Prof. Jeroen Anton van Bokhoven is a Full Professor at ETH Zurich's Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences and Head of the Laboratory for Catalysis and Sustainable Chemistry at Paul Scherrer Institute. His research focuses on establishing structure-performance relationships in heterogeneous catalysts to enable sustainable chemical processes through advanced catalyst design. Education: B.Sc. in Chemistry, Utrecht University (1995) Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis (with honours), Utrecht University (2000) Research Focus: Van Bokhoven's group pioneers operando characterization techniques, particularly X-ray absorption spectroscopy and scattering methods, to study catalysts under realistic reaction conditions. Key research thrusts include methane conversion to value-added products (methanol, methyl esters), zeolite catalysis for olefin production, and design of stable catalysts for high-temperature oxidation processes. His work bridges fundamental surface science with industrial applications in sustainable energy and chemical manufacturing. Scientific Recognition: Swiss Chemical Society Werner Prize (2008) Academic Leadership: Van Bokhoven leads a multidisciplinary research group spanning ETH Zurich and Paul Scherrer Institute, supervising doctoral candidates and postdoctoral researchers. His group maintains strategic partnerships with industrial catalyst manufacturers and operates specialized facilities for in situ spectroscopy at the Swiss Light Source synchrotron. Current projects address carbon dioxide utilization, biomass conversion, and fundamental mechanisms of catalyst deactivation. Research Infrastructure: The group leverages state-of-the-art capabilities at the Laboratory for Catalysis and Sustainable Chemistry (PSI), including custom operando cells for XAS, XPS, and electron microscopy under reactive gas environments, enabling atomic-scale observation of catalytic transformations.
Kaka Ma is an Associate Professor in the Department of Materials Science & Engineering at Texas A&M University, specializing in advanced materials processing for energy systems and extreme environments through powder-based synthesis, additive manufacturing, and sintering technologies. Educational Background: Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Davis (2010) B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China (2006) His research focuses on powder-based synthesis of metals/ceramics, laser directed energy deposition, field-assisted sintering technology (FAST), thermionic/thermoelectric energy conversion materials, and ultrahigh-temperature/hypersonic environment applications, with strong emphasis on sustainability in materials engineering. Recent publications demonstrate expertise in creating functionally graded materials via controlled thermal gradients and powder morphology optimization. Analysis of 2021-2025 publications reveals dominant trends in spark plasma sintering parameter optimization, additive manufacturing of titanium alloys, high-entropy carbide development, and nanoparticle synthesis for energy applications, consistently linking processing parameters to microstructure-property relationships in extreme-condition materials. Scientific Awards: TMS Light Metals/Extraction & Processing Subject Award – Recycling (2020) Professional memberships include The Minerals, Metals and Materials Society (TMS) and America Makes. While specific advising details and grant information are not documented in the provided materials, his extensive collaborative publication record indicates active mentorship of graduate researchers and successful acquisition of research funding. No dedicated laboratory facilities or research team structures are specified in the source documentation.
Cheuk Wai Tai is a Senior Staff Researcher at Stockholm University's Department of Environmental and Materials Chemistry since 2009. He manages the transmission electron microscopes and sample preparation equipment at the Electron Microscopy Center and serves as Section Editor for the Journal of Electronic Materials. His work focuses on quantitative structure characterization in functional materials research, particularly within nanoscience and nanotechnology contexts. Education: Ph.D. in Applied Physics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 2004 M.Phil. in Applied Physics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 2001 M.Sc. in Physics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1998 B.Sc. (Hons) in Engineering Physics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 1997 Dip. in Mechanical Engineering (Computer Aided Engineering), Institute of Vocational Education (formerly Haking Wong Technical Institute), Hong Kong, 1992 His research centers on structure-property relationships in functional materials through advanced electron microscopy techniques. Current specializations include Pair Distribution Function (ePDF) & Diffuse Scattering, Energy Materials characterization, and EM sample preparation methodology development. The group maintains strong focus on translating structural data into functional performance metrics for nanomaterials. Recent publications (2013-2019) demonstrate consistent emphasis on electron microscopy applications for energy storage materials (batteries, photocatalysts) and functional ceramics. Key trends include structural disorder analysis in piezoelectrics, development of quantitative TEM methods like SUePDF, and nanoscale characterization of electrocatalyst surface phases. His work bridges materials chemistry with advanced imaging techniques. Scientific recognition includes: Fellow of The Royal Microscopical Society (U.K.) Senior Member of IEEE Marie Curie Fellowship (2007-2009) from European Commission Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fellowship (2003/2004) from Hong Kong S.A.R. Government He teaches Solid State Chemistry (KZ7003) and leads Introduction to Analytical Electron Microscopy (KZ8009), having previously taught Advanced Transmission Electron Microscopy (KZ8010) before 2011. Major grants supporting his work include: "Quantitative structural characterisation using 3D electron-based pair distribution function" (Swedish Research Council) "A Multidimensional Toolkit for Modern Electron Microscopy" (Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research) "Mitigating Ni-rich Li-ion cathode side-reactions" (Swedish Energy Agency, Co-applicant) He leads the Cheuk-Wai Tai group within Stockholm University's chemistry department and oversees operations at the Electron Microscopy Center, where his team develops and applies advanced characterization techniques for functional materials research.
