Remko Boom is a Full Professor in Food Process Engineering at Wageningen University & Research. His research focuses on advancing sustainable food processing technologies, particularly in protein-based materials, biodegradable composites, and innovative food product development. Key areas include 3D-printed food materials, protein retention in dairy processing, and artificial casein micelle engineering for animal-free cheese alternatives. His expertise spans membrane separation techniques, food emulsions, and edible robotics. He actively collaborates on projects involving biobased plastics and circular economy solutions for food systems. Remko supervises multiple PhD projects, including those on membrane separation of plant proteins and transition pathways for biobased plastics. His work has been featured in media discussions on edible robotics and sustainable food innovation. Recent research highlights include geometric modeling for skim milk microfiltration optimization, novel 3D-printed starch cryogels, and extraction methods for rapeseed oleosome applications. His contributions bridge food science with engineering to address global challenges in food sustainability and technology.
Silvia Schintke is a full professor at Haute école d'Ingénierie et de Gestion du Canton de Vaud (HEIG-VD), part of HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland. She leads the Laboratory of Applied NanoSciences (COMATEC-LANS) and the Industrial Systems Engineering program. Professor since 2002 Executive Diploma HSG in General Management (2012-2014) St. Gallen Leadership Certificate (2011) Her research focuses on Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials , particularly Functional Surfaces , Nanofiber Fabrication , and Flexible Electrodes . She has developed bio-sourced packaging solutions and metal-free conductive polymers for medical applications. Key projects include: Current: SIENA (electrophysiology networks in agriculture) PRONANO (nanotechnology development) Completed: NAPARDI (France-Switzerland), CORRAL (EU FP7 corrosion protection), NanoSkills (European nanotechnology training) She has secured multiple grants from: innosuisse Swiss National Science Foundation EU FP7 Leonardo da Vinci Program Her publications span conductive hydrogels , nanofiber electrodes , and molecular self-assembly techniques. She collaborates with institutions like Agroscope, Vivent SA, and international universities.
Professor Jim Monaghan is a Professor of Crop Science and Director of the Centre for Crop and Environmental Science at Harper Adams University. He leads research in crop phenotyping, abiotic stress resilience, and sustainable agricultural practices. His roles include coordinating academic-commercial collaborations in fresh produce and potato crops. Key affiliations include the School of Sustainable Food and Farming and the Crop Science Group. Education: BSc and PhD in relevant fields (explicit degrees not detailed in text). Research focuses on enhancing crop resilience through genetic and environmental interventions, with projects funded by Defra, BBSRC, and Innovate. He supervises numerous PhD students exploring topics like post-harvest quality, nitrogen fixation, and precision agriculture. Notable projects include the Vegetable Genetic Improvement Network (VEGIN) and LED4FaB Roots, aiming to improve vegetable stress tolerance and lighting efficiency. His work bridges lab-to-field applications, addressing challenges in food safety, vertical farming, and paludiculture. Awards: None explicitly listed in provided texts. Advising/Grants: Supervises 10+ PhD students; leads £-funded projects on crop systems and environmental sustainability. Labs/Teams: Directs the Centre for Crop and Environmental Science and collaborates with groups like the Crop Science Group.
Dr. Lu Zhang is an Assistant Professor at the Laboratory of Food Process Engineering, Wageningen University, leading the Additive Food Assembly group. Her research focuses on 3D food printing, complex food systems, and material science, aiming to personalize nutrition through advanced food processing technologies. She holds a PhD from Wageningen University (2018) and degrees from Xiamen University (BSc and MSc in Chemical Engineering). Her team includes seven PhD students, a postdoctoral researcher, and a technician, specializing in diverse fields like chemical engineering and food technology. Current projects include PRINTYOURFOOD (decoupling food composition and texture), ROBOFOOD (edible robots), and ROBOFOOD (robotic food systems). Her work explores food material behavior under process conditions, composition impacts on printability, and adaptive printing controls. She teaches courses on product/process design and automation in food manufacturing, funded by the NWO Sectorplan Mechanical Engineering. Research interests extend to residue valorisation and bakery products, with expertise in thermal inactivation kinetics and food formulation. Publications span 3D printing innovation, material characterization, and food processing optimization. Grants and collaborations support her team's interdisciplinary approach to future food systems.
Ruud van der Sman is a Professor at Wageningen University & Research in the Department of Food Technology. His research focuses on advanced food processing, including starch gelatinization, meat analog development, and food reformulation with reduced sugar/fat content. Key research areas: Food Science, Biopolymer applications, and Drying Technology. Active supervision of PhD candidates in projects related to edible robotics and sustainable food processing. Recent work explores 3D printing of protein-based composites, texture-nutrition decoupling in bakery products, and hydrogen bonding dynamics in starch systems. He serves as Editor for Current Research in Food Science and participates in academic presentations on food-related topics.
