Dr. Victoria Serra-Sastre is a Senior Lecturer at City, University of London, with research affiliations at the London School of Economics (LSE). Her expertise centers on health economics and applied microeconometrics, focusing on technology diffusion in healthcare, including the impact of medical technologies on health outcomes, hospital performance, and workforce dynamics. She investigates substitution/complementarity between technologies and explores hospital competition and workforce trends. Research interests include analyzing how technological advancements affect healthcare delivery and labor markets. While affiliated with City University, her collaborative work at LSE emphasizes medical technology uptake and its systemic implications in healthcare systems.
Assoc Prof Xiang Liming is an Associate Professor in the Division of Mathematical Sciences at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, serving as Assistant Chair (Students). She holds editorial roles at *Computational Statistics & Data Analysis* and *Statistics in Medicine*. With a PhD in Statistics (City University of Hong Kong, 2002), her research focuses on survival analysis, longitudinal data analysis, and biostatistical methods. Notable contributions include methodologies for semi-competing risks, interval-censored data, and mixture models. Her work bridges statistical theory with biomedical applications, addressing challenges in clinical trials and public health. Awards include the 2009 IIE Transactions Best Paper Award and the Outstanding Research Thesis Award (2002–2003, CityU). Education: PhD in Statistics, City University of Hong Kong (2002) Postdoctoral Research: Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (2002–2003) and CityU (2003–2006) Research Interests: Survival analysis methodologies, including frailty models, cure models, and quantile regression for censored data. She develops robust statistical approaches for clustered/longitudinal data, addressing missingness and overdispersion. Applications span biomedical research, epidemiology, and quality management. Grants & Collaborations: Her grants include work on robotic-assisted stroke rehabilitation (2021) and LNG cold energy utilization systems (2017–2019). She collaborates with clinical teams on trials involving upper limb neurorehabilitation technologies. Labs & Teams: Leads statistical method development for multi-center clinical trials, particularly in biostatistics and survival analysis frameworks. Active in NTU’s School of Physical & Mathematical Sciences research initiatives.
Professor Dan Zenkert is a faculty member at Kungliga Tekniska Högskolan (KTH) in the Department of MATERIAL AND STRUCTURAL MECHANICS. He earned his M.Sc. (Aeronautics) and Ph.D. (Lightweight Structures) from KTH, becoming a docent (D.Sc.) in 1996, associate professor in 1998, and full professor in 2001. His research focuses on multifunctional composite materials, particularly carbon fiber-based systems for energy storage (structural batteries), shape-morphing composites, integrated sensing, and energy harvesting. Collaborations with Electrochemistry and Polymer Chemistry groups drive innovations in structural batteries, where materials simultaneously bear mechanical loads and store energy. He teaches courses on lightweight structures and composite mechanics. Research highlights include structural battery design using laminated carbon fiber electrodes, piezo-electrochemical sensing via Li-ion intercalation, and shape-morphing composites through electrochemical actuation. Recent work explores electrolyte optimization, LiFePO₄-coated electrodes, and long-term performance of multifunctional systems. Publications span over 30 years, with contributions to journals like Composites Science and Technology and Advanced Energy & Sustainability Research . His teaching includes roles as examiner and course responsible for programs like Fibre Composites and Future Sustainable Aviation. Personal interests include fly-fishing, motorcycle riding, and basketball coaching. Scholarly contributions include over 130 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, with active involvement in conferences like ICCM and ECCM.
