Michael McAlpine is a Professor in the Mechanical Engineering department at the University of Minnesota . He also holds affiliations with the Biomedical Engineering and Electrical and Computer Engineering departments. His research focuses on 3D printing functional materials & devices , Nanoscale inks , Biomedical devices , Bioelectronics , and Flexible Microsystems . Research Interests : 3D Printing, Biomedical Engineering, Nanotechnology, Flexible Electronics, Microfluidics Labs : ME 361/363 Contact : mcalpine@umn.edu , (612) 626-3303, ME 117 Recent Research Trends include 3D Printed Biomedical Devices , Flexible Electronics , and Bioprinting Applications . His work spans from Spinal Organoid Formation to Programmable Drug Release Capsules . Scientific Award : Circulation Research 2020 Best Manuscript Award
Professor Carlo Pappone is a Full Professor of Cardiology at Vita-Salute San Raffaele University (since 2019) and Director of the Arrhythmology Department at IRCCS Policlinico San Donato Hospital (since 2015). He has held previous academic/clinical leadership roles at IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital (2000-2010), Villa Maria Cecilia Hospital (2010-2015), and University of Naples Federico II (1990-2000). With 212 publications in top journals like NEJM, JAMA, and Circulation, he has made significant contributions to cardiac arrhythmia research. Current Positions Vita-Salute San Raffaele University (2019-present): Full Professor of Cardiology IRCCS Policlinico San Donato Hospital (2015-present): Director of Arrhythmology Department Previous Roles University of Naples Federico II (1990-2000) University of Michigan Ann Harbor (1990-2000) IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital (2000-2010) Villa Maria Cecilia Hospital (2010-2015) Research Focus: Specializing in cardiovascular diseases, his work spans atrial fibrillation ablation techniques, Brugada syndrome pathogenesis, heart failure device therapy, and ion channel disorders. His H-index of 53 and 18,407 citations reflect his substantial academic impact. Notable Scientific Contributions Author of 44 patents Principal Investigator in 14 clinical trials (clinicaltrials.gov) Developed circumferential pulmonary vein ablation technique Innovator in biventricular pacing systems for heart failure Pioneered research on non-excitatory current for cardiac contractility Scientific Recognition Awarded as Elite Reviewer of JACC (2005) Editorial Board Member of 6 leading journals Reviewer for NEJM, JAMA, Lancet, and Nature Medicine Education Medical Doctorate: University of Naples Federico II
Todd A. Alonzo is a Professor of Research in the Department of Preventive Medicine at the University of Southern California . As Group Statistician for the Children's Oncology Group , he focuses on statistical methods for biomarker analysis, medical diagnostic testing, and clinical trial design in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Education: B.S. in Statistics, California State Polytechnic University (1994) MS and PhD in Biostatistics, University of Washington (1997, 2000) Research Interests include: Development of statistical frameworks for diagnostic accuracy Genomic and proteomic profiling in AML Pharmacogenomic score systems for chemotherapy response Non-inferiority trial design in low-event-rate settings Health disparities in pediatric oncology Scientific Awards : Fellow, American Statistical Association (2018) Outstanding Teacher Award, International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (2017) NIH Predoctoral Cardiovascular Biostatistics Training Grant (1995) ENAR Biometrics Society Distinguished Student Paper Award (1999) WNAR Biometrics Society Best Student Oral Presentation (1999) Leadership & Service includes editorial board memberships (Biometrics, Pediatric Blood & Cancer, Biometrical Journal), reviewer for 30+ scientific journals, and roles on multiple Data Safety and Monitoring Boards. He served as President of the International Biometric Society Western Northern America Region (WNAR) in 2009.
