Professor Lei Zhou is a faculty member in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, with an affiliate appointment in Electrical & Computer Engineering. His research focuses on Precision Mechatronics, integrating precision mechanical design, electromagnetics, and control engineering to address challenges in electric machines, motion control, and precision systems. He holds a PhD from MIT (2019), an MS from MIT (2014), and a BE from Tsinghua University (2012). Research interests include: High-performance motion systems and electric motor design Control solutions for precision positioning and robotic actuation Magnetic levitation technologies for manufacturing and medical applications Recent work emphasizes magnetic levitation systems (e.g., LevCube nanopositioning stage) and over-actuated precision stages that break traditional performance trade-offs. His publications span 2020-2025, reflecting advancements in motor design, control algorithms, and mechatronics integration. Notable achievements include the 2023 ASPE Early Career Award and Meta Research Award. Teaching includes courses on mechatronics (ME 376), automatic controls (ME 577/ECE 577), and advanced research supervision (ECE 790/ME 890). He leads the FlexLab and LevLab, focusing on portable mechatronics education and precision motion systems. Current research explores lightweight stages for semiconductor manufacturing and magnetic catheter systems for medical treatments.
Mark D. Gross is a Professor of Computer Science and Director of the ATLAS Institute at the University of Colorado Boulder, where he leads an interdisciplinary hub for creativity and invention. His academic journey began at MIT with BS and PhD degrees, followed by faculty roles at Carnegie Mellon University (2004-2013), University of Washington Seattle (1999-2004), and CU-Boulder (1990-1999, 2014-present). As co-founder of Modular Robotics Incorporated and Blank Slate Systems LLC, he bridges academia and entrepreneurship. Education: BS and PhD in Computer Science from MIT Gross’ research spans design methods, modular robotics, computational design tools, and tangible interaction. He pioneered sketch recognition software like 'The Electronic Cocktail Napkin' and explores physical computing through projects such as shape-changing interfaces, interactive construction kits, and augmented reality systems. His work integrates IoT, digital fabrication, and educational technology. Recent publications highlight innovations in AR/VR collaboration, shape-changing robotics, and interactive fabrication. Key themes include climate communication through data physicalization, AI-driven creative systems, and soft robotics for dynamic interfaces. Despite no explicit awards listed, his career demonstrates sustained impact through ACM conference leadership (Creativity and Cognition 2009, TEI 2011) and industry partnerships. Gross’ prior industry experience includes positions at Atari Cambridge Research and Logo Computer Systems. His lab at ATLAS fosters radical creativity through projects like PaperMech, DynaBlock, and WearAir, emphasizing hands-on learning and cross-disciplinary experimentation.
Taco Reus is a Professor in Global Strategy at the Department of Strategic Management and Entrepreneurship , Rotterdam School of Management (RSM) , Erasmus University Rotterdam. He is also a Fellow of ERIM (Erasmus Research Institute of Management) since 2009. His research focuses on how firms are influenced by their environment, particularly in the context of mergers and acquisitions , examining cultural/institutional differences, procedural justice, and integration capabilities. Education: Master's degree in Psychology, University of Amsterdam Ph.D. in Strategic Management, Florida State University His research explores contextual factors in post-merger integration , including cultural distance , institutional environment , and emotional capabilities . He has published in top journals like Academy of Management Journal , Strategic Management Journal , and Journal of International Business Studies . Current work emphasizes behavioral aspects of acquisitions, such as CEO personality traits and procedural qualities . Taco Reus has been recognized with Outstanding Reviewer Awards by Academy of Management Review (2009, 2011) and Strategic Organization . His dissertation was a finalist in the Organisation Science 2003 Dissertation Proposal Competition and the Gunnar-Hedlund Competition (2004). He has supervised numerous PhD candidates across topics like institutional theory , corporate sustainability , and strategic management , including Michael Juergen Mueller and Yannick Tristan Wiessner . As an educator, he teaches courses on institutional context of firms (BA and IBA programs) and international firm strategies (Global Business & Stakeholder Management Master's program). He was nominated Professor of the Year by BA students in 2010, 2011, and 2012. His editorial roles include the Academy of Management Review and Strategic Organization editorial boards.
