Professor Axel Rosenhahn serves in the Department of Analytical Chemistry at Ruhr University Bochum's Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry. His research group develops environmentally friendly antifouling and biomedical coatings through investigations of microorganism and cell interactions with polymeric materials. His research focuses on surface colonization dynamics using advanced techniques including microfluidic assays, 3D tracking, and X-ray nanoanalysis. Key areas include bio-interfacial phenomena, environmentally sustainable coating technologies, and biomaterial characterization. His work bridges analytical chemistry with biological applications through the Biointerfaces research group. Professor Rosenhahn maintains active laboratory facilities at the university's research infrastructure including ZEMOS (Centre for Molecular Spectroscopy and Simulation of Solvent-Driven Processes) and collaborates within RESOLV, the Cluster of Excellence for Solvation Science. His research group operates from room NC 4/27 with direct contact available via university channels.
Sandip Harimkar is a Professor and Albert H. Nelson, Jr. Chair in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Oklahoma State University (OSU), part of the College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology (CEAT). His research focuses on advanced materials processing, including laser additive manufacturing, spark plasma sintering, and surface engineering. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (2007), an M.E. from the Indian Institute of Science (2003), and a B.E. from Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (1999). His research interests include laser additive manufacturing of structural materials, spark plasma sintering of amorphous alloys and ceramics, laser surface processing, and pulse electrodeposition of composite coatings. He has pioneered studies on nanocrystallization in metallic glasses and wear-resistant coatings for aerospace applications. His work integrates experimental techniques with computational modeling to optimize material properties and processing parameters. Harimkar has authored over 150 peer-reviewed publications and holds multiple patents. His articles span topics like additive manufacturing quality control, electrochemical strain analysis in battery materials, and thermal oxidation quantification in metallic glasses. Research trends in his work emphasize interdisciplinary approaches to materials design, combining advanced characterization (e.g., neutron/X-ray scattering) with machine learning for process optimization. Awards: NSF CAREER Award (2012) Outstanding Young Researcher Award (OSU, 2014) ASM-IIM Visiting Lectureship Award (2013) Young Leaders International Scholar-JIM Award (2013) He teaches courses such as Mechanical Metallurgy (MAE 4333) and Phase Transformations in Materials (MAE 5693). His professional service includes leadership roles in TMS committees, including Chair of the Surface Engineering Committee (2010–2016). His labs focus on advanced materials synthesis and characterization for energy, aerospace, and biomedical applications.
Hendrik Jan (Henk) Busscher is a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Groningen, affiliated with the Faculty of Medical Sciences and the W.J. Kolff Institute. His research focuses on biomaterial-associated infections, microbial adhesion mechanisms, and surface modification strategies to prevent biofilm formation on medical implants. He has held leadership roles, including Head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Director-owner of consulting firm SASA BV, and serves as Editor of Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces . Research interests include physico-chemical interactions of biomaterials with biological components, antibiotic resistance, and nanotechnology applications in infection control. He has supervised over 79 PhD students and authored >636 publications, achieving an H-index of 58. Key contributions span biofilm dynamics, surface characterization techniques, and in vitro/in vivo infection models. His work emphasizes translational research, bridging academic and industrial partnerships in biomaterials innovation. Recent studies explore quantum dot synthesis for biomedical applications, pH-responsive drug delivery systems, and magnetic nanoparticle-based antibacterial strategies. Collaborations include global institutions and companies like Philips and Procter & Gamble. His interdisciplinary approach addresses sustainable healthcare challenges, particularly in preventing infections from medical devices.
Ronald Zirbs is a Research Fellow at the Institute of Colloid and Biointerface Science , University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). With a PhD in Polymer Chemistry (Martin-Luther-University Halle/Saale, 2007-2009; TU Wien, 2005-2006), his research focuses on nanoparticle synthesis , surface-active ionic liquids , and thermoresponsive polymer architectures .
