Sean Andersson is a Professor in Mechanical Engineering and Systems Engineering at the College of Engineering, Boston University, and serves as Director of the BU Robotics Lab. His research bridges systems and control theory with applications in nanotechnology , atomic force microscopy , and robotics . His work in nanobioscience focuses on single molecule tracking and high-speed imaging in atomic force and fluorescence microscopy, leveraging control theory to enhance imaging capabilities. In robotics, he develops stochastic control methods for autonomous systems operating in complex environments, emphasizing multi-agent systems , sparsely sampled data , and symbolic control frameworks . Recent publications highlight trends in receding horizon control , persistent monitoring , neural style transfer for imaging , and stochastic policy optimization . The Andersson Lab also explores compressive sensing and optimal control for sensor networks and nanoscale fluid dynamics.
Friedrich Prinz is the Leonardo Professor in the School of Engineering at Stanford University, holding dual professorships in Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Precourt Institute for Energy and an affiliate of the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment. Additionally, he directs the Nanoscale Prototyping Laboratory and co-directs the NPL-Affiliate Program. He earned a PhD in Physics from the University of Vienna (1975) and joined Stanford in 1994 after faculty roles at Carnegie Mellon University. His research focuses on nanoscale energy conversion and storage, employing advanced fabrication techniques like atomic layer deposition (ALD) to develop prototype fuel cells and capacitors. His lab investigates material structures using scanning tunneling microscopy, impedance spectroscopy, and atomic-scale modeling. Prinz has authored over 360 publications and advised numerous students. Notable awards include AAAS Fellowship (2007) and the AM Strickland Prize (2005). His work bridges solid-state physics, materials engineering, and renewable energy technologies. He teaches courses in manufacturing processes, quantum field theory applications, and advanced material science. Current roles include supervising doctoral and postdoctoral researchers in energy-related nanotechnologies.
Robert C. Dunn is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Kansas, where he leads an active research group focused on developing novel optical and spectroscopic techniques for chemical and biological analysis. His laboratory specializes in single-molecule detection methods, high-resolution microscopy, and advanced capillary electrophoresis systems. Professor Dunn's research interests span analytical chemistry, biophysics, and nanotechnology. His group develops instrumentation including backscatter interferometry, near-field scanning optical microscopy, and scanning resonator microscopy to study biological systems at the nanoscale. Key research areas include membrane biophysics (investigating lipid domains and protein dynamics), nuclear pore complex function, and the development of ultrasensitive detection methods for clinical diagnostics and biochemical analysis. His recent publications demonstrate strong focus on miniaturized separation and detection platforms, particularly high-speed capillary electrophoresis systems integrated with novel optical detection schemes. Research trends show advancement towards point-of-care diagnostic tools, with innovations in refractive index sensing, femtoliter-volume detection, and label-free biosensing applications. Professor Dunn mentors graduate and undergraduate researchers in his group, with current students including Prabhavie Opallage (graduate student), Stanslaus M Kariuki (undergraduate), and Mei Ling Upp (undergraduate). His laboratory is developing new chemical analysis approaches using optical techniques including whispering gallery mode sensing, scanning resonator microscopy, and single-molecule fluorescence imaging.
Yu Xia is a Post Doc at the Department of Chemistry, Stockholm University, Sweden. He is affiliated with the Tom Willhammar Research Group, focusing on advanced electron microscopy and diffraction techniques for structural characterization of materials. PhD (2019–2023) from a joint program between the University of Birmingham (UK) and the Southern University of Science and Technology (China). Research emphasizes fabrication of metallic nanoparticles with non-equilibrium structures and shapes using gas-phase condensation and thermal shock methods. Specializes in scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), in-situ heating experiments, and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) for nanoparticle analysis. Current work prioritizes 4DSTEM imaging for electron beam-sensitive materials and Python-based post-processing of electron microscopy datasets. Yu Xia's research spans Materials Science , Nanotechnology , and Electrocatalysis , with applications in photocatalytic hydrogen evolution , graphene composites , and advanced electron microscopy techniques . His work often integrates computational image processing with structural characterization to optimize material properties. Publications highlight innovations in heterostructure engineering , metallic alloy catalysts , and electron beam-sensitive material imaging . No scientific awards are explicitly mentioned in the provided text. Yu Xia's technical expertise includes Python scripting for image analysis, in-situ electron microscopy , and multifunctional graphene-based materials .
