Michael McAlpine is a Professor in the Mechanical Engineering department at the University of Minnesota . He also holds affiliations with the Biomedical Engineering and Electrical and Computer Engineering departments. His research focuses on 3D printing functional materials & devices , Nanoscale inks , Biomedical devices , Bioelectronics , and Flexible Microsystems . Research Interests : 3D Printing, Biomedical Engineering, Nanotechnology, Flexible Electronics, Microfluidics Labs : ME 361/363 Contact : mcalpine@umn.edu , (612) 626-3303, ME 117 Recent Research Trends include 3D Printed Biomedical Devices , Flexible Electronics , and Bioprinting Applications . His work spans from Spinal Organoid Formation to Programmable Drug Release Capsules . Scientific Award : Circulation Research 2020 Best Manuscript Award
Prof. Jürgen Rühe is a Full Professor of Chemistry and Physics of Interfaces at the Institute of Microsystems Technology, Albert Ludwigs University of Freiburg, within the Faculty of Engineering. He serves as Deputy Coordinator of Research Area C and Principal Investigator for Research Areas A, B, C, and D. His expertise spans polymers at interfaces, metamaterials, biomedical surfaces, and self-healing materials. He leads the Cluster of Excellence liv MatS, focusing on adaptive and energy-autonomous materials systems. Education: Not explicitly stated in text. His research emphasizes programmable materials, 4D printing, and bioinspired design, with projects funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). Notable contributions include anti-fog coatings, magnetic microactuators for cell stimulation, and hygromorphic materials for adaptive architecture. He supervises doctoral and postdoctoral researchers, advancing fields like tribology and surface functionalization. Key scientific achievements include developing C,H-insertion cross-linking (CHic) for durable polymer networks and exploring smart materials for biomedical and environmental applications. His work bridges fundamental polymer chemistry with practical applications in energy, healthcare, and sustainable architecture. He advises over ten doctoral students and collaborates with industry partners. His lab, part of the Institute of Microsystems Technology, focuses on micro- and nanostructuring, with projects funded by the Cluster of Excellence.
David Juncker is a Professor and Department Chair of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at McGill University. He serves as a Principal Investigator at the McGill University & Genome Quebec Innovation Centre and holds associate memberships in the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Surgery, and Goodman Cancer Research Centre. His research focuses on micro- and nano-bioengineering technologies for bioanalysis, precision medicine, and organs-on-chips. Key areas include microfluidics, lab-on-a-chip devices, biomedical sensors, medical diagnostics, biomaterials, tissue engineering, and cancer biomarker discovery. His lab develops scalable antibody microarrays, self-powered diagnostic platforms, microfluidic probes for brain tissue perfusion, and nanogradients for neuronal navigation, with applications in cancer diagnostics, global health, and neuroscience. Recent publications (2023-2025) reveal strong emphasis on extracellular vesicle analysis, single-cell proteomics, 3D-printed microfluidic/organ-on-a-chip systems, and capillary-driven circuits. Key trends include low-cost point-of-care diagnostics, advanced circulating tumor cell isolation methods, and biomimetic synthetic vesicles for drug delivery, demonstrating translational potential in early disease detection. Dr. Juncker leads a highly interdisciplinary team comprising undergraduate and graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and staff from diverse scientific, engineering, and cultural backgrounds. His lab actively recruits Canadian/permanent resident graduate students for projects on single extracellular vesicle and protein detection in cancer and infectious diseases, leveraging microfluidics and wearables for biomarker discovery. The Juncker Lab operates from the McGill University & Genome Quebec Innovation Centre (740 Dr. Penfield Avenue, Room 6206). It maintains a collaborative, multicultural environment focused on developing transformative micro- and nano-bioengineering technologies with significant potential impact on human health diagnostics and treatment.
