Find Academic Supervisors

J. Tyler MeffordView profile

Assistant Professor

• Electrochemical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Renewable Energy
• +4 more

J. Tyler Mefford is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of California, Santa Barbara , where he leads the Mefford Group. His research focuses on electrochemical engineering, materials science, and renewable energy technologies. Education : BS in Chemistry from Stanford University (2012), PhD in Chemistry from the University of Texas at Austin (2016). The Mefford Group develops redox-active polymers and inorganic electrode materials for applications in electrochemical energy conversion , storage , and chemical separations . Their work integrates material design , operando spectroscopy , microscopy , and computational modeling to study charge transfer at electrified interfaces. Recent publications highlight advancements in aqueous battery technology , bifunctional electrocatalysis , and mixed-conducting polymer electrodes . The group emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches and diversity in research environments. Scientific Awards : 2020 Best In-situ and Operando Characterization Presentation Award, MRS 2016 Excellence in Renewable & Clean Energy Research Award, UT Energy Institute 2016 Nano Portfolio Presentation Award, University of Texas at Austin

Ian D. SharpView profile

Professor

• Semiconductors
• Catalysis
• Renewable Energy
• +3 more

Prof. Ian D. Sharp is a Professor and Head of the Functional Semiconductors and Catalysts Group at the Walter Schottky Institute, Technical University of Munich (TUM). His research focuses on synthesizing and characterizing semiconductors and catalysts for renewable energy applications, particularly solar fuel production and photocatalytic systems. He leads a multidisciplinary team investigating material interfaces, charge carrier dynamics, and advanced deposition techniques like atomic layer deposition (ALD) and molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). Research Interests: His work centers on developing materials for efficient photochemical conversion, including nitride/oxynitride thin films, nanostructured catalysts, and heterostructured materials. Key areas include optimizing semiconductor interfaces for water splitting, enhancing charge collection efficiency, and studying defect properties using advanced spectroscopic and microscopic tools. Publications: Recent work emphasizes stable photoelectrodes, chiral perovskite heterostructures, and functional nanoarchitectures. His group's contributions span energy materials, nanotechnology, and sustainable chemistry, with a focus on bridging fundamental science and practical applications. Awards: ERC Consolidator Grant (2019) Grants: Active funding for solar fuels research and materials engineering. Advising: Mentors ~20 PhD and Master's students in experimental and theoretical projects. Labs/Teams: Oversees state-of-the-art facilities for thin film deposition, characterization (e.g., in situ spectroscopy), and nanofabrication. Collaborates with institutions like EPFL, National Taiwan University, and Lawrence Berkeley National Lab.

Drew HigginsView profile

Associate Professor

• Electrocatalysis
• CO2 Reduction and Conversion
• Fuel Cell Technology
• +5 more

Drew Higgins serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering at McMaster University. His research profile demonstrates extensive scholarly activity with numerous publications spanning electrocatalysis, CO 2 conversion technologies, and energy storage systems. Higgins leads research initiatives focused on converting carbon emissions to usable fuels and has secured significant funding, including McMaster's $4.2M award for critical minerals research. His research interests center on electrocatalysis for sustainable energy technologies, with particular emphasis on CO 2 reduction, nanoscale catalyst development, and advanced characterization techniques. Higgins' work bridges fundamental electrochemical principles with practical applications for addressing climate change through carbon capture and utilization. His research group employs sophisticated in situ characterization methods including X-ray spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy to understand catalyst behavior under operating conditions. The publication trends reveal a strong focus on electrochemical CO 2 conversion, with recent work exploring tandem catalysis systems, membrane electrode assemblies, and catalyst reconstruction phenomena. His research spans both fundamental catalyst design and practical engineering applications for energy conversion systems. Higgins has made significant contributions to understanding the atomic-scale mechanisms behind electrocatalytic processes, particularly for carbon dioxide reduction and nitrogen cycle electrochemistry. Higgins teaches core chemical engineering courses including Electrochemistry and Electrochemical Engineering (CHEMENG 4EC3/6EC3) and Chemical Engineering Principles I (CHEMENG 2D04). His scholarly impact is evident through extensive citation metrics, with multiple publications picked up by news outlets, referenced in patents, and widely read across academic platforms like Mendeley.

