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Xiaolong LiuView profile

Assistant Professor

• Quantum States of Matter
• Superconductivity
• Scanning Tunneling Microscopy
• +3 more

Xiaolong Liu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Notre Dame. His research focuses on creating and studying novel quantum states of matter, particularly unconventional superconductivity, using advanced scanning probe microscopy techniques such as spectroscopic imaging scanning tunneling microscopy (SI-STM) at cryogenic temperatures. He leads a lab specializing in atom-scale manipulation, in situ material synthesis via molecular beam epitaxy, and 2D heterostructure fabrication. His experimental approaches include ultra-high vacuum environments with magnetic fields up to 9 T and in situ transport measurements. Education: Liu earned a BS from the University of Science and Technology of China (2013) and a PhD from Northwestern University (2018). His work bridges quantum materials research with nanoscale fabrication, emphasizing both fundamental physics and technological applications. His group's research has led to breakthroughs in visualizing electron fluid dynamics and discovering Cooper-pair density waves in transition metal dichalcogenides. Research Interests: His lab explores quantum phenomena in engineered 2D materials and heterostructures, including borophene synthesis, topological superconductors, and electronic phase transitions under extreme conditions. Techniques include single-atom/molecule manipulation and quantum simulation through atomic-scale architectures. Awards & Recognition: Liu has received the 2023 Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Award, 2022 Blavatnik Regional Award for Young Scientists (Physical Sciences & Engineering), and the 2022 IUPAP Young Scientist Prize in Low Temperature Physics. His work has been published in top journals like Nature, Science, and Nature Materials. Labs & Teams: His research group operates within the Nieuwland Science Hall, focusing on advanced microscopy and nanofabrication. Collaborations involve theoretical physicists, materials scientists, and engineers to address grand challenges in quantum matter and next-generation electronics.

John HarterView profile

Associate Professor

• Quantum Materials
• Superconductivity
• Correlated Electron Systems
• +4 more

John Harter is an Associate Professor in the Department of Materials at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), within the College of Engineering. His research focuses on quantum materials, including unconventional superconductors and strongly correlated electron systems. He uses advanced experimental techniques such as angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES), ultrafast transient reflectivity, and magneto-optical microscopy to study electronic structures and dynamics. Dr. Harter holds a Ph.D. in Physics from Cornell University and a B.S. in Physics and Mathematics from the University of Florida. His work explores topics like topological superconductors, spin-orbit coupling effects, and periodically-driven phases of matter. Key areas include understanding how light can induce novel phases (e.g., Floquet topological insulators) and investigating symmetry-breaking phenomena in correlated materials. His research group actively studies materials such as kagome superconductors, ferroelectric-superconductor hybrids, and topological insulators. Techniques like nonlinear optical rotational anisotropy and coherent phonon spectroscopy are employed to probe symmetry and electronic order. Recent studies include exploring charge density waves in SrTiO3 films and the interplay between nematicity and superconductivity in iron-based systems. While no specific scientific awards are listed, his contributions to quantum materials science are evident through a prolific publication record. He advises a research group focused on experimental condensed matter physics and maintains affiliations with UCSB's Materials Research Lab and advanced spectroscopy facilities.

