Maj Keith A. Wyman, PhD is a researcher affiliated with the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), specializing in quantum optics and atmospheric photonics. His work focuses on photonic qubit propagation, atmospheric turbulence effects, and laser-based quantum technologies. He holds a PhD in Applied Physics from AFIT (2023), an M.S. in Applied Physics (2014), and dual B.S. degrees in Physics and Mathematics from the United States Air Force Academy (2012). Wyman’s research interests include developing atmospheric turbulence simulators, studying quantum communication protocols, and advancing laser technologies for free-space optical networks. His recent publications address photon pair indistinguishability, qubit degradation under turbulence, and sodium beacon systems for adaptive optics. He collaborates with institutions like Ohio State University’s Center for Quantum Information Science and Engineering. His academic contributions span conferences such as SPIE and FQMT, with a focus on experimental quantum systems and optical metrology. Wyman’s work bridges theoretical quantum mechanics with applied engineering solutions for military and civilian optical communication challenges.
Timothy John O'Brien is a Professor of Astrophysics and Associate Director of the Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics at the University of Manchester, Faculty of Science & Engineering, Department of Physics & Astronomy. He also served as Director of Teaching & Learning in the Department of Physics & Astronomy from 2016-2020 and as Associate Dean for Social Responsibility for the Faculty of Science & Engineering during the same period. His educational background includes a B.Sc. (Hons) in Physics with Astrophysics from the University of London (1985) and a Ph.D. in Astrophysics from the University of Manchester (1990). Professor O'Brien's research concentrates on the study of exploding stars—mainly nova outbursts caused by thermonuclear explosions on the surface of white dwarfs in binary star systems. Over the years, he has developed expertise in a wide range of astrophysical techniques, working across the spectrum from radio waves to X-rays while also carrying out numerical simulations of the aftermath of explosions using his own hydrodynamic codes. Recently, he has developed an interest in the search for extra-terrestrial intelligence (SETI) using radio telescopes. His research fingerprint shows strong activity in Novae (100%), Optical Bursts (94%), Recurrent Novae (56%), Ejecta (45%), Planetary Nebula (38%), Emissions (32%), Classical Novae (32%), and Nebula (28%). His recent publications demonstrate a continued focus on nova outbursts, particularly in symbiotic novae systems like RS Ophiuchi, with high-resolution imaging techniques and multi-wavelength observations. His work spans theoretical modeling, observational astronomy across the electromagnetic spectrum, and data analysis from major telescope facilities. Kelvin Medal of the Institute of Physics (2014) for Public Engagement Professor O'Brien has extensive teaching experience, having worked as a lecturer in three universities since 1988. He has taught a wide range of courses in astronomy & astrophysics, physics, applied mathematics, and computing. From 1999-2009, he directed a distance learning program in astronomy that enrolled over 1,300 students. His current teaching includes Dynamics, Physics of the Solar System, and a course on the Search for Extraterrestrial Life. He has also supervised numerous project students throughout his career. He is actively involved in public engagement, including regular media appearances and events at the Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement. He was a co-founder of the bluedot festival and contributed to the successful nomination of Jodrell Bank Observatory as a World Heritage Site in 2019.
Christoph Bostedt holds dual appointments as a Professor of Physical Chemistry at the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) and as Head of the Laboratory for Synchrotron Radiation and Femtochemistry (LSF) at the Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI). He leads strategic operations for the LSF, managing five research groups and overseeing four beamlines at the Swiss Light Source and the Alvra Endstation at SwissFEL. His research focuses on ultrafast x-ray science, including single-shot imaging, non-linear x-ray spectroscopy, and femtosecond pump-probe techniques. He collaborates globally on initiatives like the Athos project, aiming to advance ultrafast x-ray technologies. Bostedt has over 150 publications and is a Fellow of the American Physical Society, recipient of the Röntgen Prize. Education: Ph.D. from the University of Hamburg with research at Lawrence Livermore and Berkeley National Laboratories. Prior roles include leadership at Argonne National Laboratory and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. Research Interests: Single-particle imaging and coherent diffraction X-ray free-electron laser applications Ultrafast dynamics in nanoparticles and molecular systems Non-linear x-ray spectroscopy Time-resolved x-ray pump-probe methods Awards: Fellow of the American Physical Society Röntgen Prize (University of Giessen) Labs & Projects: Spearheads the Athos beamline project at SwissFEL, developing the Maloja endstation for ultrafast x-ray studies. Oversees the Laboratory for Femtochemistry and collaborates on advanced imaging techniques for nanoscale science.
