Gianluca Iaccarino is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Stanford University and the Robert Bosch Chairholder. He serves as Director of the PSAAP Center and leads large-scale computational research initiatives in uncertainty quantification, exascale computing, and multiphysics simulations. His academic journey includes a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Politecnico di Bari (2005), postdoctoral work at Stanford's Center for Turbulence Research, and progression from Research Engineer to full Professor. Education : PhD (Politecnico di Bari), MS/BS in Aeronautical Engineering (University of Naples) Research : Computational engineering, turbulence modeling, uncertainty quantification, biomedical fluid dynamics, and exascale-ready algorithms Publications : 15+ recent articles focus on turbulence modeling, data-driven simulations, and uncertainty quantification across diverse applications in aerospace, biomedical, and energy systems Awards : PECASE (2010), APS Fellow (2019), multiple best paper awards (AIAA, ASME), Terman Fellow (2007) Students : Advises doctoral and master's students in mechanical engineering and computational methods Leadership : Director of PSAAP Center (2014-present), Chair of Mechanical Engineering Department (2024-present)
Ville Vuorinen is an Associate Professor at the Department of Energy and Mechanical Engineering, Aalto University. His research focuses on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in energy technology, particularly using Large-Eddy Simulation (LES) and hybrid LES-RANS approaches with OpenFOAM. Research Interests: Combustion, Turbulence, Hydrogen, Emission Reduction, Biofuels, Marine Engine Hydrodynamics, Primary Atomization, Liquid Cooling. His team explores hydrogen-enriched flames, ammonia combustion, two-phase flows, and virus transmission modeling. Article Trends : Recent work spans hydrogen pre-ignition in engines, LES of ammonia/methanol flames, aerosol transmission in choir rehearsals, atomic layer deposition conformality, underwater noise analysis, and techno-economic waste-to-hydrogen systems. Keywords include combustion modeling, sustainable energy, and cross-disciplinary CFD applications. Scientific Awards Teknologiateollisuus ry Diesel- ja kaasumoottoritoimialaryhmän tunnustusapuraha (2010) Collaborations : Works closely with experimentalists. Advisees include Shervin Karimkashi Arani, Parsa Tamadonfar, Ossi Kaario, and others. Research impacts energy-efficient ships, marine engines, and biomedical applications.
James Tinjum is a Professor in the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, College of Engineering. His interdisciplinary expertise spans geotechnical, geological, environmental, transportation, and sustainable energy engineering. Education PhD 2006, University of Wisconsin-Madison MS 1995, University of Wisconsin-Madison BS 1993, University of Wisconsin-Madison Research Interests Professor Tinjum’s research integrates energy geotechnics with environmental sustainability. He investigates wind energy site design, district-scale geothermal heating/cooling systems, beneficial reuse of industrial byproducts (e.g., coal-combustion residuals, cement kiln dust), life-cycle environmental analysis, and remediation of contaminated sites. Additional focus areas include thermal conduction in unsaturated soils, landfill liner performance, and PFAS management in Wisconsin. Recent Research Directions His 2020–2024 publications reveal a strong emphasis on geothermal system performance , wind-turbine foundation–soil interaction , and emerging contaminant transport (PFAS, chromium). Fiber-optic distributed temperature sensing (FO-DTS) is a recurring enabling technology, applied to both geothermal borefields and landfill covers. Life-cycle assessment methodologies are consistently employed to quantify environmental benefits of renewable energy and waste-reuse strategies. Scientific Awards 2018 Fellow, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 2003 ASCE Zone III Practitioner Advisor of the Year 2002 ASCE Wisconsin Section Outstanding Young Engineer Teaching & Mentoring Professor Tinjum teaches core geotechnical courses (Soil Mechanics, Foundation Systems) alongside specialized offerings in wind-energy balance-of-plant design and sustainable systems engineering capstone. He supervises numerous master’s and doctoral students through GLE 790/890 research credits each semester. Labs & Teams He directs field-scale instrumentation campaigns at two wind-turbine sites and multiple campus/district geothermal installations, leveraging fiber-optic sensing networks and thermal response testing to advance energy geotechnics.
