James B. Rawlings is the Mellichamp Process Control Chair in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and holds the rank of Professor. His research focuses on chemical process control, reaction engineering at the molecular level, and computational modeling with tools like Octave. He has held prominent roles, including the Paul A. Elfers Chair at UW Madison and the Steenbock Professor of Engineering. Education: PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (1985), BS in Chemical Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin. Postdoctoral training at the Institute for System Dynamics and Process Control, University of Stuttgart (1985-1986). Research interests include nonlinear systems, model predictive control (MPC), moving horizon estimation (MHE), and stochastic reaction engineering. His work bridges theory and industrial applications, emphasizing robustness and practical implementation. Awards: Elected Fellow of the National Academy of Engineering (2016), IFAC (2016), and IEEE (2012). Recipient of the Process Automation Hall of Fame (2016), Vilas Distinguished Achievement Professor (2015), and numerous AIChE awards. Honorary doctorate from Technical University of Denmark (2011). Grants & Leadership: Led NSF-funded projects on MPC and control systems. Developed Octave, a widely used computational tool. Active in academic leadership and curriculum development, recognized with teaching awards including the Chancellor’s Distinguished Teaching Award (2013). Labs & Teams: Directs research groups focused on control theory, computational tools, and industrial process optimization. Collaborates with industry on MPC implementation and disturbance modeling.
Justin D. Holmes is Professor of Nanochemistry in the School of Chemistry at University College Cork (UCC) and serves as a Principal Investigator at the Environmental Research Institute. He holds the position of Deputy Director at the Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research (AMBER) centre, a Science Foundation Ireland-funded initiative that bridges academic research with industry applications. With more than 400 peer-reviewed publications in materials science, Professor Holmes has established himself as a leading figure in nanochemistry research and development. Professor Holmes' research program centers on developing chemical methods to synthesize and assemble nanostructured materials for environmental and energy applications. His work spans three primary domains: atmospheric sensors for detecting radicals and gases (RADICAL project), energy conversion through nanofluidic platforms for waste heat conversion (TRANSLATE project) and solar-to-chemical energy conversion (FreeHydroCells project), and sustainability through chemical recycling of waste plastics (AMBER project). His interdisciplinary approach integrates chemistry, materials science, and environmental engineering to address critical sustainability challenges through nanoscale innovation. Analysis of Professor Holmes' recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on sustainable materials development and energy applications. His research demonstrates consistent focus on germanium-based nanomaterials for electronics and energy storage, innovative polymer recycling techniques, and sustainable nanomaterial synthesis. The progression of his work shows increasing integration of circular economy principles, with significant contributions to plastic waste management and green chemistry approaches. Professor Holmes has received significant recognition for his contributions to science: Member of the Royal Irish Academy Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry His research is supported through substantial funding mechanisms, including his leadership role in the AMBER centre. Professor Holmes has successfully translated research into commercial applications through co-founding Glantreo Ltd., a UCC spin-out company. His work demonstrates a strong commitment to both fundamental scientific advancement and practical applications that address environmental challenges. Professor Holmes leads an active research group within the School of Chemistry at UCC, collaborating extensively through the Environmental Research Institute and the AMBER centre. His team maintains strong interdisciplinary connections across chemistry, materials science, and engineering disciplines, with sophisticated capabilities in nanomaterials synthesis, characterization, and application development. The research environment fosters innovation in environmental sensing, energy conversion technologies, and sustainable materials development.
Dr. Christopher M. Wolverton is a Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at Northwestern University , where he leads the Wolverton Research Group . His work focuses on computational materials science with applications in energy sustainability , particularly in batteries , hydrogen storage , and thermoelectrics . PhD in Physics from University of California, Berkeley BS in Physics (summa cum laude) from University of Texas, Austin His research leverages first-principles quantum mechanical simulations and machine learning to enable virtual materials synthesis before laboratory testing. The group specializes in hybrid computational methods integrating Density Functional Theory (DFT) , Monte Carlo simulations , and phase-field microstructural models . The article portfolio shows leadership in energy storage materials , with recent work on data-driven nanoparticle facet control , mixed-anion semiconductors , and machine learning-accelerated discovery . Publications span top journals including Nature Energy , Nature Materials , and Science . 2006 Ford Motor Company Technical Achievement Award 2005 Ford Patent & Publication Awards 2003 Ford Environmental/Physical Sciences Recognition As advisor to PhD candidates Zhenpeng Yao , Shiqiang Hao , and Shane Patel , he fosters interdisciplinary research connecting materials informatics with experimental validation . The group maintains active collaborations with Argonne National Lab and MIT/Harvard teams.
