Mikael Johansson is a Professor at Kungliga Tekniska Högskolan (KTH), specializing in Control Technology . He teaches and coordinates courses such as Distributed Optimization (FEL3311) and various advanced-level degree projects in computer science, electrical engineering, and systems engineering. His research spans Control Systems , Machine Learning , and Optimization , with a focus on asynchronous algorithms, federated learning, and applications in energy systems and construction. His work includes 15 recent publications on topics like neural networks, distributed optimization, and battery technology. Notable areas of contribution are in asynchronous learning, federated learning with privacy constraints, and quasi-Newton methods for optimization. His research bridges theoretical advancements with practical applications in urban design, healthcare, and autonomous systems.
Jerome Hastings is a Research Professor at the Photon Science Directorate , Stanford University, and a Principal Investigator at the Stanford PULSE Institute. He is affiliated with the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and holds the academic rank of Research Professor (A.R.). His research focuses on advanced X-ray scattering techniques, femtosecond laser interactions, and high-energy-density material physics. Currently on leave from June 15, 2025, to September 15, 2025, Hastings has taught courses such as Advanced Topics in X-ray Scattering (APPPHYS 322) and Principles of X-ray Scattering (APPPHYS 222, PHOTON 222). Teaching : 2025-26: Advanced Topics in X-ray Scattering (Spr), Principles of X-ray Scattering (Win), Directed Studies (Aut/Wi/Spr), Research (Aut/Wi/Spr) Prior courses (2024-25, 2023-24) include similar offerings. Research Interests : His work explores the intersection of photon science and material dynamics, utilizing free-electron lasers to probe ultrafast structural changes, phonon hardening, and electronic responses in materials under extreme conditions. Key areas include X-ray diffraction , time-resolved spectroscopy , and high-intensity X-ray interactions . Publications : Hastings has contributed to 47 publications, with recent studies (2024) on supercooled liquid hydrogen crystallization and phonon hardening in laser-excited gold. Earlier works (2019-2016) address X-ray split-delay systems, photodissociation dynamics, and anomalous Compton scattering. Scientific Contributions : Notable projects include the development of compact X-ray diagnostics and phase-contrast imaging instruments at LCLS, enabling nanoscale temporal and spatial resolution for high-energy-density experiments. Students : He has advised doctoral candidates Arijit Majumdar, Chance Ornelas-Skarin, Madison Singleton, and Catherine Weibel. Contact : Academic email jerome.hastings@stanford.edu
Koroush Shirvan is the Atlantic Richfield Career Development Professor in Energy Studies and a tenured faculty member in MIT's Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering within the School of Engineering. Joined in July 2017, he directs the Reactor Technology Course for Utility Executives and leads the Fission Materials in Extreme Environments Lab. His work bridges nuclear engineering with practical industrial applications for decarbonization. His research focuses on reactor design economics, materials testing under irradiation, nuclear safety, and boiling heat transfer. He accelerates innovations in nuclear fuels, small modular reactors, and space propulsion through multi-scale physics integration. Current projects include accident-tolerant fuels, high-temperature materials for microreactors, and AI-driven optimization of reactor systems. His approach combines experimental irradiation testing at MITR with advanced computational modeling. Recent publications reveal strong trends toward economic nuclear deployment via advanced fuel technologies and small modular reactors. AI/ML applications dominate optimization research, particularly for core reload and uncertainty quantification. Materials science under extreme conditions remains central, with growing emphasis on space nuclear applications and horizontal reactor configurations for cost reduction. His scientific recognition includes: Nuclear News 40 under 40 (2024) American Nuclear Society Landis Young Member Engineering Achievement Award (2023) American Nuclear Society Reactor Technology Award (2022) Teaching responsibilities span Sustainable Energy (22.811/081), Graduate Reactor Physics, and Nuclear Design courses. Research grants support experimental programs at MIT Reactor Lab and computational frameworks for reactor-to-repository analysis. He mentors students through senior design projects and graduate research in nuclear fuel cycles. He directs the Fission Materials in Extreme Environments Lab and co-leads MIT's Space Nuclear initiative with AeroAstro. The team conducts irradiation experiments using MITR's high-temperature hydrogen flow capabilities and advanced diagnostics for post-irradiation examination. Current thrusts include nuclear thermal rocket materials testing and fission surface power development for lunar/Mars missions.
