Prof Aaron Thean is the Deputy President (Academic Affairs) and Provost at the National University of Singapore (NUS). Formerly, he served as Dean of the College of Design and Engineering at NUS and held senior roles at IMEC (Belgium) as Vice President of Logic Technologies and Director of Logic Devices Research. His expertise spans advanced semiconductor device technologies, including FinFETs, nanowire FETs, III-V/Ge channels, and emerging beyond-CMOS architectures. He holds degrees from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering) and has published over 300 papers with 50+ patents. His awards include the Gregory Stillman Award (2001) and Compound Semiconductor Innovation Award (2014). Research interests focus on semiconductor innovation, device-process co-optimization (DTCO), and monolithic 3D integration. Notable contributions include industry-first Gate-First HKMG technologies, advanced strained silicon platforms, and neuromorphic computing hardware. His work bridges academia and industry through collaborations with Qualcomm, IBM, and foundry partners. Current initiatives emphasize energy-efficient computing and wearable sensor systems. Prof Thean’s leadership spans NUS-wide academic strategy and global research partnerships. His technical legacy includes foundational advancements in transistor scaling, low-power CMOS design, and AI-driven failure analysis methodologies.
W. Hong Yeo is a Professor in the Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering and Program Faculty in Bioengineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he also directs the WISH Center. He holds adjunct appointments in the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering. Previously, he was an Assistant Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University (2014-2016) and a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's Beckman Institute. Dr. Yeo's research integrates nanomechanics, soft materials, and nano-microfabrication to develop bio-interfaced systems. Key areas include: Flexible Bioelectronics : Wearable/implantable sensors for health monitoring Human-Machine Interfaces : Neural prosthetics and soft robotics Translational Nanoengineering : Nanoparticle biosensing and diagnostics His publications (2023-2025) demonstrate strong focus on wireless health technologies, including multi-modal wearable systems, implantable sensors for cardiovascular/neurological monitoring, and AI-integrated diagnostics. Trends show increasing emphasis on closed-loop therapeutic systems and scalable manufacturing. Awards & Recognition : BMES Innovation and Career Development Award Virginia Commercialization Award Blavatnik Award Nominee NSF Summer Institute Fellowship Research funding sources include MEDARVA Foundation, NIH, DARPA, and industry partners like CooperVision. He leads the Center for Human-Centric Interfaces & Engineering , developing next-generation bio-interfaced systems.
Stéphanie P. Lacour is a Full Professor at the School of Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), where she holds the Foundation Bertarelli Chair in Neuroprosthetic Technology. She leads the Laboratory of Soft Bioelectronic Interfaces (LSBI) and is affiliated with multiple departments including INX-STI, STI-SMT, SV-SSV, and AVP-DLE-EDOC. Since 2025, she has served as EPFL’s Vice-President for Support to Strategic Initiatives, overseeing institutional research strategy. Her research is centered at Campus Biotech in Geneva, where she was the founding director of the Neuro-X Institute. PhD in Electrical Engineering, INSA Lyon, France (1998–2001) Postdoctoral Research, Princeton University and University of Cambridge Joined EPFL in 2011 Her research focuses on soft bioelectronic interfaces that seamlessly integrate with biological tissues. She pioneers the development of stretchable, compliant electronics for implantable and wearable applications, using techniques from MEMS and microelectronics adapted to elastomeric substrates. Her work enables long-term, minimally invasive neural interfacing for applications in neuroprosthetics, rehabilitation, and health monitoring. Key innovations include soft electrocorticography arrays, liquid metal sensors, and encapsulation methods for chronic implants. Her recent publications span high-impact journals such as Nature , Science Robotics , Advanced Materials , and Nature Nanotechnology , covering topics like neural stimulation, soft robotics, wireless implants, and hydrogel-based interfaces . The work demonstrates a strong trend toward multimodal, closed-loop, and translational neurotechnologies with real-world clinical potential. Scientific Awards: No scientific awards explicitly mentioned in the provided text. She advises a large cohort of PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, many of whom have completed their theses under her supervision. Her team has received funding for projects in neural interfacing, bioelectronics, and soft robotics. She is actively involved in teaching courses such as Soft Microsystems Processing and Devices and Neural Interfaces . Lacour leads the Laboratory of Soft Bioelectronic Interfaces (LSBI) , a multidisciplinary research team focused on the fabrication, characterization, and in vivo evaluation of soft bioelectronic systems. The lab collaborates extensively across EPFL and with clinical partners to translate technologies from bench to bedside.
