Find Academic Supervisors

Zhenhua TianView profile

Assistant Professor

• Acoustics
• Smart Materials
• Nanomaterials
• +12 more

Zhenhua Tian is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Tech's College of Engineering, where he leads innovative research in acoustics, smart materials, and biomedical applications. His work integrates principles from mechanical engineering, materials science, and biomedical technology to develop next-generation tools for cell manipulation, nondestructive evaluation, and functional material design. Education: PhD, Mechanical Engineering, University of South Carolina (2015) BS, School of Energy Power and Mechanical Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing (2008) Dr. Tian's research focuses on the development and application of acoustic technologies in diverse domains. His core interests include acoustic tweezers for cell and nanoparticle manipulation, acoustofluidics for bioparticle analysis and gene delivery, acoustic metamaterials with tailored mechanical and piezoelectric properties, and ultrasonic phased arrays for structural health monitoring and medical imaging. These areas reflect a strong interdisciplinary approach bridging robotics, biomaterials, vibration, and imaging sciences. The trends in his publication record reveal a consistent focus on leveraging acoustic and ultrasonic phenomena for precision engineering and biomedical innovation. His work spans from fundamental wave-material interactions to applied systems in bioprinting, targeted therapy, and nondestructive testing, with increasing emphasis on integration with smart materials and real-time control. Scientific Awards: National Science Foundation CAREER Award (2024) Dean's Award for Excellence: Outstanding New Assistant Professor, College of Engineering, Virginia Tech (2024) Dr. Tian has been actively building his research program through competitive grants, including the prestigious NSF CAREER award, which supports early-career faculty with high potential. While specific grant details are not listed, his recognition indicates strong funding success and institutional support. He advises students in mechanical engineering and related disciplines, mentoring the next generation of engineers in acoustics and functional materials. Though student names are not provided, his lab environment fosters innovation in cutting-edge experimental and computational techniques. He leads the Acoustics and Functional Materials Laboratory , a research group dedicated to advancing the science and engineering of acoustic systems and smart materials. The lab develops experimental platforms for manipulating biological and synthetic materials using ultrasound, designs novel metamaterials with programmable properties, and pioneers new methods in structural health monitoring and biomedical diagnostics.

Ahmed AllamView profile

Assistant Professor

• Acoustics
• Ultrasonics
• 3D-Printed Materials
• +7 more

Dr. Ahmed Allam is an Assistant Professor in the Mechanical and Materials Engineering Department at the University of Cincinnati. He leads the UC Metasonics Lab, focusing on acoustics, ultrasonics, metamaterials, and IoT applications. His research includes developing acoustic materials for challenging environments like oceans, the human body, and nuclear waste containers, using 3D printing and metamaterials to design transducers and systems. Education: PhD: Georgia Institute of Technology (2021), Mechanical Engineering MSc: Ain Shams University (2017), Mechanical Engineering BSc: Ain Shams University (2012), Mechatronics Engineering Research Interests: Acoustics, ultrasonics, additive manufacturing, metamaterials, underwater communications, and non-destructive testing. His lab specializes in acoustic materials and systems for Industry 4.0 applications, including power transfer through metals and underwater IoT. Grants & Funding: Department of Energy (2024-2024): Evaluating thermal performance of through-metal power transfer ($79,979) L3Harris Technologies (2024-2025): Acoustic noise characterization of sensors ($6,305) Department of Defense (2024-2025): Infrared camera acoustic noise testing ($6,308) Labs & Teams: The Metasonics Lab designs acoustic devices, circuits, and signal processing tools for applications in underwater communication, industrial monitoring, and biomedical sensing.

