Prof. Waldemar Kolanus leads the Molecular Immunology and Cell Biology department at the University of Bonn's Life & Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES) . His research bridges immunoregulation , stem cell dynamics , and metabolic stress responses in immune cells. Unit 2 member at LIMES Principal investigator in SFB 704 and ImmunoSensation Cluster Leads a multidisciplinary lab with postdocs, PhD students, and technical staff His work focuses on intracellular signaling pathways connecting immune activation to tissue homeostasis, particularly through: Cytohesin proteins in integrin-mediated adhesion and migration TRIM71 in stem cell regulation and congenital hydrocephalus High-salt environments affecting macrophage function Publication trends show expertise in immune cell migration , genetic models , and chemical inhibition , with frequent use of mice and zebrafish for in vivo studies. Key articles explore: TRIM71's dual role in auditory development and germ cell maintenance Cytohesin family's Golgi regulation and insulin signaling Ruxolitinib's off-target migration inhibition of dendritic cells Contact details: Address: LIMES Institute, Carl-Troll-Straße 31, Bonn Email: kolanus.sekretariat@uni-bonn.de Phone: +49 228 73-62788
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. Suresh Bhargava is a Distinguished Professor and Director of AcSIR at RMIT University's Research & Innovation department. He has led interdisciplinary research in materials science, catalysis, and environmental engineering for over three decades, with a focus on strengthening Indo-Australian scientific collaboration. His work bridges academia and industry, addressing challenges in pollution control, nanotechnology, and cancer treatment. Research & Leadership: Established RMIT's Centre for Advanced Materials and Industrial Chemistry (CAMIC), pioneering translational research with industry applications. Supervised 70+ PhD students (100% employment rate), many now leading roles at global institutions. Holds distinguished professorships across six countries and advises governments and Fortune 500 firms on environmental and industrial issues. Awards & Recognition: Recipient of Australia's Member of the Order of Australia (2022), India's P.C. Ray Chair (2014), and the Khwarizmi International Award (2016). His work on mercury pollution control and gold-based anticancer drugs has garnered global acclaim, with over 800 publications (26,000+ citations, h-index 86). Key Contributions: Architect of the Australia-India Strategic Research Fund and the RMIT-AcSIR Joint Research Program. Innovated eco-friendly graphene production from eucalyptus bark and patented anti-cancer gold compounds. Advises on sustainable mineral processing, hydrogen energy, and CO₂ valorization. Industry Engagement: Consulted for Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton, and CSIRO on resource efficiency, pollution mitigation, and nanotechnology applications. His research has created jobs and driven innovation in Australia and Asia-Pacific.
Prashant Mehta is a Professor of Mechanical Science and Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign , affiliated with the Coordinated Science Laboratory . His research focuses on controlled interacting particle systems and machine learning applications , particularly in human activity recognition using motion sensors. Education: Ph.D. in Mathematics, Cornell University (2004) M.S. in Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst (1996) B.E. in Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Birla Institute of Technology & Sciences (1993) Mehta's work has pioneered the feedback particle filter (FPF) algorithm for nonlinear estimation, applied in robotic systems and gesture recognition. His research spans control of combustion instabilities in jet engines, mean-field games , and dynamical systems in aerospace engineering. His publications emphasize nonlinear control theory and stochastic filtering , with recent trends in sensor data pattern recognition and cyber-physical systems . He has received multiple scientific awards , including the MURI award for the Cyberoctopus project and Excellence in Undergraduate Advising Awards . Scientific Honors: MURI Award (2019) for Cyberoctopus Excellence in Undergraduate Advising (2010, 2008) Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award (1994) Senior Member, IEEE Control Systems Society Member, ASME Energy Systems Subcommittee Member, SIAM Dynamical Systems Group Mehta has supervised students like Jin Kim (IEEE CDC Best Student Paper, 2019) and co-founded the startup Rithmio , acquired by Bosch Sensortec . His laboratory develops gesture-detection filters for applications in soft robotics and human-machine interfaces .
