Peter Awakowicz is a Senior Professor and former head of the Chair of Electrical Engineering and Plasma Technology at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology , Ruhr-Universität Bochum . His work focuses on plasma physics and technology, with applications in surface treatment, sterilization, and diagnostics. He is affiliated with the Department of Applied Electrodynamics and Plasma Technology, where he leads interdisciplinary research combining experimental plasma science with technological innovation. Research Interests: Plasma-assisted surface modification and thin-film deposition Dielectric barrier discharges and atmospheric pressure plasmas Plasma sterilization and biomedical applications Plasma-catalysis for environmental and energy applications Advanced plasma diagnostics and optical emission spectroscopy His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on volatile organic compound (VOC) conversion , NO dynamics in low-pressure plasmas , microdischarge behavior , and plasma-assisted pyrolysis . These works highlight his expertise in both fundamental plasma physics and applied plasma engineering. Contact & Resources: Email: awakowicz@aept.rub.de Faculty Page: https://etit.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/en/faculty/professorships/prof-dr-ing-peter-awakowicz/ Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.de/citations?user=MPKunGAAAAAJ
Prof Wen Wang is Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Vice-Principal and Executive Dean for Science and Engineering at Queen Mary University of London, affiliated with the School of Engineering and Materials Science and the Centre for Bioengineering. He is a Chartered Engineer and holds fellowships from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (FIMechE), Higher Education Academy (FHEA), American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (FAIMBE), and the Royal Academy of Engineering (FREng), reflecting his leadership and technical excellence in engineering and biomedical sciences. His research focuses on vascular bioengineering , biomaterial mechanics , and cell biomechanics , with particular emphasis on the endothelial glycocalyx , vascular stem cells , and transmembrane transport . He employs advanced techniques such as AFM nano-indentation, confocal microscopy, and microfluidic platforms to study the mechanical properties, shear stress responses, and structural stability of biological systems. His work spans from fundamental biophysics to translational applications in drug delivery and cardiovascular disease. Prof Wang has led multidisciplinary research projects in the UK and through international collaborations with partners in the US, China, and Japan. His recent publications highlight sustained contributions to understanding microcapsule mechanics , extracellular vesicles , biofluid dynamics , and biomolecular sensing . His work integrates experimental and computational modeling, particularly in microcirculation and cellular transport phenomena. He has received notable scientific recognition through multiple prestigious fellowships and has published extensively in high-impact journals including Nature Communications , Journal of Controlled Release , Biosensors and Bioelectronics , and Journal of Fluid Mechanics . His research demonstrates a strong trajectory in both fundamental discovery and applied biomedical innovation. Prof Wang actively supervises research and collaborates with clinical and engineering partners at Queen Mary and King's College London. His leadership in the School of Engineering and Materials Science underscores his role in shaping academic strategy and research excellence in science and engineering at Queen Mary University of London.
Dr. Jonathan Hu is a Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Baylor University's School of Engineering and Computer Science. He holds a PhD from the University of Maryland Baltimore County (2008) and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Princeton University (2009–2011). He is an active researcher in optics and photonics, leading the Photonics Research Laboratory and advising both graduate and undergraduate research assistants. Research Interests: Nanophotonics and metamaterials for photovoltaic and biomedical applications Mid-IR supercontinuum generation using chalcogenide photonic crystal fibers 2D materials such as graphene and their alignment via magnetic fields Coherent optical communication and quantum optical Fredkin gates Numerical simulation of electromagnetic problems and leaky mode analysis His recent publications (2019–2024) demonstrate a strong focus on quantum plasmonics, specialty optical fibers, optofluidics, and nonlinear optical phenomena, with high-impact work in journals like Science Advances , ACS Photonics , and Advanced Materials . The research shows a clear trend toward integrating photonics with 2D materials and quantum systems, with applications in sensing, communication, and materials characterization. Scientific Awards and Recognition: 35 Baylor faculty named among top 2% most cited researchers (2023) Editor’s Pick, Journal of Applied Physics (2018) Top three downloads in OSA journals for three consecutive months (2009) NSF Graduate Research Fellowship (awarded to advisee) Chinese Government Award for Outstanding Self-Financed Students Abroad (awarded to advisee) Second Place in FiO + LS Student Competition (awarded to advisee) Advising and Grants: Dr. Hu actively mentors students at all levels, with current graduate research assistants including Wei Zhang, Zhihao Hu, and Sterling Walzel. His lab is supported by external funding, though specific grants are not detailed in the text. He has advised PhD students such as Joshua Young, Chao Niu, and Chengli Wei, many of whom have gone on to successful academic and industry careers. His teaching includes core courses like EGR 1302, ELC 2320, and ELC 4320, as well as advanced topics in computational photonics and integrated photonics. Labs and Teams: He leads the Photonics Research Laboratory at Baylor University, located at the BRIC facility. He is also involved with the Baylor University Optica Student Chapter, promoting optics outreach and networking among students and researchers.