Professor Kristian Franze serves as Principal Investigator and Head of the Department of Neural Mechanics at the Max Planck Center for Physics and Medicine in Erlangen, Germany. He concurrently holds the position of Director of the Institute of Medical Physics and Microtissue Engineering at the Faculty of Medicine of Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU). His groundbreaking research explores how neurons integrate mechanical and chemical signals during development and regeneration processes of the central nervous system. The Franze laboratory employs an interdisciplinary approach combining physics and life sciences, utilizing advanced techniques including: Atomic force microscopy Traction force microscopy Custom-built compliant cell culture substrates Optical and confocal laser scanning microscopy Cell and molecular biology approaches Key discoveries from his lab include demonstrating that neural tissue is mechanically highly heterogeneous, that neurons constantly exert forces on their environment, and that both neurons and glial cells actively respond to mechanical stimuli. His work has revealed that local tissue mechanics directly guides growing neuronal axons and contributes to establishing the chemical landscape encountered by developing neurons. Professor Franze leads an international research team comprising doctoral students, postdoctoral fellows, and technical staff. His laboratory investigates how cellular forces, tissue compliance, and cellular mechanosensitivity contribute to CNS development and disease, with potential applications for treating neurological disorders where mechanical factors play crucial roles, such as foreign body reactions to implants and failed nerve regeneration after spinal cord injuries.
Marc De Graef is the John and Claire Bertucci Distinguished Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). He leads the J. Earle and Mary Roberts Materials Characterization Laboratory and is affiliated with the Materials Science and Engineering Department within the College of Engineering. De Graef holds dual roles as a faculty director and researcher, specializing in advanced materials characterization techniques, particularly electron microscopy and microstructural analysis. Education: Ph.D. in Physics, Catholic University of Leuven (1989) M.S. and B.S. in Physics, University of Antwerp (1983) Research Interests: De Graef's work focuses on 3D microstructure analysis, materials informatics, magnetic materials, and advanced characterization methods like Lorentz microscopy. His research emphasizes quantitative electron microscopy techniques, including electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), and their application to study complex materials systems. He has pioneered software tools for materials characterization, such as orientation mapping algorithms and dictionary-based indexing methods. Key Achievements: Recipient of the 2025 Microscopy Society of America Distinguished Scientist Award Author/co-author of over 350 publications and two textbooks: Introduction to Conventional Transmission Electron Microscopy and Structure of Materials Principal investigator on grants including a $7.5M Air Force-funded Center of Excellence in data-driven materials research Lab & Collaborations: Directs the Materials Characterization Facility at CMU, advancing capabilities in X-ray and electron microscopy. His team collaborates on projects involving additive manufacturing, magnetic domain analysis, and topological magnetic structures. Recent work includes studies on skyrmions in thin films and phase stability in novel alloys.
Dr. Youngchan Kim is a Lecturer in Quantum Biology at the University of Surrey , serving as Director of the Quantum Biology Doctoral Training Centre (QB-DTC). He is affiliated with multiple departments including the School of Biosciences, Advanced Technology Institute, and Quantum Sciences Group. PhD in Physics (2011), Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology MSc in Physics (2008), KAIST BSc in Physics (2006), Chung-Ang University Graduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching (2022), Advance HE His research focuses on quantum phenomena in biological systems at physiological temperatures, particularly using femtosecond optical spectroscopy and genetically engineered fluorescent proteins to explore evolutionary adaptations and develop quantum-bio-inspired technologies like room-temperature single-photon sources. The 15 most recent publications span quantum biology, biophotonics, and optical spectroscopy, with particular emphasis on quantum coherence in biological systems , terahertz birefringence , fluorescent protein dynamics , and biomedical imaging innovations . These works demonstrate his interdisciplinary approach bridging physics, biology, and medical applications. As QB-DTC Director, he leads transdisciplinary initiatives fostering collaboration between quantum physics and biosciences. His technical expertise includes time-correlated single-photon counting , common-path interferometry , and ultrafast fluorescence depolarization techniques.