Jun Liu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University at Buffalo. His research focuses on advanced energy materials, nano/micro-mechanics, and self-powered systems, with applications in triboelectric energy harvesting and scanning probe microscopy. Education: PhD, Materials Engineering, University of Alberta (2018) MS, Materials Science, Shanghai University (2015) BE, Materials Science and Engineering, Nanchang University (2012) Research Interests: Development of tribovoltaic and triboelectric systems for self-powered electronics Mechanical energy harvesting via dynamic heterojunctions and Schottky contacts 3D-printed hydrogel structures for energy absorption and flexible electronics Nanoscale characterization using atomic force microscopy Design of nanocomposite sensors and catalytic materials Publication Trends: His work emphasizes triboelectricity, nanoscale energy conversion, and sustainable materials. Recent articles explore bionic tactile sensing, tunable hydrogels, and quantum dynamics in sliding interfaces. Awards: SONY Faculty Innovation Award (2021) Nature Springer MINE Young Scientist Award (2020) International Contest of Applications in Nano/Micro Technology Prize (2013) Laboratory: Advanced Energy Materials and Nanomechanics Lab at University at Buffalo.
Dr. Stephanie Spahr is a Research Group Leader at the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) in Berlin, Germany, where she leads the Organic Contaminants research group within the Department of Ecohydrology and Biogeochemistry. Previously, she served as a Junior Research Group Leader at the University of Tübingen's Center for Applied Geoscience (2019-2021) and as a Postdoctoral Researcher at Stanford University's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (2016-2019). Dr. Spahr earned her PhD in Environmental Chemistry from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) and the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag) in 2016. Her doctoral research focused on the formation of N-nitrosodimethylamine during water disinfection with chloramine. She completed her MSc in Geoecology at the University of Tübingen in 2012, with thesis work on carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis of benzotriazoles conducted at Eawag, and her BSc in Geoecology/Ecosystem Management at the same institution in 2010. Dr. Spahr's research focuses on trace organic contaminants in aquatic systems, with particular expertise in transformation processes of contaminants in natural and engineered systems, advanced oxidation processes for water treatment, urban blue-green infrastructure, and compound-specific isotope analysis. Her work bridges environmental chemistry, engineering, and ecology to address water quality challenges in urban and natural water systems. She employs advanced analytical techniques to track contaminant sources and transformation pathways, with a strong emphasis on practical applications for water treatment and environmental protection. Her recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on biochar-based water treatment technologies, particularly for stormwater management. She investigates how biochar amendments can remove trace organic contaminants from urban runoff, with recent work examining persulfate activation mechanisms, the role of chloride in reactive species formation, and the performance of engineered media filters under dynamic conditions. Her research also extends to understanding contaminant transport in rivers, the ecological impacts of pollutants, and developing analytical methods for environmental monitoring. The interdisciplinary nature of her work connects chemical processes with ecological outcomes. Outstanding Review Paper Award 2023 in Environmental Science: Water Research & Technology Selected for the Falling Walls Female Science Talents Intensive Track 2023 Selected mentee in the Leibniz Mentoring Programme 2022-2023 Best poster award (1st prize) at the Wasser 2022 of the Water Chemistry Society Selected fellow in the Postdoc Academy for Transformational Leadership 2020-2022 (Robert Bosch Stiftung) Selected fellow in the Athene Program for early female career researchers at the University of Tübingen, 2020-2021 As a Research Group Leader, Dr. Spahr supervises multiple research projects including 'POllution in UrbaN ponds, eco-evolutionary Dynamics, and Ecosystem Resilience (POUNDER)', 'Dynamic hyporheic zone', 'NYMPHE', and the 'Incident-related special investigation programme for the environmental disaster in the Oder River'. She serves on the Executive Board of the German Water Chemistry Society and heads its Expert Committee on 'Oxidative Processes'. Her collaborative work spans numerous institutions across Germany and internationally, addressing critical water quality challenges through interdisciplinary approaches. Dr. Spahr leads the Organic Contaminants research group at IGB Berlin, which focuses on understanding the fate and treatment of organic pollutants in water systems. Her team employs advanced analytical techniques including compound-specific isotope analysis to track contaminant sources and transformation pathways. The group collaborates extensively with other departments at IGB and with international partners on projects addressing urban water challenges and ecological impacts of pollution. Current research emphasizes innovative water treatment technologies, particularly biochar-based systems for stormwater management, and investigating the complex interactions between contaminants, aquatic ecosystems, and human activities.
