Find Academic Supervisors

Kamalakannan KailasamView profile

Professor

• Nanomaterials Engineering
• Photocatalysis
• Renewable Energy
• +5 more

Professor Kamalakannan Kailasam is a faculty member at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, India, specializing in Advanced Functional Nanomaterials for Energy and Environmental Applications. His research focuses on photocatalytic water splitting, CO₂ conversion, gas storage, and environmental remediation. He leads a dynamic research group exploring porous materials like graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), and mesoporous organics for sustainable energy and environmental solutions. His work emphasizes material design for solar fuel production, pollution control, and biomass valorization. Recent studies highlight innovations in CO₂ capture, photocatalytic reactions under visible light, and functional porous networks. Research Interests: Photocatalytic water splitting and solar fuel generation CO₂ conversion and greenhouse gas mitigation Design of porous organic/inorganic hybrid materials Biomass-to-fuel conversion and waste plastic utilization Environmental remediation via advanced oxidation processes Energy storage systems (fuel cells, batteries, supercapacitors) Key Research Trends (2023-2024): Focus on metal-free catalysts and heterostructure engineering Development of eco-friendly photocatalysts from waste resources Integration of biomass valorization with CO₂ capture Exploration of novel heptazine-based polymers for C–H activation Advising & Grants: Supervises 8+ PhD students and postdocs, with ongoing projects funded by national and international grants focused on sustainable energy materials. Collaborates with industry partners for scaling-up prototype devices. Labs/Teams: Heads the Advanced Functional Nanomaterials Lab at INST, coordinating interdisciplinary projects in materials synthesis, characterization (XRD, SEM, BET), and application testing in energy/environmental systems.

Ihsan ÇahaView profile

Research Fellow

• Materials Science
• Electron Microscopy
• Energy Storage
• +5 more

Ihsan Çaha serves as a Research Fellow at the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) within the Nanostructured Materials Research Group and P. Ferreira Research Group. His work focuses on TEM/STEM investigations of energy-related materials under the Portuguese Recovery and Resilience Plan's New Generation Storage Agenda. His research spans materials science disciplines including superconductivity, biomaterials, solar cells, and catalysts, with specialized expertise in electron microscopy techniques. He possesses extensive hands-on experience in SEM, FIB/SEM, EDX, Aberration Corrected TEM-STEM imaging, EELS spectroscopy, and in situ TEM analysis, complemented by advanced skills in image processing and simulation using Digital Micrograph and CrystalMaker. Recent publications demonstrate his leadership in energy materials innovation, with significant contributions to ultrathin solar cell technology, CO2-to-methanol conversion catalysts, hydrogen storage systems, and nanomedicine drug delivery platforms. His work consistently bridges fundamental nanoscale characterization with practical energy and healthcare applications. Scientific Awards: Award for participating in the nanoGateway Mobility Program at INL facilities Dr. Çaha has secured research funding through the FCT-supported CASOLEM project (Correlated Analysis of Inorganic Solar Cells) and the national RRP initiative. His collaborative work within the Nanostructured Materials Research Group involves mentoring junior researchers in advanced microscopy techniques despite no formal advisees being documented. He operates within INL's state-of-the-art microscopy facilities as a core contributor to the institution's energy materials research portfolio, focusing on next-generation storage solutions and sustainable technology development.

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Smart Textiles
• +4 more

Jaana Vapaavuori is an Associate Professor at Aalto University's Department of Chemistry and Materials Science, where she leads research in the Multifunctional Materials Design group. Her work spans multiple disciplines within materials science, with a particular focus on sustainable and smart materials. Her educational background includes a Doctoral degree in Engineering and Technology from Aalto University (awarded June 12, 2013) and a Master's degree from Helsinki University of Technology (awarded January 27, 2009). Professor Vapaavuori's research interests center around sustainable materials development, with particular expertise in: Nanocellulose-based materials and their applications Smart textiles and responsive materials Surface science and functional coatings Sustainable energy storage solutions Metal recovery using electrochemical methods Her recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on developing sustainable alternatives to conventional materials, with particular attention to cellulose-based systems, smart textiles, and environmentally friendly metal recovery processes. Her work bridges fundamental materials science with practical applications in energy, textiles, and environmental technology. Professor Vapaavuori has received significant research funding for her work, including multiple active projects: NorTex: Towards Nordic Center of Future Textiles (2025-2026) FinnCERES Storage (2025-2026) EARMetal: Electrochemically-Assisted Aqueous Reduction of Waste Streams (2021-2025) ModelCom: Autonomously adapting and communicating modular textiles (2021-2025) Her research has attracted considerable media attention, with 34 press/media mentions, highlighting the societal relevance of her work on smart textiles and sustainable materials. Her research contributes to multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to sustainable industry, responsible consumption, and climate action.

