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Maya Narayanan NairView profile

Academic

• 2D Materials
• Graphene
• Transition Metal Dichalcogenides (TMDs)
• +7 more

Dr. Maya Narayanan Nair is a Research Assistant Professor at the Nanoscience Initiative, Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC), City University of New York (CUNY). Previously, she held fellowships including a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Research Fellowship at KU Leuven, Belgium, and a DST National Fellowship in India. She earned her Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Haute Alsace, France, studying graphene functionalization via metal intercalation. Her research focuses on 2D materials like graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), investigating their electronic properties through intercalation, metal deposition, and heterostructure engineering. Key techniques include XPS, ARPES, and synchrotron-based spectroscopies. Her work spans bandgap engineering in graphene, chemical doping of MoS₂, and dilute magnetism in 2D materials. Recent studies address Fe-doped WSe₂, water-responsive peptide nanofibers, and graphene functionalization via enzymatic methods. Awards include the DST National Fellowship and Marie Curie Fellowship. She contributes to facilities like the Nanofabrication and Surface Science labs at ASRC, advancing nano- and opto-electronic device applications.

Zhengtao ZhuView profile

Associate Professor

• Nanomaterials
• Flexible Electronics
• Sensors and Wearable Technology
• +3 more

Dr. Zhengtao Zhu is an Associate Professor and Department Head in the Chemistry Biology and Health Sciences department at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. He holds a PhD from the State University of New York at Binghamton, with postdoctoral training at Cornell University and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His research focuses on hybrid materials, flexible electronics, sensors, and nanotechnology applications in energy and environmental solutions. Education: B.S. and M.S., Fudan University Ph.D., State University of New York at Binghamton (2002) Research Interests: Dr. Zhu’s work spans multifunctional hybrid materials, including conjugated polymers and inorganic nanostructures. His lab develops novel synthesis methods, explores structure-property relationships in nanomaterials, and applies these materials to flexible electronics, wearable sensors, and environmental remediation. Current projects include: Flexible/wearable electronics for health monitoring Piezoelectric materials for energy harvesting 3D nanomaterials for water purification Grant Support: His research is funded by NSF, NASA, ACS PRF, and the Research Corporation Cottrell College Science Awards. Teaching: Dr. Zhu teaches undergraduate chemistry courses (e.g., Inorganic Chemistry) and graduate courses in nanoscience, biomedical engineering, and materials science. He has developed specialized courses like Nanochemistry and Nanomaterials for Biosensors . Labs/Teams: His interdisciplinary lab integrates materials chemistry, nanotechnology, and engineering to address challenges in sustainable energy and healthcare.

Jose Moran-MirabalView profile

Associate Professor

• Biomaterials
• Nanotechnology
• Microfabrication
• +4 more

Jose Moran-Mirabal is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at McMaster University. He is also the Founding Scientific Director of the Centre for Advanced Light Microscopy (CALM) and holds the Canada Research Chair in Micro and Nanostructured Materials. His research focuses on micro- and nanofabrication, surface chemistry, and fluorescence microscopy to study materials at the micro- to nanoscale. Current projects include functionalizing nanocellulose, developing cost-effective microstructured surfaces, and applying high-resolution imaging to biomolecular interactions. Education: Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Applied Physics, Cornell University (2002–2007) M.Sc. in Biotechnology, Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (2000–2001) B.Sc. in Engineering Physics with a Biotechnology minor, same institution (1995–1999) Research Interests: Jose’s work spans biomaterials, nanotechnology, and interdisciplinary approaches. Key areas include: - Modular surface functionalization of nanocellulose. - High-resolution imaging techniques (e.g., super-resolution fluorescence microscopy). - Micro/nanostructured materials for biomedical and energy applications. - Development of biosensors and electrochemical systems. Recent Publications: His recent work emphasizes 3D bioprinting for lung tissue models, advanced electrochemical sensors, and cellulose-based materials. Themes include functional biomaterials, nanofabrication, and bioanalytical systems. Awards: Canada Research Chair Tier 2 (Micro and Nanostructured Materials) Frederic Stanley Kipping Award in Silicon Chemistry (2017) Advising and Labs: Moran-Mirabal leads the CALM facility, supporting advanced microscopy research. His lab actively collaborates on interdisciplinary projects, including pulmonary fibrosis modeling and smart materials development.

