Simone Fior is a Lecturer at the Department of Environmental Systems Science , ETH Zürich , focusing on ecological genetics and plant adaptation. Their research integrates genomic, quantitative genetics, and ecological field experiments, particularly on Dianthus (Caryophyllaceae) along altitudinal and climatic gradients. Recent work explores climate-induced range shifts, local adaptation, and genomic responses to environmental changes. Professional experience includes roles at ETH Zürich since 2013 (Senior Assistant, Postdoc) and prior positions at the Edmund Mach Foundation (2009-2012) and University of Insubria (2007-2008). Education spans a PhD in Plant Biology (University of Milan, 2007) and an MSc in Natural Sciences (University of Milan, 2003). Simone co-organizes the Bioinformatics for Adaptation Genomics Winter School . Key research areas include adaptive divergence , polygenic adaptation , climate change biology , and phylogenomics . Articles emphasize genomic selection signatures, functional-structural modeling, and ecological-genetic interactions. Notable collaborations involve Jake Alexander, Alex Widmer, and interdisciplinary teams at ETH Zurich.
Lukas Hiendlmeier is a Researcher at the Technical University of Munich, affiliated with the Munich Institute of Biomedical Engineering (MIBE) and the Associate Professorship of Neuroelectronics led by Prof. Bernhard Wolfrum. He holds a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from TUM. His research focuses on advanced fabrication technologies such as 3D printing, laser micromachining, and polymer material science, with applications in neuroelectronics and biomedical devices. Hiendlmeier’s work emphasizes developing self-folding bioelectronic interfaces, flexible electrodes, and implantable neural devices for peripheral nerve interfacing. His contributions include innovations in 4D printing techniques, thermoformed materials, and origami-inspired electrode designs. He collaborates on projects involving cell manipulation, microfluidic lab-on-a-chip systems, and closed-loop neural stimulation systems. Publications span topics like self-folding bioelectronics, flexible sensor arrays, and nanorobotics, showcasing expertise in materials science and biomedical engineering. His research bridges fundamental science and translational applications, addressing challenges in neural prosthetics, wearable diagnostics, and tissue engineering. Hiendlmeier is actively involved in the neuroTUM initiative and contributes to interdisciplinary teams at TUM, focusing on advancing neurotechnology through innovative fabrication methods and biomaterials.
Dr. Athanasios Toumpis is a Senior Lecturer in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Strathclyde, UK. He holds a Master of Science from the University of Glasgow (2012) and a Master of Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens (2003). His research focuses on friction stir welding (FSW), steel metallurgy, and fatigue analysis of structural materials. Key areas include defect analysis in FSW joints, thermal-mechanical behavior of materials, and gigacycle fatigue testing of welded steels. He has led multiple research projects funded by organizations like the Royal Society and Weir Group, including the development of novel FSW technologies for nuclear applications and investigations into steel joint performance under extreme conditions. Dr. Toumpis has authored over 50 publications, with recent work emphasizing very high-cycle fatigue behavior and additive manufacturing processes. He actively participates in international conferences and serves as a principal investigator on various collaborative projects. His teaching includes courses on applied metallurgy, biomaterials, and materials selection. Research Interests: Friction stir welding of low-alloy and stainless steels Fatigue analysis of welded joints, including gigacycle testing Thermal-mechanical analysis of additive manufactured materials Metallurgical characterization of dissimilar material joints Environmental impact assessment of manufacturing processes Professional Activities & Awards: Recipient of the Global Engagement Fund (2024) Organized the First Joint International Conference on Advances in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (2023) Participant in the International Institute of Welding Assembly (2024) and Very High Cycle Fatigue Conference (2024) Hosted visiting researchers and collaborated with institutions like Graz University of Technology Grants & Projects (Recent): Development of a novel friction stir additive manufacturing technology (Royal Society, 2025–2026) Investigation of friction stir welded steel joints for giga-cycle applications (Weir Group, 2025–2027) ESCO buckets weld performance investigation (University of Strathclyde, 2024–2027)
Dr Jordan Pitt is an academic affiliated with the University of Sydney's Faculty of Science. He holds the role of Associate Dean (Indigenous Strategy and Services) while also actively contributing as an applied mathematician. His work emphasizes interdisciplinary research and Indigenous inclusion in academia. Dr Pitt completed his PhD at the Australian National University in 2019, focusing on tsunami and storm surge modeling. He pursued post-doctoral research at the University of Adelaide, where his studies expanded into ocean wave-sea ice interactions. Current research investigates how wave dynamics influence sea ice growth/melt cycles, a critical factor in Earth's climate systems. Research Interests: Mathematical modeling of environmental systems Ocean wave mechanics Climate change impacts on sea ice Computational fluid dynamics While no specific scientific awards are explicitly listed, Jordan has been involved in initiatives like co-convening the Academy of Science’s 'Looking Back, Moving Forward' Public Lecture Series (2023) and organizing the ANZIAM 2024 Early Career Workshop. His efforts bridge Indigenous communities with STEM fields through programs like Science Pathways. As an educator and researcher, Jordan has not listed formal advisees or grants in the provided texts. His professional networks include roles in Indigenous strategy and academic service. Jordan’s work is associated with laboratories and teams focused on environmental fluid dynamics and climate modeling, though specific lab names are not mentioned.