Jose Garcia Bravo is an Associate Professor at Purdue University's College of Engineering within the Department of Agricultural & Biological Engineering . His work focuses on fluid power systems , additive manufacturing , and smart manufacturing using Industrial Internet of Things technologies. He has gained national recognition for his applied fluid power research, particularly in 3D printed components for soft actuators, valves, and sensors . Education PhD in Engineering (Fluid Power Specialization) - Purdue University (2011) MSc in Engineering - Purdue University (2006) MSc in Teaching of Spanish - Purdue University (2004) BSc in Mechanical Engineering - Universidad de los Andes, Colombia (2002) Research Portfolio Dr. Garcia-Bravo's research bridges mechanical engineering with agricultural applications , including: Digital twins for sustainable manufacturing Fluid power & motion control systems Reverse osmosis water purification Mixed reality in engineering education 3D printed sensors and actuators Academic Contributions His 15 most recent publications (2017-2022) demonstrate expertise in: Hydraulic system efficiency Flexible sensor development Biopolymer-based packaging Wave-powered desalination Digital twin integration Fluid power education tools Honors & Patents 2019 Polytechnic Outstanding Faculty in Learning 2022 Polytechnic Outstanding Faculty in Engagement 2017-2022 Certified Fluid Power Hydraulic Specialist US Patent for 3D printed lens gratings Three provisional patents for additively manufactured sensors Academic Leadership As Associate Head for Faculty Affairs , he developed the fluid power student club , designed miniature electro-hydraulic excavators for education, and facilitated international student mobility programs with institutions in Mexico, Colombia, and Peru.
Dr. Alejandro Veliz Reyes is an Associate Professor in Digital Design and Associate Head of School for Knowledge Exchange and Enterprise at the School of Art, Design and Architecture, University of Plymouth. His work focuses on co-creating innovative technologies with marginalized communities to address social, health, and environmental challenges. He leads the MA Architectural Design programme and collaborates with The Bartlett School of Architecture at UCL. His research emphasizes inclusive methodologies in areas such as social housing, health technology, and sustainable construction using robotics and AI. He has secured over £7 million in grants from UKRI, government bodies, and industry partners, driving interdisciplinary R&D initiatives. Dr. Veliz Reyes supervises doctoral students exploring digital design's impact on social and creative contexts, including healthcare and community economies. His teaching integrates real-world industrial challenges with participatory design principles, supported by the Digital Fabrication and Immersive Media Labs. Notable projects include the 'Building with Bridport' initiative and research on robotic 3D printing of sustainable materials. His research spans digital health innovation, community-driven housing solutions, and ethical co-creation frameworks. He advocates for participatory design in rural and coastal regions to enhance technology accessibility and sustainability. Dr. Veliz Reyes has advised over 100+ students across architecture, digital arts, and media disciplines, fostering action research and participatory approaches. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, prioritizing inclusive innovation and social good.
Debra Polson is an academic researcher affiliated with Queensland University of Technology, specializing in interdisciplinary research at the intersection of technology and human interaction. Her work spans educational technology, game design, sustainable technology, urban informatics, and mobile applications. She holds a PhD in Digital Media from QUT (2013), focusing on collaborative spatial practices through game design. Her research emphasizes innovative applications of technology in education, urban environments, and sustainability. Notable projects include the Marvel Cinematic Universe data visualization tool, the Fruit Simulator for food innovation, and the ECOS Project promoting eco-friendly building practices. She has collaborated extensively with institutions like AgriFutures Australia and Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation on agricultural tech projects. Polson's work often involves creating immersive experiences through mixed reality, AR/VR technologies, and large-scale interactive installations like The Cube . Her publications address both theoretical frameworks (narrative agency in games, spatial sociology) and applied solutions (weed management tools, mobile learning systems). Key Areas : Game-based learning, urban digital ecosystems, sustainable tech innovation Notable Projects : Cipher Cities (location-based gaming), SCOOT (collaborative learning games), Future Fruit Simulator