Riikka Puurunen is an Associate Professor at Aalto University's Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, leading the Catalysis group since 2017. Her work focuses on developing solid heterogeneous catalysts using atomic layer deposition (ALD), microreactors, and in situ testing methods to advance sustainable biomass-based solutions.
Prof. Ian D. Sharp is a Professor and Head of the Functional Semiconductors and Catalysts Group at the Walter Schottky Institute, Technical University of Munich (TUM). His research focuses on synthesizing and characterizing semiconductors and catalysts for renewable energy applications, particularly solar fuel production and photocatalytic systems. He leads a multidisciplinary team investigating material interfaces, charge carrier dynamics, and advanced deposition techniques like atomic layer deposition (ALD) and molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). Research Interests: His work centers on developing materials for efficient photochemical conversion, including nitride/oxynitride thin films, nanostructured catalysts, and heterostructured materials. Key areas include optimizing semiconductor interfaces for water splitting, enhancing charge collection efficiency, and studying defect properties using advanced spectroscopic and microscopic tools. Publications: Recent work emphasizes stable photoelectrodes, chiral perovskite heterostructures, and functional nanoarchitectures. His group's contributions span energy materials, nanotechnology, and sustainable chemistry, with a focus on bridging fundamental science and practical applications. Awards: ERC Consolidator Grant (2019) Grants: Active funding for solar fuels research and materials engineering. Advising: Mentors ~20 PhD and Master's students in experimental and theoretical projects. Labs/Teams: Oversees state-of-the-art facilities for thin film deposition, characterization (e.g., in situ spectroscopy), and nanofabrication. Collaborates with institutions like EPFL, National Taiwan University, and Lawrence Berkeley National Lab.
Prof. Julia Hearts is a Professor at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) , affiliated with the School of Natural Sciences . Her research focuses on biomedical imaging , particularly advancing X-ray computed tomography through phase-contrast and dark-field radiography for clinical and biological applications. Developing spectral detection techniques to enhance diagnostic accuracy Quantitative imaging for element-specific parameter extraction Utilizing synchrotron radiation and standard X-ray tubes Her recent publications demonstrate expertise in dark-field radiography for lung and breast imaging, phase-contrast tomography for tissue characterization, and multi-spectral X-ray analysis for material decomposition. Collaborative work spans oncology , pulmonology , and materials science . Contact: julia.herzen@tum.de
Jeffrey T. Glass is a Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Hogg Family Director of Engineering Management & Entrepreneurship at Duke University's Pratt School of Engineering. He holds the Hogg Family endowed chair in Engineering Management and Entrepreneurship. Previously, he served as Co-Director of The Institute for the Integration of Management and Engineering at Case Western Reserve University and held roles at Kobe Steel USA Inc. and North Carolina State University. Education: Bachelor of Science in Engineering (B.S.E.), Johns Hopkins University, 1981 Master of Science in Engineering (M.Sc.Eng.), Johns Hopkins University, 1983 Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, University of Virginia, 1986 M.B.A., Duke University's Fuqua School of Business (Global Executive Program), 1999 Research Interests: His work focuses on electronic materials, miniature mass spectrometry, energy conversion/storage, and waste treatment systems. Key projects include developing nanomaterials (e.g., carbon nanotubes, graphene), advanced sensors, and applications like smart toilets and photoelectrochemical energy devices. His lab, the J.T. Glass Nanomaterials and Thin Films Lab, explores carbon nanostructures for supercapacitors, field emitters, and neural stimulation electrodes. Awards: Stansell Family Distinguished Research Award (2015) Highly Cited Researcher (2001) National Science Foundation Presidential Young Investigator Award Maurice Holland Award (2004) Grants & Advising: Glass has secured over $97M in research funding, advising numerous students and leading interdisciplinary initiatives. He consults for materials-related companies and serves on technical advisory boards. His innovation management work bridges business and technology, with courses like EGRMGMT 572. Labs & Teams: Leads the Nanomaterials and Thin Films Lab, collaborating on coded aperture mass spectrometers, supercapacitors, and waste disinfection systems. Teams include engineers, materials scientists, and industry partners.
