Rahim Rahimi is an Assistant Professor of Materials Engineering at Purdue University, associated with the College of Engineering. His research focuses on advanced materials for biomedical applications, environmental sensing, and flexible electronics. Key interests include developing smart sensors for healthcare, antibacterial coatings for medical implants, and sustainable agricultural monitoring systems. Research emphasizes targeted drug delivery systems via smart capsules, environmental sensor networks for water quality and soil health, and nanotechnology applications in wearable devices. Notable projects include oxygen-generating surgical meshes for wound healing and low-cost wireless sensors for precision agriculture. His work bridges materials science with clinical and environmental challenges, leveraging plasma deposition techniques and nanomaterial functionalization. Recent efforts focus on self-calibrating sensors and integrating machine learning for manufacturing optimization. No scientific awards are explicitly listed in the provided information. His advisory role and grant activities are inferred through his research outputs in materials engineering and biomedical innovation. Rahimi collaborates across disciplines within Purdue's engineering ecosystem, contributing to labs focused on bio-inspired materials and flexible electronics. Future work aims to advance implantable medical devices and scalable sensor technologies for global health applications.
Vivek Boominathan is an Assistant Research Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Rice University. He is affiliated with the GLEE lab (Geometry, Light, & Imaging lab). His research focuses on computational imaging, combining computer vision, machine learning, applied optics, and nanofabrication to develop innovative imaging systems for applications such as robotics, medical sensing, and virtual/augmented reality. He has contributed to projects like PhlatCam (a lensless camera) and NeuWS (neural wavefront shaping). His work bridges optics, algorithms, and materials science to overcome traditional limitations in imaging systems. Boominathan's research interests include lensless imaging, optical meta-devices, turbulence mitigation, and bio-inspired imaging systems. He has developed systems like Foveated thermal imaging prototypes and real-time lensless microscopes. His lab emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating hardware design with machine learning. Key projects include: NeuWS: Neural wavefront shaping for imaging through scattering media CoIR: Compressive implicit radar for sensing applications FlatCam and PhlatCam: Ultra-thin lensless imaging devices Bioluminescence imaging in marine species His work has been published in top venues like Science Advances, Optica, and IEEE TPAMI. He collaborates with institutions like NASA JPL and industry partners on applied imaging solutions. Current research trends emphasize sensor-algorithm co-design and high-speed imaging systems for AR/VR applications. Boominathan holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering and has extensive postdoctoral experience in computational imaging. He advises projects in the GLEE lab and mentors students in hardware-software co-design for imaging systems. His lab focuses on translating theoretical innovations into practical devices with commercial potential.
Cynthia Sung is an Associate Professor in the Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics department at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Engineering and Applied Science, with secondary appointments in Computer and Information Science and Electrical and Systems Engineering. She directs the Sung Robotics Lab, focusing on computational methods for robot design, origami robotics, planning for distributed systems, and fabrication of reconfigurable systems. Her lab is funded by NSF, ONR, ARO, NASA, and Penn Health-Tech. Her research spans four key areas: Computational co-design integrating mechanical, electronic, and software components Soft/origami robotics leveraging compliance for adaptable systems Distributed planning for multi-robot coordination Novel fabrication techniques for deployable structures Publications show consistent focus on robotic mechanisms with recent trends in magnetic origami reconfiguration (2025), underwater jet coordination (2025), educational robotics kits (2025), and tunable-stiffness actuators (2024). Article keywords predominantly fall in Robotics, Material Science, and Control Systems. Awards & Recognition ONR Young Investigator Award (2023) NSF CAREER Award (2019) Johnson & Johnson Women in STEM2D Scholars Award (2020) Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Award (2017) Research Teams & Advising Leads the GRASP Lab-affiliated Sung Robotics group. Current doctoral students include Zhiyuan Yang (jet propulsion), Daniel Feshbach (kinematic design), and Gabriel Unger (reconfigurable structures). Recent graduates include Yipeng Zhang (MSc, SALP robotics) and Christopher Kim (PhD, self-sensing actuators).
