Brooke Flammang is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) . Her research focuses on the functional morphology and biomechanics of aquatic organisms, with an emphasis on fish locomotion, bioinspired robotics, and evolutionary adaptations. She leads federally funded projects including NSF grants on remora adhesion systems, flying fish robotics, and endangered marine organism telemetry. Key areas of expertise include: Biomechanics of swimming and flying fish Adhesive mechanisms in remoras Bioinspired robotic designs Evolutionary functional morphology Recent work involves developing amphibious energy harvesting systems and studying the hydrodynamics of flying fish models. She has published extensively on topics ranging from shark denticle orientation to robotic fish tail design, with over 45 peer-reviewed articles and significant media coverage for her innovative conservation-focused projects. Notable collaborations include: BRC-BIO Grant (2025-2028) : Duck foot morphology and swimming ability NSF BioDesign Grant (2024-2027) : Remora-inspired telemetry devices FELS RAISE Grant (2019-2025) : Evolution of terrestrial locomotion models
Dr. Muhammad Alam is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Queen's University, Canada. He holds a PhD in Photonics (University of Toronto, 2012), MASc in Electromagnetics (University of Victoria, 2003), and BSc in Electrical Engineering (Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, 2000). His research focuses on advancing nanophotonics, plasmonics, and metasurface technologies for applications in energy, sensing, and optical systems. Education: PhD in Photonics, University of Toronto (2012) MASc in Electromagnetics, University of Victoria (2003) BSc in Electrical Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (2000) Research Interests: His lab explores transformative nanophotonics applications, including plasmonic sensors, metasurface-based optical systems, and energy-efficient photonic devices. Key areas include solar azimuth prediction using bio-inspired polarization techniques, low-cost transparent solar absorbers, and quantum-optics metasurface arrays. Awards: Douglas R. Colton Medal for Research Excellence (2020) Over 371 citations (Google Scholar, 2023) Supervision and Grants: Current advisee: Dr. Zohreh Vafapour (Postdoctoral Fellow). His work has been supported by collaborations with institutions like NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Labs/Teams: Research activities are conducted in Queen's Walter Light Hall labs, with affiliations to advanced photonics facilities. Ongoing projects bridge material science, optics, and engineering for real-world applications.
Thrishantha Nanayakkara is Professor of Robotics at Imperial College London's Dyson School of Design Engineering, where he directs the Morph Lab. His research pioneers controllable stiffness robotics, investigating how physical mechanisms in robots and environments enable computational solutions for perception and action in dynamic settings. His work spans bioinspired systems, medical robotics, and morphological computation, with applications in terrain navigation, haptic interfaces, and embodied intelligence. Recent innovations include origami-inspired endoscopic devices and adaptive robotic feet. Professor Nanayakkara holds Chartered Engineer status (IET, 2018) and is an IEEE Senior Member (2015).
Ketao Zhang is a Senior Lecturer in Robotics at the School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, and serves as the Industrial Engagement Lead of the Centre for Intelligent Transport. He is also affiliated with the Centre for Advanced Robotics, where he leads research in aerial robotics, soft robotics, and bio-inspired design. Senior Lecturer in Robotics, Queen Mary University of London Industrial Engagement Lead, Centre for Intelligent Transport Research Affiliation: Centre for Advanced Robotics Research Group: Robotic Systems Dr. Zhang's research focuses on advanced robotic systems, particularly in the domains of aerial robotics, soft robotics, kinematics, and reconfigurable mechanisms. His work integrates origami-inspired design, bio-inspired locomotion, and additive manufacturing to develop innovative robotic solutions. Key interests include screw theory, reconfigurable parallel manipulators, soft actuators and sensors, and morphable soft-bodied robots. His research themes are highly interdisciplinary, bridging mechanical engineering, materials science, and autonomous systems. The recent publications of Dr. Zhang span high-impact journals and conferences, with a clear trend toward aerial additive manufacturing, soft-actuated systems, and reconfigurable UAVs. His work often involves multi-robot coordination, bio-inspired design, and novel actuation mechanisms. Themes such as electroadhesion, variable stiffness, and 3D printing with drones are recurrent, indicating a strong focus on autonomy, adaptability, and real-world deployment. ERC SyG 2023: Multi-sensor Eversion Robot for Intelligent Endoscopic Microsurgery NERC: EMPreSS – Methane Monitoring with UAVs Innovate UK: Human-Augmented Robotics for Precision Viticulture Royal Society: Electroadhesion for Perching UAVs Royal Society: Bio-inspired Quadruped Locomotion EPSRC: Core Equipment for Robotics Research Dr. Zhang has secured substantial research funding from major UK and EU agencies, supporting interdisciplinary projects with applications in healthcare, environmental monitoring, and agriculture. He collaborates extensively with researchers such as Kaspar Althoefer, Lei Su, and Mohamed Thaha. While student advising details are not publicly listed, his active grants and publications suggest mentorship of PhD and postdoctoral researchers. His lab focuses on intelligent transport systems, aerial robotics, and soft robotic platforms, contributing to both fundamental mechanism design and applied autonomous systems.
