Changhuei Yang is the Thomas G. Myers Professor of Electrical Engineering, Bioengineering, and Medical Engineering at California Institute of Technology, serving as Executive Officer for Electrical Engineering and Investigator at Heritage Medical Research Institute. He holds a Ph.D. and three master's degrees from MIT, with appointments at Caltech since 2003. Research focuses on: Advanced microscopy techniques including Fourier Ptychography Wavefront shaping for biological tissue imaging Optical phase conjugation for deep-tissue applications Compact medical devices for cerebral monitoring Publications demonstrate leadership in computational imaging, with recent advances in stain-free embryo analysis, portable cerebral blood flow monitors, and high-resolution volumetric imaging techniques using neural representations. Honored as National Academy of Inventors member. Research applications span deep-tissue biochemical imaging, incisionless surgery, and optogenetic activation systems.
Levent Burak Kara is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), with a courtesy appointment in the Robotics Institute. He is a leading researcher in AI-driven computational design, additive manufacturing, and intelligent engineering systems, leading the Visual Design and Engineering Lab (VDEL) at CMU. Education: B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Middle East Technical University (1998) M.S., Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University (2000) Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University (2005) His research focuses on integrating machine learning, optimization, and geometric modeling to revolutionize engineering design and manufacturing. Key areas include topology optimization, CAD intelligence, digital twins, generative design, bioengineering, and electronic design automation. His work enables automation of traditionally labor-intensive design processes using deep learning and reinforcement learning. His recent publications reveal a strong trend toward physics-informed surrogate modeling, real-time simulation, manufacturability prediction, and AI-driven automation in mechanical, biomedical, and electronic systems. These works frequently appear in top journals such as Journal of Mechanical Design and Journal of Applied Mechanics , and at premier conferences like NeurIPS and DAC. Scientific Awards: National Science Foundation CAREER Award ASME Design Automation Society Young Investigator Award Google AI for Social Good Impact Scholar Kara advises several Ph.D. students and has secured significant funding from federal agencies such as the NSF and the U.S. Army Research Laboratory, as well as collaborations with industrial leaders including Cadence Design Systems and NVIDIA. His research is also supported by CMU’s NextManufacturing Center and the Critical Technology Initiative. He is actively involved in developing intelligent design systems that leverage AI to automate product design, optimize manufacturing processes, and improve medical diagnostics, particularly in oral cancer screening and organ preservation. His lab, VDEL, is a hub for innovation in AI-enabled engineering.
Ashwani K. Gupta is a Distinguished University Professor at the University of Maryland, holding the Minta Martin Professorship in Engineering. He serves as Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Professor at the Institute of Physical Science and Technology, and Affiliate Professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering. With over 45 years of experience in combustion engineering since graduating from Southampton University in 1970, Gupta has established himself as a leading authority in advanced combustion technologies. Dr. Gupta earned his Ph.D. from the University of Sheffield in 1973, followed by a D.Sc. from the same institution in 1986 and another D.Sc. from Southampton University in 2013. His academic journey includes six years at MIT as a research staff member and three years at Sheffield University as an independent research worker before joining the University of Maryland in 1983. Gupta's research focuses on revolutionizing combustion technology through innovations in swirl flows, high-temperature air combustion (HiTAC), and distributed combustion systems. His pioneering work on 'colorless distributed combustion' has enabled ultra-low emission combustion processes with significant applications in gas turbine engines and waste-to-energy conversion. His research spans biofuels, CO2 utilization, sulfur chemistry, waste conversion, and advanced laser diagnostics, addressing critical challenges in sustainable energy and environmental protection. Analyzing his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on waste-to-energy conversion, biomass processing, and CO2-assisted technologies. Gupta's work demonstrates a clear trajectory toward sustainable energy solutions, with increasing integration of artificial intelligence for combustion optimization and emission control. His research bridges fundamental combustion science with practical engineering applications for cleaner energy systems. Among Gupta's numerous accolades are: Election to Fellowship of the Royal Academy of Engineering (2023) Honorary Fellowship of the Royal Aeronautical Society (2020) Recognition as one of the top 2% of scientists worldwide by Stanford University (2022-2024) Multiple prestigious medals from ASME and AIAA including the Soichiro Honda Medal (2018) and AIAA Air Breathing Propulsion Award (2014) Honorary doctorates from three international universities Gupta has secured substantial research funding throughout his career, resulting in over 850 technical papers, three books, 18 edited books, and 22 book chapters. He has delivered over 100 plenary/keynote/invited presentations at international conferences. His mentorship has shaped numerous graduate students who continue to contribute to the field of combustion engineering. Gupta directs the Combustion Laboratory at the University of Maryland, which serves as a hub for cutting-edge research in sustainable combustion technologies. The Combustion Laboratory, under Gupta's leadership, has become a center of excellence for advanced combustion research, particularly in distributed combustion systems, waste-to-energy conversion, and alternative fuels. The lab maintains strong collaborations with industry partners and international research institutions, facilitating technology transfer and practical implementation of research findings. Gupta's team employs state-of-the-art diagnostics and computational tools to advance fundamental understanding while developing practical engineering solutions for cleaner energy systems.
