Majid Ghayoomi is a Professor and Civil Engineering Undergraduate Coordinator in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of New Hampshire's College of Engineering and Physical Sciences. His research focuses on geotechnical engineering and geomechanics, particularly unsaturated soil mechanics and geotechnical earthquake engineering. He teaches courses such as Soil Mechanics, Engineering Behavior of Soils, and Geotechnical Modeling. Dr. Ghayoomi holds a Ph.D. from the University of Colorado at Boulder, an M.S. from Sharif University, and a B.S. from the University of Tehran. His research interests include bioremediation, hazards mitigation, soil-structure interaction, and materials testing. He leads the Geotechnical Modeling and Innovation lab, advancing bio-inspired solutions and remote sensing applications in geotechnical systems. His recent work emphasizes climate change impacts on seismic resilience, microbial stabilization of soils, and satellite-based soil moisture monitoring. Key contributions include studies on liquefaction mitigation, seismic site response, and infrastructure vulnerability in dynamic environments. His research spans theoretical, experimental (centrifuge modeling), and computational approaches to address complex geotechnical challenges.
Robert MacCurdy is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder . He leads the Matter Assembly Computation Lab (MACLab) focused on automating robot design and fabrication. His research bridges computational design and advanced manufacturing to create "robots that walk out of the printer." The lab develops tools like OpenVCAD , an open-source volumetric multi-material geometry compiler.
Irene Taurino is an Assistant Professor (tenure track) in the Faculty of Engineering Science at KU Leuven, affiliated with the Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Department of Electrical Engineering (ESAT). She leads the Laboratory of Electrochemical Materials and Bio Interfaces (eMATI), focusing on nano- and microtechnologies for biomedical applications. Her work emphasizes developing advanced electrochemical systems for therapeutic and sensing purposes, including biodegradable platforms and stretchable substrates. Research Interests: Electrochemistry, Nanotechnology, (Bio)sensing, Drug delivery, Bimetals/Metal Oxides, and Smart materials. Projects include HumiPlast (plant transpiration sensors), QuantPAH (firefighter health monitoring), and TALENT (thin-film deposition technologies). She holds leadership roles in Leuven One Health, LIMNI, and the Plant Institute. Advising & Grants: Promotes/Co-promotes 10+ projects on biosensors, CO2 electroreduction, and smart farming. Key roles in funding initiatives like EU Horizon and industry partnerships. Labs/Teams: Heads eMATI, fostering interdisciplinary research in bioelectronics and soft materials. Emphasizes creativity and translational research from fundamental science to practical applications.
Bradley D. Olsen is a full professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he leads research at the intersection of polymer science, soft matter physics, and bioengineering. His work focuses on designing materials for critical applications in biotechnology, hemostasis, and sustainable polymer development while advancing fundamental understanding of polymer network mechanics and self-assembly. Education: Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, University of California Berkeley (2007) S.B. in Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2003) Olsen's research spans protein-based materials, block copolymer phase behavior, and mechanochemical hydrogels. He has pioneered methods for quantifying polymer network topology, developing hemostatic nanoparticles, and creating bio-inspired materials for selective biomolecular transport and medical applications. His recent publications emphasize data-driven approaches to polymer characterization and educational outreach in materials science. Scientific Awards: American Physical Society (APS) Fellow (2023) Fulbright Amazonia Scholar (2023) Alexander and I. Michael Kasser Chair in Chemical Engineering (2021) ACS Macro Letters Young Investigator Award (2021) MIT Committed to Caring Honor (2019) AIChE Owens Corning Early Career Award (2019) APS Dillon Medal (2018) Kavli Emerging Leader in Chemistry (2017) ACS Polymer Division Fellow (2016) Camille Dreyfus-Teacher Scholar (2015) Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellow (2014) NSF Career Grant (2013) NIH Postdoctoral Fellowship (2008-2009) Hertz Fellow (2003-2007) Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship (2002) Olsen has received significant grant support including NSF Career (2013) and AFOSR (2012) awards. His teaching activities include innovative international outreach like the 2025 soccer-themed science camp in Brazil. The Olsen Group at MIT explores advanced materials with applications ranging from trauma care to sustainable polymers.
