Fanxing Li is the Thomas M. Clausi Distinguished Professor of Chemical Engineering and University Faculty Scholar at North Carolina State University, affiliated with the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering within the College of Engineering. His research focuses on energy and environmental engineering, particularly in catalytic systems for CO2 capture, green hydrogen production, and sustainable fuel synthesis. He leads the Li Group, conducting interdisciplinary studies on nano catalyst design, reaction engineering, and process optimization. Dr. Li’s work integrates experimental and computational methods, including Density Functional Theory (DFT) modeling to understand catalytic mechanisms. His lab develops advanced materials like redox-active oxides, molten salt composites, and MOF-functionalized aerogels for applications in thermal energy storage, carbon-neutral fuel production, and industrial gas processing. His research has led to innovations in chemical looping systems, methane pyrolysis, and CO2 utilization technologies. Key Research Themes: Catalytic materials, CO2 capture/utilization, thermal energy storage, chemical looping processes, sustainable fuels. Laboratory: Li Group (https://cbe.ncsu.edu/ligroup/) Dr. Li has received prestigious awards including the University Faculty Scholar distinction and holds patents on novel catalytic systems. His work bridges fundamental science and industrial-scale applications, emphasizing low-carbon energy solutions and process intensification.
Agnes E. Thorarinsdottir is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at the University of Rochester's School of Arts & Sciences. She leads the Thorarinsdottir group, which focuses on designing electrochemical systems for energy, catalysis, and environmental sustainability. Her research emphasizes precise control of electrochemical interfaces to enhance energy efficiency and selectivity in reactions and devices. Key research directions include sustainable energy production, efficient energy conversion, and electrochemical sensing. Dr. Thorarinsdottir earned her PhD in Chemistry from Northwestern University in 2020. Her work spans interdisciplinary areas such as inorganic chemistry, materials chemistry, and electrochemistry. Group members gain expertise in synthetic techniques (air-free procedures, nanofabrication) and advanced characterization methods (chemical, physical, electrochemical). Her research interests include stimuli-responsive materials, catalysis for clean energy, and the development of self-healing catalysts. Recent studies involve electrolyte-induced catalyst restructuring, photo-enhanced water oxidation, and carbonate management in energy storage systems. Dr. Thorarinsdottir’s lab is equipped to address global challenges through innovative materials design. Her work has been published in high-impact journals like Nature Catalysis , Chemical Materials , and Chemical Reviews . She is dedicated to fostering a collaborative, safety-conscious research environment through student-led initiatives.
Eugen Stamate is a Professor in Plasma Aided Nanotechnology at the National Centre for Nano Fabrication and Characterization, Technical University of Denmark (DTU). He is actively engaged in advanced nanofabrication research, focusing on plasma-based processes, thin films, and solar energy materials. His work is central to DTU Nanotech’s mission in next-generation material development. Research Interests: His expertise spans plasma-aided nanofabrication, magnetron sputtering, focused ion beams, and thin film engineering. He investigates functional materials for solar cells, IoT sensors, and electrostrictive devices. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals in sustainable energy and responsible innovation. Recent Research Trends: Analysis of his latest publications reveals a strong focus on plasma-based nanofabrication, oxide thin films, and renewable energy materials. Key themes include thermochromic VO2 films, electrostrictive ceramics, high-entropy alloy catalysts, and microscale drug delivery systems. His work bridges fundamental plasma physics with applications in energy, healthcare, and environmental technology. Scientific Awards: No specific awards mentioned in the provided text. Advising and Grants: Professor Stamate is the main supervisor for multiple active PhD projects at DTU, including research on 3D plasma-sheath-lenses for nanofabrication and metal oxide thin films for IoT sensors. He collaborates with leading researchers across departments, indicating strong grant support and interdisciplinary engagement. Labs and Teams: He is affiliated with DTU Nanolab (http://www.nanolab.dtu.dk), a state-of-the-art facility for nanocharacterization and fabrication. His work involves close collaboration with teams in material science, photovoltaics, and microsystems engineering.
