Pengfei Wang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering at Old Dominion University (ODU). He holds a Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering and an M.S. in Statistics from UCLA, alongside a B.S. in Transportation Engineering from Tongji University. Prior to ODU, he conducted postdoctoral research at UCLA. His expertise focuses on Geotechnical Engineering , Engineering Seismology , and Applied Statistics , with emphasis on regional geo-hazard modeling, multi-hazards risk assessment, and statistical learning applications. Key research interests include seismic site response analysis, liquefaction susceptibility, and probabilistic risk frameworks for infrastructure resilience. Dr. Wang’s work integrates geospatial analysis and statistical methodologies to address challenges in earthquake engineering. He has developed frameworks for regional landslide and liquefaction risk assessments, particularly in vulnerable regions like California’s Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. His contributions include advancing HVSR (Horizontal-to-Vertical Spectral Ratio) methodologies and ergodic site response modeling. He maintains active collaborations with institutions globally and contributes to open-source databases for seismic data, promoting transparency and reproducibility in geotechnical research. His educational background in transportation engineering enriches interdisciplinary approaches to civil infrastructure resilience.
Meeyoung Cha is a Professor at KAIST and Scientific Director of the Max Planck Institute for Security and Privacy (MPI-SP) in Bochum, Germany. Her research focuses on Data Science for Humanity, encompassing computational social science, misinformation dynamics, and human-machine interaction. She holds a PhD in Computer Science from KAIST (2008) and previously served as Chief Investigator at the Institute for Basic Science and Visiting Professor at Facebook. Her work addresses societal challenges such as poverty mapping, fraud detection, and AI ethics. Key achievements include best paper awards and recognition like the Hong Jin-Ki Creator Award (2024) and Test-of-Time Awards (ACM IMC 2022, AAAI ICWSM 2020). Research interests span AI ethics, social media analysis, and interdisciplinary applications of machine learning. Notable projects include modeling climate risks via satellite imagery and analyzing chatbot interactions' societal impacts. She leads the MPI-SP's Data Science for Humanity Group, mentoring over 20 students across PhD and postdoc programs. Education: PhD in Computer Science (KAIST, 2008) Affiliations: MPI-SP (Germany), KAIST Key Awards: Hong Jin-Ki Creator Award, Korean Young Information Scientist Award, Test-of-Time Awards Her publications bridge computational methods with societal issues, including climate modeling, protein engineering, and algorithmic fairness. Current projects explore geospatial AI for economic development and ethical AI design frameworks.
Theodora Varvarigou is a Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA). She holds a B.Eng. from NTUA and M.Eng. and Ph.D. degrees from Stanford University. Her career includes research at AT&T Bell Labs and roles at the Technical University of Crete. From 2008-2012, she served as director of NTUA's 'Technoeconomic Systems' postgraduate program. Her research focuses on Cloud Computing, Multimedia Content Processing, Social Networking Technologies, and emerging areas like blockchain, edge computing, and cybersecurity. She has published over 200 papers and led numerous European research projects, emphasizing scalable systems, data management, and smart infrastructure applications. Her work spans technical innovations such as intrusion detection systems, edge resource optimization, and blockchain-based solutions for IoT, healthcare, and smart cities. Recent publications highlight advancements in AI-driven resource allocation, privacy-preserving blockchain designs, and predictive analytics for edge computing environments. Professor Varvarigou has contributed to interdisciplinary initiatives, including cohort data harmonization in biomedical research and social media analytics for urban planning. Her teaching includes courses on digital systems, network programming, and fault-tolerant systems.
Dr. Christopher Morton is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at McMaster University, specializing in fluid-structure interaction, UAV technology, and energy systems. His research focuses on aerodynamics, flow control, and sustainable energy solutions, with applications in aerospace and environmental engineering. Education background includes a BASc in Mechatronics Engineering (University of Waterloo, 2008), MASc (2010), and Ph.D. (2014) in Mechanical Engineering from the same institution. His work bridges experimental and computational methods, particularly in flow estimation and control using advanced diagnostics like PIV and spectral analysis. His research interests span vortex-induced vibrations (VIV), unsteady aerodynamics, and energy harvesting through fluid-structure interactions. Recent publications highlight innovations in flow field reconstruction, sensor-based monitoring, and turbulence control. His work has been recognized through awards such as the Departmental Research Excellence Award (2021-2022) and multiple teaching accolades, reflecting his dedication to both research and education. Dr. Morton currently teaches MECH ENG 4FM3 (Advanced Instrumentation for Thermo-Fluids) and MECH ENG 723 (Flow Induced Vibrations), emphasizing hands-on experimental techniques and theoretical analysis. He actively supervises graduate students and collaborates with industry partners like Atlantis Research Labs and Plains Midstream Canada. Key Research Clusters: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing, Digital & Smart Systems, Energy, and Environment. Teaching Excellence: Awarded “Professor of the Year” multiple times and recognized for outstanding teaching performance.
