Kunfeng Gao is a researcher at ETH Zürich's Staff of Experimental Atmospheric Physics , affiliated with EPFL's School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC) . His work focuses on aerosol-cloud interactions, ice nucleation mechanisms, and atmospheric aging of particles. Key research areas: Ice Nucleation, Biological Aerosols, Soot Particles, Dust Particles, Cirrus Cloud Thinning, Climate Modeling. Contributed to major studies on diurnal variability of ice nucleating particles in the Eastern Mediterranean. Developed novel methods for characterizing particle morphology and ice nucleation efficiency. Scientific Awards : Highlight article in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics (2024). Two awarded Chinese patents related to particle classification and graphene-based filtration. His research has garnered significant media attention, including features in ScienceNews , Le FIGARO , and Radio Télévision Suisse , highlighting biological particles' role in extreme weather events.
Christopher P. Higgins serves as Professor and AMAX Distinguished Chair in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines, a position he attained in 2025 following his 2022 designation as University Distinguished Professor. Joining Mines in 2009, he leads critical research on environmental contaminants with emphasis on poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in natural and engineered systems. His educational foundation includes: PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Stanford University (2007) MS in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Stanford University (2002) AB in Chemistry from Harvard University (1998) Dr. Higgins' research program investigates chemical fate and transport mechanisms, particularly PFAS movement through soils and water, human exposure pathways, and remediation technologies. His work integrates field studies, laboratory experiments, and mathematical modeling to address: PFAS leaching dynamics in vadose zones Advanced treatment methods for contaminated media Exposure assessment via water, food, and indoor environments Environmental risk characterization at contaminated sites His recent publications demonstrate increasing focus on analytical method development, source identification, and destruction technologies for ultrashort-chain PFAS compounds. Notable recognitions include: ASCE Huber Prize for Civil Engineering Research (2019) SERDP Environmental Restoration Project of the Year (2020) Honorary Professorship at The University of Queensland, Australia His research program has secured substantial funding from NSF, NIH, EPA, USDA, and DoD, supporting interdisciplinary collaborations and graduate student mentorship. Current initiatives emphasize translating laboratory findings to field applications through partnerships with regulatory agencies and industry stakeholders. Dr. Higgins directs the Center for Environmental Risk Assessment and co-leads the PFAS@Mines Initiative, which coordinates campus-wide research on PFAS contamination through integrated experimental, computational, and policy-focused approaches.
Craig L. Just holds the Donald E. Bently Professorship in Engineering and serves as a Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Iowa's College of Engineering. He also works as a Faculty Research Engineer at IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering. With a PhD in Environmental Engineering and Science (2001) and an MA in Chemistry (1994), both from the University of Iowa and University of Northern Iowa respectively, his career spans over two decades of academic and practical contributions. Education: PhD, Environmental Engineering and Science, University of Iowa (2001) MA, Chemistry, University of Northern Iowa (1994) BS, Chemistry, University of Northern Iowa (1992) Dr. Just's research focuses on water quality monitoring through sensor technology, freshwater mussel biosensing , pharmaceutical contaminant removal , and PCB exposure analysis from dredging operations. His work bridges environmental engineering with ecological health and sustainable systems. Recent publications highlight trends in anaerobic digestion optimization , PCB emission characterization , and machine learning applications for biogas prediction. He has extensively studied constructed wetlands , nitrogen cycling , and flood risk mitigation in agricultural and urban contexts. As director of the Iowa Wastewater and Waste to Energy Research Program, he leads initiatives connecting bioremediation , smart infrastructure , and community engagement . His projects span from hydrological modeling in Iowa to international water programs in Honduras.
Annette R. Grilli is a Research Professor in the Department of Ocean Engineering at the University of Rhode Island , focusing on ocean renewable energy and coastal hazard assessment. Her work integrates numerical modeling and statistical analysis to study extreme events like tsunamis and storms. Ph.D. in Climatology, University of Delaware (2000) M.S. in Oceanography, University of Liege (1984) B.S. in Geography & Education, University of Liege (1983) Her research spans offshore wind farm siting optimization , tsunami propagation modeling , and coastal erosion dynamics . Recent publications highlight applications of phase-resolving wave models and machine learning to coastal resilience and marine renewable energy systems. Grants include collaborations with NOAA , Department of Energy , and NSF , focusing on coastal hazard visualization , tsunami detection algorithms , and design elevation mapping under climate change scenarios. She contributes to digitalCommons@URI with over 100 publications in Ocean Engineering and Civil Engineering domains.
