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James WestView profile

Professor

• Electrical Engineering
• Acoustics
• Materials Science
• +3 more

James West is a Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Mechanical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University's Whiting School of Engineering. He is renowned globally as co-inventor of the foil electret microphone, foundational to 90% of modern microphones. With over 60 U.S. patents and 200+ foreign patents, his career spans Bell Laboratories (1962–2001), where he pioneered polymer foil electret technologies. At Johns Hopkins since 2001, he focuses on teleconferencing acoustics, wearable health sensors, and energy harvesting. His research emphasizes biomedical applications like lung sound monitoring and telemedicine integration. Education: B.S. in Physics from Temple University (1957). Awards include National Inventors Hall of Fame Induction. He actively mentors students, advocating for diversity in STEM. Key research areas include medical device innovation, acoustic transducers, and sustainable energy systems. Key Contributions: Electret microphone technology, lung sound sensors, and hybrid energy harvesters. Recent Focus: Acoustic-based disease detection (e.g., COVID-19 screening) and telehealth sensor integration. Labs/Teams: Healthcare Acoustics Research Team (HART), collaborating on medical acoustics and sensor development. His work bridges academic and industrial innovation, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration. Current projects address noise suppression in clinical settings and wearable health monitoring systems.

Sara WitmerView profile

Associate Professor

• School Psychology
• Assessment Practices
• Educational Equity
• +3 more

Sara Witmer is an Associate Professor of School Psychology at Michigan State University (MSU), holding a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota and National Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) certification. She is affiliated with the College of Education’s Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology & Special Education (CEPSE). Her roles include Principal Investigator for Project ETUDE (funded by the Institute of Educational Sciences) and Project Director for Project Hi2LD (funded by the U.S. Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services), which focus on improving assessment practices and reducing graduate study costs for school psychology and special education students. Education: Dr. Witmer earned a Ph.D. in School Psychology from the University of Minnesota. She also holds an NCSP credential, reflecting her specialization in school-based psychological services. Research Interests: Her work centers on enhancing instructional decision-making through equitable assessment practices, particularly for at-risk students, students with disabilities, and English language learners. Key themes include validity and fairness in testing, accommodation use, and the integration of accessibility tools into large-scale accountability systems. She employs empirical and mixed-methods approaches to address disparities in educational measurement. Projects & Grants: Leading Project ETUDE (IES-funded) and Project Hi2LD (OSE-funded), she investigates testing accommodations’ effectiveness and develops interdisciplinary training programs. These initiatives aim to improve outcomes for K-12 students and reduce barriers to graduate education. Labs/Teams: While no specific lab is mentioned, her research aligns closely with MSU’s CEPSE department and interdisciplinary efforts within the College of Education, such as the CREATE for STEM Institute. She collaborates with national and international agencies to advance inclusive assessment policies.

Ozgur OzdemirView profile

Research Professor

• Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)
• mmWave Technology
• Wireless Communication
• +7 more

Ozgur Ozdemir is an Associate Research Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at North Carolina State University's College of Engineering. He is affiliated with the university's primary faculty and works closely with platforms like AERPAW and AFAR Challenge. His research focuses on advanced wireless systems, including UAV networks, mmWave technology, spectrum analysis, and radar-communication integration. His work spans experimental testbed development, digital twin applications for AI research, and methodologies for improving coverage in rural and urban environments. Ozdemir has contributed to standards like 5G NR and non-standalone 5G systems, emphasizing practical implementation and environmental impact analysis. He leads efforts in signal processing for autonomous systems and has expertise in software-defined radio (SDR) technologies. Research interests include aerial threat detection, RF signal analysis, and robust localization techniques. He explores challenges in NLOS bias correction, antenna radiation patterns, and passive reflector-based coverage enhancement. His work often combines theoretical models with experimental validation using platforms like AERPAW. His articles highlight advancements in drone detection systems, channel modeling for mmWave, and the integration of radar and communication systems. Key trends show a focus on outdoor/indoor spectrum measurements, UAV navigation, and resilient network design. Ozdemir's contributions are characterized by empirical studies and cross-disciplinary approaches to wireless challenges.

