Prof. Dr. Barbara Kraus is the Chair of Quantum Algorithms and Applications at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), affiliated with the TUM School of Natural Sciences. She previously held academic positions at the University of Innsbruck, where she founded her research group in 2010. Education : Physics and Mathematics at the University of Innsbruck; Post-doctoral work at MPI for Quantum Optics and University of Geneva. Her research focuses on foundational problems in quantum information theory, particularly entanglement in multipartite systems, quantum simulation, and verification of quantum processors. She develops theoretical tools for quantum many-body systems and explores applications in quantum computing, emphasizing error characterization and experimental validation. Recent publications highlight advancements in Hamiltonian learning, symmetry-resolved entanglement detection, and multipartite state transformations. Her work bridges theoretical quantum physics with practical implementations, including Rydberg platforms and quantum metrology. Key Awards : START Prize (2010), Ignaz L. Lieben Award (2013), Boltzmann Prize (2011), Südtiroler Sparkasse Research Prize (2019). She supervises doctoral students and postdocs in quantum information theory, with a focus on stabilizer states, quantum networks, and entanglement measures. Her courses at TUM include Quantum Information , Quantum Algorithms , and workshops on entanglement manipulation.
Daniel Gottesman is the Brin Family Endowed Professor in Theoretical Computer Science at the University of Maryland, affiliated with the Department of Computer Science, Institute for Advanced Computer Studies (UMIACS), and the Joint Center for Quantum Information and Computer Science (QuICS). He holds a Ph.D. in Physics from Caltech (1997) and has held positions at institutions like the Perimeter Institute and Quantum Benchmark. His research focuses on quantum computing, quantum error correction, and fault-tolerant systems, with contributions to stabilizer codes and quantum teleportation-based gates. Education: Bachelor's in Physics, Harvard University (1992) Ph.D. in Physics, California Institute of Technology (1997) Research Interests: Quantum error correction and fault-tolerant architectures Quantum cryptography and secure communication protocols Quantum complexity theory and algorithm design Applications of stabilizer codes and topological quantum computing Scientific Awards: Fellow of the American Physical Society CIFAR Senior Fellow in Quantum Information Science Three U.S. Patents (e.g., quantum key distribution systems) Advising & Grants: Supervised over 30 students/postdocs and served on numerous thesis committees. Active in securing funding for quantum research through endowed professorships and industry partnerships (e.g., Quantum Benchmark). Labs/Teams: Member of QuICS and UMIACS, collaborating on quantum hardware-software integration and error correction challenges.
Assoc Prof Ng Teng Yong is an Associate Professor at the School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering (NTU), specializing in numerical modeling and simulation. With a background as Research Manager at A*STAR Institute of High Performance Computing, his work spans materials science, nanotechnology, and aerospace engineering. Current focus on graphene-based desalination membranes Expertise in molecular dynamics simulations Investigates nanoscale fluid mechanics and structural dynamics Recent publications highlight advancements in energy-efficient electrodialysis, smart robotics, and nonlinear vibration analysis. His interdisciplinary approach integrates computational methods with experimental validation in additive manufacturing and soft material mechanics.
Dr. Abdullah Bal is a researcher at Georgia State University's College of Arts & Sciences, Department of Computer Science, with over 25 years of academic experience. He holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Yildiz Technical University (2002) and has taught graduate and undergraduate courses in algorithms, machine learning, and optical pattern recognition. B.Sc., Electronics and Communication Engineering, Istanbul Technical University (1993) M.Sc., Electrical Engineering, Yildiz Technical University (1997) Ph.D., Electrical Engineering, Yildiz Technical University (2002) His research focuses on data science, machine learning, and hyperspectral imaging applications in fields ranging from forensic analysis to historical structure preservation. He has led projects funded by the U.S. Army Research Office and the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey, including real-time target detection systems and digital imaging for historical structures. Recent publications demonstrate his expertise in kernel-based transforms, ensemble learning, and hyperspectral data analysis. His work spans food safety inspection, infrared target tracking, and biometric verification systems. Faculty Outstanding Research Publication Award (2006) Turkish Air Force Academy Science Competition Winner (2009) Best Paper Award at ICFCT (2016) Previously, he chaired YTU's Informatics Department (2009-2016) and participated in academic governance through the Electrical and Electronics College Executive Committee (2012-2015). You can contact him at abal@gsu.edu in room 739, 25 Park Place.
