Sarah Billington is the UPS Foundation Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Stanford University and a Senior Fellow at the Woods Institute for the Environment. Her research program focuses on sustainable building design, human wellbeing, and ethical supply chain practices. Education: PhD, University of Texas at Austin, Structural Engineering (1997) MSE, University of Texas at Austin, Structural Engineering (1994) BSE, Princeton University, Civil Engineering & Operations Research (1990) Her lab employs interdisciplinary methods to study how built environments impact human physical, psychological, and social wellbeing. Current projects include developing tools to quantify nature exposure in buildings, exploring affordable housing's role in wellbeing, and using AI to assess forced labor risks in material supply chains. While no longer active in this area, her group previously pioneered research on sustainable construction materials like bio-based composites and ductile cement-based composites. Her recent publications address topics such as nature integration in architecture, workplace design optimization, and health impacts of building materials. The Billington Lab at Stanford fosters collaborative team science, welcoming partnerships to advance occupant-centric engineering solutions.
Karen C. Cheung is a Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of British Columbia, with cross-appointments in the Faculty of Medicine and the School of Biomedical Engineering where she serves as Director of the Graduate Program. She holds her office in KAIS 3064 and can be reached at (604) 827-4114. Dr. Cheung received her BSc and PhD degrees in Bioengineering from the University of California, Berkeley in 1998 and 2002, respectively. From 2002-2005, she was a postdoctoral researcher at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne in Switzerland. She joined UBC in 2006 and has established herself as a leading researcher in biomedical microsystems. Her research spans multiple areas of biomedical engineering with particular focus on lab-on-a-chip systems for cell culture and characterization , inkjet printing for tissue engineering , and implantable neural interfaces . Her work integrates microfluidics, biosensors, and tissue engineering to create platforms that better mimic in vivo conditions for drug screening and disease modeling. Current projects include developing organ-on-a-chip models of the human airway for studying aerosol exposure effects, creating microscale tumor models for cancer research, and advancing silicon photonic biosensors for medical diagnostics. Dr. Cheung leads the Bio-Medical Micro Devices Laboratory at UBC, which houses multiple research teams working on cutting-edge biomedical technologies. Her lab has developed microfluidic platforms capable of precisely controlling oxygen levels around tumor spheroids to study cancer treatment responses under realistic physiological conditions. The lab also works on novel fabrication techniques for microelectrode arrays and tissue clearing protocols for 3D imaging of microtissues. As an educator, Dr. Cheung teaches several specialized courses including ELEC 361 (Molecules to Mechanisms), ELEC 464 (Nanotechnology and Nature), EECE 301 (Topics in Nanotechnology and Microsystems), ELEC 473 (Biological Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems), and ELEC 521 (Biomedical Microdevices). She has supervised numerous graduate students through their MASc, PhD, and postdoctoral work, with many alumni now holding academic positions or working in the biomedical industry. Her research is supported through multiple funding sources and collaborations with industry partners. Dr. Cheung is affiliated with several research centers including the Airway Centre, Bionics Network, Centre for Blood Research, and the Institute for Computing, Information and Cognitive Systems (ICICS) at UBC.
Daniel E. Koditschek is the Alfred Fitler Moore Professor in the Department of Computer and Information Science at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Engineering and Applied Science. He also holds primary appointments in the Department of Electrical and Systems Engineering and a research affiliation with the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics. He is a leading figure in the GRASP Lab, where he leads the Kod*lab, a specialized group focused on physical interaction and locomotion in autonomous robots. His research lies at the intersection of dynamical systems theory and robotics, emphasizing legged locomotion, hybrid control systems, and bio-inspired design. Koditschek's work integrates formal mathematical modeling with empirical testing of physical robots that run, jump, climb, and manipulate objects. He actively explores how biological insights into animal mobility can inform robotic autonomy and control. His group maintains strong collaborations with biologists and emphasizes embodied intelligence in machine behavior. The recent publications reflect a strong trend in applying theoretical control frameworks—such as hybrid dynamical systems, averaging methods, and navigation functions—to practical robotic challenges in unstructured environments. Topics include terrain adaptation, energy-efficient locomotion, reactive planning, and affordance-based interaction. There is a clear focus on bridging abstract mathematical models with real-world robotic performance, particularly in legged and mobile manipulation systems. IEEE RAS Pioneer Award Heilmeier Research Award AFOSR MURI Award (2010) Daniel Koditschek has advised numerous PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, many of whom now hold faculty positions or leadership roles in robotics companies like Ghost Robotics and Boston Dynamics. His research is supported by major grants from the NSF and AFOSR, including the MURI award and REU/RET programs that engage K-12 and undergraduate educators. He has also been involved in international outreach, including activities at the Penn Wharton China Center. Koditschek leads the Kod*lab within the GRASP Lab’s PERCH facility, which houses advanced legged robots such as the Ghost Minitaur, XRHhex, Inu, Delta Hopper, and Jerboa platforms. The lab emphasizes experimental validation of control theories using custom hardware and real-world terrain challenges.
