Find Academic Supervisors

Wyatt E. TenhaeffView profile

Assistant Professor

• Electrochemical Energy Storage
• Solid State and Lithium Metal Batteries
• Polymer Thin Films
• +4 more

Wyatt E. Tenhaeff is an Assistant Professor leading a research group focused on thin film coatings for electrochemical energy storage systems. His work targets lithium metal and solid-state batteries, developing ultrathin protective coatings to enhance cycle life, safety, and energy density through suppression of parasitic electrolyte reactions. He teaches core Chemical Engineering courses including Chemical Reactor Design (CHE 231) and Process Control (CHE 272). His research program centers on: Electrochemical Energy Storage Solid State and Lithium Metal Batteries Polymer Thin Films, Interfaces, and Thin Film Synthesis and Characterization Vacuum Deposition Processing Recent publications demonstrate expertise in initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) for nanoscale-precise polymer films, with dual applications in battery interface engineering and optical coatings. Key trends include elastic antireflection systems for flexible optics, mechanically robust battery separators, and high-voltage stable polymer electrolytes enabled by novel plasticization strategies. His scientific recognition includes: NSF CAREER Award (2019) Curtis Award for Nontenured Faculty Teaching (2018) R&D 100 Award (2017) Oak Ridge National Laboratory Weinberg Fellowship (2009-2011) National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship (2005-2008) MIT Presidential T. Haslam Fellowship (2004-2005) Tenhaeff mentors graduate researchers in thin film synthesis and battery technology development, supported by his NSF CAREER grant investigating polymer electrolytes for high-voltage applications. His collaborative projects frequently involve national laboratories and industry partners in advancing separator technologies and vapor-deposited coatings. His laboratory specializes in initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) with in situ thickness monitoring, enabling conformal polymer films down to 10 nm. Current efforts focus on shear-thickening electrolytes, silicon anode stabilization, and scalable thin film processes for next-generation energy storage and flexible electronics.

• CO2 Electrolysis
• Heterogeneous Catalysis
• Sustainable Chemistry
• +3 more

Matthew Kanan is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Stanford University, teaching core courses including CHEM 31E: Chemical Foundations and 21st Century Problems (Autumn) and CHEM 121: Understanding the Natural and Unnatural World through Chemistry (Spring). He actively mentors students through year-round independent studies (CHEM 90, CHEM 190) and research programs (MATSCI 300, CHEM 301, CHEM 200). His research pioneers sustainable solutions for carbon management, focusing on electrochemical CO 2 reduction, catalyst development for reverse water-gas shift reactions, and novel carbon capture technologies. Key innovations include carbonate-promoted carboxylation processes, membrane-free electrochemical systems for acid-base production, and metamaterial reactor designs for energy-efficient thermochemical conversion. His work bridges fundamental electrochemistry with scalable engineering for carbon-neutral chemical synthesis. Recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate a cohesive research trajectory toward industrial-scale CO 2 utilization, with emphasis on energy efficiency, catalyst durability, and impurity tolerance. Dominant themes include electrochemical engineering for concentrated product streams, computational modeling of catalyst microenvironments, and thermal processes for mineral-based carbon removal. This integrated approach targets practical implementation in sustainable fuel and chemical production. Professor Kanan supervises undergraduate research (CHEM 190), directed instruction (CHEM 90), and Ph.D. candidates across chemistry and materials science. His research group likely secures substantial funding for projects addressing critical challenges in carbon conversion, though specific grants aren't detailed in the source material. Collaborative work spans electrochemical engineering, materials design, and process optimization for decarbonization.

Stan F.S.P. LooijmansView profile

Assistant Professor

• Semi-crystalline materials
• Polymer processing
• Crystallization kinetics
• +4 more

Stan F.S.P. Looijmans is an Assistant Professor at the Processing and Performance of Materials group within the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). His research focuses on bridging the gap between processing-induced structure formation and mechanical properties in semi-crystalline polymers, with a particular emphasis on advanced characterization techniques and multiscale modeling. Academic Background : BSc and MSc in Mechanical Engineering (TU/e), PhD in 2023 on adhesion-modified polypropylene composites Research Tools : Synchrotron X-ray/infrared radiation, microscale mechanical testing, numerical simulations His work explores key areas such as: Crystallization in additive manufacturing Structure formation under extreme conditions Micromechanical testing of composites Contact mechanics phenomena Local failure prediction in semi-crystalline systems Recent publications highlight his expertise in polymer crystallization kinetics, fiber-reinforced composites, and processing-structure-property relationships. Notably, his 2025 work on PLA stereocomplexation and PP/HDPE blends demonstrates innovative approaches to microstructure engineering. He contributes to education through courses in mechanical characterization of materials and soft materials processing.

