Find Academic Supervisors

• Composites
• Computational Modelling
• Artificial Intelligence
• +3 more

Professor Ramin Amali is the Dean and Head of the School of Engineering at the University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol. He holds a BEng(Hons), MSc, and PhD, along with prestigious fellowships such as FIMechE and SFHEA. His leadership roles include strategic development, resource management, and fostering international partnerships, particularly in Degree Apprenticeships and collaborations with educational institutions globally. Ramin's research focuses on Composites, Computational Modelling, and Artificial Intelligence , with applications in solving complex mechanical problems. He has published over 35 papers and supervised over 100 student projects, demonstrating expertise in areas like stress analysis, finite element analysis, and prosthetic socket design. His academic contributions extend to teaching modules such as Solid Modelling, Mechanics of Composites, and Design Embodiment. His awards include the Fellowship of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (FIMechE) and Senior Fellow status from the Higher Education Academy. He also serves as Education Officer for IMechE's Western region, collaborating with organizations like the Royal Aeronautical Society to advance STEM education. Ramin's publications span friction modeling, composite repair, neural networks for load prediction, and prosthetic interface analysis , reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to engineering challenges.

Bruno StuytsView profile

Visiting Professor

• Offshore Wind Energy
• Geotechnical Engineering
• Soil-Structure Interaction
• +3 more

Bruno Stuyts is a Visiting Professor at Ghent University and a postdoctoral researcher in the Applied Mechanics Acoustics & Vibration Research Group. His research focuses on offshore wind energy, geotechnical engineering, and soil-structure interaction, with emphasis on data-driven modeling and in-situ monitoring. He leads projects like WINDSOIL (2020–2024) and SOIL-TWIN (2020–2023), addressing soil-structure interaction and smart monitoring of offshore foundations. His work integrates geophysics, computational mechanics, and artificial intelligence to improve offshore wind foundation design and geohazard assessment. Key research interests include seabed response under wave loading, eigenfrequency analysis of wind turbines, and seismic inversion for subsurface characterization. He collaborates globally on projects involving pore pressure monitoring, data fusion, and real-time modeling of monopile foundations. His contributions span experimental studies (e.g., 3D seabed response experiments) and numerical simulations (e.g., finite element modeling of monitored monopiles). Stuyts has contributed to over 30 peer-reviewed articles, covering topics like CPT-based correlations for shear modulus, scour protection effects on turbine stiffness, and Bayesian estimation techniques. His work bridges academic research and industry applications, aiming to optimize offshore infrastructure reliability through advanced data science and geotechnical innovations. He actively participates in conferences, presenting on data science applications, seismic inversion, and offshore wind challenges. Collaborations include institutions like Zenodo (dataset sharing) and ASME. Current efforts focus on integrating geohazard mapping, AI-driven geotechnical analysis, and open-source modeling frameworks for sustainable offshore energy systems.

Francesco ContinoView profile

Professor

• Internal Combustion Engines
• Combustion
• CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics)
• +5 more

Francesco Contino is a Professor at the Department of Applied Mechanics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB). His research focuses on combustion systems, internal combustion engines, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and energy systems. He has led over 25 projects since 2012, including collaborations with institutions like ULB and UMons. Notable achievements include the 2012 Adolphe Van Tiggelen Award for his contributions to combustion science. His work spans ammonia synthesis, gas turbine optimization, and renewable energy integration. Contino has supervised 16 research projects and authored 146 publications, with a research output growing steadily since 2009. Key projects include the Belgian Energy System (BEST) initiative exploring electrofuels and carbon capture, as well as modular linear actuation systems for reciprocating compressors. His research emphasizes practical applications, such as resilient ammonia production processes and dynamic engine control strategies. Contino frequently presents at international conferences, including discussions on ammonia-fueled SI engines and laminar flame behavior. Research Highlights: Combustion dynamics and emissions reduction in SI engines Numerical modeling of high-pressure laminar flames Optimization of gas turbine operational flexibility His work bridges fundamental combustion science with industrial applications, addressing challenges in sustainable energy and propulsion systems.

