Ruben Juanes is a Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences at MIT. His research focuses on multiphase flow in porous media, energy resources, and CO₂ sequestration. He holds appointments in both departments and has a strong interdisciplinary focus on geosciences and environmental engineering. His work bridges theory, simulation, and experimentation to address energy and environmental challenges. Education: Ingeniero de Caminos (Civil Engineering), University of La Coruña, Spain (1997) MS in Civil Engineering, UC Berkeley (1999) PhD in Civil Engineering, UC Berkeley (2003) Research interests emphasize fluid dynamics in geologic media, especially CO₂ storage, methane hydrates, and ecohydrology. His group develops computational models to predict large-scale Earth processes, with applications to carbon capture and storage, energy resource management, and subsurface engineering. Notable contributions include advancing understanding of fluid displacement mechanisms, capillary trapping in aquifers, and induced seismicity risks during CO₂ injection. His work has been recognized through awards like the APS Fellowship (2024), DOE Early Career Award (2010), and ARCO Energy Professorship (2008). Advising and Grants: Juanes advises graduate students in CEE and EAPS, focusing on thesis research in multiphase flow and geomechanics. His grants include NSF and DOE funding for projects on subsurface energy systems and induced seismicity. His lab, the Juanes Research Group, collaborates on experimental facilities like the FluidFlower CO₂ storage simulator. Labs/Teams: Active in MIT's Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) initiatives and the MIT Energy Initiative (MITEI). Collaborates with industry partners on field-scale CO₂ storage validation and subsurface monitoring technologies.
Laurent Demanet is a Professor of Applied Mathematics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), with a primary appointment in the Department of Mathematics and a joint appointment in Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences (EAPS). He served as Director of MIT’s Earth Resources Laboratory from 2018 to 2024, focusing on seismic imaging and wave propagation to visualize Earth's subsurface structures. Undergraduate: Mathematical Engineering and Theoretical Physics, Université de Louvain, Belgium PhD: Applied and Computational Mathematics, California Institute of Technology (Caltech), 2006 (advisor: Emmanuel Candès, William P. Carey Prize for best dissertation in mathematical sciences) Postdoctoral: Szegö Assistant Professorship, Stanford University (2006-2009) His research centers on applied mathematics and scientific computing for geophysics, particularly inverse problems, wave propagation, and signal processing. He develops numerical algorithms and machine learning tools to analyze indirect, incomplete, and noisy data, enabling accurate subsurface modeling for environmental monitoring, carbon sequestration, hydrogen storage, and geothermal energy. His work also addresses seismic hazards induced by resource exploration and storage activities. Scientific awards and honors include: National Science Foundation CAREER Award (2012) Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship (2011) Air Force Young Investigator Award (2011) MIT Class of 1954 Career Development Professorship (2013-2016) As Director of MIT’s Earth Resources Laboratory and through his research group, Demanet has advanced computational methods for geophysical imaging, mentored students, and secured grants for interdisciplinary projects. His work bridges applied mathematics, computational science, and geophysics to solve pressing environmental and energy challenges. He leads research on subsurface visualization, integrating machine learning and numerical algorithms to improve seismic imaging and quantify predictive uncertainty. His lab's applications span natural hazard assessment, resource management, and sustainable energy solutions.
Kyros Kutulakos is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Toronto, where he leads research in computational imaging and 3D sensing. His affiliations include the Toronto Computational Imaging Group, Computer Vision Group, Dynamic Graphics Project (DGP), and Vector Institute Group. He teaches graduate and undergraduate courses such as CSC320 (Introduction to Visual Computing) and CSC2530 (Computational Imaging & 3D Sensing). His research interests span computational imaging, non-line-of-sight imaging, single-photon detectors, 3D sensing, and neural rendering. Notable contributions include advancements in structured-light imaging, time-of-flight systems, and super-oscillatory microscopy. He has advised numerous PhD and MSc students, fostering cutting-edge research in imaging technologies. Kutulakos has received prestigious awards, including the Dean’s Research Excellence Award (2023) and multiple best paper prizes (e.g., Marr Prize at ICCV 2023). He has served as program chair for ICCV 2013, ICCP 2010, and CVPR 2003, contributing to academic leadership in computer vision. His work bridges optics, photonics, and computation, with applications in autonomous systems, medical imaging, and astronomy. Current research focuses on extreme imaging scenarios, such as imaging in pitch-black environments and around corners, leveraging novel sensor designs and computational techniques.
