Wagdi George Habashi is a Professor and NSERC-Industrial Research Chair at McGill University's Faculty of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering. He leads the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Lab, focusing on aerodynamics, fluid mechanics, and icing-related simulations. His research emphasizes in-flight icing prediction, computational wind engineering, and CFD-driven optimization of aircraft and jet engine systems. Education: Ph.D., Cornell University M.Eng., McGill University B.Eng., McGill University Research Interests: Habashi's work bridges analytical and computational methods to address multi-physics/multi-scale engineering challenges. Key areas include in-flight ice crystal ingestion in jet engines, ice surface roughness modeling, supercooled droplet dynamics, and CFD-based risk management for icing. His team develops tools like FENSAP-ICE for real-time aero-icing simulations and explores mesh adaptation, parallel computing, and reduced-order modeling. Labs/Teams: Computational Fluid Dynamics Lab (CFD Lab).
Dr. Ahmad Baroutaji is a prominent researcher at Aston University's School of Engineering and Technology, specializing in Additive Manufacturing, Metamaterials, and Energy Systems. His work focuses on advancing materials science for biomedical, acoustic, and energy applications. He holds a strong academic affiliation within the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences. Research Interests: Optimizing 3D-printed metamaterials for energy absorption and crashworthiness Development of advanced materials for fuel cells and hydrogen technologies Acoustic metamaterials for noise reduction in buildings Biomaterials for orthopedic and tissue engineering applications Notable contributions include pioneering studies on cobalt-chromium-molybdenum meta-scaffolds for bone reconstruction and acoustic panels using titanium perforated structures. His 2024 review on PEM hydrogen technologies has been widely cited. Collaborations span global institutions, emphasizing practical material innovations. Grants and Advising: While specific grants are not detailed, his extensive publication record indicates sustained research funding. No formal advisee list is provided, but co-authorships suggest collaborative mentorship. Labs/Teams: Engaged in multidisciplinary teams focusing on additive manufacturing applications, though specific lab names are not mentioned in the text.
Prof. Juan Alonso is the Vance D. and Arlene C. Coffman Professor and James & Anna Marie Spilker Chair in the Department of Aeronautics & Astronautics at Stanford University. He directs the Aerospace Design Laboratory (ADL), focusing on high-fidelity computational methods for aerospace system design. His expertise spans transonic/supersonic/hypersonic aircraft, rotorcraft, and launch vehicles. Alumni include record-holding teams for human-powered watercraft and lightweight unmanned aerial vehicles. Education: PhD (1997) from Princeton University in Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering; M.A. (1993) Princeton; B.S. (1991) MIT Aeronautics/Astronautics. Research emphasizes multi-disciplinary optimization, numerical methods, and parallel computing applied to advanced aircraft design, sustainable aviation, and UAS systems. Notable contributions include computational design frameworks like SU2 and SUAVE, and initiatives in curriculum development for engineering education. Recent work focuses on: GPU-accelerated CFD solvers, multi-fidelity surrogate models (e.g., VortexNet), contrail simulation frameworks, and battery degradation modeling for electric aircraft. Active in urban air mobility and high-fidelity trajectory optimization for hypersonic systems. Labs/Teams: Aerospace Design Laboratory (ADL) leading open-source computational tools development. Involved in NASA-funded projects and industry partnerships for advanced propulsion systems.
H. Jane Bae is an Assistant Professor of Aerospace at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), affiliated with the Division of Engineering and Applied Science. Her research focuses on turbulence modeling, particularly developing high-fidelity computational methods to simulate high-Reynolds-number flows for applications in aircraft design, wind farms, and atmospheric predictions. She integrates machine learning, information theory, and numerical techniques to enhance turbulence modeling efficiency. Education: B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Caltech (2011), Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University (2018). She joined Caltech in 2021. Research interests include near-wall turbulence dynamics, resolvent analysis, sparse identification of nonlinear dynamics, and reinforcement learning for wall models in LES. Her work addresses computational cost reduction and model accuracy in complex flow simulations. Awards: 2023 Outstanding Referee Award from Physical Review. Teaching includes courses on fluid mechanics (Ae/APh/CE/ME 101 abc) and turbulence (Ae 239 ab). Her lab combines turbulence theory, high-performance computing, and data-driven methods to study unsteady flows over complex surfaces. Notable contributions include machine learning-based wall models and resolvent analysis frameworks for non-stationary flows.