Gary R. WeberView profile

Assistant Professor

• Mechanical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Polymer Science
• +4 more

Gary R. Weber is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Gonzaga University, serving concurrently as the Director of Engineering Management programs. His academic work spans materials science, manufacturing engineering, and aerospace applications. Focus on interpenetrating polymer network adhesives for composite materials Contributions to machining distortion analysis in aerospace components Developer of educational software for machine tool programming Recent publications emphasize composite material bonding and sustainable engineering practices aligned with SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure . His technical expertise includes polymer science, adhesive technology, and industrial manufacturing challenges. While no scientific awards are explicitly mentioned in available data, his work demonstrates sustained contributions to mechanical and aerospace engineering domains.

Mingfeng WangView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Continuum Robotics
• Legged Robotics
• Soft Robotics
• +5 more

Dr. Mingfeng Wang is a Senior Lecturer in Robotics and Autonomous Systems at Brunel University London, affiliated with the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering within the College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences. His research focuses on specialized robotic systems including continuum, legged, soft, precision farming, and miniaturized robots. Chartered Engineer (CEng) with Engineering Council UK Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) Member of IEEE, IEEE-RAS, IMechE, and IFToMM Editorial roles: Associate Editor of International Journal of Advanced Robotic Systems (JCR-Q3); Associate Editor of Frontiers in Robotics and AI (JCR-Q2); Editor of Information Processing in Agriculture (JCR-Q1), Biomimetic Intelligence and Robotics (JCR-Q1), and STEM Education Research expertise includes: Continuum Robotics : Design of extra-slender continuum robots (diameter-to-length ratio Legged Robotics : Parallel mechanism-based biped and hexapod robots for extreme environments Miniaturized Robotics : Active locomotion and drug delivery in capsule endoscopes Soft Robotics : Compliant end-effectors and bio-inspired designs Precision Farming : Laser weeding systems and agricultural automation Key scientific awards: BRIEF award (2022) TAROS Best Paper Post Nomination (2022) IFToMM Asian-MMS Best Paper Award (2014) Recent publications focus on: Cochlear implant surgery robotics Passive compliance in train fluid servicing Snake-biomimetic sealing surfaces Parallel kinematic manipulators Capsule endoscope image enhancement Professional services include conference organization (TAROS 2023/2024 Steering Committee; TAROS 2024 Programme Chair) and journal refereeing for IEEE-ASME Transactions on Mechatronics and Scientific Reports.

Brook KennedyView profile

Professor

• Circular Design
• Biogenic Materials
• Biomimetic Processes
• +7 more

Brook Kennedy IDSA, NAI is a Professor in the School of Design at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), specializing in Industrial Design. His research spans circular design, human health, alternative technology, biogenic materials, and biomimetic processes. As a 2025 National Academy of Inventors Senior Fellow, Kennedy has established cross-disciplinary relationships with biogenic material science faculty at the Technical University of Munich through a 2024 Global Visiting Professorship. His research interests focus on sustainable design solutions addressing global challenges. Kennedy explores how abandoned technologies can inform contemporary sustainability efforts, as evidenced by his 2023 Routledge publication Reimagining Alternative Technology for Design in the 21st Century . His work in fog harvesting materials has produced top-cited articles for Wiley-VCH and Elsevier, while his Lisbon Chair project develops biobased degradable polymers for furniture. The Fog Harp project, inspired by redwood tree needles, offers 10x greater water yield than existing fog collectors. 2025 National Academy of Inventors Senior Fellow Inductee Multiple international design awards including Red Dot Best of the Best, IDEA Gold, and European Product Design Awards Author of 176-page Routledge publication on alternative technology (2023) Co-inventor of 23+ US and foreign patents Widely covered in media including BBC, PBS Newshour, New York Times, and Smithsonian Kennedy maintains active industry collaborations, advising startups, NGOs, and companies like SC Johnson, OXO, and Nokero Solar. His Fog Harp project has been featured in the documentary Finite Water and exhibited at the Smithsonian. He teaches courses including Applied BioDesign, ID LAB, and Professional Practice, while leading Virginia Tech's BioDesign Research Group. His Macronaut smartphone loupe tool bridges design inspiration and tele-health applications, demonstrating his commitment to practical, human-centered solutions.

