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 While no longer active in this area, her group previously pioneered research on sustainable construction materials like bio-based composites and ductile cement-based composites.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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Kaiyu Hang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Rice University, where he directs the Robotics and Physical Interactions Lab (RobotΠ Lab). His research spans multiple domains of robotics with a focus on physical interaction systems. Before joining Rice, he completed his postdoc at Yale University, earned his Ph.D./M.Sc. at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, and received his B.Eng. from Xi'an Jiaotong University. His research interests include robotic manipulation, grasping, in-hand manipulation, optimization, planning, learning, estimation, and control systems. He develops algorithms that enable robots to physically interact with other robots, people, and the world across scales from small grasping tasks to large-scale dual-arm and multi-robot manipulation systems. His work has practical applications in factories, kitchens, hospitals, warehouses, and construction sites. His recent publications demonstrate strong trends in in-hand manipulation techniques, energy-efficient drone operations, and benchmarking frameworks for robotic grasping. The 2025 IROS papers accepted highlight his leadership in developing standardized competition frameworks for evaluating robotic manipulation capabilities across diverse hardware platforms. ASME Rising Star of Mechanical Engineering (2024) NSF CAREER Award (2023) Multiple finalist awards at IEEE-RAS Humanoids and ICRA conferences Junior Fellowship Award from Institute for Advanced Study, HKUST (2017-2018) As an educator, he has taught multiple robotics courses including COMP 462/562: Introduction to Modern Robotics and COMP 461: Senior Design in A Robotized World. He serves as Faculty Advisor for the Rice Robotics Club and participates in graduate admissions. His lab actively recruits Ph.D. students and offers research opportunities for undergraduate and master's students who have completed core robotics courses.
Dr. Geng Guoqing is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the National University of Singapore (NUS). He holds concurrent roles as East Asian Regional Convener for RILEM and board member of ACI-Singapore Chapter. His research focuses on sustainable construction materials, particularly durability, microstructural characterization, and waste material utilization. Geng earned his PhD from UC Berkeley (2017), followed by postdoctoral research at the Paul Scherrer Institute (Switzerland). He has authored over 50 papers and leads multiple projects funded by Singapore’s Ministry of Education, Energy Center, and National Research Foundation. Education: Bachelor of Engineering, Southeast University, China (2010) Master of Science, UC Berkeley, USA (2013) PhD, UC Berkeley, USA (2017) Research interests center on sustainable construction materials, multi-scale characterization, and material durability . Key themes include recycling low-grade materials, mitigating degradation in concrete, and developing high-performance binders like LC3. His work employs advanced techniques like molecular modeling, X-ray diffraction, and NMR. Recent articles explore hydration kinetics, CSH matrix mechanics, and waste clay applications. Awards include the 2023 RILEM Medal and multiple teaching excellence recognitions. Current projects address CO 2 absorption, sustainable cement blends, and resilient façade materials. Professional service includes editorial roles at Cleaner Materials and Frontiers in Materials , plus organizing the 2022 EASEC Conference. His lab focuses on bridging microstructural insights with macro-scale material performance.
Qingguo Li is a Professor and Associate Head at the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering , Queen's University , and a member of the Ingenuity Labs Research Institute . He specializes in biomechanical system design, energy harvesting, wearable sensors, gait analysis, and load carriage systems. His research integrates robotics, biomedical engineering, and sensor technology to develop human-centric devices and mobility aids. Current Roles : Professor, Associate Head, Queen's University Research Institute : Ingenuity Labs Research Institute Lab : Bio-Mechatronics and Robotics Laboratory His work focuses on biomechanical energy harvesting , IMU-based motion analysis , and assistive device development . Key applications include stroke rehabilitation, gait monitoring, and wearable power generation systems. Articles span cable-driven robots , smart walkers , and 3D printing mechanisms , emphasizing human-robot interaction and dynamic modeling . The lab explores sensor calibration , adaptive control algorithms , and human movement optimization . Areas of impact include rehabilitation engineering , load carriage stability , wearable sensor accuracy , and assistive robotics . His team develops solutions for gait asymmetry detection , post-stroke mobility , and low-cost energy systems , leveraging machine learning and kinetic modeling .
