Alexandre PARANT is a Researcher at the University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, affiliated with the School of Engineering and Digital Tools. His work focuses on cyber-physical systems, digital twins, and industrial automation, with a strong emphasis on the IEC 61499 standard for control architecture development. Research Themes: Model-driven engineering for production systems Digital twin implementation IEC 61499 standard application Modular cyber-physical systems Article Trends: Alexandre's publications span model-based development, robotics synchronization, and PLC identification. His work bridges theoretical modeling with practical automation solutions, particularly in educational contexts and industrial manufacturing. Labs & Teams: LINEACT research team Collaboration with CESI Campus Reims
Jose Miguel Espi Huerta is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electronic Engineering at the School of Engineering, University of Valencia. He is an active researcher in power electronics and control systems, contributing significantly to grid-connected converters, renewable energy integration, and digital control techniques. His research interests include: Power Electronics and Inverter Control Predictive and Robust Control Strategies Renewable Energy Systems (Photovoltaic and Wind) Induction Heating Technologies Remote and Web-Based Educational Labs The analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on improving the efficiency and reliability of grid-connected power converters using advanced control methods such as predictive current control and MPPT strategies. His work spans both industrial applications and academic education, particularly in developing remote laboratory platforms for control systems. Scientific awards and honors: No awards listed in the provided text. He has supervised academic theses and is affiliated with the LEII (Laboratory of Industrial Electronics and Instrumentation) research group. While no formal grants are listed, his extensive publication record indicates sustained research activity. He has contributed to the development of educational tools such as air levitation systems accessible via PLC and web interfaces, promoting innovative teaching methods in engineering education. The LEII research group focuses on industrial electronics, instrumentation, and power systems, providing a collaborative environment for applied research in energy conversion and control technologies.
Professor Massoud Maxwell Rabiee is a full-time faculty member at the University of Cincinnati 's College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS) , where he serves as Graduate Director for Sustainable Energy and Undergraduate Director for BSEET in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering . With 40 years of experience in academia and industry, his career spans teaching, research, and leadership roles across multiple institutions. PhD in Electrical Engineering (University of Kentucky, 1987) Registered Professional Engineer (1988) His research focuses on electric machines & drives , power electronics , and industrial automation , particularly lightweight Carbon Nano tube (CNT-type) electric machines and digital control systems for robotics and electric vehicles. He has extensive experience in programmable controllers , sensor integration , and smart manufacturing systems. His publications on programmable logic controllers (15 most recent editions) demonstrate expertise in automation education , digital control programming , and industrial network design . Awards include the 2019 Neil Wandmacher Teaching Award and Eastern Kentucky University's Outstanding Professor (1999-2000) , alongside multiple nominations for prestigious teaching honors. Senior Member, IEEE Member, Eta Kappa Nu (Electrical Engineering Honor Society) Member, Tau Beta Pi (Engineering Honor Society)
Dr. Kelvin Erickson is the Curators’ Distinguished Teaching Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Undergraduate Coordinator at Missouri University of Science and Technology. He joined the faculty in 1986 and served as Department Chair from 2002 to 2014. His expertise spans control systems, factory automation, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs), with over 40 years of experience in industrial automation and process control. Education: PhD in Electrical Engineering, Iowa State University MS and BS in Electrical Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology (formerly University of Missouri-Rolla) Research Interests: Dr. Erickson focuses on manufacturing automation, PLC design and applications, advanced process control, and industrial control systems. He has authored multiple textbooks, including Programmable Logic Controllers: An Emphasis on Design and Application and Allen-Bradley PLCs: An Emphasis on Design and Application . Awards and Honors: International Society of Automation Fellow (2019) Curators’ Distinguished Teaching Professorship (2019) IEEE Region 5 Outstanding Engineering Educator Award (2015) Multiple UMR Outstanding Teacher Awards (1987–2015) Grants and Collaborations: He has led grants such as the Controls Laboratory Equipment project (co-PI with Jagannathan Sarangapani). His industry collaborations include work with Fisher Controls, Magnum Technologies, and Rockwell Automation. Labs and Affiliations: Dr. Erickson is affiliated with the Kent D. Peaslee Steel Manufacturing Research Center and serves as an ABET Evaluator and ETAC Commissioner.
