Christopher D.P. Baxter is a Professor and Department Chair of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the College of Engineering, University of Rhode Island , with expertise in geotechnical engineering, offshore wind energy, and coastal resilience. He holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech (1999), an M.S. from Purdue University (1994), and a B.S. from Tufts University (1990). Research Focus: Geotechnical characterization of marine sediments, liquefaction resistance analysis, fiber-optic sensing for infrastructure monitoring, and coastal protection systems. Recent Publications: 15+ articles (2011–2025) covering topics like shear wave velocity, offshore wind foundation dynamics, and tsunami hazard modeling. Grants: Led projects on offshore wind monitoring (2019–2024) and fiber-optic seismic sensing (2021–2023). Key Collaborations: Work with teams on submarine landslide analysis, coastal dune reinforcement, and Rhode Island infrastructure resilience. His work bridges experimental geomechanics with practical coastal engineering solutions.
Yuri Bazilevs is the E. Paul Sorensen Professor of Engineering at Brown University's School of Engineering and Co-Director of the Mechanics of Undersea Science and Engineering Center. His research focuses on computational mechanics, isogeometric analysis, fluid-structure interaction, and high-performance computing. Prior to Brown, he held positions at UC San Diego, where he advanced to Full Professor in 2014 after a rapid tenure. He earned his PhD in 2006 and postdoc training in computational engineering at UT Austin's ICES. Research interests span computational fluid dynamics, solid mechanics, and advanced discretization methods like isogeometric analysis (IGA) and meshfree approaches. He has developed novel formulations for complex phenomena such as underwater explosions, composite material failure, and hypersonic flow dynamics. His work integrates cutting-edge numerical methods with practical engineering applications in aerospace, energy, and biomedical systems. Recent publications highlight advancements in IGA for architected materials, RKPM-based crack modeling, and stabilized formulations for compressible flows. His contributions bridge theoretical mechanics with computational innovation, addressing challenges in multiphysics coupling and large-scale simulations. Collaborations span academia and industry, emphasizing practical validation and real-world impact. Bazilevs' expertise includes variational multiscale methods, peridynamics for fracture mechanics, and immersive particle methods for fluid-structure interaction. His work has been applied to wind turbine aerodynamics, gas turbine optimization, and cardiovascular flow analysis. He actively contributes to computational infrastructure development, such as the tIGAr software framework for IGA automation.
Professor Adam Gorb is a renowned composer and academic, serving as Professor of Composition and former Head of the School of Composition at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) from 2000 to 2023. He holds a PhD in Composition from the University of Birmingham (2013), alongside degrees from Cambridge University (BA 1980) and the Royal Academy of Music (RAM, MMus with Principal’s Prize 1993). His research and creative output focuses on orchestral, operatic, and wind ensemble composition. Notable works include operas Anya 17 (2012) and The Path to Heaven (2018), which explore themes like human trafficking and the Holocaust. His wind ensemble pieces, such as Towards Nirvana and Farewell , have won British Composer Awards and are performed globally. Awards include three British Composer Awards and a House of Commons accolade for Anya 17 . He advises PhD students in composition while maintaining international collaborations, including recent projects in Romania, Australia, and the USA. His music is frequently recorded and performed worldwide, with CDs such as 24 Preludes (2022) and Dancing in the Ghetto (2016) showcasing his diverse output. Teaching roles include undergraduate and postgraduate composition at the RNCM, alongside guest lectures at institutions globally. His current projects include commissions for the Royal Academy of Music and interdisciplinary work with Parkinson’s patients.
