Find Academic Supervisors

Lisa BaiView profile

Research Fellow

• Resource recovery from waste and wastewater
• Bioenergy production
• Biodegradable plastics (PHA)
• +7 more

Dr. Lisa Bai is a Research Fellow at the Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology (ACWEB) within the School of Chemical Engineering at the University of Queensland. She also maintains affiliations with the ARC Training Centre for Bioplastics and Biocomposites. Her research focuses on sustainable waste and wastewater management with expertise in resource recovery technologies and bioenergy production from organic waste streams. Dr. Bai earned her PhD from the University of Queensland and has a background in Bioengineering and Environmental Engineering. Prior to her academic career, she spent four years working at an environmental consultancy in North Queensland, where she specialized in aquaculture water bioremediation using macroalgae technologies and waste stream utilization for biomass production. Her research program spans four interconnected themes: 1) Data-Based Waste Identification and Characterisation for both core and non-core organic wastes; 2) Tailored Organic Waste and Wastewater Treatment Technology focusing on anaerobic digestion and nutrient recovery; 3) Biotechnology Assisted Process Optimisation for co-digestion modeling; and 4) Biotechnology Based Process Enhancement investigating microbial ecology mechanisms. Her work bridges molecular biology with engineering applications for practical waste management solutions. Analysis of her publication record reveals a consistent research trajectory in anaerobic digestion technologies and resource recovery, with recent work (2023-2025) focusing on enhancing digestion of challenging waste streams like paunch waste from meat processing. Her research demonstrates progression from fundamental laboratory studies to pilot-scale implementation with industry partners. Dr. Bai is actively involved in research funding, currently leading the 'Pilot-scale Validation of Anaerobic Co-digestion at Large Municipal STP' project (2024-2025) funded by Urban Utilities. Previously, she contributed to the 'Waste-to-Energy' project (2020-2024) under the Fight Food Waste CRC program. She serves as an Associate Advisor for PhD students working on biotechnologies for PHA production. Her research team collaborates closely with industry partners including Central SEQ Distributor-Retailer Authority and Red-Meat-Processing facilities to translate laboratory findings into commercial applications for sustainable waste management, demonstrating strong industry engagement and practical implementation focus.

• Functional Analysis
• Artificial Intelligence
• Foundations of Computational Mathematics
• +7 more

Anders C. Hansen is Professor of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge (Faculty of Mathematics, Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics) and Professor II at the University of Oslo. He leads the Applied Functional and Harmonic Analysis group and holds a Royal Society University Research Fellowship. His research bridges pure mathematics and cutting-edge applications in AI, computational harmonic analysis, inverse problems, and compressed sensing. Education: PhD from the University of Cambridge, MA from UC Berkeley, and BA from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. Research Interests: Hansen's work centers on foundational challenges in computational mathematics, including the Solvability Complexity Index hierarchy for classifying computational problems, instability phenomena in deep learning, and theoretical advances in compressed sensing. His group develops rigorous frameworks for high-dimensional data analysis, medical imaging, and AI safety, often exposing paradoxes in algorithmic reliability. Publication Trends: Recent articles focus on the limits of deep learning (e.g., Smale's 18th problem, instability in image reconstruction), mathematical foundations of AI (trustworthiness, feature selection, LLMs), and advanced compressed sensing (asymptotic incoherence, spectral computations). His work consistently intersects functional analysis with computational feasibility. Awards: PROSE Award Finalist (2022) Whitehead Prize (2019) IMA Prize in Mathematics and Applications (2018) Leverhulme Prize (2017) Royal Society University Research Fellow (2012) Advising & Leadership: Hansen has supervised 17 PhD students and 8 postdocs. He leads the Applied Functional and Harmonic Analysis group, coordinating interdisciplinary projects in mathematical data science. His editorial roles include SIAM Journal on Imaging Sciences and Proceedings of the Royal Society A .

