Silviu COLIS is a Professor in Inorganic Materials Chemistry at the Ecole Européenne de Chimie, Polymères et Matériaux (University of Strasbourg), conducting research at the Institut de Physique et Chimie des Matériaux de Strasbourg (IPCMS). His work focuses on multifunctional oxide thin films and multilayers for spintronic and photovoltaic applications, including magnetic tunnel junctions and ferroelectric solar cells. PhD in Physics, Louis Pasteur University (2001) Postdoctoral Researcher, Siemens AG (2001-2002) Research Habilitation, Louis Pasteur University (2008) His research spans magnetic oxides for spin electronics, oxide thin films for photovoltaics, and quantum materials. Recent work emphasizes ferroelectric thin films, oxygen vacancy effects, and transparent conductive oxides in solar cells. Key publications highlight advancements in Bi2FeCrO6 thin films, Yb-doped SnO2 nanoparticles, and gate-tunable phototransistors. Collaborations span institutions like IPCMS, ITI QMat, and Labex NIE. Marie Curie Fellowship Administrative roles include Head of the 'Functional Materials and Nanoscience' major, Research Coordinator for ITI QMat, and leadership in the ChemLab ECPM platform.
Jonathan Polk is a Professor at the Department of Political Science , Lund University , Sweden. Previously, he served as an Associate Professor at the University of Copenhagen and University of Gothenburg , where he held a docent title since 2017. His academic journey began with a PhD from the University of Georgia (2012) , followed by a post-doctoral fellowship at the Centre for European Research, University of Gothenburg (2012-2014) . He has contributed as a principal investigator for the Chapel Hill Expert Survey and co-principal investigator for the Swedish Party Membership Survey . Education Bachelor of Philosophy, Saint John's College (2002) Master's in Political Science, University of Georgia (2007) PhD in Political Science, University of Georgia (2012) Polk’s research examines political parties’ roles in contemporary democracies , focusing on multidimensional policy spaces , voter-party congruence , and intra-party dynamics . His work highlights how ideological incongruence leads to political dissatisfaction , voter defection , and support for anti-establishment parties . Recent studies analyze EU policy positioning , Ukraine conflict responses , and trade policy cleavages . His 15 most recent publications (2024-2019) span multidimensional party positioning , public opinion responsiveness , and anti-establishment voting patterns . These studies appear in journals like Journal of European Public Policy , Comparative Political Studies , and European Journal of Political Research , with methodological emphases on expert surveys , mixed-method designs , and cross-national data analysis . He supervises bachelor, master, and doctoral research on Comparative Politics , Political Behavior , and European Union studies . His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals for Democratic Institutions and Peaceful Societies , supported by grants from the Norwegian Research Council , Swedish Research Council (VR) , and Riksbankens Jubeliumsfond (RJ) .
Professor Ian David Hickson is a distinguished academic serving as Professor of Molecular Aging, Head of the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, and Theme Leader in the Center for Healthy Aging at the University of Copenhagen's Faculty of Health Sciences. He also directs the DNRF Center for Chromosome Stability, a major research center funded by a 65,000,000 DKK grant from the Danish National Research Foundation. Hickson's research focuses on understanding chromosomal instability and its impact on human disease, particularly cancer, neurodegeneration, and infertility. His laboratory pioneered the discovery of ultra-fine anaphase bridges (UFBs) and identified MiDAS (Mitotic DNA Synthesis), a process that completes DNA replication at difficult-to-replicate regions. His work combines protein biochemistry, molecular/cell biology, high-resolution imaging, and single-molecule biophysical techniques to study DNA metabolism and chromosome dynamics. The most recent publications demonstrate continued leadership in chromosome biology, with research spanning DNA topology, replication stress, chromosome mechanics, and the connection between DNA repair defects and cancer immunotherapy resistance. His work shows consistent focus on fundamental mechanisms of genome maintenance with clear implications for human disease. Fellow of the Royal Society (2010) Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences (UK) (2010) Member of EMBO (2011) ERC Advanced Grant recipient (2012) FEBS National Lecturer Award (2013) Professor Hickson has supervised over 40 PhD students who have gone on to prominent positions worldwide, including professors at major universities, group leaders at research institutes, and scientific officers in biotech companies. His laboratory has established international collaborations across Europe, the US, and Asia, particularly with Zhejiang University in China where he holds a Qiushi Guest Professorship. He actively participates in organizing major international conferences on DNA replication and chromosome stability.