• Nanomaterial Engineering
• Bioengineering
• Computer Science
• +5 more

Antti Elonen is a Visiting Professor affiliated with the Department of Computer Science and holds roles as a Doctoral Student and Doctoral Researcher within the School of Science . His primary focus involves algorithmic design and computational tools for nucleic acid-based nanostructures. Educational Qualifications: Dipl.ins. (Computer Technology) – Awarded 22 August 2019 Tekn. kand. (Computer Technology) – Awarded 13 October 2017 Research Interests: Elonen’s work bridges nanomaterial engineering and bioengineering , specializing in molecular design techniques for DNA and RNA nanostructures. He develops algorithmic methods and software tools like DNAforge to automate scaffold-free approaches, emphasizing practical applications in nanotechnology and structural biology. His research addresses challenges such as minimizing kissing loops in RNA origami and optimizing 3D polyhedron formations through computational modeling. Recent Publications Trends: His articles (2022–2025) consistently explore the design and implementation of nucleic acid nanostructures using advanced computational frameworks. Topics include automated design pipelines, linear-time algorithms for structural encoding, and interdisciplinary applications merging bioengineering with software engineering. Collaborations & Awards: No scientific awards or grants are explicitly mentioned. Collaborators include researchers like Prof. Pekka Orponen, A. Mohammed, and international teams. Advising roles are not detailed, but his doctoral research suggests involvement in molecular design mentorship. Labs & Teams: While specific lab affiliations are not listed, his work aligns with research communities focused on unconventional computation and molecular programming.

Wonmuk HwangView profile

Professor

• Computational Biophysics
• Molecular Biomechanics
• Molecular Motors
• +5 more

Wonmuk Hwang is a Professor at Texas A&M University with joint appointments in Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, and Physics & Astronomy. As Principal Investigator of the Hwang Laboratory, he leads research in computational biophysics and molecular biomechanics. His lab focuses on understanding how biomolecules move, interact, and assemble to drive biological phenomena, with applications in therapeutic development and bio-inspired engineering. His research program spans four interconnected domains: Multiscale Modeling (water dynamics, biofilament mechanics, supramolecular assembly), Kinesin Motor Proteins (ATP-driven motility mechanisms), T-Cell Receptor Mechanobiology (force-dependent immune recognition), and Bioimage Analysis (computational tools for complex imaging datasets). The lab develops advanced algorithms including the Computer-Aided Feature Extraction (CAFE) platform for biological structures. Analysis of 15 recent publications (2021-2025) reveals dominant research threads: 1) Computational methods for electrostatic interactions and molecular dynamics (CHARMM enhancements, GLST cubature), 2) TCR mechanobiology exploring force-dependent discrimination mechanisms, 3) Viral protein dynamics (influenza NS1, HIV MPER), and 4) Developmental biophysics (zebrafish neurodevelopment). This reflects Hwang's dual focus on method development and biological applications. Professor Hwang mentors an active research group including 3 graduate students (Sofiya Bettencourt, James Gonzales, Yue Qiu) and 3 undergraduates (Nithanial John, Jomi Olufemi, Elaine Wu). His alumni hold positions at Vanderbilt University, IBM Research, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and academic institutions worldwide. The lab maintains extensive collaborations with experimental groups including those at NIH, Harvard, and Seoul National University.

Joe RossView profile

Professor

• Magnetism
• Superconductivity
• Materials Research
• +4 more

Prof. Joe Ross is a Professor at Texas A&M University, affiliated with the Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. His research focuses on magnetic and electronic materials, utilizing NMR spectroscopy, computational methods, and other experimental techniques. He received a BS from Yale University and a PhD from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, followed by postdoctoral work at Cornell University. His work explores advanced thermoelectric materials, topological materials, and quantum effects in semiconductors, with a particular emphasis on NMR studies of electronic and magnetic behavior. Research interests include magnetism, superconductivity, and the interplay of ordered magnetic phases in materials. He leads a team investigating topological nodal lines, defect charging in thermoelectrics, and strain glasses. His lab is equipped with a 9T NMR spectrometer and advanced cryogenic facilities. Prof. Ross has advised students such as Rui Li and collaborates on projects involving topological phase transitions and thermoelectric applications. His work has been published in leading journals like Phys. Rev. Letters, Phys. Rev. B, and ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces.

