Find Academic Supervisors

Nader Taheri QazviniView profile

Assistant Professor

• Bio-nano hybrid materials
• Biomimetic materials
• Charge-driven self-assembly
• +11 more

Nader Taheri Qazvini is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering at the University of South Carolina (USC) within the Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing. His academic journey includes a PhD in Polymer Engineering from Amirkabir University of Technology (2006), followed by roles as an Assistant Professor at the University of Tehran (2008–2012) and postdoctoral research at Harvard University (2012–2014) and the University of Chicago (2014–2018). His research focuses on biomimetic materials, bio-nano hybrids, and soft materials with applications in tissue engineering and 3D bioprinting. Education: Ph.D., Polymer Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology (2006) M.S., Polymer Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology (1999) B.S., Polymer Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology (1996) Research Interests: His work spans bio-nano hybrid materials, charge-driven self-assembly, soft glassy dynamics, and MXene-based nanocomposites. He explores applications in 3D printing, conductive inks, and tissue engineering scaffolds. Recent advancements include MXene-Polyelectrolyte hybrids for EMI shielding and freeze-dried nanoparticle formulations. Publications: Over 40 peer-reviewed articles, including high-impact works on graphene-based biomaterials and cellular dynamics in asthmatic airways. Recent focus on MXene-functionalized membranes and 3D-printed chiral photonic structures. Awards: Recognized with the Khwarizmi International Award, Best Teaching Award (University of Tehran), and multiple best paper/poster awards. His research is supported by NSF CAREER grants and industry collaborations. Advising & Labs: Supervised 33 graduate students (3 PhD, 28 MSc) and leads research teams in biomaterials and nanotechnology. Active in interdisciplinary collaborations at USC and globally.

Ola AnimashawunView profile

Visiting Professor

• Dramaturgy
• Theatre
• Playwriting
• +1 more

Ola Animashawun is a Visiting Professor of Dramaturgy at the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Greenwich. He brings over 30 years of theatre experience, specializing in script development as a dramaturg and facilitator. As a National Theatre Associate and co-founder of Euphoric Ink, he previously served as Associate Director at the Royal Court Theatre for 23 years, where he established the Young Writers Programme and Critical Mass initiative. His expertise spans acting, directing, devising, writing, and presenting. Animashawun holds positions as Associate Artist and Mentor for multiple theatres and is recognized as a patron of Graeae Theatre and Script Yorkshire.

Loanda CumbaView profile

Assistant Professor

• Materials Chemistry
• 3D/4D Printing Technologies
• Conductive Bioinks
• +6 more

Dr. Loanda Cumba is an Assistant Professor (Chemistry with Artificial Intelligence - DCU Futures Programme) in the School of Chemical Sciences at Dublin City University (DCU). She holds a PhD and MSc in Materials Science from Sao Paulo State University, Brazil, and has conducted postdoctoral research at Manchester Metropolitan University (UK) and DCU. Her research focuses on developing 3D/4D printable materials, conductive bioinks, and machine learning-driven approaches for advanced materials and biosensors. She leads a research group funded by independent grants, exploring smart 4D printing, low-temperature manufacturing, and bioactivity post-printing. Education: PhD in Materials Science (Materials Chemistry), Sao Paulo State University, Brazil (2016) MSc in Materials Science (Materials Chemistry), Sao Paulo State University, Brazil (2012) Research Interests: Multicomponent conductive bioinks, 3D/4D printing technologies, smart materials design, machine learning in materials development, biosensors, energy storage systems, and sustainable manufacturing. Key Awards: Government of Ireland Postdoctoral Fellowship (2019) DCU Invent Commercialisation Award (2017) Grants & Contributions: Projects funded by Enterprise Ireland include high-performance conductive inks for wearable devices and antimicrobial-resistant bacteria detection (DetectAMR). Completed Harvard Business School’s Entrepreneurship Essentials to advance commercialization strategies. Labs/Teams: Leads a research group in advanced materials and AI-driven materials development within DCU’s School of Chemical Sciences.

Muriel Laure Aude RigoutView profile

Associate Professor

• Textile Chemistry
• Digital Textile Printing
• Sustainable Textile Processing
• +4 more

Muriel Laure Aude Rigout is an Associate Professor in Textile Printing and Design at the School of Design, University of Leeds, within the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures. She holds a BSc in Chemistry from the University of Kent (2001) and a PhD in Colour and Polymer Chemistry from the University of Leeds (2005). Her career spans academia and industry, including roles as a visiting scholar at Heilongjiang University (China) and as a researcher at Pharma Ink Ltd. Her research focuses on textile coloration, digital printing innovation (e.g., inkjet printing for haptic/olfactory effects), sustainable dye chemistry, and textile conservation science. She leads the BA Fashion Technology programme and contributes to the Society of Dyers and Colourists’ Education Board and Publication Committee. Her projects include Biofilm Control in Ultra Low Temperature Laundry (BioCULT) and lactam-based biofilm surfaces. She reviews for international journals and advises postgraduate researchers. No specific articles are listed in the provided text, but her outputs include journal articles, conference papers, and book chapters on her research areas. No scientific awards are explicitly mentioned.

