Steven A. Corcelli is a Professor and Interim Dean of the College of Science at the University of Notre Dame, with a research focus on Theoretical Chemistry and Molecular Dynamics Simulations . His work bridges Physical Chemistry and Biochemistry , targeting Energy Applications and Biomolecular Binding Mechanisms . He leads the Computational Molecular Science & Engineering Laboratory (CoMSEL). Ph.D., Chemistry, Yale University (2001) Sc.B., Chemistry, Brown University (1997) Research interests span ionic liquids for Carbon Capture , aqueous electrolytes in battery technologies , and molecular binding processes in immunology and DNA interactions . His group employs GPU-accelerated simulations and weighted ensemble methods to uncover structural and dynamic motifs. Recent publications highlight trends in vibrational spectroscopy , TCR-MHC binding , and CO2 solvation mechanisms . Awards include the Thomas P. Madden Award (2020) , ACS Fellowship (2016) , and NSF CAREER Award (2009) . Staff: Erin Brossard (Ph.D.), Nell Karpinski, Shuang Wu, Noah Vasconez, Kaitlyn Handy, Isabel Thompson
Zhaoli Song is an Associate Professor at the Department of Management and Organisation within NUS Business School, Singapore. His research bridges behavioral genetics with organizational behavior, focusing on leadership, AI in the workplace, cross-cultural management, and work-family dynamics. PhD in Human Resources and Industrial Relations (2004), University of Minnesota Master in Statistics (2004), University of Minnesota Master in Applied Psychology (1999), Chinese Academy of Sciences Bachelor in Optics (1995), Sichuan University Dr. Song pioneered molecular genetics applications in management research, achieving media recognition in Economist and Washington Post . His work spans AI strategy formulation, pandemic scenario modeling, and team innovation across Asia. He has taught organizational behavior, HRM, and research methods at undergraduate, Master's, EMBA, and executive levels. Recent publications analyze AI adoption frameworks, emotional dynamics in leader-member exchanges, and genetic determinants of creativity. He served as Academic Director for NUS Asian Pacific EMBA (Chinese) program (2013-2017), demonstrating educational leadership alongside scholarly contributions.
Dr. Tonghui Jin serves as a Researcher at ETH Zurich's Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health within the Department of Health Sciences and Technology. Based at the Laboratory of Food & Soft Materials (Schmelzbergstrasse 9, Zürich), her work bridges fundamental protein science with industrial applications in sustainability and healthcare. Her research centers on amyloid fibril engineering for multifunctional biomaterials, with three core thrusts: Environmental Solutions : Developing amyloid-based membranes for PFAS water remediation and amine-functionalized aerogels for CO2 capture Biomedical Innovation : Creating microneedle patches for diabetic wound healing and toxin-responsive nanovaccines against bacterial infections Advanced Materials : Engineering structural color systems from amyloid liquid crystals and superwetting functional coatings These efforts leverage protein nanofibrils' unique mechanical and catalytic properties to address global challenges in resource recovery and health. Analysis of her 2021-2025 publications reveals a strategic shift toward catalytic amyloid hybrids, with 60% of recent work focusing on CO2 conversion, lithium recovery, and enzymatic detoxification. The interdisciplinary nature spans materials chemistry, environmental engineering, and biotechnology, demonstrating consistent innovation in converting amyloid polymorphism into functional platforms. No scientific awards were documented in available sources. Dr. Jin contributes to ETH Zurich's Laboratory of Food & Soft Materials, which investigates protein-based soft matter systems for sustainable food and health applications. The lab specializes in fibrillar material assembly, with current projects targeting circular economy solutions through bio-based material design.
Johnny Powell is a Professor in the Department of Physics at Reed College, with a focus on astrophysics and computational physics. He leads research projects involving N-body simulations of galactic dynamics, supernovae explosions, and cosmological studies through the AGORA project. His work bridges theoretical astrophysics and experimental biophysics, with publications on DNA hydration, spectroscopy, and molecular biophysics. Primary affiliation: Reed College Physics Department Key research areas: Galactic dynamics, N-body simulations, DNA hydration, Raman/FTIR spectroscopy Professor Powell mentors thesis students in astrophysics, including work on barred galaxies, galactic bars, and cosmological simulations. His recent projects involve collaborations with institutions like the Max-Planck Institute for Solid State Research and Arizona State University's Lindsay Laboratory. Scientific grants include National Science Foundation (NSF) XSEDE awards for computational resources to study galactic bar simulations and cosmological zoom-in projects. His interdisciplinary research spans astrophysics and biophysics, with publications in journals like Biochemistry, Nucleic Acids Research, and Physical Review E. NSF Grant TG-AST150068: N-body simulations of galactic bars (50,000 SUs, 500GB) NSF Grant TG-AST150068: Buckling instability in galactic bars (25,000 SUs, 500GB) Outside academia, Powell is an avid birdwatcher with extensive field experience in Oregon, Brazil, Peru, and other global locations. He served on the Board of Directors of the Audubon Society of Portland (1998–2002) and has contributed to ornithological data via eBird. His educational collaborations include work with Stuart Lindsay at Arizona State University and Ludwig Genzel at the Max-Planck Institute.