Jack Puleo is a Professor and Chair in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Delaware (UD), and a core faculty member of the Center for Applied Coastal Research (CACR). He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Florida, a Master’s from Oregon State University, and a Bachelor’s from Humboldt State University. His research focuses on coastal hydrodynamics, sediment transport, and nature-based solutions for coastal resilience. He has served as Associate Chair and Director of CACR, and was a Fulbright Scholar and Visiting Professor at Plymouth University (2011-2012). Research Interests: Small-scale hydrodynamic processes and sediment transport in coastal zones Remote sensing and sensor networks for coastal monitoring Nature-based solutions for coastal protection Munitions mobility in nearshore environments Climate change impacts on coastal flooding Awards and Honors: NSF CAREER Award (2007) ASCE Teaching Awards University of Delaware Teaching Awards (twice) Chi Epsilon Advising Award ASBPA Robert G. Dean Award German DAAD Scholarship Labs and Collaborations: Core member of the Center for Applied Coastal Research (CACR), collaborating on projects such as UXO mobility studies, coastal flooding modeling, and military infrastructure resilience. Active in interdisciplinary work with the Naval Research Laboratory and joint bases like Langley-Eustis.
Valerie Karplus is a Professor in the Department of Engineering and Public Policy at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) and Associate Director of the Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation. She holds a Ph.D. in Engineering Systems from MIT and a B.S. in Biochemistry and Political Science from Yale University. Her research focuses on resource and environmental management in global industrial contexts, emphasizing institutions, management practices, and policy design. Key areas include decarbonization pathways, hydrogen energy systems, and the intersection of public policy with workforce resilience. Dr. Karplus leads the Laboratory for Energy and Organizations (LEO) at CMU and is affiliated with MIT’s Energy Initiative and environmental policy centers. She previously directed the MIT-Tsinghua China Energy and Climate Project (2011–2016), analyzing China’s energy policies and their global impacts. Her work bridges academia and practice, addressing challenges like steel industry decarbonization and clean energy workforce development through interdisciplinary approaches. Notable contributions include modeling China’s carbon neutrality targets (C-REM 4.0), evaluating hydrogen hub risks, and assessing energy audit effectiveness. She has secured grants such as a $500,000 ARISE planning grant to analyze Appalachian workforce skills for decarbonization. Media engagements include commentary on EU energy strategies, green hydrogen viability, and nuclear energy for AI systems.
Paul-Eric DOSSOU is a Researcher at ICAM’s Grand Paris Sud campus, specializing in Societal and Technological Transitions of Companies. His work focuses on Industry 5.0, decision-aided systems, logistics optimization, and digital twin applications. He leads projects like Plateforme Life, Urban Logistics, and Healthcare 4.0, aiming to enhance SME efficiency through sustainable digital transformation. Expertise includes AI-driven supply chain management, cybersecurity for legacy systems, and robotic solutions for archaeology. He collaborates with industry partners to bridge theoretical research and practical applications, emphasizing human-centric automation and environmental sustainability. Contact: paul-eric.dossou@icam.fr | Mobile: +33 6 17 81 33 43 Research contributions span over 30 peer-reviewed articles since 2003, addressing topics from energy audits in the nautical industry to multi-agent systems in supply chain optimization.