Craig Coburn is a Full Professor in the Department of Geography and Environment at the University of Lethbridge, where he has served since 2002 with promotions to Associate Professor in 2009 and Full Professor in 2019. His research centers on remote sensing physics, specializing in bidirectional reflectance properties and the development of low-cost remote sensing instrumentation for environmental monitoring and satellite calibration. Dr. Coburn's academic foundation includes: B.Sc. (Honours) in Geography from the University of Saskatchewan (1994) M.Sc. in Geography from the University of Alberta (1996) Ph.D. in Geography/Remote Sensing from Simon Fraser University (2002) His work spans instrument design to data processing algorithms, with emphasis on surface bidirectional reflectance. He pioneered world-leading goniometers and low-cost camera systems deployed via aircraft, UAVs, and high-altitude balloons for agricultural monitoring, biological system analysis, and global satellite validation. His research bridges theoretical physics with practical environmental applications. Analysis of his 2017-2021 publications reveals sustained focus on radiometric calibration, BRDF characterization, and sensor development. Key trends include interdisciplinary collaborations in atmospheric science (airborne metals), ecology (riparian systems), and soil science (erosion detection), alongside growing emphasis on UAV platforms and low-cost sensor validation for democratizing remote sensing. No scientific awards were specified in the source material. Dr. Coburn holds Principal Investigator status for the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration-funded cattle wintering sites project ($45,000) and contributes as Co-Investigator to Alberta Ingenuity Centre for Water Research initiatives totaling $568,000. His grant portfolio spans riparian ecology, watershed analysis, and historical projects including National Land and Water Information System (Agriculture Canada) and Mountain Pine Beetle monitoring. His laboratory innovations include robotic goniometers for surface reflectance measurement and thermal imaging systems deployed globally for satellite calibration, supporting both research objectives and hands-on student training in remote sensing physics.
Navid Bayati is an Associate Professor at the University of Southern Denmark, affiliated with the Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering and the Centre for Industrial Electronics. He leads the Control and Protection of Smart Grids (CAP-SG) group and focuses on renewable/hybrid power systems, microgrid protection, and grid code compliance. Education: Ph.D. in Power Systems & Microgrid Protection (2020, Aalborg University); M.Sc. in Power Systems (2017, Amirkabir University of Technology) His research spans renewable energy integration , transient analysis , grid interconnection , and digital twin applications . Recent work includes machine learning for carbon emission prediction, fault localization in DC microgrids, and supercapacitor resilience in hybrid systems. Collaborations include projects like IEA Wind Task 50 and RePoSys , addressing grid renovation, life cycle assessment, and digital twin resilience. His teaching portfolio covers power electronics , energy management , and microgrid control .
Prof. Dirk Ziegenbalg is a Professor of Chemical Engineering and Deputy Director at the Institute of Chemical Engineering at Ulm University. He holds a doctorate from Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena (2013) and previously served as Group Leader at the Institute of Chemical Technology, University Stuttgart (2012-2018). His research focuses on photochemical engineering, reactor design, and photocatalytic processes for applications in energy and environmental technology. Key contributions include advancements in photoreactor engineering, light-driven catalysis, and scalable water purification systems. He has been recognized with the Hanns Hofmann Award (2017) for innovations in microstructured reactor design. Teaching responsibilities include courses such as Strömungsmechanik , Chemische Prozesstechnik , and Industrial Catalysis . His research group, Photochemical Engineering, develops modular and industrially scalable photoreactor systems, emphasizing process intensification and dynamic irradiation control. Recent work addresses challenges in CO₂ conversion, selective Grignard reagent formation, and real-time process analytics using spectroscopy. Publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches, integrating chemical engineering with materials science and environmental applications. Ongoing projects involve 3D-printed catalytic materials, radiation field tomography for photoreactor characterization, and cross-disciplinary collaborations for sustainable water treatment technologies.
Susan E. Burns is a Professor at the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering , Georgia Institute of Technology. She holds multiple administrative roles, including Interim Associate Vice President for Research Operations and Infrastructure and Associate Chair for Administration and Finance. Burns earned all her degrees (B.C.E., M.S., Ph.D.) in civil engineering from Georgia Tech. NSF CAREER Award (2000) Arthur Casagrande Professional Development Award (ASCE) Edmund Friedman Young Engineer Award (ASCE) Class of 1969 Teaching Scholar (Georgia Tech) Fellow, American Society of Civil Engineers (2013) Her research focuses on geoenvironmental engineering , emphasizing waste material reuse (dredged sediments, fly ash), stormwater treatment , soil erosion control , and microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP) . Recent publications analyze microplastic transport, arsenic speciation in fly ash, and LCA of dredged sediment reuse. Funding sources include NSF, DOE, US Army Corps of Engineers, and state departments of transportation. Professor Burns has led major conference proceedings (e.g., IS Atlanta 2008, ICSE-5) and served on editorial boards like ASCE's Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering. Her administrative roles include chairing graduate committees, overseeing curriculum changes, and managing geosystems group operations.