Sean Lubner is Core Faculty at the Boston University Institute for Global Sustainability (IGS) and Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering within the College of Engineering. He holds a PhD from UC Berkeley and BS degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Physics from Carnegie Mellon University. His research focuses on energy transport and storage systems, including thermal energy storage, battery diagnostics, and CO₂ capture technologies. Education: PhD in Mechanical Engineering, UC Berkeley (NSF Fellow) BS in Mechanical Engineering & Applied Physics, Carnegie Mellon University Research Interests: Lubner specializes in grid-scale thermal energy storage, non-invasive sensors for harsh environments, and decarbonization strategies. His work integrates machine learning with materials science to develop advanced energy systems. He collaborates with industry on patents involving battery safety, photonic surfaces, and phase change materials. Article Trends: Recent publications emphasize high-temperature materials, battery failure prediction via thermal signatures, and femtosecond laser processing for photonic surfaces. His work bridges nanoscale phenomena with macro-scale energy systems, leveraging interdisciplinary methods. Awards: Lubner was an NSF Graduate Research Fellow during his PhD. Advising & Grants: While no advisees are listed, his research is supported by industry partnerships and grants focusing on energy storage innovation. He leads the Lubner Group, which develops novel sensing and storage technologies. Labs/Teams: The Lubner Group at BU focuses on sustainable energy solutions, combining experimental and computational approaches to address climate challenges.
Michel Versluis is a Full Professor at the University of Twente, Netherlands, specializing in Physical and Medical Acoustics within the Physics of Fluids group. His work focuses on microbubbles and microdroplets for medical imaging and therapy, as well as microfluidic applications in medicine and nanotechnology. University of Twente, Physics of Fluids group His research bridges physics and biomedical engineering, with publications in high-impact journals like PNAS and IEEE Transactions. Recent work emphasizes ultrasound-driven microbubble dynamics, additive manufacturing of flow phantoms, and deep learning for super-resolution imaging. 2025 publications: vascular phantoms, PROTEUS simulator, acoustic microbubble control 2024 innovations: 3D-printed medical devices, immunogenic cell death optimization Contact: m.versluis@utwente.nl
Tobias Hermann serves as an Associate Professor at the University of Oxford's Department of Engineering Science, where he leads research within the Oxford Thermofluids Institute and holds a prestigious UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship. Affiliated with St. Hilda's College as an Associate Research Fellow, his work centers on experimental hypersonics and advanced diagnostic development for extreme aerospace environments. Hermann earned his Dipl.-Ing. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Stuttgart (2012) followed by a Dr.-Ing. degree (2017), with doctoral research focused on spacecraft re-entry phenomena and aerothermochemistry during atmospheric entry. His thesis involved developing optical diagnostics including Vacuum Ultraviolet spectroscopy and tomographic emission systems. His research program emphasizes experimental hypersonics and plasma flows , with core expertise in spacecraft re-entry physics , high-temperature material-flow interactions , and optical diagnostic innovation . Hermann pioneered analytical methods for transpiration cooling in porous media and developed system engineering tools for thermal protection systems. His current work bridges fundamental fluid dynamics with practical aerospace applications, particularly in hypersonic vehicle design and re-entry simulation through facilities like the T6 expansion tube. Analysis of Hermann's publication record reveals consistent focus on high-enthalpy flow diagnostics and thermal protection systems , with recent work advancing expansion tube capabilities for boost-glide re-entry simulation, integrated arc-jet facilities for ablating models, and vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopy for plasma flow characterization. His research demonstrates strong integration of experimental validation with analytical modeling across hypersonic testing regimes. Hermann's scientific recognition includes: UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship (2021-present) As an educator, Hermann supervises 4th-year undergraduate projects and DPhil (PhD) students in hypersonics while teaching Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics. His current research portfolio—primarily funded through his UKRI Fellowship—comprises three major thrusts: development of high-enthalpy wind tunnels (including the multi-mode T6 facility), pre-heating of hypersonic models using plasma flows, and advancement of measurement techniques like spatially resolved UV-nIR spectroscopy. These projects address critical gaps in hypersonic testing infrastructure and instrumentation. Hermann directs experimental efforts at Oxford's Southwell Laboratory within the Oxford Hypersonics group, operating facilities including the T6 Stalker tunnel, OPG1 plasma wind tunnel, and specialized arc-jet systems. His team develops cutting-edge instrumentation such as vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopy systems, high-speed focused Schlieren, and pressure-sensitive paint diagnostics to investigate complex phenomena in hypersonic boundary layers and re-entry flows.