William Dichtel is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Northwestern University, holding the Robert L. Letsinger Professorship. His research focuses on synthetic and supramolecular chemistry to develop structurally precise organic materials for water purification, energy storage, and biological interactions. B.S., MIT (2000) Ph.D., UC-Berkeley (2005) Postdoctoral studies at UCLA & Caltech (2005-2008) Key research areas include: Water purification materials (especially PFAS removal) Energy storage polymers Self-healing polymer systems 2D covalent organic frameworks (COFs) Nanomaterial-biological interactions Mechanochemical polymer activation The group's publications demonstrate expertise in 2D materials, polymer chemistry, and environmental applications, with recent innovations in solid-state polymerization and low-energy PFAS destruction methods. Scientific recognitions include: MacArthur 'Genius Grant' (2015) Guggenheim Fellowship (2018) Blavatnik Award for Young Scientists (2020) Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher (2024) Kavli Frontiers Fellow (2015) ACS National Fresenius Award (2014) Current advisees include NSF Graduate Research Fellow Laura Reed and Schmidt Science Fellow Ansuree Natraj. The lab maintains collaborations with institutions including Max-Planck Institute for Solid State Research and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
Prof. Dr. Marialore Sulpizi is a Professor of Theoretical Physics of Electrified Liquid-Solid Interfaces at Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany, and a core member of the RESOLV Cluster of Excellence. Previously, she served as Junior Professor (2010–2017) and Adjunct Professor (2017–2021) at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz. Her research focuses on molecular-scale understanding of electrified solid-liquid interfaces using ab initio and atomistic simulations, addressing phenomena like charge/mass transport in energy conversion and biomembrane systems. She holds a Laurea (M.Sc.) in Theoretical Physics from Università di Roma La Sapienza (1997) and a PhD in Condensed Matter Theory from SISSA (2001), followed by postdoctoral work at EPFL/ETHZ (Switzerland) and the University of Cambridge (UK). Research interests span interfacial electrochemistry, nanomaterials, and environmental interfaces. She explores how interfacial structure influences reactivity in systems like platinum electrodes, gold nanoparticles, and silicate surfaces. Key contributions include modeling electrolyte double layers, nanoparticle growth mechanisms, and surface acidity effects. Publications (2021–2025) highlight advancements in interfacial dynamics, ionic liquid confinement, and biomolecular solvation. Her work bridges fundamental physics with applied challenges in energy storage and biointerfaces. Collaborations with experimental groups enable validation of simulation predictions. Current projects investigate non-equilibrium interface behavior and solvent roles in chemical reactions.
Torsten John is an Assistant Professor of Physical Chemistry at the School of Science, Constructor University Bremen gGmbH, Germany. His research bridges biophysical chemistry and computational chemistry to engineer biomolecular systems for biomedical applications. PhD in Chemistry (2020) from Leipzig University (summa cum laude) Postdoctoral experience at Max Planck Institute, MIT, and Leibniz Institute of Surface Engineering Research focuses on biomolecular self-assembly and membrane interactions , with implications for antimicrobial strategies , nanomedicine , and neurodegenerative diseases . Articles show interdisciplinary work combining experimental and theoretical approaches . Publications include high-impact journals like Advanced Functional Materials and Nucleic Acids Research . His group develops bionanomaterials using peptide nanofibrils and DNA origami, with applications in viral particle isolation and exciton transport . Collaborations span institutions in Germany, USA, and Australia. Teaching includes Physical Chemistry (CO-440) and Physical Chemistry Lab (CO-446-B) .