• Soft Matter
• Nanomaterials
• Self-Assembly
• +6 more

Yugang Zhang is a Staff Scientist specializing in Soft/Bio Materials at Brookhaven National Laboratory's Center for Functional Nanomaterials (CFN) and National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II), positions held since 2019 and 2015 respectively. His expertise centers on synchrotron-based X-ray scattering techniques for characterizing soft matter and bionanomaterials. Dr. Zhang's educational background includes: Ph.D. in Condensed Matter Physics from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (dissertation: 'Hierarchical controlled synthesis, morphology and property modulation of zinc-based I-VI semiconductor Nanomaterials') Postdoctoral research at CFN focused on 'Programmable self-assembly of nanoparticle superlattices' His research program develops advanced characterization methods using synchrotron X-ray scattering to investigate nanoscale self-assembly , dynamics of active colloids in complex fluids , and advanced data analysis techniques . He actively supports user research and develops new capabilities at NSLS-II beamlines, with strong emphasis on coherent X-ray methodologies and programmable nanomaterial design. Analysis of Dr. Zhang's 10 publications (2015-2021) reveals consistent focus on nanoparticle superlattice engineering using DNA-mediated assembly, coherent X-ray scattering applications for dynamic studies, and functional nanomaterial design for applications ranging from nanocargo carriers to 3D printing. His work demonstrates interdisciplinary collaboration across materials science, physics, and biotechnology. Dr. Zhang maintains active development of scientific software tools through his GitHub profile (yugangzhang), with repositories focused on XPCS data analysis and hierarchical data visualization. He participates in CFN's Soft/Bio Materials group and NSLS-II beamline operations, contributing to facility capabilities for soft matter research.

• Shape-Changing Interfaces
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Soft Robotics
• +5 more

Anne Roudaut is Professor of Human-Computer Interaction and Head of the Bristol Interaction Group within the Computer Science Department at the University of Bristol. Her research bridges HCI, Material Engineering, and Soft Robotics to pioneer shape-changing interfaces that overcome the limitations of static computing devices. Research Focus: Developing shape-changing interfaces that enable dynamic affordances for non-rectangular displays Exploring soft-morphing materials and programmable inks for scalable fabrication Democratizing fabrication through accessible personal manufacturing platforms Applying soft robotics to neurodegenerative disease care and sleep enhancement Her recent publications reveal strong emphasis on sustainable materials (SoftBioMorph), ethical design (Deceptive Pattern Analysis), and therapeutic applications (Equine-Assisted Interventions). Key trends include translational work from material science to practical healthcare solutions, particularly for dementia patients. Academic Leadership: Advises 16 PhD students (including 10 alumni) Leads the Bristol Interaction Group research team Coordinates cross-disciplinary collaborations between HCI and Material Science Technical Contributions: Pioneered frameworks like MorphBenches for mixed reality experimentation, Skin-on Interfaces for bio-driven artificial skin, and DisplayFab for free-form display fabrication. Current work focuses on sustainable biopolymers and ethical design practices in EdTech.

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Material Engineering
• Soft Robotics
• +5 more

Anne Roudaut is a Professor of Human-Computer Interaction at the Computer Science Department, University of Bristol (UK), and heads the Bristol Interaction Group. Her research bridges Human-Computer Interaction, Material Engineering, and Soft Robotics to develop shape-changing, malleable computing interfaces. Research Focus: Shape-changing interfaces for dynamic displays, material engineering for soft robotics, and democratizing personal fabrication. Key Themes: Overcoming static computer designs, integrating advanced materials, and enabling end-users to create interactive devices.

Anne RoudautView profile

Professor

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Material Engineering
• Soft Robotics
• +7 more

Anne Roudaut is a Professor of Human-Computer Interaction at the University of Bristol, affiliated with the School of Information Technology and the Computer Science Department. She leads the Bristol Interaction Group, focusing on shape-changing interfaces and synergies between Human-Computer Interaction, Material Engineering, and Soft Robotics. Research emphasizes malleable, reconfigurable computers to enhance user interaction. Investigates dynamic materials (morphing/sensing) and programmable inks for interactive systems. Advocates for personal fabrication to democratize device creation. Contact: roudauta@gmail.com

Xiaojia Shelly ZhangView profile

Associate Professor

• Topology Optimization
• Additive Manufacturing
• Structural Engineering
• +7 more