Amit Lal is a Professor in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Cornell University, with affiliations in Biomedical Engineering, Applied Engineering Physics, and Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. He is a member of key research centers including Cornell CCMR, NBTC, and KAUST-CU. Education: B.S. in Electrical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, 1990 Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, 1996 Prof. Lal's research focuses on the development of integrated microsystems using micro- and nanoscale fabrication. His work spans ultrasonic MEMS, low-power IoT sensors, atomic microsystems, and bio-robotics. He directs the SonicMEMS Laboratory, advancing technologies in GHz ultrasonics, inertial sensing, and chip-scale manipulation of particles. His interdisciplinary interests include biomedical imaging, solid-state devices, nanotechnology, and plasma science. His recent publications highlight innovation in energy harvesting, MEMS gyroscopes, and biologically integrated systems. The works reflect strong trends in autonomous sensing, miniaturized power sources, and hybrid bio-electromechanical systems, particularly for medical and navigation applications. Scientific Awards and Honors: NSF CAREER Award Whitaker Foundation Award Department of Defense Exceptional Service Award Best Program Manager Award, DARPA IEEE Ultrasonics and Frequency Control Symposium Best Paper Award IEEE NEMS Best Paper Award Robert M. Scharf 1977 Professor, Cornell Engineering HHMI Visiting Scientist, Janelia Farms Intel Fellowship (awarded to advisee) Prof. Lal has advised numerous students who have gone on to win awards and publish impactful research. He has secured significant research funding through DARPA and other agencies, managing and initiating multiple high-impact programs. His leadership extends to service on technical committees for IEEE conferences and journals, including Transducers and the IEEE Sensors Council. He has also contributed to academic recruiting within ECE. He leads the SonicMEMS Laboratory , a multidisciplinary research group focused on transforming sensing, communication, and computation at the microscale. The lab fosters collaboration across engineering and life sciences, pushing the boundaries of what integrated microsystems can achieve.
Albert B Frazier is a Professor in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology. He holds a joint appointment in Bioengineering and has expertise in Microsystems, MEMS, and biomedical applications. His research focuses on microfluidics, integrated detection systems, and microneedle technologies. Education: B.S. & M.S. (Electrical Engineering, Auburn University, 1986–1987); Ph.D. (Electrical and Computer Engineering, Georgia Tech, 1993) Previous Roles: Visiting Scholar (University of Michigan, 1994–1995), Joint Faculty (University of Utah, 1995–1999) His research interests span micromachining , bio-detection systems , and nanotechnology . He has led initiatives in microfluidic systems for cellular analysis and pioneered work on nano-particle separations. Dr. Frazier has served as an Associate Editor for Journal of Mechatronics and IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics , and chaired multiple technical committees and panels. He has received awards including the 2007 Georgia Tech Outstanding Professional Education Award and has delivered plenary lectures at international conferences. Currently, he chairs the ECE Bioengineering and Microsystems Technical Interest Groups and serves on the Scientific Advisory Board for CBMM for Precision Medicine.
Johan Ulrik Lind is an Associate Professor and Groupleader at the Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark. His research focuses on cutting-edge biomedical engineering solutions including tissue engineering, bioprinting, and microphysiological systems. He actively contributes to additive manufacturing and functional materials development. Current Affiliation: Department of Health Technology, DTU Research Areas: 3D bioprinting, hydrogel technologies, microsystems engineering Expertise: UN Sustainable Development Goals for health and well-being Lind's work spans additive manufacturing for tissue engineering, functionalized biomaterials , and dynamic microphysiological systems . His recent publications highlight innovations in hydrogel formulation, bioink development, and particulate drug delivery systems. Notably, he holds a patent for transparent bioink formulation. He supervises multiple PhD projects including: micro-perfused bioartificial ovaries, embedded bioprinting of perfusable vasculatures, and 3D printed microsystems for tissue actuation. His research portfolio demonstrates strong interdisciplinary collaboration across engineering, biology, and pharmaceutical sciences.
Abraham D. Stroock is an Assistant Professor at the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, since 2003. He holds a B.A. in Physics (Cornell, 1995), M.S. in Solid State Physics (University of Paris, 1997), and Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering (Harvard, 2002). His research bridges microfluidics, biophysics, and sustainable energy. Education: B.A., Physics, Cornell University (1995) M.S., Solid State Physics, University of Paris VI/XI (1997) Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, Harvard University (2002) The Stroock Lab explores micrometer-scale chemical processes inspired by plant biology, focusing on liquid manipulation, negative-pressure water properties, vascular development in tissue engineering, and fluid mechanics in microsystems. Key technologies include microtensiometers and nanoporous membranes . His recent work (2025-2024) spans optical phenotyping using soft robotics, hydromechanical signaling in plants, tissue scaffolds for regenerative medicine, and advanced models for transpiration control. These studies integrate bioengineering, nanotechnology, and environmental science. Scientific Awards: Van Ness Lectureship (2010) Camille Dreyfus Teacher Scholar Award (2009) NSF CAREER Award (2008) MIT Technology Review TR35 (2007) ONR Young Investigator Award (2004) 3M Non-Tenured Faculty Award (2006) Beckman Young Investigator Award (2006) Dreyfus New Faculty Award (2003) He has led projects on superheated loop heat pipes , phosphorescent oxygen sensors , and synthetic tree-on-a-chip systems. His teaching includes advanced biomolecular engineering (ChemE 7770), and he contributes to policy through the Chemistry and Chemical Biology (CBE) Policy Committee.
