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Akanksha MenonView profile

Assistant Professor

• Energy Systems
• Solar Desalination
• Thermal Energy Storage
• +3 more

Dr. Akanksha Menon is an Assistant Professor in the Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering at Georgia Tech, leading the Water-Energy Research Lab (WERL). Her research focuses on sustainable energy and water technologies at the water-energy nexus, including solar desalination, thermal energy storage, and functional materials. She holds a PhD (2018) and MS (2015) in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech, and a BS from Texas A&M University at Qatar (2013). Her work addresses climate change mitigation through innovations like solar-driven desalination systems, thermal energy storage materials, and energy-efficient building technologies. Key research interests include lower critical solution temperature (LCST) mixtures, thermoresponsive ionic liquids, and salt hydrates for energy applications. Dr. Menon has received prestigious awards such as the NSF Career Award (2023), ACS Doctoral New Investigator Award (2023), and the U.S. Department of Energy Women @ Energy recognition (2021). Her lab collaborates with industry and national labs to bridge research with real-world applications, emphasizing decarbonization and sustainable resource management. Her contributions span publications on solar energy integration, functional materials for energy harvesting, and techno-economic frameworks for desalination. She actively mentors students and advocates for women in STEM through initiatives like the Energy Club @ Georgia Tech and Berkeley Lab’s Water Wednesday’s program.

Nieves Espinosa MartinezView profile

Researcher

• Renewable Energy
• Environmental Science
• Photovoltaic Technology
• +3 more

Nieves Espinosa Martínez is a Ramón y Cajal Researcher at the Department of Physics, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Murcia. She holds a Ph.D. in Physics from the Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena (2012), specializing in life cycle assessment (LCA) of organic solar cells. Her research focuses on sustainability, renewable energy systems, and environmental policy, with a particular emphasis on photovoltaic technologies and their lifecycle impacts. She has contributed to over 45 peer-reviewed publications, analyzing topics such as carbon footprint mitigation, ecodesign directives, and geopolitical energy transitions. Her work integrates LCA with multi-criteria decision-making frameworks to evaluate renewable energy technologies' sustainability. Notable projects include developing recyclability scores for photovoltaic modules and assessing EU energy policy frameworks. She collaborates with institutions like the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre and Novo Nordisk, emphasizing circular economy principles. Her recent studies address challenges in photovoltaic module recycling, extended producer responsibility systems, and optimizing renewable energy deployment to reduce environmental and geopolitical risks. Espinosa Martínez also holds grants from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, focusing on energy transition pathways and socioeconomic impacts.

Silvia BordigaView profile

Associate Professor

• Microporous materials for selective adsorption
• Nanostructured materials for heterogeneous catalysis
• In situ spectroscopies
• +4 more

Silvia Bordiga is an Associate Professor in Physical Chemistry at the Department of Chemistry, University of Torino, a position she has held since 2001. She previously served as a Researcher in Physical Chemistry at the same institution from 1995 to 2001. Bordiga also held temporary Full Professor positions at Oslo University during 2012-2014 and 2015-2017. She is a member of the Chemical Sciences section of the Academy of Europe, elected in 2015, and maintains her primary residence in Italy. Professor Bordiga's research focuses on the characterization of physico-chemical properties of nanostructured materials with large surface area, particularly microporous materials, zeolites, and metallorganic frameworks (MOFs). Her work spans applications in heterogeneous catalysis, photo-catalysis, and materials for adsorption, separation and storage of gases. She employs a range of in situ spectroscopies (IR, Raman, XAS, UV-Vis-Nir) combined with molecular modeling to understand structural and functional behaviors of materials. Her most recent challenge involves identifying and monitoring active sites 'in action' through 'in operando' experiments where gases/liquids flow through cells operating at reaction temperatures. Analysis of her publication record reveals a strong focus on metal-organic frameworks, particularly their applications in gas storage and separation. Her work shows consistent progression from fundamental materials characterization to practical applications in carbon dioxide capture, hydrogen storage, and catalytic conversion processes. The interdisciplinary nature of her research is evident in collaborations spanning chemistry, materials science, and environmental engineering. Her scientific recognition includes: h-index of 78 with 348 publications and over 18,500 total citations Director of INSTM Reference Centre at Torino University (2012-present) Board member of the International Acid-Base Catalysis (ABC) group (2012-present) Member of EuroMOF 2015 International Scientific Committee Multiple leadership roles in the Italian Chemical Society Bordiga has established significant international collaborations with both academic institutions (Oslo University, Leuven University, Berkeley University, École Supérieure de Chimie Physique Électronique de Lyon, DTU) and industrial partners (BASF, Saes Getters, ENI, CRF-FIAT, Topsøe, Evonik). Her work has earned numerous invitations as plenary/invited speaker at international conferences and as panel member in international grant committees. She has also contributed as invited author to prestigious journals and thematic books, including the Wiley-VCH book on 'The Chemistry of Metal-Organic Frameworks'.