Nabil Aouf is a Professor of Robotics and Autonomous Systems in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at City, University of London, a position he has held since January 2019. Previously, from 2006 to 2018, he was Professor of Autonomous Systems at Cranfield University’s Defence and Security campus, where he also served as Head of the System and Autonomy Group and Research Lead of the Centre of Electronic Warfare, Information and Cyber. He earned his PhD in Electrical Engineering from McGill University Faculty of Engineering between 1999 and 2002. His research focuses on Robotics, Autonomous Systems, UAV Navigation, Computer Vision, and Fault-Tolerant Control . Key areas include visual odometry, sensor fusion (vision/IMU, RGBD, thermal-visible), robust control for UAVs, fault diagnosis in inertial systems, 3D perception, and autonomous landing. His work integrates theoretical control methods with real-time implementation in aerospace and defense contexts. His recent publications reflect a strong emphasis on robust optimization, multispectral vision, and real-time autonomous navigation. Trends indicate a focus on enhancing autonomy under uncertainty—through illumination-invariant stereo matching, L∞ optimization, and robust feature matching—particularly for UAVs operating in challenging environments. Nabil Aouf has collaborated extensively with researchers such as M. Richardson, O. Araar, T. Mouats, and M. Boulekchour across numerous projects in UAV control, sensor fusion, and autonomy. While no scientific awards are listed in the provided text, his leadership roles and sustained publication record in high-impact journals and conferences underscore his academic contributions. He has supervised or collaborated with several advisees including S.H. Almutairi, L. Chermak, I. Vitanov, and D. Nam, contributing to both theoretical developments and practical implementations in autonomous systems. His work has applications in aerospace, defense, planetary exploration, and critical infrastructure inspection.
Daria Nemashkalo is a researcher affiliated with the Digital Society Institute and Radio Systems at the University of Twente. Her work focuses on electromagnetic interference (EMI) filter design, time-domain analysis, and multichannel systems, particularly in power electronics and three-phase applications. Key Research Areas: EMI filter performance, mode decomposition, common mode choke saturation, and time-domain measurement techniques. Contributions: Published extensively on EMI mitigation strategies and filter optimization, including work on multichannel testing and real-world implementation challenges. Collaborations: Active in electromagnetic compatibility symposia, notably with peers like Peter Koch and Frank Leferink.
Alexis Lussier Desbiens is an Associate Professor at the Université de Sherbrooke in the Department of Mechanical Engineering , Faculty of Engineering. He co-founded several research labs and initiatives including NSERC CREATE CoRoM (Collaborative Robotics in Manufacturing) and NSERC CREATE UTILI (Uninhabited Aircraft Systems Training). His work bridges robotics, mechanical design, and sports equipment innovation. PhD in Mechanical Engineering (Stanford University, 2012) BEng in Mechanical Engineering (Université de Sherbrooke, 2005) Postdoctoral Research (Harvard University, 2013) His research focuses on robotics and automation , particularly unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with bioinspired design principles for mechanical intelligence. Key areas include: Autonomous UAV perching and climbing Hybrid locomotion systems Sports equipment dynamics (skis, hockey sticks) Magnetorheological actuator applications Conservation biology tools via aerial sampling Recent publications highlight interdisciplinary work in robotics , sports engineering , and ecological monitoring . His projects often integrate mechanical design with environmental or human-centric applications. Scientific recognition includes: Best Student Paper (IEEE SMC, 2021) Best Poster (ISEA, 2020) National Geographic Explorer (2020) CSME Gold Medal (2005) Current grants (2020-2023) include: $339,000 - High-performance UAV for power line interactions $1.65M - NSERC CREATE UTILI training program $120,000 - Intelligent hockey stick development He also leads the CREATEK Research Lab and maintains global collaborations with institutions like Harvard University, Stanford University, MIT, and EPFL.
