Wojciech Matusik is a Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at MIT's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL). He leads the Computational Design and Fabrication Group and is a member of the Computer Graphics Group. His research spans computer graphics, robotics, and AI-driven manufacturing, with a focus on computational design, tactile sensing, and material science. Matusik holds a PhD in Computer Science from MIT (2003), an MS from MIT (2001), and a BS from UC Berkeley (1997). His work includes groundbreaking projects like differentiable cloth simulation (DiffCloth), AI-enhanced molecular design, and tactile sensing gloves. He has received prestigious awards such as the MIT TR35 (2004), DARPA Young Faculty Award (2012), and Ruth and Joel Spira Teaching Award (2014). Matusik teaches courses on computer graphics, machine learning, and computational fabrication at MIT. Key research themes include: Robotics: Robotic assembly, tactile interaction, and soft robotics Graphics: 3D holography, procedural material generation Manufacturing: Additive fabrication, topology optimization His recent articles explore AI-driven molecular synthesis, holographic displays, and tactile-enabled VR systems. Matusik collaborates on open-source tools like the WiReSens tactile platform and Simit language for sparse systems.
James McCann is an Associate Professor at the Carnegie Mellon Robotics Institute, where he leads the Carnegie Mellon Textiles Lab. He has been a faculty member since May 2017 after working at Disney Research Pittsburgh. McCann's academic journey includes a PhD from Carnegie Mellon advised by Nancy Pollard, followed by a postdoc at Adobe Research and a period developing video games. McCann's research focuses on building creative tools that operate in real-time and build user intuition, with particular emphasis on textiles fabrication and machine knitting. His work spans computer-aided fabrication, simulation, graphics, and creative tools development. He has pioneered systems for machine knitting design, including compilers for knitting instructions and tools for automatic conversion of 3D meshes to knitting patterns. His recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward computational textiles, with significant contributions to knitting semantics, deployable textile structures, and applications of machine knitting in healthcare and robotics. McCann's work bridges computer science, robotics, and textile arts, creating practical systems for once-off manufacturing with industrial knitting machines. McCann actively mentors students, with current PhD candidates working on solid knitting machines, knit calibration, and assistive devices. His teaching portfolio includes courses on Real-Time Graphics, Algorithmic Textiles Design, and Game Programming. He has taught at CMU since 2017, developing innovative courses that blend computer science with physical fabrication. As director of the Textiles Lab, McCann oversees research projects spanning machine knitting, robotic painting, and real-time graphics systems. His lab develops practical tools for creators, emphasizing intuitive interfaces and real-time feedback that lower barriers to advanced fabrication techniques.
Changxi Zheng is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Columbia University's School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS). He directs Columbia's Computer Graphics Group (C2G2) within the Columbia Vision and Graphics Center (CVGC). After receiving his PhD from Cornell University, he joined the faculty of Computer Science Department at Columbia, where he has established himself as a leading researcher in computer graphics and scientific computing. Dr. Zheng's research spans multiple areas of applied computer science with a particular focus on computer graphics and scientific computing. His work centers around developing numerical models for simulating physical phenomena involving complex motions such as fluids, bubbles, and thin rods, along with their resulting acoustic waves. Leveraging computational insights from these models, he devises methods for improving tangible object creation, enabling novel human-computer interactions, and developing software tools for acoustic and photonic devices. His research has attracted significant public interest and media coverage, including projects like FontCode, AirCode, and Computational Metallophone Design. His recent publications reveal a strong interdisciplinary approach, bridging computer graphics, physics simulation, machine learning, and hardware design. His work demonstrates consistent innovation in computational methods for simulating physical phenomena and applying these techniques to practical problems in 3D printing, acoustic modeling, and interactive systems. The breadth of his research spans from fundamental physics-based simulations to practical applications in industry. Columbia SEAS Dean's Fellow (for advised students) NSF Graduate Research Fellow (for Ruilin Xu) Snap Research Fellow (for Rundi Wu) CKGSB Fellow (for Yun Fei) Adobe Research Fellow (for Gabriel Cirio) Marie Sklodowska-Curie Individual Fellow (for Rundi Wu) Best Paper Award at ACM International Conference on Multimedia (ACMMM), 2019 Dr. Zheng actively mentors a diverse group of students, including current PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers. His research group has received support from various sources that enable their innovative work in computational graphics and physics-based simulation. He has supervised numerous successful students who have gone on to positions at leading technology companies including Adobe, Tencent, Facebook, and academic institutions. As director of Columbia's Computer Graphics Group (C2G2) within the Columbia Vision and Graphics Center (CVGC), Dr. Zheng leads a vibrant research team focused on advancing the state of the art in computer graphics, physics-based simulation, and their applications. The group maintains strong collaborations with industry partners and academic institutions worldwide, fostering an environment of innovation and practical application of theoretical concepts.