Jonathan Hinkle serves as Director of Bands and Associate Professor of Music at Colorado Mesa University (CMU), where he oversees the comprehensive band program including the Maverick Stampede marching band, Wind Symphony, Concert Band, and commercial ensembles like the Rowdy Brass Band and Mesa Brass Band. He joined CMU in 2012, establishing these programs from scratch, which now occupy the dedicated Stampede Center. His roles include conducting, curriculum development, and teaching applied trumpet to 10-13 students annually. Education: PhD in Music Education, Florida State University MME (Master of Music Education), Florida State University BME (Bachelor of Music Education), Florida State University Research interests focus on music education pedagogy, ensemble performance excellence, and community engagement through brass ensembles. His work emphasizes program growth and interdisciplinary collaboration, exemplified by founding the Seminole Swing Machine jazz ensemble during his graduate studies. He actively contributes as a band clinician and adjudicator nationwide. Advising and mentorship are central to his role, with a studio of music majors/minors. No grant information is specified. He leads the CMU Faculty Brass Quintet and Jazz Quintet, reflecting his dual focus on performance and education.
Professor JC Ji is a distinguished academic at the School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), where he was promoted to Professor on January 3, 2025, after serving as an Associate Professor since January 1, 2016. He serves as the Theme Research Director at the Centre for Audio, Acoustics and Vibration (CAAV) at UTS and is an active member of the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology. Professor Ji holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Australia and a Graduate Certificate from UTS, along with CPEng NER certification from Engineers Australia since 2018. Professor Ji's research spans multiple interdisciplinary areas with significant practical applications. His primary research interests include Dynamics, Vibration and Vibration Control (focusing on wind turbine dynamics, rotor-bearing systems, and vibration isolation); Machine Condition Monitoring and Asset Management (specializing in fault diagnostics, prognostics, and digital twin-based modeling); Renewable Energy and Sustainability (particularly in vibration-based energy harvesting and battery circular economy); Mechanical and Vehicle Systems; Robotic and Multi-Agent Systems; and Ecological Systems. His work demonstrates a strong integration of theoretical foundations with practical engineering solutions for real-world problems. Analysis of Professor Ji's recent publications reveals a clear research trajectory focused on advanced vibration control systems, condition monitoring techniques, and digital twin applications. His work increasingly integrates machine learning with traditional mechanical engineering approaches, particularly in bearing and gear health management. A significant portion of his recent research focuses on quasi-zero stiffness vibration isolators using innovative structural designs including origami-inspired mechanisms. His publications show strong international impact with numerous high-citation articles in top mechanical engineering journals. Stanford University's World's Top 2% Scientists List for both career-long impact and single-calendar year impact in 2023 and 2024 CPEng NER Chartered Engineers certification from Engineers Australia (2018-present) Professor Ji actively supervises research students and has secured substantial funding for his work, including multiple ARC Discovery and Linkage Projects. He serves as an Associate Editor for Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing (Q1 journal), Journal of Vibration and Control (Q2 journal), and International Journal of Bifurcation and Chaos (Q2 journal). He is also an active assessor for ARC grant applications since 2007 and for international funding bodies including Hong Kong RGC, Belgium FNRS, and New Zealand MBIE. His industry collaborations include projects with Zip Heaters, Alstom Transport, and Coal Services Health and Safety Trust. As Theme Research Director at the Centre for Audio, Acoustics and Vibration (CAAV) at UTS, Professor Ji leads a research team focused on advancing vibration control technologies and their applications. His laboratory work includes developing innovative vibration isolators, condition monitoring systems for industrial machinery, and energy harvesting technologies. The research group maintains strong connections with industry partners to ensure practical implementation of their theoretical advancements.
Richard Killmer is a Professor of Oboe and Wegman Family Professor of Oboe at the Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester. He has held principal oboe positions with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, Oklahoma City Symphony, Aspen Festival Orchestra, and Lake Placid Sinfonietta. His military service included roles with the NORAD Band and Commander’s Dance Band. Educated at University of Northern Colorado (B.A. 1960) and Yale School of Music (M.M., M.M.A., D.M.A.), he also taught at Yale as Visiting Professor of Oboe. Teaching accolades include Eastman’s Eisenhart Award (1984-85) and Yale’s Gustave Stoeckel Award (2006). His career spans orchestral performance, pedagogy, and competition adjudication including CIBC, Geneva, and Prague Spring Competitions. Specializes in classical oboe performance and wind ensemble training with expertise in baroque and contemporary repertoire. Performance history includes summer festivals at Mainly Mozart, Banff Centre, and Sarasota. Maintains active involvement in instrumental education through Eastman’s faculty roles since 1982.
