Elsje Alessandra Quadrelli is a researcher at CNRS (French National Center for Scientific Research) affiliated with the IRCELYON laboratories in Lyon, France. She specializes in designing functional materials for sustainable chemistry, particularly focusing on CO 2 photoreduction and atomic layer deposition (ALD) technologies. Her research spans three key areas: (1) MOF-based materials for CO 2 conversion in the POWERCO2 project, (2) ALD/MLD for synthesizing transition metal dichalcogenide thin films, and (3) Situated Green Chemistries , a transdisciplinary framework merging feminist epistemologies with sustainable chemistry to explore alternative futures. Recent publications highlight her expertise in CO 2 photoreduction and hydrogenation MOFs and porous polymers for catalytic applications ALD/MLD for atomic-level material engineering Transdisciplinary approaches to sustainability Her work integrates experimental and computational methods across materials science, surface chemistry, and environmental science. Labs/Teams: IRCELYON (Institut de Recherches sur la Catalyse et l'Environnement de Lyon), where she leads the POWERCO2 targeted project.
Daniel Feezell is an Associate Professor in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at the University of New Mexico (UNM), where he directs the III-nitride Materials and Devices group at the Center for High Technology Materials (CHTM). His research focuses on advanced semiconductor materials and devices, particularly III-nitride based technologies for solid-state lighting, communications, and power applications. Education: Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara (2005) M.S. in Electrical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara (2001) B.S. in Electrical Engineering, University of California, Irvine (2000) Dr. Feezell's research program centers on the epitaxial growth, fabrication, and characterization of group III-nitride materials with emphasis on nonpolar and semipolar orientations. His work spans solid-state lighting, high-efficiency LEDs, III-nitride nanophotonics, superluminescent diodes, visible lasers, and power electronics. Prior to joining UNM, he worked with Nobel Laureate Prof. Shuji Nakamura at UCSB, where his team achieved the first demonstration of a nonpolar GaN-based VCSEL. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strategic focus on overcoming fundamental limitations in green and red nitride LEDs, developing high-speed optoelectronic devices, and creating novel nanophotonic structures for improved light extraction. His work increasingly integrates computational modeling with experimental approaches to address efficiency droop, color stability, and high-speed modulation challenges in semiconductor devices. Scientific Awards: NSF CAREER Award (2015) for GaN-based VCSEL research DARPA Young Faculty Award with Director's Fellowship Extension (2013/2015) Japanese Journal of Applied Physics Paper Award UNM School of Engineering Junior Faculty Research Award (2016) Department of Energy Grant for smart lighting systems development Dr. Feezell has secured significant research funding from multiple federal agencies and serves as the Sources Thrust leader in the Lighting Enabled Systems and Applications Engineering Research Center. His research group actively mentors multiple graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, with strong industry connections and numerous patentable innovations emerging from their work. The III-nitride Materials and Devices laboratory at CHTM features state-of-the-art MOCVD crystal growth equipment, advanced nanofabrication facilities, and comprehensive optical and electrical characterization capabilities. The lab has made pioneering contributions to nonpolar semiconductor technology, including breakthroughs in high-speed LEDs and novel approaches to nanoscale selective-area epitaxy.