Agathoklis GiaralisView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Structural Dynamics
• Earthquake Engineering
• Structural Health Monitoring
• +11 more

Dr. Agathoklis Giaralis is a Senior Lecturer in Structural Engineering within the Department of Civil Engineering at the School of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, City, University of London. He earned his PhD in Civil & Environmental Engineering from Rice University, USA, in 2008, following an MSc and a 5-year Diploma (Ptychion) in Structural Engineering from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. He is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, UK. PhD, Civil & Environmental Engineering, Rice University, USA (2008) MSc, Seismic Design of Structures, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece (2004) Ptychion (5 yr Diploma), Civil/Structural Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece (2003) Dr. Giaralis's research is centered on nonlinear stochastic dynamics and time-frequency signal analysis , applied to critical areas such as earthquake engineering , seismic structural design and assessment , structural health monitoring (SHM) , and passive vibration control . His work is pioneering in the development and application of inerter-based vibration control systems, such as the Tuned Mass-Damper-Inerter (TMDI), for enhancing the resilience of structures. He also explores compressive sensing and low-power wireless sensors for sustainable SHM, as well as digital twinning and machine learning in wind engineering. His recent research has significant implications for offshore wind turbines and urban wind comfort. An analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals a consistent and cutting-edge research trajectory focused on the optimization and application of inerter-based devices for structural control. The work spans from developing analytical tuning formulas for TMDIs to conducting experimental validation on shaking tables and exploring novel applications in offshore wind turbines and composite floors. A strong emphasis is placed on performance-based design , uncertainty quantification , and practical implementation for real-world infrastructure. His scientific contributions have been recognized by prestigious awards, including the Fulbright Exchange Student Program scholarship for his PhD studies and a Fellowship from the Higher Education Academy . He is also a member of several leading professional organizations such as the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the Society for Earthquake and Civil Engineering Dynamics (SECED). Dr. Giaralis is actively involved in research funding and academic mentorship. He has secured significant grants from Innovate UK and the EPSRC to support his work on machine learning-based design and optimal inerter configurations. He supervises a cohort of PhD students whose theses focus on advanced topics like adaptive control of bridge joints, inerter-based energy harvesting, and seismic assessment using digital twins. He also leads the Smart Structures and Structural Health Monitoring Research Unit , driving collaborative research in smart infrastructure technologies.

Somnath GhoshView profile

Professor

• Computational Mechanics
• Multiscale Modeling
• Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME)
• +6 more

Somnath Ghosh is the Michael G. Callas Chair Professor at Johns Hopkins University, holding joint appointments in the Departments of Civil & Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Materials Science & Engineering. He directs the Computational Mechanics Research Laboratory (CMRL) and founded the Center for Integrated Structure-Materials Modeling and Simulations (CISMMS). His research focuses on multiscale computational mechanics, materials science, and integrated computational materials engineering (ICME). Key areas include additive manufacturing, fatigue and fracture mechanics, machine learning, and uncertainty quantification. Education includes a B.Tech. from IIT Kharagpur, M.S. from Cornell University, and Ph.D. from the University of Michigan. Ghosh has led major initiatives like NASA’s Space Technology Research Institute for Additive Manufacturing (IMQCAM) and the Air Force-funded Center of Excellence in Integrated Materials Modeling (CEIMM). He has authored over 300 peer-reviewed publications, three books, and is a Fellow of multiple societies, including the AAAS, ASME, and TMS. Award highlights include the Theodore von Karman Medal (2025), J.N. Reddy Medal (2024), and Nathan M. Newmark Medal (2013). His work bridges theory and industry applications in aerospace, automotive, and defense sectors. Labs under his leadership (CMRL and CISMMS) develop digital twins and advanced modeling tools for materials qualification and design.

• Construction Engineering
• Simulation Science
• Information Technology in Construction
• +3 more

Simaan Abourizk, PhD, PEng, is the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Alberta and holds the rank of Professor in Construction Engineering and Management. He also served as the NSERC/Alberta Construction Industry Research Chair (1997–2011) and Canada Research Chair in Operations Simulation (2001–2008). His roles include Executive Board membership at the Construction Research Institute of Canada. Education: Doctor of Philosophy in Construction Engineering and Management from Purdue University (1990), Master of Science and Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honors) from Georgia Institute of Technology (1985 and 1984). Research focuses on advancing simulation technologies for construction and natural resource industries, including: Development of the Simphony simulation environment and COSYE framework Integration of AI, visualization, and scheduling tools (e.g., SmartEst, MTRACK) Optimization of tunneling, modular assembly, and industrial fabrication processes Key awards include the E. Whitman Wright Award (2002), E.W.R. Steacie Memorial Fellowship (2001), and Walter Shanly Award (2001). Current projects emphasize synthetic environments, safety analytics, and data-driven decision support systems in construction. He leads initiatives on risk simulation, resource allocation, and industrial automation.