Γαντές ΧαράλαμποςView profile

Professor

• Steel Structures
• Nonlinear Structural Analysis
• Earthquake Engineering
• +6 more

Professor Γαντές Χαράλαμπος serves as Director of the Steel Structures Laboratory at the School of Civil Engineering, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA). He holds a Diploma in Civil Engineering from NTUA (1985), and M.S. (1988)/Ph.D. (1991) from MIT. Since 1994, he has been a faculty member at NTUA, teaching courses on steel structures, nonlinear behavior, and marine structures. His research focuses on steel structures under extreme loads (earthquake, wind, explosion), energy sector infrastructure (wind turbines, pipelines), and deployable systems. Education: Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, MIT, 1991 M.S. in Civil Engineering, MIT, 1988 Diploma in Civil Engineering, NTUA, 1985 Research interests emphasize steel structures' nonlinear behavior, seismic resilience, and innovative designs for energy systems. He leads Eurocode 3 standardization efforts as ELOT TE67/OE3 coordinator and serves on CEN committees. His work spans 100+ journal articles, 175 conference papers, and 3 books including Deployable Structures – Analysis and Design . He advises on major projects like Attiki Odos highway, Attiko Metro tunnels, and Olympic Games infrastructure. Grants and collaborations include international conferences (e.g., EUROSTEEL 2021), journal editorships (IASS Journal), and consulting for structural projects globally. His lab explores cutting-edge topics like composite materials, fire-resistant systems, and fault-crossing pipeline design.

• Offshore Wind Energy
• Structural Health Monitoring
• Modal Analysis
• +3 more

Christof Devriendt is a Professor at the Department of Applied Mechanics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Belgium, affiliated with the Acoustics & Vibrations Research Group. He leads major research initiatives including the Belgian Offshore Wind Innovation Centre and innovative wind energy systems projects. His work focuses on offshore renewable energy structures, structural health monitoring, and vibration analysis. With an h-index of 27 and 3139 citations, he has authored over 218 publications and supervised numerous research projects. Research Interests: Modal analysis of offshore wind turbines, fatigue assessment of foundations, health monitoring systems, and fluid-structure interactions in coastal engineering. His work addresses challenges in offshore wind energy infrastructure durability and operational safety. Recent Projects: FWOIRI19: Fan Array Wind Tunnel Development (2025–2028) FOD175: Clay Strength Research (2024–2027) FOD177: Offshore Wind Innovation Hub (2024–2027) Awards: Received the Best Paper Award (2nd place) in 2022 for collaborative research on wind turbine monitoring. His contributions span 49 academic activities including conference presentations and international collaborations.

• Wind Turbines
• Fault Detection
• Modal Analysis
• +5 more

Jan Helsen is a Professor of Engineering Technology at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), leading the Acoustics & Vibrations Research Group. His primary affiliation is within the Faculty of Engineering Technology, focusing on advanced research in renewable energy systems, offshore wind technology, and predictive maintenance. He actively collaborates with industry partners and governmental institutions, as seen in projects like the Belgian Offshore Wind Innovation Centre (2024–2027) and the INSPIRE initiative under the Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership. Helsen’s research emphasizes wind turbine reliability, fault detection algorithms, and AI-driven operational optimization. His work bridges mechanical engineering principles with data science, addressing challenges such as drivetrain health monitoring, wake effect modeling, and hybrid energy systems. Recent contributions include modular deep learning frameworks for wind farm power forecasting and reinforcement learning strategies for hybrid wind-hydrogen plants. He has secured significant funding through projects totaling over €10M, including the €3M ICON (Cloud-edge AI for Offshore Wind O&M) and the €2.5M INSPIRE initiative. Helsen’s team publishes extensively in journals like Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing and Wind Energy Science , with a focus on practical solutions for offshore energy challenges. His lab also pioneered datasets on hyperspectral analysis of additive manufacturing processes, demonstrating interdisciplinary reach. Key collaborations include INSA Lyon (France) for joint PhD programs and the Royal Meteorological Institute for weather simulation studies. Helsen’s work is cited over 1,078 times (h-index 16), reflecting his influence in advancing offshore wind infrastructure resilience and smart energy systems.

