atmospheric characterization of exoplanets and next-generation radial velocity survey planning. Awards: 2019 College of Science Dean's Award for Early Career Excellence 2017 NASA Group Achievement Award for laser frequency comb development 2014 NASA Honor Achievement Award for Exoplanet Archive launch 2010 NASA Honor Achievement Award for Spitzer instrument support Grants & Missions: Supported by NASA, NSF, and Mt. Cuba Foundation. Leads the Landolt calibration mission and the EarthFinder probe concept. Active in the NASA Exoplanet Program Analysis Group (ExoPAG). Labs/Teams: Directs George Mason Observatories and collaborates with international teams on projects like HISPEC for Keck Observatory and the CANDLE calibration mission.

• Artificial Intelligence
• Machine Learning
• Neural Networks
• +5 more

Hisham Abou-Grad is a Senior Lecturer at the University of East London, affiliated with the Architecture, Computing & Engineering research institute. His work focuses on interdisciplinary applications of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science across finance, healthcare, agriculture, and cybersecurity. He has collaborated on projects involving AI-driven stock prediction, blockchain-based solutions for food security, and computer vision systems for vehicle safety. Key research interests include neural networks, hybrid machine learning models, and the ethical implications of AI in decision-making systems. His publications span conferences such as the International Conference on Mechatronics and Smart Systems and the Human Interaction & Emerging Technologies conference. He has also contributed to frameworks addressing real-world challenges like crop recommendation systems and remote patient monitoring for physiotherapy support. Abou-Grad has co-authored over 10 peer-reviewed papers between 2019 and 2025, reflecting a strong focus on practical AI applications with societal impact. Notable collaborations include work with institutions like Near East University (Turkey) and Sebha University. His research emphasizes bridging technological innovation with domain-specific needs in finance, healthcare, and environmental sustainability.

Paola PintiView profile

Researcher

• Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy
• Brain Activity Analysis
• Wearable Neuroimaging
• +8 more

Paola Pinti is a Senior Researcher at Birkbeck, University of London, where she works in the Department of Psychological Sciences. She also maintains an affiliation with University College London (UCL). Her research focuses on functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS), developing new algorithms and tools for analyzing brain activity in naturalistic environments. Dr. Pinti's research interests include: Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) applications Wearable neuroimaging technologies Naturalistic cognitive neuroscience experiments Signal and image processing for brain activity monitoring Multimodal integration (fNIRS with eye-tracking, motion capture, thermal imaging) Child-friendly neuroimaging approaches Her recent work demonstrates a strong trend toward ecological validity in neuroscience research, with increasing use of virtual reality environments and real-world tasks to study brain function. She has made significant contributions to methodological standardization in fNIRS research, particularly through her involvement in the fNIRS glossary project and reproducibility studies. Her work spans basic neuroscience, developmental psychology, and clinical applications. Dr. Pinti currently serves as a Senior Research Laboratory Developer for the ToddlerLab CAVE, which integrates cutting-edge wearable technologies like fNIRS, EEG, motion capture, and eye-tracking in an immersive Virtual Reality environment for studying brain development in ecological settings. She has received research funding through scholarships including a One year Research Visit Scholarship and a Full 3 years Ph.D. Scholarship from the Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research.

• Spacecraft Design
• Aerospace Engineering
• Astrodynamics
• +4 more

Dr. Vittorio FRANZESE is a Research Scientist at the Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT) within the University of Luxembourg's SPASYS department. His work focuses on CubeSat technology, autonomous space systems, and deep-space exploration. He leads projects like the POQUITO PocketQube mission and the LUMIO lunar CubeSat, aiming to advance miniaturized satellite capabilities for interplanetary navigation and meteoroid impact monitoring. Key research areas include spacecraft autonomy, optical navigation algorithms, and mission design for CubeSats. He has contributed to initiatives such as the ERC-funded EXTREMA project, developing self-driving interplanetary CubeSats. His technical expertise spans satellite systems engineering, trajectory optimization, and sensor development for space applications. Publications highlight advancements in laser communication terminals, asteroid mission analysis, and swarm satellite technologies. Collaborative efforts include the Hera Milani CubeSat mission for asteroid exploration. His work bridges theoretical research with practical implementation, emphasizing innovation in low-cost space technologies.