Noel T. Clemens serves as a Professor and holds the prestigious Clare Cockrell Williams Centennial Chair in Engineering within the Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics Department at the University of Texas at Austin's Cockrell School of Engineering. He has been a faculty member since 1993 and served as department chair from 2012 to 2020. His research laboratory is part of the Center for Aeromechanics Research (CAR) where he directs the Flowfield Imaging Laboratory. Dr. Clemens' research focuses on experimental investigations of hypersonic flows, turbulent combustion, and advanced optical diagnostic techniques. His current work emphasizes 3D shock wave/boundary layer interactions, inlet unstart control, flashback in high-pressure combustors, turbulent combustion with non-equilibrium effects, and high-temperature ablation phenomena. He has pioneered laser-based measurement techniques for extreme environments, particularly for hypersonic flight applications where conventional measurement approaches fail. His recent publication record through 2025 demonstrates continued leadership in experimental fluid dynamics, with particular emphasis on plasma diagnostics for ablation studies, shock/boundary layer interaction physics, and advanced optical measurement techniques for extreme environments. The research spans fundamental fluid mechanics investigations to applied aerospace engineering problems relevant to hypersonic vehicle development. Elected to National Academy of Engineering (2024) AIAA Aerodynamic Measurement Technology Award (2022) Elected AIAA Fellow (2019) National Science Foundation Presidential Faculty Fellow (1996) Editor-in-Chief of Experiments in Fluids (2009-2013) Fellow of the American Physical Society Dr. Clemens has secured substantial research funding for his experimental investigations in hypersonics and combustion, leading multiple major research projects with government and industry partners. His laboratory facilities include advanced wind tunnels and state-of-the-art optical diagnostic systems for high-speed flow visualization. The Flowfield Imaging Laboratory at UT Austin serves as a national resource for advanced flow measurement techniques development. As an educator, he teaches core courses in compressible flow, viscous flow, combustion, experimental methods, and laser diagnostic techniques, training the next generation of aerospace engineers in both fundamental principles and cutting-edge measurement technologies.
Anja Liekfeld serves as Adjunct Professor of Ophthalmic Optics/Optical Device Technology at Brandenburg University of Technology since 2018 while concurrently holding the position of Chief Physician at Klinikum Ernst von Bergmann's Department of Ophthalmology in Potsdam since 2009. Her dual roles bridge academic research in optical engineering with clinical ophthalmology practice, focusing on technological advancements for eye care delivery. Her educational foundation includes medical studies at Essen and Berlin Universities (1986-1992), state examination (1992), ophthalmology residency at Charité (1994-1997), specialist certification (1997), doctoral degree magna cum laude (1997), and habilitation on capsular bag models for cataract research (2007). Liekfeld's research centers on optical properties of intraocular lenses, clinical applications of medical devices in ophthalmology, refractive surgery techniques (laser and IOLs), cataract surgery technologies, glaucoma diagnostics/therapy, and gerontological ophthalmology. Her work emphasizes translating engineering principles into clinical solutions for complex vision correction challenges. Over 25 years of publications reveal evolving expertise from molecular glaucoma research to advanced IOL development. Recent work focuses on multifocal/toric lenses, dysphotopsia analysis, and visual outcomes measurement, demonstrating consistent innovation at the optics-clinical interface with practical applications for patient care. Her accolades include: DOG/SFO Travel Grant (2000) DGII Best Presentation Award (2008) DOC Gold Medal (2011) Focus Magazine Top Doctor (2013-2021) Stern Magazine Top Doctor (2022) As an educator, she trains surgical assistants, diet technicians, and operating room staff while teaching ophthalmology to visually impaired pedagogy students at Humboldt University. She conducts international wet labs for surgeons and optometrists, serves on editorial boards for Concept and Karger Kompass Ophthalmologie, and reviews for major ophthalmology journals. Active in professional societies including DGII, ESCRS, DOG, BBAG, and BDOC, she chairs Brandenburg's Ophthalmology Examination Board since 2021 and serves on the board of Die Augenchirurginnen e.V. Her research utilizes human capsular bag models for cataract studies and maintains focus on improving optical device performance in clinical settings.