• Robotics
• Industrial Robotics
• Non-Destructive Testing
• +12 more

Randika Kosala Wathavana Vithanage is a Lecturer in Robotics at the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Strathclyde, United Kingdom. He is actively engaged in research projects funded by EPSRC, InnovateUK, and BEIS, focusing on robotic in-process inspection for high-value industrial components. He is a Chartered Engineer (CEng), a member of IMechE, and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA). His educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, and a PhD in Industrial Robotics for Rolling-stock Maintenance from the United Kingdom. Randika’s research interests lie at the intersection of robotics, ultrasonics, machine learning, and non-destructive testing (NDT). He investigates novel techniques for robotically delivered in-process inspection in aerospace, nuclear, defense, and energy sectors. His work emphasizes intelligent systems for defect detection in composite and metal components, particularly during additive manufacturing and fusion welding processes. His recent publications (2023–2024) demonstrate a strong trend in applying machine learning and deep learning to ultrasonic testing, with a focus on automation, real-time monitoring, and hybrid sensing. Key themes include phased array ultrasonics, carbon fibre composites, additive manufacturing, and robotic integration in industrial inspection. He has received two notable scientific awards: The BINDT Annual Conference Award (2019) Presentation Award - RCNDE ESR 2019 Randika is a Principal Investigator and Co-investigator on multiple research grants, including EPSRC and InnovateUK projects. He supervises PhD students and contributes to professional activities such as conference organization, peer review, invited talks, and industrial collaboration. He is currently hosting external visitors and serving as an internal examiner for EngD vivas. He is affiliated with the Centre for Ultrasonic Engineering (CUE) at the University of Strathclyde, where he conducts interdisciplinary research with teams working on advanced sensing, robotics, and manufacturing technologies.

• Ultrasonics
• Nondestructive Testing
• Robotics
• +3 more

Morteza Tabatabaeipour is a Lecturer in Advanced Manufacturing at the School of Engineering, Ulster University . His research focuses on ultrasonic nondestructive testing, guided wave inspection, and robotic applications in industrial analysis. Institution: Ulster University Academic Rank: Lecturer Research Areas: Ultrasonics, Robotics, Composite Materials, Guided Wave Technology His work includes developing flexible ultrasonic arrays, mitigating biofouling in marine environments, and integrating machine vision with ultrasonic testing. Recent projects explore wall thickness quantification using shear horizontal waves and calibration-free guided wave analysis. Email: m.tabatabaeipour@ulster.ac.uk

• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
• Non-Destructive Testing
• Sensor Technology
• +4 more

Dr. Dayi Zhang is a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering at the University of Strathclyde. He holds a PhD in Autonomous Unmanned Aerial Vehicle for Non-Destructive Testing (awarded May 2019) and contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Quality Education and Industry Innovation. As a topical advisory panel member for Drones Journal (since 2024), he bridges UAV technology with industrial applications. Research interests focus on unmanned aerial vehicles for non-destructive testing , with expertise in ultrasonic inspection , eddy current sensing , and force-torque sensor integration . His work addresses challenges in pipeline monitoring , metallic structure assessment , and autonomous robotic positioning , often combining sensor fusion and remote sensing techniques. Key research areas include UAV-deployed sensor systems Structural health monitoring Electromagnetic acoustic resonance Capacitive and pressure sensor design Photogrammetric and LiDAR-based localization Scientific recognition includes the 2024 IEEE TIM Outstanding Reviewer and Innovator of the Future (2025) awards. Collaborations span nuclear facilities, aerospace, and manufacturing domains, with ongoing editorial contributions to Discover Sensors and Drones journals.

• Marine Energy
• Structural Integrity
• Composite Materials
• +5 more

Saeid Lotfian is a Teaching Fellow at the Department of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Marine Engineering within the University of Strathclyde . His research focuses on Marine Energy Systems , Structural Integrity , and Advanced Materials for renewable energy applications. He actively contributes to projects funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and collaborates with researchers in Ultrasonics , Composite Materials , and Wave Energy Converters . Research Domains : Marine Energy, Structural Mechanics, Material Science, Sustainable Engineering Tools : Computational Modeling, Experimental Testing, Ultrasonic Inspection His work addresses critical challenges in Tidal Turbine Blade Durability , Erosion Modeling , and Offshore Wind Maintenance , with recent publications in Engineering Failure Analysis and Journal of Marine Science and Engineering . Lotfian participates in international collaborations and contributes to conferences on Net-Zero Technologies and Offshore Structural Integrity .

