James Elliott is a Professor of Macromolecular Materials Science at the Department of Materials Science & Metallurgy, University of Cambridge. His research spans computational materials science, focusing on pharmaceutical powders, polymer membranes, carbon nanomaterials, and composite systems. He employs multi-scale modelling techniques validated by advanced imaging, such as X-ray microtomography, to address industrial challenges in material design and processing. MA, University of Cambridge PhD, University of Bristol (Materials Modelling) Key research areas include: Pharmaceutical powder compaction using discrete and finite-element modelling Polymer electrolyte membranes for fuel cells Carbon nanotube composites Multi-scale simulation methodologies Recent publications emphasize computational approaches to powder dynamics, CO2 electroreduction catalysts, and nanotube fiber optimization. His work bridges molecular-scale simulations with macroscopic industrial applications. Laboratory: Macromolecular Materials Laboratory
Professor Aleksandar Rakić is the Associate Dean (External Engagement) at the University of Queensland's Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology (FEIT). He holds a Professorship in the School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, where he has led international development strategies since 2010, significantly increasing the School's global student intake. His research focuses on photonics and microwave engineering, particularly in terahertz and laser feedback interferometry technologies for sensing and imaging applications. Rakić leads the Photonics and Microwave Engineering group, pioneering advancements in terahertz systems for security, biomedical imaging, and material characterization. Key research areas include laser feedback interferometry with semiconductor lasers, terahertz quantum cascade lasers, and VCSEL arrays. His work spans applications from non-destructive testing of materials to cultural heritage preservation. Rakić has authored over 300 publications, including book chapters and high-impact journal articles in Nature Communications , Physical Review A , and Optics Express . His group's innovations include world-first laser feedback sensors and THz imaging systems. As Associate Dean, Rakić oversees external partnerships, student recruitment, and advancement initiatives for FEIT. His leadership bridges academic research with industry and global collaborations, enhancing the Faculty’s international profile. Current projects focus on THz nanoscopy for quantum technologies and sustainable agrifood systems.
Kathy Zhou is an Associate Professor at Weill Cornell Medical College, part of Cornell University. She specializes in biostatistics and cancer research, focusing on developing statistical methods for clinical and biological studies. Her work integrates advanced Bayesian models with translational research, particularly in cancer prevention and treatment. Dr. Zhou holds a Ph.D. in Statistics from Duke University. Her research spans hierarchical modeling, predictive analytics, and analysis of large datasets. Notable contributions include Bayesian hierarchical models for mutation classification and BMA approaches for metabolomic data analysis. She has received funding from NIH/NCI and the CTSC. Collaborations with Weill Cornell and Memorial Sloan-Kettering involve obesity-inflammation links and their role in cancer. Key projects include studying COX-2 inhibitors' effects and obesity-driven breast cancer risks. Her clinical trials focus includes biomarker-based phase II trials and radiation therapy optimization. Her recent research emphasizes immunotherapy-radiotherapy combinations, microbiome-cancer interactions, and metabolic syndrome impacts. Over 150 peer-reviewed articles highlight her work in cancer biology, biostatistics, and translational oncology.
Dr. Monique Tourell is a Research Fellow at the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology, University of Queensland. Her work bridges engineering, physics, and medical applications, with a strong focus on advancing MRI technology for clinical and research use. Dr. Tourell's research interests span three interconnected domains: MRI sequence development - creating pulse sequences and imaging methods for human MRI at 3T and 7T Molecular modeling of water in tissues - developing simulations to understand water motion and its MRI signal implications Micro-MRI of porous media - conducting high-resolution imaging of organic and artificial materials to understand structure-function relationships Her recent publications (2020-2024) demonstrate a strong focus on quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) techniques, with significant contributions to high-resolution brain imaging, distortion correction methods, and clinical translation of advanced MRI techniques. These works consistently address challenges in image quality, acquisition speed, and clinical applicability. Dr. Tourell serves as an associate advisor for PhD students working on projects related to QSM validation, MRI quality assurance, and clinical applications of MRI techniques. She is currently leading an ARC Early Career Industry Fellowship project on pulse sequence development for ultra-high field MRI (2025-2028). Her research has practical applications in neurological imaging, breast tissue characterization, and understanding tissue microstructure across various biological systems. Dr. Tourell collaborates extensively with clinicians and researchers across multiple institutions to translate technical MRI advances into clinical practice.
