Dr. Ioannis Kaparias is an Associate Professor at the University of Southampton and Honorary Lecturer at Imperial College London. His expertise spans transport engineering, Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), and sustainable mobility solutions. He holds a MEng from Imperial College London (2004) and a PhD in reliable dynamic in-vehicle navigation (2008). His research focuses on traffic management, active travel, public transport optimization, and the integration of new technologies like CAVs and MaaS. He leads the Transportation Research Group (TRG) at Southampton and has contributed to projects funded by the EU, UK authorities, and industry partners like BMW. Key areas include network reliability, cyclist safety, and land use-transport interaction. He is Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the IET Intelligent Transport Systems journal and serves on TRB committees. Teaching includes Highway & Traffic Engineering modules at Southampton and他曾指导过多个研究生项目。他精通希腊语、英语、德语、法语和意大利语。
Dimitrios Zekkos is an Associate Professor at the University of Michigan's College of Engineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. He holds affiliations with the Center for South Asian Studies (CSAS) as faculty and serves as Founder & CEO of ARGO-E LLC, a geotechnical consultancy. His expertise spans geotechnical engineering, natural hazards, and remote sensing applications. Education: PhD (2005), MS (2002) – University of California, Berkeley; Ptychion (2001) – University of Patras, Greece. Research focuses on landslide dynamics, seismic ground response, UAV-enabled disaster assessment, and waste management systems. His work integrates field observations with advanced computational methods to address challenges in infrastructure resilience and environmental sustainability. Key projects include: Regional landslide hazard modeling in Nepal/Puerto Rico Co-seismic landslide mobility prediction Flood impact analysis in mountainous regions Structural health monitoring of civil infrastructure Zekkos' contributions to geotechnical engineering include novel liquefaction assessment procedures for gravelly soils and innovative applications of unmanned aerial vehicles for post-disaster reconnaissance. His research has been supported by NSF, NASA, and international collaborations.
Professor Mikhail Prokopenko is a leading academic in complex systems research at the University of Sydney's School of Computer Science. He holds a PhD in Computer Science (Macquarie University, 2002), MA in Economics (USA), and MSc in Applied Mathematics (USSR). As Director of the Centre for Complex Systems and Theme Co-Leader for Pathogen Emergence and Spread at the Institute for Infectious Diseases, his work focuses on modeling self-organizing systems, computational epidemiology, and AI applications in pandemic control. Roles: Director of Centre for Complex Systems, Theme Co-Leader (Pathogen Emergence), Theme Leader (Complex Systems) Education: PhD Computer Science (2002), MA Economics (USA), MSc Applied Mathematics (USSR) Affiliations: Fellow of Royal Society of NSW, Specialty Editor for Frontiers in Robotics and AI His research addresses challenges in complex systems like power grids, communication networks, and epidemiological models. Notable contributions include: RoboCup World Champion teams (2016, 2019) in Simulation League COVID-19 modeling featured in Nature's Top 50 SARS-CoV-2 articles (2020) Development of AMTraC-19 agent-based pandemic model Key research areas include: Guided self-organization principles Information dynamics in collective systems Thermodynamic efficiency of complex processes He has supervised over 200 publications and patents, with recent focus on pandemic response optimization and urban system resilience.
Prof. Heiner Igel is a Professor at the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) München. His research focuses on seismology, planetary geophysics, and structural health monitoring, leveraging advanced numerical methods and sensor technologies. He leads projects involving multi-component seismic measurements, seismic wave modeling, and planetary exploration instruments. Key research areas include rotational ground motion analysis, nonlinear seismic wave propagation, and subsurface imaging for Earth and planetary bodies. His work integrates cutting-edge numerical techniques like discontinuous Galerkin methods and Markov Chain Monte Carlo sampling for earthquake dynamics and material parameter inversion. Prof. Igel’s contributions include the NEPOS project for planetary seismic networks and collaborations with instruments like ROMY (Ring Laser Gyroscope). His studies span bridge monitoring, lunar subsurface exploration, and environmental seismology, emphasizing interdisciplinary applications of geophysical data.
