Cécile Hébert is an Associate Professor at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) , affiliated with multiple departments including the Laboratory of Electron Spectrometry and Microscopy (LSME) , SB-SPH-ENS , EDMX-ENS , and IMX-GE . She leads the Center for Electron Microscopy and contributes to projects like CHIRALTEM . Born in France (1970), she earned her PhD in Physics from École Centrale Paris . Postdoctoral work at Vienna University of Technology . Her research focuses on Electron Microscopy , particularly Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (EELS) , Magnetic Circular Dichroism (EMCD) , and 3D imaging . She develops computational tools like JEMS and advances Life Sciences applications in electron microscopy. Recent publications emphasize nanoscale magnetic characterization , low-loss EELS , and STEM-Chathodoluminescence . Her work spans materials science , physics , and computational methods . She mentors PhD students and teaches courses in Mechanics , Thermodynamics , and Electron-Matter Interactions . She is also a member of the Section Directors' Conference (CDS) and directs SB-SPH-GE .
Dr. Messaoud J. Bahoura is a Professor in the College of Science, Engineering and Technology at Norfolk State University , where he has been since 2010. He serves as Director and Principal Investigator for the NSF CREST Centers for Renewable Energy and Advanced Materials (CREAM) and Nano and Bio-Inspired Materials and Devices (CNBMD), managing $30M+ in funding from NSF and DoD. His roles include graduate program coordination and faculty advising for IEEE, MRS, NSBE, and SWE chapters. Education: M.S. and Ph.D. in Laser and Matter from University of Paris XI (1993, 1998) Dr. Bahoura's research interests focus on: Design of renewable energy harvesting and storage devices Development of energy-saving low-power sensors Advanced nanomaterials for photovoltaic and biomedical applications High-dielectric materials for secure computing systems His scientific expertise spans thermoelectric materials, plasmonic biosensors, transparent conductive films, and nanostructured energy storage systems, as evidenced by over 216 publications and 12 graduate students supervised. Awards: NRC Research Associateship at NASA (1998) Dr. Bahoura has been actively involved in grants research and professional societies including IEEE, OSA, APS, and SPIE.
Leonard R. MacGillivray is an Adjunct Professor at the Department of Chemistry within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Iowa . He earned his PhD from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a BSc from Saint Mary's University. His research focuses on supramolecular chemistry, particularly in the organic solid state. Education : PhD (University of Missouri-Columbia), BSc (Saint Mary's University) Research Interests - Organic Solid-State Reactivity : Using template molecules and noncovalent bonds (hydrogen and coordination-driven self-assembly) to enable solvent-free synthesis techniques like [2+2] photodimerizations. - Organic Semiconductor Materials : Engineering semiconductor cocrystals with face-to-face π-stacking arrangements, in collaboration with Prof. Alexei Tivanski. - Pharmaceutical Cocrystals : Developing novel solid forms of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) using hydrogen-bonded synthons and tautomer-based design principles, partnering with Abbvie's Dr. Geoff Zhang. Publications demonstrate expertise in cocrystal engineering, nanoscale molecular construction, and solid-state photochemical reactions. Recent work explores halogen bond flexibility and template-driven synthesis mechanisms. Former Positions include Adjunct Research Professor at the Ottawa-Carleton Chemistry Institute (1999-2000) and Research Associate at the Steacie Institute for Molecular Sciences, National Research Council of Canada (1998-2000).
Grace Han is an Associate Professor of Chemistry at Brandeis University, specializing in materials chemistry and organic chemistry. She earned her PhD in Chemistry at MIT under Timothy Swager, focusing on organic chromophores for photovoltaics, followed by a postdoc with Jeffrey Grossman in Materials Science & Engineering, investigating nanomaterials and optical properties. Her research group explores molecular solar thermal energy storage, optically-controlled material recycling, and light-driven phase transitions, merging synthetic chemistry with advanced characterization techniques. Key achievements include developing photo-switchable materials for energy storage and recyclable catalysis, recognized through prestigious awards like the Sloan Fellowship and NSF CAREER Award. Education: PhD in Chemistry, MIT (under Timothy Swager) Postdoctoral Research: MIT, Department of Materials Science & Engineering (with Jeffrey Grossman) Research focuses on stimuli-responsive materials, particularly light-driven systems for energy applications. Her Han Group aims to engineer materials with phase transitions triggered by light, addressing needs in waste heat recycling and solar energy storage. Recent work emphasizes understanding molecular switching dynamics in condensed phases. Awards include the Cram Lehn Pedersen Prize, AAAS Mason Award, and Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award. Her work bridges fundamental chemistry with applied energy solutions, supported by grants from AFOSR and NSF.