Min Zhou is a Professor at Georgia Institute of Technology, holding a joint appointment in the School of Materials Science and Engineering and the School of Mechanical Engineering. He joined Georgia Tech in 1995 as an Assistant Professor and has since contributed extensively to research in material behavior across multiple scales. His work focuses on microstructure effects, nanoscale deformation, and multiscale modeling, using computational and experimental methods like finite elements and molecular dynamics. Education: Ph.D., Brown University, 1993 Sc.M., Brown University, 1990 M.S., Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 1985 B.S., Taiyuan Heavy Machinery Institute, China, 1982 Research Interests: Dr. Zhou’s research spans biomolecular-solids, ceramics, composites, metals, and nanostructures. He investigates microstructure-driven phenomena in heterogeneous materials, energy dissipation in composites, and thermal-mechanical-chemical coupling. His experimental tools include laser interferometry and novel digital diagnostics, while computational approaches emphasize equivalent continuum models and multiscale simulations. Key Contributions: Recent work includes advancing microscale models for intergranular damage, detonation behavior in energetic materials, and piezoelectric/flexoelectric composites. He has developed an equivalent continuum framework linking molecular dynamics and continuum mechanics. Awards: American Society of Mechanical Engineers Fellow (2005) Woodruff School Faculty Fellow (2004–2008) Sigma Xi Georgia Tech Chapter Best Paper Award (2004) NSF Faculty Early Career Award (2000–2005) Advising & Grants: Current projects include NASA-funded research on metallic nanowires and Air Force-sponsored work on multifunctional energetic materials. He maintains a lab with advanced facilities like split Hopkinson pressure bars and torsion-compression testing systems. Labs & Teams: His research group focuses on dynamic material response and failure mechanisms, with collaborations in energy storage, nanomaterials, and bioinspired materials design.
Stefan Grimme is Professor at the Mulliken Center for Theoretical Chemistry, University of Bonn. His group develops quantum chemical methods including dispersion-corrected DFT (DFT-D4), tight-binding approaches (GFN-xTB), and free energy calculation protocols (CREST) for complex chemical systems. Research spans quantum chemistry method development, thermochemistry, molecular spectroscopy, and multi-scale modeling of large systems. Applications include drug design, materials science, and reaction mechanisms with special focus on non-covalent interactions. Honored with Leibniz Prize (2015) and Chemistry Europe Award (2025), his 700+ publications demonstrate innovations in computational protocols like r2SCAN-3c composite method and automated conformer search algorithms. Recent work advances exciton modeling for TADF materials and actinide complex simulations.
Melis S. Duyar is a Senior Lecturer in Chemical and Process Engineering at the University of Surrey, with affiliations to the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences. Her research focuses on heterogeneous catalysis for energy and environmental applications, particularly carbon dioxide capture and utilization technologies. BSc in Chemical and Biological Engineering, Koç University (2012) MS and PhD in Earth and Environmental Engineering, Columbia University (2013, 2015) Post-doctoral research at Stanford University (2015-2017) Associate Staff Scientist at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory Lecturer at Stanford University (2017-2019) Her research develops dual function materials (DFMs) for integrated carbon dioxide capture and conversion to sustainable fuels and chemicals. Key projects include ambient pressure methanol production , microbrewery CO2 recycling , and textile microfiber upcycling . She employs advanced characterization techniques like operando DRIFT spectroscopy, XAFS, and density functional theory calculations. Recent publications demonstrate DFM technology's potential for direct CO2-to-methanol systems techno-economic process optimization nickel phosphide catalyst development catalytic hydrodeoxygenation without external H2 Her work emphasizes flexible chemical synthesis through switchable catalytic systems, enabling adaptation to variable energy supply and demand conditions. Collaborative projects span materials synthesis, reactor design, and industrial-scale feasibility assessments across multiple sectors including brewing, textiles, and waste management.
