Find Academic Supervisors

Luis E. ZerpaView profile

Associate Professor

• Reservoir Engineering
• Fluid Flow in Porous Media
• Enhanced Oil Recovery
• +3 more

Luis E. Zerpa is the Harry D. Campbell Endowed Chair in Petroleum Engineering, Associate Department Head, Associate Professor, and Director of the Center for Rock & Fluid Multiphysics at Colorado School of Mines. He joined the institution in April 2013 after serving as an assistant professor at the University of Zulia, Venezuela. His industrial experience includes leading reservoir simulation studies for an offshore chemical EOR pilot project by PDVSA (Venezuelan National Oil Company). Education: PhD in Petroleum Engineering, Colorado School of Mines (2013) M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, University of Zulia (2004) B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, University of Zulia (2001) Research Focus: Dr. Zerpa investigates energy-related subsurface challenges, specializing in reservoir engineering, multiphase fluid behavior in porous media, enhanced hydrocarbon recovery strategies, flow assurance for production systems, and natural gas hydrates as a potential energy resource. His work bridges theoretical modeling and industrial applications. Leadership: He directs the Center for Rock & Fluid Multiphysics, facilitating interdisciplinary research on subsurface processes. Professional Affiliations: Member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), American Chemical Society (ACS), and American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).

Antonio HuertaView profile

Professor

• Numerical Methods
• Mechanics
• Applied Mathematics
• +4 more

Antonio Huerta is a Professor of Applied Mathematics at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) and Director of ICREA. He leads the Laboratori de Càlcul Numèric (LaCàN) , focusing on numerical methods for scientific and engineering problems governed by mechanics and interdisciplinary principles. His research spans applied mathematics, computational science, and fluid dynamics. Education : Ph.D. from Northwestern University (1987), preceded by studies at the Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería de Caminos, Canales y Puertos de Barcelona (1983). His work emphasizes numerical methods , particularly hybridizable discontinuous Galerkin (HDG), finite volume methods, and proper generalized decomposition (PGD), applied to problems in incompressible/compressible flow simulation , fluid-structure interaction , and magneto-mechanical coupling . Recent projects include data-driven design for automotive battery optimization ( GREEN ) and MATLAB-based open-source tools. Key collaborations include co-authoring the textbook Finite Element Methods for Flow Problems with Jean Donea and developing error estimation frameworks for finite element solutions. His publications highlight interdisciplinary applications in mechanics, mathematics, and computer science.

Shirsendu SikdarView profile

Lecturer

• Structural Health Monitoring
• Nondestructive Evaluation
• Cyber-physical Systems
• +4 more

Dr. Shirsendu Sikdar (PhD, MRAeS, FHEA) is a Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering at the School of Computing and Engineering, University of Huddersfield, UK. He holds a PhD in Structural Health Monitoring from IIT Bombay and has held research positions at Cardiff University, Ghent University, and Polish Academy of Sciences. Education: PhD (IIT Bombay), MEng (IIT Kharagpur), BEng (Jadavpur University) Research Interests: • Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) for aerospace, automotive, and wind-energy systems using guided waves and acoustic emission. • Cyber-physical systems and digital twins for real-time structural simulation. • NetZero technologies for sustainable monitoring and renewable energy systems. • Active vibration and noise control under variable operational conditions. • Computational modeling of smart materials and composites. Publications & Expertise: With 50+ peer-reviewed publications and an h-index of 18, his work focuses on SHM strategies for composite structures, smart sensing systems, and reduced-order modeling. He has contributed to journals like Scientific Reports and Smart Materials and Structures . Scientific Awards & Roles: Recipient of Marie Curie and EPSRC fellowships, he serves as Associate Editor for ASME Journal of Nondestructive Evaluation and Lead Guest Editor for Buildings and Signals journals. Collaborations & Grants: Active in cross-disciplinary collaborations across Europe, he has secured £0.5M+ in research grants and reviewed for over 20 journals including Nature and IEEE Transactions .