Terese Løvås serves as Vice Dean of Research and Innovation at the Faculty of Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), where she leads strategic development of research and innovation activities. She concurrently holds the position of Professor of Combustion and Thermodynamics within the Department of Energy and Process Engineering. Her leadership responsibilities include oversight of Centers of Excellence, Horizon Europe projects, and PhD researcher training. Her research focuses on combustion engineering and alternative fuel technologies , particularly investigating ammonia and hydrogen combustion for zero-emission engines, biomass gasification processes, and reactive multiphase flow modeling. She heads the Engine Lab at NTNU and teaches Thermodynamics, Heat, and Combustion courses. Her work bridges theoretical modeling with experimental validation in sustainable energy systems. Løvås actively contributes to major research initiatives including LowEmission (SFI center), ACTIVATE (ammonia-powered agricultural vehicles), AMAZE (ammonia zero-emission), and CAHEMA (marine ammonia/hydrogen engines). Her publications reveal strong trends in ammonia combustion chemistry , emissions reduction , and advanced computational modeling for sustainable fuel systems, with increasing focus on nitrogen oxide formation mechanisms and dual-fuel strategies. Member of the Board of Directors, Combustion Institute (2022–present) Joint Editor, Proceedings of the Combustion Institute (2019–present) Alumni Fellow in Engineering, Churchill College, Cambridge University As Vice Dean, she manages NTNU's Research and Innovation Committee and represents the faculty in NTNU's Research and Innovation Committee. She supervises multiple PhD candidates and leads international collaborations through projects funded by the Norwegian Research Council, Nordic Energy Research, and EU programs. Her laboratory work focuses on optical engine diagnostics and advanced combustion testing. Løvås maintains active industry engagement through her leadership in the ComKin Research Group and membership in the Institute of Physics and Scandinavian-Nordic Section of the Combustion Institute. Her current work emphasizes practical implementation of ammonia-fueled engine technologies for marine and agricultural applications.
Professor Manolis Gavaises is a leading academic in the field of mechanical engineering and computational fluid dynamics at City St George's, University of London, where he holds the position of Professor in the School of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences. He earned his PhD from Imperial College London and has been a faculty member since 2001, progressing to full Professor in 2009. His research is centered on advanced modeling of multi-phase flows, cavitation, and fuel injection systems, with extensive collaborations across Europe and industry partners such as Delphi, Caterpillar, and BP. Education: DIC, Mechanical Engineering, Computational Fluid Dynamics, Imperial College London, 1997 PhD, Mechanical Engineering, Computational Fluid Dynamics, Imperial College London, 1997 Diploma (5 years), Mechanical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 1992 His research interests span computational fluid dynamics, cavitation, fuel injection, atomization, high-pressure and supercritical flows, and alternative fuels . He has developed advanced numerical models and experimental techniques, including X-ray phase contrast imaging and high-pressure test rigs. His work integrates fundamental DNS and LES simulations with industrial applications in automotive, marine, aerospace, and medical devices such as heart valves. The recent publications reflect a strong trend toward real-fluid thermodynamic modeling (e.g., PC-SAFT), multi-component fuel behavior, cavitation erosion, and advanced diagnostics . His research increasingly incorporates machine learning and high-fidelity imaging to understand complex flow phenomena across energy, transportation, and biomedical domains. Scientific Awards and Recognitions: Richard Way Prize (1998) Arch T. Collwell Merit Award (1998) Best Oral Paper, SAE World Congress (2006) PE Publication Award, IMechE (2007) Best Presentation Award, Engine Combustion Processes (2009) Fellow, IMechE (2013) Fellow, IMA (2015) As a dedicated mentor, Professor Gavaises has supervised 13 PhDs to completion and currently guides 23 doctoral students. He has secured over €16 million in EU and UK funding, including multiple Horizon 2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie ITN projects (CAFÉ, HAOS, IPPAD), which support 46 early-career researchers globally. He has created academic opportunities for post-docs and junior faculty, significantly advancing the research profile of his institution. He leads the International Institute of Cavitation Research (IICR), co-founded in 2011 with partners from Loughborough University, TU Delft, and Imperial College, supported by The Lloyd’s Register Foundation. His lab maintains strong experimental capabilities, including a 2000bar pressure flow rig with micro-transparent nozzles and collaborations with Argonne National Laboratory for X-ray imaging.
Dr. Hung Yew Mun is an Associate Professor and Interim Head of the Mechanical Engineering program at Monash University Malaysia’s Malaysia School of Engineering. His expertise spans heat transfer, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics, with a focus on micro-scale phenomena, phase-change heat transfer, and graphene-based materials. He teaches courses including MEC3454/MEC4408 (Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer) and MEC4416 (Momentum, Energy & Mass Transport). Dr. Hung’s research addresses advanced cooling solutions for electronics, energy storage, and sustainable materials. Education: PhD in Mechanical Engineering from University of Multimedia, Malaysia (2010). Research Interests: Micro-scale heat transfer, phase-change mechanisms, graphene nanostructures, and applications in thermal management. His work contributes to UN SDG goals related to affordable and clean energy (SDG7) and industry innovation (SDG9). Recent Projects: Includes studies on MXene-biochar composites for energy storage, graphene-enhanced devices for electronics cooling, and multiscale modeling of postharvest fruit water transport. He has led/co-investigated 12 projects since 2013, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration. Publications: Over 100 peer-reviewed articles, with recent focus on graphene-mediated heat transfer enhancement, plasma-activated cooling, and nanofluid applications. His work addresses both fundamental mechanisms and industrial applications. Labs/Teams: Active in thermal engineering and nanomaterials research groups, collaborating with institutions globally on sustainable energy and advanced materials.
