Prof. Dr. Dennis Säring is a faculty member at the University of Applied Sciences Wedel , specifically affiliated with the School of Engineering. His academic and research activities focus on Deep Learning , Medical Image Analysis , and applications of Artificial Intelligence in healthcare and biomedical imaging. He has led seminars on Deep Learning topics and supervised student projects in Autonomous Driving at Audi's AADC 2018 competition. Research Highlights : Cardiovascular imaging, forensic age estimation via MRI, neural network-based bone segmentation, and cerebrovascular aneurysm analysis. Technical Expertise : Cardiac MRI, 3D/4D image processing, parametric mapping, and spatiotemporal data fusion. His recent publications (2018-2023) emphasize 3D MR segmentation for age assessment, CMR strain analysis in athletes, and T1/T2 mapping for myocarditis. Key collaborations include institutions like the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf and Wedler Hochschulbund, with funding for autonomous vehicle research. While no explicit scientific awards are listed, his work spans clinical cardiology, forensic radiology, and AI-driven medical diagnostics.
Kevin C. Zhou is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Michigan. His research focuses on developing high-performance computational optical imaging systems with unprecedented spatiotemporal throughput, integrating advanced optical instrumentation with machine learning-driven algorithms to analyze big data in biology and medicine. His lab specializes in creating imaging systems capable of capturing high-resolution, high-speed, and high-dimensional datasets. Dr. Zhou holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Duke University (NSF GRFP Fellow) and a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Yale University (Barry Goldwater Scholar). Prior to joining U-M, he was a Schmidt Science Fellow and postdoctoral researcher at UC Berkeley. Key research areas include: High-throughput microscopy (gigapixel-scale systems) 3D tomographic imaging Light field and Fourier-based imaging modalities Machine learning for image reconstruction and analysis Biomedical applications in cellular/molecular imaging His recent work has advanced technologies like multi-camera array microscopes (MCAM/MCAS) and Fourier light field mesoscopes, achieving video-rate 3D imaging of freely moving organisms. These innovations enable applications in digital cytopathology, behavioral tracking, and high-content biological studies. Notable awards include the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship and Barry Goldwater Scholarship. His research has been featured in top journals and conferences with a focus on advancing optical imaging hardware and computational pipelines.
Prof. Dr. Stefan Luther is a Max Planck Research Group leader (W2, tenured since 2013) at the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization, Göttingen, and an Honorarprofessor at the Faculty of Physics, University of Göttingen. He holds adjunct roles as Adjunct Associate Professor at Cornell University (2009–2012) and Northeastern University (2016–2018), and serves as DZHK-Professor at the Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Göttingen. His research focuses on nonlinear spatiotemporal dynamics in excitable biological media, particularly cardiac arrhythmias. He pioneered 4D imaging of heart function and developed algorithms for optogenetic and electrical control of arrhythmias. Translational efforts span basic research to preclinical and clinical studies. Education includes a Diplom in Physics (1997) and PhD (2000) from Georg-August-University, Göttingen. Postdoctoral training followed at the University of Twente (2001–2004) and Cornell University’s LASSP (2004–2006). His lab, the Biomedical Physics group, explores electromechanical coupling in cardiac systems and develops novel therapeutic approaches. Collaborations include work on computational modeling, uncertainty quantification in dynamical systems, and fluid dynamics of multiphase flows.
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.
Lukas Hiendlmeier is a Researcher at the Technical University of Munich, affiliated with the Munich Institute of Biomedical Engineering (MIBE) and the Associate Professorship of Neuroelectronics led by Prof. Bernhard Wolfrum. He holds a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from TUM. His research focuses on advanced fabrication technologies such as 3D printing, laser micromachining, and polymer material science, with applications in neuroelectronics and biomedical devices. Hiendlmeier’s work emphasizes developing self-folding bioelectronic interfaces, flexible electrodes, and implantable neural devices for peripheral nerve interfacing. His contributions include innovations in 4D printing techniques, thermoformed materials, and origami-inspired electrode designs. He collaborates on projects involving cell manipulation, microfluidic lab-on-a-chip systems, and closed-loop neural stimulation systems. Publications span topics like self-folding bioelectronics, flexible sensor arrays, and nanorobotics, showcasing expertise in materials science and biomedical engineering. His research bridges fundamental science and translational applications, addressing challenges in neural prosthetics, wearable diagnostics, and tissue engineering. Hiendlmeier is actively involved in the neuroTUM initiative and contributes to interdisciplinary teams at TUM, focusing on advancing neurotechnology through innovative fabrication methods and biomaterials.
