Find Academic Supervisors

Harris Kenneth David MacleanView profile

Research Professor

• Physical Chemistry
• Crystallography
• Material Science
• +6 more

Harris Kenneth David Maclean is a Distinguished Research Professor at Cardiff University's School of Chemistry, serving as Head of Physical Chemistry since 2013 and former Head of Materials Chemistry (2003–2012). Previously, he held professorships at the University of Birmingham and University College London. His research focuses on physical chemistry of solids, crystallography, and advanced materials. Education: PhD in Chemistry from the University of Cambridge (1985–1989), supervised by Sir John Meurig Thomas, and a BSc (First Class Honours) in Chemistry from the University of St Andrews (1981–1985). Research Interests: X-ray diffraction techniques and their applications Crystal structure determination and polymorphism Quasicrystals and aperiodic materials solid-state NMR spectroscopy and molecular motion in solids Design of molecular materials via crystal engineering Awards: A prolific scholar, he has received prestigious awards including the Tilden Medal (2007/8), Corday-Morgan Medal (1999), and election to the Royal Society of Edinburgh (2008) and the Learned Society of Wales (2011). His work has led to over 368 publications and an H-index of 44. International Collaborations: He has held visiting professorships at institutions in Japan (Kyoto University, Tohoku University), France (University of Bordeaux), Spain (Autonomous University of Barcelona), and Taiwan. Professional Affiliations: Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, Chartered Chemist, and member of multiple scientific societies, including the American Chemical Society and British Crystallographic Association.

Jiuhua ChenView profile

Professor

• Materials Science and Engineering
• Mineral Physics
• High-Pressure Physics
• +4 more

Professor Jiuhua Chen is a faculty member in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at Florida International University (FIU). His research focuses on materials science and engineering, mineral physics, and high-pressure phenomena. He holds a professorship position and maintains an active research program with collaborations in advanced materials, geophysics, and energy-related applications. His work has explored phase transitions in mineral systems under extreme conditions, additive manufacturing processes for titanium alloys, and development of terahertz detectors using superconducting materials. Research Interests: Materials Science and Engineering Mineral Physics High-Pressure Phase Transitions CO2 Capture Technologies Terahertz Sensing Laser Additive Manufacturing Recent publications highlight his contributions to understanding Earth's deep mantle dynamics through mineral phase behavior studies, improving additive manufacturing techniques for aerospace alloys, and advancing superconducting detector technology. His work frequently intersects environmental science, plasma physics, and interdisciplinary collaborations such as the ITER fusion reactor initiatives. Professor Chen is accessible via chenj@fiu.edu and maintains a lab website at CESMEC . Office hours are held weekly on Wednesdays from 2:00-4:00 PM.

• Physical Metallurgy
• Materials Engineering
• Metal Matrix Composites
• +11 more

Gang JI is a CNRS Research Officer with HDR at the University of Lille, affiliated with the Materials and Transformations Unit (UMET) and the Physical Metallurgy and Materials Engineering team. He conducts advanced research in metal matrix composites, interface engineering, and microstructural characterization using transmission electron microscopy techniques. His research interests include physical metallurgy, materials engineering, metal matrix (nano)composites, interface characterization, powder metallurgy, additive manufacturing, and advanced electron microscopy. He investigates the relationship between complex microstructures and mechanical properties, with a focus on aluminum and magnesium-based systems. His recent publications reveal a strong trend in enhancing mechanical performance of lightweight alloys, particularly through interface tailoring, precipitation engineering, and advanced processing techniques like cold spraying and additive manufacturing. His work spans from fundamental microstructural analysis to applied materials development for high-performance applications. Co-supervised thesis: Study of aluminum matrix composites reinforced by TiB2 nanoparticles for TEM (Yu MA, 2019) Co-supervision: Preparation, microstructure and properties of advanced multifunctional composites by powder metallurgy (Jingnan MA, 2021) Co-direction: Study of the relationship between complex microstructures and fracture properties of stainless steel (Renata DE OLIVEIRA MELO, 2023) He is actively involved in collaborative research projects and has contributed to significant advancements in materials science, as evidenced by publications in top-tier journals such as Nature Materials , Acta Materialia , and Cell Reports Physical Science .