Prof. Dr. Peter Wasserscheid serves as Director and Head of the Research Department Chemical Hydrogen Storage at the Helmholtz-Institut Erlangen-Nürnberg (HI ERN), a joint institute of Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg and Forschungszentrum Jülich. His leadership spans critical energy research domains including hydrogen infrastructure development and sustainable storage solutions. His primary research focuses on Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers (LOHC) with expertise in power density devices for material hydrogen storage, process design and intensification, active coatings and catalyst technologies, autothermal LOHC dehydration, and LOHC process engineering. This work addresses fundamental challenges in hydrogen economy deployment through innovations in catalytic systems, interfacial engineering, and energy-dense storage methodologies. His department integrates electrocatalysis, complex fluid dynamics, and high-throughput methods to advance hydrogen storage efficiency and safety. As Director of HI ERN, Prof. Wasserscheid oversees comprehensive research programs across electrocatalytic interfacial process engineering, membrane synthesis, and sustainable photovoltaics. His strategic direction encompasses catalyst development, composite membrane analysis, and water electrolysis technologies, positioning the institute at the forefront of renewable energy conversion and storage research.
Professor Michael Hill is a faculty member in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Bath, affiliated with the Centre for Sustainable Chemical Technologies (CSCT), the Centre for Doctoral Training in Aerosol Science, and the Institute of Sustainability and Climate Change. His research focuses on molecular organometallic chemistry with applications in sustainable catalysis and materials science. Research Interests: His work spans Catalysis with alkaline earth complexes , subvalent and multiply bonded main group species , sigma-delocalised group 13 and 14 materials , organolanthanide enantioselective catalysis , and precursors for chemical vapour deposition . His research supports UN Sustainable Development Goals in sustainability and climate action. The recent publications indicate a strong focus on fundamental reactivity of s-block metals (Mg, Ca), low-valent main group species (Al, Sn, Ge), transmetalation processes, and redox-active systems. These studies aim to develop sustainable, earth-abundant metal-based catalysts and functional materials. Scientific Projects: Alkaline Element Z-type Ligands for Tunable Base Metal Catalysis (Leverhulme Trust) Molecular s-block Assemblies for Redox-active Bond Activation and Catalysis (EPSRC) Earth-abundant metals in resource efficient catalysis (EPSRC, Co-I) Nucleophilic alkaline earth boryls: from conception to application (EPSRC, PI) Activation of Nitrogen using Alkaline Earth Metals (1851 Fellowship, Co-I) Professor Hill leads an active research group with significant funding and a high volume of peer-reviewed publications. He supervises postgraduate students and contributes to major collaborative research initiatives. His work involves both experimental synthesis and theoretical modeling (e.g., Density Functional Theory). Laboratory and Research Group: The Hill group is based in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Bath (Room 1 SOUTH 1.23), conducting cutting-edge research in sustainable inorganic and organometallic chemistry, with strong links to industrial and environmental applications.
Emma Lejeune is an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Boston University, affiliated with the Synthetic Biology and Tissue Engineering & Mechanobiology research groups. Her office is located at 730 Commonwealth Ave., EMA 209, and she can be reached at elejeune@bu.edu . She leads the Lejeune Lab , focusing on computational mechanics applied to biological systems. Education: Ph.D., Stanford University Research interests center on leveraging computational mechanics to study multiscale phenomena in biological systems, particularly integrating data-driven and physics-based models. Key areas include heterogeneous soft tissue mechanics, biomechanics, and machine learning applications in mechanics. Her work emphasizes open science, with contributions to benchmark datasets like the Mechanical MNIST collections and open-source software tools such as SarcGraph and MicroBundleCompute . Notable awards include the American Heart Association Career Development Award and the David R. Dalton Career Development Professorship . Her research is supported by grants from the NSF, Office of Naval Research, and Boston University’s Dean’s Catalyst Award. Lab activities include hosting Closer Look Journal Club and contributing to open-access datasets. Current projects explore mechanics of cardiac microtissues, fracture simulations, and machine learning in material science.
Dean J. Tantillo is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of California, Davis, where he has been employed since 2003. He holds a PhD in Chemistry from the University of California, Los Angeles (1995-2000) and an AB in Chemistry from Harvard University (1991-1995). His research focuses on theoretical and computational chemistry, with emphasis on mechanistic studies of organic reactions, carbocation rearrangements, natural products biosynthesis, and dynamic effects in chemical reactions. His research interests span theoretical chemistry, mechanistic chemistry, computational chemistry, biosynthesis of natural products (especially terpenes), organometallic chemistry, and physical organic chemistry. Key areas include carbocation stability, enzyme-catalyzed reactions, pericyclic reactions, catalyst design, and the development of computational methods for predicting reaction outcomes. Professor Tantillo has received several prestigious awards, including: Fellow, American Chemical Society (ACSF, 2017) Fellow, Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC, 2016) Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS, 2016) He has secured significant research funding, including multiple NSF grants such as 'Modern Theoretical Carbocation Chemistry' (2016-2019) and 'Mechanisms of Complex Carbocation Rearrangements' (2010-2016). He leads an active research group focused on computational chemistry and collaborates extensively with synthetic and biological chemists to validate theoretical predictions.