Marat I. Latypov serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Arizona's College of Engineering. He is also a member of the Applied Mathematics Graduate Interdisciplinary Program and leads the Materials Informatics Lab. His research spans computational materials science, sustainable alloy design, and machine learning applications for materials development. Dr. Latypov holds a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH, South Korea, 2014) and a Dipl.-Ing. in Engineering Physics from Ufa State Aviation Technical University (Russia, 2011). His postdoctoral training included appointments at Georgia Tech/CNRS in France and the University of California, Santa Barbara. His research focuses on materials informatics , physics-informed machine learning , and sustainable structural alloys . Key methodologies include graph neural networks for polycrystal mechanics, vision transformers for microstructure representation, and adaptive experimental design for materials optimization. Recent work emphasizes circular economy applications through construction waste recycling and copper mine tailings valorization. Analysis of his publication record reveals strong emphasis on computational microstructure-property linkages (35% of recent work), machine learning for materials design (30%), and sustainable materials processing (25%), with growing integration of large language models for materials knowledge extraction. NSF CAREER Award (2025) : For damage control in recycled aluminum alloys ISTI Distinguished Faculty Scholar (2024) : At Los Alamos National Laboratory Novelis Hackathon First Prize (2021) : Computer vision application Acta Materialia Outstanding Reviewer (2018) Young Researcher Award (2017) : NanoSPD7 Conference Dr. Latypov advises PhD students including Herbold Fellow Zhuocheng Huang and leads projects funded by NSF and the Grantham Foundation. Current initiatives include chalcopyrite leaching optimization for copper mining and graph neural network development for fatigue prediction. His Materials Informatics Lab maintains collaborations with Los Alamos National Laboratory, MIT, and industry partners including Novelis. The lab operates at the intersection of metallurgy , machine learning , and high-performance computing , with capabilities spanning deep learning, Bayesian inference, and cloud-based computational infrastructure. Recent news highlights participation in CODAS-HEP summer school and publication of vision transformer work in Acta Materialia.
Guiru Nash Liu is a Global Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Arizona. She holds a PhD from Illinois Institute of Technology and has prior industrial experience as a senior experimental metallurgist at Progress Rail (Caterpillar Company) and as an adjunct professor at Illinois Institute of Technology. BS: Tianjin University, P.R. China MS: University of Southern California PhD: Illinois Institute of Technology (Materials Science and Engineering) Her research focuses on materials science and metallurgy , with specialization in corrosion, fatigue analysis, microstructural characterization, and alloy development . She has contributed to understanding fatigue failure in metallic components, environmental effects on crack propagation, and corrosion behavior in extreme conditions. Guiru Nash Liu's publications highlight expertise in corrosion kinetics, sintering mechanisms, alloy performance, and fatigue mechanics , particularly for titanium, copper, and steel alloys used in locomotive engines and aerospace applications. Fellow of ASM International (2020) Allan Ray Putnam Service Award (ASM International, 2022) Caterpillar CEO Award (2022) She has authored over 150 internal publications and 14 peer-reviewed works, served as a reviewer for the Journal of Materials Science and Journal of Metallography, Microstructure and Analysis , and was a founding member of the ASM International Failure Analysis Society.