Mikael GrehkView profile

Professor

• Materials Engineering
• Metallurgy
• Microstructure Analysis
• +3 more

Mikael Grehk is a Professor in Materials Engineering at Karlstad University, focusing on the relationship between material microstructures and mechanical properties. His research explores fatigue behavior, microstructural analysis using techniques like EBSD, X-ray diffraction, and synchrotron methods. He coordinates advanced courses such as Deformation and Failure, Polymer Technology, and the Mechanical Engineering master's thesis program. His work emphasizes high-cycle fatigue in metals, powder metallurgy (PM-HIPed materials), and the mechanical properties of superalloys like Inconel 625. Recent studies include surface treatments for powdered materials and additive manufacturing of tool steels. His publications highlight advancements in understanding microstructure evolution under mechanical loads and thermal fatigue in industrial components. As a mentor, he advises students including Faezeh Javadzadeh Kalahroudi and Katerina Chantziara. His research lab employs cutting-edge microscopy and in situ tensile testing, contributing to material development for high-performance applications.

Olaf AdanView profile

Professor

• Thermal Energy Storage
• Materials Science
• Porous Materials
• +3 more

Olaf Adan is a Full Professor (Part-time) at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), affiliated with the Applied Physics and Science Education Department within the EIRES institute. His research focuses on thermo-chemical materials and transport phenomena in permeable media, particularly in the context of heat storage technologies. He holds an ancillary role as Principal Scientist in Technical Sciences at TNO. Adan's work explores materials science applications for energy storage, including the study of hydration pathways in porous matrices and composite materials. His research combines experimental methods like thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and in-situ powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) to analyze material behavior under confinement. Notable research contributions include investigations into calcium chloride composites and their phase transitions, as well as the development of novel materials for thermal energy applications. His team (Transport in Permeable Media) addresses challenges in optimizing material stability and efficiency for practical heat storage systems.

Cora Lind-KovacsView profile

Professor

• Negative Thermal Expansion Materials
• Non-hydrolytic Sol-gel Chemistry
• Polymer Composites
• +3 more

Cora Lind-Kovacs is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at the University of Toledo, affiliated with the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. Her research focuses on the synthesis and characterization of advanced materials, including negative thermal expansion (NTE) compounds, polymer composites, and battery expanders. She utilizes non-hydrolytic sol-gel chemistry and powder X-ray diffraction with Rietveld analysis for material development. Education Prediploma (1996) - Bergische Universität Wuppertal, Germany M.S. (1999) and Ph.D. (2001) - Georgia Institute of Technology Postdoctoral Associate (2001-2003) - Cornell University Her group collaborates with Argonne National Laboratory and five battery companies to develop Model Expander Molecules (MEMs) that mimic lignosulfonates, aiming to improve lead battery performance. Recent work emphasizes in situ synthesis of polymer/metal oxide composites and tuning NTE materials via mixed cation strategies. Notable publications include studies on thermal expansion trends in A2M3O12 materials, high-pressure behavior of molybdates, and solvent effects in polymer synthesis. She has contributed to crystallography education initiatives in U.S. secondary schools and maintains active involvement in structural dynamics and material stability research.

• Crystallography
• Powder Diffraction Analysis
• Physical Chemistry
• +5 more

Dr. Elżbieta Olszewska is an Assistant Professor in the Department of General, Coordination and Crystallography at the Faculty of Chemistry, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University. She specializes in powder diffraction analysis, crystallography, and thermal analysis of materials, with a focus on structural characterization and diffraction techniques. Rentgenografia proszkowa (powder diffraction analysis) Krystalografia (crystallography) Właściwości termiczne (thermal properties) Chemie fizyczna (physical chemistry) Her recent publications explore structural characterization of thermoplastic polymers, mesoporous materials, and potential pesticides using powder diffraction and SAXS methods. Key trends include material science, polymer chemistry, and diffraction-based structural analysis. Silver Medal for Long Service National Education Commission Medal Dr. Olszewska supervises master's students specializing in Forensic Chemistry (Chemia Kryminalistyczna) and leads crystallography courses. Her work integrates X-ray scattering, thermal analysis, and structural characterization in both academic and applied contexts.

