Dr. Cosmin Ioan Roman is a Lecturer at the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering at ETH Zürich, affiliated with the Chair in Micro and Nanosystems since 2006. His research focuses on solid-state micro and nanotransducers, spanning from traditional Silicon micromachining to carbon nanotube-based (CNT) devices for bio-sensing applications, with an emphasis on energy-efficient transducer concepts. Doctoral Degree: National Polytechnic Institute of Grenoble (INPG) Roman's expertise lies in multi-physics and compact modeling of transducers. His work bridges materials science, semiconductor device physics, and biomedical sensing, utilizing advanced fabrication techniques for scalable sensor arrays on flexible substrates. The selected publications highlight his contributions to tactile sensing and cell rheology. His co-supervised doctoral thesis on carbon nanotube resonators demonstrates his interdisciplinary approach to nanoscale and biomedical systems.
Alex Chortos is an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University's School of Mechanical Engineering. His research focuses on bio-inspired electronics, mechanically adaptive materials, and advanced manufacturing techniques. He leads the Chortos Lab, which explores innovations in soft actuators, wearable haptics, and polymer design. Chortos holds a B.A.Sc. from the University of Waterloo (2011), a Ph.D. from Stanford University (2017), and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard University (2020). His academic work bridges fundamental material science with practical applications in robotics, biomedical devices, and human-machine interfaces. Key research areas include: Multimaterial additive fabrication for soft robotics Stretchable sensors and transistors for e-skin applications Design of durable and adaptive polymer systems His publications emphasize advancements in 3D printing techniques, bioinspired sensor systems, and the development of mechanically robust electronic components. Recent work explores photodynamic polymers and machine learning-driven optimization of soft actuators.
Laura Alvarez is a Junior Chair (Tenure Track) at the University of Bordeaux since 2022, conducting research at the Paul Pascal Research Center (CRPP), a joint CNRS-University of Bordeaux unit. Her office is located at B-224, 115 Avenue du Dr Albert Schweitzer, 33600 Pessac, France, with contact via (+33) 05 56 84 30 27 or laura.alvarez-frances@u-bordeaux.fr. She leads the BIO 2.0 team's research on active matter and colloidal systems. Her educational trajectory includes: PhD at University of Bordeaux and KU Leuven (2013-2016) under Prof. MP Lettinga and Dr. Eric Grelet Postdoctoral research at ETH Zurich (2017-2021) with Prof. Lucio Isa SNSF Spark postdoctoral fellowship (2020-2021) Her research centers on Active Matter , Chemical Communication , and Bio-inspired microsystems , investigating active liposome design, colloidal-lipid membrane interactions, and collective colloidal behavior. Key methodologies include optical tweezers and microfluidics for studying enzymatic particle navigation and colloidal lattice assembly. Her publication record (2017-2023) reveals a strong focus on programmable active colloids and microfluidic applications , with significant contributions to artificial microswimmers and reconfigurable systems appearing in Nature Communications, PNAS, and Physical Review Letters. Emerging trends show increasing emphasis on biomedical applications of active matter. Key recognitions include: Spark postdoctoral grant (SNSF, 2020) IdEx PhD fellowship (2013) She secured major grants including ANR JCJ Project MYMESYS (2023) and France-Berkeley Fund (2023), while her mentoring role involves graduate student supervision through University of Bordeaux's tenure-track framework. As BIO 2.0 team lead at CRPP, she directs experimental work on active colloidal particles using microfluidic platforms and optical manipulation, maintaining active collaborations with ETH Zurich, University of Bordeaux, and international partners across Europe.
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.
