Find Academic Supervisors

• Catalysis
• Chemical Reaction Engineering
• Computational Fluid Dynamics
• +4 more

Dr. Steffen Tischer serves as a Senior Scientist at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), affiliated with the Institute for Chemical Technology and Polymer Chemistry (ITCP) and the Institute for Catalysis Research and Technology (IKFT). He coordinates the Helmholtz Research School for Energy-Related Catalysis, leading computational research on catalytic reactor systems for automotive and energy applications since 2010. His academic foundation includes a PhD in Chemistry from Heidelberg University (2004), an MS in Physics from Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg (1999), and a BSc in Applied Physics from the University of Portsmouth (1996). Doctoral research focused on simulating catalytic monolith reactors using detailed chemistry and transport models under advisors Olaf Deutschmann and Jürgen Warnatz. Tischer specializes in computational modeling of reacting flows in structured multi-phase reactors, with core expertise in automotive catalytic converters (three-way catalysts, NOx-storage systems, diesel oxidation catalysts, soot filters), catalytic combustion, and steam reforming processes. His work pioneers washcoat modeling techniques, thermodynamic validation of surface reaction mechanisms, and parameter optimization frameworks that bridge molecular-scale kinetics with reactor-scale performance. Current research emphasizes multi-physics phenomena in solid oxide fuel cells and urea decomposition for emission control systems. Analysis of his publication record (2011-2016) reveals consistent focus on dual-layer catalyst systems, methane reforming kinetics, and aging effects in emission control catalysts. His work integrates computational fluid dynamics with microkinetic modeling to address transport-reaction coupling in monolithic structures, particularly examining spatial temperature profiles, catalyst deactivation mechanisms, and multi-phase interactions in energy conversion systems. Scientific recognition includes: Sophie-Bernthsen-award of Heidelberg University's Faculty for Chemistry and Geo-sciences (2004) As Coordinator of the Helmholtz Research School for Energy-Related Catalysis, Tischer oversees interdisciplinary training programs and collaborative research initiatives. His leadership role involves managing large-scale funding portfolios focused on catalytic technologies for sustainable energy. Long-term collaboration with Prof. Olaf Deutschmann's research group demonstrates sustained contribution to KIT's catalysis research ecosystem through joint publications and model development. Tischer operates within Prof. Deutschmann's research group at KIT, which maintains advanced computational infrastructure for reactor simulation. The team specializes in developing molecular-based modeling tools for heterogeneous catalysis, with applications spanning automotive after-treatment systems, fuel processing, and emission control technologies. Current projects emphasize real-time simulation capabilities and multi-scale modeling approaches for next-generation catalytic systems.

Jeffrey BellView profile

Assistant Professor

• Electrochemical Sensors
• Magnetoelectrochemistry
• Point-of-Care Diagnostics
• +5 more

Dr. Jeffrey G. Bell is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Washington State University (WSU) since August 2020. He also serves as Affiliate Faculty in the Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering and as Associate Editor of ECS Sensors Plus . His research focuses on developing affordable diagnostic tools and advancing energy storage technologies through magnetoelectrochemistry, 3D-printed sensors, and novel battery systems. He holds a PhD from the University of Windsor (2017) and completed postdoctoral studies at Harvard University (2017–2020). Education: PhD in Chemistry, University of Windsor (2017) BSc Honors Chemistry, University of Windsor (2012) Postdoctoral Fellow, Harvard University (2017–2020) Research Interests: Electrochemical sensors for biomedical and environmental applications Magnetoelectrochemistry for enhancing battery performance 3D-printed point-of-care diagnostic devices Aqueous energy storage systems (e.g., zinc-ion batteries) Recent Trends in Publications: Dr. Bell’s work emphasizes integration of magnetic fields with electrochemistry to improve sensor sensitivity and battery stability. Recent studies explore novel materials for electrodes, low-cost diagnostics, and applications in global health equity. Funding & Grants: NSF CAREER Award (2025–2030): Calibration-Free Sensors for Biofluid Analysis ACS Petroleum Research Fund (2025–2027): Cobalt-based Catalysts for CO₂ Reduction Commercialization Gap Fund (2025): Enhanced Aqueous Zinc-Manganese Batteries Lab & Team: The Bell Group includes postdocs, graduate students (e.g., Sireesha Pedaballi, William McLeod), and undergraduates. Research spans electrochemistry, materials science, and device fabrication for healthcare and energy solutions.