Thomas G. Thomas is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of South Alabama , where he contributes to both undergraduate and graduate education in electrical and computer engineering disciplines. Education: Ph.D. Electrical Engineering, University of Alabama Huntsville (1997) M.S. Electrical Engineering, University of Alabama Birmingham (1987) B.S. Electrical Engineering, University of South Alabama (1984) B.S. Chemistry, University of South Alabama (1977) Research Interests: Dr. Thomas's work spans robotics , smart grid systems , hyperspectral imaging , neural networks , and cybersecurity for industrial control systems . His research often integrates advanced machine learning techniques with practical engineering applications, particularly in autonomous systems and educational technology. Publication Trends: His recent publications (2004–2024) demonstrate a strong focus on robotics , machine learning , and engineering education . Notable contributions include autonomous navigation systems, cybersecurity in SCADA/PLC networks, and innovative educational programs to enhance student retention in engineering. Teaching: He instructs courses such as Virtual Instrumentation , Programmable Logic Controllers , and Introduction to Robotics , fostering hands-on learning in electrical and computer engineering.
Marco Pontin is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Soft Robotics Lab (SRL) within the Oxford Robotics Institute (ORI) at the University of Oxford. His research focuses on soft robotics, robotic resilience, and embodied intelligence. University of Oxford Soft Robotics Lab, Oxford Robotics Institute Prior to joining ORI in 2023, he earned his PhD at the Biomedical Robotics Lab, University of Sheffield, where he developed a multimodal soft valve for autonomous fault detection in soft pneumatic actuators. His work spans sensor design, fault tolerance, and adaptive robotics. Recent publications highlight advances in optical fiber bending sensors, bead jamming actuators, and textile tactile systems, demonstrating his expertise in resilient and self-regulating robotic mechanisms. Key subfields include programmable logic control, tissue growth simulation, and industrial exoskeletons.
Chitra Venugopal serves as Associate Professor and Program Director for the BS Renewable Energy Engineering Program at Oregon Institute of Technology's Portland-Metro campus within the Electrical Engineering and Renewable Energy department. She joined the institution in 2018 and holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Sastra University. Education: Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Sastra University MEng in Power Electronics and Drives from Bharathidasan University BEng in Electronics and Communication from Bharathidasan University Research Focus: Dr. Venugopal's expertise spans power systems, renewable energy integration, and power electronics. Her current research investigates smart grid integration of renewables, demand response mechanisms, grid oscillations, and power converters for nano/micro applications. She develops PLC-based control systems for industrial automation and electric vehicle charging infrastructure, with notable work in energy harvesting from unconventional sources like water droplet impact. Publication Trends: Recent publications (2021-2024) demonstrate strong emphasis on practical renewable energy solutions including solar tracking systems, PLC-controlled manufacturing automation, and IoT environmental monitoring. Emerging work explores darknet traffic synthesis using GANs, reflecting interdisciplinary expansion into cybersecurity applications. Professional Recognition: Senior Member, IEEE Member, Eta Kappa Nu (HKN) honor society Academic Leadership: As Program Director for Renewable Energy Engineering, she oversees curriculum development and student projects in renewable energy systems. Public records indicate no formal advisees listed but suggest active involvement in capstone projects through the department's industry partnerships like MECOP.
Jianying Zhou serves as Professor and Centre Director at Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), leading the iTrust Centre for Research in Cyber Security. He holds a PhD in Information Security from Royal Holloway, University of London and maintains active leadership roles including co-founding ACNS, chairing ACM AsiaCCS steering committee, and serving on Asiacrypt steering committee. PhD in Information Security, Royal Holloway, University of London His research spans applied cryptography, cyber-physical systems security, and mobile/wireless security with emphasis on industrial control systems, blockchain, and automotive networks. Recent work focuses on practical security solutions for critical infrastructure including maritime systems, smart grids, and IoT ecosystems, combining cryptographic innovation with real-world deployment challenges. Analysis of his 2025 publications reveals concentrated efforts in blockchain security (selfish mining, payment channels), industrial IoT protection (PLC authentication, CAN bus intrusion detection), and privacy-preserving machine learning (federated learning attacks/defenses). Maritime cybersecurity and automotive security represent rapidly growing application domains reflecting real-world critical infrastructure needs. Scientific recognition includes: ESORICS Outstanding Contribution Award (2020) ACM Distinguished Member status As iTrust Centre Director, Zhou oversees multi-institutional research teams developing security frameworks for critical infrastructure. While specific student advising details aren't public, his leadership in major conferences indicates extensive mentorship activities. His research program demonstrates strong industry collaboration focus with practical security implementations for maritime, healthcare, and industrial systems. iTrust operates as SUTD's flagship cybersecurity research center under Zhou's direction, bringing together interdisciplinary teams to address cyber-physical security challenges through testbed development, protocol design, and risk assessment frameworks for critical infrastructure protection.
