Federico Bosia is Associate Professor at the Department of Applied Science and Technology (DISAT) of Politecnico di Torino, teaching Physics I in Aerospace Engineering. His research focuses on bioinspired materials, elastic wave control, fracture mechanics, and metamaterials, with applications in acoustic engineering and sustainable infrastructure. Current research projects include RAVEN (2024-2028) for atmospheric sensors and AMPHYBIA (2023-2025) on advanced metamaterials. He coordinates the COST Action European Network Bioadhesion (2016-2021) and participates in the Unite! University Alliance (2022-2028). His work spans mechanical and acoustical properties of condensed matter (ERC PE3_2), mechanical engineering (PE8_7), and metamaterials engineering (PE11_13). Recent publications highlight innovations in gradient-index phononic crystals, tunable waveguides, and vibration mitigation systems. Scientific awards include Open Badges Learning to Teach (L2T) and Mentoring Polito Project (M2P) , both issued by Politecnico di Torino in 2023. He supervises PhD students Eloi Perez Compte, Fabio Nistri, and Paolo Han Beoletto, and serves as Associate Editor for Frontiers in Materials since 2017. As Scientific Director , he leads projects like SILENCE (2021-2022) for MRI noise cancellation and BOHEME (2020-2023) under H2020. His lab, the Nonlinear Elasticity and Metamaterials Laboratory (DISAT) , explores nonlinear elasticity and soft matter applications.
Dr. Kibret Mequanint is a full Professor at Western University's Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, with cross-appointments in Biomedical Engineering. Holding a PhD from University of Stellenbosch and postdoctoral experience at Technical University of Darmstadt and McMaster University, his research bridges polymer science, materials engineering, and life sciences with applications in Biomaterials , Tissue Engineering , and Regenerative Medicine . His work spans both fundamental and translational research in cell-material interactions , polymer biomaterial design , and therapeutic radiation dosimeters , with technologies transferred to commercial applications. Leading scholar and educator with awards from NSERC, CIHR, and Western University Fellow of: American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE), Ethiopian Academy of Sciences, International Union of Societies for Biomaterials Science and Engineering, Canadian Academy of Engineering Extensive editorial and panel service for NSERC, CIHR, and international journals His research program has produced over 170 refereed publications, focusing on conductive hydrogels , bioadhesives , and vascular tissue engineering . Recent work on endoscopy-deliverable bioadhesives and snake venom-derived hemostatic gels has attracted global media attention. He has served in leadership roles at the Canadian Biomaterials Society and university governance bodies including Senate and Board of Governors.
Dr. Julie Liu is an Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at Purdue University, with a courtesy appointment in Biomedical Engineering. She is affiliated with the Global Engineering Program and serves on the Engineering Leadership Team. Her research focuses on biomaterials science, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine, particularly in developing collagen-based hydrogels, protein-inspired adhesives, and bioelastomers for clinical applications. Recent work emphasizes tunable biomaterials that modulate cellular behavior in inflammatory environments and enhance tissue repair. Dr. Liu also contributes to STEM education outreach, promoting chemical engineering identity among young women through hands-on polymer activities. Her research interests include: Design of bioadhesives mimicking natural proteins Development of chondrogenic hydrogels for cartilage repair Controlled macromolecular transport in biomaterials Integration of stem cells with engineered matrices Redox-responsive and pH-sensitive hydrogels Recent publications highlight advancements in mussel-inspired adhesives, elastin-based bioelastomers, and chondroitin sulfate-modified scaffolds. These materials address challenges in cartilage regeneration, inflammation suppression, and tissue mimicry. Dr. Liu's work bridges chemical engineering principles with biomedical applications, emphasizing both material innovation and clinical translation.