Stephen ThompsonView profile

Researcher

• Astrophysics
• Planetary Science
• Mineralogy
• +3 more

Dr. Stephen Thompson serves as Principal Beamline Scientist for I11 at Diamond Light Source, a UK national synchrotron facility at Harwell Science Campus. Since joining from Daresbury Laboratory in 2005, he has pioneered experimental capabilities for long-duration studies of planetary and cosmic materials under non-ambient conditions. His research centers on laboratory simulations of mineral evolution in circumstellar, interstellar, and planetary environments. Key interests include cosmic dust analogues, mineral precipitation in extraterrestrial oceans (particularly Europa), gas hydrate stability on Mars, and prebiotic molecule interactions with inorganic substrates. He employs X-ray powder diffraction, total scattering, SAXS, and spectroscopy to investigate amorphous silicates, clathrate hydrates, and hydrated mineral phases under simulated space conditions. Thompson's recent publications (2012-2021) reveal a dominant focus on experimental planetary science, with 60% addressing icy moon environments and cosmic dust analogues. His innovative microwave-based cosmic dust synthesis methods have attracted significant media attention, including features on CGTN Razor TV and German national radio. The work demonstrates strong interdisciplinary connections between astrophysics, mineralogy, and astrobiology. As lead scientist for I11 beamline, he oversees a critical facility enabling in-situ studies of mineral formation under cryogenic, high-pressure, and reactive gas conditions. His technical developments, such as the slow-cooling-rate in situ cell, have expanded capabilities for simulating planetary aqueous environments across the solar system.

• Materials Science
• Mechanical Behavior of Materials
• Phase Transformations
• +10 more

Professor Ian Baker is the Sherman Fairchild Professor of Engineering and Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at the Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College. He leads interdisciplinary research in materials science with a focus on energy systems, magnetic materials, and the mechanical behavior of alloys and ice structures. Department: Engineering Sciences Key Affiliations: Ice Research Laboratory, AAAS Fellow, TMS Fellow His research spans phase transformations in high-entropy alloys, electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and the microstructure of snow and ice. Recent work explores additive manufacturing of Mn-Al permanent magnets and sustainable energy materials like oxide solar absorbers. His publications highlight collaborations with PhD students and postdocs in areas such as magnetic hyperthermia and biomaterials. Awards include AAAS, TMS, and ASM International fellowships, alongside recognition in the ISI high-cited scientists list.

Ivan KabanView profile

Researcher

• Materials Science
• Solidification Processes
• Metallic Alloys
• +3 more

Dr. Ivan Kaban is a Group Leader in the X-ray Diffraction research group at Leibniz IFW Dresden, Institute for Complex Materials. His work focuses on experimental studies of phase formation and microstructure development during non-equilibrium solidification of metallic alloys, utilizing high-speed video observation and in-situ X-ray diffraction. He investigates heterogeneous nucleation, liquid-liquid phase separation, and composite material fabrication from metallic glasses. Dr. Kaban's research explores solidification processes in Fe-Co-Ni-Mo, Ti-Cu-Al-Zr, and Al-Si-TiB2 systems, with emphasis on cryogenic rejuvenation, shear banding, and flash annealing techniques. His publications span journals like Acta Materialia, Nature Communications, and Advanced Science, covering topics from atomic structure in chalcogenide glasses to thermodynamic assessments of alloy systems. Recent trends in his work include additive manufacturing of high-strength composites, phase transformation mapping in CuZrAlCo alloys, and corrosion behavior of Ti-based metallic glasses. He collaborates extensively with institutions across Europe and Asia, contributing to studies on liquid metal wetting, nanocrystalline alloys, and electromagnetic levitation applications in space-based solidification.

• Thermochemical Energy Storage
• Salt Hydrates
• Transport in Permeable Media
• +5 more

Aleksandr Shkatulov is a postdoctoral researcher at Eindhoven University of Technology in the Department of Applied Physics. His work focuses on thermochemical energy storage, hydration pathways, and nanoconfined material behavior. Research Interests: Thermochemical Energy Storage Salt Hydrate Dynamics Nanoconfinement Effects Pore Size Analysis Recent research explores hydration mechanisms in porous matrices, fiber-reinforced energy storage systems, and doping effects on reaction kinetics. He applies thermogravimetric analysis and powder X-ray diffraction techniques to study composite materials.

Henk HuininkView profile

Associate Professor

• Thermochemical Energy Storage
• Salt Hydrates
• Phase Transitions in Crystals
• +6 more

Henk Huinink is an Associate Professor at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) within the Department of Applied Physics and Science Education. He leads the Thermo-Chemical Materials Lab under the EIRES Research group, focusing on phase transitions in crystals, interactions between solids and water, heat and mass transport in porous media, and NMR imaging. Key research areas: Thermochemical Energy Storage (TCES), Salt Hydrates, Hydration Kinetics Projects: EU H2020 Heat Insyde, NWO Mat4Sus Mat4Heat, EIC Pathfinder 4TunaTES His work addresses fundamental physical mechanisms in thermal energy storage materials, particularly salt hydrates. Recent publications explore hydration pathways in CaBr 2 , swelling mitigation in K 2 CO 3 tablets, and structural irreversibility in earth alkali oxalates. He also contributes to educational activities in statistical physics and thermal energy systems. Collaborations: Shell (1997-1999), Friedrich-Alexander University (2015 sabbatical), and ongoing academic-industry partnerships in TCES reactor design.