Franklin Goldsmith serves as Associate Professor of Engineering within Brown University's School of Engineering, where his research bridges fundamental chemical kinetics with practical combustion applications. His work directly impacts energy conversion technologies and emission reduction strategies through rigorous investigation of reaction mechanisms. His academic foundation includes: PhD in Chemical Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2010) BS in Chemical Engineering from North Carolina State University (2003) BA in Chemistry from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (1998) Goldsmith's research program centers on radical reaction kinetics and low-temperature oxidation phenomena , employing both computational master equation modeling and experimental techniques like shock tube spectroscopy and synchrotron photoionization. His investigations into non-Boltzmann energy distributions and pressure-dependent rate coefficients have established new frameworks for understanding ignition chemistry. The Thermochemistry for Combustion Database project exemplifies his commitment to foundational data resources for the field. Analysis of his publication record reveals three dominant research thrusts: (1) detailed kinetic modeling of hydrocarbon oxidation, particularly propane systems; (2) development of computational methodologies for pressure-dependent rate estimation; and (3) fundamental studies of radical-molecule interactions. His work consistently integrates high-precision experimental validation with theoretical frameworks, as evidenced by collaborations with national laboratories. Goldsmith teaches Brown's core chemical engineering curriculum including ENGN 1120 (Reaction Kinetics and Reactor Design) and ENGN 1130 (Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics), alongside specialized graduate courses in heterogeneous catalysis (ENGN 2751) and chemically reacting flow (ENGN 2910Q). His educational approach emphasizes the connection between molecular-scale kinetics and reactor design principles. His research group maintains active collaborations with Argonne National Laboratory (Klippenstein), MIT (Green), and Sandia National Laboratories (Taatjes), focusing on multiscale informatics for complex reaction systems. Current projects investigate biomass-derived fuel combustion and catalytic partial oxidation mechanisms using spatially resolved experimental techniques.
Noel T. Clemens serves as a Professor and holds the prestigious Clare Cockrell Williams Centennial Chair in Engineering within the Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics Department at the University of Texas at Austin's Cockrell School of Engineering. He has been a faculty member since 1993 and served as department chair from 2012 to 2020. His research laboratory is part of the Center for Aeromechanics Research (CAR) where he directs the Flowfield Imaging Laboratory. Dr. Clemens' research focuses on experimental investigations of hypersonic flows, turbulent combustion, and advanced optical diagnostic techniques. His current work emphasizes 3D shock wave/boundary layer interactions, inlet unstart control, flashback in high-pressure combustors, turbulent combustion with non-equilibrium effects, and high-temperature ablation phenomena. He has pioneered laser-based measurement techniques for extreme environments, particularly for hypersonic flight applications where conventional measurement approaches fail. His recent publication record through 2025 demonstrates continued leadership in experimental fluid dynamics, with particular emphasis on plasma diagnostics for ablation studies, shock/boundary layer interaction physics, and advanced optical measurement techniques for extreme environments. The research spans fundamental fluid mechanics investigations to applied aerospace engineering problems relevant to hypersonic vehicle development. Elected to National Academy of Engineering (2024) AIAA Aerodynamic Measurement Technology Award (2022) Elected AIAA Fellow (2019) National Science Foundation Presidential Faculty Fellow (1996) Editor-in-Chief of Experiments in Fluids (2009-2013) Fellow of the American Physical Society Dr. Clemens has secured substantial research funding for his experimental investigations in hypersonics and combustion, leading multiple major research projects with government and industry partners. His laboratory facilities include advanced wind tunnels and state-of-the-art optical diagnostic systems for high-speed flow visualization. The Flowfield Imaging Laboratory at UT Austin serves as a national resource for advanced flow measurement techniques development. As an educator, he teaches core courses in compressible flow, viscous flow, combustion, experimental methods, and laser diagnostic techniques, training the next generation of aerospace engineers in both fundamental principles and cutting-edge measurement technologies.
