Prof. Marcy Zenobi-Wong is a Full Professor at ETH Zurich's Department of Health Sciences and Technology, specializing in biofabrication and tissue engineering. Her research focuses on cartilage regeneration using advanced biomaterials, including nanofilm coatings and 3D printing techniques. She holds patents in tissue engineering and has pioneered methods like filamented light (FLight) biofabrication for creating anisotropic tissues. Her academic journey includes a B.Sc. from MIT (1985), M.Sc. and Ph.D. from Stanford (1987, 1990), followed by postdoctoral work at the University of Michigan. She leads the Biofabrication Group at ETH, developing therapies for joint repair and regenerative medicine. Courses taught include Biomedical Engineering and Materials and Mechanics in Medicine . Research highlights include engineered hydrogels for cartilage protection, CRISPR-driven gene editing in chondrocytes, and biohybrid neural interfaces. Her work bridges material science, cell biology, and clinical applications, with a focus on translational medicine. Collaborative projects involve creating elastic cartilage grafts for microtia reconstruction and volumetric printing of complex tissue constructs.
Bradley D. Olsen is a full professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he leads research at the intersection of polymer science, soft matter physics, and bioengineering. His work focuses on designing materials for critical applications in biotechnology, hemostasis, and sustainable polymer development while advancing fundamental understanding of polymer network mechanics and self-assembly. Education: Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, University of California Berkeley (2007) S.B. in Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2003) Olsen's research spans protein-based materials, block copolymer phase behavior, and mechanochemical hydrogels. He has pioneered methods for quantifying polymer network topology, developing hemostatic nanoparticles, and creating bio-inspired materials for selective biomolecular transport and medical applications. His recent publications emphasize data-driven approaches to polymer characterization and educational outreach in materials science. Scientific Awards: American Physical Society (APS) Fellow (2023) Fulbright Amazonia Scholar (2023) Alexander and I. Michael Kasser Chair in Chemical Engineering (2021) ACS Macro Letters Young Investigator Award (2021) MIT Committed to Caring Honor (2019) AIChE Owens Corning Early Career Award (2019) APS Dillon Medal (2018) Kavli Emerging Leader in Chemistry (2017) ACS Polymer Division Fellow (2016) Camille Dreyfus-Teacher Scholar (2015) Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellow (2014) NSF Career Grant (2013) NIH Postdoctoral Fellowship (2008-2009) Hertz Fellow (2003-2007) Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship (2002) Olsen has received significant grant support including NSF Career (2013) and AFOSR (2012) awards. His teaching activities include innovative international outreach like the 2025 soccer-themed science camp in Brazil. The Olsen Group at MIT explores advanced materials with applications ranging from trauma care to sustainable polymers.
Andrew Spakowitz is a Professor of Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, and by courtesy, Applied Physics and Chemistry at Stanford University. He currently serves as the Senior Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Affairs and holds the Tang Family Foundation Chair of the Department of Chemical Engineering. His academic career at Stanford spans from Assistant Professor (2006-2014) to Associate Professor (2014-2020) and now Professor since 2020. Dr. Spakowitz earned his PhD in 2004, MS in 2001 from the California Institute of Technology, and his BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 1999. He completed postdoctoral training in Molecular and Cell Biology and Biophysics at UC Berkeley from 2004-2006. His research focuses on theoretical and computational approaches to understanding biological processes and complex materials. The Spakowitz lab addresses fundamental chemical and physical phenomena through four main research themes: chromosomal organization and dynamics, protein self-assembly, polymer membranes, and charge transport in conducting polymers. His group employs diverse theoretical and computational methods including analytical theory of semiflexible polymers, polymer field theory, continuum elastic mechanics, Brownian dynamics simulation, equilibrium and dynamic Monte Carlo simulations, and reaction-diffusion modeling. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on epigenetics and chromatin dynamics, with significant work on DNA methylation patterns, nucleosome clustering, and chromosome organization. His research also extends to polymer physics applications in biological systems, particularly in respiratory diseases, water purification membranes, and bacterial phage interactions with human mucus. Tang Family Foundation Chair of the Department of Chemical Engineering Professor Spakowitz mentors several graduate students and postdoctoral scholars in the Chemical Engineering and Materials Science departments. His lab members work on diverse projects spanning from chromatin dynamics to polymer membranes for water purification. He teaches multiple courses including CHEMENG 120B (Energy and Mass Transport), CHEMENG 340 (Molecular Thermodynamics), CHEMENG 466 (Polymer Physics), and CHEMENG 467 (Physics of Biomacromolecules). The Spakowitz lab operates from Clark S295 at Stanford University, conducting theoretical and computational research that bridges chemistry, physics, biology, and engineering disciplines to address complex problems across multiple length and time scales.