Prof. Dr. Thomas Koop is a Professor of Physical Chemistry at Bielefeld University, where he leads the Atmospheric and Physical Chemistry research group within the Faculty of Chemistry. He has served as Dean of the Faculty of Chemistry from 2022-2024 and currently serves as Vice Dean (2024-2025). His research focuses on phase transition phenomena, particularly ice nucleation and growth, supercooled liquids, and the formation of amorphous glassy materials. His work has significant implications for understanding atmospheric aerosols, cloud formation mechanisms, and cryobiological processes. The group employs experimental techniques such as differential scanning calorimetry and optical cryo-microscopy, developing specialized equipment for studying phase transitions at micro and nanoscales. Prof. Koop's publication record shows a consistent focus on atmospheric chemistry with increasing exploration of biological ice nucleators, planetary atmospheres (including Venus), and the physical properties of atmospheric aerosols. His most cited work includes 'Water activity as the determinant for homogeneous ice nucleation in aqueous solutions' (Nature, 2000), which established fundamental principles in the field. 2024-2025: Vice Dean of Faculty of Chemistry 2022-2024: Dean of Faculty of Chemistry 2001-2022: Co-founder and Executive Editor of Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics Since 2004: Coordinator of Graduate School of Chemistry and Biochemistry Prof. Koop has mentored numerous students and postdoctoral researchers, contributing significantly to the development of the next generation of atmospheric scientists. His research has been supported by various funding agencies and has led to collaborations with institutions worldwide, from MIT and UC Berkeley to research centers in Switzerland and Israel.
Nabil Bassim is an Associate Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at McMaster University and serves as Scientific Director of the Canadian Centre for Electron Microscopy (CCEM). His research focuses on advanced electron microscopy techniques, ion microscopy, nanofabrication, and beam-sample interactions, applied to nanomaterials, 2D materials, and structural materials like concrete and alloys. He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of South Florida, and M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Florida. Research interests include: Development of novel electron/ion microscopy techniques Nanomaterial synthesis and characterization Beam-induced damage and doping mechanisms Structural materials analysis Machine learning optimization for microscale processes Recent publications demonstrate strong focus on semiconductor characterization, nanomaterials synthesis, and advanced microscopy techniques. Article trends highlight innovative approaches to nanoscale analysis, materials for energy applications, and correlative microscopy methods. As Faculty Lead for McMaster Engineering's Aerospace and Defense Initiative, Dr. Bassim coordinates interdisciplinary research. He co-founded the FIB-SEM User Meeting and teaches graduate courses in electron/ion microscopy characterization techniques.
Brian Ingalls is a Professor in the Department of Applied Mathematics and cross-appointed to Biology at the University of Waterloo. His research applies mathematical and control-theoretic approaches to biological systems, including genetic regulatory networks, microbial communities, and cellular metabolism. Institutional Affiliation: Faculty of Mathematics, University of Waterloo Contact: bingalls@uwaterloo.ca His work focuses on systems biology and synthetic biology , particularly sensitivity analysis of biochemical networks, optimal experimental design, and mathematical modeling of cellular processes. Research funding comes from NSERC and CIHR . Notable contributions include the textbook Mathematical Modeling in Systems Biology (MIT Press, 2013) and the Ingalls Quantitative Cell Biology Lab , which investigates intracellular and intercellular network dynamics through computational and experimental methods. Key Collaborations: iGEM Waterloo, Chemical Engineering, and international synthetic biology networks Advising: Mentored 15+ graduate students and postdocs across applied math, biology, and engineering fields
Mengke Liu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics at the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Texas at Dallas. They lead the Liu Quantum Matter Lab, focusing on experimental studies of quantum materials through advanced techniques like ultra-low temperature scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and 2D transport measurements. Their research aims to uncover novel quantum phenomena and advance quantum technologies. Their research interests span quantum materials , with particular emphasis on topological insulators , strongly correlated electron systems , 2D semiconductors , and magnetic heterostructures . The lab explores fundamental interactions in exotic materials such as MnBi2Te4, Fe3GeTe2, and NbSe2 monolayers, combining experimental precision with theoretical insights. Recent publications highlight investigations into Dirac mass gaps , Kondo effects , and charge density waves in van der Waals systems. Their work demonstrates technical mastery in molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) and nanojunction fabrication , with recurring themes of defect control and quantum confinement shaping material properties. The Liu Quantum Matter Lab actively mentors students and maintains a collaborative environment with access to state-of-the-art cryogenic and high-field instrumentation. They offer postdoctoral opportunities focused on experimental innovation in quantum material characterization.
