John Stolz is Professor of Environmental Microbiology and Director of Environmental and Energy Engineering at Duquesne University's School of Science and Engineering. His NASA-trained research examines microbial metal reduction, modern stromatolite ecosystems, and shale gas extraction impacts. His lab investigates arsenic/selenium biotransformation pathways, microbial communities in Shark Bay stromatolites, and environmental impacts of unconventional energy development. Recognized with multiple excellence awards including the Nobel J. Dick Endowed Chair. Over 150 publications explore microbial respiration mechanisms, biogeochemical cycling, and environmental bioremediation. Current grants support water quality testing near shale gas operations.
M.T.O. (Chiel) Jonker is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine , Utrecht University , affiliated with the Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS) and its Toxicology division . He specializes in exposure assessment of hydrophobic organic chemicals (e.g., PFAS , PAHs , PCBs ), focusing on sorption processes , bioaccumulation dynamics , and passive sampling techniques in both in vivo and in vitro settings. His research emphasizes methodological innovation for high-quality chemical analysis (GC-MS, LC-MS) and environmental risk assessment . Recent work includes PFAS degradation , sediment toxicity testing , and temperature/salinity effects on contaminant partitioning. His 2018-2024 publications highlight passive sampling calibration , mechanistic toxicity models , and bioavailability prediction using polyoxymethylene and silicone rubber samplers .
Huiyan Li, PhD, P.Eng., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Guelph. Her research focuses on developing micro/nanoscale biosensors and lab-on-a-chip technologies for cancer diagnostics and personalized medicine. Dr. Li holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from McGill University and completed postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School/Massachusetts General Hospital. Her multidisciplinary research integrates biosensing, micro/nanofabrication, bio-optics/electronics, and computational tools to study cancer molecular complexity. Current openings exist for M.A.Sc. students interested in biosensing research. Key research areas include extracellular vesicle analysis, multiplexed immunoassays, magnetic/nanoparticle-enhanced bioassays, and graphene-based biomedical sensors. Recent work emphasizes point-of-care diagnostics and enhanced protein detection via novel material integration. Teaching responsibilities include ENGG 6301 (Advanced Micro/Nano Biotechnology) and undergraduate courses in bio-instrumentation and biomedical signal processing. Her work spans biomaterials classification, microfluidic systems, and antimicrobial nanocomposite development. Research outputs emphasize scalable microarray formats, EV-based biomarker discovery, and sensor sensitivity enhancement through nanomaterial innovations. Current projects address EV concentration measurement, 3D antibody microarrays, and magnetic-responsive hydrogel discs for bioassay improvements.
Alexandre Poulain is a Full Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Ottawa and Vice Dean for Research and Infrastructure in the Faculty of Science. His multidisciplinary research bridges biogeochemistry, microbial physiology, and environmental toxicology. Education: B.Sc. (Angers, France), M.Sc. (INRS, Canada), Ph.D. (Université de Montréal, Canada), Postdoc (MIT, USA) Research Interests: Mercury cycling in Arctic and temperate ecosystems, microbial metal transformations, biosensor development for contaminants, redox reaction dynamics, bioremediation using environmental microbes, and mercury-organic matter interactions. His lab (2017-2025) has produced 15 recent publications on mercury biogeochemistry in oil sands, rice paddies, and Arctic lakes, alongside arsenic speciation studies and pesticide impacts on pollinators. Current students explore archaeal mercury regulators, acidothermophilic biosensors, and microbial remediation. Scientific contributions include: NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship (2007-2009) Co-PI on Microbright, a startup commercializing microbial water treatment Developed portable arsenic biosensor tested in Cambodia Co-edited mercury-climate synthesis in Nature Communications
Dr. Joseph Wang is the Distinguished Professor of Nanoengineering and the SAIC Endowed Chair at UC San Diego. He leads the NBE Lab and directs the Center of Wearable Sensors and the Center for Mobile-health Systems. With over 50 researchers in his team, his work focuses on nanomachines, wearable sensors, electrochemistry, and analytical chemistry. His global citation ranking places him #13 in Chemistry and #31 in Materials Science, with an H-index of 217 and over 180,000 citations. He has been a Highly Cited Researcher since 2014 and ranks #4 in Nanoscience & Nanotechnology in the 2025 World Top 100 Scientists list. His research has led to groundbreaking innovations, including microrobots for lung cancer treatment, multiplexed microneedle sensors, and wearable devices for real-time health monitoring. He has been honored with prestigious awards such as the 2024 ACS Award in Analytical Chemistry, IEEE Sensors Council Award, and IUPAC Medal. He holds honorary doctorates from Comenius University and Charles University, and Woxsen University named its Chemistry Department after him. Key contributions include pioneering work in biohybrid microrobots, self-healing wearable devices, and sweat-based health monitoring systems. His lab’s work has been featured in Nature, Science, and The Economist. He co-authored influential books like Analytical Electrochemistry (4th ed.) and Nanomachines , and his research spans clinical applications, environmental sensing, and personalized medicine.