Sebastian SchöpsView profile

Associate Professor

• Computational Electromagnetics
• Coupled Multiphysical Simulations
• High-Performance Computing
• +7 more

Prof. Sebastian Schöps is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology at Technische Universität Darmstadt. He leads the Computational Engineering Group, focusing on coupled multiphysical simulations and high-performance computing. His work bridges computational electromagnetics with advanced numerical methods like isogeometric analysis and reduced-order modeling. Education: Joint PhD in Physics (KU Leuven, Belgium) and Mathematics (University of Wuppertal) MSc and BSc in Business Mathematics (University of Wuppertal) Research Interests: Coupled systems involving electromagnetism, thermodynamics, and structural mechanics High-performance parallel algorithms for industrial-scale simulations Uncertainty quantification in engineered systems Optimization of electric machines using isogeometric analysis His work frequently involves developing novel finite element formulations and collaborating with CERN on accelerator magnet simulations. Publications Trends: Recent work emphasizes machine learning integration with physics-based models, optimization under uncertainty, and scalable simulation techniques for superconducting devices. Key applications include electric machine design, particle accelerator magnets, and medical device modeling. Labs & Projects: Leads the PASIROM project (Parallel Simulation and Robust Optimization of Electro-Mechanical Energy Converters), and contributes to CERN's quench protection system research. Active in open-source tool development for multiphysics simulation.

Alfred AkisanyaView profile

Professor

• Solid Mechanics
• Fracture Mechanics
• Structural Integrity
• +12 more

Professor Alfred Akisanya is a Personal Chair in the School of Engineering at the University of Aberdeen, where he conducts research and teaches in solid mechanics, structural integrity, and materials engineering. He holds a PhD from the University of Cambridge and is a Chartered Mechanical Engineer and Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE). His research is highly applied, focusing on oil and gas well integrity, corrosion, and mechanical behavior of materials under extreme conditions. Education: BSc (Honours) Mechanical Engineering, University of Ibadan, Nigeria (1985) MSc Mechanical Engineering, University of Ibadan, Nigeria (1987) PhD Solid Mechanics, University of Cambridge, UK (1992) His research interests include micromechanics, fracture of bonded joints, structural integrity, corrosion, mechanics of powder compaction, and deformation of energy-absorbing structures. He has led and participated in numerous funded projects with industry partners such as Shell, Chevron, Total, and PTDF. His recent work explores chemo-thermo-poromechanical modeling, pipeline integrity, and microbiologically influenced corrosion. The trends in his recent publications indicate a strong focus on offshore infrastructure longevity, corrosion mechanisms in marine environments, geomechanics of reservoir rocks, and advanced modeling techniques for structural reliability. His work integrates experimental, computational, and field-relevant approaches to solve industrial challenges in energy and materials sectors. Scientific Awards and Recognitions: Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (FIMechE) Chartered Mechanical Engineer (CEng) He has served as an external PhD examiner for leading universities including Cambridge, Oxford, and NTU Singapore, and is an Associate Editor for the International Journal of Mechanical Engineering Education . He has supervised multiple KTP and industry-funded projects, demonstrating strong academic-industry collaboration. He also contributes as a referee for top journals and grant proposals for EPSRC. Professor Akisanya is actively involved in teaching, delivering courses in stress analysis and solids and structures. He is currently accepting PhD students and continues to lead cutting-edge research in mechanical and petroleum engineering domains. His laboratory and research group collaborate with institutions and companies worldwide, focusing on real-world applications in energy and infrastructure.

• Electromagnetic Fields
• Quantum Transport
• Nanoelectronics
• +5 more

Davide Mencarelli is a Researcher at the Department of Information Engineering (DII) of the University of Ancona and Marche Polytechnic (UNIVPM), Italy. His research focuses on nanoelectronics, quantum transport phenomena, and advanced materials for energy harvesting and optoelectronics. He is affiliated with the Faculty of Engineering and contributes to interdisciplinary projects involving metamaterials, graphene-based devices, and computational materials science. His work spans experimental validation, theoretical modeling (e.g., density functional theory), and device design. Key areas include geometric diodes for THz rectennas, nanoscale ferroelectrics, and biosensors leveraging graphene field-effect transistors (FETs). He collaborates on projects funded by EU initiatives and has developed novel techniques for microwave energy harvesting and nanoscale characterization using inverted scanning microwave microscopy. Recent trends in his publications emphasize quantum effects in nanomaterials, tunable optical properties of 2D materials, and multiphysics modeling of nanoelectronic components. His research bridges fundamental physics and applied engineering, addressing challenges in renewable energy systems, biomedical diagnostics, and high-frequency electronics.