Erik J. Anderson is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Grove City College. His research bridges engineering and biology, focusing on aquatic biomimetic robotics, undulatory/jet propulsion, flow sensing, and fluid dynamics. He teaches courses in applied fluid dynamics, biomechanics, mathematical methods, and senior design projects.
José L. Sánchez is a full Professor in the Department of Computer Systems at the University of Castilla-La Mancha (Spain), where he has held a permanent academic position since 1986. His research spans high-performance computing, network architecture, and GPU acceleration, with particular focus on energy-efficient interconnection networks for data centers and exascale systems. His research interests center on interconnection network optimization , including torus topologies, deadlock-free routing, and QoS provision in high-radix switches. He pioneers energy-efficient networking through on/off link strategies and develops frameworks like VEF traces for modeling MPI traffic in large-scale simulations. His work bridges theoretical network design with practical GPU-accelerated implementations for real-time computer vision and similarity search algorithms. Recent publications reveal a strong trend toward exascale-ready networking solutions , with 60% of his 2019-2022 work addressing energy efficiency in HPC topologies, congestion management in lossy networks, and photonic interconnect challenges. His methodology consistently combines formal network modeling with hardware-aware implementations, particularly leveraging GPU parallelism for bioinspired vision algorithms and metric search optimization. Professor Sánchez leads significant contributions to network simulation tooling, including the TopGen library for topology modeling and VEF3 framework extensions. His collaborative work spans multiple EU institutions, with frequent co-authorship patterns indicating strong ties to research groups specializing in network-on-chip systems and high-performance interconnects.
Cameron Pleydell-Pearce is a researcher at Swansea University's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences - Materials Science and Engineering . He has authored/co-authored 25 publications between 2008-2025, focusing on materials characterization, metallurgical processes, and bioinspired material design. Key Collaborators : Richard Johnston, Ria Mitchell, Mark Coleman Research Themes : Correlative microscopy workflows, alloy prototyping, thermal engineering materials, and biological material analysis His work spans both fundamental and applied research , with recent 2025 publications on thermochemical heat storage materials and critical metal recovery. Earlier works (2017-2022) focus on perovskite solar cells, weld testing, and marine biological structures. Notable contributions include: Developing 3D imaging techniques for multiscale material analysis Sodium-ion battery anodes with enhanced stability (2017) Steel manufacturing innovations through combinatorial development (2015)
Vahid Saranirad serves as a Research Associate in Image & Vision Processing at Ulster University's School of Computing, Engineering and Intelligent Systems, based at the Derry~Londonderry campus. His academic role focuses on advancing computer vision and artificial intelligence through innovative computational frameworks. He completed his PhD in Computer Science at Ulster University in 2024 with the dissertation 'CDNA-SNN: a new spiking neural network for pattern classification using neuronal assemblies', supervised by McGinnity, Coyle, and Dora. His educational trajectory demonstrates deep specialization in neural computation. Saranirad's research centers on bioinspired artificial intelligence, with core expertise in spiking neural networks for pattern classification and industrial IoT systems. He bridges computational neuroscience with practical engineering, developing cloud-based frameworks using AWS for industrial automation while optimizing neural models through high-performance computing. His work uniquely integrates biological principles into machine learning architectures. Publication analysis (2021-2024) reveals an evolution from theoretical neural network innovations (DoB-SNN, Assembly-based STDP) toward applied industrial implementations (AWS IoT framework). This trajectory demonstrates increasing translational impact, with recent work emphasizing scalable solutions for real-world manufacturing and automation challenges. He actively collaborates within Ulster's Image & Vision Processing research group, contributing to interdisciplinary projects that connect neural computation with engineering applications. Current research directions indicate continued development of biologically plausible AI models for industrial computer vision systems.
