Dr. Alison Johnston is a Reader in Statistics and Director of CREEM at the University of St Andrews' School of Mathematics and Statistics. She specializes in developing statistical methods for ecological applications, particularly using citizen science data to study bird population dynamics and biodiversity patterns. Educational background includes a BSc in Quantitative Ecology from the University of St Andrews and a PhD from the University of Cambridge. Research focuses on: Statistical modeling of species distributions and population trends Bias correction in citizen science data Climate change impacts on avian communities Conservation prioritization through spatial analysis Her publications demonstrate consistent innovation in integrating large-scale ecological datasets, with recent work emphasizing climate-driven range shifts, conservation effectiveness, and methodological advances in statistical ecology. Research consistently addresses the challenge of extracting reliable ecological insights from complex observational data. Honors include the 2021 Marsh Award for Ornithology. She supervises PhD students working on biodiversity monitoring, spatial capture-recapture models, and statistical applications in conservation. Dr. Johnston leads projects at the Centre for Research into Ecological & Environmental Modelling (CREEM), developing tools that support evidence-based conservation policy and biodiversity management across multiple continents.
Peter Grassberger is a Visiting Research Professor at the Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Calgary, Canada. His academic journey includes professorships at institutions such as the University of Wuppertal (1977–2005) and the John-von-Neumann Institute in Jülich (1996–2005). He holds a Dr. Phil. from the University of Vienna (1965) and a Habilitation from Bonn University (1973). His research spans statistical physics, nonlinear dynamics, and complex systems. Key contributions include work on strange attractors, percolation theory, and computational methods like the PERM algorithm for polymer systems. He is renowned for foundational papers on estimating attractor dimensions and for pioneering studies in directed percolation and self-organized criticality. Grassberger's awards include being a Highly Cited Researcher with over 13,000 citations. His work bridges theoretical physics and applications, such as medical diagnostics and earthquake prediction. He has advised numerous students and holds editorial roles in journals like Journal of Physics A and Complexity .
Bradley D. Smith is the Emil T. Hofman Professor of Science and Director of the Notre Dame Integrated Imaging Facility at the University of Notre Dame, where he has held academic positions since 1991. He leads the Smith Group, focused on interdisciplinary research combining organic synthesis, biochemistry, and photonics to develop molecular imaging probes for applications in medicine, including drug discovery and diagnostics. His work emphasizes fluorescent dyes (e.g., squaraine-rotaxanes) for imaging cellular processes, bacterial infections, and tumors. Smith earned his PhD from the Pennsylvania State University (1988) and B.Sc. from the University of Melbourne (1983), with postdoctoral training at Columbia University and Oxford University. His accolades include Fellowships from the Royal Society of Chemistry and AAAS, and teaching awards. The Smith Group’s innovations span over 300 publications, with notable contributions to photothermal therapy, near-infrared imaging agents, and supramolecular chemistry. Advising over 20 PhD students, his lab integrates synthetic chemistry, bioimaging, and nanotechnology, highlighted by creative student cakes symbolizing research milestones. Beyond academia, his work impacts gold recovery and environmental chemistry through supramolecular systems.