• Mechanical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Shape Memory Alloys
• +5 more

Pietro MAGARO' is a researcher (Assistant Professor equivalent) in the Department of Mechanical, Energy and Management Engineering at the University of Calabria. His academic focus is in Mechanical Design and Machine Construction, with particular expertise in materials science and mechanical engineering applications. His research interests span several key areas in mechanical engineering and materials science: Mechanical characterization of engineering materials at micro and macro scales Verification and design of complex structures Shape memory alloys and their applications Additive manufacturing and laser processing technologies Fatigue analysis and fracture mechanics Tribology and wear mechanisms Dr. MAGARO's recent publication record demonstrates his active research in shape memory alloys (particularly NiTi), additive manufacturing, fatigue analysis, and advanced materials. His work often involves multi-scale approaches to material characterization and structural analysis, with applications ranging from automotive to oil&gas sectors. His research combines both experimental and computational methodologies to address complex mechanical engineering problems. Dr. MAGARO' teaches courses in Mechanics of Materials, Machine Design, and Machine Elements for both Mechanical Engineering and Management Engineering programs. His teaching reflects his research expertise in mechanical design and materials science.

Michal PavelkaView profile

Associate Professor

• Geometric mechanics and thermodynamics (GENERIC)
• Modelling of electrochemical systems (fuel cells, batteries)
• Non-equilibrium continuum thermodynamics and hyperbolic systems
• +1 more

Michal Pavelka is an Associate Professor at the Division of Mathematical Modeling, Mathematical Institute, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic. His career spans roles from Postdoc (part time) at the Institute of Chemical Technology to positions at École Polytechnique de Montréal and New Technologies Research Centre. He earned his Ph.D. in 2015 and M.Sc. in 2012 at Charles University under František Maršík. Michal Pavelka's research integrates Non-equilibrium Thermodynamics , Geometric Mechanics , and Machine Learning . His work bridges advanced mathematical frameworks like GENERIC and Extended Irreversible Thermodynamics with practical applications in electrochemical systems (fuel cells, batteries) and quantum fluids . Notably, he has contributed to Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics and Hamiltonian mechanics in complex systems. His recent publications focus on Multiscale Thermodynamics , Superfluid Modeling , and Machine Learning in Physics . Scientific awards include the Best paper award, Entropy (2021) and Czech Grant Agency President's award (2020). He has secured significant grants, including a €363k Czech Grant Agency award (2023–2025) for geometric multiscale thermodynamics of complex fluids. Scientific Awards: Best paper award, Entropy (2021) Czech Grant Agency President's award (2020) High quality monographs of Charles University competition (1st-3rd place, 2020) Current Projects: He leads research on geometric multiscale thermodynamics and co-supervises projects on zinc-air batteries and solid oxide fuel cells. His lab develops the SmoothedParticles.jl Julia package for fluid dynamics simulations.

Sangjin KimView profile

Assistant Professor

• Biophysics
• Microbiology
• Computational Biology
• +5 more

Sangjin Kim is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Illinois, focusing on biomedical and translational sciences. After earning a B.S. in chemistry from Seoul National University and a Ph.D. from Harvard University under Sunney Xie, Kim conducted postdoctoral research in microbiology at Yale University under Christine Jacobs-Wagner. Their work combines single-molecule biophysics, microbiology, and computational modeling to study cellular complexity at the single-molecule and single-cell levels. Education: B.S., Chemistry, Seoul National University Ph.D., Harvard University (2010), thesis on single-molecule biophysics Research Interests: Kim investigates physical principles governing molecular interactions in cells, particularly how gene expression machinery operates collectively. Key areas include DNA supercoiling, mRNA degradation, transcription-translation coordination, and bacterial cellular organization. Their lab develops interdisciplinary methodologies integrating molecular biology, optics, and computational analysis. Article Trends: Kim’s publications highlight single-molecule imaging, gene regulatory mechanisms, and bacterial systems biology, with a focus on Escherichia coli. Research spans DNA mechanics, RNA dynamics, and intracellular organization, often using hybrid experimental-computational approaches. Scientific Awards: NIH Maximizing Investigators' Research Award (2021) Searle Scholar, Kinship Foundation (2020) Kavli Fellow, National Academy of Sciences (2022) University of Illinois CAS Fellow (2022-2023) Teaching: Kim has taught courses in physics, including College Physics: Mechanics & Heat (PHYS 101), University Physics: Mechanics (PHYS 211), University Physics: Electricity & Magnetism (PHYS 212), Experimental Biophysics (PHYS 407), and Special Topics in Physics (PHYS 498 EBP). Labs & Teams: The Kim Lab at UIUC focuses on solving many-body problems in biology at the single-molecule level, seeking energetic and curious graduate students and postdocs with backgrounds in physics, chemistry, or biology.