Vikramaditya G. Yadav is an Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science. He directs the Master of Engineering Leadership (MEL) Program in Sustainable Process Engineering and leads the BioFoundry research group. Education: B.A.Sc., University of Waterloo (2007) Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2013) Postdoctoral Associate, Harvard University (2014) His research spans sustainable chemical manufacturing, metabolic engineering, and biotechnology. Key areas include: Designing biosynthetic enzymes for biomass valorization Developing bioremediation strategies for industrial water quality Creating innovative drug delivery systems and tissue engineering solutions Advancing synthetic biology for pharmaceutical and bioenergy applications His recent work focuses on ocular drug delivery, cannabinoid biosynthesis in E. coli, lignin-based nanoparticles for cancer therapy, and computational analysis of plant secondary metabolites. Collaborations with start-ups, industry, and medical labs drive innovation in Canada's bioeconomy. Professional Leadership: Chair, Biotechnology Division of the Chemical Institute of Canada Associate Editor, The Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering He is affiliated with UBC's BioProducts Institute and contributes to project-based learning pedagogy.
Michael McAlpine is a Professor in the Mechanical Engineering department at the University of Minnesota . He also holds affiliations with the Biomedical Engineering and Electrical and Computer Engineering departments. His research focuses on 3D printing functional materials & devices , Nanoscale inks , Biomedical devices , Bioelectronics , and Flexible Microsystems . Research Interests : 3D Printing, Biomedical Engineering, Nanotechnology, Flexible Electronics, Microfluidics Labs : ME 361/363 Contact : mcalpine@umn.edu , (612) 626-3303, ME 117 Recent Research Trends include 3D Printed Biomedical Devices , Flexible Electronics , and Bioprinting Applications . His work spans from Spinal Organoid Formation to Programmable Drug Release Capsules . Scientific Award : Circulation Research 2020 Best Manuscript Award
Jakob Foerster is an Associate Professor at the University of Oxford's Department of Engineering Science and a Supernumerary Fellow at St Anne's College. He leads the FLAIR lab, focusing on multi-agent reinforcement learning (MARL), human-AI coordination, and AI foundational research. Previously, he was a Research Scientist at Facebook AI Research (FAIR) and holds a DPhil from Oxford. His work has been cited over 5,000 times and includes seminal contributions like QMIX and the Hanabi Challenge. Research interests span compute-efficient scaling of AI, MARL applications in finance and bio, and ethical AI. He actively collaborates across academia and industry, co-organizing workshops like NeurIPS' Emergent Communication. His lab emphasizes open-ended RL, environment design, and scalable algorithms. Notable awards include the CIFAR AI Chair (2019) and NeurIPS Best Paper Runner-Up (2018). Current efforts include FLAIR's research on zero-shot coordination and the JaxMARL framework. He advises students in Oxford's Engineering DPhil and AIMS CDT programs.
Jindong Tan is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (since 2015). Previously, he held roles at Michigan Technological University (2002–2015) and Northeastern University, China (1995–1998). He specializes in medical/surgical robotics, human-robot interactions, wearable sensors, control systems, and mechatronics. His research integrates robotics, biomedical engineering, and computer science to advance minimally invasive surgical tools, wearable technology, and autonomous systems. Education: Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan State University (2002), M.S. from Northeastern University (1995), and B.S. from Lanzhou University of Technology (1992). Research interests focus on developing innovative medical robotic systems, including laparoscopic camera robots, magnetic actuation mechanisms, and human-robot collaboration frameworks. He has contributed to advancements in wearable sensors for healthcare, sensor networks for dynamic environments, and calibration techniques for bio-inspired robots. Key projects include the design of an untethered laparoscopic camera robot (s-CAM), magnetic localization for surgical tools, and frameworks for controlled robot language in human-robot collaboration. His work emphasizes practical applications in surgical environments and wearable health monitoring. Professional service includes roles with the IEEE Robotics & Automation Society, Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, and the Association for Computing Machinery. Contact: tan@utk.edu, Perkins Hall 315.