Dr. Vadim Backman is the Sachs Family Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Medicine at Northwestern University's McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and Feinberg School of Medicine. He holds additional roles as Professor of Medicine (Hematology/Oncology) and Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Associate Director of Research Technology and Infrastructure at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Director of the Center for Physical Genomics and Engineering. He earned his Ph.D. in Medical Engineering from Harvard-MIT and M.S./B.S. in Physics from St. Petersburg Polytechnic Institute. His research focuses on physical and biological science intersections, developing nanoscale imaging and computational technologies to study chromatin dynamics and their role in disease. Key areas include cancer diagnostics/therapeutics, chromatin engineering, and genome nanoimaging. Dr. Backman has published over 230 papers, holds 20+ patents, and leads large-scale projects like NCI Bioengineering Research Partnerships. Education: Ph.D. (Harvard-MIT), M.S. (MIT), M.S./B.S. (St. Petersburg Polytechnic Institute) Affiliations: PhD Programs in Applied Physics and Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Research emphasizes chromatin's role in disease, with clinical translation for diagnostics and therapy. His lab develops technologies like nano-CHIA and ChromSTEM, advancing understanding of genomic organization and epigenetic regulation. Awards include the Cozzarelli Prize and MIT Technology Review's Top 100 Innovators. Awards: Cozzarelli Prize (2017), AIMBE Fellowship (2009), NSF CAREER Award (2003) Grants and collaborations include managing multi-investigator projects and co-founding biotech companies. Courses taught: BME 302 (Quantitative Systems Physiology), BME 429 (Advanced Physical and Applied Optics).
Prof. Jürgen Rühe is a Full Professor of Chemistry and Physics of Interfaces at the Institute of Microsystems Technology, Albert Ludwigs University of Freiburg, within the Faculty of Engineering. He serves as Deputy Coordinator of Research Area C and Principal Investigator for Research Areas A, B, C, and D. His expertise spans polymers at interfaces, metamaterials, biomedical surfaces, and self-healing materials. He leads the Cluster of Excellence liv MatS, focusing on adaptive and energy-autonomous materials systems. Education: Not explicitly stated in text. His research emphasizes programmable materials, 4D printing, and bioinspired design, with projects funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). Notable contributions include anti-fog coatings, magnetic microactuators for cell stimulation, and hygromorphic materials for adaptive architecture. He supervises doctoral and postdoctoral researchers, advancing fields like tribology and surface functionalization. Key scientific achievements include developing C,H-insertion cross-linking (CHic) for durable polymer networks and exploring smart materials for biomedical and environmental applications. His work bridges fundamental polymer chemistry with practical applications in energy, healthcare, and sustainable architecture. He advises over ten doctoral students and collaborates with industry partners. His lab, part of the Institute of Microsystems Technology, focuses on micro- and nanostructuring, with projects funded by the Cluster of Excellence.
Aswin Sankaranarayanan is a Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) , where he leads the Image Science Lab . His research focuses on computational photography , 3D shape estimation , and novel imaging system design . He earned his Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering (2009) from the University of Maryland and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Rice University (2012) . Research Themes: Developing imaging systems that exploit low-dimensional signal models to overcome traditional sensing limitations Co-design of optics and processing algorithms for efficient sensing Application of non-linear signal models to high-dimensional data Advancing compressed sensing and big data processing techniques Scientific Recognition: SIGGRAPH 2023 Best Paper Award (Split-Lohmann Multifocal Displays) CVPR 2019 Best Paper Award (Fermat Paths for NLOS Reconstruction) NSF CAREER Award (2017) Dean’s Early Career Fellowship (2018-2021) Herschel Rich Invention Award (2016) Technical Contributions: His recent publications reveal expertise in non-line-of-sight shape reconstruction , VR/AR display systems , and biomedical imaging . Collaborations span institutions like University College London and University of Toronto.
