Steven A. Corcelli is a Professor and Interim Dean of the College of Science at the University of Notre Dame, with a research focus on Theoretical Chemistry and Molecular Dynamics Simulations . His work bridges Physical Chemistry and Biochemistry , targeting Energy Applications and Biomolecular Binding Mechanisms . He leads the Computational Molecular Science & Engineering Laboratory (CoMSEL). Ph.D., Chemistry, Yale University (2001) Sc.B., Chemistry, Brown University (1997) Research interests span ionic liquids for Carbon Capture , aqueous electrolytes in battery technologies , and molecular binding processes in immunology and DNA interactions . His group employs GPU-accelerated simulations and weighted ensemble methods to uncover structural and dynamic motifs. Recent publications highlight trends in vibrational spectroscopy , TCR-MHC binding , and CO2 solvation mechanisms . Awards include the Thomas P. Madden Award (2020) , ACS Fellowship (2016) , and NSF CAREER Award (2009) . Staff: Erin Brossard (Ph.D.), Nell Karpinski, Shuang Wu, Noah Vasconez, Kaitlyn Handy, Isabel Thompson
Rahul Mangal serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur). His academic profile demonstrates expertise in polymer physics, colloids, complex fluids, nanocomposites, active matter, and liquid crystals. Dr. Mangal completed his PhD at Cornell University in 2016, followed by a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Wisconsin Madison (2016-2017). He earned his B Tech-M Tech dual degree from IIT Kanpur in 2010. Prior to his academic career, he gained industry experience as a Manager at Reliance Industries Limited in Jamnagar, Gujarat from July 2010 to July 2012. His research program focuses on the experimental investigation of colloid-polymer interactions in nanocomposite systems. Specifically, his group studies how colloids (1-1000 nm) interact with polymeric hosts to influence fundamental properties including phase behavior, rheology, and colloidal diffusion. His work explores the novel properties that emerge when colloids are added to polymer melts, block copolymers, and liquid crystals, with applications in energy devices, photonics, and bio-medicines. Dr. Mangal's research has produced significant publications in high-impact journals including Nature Communications, Langmuir, and Macromolecules, demonstrating his contributions to understanding polymer-nanoparticle systems and their applications in energy storage technologies. Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant, Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University (2016) McMullen Fellowship, Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University (2012) His work bridges fundamental polymer physics with practical applications, particularly in developing advanced materials for energy storage solutions. Dr. Mangal maintains an active research program that continues to explore the complex behavior of polymer-nanoparticle systems to engineer materials with precisely controlled properties for targeted applications.
Aaron M. Dollar is the Frederick W. Beinecke Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Yale University, affiliated with the Yale Grab Lab. His research focuses on robotics, mechatronics, robotic grasping, and prosthetics, emphasizing adaptive mechanisms and human-robot interaction. He holds a PhD from Harvard University (2008) and degrees from UMass Amherst. Key research areas include dexterous manipulation, underactuated mechanisms, and assistive devices. His work bridges theory and practical applications, with contributions to prosthetic hands, robotic hands, and modular robotics systems. Recipient of prestigious awards: TR35 Innovator (2010), NSF CAREER Award (2010), DARPA Young Faculty Award (2013), and Air Force Young Investigator Award (2011). Developed the Yale MyoAdapt Hand, a single-actuator prosthetic with high functionality. Pioneered methods in real-to-sim transfer, modular lattice printing, and energy-aware robotic exploration. His lab, the Yale Grab Lab, explores robotics, prosthetics, and human motion analysis. Recent projects include autonomous calibration systems (ARC-Calib) and low-cost robotic hardware (RB5 Explorer).
Mo Jiang is a Researcher in the Department of Chemical & Life Science Engineering at Virginia Commonwealth University's College of Engineering. His research focuses on advanced crystallization processes for energy storage materials and pharmaceutical manufacturing. He specializes in continuous manufacturing techniques such as slug-flow reactors, aiming to improve material uniformity, scalability, and process efficiency. His work bridges chemical engineering principles with practical applications in battery technology and drug substance development. Research Interests: Continuous crystallization and manufacturing systems Slug-flow synthesis of battery cathode materials Process optimization for pharmaceuticals and energy storage Scalable synthesis of uniform microcrystals His recent articles highlight advancements in low-cobalt/cobalt-free lithium-ion battery cathodes, pharmaceutical crystallization methods, and the application of computational fluid dynamics to enhance manufacturing processes. These studies emphasize improving material performance, reducing costs, and achieving sustainable production methods. While no formal academic awards are listed, his prolific publication record demonstrates expertise in interdisciplinary engineering solutions. He collaborates on projects involving process design, real-time monitoring, and the integration of advanced manufacturing technologies.