Professor Tony Roberts is the Head of School in the School of Mathematical Sciences at Queensland University of Technology (QUT). He holds a PhD from the Australian National University and is a Fellow of the Australian Mathematics Society. His research focuses on the interplay between material microstructure and macroscopic properties, with emphasis on topology optimization, random structure modeling (e.g., Gaussian fields, percolation models), and material property analysis such as conductivity, diffusion, and fluid flow. He develops computational methods for analyzing experimental techniques like 3D statistical reconstruction and small-angle scattering. His recent work includes optimizing piezoelectric materials for robotics, studying diffusion dynamics in fractal networks, and modeling material failure mechanisms. Key contributions span multi-functional piezoelectric components, anisotropic elastic properties of additively manufactured alloys, and fracture mechanics in perforated materials. Awards include his fellowship in the Australian Mathematics Society. Supervision interests include structural optimization, diffusion in random media, and porous material failure modeling. Education: PhD (Australian National University) Affiliations: Faculty of Science, School of Mathematical Sciences Research Themes: Material science, computational modeling, fracture mechanics, stochastic systems
Kevin Flores is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematics at North Carolina State University (NC State), and Director of the Biomathematics Graduate Program. He leads the Flores Lab, focusing on developing mathematical and statistical methods for parameter estimation, uncertainty quantification, and forecasting in Precision Medicine, Environmental Toxicology, and Synthetic Biology. His work bridges computational approaches with biological systems analysis. Dr. Flores earned his PhD in 2009 from Arizona State University. His research groups include the Mathematical Biology cluster within the Department of Mathematics. His affiliations include Cox Hall 406D and the College of Sciences at NC State. Research interests emphasize interdisciplinary applications: (1) Mathematical Biology involving tumor heterogeneity, viral dynamics, and angiogenesis modeling; (2) Biostatistics focusing on parameter estimation in complex systems; and (3) Computational Tools for biomedical image analysis and machine learning in healthcare. His lab pioneered methods like biologically-informed neural networks and topological data analysis for biological systems. Recent work highlights include: (1) tumor spheroid modeling predicting clinical variability; (2) BK virus infection dynamics in transplant patients; (3) EEG-based brain-computer interface improvements using GANs; and (4) few-shot learning for plant phenotyping. His methodologies address challenges in sparse data scenarios and integrate mechanistic understanding with data-driven approaches. Awards and recognition : None explicitly listed in provided texts. Advising and grants: No specific advisees or grant details provided in texts. His lab's software tools support image segmentation and population modeling. Labs/teams: Directs the Flores Lab for Mathematical Biology at NC State, specializing in hybrid computational-experimental approaches. Collaborates across departments in biomathematics and engineering.
Bo Li is a Professor in the Department of Mathematics at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). He holds affiliations with the Quantitative Biology Ph.D. Program and the Halicioglu Data Science Institute as a faculty member. His research focuses on scientific computing, numerical analysis, and applied mathematics with applications in biophysics, computational biology, materials science, and continuum mechanics. Current projects include biomolecular simulation, variational solvation methods, bacterial colony dynamics modeling, and neural network foundations. Li has led multiple funded research initiatives, including NIH and NSF grants, and has been involved in interdisciplinary collaborations. He teaches advanced courses such as Topics in Applied Mathematics (Math 217) and Numerical Analysis (Math 270B). His work bridges mathematical theory with computational methods for solving complex biological and physical systems.
Jan Swenson is a researcher at Chalmers University of Technology, where she earned her PhD in Physics in 1996. Her research focuses on soft materials, particularly the role of water in biological systems and supercooled water dynamics. She employs neutron scattering and molecular dynamics simulations to study protein aggregation (e.g., Alzheimer's and Huntington's diseases), lipid nanoparticles for RNA delivery, and sugar-protein interactions. Her work bridges physics, chemistry, and biomedicine, aiming to develop novel materials for medical applications and energy storage. Education: PhD in Physics, Chalmers University of Technology (1996) Postdoctoral Research, University College London, UK (structure/stability of clay gels) Research Interests: Soft materials, biological materials' hydration, neutron scattering analysis, supercooled water properties, and protein stabilization via sugars. Her recent projects include modeling material dynamics using computer simulations and optimizing lipid nanoparticles for therapeutic RNA delivery. Grants & Collaborations: Works with colleagues to develop new data analysis methods for neutron scattering. Active in interdisciplinary projects involving drug delivery systems and materials science. Labs/Teams: Part of Chalmers' research groups focused on biomaterials and energy materials, contributing to structural battery electrolyte development.
Dr. Daniel Doveiko is a Researcher in the Pure & Applied Chemistry department at the University of Strathclyde's Faculty of Science . His work focuses on nanoparticle design, fluorescence spectroscopy, and material characterization, with applications in environmental science, biomedical engineering, and drug delivery systems. He is currently a Research Co-investigator on the EPSRC-funded Doctoral Training Partnership (2020-2025), collaborating on nanoparticle metrology and molecular dynamics studies. He holds a PhD in Physics and has published extensively in journals like Journal of Chemical Physics and Langmuir . His research employs advanced techniques including molecular dynamics simulations and fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP). Notable achievements include developing smartphone-based microscopy systems and studying silica nanoparticle interactions with fluorescent dyes. Key areas: Nanoparticle adsorption mechanisms, quantum chemistry calculations, biomedical nanocarriers Techniques: Molecular dynamics, fluorescence spectroscopy, X-ray scattering Award: Certificate of Achievement (2023) His work bridges theoretical and experimental chemistry, contributing to both fundamental material science and applied biomedical solutions.