Jan Knippers is a Professor and Institute Director at the University of Stuttgart's Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning , leading the Institute of Building Structures and Structural Design (ITKE) . He co-founded Knippers Helbig Advanced Engineering and established Jan Knippers Ingenieure in 2018 to focus on innovative fiber composite and timber structures. Key roles: Deputy Executive Director of Cluster of Excellence IntCDC , former Vice-Rector for Research (2019-2021), and Dean of Faculty of Architecture (2021-2023) Technical focus: Hybrid FRP-Timber systems, computational design, and biomimetic principles His projects include the 2024 Hybrid Flax Pavilion , Urbach Tower (2024), and BUGA Fiber Pavilion (2019). He contributes to European standardization committees and serves as 2024 Leverhulme Visiting Professor at University College London.
Professor Asterios Bakolas is affiliated with the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA). His research focuses on materials science, cultural heritage conservation, and sustainable construction technologies. Key areas include the development of compatible restoration mortars for historic structures, analysis of traditional building materials, and application of non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques for heritage assessment. He has contributed to projects involving Hagia Sophia, the Parthenon, and Cretan architectural heritage. Research interests span materials characterization, composite materials, and environmental impact assessment of construction materials. Notable work includes studies on polychromy in ancient art, weathering phenomena in historic buildings, and integration of AI for material property prediction. His interdisciplinary approach combines chemistry, civil engineering, and digital humanities to address challenges in conservation and sustainable building practices. No scientific awards are explicitly listed, but his extensive publications reflect recognition in academic circles. Advising and grants are not detailed here, though his involvement in restoration projects implies active collaboration with funding bodies. He is part of the School’s research groups focused on materials science and heritage preservation.
Nicholas Shapiro is an Associate Professor in the Department of Society & Genetics at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), within the School of Life Sciences. His multidisciplinary research focuses on chemical contamination, climate change, and environmental justice, often collaborating with communities impacted by environmental hazards. He co-founded the Environmental Data and Governance Initiative (EDGI) in 2016 and leads a lab examining environmental health in carceral institutions. DPhil, Anthropology, University of Oxford MPhil, Medical Anthropology, University of Oxford BA, Global Public Health and Anthropology, Bard College Shapiro's research spans environmental health, carceral geography, and toxic exposures. He designs interventions like bio-phyto air remediation systems and smartphone-based formaldehyde testing apps. His work critiques environmental governance and regulatory policies, particularly during the Trump administration, and explores intersections between settler-colonialism, climate change, and the concept of "toxic homes." His recent publications highlight environmental justice in prisons, smartphone-based pollution monitoring, and the sociopolitical impacts of data governance. These works emphasize interdisciplinary approaches, blending technology, anthropology, and public health to address systemic environmental inequities. Scientific Awards 2017 Outstanding Contribution to Making and Doing, Society for the Social Studies of Science 2017 J. Franklin Jameson Archival Advocacy Award, Society of American Archivists 2015 Cultural Horizons Prize, Society for Cultural Anthropology Shapiro co-founded EDGI and collaborates with communities on grassroots environmental monitoring. His lab develops tools for air quality assessment and investigates health disparities in carceral settings, merging activism with scientific rigor to advocate for policy reforms.
Dr. Ben Williamson is a Senior Lecturer in Digital Education at the University of Edinburgh's Moray House School of Education and Sport, affiliated with the Institute for Education, Community & Society (IECS) and the Centre for Research in Digital Education. His work critically examines how digital technologies, data infrastructures, and biometric/neurotechnological practices shape educational futures. Key areas of focus include the role of venture capital in education, algorithmic governance, and the privatization of educational systems. His research has been funded by the Leverhulme Trust and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). Notable publications include Big Data in Education: The Digital Future of Learning, Policy, and Practice (2017). He maintains the Code Acts in Education blog and is active on Twitter as @BenPatrickWill. Williamson’s research explores intersections between biology and education (e.g., educational genomics), financial markets in schooling, and the governance of educational data by tech corporations. He critiques how platforms like Google Classroom and investors such as Amazon reshape educational practices and policies. His work emphasizes sociotechnical and infrastructural analyses of educational change. He supervises PhD students focusing on data-centric education policies, digital technology in education governance, and emerging biometric sciences in learning contexts. His articles analyze global EdTech dynamics, pandemic-driven privatization, and the ethical implications of biosocial education. Williamson’s affiliations include the Edinburgh Futures Institute, where he collaborates on future-oriented educational research. He has contributed to policy innovation labs and studies the impact of corporate actors like Pearson and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative on educational systems.