Oleg ShpyrkoView profile

Professor

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Materials Science
• X-ray Scattering Techniques
• +5 more

Oleg Shpyrko is a Professor and Department Chair in the Department of Physics at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). He leads a research group focused on nanoscale structural dynamics using advanced x-ray scattering techniques. His work bridges hard and soft condensed matter systems, including magnetic materials, energy storage materials, and biophotonic nanostructures. Shpyrko earned his Ph.D. in Physics from Harvard University in 2004. His research leverages national facilities like the Advanced Photon Source (APS) and Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS). Key areas include coherent x-ray imaging, domain dynamics in magnetic systems, and operando studies of battery materials. His research interests span: Coherent X-ray Scattering and Imaging Magnetic Domain Dynamics Nanostructured Materials Energy Storage (battery cathodes) Biophotonic Structures Phase Transitions Notable achievements include pioneering X-ray Photon Correlation Spectroscopy (XPCS) for antiferromagnetic domain studies and revealing dislocation dynamics in battery materials. His work has been featured in Nature , Science , and Physical Review Letters . Shpyrko has mentored over 15 graduate students and postdocs, many of whom have become faculty at top institutions. Awards include the NSF CAREER Award (2010), Hellman Fellowship (2009), and the Rosalind Franklin Young Investigator Award (2008). His group operates facilities including Dynamic Light Scattering labs, AFM/EFM microscopes, and collaborates with synchrotron and neutron sources globally.

Frederic MeunierView profile

Researcher

• Heterogeneous Catalysis
• Operando FT-IR Spectroscopy
• Syngas Chemistry
• +3 more

Frederic Meunier is a CNRS researcher based at IRCELYON (Institute of Chemistry of Lyon), part of the University of Lyon. He holds a European PhD in Physical Chemistry from the Universities of Strasbourg (France) and Limerick (Ireland), and a Habilitation to Direct Research from the University of Caen (France). His research focuses on heterogeneous catalysis, with expertise in operando FT-IR spectroscopy and reaction mechanisms, particularly in syngas chemistry and CO₂ conversion. He leads the ATARI team (Integrated thermodynamic, analytical, and reactional approaches) and has published over 100 papers (H-factor 35) and holds two worldwide patents. Key research interests include catalytic materials for environmental applications, such as CO₂ capture/methanation, water treatment, and sustainable chemistry. He has supervised 16 PhD theses and is an editorial board member of Catalysis Today and Applied Catalysis B: Environmental . In 2009, he received the Catalytic Division Award from the French Chemical Society. His work also explores microwave-assisted catalysis, nanomaterial synthesis, and advanced oxidation processes for pollutant remediation. Collaborative projects include studies on biochar-based materials, microwave-enhanced reactions, and catalyst stability under industrial conditions.

• Biophysics
• Soft Matter Physics
• Biosensors
• +3 more

Patrick Wagner is a full professor at the Catholic University of Leuven (KU Leuven), affiliated with the Faculty of Sciences and the Department of Physics of Soft Matter and Biophysics. His research focuses on biosensors, soft matter physics, and nanotechnology, often intersecting with biomedical and environmental applications. Head of the Department of Physics of Soft Matter and Biophysics Member of Leuven One Health and LIMNI institutes Active in interdisciplinary projects involving sensor development and biophysical systems His current projects include PFAS contamination monitoring, thermally responsive biosensors, and advanced electrode systems for lab-on-chip integration. While no explicit awards or students are listed in the provided text, his publications highlight collaborations across Europe and involvement in clinical, environmental, and materials science domains. Recent works emphasize electrochemical sensing, molecular imprinting, and temperature-driven cell adhesion techniques.