Leora Dresselhaus-Marais is an Assistant Professor at Stanford University with appointments in the Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Mechanical Engineering (by courtesy), and Photon Science at SLAC National Accelerator Lab. Her research focuses on modernizing 19th-century materials processing methods through multiscale characterization and modeling, targeting sustainability in steelmaking, metal 3D printing, and critical material extraction. PhD, Physical Chemistry, MIT (2017) BA & MSc, Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania Her work develops ultrafast X-ray microscopy tools (100 fs resolution) to study defect dynamics across length scales—from atomic bonds to blast furnaces. Key projects include sustainable hydrogen-based ironmaking, transonic dislocation propagation in diamond, and mesoscale characterization of additive manufacturing processes. Recent publications highlight operando imaging of laser powder bed fusion, dark-field X-ray microscopy innovations, and defect-driven material behavior under extreme conditions. She received the AFOSR YIP Award (2023) and Stanford fellowships including Gabilan, Terman, and Precourt Center appointments. Advisor to 11 doctoral students Principal Investigator at Stanford PULSE Institute Develops multimodal ultrafast microscopes
Professor Danyang Wang is a distinguished academic in the School of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney), where they currently hold the position of Professor (2025-present). Their academic journey at UNSW spans over 15 years, progressing from Vice-Chancellor's Postdoctoral Fellow (2009-2011) to Lecturer (2011-2017), Senior Lecturer (2017-2019), Associate Professor (2020-2024), and now Professor. They are also recognized as an ARC Future Fellow since 2018, highlighting their significant contributions to materials research. Professor Wang's research focuses on functional oxide thin films for nanoelectronics and energy applications, with specific expertise in thin film technology, functional materials and devices, and micro/nanofabrication techniques. Their work bridges fundamental materials science with practical applications in next-generation electronic and energy systems. With over 160 peer-reviewed journal articles, 6 book chapters, 20 conference papers, and 4 preprints, they have established themselves as a leading researcher in ceramics and materials engineering. Their publication portfolio demonstrates a consistent research trajectory with increasing impact in materials science, particularly in oxide thin films for electronic applications. Recent work shows a strong emphasis on neuromorphic computing, energy-efficient electronics, and sustainable energy solutions through advanced materials design. The interdisciplinary nature of their research connects materials science with electronics, energy, and nanotechnology fields. ARC Future Fellow (2018-present) Professor Wang actively mentors students and researchers in the field of materials science, with their laboratory serving as a hub for advanced thin film research. Their work has significant implications for next-generation electronic devices, energy conversion technologies, and sustainable materials solutions. The research group maintains strong collaborations with industry partners and international research institutions to translate fundamental discoveries into practical applications. Based at the Hilmer Building (Science 239) at UNSW's Kensington campus, Professor Wang's laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for thin film synthesis and characterization, benefiting from UNSW's significant investment in research infrastructure including the Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre.
Olivier Politano is a Professor at the University of Bourgogne's Faculty of Sciences, specializing in atomic-scale simulations of metallic systems. His research is conducted within the Metallurgical Processes, Sustainability, and Materials department, where he focuses on computational materials science with particular emphasis on metal-environment interactions. His research interests span molecular dynamics simulations of metallic systems, corrosion processes, high-temperature oxidation of metals, thin oxide films, and nanometric metallic multilayers. Politano has developed expertise in variable charge molecular dynamics to study how reactive materials behave in different environments, with significant contributions to understanding hydrogen's role in aluminum systems. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent focus on computational modeling of metal-environment interactions, with increasing emphasis on nanostructured materials and additive manufacturing applications. His work bridges fundamental atomic-scale phenomena with practical engineering applications, particularly in corrosion resistance and high-temperature material performance. Politano has supervised 11 PhD theses (with 2 ongoing) and mentored 4 postdoctoral researchers. He has secured substantial research funding through multiple national and international projects, demonstrating his ability to translate theoretical research into funded initiatives with practical applications. His leadership extends beyond research to significant administrative roles, including serving as deputy director of Laboratoire ICB since October 2024 and managing the 5th year of the ESIREM engineering school's Materials and Sustainable Development Department since 2021. He previously served as head of the university's computing center from 2011 to 2016, overseeing a substantial research infrastructure with approximately 8,000 cores.
Prof. Dr. Heidemarie Krüger serves as the Head of the Research Department Photonics and Quantum Detection at the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (Leibniz-IPHT) in Jena, Germany. Her work bridges advanced materials science with applied physics and electronics, focusing on photonic and quantum detection systems. Academic Rank: Professor Email: heidemarie.krueger@leibniz-ipht.de Research Interests span photonics, quantum detection, memristor technology, and nanomaterials. She investigates: Electrochemically grown porous platinum for electrocatalysis and optical applications Resistive switching dynamics in multiferroic thin films Magnetooptical properties of ferromagnetic materials Stability enhancements in organic solar cells via amphiphilic additives Memristor-based security solutions like true random number generators Impedance chip development for biochemical monitoring Recent Publications (2024–2025) highlight her interdisciplinary expertise, with trends in: Magnetotransport phenomena in superconductors Optimization of memristive devices for neuromorphic and cryptographic applications Electrochemical and optical engineering of nanostructured materials Stability mechanisms in renewable energy technologies
Dr. Jonathan Plentz serves as Head of the Photonic Thin Film Systems work group at the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (Leibniz-IPHT) in Jena, Germany, within the Research Department Photonics and Quantum Detection. His research bridges fundamental materials science with practical applications in energy conversion, sensing, and wearable technology through advanced thin film engineering and nanomaterials development. His primary research interests include Photonics , Quantum Detection , and Thin Film Technology , with significant expertise in Graphene Membranes , Perovskite Quantum Dots , and Textile-Based Electronics . Dr. Plentz specializes in developing novel materials for solar energy harvesting, gas separation membranes, and flexible photodetectors using innovative fabrication methods like layer-by-layer deposition and surface engineering techniques. His work frequently addresses interfacial phenomena in heterostructures and photocatalytic processes. Analysis of his recent publication record (2024-2025) reveals a strong emphasis on textile-integrated optoelectronic systems and advanced membrane technologies for industrial applications. Key trends include surface engineering of nanomaterials for enhanced device performance, development of non-destructive characterization methods with nanometer resolution, and exploration of novel heterostructures for energy conversion. His collaborative research spans chemistry, physics, and engineering disciplines with applications in renewable energy, environmental monitoring, and medical diagnostics. Dr. Plentz leads the Photonic Thin Film Systems group, which specializes in developing thin film solutions for photonic applications on unconventional substrates. The group's current research focuses on solar fabrics, textile actuators, and high-performance separation membranes, with significant contributions to flexible and wearable electronics through innovations in graphene membranes, perovskite quantum dots, and origami nanostructures.
