Prof. Dr. Oleg Iliev is a leading researcher at the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics ITWM in Kaiserslautern. His work focuses on computational fluid dynamics, numerical simulation of multiphase flows, and porous media processes. He specializes in developing advanced algorithms for CFD, reactive transport modeling, and multiscale methods. His research integrates computational methods with engineering applications such as filter design, battery technology, and environmental systems. Key research interests include: Porous media flow simulation CFD-DEM coupled systems Reactive transport in heterogeneous media High-performance computing and parallel algorithms His publications (2016–2022) highlight contributions to: Pore-scale modeling of filtration and catalytic processes Machine learning integration with numerical PDE solvers Uncertainty quantification in subsurface flows GPU-accelerated stochastic simulations Prof. Iliev collaborates with industry and academia on projects involving Li-ion batteries, filter efficiency optimization, and exascale computing frameworks like EXA-DUNE.
Fernando Barrio Parra is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Energy and Fuels, School of Mining and Energy Engineering, Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM). He holds a PhD in Natural Resource Conservation and has extensive experience in environmental geochemistry, pollution modeling, and geophysical techniques for contaminant detection. His academic roles include serving as Deputy Director of the Department of Energy and Fuels since 2025. Education: Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Sciences Master's Degree in Environmental Research, Modeling, and Risk Analysis PhD in Natural Resource Conservation Research interests focus on environmental risk assessment, radon deficit technique for contaminant mapping, and innovative educational methodologies. He is a member of the Prospecting and Environment Research Group and has pioneered applications of machine learning and 3D printing in academic settings. Key technical contributions include modeling LNAPL contamination, soil bioaccessibility studies, and coastal dune dynamics using LiDAR/GPR. Teaching innovations include flipped classroom approaches (e.g., QuimeTube for chemistry labs) and gamification strategies to enhance student engagement. He actively promotes scientific literacy through projects like 'Fake Hunters' addressing misinformation in classrooms. His work bridges environmental science and engineering, with emphasis on sustainable mining practices and circular economy models derived from hydrogeochemical data. Recent studies address background/reference values for trace elements in sediments and probabilistic risk assessments in urban gardens.
Sierd de Vries is a Professor at the Delft University of Technology , affiliated with the College of Civil Engineering & Geosciences and the Department of Coastal Engineering . With a doctorate in Physics of Blown Sand and Coastal Dunes , their work focuses on sustainable coastal landscape development through field observations, numerical modeling, and engineering design. Doctorate: Physics of Blown Sand and Coastal Dunes (Delft University of Technology, 2013) Their research integrates natural-human system interactions in coastal zones, emphasizing sediment transport , dune erosion , storm impacts , and aeolian processes . Recent publications highlight predictive tools like AeoLiS software, real-world applications in dune evolution modeling, and comprehensive datasets from the RealDune/REFLEX experiments. Key trends include cross-shore sediment dynamics, wave-vegetation feedbacks, and climate resilience strategies. Scientific recognition includes #1 Best Teacher Team awards for the Hydraulic Engineering MSc track (2023-2024). They lead multidisciplinary collaborations in the RealDune/REFLEX projects and contribute to Dutch coastal innovations like the Zandmotor mega-nourishment, combining academic rigor with public engagement through media appearances and open-access datasets.
Dr. Dominic Brailsford is a Research Fellow in the Department of Physics at Lancaster University. His research focuses on subatomic neutrinos, their detectors, and related phenomena, with active participation in major international experiments: the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) at Fermilab, the Short Baseline Near Detector (SBND) at Fermilab, the Tokai to Kamioka (T2K) experiment in Japan, and the High Pressure Time Projection Chamber (HPTPC) at CERN collaboration. Affiliation: Department of Physics, Lancaster University Collaborations: DUNE, SBND, T2K, ICARUS, CERN HPTPC Key research areas include neutrino physics, particle detector development (particularly liquid argon Time Projection Chambers), experimental physics methodologies, and computational tools for neutrino experiments. His work spans detector design, ionization signal analysis, and software development for large-scale collaborations. Recent publications highlight advancements in liquid argon TPC algorithms, calibration techniques, and neutrino detection infrastructure. His research also intersects with supernova neutrino studies, hidden sector scalar searches, and electron-ion recombination modeling. Scientific Awards Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics
Dr. Ellen-Wien Augustijn is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Geo-Information Processing, Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation, University of Twente. She combines teaching, research, and international capacity development projects, focusing on GIS, agent-based modeling (ABM), and geocomputation for health applications. Her work bridges technical innovation with real-world problem-solving in coastal management, disease diffusion, and educational technology. Research Interests: Ellen-Wien specializes in spatial agent-based models integrating geographical environments and human behavior. Her keywords include Agent-Based Modeling, Geocomputation, and Disease Modeling, with current projects applying artificial intelligence to ABMs for behavior change analysis. She uses methods like Self-Organizing Maps (SOMs), Bayesian Networks, and clustering for spatiotemporal disease pattern detection. Recent Publications: Her 2025 work on wastewater-based epidemiology frameworks and beach visitation patterns highlights trends in collaborative modeling and sustainable coastal design. Earlier studies (2024-2023) cover topics like visceral leishmaniasis in Kenya, recreational risk perception, and AI-enhanced disease simulations. Scientific Awards: 1st place: TU Delft | Water for Impact Best Paper Award (2024) Education & Capacity Development: She contributes to the Living Textbook project and has developed MOOCs and international courses in India, the Netherlands, and beyond. Her educational work spans GIMA, GFM, and ITC E-Core modules, emphasizing innovative teaching methods for geospatial concepts. International Projects: Active in Asia and Africa, she designs GIS curricula and delivers training on GeoHealth applications. Recent assignments include a Nuffic refresher course in India (2016) and sabbaticals at Purdue University (2013).