Mirela Alistar is an Assistant Professor at the ATLAS Institute and the Department of Computer Science at the University of Colorado Boulder. She leads the Living Matter Lab , focusing on cyber-physical systems based on biochips to revolutionize healthcare diagnostics. Her interdisciplinary work bridges computer science, engineering, biotechnology, and bioart. Education : PhD in Embedded Systems Engineering (2010-2014, Technical University of Denmark), Postdoc in Human-Computer Interaction (2015-2018, Hasso Plattner Institute). Her research advances digital microfluidics and fault-tolerant biochips , enabling at-home diagnostic tools like OpenDrop . She also explores bioart through installations such as Semina Aeternitatis and Perfume Distillation Machine . She co-founded >top , a Berlin-based art & science project space, and advises startups digi.bio and bold.health . Her UIST'16 Honorable Mention Award highlights her innovative contributions. The Living Matter Lab under her leadership investigates interactive biodesign , combining technical precision with creative exploration of living systems.
Bodil Holst is a Professor at the University of Bergen's Department of Physics and Technology , specializing in surface science and scientific instrumentation development . Her research spans 2D materials , helium atom scattering , and archaeometry applications. She leads projects like Nanometer-Resolution Matter-Wave Lithography (FET-Open), 2D Material Properties (NFR FRIPRO), and Wind Turbine Erosion Prevention (Equinor). Her Nanophysics Group has produced groundbreaking work on graphene's temperature-dependent rigidity and icephobic surfaces . First neutral helium microscope images (2008) Recorded bending rigidity of 2D materials (2018-2021) Developed solid-state conversion techniques for sapphire (2017-2021) Her teaching innovations in classical mechanics explore retrieval practice and digital learning structure , documented in Physics Education and Physical Review Physics Education Research .
Rachel S. Goldman is a Professor at the University of Michigan with joint appointments in Materials Science & Engineering , Physics , and Electrical Engineering & Computer Science . She serves as the Maria Goeppert Mayer Collegiate Professor (2023–present) and Associate Director of Applied Physics (2010–present). Her research focuses on experimental materials science, particularly in semiconductor films, nanostructures, and heterostructures, with applications in quantum computing, spintronics, and optoelectronics. Education: B.S. in Physics, University of Michigan (1988) M.S. in Applied Physics, Cornell University (1992) Ph.D. in Materials Science, University of California, San Diego (1995) Research Interests: Goldman develops strategies for atomic manipulation in inorganic materials, emphasizing processing-structure-property correlations. Her work spans high-efficiency solar cells, long-wavelength light emitters, high-temperature electronics, and quantum computing, using ultra-high vacuum techniques like molecular-beam epitaxy and scanning tunneling microscopy, alongside computational modeling. Scientific Awards: Fellow of AAAS (2021), APS (2012), and AVS (2012) National Science Foundation Career Award (1998–2003) Peter Mark Memorial Award (2002) and MRS Graduate Student Gold Award (1994) Williams' Award (1988) and Alumni Giving Scholarship (1984) Advising and Grants: Goldman has advised numerous graduate students and led over 20 grants, including NSF MRSEC (2023–2029) and a DoD MURI project (2023–2026) on topological states in dislocations. She also chairs editorial roles for Journal of Applied Physics (2017–present) and serves on multiple national review panels.
