Gonzalo Martin, Alicia is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid. Her work focuses on advanced materials for solar energy applications, particularly in quantum dot solar cells, plasmonic nanoparticles, and semiconductor alloy engineering. She leads research on GaAs-based photonic materials and has pioneered studies on gallium nanoparticles for antireflection coatings and localized surface plasmons for enhanced optical absorption. Her research integrates nanotechnology, materials science, and renewable energy technologies. Key projects include optimizing multi-junction solar cells using type-II superlattices and investigating nitrogen incorporation in GaAsSbN systems to improve photovoltaic efficiency. She has published extensively in Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells , Applied Physics Letters , and Nanophotonics . Current projects include a Madrid-funded initiative on hydothermal particle receivers and a UC3M project on luminescent nanoparticles for photonic conversion layers. Her work bridges fundamental materials research with applied solar energy solutions, emphasizing defect control, bandgap engineering, and scalable fabrication techniques.
Harry Varvoglis is a Professor in the Department of Physics at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, specializing in astrophysics and celestial mechanics. His work bridges theoretical and applied physics, focusing on the dynamics of planetary systems and complex Hamiltonian systems. Non-linear Dynamical Systems Asteroidal Transport Mechanisms Three-Body Coulomb Interactions Two-Fixed-Centers Problem His research reveals fundamental properties of phase space structure, chaotic behavior, and diffusion processes in celestial and atomic systems. Collaborators include prominent scientists like Menios Tsiganis and Karl Wodnar. Recent publications analyze free-floating planet scattering, asteroid belt dynamics, and orbital resonance stability. His work demonstrates interdisciplinary applications of celestial mechanics to astrophysical and plasma physics problems. Contact: varvogli@shift_2.physics.auth.gr varvogli@astro.auth.gr
Dr. Zhiwei Gao is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematics, Physics and Electrical Engineering at Northumbria University. He holds prestigious fellowships including IEEE Fellow (2023), Royal Academy of Engineering/Leverhulme Trust Research Fellowship (2024), and Fellowships of AAIA and AIIA. His research focuses on control systems, renewable energy, fault diagnosis, and real-time systems, with applications in wind turbine systems and wave energy conversion. Education: PhD in Engineering (1996). Research Interests: Real-time diagnosis and resilient control for industrial systems Energy management and renewable energy technologies Machine learning applications in anomaly detection and music generation Fault-tolerant control for fuzzy systems and multi-agent coordination Recent articles highlight advancements in distributed observers for LTI systems, deep reinforcement learning for energy management, and hybrid approaches for fault diagnosis. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to sustainable energy and technological innovation. Awards: IEEE Fellow, RAEng/Leverhulme Trust Fellowship, Alexander von Humboldt Awards (2015, 2018, 2022). Editorial Roles: Co-EIC of IEEE Transactions on Industrial Informatics, Senior Editor of IEEE Access, and editorial board member of Renewable Energy (Elsevier). Projects: Leading research on wave energy conversion systems and resilient control strategies. He advises PhD students in health monitoring and resilient control for complex systems, contributing to cutting-edge advancements in industrial informatics.