Inigo Flores Ituarte is a Research Professor at Tampere University's Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, affiliated with the Automation Technology and Mechanical Engineering department. He leads the Digital Design and Manufacturing (D2M) research lab, focusing on sustainable manufacturing and twin-transition strategies integrating digital and green technologies. His work emphasizes optimization-driven design, additive manufacturing innovations, and AI-driven expert systems to enhance energy efficiency and reduce environmental impacts. Key research pillars include: Pillar 1: Twin-transition in Engineering Design and Manufacturing Processes, addressing sustainable manufacturing and intelligent systems Pillar 2: Development of open D2M systems and Process-Structure-Property-Performance (PSPP) linkages in advanced materials His research explores multi-disciplinary optimization combining model-based simulations and data-driven techniques. Notable contributions include generative AI integration in CAD systems, cognitive manufacturing systems, and cost-effective process monitoring using CNN-based methods. Inigo's work emphasizes environmental sustainability, with a focus on reducing manufacturing's energy consumption (54% of global use) and CO2 emissions. He advocates for interconnected material systems, smart manufacturing processes, and AI-assisted decision-making to achieve cognitive intelligence in industrial operations. His D2M lab's overarching goal is to maximize product/process performance while improving cost-effectiveness and minimizing environmental footprints. Recent projects include railway bogie demonstrators via multi-material deposition and sensor systems leveraging IoT and ChatGPT integration.
Professor Chee Yew Wong is a leading academic in supply chain management at Leeds University Business School (LUBS), where he holds the position of Professor and serves as Director for Research & Innovation in the Analytics, Technology and Operations department. He previously held a Chair in Logistics and Supply Chain Management at Hull University Business School and has served as a visiting professor in Thailand and China. His work bridges academia and industry, with over nine years of professional experience in operations and supply chain roles across multinational corporations and SMEs. His educational background includes a PhD in Supply Chain Management from Aalborg University, Denmark; an MSc in Manufacturing Management from Linköping University, Sweden; a BEng in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Technology, Malaysia; and a PG Certificate in Higher Education from Hull University, UK. Professor Wong's research centers on intelligent, responsible, and sustainable solutions for global supply chains. Key interests include digital supply chains, supply chain analytics, green logistics, human rights in supply chains, resilience, and circular economy models. He leverages technologies such as blockchain, machine learning, and IoT to enhance transparency, integration, and performance in complex supply networks. The analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trend toward digital transformation, sustainability, and ethical governance in supply chains. His work increasingly emphasizes data-driven decision-making, environmental and social risk assessment, and the role of technology in enabling responsible global sourcing. Many projects focus on real-world applications in industries such as healthcare, fashion, retail, and manufacturing, often through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships with industry leaders. Best Reviewer Award, Operations and Supply Chain Management Division, Academy of Management Conference, Chicago, USA (2018) Prof. Xiande Zhao's Best Paper Award, International Conference on Operations and Supply Chain Management, Kaifeng, China (2017) Finalist for the Jack Meredith Best Paper Award, Academy of Management Conference, Anaheim, USA (2016) Emerald Best Paper Award, Supply Chain Management: an International Journal (2006) Professor Wong has successfully supervised 10 PhD students and 4 post-doctoral researchers, and has examined over 15 PhD dissertations internationally. He leads multiple research grants, including projects funded by Innovate UK, UKRI, ESRC, and the British Council, focusing on digital transformation, human rights, and green supply chain innovation. His collaborations span academia, government, and industry, demonstrating a strong commitment to impactful, applied research. He is actively involved in the Centre for Operations and Supply Chain Research, the Adaptation Information Management and Technology group, and the Centre for Decision Research at LUBS. These research groups support interdisciplinary work in analytics, digital technologies, and sustainable operations, fostering innovation and knowledge exchange across sectors.