Orlando Rojas is a Professor at the University of British Columbia (UBC), holding joint appointments in the Departments of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Chemistry, and Wood Science. He leads the Biobased Colloids and Materials (BiCMat) research group and directs the Bioproducts Institute . His research focuses on sustainable development through renewable materials, including nanopolysaccharides, bacterial nanocellulose, lignins, and multiphase systems. Rojas has advised over 50 PhD students and 40+ MS students, with a h-index of 90 (Google Scholar). Key Roles/Positions : Canada Excellence Research Chair in Renewable Materials Adjunct Professor at NC State University (USA) and Dalian Polytechnic University (China) Director of FinnCERES Flagship (Finland) Research Interests : Development of bio-based materials for energy, healthcare, and environmental applications. Key areas include nanocellulose functionalization, lignin valorization, and bioinspired materials. His work integrates colloidal science, multiphase systems, and sustainable manufacturing. Grants & Awards : ERC Advanced Grant and Horizon H2020 funding 2013 ACS Fellow, 2015 Tappi Nanotechnology Award First Latin-American recipient of the Anselme Payen Award (ACS) Labs & Collaborations : Active partnerships with Aalto University (Finland) and institutions globally. Leads the BiCMat group spanning UBC and FinnCERES, focusing on bio-based materials and sustainable technologies.
Linda J. Harris, Ph.D., is a Distinguished Professor of Cooperative Extension in Microbial Food Safety at the University of California, Davis, within the Department of Food Science and Technology. She served as Department Chair from 2016 to 2021. Her research focuses on microbial food safety, particularly in fresh produce and tree nuts, emphasizing pathogen behavior, antimicrobial treatments, and standard microbiological methods validation. She collaborates with food producers, processors, and government agencies to address food safety challenges. Dr. Harris earned her Ph.D. in Food Science from North Carolina State University in 1991. Her work integrates laboratory studies with extension activities to ensure practical applications in food safety. Key areas include evaluating pathogen survival on produce, developing sanitation protocols, and assessing risks associated with low-moisture foods. Her research trends highlight advancements in pathogen detection (e.g., MALDI-TOF technology), contamination prevention in postharvest handling, and consumer practices affecting food safety (e.g., homemade nut-based products). Recent articles address Salmonella and Listeria survival on produce, irrigation impacts on pathogens, and validation of pathogen reduction processes. Awards: 2021 AAAS Fellow 2018 Institute of Food Technologists Fellow 2004 Elmer Marth Educator Award Her advising and grants focus on low-moisture food safety, extension education, and industry partnerships. She leads initiatives like the Scientific Integrity Consortium and collaborates on national food safety guidelines. Dr. Harris is affiliated with the Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Science at UC Davis.