Hachem Kassem is a Lecturer in Ocean Engineering at the University of Southampton, affiliated with the School of Ocean and Earth Science. He specializes in coastal hydrodynamics, sediment dynamics, and nature-based solutions to climate-mediated geohazards. His current roles include leading the MSc Programme in Applied Coastal and Offshore Geoscience and managing coastal research laboratories equipped with flumes and sediment analysis facilities. Education and Career: Hachem holds a PhD and MSc in relevant fields, and has been a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA). His career includes: 2022–present: Lecturer in Ocean Engineering, University of Southampton 2017–2021: Teaching and Research Fellow in Coastal Morphodynamics 2015–2017: Part-time Teaching Fellow in Coastal Morphodynamics and GIS 2010–2012: Lecturer in Civil Engineering at The London College Research Interests: Focus on coastal engineering, flow-structure interactions, and adaptive solutions for hazards like erosion and flooding. Key projects include Environment Agency-funded work in Pevensey Bay using X-band radar and autonomous systems, and collaborations on eco-reefs and subsea cable protection with industry partners. Teaching: Coordinates modules on coastal sediment dynamics and applied oceanography. Contributes to geoscience curricula and supervises student projects on coastal processes and engineering. External Roles: Serves as consultant for projects involving scour protection, seagrass health, and tidal interactions at nuclear sites. Leads the Nature-based Ocean Solutions Special Interest Group under the Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute. Labs & Infrastructure: Oversees coastal teaching/research labs with flumes and field monitoring equipment. Collaborates on geospatial data projects for nature-based solutions in Studland Bay.
Jeffery S. Volz holds the title of Associate Dean for Partnerships and is a Lloyd G. and Joyce Austin Presidential Professor at the University of Oklahoma 's Gallogly College of Engineering. He is affiliated with the School of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science (CEES), where he previously served as associate director for undergraduate studies and director of the Donald G. Fears Structural Engineering Laboratory. His academic journey includes roles in industry for 16 years at firms like Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, and the Portland Cement Association. Education : PhD, Civil Engineering, Pennsylvania State University MS, Architectural Engineering, Pennsylvania State University BAE, Architectural Engineering, Pennsylvania State University Research Focus : Volz's work centers on structural engineering and material science , emphasizing resilient and sustainable infrastructure solutions. Key areas include UHPC applications, bridge column reinforcement, and recycled material utilization in concrete. His research has been funded by NSF, DoD, FHWA, and industry partners like Ameren Corporation and Dolese. Grants & Projects : Over 20 grants since 2013, including studies on UHPC link slabs, FRP bridge decks, and high-volume recycled materials in pavements. He has led projects addressing bridge-pavement interaction, in-stream structure erosion effects, and corrosion-resistant concrete formulations. Labs & Teams : Director of the Donald G. Fears Structural Engineering Laboratory . Advises ASCE student chapters and competition teams (Concrete Canoe, Steel Bridge).
Pip Nicholson is Deputy Vice-Chancellor (People and Community) at the University of Melbourne, having previously served as Dean of Melbourne Law School (2018–2022) and Director of the Asian Law Centre. She holds a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws and PhD from Melbourne Law School, alongside a Master of Public Policy from the Australian National University. Her research focuses on socialist legal systems, with a particular emphasis on Vietnamese legal institutions, including courts, constitutions, and the legal profession. Her work is supported by Australian Research Council grants, examining legal development in Southeast Asia and comparative legal reforms. Education: BA/LLB (Melbourne Law School), PhD (Melbourne Law School), Master of Public Policy (ANU). Research explores judicial independence, legal reform dynamics, and transnational legal practices, often through collaborations with global scholars. She has led ARC-funded projects on comparative legal development in Vietnam and Cambodia, and drugs law in Southeast Asia. Her publications critically analyze legal systems in socialist contexts, judicial reforms, and the impact of international legal aid programs. She is affiliated with the Asian Law Centre and the Centre for Comparative Constitutional Studies, contributing to academic discourse on constitutionalism and rule of law in Asia.
Pedro Alvarez is the George R. Brown Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Rice University, directing both the NSF-funded NEWT Center and the Rice WaTER Institute. His research focuses on environmental sustainability through bioremediation, nanotechnology applications in water treatment, and antibiotic resistance control. Notable roles include leadership in AEESP and editorial positions at Environmental Science & Technology . Education: B.Eng. in Civil Engineering from McGill University, MS and PhD in Environmental Engineering from University of Michigan. Recognized with prestigious awards including the 2012 Clarke Prize and election to the National Academy of Engineering and Chinese Academy of Engineering. Research emphasizes nanomaterial synthesis for water treatment, microbial-plant interactions, and toxic chemical fate. Key contributions include phage-based biocontrol strategies and sustainable water reuse technologies. His work bridges engineering, microbiology, and chemistry to address global environmental challenges. Awards highlight both research and teaching excellence, including the AAEES Grand Prize and Collegiate Excellence in Teaching Award. Active in policy through EPA advisory roles and Houston Endowment board service. Grants and collaborations fund initiatives like bacteriophage engineering for biofilm control and nanoscale environmental remediation. Labs and centers under his direction focus on scalable solutions for clean water access and environmental nanotechnology innovation.