Prof. Serge A. Shapiro is a Full Professor of Geophysics at Freie Universität Berlin since 1999 and Director of the PHASE consortium since 2004. He holds a Diploma in Applied Geophysics from Lomonosov Moscow State University (1982), a PhD from the Moscow Research Institute of Geosystems (1987), and a Habilitation from Karlsruhe University (1995). His research focuses on seismogenic processes, induced seismicity, rock physics, and subduction zone dynamics, with applications to geothermal energy, CO2 storage, and hydraulic fracturing. Education: Diploma in Applied Geophysics, Lomonosov Moscow State University (1982) PhD in Geophysics, Moscow Research Institute of Geosystems (1987) Habilitation, Karlsruhe University (1995) Research Interests: Induced seismicity from fluid operations CO2 storage and hydraulic fracturing risks Seismic hazard assessment Rock physics under stress Key Contributions: Developed the Seismogenic Index Model for induced earthquakes Pioneered DAS-based seismic monitoring techniques Advanced understanding of fault stability and pressure diffusion effects Awards: Virgil Kauffman Gold Medal (2013) for work in microseismic monitoring and rock physics Grants & Projects: PHASE consortium leader (2004–present) Utah FORGE EGS project advisor Labs/Teams: Seismology Group, Freie Universität Berlin PHASE university consortium
William Harbert is a Professor in the Department of Geology and Environmental Science at the University of Pittsburgh, where he leads research in geophysics and subsurface characterization. His work bridges fundamental geophysical principles with practical applications in energy and environmental systems. Education: MS in Exploration Geophysics from Stanford University PhD in Geophysics from Stanford University Research focuses on seismic analysis across multiple scales, from micro-CT to surface seismic. His group specializes in advanced processing of microseismic, reflection seismic, and VSP data to image subsurface structures and understand pore-scale dynamics. Current work integrates deep learning for geophysical object detection and classification, with emphasis on organic shale systems and CO 2 storage monitoring. Key areas include rock physics, microseismicity analysis, and environmental geophysics for water quality assessment. Publication trends show strong emphasis on energy-related geophysics, particularly hydraulic fracturing monitoring, CO 2 sequestration verification, and unconventional reservoir characterization. Recent work increasingly incorporates machine learning techniques and addresses environmental monitoring challenges in subsurface operations. Scientific recognition: DOE ORISE Research Associate Resident Institute Fellow of the NETL-Institute for Advanced Energy Solution Professional engagements include membership on the Altarock Review Board for DOE-funded geothermal projects and prior service on the Scientific Advisory Board for the In Salah CO 2 Injection Project. His research involves extensive collaboration with national laboratories and industry partners on subsurface monitoring technologies. His laboratory group develops advanced geophysical processing techniques for subsurface imaging across multiple scales, with current projects focusing on microseismic monitoring of shale reservoirs and CO 2 storage sites.
MARIO MARTINEZ MARTINEZ is Associate Professor at University of Valladolid's Department of Agricultural and Forestry Engineering, with secondary appointments at Aarhus University and Purdue University. His research develops plant-based macromolecular assemblies for food, pharmaceutical, and packaging applications. Research focuses on: Structure-function relationships of plant biopolymers Green modification techniques for polysaccharides Food waste valorization strategies Edible packaging development Nutrient bioaccessibility enhancement Recent publications showcase innovative approaches to starch modification using deep eutectic solvents, waste upcycling (bread, apple pomace, garlic peels), and functional ingredient development from underutilized sources (macroalgae, hawthorn). Major recognitions include: Nils Foss Talent Prize 2021 DFF-Sapere Aude excellence grant (€1M) Ontario Early Researcher Award Young Scientist Award from Cereals & Grains Association Leads research on sustainable food systems through international collaborations and industry partnerships.
Dr Andrew Thomas is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Materials at The University of Manchester, based in the Photon Science Institute. He holds a PhD in Adsorbate Studies of Titanium Oxides from the University of Liverpool (1994) and an MSc in Instrumentation and Analytical Science from UMIST (1990). His roles include Research Fellow and membership in professional committees such as the Thin Films and Surfaces Group of the Institute of Physics and the Diamond Light Source User Committee. His research focuses on surface science, biomaterials, catalysis, and photovoltaic materials. He has led projects like the £2 million bid to the Sir Henry Royce Institute for advanced spectroscopy instruments. Education: PhD (University of Liverpool), MSc (UMIST), BSc (University of Manchester) Research Groups: Biomaterials, Corrosion and Protection, Ceramics and Inorganics Key Projects: Manchester Bioelectronics Network, development of novel spectroscopy instruments His research interests span organic molecule interactions with surfaces, corrosion mechanisms, and solar energy materials. He has published over 119 articles and contributed to datasets on material characterization. Thomas is actively involved in outreach, including lectures and partnerships with schools for science education initiatives.