Dr. Jeffrey Morgan is a Researcher at Cardiff University's School of Social Sciences, specializing in multidisciplinary research at the intersection of computer science, social science, and geography. His work emphasizes human-computer interaction, visualization, and big data analytics. He holds a Research Software Engineer role, combining technical expertise with academic inquiry. Key research interests include AI-driven patent analysis, IoT applications in rural citizen science, and geospatial Twitter demographics. He has contributed to studies on Hadoop infrastructure optimization and social media conflict detection, often collaborating with institutions like Xiamen University and the University of Bremen. His publications span topics like energy-efficient big data processing, digital geography of Welsh identity, and scalable social media analysis frameworks. Notable projects include COSMOS (a cloud-based social media analysis platform) and studies on post-devolution cultural narratives in Wales. Award-winning work includes computational Twitter analysis for detecting online community tensions and geotagging behavior patterns. His research often bridges technical innovation with societal impact, addressing challenges in rural technology deployment and digital sociology.
Theodora Varvarigou is a Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA). She holds a B.Eng. from NTUA and M.Eng. and Ph.D. degrees from Stanford University. Her career includes research at AT&T Bell Labs and roles at the Technical University of Crete. From 2008-2012, she served as director of NTUA's 'Technoeconomic Systems' postgraduate program. Her research focuses on Cloud Computing, Multimedia Content Processing, Social Networking Technologies, and emerging areas like blockchain, edge computing, and cybersecurity. She has published over 200 papers and led numerous European research projects, emphasizing scalable systems, data management, and smart infrastructure applications. Her work spans technical innovations such as intrusion detection systems, edge resource optimization, and blockchain-based solutions for IoT, healthcare, and smart cities. Recent publications highlight advancements in AI-driven resource allocation, privacy-preserving blockchain designs, and predictive analytics for edge computing environments. Professor Varvarigou has contributed to interdisciplinary initiatives, including cohort data harmonization in biomedical research and social media analytics for urban planning. Her teaching includes courses on digital systems, network programming, and fault-tolerant systems.
Andrew S. Whittaker is a SUNY Distinguished Professor in the Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering at the University at Buffalo, State University of New York . He serves as Director of the Institute of Bridge Engineering and Interim Director of the Stephen Still Institute for Sustainable Transportation and Logistics , both within the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences . A registered Civil and Structural Engineer in California, Whittaker specializes in structural and earthquake engineering, bridge engineering, blast and impact engineering, performance-based engineering, and nuclear structures. Research Interests: His work focuses on seismic isolation systems for nuclear reactors, fluid-structure interaction in advanced reactor vessels, gamma radiation effects on materials, and the dynamic behavior of graphite blocks in high-temperature gas reactors (HTGRs). He also explores the commodification of microreactors and soil-structure interaction for seismically isolated facilities. Scientific Awards: Distinguished Member, American Society of Civil Engineers (2025) Untermyer & Cisler Reactor Technology Medal (2023) Nathan M. Newmark Medal (2023) Fellow of multiple societies (ASCE, SEI, ACI) Awards and grants highlight his leadership in nuclear safety, seismic engineering, and reactor design.
Dr. Christopher Morton is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at McMaster University, specializing in fluid-structure interaction, UAV technology, and energy systems. His research focuses on aerodynamics, flow control, and sustainable energy solutions, with applications in aerospace and environmental engineering. Education background includes a BASc in Mechatronics Engineering (University of Waterloo, 2008), MASc (2010), and Ph.D. (2014) in Mechanical Engineering from the same institution. His work bridges experimental and computational methods, particularly in flow estimation and control using advanced diagnostics like PIV and spectral analysis. His research interests span vortex-induced vibrations (VIV), unsteady aerodynamics, and energy harvesting through fluid-structure interactions. Recent publications highlight innovations in flow field reconstruction, sensor-based monitoring, and turbulence control. His work has been recognized through awards such as the Departmental Research Excellence Award (2021-2022) and multiple teaching accolades, reflecting his dedication to both research and education. Dr. Morton currently teaches MECH ENG 4FM3 (Advanced Instrumentation for Thermo-Fluids) and MECH ENG 723 (Flow Induced Vibrations), emphasizing hands-on experimental techniques and theoretical analysis. He actively supervises graduate students and collaborates with industry partners like Atlantis Research Labs and Plains Midstream Canada. Key Research Clusters: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing, Digital & Smart Systems, Energy, and Environment. Teaching Excellence: Awarded “Professor of the Year” multiple times and recognized for outstanding teaching performance.