Yuri Bazilevs is the E. Paul Sorensen Professor of Engineering at Brown University's School of Engineering and Co-Director of the Mechanics of Undersea Science and Engineering Center. His research focuses on computational mechanics, isogeometric analysis, fluid-structure interaction, and high-performance computing. Prior to Brown, he held positions at UC San Diego, where he advanced to Full Professor in 2014 after a rapid tenure. He earned his PhD in 2006 and postdoc training in computational engineering at UT Austin's ICES. Research interests span computational fluid dynamics, solid mechanics, and advanced discretization methods like isogeometric analysis (IGA) and meshfree approaches. He has developed novel formulations for complex phenomena such as underwater explosions, composite material failure, and hypersonic flow dynamics. His work integrates cutting-edge numerical methods with practical engineering applications in aerospace, energy, and biomedical systems. Recent publications highlight advancements in IGA for architected materials, RKPM-based crack modeling, and stabilized formulations for compressible flows. His contributions bridge theoretical mechanics with computational innovation, addressing challenges in multiphysics coupling and large-scale simulations. Collaborations span academia and industry, emphasizing practical validation and real-world impact. Bazilevs' expertise includes variational multiscale methods, peridynamics for fracture mechanics, and immersive particle methods for fluid-structure interaction. His work has been applied to wind turbine aerodynamics, gas turbine optimization, and cardiovascular flow analysis. He actively contributes to computational infrastructure development, such as the tIGAr software framework for IGA automation.
Bart Somers is an Associate Professor at Eindhoven University of Technology , affiliated with the Department of Mechanical Engineering . His primary affiliations include the Power & Flow Group and his own research group, Group Somers , alongside cross-cutting roles in EAISI (Eindhoven Artificial Intelligence Systems Institute) and EIRES (Eindhoven Research on Innovation and Sustainability in Energy Systems). He focuses on advancing combustion science , sustainable fuels , and engine efficiency , leveraging computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and experimental methods. His research interests span alternative fuels (hydrogen, bio-oils, biofuels), high-pressure spray combustion , and low-emission engine design . He investigates combustion optimization through CFD tools like large-eddy simulation (LES) and flamelet-generated manifolds (FGM), emphasizing fuel stratification , ignition dynamics , and emission control . His work bridges experimental diagnostics (e.g., spray visualization, OH* chemiluminescence) and numerical modeling. Academically, he teaches courses such as Thermodynamics , Clean Engines and Future Fuels , and Sustainable Vehicles , integrating practical projects into curricula. His educational activities emphasize interdisciplinary sustainability and innovation, including honors programs focused on professional development. Recent publications highlight his contributions to hydrogen injection strategies, biofuel applications in genset engines, and optimization of diesel-biofuel blends. His work aligns with global sustainability goals, addressing energy transition challenges through advanced combustion technologies.
Dr. Claudia Fernandez Martin is a Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor) in Chemical Engineering at the University of Aberdeen, School of Engineering. She is actively involved in research and teaching, with a focus on carbon capture technologies and sustainable materials. She serves as Coordinator of Level 5 and Coordinator of the Environmental & Biodiversity Theme in the School of Engineering, and as Champion of the Circular Economy Theme at the Centre for Energy Transition. Dr. Fernandez Martin's educational background includes: PhD in "Microporous adsorbents from organic polymers. Application in precombustion CO 2 capture processes" (2011) from the University of Oviedo, Spain (Summa Cum Laude) MSc in Research in Technology, Diversification, Quality and Energy Saving (2009) from the University of Oviedo, Spain MEng in Environmental Sciences, 1st Class (2000-2005) from the University of Granada, Spain Her research interests focus on materials and gas separation processes for carbon capture, including the synthesis of advanced materials for CO 2 capture, characterization of adsorbents, enhancement of CO 2 recovery through novel regeneration technologies, and recycling of polymeric waste. She has developed expertise in microwave-assisted technologies for carbon capture intensification and plastic waste conversion into valuable materials. Dr. Fernandez Martin's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on sustainable solutions for carbon capture and waste valorization. Her work spans from developing novel adsorbents from waste materials to exploring microwave-assisted processes for more energy-efficient carbon capture. She has made significant contributions to understanding transfer hydrogenation of CO 2 and the conversion of plastic waste into functional materials for environmental applications. Her scientific achievements have been recognized through several awards: Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (Advance HE) - 2020 Santander Mobility Award - 2017 ETP-PECRE Award - 2017 Santander Mobility Award - 2016 PhD Scholarship 'JAE-PreDoc' funded by the Spanish Research Council (CSIC) - 2007-2011 As an educator, Dr. Fernandez Martin teaches courses including Environmental Engineering (EA4027), Air & Water Pollution Control (EX501U), and supervises individual and group design projects at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. She is also the General Secretary of AMPERE (Association for Microwave Power in Europe for Research and Education), highlighting her leadership in microwave research applications. She actively supervises PhD students and welcomes new PhD candidates interested in her research areas, particularly in engineering with a focus on carbon capture, sustainable materials, and waste valorization technologies.