Rens KamphorstView profile

Researcher

• Fluidization of Powders
• Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD)
• Nano-Coatings
• +3 more

Rens Kamphorst is a Researcher and PhD Candidate at the Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Applied Sciences, TU Delft. His research focuses on fluidization of cohesive powders and atomic layer deposition (ALD) for nano-coating applications, particularly in developing water-based paints. Collaborating with Nouryon and the ARC-CBBC research center, his work addresses environmental concerns by improving pigment stability in aqueous systems. He investigates particle behavior in fluidized beds and vibrational effects on powder dynamics. Key research interests include surface chemistry, polymer science, and industrial applications of nanotechnology. He supervises MSc/BSc thesis projects on powder fluidization, nano-coatings, and surface chemistry. His recent publications explore mechanisms in powder fluidization, ALD reactor optimization, and material characterization using nuclear and X-ray imaging techniques. No scientific awards are listed, but his work contributes to advancing sustainable materials science. He is based at Building 58, room E2.480, and reachable via email for collaboration or academic inquiries.

Jill MillstoneView profile

Professor

• Nanomaterials
• Surface Chemistry
• Inorganic Chemistry
• +3 more

Jill Millstone is the Leo B. and Teresa Y. Wegemer Professor of Chemistry at the University of Pittsburgh, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, Department of Chemistry. She directs the Millstone Lab, developing novel nanoparticle synthesis techniques. Research specializes in nanoscale materials with controlled surface chemistry and atomic precision for applications in optics, electronics, catalysis, and biomedicine. Current work focuses on ligand-mediated nanoparticle design, multimetallic structures, photocatalytic systems, and antimicrobial applications. Honors include the Kavli Foundation Emerging Leader Award (2018), Chancellor’s Distinguished Research Award (2018), and Unilever Award for Colloid Science (2015). Research funding includes NSF CAREER and Cottrell Scholar awards. Recent publications examine nanoparticle-bacteria interactions, catalytic hydrogen production, nanomaterial diffusion in hydrogels, and environmental applications of silver nanoparticles.

Malin WohlertView profile

Associate Professor

• Molecular Modeling
• Biomaterials Science
• Materials Science
• +3 more

Malin Wohlert is an Associate Professor at Uppsala University's Department of Materials Science and Engineering; Applied Mechanics. Her research focuses on molecular modeling of biomaterials, particularly wood's structural and hygroscopic properties. She investigates lignin behavior, hygroexpansion mechanisms, and wood mechanics using molecular dynamics simulations and experimental methods. Wohlert is a member of the Biophysics Network and contributes to pedagogical initiatives, including teaching Solid Mechanics and supervising the Supplemental Instruction program at the Construction Engineering Bachelor's program. She also supports educational development through the faculty's Council for Educational Development. Research Focus: Wohlert's work bridges molecular-level phenomena with macroscopic material behavior, emphasizing lignin hydration, wood anisotropy, and hygroelastic properties. Her studies employ advanced techniques like microscopic computed tomography and finite element modeling to analyze wood's structural responses under environmental stresses. Recent projects explore compression/ opposite wood in conifer branches and lignin's role in material degradation processes. Teaching & Pedagogy: She teaches Solid Mechanics courses and mentors students in practical engineering education. Her contributions to educational development include curriculum design and pedagogical strategy implementation. Labs & Collaborations: Active within the Biophysics Network, she collaborates on interdisciplinary projects involving material characterization and biomaterials innovation. Her research group integrates computational modeling with experimental validation to advance understanding of natural materials' complex behaviors.