Xuefei Huang is a Professor in the Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Chemistry at Michigan State University (MSU), serving as Associate Chair for Research in the Chemistry Department. He earned his Ph.D. from Columbia University and previously worked at the University of Toledo. His research integrates synthetic chemistry, biology, and engineering to develop advanced tools for disease diagnosis and treatment, with a focus on carbohydrate chemistry, molecular imaging, and targeted drug delivery. Education: Ph.D., Columbia University Bachelor's degree, University of Science and Technology of China Research Interests: His work emphasizes the synthesis and application of carbohydrates, particularly in developing vaccines, anti-cancer therapies, and diagnostic nanoparticles. Key areas include glycoconjugate vaccines, nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems, and immunotherapies targeting cell surface carbohydrates. The Huang Lab employs interdisciplinary approaches, combining organic synthesis, molecular imaging, and virology. Research Trends in Publications: Recent work focuses on carbohydrate-based vaccines (e.g., SARS-CoV-2, Salmonella), glyco-nanoparticle design for imaging and surgery guidance, and structure-activity relationships in heparin/heparan sulfate oligosaccharides. Labs & Teams: The Huang Lab collaborates across disciplines to advance biomedical innovations, with a focus on translational applications in oncology, infectious diseases, and nanotechnology.
Prof. Thomas Fennel is a faculty member at the Max Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy, leading the department A1: Strong Field Processes at Extreme Wavelengths. His research focuses on ultrafast phenomena in strong-field physics, nanoplasma dynamics, and quantum coherent imaging. He has pioneered work on attosecond electron emission, laser-driven nanoplasma expansion, and light-induced dynamics in nanoscale systems. His educational background includes advanced studies in physics and optics, though specific degrees are not detailed here. His lab specializes in experimental and theoretical investigations of extreme light-matter interactions, particularly at the nanoscale. Key techniques include time-resolved spectroscopy, diffraction imaging, and ultrafast laser systems. Recent publications explore topics like subcycle metallization of nanoparticles, attosecond electron emission from metal tips, and quantum coherence in nanostructures. These contributions highlight his leadership in advancing ultrafast science and nanoscale optics. No awards are explicitly mentioned, though his prolific publication record indicates significant contributions to the field. He collaborates extensively with international teams on projects involving femtosecond imaging, plasma dynamics, and strong-field ionization. His work bridges fundamental physics with applications in nanotechnology and quantum photonics, positioning him as a key figure in modern ultrafast science.
Duygu Ağaoğulları is an Associate Professor at Istanbul Technical University's Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering. With over 15 years of research activity, her work spans composite materials, mechanical alloying, graphene-based nanomaterials, and high entropy ceramics. Research Focus: Graphene-reinforced composites, advanced oxidation processes, rare-earth borides, powder metallurgy techniques Collaborations: Active in international research networks, particularly with projects related to plasma-facing materials for nuclear applications Scientific Recognition: Recipient of 10 prestigious awards including the 2008 Young Researcher Award and 2021 MCM Best Paper Award Supervisor of 21 research projects including TUBITAK-funded initiatives on bio-remediation and plasma-facing materials Her research output trends show increasing focus on graphene composites and nuclear material applications since 2016, with significant contributions to spark plasma sintering and mechanochemical synthesis.