Andrew WoolleyView profile

Professor

• Biological Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry
• Photo-Controlled Proteins
• +3 more

Andrew Woolley is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Toronto, located in the Downtown Toronto (St. George) campus. His research focuses on developing light-controllable molecules and proteins, including optogenetic tools and photopharmacology. The Woolley Lab explores strategies to photo-control peptide and protein structure and activity, with applications in neurobiology and cellular systems. Research interests include engineering photoswitchable proteins, designing bioactive small molecules responsive to light, and advancing optogenetic technologies. Projects involve structural biology, protein engineering, and synthetic chemistry to understand protein dynamics and create tools for biological analysis. Recent publications highlight innovations in red light-switchable systems, cyanobacteriochrome-based dimers, and azobenzene crosslinkers. The lab collaborates with Toronto’s biomolecular research hub and supports inclusivity through groups like WICTO and the Family Care Office. The Woolley Lab hosted the 2024 Protein Engineering Canada Conference, underscoring their leadership in the field.

Ilias PapailiasView profile

Academic

• Li-CO2 and Li-O2 Batteries
• Solid-State Batteries
• Electrocatalytic CO2 Conversion
• +2 more

Ilias Papailias, Ph.D., is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Southern Methodist University's Lyle School of Engineering. He holds a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) and has conducted postdoctoral research at both the University of Illinois at Chicago and the Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology at NCSR 'Demokritos.' Education: Ph.D.: Materials Science and Engineering, NTUA M.Sc.: Chemical Engineering, NTUA Postdoctoral Research: University of Illinois at Chicago (Mechanical Engineering) Postdoctoral Research: NCSR 'Demokritos' (Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology) Research Interests: Dr. Papailias focuses on energy storage systems (e.g., Li-CO₂ and Li-O₂ batteries), photocatalytic air and water purification, CO₂ conversion via electrocatalysis and metallothermic methods, and advanced functional nanomaterials. His work emphasizes sustainability, renewable energy applications, and environmental remediation. He has secured over $2.8M in grants for projects involving solid-state batteries, electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction, and photocatalytic coatings. Publications Trends: His recent work highlights advancements in Li-CO₂ battery stability, photocatalytic CO₂-to-fuel conversion, and novel g-C₃N₄-based nanomaterials. These studies often integrate experimental and computational methods to optimize material performance for real-world applications. Awards and Honors: Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Global Postdoctoral Fellowship (2022) Iakovos Giourounlian Prize for Best Industrial Thesis (2020) Virginia Manasaki Award for Environmental/Energy Research (2019) Thomaidion Award for Top Publications (2017, 2019, 2020) Advising and Grants: Dr. Papailias has secured multi-million-dollar grants for collaborative projects and actively contributes to research teams developing next-generation energy storage and environmental technologies. His work bridges fundamental materials science with industrial applications. Labs and Teams: His research is conducted in SMU's Lyle School labs and international collaborations, focusing on nanomaterial synthesis, electrochemical characterization, and environmental catalysis.

Arundhati NagView profile

Associate Professor

• Peptide macrocycles
• Cancer therapeutics
• Biomimetic catalysis
• +3 more

Arundhati Nag is an Associate Professor of Chemistry at Clark University, leading research in synthetic chemistry and biomedical applications. Her work focuses on peptide macrocycles for cancer therapeutics, biomimetic catalysis, and biomolecule sensing. She holds a Ph.D. from the California Institute of Technology (2013), an M.S. from the Indian Institute of Technology (2006), and a B.S. from Presidency College, University of Calcutta (2004). Her research themes include: Cancer Therapeutics: Developing macrocyclic peptides targeting protein-protein interactions (PPIs) in cancer pathways. Biomimetic Catalysis: Creating copper/peptide complexes mimicking photosynthetic enzymes for water oxidation and CO 2 reactions. Biomolecule Sensors: Designing macrocyclic reagents for selective detection of phosphorylated metabolites and amyloid beta aggregates. Recent publications highlight advancements in copper-selective sensors, click chemistry catalysts, and cyclic peptide libraries. Her work has been supported by grants from the National Science Foundation (CAREER Award), Research Corporation for Science Advancement (Cottrell Scholar Award), and the American Chemical Society. Awards: Cottrell Scholar Award (Research Corporation for Science Advancement) Grants: National Science Foundation: CAREER Award (2022–2027) NIH: Development of inhibitors for KRAS-G12V/SOS interactions (2020–2024) Her lab emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating organic synthesis, biochemistry, and materials science to address biomedical challenges.