Prof. Patrick Jenny is a Full Professor at the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering and Head of the Institute of Fluid Dynamics at ETH Zurich. His research focuses on computational fluid dynamics (CFD), numerical methods for turbulent and multiphase flows, and reservoir simulation. He has held positions at ChevronTexaco and Cornell University, and received the National Latsis Prize 2005. PhD in CFD from ETH Zurich (1997) Postdoctoral work at Cornell University (1997–1999) Senior Researcher at ChevronTexaco (1999–2003) Research interests include: turbulent reactive flows, PDF modeling, multi-scale reservoir simulation, and data assimilation in engineering systems. He teaches courses on fluid dynamics, turbulence, and computational methods. Over 100 peer-reviewed publications span topics like fracture modeling, LES/RANS coupling, and particle-laden flows. His work bridges academia and industry, addressing challenges in energy systems, environmental engineering, and numerical algorithms. Winner: National Latsis Prize 2005 Led over 20 PhD projects and collaborates with institutions globally. His lab develops open-source tools for CFD and energy systems analysis.
Timothy Jacobs is Professor and Head of Multidisciplinary Engineering at Texas A&M University, with joint appointment in Mechanical Engineering. His research advances combustion science, emission control, and alternative fuel applications. Education: Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan (2005) M.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan (2002) B.S.E. Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan (1999) Research focuses on fundamental combustion processes in natural gas engines, developing low-temperature combustion strategies and aftertreatment integration. Recent work optimizes prechamber ignition systems for large-bore engines and hydrogen production via piston reactors. Experimental diagnostics characterize cycle variability, unburned emissions, and flame dynamics. Publications demonstrate expertise in combustion modeling, engine control algorithms, and emission formation mechanisms. Applied research supports decarbonization of power generation and marine propulsion. Awards recognize teaching excellence and research leadership, including ASME Fellowship and university professorships. Secures funding for engine technology development from federal agencies and industry partners.
Prof. Aswin Gnanaskandan is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical & Materials Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), where he joined in August 2020. He directs the Computational Multiphase Transport Laboratory, focusing on developing high-fidelity models for multiphase flows with applications in engineering and biomedical fields. His research is funded by NSF, Office of Naval Research, NIH, and the Center for Advanced Research in Drying. Education: PhD, Aerospace Engineering & Mechanics, University of Minnesota (2015) MS, Aerospace Engineering & Mechanics, University of Minnesota (2012) BS, Aeronautical Engineering, Madras Institute of Technology (2006) Research Interests: Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Multiphase Flow Modeling, Biomedical Acoustics, High-Performance Computing, and applications in underwater transportation, propulsion, and biomedical acoustics. His work bridges fundamental fluid mechanics with real-world challenges in energy, health, and environmental systems. Recent Research Trends: His articles focus on microbubble-enhanced ultrasound therapy, cavitation dynamics in propulsion systems, and multiphase flow modeling across scales. Key themes include improving thermal ablation precision in medical treatments and optimizing industrial processes like spray drying through advanced numerical techniques. Awards: Excellence in Research Award (WPI, 2024) NSF Engineering Research Initiation Award (2023) James Nichols Heald Research Award (WPI, 2022) Teaching & Advising: Teaches undergraduate/graduate courses in Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, and Numerical Methods. Advises multiple Major Qualifying Projects and fosters interdisciplinary collaboration through lab activities. His lab actively engages with industry and academic partners on projects like HIFU therapy and sustainable energy solutions. Labs & Teams: Leads the Computational Multiphase Transport Lab, which collaborates on projects involving CFD solver development (MFC 5.0), exascale computing, and biomedical acoustics. Aligns research with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 7, 9, 13).