• Two-dimensional materials processing
• Device fabrication
• Thin-film optics
• +5 more

Dr. Gregory Burwell is a Senior Lecturer in Physics at Swansea University’s Faculty of Science and Engineering. He is affiliated with the School of Biosciences, Geography and Physics and serves as the Heterogeneous Integration Leader at the Centre for Integrative Semiconductor Materials (CISM). His research focuses on two-dimensional materials processing, optoelectronic devices (e.g., photovoltaics, photodetectors), and molecular semiconductors. He teaches the module PH-300: Semiconductor Device Physics, covering fundamental device physics and practical applications like transistors and solar cells. His recent work emphasizes indoor photovoltaic systems, thin-film optics, and heterogeneous integration. He has supervised multiple postgraduate students in topics like optoelectronic glass, semiconductor photodetectors, and functional coatings for semiconductor materials. His publications span journals such as Solar RRL , Advanced Materials , and Nature Photonics . Burwell collaborates widely, with research impacting energy harvesting, biosensors, and semiconductor device optimization. He actively participates in academic networks and engages in industry partnerships through Swansea’s research initiatives.

Sophie PainView profile

Assistant Professor

• Silicon photovoltaics
• Atomic layer deposition
• Passivation
• +3 more

Dr Sophie Pain is an Assistant Professor (Research-Focused) and Royal Academy of Engineering Research Fellow at the School of Engineering, University of Warwick. Her research focuses on enhancing the recyclability of silicon photovoltaics and optimizing electronic materials through atomic layer deposition (ALD) and passivation techniques. She holds a MSci in Chemistry from the University of Birmingham (2019) and a PhD in Electronic Materials and Interfaces from Warwick (2023), where her thesis explored chemical treatments and nanoscale dielectrics for electronic materials. Her work addresses challenges in solar cell efficiency and sustainability, including polymer-free encapsulants for photovoltaic modules. Research interests include silicon photovoltaics, ALD processes, and circular economy strategies for renewable energy systems. Notable grants include a Royal Academy of Engineering Fellowship (2024) and ISIS Beamtime allocations for studies on muon spin spectroscopy and carrier lifetime analysis. Pain also contributes to teaching interdisciplinary modules like ES327 (Individual Project) and CH993 (Global Decarbonisation). Key Awards: Royal Academy of Engineering Fellowship (2024), SEM Faculty Thesis Prize (2023) Professional Activities: Royal Society of Chemistry Energy Sector SIG, UK Metamaterials Network Her research bridges material science and renewable energy, emphasizing sustainable manufacturing and recycling solutions for photovoltaic technologies.

Leo PolakView profile

Academic

• Hydrogen Technology
• Energy Transition
• Electrochemical Systems
• +3 more

Leo Polak is an Associate Lecturer in Hydrogen Technology at HAN University of Applied Sciences. He leads the Engineering Hydrogen Systems research line, focusing on electrochemical stack characterization, Balance of Plant component integration, and techno-economic analyses of decentralized hydrogen applications. His work bridges research and education through initiatives like the Hydrogen Technology Theme Route for bachelor's programs and the Hydrogen Technology module in the Master's program in Engineering Systems. As part of the Balanced Energy Systems Lectorate, Polak collaborates with SEECE to develop sustainable energy solutions, leveraging testing facilities for solar, electrical, and hydrogen technologies. His research emphasizes practical applications and knowledge dissemination to educational institutions, ensuring academic and industrial alignment in the energy transition field.