Prof. Breese Quinn is a Professor of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Mississippi and Director of the Center for Multimessenger Astrophysics (UMCMA). He holds leadership roles in U.S. high energy physics strategic planning and has authored over 475 publications, including 34 PRL features and 250+ highly cited papers. His research focuses on precision studies of fundamental physics parameters, dark matter, neutrino astrophysics, and spacetime structure. Education B.S. Physics, Mississippi State University (1991) M.S. Physics, University of Chicago (1995) Ph.D. Physics, University of Chicago (2000) Research Dr. Quinn leads multimessenger astrophysics efforts using neutrinos and muons, including work on the Muon g-2, DUNE, KTeV, and D0 experiments. His lab develops analysis toolkits and data management software for high energy physics collaborations. Current projects explore CPT/Lorentz symmetry violations and quark flavor/Electroweak sector dynamics. Awards 2019 European Physical Society Prize (top quark measurements) Multiple URA Fellowships (top-ranked institution in U.S.) APS Advocacy Champion since 2020 Leadership Serves on DOE/NSF HEPAP, Fermilab Users Executive Committee, and Snowmass 2021 planning. Past roles include APS Southeastern Section Chair (2015-2018). Labs Director of UMCMA and OpenScholar Lab, advancing neutrino astrophysics and high-throughput computing infrastructure.
Holger Class is an Adjunct Professor and Deputy Head of the Department at the University of Stuttgart , specifically within the Department of Hydromechanics and Modelling of Hydrosystems . His academic career includes a Diplom (1997), doctoral degree (2000), and habilitation (2008), all in engineering. Since 2004, he has held research and teaching roles at the University of Stuttgart's Institute for Modelling Hydraulic and Environmental Systems. His research focuses on fluid dynamics, porous media processes, and CO2 sequestration. Key interests include multiphase flow modeling, density-driven dissolution, and karst hydrology. He has contributed to developing numerical models like DuMux and pioneered studies on enzymatically induced calcite precipitation. Teaching includes modules on fluid mechanics, environmental fluid dynamics, and multiphase modeling in porous media. He has advised on projects involving microfluidic experiments, hydraulic simulations, and geochemical processes. Awards include the 1999 John F. Kennedy Student Paper competition first prize and the 2006 University of Stuttgart Environmental Engineering award for teaching excellence. Research Impact : His work bridges numerical modeling with experimental validation, addressing challenges in subsurface flow, CO2 storage, and geomechanical processes. Collaborations span academic and industrial sectors, emphasizing interdisciplinary solutions for environmental and energy challenges.
Aidan Ackerman is Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. He directs research at the Ackerman Research Lab focusing on computational landscape visualization, virtual reality applications for forest ecology, and cultural landscape preservation. He teaches courses in digital methods, parametric design, and landscape construction. Research explores computational simulation of landscape processes through parametric modeling and immersive VR technology. Current projects include forest carbon visualization and climate change adaptation strategies, funded by NCPTT/NPS and ESF grants. Recent publications (2019-2025) focus on computational approaches to environmental challenges: 65% address climate change visualization, 25% cultural heritage documentation, and 10% software development for landscape simulation. Articles frequently integrate game engines, GIS data, and environmental modeling. Preservation Technology & Training Grant (NCPTT/NPS, 2021-2023) ESF Discovery Challenge Seed Grant (2019-2022) Case Study Investigation Research Fellow (LAF, 2019, 2013) Landscape Performance Education Grant (LAF, 2014) Advises 5 graduate students: Marty Benzinger (MLA), Chris Koudelka (PhD), Tanner Laramee (MLA), Geri Mae Tolentino (PhD), and Yuhao Zhang (PhD). Research collaborations include National Park Service projects at Statue of Liberty NM and Flight 93 Memorial.