R. Dean Astumian is a Professor of Physics in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Maine, based in Bennett Hall (Room 122) with contact details astumian@maine.edu and 207/581-1024. His academic credentials include: B.S. in Chemistry (1978), University of Texas at Arlington M.S. in Chemistry (1982), University of Texas at Arlington Ph.D. in Mathematical Science/Physical Chemistry (1983), University of Texas at Arlington Professor Astumian's research centers on biophysics and condensed matter physics, specializing in chemically driven molecular motors and pumps. His work investigates energy transduction mechanisms at the molecular scale, focusing on non-equilibrium thermodynamics, kinetic asymmetry, and directional motion in synthetic and biological systems. This research bridges fundamental physics with applications in nanotechnology and synthetic biology. His 2023-2025 publications reveal persistent exploration of molecular ratchets, enzyme chemotaxis, and artificial molecular machines. Key themes include dissipation-driven directionality, electric molecular motors, and compartmentalized reaction networks, demonstrating consistent innovation in understanding how chemical energy drives mechanical motion at nanoscales across diverse chemical and biological contexts. Information regarding graduate students, research grants, scientific awards, laboratories, or collaborative teams was not provided in the available text.
Mathieu Odijk is a Full Professor at the University of Twente's Faculty of Science and Technology, leading the Integrated Devices and Systems department. His research focuses on microfluidic systems, catalysis, and organ-on-chip platforms, with contributions to UN Sustainable Development Goals through advanced material characterization and biomedical engineering. He has authored over 120 publications and holds an h-index of 27 with 1,820 citations. Expertise: Microfluidics, catalyst particle diagnostics, SERS substrates, organ-on-chip systems, and spectroscopic techniques. Collaborations include Weckhuysen (catalysis), van den Berg (microfluidics), and Meirer (materials science). Key projects: Modular organ-on-chip platforms (STARTER), droplet-based catalyst screening, and real-time reaction monitoring via ATR-IR systems. His research combines nanotechnology and chemical engineering to develop tools for sustainable energy, environmental remediation, and biomedical applications. Recent work includes microreactors for catalyst particle analysis, light-driven urea oxidation for wearable kidney devices, and standardized platforms for organ-on-chip research.
Dr. Joshua Brinkerhoff is an Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering at the University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus. He serves as the Associate Director for Research & Industrial Partnerships in the School of Engineering and leads the UBC-Okanagan Computational Fluid Dynamics Laboratory. His research spans computational fluid dynamics, turbomachinery, multiphase flows, hydrogen safety, wind energy, and biofluid mechanics. He teaches courses in mechanics of materials, alternative energy systems, turbulence, computational fluid dynamics, and aircraft design. PhD, Aerospace Engineering (Carleton University, Ottawa, ON) BEng, Aerospace Engineering (Carleton University) Dr. Brinkerhoff’s research interests include: Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for laminar-to-turbulent transition and instability analysis Wind energy systems and turbine aerodynamics Hydrogen storage and safety protocols for transportation Biofluid mechanics for respiratory diseases and aneurysm modeling Multiphase flows in industrial and environmental contexts His publications focus on CFD simulations for: Aerosol dispersion and mitigation in indoor environments Wind farm interactions and atmospheric gravity waves Cavitation and phase transitions in cryogenic and LNG systems Heat transfer optimization in industrial and thermal systems Instability dynamics in buoyancy-driven and swept flows Turbulent structures in fluidized beds and reactors Dr. Brinkerhoff has no listed scientific awards in the provided data but has extensive contributions to renewable energy, hydrogen safety, and medical fluid dynamics. His laboratory develops open-source tools like TOSCA for large-eddy simulations and investigates practical applications in urban air quality, dental aerosol control, and turbine wake modeling.