Prof. Ivan Cole is an Adjunct Professor at RMIT University's School of Engineering, specializing in rapid materials discovery for corrosion protection, nanostructures, and additive manufacturing. His work integrates computational modeling with high-throughput experimentation, focusing on corrosion inhibitors, biocompatible surfaces, and additive manufacturing process optimization. With over 30 years of experience across academia and industry (including leadership roles at CSIRO and Centro-Svilluppo Materiali), he leads the Rapid Discovery & Fabrication Team (RDF) to advance these research areas. Research Interests: Corrosion science, microbially induced corrosion (MIC), additive manufacturing surfaces, nanostructure sensing, multiscale modeling, and green materials discovery. His team addresses challenges in corrosion protection, biomedical implants, and environmental remediation through innovative methodologies. Awards: 2019 Australian Corrosion Medal 2016 CSIRO Lifetime Achievement Award 2013 Best Paper in NACE Corrosion Supervision & Projects: Active in mentoring PhD/Master’s students across corrosion inhibition, additive manufacturing, and nanostructure design. Notable projects include developing quorum sensing inhibitors for biofilm control, in-situ monitoring for metal AM, and eco-friendly corrosion inhibitors. Labs & Collaborations: Leads the Rapid Discovery & Fabrication Team and collaborates with industry partners to translate research into practical solutions for materials durability and sustainability.
Rong Pan is a Professor at the School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence, Arizona State University (ASU). He holds a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from Pennsylvania State University (2002), an M.S. from Florida A&M University (1999), and a B.S. in Materials Science from Shanghai Jiao Tong University (1995). His research focuses on quality and reliability engineering, design of experiments, time series analysis, and statistical learning theory. Key projects involve NSF-funded research on reliability prediction, accelerated life testing, and degradation modeling. He serves as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Quality Technology and has authored over 80 publications. Courses taught include Reliability Engineering, Design of Experiments, and Statistics for Data Analysts. His academic service includes roles as a referee for IEEE Transactions and IIE journals. Research interests emphasize statistical methods for reliability improvement, with recent work on Bayesian inference models, optimal experimental design, and machine learning applications in industrial systems. Grants include collaborations with the NSF, Arizona Department of Transportation, and Science Foundation Arizona. His work bridges theoretical advancements and practical applications in manufacturing, energy systems, and semiconductor reliability. Education: Ph.D. (2002), M.S. (1999), B.S. (1995) Key Research Areas: Reliability Engineering, Bayesian Methods, Time Series, DOE Active Grants: NSF CMMI, SUNY IT Visiting Scholar Program Teaching: IEE 573 Reliability Engineering, DSE 501 Statistics Service: Journal of Quality Technology (Associate Editor), IEEE Transactions (Referee)
Jacob Østergaard is a Professor and Head of the Division for Power and Energy Systems at DTU Wind and Energy Systems, Technical University of Denmark. His research focuses on renewable energy systems, offshore wind power hubs, and quantum computing applications in energy systems. He leads initiatives like EnergyLab Nordhavn and PowerLabDK, emphasizing collaboration between academia and industry. Education: MSc in Electrical Engineering from DTU (1989–1995). External positions include roles at Research Institute of the Danish Electric Utilities and Ørsted (now SK Energy). Research Interests: Power system stability, flexibility markets, offshore wind energy, quantum computing in energy systems, Power-to-X, and energy storage. He advocates for integrated, market-based energy systems to achieve the green transition. Publications highlight quantum computing for grid optimization, offshore energy hubs, and Denmark’s energy island strategy. Recent work emphasizes scientific advice for energy policy and green hydrogen production. Awards: A. Angelo’s Prize (1996), AEG Electron Prize (2007), Danish Design Award (2019), and EU RESponsible Island Prize (2020). Advising and Grants: Supervises PhD students in grid integration and control. Active in projects like OEH (Offshore Energy Hubs) and BOSS (Battery Energy Storage System). His work drives Denmark’s energy policy through roles on Energinet’s board and the Danish Energy Commission. Labs/Teams: Leads PowerLabDK and EnergyLab Nordhavn, experimental facilities for smart grid and energy system research.
