Gunnar Kusch is a Senior Research Associate at the Department of Materials Science & Metallurgy, University of Cambridge. His research focuses on defects in semiconductors, porous AlGaN materials, and advanced characterization techniques like cathodoluminescence (CL) and atom probe tomography (APT). He holds a PhD from the University of Strathclyde and leads projects on UV-B LED optimization, nanoscale defect behavior analysis, and semiconductor device design. His work bridges materials synthesis, characterization, and device performance, with applications in energy-efficient lighting and solar cell technology. Key research areas include: Defect engineering in III-nitride semiconductors Porous AlGaN templates for high-efficiency UV emitters Correlative microscopy techniques (CL, EBSD, APT) Composition-structure-property relationships in photovoltaic materials Notable contributions include developing CL-based methods for nanoscale defect analysis and demonstrating improved Cu(In,Ga)S₂ solar cell efficiencies through compositional engineering. His laboratory focuses on translating microscopic insights into macroscopic device improvements.
W. Brent Lindquist is a Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at Texas Tech University, affiliated with the TTU Mathematical Finance Program. His contact details include office location in the Mathematics & Statistics building (Room 104), phone (+1 806 834 2348), and email brent.lindquist@ttu.edu. His research spans computational financial mathematics, porous media flow, neuroscience applications, and quantum electrodynamics. Key contributions include dynamic asset pricing with market microstructure integration, pore-scale flow modeling using 3D micro-tomography, automated neuron morphology identification, and QED computations for electron magnetic moments. Recent work emphasizes ESG factor incorporation into financial models. Analysis of 2023–2025 publications reveals a dominant focus on sustainable finance, particularly ESG-integrated option pricing and portfolio optimization. Methodologies include random forests for market microstructure analysis, skew random walks for volatility modeling, and Lévy processes for Bitcoin dynamics. Cross-cutting themes involve hedonic real estate models with ESG factors and unified asset pricing frameworks bridging classical finance theories.
Jun Liu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University at Buffalo. His research focuses on advanced energy materials, nano/micro-mechanics, and self-powered systems, with applications in triboelectric energy harvesting and scanning probe microscopy. Education: PhD, Materials Engineering, University of Alberta (2018) MS, Materials Science, Shanghai University (2015) BE, Materials Science and Engineering, Nanchang University (2012) Research Interests: Development of tribovoltaic and triboelectric systems for self-powered electronics Mechanical energy harvesting via dynamic heterojunctions and Schottky contacts 3D-printed hydrogel structures for energy absorption and flexible electronics Nanoscale characterization using atomic force microscopy Design of nanocomposite sensors and catalytic materials Publication Trends: His work emphasizes triboelectricity, nanoscale energy conversion, and sustainable materials. Recent articles explore bionic tactile sensing, tunable hydrogels, and quantum dynamics in sliding interfaces. Awards: SONY Faculty Innovation Award (2021) Nature Springer MINE Young Scientist Award (2020) International Contest of Applications in Nano/Micro Technology Prize (2013) Laboratory: Advanced Energy Materials and Nanomechanics Lab at University at Buffalo.
Dr. Qian Shunzhi is an Associate Professor and Program Director for the Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) at NTU's School of Civil and Environmental Engineering. He holds a PhD from the University of Michigan (2007), with prior faculty experience at Southeast University (2009-2013) and postdoctoral research at TU Delft (2007-2009). His research focuses on advanced construction materials like Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC), self-healing concrete, and 3D-printable concrete, alongside life cycle assessment of infrastructure. Key interests include sustainable materials, CO2 sequestration, and material durability. Education: Bachelor's: Southeast University (Nanjing, 1998) Master's: Chinese Ministry of Transport Highway Research Institute (Beijing, 2001) PhD: University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, 2007) Research Interests: Novel cementitious composites for infrastructure resilience Recycled materials in construction 3D printing applications in concrete Material lifecycle analysis Notable contributions include bacterial encapsulation for self-healing, graphene-enhanced antibacterial surfaces, and CO2 sequestration via reactive materials. His work bridges material science, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing techniques.