Matthew J ComstockView profile

Associate Professor

• Biophysics
• Single-Molecule Biophysics
• Optical Tweezers
• +3 more

Matthew J Comstock is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at Michigan State University, where he has led a research program since August 2012 focused on single-molecule biophysics. His work pioneers high-resolution optical tweezers and fluorescence techniques to observe biomolecular processes at angstrom-scale resolution. Education 2008: Ph.D., Physics, University of California, Berkeley 2000: B.S., Physics, University of Chicago Research Focus Dr. Comstock investigates molecular motors and nucleic acid-processing enzymes through real-time single-molecule observation. His lab develops cutting-edge instrumentation combining optical trapping with fluorescence detection to study enzyme kinetics, DNA replication mechanics, and protein folding dynamics. Technical innovations include ultrahigh-resolution optical traps capable of single-fluorophore sensitivity and novel force transducers using engineered DNA. Publication Trends Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2016-2020) reveals three dominant themes: 1) Telomerase and helicase mechanisms using optical tweezers, 2) Instrumentation advances merging force spectroscopy with fluorescence, and 3) Fundamental studies of nucleic acid mechanics. His work consistently bridges physics and biology to uncover molecular-scale mechanisms in enzymatic catalysis. Scientific Recognition Jerry Cowen Chair of Physics (awarded upon faculty appointment) Mentorship and Resources As faculty at MSU, Dr. Comstock mentors graduate students in biophysics research though specific advisees aren't listed in source materials. His laboratory operations suggest active grant funding from agencies like NIH or NSF, supported by technical innovations in single-molecule instrumentation. Research Facilities His group operates two laboratories in MSU's Biomedical Physical Sciences Building: Room B149 (517-884-5491) specializing in optical trap development, and Room B238 (517-884-5705) focused on fluorescence integration and biomolecular assays.

• Environmental Bioprocess Engineering
• Biological Wastewater Treatment
• Microalgae Biofuel Production
• +3 more

Dr. D. Grant Allen is a Professor and Frank Dottori Chair in Pulp and Paper Engineering at the University of Toronto's Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry (Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering). He serves as Principal Investigator at the Bioprocess Engineering Lab and BioZone research center. His education includes a B.A.Sc. and M.A.Sc. from the University of Toronto, and a Ph.D. from the University of Waterloo. Dr. Allen's research focuses on environmental bioprocess engineering , with emphasis on: Microalgae cultivation for biofuels/chemicals using CO₂ and wastewater Advanced biological wastewater treatment and toxicity reduction Biosolids dewatering using novel bioflocculants and enzymatic methods Bioconversion of waste streams into value-added products Biofilm/floc microbiology and process optimization His publications demonstrate strong interdisciplinary trends in sustainable waste valorization, algal biotechnology, and advanced sludge treatment techniques, with consistent focus on industrial applications in pulp/paper and wastewater sectors. Awards & Honors: Sustained Excellence in Teaching Award (2022) Professor Diran Basmadjian Teacher of the Year Award Fellow: Chemical Institute of Canada, AAAS, Canadian Academy of Engineering, Engineering Institute of Canada LeSuer Memorial Award for Technical Excellence He currently advises graduate students and leads collaborative projects with industry/government partners. As Principal Investigator at BioZone, he coordinates interdisciplinary teams developing bioscience solutions for sustainability. Current projects include photocatalytic wastewater pretreatment and microfluidic carbon capture systems.

• Sustainable Materials Engineering
• Green Materials Processing
• Wood Science and Technology
• +7 more

Thomas Schnabel is a Research Group Leader and Senior Researcher in Design and Green Engineering at Salzburg University of Applied Sciences, where he heads the Green Materials and Processing research group and leads the Salzburg Center for Smart Materials 2.0 initiative. His work bridges academic research with practical industrial applications in sustainable materials science. His research focuses on: Valorization of wood byproducts, particularly tree bark extracts for multiple applications Development of natural fiber insulation materials from recycled wood residues Life cycle assessment of sustainable material production processes Application of bioactive compounds from bark for biomedical uses Green chemistry approaches to material processing and purification Dr. Schnabel's publication record shows a cohesive research trajectory focused on extracting maximum value from wood processing byproducts. His recent articles demonstrate increasing sophistication in characterizing bark extracts and developing practical applications across construction, biomedical fields, and sustainable manufacturing. The research directly contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to responsible consumption, climate action, and industry innovation. He leads multiple significant research initiatives including: NETTLE: Cross-border cooperation for alpine plant bioactive compounds (2024-2026) DRWO4.0: Danube Region Wood Industry Transformation toward Industry 4.0 (2024-2025) SCSM 2.0: Salzburg Center for Smart Materials 2.0 (2023-2026) User-centered teaching materials development in forestry and bioeconomy (2023-2026) His collaborative network spans the Danube region and beyond, reflecting the international significance of his work in advancing sustainable materials science and engineering practices.

