Georg Fantner is an Associate Professor at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) with dual appointments in the School of Engineering (STI) within the Institute of Bioengineering and the School of Life Sciences (SV) for teaching. He directs the Laboratory for Bio- and Nano-Instrumentation (LBNI) and holds leadership roles including President of the Open Science Strategic Committee and the Association des Professeurs de l'EPFL. Research Focus: Bioinstrumentation, Nanotechnology, Scanning Probe Microscopy, and Metrology Teaching: Structural Mechanics for Life Sciences, Metrology, and Metrology Practicals His research pioneers advanced instrumentation for nanoscale characterization, emphasizing data-driven approaches to enhance microscopy techniques. Recent work integrates deep learning with scanning probe microscopy for real-time biological imaging and develops novel MEMS devices for fluid-compatible nanoscale manipulation. Key innovations include hermetically sealed sample chambers for pathogen studies and deterministic nanotopography engineering. Professor Fantner actively mentors 7 current PhD students and has supervised 14 graduates. His laboratory fosters interdisciplinary collaboration across engineering, physics, and life sciences to advance nanoscale measurement technologies and instrumentation development.
Christoph Merten is an Associate Professor at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), affiliated with the School of Engineering and the Biomedical Microfluidics Laboratory (LBMM). He is also involved in teaching within the School of Life Sciences (SV) and serves on the doctoral program committee for Biotechnology and Biological Engineering. Biomedical Microfluidics Laboratory (LBMM) School of Engineering (STI) School of Life Sciences (SV) Doctoral Program Committee (Biotechnology and Biological Engineering) His research focuses on biomedical microfluidics, bioinstrumentation, and the application of microdroplet technology for single-cell analysis. Teaching activities include courses on scientific literature analysis in bioengineering, entrepreneurship in life sciences, and practical bioinstrumentation fundamentals. Scientific literature analysis in bioengineering Entrepreneurship in life sciences Basics in bioinstrumentation Christoph Merten supervises doctoral students and has guided EPFL theses in areas related to bioengineering and microfluidics.
Ardon Shorr serves as Writing Seminar Faculty at Princeton University's Princeton Writing Program, based in office 313 New South. His position focuses on academic writing instruction within the university's core curriculum. Trained in experimental biology, Shorr specializes in explaining scientific complexity through science communication. His research background includes gravitational biology and mechanotransduction, with expertise in developing biological measurement devices. Current work emphasizes translating technical concepts for broader audiences. Publication trends reveal sustained investigation into cellular force sensing mechanisms, evolving from foundational gravitational transduction studies (2008) to innovative high-throughput embryonic research using mesofluidics (2019). This trajectory demonstrates integration of bioengineering approaches with developmental biology. No scientific awards, student advisees, research grants, or laboratory affiliations were documented in available materials.
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.
Brian Kirby is the Meinig Family Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the College of Engineering, Cornell University. He is a leading researcher in microfluidics, biomedical engineering, and cancer diagnostics, with a strong emphasis on circulating tumor cells (CTCs), rare cell isolation, and biophysical forces in disease. His work bridges engineering, biology, and clinical medicine. Institution: Cornell University School: College of Engineering Department: Mechanical Engineering Rank: Professor Education: Stanford University, 2001 Brian Kirby's research focuses on developing and applying microfluidic technologies to solve biomedical challenges. His work centers on microfluidic rare cell capture , particularly circulating tumor cells (CTCs) , enabling early cancer detection and monitoring treatment response. He investigates biophysical forces such as shear stress and surface interactions in conditions like thrombosis and cancer metastasis. His lab also works on dielectrophoresis , acoustophoresis , and electrokinetics for cell separation and analysis. Additional interests include bioinstrumentation , lab-on-a-chip devices , and fluid mechanics in biological systems . His recent publications show a consistent focus on microfluidic diagnostics, cancer biophysics, and smart fluid systems. Articles span topics from CTC isolation in prostate and pancreatic cancers to thrombosis in medical devices and programmable viscosity metamaterials . The research integrates engineering design with clinical applications, often involving interdisciplinary collaboration. Scientific Awards: Creative Teaching Award, Cornell Center for Teaching Innovation Advising Award, College of Engineering, Cornell University, 2015 Research Award, College of Engineering, Cornell University, 2015 Brian Kirby is actively involved in advising and research mentorship. While specific student names are not listed in the provided text, his extensive publication record and leadership of a research group indicate active supervision of graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. His research is supported by grants related to cancer diagnostics, microfluidics, and biomedical engineering, though specific grant details are not provided. He has contributed to the development of novel microfluidic devices such as the GEDI (Geometrically Enhanced Differential Immunocapture) platform for CTC capture and functional analysis. Labs and Teams: Kirby leads a research laboratory at Cornell focused on microfluidics and biomedical instrumentation. His team develops and applies microfluidic platforms for clinical diagnostics, particularly in oncology and hematology. The lab collaborates with clinicians and scientists across disciplines to translate engineering innovations into medical applications.
