Dr. Peichen Zhong is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the National University of Singapore (NUS). He leads the Applied Machine Learning and Materials Modeling (AM³) Group, focused on advancing computational methods for clean energy technologies. His research integrates machine learning with atomistic simulations to tackle challenges in battery materials, disordered materials, and sustainable energy systems. Education: B.S. in Physics from University of Science and Technology of China (2018); Ph.D. in Materials Science from UC Berkeley (2023, advised by Prof. Gerbrand Ceder); Postdoctoral training at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab and BIDMaP, co-advised by Persson, Cheng, and Krishnapriyan. Research Interests: Computational modeling of battery cathodes/electrolytes, AI-driven interatomic potentials, statistical mechanics in disordered materials, and generative models for scientific discovery. Key areas include Li/Na-ion batteries, solid-state reactions, and sustainable energy materials. Awards: BIDMaP Emerging Scholar Fellowship (UC Berkeley CDSS, 202?), 2023 Rising Stars in Materials Science (CMU/MIT/Stanford). Labs/Teams: The AM³ Group at NUS MSE focuses on interdisciplinary research combining theory, computation, and AI4Science. Current openings include PhD students and postdoctoral researchers.
Raj Ganesh S. Pala serves as a Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur. His research focuses on electrochemical engineering with particular expertise in energy storage systems, catalysis, and materials science. Dr. Pala maintains an active research program investigating fundamental electrochemical processes and their applications in energy conversion and storage technologies. Dr. Pala earned his PhD in Physical Chemistry from the University of Utah (1999-2005), followed by a Master's in Science (Biophysical Chemistry) from the Indian Institute of Science and National Center for Biological Science (1997-1998), and a Bachelor's in Chemical and Electrochemical Technology from the Central Electro-Chemical Research Institute (1992-1996). His research interests span electrochemical engineering, catalysis, and separation processes with applications in energy storage, water treatment, and sustainable chemical production. Dr. Pala's work bridges fundamental electrochemistry with practical engineering applications, particularly in battery technology and electrocatalysis. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on energy storage materials, particularly lithium-ion battery cathodes, and electrocatalytic processes for sustainable chemical production. The research spans from fundamental materials characterization to practical device implementation, with particular emphasis on improving efficiency, selectivity, and longevity of electrochemical systems. Dr. Pala is based in Office NL-II 304 at IIT Kanpur, where he conducts his research and teaching activities in the Department of Chemical Engineering. His work contributes significantly to IIT Kanpur's research initiatives in sustainable energy and advanced materials.
William Chueh is a Professor in the Departments of Materials Science and Engineering and Energy Science & Engineering at Stanford University. He serves as Director of the Precourt Institute for Energy and Faculty Director of the Energy Innovation and Emerging Technologies Program. His research focuses on redox-active materials for energy storage, conversion, and carbon-neutral energy cycles. Education: PhD, Materials Science, Caltech (2010) BS, Applied Physics, Caltech (2005) Research Interests: Energy storage and conversion systems (batteries, fuel cells, electrolyzers) Multi-scale electrochemical and chemical reaction dynamics Materials design rules for redox-active solids Thermodynamic frameworks for sustainable energy Publication Trends: His work spans fundamental materials synthesis, electrochemical characterization, and modeling of redox reactions. Key themes include solar thermochemical cycles, ceria-based systems for CO2/H2O conversion, and advanced battery technologies. Scientific Honors: Outstanding Young Investigator Award (MRS, 2018) Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award (2016) Sloan Research Fellowship (2016) CAREER Award (NSF, 2015) Advising: He advises students in energy technologies, materials science, and electrochemistry, including doctoral and master’s candidates. Contact: wchueh@stanford.edu
Sumanta Acharya is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Illinois Tech's Armour College of Engineering. His career spans computational methods, experimental fluid mechanics, and combustion, with affiliations including ASME, AIAA, and ASTFE. Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota (1982) M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota (1980) B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (1978) A leading expert in thermal and fluid sciences, Acharya focuses on gas turbine heat transfer, turbulence modeling, and advanced cooling systems. His work integrates Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) with experimental validation for applications in biofuels , hydrogen combustion , and phase change materials . Recent publications highlight innovations in Brayton cycle integration, impingement cooling, and aerothermal performance optimization. Awarded by ASME, AIAA, and LSU, his honors include the ASME Heat Transfer Memorial Award (2011) and ASME Fellow (1999). He has contributed to key committees, including the ASME Heat Transfer Division Executive Committee and the Department of Energy's University Turbine Systems Research program. Researcher to Know, Illinois Science & Technology Coalition (2022) ASME Dedicated Service Award (2019) AIAA Thermophysics Award (2015) Contact: sacharya1@illinoistech.edu | Phone: 312.567.3701