Dr. Lu Gan is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering at Brunel University London, within the College of Engineering, Design, and Physical Sciences. She earned her B.Eng and M.Eng in Electronic and Information Engineering from Southeast University, China, in 1998 and 2000, followed by a Ph.D. in Information Engineering from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, in 2004. Before joining Brunel in 2008, she held faculty positions at the University of Newcastle, Australia (2004-2006) and the University of Liverpool, UK (2006-2007). Her research spans fundamental signal processing theories, machine learning, and applications in image/video coding, non-destructive terahertz/ultrasound imaging, wireless communications, and sparse antenna arrays. Education: B.Eng (Electronic and Information Engineering), Southeast University, China (1998) M.Eng (Electronic and Information Engineering), Southeast University, China (2000) Ph.D (Information Engineering), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (2004) Her research focuses on structured sparse signal processing for infrared/terahertz systems, super-resolution in non-destructive imaging, deep learning for terahertz data, non-orthogonal pilot design for 5G systems, and separation of singing voice from music. She has secured funding from EPSRC, Innovate UK, BBSRC, UK Atomic Energy Authority, and TWI. She actively contributes to academic service as an Associate Editor for IEEE Signal Processing Letters, IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems-I, and as a Meta Reviewer for ICASSP 2025. Her work has been recognized with a Best Paper Award from the Journal of The British Blockchain Association in 2022 and a Gold Medal at the IEEE Audio and Acoustic Signal Processing Challenge (DCASE) in 2022. Dr. Gan also serves as a reviewer for top journals like IEEE Transactions on Information Theory and IEEE Transactions on Signal Processing, and participates in grant panels for the Royal Society and EPSRC. Recent publications emphasize cross-domain speech enhancement architectures, terahertz data reconstruction via spatio-temporal dictionary learning, and coprime array designs using Chinese remaindering over quadratic fields. Her work bridges compressive sensing, lattice structures, and practical applications in healthcare and communication systems. She is a Senior Member of IEEE, Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (UK), and actively contributes to departmental leadership as Course Director for MSc Wireless Communication Systems, Level 3 Coordinator, and Social Media Administrator.
Amir Arbabi is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He leads the Photonics Laboratory, focusing on experimental and theoretical research in flat optics, photonic integrated circuits, and high-contrast transmitarray metasurfaces. His work bridges nanophotonics and practical applications in wearable electronics, biomedical sensing, and industrial equipment. Education: PhD, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign MSc, University of Waterloo BSc, University of Tehran Postdoc/Research Scientist, Caltech Research Interests: Dr. Arbabi's group develops miniaturized optical systems with planar form factors. Their projects include visible metalenses with high focusing efficiency, dispersive metasurface systems, and vertical integration platforms for active devices like lasers and modulators. They emphasize scalable manufacturing techniques such as nanoimprint lithography and atomic layer deposition. Recent Trends: His publications highlight advancements in metalens fabrication (2023), dispersion control via cascaded metasurfaces (2022), and scalable manufacturing of photonic components (2021–2023). Collaborative work spans materials engineering (TiO2, Si3N4), quantum photonics, and THz metasurfaces. Scientific Awards: Best ECE Junior Faculty award (2021) K. C. Yeh Endowed Fellowship (2013) Nick and Katherine Holonyak, Jr. Graduate Fellowships (2011–2012) Advising: Actively recruiting graduate students with backgrounds in electromagnetics, nanofabrication, or optoelectronics. Current advisees include Babak Mirzapourbeinekalaye, Ayyoub Dehmollaian, and Maryam Ghahremani. Former students like Mahdad Mansouree (now at Lumentum Operations LLC) and Andrew McClung (Raytheon Technologies) highlight his lab's industry impact.