Jingyi ChenView profile

Professor

• Physical Chemistry
• Nanoscience
• Materials Chemistry
• +5 more

Jingyi Chen is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Arkansas. She serves as Vice Chair in the College of Arts & Sciences and leads the Chen Research Group focused on rational design and synthesis of functional nanomaterials for energy conversion and human-health applications. PhD, Chemistry & Nanotechnology – University of Washington (2006) MA, Chemistry – State University of New York College at Buffalo (2002) BS, Chemistry – Sun Yat-sen University (1997) Her research spans three major projects: Project I: Developing cost-effective catalysts for fuel cell applications through precise synthesis of copper-based bimetallic nanocrystals. Project II: Surface modification of nanoparticles with polydopamine for bio-related applications like low-friction coatings. Project III: Creating nanoplatforms for targeted drug delivery against antibiotic-resistant infections and cancer. Recent publications focus on nickel phosphide nanoparticles (2024), perovskite oxide oxygen evolution catalysts (2023-2024), and silver nanoparticle antimicrobial mechanisms (2020-2023). Her group has produced 15+ recent publications in journals like ACS Nano , J. Phys. Chem. C , and ACS Infectious Diseases . Award highlights include: Thomson Reuters Top 1% Highly Cited Researcher (2015-2018) Arkansas Research Alliance Fellow (2018) Women’s Giving Circle Award (2014) Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award (2011) She has mentored over 20 graduate and undergraduate students , including Ryan Manso (PhD 2022), Isabelle Niyonshuti (PhD 2021), and David Thompson (DOE SCGSR awardee 2022). Her lab (CHBC 304/306/309) employs advanced tools like synthesis setups , electrochemical stations , and laser irradiation systems .

Andrea PickelView profile

Assistant Professor

• Nanoscale Heat Transfer
• Luminescence Nanothermometry
• Super-Resolution Imaging
• +7 more

Andrea Pickel is an Assistant Professor at the University of Rochester, holding joint appointments in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, and the Institute of Optics, while also serving as a Scientist at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE). She received her PhD in Mechanical Engineering from UC Berkeley (2019) and a BS from Carnegie Mellon University (2014). Her research focuses on nanoscale heat transfer, leveraging luminescent materials and super-resolution imaging to address challenges in thermal management, catalysis, and energy systems. Education: PhD, Mechanical Engineering, UC Berkeley, 2019 BS, Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 2014 Research interests include luminescence nanothermometry, single-nanoparticle imaging, and high-temperature thermal metrology. Her work integrates experimental methods like stimulated emission depletion (STED) imaging and operando spectroscopy to advance understanding of energy transport at the nanoscale. Notable awards include the NSF CAREER Award (2022), ACS PRF Doctoral New Investigator Award (2020), and Furth Fund Award (2021). She was also named a Scialog Fellow in 2024. Advancing thermal measurement techniques, her group collaborates across disciplines to tackle applications in carbon capture, battery technology, and plasmonic photocatalysis. Current projects emphasize developing dual-mode sensing tools for real-time thermal and chemical monitoring. Labs/Teams: Active at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) and leads the Pickel Research Group in the Department of Mechanical Engineering.

• Surface Science
• Heterogeneous Catalysis
• CO2 Valorization
• +5 more

Dr. Laurent Piccolo is a permanent senior researcher (DR CNRS) at the Institute on Catalysis and Environment of Lyon (IRCELYON) , France, since 2022. He specializes in surface science and heterogeneous catalysis , with a focus on CO2 valorization , single-atom catalysis , and hydrogenation reactions . His work bridges fundamental studies of metal-support interactions and applied catalyst design for energy transition. Habilitation à diriger des recherches (University of Lyon, 2007) PhD in Materials Science (Aix-Marseille University, 1999) Master in Materials Science/Surfaces and Interfaces (Aix-Marseille University, 1996) Research Interests: His work investigates metal ultradispersion and single-atom catalysis for reactions like CO2 hydrogenation and CO oxidation. He explores how ceria , MXenes , and intermetallic compounds influence catalytic activity and stability, particularly under hydrogenation and oxidative environments . Scientific Contributions: He leads the ANR ISAC project (2022-2025) on single-atom catalysts and co-leads ANR DuCaCO2 (2021-2025) for CO2 capture and conversion . His 100+ peer-reviewed articles (4300+ citations, H-index 40) cover nanoparticle synthesis , operando characterization , and catalyst degradation mechanisms . Expertise: He employs ultrahigh vacuum techniques , surface analysis (XPS, STM, FTIR), and bulk characterization (XRD, TEM, XAS) to study catalysts. His skills include GCxGC-MS for product analysis and DFT modeling of reaction pathways. Awards & Recognition: ANR project leadership 4300+ citations 3 book chapters 260+ conference communications