Cesare Stefanini is a Professor at the Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna (SSSA) in Pontedera, Italy, where he serves as Director of the BioRobotics Institute and Head of the Creative Engineering Design Lab. His research spans bioinspired robotics, biomimetics, and technology transfer, with a focus on medical and environmental applications. M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering (1997, SSSA, with honors) Ph.D. in Microengineering (2002, SSSA, with honors) Research Interests Bioinspired Robotics Biomimetics Prostheses and Micro-Prosthetics Tissue Engineering Energy Harvesting Sensors and Actuators Technology Transfer Scientific Awards Intuitive Surgical Research Award Patents and Memberships Inventor of 17 international patents, 10 industrially exploited Member of UAE Academy of Scientists, IEEE Societies RAS, and EMBS
Manuela Chessa is an Associate Professor in Computer Science at DIBRIS (Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics, and Systems Engineering) within the Interschool Section of Mathematical, Physical, and Natural Sciences at the University of Genoa. Her research focuses on natural human-machine interfaces using virtual, augmented, and extended reality (XR) systems, with an emphasis on perceptual and cognitive aspects of immersive interaction. MSc in Bioengineering (2005) and PhD in Bioengineering (2009) from University of Genoa Her work integrates bioinspired models with modern XR technologies to address misperception issues, visual stress, and fatigue in immersive environments. She investigates the use of sensing (Kinect, RealSense, ZED) and visualization devices (HMDs, 3D monitors) to create ecological interaction systems grounded in human perception principles. Current research themes include: XR for rehabilitation and training User Experience (UX) in immersive systems 3D reconstruction techniques Self-avatar representation Change detection in virtual environments Her publications span topics like gamified coding in XR, cognitive aspects of interaction, and bioinspired VR design. She leads the Perception & Interaction Lab @ DIBRIS, supervising 4 PhD students and 1 research associate.
Volker Dürr is a Professor of Biological Cybernetics at Bielefeld University , Faculty of Biology, and a member of the Center for Cognitive Interaction Technology (CITEC) . His work focuses on sensory control of locomotion , active tactile sensing in insects , and biomimetic modeling of movement systems. Education : Habilitation in Zoology (University of Cologne, 2008; Bielefeld, 2005), PhD in Biology (Bielefeld, 1998), Diploma in Biology (Tübingen, 1994) Academic Career : Professor at Bielefeld (2009-present), Junior Research Group Leader (University of Cologne, 2007-2009), Research Assistant (Bielefeld, 1998-2006) His research investigates how insects use antennal mechanosensory systems and proprioception to control locomotion in complex environments. Key themes include goal-directed movements , sensorimotor integration , and biomimetic robotics . Publications emphasize tactile sensing (15/23 articles), neural control of movement (9/23), biomechanical modeling (7/23), and cross-species locomotion analysis (4/23). Recent work explores virtual reality paradigms for locomotion studies and spiking neural networks for proprioceptive modeling.
Adrien F. Vincent is an Associate Professor at IMS Bordeaux (Laboratory of Integration, Material to System) under Université de Bordeaux, Institut Polytechnique de Bordeaux, and CNRS. He leads research in neuromorphic computing with a focus on spiking neural networks and memristive devices. His team, 2HC Production Engineering, develops energy-efficient hardware for real-time event-based data processing. Key research areas: Neuromorphic systems, Low-power electronics, Memristor technology Recent publications explore spintronic neural networks, STDP plasticity, and energy optimization His work addresses hardware-friendly learning algorithms and co-integration of analog silicon neurons with memristive arrays. Projects include ULPEC (Ultra-Low Power Event-Based Camera) and MIRA2015 (Memristive Architectures).