Dmitry Korkin is a Professor of Computer Science at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and holds the prestigious Harold L. Jurist '61 and Heather E. Jurist Dean's Professor title. He maintains strong interdisciplinary connections across campus, with formal affiliations in Bioinformatics & Computational Biology, Data Science, Biology & Biotechnology, and Mathematical Sciences departments. His educational background includes: Postdoctoral training in Bioinformatics & Computational Biology at the University of California, San Francisco (2007) PhD in Computer Science from the University of New Brunswick, Canada (2003) MS in Applied Mathematics from Moscow State University, Russia with High Distinction (1999) Professor Korkin leads an interdisciplinary research program at the intersection of computer science and biology. His lab specializes in applying machine learning, data mining, and massive data analytics to investigate molecular mechanisms underlying complex diseases including cancer, diabetes, and autism, as well as deadly infections like pandemic flu. The research integrates multi-omic, systems, and structural biology data to develop comprehensive models of disease mechanisms. A distinctive aspect of his work involves developing hardware-optimized algorithms for large-scale genome evolution analysis, enabling studies of animal and plant genomes at unprecedented scale. The lab maintains strong collaborative ties with experimental biologists to validate computational predictions through wet-lab experiments. His publication record demonstrates a clear evolution from foundational work in protein structure analysis toward increasingly complex systems biology applications. Early research focused on protein binding sites and structural classification, while more recent work addresses host-pathogen interactions and pandemic virus structure. The lab's work on SARS-CoV-2 represents a significant pivot toward immediate public health applications, developing what has been described as a 'periodic table' of structural elements for the virus. Key recognition: Harold L. Jurist '61 and Heather E. Jurist Dean's Professor Professor Korkin has secured multiple research grants including WPI President's Research Catalyst Grants and seed funding for early-stage projects. His work on SARS-CoV-2 structure was published in Viruses and featured in Nature Neuroscience. He maintains active collaborations both nationally and internationally, with research findings covered by major media outlets including Spectrum News 1, Phys.org, and Nautilus magazine. Notably, his lab's structural analysis of the COVID-19 virus led to a unique collaboration with Scottish artist Angela Palmer, resulting in a sculptural model displayed at the Oxford Museum of Natural History. He directs the Korkin Lab (korkinlab.org), which maintains a strong focus on computational approaches to biological problems. Beyond research, Professor Korkin has demonstrated significant humanitarian engagement, opening his home to the family of Ukrainian professor Vitaly Yurkiv amid the Russian invasion and working to help find academic positions for displaced Ukrainian scholars in the United States. His office is located in Unity Hall, Room UH460, and he can be reached at dkorkin@wpi.edu.
Perrine Lara is a contractual doctoral student and lecturer at Toulouse-Jean Jaurès University, affiliated with the Center for Anglophone Studies (CAS) and the Department of English-Speaking World Studies. She teaches British civilization, language, and project-based oral support, and is actively engaged in research on Welsh and Scottish independence movements since the 1960s. Her research interests focus on British civilization in the 20th and 21st centuries, with particular emphasis on Scotland, Wales, nationalism, political parties such as Plaid Cymru and the Scottish National Party (SNP), and social movements. She explores how devolution has acted as a catalyst for nationalist sentiment and political change within the UK, analyzing the interplay between cultural movements and formal political institutions. Her work adopts a comparative framework to assess the divergent trajectories of independence movements in Wales and Scotland. The trends in her publications reveal a consistent focus on constitutional change, political nationalism, and the evolution of devolved governance in the UK. Her articles examine historical developments, party transitions, and the broader implications of devolution for the future of the United Kingdom. She frequently presents her work at academic conferences and public science events, demonstrating a commitment to both scholarly and public engagement. Perrine Lara has taken on academic responsibilities, serving as co-representative of CAS doctoral students for the 2025–2026 term and organizing the CAS Young Researchers Study Day “Discorde” in April 2025. She has presented her research at various institutions, including the University of Edinburgh and Lycée Saint-Sernin. While no formal grants or awards are listed in the provided texts, her active participation in research dissemination and academic service highlights her growing role in the scholarly community. She is involved in organizing scientific events through the CAS, particularly aimed at supporting early-career researchers. Her work is conducted within the Center for Anglophone Studies, a research unit dedicated to the interdisciplinary study of English-speaking cultures, where she contributes to collaborative research and academic outreach.
