Zaid Harchaoui is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Statistics at the University of Washington. His research focuses on machine learning, generative AI, and algorithmic optimization, with applications spanning ecology, neuroscience, and artificial intelligence. He explores learning under distributional shifts and develops tools for scalable generative models in language and vision domains. University: University of Washington Department: Statistics Research Focus: Learning from data with computational, inferential, and mathematical rigor; distributional shift adaptation; generative model scaling Email: zaid@uw.edu His recent work emphasizes generative AI applications in ecology and neuroscience, stochastic optimization for robustness, and algorithmic efficiency in large-scale learning. Key contributions include techniques for distributionally robust optimization, interpretable authorship obfuscation, and uncertainty quantification in behavior classification. Scientific awards and honors are not explicitly mentioned in the provided text. Collaborative efforts often intersect with nonlinear control algorithms, spectral analysis, and privacy-preserving machine learning frameworks.
Prof. Olga Sorkine Hornung is a Full Professor of Computer Science at ETH Zürich, leading the Interactive Geometry Lab. She holds a BSc and PhD from Tel Aviv University (2000 and 2006) and conducted postdoctoral research at Technical University Berlin. Her research focuses on computer graphics, geometric modeling, and geometry processing, with applications in shape editing, digital fabrication, and animation. She has received numerous accolades, including the ACM Fellowship (2020), ERC Consolidator Grant (2020), and the Golden Owl Teaching Award (2021). Her work bridges theoretical foundations and practical algorithms, addressing challenges in parameterization, surface compression, and interactive design tools. Her research interests span: Computer Graphics & Visualization Geometric Modeling & Processing 3D Content Creation & Digital Fabrication Garment Design & Simulation Human Motion Analysis & Animation Awards and grants include: 2024: Best Paper Honorable Mention (EUROGRAPHICS) 2023: Member of Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences (SATW) 2020: ERC Consolidator Grant 2017: Rössler Prize (ETH Zurich) Her lab focuses on developing novel methods for interactive geometry processing, with recent advancements in garment modeling (e.g., AIpparel, Rags2Riches) and motion retargeting systems like WalkTheDog. She actively collaborates on interdisciplinary projects, including biomedical applications and sustainable fashion technology.
Jillian Bohlen is an Associate Professor at the University of Georgia within the College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences , specifically the Department of Animal and Dairy Science . Her work focuses on dairy cattle reproduction, teaching, and youth development in agricultural sciences. Education: B.S. in Dairy Science, University of Georgia (2003) M.S. in Dairy Science, University of Georgia (2005) Ph.D. in Animal Sciences, Clemson University (2012) Dr. Bohlen's research emphasizes applied reproduction in cattle , including synchronization techniques, ultrasound applications in reproductive programs, and embryo competency. She integrates students into all research projects despite lacking a formal research appointment. Her teaching interests span dairy cattle production , reproductive management , and contemporary agricultural issues , with courses like ADSC 3620 (Dairy Cattle Production), ADSC 4010 (Issues in Animal Agriculture), and ADSC 4410 (Applied Reproductive Management). Scientific awards include: Student Career Success Influencer Award (2024) Russell Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching (2023) UGA Creative Teaching Award (2022) CAES Early Career Teaching Award (2022) Hoard's Dairyman Youth Development Award (2021) Larry Benyshek Teaching Award (2017) She actively promotes agricultural education through programs like the Commercial Heifer Project , Dairy Cattle Judging , and Dairy Quiz Bowl . Additionally, she participates in funded projects related to methane emissions , heat stress mitigation , and antibiotic alternatives in dairy farming.
Sam Yam is a Professor and Head of the Management & Organisation Department at the National University of Singapore's (NUS) Business School. He holds the Jardine Cycle & Carriage Professorship and serves as Associate Dean. His research spans strategy, organisational behaviour, applied psychology, ethics, and human-technology interaction. Yam has contributed to over 125 publications, focusing on AI ethics, workplace dynamics, and cross-cultural management. He explores topics like robot replacement effects, abusive supervision, and financial anxiety's intergenerational impacts. His work bridges psychology, ethics, and organisational theory, addressing contemporary challenges in automation, leadership, and human-AI collaboration. Appointments: Head of Management & Organisation (2022–present), Joint Appointment in Arts & Social Sciences (2023–present). Key Research Themes: Future of work, human-technology interaction, ethical leadership, and Machiavellian dynamics. Notable Contributions: Multimodal ADHD diagnostics, leader biases toward robot-using employees, and cultural impacts on team performance. Yam’s interdisciplinary approach integrates psychology, technology, and management, addressing societal issues like AI ethics and workplace automation. His research frequently appears in top journals like the Journal of Management and Annual Review of Organizational Psychology .