Dr. John Reynolds is a Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the Georgia Institute of Technology with a 40-year legacy in polymer chemistry. He serves as founding Director of the Georgia Tech Polymer Network (GTPN) and a member of the Center for Organic Photonics and Electronics (COPE). Research spans conjugated polymers, electrochromism, organic LEDs, photovoltaics, and bioelectronics Expert in optoelectronic and redox properties of electroactive materials Co-editor of the Handbook of Conducting Polymers His group has published over 450 peer-reviewed papers and holds ~45 issued patents. Recent research focuses on: Advanced electrochromic materials for visible and infrared applications Next-generation organic solar cells with green processing techniques Supercapacitor and electrochemical transistor materials Space exploration polymer applications Scientific recognition includes: ACS Cope Scholar Award (2020) ACS Florida Award (2019) ACS Applied Polymer Science Award (2012) Fellowships from Royal Society of Chemistry, Materials Research Society, and PMSE (2013) His editorial contributions include serving on boards for multiple prestigious journals including ACS Central Science and Chemistry of Materials . The Reynolds Group actively trains PhD and postdoctoral researchers, with recent members advancing to positions at University of Michigan, ExxonMobil, Northwestern, and Intel.
David A. Muller serves as the Samuel B. Eckert Professor of Engineering in the School of Applied and Engineering Physics at Cornell University and co-directs the Kavli Institute at Cornell for Nanoscale Science. His research group focuses on developing quantitative electron microscopy methods to understand materials properties at the atomic scale, with particular emphasis on sustainable energy applications and quantum materials. Muller's laboratory utilizes some of the world's highest resolution electron microscopes housed in specially designed, environmentally isolated rooms. Muller received his undergraduate education at the University of Sydney and earned his Ph.D. in Physics from Cornell University in 1996. Between 1997 and 2003, he was a member of the technical staff at Bell Laboratories, where he applied his expertise in imaging single atoms and atomic-scale spectroscopy to determine the physical limits of transistor miniaturization. In 2003, he returned to Cornell as a faculty member, where he has since established himself as a leader in advanced electron microscopy techniques. Muller's research spans multiple frontiers in materials science, with particular focus on understanding how electronic-structure changes at the atomic scale control macroscopic behavior in diverse systems like turbine blades, fuel cells, and transistors. His current work emphasizes the physics of renewable energy materials, atomic-scale control of materials to create electronic phases that cannot exist in bulk, and developing hardware and algorithms for 'big data' acquisition from high-bandwidth pixelated electron microscope detectors. His group's work bridges theoretical physics and experimental techniques, requiring researchers who can think in both real and reciprocal space while considering both fundamental principles and practical applications. Analysis of Muller's recent publications reveals a strong trend toward advancing electron ptychography and 4D-STEM techniques for atomic-scale imaging. His group has pioneered methods for 3D atomic-scale metrology, strain mapping, and imaging of radiation-sensitive materials. The research spans applications from semiconductor technology to quantum materials and energy storage systems, demonstrating the versatility of his microscopy approaches across multiple scientific domains. Top 100 Young Innovator by Tech Review Magazine (2003) Burton Medal from Microscopy Society of America (2006) Ernst Ruska Prize of German Society for Electron Microscopy (2021) John Cowley Medal from International Federation of Societies for Microscopy (2023) Fellow of American Physical Society Fellow of American Association for the Advancement of Science Fellow of Microscopy Society of America Muller has mentored an extensive group of students and postdocs who have gone on to successful careers in academia and industry. His former students hold faculty positions at institutions including Rice University, University of Southern California, Seoul National University, Colorado School of Mines, and the University of Michigan, among others. His research has been supported by substantial grants, including a $22.5M NSF grant that accelerates materials discovery. The Muller lab maintains close collaborations with the Kavli Institute at Cornell and PARADIM (Platform for the Accelerated Realization, Analysis, and Discovery of Interface Materials). The Muller lab operates at the forefront of electron microscopy, housing specialized instrumentation including high-resolution transmission electron microscopes in environmentally isolated rooms. The group collaborates extensively with other research teams at Cornell and worldwide, focusing on understanding materials atom by atom. Current research directions include applying machine learning to electron microscopy data analysis, developing cryogenic techniques for studying low-melting-point materials, and exploring quantum phenomena in engineered materials systems.
