Devid Maniglio is an Associate Professor at the Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Trento. His research focuses on bioengineering, biomaterials, and tissue engineering, with a particular emphasis on bioprinting, surface modification, and functional materials. He has contributed to advancements in silk fibroin and hydrogel-based systems for medical applications. Research Interests Bioengineering for personalized medicine Biomaterials and surface engineering 3D bioprinting and tissue regeneration Molecular imprinting and biosensors Drug delivery and cell encapsulation Teaching Diagnostic and therapeutic technologies for personalized medicine Engineered materials for precision medicine Fundamentals of biomedical technologies Functional surfaces laboratory Labs & Collaborations Devid Maniglio is affiliated with the Functional Surfaces Laboratory at the University of Trento, collaborating with researchers such as Stefano Rossi and Flavio Deflorian. His work integrates interdisciplinary approaches in biomedical engineering and sustainable medical technologies.
João Miguel Rocha is an academic with diverse roles in Food Science and Engineering. He holds a PhD from the University of Lisbon (2011) and a B.Sc. in Biological Engineering from the University of Minho (1991-1996). His career includes positions such as Assistant Professor at the University of Minho (2017-2018), Lecturer at the Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto (2023-2024), and Researcher roles at institutions like the University of Helsinki (2000) and Universidade Nova de Lisboa (2011). Currently, he serves as a Technology Valorization Technician at INESC TEC (2024-2025). His research focuses on food microbiology, fermentation processes, and sustainable food systems, with emphasis on sourdough biotechnology, functional foods, and valorization of industry by-products. He has led and contributed to projects such as SOURDOMICS (COST Action CA18101) and NUTRALLERPHEN , exploring dietary polyphenols and microbial metabolites. His work bridges academia and industry, addressing food safety, nutrition, and environmental sustainability. Key collaborations include studies on colostrum, probiotics, and plant extracts for health applications. Education PhD in Food Science and Engineering, University of Lisbon (2011) B.Sc. (5-year) in Biological Engineering, University of Minho (1991–1996) Research Interests Dr. Rocha’s work spans food microbiology , fermentation technology , and nutraceutical development . He investigates microbial communities in sourdough, biopreservation strategies, and the application of food by-products for functional ingredients. His studies on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) formation in legumes and phytochemicals in plants highlight his focus on health-promoting compounds. He also explores life cycle assessment (LCA) for sustainable food systems. Grants & Projects EU-funded SOURDOMICS (2019–2023): Network for sourdough biotechnology innovation NUTRALLERPHEN (2019–present): Dietary polyphenols as allergy prophylactics SAVAGE : Wild fruit nutritional characterization in Morocco Labs & Teams He leads the Food Polyphenol Lab , focusing on extraction and application of bioactive compounds from agri-food by-products. Collaborates with institutions like the University of Helsinki , INESC TEC , and the International Society for Microbial Ecology (ISME) .
Prof. Eli Jerby is a faculty member at the School of Electrical Engineering , Tel Aviv University. His research focuses on microwave-matter interactions , particularly localized microwave heating (LMH) for industrial applications, fireball and plasmoid generation, and microwave-based technologies in additive manufacturing. University: Tel Aviv University School: School of Electrical Engineering Jerby’s research interests span: Microwave Drilling: Silent, dust-free drilling in concrete, ceramics, and bones. Fireball Dynamics: Laboratory-scale simulation of ball lightning. Additive Manufacturing: Microwave-assisted 3D printing of metal powders. Plasma Generation: Ejection of plasmoids from molten materials. His publications highlight trends in microwave heating for material processing, including concrete cutting, basalt melting, and thermite ignition. Articles emphasize LMH mechanisms, thermal instabilities, and nanoparticle formation. Key subfields include microwave safety , dielectric absorption , and solid-state applicators . Jerby’s scientific work has been featured globally, including in Science , Nature Physics , and Physical Review Letters . He holds patents for microwave drills and heating systems, with applications in construction and materials science. He mentors research students like Yoav Shoshani and collaborates on projects involving microwave-driven plasmas and thermite ignition . His lab explores microwave-DC synergy and the bubble-marble effect for underwater applications.