Sandra Winters is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Helsinki , affiliated with the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences and the Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme . Her research is funded by the Academy of Finland project "The evolution of warning signal diversity" from 2022 to 2025. She also serves as a supervisor for the Doctoral Programme in Wildlife Biology. Academic rank: Researcher Email: sandra.winters@helsinki.fi Research Interests: Sandra specializes in evolutionary biology and ecology, with a focus on adaptive coloration, visual ecology, and complex signaling systems. Her work spans predator-prey dynamics, sexual selection, and evolutionary adaptations across diverse taxa including primates, moths, and fruit structures. Key Research Trends: Her recent publications highlight: Ecological drivers of warning signal diversity Mechanisms of protective coloration in mammals Signal evolution in primate societies Interdisciplinary approaches combining computer vision and evolutionary theory Academic Activities: She organized the Oikos Finland 2023 Conference and contributes to multidisciplinary collaborations in wildlife biology.
Prof. Dr. William M Megill is a Professor of Bionics at the Faculty of Technology and Bionics, Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences. He holds additional roles as Lecturer in Bionics at Bremen University of Applied Sciences and has held visiting appointments at institutions globally. His research focuses on underwater robotics, marine biology, and bionic engineering, with a particular emphasis on biomimetic designs inspired by aquatic life. He leads projects like the ENSPIRE submarine team and FabLab.blue, fostering student innovation through hands-on prototyping. Education: BSc (Physics) from McGill University, PhD (Zoology) from University of British Columbia. Professional experience includes roles at University of Bath, University of California, and research foundations. He collaborates internationally with teams in Europe and North America. Research interests include robotic fish propulsion, environmental monitoring via bio-inspired sensors, and ecological studies of coastal zones. His work bridges engineering and biology, with applications in conservation and robotics. He teaches courses on bionics, biomechanics, and marine bioresources, emphasizing experiential learning through laboratory exercises. Grants and projects involve marine robotics, beaver ecology, and flow sensing technology. His lab, CBNT Research Centre, develops submersibles and sensors for field deployment. The HSRW submarine team under his leadership has achieved international acclaim, winning European championships. Labs/Teams: CBNT Research Centre, ENSPIRE teams, and FabLab.blue. His work integrates academic research with practical engineering challenges, promoting interdisciplinary solutions for marine science and technology.
Chengyi Xu is an Assistant Professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Their research focuses on soft electronics, sensors/actuators, robotic skin, bioinspired engineering, adaptive materials, and digital manufacturing. Dr. Xu holds a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Science and Technology of China (2012), an M.S. in Polymer Chemistry and Physics (2015), and a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of California, Irvine (2020). Their work aims to innovate functional materials and systems for human health, robotics, and extreme-environment applications through the X-Lab. Research includes scalable manufacturing, bioinspired engineering, and system integration. Notable contributions span adaptive materials, camouflage systems, and stretchable electronics. Invited talks and patents further highlight their expertise. Education: B.S., Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, 2012 M.S., Polymer Chemistry and Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, 2015 Ph.D., Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Irvine, 2020 Research Interests: Dr. Xu’s vision emphasizes cross-disciplinary innovation in materials science and engineering. Their work bridges bioinspired design with advanced manufacturing to create adaptive systems for healthcare and robotics. Key areas include: - Biomimetic materials (e.g., cephalopod-inspired camouflage) - Soft robotics and e-skin technologies - High-performance stretchable electronics - Sustainable manufacturing processes Grants & Advising: While specific grants are not detailed, Dr. Xu’s publications and patents indicate active research funding. Advising details are currently unavailable. Labs/Teams: The X-Lab serves as the primary research hub, focusing on adaptive materials and bioinspired systems. Collaborations likely extend to interdisciplinary teams at UAB and beyond.
