Hamid Mansoor is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Manitoba. He holds a PhD in Computer Science from Worcester Polytechnic Institute under Prof. Emmanuel Agu, and was part of the DARPA-funded WASH project. His research focuses on data visualization, digital health, and smartphone-based behavioral analysis. He previously served as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the VIXI Lab, University of Victoria, Canada, under Prof. Miguel Nacenta. Education: PhD in Computer Science, Worcester Polytechnic Institute Research Interests: Interactive data visualization frameworks for health monitoring Mobile and ubiquitous computing for behavioral analysis Smartphone-sensed human behavior and health informatics Visual representation of text-based and sensor data Publications highlight trends in visual analytics for healthcare, including tools like ARGUS and INPHOVIS for detecting bio-behavioral disruptions and smartphone-based phenotyping. His work integrates machine learning with visualization to address challenges in health data interpretation. Awards: Best short paper honorable mention (EuroVis 2020) His contributions span academic collaborations in health informatics and mobile computing, with a focus on bridging theory and practical applications in healthcare technology.
Charl FJ Faul is a Professor of Materials Chemistry and Associate Pro Vice Chancellor (Global Engagement) at the University of Bristol’s Faculty of Science. He leads the Faul Research Group, focusing on functional materials for sustainable energy and soft robotics, including conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs) for CO2 conversion, electroactive materials, and 3D-printed soft actuators. His roles include academic leadership, global engagement initiatives, and research collaboration across institutions like Kyoto University and Tsinghua University. Education: B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.(Stellenbosch). Research emphasizes scalable CMP synthesis, bio-adhesives, and materials for mobility assistance. Collaborates on projects like the £14M EPSRC-funded VIVO Hub for Enhanced Independent Living. Advises over 15 students, including recent PhD graduates Dr Helal Alharbi and Dr Yubing Wang. Research outputs span 2025-2023, highlighting advancements in hydrogen storage, CO2 capture, and soft robotic actuators. The group actively publishes in journals like Small and Journal of Materials Chemistry A . Grants include EPSRC funding for VIVO Hub and Innovate UK support for conductive composites.
Pierre Baldi is a Distinguished Professor of Computer Science and Director of the Institute for Genomics and Bioinformatics at the University of California, Irvine (UCI). He is affiliated with the Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences. His research spans artificial intelligence, machine learning, bioinformatics, and communication networks, with notable projects in protein structure prediction, gene expression modeling, and neutrino physics collaborations like DUNE. Baldi’s work bridges theoretical foundations (e.g., neural network theory) and applied domains, including medical imaging and fusion technology. Key research interests include AI-driven biomedical applications, neural network theory, and interdisciplinary projects such as the DUNE neutrino experiment. His contributions to neural network engineering were recognized with the 2023 INNS Dennis Gabor Award, highlighting his paradigm-changing impact on computational neuroscience and physics. Baldi’s academic leadership includes directing UCI’s Institute for Genomics and Bioinformatics, fostering collaborations in computational biology and AI. His recent work explores AI’s role in healthcare, climate modeling (e.g., ClimSim-Online), and fundamental physics challenges like neutrino oscillation studies.
Scott MacKenzie is an Associate Professor at the Lassonde School of Engineering, York University, where he leads research in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Toronto (1992) and specializes in interaction devices, mobile computing, and human performance modeling. His work emphasizes accessibility, text entry systems, and assistive technologies. He maintains an active research group focused on advancing HCI through empirical studies and innovative design. Education: Ph.D. in Computer Science, University of Toronto, 1992 Dr. MacKenzie’s research explores how interaction techniques can enhance user performance and accessibility. Key areas include touch-based interfaces, gestural input, and systems for users with disabilities. His recent work investigates eye-tracking for wheelchair control, mid-air gesture interaction, and text entry methods for VR environments. His publications reflect a focus on practical applications of HCI principles, such as improving mobile device usability and evaluating novel input methods. Notable contributions include studies on soft keyboards, tilt-based interaction, and accessibility solutions for motor-impaired users. Labs/Teams: Affiliated with the Lassonde School of Engineering’s research initiatives in interactive systems and human-centered computing.