Terese Løvås serves as Vice Dean of Research and Innovation at the Faculty of Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), where she leads strategic development of research and innovation activities. She concurrently holds the position of Professor of Combustion and Thermodynamics within the Department of Energy and Process Engineering. Her leadership responsibilities include oversight of Centers of Excellence, Horizon Europe projects, and PhD researcher training. Her research focuses on combustion engineering and alternative fuel technologies , particularly investigating ammonia and hydrogen combustion for zero-emission engines, biomass gasification processes, and reactive multiphase flow modeling. She heads the Engine Lab at NTNU and teaches Thermodynamics, Heat, and Combustion courses. Her work bridges theoretical modeling with experimental validation in sustainable energy systems. Løvås actively contributes to major research initiatives including LowEmission (SFI center), ACTIVATE (ammonia-powered agricultural vehicles), AMAZE (ammonia zero-emission), and CAHEMA (marine ammonia/hydrogen engines). Her publications reveal strong trends in ammonia combustion chemistry , emissions reduction , and advanced computational modeling for sustainable fuel systems, with increasing focus on nitrogen oxide formation mechanisms and dual-fuel strategies. Member of the Board of Directors, Combustion Institute (2022–present) Joint Editor, Proceedings of the Combustion Institute (2019–present) Alumni Fellow in Engineering, Churchill College, Cambridge University As Vice Dean, she manages NTNU's Research and Innovation Committee and represents the faculty in NTNU's Research and Innovation Committee. She supervises multiple PhD candidates and leads international collaborations through projects funded by the Norwegian Research Council, Nordic Energy Research, and EU programs. Her laboratory work focuses on optical engine diagnostics and advanced combustion testing. Løvås maintains active industry engagement through her leadership in the ComKin Research Group and membership in the Institute of Physics and Scandinavian-Nordic Section of the Combustion Institute. Her current work emphasizes practical implementation of ammonia-fueled engine technologies for marine and agricultural applications.
Professor Emiliano Cortés is a faculty member at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), where he leads research in Plasmonic and Photonic Chemistry at the Nano-Institute Munich. His work bridges the fields of nanotechnology, physical chemistry, and materials science, focusing on light-matter interactions for energy conversion applications. Dr. Cortés' research focuses on plasmonics , photocatalysis , and electrocatalysis at the nanoscale. His group investigates how the dynamics of photons, plasmon-polaritons, carriers, phonons, and molecular states influence chemical reactivity. A key aspect of his work involves developing techniques to study plasmonic systems at the single particle level and designing rational synthesis approaches for plasmonic colloidal photo and electrocatalysts. His research has significant implications for sustainable energy technologies, environmental remediation, and advanced sensing applications. Analysis of Professor Cortés' recent publications reveals a strong focus on energy conversion processes, with particular emphasis on CO2 reduction, ammonia synthesis, and hydrogen production. His work integrates plasmonic effects with catalytic processes to enhance reaction efficiencies, often through innovative interface engineering and nanostructure design. The research spans fundamental studies of charge carrier dynamics to practical applications in energy storage and environmental technologies. Professor Cortés actively mentors doctoral candidates and postdoctoral researchers, currently advertising open positions for projects on Single particle photo and electrocatalysis and Synthesis of hybrid colloids . His research group, the Hybrid Plasmonics Lab (www.hybridplasmonics.org), receives funding from various sources to support their work on plasmon-mediated chemistry for sustainable applications. The Cortés research group operates within the Nano-Institute Munich, utilizing state-of-the-art facilities for nanomaterial synthesis, characterization, and testing. Their work combines experimental approaches with theoretical modeling to understand and harness light-matter interactions at the nanoscale for practical applications in energy conversion and environmental technologies.