Jordon Gilmore, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Bioengineering at Clemson University's College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences (CECAS). He leads the S.M.A.R.T. Lab (Intelligent Biomaterials, Biomedical Textiles, Bioinstrumentation) focusing on cutting-edge research in smart wound care, textile-based sensors, and bioprocess data engineering. Ph.D. in Bioengineering from Clemson University (2015) Expertise spanning biosensors, biomedical textiles, and AI applications Develops real-time biomarker sensing systems and infection management strategies His research interests include: Biosensor development for clinical diagnostics Biomedical textile engineering Machine learning in bioprocess modeling Physiological sensing for psychotherapy applications Contact: jagilmo@clemson.edu | Office: 401-3 Rhodes Engineering Research Center | Phone: 864-656-4262
Ramana Vinjamuri is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). He holds a secondary appointment as Visiting Professor at the Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, India. His academic journey includes a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh (2008), M.S. in Bioinstrumentation from Villanova University (2004), and B.Tech. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Kakatiya University (2002). Dr. Vinjamuri's research focuses on Brain-Machine Interfaces (BMIs) for upper-limb prostheses control , neuroprosthetics and exoskeletons , machine learning in motor control , and neurophysiological signal processing . His work extends synergy-based models to control 37-dimensional hand movements, addresses human-robot interaction through emotionally intelligent systems, and develops neurotechnologies for substance use disorder using wearable sensors and AI. NSF CAREER Award (2019) NSF IUCRC BRAIN Center Planning Grant (2020) Harvey N Davis Distinguished Teaching Assistant Professor Award (2018) His publications demonstrate expertise in EEG and EMG signal analysis , deep learning for motor decoding , synergy modeling , and humanoid robot control . The Vinjamuri Lab at UMBC involves graduate, undergraduate, and high school researchers, with international collaborations in India and the US.
Nathalia Peixoto is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Affiliate Faculty in Bioengineering at George Mason University. Her work bridges neural engineering, biomedical applications, and assistive technology development with international collaborations across Israel, Ireland, Peru, and Korea. Educational background: PhD in Electrical Engineering, Universidade de Sao Paulo MS, University of Campinas Research Interests: Dr. Peixoto specializes in neural engineering with focus on brain-computer interfaces using wearable devices. Her lab develops: Neural prosthetics and implantable systems Bioimpedance-based medical sensors Low-cost electrophysiological recording platforms Community-centered engineering design solutions Publication Trends: Her 2022-2025 publications demonstrate strong interdisciplinary convergence between neuroscience, biomedical engineering, and AI. Key trends include machine learning for seizure detection in zebrafish models, electrochemical optimization of neural interfaces, and community-engaged design projects addressing societal challenges through transdisciplinary graduate training. Grants and Projects: Principal investigator for multiple NSF-funded initiatives: NRT-HDR: Transdisciplinary Graduate Training (2019-2024) Smart and Connected Communities: Networked Devices (2017-2019) Bioimpedance for retinal implants (2015-2017) C2MW: Classroom to Makers Week (2015-2016) Additional funding from VA STEM CoNNECT and Longwood University. Laboratory: The Neural Engineering Lab integrates chemistry, physics, and engineering disciplines through team-based projects involving high school to graduate students. Current work includes sustainable food-waste solutions, tremor-capturing robots for low-resource areas, and neural implants with international academic partnerships.