Xinshan LiView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Biomechanics
• Finite Element Analysis
• Computational Modeling
• +5 more

Dr. Xinshan Li is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Sheffield , affiliated with the School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering . Her work bridges computational modeling and biomedical applications, focusing on musculoskeletal mechanics across pediatric and adult populations. PhD in Bioengineering (2011), Auckland Bioengineering Institute Research interests: continuum modeling of musculoskeletal systems, pediatric bone mechanics, fracture risk prediction using finite element analysis, pelvic floor biomechanics in childbirth, and medical image-based computational models. Key collaborations: University of Sheffield’s Digital Patient initiatives, Procter & Gamble, Hospital for Special Surgery, and international biomedical research teams. Her recent publications highlight applications of finite element analysis and musculoskeletal modeling in osteoporosis screening , childbirth mechanics , and infant bone development , with methodological innovations in deep learning-based image segmentation . Dr. Li’s work has no listed awards but emphasizes translational research, including pFIRE (parallel image registration framework) and agent-based modeling of skin stem cells. She collaborates extensively on CT/MRI data integration for clinical applications. Contact: Room 1312, Sir Frederick Mappin Building , Mappin Street, Sheffield S1 3JD, UK. Email: xinshan.li@sheffield.ac.uk .

Hugo CurielView profile

Assistant Professor

• Stimulus Preference Assessments
• Reinforcer Assessment Procedures
• Gender Representation in Academic Journals
• +4 more

Hugo Curiel is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at Western Michigan University , specializing in behavior analysis. His research focuses on stimulus preference assessments, reinforcer assessments, and gender representation in academic journals. He holds a Ph.D. in Behavior Analysis (2018) from Western Michigan University, an M.A. (2012), and a B.A. (2009) from California State University, Fresno. Dr. Curiel is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with clinical experience in early intervention for children with autism and other developmental disabilities, emphasizing culturally responsive care through his bilingual (Spanish/English) expertise. His work integrates technology with traditional behavioral assessment methods and examines diversity in authorship across behavior-analytic journals. Education : Ph.D. in Behavior Analysis, Western Michigan University (2018) M.A. in Psychology, California State University, Fresno (2012) B.A. in Psychology, California State University, Fresno (2009) Research Interests : Development and validation of stimulus preference assessment tools Technology-enhanced reinforcer identification for children with autism Gender equity in behavior-analytic authorship and editorial roles Efficient skill acquisition methods like matrix training His recent articles explore global trends in behavior-analytic publications, cross-cultural research collaborations, and the integration of video-based interventions. Dr. Curiel actively promotes diversity in academia and has advised graduate students in applied behavior analysis programs. His work contributes to both theoretical advancements and practical applications in behavioral interventions.

• Software Engineering
• Software Testing
• Program Analysis
• +4 more

Alessandro Orso is the Dean and Professor of the University of Georgia College of Engineering. Previously, he served as a professor at Georgia Institute of Technology, where he directed the Scientific Software Engineering Center and held leadership roles, including interim dean of the College of Computing (2023–2024). He earned his Ph.D. and master’s in computer science and electrical engineering from Politecnico di Milano, Italy. Orso’s research focuses on software testing, program analysis, and debugging, with applications in improving software reliability and security. His work includes developing automated testing tools (e.g., AutoRestTest), methodologies for scientific software engineering, and techniques for program debloating. His research has secured funding from agencies and industry partners like Google, IBM, and Microsoft, including a $11M grant from Schmidt Futures. His scientific awards include being a Distinguished Member of the ACM and IEEE Fellow. He advocates for innovative education, such as Georgia Tech’s Online Master of Science in Computer Science and his virtual software engineering course. His publications span automated testing, API analysis, and security, reflecting his commitment to advancing both academic research and practical software solutions. Orso’s leadership includes directing the Scientific Software Engineering Center, which pioneers methodologies for scientific software improvement and trains a new generation of engineers. His career blends academic excellence with impactful industry collaborations, driving advancements in software engineering practices.