Joakim Brorsson is a Materials Science PhD researcher at Halmstad University's School of Information Technology, specializing in environmental impact analysis of semiconductor nanofabrication processes. His work centers on Atomic Layer Etch Pitch Splitting (APS) technology developed by AlixLabs AB. Brorsson's research focuses on quantifying energy consumption, water usage, and greenhouse gas emissions in semiconductor manufacturing. His current VINNOVA project 'Ultraprecise Semiconductor Nanofabrication For Nanoelectronics With Minimal Environmental Footprint' represents a critical industry-academia collaboration targeting sustainable nanoelectronics production. His technical expertise spans: Environmental lifecycle assessment of nanofabrication APS process optimization for resource efficiency Greenhouse gas emission modeling Water consumption metrics in cleanroom environments Brorsson maintains active collaboration with AlixLabs AB while operating under Halmstad University's research framework. His work directly addresses semiconductor industry's sustainability challenges through empirical measurement and process refinement.
Dave Johnson is a Professor of Chemistry at Oregon State University's College of Science, leading pioneering research at the interface of chemistry and physics. His group specializes in synthesizing novel nanostructured and kinetically stable extended solids through controlled precursor design, with applications in semiconductor technology and thermoelectric materials. He co-founded the NSF-funded Center for Sustainable Materials Chemistry in 2008, enabling low-temperature device fabrication and waste reduction in electronics manufacturing. Johnson's research portfolio spans Materials Chemistry , Solid State Chemistry , and Nanomaterials , focusing on structure-property relationships in layered heterostructures. His breakthrough synthesis approach—controlling composition and diffusion lengths in precursors—enabled discovery of tungsten diselenide with record-low thermal conductivity (Science, 2007). Recent work explores van der Waals bilayers, transition metal dichalcogenide alloys, and metastable compound synthesis through collaborations with Argonne National Laboratory, University of Illinois, and Germany's Fraunhofer Institute. His 2023-2025 publications reveal dual trajectories: materials science breakthroughs in nucleation-limited phase formation and interlayer interactions, alongside unexpected clinical collaborations in mental health and hepatology. Key materials themes include turbostratic disorder engineering, thermoelectric optimization in 2D heterostructures, and solution-based semiconductor synthesis. The clinical work—while divergent from his core expertise—demonstrates interdisciplinary reach through the UNWIRED mental health project and cystic fibrosis drug studies. Johnson's major achievement is directing the NSF Chemical Innovation Center, which established a transformational platform for sustainable electronics manufacturing. Though specific personal awards aren't documented here, his ultralow-thermal-conductivity discovery represents landmark contributions to materials physics with industrial applications in phase-change memory and thermal management. He mentors graduate researchers in Oregon State's chemistry program while securing major grants including the $20M NSF Center award. His collaborative network spans semiconductor industry partners, national laboratories (Argonne), and international institutes including Germany's Fraunhofer. Current work focuses on ferecrystal heterostructures and equilibrium-based carrier concentration control for next-generation electronic materials. Johnson's laboratory pioneers the 'modulated elemental reactants' technique for synthesizing metastable compounds not found in bulk phases. His team's atomic-resolution defect analysis and in-situ nucleation studies—conducted with synchrotron facilities—enable precise engineering of thermoelectric and magnetic properties in layered materials.
Professor Rachel A Oliver is a leading academic in the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy at the University of Cambridge . She holds the title of Professor and serves as Principal Investigator for the Cambridge Centre for Gallium Nitride . Educational Background: MEng in Engineering and Materials Science, University of Oxford DPhil in Materials Science, University of Oxford Research Focus centers on GaN-based optoelectronic materials , particularly quantum light sources and device materials for optoelectronics . Her work spans applications in LEDs , power electronics , quantum cryptography , and solar cells . Recent Publications highlight advancements in cubic GaN structures , defect analysis in nitride materials, and efficiency optimization in photovoltaics. Awards and Fellowships: Royal Society University Research Fellow (2006-2011) Leverhulme Trust / Royal Academy of Engineers Senior Research Fellowship (2015-2016) She actively supervises graduate researchers including John Jarman , Helen Springbett , and Peter Griffin , and contributes to undergraduate teaching in materials science at Cambridge.