Dr. Xiaojia Shelly Zhang is an Associate Professor and David C. Crawford Faculty Scholar in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's Grainger College of Engineering. She also holds affiliate appointments in Mechanical Science and Engineering and is a Faculty Fellow at the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA). Dr. Zhang directs the MISSION (Multi-functional Structures and Systems design Optimization) Laboratory, where she leads research at the intersection of computational mechanics, materials science, and structural engineering. Her educational background includes a B.S. (Honors) and M.S. in Civil Engineering from UIUC, followed by a Ph.D. in Structural Engineering from Georgia Tech. Dr. Zhang's research focuses on topology optimization, additive manufacturing, and multi-scale materials design, with applications spanning from civil infrastructure to soft robotics and metamaterials. Dr. Zhang's publication record demonstrates consistent excellence with numerous high-impact papers in Science Advances, Nature Communications, and top mechanics journals. Her work shows a clear progression toward increasingly complex multi-physics problems, integrating machine learning, uncertainty quantification, and sustainability considerations. Recent publications (2024-2025) emphasize practical applications in healthcare, sustainable infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing. National Science Foundation CAREER Award recipient DARPA Young Faculty Award and Director's Fellowship Multiple ASME/ASCE early career awards including Hughes Young Investigator and Leonardo da Vinci Award UIUC Campus Distinguished Promotion Award (2025) Consistent teaching excellence recognition since 2020 Dr. Zhang actively mentors students and postdocs in her MISSION Laboratory, with several advisees appearing as first authors on high-impact publications. Her research is supported by major grants from NSF, DARPA, AFOSR, and ARO. She serves on the Executive Committee of the International Society for Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization and holds editorial positions for the Journal of Applied Mechanics and Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization.

• Digital Libraries
• Academic Library Management
• Information Science
• +3 more

Ruth Pagell is an Adjunct Professor in the Library and Information Science Programme at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Previously, she served as the first University Librarian at Singapore Management University (SMU) from 2005 to 2011, leading the development of the digital library (PYXIS) and institutional repository (InK). Her career spans over four decades in academic librarianship, including roles at Emory University, the Wharton School, and Drexel University. Education: She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Psychology from Tufts University and dual Master’s degrees in Library Science and an MBA from Drexel University. Her expertise includes digital library systems, research support, and library infrastructure development. She pioneered initiatives to integrate libraries into academic research ecosystems, emphasizing user-centered design and global collaboration. Ruth has taught graduate courses at institutions like Drexel, Clark Atlanta University, and Nanyang Technological University, focusing on library science and business research methodologies. Her international experience includes a secondment to the Asian Institute of Technology in Thailand, promoting library innovation in Southeast Asia. She remains active in advancing library services through technology, pedagogy, and strategic partnerships.

• Mechanical Characterization of Particles
• Tissue Engineering
• Microrheology of Structural Fluids
• +7 more

Zhibing Zhang is a Professor and Co-Director of the China Institute at the University of Birmingham. His research focuses on mechanical characterization of micro/nanoparticles, tissue engineering, microrheology, biofilms, and sustainable product development for consumer goods and food industries. Specializes in microencapsulation, biomaterials, and biomechanics Active in collaborations with Procter & Gamble and EPSRC-funded projects Has presented at major conferences including Controlled Release Society and UK-China Particle Technology Forum His recent publications highlight advancements in: Molecular dynamics simulations for hydration dynamics Organic-inorganic microcarriers for mechanical strength Sustainable delivery systems for fast-moving consumer goods Microencapsulation techniques using natural waxes Scientific recognition includes: Chartered Engineer (2000) DSc from University of Birmingham (2016) Fellow of IChemE (2005) Guest Professor appointments in China (2011-2014)

Anna Duraj-ThatteView profile

Assistant Professor

• Synthetic Biology
• Biomaterials
• Biological Systems Engineering
• +3 more

Anna Duraj-Thatte is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Biological Systems Engineering at Virginia Tech , where she has been since 2021. She is also a co-founder of Tantu Therapeutics Inc. in Boston, MA, and a Research Affiliate at Massachusetts Institute of Technology since 2020. Her earlier experience includes postdoctoral research at the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University (2013-2020). Education: Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2012 M.S. in Molecular and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Gdansk University of Technology, 2006 B.S. in Molecular and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Gdansk University of Technology, 2006 Research Focus : Dr. Duraj-Thatte leads the SMART Living Materials Laboratory , pioneering research in Engineered Living Materials that combine synthetic biology, bioengineering, nanotechnology, and sustainability to create Self-regenerative, Multifunctional, Adaptive, Responsive, and Therapeutic (SMART) living materials . Her work aims to harness microbes as factories for sustainable, large-scale production of materials with applications in healthcare, agriculture, and environmental industries. Article Trends : Her publications emphasize synthetic biology-driven material design , microbial ink bioprinting , self-regenerative hydrogels , and gut microbiome engineering . Recurring themes include biodegradable polymers , protein engineering , and scalable manufacturing , reflecting her commitment to sustainability and clinical translation. Scientific Awards : Grand Prize Winner, NSF Idea Machine Competition (2020) Semifinalist, Harvard President’s Innovation Challenge (2020) Deep Tech Pioneer, Hello Tomorrow Global Challenge (2020) Grants & Collaborations : As co-founder of Tantu Therapeutics, she drives commercialization of engineered living materials. Her affiliations with MIT and Harvard highlight interdisciplinary collaborations in bioengineering and therapeutics.