Xin Ning is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), where he also holds appointments in the Materials Research Laboratory. Previously, he served as an Assistant Professor at Pennsylvania State University from 2018 to 2023. His academic journey includes postdoctoral research at UIUC and California Institute of Technology (Caltech). Educated at Caltech, he earned a Ph.D. in Aeronautics in 2015 and an M.S. in Aeronautics in 2010. His research focuses on soft electronics for aerospace engineering , bio-inspired aerospace structures , in-space manufacturing and assembly , and multifunctional space structures . These interests drive innovations in lightweight, adaptive, and multifunctional materials and systems for aerospace applications. For instance, his work explores bio-inspired cellular materials for aircraft wings and bistable composite booms for deployable structures. He has been recognized with several honors, including the 2022 Young Investigator Award from the Office of Naval Research, 2019 Haythornthwaite Foundation Research Initiation Award, 2015 William F. Ballhaus Prize from Caltech, and the 2012 Dow-Resnick Fellowship. In addition to research, Professor Ning teaches courses such as AE 323: Applied Aerospace Structures and AE 498: Space Structures . While specific grants are not detailed here, his work has been supported through awards like the ONR Young Investigator grant. He collaborates with the Materials Research Laboratory at UIUC and engages in interdisciplinary projects involving soft electronics and bio-inspired engineering.
Prof. Dr. Gerald Urban is a distinguished Professor at the Institute for Microsystems Technology (IMTEK) within the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Freiburg, Germany. With over three decades of academic and research experience, he has established himself as a leading expert in biomedical microtechnology and sensor systems. His career spans prestigious institutions including the Vienna University of Technology and collaborations with major research centers worldwide. His educational journey includes: 1973: Graduated from Sigmund Freud Gymnasium in Vienna 1979: Completed studies in Technical Physics at Vienna University of Technology 1985: Earned Doctorate (Dr.-Ing.) with distinction (Summa cum Laude) from Vienna University of Technology 1994: Completed habilitation in Sensorics Prof. Urban's research focuses on the development and application of miniaturized integrated sensors for clinical and industrial applications. His work bridges the gap between fundamental materials science and practical medical devices, with particular emphasis on biomedical microtechnology , electrochemical biosensors , and organ-on-chip systems . His team has pioneered innovations in point-of-care diagnostics, therapeutic drug monitoring, and micro energy harvesting technologies. The research group maintains strong collaborations with clinical partners to ensure translational impact of their technological developments. Analysis of Prof. Urban's recent publications reveals a clear trajectory toward increasingly sophisticated multiplexed sensing platforms that integrate CRISPR-based diagnostics with electrochemical detection systems. His work demonstrates growing emphasis on point-of-care applications, with particular focus on making complex diagnostic capabilities accessible outside traditional laboratory settings. The integration of additive manufacturing techniques with sensor technology represents another significant trend in his recent work, enabling customized microreactor and organ-on-chip platforms. Among his notable scientific achievements: Stefan Schuy Prize for Biomedical Engineering (1990) AVL-List Prize (1993) Best Poster at Eurosensors (1993) Hoechst-Price (1994) Corresponding member of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (2010) EAMBES-Fellow (2018) Prof. Urban has successfully secured substantial research funding throughout his career, with accumulated third-party funding reaching approximately 5 million euros between 1986-1995. He has established multiple spin-off companies including Otto Sensorenfabrikationsgesellschaft (1985), Biosensor GnbR (1994), and Jobst Technologies GmbH (2002), demonstrating his commitment to translating research into practical applications. His leadership extends to major research initiatives including the excellence initiative "µMAT" and the graduate school "PolyMIC". At the University of Freiburg, Prof. Urban leads a vibrant research group within the Institute for Microsystems Technology, which forms part of the larger BrainLinks-BrainTools and BIOSS research clusters. His laboratory maintains state-of-the-art facilities for microsensor fabrication, including cleanroom access through the WebFab service center. The research environment benefits from strong connections with the Freiburg Material Research Center (FMF) and the Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS), where he served as an Internal Fellow (2008-2010).
