Find Academic Supervisors

Karen BalesView profile

Professor

• Social Bonding Neurobiology
• Neuropeptide Systems (Oxytocin/Vasopressin)
• Parental Care Behavior
• +3 more

Karen Bales is a Professor at the University of California, Davis, holding dual appointments in Psychology and Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior. She currently serves as interim director of the California National Primate Research Center (CNPRC). Her research focuses on the neurobiology of social bonding in monogamous species like titi monkeys, prairie voles, and seahorses, investigating neuropeptide systems (oxytocin/vasopressin) and the developmental influences shaping pair-bonding behaviors. Professor Bales is editor-in-chief of the American Journal of Primatology and former president of the American Society of Primatologists. Education includes a PhD in Biology from the University of Maryland, an MA in Anthropology from the University of Tennessee, and a BA in Anthropology from the University of New Orleans. Her work has been supported by grants from NIH institutes (NIMH, NICHD, NIA), NSF, and other agencies. Key awards include the Kavli Fellowship and UC Davis ADVANCE Scholar designation. Research emphasizes translational insights into human attachment through primate models, with studies on stress buffering, separation effects, and the interplay between early experiences and lifelong social behaviors. Her lab pioneered genomic resources for titi monkeys and uses neuroimaging to map social behavior correlates. Recent work explores kappa opioid system interactions with oxytocin pathways in separation stress. Teaching focuses on biological psychology and hormonal influences on behavior, with undergraduate research opportunities in neuroanatomy and social behavior studies. Her lab maintains strong safety standards, recognized by the 2018 UC-Davis Laboratory Safety Award.

• Physical Chemistry
• Surface Chemistry
• Interfacial Phenomena
• +3 more

Eric Tyrode is a Professor in Physical Chemistry at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden. His research focuses on understanding surface phenomena and interfacial processes using advanced laser-based spectroscopic techniques. His work addresses molecular mechanisms at surfaces such as ice adhesion reduction, calcite-carboxylic acid interactions, and silica electrolyte interfaces. Tyrode leads one of the world’s leading laboratories in interfacial molecular studies, contributing to innovations in anti-icing materials, corrosion protection, and material surface engineering. Key research areas include: Interfacial chemistry of surfaces and liquids Surface functionalization for industrial applications Molecular dynamics at charged interfaces Development of anti-icing and corrosion-resistant coatings His recent studies highlight breakthroughs in understanding ice adhesion mechanisms (e.g., 2024), calcite surface modifications (2023–2024), and ion-specific interactions at charged surfaces (2022–2021). Tyrode’s methodologies integrate vibrational sum frequency spectroscopy and confocal Raman microscopy to probe molecular-scale phenomena. Notably, his group’s work on silica surface charge behavior (2020) and proton continuum models (2019–2020) has advanced fundamental understanding of interfacial electrochemistry. Applications span material science, environmental engineering, and biomedical interfaces.

Jeff SekelskyView profile

Professor

• DNA Repair
• DNA Recombination
• Meiotic Recombination
• +3 more

Jeff Sekelsky is a Professor of Biology and Genetics at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. His research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of DNA repair and recombination, particularly in meiotic processes using Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism. He directs the Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology and has made significant contributions to studies on Holliday junction resolution, crossover patterning, and the roles of helicases like BLM in genome stability. Affiliations include the Department of Biology, Department of Genetics, and the Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology. His work integrates genetic, molecular, and biochemical approaches to dissect repair pathways and their implications in cancer and genetic disorders. Research interests emphasize programmed DNA double-strand breaks in meiosis, crossover regulation in heterochromatin regions, and the interplay between repair enzymes (e.g., Mus312, Mei-9, Gen) in generating crossovers. He has pioneered studies on the centromere effect suppressing crossovers near centromeres and the roles of MCM complexes in promoting meiotic recombination. Notable awards include the 2023 Faculty Award for Excellence in Graduate Student and Academic Program Support. His lab’s publications span over two decades, with recent work on Bloom helicase functions, Marcal1-dependent repair, and centromere-proximal crossover suppression. He has mentored numerous graduate students and postdocs, contributing to their academic and professional development through training programs.