Martin TaylorView profile

Lecturer

• Heterogeneous Catalysis
• Nanomaterials
• Green Chemistry
• +6 more

Dr. Martin Taylor is a Lecturer in Chemical Engineering at the University of Hull, affiliated with the School of Engineering within the Faculty of Science and Engineering. He holds an MChem Chemistry from the University of Hull (2013) and a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Aston University (2018). His research focuses on heterogeneous catalysis, nanomaterials, green chemistry, and sustainable chemical processes, with applications in waste-to-fuel conversion and environmental protection. He has led projects funded by entities like Research England and the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy. His current research group includes four postgraduate students. Taylor is a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry (since 2019) and the American Chemical Society (since 2022). His recent work emphasizes scalable biochar production from agricultural waste for environmental remediation and catalyst design for sustainable chemical synthesis. Key projects include the utilization of biorefinery residues for hydrogen production and the development of single-atom alloy catalysts for selective hydrogenation reactions. His research bridges fundamental catalysis studies with industrial applications, emphasizing eco-friendly processes and circular economy principles. Grant projects include the £63,759 Bluegen initiative for blue hydrogen production and the £36,825 THYME project targeting aviation fuel alternatives. His publications span topics like biochar adsorption mechanisms, eco-friendly scale inhibitors, and techno-economic evaluations of biomass conversion pathways. Taylor collaborates widely, with co-authors including Amthal Al-Gailani and Ben Kolosz on biochar and catalytic systems research.

Valery OkatenkoView profile

Researcher

• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis
• Nanotechnology
• +3 more

Valery Okatenko is a Postdoctoral Researcher at Rice University's Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, working under Professor Haotian Wang in the Wang Group ("CAT" Group). His research focuses on advanced electrochemical systems for CO₂ recycling, leveraging novel materials like liquid metal nanoparticles and nanocatalysts. Prior to Rice, he earned his Ph.D. from EPFL (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne) and degrees from Skoltech and Lomonosov Moscow State University. Education: Ph.D., Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, EPFL (2023) M.S., Materials Science, Skoltech (2018) B.S., Materials Science, Lomonosov Moscow State University (2016) Research Interests: Electrochemical CO₂ reduction, nanomaterial synthesis, catalyst stability, and energy conversion. His work explores how material composition, morphology, and surface functionalization influence catalytic activity and selectivity in CO₂-to-fuel processes. Key Research Trends in Articles: Recent studies emphasize voltage-driven synthesis of liquid metal nanoparticles, alloying strategies for copper-based catalysts, and spatial distribution effects in tandem catalytic systems. Themes include enhancing selectivity for C₂ products (e.g., ethylene) and improving catalyst durability under electrochemical conditions. Labs/Teams: Active member of the Wang Group, specializing in carbon-neutral technologies through electrochemical approaches.

David SimakovView profile

Associate Professor

• CO2 Conversion
• Catalysis
• Renewable Energy
• +7 more

David Simakov is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Waterloo. His research focuses on CO2 conversion technologies, catalysis, and renewable energy systems. He holds a PhD and MSc from the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology. Education: Doctorate (2010) and Master's (2004) in Chemical Engineering from Technion. Research interests include thermocatalytic CO2 conversion via reverse water-gas shift and Sabatier reactions, catalyst synthesis (e.g., reverse microemulsion methods), and reactor design for biogas upgrading. Recent work emphasizes improving catalyst stability, thermal management in reactors, and system integration for renewable natural gas production. Publications span topics like nanostructured catalysts, reactor optimization, and CO2 valorization. Notable contributions include autothermal Sabatier reactor designs and methanation processes. No awards explicitly stated, but contributions to CO2 utilization are impactful. Currently not accepting graduate students, though past teaching includes courses on physical chemistry and chemical reaction engineering.

Jordi SolerView profile

Researcher

• Catalysis
• Enzyme Engineering
• Computational Chemistry
• +3 more

Jordi Soler is a Researcher at the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (IQCC) within the University of Girona. His work focuses on catalysis, enzyme engineering, and computational chemistry, with a particular emphasis on developing sustainable chemical synthesis methods. In 2023, he earned his PhD under the supervision of Prof. Sílvia Osuna and Dr. Marc Garcia-Borràs at IQCC. His research explores novel biocatalytic strategies to address long-standing challenges in synthetic chemistry. A key contribution is the engineering of cytochrome P450 enzymes for selective oxidation reactions, as highlighted in his award-winning publication. This work, conducted in collaboration with Bielefeld University, demonstrates the potential of enzyme-based systems to replace toxic metal catalysts, advancing green chemistry principles. Awards: 2024 SusChem Young Chemical Researchers Award for his groundbreaking publication on carbocation-mediated catalysis. Key Projects: Collaborative efforts on enzyme evolution and computational analysis to design efficient biocatalytic systems. Jordi’s interdisciplinary approach bridges computational modeling and experimental enzymology, contributing to both fundamental understanding and practical applications in catalysis.

