Rapid solidification processing Professors and Supervisors

María Concepción Seguí PalmerView profile

Professor

University of the Balearic IslandsSpain

María Concepción Seguí Palmer is a Full Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), where she has been a key academic figure since 1984. She is affiliated with the Faculty of Science and is an active member of the Materials Physics (FISMAT) Consolidated R+D+I Group, contributing significantly to materials research and education. Her research interests are centered on Materials Physics , with a focus on phase transitions , alloys , thermal measurement techniques , and functional materials . Her work bridges fundamental physics with practical applications in materials engineering, particularly in metallurgy and thermal analysis. She has taught core undergraduate courses such as Electromagnetism I and II, General Physics, and Solid State Physics, as well as advanced postgraduate topics including Materials Physics, Functional Materials, and Solid State Phase Transformations in master’s programs in Chemical Science and Technology and Advanced Physics. The analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong thematic consistency in thermal characterization of materials , phase transformations , and alloy development , using techniques like Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and laser flash analysis. Her research spans applications in energy, automotive, aerospace, and industrial manufacturing sectors, reflecting interdisciplinary impact. She has participated in 20 funded research projects at national, European, and regional levels and has authored over 90 scientific publications, with seven articles receiving more than 50 citations each. Additionally, she has delivered 64 conference contributions, including seven as an invited speaker, indicating peer recognition in her field. Dr. Seguí Palmer has supervised or co-supervised multiple postgraduate students, though specific names are not listed. Her research has been supported by sustained project funding, reflecting her role in leading and contributing to collaborative scientific efforts. She is actively involved in academic advising and continues to supervise master’s-level research. She conducts her research within the Materials Physics (FISMAT) group at UIB, a consolidated research team focused on experimental and applied aspects of materials science. The group emphasizes thermal analysis, microstructural characterization, and phase behavior in metallic and functional materials, contributing to both academic knowledge and industrial applications.

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Junling Joyce-HuView profile

Professor

University of BridgeportUnited States

Dr. Junling Joyce-Hu is a Professor and Chair at the School of Engineering within the University of Bridgeport. Her research focuses on transport phenomena, welding engineering, and multiphysics modeling applied to manufacturing, electronics cooling, and drilling operations. Education: Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering (Missouri University of Science and Technology, 2005) Key Research Areas: Computational Fluid Dynamics, Thermal Stress Analysis, Welding Process Simulation Labs Directed: Applied Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Laboratory, Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) and Rapid Prototyping Laboratory Her publications address gas metal arc welding, plasma dynamics, and thermal management, with a focus on aerospace and drilling applications. She has received honors including recognition as an Excellent Reviewer for Metallurgical and Materials Transactions and Advanced Communicator Bronze from Toastmasters International.

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Ashwin ShahaniView profile

Associate Professor

University of Michigan-Ann ArborUnited States

Ashwin Shahani is an Associate Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Michigan. He leads the Shahani Research Group, which focuses on the intersection of solidification science and advanced materials characterization. His team employs synchrotron-based X-ray tomography and diffraction to study real-time crystal growth dynamics, particularly in metals and semiconductors. His research spans classical and quasicrystalline systems, with applications in aerospace, automotive, and electromagnetic metamaterials. Education: Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University (2016) B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering, Cornell University (2012) Research Interests: Professor Shahani’s work centers on understanding the fundamental processes underlying structural transformations during solidification and grain growth. His group uses a multimodal approach combining in situ X-ray imaging, diffraction, and computational modeling to explore phenomena such as dendritic growth, eutectic solidification, and quasicrystal formation. Key areas include: Crystal growth from liquid and solid phases Quasicrystal formation and stability Grain boundary dynamics and abnormal grain growth Microstructural evolution in metallic alloys Scientific Awards: AFOSR YIP Award (2017) ARO YIP Award (2018) NSF CAREER Award (2019) MSE Faculty Outstanding Accomplishment Award (2021) ARO ECASE Award (2022) ASM Bradley Stoughton Award for Young Teachers (2022) TMS Frontiers of Materials Award (2023) Group and Mentorship: Professor Shahani actively mentors a diverse group of graduate students and postdocs. Notable students include Jiwoong Kang, Paul Chao, and Geordie Lindemann, who have presented award-winning posters and visualizations at national symposia. He has open positions for graduate students and postdocs and encourages interested candidates to contact him directly.