Renate Sachse is a Researcher and Responsible Investigator at the Chair of Structural Analysis, Technical University of Munich (TUM), under Prof. Kai-Uwe Bletzinger. She holds a Dr.-Ing. from the University of Stuttgart and has held postdoctoral positions at Harvard University (Bertoldi Lab) and TU Munich's Institute for Computational Mechanics. Her research focuses on biomimetic adaptive structures, biomechanics, and smart materials. Education M.Sc. in Civil Engineering (University of Stuttgart, 2014) – Thesis: "Isogeometric Contact Analysis of Thin-Walled Structures" B.Sc. in Civil Engineering (University of Stuttgart, 2011) – Thesis: "Elementary School Pavilion Structural Analysis" Study Abroad: École Spéciale des Travaux Publics (ESTP, France, 2012) Research Interests Her work integrates principles from biology and mechanics to design adaptive structures, including motion design, soft robotics, and active metamaterials. Notable projects include studying snapping mechanisms in plants (e.g., Venus flytrap) and developing bio-inspired systems like Flectofold shading devices. She also explores isogeometric analysis and structural optimization for thin-walled and slender structures. Grants & Awards Bertha Benz Prize 2022 (Daimler and Benz Foundation) Klaus Tschira Boost Fund Fellowship (€80,000 interdisciplinary grant) 3rd Place AVK-Prize for Innovations (2017, Flectofold Shading System) GAMM Juniors Fellowship (2020–2022) Teaching & Grants She teaches advanced finite element methods and nonlinear mechanics at TUM and has supervised projects in computational mechanics. Her grants include CareerDesign@TUM funding and the Klaus Tschira Fellowship for high-risk, interdisciplinary research. Labs & Teams Associated with the Chair of Structural Analysis at TUM, collaborating on projects like livMatS (Living Materials Systems) and the Harvard SEAS Bertoldi Lab. Involved in software development (e.g., Carat++, Kiwi!3d) and third-party initiatives (CoDA, FlexWing).
Dr. Andrea S. Carlini is an Assistant Professor of Materials in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). Her research focuses on structurally dynamic biomaterials and devices, aiming to bridge biochemical signals with soft materials for smart biomedical applications. She holds a PhD from UC San Diego and completed a postdoc at Northwestern University’s Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics. B.S. in Chemistry & Biological Sciences (Virginia Tech, 2012) M.S. in Chemistry & Biochemistry (UC San Diego, 2014) Ph.D. in Chemistry & Biochemistry (UC San Diego, 2018) Her research is organized into three core areas: (1) stimuli-responsive materials for disease monitoring, (2) 4D shape-changing peptides/polymers, and (3) soft wearable devices for quantitative health feedback. Recent work includes thermal sensors for vascular access and enzyme-responsive biomaterials for tissue engineering. Published articles span bio-electrochemical systems, wearable sensors, and smart hydrogels. Her NSF GRFP Fellowship supported early work on myocardial tissue engineering. The Carlini Group collaborates broadly across UCSB’s interdisciplinary environment. Labs/Teams: Carlini Group (UCSB) Focus: Bioelectronics, biomedical devices, and dynamic materials
Gianmarco Pinton is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His research focuses on nonlinear ultrasound and mechanical wave propagation, with applications to medical imaging and therapy. He specializes in traumatic brain injury, shear shock waves, and ultrasound therapy. Ph.D., M.S., and B.S.E. in Biomedical Engineering/Physics from Duke University His lab develops physics and simulation tools for nonlinear wave propagation, aiming to create advanced diagnostic ultrasound methods. Key areas include traumatic brain injury, transcranial imaging, and therapeutic ultrasound. His recent work explores super-resolution imaging, brain motor circuits, and Alzheimer's disease vascular mapping using ultrasound. Article trends highlight innovations in transcranial ultrasound, super-resolution techniques, lung imaging, and neuromodulation. His publications address image degradation, contrast agents, and shear wave dynamics in neurological contexts.
