Dr. Laura McMahon is an Associate Professor in Film and Screen Studies at the Faculty of Modern and Medieval Languages and Linguistics , University of Cambridge. She is currently on sabbatical leave and will return in Easter Term 2024. Her research explores intersections between film and philosophy , with a focus on French and Francophone cinema , decolonial approaches , feminist theory , and ecocritical perspectives . Dr. McMahon’s work examines how contemporary feminist filmmakers like Onyeka Igwe and Khady Sylla engage with archives to reframe history through speculative reimagining . She also investigates ecological themes in Claire Denis’s films and the ethics of animality in global art cinema. Her monograph Animal Worlds: Film, Philosophy and Time (2019) and edited collections like Animal Life and the Moving Image (2015) highlight her contributions to debates on nonhuman representation and deconstructive aesthetics . Her recent publications analyze documentary practices , postcolonial archives , and critical repurposing in moving image work. She welcomes inquiries from MPhil and PhD students working on related topics. Her teaching and research are affiliated with the Cambridge Film and Screen initiative and the Cambridge Italian Research Network (CIRN).
Ron H.J. Peerlings is Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) , where he leads the Mechanics of Materials research group. Promoted to Associate Professor in 2007 after joining as Assistant Professor in 2000, he has built an extensive portfolio in theoretical and computational mechanics of materials. Education: PhD (1999) – Eindhoven University of Technology, thesis: Enhanced damage modelling for fracture and fatigue Post-doctoral research (1999–2000) – University of Cambridge, Engineering Department Research interests revolve around micromechanics , micro-plasticity , multiscale modelling , homogenisation , damage and fracture , and enriched continuum theories . His work spans advanced high-strength steels, composites, paper and fibrous networks, with strong emphasis on coupling rigorous theoretical developments to industrially motivated problems. His recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate a clear trajectory towards integrating advanced experimental techniques (e.g., digital image correlation, micro-mechanical testing) with high-fidelity computational frameworks such as crystal-plasticity finite-element modelling, FFT-based solvers and micromorphic homogenisation. Dominant themes include: Deformation and fracture in lath martensite and dual-phase steels Hygro-mechanics of paper and fibrous networks Pattern-transforming mechanical metamaterials Discrete-to-continuum scale bridging methods Scientific awards are not explicitly listed in the provided material; however, his prolific output (294 research items, >6500 citations) attests to significant peer recognition. Teaching & supervision: He delivers courses on Computational Mechanics – Numerical Methods for Fluids and Solids and Fracture Mechanics – Theory and Application , and has supervised >80 student works and numerous PhD candidates whose names appear on joint publications. Laboratory & teams: He heads the Group Peerlings within the Mechanics of Materials cluster, maintaining close collaboration with the Mechanics of Materials Group Geers and extensive national/international experimental and computational networks.
Anthony Rollett is a Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University , where he has been a faculty member since 1995. He serves as the Principal Investigator and Co-Director of the NASA-supported Institute for Model-Based Qualification & Certification of Additive Manufacturing (IMQCAM) and co-director of the Next Manufacturing Center . Prior to CMU, he held leadership roles at Los Alamos National Laboratory (1991-1995). Education: Ph.D., Materials Engineering, Drexel University (1987) MA, Metallurgy and Materials Science, Cambridge University (1977) Research Interests: Rollett’s work focuses on microstructural evolution and microstructure-property relationships in 3D using experiments and simulations. His expertise spans additive manufacturing , metal 3D printing , materials for energy systems , grain growth , recrystallization , and stereology , with techniques like high-energy diffraction microscopy (HEDM) and dynamic x-ray radiography (DXR) . Scientific Contributions: He has over 320 peer-reviewed publications and an h-index >80 . His recent articles highlight machine learning for laser processing , fatigue analysis of additively manufactured alloys, and design optimization for heat exchangers in supercritical CO2 and solar thermal applications . Scientific Awards: Fellow of ASM International (1996) Fellow of the Institute of Physics (UK) (2004) Fellow of The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (TMS) (2011) Cyril Stanley Smith Award (TMS, 2014) Member of Honor, French Metallurgical Society (2015) US Steel Professor (2017) Francqui International Professor (2020-2021) International FAME Award (2023) Leadership & Impact: Rollett co-led the development of a NASA Space Technology Research Institute for additive manufacturing and established a new master’s program in additive manufacturing (2018). His research group is funded by industry , federal agencies , and Pennsylvania state grants . He also serves on the Basic Energy Science Advisory Committee and Defense Programs Advisory Committee for the Department of Energy.