• Nanomaterials
• Environmental Chemistry
• Material Science
• +4 more

Iryna Protsak is a Research Fellow in the Department of Functional Materials and Catalysis at the University of Vienna's Faculty of Chemistry. She holds a PhD in Physics and Chemistry of Surfaces from the Chuiko Institute of Surface Chemistry (NASU, Kyiv, 2016) and completed postdoctoral training at the University of Glasgow (UK), Chuiko Institute, and Zhejiang University of Technology (China). Her research focuses on developing porous nanomaterials for selective sorbents targeting Critical Raw Materials (CRMs), advancing applications in water treatment and resource recovery. Key contributions align with UN Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing environmental sustainability and resource efficiency. Education: PhD in Physics and Chemistry of Surfaces (Chuiko Institute of Surface Chemistry, 2016) Master’s Degree in Chemistry (Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, 2012) Research Interests: Surface modification of silica, carbon substrates, and MOFs Selective sorbent design for CRMs (e.g., indium, gallium, rare earth elements) Advanced water treatment and resource recovery technologies Stimuli-responsive hydrogels and their biomedical/environmental applications Scientific Awards: Austrian Science Fund Individual Fellowship (2022) Grants & Projects: "Extraction of Rare Earth Elements by Carbon-Based Composites" (Austrian Science Fund, 2022–2025) Labs/Teams: Member of the University of Vienna’s Functional Materials and Catalysis research group Collaborations with institutions globally, including the University of Glasgow and Zhejiang University of Technology

Paolo P. PescarmonaView profile

Professor

• Heterogeneous Catalysis
• Homogeneous Catalysis
• Green Chemistry
• +7 more

Paolo P. Pescarmona is Full Professor in Catalysis & Sustainability at the University of Groningen's Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Product Technology since April 2022. He chairs the Engineering and Technology Institute Groningen (ENTEG) Board and holds leadership positions including President of the Dutch Zeolite Association (DZA) and Board Member of the Federation of European Zeolite Associations (FEZA) and Dutch Catalysis Society (DCS). His academic roles include former Programme Director of the Master in Chemical Engineering (2019-2023) and recipient of the University of Groningen Teacher of the Year award (2017-18). Professor Pescarmona's research centers on rational design of catalytic materials for green chemistry applications. His work spans heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysis with focus areas including CO 2 utilization (cyclic/polymeric carbonates), biomass conversion, sustainable selective oxidations, electrocatalysis (green hydrogen production via oxygen evolution reaction, CO 2 reduction), and photocatalysis. He investigates advanced materials such as zeolites, mesoporous structures, nanomaterials, and metal oxides, frequently employing high-throughput experimentation and supercritical CO 2 techniques. His research directly supports UN Sustainable Development Goals for climate action and sustainable industry. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2024-2025) reveals strong emphasis on developing non-precious metal electrocatalysts for industrial-scale green hydrogen production, innovative CO 2 conversion pathways yielding high-value products like self-healing polymers, and advanced photocatalytic systems for environmental remediation. His work increasingly integrates computational modeling with experimental validation to optimize catalyst stability under real-world conditions, particularly for oxygen evolution reaction systems operating at industrially relevant current densities. His scientific recognition includes: Teacher of the Year 2017-18, Degree programme in Chemical Engineering, University of Groningen University Teaching Qualification (2015), nationally recognized certification for academic teaching competence in the Netherlands Professor Pescarmona has supervised 10 students and contributed significantly to academic governance as former Master Programme Director and Board of Examiners member. His research is supported by extensive European collaborations and industry partnerships, with recent work highlighted in 2024 media coverage on cost-effective green hydrogen technologies. He leads a dynamic research group focused on scalable catalytic solutions for industrial implementation. His laboratory within the Product Technology department develops practical catalyst synthesis methods emphasizing environmentally benign solvents and processes. The group maintains strong ties with European catalysis networks through FEZA and DCS leadership roles, driving innovation in sustainable chemical production.