Michael Levin is a Distinguished Professor at Tufts University in the Department of Biology within the School of Arts and Sciences. He serves as Director of both the Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University and the Tufts Center for Regenerative and Developmental Biology. His laboratory investigates the intersection of developmental biology, artificial life, bioengineering, synthetic morphology, and cognitive science. Allen Discovery Center at Tufts Tufts Center for Regenerative and Developmental Biology Tufts/UVM: ICDO Harvard Wyss Institute Stibel Dennett Consortium for Brain and Cognitive Science The Proteus Institute MIT Science and Technology Center EBICS Levin's research focuses on understanding diverse intelligence in evolved, designed, and hybrid complex systems. His lab combines developmental biophysics, computer science, and behavioral science to study how cognition scales up from cellular competencies to organism-level behaviors. A key specialty is developmental bioelectricity—the study of how somatic electrical networks store, process, and act on information to control large-scale body structure. His team creates tools to read and edit the bioelectric code guiding proto-cognitive computations in the body. Levin's publications reveal a strong focus on bioelectricity, morphogenesis, and non-neural cognition across multiple model systems including Xenopus, planarians, and synthetic living constructs. His recent work explores collective intelligence as a unifying concept across biological scales, the development of microfluidic devices for measuring electrical connectivity, and optical estimation of bioelectric patterns in living embryos. His research spans fundamental developmental mechanisms to potential biomedical applications in regeneration and disease treatment. As an editor, Levin serves as Co-Editor-in-Chief of Bioelectricity and Founding Associate Editor of Collective Intelligence. He has mentored numerous post-doctoral fellows and graduate students who have gone on to establish their own research programs. His lab has received significant attention for creating novel biological machines (xenobots) and demonstrating that cells can store and transmit behavioral memory outside the brain. The Levin Lab maintains several significant research initiatives including the Allen Discovery Center at Tufts, the Tufts Center for Regenerative and Developmental Biology, and collaborations with the Wyss Institute at Harvard. The lab employs a multidisciplinary approach combining wet lab experiments with computational modeling to investigate how living systems achieve goal-directed behavior and pattern formation.
Dr. Ye Wang is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Microsystems , Mechanical Engineering School , Eindhoven University of Technology . Active in UN Sustainable Development Goals related to biomedical technology, their work focuses on magnetic artificial cilia for microfluidic applications. Academic Rank: Assistant Professor University: Eindhoven University of Technology School: Mechanical Engineering Department: Microsystems Research Interests : Fluid dynamics in microsystems, magnetic actuation, biomechanical stimuli response, and biomedical device development. Key areas include programmable artificial cilia, shear-thinning fluid transport, and biofouling prevention through microscale engineering. Scientific Trends : Recent works emphasize cilia-based microfluidic mixing, non-Newtonian fluid dynamics, and organ-on-chip platforms. Collaborative projects with Prof. J.M.J. den Toonder and P.R. Onck dominate current publications. Advising : Supervised multiple student theses on topics ranging from microrheology to microheater reliability. Graduate students include F.W. Boots , M.H.J. Dekkers , and Y.-T. Lan . Projects : Currently involved in Accelerating Innovation in Microfabricated Medical Devices (2020-2023) with focus on continuous monitoring and advanced diagnostics. Scientific Impact : 1231 citations (Scopus) with collaborative networks spanning fluid dynamics, magnetic actuation, and biomedical applications. Featured in PNAS and Lab on a Chip publications.
Prof. Can Dincer is a Professor of Sensors and Wearables for Healthcare at the TUM School of Computation, Information and Technology, Technische Universität München (TUM). His research focuses on bioanalytical materials, wearable sensors, and AI-driven diagnostics for One-Health applications, integrating disposable sensor technology with data science. He holds a doctorate from the University of Freiburg (summa cum laude, 2016) and worked as a visiting scientist at Imperial College London before joining TUM in 2024. He is a member of the Munich Institute of Biomedical Engineering (MIBE). Key research interests include: Development of wearable biosensors for real-time health monitoring CRISPR-based diagnostics for nucleic acids and proteins AI integration for therapeutic drug monitoring in sepsis and other critical conditions Environmental health connections via point-of-need diagnostics Notable achievements include the 2021 Biosensors & Bioelectronics Best Paper Award and inclusion in Stanford's World's Top 2% Scientists since 2022. His work spans clinical applications, microfluidic platforms, and nanotechnology-based solutions for healthcare challenges. Publications highlight innovations like optogenetic bioassays (Science Advances, 2024), CRISPR-powered multiplexed biosensors, and wearable systems for continuous biomarker monitoring. His research bridges material science, electrical engineering, and biomedicine to create practical diagnostic tools. Prof. Dincer collaborates across disciplines, focusing on translating lab innovations into clinical and commercial applications through advanced sensor technologies.