• Geothermal Energy
• Porous Media
• Fluid Dynamics
• +5 more

Dr. Xiang-Zhao Kong is a Lecturer at the Institute of Geophysics, ETH Zurich, within the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences (D-EAPS). He holds a PhD in Environmental Engineering from ETH Zurich (2010), where he was awarded the ETH Medal for his dissertation. His career includes postdoctoral research at the University of Minnesota and a Research Fellowship at the University of Queensland before returning to ETH Zurich in 2015. His research focuses on geothermal energy, flow and transport processes in porous media, reactive transport modeling, and subsurface engineering. Key areas include fractured formations, geothermal reservoir optimization, and CO₂ sequestration. He employs advanced computational methods like lattice-Boltzmann solvers and machine learning for subsurface flow modeling and reservoir characterization. Dr. Kong’s work bridges experimental and theoretical approaches, with notable contributions to mineral precipitation dynamics, fluid-rock interactions, and phase transition fracturing. His publications span geothermal systems, carbon capture, and subsurface energy storage. Recent efforts emphasize de-risking CO₂-Plume Geothermal (CPG) technologies and advancing fracture modeling via neural networks. Awards: ETH Medal for PhD Dissertation (2011) Teaching: Leads the 'Groundwater' course (Autumn Semester 2025).

Adam FosterView profile

Professor

• Surface and Interfacial Science
• Defects in Oxides
• Wide Band Gap Materials
• +2 more

Prof. Adam Foster is a tenured Professor at Aalto University in Helsinki, Finland. He leads the “Surface and Interfaces at the Nanoscale” simulation group and serves as Director of the Aalto Education Network in Condensed Matter Physics. His research focuses on theoretical physics aspects of surface and interfacial science, particularly defects in bulk oxide and high-k materials. He earned his PhD from University College London, where he began contributing to pivotal studies on material defects. His teaching philosophy emphasizes unconventional formats and open discussion cultures, reflected in initiatives like open discussion forums and collaborative learning environments. As an academic leader, he promotes graduate education through innovative mentoring programs and interdisciplinary training. Prof. Foster’s work has been widely cited, with notable contributions to review articles on defects in wide band gap materials. His research bridges computational modeling and experimental condensed matter physics, addressing challenges in nanoscale interface dynamics. Current activities include directing educational networks and fostering international collaborations in materials science.

Ruixing ZhangView profile

Assistant Professor

• Topological Insulators and Semimetals
• Majorana Materialization
• Unconventional Superconductivity
• +7 more

Ruixing Zhang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, with a joint appointment in the Department of Physics & Astronomy. He is affiliated with the Institute of Advanced Materials and Manufacturing (IAMM) and the Condensed Matter Theory Center. His research focuses on theoretical topological quantum matter, exploring topological superconductivity, Majorana modes, and novel quantum phases in materials like iron-based superconductors and moiré systems. Education: PhD in Physics from Penn State University (2018), BSc from University of Science and Technology of China (2012). Postdoctoral training at the Joint Quantum Institute, University of Maryland (2018-2021). Research Interests: Topological insulators/semimetals Majorana materialization and topological quantum computing Floquet topological systems Twistronics and moiré physics Symmetry-protected topological phases Selected Honors: 8th Peter Eklund Lecturing Award (2017) David C. Duncan Graduate Fellowship (2014-2016) Multiple teaching awards, including Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching (2015) Advising & Labs: Leads a research group at South College and IAMM, advising graduate students and postdocs. Notable alumni include Lunhui Hu (now Assistant Professor at Zhejiang University). Active in theoretical and computational approaches to materials discovery.

Geoffrey M. BowersView profile

Associate Professor

• Geochemistry
• Solid-State NMR
• Mineral-Fluid Interfaces
• +3 more

Geoffrey M. Bowers is Associate Professor and Chair of Chemistry and Biochemistry at St. Mary's College of Maryland. His research focuses on physical geochemistry, mineral-fluid interfaces, and environmental applications of spectroscopy. Bowers directs an active research group involving undergraduate students in NSF and DOE-funded projects. Research Areas: Specializes in molecular-scale analysis of fluid behavior in nanoporous materials using solid-state NMR, with applications in energy recovery, carbon sequestration, and environmental remediation. Current projects investigate supercritical fluid interactions in shale formations and natural organic matter-mineral complexes. Mentorship: Has supervised over 25 undergraduate researchers, with students receiving DOE internships and presenting at national conferences. Maintains collaborations with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and international institutions. Honors: Recipient of the Norton T. Dodge Award and Steven Muller Distinguished Professorship recognizing scholarly achievements and educational leadership.