Dr. Robert Huber serves as a Lecturer at the Department of Environmental Systems Science at ETH Zürich, specializing in Agricultural Economics and Policy. His research focuses on the integration of interdisciplinary knowledge to analyze and evaluate management and policy options that promote sustainable development in the agricultural sector. Institution: ETH Zürich Department: Agricultural Economics and Policy Research Focus: Sustainable Agriculture and Policy Methodologies: Bio-economic and agent-based modeling Dr. Huber's research explores how multifunctional agricultural sectors can provide essential non-market goods and services while maintaining their primary economic function of food production. His work applies bio-economic and agent-based modeling techniques to understand farmers' decision-making processes regarding ecosystem services provision, coupled with economic valuation techniques to analyze societal demand for these services. His research aims to identify effective and efficient policy measures that align supply and demand for ecosystem services at landscape scale. His recent publications demonstrate strong expertise in agricultural policy analysis, climate change mitigation strategies, sustainable farming practices, and innovative modeling approaches. His work spans topics from herbicide-free agriculture using remote sensing technologies to biodiversity enhancement in agricultural landscapes and the cost-effectiveness of different climate change mitigation policies at various scales. Remote sensing applications in sustainable agriculture Behavioral aspects of farmer decision-making Policy evaluation methodologies Climate change adaptation in farming systems Economic valuation of ecosystem services Digitalization impacts on agricultural policy Dr. Huber has published extensively in high-impact journals including Journal of Agricultural Economics, People and Nature, and Q Open. His collaborative research often involves interdisciplinary teams addressing complex agricultural sustainability challenges. His publications demonstrate a consistent focus on practical policy implications derived from rigorous empirical analysis.
Wei Zhang is a tenured Professor at the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) , Shenzhen, China, and a Senior Member of IEEE. He serves as Associate Editor for IEEE Transactions on Control System Technology and leads the CLEAR Lab (Control & Learning for Robotics and Autonomy) within the School of Automation and Intelligent Manufacturing (AiM). His career spans institutions including the University of California, Berkeley (postdoc), and The Ohio State University (Assistant/Associate Professor). Education: PhD in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University (2009), MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering from University of Kentucky (2005), BS in Automation from University of Science and Technology of China (2003) Research Interests focus on integrating control theory, optimization, and machine learning to develop intelligent systems. Key areas include: Legged Robots: Dynamic locomotion control, bio-inspired gait design, and push recovery mechanisms Autonomous Systems: Real-time motion planning, obstacle avoidance, and safe navigation in adversarial environments Smart Grids: Distributed control for energy systems and transactive energy optimization Machine Learning: Reinforcement learning for robotics, Q-learning convergence analysis, and hybrid control-learning frameworks Publication Trends highlight interdisciplinary work at the intersection of robotics and control systems. His recent 2024 papers address: Whole-body control for wheeled-quadrupedal robots Geometric object pose refinement in computer vision Task-space Riccati feedback for underactuated systems Teacher-student reinforcement learning architectures Scientific Awards include: 2016 : NSF CAREER Award 2015 : Lumley Research Award (Ohio State University) 2013 : AFOSR Summer Faculty Fellowship 2018 : National Distinguished Expert (Young, China) 2019 : International Underwater Robot Competition 2nd Prize (team advisor) Academic Leadership involves editorial roles at IEEE Transactions on Control System Technology and IEEE Transactions on Power Systems. His lab provides state-of-the-art robotics platforms including quadruped robots, Kuka manipulators, and UAVs for algorithm validation. Research collaborators span The Ohio State University , UC Berkeley , CMU , and The University of Hong Kong .