• Physical Chemistry
• X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy
• Molecular Dynamics Simulations
• +7 more

Paola D'Angelo is a Full Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Rome Sapienza. Her research focuses on advanced spectroscopic techniques (X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy, UV-Vis), molecular dynamics simulations, coordination/solution chemistry, and energy storage materials. She leads projects on ionic liquids, deep eutectic solvents, and catalytic systems. She serves as Secretary/Treasurer of the International XAFS Society, member of SILS, and Associate Editor of Radiation Physics and Chemistry . Awards include the 2003 International XAFS Scientist Award and Federchimica's PhD Thesis prize. Her 150+ publications address topics like battery electrolytes, MOF reactivity, and solvent engineering. Roles: Full Professor, Junior Research Fellow (Scuola Superiore Sapienza) Affiliations: Elettra Synchrotron Facility Review Committee, C11 ESRF Review Committee Key Projects: Si-DRIVE (2019-2022), DES for energy storage Research highlights include structural studies of eutectic solvents, solvation dynamics in ionic liquids, and operando XAS investigations of catalytic reactions. Her work bridges fundamental chemistry with applications in energy storage and environmental technology.

Michael De VolderView profile

Professor

• Energy Storage Systems
• Nanotechnology
• Battery Materials Engineering
• +2 more

Professor Michael De Volder is a Fellow and College Lecturer at St John's College, University of Cambridge, holding the position of Professor of Advanced Materials Engineering in the Department of Engineering. His research focuses on energy storage solutions, nanotechnology, and scalable manufacturing methods for sustainable battery technologies. Belgian Royal Academy Laureate Co-founder of Echion Technologies (niobium-based anode materials) Expert in Li-ion/Zn-ion battery innovation Research activities center on improving battery sustainability through novel synthesis techniques, extending battery lifetime via structural optimization, and developing high-energy-density materials. His work spans nanoscale engineering, electrode design, and fundamental electrochemical investigations. Scientific publications from 2022-2025 demonstrate expertise in: Li-ion/Zn-ion battery systems, nanotube integration, electrode manufacturing, and degradation analysis. Recent work explores mechanochromic displays, dual-gradient electrodes, and aqueous-organic electrolyte formulations. Belgian Royal Academy Laureate Co-founder of battery technology startup Echion Technologies

Marta Costa FigueiredoView profile

Assistant Professor

• Electrocatalysis
• Carbon Dioxide Reduction
• Sustainable Chemical Processes
• +3 more

Marta Costa Figueiredo is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), specializing in electrocatalysis and electrochemical synthesis for sustainable processes. Her research focuses on converting CO₂ and biomass into high-value chemicals like fuels and organic molecules. She holds a MSc from University of Porto and completed her PhD at the University of Barcelona in 2012, followed by postdoctoral positions at Aalto University, Leiden University, and University of Copenhagen. She joined TU/e in 2019 after industry experience at Avantium. Research Interests: Her work addresses challenges in CO₂ electroreduction, catalyst design (e.g., Cu-based bimetallic systems), and scaling-up electrochemical processes for industrial applications. Key topics include formate production via In₂O₃ doping, lignin-based electrode functionalization, and superparamagnetic ferrite electrolyzers. Her group emphasizes understanding reaction mechanisms at electrochemical interfaces and improving catalyst stability under practical conditions. Awards: ISE Travel Award for Young Electrochemists (2015) Advising & Grants: Supervises 18 students and contributes to courses on electrochemical energy storage and inorganic chemistry. Her work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals 7 (Affordable Energy) and 13 (Climate Action). Labs/Teams: Leads research in TU/e's Inorganic Materials Chemistry group and collaborates with industry partners like Avantium. Active in interdisciplinary teams focusing on electrochemical CO₂ conversion and green chemical synthesis.