Dr. Yue (Jessica) Wang is an Associate Professor of Chemical and Materials Engineering at the University of California, Merced. She holds additional appointments in the Chemistry and Biochemistry and Bioengineering departments, reflecting her interdisciplinary expertise. Her research focuses on creating biomimetic electronic materials that replicate biological systems' mechanical and physiological properties. Ph.D., Inorganic Chemistry (2014) - University of California, Los Angeles B.S., Chemistry (2008) - University of California, Los Angeles Dr. Wang's laboratory develops advanced materials with four core research areas: (1) dynamically adaptive electronic materials, (2) additive manufacturing of functional metamaterials, (3) organic reconfigurable materials, and (4) slime mold-aided bio-designed networks. These innovations enable patient-specific biomedical devices capable of detection, sensing, and stimulation, while prioritizing environmental and intellectual sustainability. The lab's recent research trends include 3D-printed conductive polymers, strain-invariant electronic foams, and graphene-based nanomaterials. This work intersects soft electronics, biomimicry, and advanced manufacturing techniques to create materials with unprecedented mechanical and electrical properties. Dr. Wang's team combines expertise in polymer synthesis, device fabrication, and mechanical characterization, operating at the intersection of chemistry, engineering, and biotechnology. She can be reached at yuewang@ucmerced.edu or +1 (209) 228-3611.
William Dichtel is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Northwestern University, holding the Robert L. Letsinger Professorship. His research focuses on synthetic and supramolecular chemistry to develop structurally precise organic materials for water purification, energy storage, and biological interactions. B.S., MIT (2000) Ph.D., UC-Berkeley (2005) Postdoctoral studies at UCLA & Caltech (2005-2008) Key research areas include: Water purification materials (especially PFAS removal) Energy storage polymers Self-healing polymer systems 2D covalent organic frameworks (COFs) Nanomaterial-biological interactions Mechanochemical polymer activation The group's publications demonstrate expertise in 2D materials, polymer chemistry, and environmental applications, with recent innovations in solid-state polymerization and low-energy PFAS destruction methods. Scientific recognitions include: MacArthur 'Genius Grant' (2015) Guggenheim Fellowship (2018) Blavatnik Award for Young Scientists (2020) Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher (2024) Kavli Frontiers Fellow (2015) ACS National Fresenius Award (2014) Current advisees include NSF Graduate Research Fellow Laura Reed and Schmidt Science Fellow Ansuree Natraj. The lab maintains collaborations with institutions including Max-Planck Institute for Solid State Research and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
Leon Balents is a theoretical physicist at the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics (KITP) at the University of California Santa Barbara. He serves as Program Co-Director of the Quantum Materials program and holds the Yzurdiaga Chair of Theoretical Physics. His research spans correlated electron systems, quantum magnetism, and complex materials with particular focus on exotic quantum phenomena in condensed matter systems. His research interests include correlation effects in one-dimensional systems, exotic quantum critical phenomena, topology in the solid state, and spin liquids in frustrated magnets. Balents has made significant contributions to the understanding of quantum spin liquids, topological materials, and more recently, twisted bilayer graphene systems. His work bridges theoretical concepts with experimental realizations, collaborating closely with experimental groups at UCSB and worldwide. Key research trends in his publications show a progression from fundamental quantum magnetism to topological materials and quantum spin liquids, and more recently to twisted bilayer graphene and moiré physics. His work consistently focuses on highly entangled quantum matter where traditional theoretical approaches fail and new paradigms are needed. Elected Member of the US National Academy of Science (2019) Elected Member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2018) Yzurdiaga Chair of Theoretical Physics (2017) American Physical Society Fellow (2013) As an advisor, Balents has mentored numerous graduate students and postdocs who have gone on to successful careers in academia and research. He is deeply involved in multiple collaborative research initiatives including the CIFAR Quantum Materials program (which he co-directs), the UCSB Quantum Foundry (where he leads Thrust 1 on highly entangled matter), the Simons Collaboration on Ultra-Quantum Matter, and the EPiQS Theory Center sponsored by the Moore Foundation. These programs provide substantial research funding and collaborative opportunities for his students and postdocs. At the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics, Balents is part of a vibrant research ecosystem that hosts numerous programs bringing together leading scientists from around the world. His work benefits from close collaborations with experimentalists at UCSB including Stephen Wilson (materials growth), Susanne Stemmer (thin film growth), and Andrea Young (2D materials), creating a strong theory-experiment feedback loop that drives discovery in quantum materials.