Professor David Ackerley (Victoria University of Wellington) is a leading microbiologist and enzyme engineer specializing in directed evolution of bacterial enzymes for biotechnological applications. As Biotechnology Programme Director since 2006, he lectures in foundational courses like BTEC101 and BTEC201. Academic rank: Professor of Biotechnology Institutional affiliation: Victoria University of Wellington Research focus areas: Microbial Biotechnology, Drug Discovery, Synthetic Biology His research employs Darwinian evolutionary principles to engineer enzymes with enhanced activities, particularly targeting non-ribosomal peptide synthetases and nitroreductases for antibiotic development and cancer therapy. Recent work explores metagenomic domain substitution in pyoverdine biosynthesis and Purpuramine R from marine sponges. Key publications demonstrate innovations in metagenomic library construction , CRISPR screening for regeneration genes, and structural characterization of engineered enzymes. His team has developed NTR 2.0 , a high-efficacy nitroreductase for targeted cell ablation. Current research projects include: Clean solutions from dirty genes: Plastic-degrading enzyme discovery Engineering enzymes for CAR T-cell-chemotherapy synergy Repurposing niclosamide against Gram-negative superbugs Grants from the Health Research Council of New Zealand, Royal Society of New Zealand, and Cancer Society of NZ support his work. Collaborations span biomedical research, synthetic biology, and environmental applications.
University of North Carolina at Chapel HillUnited States
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.
Professor Ali Yapar is a faculty member at Istanbul Technical University in the Electronics and Communication Engineering department. His research focuses on Electromagnetics , Microwave Engineering , and Antenna Technologies , with a particular emphasis on inverse scattering problems and microwave imaging for biomedical applications. He has supervised numerous graduate students and led projects related to breast cancer treatment and rough surface imaging. PhD in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Istanbul Technical University (1997) MSc in Electronics and Communication Engineering (1995) His recent publications analyze advanced techniques for microwave hyperthermia systems, reverse time migration methods, and Newton-based solutions for electromagnetic inverse scattering. Key projects include TUBITAK-funded initiatives on microwave tomography and brain stroke imaging. He serves as a project investigator and executive for electromagnetic research programs. Research areas span Electromagnetic Wave Propagation , Green's Function Applications , and Dielectric Material Analysis . Collaborations include IEEE members and international researchers in computational electromagnetics.
Foundation for research and technology-hellasGreece
Dr. Pinon Hermida Victor is a Researcher at the Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser (IESL) under the Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH). He holds a PhD in Physics from the University of A Coruña (2011) and has conducted extensive research on Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), focusing on femtosecond lasers, double-pulse configurations, and applications in material analysis, archaeology, and environmental science. His career includes roles at Applied Photonics Ltd (UK) as Senior Applications Scientist (2014-2020) and postdoctoral fellowships at FORTH-IESL through the Marie Curie ATLAS program (2006-2008). Research interests span LIBS methodology development, optical fiber systems for high-power lasers, and software for spectral analysis. Notable contributions include portable LIBS instrument design and radiation-resistant optical components for nuclear facilities. Awards include the 2008 LIBS Contest and the 2011 Premio Extraordinario de Doctorado. Recent work focuses on applying LIBS to archaeological mollusc shell analysis for climate and environmental studies. He collaborates internationally on LIBS quantification challenges and instrument durability in harsh environments. Education: PhD in Physics (2011), University of A Coruña; Diploma in Physics (2001), University of Santiago de Compostela Key Roles: Senior Applications Scientist (Applied Photonics), Marie Curie Fellow (FORTH-IESL), Researcher (Laboratory of Industrial Applications of Lasers) Lab Affiliations: IESL-FORTH and University of A Coruña laser labs
Søren Lundbye-Christensen is an Associate Professor and Biostatistician affiliated with the Clinical Institute at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Aalborg University, and Aalborg University Hospital in Denmark. He specializes in biostatistical support for medical research, with a strong emphasis on cardiovascular and epidemiological studies. His research interests include biostatistics, survival analysis, cohort studies, clinical epidemiology, and statistical modeling in public health. He has contributed to a wide array of healthcare research, particularly in cardiovascular diseases, cancer, maternal health, and infectious diseases. His methodological expertise spans time-to-event analysis, registry-based research, and interval-censored data modeling. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in applying advanced statistical methods to large-scale clinical and population-based datasets. His work often involves collaboration with medical researchers to derive prognostic models, validate clinical databases, and assess public health outcomes. Key themes include cardiovascular risk, fertility, cancer biomarkers, and implementation of medical training programs. Scientific Contributions and Recognition: Published over 320 research articles and datasets. Active contributor to methodological advancements in biostatistics. Regular peer reviewer, including for journals like the R Journal. Public engagement through media appearances on statistics and health. Academic Advising and Grants: Søren has supervised 31 student theses, formally serving as PhD supervisor for 14 theses and as a biostatistical advisor for 19 others, primarily in mathematics and statistics. He has participated in numerous research projects funded through institutional and national grants, including studies on seasonal disease trends, postoperative complications, and metabolic disease prediction. His work often involves interdisciplinary collaboration across medicine, public health, and data science. Labs and Research Teams: He is embedded in collaborative research networks at Aalborg University Hospital and Aalborg University, contributing statistical expertise to clinical research groups. He is involved in projects utilizing Danish national health registries and has contributed to the development and validation of clinical databases. His work supports both hypothesis-driven medical research and methodological innovation in biostatistics.