T. S. Eugene Ng is a Professor of Computer Science and Electrical & Computer Engineering at Rice University. He holds appointments in both departments and chairs the CS Grad Committee. His research focuses on network architectures, optical networking, and machine learning applications in distributed systems. Education: B.S. in Computer Engineering (with distinction and magna cum laude), University of Washington M.S. and Ph.D. in Computer Science, Carnegie Mellon University Research Interests: Developing robust network infrastructure, optical circuit-switched systems, congestion control, and efficient machine learning frameworks. Current projects include BOLD (Big data and Optical Lightpaths Driven) networking, telemetry systems like Söze, and gradient compression techniques for distributed training. Awards: IEEE Fellow (2023) Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellow (2009) National Science Foundation CAREER Award (2005) IBM Faculty Award (2009) Kavli Fellow Professional Activities: Chair of the 2018 ACM SIGCOMM Distinguished Dissertation Award Committee, Associate Editor for IEEE Transactions on Big Data, and organizer of multiple networking conferences/workshops. Active in program committees for SIGCOMM, NSDI, and CoNEXT. Teaching: Courses include Introduction to Computer Networks, Advanced Computer Networks, and seminars in distributed computing and network systems.
Prof. Norbert Lütkenhaus is a Professor and Executive Director of the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) at the University of Waterloo, cross-appointed to the Department of Applied Mathematics. He holds affiliations with Perimeter Institute and the Centre for Applied Cryptographic Research. His research focuses on quantum communication theory, particularly quantum key distribution (QKD) and quantum repeaters. He has pioneered methods to bridge abstract quantum protocols with practical optical implementations, emphasizing secure key rate calculations and overcoming quantum channel limitations. Education: PhD (2003) in Physics from University Erlangen-Nürnberg, MSc (1993) and BSc (1990) from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München and RWTH Aachen, respectively. Awards include the 2015 American Physical Society Outstanding Referee Award and a 2009 University of Waterloo Excellence Award. Research interests span QKD protocols (e.g., decoy-state BB84, phase-error mitigation), quantum repeater architectures, and entanglement verification. He develops numerical tools for key rate analysis and addresses implementation security loopholes. His work includes theoretical frameworks for long-distance quantum communication and practical QKD system optimizations. Teaching includes courses on quantum information processing (PHYS 768/QIC 890) and mechanics (PHYS 115). He contributes to international standards via ETSI’s QKD-ISG and the QCrypt steering committee. His patents cover QKD system designs and phase-randomization techniques.
Elaine M. Huang is an Associate Professor of Human-Computer Interaction at the Department of Informatics, University of Zurich, where she has served since 2010. She also leads the People and Computing Lab, focusing on the dynamic interplay between human practices and technological advancements. Her academic background includes: PhD in Computer Science, Georgia Institute of Technology (2006) Dr. Huang's research centers on human-computer interaction, examining the bidirectional relationship between technology and human practices. She is particularly known for her work on gender equality in technology, challenging assumptions about innate gender differences and investigating how AI systems may perpetuate biases. Her research also spans sustainable interaction design, mental health technologies, and chronic disease management, always emphasizing empirical data over intuition. Analysis of her recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong trajectory toward socially impactful HCI, with significant focus on health technologies (diabetes management, mental health), cultural sensitivity in design, and the ethical challenges of AI. Her methodology often involves field studies to understand real-world technology use, countering the industry's reliance on intuition. As head of the People and Computing Lab, Dr. Huang oversees a research group dedicated to designing and evaluating technologies that address complex human needs. The lab's work frequently involves co-design with diverse user communities to ensure relevance and inclusivity in technological solutions.