Wesam Bachir, PhD, is an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Metrology and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Mechatronics, Warsaw University of Technology (Politechnika Warszawska). His expertise lies at the intersection of biomedical engineering, laser spectroscopy, and optical diagnostics for medical applications. Research Interests Dr Bachir’s core research areas include: Biomedical optics & spectroscopy: developing diffuse reflectance and transmittance methods for non-invasive monitoring of tissue oxygenation, hemodynamics, and vital signs. Laser-tissue interaction & photodynamic therapy: optimizing light dosimetry, photosensitizer selection, and treatment planning for breast and skin cancers. Optical phantoms & Monte Carlo modeling: creating tissue-mimicking phantoms from everyday materials (milk, intralipid, India ink) and validating optical properties through advanced simulations. Smartphone-based sensing: leveraging mobile devices and their built-in light sources for point-of-care photoplethysmography and respiratory monitoring. Publication Trends Across 36 peer-reviewed publications (h-index 6 Scopus, 5 WoS), Dr Bachir demonstrates a consistent upward trajectory in both clinical translation and fundamental optical modeling. His 2024–2025 papers emphasize AI-enhanced spectroscopy and ultra-short-term physiological monitoring, while earlier work (2019–2022) concentrated on Monte Carlo algorithms for PDT planning and phantom characterization. The portfolio spans experimental validation, computational modeling, and proof-of-concept clinical studies. Supervision & Grants He has successfully supervised four doctoral theses to completion and currently leads or co-leads three active research projects funded by national and international agencies, focusing on non-contact respiratory monitoring, AI-driven spectral diagnostics, and optimized fiber-coupled light delivery for photodynamic therapy. Laboratory & Collaboration Dr Bachir’s laboratory is embedded within the Institute of Metrology and Biomedical Engineering, providing access to state-of-the-art laser sources, integrating sphere systems, and high-resolution spectrometers. He collaborates extensively with clinicians at local medical centers and maintains active partnerships with research groups in Europe and the Middle East to accelerate technology transfer from bench to bedside.
Professor Chengqing Wu is a distinguished academic in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS). He serves as Professor of Structural Engineering with a research focus on blast-induced phenomena and advanced concrete technologies. His expertise spans structural response to blast loading, mitigation of blast effects, and the development of ultra-high performance concrete systems. Professor at University of Technology, Sydney Former Chair of Australian Chapter of International Association of Protective Structures (2013-2017) Associate Editor of ASCE Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities Editorial Board Member of International Journal of Protective Structures Professor Wu's research interests center on structural engineering with emphasis on blast resistance, ultra-high performance concrete, geopolymer concrete, and structural response to extreme loading conditions. His work bridges theoretical analysis with practical applications, particularly in protective structures and extreme environment construction. His research group has made significant contributions to understanding material behavior under blast, impact, and extreme thermal conditions, with applications ranging from terrestrial infrastructure to potential lunar construction. Analysis of Professor Wu's recent publications reveals a strong focus on advanced concrete technologies for extreme environments. His research spans 3D-printed concrete, lunar and Martian construction materials, cryogenic performance of concrete, and blast-resistant structural systems. A notable trend is the increasing application of computational methods and machine learning techniques to predict structural response to explosions, alongside traditional experimental approaches. His work demonstrates a progression from fundamental material characterization to complex structural system analysis, with growing emphasis on sustainable construction and extraterrestrial applications. Author/co-author of over 200 international journal papers Editor of four conference proceedings Editor of two ASCE special issues Editor of two International Journal of Protective Structures special issues Professor Wu has successfully attracted over 4 million dollars in research funding from diverse sources including the Australian Research Council (ARC), Defence Science and Technology Organization (DSTO), and industry partners. His current projects include Eco-friendly Ultra-High Performance Rubberised Concrete, Decarbonised Infrastructure, Structural protective design on large capacity flywheel energy storage system, and Gas Explosion Resistance of Non-Cement Based High Performance Concrete. He actively supervises undergraduate honors students, coursework master's students, and research higher degree candidates, with several scholarships available for prospective postgraduates and research associates. Professor Wu leads research in protective infrastructure technology through the Joint Research Centre for Protective Infrastructure Technology and Environmental Green Bioprocess with Tianjin Chenjian University. His team operates the National Drop Weight Impact Testing Facility and contributes to the National Facility for Physical Blast Simulation. Current research directions include sustainable concrete technologies for extreme environments, blast-resistant structural systems, and innovative applications of concrete in space exploration contexts.
Professor Stuart Harrad is a faculty member at the University of Birmingham , affiliated with the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences and the Centre for Environmental Research and Justice (CERJ) . As an Environmental Chemist , his work focuses on persistent organic pollutants (POPs), human exposure pathways, and microplastic-plasticizer interactions. Key research themes include: Human exposure to POPs via indoor dust and food Environmental forensics using chirality analysis Plastics circular economy challenges Microplastics and flame retardants in consumer products He leads the Birmingham Plastics Network , a multidisciplinary team addressing global plastics sustainability. His recent projects investigate: PFAS contamination in sediments Microplastic transport mechanisms Dermal absorption of chemical additives Temporal trends in POPs regulation Waste stream chemical analysis As Editor-in-Chief of Emerging Contaminants and The Journal of Environmental Exposure Assessment , he shapes scientific discourse on environmental pollutants. His REF Impact Case Studies have directly influenced national and international policy frameworks related to chemical safety.