María del Carmen Pérez RubioView profile

Professor

• Electronics Engineering
• Ultrasonic Positioning Systems
• Sensor Networks
• +13 more

María del Carmen Pérez Rubio is a Professor at the University of Alcalá (UAH) specializing in Electronics Technology. With a Doctorate from UAH (2009) and two teaching five-year terms recognized, she has been actively involved in research, teaching innovation, and academic management since 2004. Education: PhD in Electronics Engineering, UAH (2009), Cum Laude, European Doctorate Mention, Ministry Quality Mention Master's Degree in University Teaching, UAH (2012) Electronic Engineering, UAH (2004), Top of Class Industrial Technical Engineering (Electronics), UAH (2002), Top of Class Her research focuses on ultrasonic positioning systems , sensor networks , and embedded systems , particularly in intelligent spaces, robotics, and transportation. She has contributed extensively to FPGA implementation, CDMA techniques, and acoustic signal processing. Her recent publications highlight advancements in acoustic positioning algorithms , multiband waveform design , and 3D localization using EMFi transducers. She combines technical research with pedagogical innovation in power electronics and electronic engineering education. Scientific Awards: Technology-Based Company Creation Prize (UAH, 2019) Knowledge Transfer Award (UAH, 2019) Excellence Campus Accesit (2018) Excellent Shotgun Presentation Prize (Ultrasonics 2023) Teaching Excellence Awards (2016, 2022) Teaching Innovation Group Excellence Mention (2015) She has directed 19 end-of-degree projects, 10 master's theses, and 1 doctoral thesis. Her management roles include coordinating the Electronic Engineering Degree (2014-2022) and serving as Electronics Department Secretary (2019-2022). She has participated in 30 research projects, including National Plan and RETOS programs, and collaborated in 4 patents.

• Renewable Energy Materials
• Electro-Optical-Thermo-Mechanical Reliability
• Heterogeneous Integration
• +7 more

Dr. Shubhra Bansal is an Associate Professor at Purdue University with a joint appointment in the School of Mechanical Engineering and School of Materials Engineering. Her research focuses on renewable energy materials, electro-thermo-mechanical reliability, and heterogeneous integration in semiconductor packaging. She holds a B.S. in Metallurgical & Materials Engineering from IIT Roorkee, India, and M.S./Ph.D. in Materials Science from Georgia Tech. Before joining Purdue, she worked at UNLV and GE Global Research, and advised the Obama administration’s SunShot Initiative. Her awards include NSF CAREER, NASA and DOE fellowships, and multiple patents. Research interests include sustainable PV materials, Pb-free solders, and advanced packaging reliability. She leads the EMRSL Research Group, exploring topics like perovskite stability, thermal interface materials, and recycling methods. Her work is funded by NSF, DOE, DARPA, and DoD. She serves as Associate Editor for Solar Energy and IEEE Journal of Photovoltaics . Current projects emphasize in-situ testing, materials sustainability, and workforce training in semiconductor packaging. Over 15 patents and 100+ publications reflect her impact in energy and electronics fields.

• Ultrasonics
• Non-Destructive Testing
• Laser-Induced Phased Arrays
• +3 more

Peter Lukacs is a Research Fellow in the Electronic and Electrical Engineering Department at the University of Strathclyde's Faculty of Engineering. His work focuses on advanced ultrasonic imaging techniques for industrial applications, particularly in additive manufacturing quality control. His research interests center on laser-induced phased arrays, ultrasonic non-destructive testing, and surface acoustic wave spectroscopy. Key areas include volumetric imaging, defect characterization in additively manufactured components, and real-time adaptive data acquisition systems. His publications demonstrate expertise in grating-lobe suppression, sparse array design, and crosstalk mitigation for precision inspection. Lukacs' recent publications reveal a strong focus on applying laser-ultrasound techniques to nuclear fusion reactor components and wire-arc additive manufacturing. His work bridges theoretical array optimization with practical industrial implementation, particularly for near-surface defect detection in aerospace-grade materials. Lukacs serves as Principal Investigator for the EPSRC Doctoral Prize project and Co-investigator for multiple EPSRC-funded initiatives including 'Unveiling the grey area between surface and volume' and nuclear fusion reactor inspection systems. His professional activities include invited talks on adaptive laser-induced phased arrays at international symposia.