Dountounakis Manolis serves as a Lecturer in the Systems Department of the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the Technical University of Crete, where he has held Laboratory Teaching Staff (EDIP) responsibilities since 1993. Based in the Automation Laboratory (Office 137A-27, Science Building), he delivers core instruction for undergraduate laboratory sessions in Linear Systems and Theory & Applications of Automatic Control , supported by custom teaching notes he developed. His academic credentials include an Electrical Engineering degree from the National Technical University of Athens (1989, grade 7.66), a Postgraduate Diploma in Production Engineering & Management from the Technical University of Crete (1999), and ongoing PhD candidacy in the same school since 2013. His doctoral research addresses Optimal Energy Management in Ports with Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions , supervised within the Production Engineering & Management framework. Research expertise spans energy management systems for sustainable port operations, renewable energy integration (RES), and advanced control methodologies including neural networks, adaptive control, and PLC-based industrial automation. His work bridges theoretical control systems with practical port logistics, emphasizing emission reduction through smart energy solutions. Recent publications analyze multi-agent demand response for refrigerated container systems and active power management in green ports, revealing a cohesive focus on cyber-physical energy optimization for maritime infrastructure. His technical proficiency encompasses English (Cambridge Lower First Certificate, 1980), programmable logic controllers, and industrial automation systems. Current scholarly activity centers on scaling port energy management frameworks through his PhD thesis, with applications targeting real-world greenhouse gas reduction in Mediterranean shipping hubs.
Hugh Jack is the Cass Balleneger Distinguished Professor at Western Carolina University, serving in the School of Engineering + Technology within the College of Engineering and Technology. He holds a Ph.D. and B.S. in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, respectively, from The University of Western Ontario. His work bridges advanced manufacturing, automation, and innovative pedagogy. Teaching focuses include design, project management, control systems, PLCs, industrial automation, robotics, and mechatronics. Research emphasizes Industry 4.0, IoT, AI in robotics, embedded systems, and PBL methodologies. He pioneered individual lab kit systems for electronics education and led global initiatives like the Fulbright US Scholar Project in Bulgaria. Recent articles highlight his contributions to chatbot integration in engineering education, IoT-driven PBL, and pandemic-era teaching strategies. He actively promotes interdisciplinary collaboration through service-learning projects and travel courses, fostering sustainability competencies and cultural awareness. As department director, he applies engineering analysis tools to administrative challenges, enhancing program efficiency. His Maker-oriented projects, such as PLC trainers and 3D-printed motorsports components, reflect a commitment to hands-on innovation and accessible learning resources.
Ignacio David Lopez Miguel is a PreDoc Researcher at the Cyber-Physical Systems department of Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien). His research focuses on formal verification techniques for safety-critical systems, particularly in the context of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) used in industrial and high-stakes environments like CERN's Large Hadron Collider (LHC) cooling systems. Current projects include TAIGER (2023–2027), addressing neural network verification for PLC code. Collaborates with institutions such as CERN, GSI, and NASA on safety-critical control systems. Research Themes : Integration of formal verification with AI/ML components Runtime enforcement in cyber-physical systems Ethical considerations in engineering design Automated translation of natural language requirements to formal specifications His work spans interdisciplinary domains, connecting computer science, control theory, and engineering ethics through rigorous verification methodologies.
Professor Eleni Ekaterini Leligou is a full-time faculty member at the University of West Attica , serving in the Department of Industrial Design and Production Engineering since November 2017. Previously, she taught at the Technological Educational Institution of Central Greece (2007–2017) and was a research associate at the National Technical University of Athens (1998–2007). Education Diploma in Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Technical University of Athens (1995) PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Technical University of Athens (1998–2002) – thesis graded “Excellent” Research Interests Her work lies at the intersection of computer networks, blockchain, Internet of Things, and artificial intelligence with a strong emphasis on industrial and energy-management applications . Specific themes include trust and routing protocols for sensor networks, FPGA-based acceleration of network algorithms, blockchain-enabled network security, IoT solutions for smart energy systems, and federated-learning models for maritime energy optimisation. Teaching Contributions At undergraduate level she delivers core courses on Internet Technology in the Digital Industry, Cloud Computing Engineering and Data Security and Protection . At postgraduate level she contributes to four distinct programmes: Artificial Intelligence and Deep Learning (inter-departmental MSc), Information Systems (Hellenic Open University), Production and Service Automation , and New Technologies in Shipping and Transportation . Publications Overview Her 2024–2025 scholarly output demonstrates an aggressive push toward next-generation networks (6G, LiFi, RIS), blockchain integration in diverse domains (gaming, supply-chain, PLC security), and AI/ML methodologies ranging from federated learning to GAN-based image generation, all applied to industrial, maritime and educational contexts. Laboratory & Teams She conducts her research within the Computational Intelligence and Intelligent Systems Laboratory – EYNES , leading projects that blend networked embedded systems, AI and blockchain technologies.