Dr. Lucy Gloag is a Lecturer at the Research School of Chemistry at the Australian National University (ANU), where she joined in 2024 after previously serving as a Lecturer at the University of Technology Sydney in 2023. Her research focuses on the development of advanced nanomaterials for energy applications, particularly in electrocatalysis and energy storage. Education: BSc/BCA and BSc(Hons) from Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand PhD from the University of New South Wales (2018) on synthesis and characterization of Ru-based nanocatalysts Dr. Gloag is a nanomaterials chemist and electron microscopist specializing in the synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials for electrocatalytic applications. Her research addresses the fundamental question of how nanostructure can be used to enhance the performance of electrocatalysts . She employs solution-phase synthesis techniques to create nanoparticles with precise control over crystal structure, dimensions, and surface faceting, then correlates these structural features with electrocatalytic properties using transmission electron microscopy and electrochemistry. Her work spans energy conversion technologies, biomedical applications of nanoparticles, and advanced materials characterization. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on single-atom catalysts, hierarchical nanostructures, and the relationship between nanomaterial structure and function. Her research spans both fundamental materials science and practical applications in energy conversion, with significant work on oxygen evolution reaction, hydrogen evolution reaction, and methanol oxidation electrocatalysts. She has also made notable contributions to biomedical applications of nanoparticles, particularly in magnetic particle imaging and Alzheimer's disease diagnostics. Scientific Awards: ARC Discovery Project Grant (2023) ARC Linkage Project Grant (2023) UNSW Science COVID19 Strategic Support Grant (October 2021) Dementia Australia Research Foundation – Yulgilbar Innovation Grant (2019-2022) Australian Postgraduate Research Scholarship (2015) AMN-7 Image Competition Finalist (2015) Dr. Gloag currently leads the ANU Futures Scheme 2.0 project (2024-2028) and has secured multiple competitive research grants, demonstrating strong research leadership. Her work involves extensive collaboration with researchers at UNSW and other institutions, particularly with Professors Richard Tilley and Justin Gooding. She has published 28 research outputs since 2015, with significant citation impact (h-index of 17). Her laboratory at ANU (Building 137, room 2.49) focuses on developing single atom and nanomaterials for energy storage and conversion technologies, continuing her trajectory as an emerging leader in advanced materials synthesis and electron microscopy characterization.
Dr. Guohong Tian is a Senior Lecturer in Automotive Engineering at the University of Surrey's School of Mechanical Engineering Sciences. He holds roles including Departmental representative for the Faculty International Relations Committee and coordinator for Headstart and Summer School programs. His research focuses on advanced engine technologies, alternative fuels, and thermal management systems. Prior to Surrey, he was at Newcastle University (2010–2015) and Birmingham University as a Research Fellow (2008–2010). Education: PhD in Mechanical Engineering (Birmingham University). Collaborations: Jaguar Land Rover, Cummins, BP, Shell, JCB, and Avid. Research areas include: Internal combustion engines: novel designs (free piston, scroll engines), waste heat recovery via ORC, and desalination integration. Battery thermal management using capillary-driven cooling and heat pipes. Soot oxidation mechanisms and catalytic diesel particulate filters. Key projects: KTP project with William Medcalf Limited improving vintage engine performance. ADVICE-ADvancing thermal energy management in hybrid vehicles. Publications emphasize combustion diagnostics, emission reduction, and scroll expander optimization. He supervises students on pyrolysis oils and scroll expander development. His lab includes a state-of-the-art engine test bench with FTIR emission analysis and high-speed imaging systems.
