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Maria Chatzidaki-LivanisView profile

Academic

• Microbiology
• Human Gut Microbiota
• Bacteroides fragilis
• +7 more

Maria Chatzidaki-Livanis is an Instructor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Ohio University, part of the College of Arts and Sciences. She previously held academic positions at Harvard Medical School, including Postdoctoral Research Associate (2006–2009) and Instructor in Medicine (2009–2018), following her Ph.D. from the University of Florida in 2004. Research Interests: Her work centers on the molecular biology of the human gut symbiont Bacteroides fragilis , exploring its dual role as both a mutualistic bacterium and an opportunistic pathogen. She investigates mechanisms of bacterial symbiosis, pathogenesis, and competition, with a focus on secretion systems, antimicrobial proteins, glycan synthesis, and host-microbe signaling. Publication Trends: Her research, published in top journals such as Cell , PNAS , and MBio , reveals a consistent focus on microbial adaptation in the gut, particularly how Bacteroides species utilize molecular mimicry, protein modification, and interbacterial competition to colonize and persist in the intestinal environment. The integration of genetics, biochemistry, and microbiology underscores a systems-level approach to understanding gut microbiota dynamics. Academic Background: Ph.D., University of Florida, 2004 Postdoctoral Research Associate, University of Florida, 2004–2006 Postdoctoral Research Associate, Harvard Medical School, 2006–2009 Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, 2009–2018 Instructor, Ohio University, College of Arts and Sciences Advising and Grants: While no formal students or grants are listed in the provided text, her extensive collaborative research, particularly with Dr. Laurie E. Comstock, suggests mentorship and leadership in laboratory settings. Her long-standing research program implies grant support, though specific funding sources are not mentioned. Laboratories and Teams: Her research has been conducted within prominent microbiology labs, particularly at Harvard Medical School and now at Ohio University, focusing on bacterial genetics and host-microbe interactions. She is part of a broader scientific network studying the human microbiome and its implications for health and disease.

Hazim AbassView profile

Professor

• Applied Geomechanics
• Hydraulic Fracturing
• Reservoir Engineering
• +3 more

Dr. Hazim H. Abass is a Professor of Practice in Petroleum Engineering at the University of Wyoming. He holds a BS from the University of Baghdad (1976), an MS from the Colorado School of Mines (1984), and a PhD from the Colorado School of Mines (1988). His research focuses on applied geomechanics, hydraulic fracturing, and reservoir engineering in unconventional resources (oil/gas, geothermal, CCUS). He has held roles at Saudi Aramco, Halliburton, and academic institutions like the Colorado School of Mines. His awards include the AIME Honorary Membership (2015), SPE Distinguished Lecturer (2011-2012), and multiple SPE technical awards. Key research areas include rock mechanics laboratory experiments, fracture cleanup with redox treatments, and laser-guided fracturing. He has over 100 publications and 11 US patents. His work bridges academia and industry, emphasizing practical solutions for reservoir challenges. Collaborations include Saudi Aramco, PDVSA (Venezuela), and the China University of Petroleum. Dr. Abass has advised students at multiple institutions and contributed to industry standards via SPE committees. His labs focus on integrating geomechanical models with reservoir simulation to predict stress-strain behavior in tight formations. Current projects involve thermal lattice stimulation for geothermal systems and synthetic sweet spots via nano-reactants.

• Genomics
• Genetics
• Animal Breeding
• +3 more

Hendrik-Jan Megens is an Assistant Professor in Animal Breeding and Genetics at Wageningen University & Research (WUR), Netherlands, affiliated with the Wageningen Institute for Advanced Studies (WIAS). His dr.ir. title reflects a Dutch engineering doctorate, and he maintains an active research profile with over 200 publications and 51 datasets. His work integrates genomic analysis with conservation and aquaculture applications across vertebrate species. Research interests focus on: Genomic consequences of inbreeding in fragmented populations Environmental adaptation mechanisms in aquaculture species Structural variants in chromosome evolution Functional annotation of deleterious mutations Epigenetic regulation in reproductive transitions Genotype-environment interactions in growth traits Recent publications (2023-2025) reveal dual expertise in wildlife conservation (European wild boar, sharks) and aquaculture genomics (tilapia, seabream, oysters). Key trends include application of long-read sequencing (Pore-C) for structural variant detection, pCADD-based prioritization of causal mutations, and investigation of polyploidy effects in teleost fish. His work bridges fundamental evolutionary questions with practical breeding challenges. Megens has co-supervised 12 research projects including five PhD candidates: S. Ousley: Super corals project (reef restoration genomics) G. Kuguru: Black tipped reef shark diversity (Maldives) A. Blasweiler: AquaFAANG (fish health immunology) X. Yu: Nile tilapia adaptation architecture H. van Kruistum: Livebearing fish reproductive genomics He leads projects on genomic tools development (pCADD) and contributes to international consortia like the European Reference Genome Atlas. His team collaborates across WUR's Animal Breeding and Genetics group, focusing on translating genomic findings into conservation strategies and sustainable aquaculture practices through field studies and computational pipelines.