Marco Bernardi is a Professor of Applied Physics, Physics and Materials Science at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). His research focuses on theoretical and computational materials physics , developing first-principles methods to investigate electron transport, ultrafast dynamics, and light-matter interactions in materials. His work has applications in electronics, optoelectronics, ultrafast spectroscopy, energy technologies, and quantum devices. Education : Ph.D. in Materials Science from MIT (2013), M.S. from University of Rome Tor Vergata (2008), B.S. from University of Rome La Sapienza (2004). Research Interests : Electron-phonon interactions, polarons, spin relaxation and decoherence, nonequilibrium electron dynamics, quantum materials, and software development for materials simulations ( PERTURBO code). Scientific Awards : NSF CAREER Award (2018) AFOSR Young Investigator Award (2017) Psi-K Volker Heine Young Investigator Award (2015) Intel Ph.D. Fellowship (2013) Franco Strazzabosco Award (2020) Teaching : Offers graduate courses at Caltech including Structure and Bonding in Materials (MS 131) , Computational Solid State Physics (APh/MS 256) , and Introduction to Computational Methods (APh/MS 141) . Group Members : Mentors current graduate students and postdocs in developing advanced computational techniques for materials research, with former advisees now in academic and industry positions.
Eddie C. Red is an Associate Professor of Mathematics and Computational Sciences at Morehouse College , where he currently serves as the Interim Dean of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Division. He earned his B.S. from Morehouse College (class of 2000) , followed by his M.S. and Ph.D. from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University . Dr. Red also completed post-doctoral education at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory . Interim Dean, STEM Division Former Chair, Mathematics and Computational Science Division Former Chair, Physics & Dual-Degree Engineering Department Dr. Red’s research interests bridge atomic physics, quantum mechanics, and computational modeling , with a focus on: Photoionization cross-sections Bound states in the continuum Velocity map imaging techniques Mathematical formulations for quantum operators His work has resulted in publications in Physical Review A, Communications Physics, and the Journal of Physics B , alongside numerous conference presentations. Dr. Red has led the NuMaSS (Nuclear, Materials, and Space Science) Summer Enrichment Program for K-12 students and directed the Research Experience with Diversification Laboratory , emphasizing student training and research. Scientific awards include: Principal Investigator for Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration awards Dr. Red has served on multiple faculty governance committees, including the Admissions Committee , Faculty Grievance Committee , and Faculty Research Committee .
Alistair Sterling is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD), affiliated with the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. His research integrates computational modeling, theoretical physical organic chemistry, and electronic structure theory to study chemical reactivity, particularly in catalysis, molecular editing, and polymer upcycling. Sterling leads the Sterling Lab, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration with synthetic chemists and fostering skills in reaction mechanism analysis, coding, and scientific communication. He actively engages in outreach to promote public understanding of chemistry. Education includes a DPhil in Organic Chemistry (University of Oxford, 2021), an MChem in Chemistry (University of Oxford, 2017), and postdoctoral fellowships at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab and UC Berkeley. He holds the EPSRC Doctoral Prize Fellowship (2021). Research focuses on understanding chemical bonding and reactivity through computational tools, with applications in drug discovery and sustainable materials. Key themes include delocalization-enabled reactions, node-induced electron confinement, and strain-release mechanisms. The lab develops novel synthetic methods for creating complex molecules with pharmaceutical relevance, such as meta-substituted arene bioisosteres. Notable awards include the Global Young Scientists Summit (2021), Young Modellers' Forum Best Talk Prize (2019), and multiple University of Oxford scholarships. His work bridges theory and experiment, aiming to advance both fundamental understanding and practical innovations in chemistry.
Dr. David Ayuso is a researcher at the Max Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy in Berlin, Germany, associated with the Strongfield Theory Group. His work focuses on ultrafast phenomena in chiral molecules, attosecond physics, and nonlinear optics. He contributes to understanding electronic and nuclear dynamics under extreme light-matter interactions. Research interests include photoionization dynamics, chiral sensitivity detection, and the development of synthetic chiral light techniques for molecular imaging. His recent studies explore geometric magnetism effects, polarization control, and enantio-selective observables in ultrafast spectroscopy. Key collaborations involve international teams working on high harmonic generation, X-ray scattering in liquids, and theoretical modeling of chiral systems. His publications frequently appear in Science Advances , Nature Photonics , and Optics Express .