Robert MacCurdy is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder . He leads the Matter Assembly Computation Lab (MACLab) focused on automating robot design and fabrication. His research bridges computational design and advanced manufacturing to create "robots that walk out of the printer." The lab develops tools like OpenVCAD , an open-source volumetric multi-material geometry compiler.
Jens Edlund is a Professor at KTH Royal Institute of Technology's Division of Speech, Music and Hearing. His research focuses on speech technology, dialogue systems, prosody, and evolutionary phonetics. He has contributed to foundational work on speech synthesis, conversational interaction, and multimodal corpora like the D64 corpus. Key projects include the MonAMI Reminder system and analysis of primate vocalizations to understand speech evolution. Edlund has collaborated extensively with global researchers, producing over 150 peer-reviewed works. His work integrates computational methods with linguistic and biological insights, emphasizing human-like dialogue systems and cross-species vocal analysis. Education: Ph.D. in Speech Technology (2011, KTH) Grants: Multiple EU and Swedish Research Council grants for speech technology and interdisciplinary studies Research labs include the KTH Speech, Music and Hearing Lab and collaborations with institutions like Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology. Current work explores evolutionary origins of speech biomechanics and AI-driven speech synthesis evaluation.
Craig Davis is a Professor and holds the Bollenbach Chair in Wildlife Management at Oklahoma State University's Department of Natural Resource Ecology & Management. He has been a faculty member since 2001, advancing from Assistant Professor (2001-2007) to Associate Professor (2007-2012), and has served as Bollenbach Chair since 2014. Davis earned his PhD in Wildlife Science from Texas Tech University (1996), an MS from Iowa State University (1991), and a BS from Ohio State University (1988). He is also a Certified Wildlife Biologist through The Wildlife Society. His research focuses on avian ecology, wetland restoration, and gamebird management, with specific interests in fire-grazing interactions, invertebrate communities, and climate change impacts on ecosystems. Key areas include grassland bird survival, wetland classification systems, and the effects of anthropogenic development on wildlife habitats. Davis actively collaborates with conservation organizations and agencies, addressing challenges like invasive species management and water infrastructure resilience. Teaching responsibilities include undergraduate courses on Wildlife Management Techniques and Wetland Ecology, as well as graduate courses like Advanced Wetland Ecology. His grants emphasize wetland restoration outreach, climate adaptation strategies, and studies on northern bobwhite and wild turkey populations. Notable projects include evaluating cellular transmission technology in wildlife monitoring and assessing the impact of extreme weather on gamebird survival. Grants (Selected): Expansion of potential wetland restoration opportunities in Oklahoma (2024-2027) Linking Research and Stakeholder Engagement for Wetland Conservation (2024-2026) Effects of Extreme Weather and Hunting on Northern Bobwhite (2023-2025) Research Themes: Aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals 15 (Life on Land), 13 (Climate Action), 6 (Clean Water), 11 (Sustainable Cities), 14 (Life Below Water), and 9 (Industry/Infrastructure).
Christopher Turbill is an Associate Professor in Animal Science at Western Sydney University's School of Science, where he maintains an active research program focused on animal physiological ecology. He is affiliated with the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment and serves as a Principal Investigator on multiple research projects while accepting HDR candidates for supervision. PhD from University of New England (2006) Thesis: Thermoregulatory Ecology of Tree-roosting Bats Supervised by Prof. Fritz Geiser Postdoctoral fellowships from Austrian Science Fund and Australian Research Council (DECRA) Former ecologist with NSW Government Professor Turbill's research integrates thermal and metabolic physiology with behavioral ecology to understand animal-environment interactions. His work has revealed significant ecological consequences of controlled body temperature variation in mammals and birds, linking these processes with metabolic energy expenditure, activity patterns, and life-history strategies. He specializes in bat biology and investigates conflicts between human environmental change and animal conservation requirements. His research keywords include ecophysiology, thermoregulation, energy expenditure, life-history ecology, body temperature, torpor, hibernation, and wildlife conservation. Analysis of Turbill's recent publications reveals a strong focus on thermal biology and conservation physiology, particularly regarding bats and birds. His work examines how animals manage energy through torpor, respond to climate change through thermal regulation, and adapt to anthropogenic disturbances. The research spans field studies of flying-foxes, microbats, and passerine birds across Australian ecosystems, with increasing emphasis on conservation applications related to white-nose syndrome, fire impacts, and wind energy development. Turbill leads significant research projects including the Ecology of the eastern horseshoe bat and its sensitivity to fire impacts (2024-2027), Vulnerability of Australian bats to white-nose syndrome (2021-2026), and Torpor use and burrowing behaviour in an arid zone passerine (2024). His work attracts funding from diverse sources including the Australian Research Council, Department of Planning and Environment, and various conservation organizations. Professor Turbill directs the BatsLab research group, which maintains a virtual hub for bat research at Western Sydney University. His team employs advanced methodologies including thermal imaging, GPS tracking, and physiological monitoring to study animal responses to environmental challenges. Current work focuses on developing conservation interventions for heat-stressed flying-foxes and assessing vulnerabilities of Australian bat species to emerging diseases.
