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Steve CollinsView profile

Associate Professor

• Biomechanics
• Robotics
• Prosthetics
• +3 more

Steve Collins is an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Stanford University, with a courtesy appointment in the Department of Bioengineering. His research focuses on wearable robotics, biomechanics, and human-machine interaction. He leads projects on exoskeleton optimization, prosthetic design, and energy-efficient robotic actuators. His work aims to improve mobility for older adults and individuals with mobility impairments through innovative assistive technologies. Research Interests: Collins explores biomechanical principles underlying human movement, exoskeleton torque control strategies, and the design of devices that reduce metabolic costs during walking. His lab develops both hardware (e.g., exoskeleton emulators) and software (e.g., AddBiomechanics modeling tools) to advance assistive technologies. Key Contributions: He pioneered human-in-the-loop optimization methods for exoskeleton control, demonstrated energy-saving designs for ankle exoskeletons, and investigated how exoskeletons can enhance balance and reduce fall risks. His team also developed the 'Tripod' prosthesis emulator and electrostatic clutch systems for energy-efficient actuators. Grants & Collaborations: His work is supported by NSF grants (e.g., NRI: Small grant for exoskeleton control) and industry partnerships. He collaborates with clinicians to translate robotic innovations into clinical applications for amputees and aging populations. Labs & Teams: His research is conducted in Stanford's robotics and biomechanics facilities, focusing on interdisciplinary projects at the intersection of mechanical engineering, bioengineering, and computer science.

Ana Maria VelezView profile

Associate Professor

• Insect Toxicology
• Environmental Toxicology
• Resistance Management
• +7 more

Ana Maria Velez is an Associate Professor at the Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Her research focuses on insect responses to chemical stressors, particularly RNA interference (RNAi) and Bt toxins for pest management. With a 80% research and 20% teaching appointment, she leads the Insect Toxicology Lab and teaches courses like 'Toxins in the Environment' and 'Insecticide Toxicology.' Education: Ph.D. in Entomology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2013 M.S. in Entomology, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, 2009 B.S. in Biology, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Colombia, 2006 Her research spans molecular, organismal, and population levels to evaluate transgenic crops and RNAi technologies. Key areas include resistance mechanisms, non-target effects, and risk assessment frameworks. She has extensive publications on western corn rootworm and fall armyworm, emphasizing sustainable pest control. Her work also addresses sublethal impacts on non-target species like monarch butterflies and honeybees. Recent articles highlight RNAi delivery optimization, Bt resistance dynamics, and ecological impacts of insecticides. Her lab collaborates on patents for RNAi-based pest suppression methods targeting chromatin remodeling and developmental genes. Scientific Awards Distinguished Multicultural Alumni (2019) DuPont Young Professor Award (2016) International Congress of Entomology Travel Awards (2016) Widaman Trust Distinguished Graduate Assistant (2011) Milton E. Mohr Teaching Fellowship (2012) The Vélez Arango Lab investigates durability and safety of insect control technologies, with emphasis on RNAi and Bt crops. Their work informs integrated pest management (IPM) systems and regulatory frameworks.

Raouf BoutabaView profile

Professor

• Network Management
• Systems and Services
• Resource Management in Wired/Wireless Networks
• +9 more

Raouf Boutaba is a Professor at the University of Waterloo , serving as Director of the David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science since July 2020. He holds prestigious fellowships including FRSC , FIEEE , FIEC , and FCAE . 2024: Inaugural Rogers Chair in Network Automation 2024: Ontario Research Fund–Research Excellence (ORF–RE) $2M grant for next-gen mobile networks 2021: University Professor title, University of Waterloo Research Interests span network automation, resource management in wired/wireless networks, network function virtualization (NFV), software-defined networking (SDN), cloud computing, blockchain, future Internet architecture, and cybersecurity. His work focuses on zero-touch networks, 5G/B5G slicing, and AI-driven orchestration. Scientific Contributions include 15+ recent publications on topics like reinforcement learning for RAN slicing, encrypted traffic classification, quantum network optimization, and self-driving infrastructure. His projects 5G LEAP and 5G ELITE explore network isolation and Open RAN principles. 2024: IFIP/IEEE CNOM Test of Time Paper Award 2024: Graduate Supervision Excellence Award 2021: Kenneth C. Sevcik Outstanding Student Paper Award (advisor) Teaching includes co-developing the NSERC CREATE Network Softwarization program, offering courses like Network Softwarization: Principles and Foundations (Winter 2024) and Technologies and Enablers since 2018. He emphasizes hands-on training in SDN, NFV, Open RAN, and 5G. Students and Collaborations : Supervised PhD students such as Shihabur R. Chowdhury (2021), Nashid Shahriar (2020), and undergrad Leni Aniva (2022 Gov. Gen. Silver Medal ). His team includes researchers working on 5G, blockchain, and AI-driven network management. Professional Leadership : Organized Rogers TEP Workshops (2024-2025), delivered keynotes at IEEE Globecom, ColCom, and BalkanCom, and served on expert panels for AI orchestration and 5G cybersecurity at major symposia.

