Find Academic Supervisors

Zihe LiView profile

Researcher

• Piezoelectricity
• Ferroelectric Materials
• Porous Ceramics
• +3 more

Zihe Li is a Research Associate at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Bath, and a Postgraduate Research Student within the same department. His work focuses on advanced materials for energy harvesting applications, particularly in the realm of piezoelectric and porous ceramics. He is affiliated with the Centre for Integrated Materials, Processes & Structures (IMPS) and contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to sustainable energy and environmental protection. Research Interests Li's research specializes in piezoelectric materials, energy harvesting systems, and porous ceramic fabrication. His work explores how microstructures enhance electromechanical coupling and durability in lead-free ceramics, while also addressing applications in water monitoring and self-powered devices. He investigates digital light processing and freeze-casting techniques to optimize material properties for energy technologies. Recent Publications Li's publications highlight advancements in porous ceramics for energy harvesting, including composites for water flow monitoring, bioinspired piezoceramics, and high-strength mullite-bonded SiC ceramics. His work spans materials processing, functional properties, and sustainable design principles. Labs & Collaborations Li collaborates extensively within the IMPS center at the University of Bath. His work involves partnerships with researchers in energy engineering, materials science, and robotics, focusing on interdisciplinary applications of piezoelectric materials in sustainable technologies.

Alexander EckersleyView profile

Lecturer

• Extracellular Matrix Biology
• Proteomics
• Mass Spectrometry
• +5 more

Dr. Alexander Eckersley is a Lecturer in Skin Health at the Division of Musculoskeletal & Dermatological Sciences, The University of Manchester. His academic journey includes a Doctor of Philosophy (2018) from the University of Manchester, an MRes in Protein Biochemistry (2011) from Imperial College London, and a BSc in Biology (2009) from the University of York. His research focuses on extracellular matrix (ECM) biology, proteomics, and skin health. Key areas include collagen remodeling under radiation exposure, UV-induced protein damage, and tetrapeptide matrikines for skin rejuvenation. He has contributed to advancements in spatially resolved proteomics and ECM-associated diagnostics. Eckersley has received notable awards: the Best Poster Award (2017) and Early Career Research Award (2019). He collaborates on projects like the ‘Laser capture dissection for spatially-resolved -omics analysis’ (2024-2025). His work spans over 28 publications and includes datasets on ECM photodamage (2020) and fibrillin microfibril comparisons (2018). His research integrates proteomics, structural biology, and biomedical applications, addressing topics like vascular aging, kidney ECM remodelling, and circadian rhythms in skin cells. Eckersley’s contributions bridge fundamental ECM science with translational biomedical innovations.

Mari KoppanenView profile

Research Fellow

• Material Science
• Sustainable Design
• Biotechnology
• +3 more

Mari Koppanen is a Research Fellow at Oslo National Academy of the Arts, specializing in fungal-based biomaterials and sustainable design practices. She holds a PhD and has developed innovative applications for natural materials like amadou, bacterial cellulose, and pea pod peels through interdisciplinary projects. Key collaborators: Estelle Bourdet (textile design), Romanian artisans Supported by: Arts Promotion Centre Finland (Taike), Asko Foundation, CHEMARTS at Aalto University Her research intersects traditional craftsmanship with modern material science, focusing on: Biodegradable composites Fungal material systems Waste valorization Cultural preservation through design Eco-functional product design Recent publications demonstrate expertise in: Amadou material processing (2025) Fungal composite lighting design (2024) Lichen-dyed bacterial cellulose fashion (2023) Polypore-inspired furniture (2021) Historical material documentation (2023) Notable awards include Best Master’s Thesis Project of 2019 at Oslo National Academy of the Arts and Designers’ Saturday Best Talents 2019 First Prize.