Jakub Kostal is an Associate Professor of Chemistry and Director of the MS Environmental and Green Chemistry Program at George Washington University. He leads the Kostal Research Group, focusing on computational chemistry, green chemistry, and predictive toxicology. His work aims to develop computer models to predict chemical toxicity and design safer, sustainable chemicals. Education: PhD from Yale University (2012), B.A. from Middlebury College (2006). He collaborates with the Lapkin Group at the University of Cambridge on sustainable process engineering using AI. His research team includes graduate students Jillian Brejnik, Diana Garnica Acevedo, and Geetesh Devineni. Research interests center on reducing chemical hazards through computational methods, including predicting environmental persistence, optimizing chemical reactions for sustainability, and advancing machine learning tools for toxicity prediction. His team’s contributions include refining models for pesticide safety and designing bio-based alternatives. Publications highlight advancements in quantum mechanics modeling, in silico toxicity prediction, and sustainable chemical design. He actively engages with policymakers, including speaking at the White House on sustainable chemistry strategies.
Professor Mou Bozhong is a full Professor and Doctoral Supervisor at the School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology (ECUST) . He serves as Director of the Engineering Research Center for Biorecovery, Ministry of Education and heads the Institute of Applied Chemistry . Recognized as a Foreign Academician of the Russian Academy of Engineering , he also sits on the editorial boards of five leading journals and is a member of key professional committees of the Chinese Chemical Society and Chinese Society of Microbiology. Education & Career Path B.Sc. (1982), Chengdu University of Technology M.Sc. (1989), China Coal Research Institute (Xi’an) – Geodrilling Fluid Chemistry Laboratory Ph.D. (1998), Southwest Petroleum University – Applied Chemistry/Interfacial Chemistry Postdoctoral Research (1998–2000), Ocean University of Qingdao Visiting Scholar, University of Wyoming, USA – Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery (MEOR) Joined ECUST as Full Professor (January 2001–present) Research Interests Professor Mu’s interdisciplinary research integrates microbiology, interfacial chemistry, and petroleum engineering . He investigates microbial life in extreme reservoir environments , focusing on: Structure and function of biosurfactants and bio-based surfactants Anaerobic biodegradation pathways of petroleum hydrocarbons and associated biomarkers Microbial community dynamics in high-temperature, high-pressure reservoirs CO₂ biotransformation and biofixation by reservoir microorganisms for CCUS applications Microbially influenced corrosion (MIC) and mitigation strategies in oilfield systems Publication & Patent Trends His 200+ SCI-indexed articles and 50+ invention patents (32 authorized) reveal a trajectory from fundamental molecular simulation of lipopeptide surfactants to large-scale field demonstrations of MEOR and CO₂-EOR technologies. Notable themes include in-situ microbial community engineering, metabolic pathway reconstruction via multi-omics, and development of eco-friendly surfactants for enhanced energy recovery . Scientific Awards & Honors Foreign Academician, Russian Academy of Engineering Second Prize, National Science and Technology Progress Award (2010) First Prize, Shanghai Science and Technology Progress Award (2008) First Prize, China Industry-University-Research Cooperation Innovation Achievement Award Baosteel Outstanding Teacher Award National Teaching Achievement Award (Second Prize) Enjoys Special Government Allowance from the State Council Member, 11th & 12th Shanghai CPPCC Teaching & Mentoring Professor Mu delivers core undergraduate courses in Physical Chemistry and graduate courses in Biophysical Chemistry and Energy Biotechnology . He pioneered the nation’s first bilingual Physical Chemistry demonstration course and mentors students in chemistry, microbiology, and bioengineering, actively recruiting Ph.D. and Master’s candidates. Laboratory & Teams His laboratories (Room 225, Laboratory Building 3) house the Engineering Research Center for Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery , equipped for molecular microbiology, interfacial chemistry, and pilot-scale bioprocess testing. The group collaborates with PetroChina, SINOPEC, and international partners to translate fundamental discoveries into field applications.