Dr. John Zimmerman is an incoming faculty member at the Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering at Cornell University, starting in summer 2025. His research lies at the interface of living and non-living systems, focusing on understanding the fundamental structure-function relationships in the human body through computational and tissue-engineered models. Education: B.A. in Chemistry, Whitman College (2011) Ph.D. in Chemistry, University of Chicago (2016) Postdoctoral Training in Cardiac Tissue Engineering, Harvard University (2025) Dr. Zimmerman’s research interests include biomechanics, mechanobiology, tissue engineering, biomaterials, drug delivery, nanomedicine, and molecular and cellular engineering . He applies these to critical areas such as cardiac development, heart function, cardiomyopathies, and nanoparticle-cell interactions. His work integrates computational modeling, machine learning, and experimental tissue engineering to recreate emergent tissue-scale phenomena. His recent publications reveal a strong trend in biohybrid systems, engineered heart tissues, disease modeling using iPSCs, and nanomaterial-tissue interactions . He frequently employs advanced fabrication techniques like rotary jet spinning and 3D bioprinting, combined with machine learning, to optimize biological designs and understand structure-function relationships. Scientific Awards and Honors: NIH NRSA T32 Fellowship: Boston Children’s Hospital Cardiology Training Program (2022–2023) NIH NRSA T32 Fellowship: Organ Design and Engineering Training (ODET) Program (2017–2019) Biomedical Consortium Scholar (2014–2016) Dr. Zimmerman has been involved in significant research grants and training programs, particularly through NIH-funded fellowships. While his formal advising history is not listed, his role as a new faculty member at Cornell implies future mentorship of graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. His research is highly collaborative, often involving teams at Harvard and Boston Children’s Hospital, particularly within the Disease Biophysics Group led by Kevin Kit Parker. His work has centered on developing innovative tissue-engineered models of the heart , including biohybrid swimmers, ventricular models, and disease-specific platforms for arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. These models integrate mechanical, electrical, and fluid-dynamic simulations with experimental validation, forming a robust platform for future work in regenerative medicine and personalized disease modeling.
Prof. Dario Floreano serves as Full Professor at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), directing the Laboratory of Intelligent Systems within the School of Engineering's Institute of Microengineering. He maintains additional teaching appointments in Microengineering, Mechanical Engineering, and the Doctoral School, while serving on EPFL's Committee of Academic Evaluation. His academic credentials include: M.A. in Vision M.S. in Neural Computation PhD in Robotics Research at the convergence of biology and engineering defines Prof. Floreano's work, with pioneering contributions across multiple robotics domains. His laboratory specializes in bio-inspired approaches that transform theoretical concepts into functional systems: Aerial Robotics : Avian-inspired morphing wings/tails for agile drone flight Evolutionary Robotics : Algorithmic co-design of morphology and control Soft Robotics : Transient edible systems and variable-stiffness mechanisms Swarm Intelligence : Emergent control through Hebbian learning Medical Robotics : Fiber-jamming catheters for cardiac procedures Recent publications (2024-2025) reveal three dominant trajectories: (1) biomimetic aerial systems with avian-inspired morphing capabilities for energy-efficient flight, (2) transient edible robotics using biodegradable materials for environmental/medical applications, and (3) advanced variable-stiffness mechanisms enabling new medical interventions. These themes reflect his consistent focus on bio-inspired solutions to engineering challenges. His scientific impact is recognized through prestigious honors: 2000: SNSF Assistant Professorship (Swiss National Science Foundation) 2021: Fellow of the ELLIS Society 2022: IEEE Fellow (Robotics and Automation Society) 2024: Julian Francis Miller Award (The Species International Society) As mentor to 44+ PhD students and founding director of Switzerland's National Center of Competence in Robotics (2010-2022), Prof. Floreano has shaped robotics education through EPFL's Master's program and Swiss Robotics Day. His research leadership generated 15+ spinoffs (including senseFly and Flyability) and secured major grants from Swiss National Science Foundation and European Commission programs. The Laboratory of Intelligent Systems maintains strong industry partnerships while advancing fundamental research in embodied intelligence, with current projects focusing on edible robotics, swarm autonomy, and bio-hybrid systems for medical applications.
David Huson is an Associate Professor at the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) within the ACE - Art and Design school, specifically affiliated with the Centre for Fine Print Research. With a background in the ceramic industry, he joined academia in 2000 to focus on 3D printing and ceramics innovation. Role: Associate Professor Department: Centre for Fine Print Research Expertise: 3D printing, ceramics, materials development His research spans: 3D printed ceramics for industrial and artistic applications Continuous tone photo-relief printing Development of ceramic materials for specialized uses 3D-printed surgical simulators Edible 3D printing Recent publications highlight trends in ceramic 3D printing, biomedical simulators, and sustainable manufacturing. Collaborations include Denby, Wedgwood, Kohler, and Burleigh Pottery. Scientific awards include: 2011 Saxby Medal (RPS, 3D Imaging) Patent for ceramic 3D printing His work bridges traditional ceramic craftsmanship with digital fabrication technologies, emphasizing cross-disciplinary applications in art, design, and healthcare.