Elizabeth (Liza) Lee is an Assistant Professor at the Samueli School of Engineering , University of California, Irvine (UCI), with joint appointments in Materials Science and Engineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering . Her research program focuses on theory and computational modeling of materials formation, breakdown, and transport to design sustainable solutions for quantum and energy technologies. Ph.D. , MIT, Chemical Engineering M.S. , MIT, Chemical Engineering Practice B.S./B.A. , Johns Hopkins University, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Chemistry Lee’s research bridges ab initio calculations , machine learning , and molecular simulations to study functional materials. Key areas include catalytic plastic waste deconstruction , quantum defects in semiconductors , and computational method development using statistical mechanics and machine learning. Her work has implications for sustainable synthesis , quantum information science , and energy technologies . Her recent publications (2025–2024) span nanostructure modeling , electrocatalysis , machine learning in materials science , and solid-state electrolytes , reflecting her interdisciplinary approach. Notable awards include the NSF CAREER Award , UCI Samueli Faculty Development Chair , and DOE ASCR Leadership Computing Challenge Award . NSF CAREER Award UCI Samueli Faculty Development Chair DOE ASCR Leadership Computing Challenge Award NSF Graduate Research Fellowship AIChE Electronics and Photonics Materials Award UCI Engineering Student Council’s Professor of the Year Award Maria Lastra Postdoctoral Mentor Award
Prof. Dr. Hans-Georg Steinrück is a faculty member at Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, affiliated with the Institute for Sustainable Hydrogen Economy (INW) and leading the Department of Catalytic Interfaces (INW-1). His research spans electrochemical systems, materials science, and interface engineering for energy applications. University: Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH Institute: Institute for Sustainable Hydrogen Economy (INW) Department: Catalytic Interfaces (INW-1) Rank: Professor Research Focus: Dr. Steinrück investigates structural and dynamic properties of materials in electrochemical systems. Key areas include: Hydrogen economy and sustainable energy storage Thin film characterization via X-ray and electron diffraction Electrolyte dynamics in battery technologies Surface science applications for catalysis and corrosion resistance Organic electronics and molecular alignment in semiconductors Recent Publication Trends: Recent works emphasize operando structural analysis of energy materials, ion transport mechanisms in electrolytes, and advanced characterization techniques like grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIWAXS) and 3D electron diffraction. His research bridges fundamental materials science with applied energy technologies. Laboratory Affiliations: He leads the Catalytic Interfaces group within the Institute for Sustainable Hydrogen Economy, focusing on sustainable hydrogen systems and interfacial processes.
Professor Chen Lang is a faculty member in the Department of Physics at Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), where he serves as Vice-chair of the Department. He has made significant contributions to the field of complex functional oxides and multiferroic materials. Professor Chen received his Ph.D. in Materials Science from the University of Maryland in 2005, following an M.S. in Condensed Matter Physics from the Institute of Physics, Beijing (2000) and a B.S. in Physical Electronics from Fudan University (1997). Prior to joining SUSTech in 2013, he served as an Assistant Professor at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (2006-2013) and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at CNRS, France (2005-2006). Professor Chen's research primarily focuses on multiferroic complex oxides , strain and domain engineering , and emergent materials and metamaterials . He has made groundbreaking contributions to understanding the nonlinear piezoresponse of ferroelectric thin films and elucidating ferroelastic domain dynamics. His work on low symmetry phases, domain structures, and in-plane polarization rotation in epitaxial BiFeO3 thin film systems has been particularly influential. Analysis of Professor Chen's recent publications reveals a strong focus on multiferroic materials, complex oxides, and strain engineering. His work spans from fundamental studies of domain structures and phase transitions to applied research on novel materials with exceptional electromagnetic and mechanical properties. A notable trend in his recent work is the exploration of high-entropy oxides and their unique magnetic and mechanical properties. Pengcheng Scholar, Shenzhen Municipality Shenzhen Municipal Government's Peacock Program B category Shenzhen local-level leading talent Navigation Talent B category Nanyue Excellent Teacher Shenzhen Excellent Teacher SUSTech Outstanding Young Scholar SUSTech Excellent Service Award Professor Chen has published over 140 journal papers in prestigious journals including Nature Materials, Physical Review Letters, Advanced Materials, and Nature Communications. His work has been cited over 4,500 times with an h-index of 36. He has secured more than 30 million yuan in research funding, including 7 national-level projects and 7 provincial/municipal-level projects. He serves as a reviewer for numerous prestigious journals such as Advanced Materials and Applied Physics Letters. Professor Chen leads an active research group at SUSTech focusing on complex functional oxides and multiferroic materials. His team employs advanced techniques for materials synthesis and characterization to explore novel electromagnetic and mechanical properties in thin film systems. The group has made significant contributions to understanding domain dynamics, strain effects, and phase transitions in functional oxide materials.