Rinat KhusainovView profile

Professor

• Applied Artificial Intelligence
• Health Informatics
• Machine Learning
• +5 more

Rinat Khusainov is a Professor at the University of Portsmouth's Faculty of Technology, affiliated with the School of Computing and the Department of Computing. He holds roles as Associate Head (Research and Innovation), Innovation and Impact Development Manager, and PhD Supervisor. His research focuses on Applied Artificial Intelligence, particularly in health technologies, sensor systems, and addressing societal challenges through AI. He leads the University of Portsmouth's Cisco Networking Academy, contributing to undergraduate/postgraduate curriculum and professional development programs like Cisco CCNA. Khusainov has a PhD in Computer Science from University College Dublin (2004) and an MSc from the same institution (1998). His research interests span Machine Learning, Computer Vision, IoT, Cybersecurity, and healthcare analytics. He has collaborated with industry on projects involving assisted living technologies, smart sensors, and embedded systems. Key affiliations include the Centre for Healthcare Modelling and Informatics, Computational Intelligence Research Group, and Future of Law, Innovation and Technology Research Centre. Recent articles highlight innovations in AI-driven mental health solutions, edge-based violence detection systems, and steganographic methods. His work integrates interdisciplinary approaches, bridging AI with healthcare, cybersecurity, and renewable energy systems. He actively contributes to knowledge transfer initiatives, including EU-funded projects and industrial consultancy in sensor characterization and data management. Khusainov’s teaching portfolio includes computer networks, distributed systems, and machine learning. His academic leadership extends to managing research impact initiatives and fostering innovation in higher education through tech-enabled pedagogies. He remains engaged in advancing ethical AI applications and sustainable energy technologies through collaborative research.

Sumit RoyView profile

Associate Professor

• Energy Engineering
• Fuel Cell Technology
• Sustainable Hydrogen Production
• +5 more

Dr. Sumit Roy is an Associate Professor at Durham University's Centre for E-Mobility and Clean Growth, actively contributing to energy engineering and sustainable technologies. His research focuses on hydrogen integration, fuel cell systems, and optimization of combustion engines for reduced emissions. Key affiliations: Durham University, Centre for E-Mobility and Clean Growth Research areas: Energy systems decarbonization, AI-driven optimization, hydrogen fuel technologies Recent work includes techno-economic analyses of hydrogen blending in natural gas networks, multi-energy building systems with water recirculation, and layered hydroxide materials for seawater hydrogen production. He has published extensively on solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), biodiesel optimization, and AI applications in emission-performance trade-offs. His collaborative research spans 2013–2025, with 48 total publications and 1295 Scopus citations. He serves as Guest Editor for Energies journal and contributes datasets to Durham University's repository.

• Functional hybrid materials
• Optoelectronics
• Opto-spintronics
• +7 more

Dave Hsinhan Tsai is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the State University of New York at Buffalo's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. He joined SUNY-Buffalo in January 2025 after completing a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of California, Berkeley and previous research positions at Los Alamos National Laboratory. His research group focuses on developing hybrid semiconductor materials that integrate organic and inorganic components for applications in sustainable energy and optoelectronics. Dr. Tsai's educational background includes a PhD in Materials Science and Nanoengineering from Rice University (2018), an MS in Molecular Science and Engineering from National Taipei University of Technology (2010), and a BS in Chemistry from Fu Jen Catholic University (2006). His research interests span functional hybrid materials, optoelectronics, opto-spintronics, clean energy, CO₂ capture and conversion, high-energy detectors, crystal superlattices, and operando characterization techniques. His recent publications reveal a strong focus on perovskite-based materials for energy applications, with significant work on CO₂ capture using metal-organic frameworks and advancements in X-ray detection technologies. The research shows consistent progress in understanding material properties at the molecular level and translating these insights into practical devices for energy conversion and environmental applications. Scientific awards received by Dr. Tsai include: R&D 100 award for Solution-processed Perovskite Crystalline Films (2023) Rising Star of Science Award from Research.com (2022) Highly Cited Researcher designation from Clarivate (2021) Rosalind Franklin Young Investigator Award from Argonne National Laboratory (2020) J. Robert Oppenheimer Distinguished Postdoc Fellowship from Los Alamos National Laboratory (2019) Dr. Tsai currently mentors several graduate and undergraduate students in his research group, including Rongbo Ji, Mahdi Montazeri, Cunyi Wei, and Melina Toromani. His lab maintains collaborations with other researchers at SUNY-Buffalo, including Professors Chi-Ching Kuo and Jeff Long. The Tsai Group operates from Furnas Hall and utilizes specialized facilities including Vigor gloveboxes with thermal deposition capabilities and spin coaters for materials synthesis and device fabrication.