Rupert Klein is a Professor at Freie Universität Berlin in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science , specializing in Geophysical Fluid Dynamics . His research spans atmospheric dynamics, numerical methods, and gas dynamics of combustion. Research Interests : Geophysical Fluid Dynamics and Atmospheric Modeling Multiscale Asymptotic Analysis Wave Propagation and Turbulence Combustion and Pressure Gain Combustion Climate Dynamics and Data Assimilation Scientific Awards : DRS Award for Excellent Supervision (2014) ECMWF Fellowship (renewed 2017) His recent work includes multiscale models for atmospheric flows, vortex dynamics, and combustion processes. Key collaborations involve DFG SPP 1276, CRC 1029 (TurbIn), and CRC 1114 (SCCS) projects. He contributes to numerical methods for low-Mach-number flows and geophysical simulations.
Dr. Youngchul Ra is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Michigan Technological University. He holds a PhD from MIT (1999) and degrees from Seoul National University. His expertise includes computational fluid dynamics (CFD), combustion modeling, chemical kinetics, and alternative fuel research. His work focuses on advanced combustion strategies like Gasoline Compression Ignition (GCI), engine CFD code development, and high-performance computing. Education: PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1999) Masters and Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University Research Interests: Developing multi-component fuel models for real-world applications Optimizing six-stroke GCI engines with advanced valve technologies Reducing emissions via combustion control and injection strategies Parallel computing techniques for large-scale engine simulations Recent work emphasizes oxygenated fuels in GCI engines and parametric studies of combustion efficiency. His CFD models are validated against experimental data for accuracy. His research has led to advancements in low-temperature combustion and emission reduction without explicit awards listed. He collaborates on engine design optimization and fuel formulation projects.
Jens Honore Walther is a Professor in the Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). His research focuses on fluid mechanics, coastal and maritime engineering, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). He leads projects on wave energy converters, multiphase flow systems, and thermal energy applications. His work contributes to sustainable development goals related to clean energy and climate action. External Roles: Research associate at ETH Zurich (2003–present) Postdoctoral fellow at ETH Zurich (2000–2003) Project manager at Danish Maritime Institute (1996–1997) Research scientist at Danish Meteorological Institute (1994–1996) Research Interests: Walther’s expertise spans CFD modeling, granular flow dynamics, and nanofluidics. His recent projects include optimizing wave energy converters, analyzing gap resonances in marine structures, and developing multiphase ejector geometries for heat pumps. His work integrates high-performance computing and experimental validation to address challenges in marine engineering and energy systems. Advising & Projects: He supervises PhD students in areas such as elite sport aerodynamics, gas lubrication, and alternative fuel combustion. Notable projects include: Elite sport aerodynamics (2024–2026) Alternative fuel injection in marine engines (2023–2026) Multi-physical gas bearing modeling (2024–2027) Labs & Collaborations: Walther collaborates with institutions like ETH Zurich and engages in experimental facilities at DTU. His group focuses on advanced CFD simulations and fluid-structure interaction studies.
Omid Mahian is a professor at Ningbo University, Ningbo, China, with significant contributions to thermal engineering, renewable energy, and nanotechnology. His research focuses on optimizing heat transfer mechanisms in systems like supercritical CO 2 cycles, printed circuit heat exchangers, and photovoltaic thermal modules. He has over 14,597 documents cited, with an h-index of 81 and 287 publications on Scopus. Key research areas: Thermal Load, Surface Roughness, Microchannel Flow, Exergy Destruction, Renewable Energy, Forced Convection. Recent work explores advanced cooling techniques (e.g., wicked heat pipes, grooved copper foam) and nanofluid applications for atmospheric water harvesting and CO 2 absorption. His studies address energy efficiency in off-grid systems, including predictive dispatch strategies for hybrid renewable energy, supersonic separation for carbon capture, and thermal management in electric vehicle motors. Omid Mahian has authored 180 articles on ScienceDirect, with a focus on improving energy systems through innovative designs and materials. His collaborations span numerous disciplines, emphasizing sustainability and technological feasibility.