Yufeng ZhangView profile

Professor

• Operations Management
• Supply Chain Management
• Sustainability
• +12 more

Professor Yufeng Zhang is a Chair in Operations Management and Head of the Department of Management at Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham. He is also a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a Fellow of the Alan Turing Institute. His academic journey began at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, continued at the Technical University of Berlin, and culminated with a PhD from the University of Cambridge, where he also worked as a Research Associate before joining Birmingham in 2009. PhD, Engineering – University of Cambridge MSc/Dipl-Ing, Global Production Engineering – Technical University of Berlin BEng, Mechanical Engineering & Automation – Shanghai Jiao Tong University BEng, International Finance – Shanghai Jiao Tong University PG Cert in Learning & Teaching in Higher Education Yufeng Zhang’s research focuses on sustainability, digitalisation, engineering innovation, and global network operations. His work integrates engineering and management perspectives, employing qualitative, quantitative, and simulation methods. He has led numerous projects funded by UK, EU, and international bodies, and has published over 80 refereed papers in top-tier journals such as Journal of Operations Management , International Journal of Production Economics , and Journal of Cleaner Production . His recent publications highlight trends in green operations, sustainable supply chains, digital transformation, and network capabilities. The research spans subfields including environmental performance, IoT integration, supply chain flexibility, and servitisation, reflecting a strong interdisciplinary focus on modern operational challenges. His scientific awards include the University’s Excellence in Teaching and Learning Award (2013), Literati Nominations for Highly Recommended Papers (2008, 2013), and recognition as a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and Turing Fellow. Yufeng has supervised over 20 PhD students and has held key roles such as Deputy Lead for REF2021, Director of Business Programmes with Engineering, Sciences, Law and Languages (2010–2017), and Coordinator of Europe China High Value Engineering Networks (EC-HVEN). He is an External Examiner for multiple universities and a Visiting Professor at Zhejiang University, demonstrating extensive academic leadership and collaboration. He leads and contributes to research labs and networks focused on engineering innovation and sustainable operations, including collaborations with industry and international institutions. His future work continues to explore the intersection of digital technologies, sustainability, and global operations, aiming to shape resilient and responsible business practices.

Siul RuizView profile

Lecturer

• Soil Biomechanics
• Environmental Engineering
• Biomechanics
• +4 more

Dr. Siul Ruiz is a Lecturer at the University of Southampton, affiliated with the Bioengineering Group. His research focuses on physical processes in soils and biological systems, including solid/fluid mechanics, mass/energy transport, and imaging techniques like X-ray computed tomography (XCT) and neutron radiography. He develops mathematical models to study soil biomechanics, biofilm dynamics in plants, and the impact of fertilisers on crop nutrition. Current projects include quantifying soil biomechanics via X-ray diffraction and modeling olive tree resistance to Xylella fastidiosa. Funded by the Royal Society and BBSRC, his work bridges applied mathematics, mechanical engineering, and environmental science. Education: MSc in applied mathematics and mechanical engineering (focus on soft robotics). Research Interests: Soil-plant interactions, biofilm modeling, and biophysical constraints in ecological systems. His recent publications explore topics like phosphate removal mechanisms in soil, Xylella fastidiosa biofilm spread in olive trees, and high-throughput analysis of plant stem structures. He supervises two PhD students in Engineering and the Environment. Dr. Ruiz aims to extend biomechanical quantification techniques for broader applications, leveraging interdisciplinary approaches.

Andrea Meilán-VilaView profile

Assistant Professor

• Nonparametric Estimation
• Directional Statistics
• Kernel Smoothing
• +3 more

Andrea Meilán-Vila is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Statistics at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid since 2021, holding a Juan de la Cierva Fellowship since 2023. She earned her PhD in Statistics from Universidade da Coruña (2021) and previously served as a Postdoctoral Fellow at Universidade de Santiago de Compostela's Department of Statistics, Mathematical Analysis and Optimisation. Her research focuses on nonparametric methods for analyzing complex data types, including directional, spatial, and functional data. Key areas include kernel smoothing techniques, goodness-of-fit testing for regression models, and spatial trend estimation. She serves as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Nonparametric Statistics . Recent work emphasizes applications in climate science (temperature curve modeling), fluid dynamics (wake flow control), and biomedical imaging (hippocampus shape analysis). Her methodologies address challenges like sparse data estimation and spatial correlation in regression frameworks. Key Projects: STENED (Stein-based goodness-of-fit tests for non-Euclidean data) Awards: Juan de la Cierva Fellowship (2023) Publications span journals like Journal of Fluid Mechanics , Statistical Papers , and TEST , with a focus on methodological advancements in statistical modeling and computational validation.