Dr. King Man Siu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at the University of North Texas, College of Engineering. He established the Power Electronics and Renewable Energy (PERE) Lab in February 2022, focusing on power electronics technologies for renewable energy, smart grids, and electric vehicle applications. University: University of North Texas School: College of Engineering Department: Electrical Engineering Research Interests: Dr. Siu specializes in power electronics, renewable energy systems, and smart grid technologies. His work addresses challenges in: Efficient energy conversion for solar and battery systems Grid integration of electric vehicles and renewable sources Advanced inverter design for residential and industrial applications Reduction of magnetic components in power converters Reactive power management and circuit breaker development Modular solutions for DC distribution and rural electrification Publication Trends: His research emphasizes optimizing power electronics through innovative topologies (e.g., Manitoba inverters, interleaved totem-pole converters) and materials (e.g., SiC MOSFETs). Key areas include energy efficiency in photovoltaic systems, smart grid stability, and DC microgrid interconnection strategies. Contact: Email: Kingman.Siu@unt.edu Office: Discovery Park B233
Scott Moura is a Professor in Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley, holding the Clare and Hsieh Wen Shen Distinguished Professorship. He serves as the Acting Director of the Institute of Transportation Studies (ITS) and directs the Energy, Controls, and Applications Lab (eCAL). Previously, he was Faculty Director of the California Program for Advanced Transportation Technology (PATH) starting January 2022, with recent news (June 2025) confirming new leadership roles at both ITS and PATH. Education: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, 2006 M.S.E. in Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 2008 Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 2011 Postdoctoral Fellow, University of California, San Diego, Cymer Center for Control Systems and Dynamics, 2013 Visiting Researcher, MINES ParisTech, Centre Automatique et Systèmes, Paris, 2013 Moura's research spans multi-scale energy systems: battery modeling and control at component level, electrified/connected vehicles at system level, and distributed energy resources/smart grid integration at grid scale. His work pioneers real-time battery health estimation, fast-charging algorithms, and vehicle-grid integration to enhance capacity, safety, and efficiency while minimizing degradation. Key methodological contributions include PDE control theory, adaptive control frameworks, and machine learning applications for energy storage systems. Scientific Awards: ASME Division of Control Systems Outstanding Young Investigator Award National Science Foundation CAREER Award NSF Graduate Research Fellowship UC Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship University of Michigan Distinguished ProQuest Dissertation Honorable Mention University of Michigan Rackham Merit Fellowship College of Engineering Distinguished Leadership Award ITS Faculty of the Year Award (2020) As eCAL Lab Director, Moura mentors undergraduate/graduate students, postdocs, and visiting scholars in developing battery monitoring software and control systems. His research attracts significant funding including a $10M USDOT grant for rural autonomous vehicle freight (2025) and the I-40 Corridor SMART Grant (2024), with industry partnerships focused on practical deployment of energy management solutions. Current projects address EV longevity, HOV lane optimization via AI traffic signals, and climate impact assessments for California infrastructure. eCAL Lab operates at the forefront of energy systems research, combining theoretical control frameworks with experimental validation. The lab's work on battery degradation models directly informs industry practices, while its vehicle-grid integration research supports California's clean energy transition. Recent initiatives include KTH Royal Institute of Technology student exchanges and Bay Area climate impact assessments.
Rachid Cherkaoui is a Senior Scientist at École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), affiliated with the School of Engineering, specifically within the Department of Electrical Engineering. He is actively associated with research units SEL-ENS, EDEY-ENS, and DESL, contributing to the Distributed Electrical Systems Laboratory (DESL). His work focuses on advanced power system optimization, smart grids, and energy market modeling. Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, EPFL, 1992 M.S. in Electrical Engineering, EPFL, 1983 Dr. Cherkaoui's research interests include electrical power and distribution systems, distributed generation, energy storage, electricity market deregulation, and power system vulnerability mitigation. His work bridges theoretical modeling and real-world applications, particularly in flexibility provision, grid resilience, and market integration of renewable energy. His recent publications (2020–2025) reflect a strong focus on smart grid technologies, energy storage integration, and market mechanisms. Key themes include optimal dispatch of hybrid systems, TSO-DSO coordination, frequency control, and stochastic optimization under uncertainty. His work is frequently published in top-tier journals such as IEEE Transactions on Power Systems and IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid. ABB Swiss Award '83 Senior Member, IEEE Member, CIGRE Task Forces C5-2 IEEE Swiss Chapter Officer since 2005 Dr. Cherkaoui actively supervises doctoral students and collaborates extensively with researchers like Mario Paolone. He has contributed to numerous projects funded by industry, CTI/Innosuisse, and Horizon 2020. His research includes experimental validation and real-time control systems, particularly in hydropower and battery storage applications. He is also involved in national and international energy strategy discussions, including Switzerland's path to carbon neutrality.