Virginia Davis is the Dr. Daniel F. and Josephine Breeden Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Auburn University's College of Engineering. She holds a Ph.D. in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering from Rice University, and M.S. and B.S. degrees in Chemical Engineering from Tulane University. Research Focus: Self-assembly of nanomaterials, rheology, lyotropic liquid crystals, additive manufacturing, polymers, nanocomposites, and biosensors Key Projects: USDA-funded agricultural outreach, NSF grant for MXene dispersion studies, Alabama STEM Council member Her recent publications explore cellulose nanocrystals, MXene 3D printing, and sustainable polymer recycling. Davis has received multiple honors including the Breeden Professorship, AIChE Fellowship, and Auburn University Faculty Awards for research and mentorship. Research Trends: Dominated by bio-based nanomaterials (cellulose nanocrystals, MXenes), with applications in additive manufacturing, environmental remediation (PFAS adsorption), biosensors (carbofuran detection, cancer biomarkers), and agricultural delivery systems. Scientific Awards Auburn University Faculty Awards (2023, 2025) AIChE Fellow (2023) Dr. Daniel F. and Josephine Breeden Professorship Davis leads outreach initiatives like the Tomorrow’s Community Innovators camp and collaborates with interdisciplinary teams on plastic recycling innovations. Her work emphasizes both fundamental material science and practical applications addressing environmental and agricultural challenges.
Paul Erhart is a Professor in Condensed Matter and Materials Theory at the Department of Physics, Chalmers University. He received his PhD from Technische Universität Darmstadt in 2006, followed by postdoctoral and staff positions at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory from 2007, before joining Chalmers in 2011. His research bridges computational physics, materials science, and machine learning to tackle fundamental problems in materials design and characterization. Dr. Erhart's research focuses on computational materials science with particular emphasis on condensed matter physics, nanomaterials, and quantum materials. His work spans from developing computational methods like machine-learned potentials (GPUMD, neuroevolution potentials) to studying fundamental phenomena in perovskites, 2D materials, thermal transport, and plasmonics. He has pioneered approaches connecting simulation with experimental techniques through correlation functions and has made significant contributions to understanding phase transitions, defect physics, and electronic structure in complex materials systems. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trend toward integrating machine learning with traditional computational physics methods. His work increasingly focuses on developing and applying neuroevolution potentials to study thermal properties, phase transitions, and optical phenomena in materials. There's also a clear emphasis on connecting computational results with experimental observations, particularly in neutron scattering, Raman spectroscopy, and plasmonic sensing applications. His research spans fundamental materials physics to applied areas like hydrogen sensing and sustainable materials development. Dr. Erhart has contributed to numerous software packages essential to the computational materials science community, including WulffPack for Wulff constructions, Dynasor for extracting dynamical structure factors, calorine for neuroevolution potential models, and ICET for alloy cluster expansions. His collaborative work spans multiple institutions and disciplines, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of modern materials research. His contributions to understanding perovskite materials, thermal transport phenomena, and plasmonic systems have established him as a leading researcher in computational materials science.
Jakoah Brgoch is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Houston. His research focuses on leveraging machine learning to design inorganic compounds for applications in LED-based lighting and superhard materials. Key areas include phosphor development, sparse data handling, and predicting material formation. He leads the Brgoch Group, which emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches combining computational modeling and experimental synthesis. Research interests span luminescent materials, crystal chemistry, and defect engineering, with a particular emphasis on optimizing phosphors for solid-state lighting and high-performance materials under extreme conditions. His work bridges data science and traditional materials discovery to accelerate innovation in optoelectronics and mechanical materials. Recent publications highlight advancements in cyan-emitting nitridation processes, machine learning-guided phosphor discovery, and understanding oxidation resistance in silicides. His team has developed novel phosphors like Na2CaZr2Ge3O12:Cr³⁺ for NIR bioimaging and explored luminescent properties of Sr-based solid solutions. Active in translational research, Dr. Brgoch collaborates on applications like smartphone-readable diagnostic platforms using nanophosphors and point-of-care testing. His lab emphasizes open science practices and has pioneered methods like Single-crystal automated refinement (SCAR) for structural determination.