Jacek P. DmochowskiView profile

Associate Professor

• Machine Learning
• Brain-Computer Interfaces
• Signal Processing
• +6 more

Jacek P. Dmochowski is an Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering at the City College of New York (CCNY) and Vice President of Machine Learning at Optios, a neurotechnology startup. His research bridges electrical engineering and neuroscience, focusing on non-invasive brain stimulation, neural decoding, and causal inference in brain activity. He has secured funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Defense (DoD), and NASA, with work featured in The Guardian and Los Angeles Times. Current Roles: Associate Professor (CCNY), VP of Machine Learning (Optios) Education: PhD in Telecommunications (University of Quebec, INRS), Postdoc in Biomedical Engineering (CCNY), Research Scientist (Stanford University) Research Interests: Development of machine learning algorithms for neural decoding and brain stimulation Non-invasive ultrasonic neuromodulation for psychiatric and neurological disorders Investigation of causal relationships in brain activity Statistical principles for sports betting and decision-making under uncertainty Integration of brain imaging (EEG, MRI) with stimulation techniques Scientific Contributions: 15+ recent publications on transcranial stimulation, neurotechnology, and machine learning Holder of multiple patents in acoustic signal processing and neurotechnology Key projects: Granger Components Analysis for temporal dependencies, ultrasonic brain stimulation funded by NIH Awards and Recognition: Recipient of the Governor General of Canada's Academic Gold Medal Research supported by NIH, DoD, and NASA grants Contact: Email: jdmochowski@ccny.cuny.edu , info@jacekd.me

Yan FernandezView profile

Associate Professor

• Cometary Science
• Asteroid Composition
• Solar System Formation
• +3 more

Dr. Yan Fernandez is an Associate Professor of Physics at the University of Central Florida, specializing in comets, asteroids, and solar system formation. His research examines compositional properties and evolutionary processes of small bodies to understand primordial conditions in the solar nebula. Research explores cometary activity mechanisms, volatile outgassing patterns, and dynamical evolution of centaurs using ground/space-based observatories including JWST. Key methodologies include spectral analysis and thermal modeling. Recent publications focus on JWST observations of Centaur outgassing, DART impact effects, and Oort cloud comet characterization. Research consistently addresses connections between small body properties and solar system origins. Awards: Spitzer Fellowship for advanced planetary research.

Dale CruikshankView profile

Adjunct Professor

• Planetary Science
• Astrochemistry
• Spectroscopy
• +3 more

Dale Cruikshank is a Courtesy Professor affiliated with NASA and the University of Central Florida (UCF). His research focuses on planetary science, particularly the spectroscopic analysis of icy bodies in the outer Solar System. Recent collaborations include studies on Pluto's cryovolcanism, CO₂ cycle dynamics on Uranian moons, and radiolytic processes on Trans-Neptunian objects. His work utilizes data from missions like New Horizons and Earth-based observations. Publications highlight expertise in Ice spectroscopy Radiolytic chemistry Surface composition modeling Cometary and Kuiper Belt object analysis His email is dpcruikshank@comcast.net .

Sarah KruseView profile

Professor

• Geophysics
• Geological Engineering
• Near-Surface Geophysics

Sarah Kruse is a Professor at the University of South Florida's School of Geosciences. Her research focuses on near-surface geophysics, including the development of instrumentation for undergraduate field experiences, lunar analog studies using terrestrial lava tubes, and geophysical methods for resource exploration. She leads initiatives to integrate geophysics into STEM education with societally relevant modules and develops tools for subsurface characterization. Her work spans seismic and GPR modeling for void detection, InSAR analysis of land subsidence in Tampa Bay, and ecohydrological studies in mangrove ecosystems. She envisions convergent science centers to advance near-surface geophysics and collaborates on planetary exploration projects.

Arjuna MadanayakeView profile

Associate Professor

• Multidimensional systems
• Wireless communications
• Array processing
• +7 more

Arjuna Madanayake is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering at Florida International University (FIU), part of the College of Engineering. His research focuses on multidimensional systems, wireless communications, array processing, and analog computing. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Calgary and B.S. from the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka. Dr. Madanayake's work emphasizes low-complexity algorithms for multi-beam beamforming, RF sensing, and FPGA implementations. His lab (RAND Lab) develops innovative solutions in terahertz communications, spectrum intelligence, and AI-driven signal processing. He teaches EEL 5500 Digital Communication Systems and collaborates on projects involving reconfigurable intelligent surfaces and 5G/6G technologies. His recent publications (2020–2025) address challenges in ultra-broadband communication systems, analog computing for PDEs, and spectrum management. He has contributed to IEEE journals and conferences, focusing on practical implementations in hardware and software-defined radio platforms.

• Archaeological Geophysics
• Geophysical Survey
• Landscape Archaeology
• +2 more

Armin Schmidt is an Honorary Visiting Research Fellow in the Faculty of Life Sciences at the University of Bradford. His research specializes in archaeological geophysics, developing advanced techniques for landscape archaeology, heritage conservation, and seismic risk assessment. Schmidt has conducted significant post-disaster archaeological investigations at UNESCO World Heritage sites in Nepal following the 2015 Gorkha earthquake. His methodological innovations include noise characterization in geophysical measurements, polygon-based data processing, and 4D monitoring approaches. Recent projects include geophysical surveys at Jaffna Fort (Sri Lanka), Zahrat adh-Dhra (Jordan), and multiple heritage sites in Nepal. His work integrates geophysics with historical excavation data to reinterpret archaeological landscapes.