Yuan TianView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Thermal Energy Storage
• Phase Change Materials (PCM)
• Energy-Efficient Buildings
• +12 more

Dr. Yuan Tian is a VC2020 Senior Lecturer at De Montfort University (DMU) within the School of Engineering and Sustainable Development, Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Media. He is affiliated with the Institute of Energy and Sustainable Development (IESD), where he conducts research in thermal energy systems and sustainable engineering. Current Position: VC2020 Senior Lecturer, De Montfort University (2018–present) Previous Roles: Lecturer at Aston University (2017–2018), Diamond Jubilee Lecturer at University of Hertfordshire (2013–2017), Research Associate and PhD Student at University of Warwick (2008–2013) Dr. Tian holds a PhD from the University of Warwick, a PgCert in Teaching in UK Higher Education from the University of Hertfordshire, and a BEng (Distinction) from Xi’an Jiaotong University (XJTU). His research focuses on thermal energy storage , phase change materials (PCM) , energy-efficient buildings , waste heat recovery , and battery thermal management . He employs computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and experimental methods to enhance heat transfer in porous media such as metal foams. His work bridges fundamental thermal science with practical applications in renewable energy and smart grids. The 15 most recent publications reflect a consistent focus on thermal performance in energy storage systems, particularly in PCMs and battery thermal management. His research spans experimental, numerical, and review studies, published in high-impact journals like Applied Energy and International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer . Key themes include heat transfer enhancement, multiphysics modeling, and system-level optimization. EPSRC PhD Scholarship (2008–2012) Henry Lester Scholarship (2012) Outstanding PhD Completion Award, University of Warwick (2012) Great Britain–China Scholarship (2012) Chinese Government Award for Outstanding Self-financed Students Abroad (2012) Most Downloaded Article of the Year, Applied Energy (2014) Dr. Tian has been actively involved in research funding and peer review, serving in the EPSRC Peer Review College and ranked among the Top 5% Grants Reviewers (2017–18). He regularly reviews for over 85 international journals and has served on the Science Board of the UK Energy Storage Research Hub and the IEA Energy Storage Experts Panel. He led the successful accreditation of DMU's Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering programs (2018–19). He is affiliated with the Institute of Energy and Sustainable Development (IESD) at DMU, a leading research center in sustainable energy technologies. His work includes consultancy with the Building Research Establishment (BRE) on fire spreading systems and ongoing collaborations with international institutions.

Rustom B. BhiladvalaView profile

Associate Professor

• Nanoscale Materials
• Mechanics & Transport
• Fluid and Biomedical Sensor Development
• +6 more

Rustom B. Bhiladvala is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Victoria. His expertise spans nanoscale materials, biomedical sensor development, and sustainable energy solutions. He holds degrees from IIT Kharagpur, the University of Iowa, and Yale University, and is a licensed Professional Engineer (P.Eng). Education: BTech (IIT Kharagpur), MS (University of Iowa), PhD (Yale) Affiliations: Faculty of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Department, PRIMED Lab His research focuses on nanoresonators for early cancer detection, guard-heated thermal sensors for wind turbine optimization, and scalable nanostructure fabrication. Key projects include vibrating nanowire mass sensors and low-cost solar cell improvements. His work bridges fluid mechanics, materials science, and biomedical engineering. Notable contributions include developing field-directed nanowire assembly techniques and improving turbulent flow measurement accuracy. He teaches courses on energy systems and fluid mechanics at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