Prof. Dr. Bernd Smarsly leads the Smarsly AG at Justus Liebig University Giessen, affiliated with the Institute of Physical Chemistry . His research focuses on advanced materials for energy storage, catalysis, and sol-gel-based thin films. The group collaborates internationally, as seen in Lysander Wagner's research stay at Kansai University in Japan. Students: Paul P. Debes, Matteo Crisci, Felix Badaczewski, Rüdiger Ellinghaus, Melanie Pagel, Frederik Breckwoldt, Christian Bauer, Raoul Brand, Luca Cartabia, Chantal Glatthaar, Aline Trommer, Lysander Wagner, Norman Zweig. Former Staff: Dr. Stefanie Waitz, Dr. Christian Reitz, Dr. Laemthong Chuenchom, Dr. Teresa Gatti, and others. Research Interests: The group explores materials science , physical chemistry , and nanotechnology , with a focus on porous materials, sol-gel processes, and electrochemical energy systems. Recent projects include optimizing graphitic single-atom catalysts for batteries and developing mesoporous carbons for sodium-ion anodes. Scientific Trends: The group's recent articles highlight advancements in nanostructured materials , energy storage , and electrocatalysis . Collaborations with experts like Prof. Hiromitsu Kozuka at Kansai University and Prof. Teresa Gatti (now at Politecnico di Torino) underscore their interdisciplinary impact. Labs & Collaborations: The group operates within the Center for Materials Research (ZfM) at Giessen and engages in international exchanges, including the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting . Their work bridges fundamental research with practical applications in energy and materials science.
Oksana Banakh is a Full Professor at Haute Ecole Arc - Ingénierie, specializing in Surface Engineering. Her work focuses on vacuum surface treatments and thin film characterization for industrial, biomedical, and sustainable applications. She leads the Surface Engineering competence group and has extensive experience in Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) and Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) technologies. PhD in Chemistry Postdoc at EPFL (2002) Current affiliation: Haute Ecole Arc - Ingénierie Her research spans three key areas: Biomedical Coatings (TiO2 layers for implants), Additive Manufacturing (3D-printed Nitinol stents), and Sustainable Surface Treatments (eco-friendly extraction methods). She pioneered HIPIMS-based PVD processes for optical components and developed CO2 cleaning techniques for industrial heritage conservation. Current projects include RASOL (solar steel recycling) and EXTRA-Ag (green solvent extraction of precious metals). Past projects involved optimizing surface treatments for titanium alloys (TRIBO-HP), enhancing micro-mold durability (ALD technology), and improving nitinol implant fabrication (NITINOL-AM). She collaborates with institutions like Université de Genève, UTBM, and industry partners including Stryker SA and PANATERE SA. Her work demonstrates cross-disciplinary innovation in materials science, biomedical engineering, and sustainable manufacturing.
Dr.-Ing. Stefan Kleszczynski is a researcher at the University of Duisburg-Essen, Faculty of Engineering Sciences, Institute for Product Engineering. He leads the Rapid Technologie Center (RTC) and focuses on additive manufacturing, particularly laser powder bed fusion (PBF-LB/M) of metallic glasses and advanced materials. Research Interests: His work spans materials science, process optimization, and quality assurance in additive manufacturing. Key areas include bulk metallic glasses, in-situ process monitoring, thermal analysis, and simulation. He investigates structural defects, mechanical properties, and industrial applications of PBF-LB/M. Recent Publications highlight advancements in electrocatalysis with 3D-printed nickel electrodes, thermal monitoring via phosphor thermometry, and isotropy enhancement through ultrasonic assistance. His studies on Ni62Nb38 and Zr-based metallic glasses emphasize overcoming traditional manufacturing limitations. Collaborations include institutions like the Center for Nanointegration Duisburg-Essen (CENIDE), Materials Chain, and industry groups such as DIN NA 145-04 FBR Additive Manufacturing. He contributes to standardization efforts and industrial partnerships in additive technologies.