Janice Hudgings is the Seeley W. Mudd Professor of Physics and Chair of Physics and Astronomy at Pomona College, with appointments since 2013. She has held administrative roles including Vice President for Academic Affairs at Pomona and Associate Dean of Faculty at Mount Holyoke College. Dr. Hudgings is a Fellow of the Optical Society of America and a Senior Member of IEEE, with extensive contributions to optics and semiconductor device research. Her research focuses on optics, semiconductor devices, and photonic systems , with specific interests in solar cells, energy-efficient lighting, semiconductor lasers, and thermal imaging techniques. She pioneered thermoreflectance imaging for defect analysis in optoelectronic devices and co-founded Alenas Imaging, a startup commercializing thermal imaging technology. Her work integrates undergraduate students into publishable research, reflecting her commitment to inclusive STEM pedagogy. The 15 most recent publications highlight her expertise in VCSEL arrays, thermoreflectance microscopy, and charge transport in organic devices . These studies span thermal analysis of photovoltaics, laser arrays, and OLEDs, demonstrating her interdisciplinary approach. Awards include the NSF CAREER Award Esther Hoffman Beller Medal Wig Distinguished Professorship Rhodes Scholarship Dr. Hudgings has secured over $2 million in grants from NSF, DOE, and HHMI, focusing on thermal management, photonic device innovation, and undergraduate science education. She advocates for curriculum reform and inclusive teaching methodologies, emphasizing hands-on research opportunities for students.
Sara K. Olson is an Associate Professor of Biology in the Department of Biology at Pomona College, part of The Claremont Colleges. She has been at Pomona since 2012 and is based in Seaver Biology, where she leads a research lab focused on extracellular matrix dynamics during fertilization and early embryonic development in C. elegans . Her research explores the assembly and function of the nematode eggshell, using fluorescence microscopy, molecular genetics (including CRISPR), and biochemical approaches. A major goal is to identify evolutionarily conserved versus divergent mechanisms of eggshell formation, with implications for understanding basic developmental biology and targeting parasitic nematodes. Olson's scientific work has been supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Research Corporation, and the Beckman Foundation. She has led or co-led several major grants, including an NSF CAREER Award and the Beckman Scholars Program. She is also deeply committed to inclusive pedagogy and undergraduate research, frequently involving students in authentic research experiences (CURE-based labs) and co-authoring publications with them. Her recent publications highlight a consistent focus on eggshell permeability, cortical granule exocytosis, proteoglycans, and glycan biology in C. elegans , with increasing integration of CRISPR and educational applications. The research demonstrates a strong interdisciplinary approach combining cell biology, biochemistry, and genetics. Wig Award for Teaching Excellence 7C Faculty Diversity Award for Teaching National Academies Education Fellow NIH IRACDA Postdoctoral Training Award Phi Beta Kappa She advises numerous undergraduate researchers and has mentored multiple students who have co-authored her publications. Her lab operates at the intersection of basic science and science education, promoting accessibility and diversity in STEM. She is also active in national efforts to bring CRISPR technology into undergraduate classrooms through networked teaching initiatives.
Prof. Dr. Silke Rolles is a Professor of Probability Theory at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) , specifically within the TUM School of Computation, Information and Technology. She has held this position since 2006 and previously held academic roles at the University of California, Los Angeles, the University of Zurich, and the Technical University of Eindhoven. Her research focuses on probability theory , particularly reinforced random processes , random processes in random environments , and statistical mechanics . Her recent work explores lattice Coulomb gas, supersymmetric hyperbolic sigma models, and localization phenomena. She was awarded the 2017 Golden Circle Teaching Award and the 2004 Stochastics Section Dissertation Prize . She has co-organized workshops such as Women in Probability and Stochastic Reinforcement Processes, and serves as an associate editor for probability journals.