Stephanie MoonView profile

Assistant Professor

• mRNA Function
• RNA-Protein Granules
• Translation Regulation
• +6 more

Stephanie Moon, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Human Genetics at the University of Michigan Medical School. Her primary research focuses on mRNA function, localization, and RNA-protein granules, particularly in the context of cellular stress responses and neurodegenerative diseases. Her lab investigates mechanisms of translation regulation under stress and the role of VCP mutations in diseases like ALS and frontotemporal dementia. Education: Postdoctoral Fellow at Howard Hughes Medical Institute and University of Colorado-Boulder (2014-2019); Ph.D. in Pathology from Colorado State University (2009-2014); B.S. in Chemistry and Biology from Fort Lewis College (2003-2008). Research interests include stress granule dynamics, integrated stress response signaling, and translational control in health and disease. Her work is supported by grants from NIGMS/NIH, the Paul F. Glenn Center, and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative Neurodegeneration Challenge Network. Lab team includes postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and undergraduate researchers. Key collaborations involve the Neuroscience Graduate Program and the Michigan-Israel partnership. Current projects explore therapeutic strategies for VCP-related disorders and genetic diseases linked to stress response pathways. Publications span 65 peer-reviewed articles, with recent focus on ribosome-mRNA interactions, stress granule assembly, and disease mechanisms. Awards and honors are pending explicit mentions in the provided texts.

Marcus Oliver WeberView profile

Professor

• Textile Engineering
• Knitting Technology
• Sustainable Textiles
• +4 more

Marcus Oliver Weber is a Professor at the Department of Textile and Clothing Technology at Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences. He also serves as Head of the Department of Textile Management at Technische Universität Berlin (TUB). His work spans textile engineering, knitting innovation, and sustainable material science. Academic Rank: Professor Primary Role: Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences Secondary Role: Head of Department of Textile Management at TUB Research Interests focus on advanced knitting technologies , smart textiles , and sustainable fiber applications . Key areas include biodegradable textile solutions, conductive yarns for sensor applications, and technical textiles for protective, medical, and automotive sectors. Recent Publications highlight innovations in PLA-based biodegradable packaging , ultrasonic welding of nanofibers , and thermodynamic properties of spacer fabrics . His work emphasizes sustainable practices, material testing, and smart textile integration. Scientific Awards & Activities include UNIDO Technical Advisor Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) Technical Advisor ISO Standardization Committee for Knitting Machines Patents cover novel yarn feeding systems and textile machine designs. Teaching responsibilities include courses in Textile and Clothing Technology , Design Engineering , and Textile Product Management .

Erin Paig-TranView profile

Associate Professor

• Functional Anatomy
• Biomechanics
• Biomimetics
• +4 more

Dr. Erin Paig-Tran is an Associate Professor in the Biological Sciences Department at California State University Fullerton (CSUF). Her research focuses on functional anatomy, biomechanics, and biomimetics, particularly in large pelagic filter-feeders like whale sharks, manta rays, and baleen whales. She leads the FABB Lab, exploring biological systems for engineering applications. Her work integrates microscopy, computational modeling, and field studies. Education: PhD from the University of Washington (2012) and BS from California State University Long Beach (2006). Teaching includes Human Anatomy, Ichthyology, and Marine Biology courses. She has mentored over 20 students, including graduate researchers like Jordyn Neal (megamouth shark filters) and Julia Teeple (manta ray filtration models). Funded by NSF, CSU COAST, and CSUF grants, her lab collaborates internationally on topics like microplastics in marine life and armadillo armor mechanics. Publications span journals like *Science Advances*, *Journal of Morphology*, and *Integrative and Comparative Biology*. Notable contributions include patents on bio-inspired filtration systems and studies on whale feeding mechanics. Awards include NSF grants and CSU research competitions. She actively promotes diversity in STEM through initiatives like COSMOS and SCERP fellowships.