Maria Elena Cobas Cobiella is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil Law at the Faculty of Law, University of Valencia. Her academic work is deeply rooted in civil and private law, with significant contributions to inheritance, family, mediation, and European private law. She is an active member of two research groups: the GPF Research Group on Person and Family and the GEDPED Study Group on European Private and Digital Law. Research Interests: Her research spans civil law, succession law, bio-law, legal mediation, reproductive rights, and legal education. She has explored the legal implications of posthumous reproduction, European succession instruments, Cuban property law, and innovative teaching methods such as concept mapping and cooperative learning in legal education. Her work often bridges doctrinal analysis with practical and ethical considerations. The trends in her scholarly publications from 2001 to 2017 reflect a sustained focus on succession law and legal modernization, with increasing attention to European harmonization, digital law, and interdisciplinary issues in bio-law. Her articles also reveal a strong commitment to pedagogical innovation and comparative legal analysis, particularly between Spanish and U.S. legal systems. Scientific Contributions: PhD from the University of Valencia (2001) on testamentary executorship. Active researcher in European private and digital law. Prolific author on mediation, inheritance, and legal education. Advising and Grants: While no specific grants are listed, she has supervised PhD research, as evidenced by her role as advisor to Dr. Lorenzo Prats Albentosa’s thesis. She actively contributes to academic discourse through publications and research group leadership. Her work in legal education suggests involvement in curriculum development and pedagogical projects. Labs and Teams: She collaborates with the GPF Research Group on Person and Family and the GEDPED Study Group on European Private and Digital Law, indicating active participation in team-based legal research focused on contemporary civil law challenges.
Gideon Spanjar is a Professor of Innovation and Urban Green Spaces at Aeres University of Applied Sciences and holds a senior role as a researcher and project leader at Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences’ Faculty of Technology. He leads initiatives like the Sensing Streetscapes project and the EU-funded Cool Towns , focusing on urban transformation, climate resilience, and nature-based solutions. His work bridges urban design, environmental science, and human well-being through projects such as Building4Wellbeing and Biodiverse Cities . Research interests include spatial urban transformation, climate adaptation, and bio-based housing. He collaborates with municipalities, architecture firms, and international bodies to develop strategies for just, climate-resilient cities. Key outputs include the Urban Heat Atlas and Nature-inclusive Guiding Principles white paper, emphasizing participatory design and neuroarchitecture. Notable awards include the HvA Research of the Year 2022 for Sensing Streetscapes . His work spans academic publications, policy frameworks, and public engagement, reflecting a commitment to actionable urban solutions.
Minna Autio is a Professor at the University of Helsinki's Faculty of Educational Sciences, Department of Education. She is affiliated with the Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science and Teachers' Academy. Her research focuses on sustainability science, consumer behavior, home economics education, and ethical consumption. Key areas include sustainable fashion, wood-based bioeconomy, and youth financial literacy. She leads the BioColour consortium (2019-2025) developing bio-based dyes and pigments. Recent work explores consumer agency in sustainability practices, food systems, and material lifecycle management. Education: Not explicitly listed in provided texts. Research projects include 'Education for Everyday Sustainability' and 'Consumer-inclusive packaging systems'. She actively participates in international conferences and reviews academic journals like Scandinavian Journal of Educational Research and Journal of Cleaner Production . Her publications analyze topics such as clothing sustainability, youth financial independence, and consumer perceptions of natural vs synthetic materials. She collaborates with organizations like the Strategic Research Council and the European Commission-funded CONFIN-SKILLS project. Grants include funding from the Academy of Finland and the STN consortium.
Prof. Dr. Seden Acun Özgünler is a faculty member at the Faculty of Architecture, Istanbul Technical University , where she has served as Professor since 2021. Her research spans material science in architecture, focusing on durability, maintenance, and sustainable building technologies . She has supervised numerous theses and led projects on natural binders, thermal insulation, and historical preservation . Education: PhD in Building Science (Dr), Istanbul Technical University. Academic Roles: Department Head (2023), Associate Professor (2013-2021), Research Assistant (1999-2003). Research Trends include: Material Innovation: Mycelium-based composites, natural hydraulic binders, and geopolymer concrete. Sustainability: LCIA models, waste material utilization, and energy-efficient designs. Historical Preservation: Volcanic tuff conservation, grouting methods for masonry repair, and adaptive reuse of structures. Scientific Awards: 2nd Young Türkiye Summit Academy Award (2017) for Mimar Sinan Cultural Wealth Preservation. Publication-based Academic Performance Awards (2022, 2025) from Istanbul Technical University. Key Projects involve biocomposite materials, natural cement reproduction, and chromic glass applications in facades. Her work bridges traditional building techniques with modern sustainability through experimental and computational approaches.