Gerhardt MeurerView profile

Adjunct Professor

• Astronomy
• Astrophysics
• Galaxy Dynamics
• +3 more

Gerhardt Meurer is a Professor and Adjunct Senior Research Fellow at the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR), affiliated with the University of Western Australia. His work focuses on observational astronomy, exploring the interplay between the interstellar medium (ISM) and galaxy components, particularly stars and Dark Matter. He leads two major surveys: SINGG (Survey of Ionization in Neutral Gas Galaxies) and SUNGG (Survey of Ultraviolet emission in Nearby Galaxies), and contributes to the WALLABY Survey using ASKAP. He employs telescopes such as the Hubble Space Telescope, Galex, Cerro Tololo, and the Australia Telescope Compact Array. Education: He holds a PhD in Astrophysics from the Australian National University (thesis: NGC1705 and the Evolution of Blue Compact Dwarf Galaxies, 1983-1989, awarded 1990) and a B.A. in Astronomy and Physics from the same institution (1983). Research Interests: Meurer’s primary interests include the Star Formation Law, Initial Mass Function of stars, and galaxy evolution. He investigates atomic and molecular gas surveys, galactic dynamics, and multi-wavelength observational techniques. His work bridges optical, ultraviolet, and radio astronomy, with a focus on understanding how ISM properties influence star formation processes in galaxies. Grants & Projects: He has been a core investigator in multiple grants, including Galaxy formation with a variable stellar initial mass function (Universities Australia, 2016-2017), A Dynamical Survey of Large Galaxies (UWA, 2014), and PanSTARRS (ARC, 2013). Notable roles include Principal Investigator for SINGG and SUNGG surveys. His research contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals through advancing scientific understanding and education. Labs & Collaborations: Based at ICRAR, he collaborates with global institutions and researchers on projects like MHONGOOSE and WALLABY. These collaborations involve experts in galactic dynamics, radio astronomy, and stellar populations, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to observational astrophysics.

• Inorganic Chemistry
• Organometallic Chemistry
• Chemical Bonding Analysis
• +3 more

Peter Sirsch is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Tübingen, part of the Faculty of Science. His research focuses on chemical bonding analysis, electron density distribution, and hydrogen storage materials, employing experimental methods like X-ray diffraction and theoretical approaches such as DFT calculations. He has held academic positions including Juniordozent (Junior Professor) at Tübingen (2011–2017) and postdoctoral roles at the University of New Brunswick, Canada. Education: Ph.D. (2003, University of Augsburg and Technical University Munich), Diplom (1999, Technical University Munich). Awards include the University of Tübingen Teaching Award (2013) and DFG Postdoctoral Fellowship (2004–2005). His teaching responsibilities include inorganic chemistry seminars, tutoring, and chemistry coaching for undergraduate students. Collaborative research emphasizes weak interactions in main-group and transition-metal complexes, with applications in energy storage materials. Publications span over 15 years, addressing topics like gallium methylene complexes, magnesium hydride clusters, and coordination chemistry of stannylene-based systems. Research highlights include structural studies of rare-earth metal complexes and insights into hydride bonding in metal hydrides.

• Aromaticity
• DNA Replication
• Density Functional Theory
• +7 more

Jordi Poater Teixidor serves as an ICREA Research Professor at the University of Barcelona within the Department of Inorganic and Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry. He earned his PhD in Chemistry from Universitat de Girona (UdG) in 2003 and held prestigious positions including a Marie Curie postdoctoral fellowship at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and a Ramón y Cajal tenure-track position at UdG's Institute of Computational Chemistry and Catalysis before joining UB in 2015. His research integrates computational and theoretical chemistry to investigate fundamental molecular phenomena, with primary focus on aromaticity in organic systems, DNA replication mechanisms, and biomolecular recognition processes. He specializes in Density Functional Theory applications for analyzing chemical bonding in metal clusters, organic molecules, and reaction pathways, contributing significantly to understanding electron-pair density distributions and bond energy decomposition. Dr. Poater Teixidor's scholarly impact is evidenced by 186 publications exceeding 7,800 citations and an H-index of 45, placing him among Stanford University's top 2% most cited researchers globally (2022). His work demonstrates consistent advancement in computational methodologies for complex chemical systems. Key honors include: Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship for DNA replication research Ramón y Cajal Fellowship for catalysis studies ICREA Research Professor distinction Stanford Top 2% Cited Researcher recognition (2022) He actively supervises PhD and master's students while securing competitive research grants, maintaining leadership in computational chemistry through ongoing publications and academic collaborations. His departmental affiliation bridges inorganic and organic chemistry domains with advanced theoretical modeling approaches.