Tim J. Nye is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at McMaster University's Faculty of Engineering. He holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering (1997) from the University of Waterloo, following an M.Sc. (1989) at Ohio State and B.A.Sc. (1987) at Waterloo. His research focuses on applying operations research techniques to manufacturing systems, with specific expertise in optimization algorithms for sheet metal processes, hydroforming reliability, and adaptive control in forging. Education: Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, University of Waterloo (1997) M.Sc. Mechanical Engineering, Ohio State (1989) B.A.Sc. Mechanical Engineering, University of Waterloo (1987) Research interests span multiple dimensions of advanced manufacturing: developing decision models for production investment, creating novel lot-sizing algorithms incorporating work-in-process costs, exact solutions for 2D nesting problems, and agent-based systems for reliability prediction using warranty data. His work bridges theoretical operations research with practical metal forming applications. Recent publications demonstrate consistent contributions to manufacturing optimization, with particular focus on stamping processes, sheet metal design, and hydroforming reliability. These align with McMaster's research clusters in Advanced Materials & Manufacturing and Infrastructure. Scientific awards include the 2002 CSME Best Student Paper competition win for machine vision research with S. Dworkin. He maintains active collaborations with industry partners, as evidenced by his research on industry-university R&D ventures. Current projects explore intelligent open die forging as a solid freeform fabrication method, demonstrating his commitment to both traditional manufacturing improvement and emerging rapid prototyping technologies.
Associate Professor Joshua Watts is a Principal Research Fellow in Battery Systems at the Faculty of Science, School of Chemistry & Physics, Queensland University of Technology. His research focuses on solid-state electrolytes and advanced materials for energy storage, particularly in lithium-ion battery systems. He holds a PhD from QUT and maintains an active research profile with ORCID and Scopus integration. Research Interests Development of Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) ceramic electrolytes Thermoelectric materials (boron carbide) Advanced ceramics processing Ion transport optimization in solid-state systems Morphology control for high-purity materials Publications Recent work demonstrates expertise in solid electrolyte fabrication (2024), densification techniques (2024), and structural analysis of boron carbide (2020). His publications span the Journal of the European Ceramic Society , Journal of Energy Storage , and Ceramics International , with a focus on energy materials and ceramics.