Professor Asterios Bakolas is affiliated with the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA). His research focuses on materials science, cultural heritage conservation, and sustainable construction technologies. Key areas include the development of compatible restoration mortars for historic structures, analysis of traditional building materials, and application of non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques for heritage assessment. He has contributed to projects involving Hagia Sophia, the Parthenon, and Cretan architectural heritage. Research interests span materials characterization, composite materials, and environmental impact assessment of construction materials. Notable work includes studies on polychromy in ancient art, weathering phenomena in historic buildings, and integration of AI for material property prediction. His interdisciplinary approach combines chemistry, civil engineering, and digital humanities to address challenges in conservation and sustainable building practices. No scientific awards are explicitly listed, but his extensive publications reflect recognition in academic circles. Advising and grants are not detailed here, though his involvement in restoration projects implies active collaboration with funding bodies. He is part of the School’s research groups focused on materials science and heritage preservation.
Dr. Joseph Dumpler is a Lecturer at the Department of Health Sciences and Technology at ETH Zürich, specializing in Sustainable Food Processing. He holds a PhD in Dairy Science and Technology from the Technical University of Munich, Weihenstephan, with a focus on UHT treatment of concentrated milk. His work emphasizes advancing food processing technologies, particularly in protein refinement, non-thermal methods, and membrane filtration. Educations: PhD in Dairy Science and Technology, Technical University of Munich, Weihenstephan (2017) MSc Food Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Weihenstephan His research interests include Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES) for plant protein extraction, microwave vacuum drying of dairy products, and membrane filtration optimization for microalgae and dairy systems. He has pioneered methods to refine rapeseed and pea proteins while minimizing antinutrients, and his work on microfiltration of milk products addresses emerging microbial risks. Key contributions span kinetic modeling of heat-induced protein aggregation, sustainable food processing , and non-thermal concentration techniques . His articles reflect a focus on bridging lab-scale innovations with industrial applications. Awards: J.T.M. Wouters Young Scientist Award Julius Maggi Research Award (2018) Best PhD Thesis Award from the Association of Dairy, Food and Biotechnologists (Weihenstephan) Dr. Dumpler collaborates with industry partners to translate research into scalable processes, such as NADES-based protein extraction and microwave drying systems. His current role at ETH Zürich’s Sustainable Food Processing Lab (Prof. Mathys) focuses on plant-based meat analogs and novel protein refining concepts .
Dr. Sajid Alavi is a Professor in the Department of Grain Science and Industry at Kansas State University. He joined the faculty in 2002 after earning his Ph.D. in Food Science/Food Engineering from Cornell University (2002), M.S. in Agricultural and Biological Engineering from Penn State (1997), and B.S. in Agricultural Engineering from IIT (1995). His research focuses on extrusion processing in food, pet food, and feed applications, with expertise in rheology, food microstructure imaging, and process sustainability. He leads global projects in Africa, Brazil, India, and beyond, emphasizing sustainable food technologies and AI-driven processing innovations. Dr. Alavi is a recipient of the 2010 Young Research Scientist Award from the Cereals & Grains Association. He teaches GRSC 620 (Intro to Extrusion Processing) and GRSC 820 (Advanced Extrusion Processing), and has trained over 1,000 industry leaders through his renowned 'Extrusion Processing: Technology and Commercialization' short course. His work bridges food science and engineering, addressing challenges in plant-based meat analogs, nutrient bioavailability, and food aid product development. Key facilities associated with his work include the BIVAP Feed Quality Assurance Lab and Hal Ross Flour Mill. His research spans sensory analysis of meat alternatives, fiber utilization in pet food, and sustainability assessments of novel crops like intermediate wheatgrass. Recent studies explore insect protein in pet food, AI-driven extrusion optimization, and iron bioavailability in fortified foods. Dr. Alavi’s contributions span academic, industrial, and global food security domains, reflecting a commitment to innovative, scalable food solutions.
Doç. Dr. Muhammed Aras is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Baskent University (Başkent Üniversitesi), with a research focus on sustainable machining processes, tool wear monitoring, and surface roughness optimization. His work spans advanced manufacturing technologies, energy storage systems, and biomedical device design. PhD in Manufacturing Engineering (2018), Gazi Üniversitesi MSc in Mechanical Education (2013), Gazi Üniversitesi BSc in Mechanical Engineering (2010), Tabriz Islamic Azad University Research interests include sustainable machining (dry/hard turning, cooling-lubrication strategies), tool wear analysis (CBN, ceramic and coated inserts), and surface integrity optimization using AI-based methods (firefly algorithm, TOPSIS, Grey Relational Analysis). His 15 most recent articles (2017-2024) examine topics like: Surface roughness prediction in dry hard turning Energy storage technology viability assessments Cutting parameter optimization for various steels Acoustic/vibration monitoring in machining He has received scientific awards including the Teşvik Ödülü (Encouragement Award, 2015). His patent on an automatic orthognathic surgery articulator and book chapters on tool monitoring systems demonstrate his multidisciplinary impact.