Dr. Kibret Mequanint is a full Professor at Western University's Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, with cross-appointments in Biomedical Engineering. Holding a PhD from University of Stellenbosch and postdoctoral experience at Technical University of Darmstadt and McMaster University, his research bridges polymer science, materials engineering, and life sciences with applications in Biomaterials , Tissue Engineering , and Regenerative Medicine . His work spans both fundamental and translational research in cell-material interactions , polymer biomaterial design , and therapeutic radiation dosimeters , with technologies transferred to commercial applications. Leading scholar and educator with awards from NSERC, CIHR, and Western University Fellow of: American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE), Ethiopian Academy of Sciences, International Union of Societies for Biomaterials Science and Engineering, Canadian Academy of Engineering Extensive editorial and panel service for NSERC, CIHR, and international journals His research program has produced over 170 refereed publications, focusing on conductive hydrogels , bioadhesives , and vascular tissue engineering . Recent work on endoscopy-deliverable bioadhesives and snake venom-derived hemostatic gels has attracted global media attention. He has served in leadership roles at the Canadian Biomaterials Society and university governance bodies including Senate and Board of Governors.
Jean Laurens is a Group Leader at the Ernst Strüngmann Institute (ESI) for Neuroscience in Cooperation with Max Planck Society in Frankfurt, Germany, where he heads the Laurens Lab. His research focuses on understanding how we sense our own motion and orient ourselves in three-dimensional space through neural mechanisms. His research interests include: Three-dimensional navigation and the neural basis of the 'brain compass' through head-direction cells in the limbic system Sensory signals for spatial navigation and how the brain integrates self-motion signals with visual landmarks Self-motion sensation and how the brain merges multiple sensory signals from the inner ear, vision, and proprioception with motor commands Laurens employs a multidisciplinary approach combining mathematical modeling and extracellular neuronal recordings in behaving Marmoset monkeys. His work spans computational neuroscience, systems neuroscience, and vestibular research, with significant contributions to understanding 3D orientation coding, gravity sensing in neural circuits, and spatial cognition. Recent publications demonstrate his focus on neural attractor networks, multisensory integration, and the representation of spatial orientation relative to gravity. His laboratory team includes researchers Francesca Lanzarini, Farzad Ziaie Nezhad, and Deepak Surendran, with Sogand Ghiasi managing laboratory operations. The Laurens Lab has been featured in media outlets including Süddeutsche Zeitung, with coverage of their work on balance mechanisms published in November 2020 and an article titled 'Du kannst mich Affe nennen' published on August 30, 2024.
Yanan Guo is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Rochester, specializing in computer architecture and cybersecurity. Her research focuses on GPU memory safety, side-channel attacks, quantum computing, and machine learning security, with recent projects exploring cross-VM side-channel vulnerabilities and quantum circuit simulation. PhD, University of Pittsburgh (advisor: Dr. Jun Yang) Her work bridges hardware and software security, addressing issues like GPU cache eviction mechanisms, memory corruption attacks, and adversarial threats in neural networks. She actively collaborates with researchers like Youtao Zhang and Jun Yang, with publications in top venues including USENIX Security, MICRO, and ICML. Recent publications highlight trends in GPU security (memory safety, side-channel attacks), quantum computing optimizations, and adversarial machine learning. Her team’s projects have received recognition such as the NSF OAC grant for AI workflow security and features in IEEE Transactions on Computers. Featured Paper in IEEE Transactions on Computers (02/22 issue) Shortlisted for Top Picks in Hardware and Embedded Security 2023 Dr. Guo mentors PhD students and offers weekly office hours for undergraduates, emphasizing career paths, graduate applications, and research guidance. She serves on program committees for conferences like USENIX Security and ASPLOS.
Angshuman Karmakar is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, India. His research focuses primarily on Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) and Computation On Encrypted Data (COED), which are critical areas in modern cryptography and computer security. Dr. Karmakar received his Ph.D. from Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven), Belgium, where he worked under Prof. Ingrid Verbauwhede in the COSIC research group. He was awarded the prestigious Erasmus Mundus fellowship for his doctoral studies and the FWO (Fonds voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek – Vlaanderen) fellowship for his post-doctoral research at KU Leuven. His research spans theoretical development of cryptographic schemes, implementation algorithms, side-channel and fault attack analysis, and countermeasure development. Dr. Karmakar has established extensive international collaborations with researchers and engineers worldwide to address complex challenges in cryptography and security. Recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on practical post-quantum cryptographic implementations with particular attention to hardware and software efficiency, side-channel resistance, and novel attack methodologies. His work bridges theoretical cryptography with real-world implementation challenges across diverse platforms from IoT devices to high-performance computing systems. Erasmus Mundus fellowship for doctoral studies at KU Leuven FWO fellowship for post-doctoral study at KU Leuven Google India Research Award for work on practical transition to post-quantum cryptography Dr. Karmakar is actively seeking graduate students and postdoctoral researchers to collaborate on cutting-edge research in cryptography and computer security. His work has significant implications for securing future communication systems against quantum computing threats, with applications spanning blockchain technologies, IoT security, and general-purpose computing systems.