Ambuj Varshney is an Assistant Professor at the National University of Singapore (NUS) School of Computing , leading the WEISER research group . His work bridges electronics, wireless communication, computer science, and AI with a focus on creating ultra-low-power embedded systems for sustainable IoT deployments. University of California, Berkeley: Postdoctoral Scholar (2020-2022) Uppsala University: PhD in Sustainable Networked Systems NXP Semiconductors: Software Engineer (prior to PhD) Bachelors in Information & Communication Technology Research interests center on overcoming wireless systems' energy asymmetry through tunnel diode oscillators , LiFi-RF hybrid networks , and battery-free communication architectures . His group develops STICORS —sticker-like computers for industrial and medical monitoring. Recent publications demonstrate AudioCast 's FM-band utilization for 130m transmission, TunnelSense 's vital monitoring, and PixelGen 's diffusion model cameras. These works combine IoT sustainability, spectrum efficiency, and hardware innovation . 2024: Google Research Scholar Award 2023: MobiSys Best Demonstration 2021: Berkeley FORM+FUND Fellowship 2019: ABB's $300K Research Award As an educator, he teaches CS4222 Wireless Networking and CS5272 Embedded Software Design . Past students include Wenqing Yan (NUS/UCB PhD), Qiao Yukai , and Kunjun Li . His team collaborates with Prabal Dutta (UCB), Christian Rohner (Uppsala), and Prateek Saxena (NUS).
Mark Wallace is a Professor of Chemistry at King's College London, affiliated with the Department of Chemistry and the Faculty of Natural, Mathematical & Engineering Sciences. He holds a Royal Society University Research Fellowship (2005–2016) and has been a lecturer at Oxford University before joining King's in 2016. His research focuses on membrane protein function and artificial membrane mimics, combining optical microscopy and nanotechnology. He earned a PhD from the University of Cambridge (2002) and postdoctoral training at Stanford University and the National Institute for Medical Research. Key research interests include membrane protein dynamics, lipid bilayer engineering, and single-molecule imaging. He has pioneered techniques like droplet interface bilayers and interferometric scattering microscopy. His work has led to patents and applications in molecular sensing and medical research. Awards include the 2002 Gregorio Weber Prize and the 2015 RSC Norman Heatley Award. He is actively involved in public outreach, including video podcasts and educational competitions. Recent publications emphasize artificial ion channels, nanoparticle formation monitoring, and mitochondrial protein dynamics. His lab collaborates with institutions like the London Centre for Nanotechnology and the Rosalind Franklin Institute. Over 30 students and researchers have been mentored, with active grants from EPSRC, Wellcome Trust, and BBSRC.
Professor Peter F. Driessen is a faculty member in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Victoria, with a cross-appointment in the School of Music. He holds a BSc and PhD from the University of Victoria and is a Professional Engineer (PEng). His research focuses on communication systems, signal processing, control, and interdisciplinary projects in computer music and wireless technologies. Key areas include audio/video signal processing, radio propagation, sound recording, and multimedia systems. He leads the University of Victoria Propagation Laboratory, which explores radio wave propagation and Amateur radio integration with engineering education. His work spans theoretical research and applied projects like ECOSat satellite systems, software-defined radio (SDR), and innovative musical instruments such as the Radio Drum. He supervises undergraduate and graduate projects in these domains through ELEC 499 courses. Notable contributions include the APEGBC Editorial Board Award for Best Paper (2002) and patents in wireless networking and signal processing. His teaching includes courses in signal analysis and electromagnetics, and he collaborates on interdisciplinary programs like the Music/Computer Science degree. Education: BSc in Electrical Engineering, University of Victoria PhD in Electrical Engineering, University of Victoria Research Interests: Audio and video signal processing for music and media Software-defined radio and Amateur radio technologies Satellite communication and ground station development Gesture-based interfaces and musical instrument design Error mitigation in streaming audio/video Optical and microwave-photonic systems Labs & Collaborations: Propagation Laboratory (radio wave research) UVic Experimental Radio Group (Amateur radio club) UVic Satellite Design Team (ECOSat projects) UVic Centre for Aerospace Research Grants & Awards: APEGBC Editorial Board Award (2002) Multiple US patents in wireless systems and signal processing