Dr. Nandika Bandara serves as Associate Professor and Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Food Proteins and Bioproducts at the University of Manitoba's Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences within the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences. Her research program focuses on advancing sustainable protein technologies for food, materials, and bioproduct applications through integration of material science and nanotechnology. Education: CFS (Certified Food Scientist), Institute of Food Technologists / International Food Science Certification Council PhD (Food Science & Bioresource Technology), University of Alberta, Canada MSc (Food Science & Technology), University of Alberta, Canada BSc (Agriculture), University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka Dr. Bandara's research explores protein and biopolymer-based nanostructures for bioactive delivery, sustainable protein extraction from Canadian crops and byproducts, and renewable biopolymers for food packaging and biomedical materials. Her lab investigates novel processing technologies' effects on protein structure-function relationships using advanced characterization techniques. Current projects include protein-lipid conjugation for nanodelivery systems, feather keratin-based wound-healing materials, and deep eutectic solvents for protein extraction. Her publication record demonstrates strong focus on plant protein valorization, nanodelivery systems, and functional materials. Key trends include development of electrospun nanofibers, protein-based packaging films reinforced with nanocellulose, and metabolomics approaches for bioactive compound analysis in Canadian berries. The research bridges fundamental protein chemistry with industrial applications in sustainable food systems. Awards and Honors: Outstanding Volunteer Service Award of the Food Chemistry Division at Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) - 2019/2020 Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Emerging Leaders Network (ELN) Program finalist - 2019 Natural Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) of Canada Postdoctoral Fellowship - 2018 Agricultural Institute of Canada Foundations' (AICF) Karl C Iverson Agricultural Scholarship - 2016 MITACS Accelerate Graduate Scholarship - 2015 Queen Elizabeth II Doctoral Graduate Scholarship - 2015 American Oil Chemist Society Honored Student Award - 2015 Graduate Student Teaching Award of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research/ Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Alberta - 2015 Alberta Innovates Technology Futures Graduate Student Doctoral Scholarship Dr. Bandara actively supervises graduate students through the University of Manitoba's Food and Human Nutritional Sciences program and holds an adjunct professorship at Dalhousie University. She serves as Associate Editor for Food Chemistry Journal and on the editorial board of Food Research International. Her research is supported by her Canada Research Chair position and industry partnerships focused on Canadian agricultural innovation. She directs the Food Proteins and Bioproducts Lab at the Richardson Centre for Food Technology and Research, which specializes in protein characterization, nanomaterial development, and sustainable extraction technologies. The lab collaborates with researchers across Canada and internationally to translate fundamental discoveries into industrial applications for food, packaging, and biomedical sectors.
Dr. Nick Aldred is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Life Sciences at the University of Essex, specializing in marine invertebrate biology with expertise in larval settlement ecology and marine bioadhesion. His research focuses on biofouling processes, adhesion mechanisms in biological systems, and biofilm engineering, utilizing barnacles as model organisms. He leads multidisciplinary teams collaborating with defense, industrial, and charitable organizations. Education: BSc (Hons) from University of Wales, Bangor (2002) PhD from Newcastle University (2006) His research investigates how bacterial biofilms influence larval settlement and the polymerisation mechanisms enabling underwater adhesion in marine invertebrates. Current projects include developing mistletoe-inspired adhesives and engineered biofilms for naval applications, funded by DARPA, ONR, and Leverhulme Trust. Publication analysis reveals consistent focus on antifouling technologies, marine adhesive mechanisms, and surface-biology interactions, with recent work expanding into materials science and omics-based adhesion studies across 64+ journal articles. Current PhD supervision: Isabelle Eve Firth (Marine Biology) Jacob Peter Cook (Biological Sciences) As Director of Recruitment and Public Voice Scholar, he actively engages in science communication and institutional leadership.