Dr. Robert O’Connor is an Assistant Professor at the School of Physical Sciences, Dublin City University (DCU) , specializing in interface chemistry and thin film characterization. His work bridges semiconductor physics and energy harvesting technologies , with a focus on materials like high-κ dielectrics and III-V substrates. BSc in Applied Physics (2001), DCU PhD in Semiconductor Physics (2005), DCU His research employs X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and atomic layer deposition (ALD) to study material interfaces in devices such as MOSFETs and photoelectrochemical systems . He leads a 4-year SFI-funded project on solar water splitting for hydrogen fuel and collaborates with Trinity College Dublin (SPOKE project) and IMEC, Belgium on area-selective deposition techniques. His lab utilizes a state-of-the-art integrated ALD-XPS tool . His scientific awards include the Marie Curie Intra-European Fellowship , Irish Research Council EMBARK Fellowship , and SFI TIDA Award . Publications span high-κ dielectrics , self-assembled monolayers , and block copolymer lithography , with recent work on graphene oxide heterostructures and recyclability in additive manufacturing . He supervises 5 postgraduate students and teaches modules like Final Year Project (PS451) and Solid State Physics I (PS204) . Collaborations include institutions such as IMEC and Trinity College Dublin , with tools like the integrated ALD-XPS system at DCU.
Robert O. Ritchie is the H. T. & Jessie Chua Distinguished Professor of Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley, where he holds dual appointments as Professor of Materials Science & Engineering and Professor of Mechanical Engineering. He is also a Faculty Senior Scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. His distinguished career spans over four decades with significant contributions to the field of materials science and engineering. Professor Ritchie received his B.A. in Physics & Metallurgy (1969), M.A. in Materials Science (1973), Ph.D. in Materials Science (1973), and Sc.D. in Materials Science (1990), all from Cambridge University, UK. His research focuses on the mechanical behavior of advanced materials, with particular emphasis on fracture mechanics, fatigue properties, and damage tolerance. Professor Ritchie's work spans multiple domains including metallic glasses, high-entropy alloys, biomaterials, and nature-inspired structural materials. His laboratory employs cutting-edge techniques such as in situ high-temperature computed tomography to study failure mechanisms in ceramic-matrix composites and nuclear graphite. His research has significant implications for aerospace, biomedical, and energy applications. Analysis of Professor Ritchie's recent publications reveals a strong focus on advanced structural materials, particularly metallic glasses and high-entropy alloys. His work combines experimental approaches with computational modeling to understand deformation mechanisms at multiple length scales. There is a clear trend toward bioinspired materials design, with several papers examining natural structures like fish scales, horn sheaths, and bone to develop new engineering materials with exceptional mechanical properties. Member, National Academy of Sciences (2025) Foreign Fellow, Academy of Athens, Greece (2024) Robert Henry Thurston Award (ASME) (2022) ASM Gold Medal (ASM Intl.) (2021) William D. Nix Medal, inaugural winner (TMS) (2020) Fellow (Foreign Member) of the Royal Society (FRS), London, UK (2017) Morris Cohen Award (TMS) (2017) Acta Materialia Gold Medal (2014) David Turnbull Award (MRS) (2013) A. Cemel Eringen Medal (Society of Engineering Science) (2010) Professor Ritchie has advised numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers throughout his career. His research has been supported by various funding agencies including the Department of Energy, National Science Foundation, and industry partners such as Rolls-Royce. He has served on numerous advisory boards including the Rolls-Royce Materials & Structures Advisory Board (2011-2019) and the Scientific Advisory Board of the Advanced Light Source at LBNL (2013 to date). Professor Ritchie leads the Ritchie Group at UC Berkeley, which maintains strong collaborations with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The laboratory employs state-of-the-art techniques including electron microscopy, x-ray tomography, and mechanical testing across multiple length and time scales. His team has developed innovative in situ characterization methods that have significantly advanced the understanding of material failure mechanisms under extreme conditions.