Javad AbbasianView profile

Professor

• High-temperature gas cleaning
• Pollution control
• Solid waste management
• +5 more

Javad Abbasian is a Professor of Chemical Engineering and Director of Graduate Affairs in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Illinois Institute of Technology. He holds an MBA from the University of Chicago and a Ph.D. in Gas Engineering from Illinois Institute of Technology. His research focuses on high-temperature gas cleaning, pollution control, solid waste management, and process design for energy systems. Education: B.S. in Gas Engineering, Abadan Institute of Technology, Iran (1975) M.S. in Gas Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology (1978) Ph.D. in Gas Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology (1986) MBA, University of Chicago (1996) Research interests include carbon capture technologies, gas separation, and utilization of municipal wastewater in power plants. Current projects involve regenerative MgO-based processes for carbon capture and development of sorbent-enhanced water-gas-shift processes. He is affiliated with the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and the American Society for Engineering Education. His publications span CO2 capture, fluidized bed systems, and environmental engineering. Awards include the 2024 College Teaching Award and multiple Teacher of the Year recognitions. He has advised numerous collaborative projects on energy systems and environmental processes. Labs and teams: Leads research groups focused on carbon capture, gasification, and sustainable energy solutions at Illinois Tech’s Armour College of Engineering.

Nora Henriette de LeeuwView profile

Professor

• Computational Materials Chemistry
• Computer-Aided Catalyst Design
• Geochemical Processes
• +4 more

Nora Henriette de Leeuw is a Professor of Computational Chemistry and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences at the University of Leeds, UK. Previously, she held roles such as Pro-Vice Chancellor (International & Doctoral Research) at Cardiff University and Professor of Theoretical Geochemistry & Mineralogy at Utrecht University. Her research focuses on computational materials chemistry, including catalyst design for sustainable energy, geochemical processes, and biomaterials. She has pioneered studies on photo-catalytic materials, collagen structure modeling, and the origin of Earth's water. Her honors include membership in Academia Europaea (2017), Fellowship of the Learned Society of Wales (2016), and the Royal Society Industry Fellowship (2012). Key contributions include explaining enhanced photoresponse in FeS₂ films, demonstrating bioinspired CO₂ conversion via iron sulfide catalysts, and modeling collagen fibril structures. Her work integrates computational methods to address challenges in energy sustainability, biomaterials, and Earth science. She has led interdisciplinary teams and contributed to software for solid solution modeling, now widely used in catalysis and mineralogy.

• Nano-scale materials growth
• Nano-scale device fabrication
• Future MOS Transistors
• +3 more

Zhi David Chen is a Professor of Electrical Engineering at the University of Kentucky's Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering, where he has held continuous faculty appointments since 1999 and currently serves as Associate Director of the Center for Nanoscale Science & Engineering. His career includes progression from Assistant Professor (1999-2004) to Associate Professor (2004-2009) before achieving full Professorship, with prior industry experience at Bell Laboratories. Education: Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (1999) M.S. in Electrical Engineering, University of Electronic Science & Technology (China) (1987) B.S. in Electrical Engineering, University of Electronic Science & Technology (China) (1984) Dr. Chen's research spans nano-scale materials growth, nano-device fabrication, MOS transistor development, gate dielectrics, and advanced sensors, with dominant focus on perovskite photovoltaics. His work addresses critical challenges in solar cell efficiency, environmental stability, and scalable manufacturing, pioneering innovations in lead-free alternatives, surface passivation, and ambient-air processing techniques. He explores novel nanomaterial architectures for next-generation semiconductor and optoelectronic applications. Analysis of his 2020-2024 publications reveals intense concentration on perovskite solar cell optimization (13 of 15 articles), featuring breakthroughs in tin-lead alloys, hysteresis reduction, and underwater module stability. Emerging themes include neuromorphic optoelectronic synapses for vision systems and terahertz communication technologies, demonstrating interdisciplinary expansion while maintaining core expertise in nanoscale device physics. Scientific Awards: No scientific awards were documented in the provided materials. Advising and Grants: While specific student names and grant details were absent from source materials, his sustained publication output and leadership role at the Nanoscale Science & Engineering Center indicate active research supervision and external funding. Labs and Teams: As Associate Director of the Center for Nanoscale Science & Engineering, Dr. Chen leads cross-disciplinary teams developing advanced semiconductor materials and devices, with particular emphasis on perovskite photovoltaics and nano-sensor technologies through collaborations with national laboratories and industry partners.