• Catalysis
• Environmental Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• +3 more

Louise Olsson is a Professor and Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering at Chalmers University of Technology. Her research focuses on catalysis for emission control and alternative fuel production, combining experimental and kinetic modeling approaches. She leads a research group affiliated with the Competence Center for Catalysis (KCK), integrating basic and applied projects with industry partners. Her work spans catalyst design for exhaust gas purification, biofuel production via lignin valorization, and sustainable chemical processes. Notable research areas include sulfur poisoning mechanisms, NOx reduction catalysts, and kinetic modeling of catalytic systems. Over 230 publications highlight her contributions to catalysis, with recent studies exploring novel catalysts for expanded temperature ranges and bio-oil upgrading. Louise’s research emphasizes bridging fundamental science with industrial applications, addressing challenges in renewable energy and emission reduction. Her group’s collaborations with industry ensure practical impact, while their kinetic models provide insights into catalyst behavior under varying conditions.

Natalie WheelerView profile

Professor

• Optical Fibers
• Photonics
• Gas Sensing
• +3 more

Professor Natalie Wheeler is a Professorial Fellow-Research at the University of Southampton, affiliated with the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC). Her research focuses on advanced optical fiber technologies, particularly hollow-core fibers and their applications in photonics, gas sensing, and mid-infrared light transmission. She leads or co-leads multiple projects funded by the Royal Society and EPSRC, including initiatives like FASTNET and EVacuAted Optical Fibres. Key research projects include developing low-loss hollow-core photonic crystal fibers for mid-IR applications and exploring gas-induced optical properties in fibers. Her work integrates laser machining, gas dynamics modeling, and distributed sensing techniques. Recent publications highlight breakthroughs in gas-filled fiber fabrication, pressure dynamics, and Raman spectroscopy probes. Education: Details not explicitly stated in provided texts. Affiliations: Member of Hollow Core Fibre, Gas Photonics, Fibres and Communications, and Advanced Fibre Applications research groups. Publications span journals like Optics Express , ACS Photonics , and Journal of Lightwave Technology , emphasizing fiber design, gas dynamics, and optical transmission. Current grants include EPSRC funding for next-generation optical networks and UV-to-infrared fiber systems. Her work bridges fundamental fiber physics and practical applications in sensing, communications, and biomedical imaging, with a focus on hollow-core fiber innovations.

• Nanophotonics
• Infrared Spectroscopy
• Metamaterials
• +4 more

Prof. Dr. Thomas Taubner serves as a Professor at the Institute of Physics within the Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences at RWTH Aachen University. He leads the IR Nano-Optics and Metamaterials research group, operating from Campus Melaten (Physics Building 26, Room A 104). His team focuses on cutting-edge nanophotonic technologies with applications in infrared optics and reconfigurable optical systems. Taubner's research spans nanophotonics, infrared spectroscopy, metamaterials, and phase-change materials, with particular expertise in plasmonic phase-change materials like In 3 SbTe 2 . His group pioneers techniques for dynamic control of light at the nanoscale through near-field microscopy, beam steering, and thermal emission manipulation. Key areas include 2D material characterization, phonon polariton engineering, and ultrafast optical phenomena in semiconductor heterostructures. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a dominant focus on programmable infrared nanophotonics using plasmonic phase-change materials. His work consistently demonstrates reconfigurable optical devices through direct laser writing, geometric phase metasurfaces, and real-space imaging of confined electromagnetic waves. The research shows strong interdisciplinary connections between condensed matter physics, materials science, and optical engineering, with practical applications in thermal management, sensing, and next-generation optical computing. Prof. Taubner actively supervises doctoral and master's students, regularly advertising thesis positions and doctoral openings through his research group. His team maintains advanced laboratory facilities for nanofabrication, near-field optical characterization, and ultrafast spectroscopy, supporting both fundamental research and technology development in infrared nanooptics.