Prof. Kwang W. Oh is a Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Electrical Engineering at the University at Buffalo (SUNY), with an adjunct appointment in the Department of Biomedical Engineering. He directs the Sensors and MicroActuators Learning Lab (SMALL), focusing on biomedical microfluidic devices, sensors, and actuators for applications in medical diagnostics and biological research. His educational background includes: PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Cincinnati (2001) MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Cincinnati (1997) BS in Physics with summa cum laude from Chonbuk National University, Korea (1994) Prof. Oh's research centers on microfluidics and BioMEMS (Bio Micro Electro Mechanical Systems), with specializations in LOC (lab-on-a-chip), MicroTAS (Micro Total Analysis Systems), and SANS (Sample-to-Answer Nano/microfluidic Systems). His work develops practical microfluidic devices for medical diagnostics, including point-of-care blood testing, single cell manipulation, and nanobiosensors. His lab has pioneered innovative approaches like the "pysanky" wax-based technique for rapid prototyping of microfluidic devices and vacuum-driven micropumps for plasma separation from finger-prick blood samples. His recent publications reveal a strong trend toward practical medical applications of microfluidics, particularly in photoacoustic imaging test phantoms, point-of-care diagnostics, and nanoparticle synthesis for viral treatment. His research bridges engineering with clinical needs, focusing on making laboratory functions portable and accessible through microfluidic integration. Among his notable awards: The SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching (2020) President Emeritus and Mrs. Meyerson Award for Distinguished Undergraduate Teaching and Mentoring (2019) Qualcomm Faculty Award (2019) Senior Teacher of the Year Award, SEAS, UB (2017) Emerging Investigators 2012, Lab Chip, Royal Society of Chemistry (2013) Honor of CEO, Samsung Electronics for development of a micro PCR system (2003) Prof. Oh has advised numerous graduate students including Dr. Anyang Wang, Dr. Nikhila Nyayapathi, and Dr. Domin Koh, who have gone on to successful careers in academia and industry. His research has been supported by significant grants, including a Qualcomm Faculty Award in 2019, which recognizes research that "inspires students and sparks new approaches in key technology areas." He actively participates in professional service as an editorial board member for several journals including Sensors and Micromachines. He directs the Sensors and MicroActuators Learning Lab (SMALL), which houses state-of-the-art facilities for microfluidic device fabrication and testing. The lab focuses on developing practical microfluidic solutions for medical diagnostics, with recent projects including test phantoms for photoacoustic imaging, vacuum-driven micropumps for point-of-care blood separation, and microfluidic devices for nanoparticle synthesis targeting viral treatments. The lab fosters interdisciplinary collaboration between engineering, medicine, and life sciences to translate microfluidic innovations into real-world medical applications.
Mark E. Warner is a full Professor in the School of Marine Science & Policy at the University of Delaware’s College of Earth, Ocean & Environment . Based at the Lewes campus , he leads research bridging coral physiology, phytoplankton ecology, and climate-change impacts on marine symbioses. Education Ph.D., Ecology, University of Georgia, 1998 East-West Marine Biology Program, Northeastern University, 1991 B.S., Zoology, University of Georgia, 1992 Research Interests Professor Warner’s work centers on physiological ecology of phytoplankton and reef-building corals , with particular emphasis on algal–invertebrate symbioses . His laboratory investigates how temperature stress, ocean acidification, and nutrient regimes modulate the fitness of both Symbiodiniaceae (zooxanthellae) and their cnidarian hosts. A major thrust is understanding thermotolerance mechanisms that underpin coral resilience in a warming ocean, employing techniques from bio-optical fluorometry to stable-isotope probing . Additional foci include the ecology of harmful algal blooms , where he examines how dinoflagellate growth, toxicity, and fatty-acid profiles respond to multifactorial environmental change, and the development of low-cost, field-deployable instrumentation (e.g., CBASS) for standardized coral-stress diagnostics. Publication Trends Across the most recent 15 publications (2023-2025), the work spans coral bleaching physiology, symbiont diversity, thermal tolerance, and technology innovation . Themes include zooxanthellae–host fidelity , nutrient-transfer efficiency under heat stress , and portable bio-optical tools for reef monitoring , reflecting a trajectory from cellular mechanisms to ecosystem-scale applications. Scientific Awards No awards are explicitly listed in the provided text. Advising & Grants No specific student names or grant numbers were found in the supplied materials. Laboratory & Teams Professor Warner directs an active research group within the College of Earth, Ocean & Environment at the University of Delaware’s Lewes campus , housed in Cannon Laboratory (Room 232). The lab collaborates closely with the marine operations and instrumentation teams to advance coral-reef science and phytoplankton ecology.