Professor David Ackerley (Victoria University of Wellington) is a leading microbiologist and enzyme engineer specializing in directed evolution of bacterial enzymes for biotechnological applications. As Biotechnology Programme Director since 2006, he lectures in foundational courses like BTEC101 and BTEC201. Academic rank: Professor of Biotechnology Institutional affiliation: Victoria University of Wellington Research focus areas: Microbial Biotechnology, Drug Discovery, Synthetic Biology His research employs Darwinian evolutionary principles to engineer enzymes with enhanced activities, particularly targeting non-ribosomal peptide synthetases and nitroreductases for antibiotic development and cancer therapy. Recent work explores metagenomic domain substitution in pyoverdine biosynthesis and Purpuramine R from marine sponges. Key publications demonstrate innovations in metagenomic library construction , CRISPR screening for regeneration genes, and structural characterization of engineered enzymes. His team has developed NTR 2.0 , a high-efficacy nitroreductase for targeted cell ablation. Current research projects include: Clean solutions from dirty genes: Plastic-degrading enzyme discovery Engineering enzymes for CAR T-cell-chemotherapy synergy Repurposing niclosamide against Gram-negative superbugs Grants from the Health Research Council of New Zealand, Royal Society of New Zealand, and Cancer Society of NZ support his work. Collaborations span biomedical research, synthetic biology, and environmental applications.
Dr. Zahra Abbasi is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Electrical and Software Engineering, University of Calgary (since 2021), with expertise in designing passive and active RF/microwave sensors for non-invasive real-time detection and monitoring. She holds a PhD in Nanosystems and Microsystems from the University of Alberta (2020) and a postdoctoral fellowship at the Waterloo Microfluidics Lab (University of Waterloo). Her research focuses on sensor systems for environmental, biomedical, and industrial applications, including microfluidic sensing, chipless tags, and wearable devices. Dr. Abbasi’s educational background includes degrees from Iran University of Science & Technology (BSc 2014, MSc 2016) and advanced training in Canada. She chairs IEEE MTT-S/AP committees in Alberta and has received notable awards such as the ASTech Finalist (2024) and Alberta Immigrant Impact Award (2023). Her work emphasizes collaboration across disciplines to address challenges in precision agriculture, healthcare, and environmental monitoring. Her sensor research spans diverse fields: microplastic detection in water, hydrocarbon contamination monitoring, real-time medical diagnostics (e.g., fibrinogen levels), and nutrient assessment in agriculture. Recent advancements include disposable sensors for medical implants and non-invasive hydration tracking for aging populations. Awards Finalist: ASTech Early Career Academic Change Maker (2024) Early Research Excellence Award (Schulich School of Engineering, 2023/2024) Alberta Immigrant Impact Award (2023) Advising & Labs Dr. Abbasi leads the Calgary Sensor Laboratory, fostering innovation in microwave and microfluidic sensor technologies. Her team collaborates on industrial and biomedical projects, emphasizing practical applications of novel sensor designs. While no named advisees are listed, her research group actively engages in multidisciplinary projects.