• Multiphase Systems Engineering
• Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)
• Sustainable Industrial Processes
• +6 more

Professor Ronny Pini is a Professor of Multiphase Systems at Imperial College London's Department of Chemical Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering. His research focuses on sustainable industrial processes, particularly carbon capture and storage (CCS), porous media dynamics, and imaging-based process design. He holds a PhD in Mechanical and Process Engineering from ETH Zurich and has held academic positions including Senior Lecturer and Reader at Imperial College since 2015. His educational background includes a Postdoctoral fellowship at Stanford University (2010-2013) and prior roles at the Colorado School of Mines. Research interests span multiphase flow mechanics, adsorption science, and environmental engineering applications. Key projects include the InFUSE Prosperity Partnership and Digital Rocks Lab, leveraging X-ray tomography, positron emission tomography, and computational models to study subsurface CO2 storage and sustainable materials. Professor Pini's work integrates chemical engineering with material science and earth sciences, addressing global challenges like industrial decarbonisation. He collaborates on developing advanced imaging techniques to characterise porous media behavior and optimise processes for energy transition. Current focus areas include direct air capture technologies and enhancing oil recovery via CO2 utilisation. His research outputs include over 150 peer-reviewed articles, with recent emphasis on adsorption-based CO2 capture systems, pore-scale transport phenomena, and sustainable process design frameworks. He is actively involved in training early-career researchers through Imperial College's Chemical Engineering programs and international collaborations.

Rakesh NagiView profile

Professor

• Data Science & Analytics
• Machine Learning & AI
• Operations Management
• +7 more

Rakesh Nagi is a Professor and Head of the Engineering Systems and Design Pillar at Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), where he joined in August 2023. He concurrently holds the Donald Biggar Willett Professorship at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), on leave. His academic leadership includes serving as Department Head of Industrial and Enterprise Systems Engineering at UIUC (2013–2019) and as Interim Director of the Illinois Applied Research Institute (2016–2018). Previously, he was Chair of Industrial and Systems Engineering at the University at Buffalo (SUNY) from 2006 to 2012. Education: PhD (1991) and MS (1989) in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park, with work at the Institute for Systems Research and INRIA, France. BE (1987) in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Roorkee (now IIT Roorkee), India. Research focuses on Data Science, Machine Learning, Operations Research, GPU-accelerated computing, and military applications. Key areas include Big Graphs, High-level Information Fusion, Production Systems, and Multi-Agent Systems. His work often leverages parallel computing and optimization techniques. Recipient of prestigious awards: IISE David F. Baker Award (2022), INFORMS Koopman Award (2021, 2018), and multiple DARPA Graph Challenge recognitions. Contributions span over 100 peer-reviewed articles in top journals (e.g., Operations Research, IEEE Transactions) and conferences. Research projects include Hybrid AI/ML-Optimization for cloud workflows, GPU-accelerated algorithms for multi-target tracking, and interventions against illicit supply chains. Active collaborations with IBM-Illinois and NSF-funded initiatives address strategic resource allocation and network analysis. Labs/Teams: Leads the Engineering Systems and Design Pillar at SUTD and coordinates interdisciplinary projects at UIUC’s Coordinated Science Laboratory.

• Food Science
• Marine Biotechnology
• Protein Chemistry
• +4 more

Ida-Johanne Jensen is Associate Professor at the Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). Her work integrates food science, marine biotechnology and sustainability to valorise marine resources, improve food quality and develop novel functional products. Education & Doctoral Training Dr Jensen obtained her PhD from UiT The Arctic University of Norway (UiT Norges arktiske universitet) in 2014 with the dissertation "Health benefits of seafood consumption – with special focus on household preparations and bioactivity in animal models" , laying the foundation for her expertise in seafood bioactivity and nutrition. Research Interests Her research agenda centres on: Protein chemistry and functionality of marine raw materials and side-streams (brewer’s spent grain, sea cucumber, fish proteins). Development of functional foods and nutraceuticals with antihypertensive, antioxidative and cardioprotective properties. Sensory and technological quality optimisation of foods for extreme environments (military rations, Arctic field meals). Smart packaging and intelligent freshness indicators using natural colorants (anthocyanin-based hydrogel beads). Life-cycle assessment and environmental sustainability of aquaculture and fisheries. Publication Trends Jensen has an extensive publication record (>60 papers since 2009). Recent work (2023–2025) demonstrates a clear pivot towards valorisation of underutilised marine resources (sea cucumbers, brewer’s spent grain) and application-oriented food engineering (freeze-drying, microencapsulation, jerky processing). Reviews on military rations and marine antihypertensive peptides highlight her translational focus on human health and performance. Scientific Awards & Recognition No specific awards are listed in the provided material; however, sustained high-output publication in top-tier journals ( Food Chemistry , npj Science of Food , Marine Drugs ) attests to strong peer recognition. Student Supervision & Grants She has supervised numerous master’s students at NTNU on topics ranging from Arctic field-ration development to protein extraction from brewer’s spent grain, indicating robust external funding and industry collaboration. Laboratories & Collaborations Research is conducted within NTNU’s Department of Biotechnology and Food Science laboratories, with active collaborations across Europe and the Indian Ocean region for marine resource assessments.