Tomasz Majka serves as a Lecturer at the Department of Polymer Chemistry and Technology within the Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology at Tadeusz Kościuszko Cracow University of Technology. His academic career spans over a decade with continuous research and teaching activities focused on polymer engineering and materials science. His educational background includes a Licentiate in Applied Chemistry (2008) and Pedagogical Preparation (2008) from State Higher Vocational School in Tarnów, followed by MSc in Plastics Technology (2010) and Dr. Eng. in Technical Sciences (2015) from Tadeusz Kościuszko Cracow University of Technology. Majka's research primarily centers on polymer processing technologies , with special emphasis on thermal analysis and flammability of polymer materials , nanocomposite development , and terminal ballistics . His work bridges fundamental polymer science with practical industrial applications, particularly in developing sustainable flame retardant systems using biobased materials like lignosulfonamides. Recent publications reveal a strong focus on circular economy approaches through polymer recycling and biodegradable material development. His scientific contributions demonstrate consistent output in high-impact journals, with a notable shift toward sustainable polymer solutions since 2020, particularly in biodegradable composites and recycling technologies. The 15 most recent publications show expertise spanning flame retardancy mechanisms, nanocomposite engineering, and sustainable polymer processing. III place at International Session of WIiTCh Krakow University of Technology Science Clubs (2010) Award in 'Sustainable Development - Scientific Debut 2010' competition (2010) Award in 'Poster about famous scientist - Norio Taniguchi' competition (2011) II Prize in B-Innovative 'Be Entrepreneurial' business plan competition (2013) Majka actively supervises the Ballistic and Flammability Research Section within WIiTCH PK Chemistry Research Club and maintains strong industry connections through numerous industrial research projects. His professional engagements include international research stays at University of Bolton (UK) and Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, focusing on fire testing and polymer materials innovation. He serves as a scientific advisor for several industrial projects related to polymer processing and material safety. His laboratory work spans multiple specialized facilities including thermal analysis equipment, scanning electron microscopy, and polymer processing machinery. Current research directions include developing halogen-free flame retardants from lignin derivatives, optimizing biodegradable polymer composites, and advancing recycling technologies for post-consumer plastics.