Benyamin Davaji serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Northeastern University, where he joined in January 2022. He holds additional appointments as a Center Member of The Plastics Center and Core Faculty of the Institute for NanoSystems Innovation (NanoSI). His work bridges microsystems engineering, nanofabrication, and data science to develop next-generation sensing technologies. Dr. Davaji's educational background includes: Postdoctoral Associate in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Cornell University (2016-2021) Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Marquette University (2016) His research centers on integrated microsystems with emphasis on mechanical wave-based sensing and computation, ultrasound transducers, bio-interfaces, and microcalorimetry. The Autonomous Integrated Microsystems (AIMS) Laboratory combines physics with AI/ML to invent novel sensors and computational devices through advanced nanofabrication. Key thrusts include power-sustaining architectures and analog/digital computational integration. Recent publications (2024-2025) reveal strong trends in MEMS/NEMS optimization using digital twins, plasmonically enhanced infrared detection, ferroelectric actuators for high-speed scanning, and ultrasound-enabled metrology. His work increasingly integrates machine learning for design automation and process optimization across semiconductor manufacturing and flexible hybrid electronics. Dr. Davaji advises graduate students including Yilmaz Arin Manav (PhD'28), who won the FLEX 2024 Future Student Poster Award. He has secured over $3 million in competitive funding as PI/Co-PI, including a $550k NSF grant for MEMS actuators, $330k NSF grant for quantum detectors, and $2M DARPA grant for inertial sensors. He directs the interdisciplinary AIMS Laboratory focused on MEMS, ultrasound, and calorimetric technologies. The lab collaborates extensively with NanoSI and The Plastics Center, developing autonomous microsystems for biomedical, environmental, and industrial applications through advanced manufacturing techniques.
Alireza Ramezani is an Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Northeastern University, leading the SiliconSynapse Lab. He focuses on bio-inspired robotics, nonlinear systems, and robot locomotion, with a particular emphasis on morphological design and control inspired by biological systems. His work integrates control theory and experimental robotics to develop robots capable of navigating confined spaces, such as caves and ducts, using mechanisms derived from bat movements. Education : PhD, Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan (2014) MS, Mechanical Engineering, ETH Zurich (2010) BSc, Mechanical Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology (2007) Research Interests : Design of robots with non-traditional morphologies Nonlinear feedback control systems Legged and fluidic-based locomotion Bio-inspired robotics and biology-driven engineering Awards : 2024 ASME Rising Star Award 2024 NSF CAREER Award 2022 NASA Game Changing Program Award Science Magazine Top 5% Research Output (2020) Advising & Labs : Ramezani mentors students in projects like the NASA-funded “Crater Observing Bio-inspired Rolling Articulator” and oversees the SiliconSynapse Lab, which develops robots for space exploration and confined environments. Notable advisees include Henry Noyes, a NASA Space Technology Fellow. Labs/Teams : His lab collaborates with institutions like NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) on projects such as the Mars Multi-modal Morphing (M4) Rover and bio-inspired snake robots for lunar crater exploration.
Elliot Hawkes is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). His research bridges design, mechanics, and non-traditional materials to develop robust, adaptable, human-safe robots for uncertain environments. He leads the Hawkes Lab, focusing on bio-inspired microstructured adhesives, nonlinear compliant mechanisms, soft actuators, exoskeletons, and growing robots. PhD from Stanford University, 2015 Postdoctoral Scholar at Stanford's CHARM Lab, 2015-2016 Assistant Professor at UCSB since 2016 Current projects include: Material-like robotic collectives with spatiotemporal control Variable friction shoe for locomotor therapy High-force soft actuators for industrial applications Vine-inspired robots for search and rescue Growing robots for biomedical and environmental use Recent publications in Science and Nature highlight breakthroughs in soft robotics and human-safe actuation. His team has received multiple NSF GRFP awards and a UCSB Regents Fellowship. The lab holds patents in adhesive gripping, soft actuation, and reconfigurable robotics.
