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John NeesView profile

Academic

• High-field laser–plasma interactions
• Relativistic plasma physics
• Attosecond pulse generation from solids
• +6 more

John Nees is a Research Scientist in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Michigan’s College of Engineering, stationed in the High Field Science group. He can be reached at nees@eecs.umich.edu . Research Focus: Mr. Nees pioneers the application of petawatt-class ultra-intense lasers to drive matter into relativistic regimes. His investigations span solid-density laser interactions, attosecond electron bunch generation, novel x-ray sources for medical imaging, laser isotope separation, and fundamental studies of radiation back-reaction in extreme fields. Key techniques include laser wakefield acceleration, femtosecond microscopy, and high-repetition-rate plasma diagnostics. Scientific Awards: Outstanding Investigator of the Year Award, University of Michigan College of Engineering (2006) Fellow of The Optical Society (OSA) (2017) Kenneth M. Reese Outstanding Research Scientist Award, University of Michigan College of Engineering (2020) Publications Trend: Over the last five years, Mr. Nees has co-authored more than 25 peer-reviewed articles centered on three converging themes: (1) design and commissioning of the ZEUS zettawatt-equivalent laser facility, (2) advanced diagnostics and machine-learning control of petawatt-class beams, and (3) applications of laser-driven plasma accelerators for ultrafast x-ray/gamma-ray imaging and neutron generation. These works collectively push the frontiers of high-field science toward the quantum-electrodynamics regime. Teaching & Facilities: Mr. Nees has taught the senior/graduate course "Advanced Lasers and Optics (EECS 438)" for multiple years and leads experimental campaigns on the HERCULES 300-TW and ZEUS lasers housed in the University of Michigan’s Center for Ultrafast Optical Science.

• Photonic Crystals
• Metamaterials
• Quantum Optics
• +3 more

Nathalie Fabre is an Assistant Professor at Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, affiliated with the Laboratoire de Physique des Lasers (LPL, UMR 7538). She works in the Department of Electronics and Physics, focusing on advanced photonics and quantum optics research. Her office is located at 99, av. Jean-Baptiste Clément, 93430 Villetaneuse, France, with contact email nathalie.fabre@univ-paris13.fr. Dr. Fabre completed her doctoral studies at the University of Science and Technology of Lille in 2008 with a thesis titled "Left-hand materials and photonic crystals for optics: a dielectric approach," establishing her expertise in photonic crystal research and metamaterials. Her research focuses on photonic crystals, metamaterials, and quantum optics phenomena . Specifically, she investigates negative refraction effects, Casimir-Polder interactions, and applications of photonic crystal structures for optical devices. Her work bridges fundamental quantum phenomena with practical applications in nanophotonics and atomic physics. Dr. Fabre's experimental approach combines advanced nanofabrication techniques with precision optical measurements to explore light-matter interactions at the nanoscale. Analysis of her publication record from 2006-2024 reveals a consistent research trajectory in photonic crystal physics, with increasing focus on quantum atom-optical phenomena in recent years. Her early work concentrated on photonic crystal flat lenses and negative refraction, while her more recent publications explore Casimir-Polder interactions and quantum descriptions of atomic diffraction. This evolution demonstrates a natural progression from classical photonics to quantum optical phenomena, maintaining a strong connection to photonic crystal technology throughout. Dr. Fabre is an active member of the scientific community, with numerous publications in high-impact journals including Physical Review Letters, Physical Review Research, and Optics Express. Her collaborative work spans multiple institutions across France and internationally, including partnerships with Leibniz University Hannover and Nanyang Technological University. At the Laboratoire de Physique des Lasers, Dr. Fabre contributes to research in the "Atoms at interfaces" (OIA) and "Quantum gases" teams, working with advanced experimental setups including magneto-optical traps and near-field microscopy systems. Her laboratory work involves sophisticated nanofabrication techniques such as electron beam lithography and plasma etching to create the photonic crystal structures central to her research.