Dr. John O. Miller is an Associate Professor of Operations Research in the Department of Operational Sciences at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), where he has served since 1997 in roles including Military and Civilian Deputy Department Head and Director of the Center for Operational Analysis. A retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, he combines more than three decades of military experience with scholarly expertise in simulation modeling, defense logistics, and operations research. Education: Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering, The Ohio State University, 1997 M.S. in Operations Research, Air Force Institute of Technology, 1987 M.B.A., University of Missouri at Columbia, 1983 B.S. in Biology, United States Air Force Academy, 1980 Dr. Miller’s research focuses on the development and application of simulation methodologies—especially agent-based and discrete-event modeling—to military logistics, weapon system evaluation, and combat readiness. His work often integrates multivariate statistics, experimental design, and optimization techniques to address Air Force and Department of Defense challenges such as sortie generation, munitions supply chains, and directed-energy weapon assessment. Across more than 40 refereed articles, recent publications demonstrate a sustained emphasis on: Metamodeling of large-scale simulations using dynamic Bayesian networks and bootstrapping Agent-based exploration of air-to-air missile concepts and aircraft maintenance manpower Statistical evaluation of pattern-recognition and automatic-target-recognition algorithms Logistics degradation modeling for bomber fleets and brigade combat teams These contributions underscore his leadership in military simulation and defense-focused operations research. Scientific & Teaching Honors: AFIT Instructor of the Quarter, 2005 Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society (Alumnus Member), 2001 AFIT Student Chapter ORSA Outstanding OR Educator, 1999 MORS Barchi Prize Nominee, 1998 Alpha Pi Mu & Omega Rho Honor Societies USAFA Department Instructor of the Year, 1993 Dr. Miller has advised numerous M.S. and Ph.D. students whose dissertations and theses advance simulation optimization, military logistics, and combat modeling. His teaching interests span simulation modeling and analysis, design of experiments, probability and statistics, and operations research methods for defense applications. He maintains active professional memberships in INFORMS, the Military Operations Research Society, and the Air Force Association, and he frequently presents at both invited and organized conferences, fostering collaboration among military, academic, and industry analysts.
Dan M. Ionel, Professor and inaugural L. Stanley Pigman Chair in Power at the University of Kentucky (UK), directs the Power and Energy Institute Kentucky (PEIK). He is affiliated with the SPARK Laboratory in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, focusing on renewable energy, electric machines, and smart grids. Alternative and Renewable Energy Technologies Electric Machines and Power Electronic Drives Electromagnetic Devices Electric Power Systems Energy Storage Smart Grids and Buildings His research integrates machine learning with electromagnetic design for applications like electric vehicles and aircraft propulsion. Recent work includes axial flux permanent magnet machines with Halbach arrays and cryogenic thermal management systems. Scientific awards include IEEE Fellowship. Research is sponsored by NSF, DOE, NASA, and industry partners like ANSYS, EPRI, and Regal Rexnord. Collaborations span national labs (NREL, ORNL), utilities (LG&E, TVA), and aerospace entities.
Dr. Kidambi Sreenivas is an Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC), affiliated with the College of Engineering and Computer Science. He holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering and specializes in computational fluid dynamics (CFD), with a focus on unstructured multi-physics flow solvers and applications in aerospace, environmental systems, and biomedical engineering. His research bridges academia and industry, collaborating with NASA, the U.S. Navy, Department of Energy, and private companies. Dr. Sreenivas' research interests include rotating machinery simulations, pre-conditioners for non-ideal fluids, and real-world applications such as submarine hydrodynamics, wind farm optimization, aerodynamic efficiency of vehicles, and contaminant dispersal modeling. He has pioneered methods for simulating complex geometries and physics, including high-fidelity simulations of hypersonic vehicles, weapons bay cavities, and shock-wave interactions. Recent work emphasizes advanced CFD methodologies for high-speed flows, thermal effects on turbulence, and aerothermal characteristics of hypersonic test articles. His collaborations have led to practical solutions for drag reduction on Class 8 trucks and improved accuracy in wind turbine modeling. Dr. Sreenivas also contributes to educational initiatives, such as developing PIV systems for undergraduate fluid mechanics labs. His advising and grants reflect partnerships with federal agencies and private sectors, focusing on projects like microplastic sampling devices for stormwater management. These projects highlight his interdisciplinary approach to solving real-world engineering challenges through cutting-edge computational methods.
Professor Mohammad E. Taslim is a faculty member in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at Northeastern University's College of Engineering. He holds the role of Program Director for the Master of Science in Energy Systems program. His academic expertise spans experimental and numerical research in gas turbine cooling technology, renewable energy systems (solar/wind), non-Newtonian fluid dynamics, and nano-sensor development. Education: PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Arizona (1981). Research focuses on heat transfer optimization in turbine blades, multiphase flow analysis, and energy sustainability. He leads projects funded by organizations like General Electric Aviation and the American Chemical Society. Key research areas include: 1) Advanced gas turbine cooling strategies, 2) Sand separation systems for helicopter engines, 3) Non-rotating wind energy generation. Notable publications include studies on droplet dynamics, film cooling effectiveness, and rib-roughened channel heat transfer. Awards include the 2022 Faculty Research Team Award, Fellowships from ASME and AIAA, and multiple patents (e.g., non-rotating wind turbine and carbon nanotube ladder technology). Active in academic leadership, he advises students on study abroad programs like the Vietnam Dialogue, integrating field visits with engineering coursework.