Dr. KN Sasidhar is a Researcher in the Department of Microstructure Physics and Alloy Design at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf. His work focuses on advanced materials science, particularly corrosion mechanisms, alloy design, and nanoscale structural analysis. He employs cutting-edge techniques like in situ synchrotron investigations and deep learning frameworks to study material behavior under extreme conditions. Current research emphasizes corrosion resistance in stainless steels, phase transformations during nitriding, and radiation effects on coatings. Key achievements include pioneering studies on nanoscale amorphization in metallic systems, data-centric approaches for materials discovery, and the development of predictive models for alloy performance. His work bridges experimental materials characterization with computational methods, addressing challenges in energy and aerospace applications. Publications span corrosion analysis, microstructural evolution under irradiation, and phase separation phenomena. Collaborative projects involve synchrotron facilities and interdisciplinary teams focusing on materials informatics. No formal awards or grants are explicitly listed in the provided texts, though his prolific publication record indicates active academic engagement.
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.
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.
Professor Iwona M. Jasiuk is a multi-disciplinary academic affiliated with the University of Illinois, holding professorships in Mechanical Science and Engineering, Biomedical and Translational Sciences, Bioengineering, Aerospace Engineering, and other departments. She is also affiliated with the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA), Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, and the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology. Her research focuses on composite materials, bio-inspired structures, additive manufacturing, and computational mechanics, with a strong emphasis on integrating artificial intelligence into materials science. Her work spans topics such as material characterization, metamaterials design, and radiation effects on materials. Notable research areas include thin-ply composites, lattice structures derived from geometric principles, and the mechanical properties of bio-inspired systems like equine hoof walls. She has pioneered the use of deep learning networks for predicting material behavior in complex systems. Professor Jasiuk has received prestigious awards, including the ASME Fellow, SES Fellow, and Vebleo Scientist Award. Her research is supported by collaborations across engineering, biology, and computational fields, leveraging advanced facilities like NCSA for high-performance computing.
Marc De Graef is the John and Claire Bertucci Distinguished Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). He leads the J. Earle and Mary Roberts Materials Characterization Laboratory and is affiliated with the Materials Science and Engineering Department within the College of Engineering. De Graef holds dual roles as a faculty director and researcher, specializing in advanced materials characterization techniques, particularly electron microscopy and microstructural analysis. Education: Ph.D. in Physics, Catholic University of Leuven (1989) M.S. and B.S. in Physics, University of Antwerp (1983) Research Interests: De Graef's work focuses on 3D microstructure analysis, materials informatics, magnetic materials, and advanced characterization methods like Lorentz microscopy. His research emphasizes quantitative electron microscopy techniques, including electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), and their application to study complex materials systems. He has pioneered software tools for materials characterization, such as orientation mapping algorithms and dictionary-based indexing methods. Key Achievements: Recipient of the 2025 Microscopy Society of America Distinguished Scientist Award Author/co-author of over 350 publications and two textbooks: Introduction to Conventional Transmission Electron Microscopy and Structure of Materials Principal investigator on grants including a $7.5M Air Force-funded Center of Excellence in data-driven materials research Lab & Collaborations: Directs the Materials Characterization Facility at CMU, advancing capabilities in X-ray and electron microscopy. His team collaborates on projects involving additive manufacturing, magnetic domain analysis, and topological magnetic structures. Recent work includes studies on skyrmions in thin films and phase stability in novel alloys.
Professor Dan Balint is the Head of the Mechanics of Materials Division in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Imperial College London. He holds a Ph.D. in Engineering Sciences from Harvard University (2003), an S.M. in Applied Mathematics from Harvard (2001), and a B.S. in Engineering Mechanics from Michigan State University (1998). Prior to joining Imperial in 2006, he was a Research Associate at the Cambridge Centre for Micromechanics. His research spans theoretical and computational solid mechanics, with focus areas including: Micromechanics of crystalline materials (metals/ceramics) Dislocation-defect interactions and failure mechanisms Discrete dislocation plasticity methods Nuclear cladding materials and zirconium hydrides Thin film failure and metal forming processes Fracture mechanics and material size effects Recent publications (2022-2025) predominantly explore dislocation dynamics, zirconium alloy behavior under nuclear conditions, computational modeling of microstructural stresses, and machine learning applications in materials science. Common themes include thermomechanical degradation, crack initiation mechanisms, and multi-scale modeling approaches. Professor Balint serves as Associate Editor of the European Journal of Mechanics - A/Solids and consults for industrial partners including Rolls Royce, BP, and the US Air Force.