Professor Justin Chalker is the Matthew Flinders Professor and Research Leader at Flinders University 's College of Science and Engineering, affiliated with the Flinders Institute for NanoScale Science and Technology. He works at the intersection of organic chemistry, chemical biology, and materials science , focusing on sustainable chemistry solutions for environmental and technological challenges. Education: B.S. in Chemistry and B.A. in History/Philosophy of Science (University of Pittsburgh, 2006); D.Phil. in Chemistry (University of Oxford, supervised by Benjamin Davis) Career: Assistant Professor at University of Tulsa (2012-2015); Lecturer (2015) and Senior Lecturer (2017-present) at Flinders University His lab develops chemical tools for biological system interrogation and novel materials like sulfur-based polymers for mercury remediation, recyclable composites, and zinc-ion battery cathodes. Current projects include inverse vulcanization, waste valorization, and environmental applications of sustainable chemistry. His research aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals for environmental protection and resource efficiency, particularly in material science (vulcanization, composite materials, polysulfides) and chemical biology (cysteine modification, protein chemistry). Key scientific recognitions: 2016 Tall Poppy Award, 2017 Dream Chemistry Award Finalist, Eureka Prize Finalist (2018), SA STEM Educator of the Year (2018), AMP Tomorrow Maker Award (2018) Prospective students can contact Dr. Chalker directly for Ph.D. and Honours opportunities. The lab website ( www.chalkerlab.com ) provides details on their research in sulfur chemistry, recyclable polymers, and chemical sustainability .
Professor Thomas Bein is affiliated with the Department of Chemistry at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU) , where he leads the Functional Nanosystems research group. His work focuses on synthesizing and characterizing nanostructured materials with applications in energy, catalysis, and biomedical delivery. Mesoporous nanoparticles for drug delivery Semiconductor nano-morphologies for photovoltaics Photoelectrochemical water splitting Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) Electroactive networks His research emphasizes atomic-scale control of material architectures using self-assembly, hydrogen bonding, and covalent interactions, enabling precise tuning of electronic, optical, and catalytic properties. A review of his recent publications reveals cutting-edge investigations into covalent organic frameworks (COFs), perovskite-inspired solar materials, and functional nanoparticle systems. Key trends include optimizing energy conversion efficiency, enhancing stability in optoelectronic devices, and exploring bio-compatible nanocarriers for targeted therapies. Professor Bein’s group actively contributes to interdisciplinary projects at the intersection of chemistry, physics, and biomedical engineering, with ongoing collaborations in solar energy, sustainable materials, and nanomedicine.
Farzad Mashayek is a Professor and Department Head of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Arizona, College of Engineering. He is a member of the Graduate Faculty and leads the Computational Multiphase Transport Laboratory. His research integrates high-fidelity simulations, machine learning, and experimental validation across diverse domains in fluid dynamics and energy systems. Educational Background: PhD in Mechanical Engineering, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY MS in Mechanical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran BS in Mechanical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran His research interests include turbulent reacting flows, plasma dynamics, electrostatic atomization, solid-ion and lithium batteries, computational fluid dynamics, and machine learning applications in engineering. He employs high-order spectral element methods, phase-field modeling, and deep neural networks to study complex multiphysics phenomena such as drop impact, battery degradation, and turbulence modeling. The recent publications reflect a strong trend toward integrating machine learning with multiphysics simulations, particularly in battery safety (thermal runaway prediction), materials characterization (STEM image analysis), and fluid dynamics (modal analysis of turbulence). His work often involves collaboration with experimental groups to validate models, especially in dental aerosol suppression and electrohydrodynamics. Scientific Awards: Sustained Service Award, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), Spring 2022 Best Presentation Award, The 20th International Conference on Computational Mathematics, Parallel and Distributed Computing, Summer I 2018 Dr. Mashayek has secured funding from NSF (GOALI program) for controlled coating via charged droplet deposition. He advises graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in computational mechanics and energy systems, fostering interdisciplinary research. He has contributed to engineering education, particularly during the pandemic, with active learning strategies in online instruction. He leads a dynamic research team focused on advancing simulation tools and applying them to real-world challenges in energy, manufacturing, and public health.