David Melcher is Professor of Psychology and Program Head in Psychology at New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), where he also serves as a Global Network Professor. He is affiliated with the Division of Science and leads the Perception and Active Cognition Lab, focusing on the integration of perception, attention, memory, and action within a cognitive neuroscience framework. PhD in Psychology and Cognitive Science, Rutgers University (2001) Former researcher and professor in Italy and the UK Current leadership: Program Head, Psychology, NYUAD David Melcher's research centers on cognitive neuroscience , particularly how perception, attention, working memory, eye movements, and self-motion interact to shape cognition and behavior. His lab emphasizes active cognition —the idea that perception is not passive but dynamically shaped by action, context, and goals. He investigates how temporal dynamics in neural processing organize perceptual experiences and guide decision-making. His work spans both healthy and clinical populations, exploring individual differences in spatial and temporal processing across the lifespan. The 15 most recent publications reflect a consistent focus on temporal organization in cognition , perception-action coupling , and neural mechanisms of attention and memory . Keywords across these works include cognitive neuroscience, perception, and neuroimaging, with subfields ranging from eye movement research and neural synchrony to computational modeling and clinical neuropsychology. Collectively, they demonstrate a trajectory toward integrative models of brain function that bridge behavioral, neuroimaging, and computational approaches. Among his notable recognitions is the Distinguished Scientific Award for Early Career Contribution to Psychology from the American Psychological Association (2011), highlighting the early impact of his work in cognitive neuroscience. Distinguished Scientific Award for Early Career Contribution to Psychology, APA (2011) David Melcher has advised numerous students through capstone projects in psychology and computer science, fostering interdisciplinary research at the intersection of cognitive science and technology. His research has been generously supported by major funding agencies including the European Research Council , the US National Institutes of Health , the Italian Ministry of Research and Education , and the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Expert Affairs . He also contributes to the academic community as a member of the editorial boards of Journal of Vision , Psychonomic Bulletin & Review , Perception , and iPerception . He leads the Perception and Active Cognition Lab at NYUAD, which employs a multidisciplinary approach combining behavioral experiments, neuroimaging (fMRI, EEG, MEG), eye-tracking, computational modeling, and clinical assessments. The lab’s research aims to understand how the brain constructs stable percepts from dynamic sensory input, particularly during active engagement with the environment.
Qing Li is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), part of the College of Engineering. He holds a B.E. in Electronics Engineering from Tsinghua University (2006) and a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology (2013). Prior to CMU, he worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), where he developed quantum frequency conversion and microresonator-based optical systems. His research focuses on light-matter interactions in integrated photonics, emphasizing nonlinear optics and quantum information processing. He has pioneered silicon carbide and aluminum nitride platforms for chip-scale quantum technologies and optical metrology. Dr. Li has been recognized with prestigious awards including the Darpa Young Faculty Award (2019), OSA Paul F. Forman Team Engineering Excellence Award (2020), and Sigma Xi Best Ph.D. Thesis Award (Georgia Tech). His work bridges classical and quantum information systems, with applications in secure communication, atomic systems interrogation, and high-precision frequency synthesis. He actively contributes to the Pittsburgh Quantum Institute (PQI), advancing regional quantum engineering initiatives. His research group’s key projects include developing compact optical frequency synthesizers, soliton microcombs for communication grids, and entangled photon pair sources for quantum networks. Grants and collaborations support his exploration of novel photonic materials and devices, targeting advancements in both fundamental science and applied technologies.