Karen Bandeen-Roche is a Professor and the Hurley-Dorrier Professor and Chair of the Department of Biostatistics at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, with joint affiliations in the School of Medicine and the School of Nursing. She is a leading expert in biostatistical methodology, particularly in latent variable models, longitudinal analysis, and multivariate survival methods applied to aging and gerontology. Her research focuses on developing statistical models for unobservable processes such as frailty, resilience, and functional status in older adults. She has made significant contributions to the measurement of aging-related constructs and has extensive collaborative work in ophthalmology and neurology. Her methodological work includes mixture models, measurement error correction, and latent class modeling. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in gerontological biostatistics, with a focus on frailty, dementia risk, resilience, and multisystem physiological responses in aging. Her work integrates complex data from observational cohorts and clinical studies, often employing innovative latent variable frameworks to address measurement challenges in health outcomes. Scientific Awards and Honors: Marvin Zelen Leadership Award in Statistical Science (2016) Fellow of the American Statistical Association (2001) Brookdale National Fellow (1997) Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching (2010) Garland Clay Award (1999) Chair, NIH BMRD Study Section (2006–2008) President, Eastern North American Region, International Biometric Society (2011–2013) Executive Board, International Biometric Society (2015–2022) Board of Directors, National Institute of Statistical Sciences (2020–2023) Karen Bandeen-Roche has been deeply involved in advising and training the next generation of researchers. She co-directs a training program in Biostatistics and Epidemiology of Aging and has received multiple teaching and mentoring awards. She has served on numerous academic committees, including appointments and promotions, faculty senate, and ethics committees at Johns Hopkins. Her grants and collaborative research span aging, dementia, ophthalmology, and cardiovascular health, often supported by NIH and other federal agencies. She leads the Center on Aging and Health and is actively involved in interdisciplinary research initiatives that bridge biostatistics, medicine, and public health. Her lab and research team focus on developing and applying advanced statistical methods to understand the biological and social determinants of healthy aging.
Klas Hjort is a Professor of Materials Science at Uppsala University's Ångström Laboratory , specializing in Microsystems Technology . He leads the microsystems technology program and has pioneered research in heterogeneous microsystems on stainless steel, flexible foils, and elastic substrates for biomedical applications and wireless sensor/actuator systems . Key projects: SSF robotic textiles , PERSIMMON smart patches Research themes: Microfluidic actuation , Liquid metal patterning , Stretchable electronics His recent publications focus on soft robotics , smart patches , and high-pressure microfluidic systems , with keywords spanning Microfluidics , Biomedical Engineering , and Stretchable Electronics . He collaborates extensively in robotic textiles , microvalve design , and liquid metal composites . Contact: klas.hjort@angstrom.uu.se
Professor Shervin Farridnejad is a faculty member at the Asia-Africa Institute of the University of Hamburg, where he holds the Professorship of Iranian Studies since September 2022. He also serves as the Head of the MA program 'Manuscript Cultures' at the Centre for the Study of Manuscript Cultures (CSMC) within the Cluster of Excellence 'Understanding Written Artefacts'. PhD in Ancient and Middle Iranian Philology and Zoroastrian Studies (2014) - Georg-August University Göttingen MA in Ancient Iranian Studies (2007-2009) - Georg-August University Göttingen MA in Fine Arts and Art History (2003-2006) - Tarbiat Modares University Tehran BA in Fine Arts (Painting) (1998-2002) - Tehran University His research focuses on Zoroastrianism , particularly examining its cultural and religious history from antiquity to the early Islamic period. He investigates the dynamics between Zoroastrians and non-Zoroastrians, Zoroastrian art and iconography, and manuscript cultures. His work also extends to Judeo-Persian literature , Ancient Iranian philology , and Persian calligraphy . Recent publications highlight ritual practices in Zoroastrianism, including sacrificial food traditions and gift-exchange theology. The 2024 article on canine roles in Zoroastrian meat ethics and 2023 works on Safavid manuscript iconography demonstrate his interdisciplinary approach combining textual analysis with visual culture studies. 2022-2024: Editorial board member for Sasanian Studies series 2020-2023: Book Review Editor of the journal Iranian Studies 2016-2022: Co-editor of Ancient Iran Series 2015-2024: Contributor to Bibliographia Iranica and DABIR journals As an active academic leader, he serves as Sustainability Officer of the Asia-Africa Institute, member of the CSMC Steering Committee, and deputy member of the Faculty Council of Humanities at University of Hamburg. His teaching spans from introductory courses on Iranian history to specialized seminars on Zoroastrian rituals and Persian manuscript cultures.