Elliot Wright Hawkes is an Associate Professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering , University of California, Santa Barbara . He leads the Hawkes Group, focusing on robotics innovation through design, mechanics, and non-traditional materials. His research enables robust, adaptable, human-safe robots for unstructured environments. Hawkes holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering (2015) and MS in Mechanical Engineering (2014) from Stanford University, and a AB in Mechanical Engineering (2011) from Harvard. Research Areas : Solid Mechanics, Materials & Structures, Dynamic Systems and Control, Robotics, Biomechanics, Micro/Nanoscale Engineering Key Projects : Bio-inspired microstructured adhesives, Non-linear compliant mechanisms, High-power soft actuators, Soft exoskeletons, Growing robots His work has produced 20+ patents and 15+ recent publications spanning vine robots, soft actuators, rehabilitation devices, and extreme mobility systems. Notable awards include: Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) National Science Foundation CAREER Award NASA Early Career Faculty Award 2020 Packard Fellow Northrop Grumman Excellence in Teaching Award Student Advisees (PhD/Master's): Matthew Devlin, William Heap, Sophia Paul, Nathan Usevitch, Charles Xiao, Nicholas Naclerio, David Haggerty, Lucia Gan, Patrick Slade, Cole Simpson, Mengjia Zhu, Anna Alvarez, Mijail Mendoza Flores, Laura Blumenschein, Tania Morimoto, Zachary Hammond, Muhammad Usman, Hao Jiang, Inrak Choi, and others. Laboratory Focus : The Hawkes Lab explores the intersection of design, mechanics, and materials to solve challenges in robotics, medicine, and biomechanics. Notable projects include: Material-like robotic collectives with spatiotemporal control Variable friction shoe for rehabilitation (US Patent 12,082,641) Soft robotic burrowing devices for NASA applications Light-controlled actuator arrays for extreme environments Plant root-inspired anchoring systems for granular media
John Whitney is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at Northeastern University's College of Engineering. He joined the university in January 2016. His research focuses on human-safe robotics, medical robotics, soft robotics, MEMS, microrobotics, and bio-inspired design, with a particular emphasis on flapping aerodynamics and insect flight mechanisms. He has led major research initiatives including the National Science Foundation-funded 'Controllable Compliance' robotic arm project and Office of Naval Research projects on haptic manipulators for explosive ordnance disposal. Whitney holds a PhD in Engineering Sciences from Harvard University (2012) and an SM in Aeronautics and Astronautics from MIT (2006). He is affiliated with Northeastern's Institute for Experiential Robotics and has contributed to advanced systems like the ANA Avatar XPRIZE robotic avatar. His work integrates interdisciplinary approaches combining mechanical engineering, control systems, and biomedical applications. Education: PhD in Engineering Sciences, Harvard University, 2012 SM in Aeronautics and Astronautics, MIT, 2006 Awards: 2023 Impact Award Finalist, International Conference on Robotics and Automation 2022-2023 College of Engineering Faculty Award Recipient His research spans teleoperation systems, haptic feedback mechanisms, and soft material manufacturing. Notable projects include a MR-safe haptic system for prostate biopsies and a novel robotic arm for contact-rich environments. His lab's work on flapping-wing microrobots draws inspiration from insect flight dynamics to improve micro air vehicle (MAV) performance. Whitney advises teams like the Northeastern Mars Rover Team and ANA Avatar XPRIZE finalists, demonstrating his commitment to hands-on student engagement. His publications emphasize practical robotics solutions for medical, industrial, and exploratory applications.
Dr Mahdi Davoodianidalik is a researcher in the Department of Nuclear Physics & Accelerator Applications at the Australian National University (ANU). He is affiliated with the Space plasma power and propulsion group and the Physics of fluids group, focusing on interdisciplinary research at the intersection of plasma physics, fluid dynamics, and space propulsion technologies. His research interests include Turbulence and wave-driven flows Plasma thrusters and electrothermal propulsion Fluctuation-induced forces and interactions Fluid-structure dynamics Thermal engineering of micro-thrusters Nonlinear phenomena in fluids Recent publications highlight his work on analogs of the Casimir effect in turbulent flows, passive propulsion mechanisms, and advanced propulsion systems using solid hydrocarbon propellants. He has contributed to understanding turbulence in both fundamental and applied contexts, with a focus on energy transfer and chaotic flow phenomena. His collaborations span ANU colleagues including Nicolas Francois and Michael Shats, with a strong emphasis on experimental and computational fluid dynamics.