Achim Menges is a Research Professor and Max Planck Fellow at the University of Stuttgart, where he directs the Institute for Computational Design and Construction (ICD). His work bridges architecture, engineering, and computational design, with a focus on developing innovative construction methods and materials. Menges leads the Cluster of Excellence IntCDC: Integrative Computational Design and Construction for Architecture, a major research initiative funded by the German Research Foundation. Menges' research centers on computational design, robotic construction, and biomimetic architecture, with particular emphasis on timber construction, adaptive building systems, and digital fabrication. His work integrates principles from bionics to create responsive, sustainable building systems that adapt to environmental conditions. Notable projects include the BUGA Wood Pavilion (2019), Urbach Tower, BUGA Fibre Pavilion, and the livMatS Biomimetic Shell, all demonstrating his commitment to material innovation and sustainable construction practices. His recent publications reveal a consistent focus on advancing timber construction techniques, developing bio-inspired responsive systems, and implementing robotic fabrication processes. The research shows a clear trajectory toward more sustainable, resource-efficient building methods that integrate digital design with physical construction processes. Menges' work increasingly addresses multi-story timber systems and circular construction principles. Bauwende Prize der Universität Stuttgart 2025 Menges leads numerous research initiatives through the Cluster of Excellence IntCDC, securing significant funding for projects exploring computational design and robotic construction. His work involves extensive collaboration with industry partners and interdisciplinary research teams. Menges directs the ICD research laboratory, which focuses on developing novel computational design methods, robotic fabrication processes, and innovative material systems for architecture. The institute maintains strong partnerships with industry leaders in construction technology and materials science, facilitating the translation of research into practical applications.
Brian Hie is an Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering at Stanford University , a Dieter Schwarz Foundation Stanford Data Science Faculty Fellow , and an Innovation Investigator at Arc Institute . He leads the Laboratory of Evolutionary Design , focusing on the intersection of biology and machine learning . His prior roles include a Stanford Science Fellow in the Stanford University School of Medicine and a Visiting Researcher at Meta AI . Education: Ph.D. , Electrical Engineering and Computer Science , Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2021) Bachelor’s Degree , Stanford University Research Interests: Brian’s work bridges machine learning and computational biology , with a focus on protein engineering , single-cell RNA sequencing , and viral evolution . His Evolutionary velocity framework predicts protein evolutionary dynamics across timescales, while his Scanorama algorithm enables efficient integration of heterogeneous single-cell datasets. He also develops structure-informed language models for antibody optimization and uncertainty-aware ML for biological discovery. Publication Trends: His recent work (2023) emphasizes structure-based inverse folding for antibody evolution, evolutionary scale modeling , and unsupervised optimization . Earlier studies (2022-2021) cover evolutionary velocity , multi-modal single-cell analysis , and viral escape prediction using natural language analogies. Scientific Awards: Stanford Science Fellow (2021) National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship (2019) Advising: He mentors doctoral students including Brandon Ameglio , Garyk Brixi , and Chang M. Yun , with a focus on biological design and computational methods . Labs & Collaborations: His lab collaborates with Bio-X and the Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI) , and he maintains affiliations with Sarafan ChEM-H and Stanford Data Science .
Dr. Qian Shunzhi is an Associate Professor and Program Director for the Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) at NTU's School of Civil and Environmental Engineering. He holds a PhD from the University of Michigan (2007), with prior faculty experience at Southeast University (2009-2013) and postdoctoral research at TU Delft (2007-2009). His research focuses on advanced construction materials like Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC), self-healing concrete, and 3D-printable concrete, alongside life cycle assessment of infrastructure. Key interests include sustainable materials, CO2 sequestration, and material durability. Education: Bachelor's: Southeast University (Nanjing, 1998) Master's: Chinese Ministry of Transport Highway Research Institute (Beijing, 2001) PhD: University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, 2007) Research Interests: Novel cementitious composites for infrastructure resilience Recycled materials in construction 3D printing applications in concrete Material lifecycle analysis Notable contributions include bacterial encapsulation for self-healing, graphene-enhanced antibacterial surfaces, and CO2 sequestration via reactive materials. His work bridges material science, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing techniques.