Rainald Loehner is a Distinguished Professor of Fluid Dynamics at George Mason University's Center for Computational Fluid Dynamics. Since 2003, he has led the Center for Computational Fluid Dynamics at George Mason University. He is currently a Hans Fischer Senior Fellow at the Technical University of Munich's Institute for Advanced Study (TUM-IAS) for 2023, hosted by Professors Kai-Uwe Bletzinger and Roland Wüchner in the 'Adjoint-Based System Identification of Large-Scale Structures' Focus Group. Loehner received his Diplom Ingenieur (Maschinenbau) degree from the Technical University of Braunschweig, and his PhD and a DSc in civil engineering from the University College of Swansea, Wales. After teaching at Swansea for a year, he worked at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, DC, followed by a research professorship at George Washington University. He joined George Mason University as an associate professor and was promoted to full professor in 1995 and distinguished professor in 2004. With over 35 years of experience, Professor Loehner's research spans the complete pipeline of numerical solvers and simulation tools. His expertise includes pre-processing, grid generation, numerical methods, field solvers, parallel computing, adaptive mesh refinement, fluid-structure interaction, shape optimization, system identification, and computational crowd dynamics. His current work focuses on developing advanced field solvers for compressible and incompressible flows, acoustics, electromagnetic wave propagation, heat and mass transfer, structural mechanics, and fluid-structure interaction. Key application areas include blast mitigation, ship hydrodynamics, blood flow, contaminant transport, and pedestrian safety. Loehner's recent research output (2020-2024) shows a strong trend toward digital twin technology and adjoint-based methods for structural analysis and optimization. His publications focus on high-fidelity digital twins for detecting structural weaknesses, risk assessment in engineering systems, and optimization of sensor placement. His work bridges computational mechanics with machine learning approaches, particularly in system identification and inverse problems, demonstrating how computational methods can solve complex real-world engineering challenges. 2020: Ranked #15119 in the Stanford List of Most Influential Scientists of the World; #8 in Aerospace and Aeronautics 2010: Distinguished International Career Award, Argentine Association of Computational Mechanics 2008: Fellow, International Association for Computational Mechanics 2006: Associate Fellow, AIAA 2005: Honorary Professor, University of Wales Swansea 2005: Advisory Professor, Shanghai Jiao Tong University 2004: Distinguished Professor of Fluid Dynamics, George Mason University 1999: Computational Mechanics Achievements Award, Japan Society of Mechanical Engineering 1993: Doctor of Science in Civil Engineering, University College of Swansea 1979-1983: Studienstiftung des Deutschen Volkes (Top 1% of German Students) Professor Loehner has mentored numerous students through his work at George Mason University and has supervised research in computational fluid dynamics, structural mechanics, and related fields. His research has been supported by various grants from government agencies and industry partners, enabling the development of advanced simulation tools applied in aerodynamics, hydrodynamics, shock-structure interaction, and medical applications. His codes and methods have been widely adopted in industry and academia for applications ranging from aircraft and ship design to medical simulations and urban pathogen transmission modeling. Loehner leads the Center for Computational Fluid Dynamics at George Mason University, which focuses on developing cutting-edge computational methods for fluid dynamics and related multiphysics problems. The center works on strategic application areas including blast mitigation, ship hydrodynamics, blood flow simulation, and pedestrian movement modeling. As a TUM-IAS Fellow, he collaborates with the Chair of Computational Modeling and Simulation at TUM on adjoint-based system identification of large-scale structures, bringing together expertise in computational mechanics and digital twin technology to address complex engineering challenges.
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences ViennaAustria
Assoc. Prof. Dietmar Pum is a leading researcher at the Institute of Biophysics, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). With a career spanning over three decades, he has pioneered work on S-layer proteins as nanobiotechnological tools and biomimetic surface functionalization. His research bridges microbiology, biophysics, and nanomaterials science. Education & Career Doctorate (1984) and Habilitation (1992) at Vienna University of Technology Awarded FEBS (1987) and EMBO (1982) fellowships Assoc. Univ. Prof. since 1997, Deputy Head of Biophysics Institute since 2014 Research Focus Dr. Pum's work centers on leveraging S-layer proteins for nanoscale fluid mechanics , molecular imprinting , and biohybrid materials . His projects explore: Self-assembly of 2D protein crystals Functionalization of carbon nanotubes Biomimetic sensor development Applications in diagnostics and environmental technology Publication Trends His recent publications (2025-2019) highlight interdisciplinary advancements in: Nanoscale biofluid dynamics Gold nanoparticle synthesis via microbial enzymes Archaeal S-layer characterization Protein-directed nanomaterials Biosensor platforms Lipid quantification via machine learning Scientific Recognition Philip Morris Research Prize (1998) Cardinal Innitzer Prize (1992) ÖAGM Prize (1986) Peer reviewer for Nature Materials , Advanced Materials , and Biophysical Journal Advising & Collaborations Dr. Pum has supervised over 15 theses, mentoring students in topics ranging from Caenorhabditis elegans imaging to nanomembrane fabrication. He leads international collaborations under EU Horizon and FWF grants, including the Stimuli Responsive Materials project (2020-2025). Labs & Networks As a core member of BOKU's Center for NanoBiotechnology and the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Molecular Nanotechnology , he develops bioinspired nanomaterials and contributes to global programs in molecular self-assembly.