Hai-Quan Mao is a Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University, with a joint appointment in the Biomedical Engineering Department (School of Medicine). He directs the Institute for NanoBioTechnology (INBT) and leads the Translational Tissue Engineering Center. His research focuses on biomaterials, regenerative engineering, and immunoengineering, particularly developing nanomaterials for therapeutic delivery and tissue regeneration. Mao holds 35 U.S. patents, co-founded two biotech companies, and received prestigious awards including National Academy of Inventors Fellow and NSF CAREER Award. Education: BS in Chemistry (1988) and PhD in Polymer Chemistry (1993) from Wuhan University. Postdoctoral training at Johns Hopkins (1995–1998), followed by roles at Johns Hopkins Singapore (1999–2003) before joining the Whiting School faculty. Research emphasizes nanofiber scaffolds for liver/nerve regeneration, DNA/lipid nanoparticle engineering for gene therapy, and artificial lymph node matrices for immunotherapy. His lab translates biomaterials innovations into clinical applications, with NIH-funded projects addressing cancer, malaria, and tissue damage. Awards include over 60 provisional patents, multiple Johns Hopkins translational awards, and Thalheimer Awards for research. He serves as associate editor of Biomaterials and editorial board member of major journals. Lab activities include scalable nanoparticle manufacturing, machine learning for material design, and collaborations with industry/clinical partners. Recent work includes lipid nanoparticle optimization for mRNA vaccines and exosome-based therapies for Crohn’s disease.
Jennifer S. Thaler is a Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Cornell University, affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of California, Davis (1999) and a B.A. from Wellesley College (1993). Her research focuses on tri-trophic interactions between plants, herbivores, and predators, with an emphasis on chemical ecology, plant defense mechanisms, and pest control strategies. She teaches courses such as Chemical Ecology and Insect Ecology, and her work bridges fundamental ecological theory with applied agricultural challenges. Dr. Thaler’s research investigates how plant traits, predator presence, and nutritional states influence herbivore behavior and population dynamics. Notable projects include studying non-consumptive predator effects, plant genotypic diversity’s impact on herbivores, and the evolutionary potential of antipredator plasticity. Her publications span journals like Ecology , Oecologia , and Proceedings of the Royal Society B . Her scientific contributions include winning the 2nd place Elton Prize (2015) for research on predator effects on aphids. She actively engages in departmental initiatives, including the Graduate Program and the Plant-Insect Interactions Seminar. Affiliated with the Cornell Stable Isotope Laboratory, she contributes to interdisciplinary efforts in ecological research and education.
Dr Dominic McCafferty is a Senior Lecturer in Physiology, Ageing & Welfare at the University of Glasgow, based at the Scottish Centre for Ecology and the Natural Environment. He holds academic roles including Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Thermal Biology and previously Ibis . His research focuses on thermal adaptation, behavioral thermoregulation, and urban wildlife ecology, particularly using thermal imaging techniques. He has a Ph.D. and BSc in Ecological Science from the University of Edinburgh (1989–1993 and 1985–1989). His work spans physiological studies in mammals, birds, and marine species, emphasizing conservation applications. Notable projects include habitat suitability modeling for urban water voles and thermal physiology studies in elephant seals. His educational background includes advanced studies in ecological science, complemented by post-doctoral research at institutions like the British Antarctic Survey (1993–1998). He has contributed to over 99 publications, advancing methodologies in non-invasive wildlife monitoring and ecological field studies. His editorial roles reflect expertise in thermal biology and avian science. McCafferty has led projects on carrion dynamics, stress physiology, and behavioral adaptations in diverse species, with a focus on applying findings to conservation challenges. Labs/Teams: Scottish Centre for Ecology and the Natural Environment (SCENE), part of the broader University of Glasgow's ecological research network. Collaborations include the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle in France and the National Trust for Scotland.