Petri NiemiView profile

Researcher

• Supply Chain Management
• Operations Management
• Logistics
• +4 more

Petri Niemi is a Researcher at LUT University within the School of Engineering Sciences , specifically affiliated with the Industrial Engineering and Management (IEM) department. His work spans interdisciplinary domains, linking engineering with business practices. Current research focuses on soil science and agricultural management, particularly analyzing soil pore structure, microbial interactions, and long-term agricultural impacts. His earlier contributions center on supply chain management, logistics optimization, and educational pedagogy, including experiential learning frameworks and student guidance systems. Research Trends: Recent publications highlight sustainable soil management and pore dynamics, while earlier works emphasize knowledge development in supply chains and logistical service innovation. His expertise bridges quantitative analysis, organizational behavior, and user-centric design. Education & Practice: While formal educational details are not public, his pedagogical involvement includes student guidance and curriculum development for secondary and higher education programs.

• Aging
• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• Nuclear Architecture
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Tomohisa Toda serves as a Group Leader at the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) in Dresden, Germany, where he leads research on the biological links between aging and neurological disorders. His primary research interests encompass aging mechanisms, neurodegenerative diseases, and nuclear architecture in neural cells. Specifically, Dr. Toda investigates how nucleoporins and nuclear lamins establish cell type-specific nuclear organization to maintain neural identity and plasticity throughout life. His laboratory employs mouse models and stem cell biology to dissect the molecular pathways that deteriorate during pathological aging. Dr. Toda's publication record includes significant contributions such as a 2017 Cell Stem Cell paper demonstrating nucleoporins' role as structural gatekeepers for neural identity. His work spans broad disciplines including neuroscience, cell biology, and aging research, with specific focus on nuclear pore complex dynamics, transcription factor networks, and age-related protein damage in the brain. The Toda laboratory at DZNE Dresden is dedicated to uncovering fundamental principles of neural maintenance and how their disruption leads to disease, utilizing interdisciplinary approaches to address critical questions in brain aging and neurodegeneration.

• Cardiac Electrophysiology
• Cardiac Arrhythmias
• Lysosomal Calcium Signaling
• +5 more

Associate Professor Rebecca Burton is a cardiac electrophysiologist in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Oxford's Medical Sciences Division. Since completing her DPhil in 2006, she has led research on cardiac arrhythmias with focus on lysosomal calcium signaling and hydroxychloroquine's effects on heart rhythm. Her group of approximately 10 researchers employs novel imaging methods and traditional pharmacology techniques to study cardiac function. Her research interests center on cardiac arrhythmia mechanisms, particularly the role of lysosomal calcium stores in atrial fibrillation. She investigates cAMP-Ca 2+ cross talk in atrial nanodomains, IP3 receptor signaling , and acidic organelle function in cardiomyocytes. Her work bridges basic science with translational applications through collaborations with clinicians across disciplines. Her 15 most recent publications (2022-2025) demonstrate consistent focus on lysosomal calcium signaling in cardiac rhythm regulation, with particular emphasis on atrial-specific mechanisms. Key themes include compartmentalized cAMP signaling, NAADP-mediated calcium release, and the role of endolysosomal networks in atrial fibrillation pathophysiology. Scientific recognition includes: Winston Churchill Medal for contributions to Science and Technology (2015-2016) Sir Henry Dale Fellowship supporting her ambitious interdisciplinary research Beyond research, Burton serves in teaching roles including examination setting and marking, provides pastoral care at her college, and actively engages in public outreach through events like the Science Museum Lates. She has advocated for improved career pathways for early-career researchers and greater equality of opportunity in academia. Her laboratory specializes in advanced cardiac optical mapping, lysosomal calcium imaging, and multi-disciplinary approaches to studying the neuro-cardiac axis, with particular focus on how sympathetic neuronal activity affects cardiac conduction and arrhythmia susceptibility.