Michael Levin is a Distinguished Professor at Tufts University in the Department of Biology within the School of Arts and Sciences. He serves as Director of both the Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University and the Tufts Center for Regenerative and Developmental Biology. His laboratory investigates the intersection of developmental biology, artificial life, bioengineering, synthetic morphology, and cognitive science. Allen Discovery Center at Tufts Tufts Center for Regenerative and Developmental Biology Tufts/UVM: ICDO Harvard Wyss Institute Stibel Dennett Consortium for Brain and Cognitive Science The Proteus Institute MIT Science and Technology Center EBICS Levin's research focuses on understanding diverse intelligence in evolved, designed, and hybrid complex systems. His lab combines developmental biophysics, computer science, and behavioral science to study how cognition scales up from cellular competencies to organism-level behaviors. A key specialty is developmental bioelectricity—the study of how somatic electrical networks store, process, and act on information to control large-scale body structure. His team creates tools to read and edit the bioelectric code guiding proto-cognitive computations in the body. Levin's publications reveal a strong focus on bioelectricity, morphogenesis, and non-neural cognition across multiple model systems including Xenopus, planarians, and synthetic living constructs. His recent work explores collective intelligence as a unifying concept across biological scales, the development of microfluidic devices for measuring electrical connectivity, and optical estimation of bioelectric patterns in living embryos. His research spans fundamental developmental mechanisms to potential biomedical applications in regeneration and disease treatment. As an editor, Levin serves as Co-Editor-in-Chief of Bioelectricity and Founding Associate Editor of Collective Intelligence. He has mentored numerous post-doctoral fellows and graduate students who have gone on to establish their own research programs. His lab has received significant attention for creating novel biological machines (xenobots) and demonstrating that cells can store and transmit behavioral memory outside the brain. The Levin Lab maintains several significant research initiatives including the Allen Discovery Center at Tufts, the Tufts Center for Regenerative and Developmental Biology, and collaborations with the Wyss Institute at Harvard. The lab employs a multidisciplinary approach combining wet lab experiments with computational modeling to investigate how living systems achieve goal-directed behavior and pattern formation.
Jennifer Barton is a Professor at the University of Arizona in the College of Engineering, with appointments in Biomedical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Optical Sciences, and Biosystems Engineering. She serves as the Interim Director of the BIO5 Institute and has held leadership roles such as Department Head of Biomedical Engineering and Interim Vice President for Research. BS and MS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin and University of California Irvine PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin (1998) Her research in Biomedical Optics focuses on developing miniature endoscopes combining optical coherence tomography and fluorescence spectroscopy for early ovarian and colon cancer detection . She also explores light-tissue interaction and dynamic optical properties of blood , leading to novel laser therapies for skin disorders. Her publications span optical imaging device design , cancer detection , and multimodal endoscopes . Recent works emphasize machine learning integration for diagnostic accuracy and 3D printed optical components . Women of Impact Research Innovation & Impact, University of Arizona (2022) Thomas R. Brown Distinguished Chair, College of Engineering (2020) Best Campus Collaborator, Tech Launch Arizona (2019) President's Award, SPIE (2016) She mentors students in biomedical engineering and leads the Tissue Optics Lab , an interdisciplinary team building novel imaging devices for healthcare innovation.
Cameron Taylor is an Assistant Professor in the Lampe Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering at UNC Chapel Hill and NC State University . His research focuses on neuromuscular sensing and stimulation , electromagnetics , and computational science . He teaches BMME 385 - Bioinstrumentation and leads the Hi-PHI Lab , which develops transformative human interfacing technologies to restore ability in persons with movement disorders. His work integrates magnetoquasistatics , neural interfacing , and muscle physiology . Ph.D. in Media Arts and Sciences (Biomechatronics) MIT, 2020 M.S. in Media Arts and Sciences (Biomechatronics) MIT, 2016 B.S. in Electrical Engineering Brigham Young University, 2014 A.S. Mesa Community College, 2012 His research interests include novel electromagnetic strategies for sensing and imaging the human body, with applications in wearable technologies and clinical interventions. His lab’s innovations include magnetomicrometry —a first-of-its-kind technology for real-time muscle tissue tracking in humans. Awards : - 2023 Promising Investigator Award from the Rocky Mountain Muscle Symposium Lab and Team : The Hi-PHI Lab, launching Fall 2025, seeks graduate students and postdocs with expertise in electromagnetics , algorithm development , or signal processing . Current advisees include Mahavir Prasad (PhD candidate focused on affordable human interfacing technologies) and John Goebel (PhD candidate working on bioelectronic equipment for tissue measurements). His work has been featured in Physics World , MIT Technology Review , and Electronic Design .