Nonappa Nonappa is an Associate Professor (tenure track) in Nanochemistry at Tampere University's Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences since 2020. With a multidisciplinary background spanning organic chemistry, supramolecular systems, nanoparticle self-assembly, and advanced electron microscopy, he leads research at the intersection of materials science and biomedical applications. PhD in Organic Chemistry (IISc Bangalore, 2008) Docent in Soft Matter Microscopy (Aalto University, 2017) Executive MBA (Quantic School, 2020) Research focuses on bio-based optical materials using nanocellulose for sustainable photonics, breast cancer models via lab-on-a-chip systems, and precision nanomaterials through tailored self-assembly mechanisms. His team develops 3D extracellular matrices for cancer tissue culture and plasmonic nanodevices for photonic applications. Recent publications highlight gold/silver nanocluster assemblies (43+ citations in 2021-2025), electron tomography for structural analysis, and metastasis modeling systems. Key awards include Italy's Abilitazione Scientifica Nazionale (2018) and Aalto University's Docent title (2017).
Yayue Pan is a Professor at the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) , and serves as the Director of NASA MIRO Center for In-Space Manufacturing: Recycling and Regolith Processing (CISM-R2) . Her research focuses on advancing Additive Manufacturing (AM) technologies for applications in biomedical engineering , energy storage , and smart structures . Ph.D., Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Southern California (2014) M.S., Mechanical Manufacturing and Automation, Zhejiang University, China (2010) B.S., Industrial Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, China (2007) Her work addresses technical challenges in AM such as multi-material printing , multi-scale fabrication , and field-assisted processes . Notable projects include: Development of electrostatically-assisted direct ink writing (eDIW) for high-speed, high-resolution printing Continuous projection stereolithography for rapid solid object manufacturing Acoustic field-assisted particle patterning for smart composites Light-curable hydrogels for corneal repair applications Her 15 most recent publications (2022–2025) span topics in: Multi-material AM (conductive polymers, hierarchical composites) Biomedical applications (soft robotics, corneal repair) Energy components (battery electrolytes, supercapacitors) Field-assisted processes (acoustic, electrostatic, magnetic) Scientific Awards : 2024 ASME Chao and Trigger Young Manufacturing Engineer Award 2022 UIC Researcher of the Year Rising Star Award 2020 ASME CIE TC Leadership Award 2019 UIC Outstanding Teaching Award 2017 SME Outstanding Young Manufacturing Engineer Award NSF REU Supplements (2023–2024) Advising : Mentored 24+ graduate/undergraduate researchers, including 17 NASA/GPIP interns. Former advisees hold academic positions at University at Buffalo and University of North Carolina at Charlotte , and industry roles at Apple , GE Healthcare , and ANSYS . Grants : Recipient of a $4.65M NASA grant and multiple NSF awards. Collaborations include Northwestern University, University of Michigan, and NASA centers.