Krishna Talluru MuraliView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Turbulence
• Aerodynamics
• Experimental Fluid Dynamics
• +2 more

Dr. Krishna Talluru Murali is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Engineering & Technology , University of New South Wales (UNSW) Canberra. His research focuses on turbulence, aerodynamics, and experimental fluid dynamics, particularly in fluid-structure interactions across low-speed to hypersonic regimes. He holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Melbourne (2014) and a Bachelors with Honours from IIT Delhi (2007). Education PhD in Mechanical Engineering, University of Melbourne, Australia (2014) Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering with Honours, IIT Delhi, India (2007) Dr. Talluru's research explores compressible wake flows, fluid-structure interactions, and experimental wind tunnel techniques. His work spans subsonic, supersonic, and hypersonic flow regimes, with applications in aerospace engineering and environmental fluid dynamics. Recent publications focus on hypersonic fluid-structure interactions (2024), shock-wave boundary-layer dynamics (2023-2022), natural convection (2020), and turbulence scaling (2018). Key keywords include Aerospace Engineering , Fluid Mechanics , and Flow Visualization . Scientific Awards 2024 Windows on Science Fellowship (US AFOSR) 2023 Best Paper Award (AIAA Space Planes Conference) 2023 Associate Fellow, Higher Education Academy 2022 Best Paper Award (AIAA SciTech Forum) Dr. Talluru supervises PhD students in hypersonic flow modeling, natural convection studies, and shock-boundary layer interactions. He has secured major grants from US AFOSR (AUD 970,000) and Australian institutions for fluid-thermal-structural research. Teaching includes courses like Thermofluids (ZEIT2500), Aerodynamics (ZEIT3503), and Applied Thermodynamics (ZEIT3507).

• Ophthalmology
• Vitreoretinal Diseases & Surgery
• Optical Coherence Tomography
• +5 more

Cynthia Ann Toth is the Joseph A.C. Wadsworth Distinguished Professor of Ophthalmology at Duke University, with additional appointments as Professor of Ophthalmology and Professor of Biomedical Engineering. Her extensive career has positioned her as a leading authority in vitreoretinal diseases and surgery, particularly in the development and application of optical coherence tomography (OCT) technologies for both adult and pediatric patients. She has made significant contributions to retinal imaging, with a special focus on retinopathy of prematurity and age-related macular degeneration. Joseph A.C. Wadsworth Distinguished Professor of Ophthalmology Professor of Biomedical Engineering Specialist in Vitreoretinal Diseases & Surgery Director of advanced imaging research programs Dr. Toth received her M.D. from Drexel University in 1983, followed by ophthalmology training at Geisinger Medical Center (1984-1987) and the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine (1989-1991). Her educational background provided the foundation for her pioneering work in retinal imaging technologies. Dr. Toth's research primarily focuses on advancing optical coherence tomography for clinical and surgical applications. Her work spans several critical areas including: development of handheld OCT devices for infant and pediatric imaging; intraoperative OCT for vitreoretinal surgery; OCT angiography for microvascular assessment; and application of OCT in retinopathy of prematurity and age-related macular degeneration. She has been instrumental in translating OCT technology from research settings to clinical practice, particularly for vulnerable patient populations like premature infants who require bedside imaging. Her publication record demonstrates a clear trajectory from foundational OCT technology development to sophisticated clinical applications. Recent work shows increasing integration of artificial intelligence, robotics, and novel optical clearing techniques with OCT systems. The research consistently bridges engineering innovation with immediate clinical needs, particularly in pediatric ophthalmology and retinal surgery. ARVO/Alcon Keynote (2022) Gertrude Pyron Award from American Society of Retina Specialists (2021) Scientific Achievement Award from Women in Ophthalmology (2019) Wacker Prize from Club Jules Gonin (2018) Paul Henkind Award and Lecture from Macula Society (2018) Rockefeller Foundation Academic Writing Residency (2017) As a mentor, Dr. Toth has guided numerous students and junior faculty in ophthalmic research, with particular emphasis on imaging technology development. Her research has been supported by significant grant funding from NIH and other organizations, enabling her team to develop innovative imaging approaches that have transformed clinical practice in retinal diseases. She has been particularly active in collaborative research efforts, often leading multi-center studies that establish standards for retinal imaging and diagnosis. Dr. Toth leads a multidisciplinary research team that includes ophthalmologists, biomedical engineers, computer scientists, and clinical researchers. Her laboratory focuses on developing next-generation imaging technologies that can be deployed at the bedside for infants and during surgery for precise guidance. The team has pioneered several handheld OCT systems specifically designed for pediatric use and has developed novel image processing techniques that extract maximum diagnostic information from OCT scans.