Michael A Osborne is Professor of Machine Learning at the University of Oxford and leads the Bayesian Exploration Lab . He serves as Director of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Autonomous Intelligent Machines and Systems and co-directs the Oxford Martin AI Governance Initiative. His research focuses on Bayesian optimization, Gaussian processes, and probabilistic numerics with applications in quantum devices, battery modeling, and AI governance. Key Positions: Professor of Machine Learning, University of Oxford Official Fellow, Exeter College Co-founder of Mind Foundry Lead Researcher, Oxford Martin Programme on Technology and Employment Research Themes: Probabilistic modeling for quantum systems Uncertainty quantification in energy storage AI safety and societal impact analysis Automated experimental design Quantum device calibration Probabilistic numerical methods Technical Contributions: Bridging reality gap in quantum devices Efficient Bayesian quadrature techniques Personalized neurostimulation algorithms Automated measurement protocols Quantum-classical hybrid ML
Dr. Yamin Zhang (张亚敏) holds a Presidential Young Professorship as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering at the National University of Singapore (NUS), College of Engineering. She leads the Zhang Group which focuses on interdisciplinary research at the intersection of electrochemistry, materials science, and biomedical engineering. 07/2023 – 01/2024: Research Associate, Northwestern University 02/2021 – 06/2023: Postdoctoral Fellow, Northwestern University 08/2016 – 12/2020: Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology 09/2012 – 07/2016: B.S., Chemical Engineering, Tianjin University; B.S., Finance (Double Major), Nankai University Dr. Zhang's research centers on developing advanced electrochemical strategies for next-generation medical devices (implantable, bioresorbable, and wearable) and sustainable energy solutions. Her work bridges bioelectronics , battery technology , and medical therapeutics , with particular emphasis on creating devices that can safely dissolve in the body after serving their purpose. Key areas include bioresorbable optoelectronic systems for electrotherapy, self-powered drug delivery platforms, and eco-safe battery technologies that can harmlessly resorb in biological environments. Analysis of Dr. Zhang's publication record reveals a clear trajectory from fundamental battery chemistry (2021-2022) toward increasingly sophisticated medical applications (2023-2025). Her recent work demonstrates mastery in integrating multiple functionalities into single bioresorbable platforms, as evidenced by her Nature (2025) paper on millimeter-scale optoelectronic systems for electrotherapy and Cell Biomaterials (2025) paper on wireless bioelectronic devices. The research shows strong interdisciplinary collaboration with leading institutions including Northwestern University and Georgia Tech. AHA Early Faculty Independence Award (2023) MIT ChemE Rising Stars (2022) Sigma Xi Best PhD Thesis Award (2021) Chinese Government Award for Outstanding Students Abroad (2021) A*STAR MTC Young Individual Research Grants (YIRG) (2025) Early Career Board Member for ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces (2025) Dr. Zhang has secured significant research funding including the AHA's Second Century Early Faculty Independence Award as Principal Investigator (2023) and the A*STAR MTC Young Individual Research Grant (2025). Her group serves on advisory boards for Cell Biomaterials and ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces. The Zhang Group at NUS maintains active collaborations with Northwestern University researchers including the Rogers group, with whom she has co-authored multiple high-impact publications in Nature, Science, and PNAS. Current research focuses on advancing battery technology and developing sophisticated electrochemical strategies for medical devices with an overarching focus on healthcare innovation and environmental sustainability.
Professor CHEN Wei (National University of Singapore) holds the Provost's Chair Professorship (2023-2026) and serves as Vice-Dean (Research) with joint appointments in the Departments of Chemistry and Physics. His research focuses on molecular-scale interface engineering for 2D materials-based devices and interface-controlled nanocatalysis in energy/environmental applications. PhD in Material Science, NUS (2004) Lee Kuan Yew Research Fellow (2006-2008) Established Surface and Interface Lab (2009) Director, NUS Research Institute (Fuzhou) His work on 2D optoelectronic memory (Nat. Comm. 2018), Kagome lattice design (Nano Lett. 2020), and single-atom catalysis (Nat. Comm. 2021) has been recognized by multiple high-impact publications and the Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher status (2017-2021). Awards include the NRF Investigatorship (2023) , Mitsui Chemicals-SNIC Industry Award (2020) , and Singapore Young Scientist Award (2012) . Grants from NUS, Singapore MOE, CREATE/CRP programs, and A*STAR support his exploration of interface engineering for neuromorphic computing and energy-efficient nanocatalysts . Current projects include monolayer blue phosphorus synthesis and solid electrolyte interphase engineering for lithium batteries.