Alf Garcia-Bennett is an Associate Professor in the School of Natural Sciences at Macquarie University. His research focuses on the development of nanomedicine technologies, including mesoporous silica-based drug delivery systems, plasmonic nanoparticles for biosensing, and advanced biomaterials for cancer therapy and tissue engineering. He leads projects such as the ARC Training Centre for Facilitated Advancement of Australia's Bioactives (FAAB) and investigations into next-generation immunotherapies through novel adjuvant designs. Projects: FAAB (2022-2027), Next Generation Adjuvants (2020-2025), Multi-functional SEM for High-throughput Analysis (2017-ongoing) Key Research Areas: Nanoparticle drug delivery, protein corona dynamics, transdermal drug penetration, 3D cancer metastasis models, and plasmonic biosensors. His work integrates materials science with biomedical applications, with notable contributions to the design of porous silica platforms for controlled drug release, plasmonic nanostar technologies, and experimental models for cancer micrometastasis. Collaborations span institutions globally, emphasizing translational research in bioactives and nanomedicine.
Douglas Noble is an Associate Professor and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at the University of Southern California (USC) School of Architecture. He is a licensed architect with research interests spanning Building Science, Facade Tectonics, Computing in Architecture, and Architectural Education. Noble co-founded the Facade Tectonics Institute (2007) and the CLIPPER Lab (1991) at USC, focusing on computational design and building facade technology. He has received grants such as the 2011 Graham Foundation Grant for research on the Freeman House. Noble is a leader in architecture education, founding USC's Ph.D. program in Architecture and co-developing the 'NotLY' ARE support system. Education: Ph.D. in Design Theories and Methods (UC Berkeley) Research Interests: Active facade systems and sustainable building envelopes Parametric design and computational tools Doctoral education and emerging professional development Climate-responsive material strategies Awards: PCI Foundation Community Engagement Award (2020) Grants & Collaborations: Graham Foundation Grant (2011) ACADIA President (1998) CLIPPER Lab co-founder Facade Tectonics Institute co-founder Labs & Initiatives: CLIPPER Lab (computational design research), Facade Tectonics Institute (building envelope research).
Andrea De Vizcaya Ruiz is a Professor in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) School of Public Health . She is Graduate Program Director for Environmental Health Sciences and leads research at key centers including the Center for Occupational and Environmental Health (COEH) , Air Pollution Health Effects Lab (APHEL) , and AirUCI Atmospheric Integrated Research Unit . Her expertise spans environmental toxicology, nanotoxicology, and air pollution health impacts , with a focus on particulate matter (PM), microplastics, and nanomaterials. Educational Background: Bachelor's in Veterinary Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) Doctorate in Toxicology, University of Surrey, UK Research Interests center on toxic effects of environmental pollutants , including: Health impacts of particulate matter (PM2.5/PM10) Toxicokinetics of nanomaterials Oxidative stress and inflammation mechanisms Health equity in environmental exposure Neurotoxic and cardiorespiratory effects Biomarker development for toxicity assessment Recent Publications highlight her work on PM-induced nephrotoxicity, nanoparticle neurotoxicity, and synergies between urban pollutants and metabolic stressors . Her studies frequently employ in vitro and in vivo models to dissect toxicity pathways. Scientific Awards: 2011 Young Investigator Award, Society of Toxicology, USA 2015 1st place BioNanoTechnology Award, Cinvestav and Neolpharma Inc., Mexico City Student Mentorship includes advising PhD and MSc students like Aidee Solorio Rodriguez and Josefina Poblano Bata, with their work presented at international conferences including the International Nanotoxicology Congress and IUTOX Trainee Awards. Labs & Collaborations: She actively collaborates with research groups in Mexico, the Netherlands, Canada, and the US, integrating toxicology, aerosol science, and public health to address evolving biotechnology challenges. Her advisory roles for the Mexican Ministry of Health and Environment further demonstrate her policy impact.