Satish KumarView profile

Professor

• Composites
• Fibers
• Nanostructures
• +4 more

Dr. Satish Kumar is a Professor in the School of Materials Science and Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology. He specializes in polymer science and engineering, with a focus on advanced materials such as carbon fibers, nanocomposites, and functional fibers. His research integrates polymer chemistry, processing, and characterization to develop high-performance materials for energy, aerospace, and environmental applications. Education: Ph.D. in Polymer and Fiber Science from the Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi (1979). Postdoctoral experience at the University of Massachusetts (1979-82) and visiting scientist at C.E.N.G., France (1982-83). Joined Georgia Tech in 1989. Research Interests: Composites, carbon fibers, nanostructures, and polymer-based functional materials. Key contributions include developing PAN-based carbon fibers, CNT-polymer composites, and cellulose nanocrystal reinforcements. His work emphasizes structural design, processing optimization, and energy storage applications. Recent Publications: Focus on carbon nanotube dispersion, high-strength fibers, and nanocomposite characterization. Highlights include studies on PAN/CNT composite fibers and lignin-incorporated carbon fibers. Scientific Awards: Fellow of the American Chemical Society (ACS-PolyChem) and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Recognized for contributions to polymer science and advanced materials. Advising & Grants: Mentor to numerous graduate students and researchers. Active in securing grants for carbon fiber innovation and nanomaterials research. Collaborates with industry partners for practical applications. Labs: Leads the Kumar Research Group, focusing on carbon fiber and nanomaterials development. Lab facilities include advanced characterization tools for materials science.

Patrizio RaffaView profile

Associate Professor

• Smart Polymers
• Sustainable Materials
• Polymer Synthesis
• +5 more

Patrizio Raffa is an Associate Professor in Smart and Sustainable Polymeric Products at the University of Groningen (RUG), affiliated with the Faculty of Science and Engineering and the Engineering and Technology Institute Groningen (ENTEG). His research focuses on developing advanced polymeric materials for industrial applications, particularly in the areas of amphiphilic polymers, stimuli-responsive systems, and bio-based materials. He holds a PhD in Chemistry from Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa (2009) and has extensive post-doctoral experience across institutions in Europe. **Education**: PhD in Chemistry (2009), Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa MSc in Chemistry (2004), Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa **Research Interests**: Design of smart polymers via controlled radical polymerization (ATRP/RAFT) Stimuli-responsive hydrogels and soft robotics materials Bio-based polymers from renewable resources Applications in controlled release systems, coatings, and oil recovery **Teaching**: Coordinator and lecturer for courses in Interfacial Engineering, Industrial Organic Chemistry, and Polymer Chemistry at both BSc and MSc levels. **Awards**: Recipient of the Outstanding Online Short Talk Award at MACRO2021 for his research on microrobotics and stimuli-responsive materials. **Labs & Teams**: Leads the RaffaLab, which emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration with industry partners such as Shell, DSM, and Royal Cosun on projects like sustainable polymers for oil recovery and bio-based materials.

Ana Maria Pissarra Coelho GilView profile

Associate Professor

• NMR metabolomics
• Biological systems analysis
• Disease biomarker discovery
• +5 more

Ana Maria Pissarra Coelho Gil is an Associate Professor with Aggregation at the Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, since January 2007. She holds a Doctorate in Chemistry from the University of East Anglia (UK) and has an extensive academic career spanning over three decades, including roles as Lecturer, Assistant, and Associate Professor at the University of Aveiro. Her research focuses on NMR metabolomics, particularly in disease biomarker discovery, drug/material testing, and food quality analysis. She leads projects on biomaterials and regenerative medicine, including the 'BETTERBONE' initiative targeting bone tissue engineering. Education: PhD (1992): University of East Anglia, UK, thesis on 'Spectroscopic Studies of Proteins in the Solid State.' Licenciatura (1987): University of Coimbra, Portugal, in Chemistry. Research Interests: Her work spans NMR metabolomics applications in disease (e.g., cancer, age-related macular degeneration), drug efficacy assessment, environmental contaminant impact, and food safety. She integrates metabolomics with 'omics data and Big Data strategies to identify biomarkers and guide clinical applications. Grants & Projects: Coordinator of 'BETTERBONE' (2023-2026): €249,552 for metabolite-activated stem cell differentiation. Participant in EU-funded projects like 'ILLIANCE' and 'PLANKT-ON,' addressing carbon-neutral energy and health technologies. Teaching: She has taught courses in Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Biotechnology across undergraduate, Master's, and Doctoral programs, including 'Food Safety and Quality' and 'Advanced Analytical Techniques.' Collaborations: Works with institutions like Harvard Medical School, Imperial College London, and national partners such as the University of Porto and Unicancer. Labs/Teams: Part of CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, leading research in biomaterials and metabolomics.