Dr. Hillel Adesnik is a Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at the University of California, Berkeley, and a leading researcher in the neural basis of sensory perception. His lab focuses on cortical microcircuits, optogenetics, and neural coding, with emphasis on visual processing and memory formation. Key Research Areas: Cortical Microcircuits Optogenetic Tools Gamma Band Rhythms Neural Coding Mechanisms Dr. Adesnik has pioneered high-speed optical methods like 3D-MAP and 3D-SHOT to manipulate neural activity. His work spans cortical dynamics, synaptic plasticity, and cortical layer interactions, with applications in understanding learning algorithms and sensory inference. Selected Trends from Publications: Recent preprints and papers highlight advancements in cortical VIP neuron function, channelrhodopsin structures, and inter-areal computations. His team utilizes two-photon holography, cryo-EM, and computational modeling to decode perception-related neural codes. Scientific Awards: NIH Director's New Innovator Award (2013) Dr. Adesnik's lab collaborates with institutions like NIH and develops tools for awake animal studies. Funding includes grants from the Beckman Young Investigator Program and NIH.
Istvan Mody is a Professor at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with appointments in the Department of Neurology and Department of Physiology . His research focuses on synaptic signaling in health and disease, including mechanisms of GABAergic transmission, calcium homeostasis, and their roles in neurological disorders such as epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, stress, alcoholism, and postpartum depression. He utilizes advanced techniques like patch-clamp electrophysiology, neuroanatomical and immunohistochemical methods, and molecular biology in animal models and human brain tissue . Research Interests: Dr. Mody investigates the physiology, pharmacology, and pathology of synaptic transmission and extrasynaptic receptor activation , with a particular emphasis on GABA(A) receptors and their subunit-specific modulation. His work explores how disruptions in excitation-inhibition balance contribute to neurological diseases, including mechanisms of tonic inhibition , calcium signaling , and neurosteroid interactions . He also studies the effects of chronic stress and hormonal fluctuations on neural excitability and behavior. Publications Trends: Recent studies highlight his work on gamma oscillations in Alzheimer's models, microglial dynamics , and rehabilitation strategies for stroke. His lab develops optical tools like dqGEVI for neuronal activity monitoring and investigates human brain organoids to model network dysfunction in epilepsy and intellectual disability. Laboratory Location: 635 Charles Young Dr S, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States.
Michal Lipson serves as the Eugene Higgins Professor of Electrical Engineering and Professor of Applied Physics at Columbia University's Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science. Elected to both the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Sciences, she pioneered critical building blocks in silicon photonics that have transformed the field, with over 50,000 related publications annually. Her research has generated more than 250 scientific publications and 45 issued patents. Lipson's research focuses on nanophotonics and silicon photonics, where she demonstrated the ability to tailor electro-optic properties of silicon in landmark 2004 and 2005 Nature papers. Her work has enabled the development of photonic devices and circuits that now form the foundation of over 1,000 papers published yearly. She investigates novel optical phenomena while developing practical applications that address major bottlenecks in microelectronics. Her research spans fundamental physics to practical device implementation, with particular emphasis on integrated photonic systems. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strategic expansion from foundational silicon photonics into emerging applications including quantum information processing, machine learning acceleration, biomedical sensing, and topological photonics. While maintaining core expertise in silicon-based devices, her work increasingly incorporates 2D materials, heterogeneous integration, and novel optical phenomena to push performance boundaries. The research demonstrates consistent progression from fundamental device physics to system-level implementations with practical applications. National Academy of Engineering (2025) National Academy of Sciences MacArthur Fellowship Blavatnik Award Optica's R.W. Wood Prize IEEE Photonics Award John Tyndall Award NAS Comstock Prize in Physics Thomson Reuters Top 1% Highly Cited Researcher (annually since 2014) Professor Lipson has mentored an exceptional research group, graduating 40 PhD students and 2 MS students, with numerous postdocs and visiting researchers. Her alumni occupy prominent positions including professorships at major universities (Rochester, Ottawa, UNICAMP, Johns Hopkins), leadership roles at Intel, Bell Labs, and startups she co-founded (HyperLight, Voyant Photonics). Her laboratory has received substantial research funding supporting cutting-edge work in nanofabrication, optical characterization, and device development. Current research directions include quantum photonics, AI-accelerated optical systems, and novel materials integration. The Lipson Research Group operates state-of-the-art facilities for nanophotonic device design, fabrication, and characterization. The team comprises principal investigators, postdoctoral researchers, PhD students, and administrative staff working collaboratively across disciplines including electrical engineering, materials science, physics, and applied physics. The group maintains strong industry partnerships while pursuing fundamental scientific advances in light-matter interactions at the nanoscale.