• Renewable Energy
• Hydrogen Energy Storage
• Energy Systems Integration
• +3 more

Stephen Carr is a Lecturer in Energy Physics at the **University of South Wales**, part of the **Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science**. He holds an MPhys in Physics from the University of Oxford (2004) and a PhD from the University of Glamorgan (2005), focusing on integrating renewable technologies into electricity networks. His research emphasizes hydrogen energy storage, renewable energy systems, and optimizing wind power integration. He has contributed to projects like the **CymruH2Wales initiative**, advancing hydrogen storage modeling and control. His work bridges theoretical research and practical applications in energy transition. **Research Interests**: Hydrogen production and storage technologies Wind power integration and grid stability Electrochemical systems for energy conversion Carbon capture and utilization **Key Publications**: His recent work addresses hydrogen recovery from industrial gases, electrolysis optimization, and hydrogen’s role in decarbonization. Earlier studies include solar-hydrogen systems, optimal hydrogen storage for wind grids, and adaptive power management strategies. **Labs/Teams**: Active in the CymruH2Wales energy storage project and affiliated with the **Baglan Energy Park** research facilities.

Anastasia MarkinaView profile

Research Fellow

• Organic Photovoltaics
• Non-Fullerene Acceptors
• Charge Generation
• +3 more

Anastasia Markina is a Research Fellow at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, specializing in the design of non-fullerene acceptors for organic solar cells. She joined the institute's theory group in 2018, focusing on advancing photovoltaic efficiency through material science and computational modeling. Her research integrates experimental and theoretical approaches to understand exciton dynamics, charge generation mechanisms, and interfacial properties in organic semiconductors. Markina holds a PhD in Physics from Moscow State University (2017), where she developed hybrid simulation schemes for molecular systems. Prior to her postdoc, she interned at Schlumberger Moscow Research Center, optimizing nanopore flow estimation methods. Her academic background includes a Diploma in Condensed Matter Physics (Polymer Physics) from Moscow State University (2014). Her research interests span organic electronics, energy conversion materials, and nanoscale mechanics. Key contributions include identifying chemical design rules for non-fullerene acceptors, elucidating exciton diffusion in organic materials, and reducing charge recombination losses in solar cells. Recent work explores semitransparent photovoltaics leveraging intrinsic charge generation and stochastic resonance in nanoscale systems. Publications highlight advancements in charge transport physics, molecular architecture optimization, and device performance limits. Collaborations with groups led by Denis Andrienko and others emphasize interdisciplinary approaches to renewable energy materials. Current projects aim to bridge fundamental photophysics with practical applications in next-generation solar technologies.