Curtis RoadsView profile

Professor

• Electronic music
• Computer-generated music
• Microsound synthesis
• +3 more

Curtis Roads is Professor of Media Arts and Technology and Associate Director of the Center for Research in Electronic Art Technology (CREATE) at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He holds a BA from University of California, San Diego (Summa Cum Laude) and a Doctorate from Université Paris 8. His research focuses on electronic and computer-generated music, specializing in microsound synthesis techniques, spatialization, and the aesthetics of electronic composition. His work explores innovative sound synthesis methods like granular and pulsar techniques, audio signal processing algorithms, and interdisciplinary approaches bridging music and technology. Research themes include: Quantum-level sound manipulation at micro-time scales Pluriphonic spatialization techniques for immersive audio Computational methods for musical signal processing Historical and aesthetic frameworks for electronic music His publications demonstrate consistent focus on materials innovation for energy applications, particularly boron-nitrogen compounds and electrochromic materials, with recent work expanding into sustainable synthesis methods and advanced optoelectronic devices. Awards include: Ars Electronica Award of Distinction (2002) SEAMUS Prize for lifetime achievement (2010) Giga-Hertz Prize for lifetime achievement (2016) He leads research at CREATE, developing applications like PulsarGenerator and EmissionControl, and maintains international collaborations in electroacoustic music research.

• Synthetic Polymer Chemistry
• Free Radical Chemistry
• Photochemistry
• +4 more

James Blinco is an Associate Professor and Head of School of Chemistry & Physics at Queensland University of Technology (QUT). He holds a PhD from QUT and specializes in synthetic polymer chemistry, free radical chemistry, and photochemistry. His research focuses on light-driven polymer synthesis, surface modifications, and functional materials for applications in energy storage, sensors, and advanced manufacturing. Blinco leads projects funded by Australian Competitive Grants, including initiatives on photoresists for 3D lithography and high-performance OLED inks. Key achievements include the 2018 AIPS Queensland Young Tall Poppy Science Award and a Humboldt Fellowship in 2016. He is actively involved with the Royal Australian Chemical Institute, leading the Queensland Polymer Group. Blinco’s work bridges fundamental polymer science with applied technologies, emphasizing sustainability through innovations like erasable 3D-printed structures and nitroxide-based organic radical batteries. His research portfolio spans over 50 publications in journals like Advanced Materials and Journal of the American Chemical Society . Current projects explore light-controlled polymer networks, pH-sensitive drug delivery systems, and regulatory frameworks for plastic packaging. Blinco also supervises doctoral students in topics such as metal-free battery materials and photo-triggered chemical reactions.

• Natural Products
• Medicinal Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• +3 more

Adjunct Associate Professor John Bartley is affiliated with the Faculty of Engineering at Queensland University of Technology (QUT). He holds positions within the School of Mech., Medical & Process Engineering, focusing on research in Chemistry with a particular emphasis on Environment, Food, and Health themes. His academic qualifications include a PhD and multiple Master’s degrees in Chemistry from the University of Auckland. Research interests span Isolation of biologically active natural products, Drug interaction mechanisms with triplex DNA, Mode of action of anti-tumour drugs like Fotemustine, Development of alginate-based hydrogel membranes for industrial applications. His publications (2001–2007) explore natural product chemistry, membrane technology, and corrosion inhibition. Notable collaborations include work with the Queensland Institute of Medical Research and the Forest Research Institute in India. Supervision of doctoral and master’s students has centered on topics like pigment spectroscopy, aerosol characterization, and osmotic distillation membrane fabrication. No scientific awards are explicitly mentioned in the provided materials. His teaching discipline is Chemistry, reflecting his expertise in analytical and organic chemistry methodologies.