Kelly Nash is a Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), within the College of Sciences. She also serves as the Vice Provost for Faculty Success, a leadership role reflecting her commitment to academic excellence and faculty development. Previously, she was Associate Dean for Faculty Success (2019–2023) and Director of the Kleberg Advanced Microscopy Center (2018–2020). Education: Ph.D. in Physics, University of Texas at San Antonio M.S. in Applied Physics, University of Michigan B.S. in Physics, Dillard University Prof. Nash's research lies at the intersection of physics, materials science, and biology. Her work focuses on functional nanomaterials , particularly their synthesis, optical properties, and interactions with biological systems. Key areas include biophotonics , nanoparticle synthesis via laser ablation , photoacoustic sensing , and nanotransducers for biomedical applications . Her lab develops nanoparticles for photodynamic therapy, on-demand drug release, antimicrobial treatments, and environmental sensing. Her recent publications reveal a strong trend in leveraging light-matter interactions for biomedical diagnostics and therapy. She pioneers all-optical photoacoustic techniques that eliminate bulky transducers, enabling high-resolution, high-frequency detection. Her work spans fundamental biophysics to translational applications, with materials including gold, selenium, and dichalcogenide nanoparticles. Scientific Awards and Recognition: Air Force Office of Scientific Research Young Investigator Program Award APS Women Physicist of the Month (July 2016) Dillard University Alumni 40–Under-40 San Antonio Business Journal 40-Under-40 UTSA President’s Distinguished Diversity Award UTSA COS Excellence in Community Service Award Prof. Nash is a dedicated mentor and advocate for diversity in STEM. She has served as UTSA-APS Bridge Program Coordinator and chair of the APS Conferences for Undergraduate Women in Physics National Organizing Committee. Her lab, the Functional Nanomaterials Laboratory , receives funding from AFOSR, NIH, NSF, DOE, and NNSA. She is actively involved in grants focused on biophysics, antimicrobial nanomaterials, and STEM education. She welcomes graduate and undergraduate students interested in nano-bio interfaces and translational research. The lab collaborates extensively with institutions such as the University of Texas Health Science Center, Southwest Research Institute, AFRL, and international partners, forming a robust interdisciplinary research network.
Professor Bruce J. Hinds serves as the Campbell Professor in the Department of Materials Science & Engineering at the University of Washington, where he relocated in July 2014 after nine years at the University of Kentucky. His pioneering work focuses on nanoscale membrane technologies with applications spanning water purification, energy storage, and medical devices. Hinds' academic foundation includes: B.S. in Chemistry, Harvey Mudd College (1991) M.S. in Chemistry, Northwestern University (1992) Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry, Northwestern University (1996) His research centers on engineering active nanometer-scale architectures inspired by natural protein channels, particularly carbon nanotube membranes exhibiting 10,000-fold enhanced fluid flow. Current projects target programmable transdermal drug delivery, electrochemical water remediation, and biochemical separation systems. The lab's innovations include an award-winning artificial kidney prototype using photoelectrochemical membranes for nutrient recovery during dialysis. Recent publications (2014-2018) reveal escalating integration of electrochemical control with biomimetic membranes, advancing applications in protein separation, addiction treatment, and energy storage. This trajectory demonstrates convergence of nanofluidics, materials science, and biomedical engineering to solve critical healthcare and environmental challenges. His accolades include: NSF Early Career Award (2004) Presidential Early Career Award (PECASE, NIH) (2009) JSPS Post-Doctoral Fellowship (1998) Kavli Frontiers of Science Fellow (2010) Supported by prestigious grants including NSF CAREER and PECASE funding, Hinds mentors graduate researchers in developing membrane platforms that electro-pump biomolecules for dialysis innovation and environmental applications. His lab collaborates with the Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute to transform theoretical nanofluidic principles into compact medical devices. The Hinds Lab pioneers 'active' membrane technologies at the University of Washington's Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute, focusing on electro-pumped biomolecular systems. Recent breakthroughs include transdermal nicotine delivery validation and continuous protein separation platforms, with ongoing work targeting commercialization of dialysis-enhancing membranes that recover essential nutrients during treatment.