Marcos García Fuentes is a Professor at the Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Spain. He leads the NANOBIOFAR research group focused on nanotechnologies for drug delivery systems and is affiliated with the Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS). His expertise includes pharmaceutical biomaterials, cancer therapy, and gene delivery. He earned his PhD in 2004 from USC with a thesis on lipid nanoparticles for peptide transport, supervised by Dr. María José Alonso Fernández and Dr. Dolores Torres López. His research interests revolve around nanomedicine, particularly in designing drug delivery systems using polyphosphazenes, viral protein nanoparticles, and mRNA-activated matrices. He explores applications in glioblastoma treatment, cancer immunotherapy, and regenerative medicine. His work bridges biomaterials science with pharmaceutical innovation, addressing challenges in targeted drug delivery and controlled release systems. Recent publications highlight advancements in gene therapy via polyphosphazene derivatives, protamine-based nanotherapeutics, and self-assembled peptide-polymer hybrids. His contributions span oncology, immunology, and tissue engineering, with a focus on translating nanotechnologies into clinical applications. No scientific awards are explicitly mentioned, but his prolific publication record underscores his impact in the field. He advises research in biomaterials and drug delivery systems through CIMUS and the NANOBIOFAR group. His lab develops platforms for cancer treatment, stem cell differentiation, and chronic disease management. Collaborations include multidisciplinary projects in biomaterial design, pharmaceutical formulation, and nanomedicine.
Feng Gao is a Professor of Optoelectronics at the Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology (IFM), Linköping University, and leads the Electronic and Photonic Materials (EFM) division. He is affiliated with the Faculty of Science and Engineering (Institute of Technology) and conducts interdisciplinary research at the intersection of physics, chemistry, and materials science. His work focuses on organic semiconductors and metal halide perovskites for sustainable energy technologies. His research interests include: Organic and perovskite solar cells with high efficiency and recyclability Perovskite LEDs for next-generation lighting and displays Electrically pumped perovskite lasers Flexible and lead-free perovskite materials for X-ray detection and information storage Sustainable materials design with full lifecycle consideration His recent publications reveal a strong focus on improving device stability, reducing environmental impact, and enhancing energy conversion efficiency in optoelectronic systems. Trends in his work show a shift toward circular economy principles, green manufacturing, and multifunctional materials. His research has been published in top journals including Nature , Science , Nature Energy , and Advanced Materials . Scientific awards received: Göran Gustafsson Prize in Physics ERC Consolidator and Starting Grants Wallenberg Scholar (2024) SSF Future Research Leader (2020) Tage Erlander Prize (2020) Wallenberg Academy Fellow (2017) Lisa Meitner Grant for Israel-Swedish Collaboration Feng Gao has secured significant research funding from the European Research Council (ERC), the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation (SEK 31 million for flexible X-ray technology), Swedish Research Council (VR), Swedish Energy Agency, FORMAS, Vinnova, and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions. He actively mentors PhD and postdoctoral researchers, including Max Karlsson and Huotian Zhang, and fosters international collaborations with institutions such as the University of Cambridge, Oxford, and Zhejiang University. His group emphasizes both scientific excellence and career development, supporting exchanges with leading global labs. He leads a dynamic research team within the Advanced Functional Materials (AFM) environment at IFM, working on groundbreaking projects such as fully recyclable solar cells, touch-sensitive LED displays, and perovskite-based random number generators for quantum communication. The group is also building new experimental infrastructure, including advanced labs for optoelectronic materials synthesis and characterization.