Kate Scholberg is an Arts & Sciences Distinguished Professor of Physics at Duke University's Trinity College of Arts & Sciences, where she has been a faculty member since 2004. She also serves as an Associate of the Duke Initiative for Science & Society and holds the Bass Fellowship. Her research focuses on experimental particle physics, particularly neutrino physics, with significant involvement in major international collaborations including Super-Kamiokande, T2K, and DUNE. Dr. Scholberg earned her B.Sc. from McGill University in 1989, followed by an M.S. in 1991 and a Ph.D. in 1996, both from the California Institute of Technology. Her academic career at Duke has progressed from Assistant Professor (2004-2007) to Associate Professor (2007-2012), Professor (2012-present), and ultimately Arts & Sciences Distinguished Professor (2018-present). She has held various leadership roles including Director of Undergraduate Studies and Associate Chair of the Physics Department. Dr. Scholberg's research centers on neutrino physics, with a particular focus on experimental investigations of neutrino properties and interactions. Her work spans multiple major international collaborations, including Super-Kamiokande in Japan, the T2K ("Tokai to Kamioka") high-intensity beam experiment, and DUNE (Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment). She has made significant contributions to neutrino oscillation measurements, supernova neutrino detection, and the search for proton decay. Her research bridges particle physics, astrophysics, and cosmology, with implications for understanding fundamental symmetries and the evolution of the universe. Analysis of Dr. Scholberg's recent publications reveals a strong focus on neutrino detection technologies and applications. Her work spans neutrino oscillations, supernova neutrino detection, proton decay searches, and neutrino-nucleus interactions. The research demonstrates increasing integration of machine learning techniques for data analysis and a growing emphasis on multimessenger astronomy applications. Her collaborations span multiple detector technologies including water Cherenkov (Super-Kamiokande), liquid argon time projection chambers (DUNE), and scintillator-based detectors (COHERENT). Kathryn A. McCarthy Lectureship in Physics (Tufts University, 2024) AAAS Fellow (American Association for the Advancement of Science, 2023) Elected Member, National Academy of Sciences (2022) American Physical Society Outstanding Referee (2019) Breakthrough Prize in Physics (Super-K and T2K collaborations, 2016) Fellow of American Physical Society (2013) Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program (National Science Foundation, 2004) Outstanding Junior Investigator (Department of Energy, 2003) Dr. Scholberg has secured substantial research funding, including as Principal Investigator for the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment Project (2015-2026) and the REU Site: Undergraduate Research in Nuclear Particle Physics at TUNL and Duke (2022-2027). She also leads the HDR Institute: Accelerated AI Algorithms for Data-Driven Discovery (2021-2026) and multiple projects related to the SuperNova Early Warning System. Her research program supports numerous graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and undergraduate research assistants. Dr. Scholberg is deeply involved in several major international collaborations. She plays a key role in Super-Kamiokande, where gadolinium loading has enhanced neutron detection capabilities. She is also a leading member of the DUNE collaboration, which aims to advance our understanding of neutrino properties using next-generation detectors. Additionally, she contributes to the COHERENT experiment studying coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering and the SNEWS (SuperNova Early Warning System) project that coordinates global supernova neutrino detection efforts.
Maria Brigida Brunetti is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at The University of Kansas since 2024. Her research focuses on experimental neutrino physics, particle physics software, and machine learning techniques. She is actively involved in the Fermilab Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) and short-baseline experiments, developing advanced algorithms for neutrino interaction detection and analysis. Education: PhD in Particle Physics, University of Birmingham (2019) MS in Physics, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II (2015) BS in Physics, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II (2011) Her work centers on understanding neutrino properties, including mass hierarchy and oscillation behavior, using cutting-edge Liquid Argon Time Projection Chambers and the Pandora reconstruction framework. She collaborates with over a thousand scientists globally in DUNE and contributes to improving data analysis precision through deep learning integration. Brunetti previously held a Postdoctoral Research Fellow position (2019-2024) and a senior researcher-equivalent Assistant Professor role (2024) at the University of Warwick, UK. She is available for research discussions at Malott Hall, room 4075, or via email at mbbrunetti@ku.edu .
Dr. Karol Hennessy is a Research Associate at the University of Liverpool , School of Physical Sciences, Department of Physics. They work on Experimental Particle Physics with focus on Data Acquisition Systems and Silicon Detectors at CERN's LHCb experiment. Coordinates LHCb's VELO data acquisition team Involved in VELO upgrades for LHC Runs 1–3 Member of DUNE experiment's DAQ coordination Developing Machine Learning algorithms for FPGA-based particle tracking Research interests center on high-energy physics detector systems , particularly silicon tracking detectors in extreme radiation environments . Their work spans hardware development, firmware programming, and data acquisition optimization for large-scale experiments. Recent publications analyze B meson decays , CP violation , and charmonium production , while technical projects focus on FPGA acceleration using Intel's oneAPI framework. They supervise Liverpool students at CERN and collaborate across international teams including LHCb and DUNE.