Vitali Goussev is a Distinguished Professor at Le Mans Université, France, working at the Laboratory of Acoustics of the University of Maine (LAUM), a joint research unit with CNRS. He has been a professor at the École Nationale Supérieure d'Ingénieurs du Mans (ENSIM) since 1998, contributing significantly to the fields of acoustics, laser ultrasonics, and photoacoustics. Professor Goussev earned his PhD in physics and mathematics (laser physics) in 1982 from Moscow State University, Russia, followed by habilitations in mathematics and physics (acoustics) at Moscow University in 1992 and at Le Mans University in 1997. His academic journey spans institutions in Russia, France, Japan, Germany, and Canada through various prestigious fellowships. His research focuses on nonlinear acoustics, thermo-acoustics, laser ultrasonics, photoacoustics, interaction of laser radiation with matter, laser-induced ultrafast phenomena, physics of semiconductors and nanomaterials, and acoustic metamaterials . His work has significantly advanced our understanding of acoustic wave propagation in complex media, particularly granular materials and nanostructures. His recent research emphasizes time-domain Brillouin scattering applications for imaging, nonlinear laser ultrasound, acoustics of granular media, and non-destructive testing and evaluation of nanomaterials. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals a strong trend toward advanced imaging techniques, particularly using time-domain Brillouin scattering for nanoscale characterization. His work bridges fundamental physics with practical applications in materials science, semiconductor technology, and non-destructive testing. A significant portion of his recent research focuses on understanding acoustic phenomena in complex materials like granular media, ice phases, and ferroelectric nanostructures. 2024: Gerald J. Diebold Prize in Theoretical Photoacoustics and Photothermics 2023: VEBLEO Fellow 2016: Fellow of the American Physical Society 2013: Fellow of the Acoustical Society of America 2010: Gay Lussac – Humboldt Research Award 2009: Knight in the Order of Academic Palms 2007: French Medal of the French Acoustical Society 2006: Senior Member of the Institute of French Universities (IUF) 2004: Senior Prize of International Photoacoustic and Photothermal Association Professor Goussev has served on numerous scientific committees including the International Advisory Board of the International Congress on Ultrasonics and the Advisory Committee of the International Conferences on Photoacoustic and Photothermal Phenomena. He is also a member of editorial boards for international journals including "Applied Sciences," "Scientific Reports," and "Photoacoustics." His laboratory, part of the Laboratoire d'Acoustique de l'Université du Mans (LAUM), conducts cutting-edge research in materials acoustics, opto-acoustics, ultrasonics, and related fields, with a strong focus on both theoretical and experimental approaches.
Dr. Shaojun Du is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and a faculty member at the Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology, University of Maryland. His research focuses on genetic and epigenetic mechanisms regulating muscle development, growth, and repair using zebrafish models. Education: PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (University of Toronto, 1993), Postdoctoral Fellowship in Genetics (Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, 1993–1997) Dr. Du’s work explores the roles of molecular chaperones (e.g., Hsp90α1), histone modifiers (e.g., SmyD1), and fusogenic proteins (Myomaker/Myomixer) in myofibril assembly, sarcomere organization, and myoblast fusion. His lab employs Tol2 transposon, TALEN, and CRISPR technologies to generate transgenic and mutant zebrafish models. The scientific awards section is currently empty, but his research has been funded by the NIH (Grant 1R01AR072703-01A1, 2018–2025). His publications highlight breakthroughs in muscle cell identity specification via Hedgehog signaling and the critical role of post-translational modifications in protein stability. Dr. Du’s lab has developed over 40 zebrafish models to study muscle structural proteins, transcription factors, and microRNA networks, contributing to understanding neuromuscular diseases and advancing aquaculture applications.
Austin Taranta serves as a Professor at the University of Southampton's Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC), where he leads research and enterprise initiatives within the Hollow Core Fibres Group. Since joining the ORC in 2016, he has driven advancements in hollow core fibre technology for defence and space applications, authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications, secured significant research funding, and manages key industrial partnerships including a Microsoft research contract. His work bridges fundamental fibre physics with practical sensor development. His academic background includes a BSc in Chemical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2006) and a PhD in Optoelectronics from the University of Southampton (2024). Prior to academia, he gained industry experience as Senior Optical Engineer at Honeywell Aerospace's Strategic Sensors Group developing fibre-optic gyroscopes. Taranta's research focuses on exploiting the unique properties of hollow core fibres for next-generation sensing systems. Key areas include: Hollow core antiresonant fibre guidance physics Gas pressure and temperature dynamics in hollow fibres Polarization behavior in nodeless antiresonant structures Novel sensor architectures for defence applications Bend-insensitive fibre designs for telecom integration Non-destructive characterization methodologies Analysis of his 2023-2024 publications reveals concentrated efforts on solving manufacturing challenges, environmental stability issues, and sensor integration barriers in hollow core fibre technology. His work demonstrates strong industry alignment through Microsoft collaborations and defence-focused applications, particularly in distributed sensing systems and next-generation gyroscopes. No specific scientific awards or medals are listed in the provided text, though his profile notes responsibility for multiple research awards and patent holdings including optical time domain reflectometry innovations. Taranta actively supervises PhD candidates Amalie Gjelsvik and Chiang Ping Saw (part-time), while managing industrial research contracts and academic partnerships. His funding portfolio includes strategic defence projects through Honeywell Aerospace and Microsoft collaborations, supporting the Hollow Core Fibres Group's translational research pipeline. He leads the Hollow Core Fibres Group within the ORC, focusing on commercializing hollow core antiresonant fibre technology through the Hollow Core Fibres Group. Current work targets polarization control, environmental resilience, and sensor integration with industry partners to develop deployable systems for aerospace and defence sectors.