Professor Behzad Fatahi is a distinguished academic in Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), specializing in geotechnical engineering, railway infrastructure, and sustainable construction technologies. With a career spanning over 16 years at UTS, he has served as Deputy Head of School - Teaching and Learning (2024-present), Head of Discipline (2020-2024), and School Research Coordinator (2012-2017). His research focuses on unsaturated soil mechanics , dynamic soil-structure interaction , and green infrastructure solutions . Academic Appointments : Professor (2024-present), Associate Professor (2017-2024), Senior Lecturer (2011-2017), Lecturer (2008-2011) Research Leadership : Supervised 21 PhD students to completion, developed groundbreaking techniques for landfill waste reuse and tyre-derived aggregates in railway construction His work on seismic resilience of LNG tanks and bioengineered soil stabilization has received international recognition, including the 2023 Best Research Paper Award at the Australasian Association for Engineering Education conference. Professor Fatahi's industry experience includes geotechnical engineering roles at Coffey International and SES Engineering prior to academia. Key Research Contributions : Developed green corridor models for railway lines using coupled flow-deformation equations Pioneered AI-integrated teaching frameworks for civil engineering education Advanced machine learning techniques for intelligent compaction and structural buckling analysis As a Category 1 supervisor , he mentors graduate researchers in Civil Engineering , Geomechanics , and Earthquake Engineering . His peer-reviewed work (>240 publications) demonstrates technical excellence and innovation across multiple geotechnical domains.
Dr. Merry Mani is an Associate Professor in Radiology and Imaging Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, specializing in biomedical imaging and signal processing. Her work focuses on advancing MRI-based imaging technologies to study neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's, Autism, and Epilepsy. She holds a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Rochester (2014) and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Iowa School of Medicine (2018). Her research combines biophysical modeling with machine learning to explore brain microstructures. Key achievements include the NNARSAD Young Investigator Grant and NIH-funded projects like 'Fast Multi-dimensional Diffusion MRI with Sparse Sampling'. Her lab develops cutting-edge reconstruction methods like qModeL and MUSSELS, prioritizing high spatio-temporal resolution imaging. Major contributions span diffusion MRI acquisition, model-based deep learning, and clinical applications in neurodegenerative diseases. Notable grants include NIH R01EB031169 for Alzheimer’s neurodegeneration studies and projects on rTMS for depression. Her work bridges imaging innovation with clinical impact, aiming to improve diagnosis and treatment through advanced imaging biomarkers.
Lawrence Staib is Professor of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Biomedical Engineering, and Electrical Engineering at Yale University. He serves as Director of Undergraduate Studies in Biomedical Engineering and is a member of Yale's Bioimaging Sciences division, Image Processing & Analysis Group, Yale Biomedical Imaging Institute, and Yale-BI Biomedical Data Science Fellowship program. Dr. Staib earned his A.B. in Physics from Cornell University (1982), followed by a Ph.D. in Engineering and Applied Science from Yale University (1990), and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Yale School of Medicine (1991). His research focuses on developing advanced medical image analysis methods using machine learning and model-based approaches. Key research areas include neuroimaging applications for autism spectrum disorder classification, cardiac imaging analysis for strain and motion assessment, prostate cancer diagnosis and risk mapping, and innovative techniques for medical image segmentation with limited labeled data. Dr. Staib's work emphasizes uncertainty estimation in deep learning models, multi-modal image registration, and domain adaptation techniques to improve clinical decision support systems. His recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward developing interpretable AI models for clinical applications, with particular emphasis on fMRI analysis for neurological conditions, cardiac motion analysis, and prostate cancer diagnosis. His work frequently addresses the challenge of limited labeled data in medical imaging through innovative self-supervised, semi-supervised, and few-shot learning approaches. Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) (2015) Distinguished Investigator Award from the Academy for Radiology & Biomedical Imaging Research (2017) MICCAI Fellow (2022) Medical Image Analysis Second Best MICCAI Paper Award (2005) ASNR Cum Laude Scientific Exhibit Award (2003) Dr. Staib serves on the editorial board of Medical Image Analysis and as Associate Editor of IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering. His research is supported by NIH grants including the Autism Center of Excellence program. He leads the Image Processing & Analysis Group within Yale's Bioimaging Sciences division, collaborating extensively with James Duncan, John Onofrey, Xenophon Papademetris, and other Yale researchers on applications spanning neuroimaging, cardiology, and oncology. Current projects focus on developing robust AI models for clinical decision support with emphasis on uncertainty quantification and interpretability.