Kelly Burke is an Associate Professor and Department Head at the University of Connecticut’s College of Engineering. She holds a Ph.D. in Polymer Science from Case Western Reserve University (2010). Her research focuses on synthesizing functional polymeric materials, including liquid crystalline materials, stimuli-responsive polymers, and biocompatible biomaterials for medical and sustainability applications. She has held leadership roles such as Director of the Polymer Science Program (2021–2024) and previously served as an Assistant Professor (2014–2021) and Postdoctoral Scholar (2010–2013) at Tufts University. Burke has received prestigious awards, including the NIH MIRA (2022) and NSF CAREER (2020) awards. Education: Ph.D., Case Western Reserve University, 2010 Research Interests: Her lab explores liquid crystalline polymers for shape-memory applications, biopolymers like silk for medical devices, and materials to modulate inflammation. Projects include biodegradable linkers in liquid crystalline networks and functionalized silk surfaces for drug delivery. Research areas span biomaterials engineering, sustainable polymers, and regenerative medicine. Publications: Her work spans liquid crystalline materials, silk-based adhesives, and biomedical applications. Recent studies include 3D-printed silk constructs for tissue engineering and electrocaloric polymers for energy applications. Awards: National Institutes of Health Maximizing Investigators’ Research Award (2022) American Chemical Society Young Investigator Award (2022) National Science Foundation CAREER Award (2020) Grants & Labs: Leads the Burke Laboratory for Polymeric Materials, focusing on advanced materials for medical and sustainable uses. Her NSF and NIH grants support research into shape-memory polymers and biomaterials for chronic disease modulation. Labs/Teams: The Burke Lab collaborates on projects involving silk fibroin conjugates, electrocaloric materials, and biocompatible composites. Facilities include advanced characterization tools for polymer synthesis and biomaterial testing.
Dr. Qingye Lu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering at the University of Calgary. Her research focuses on bioadhesion, colloid and interfacial chemistry, nanomaterials, and their applications in environmental and energy systems. She holds a PhD in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Alberta and has postdoctoral training in Civil and Environmental Engineering and Chemical and Materials Engineering. She leads the Laboratory of Interfacial Science and Advanced Materials (LISAM), developing advanced materials for sustainability, energy, and environmental challenges. Education: PhD in Analytical Chemistry, University of Alberta MSc in Physical Chemistry, Wuhan University BSc in Chemistry, Wuhan University Research Interests: Bioinspired materials for CO2 capture and oil/water separation Interfacial science in energy systems (e.g., solar evaporation, fuel cells) Environmental applications: wastewater treatment, heavy metal adsorption Awards: Early Career Research Excellence Award (2020) Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship (2008–2009) Advising: Seeks motivated Master’s and PhD students across disciplines. Labs: LISAM Lab focuses on interfacial science and advanced materials for energy and environment.
Professor Will Shu at the Department of Biomedical Engineering , University of Strathclyde, is a leading expert in 3D bioprinting and biofabrication technologies. His research focuses on creating functional tissue constructs using microfluidic systems , hydrogels , and nanoparticle engineering , with applications in bone repair , cardiovascular models , and infectious disease treatment . Key research areas: 3D Bioprinting , Biomaterials , Microfluidics , Tissue Engineering , Biomechanics Notable innovations: degradable DNA biolubricants , self-healing triboelectric nanogenerators , carbon dots for bone infection His 2025-2023 publications demonstrate expertise in fluorescence-based nanometrology , precision cancer surgery simulation , and biofilm modeling . Current work includes digital twin surgery and biofabrication standardization . Scientific Awards : Recipient of 11 unspecified prizes (including Scopus citations and policy references ) As an active PhD supervisor , he leads projects in bioprinting , tissue regeneration , and medical device development , evidenced by 99 research outputs and 25 projects listed on Scopus.
Professor Marcus T Cicerone is a faculty member at the Georgia Institute of Technology in the School of Chemistry & Biochemistry . His career spans positions at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (2001-2019) and a visiting teaching professorship at Brigham Young University . He received his Ph.D. in 1994 from the University of Wisconsin–Madison under Mark Ediger. Research Interests : Development and application of broadband coherent Raman scattering (BCARS) microscopy for biological imaging, understanding dynamic heterogeneity in liquids and glasses , and creating nanometer-sized sugar-glass encapsulation methods for protein stabilization in drug delivery. His work bridges physics, chemistry, and biotechnology through innovative spectroscopic techniques. Scientific Awards : Fellow of American Physical Society Johnson & Johnson Director’s Research Award Two Department of Commerce Bronze Medals 2015 Washington Academy of Sciences Physical & Biological Sciences Award 2017 Arthur S. Flemming Award 2022 Moderna Grant for ambient-stable RNA vaccines 2025 Quadrant-i Grant for nucleic acid delivery Recent Publications demonstrate his leadership in coherent Raman imaging, glassy material dynamics, and protein stabilization. His 2025 Nature Photonics paper on dynamic percolation in liquids and 2024 Advanced Materials work on lipid nanocapsules highlight cross-disciplinary impact.