Professor Kent Walker is a faculty member at the Odette School of Business, University of Windsor, specializing in social entrepreneurship, sustainability, and corporate social responsibility. His work integrates theoretical research with practical initiatives, such as leading student trips to Costa Rica to study eco-tourism and social enterprise models. He actively engages with the Enactus Windsor team, guiding projects that address social, environmental, and economic challenges, earning regional and national recognitions. His research spans organizational culture, stakeholder management, and institutional theory, with a focus on bridging theory and practice in management education. Walker’s pedagogical approach emphasizes holistic learning through experiential programs like praxis-based classroom practices. He has authored works on meditation’s role in business leadership and contributed to discussions on multi-stream teaching methodologies to reduce materialism in business education. His academic contributions include studies on corporate environmental performance, paradox theory in sustainability, and the dynamics of emerging industries. Labs/Teams: Enactus Windsor (adviser) Social Entrepreneurship Study Abroad Programs
Claudia CRESTINI is a Full Professor at the Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems (DSMN) of Ca' Foscari University of Venice. She holds roles in the Management Committee of the University Scientific Instrumentation Service Center (CSA) and the technical-scientific Committee of the Ca' Foscari Challenge School (DSMN). Her research focuses on sustainable chemistry, nanomaterials, and lignin valorization, with emphasis on biomass-derived materials for environmental and biomedical applications. Her teaching activities include courses on sustainable chemistry, engineering physics, and laboratory modules in general and inorganic chemistry. She leads the Responsabile dell’Attività di Didattica e Ricerca in Laboratorio (RDRL) and oversees labs in the ALFA and BETA buildings at the Campus via Torino. She is also affiliated with the Research Institute for Green and Blue Growth and the Interconnected Nord-Est Innovation Ecosystem. Research interests span lignin functionalization, nanomaterial synthesis from biomass waste, and eco-friendly chemical processes. Recent work emphasizes lignin-based nanoparticles for drug delivery, dye removal, and renewable materials. Her articles highlight advancements in lignin self-assembly, enzymatic catalysis, and sustainable polymer composites. Dr. CRESTINI’s labs specialize in analytical techniques (e.g., NMR, Raman spectroscopy) and biorefinery methods to transform lignocellulosic biomass. She actively contributes to green chemistry initiatives, including bio-based packaging and solar-driven water purification systems.
Eleonora Botta is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University at Buffalo (SUNY), affiliated with the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Her research focuses on space debris removal, tethered systems dynamics, spacecraft control, and flexible structure dynamics. She leads the UB Space System Dynamics and Control Lab. Education: PhD in Mechanical Engineering from McGill University (2017), MEng in Space Engineering from Politecnico di Milano (2013), and BEng in Aerospace Engineering from Politecnico di Milano (2010). Research Interests: Dynamics and control of space tethers Active debris removal strategies Collision detection and avoidance systems Spacecraft dynamics and control Publications Trends: Recent work emphasizes robust debris capture methods, tether system optimization, and real-time control algorithms for uncooperative debris. Key themes include inertia estimation, net deployment validation, and solar-electric propulsion trajectory design. Awards: 2024 NFS Young Professional of the Year 2023 SEAS Early Career Teacher of the Year 2015 Amelia Earhart Fellowship Grants & Advising: Active in grant-funded research on space debris mitigation. Supervises graduate students in robotics, control systems, and astrodynamics. Labs/Teams: Directs the UB Space System Dynamics and Control Lab, collaborating with industry and NASA on debris removal technologies.
Professor Giles Gasper is a leading scholar of High Medieval History at Durham University, specializing in the intellectual history of the 11th-13th centuries, particularly theological development. He holds the role of Deputy Executive Dean (Research) in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities and is a member of the Institute of Medieval and Early Modern Studies and the Centre for Catholic Studies. His research focuses on Robert Grosseteste’s scientific works through the Ordered Universe project, collaborating with scientists, artists, and medievalists. Key outputs include the Dimensions of Colour (2013) and ongoing Oxford University Press volumes on Grosseteste’s scientific writings. He also explores medieval monastic thought, material culture, and the intersection of theology and economy. His interdisciplinary work extends to collaborations with artists like Alexandra Carr and filmmakers, as seen in the Sculpting with Light project (2017). Award-winning projects include the Ordered Universe (shortlisted for the Times Higher Education Research Project of the Year 2014) and the 2016 Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Research Engagement (with colleagues). His supervision of PhD students spans topics like medieval foodways, timekeeping, and monastic historiography. He has hosted international visiting fellows such as Nader El-Bizri and Hannah Smithson. Awards: Multiple Durham University teaching/supervision awards, Oxford VC’s Engagement Award, and honorary doctorate from Bishop Grosseteste University. Grants: Leverhulme Trust (Sculpting with Light), Norwegian Research Council (Economies of Salvation). Labs/Teams: Core member of the interdisciplinary Ordered Universe team; collaborator with the National Glass Centre and Sunderland University artists.