Professor Hala Zreiqat AM is a leading biomedical engineer at The University of Sydney , serving as the Director of the ARC Training Centre for Innovative BioEngineering . A Fellow of all major Australian academies (AAS, ATSE, FAHMS, FRSN), she develops 3D printed bioceramics for bone regeneration while championing diversity through initiatives like the IDEAL Society and BIOTech Futures mentorship program. Her work bridges academia, clinical practice, and industry in musculoskeletal research . Research Focus: Her lab creates synthetic bone scaffolds that mimic natural bone architecture, strength, and porosity, enabling non-rejected bone regeneration via patient-matched implants. Key applications include orthopaedic, dental, and maxillofacial repair , with over $18M in competitive funding and multiple patents. Current projects explore AI-driven scaffold performance prediction and anti-senescence strategies for aging-related bone loss. Scientific Trends: Recent publications highlight 3D printed nanovoxelated ceramics , antisenescence biomaterials , and multifunctional theranostic platforms . Her team integrates machine learning for scaffold design, atom probe tomography for interface analysis, and two-photon imaging for cellular monitoring in 3D environments. 2021-2022 Fulbright Senior Scholar 2018 NSW Premier's Woman of the Year 2019 Eureka Prize for Innovative Use of Technology Fellow of Australian Academy of Science (2021) Over $18M in research funding Teaching & Leadership: She designed core courses like Tissue Engineering and Nanomaterials in Medicine , mentoring 158 students in 2020 alone. As Chair of CAAR (2020-2023), she strengthens Australia-Arab collaborations. Her lab trains early-career researchers , with alumni now in academia and industry.
Professor Ruth Cameron FREng is affiliated with the University of Cambridge, serving as a Professor of Materials Science in the Department of Materials Science & Metallurgy. She co-directs the Cambridge Centre for Medical Materials alongside Professor Serena Best, focusing on therapeutic materials that interact with the body. Her research spans medical materials and biomaterials , emphasizing ice templating for creating 3D environments to control tissue growth. These environments are applied in cardiac, dental, and orthopedic repair, cancer research, and blood cell production. She also investigates biodegradable polymers , composites , and drug delivery systems , exploring relationships between material processing, morphology, and degradation. Collaborators: Cedric Ghevaert, Sanjay Sinha, Andrew McCaskie Core Research Disciplines: Materials for Tissue Repair, Composite and Nanocomposite Materials, Polymers and Macromolecular Materials
Lara A. Estroff is a Full Professor and the current Chair of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Cornell University's College of Engineering. She has been a faculty member since 2005 and served as Director of Graduate Studies from 2015 to 2019. Her academic leadership and research excellence position her at the forefront of bio-inspired materials and biomineralization research. Her educational background includes a B.A. in Chemistry from Swarthmore College (1997) and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Yale University (2003), followed by an NIH-funded postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard University in the lab of Prof. George M. Whitesides. Dr. Estroff's research centers on the fundamental mechanisms of crystal growth, biomineralization, and pathological mineralization. She investigates how organisms control mineral formation and applies these principles to engineer synthetic materials with complex structures and functionalities. Her work spans biomaterials, tissue engineering, and energy materials—particularly hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites for photovoltaics. She employs advanced characterization techniques and has pioneered in situ methods to monitor crystallization dynamics. Her recent publications reveal a strong trend toward interdisciplinary research, integrating materials science with cancer biology, immunology, and machine learning. The articles emphasize bio-inspired synthesis, mineral-tissue interactions, and the development of functional crystalline materials for medical and energy applications. Faculty Early CAREER Award, National Science Foundation (2009) Fiona Ip Li '78 and Donald Li '75 Excellence in Teaching Award, Cornell College of Engineering (2007) Marilyn Emmons Williams Award, Cornell Undergraduate Research Board (2009) Keynote Speaker, Gordon Research Seminar on Biomineralization (2012) Lawrence Berkeley National Lab Affiliate (2013) Dr. Estroff leads a major DOE-funded project titled “Formulation Engineering of Energy Materials via Multiscale Learning Spirals,” a $3 million, three-year initiative using machine learning to optimize perovskite synthesis for solar cells. She has advised numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, and her lab is known for fostering collaborative, cross-disciplinary research. She has also contributed to educational initiatives at Cornell, particularly in undergraduate research and materials education. Her research group operates at the intersection of chemistry, engineering, and biology, focusing on high-resolution characterization of biominerals, in situ crystal growth studies, and the design of in vitro models for cell-mineral interactions. The lab actively collaborates with institutions including Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and Johns Hopkins University.