Erika Tan is a Reader in Contemporary Art Practice and Course Leader of MA Fine Art at Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London. With a multidisciplinary background spanning social anthropology, archaeology, and film directing, her research-led practice investigates postcolonial narratives, transnational identities, and decolonial methodologies through moving image, archival interventions, and curatorial projects. Education includes: M.A Fine Art - Central Saint Martins (1997) B.A (Hons) Social Anthropology and Archaeology - University of Cambridge (1991) Advanced Diploma in Film & Video - Central Saint Martins (1995) Film Directing - Beijing Film Academy (1994) Her research focuses on three primary domains: postcolonial museum practices examining colonial collections and restitution; transnational material histories exploring cultural exchange and identity formation; and decolonial methodologies challenging canonical art histories through archival reexamination. Current projects include SOAS-led research on Southeast Asian restitution paradigms and AHRC-funded work on decolonizing national collections through machine learning applications. Publication trends reveal sustained engagement with archival reinterpretation, particularly through the recurring 'Forgotten Weaver' project examining Malayan craft histories. Recent works demonstrate increased focus on participatory sound installations (e.g., Sonic Soundings ) and feminist knowledge-sharing frameworks like Slideshow Party developed for Singapore Biennale 2023. Significant recognitions include: Arts Foundation Digital Arts Fellowship (1998) ACME 5-year Fire Station Residency (2001) Samsung Digital Art Plus Prize Nomination (2012) Stanley Picker Fine Art Fellowship (2018-2020) As Research Associate with UAL's Decolonising Arts Institute, she contributes to major grants including the AHRC's 'Transforming Collections' initiative. She leads the Moving Image research group and has curated geo-locational projects like Sonic Soundings across international contexts.
Karen Mulleners is an Associate Professor at the École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), affiliated with the School of Engineering (STI), the Institute of Mechanical Engineering (IGM), and the UNFOLD Laboratory (Laboratoire de diagnostic des écoulements instationnaires). She also serves in the SGM-ENS teaching department and is a member of the EDEY-GE doctoral program commission. Her research focuses on experimental fluid dynamics, particularly unsteady flow phenomena and vortex dynamics. Professor Mulleners specializes in the intersection of fluid dynamics and bio-inspired engineering, with research interests including: Unsteady vortex-dominated flow phenomena Fluid-structure interaction in flexible systems Experimental methods for flow visualization and measurement Application of fluid dynamics principles to bio-inspired robotics Aerodynamic performance optimization of wind turbine systems Vortex dynamics in flapping and rotating wing systems Her recent publications (2022-2025) demonstrate a strong experimental focus on understanding complex fluid phenomena, particularly in bio-inspired robotics and renewable energy applications. Mulleners' work consistently addresses fundamental questions about vortex formation, flow control, and fluid-structure interactions, with significant contributions to understanding dynamic stall in wind turbines and undulatory swimming mechanics. Her research group employs advanced diagnostic techniques to study unsteady flows, often bridging engineering and biological principles. Professor Mulleners actively supervises PhD students and has directed multiple EPFL theses. Her teaching responsibilities include courses on Measurement Techniques and Aerodynamics, where she imparts knowledge on experimental methods for observing and measuring physical variables such as force, resistance, temperature, flow velocity, and structural deformation. The UNFOLD Laboratory, which Professor Mulleners leads, focuses on diagnostic techniques for unsteady flow phenomena, employing advanced experimental methods including flow visualization, particle image velocimetry, and force measurement systems to study complex fluid dynamics problems with applications in renewable energy and bio-inspired engineering.
Emily M. Peterman is an Associate Professor of Earth and Oceanographic Science at Bowdoin College, currently on leave for the 2025–2026 academic year. She specializes in studying mountain belt evolution and micro-to-nanoscale mineral processes using petrology, geochemistry, and geochronology. Her lab employs advanced techniques like SEM, EBSD, and cathodoluminescence to analyze mineral recrystallization and deformation. Education: PhD, University of California, Santa Barbara (2009) BA, Geology and Spanish, Middlebury College (2004) Universidad SEK, Segovia, Spain (2003) Research Interests: Peterman investigates tectonic processes through mineral-scale analysis, focusing on metamorphic reactions, crustal evolution, and nanoscale trace element mobility. Her work bridges structural geology with geochemical methods to decode Earth's dynamic history. Publications: Her recent articles emphasize Appalachian tectonics, nanogeochronology, and metamorphic petrology. Trends show strong focus on integrating field geology with atom-scale microscopy to resolve complex orogenic processes. Grants & Collaborations: NSF Tectonics Grant (2020–2023) for hosting the 6th Structural Geology and Tectonics Forum. NSF Petrology Grant (2017–2023) for ultrahigh-pressure metamorphism research in Greece/Bulgaria with UMass-Amherst. Co-directs Bowdoin's SEM Lab with EDS/EBSD/CL capabilities, supporting >600 students.