Michael E. McHenry is a Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University's College of Engineering. He holds appointments with multiple research centers including the Data Storage Systems Center, Engineering Research Accelerator, Materials Research Science and Engineering Center, and Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation. Dr. McHenry received his BS in Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science from Case Western Reserve University in 1980, his PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from MIT in 1988, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Los Alamos National Laboratory. His research focuses on soft magnetic nano-composites for power and energy applications, with particular expertise in metal amorphous nanocomposites (MANCs) for high-efficiency electric motors and power systems. His work spans advanced materials processing, magnetic properties under various conditions, and rare earth materials criticality. His research portfolio demonstrates a clear progression toward practical applications of magnetic materials, particularly in high-power density, high-efficiency motors that can operate at high rotational speeds with minimal energy loss. His publications reveal a strong focus on translating fundamental materials science into engineering solutions for energy conversion, with significant emphasis on rare earth-free alternatives and high-frequency applications. IEEE Distinguished Lecturer (2013) TMS Awardee for Research Excellence (2014) Subject of TMS Symposium in Honor of M. E. McHenry (2016) NATO Series Lecturer on Rare Earth Criticality (2016/17) Dr. McHenry has co-founded CorePower Magnetics Inc. with Paul Ohodnicki and Samuel Kernion, commercializing soft magnetic technologies with applications in grid modernization and electric vehicles. His extensive publication record and leadership in major research initiatives including a MURI on high-temperature magnetic materials and an ARPA-E program demonstrate significant impact in both academic and industrial contexts. He has served in various leadership roles for Magnetism and Magnetic Materials and Intermag Conferences, and continues to advise on rare earth scarcity issues for organizations like NATO.
Cristi A. Gleason is a Professor of Accounting at the Tippie College of Business, University of Iowa, holding the prestigious Carlson-KPMG Research Professorship. As Editor of The Accounting Review , she shapes scholarly discourse in the field. Her 20-year academic career spans roles at the University of Arizona and leadership as Department Executive Officer (2020-2024). PhD in Management, Cornell University MS in Business and Public Administration, Cornell University MAC in Accounting, Brigham Young University BS in Accounting, Brigham Young University Professor Gleason's research focuses on corporate financial reporting , particularly income tax disclosures , analyst forecasts , and corporate governance . Her work examines how firms strategize around unrecognized tax benefits , interim reporting , and the information environment created by analyst interactions. Over 20 publications in top journals explore these intersections, emphasizing regulatory impacts like FIN 48 and strategic board composition. Recent research trends include: Worker representation effects on corporate tax behavior Accuracy of tax expense estimation frameworks Contagion risks in accounting restatements Construct validity in accounting measurement Post-Reg FD selective disclosure mechanisms Political economy of accounting standard adoption Scientific Recognition : American Tax Association Manuscript Award (2007) Public Interest Section AAA Best Paper (2020) Recipient of multiple teaching honors, including the Gilbert P. Maynard Award (2013, 2017) and Dean's Teaching Award (2006), she mentors doctoral students through her PhD seminar while maintaining editorial service on Contemporary Accounting Research (2010-2021).
Dr. Yusuf AYAN is a Lecturer in the Department of Mechatronics Engineering at Karabük University's Faculty of Technology, Turkey, since 2022. He holds a PhD (2022) and Master's degree (2017) in Manufacturing Engineering from Karabük University, alongside a BSc (2012) in Mechanical Engineering from Kocaeli University. Education: PhD, Manufacturing Engineering, Karabük University (2022) MSc, Manufacturing Engineering, Karabük University (2017) BSc, Mechanical Engineering, Kocaeli University (2012) His research focuses on Welding Technologies , Metallic Materials , and Additive Manufacturing , with over 103 citations and an h-index of 5. Notable projects include TÜBA/TÜBİTAK-funded research on wire arc additive manufacturing (2023-2025) and functionally graded material development (2020-2024). His publications span journals like Materials Chemistry and Physics , Journal of Materials Engineering and Performance , and Materials Today Communications , emphasizing WAAM process optimization, fatigue properties, and multi-material fabrication. Collaborators include Nizamettin Kahraman (24 joint works, 2018-2024) and researchers such as Kenan Kaan Yetil and Ercan Çağlar.