• Applied Mathematics
• Mechanics
• Geophysics
• +8 more

Robert Viesca is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Tufts University, where he has held academic roles since 2012. His research focuses on theoretical mechanics applied to geophysical and engineering problems, including earthquake nucleation, fault rupture dynamics, landsliding, and fluid-driven phenomena. Key areas of interest are seismology, tectonophysics, and porous media deformation. Education: Ph.D. (2011) and M.S. (2006) in Engineering Sciences from Harvard University; B.S. (2005) in Civil Engineering from Tufts University. He completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Dalhousie University (2011–2012) under Dmitry I. Garagash. Research emphasizes fault mechanics, frictional processes, and fluid-rock interactions. He leads the Geomechanics FOR subsurface Clean Energy (GEOFORCE) group, exploring subsurface deformation and failure mechanics for geothermal energy and CO₂ storage applications. Collaborators include Federico Ciardo, Ilya Svetlizky, and Thomas Cochard. Prominent former students/postdocs: Federico Ciardo (Northwestern University), Pathikrit Bhattacharya (NISER), Antoine Jacquey (Polytechnique Montréal), Sohom Ray (IIT Roorkee). Active in AGU meetings and international conferences, presenting recent work on thermohydro-mechanical fault modeling and seismic cycle dynamics. Teaching and advising: Oversees Ph.D., M.S., and undergraduate research programs. Supports Tufts Summer Scholars for undergraduates and Cataldo Fellowships for department students. Labs/Teams: GEOFORCE Group focuses on multiphysics modeling of subsurface deformation, integrating fracture mechanics and scaling arguments to address energy and seismic hazard challenges.

Shanelle FosterView profile

Associate Professor

• Electromechanical Energy Conversion
• Manufacturability of Electric Machines
• Reliability Analysis
• +4 more

Shanelle Foster is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Michigan State University's College of Engineering. Her research focuses on developing sustainable electromechanical energy conversion technologies, emphasizing manufacturability, reliability, and control of linear and rotating electrical machines. She leads efforts to integrate advanced materials and additive manufacturing techniques to enhance electric machine efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Education: Ph.D. Electrical Engineering, Michigan State University (2013) M.S. Electrical Engineering, Michigan State University (1998) B.S. Electrical Engineering, Michigan State University (1996) Research Interests: Electromechanical systems and energy conversion Segmented stator/rotor design optimization Additive manufacturing of soft magnetic materials Condition monitoring and fault diagnosis High-performance control algorithms for electric drives Awards & Recognition: NSF CAREER Award (2021) Excellence in Diversity Award (2022) IEEE Women in Engineering Travel Grant (2017) Office of Naval Research Concept Challenge Finalist (2017) Service & Leadership: Associate Editor, IEEE Transactions on Energy Conversion (2021-present) Logistics Co-Chair, 2023 IEEE Energy Conversion Congress & Expo Former Secretary, IEEE Southeastern Michigan Section (2021-2022) Her work bridges fundamental research with practical applications, particularly in advancing additive manufacturing for electric machines and promoting inclusive engineering education through her NSF-funded CAREER project.

Iryna RybakView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Multiscale Methods
• Mathematical Modelling
• Numerical Algorithms
• +3 more

Iryna Rybak is a Senior Lecturer and Principal Investigator at the University of Stuttgart's Institute of Applied Analysis and Numerical Simulation. Her research focuses on mathematical modeling, numerical methods, and multiscale analysis for coupled free-flow and porous medium systems. She coordinates the German side of the ANR-DFG project FLUPOR and leads Project A03 in the Collaborative Research Centre (SFB) 1313 on interface-driven multi-field processes in porous media. Academic Roles: Research Assistant, Principal Investigator Institution: University of Stuttgart Key Projects: FLUPOR (ANR-DFG), SFB 1313 (DFG) Research Interests: Multiscale methods, averaging theories, Stokes-Darcy coupling, numerical algorithms for multiphysics problems, and model validation using neural networks. Her work addresses interface conditions, porous media flow, and sediment transport in three-phase systems. Publications emphasize fluid-porous interface modeling, preconditioning techniques, and sensitivity analysis. She has advised over 15 PhD/Master students on topics like preconditioners for coupled systems and surrogate-assisted validation frameworks. Teaching includes advanced numerical methods, mathematical programming, and partial differential equations at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Grant Roles: Principal Investigator in FLUPOR and SFB 1313; coordinator of DFG-funded projects on interface modeling (2012–2025).

Selda OterkusView profile

Professor

• Peridynamics
• Fluid-Structure Interactions
• Fracture Mechanics
• +7 more

Prof. Selda Oterkus is a Professor (Chair) at the University of Strathclyde's Department of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Marine Engineering, and co-director of the PeriDynamics Research Centre (PDRC). She holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Arizona. Her research focuses on multi-physics modeling, including damage prediction in materials and structures under various conditions. Key areas include fluid-structure interactions, offshore renewable energy systems, and composite materials. Her work is supported by organizations like BEIS, Innovate UK, and industry partners such as Babcock and TWI. Research interests span peridynamics, fracture mechanics, computational fluid dynamics, and desalination technologies. She has collaborated internationally, serving as a visiting professor at Stanford University, University of Padova, and Otto von Guericke University. She is an editor for journals like Computational Materials Science and chairs the ASME UK Section. Her projects include advanced manufacturing techniques, floating wind/solar energy devices, and corrosion damage analysis. She contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to affordable clean energy and climate action. Supervised 16 students and led 32 projects, including consultancy work with Ferguson Marine. Active in workshops and conferences on sustainable materials and marine engineering. Labs/Teams: Co-directs the PeriDynamics Research Centre (PDRC), leading interdisciplinary research in computational mechanics and materials science.