Dr. Yu Zhong is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Cornell University's College of Engineering, where he leads the Yu Zhong Group. His research laboratory focuses on the design and synthesis of novel soft materials and nanomaterials for applications in electronics, energy, healthcare, and sustainability. As a principal investigator, he oversees a dynamic research team comprising postdoctoral associates, graduate students, and undergraduate researchers working on cutting-edge materials science projects. Dr. Zhong received his educational training at prestigious institutions, earning his B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) in 2011, followed by a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Columbia University in 2017 under the supervision of Prof. Colin Nuckolls. His doctoral research centered on designing contorted molecules for electronic and energy applications including organic solar cells, photodetectors, and gas sensors. He then conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Chicago in Prof. Jiwoong Park's group, where he worked on the design and synthesis of 2D polymers for ultrathin electronic circuits and energy conversion. Dr. Zhong's research program spans three primary directions: (1) the bottom-up synthesis of ultrathin nanoporous membranes using techniques like laminar assembly polymerization (LAP) for applications in water desalination, nanofiltration, and gas separation; (2) the study of transport behaviors in hybrid organic-inorganic 2D heterostructures created through layer-by-layer assembly for use in optical, electronic, and thermal management devices; and (3) the development of mixed ionic-electronic materials for bio-inspired and bioelectronic devices. His group employs advanced synthesis methods including organic/polymer synthesis, supramolecular and reticular chemistry, and 2D materials characterization to explore novel scientific phenomena and technological applications. An analysis of Dr. Zhong's recent publications reveals a strong focus on the synthesis and characterization of 2D polymers and organic-inorganic hybrid materials. His work bridges fundamental materials science with practical applications in energy conversion, electronics, and separation technologies. A notable trend is his development of innovative synthesis techniques like laminar assembly polymerization that enable precise control over material structure at the molecular level, leading to breakthroughs in areas such as lithium-ion transport, osmotic power generation, and ultra-narrowband photodetection. Dr. Zhong's scientific achievements have been recognized with several prestigious awards: Pegram Award for Meritorious Graduate Research, Columbia University (2016) Camille and Henry Dreyfus Postdoctoral Fellowship, Dreyfus Foundation (2016) Arun Guthikonda Memorial Fellowship, Columbia University (2015) Jack Miller Award for Excellence in Teaching, Columbia University (2014) As an advisor, Dr. Zhong mentors a diverse group of researchers including postdoctoral associate Qiyi Fang, multiple Ph.D. students (Yuhe Zhang, Kaushik Chivukula, William Xie), M.S. students, and undergraduate researchers. His group has secured funding for research on soft and nanomaterials, with projects spanning organic electronics, 2D materials synthesis, and biomimetic membranes. Dr. Zhong actively seeks motivated graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to join his research team, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing materials science. The Yu Zhong Group operates state-of-the-art laboratories in Bard Hall at Cornell University, equipped for organic synthesis, materials characterization, and device fabrication. The research team works collaboratively across disciplines, partnering with experts in physics, chemistry, and engineering to tackle complex challenges in materials science. Current projects focus on developing novel synthesis methodologies and exploring structure-property relationships in soft materials to enable next-generation electronic, energy, and healthcare technologies.
Jinsang Kim is a Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Michigan, with affiliations in Biomedical Engineering (BME). His research focuses on bio-micro/nanotechnology, bio-nanomaterials, and biomedical imaging technologies. He specializes in developing advanced materials for applications such as retinal hypoxia detection, organic light-emitting diodes, and sensor technologies. His work integrates polymer chemistry, organic electronics, and biomedical engineering to create innovative materials for medical diagnostics, optoelectronics, and nanotechnology. Key research areas include surface functionalization strategies, organic phosphorescent nanosensors, and stimuli-responsive materials. Kim’s publications emphasize cutting-edge advancements in organic phosphorescence, polymer design for high thermal conductivity, and biomedical imaging tools. His contributions span from fundamental material science to applied biomedical solutions, with a focus on translating discoveries into practical applications.
Sina Sareh is a robotics researcher at the Royal College of Art (RCA), where he leads the RCA Robotics Laboratory within the School of Design. He has established himself as an expert in soft robotics and multimodal sensing, developing innovative solutions for human safety and access problems in industrial operations. Dr. Sareh's educational background includes: PhD in Robotics from the University of Bristol, where he worked on monolithic design of flexible actuators for operation in confined liquid environments MSc in Control Systems from the University of Sheffield BSc in Electrical Engineering from Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran Dr. Sareh's research focuses on soft robotics, multi-modal mobility, manipulation and attachment, and multimodal sensing. His work bridges the gap between robotics engineering and practical applications, particularly in medical and industrial settings. He has developed novel approaches to robotic attachment inspired by octopus biology, created haptic interfaces that mimic the feeling of touching human internal organs, and designed soft robotic technologies to help articulate pain symptoms. His research consistently demonstrates innovation in creating adaptable robotic systems that can operate effectively in complex, unstructured environments where traditional rigid robots face limitations. His publication record demonstrates a strong trajectory in robotics research, with emphasis on soft robotics, medical applications, and novel sensing techniques. The research shows progression from fundamental soft actuator design to practical applications in surgery, industrial operations, and human-robot interaction, with a consistent focus on solving real-world problems through biologically inspired approaches. Dr. Sareh has successfully secured multiple research grants, including EPSRC funding for 'Getting a Grip' and 'Multi-vendor Interoperability in Robotics,' as well as InnoHK funding for 'Intelligent Medicine Warehousing.' He has also served as an impact assessor for the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 in Engineering and is a member of the editorial board at IET Cyber-physical Systems and Robotics Journal. Currently, Dr. Sareh advises research students including Filippo Sanzeni, and maintains active collaborations with industry and academic partners through the RCA Robotics Laboratory, which serves as a hub for interdisciplinary robotics research at the intersection of design, engineering, and human-centered applications. His work on projects like 'Topographies of Pain' and 'Reminisys' demonstrates a commitment to applying robotics technology to improve healthcare outcomes and quality of life.
Michael Turner is a Professor of Materials Chemistry and Director of the Organic Materials Innovation Centre (OMIC) at the University of Manchester's School of Chemistry. He holds a Chair in Materials Chemistry and leads the Knowledge Centre for Materials Chemistry (KCMC), a virtual interdisciplinary research hub. His research focuses on synthesizing conjugated molecules for applications in organic electronics, including transistors, LEDs, sensors, and solar cells. He coordinates the EPSRC-funded Organic Materials for Electronics Consortium (OME-C), involving collaborations across multiple institutions. Education: Bachelor's and PhD from the University of Bristol (organometallic chemistry with Prof. Selby Knox). Postdoctoral work in the U.S. with Prof. Harry Allcock on polyphosphazenes, followed by research at the University of Sheffield on Fischer-Tropsch reactions under Prof. Peter Maitlis. Research Interests: Synthesis of conjugated liquid crystals and polymers, organic electronics, electro-optical devices, and nanoscale fabrication. His work addresses challenges in energy, environment, and material synthesis through novel polymer architectures and functional nanoparticles. Key Projects: Principal Investigator for KCMC, advancing applied materials chemistry and knowledge transfer. Leading projects on CRISPR-Cas technology integration into organic electronics and roadside breath analysis of narcotics. Contributions to neuromorphic computing via printed electronics and bioelectronics networks. Awards: Royal Society University Research Fellowship (1993). Grants & Collaborations: Coordinates EPSRC consortia and collaborates internationally on polymer synthesis, sensor systems, and bio-inspired materials. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly energy and environmental innovation. Labs & Teams: Directs OMIC and KCMC, fostering interdisciplinary research in organic materials, device fabrication, and nanotechnology applications.
Albert H. Titus is a Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at the University at Buffalo, State University of New York. He serves as Associate Vice President for Regulatory Support in the Office of the Vice President for Research and Economic Development. His research focuses on analog VLSI design for neuromorphic visual processing, biosensors, wearable devices, optoelectronic systems, and neural networks. Education: PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology (1997) MS in Electrical Engineering, University at Buffalo (1991) BS in Electrical Engineering, University at Buffalo (1989) Research Interests: His work spans wearable and implantable sensors, bioinstrumentation, neural network-based visual processing, analog VLSI implementations, optoelectronics, and electronic packaging. He pioneered CMOS-based neuromorphic systems and developed patented technologies for glare sensing and RF power calorimetry. Publication Trends: His recent articles emphasize CMOS-integrated sensors, machine learning for bioimpedance analysis, implantable medical devices, and xerogel-based optical biosensors. These works bridge biomedical engineering and microelectronics. Scientific Recognition: He is a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors and has received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Service (2017), NSF CAREER award, and Western New York Inventor of the Year (2010). His inventions include a patented low-power glare sensor (U.S. Patent 7,586,079) featured in Popular Science’s 2011 Top Ten Inventions. Academic Leadership: As a faculty member, he has supervised nearly 20 PhD and over 40 MS students, while teaching courses in circuits, IC design, sensors, and signal processing across electrical and biomedical engineering disciplines.