Michael Gasik is a Professor at the Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University. With over 30 years of experience in technology transfer, he has led initiatives across the EU, Japan, and the Middle East, including BC-Net (EC DG Enterprise). He serves as an expert for European bodies like EC/REA, COST, and ERC since 1993. His research spans biomaterials ceramic materials metals processing sustainable manufacturing additive manufacturing green energy systems and focuses on interdisciplinary applications in biomedical and environmental engineering. Recent research trends include advanced biomaterials for medical implants (e.g., PEO-coated magnesium alloys) multi-material 3D printing for industrial components green hydrogen production via HyS cycle optimization sustainable polymer composites photocatalytic nanomaterials blockchain-enabled recycling for electric vehicles Scientific accolades include 2023 EORS Ambassador for Finland 2015 National State Prize of Ukraine 2013 M.M. Dobrohotov Award 1997 JSPS Scholarship 1995 Best Doctorate Thesis Award 2007 Certificate of Appreciation for Functional Graded Materials He has secured funding through 10 EU projects, 2 IEA projects, and over 15 national projects, contributing to >300 publications and patents. His expertise extends to technology transfer leadership and peer review for journals and funding agencies in multiple countries.
Associate Professor Mohammad Saadatfar is affiliated with the School of Civil Engineering at The University of Sydney. His research focuses on meso-scale materials, combining experiments with simulations to address challenges in environmental science, biomedical engineering, and advanced materials design. Key areas include the study of cellular solids, granular materials, and meta-materials. His work integrates physics, engineering, and biology, with applications to CO₂ geo-sequestration, bone implants, and mechanical meta-materials. He uses X-ray tomography, FE simulations, and topological analysis to explore material behavior. Recent publications span topics like additive manufactured foams, CO₂ flow dynamics in sandstone, and biomimetic wood structures. His contributions highlight interdisciplinary approaches to material science and engineering challenges. No scientific awards or student advisement details are explicitly mentioned in the provided text.
Professor Paul Midgley is a leading academic in Materials Science at the University of Cambridge's Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, serving as Professor since 2007 and Head of Department from 2018–2020. He is a Fellow of Peterhouse College and holds multiple prestigious awards, including the Royal Society Fellowship and the Ernst Ruska Prize. Education: PhD in Physics (University of Bristol, 1991), MSc (Distinction) in Semiconductor Materials (1988), BSc (Hons) Physics (1987). Administration: Director of the Wolfson Electron Microscopy Suite, and active on various University committees including Research, Teaching, and REF. His research focuses on advanced electron microscopy techniques such as convergent beam diffraction, electron tomography, and nanostructure analysis, with applications in nanoscale materials science and 3D reconstruction using compressed sensing. He has pioneered methods like precession electron diffraction and multi-dimensional electron microscopy, contributing to fields like plasmonic nanoparticles and catalytic materials. Key Research Themes: Electron crystallography, nanomaterial characterization, energy materials, and defect analysis in perovskites. Midgley has delivered over 20 invited/plenary lectures globally, including at EUROMAT, the Welch Symposium, and the John Cowley Memorial Lecture. His grant income exceeds £16M as Principal Investigator. Labs/Teams: Leads the Wolfson Electron Microscopy Suite and collaborates internationally on microscopy advancements and materials innovation.