Alexandra Collins is an Associate Professor in Environmental Sustainability at the Centre for Environmental Policy, part of the Faculty of Natural Sciences at Imperial College London. Her work focuses on integrating environmental decision-making with societal benefits through ecosystem services and natural capital frameworks. She is affiliated with the Grantham Institute, Human Behaviour and Experience Network, and Ocean Plastic Solutions Network, among others. Education: BSc Biological Sciences (University of Bristol), MSc Environmental Technology (Imperial College London), PhD Environmental Research (Imperial College London). She has held roles including a NERC Policy Fellowship and a Knowledge Exchange Fellowship with Defra. Research interests include holistic approaches to environmental challenges, societal benefits from green/blue spaces, participatory methods in decision-making, and co-production of knowledge. Current projects include the NERC-funded CAMELLIA project (urban water management) and the EU-funded HEART project (blue-green technologies for urban health). Her work emphasizes interdisciplinary systems thinking and stakeholder engagement. Publications span evidence-based policy, ecosystem service valuation, and climate-resilient infrastructure. She has collaborated with governments (UK, EU), NGOs, and international organizations to translate research into actionable strategies. Her recent work addresses barriers to flood adaptation, Indigenous inclusion in water governance, and multi-use offshore systems. Advising & Grants: Supervises PhD research on cultural ecosystem services and participatory catchment management. Co-investigator on major grants including £4.2M NERC CAMELLIA project. Active in developing decision-support tools for green infrastructure investments through the Nature Smart Cities initiative. Labs/Teams: Core member of the Centre for Environmental Policy, leading interdisciplinary teams on urban sustainability and environmental governance. Engages with cross-sectoral partnerships to bridge science-policy-practice gaps.
Paul-Eric DOSSOU is a Researcher at ICAM’s Grand Paris Sud campus, specializing in Societal and Technological Transitions of Companies. His work focuses on Industry 5.0, decision-aided systems, logistics optimization, and digital twin applications. He leads projects like Plateforme Life, Urban Logistics, and Healthcare 4.0, aiming to enhance SME efficiency through sustainable digital transformation. Expertise includes AI-driven supply chain management, cybersecurity for legacy systems, and robotic solutions for archaeology. He collaborates with industry partners to bridge theoretical research and practical applications, emphasizing human-centric automation and environmental sustainability. Contact: paul-eric.dossou@icam.fr | Mobile: +33 6 17 81 33 43 Research contributions span over 30 peer-reviewed articles since 2003, addressing topics from energy audits in the nautical industry to multi-agent systems in supply chain optimization.