Matthew G. NiepielkoView profile

Assistant Professor

• Computational Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Molecular Biology
• +7 more

Dr. Matthew G. Niepielko is an Assistant Professor of Computational Biology at Kean University in the Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics and Technology. He coordinates the Group Summer Scholars Research Program (GSSRP) for high school students and leads the Niepielko Lab, which explores molecular mechanisms regulating animal development and fertility using Drosophila as a model system. Ph.D., Computational and Integrative Biology, Rutgers University (2014) NIH-funded postdoctoral research at Princeton University (2016) His research focuses on germ granule composition, mRNA regulation, and evolutionary developmental biology. Notably, he discovered mechanisms linking germ granule diversity to reproductive fitness and developed computational-biological hybrid methods for studying cell polarity and gene expression dynamics. Recent publications highlight his work on Drosophila germ granule evolution, RNA helicase functional motifs, and AI-driven pollen imaging. His lab investigates how germ granule mRNA content affects fertility and evolutionary trajectories, supported by NIH and NSF CAREER grants. Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (2016) NIH Academic Research Enhancement Award (2021) NSF CAREER Award (2023) Kean Faculty Innovation in Teaching Award (2025) The Niepielko Lab actively trains undergraduate researchers and collaborates on STEM education initiatives like NJ-RAISE. His teaching includes bioinformatics, probabilistic methods, and living systems courses.

• Design for Sustainability
• Product Design
• Materials and Manufacturing
• +3 more

Demet Günal Ertaş is a Researcher at Istanbul Technical University's Faculty of Architecture, Department of Industrial Product Design. She holds a PhD in Industrial Product Design. Her academic career includes roles as Vice President of the Department (2013–2016), Lecturer (2011–2018), and Research Assistant (1995–2011). She is a member of TMMOB since 1993. Education: PhD in Industrial Product Design (Istanbul Technical University, 2004–2008) MSc in Industrial Product Design (Istanbul Technical University, 1995–1998) BSc in Architecture (Istanbul Technical University, 1989–1993) Research Interests: Focuses on sustainable design, material innovation, and product structure. Her work explores how materials and manufacturing technologies influence design outcomes, especially in furniture and industrial products. She emphasizes the sociocultural dimensions of material selection and the integration of craftsmanship with modern design practices. Publications: Over 30 publications spanning 20+ years, with recent focus on sustainability, material applications, and industrial design education. Key themes include global warming's impact on design, composite materials, and plastic material education. Professional Contributions: Edited national design congress proceedings, led departmental initiatives, and collaborated internationally. Her research bridges traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design challenges.

• Agricultural Engineering
• Construction Materials
• Agro-industrial Projects
• +3 more

Joaquín Julián Pérez is an Associate Professor of Engineering at the Miguel Hernández University of Elche (Spain), specializing in Agricultural and Construction Engineering. He currently serves as the Director of the Ibero-America Espejo Program under the Vice Rectorate for Internationalization and Cooperation. His academic roles include teaching courses such as Infrastructure Design, Agro-Food Industry Projects, and Project Engineering across bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs. His research focuses on sustainable construction materials, particularly gypsum composites reinforced with graphene or natural fibers like Arundo donax , and optimization of rural infrastructure. He also explores agro-industrial project management and the application of advanced materials in Mediterranean building practices. Additional interests include neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Huntington's and Parkinson's) through collaborations in biomedical engineering. Recent publications highlight innovations in construction material resilience, international agro-export strategies, and cognitive network disruptions in neurological disorders. His work bridges engineering, agriculture, and medicine, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary solutions for sustainable development. He is affiliated with the University Institute for Agro-food and Agro-environmental Research and Innovation, contributing to projects that integrate environmental, economic, and technical aspects of rural development. His teaching spans structural design, project management, and material science, reflecting his commitment to practical academic training.