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
Adriana Schulz is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science & Engineering at the University of Washington's College of Engineering. She leads a research group focused on computational design, computer-aided design (CAD), and digital fabrication. Her work bridges computer science with practical applications in manufacturing, robotics, and sustainable design. Dr. Schulz received her Ph.D. in Computer Science from MIT in 2018 under the supervision of Professor Wojciech Matusik. Prior to her doctoral studies, she earned a Master's degree in Mathematics from IMPA (Instituto Nacional de Matemática Pura e Aplicada) in Rio de Janeiro, where she worked with Professor Luiz Velho, and a Bachelor's degree in Electronics Engineering from UFRJ (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro). Her research interests center around computational tools that enhance design and manufacturing processes. She develops novel algorithms for CAD systems, computational fabrication techniques, and sustainable design approaches. Her work spans multiple domains including robotics, textiles, electronics, and architecture, with a strong emphasis on creating practical tools that designers and engineers can use in real-world applications. She explores how machine learning, particularly neurosymbolic approaches, can improve design workflows and enable new capabilities in computational design systems. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong trend toward more intelligent and user-centered design tools. Her research increasingly integrates machine learning with traditional CAD systems to create more intuitive interfaces, supports sustainable design practices with computational tools, and develops novel fabrication techniques that push the boundaries of what's possible with digital manufacturing. She has made significant contributions to zero-waste fashion design, immersion cooling for high-performance computing, and CAD program understanding through novel representation learning techniques. Innovators Under 35 - MIT Technology Review Bolsa Aluno Nota 10 from FAPERJ Engineer 20000 award Dr. Schulz actively mentors several PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, including Haisen Zhao, Ben Jones, Yuxuan Mei, and others, often in collaboration with colleagues across different departments. Her research has attracted significant media attention, with coverage in major outlets including MIT News, BBC, IEEE Spectrum, Wired, and TechCrunch. Her work on Interactive Robogami was noted as the most read article in the International Journal of Robotics Research in its publication year. She leads a vibrant research group at the University of Washington that focuses on computational design systems, with particular emphasis on creating tools that bridge the gap between digital design and physical fabrication. Her team develops novel algorithms for CAD systems, computational fabrication techniques, and sustainable design approaches that have practical applications across multiple industries.
Levent Burak Kara is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), with a courtesy appointment in the Robotics Institute. He is a leading researcher in AI-driven computational design, additive manufacturing, and intelligent engineering systems, leading the Visual Design and Engineering Lab (VDEL) at CMU. Education: B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Middle East Technical University (1998) M.S., Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University (2000) Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University (2005) His research focuses on integrating machine learning, optimization, and geometric modeling to revolutionize engineering design and manufacturing. Key areas include topology optimization, CAD intelligence, digital twins, generative design, bioengineering, and electronic design automation. His work enables automation of traditionally labor-intensive design processes using deep learning and reinforcement learning. His recent publications reveal a strong trend toward physics-informed surrogate modeling, real-time simulation, manufacturability prediction, and AI-driven automation in mechanical, biomedical, and electronic systems. These works frequently appear in top journals such as Journal of Mechanical Design and Journal of Applied Mechanics , and at premier conferences like NeurIPS and DAC. Scientific Awards: National Science Foundation CAREER Award ASME Design Automation Society Young Investigator Award Google AI for Social Good Impact Scholar Kara advises several Ph.D. students and has secured significant funding from federal agencies such as the NSF and the U.S. Army Research Laboratory, as well as collaborations with industrial leaders including Cadence Design Systems and NVIDIA. His research is also supported by CMU’s NextManufacturing Center and the Critical Technology Initiative. He is actively involved in developing intelligent design systems that leverage AI to automate product design, optimize manufacturing processes, and improve medical diagnostics, particularly in oral cancer screening and organ preservation. His lab, VDEL, is a hub for innovation in AI-enabled engineering.