Massimo Figari is a Full Professor at the University of Genoa , affiliated with the Department of Naval, Electrical, Electronic, and Telecommunications Engineering (DITEN) . He serves as the Course Coordinator for the Maritime Science and Technology course and teaches a range of subjects including naval systems reliability, military ship design, and maritime economics. His research spans naval architecture , maritime safety , autonomous shipping , and decarbonization technologies . He is actively involved in developing battery energy storage systems for naval applications, certification frameworks for autonomous ships, and simulation-based training for maritime education. His work emphasizes sustainability, safety, and innovation in marine engineering. Recent publications reflect a strong focus on emission reduction , alternative marine fuels like methanol, and autonomous navigation systems . These contributions position him at the forefront of maritime engineering research and education. Contact: He is available via email at massimo.figari@unige.it and holds office hours on Fridays from 4–5 PM at Villa Cambiaso, Office No. 322.
Ye Zhisheng is the Dean’s Chair and Associate Professor in the Department of Industrial Systems Engineering & Management at the National University of Singapore (NUS). His research focuses on reliability engineering, inventory control, emergency response systems, and statistical modeling. He holds a PhD in Industrial and Systems Engineering from NUS, along with a BEng in Material Science and Engineering and a BEco in Economics from Tsinghua University. His work emphasizes practical applications in mission-critical systems, predictive maintenance, and data-driven decision-making. Current research initiatives include optimal maintenance policies for manufacturing systems, degradation analysis of bearings, and federated learning approaches for battery lifecycle prediction. He has pioneered methods for integrating physics-informed neural networks into prognostics and health management (PHM) systems. Key technical contributions span advanced statistical methodologies like sieve estimation for survival data, phase-type distributions modeling, and condition-based maintenance optimization. His interdisciplinary approach bridges operations research, mechanical engineering, and computer science to address complex reliability challenges. Recent projects include resilient consensus-based power grid management and contamination source identification frameworks. Notable collaborations involve developing intelligent cross-domain fault diagnosis systems using transformer networks and advancing the Internet of Federated Things (IoFT) for distributed data analytics. His work has been applied in aerospace, telecommunication infrastructure, and medical emergency response systems.
Dr. Majid Pahlevani is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Queen's University, affiliated with the Smith School of Engineering. He holds a Ph.D. from Queen's University (2012) and has prior roles as an Assistant Professor at the University of Calgary (2016–2019) and Chief R&D Engineer/VP of Technology at SPARQ Systems, Inc. (2011–2016). His research focuses on power electronics, renewable energy systems, smart grids, and energy storage, with a lab environment emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration. He has authored over 130 publications, holds 50 U.S. patents, and serves as an Associate Editor for the IEEE Journal of Emerging and Selected Topics in Power Electronics. Education: Ph.D. (2012) – Queen's University; B.Sc./M.Sc. (2002) – Isfahan University of Technology. Research Interests: Power Electronics Technology, Renewable Energy Systems, Micro-Grids, Smart-Grids, Electric Vehicles, Energy Storage Systems, Solar Technology, LED Technology. His lab, ePOWER Lab, engages in industrial projects across these domains, fostering teamwork and cross-disciplinary innovation. Scientific Awards: Includes the Early Research Excellence Award (Alberta), Research Achievement Award (University of Calgary), Teaching Achievement Award, and IEEE Canada's Research Excellence Award. Current Supervision: Postdoctoral Fellows Laleh Saleh Ghadimi, Sergey Dayneko, and Pavel Linkov (2022). He leads the ePOWER Lab, collaborating with industry partners like Freescale Semiconductor and SPARQ Systems. Affiliations: Member of the IEEE Power Electronics Society and the Queen's Centre for Energy and Power Electronics Research.