Maj Keith A. Wyman, PhD is a researcher affiliated with the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), specializing in quantum optics and atmospheric photonics. His work focuses on photonic qubit propagation, atmospheric turbulence effects, and laser-based quantum technologies. He holds a PhD in Applied Physics from AFIT (2023), an M.S. in Applied Physics (2014), and dual B.S. degrees in Physics and Mathematics from the United States Air Force Academy (2012). Wyman’s research interests include developing atmospheric turbulence simulators, studying quantum communication protocols, and advancing laser technologies for free-space optical networks. His recent publications address photon pair indistinguishability, qubit degradation under turbulence, and sodium beacon systems for adaptive optics. He collaborates with institutions like Ohio State University’s Center for Quantum Information Science and Engineering. His academic contributions span conferences such as SPIE and FQMT, with a focus on experimental quantum systems and optical metrology. Wyman’s work bridges theoretical quantum mechanics with applied engineering solutions for military and civilian optical communication challenges.
Simon Birrer is an Assistant Professor in Physics and Astronomy at Stony Brook University, specializing in cosmology and gravitational lensing. He holds a PhD from ETH Zurich (2016) and previously served as Kavli Fellow at Stanford University. Birrer leads research probing dark matter and dark energy using gravitational lensing phenomena. His group develops computational tools for analyzing strong gravitational lensing data to study cosmic expansion and dark matter distribution. Research areas include time-delay cosmography, Hubble constant measurements, and machine learning applications in astrophysics. Recent publications focus on multi-messenger gravitational lensing (2025), LSST survey applications (2025), and AI-powered lens modeling pipelines (2025). His work consistently addresses fundamental cosmological tensions like the Hubble constant discrepancy. Awards: Kavli Postdoctoral Fellowship (2019-2022) Kugelpyramide Lifetime Achievement Award Experimental Innovation Award (ETH Zurich) Research Group: Leads the SBU Strong Lensing group with 9+ graduate students and postdocs. The group participates in major collaborations including LSST Strong Lensing Science Collaboration (co-chair), LSST Dark Energy Science Collaboration, and TDCOSMO.
Peter A. Raymond is the Oastler Professor of Biogeochemistry at Yale University's School of the Environment and Department of Geology and Geophysics. He serves as Senior Associate Dean of Research & Director of Doctoral Studies and is Co-Director of the Yale Center for Natural Carbon Capture. Raymond leads the Raymond Biogeochemistry Lab, which investigates the biogeochemistry of inland waters, enhanced weathering, methane cycling, and blue carbon systems through cutting-edge field, laboratory, and modeling approaches. Education B.S., Marist College Ph.D., College of William and Mary/Virginia Institute of Marine Science Research Focus Raymond's research fundamentally reshapes our understanding of carbon cycling in aquatic systems, demonstrating that rivers serve as dynamic conduits rather than passive pipes in the global carbon cycle. His work examines how biology and watershed variables alter carbon chemistry in streams, rivers, and estuaries, with particular emphasis on understanding global carbon cycles in relation to climate change. Raymond employs radiocarbon measurements to explore the age and turnover of carbon in aquatic ecosystems, revealing that rivers are variable sources of both old and young terrestrial dissolved organic carbon to oceans. The Raymond Lab is particularly known for developing the Pulse-Shunt Concept, which challenges traditional views of riverine biogeochemistry by emphasizing the episodic and dynamic nature of elemental fluxes. Current research directions include enhanced weathering and alkalinity studies for carbon removal, global greenhouse gas budgets through projects like RECCAP 2, natural methane cycling in aquatic systems, and blue carbon ecosystems such as mangroves and salt marshes. Publication Trends Raymond's recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate a strong focus on global carbon and methane cycling, with particular attention to inland water systems' role in the Earth's climate system. His work increasingly integrates large-scale datasets with field measurements to understand how climate change and human activities affect greenhouse gas emissions from rivers and streams. A significant portion of his recent work contributes to international efforts like the Global Carbon Project, aiming to refine estimates of global carbon and methane fluxes. His research also shows growing emphasis on carbon removal strategies, particularly enhanced rock weathering through the Earthshot-funded GOAL-A project, and their potential for climate mitigation. Scientific Recognition Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science Member of the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering Coastal and Estuarine Research Federations Cronin Award for Young Scientists ISI highly cited author Past Editor and Chief of the American Geophysical Union's journal Global Biogeochemical Cycles Mentorship and Funding Professor Raymond currently mentors four doctoral students (Jon Gewirtzman, Shou-En "Samuel" Tsao, Benjamin Saalidong, and Mingyu Zhang) and masters student Bella Garrioch. His research is supported by multiple grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF), including CAREER awards, and participation in the Earthshot-funded GOAL-A (Global Ocean And Land Alkalinization) project. Raymond has also been involved in significant collaborative projects with USGS data to research how climate and land use change alter carbon export from US watersheds, and with Lamont Doherty to develop methods for measuring air-sea gas exchange of CO2 in rivers and estuaries. Research Infrastructure The Raymond Biogeochemistry Lab at Yale is a dynamic research group comprising research scientists, postdocs, doctoral and masters students, and postgraduate researchers. The lab recently acquired a Mini Carbon Dating System (MICADAS) at Yale, significantly expanding their research capabilities in ecosystem carbon turnover and verification of natural climate solutions. The lab collaborates globally on projects in the Arctic, Hudson River, and middle Atlantic Bight, and is actively involved in the NASA Carbon Monitoring System BlueFlux field campaign to assess carbon exchange in coastal wetlands.