Guy G. Drijkoningen is an Associate Professor in Applied Geophysics at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences. He is actively involved in teaching and research within the Department of Applied Geophysics & Petrophysics. Education: MSc, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands PhD, Cambridge University, UK Research Focus: His work centers on Seismic Experiments & Modelling , particularly in exploration and shallow-subsurface contexts. Key areas include: Seismic data acquisition on land Continuous seismic monitoring Shallow shear-wave imaging (land and marine) Seismic wave propagation in porous media Current projects leverage advanced sensor networks (e.g., LOFAR), full-waveform inversion for tunnel-boring machines, and novel vibrator technologies. Publications Trend: Recent works (2011–2016) emphasize seismic modeling, inversion techniques, and experimental validation across marine and terrestrial environments. Topics span poroelastic wave theory, ambient-noise interferometry, and innovative seismic source design, reflecting a blend of theoretical and applied geophysics. Scientific Awards: Best-paper award Geophysics 2015 for "A seismic vertical vibrator driven by linear synchronous motors" Professional Memberships & Editorial Roles: Member: Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) Member: European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers (EAGE) Associate Editor: Geophysics Teaching: He teaches undergraduate and graduate courses including Introduction to Geophysics, Reflection Seismology, and specialized PhD-level modules on seismic data analysis.
Marc Habash is an Associate Professor at the School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph. His work focuses on microbial interactions in environmental systems, particularly pathogen detection, microbial biofilms, and water quality. He holds a BSc in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the University of Toronto, an MSc in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Western Ontario, and a PhD in Environmental Biology from the University of Guelph. Research interests include molecular and culture-based detection of waterborne pathogens, microbial source tracking using Bacteroidales spp., and biofilm formation studies involving probiotics. Collaborative efforts examine proteomic analysis via mass spectrometry techniques. His lab is located in the Edmund C. Bovey Building (Room 3238). Publications emphasize environmental microbiology applications: from yeast tolerance mechanisms to advanced PCR methods for microbial viability quantification. Recent work explores bacterial surface dynamics, insect pest diapause induction, and enzymatic dehalogenation processes. Research consistently bridges fundamental microbiology with practical environmental monitoring solutions. No scientific awards are listed. Advising and grants sections remain unpopulated in available records. His interdisciplinary approach connects environmental engineering, molecular biology, and ecological systems analysis.
Pooya Davari is a Professor and Head of the Section for Applied Power Electronic Systems at Aalborg University , Denmark. He leads the EMI/EMC in Power Electronics Research Group and serves as Vice Chair of the Energy Efficiency Mission. His research focuses on electromagnetic interference (EMI) and harmonic mitigation in power electronic systems, with over 200 publications and significant contributions to renewable energy integration. Education: B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Electronic Engineering (2004, 2008), Ph.D. in Power Electronics from Queensland University of Technology (2013) Prior Roles: Lecturer at QUT (2013–2014), Postdoc at AAU (2014) Research Interests: Harmonic and EMI analysis in grid-tied converters High power density converter design Signal processing for converter modeling Reliability of power electronic systems Article Trends: Recent work emphasizes EMI/EMC in renewable energy systems, wide bandgap semiconductors (SiC/GaN), and reliability modeling for EVs and hydrogen production via electrolysis. Sub-fields include converter topologies, grid integration challenges, and AI-driven diagnostics. Scientific Awards: Equinor 2022 Prize (Denmark’s oldest engineering award) IEEE EMC Society Young Professional Award (2020) World’s Top 2% Highly Cited Scientist (Stanford, 2021–2025) Multiple best paper awards (IEEE, Applied Sciences, etc.) Grants & Editorial Roles: Recipient of grants from Innovation Fund Denmark (Supra-EMC project), Horizon Europe (SOLARIS), and industry partnerships. Serves as Area Editor for IEEE Transactions on Transportation Electrification , Associate Editor for IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics , and Editor-in-Chief of Circuit World Journal (2020–2025). Labs & Standards: Coordinator of the EMC Laboratory at Aalborg University. Member of IEC standardization Working Groups 6 and 8 (TC77A), focusing on EMC strategies for power grids.