Dr. Zhe Cheng is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Colorado State University, part of the Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering. Prior to this, he held tenured positions at Florida International University (2013–2024) and was a research investigator at DuPont (2008–2013). His research focuses on advanced ceramic materials for energy applications, including solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), photovoltaics, and high-temperature ceramics. He holds a Ph.D. (2008), M.S. (2004), and B.S. (2001) in Materials Science & Engineering from Georgia Tech and Tsinghua University. Education: Ph.D., Materials Science & Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology (2008) M.S., Materials Science & Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology (2004) B.S., Materials Science & Engineering, Tsinghua University (2001) Research Interests: Dr. Cheng specializes in novel synthesis and processing of high-temperature ceramics, including high-entropy nitrides, and their applications in energy conversion systems. His work emphasizes in situ characterization techniques to understand material behavior under operational conditions. Key areas include SOFC cathodes, proton-conducting electrolytes, and wearable sensor technologies. Publications & Awards: With over 5,284 citations and an h-index of 27, his work spans 44 peer-reviewed articles. Notable awards include the NSF CAREER Award (2019) and the American Ceramic Society Ross Coffin Purdy Award (2010). His research has been funded by NSF, DOE, and NASA. Advising & Grants: Dr. Cheng has advised numerous graduate students and secured $2.3 million in research funding. Key grants include DOE projects on additive manufacturing for plasma-facing materials and NSF support for SOFC hydrogen electrode fundamentals. Labs & Teams: He leads research in advanced ceramics and electrochemical systems at CSU, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations in materials science and energy engineering.
Alyssa B. Apsel is a Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Cornell University since 2002 and a Visiting Professor at Imperial College London. She became the IBM Professor of Engineering in 2023 and Director of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Cornell in 2018. Education: B.S., Electrical Engineering, Swarthmore College (1995) M.S., Electrical Engineering, California Institute of Technology (1996) Ph.D., Electrical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University (2002) Research Focus: She specializes in power-aware mixed-signal circuits for scaled CMOS and modern systems. Her group explores cost-effective designs addressing device scaling challenges (variation, noise, reduced analog performance) through analog/mixed-signal innovation, particularly in IoT radios and reconfigurable multi-standard wireless systems. Key areas: RF circuits, VLSI integration, biomedical telemetry, and low-power design. Publication Trends: Her 2016 work spans RF transceiver design, thermometer DAC calibration, biomedical ICs with UWB telemetry, and jitter-measurement circuits. These reflect her expertise in low-power wireless systems, analog/mixed-signal design, and biomedical electronics. Awards: IEEE Fellow (2020) IEEE CAS Distinguished Lecturer (2018-2019) ISLPED Design Contest Second Place (2010) Multiple Student Paper Awards (2000, 1995) Fellowships: Abel Wolman (1997), Caltech Institute (1995) Grants & Leadership: She founded EchoICs, which received a $275,000 NSF STTR Phase I Award (2024) for flexible spectrum radios. Her lab focuses on RF interfaces for implantable electronics and photonic integration.
T. Alan Hatton is a distinguished Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering within the School of Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). His career spans over four decades with significant contributions to electrochemical separation processes and sustainable engineering solutions. Current research focuses on developing next-generation electrochemical systems for critical environmental challenges. Education: Ph.D., University of Wisconsin, 1981 M.Sc. Eng, University of Natal, Durban, South Africa, 1976 B.Sc. Eng, University of Natal, Durban, South Africa, 1972 Professor Hatton's research centers on electrochemically-mediated separation processes , specifically targeting carbon capture from diverse sources (post-combustion flue gas, ambient air, and ocean water) and advanced water purification systems. His work integrates fundamental transport phenomena with innovative electrochemical engineering to create energy-efficient solutions. Key methodologies include redox-active materials, electro-swing adsorption, and molten salt electrochemistry, with strong emphasis on scalability and real-world implementation. Recent breakthroughs involve oxygen-stable quinone systems for direct air capture and marine carbon dioxide removal technologies. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2024-2025) reveals a concentrated focus on electrochemical CO 2 capture and conversion , with 87% of works directly addressing carbon management. Dominant themes include redox-active material design (particularly quinones and iron complexes), process thermodynamics optimization, and novel reactor architectures like fiber sorbents and photoelectrochemical systems. The research demonstrates consistent progression toward practical implementation, with increasing attention to marine carbon removal and integration with renewable energy sources. Scientific Awards: Founding Fellow, AIMBE, 1992 Merck Faculty Development Award, 1989 Class of '22 Career Development Chair, 1988 Presidential Young Investigator Award, NSF, 1985 Everett Moore Baker Award for Excellence in UG Teaching, MIT, 1983 Professor Hatton leads an active research group developing electrochemical separation technologies with significant industry and environmental impact. His laboratory operates at the intersection of fundamental electrochemistry and applied environmental engineering, securing sustained funding for projects targeting carbon capture scalability and water purification innovation. Current efforts focus on translating electro-swing adsorption technology to commercial applications through startup ventures, while maintaining strong educational contributions through MIT's chemical engineering curriculum. The research team maintains collaborations with national laboratories and industry partners to accelerate technology deployment.