Dr. Parth Chansoria is a Lecturer at the Department of Health Sciences and Technology at ETH Zürich, where he leads biofabrication research within the Tissue Engineering and Biofabrication (TEB) group. His work focuses on structured light technology for regenerative medicine applications, including in vivo bioprinting and microgravity-based tissue engineering. He holds Ambizione and Spark grants from the Swiss National Science Foundation and has pioneered innovations in light-guided biofabrication, collagen-based resins, and anisotropic tissue design. Research domains include: Filamented light biofabrication for aligned tissues Minimally invasive light-based in vivo bioprinting Musculoskeletal tissue engineering in microgravity Isotonic collagen-based photocrosslinkable resins He has secured over 6 patents and received prestigious awards including the ISBF Early Career Investigator Award (2022), Marie Curie Actions Fellowship (2021), and SME 30 Under 30 recognition (2021). His interdisciplinary research bridges bioengineering, materials science, and clinical applications. Key collaborations include projects at UNC Chapel Hill (USA) and NC State (USA), where he developed biomimetic patches for dynamic organ pathologies and ultrasound-assisted cell patterning. His lab explores novel bioinks, hybrid fabrication techniques, and translational applications in regenerative medicine.
Dr. Bin Zhu is a Research Fellow in the School of Mechanical Engineering Sciences at the University of Surrey, affiliated with the Centre for Engineering Materials. He obtained his PhD from the same institution, focusing on multiscale residual stress evaluation and mechanical property characterization using microscopy and large-scale facilities. His research develops techniques for harsh environments to enhance material longevity by managing manufacturing-induced residual stress, with applications in nuclear fusion components. Education PhD, University of Surrey (Research focus: Multiscale residual stress evaluation and mechanical property characterization) Research Focus Dr. Zhu's research centers on three interconnected areas: 1) Multiscale residual stress evaluation using advanced techniques like plasma-focused ion beam and neutron diffraction; 2) In situ mechanical testing under extreme conditions; and 3) Computational modeling for predicting stress distributions and material behavior. His work primarily addresses nuclear fusion reactor challenges, particularly laser-welded Eurofer97 steel components, where residual stress critically impacts structural integrity. Publication Trends Dr. Zhu's recent publications (2021-2025) demonstrate three key themes: 1) Advanced residual stress analysis in nuclear materials using machine learning, neutron imaging, and synchrotron techniques; 2) High-temperature mechanical performance of welded joints for fusion reactors; and 3) Biomimetic material characterization, including bioinspired composites and biological light-diffraction mechanisms. His methodologies consistently integrate multiscale experimental approaches with computational modeling.
Ankur Jain is a Professor in the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department at The University of Texas at Arlington, with a joint appointment in Bioengineering. His research focuses on heat transfer in Li-ion batteries, microscale thermal transport, bioheat transfer, and additive manufacturing. He holds leadership roles, including serving as Associate Editor for IEEE Transactions on Components, Packaging and Manufacturing Technologies and Secretary of the ASME Heat Transfer Division's K16 Committee. Education: Ph.D. (2007) and M.S. (2003) in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University; B.Tech. (2001) in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Delhi with top honors. Research interests span energy conversion/storage, thermal management of electronics, and biomedical heat transfer applications. Notable achievements include the NSF CAREER Award (2016), ASME Fellow status (2022), and UTA President's Award for Excellence in Teaching (2022). His work has been supported by NSF, DOE, ONR, and Indo-US Science & Technology Forum. Advancing thermal runaway prevention in Li-ion batteries and improving additive manufacturing processes are key current focuses. Collaborations include industry partners like Underwriters Laboratories and Cuberg, Inc.
Professor Klas Tybrandt leads the Soft Electronics group at Linköping University's Laboratory of Organic Electronics (LOE), focusing on stretchable materials and bioelectronics integration with the human body. He holds a Master's (2007) and PhD (2012) from LiU, followed by postdoctoral research at ETH Zurich (2013-2014). Promoted to Professor in 2024, he oversees the Wallenberg Wood Science Center (WWSC), WISE, and AFM initiatives. His work spans Stretchable batteries Neural interfaces Organic thermoelectrics and has earned awards like the ERC Consolidator Grant (2023) and Wallenberg Academy Fellow (2022). His research emphasizes sustainable materials and energy harvesting. Education: PhD in Organic Bioelectronics (LiU, 2012) ETH Zurich Postdoc (2013-2014) Research interests include soft electronics and biohybrid systems , with breakthroughs in gold nanowire electrodes and stretchable electrofluid batteries . Over 70 peer-reviewed articles and 7 patents underscore his contributions to organic electronics. Grants & Funding: ERC Consolidator Grant (€2M) Wallenberg Academy Fellowship (SEK 36M) Labs/Teams: Head of Soft Electronics group (LOE), active in WWSC and WISE consortia.