Yeonhwa Park is a Professor and holder of the Francis Chair in the Department of Food Science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Her research focuses on functional foods, bioactive components, and environmental contaminants' effects on obesity and aging. She investigates food bioactives like conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and environmental pollutants like PFAS to understand their roles in metabolic disorders and aging mechanisms. Her work spans multiple models, including C. elegans, zebrafish, and rodent studies, emphasizing translational applications for human health. Teaching responsibilities include courses such as 'Science of Food' (FS150), 'Biology of Food in Human Health' (FS270), and 'Bioactive Food Components' (FS750). Awards include Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher (2017–2018), Faculty Convocation Award (2015), and the Timothy Mounts Award (2015). Her research has been published in over 150 peer-reviewed articles, with recent emphasis on environmental contaminants' impact on obesity and type 2 diabetes, and the use of C. elegans for screening bioactives. Key findings include CLA's role in fat reduction, PFAS-induced metabolic disruption, and the application of alternative models (e.g., C. elegans) to reduce animal testing. Her lab integrates molecular biology, toxicology, and food science to address global health challenges like the obesity epidemic and environmental toxin exposure.
Dr. Eylem Asmatulu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Wichita State University (WSU), part of the College of Engineering. She joined WSU as an educator in 2015, became an Assistant Professor in 2017, and was promoted to her current rank in 2023. Previously, she worked in Environmental Health and Safety at WSU. She currently advises three PhD, three MS, and two BS students, having graduated 13 students since 2015. Her research focuses on recycling and reuse of materials, composite materials engineering, nanotechnology safety, and sustainable manufacturing. She has secured over $1.7 million in grants, published 131+ articles (h-index 26), and contributed to fields like thermal energy storage, biomedical nanomaterials, and aerospace material science. Her work emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, combining machine learning for material property prediction and addressing safety concerns in nanotechnology across industries. Key projects include flame-retardant composites, biogas production optimization, and superhydrophobic nanofiber applications for water treatment. She actively promotes sustainability through recycling innovation and lean manufacturing practices in aerospace. Dr. Asmatulu’s research has been cited over 2,870 times. Her contributions span academia and industry, with a focus on translating innovations into practical solutions for environmental and industrial challenges.
Jouko Peltonen is a Professor in Chemistry at Åbo Akademi University's Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering. He leads the Laboratory of Molecular Science and Technology, focusing on sustainable material development and biomedical applications. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals through green chemistry innovations. Ph.D. in Chemistry (Åbo Akademi, 1994) Licentiate in Chemistry (Åbo Akademi, 1992) Master's in Chemistry (University of Helsinki, 1988) Peltonen's research spans materials science , polymer chemistry , and sustainable technology , with emphasis on nanocellulose composites , antibacterial materials , and bio-based packaging . Recent projects explore biofilm modeling and lignin valorization. His publications (216 total) demonstrate interdisciplinary impact across biomedical engineering , environmental science , and chemical manufacturing . Key collaborations include NordForsk-funded initiatives and EU projects like PACKER 2020. Research grants include: Printed Intelligence Infrastructure (Academy of Finland, 2024-2028) Nordic POP (NordForsk, 2018-2025) ABC-Health (Jane och Aatos Erkkos Foundation, 2021-2024)
Hans Bouwmeester is a Full Professor in Toxicology at Wageningen University & Research, specializing in chemical risk assessment, nanomaterial toxicity, and in vitro modeling. His work focuses on integrating artificial intelligence and physiologically based kinetic (PBK) models to predict toxic effects of contaminants like organophosphate pesticides, microplastics, and mycotoxins. He leads projects exploring the health impacts of foodborne contaminants in inflammatory bowel disease and developing animal-free testing methods. Key collaborations include EU initiatives like the ONTOX project and the GUTTEST program, which utilize advanced in vitro models such as gut-on-a-chip systems. Research interests span toxicokinetics, nanoplastics exposure, and the application of Bayesian networks for nanomaterial hazard ranking. His team addresses translational challenges in linking in vitro data to in vivo outcomes, with a focus on bile acid metabolism and cardiotoxicity prediction. Bouwmeester has supervised over 10 PhD candidates, including studies on microplastic hazard assessment, nanomaterial gastrointestinal fate, and AI-driven data extraction for risk assessment. Notable contributions include datasets on nanoplastics' protein corona effects and transcriptomic analyses of intestinal cell responses. His work is published in journals like Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety , Toxicology , and Environmental Science & Technology , emphasizing open-access research and interdisciplinary approaches to chemical safety.