Professor Alyson Brown is a Professor and Associate Head of the History, Geography & Social Sciences department at Edge Hill University, focusing on prison history, penal policy, and criminology. She holds editorial roles at Social History and the Prison Service Journal , and co-founded the Research Catalyst group to bridge academic and institutional collaboration. Her research explores prison riots, interwar penal policies, and prison tourism, with notable works like Inter-war Penal Policy and Crime in England (2013). She has contributed to BBC History Magazine and documentaries such as Channel 4’s Britain Behind Bars . Professional service includes advisory roles for heritage projects like Lincoln Castle Revealed and the Dartmoor Prison Museum exhibition. Education: Masters in Historical Research, University of Hull PhD in Penal Policy and Prison Disturbances (England 1850–1920), University of Hull Research Interests: Professor Brown’s work intertwines historical analysis with contemporary policy, focusing on prison systems, criminal mobility, and the intersection of penal practices with cultural memory. She emphasizes the role of archives and public engagement, as seen in her projects on prison museums and heritage interpretation. Articles Overview: Her publications analyze specific historical events (e.g., the 1932 Dartmoor Riot) and broader themes like interwar penal reform. Recent work critiques educational policies in 19th-century prisons and explores prison tourism’s cultural resonance. Awards & Recognition: No specific named awards, though her editorial roles and documentary contributions highlight her influence in historical criminology. Grants & Advising: Supervised 7 doctoral works and contributed to policy discussions via the History & Policy network. Active in public outreach, including the 2023 Think Creative Archive project examining early Edge Hill graduates. Labs & Teams: Co-leads the Gender and Sexuality Research Group and Research Catalyst at Edge Hill University.
Dr. Andrew Marr is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering , Queen's University Belfast. His research focuses on green and sustainable chemistry, particularly on biomimetic catalytic systems and enzyme-chemical hybrid technologies . He leads projects in biomass valorization, water purification, and ionic liquid applications, contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals through innovations in the blue economy and chemical sustainability. Green and sustainable chemical technologies Biomimetic molecular catalysts Enzyme immobilization for pharmaceutical synthesis 1,3-propanediol platform chemical optimization Hydrogen transfer catalysis Water-based chemical transformations Recent publications highlight trends in biomass conversion (e.g., aldal condensation pathways), AI-integrated chemical processes , and ionic liquid gel systems for enzyme stabilization. His work spans 2005–2025 with 71 research outputs and extensive international collaborations. Activities include 30 invited talks (e.g., 'Bioinspired Transformations'), 11 PhD external examinations , and leadership in editorial activities. He supervises projects like R3783BSC (drinking water safeguarding) and R3379MEE (marine-based feeds), with active engagement in 2025.
Dr.-Ing. Christian Kunde is a PostDoc researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems in the Process Synthesis and Process Dynamics group since 2021. Previously, he served as a PostDoc at the Chair for Automation/Modeling at Otto-von-Guericke University (OVGU) from 2017-2021, and as a Research Assistant and PhD Student at the same institution from 2009-2017. His educational background includes a Diploma in Systems Engineering and Engineering Cybernetics from OVGU (2004-2009) and a PhD dissertation titled "Global optimization in conceptual process design" completed in 2017. His formal engineering doctorate (Dr.-Ing.) reflects his specialized expertise in process systems engineering. Kunde's research focuses on physics- and data-based hybrid modeling for process optimization and state estimation, with particular emphasis on global optimization techniques and surrogate modeling. His work bridges theoretical computational methods with practical chemical engineering applications, addressing challenges in distillation, crystallization, and fuel cell systems. He has developed innovative approaches combining first-principles models with machine learning for improved process design and control. His publication record demonstrates consistent contributions to chemical process optimization, with recent work expanding into machine learning applications for Power-to-X processes and fuel cell modeling. The research shows a clear trajectory from fundamental optimization methods toward increasingly complex hybrid modeling approaches that integrate physics-based and data-driven techniques. Kunde actively contributes to academic knowledge dissemination through teaching, having instructed courses including Distributed Parameter Systems, State Estimation, and Systems and Control. His teaching portfolio reflects his research expertise in process dynamics and control systems, providing students with both theoretical foundations and practical applications in modern process engineering.