Md Sakib Hasan is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Mississippi. He holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville (2017). His research focuses on hardware acceleration, neuromorphic computing, and memristor-based systems. Research interests span: AI hardware accelerators and energy-efficient computing Biomimetic systems and bio-inspired electronics Hardware security through chaotic systems and PUFs Recent publications demonstrate strong emphasis on: Neuromorphic architectures for computer vision and temporal processing Biomembrane-based computing systems Chaotic cryptography and secure hardware design
Maurizio Martina is a Full Professor at the Department of Electronics and Telecommunications (DET) of Politecnico di Torino. He is a member of the Interdepartmental Center PEIC - Power Electronics Innovation Center and serves as an Associate Editor for the IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems I (2018-2023). His research focuses include: Digital circuits and signal processing Machine learning hardware architectures RISC-V extensions and post-quantum cryptography VLSI design for edge computing and IoT Recent publications emphasize cryptographic hardware implementations (CHIMERA, Keccak co-processors), RISC-V integration methodologies, and privacy-preserving neural network frameworks. His work spans VLSI architectures for video processing, bio-inspired electronics, and error correcting codes, with applications in cybersecurity, robotics, and biomedical systems. Scientific Recognition : Premio Nazionale Innovazione (2013) Premio dei Premi (2014) He supervises 12 PhD students across cycles 35-40 in Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering, including: Valeria Piscopo (2024-in progress) Alessandra Dolmeta (2022-in progress) Luigi Giuffrida (2022-in progress) Walid Walid (2019-2023) As part of the VLSILAB Group , his research explores hardware accelerators for machine learning, post-quantum cryptography on RISC-V, and bio-inspired embedded systems. Teaching activities include courses on Integrated Systems Architecture and Hardware & Wireless Security at Politecnico di Torino and Università di Pavia.
Prof. Dr. Uli Lemmer is a Professor at the Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology (ETIT) at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). His research focuses on optoelectronics, thermoelectric materials, and printed electronics, with a strong emphasis on energy harvesting, nanotechnology, and photonics. He leads the Lichttechnisches Institut (LTI) and is affiliated with the Institute of Applied Physics. His work spans innovations in laser systems, flexible electronics, and bio-inspired materials. Office: Building 30.34, Room 223; Phone: +49 721 608-42530; Email: uli.lemmer@kit.edu. Research interests include the development of advanced materials for solar cells, thermoelectric generators, and sensor technologies. He pioneers methods like aerosol-jet printing and inkjet printing for scalable production of electronic devices. His group explores biomimetic structures (e.g., snake scale nanopores) and terahertz systems, pushing boundaries in both fundamental science and applied engineering. Recent publications highlight breakthroughs in printed thermoelectric modules, perovskite-based photovoltaics, and high-frequency antennas. His work integrates cutting-edge fabrication techniques with material science to address challenges in renewable energy, sensor networks, and flexible electronics. Prof. Lemmer collaborates internationally on projects like EU-funded energy initiatives and partners with industry for technology transfer. His lab specializes in additive manufacturing, optical systems, and nanoscale device engineering, aiming to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial applications.
Monica Olvera de la Cruz is the Lawyer Taylor Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, and Chemical & Biological Engineering at Northwestern University, with a courtesy appointment in Physics and Astronomy. She directs the Center for Computation & Theory of Soft Materials and serves as Deputy Director of the Center for Bio-Inspired Energy Science. Her research focuses on designing responsive materials, including polymers, electrolytes, and complex fluids, with applications in biotechnology and energy. She holds a Ph.D. from Cambridge University (1985) and a B.A. from UNAM (Mexico). Her research interests include self-assembly of heterogeneous molecules, ionic-driven assembly mechanisms, and functional materials design. Recent work highlights include modeling electrostatic effects in biomimetic systems and exploring superionic conductors. Awards include National Academy of Sciences membership (2012), APS Polymer Prize (2017), and American Philosophical Society membership (2020). Professional service roles: Gordon Research Conferences Board, DOE Basic Energy Sciences, Max Planck Institute advisory board Led over 150 publications since 2020, emphasizing soft matter physics and materials innovation Her group's innovations bridge theoretical physics and applied materials science, with notable achievements in bio-inspired materials and electrochemical systems.