Gustavo Vulcano is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Information, Operations and Management Sciences at the Leonard N. Stern School of Business, New York University, where he has been affiliated since 2002. He served as Assistant Professor (2002–2010), Associate Professor (2010–2017, tenured in 2012), and has held an adjunct role since 2017. His academic work bridges theoretical and applied operations management with strong industry engagement. Education: Ph.D. in Operations Management, Columbia University, 2003 M.Phil. in Operations Management, Columbia University, 2000 M.S. in Computer Science, University of Buenos Aires, 1997 B.S. in Computer Science, University of Buenos Aires, 1994 His research focuses on revenue and pricing analytics , retail operations , and supply chain management , particularly emphasizing customer choice modeling , data-driven optimization , and computational methods in network revenue management . He integrates stochastic modeling and behavioral insights to develop practical pricing and operational strategies. His work is deeply rooted in real-world applications across airlines, retail, and financial services. The analysis of his publications reveals a consistent trend in leveraging data-driven decision-making under uncertainty, with a focus on dynamic pricing, demand learning, and robust optimization. His articles span premier journals such as Operations Research and Management Science , reflecting a strong theoretical foundation combined with empirical and computational rigor. Key thematic areas include customer behavior modeling, network revenue management, and stochastic optimization for service industries. Scientific Awards and Leadership: Chair, INFORMS Revenue Management and Pricing Section (2016–2017) Associate Editor, Operations Research and Management Science Prof. Vulcano has advised numerous PhD and master’s students and has secured research grants through industry collaborations. His consulting projects with Delta Airlines, Sabre Holdings, Aerolíneas Argentinas, and ICBC demonstrate a strong commitment to translating academic research into practical solutions. He has taught core courses such as Operations Management , Pricing and Revenue Management , and Dynamic Programming across undergraduate, MBA, PhD, and MSBA programs, shaping future leaders in data-driven decision-making. He is actively involved in research labs and teams focused on operations analytics and pricing strategy , often collaborating with interdisciplinary groups at NYU Stern and industry partners. His ongoing editorial roles and consultancy reflect sustained engagement in advancing the field of revenue management and operations science.
Jacob Fish is the Robert A.W. and Christine S. Carleton Professor and Chair of the Department of Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics at Columbia University. He directs the Multiscale Science and Engineering Center and leads Columbia's Computational Science and Engineering initiative (iCSE), coordinating 65+ faculty. With 35 years of pioneering research, he specializes in multiscale computational methods bridging aerospace, automotive, and healthcare industries. His research integrates multiscale computational science with applications in: Homogenization and reduced-order methods for complex materials Stochastic modeling of heterogeneous systems Coupled thermo-chemo-electro-mechanical processes Data-physics driven frameworks for industrial processes Recent work emphasizes AI-enhanced modeling for composites, porous media, and environmental systems. His 15 most recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate strong trends toward: Data-physics integration in manufacturing (e.g., resin transfer molding) Multiscale environmental applications (canopy flows, CO2 mineralization) Advanced numerical methods (discontinuous Galerkin, solver-free homogenization) Digital twin development for composite lifecycle management Scientific Awards & Honors: 2018 JSCES Grand Prize 2010 IACM Computational Mechanics Award 2005 USACM Computational Structural Mechanics Award 2003 Rensselaer Research Award Fellowships: AAM, USACM, IACM Two Best Paper awards He founded the commercial Multiscale Designer software suite (250+ global clients) and secured major grants including an NSF-DFG collaboration on thermoplastic interfaces. His textbooks are used in 200+ universities worldwide. Leads the Multiscale Science and Engineering Center focusing on industrial-scale computational challenges and mentors researchers through Columbia's iCSE initiative. Former President of USACM and current IACM Vice-President for the Americas.
Professor Daniel Catchpoole serves as Deputy Head of School (Research) at the School of Computer Science, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), holding dual appointments at UTS and The Children's Hospital at Westmead. With over 20 years of research experience, he bridges computational sciences and pediatric cancer research through the Biomedical Data Science Lab in the Australian Artificial Intelligence Institute. His work integrates data analytics, artificial intelligence, and software development with molecular cancer biology to transform pediatric cancer treatment pathways. PhD in Cancer Cell Biology, University of New South Wales (1991-1995) Founding Fellow, Royal College of Pathologists Australasia (2010-present) Head, Children's Hospital at Westmead Tumour Bank (2001-present) Professor Catchpoole's research focuses on translational applications of genomics in childhood cancers, particularly acute lymphoblastic leukemia and neuroblastoma. His work combines high-throughput genomic technologies with advanced computational analysis to develop systems biology approaches for cancer patient assessment. Recent projects explore virtual reality applications for complex genomic data visualization and copper chelation therapies to enhance neuroblastoma immunotherapy. His research has received significant funding from Cancer Institute NSW, Sony Foundation, ARC, and NHMRC. His publication record spans biomedical data science, cancer genomics, and virtual reality applications in oncology. Recent work demonstrates leadership in 3D latent diffusion models for tumor segmentation, biobank economics, and innovative immunotherapies. His research consistently addresses the critical need for actionable knowledge from complex multidimensional biomedical data. Editorial Board Member, Cancers (2023) Associate Editor, Innovations in Digital Health, Diagnostics and Biomarkers (2019) Founding member and first President, Australasian Biospecimens Network Association Professor Catchpoole has supervised 17 Honours students (including 6 First Class Honours), 3 MSc students, and 12 PhD candidates across multiple institutions, with 6 current PhD students. His collaborative research bridges UTS's Faculty of Engineering and IT with The Children's Cancer Research Unit at The Children's Hospital at Westmead. Significant research funding includes Cancer Institute NSW grants, Sony Foundation VR projects, and ARC Discovery Projects focused on genomic data analysis and clinical decision support systems. His leadership extends to building frameworks for translational research, managing biobanks and clinical data linkages, and navigating governance requirements for cancer research. The Tumour Bank at Kids Research, CCRU, represents his long-standing commitment to pediatric cancer infrastructure development.