Jonathan CookView profile

Research Fellow

• Malaria Eradication
• Emerging Infectious Diseases
• Structure-Based Vaccine Design
• +3 more

Dr Jonathan Cook is a Research Fellow at Jesus College, University of Oxford, affiliated with the Medical Sciences division. He holds a primary medical qualification from Queen’s University (Canada, 2021) and a PhD investigating viral immune evasion mechanisms under Prof Jeffrey Lee. His work was supported by the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship and recognized with the Stuart Alan Hoffman Memorial Prize. As an incoming Banting Fellow at the Jenner Institute, he focuses on vaccine design for infectious diseases. His research interests include malaria eradication, emerging pathogens, and structure-based vaccine strategies. **Education**: - PhD (Investigation of viral entry glycoproteins), University of Toronto, supervised by Prof Jeffrey Lee - Primary Medical Qualification, Queen’s University, Canada **Research Interests**: - Malaria Eradication : Developing vaccines targeting Plasmodium species. - Emerging Infectious Diseases : Designing rapid-response strategies for pathogens like SARS-CoV-2. - Structure-Based Vaccine Design : Leveraging protein structural data to enhance immunogenicity. **Awards**: - Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships Programme (2017–2020) - Stuart Alan Hoffman Memorial Prize (2021) - Banting Fellowship (incoming) **Grants/Advising**: Works on Jenner Institute-funded projects. No listed advisees yet. **Labs/Teams**: Collaborates with Prof Lee's lab at the Jenner Institute and the University of Toronto's Medical Microbiology program.

Ian RuthvenView profile

Professor

• Information Seeking Theory
• Human-Computer Interaction
• User Studies
• +7 more

Professor Ian Ruthven is a Professor of Information Seeking and Retrieval in the Department of Computer and Information Sciences at the University of Strathclyde. He chairs the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) and the Steering Committee of the Information Seeking in Context (ISIC) conference series. His research focuses on human information interaction, including information seeking in health, migration, and cultural heritage contexts. He authored Dealing With Change Through Information Sculpting , proposing a theory explaining how people use information behaviors to adapt during life transitions. Education: PhD in Abduction, Explanation, and Relevance Feedback (University of Glasgow, 2001), MSc (University of Birmingham, 1993), BSc in Computing Science (University of Glasgow, 1992). Research Interests: Information seeking theory, interface design for information access, user studies. His work bridges human-computer interaction with socio-technical systems, emphasizing ethical and inclusive design. Publications: Over 170 peer-reviewed papers, including influential works on information resilience, digital divides, and pandemic impacts on international students. Recent work includes Grey Digital Divide: Factors Associated with Older People’s Use of the Internet for Financial Transactions (2025) and Information Avoidance: A Critical Conceptual Review (2025). Awards: Tony Kent Strix Memorial Award (2020), Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (2010), and multiple best paper awards. His contributions span academic and policy realms, addressing societal challenges through information science. Projects: Co-investigator in the Participatory Harm Auditing Workbenches and Methodologies (PHAWM) project (2024–2028) and leader of the Scottish Network on Digital Cultural Resources Evaluation (ScotDigiCH) (2015–2016). These projects emphasize participatory design and cultural heritage evaluation. Professional Activities: Editorial roles for major conferences, visiting researcher at the University of Pretoria (2021), and advisory roles in library and information science initiatives. His work fosters collaboration between academia and cultural institutions.