Vamsi Krishna NarraView profile

Researcher

• Organic Electronics
• Photovoltaics
• Materials Chemistry
• +3 more

Vamsi Krishna Narra is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Rennes, specializing in advanced materials chemistry and photovoltaic technologies. His work focuses on organic solar cells, photodynamic therapy, and functionalized porphyrin/phthalocyanine systems. Current affiliations include the University of Rennes, France. Research interests emphasize optimizing hole-transport layers, non-fullerene acceptors, and interfacial engineering in organic photovoltaics. His studies also explore biomedical applications of porphyrin-based systems for cancer therapy and nanoscale self-assembly mechanisms. Recent work includes high-efficiency solar cell designs and novel drug-delivery systems. Publications highlight advancements in: 1) 17% efficiency non-fullerene solar cells, 2) halogen-free processing techniques, 3) porphyrin-based photodynamic therapy for colon cancer, and 4) quantum dot solar cell innovations. His research bridges fundamental chemistry with applied energy/materials science. No formal teaching roles or awards explicitly stated. Advising activities not documented in current materials. Active in collaborative projects involving solution-processed materials and device fabrication methodologies.

David SawtellView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Non-thermal plasmas
• Materials production
• Environmental waste remediation
• +5 more

Dr. David Sawtell is a Senior Lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University , specializing in non-thermal plasmas for materials production and environmental applications. His work bridges chemical engineering, plasma diagnostics, and sustainable technologies. PhD in Chemical Engineering, University of Manchester Masters in Chemical Engineering with Industrial Experience, UMIST Research Interests: Non-thermal plasmas for water treatment and waste remediation Infrared spectroscopic probing of plasma-material interactions Development of microfluidic plasma reactors Surface engineering with titanium dioxide and graphene composites Sustainable nanomaterial synthesis and environmental impact assessment Plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) optimization Publication Trends: Recent work focuses on water treatment via plasma, 2D nanomaterials, and environmental impact of waste technologies. Earlier studies emphasize plasma diagnostics, thin film characterization, and industrial fabrication methods. Scientific Contributions: Associate Member of the Institution of Chemical Engineers Key research in plasma-based microbial inactivation and VOC decomposition Innovations in auxetic foam fabrication for sports and industrial uses

• Nanomaterials
• Optoelectronics
• Solar Energy
• +7 more

Anupama Kaul is the PACCAR Professor in the departments of Electrical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering at the University of North Texas. Her research focuses on nanomaterials, optoelectronics, and energy-related applications, particularly in 2D materials like MoS₂, WSe₂, and perovskite-based systems. She leads the Discovery Park C136G laboratory, advancing innovations in photodetectors, solar cells, and flexible electronics. Her work emphasizes the synthesis, characterization, and application of novel materials for high-performance optoelectronic devices. Key areas include enhancing perovskite solar cell stability, developing strain-responsive semiconductor properties, and creating inkjet-printed biosensors. Her contributions bridge fundamental material science with practical technologies for energy harvesting and biomedical monitoring. Recent publications (2023–2025) highlight advancements in perovskite composites, 2D material defect engineering, and laser-induced material modifications. These studies underscore her team's focus on interdisciplinary material solutions for next-generation electronics and photonics.

Qingsu ChengView profile

Assistant Professor

• Bioimaging
• Cancer Microenvironment
• Nanotechnology
• +5 more

Dr. Qingsu Cheng is an Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM). Prior to UWM, he completed postdoctoral training at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab and served as a research scientist at the University of Nevada Reno. His research focuses on cancer therapeutics, microbiome analysis, and advanced imaging techniques. He leads the Cancer Therapeutics, Microbiome, and Imaging Lab, where he develops quantitative assays for organoid models and synthesizes C60-nucleic acid probes for live microorganism detection. Education: PhD in Biomedical Engineering, University of South Carolina MS in Biochemical Engineering, Sichuan University BS in Bioengineering, Nanjing University of Technology Research Interests: Dr. Cheng's work integrates bioimaging, nanotechnology, and cancer microenvironment studies. His lab investigates organoid-fibroblast interactions in breast cancer treatment, environmental effects on organoid formation, and microbiome applications in food safety. Key projects include developing quantum cascade laser microscopy for cancer differentiation and patent-pending C60 probes for microbial identification. Professional Activities: NASA HRP Review Panel (2023) National Institutes of Health Review Panel ZRG1 OTC1-M(80) (2022) Co-founder of RiboFlare, a company commercializing microbial probes for food industry applications Referee for journals including Journal of Biomedical Materials Engineering and Carbohydrate Polymers Labs & Teams: The Cancer Therapeutics, Microbiome, and Imaging Lab at UWM drives interdisciplinary research in biomedical engineering, combining experimental and computational approaches to address unmet clinical needs in oncology and diagnostics.