Jian-Yu LuView profile

Professor

• Medical Imaging
• Biomedical Engineering
• Ultrasound
• +3 more

Jian-Yu Lu is a Professor in the Department of Bioengineering at The University of Toledo , where he has served since 1997, and an Adjunct Professor in the College of Medicine and Life Sciences since 1998. He previously held academic positions at Mayo Medical School and Mayo Clinic . Education: B.S. (1982, Fudan University), M.S. (1985, Tongji University), Ph.D. (1988, Southeast University), Postdoctoral Fellowship (1988-1990, Mayo Medical School) Research Interests focus on acoustic imaging , super-resolution imaging , medical ultrasonic transducers , and ultrasonic beamforming . His work on X waves and limited diffraction beams has advanced applications in ultrasound and optics. Recent Publications (2023-2024) emphasize super-resolution imaging , PSF modulation , and secure data transmission using X/Bessel waves. His 1992 discovery of X waves remains foundational. Scientific Awards : IEEE Fellow (2008), AIUM Fellow (2005), AIMBE Fellow (2007), 2016 IEEE UFFC-S Distinguished Service Award , 2021 IEEE Toledo Engineer of the Year , 1992 IEEE Outstanding Paper Award Patents : 5 U.S. patents as principal inventor (1992, 1996, 1998, 2011, 2013) + 1 provisional patent (2024) Professional Leadership : Served as IEEE UFFC-S President (2014-2015), Editor-in-Chief of IEEE Transactions on Ultrasonics, Ferroelectrics, and Frequency Control (2002-2007), and chaired major IEEE conferences.

• Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS)
• Radio Frequency Circuits
• Integrated Circuit Design
• +7 more

Frédéric Nabki is a Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS) in Montreal, Canada. Holding a B.Ing. and Ph.D. from McGill University, he maintains an active research program focused on microelectromechanical systems, RF circuits, and integrated photonics. His work bridges fundamental research with practical applications in avionics, wireless communications, and sensing systems. Dr. Nabki's research interests span microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), radio frequency integrated circuits, sensor design, microfabrication techniques, and optical communications. His laboratory, LACIME (Communications and Microelectronic Integration Laboratory), focuses on three primary research axes: Sensors, Networks and Connectivity; Innovative materials and advanced manufacturing; and Quantum Engineering. His work encompasses analog and RF microelectronics, MEMS and MOEMS devices, microfabrication, system-on-chip design, integrated sensors and actuators, interface circuits for sensors, wireless and optical communication circuits, energy harvesting microsystems, silicon photonics, and embedded systems for avionics applications. Analysis of Dr. Nabki's recent publications reveals a strong focus on MEMS technology with applications spanning multiple domains. His work demonstrates expertise in piezoelectric MEMS devices, optical switching solutions using silicon nitride photonics, ultrasonic transducers for sensing applications, and RF front-ends for avionics. The research increasingly incorporates machine learning techniques for signal processing and fault detection, showing an interdisciplinary approach that combines hardware design with advanced algorithms. His work maintains strong ties to practical applications, particularly in aerospace, industrial monitoring, and biomedical imaging. Dr. Nabki has successfully supervised numerous graduate students through their master's and doctoral research. His supervision portfolio includes over 30 theses covering diverse topics from MEMS resonators and energy harvesters to optical switching systems and avionics RF front-ends. His research has been supported through significant funding that has enabled the filing of 48 patents, numerous peer-reviewed publications (116 journal articles), and multiple book chapters. The extensive patent portfolio demonstrates the translational nature of his research with practical commercial applications. Dr. Nabki leads the LACIME research laboratory, which focuses on the integration of communication systems with microelectronic technologies. The laboratory maintains strong collaborations with industry partners, particularly in the aerospace sector, and has developed specialized facilities for MEMS design, fabrication, and testing. Current research directions include quantum-based security for connected objects, advanced MEMS for avionics applications, and silicon photonics for optical switching solutions.