Delia MandracchiaView profile

Associate Professor

• Drug Delivery Systems
• Colloidal Systems
• Polymeric Biomaterials
• +3 more

Delia Mandracchia is an Associate Professor of Pharmaceutical Technology at the University of Brescia, Italy. She holds a PhD from the University of Palermo and has collaborated with institutions such as Sigma-Tau S.p.A., the School of Pharmacy in Geneva, and Freie Universität Berlin. Previously, she served as an Assistant Professor at the University of Bari. Education: Bachelor’s degree in CTF (specific field not specified) from the University of Palermo PhD from the University of Palermo Research Interests: Her work focuses on drug delivery systems (DDS), particularly colloidal systems for targeted drug delivery and polymeric biomaterials for regenerative medicine. She explores innovative materials like biodegradable surfactants, electrospun fibers, and nanomedicine platforms for cancer therapy and tissue engineering. Her research also integrates natural polymers (e.g., inulin, collagen) and stem cell-derived secretomes to enhance therapeutic efficacy and material biocompatibility. Key Themes in Articles: Her publications emphasize nanotechnology-driven drug delivery, including lipid nanoparticles, polymeric micelles, and 3D-printed scaffolds. Recent work addresses applications in oncology (e.g., HER2-targeted immunoliposomes, rapamycin repositioning) and regenerative medicine (e.g., osteogenic titanium cages, stem cell secretome pharmaceuticalization). She also investigates sustainable materials (e.g., wheat germ bran-derived surfactants) and natural compounds (e.g., crocetin, grape seed polyphenols) for biomedical applications. Grants & Collaborations: While specific grant details are not listed, her collaborations span academia and industry, including partnerships with pharmaceutical companies and international institutions. Her work bridges chemistry, materials science, and clinical applications, with a focus on translational research. Labs & Teams: Though lab names are unspecified, her collaborative network includes experts in nanomedicine, drug delivery, and regenerative engineering, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach to pharmaceutical technology.

Jake EckersleyView profile

Research Fellow

• dryland ecology
• biogeochemistry
• plant functional ecology
• +5 more

Jake Eckersley serves as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Multi-Discipline Research Associate at the School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, where he conducts ecological research on environmental weeds and river systems in northern Australia's tropics while contributing to casual teaching duties. His academic credentials include: Botany, Honours (First Class), The University of Western Australia (2019) Botany/Zoology, Bachelor, The University of Western Australia (2018) Marketing, Bachelor, Curtin University (2014) Dr. Eckersley's research program integrates dryland ecology, biogeochemistry, and remote sensing methodologies to investigate vegetation dynamics in water-limited environments. His work particularly focuses on riparian systems in Australia's semi-arid regions, examining how shifting hydrological patterns affect plant phenology, functional composition, and ecosystem processes through innovative measurement techniques including satellite-based remote sensing and digital canopy photography. His recent publications demonstrate a cohesive research trajectory centered on quantifying vegetation responses to altered water regimes in dryland rivers. By combining field observations with machine learning approaches and remote sensing technologies, his work addresses critical knowledge gaps regarding ecosystem resilience under changing flow conditions, with particular emphasis on methodological advancements for monitoring leaf area dynamics and functional diversity. Scientific recognition includes: Cooperative Research Centre for Transformations in Mining Economies Top Up Scholarship (2021) James memorial travel award (2021) Research support comes primarily through competitive scholarships including the CRC TiME Top Up Scholarship. While actively engaged in teaching, there is no public record of graduate students formally advised. Current collaborative efforts include ongoing work with UWA's environmental research teams examining invasive species ecology and riverine vegetation dynamics in northern Australia.

David ChristensenView profile

Professor

• Freshwater ecology
• Conservation biology
• Aquatic trophic interactions
• +4 more

David Christensen is a Professor in the Department of Biology at Westfield State University, where he has taught since 2008. His teaching philosophy emphasizes multimodal learning approaches, integrating visual, auditory, repetitive, and hands-on methods to accommodate diverse student needs. He holds a Ph.D. from Washington State University, following an M.S. and B.S. from Washington State and University of Idaho respectively. His research spans freshwater ecology and conservation biology, focusing on aquatic trophic interactions, fish dietary niche analysis, trout habitat assessment, fishery management, and urban pond ecosystems. Christensen's work often combines stable isotope analysis with ecological modeling to understand aquatic community dynamics. Christensen's publications reflect his expertise in lake management and fish ecological studies. He has advised students in habitat assessment research and contributed to practical ecological methodologies in undergraduate education. While no scientific awards are mentioned in the provided text, his work with the Colville Confederated Tribes demonstrates commitment to community-based conservation initiatives.