Kareem Ahmed is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Central Florida (UCF) and a faculty member of the Center for Advanced Turbomachinery and Energy Research. He leads research in advanced propulsion and energy systems, focusing on high-speed turbulent combustion, detonations, and hypersonic technologies. His work includes groundbreaking projects in detonation-based propulsion for hypersonic flight and power generation, supported by over $17 million in grants from NASA, AFOSR, and DOE. Education: Ph.D. and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, University at Buffalo (SUNY) B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University Research Interests: Ahmed’s expertise spans detonation dynamics, supersonic reacting flows, flow-flame control, and advanced laser diagnostics . His team explores innovations like rotating detonation engines (RDEs) and scramjet combustion systems, with applications in aerospace defense and space exploration. Awards and Recognition: AIAA Associate Fellow American Chemical Society Doctoral New Investigator Award AFOSR Summer Faculty Fellowship UCF Trustee Chair (2025–2030) Grants & Advising: PI of over $17M in research funding; mentors 145+ doctoral, master’s, and undergraduate students. Collaborates with industry leaders like GE, Aerojet Rocketdyne, and Pratt & Whitney. Labs & Teams: Director of UCF’s Center of Excellence in Hypersonic and Space Propulsion, advancing technologies for 15-minute transcontinental flight and clean rocket fuels.
Terese Løvås serves as Vice Dean of Research and Innovation at the Faculty of Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), where she leads strategic development of research and innovation activities. She concurrently holds the position of Professor of Combustion and Thermodynamics within the Department of Energy and Process Engineering. Her leadership responsibilities include oversight of Centers of Excellence, Horizon Europe projects, and PhD researcher training. Her research focuses on combustion engineering and alternative fuel technologies , particularly investigating ammonia and hydrogen combustion for zero-emission engines, biomass gasification processes, and reactive multiphase flow modeling. She heads the Engine Lab at NTNU and teaches Thermodynamics, Heat, and Combustion courses. Her work bridges theoretical modeling with experimental validation in sustainable energy systems. Løvås actively contributes to major research initiatives including LowEmission (SFI center), ACTIVATE (ammonia-powered agricultural vehicles), AMAZE (ammonia zero-emission), and CAHEMA (marine ammonia/hydrogen engines). Her publications reveal strong trends in ammonia combustion chemistry , emissions reduction , and advanced computational modeling for sustainable fuel systems, with increasing focus on nitrogen oxide formation mechanisms and dual-fuel strategies. Member of the Board of Directors, Combustion Institute (2022–present) Joint Editor, Proceedings of the Combustion Institute (2019–present) Alumni Fellow in Engineering, Churchill College, Cambridge University As Vice Dean, she manages NTNU's Research and Innovation Committee and represents the faculty in NTNU's Research and Innovation Committee. She supervises multiple PhD candidates and leads international collaborations through projects funded by the Norwegian Research Council, Nordic Energy Research, and EU programs. Her laboratory work focuses on optical engine diagnostics and advanced combustion testing. Løvås maintains active industry engagement through her leadership in the ComKin Research Group and membership in the Institute of Physics and Scandinavian-Nordic Section of the Combustion Institute. Her current work emphasizes practical implementation of ammonia-fueled engine technologies for marine and agricultural applications.