Sabina MerloView profile

Professor

• Optical biosensors
• Photonic crystals
• MEMS
• +5 more

Sabina Merlo is a Full Professor at the Department of Industrial and Information Engineering , University of Pavia , and leads the Electrooptics Laboratory . Her research focuses on optical biosensors , photonic crystals , and MEMS/MOEMS for biomedical applications. Education : Laurea in Electronic Engineering (Politecnico di Milano), Ph.D. in Electronic Engineering Awards : Edmund Optics Educational Award Finalist (2015), Premio Ordine degli Ingegneri di Pavia (2010) Students : Supervised over 40 thesis students in biomedical and electronic engineering, including Irene Bassi, Elena Figus, and Alberto Simoni Publications : 15+ peer-reviewed papers on tunable micro-lenses, near-infrared sensing, and interferometric biosensors Projects : Involved in funded research on optical tomography for cancer detection (2011), cell monitoring (2009), and optofluidic biosensors (2007)

Guillaume PeneletView profile

Lecturer

• Thermoacoustics
• Porous Materials
• Ultrasonics
• +4 more

Guillaume Penelet is a Lecturer and researcher at Le Mans University's Faculty of Sciences, specializing in acoustics within the Acoustics Department at LAUM (Laboratory of Acoustics and Ultrasonics of Le Mans). He has been actively engaged in both teaching and research since September 2005, focusing primarily on thermoacoustics and its applications. His research spans thermoacoustic refrigeration, non-reciprocal acoustic systems, porous materials, and laser ultrasonics. Penelet's work demonstrates strong interdisciplinary connections between physics, materials science, and engineering, with particular emphasis on experimental validation of theoretical concepts. His research group operates within the Transducers team at LAUM, contributing significantly to France's acoustics research infrastructure. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a clear trend toward non-reciprocal acoustic phenomena and wave manipulation techniques, with increasing focus on experimental demonstrations of theoretical models. His work bridges fundamental physics with practical applications in refrigeration, sensors, and acoustic metamaterials. Penelet actively collaborates with researchers across France and internationally, as evidenced by his co-authorship on publications in high-impact journals including Nature Communications, Physical Review Research, and the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. His research contributes to both theoretical advancements in wave physics and practical implementations in thermoacoustic devices. He teaches acoustics courses within the Faculty of Sciences curriculum and maintains active research profiles on HAL and ResearchGate. His laboratory work focuses on experimental thermoacoustics, utilizing advanced optical measurement techniques and specialized test benches for material characterization.

• Fluid Mechanics
• Nuclear Engineering
• Robotics
• +3 more

Ryou Nishiwaki is a Researcher at the Institute of Science Tokyo , focusing on fluid mechanics, ultrasonic measurement systems, and robotics integration. His work bridges nuclear engineering and mechanical applications, emphasizing remote sensing and non-invasive techniques. Education: Not explicitly mentioned. Research Interests include ultrasonic velocity profiling, flow measurement, and robot-assisted systems for fluid dynamics. His publications highlight innovations in telemetry systems for nuclear engineering, clamp-on ultrasonic meters for steam flow, and robotics in leak detection. Key trends involve non-destructive testing, signal processing, and experimental validation in industrial settings. Advising and Grants: No students or grants mentioned.

Jialuo DingView profile

Research Fellow

• Additive Manufacturing
• Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing
• Process Modeling and Simulation
• +3 more

Dr. Jialuo Ding is a Principal Research Fellow in Additive Manufacturing at Cranfield University, where she leads the research development of digital aspects of wire-based Direct Energy Deposition Additive Manufacturing (w-DED AM) processes. She earned her PhD from Cranfield University in 2013 and has since established herself as a leading expert in this field. As the Research Programme Lead of the WAAMMat Programme, she is responsible for delivering research and industrial projects focused on providing practical solutions based on Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing processes. Her research focuses on process modeling and simulation, process monitoring and control, and the applications of large-scale DED AM component building. Dr. Ding's current projects include leading the process modeling research area for the NEWAM project (EPSRC), serving as project lead for HPWAAM (Innovate UK), acting as co-investigator for MultiFun (EU), and managing over 10 WAAMMat industrial projects annually. Dr. Ding's recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate her active research program in advancing additive manufacturing technologies, particularly in applications for large-scale component building. Her work spans diverse areas including plasma arc deposition, digital twin development, process monitoring frameworks, and material property optimization. Her research addresses critical challenges in additive manufacturing such as residual stress management, microstructure control, and process quality assurance. Dr. Ding collaborates extensively with industry partners including Airbus, BAE Systems, Boeing UK, Bombardier Aerospace, GE Avio, Lockheed Martin UK, Safran, Thales, and numerous other aerospace and manufacturing organizations. Her work bridges the gap between academic research and industrial applications, focusing on practical solutions for real-world manufacturing challenges.