Dawn Y. Sumner is a Professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at the University of California, Davis. Her research focuses on geobiology, paleobiology, and planetary science, particularly reconstructing ancient environments on Earth and Mars. She is a key member of NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory team, contributing to the Curiosity rover’s exploration of Gale Crater on Mars. Sumner’s work integrates field studies, lab analyses, and interdisciplinary approaches to understand microbial life’s role in shaping Earth’s history and potential habitability on other planets. Education: Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1995). Research interests include microbialite formation, Antarctic lake ecosystems, and the evolution of oxygenic photosynthesis. She investigates modern microbial communities in ice-covered lakes (e.g., Lake Vanda) to understand ancient environments and their biosignatures. Her scientific awards include the California Academy of Sciences Academy Fellow (2020) and Geological Society of America Fellow (2014). Sumner emphasizes inclusive education and supports student success in STEM through feminist research practices. Labs/Teams: W.M. Keck Center for Active Visualization in the Earth Sciences (KeckCAVES), Antarctic Lake Research Group.
Professor Hendrik Vollmer is a faculty member in the Accounting Group at Warwick Business School , University of Warwick, since 2020. He previously served as Head of the Accounting Division at the University of Leicester (2015–2020) and worked at Bielefeld University in Germany for 16 years. His research bridges accounting, sociology, and environmental studies, focusing on accounting as a social practice and its role in addressing ecological challenges. Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy Associate Editor of European Accounting Review Member of editorial boards for Zeitschrift für Soziologie, Accounting, Organizations and Society, and Social and Environmental Accountability Journal Active in sustainability accounting research and education Contributor to interdisciplinary accounting literature Recent publications explore accounting's role in climate change mitigation, public value creation, and the spatialization of worth. His teaching modules include Accounting for Sustainability, People, Planet and Financial Accounting: Theory and Context .
Tapio Schneider is the Theodore Y. Wu Professor of Environmental Science and Engineering at the California Institute of Technology. His research focuses on atmospheric dynamics across Earth and other planets, climate modeling innovations, and geophysical turbulence analysis. He contributes to the Climate Modeling Alliance (CliMA) and develops advanced computational tools for climate prediction. Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg (Vordiplom, 1993) Princeton University (M.Sc. 1997, Ph.D. 2001) University of Washington, Seattle (Visiting Graduate Student, 1994-1995) His research spans climate dynamics , atmospheric turbulence , and AI-enhanced climate modeling , addressing challenges in cloud dynamics, extreme weather patterns, and planetary climate systems. Current work emphasizes hybrid machine learning-physical models and computational acceleration for high-resolution simulations. Recent publications highlight trends in AI integration for climate science, with applications in hydrology , cloud microphysics , ocean circulation , snowpack modeling , and climate tipping points . His team develops open-source tools like ClimateMachine for GPU-accelerated simulations. Scientific Recognition: Fellow, American Geophysical Union (2022) Rosenstiel Award (2019) World Economic Forum Young Scientist (2012) David and Lucile Packard Fellow (2005-2010) Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellow (2004-2006) Tapio leads climate dynamics research at Caltech, directs the Linde Center for Global Environmental Science (2011-2012), and serves as Editor for the Journal of Advances in Modeling Earth Systems . His group collaborates with NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (2016-2024) and Google Research (2022-present).