Pablo Fajardo Peña is a Full Professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M). He leads the Plasmas and Space Propulsion Team (EP2) and co-directs the Aerospace Engineering Research Group. His research focuses on advanced propulsion technologies for space applications, including plasma thrusters, electric propulsion, and fluid-thermal systems. Professor Peña's work spans computational modeling of plasma dynamics, experimental characterization of propulsion systems, and development of novel thrusters like Hall effect thrusters and electrospray systems. His recent publications analyze plasma discharge mechanisms, thruster plume behavior, magnetic nozzle effects, and propellant interactions. He leads multiple EU and Spanish-funded projects including HIPATIA (Helicon Plasma Thruster), CHEOPS (Hall Effect Orbital Propulsion), and ADAPT (Advanced Plasma Propulsion). These initiatives focus on developing efficient propulsion systems for spacecraft and addressing challenges in space debris removal. Professor Peña supervises doctoral research on plasma diagnostics and thruster simulation, and has developed simulation tools like HYPHEN (Hybrid Plasma Thruster Holistic Environment). His team collaborates with ESA, Airbus, and SENER Aeroespacial on propulsion technology validation.
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.
Professor Manolis Gavaises is a leading academic in the field of mechanical engineering and computational fluid dynamics at City St George's, University of London, where he holds the position of Professor in the School of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences. He earned his PhD from Imperial College London and has been a faculty member since 2001, progressing to full Professor in 2009. His research is centered on advanced modeling of multi-phase flows, cavitation, and fuel injection systems, with extensive collaborations across Europe and industry partners such as Delphi, Caterpillar, and BP. Education: DIC, Mechanical Engineering, Computational Fluid Dynamics, Imperial College London, 1997 PhD, Mechanical Engineering, Computational Fluid Dynamics, Imperial College London, 1997 Diploma (5 years), Mechanical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 1992 His research interests span computational fluid dynamics, cavitation, fuel injection, atomization, high-pressure and supercritical flows, and alternative fuels . He has developed advanced numerical models and experimental techniques, including X-ray phase contrast imaging and high-pressure test rigs. His work integrates fundamental DNS and LES simulations with industrial applications in automotive, marine, aerospace, and medical devices such as heart valves. The recent publications reflect a strong trend toward real-fluid thermodynamic modeling (e.g., PC-SAFT), multi-component fuel behavior, cavitation erosion, and advanced diagnostics . His research increasingly incorporates machine learning and high-fidelity imaging to understand complex flow phenomena across energy, transportation, and biomedical domains. Scientific Awards and Recognitions: Richard Way Prize (1998) Arch T. Collwell Merit Award (1998) Best Oral Paper, SAE World Congress (2006) PE Publication Award, IMechE (2007) Best Presentation Award, Engine Combustion Processes (2009) Fellow, IMechE (2013) Fellow, IMA (2015) As a dedicated mentor, Professor Gavaises has supervised 13 PhDs to completion and currently guides 23 doctoral students. He has secured over €16 million in EU and UK funding, including multiple Horizon 2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie ITN projects (CAFÉ, HAOS, IPPAD), which support 46 early-career researchers globally. He has created academic opportunities for post-docs and junior faculty, significantly advancing the research profile of his institution. He leads the International Institute of Cavitation Research (IICR), co-founded in 2011 with partners from Loughborough University, TU Delft, and Imperial College, supported by The Lloyd’s Register Foundation. His lab maintains strong experimental capabilities, including a 2000bar pressure flow rig with micro-transparent nozzles and collaborations with Argonne National Laboratory for X-ray imaging.
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.
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.