Sarah Millholland is an Assistant Professor of Physics at MIT's Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research. Her research focuses on data-driven dynamical studies of extrasolar planetary systems, particularly their orbital architectures, formation processes, and connections between dynamics and physical properties like interiors and atmospheres. She employs numerical simulations, statistical methods, and close collaboration with observational data. Education: B.S. in Physics and Applied Mathematics (University of St. Thomas, 2015), M.S./Ph.D. in Astronomy (Yale University, 2020), postdoctoral fellow at Princeton University (2020-2022). Affiliations include MIT's Kavli Institute and collaborations across multiple institutions. Research Interests: Exoplanet orbital dynamics, tidal interactions, obliquity effects, resonant systems, planetary formation theories, and the interplay between planetary structure and orbital evolution. She investigates how gravitational forces shape observable characteristics of planetary systems and seeks to explain the diversity seen in exoplanets compared to our Solar System. Recent work highlights include studies on obliquity-driven tidal runaway forming ultra-short-period planets, spin dynamics in resonant chains, and empirical constraints on tidal dissipation in host stars. Her research bridges theoretical models with observational data from missions like Kepler and JWST. Awards: 2025 Sloan Fellowship, Vera Rubin Award (2024), NASA Sagan Fellowship (2020-2022), NSF Graduate Research Fellowship (2017-2020) Advising/Grants: Supervises students in exoplanet dynamics and has received funding from NASA, NSF, and fellowships. Active in mentoring early-career researchers and developing interdisciplinary approaches to planetary science. Labs/Teams: Maintains an active research group at MIT and collaborates with international teams on projects involving observational data interpretation and computational modeling.
Dr. Benjamin Korth is a Scientist and Team Leader of the 'Thermodynamics of electroactive microorganisms' group at the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ (Department of Microbial Biotechnology). He serves as Speaker for the Platform Project 'ElectroBiorefineries and Biosyntheses' and is a Member of the Scientific and Technical Council. His academic background includes a PhD in Biochemistry (summa cum laude) from the UFZ and studies in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena. Dr. Korth's research focuses on electroactive microorganisms, extracellular electron transfer, and related natural and biotechnological processes, with special emphasis on thermodynamic and kinetic fundamentals. He applies bio(electro)calorimetric, modeling, and electrochemical approaches to decipher energy harvest principles of electrogenic and electrotrophic microorganisms. His work aims to improve the energy efficiency of microbial electrochemical technologies through comprehensive understanding of energy fluxes during extracellular electron transfer. Analysis of Dr. Korth's recent publications (2021-2025) reveals a strong focus on bioelectrochemical systems for environmental applications. His research spans multiple domains including wastewater treatment, bioremediation of pollutants (nitrate, arsenite, phenol, sulfate), microbial electrosynthesis, and fundamental studies of electroactive biofilms. Key trends include investigating the thermodynamics of microbial electron transfer processes, optimizing reactor configurations (fixed-bed, biotrickling filters, flow systems), and characterizing microbial communities in electrochemical environments. His work bridges fundamental microbiology with practical engineering applications for sustainable technology development. Helmholtz-PhD award 2017, Research Area Energy Best Oral Presentation Award EU-ISMET 2016 Abstract Award & Best Oral Presentation Award ISMET 2015 Dr. Korth actively supervises students for internships, bachelor's, and master's theses in microbiology and electrobiotechnology, with current topics focusing on isolation of electroactive microorganisms, microbial fuel cell design, and cultivation of model organisms like Geobacter sulfurreducens. He has secured significant third-party funding for projects including SmartManure (UFZ-wide PhD college, 2024-2027), BISON (Biohybrid Solar Energy Collector, 2024-2026), and BENEFIT (bioelectrochemical wastewater treatment, 2024-2025). His science communication efforts have been recognized with multiple Science Slam awards, demonstrating his commitment to public engagement. Dr. Korth leads the research team focused on the thermodynamics of electroactive microorganisms within the Electrobiotechnology research group at UFZ. His laboratory work combines electrochemical approaches with microbial physiology studies to understand the fundamental energy conversion processes in microbial electrochemical systems. The team collaborates extensively with other research groups at UFZ and international partners, including research stays at the University of Girona and Technical University of Delft.