Nathan Youngblood is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh , with a secondary appointment in the Department of Physics and Astronomy . His research focuses on reconfigurable photonic materials and devices for energy-efficient artificial intelligence applications. Educational Background: PhD in Electrical Engineering from the University of Minnesota Postdoctoral research at the University of Oxford (2017–2019) His work explores photonic in-memory computing, neuromorphic systems, and phase-change materials to minimize computing latency and energy consumption. Recent publications highlight advancements in magneto-optical non-reciprocity, coherent crossbar arrays, and plasmonic-enhanced phase-change devices. Scientific Awards: NSF CAREER Award (2024) AFOSR Young Investigator Award (2024) William Kepler Whiteford Faculty Fellowship (2024) Dr. Youngblood's lab develops photonic accelerators like LightML and LightBulb for machine learning, emphasizing scalable integration and novel material applications in silicon photonics.
Xenophon Papademetris is a Professor of Biomedical Informatics & Data Science and Radiology & Biomedical Imaging at Yale School of Medicine. He serves as Associate Director of Biomedical Imaging Data Sciences at Yale Biomedical Imaging Institute and directs the Medical Software and Medical Artificial Intelligence Certificate Program. PhD in Electrical and Information Sciences from Yale University (2000) BA from Cambridge University (1994) Postdoctoral Fellowship at Yale University (2002) His research focuses on medical image analysis, machine learning, and biomedical software development. He has developed tools like BioImage Suite Web and contributed to standards committees at the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI). His work spans modalities including MRI, CT, PET, and optical imaging. Recent publications emphasize neuroimaging analysis, explainable AI in healthcare, and multimodal data integration across species. He leads NIH-funded research under the BRAIN Initiative (R24 MH114805) and has authored a textbook on Medical Software published by Cambridge University Press. IEEE Senior Member Yale Brown-Coxe Postdoctoral Fellowship Harding Bliss Prize for Excellence in Engineering He directs the BioImage Suite Project, creating web-based image analysis tools using JavaScript and WebAssembly. His teaching includes both academic courses and a Coursera program on Medical Software with over 14,000 enrollments.
Özüm Asirim is a Researcher at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) under the Associate Professorship of Computational Photonics led by Prof. Christian Jirauschek. Her work focuses on computational photonics , quantum optics , and nonlinear optical phenomena , particularly in micro-resonators and semiconductor devices. Education: Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Middle East Technical University (Ankara, Turkey). Research spans optical parametric amplification , Fourier domain mode-locked lasers , self-phase modulation , and machine learning applications in photonics . Her studies include optimizing gain factors, enhancing harmonic generation, and modeling supercontinuum sources via carrier injection. Recent publications (2019–2023) highlight interdisciplinary approaches, merging photonics with computational finance and nonlinear dynamics . She contributes to EU Project QOMBS and teaches courses like Python for Engineering Data Analysis and Quantum Engineering and Machine Learning seminars. Collaborations include Prof. Christian Jirauschek (TUM), Prof. Mustafa Kuzuoğlu (Middle East Technical University), and teams in computational photonics and quantum optics. Her work impacts semiconductor physics , laser technology , and adaptive optical systems .