Dr. Philipp Fisch is a Researcher affiliated with ETH Zurich's Institute for Biomechanics, specifically within the Tissue Engineering and Biofabrication research group. His work focuses on advancing biofabrication techniques for complex biological structures, particularly in cartilage regeneration and auricular reconstruction. Key areas of expertise include 3D bioprinting, hydrogel development, and patient-specific tissue engineering solutions. Research Interests: Dr. Fisch's research integrates biomaterial science, cell biology, and engineering principles to create functional tissues. Central themes include: Development of biodegradable materials for cartilage and bone regeneration Optimization of bioprinting parameters for clinical translation Integration of patient-derived cells for personalized therapies Investigation of immune responses in transplanted biofabricated tissues Recent Work Trends: His publications emphasize translational applications, such as auricular reconstruction for microtia patients and immunocompetent animal model validation. Thematic clusters include hydrogel-based systems, anisotropic material design, and inflammation-resistant tissue engineering strategies. Labs/Teams: Active contributor to the Institute for Biomechanics' biofabrication initiatives, collaborating on projects involving eluting mold casting, multi-layered tissue transplants, and advanced scaffold development.
William Parnell is a Professor of Applied Mathematics at the University of Manchester's School of Mathematics. His research focuses on continuum mechanics, metamaterials, and industrial composites, with applications in soft tissue mechanics and acoustic wave manipulation. He leads the Mathematics of Waves and Materials (MWM) group and co-founded the Manchester Materials Modelling Centre (M3C). He has held roles including EPSRC Fellowship 'NEMESIS' (2014-2019) and its extension, contributing to transformative materials science. Education: BSc Mathematics (First Class), University of Bristol (1996-1999) MSc Mathematical Modelling and Scientific Computing (Distinction), University of Oxford (1999-2000) PhD in Applied Mathematics, University of Manchester (2001-2004) His research interests span elastic wave propagation, cloaking, and viscoelastic modeling. He has pioneered hyperelastic cloaking techniques and developed mathematical methods for metamaterials. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to advanced materials and digital innovation. Key achievements include the 2019 Whitehead Prize and over 80 publications. His grants include funding for microstructured material design and collaborations with Thales UK and the National Physical Laboratory. Grants & Awards: EPSRC Fellowships (NEMESIS and extension) Whitehead Prize (2019) Labs/Teams: MWM Group (focusing on waves and materials) M3C (Manchester Materials Modelling Centre)
Ellen Arruda is the Tim Manganello/BorgWarner Department Chair and Maria Comninou Collegiate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan. She holds joint appointments in Biomedical Engineering and Macromolecular Science and Engineering. Her research bridges biomechanics and materials science, focusing on soft tissue mechanics and polymer behavior. PhD (Mechanical Engineering, MIT, 1992) MS (Engineering Mechanics, Penn State, 1988) BS (Engineering Science, Penn State, 1985) Her research spans biomechanics , soft tissue engineering , and polymer mechanics , with applications to knee ligament replacement , impact-resistant materials , and brain-protective helmets . She utilizes full-field displacement mapping and computational modeling to analyze tissue and polymer responses under extreme conditions. Recent publications emphasize knee ligament characterization , nanocomposite design , and impact mitigation . Her work has attracted major funding from DARPA , NSF , and NIH , among others. National Academy of Engineering (2017) A.C. Eringen Medal (2021) Nadai Medal (2019) Distinguished Faculty Achievement Award (2014) As Principal Investigator of the Soft Tissue and Polymer Mechanics Lab , she leads a team exploring tissue engineering strategies and advanced material solutions. Her lab has developed 3D scaffold-free constructs for bone-ligament interfaces and blast-resistant composites .