Christiane HellingView profile

Professor

• Astrophysics
• Exoplanet Atmospheres
• Cloud Formation
• +5 more

Christiane Helling is Full Professor in Weltraumwissenschaften (Space Sciences) at Graz University of Technology and Director of the Institute for Space Research Graz (IWF) at the Austrian Academy of Sciences. She previously held leadership roles at the University of St Andrews, including Director of the Centre for Exoplanet Science, and has been a Senior Scientist at the Netherlands Institute for Space Research. Habilitation in Astrophysics (TU Berlin) PhD in Astrophysics (TU Berlin, with distinction) Diploma in Physics (TU Berlin) Her research focuses on exoplanet and brown dwarf atmospheres, cloud microphysics, charge processes, and atmospheric chemistry. She integrates hydrodynamic simulations with space observations from missions like CHEOPS, JWST, and PLATO to map cloud distributions and study planetary climate. Her recent publications emphasize time-dependent cloud formation, thermodynamic disequilibrium in planetary disks, and exoplanet atmospheric characterization using space telescopes. Key collaborations include the CHAMELEON project (virtual laboratories for exoplanet atmospheres) and the MSG model for cloudy sub-stellar atmospheres. ERC Starting Grant (LEAP Project: Lightning, Electrical and Atmospheric Processes on exoplanets) Marie-Curie Innovative Training Network (CHAMELEON)

Spencer L. SmithView profile

Professor

• Bioengineering
• Systems Biology
• Neuroengineering
• +9 more

Spencer L. Smith is a Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). He also serves as Chair of the Dynamical Neuroscience Graduate Program and is the CEO of Pacific Optica. His research integrates computation, neuroscience, and optics, focusing on developing advanced neurotechnologies. Education : PhD in Neuroscience and Neuroengineering, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) BS in Physics and Mathematics, University of Iowa Research Interests : Smith's work centers on neuroengineering and optical computation , with key contributions to multiphoton imaging systems for neuronal activity mapping. He explores quantitative behavior through visual stimuli, neuronal population dynamics in cortical areas, and machine learning applications for brain-like computing. His lab also pioneers technologies like the Cousa objective for in vivo imaging and free-space optics for enhanced computational performance. Scientific Awards : Klingenstein Fellowship Award in the Neurosciences (2013–2016) Human Frontier Science Program Career Development Award (2012–2015) Philip and Ruth Hettleman Prize (2017) Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (2019) McKnight Technological Innovations in Neuroscience Award (2015–2017) Advising and Funding : Smith mentors graduate students and postdoctoral scholars in projects spanning correlation structure analysis , optical engineering , and machine learning . His lab (SLAB) receives support from the NSF, NIH (NINDS, NEI), HFSP, the Klingenstein Foundation, the Whitehall Foundation, the Simons Foundation, and the McKnight Endowment Fund for Neuroscience. His recent publications highlight advancements in large field-of-view multiphoton imaging and network inference in cortical circuits. Labs and Community : Smith leads the SLAB research group, which maintains resources like the Nemonic wiki for multiphoton imaging and a Mattermost community for technical discussions. His lab focuses on bridging engineering and neuroscience through innovative instrumentation.