Steven F. Son is the Alfred J. McAllister Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University, affiliated with the College of Engineering. He holds joint appointments in Aeronautics and Astronautics, Materials Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. His research focuses on energetic materials, combustion science, and propulsion systems, with emphasis on detonation physics, additive manufacturing of explosives, and novel propellant designs. Key projects include developing throttleable solid propellants, studying material-filled void effects on detonation waves, and optimizing nanomaterials for enhanced reactivity. Dr. Son’s work integrates experimental and computational methods, such as laser absorption spectroscopy and machine learning, to advance understanding of high-energy materials. His contributions span from fundamental material characterization to applied systems like Martian perchlorate-based propellants. He leads research at the Maurice J. Zucrow Laboratories, Purdue’s premier facility for propulsion and energetic materials research. His recent studies explore flexoelectricity in fluoropolymer/aluminum composites, laser ignition systems for solid propellants, and thermal decomposition mechanisms of novel energetic formulations. While no awards are explicitly listed, his prolific publication record and interdisciplinary approach highlight his influence in the field.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Stephan Staudacher is the Director of the Institute of Aircraft Propulsion at the University of Stuttgart. His work focuses on aircraft propulsion systems, gas turbine performance, and turbomachinery design. He holds a professorship in the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Aerospace, leading research in advanced engine technologies, erosion effects, and fault detection algorithms. Research interests include engine reliability, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and experimental validation of propulsion systems. His publications emphasize topics like neural network applications for fault detection, ice crystal icing simulations, and particle transport in additive manufacturing processes. Recent studies highlight the optimization of composite-cycle engines and assessment of mission severity caused by erosion. Key contributions include advancements in engine condition monitoring, transient performance analysis, and the development of Stuttgart University’s Altitude Test Facility (ATF). His work bridges theoretical models with industrial applications, addressing challenges in both civil and military aviation propulsion systems.
Arben Merkoçi is an ICREA Research Professor and leader of the NanoBioelectronics and Biosensors Group at the Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2). He holds a PhD in ion-selective electrodes from the University of Tirana (Albania) and has held research positions at institutions including the Polytechnic University of Budapest, University of Ioannina, and New Mexico State University. His research focuses on integrating biological molecules with micro/nanostructures to design advanced biosensors, with applications in healthcare and environmental monitoring. Education: PhD in Analytical Chemistry (University of Tirana, 1992) Roles: Co-Editor-in-Chief of Biosensors and Bioelectronics , member of the Academy of Sciences of Albania Research interests include nanomaterial-based biosensors (e.g., graphene, MXenes, quantum dots), point-of-care diagnostics, and sensor fabrication technologies. He has pioneered innovations in inkjet-printed sensors, wearable devices, and CRISPR-integrated biosensing. His group collaborates globally to advance nanobiosensor applications in clinical and environmental settings. Over 350 publications (H-index 91) and 40 supervised PhD theses highlight his contributions. He co-founded GraphenicaLab (graphene patterning) and PaperDrop (clinical diagnostics). Active in grant acquisition and policy, he shaped Spain’s first nanoscience undergraduate program at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona.
Dr. Martin Rohde is a Professor and Group Leader at the Radiation Science & Technology department within the Faculty of Applied Sciences at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) in the Netherlands. He leads the Transport Phenomena & Nuclear Applications research group, focusing on advanced nuclear reactor technologies, particularly molten salt reactors, and their associated transport phenomena. Professor Rohde's research interests span across several critical areas in nuclear engineering and fluid dynamics. His work primarily focuses on understanding transport phenomena in nuclear applications, with particular emphasis on molten salt reactors for sustainable and safe nuclear power generation, innovative production techniques of medical isotopes, and advanced energy storage systems like flow batteries. His research group actively investigates complex physical phenomena occurring under extreme conditions such as high pressures, high temperatures, and interactions with radioactive processes. His publication record demonstrates a strong focus on computational methods for nuclear applications, particularly the Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM), which is used to model fluid flow, heat transfer, and phase change phenomena in nuclear systems. Recent work has concentrated on freezing and melting processes in molten salt reactors, microfluidic separation techniques for medical isotopes, and advanced modeling of flow batteries. His research shows a clear progression toward increasingly sophisticated numerical methods applied to real-world nuclear engineering challenges. Professor Rohde has secured significant funding through multiple European Commission projects including ENDURANCE, MIMOSA, and ReZilient, demonstrating the international recognition of his research. He has supervised numerous PhD and MSc students, many of whom have gone on to complete theses on topics related to molten salt reactors, microfluidics, and flow battery technology. His research group includes several technicians, post-doctoral researchers, and PhD candidates working collaboratively on cutting-edge nuclear technology. The Transport Phenomena & Nuclear Applications laboratory operates several specialized facilities including the ESPRESSO facility for measuring melting and solidification under convective boundaries, and experimental setups for studying molten salt behavior, microfluidic purification, and flow battery technology. The group maintains strong collaborations with international partners including TRIUMF (Canada), NRG, and URENCO (The Netherlands).