Leila M. Harris is a Professor at the University of British Columbia (UBC), holding dual appointments in the Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability (IRES) and the Institute for Gender, Race, Sexuality and Social Justice (GRSJ). She co-directs UBC’s Program on Water Governance and is affiliated with the Department of Geography and the Peter Wall Institute for Advanced Studies. Her work focuses on environmental governance, water equity, and social justice, particularly in marginalized communities across Africa, South Asia, and Turkey. Harris’s research examines the intersection of environmental issues with inequality, gender, and ethnicity. Key projects include analyzing non-material dimensions of water insecurity (emotions, trust, belonging), water governance shifts in South Africa, Brazil, and Canada, and the socio-political impacts of emerging water testing technologies. She has led international research networks like the SSHRC-funded WaTERS program and contributed to policy briefs on water governance in Ghana, South Africa, and British Columbia. Her scholarship bridges feminist political ecology, critical development studies, and postcolonial theory. Recent work explores participatory methods, water justice in Indigenous contexts, and the human right to water. Harris has advised on water policy reforms in Canada and globally, emphasizing equity and marginalized community voices. Education: PhD (Geography), University of British Columbia (2002) Lab/Teams: Program on Water Governance, EDGES Collaborative
Koenraad Muylaert is a Full Professor at the Faculty of Science, KU Leuven, and head of the Biology department at KU Leuven Kulak. His research focuses on microalgae ecology and phytoplankton physiology , with applications in eutrophication studies , wastewater treatment , and biofuel production . Based in Kortrijk, Belgium, he works with international teams in Ecuador, Qatar, and Belgium. Current projects on mountain lake eutrophication and urban aquatic systems Specializes in nano-material flocculation and omega-3 fatty acid production from microalgae Research Trends from his recent articles show emphasis on: Microalgae harvesting innovations (cellulose nanocrystals, PDMAEMA polymers) Comparative processing techniques (DAF vs sedimentation, drying methods) Biotechnological applications in flavor chemistry and microbiome interactions Laboratory operates at KU Leuven's Kortrijk campus, with strong collaborations in environmental engineering and food science . His work bridges fundamental ecological research with industrial biotechnology for sustainable solutions.
R. Michael Alvarez , Flintridge Foundation Professor of Political and Computational Social Science at Caltech, is a leading scholar in election technology, political methodology, and machine learning applications in social science. Affiliated with the Caltech/MIT Voting Technology Project , the Social and Decision Neuroscience Program , and the Resnick Sustainability Institute , his work bridges technology and democracy. Education: B.A. from Carleton College, Ph.D. from Duke University Academic Career: Caltech faculty since 1992 His research spans: Election Integrity : Monitoring election security, fraud detection, and ballot systems Computational Social Science : Applying machine learning to voter behavior and policy analysis Climate Policy : Examining public attitudes and behavioral interventions for sustainability Online Behavior : Analyzing toxicity in gaming and social media dynamics Key article trends show focus on election forensics (2025 Nature Climate Change study), game toxicity analysis (2025 CHI Play paper), and LLM applications in social science. His students include Jacob Morrier, Mitchell Linegar, and teams of postdocs and undergraduates in Caltech's SURF program. Scientific recognition includes: Google Cloud Research Innovators Class of 2022 Co-editor of multiple academic series including Cambridge Elements in Quantitative Methods
David Latulippe is a Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at McMaster University. He joined McMaster in 2012 after postdoctoral work at Cornell University and a PhD at Penn State University, focusing on membrane filtration for DNA purification. His industrial experience includes roles at ZENON Environmental (now GE Water) in hollow-fiber membrane design for water treatment. Research interests include Membrane science and technology Bioprocessing of therapeutic viruses Microscale systems for biological applications Environmental engineering solutions for water treatment Current projects involve collaborations with industry partners like Ceapro and Aevitas, and the development of a biomanufacturing automation lab with Sartorius. Recent publications highlight advancements in Nanofiltration and microfiltration for viral vectors Conductive membranes for electrochemical applications Microfluidic systems for DNA analysis Environmental monitoring of biocides and microplastics Scientific recognition includes the Young Membrane Scientist Award (2014). Teaching activities focus on Fluid Mechanics (CHEMENG 2O04) and Industrial Separation Processes (CHEMENG 4M03).