Dirk S. Hovorka is a Professor of Systems and Design in the Department of Business Information Systems at the University of Sydney Business School. His work bridges theoretical and practical aspects of information systems, with a particular focus on how technology shapes and is shaped by societal practices. He serves as Senior Editor of JAIS (Research Perspectives), Editorial Board Member of ISR, and Co-chair of the HICSS 'Informing Research: Engaging with Futures' mini-track. Dr. Hovorka's educational background includes a BA (Honours), an MS in Geology, an MS in Interdisciplinary Telecommunications, and a PhD in Information Systems from the University of Colorado. His academic journey has positioned him at the intersection of technical and philosophical approaches to information systems. Hovorka's research addresses how scientific and societal practices bring forth 'worlds' through theory, design, and conceptualizations of 'the future.' His work recognizes that the future is resistant to full prediction and control, with increasing societal change rendering past knowledge less indicative of future states. He focuses on speculative approaches to 'knowing' regarding technology, society, and biophysical environments. His research spans Future(s) studies, Speculation in Science, Philosophy of Science and Technology, Interpretive Research and Qualitative Methods, Sustainability, and System Dynamics. Analysis of Hovorka's recent publications reveals a strong trajectory toward speculative futures and the philosophical dimensions of technology. His work consistently examines how we engage with uncertain futures through design and conceptual frameworks. The articles demonstrate increasing interdisciplinary reach, connecting information systems with philosophy, sustainability studies, and organizational theory, while maintaining methodological rigor through interpretive and qualitative approaches. Hovorka has received significant recognition for his scholarly and teaching contributions: AIS Best Paper (2011) 'Secondary Design: A Case of Behavioral Design Research' Beta Gamma Sigma Professor of the Year (2018) Wayne Lonergan Award for Outstanding Teaching (2018) Dean's Award for Teaching (2022) Multiple USS Teaching Citations (2015, 2017, 2020, 2022) As an educator, Hovorka supervises multiple PhD students working on projects related to digital inequality, AI adoption in health services, and human-centered artificial intelligence. His teaching portfolio includes innovative courses such as 'Gadgets, Gods and Godzilla,' 'The Nature of Systems' (an MBA class on System Dynamics), 'Agile Project Methods,' and 'Philosophy of Business Research' for PhD students. His approach emphasizes critical thinking about technology's role in society and the philosophical foundations of business research.
Alexey Petrov is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Auburn University, affiliated with the College of Sciences and Mathematics. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of protein synthesis, particularly ribosome dynamics and translational regulation. His research interests lie at the intersection of biochemistry, biophysics, and molecular biology. He investigates how ribosomes achieve high-speed and high-fidelity protein synthesis, how mRNA structure and modifications regulate translation, and how viral elements hijack the translational machinery. His lab employs cutting-edge single-molecule fluorescence techniques and biochemical assays to dissect these processes in real time. The recent publications highlight a strong focus on ribosome translocation, initiation, elongation fidelity, and the impact of mRNA modifications such as 2′-O-methylation and m6A on translation dynamics. His work frequently involves the study of viral internal ribosome entry sites (IRES), providing insights into alternative translation mechanisms. The research is characterized by a deep mechanistic and kinetic understanding of translation, often revealing multiple parallel pathways and dynamic conformational changes. Alexey Petrov received his B.S. from Moscow State University, Russia, followed by a Ph.D. from the University of Maryland, College Park, under Dr. Jonathan Dinman. He completed his postdoctoral training with Dr. Joseph D. Puglisi at Stanford University, where he pioneered single-molecule studies of translation. Postdoctoral fellow with Dr. Joseph D. Puglisi, Stanford University Ph.D. with Dr. Jonathan Dinman, University of Maryland, College Park B.S., Moscow State University, Russia He leads an active research group within Auburn University's Biophysics Cluster, established in 2017. His lab is dedicated to advancing the single-molecule toolbox by developing new instrumentation and data analysis pipelines to make these powerful techniques more accessible. While specific grants are not listed, his publication record in top journals suggests a well-funded and productive research program. He mentors students and postdoctoral researchers in biochemical and biophysical methods, contributing to the training of the next generation of scientists.