Paul M Thibado is a Professor in the Department of Physics within the College of Arts & Sciences at the University of Arkansas. With over 100 refereed publications and 51 patents worldwide, his work focuses on cutting-edge research in graphene physics and energy harvesting technology. He has secured over $12 million in external research funding from sources including NSF, DoD, and the Walton Foundation, with current support from the WoodNext Foundation. Education: Ph.D. in Physics, 1994, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA B.S. in Physics, 1990, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA B.S. in Mathematics, 1990, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA Professor Thibado's primary research focuses on the physical properties of novel two-dimensional systems, particularly pristine freestanding graphene and chemically-functionalized graphene. His work investigates electronic, mechanical, electromechanical, spin-dependent tunneling, and transport properties. A significant portion of his recent research centers on developing multimodal energy harvesting technology using graphene, with power sources including kinetic, solar, thermal, ambient radiation, acoustic, and nonlinear thermal energy. His groundbreaking discovery that thermal fluctuations in graphene can be harnessed to generate usable electrical power represents a paradigm shift in nanoscale energy generation. Analysis of his recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a clear progression from fundamental studies of graphene properties to the development of functional energy harvesting devices. Key research themes include spectrum analysis of thermally driven curvature inversion in graphene ripples, transient thermal energy harvesting at single temperatures using nonlinearity, and creating arrays of graphene solar cells on silicon wafers. His work demonstrates how Brownian motion in two-dimensional materials can be converted into electrical energy through innovative device architectures. Scientific Awards: Senior Member of the National Academy of Inventors NSF CAREER Awardee ONR award recipient NSF MRSEC funding NSF FRG funding NSF MRI funding NSF REU funding NSF-EM funding NRC Post-doctoral Fellow, Naval Research Laboratory (1994-96) Master Researcher Award, Fulbright College (2014) Professor Thibado has successfully mentored numerous students and postdocs, including Dr. Vince LaBella who was elected APS Fellow for clicker development work. His research has been supported by over $12 million in external funding from diverse sources. His laboratory combines advanced scanning tunneling microscopy techniques with electrical measurements to study and harness the unique properties of two-dimensional materials. Future work appears directed toward scaling up graphene energy harvesting technology for practical applications and commercialization, with several patents recently granted for energy harvesting devices and sensors.
Elisa Riedo is a tenured Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at New York University (NYU) Tandon School of Engineering, with joint appointments as Professor of Physics in NYU’s College of Arts and Science and as affiliated Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Tandon. She serves as Director of Faculty Development at NYU Tandon and has held prior tenured positions at Georgia Tech (2003–2015) and CUNY ASRC (2015–2018). Her academic career spans over two decades, with a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Milano (2000) and postdoctoral work at EPFL. Her research focuses on nanotechnology , graphene and 2D materials , and thermal scanning probe lithography (tSPL) , with applications in biomedical diagnostics quantum electronics electromagnetic interference shielding mechanical reinforcement of materials She pioneered tSPL for sustainable nanofabrication and discovered diamene—a single-layer diamond structure from graphene under pressure. Her recent work involves transparent infrared electrodes using silver nanowires (2025) and self-organized graphene stacking domains for quantum technologies (2024). She has secured major grants from National Science Foundation , Department of Defense , and Army Research Office . Scientific honors include: 2023 NYU Tandon Excellence in Research Award 2013 American Physical Society Fellow 2005 CREA Innovation Award Membership in the Academy of Europe (2023) She contributes to editorial boards for journals like 2D Materials and Applications and advises companies such as Mirimus Inc. and SwissLitho AG .
Julia Gamble is an Associate Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Manitoba's Faculty of Arts. A bioarchaeologist and dental anthropologist, her research focuses on medieval European populations, particularly stress and health patterns across the life course. She employs advanced techniques like 3D scanning, laser microscopy, and palaeoproteomics for analysis. Education: PhD in Anthropology, University of Manitoba (2015) MA in European Historical Archaeology, University of Sheffield (2006) BA Honours in Anthropology, University of Winnipeg (2005) Research Interests: Her work bridges dental anthropology, developmental origins of health/disease, palaeodemography, and palaeopathology. She investigates correlations between dental growth disruptions and adult skeletal health markers, with recent collaborations on Avar period bioarchaeology and repatriation efforts. Recent Publications: Spanning 2016–2025, her articles address Black Death genetics, enamel defect analysis, digital osteology education, and sex estimation from proteomics. These studies integrate ancient DNA, microscopy, and historical contextualization. Grants & Affiliations: Principal Investigator for SSHRC-funded projects on early medieval Austria and co-Investigator for repatriation research. Affiliated with the Earth Materials and Archaeometry Centre (EMAC). Teaching: Courses include human osteology, bioarchaeology, and evolutionary anthropology. Actively involved in fieldwork in Europe and Canada.