• Acoustics
• Sensors for water industry
• Acoustic materials
• +5 more

Professor Kirill V Horoshenkov (FREng) is a leading academic at the University of Sheffield , holding a Personal Chair in Acoustics within the School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering . With a MEng in Electro-Acoustics and Ultrasonic Engineering from Moscow University and a PhD in Computational and Experimental Acoustics from the University of Bradford, he transitioned to Sheffield in 2013 after a distinguished career at Bradford. Acoustic sensors for water infrastructure Physical acoustics and wave propagation Acoustic material characterization Pipe condition monitoring systems Research Focus : Horoshenkov's work bridges acoustic engineering with water industry applications , developing innovative solutions for pipeline diagnostics and monitoring. His team has pioneered acoustic vector receivers , MEMS hydrophones , and Bayesian acoustic models for material analysis. Notable projects include the Pipebots Programme Grant and EPSRC Acoustics Network . Scientific Leadership : A Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, he serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Nature Portfolio Journal npj Acoustics . His research has yielded 12 patents and over 200 publications , including commercialization through spin-offs like Acoutechs Limited (licensed to Armacell) and Acoustic Sensing Technology Limited .

Laura M. WallaceView profile

Research Professor

• tectonics
• crustal deformation
• earthquakes
• +3 more

Laura M. Wallace serves as a Research Professor at the University of Texas Institute for Geophysics (UTIG) with a joint appointment at GNS Science in New Zealand. Her pioneering work focuses on geodetic analysis of crustal deformation at plate boundaries, particularly slow slip events in subduction zones like New Zealand's Hikurangi Margin. In 2018, she co-led IODP Expedition 375 aboard the JOIDES Resolution, drilling into active slow slip zones to install long-term monitoring observatories. Education: Ph.D. in Earth Sciences, University of California, Santa Cruz B.S. in Geology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Research Focus: Wallace's work centers on tectonics and crustal deformation , utilizing land-based GPS and seafloor geodetic instruments to study subduction zone dynamics . Her 2002 discovery of slow slip events at Hikurangi revolutionized understanding of fault behavior, revealing how fluid pressure and lithological heterogeneity control slip patterns. She integrates geodetic data with seismic and drilling results to model earthquake cycles. Publication Trends: Recent work (2023-2025) analyzes spatiotemporal evolution of slow slip using multi-instrument approaches (GNSS, InSAR, seafloor sensors), with emphasis on New Zealand's seismic hazard models. Key themes include fluid-mediated fault weakening, seamount subduction effects, and probabilistic forecasting of megathrust events. Leadership & Grants: Wallace secured major funding through IODP for Expedition 375, enabling core sampling and observatory deployment at Hikurangi. She contributes to national hazard assessments for New Zealand, developing geodetic strain rate models and deformation frameworks for seismic hazard maps. Collaborative Infrastructure: She leverages UTIG's geodetic networks and GNS Science partnerships, utilizing JOIDES Resolution drilling data and SMART subsea cable initiatives for real-time offshore monitoring. Her lab integrates field observations with numerical modeling to predict subduction zone behavior.

Daniel BarretoView profile

Professor

• Discrete Element Method (DEM)
• Soil Mechanics
• Geotechnical Engineering
• +5 more

Daniel Barreto is a Professor at Edinburgh Napier University , specializing in Discrete Element Method (DEM) simulations and soil mechanics . His research emphasizes particle shape and size distribution effects on granular material behavior, with applications in permeability estimation, liquefaction mitigation, and nature-inspired ground engineering. Education : PhD in Soil Mechanics (Imperial College London, 2010), MSc in Soil Mechanics and Engineering Seismology (Imperial, 2005), Civil Engineering (Universidad de los Andes, 2003). Research : Focuses on DEM, grading entropy theory, and particle-scale interactions in sand-rubber mixtures, with implications for seismic isolation and sustainable soil stabilization. Awards : Royal Academy of Engineering Leverhulme Trust Fellowship COST Action Chair for Open Network on DEM Simulations (ON-DEM) Emeritus Member of Royal Society of Edinburgh Young Academy of Scotland Publications : Pioneering studies on DEM-based critical state behavior, particle breakage quantification, and permeability models for granular soils, with a 2023 Transportation Geotechnics paper on hydraulic radius applications. Collaborations : Leads ON-DEM, a global network advancing open-source DEM tools, and contributes to interdisciplinary projects involving synthetic root mimics and microbial soil interactions.