Mark RunacresView profile

Professor

• Fluid Mechanics
• Wind Energy
• Computational Fluid Dynamics
• +3 more

Mark Runacres is a Professor at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), affiliated with the Faculty of Engineering Technology and the Department of Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics. He leads research groups focused on fluid dynamics, wind energy, and decarbonization technologies. His work bridges computational modeling, experimental validation, and real-world applications in renewable energy systems. His research interests include fluid mechanics, wind turbine aerodynamics, and data-driven modeling of complex systems. He has pioneered studies on vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs), wake dynamics, and turbulence effects on energy extraction efficiency. Recent projects involve optimizing high-altitude propellers and developing synthetic wind speed models for sustainable energy planning. Runacres has led over 20 funded projects, including the Flanders Institute for Decarbonisation Technologies (FIDT) initiative and the BRussels Institute for Thermal-fluid systems. His collaborations span academia and industry, addressing challenges in wind farm design, microclimate impact assessments, and sustainable urban energy solutions. He has authored/co-authored 120+ peer-reviewed publications and supervised multiple graduate theses. Current research emphasizes nonlinear system identification, multi-fidelity optimization, and bridging experimental data with predictive models for engineering systems.

• Computer simulations and modeling of power systems
• Electrical modeling of transformers and cables
• Development of simulation tools
• +8 more

Hans Kristian Høidalen is a Professor at the Department of Electric Energy , Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering , Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). His work focuses on computer simulations and modeling of power systems , particularly transformers and cables, and he leads the development of the ATPDraw simulation tool. Research areas include power system protection , distributed generation , resonant overvoltages in offshore wind farms , and lightning effects on electrical systems . He leads major projects like KPN-project ProSmart (2015–2019) and KPN-project ProDig (2019–2023) , focusing on smart grid protection and digital substation technologies. Recent publications highlight advancements in transient analysis , transformer modeling , and 5G-enabled protection systems . Collaborations span institutions such as Michigan Tech , SINTEF , and ABB , with applications in smart grids , digital substations , and offshore wind farms .

Olimpo Anaya-LaraView profile

Professor

• Power System Dynamics
• Wind Energy Systems
• HVDC Transmission
• +12 more

Olimpo Anaya-Lara is a Professor in the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering at the University of Strathclyde, Faculty of Engineering, United Kingdom. He is a leading expert in power system dynamics and control of wind energy systems, with significant contributions to grid integration, offshore wind technology, and renewable energy system stability. He serves on the Management Team of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Wind and Marine Energy Systems and is the Course Director of the MSc in Wind Energy Systems. He has led Strathclyde’s participation in the European Energy Research Alliance (EERA) Joint Programme Wind and has held visiting positions at NTNU and SINTEF in Norway. PhD in Electrical Engineering, University of Glasgow, UK (2003) MSc in Electrical Engineering, Instituto Tecnologico de Morelia, Mexico (1997) BEng in Electrical Engineering, Instituto Tecnologico de Morelia, Mexico (1990) His research focuses on power system stability , modeling and control of wind power plants , HVDC transmission , offshore wind integration , and smart grid technologies . He has pioneered control strategies enabling wind farms to emulate synchronous generators, enhancing frequency and voltage support. His work spans advanced power converter systems, fault ride-through, and energy storage integration. He also explores hybrid systems combining wind with hydrogen production and hydropower flexibility. The most recent articles reflect a strong trend toward innovative offshore wind architectures (e.g., XROTOR), low-harmonic HVDC systems, wireless power transmission, and multi-energy systems integrating electricity, hydrogen, and storage. These works emphasize grid compatibility , reliability , and cost reduction in renewable energy deployment. Research spans disciplines including electrical engineering, power electronics, control systems, and sustainable energy. His scientific awards include: Young Presentation Award (2021) Poster Award Winner (2018) Visiting Scientist at SINTEF, Norway (2013) Visiting Professor at NTNU, Norway (2010) Professor Anaya-Lara has supervised numerous PhD and postgraduate research projects, including major grants such as the EPSRC CDT in Wind & Marine Energy Systems, STORE2HYDRO, and XROTOR. He teaches advanced topics in power system stability and wind generator control, and contributes to academic programs in China. He is actively involved in professional service, including editorial roles and conference organization. He leads and contributes to a high-tech multi-terminal DC-network hybrid test-bed for real-time hardware-in-the-loop experimentation, supporting both research and teaching in smart grid concepts.