Peter QuinnView profile

Professor

• Dark Matter
• Galaxy Formation and Evolution
• Computational Astrophysics
• +3 more

Professor Peter Quinn is a distinguished astrophysicist at the University of Western Australia , serving as Chairman of the Board at the International Space Centre and affiliated with the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR) and the Office of DVC Research . He received his BSc(Hons) in Mathematics and Physics from the University of Wollongong in 1978 with the University Medal in Physics, and his PhD in astronomy and astrophysics from the Australian National University (ANU) in 1982. His research centers on galaxy formation and evolution , dark matter dynamics , and the Epoch of Reionization . He has pioneered computational astrophysics, particularly through the discovery of the Quinn-Goodman effect and contributions to the MACHO Dark Matter Search Project . He has led major initiatives in the European Southern Observatory (ESO) , including the Very Large Telescope (VLT) data flow system and the Astrophysical Virtual Observatory (AVO) project. His scholarly work spans radio astronomy , supercomputer simulations , and data-intensive science , with a strong focus on the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) and gravitational wave detection . His work has earned him several prestigious accolades including a NASA High Performance Computing Award and a Computerworld 21st Century Achievement Award . He is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science (FASA) and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Physics (FTSE) . His research also extends to large-scale international infrastructure projects and planning for the Square Kilometre Array and gravitational wave observations . He has served as Division Head at ESO and as a Chief Investigator for numerous grants, including the Australian SKA Regional Centre and ICRAR core funding .

• Chemical Engineering
• Engineering Education
• Environmentally Sustainable Engineering
• +2 more

David Wagner is an Assistant Professor at the University of Utah , affiliated with the College of Engineering and the Department of Chemical Engineering . He holds an OrCID identifier 0000-0001-5074-4233 and serves as Assistant Director at the Utah Industrial Training and Assessment Center (ITAC). His academic career spans institutions such as San Jose State University and Oregon State University Cascades, with non-academic roles including Advisory Board Member at the Air Pollution Scientific Initiative and Senior Associate at EnviroComp Consulting. PhD in Chemical Engineering, University of Utah (2013) MS in Chemical Engineering, University of Utah (2011) BS in Chemical Engineering, University of Utah (2009) David's research focuses on Chemical Engineering , Engineering Education , Environmentally Sustainable Engineering , and Chemical and Thermal Processes in Energy and Combustion . His work explores Process Control and Simulation , with a strong emphasis on energy systems , biomass conversion , and advanced materials for energy storage . His 15 most recent publications highlight expertise in solid-state electrolytes , biomass pyrolysis , fluidized bed design , and syngas analysis . Topics span from microbial anodes to high-pressure coal gasification , reflecting interdisciplinary work at the intersection of chemical engineering and environmental sustainability . Grants include Sustainable Engineering Education Development (2023–2024) and DYNAMIS Syngas Generation (2023–2024), both externally funded. His teaching portfolio comprises courses like Chemical Process Safety , Process Design I/II , and Sustainable Engineering , with a focus on practical reactor design and safety protocols .

• accelerator physics
• classical electrodynamics
• physics education
• +3 more

Mary James is a Professor in the Department of Physics at Reed College, Portland, Oregon, where she has taught since 1988. Her expertise spans accelerator physics, classical electrodynamics, and physics outreach, with significant contributions to laboratory curriculum development. Her educational background includes: Ph.D. in Applied Physics from Stanford University (1988), thesis on SLAC Linear Collider electron injectors B.A. in Physics from Hampshire College (1976), thesis in semiclassical laser theory Her research integrates theoretical and experimental approaches, focusing on beam dynamics in particle accelerators and fundamental electrodynamics phenomena. Notable work includes positron source design for linear colliders and innovative explanations of light propagation in media. She actively bridges research with pedagogy through physics education initiatives. Publication trends from 1985-1999 reveal sustained focus on accelerator physics instrumentation and educational applications, with increasing emphasis on classroom implementation. Her work consistently connects high-energy physics concepts to undergraduate teaching contexts. As co-investigator on a $500,000 Keck Foundation grant (2002), she spearheaded comprehensive laboratory modernization: Design of new Physics 100 curriculum and laboratories Renovation of Physics 101 instructional space Modernization of fundamental constants experiments Advanced Laboratory (Physics 331/332) equipment upgrades Mary James has developed laboratory courses for diverse student populations and taught across the physics curriculum from introductory to advanced levels, including electrodynamics, quantum mechanics, and electronics.