Mehdi PouraghaView profile

Associate Professor

• Geomechanics
• Constitutive Modeling
• Granular Materials
• +7 more

Mehdi Pouragha is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Carleton University's Faculty of Engineering and Design in Ottawa, Canada. He holds a BSc and MSc from Sharif University of Technology in Iran and a PhD from the University of Calgary. His academic career focuses on advanced geomechanics research with applications in both theoretical and practical engineering contexts. Dr. Pouragha's research spans multiple interconnected areas within geomechanics, with particular emphasis on constitutive modeling of geomaterials, micromechanics of granular materials, thermo-hydro-mechanical behaviors, and computational geomechanics. His work integrates theoretical approaches with advanced numerical methods to address complex problems in soil mechanics, permafrost engineering, and unsaturated soil behavior. His research program bridges fundamental micromechanical understanding with practical engineering applications, particularly in cold regions and climate change adaptation contexts. Analysis of Dr. Pouragha's recent publications reveals a strong trend toward multiscale modeling approaches that integrate discrete element methods with continuum mechanics. His work increasingly incorporates machine learning techniques to enhance computational efficiency while maintaining physical accuracy. The research spans both fundamental theoretical developments in constitutive modeling and practical applications in permafrost engineering, tailings management, and soil-structure interaction problems. His publications consistently demonstrate a focus on connecting microscale mechanisms to macroscale material behavior. Dr. Pouragha teaches several core civil engineering courses including Geotechnical Engineering, Fundamentals of Geomechanics, Numerical Methods in Geotechnical Engineering, and Professional Practice. His teaching portfolio reflects his research expertise while providing students with both theoretical foundations and practical engineering skills.

William Y. C. HuangView profile

Assistant Professor

• Signal Transduction
• Cell Membrane Biochemistry
• Single-Molecule Imaging
• +3 more

William Y. C. Huang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biophysics at Johns Hopkins University. He received his B.S. in Chemistry from National Taiwan University (2010) and Ph.D. in Chemistry from UC Berkeley (2016) under Dr. Jay Groves. After postdoctoral work at Stanford University (2018-2023) with Dr. James Ferrell, he launched his independent research program at Hopkins in 2024. Education: B.S. in Chemistry, National Taiwan University (2010) Ph.D. in Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley (2016) Research Focus: Quantitative study of biochemical reactions at cell membranes Signal transduction mechanisms Single-molecule imaging and spectroscopy Development of reconstituted membrane assays Investigation of protein condensation phase transitions Kinetic modeling of membrane-bound biochemical systems Scientific Awards: NIH Pathway to Independence Award Searle Scholar Contact: Email: whuang@jhu.edu Office: 168 Mergenthaler Hall Phone: (410) 516-0166

John ProvisView profile

Visiting Professor

• Cement Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Sustainable Construction
• +3 more

Dr. John Provis is the Group Leader for Cement Systems at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in the Laboratory for Waste Management (LES). He holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Melbourne, Australia, and was previously the Professor of Cement Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Sheffield, UK (2012–2023). His research focuses on cement chemistry, sustainable construction materials, and nuclear waste management, with a strong emphasis on standardization and beamline analysis. Provis has authored over 300 journal articles and secured major grants, including an ERC Starting Grant. He is a Fellow of multiple prestigious societies and has received awards such as the RILEM Robert L'Hermite Medal and a Doctor Honoris Causa from Universiteit Hasselt. He has supervised over 100 PhD/postdoc researchers and serves as an editorial board member for journals like Cement and Concrete Research and Materials and Structures . His research interests span cement durability, geopolymer development, and the environmental impact of construction materials. Provis also advises governments and agencies globally on funding and policy, contributing to projects like the Hanford Nuclear Reservation review. His work bridges academic research with industrial applications, emphasizing innovation in low-carbon materials and waste management solutions.

