Matthew Alford is Professor and Head of Oceans and Atmospheres Section at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego. He holds a PhD in Oceanography from Scripps and researches ocean dynamics including internal waves, turbulence, and their impacts on global circulation. His work emphasizes development of ocean instrumentation for measuring fine-scale processes.
Paolo Sellari is an Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science at Sapienza University of Rome, where he contributes significantly to research and teaching in political and economic geography, geopolitics, and infrastructure security. He is affiliated with the research group Geopolitics of the Sea and plays a key role in the Master in Geopolitics and Global Security , contributing to curriculum development and academic supervision. Department: Department of Political Science University: Sapienza University of Rome Email: paolo.sellari@uniroma1.it His research interests span a broad yet interconnected spectrum, including maritime geopolitics, Mediterranean and Arctic strategic dynamics, Chinese foreign policy (especially the Belt and Road Initiative), infrastructure as instruments of power, and the geopolitics of climate change. He also explores unconventional intersections such as sports and geopolitics. His scholarly work emphasizes spatial dimensions of power, resilience, and connectivity in a rapidly transforming global order. The analysis of his recent publications (2023–2025) reveals a strong thematic consistency focused on maritime routes, infrastructure security, and the evolving geopolitical roles of the Mediterranean and Arctic regions. His work frequently addresses the interplay between physical geography and power projection, with a particular interest in how climate change, technological evolution, and strategic investments reshape global and regional orders. He contributes to both academic journals and reference works, including the Italian Encyclopedia. While specific scientific awards are not listed in the provided texts, his consistent publication record in reputable venues and leadership in advanced academic programs suggest recognition within the academic community. Sellari advises students through the Master in Geopolitics and Global Security and is involved in organizing seminars and educational content. Although no direct mention of grants is made, his editorial roles and institutional leadership imply active engagement in academic projects and collaborations. He supervises thesis work and contributes to academic discourse through prefaces, introductions, and editorial reviews. He is a core member of the Geopolitics of the Sea research group, which focuses on maritime spatial dynamics, naval security, and the geopolitical implications of oceanic infrastructure and climate change. This group serves as a hub for interdisciplinary research connecting geography, political science, and security studies.
Dr. Keyron Hickman-Lewis is a Lecturer in Planetary Exploration at Birkbeck, University of London, with academic positions spanning institutions like the Natural History Museum and Imperial College London. He holds a M.EarthSci from the University of Oxford (2015) and a Ph.D. in Earth Sciences from CNRS Orléans and Università di Bologna (2019). His research focuses on the co-evolution of Earth and early life, planetary exploration (including Mars 2020 Perseverance rover missions), and technique development for analyzing ancient microbial biosignatures. Key interests include microbial mats, Archaean geology, and astrobiological field analogs like Lake Abhe (Djibouti) and Martian environments. Notable achievements include identifying Earth's oldest microbial traces (3.5 Ga) and studying Mars sample return strategies. He is a Fellow of the Geological Society (FGS) and serves on the European Astrobiology Network Association Council. Teaching includes modules on planetary science, geology, and remote sensing. Supervision focuses on astrobiology and planetary exploration topics. Key publications highlight breakthroughs in microbial mat preservation, Mars sample analysis, and Early Archaean stromatolite interpretation. Collaborations span international institutions including NASA, CNRS, and the University of Bologna.
Jack Puleo is a Professor and Chair in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Delaware (UD), and a core faculty member of the Center for Applied Coastal Research (CACR). He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Florida, a Master’s from Oregon State University, and a Bachelor’s from Humboldt State University. His research focuses on coastal hydrodynamics, sediment transport, and nature-based solutions for coastal resilience. He has served as Associate Chair and Director of CACR, and was a Fulbright Scholar and Visiting Professor at Plymouth University (2011-2012). Research Interests: Small-scale hydrodynamic processes and sediment transport in coastal zones Remote sensing and sensor networks for coastal monitoring Nature-based solutions for coastal protection Munitions mobility in nearshore environments Climate change impacts on coastal flooding Awards and Honors: NSF CAREER Award (2007) ASCE Teaching Awards University of Delaware Teaching Awards (twice) Chi Epsilon Advising Award ASBPA Robert G. Dean Award German DAAD Scholarship Labs and Collaborations: Core member of the Center for Applied Coastal Research (CACR), collaborating on projects such as UXO mobility studies, coastal flooding modeling, and military infrastructure resilience. Active in interdisciplinary work with the Naval Research Laboratory and joint bases like Langley-Eustis.
Richard Pawlowicz is a Professor in the Department of Earth, Ocean & Atmospheric Sciences at the University of British Columbia (UBC), within the Faculty of Science. His research focuses on ocean physics, seawater properties, geophysical fluid dynamics, and coastal processes. He holds a PhD from the MIT/WHOI Joint Program and has been a faculty member at UBC since 1996. His work integrates field observations, numerical modeling, and novel instrumentation, such as neutrally buoyant floats (Swish floats) and satellite-tracked drifters, to study coastal circulation, estuarine dynamics, and double diffusion processes. He leads research in the Salish Sea, Strait of Georgia, and Gulf of St. Lawrence, emphasizing subsurface mixing, dispersion, and the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems. Education & Background: B.Sc. (Hons) from Queen's University (1987), PhD from MIT/WHOI (1994), Postdoctoral research at Institute of Ocean Sciences (1994–1996). Research Interests: Ocean circulation, nonlinear waves, estuarine mixing, double diffusion in stratified basins, and the application of TEOS-10 seawater standards. He collaborates on projects like the MEOPAR Observation Core and has developed influential software tools for oceanographic analysis. Students & Supervision: Active supervisor of graduate students and postdocs in physical oceanography. Notable supervisees include Mark Halverson, Caixia Wang, Sam Stevens, and Grace Watts. He emphasizes mathematical rigor and writing skills, requiring strong backgrounds in PDEs and fluid dynamics. Labs & Teams: Member of the MEOPAR Research Management Committee, co-chair of SCOR/IAPWS/IAPSO seawater committees, and collaborator with the Pacific Salmon Foundation's citizen science programs. His work contributes to coastal resource management and climate resilience initiatives.
Craig Lee is a Professor of Oceanography at the University of Washington, where he also serves as Senior Principal Oceanographer and Assistant Director for Research at the Applied Physics Laboratory. His work focuses on physical oceanography with emphasis on observational studies and instrument development. Lee leads research programs studying upper ocean dynamics, coastal processes, and high-latitude oceanography across diverse regions including the Arctic, North Atlantic, and South China Sea. Dr. Lee's educational background includes: B.S. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from the University of California, Berkeley (1987) Ph.D. in Physical Oceanography from the University of Washington (1995) Lee's primary research interests center on three interconnected areas: (1) upper ocean dynamics, particularly mesoscale and submesoscale fronts and eddies; (2) interactions between biology, biogeochemistry and ocean physics; and (3) high-latitude oceanography in changing Arctic environments. His work often combines field observations with instrument development to address fundamental questions about ocean circulation and its role in climate systems. He has pioneered approaches using autonomous platforms to study difficult-to-access regions like ice-covered waters. Analysis of Lee's recent publications reveals a strong focus on Arctic oceanography, upper ocean mixing processes, and the application of autonomous observing technologies. His research spans multiple ocean basins with particular emphasis on the Arctic, North Atlantic, and western Pacific. A notable trend is the increasing integration of biogeochemical measurements with physical oceanography to understand coupled systems. His work often addresses climate-relevant questions about ocean circulation, heat transport, and ecosystem responses to environmental change. Dr. Lee provides leadership through service on science steering committees for large research programs and advisory panels for U.S. Arctic efforts. He actively supports and advises graduate students while teaching courses on ocean circulation observations and experimental design. His team has developed innovative technologies including autonomous gliders for ice-covered waters, high-performance towed vehicles, and lightweight mooring systems. Lee leads a research team pursuing diverse field programs including Arctic PISCES, Stratified Ocean Dynamics of the Arctic (SODA), and studies of the Kuroshio Current. His group collaborates extensively with institutions worldwide and contributes to major international research initiatives focused on understanding ocean processes and their climate implications.
Steven Constable is a Professor of Geophysics at the Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics (IGPP) within the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. He specializes in electrical conductivity studies of Earth’s crust and mantle, seafloor instrumentation development, and geophysical data analysis. His research focuses on understanding tectonic processes, subduction zone dynamics, and marine geohazards through electromagnetic methods. Education: B.S., University of Western Australia Ph.D., Australian National University Research Interests: Electrical conductivity of crust and mantle Seafloor instrumentation development Magnetotelluric and controlled-source electromagnetic (CSEM) methods Subduction zone fluid dynamics CO 2 sequestration monitoring Mid-ocean ridge magmatism Grants & Collaborations: NSF-NERC Collaborative Research: Magnetotelluric imaging of plume-ridge interactions (Galapagos) Magnetotelluric Investigation of the Salton Trough (MIST) Experiment PI-LAB Experiment at the Equatorial Mid-Atlantic Ridge Labs & Teams: He leads the Marine Electromagnetics Lab , developing cutting-edge instrumentation for marine geophysical surveys. His team collaborates globally on projects ranging from Arctic permafrost assessment to subduction zone imaging.
Prof. Roland Pail is a full Professor of Astronomical and Physical Geodesy at the Technical University of Munich (TUM). He leads the Chair of Astronomical and Physical Geodesy, part of the TUM School of Engineering and Design. His research focuses on physical and numerical geodesy, global/regional gravity field modeling, and satellite gravity missions like GOCE, GRACE, and future initiatives like MAGIC. He has held leadership roles, including President of IAG Commission 2 (2015–2019) and Vice Dean of TUM's Department of Aerospace and Geodesy. Pail earned his doctorate (sub auspiciis praesidentis) from TU Graz (1999) and habilitation in 2002. He is a Fellow of the International Association of Geodesy and has received numerous awards for his contributions to geodesy. His work integrates satellite data with geophysical modeling to monitor mass transport processes (e.g., ocean circulation, ice melt) and Earth's interior dynamics. He collaborates internationally on missions such as the DFG Research Training Group UPLIFT and the MAGIC constellation. Key publications include gravity field models (e.g., XGM2016, GOCO06s) and studies on future mission design, stochastic modeling, and climate monitoring. Pail’s scientific awards include the IAG Fellowship (2011), Young Authors Award (2006), and the Allmer-Löschner Prize (2000). His research also addresses quantum sensor applications in satellite gravimetry and the development of next-generation gravity field retrieval techniques.
Andrew Gettelman is a distinguished climate scientist at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory whose research spans atmospheric sciences, climatology, and climate modeling. With a D-index of 91 and over 32,652 citations across 343 publications, he ranks 422nd globally and 194th nationally in Environmental Sciences. His research interests focus on fundamental climate processes including cloud microphysics, aerosol-cloud interactions, stratospheric dynamics, and climate model development. Gettelman has made significant contributions to understanding Arctic climate feedbacks, particularly how clouds respond to sea ice loss, and has advanced the representation of aerosols in climate models through his work on the Community Atmosphere Model (CAM). Analysis of his publication trends reveals a consistent focus on improving climate model representations of atmospheric processes, with recent work emphasizing climate sensitivity in the Community Earth System Model (CESM2) and bounding global aerosol radiative forcing. His research bridges fundamental atmospheric science with practical applications for understanding climate change. Among his recognitions, Gettelman has been named to the World's Best Scientists 2025 list. His highly cited works include foundational papers on cloud microphysics schemes and aerosol representation in climate models. Gettelman maintains extensive collaborative networks, frequently working with researchers from the National Center for Atmospheric Research, University of Colorado Boulder, and other leading climate institutions. His research has been instrumental in advancing climate modeling capabilities used in major international climate assessments.
Dr. Penina Axelrad is a University of Colorado Distinguished Professor and Joseph T. Negler Professor of Aerospace Engineering Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder. She has held academic roles since 1992, serving as Department Chair from 2012–2017. A member of the National Academy of Engineering since 2019, her research focuses on GNSS technology, satellite navigation, and remote sensing applications. She has authored over 223 publications and secured $17.5M in research grants. Education: Ph.D., Aeronautics and Astronautics, Stanford University, 1991 S.M., Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, MIT, 1986 S.B., Aeronautical Engineering (Avionics Option), MIT, 1985 Research Interests: Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), multipath mitigation, GNSS reflectometry, orbital dynamics, and quantum sensing for Earth science. Her work bridges astrodynamics, satellite navigation, and environmental monitoring. Awards: Member, National Academy of Engineering (2019) Women In Aerospace Educator Award (2016) Institute of Navigation Samuel Burka Award (2012) AIAA Summerfield Book Award (2011) Advising & Grants: Advised numerous students (no names listed) and led major grants including NASA Quantum Pathways Institute and Sentinel-6 orbit determination projects. Active in Institute of Navigation leadership roles. Labs/Teams: Colorado Center for Astrodynamics Research (CCAR), Quantum Pathways Institute, and collaborative efforts on CubeSat atomic clock experiments.
Jake M. Yang is a Lecturer in Physical Chemistry at the School of Chemistry, University of Leicester, where he leads an interdisciplinary research group focused on electrochemistry and sustainable material processing. He holds a DPhil and MChem from the University of Oxford and was awarded an EPSRC Doctoral Prize in 2020 for developing electrochemical sensors to monitor oceanic 'blue carbon'. His research integrates operando electrochemistry with spectroscopic and fluorescent imaging to investigate chemical reactions at electrode interfaces and their environmental applications. He is particularly known for pioneering green recycling methods for lithium-ion batteries and fuel cell membranes. Electroanalysis and Sensor Instrumentation Operando opto/spectro-electrochemical instrumentation Recycling of Technological Critical Materials Monitoring Microplastics and Ocean Ecosystems Fundamental electrochemistry Finite difference simulations The recent publications highlight a strong trend toward sustainability-driven electrochemistry, with a focus on recycling technologies using ultrasound and vegetable oil nanoemulsions. These works bridge fundamental science with industrial applications, particularly in the circular economy of electronics and energy systems. Award Highlights: EPSRC Doctoral Prize Award RSC Horizon Prize 2024 (Faraday Institute ReLIB project) University of Leicester Chemistry Image of Research Competition, 1st Prize Jake actively mentors students and offers funded PhD opportunities. His work is supported by institutional and industry-aligned grants, particularly in sustainable battery and fuel cell recycling. He collaborates across disciplines, including Earth Sciences and engineering, and promotes knowledge transfer through public engagement and media outreach. He is a key member of the Centre for Sustainable Material Processing and leads research on techno-economic analysis of recycling processes, ensuring scientific innovation meets real-world industrial and environmental needs.
Thomas Reinthaler is a researcher at the Faculty of Life Sciences, Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, specializing in microbial oceanography and biogeochemical processes. His work investigates the role of prokaryotic organisms in marine carbon cycling, the influence of environmental factors like temperature and UV irradiation on microbial activity, and metabolic adaptations in deep-sea environments under in situ pressure conditions. Research Interests Reinthaler's research spans microbial ecology, biogeochemistry, and oceanography. Key areas include dark ocean carbon cycling, anaplerotic carbon fixation, hydrostatic pressure effects on microbial communities, and the interplay between prokaryotic gene expression and environmental stressors like UV radiation. His work also addresses microbial contributions to the biological pump and nutrient recycling in mesopelagic zones. Publication Trends Recent publications highlight metaproteomic analyses of dark ocean trophic interactions, sulfur cycling dynamics, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria in coastal systems. He has advanced methodologies for in situ pressure experiments and contributed to resolving paradoxes in carbon budget calculations through studies on heterotrophic autotrophy and microbial substrate utilization patterns. Projects and Activities BASS Project : Biochemical processes and air-sea exchange in the sea surface microlayer (active 2022–2025). Prokaryoten Project : Funded research on prokaryotic activity in the North Atlantic (2011–2016). Organized the 2024 Symposium on Microbial Oceanography and presented at the ECOTIP Photoexhibit (2024).
Dr. David R. Themens is an Associate Professor in Space Environment within the Space Environment and Radio Engineering (SERENE) group in the School of Engineering at the University of Birmingham. He specializes in modeling and mitigating the impacts of space weather on radio communications and navigation systems, with a particular focus on the ionosphere's effects on these technologies. Dr. Themens earned his academic credentials from Canadian institutions: BSc (Hons) in Physics from the University of New Brunswick (2011) MSc in Atmospheric and Oceanic Science from McGill University (2013) PhD in Physics from the University of New Brunswick (2018) His research primarily focuses on four interconnected areas: ionospheric modeling, ionospheric physics, measurement techniques, and radio propagation. Dr. Themens is particularly interested in the interaction between the ionosphere and the atmosphere, specifically how lower atmospheric forcing drives variability within the ionosphere and the interactions between the ionosphere and thermosphere. He is the principal developer of the Empirical Canadian High Arctic Ionospheric Model (E-CHAIM) , a high-latitude alternative to the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI) used for HF/UHF signal propagation modeling. His work includes exploring synergistic properties of different earth observation instruments, measurement technique development, data assimilation, and empirical modeling. Analysis of Dr. Themens' recent publication record reveals a strong emphasis on space weather phenomena, ionospheric modeling, and radio propagation. His work spans from fundamental ionospheric physics to practical applications in navigation and communication systems. Key themes include the development and validation of ionospheric models, analysis of space weather events (including the May 2024 geomagnetic superstorm), and the impact of solar phenomena on Earth's upper atmosphere. His research increasingly incorporates advanced data assimilation techniques and leverages multiple observational platforms including radar systems, GNSS networks, and satellite measurements. Dr. Themens holds significant leadership positions in the international space science community: Co-Chair of IAG-GGOS Joint Study Group on Understanding Ionospheric and Plasmaspheric Processes (2023-present) Chair of URSI Data Assimilation Working Group (2023-present) Co-Chair of IAGA Geospace Data Assimilation Working Group (2023-2027) URSI Commission G Early Career Representative (2023-2029) Chair of Canadian Association of Physicists Division of Atmospheric and Space Physics (2022-present) Dr. Themens actively mentors graduate students and is 'always looking for new Ph.D. students interested in the ionosphere, data assimilation, and radio propagation.' His research has been supported through contracts with Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) and various international collaborations. He leads the Canadian High Arctic Ionospheric Models (CHAIMs) project, which builds upon his doctoral work developing the E-CHAIM model. At the University of Birmingham, he teaches courses in Space System Engineering and Design, Space Mission Analysis and Design, and Space Environment.
Dr. Catherine Rychert is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geology and Geophysics at the University of Southampton, where she conducts cutting-edge research in seismology and marine geophysics. She is a member of both the Geology and Geophysics research group and the Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute, contributing significantly to our understanding of Earth's interior structure and dynamics through advanced seismic imaging techniques. Her research focuses on several key areas: Seismic imaging of lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary Subduction zone dynamics and slab structure Continental rifting processes Seafloor spreading mechanisms Mantle flow patterns and upwellings Development of novel seismic sensing technologies Dr. Rychert's recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate a strong focus on applying advanced seismic techniques across diverse tectonic settings including subduction zones (Lesser Antilles, Cascadia, Hikurangi), mid-ocean ridges (Mid-Atlantic Ridge), and continental rift systems (East African Rift). A notable trend is her increasing use of distributed acoustic sensing technology for both terrestrial and planetary applications, showing interdisciplinary reach beyond traditional Earth science. Dr. Rychert actively supervises PhD students, including William Arnold Buffett working on the INSPIRE project. She has secured significant research funding from diverse sources including the European Union (EURO-LAB project), National Geographic Society, and Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). Her collaborative network includes Dr. Nicholas Harmon and Professor Derek Keir, with whom she frequently publishes. Her research team conducts fieldwork and data analysis focused on understanding fundamental Earth structure and processes through innovative seismic methodologies, contributing to both theoretical understanding and practical applications in hazard assessment and resource exploration.
Sophie Nowicki is an Empire Innovation Professor at the University at Buffalo's RENEW Institute, Department of Earth Sciences within the College of Arts and Sciences. She serves as Director of the Center for Geological and Climate Hazards. Her research focuses on ice sheet and sea level dynamics, using a combination of applied mathematics, remote sensing observations, and numerical modeling to understand how ice sheets interact with the global climate system. Empire Innovation Professor, University at Buffalo Director, Center for Geological and Climate Hazards Member of UB RENEW Institute Department of Earth Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences Dr. Nowicki's research interests center on glaciology, ice-sheet modeling, climate modeling, and sea level change. She studies how ice sheets interact with the global climate system and affect sea level change using a spectrum of models from idealized to large-scale continental ice sheet models. Her work is integral to climate models that provide forcing for ice sheet models, particularly through the Ice Sheet Model Intercomparison Project for CMIP6 (ISMIP6). She teaches courses including Introduction to Computational Earth Science, Environmental Remote Sensing, and various graduate research courses. Her recent publications reveal a strong focus on Antarctic and Greenland ice sheet modeling, sea level rise projections, and the development of advanced modeling frameworks. The research spans from fundamental glaciological processes to large-scale climate impacts, with a particular emphasis on quantifying uncertainties in ice sheet contributions to sea level rise. Her work frequently appears in top journals including Nature, The Cryosphere, and Geophysical Research Letters, and she has made significant contributions to the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report. Empire Innovation Professor recognition Lead contributor to IPCC AR6 Working Group I Principal Investigator for ISMIP6 (Ice Sheet Model Intercomparison Project) Dr. Nowicki actively mentors graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, with current advisees working on various aspects of ice sheet dynamics and sea level change. Her research is supported by multiple grants from NASA, NSF, and other agencies focused on improving our understanding and projections of ice sheet behavior in a warming climate. She leads the development of critical tools like the Cryosphere Model Comparison Tool (CmCt) and has been instrumental in establishing community standards for ice sheet modeling. She is involved with several research groups and initiatives including the Ice Sheet & Sea Level Lab at UB, which focuses on understanding how ice sheets will evolve in a warming world and what this means for future sea levels. Her team combines observational data with sophisticated modeling approaches to address key questions about ice-ocean and ice-atmosphere interactions that drive ice sheet changes.