Brandon C. Bukowski is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Johns Hopkins University's Whiting School of Engineering. He joined the department in 2021 after completing postdoctoral training with Randall Q. Snurr at Northwestern University. Dr. Bukowski's educational background includes: Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering with high distinction and a minor in Physics from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (2010-2014) PhD in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University (2019), where he received multiple awards including the Undergraduate Award for Teaching Excellence Dr. Bukowski's research focuses on computational approaches to sustainable energy solutions through: Computer modeling to develop new catalysts for sustainable energy applications Designing optimal nanoporous materials like zeolites and metal-organic frameworks Using molecular simulations and data science to identify and engineer catalysts Developing technologies for responsible utilization of conventional and emergent feedstocks His work has particular relevance to sustainable aviation fuels, as evidenced by his Amazon Research Award project aimed at reducing aircraft CO2 emissions through biofuel conversion catalysts. Dr. Bukowski has received significant recognition including: Amazon Research Award (2023) for 'Data-driven design and optimization of selective nanoporous catalysts for biofuel conversion' Doctoral New Investigator grant from ACS PRF (2023) Multiple academic awards during his PhD studies at Purdue University Dr. Bukowski actively mentors students in his research group, with Mingze Zheng and Joshua Zhou presenting at major conferences like AIChE and receiving awards for their work. His group collaborates with researchers at Northwestern University and has secured funding from Amazon and the American Chemical Society. The Bukowski Research Group continues to advance computational approaches to address energy and environmental challenges through innovative catalyst design.
Prof. Manikoth M. Shaijumon is a Professor and Head of the School of Physics at the Indian Institute of Science Education & Research (IISER) Thiruvananthapuram. He leads the Nano Materials and Energy Devices Lab, focusing on advanced energy storage and conversion technologies. Ph.D. in Physics, Indian Institute of Technology Madras (2005) M.Sc. in Physics, St. Thomas College (1998) B.Sc. in Physics, Sir Syed College (1996) His research spans Nanomaterials , Electrocatalysis (HER/OER/CO2 reduction), and Solid-State Battery Technology . The lab develops Na/K-ion batteries , Li-metal systems , and all-organic energy devices with industry and global collaborations. Recent work highlights 2D layered heterostructures for electrocatalysis, fluorine-rich interfaces in solid-state batteries, and novel anode architectures for alkali-ion systems. His 15-year lab journey includes three US patents and over 100 publications . Scientific Awards: DAE Young Scientist Award (2012) Materials Research Society of India Medal (2019) SERB Science & Technology Research Award (2023) He advises a team of Ph.D. students , postdocs , and undergrads , with lab infrastructure including Biologic potentiostats , Neware cyclers , and pouch cell assembly lines . His editorial roles include PLOS ONE , Infomat , and Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A .
Syahirah Abdul Rahman is a Senior Lecturer in Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Oxford Brookes Business School, Oxford Brookes University. She is actively involved in high-impact research, teaching, and national policy initiatives, with a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and the commercialisation of research in non-STEM disciplines. Her work bridges academic research, policy development, and practical implementation across the UK and internationally. Her research interests include: Commercialisation of research in Social Sciences, Humanities, and Arts (SHAPE) Gender dimensions in entrepreneurship, especially among female refugees Impact of AI and social ventures on inclusivity in entrepreneurship Innovation decision-making in firms Role of technology transfer offices and university missions Her recent publications reflect a strong trend in policy-oriented, qualitative research with societal impact, particularly in innovation economics, social policy, and adaptive research methodologies during crises like the pandemic. These works emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration and real-world applicability. Syahirah is a Co-Investigator on the £7 million Innovation & Research Caucus funded by ESRC, UKRI, and Innovate UK, and leads the STAGE project funded by Research England. She contributes to national policy frameworks and has influenced initiatives such as the Food Systems Commercialisation Catalyst. Her work is widely disseminated through policy briefings, podcasts, and stakeholder engagement. She supervises PhD, postgraduate, and undergraduate students and teaches across multiple programs including the MBA, MSc International Business, and BA Business degrees. She serves as Deputy Chair of the Grant Panel and module leader for the Integrated Business Research Project. She is affiliated with the Oxford Regions, Innovation & Enterprise Lab and is a member of several professional bodies: Society for the Advancement of Socio-Economics Academy of Management Knowledge Exchange UK Association of European Science and Technology Transfer Professionals