Reeja JayanView profile

Professor

• Materials Science
• Electromagnetic Field Applications
• Energy Storage Systems
• +6 more

Reeja Jayan is a Professor in Mechanical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), with courtesy appointments in Materials Science & Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Electrical & Computer Engineering. She leads the Far-from-Equilibrium Materials Laboratory (J-Lab), focusing on electromagnetic field-driven material synthesis and energy-efficient manufacturing. Her research spans ceramics, polymers, and energy storage systems, with breakthroughs in low-temperature material processing and data-driven discovery. Jayan holds prestigious awards including the ARO and AFOSR Young Investigator Awards, and is a CMU Engineering Dean’s Early Career Fellow. She pioneered game-based learning using Minecraft to teach materials science. J-Lab’s work includes additive manufacturing of ceramics, field-assisted synthesis, and autonomous robotic platforms for materials engineering. Jayan advises a dynamic team of graduate and undergraduate students, with notable alumni in academia and industry. Education: M.S. in Electrical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin Postdoctoral Associate in Chemical Engineering, MIT Research Interests: Materials synthesized under electromagnetic fields, far-from-equilibrium processing, additive manufacturing of ceramics, energy storage systems, and data-driven autonomous synthesis. J-Lab’s work merges experiments with computational models to explore novel material behaviors and sustainable manufacturing techniques. Key thrusts include low-temperature ceramic synthesis, field-induced phase transitions, and machine learning-guided robotics for materials discovery. Publications: Over 50 peer-reviewed articles in top journals like Advanced Materials and Journal of the American Ceramic Society , focusing on electromagnetic field applications, battery interfaces, and ceramic processing innovations. Grants & Awards: NSF CAREER Award (2018) CMU Scott Institute Seed Grant (2020) Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) Center of Excellence funding Labs & Teams: J-Lab collaborates with industry and national labs, including the AFRL and NIST. Projects include developing closed-loop robotic systems for materials synthesis and low-emission ceramic manufacturing processes.

Alfred H. MuellerView profile

Professor

• High-Energy Nuclear Physics
• Particle Physics
• Quantum Chromodynamics
• +3 more

Alfred H. Mueller is the Enrico Fermi Professor of Physics in the Department of Physics at Columbia University. He has established himself as a leading theoretical physicist specializing in high-energy nuclear and particle physics, particularly in Quantum Chromodynamics at high densities. Dr. Mueller received his Ph.D. from MIT in 1965 and has maintained a distinguished career at Columbia University. His academic journey reflects deep commitment to advancing our understanding of fundamental particle interactions under extreme conditions. Dr. Mueller's research focuses on the properties of QCD systems at very high density, which occur in high-energy heavy ion collisions and high-energy (small x ) deep inelastic lepton-proton scattering. His specific interests include: the relationship between unitarity limits and parton density limits (saturation); maximal allowed occupation numbers for quarks and gluons in hadronic wavefunctions; first principles calculation of approach to equilibration using Boltzmann equations; the relationship between factorial divergence of the QCD perturbation series and high field strength configurations; and connections between saturation phenomena in QCD and reaction-diffusion processes in statistical physics. Analysis of Dr. Mueller's publication record reveals a sustained focus on jet physics, diffractive processes, and saturation phenomena in QCD. His work bridges theoretical developments with experimental applications, particularly relevant for facilities like the Electron-Ion Collider. His research spans both perturbative and non-perturbative aspects of QCD, with significant contributions to understanding heavy ion collisions and deep inelastic scattering phenomena. Dr. Mueller has established extensive collaborations with researchers worldwide, including Edmond Iancu, Dionysis N. Triantafyllopoulos, and Stéphane Munier. His work has been highly influential in shaping theoretical frameworks for high-density QCD systems. While specific details about his mentoring activities are not explicitly documented in the available information, his extensive publication record spanning decades suggests active guidance of graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. His research program has likely been supported by major funding agencies in high-energy physics, contributing to Columbia University's strong presence in theoretical nuclear and particle physics.

• Applied Cryptography
• Theoretical Cryptography
• Computer Security

David Wu serves as a Visiting Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Virginia, having joined the institution in January 2019 as an Assistant Professor after completing his PhD at Stanford University. His academic career focuses on advancing cryptographic research and its practical applications in computer security systems. His educational background includes: PhD in Computer Science, Stanford University (2018) Dr. Wu's research spans Applied and Theoretical Cryptography with particular expertise in attribute-based encryption (ABE), broadcast encryption, and zero-knowledge proof systems. His work addresses foundational challenges in cryptographic protocols while developing practical solutions for data privacy, secure access control, and efficient secure computation. Recent investigations explore lattice-based constructions and privacy-enhancing technologies for real-world deployment. Analysis of his 2023-2025 publications reveals a concentrated focus on registered ABE systems, adaptively-secure broadcast encryption, and succinct non-interactive arguments (SNARGs). A significant portion leverages learning with errors (LWE) assumptions to achieve security and efficiency, with notable contributions to private information retrieval (PIR) systems and witness encryption. His research consistently bridges theoretical cryptography with practical security implementations.