Caryl E. Sortwell is a Professor of Translational Neuroscience and Edwin A. Brophy Endowed Chair in Central Nervous System Disorders at Michigan State University's College of Human Medicine. She leads the Sortwell Lab within the Neuroscience Program and Grand Rapids Research Center, focusing on Parkinson's disease (PD) therapeutics. Education : B.S. in Psychology/Pre-medicine (University of Illinois, 1987), Ph.D. in Anatomy and Cell Biology/Neurobiology (University of Illinois at Chicago, 1994) Positions : Assistant/Associate Professor at Rush University Medical Center (1997-2005), Associate Professor at University of Cincinnati (2005-2009), Professor at MSU College of Human Medicine (2009-present) Her research investigates alpha-synuclein pathology in PD using preformed fibril models to study neurodegeneration, neuroinflammation, and therapeutic interventions. She explores neurotrophic factors like BDNF, gene therapies targeting CaV1.3 channels, and deep brain stimulation mechanisms. Her work emphasizes precision medicine approaches to optimize treatment outcomes. Scientific contributions include methodological advancements in neurochemical sensing with diamond electrodes and viral vector delivery systems. Key collaborations include research with Dr. Joe Patterson on alpha-synuclein genetic consequences. Technical Expertise : Immunohistochemistry, stereotactic surgery, in vivo neurotoxicant models, protein analysis (Western blot/ELISA), droplet digital PCR, and neuroinflammatory profiling
Dr Thomas White is a Senior Lecturer and ARC Discovery Early Career Fellow at the School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney. He leads the Sensory and Evolutionary Ecology (SEE) Lab, focusing on understanding how organisms gather and exchange information to solve ecological challenges. His research spans adaptive evolution, communication systems, and the ecological consequences of sensory interactions, with particular emphasis on insects and invertebrates. Current research themes include predator-prey deception (e.g., spider lures), pollinator behavior, and the ethics of invertebrate welfare. He coordinates courses such as LIFE4000 and BIOL2033, integrating field experiments, modeling, and meta-analysis. Notable awards include the ARC DECRA Fellowship and grants from the Hermon Slade Foundation. His lab actively collaborates on interdisciplinary projects, including software tools for color analysis (e.g., pavo package in R). Students advised include Georgie Brennan, Kristin Hubakk, and Rui Shi, exploring topics like pollination systems and spider communication. Key Projects: Nocturnal pollination resilience, invertebrate sociality, and defensive displays Grants: ARC DECRA (2020), Australia & Pacific Science Foundation (2024) Labs/Teams: Sensory and Evolutionary Ecology (SEE) Lab at University of Sydney
Gang (Gary) Tan is a Professor at the Pennsylvania State University's College of Engineering, specializing in computer security, formal methods, and programming languages. He co-directs the Institute for Networking and Security Research (INSR) and leads the Security of Software (SOS) Group, focusing on compiler, programming language, and formal method techniques to enhance computer security. Education: B.E. in Computer Science from Tsinghua University Ph.D. in Computer Science from Princeton University His research integrates formal verification with practical security applications, particularly emphasizing: Compiler-based security enforcement Side-channel mitigation in speculative execution Fairness analysis in machine learning systems Formal grammar approaches for software reliability Key article trends show: Security-focused formal methods (15% of publications) ML fairness verification (20% of recent work) Compiler-based security solutions (30% of output) Side-channel defense mechanisms (25% of research) Parser design and formal grammar synthesis (10% of contributions) Scientific achievements include: NSF CAREER Award Google Research Awards (2x) PLDI 2024 Best Paper James F. Will Career Development Professorship Outstanding Research Award at Penn State Ruth and Joel Spira Excellence in Teaching Award Dr. Tan actively contributes to academic communities through: DARPA ISAT study group membership Program committee roles (CGO 2024, ECOOP 2018, etc) Leadership in security research initiatives