Benjamin ChurchView profile

Associate Professor

• Materials Science
• Metallurgy
• Energy Storage
• +7 more

Benjamin Church is an Associate Professor in the Department of Materials Science & Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM), where he also serves as Director of the Advanced Analysis Facility. He holds a B.S. in Metallurgical Engineering from Michigan Technological University (1997), an M.S. (2002), and a Ph.D. (2004) in Materials Science and Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology, followed by a postdoc at Georgia Tech and industry experience at Modine Manufacturing. His research focuses on high-temperature materials for energy systems, corrosion resistance, novel material processing, and battery technologies. Key interests include brazing, electron microscopy, and thermal analysis. He has advised numerous graduate and undergraduate students, with notable projects on alumina-forming alloys and lithium-ion battery materials. Education: B.S., Metallurgical Engineering, Michigan Tech (1997) M.S., Materials Science & Engineering, Georgia Tech (2002) Ph.D., Materials Science & Engineering, Georgia Tech (2004) Dr. Church has received the 2012 Excellence in Teaching Award and is actively involved in professional societies like ASM International and ASEE. He mentors the UWM Chapter of Material Advantage and serves on ASM Milwaukee’s executive board. His lab work emphasizes industrial collaboration, addressing challenges in petrochemical processing and energy storage. Recent studies include self-healing composites and corrosion-resistant alloys.

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Photovoltaics
• +4 more

Nikolai Orlov is a Researcher at AMOLF, specializing in advanced materials science and nanotechnology. His work focuses on perovskite solar cells, in operando electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analysis, and developing novel materials processing techniques such as flash-sintering and spark plasma sintering. He holds a PhD in Materials Science from Lomonosov Moscow State University, where he studied bioceramics and 3D printing of bone graft materials. At AMOLF, he explores perovskite materials stability under optical bias and computer vision-based EBSD optimization for beam-sensitive materials. His research bridges materials synthesis, characterization, and application, with contributions to photovoltaics, biodegradable composites for bone regeneration, and additive manufacturing of ceramics. Key techniques include pulsed laser deposition, phase diagram determination, and stereolithography for high-strength porous ceramics. His work emphasizes sustainable energy materials and biomedical applications of advanced materials. Notable projects include template-assisted growth of perovskite solar cell materials, oxygen-mediated inorganic perovskite formation, and adaptable metamaterials for tissue engineering. His articles reflect expertise in epitaxial growth, light-induced material modifications, and phase equilibria in calcium phosphate systems. Nikolai’s research also involves collaborations with TU Clausthal and the Federal Institute of Materials Research and Testing (Berlin), focusing on bioceramic sintering and additive manufacturing. His current efforts at AMOLF aim to advance in operando EBSD methodologies and computational approaches for materials analysis.

• Ultrafast Spectroscopy
• Material Science
• Physical Chemistry
• +3 more

Dr. Jan Versluis is a Researcher leading the Ultrafast Spectroscopy Group at AMOLF, a research institute in Amsterdam specializing in interdisciplinary physics and chemistry. His work focuses on elucidating molecular-level phenomena at interfaces using advanced spectroscopic techniques such as sum-frequency generation (SFG) and ultrafast laser spectroscopy. Key research areas include interfacial water dynamics, surfactant behavior, lipid membrane interactions, and light-driven chemical reactions in materials like perovskites and biopolymers. Dr. Versluis' group investigates how molecular orientation, electrostatic interactions, and environmental factors influence surface and bulk properties of materials. Recent studies explore degradation mechanisms in perovskite solar cells, cholesterol roles in cell membranes, and proton uptake reactions triggered by light. His research bridges chemistry, physics, and biophysics, with applications in energy materials, biotechnology, and fundamental surface science. Labs/Teams: Ultrafast Spectroscopy Group (AMOLF). Collaborative networks include institutions focusing on nanomaterials, photovoltaics, and biomolecular interfaces. Technical expertise lies in developing SFG spectroscopy methods for probing aqueous interfaces and ultrafast processes.