Prof. Li LU is a Professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore (NUS). His research focuses on energy storage materials, ferroelectric systems, and advanced battery technologies. He holds editorial roles at Functional Materials Letters and Materials Technology – Advanced Functional Materials . Education: PhD from KU Leuven (Belgium), M.Eng and B.Eng from Tsinghua University (China). Research interests include thin film deposition, nanostructured materials, and solid-state electrolytes. His work addresses challenges in lithium/ sodium-ion batteries, solid-state interfaces, and high-performance energy storage systems. Recent studies emphasize aerosol deposition techniques, composite electrolytes, and interfacial stability. Publications highlight advancements in battery materials and electrolyte design. Notable contributions include ultra-stable sodium-ion batteries, ferroelectric-engineered electrolytes, and optimizing lithium metal anodes. His research bridges fundamental material science with practical energy solutions.
Scott Barnett is a Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at Northwestern University , specializing in ceramic thin films and electrochemical systems for energy applications. His research spans over 25 years in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and lithium-ion battery electrodes, with a focus on 3D printing, thin electrolyte deposition, and microstructural evolution under operational stress. Education: Ph.D. and B.S. in Metallurgy and Physics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Research Interests center on: Reversible solid oxide cells for energy storage 3D tomographic imaging of electrode microstructures Novel processing methods for ceramic materials Electrochemical stability and degradation mechanisms Recent Publications highlight advancements in: Pressurization effects on oxygen electrodes 3D printed SOFCs with enhanced performance Nanoparticle infiltration for fuel electrode stability Impedance modeling of lithium-ion batteries Scientific Awards include: Fulbright Scholar (2015) Cheng Tsang Man Endowed Professorship (2008) Office of Naval Research Young Investigator (1986) AVS Fellow (1998) Advising Legacy encompasses over 30 graduate students and postdocs, including Nicholas Geisendorfer (NASA Space Technology Fellow) and Matthew Lu (now at Tesla), with notable alumni placements at institutions like Bloom Energy and Microsoft . His lab employs advanced characterization techniques to predict long-term durability of electrochemical devices.
Ram Rajagopal is an Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Electrical Engineering at Stanford University, and a Senior Fellow at the Precourt Institute for Energy. He leads the Stanford Sustainable Systems Lab (S3L), focusing on large-scale monitoring, data analytics, and stochastic control for infrastructure networks, particularly power systems. His research emphasizes renewable energy integration, smart distribution systems, and demand-side data analytics. Education: PhD in Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences & MA in Statistics (UC Berkeley), MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering (UT Austin), and BEng in Electrical Engineering (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro). Research interests include power grid optimization, renewable energy systems, and data-driven approaches to infrastructure challenges. He has pioneered work in grid flexibility, distributed energy resources, and machine learning applications for energy systems. His lab develops technologies like Smart Dim Fuses and the EV-EcoSim platform for EV charging infrastructure optimization. Received NSF CAREER Award, Powell Foundation Fellowship, and Berkeley Regents Fellowship Over 30 patents and best paper awards Advises/founded companies in sensor networks, power systems, and data analytics Labs/Teams: Stanford Sustainable Systems Lab (S3L), Powernet Project. His work spans grid resilience, energy equity, and scalable energy solutions.