James K. Russell is a Full Professor in Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences at The University of British Columbia, where he has been faculty since 1999. He directs the Volcanology and Petrology Laboratory and maintains an active research program in volcanology and petrology with significant international collaborations including appointments at LMU Munich, University of Torino, and Monash University. His educational background includes a Ph.D. (1984) and M.Sc. (1980) from the University of Calgary, and a B.Sc.(H) (1976) from the University of Manitoba. He previously worked at Cominco Exploration Ltd in Vernon, British Columbia before joining UBC. Russell's research focuses on understanding magmatic processes through multiple approaches. His primary interests include glaciovolcanism as a tool for paleoclimate reconstruction, predictive modeling of magma transport properties, and high-temperature rock mechanics experiments. His work bridges theoretical modeling with field observations, particularly in the Canadian Cordillera. He has developed influential models for magma viscosity that are widely cited in the volcanology community. His publication record shows consistent high-impact research over several decades, with recent work focusing on ultramafic melt viscosity, kimberlite transport mechanisms, and glaciovolcanic interactions. The research demonstrates a strong emphasis on quantitative approaches combining thermodynamics, rheology, and field-based observations to solve fundamental problems in volcanology. Scientific Awards: 2024 Research Award of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, LMU, Munich, Germany 2022 DAAD Research Stay for Visiting Academics Scholarship (3 months) 2019 Visiting Professorship, University Roma Tre 2019 Visiting Fellow at Centre for Advanced Studies, University of Munich 2016 Fellow of Mineralogical Society of America 2013 NSERC Discovery Accelerator Supplement Award 2010 Career Achievement Medal, Volcanology Division, Geological Association of Canada 2008 Peacock Medal, Mineralogical Association of Canada Russell has served in numerous editorial and professional capacities, including as Co-Editor-in-Chief for Journal of Volcanology & Geothermal Research (2016-2022), Associate Editor for multiple prominent journals, and as evaluator for research grants including ERC Consolidator grants and NSERC competitions. He has provided media consultation for National Geographic and Nova/Pioneer Productions. He maintains active laboratory facilities for volcanology and petrology research at UBC, with equipment for high-temperature experiments and magma rheology studies. His research group collaborates internationally with institutions in Germany, Italy, and Australia, reflecting his extensive network built through sabbatical visits and visiting professorships.
Jennifer Wilcox is the Presidential Distinguished Professor of Chemical Engineering and Energy Policy at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Engineering and Applied Science. She holds the James H. Manning Chair and directs the Clean Energy Conversions Lab, which focuses on carbon management strategies to mitigate climate change. Wilcox also served as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management at the U.S. Department of Energy from January 2021. Her research spans carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), direct air capture (DAC), mineral carbonization, life cycle assessment, and techno-economic analysis of carbon management technologies. Wilcox's work examines both mitigation and adaptation strategies to minimize negative climate impacts associated with society's dependence on fossil fuels. She takes a multi-perspective approach that includes experimental work, materials characterization, geo-spatial analyses, systems modeling, and techno-economic analysis while considering environmental and social contexts. Wilcox's research has been featured in major publications including the first textbook on Carbon Capture and Storage, the California Getting to Neutral report, the CDR primer, Greenhouse Gas Removal Technologies, the State of CDR Volume 2, and the Roads to Removal report. Her work has received recognition including the DOE Secretary's Achievement Award for contributions to the Getting to Neutral report. Secretary's Achievement Award for work on the Getting to Neutral Report Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (2021) Author of the first textbook on Carbon Capture and Storage Lead contributor to the California Getting to Neutral report Co-author of the CDR primer with nearly 40 subject matter experts Wilcox mentors several PhD candidates and research associates including Maxwell Pisciotta, Shelvey Swett, Hélène Pilorgé, Shrey Patel, Aline Uwase, Katherine Vaz Gomes, and Abby Lunstrum. Her lab examines various carbon management strategies from technology development to deployment optimization, with a focus on maximizing climate change mitigation while minimizing adverse social and environmental impacts. The Clean Energy Conversions Lab tracks public funding for carbon management projects across the United States and analyzes lessons from recent legislation like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act to identify opportunities for carbon management.