Professor Bill O'Neill is a Fellow in Engineering at Downing College and holds the Professor of Laser Engineering position at the University of Cambridge. He leads the Centre of Industrial Photonics and focuses on cutting-edge laser-based manufacturing technologies. BSc (Essex) MSc (Essex) MA PhD (Imperial) His research spans high-power laser applications in materials processing, including aerospace alloys, medical alloys, ceramics, and polymers. He investigates ultra-short laser-matter interactions (femtosecond pulses) for thermal-free machining and nanofabrication techniques aimed at developing personal factory systems. Key projects include electron backscattered diffraction analysis (EBSD) validation of material responses and £10M UK research council-funded innovations. Publications highlight advancements in laser microstructuring, x-ray collimation, and cold gas dynamic spray technologies. His work trends toward precision manufacturing, materials science, and photonics applications. As head of the Centre of Industrial Photonics, O'Neill's team explores nanoparticle manipulation for on-demand fabrication of complex products, envisioning a future where desktop printers create micro/nano devices.
Jason Tham is an Associate Professor and Assistant Chair in the Department of English at Texas Tech University, where he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in UX research, information design, instructional design, and digital rhetoric. His research focuses on design thinking, user experience, emerging technologies, and technical communication pedagogy. He directs the UX Research Lab and serves as faculty sponsor for the TTU Society for Technical Communication Student Chapter. PhD in Rhetoric & Scientific & Technical Communication, University of Minnesota (2019) MA in English: Rhetoric & Writing, St. Cloud State University (2014) MS and BS in Mass Communication, St. Cloud State University Tham's research explores the intersection of design thinking, immersive technologies, and equitable pedagogy. Current projects include studies on AI user experience, collaborative writing in virtual reality, and the social justice implications of design thinking methodologies. He has received awards such as the Ellen Nold Award for Computers and Composition, TTU's Excellence in Research Award, and the Frank R. Smith Outstanding Article Award. Tham serves as Vice President of the Council for Programs in Technical and Scientific Communication and will assume the editorship of Computers and Composition in 2025.
Qi Long is a Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, holding joint appointments in the Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics (Perelman School of Medicine), Department of Computer and Information Science (School of Engineering and Applied Science), and Department of Statistics and Data Science (The Wharton School). He serves as Founding Director of the Center for Cancer Data Science, Associate Director of the Penn Institute for Biomedical Informatics, and Associate Director for Quantitative Data Science at the Abramson Cancer Center. His research bridges statistical and machine learning (ML/AI) method development with biomedical applications, focusing on precision medicine and population health. Education : Ph.D. (2005) and M.S. (2003) in Biostatistics from University of Michigan; B.S. (1998) in Computer Science from University of Science and Technology of China. Research interests include: Robust statistical and ML/AI methods for big health data (-omics, EHRs, imaging, mHealth) Multimodal data integration and subgroup heterogeneity analysis Missing data, causal inference, Bayesian methods, and clinical trials Data privacy, algorithmic fairness, and responsible AI in healthcare Foundation models and agentic AI for biomedicine His publications focus on privacy-preserving AI, fairness-aware ML, and integrative models for multi-omics and EHRs. Recent work explores LLMs and watermark detection in hybrid human-AI settings. Scientific Awards : Elected fellow: AAAS, ASA, IMS, ISI, AMIA He leads large NIH- and ARPA-H-funded initiatives, directing statistical coordinating centers for national clinical trials. His lab trains numerous PhD/Master’s students and postdocs, many of whom hold prestigious academic or industry positions.