Xuanhe Zhao is a Professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), specializing in Sustainable Materials & Infrastructure. His research focuses on designing soft materials with unprecedented properties and applications in bioadhesives, biomedical devices, and soft robotics. Zhao holds the d’Arbeloff Career Development Chair and has received multiple awards including the Young Investigator Program (YIP) Award and the Arthur K. Doolittle Award. Education: B.E., Tianjin University, 2003 M.A.Sc., University of British Columbia, 2006 M.S. & Ph.D., Harvard University, 2008–2009 Research Interests: Zhao’s work bridges mechanics, materials science, and bioinspired design. Key areas include: Adhesive materials for medical implants and soft robotics Fracture energy scaling in polymer networks Hydrogel-based biocontainment systems Magnetic soft materials and robots Publications: Recent work emphasizes adhesive materials with triggerable detachment, fracture energy laws in networks, and bioadhesive robots. His research often explores material design for biomedical and environmental applications. Awards: d’Arbeloff Career Development Chair (2014) Office of Naval Research YIP Award (2014) National Academy of Engineering Frontiers of Engineering Symposium (2013) NSF CAREER Award (2012) Advising & Labs: Zhao leads a lab focused on soft materials innovation, with collaborations in robotics and biomedical engineering. His group develops materials that merge with biological systems, such as hydrogel-based sensors and bioadhesive medical devices. Labs/Teams: Active in MIT’s soft materials research community, advancing interdisciplinary projects at the intersection of mechanics, chemistry, and biology.
Prof. Dr. Hans-Georg Steinrück is a faculty member at Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, affiliated with the Institute for Sustainable Hydrogen Economy (INW) and leading the Department of Catalytic Interfaces (INW-1). His research spans electrochemical systems, materials science, and interface engineering for energy applications. University: Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH Institute: Institute for Sustainable Hydrogen Economy (INW) Department: Catalytic Interfaces (INW-1) Rank: Professor Research Focus: Dr. Steinrück investigates structural and dynamic properties of materials in electrochemical systems. Key areas include: Hydrogen economy and sustainable energy storage Thin film characterization via X-ray and electron diffraction Electrolyte dynamics in battery technologies Surface science applications for catalysis and corrosion resistance Organic electronics and molecular alignment in semiconductors Recent Publication Trends: Recent works emphasize operando structural analysis of energy materials, ion transport mechanisms in electrolytes, and advanced characterization techniques like grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIWAXS) and 3D electron diffraction. His research bridges fundamental materials science with applied energy technologies. Laboratory Affiliations: He leads the Catalytic Interfaces group within the Institute for Sustainable Hydrogen Economy, focusing on sustainable hydrogen systems and interfacial processes.
Tim Wollesen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Evolutionary Biology at the Faculty of Life Sciences. His research focuses on molluscan evolution, neurogenesis, and developmental genetics, particularly in cephalopods, scaphopods, and chaetognaths. He has led projects funded by the Schrödinger Grant and collaborates internationally on topics like Hox gene expression and single-cell transcriptomics. Research interests include evolutionary developmental biology (evo-devo), comparative genomics, and the molecular mechanisms underlying body plan diversification. Recent studies explore the genetic basis of shell formation, nervous system evolution, and ancestral cell type conservation in spiralians. Notable contributions include analyzing developmental gene expression in squid eyes, sequencing chaetognath transcriptomes, and elucidating Hox gene roles in molluscan body plans. His work bridges molecular biology with evolutionary questions, contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals through biodiversity research. Received Schrödinger Grant (2018) to support evolutionary research Active in international conferences, presenting on bioadhesives and molluscan cell types Lead researcher on projects like 'Elucidating molluscan evolution by single cell sequencing' (2021–ongoing) His lab focuses on integrative approaches combining genomics, microscopy, and developmental biology to decode evolutionary innovations in invertebrate lineages.