Dr. Morteza Ghorbani is a researcher and faculty member at Sabancı University's Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences (FENS), specializing in fluid mechanics and environmental engineering. He leads the AquaCav project, a collaborative effort with Oxford Brookes University, focused on developing sustainable water treatment solutions using hydrodynamic and acoustic cavitation. His research addresses global challenges such as PFAS pollution and wastewater management, with applications in biomedical devices and energy-efficient technologies. Key collaborations include projects funded by the International Science Partnership Fund (ISPF), leveraging his expertise in microfluidic systems and cavitation dynamics. Dr. Ghorbani's work combines experimental and numerical methods to optimize cavitation-based processes for environmental and biomedical applications. His contributions span from fundamental fluid dynamics studies to applied technologies like flexible cystoscopes and clot-on-a-chip platforms. Scientific achievements include the ISPF Research Collaboration Grant (2024) and advancements in PFAS removal, graphene exfoliation, and microalgae cultivation. His research group at Sabancı University explores interdisciplinary solutions at the intersection of engineering, nanotechnology, and sustainability.
Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and ScienceUnited States
Trenton R. Foster, M.D., is an Associate Professor of Surgery at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, serving as a Consultant in the Division of Endocrine Surgery within the Department of Surgery. He holds multiple leadership positions including Associate Program Director for the General Surgery Residency Program and Associate Director of Student Clerkships Programs. Dr. Foster is also the Physician Lead for the Collaborative Endocrine Surgery Quality Improvement Program (CESQIP) and serves on several important committees including the Clinical Competency Committee and the Department of Surgery Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity Committee. Dr. Foster's research focuses on optimizing surgical management of endocrine disorders, with particular emphasis on determining appropriate surgical extent for thyroid cancer, improving preoperative localization for parathyroid disease, and refining diagnostic approaches for adrenal tumors. His work utilizes national and institutional databases to understand disease behavior and improve patient outcomes through evidence-based practice. Analysis of Dr. Foster's recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong focus on clinical outcomes research across the spectrum of endocrine surgery. His work addresses critical questions regarding optimal surgical approaches for thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal conditions, with particular attention to minimally invasive techniques, long-term outcomes, and quality improvement initiatives. The research demonstrates expertise in analyzing complex surgical datasets to derive practical clinical insights that directly impact patient care. His scientific achievements include: 2025 Focused Practice Designation in Adult Complex Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery from the American Board of Surgery 2019 Dennis Wasson, M.D. Award for Outstanding Graduating Chief Resident from Yale University Multiple research awards from 2015-2016 including the SVS Foundation Resident Research Prize and Department of Surgery Best Basic Science Research Award at Yale Golden Key National Honor Society membership during undergraduate studies Dr. Foster actively mentors residents and medical students through his roles in the General Surgery Residency Program and student clerkships. He collaborates extensively with colleagues in endocrinology, radiology, and pathology to provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for patients with endocrine disorders. His research directly informs clinical practice, leading to improved preoperative evaluation, optimized surgical approaches, and enhanced postoperative care protocols while maintaining safety and effectiveness.