• Biotechnology
• Applied Microbiology
• Chemistry
• +4 more

Hein Wijma is a Researcher in the Department of Biotechnology at the Faculty of Science and Engineering , University of Groningen. His expertise spans Biotechnology , Applied Microbiology , and Chemistry , with a focus on enzymes, protein engineering, and computational protein design. He actively collaborates on projects involving enzyme structure-function relationships and biocatalytic applications. His research interests include enzyme engineering , computational protein design , and in silico screening . Recent work involves redesigning enzymes for biocatalytic synthesis (e.g., β-alanine production) and studying novel oxygenases. He has authored over 60 peer-reviewed articles, including studies on nitroreductases, Baeyer-Villiger monooxygenases, and thermostable enzyme variants. Wijma leads research on enzymatic mechanisms and has contributed to innovations like computationally designed enzyme libraries (e.g., FRESCO). His work aligns with sustainable development goals through biocatalytic solutions for industrial processes.

• Sustainable Agriculture
• Polymer Science
• Plant Phenotyping
• +4 more

Dr Harry Wright is a Research Fellow at the University of Sheffield's School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences and the Sustainable Foods Institute. His work focuses on innovative applications of polyurethane foams, sustainable agriculture, and open-source technologies. Wright develops materials for soilless growing media and designs low-cost experimental systems like the FoamPi device for monitoring polymer reactions. His research bridges terrestrial and space agriculture, exploring how controlled environments can enhance crop sustainability. Key research interests include polymer formulation, plant phenotyping using open-source software, and optimizing materials for agricultural use. He has pioneered methods for recycling polyurethane foams into growing media and contributed to space analog crop cultivation studies through the SpaCEA initiative. Wright emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, combining material science with environmental and computational techniques. His publications span 2015–2025, addressing topics from PVC stabilization to space agriculture. While no academic awards are listed, his work highlights a commitment to open-source tools and sustainable innovation. No advising or grant details are provided in the text, but his affiliations suggest active collaboration with institutions like the Sustainable Foods Institute. Wright’s lab focuses on prototyping low-cost systems for agricultural research, including plant growth chambers and foam-based substrates. This work aims to advance both Earth-based and extraterrestrial crop production methods through material science and engineering solutions.

Robert PestmanView profile

Researcher

• Heterogeneous Catalysis
• Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis
• Hydrogenation Processes
• +2 more

Dr. Robert Pestman is a University Researcher at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, specializing in heterogeneous catalysis. He holds a PhD from Leiden University (1995) and previously worked at DSM Research for over 15 years. His research focuses on Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, hydrocarbon conversion, and catalyst design. Research interests include reaction kinetics, nanoparticle engineering, and sustainable chemical processes. His work frequently employs isotopic labeling, surface characterization, and transient kinetic studies to elucidate reaction mechanisms. Article analysis reveals a strong emphasis on catalyst deactivation, reaction kinetics, and material design for energy applications. Key themes include carbon deposit mitigation, promoter effects in Fischer-Tropsch catalysts, and novel synthesis methods for stable catalytic materials. Research Teams: Part of the Inorganic Materials & Catalysis group and EIRES Research at TU/e, collaborating on projects including 'Hydrogenation processing for biofuels' (Goldilocks project).

• Catalysis
• Sustainable Energy
• Nanomaterials
• +4 more

Emiel J.M. Hensen is a Full Professor of Inorganic Materials Chemistry at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). He serves as Dean of the Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry and chairs the Netherlands Institute for Catalysis Research (NIOK). His academic journey includes a master's (1994) and PhD (2000) from TU/e, followed by roles at the University of Amsterdam and Shell Research. He has pioneered research in catalytic materials for sustainable energy, including Lewis acid-catalyzed biomass conversion and hierarchical zeolites. Research focuses on designing catalytic materials for renewable fuel/chemical production, using advanced operando characterization (XPS, XAS) and theoretical modeling (DFT). Key applications include methane activation, Fischer-Tropsch processes, and lignin upgrading. He has over 768 publications (41,997 citations) and led projects like 'Interface Catalysis for Advanced Sustainable Chemistry' (2021-2024). Prizes: NWO Vici (2013), Vidi (2007), Veni (2002), Casimir Laureate (2006) Affiliations: NIOK (Chair), ERIC (Board), MCEC Gravitation Program Teaching includes catalysis courses and supervising 187 research projects. His work addresses UN SDGs related to affordable clean energy and sustainable industry.