Christopher Bettinger is a Full Professor at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), holding joint appointments in the Departments of Materials Science and Engineering and Biomedical Engineering within the College of Engineering. He also serves as a Program Manager in the Biological Technologies Office at DARPA since 2022, focusing on bioelectronics and cellular engineering for warfighter performance enhancement. Dr. Bettinger earned his S.B. in Chemical Engineering (2003), M.Eng. in Biomedical Engineering (2004), and Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering (2008) from MIT, followed by an NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein postdoctoral fellowship at Stanford University. His research integrates polymer science and microfabrication to develop bioelectronic medical devices, such as edible electronics, hydrogel-based neural interfaces, and ingestible sensors. Education: MIT (S.B., M.Eng., Ph.D.) Affiliations: CMU, DARPA His research interests span biomaterials, flexible bioelectronics, sustainable energy storage, and medical device innovation. Notable projects include edible sensors for gastrointestinal diagnostics and biodegradable batteries for ingestible devices. Awards: AIMBE Fellow, DARPA Young Faculty Award, MIT Outstanding Ph.D. Thesis Award Bettinger advises students like Chenchen MOU (Ph.D. 2022), Jiwoo, and Gaurav Balakrishnan. His lab collaborates with institutions like Mayo Clinic and the Pittsburgh Health Data Alliance. Key grants and projects include DARPA’s ADAPTER and HEALR programs, and the Bioengineered Organs Initiative at CMU. His lab’s work is showcased through the Bettinger Group website, emphasizing interdisciplinary research in biocompatible materials and medical technology.
Connor Armstrong is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Texas at Dallas, affiliated with the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science. He leads the Materials Engineering & Advanced Manufacturing Lab, focusing on polymer systems, additive manufacturing, and AI/ML-driven material discovery. Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering (Georgia Institute of Technology, 2023) M.S. in Mechanical Engineering (University of Maryland, 2019) B.S. in Mechanical Engineering (University of Maryland, 2017) Postdoctoral Research in Materials Science and Engineering (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2025) Research Interests: His work bridges advanced manufacturing techniques with intelligent systems, emphasizing autonomous experimentation and 4D printing . Key areas include photopolymer optimization , fiber-reinforced composites , and thermoset ink development for ambient-temperature applications. Scientific Awards: Grainger Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship (2023) Georgia Tech Tower Award (2023) NSF Student Award for Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium (2021) Georgia Tech Presidential Fellowship (2019) GEM Fellowship (2019) He actively mentors students in research and is currently accepting both undergraduate and graduate advisees for projects at the intersection of materials science and manufacturing innovation.
Tony E Grift serves as Professor in Agricultural and Biological Engineering at the University of Illinois, with joint appointment at the National Center for Supercomputing Applications. His research advances precision agriculture technologies, biomass processing systems, and sustainable soil management practices. Grift's work integrates engineering principles with agricultural applications to optimize production systems. Research domains include: Machine vision systems for crop monitoring Soil compaction dynamics under machinery systems Biomass densification processes Robotics for agricultural operations Publication analysis reveals consistent focus on machinery-soil interactions, precision measurement techniques, and economic sustainability of agricultural innovations. Recent work emphasizes computer vision applications for yield prediction and quality assessment. Honors include the NACTA Educator Award (2017) recognizing teaching excellence. His research laboratory develops practical solutions for biomass logistics, soil conservation, and automation in field operations, with projects spanning sugarcane lodging detection to tire pressure optimization.
Dr. Anusha Withana is an Associate Professor at the School of Computer Science , University of Sydney , where he leads the Cardiovascular Initiative as EMCR Lead. He is also affiliated with the Sydney Nano Institute and the Charles Perkins Centre . PhD in Inter-Spatial Continuum from Keio University (2014) Master of Design from Keio University (2010) BSc (Hons) in Electronics Engineering from University of Moratuwa (2007) His research focuses on Human-Centered Wearable Technology that seamlessly integrates with the human body, utilizing Material Science , Personal Fabrication , and Biomimicry to create low-power, customizable interfaces. His 2025-2024 publications highlight advancements in Edible Computing , Interactive Textiles , and Physiological Monitoring . ARC DECRA Fellowship (2020) Rutherford Fellowship (2019) Best Paper Silver Award (2010) First Prize - Petimo (2010) Dr. Withana supervises students in Mixed Reality Collaboration , Virtual Reality Biomechanics , and 3D Printed Sensors . His grants include Australia-India Strategic Research Fund (2022), NHMRC Ideas Grant (2022), and ARC Discovery ECR Award (2020). He holds multiple International Patents in gesture recognition and rehabilitation systems.