Corentin LE GUILLOU is a CNRS Research Fellow at the Materials and Transformations Unit (UMET) of the University of Lille , where he conducts research in the Terrestrial and Planetary Materials team. His work focuses on cosmochemistry, meteoritics, and the early evolution of the solar system through the analysis of extraterrestrial materials such as meteorites and asteroid Ryugu samples. His research interests span cosmochemistry, meteoritics, planetary science, geochemistry, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray absorption spectroscopy (STXM), hydrothermal experiments, asteroid Ryugu, chondrites, water-silicate interactions, organic matter in meteorites, experimental petrology, nanomineralogy, and astrobiology . He investigates water-silicate-organic interactions under hydrothermal conditions to simulate early solar system processes. His expertise lies in advanced micro-analytical techniques applied to extraterrestrial samples. His recent publications (2023–2025) reveal a strong focus on the analysis of Ryugu asteroid samples , with recurring themes in space weathering, organic matter characterization, mineralogical transformations, and aqueous alteration processes . He frequently collaborates with Hugues Leroux and international teams on high-impact studies published in journals like Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta , Nature Communications , and Meteoritics and Planetary Science . His work bridges experimental simulations with direct sample analysis to understand planetary formation and evolution. He has co-directed two PhD students: Maxime Morgano (thesis on chondrite water, defended 2023) and Pierre-Marie Zanetta (thesis on electron microscopy of early solar system solids, defended 2019). He is actively involved in major research projects related to asteroid sample analysis and has presented his work at international conferences such as the Lunar and Planetary Science Conference and the Meteoritical Society meetings. He is part of the Terrestrial and Planetary Materials research group within UMET, which utilizes advanced facilities such as the Lille Electron Microscopy Platform (PMEL) and synchrotron-based techniques for high-resolution analysis of geological and extraterrestrial materials.
Adrien NÉRI is a Senior Lecturer at the Materials and Transformations Unit (CNRS UMR 8207) at the University of Lille, located in Building C6, office 207 at the Scientific City campus in Villeneuve d'Ascq, France. He is an active member of the Terrestrial and Planetary Materials research team. Dr. NÉRI's research focuses on planetary mineralogy, with particular emphasis on the mineralogy of planetary interiors, elastic properties of solid-liquid mixtures, and small-scale distribution of liquids. His work combines experimental high-pressure techniques with detailed mineralogical analysis of extraterrestrial materials, especially samples from asteroid missions. He has made significant contributions to understanding space weathering processes through his work on Ryugu asteroid samples. His publication record shows a strong focus on methodological development for high-pressure experimentation, with recent work on internal pressure standards for elastic wave velocity measurements. This research has important applications for understanding material properties under extreme conditions relevant to planetary interiors. Dr. NÉRI collaborates extensively with international researchers in the planetary science community, particularly on studies of asteroid composition and planetary formation processes. His work represents an important bridge between experimental geophysics and planetary materials science.
Francisco DE LA PEÑA is a Lecturer in the Department of Physics at the Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Lille. He is a member of the Materials and Transformations Unit (UMET, CNRS UMR 8207) and works within the Terrestrial and Planetary Materials research team. His office is located in Building C6, Scientific City, Villeneuve d'Ascq, France. His primary research interests lie in the nanoscale characterization of astromaterials , particularly samples from the asteroid Ryugu returned by the Hayabusa2 mission. He specializes in advanced electron microscopy techniques, including 4D-STEM, electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), and vibrational spectroscopy in the STEM , to study space weathering, mineralogical transformations, and the interaction between organic matter and minerals at the nano-scale. His recent publications (2023–2025) reveal a strong focus on the analysis of Ryugu samples, investigating topics such as iron nitride formation, organic micro-globules, phyllosilicate matrices, pyrrhotite alteration, and shock metamorphism. These works, published in top-tier journals like Nature Astronomy and Meteoritics and Planetary Science , demonstrate a consistent trend in applying cutting-edge microscopy to unravel the geological and chemical history of primitive asteroids. Francisco DE LA PEÑA is a frequent co-author with leading scientists in the field, including Damien Jacob, Hugues Leroux, and Cécile Le Guillou . He actively contributes to the scientific community through presentations at international conferences such as Goldschmidt and the French Society of Microscopy. He has also contributed to methodological advances in electron microscopy data analysis, including work on the open-source software HyperSpy, reflecting his expertise in both experimental and computational aspects of materials characterization.