Marina Bennati is a Full Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Göttingen and leads an independent research group in Electron-Spin Resonance Spectroscopy at the Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences (formerly MPI for Biophysical Chemistry). Her interdisciplinary work bridges physical chemistry, biophysics, and structural biology. Research Interests: Prof. Bennati's research centers on advancing magnetic resonance techniques, particularly electron spin resonance (EPR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). She develops high-field pulsed methods to study paramagnetic centers in biological systems. Her group investigates enzymatic mechanisms such as proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) in ribonucleotide reductase (RNR), and uses pulsed dipolar spectroscopy to extract long-range structural data in nucleic acids and transmembrane peptides. A major focus is the transfer of electron spin polarization to nuclei to enhance sensitivity in NMR. Research Trends: Her recent work demonstrates a strong trend toward hybrid spectroscopic methodologies that combine EPR and NMR for enhanced sensitivity and resolution. The 2024 breakthrough in amplifying NMR signals of 13 C and 19 F in liquid-state experiments highlights her group's innovation in instrumental design and dynamic nuclear polarization, enabling studies of small molecules, drugs, and metabolites with unprecedented signal gains. Scientific Awards: ERC Advanced Grant (2021) Fellow of the International Society of Magnetic Resonance (ISMAR) Young Investigator Award, International EPR Society Bruker Prize, Royal Society of Chemistry EPR Division Advising and Grants: Prof. Bennati leads a vibrant research team and has secured substantial funding, most notably a €2.4 million ERC Advanced Grant to develop integrated NMR-EPR techniques. While specific students are not listed, her group trains researchers in advanced spectroscopy. She actively collaborates with industry (e.g., Bruker BioSpin GmbH) and contributes to scientific leadership through editorial roles. Labs and Teams: She heads the Electron-Spin Resonance Spectroscopy group at the Max Planck Institute, equipped with state-of-the-art high-field EPR and NMR instrumentation. The lab fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and is part of a strong magnetic resonance community in Göttingen.
Henrik Bruus is a Professor and Section Head in the Department of Physics at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). He leads the Section of Biophysics and Fluids and the Theoretical Microfluidics Group, focusing on theoretical modeling in microfluidics, acoustofluidics, and nanofluidics. His academic journey began at the Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, where he earned his B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. in physics. He has held research and faculty positions at NORDITA, Yale University, CNRS-CRTBT, and DTU, transitioning from DTU Nanotech to DTU Physics in 2012. He has held visiting professorships at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, and several French institutions. B.Sc. in Mathematics and Physics, University of Copenhagen (1984) M.Sc. in Physics, University of Copenhagen (1986) Ph.D. in Physics, University of Copenhagen (1990) Henrik Bruus's research lies at the intersection of theoretical physics and engineering, with a strong emphasis on microfluidics, acoustofluidics, and biophysics . His work explores acoustic radiation forces, electrokinetics, streaming, and particle manipulation in microsystems. He is renowned for his Acoustofluidics tutorial series published in Lab on a Chip. His research contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals in energy and innovation. He has published over 248 works, including in Physical Review , Lab on a Chip , and Science Advances . The recent publications highlight a consistent focus on acoustofluidic phenomena , particularly the modeling and control of acoustic streaming, radiation forces, and thermoviscous effects in microchannels. His work bridges theoretical analysis with experimental validation, often involving collaborations across disciplines. Key themes include ultrasound manipulation of particles and cells, optimization of microreactors, and development of novel acoustofluidic devices using thin-film transducers. Scientific Awards: DTU Teacher of the Year (2013) Elected Fellow of the American Physical Society (since 2011) Henrik Bruus actively supervises Ph.D. students and leads multiple research projects in biophysics and microfluidics. He has been the main supervisor or co-supervisor on projects related to plant biophysics, micro- and nanochannel flows, and electroacoustic actuation. His international collaborations span across Europe and the U.S., and he has delivered numerous conference presentations, including at APS meetings and specialized workshops. He is a central figure in the global acoustofluidics research community. He leads the Theoretical Microfluidics Group at DTU Physics, which focuses on computational and analytical modeling of fluid behavior at micro- and nanoscales. The group collaborates closely with experimental teams to develop and validate theoretical frameworks for lab-on-a-chip systems. Their work supports applications in biomedical diagnostics, cell sorting, and material science.