Dr. Abdessattar Abdelkefi is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering at New Mexico State University's College of Engineering. He directs the Nonlinear Dynamics & Energy Harvesting Laboratory (NDEHL) and holds a Ph.D. from Virginia Tech (2012). His research bridges dynamics, fluid-structure interactions, and renewable energy, with applications in drones, MEMS, and energy harvesting. Research Focus Dr. Abdelkefi's work spans Dynamics & Vibrations , Aeroelasticity , and Robotics & Controls , emphasizing nonlinear phenomena and energy conversion. Key areas include: Vortex-induced vibrations for renewable energy harvesting Bio-inspired drone design and aerodynamic optimization Nanoscale sensors and microgyroscopes Flexoelectric and piezoelectric material applications Publication Trends Recent articles (2019-2020) focus on experimental/theoretical synergy in energy harvesting (galloping, vortex-induced, piezoelectric) and bio-inspired UAV design. Over 70% involve computational modeling validated with wind tunnel/field tests, highlighting innovations in broadband energy capture and nano/microsystem efficiency. Awards & Honors 2020: Outstanding Research Professor (MAE Academy) & Teaching-Research-Service Synergy Award (College of Engineering) 2019: Early Career Award (NMSU Research Council), Outstanding Research Professor, Los Alamos NMC Faculty Appointee 2013: Best Paper Award from Theoretical & Applied Mechanics Letters 2011–2012: Graduate Scholarships (Virginia Tech) Laboratory & Advising NDEHL researches vibration-based energy harvesting, nonlinear dynamics, and drone aerodynamics. Dr. Abdelkefi mentors graduate students in experimental/computational projects, though specific advisees are unnamed in available data.
Anna C. Balazs is Distinguished Professor and John A. Swanson Chair of Engineering in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh, with an adjunct appointment in Chemistry and visiting professorships at Scripps Research Institute, UT-Austin and Oxford University. In 2025 she receives the €10,000 Gutenberg Research Award from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) for her pioneering theoretical work on smart soft materials. She earned an A.B. in Physics from Bryn Mawr College (1975) and a Ph.D. in Materials Science from MIT (1981), followed by post-doctoral research at Brandeis, MIT and UMass. Research interests span theoretical and computational soft-matter physics, focusing on: Statistical-mechanical modelling of polymer blends and composites Self-oscillating and chemo-responsive hydrogels Active matter, enzyme-powered swimmers and self-propelling sheets Self-healing, shape-morphing and bio-inspired materials Computer simulation of colloidal and interfacial phenomena Recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate a clear trend toward integrating chemistry, fluid mechanics and elasticity to create life-like, autonomous soft machines. Key contributions include: Harnessing enzyme pumps to drive macroscopic sheet locomotion Designing chemically communicating micro-post arrays Creating dissipative materials with programmable, hierarchical 3-D architectures Scientific awards include: Gutenberg Research Award 2025 Polymer Physics Prize, American Physical Society SF Boys-A. Rahman Award, Royal Society of Chemistry Langmuir Lectureship Award, American Chemical Society Election to the U.S. National Academy of Sciences (2021) She serves on the Advisory Board of the DOE-BES Materials Council and on editorial boards for Langmuir , Soft Matter and Polymer Reviews . Her group collaborates closely with experimental teams world-wide, including the DFG-NSF “Confine” partnership with JGU and the CoM2Life Cluster of Excellence initiative.