• Clinical Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Rapid Diagnostics
• +3 more

Susan Butler-Wu, PhD, D(ABMM), SM (ASCP) serves as the Director of Medical Microbiology at LAC+USC Medical Center and holds the position of Clinical Associate Professor of Clinical Pathology at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California. She received her PhD in Molecular Microbiology from Tufts University and completed postdoctoral fellowships in Tuberculosis Pathogenesis at New York University and Medical and Public Health Microbiology at the University of Washington. Prior to her current role, she was the Associate Director of Clinical Microbiology at the University of Washington Medical Center. Research Focus: Rapid diagnostics for infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance detection, and diagnostic stewardship. Professional Roles: Member of the editorial board of the Journal of Clinical Microbiology; serves on working groups for the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) and the American Society for Microbiology (ASM). Key Contributions: Extensive publications on MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics, and antimicrobial resistance trends.

Jeffrey BeekmanView profile

Professor

• Cystic Fibrosis
• Regenerative Medicine
• Stem Cell Research
• +5 more

Jeffrey Beekman is a Full Professor at the University Medical Center Utrecht, specializing in translational research for chronic diseases through the Department of Pediatric Pulmonology. His work bridges basic and clinical research to develop novel diagnostics and therapeutics for conditions like cystic fibrosis (CF) and Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia. Education: PhD in Molecular Immunology (2004) Key Roles: Principle Investigator since 2010, co-founder of FAIR Therapeutics, Board Member of the Dutch Society for Stem Cell Research His research focuses on patient-derived organoid models to study disease mechanisms, validate therapeutic targets, and optimize drug development. Strategic programs include Child Health and Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells . Recent publications highlight his work on CFTR gene therapy, organoid-based drug efficacy testing, and host-pathogen interactions in CF. Collaborations span molecular biology, clinical pulmonology, and biotech translation. Key Techniques: Organoid modeling, RNA sequencing, Forskolin-induced swelling assay Diseases Studied: Cystic Fibrosis, Colorectal Cancer Susceptibility, Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia

Benjamin DrussView profile

Professor

• Mental Health
• Health Policy
• Public Health
• +3 more

Benjamin Druss is a Professor and Rosalynn Carter Chair in Mental Health at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health, Department of Health Policy and Management. He is a psychiatrist integrating mental health, physical health, and public health. His research focuses on improving care access/outcomes for populations with serious mental illnesses and medical comorbidities. He serves on JAMA Psychiatry’s editorial board and previously on NIMH’s National Advisory Council. Education: MD, New York University MPH, Yale University Research Interests: Health policy for mental health systems Social determinants of mental health Psychosis and comorbidity mechanisms Healthcare access disparities Articles Trends: Recent work examines opioid use patterns, mental health policy impacts, and neighborhood effects on psychiatric outcomes. Over 15 years of publications consistently address disparities in mental health care access and systemic solutions. Awards: APA Health Services Research Senior Scholar Award Carl Taube Award for Lifetime Contribution NAMI Exemplary Psychiatrist Award Advising/Grants: Leads research on mental health workforce resilience and Medicaid policy. Courses taught include mental health/medical policy, public mental health case studies, and dissertation guidance.

Patrick MitranView profile

Professor

• 5G/6G Communication Systems
• Millimeter-wave and Sub-THz Technologies
• Digital Predistortion
• +3 more

Patrick Mitran is a full-time Professor at the University of Waterloo's Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, within the Faculty of Engineering. His research focuses on advanced wireless communication systems, including 5G/6G technologies, millimeter-wave and sub-THz communication, digital predistortion techniques, MIMO systems, and beamforming architectures. He leads projects addressing challenges in transmitter linearization, network resource allocation, and hardware-efficient signal processing. Key research interests include optimizing frequency multiplier-based transmitters, mitigating inter-cell interference in massive MIMO networks, and developing algorithms for reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS). His work often intersects hardware design, signal processing, and network optimization, with applications in next-generation wireless infrastructure. Recent publications highlight innovations in ultrawideband signal generation for 6G testing, practical RIS configurations, and FPGA-based real-time digital predistortion implementations. His contributions emphasize both theoretical advancements and practical system-level solutions. Dr. Mitran's research group collaborates on cutting-edge topics such as hybrid NOMA in multi-cell networks, adaptive coding modulation for Gaussian channels, and interference decoding strategies. His work has been published in top-tier journals and conferences, reflecting a sustained impact on modern wireless communication technologies.