Kuldeep Bansal is a Lecturer and Project Researcher at the Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Pharmacy at Åbo Akademi University. His research focuses on drug delivery systems, nanomedicine, and combating antimicrobial resistance through innovative polymer-based approaches. He holds a Doctorate in Pharmacy and has contributed to over 50 peer-reviewed publications and patents. Education: Doctorate in Pharmacy (Pharm.D./Ph.D.) from an unspecified institution Research Interests: Dr. Bansal specializes in developing advanced drug delivery systems using renewable polymers, nanoemulsions, and lipid-polymer hybrids. His work addresses challenges in bioavailability enhancement, targeted drug delivery for multidrug-resistant pathogens, and sustainable materials in biomedicine. Recent projects include formulations for antifungal and anticancer therapies, leveraging cutting-edge techniques like ROS-regulated drug release. Projects: MADNESS: Centre of Excellence in Materials-driven Solutions for Combating Antimicrobial Resistance (Coordinator, 2024–2028) Nordic Pharmaceutical Translation and Innovation (Co-Investigator, 2024–2028) Jasmine PRO: A Versatile Platform for Drug Delivery (Co-Investigator, 2021–2024) Key Research Themes: His 15 most recent articles emphasize nanotechnology-driven solutions for drug delivery, including poly(δ-decalactone) based systems, cubosomes, and cyclodextrin complexes. These studies address topical antifungal treatments, cancer therapy, and overcoming antibiotic resistance. Labs/Teams: Active in Åbo Akademi's pharmacy research groups focusing on translational nanomedicine and sustainable biomaterials. Collaborates internationally on antimicrobial resistance initiatives.
Gerhard Holzapfel is a Professor at TU Graz's Department of Biomechanics. His research focuses on biomechanics of soft biological tissues, cardiovascular systems, and advanced material modeling. He leads the Institute of Biomechanics, conducting experimental and computational studies on tissue mechanics, vascular diseases, and medical device design. Education : Details not explicitly provided in source text. Research Interests : Dr. Holzapfel's work spans constitutive modeling of soft tissues, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in vascular systems, mechanobiology of cells and tissues, and biomaterials. He emphasizes translating biomechanical insights into clinical applications such as endovascular devices and surgical simulations. His studies often integrate microstructural analysis with macroscopic mechanical behavior to understand pathologies like atherosclerosis and aortic dissection. Publications : Recent work highlights advancements in fiber dispersion models for skin mechanics, Bayesian frameworks for material calibration, and CFD-driven evaluations of TEVAR (thoracic endovascular aortic repair). His articles emphasize predictive modeling of tissue behavior under various loading conditions, with applications in cardiology and regenerative medicine. Awards : No specific honors or fellowships mentioned in the provided text. Advising & Grants : No student/advisor relationships or grant details explicitly listed. The Institute of Biomechanics likely supports collaborative projects in biomechanical engineering and medical research. Labs/Teams : Director of TU Graz's Institute of Biomechanics, leading interdisciplinary teams in biomechanics, material science, and computational modeling. Collaborates with clinical partners on vascular biomechanics and surgical device development.
Noemi Stefanía Csaba is a Professor at the University of Santiago de Compostela, affiliated with the Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology within the Faculty of Pharmacy. She is also part of the Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS). Her research focuses on nanotechnologies applied to drug delivery systems, particularly in the development of gene therapy carriers, vaccines, and targeted therapies for cancer and infectious diseases. She earned her PhD in 2005 with a thesis on genetic vaccine delivery systems under the supervision of Dr. María José Alonso Fernández and Dr. Alejandro Sánchez Barreiro. Her research interests encompass nanomedicine, biomaterials engineering, and mucosal drug delivery. She has pioneered studies on protamine nanocapsules, chitosan-based systems, and polyphosphazene derivatives for targeted drug delivery. Her work addresses challenges in overcoming biological barriers (e.g., nasal-to-brain, pulmonary, intestinal) and enhancing therapeutic efficacy through nanoparticle design. Notable contributions include the development of semisynthetic pneumococcal nanovaccines, hybrid peptide-polymer platforms for cancer immunotherapy, and lymphatic-targeted anticancer nanocarriers. Her articles highlight advancements in gene delivery for glioblastoma, ocular tumor treatment, and macrophage-targeted pulmonary therapies. While no specific awards are listed, her prolific publication record (spanning 2002–2025) reflects sustained innovation in pharmaceutical nanotechnology. She collaborates widely on projects integrating biomaterials, molecular medicine, and translational drug delivery systems. Her lab (NANOBIOFAR research group) focuses on translational nanomedicine, emphasizing practical applications such as ready-to-use dry powders for pulmonary delivery and plant-derived sporopollenin microcapsules for drug encapsulation. Current work includes optimizing nanoparticle stability, improving vaccine adjuvants, and addressing barriers in intestinal and transmucosal drug absorption.