Dr. Joseph Ndogmo is a Senior Academic Councillor in civil service for life at the Chair of Metal Construction at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), working under Prof. Martin Mensinger. He has been with the Chair since December 2005, initially as a Research Assistant, then as an Academic Councillor on probationary civil service status from November 2007 to June 2009, and as an Academic Councillor in civil service for life from July 2009 to June 2014, before being promoted to his current position as Senior Academic Councillor in July 2014. Dr. Ndogmo's educational background includes: Primary school in Yaoundé, Cameroon (1972-1978) High school in Batouri and Mbouda, Cameroon (1978-1985) Studies in Mathematics/Computer Science at the University of Yaoundé, Cameroon (1985-1986) Language course at the Herder Institute in Leipzig (1986-1987) Diploma in Engineering (Dipl.-Ing.) from the Friedrich List University of Transport in Dresden, majoring in road construction with specialization in bridge construction (1987-1992) Doctorate (Dr.-Ing.) from Technical University of Munich with thesis on "On the safety and economic reinforcement of bulging web plates of solid-wall girder bridges taking fatigue into account" (awarded November 27, 1997) Training as an international welding engineer at SLV Munich (January-April 2008) Dr. Ndogmo's research focuses on structural engineering with particular expertise in steel and composite bridge construction. His primary research interests include: Overall stability of steel composite bridges Plate and shell buckling phenomena External reinforcement elements for composite bridges Buckling verification according to Eurocode 3 standards Welding technology applications in structural engineering His work bridges theoretical structural mechanics with practical engineering applications, particularly in the context of bridge construction and maintenance. Dr. Ndogmo has made significant contributions to the understanding of buckling behavior in stiffened plates under various loading conditions, with numerous publications addressing both theoretical aspects and practical implementation of Eurocode standards. Dr. Ndogmo's recent publications (2016-2024) demonstrate a consistent focus on buckling analysis of steel structures, particularly in bridge applications. His work shows increasing sophistication in analyzing complex loading scenarios including biaxial stresses and eccentric load introduction. He has made notable contributions to the implementation of Eurocode 3 standards, particularly Part 1-5 on plate buckling. His research combines experimental testing with numerical analysis, providing practical insights for structural engineers. Professional memberships include: VSVI (Association of Road Construction and Traffic Engineers in Bavaria) DVS (The Connection Specialists) Technical Working Group 8.3 (Plate buckling) Working Group EN 1993-1-5 Working Group EN 1993-1-14 CEN / TC 250 / SC 3 / WG22 Dr. Ndogmo is actively involved in teaching at TUM, with courses including Assessment and preservation of historic steel structures, Welding Technology, Composite building and bridge construction, and Plate buckling and steel bridge construction. He also serves as a municipal councilor in Erdweg since 2014 and previously ran as a mayoral candidate in 2017 (finishing second with 32.4% of the vote).
Jonathan Little is a Professor at the University of British Columbia Okanagan , affiliated with the Faculty of Health and Social Development and School of Health and Exercise Sciences . He leads the Exercise Metabolism and Inflammation Laboratory (EMIL) , focusing on the intersection of exercise physiology, nutrition, and metabolic disorders. Hons B. Kin – McMaster University, 2005 M.Sc. – University of Saskatchewan, 2007 Ph.D. – McMaster University, 2010 Postdoctoral Fellowship – UBC, 2010-2012 His research investigates how metabolic disruptions in type 2 diabetes affect cellular inflammation and how exercise/nutritional strategies can mitigate these effects. Key areas include high-intensity interval training (HIIT) , nutritional ketosis , and immunometabolic responses . EMIL combines human clinical trials with cellular/molecular experiments, utilizing advanced tools like flow cytometry and metabolic carts. His recent publications emphasize exercise snacks (short, frequent workouts), ketone supplements , and fasting protocols for managing diabetes and obesity. He has received prestigious awards like the Killam Accelerator Fellowship and CIHR New Investigator Award . Killam Accelerator Research Fellowship (2021-2023) Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology Young Investigator Award (2020) UBC Killam Research Fellowship (2018) Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research Scholar (2018-2023) American College of Sports Medicine New Investigator Award (2016) CIHR New Investigator Salary Award (2015-2020) He supervises graduate students in HMKN 313 – Exercise Metabolism and mentors through the HMKN 499 Research Practicum . His lab (EMIL) collaborates with institutions like the BC Diabetes Research Network and serves as an Associate Editor for Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism .
Dr. Benjamin Pontiller is a researcher at GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Germany, within the Marine Biogeochemistry Research Division and Biological Oceanography Research Unit . His work focuses on microbial carbon cycling in marine environments, particularly the role of bacterioplankton in transforming dissolved organic carbon (DOC). Current projects: INDICOM, ICEBERG, HOMER, BIOCAT Recent expeditions: RV SONNE (Indian Ocean 2024), RV POLARSTERN (Arctic 2024), RV METEOR (Atlantic 2022) His research integrates omics technologies with chemical and rate measurements to understand microbial functional potential in: Coastal upwelling systems Deep Arctic Ocean (HAUSGARTEN) Baltic Sea phage dynamics Trace metal impacts on microbial communities Education: PhD in Ecology (Marine Microbial Ecology) - Linnaeus University 2021 MSc in Ecology (Marine Biology) - University of Vienna 2015 BSc in Biology - University of Vienna 2013