Susan SchorrView profile

Adjunct Professor

• Geochemistry
• Mineralogy
• Photovoltaic Materials
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Susan Schorr is an Adjunct Professor at the Department of Mineralogy-Petrology, Institute of Geological Sciences, Freie Universität Berlin. Her research focuses on photovoltaic materials, particularly kesterite and chalcopyrite compounds, with an emphasis on structural analysis using X-ray and neutron diffraction techniques. She has authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications and edited special issues on novel materials for energy and photovoltaic applications. Her work includes studies on Cu₂ZnSnSe₄ (CZTSe) and related thin films, exploring their crystallographic properties, defect characteristics, and applications in solar cell absorbers. She collaborates with institutions like the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB), contributing to advanced characterization methodologies for thin-film solar cells. Key contributions include investigations of phase transitions, composition-stability relationships, and materials for sustainable energy production. Her research spans structural phase transitions in semiconductors, compositional effects in kesterite materials, and the development of neutron-based analytical tools. She has pioneered studies on off-stoichiometric materials and their implications for device performance. Her work integrates experimental techniques like synchrotron radiation, Raman spectroscopy, and computational modeling to advance material design for renewable energy technologies.

Alan McGaugheyView profile

Professor

• Mechanical Engineering
• Thermal Transport
• Nanoscale Heat Transfer
• +15 more

Alan McGaughey is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University's College of Engineering. He leads the Nanoscale Transport Phenomena Laboratory, where his research bridges mechanical engineering, materials science, physics, and chemistry to study atomic-level transport of mass, momentum, and energy. His work emphasizes phonon, photon, electron, and fluid particle dynamics using advanced simulation techniques. Bachelor of Engineering, McMaster University (1998) Master of Applied Science, University of Toronto (2000) Ph.D., University of Michigan (2004) Post-doctoral training, University of Florida Alan McGaughey's research interests center on nanoscale thermal transport , with applications in energy technologies , materials for energy efficiency , and multiscale modeling . His lab develops molecular- and meso-scale simulation methods, including molecular dynamics, lattice dynamics, density functional theory, and Boltzmann transport equation modeling. Key research areas include thermal transport in nanostructures and interfaces, hybrid organic-inorganic materials, electrocaloric cooling, and liquid-vapor phase change. The team also applies machine learning to accelerate materials discovery and property prediction. The recent publications (2023–2025) reflect a strong focus on thermal conductivity prediction in diverse systems—from polymers and 2D materials to disordered crystals and thin films. The work integrates first-principles simulations , uncertainty quantification , and machine learning to uncover fundamental mechanisms of phonon transport and interfacial heat transfer. A recurring theme is the role of structural disorder —static, dynamic, or rotational—in modulating thermal properties. Air Force Office of Scientific Research Young Investigator Program (2009) Benjamin Richard Teare Teaching Award (2014) National Academy of Engineering’s Frontiers of Engineering Education Symposium (2015) Professor of the Year by MechE seniors (2012, 2015, 2017) 2019 & 2024 College of Engineering Faculty Awards 2021 Viskanta Fellowship, Purdue University McGaughey has advised numerous Ph.D. and Master’s students, many of whom have gone on to impactful research careers. His group has secured funding from agencies such as the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy, including Scott Institute seed grants for energy research. He collaborates extensively with experimentalists, including Jonathan Malen, Reeja Jayan, Chris Wilmer, and others, ensuring strong theory-experiment integration. He is also involved in educational innovation and was named faculty chair-elect for the College of Engineering. The Nanoscale Transport Phenomena Laboratory is a vibrant research group that combines computational modeling with interdisciplinary collaboration to advance fundamental understanding and enable next-generation thermal materials and devices.

Karl WaltonView profile

Research Fellow

• Precision Engineering
• Surface Metrology
• Aerodynamics
• +3 more

Karl Walton is a Research Fellow at the Department of Engineering, School of Computing and Engineering, University of Huddersfield. He serves as Acting Head of Department and is affiliated with the Centre for Precision Technologies. His work spans engineering and pharmaceutical sciences, focusing on surface engineering, aerodynamics, and advanced manufacturing techniques. Research Areas: Surface metrology, Mass finishing, Surface analysis, Pharmaceutical materials Key Collaborations: Rolls-Royce, EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing Walton's research integrates theoretical analysis, experimental validation, and computational modeling. His recent publications demonstrate expertise in composite health monitoring, 3D-printed drug delivery systems, and fatigue failure prediction in machined components. Email: K.Walton@hud.ac.uk