Mark Lewis is the Kennedy Chair in Mathematical Biology at the University of Victoria, holding joint appointments in the Departments of Mathematics and Statistics and Biology. His research focuses on spatial ecology and mathematical modeling, addressing ecological challenges such as animal movement, invasive species, and disease dynamics. Lewis earned his D.Phil. in Mathematical Biology from the University of Oxford and has been elected a Fellow of the Royal Society UK. His work integrates mathematical analysis, field studies, and interdisciplinary approaches to solve ecological problems. Current projects include modeling polar bear populations, cyanobacteria dynamics, and the impact of climate change on wildlife. Lewis supervises students across both UVic and his former University of Alberta lab. Education: D.Phil. in Mathematics (Mathematical Biology), University of Oxford Awards: Royal Society Fellowship, CRM-Fields-PIMS Prize, and Okubo Prize Key Research Areas: Animal movement modeling, aquatic ecology, wildlife disease, and invasive species management Publications highlight his contributions to understanding disease spread, parasite dynamics, and ecological responses to environmental changes. Lewis collaborates widely, applying mathematical tools to real-world conservation and health challenges.
Nicolas Mathevon is a Professor at the University of Saint-Etienne, with a focus on Animal Behavior and Bioacoustics . He currently serves as Director of Studies at Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes and leads the ENES Team . His research explores acoustic communication across diverse species, including crocodiles, seals, penguins, and humans, with particular emphasis on vocal recognition, signal evolution, and neurobiological underpinnings. Major collaborations include Dr. T. Aubin (CNRS), Dr. I. Charrier (marine mammals), Dr. N. Grimault (crocodilian bioacoustics), and Prof. D. Reby (human communication). He also co-edits a new book, The Voices of Nature , published by Princeton University Press. His recent work spans ecoacoustic monitoring for conservation, multi-modal communication in crocodiles, and cross-species analysis of distress signals in bonobos, chimps, and humans. Neurobiological studies include brain activation patterns in response to vocalizations and sound localization mechanisms in reptiles. Scientific Awards include senior membership in the Institut universitaire de France .
Jouni Partanen is a Professor at Aalto University's Department of Energy and Mechanical Engineering within the College of Engineering. His research focuses on advanced production technologies including Additive Manufacturing (3D-Printing), modern laser processing, and micromachining. Research Group: Materiaaleista tuotteiksi Specialization: Integration of AI in manufacturing processes Sustainability emphasis: Biochar-reinforced materials and carbon footprint reduction His work spans from fundamental material behavior analysis to industrial applications, particularly in metal additive manufacturing and composite fabrication. Recent research explores corrosion resistance in lattice structures and multiscale photopolymerization techniques. Publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches combining mechanical engineering with biomedical applications (e.g., patient-specific implants) and environmental health studies on industrial 3D printing emissions.
Rui Ni is an associate professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University, directing the Fluid Transport Lab. His research focuses on experimental fluid mechanics, turbulence, multiphase flows, and their applications in energy systems, environmental engineering, and physiological processes. He holds a PhD in Physics from the Chinese University of Hong Kong (2011), followed by postdoctoral work at Yale and Wesleyan Universities. Before joining JHU, he held the Kenneth Kuan-Yun Kuo Early Career Professorship at Penn State University. His research interests include dusty flows, Lagrangian particle tracking, and animal collective behaviors. Notable projects include collaborations with NASA on plume-surface interaction and the development of advanced diagnostic tools like physics-informed machine learning and 3D particle tracking. He has received prestigious awards, including the NSF CAREER Award and ACS-PRF New Investigator Award, and leads studies on turbulence modulation by deformable bubbles, fish schooling efficiency in turbulent environments, and interfacial mass transfer dynamics. Key Projects: Plume-Surface Interaction (NASA collaboration), Fish Aquarium with Turbulent Environment (FATE) facility, V-ONSET multiphase flow facility. Grants: Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation’s Experimental Physics Investigators Initiative Grant. Lab Focus: Experimental and computational studies of multiphase flows, physiological flows, and complex systems. Ni’s work bridges fundamental fluid dynamics with practical applications, such as improving energy efficiency and understanding biological systems like fish schooling and nasal drug delivery mechanisms.