David SousaView profile

Research Fellow

• Quantum Chemistry
• Chemical Bonding
• Theoretical Chemistry
• +3 more

David Sousa is a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Department of Chemistry at Pennsylvania State University. His research focuses on quantum mechanical interference in chemical bonding, utilizing advanced computational methods to analyze electron delocalization and bond formation mechanisms. Specializes in quantum chemistry, theoretical chemistry, and computational modeling Key tools include SCGVB wave functions and Interference Energy Analysis Investigates unconventional bonding scenarios (e.g., one-electron bonds, three-center bonds) Recent publications explore bonding in carbon dimers, boranes, and isoelectronic species, with applications in molecular stability and electronic structure calculations. All work emphasizes the fundamental role of quantum interference in chemical phenomena. Contact: dms7983@psu.edu

Andrew LarkinView profile

Research Professor

• Environmental Epidemiology
• Air Pollution Informatics
• Computational Modeling
• +5 more

Andrew Larkin is an Assistant Research Professor at Oregon State University's School of Nutrition and Public Health within the College of Health. His research focuses on environmental epidemiology, leveraging new technologies and big data. He develops smartphone applications for air pollution monitoring, computational models for predicting biological responses to chemical exposures, and spatial exposure methods for unconventional oil and gas development. He is also affiliated with Villanova University's School of Business, though his primary role is at Oregon State. Dr. Larkin leads the Spatial Health Lab and is part of the ASPIRE Children’s Environmental Health Center. His current projects include global land use regression models for NO₂ and PM₂.₅ pollution applied to the PURE cohort study, and novel green space exposure assessments using smartphone apps and Google Street View imagery. His work has contributed to high-impact studies, such as a $5M grant establishing a children’s environmental health research center and a global study linking air pollution to cardiovascular risks. Despite not currently accepting PhD students, he mentors MPH students and collaborates on interdisciplinary projects.

Saikat DattaView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Micro/Nanofluidics
• Multiphase Flow
• Multiscale Modelling
• +6 more

Dr. Saikat Datta is a Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering at Swansea University's Faculty of Science and Engineering. He holds a PhD from the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (2018) and completed postdoctoral research at the University of Edinburgh. His research focuses on micro/nanofluidics, multiphase flow, and multiscale modeling using molecular dynamics and computational fluid dynamics. He has published in top-tier journals like Nano Letters and received the Leverhulme Trust Early Career Fellowship (2021) for his work on vibration-driven de-icing. Education: PhD in Mechanical Engineering, IIT Kharagpur (2018) Postdoctoral Research Associate, University of Edinburgh (2018–2021) Research Interests: Molecular dynamics simulations of nanoscale fluid behavior Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for multiphase systems Vibration-driven de-icing and anti-icing technologies Mesopore transport in unconventional energy systems Acoustothermal effects on surface phenomena Advising & Grants: Principal Investigator: EPSRC Tier-2 Cirrus Service grant for ultrahigh-frequency vibration studies (2023–2024) Co-PI: UKRI ARCHER2 HPC grant for freeze-desalination research (2024) Awards: Leverhulme Trust Early Career Fellowship (2021)

• Condensed Matter Theory
• Quantum Science and Technology
• Topological Materials
• +3 more