Professor Caterina Ida Zeppieri is a distinguished mathematician at the Westfälische Wilhelms-University Münster (University of Münster) in Germany, where she leads the Research Group 'Analysis and Modelling' within the Institute for Analysis and Numerics. She has maintained a continuous academic presence since at least the Winter semester 2012/13 through to upcoming semesters in 2025/26, consistently teaching advanced mathematics courses and supervising research activities. Her research focuses on fundamental aspects of mathematical analysis with significant applications to materials science. She specializes in Calculus of Variations, Elliptic PDEs, Gamma-convergence, Homogenization theory, Free-discontinuity problems, Nonlinear elasticity, and Plasticity. Her work bridges theoretical mathematics with practical applications in understanding material behavior, particularly fracture mechanics and composite materials. Professor Zeppieri's publication record demonstrates a consistent and impactful research trajectory from 2007 through forthcoming publications in 2025. Her recent work shows a strong emphasis on stochastic homogenization techniques applied to free-discontinuity problems and singularly-perturbed functionals, revealing sophisticated mathematical approaches to modeling complex material behaviors across multiple scales. She regularly collaborates with leading researchers including Filippo Cagnetti, Gianni Dal Maso, and Lucia Scardia, contributing to significant advances in the mathematical understanding of material science phenomena. Her research has been published in top-tier mathematics journals including Calculus of Variations and Partial Differential Equations, Archive for Rational Mechanics and Analysis, and SIAM Journal on Mathematical Analysis. Within the department, Professor Zeppieri plays an active role in teaching advanced courses such as Partial Differential Equations, Calculus of Variations, and Advanced Topics in the Calculus of Variation, while participating in the department's Advanced Seminar in Applied Mathematics and Colloquium on Applied Mathematics.
Oleg Shpyrko is a Professor and Department Chair in the Department of Physics at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). He leads a research group focused on nanoscale structural dynamics using advanced x-ray scattering techniques. His work bridges hard and soft condensed matter systems, including magnetic materials, energy storage materials, and biophotonic nanostructures. Shpyrko earned his Ph.D. in Physics from Harvard University in 2004. His research leverages national facilities like the Advanced Photon Source (APS) and Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS). Key areas include coherent x-ray imaging, domain dynamics in magnetic systems, and operando studies of battery materials. His research interests span: Coherent X-ray Scattering and Imaging Magnetic Domain Dynamics Nanostructured Materials Energy Storage (battery cathodes) Biophotonic Structures Phase Transitions Notable achievements include pioneering X-ray Photon Correlation Spectroscopy (XPCS) for antiferromagnetic domain studies and revealing dislocation dynamics in battery materials. His work has been featured in Nature , Science , and Physical Review Letters . Shpyrko has mentored over 15 graduate students and postdocs, many of whom have become faculty at top institutions. Awards include the NSF CAREER Award (2010), Hellman Fellowship (2009), and the Rosalind Franklin Young Investigator Award (2008). His group operates facilities including Dynamic Light Scattering labs, AFM/EFM microscopes, and collaborates with synchrotron and neutron sources globally.
Sandeep Sangal serves as a Professor in the Department of Materials Science & Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur. His academic career spans several decades with significant contributions to metallurgical research and education. As a distinguished faculty member at one of India's premier technical institutions, he has established himself as an expert in physical and mechanical metallurgy. Dr. Sangal's educational background includes a PhD (1989) and M.S. (1985) from the University of Manitoba, Canada, along with a B.Tech from IIT Kanpur (1982), demonstrating his strong foundation in materials science. His research interests focus on physical and mechanical metallurgy, particularly examining grain boundary phenomena, material characterization techniques, and industrial applications of metallurgical principles. His publication record reveals a consistent research trajectory spanning multiple decades, with significant contributions to understanding polycrystalline materials, grain boundary engineering, and metallurgical applications in industrial contexts. His work demonstrates both theoretical depth in fundamental metallurgical concepts and practical applications in industrial settings, particularly evident in his research on railway components and material characterization systems. Dr. Sangal maintains an active email contact (sangals@iitk.ac.in) and office presence within the Materials Science & Engineering Department at IIT Kanpur, where he continues to contribute to academic and research activities in the field of metallurgy.