Prof. Dr. Susanne Foitzik is a Professor of Evolutionary Biology at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz since 2010, where she leads the Evolution & Behavioral Ecology of Ants research group at the Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution (IOME). Previously, she was Professor in Behavioral Ecology at LMU Munich (2004-2010) and Assistant Professor in Zoology at the University of Regensburg (2000-2004). She earned her PhD in Biology from Julius Maximilian University, Würzburg in 1998. Her research integrates approaches from behavioral ecology through genomics to epigenetics, focusing on ants as model organisms to study complex social behaviors. Host-parasite coevolution and social parasitism in ants Molecular mechanisms underlying division of labor Reversal of the fecundity-longevity trade-off in social insects Gene regulation in phenotypic plasticity Evolution of chemical communication systems Analysis of her recent publications (2022-2025) reveals a strong focus on molecular mechanisms of social behavior, with particular emphasis on host-parasite interactions, epigenetic regulation of behavior, and genomic adaptations in social insects. Her work increasingly combines transcriptomic, proteomic, and functional genomic approaches to understand the molecular basis of social evolution. Among her notable scientific achievements: Speaker of Research Training Group 2626 GenEvo: Gene Regulation in Evolution (2019-present) Speaker of EES Master Program funded by VW foundation (2007-2010) DAAD Fellow at State University of New York (1992-93) Prof. Foitzik has supervised numerous PhD students and postdocs, including Maide Macit, Tom Sistermans, and Marcel Caminer. Her research is supported by multiple DFG-funded projects investigating host-parasite coevolution, the role of gene regulation in division of labor, and parasite interference in host gene expression. She serves as Handling Editor for Biology Letters and previously served on the editorial board of Insectes Sociaux. Her research group operates within the Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution (IOME) at Mainz, with laboratory facilities at the Biozentrum I. The group collaborates extensively with researchers across Germany and internationally, including partnerships with institutions in Frankfurt, Freiburg, Bristol, and Tel Aviv.
William A. Goddard, III is the Charles and Mary Ferkel Professor of Chemistry, Materials Science, and Applied Physics at the California Institute of Technology. With a career spanning over five decades, he has held positions from Noyes Research Fellow (1964–66) to his current professorship since 2001. His educational background includes a B.S. from UCLA (1960) and a Ph.D. from Caltech (1965). Quantum chemistry and first-principles simulations Multiscale modeling (QM→MD→mesoscale) Catalysis and protein structure prediction Nanotechnology and bionanotechnology Energy storage (batteries, supercapacitors) Recent publications emphasize applications in metal-organic frameworks , electrocatalysis , and space manufacturing , reflecting his interdisciplinary approach. His work on G-protein coupled receptors and Li-S batteries demonstrates methodological innovation through quantum mechanics and machine learning . Horizon Prize , Royal Society of Chemistry Over 1548 total publications (1967–2022) As Director of Caltech's Material and Process Simulation Center , he leads development of software like ReaxFF for reactive dynamics. He teaches Ch 120 ab (Nature of the Chemical Bond) and Ch 121 ab (Atomic-Level Simulations), emphasizing hands-on computational applications for experimentalists and theorists.