Shelly Gulati is a Professor of Bioengineering in the School of Engineering and Computer Science at the University of the Pacific, where she bridges technical bioengineering research with transformative educational practices. Her academic credentials include: Post-doctoral training at Imperial College London (2007-2009) PhD in Bioengineering from the University of California, Berkeley and San Francisco (2006) BS in Chemical Engineering from John Hopkins University (2000) Professor Gulati's research spans Microfluidics , Biological Fluid Flow , and Engineering Education . Early work focused on micro-droplet dynamics, drug dissolution testing, and biological fluid applications using microfluidic platforms. Her recent trajectory emphasizes pedagogical innovation, including curriculum redesign, advising models, and initiatives supporting underrepresented students. She integrates entrepreneurial-minded learning into bioengineering education while developing frameworks for self-regulated learning and online community building. Publication trends reveal a strategic pivot from bioengineering fundamentals (2016-2018) toward educational scholarship (2021-2024). Recent work addresses first-year experience transformation, integrative advising, and equity-focused learning practices, reflecting her commitment to reshaping engineering education through evidence-based approaches. Gulati actively reimagines academic advising through initiatives like the "Thriving Tigers" model, which unifies faculty, academic, and career services. She designs targeted interventions such as book clubs for female engineering students and remote rapport-building activities, demonstrating holistic investment in student development beyond traditional classroom boundaries. While earlier microfluidics research likely involved experimental laboratory work, her current leadership centers on educational program development and assessment within the School of Engineering and Computer Science.
Professor Neelesh A. Patankar is a faculty member in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Northwestern University's McCormick School of Engineering, serving as Director of the Northwestern Academy for Interdisciplinary Science (NAISE). His academic rank is Professor, with a courtesy appointment in Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania and a B.Tech. from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay. Research interests span three core areas: computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for fluid-structure interaction, biomechanical analysis of organs (e.g., esophagus, aorta), and phase transition engineering using surface roughness. His work bridges mechanics and clinical practice, with applications in anti-icing, boiling, and biomedical diagnostics. He teaches courses in CFD, microfluidics, and engineering analysis, and has developed innovative computational methods for neuromechanics and aquatic locomotion. Education: Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, University of Pennsylvania M.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Pennsylvania B.Tech., Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay Awards: International Conference on Multiphase Flow Junior Award (2010) NSF CAREER Award (2002) Searle Junior Fellowship (2001) His research group, the Patankar Group, focuses on metasurface design, immersed body techniques, and applications in aquatic locomotion and biomedical systems. Collaborations include studies on esophageal transport, neuromuscular mechanics, and superhydrophobic surfaces. He advises numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, contributing to over 100 publications and impactful interdisciplinary projects.
Dr. Qianbin Wang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Binghamton University. He holds a Ph.D. in Material Physics and Chemistry from Beihang University (2015) and has conducted postdoctoral research at New York University, Harvard Medical School (Boston Children's Hospital), and the University of Massachusetts Amherst as a Research Assistant Professor. His research focuses on biomechanical platforms to study neural degeneration and regeneration, particularly in glaucoma and spinal cord injury models. Key projects include developing polymeric viscobeads for ocular hypertension studies, non-invasive electroretinography for early glaucoma detection, and ultrasonic gene delivery systems to bypass retinal barriers. Educational Background: Ph.D. in Material Physics and Chemistry, Beihang University (2015) Postdoctoral Training: New York University, Harvard Medical School, UMass Amherst (Research Assistant Professor) Research Interests: Mechanotransduction in neuronal systems Non-invasive bioinstrumentation for early disease detection Gene delivery for ocular applications Neuroinflammation mechanisms in glaucoma Advising & Students: Eunji Hong (non-viral gene delivery) Wenjie (biomedical imaging materials) Ian Kim (glaucoma diagnostics) Chen Lin (hydrogel contact lenses) Labs/Teams: Neuromechanics Lab at Binghamton University, focusing on interdisciplinary approaches to neurodegenerative mechanisms and therapeutic development.
Ning Cheng is an Assistant Professor (Teaching & Research) at the University of Calgary's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, with affiliations to the Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI) and Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI). Their research focuses on neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly autism and Fragile X Syndrome, using rodent models to investigate mechanisms and develop experimental therapeutics. PhD in neuroscience from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Postdoctoral work on neurological disorders at NIH Research spans molecular mechanisms, neural circuitry, and translational approaches to address social, communication, and behavioral challenges in autism spectrum disorders. The lab utilizes in vivo recording/modulation of brain activity, biochemical analyses, and multidisciplinary collaborations. Recent publications highlight expertise in EEG biomarker discovery, auditory processing abnormalities, ketogenic diet interventions, and ERK pathway modulation in mouse models of neurodevelopmental conditions. Key technologies developed include wireless cortical hemodynamic monitoring systems (TinyIOMS) and open-source electrophysiology tools (OSERR). As part of ACHRI's Precision Medicine & Disease Mechanisms program and HBI's Neurodevelopment/SCNIP strategic initiatives, Cheng contributes to university-wide efforts in Brain and Mental Health (2015-2021) and Child Health and Wellness (2020-2025).