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Iain ToddView profile

Professor

University of SheffieldUnited Kingdom

Professor Iain Todd is a Professor of Metallurgy and Materials Processing at the University of Sheffield's School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering, where he also serves as Director of the Materials Made Smarter Research Centre. With over two decades of experience in materials science and additive manufacturing, he has established himself as a leading researcher in metal processing technologies. Professor Todd received his BEng in Metallurgy and PhD in Solidification from the University of Sheffield. Following industrial R&D at T&N Technology, he conducted postdoctoral research at TU-Delft and CENIM in Madrid before returning to Sheffield in 2003 as a Lecturer. His academic journey has been marked by significant contributions to the field of additive manufacturing. Professor Todd's research lies at the interface between manufacturing technology and materials processing science, focusing on developing fundamental understanding of physical principles to better control material form, integrity, and function. His work emphasizes close collaboration with industry and appropriate scale for rapid transition of laboratory discoveries into industrial practice. Key research interests include Additive Manufacture of metals and alloys, Powder-based manufacturing technologies, Digitalisation of Materials Processing, and Advanced Manufacturing for Aerospace/Space applications. His innovative approaches to controlling microstructure and properties in additively manufactured components have led to numerous breakthroughs in the field. His extensive publication record demonstrates consistent focus on improving the quality and performance of additively manufactured metallic components. Recent work shows increasing emphasis on in situ process monitoring, grain structure control, and the application of additive manufacturing to specialized areas including magnetic components, aerospace materials, and even space exploration through lunar regolith processing. His research bridges fundamental materials science with practical industrial applications. Professor Todd has received significant recognition for his contributions to engineering: Elected Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering (2023) Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (FIMMM) As Director of the Materials Made Smarter Research Centre, Professor Todd leads a multidisciplinary team focused on advancing materials processing technologies. His work has been supported by numerous research grants from UK research councils and industry partners, enabling the development of state-of-the-art facilities for metal additive manufacturing research. He actively collaborates with aerospace, automotive, and energy sector companies to translate research findings into commercial applications.

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Гіржон Василь ВасильовичView profile

Professor

Transilvania University of BrasovRomania

Professor Vasyl Vasylovych Girzhon is a Full Professor of Physics at Zaporizhzhia National Technical University (ZNTU), Ukraine, since 2022. He earned his Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences degree and holds the academic rank of Professor. He is a member of the specialized academic council D 17.052.01 at Oles Honchar Dnipro National University in the field of solid state physics (01.04.07). Education: Higher education, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences PhD thesis: “The influence of thermocyclic and laser treatment on the structural state and properties of iron-nickel alloys” (specialty 01.04.07 – solid state physics) Doctoral dissertation: "Structural and phase changes in crystalline and amorphous alloys based on transition metals during thermocyclic treatments" (specialty 01.04.07 – solid state physics) Research Interests: Professor Girzhon’s research is centered on the physics of metals , with particular emphasis on non-equilibrium crystallization from the melt , laser processing and laser alloying of metal alloys , quasicrystals , and high-entropy alloys . His work bridges fundamental solid-state physics with applied materials engineering, exploring how rapid thermal and laser treatments can tailor microstructures and properties of advanced alloys. He teaches a range of courses including condensed matter physics , thermodynamics and kinetics of phase transformations , organization of innovation and research activities , laser processing of materials , and physical materials science . Scientific Awards: Заслужений діяч науки і техніки України Відмінник освіти України 2 почесні грамоти Міністерства освіти і науки України Почесна грамота Запорізької державної адміністрації 2 почесні грамоти Запорізької обласної ради Орден «За активну громадську позицію, гуманність, милосердя, сердечне відношення до людей, що постраждали від наслідків Чорнобильської катастрофи» Research Productivity & Collaborations: Prof. Girzhon has authored over 95 scientific works, including four patents and numerous papers in leading journals. His publications span from 1987 to 1998 and focus on martensitic transformations in Fe-Ni alloys, crystallization behavior of amorphous alloys under laser irradiation, and structural-phase changes in transition-metal-based materials. He actively participates in international and national conferences, fostering collaborations within the solid-state physics and materials science communities. Contact & Address: Room 169, 64 Zhukovskyi Street, Zaporizhzhia, 69063, Ukraine Phone: +380 (67) 723-95-60 E-mail: kafedra_fm@zntu.edu.ua

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Smolyakov Oleksandr VasyliovychView profile