Mitch SmithView profile

Associate Professor

• Mental Fatigue
• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• +5 more

Associate Professor Mitch Smith is a faculty member in the Discipline of Exercise and Sport Science at the University of Newcastle, Australia. He holds an Associate Professor position within the School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy and specializes in mental fatigue's impact on performance across sports, industry, and defense sectors. Dr. Smith co-founded the Fatigue Research and Assessment Group (FRAG), a multidisciplinary team addressing physical and mental fatigue's effects on performance. His research integrates clinical physiology, psychology, motor control, and training systems to develop practical solutions for fatigue mitigation. Mitch has taught courses on motor control and skill acquisition, transitioning to blended learning formats to enhance student flexibility and engagement. This initiative earned him multiple teaching excellence awards, including the 2022 Learning Design and Teaching Innovation Award and the 2019 DVC(A) Educator Innovation Award. His collaborations span institutions globally, including Ghent University, the University of Kent, and German institutions. Key areas of research include mental fatigue in soccer, tackling technique analysis in rugby, and virtual reality applications for hazard perception. He has secured over $1.5M in grants, including the 2024 EngAGE project combating social isolation in older adults. Scientific contributions include over 30 journal articles and 14 conference presentations. Notable awards include the 2016 Aspetar Excellence in Football Research Award and recognition for teaching innovation. Mitch currently supervises PhD candidates focusing on youth talent development and collective behavior in soccer. Education: Doctor of Philosophy, University of Technology Sydney Doctor of Health Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium Bachelor of Human Movement Science (Honours), University of Technology Sydney Research Interests: Mitch's work centers on understanding and mitigating mental fatigue's effects on physical and cognitive performance. He applies this knowledge to optimize outcomes in sports, workplace safety, and defense. His recent projects include analyzing fatigue effects in youth soccer, handball, and swimming, as well as developing telehealth exercise physiology services for older adults. Grants & Funding: Mitch has secured funding for initiatives such as the EngAGE program ($631K), validation of hydration status methods ($15K), and equipment grants for metabolic and performance diagnostics. His collaborative projects address talent development in sports high schools and ecological mental fatigue assessment via the Footbonaut facility in Germany. Awards: 2022 Learning Design and Teaching Innovation Award 2019 DVC(A) Educator Innovation and Impact Award 2016 Aspetar Excellence in Football Research Award Labs/Teams: Dr. Smith leads the Fatigue Research and Assessment Group (FRAG), focusing on translational research to bridge lab findings and real-world applications in fatigue management.

April L. ZeniskyView profile

Research Professor

• Psychometrics
• Large-Scale Assessment
• Computer-Based Testing
• +4 more

April L. Zenisky is a Research Professor and Director of Computer-Based Testing Initiatives at the Center for Educational Assessment, University of Massachusetts Amherst. She specializes in psychometrics, large-scale assessment, and computer-based testing. Her work focuses on improving test designs, score reporting, and innovative item types for credentialing and educational programs. She leads projects like the Massachusetts Adult Proficiency Tests (MAPT-CCR) and has contributed to NAEP evaluations. Currently, she is the Associate Editor of the International Journal of Testing. Education: B.A. in English and Psychology from Amherst College (1997) Ed.D. in Educational Research from University of Massachusetts Amherst (2004) Research Interests: Dr. Zenisky’s work emphasizes practical applications of psychometric principles to real-world testing challenges, including adaptive testing paradigms, cross-cultural assessment, and actionable score reporting. She advocates for user-centric design in score reports and has pioneered methods for integrating technology into testing environments. Lab/Team: She directs the Center for Educational Assessment, collaborating with institutions globally on large-scale assessment projects. Her team develops tools for validating test designs and improving stakeholder communication of assessment outcomes.

• Visual Perception
• Face Recognition
• Object Recognition
• +2 more

Alejandro Estudillo is a Principal Academic in Psychology at Bournemouth University, where he researches visual perception and mathematical cognition. He holds a PhD in Human Cognitive Psychology and Neuropsychology from the University of Kent, complemented by MSc degrees from the University of Edinburgh and University of Granada, and a BSc from the University of Málaga. His research examines how visual systems process information for object/environment recognition and mathematical operations. Primary interests include face recognition mechanisms, holistic/featural processing, and cognitive neuroscience. He employs eye-tracking, EEG-ERP, and behavioral paradigms to study these phenomena across diverse populations. Recent publications (2022-2025) cluster around three themes: (1) face processing (mask/inversion effects, cross-race recognition), (2) neurocognitive techniques (tDCS/tRNS modulation of face areas), and (3) applied cognition (eyewitness identification, mathematical performance). Grants & Labs: British Academy grant for facial-composite optimization (2024) Malaysian/Spanish grants for face recognition/dyscalculia research (2012-2019) Established Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning Laboratory (2018) and Neurophysiology Lab (2019) He actively supervises MRes/PhD students in face processing and mathematical cognition.