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Bulk Metallic Glasses
• +4 more

Dr. Keita Nomoto is an ARC DECRA Research Fellow at the University of Sydney's School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, working within the Australian Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis (ACMM). His research focuses on advanced microscopy techniques to characterize microstructures of materials at atomic scales, including silicon nanocrystals, bulk metallic glasses, and copper-based alloys. He holds a PhD from UNSW (2017), a master's from Kyushu University (Japan), and a bachelor's from University of Miyazaki (Japan). Prior to academia, he worked at SHARP Corporation (2002-2007). Research interests include structure-property relationships in materials, with emphasis on sustainable applications. Current projects explore high-performance copper alloys via additive manufacturing and mechanical behaviors of bulk metallic glasses. Nomoto has received awards such as the 2022 DECRA and 2014 Commonwealth Scholarship. His work spans 100+ peer-reviewed articles in journals like Advanced Materials , Acta Materialia , and Nature Communications . Key grants include a 2023 Linkage Project on copper alloys and a 2021 DECRA project on additive manufacturing. He advises students like Kirk Chen on novel materials development. Labs/affiliations include the Sydney Nano Institute and ACMM. Research highlights include discovering medium-range order effects on bulk metallic glass hardness and developing Mg alloys with unprecedented strength-to-weight ratios.

• Cryptography
• Cyber Security
• Embedded Security
• +4 more

Prof. Jan Pelzl is a Professor of Computer Security at Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences. His research focuses on cryptography, cyber security, and embedded security, with a strong emphasis on post-quantum cryptography and industrial security solutions. He leads projects addressing long-term data protection under regulations like the NIS2 Directive and explores practical implementations for critical infrastructure. Key research areas include cryptographic algorithms (ECC, RSA, hash functions), key management systems, and security engineering for embedded systems. Collaborations with industry partners such as Robert Bosch GmbH and TÜV Rheinland Akademie highlight his work on industrial security and safety standards. His publications span over two decades, with recent focus on post-quantum cryptography applications, cryptographic protocols, and embedded security architectures. Pelzl’s contributions address both theoretical advancements and real-world implementations, particularly in automotive and IoT security contexts.

Matthew R. StonekingView profile

Professor

• Plasma Physics
• Magnetic Confinement
• Non-neutral Plasmas
• +4 more

Matthew R. Stoneking is the Alice G. Chapman Professor of Physics at Lawrence University, where he has served since 1997. His research focuses on experimental plasma physics, particularly the magnetic confinement of pure electron plasmas and the creation of electron-positron pair plasmas. He leads the APEX collaboration, developing advanced levitated dipole traps and collaborating internationally with institutions like the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics. His work integrates superconducting magnet technology, FPGA stabilization, and positron beam manipulation to explore fundamental plasma behaviors. Education: BA in Physics from Carleton College and PhD in Physics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His research interests span non-neutral plasmas, magnetic confinement engineering, and laboratory astrophysics. Key projects include the construction of the APEX-LD trap and the development of diagnostic techniques using gamma-ray annihilation signatures. Research trends in his articles emphasize advancing pair plasma confinement, optimizing magnetic trap designs, and understanding plasma behavior under extreme conditions. Collaborations with global teams aim to bridge theoretical models with experimental validation. His work contributes to both plasma physics and astrophysics by simulating conditions found in cosmic environments. Despite no explicit awards listed, his sustained contributions to experimental plasma physics highlight significant academic impact. Advising emphasizes student involvement in cutting-edge experiments, while grants likely support APEX infrastructure and international collaborations. His laboratory at Lawrence University serves as a hub for innovative plasma research, complemented by advanced facilities at partner institutions. Current projects include refining superconducting coil levitation, improving positron injection efficiency, and exploring thermal equilibrium dynamics in curved magnetic fields. Future work aims to achieve long-lived electron-positron plasmas, with potential applications in fundamental physics and energy research.