Vinod Kumarappan is a Professor in the Department of Physics at Kansas State University specializing in laser-induced molecular alignment/orientation for ultrafast molecular-frame studies. His group combines experimental gas-phase measurements with computational modeling of rotational dynamics. Education: Ph.D. Physics, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai (2002) M.S. Physics, Indian Institute of Technology Madras (1996) B.S. Physics, University of Calicut (1994) Research Focus: Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics utilizing femtosecond lasers to restrict molecular orientations. His work enables orientation-specific measurements of strong-field ionization, fragmentation, and harmonic generation. Current projects include molecular-frame photoelectron spectroscopy and ultrafast electron diffraction. Publication Trends: Recent work (2017-2021) examines strong-field interactions in O2, CO2, and methanol using rotational wave packets, bridging experimental ultrafast physics with computational quantum dynamics simulations for asymmetric molecules. Grants & Advising: Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. Advises PhD students including Tomthin Wangjam. Research Group: Operates experimental laser facilities and develops parallel computational codes (OpenMP) for 3D rotational dynamics of asymmetric tops.
Susan T. Lepri is a Professor in the Department of Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering at the University of Michigan's College of Engineering, where she serves as Director of the Space Physics Research Laboratory. Her work focuses on heliospheric physics, utilizing spacecraft data from missions like ACE, WIND, and Solar Orbiter to investigate solar wind origins and coronal mass ejections. Her educational background includes: Ph.D. in Atmospheric and Space Sciences, University of Michigan M.S. in Atmospheric and Space Sciences, University of Michigan B.S. in Physics, Astronomy and Astrophysics, University of Michigan Lepri's research centers on tracing charged particles in the heliosphere using heavy ion measurements to study solar wind sources, coronal mass ejection physics, and particle acceleration mechanisms. She develops space-based ion mass spectrometers for missions including the European Space Agency's Solar Orbiter (Heavy Ion Sensor) and the Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe. Her work integrates statistical analysis of solar wind composition with magnetohydrodynamic model validation to unravel plasma behavior in space environments. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2015-2017) reveals consistent focus on solar wind composition dynamics, particularly charge state evolution and elemental fractionation. Key themes include magnetic reconnection signatures in slow solar wind formation, anomalous composition in depleted interplanetary coronal mass ejections, and solar wind charge exchange contributions to X-ray backgrounds. Her instrumentation work bridges observational gaps in inner heliospheric measurements. Major recognitions include: 2018 Claudia Joan Alexander Trailblazer Award (University of Michigan) 2012-2013 Kenneth M. Reese Outstanding Research Scientist Award 2008 JGR-Space Physics Excellence in Refereeing Citation NASA Graduate Fellowship (2001-2003) Lepri actively mentors through outreach programs including K-12 initiatives with the Michigan Space Grant Consortium and Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program. She has coordinated Rochester Adams High School STEAM fairs and elementary science outreach while developing educational content like MConnex videos. Her research is supported by NASA grants enabling instrument development for Solar Orbiter and IMAP missions, with collaborations spanning international space agencies and academic institutions. As Director of the Space Physics Research Laboratory, she leads teams developing next-generation space instrumentation, particularly ion mass spectrometers for heliospheric exploration. Current projects include the Heavy Ion Sensor for Solar Orbiter (measuring inner heliospheric composition) and innovative sensors for IMAP, advancing capabilities to trace solar wind sources and particle acceleration mechanisms.
Stephen Bradforth is a Professor of Chemistry at the University of Southern California and Senior Advisor to the Dean for Research Strategy and Development in the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences . He earned his PhD in Physical Chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley (1992) and conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Chicago . B.A., Natural Sciences, Cambridge University (1987) Ph.D., Physical Chemistry, UC Berkeley (1992) Postdoctoral Associate, University of Chicago (1993–1996) His research focuses on ultrafast laser spectroscopy to study chemical reactions in complex environments like aqueous systems and molecular materials . Key projects include: Solar Energy Conversion : Investigating photosensitizers based on earth-abundant elements (Cu, Zn, Zr) and organic photovoltaics with BODIPY cores. DNA Photodamage : Mechanisms of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer (CPD) formation under UV exposure, emphasizing base-stacking effects. Electronic Structure in Ethereal Solvents : Studying solvated electrons in liquid ammonia and their role in carbanion stabilization. His 15 most recent articles (2004–2024) highlight advancements in photoelectron spectroscopy , singlet fission for solar cells, and DNA damage pathways . Collaborations span medicine, physics, and engineering . Scientific Awards include the ACS Physical Chemistry Division Senior Experimental Award (2023) , STAR Awardee (2019) , Cottrell Scholar , and Fellow of APS and AAAS . He has received both Junior (2001) and Senior Raubenheimer Awards (2022) at USC. Advising has been a cornerstone, with 23 PhD students graduated and 4 current candidates. His 15 most recent publications (2012–2024) emphasize ultrafast dynamics , charge transfer mechanisms , and environmental photochemistry . Labs & Teams : The Bradforth Group operates advanced time-resolved photoelectron spectrometers , liquid microjet systems , and high-repetition-rate laser facilities . Current projects include metallic water solutions (Nature 2021), DNA photophysics (FASEB J 2011), and carbanion electronic structure in ammonia.