Prof. Dan Jiao is the Synopsys Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Purdue University's Elmore Family School. She leads the Rapid-Heterogeneous Integration (Rapid-HI) Design Institute and serves as Editor-in-Chief of the IEEE Journal on Multiscale and Multiphysics Computational Techniques. Her research focuses on computational electromagnetics, multiphysics modeling, and AI-driven design automation for advanced integrated circuits and quantum systems. She has held academic positions since 2005, progressing from Assistant to Full Professor, and has extensive industry experience at Intel Corporation (2001–2005). Education: PhD in Electrical Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2001) Senior Staff Engineer at Intel Corporation (2001–2005) Research Interests: Fast numerical methods for large-scale electromagnetic analysis AI/ML integration in design automation (EDA/MDA) Quantum circuits and spin qubit systems Heterogeneous integration and advanced packaging Multiphysics co-simulation for nano-scale devices Signal/power integrity in high-speed systems Key Projects: Leads the NSTC AIDRFIC program (first NSTC R&D Jump Start project), the DARPA NGMM Rapid-HI Design Institute, and the GENIE-RFIC generative design tool initiative. Also directs the Consortium for Electromagnetic Science and Technology. Awards & Honors: 2022 ACES Computational Electromagnetics Award IEEE Fellow (2016) Intel Outstanding Researcher Award (2019) MTT-S Distinguished Microwave Lecturer (2020–2023) 2013 Schelkunoff Prize Paper Award Advising & Grants: Advised over 30 PhD/master's students and led projects funded by NSF, DARPA, Intel, SRC, and industry partnerships. Key grants include NSF CAREER (2008), ONR Young Investigator (2006), and multiple industry-sponsored initiatives. Labs & Teams: Rapid-HI Design Institute (DARPA NGMM) Quantum device co-design group Multiphysics modeling team
Marcos Cruz is Professor of Innovative Environments at The Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London (UCL), where he leads research in bio-integrated design. He runs Bio-ID with Dr. Brenda Parker, a multidisciplinary research platform investigating design driven by biotechnology, computation, materials, and fabrication. Previously, he served as Director of The Bartlett from 2010-2014 and founded the BiotA Lab (2014-2018). His academic career spans multiple institutions including University College London (where he ran MArch Unit 20 for 19 years), University of Westminster (2008-2010), UCLA (2010), and IAAC (2014-present). Professor Cruz holds a Licenciatura from ESAP Porto, a Masters with distinction from UCL, and a PhD from UCL (2007), sponsored by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology. His doctoral research on 'Neoplasmatic Architecture' earned him the RIBA President's Research Award in 2008. He is a registered architect with both the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and the Portuguese Architecture Chamber. His primary research area is Bio-Integrated Design, which explores how biotechnology and computation can reshape our built environment in response to climate change. This work goes beyond using nature as inspiration; instead, it treats nature as the medium for a multi-layered design approach. His key research project, Poikilohydric Living Walls, investigates integrating growth systems directly on building facades using algae and mosses that can switch photosynthetic activity on and off without additional maintenance. Another significant research area is The Body in Architecture, which examines the relationship between human flesh and architectural flesh, proposing a 'thick embodied flesh' that creates truly inhabitable architectural interfaces. His recent publications demonstrate a strong progression toward integrating living systems directly into building materials and facades. The research spans from microbial to tectonic scales, with increasing focus on biomaterials, robotic fabrication, and sustainable design approaches that actively participate in urban ecosystems rather than merely responding to them. RIBA President's Research Award (2008) for 'Neoplasmatic Architecture' Multiple Best Unit awards at Bartlett Summer Show (awarded by Thom Mayne, Paul Finch, Richard Rogers, Claude Parent, and Ross Lovegrove) Work part of permanent collection at FRAC Orleans Exhibitions at Venice and São Paulo Biennales Professor Cruz has supervised numerous PhD students through UCL's Research-by-Design programme and currently directs the MArch/MSc in Bio-Integrated Design. His research has been supported by EPSRC and involves industrial partners including Laing O'Rourke, Pennine Stone Limited, and Amorim, with academic partners at UCL Biochemical Engineering, University of Coimbra, and IST Tomar. He co-founded MAM-ARCH London (formerly marcosandmarjan) in 2000, whose work has built buildings and pavilions, won international competitions including the Kunsthaus Graz, and been exhibited globally. His practice represents a significant bridge between architectural design and biological systems, positioning him at the forefront of bio-integrated architectural research.