Steven R. CaliariView profile

Associate Professor

• Biomaterials
• Mechanobiology
• Musculoskeletal Tissue Engineering
• +1 more

Steven R. Caliari is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering with a secondary appointment in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Virginia’s School of Engineering and Applied Science. He serves as the ChE Graduate Program Director and is a SEAS Copenhaver Fellow (2023). His research focuses on designing biomaterials to study cell-microenvironment interactions, addressing challenges in disease and tissue engineering. He holds a B.S. (2007, University of Florida), M.S. (2010), and Ph.D. (2013) in Chemical Engineering from the University of Illinois, followed by an NIH postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania. His research interests include biomaterials, mechanobiology, musculoskeletal tissue engineering, and advanced manufacturing for biological applications. His lab has pioneered viscoelastic hydrogel platforms and conductive collagen scaffolds, supported by NIH, NSF, DoD, and industry grants. Notable awards include the NSF CAREER Award (2021) and NIH MIRA (2020). Grants: NIH (NIGMS), NSF CAREER, V Foundation, UVA-Coulter Partnership Courses: Tissue Engineering (BME/CHE 4417), Transport Processes I (CHE 3321) Labs: Caliari Lab focuses on biomaterial design and mechanobiological studies His work bridges fundamental science and translational applications, emphasizing dynamic material systems for regenerative medicine and disease modeling.

Nishant GargView profile

Assistant Professor

• Construction Materials
• Sustainable Infrastructure
• Environmental Engineering
• +3 more

Nishant Garg is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His research focuses on sustainable construction materials, particularly cement-based systems, leveraging advanced characterization techniques such as X-ray scattering, neutron diffraction, and Raman imaging. His work addresses environmental sustainability through innovations in low-carbon materials, waste utilization, and durability enhancement. Education: Ph.D. in Nanoscience, Aarhus University (2015) M.S. in Civil Engineering Materials, Iowa State University (2012) B.E. and Diploma in Civil Engineering, Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology and Chandigarh College of Eng. & Tech. (2010, 2007) Research Interests: Sustainable cement chemistry, material characterization, carbonation processes, and development of eco-friendly construction materials. His lab, the Garg Group, emphasizes multi-scale analysis (nano-to-macro) to bridge fundamental science and practical applications. Key Contributions: Innovations include the UR2 test for cement reactivity, SorpVision for automated sorptivity assessment, and VR tools for materials education. These advances aim to reduce costs, improve material performance, and promote circular economy practices. Awards and Roles: Dean’s Award for Excellence in Research (2025) Member, Transportation Research Board AKM 50 Committee (2025–Present) Recipient of American Ceramic Society’s Stephen Brunauer Award (2021) Advising and Grants: Actively recruiting MS/Ph.D. students. Leads initiatives on low-carbon concrete, funded by NSF and industry collaborations. Serves on CEE advisory committees and graduate admissions. Labs/Teams: The Garg Group integrates interdisciplinary approaches, collaborating with materials scientists, engineers, and data scientists to tackle global infrastructure challenges.

Lisa WangView profile

Assistant Professor

• Community Resilience Modeling
• Structural Engineering
• Disaster Risk Reduction
• +4 more

Dr. Lisa Wang is a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering at Old Dominion University (ODU). She holds a Ph.D. and Postdoctoral Fellowship in Structural Engineering from Colorado State University (CSU), with additional research at NIST’s Center for Risk-Based Community Resilience Planning. She is a licensed California Professional Engineer (PE) and has expertise in multidisciplinary community resilience assessment, mitigation strategies, and policy analysis. Her research focuses on integrating physical, socio-economic, and infrastructural systems to enhance disaster resilience in coastal and hazard-prone communities. Education: Ph.D. and Postdoc (CSU, 2022-2024), M.S. in Structural Engineering (University of Colorado Denver & Jilin University, 2015), B.S. in Civil Engineering (Jilin University, 2012). Professional licenses include CA PE #94251 and CO EIT #007558. Research Interests: Community resilience under multi-hazards (tornadoes, floods, climate change), resilience-based design of structural systems, data fusion across disciplines, and equitable decision-making for disaster resilience. Recent grants include $31k for AI-driven coastal resilience strategies and $10k for minimum building portfolio development. Grants & Awards: Principal Investigator (PI): Trustworthy AI in Coastal Resilience (ICAR, $31k), AI-Driven Building Portfolios (ODU PURS, $10k) Awards: O. H. Ammann Fellowship (ASCE), ICAR Travel Grant, AGU NSF Travel Grant, Jack E. Cermak Fellowship Labs & Teams: Wang Research Group and Structural Engineering Research Laboratory at ODU.