Sankar Das Sarma is a Distinguished University Professor and Director of the Condensed Matter Theory Center (CMTC) at the University of Maryland. He holds the Richard E. Prange Chair and is a leading researcher in condensed matter theory and quantum science. His work focuses on topological materials, quantum computing, superconductivity, and many-body phenomena. Das Sarma’s research explores theoretical frameworks for quantum technologies, including Majorana nanowires, topological superconductors, and quantum dot qubits. He has pioneered studies on disorder effects in topological systems and machine learning applications for quantum device optimization. His contributions to the fractional quantum Hall effect, moiré materials, and exciton condensation have been widely recognized. Notably, his group has advanced understanding of Majorana zero modes, Kondo lattice models in twisted bilayer graphene, and prethermal discrete time crystals. He has collaborated extensively on experimental platforms like germanium-based and graphene-based quantum systems. Das Sarma has received multiple recognitions, including being named a Highly Cited Researcher by Clarivate in 2018, 2019, and 2020. He leads the CMTC, fostering interdisciplinary research at the intersection of theory and experiment in quantum materials and technologies.

Wilfred G. van der WielView profile

Professor

• Nanoelectronics
• Quantum Devices
• Brain-Inspired Computing
• +12 more

Wilfred G. van der Wiel is a Full Professor in the Nano Electronics department at the MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente. His work bridges nanotechnology, quantum physics, and unconventional computing, focusing on novel hardware for machine learning and brain-inspired systems. Full Professor, Nano Electronics, MESA+ Institute, University of Twente Research Interests: His research lies at the intersection of nanoelectronics and cognitive computing. He investigates disordered dopant-atom networks in silicon , gold nanoparticle assemblies , and in-materio computing to develop energy-efficient, adaptive hardware. His work explores how physical systems can inherently perform computation, bypassing traditional von Neumann architectures. Publication Trends: Recent articles (2023–2025) highlight a shift toward practical implementations of neuromorphic computing, including speech recognition in physical systems and systematic reviews of brain-inspired architectures. Earlier works focus on fundamental transport mechanisms in nanostructures. Collectively, his publications reveal a trajectory from basic physics of nanodevices to applied neuromorphic engineering and software frameworks like Brains-PY. Scientific Contributions: While specific awards are not listed, his high-impact publications in journals like Nature and Physical Review Applied , along with continuous funding and supervision of research, indicate significant recognition in the field. Advising and Grants: He has supervised at least 29 research projects, including PhD and postdoctoral work, as indicated by 'Supervised Work (29)'. He leads or participates in externally funded projects related to nanotechnology and neuromorphic computing, evidenced by collaborative publications and datasets. Labs and Teams: He is a key member of the MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology at the University of Twente, working within the Nano Electronics group. He collaborates extensively with researchers in physics, materials science, and computer science, particularly on projects involving unconventional computing and nanofabrication.

• Robotics
• Computer Architecture
• Cybersecurity
• +3 more

Juan Felipe García Sierra is a Professor at the University of León, affiliated with the College of Industrial, Computer and Aerospace Engineering within the Department of Mechanical, Computer and Aerospace Engineering. His academic career focuses on interdisciplinary research bridging robotics, computer architecture, and cybersecurity with applications in pharmacology and medical informatics. He earned a PhD in 2011 with the thesis Contributions to visual attention computation and application to the control of a humanoid robot , supervised by Dr. Vicente Matellán Olivera and Dr. Miguel Carriegos Vieira. Education: PhD (2011) from Universidad de León Research Interests García Sierra's work spans robotics (particularly humanoid robot control, augmented reality teleoperation, and elderly assistance systems), cybersecurity (malware analysis, secure coding standards, mobile application security), and medical applications (pharmacology teaching, respiratory training devices). His recent publications explore dynamic electricity tariff optimization, sports supplementation ethics, and workplace health risks in the hospitality industry. Scientific Contributions Developed visual attention models for RoboCup competitions Innovated parallel computation techniques for centrality measures in graphs Created robotics-based teaching tools for pharmacology education He has collaborated extensively with CAFE CIBERSEGURIDAD research groups and applied robotics to unconventional domains like animal herding and elderly assistance.