• Wind Energy
• Power Systems
• Control Engineering
• +3 more

Matthew Cole is a Research Fellow in the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering at the University of Strathclyde's Faculty of Engineering, specializing in advanced wind energy systems and grid integration solutions. His work bridges theoretical control algorithms with practical renewable energy applications. His research focuses on wind farm control strategies for grid stability, fatigue load reduction, and hybrid energy systems. Key interests include wind energy conversion, power system dynamics, control engineering for renewable integration, energy storage optimization, green hydrogen production, and ancillary service provision. He develops solutions for off-grid hydrogen systems, battery lifetime extension, and wind farm participation in frequency regulation. Analysis of his 2020-2023 publications reveals a trajectory toward integrated renewable systems, with increasing emphasis on green hydrogen and battery storage. His work combines computational modeling (Strathfarm, FarmConners benchmark), field validation, and critical reviews of grid service frameworks, demonstrating expertise in translating control theory into grid-supporting wind farm operations. Cole served as Research Co-investigator for the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Wind & Marine Energy Systems (2016-2023), training doctoral candidates in renewable energy systems. He actively contributes to international collaboration through IEA Wind Task 44 on Wind Farm Flow Control, participating in benchmarking initiatives with European research institutions. He is a core member of Strathclyde's Wind Energy & Control Group, which develops control algorithms addressing asset management requirements, grid code compliance, and performance optimization for offshore wind farms. The group's work focuses on reducing operational costs while enhancing grid stability through innovative control strategies.

David Robert VerelstView profile

Researcher

• Hydro-servo-aero-elastic wind turbine time domain simulations
• stability computations
• loads and control
• +5 more

David Robert Verelst is a Senior Researcher at the Department of Wind and Energy Systems, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), specializing in hydro-servo-aero-elastic wind turbine simulations and stability computations with focus on loads and control. He serves as project manager for the development of the aeroelastic software HAWC2 and has extensive experience in research project management and scientific software tool development. Dr. Verelst holds a PhD from DTU Wind Energy (2010-2013) and previously completed his Aerospace Engineering studies at TU Delft (2001-2010). His academic journey includes positions as Research Assistant (2010), Postdoc (2013-2015), and currently Senior Researcher at DTU. His research interests center on hydro-servo-aero-elastic wind turbine time domain simulations, stability computations, wind tunnel experiments, control theory, and design optimization principles. As an experienced Python developer with basic Fortran knowledge, he bridges computational methods with wind energy applications. His work contributes significantly to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to affordable and clean energy. Verelst's publication record shows consistent output in wind energy research, with recent focus on beam-like structures for wind turbine blades, typhoon wind patterns, offshore wind farm optimization, and aeroelastic modeling. His research demonstrates strong interdisciplinary connections between computational mechanics, atmospheric science, and renewable energy systems. Among his notable achievements is the development and management of HAWC2, a critical aeroelastic software tool widely used in wind turbine design and analysis. His work on floating offshore wind farms and typhoon impacts represents cutting-edge research in challenging wind energy environments. As an active supervisor, Dr. Verelst mentors PhD students including Antunes, A. M. and Müller, S., contributing to the next generation of wind energy researchers. His involvement in multiple projects through 2027 demonstrates his ongoing commitment to advancing wind energy technology and education.

• Renewable Energy
• Power Electronics
• Electric Vehicles
• +5 more

Seyed Ali Arefifar is an Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering at the College of Innovation and Technology , University of Michigan-Flint . He holds a PhD in Energy Systems from the University of Alberta (2010) and has previously worked as an NSERC Visiting Fellow (2011-2014) and Postdoctoral Research/Teaching Fellow at the University of British Columbia (2014-2016). Before joining UM-Flint in January 2024, he served as an Associate Professor at Oakland University (2016-2024). Fields of Interest : Renewable Energy, Power Electronics, Electric Vehicles, Smart Grids, Microgrids, Optimization Grants : $219,131 (MTRAC 2025-2026), $57,500 (MTRAC 2024), $30,000 (UM-Flint 2024) His recent research focuses on power grid resilience , renewable integration , and electric vehicle impacts on distribution systems. Key trends include multi-MG microgrid design , GPU-accelerated power flow solutions , and harmonic mitigation in EV charging infrastructure. Scientific awards : IEEE Senior Member (2017) Grants & Funding : Harmonic and Thermal Optimization for EV Charging (MTRAC 2025-2026, $219,131) Harmonic Mitigation in EV Chargers (MTRAC 2024-2025, $57,500) Power Quality in Renewable Energy Systems (UM-Flint 2024-2025, $30,000) Co-I on NSF proposals for ComPEET ($400,000) and EMPOWER ($400,000)