Holger Dullin is a Professor of Applied Mathematics at the School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Sydney. His research focuses on Hamiltonian dynamical systems, integrable systems, and their applications in mechanics, fluid dynamics, and biomechanics. He serves as a member of the Sydney Southeast Asia Centre and the Applied Mathematics Research Group. Member of Sydney Southeast Asia Centre Member of Applied Mathematics Research Group Research Interests include: Hamiltonian systems and integrability Quantum and classical monodromy Geometric phase phenomena N-body and rigid body dynamics Volume-preserving mappings His work spans from fundamental mathematical physics to interdisciplinary applications in biomechanics and space engineering , with recent studies on light sail stabilization and geometric phase optimization in diving. Publications cover 2024 to 2003, showing sustained contributions to nonlinear dynamics , stability analysis , and symplectic geometry . Teaching includes advanced courses in Hamiltonian dynamics and nonlinear ODEs. Current research students include Babak Attarha and Gleb Palshin , with past supervision of William Tong (PhD 2016) on geometric phases in diving.
David Hovemeyer is an Associate Teaching Professor at the Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University . He holds a PhD (2005) and MS (2001) in Computer Science from the University of Maryland and a BA (1994) from Earlham College. Prior to joining JHU in 2019, he taught at Vassar College and York College of Pennsylvania. Education : PhD, MS, and BA in Computer Science Research : Focuses on static analysis , systems software , and computer science education Projects : FindBugs, CloudCoder, ProgSnap2, FunWithSound His recent work includes frameworks for declarative autograders , formats for programming process data , and tools for educational software development . He has been recognized with Excellence in Teaching Awards and contributes to open-source educational platforms like GitHub. Scientific Awards : 2024 Whiting School Teaching, Advising, and Mentoring Award Excellence in Teaching Award (multiple years) David maintains an active role in the academic community through peer instruction , programming contests, and recommendation letter advising . He also develops tools like FreePoll and Declarative Autograder Framework to enhance teaching efficiency.
Erin Adams is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Chicago, focusing on molecular immunology and nonclassical MHC-like molecules . Her lab integrates structural biology , biochemistry , and cellular assays to study unconventional T cell recognition mechanisms. Education: BS in Animal Physiology and Neuroscience (UC San Diego), PhD in Evolutionary Genetics (UC Berkeley), Postdoc in Molecular Immunology (Stanford) Research areas include: Immune system distinction between healthy and diseased tissue γδ T cells, Natural Killer T cells, and MAIT cells Antigen presentation via nonclassical proteins (CD1, MR1, HLA-F) Structural and functional analysis of immune receptors Recent publications highlight discoveries in: HLA-F peptide presentation to NK receptors MR1 ligand diversity in microbial metabolites Butyrophilin-mediated phosphoantigen recognition α-synuclein membrane interactions in neurodegeneration Awards include the Joseph Regenstein Professorship (2016-present) and Searle Scholar (2007-2010). Her lab has trained notable graduates like Amrita Ramesh and Chris Boughter . Current NIH grants (e.g., R01AI170952) investigate HLA-F and MR1 roles in immune regulation.