Silvania PereiraView profile

Associate Professor

• Quantum optics
• Classical optics
• Optical metrology
• +5 more

Silvania Pereira is an Associate Professor at the Department of Imaging Physics within the Faculty of Applied Sciences at Delft University of Technology. Her academic journey includes a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Physics from the University of Campinas (Brazil), a Ph.D. in Experimental Quantum Optics from the University of Texas (USA), and postdoctoral research at the University of Constance (Germany) and Leiden University (Netherlands). She has been a permanent member of TU Delft's Optics Research Group since 2000. Current research focuses: optical metrology, scatterometry, diffraction, vectorial optics, and nanostructure characterization Leadership roles: Member of PhotonicsNL board and Dutch Network of Women Professors Her work centers on developing advanced optical techniques for nanoscale measurement, including coherent Fourier scatterometry for particle detection and structural analysis. Recent publications highlight innovations in: Broadband two-pulse scatterometry Steep side-wall angle calibration Thermo-optic device tuning Beam scanning methodologies Scientific contributions include key awards like the Humboldt Fellowship and FOM Stimuleeringsfonds grant. She actively supervises students, contributes to optics education, and collaborates with international research networks like the European Optical Society.

Antonius F.W. van der SteenView profile

Professor

• Biomedical Imaging
• Ultrasound
• Biomechanics
• +7 more

Professor Antonius F.W. van der Steen is affiliated with Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) in the Faculty of Applied Sciences , specifically the ImPhys department. His career spans roles at Erasmus MC, including leadership in Biomedical Engineering and Experimental Echocardiography. Education: Master in Applied Physics (1989), PhD in Medical Sciences (1994) from Radboud University Medical Centre Research Interests : Focused on biomedical ultrasound, cardiovascular biomechanics, and advanced imaging technologies. Key areas include: Catheter-based imaging systems High frame rate ultrasound for real-time monitoring Ultrasound contrast agent development Biomechanical assessment of atherosclerosis Photoacoustic and intravascular ultrasound integration 2025 Research Trends : Recent publications emphasize computational imaging techniques, microbubble stability optimization, and multimodal diagnostic tools combining ultrasound with CT or photoacoustic modalities. Collaborations : Active in inter-institutional research networks, particularly with Erasmus MC and Delft University of Technology.

Barry K. LavineView profile

Professor

• Analytical Chemistry
• Spectroscopy
• Chemometrics
• +3 more

Barry K. Lavine is a Regents Professor of Chemistry at Oklahoma State University with a distinguished career in analytical chemistry, spectroscopy, and chemometrics. He has held leadership roles in the American Chemical Society (ACS), including Chair of both the Northern New York and Oklahoma sections, and served as Program Chair for multiple scientific meetings. His research focuses on chemical analysis applications such as optical sensors , vibrational spectroscopy , and chemometrics , with over 115 research papers and 16 review articles published. Recent work explores FTIR-based oil authentication, copolymer pH sensors, and MALDI-IMS-MS cancer biomarker detection. Selected for editorial excellence, Lavine has edited 3 ACS monographs and serves on the editorial boards of journals like Journal of Chemometrics and Sensors . His accolades include: 2015 Kowalski Prize 2017 Chemometrics Award (Eastern Analytical Symposium) Fellow of the Society for Applied Spectroscopy

Chris JacobsenView profile

Professor

• X-ray Microscopy
• Synchrotron Radiation
• Materials Science
• +4 more

Chris Jacobsen is Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Northwestern University and head of the X-ray Science Division at Argonne National Laboratory. His research pioneers x-ray microscopy techniques applied to biology, environmental science, and materials science. His group develops diffractive optics (Fresnel zone plates) and lensless phase-retrieval methods achieving ≤30 nm resolution. They integrate spectroscopy for nanoscale chemical speciation, fluorescence for trace element mapping, and quantitative phase contrast imaging for concentration measurements. Research addresses radiation damage through cryo-instrumentation and specialized sample preparation. Key awards include: Argonne Distinguished Fellow (2016) Kurt Heinrich Award (2001) R&D 100 Award (1999) International Dennis Gabor Award (1996) Presidential Faculty Fellow (1992-1997) Fellow of APS (2011), AAAS (2002), and OSA (1999) Students explore optical physics and instrumentation while collaborating across biology, environmental science, and materials disciplines using synchrotron facilities at Argonne, Berkeley, and other national laboratories. He leads the X-ray Science Division at Argonne National Laboratory, directing instrumentation development for hard X-ray microscopy applications.

