Dr. Tadas Balciunas is a Lecturer at the Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences at ETH Zurich, affiliated with the Laboratory of Physical Chemistry. His research focuses on ultrafast physical chemistry processes studied through advanced spectroscopic techniques. Research interests center on physical chemistry and chemical physics, particularly ultrafast molecular dynamics and spectroscopy. Key areas include electronic dynamics in solutions, high-harmonic generation in condensed phases, proton transfer mechanisms, and laser-matter interactions. Experimental approaches frequently employ cutting-edge techniques like X-ray spectroscopy and time-resolved coincidence methods. The publication record demonstrates strong focus on ultrafast phenomena across physical chemistry and optics. Recent work explores electron dynamics at conical intersections, proton transfer in aqueous systems, and advanced laser techniques for harmonic generation. Studies frequently combine experimental methods with theoretical simulations to investigate molecular processes at femtosecond timescales.
Mark Brongersma is a Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Stanford University. He earned his PhD from the FOM Institute in Amsterdam (1998) and was a postdoctoral fellow at Caltech (1998-2001). His research focuses on nanostructured materials for electronic and photonic devices, with contributions to plasmonics, metamaterials, and solar energy conversion. He leads the Light-Matter Interaction (LMI) EFRC team, developing nanostructures for solar energy applications and advanced photonic materials. Research Interests: Brongersma's work spans nanophotonics, plasmonic devices, and optoelectronic metamaterials. His group explores light-matter interactions at the nanoscale, with applications in energy, imaging, and sensing. Key projects include 3D printing at microscale, plasmon-enhanced upconversion, and metasurface-based optical devices. Publications: His recent work highlights innovations in ultrathin optical devices, quantum innovation principles, and optical transparency in biological systems. Publications span high-impact journals like Science , Nano Letters , and Nature Photonics , reflecting a focus on transformative optical technologies. Awards: Recipient of the NSF Career Award, Gores Teaching Award, and Sackler Prize for plasmonics. He is a Fellow of OSA, SPIE, and the American Physical Society. Students & Labs: Advises a dynamic group of PhD/Master’s students and postdocs, including alumni like Nayeun Lee (PhD 2023) and Jiho Hong. The LMI EFRC team collaborates across institutions to advance solar energy conversion and nanophotonic systems.
Dr. Bolin Liao is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) , affiliated with the College of Engineering. His research focuses on nanoscale energy transport phenomena and their applications in sustainable energy technologies. He leads the Transport for Energy Applications Laboratory (TEALab), which develops advanced experimental and computational tools to study energy conversion at atomic scales. Education: PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) BS in Microelectronics, Tsinghua University Research Interests: Nanoscale energy transport in electronic/photonic materials Thermoelectric and photovoltaic device optimization Ultrafast optical/electron microscopy (SUEM, TDTR) Multiscale simulation of carrier interactions Applied clean energy systems design Awards: Young Investigator Awards (ONR, AFOSR) Early Career Awards (DOE, NSF) Hellman Family Faculty Fellowship Advising & Grants: Actively mentoring graduate students and postdocs in mechanical engineering, materials science, and physics. Current funding includes major grants from NSF, DOE, and ONR. Lab opportunities available for undergraduates, graduate students, and visiting scholars. Lab Activities: TEALab operates at the intersection of fundamental physics and applied engineering, with projects spanning computational modeling (first-principles simulations), experimental techniques (ultrafast microscopy), and device prototyping for clean energy applications.