• Corporate Governance
• Managerial Incentives
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
• +3 more

Hong Zhao is an Associate Professor of Finance at NEOMA Business School in France, specializing in corporate governance and empirical corporate finance. He holds a PhD in Business Administration from Arizona State University (2017). His research focuses on managerial incentives, board governance effectiveness, and the interfirm spread of corporate social responsibility (CSR). He teaches courses on corporate budgeting, capital financing, and sustainable finance. Research Interests: Empirical corporate finance, emphasizing governance mechanisms Impact of board composition and structure on firm performance Diffusion of CSR practices across firms through director networks Role of CSR in supply chain management Recent Work Trends: His publications (2018–2025) consistently explore governance structures' impact on firm outcomes, with increasing emphasis on CSR's strategic role in inter-organizational relationships. Key themes include board networks' effectiveness, cross-firm CSR diffusion mechanisms, and the intersection of gender diversity and board efficacy. Grants & Advising: No specific grants or advising roles explicitly mentioned in the text. Labs/Teams: Affiliated with NEOMA's research centers focusing on corporate governance and sustainable finance.

Patricia DyerView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Textile Design
• Advanced Materials
• Medical Textiles
• +7 more

Patricia Dyer is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Brighton, affiliated with the School of Art and Media and the Centre for Arts and Wellbeing. Her research focuses on material-driven design practices, biomimetic principles, and advanced textiles, with applications in medical, engineering, and sustainable contexts. She holds a PhD in Textile Engineering (2010) and has taught across undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including leading the MA and MDes Textiles courses. Her work explores dynamic shape memory textiles, antimicrobial composites, and the integration of traditional craft with cutting-edge materials. She has supervised three PhD students to completion and contributed to curriculum development in textiles and contemporary crafts. Education: PhD , Dynamic control of active textiles (University of Brighton, 2010) MA , Design by Independent Project (University of Brighton, 2000) BA , Fashion Textile Design (University of Brighton, 1995) Research Interests: Active textiles with shape memory alloys Antimicrobial nanoparticle-functionalized fabrics Multi-cloth composites for structural applications Ethical material practices and sustainability Advising & Grants: Supervised three PhD students and contributed to academic validations (e.g., MA Contemporary Crafts at Plymouth College of Art). Teaching emphasizes experimental practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, and challenging conventional material boundaries. Labs/Teams: Collaborations within the Centre for Arts and Wellbeing, focusing on textile innovation and biomaterials research.

Isaac O. AfaraView profile

Associate Professor

• Applied spectroscopy
• Computational biophotonics
• Machine learning in biospectroscopy
• +2 more

Isaac O. Afara is an Associate Professor at the Department of Technical Physics , Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology , University of Eastern Finland . He leads the Biomedical Spectroscopy Lab (BSL) and the Biophysics of Bone and Cartilage (BBC) research group, focusing on translational spectroscopy and computational biophotonics for tissue diagnostics. Multi-disciplinary team of physicists and engineers Established 2018 (BSL), 1998 (BBC) His research bridges applied spectroscopy , machine learning , and biomechanics to develop optical methods for non-destructive assessment of biological tissues. Key areas include: Visible/NIR/Raman spectroscopy for cartilage/meniscus diagnostics Computational modeling of tissue optical properties Development of AI-driven preprocessing algorithms Characterization of viscoelastic properties in connective tissues Recent work demonstrates machine learning-enhanced spectroscopy for real-time cartilage assessment during arthroscopy, with applications in osteoarthritis detection, tissue engineering, and joint biomechanics. His 15 most recent articles (2025-2017) focus on: Cartilage/meniscus biomechanical properties Spectral differentiation of tissue pathologies Photon path length modeling Multi-sensor data fusion techniques Optical diagnostics for fibrosis and osteoarthritis Development of open-source preprocessing tools He collaborates with international institutions on computational biophotonics and has contributed to open-source Python modules for spectroscopic data analysis.