Hamidreza Marvi is an Associate Professor in the School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy at Arizona State University , with additional affiliations as a Senior Global Futures Scientist . His work bridges bio-inspired robotics , soft robotics , and mechanics of animal locomotion . Education : Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering (Georgia Tech, 2013), M.S. in Biomedical Engineering (Sharif University, 2007), M.S. in Mechanical Engineering (Clemson, 2009), B.S. in Mechanical Engineering (Iran University of Science and Technology, 2004). Marvi’s research focuses on biological systems interacting with solid, granular, and fluidic environments , translating these insights into bio-inspired robotic systems for search-and-rescue, medical, and planetary exploration. His work has been featured in Science , PNAS , and popular media like the New York Times and BBC . Recent publications highlight trends in magnetic microrobotics , soft robot control , and locomotion in granular media , with applications in medical devices, underwater inspection, and space exploration. His BIRTH Lab develops programmable interfacial structures and adaptive locomotion systems. Scientific Awards : KEEN Professorship (2017), Peebles Award (2015), Sigma Xi Best Ph.D. Thesis (2014), TechSTAR Award (2012), Emerald Publishing Literati Network Award (2011). Marvi has supervised teams for NASA competitions, co-organized robotics workshops, and served as a reviewer for journals like Nature-Scientific Reports and conferences including IEEE-IROS. His teaching portfolio includes courses in system dynamics, robotic control, and applied projects .
Vikram Iyer is an Assistant Professor at the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering and holds an Adjunct Appointment in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Washington. He co-directs the CS for Environment Initiative , focusing on interdisciplinary solutions that bridge computing, biology, and physical systems for environmental sustainability. Education : Ph.D. in Electrical & Computer Engineering (University of Washington), B.S. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences (UC Berkeley) Research Interests revolve around bio-inspired wireless systems , environmentally sustainable electronics , and miniaturized autonomous robotics . His work includes: Biodegradable circuit boards Battery-free wireless sensors Insect-scale vision systems Wind-dispersed environmental monitors AI tools for sustainable design Article Trends highlight contributions to green hardware , energy-autonomous robotics , and environmental sensing networks , often integrating machine learning with physical world interaction . Awards include: NSF CAREER Award SIGMOBILE Dissertation Award Marconi Society Paul Baran Young Scholar Best Paper Awards (SIGCOMM 2016, Sensys 2018) Google/Amazon Research Awards Students advised include Kyle Johnson (NSF Fellow), Vicente Arroyos (GEM Fellow), and Qiuyue Xue (co-advised with Shwetak Patel). His lab collaborates with the Networks & Mobile Systems Lab and Urban Innovation Initiative .
Dr. Kang Liang is a Scientia Associate Professor at the University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney), specifically within the School of Chemical Engineering. He leads the Nano-Micro-Bio Systems research group and serves as Co-Chair of the Australian Synchrotron Program Advisory Committee for SAXS/WAXS and BioSAXS. His research focuses on the intersection of nanotechnology, biocatalysis, and materials science, with particular expertise in metal-organic frameworks and their applications in biomedical and environmental contexts. Dr. Liang's research interests center around interfacial engineering of nanostructured materials, NanoBionics, biomimetics and biomineralization, and smart nano-micro-bio systems. His work explores how nanomaterials can interface with biological systems to create innovative solutions for healthcare, environmental monitoring, and energy applications. He has made significant contributions to the field of biocatalytic metal-organic frameworks, demonstrating their potential in drug delivery, cytoprotection, and cell manipulation. His publication record shows a strong focus on developing advanced nanomaterials with applications spanning from environmental remediation (water purification, contaminant removal) to biomedical applications (drug delivery, biosensing, cancer treatment). The trends in his recent publications indicate increasing sophistication in the design of nanomotors and nanoswimmers, with growing emphasis on precision targeting, multi-functionality, and integration with biological systems. Victoria Fellowship in Physical Sciences (2017) Fellow of the Australian Royal Chemical Institute (FRACI) Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC, UK) NHMRC Career Development Fellow (2019-2022) ARC Future Fellow (2023-2027) Dr. Liang actively mentors PhD and MPhil students through his research group and encourages highly motivated candidates to join his team. His research is supported by significant funding including his current ARC Future Fellowship (2023-2027). His work bridges chemical engineering, materials science, and biomedical applications, creating a unique interdisciplinary approach to solving complex problems in healthcare and environmental sustainability. His laboratory focuses on developing innovative nanomaterial platforms that interface with biological systems, with particular emphasis on creating responsive and adaptive systems that can perform specific functions when triggered by environmental conditions. The group's work represents a cutting-edge intersection of nanotechnology, bioengineering, and materials science.