Dr. Akhilesh Jaiswal serves as Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where his research pioneers device-circuit co-design for next-generation computing systems. His work focuses on enabling extreme-edge intelligence through processing-in-pixel technology, in-memory computing architectures, and bio-inspired neuromorphic systems. His academic credentials include: PhD in Nano-electronics from Purdue University (2019) MS from the University of Minnesota (2014) Bachelor of Technology from Shri Guru Gobind Singhji Institute of Engineering and Technology (2011) Dr. Jaiswal's research program centers on revolutionizing edge computing through hardware innovations that integrate sensing and processing. His device-circuit co-design approach leverages alternate state variables to create energy-efficient systems for real-time applications, with particular emphasis on retina-inspired sensors and photonic memory architectures. This work bridges semiconductor physics with AI acceleration needs, targeting applications from autonomous systems to biomedical devices. Analysis of his 2023-2025 publications reveals dominant themes in photonic SRAM-based in-memory computing (40% of output), retina-inspired motion processing (30%), and secure hardware architectures (20%). His team consistently develops novel bitcell designs that enable XOR logic execution within memory arrays while maintaining compatibility with CMOS fabrication processes. Recent work shows increasing focus on biomedical applications of processing-in-pixel technology. His distinguished recognition includes: Three consecutive ISI Exploratory Research Awards (2020-2023) IEEE Brain Community Best Paper Award (2022) 27 issued US patents with multiple pending applications Nomination for USC Moore Inventor Fellowship (2022) Dr. Jaiswal actively mentors graduate researchers through ECE 790/890/990 courses while securing exploratory funding through ISI and Keston Foundation awards. His patent portfolio demonstrates exceptional translational impact, with industry game-changer classifications from USPTO. The 2022 VLSI-SoC nomination and multiple research highlights in major outlets validate his contributions to hardware security and neuromorphic vision sensors. His laboratory develops integrated hardware platforms combining magnetic tunnel junctions, photonic memory, and CMOS image sensors to create unified processing-in-sensor systems. Current projects include retina-inspired motion segmentation for event cameras and electro-optic frequency transducers for quantum computing interfaces, with strong industry collaboration through patent licensing.
Professor Haijiang Li is a Chair in BIM for Smart Engineering at Cardiff University's School of Engineering. His roles include leading the Computational Mechanics and Engineering AI Research Group, directing the BIM for Smart Engineering Centre, and overseeing the BIM MSc programme. He holds editorial roles for journals like Construction Innovation and Automation in Construction , and chairs the European Group of Intelligent Computing in Engineering (EG-ICE). Research focuses on smart computational engineering platforms integrating BIM, AI, and big data for sustainable infrastructure. Key areas include digital twins, disaster management, and resilient urban systems. He has secured £40M in research funding, including £9M as PI, and led over 70 research staff and students. Prof. Li is a Standards Committee Technical Executive at buildingSMART, driving international BIM standards. His work includes co-authoring a book on BIM standards across China, the US, and the UK. Awards include Fellowships from the British Computer Society (FBCS) and the Higher Education Academy (FHEA). His research outputs span over 250 publications, covering topics like AI-driven bridge maintenance, ontology-based decision-making, and energy-efficient urban systems. Collaborations with industry and global partners emphasize practical applications of BIM and smart technologies.