Michael Ryan HansenView profile

Professor

• Solid-state NMR spectroscopy
• Polymer science
• Energy storage materials
• +5 more

Prof. Dr. Michael Ryan Hansen is a full Professor of Physical Chemistry at the Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Germany, where he has led the Hansen research group since 2015. His group focuses on advanced solid-state NMR spectroscopy applied to polymers, supramolecular structures, functional inorganic materials, and energy storage systems. Prior to his current role, he was an Assistant Professor at Aarhus University’s iNANO and Department of Chemistry (2013–2015), and a research group leader at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research in Mainz (2010–2013). Education: PhD in Natural Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark (2006) Cand. scient. (MSc equivalent) in Chemistry, Aarhus University, Denmark (2003) BSc in Physics and Chemistry, Aarhus University, Denmark (2001) Research Interests: Prof. Hansen’s work centers on the development and application of solid-state NMR techniques to study structure–dynamics relationships in materials. His group investigates fluorinated polymers, graphene nanoribbons, ionic conductors, zeolites, and supramolecular systems. A major focus is on energy-relevant materials, including lithium- and sodium-ion conductors, solid-state electrolytes, and thermally stable polymers for battery applications. Method development is another cornerstone of his research, involving advanced pulse sequences, wideline NMR, and the integration of DFT calculations. Scientific Contributions & Awards: Although specific awards are not listed, Prof. Hansen has authored over 150 peer-reviewed papers since 2015 in top-tier journals such as Journal of the American Chemical Society , Angewandte Chemie , and Advanced Materials . His work on pressure-induced dislocations in lithium argyrodites and the synthesis of curved graphene nanoribbons has been highly cited, reflecting significant impact in materials chemistry and energy storage. Research Group & Collaborations: The Hansen group comprises post-docs, PhD students, and master’s students working on projects funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). Collaborations extend across Europe and include partners such as Aarhus University, MPI Mainz, and international synchrotron facilities. The group operates state-of-the-art solid-state NMR spectrometers (400–850 MHz) and maintains strong ties with the university’s mechanical, electronics, and chemical workshops for custom instrumentation.

• Photochemistry
• Photosensitizers
• Antimicrobial compounds
• +5 more

Prof. Dr. Bianka Siewert is a Professor and Working Group Leader at the Institute of Pharmacy within the Department of Chemistry at the MIN Faculty of University of Hamburg. Her research group (AK Siewert) focuses on light-activated infection control and is based at Federal Highway 45, 20146 Hamburg in room U16, PHA. The group is part of the university's broader chemistry research infrastructure that includes multiple institutes and research collaborations. Dr. Siewert's research interests center on photochemistry and the application of light-activated compounds for antimicrobial purposes. Her work primarily investigates fungal photosensitizers, particularly anthraquinones and related pigments from Cortinarius species, with applications in photodynamic therapy and infection control. She explores the chemical properties, ecological roles, and pharmaceutical potential of these naturally occurring photoactive compounds, bridging natural products chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and photobiology. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on fungal-derived photosensitizers, particularly anthraquinones from Cortinarius species. Her research spans multiple disciplines including natural products chemistry, photochemistry, antimicrobial research, and analytical chemistry. Key trends include the discovery and characterization of novel photoactive compounds, development of separation methods for fungal pigments, investigation of light-dependent fungal metabolism, and exploration of applications in photodynamic antimicrobial therapy. Prof. Siewert leads a research team consisting of secretariat staff (Britta Bühring), technical employees (Philipp Groth, Antje Schnasse), research assistants (Dr. Anke Heisig), doctoral students (Lorena Kubiczek, Malte Austria), and visiting scientists (Ulrich Sturm). Her group collaborates extensively with researchers across multiple institutions, particularly in the fields of mycology, natural products chemistry, and photobiology.