Dr. Hongxing Jiang is a Professor at the Whitacre College of Engineering, Texas Tech University, affiliated with the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering. He holds the Edward E. Whitacre Jr. Chair and co-directs the Center for Nanophotonics. PhD in Physics, Syracuse University (1986) MS in Physics, Syracuse University (1983) BS in Physics, Fudan University (1981) His research focuses on III-Nitride semiconductors (BN, AlN, GaN, InN) for optoelectronics , photonics , and radiation detection . Key areas include solid-state lighting , energy-conversion devices , MOCVD growth , and micro-emitter arrays . Recent publications highlight advancements in h-BN quasi-bulk crystals , fast neutron detectors , and wide bandgap materials . Themes span crystal growth optimization , doping techniques , and optical characterization . National Academy of Inventors Fellow (2018) American Association for the Advancement of Science Fellow (2016) International Society for Optics and Photonics Fellow (2015) Optica Fellow (2014) American Physical Society Fellow (2010) China-U.S. Physics Examination and Application Fellow (1981) As co-director of the Center for Nanophotonics, Jiang leads research in semiconductor materials for high-energy lasers and neutron detection , emphasizing scalable growth methods like hydride vapor-phase epitaxy .
Daniel Vanmaekelbergh is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Utrecht University, where he leads research in the Condensed Matter and Interfaces group within the Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science. His academic career spans over two decades with continuous contributions to nanomaterials science and semiconductor physics. Professor Vanmaekelbergh's research focuses on the fundamental properties of semiconductor nanocrystals, quantum dots, and artificial electronic lattices. His work bridges theoretical and experimental approaches to investigate electron transport, quantum confinement effects, and the optical properties of nanoscale materials. He has made significant contributions to understanding the formation mechanisms of nanocrystal superlattices, the electronic structure of artificial honeycomb lattices, and the dynamics of excitons in confined systems. His research group, known as the Vanmaekelbergh Lab, employs advanced techniques including scanning tunneling spectroscopy, electron microscopy, and optical spectroscopy to probe nanoscale phenomena. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on the physics of quantum-confined systems, particularly in lead chalcogenide and cadmium selenide nanocrystals. His work explores the relationship between nanocrystal structure and electronic properties, with applications in optoelectronics and quantum technologies. Recent research has focused on oriented attachment processes, artificial quantum systems with fractal geometries, and the fundamental limits of light-matter interactions in nanoscale materials. Professor Vanmaekelbergh has established a productive research program with numerous collaborations across the Netherlands and internationally. His work has been published consistently in high-impact journals including Nature Physics, Nano Letters, and ACS Nano, demonstrating the significance of his contributions to the field of nanomaterials science.
Xiaoqing Pan is a Professor and Henry Samueli Endowed Chair in Engineering at the University of California, Irvine, with dual appointments in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and the Department of Physics and Astronomy. He serves as Director of the Irvine Materials Research Institute (IMRI) and the Center for Complex and Active Materials (NSF MRSEC). A renowned electron microscopy expert, Pan has developed advanced transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques for atomic-scale material characterization. Ph.D., Universität des Saarlandes, Germany (1991) His research focuses on atomic-scale structure-property relationships in oxide heterostructures, ferroelectrics, nanocatalysts, and 2D functional materials. Pan leads development of novel 4D-STEM and momentum-resolved vibrational electron microscopy methods to study single-atom catalysts and complex oxides. With over 400 high-impact publications in Nature , Science , and Nature Materials , his work has been recognized by major fellowships and awards from the American Ceramic Society, American Physical Society, and National Science Foundation. Pan's recent work includes: Atomic-scale analysis of grain boundary phonon anisotropy Advances in FeSe/SrTiO 3 interface electron-phonon coupling Plastic waste upcycling through carbon intermediate interception Control of metal-support interactions in photocatalysts Strain engineering in high-entropy oxide films His laboratory at UCI represents the forefront of materials characterization technology development.