T. Alan Hatton is a distinguished Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering within the School of Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). His career spans over four decades with significant contributions to electrochemical separation processes and sustainable engineering solutions. Current research focuses on developing next-generation electrochemical systems for critical environmental challenges. Education: Ph.D., University of Wisconsin, 1981 M.Sc. Eng, University of Natal, Durban, South Africa, 1976 B.Sc. Eng, University of Natal, Durban, South Africa, 1972 Professor Hatton's research centers on electrochemically-mediated separation processes , specifically targeting carbon capture from diverse sources (post-combustion flue gas, ambient air, and ocean water) and advanced water purification systems. His work integrates fundamental transport phenomena with innovative electrochemical engineering to create energy-efficient solutions. Key methodologies include redox-active materials, electro-swing adsorption, and molten salt electrochemistry, with strong emphasis on scalability and real-world implementation. Recent breakthroughs involve oxygen-stable quinone systems for direct air capture and marine carbon dioxide removal technologies. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2024-2025) reveals a concentrated focus on electrochemical CO 2 capture and conversion , with 87% of works directly addressing carbon management. Dominant themes include redox-active material design (particularly quinones and iron complexes), process thermodynamics optimization, and novel reactor architectures like fiber sorbents and photoelectrochemical systems. The research demonstrates consistent progression toward practical implementation, with increasing attention to marine carbon removal and integration with renewable energy sources. Scientific Awards: Founding Fellow, AIMBE, 1992 Merck Faculty Development Award, 1989 Class of '22 Career Development Chair, 1988 Presidential Young Investigator Award, NSF, 1985 Everett Moore Baker Award for Excellence in UG Teaching, MIT, 1983 Professor Hatton leads an active research group developing electrochemical separation technologies with significant industry and environmental impact. His laboratory operates at the intersection of fundamental electrochemistry and applied environmental engineering, securing sustained funding for projects targeting carbon capture scalability and water purification innovation. Current efforts focus on translating electro-swing adsorption technology to commercial applications through startup ventures, while maintaining strong educational contributions through MIT's chemical engineering curriculum. The research team maintains collaborations with national laboratories and industry partners to accelerate technology deployment.
Patrick Phelan is a Professor and Associate Dean of Graduate Programs at the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, Arizona State University (ASU). He holds additional roles as a Senior Global Futures Scientist and Editor-in-Chief of Frontiers in Energy Efficiency . His research focuses on sustainable energy systems, thermal management, and energy efficiency, with notable contributions to solar energy, thermal transport processes, and industrial cooling technologies. Phelan has extensive administrative experience, including managing the U.S. Department of Energy’s Emerging Technologies Program and the National Science Foundation’s Thermal Transport Processes Program. Education: Postdoctoral Fellow, Tokyo Institute of Technology (1990–1992) Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley (1990) M.S., Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1987) B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Tulane University (1985) Research Interests: Thermal engineering and heat transfer Sustainable energy systems and cooling Energy efficiency in buildings and industry Thermogalvanic systems and advanced materials Decarbonization and community benefit strategies Professional Associations: Fellow, American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Member, American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Current Activities: Leading the ASU Energy Efficiency Center Contributing to the Energy for Rural Arizona initiative Advancing agricultural cold chain efficiency Teaching courses on heat transfer and energy systems (e.g., MAE 589, MAE 576)
Sadaf Sobhani is an Assistant Professor in the Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Cornell University. Her research focuses on thermal management and energy conversion with applications in high-efficiency, low-emission energy systems, spacecraft thermal control, and electrochemical reactors for carbon dioxide conversion. Dr. Sobhani's educational background includes a B.S. (2014), M.S. (2015), and Ph.D. (2019) in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University. During her doctoral studies, she worked as a research associate at the NASA Ames Research Center and later joined the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory as a postdoctoral researcher. Her research program integrates computational modeling, experimental techniques, and advanced manufacturing to investigate flow, heat transfer, and chemical reactions in porous media. She leverages the connection between micro-scale features and macro-scale transport properties to develop innovative solutions for energy systems. Her work spans multiple disciplines including combustion engineering, electrochemical systems, and thermal management for spacecraft. Dr. Sobhani's publications demonstrate a consistent focus on porous media combustion, heat transfer optimization, and advanced diagnostic techniques. Her recent work has increasingly incorporated additive manufacturing and machine learning approaches to solve complex thermal management challenges, particularly for space applications and carbon dioxide conversion systems. Gallery of Fluid Motion Award, American Physical Society (2018) Accel Innovation Scholarship, Stanford Technology Ventures Program (2017) Graduate Public Service Fellowship, Haas Center for Public Service (2016) Schneider/MAP Sustainable Energy Fellowship, Haas Center for Public Service (2016) Graduate Research Fellowship, National Science Foundation (2015) AIAA Niagara Frontier Section 2025 Young Professional of the Year Award NASA Early Career Faculty Award (2023) NASA Early Stage Innovations Award (2023) Dr. Sobhani leads an active research group and has secured significant funding including a NASA Early Career Faculty Award and a FuzeHub grant with industry partners Lithoz America and Dimensional Energy. She has developed a new spacecraft thermal management course at Cornell and is actively mentoring students in her laboratory research. The Sobhani Lab, located at 182 Grumman Hall, spans approximately 850 sq. ft. and focuses on spacecraft thermal control, combustion research, non-intrusive diagnostic methods, and ceramic additive manufacturing. The lab utilizes advanced facilities including the Cornell NanoScale Science and Technology Facility and the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source.