Sami VirolainenView profile

Research Professor

• Hydrometallurgy
• Chemical Engineering
• Metal Separation
• +7 more

Sami Virolainen is a Research Professor and Head of the Department of Separation Technology at LUT University's School of Engineering Sciences. His work focuses on hydrometallurgy, particularly in metal separation processes critical for the green transition and resource recovery. Education: LUT University (Chemical Engineering diploma, PhD in 2009) Research interests span separation technology for battery material recycling, rare earth element recovery, and applications in water purification, biorefinery, and Power-to-X technology. His department investigates resource-efficient methods for critical metals like cobalt, nickel, and lithium. Recent publications emphasize sustainable metallurgy , including solvent extraction, ion exchange, and nanofiltration techniques for battery waste and industrial byproducts. Key areas include multi-metal recovery , acid recycling , and rare earth purification . Virolainen leads cross-disciplinary collaborations under LUT's SCI-MAT platform, integrating separation science with economics and sustainability. He advocates for European self-sufficiency in critical metals while acknowledging market-driven challenges. Based in Lappeenranta, he has spent over two decades at LUT University, starting as a chemical engineering student in 2001. His department operates across LUT's geographical locations, including Lappeenranta, Lahti, Mikkeli, and Kouvolan campuses. Outside academia, Virolainen is connected to regional sports culture as a lifelong supporter of Finnish hockey teams like Mikkelin Jukurit and SaiPa, and currently involved with youth basketball through Catz Lappeenranta.

Yasmine AbdinView profile

Assistant Professor

• Polymer Matrix Composite Materials
• Composites Design and Manufacturing
• Structural Reliability
• +9 more

Dr. Yasmine Abdin serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Materials Engineering within the Faculty of Applied Science at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Her research focuses on advancing polymer matrix composite materials through innovative digital simulation and probabilistic design methodologies. Her academic credentials include: B.Sc. from KU Leuven M.Sc. from KU Leuven Ph.D. from KU Leuven Dr. Abdin's research program centers on overcoming limitations in composite material durability through probabilistic design frameworks and multi-scale modeling. She integrates finite element analysis, machine learning, and Industry 4.0 technologies to predict structural reliability under stochastic service conditions, with emphasis on damage tolerance, manufacturing-process-structure relationships, and optimization of carbon fiber production from sustainable precursors like lignin and asphaltenes. Her recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate strong focus on sustainable composite manufacturing, including carbon fiber production from renewable resources, 4D printing of shape memory polymers, flax fiber-reinforced composites, cellulose nanofibril modification, and fatigue behavior analysis. Key thematic trends include the convergence of digital twin technologies with composite manufacturing, sustainable precursor development, and the application of machine learning to enhance modeling efficiency in structural reliability prediction. Information regarding doctoral students, research grants, laboratory facilities, or scientific awards was not provided in available sources.

Yoram CohenView profile

Professor

• Environmental Engineering
• Water Desalination
• Membrane Technology
• +3 more

Yoram Cohen is a Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He leads the Polymer and Separations (PolySep) Research Laboratory, focusing on advanced water treatment technologies. Ph.D. in Environment and Sustainability D.Env. in Environmental Science and Engineering B.S. in Environmental Science His research spans membrane technology , surface nano-structuring , and environmental impact analysis . Key areas include: Reverse osmosis and ultrafiltration membrane design Surface crystallization and fouling mitigation Electroactive polymers for contaminant removal Nanoinformatics for environmental health Mathematical modeling of contaminant transport Recent publications emphasize machine learning integration in desalination systems, high-recovery water treatment , and sustainable membrane technologies . His work addresses challenges in decentralized water systems for disadvantaged communities. Pritzker Emerging Environmental Genius Award The PolySep Lab has pioneered innovations in: Surface-modified membranes with polymer brush layers Real-time scaling detection methods Self-adaptive control systems for water treatment