Adrian Russell is a Professor of Geotechnical Engineering at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), specializing in soil mechanics, rock mechanics, and unsaturated soils. He holds a PhD in Civil Engineering (UNSW, 2005), a BE (Civil Engineering, UNSW, 1998), and a PGCert in Higher Education (University of Bristol, 2008). His research focuses on geotechnical engineering challenges in infrastructure systems, including tailings storages, foundations, and earthquake engineering. Russell collaborates extensively with industry partners such as Glencore and Wagstaff Piling to translate research into practical applications, such as soil-cement-fibre mix technologies and ore pass blockage prevention. He has led major grants, including a $1.5M project with Amira Global to prevent tailings dam failures, and holds an Australian Research Council Future Fellowship (2021–2024). Russell teaches advanced geotechnical courses like CVEN9521 and CVEN9513, emphasizing innovative problem-solving and practical applications. His research group includes 5 PhD students and 2 Research Associates, with former students now leading academic and industry roles globally. Russell invented a novel biaxial earthquake shaking table, granted patents, and advises on international guidelines for slope stability and tailings management. He frequently lectures at global conferences and serves on editorial boards such as Geotechnique and International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences . Key industry engagements include partnerships with mining companies to assess tailings liquefaction risks via cone penetration testing (CPT) and stability analyses. His work on unsaturated soil mechanics has been integrated into practical guidelines and training programs through the Australian Geomechanics Society. Russell also contributed to advancing understanding of particle mechanics, including fractal-based soil characterization and granular media behavior. His labs and facilities, such as the seismic shaking table, enable cutting-edge testing for infrastructure resilience under dynamic loads.
Roman Markiewicz is a Senior Scientist and Researcher at TU Wien's Research Area Foundation Engineering, Soil and Rock Mechanics. His work focuses on geothermal energy integration into urban and infrastructure systems, energy geostructures, and long-term monitoring of thermal activation in construction. Key projects include the thermo-active ground source system at Vienna's Taborstrasse metro station and geothermal utilization of the Lainzer Tunnel. His research emphasizes sustainable energy solutions, geotechnical applications, and infrastructure innovation to address global energy challenges. Markiewicz collaborates closely with professionals like Dietmar Adam and Adrian Brunner, contributing to advancements in energy-efficient construction and renewable energy systems. Research interests span geothermal energy extraction, energy piles, soil-rock mechanics, and the adaptation of infrastructure for thermal energy harvesting. His work bridges geotechnical engineering with environmental sustainability, aiming to optimize energy use in urban and civil engineering projects. Recent efforts highlight the analysis of long-term performance data from real-world installations to refine energy geostructure designs and improve system reliability.
Miao Li is a Senior Lecturer in Engineering at Charles Sturt University, affiliated with the School of Computing, Mathematics and Engineering. She is a member of the Imaging and Sensing Research Group and the Sustainability in Engineering Research Group (SERG) at the Gulbali Research Institute. Her academic journey includes a PhD in Civil Engineering from Griffith University and earlier degrees in geological and engineering geology from Chinese institutions. Doctor of Philosophy (Civil Engineering) Master of Science (Geological Engineering) Bachelor of Science (Engineering Geology) Dr Li's research spans computational mechanics, numerical modeling, wastewater treatment, and non-linear structural dynamics, with a strong focus on sustainable engineering solutions. Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals through innovations in geotechnical systems, energy storage, and low-carbon construction. She has published extensively in top journals, with recent work focusing on adaptive mesh refinement, rock damage modeling, and frost heave in soils. Her recent publications highlight a trend toward high-fidelity numerical simulations and experimental validation in geotechnical and structural systems, particularly under extreme or cyclic loading conditions. She applies computational fluid dynamics and finite element methods to solve complex engineering problems in energy, infrastructure, and environmental resilience. Executive Dean Teaching Award (2024) Fellow of Advance HE (2025) Dr Li is a registered thesis supervisor and actively mentors students through research projects and industry placements. She has secured research recognition through awards and grants, and her work is frequently covered in press and media, reflecting its real-world impact. She participates in major international conferences in ocean, offshore, and structural engineering, and contributes to editorial and academic organizing roles. She leads research initiatives within the Imaging and Sensing Research Group and SERG, focusing on smart sensing, sustainable materials, and computational modeling for resilient infrastructure.