Daniel LittleView profile

Assistant Professor

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Graphene Composites
• +3 more

Dr. Daniel Little is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Ohio Dominican University (ODU). He holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Michigan State University (2017), focusing on electrode materials for liquid ammonia electrolysis. Prior to joining ODU in 2019, he served as a chemistry lecturer at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, researching graphene-metal oxide composites. His current research emphasizes solar energy-driven water pollution remediation and novel applications of graphene-metal oxide materials. He teaches analytical, physical, and inorganic chemistry courses. Education: Ph.D. Chemistry, Michigan State University, 2017 Post-PhD Lecturing Position, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Research Interests: Development of advanced materials for energy storage and conversion Graphene-based composites for environmental remediation Electrochemical systems for hydrogen generation via ammonia electrolysis Solar energy applications in water treatment processes Advising & Grants: No advisees listed (PhD/Master’s students) Grants and funding details not specified in the provided text Labs & Teams: Current lab activities focus on material synthesis and characterization for environmental and energy applications Collaborations likely ongoing in graphene-based materials research

• Chemistry of inorganic and organic materials
• Chemical Nanotechnology
• Nanomedicine
• +3 more

Prof. Giuseppe Ciccarella is a Full Professor of Chemical Foundations of Technologies at the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento. He leads the Laboratory of Chemical Nanotechnologies and is affiliated with the INSTM UdR Lecce. His expertise spans synthesis and analysis of organic/inorganic materials for nanomedicine, renewable energy, and agropharmaceuticals. Education: PhD in Chemical Sciences. He has coordinated projects funded by the Puglia Region, Italian Ministry of Research, and PNRR. He serves on the Academic Senate and editorial boards of journals like Bioinorganic Chemistry and Applications . Research Interests: Focuses on nanomaterials for sensing, energy storage, and drug delivery. Key areas include phthalocyanines for optochemical sensors, DSSC solar cell dyes, and CaCO 3 nanocarriers for anticancer drugs. He employs advanced techniques like HR-NMR, FT-IR, and TEM. Grants & Projects: Led initiatives on nano-additives for aviation fuels, biocide release systems, and Xylella fastidiosa countermeasures. Collaborates internationally, including with Mexico's University of Guanajuato. Labs & Teams: Directs the Chemical Nanotechnologies Lab and contributes to interdisciplinary research at the Ecotekne Center. Engages in innovation through valorization and spin-off initiatives.

Mahamud SubirView profile

Professor

• Environmental Chemistry
• Surface Science
• Laser Spectroscopy
• +5 more

Mahamud Subir is a Professor of Chemistry at Ball State University since 2012, affiliated with the Department of Chemistry in the College of Sciences and Humanities. He holds a B.A. in Chemistry and Philosophy from Queens College, CUNY (2003), followed by advanced degrees from Columbia University: M.A. (2005), M.Phil. (2008), and Ph.D. (2009) in Physical Chemistry. His postdoctoral research was at McGill University (2012). His research focuses on environmental interfacial chemistry, leveraging laser spectroscopy and surface science to study processes at air-water interfaces, colloidal systems, and nanoscale surfaces. Key projects include investigating contaminant interactions with natural organic matter, nanoemulsion interfaces, and nanoparticle-based solar cells. The Subir Research Group addresses critical challenges in environmental chemistry, such as pollutant fate and remediation strategies. Notable publications span 2006–2024, emphasizing interfacial phenomena, colloidal behavior, and environmental contaminants. He teaches advanced chemistry courses and advises the Subir Research Group. His work bridges fundamental surface chemistry and applied environmental science, contributing to understanding pollutant dynamics in complex systems. While no formal awards are listed, his extensive publication record and active research projects reflect significant academic contributions. His teaching and mentorship emphasize hands-on research, encouraging students to explore interfacial and environmental chemistry challenges.