Harry Bulow is a Professor of Music at Purdue University's School of Design, Art, and Performance, where he served as Head from 2009 to 2019. Previously, he chaired music departments at the University of Hawaii, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and Lamar University, and directed bands at Santa Barbara City College. His career spans composition, performance, administration, and music technology leadership. Education: Bachelor's in Music Education, San Diego State University M.A. and Ph.D. in Music Theory and Composition, UCLA (1978, 1983) Bulow's creative scholarship centers on Music Theory, Composition, and Electronic Music , with significant contributions to Jazz, Film, and Sacred Music . His eclectic style synthesizes influences from Copland, Mancini, and Lutosławski, emphasizing graphic notation and extended techniques. Recent work explores cross-cultural fusion (e.g., Japanese-Western instrumentation) and wind ensemble innovation, reflecting his leadership in modernizing band pedagogy through publications like Composing Outside the Box . His 15 most recent publications reveal a sustained focus on wind ensemble and chamber music , with increasing integration of commercial media (video games) and cross-cultural elements. The 2016-2019 output shows particular emphasis on brass quintets and piano works, demonstrating technical innovation within traditional forms. Awards: 38 Consecutive ASCAP Awards (1980-2018) Oscar Espla International Composers Prize (1986) 1st Prize, International Composers Competition, Trieste (1977) Dallas Wind Symphony Fanfare Award (2006) National Endowment for the Arts Composer Fellowship (1986) Bulow has secured substantial research funding including Purdue's ASPIRE/CREATE Grants (2017-2019) and North Carolina Arts Council Fellowships. His commissioned works span academic (Eastman Wind Ensemble), commercial (EA Sports), and international contexts (Moscow National Symphonic Band), with recent performances at Society of Composers conferences and College Music Society events. He maintains active performance collaborations with ensembles like the Indianapolis Wind Symphony and pianist Martin Jones, while his compositions continue to shape contemporary wind band repertoire through innovative approaches to notation and form.
Jacob Caines is a conductor, musicologist, and performer based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He serves as a faculty member at Dalhousie University's Fountain School of Performing Arts, where he directs the Wind Ensemble and teaches musicianship and theory. PhD (Candidate) in Urban Scenography and Performance, Queer Geographies, and Musicology at Concordia University Master of Arts in Musicology from the University of Ottawa Bachelor of Music in Education at Acadia University His research and creative activities focus on Queer Performance Studies , Queer Phenomenology , and LGBTQ+ creative practices . He explores intersections of Human Geography and Institutional Performance , particularly in relation to the structures of music institutions and cities. His work highlights the performance of living Canadian QTBIPOC composers , new music for winds , and multidisciplinary immersive performances . Jacob’s projects include founding ClassicalQueer.com , a platform hosting the Canadian Database of Queer+ Classical Musicians and the CQ Podcast . His research has been presented at international conferences in Toronto, Montreal, Lucerne, and Helsinki. SSHRC Doctoral Fellowship Research Fellow with PULSE Montreal Founding member of the ALKALI Collective, funded by Canada Council, Arts Nova Scotia, and the City of Halifax Jacob’s performance credits include serving as music director for the award-winning national tour of Hedwig and the Angry Inch and co-founding the ALKALI Collective, which commissions works by Canadian queer and BIPOC composers. He also adjudicates for the Canadian Music Competition, Atlantic Band Festival, and other national events.