Kevin Galloway is a Research Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Vanderbilt University, where he also serves as Director of DIVE (Design as an Immersive Vanderbilt Experience) and Director of Making. He holds a Ph.D., M.S., and B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania. His research focuses on innovative approaches in robotics, including soft robotic systems, wearable devices, and advanced manufacturing techniques. His work spans applications in rehabilitation engineering, biomedical devices, and cyber-physical systems. Education: Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, University of Pennsylvania M.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Pennsylvania B.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Pennsylvania Research Interests: Dr. Galloway’s research emphasizes soft robotics, wearable technology, and their integration into medical and industrial applications. He explores topics such as fiber optic shape sensing, additive manufacturing for reactive materials, and soft robotic actuators for rehabilitation. His work bridges mechanical engineering with biomedical and cyber-physical systems to develop practical, user-centered solutions. Awards: Best Paper Award at IEEE ICORR 2015 for 'EMG Controlled Soft Robotic Glove for Assistance During Activities of Daily Living' Lab/Teams: He leads the NERD Laboratory and oversees the DIVE initiative, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration in design and robotics.
Joanne Emerson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of California, Davis. Her research focuses on soil and rhizosphere viral ecology, microbial metagenomics, and biogeochemistry. She leads the Emerson Lab, which investigates viral roles in soil microbiomes, phytobiomes, and plant pathogen interactions. Her work emphasizes understanding how viruses influence carbon cycling and ecosystem functioning through spatially resolved multi-omic approaches. Key research areas include viral responses to environmental disturbances like wildfires, soil pH effects on viral communities, and the application of viromics to agricultural systems. She is affiliated with the UC Davis campus, located at Hutchison Hall 474, and actively contributes to workshops and conferences on microbiome data management and soil viral research. Dr. Emerson’s scholarship bridges microbial ecology, environmental science, and biogeochemistry, with a focus on uncovering viral contributions to terrestrial ecosystems. Her lab develops protocols for virome analysis and explores novel methodologies to study viral-host interactions in natural and agricultural soils.
Associate Professor Morten Thaysen-Andersen leads the Analytical Glycoimmunology group at Macquarie University's School of Natural Sciences. His research focuses on advancing understanding of the human innate immune system through glycomics and glycoproteomics technologies, leveraging mass spectrometry and multidisciplinary approaches. He is an ARC Future Fellow and directs the ARC Training Centre for Facilitated Advancement of Australia's Bioactives (FAAB). His work addresses microbial infections, inflammation, and cancer by elucidating glycobiological mechanisms in immune-related diseases. Research interests include N-glycan analysis, tumor microenvironment profiling, immune cell glycosylation dynamics, and septic shock pathogenesis. He collaborates on projects like high-content oncoproteomics and cystic fibrosis immune cell studies. Key awards include the ARC Future Fellowship (2022–2027). His lab develops glycan-based biomarkers and investigates glycoprotein function in health and disease. Key Projects: FAAB Training Centre (2022–2027) High-Content Oncoproteomics (2017–present) Neutrophil Glycosylation in Cystic Fibrosis (2017–present) Labs: Analytical Glycoimmunology Group Biomolecular Discovery Research Centre Grants & Awards: ARC Future Fellowship (2022–2027) Multiple project grants from NHMRC and industry partners His work bridges analytical chemistry with clinical applications, contributing to diagnostics and therapeutics in immunology and oncology. Collaborations span microbiology, structural biology, and systems biology.
Tenko Raykov is a Professor in the Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology and Special Education at Michigan State University's College of Education. His research focuses on quantitative methods and psychometrics, specializing in statistical and mathematical modeling of behavioral phenomena. He holds a Ph.D. from Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany. Key research interests include latent variable modeling, structural equation modeling, multilevel analysis, and evaluation of measurement reliability/validity. He has pioneered work in item response theory applications and reliability estimation techniques for multidimensional instruments. Recent publications emphasize methodological advancements in psychometrics, including maximal reliability evaluation, latent structure examination, and model selection procedures for complex data. His work bridges theoretical statistical developments with practical applications in education, health sciences, and behavioral research. Raykov's contributions address challenges in measurement invariance, scale optimization, and longitudinal modeling, with applications ranging from cognitive functioning studies to cancer patient outcomes analysis. He maintains an active research agenda with over 200 indexed publications since 2015 alone.