Professor Paolo Fornasiero is a Full Professor of Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Trieste, Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, where he has worked since 1998. He serves as Deputy Director of the department since 2021 and Scientific Responsible of the CNR Research Unit associated with the Institute of Chemistry of OrganoMetallic Compounds (ICCOM) since 2008. His career spans EU projects, bilateral collaborations with China, India, and Argentina, and leadership roles in journals like ACS Catalysis (Executive Editor since 2021). Full Professor (2016–present) Associate Professor (2006–2016) Assistant Professor (1998–2006) Post-Doc, University of Reading (1996–1997) His research focuses on multi-functional metal-oxide nanosystems for energy and environmental catalysis, including green hydrogen production , CO2 valorization , and methane emission control . He pioneered core-shell catalysts and single-atom systems for stability and selectivity. His work extends to solid oxide fuel cells and photocatalytic water depollution . Recent publications highlight trends in photothermal catalysis , single-atom catalysts , and CO2 electroreduction . His 280+ papers (3 in Science , 2 in Nature Communications ) reflect expertise across Environmental Catalysis , Nanomaterials , and Green Energy . 2022 Malatesta Medal 2021 European Academy of Sciences member 2017 Edoardo Kramer Award 2016 Heinz Heinemann Award 2013 Chiusoli Gold Medal He oversees PhD/postdoc advising and participates in global capacity-building via UNIDO and World Academy of Sciences . His lab collaborates with institutions like KAUST , Czech Academy of Sciences , and Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics .
Shima Nazari is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of California, Davis. Her research focuses on dynamics and control with applications to transportation systems, energy systems, and electrified/automated vehicles. She leads the CORE Lab, exploring advancements in hybrid powertrains, autonomous vehicle control, and energy-efficient systems. Education: Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan (2019) M.S., Electrical Engineering, University of Michigan (2016) M.S., Mechanical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Iran (2012) B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Iran (2009) Her research interests span dynamics and control theory applied to hybrid electric vehicles, powertrain optimization, and autonomous systems. She has contributed to advancements in energy-efficient vehicle designs, regenerative braking, and control strategies for electrified powertrains. Her work often bridges mechanical and electrical engineering disciplines to address real-world challenges in transportation and energy. Recent research trends in her articles emphasize data-driven control methods, hybridization strategies for autonomous systems, and thermal management of energy storage solutions. These studies reflect her commitment to interdisciplinary innovation. Although no scientific awards are explicitly mentioned, her contributions to the field are evident through her active research and publications. She advises students in her lab and collaborates on grants focused on sustainable mobility solutions. Dr. Nazari is affiliated with the UC Davis College of Engineering and actively contributes to graduate programs in Dynamics, Controls, Vehicles, and Robotics. The CORE Lab serves as a hub for experimental and computational research in her areas of expertise.
Dr. Vahid Hosseini is an Associate Professor and Graduate Program Chair in the School of Sustainable Energy Engineering at Simon Fraser University (SFU). His research focuses on sustainable energy systems, urban air pollution, and clean mobility solutions. He holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Alberta (2008), and M.A.Sc. and B.Eng. degrees from Sharif University of Technology (Iran). His academic roles include leadership in graduate academic programs and engineering education. Key research areas include thermo-fluid systems analysis, vehicle emissions reduction, and urban air quality modeling. He is actively involved in projects addressing real-world driving emissions, emission inventory development, and the impact of cold climates on transportation energy consumption and pollution. Notable contributions include studies on retrofit emission control devices for motorcycles, high-emitter vehicle identification, and policy recommendations for emission reduction. His work integrates experimental methods, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and machine learning to tackle complex environmental challenges. Teaching interests span thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and air pollution control engineering. Current courses include SEE 325 D100 Mechanical Design and Finite Element Analysis . Research highlights include collaborations on Tehran’s air quality management, particulate matter (PM2.5) source apportionment, and the development of high-resolution emission inventories. He contributes to international conferences and journals, with a focus on practical solutions for sustainable urban transportation systems.