Dr. Imen NOUIRA is a Full Professor in the Supply Chain Management & Information Systems Academic Area at Rennes School of Business (since 2023). She holds a Ph.D. from Grenoble INP (2013) and has extensive academic experience, progressing from Assistant Professor (2012-2019) to Associate Professor (2019-2023). Her research focuses on supply chain optimization under environmental considerations, carbon emissions modeling, and pandemic logistics. She has published in top journals like European Journal of Operational Research and International Journal of Production Economics. Key research interests include: Environmental Sustainability : Green supply chain design, carbon taxation strategies, and eco-friendly product development Healthcare Supply Chains : Pandemic medical product distribution and crisis management Operations Research : Inventory optimization, lead time coordination, and stochastic modeling Her work has been recognized with awards such as the 2017 2nd Best Student Paper Award at IESM. She actively contributes to international conferences and collaborates with industry partners on projects like olive oil supply chain design and carbon tax policy analysis. Rennes School of Business affiliations include roles in the: Green, Digital & Demand-Driven Supply Chain Management (G3D) research center Agribusiness, Sustainable Development, and CSR initiatives
Samuel Brazys is Associate Professor in the School of Politics and International Relations (SPIRe) at University College Dublin (UCD), where he also serves as Vice Principal for Research, Impact & Innovation in the College of Social Science & Law. He is the Editor of the Journal of International Development and has a strong research profile in international political economy and development. BA in Political Science/Economics, Marquette University MA in Economics, Indiana University MSc in Politics of the World Economy, London School of Economics PhD in Political Science, Indiana University Professional Certificate in University Teaching & Learning, UCD His research focuses on the political economy of development, with emphasis on foreign aid, foreign direct investment, Chinese development finance, and governance. He employs sub-national and spatial analysis methods, often using geo-referenced data to assess local-level impacts of development interventions in Africa, South Asia, and the Pacific. His work bridges comparative and international political economy, international organizations, and development studies. Recent publications reveal a consistent trend in analyzing the spatial and political dimensions of development finance, particularly Chinese aid and FDI, and their effects on conflict, governance, and public perceptions. His work increasingly engages with public diplomacy, as seen in studies on mask diplomacy and wolf warrior rhetoric, using large-scale text analysis of media and social media. Irish Research Council Grant: Trade Related Assistance for Development. Evidence from Micro-Level Evaluations (2018) UCD College of Human Sciences Research Funding Scheme (2015–2016) His research has had significant policy impact, notably cited by the U.S. State Department in decisions regarding Confucius Institutes. He is a member of major professional associations including the American Political Science Association and the International Studies Association. He teaches core modules in International Political Economy, Research Methods, and Governance and Development, and has coordinated thesis and internship programs. He leads a research agenda that critically examines donor behavior, recipient agency, and the political economy of global development, contributing to both academic discourse and policy debates.
Dr. Mercedes Taylor is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Maryland, College Park. She holds the Nathan Drake Faculty Fellowship. Previously, she was a Jill Hruby Fellow in National Security Science and Engineering at Sandia National Labs (2018–2021) and a Post-Baccalaureate Intramural Research Training Awardee at the NIH (2011–2013). She earned her Ph.D. in Chemistry from UC Berkeley (2018) and a B.A. in Chemistry from Amherst College (2011). Her research focuses on synthesizing novel materials like supramolecular cages, covalent organic frameworks, and porous polymers for applications in water purification and critical metal capture. Her lab emphasizes controlling material structure to achieve selectivity for target molecules and enhance aqueous stability. Key projects include ion separations, environmental remediation, and energy storage solutions. Dr. Taylor’s work has been recognized through awards such as the 2024 Doctoral New Investigator Award (ACS), 2023 DOE Separation Science Core Award, and the 2023 Moore Inventor Fellowship. She mentors a dynamic research group, including graduate students and post-baccalaureate researchers, and actively engages in interdisciplinary collaborations. Her lab is part of the Taylor Group at UMD, which develops advanced materials for ion capture and water treatment. Alumni of her group include researchers at Sandia National Labs and academic institutions, contributing to both industry and academia.
Inigo Flores Ituarte is a Research Professor at Tampere University's Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, affiliated with the Automation Technology and Mechanical Engineering department. He leads the Digital Design and Manufacturing (D2M) research lab, focusing on sustainable manufacturing and twin-transition strategies integrating digital and green technologies. His work emphasizes optimization-driven design, additive manufacturing innovations, and AI-driven expert systems to enhance energy efficiency and reduce environmental impacts. Key research pillars include: Pillar 1: Twin-transition in Engineering Design and Manufacturing Processes, addressing sustainable manufacturing and intelligent systems Pillar 2: Development of open D2M systems and Process-Structure-Property-Performance (PSPP) linkages in advanced materials His research explores multi-disciplinary optimization combining model-based simulations and data-driven techniques. Notable contributions include generative AI integration in CAD systems, cognitive manufacturing systems, and cost-effective process monitoring using CNN-based methods. Inigo's work emphasizes environmental sustainability, with a focus on reducing manufacturing's energy consumption (54% of global use) and CO2 emissions. He advocates for interconnected material systems, smart manufacturing processes, and AI-assisted decision-making to achieve cognitive intelligence in industrial operations. His D2M lab's overarching goal is to maximize product/process performance while improving cost-effectiveness and minimizing environmental footprints. Recent projects include railway bogie demonstrators via multi-material deposition and sensor systems leveraging IoT and ChatGPT integration.