Prof. Paul V. Braun is the Grainger Distinguished Chair in Engineering and Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Mechanical Sciences and Engineering, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He is also a part-time faculty member at the Beckman Institute. His research focuses on synthesizing materials with unique optical, electrochemical, thermal, and mechanical properties through nano/mesoscale architectures. Education: B.S. (Cornell University), Ph.D. (Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois). Postdoctoral work at Bell Labs (1999–present at UIUC). Research Interests : Electrochemical energy storage (batteries) Polymers and self-assembly Photonics and advanced optics Self-healing materials Control of heat and matter transport Recent articles explore battery recycling, hydrogel thermal conductivity, additive manufacturing for heat transfer, and silicon anode analysis. His work spans materials synthesis, characterization, and applications in energy and photonics. Awards : AAAS Fellow (2020) NAI Fellow (2022) Grainger Award for Translational Research (2023-24) MRS Fellow (2018) Advising & Grants : Braun has co-authored ~350 publications, holds multiple patents, and co-founded four companies. His labs include the Materials Research Laboratory and Beckman Institute.
Virginia Davis is the Dr. Daniel F. and Josephine Breeden Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Auburn University's College of Engineering. She holds a Ph.D. in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering from Rice University, and M.S. and B.S. degrees in Chemical Engineering from Tulane University. Research Focus: Self-assembly of nanomaterials, rheology, lyotropic liquid crystals, additive manufacturing, polymers, nanocomposites, and biosensors Key Projects: USDA-funded agricultural outreach, NSF grant for MXene dispersion studies, Alabama STEM Council member Her recent publications explore cellulose nanocrystals, MXene 3D printing, and sustainable polymer recycling. Davis has received multiple honors including the Breeden Professorship, AIChE Fellowship, and Auburn University Faculty Awards for research and mentorship. Research Trends: Dominated by bio-based nanomaterials (cellulose nanocrystals, MXenes), with applications in additive manufacturing, environmental remediation (PFAS adsorption), biosensors (carbofuran detection, cancer biomarkers), and agricultural delivery systems. Scientific Awards Auburn University Faculty Awards (2023, 2025) AIChE Fellow (2023) Dr. Daniel F. and Josephine Breeden Professorship Davis leads outreach initiatives like the Tomorrow’s Community Innovators camp and collaborates with interdisciplinary teams on plastic recycling innovations. Her work emphasizes both fundamental material science and practical applications addressing environmental and agricultural challenges.
Dr. Edouard Boujo is a Scientist and Lecturer at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) , affiliated with the School of Engineering (STI) and working in the Institute of Mechanical Engineering (IGM) and Laboratory of Fluid Mechanics and Instabilities (LFMI) . He also teaches in the SGM-ENS department of the School of Engineering. Scientist at EPFL STI IGM LFMI Lecturer at EPFL STI-SGM SGM-ENS His research focuses on Fluid Dynamics with expertise in Flow Stability , Flow Control , Aeroacoustics , Thermoacoustics , Fluid-Structure Interaction , and Coating Flow Dynamics . He employs advanced mathematical modeling and computational methods to study complex fluid behaviors. Recent publications highlight his work on stochastic modeling of fluid instabilities, adjoint-based optimization of flow systems, and nonlinear dynamics of coating flows. His 15 most recent papers cover topics ranging from symmetry-breaking bifurcations to spin coating optimization and noise-induced transitions in fluid systems. Dr. Boujo actively collaborates with institutions across Europe and New Zealand, mentoring PhD student Atharva Lagwankar . He has received research funding from the Swiss National Science Foundation for two PhD theses and contributes to major fluid dynamics conferences like the European Fluid Dynamics Conference and APS Division of Fluid Dynamics meetings. His laboratory work at LFMI involves experimental and computational studies of fluid instabilities, with applications in aerospace, mechanical engineering, and industrial coating processes. He develops adjoint-based control methods for optimizing flow systems and reducing drag in various fluid configurations.