Hyunho Noh is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Oklahoma. His research focuses on heterogeneous electrocatalysts for sustainable energy applications, leveraging metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and transition metal nitrides to achieve molecular-level control over catalyst structure and microenvironments. Education: B.S., University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (2014) Ph.D., Northwestern University (2019) Postdoc, Yale University (2019–2023) Research interests include electrocatalysis, MOF-based catalysis, and structure-activity relationships for energy-relevant transformations such as CO₂ reduction and hydrogen evolution. His group explores how structural modulations in MOFs and nitrides influence catalytic performance through precise control of interfacial thermodynamics and kinetics. Recent work highlights include studies on H-atom transfer thermochemistry in Ti-MIL-125 and Ce-MOF-808, as well as transition metal nitride-catalyzed dinitrogen electro-reduction. Graduate students Hafsa and Gokce, along with undergraduates like Zach and Alex, have contributed to these efforts. Labs/Teams: Noh Lab (Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, OU) actively seeks graduate and undergraduate researchers. The lab is located at Stephenson Parkway, Norman, OK.
Silvia Öttl is a Senior Lecturer at MCI Management Center Innsbruck in the Smart Building Technologies department. Previously, she held a PostDoc position at the University of Innsbruck’s Institute for Construction and Material Science and worked at Bartenbach GmbH in R&D, focusing on energy-efficient building technologies. Her academic career includes a PhD in Astrophysics (2014) and prior roles in astrophysical research at the University of Innsbruck’s Institute for Astro- and Particle Physics. Education: PhD in Astrophysics (University of Innsbruck, 2014), MSc/BSc in Physics (University of Innsbruck, 2011), and Matura from Naturwissenschaftliches Bundesrealgymnasium Wörgl (2001). Research interests span smart building systems, energy-efficient ventilation, fire safety in HVAC systems, and sustainable construction. Her astrophysical work focused on planetary nebulae ionization, gamma-ray sources via H.E.S.S. collaboration, and astrochemistry of interstellar molecules. Publications include peer-reviewed studies in astrophysics and building technology, including contributions to the H.E.S.S. collaboration’s gamma-ray observations and recent work on indoor air quality optimization in educational facilities. She has received the MCI Teaching Award (2022). Teaching roles include courses on energy-efficient lighting, building physics, and astrophysics at the University of Innsbruck. She advises Bachelor’s theses on energy communities, renewable energy integration, and indoor environment monitoring. Professional training includes project management for Horizon 2020, didactic qualifications, and mediation in academic environments.
Laurette Piani is a CNRS Researcher (Chargée de Recherche) at the Centre de Recherches Pétrographiques et Géochimiques (CRPG) in Nancy, France, within the University of Lorraine. Her research focuses on the origin and distribution of water and organic compounds in planetary materials, with a specialization in light element isotopic analysis (H, C, N, O). She investigates meteorites, particularly chondrites, to trace the evolution of volatile elements in the early Solar System. Education & Career: PhD 2008-2012: Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle (Paris), studying volatile elements in chondrites. Postdoctoral Fellowships (2012-2015): CRPG Nancy and Hokkaido University (Japan), focusing on sulfur solubility and interstellar organic residues. Lecturer (2015-2017): Hokkaido University, teaching cosmochemistry. Current Position: CNRS Researcher since 2018, leading the HYDRaTE project (ANR-funded). Research Interests: Hydrogen and water delivery mechanisms to terrestrial planets. Isotope fractionation in interstellar and protoplanetary environments. Experimental simulations of organic residue evolution (PICACHU project). Chondrule formation processes and sulfur behavior in meteorites. Grants & Projects: HYDRaTE (ANR-19-CE31-0027-01): 4-year study on hydrogen distribution in chondritic materials (2020-2024). ERC Photonis: Investigating isotope fractionation during ionization (2017-2021). JSPS/CNRS Sakura Project: Chondrule cooling and sulfur dynamics (2015-2018). Labs & Collaborations: Leads the CRPG cosmochemistry team, collaborates with institutions like Hokkaido University (Japan), CSNSM-MNHN (Paris), and IMPMC (Paris).