Peter Rakitzis is a Professor at the Department of Physics, University of Crete, and affiliated with FORTH/IESL. He holds an ERC Starting Grant (2008) for the TRICEPS project. His research focuses on spin-polarized particles, molecular photodissociation dynamics, and quantum mechanics applications in plasma and fusion physics. Education: Ph.D. from Stanford University (1997), specializing in atomic and molecular angular momentum. Career highlights include roles at Stanford University (1997–1998), FORTH/IESL (1999–2000), and promotions to Lecturer (2001), Assistant Professor (2006), and Professor (2016). Research Interests: Interference phenomena in molecular photodissociation, production of spin-polarized atoms, angular momentum dynamics, and cavity-enhanced spectroscopy. His work bridges fundamental quantum mechanics with applied fields like nuclear fusion and laser-driven systems. Articles Trends: Recent work emphasizes spin manipulation in plasmas, cavity ring-down spectroscopy for material characterization, and chiral sensing using PT-symmetric systems. His 2025 papers explore high-energy electron beams and spin-polarized molecular beams. ERC Starting Grant (2008): 'TRICEPS' for time-resolved spectroscopy PREFER Collaboration: Polarized fuel research for fusion reactors Advising & Grants: Leads the PREFER collaboration and has secured major grants. His lab develops novel techniques for spin-polarized particle production and optical sensing. Labs/Teams: Active in FORTH/IESL’s research groups and collaborates internationally on fusion and quantum optics projects.
Ramsha Khan is a researcher at Tampere University's Department of Materials Science and Environmental Engineering. Her work focuses on advanced materials for photonic applications, energy storage, and environmental engineering. She holds a Doctoral thesis on 'Charge Carrier Dynamics in TiO₂ Thin Films for Photonic Applications' (2024), demonstrating expertise in thin film characterization and charge transfer mechanisms. Her research contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals by advancing sustainable materials and renewable energy technologies. Key research areas include titanium dioxide (TiO₂) thin films, perovskite materials, and supramolecular interactions. She employs techniques like transient absorption spectroscopy and atomic layer deposition (ALD). Collaborations span institutions globally, with frequent studies on surface passivation, charge carrier dynamics, and photocatalytic applications. Publications highlight innovations in nanocomposite design, electron extraction kinetics, and light-matter interactions. Her work bridges fundamental material science with applied technologies, such as self-cleaning glass and solar water splitting systems. Current trends in her articles emphasize optimizing material interfaces and enhancing energy conversion efficiency. Ramsha has no listed awards but demonstrates consistent research output across 8 years (2018–2025) with 27 publications. Advising roles and grants are not explicitly mentioned, though her doctoral work implies mentorship potential in nanomaterials research.
Dr Carina Dunlop is a Visiting Senior Lecturer in the Department of Mathematics at the School of Mathematics and Physics, University of Surrey, with a research focus at the interface of mathematics, biophysics, and biology. She is set to move to University College London (UCL) in September 2024. She is a member of the Mathematics at the Interface Group and the Centre for Mathematical and Computational Biology, and her work integrates mechanical signaling and spatial modeling into biological systems. Her research interests lie at the intersection of mathematical biology , biophysics , and cancer modeling . She develops computational and mathematical models to understand cell mechanosensing, tissue morphogenesis, and tumor growth, with a particular emphasis on how mechanical forces regulate biological processes. Her work spans developmental biology, organoid modeling, and pharmaceutical applications, often in close collaboration with experimentalists and industry partners such as AstraZeneca. The recent publications reflect a strong trend in modeling mechanobiological systems , particularly in cancer and reproductive biology. Her work combines individual-based simulations , continuum mechanics , and active matter theory to explore how physical forces influence cell behavior and tissue organization. Key themes include stiffness sensing, energy minimization in cell adhesion, and spatially resolved tumor modeling for drug development. Dr Dunlop has been awarded a fully funded NC3Rs PhD studentship to develop a digital twin of 3D vascular systems for studying hemorrhagic viral diseases. She actively supervises multiple PhD students and collaborates across disciplines, including with the Campagnolo lab at Surrey for experimental validation. Her professional affiliations include the Society of Mathematical Biology and the European Society for Mathematical and Theoretical Biology. She leads research on ovarian biomechanics, cancer drug modeling, and 3D cell culture systems. Her lab integrates computational modeling with wet-lab experiments, fostering a highly interdisciplinary team focused on translating theoretical insights into biomedical applications.