Professor

Transilvania University of BrasovRomania

Smolyakov Oleksandr Vasyliovych is Professor at Zaporizhzhia Polytechnic University , where he has been on faculty since 2023. Holding a PhD (Candidate of Technical Sciences, 2000) and a Doctor of Physical & Mathematical Sciences (2020) from Zaporizhzhia State University, he is a leading expert in solid-state physics and materials science. Education: Diploma, “Solid State Physics”, Zaporizhzhia State University, 1995 Candidate of Technical Sciences (PhD), 27 June 2000 Doctor of Physical & Mathematical Sciences, 26 November 2020 Academic title: Associate Professor, 17 June 2004 Research Interests: Professor Smolyakov’s work focuses on crystallization processes in amorphous metal alloys , formation of quasicrystalline and high-entropy alloys , and laser-induced structural-phase transformations in metals . His investigations span from fundamental solid-state physics to applied surface-engineering technologies for aerospace and energy applications. Scientific Output & Trends: Over the past five years he has published nine articles in Scopus/Web-of-Science-indexed journals, covering laser alloying of high-entropy alloys, explosive crystallization of Fe-based metallic glasses, and laser strengthening of titanium alloys for gas-turbine engines. The research trajectory demonstrates a clear emphasis on non-equilibrium processing routes , multi-principal-element materials , and laser–matter interaction modeling . Honours & Awards: Certificate of Honor, Zhovtnev District Administration (2006) Honorary Certificate, Ministry of Science of Ukraine (2006) Certificate of Honor, Zaporizhzhia City Council (2011) Certificate of the Department of Education and Science of the Zaporizhia RSA (2016) Certificate of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Council (2021) Certificate of Oleksandrivskyi District Administration (2023) Grants, Projects & Supervision: Since 2001 he has served as scientific supervisor or responsible executor of six state-funded research projects on laser processing and phase-formation phenomena. He is a member of the Specialized Academic Council D 08.051.02 at Oles Honchar Dnipro National University and has acted as first official opponent for a PhD dissertation in 2022. Six Ukrainian patents and one textbook ( Diffraction Research Methods , 2014) further underscore his technology-transfer and educational impact. Laboratory & Team Affiliation: Professor Smolyakov conducts experimental and modeling work within the university’s interdisciplinary laboratories focused on advanced structural analysis and laser processing technologies, collaborating with graduate students and industry partners on next-generation aerospace materials.

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Sefa Emre SünbülView profile

Academic

Gaziantep UniversityTurkey

Sefa Emre Sünbül is a Research Assistant at Gaziantep University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, with an upcoming promotion to Associate Professor scheduled for 2025. Previously, he served as a Research Assistant at Karadeniz Technical University from 2015 to 2022 and held an earlier Research Assistant position at Gaziantep University from 2014 to 2015. Dr. Sünbül completed his academic journey at Karadeniz Technical University, earning his Doctorate in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering (2016-2022), followed by a Master's degree in the same field with thesis (2011-2016), and his undergraduate degree in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering (2007-2011). His research expertise spans multiple domains within materials science, with particular emphasis on High-entropy alloys , Hydrogen storage materials , Magnetic materials , and Rapid solidification techniques . His scholarly contributions demonstrate significant depth in understanding wear behavior, corrosion resistance mechanisms, microstructural evolution, and mechanical properties of advanced metal alloys. Dr. Sünbül's work bridges fundamental materials science with practical engineering applications, particularly in surface engineering and energy-related materials. Dr. Sünbül's recent publication record (2023-2024) reveals a strong focus on high-entropy alloys research, with multiple papers published in high-impact journals across Q1-Q3 categories. His scholarly output demonstrates increasing sophistication and impact, with research spanning from fundamental characterization to applied engineering solutions. His work frequently appears in prestigious journals including Journal of Alloys and Compounds, Journal of Non-Crystalline Solids, and Powder Technology. Principal investigator for TÜBİTAK 1512 project on Li-ion battery development (2021-2022) Supervised two master's theses to completion in 2024 on surface engineering applications Conducted 6-month research at University of Belgrade (2020) through YUDAB scholarship Holds one national patent for an Arc Melting Furnace design Dr. Sünbül's research team actively investigates alloy development through powder metallurgy, rapid solidification, and arc melting techniques. His collaborative network extends across Turkish academic institutions and includes international partnerships, particularly with Serbian researchers at the University of Belgrade's Vinca Institute of Nuclear Sciences where he has conducted significant research on density functional theory applications to hydrogen storage materials.

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Mihaela SofronieView profile

Researcher

National Institute of Materials PhysicsRomania

Dr. Mihaela Sofronie is a Scientific Researcher II at the Laboratory of Magnetism and Superconductivity within the National Institute of Materials Physics. Her research focuses on advanced magnetic materials, particularly ferromagnetic shape memory alloys (FSMAs), nanocomposites, and functional materials for medical and technological applications. She utilizes rapid solidification techniques, severe plastic deformation, and mechanochemical processing to engineer materials with tailored properties. Her primary research interests include: Martensitic transformations and phase dynamics in shape memory alloys Magnetic and magnetostrictive properties of nanostructured materials Development of biomedical implants using functionalized ferromagnetic alloys Nanocomposite fabrication through high-pressure torsion and mechanochemical synthesis Thermodynamic modeling of phase transitions and memory effects Analysis of her recent publications reveals strong emphasis on experimental materials science, with consistent focus on: Structure-property relationships in Ni-Mn-Ga, Fe-Pd, and rare-earth containing FSMAs Effects of thermal treatments and processing parameters on phase transformations Advanced characterization techniques including XRD, SEM, DSC, and magnetometry Practical applications in medical implants, sensors, and actuators Dr. Sofronie collaborates extensively within her laboratory and with external researchers on projects involving magnetic nanomaterials, with recent work exploring ferromagnetic ribbons as active elements in micropumps and vascular implants. She maintains active research in both fundamental materials physics and applied technology development.

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