David Blaauw is the Kensall D. Wise Collegiate Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) at the University of Michigan. His research focuses on ultra-low-power analog/mixed-signal circuits, mm-scale sensors, neural networks, and biomedical applications. He leads the Blaauw Lab, which has pioneered innovations like the Michigan Micro Mote (M^3) and neural recording probes. His work emphasizes real-world deployability, with applications in environmental monitoring (e.g., monarch butterflies), medical devices, and robotics. Education: B.S. in Physics and Computer Science, Duke University (1986) Ph.D. in Computer Science, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (1991) Research Interests: Blaauw’s lab explores ultra-low-power computing, mm-scale systems, RF communication, in-memory computing, and genomics acceleration. Key projects include: Millimeter-scale computers (e.g., 0.04mm³ temperature sensors) Wireless neural interfaces for brain-machine communication Energy-efficient accelerators for edge AI and genomics Micro-robotics with sensing/actuation/computation Awards: IEEE Fellow 2016 SIA-SRC Faculty Award Motorola Innovation Award Best Paper Awards at ISSCC, ISCA, and RFIC Advising & Impact: Over 600 publications, 65 patents, and 4 startup companies spun from his lab. Current research includes genome sequencing accelerators (GenAx) and neural recording dust for brain mapping. He directs the Michigan Integrated Circuits Lab and chairs major conferences like ISSCC and DAC. Labs/Teams: Blaauw Lab (University of Michigan) Michigan Integrated Circuits Lab (MICAL)
John M. Dallesasse is the Gregory E. Stillman Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he also serves as Associate Dean for Facilities and Capital Planning. He holds dual roles in academia and industry leadership, with prior experience as CTO, Vice President, and co-founder of Skorpios Technologies. His expertise spans optoelectronics, semiconductor materials, and photonic integration. Dallesasse earned his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. from UIUC ECE in 1985, 1987, and 1991, respectively. His research focuses on III-V semiconductors, heterogeneous integration, quantum cascade lasers, and silicon photonics. He has pioneered innovations like III-V oxidation and the transistor-injected quantum cascade laser. Education: Ph.D., Electrical and Computer Engineering, UIUC, 1991 M.S., Electrical and Computer Engineering, UIUC, 1987 B.S., Electrical and Computer Engineering, UIUC, 1985 Research Interests: Compound semiconductor materials and devices Heterogeneous integration and wafer bonding Quantum cascade lasers and transistor lasers Photonic integration and silicon photonics III-Nitride devices and optoelectronics Awards: IEEE Fellow (2015) Optica Fellow (2013) Dean’s Award for Excellence in Research (2016) Advising and Labs: Leads the Advanced Semiconductor Device and Integration Laboratory Mentors undergraduate researchers in semiconductor innovation and photonics
Ruben Portugues is a Professor of Brain Circuit Function and Dysfunction at the Institute of Neuroscience, Technical University of Munich (TUM). He is a full member of the Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences (GSN), an associate and advisory board member of the Munich Center for Neurosciences (MCN), and leads a research group focused on understanding the neural basis of behavior. His lab uses larval zebrafish as a model organism to investigate sensorimotor control, decision-making, and motor learning through whole-brain imaging and circuit analysis. His research interests lie at the intersection of systems neuroscience and behavior. He investigates how brain circuits process sensory information, integrate it with motor output, and enable adaptive and flexible behavior. Key areas include the function of the cerebellum, heading direction networks, sensorimotor transformations, and the neural mechanisms of decision-making. His lab employs cutting-edge techniques including custom-built microscopes, behavioral assays, and computational analysis. The recent publications and preprints from his lab demonstrate a strong trend in decoding distributed neural circuits underlying navigation and decision-making in zebrafish. There is a clear focus on identifying specific brain regions (e.g., interpeduncular nucleus, cerebellum) and cell types involved in processing visual, motor, and spatial information. The work increasingly emphasizes whole-brain functional imaging and the emergence of cognitive-like representations such as allocentric heading direction. FENS-Kavli Network of Excellence (FKNE) PhD Thesis Prize (awarded to student Luigi Petrucco) Ruben Portugues actively mentors PhD students, including current advisees Luigi Petrucco, Ot Prat, and Shuhong Huang, and has successfully graduated Dr. Elena Dragomir and Dr. Vilim Štih. His lab engages in extensive collaborations, hosts visiting researchers, participates in teaching (e.g., CSHL Imaging Course, Cajal Course), and secures resources for advanced research. The lab is known for building its own microscopes and software, fostering technical innovation. The Portugues Lab operates as a dynamic, interdisciplinary team that combines experimental neuroscience with computational and engineering approaches. They regularly hold retreats, participate in scientific events, and contribute to community initiatives like the Munich Brain Day. The lab is preparing to relocate to the Department of Neurobiology and Behavior at Cornell University, marking a new phase in its research trajectory.