Cameron L. Bentley is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Chemistry at Monash University, Australia. He holds a PhD in Chemistry from Monash University (2015), focusing on electroanalysis in ionic liquids. After completing his doctorate, he worked at the University of Warwick (UK) through prestigious fellowships including Endeavour, Marie Skłodowska-Curie, and Ramsay Memorial. In November 2020, he returned to Monash to lead an independent research group funded by a DECRA Fellowship. Affiliations: School of Chemistry (Monash University), Warwick Electrochemistry and Interfaces Group (former) Research Focus: Nanoscale electrochemistry, electrocatalyst design for renewable energy (water splitting, CO₂ reduction), and single nanoparticle electrochemistry. Bentley’s research innovatively combines scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) with correlative microscopy/spectroscopy to study structure-activity relationships in electrochemical materials. Key projects include nanoscale imaging of water-splitting electrodes and developing platforms to probe individual nanoparticles for battery materials. Research Outputs: Over 77 publications since 2013, with recent focus on SECCM advancements, electrocatalyst optimization, and nanoscale reaction imaging. His work addresses pressing challenges in renewable energy storage and nanomaterials. Awards: A.M. Bond Medal (2023), Early Career Analytical Electrochemistry Prize (ISE Division 1, 2020) Grants: ARC DECRA Fellowship, CSIRO collaboration (2023–2027) He supervises PhD students in nanoscale reaction imaging and single nanoparticle electrochemistry, requiring competitive scholarships for international candidates.
Benedikt Günther is a research scientist at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) working within the Chair of Biomedical Physics led by Prof. Dr. Franz Pfeiffer. His research focuses on the Munich Compact Light Source (MuCLS), a laboratory-scale inverse Compton X-ray source that provides synchrotron-like radiation for biomedical applications. Günther plays a key role in developing, optimizing, and characterizing this innovative technology, contributing to both its fundamental physics and practical medical applications. His primary research interests center around X-ray physics and imaging techniques, particularly laser enhancement cavities for inverse Compton X-ray sources, X-ray microscopy, dynamic phase-contrast imaging, and X-ray spectroscopy. Günther's work bridges fundamental physics with practical medical applications, developing instrumentation that brings synchrotron-quality imaging to conventional laboratory settings. His research has significant implications for improving medical diagnostics while making advanced imaging techniques more accessible. Analysis of Günther's publication record reveals a consistent focus on advancing compact X-ray source technology and its applications. His work demonstrates expertise in both theoretical modeling and experimental implementation, with publications spanning instrument development, imaging techniques, and specific medical applications. The research shows progression from fundamental source characterization to increasingly sophisticated biomedical applications, particularly in breast imaging, dental diagnostics, and materials science. 2019 Best Poster Award at the combined meeting of the 68th Denver X-ray Conference (DXC) & 25th International Congress on X-ray Optics and Microanalysis (ICXOM) for 'Full-Field Structured Illumination Super-Resolution X-ray Transmission Microscopy' Günther regularly presents his work at major international conferences including the International Particle Accelerator Conference, High-Brightness Sources and Light-driven Interactions Congress, and specialized X-ray imaging meetings. His research is conducted within the Munich Compact Light Source facility, a collaborative project involving physicists, engineers, and medical researchers working to develop laboratory-scale synchrotron technology for widespread biomedical use.
Dr. Johannes Dahl is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geosciences at Texas Tech University. His research focuses on the dynamics of convective storms, particularly supercells and tornado formation. He leads a research group using numerical simulations and mobile observational platforms like TTU Ka-band radars to study tornado vorticity origins and storm-environment interactions. Education: M.Sc. Atmospheric Science (Free University of Berlin, 2007); Ph.D. Atmospheric Science (Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, 2010). Research Interests: Tornadogenesis mechanisms, storm-scale vorticity dynamics, and cloud-scale numerical modeling. His work addresses critical questions such as whether tornado rotation is generated internally or imported from the environment. The group employs idealized simulations, theoretical frameworks, and field observations to advance understanding of severe weather processes. Recent publications emphasize vortex dynamics, numerical model validation, and environmental influences on tornado formation. He teaches courses in atmospheric science fundamentals, synoptic/mesoscale dynamics, and geophysical fluid dynamics. Labs/Teams: Active participant in VORTEX-SE field campaigns and collaborates with Texas Tech’s radar teams. His group integrates observational data with high-resolution simulations to improve storm prediction models.