Dr. Sam Ferguson is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Computer Science, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), with a multidisciplinary background in music performance, cognitive science, and psycho-acoustics. His research explores the intersection of sound, music, and human experience through creative coding, machine learning, and interactive systems. Key Research Areas: Sound and Music Computing, Human-Computer Interaction, Creative Coding, Cognitive Science, Installation Art, and Acoustics. Current Projects: ARC Linkage project on creative coding and multiplicitous media; industry collaborations on IoT-based audiovisual systems. Recent Publications: Focus on spatial audio complexity, gestural interaction with networked sound, music emotion recognition frameworks, and robotic performance through genre-based cultural platforms. Leadership Roles: Director of Teaching & Learning Engagement; former Deputy Head of School (Teaching and Learning); active in ACM Creativity and Cognition Steering Committee. Teaching: Courses like Digital Media Studio , Prototyping Physical Interaction , and Data Processing using R within UTS's interdisciplinary Software Development Studio.
Professor Robert Eason is a leading academic at the University of Southampton, specializing in photonics and laser technology. His research spans interdisciplinary areas combining Machine Learning , Medical Diagnostics , and Microfluidics . Research Interests : Eason focuses on AI-driven laser applications, including deep learning for phototherapy , autonomous laser machining , and low-cost paper-based diagnostic devices . His work bridges photonics with biomedicine and advanced manufacturing. Recent Publications : His 2025 article in Scientific Reports explores AI simulations for psoriasis treatment, while 2024-2022 works address laser-controlled microfluidics, deep learning in microscopy, and reinforcement learning for laser machining. Supervision : He supervises PhD student Georgia Mourkioti in laser-based research projects. External Roles : Eason has served as a speaker at international conferences including the International Symposium on Laser Precision Microfabrication (2018), LAISER (2019), and Deep Learning for Control of Light-Matter Interactions (2022).
Prof. Dr. Moritz Petersen is an Associate Professor of Sustainable Supply Chain Practice and Co-Director of the Center for Sustainable Logistics and Supply Chains (CSLS) at Kühne Logistics University (KLU) in Hamburg, Germany. His academic career began at Hamburg University of Technology, where he completed his doctoral studies in 2017 under Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Kersten, and he has been at KLU since 2016. Research Focus: Decarbonization of logistics, Circular Economy, Blockchain applications in supply chains, and sustainable product development Teaching: Courses on Supply Chain Sustainability, Circular Product Development, and Lean Logistics Operations across KLU’s Bachelor to MBA programs Outreach: Co-hosts the podcast “Das Gleiche in Grün?!”, collaborates on educational children’s books about logistics, and frequently speaks at industry events like the Deutscher Logistik-Kongress Research Trends from his 15 most recent articles center on: Blockchain technology’s role in sustainable logistics Decarbonization strategies across maritime and road freight Circular economy implementation through product design and waste stream analysis Behavioral and organizational barriers to sustainability Public-private partnerships in European logistics Information sharing as a CE enabler Scientific Awards: 2020 Best Paper Award, International Journal of Operations & Production Management (IJOPM) Research Projects include: CREAToR: EU Horizon 2020 project on polymer recycling GATE: German Ministry of Economy-funded GHG emissions data exchange HANSEBLOC: Blockchain applications in logistics ChainLog: Blockchain use cases Development of Logistics Competence Assessment Toolkit