Gregory Michna is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at South Dakota State University (SDSU), part of the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering. He holds a B.S. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2001) and a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2006). His academic responsibilities include teaching courses such as Fluid Mechanics, Heat Transfer, and Thermo-Fluid Energy Systems. Michna's research focuses on heat and mass transfer, convective heat transfer, and electronics cooling, with notable contributions to CFD analysis for the DUNE neutrino experiment and 3D-printed heat exchangers. He has received multiple teaching awards, including the 2015 Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering Teacher of the Year. His grants include leadership on CFD analysis projects for DUNE detectors and collaborations on CubeSat initiatives through the South Dakota Space Grant Consortium. Michna’s work bridges experimental physics, thermal systems engineering, and educational innovation. Research Interests: Heat Transfer and Convective Phenomena Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Applications Electronics Cooling Solutions 3D-Printed Thermal Systems Neutrino Detector Engineering (DUNE Collaboration) Grants and Awards: Lead PI: $244,079 for Phase 4 DUNE CFD Analysis (2021) Co-PI: $140,213 for In-Situ Resource Utilization NASA Design Challenges (2021) Recipient of 2018 Timothy J. Nichols Advising Award Multiple Students’ Choice Awards for Teaching Excellence Labs and Teams: Active contributor to the DUNE collaboration and the SDSU CubeSat Club, emphasizing student-led projects in thermal systems and space technology.
Brian Rebel is a Professor and Associate Chair for Alumni Relations & Board of Visitors in the Department of Physics at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. His research focuses on experimental high-energy physics, particularly long-baseline neutrino oscillations. He is a key member of the DUNE (Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment) collaboration and the NOvA experiment, contributing to detector design, data analysis, and neutrino interaction studies. Rebel's work emphasizes advancing neutrino physics through cutting-edge detector technologies like liquid argon time projection chambers (LArTPCs). He leads efforts in developing algorithms for particle track reconstruction, energy measurement, and machine learning applications in neutrino experiments. His group also explores cross-section measurements, supernova neutrino detection, and searches for beyond-Standard-Model physics. Recent research trends include optimizing DUNE's Phase II detectors, improving neutrino oscillation parameter measurements using Bayesian methods, and investigating novel detector materials. Rebel actively contributes to international collaborations, including Fermilab accelerator upgrades and European partnerships. His work bridges foundational particle physics with technological innovation, positioning UW-Madison as a leader in neutrino science.
Jeffrey Nelson is a Professor of Physics at the College of William & Mary, affiliated with the Department of Physics within the College of Arts & Sciences. He holds a B.S. (1987) and Ph.D. (1994) in Physics from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. His research focuses on neutrino oscillations, lepton flavor transitions, particle astrophysics, and advanced particle detector technologies. Key projects include the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE), NOvA, and MINERvA collaborations, where he contributes to neutrino interaction studies, detector development, and computational frameworks. Recent work emphasizes DUNE’s science goals, including neutrino mass hierarchy determination and CP violation searches. He also explores novel applications of liquid argon time projection chambers (LArTPCs) and machine learning algorithms for event reconstruction. His experimental efforts span neutrino cross-section measurements, supernova neutrino detection, and accelerator-based neutrino beam characterization. Key collaborations: DUNE, NOvA, ProtoDUNE, MINERvA Technical expertise: neutrino interaction models, detector simulation, data analysis pipelines No formal awards or grants are explicitly listed in the provided text. His academic role appears focused on full-time research and teaching in experimental particle physics.
Roeland van de Vijsel is an Assistant Professor in Hydrology and Environmental Hydraulics at Wageningen University & Research. His work focuses on self-organization in natural systems, particularly in coastal wetlands, tidal flats, and river deltas. He explores how vegetation, sediment dynamics, and stochastic processes interact to shape biogeomorphic patterns, with applications to climate change resilience and sea level rise adaptation. Active projects: Saltmarsh survival (2025–present), Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna Delta stability (2022–present) Key collaborations: A.J.F. Hoitink, T.J. Bouma, S. Temmerman, J. van de Koppel His research integrates field studies, laboratory experiments, and computational modeling to analyze critical transitions in environmental systems. Recent publications examine bimodal dune dynamics, vegetation-driven channel networks, and scale-invariant pattern quantification. He co-developed the SFERE software for simulating coastal ecosystem feedbacks. Van de Vijsel's work has been cited in peer-reviewed journals and popular media, emphasizing the role of self-organization in building climate-resilient landscapes. He serves as co-promotor for PhD candidates studying delta geology and coastal management.