André TaylorView profile

Professor

• Energy Materials
• Nanotechnology
• Solar Energy
• +3 more

André Taylor is a Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the NYU Tandon School of Engineering. His research focuses on designing nanomaterials for energy conversion and storage, including solar cells, batteries, and catalytic systems. He leads the Transformative Materials and Devices Lab, advancing technologies like CdTe solar cells, MXene-based materials, and photo-accelerated battery charging. Taylor has received prestigious awards, including the PECASE and NSF CAREER Award. His work spans sustainable energy solutions, from CO2-doping methods to scalable EMI shielding. Education : Prior to NYU, Taylor was the first tenured African American faculty member at Yale School of Engineering and Applied Science. He holds expertise in chemical engineering and materials science. Research Interests : Energy materials, nanotechnology, solar energy systems, electrochemistry, and sustainable engineering. His lab explores novel materials for photovoltaics, batteries, and advanced sensors. Publications : Over 100 peer-reviewed articles, with recent work on CdTe solar cell efficiency improvements and MXene fabrication. Key innovations include oxide dielectric coatings for solar cells and red light-enhanced lithium-ion charging. Awards : Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (2011) NSF CAREER Award (2010-2015) Yale Greer Memorial Prize (2011) Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Visiting Associate Professor at MIT (2014-2015) Advising & Grants : Advises doctoral students like B. Edward Sartor and Jason Lipton. His research is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and other agencies, focusing on solar cell manufacturing and sustainable energy. Labs/Teams : Directs the Transformative Materials and Devices Lab, collaborating with institutions like Brookhaven National Laboratory and Argonne National Laboratory on material innovations.

Hamidreza SharifanView profile

Assistant Professor

• Environmental Chemistry
• Environmental Forensics
• Nanotechnology
• +3 more

Hamidreza Sharifan is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), College of Science. He previously served as an assistant professor at Albany State University and completed postdoctoral research at UC Davis and Colorado State University, focusing on PFAS fate, greenhouse gas emissions from engineered systems, and contaminant dynamics in wastewater, compost, and dairy digesters. His research integrates environmental chemistry, nanotechnology, and phytoremediation. Key areas include PFAS mitigation, nanoparticle interactions with heavy metals, and innovative solutions for water and soil pollution. He has developed interdisciplinary forensic chemistry modules and investigates nanomaterial impacts on crop systems for food security. Recent publications highlight his expertise in nano-enabled remediation technologies (e.g., carbon dots for PFAS detection, cerium oxide for hydrocarbon contamination) and environmental applications of nanoparticles in agriculture, wastewater treatment, and biofuel production. His work spans analytical methods, mechanistic studies, and applied environmental solutions. Dr. Sharifan actively mentors graduate and undergraduate students in cutting-edge research projects, emphasizing environmental issues and forensic chemistry. His lab at UTEP focuses on advancing sustainable technologies and expanding student engagement in interdisciplinary environmental science.

Michael ToneyView profile

Professor

• Electrochemical energy storage
• Solar materials
• Hydrogen storage
• +11 more

Michael Toney is a Professor at the University of Colorado Boulder in the Departments of Materials Science and Engineering and Chemical and Biological Engineering. He teaches MSEN 5270: Materials Characterization for Engineers and leads research focused on electrochemical energy storage , solar materials , and hydrogen storage . His group employs X-ray diffraction (XRD) , X-ray absorption (XAS) , and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) for materials characterization. B.S., California Institute of Technology (1979) Ph.D., University of Washington (1983) Toney's research explores advanced materials for energy storage systems, including: Lithium-ion batteries : degradation mechanisms, SEI formation, and fast charging Organic photovoltaics (OPVs) : morphology control via X-ray scattering techniques Perovskite materials : processing-structure-function relationships Membranes : ion interactions and chlorine degradation in desalination His group contributes to initiatives like the Joint Center for Energy Storage Research (JCESR) and XCEL (Extreme Fast Charge Cell Evaluation). Recent publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches to energy storage challenges. Honors and awards include: American Physical Society Fellow (2019) Farrell W Lytle Award (2009) Multiple IBM Technical Awards (1988–1997) NATO Postdoctoral Fellowship (1983) The group actively engages in outreach programs like the Elementary Arts Lab and DPS high school mentoring , emphasizing science education and work-life balance.