Dr. Jennifer Volk is an Assistant Professor at the College of Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, specializing in Electrical & Computer Engineering. Her research focuses on leveraging novel technologies like superconductor electronics and photonics to create efficient systems for datacenters, neuromorphic computing, quantum computing, and space/sensing applications. She employs a holistic approach spanning circuit design, materials science, and computer microarchitecture. PhD (2024), University of California, Santa Barbara BS (2016), University of California, Santa Cruz Her research interests include superconducting logic , bio-based architectures , and novel computing mediums , emphasizing co-optimization of logic and circuit blocks. Her work develops design abstractions to simplify adoption of unconventional technologies. Dr. Volk's publications demonstrate expertise in superconducting circuit design, radiation-hardened CMOS for particle physics, and photonic materials. She has received numerous awards including the 2025 John D. Wiley Assistant Professorship and IEEE fellowships in applied superconductivity. 2025 John D. Wiley Assistant Professorship 2024 UC Santa Barbara President's Dissertation Year Fellowship 2023 IEEE CSC Graduate Study Fellowship in Applied Superconductivity 2022 IEEE Micro Top Picks Honorable Mention 2021 IEEE Micro Top Picks She teaches E C E 340 - Electronic Circuits I (Spring 2025). Her work bridges materials science, circuit design, and system architecture to enable next-generation computing platforms.
Caroline Schauer is a Professor and Department Head in Materials Science and Engineering at Drexel University's College of Engineering. Holding the Margaret C. Burns Chair in Engineering, she has been tenured since 2010 and promoted to full professor in 2018. BS (1991), MS (1994), PhD (1997) in Chemistry from SUNY Stony Brook Postdoctoral fellowships at University of Twente, Tufts University, and Naval Research Laboratory Her research focuses on natural polymer processing , electrospun nanoyarns , biodegradable biomaterials , and concrete self-healing technologies . Recent work explores MICCP (microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation) for sustainable infrastructure and collagen-based nanoyarns for tissue engineering. Key trends in her publications include bio-inspired fiber design, antimicrobial material development, and environmental applications. Notable contributions span smart textiles , wound healing dressings , and conductive polymer composites . Fellow, American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE), 2021 ELATES Fellow, 2017-2018 Drexel Harold M. Myers Award for Distinguished Service, 2018 Drexel Fellowships Office Faculty Mentor Award, 2016 Schauer has secured funding from NSF , DOD , PA Innovation Fellowship , and the US Department of Education . She leads the Natural Materials and Polymer Processing Group and serves as President of the Fiber Society since 2023.
Paschalis Gkoupidenis is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at North Carolina State University (since August 2024) and a Group Leader at the Department of Molecular Electronics at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research. His research focuses on developing organic neuromorphic devices for neuro-inspired information processing, learning, sensing, and bio-interfacing. Research Interests Dr. Gkoupidenis specializes in hardware-based implementation of neuromorphic architectures, which offer efficient ways of data manipulation and processing, especially in data-intensive applications. His work explores how organic materials and devices can be used for neuro-inspired devices and bioelectronics, leveraging their attractive characteristics such as ability to operate in electrolytes, spatiotemporal response, analogue memory phenomena, tunability via chemical synthesis, low-cost fabrication processes, and biocompatibility. His research group investigates various concepts for inducing neuroplasticity, learning forms, and spatiotemporal information processing functions at a single-device level, as well as new paradigms of neuromorphic architectures at circuit level. These neuro-inspired functions are essential for trainable/adaptable circuits in energy-restricted environments and for local signal processing in bioelectronics. Scientific Contributions Development of organic neuromorphic devices for neuro-inspired information processing Research on synaptic plasticity functions in organic electrochemical transistors Exploration of neuromorphic device architectures with global connectivity through electrolyte gating Investigation of functional connectivity of organic neuromorphic devices by global voltage oscillations Advancement of organic neuromorphic devices for adaptive sensing and novel computing paradigms in bioelectronics Affiliations Associate Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University (since August 2024) Group Leader, Organic Neuromorphic Electronics, Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research (since 2017) Postdoctoral Researcher, Department of Bioelectronics, EMSE, France (2015-2017)