Marta Molinas is a Professor at the Department of Engineering Cybernetics within the Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). Her research spans multiple interdisciplinary domains with a focus on EEG technology and brain-computer interfaces. She actively supervises numerous Master's projects and maintains extensive international collaborations with institutions including Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, University of Tsukuba, Juntendo University, and several European universities. Professor Molinas' research interests center on developing innovative EEG technologies, particularly her FlexEEG concept for reduced-channel EEG systems with brain imaging capabilities. Her work integrates signal processing, artificial intelligence, and neuroscience to create practical applications in mental health, sleep research, neurorehabilitation, and human-computer interaction. She specializes in EEG source imaging, machine learning for brain signal analysis, and the development of brain-computer interfaces for various applications including locked-in syndrome communication, ADHD treatment, and driver monitoring systems. Her publication portfolio demonstrates strong trends in interdisciplinary research combining neuroscience with electrical engineering and artificial intelligence. The work shows particular emphasis on developing practical EEG-based systems that minimize invasiveness while maintaining analytical power, with applications spanning healthcare, rehabilitation, and human augmentation. Her research bridges theoretical signal processing with real-world implementations through numerous student projects and international collaborations. Professor Molinas actively supervises a large team of Master's and PhD students across multiple projects, with each project typically requiring two students working collaboratively. Her research is supported through numerous international collaborations with institutions in Japan, India, and Europe, indicating substantial research funding and project leadership. She has developed a pipeline of student projects that build upon previous work, creating a cumulative knowledge base within her research group. She leads the EEG ITK research team at NTNU, which focuses on developing the FlexEEG headset prototype featuring flexible, wireless, dry electrodes designed to move across the scalp. This team works at the intersection of neuroscience, electrical engineering, and computer science, developing applications for sleep research, mental health monitoring, neurorehabilitation, and brain-computer interfaces. The team collaborates extensively with international partners including the Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience, the International Institute of Integrative Sleep Medicine at University of Tsukuba, and several engineering departments across Europe and Asia.
Marjo Yliperttula is a Professor at the Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki. She serves as a supervisor in the Doctoral Programmes in Biomedicine, Drug Research, and Materials Research and Nanosciences, with expertise in biomaterials and pharmaceutical technology. Her research focuses on nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) hydrogels for wound healing and drug delivery, extracellular vesicle (EV) engineering for therapeutic applications, and freeze-drying technologies for biomaterial preservation. Key contributions include NFC-based wound dressings that enhance platelet-rich plasma release (2024), Raman spectroscopy methods for monitoring freeze-drying-induced mutarotation (2024), and tandem chromatography techniques for high-purity EV isolation (2023). Her work bridges pharmaceutical sciences with regenerative medicine, emphasizing translational applications in chronic wound treatment and targeted drug delivery. Recent publications (2022-2025) reveal three dominant trends: (1) Optimization of NFC hydrogels for controlled drug release and tissue regeneration, (2) Advanced characterization of EV phenotypes under hypoxic conditions for improved therapeutic efficacy, and (3) Development of analytical methods (Raman spectroscopy, chromatography) to address manufacturing challenges in biopharmaceuticals. These themes reflect her group's commitment to solving critical problems in biomaterial stability, EV-based delivery, and precision wound care. Professor Yliperttula has supervised 10 doctoral theses, including recent work on NFC for skin substitutes (Elle Koivunotko), freeze-drying of hydrogels (Arto Merivaara), and mesenchymal stromal cells for wound healing (Jasmi Snirvi). She currently leads the Academy of Finland-funded GeneCellNa project (2024-2026) on gene/cell/nanotherapy for chronic diseases and a Finnish Red Cross project (2023-2024) on NFC for blood products, with cumulative project funding spanning 18 initiatives since 2005. She heads the Biopharmaceuticals Group within the Drug Research Program, fostering collaborations across pharmaceutical biosciences, materials science, and clinical medicine to advance next-generation therapeutic platforms.