• Plant Breeding
• Genetic Resources Management
• Hemp Genetics
• +3 more

Jos Mieog is a Research Fellow at Southern Cross University's Faculty of Science and Engineering. Previously, he spent seven years at CSIRO in Canberra specializing in plant breeding for cereal crops using both genetic modification and conventional methods. His PhD research at the University of Sydney investigated coral bleaching mechanisms, focusing on symbiotic relationships between corals and algae, particularly thermal tolerance adaptation. Currently, his work centers on establishing international-standard genetic resources for hemp, pre-breeding characterization of hemp germplasm, and leading a tea tree essential oil breeding program. His research interests span plant breeding methodologies, genetic resource management, cannabis metabolism regulation, and symbiotic relationships in marine ecosystems. He has developed high-throughput genotyping platforms (HASCH) and advanced tissue culture techniques for cannabis propagation. His work integrates proteomics, metabolomics, and spectral analysis to optimize crop yields and quality. Notable research trends include exploring light spectra effects on cannabinoid production, developing non-destructive analytical tools for essential oil composition, and investigating symbiotic flexibility in corals under environmental stress. His contributions bridge laboratory innovations with commercial agricultural applications, emphasizing both hemp and tea tree oil industries. Advising and grants: Mieog leads interdisciplinary projects involving genetic resource curation and industry partnerships. His work aligns with Southern Cross University's focus on applied ecological and agricultural research. Lab facilities include state-of-the-art genetic resource facilities and analytical laboratories for plant metabolite analysis.

• Seismology
• Engineering Seismology
• Earthquake Hazard Analysis
• +7 more

Summary Dr. Dariush Motazedian is a Full Professor of Engineering Seismology at Carleton University's Department of Earth Sciences within the Faculty of Science. He has held academic roles since 2003, including Department Chair (2016-2019). His research focuses on stochastic and hybrid earthquake fault modeling, seismic microzonation, and seismic soil dynamics. He leads collaborative projects with institutions like the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC), Hydro Quebec, and international partners. Key contributions include the EXSIM earthquake modeling technique, Ottawa's first seismic microzonation maps, and dynamic studies of Champlain Sea clays. Education Ph.D. in Engineering Seismology, Carleton University (2002) M.Sc. in Geophysics/Seismology, Tehran University (1995) B.Sc. in Applied Physics, Shiraz University (1988) Research Interests His work addresses earthquake ground motion prediction, crustal velocity modeling, and seismic hazard mitigation. He developed the EXSIM method, validated globally by institutions like the Southern California Earthquake Center. His team's Ottawa microzonation studies influenced updates to the National Building Code of Canada (NBCC). Current projects include seismic risk screening tools for existing buildings and dynamic properties of postglacial sediments. Grants & Collaborations Recipient of NSERC Strategic Research Network funding for Canadian Seismic Research. Led the POLARIS geophysical consortium deploying observatories across Canada. Collaborates with GSC, Laval University, and industry partners like Hydro Quebec. Labs & Teams Leads Carleton's Earthquake Modeling and Microzonation group. Data from the POLARIS project supports student research and international studies. Active in developing seismic tools for emergency preparedness and infrastructure resilience.

Nima EkhtariView profile

Research Professor

• Civil Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Remote Sensing
• +3 more

Nima Ekhtari is a Research Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Houston's Cullen College of Engineering. His office is located in UH NCALM at 5000 Gulf Freeway, Bldg. 4, Rm 216, Houston, TX 77204-5059. Current Research Focus Hydrodynamic flood modeling with deep learning LiDAR terrain uncertainty analysis Earthquake rupture dynamics Environmental remote sensing His work leverages advanced geospatial technologies for disaster management applications, integrating multispectral LiDAR data and satellite imagery for environmental monitoring. Recent publications demonstrate expertise in near-real-time flood forecasting and terrain analysis through deep learning surrogates. Contact: nekhtari@uh.edu

Yauhen YakimenkaView profile

Researcher

• Information Theory
• Cybersecurity
• Machine Learning
• +3 more

Yauhen Yakimenka is a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). His research focuses on decentralized systems, privacy-preserving techniques, and coding theory. He holds expertise in machine learning, signal processing, and cybersecurity applications within distributed networks. Yauhen’s work addresses challenges in adversarial environments, including Byzantine attacks, differential privacy, and robust algorithm design for straggler-resilient systems. He has contributed to advancements in compressed sensing, LDPC codes, and information retrieval systems with privacy guarantees. His publications span topics such as secure matrix multiplication, fault-tolerant decentralized learning, and optimizing error correction for short LDPC codes. Research trends in his articles emphasize balancing performance, security, and privacy in distributed computing and communication systems. No scientific awards or grants are explicitly listed in the provided information. He currently advises no students, and no affiliated labs or teams are mentioned.