Dr Zeke Ahern is a Research Fellow in Transport Engineering and Planning at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), affiliated with the School of Civil & Environmental Engineering. He holds a PhD from QUT. His research focuses on transportation safety, crash frequency modeling, and optimization of public transit systems. Dr Ahern’s work emphasizes multi-objective frameworks for analyzing crash data, improving safety infrastructure, and enhancing urban mobility through advanced statistical and computational methods. He has collaborated on projects involving raised safety platforms, parking payment behavior, and integrated bus route design. His publications reflect contributions to transportation engineering, traffic safety, and data-driven decision-making in civil infrastructure. Research Interests: Dr Ahern’s primary areas include crash frequency modeling, transportation safety infrastructure evaluation, and the application of optimization algorithms (e.g., simulated annealing, metaheuristics) to transportation problems. He develops tools like the Metacountregressor Python package to assist in analyzing count data models, bridging software engineering and transportation research. Publications highlight trends in data-driven safety analysis and infrastructure optimization. His work spans both theoretical advancements (e.g., hypothesis testing for crash models) and practical applications (e.g., raised platform effectiveness reviews). Recent efforts emphasize integrating multiple objectives into transportation planning, such as balancing safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
Dr. Mohammad Razaur Rahman Shaon is an Associate Research Scientist at the Connecticut Transportation Institute (CTI), part of the University of Connecticut. Previously, he served as a Senior Research Specialist at the University of Arizona's Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering and Mechanics. He holds a Ph.D. in Transportation Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, an M.Sc. from South Dakota State University, and a B.Sc. from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET). His research focuses on highway safety, crash data analysis, vulnerable road user protection, intelligent transportation systems, and driver behavior modeling. He has contributed to over 25 peer-reviewed publications and serves as a reviewer for journals like Accident Analysis and Prevention and the Journal of Transportation Engineering. Dr. Shaon’s work emphasizes the intersection of human behavior and safety, particularly in driver decisions and their impact on collision outcomes. His research on autonomous vehicles and pedestrian safety has garnered media attention for enhancing public safety awareness. He has led or co-PI’d numerous projects funded by federal, state, and local entities, addressing systemic safety, automated vehicle integration, and traffic management innovations. His current affiliations include CTI’s CAPLab, CTSRC, and T2Center, where he develops safety tools and evaluates advanced transportation systems. Recent studies highlight trends in autonomous vehicle interaction with pedestrians, E-scooter impacts on bike-sharing systems, and data-driven safety screening methodologies. His work bridges technical advancements with societal needs, aiming to improve transportation infrastructure and user safety through rigorous analysis and policy development.
Professor Li Tian (b. 1982) is a full professor and PhD supervisor at the Department of Civil Engineering, School of Civil Engineering, Shandong University. He serves as Director of the Shandong Green Building Intelligent Construction Center and was selected into Shandong University's Youth Scholar Future Plan (2017-2022). His research focuses on seismic and wind resistance of civil infrastructure, with 38 SCI publications and 56 patents (26 inventions). Research Interests Structural Earthquake and Wind Resilience Vibration Control Systems Smart Material Applications Multi-hazard Structural Analysis Long-span Transmission Tower Dynamics Publications Overview His 15 most recent works (2018-2019) demonstrate expertise in seismic/wind vulnerability of power infrastructure, vibration control devices (particularly SMA-TMD systems), and multi-hazard structural analysis. Key contributions include probabilistic seismic demand modeling, bidirectional damping mechanisms, and collapse failure simulations. Scientific Awards Multiple Shandong Electric Power Science and Technology Progress Prizes (2018, 2015) Shandong University Teaching Awards (2017, 2012, 2014) National and Regional Academic Paper Prizes Academic Engagement He actively participates in structural engineering societies, serves on NSFC review panels, and acts as reviewer for over 30 journals including Engineering Structures and Earthquake Engineering and Engineering Vibration .
Dr. Marianne Touchie is an Associate Professor jointly appointed in the Departments of Civil & Mineral Engineering and Mechanical & Industrial Engineering at the University of Toronto. She serves as Director of the Building Energy and Indoor Environment Lab and holds the Canada Research Chair in Sustainable Urban Housing. Dr. Touchie earned her BASc (2009) and PhD (2014) in Civil Engineering from the University of Toronto, with postdoctoral work at Toronto Atmospheric Fund. Research Focus: Her interdisciplinary program centers on optimizing building performance through energy-efficient retrofits that enhance indoor environmental quality. Key areas include: HVAC system optimization and ventilation efficacy in high-rises Thermal/acoustic comfort and occupant well-being metrics Lifecycle analysis of sustainable housing forms Climate-resilient building codes and policy frameworks Publications: Her recent work (2023-2025) demonstrates strong emphasis on field-based validation of retrofit strategies, climate adaptation in building codes, and holistic assessment of housing sustainability. Dominant themes include multi-unit residential building (MURB) performance, co-benefits quantification of retrofits, and occupant-centered design. Awards & Honors: McCharles Prize for Early Career Research Distinction (2022) Early Career Teaching Award (2022) ASHRAE New Investigator Award (2018) OBEC Rising Star Award (2021) Clean 50 – Canada (2020) Leadership: She leads 15+ projects with industry/government partners (e.g., Toronto Community Housing), supervises 40+ graduate students, and serves as President of the Building Science Specialist Board of Canada. Her lab develops novel assessment tools like Photovoice and CONTAM simulations for retrofit validation.