Prithvi Ravi KantanView profile

Researcher

• Rehabilitation Technology
• Biofeedback Systems
• Sound Processing
• +6 more

Prithvi Ravi Kantan is a full-time Researcher at Aalborg University's Department of Architecture, Design and Media Technology within The Technical Faculty of IT and Design. His work focuses on developing sound-based and multimodal feedback systems for motor rehabilitation, integrating principles from music technology and biomedical engineering. Education: PhD in Embodied Sonification Design (2021-2023) M.Sc. in Sound and Music Computing (2018-2020) B.E. in Electronics and Telecommunications (2009-2013) Research interests include real-time auditory feedback systems for neurological rehabilitation, user-centered design of clinical technologies, and the application of generative music in data sonification. He actively contributes to projects like HearWalk (2023-2027), exploring sound-facilitated motor learning in cerebral palsy patients. Notable achievements include winning the Danish Sound Day Research Pitch Battle (2023) and receiving the Best Student Paper Award at ICAD 2024. His work aligns with UN SDG 3 (Good Health) and SDG 4 (Quality Education). Teaching responsibilities include coordinating bachelor and master-level courses in PBL-based learning, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches. He has supervised multiple student projects and contributed to over 39 publications since 2013.

• Solid Mechanics
• Materials Science
• Fracture Mechanics
• +3 more

Jonas Faleskog is a Professor in the Department of Materials and Structural Mechanics at KTH Royal Institute of Technology. His research focuses on mathematical modeling of material deformation and failure mechanisms, particularly in metallic and polymeric materials. Key areas include ductile and brittle fracture analysis, fracture mechanics, and computational modeling of material behavior under various stress conditions. He leads a research group collaborating internationally to develop models describing material failure at microscopic scales. Faleskog teaches courses such as Fracture Mechanics (SE2139) and Modeling in FEM (SE2860), emphasizing practical applications of theoretical models. His work spans experimental and numerical methods, addressing challenges in material heterogeneity, porosity effects, and environmental degradation. Notable contributions include advancements in weakest-link modeling for brittle failure, probabilistic fracture models, and strain gradient plasticity analysis. His research bridges material science, applied mechanics, and numerical methods to optimize material utilization in engineering systems like reactor tanks, aircraft, and vehicles. Key collaborations involve international teams exploring microstructural influences on fracture behavior. While no specific awards are listed, his extensive publication record reflects sustained contributions to mechanical and materials engineering.

• Railway Noise and Vibration
• Acoustic Engineering
• Structural Dynamics
• +3 more

Professor David Thompson is a globally recognized expert in railway noise and vibration reduction at the University of Southampton's Institute of Sound and Vibration Research (ISVR). He holds a part-time role in ISVR Consulting while continuing full-time research. His research focuses on low-noise railway design, ground vibration control, and aerodynamic noise from high-speed trains. He leads collaborative EU projects and advises industry partners. David earned his MA and PhD from the University of Cambridge and the ISVR, respectively. His career includes roles at British Rail Research and TNO in the Netherlands, where he developed the influential TWINS rolling noise model. He has authored over 250 papers and a seminal textbook translated into Chinese, with a second edition in 2024. Awards include the 2018 Rayleigh Medal for outstanding contributions to acoustics. Research Highlights: Modelling noise sources (rolling, aerodynamic, curve squeal), vehicle interior noise transmission, and ground-borne vibration. Collaborations: Partnerships with EU initiatives, Korean Railroad Research Institute, and Chinese universities. Teaching: Courses on noise control engineering, railway systems, and acoustic design. His work bridges theoretical models with practical solutions, aiming to reduce railway noise through innovative designs and mitigation strategies.