Professor Dinos Arcoumanis FREng is a distinguished academic at City, University of London, where he has served as Professor since 2000. He previously held academic positions at Imperial College London from 1988-2000, progressing from Lecturer to Reader and ultimately to Professor of Internal Combustion Engines. At City University, he has held significant leadership roles including Head of the Aeronautical, Civil and Mechanical Engineering Department, Dean of the School of Engineering & Mathematical Sciences, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and International Links, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & International) until August 2014. He remains actively involved in research and academic leadership, currently serving as Director of the International Institute of Cavitation Research and Coordinator of the World Cities World Class (WC2) University Network. Professor Arcoumanis holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in Physics, Engineering and Mechanical Engineering from the Aristotelian University of Thessaloniki, Greece (1973), the University of California at Irvine, USA (1980), and the Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London (1984), respectively. His primary research focuses on internal combustion engines, with specific expertise in combustion, exhaust emissions, and engine lubrication. Professor Arcoumanis has pioneered the application of laser diagnostics and computational fluid dynamics to study internal combustion engines, with particular interest in automotive fuels including renewable and alternative fuels. His work bridges fundamental fluid mechanics with practical engine applications, addressing critical environmental engineering challenges in the transportation sector. His recent research has expanded into cavitation phenomena, fuel cell technology, and the development of sustainable propulsion systems for future transportation needs. Professor Arcoumanis's extensive publication record demonstrates a clear evolution in research focus, beginning with fundamental studies of diesel engine combustion and progressing toward advanced fuel injection systems, alternative fuels, and environmental sustainability. His work consistently bridges theoretical fluid mechanics with practical engine applications, with recent emphasis on cavitation phenomena in fuel systems and the integration of renewable energy technologies with traditional combustion systems. The interdisciplinary nature of his research connects mechanical engineering principles with environmental science, materials science, and energy systems engineering. Professor Arcoumanis has received numerous prestigious awards and honors throughout his career: 1991 Dugald Clerk Prize of IMechE 1995 and 1998 Arch T. Colwell Merit Award of the Society of Automotive Engineers Elected Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering (FREng) in 2001 Honorary doctorate from St. Petersburg State Polytechnic University of Russia (2009) Professor Arcoumanis has made significant contributions to academic leadership and professional service. He founded the International Journal of Engine Research (JER) in 1999 and serves as its Editor for Europe. He has coordinated the World Cities World Class (WC2) University Network since 2010, which brings together international institutions in major cities to address research challenges in transport, global health, business, and cultural industries. He has also served as a consultant to Brussels (DG17) and Bechtel Ltd. on the Auto-oil II European Programme (1998-2000), and was appointed Ambassador-at-Large of the Hellenic Republic for Energy Policy and New Technologies in September 2012. His research has been supported by various funding bodies including the Lloyd's Register Educational Trust, which funds the International Institute of Cavitation Research that he directs. Professor Arcoumanis leads the International Institute of Cavitation Research, a partnership between City University London, Loughborough University, and Delft University of the Netherlands. He has established collaborative research teams focused on engine combustion, fuel injection systems, and alternative propulsion technologies. His research group has developed advanced experimental facilities for studying fuel spray dynamics, combustion processes, and cavitation phenomena in engine systems. These teams regularly collaborate with automotive industry partners and international research institutions to address cutting-edge challenges in engine technology and sustainable transportation.
Kevin K. Lehmann is the William R. Kenan, Jr., Professor of Chemistry at the University of Virginia, within the Department of Chemistry in the College of Arts & Sciences. He is a leading researcher in molecular spectroscopy, with a focus on ultrasensitive detection methods such as cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) and double-resonance techniques. His educational background includes a B.S. from Cook College, Rutgers University (1977), a Ph.D. from Harvard University (1983), and a Junior Fellowship at the Harvard Society of Fellows. Lehmann's research is centered on advancing trace gas sensing using optical methods, particularly CRDS with high-reflectivity cavities and telecom-grade lasers. His group has pioneered Doppler-free two-photon CRDS and sub-Doppler double-resonance spectroscopy using frequency combs, enabling high-precision measurement of molecular transitions in gases like methane and nitrous oxide. These methods have applications in atmospheric science, planetary exploration (e.g., Mars missions), and combustion diagnostics. He also investigates meta-science questions around the reproducibility of spectroscopic data. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in high-resolution, quantum-limited spectroscopic techniques applied to small polyatomic molecules. There is a clear focus on enhancing selectivity and sensitivity through nonlinear optical effects, cavity enhancement, and advanced detection schemes. Applications span environmental monitoring, astrochemistry, and fundamental molecular physics. Fellow of the Optical Society, 2011 W.R. Kenan Professor of Chemistry, 2009 Earle K. Plyler Award in Molecular Spectroscopy, 2003 Thomas A. Edison Patent Award, 2002 Fellow of the American Physical Society, 1995 Lehmann has advised numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, and his lab has been supported by grants from agencies involved in space exploration, environmental science, and fundamental physics. His work has led to commercial instrumentation through Tiger Optics, Inc. He maintains strong international collaborations, particularly with researchers in Sweden on methane spectroscopy. While specific grant details are not listed, the scope and impact of his research suggest sustained funding from NSF, NASA, and DOE. His laboratory focuses on optical cavity-based sensors and high-resolution spectroscopy setups, integrating frequency combs, narrow-linewidth lasers, and cryogenic pre-concentration systems for trace analysis. The team combines experimental innovation with theoretical modeling to interpret complex spectra and improve measurement fidelity.