Tony Jun Huang is the William Bevan Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science at Duke University, with additional professorships in Electrical and Computer Engineering and Biomedical Engineering. His research focuses on acoustofluidics, optofluidics, and micro/nano systems for biomedical diagnostics and therapeutics. Ph.D. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (UCLA, 2005) Huang's research has revolutionized biomedical microsystems through acoustofluidic technologies, enabling contactless particle manipulation, exosome isolation, and advanced diagnostic platforms. His work has been cited over 36,000 times (h-index: 102) with 30 issued/pending patents. Recent publications highlight his innovations in acoustic tweezers, extracellular vesicle analysis, topological acoustofluidics, and AI-assisted biomimetic imaging. His lab develops technologies for single-cell analysis, non-invasive diagnostics, and programmable material systems. 2023 Highly Cited Researcher (Web of Science) 2020 Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) 2019 Van C. Mow Medal (ASME) 2017 Analytical Chemistry Young Innovator Award (ACS) 2010 NIH Director's New Innovator Award Huang has taught courses including ME 535: Biomedical Microsystems and mentored numerous graduate students through his Duke Acoustofluidics Lab. His lab's technologies are applied in cancer biomarker detection, Alzheimer's diagnostics, and wound healing hydrogels.
Georgios Palasantzas is a Full Professor at the University of Groningen, holding positions in both the Faculty of Science and Engineering within the Nanostructured Materials and Interfaces group and the Faculty of Medical Sciences/UMCG in the Nanotechnology and Biophysics in Medicine (NANOBIOMED) program. His research spans multiple disciplines at the intersection of physics, materials science, and medical applications. Palasantzas earned his PhD in the group of Prof. J. Crimea in the USA, followed by mandatory military service in Greece and a postdoc at Delft University of Technology/DIMES (NEXT Lab). He joined the University of Groningen as a Metals Fellow within the Netherlands Institute of Metals Research (NIMR), became a Lecturer at the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials in 2000, was promoted to Associate Professor, and has served as a Full Professor since 2019. His research focuses on fundamental nanoscale phenomena with applications in multiple fields. Key areas include Nanoscale surface roughness , Casimir forces , Nano/microelectromechanical systems , Nanoparticles , Kinetic roughening , Scanning probe microscopy , Adhesion , and Wetting . His work has significant implications for both fundamental physics and practical applications in nanotechnology and medicine. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on Casimir force phenomena across various materials and conditions, with increasing interdisciplinary applications in medical contexts, particularly in understanding cellular mechanics and developing neuromorphic computing systems using nanoparticle networks. His research demonstrates a consistent trajectory from fundamental surface physics toward practical applications in nanotechnology and biomedicine. NWO/ENW-M1 grant on Surface roughness effects on DLVO forces between functionalized surfaces (Ranked 2, 2020) NWO/ENW-M1 grant on Casimir force control by reversible amorphous-crystalline phase transitions (Ranked 1, 2021) NWO/Open Technology Program (OTP) grant on Repulsive Casimir forces from topological insulators towards device actuation (Ranked 3, 2022) GogiCron/RUG grant on Neuromorphics with nanoparticles (2020) Professor Palasantzas leads research in the Nanostructured Materials and Interfaces group, with significant collaboration between the Faculty of Science and Engineering and the Faculty of Medical Sciences. His work bridges fundamental physics with practical applications in medical diagnostics and nanotechnology, particularly through the NANOBIOMED initiative which explores the intersection of nanotechnology and biophysics in medical contexts.
Professor Kenn Oldham is a tenured faculty member in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where he leads the Vibration and Acoustics Laboratory: Microsystems. His research spans Controls, Mechatronics and Robotics, and Micro/Nano Engineering with applications in medical imaging and autonomous systems. Education Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, University of California at Berkeley (2006) B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University (2000) His work focuses on micro-mechatronic systems for endoscopic imaging, micro-robotic manipulation, physiological feedback identification, and MEMS modeling. Current projects include NIH-funded development of cellular-resolution endoscopic microscopes for neurological disease detection and leadership in a $6M National Center for Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering. Awards & Recognition NSF CAREER Award (2010) DARPA Young Faculty Award (2008) ASME Fellow (2025) ORAU Post-Doctoral Fellowship (2006-2007) ADPET Fellowship, UC Berkeley (2005-2006) NSF Graduate Research Fellowship (2000-2003) Professor Oldham mentors students through weekly individual meetings and collaborative lab sessions, emphasizing hands-on prototyping in physical systems development. He requires at least one GSI assignment during doctoral studies, supports summer internships, and funds conference attendance at venues including the American Control Conference and IEEE Conference on Advanced Intelligent Mechatronics. His lab maintains flexible scheduling with expectations for 4-5 year PhD completion.