Kaye Morgan is an Associate Professor in the School of Physics and Astronomy at Monash University, specializing in X-ray imaging technologies with applications in medical and respiratory research. She holds an Australian Research Council Future Fellowship and has held prestigious positions including a Hans Fischer Fellowship at Technische Universität München. Her research focuses on advancing X-ray optics methodologies, particularly phase contrast X-ray imaging (PCXI) and dark-field imaging, to enhance resolution, speed, and sensitivity. These techniques are applied to study airway health in cystic fibrosis and other respiratory diseases, using synchrotron facilities like SPring-8 and the Munich Compact Light Source. She has pioneered single-grid imaging and propagation-based dark-field approaches, enabling real-time visualization of lung dynamics and treatment efficacy. Morgan leads multiple high-impact projects funded by ARC and international collaborations, with over 85 publications in journals like Optics Express and Scientific Reports. Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and innovation. Key achievements include developing lab-based X-ray sources for clinical translation and quantifying lung microstructure through advanced imaging algorithms.
Dr. Irina T. Garces is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Carleton University. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Alberta and specializes in composite-smart materials, additive manufacturing, and polymer processing. Her research focuses on developing 'materials as machines'—adaptive material systems for applications in soft robotics, biomedical devices, and aerospace. Key areas include shape memory polymers, electro-active composites, and novel 3D printing technologies for biodegradable materials. Her publications demonstrate consistent focus on smart material innovation, with recent work exploring moisture effects in additive manufacturing and cellulose-based medical implants.
Michael Markl is the Lester B. and Frances T. Knight Professor of Cardiac Imaging and Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Northwestern University's McCormick School of Engineering and Feinberg School of Medicine. His research focuses on developing multi-parametric imaging techniques, particularly 4D Flow MRI, to understand cardiovascular hemodynamics in diseases like heart failure, stroke, and aortic valve disorders. He leads the Markl Lab, advancing applications in clinical diagnostics and therapeutic assessment. Key areas include AI integration for automated analysis, environmental sustainability in MRI, and translational imaging for pediatric and adult cardiovascular conditions. Education: PhD from University of Freiburg (2000). Research emphasizes hemodynamic biomarkers for disease progression, surgical outcomes, and therapy efficacy. Notable contributions include establishing 4D Flow MRI as a standard for aortic valve and pulmonary hypertension evaluation. Scientific Awards: None explicitly listed. Grants and funding details are inferred through lab activities and collaborative initiatives like the Center for Translational Imaging. Advising and Grants: Oversees a multidisciplinary team in the Markl Lab, collaborating on NIH-funded projects and industry partnerships. Focus areas include AI-driven diagnostics, MRI efficiency, and cardiovascular disease modeling. Labs/Teams: Director of the Cardiovascular MRI Group and Co-Director of the Center for Translational Imaging. Active in professional societies like the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (SCMR).
Prof. Dr. Leonid Ionov is a leading academic at the Faculty of Engineering Science , University of Bayreuth, specializing in Biofabrication and 4D Printing . He has held professorial roles since 2017, with prior positions at the University of Georgia and TU Dresden. Research Priorities: Smart responsive polymers, 3D/4D bioprinting, self-healing electronics, and bioinspired surface engineering. Teaching: Offers advanced courses in 3D Printing of Polymers , Biofabrication , and Polymer Science . His work integrates stimuli-responsive materials with additive manufacturing to create bioinspired actuators, vascular scaffolds, and self-healing conductive systems. Recent articles focus on 4D-printed vascular junctions , multi-responsive cellulose composites , and dynamic bilayer morphing . Scientific Achievements Recipient of the 2022 North Bavaria Business Plan Competition award 2012 Georg Manecke Prize for biopolymer research Developed European patents for Li-S battery cathodes and microfluidic devices Trained over 20 PhD/postdoc alumni now at institutions like Iowa State University and Harvard Medical School . Leads a multidisciplinary lab with advanced equipment for polymer synthesis, electrospinning, and cell culture studies.