Katherine FishView profile

Research Fellow

• Applied environmental microbiology
• Biofilm formation and mobilisation/stability
• Biofilm management
• +6 more

Dr. Katherine Fish is a Research Fellow in Water Systems Microbiology at the School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, University of Sheffield. She holds a PhD in Civil and Structural Engineering (2013) and an MSc in Biological Science (2009) from the same institution. PhD: The impact of hydraulic regime upon biofilms in drinking water distribution systems , University of Sheffield. MSc: First-Class Honours in Biological Science, Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield. Her research focuses on applied environmental microbiology, particularly the microbial ecology of natural and engineered environments. Key areas include: Biofilm formation, mobilisation, and stability in drinking water systems Interdisciplinary approaches to biofilm management and water quality Microbial community responses to disinfection practices Impacts of hydraulic regimes and chemical treatments on biofilms Public health implications of biofilm dynamics She collaborates with industry partners such as AkzoNobel, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, and South Staffs Water on projects like Managing Aquatic Biofilms via Surface Manipulation (funded by NBIC, BBSRC) and Biomonitoring . Her work also contributes to EPSRC-funded initiatives including TWENTY65, Sheffield Water Centre, PODDS, Pipe Dreams, and Pennine Water Group. Her publications span topics like Pseudomonas aeruginosa interactions in biofilms, disinfection residual behaviour, microplastic contamination in aquatic systems, and climate change impacts on water infrastructure. These studies integrate biological, chemical, and physical analyses to enhance water system management. Contact: k.fish@sheffield.ac.uk | ORCID | LinkedIn

Nicholas WarrenView profile

Professor

• Polymer Science
• Flow Chemistry
• Online Monitoring
• +2 more

Professor Nicholas Warren is a Chair in Sustainable Materials at the School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering at the University of Sheffield. With a PhD from Sheffield and academic experience at Leeds University (2016-2024), his research integrates polymer chemistry with automation technologies. Education: University of Bristol (2005), University of Sheffield (PhD) Academic Positions: Postdoc at Sheffield (2005-2016), University Academic Fellow at Leeds (2016-2024), Associate Professor (2021-2024) Current Role: Chair in Sustainable Materials (2024-present) Research focuses on polymer science with flow chemistry , online monitoring , and artificial intelligence to advance sustainable materials. Key article trends include self-driving laboratories , multi-objective optimization , and nanostructured polymer systems . Scientific recognitions include: 2022 Macro Group UK Young Researchers Medal 2023 RSC Reaction Chemistry & Engineering Outstanding Early Career Paper Award Advisees span current and alumni PhD students like Dr Stephen Knox , Anna Morrell , and Dr Charlotte Pugsley . His team employs self-driving lab platforms that combine robotics, AI, and online analytics for accelerated materials discovery.

David ToalView profile

Associate Professor

• Design optimisation & automation
• Machine learning & deep learning
• Computer aided design
• +3 more

Dr. David Toal is an Associate Professor at the University of Southampton, specializing in the application of machine learning techniques to aerospace system design optimization. His research focuses on automated geometry creation, prediction of simulation outputs, and fundamental machine learning advancements. He is affiliated with the Computational Engineering and Design Group and the Institute for Life Sciences. His teaching interests include engineering design methods, optimization, reliability, and CAD integration. He supervises multiple PhD students in areas such as aerodynamic geometry generation and structural design automation. Dr. Toal has led projects funded by the European Union and EPSRC, including E-Break (FP7) and equipment grants for advanced computational tools. His work emphasizes multidisciplinary collaboration, leveraging CAD systems and deep learning for applications in advanced aerial mobility and turbine optimization. Recent publications highlight advancements in Kriging models, adversarial auto-encoders, and semantic segmentation for engineering design. Dr. Toal's research bridges computational methods with practical aerospace challenges, aiming to accelerate design processes through data-driven and AI-enhanced approaches.