Stefan Dekker is a Professor of Global Ecohydrology and Sustainability and Research Director at the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University. He holds a PhD in Environmental Sciences from the University of Amsterdam and has held academic roles including Director of Research and Education in Sustainable Development within the Faculty of Geosciences. His research focuses on understanding feedbacks between soil, vegetation, atmosphere, and climate, with contributions to sustainability science through interdisciplinary approaches. Academic Roles: Professor of Global Ecohydrology and Sustainability (2018–present) Director of Research, Department of Sustainable Development, Geo Faculty (2022–present) Visiting Professorships at Stockholm Resilience Center (2023), Exeter University (2014), and Max Planck Institute Hamburg (2009) Research Themes: Global Ecohydrology, Moisture Recycling, Climate-Sustainability Interfaces, Microplastics in Ecosystems, and Nature-Based Solutions. His work emphasizes interdisciplinary solutions for water, food, and energy challenges, including projects like COMBINED (NWA), ReShape (NWO-KIC), and ACT-NOW (NWO-GO). Awards & Activities: Editor of Earth System Dynamics (EGU) and Associate Editor of Advances in Water Resources . Involved in doctoral supervision and international collaborations on sustainability science.
Changxi Li is the AAFC Professor and AAFC Chair in Bovine Genomics at the University of Alberta's Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences , Department of Agricultural, Food & Nutritional Science. His work focuses on leveraging genomic tools to enhance beef cattle productivity through quantitative genetics and functional genomics research. He teaches AN SC 485 - Animal Genetics and Breeding in Winter Term 2026, emphasizing practical applications of genetic principles in livestock improvement. Dr. Li holds a PhD from the University of Alberta . His research integrates molecular biology, computational genomics, and industry collaboration to address challenges in beef cattle breeding, including feed efficiency optimization, meat quality traits, and the genetic mechanisms underlying economically important traits. Recent studies emphasize the role of host genetics in rumen microbiota composition and heritable microbial features linked to feed efficiency, as well as the development of genomic prediction models for multi-breed populations. His publications reveal a strong focus on feed efficiency and genomic selection , with recurring themes of identifying quantitative trait loci (QTL) for growth, fat deposition, and carcass traits. He also investigates the impacts of prenatal nutrition and maternal genetics on offspring development, while exploring strategies to reduce the carbon footprint of beef production through genomic tools. Collaborators include Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and industry partners, ensuring practical applications of his findings. While no formal awards are listed, his leadership in the Kinsella Breeding Project and contributions to genomic pipeline development (e.g., eQTL-Detect) highlight his influential role in advancing beef cattle genomics. His advising and grants section reflects sustained funding from AAFC and collaborative projects in genomic profiling of maternal traits and heterosis effects, with initiatives targeting improved livestock management.
Piotr Mieczkowski is a Professor and Director of the High Throughput Sequencing Facility (HTSF) at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine's Department of Genetics. His research focuses on genome stability, DNA repair mechanisms, and applications of next-generation sequencing (NGS). He leads the HTSF, which supports genomic research by offering cutting-edge sequencing technologies and methodological advancements. Dr. Mieczkowski’s work integrates computational and experimental approaches to study mutagenesis, aging in bats, and pathogen-host interactions. He received a 2024 grant from the North Carolina Biotechnology Center to upgrade HTSF’s sequencing capabilities. His research spans diverse areas, including the role of APOBEC enzymes, fungal pathogen biology, and multi-omics analysis in disease models. Key Technologies: Illumina platforms, Oxford Nanopore, BioNano Saphyr Notable Projects: Multi-omic analysis of bat aging and hibernation Pathogen-host interactions in cacao diseases Development of NGS workflows for amplicon sequencing Publications span genomic instability, mutation signatures, and translational applications of sequencing in healthcare and agriculture. His HTSF directs over 4,675 sq ft of lab space, supporting UNC and external researchers with advanced genomics solutions.
Dr. Hamid Garmestani is a Professor in the School of Materials Science and Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology. He holds a Ph.D. from Cornell University (1989) and B.S./M.S. degrees from the University of Florida. His research focuses on microstructure-property relationships in materials, including fuel cells, composites, and additive manufacturing, leveraging computational models and statistical mechanics. Dr. Garmestani has received awards such as the NASA FAR Research Award (1997) and the Superstar in Research Award (1999). He is funded by NSF, NASA, and the Department of Defense, and serves on editorial boards for journals like the International Journal of Plasticity. Research interests include: Metal nanostructures and energy infrastructure materials Modeling material properties in additive manufacturing Superconducting thin films and semiconductor applications Key contributions span analytical models for microstructure evolution, residual stress prediction in 3D printing, and energy storage materials. His lab, LMM Group , explores computational design and experimental validation of advanced materials.