Steven R. Caliari is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering with a secondary appointment in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Virginia’s School of Engineering and Applied Science. He serves as the ChE Graduate Program Director and is a SEAS Copenhaver Fellow (2023). His research focuses on designing biomaterials to study cell-microenvironment interactions, addressing challenges in disease and tissue engineering. He holds a B.S. (2007, University of Florida), M.S. (2010), and Ph.D. (2013) in Chemical Engineering from the University of Illinois, followed by an NIH postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania. His research interests include biomaterials, mechanobiology, musculoskeletal tissue engineering, and advanced manufacturing for biological applications. His lab has pioneered viscoelastic hydrogel platforms and conductive collagen scaffolds, supported by NIH, NSF, DoD, and industry grants. Notable awards include the NSF CAREER Award (2021) and NIH MIRA (2020). Grants: NIH (NIGMS), NSF CAREER, V Foundation, UVA-Coulter Partnership Courses: Tissue Engineering (BME/CHE 4417), Transport Processes I (CHE 3321) Labs: Caliari Lab focuses on biomaterial design and mechanobiological studies His work bridges fundamental science and translational applications, emphasizing dynamic material systems for regenerative medicine and disease modeling.
Mingfang Ting is a Professor of Climate at the Columbia Climate School , affiliated with the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory . She co-directs the M.S. in Climate program and serves as Co-Senior Director for Education at the Columbia Climate School. Her research focuses on climate variability, extremes, Asian monsoons, Arctic sea ice, and climate change impacts on agriculture and health. Education: Ph.D. in Climate Dynamics (Princeton University, 1990), M.S. and B.S. from Peking University (1985, 1983). She has taught climate science at Columbia since 2004. Research Interests: Investigates weather/climate extremes in a warming world, Asian monsoon dynamics, Arctic sea ice variability, decadal climate modes, and hydroclimate impacts. Recent work emphasizes heatwaves, drought-flood linkages, and climate model projections. Key Projects (2020–2023): Advancing predictive understanding of North American drought Asian monsoon response to climate change Causal mechanisms of dry/humid heat extremes Arctic transport pathways and sea ice loss Scientific Contributions: Authored/co-authored over 200+ peer-reviewed articles. Her 2022 analysis of the 2021 North American heatwave and 2022 Pakistan floods exemplifies climate attribution science. Awards: AMS Distinguished Scientific Award (2021) AGU Fellow (2022) NSF CAREER Award (1995) Reuters' World’s Top Climate Scientists (2021) Leadership: Former Co-Editor-in-Chief of Journal of Climate (2020–2023). Active in climate education and global resilience initiatives through the Decarbonization Network. Labs/Teams: Leads interdisciplinary teams at LDEO focusing on climate dynamics and extreme event analysis. Collaborates internationally on monsoon systems and Arctic research.
Drew R. Gentner is an Associate Professor of Chemical & Environmental Engineering at Yale University, with an additional appointment in the School of the Environment. His research focuses on air quality, atmospheric chemistry, and their intersections with climate, energy, and health. He holds a B.S. from Northwestern University and a Ph.D. from UC Berkeley. Affiliations: Yale School of Engineering & Applied Science, Yale School of the Environment Research Interests: Complex organic mixtures, urban air quality, non-traditional emissions (e.g., volatile chemical products), indoor air pollution, climate impacts of energy systems. Dr. Gentner leads the Gentner Research Group, which employs advanced analytical techniques and sensor networks to study atmospheric processes. Recent work highlights the role of asphalt and commercial cooking emissions in urban pollution. His team collaborates on large-scale field campaigns like AEROMMA and ASCENT. Key findings include identifying gaps in emissions reporting and demonstrating the health risks of aged wildfire smoke. His group develops low-cost sensors and calibration methods for high-spatiotemporal air quality monitoring. Grants & Funding: NSF, NOAA, EPA, and private foundations support his work on energy efficiency, sensor networks, and pollution mitigation. Labs/Teams: SEARCH Center at Yale, Atmospheric Science and Chemistry mEasurement NeTwork (ASCENT), and collaborations with Environment and Climate Change Canada.