Mike Jacob is a Professor in the Electrical Engineering Technology Department at the Purdue Polytechnic Institute, Purdue University. He has taught at Purdue since 1978 following seven years at a South Carolina community college, leveraging six years of industrial experience as an automotive and aerospace test engineer to inform his academic practice. His research spans analog electronic circuit design, audio electronics, and pedagogical innovation in engineering education. He has authored foundational textbooks and developed methodologies that bridge theoretical concepts with practical applications, significantly influencing electrical engineering technology curricula nationwide. Professor Jacob's publications from 1998-2019 demonstrate consistent focus on educational frameworks for electronics and control systems, with textbooks becoming standard references in engineering technology programs. His work shows progressive integration of industrial practices into academic settings, emphasizing hands-on learning and curriculum development. His exceptional teaching has been recognized through: CTS Microelectronics Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching award (10 times) Dwyer Undergraduate Teaching Award (3 times) Purdue University Amoco award Paradigm Award from Minority Technology Association Joint Services Commendation Medal from Secretary of Defense McNelly Named Professorship Professor Jacob has led over thirty pedagogical workshops nationwide while maintaining industry connections through his professional background. His dual expertise in academic instruction and industrial applications creates unique opportunities for curriculum development and teaching innovation, though specific grant details and student advisement records are not documented in available sources.
Ramon Sarrate Estruch is a Professor at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), affiliated with the Escola Superior d'Enginyeries Industrial, Aeroespacial i Audiovisual de Terrassa (ESEIAAT) and the Department of Systems Engineering and Automation. His professional category is 'Professor Agregat,' reflecting his senior academic role. He leads research in the SIC (Sistemes Intel·ligents de Control) and CS2AC-UPC (Supervision, Safety and Automatic Control) groups, focusing on advanced control systems, fault diagnosis, and automation. His educational background includes a degree in Industrial Engineering and a Doctorate in Industrial Engineering from UPC. He has consistently contributed to academic projects and collaborations, evidenced by over 159 documented activities, including research projects, conference presentations, and publications in peer-reviewed journals such as Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence and International Journal of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science. Ramón's research interests revolve around fault-tolerant control, model predictive control (MPC), and reliability-aware systems. He has pioneered work in actuator fault estimation, LPV system control, and health-aware frameworks for critical infrastructure. His work emphasizes practical applications in industries like aerospace (UAV systems) and energy (gas turbines). Notable projects include coordination of autonomous vehicles, health management for UAVs, and safety-critical control systems. His contributions span 30+ years, with impactful publications from 1993 to 2024. He collaborates extensively with peers like F. Nejjari, V. Puig, and J. Quevedo, driving advancements in supervision, safety, and automatic control.
Saman Zonouz is an Associate Professor at Georgia Institute of Technology with joint appointments in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the School of Cybersecurity and Privacy. He joined Georgia Tech in 2022 after prior roles at Rutgers University and the University of Miami. His research focuses on cybersecurity and privacy in cyber-physical systems, particularly critical infrastructures such as power grids and industrial control systems. Zonouz holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2011) and a B.Sc. from Sharif Institute of Technology (2006). His work bridges theoretical computer science with practical engineering challenges, emphasizing resilience, attack detection, and physical-layer security. His research interests include attack detection in cyber-physical systems, embedded systems security, side-channel attacks, and resilient distributed control strategies. Recent trends in his publications highlight advancements in hardware implant detection, stealthy supply chain attacks, and cross-domain resilience frameworks for modern power systems. Zonouz has received prestigious awards including the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), NSF CAREER Award, and NSA Significant Research Recognition. His work often involves collaborations with industry and government agencies to address real-world cybersecurity challenges. He has led projects funded by NSF, AFOSR, and Google, focusing on topics like trustworthy additive manufacturing, privacy-preserving IoT systems, and cyber-informed engineering education. His lab develops tools such as OpenConduit for power system simulation and Guide-Guard for bioengineering applications.