Laura ClarkeView profile

Professor

• Nanotechnology
• Polymer Chemistry
• Materials Science
• +3 more

Laura Clarke is the Alumni Distinguished Undergraduate Professor in the Department of Physics at NC State University, part of the College of Sciences. She joined NC State in 2003 as an Assistant Professor after completing her PhD at the University of Oregon and postdoctoral work at Dartmouth College and the University of Colorado. Her research focuses on nanostructured materials, particularly observing molecular motion in self-assembled monolayers and polymers, as well as photothermal heating applications in polymer nanocomposites. Key areas include nanoscale heat transport, degradation of plastics, and sustainable material processing. Clarke leads the Clarke Lab, which explores material science innovations addressing environmental challenges like plastic contamination. She also develops hands-on physics education tools, such as the PY456 Senior Design course for undergraduates. Education: PhD in Physics (University of Oregon, 1998) Awards: Wolff-Reichert Award (2023) for enhancing physics education through sustainable lab experiences. Her recent work includes advancements in melt electrospinning, photothermal-driven polymer degradation, and nanocomposite design. The Clarke Lab emphasizes scalable production of nanofibers and environmentally responsible material processing strategies.

David NeivandtView profile

Professor

• Interfacial Adsorption
• Sum Frequency Spectroscopy
• Biophysics
• +3 more

David Neivandt is a Professor at the Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering at the University of Maine. His research focuses on interfacial phenomena in biological and industrial systems, utilizing advanced spectroscopic techniques like Sum Frequency Spectroscopy (SFS) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). B.Sc. (Hons), University of Melbourne Ph.D., University of Melbourne Dr. Neivandt’s work examines how surface-active molecules such as lipids and polyelectrolytes alter interface properties, with applications in biomedical engineering, pulp and paper industries, and membrane biophysics. His research combines experimental and theoretical approaches to characterize interfacial structures at molecular resolution. His recent publications highlight studies on protein secretion mechanisms, cellulose-lipid interactions, and sensor development. Collaborative projects span lipid bilayer dynamics, laser-induced material structuring, and adhesion phenomena in composites. He mentors graduate students including Nick Carter and contributes to science education outreach initiatives.

• Materials Science and Technology
• Nanostructured materials
• Antimicrobial/virucidal coatings
• +12 more

Cristina Balagna is an Associate Professor at the Department of Applied Science and Technology (DISAT), Polytechnic University of Turin, where she also conducts research as a member of the Interdepartmental Center J-Tech@PoliTO and the GLANCE research group. She holds a PhD in Materials Science and Technology (2011) and a Master’s in Biomedical Engineering (2007), both from the same institution. Her research focuses on nanostructured antimicrobial and virucidal coatings , particularly using co-sputtering techniques to develop durable, eco-friendly composite coatings based on glass/glass-ceramic matrices and metal nanoparticles (silver, copper, zinc). These coatings are applied to materials for aerospace, biomedical, civil, and filtration applications, demonstrating high thermal, chemical, and mechanical resistance, with stability up to 450°C. Her work spans the development of bulk glasses, glass-ceramics, composites, porous materials, and thin films. The most recent publications highlight innovations in antibacterial ceramic coatings for liquid filtration , antiviral air filters , functional textiles, and spacecraft surface protection. These studies reflect a strong trend toward public health, environmental safety, and industrial applications, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health), 9 (Industry and Innovation), and 4 (Quality Education). ECD Jubilee Global Diversity Award, The American Ceramic Society (2022) She has served as Principal Investigator on major projects including the EU-funded BIO-KILLER (2019–2021) and the NANOBLOC platform (2023–2025), focusing on antipathogen coatings for reusable filters. She co-authored a patent on antiviral substrate coatings (WO2019/082001), which has generated licensed royalties. Cristina Balagna actively supervises PhD students and contributes to doctoral education in Materials Science and Technology. She is also a co-organizer of the Bioceramics Symposium at ICACC since 2021 and has participated in numerous European and international research initiatives. Her research team, GLANCE, operates within DISAT and specializes in advanced materials for extreme environments, joining technologies, and sustainable materials engineering. The group offers industrial collaboration, problem-solving, and training in materials characterization and processing.