Jose Manuel Miñones Conde serves as a Professor in the Department of Physical Chemistry within the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Santiago de Compostela. His academic work centers on advancing fundamental understanding of surface phenomena and interfacial systems with direct pharmaceutical applications. His educational background includes: Doctorate in Physical Chemistry, University of Santiago de Compostela (2001). Thesis: "Study of the structural and morphological characteristics of amphotericin B, phospholipids and their mixtures spread over the air-water interface", supervised by Dr. José Miñones Trillo and Dr. Olga María Emma Conde Mouzo. Dr. Miñones Conde's research program focuses on the physicochemical characterization of complex biomolecular systems. His core expertise spans: Surface Thermodynamics : Molecular organization at air-water and solid-liquid interfaces Biointerface Engineering : Protein-lipid interactions and membrane-mimetic systems Pharmaceutical Colloids : Stability and structural dynamics of drug delivery vehicles Amphiphile Self-Assembly : Morphological analysis of lipid-based formulations This work bridges fundamental physical chemistry with practical pharmaceutical development challenges. As a thesis supervisor, he has guided doctoral research on antifungal drug systems and phospholipid mixtures, though specific current advisees aren't detailed in available sources. His research is conducted through the BIOINTERFAR group, which specializes in experimental characterization of surface phenomena relevant to drug formulation and delivery systems.
Prof. Robert Meißner is a Professor at the Department of Surface Physics and Technology at TUHH. His research focuses on molecular simulation techniques applied to corrosion processes, energy storage systems, and nanomaterials. He develops computational tools like ELECTRODE and i-PI for electrochemical and advanced molecular dynamics simulations. His work addresses challenges in magnesium battery performance, structural health monitoring of composite materials, and interfacial phenomena in nanoscale systems. Education details are not explicitly provided in the text, but his professional trajectory reflects extensive academic and industrial experience in materials science. Research interests span from fundamental studies (e.g., water imbibition in nanopores, magnetite oxidation dynamics) to applied innovations (e.g., corrosion protection via layered double hydroxides, data-driven electrolyte design). His recent publications highlight trends in data-driven materials discovery, structural health monitoring via vibro-acoustic methods, and computational prediction of corrosion inhibitors. He collaborates on projects involving graphene-based supercapacitors, epoxy resin curing dynamics, and peptide-surface interactions. Advising and grants: While student names are not listed, his research group actively explores corrosion engineering, battery technology, and nanomaterials. Projects include EU-funded initiatives and industry partnerships. Technical expertise includes ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, molecular dynamics, and machine learning for sparse data scenarios. He leads teams focused on surface science and energy storage, maintaining lab facilities for in situ electrochemical analysis and advanced computational modeling. His work bridges theoretical insights with practical applications in materials durability and energy systems.
Dr. Mirko Nitschke is a senior researcher at the Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden (IPF), affiliated with the Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials Dresden. He has been instrumental in advancing polymer biomaterials science since joining the institute in 1996, focusing on plasma-based surface engineering and biocompatible material development for medical applications. His academic foundation includes: Graduate studies (1992-1996) at Chemnitz University of Technology, where he investigated FTIR Spectroscopic Investigation of Plasma Modified Polymer Surfaces Physics undergraduate degree (1987-1992) from Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena with thesis on Computer Simulation of Ion Trajectories in Solids Nitschke's research centers on plasma surface functionalization and polymer diagnostics to engineer biocompatible materials. His work bridges fundamental surface science with clinical applications, particularly in vascular stents, nerve regeneration, and corneal tissue engineering. Key innovations include thermo-responsive cell carriers and bioactive hydrogel coatings that respond to physiological cues. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals a strong trajectory in advanced biomaterials characterization using ToF-SIMS and plasma techniques. His work increasingly integrates machine learning for spectral analysis while maintaining focus on medical device applications—particularly in cardiovascular and ophthalmic implants where surface-biology interactions dictate clinical success. As a core member of the Polymer Biomaterials Science Division, Nitschke collaborates extensively with clinical partners through the Max Bergmann Center's university-linked infrastructure. His laboratory specializes in plasma modification systems and surface analytics for next-generation biomaterials development.