Wenfeng Zhao is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Binghamton University. He holds a PhD from the National University of Singapore (2014) and BS/MS degrees from Huazhong University of Science and Technology (2007-2009). Prior to this role, he conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Minnesota's Biomedical Engineering Department. His research focuses on neural engineering, compressed sensing, ultra-low-power VLSI systems, and in-memory computing. Key areas include hardware security, biomedical signal processing, and energy-efficient computing architectures. His work spans applications in neural interfaces, cryptographic hardware, and IoT edge devices. Recent publications highlight advancements in block-cipher-in-memory architectures, emotion recognition via EEG analysis, and energy-efficient FPGA accelerators for neural networks. His research also addresses challenges in cryogenic memory systems and MRI-compatible neural recording devices. Zhao's contributions emphasize interdisciplinary approaches at the intersection of hardware design, signal processing, and cybersecurity. His lab develops novel solutions for low-power embedded systems and trustworthy IoT infrastructure.
Marco Serafini is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, affiliated with the College of Information and Computer Sciences (CICS). He leads the DREAM Lab (Data systems Research for Exploration, Analytics, and Modeling) and is part of the Center for Data Science. Prior to UMass, Serafini worked as a Senior Scientist at the Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI) and held a postdoctoral fellowship at Yahoo! Research in Barcelona. He earned his PhD in Computer Science from TU Darmstadt (Germany), where his thesis was recognized through nominations for best thesis awards across German, Swiss, and Austrian computer science societies. His research focuses on the intersection of database systems, distributed systems, and data science, emphasizing scalable architectures for big data analytics and machine learning. Key areas include computation pushdown in cloud DBMSs, graph neural network training systems, and efficient graph pattern matching. His work addresses challenges in tail latency mitigation, resource optimization, and transparent scaling of ML models. Serafini has contributed to influential systems like Arabesque (for distributed graph mining), E-Store (elastic partitioning), and Aion (event-time stream processing). He has been awarded an NSF CNS Core grant to advance scalable GNN training. His publications span top venues such as ACM SIGOPS, VLDB, and ICDE, reflecting his expertise in both theoretical foundations and practical system implementations. Professional recognition includes thesis nominations from major computer science societies and sustained contributions to open-source projects in distributed computing. Serafini advises students through the DREAM Lab, focusing on preparing the next generation of data systems researchers.
Dr. Christos Papavassiliou is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Imperial College London, part of the Faculty of Engineering. His research focuses on instrumentation electronics, memristor modeling, signal integrity, and novel device technologies such as SiGe devices, RF MEMS, and ReRAM. He leads the Space Lab and collaborates with the National Centre for Scientific Research in Athens. He holds senior membership in IEEE and is a member of the IET. Education: Ph.D. in Applied Physics, Yale University (1983–1989) MPhil in Applied Physics, Yale University (1983–1988) MS in Applied Physics, Yale University (1983–1985) B.S. in Physics, MIT (1979–1983) Research Interests: Memristor-based neuromorphic computing and stochastic systems High-performance instrumentation hardware and data acquisition Multi-state memristive memory and selectorless arrays Integration of memristors with CMOS for hybrid circuits Applications in biomedical wearables and edge AI deployment Key Contributions: Developed novel memristor models for circuit simulation Pioneered work on memristor-based true random number generators Advanced understanding of resistive drift and energy-constrained storage Designed FPGA-based systems for analog circuit emulation Labs & Teams: Active in the Space Lab at Imperial College, focusing on interdisciplinary research in electronics and space applications.