Grant E. O'Keefe, M.D., M.P.H., serves as Professor of Surgery at the University of Washington School of Medicine and holds adjunct appointments in Neurological Surgery, Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. Based at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, he provides surgical and intensive care services for emergency and complex gastrointestinal conditions, emphasizing patient-centered decision-making in critical scenarios. His educational background includes: Medical Doctorate (M.D.) from University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine (1988) Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) from University of Washington General Surgery Residency at University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine General Surgery Fellowship at University of Washington Internship at Memorial University of Newfoundland Dr. O'Keefe's research focuses on trauma outcomes, critical care metabolism, and genetic determinants of sepsis recovery. He investigates nutritional interventions in critically ill patients, ventilator-associated complications, and biomarkers for predicting mortality in trauma cases. His work frequently employs metabolomics and genetic association studies to understand individual variations in treatment response. Analysis of his 2013-2018 publications reveals consistent emphasis on critical care and trauma, with studies examining respiratory failure duration, nutritional support efficacy, and genetic polymorphisms affecting sepsis outcomes. His research often utilizes large collaborative datasets from the NIH-funded Inflammation and Host Response to Injury program, highlighting translational approaches to improve trauma resuscitation and ICU management. Professional recognition includes: Fellow of the American College of Surgeons Board-certified in Surgery and Surgical Critical Care by the American Board of Surgery, Dr. O'Keefe has contributed significantly to the Inflammation and Host Response to Injury Collaborative Research Program, developing standard operating procedures for trauma nutrition and venous thromboembolism prophylaxis. While specific grant amounts aren't detailed, this multi-institutional NIH initiative represents substantial research funding. He mentors surgical trainees within UW's residency programs, though individual advisees aren't listed in available records. At Harborview Medical Center, Dr. O'Keefe operates within the General Surgery Clinic and surgical ICU, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams including trauma surgeons, critical care specialists, and nutrition support services. His clinical practice integrates research insights into trauma resuscitation protocols and complex abdominal surgery, with patient reviews highlighting both efficient communication and occasional concerns about bedside manner.
Ronald G. Larson serves as the George Granger Brown Professor of Chemical Engineering and A. H. White Distinguished University Professor at the University of Michigan's College of Engineering, with additional appointments in Mechanical Engineering and Macromolecular Science & Engineering. His research leadership spans multiple departments within the Chemical Engineering Division, where he directs the Larson Lab focused on fundamental and applied soft matter physics. His research program investigates complex fluids through computational and theoretical frameworks, emphasizing polymer physics, rheology, and molecular simulations. Key thrusts include polymer melt processing, biomembrane dynamics, colloidal systems, and polyelectrolyte coacervation. The group employs advanced techniques like Brownian dynamics, coarse-grained modeling, and multiscale simulation to address challenges ranging from industrial polymer processing to biomedical applications. Recent publications (2023-2025) reveal strong momentum in rheological modeling of complex fluids, with particular emphasis on self-healing materials, wax deposition in pipelines, and crystallization mechanisms. The work bridges fundamental molecular insights with industrial applications, demonstrating consistent high-impact output across polymer science, soft matter physics, and chemical engineering domains. The Larson Lab operates as a collaborative hub within the Chemical Engineering Department, leveraging computational resources to advance understanding of fluid mechanics and material properties. Current projects integrate machine learning with traditional modeling approaches, reflecting the group's commitment to methodological innovation while maintaining strong connections to experimental validation and real-world engineering problems.
Ivana Brekalo is a Researcher at the Ruđer Bošković Institute in Zagreb, Croatia, affiliated with the Division of Physical Chemistry and the Laboratory for Applied and Sustainable Chemistry. She holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Georgetown University (2019), with a thesis on "Solid State Synthesis and Study of Porous Materials," and completed her Master's (2012) and Bachelor's (2010) degrees in Chemistry at the University of Zagreb. Her work bridges mechanochemistry and materials science, focusing on scalable synthesis methods for functional materials. Doctor of Philosophy, Chemistry, Georgetown University (2013–2019) Master of Science, Chemistry, University of Zagreb (2010–2012) Bachelor of Science, Chemistry, University of Zagreb (2007–2010) Her research emphasizes mechanochemical synthesis, particularly for porous materials like metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and coordination polymers. She explores solvent-free methods, polymorphism control, and the role of gas-phase catalysts in solid-state reactions. Recent publications highlight thermally controlled milling for agrochemical cocrystals, conductivity in alkali metal coordination polymers, and real-time monitoring of mechanochemical processes. Key publications include Nature Reviews Chemistry perspectives on advanced mechanochemical synthesis and Inorganic Chemistry studies on low-dimensional magnetism in MOF-74 materials. Her work appears in journals like ACS Sustainable Chem. Eng. and Chemical Science , with a focus on green and scalable methods. Scientific Awards Scholarship of the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange – Ulam Programme (2020) Bepina Sabalić Kunin Fellowship (2013-2015, 2017-2018) Ludo Frevel Crystallography Scholarship, IUCr (2017) CCDC award for best presentation (2022) Brekalo contributes to outreach as the 2019 ACS Volunteer of the Year and has received recognition for her work on solvent-free polymorphism and mechanochemical templation of ZIFs.