Senior Lecturer Outi Salo-Ahen is affiliated with Åbo Akademi University's Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering , Department of Pharmacy. Her research focuses on computational pharmacology, drug design, and pharmaceutical chemistry, particularly targeting chemokine receptors (CCR5/CXCR4) and transient receptor potential channels (TRPA1) for therapeutic applications. Doctor of Pharmacy (2006, University of Kuopio/UEF) MSc in Pharmaceutical Chemistry (2001, UEF) BSc in Pharmacy (1999, UEF) University Pedagogy Modules 1-5 (2012-2015) Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals through education and pharmaceutical innovation . Recent research trends include: Antimicrobial resistance solutions TRPA1 channel modulation Nanotechnology-enabled drug delivery Multi-target HIV-1 inhibitors 3D printing of biocompatible materials Computational analysis of nucleic acid frameworks She actively supervises doctoral projects, serves on assessment panels, and leads collaborations like Nordic Pharmaceutical Translation and Innovation. Her 60+ publications demonstrate expertise in molecular modeling and drug discovery.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Thomas Zwick is a full professor and director of the Institute of High Frequency Engineering and Electronics (IHE) at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). He holds a Dipl.-Ing. (M.S.E.E.) and Dr.-Ing. (Ph.D.E.E.) from the University of Karlsruhe. His career includes roles at IBM Research (2001–2004), Siemens AG (2004–2007 managing automotive radar teams), and KIT since 2007. He leads research in high-frequency technologies, antennas, radar systems, and wireless communications. Research interests include radio wave propagation, antenna design, automotive radar architectures, and millimeter-wave systems. He has authored/co-authored over 400 papers, 20 patents, and received IEEE Fellow status (2018), honorary doctorate from Budapest University (2022), and membership in the Heidelberg Academy and acatech. His work emphasizes integrating sensing and communication systems, 3D-printed RF components, and high-frequency measurement techniques. Teaching focuses on high-frequency engineering, electronic circuits, and radar systems. He oversees the IHE’s laboratories, including the Microwave Engineering Lab and Student Innovation Lab. Recent work explores sub-THz communication, RIS-aided ISAC systems, and beamforming for reduced EMF exposure in urban scenarios.
Martin D F Wong serves as the Edward C. Jordan Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Executive Associate Dean for the College of Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He is affiliated with the Coordinated Science Laboratory and has been instrumental in advancing electronic design automation research. His educational background includes: B.Sc. in Mathematics, University of Toronto (1979) MS in Mathematics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (1981) Ph.D. in Computer Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (1987) Wong's research centers on combinatorial optimization and algorithm design for VLSI systems, with particular expertise in lithography-aware physical design, field-programmable systems, and electronic packaging. His work bridges theoretical algorithms with practical semiconductor manufacturing challenges as feature sizes shrink below 20 nanometers. Current research focuses on integrating chip design with next-generation lithography technologies including triple-patterning, self-aligned double patterning, directed self-assembly, and extreme ultraviolet processes. His publication record shows consistent contributions to electronic design automation, with emphasis on manufacturing-aware physical design algorithms and circuit optimization techniques. Recent work addresses the critical interface between circuit layout and lithography processes as semiconductor technology advances to 14nm and beyond. Scientific recognition includes: Fellow of IEEE and ACM 2000 IEEE Donald O. Peterson Best Paper Award Multiple Best Paper Awards at DAC, ICCD, and ICCAD conferences IBM Faculty Awards (2000, 2004) NSF Research Initiation Award Wong has secured significant research funding including a $450,000 NSF grant for lithography-aware physical design and has supervised over 49 PhD students. His work continues the legacy of integrated circuit innovation at Illinois, building on foundational contributions like Jack Kilby's integrated circuit invention. Current research initiatives focus on optimizing chip design for next-generation manufacturing processes where optical interference challenges require co-design of layout and fabrication. He leads research within the Coordinated Science Laboratory, focusing on electronic design automation algorithms that address the growing complexity of semiconductor manufacturing at nanometer scales.