• Mathematical Statistics
• Applied Probability
• Machine Learning
• +5 more

Mikolaj Kasprzak is an Assistant Professor at ESSEC Business School, specializing in mathematical statistics and applied probability. He holds a DPhil (PhD) in Statistics from the University of Oxford, following a Master’s degree in Mathematics, Operational Research, Statistics, and Economics from the University of Warwick. His career includes postdoctoral research at the University of Luxembourg and a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship (2021–2023), with research stints at MIT and UCL. He joined ESSEC in 2024 as part of the Information Systems, Data Analytics, and Operations department. Research Interests: Mikolaj focuses on rigorously quantifying the accuracy of approximations in applied probability, statistics, and machine learning. His work involves developing mathematical tools to bound distances between probability distributions, with applications in Stein’s method, U-statistics, and stochastic processes. He emphasizes theoretical foundations while addressing real-world challenges in statistical inference and computational methods. Key Contributions: His research spans functional central limit theorems, kernel Stein discrepancies, and validated variational inference. Recent work includes advancements in goodness-of-fit tests for high-dimensional measures and error bounds for Bayesian posterior approximations. Awards: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship (2021), New Researcher Travel Award (2019), EUTOPIA Young Leaders Academy Fellowship (2024). Grants: Junior Chair of Excellence in Data Analytics (CY Initiative, 2024). Academic Roles: He also holds the Chaired Professorship in Data Science at ESSEC (2024–2028). His research has been published in top journals like Bernoulli , Annals of Applied Probability , and Probability Theory and Related Fields .

• Mathematics Education
• STEM Education
• Educational Technology
• +4 more

Professor Andrew Wandel is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the School of Engineering, University of Southern Queensland, where he is affiliated with the Institute for Advanced Engineering and Space Sciences. He has been with the university since 2009, initially as an Associate Professor before being promoted to Professor. Professor Wandel earned his BEng(Hons) from the University of Queensland in 1998 and completed his PhD there in 2005. Prior to joining USQ, he held research associate positions at Imperial College London (2007-2008), The University of Queensland (2007), and Cambridge University (2006). Professor Wandel's research spans multiple areas including computational fluid dynamics, combustion engineering, biofuels, and mathematics education. His work focuses on automotive combustion and fuel engineering, computational methods in fluid flow, heat and mass transfer, energy generation and conversion, and numerical and computational mathematics. He also has significant contributions to STEM education, particularly in mathematics and engineering curriculum development. His recent publications show a strong focus on computational methods for fluid dynamics and combustion modeling, particularly the MMC-IEM model, as well as extensive work on alternative fuels like butanol-acetone mixtures, biofuels, and hydrogen for internal combustion engines. His research combines theoretical modeling with experimental validation across these areas. Combustion Institute - Australia and New Zealand Section Engineers Australia - Chartered Engineer RPEQ Professor Wandel actively supervises doctoral and masters students, with current projects focusing on CFD applications in grain vacuum sampling, gas turbines, and industrial waste heat recovery. His completed supervision projects include studies on alternative fuels for diesel engines, optimization of solar collectors, and lean manufacturing strategies. He teaches courses in Computational Fluid Dynamics (MEC5100) and Combustion (MEC5105), bridging theoretical concepts with practical applications in mechanical engineering.

Simon BillingeView profile

Professor

• Materials Science
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Nanotechnology
• +5 more

Simon Billinge is a Professor of Materials Science and Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics at Columbia University and a Scientist at Brookhaven National Laboratory. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania (1992) and a B.A. from Oxford University. Previously, he served as a postdoc at Los Alamos National Laboratory and held faculty positions at Michigan State University, advancing to Full Professor by 2003. His research focuses on nanoscale structure-property relationships using advanced X-ray and neutron diffraction techniques, particularly the atomic pair distribution function (PDF) method. He has published over 200 papers and is a Fellow of the American Physical Society and Neutron Scattering Society of America. Education: Ph.D., Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania (1992) B.A., Oxford University Research Interests: His work spans materials for energy, catalysis, environmental remediation, and pharmaceuticals. He develops PDF methods to study disordered crystals and nanomaterials, integrating machine learning for data analysis. Recent trends include AI-driven structure solutions, operando studies of catalytic materials, and materials genome initiatives. Awards: Carnegie Corporation honor (2011) for immigrant contributions 2010 J.D. Hanawalt Award Michigan State University Distinguished Faculty Award Thomas H. Osgood Teaching Award Grants and Advising: He chairs major facility reviews and federally funded programs. His team at the Billinge Group (https://thebillingegroup.com/) develops tools like MLstructureMining and ClusterFinder for structural analysis. Collaborations include Brookhaven National Lab and global initiatives like the JUAMI African Materials Institute.