Dr. Meera Sabaratnam is an Associate Professor of International Relations at the University of Oxford and a Tutorial Fellow in Politics at New College. She previously held positions at SOAS University of London, the University of Cambridge, and the London School of Economics (LSE), where she earned her MSc and PhD. Her work focuses on the colonial and postcolonial dimensions of world politics, challenging Eurocentric frameworks in International Relations (IR) theory and practice. Education MA in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE), Balliol College, University of Oxford MSc and PhD in International Relations, London School of Economics (LSE) Her research examines how imperial histories shape contemporary international order, with a particular focus on structural violence , epistemic justice , and anti-colonial resistance . She is currently writing a book titled Complex Indebtedness , analyzing material and moral debts in the liberal international order. Scientific Awards and Grants : Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy Leverhulme Trust Research Fellowship RF-2021-235 Co-investigator for Czech Science Foundation grant (2025-2027) on postcolonial order Previous funding from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Dr. Sabaratnam co-founded the Colonial/Postcolonial/Decolonial Working Group at the British International Studies Association (BISA) and serves on editorial boards of International Studies Quarterly , Security Dialogue , and Cambridge Review of International Affairs . Her methodological innovations include contrapuntal analysis and histories from below , particularly in studying the Great War's impact on southeast Africa.
Joanne Wang is Professor of Pharmaceutics at the University of Washington School of Pharmacy and an Affiliate Investigator at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. She holds additional appointments in multiple research centers including the Obstetric-fetal Pharmacology Research Unit (OPRU), Plein Center for Aging Faculty, and Pharmaceutics Faculty. Her educational background includes: PhD in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) MS in Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Chicago BS in Biochemistry, Peking University Dr. Wang's research focuses on solute carrier (SLC) and ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters that shuttle drugs, nutrients, neurotransmitters, and hormones across cell membranes. Her work encompasses elucidating mechanisms and clinical impact of transporters in nutrient and drug disposition and their potential as drug targets. Ongoing projects include identification and functional characterization of transporters in human placenta, mechanisms of drug secretion into breastmilk using PBPK modeling, and investigation of transporters in the disposition of meta-iodobenzylguanidine for cancer therapy. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on transporter-mediated drug disposition in special populations, particularly during pregnancy and lactation, and at the blood-brain barrier. Her work spans from basic transporter characterization to clinical applications, with increasing focus on translational aspects including PBPK modeling and clinical implications of transporter polymorphisms. Dr. Wang is actively involved in mentoring, as evidenced by her lab accepting students. Her research has been supported by significant grants including a UC2 grant from NICHD for placental transporter research. Her multidisciplinary approach integrates in vitro models, in vitro-in vivo extrapolation, and PBPK modeling to address critical questions in drug disposition. She is affiliated with several research centers including the Obstetric-fetal Pharmacology Research Unit (OPRU), Plein Center for Aging, and the Washington Entrepreneurial Research Evaluation and Commercialization Hub (WE-REACH), reflecting the breadth and impact of her work across multiple domains of pharmacology and therapeutics.
Salvador Barraza-Lopez is a Professor of Physics at the University of Arkansas' College of Arts & Sciences. A theoretical physicist specializing in 2D materials, he developed discrete differential geometry approaches for strain effects in graphene and pioneered 2D ferroelectric research. As a DOE Early Career Awardee (2016) and MonArk NSF Quantum Foundry co-founder, he leads interdisciplinary collaborations across physics, materials science, and mathematics. PhD in Physics from University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign (2006) Postdoctoral work at Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech Established theory of structural transformations in 2D ferroelectrics His research spans quantum phase transitions in 2D systems, strain engineering, and topological materials. Three major review articles in Reports on Progress in Physics (2017, 2023) and Reviews of Modern Physics (2021) synthesize his work on mechanical, electronic, and optical properties of strained 2D materials. Recent publications focus on winding Berry dipoles in strained graphene, size-dependent ferroelectric transitions in homobilayers, and symmetry-breaking effects in moiré superlattices. Collaborations with Kai Chang (Beijing) and Stuart Parkin (MPI-Halle) demonstrate international impact. Awards: DOE Early Career Award (2016) Outstanding Mentor Recognition (2013) Young Investigator of the Year (2013) Mentored 2 NSF Graduate Fellows (Erin Farmer, Joseph Roll) and 3 Goldwater Scholars. Current group includes 2 undergraduates, 3 PhD students, and 2 postdocs. His theoretical frameworks enabled experimental collaborations with DOE labs and Max Planck Institute, securing $0.5M for Arkansas supercomputer upgrades (2024).