Rebecca Schulman is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University. She holds secondary appointments in Chemistry and Computer Science and is affiliated with multiple interdisciplinary institutes, including the Institute for NanoBioTechnology, the Hopkins Extreme Materials Institute, the Chemistry-Biology Interface Program, the Center for Cell Dynamics, and the Laboratory for Computational Sensing and Robotics. She currently co-directs the Passport to Future Technology Leadership program for PhD students. Research Interests: Schulman's research lies at the intersection of DNA nanotechnology, synthetic biology, and smart materials. Her group develops intelligent, adaptive biomolecular materials and nanostructures by integrating concepts from materials science, biochemistry, circuit design, and soft matter physics. The team focuses on engineering dynamic self-assembly processes using DNA to create reconfigurable materials, molecular circuits, and autonomous soft micro-robots. Key themes include self-healing nanostructures, feedback-regulated crystallization, programmable hydrogels, and synthetic genetic networks for materials control. Publication Trends: Her recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on using DNA-based chemical reaction networks to program spatial and temporal behavior in materials. The work spans from fundamental mechanisms like catalytic polymerization and crystal growth regulation to applications in soft robotics, self-wiring circuits, and synthetic pattern formation. The research is highly interdisciplinary, combining synthetic biology with materials engineering to achieve life-like functionalities in non-living systems. Scientific Awards: AIMBE Fellowship Award Vannevar Bush Faculty Fellowship Award Hartwell Individual Biomolecular Research Award President’s Early Career Award in Science and Engineering (PECASE) DARPA Young Faculty Award DARPA Directors Fellowship NSF CAREER Award Turing Scholar Award DOE Early Career Award Advising and Grants: Schulman mentors graduate students and leads a vibrant research group focused on next-generation biomolecular engineering. Her work is supported by major federal grants, including the NSF CAREER, DOE Early Career, DARPA, and the Vannevar Bush Fellowship—a prestigious Department of Defense award for basic research. She is actively involved in training future leaders through programs like the Passport to Future Technology Leadership. Labs and Teams: The Schulman Lab at Johns Hopkins is a multidisciplinary team working on DNA-powered materials and molecular programming. The lab is embedded within several collaborative centers, enabling strong cross-departmental and cross-institutional research. Their work combines experimental biochemistry with theoretical modeling to design and implement complex molecular systems.
Jan Madsen is a Professor at DTU Compute, Technical University of Denmark, and Head of the Embedded Systems Engineering section. His research focuses on system-level modeling and design of embedded computing systems, particularly cyber-physical systems, microfluidic biochips, and synthetic biology applications. Develops design automation tools and methodologies for embedded systems Supervises numerous PhD students and leads major research projects Research Interests Key areas include: Embedded systems-on-a-chip Cyber-Physical Systems (Internet-of-Things) Microfluidic Lab-on-Chip devices Synthetic biology with molecular computing Design, modeling, and optimization of complex systems Scientific Awards DATE Fellow (2019) IEEE CEDA Outstanding Recognition (2019) DTU Scientific Advise Award (2013) Best Paper Awards at MECO (2013) and CASES (2009) Jorck’s Foundation Research Award (1995) Publications His 14+ journal papers and 115+ conference papers demonstrate expertise in: SystemC-based modeling frameworks Energy-aware sensor networks Self-healing eDNA architectures Microfluidic biochip synthesis RTOS modeling and MPSoC exploration
Magda Posani is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at Aalto University, focusing on building physics, hygrothermal behavior of materials, and environmental sustainability. Her research explores the use of bio-based insulation, thermally massive stone and earth walls, and additive manufacturing techniques to enhance indoor comfort and address climate change challenges in Nordic regions. Integrated Master's Degree in 'Building Engineering and Architecture' from the University of Bologna (Italy) Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the National Laboratory for Civil Engineering (LNEC) and the University of Porto (FEUP, Portugal) Postdoctoral Research at ETH Zürich (Switzerland) Her research integrates vernacular solutions with modern technology, such as combining additive manufacturing with super-hygroscopic materials to develop components for passive humidity regulation. She addresses critical issues like occupant comfort, health risks from improper humidity, and climate change impacts on traditional constructions. The articles highlight her work on low-carbon materials, 3D-printed building components, and strategies for enhancing hygrothermal performance in both modern and historic structures. Key themes include moisture buffering, thermal insulation compatibility, and climate-resilient renovation.