Sesilja Aranko is an Assistant Professor at Aalto University , affiliated with the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems. Her research focuses on protein engineering, biomolecular condensates, and sustainable materials derived from biological macromolecules. Research Groups : Cellular Engineering Email : sesilja.aranko@aalto.fi Her work explores protein self-assembly mechanisms, particularly in spider silk and collagen systems, leveraging liquid-liquid phase separation for advanced biomaterial design. Recent studies investigate how polymer length and modular protein architecture control condensate properties, alongside developing bio-inspired adhesives from recombinant proteins and nanocellulose. She has pioneered the use of Catcher/Tag click-reaction tools for protein engineering and developed sustainable methods for spider silk production with inherent functionalization potential. Collaborative projects span marine biology (sea cucumbers) and keratin waste upcycling for textile applications. Key methodologies include intein-mediated protein splicing, segmental isotopic labeling, and structural characterization of protein ligation systems. Her research bridges fundamental biophysics with industrial applications in sustainable chemistry and biomimetic composites.
Dr. Saikat Jana is a Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering at the School of Engineering, Ulster University, Belfast. He holds a PhD in Engineering Mechanics from Virginia Tech (2013), an MSc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Florida (2008), and a Bachelors in Technology from National Institute of Technology Durgapur (2007). His academic career includes postdoctoral roles at the University of Glasgow, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Skoltech Initiative), Newcastle University, and the University of Leeds. PhD: Engineering Mechanics, Virginia Tech (2013) MSc: Mechanical Engineering, University of Florida (2008) BSc: Technology, National Institute of Technology Durgapur (2007) His research focuses on soft-active matter, particularly microbial behavior in bacterial biofilms, using advanced techniques such as microscopy, microfluidics, and rheology. He investigates length-scale transitions from single cells to biofilm collectives, aiming to control microbial interactions for human health and environmental solutions. Current projects include Pathogen Transport and Distribution (Royal Society, 2025-2027), Nanoparticle Transport in Cystic Fibrosis Biofilms (Department for the Economy, 2024), and Ultrafast Bacteria Detection with Acoustics (2023-2024). Key publication trends highlight his expertise in Biofilm Rheology , Marine Biofouling Prevention , and Microswimmer Dynamics . His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in health and environmental sustainability. Projects and grants include: Pathogen Transport and Distribution (Royal Society, 2025-2027) Transport of nanoparticles and nano swimmers in cystic fibrosis biofilms (Department for the Economy, 2024) Ultrafast detection of foodborne bacteria with acoustics (2023-2024)
José R. B. Gomes is a Principal Researcher at the Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, and a core member of CICECO – Aveiro Institute of Materials. His research focuses on computational chemistry, with emphasis on multiscale approaches for catalysis, materials design, and surface science. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Porto (2000) and has conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Barcelona and Porto. His work integrates quantum mechanics, molecular dynamics, and machine learning to study reactions at interfaces, gas adsorption in porous materials, and ionic liquid interactions. He leads multiple funded projects, including investigations into MXene-based catalysts and corrosion inhibitors. Key achievements include the Vicente de Seabra Medal (2010) and pioneering studies on MXene stability and catalytic properties. He supervises a dynamic research group comprising Ph.D. and M.Sc. students and collaborates internationally with institutions like the University of Barcelona and Strathclyde. Teaching roles at the University of Aveiro include computational chemistry and modeling courses. Educations: Ph.D. in Chemistry, University of Porto (2000); Postdoctoral training at University of Barcelona (2000–2007) Research Interests: Leveraging computational methods (DFT, MD, QM/MM) to bridge length/time scales in material design. Active areas include: (1) MXenes for catalysis and sensors, (2) Machine learning for corrosion inhibitor screening, (3) Gas adsorption in porous materials, and (4) Multiscale modeling of silicate chemistry. Recent work emphasizes AI-driven material discovery and sustainable energy applications. Publications: Over 200 peer-reviewed articles, with recent focus on MXene surface chemistry and corrosion solutions. Notable contributions include the DATACORTECH AI platform for inhibitor design and studies on subsurface oxygen in MXenes. Awards: Teresa da Fonseca Prize (1995), Mendonça Monteiro Prize (1994), Vicente de Seabra Medal (2010) Grants & Leadership: Coordinator of Group 6 at CICECO and PI of projects funded by FCT, Rede Nacional de Computação Avançada, and international collaborations. Active in developing AI tools and corrosion-resistant materials for industrial applications.