John Bell is a Professor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) at the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ), based at the Springfield Campus. He holds a BSc from the University of Sydney and a PhD from the University of New South Wales (UNSW). His leadership role involves overseeing research strategy and innovation initiatives across the institution. Bell's research spans advanced materials and energy technologies, with expertise in: Nanomaterials synthesis and characterization Renewable energy generation/storage (photovoltaics, batteries) Functional polymers and composite materials Semiconductor device engineering Smart building technologies His recent publications (2022-2025) demonstrate a strong focus on sustainable energy solutions, particularly next-generation batteries, solar cells, electrochromic devices, and nanotechnology-enabled sensors. Over 80% of his recent work addresses materials innovation for decarbonization and energy efficiency.
Maartje Bastings is an Associate Professor at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) , leading the Programmable Biomaterials Laboratory (PBL) within the School of Engineering (STI) . She holds additional affiliations with the Institute of Materials (IMX) , IBI-STI (Bioengineering), and supervises doctoral programs in Biotechnology and Biological Engineering ( EDBB-GE ) and Materials Science and Engineering ( EDMX-GE ). Her research focuses on DNA-based supramolecular materials engineered to achieve dynamic reciprocity —a two-way interaction between synthetic materials and biological systems. By leveraging DNA as a programmable scaffold, she investigates structural mechanics, valency control, and geometric constraints governing self-assembly and cell communication at bio-interfaces. Key applications include immune system modulation, diagnostics , and vaccine development . Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals a focus on multivalent interactions for T-cell activation, spatial patterning in immune signaling, and engineered coatings for DNA origami stability. Subfields span T cell receptor engineering , nanoscale protein dynamics , stimuli-responsive biomaterials , and bio-inspired therapeutic design . PhD Students: Chen Yuduo Hendrickx Pauline Bart M. Kononenko Artem Li Shujie Lou Yameng Meyer Pitt Narita Minako Rousseau Benjamin Bila Hale Caroprese Vincenzo Comberlato Alice Kurisinkal Eva Eugene Paloja Kaltrina Rodríguez Franco Hugo José Tekin Cem Wong Siu Ho Contact: maartje.bastings@epfl.ch
Maiken H. Mikkelsen is the James N. and Elizabeth H. Barton Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Duke University, with a joint appointment in the Department of Physics . Her research focuses on quantum nanophotonics , plasmonics , and light-matter interactions in nanoscale materials, aiming to advance optoelectronics, quantum science, and biomedical diagnostics. Education B.S. in Physics, University of Copenhagen (2004) Ph.D. in Physics, University of California, Santa Barbara (2009) Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of California, Berkeley Her work explores nanophotonic engineering for quantum optics , spintronics , and ultrafast optoelectronics , with recent studies on nonlinear metasurfaces and plasmonic enhancement of immunoassays for point-of-care diagnostics. Publications highlight 2D semiconductor emission control , ultrafast single-photon sources , and metasurface-based photodetectors . Scientific Awards Maria Goeppert Mayer Award (2017) NSF CAREER Award (2015) Moore Inventor Fellow (2021) ONR/Air Force/Army Young Investigator Awards (2015-2017) Cottrell Scholar (2016) Stansell Family Distinguished Research Award (2021) She advises graduate students in Duke’s Electrical & Computer Engineering and Physics programs and leads the Mikkelsen Lab , which emphasizes ultrafast spectroscopy and quantum material development . The lab has graduated PhD students like Eunso Shin and Hengming Li (2025).
Nathalie P. de Leon is an Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Princeton University and an Associated Professor of Physics. She is affiliated with the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory and co-leads the Co-Design Center for Quantum Advantage (C 2 QA). Her lab focuses on quantum hardware development using color centers in wide bandgap materials and superconducting qubits, with applications in quantum networks and nanoscale sensors. Ph.D., Chemical Physics, Harvard University, 2011 B.S., Chemistry, Stanford University, 2004 Her research spans optical materials , light-matter interactions , and quantum information processing , integrating nanophotonics , surface science , and quantum metrology . Recent publications highlight advances in diamond-based quantum sensors , superconducting circuit engineering , and noise/loss mitigation in quantum systems. Scientific Awards: APS Rolf Landauer and Charles H. Bennett Award in Quantum Computing (2023) DOE Early Career Award (2018) DARPA Young Faculty Award (2018) NSF CAREER Award (2018) Her lab has advised 22 graduate students and collaborates extensively with institutions like Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, University of Chicago, UZH, and Brookhaven National Laboratory. Current projects emphasize hybrid quantum devices , telecom band photonics , and many-body quantum physics .