Adam Marcus is an Associate Professor of Architecture at Tulane University School of Architecture and serves as Research Director of the Center on Climate Change and Urbanism. He directs Variable Projects, an award-winning design and research studio operating at the intersection of architecture, computation, and fabrication, and is a partner in Futures North, a public art collaborative dedicated to exploring data aesthetics. His educational background includes: Master of Architecture from Columbia University Bachelor of Arts from Brown University Adam's research focuses on critical approaches to design computation, digital fabrication, and robotics, exploring how these technologies enable new modes of ecological, material, and public engagement. His work particularly emphasizes climate adaptation, buoyant ecologies for sea level rise, computational representation, and multispecies architecture. He integrates these interests through practical design-build projects that address ecological challenges while advancing architectural representation and fabrication techniques. His recent publications demonstrate a strong emphasis on computational approaches to architectural representation and ecological design. The works consistently explore the intersection of digital technologies with ecological imperatives, particularly focusing on climate adaptation strategies, multispecies collaborations, and innovative drawing protocols that bridge analog and computational paradigms. His book 'Drawing Codes' represents a significant contribution to rethinking architectural drawing in the computational age. Notable awards include: Selected as one of the '30 Most Admired Educators' by Design Intelligence (2013) Recipient of the New Faculty Teaching Award from the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (2016) Adam has served on ACADIA's Board of Directors from 2015 to 2021 and currently serves on the editorial board of the International Journal of Architectural Computing. His teaching at Tulane includes design studios and courses in computational design and digital fabrication with ecological applications, building on his decade of experience at California College of the Arts where he co-founded the Architectural Ecologies Lab. He leads research initiatives through Tulane's Center on Climate Change and Urbanism, developing practical design solutions for ecological challenges, particularly those related to climate change and sea level rise. His Buoyant Ecologies Float Lab project exemplifies this approach, creating 'optimized upside-down benthos for sea level rise adaptation' that has received attention from major media outlets including Smithsonian Magazine and Architectural Record.
Sky Lo Tian Tian is an Assistant Professor at the School of Design, Hong Kong Polytechnic University. His research focuses on "Spatial Phygital Interaction", integrating technologies like XR (Extended Reality), BIM (Building Information Modeling), and gamification to bridge virtual and physical environments through human-centred architectural design. Key expertise includes computational architecture, digital fabrication, and interactive design Developed novel concepts like Human-Virtual Reality Interaction (HVRI) and phygital-aided construction systems His notable projects include the Green Weaved Corridor bamboo pavilion in Chaozhou, China, and the Meta Archive platform for 3D model archiving. He actively organizes workshops at international venues like DigitalFuture, CCD-ASC, and POLAR. Scientific Awards : Full Doctoral Scholarship recipient from The Chinese University of Hong Kong and Victoria University of Wellington
Dr. Karen Cochrane is an Assistant Professor at the University of Waterloo, specializing in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) with a focus on wearable and tangible computing for mental health and accessibility. Her research integrates soma design, autoethnography, and design fiction to address the needs of underrepresented communities, particularly those with disabilities. Key projects include developing assistive technologies for queer/crip identities, accessible gaming wearables, and tactile interfaces for sensory exploration. She explores embodied experiences through multidisciplinary approaches, blending traditional craft practices with modern computational tools. Her work prioritizes participatory design methodologies, collaborating with occupational therapists, disabled communities, and neurodivergent individuals to co-create inclusive technologies. Recent innovations include VARitouch (a haptic feedback device), Breathing Scarf (for emotional regulation), and adaptive switches for children with motor disabilities. Her research extends into sensory narratives, exploring how fabric and data can articulate bodily experiences through projects like Sensory Data Dialogues and Queer/Crip Body Mapping. While no formal grants or awards are listed, her publications reflect a strong focus on ethical technology, accessibility, and embodied interaction. Current projects emphasize the intersection of wearable tech with identity expression, mindfulness practices, and neuromotor rehabilitation. She actively designs prototypes that bridge clinical needs with creative technology solutions, though specific lab affiliations or team collaborations are not detailed in available texts.