Bo ChenView profile

Professor

• High-temperature structural materials
• Additive manufacturing (electron beam melting, powder-bed-fusion)
• Creep and fatigue lifetime prediction
• +5 more

Professor Bo Chen holds a position in the Department of Materials at the University of Southampton, where he focuses on high-temperature structural materials and additive manufacturing. Previously, he served as a Professor of Engineering Materials at the University of Leicester (2019–2024), Senior Lecturer at Coventry University (2017–2019), and held postdoctoral roles at the University of Bristol and Manchester. He earned his BSc in Materials Engineering from Beihang University (2003–2007) and a PhD in Engineering from the University of Bristol (2007–2011). His research interests include creep/fatigue behavior, oxidation resistance, residual stress analysis, and advanced manufacturing techniques like electron beam melting. He is actively exploring digital twins and sustainable metallurgy to enhance engineering component durability. He currently supervises PhD student Qianyu Yao and has received an EPSRC Early-Career Fellowship (2018) and HEA Fellowship (2017). Recent publications emphasize additive manufacturing of superalloys, microstructural characterization, and fatigue mechanisms in materials. He has organized major conferences (e.g., ICF15, ESIA17–ISSI2023) and served as an external PhD examiner at several universities. His work bridges fundamental material science with industrial applications in aerospace and energy sectors.

Bello SamboView profile

Academic

• Railway Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Condition Monitoring
• +5 more

Bello Sambo is a Research Assistant in the Department of Engineering at the School of Computing and Engineering, University of Huddersfield. He is also a member of the Institute of Railway Research. His work focuses on railway engineering, particularly on wheel-rail interaction and condition monitoring. Role: Research Assistant University: University of Huddersfield Research Group: Institute of Railway Research Sambo's research expertise includes modelling and simulation , wheel-rail contact dynamics , and condition monitoring . His work addresses challenges in railway engineering, such as impact loads at crossings, crack propagation, and rail profile optimization. He employs techniques like image processing and dynamic system analysis to improve predictive maintenance and reduce fatigue damage in railway components. Recent research outputs highlight his contributions to wheel-rail interaction in switches and crossings (2023), impact load reduction (2020), and condition-based monitoring (2015). His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals by advancing infrastructure resilience and sustainable transport systems. Sambo is currently supervising PhD students and leading a 2024 project on image-based wheel profile measurement . He collaborates internationally and has an h-index of 20, with research outputs spanning 2015–2023.

• Architected materials
• Metamaterials
• Additive manufacturing
• +5 more

Farooq Azam is a Research Fellow at the Department of Mechanical Engineering , University College London , focusing on Modelling and Optimisation of Sustainable and Smart Technical Textiles . He works in the Roberts Engineering Building, London, United Kingdom (WC1E 7JE). Research Interests: Architected materials, Metamaterials, Additive manufacturing, Structural Imaging, Structural optimisation, AI/Machine Learning, Applied Mechanics, Mechanics of Materials Email: farooq.azam.20@ucl.ac.uk Recent Research Trends : His work spans additive manufacturing applications in biomedical components, structural optimization of architected materials, turbulence modeling in engines, and machine learning-driven metamaterial design. Key areas include Ti6Al4V scaffolds, hexagonal honeycomb configurations, and carbon microlattices. Scientific Awards : FHEA (Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy), 2024 Teaching : He has taught modules such as Group Manufacturing Challenges (MECH0099) , Micro/Nano Architected Composite Materials (MECH0096) , and Elasticity and Plasticity (MECH0026) at UCL.

• Environmental Modelling
• Sustainable Water Management
• Spatial Analysis (GIS)
• +5 more

Tara Zirakbash serves as a Lecturer at Murdoch University's School of Engineering and Energy, leveraging extensive cross-sector experience from consulting, government, and academia in hydrological analysis, urban water management, and GIS applications for sustainable engineering solutions. Her work directly addresses critical global challenges including water scarcity, climate change impacts, and water safety through interdisciplinary approaches. Her academic credentials include: Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Engineering from Murdoch University, Western Australia Research focuses on environmental modelling optimisation, sustainable water systems, spatial/time series analysis, and uncertainty-informed planning. She champions systems thinking integrated with practical field applications and multi-stakeholder collaboration to develop innovative solutions for complex environmental challenges, emphasizing real-world relevance in all scholarly work. Scientific Awards: No scientific awards documented in source materials Advising and grants information is not specified in available documentation, though her teaching methodology emphasizes workshop-based learning connecting theoretical concepts to practical implementation. Professional networks reflect strong industry-academia linkages developed through diverse sector engagements. Laboratory facilities and research team structures are not described in the provided institutional profile.