Doerte Blume is the George Lynn Cross Professor of Physics at the Homer L. Dodge Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Oklahoma. Her research focuses on cold atom physics and few-body quantum systems, emphasizing the development of theoretical frameworks to understand quantum correlations and entanglement. She holds a B.S. (1995) and Ph.D. (1998) from Georg-August University. Her work employs analytical/numerical methods, including Monte Carlo simulations and hyperspherical coordinates. Key research areas include polaron-emitter hybrid states, quantum quenches, and the transition from few- to many-body systems. She leads the Blume Research Group within the Center for Quantum Research and Technology, exploring applications of quantum mechanics to quantum computing, secure communication, and precision sensing. Featured publications (2021-2022) address Rabi oscillations in nonlinear photonic systems and ultrafast manipulation of quantum dimers. Awards include the George Lynn Cross Professorship (2025) and APS Fellowship. No formal advisees/students are listed in provided materials.
Henning Zettergren is a Professor at Stockholm University's Department of Physics and Deputy Director of the DESIREE infrastructure. His research focuses on atomic collision physics, astrochemistry, and molecular dynamics, particularly studying charge transfer, energy flow, and bond formation in isolated ions and clusters. He investigates the stability of molecules like fullerenes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) under extreme conditions, with applications to interstellar chemistry and radiation damage mechanisms. Key projects include exploring mutual neutralization reactions between hydronium and hydroxide ions, and the resilience of PAHs in space. Zettergren leads experimental studies using cryogenic ion-beam storage rings to observe reactions over millisecond-to-minute timescales, bridging lab and astrophysical timescales. His work integrates advanced instrumentation and computational models, advancing understanding of nanoscale molecular behavior in extreme environments. Zettergren's contributions span astrochemistry, materials science, and radiation physics, with a focus on DESIREE's role as a unique facility for studying ion dynamics. His research addresses fundamental questions in molecular stability, reaction mechanisms, and the evolution of interstellar molecules, bridging experimental and theoretical approaches.
Prof. Nora Berrah is a Professor of Physics at the University of Connecticut since 2018, previously serving as Department Head (2014-2018). Her research focuses on ultrafast molecular dynamics, non-linear physics, and X-ray/VUV spectroscopy using free-electron lasers (FEL). She leads the Berrah Lab, employing techniques like COLTRIMS for time-resolved studies of molecular systems under extreme conditions. Education: Ph.D. in Physics (University of Virginia, 1987), M.Sc. in Theoretical Physics (Université d’Alger, 1979) Key Roles: Blaise Pascal Chair (2019), Visiting Professorships at Stanford, CEA Saclay, and SLAC Her research explores ultrafast phenomena such as electron transfer, H2 roaming, and charge migration using attosecond/XUV pulses. Recent projects include X-ray pump-probe studies on fullerenes and ethanol dynamics. She has pioneered FEL-based methods to probe molecular reactions on femtosecond/attosecond timescales. Notable achievements include the Davisson-Germer Prize (APS, 2014), AAAS Fellowship (2018), and an honorary doctorate from the University of Turku (2021). Over 150 peer-reviewed articles span topics like interatomic Coulombic decay, resonance-enhanced ionization, and machine learning for XFEL diagnostics.
George Gibson is the Department Head and Professor of Physics at the University of Connecticut. His research focuses on studying atomic and molecular behavior under intense laser fields using ultra-fast time-resolved techniques, with a goal of achieving highly excited electronic states via non-resonant multiphoton ionization. Education: Ph.D., Physics, University of Illinois at Chicago (1990) B.A., Physics, University of California at Berkeley (1983) Professional Experience: Professor, University of Connecticut (1993–Present) Visiting Professor, ICFO – Institut de Ciències Fotòniques, Spain (2008) Visiting Scientist, Bell Laboratories & Institute for Physical Science and Technology (1990–1993) Research Interests: Dr. Gibson’s work bridges atomic physics and laser science, emphasizing ultra-fast phenomena and quantum control. His lab employs cutting-edge laser systems to probe electron dynamics in extreme conditions, contributing to foundational understanding of light-matter interactions. Recent efforts target applications in advanced spectroscopy and plasma physics. Honors & Affiliations: Fellow of the American Physical Society (APS) Member, Optical Society of America (OSA) & American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Awarded NSF CAREER Award (1994) and Cottrell Scholars Award (1996) Teaching: Dr. Gibson instructs courses such as P1075Q, integrating research insights into pedagogy. His academic leadership spans departmental administration and collaborative interdisciplinary projects.