Matt Ratto is a full Professor in the Faculty of Information at the University of Toronto , where he also serves as Associate Dean, Research . He is a faculty affiliate of the Climate Positive Energy Institute , the Schwartz Reisman Institute for Technology and Society , and an SDG Fellow with the Sustainable Development Goals Institute . His work bridges critical theory and digital innovation , focusing on the social production of knowledge through emerging technologies. His research explores critical making and socio-technical systems , with applications in 3D-printed prosthetics (deployed in Cambodia, Tanzania, and Uganda), AI-driven healthcare solutions , and climate justice in computing . He has received over $6 million in funding, including two Canada Grand Challenge grants , and founded organizations advancing equitable technology access. Ontario Minister of College and Universities’ Award of Excellence (2020) Bell Canada Usability Labs Chair in Human-Computer Interaction (2018–2023) He supervises students such as Olivia Doggett and Sarah Gram , with past advisees including Brian Sutherland and Dan Southwick . His Critical Making Lab fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, and he teaches courses like INF2241: Critical Making and INF351: Information Design Studio .
Martin Bechthold is the Kumagai Professor of Architectural Technology at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design (GSD), serving concurrently as the GSD’s Academic Dean. He holds affiliations with Harvard’s Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering. His academic career bridges architecture, materials science, and engineering, with a focus on innovative material systems and design robotics. Bechthold earned a Diplom-Ingenieur in architecture from RWTH Aachen University and a Doctor of Design from Harvard GSD. He previously practiced architecture in Europe with firms like Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and Santiago Calatrava. His research groups, including the Material Processes and Systems (MaP+S) Group and the Design Robotics Group, explore topics like multi-material 3D printing, carbon-negative materials, and biofabrication. He founded the Laboratory for Design Technology to foster industry-academia collaborations. His research interests span structural innovation, architectural ceramics, and the perception of materials. He has authored seminal works such as Innovative Surface Structures and Ceramic Material Systems , and his peer-reviewed papers appear in Nature Reviews and Advanced Functional Materials . He teaches advanced courses on material systems, design methods, and structural design. Bechthold’s work emphasizes sustainable technologies and cross-disciplinary design, with projects like the Concrete Origami and Ceramic Futures exhibitions showcasing experimental material applications. He holds patents in material innovation and has curated influential design exhibitions.
David Zhigang Pan is a Professor in the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin. He also holds the Silicon Laboratories Endowed Chair. Prior to joining UT Austin, he was a Research Staff Member at IBM T. J. Watson Research Center from 2000 to 2003. His academic journey began with a B.S. from Peking University, followed by M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from UCLA. Research Areas: Electronic Design Automation (EDA), Machine Learning Hardware, FPGA Prototyping, Optical Computing, Hardware Security, and CAD for Emerging Technologies Academic Timeline: Assistant Professor (2003-2008), Associate Professor (2008-2013), Full Professor (2013-present) His research focuses on design automation for mixed-signal circuits , GPU-accelerated EDA tools , and hardware-software co-design for AI . Recent work explores FFT-based optical neural networks and deobfuscation techniques for integrated circuits , reflecting his interdisciplinary approach at the intersection of machine learning , computer architecture , and semiconductor manufacturing . Key publication trends reveal expertise in: VLSI design , lithography optimization , and deep learning applications for EDA tools. His work has been recognized with multiple Best Paper Awards at top conferences including DAC , ASP-DAC , and HOST . Awards: IEEE Fellow (2014), SPIE Fellow (2017), ACM SRC Graduate Category Honors for students Patents: 8 U.S. Patents in electronic design and hardware optimization Prof. Pan has mentored 40 PhDs and postdocs who now hold key positions in academia and industry. He leads research initiatives involving GPU acceleration frameworks and optical computing architectures . His lab focuses on vertical integration of architecture, CAD tools, and fabrication technologies for next-generation hardware solutions.