Professor Todd Squires is a distinguished faculty member in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of California, Santa Barbara, within the Robert Mehrabian College of Engineering. His research focuses on the fundamental principles of transport phenomena as applied to interfaces, membranes, and complex fluids, employing theoretical, computational, and experimental approaches to address significant challenges in micro-scale fluid mechanics. Dr. Squires' educational background includes: BS in Physics, UCLA (1995) BA in Russian Language and Literature, UCLA (1995) PhD in Physics, Harvard University (2002) His research interests span microfluidics and electrokinetics, active and nonlinear microrheology of complex materials, polymer dynamics and sensors, with particular emphasis on non-linear electrokinetic flows, interfacial rheology, and the self-assembly of nanostructured materials. His work bridges fundamental fluid mechanics with practical applications in microfluidic devices, energy storage, and biomedical systems, demonstrating the versatility of this fascinating field. Analysis of Professor Squires' recent publications reveals a consistent focus on interfacial phenomena, with particular attention to the rheological properties of fluid interfaces, particle dynamics in complex fluids, and novel microfluidic techniques for measuring and manipulating these systems. His research demonstrates strong interdisciplinary connections between chemical engineering, physics, and materials science, with applications spanning energy storage, biomedical engineering, and environmental systems. Professor Squires has received numerous prestigious awards and honors: 2018 Robert W. Vaughan Lecture in Chemical Engineering, Caltech 2015 Elected Fellow of the American Physical Society 2013 Mid-Career Award, American Electrophoresis Society 2012 The Dudley Saville Memorial Lecture at Princeton 2010 Pierre Gilles de Gennes Prize 2010 Allan P. Colburn Memorial Lectureship, University of Delaware 2009 Francois Frenkiel Award for Fluid Mechanics 2009 Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award 2008 Beckman Young Investigator 2007 NSF CAREER Award 2005 'Rising Star' - Chronicle of Higher Education As principal investigator of the Squires Group, Professor Squires leads a dynamic research team that combines experimental, theoretical, and computational approaches to investigate transport phenomena at interfaces. His work has been supported by major funding agencies including the National Science Foundation, with his CAREER award indicating early recognition of his potential as both researcher and educator. While specific grant details aren't provided in the source material, his extensive publication record and prestigious awards suggest robust and sustained research funding. The Squires Group maintains state-of-the-art laboratory facilities for studying micro-scale fluid mechanics, including specialized equipment for microrheology measurements, microfluidic device fabrication, and interfacial characterization. Their research environment fosters collaboration across disciplines, with connections to materials science, physics, and biomedical engineering researchers at UCSB and beyond.
Dr. K. Max Zhang is a Professor in the Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Cornell University. He is the director of the Energy and the Environment Research Laboratory (EERL) and a fellow at the Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future. His research is deeply interdisciplinary, focusing on sustainable energy systems, air quality, and environmental justice, with significant impacts on policy and community development in New York and beyond. Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, University of California-Davis, 2004 B.S., Thermal Engineering, Tianjin University, 1998 B.A., English Language, Tianjin University, 1998 Dr. Zhang’s research centers on the integration of energy and environmental systems. He investigates air pollution dynamics using advanced numerical models like CTAG, with applications in near-source pollution, indoor air quality, and environmental justice. His work on renewable energy systems includes designing sustainable solar farms and managing distributed energy resources such as heat pumps to enhance grid flexibility. He also leads a pioneering initiative to create the first statewide public IoT network in the U.S., enabling hyperlocal weather forecasting and microclimate monitoring. His recent publications reflect a strong trend toward agrivoltaics, peer-to-peer energy markets, and IoT-based environmental monitoring. These works demonstrate a consistent focus on data-driven modeling, community-scale energy solutions, and the integration of social considerations into technical systems. The keywords across his articles highlight expertise in sustainability, machine learning, air quality, and energy transition. Cornell Town-Gown Achievement Award (2022) Engaged Scholar Prize, Cornell University (2017) People's Choice Sign of Sustainability Award, Sustainable Tompkins (2016) Scientific and Technological Achievement Award, Environmental Protection Agency (2015) Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Dr. Zhang is actively involved in mentoring students and securing research grants from agencies such as the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). His projects often involve interdisciplinary collaboration across eight Cornell colleges and 16 academic departments. He has led initiatives such as the Cornell Atkinson Academic Venture Fund projects and the development of a county-level energy roadmap for Tompkins County. He also teaches courses in engineering thermodynamics, future energy systems, and air quality, emphasizing experiential and community-based learning. Dr. Zhang leads the Energy and the Environment Research Laboratory (EERL) and collaborates with the Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future. His lab functions as a hub for innovation in sustainable communities, combining advanced modeling with real-world applications. Through partnerships with community organizations, government agencies, and industry, his team develops science-driven solutions to urban and rural sustainability challenges.