Professor Chee Yew Wong is a leading academic in supply chain management at Leeds University Business School (LUBS), where he holds the position of Professor and serves as Director for Research & Innovation in the Analytics, Technology and Operations department. He previously held a Chair in Logistics and Supply Chain Management at Hull University Business School and has served as a visiting professor in Thailand and China. His work bridges academia and industry, with over nine years of professional experience in operations and supply chain roles across multinational corporations and SMEs. His educational background includes a PhD in Supply Chain Management from Aalborg University, Denmark; an MSc in Manufacturing Management from Linköping University, Sweden; a BEng in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Technology, Malaysia; and a PG Certificate in Higher Education from Hull University, UK. Professor Wong's research centers on intelligent, responsible, and sustainable solutions for global supply chains. Key interests include digital supply chains, supply chain analytics, green logistics, human rights in supply chains, resilience, and circular economy models. He leverages technologies such as blockchain, machine learning, and IoT to enhance transparency, integration, and performance in complex supply networks. The analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trend toward digital transformation, sustainability, and ethical governance in supply chains. His work increasingly emphasizes data-driven decision-making, environmental and social risk assessment, and the role of technology in enabling responsible global sourcing. Many projects focus on real-world applications in industries such as healthcare, fashion, retail, and manufacturing, often through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships with industry leaders. Best Reviewer Award, Operations and Supply Chain Management Division, Academy of Management Conference, Chicago, USA (2018) Prof. Xiande Zhao's Best Paper Award, International Conference on Operations and Supply Chain Management, Kaifeng, China (2017) Finalist for the Jack Meredith Best Paper Award, Academy of Management Conference, Anaheim, USA (2016) Emerald Best Paper Award, Supply Chain Management: an International Journal (2006) Professor Wong has successfully supervised 10 PhD students and 4 post-doctoral researchers, and has examined over 15 PhD dissertations internationally. He leads multiple research grants, including projects funded by Innovate UK, UKRI, ESRC, and the British Council, focusing on digital transformation, human rights, and green supply chain innovation. His collaborations span academia, government, and industry, demonstrating a strong commitment to impactful, applied research. He is actively involved in the Centre for Operations and Supply Chain Research, the Adaptation Information Management and Technology group, and the Centre for Decision Research at LUBS. These research groups support interdisciplinary work in analytics, digital technologies, and sustainable operations, fostering innovation and knowledge exchange across sectors.
David Warsinger is an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University's College of Engineering, located in West Lafayette, IN. He holds a Ph.D. from MIT and degrees from Cornell University. His research focuses on thermofluids, nanotechnology, and membrane science applied to water treatment, energy systems, and sustainable technologies. Key areas include desalination innovation, the water-food-energy nexus, and HVAC efficiency. He leads the Warsinger Lab, which develops advanced membrane materials, dehumidification systems, and renewable energy integration for desalination. Education: Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering (MIT), M.Eng. and B.S. (Cornell University). Awards include the MIT Outstanding UROP Mentor (2015), UCOWR Dissertation Award (2016), and Purdue's Early Career Teaching Award (2025). His lab collaborates on grants from DOE, NSF, and industry, with recent focus on batch reverse osmosis, solar desalination, and membrane-based HVAC systems. Research emphasizes high-impact applications like atmospheric water harvesting, photocatalytic air purification, and CO₂ removal for space exploration. The lab's capabilities include membrane testing, multiphysics modeling, and partnerships with ARUP for sustainable building design. Current projects include NSF-funded ReNEW initiatives and innovations in wave-powered desalination. Awards include over $4M in grants, including a 2025 $75k Showalter Grant and a 2022 DOE $2.4M award. His lab publishes in top journals and presents at ASME, NAMS, and international conferences. Undergraduate and graduate training emphasizes diversity and entrepreneurship, with alumni securing roles at top universities and companies like SpaceX.