Dr. Zia Saadatnia is an Assistant Professor at Ontario Tech University's Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, part of the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science. He holds affiliations with the KITE Research Institute (University Health Network) as an Affiliate Scientist and the University of Toronto's Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering as an Assistant Professor (Status-only). His research focuses on advanced materials, energy harvesting, and biomedical devices, with notable contributions to aerogel composites, triboelectric nanogenerators, and functional electrical stimulation technologies. Education: Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, University of Toronto (2019) M.Sc., Mechanical Engineering, Ontario Tech University (2015) B.Sc. (Hons), University of Science and Technology, Iran (2007) Research Interests: Smart structures and materials Nonlinear vibration dynamics Energy harvesting systems Sensors and actuators Biomedical devices Polymer composites and aerogel fabrication Awards and Honors: Mitacs Accelerate Fellowship (2021-2024) William Dunbar Memorial Scholarship (2019) Pierre Rivard Hydrogenics Graduate Fellowship (2018) Ranked First in Undergraduate Class (2011) Advising and Grants: Dr. Saadatnia has led research projects supported by grants from Mitacs and the Government of Canada. His work integrates interdisciplinary approaches to address challenges in energy systems, biomedical engineering, and material innovation. Labs and Teams: Collaborates with KITE Research Institute and University of Toronto teams on advanced materials and biomedical applications. His lab focuses on experimental and computational studies of energy harvesting and smart materials.
Dr. Kaiqun Fu is an Assistant Professor in the McComish Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at South Dakota State University (SDSU). He holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Computer Science from Virginia Tech (2021 and 2016). His research focuses on spatial data mining, spatiotemporal event analysis, graph neural networks, and urban computing applications such as traffic impact prediction and social media-driven insights. He also explores physics-informed machine learning for power systems and interdisciplinary topics like 'deaths of despair' in rural areas. Education: Ph.D. in Computer Science, Virginia Tech, 2021 M.S. in Computer Science, Virginia Tech, 2016 Research Interests: His work emphasizes machine learning and deep learning applications in spatial-temporal domains, including: Graph neural networks for traffic incident prediction Social media analysis for urban challenges Physics-informed models for power grid stability Citation forecasting in scientific publications Grants & Projects: NSF CRII ($174,734): Spatiotemporal impacts of traffic events via graph neural networks (2024–2026) NSF EAGER ($300,000): Socio-economic impacts of emerging technologies (2024–2026) SDSU RSCA ($10,118): Graph transformer-based location learning (2023–2024) Professional Involvement: He chairs ACM SIGSPATIAL's SRC committee, serves on SDSU's Computer Science curriculum committees, and is an IEEE member. He co-edits Frontiers in Big Data and advises on interdisciplinary projects like climate-impacted grid security (NSF RII Track-2, $750,000). Labs/Teams: Collaborates with interdisciplinary groups focusing on smart cities, data-driven infrastructure resilience, and GeoAI applications.
Wendy Mao is a Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Photon Science, and (by courtesy) Geophysics at Stanford University, affiliated with SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. Her research focuses on materials under extreme conditions, particularly high pressure, to understand planetary interiors, energy materials, and novel phases. Key interests include phase transitions in minerals, silicate melts, and light-element alloys, with applications in planetary core modeling and hydrogen storage. Education: Ph.D. in Geophysical Sciences from the University of Chicago (2005). Teaching includes Earth's interior dynamics, mineralogy, and a freshman seminar on diamonds. Research emphasizes high-pressure experimentation using diamond anvil cells and synchrotron X-ray techniques. Recent work explores metallic hydrogen, iron spin states in super-Earths, and amorphization in halide perovskites. Collaborations leverage machine learning and advanced imaging for material characterization. Her lab develops methods to stabilize metastable phases and study ultrafast structural responses under shock compression. The group also investigates defects in quantum sensors and novel synthesis pathways for energy materials.