Lukas Landler is a Senior Lecturer at the Institute of Zoology, Department of Ecosystem Management, Climate and Biodiversity, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna. His research focuses on amphibian ecology , animal migration , magnetic reception , and urban wildlife conservation . Supervised over 20 university theses on topics including green toad populations, wild bee telemetry, and eDNA analysis Developed innovative methods for automated anuran call detection and multisensor biologging collars Active in citizen science projects like AmphiBiom for urban habitat restoration Research Trends : Recent publications emphasize urban ecology (green toad habitat preferences), telemetry technology (wild bee and mammal tracking), and conservation biology (mercury contamination studies). His work bridges biophysics , ecotoxicology , and spatial ecology through interdisciplinary approaches. Community Contributions : Editor-in-Chief of Herpetozoa (2024) Editorial Board Member (since 2020) Peer reviewer for 14 journals including Ecology, Journal of Herpetology, and PLoS One Active member of Austrian Neuroscience Association and Royal Institute of Navigation
Julian Charles Shillcock is a Lecturer and computational modeling specialist at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), affiliated with the School of Life Sciences and the Lashuel Lab. He also serves as a Scientist in the UPDALPE group (Prof. Dal Peraro Group) and teaches in EPFL’s SSV (Teaching) and EDNE (Doctoral Education) sections. His work bridges biophysics, computational modeling, and cellular dynamics. PhD in Physics from Simon Fraser University (1996) Group Leader at Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces (2000-2005) Associate Professor at University of Southern Denmark (2005-2011) Blue Brain Project member since 2011 Shillcock’s research focuses on biomolecular condensates , membrane dynamics , and computational cell biology . He develops mesoscale simulation methods like Dissipative Particle Dynamics to study vesicle fusion , neuronal morphology , and neurodegenerative disease mechanisms . Recent work includes POETS computing platforms for accelerating simulations and Shiga toxin clustering on membranes. His publications (2022-2024) reveal trends in soft matter physics , computational neuroscience , and biomolecular condensate structure . Key collaborations include Imperial College London and University of Southampton on the POETS project. Scientific recognition includes: 2021 Polysphère prize for Best Teacher in Life Sciences He has advised PhD student Lida Kanari in computational morphology and contributed to neocortical microcircuit reconstruction . His research spans computational biophysics , toxin entry mechanisms , and novel computational platforms for life sciences education.
Hanna Vehkamäki is a Professor at the Faculty of Science, University of Helsinki , and Vice Dean responsible for well-being, equality, bilingual affairs, and facilities/safety. She leads the Academy of Finland Center of Excellence VILMA (2022-2029) focused on molecular-level atmospheric transformations. Field of Science: Physical Sciences Email: hanna.vehkamaki@helsinki.fi Address: P.O. Box 64, Gustaf Hällströmin katu 2, 00014 Helsinki Her research bridges atmospheric science , physical chemistry , and computational modeling , with a focus on molecular cluster dynamics, ion-induced nucleation, and aerosol-cloud-climate interactions. She develops tools for molecular-level atmospheric simulations and machine learning applications in predicting particle formation. Recent publications highlight her work on APi-ToF mass spectrometer optimization , α-pinene ozonolysis mechanisms , and alkylammonium ion mobility . Her projects include VILMA (Virtual laboratory for molecular-level atmospheric transformations) and Atmospheric Mathematics . Scientific Awards : Finnish Aerosol Research Foundation Distinguished Scientist Award (2014) Magnus Ehrnrooth Foundation award (2010) Suomen Valkoisen Ruusun I luokan ritarimerkki (2022) NOSA Aerosologist Award (2014) University of Helsinki Maikki Friberg award (2015) She supervises Master’s/PhD theses (e.g., hydration layer simulations on K-feldspar) and participates in international conferences (e.g., ISSPIC XVIII, Gordon Research Seminar). Her grants include the Academy of Finland Center of Excellence and the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation project RESTART.