David A. Muller serves as the Samuel B. Eckert Professor of Engineering in the School of Applied and Engineering Physics at Cornell University and co-directs the Kavli Institute at Cornell for Nanoscale Science. His research group focuses on developing quantitative electron microscopy methods to understand materials properties at the atomic scale, with particular emphasis on sustainable energy applications and quantum materials. Muller's laboratory utilizes some of the world's highest resolution electron microscopes housed in specially designed, environmentally isolated rooms. Muller received his undergraduate education at the University of Sydney and earned his Ph.D. in Physics from Cornell University in 1996. Between 1997 and 2003, he was a member of the technical staff at Bell Laboratories, where he applied his expertise in imaging single atoms and atomic-scale spectroscopy to determine the physical limits of transistor miniaturization. In 2003, he returned to Cornell as a faculty member, where he has since established himself as a leader in advanced electron microscopy techniques. Muller's research spans multiple frontiers in materials science, with particular focus on understanding how electronic-structure changes at the atomic scale control macroscopic behavior in diverse systems like turbine blades, fuel cells, and transistors. His current work emphasizes the physics of renewable energy materials, atomic-scale control of materials to create electronic phases that cannot exist in bulk, and developing hardware and algorithms for 'big data' acquisition from high-bandwidth pixelated electron microscope detectors. His group's work bridges theoretical physics and experimental techniques, requiring researchers who can think in both real and reciprocal space while considering both fundamental principles and practical applications. Analysis of Muller's recent publications reveals a strong trend toward advancing electron ptychography and 4D-STEM techniques for atomic-scale imaging. His group has pioneered methods for 3D atomic-scale metrology, strain mapping, and imaging of radiation-sensitive materials. The research spans applications from semiconductor technology to quantum materials and energy storage systems, demonstrating the versatility of his microscopy approaches across multiple scientific domains. Top 100 Young Innovator by Tech Review Magazine (2003) Burton Medal from Microscopy Society of America (2006) Ernst Ruska Prize of German Society for Electron Microscopy (2021) John Cowley Medal from International Federation of Societies for Microscopy (2023) Fellow of American Physical Society Fellow of American Association for the Advancement of Science Fellow of Microscopy Society of America Muller has mentored an extensive group of students and postdocs who have gone on to successful careers in academia and industry. His former students hold faculty positions at institutions including Rice University, University of Southern California, Seoul National University, Colorado School of Mines, and the University of Michigan, among others. His research has been supported by substantial grants, including a $22.5M NSF grant that accelerates materials discovery. The Muller lab maintains close collaborations with the Kavli Institute at Cornell and PARADIM (Platform for the Accelerated Realization, Analysis, and Discovery of Interface Materials). The Muller lab operates at the forefront of electron microscopy, housing specialized instrumentation including high-resolution transmission electron microscopes in environmentally isolated rooms. The group collaborates extensively with other research teams at Cornell and worldwide, focusing on understanding materials atom by atom. Current research directions include applying machine learning to electron microscopy data analysis, developing cryogenic techniques for studying low-melting-point materials, and exploring quantum phenomena in engineered materials systems.
Professor Ian Cousins is a leading researcher in the Department of Environmental Science at Stockholm University, specializing in the study of persistent organic pollutants, particularly per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). With over 200 peer-reviewed publications and recognition as a Highly Cited Researcher in 2018 and 2020, his work has significantly influenced environmental policy and scientific understanding of chemical pollution. BSc (Hons) in Chemistry, University of York (1989) Master's in Environmental Management, University of Surrey (1991) PhD in Environmental Science, Lancaster University (1998) Prof. Cousins' research focuses on the sources, transport, fate, and exposure pathways of contaminants in the environment, with particular emphasis on PFAS. His work combines experimental and modeling approaches to investigate how these persistent chemicals move through ecosystems, with recent studies examining sea spray aerosol transport of PFAS and their global distribution. His research has contributed to understanding PFAS as a planetary boundary issue, demonstrating that environmental contamination by these substances has exceeded safe operating limits. Prof. Cousins' extensive publication record shows a clear trend toward addressing the complex challenges of PFAS pollution, including their environmental behavior, risk assessment methodologies, regulatory frameworks, and the application of the essential-use concept for phasing out non-essential PFAS applications. His work spans fundamental environmental chemistry to policy-relevant research that has directly influenced European environmental decision-making. Highly Cited Researcher (2018, 2020) Listed among 30 EU politicians and professionals with greatest impact on European environmental policy (2023) Associate Editor of Environmental Science and Technology (2020-present) Associate Editor of Environmental Au (2021-present) Prof. Cousins actively supervises master's students focusing on organic pollutants and has coordinated major research projects including PERFORCE3, a Europe-wide doctoral training program on PFAS, and ZeroPM, targeting PFAS and persistent, mobile substances. His research has been supported by multiple European Union Horizon 2020 grants, reflecting the significance and impact of his work on global environmental challenges. He leads a research group that works closely with analytical chemists to better understand the behavior of PFAS and other contaminants, contributing to the development of evidence-based approaches for managing chemical pollution and protecting environmental and human health.