Dr. Parth Chansoria is a Lecturer at the Department of Health Sciences and Technology at ETH Zürich, where he leads biofabrication research within the Tissue Engineering and Biofabrication (TEB) group. His work focuses on structured light technology for regenerative medicine applications, including in vivo bioprinting and microgravity-based tissue engineering. He holds Ambizione and Spark grants from the Swiss National Science Foundation and has pioneered innovations in light-guided biofabrication, collagen-based resins, and anisotropic tissue design. Research domains include: Filamented light biofabrication for aligned tissues Minimally invasive light-based in vivo bioprinting Musculoskeletal tissue engineering in microgravity Isotonic collagen-based photocrosslinkable resins He has secured over 6 patents and received prestigious awards including the ISBF Early Career Investigator Award (2022), Marie Curie Actions Fellowship (2021), and SME 30 Under 30 recognition (2021). His interdisciplinary research bridges bioengineering, materials science, and clinical applications. Key collaborations include projects at UNC Chapel Hill (USA) and NC State (USA), where he developed biomimetic patches for dynamic organ pathologies and ultrasound-assisted cell patterning. His lab explores novel bioinks, hybrid fabrication techniques, and translational applications in regenerative medicine.
Prof. Dr. Eling de Bruin is a Lecturer at the Department of Health Sciences and Technology (D-HEST) at ETH Zurich. His research focuses on developing and evaluating exergame-based interventions targeting neurocognitive disorders, motor-cognitive training for aging populations, and stroke rehabilitation. He leads studies on personalized exergame protocols (e.g., PEMOCS framework) and their impact on cognitive function, gait recovery, and fall prevention. His work integrates wearable sensor technology, biofeedback systems, and clinical assessment tools to improve outcomes for chronic conditions like stroke, diabetes, and sarcopenia. Key areas include exergame design, hybrid training modalities, and biomarker validation (e.g., heart rate variability for neurocognitive screening). His research also explores sports biomechanics in youth athletes and injury prevention strategies for alpine skiers. Collaborative projects involve interdisciplinary teams from rehabilitation medicine, biomedical engineering, and computer science to create user-centered exergame solutions. Current initiatives emphasize home-based interventions and tele-rehabilitation to enhance accessibility for older adults and long-term care residents. Methodological contributions include validation of motor-cognitive assessment systems using virtual reality and inertial measurement units.
Steve Collins is an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Stanford University, with a courtesy appointment in the Department of Bioengineering. His research focuses on wearable robotics, biomechanics, and human-machine interaction. He leads projects on exoskeleton optimization, prosthetic design, and energy-efficient robotic actuators. His work aims to improve mobility for older adults and individuals with mobility impairments through innovative assistive technologies. Research Interests: Collins explores biomechanical principles underlying human movement, exoskeleton torque control strategies, and the design of devices that reduce metabolic costs during walking. His lab develops both hardware (e.g., exoskeleton emulators) and software (e.g., AddBiomechanics modeling tools) to advance assistive technologies. Key Contributions: He pioneered human-in-the-loop optimization methods for exoskeleton control, demonstrated energy-saving designs for ankle exoskeletons, and investigated how exoskeletons can enhance balance and reduce fall risks. His team also developed the 'Tripod' prosthesis emulator and electrostatic clutch systems for energy-efficient actuators. Grants & Collaborations: His work is supported by NSF grants (e.g., NRI: Small grant for exoskeleton control) and industry partnerships. He collaborates with clinicians to translate robotic innovations into clinical applications for amputees and aging populations. Labs & Teams: His research is conducted in Stanford's robotics and biomechanics facilities, focusing on interdisciplinary projects at the intersection of mechanical engineering, bioengineering, and computer science.
Bryan Tripp is an Associate Professor at the University of Waterloo, specializing in computational neuroscience, deep learning, robotics, and medical AI. He leads the BRAIN Lab, which focuses on developing neural system models that interact with the physical world through robots. His research integrates neurobiological models with advanced machine learning techniques to study visuomotor processes and robotic applications. Tripp teaches courses such as Computational Neuroscience (SYDE 552), Deep Learning (SYDE 577), and Biomedical Engineering Design Workshops (BME 461/462). His lab has achieved milestones including the OREO robotic head, the first spiking neural network model for complex action planning, and comprehensive datasets for robotic grasping. His recent work emphasizes Medical AI applications, with graduate positions available. The BRAIN Lab is affiliated with the Centre for Theoretical Neuroscience and Waterloo.AI, contributing to interdisciplinary AI research initiatives.