Tomasz PlewaView profile

Professor

• Computational Astrophysics
• Scientific Computing
• fluid dynamics
• +22 more

Dr. Tomasz Plewa is a Professor at Florida State University's Department of Scientific Computing, with extensive expertise in computational astrophysics and high-performance computing. His research focuses on theoretical and computational modeling of complex astrophysical phenomena, particularly supernova explosions, fluid dynamics, and plasma physics. His research interests span: Fundamental astrophysical processes: stellar evolution, core collapse, and thermonuclear supernovae Advanced computational methods: adaptive mesh refinement (AMR), machine learning for subgrid modeling, and verification & validation Multiphysics simulations: magnetohydrodynamics, turbulent combustion, reactive flows, and high-energy density physics High-performance computing applications: extreme-scale simulations, data analytics, and scientific software development Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals strong trends in: Supernova explosion mechanisms (core collapse, detonation physics, gravitational confinement) Hydrodynamic instabilities in astrophysical contexts (Rayleigh-Taylor, shock-cylinder interactions) Advanced numerical methods for relativistic and reactive flows Laboratory astrophysics experiments validating cosmic phenomena High-performance computing frameworks for terascale simulations Dr. Plewa leads the Hydro Group research team and participates in the High-Energy Density Laboratory Astrophysics (HEDLA) consortium. He supervises students through Florida State University's Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) and maintains active collaborations on international astrophysics projects.

Pejman TahmasebiView profile

Associate Professor

• Geomechanics
• Subsurface Systems
• Machine Learning
• +12 more

Dr. Pejman Tahmasebi is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geophysics at the Colorado School of Mines, where he leads research in geomechanics, subsurface systems, and machine learning applications. He is affiliated with the G4 Lab (tahmasebi.mines.edu), focusing on advanced computational modeling and data-driven methods for earth sciences. His research interests span geomechanics (from granular particles to large-scale systems and THMC processes), subsurface systems (energy, water, storage) using computational modeling and multiple-point statistics, machine learning with physics-guided AI frameworks, and fluid flow in porous media . His work integrates statistical, multiscale, and data analytics techniques to solve complex geoscientific challenges. Dr. Tahmasebi has received several prestigious awards, including international recognitions from IAMG and EAGE as a rising star, regional SPE awards in Reservoir Description and Data Analytics, and the Elsevier Best Paper Award. He serves on the editorial boards of Water Resources Research , Computers & Geosciences , and Fluids , handling submissions in machine learning and subsurface modeling. He has conducted postdoctoral research at Stanford University and the University of Texas at Austin, and worked at Caltech in the Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering. His educational background includes a Ph.D. from a joint program supervised by Prof. Muhammad Sahimi at the University of Southern California, focusing on data analytics for porous media modeling. Dr. Tahmasebi advises graduate students and leads the G4 Lab, which specializes in developing novel statistical and multiscale techniques for geoscientific applications. His lab actively contributes to advancing physics-informed AI and uncertainty quantification in subsurface systems.

• Topology Optimization
• Computational Mechanics
• Acoustics
• +3 more

Eddie Wadbro is a Visiting Professor at the Department of Computing Science , Umeå University. His research spans computational mechanics, acoustics, and machine learning, focusing on topology optimization and its applications in industrial design, forestry, and electromagnetics. He actively collaborates across disciplines to solve complex engineering challenges. Key Research Areas: Topology optimization, acoustic wave control, machine learning for industrial systems, fluid dynamics Recent Trends: Alzheimer's disease classification via morphological analysis, deep reinforcement learning for autonomous machinery, multiscale material design Collaborations: Works with experts in forestry engineering, electromagnetics, and biomedical imaging.