Professor Hala Zreiqat AM is a leading biomedical engineer at The University of Sydney , serving as the Director of the ARC Training Centre for Innovative BioEngineering . A Fellow of all major Australian academies (AAS, ATSE, FAHMS, FRSN), she develops 3D printed bioceramics for bone regeneration while championing diversity through initiatives like the IDEAL Society and BIOTech Futures mentorship program. Her work bridges academia, clinical practice, and industry in musculoskeletal research . Research Focus: Her lab creates synthetic bone scaffolds that mimic natural bone architecture, strength, and porosity, enabling non-rejected bone regeneration via patient-matched implants. Key applications include orthopaedic, dental, and maxillofacial repair , with over $18M in competitive funding and multiple patents. Current projects explore AI-driven scaffold performance prediction and anti-senescence strategies for aging-related bone loss. Scientific Trends: Recent publications highlight 3D printed nanovoxelated ceramics , antisenescence biomaterials , and multifunctional theranostic platforms . Her team integrates machine learning for scaffold design, atom probe tomography for interface analysis, and two-photon imaging for cellular monitoring in 3D environments. 2021-2022 Fulbright Senior Scholar 2018 NSW Premier's Woman of the Year 2019 Eureka Prize for Innovative Use of Technology Fellow of Australian Academy of Science (2021) Over $18M in research funding Teaching & Leadership: She designed core courses like Tissue Engineering and Nanomaterials in Medicine , mentoring 158 students in 2020 alone. As Chair of CAAR (2020-2023), she strengthens Australia-Arab collaborations. Her lab trains early-career researchers , with alumni now in academia and industry.
Andrea C. Ferrari is a Professor of Nanotechnology at the Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, UK. He holds multiple leadership roles, including Director of the Cambridge Graphene Centre and EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Graphene Technology, and serves as Science and Technology Officer for the EU Graphene Flagship. Education: PhD, University of Cambridge (2001) Laurea in Nuclear Engineering, Politecnico di Milano (1997) Ferrari’s research focuses on graphene, 2D materials, and their applications in nanotechnology, photonics, optoelectronics, and Raman spectroscopy. His work bridges fundamental studies and industrial translation, emphasizing scalable synthesis and characterization techniques. His publications span over 390 peer-reviewed articles, including groundbreaking studies on graphene photonics, quantum emitters, and advanced optoelectronic devices. These works are highly cited, with an H-index of 115 and over 116,000 total citations. Scientific Awards: IMR-Lee Hsun Lecture Award (2018) Nanosmat Award (2017) Knight Officer of the Order of the Star of Italy (2017) ERC Synergy Grant (2013) EU-40 Materials Prize (2011) Royal Society Wolfson Research Merit Award (2010) ERC Starting Grant (2008) Philip Leverhulme Prize (2005) Ferrari has secured over £60M in research funding, including leadership roles in the EU Graphene Flagship and the EU Quantum Technology Flagship. He is a Fellow of the Optical Society, Materials Research Society, Institute of Physics, and American Physical Society.
Nori Franco serves as Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Michigan and Chief Scientist at RIKEN's Theoretical Quantum Physics Laboratory in Japan. His dual appointments reflect his significant contributions to both American and Japanese academic communities, with continuous service at Michigan since 1990 and at RIKEN since 2002. His research spans quantum information, condensed matter physics, and quantum optics, with particular focus on light-matter interactions, superconducting qubits, optomechanics, and quantum open systems. Franco's work bridges theoretical foundations with experimental implementations, especially in circuit quantum electrodynamics and quantum computing applications. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on non-Hermitian quantum systems, quantum control techniques, and applications of quantum information science to fundamental physics problems. His research group consistently produces highly cited work, with publications appearing in top journals across quantum physics and condensed matter disciplines. Scientific Awards: Charles Hard Townes Medal (2024) - sole recipient for fundamental contributions to quantum optics and quantum information processing Research Doctorate Honoris Causa from University of Messina (2024) Highly Cited Researcher for eight consecutive years (2017-2024) Member of Academia Europaea (2023) Willis E. Lamb Medal (2023) for quantum electronics research Throughout his career, Franco has secured significant research funding and mentored numerous students and postdoctoral researchers. His work has received international recognition through invitations to deliver prestigious lectures including the Stanislav Ulam Lecture and Sir Nevill Mott Lecture in 2024. His research group maintains strong collaborations across multiple continents, reflecting his global impact on quantum physics. At RIKEN, Franco leads the Quantum Information Physics Theory Research Team within the Quantum Computing Center, directing cutting-edge theoretical work that complements experimental efforts in quantum computing hardware development.