Alba Marcellan is a Professor at Sorbonne Université, affiliated with the Faculty of Chemistry and the Soft Matter and Materials Engineering Laboratory (SIMM), a joint research unit of ESPCI Paris, Sorbonne Université, and CNRS. She leads research on soft matter, polymer science, and sustainable materials, with a focus on designing mechanically robust and self-healing hydrogels and fiber-based materials. Her educational background includes: Doctorate in Materials Science and Engineering, Mines ParisTech (2003) DEA in Mechanics and Materials, Mines ParisTech (2000) Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches (HDR) in Chemistry, Sorbonne Université (2015) Marcellan's research centers on understanding and designing soft materials, particularly hydrogels and polymer fibers, by introducing reversible sacrificial bonds at the molecular or mesoscopic scale. Her work aims to create materials that combine rigidity, fracture resistance, and self-repair capabilities, contributing to sustainable resource use. She has developed experimental platforms for testing soft materials under controlled environmental conditions (pH, ionic strength, humidity) for non-standard samples. Analysis of her recent publications (2013-2023) reveals a consistent focus on the mechanical reinforcement of soft materials, especially hydrogels and fibers. Key themes include the role of weak bonds in self-assembly, biomimetic design, nanoparticle-based adhesion, and thermoresponsive toughening. Her work bridges polymer chemistry, mechanics, and sustainability, often targeting applications in biomedicine and eco-friendly materials. Her scientific awards include: Junior Member of the Institut Universitaire de France (IUF) in Chemistry (2017) PEDR (Doctoral and Research Supervision Grant) level 2 (5 years, 2017) Associate Professor position at Hokkaido University, Japan (2016, renewed 2021) Biennial Prize of the French Polymer Group / French Physical Society and Chemical Society (2014) Marcellan is actively involved in teaching and mentoring. She co-leads the Materials Master's track at Sorbonne Université (100 students) and has developed courses on polymer mechanics, eco-design, and industrial applications of polymers. Her leadership in research supervision is recognized by the PEDR grant. She also serves on national committees, including the CNRS National Committee for Soft Matter. She is a key member of the SIMM laboratory, where she established an experimental platform for environmental-conditioned mechanical testing. Additionally, she holds roles in professional societies, such as Treasurer of the Polymer Networks Group and co-leader of the Polymers Working Group under MÉCAMAT.
Terry D. Johnson is Senior Instructional Professor and Program Director for the Master of Engineering at the University of Chicago's Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering. He holds an MS in Chemical Engineering from MIT and is an emeritus Teaching Professor from UC Berkeley, where he co-founded the Masters of Translational Medicine program. Research integrates engineering and biomedicine, with patented innovations in tissue engineering and synthetic biology. Recent work develops sustainable textile dyeing technologies eliminating toxic reductants. Earlier projects include microfluidic hepatocyte cultures and EGF-functionalized biomaterials. Awards: Golden Apple Award for Outstanding Teaching (UC Berkeley 2010) Distinguished Teaching Award (UC Berkeley 2013) Co-authored the popular science book How to Defeat Your Own Clone . Teaches molecular engineering courses and directs master's programs bridging technical innovation and medical translation.
Max Wolff is a Professor in Materials Physics at Uppsala University , Sweden. His research applies neutron scattering to investigate structure-dynamics-property relationships in soft matter , magnetic materials , and hydrogen storage systems . He actively develops advanced neutron instrumentation and ion beam analysis techniques. Key Research Areas: Soft Matter, Magnetism, Hydrogen in Metals, Scattering Techniques Technical Expertise: Polarized Neutron Scattering, Grazing Incidence Methods, Quasielastic Neutron Scattering Publications (2025-2023) reveal focus on hydrogen diffusion in nanoscale metals, photochromic material engineering , and interfacial self-assembly of magnetic colloids. Notable work includes strain effects in vanadium hydrides and neutron instrument optimization. Collaborations span institutions like Ruhr-University Bochum and Institute Laue-Langevin. He has contributed to ion beam analysis tool development (SIGMA setup) and neutron optics innovations (SuperADAM reflectometer).