Azma Putra Azis is a Lecturer in the School of Civil and Mechanical Engineering at Curtin University, with a focus on acoustics, vibration control, and sustainable materials. He is affiliated with campuses in Australia, Dubai, Malaysia, Mauritius, and Singapore. His research emphasizes eco-friendly acoustic absorbers using natural fibers (e.g., wood, oil palm, coconut) and additive manufacturing. He collaborates widely, publishing in journals like International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology and Applied Acoustics . His work spans noise control, composite material development, and structural acoustics. Teaching areas include Science and Engineering, with contributions to the Centre for Aboriginal Studies and interdisciplinary fields. Education: Not explicitly stated in profile, but extensive academic publications suggest advanced qualifications in mechanical/acoustical engineering. Research Interests: Acoustic absorber design, composite materials, vibration dynamics, and sustainable engineering. Professional Networks: ORCID (0000-0001-6023-2493), Google Scholar, LinkedIn, and personal website ( www.azmaputra.com ). Publications highlight innovations in sound absorption using agricultural waste (e.g., durian husk, sugarcane fiber) and optimization of muffler designs. His work bridges engineering and environmental science, with applications in construction, automotive, and renewable materials.
Theresa Raimondo is the Manning Assistant Professor of Engineering at Brown University, with a secondary appointment in the Division of Biology and Medicine. She joined the Brown Engineering faculty in January 2024 after completing her postdoctoral training at MIT's Koch Institute. Dr. Raimondo leads the Raimondo Research Lab, which focuses on chemically modifying RNA and designing nanoparticles for therapeutic delivery to the body, an immunotherapy concept that holds immense promise in the field of immunoengineering. Her educational background includes: PhD in Engineering Sciences – Bioengineering from Harvard University (2019) MEng from Harvard University (2019) Sc.B. in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering from Brown University (2011) Dr. Raimondo's research is broadly focused on the design of targeted drug-delivery vectors and novel RNA-based therapeutics for applications in cancer, immunotherapy, and tissue regeneration. Her work primarily centers on developing novel lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for RNA-based therapies, contributing to adjuvanted mRNA-based vaccines and siRNA-based cancer immunotherapies. By optimizing LNP formulation and modulating RNA constructs, she seeks to understand how RNA-LNPs modulate immunity and develop new therapeutic approaches. Her expertise spans biomaterials, drug delivery, biomolecular engineering, nanomedicine, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. Analysis of Dr. Raimondo's recent publications reveals a strong focus on RNA delivery systems and lipid nanoparticle technology. Her work spans from fundamental studies on nanoparticle design to applications in cancer immunotherapy, vaccine development, and tissue regeneration. A significant portion of her research involves optimizing lipid formulations for improved mRNA delivery and exploring how these systems interact with the immune system. Her publications demonstrate a trajectory from basic biomaterials research to increasingly translational work with therapeutic applications. Dr. Raimondo has received numerous prestigious awards: 2025 NAE Symposium selection (Grainger Foundation Frontiers of Engineering) 2025 appointment to the inaugural Early Career Board of ACS Applied Bio Materials 2024 selection as MIT Faculty Founder Initiative finalist 2022 Convergence Scholar fellowship from MIT's Marble Center for Cancer Nanomedicine National Science Foundation graduate research fellowship Harvard's Smith family graduate fellowship Dr. Raimondo is actively involved in mentoring students through courses including ENGN 0931L - Biomedical Engineering Design and Innovation II, ENGN 1490 - Biomaterials, and ENGN 1931L - Biomedical Engineering Design and Innovation II. Her research program is supported by various grants, though specific funding sources aren't detailed in the provided text. The Raimondo Research Lab represents a dynamic environment where engineering principles are applied to solve complex biological challenges in drug delivery and regenerative medicine. The Raimondo Research Lab at Brown University serves as a hub for innovation in RNA delivery and biomaterials design. The lab brings together expertise in chemical engineering, molecular biology, and immunology to develop next-generation therapeutic platforms. Current research directions include optimizing lipid nanoparticle formulations, exploring novel RNA modifications, and investigating immune responses to RNA therapeutics across various disease contexts.