Kazutomo SUENAGA serves as Professor in the Department of Nanocharacterization for Nanostructures and Functions at Osaka University since 2021, following 20 years at Japan's National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST). His international career includes research positions at Université Paris-Sud and École nationale supérieure des mines de Paris. Education: Ph.D., Tokyo University, 1994 Research Interests: Professor SUENAGA pioneers atomic-scale material analysis through advanced electron microscopy techniques. His lab specializes in low-voltage TEM/STEM for single-molecule imaging, electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) for nanometer-scale infrared analysis, and environmental TEM (ETEM) for real-time gas-solid interaction studies. Core focus areas include nanomaterials characterization under operational conditions, momentum-resolved spectroscopy, and nanoconfined atomic systems for next-generation electronics and battery materials. Laboratory: The Suenaga Lab operates cutting-edge electron microscopy facilities at Osaka University, driving front-line research in atomic-scale structural dynamics of nanodevices and synthesis of novel materials through electronically stimulated nanogaps.
Peijun Zhang is a leading structural biologist and Professor at the University of Oxford, affiliated with the Nuffield Department of Medicine and the Structural Biology Laboratory (STRUBI). She serves as the Director of the Electron Bio-Imaging Centre (eBIC) at Diamond Light Source, where she leads a world-class cryo-EM and cryo-ET facility. Her research group focuses on the structural mechanisms of human pathogens, particularly HIV-1 and bacterial signaling systems. Her educational background includes a Ph.D. in Molecular Biophysics from the University of Virginia, an M.S. in Physics, and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Nanjing University. She completed postdoctoral training at the National Cancer Institute and was previously faculty at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Dr. Zhang's research integrates cutting-edge cryo-electron microscopy and tomography with biochemical, biophysical, and computational methods to study large macromolecular complexes in situ . Her work spans HIV-1 capsid assembly and nuclear import, host-pathogen interactions, bacterial chemotaxis arrays, and chromatin architecture. She is deeply involved in method development, including software like emClarity for subtomogram averaging and advanced cryo-FIB/SEM techniques. Her recent publications (2020–2025) demonstrate a strong trend in in situ structural biology, capturing transient viral and cellular processes at high resolution. Themes include viral entry, capsid dynamics, chromatin organization, and correlative imaging, reflecting her leadership in pushing the boundaries of 3D electron microscopy. She has received several scientific awards, including: Carnegie Science Emerging Female Scientist Award Senior Vice Chancellor’s Award U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 'On-the-Spot' Award Dr. Zhang actively mentors a research team including postdoctoral associates and PhD students. She leads the Oxford Particle Imaging Centre (OPIC), a BSL-3 facility, and secures major funding for advanced instrumentation and research. Her work bridges fundamental science and translational applications in virology and infectious disease. She is associated with key facilities such as eBIC and OPIC, which provide cutting-edge cryo-EM access to the scientific community. Her lab continues to pioneer new imaging technologies to resolve molecular structures within their native cellular environments.