Andrew Scott White is a Research Fellow at the Laboratory for Aviation and the Environment (LAE) at MIT, pursuing a doctoral degree. He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Penn State University and an M.S. from MIT's Gas Turbine Laboratory, focusing on hydrogen-fueled propulsion systems for electrified aircraft. He has also taught a course in the School of Computing and Data Science at Wentworth Institute of Technology. His research explores the intersection of energy systems and atmospheric science, particularly assessing the climate, air quality, and environmental justice implications of replacing short-haul flights with passenger rail travel. His work also involves trade-space analyses of hydrogen propulsion systems and thermal management in electric aircraft. Publications emphasize propulsion system design, thermal utilization, and additive manufacturing applications in aerospace. No scientific awards or grants are explicitly mentioned. His doctoral research bridges transportation policy and environmental science, with a focus on sustainable aviation alternatives.
Navid Bayati is an Associate Professor at the University of Southern Denmark, affiliated with the Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering and the Centre for Industrial Electronics. He leads the Control and Protection of Smart Grids (CAP-SG) group and focuses on renewable/hybrid power systems, microgrid protection, and grid code compliance. Education: Ph.D. in Power Systems & Microgrid Protection (2020, Aalborg University); M.Sc. in Power Systems (2017, Amirkabir University of Technology) His research spans renewable energy integration , transient analysis , grid interconnection , and digital twin applications . Recent work includes machine learning for carbon emission prediction, fault localization in DC microgrids, and supercapacitor resilience in hybrid systems. Collaborations include projects like IEA Wind Task 50 and RePoSys , addressing grid renovation, life cycle assessment, and digital twin resilience. His teaching portfolio covers power electronics , energy management , and microgrid control .
Imraan Faruque is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Oklahoma State University (OSU), part of the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology (CEAT). His research focuses on biologically-inspired flight control systems, engineered autonomy for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and the integration of sensory feedback mechanisms in autonomous systems. Education: Faruque holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Maryland (2011 and 2010) and a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Virginia Tech (2006). Research Interests: His work emphasizes bio-inspired solutions for aerial autonomy, including swarm coordination, gust-aware flight control, and human-autonomy interaction. Key areas include unmanned systems design, visual feedback algorithms, and adaptive control strategies derived from insect flight dynamics. Awards: He has received notable accolades such as the ONR Young Investigator Award (2019), AIAA Hal Andrews Young Engineer/Scientist Award (2017), and multiple 'Best in Session' recognitions at major conferences. His team also secured 1st Place in the International Aerial Robotics Championship (2005). Publications: Faruque’s research spans topics like orbital debris management, swarm intelligence, and tornado sensing with UAVs. His work bridges biological principles and engineering, with applications in aerospace, robotics, and environmental monitoring.
Samir Elhedhli is a Professor in the Department of Management Sciences at the University of Waterloo, within the Faculty of Engineering. His research focuses on Large-scale Optimization, Logistics, Supply Chain Design, Healthcare Operations, Airline Scheduling, and Data Analytics. He has held grants from NSERC, CFI, OCE, and MITACS, collaborating with industries in aircraft manufacturing, airline scheduling, and warehouse management. Education: PhD in Management Science, McGill University (2001) Master's in Industrial Engineering, Bilkent University (1996) Bachelor's in Industrial Engineering, Bilkent University (1994) Research Interests: Data Analytics & Data Science Large-scale Optimization (Interior-point methods, decomposition, column generation) Supply-chain Analytics (Logistics, warehousing, routing, scheduling) Environmental Sustainability in Supply Chains Key Awards: CORS Service Award (2013) University of Waterloo Distinguished and Outstanding Performance Awards (2005–2019) Grants & Advising: Active grants from NSERC, CFI, OCE, and MITACS Currently accepting graduate student applications Administration & Service: Chair, Department of Management Sciences (2014–2018) President, Canadian Operational Research Society (2011–2012) Co-Editor-in-Chief, INFOR Journal (2014–present) Labs & Teams: Leads the WanOpt research group focused on optimization methodologies and applications.