Matthew J. George is the John Ireland Distinguished Professor of Music and Director of Bands and Orchestras at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. He also held the Chair of the Department of Music for twenty years and serves as Chair and conductor for the Music Education Center at Xi’an Jiaotong University in China. His roles include Artistic Director and Conductor of Grand Symphonic Winds and primary conductor of the Lake Wobegon Brass Band. Dr. George earned a D.M.A. in conducting from the University of North Texas, an M.M. in music education from Southern Methodist University, and a B.M. in music education and trumpet performance from Ithaca College. He has conducted professional and educational ensembles globally, including the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, São Paulo State Symphonic Band, and Band of the People’s Liberation Army (China). He founded the Banda Sinfônica in Mexico City and serves as Artistic Director for international festivals in venues like the Sydney Opera House. Active in academic leadership, he chairs the New Music Committee for the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) and sits on the executive board of the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles. His research focuses on conducting pedagogy, wind literature performance, and commissioning new works, with over 100 commissioned pieces by composers like Nigel Clarke and Frank Ticheli. He leads the UST Symphonic Wind Ensemble, which has released seven CDs on innova/Naxos. Recent courses include Advanced Instrumental Conducting (Summer 2025) and directs the University Orchestra and Symphonic Wind Ensemble (Fall 2025). He has been honored with the University of St. Thomas Professor of the Year Award.
Dr. Edward S. Bach is a Professor of Trumpet and Music Performance at Brandon University, Canada. He holds a B.Mus from Brandon University and both M.Mus and DMA degrees from the University of British Columbia. His primary roles include conducting the Brandon University Brass Ensemble and Trumpet Ensemble, as well as teaching trumpet performance and pedagogy. Conducts university wind ensembles and guest-conducts high school bands Oversees the trumpet studio's performance and academic programs Runs the Master of Music in Performance and Literature for Trumpet program Research focuses on expanding brass quintet and large ensemble literature through transcriptions of classical works. Notable projects include arrangements of Schumann, Mendelssohn, and Tchaikovsky for brass ensembles. His performance career spans over 30 countries with groups like Market Street Brass and A Touch of Brass, featuring both classical and jazz repertoires. Has adjudicated major competitions including The Canadian National Music Festival and The National Trumpet Competition. Published extensively with C. Alan Publications, producing influential brass ensemble works. Active in masterclass instruction globally, including at the Moscow Conservatory and Liszt Institute in Budapest.
Andrew Koch is an Assistant Professor and Associate Director of Bands at the University of Virginia, where he has been a key figure in the development and expansion of the university's band program since joining the faculty in June 2005. He plays a central role in leading the Cavalier Marching Band (CMB), Basketball Band, and other ensembles, fostering student musicianship and leadership. Education: Doctor of Musical Arts in Performance, Literature and Pedagogy – James Madison University (2011) Master of Music Education with Trumpet Performance emphasis – University of South Carolina (2001) Bachelor of Music Education – Western Michigan University (1999) Dr. Koch specializes in music education and band conducting, with a strong emphasis on athletic bands and student engagement. His work focuses on developing student leadership within ensemble settings, promoting musical continuity in higher education, and building community partnerships. He has been instrumental in growing the UVA band program from 180 to over 320 students and enhancing its national and international visibility. Although no formal publications are listed, his professional impact is evident through innovative programming, pandemic-era virtual collaborations, and high-profile performances at events such as the ACC Championship and the Capital One Orange Bowl. His leadership extended to serving as Interim Director of Bands from 2019 to 2021, during which he guided the program through the challenges of the global pandemic. Scientific and Professional Honors: Honorary Member, Kappa Kappa Psi – University of South Carolina (2000) Honorary Member, Tau Beta Sigma – University of Virginia (2012) Installer of the Iota Kappa Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma at UVA Dr. Koch is deeply committed to mentoring students and is actively involved in recruiting and cultivating a supportive, family-like culture within the band program. He has extensive experience advising and supervising student musicians, though specific names of advisees are not listed. He previously taught band programs at the high school and middle school levels in Michigan and South Carolina for six years before joining UVA. He leads and collaborates with various musical groups, including the Cavalier Marching Band, UVA Basketball Band, UVA Wind Ensemble, and community ensembles such as Monticello High School. During the pandemic, he organized asynchronous collaborative videos involving local singers, university leadership, and radio personalities, showcasing his innovative approach to music performance and outreach.