Prof. Dr. Claus-Michael Lehr is a faculty member at Saarland University, affiliated with the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology and the Department of Pharmaceutical Science. He holds the Professorship for Biopharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology and leads a research group at the Helmholtz-Institut für Pharmazeutische Forschung Saarland (HIPS) in Saarbrücken, Germany. His research focuses on biological barriers and advanced drug delivery systems . Key areas include the use of epithelial cell cultures from the intestine, lung, skin, and eye to model drug absorption and barrier function. His team investigates transport mechanisms of active substances across these barriers and develops modern delivery vehicles such as nanoparticles and liposomes , with applications in pulmonary delivery, targeted intestinal therapy, and non-viral gene transfer. The research also emphasizes predicting drug absorption , assessing biocompatibility , understanding clearance processes , and advancing in vitro models to replace animal experiments. This work contributes significantly to optimizing drug formulations for improved efficacy and safety. The absence of recent publications in the provided text limits trend analysis, but the focus areas suggest strong interdisciplinary work at the intersection of pharmaceutics, nanotechnology, and cellular physiology. Scientific Awards: No awards mentioned in the provided text. Prof. Lehr leads an active research group at HIPS, where he supervises scientific projects and likely mentors graduate students, though no specific advisees are listed. There is no mention of external grants, but his affiliation with Helmholtz suggests involvement in nationally funded research programs. His work contributes to translational pharmaceutical research with a strong ethical emphasis on reducing animal experimentation. The research group operates within the Helmholtz-Institut für Pharmazeutische Forschung Saarland (HIPS), specifically in the Department of Drug Delivery (Abteilung Wirkstofftransport), located on the Saarland University campus. This collaborative environment integrates academic and applied pharmaceutical research, leveraging institutional partnerships for innovation in drug development.
Suzaynn Schick is a prominent researcher at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF), affiliated with the UCSF Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education, the Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, and the California Thirdhand Smoke Consortium. Her work focuses on the chemistry and toxicity of tobacco and cannabis smoke, with particular emphasis on thirdhand smoke as a long-term environmental pollutant. Education: B.S. in Cell and Molecular Biology (University of Washington, 1986-1989) Ph.D. in Biomedical Science (UCSF, 1991-2001) Postdoctoral studies in Public Health (UCSF, 2002-2006) and Inhalation Toxicology (UCSF, Feb 2006-Sept 2007) Schick's research explores how smoke pollutants contribute to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Her groundbreaking studies demonstrate that thirdhand smoke—a residue of oils and waxes on surfaces—remains carcinogenic long after active smoking ceases, challenging conventional assumptions about secondhand smoke risks. Recent publications highlight her work on thirdhand smoke's role in gastric tumor development, endothelial dysfunction from cannabis and cigarette aerosols, and the persistence of toxins in indoor environments. Her studies span molecular toxicology, air quality analysis, and public health policy implications. Scientific Awards: National Science Foundation Predoctoral Fellowship (1991) Schick's funded projects include investigations into melanin's role in thirdhand smoke absorption and environmental pollutant measurement. She advocates for stronger protections against involuntary smoke exposure through policy engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Christopher R. Dillon is an Assistant Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Brigham Young University (BYU) . His research bridges mechanical and biomedical engineering, focusing on bioheat transfer modeling and MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) thermal therapies for cancer treatment. Prior to joining BYU in 2021, he worked as a Senior Computer Scientist at Sandia National Laboratories (2018-2021) and held a postdoctoral position in the Department of Radiology at the University of Utah (2014-2017), where he received NIH NRSA fellowship support. Education PhD in Bioengineering, University of Utah (2014) BS in Mechanical Engineering, BYU (2009) Dr. Dillon’s research centers on characterizing human tissue properties and developing computational models for MRgFUS , aiming to improve treatment planning accuracy by addressing challenges like blood perfusion variability and subcutaneous fat absorption . His lab collaborates with clinical institutions to transition findings from ex vivo studies to clinical applications. The Bioheat Transfer Laboratory under Dr. Dillon focuses on: Quantifying perfusion-related thermal energy losses via 3D MRI data Evaluating and refining the Pennes bioheat transfer equation Developing temperature-dependent property measurement tools for fat Advancing non-invasive thermal therapies to reduce surgical reliance His work has led to 15+ publications on computational modeling, tissue property analysis, and thermal therapy optimization. Scientific Awards Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award (BYU, 2023) NIH NRSA Fellowship (2015-2017) Young Investigator Award (Focused Ultrasound Foundation, 2014) National Merit Scholarship (2001-2007) As an educator, Dr. Dillon teaches ME EN 321: Thermodynamics and ME EN 340: Heat Transfer , emphasizing practical applications in biomedical contexts. He also contributes to Python-based computational training through Enthought certification (2021-present).