• Wind Energy
• Mechanical Engineering
• Renewable Energy Systems
• +3 more

Chris Ivanov is a Researcher in the Mechanical Engineering department at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) . His work focuses on wind energy systems, structural dynamics, and computational modeling. Research Interests Chris Ivanov specializes in Wind Turbine Design Compressed Air Motors Aerodynamic and Structural Analysis Operational Load Validation Wildlife Collision Mitigation Renewable Energy Systems Publications Overview His recent research (2024) explores topics such as Wind-driven loading on PV systems Comparative rotor aeroacoustics Launcher design for turbine collision simulation Validation of aeroservoelastic models Field experiments in wind energy

Rafael MudafortView profile

Researcher

• High performance computing
• Computational engineering
• Multiphysics modeling
• +10 more

Rafael Mudafort serves as Researcher IV in Software Engineering at the National Wind Technology Center within the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), where he drives advancements in scientific computing for wind energy research. His mission centers on enhancing software quality for implementing NREL's research initiatives through rigorous computational methodologies. Education: Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Master of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from the University of Virginia Research Focus: Mudafort's work integrates high-performance computing with wind energy systems, specializing in parallel and distributed computing architectures, GPU-accelerated numerical methods, and multiphysics modeling. His research directly addresses critical challenges in wake modeling, turbine control systems, and sustainable software engineering practices for renewable energy applications. The National Wind Technology Center provides the experimental and computational infrastructure for advancing these methodologies. Publication Trends: Recent publications reveal a strong focus on wake steering optimization, software validation frameworks, and best practices for research software engineering. His work bridges theoretical fluid dynamics with practical software implementation, emphasizing computational efficiency and model accuracy for wind farm analysis tools. Key themes include deep array effects in turbine clusters, yaw misalignment impacts, and sustainable development of open-source wind energy software stacks. Awards: Better Scientific Software Fellowship (2023) Better Scientific Software Fellowship Honorable Mention (2022) Professional Engagement: As an active member of the United States Research Software Engineer Association, Mudafort contributes to community standards for research software development. His work demonstrates significant collaboration across NREL's wind energy research teams, with emphasis on translating scientific requirements into robust computational solutions. Research Environment: Based at NREL's National Wind Technology Center—one of the world's premier wind energy research facilities—Mudafort operates within a multidisciplinary ecosystem integrating field testing, computational modeling, and software development to advance wind energy technology.

Brian SergiView profile

Lecturer

• Integrated Energy Modeling
• Electric Grid and Gas Pipeline Networks
• Capacity Expansion Modeling
• +5 more

Brian Sergi is a Researcher IV in Systems Engineering at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), working within the Grid Planning and Analysis Center's Capacity Expansion & Electricity Markets Group. He concurrently serves as a Course Instructor at the University of Colorado Boulder since 2021, contributing to academic education while advancing energy systems research. His expertise spans integrated energy modeling and policy analysis for low-carbon transitions and grid modernization. Education: PhD in Engineering and Public Policy, Carnegie Mellon University Bachelor of Science, Technology, and International Affairs, Georgetown University His research focuses on integrated electric grid and gas pipeline network modeling, capacity expansion methodologies, low-carbon resource integration challenges, and power sector policy analysis. Work emphasizes spatial resolution in energy models and natural gas engineering systems, with significant contributions to understanding energy transition dynamics through computational modeling and spatial analysis techniques. Recent publications (2024-2025) reveal consistent focus on spatial resolution in planning models, seasonal energy storage integration strategies, and renewable energy siting impacts. These works demonstrate methodological innovations in capacity expansion modeling while addressing real-world grid modernization challenges through technical reports, peer-reviewed articles, and presentations that bridge academic research and industry applications. Brian serves as a Course Instructor at the University of Colorado Boulder, transferring specialized knowledge to students. He maintains active professional engagement through membership in the United States Association for Energy Economics and contributes to major NREL initiatives including the annual Standard Scenarios Report, which shapes U.S. electricity sector planning and policy development. At NREL, Brian operates within the Capacity Expansion & Electricity Markets Group, a specialized team advancing grid modernization through sophisticated analytical frameworks. The group's work integrates engineering and economic perspectives to address complex challenges in energy system transformation, with particular emphasis on spatial dynamics and infrastructure planning for decarbonized power systems.