Bertan Bakkaloglu is the On Semiconductor Professor in the School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering at Arizona State University (ASU), where he has been since 2004. Prior to ASU, he worked at Texas Instruments focusing on analog, mixed-signal, and RF SoC development for communication transceivers. His research expertise spans RF and mixed-signal IC design, wireless/wireline communication systems, and broadband communication systems. Education: Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Oregon State University (1995) M.S.C. in Electrical Engineering, University of Houston (1992) Research Interests: RF and mixed-signal integrated circuits Power management ICs (including LDO regulators and DC-DC converters) High-efficiency power delivery systems Radiation-hardened electronics for space applications MEMS-based sensor systems Biomedical circuits for implantable devices Grants & Collaborations: Over 40+ funded research projects with institutions like NASA/JPL, BAE Systems, and NSF, focusing on power electronics, space systems, and biomedical applications Key projects include radiation-hardened converters, self-calibrating DACs, and implantable medical device circuits Industry partnerships with Texas Instruments, Space Micro, and FLIR Professional Activities: Technical committee member for IEEE Radio Frequency Integrated Circuits Conference Founding chair of IEEE Solid-State Circuits Society Phoenix Chapter
Steven R. Caliari is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering with a secondary appointment in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Virginia’s School of Engineering and Applied Science. He serves as the ChE Graduate Program Director and is a SEAS Copenhaver Fellow (2023). His research focuses on designing biomaterials to study cell-microenvironment interactions, addressing challenges in disease and tissue engineering. He holds a B.S. (2007, University of Florida), M.S. (2010), and Ph.D. (2013) in Chemical Engineering from the University of Illinois, followed by an NIH postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania. His research interests include biomaterials, mechanobiology, musculoskeletal tissue engineering, and advanced manufacturing for biological applications. His lab has pioneered viscoelastic hydrogel platforms and conductive collagen scaffolds, supported by NIH, NSF, DoD, and industry grants. Notable awards include the NSF CAREER Award (2021) and NIH MIRA (2020). Grants: NIH (NIGMS), NSF CAREER, V Foundation, UVA-Coulter Partnership Courses: Tissue Engineering (BME/CHE 4417), Transport Processes I (CHE 3321) Labs: Caliari Lab focuses on biomaterial design and mechanobiological studies His work bridges fundamental science and translational applications, emphasizing dynamic material systems for regenerative medicine and disease modeling.
Jana Kainerstorfer is a Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), with courtesy appointments in the Neuroscience Institute and Electrical & Computer Engineering. She serves as Associate Department Head for Faculty and Graduate Affairs within the College of Engineering. Her research focuses on developing non-invasive optical imaging methods for disease detection and treatment monitoring, particularly in diffuse optical imaging. Key areas include cerebral hemodynamic monitoring in traumatic brain injury and handheld devices for breast cancer imaging. Dr. Kainerstorfer holds senior membership in the Optical Society of America and has received prestigious awards such as the NIH Trailblazer Award and AHA Scientist Development Grant. She leads the Biophotonics Lab, which bridges engineering and clinical applications, emphasizing translational research. Education: PhD from University of Vienna/NIH (2010), Postdoc at Tufts University Research Interests Her work revolves around biomedical optics , neurophotonics , and medical device innovation . Current projects include: Non-invasive cerebral hemodynamic monitoring Transabdominal fetal pulse oximetry Optical imaging in extreme environments (e.g., freediving physiology) Her lab develops tools like wearable NIRS for marine mammals and self-calibrating pulse oximetry algorithms. Research spans clinical translation and physiological mechanism discovery , with emphasis on microvascular imaging. Awards & Recognition NIH Trailblazer Award (2020) AHA Scientist Development Grant SPIE Fellow (2022) George Tallman Ladd Award (CMU) Lab & Collaborations The Biophotonics Lab collaborates with neurosurgery, oncology, and marine biology teams. Projects address clinical needs in neurocritical care and fetal monitoring, leveraging optical technologies for real-time diagnostics. Ongoing work includes: Optical assessment of cerebral metabolic rates Non-invasive intracranial pressure estimation Multi-modal EEG-NIRS fusion for neural source localization
Professor Fernando Calamante is a Professor of Biomedical Engineering at The University of Sydney and Director of Sydney Imaging Core Research Facility. He leads the National Imaging Facility node and focuses on advanced MRI methodologies, particularly Diffusion and Perfusion MRI, to study brain connectivity and neurological disorders. His work includes developing the MRtrix software, widely used in diffusion MRI analysis. He holds extensive funding (~$50M) and has been recognized with awards like ISMRM Fellowship and NHMRC grants. His research spans super-resolution imaging, brain connectomics, and clinical applications in stroke and tumors. Education: BSc (Physics, Argentina), PhD (Magnetic Resonance Imaging, University College London). Career highlights include leadership roles at The Florey Institute and ISMRM presidency (2021-2022). Research interests include: Novel MRI methods for brain connectivity and super-resolution imaging Applications of Diffusion and Perfusion MRI in neurology Integration of structural and functional connectomics Key achievements: Over 200 publications, software innovations, and leadership in global MRI societies.