Dr. Adam Hugh Clark is a tenure track scientist at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in Switzerland, specializing in advanced spectroscopic techniques and heterogeneous catalysis. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Physics from the University of Nottingham , and a Master's and PhD in Molecular Modelling and Materials Science from University College London . At PSI, he focuses on uncovering structure-activity relationships in catalytic materials using time-resolved X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). Education B.Sc. in Physics, University of Nottingham M.Sc. and PhD in Molecular Modelling and Materials Science, University College London Research Interests Clark’s research centers on heterogeneous catalysis , particularly ceria-based materials for semi-hydrogenation and perovskite oxides for oxygen evolution reactions (OER). He develops and applies highly time-resolved XAS and modulation-excitation spectroscopy to study dynamic material properties during reactions. His work bridges materials science and operando XAS , with applications in electrochemistry and sustainable chemical processes. Recent projects include platinum single-atom catalysts for vinyl chloride production and LaFe0.8Ni0.8O3 perovskites for redox studies. Publications & Software Development His 2025 publications span quantum simulation , MOF synthesis , and high-energy particle physics collaborations. Earlier works (2019–2020) introduced ProQEXAFS , a Python-based software for rapid QEXAFS data processing. He also advanced fluorescence-detected XAS for low-concentration samples and contributed to understanding Fe-doped Co perovskites in OER. Institutional Roles Clark manages the SuperXAS beamline at the Swiss Light Source and leads software development for quick-scanning XAS analysis . Since 2025, he has served on the ChemCatChem early career advisory board , promoting interdisciplinary catalysis research. Labs & Collaborations He works within the Operando Spectroscopy group at PSI, collaborating with institutions like CERN and ETH Zürich on projects involving density functional theory (DFT) , synchrotron techniques , and advanced detector systems (e.g., CMS). His affiliations include the Particle Physics LTP and Advanced Spectroscopy and X-ray Sources LSX laboratories at PSI.
Dr. Suddhasattwa Mandal serves as a PSI-FELLOW board member at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in Villigen, Switzerland, where he conducts experimental research in atomic, molecular, and optical physics. His work focuses on quantum dynamics within helium nanodroplets and doped molecular clusters using advanced spectroscopic techniques. His primary research interests include: Molecular dissociation and fragmentation dynamics in multiply charged systems Interatomic decay processes (ICD, ETMD) in quantum clusters Ultrafast spectroscopy with EUV/soft X-ray radiation Time-resolved relaxation mechanisms in excited nanodroplets Auger decay and inner-shell photoionization phenomena Quantum solvation effects in doped helium environments Analysis of his 2019-2024 publications reveals consistent specialization in helium nanodroplet spectroscopy, with progressive complexity in studied systems (camphor → acetylene oligomers → metal-doped clusters) and methodological sophistication through coincident angle-resolved measurements. His research consistently addresses fundamental energy transfer pathways in weakly bound quantum systems using synchrotron radiation facilities. At PSI, Dr. Mandal operates within large-scale experimental teams utilizing advanced light sources, though specific laboratory structures aren't detailed in available materials. No information exists regarding student advising or grant funding in the provided sources.
Dr. Olga Safonova is a Senior Scientist at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in Switzerland, affiliated with the Operando Spectroscopy Group spanning the Energy and Environment and Photon Science Divisions. She earned her PhD in Inorganic Chemistry from Lomonosov Moscow State University, focusing on semiconductor oxide gas sensors. Her career includes postdoctoral work and a staff scientist role at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF), where she specialized in heterogeneous catalysis using synchrotron techniques. Her research centers on heterogeneous catalysis , particularly redox mechanisms at metal-oxide interfaces, CO₂/CO hydrogenation, and nanoparticle reactivity. She pioneers time-resolved operando X-ray absorption/emission spectroscopy (XAS/XES) to probe atomic-scale catalytic processes under realistic conditions. Key projects include leading the SNSF Sinergia initiative on CO₂-to-C-C bond conversion and the EU Horizon 2020 CATCHY project for cluster-based CO₂ hydrogenation catalysts. She teaches courses at ETH Zurich ( Cook and Look: Watching Functional Materials in Situ ) and the University of Bern ( Operando Methods in Sustainable Chemistry and Catalysis ). She supervises PhD students and contributes to scientific committees, including the International X-ray Absorption Society Executive Board and ESRF proposal reviews. Instrumental achievements include developing high-pressure capillary reactors for synchrotron studies and transient spectroscopy methods to distinguish active vs. spectator species in catalysts. Her work has advanced understanding of oxygen activation at Pt-CeO₂ interfaces and selectivity tuning in bimetallic systems.