HaoTian Harvey Shi serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at Western University's Faculty of Engineering. His research focuses on sustainable functional materials for hierarchical additive manufacturing across multiple length scales. Education: Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, University of Toronto, 2020 M.A.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, University of Toronto, 2016 B.A.Sc. in Engineering Science, University of Toronto, 2014 Dr. Shi's research at the intersection of advanced manufacturing, nanoengineering, and material informatics targets applications in sensors (Organ-on-a-Chip Models, Microneedle-based Minimally Invasive Sensors) and energy storage (Supercapacitors and Zn-ion Batteries). His Data-Driven Advanced Manufacturing (D2M) Group develops hierarchical functionalized nanostructures where hidden relations between manufacturing parameters and device performance are revealed through innovative materials science approaches. His recent publications demonstrate expertise in graphene-based sensors, functionally-graded supercapacitors, nanohybrid strain sensors, and organ-on-chip models, reflecting trends toward multi-scale manufacturing for biomedical and energy applications. Scientific Awards: NSERC PGS-D doctoral award Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) NSERC PDF Fellowship Dr. Shi previously held a post-doctoral Research Associate position at the University of Cambridge, developing multi-length-scale hierarchical fibre-based printing technologies. His work combines mechanical design principles with materials science to optimize hierarchical manufacturing parameters for enhanced device performance. The Data-Driven Advanced Manufacturing (D2M) Group operates within Western University's advanced manufacturing ecosystem, leveraging facilities for nanoengineering and materials characterization to develop next-generation sustainable functional materials.
Kevin O'Connor is a Full Professor in the School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science at University College Dublin (UCD), where he has held academic positions since 1999, progressing from Assistant College Lecturer to his current role as Full Professor since 2018. He serves as Director of the BiOrbic Bioeconomy SFI Research Centre, leading Ireland's national research efforts in bioeconomy development. His academic career spans over 25 years with continuous advancement through UCD's academic ranks. Professor O'Connor's research focuses on two primary areas: biodegradable polymer synthesis by bacteria and enzymes as biocatalysts. His work in biodegradable polymers centers on polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), investigating bacterial production methods using waste and bio-based resources. His enzyme research explores biocatalysis under mild conditions with high specificity, using protein engineering to enhance enzyme activity for producing pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. His laboratory investigates waste valorization, upcycling plastic monomers, CO 2 conversion to biopolymers, and hydroxytyrosol applications in food and animal nutrition. His publication record reveals a strong trend toward solving plastic pollution through biotechnological approaches, with significant work on converting plastic waste to valuable biopolymers. Recent publications demonstrate expertise in bioprocess engineering for fungal cultivation, metabolic engineering of bacterial strains for PHA production, and developing sustainable alternatives to fossil-based plastics. His research bridges fundamental microbiology with practical industrial applications in the circular bioeconomy. NovaUCD innovation award (2016) Professor O'Connor has secured significant research funding including the Horizon Europe 'PROMOFER' project (2024-2028) focusing on PHB production optimization and the SFI 'BEACON' partnership (2019-2027) as part of the BiOrbic Bioeconomy Research Centre. He has coordinated the 'Applied Enzymology and Protein' module for over seven years and serves as PhD thesis supervisor. His leadership extends to chairing the Scientific Committee of the Biobased Industries Joint Undertaking and serving on the EC Expert Group for bio-based products. As Director of BiOrbic, Professor O'Connor leads a major national research center focused on developing Ireland's bioeconomy, with particular emphasis on creating rural economic opportunities through bio-based innovations. His work includes establishing the Lisheen bioeconomy innovation and pilot facility campus, demonstrating his commitment to translating research into practical applications that support primary producers in innovating and diversifying through science and technology.