Gerald EnglmairView profile

Associate Professor

• Thermal Energy Storage
• Phase Change Materials
• Flexible Heating and Cooling Systems
• +12 more

Gerald Englmair is an Associate Professor in the Section of Energy and Services within the Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). He leads research and teaching initiatives in thermal energy storage, flexible heating and cooling systems, and solar energy integration at DTU campuses in Lyngby and Sisimiut. He actively contributes to international energy research collaborations, including EU-funded projects and IEA tasks. His research focuses on the experimental development, testing, and demonstration of thermal energy storage technologies, particularly those based on phase change materials (PCM) and supercooled sodium acetate trihydrate. His work enables compact, decentralized, and efficient energy storage solutions that support energy flexibility and sustainability. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in advancing the stability, performance, and real-world integration of thermal storage systems. Key areas include discharging dynamics, material degradation, and application in buildings and data centers. His research bridges engineering science with practical implementation in energy systems. Kalundborg Refinery Prize (2024) PhD Paper of the Year 2018 Innovation Award by FH Upper Austria (2015) Gerald Englmair has led multiple research projects, including EU-CETP “La-Flex”, EU "TREASURE", and IEA SHC Task 67/ES Task 40, where he serves as subtask lead and national coordinator for Denmark. He is also vice chair of the thermal energy storage working group at DaCES. His advisory roles include consultancy for public sector and international projects like STES4D in Spain. He mentors students and collaborates widely across Europe and China. He is actively involved in research networks, public outreach, and educational initiatives, including guest lectures, media appearances, and scientific advisory roles. His laboratory work focuses on experimental validation of thermal storage units and their integration into real-world energy systems.

• Marine Renewable Energy
• Offshore Engineering
• Fluid-Structure Interaction
• +5 more

Giuseppe Giorgi is a fixed-term researcher at the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (DIMEAS), Politecnico di Torino. He serves as Scientific Coordinator for multiple EU-funded projects including MERMAIDS, BLUE-X, and AIMS, and leads commercial research contracts for offshore wind microclimate studies. Research focuses on hybrid offshore platforms integrating Floating Offshore Wind Turbines (FOWTs) with Wave Energy Converters (WECs) Expertise in nonlinear hydrodynamics , fluid-structure interaction , and experimental validation through lab tests and sea trials Research Interests : Marine Renewable Energy Systems Nonlinear Dynamic Modeling Mechanical and Techno-Economic Optimization Hybrid Wind-Wave Energy Platforms Parametric Resonance Energy Harvesters Scientific Achievements : 2022: IFAC CAMS Best Paper Award 2022: Institution of Civil Engineers - Baker Medal 2022: AIMETA Junior Mechanics of Machines Award 2023: IFToMM Bronze Best Student Paper Award Academic Leadership includes supervising 6 PhD students and teaching Numerical Modeling of Marine Energy Converters (PhD level). His 15 most recent publications focus on wave energy converter optimization, floating wind turbine dynamics, and hybrid offshore energy systems with applications in the Mediterranean Sea and North Sea.

Kinan Dak AlbabView profile

Assistant Professor

• Data Privacy
• Systems Security
• Secure Computation
• +7 more

Kinan Dak Albab is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Computing and Data Sciences (CDS) at Boston University, where he joined in summer 2024. His research spans systems, cryptography, and programming languages, focusing on building practical tools for data privacy and compliance-by-construction. He has developed influential systems such as Sesame, K9db, and DP-PIR, which have been published in top venues like SOSP, OSDI, and USENIX Security. PhD in Computer Science, Brown University MS in Computer Science, Boston University (2020) BS in Computer Science, American University of Beirut (2015) Kinan's research centers on data privacy , secure computation , and systems security . He designs tools that allow developers to build applications that are privacy-compliant by construction. His work leverages systems design, cryptographic protocols, and language-level enforcement to reduce developer burden while ensuring strong privacy guarantees. He is particularly interested in GDPR compliance, private information retrieval, and usability of secure systems. His publications span high-impact areas including end-to-end privacy enforcement (Sesame), database systems with built-in privacy (K9db), and efficient private information retrieval (DP-PIR). These works combine systems performance with strong theoretical foundations, enabling real-world deployment in domains like wage gap analysis and public policy. Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching, Brown University (2025) Teaching Excellence Award, Boston University (2020) Vivli and Microsoft datatheon Outstanding Graduate Submission (2019) Hariri Institute Graduate Fellow (2017–2020) Mark Sawaya Excellence Award, AUB (2015) 1st Place, ACM Lebanese Collegiate Programming Contest (2015) Kinan has advised and collaborated on real-world secure computation deployments, including a project with the Boston Women's Workforce Council and the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce to measure wage gaps across over 100 companies. His work contributed to the formation of the startup nthparty and has been cited in the White House’s National Strategy on Privacy-Preserving Data Sharing, the UN Handbook on Privacy-Preserving Computation, and the European Commission’s report on Technological Enablers for Privacy. He is the lead developer of the JIFF framework for secure multi-party computation on the web and has created tools like Carousels for resource estimation in secure programs. He leads the ETOS group and is affiliated with multiparty.org , an initiative focused on advancing privacy-preserving technologies through open-source tools and real-world applications.