Jaal Ghandhi is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His research focuses on combustion and fluid mechanics in internal combustion engines, utilizing laser-based diagnostics to study temperature and concentration fields. He holds significant academic roles and has received multiple prestigious awards, including the John Bollinger Chair and ASME/Society of Automotive Engineers Fellowships. Education: PhD 1995 (Princeton University), MS 1988 (UW-Madison), BS 1986 (UW-Madison) His research interests include laser diagnostics, turbulent flow, and advanced engine design. Recent work emphasizes thermal barrier coating performance, diesel engine efficiency, and hydrogen-based fuels. Over 20 years, his publications span combustion dynamics, material durability, and engine thermodynamics. Awards include the NSF CAREER Award, Grainger Professorship, and multiple teaching accolades. He teaches graduate courses in energy sustainability, combustion, and engine experiments. His research contributes to sustainable engineering through improved engine efficiency and reduced emissions, with collaborations in automotive and energy sectors.
Christopher Goyne is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Virginia (UVA) and Director of the UVA Aerospace Research Laboratory. He holds a B.Eng. (1991) and Ph.D. (1999) in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Queensland, Australia. His research focuses on hypersonic propulsion, scramjet technology, instrumentation development, and advanced manufacturing. He leads the UVA Hypersonics Research Complex and is a key figure in the University Consortium for Applied Hypersonics. Goyne’s work includes contributions to NASA’s Hyper-X Program and the HyShot scramjet flight test program. He is an Associate Fellow of the AIAA and serves on editorial and advisory boards for journals and organizations such as the Shock Waves journal and Virginia’s Aerospace Advisory Council. Education: B.Eng. (Mechanical Engineering, University of Queensland, 1991); Ph.D. (Mechanical Engineering, University of Queensland, 1999). Research Interests: Hypersonics and scramjet propulsion Diagnostic techniques (e.g., laser-based methods, optical emission spectroscopy) Wind tunnel and flight testing Controls and adaptive systems for hypersonic flow paths Advanced manufacturing for aerospace components Awards: Recipient of the 2023 James C. McDaniel Fellow Award and 2022 Outstanding Researcher Award. Holds leadership roles in AIAA committees, including past Chair of the HyTASP Program Committee. Recognized with the Sigma Gamma Tau Outstanding Aerospace Professor Award (2006) and multiple research fellowships. Grants and Projects: Funded by NASA, the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, and industry partners. Leads UVA’s contributions to hypersonic ground and flight testing, including sensor development and combustion efficiency studies. Labs and Teams: Directs the UVA Aerospace Research Laboratory, collaborating on projects such as the UVA Hypersonics Research Complex and the University Consortium for Applied Hypersonics. Advises student chapters of AIAA and Sigma Gamma Tau.
Jason Trelewicz is a Professor at Stony Brook University’s Department of Chemical & Molecular Engineering and holds joint faculty status at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. His research focuses on interface-engineered materials for extreme environments, leveraging advanced processing, characterization tools, and multiscale modeling. He received his Ph.D. in Materials Science from MIT (2008) and previously served as Research Director at MesoScribe Technologies. His work emphasizes fusion materials, nanocrystalline alloys, additive manufacturing, and radiation effects. Awards include the DOE Early Career Award (2017), NSF CAREER Award (2016), and multiple best paper awards (2022). His lab, the Engineered Microstructures and Radiation Effects Laboratory, explores topics like ceramic composite moderators and plasma-facing materials. Education: Ph.D., Materials Science & Engineering, MIT (2008) Affiliations: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (Joint Faculty) Key research areas include thermal-mechanical evaluation of fusion reactor components, alloy design for additive manufacturing, and radiation tolerance of nanocrystalline materials. He has pioneered studies on helium bubble dynamics in tungsten and stability of doped nanocrystalline alloys. Awards: DOE Early Career Award, NSF CAREER Award, 2022 Best Paper Awards in Nuclear Materials and Asian Ceramics. Grants/Projects: Supported by DOE, NSF, and collaborative initiatives with Japan (FRONTIER). His group investigates corrosion behavior in 3D-printed steels and develops novel composite moderators for high-temperature reactors. Ongoing work includes multiscale modeling for fusion materials and in-situ TEM studies of irradiation effects.