Peng Chen is an Associate Professor at the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Microelectronics, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China. He has served in this position since December 2022, following his role as an Assistant Professor from September 2021 to December 2022 at the same institution. Educational Background: Ph.D. (2010-2016), Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China Bachelor (2006-2010), Department of Physics, Northwestern University, China Dr. Chen's research focuses on developing high-performance two-dimensional semiconductor information devices and integration technologies for the post-Moore era. His work spans the development of new materials, novel device principles, and high-performance integrated circuits based on 2D electronic devices. By exploring the fundamental physics of 2D materials and their heterostructures, his research aims to overcome the performance limitations of conventional micro- and nanoelectronic devices and circuits. His publication record demonstrates expertise across multiple domains of 2D materials research, with particular emphasis on transition metal dichalcogenides like WS2 and WSe2. His work spans from fundamental material synthesis to device physics and practical applications in electronics and optoelectronics, reflected in publications in high-impact journals including Nature, Science, and Nature Materials. Scientific Awards: National High-level Young Talent Program (2022) Shenzhen High-level Talent Program (2021) First Prize of Science and Technology Award of China Materials Research Society (2020) Director Scholarship of Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (2015, 2013) Three Good Students of Chinese Academy of Sciences (2014, 2013) Dr. Chen serves as a Doctoral Supervisor with an impressive publication record of over 40 papers in top international journals, including 2 Nature, 1 Science, and 1 Nature Materials papers. His work has been cited over 4,000 times with an H-index of 29. He has secured funding through the National Natural Science Foundation of China's High-level Young Talent Program, a general program, and projects from the Shenzhen Municipal Science and Technology Innovation Commission. He actively serves as a reviewer for multiple journals and as a fund reviewer. Dr. Chen leads a research group focused on high-performance and new principle logic and sensing devices, exploring applications in next-generation information and life health technologies. The group maintains a strong academic atmosphere and welcomes postdoctoral fellows and graduate students with backgrounds in microelectronics, physics, materials science, and biology.
Dr. Spencer Jeffs is an Associate Professor in Aerospace Engineering at Swansea University's School of Aerospace, Civil, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering. Based in the Institute of Structural Materials, his research focuses on advanced high-temperature materials including ceramic matrix composites (CMCs), titanium alloys, and nickel superalloys, with applications in gas turbines and nuclear reactors. He is a Chartered Engineer (CEng) and Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), teaching across foundation, aerospace, mechanical, and materials engineering modules. Current roles: Admissions Tutor (2017-present), Honorary Editor for the Engineering Integrity Society (2020-present) Research aligns with SDGs 7 (Affordable Clean Energy) and 9 (Industry Innovation) His work employs experimental and computational techniques like mechanical testing, electron microscopy, and X-ray CT, often in collaboration with industrial partners. Recent publications emphasize small punch testing for additive manufacturing, process optimization, and structural integrity of advanced materials. Supervision includes PhD projects on CMCs, corrosion-fatigue interactions, and hybrid composite driveshafts.