Mikkel N. Schmidt is an Associate Professor in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). His research focuses on statistical modeling, Bayesian methods, and their applications in science and industry. He has held visiting roles at Columbia University (2007) and Cambridge University (2008-2009). His work integrates probabilistic modeling with computational inference to address complex problems in diverse fields such as molecular discovery, optical communication, and brain connectivity analysis. Education highlights include visiting scholar and postdoctoral experiences at top-tier institutions. Research interests span statistical methodology development, machine learning applications, and interdisciplinary problem-solving. Current projects involve Bayesian neural networks for molecular discovery and federated learning optimization. Advising efforts include supervising multiple PhD students in areas like molecular discovery and denoising diffusion models. Notable collaborations involve work on materials science, quantum communication, and medical signal processing. His contributions bridge theoretical advancements with practical industrial applications, emphasizing interdisciplinary innovation.
Professor David J. Thomson is a Professorial Fellow in the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) at the University of Southampton, holding a prestigious Royal Society University Research Fellowship. He pioneers photonics research for computing applications and LIDAR systems, commanding over £10 million in research funding and leading a 12-member team focused on novel photonic device development and electronic integration. Thomson's research centers on silicon photonics and optical computing, with critical advancements in high-speed optical modulators, photonic integrated circuits, and LIDAR technologies. His work drives innovations in programmable photonics using phase-change materials and the co-integration of photonic and electronic systems, enabling breakthroughs in energy-efficient data communication and next-generation computing architectures. Recent publications (2024-2025) reveal a dominant focus on silicon photonics for ultra-high-speed optical interconnects, featuring programmable circuits with Sb2Se3 phase-change materials, 224 Gbaud transmitters, and MOSCAP ring modulators with sub-5nm insulators. These works collectively address bandwidth and energy challenges in data centers and high-performance computing through monolithic integration and novel material systems. Scientific Awards: Royal Society University Research Fellowship Thomson actively supervises eight PhD students across the ORC and Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering, while managing substantial grants exceeding £10 million from the Royal Society, EPSRC, Horizon Europe, and Huawei Technologies. His projects include DOLORES (Digital Optical Computing Platform), Tunnel Epitaxy of III-V on Silicon, and PIXEurope, targeting revolutionary photonic integration for neural networks and communications. He leads a specialized research team within the ORC's state-of-the-art facilities, focusing on photonic device design, fabrication, and characterization. This group collaborates on major European initiatives like Horizon Europe's DOLORES and PIXEurope, advancing silicon photonic platforms for optical computing and LIDAR applications.
Steven F. Son is the Alfred J. McAllister Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University, affiliated with the College of Engineering. He holds joint appointments in Aeronautics and Astronautics, Materials Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. His research focuses on energetic materials, combustion science, and propulsion systems, with emphasis on detonation physics, additive manufacturing of explosives, and novel propellant designs. Key projects include developing throttleable solid propellants, studying material-filled void effects on detonation waves, and optimizing nanomaterials for enhanced reactivity. Dr. Son’s work integrates experimental and computational methods, such as laser absorption spectroscopy and machine learning, to advance understanding of high-energy materials. His contributions span from fundamental material characterization to applied systems like Martian perchlorate-based propellants. He leads research at the Maurice J. Zucrow Laboratories, Purdue’s premier facility for propulsion and energetic materials research. His recent studies explore flexoelectricity in fluoropolymer/aluminum composites, laser ignition systems for solid propellants, and thermal decomposition mechanisms of novel energetic formulations. While no awards are explicitly listed, his prolific publication record and interdisciplinary approach highlight his influence in the field.