Dr. John (Jack) E. Stamp is the Chair of the Department of Music and Director of Band Studies at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he has served since 1990. He holds a B.A. in Music Education from IUP (1976), an M.A. in Percussion Performance from East Carolina University, and a D.M.A. in Wind Conducting from Michigan State University. Stamp’s professional roles include leadership in music education, conducting, and composition. He previously directed bands at Campbell University and Duke University, and was Musical Director of the WRAL/Triangle British Brass Band. His research interests focus on wind ensemble performance, composition pedagogy, and leadership in music. He has authored numerous commissioned works and leads the Keystone Wind Ensemble, recording projects like the Composer’s Voice series for Robert Washburn and Leroy Anderson’s centennial tributes. Stamp’s awards include the Orpheus Award (1995), Pennsylvania Music Educators Association citation (1999), and American Bandmasters Association recognition (2000). He is currently developing a composition textbook for music students and collaborating on a leadership-focused music book inspired by John C. Maxwell’s Talent Is Never Enough . Future projects include unaccompanied solo fanfares for IUP faculty and a vocal-wind work based on Samuel Hazo’s poetry. He emphasizes mentorship in conducting and composition, reflecting his dedication to advancing musical careers through education and creativity.
Dr. Henry Howey is a Professor of Low Brass at the School of Music, Sam Houston State University (SHSU), where he has served as faculty since 1976. Specializing in euphonium and tuba performance, he holds a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) degree and has performed extensively with the United States Army Band in Washington D.C. His academic training includes brass and musical studies at the University of Illinois (B.M., M.M.) and the University of Iowa (D.M.A.). State coordinator for wind all-state tryout music Founder of the Sam Houston Brass Quintet Active performer in chamber music groups on alto, tenor, and bass trombone Dr. Howey contributes to music education and performance at SHSU while maintaining a career as a versatile brass musician.
Karim Abu Salem serves as a Fixed-term Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (DIMEAS) at the Polytechnic University of Turin, affiliated with the College of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Automotive Engineering. He additionally holds invited membership in the College of Management and Production Engineering. His teaching portfolio includes Aerospace Vehicle Design, Space Flight Mechanics/Structures, Space Environment Operations, and Aeronautical Legislation courses for both bachelor's and master's programs in Aerospace Engineering. Dr. Abu Salem's research centers on sustainable aviation innovation, specializing in box-wing aircraft configurations, hybrid-electric and hydrogen propulsion systems, and advanced structural design methodologies. His work addresses critical challenges in emissions reduction, flight dynamics optimization, and climate impact mitigation through computational modeling, metamodeling techniques, and multidisciplinary design analysis. Key focus areas include unconventional aircraft architectures, power management systems, and metamaterial applications for next-generation aerospace vehicles. Analysis of his recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a concentrated research trajectory toward decarbonizing regional and medium-range aviation. His work demonstrates increasing emphasis on liquid hydrogen propulsion, box-wing aerodynamic efficiency, and holistic environmental impact assessment beyond CO 2 emissions. The publications exhibit strong collaboration patterns with researchers like G. Palaia and E. Carrera, primarily targeting high-impact journals in aerospace engineering and sustainability. As an active educator, Dr. Abu Salem contributes to curriculum development across multiple aerospace engineering programs, bridging theoretical concepts with emerging sustainable aviation technologies through his course collaborations and lectures.
Dr. Vu Nguyen is an Associate Professor of Music and Director of Bands at the University of the Pacific’s Stockton campus. He leads university bands and oversees ensemble programs. Previously, he held roles as Director of Wind Ensembles at the University of Connecticut, Director of Bands at the University of Indianapolis, and conducted at Washington University and Indiana University. His research focuses on contemporary wind band literature, Frank Zappa’s music, and conducting pedagogy. He served as guest conductor for the U.S. Air Force Bands and regional honor bands, with ensemble performances at major music conferences. Education: Bachelor of Music in Music Education, University of the Pacific Master of Music in Conducting, University of Oregon Doctor of Musical Arts in Conducting, University of Washington Dr. Nguyen is also a commander/conductor of the Air National Guard Band of the West Coast, leading a 40-member squadron across eight western states. His publication on Carter Pann contributes to contemporary wind band scholarship.