Edgar J.D. Vredenbregt is an Associate Professor in the Department of Applied Physics at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). His research focuses on quantum technologies, including ultracold atom trapping for quantum computing and novel charged particle sources. He leads projects on Rydberg atom-based quantum computing and ultracold ion beams for nanoscale applications. Education: MSc in Applied Physics (TU/e, 1986), PhD in Atomic and Molecular Physics (TU/e, 1990). Postdoctoral research at SUNY Stony Brook (1991-1993) and NIST (1998). He holds a KNAW fellowship (1995-2000) and has been a project member in KAT-1: Rydberg Atom Quantum Computing and Simulation since 2020. Research interests include ultracold electrons/ions for high-brightness applications, Rydberg atom arrays for quantum gates, and laser-cooled ion beams for nanotechnology. He has developed ultracold electron sources for ultrafast diffraction and focused-ion beam tools for 1 nm-scale silicon wafer modification. Publications span quantum computing, atomic physics, and nanotechnology. He teaches courses like Hybrid Quantum Computing and Physics of Plasma and Radiation. Supervised 69 student works but no names are listed in the provided texts.
Melanie Campbell is a Professor at the University of Waterloo, cross-appointed to the School of Optometry and Department of Systems Design Engineering. Her research focuses on the optical properties of the eye, developing imaging systems for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease and diabetic retinopathy through polarization techniques and adaptive optics. PhD in Physics from Australian National University (1982) MSc in Physics from University of Waterloo (1977) BSc in Chemical Physics from University of Toronto (1975) Research interests include: Retinal amyloid detection for Alzheimer's diagnosis Adaptive optics for high-resolution imaging Polarimetry in ocular pathology Presbyopia and ophthalmic corrections Her publications (2012-2019) demonstrate interdisciplinary applications of optics in neuroscience and diabetes research, with key contributions to: Retinal polarization imaging Two-photon therapy systems Cone photoreceptor analysis Animal models of neurodegeneration Scientific honors include: 2019 Laird Lecturer 2014 CAP-INO Medal 2004 Rank Prize in Optoelectronics Fellow of Optical Society of America As director of Campbell Labs, she leads research on retinal imaging techniques and their applications in neurological disease diagnosis.
Luke Moore is a Research Assistant Professor of Astronomy at Boston University's Department of Astronomy, with office CAS 402. His research focuses on planetary atmospheres and their interactions with the space environment, particularly the upper atmospheres of giant planets. He is affiliated with the Center for Space Physics at Boston University. Moore earned his BS from the University of Arizona and completed his MA and Ph.D. at Boston University. His academic background has positioned him as a leading researcher in planetary atmospheric science, with expertise spanning observational techniques, computational modeling, and instrument development. Moore's primary research interests include: Modeling and observations of planetary atmospheres, with emphasis on giant planets Upper atmospheric processes and their coupling with the space environment Development and application of computer models for tenuous plasmas in planetary upper atmospheres Ground-based and space-based observational techniques for planetary science H3+ ionosphere studies across multiple planets Ring-planet interactions, particularly Saturn's ring rain phenomenon His extensive publication record demonstrates significant contributions to understanding planetary atmospheres throughout the solar system. Recent work shows a strong focus on Jupiter and Saturn using data from Juno and Cassini missions, with emerging research on Uranus and Neptune utilizing JWST observations. A key research trend involves the connection between ring systems and planetary atmospheres, as well as the role of auroral processes in heating upper atmospheres across the giant planets. Moore is actively involved in instrument development as a key contributor to the Rapid Imaging Planetary Spectrograph (RIPS). This innovative instrument enables high-quality simultaneous spectra and images of extended objects through 'lucky imaging' techniques. RIPS has been successfully deployed at multiple observatories including the Perkins telescope in Flagstaff, Arizona and the 3.67m AEOS telescope, where it has been used to study Mercury's exosphere, the Moon, and Jupiter's moons. His instrument work represents an important bridge between theoretical modeling and observational planetary science.