Albert Presto is a Research Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University with a courtesy appointment in Civil and Environmental Engineering. He serves as Director of the Center for Atmospheric Particle Studies (CAPS) and is a Faculty Affiliate at the Steinbrenner Institute for Environmental Education and Research. His work spans multiple interdisciplinary collaborations across environmental science, engineering, and public health domains. Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering Center for Atmospheric Particle Studies (CAPS) Steinbrenner Institute for Environmental Education and Research Africa Clean Air Network Advisory Council Health Effect Institute's Energy Review Committee Presto's research focuses on pollutant emissions from energy extraction and consumption and their subsequent atmospheric transformations. His work examines how gas and oil wells emit methane, how vehicles emit carbon monoxide and particulate matter, and how these pollutants undergo oxidation in the atmosphere to create secondary pollutants like ozone and secondary particulate matter. His approach combines ambient measurements, laboratory experiments, source testing of pollution sources, and atmospheric models to provide a holistic view of pollutant emissions and transformations. His recent publications reveal a strong emphasis on air quality monitoring technologies, particularly low-cost sensor networks deployed internationally. There's a clear trend toward studying air pollution in African cities (especially Nairobi, Kampala, and Addis Ababa), examining spatial and temporal variability of particulate matter, and investigating the health impacts of air pollution exposure. His work increasingly integrates machine learning approaches for pollution forecasting and leverages international collaborations to address global air quality challenges. Member of Africa Clean Air Network Advisory Council Collaborator with US embassies worldwide on air quality data collection Quoted in The Guardian on inequality of air pollution exposure, specifically noting how people of color are more likely to be exposed to harmful air pollution Collaborated on research regarding chemicals released during the Ohio train derailment Presto actively collaborates with medical professionals to develop neighborhood-by-neighborhood studies of pollutant exposure and to understand relationships between emissions and health effects like childhood asthma. His work includes investigating racial-ethnic exposure disparities to airborne pollutants and examining how proximity to pollution sources like fast-food restaurants affects pediatric asthma outcomes. He has received seed funding from the Scott Institute for Energy Innovation for research in clean hydrogen production, AI hardware efficiency, and decarbonizing transportation. As Director of CAPS, Presto leads a research team focused on atmospheric particle studies with applications ranging from local Pittsburgh air quality to global monitoring initiatives. His lab develops and deploys advanced air quality monitoring technologies, including low-cost sensor networks that have been implemented in multiple cities across Africa. The CAPS research group works at the intersection of environmental engineering, atmospheric science, and public health to address critical air quality challenges worldwide.
Barbara J. Turpin, PhD, is a Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. She specializes in aerosol science, atmospheric chemistry, and environmental engineering, with a focus on linking air pollution emissions to human exposure risks. Her research integrates laboratory experiments, chemical modeling, and field studies to advance public health protection strategies. Dr. Turpin holds a BS from the California Institute of Technology and a PhD from OGI at Oregon Health and Science University. Her work has contributed to understanding organic particulate formation, indoor-outdoor air pollution dynamics, and the health impacts of PM2.5. She currently serves on the EPA’s Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC) and is an Associate Editor of Environmental Science and Technology . Her research highlights include studies on aerosol chemistry in clouds, PM2.5 exposure disparities, and regulatory model development. Key awards include the Haagen-Smit Prize (2009) and AAAS Fellowship (2011). She actively advises on EPA air quality standards and collaborates with faculty in atmospheric chemistry and public health at UNC.
Prof. Richard L. Peters is a Professor and Head of the Chair of Tree Growth and Wood Physiology at the Technische Universität München (TUM) since 2024. His research focuses on tree physiology, wood formation, and climate-forest interactions. He holds a doctorate summa cum laude from the University of Basel (2018) and has conducted postdoctoral research at the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest Science (WSL) and Ghent University. His work integrates forest ecology, dendrochronology, and ecophysiology to address climate change impacts on forests. Education: B.Sc./M.Sc. in Biology at Utrecht University, Ph.D. from University of Basel (2018). Key career steps include a Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) fellowship at Ghent University and coordination of the Swiss Canopy Crane II project (2021). Research Interests: Tree water-use strategies, drought tolerance mechanisms, carbon allocation dynamics, and the physiological basis of tree growth. He leads interdisciplinary projects to monitor forest responses to environmental stress using tools like the TreeNet network. Awards: Early Postdoc Mobility Fellowship (SNSF, 2019), Doctorate summa cum laude (2018). Contributions: Authored >180 publications, co-developed the datacleanr R package for ecological data processing, and pioneered methods linking tree-ring data with climate models. His work emphasizes the need for better observational data to improve vegetation models.
Dr Henry Moss is a Researcher at the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics within the School of Physical Sciences at the University of Cambridge. His work focuses on machine learning applications in climate modeling, Bayesian optimization, and Gaussian processes, bridging computational mathematics with environmental science and chemistry. His research interests include: Bayesian optimization for environmental and chemical systems Reinforcement learning in climate modeling Gaussian processes for molecular property prediction High-throughput machine learning in scientific domains Interpretable AI for coastal flooding prediction Hybrid ML-physics modeling Dr Moss's publications highlight his contributions to federated learning for climate models, sparse Gaussian process techniques, and multi-objective optimization frameworks. These works span applications in weather prediction, chemical engineering, and oceanography. Email: hwm26@cam.ac.uk