Johann KastnerView profile

Professor

• Computed Tomography
• Materials Science
• Non-Destructive Testing
• +3 more

Johann Kastner is a Professor at Upper Austria University of Applied Sciences, leading the Research Center Wels Computed Tomography R&D-Headquarters. He is affiliated with Centers of Excellence in Automotive/Mobility, Energy, and Smart Production. His research focuses on advanced materials characterization using X-ray computed tomography (X-CT), with applications in non-destructive testing, composite materials, and biomedical engineering. Key research areas include porosity analysis in carbon fiber reinforced polymers, phase contrast imaging, and additive manufacturing. He has led over 10 projects, including the EU-funded xCTing initiative (2021–2025) and the X-PRO project (2020–2024), emphasizing industrial CT applications and cross-virtuality data analysis. His work spans 335+ publications, with notable contributions to XCT-based defect detection, material microstructure analysis, and AI-driven image segmentation. Collaborations include COMET K Projects and FTI-Structurförderung grants. He has advised 2 PhD students and actively participates in international conferences and workshops. Laboratory facilities include state-of-the-art XCT systems for 3D microstructural analysis, Talbot-Lau grating interferometry, and augmented reality visualization tools for industrial applications.

Jan VanderborghtView profile

Professor

• Soil Physics
• Solute Transport in Soils
• Pesticide Fate Modeling
• +4 more

Professor Jan Vanderborght serves as Director of the Agrosphere Institute (IBG-3) at Forschungszentrum Jülich, Germany, while maintaining a professorship in Soil Physics at KU Leuven, Belgium. His research focuses on fundamental soil physical processes with direct applications in agricultural and environmental management. His educational background includes an MSc (1993) and PhD (1997) in Bio-engineering from KU Leuven, followed by post-doctoral research at ETH Zurich (1998-1999). Vanderborght's research centers on solute transport in soils, pesticide fate modeling, hydrogeophysics, soil evaporation processes, and plant water/nutrient uptake mechanisms. His work bridges fundamental soil physics with practical agricultural applications, particularly in irrigation management and contaminant transport. His recent publications reveal strong focus on advanced soil moisture monitoring techniques, root water uptake modeling, and the application of digital twin technology (SWIM²) for precision agriculture. The research spans multiple scales from pore-level processes to field-scale hydrological modeling. As an editorial leader in the field, Vanderborght serves as Co-Editor of Vadose Zone Journal and Associate Editor for both Journal of Hydrology and SOIL, reflecting his significant contributions to soil and water science literature. His research group develops innovative approaches combining field measurements, advanced imaging techniques (like MRI and GPR), and sophisticated modeling frameworks to address critical challenges in soil-water-plant systems, particularly under changing climate conditions.

Sarah PerezView profile

Researcher

• Mathematical modelling
• Numerical simulation
• AI-driven approaches
• +5 more

Sarah Perez is a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the GeoEnergy research group at the Lyell Centre, part of the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society at Heriot-Watt University. Holding a PhD in Applied Mathematics from the University of Pau in France, she specializes in developing numerical and machine learning models for geological carbon storage applications. Her research sits at the intersection of mathematical modeling, numerical simulation, and AI-driven approaches for subsurface energy systems. She develops frameworks that integrate pore-scale imaging with AI-based uncertainty quantification to improve reliability of subsurface predictions, with particular focus on fractured and reactive media. Her work bridges multiple scales to address leakage risks and subsurface integrity in carbon storage systems. Analysis of her publications reveals consistent focus on computational methods for geological applications, with increasing integration of AI techniques across her work from 2022-2025. Her research shows strong interdisciplinary connections between computational physics, machine learning, and geoscience. Beyond research, Perez actively contributes to academic community through science communication and early-career initiatives. She co-chairs the InterPore Student Awards Sub-Committee and organizes YouTube webinars on Porous Media research and AI for Net Zero, demonstrating commitment to knowledge exchange and interdisciplinary collaboration. Her professional network shows significant international collaboration, with research activities spanning multiple countries and institutions. She maintains active engagement with the scientific community through conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals.