Prof. Dr. Markus Bachmayr is a full professor at the Institute for Geometry and Practical Mathematics, RWTH Aachen University, holding the chair for Applied Mathematics. His research focuses on nonlinear approximation, high-dimensional partial differential equations (PDEs), uncertainty quantification, and numerical methods in quantum chemistry. He leads the ERC Consolidator Grant project Computational Complexity of Highly Nonlinear Approximations (COCOA) and contributes to CRC 1481 Sparsity and Singular Structures, and RTG 2326 Energy, Entropy, and Dissipative Dynamics. His recent work emphasizes adaptive low-rank and sparse approximation techniques for parametric and stochastic PDEs, including applications in radiative transfer and poroviscoelastic flow modeling. He serves as Editor-in-Chief of Foundations of Computational Mathematics and Associate Editor for multiple journals. Scientific Awards: John Todd Award 2013 Borchers Plakette 2014 Erwin Wenzl Preis 2007 He has taught courses such as Numerische Analysis I/II, Numerische Mathematik für Elektrotechniker, and seminars on numerical methods and approximation theory.
Endre Süli FRS is Professor of Numerical Analysis at the University of Oxford and Fellow of Worcester College. He also holds the position of Professor Hospitus Universitatis Carolinae Pragensis at Charles University, Prague. Süli leads research within the Oxford Centre for Nonlinear Partial Differential Equations (OxPDE) and the Numerical Analysis Group at Oxford. His research focuses on mathematical and numerical analysis of nonlinear partial differential equations and finite element methods , with particular expertise in kinetic models for polymers, Navier-Stokes-Fokker-Planck systems, non-Newtonian fluid flow, implicitly constituted material models, free-discontinuity problems, computational fracture modeling, adaptive algorithms, and multiscale finite element methods. Süli has received numerous prestigious honors including Fellowship in the Royal Society (2021), the London Mathematical Society Naylor Prize (2021), SIAM Fellowship (2016), and membership in the Academia Europaea (2020). He has delivered distinguished lectures worldwide including the John von Neumann Lecture (2016) and the Charlemagne Distinguished Lecture (2011). Foreign Member of Serbian National Academy of Sciences and Arts (2009) Fellow of European Academy of Sciences (2010) London Mathematical Society Forder Lecturer (2015) Oxford University Teaching Excellence Award (2009) Professor Süli has supervised over 40 doctoral students throughout his career and currently advises Stefano Fronzoni and Olav Haaland. He serves on multiple editorial boards including as Editor-in-Chief of Springer's Universitext Series (2023-) and previously co-edited Oxford University Press's Monograph Series in Numerical Mathematics (1994-2023). Süli has held significant leadership roles including Chair of the Society for Foundations of Computational Mathematics (2002-2005) and President of SIAM UKIE Section (2013-2015). He is actively involved in the international mathematics community, organizing workshops at the Mathematisches Forschungsinstitut Oberwolfach and participating in major conferences through 2025, including the upcoming EFEF XXII in Trieste.
Kai A. James is an Associate Professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), with affiliations in Computational Science and Engineering. He holds a Ph.D. (2012) and M.A.Sc. (2006) from University of Toronto, and B.A.Sc. (2004) in Engineering Science. His research focuses on multidisciplinary design optimization, topology optimization, aeroelasticity, and nonlinear mechanics, with applications to aerospace structures, additive manufacturing, and smart materials. He teaches courses such as Structural Design Optimization (AE 498), Nonlinear Solid Mechanics (AE 598), and Finite Element Analysis (ME 471). His honors include the NSF CAREER Award (2018), Scott White Aerospace Engineering Fellow (2020), and UIUC Teacher of the Year (2017). His work spans academic publications (over 50 journal/conference articles listed) and innovations in topology optimization frameworks for complex systems. Recent research emphasizes bi-stable structures (e.g., cardiovascular stents, morphing airfoils), thermomechanical design of shape-memory alloys, and spatial packing optimization for engineering systems. His lab, located in Talbot Laboratory, develops computational tools for multiphysics and multiscale design optimization.
Justin Wan is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Waterloo. His research focuses on scientific computing, medical image processing, computational finance, and machine learning. He holds a Ph.D. from UCLA (1998), an M.A. from UCLA (1995), and a B.Sc. from the Chinese University of Hong Kong (1992). Wan’s work bridges numerical methods, optimization, and deep learning, with applications in financial modeling, medical imaging, and fluid dynamics. His research interests include advanced techniques in scientific computing (e.g., multigrid methods), computer graphics simulation, and medical image enhancement (e.g., CT scan artifact reduction). He has pioneered applications of machine learning to computational finance, including option pricing and hedging using deep neural networks and GANs. His recent work explores denoising diffusion models and multi-agent systems for optimal execution in finance. Publications span topics like volatility surface computation, optimal mass transport for image registration, and parallel solvers for fluid dynamics. His methods address challenges in high-dimensional problems, robust numerical valuation, and scalable algorithms for large datasets. Wan collaborates across disciplines, integrating mathematical rigor with practical engineering solutions.
Dr. Farhad Aslani is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Mining Engineering at the University of Western Australia (UWA), serving as Director of the Materials and Structures Innovation Group. He leads the $250M Australian Composites Manufacturing CRC and co-leads UWA's Engineering Materials Research Cluster. His research focuses on innovative construction materials, including self-sensing concrete, 3D-printed composites, and fire-resistant materials. He has secured over $20M in CRC funding and holds leadership roles in national/international conferences. Key awards include the 2024 Concrete Institute WA Rising Star Award and multiple citation milestones. His work aligns with sustainable development goals, emphasizing eco-friendly materials and infrastructure resilience. Education: PhD in Structural Engineering, University of Technology Sydney (2014) Certificates in Leadership, Research Commercialization, Public Policy, and Project Management from Curtin University, Queensland University of Technology, RMIT, and UTS. Research Interests: Smart materials, sustainable concrete technologies, additive manufacturing, blast/fire resistance, and composites for infrastructure. His lab develops self-sensing concretes, lightweight engineered composites, and electromagnetic shielding materials. Grants & Projects: $4.3M ACM CRC project on composite repairs ARC grants for nanocomposite coatings and fire facilities Main Roads WA funding for timber bridge strengthening Expertise: Structural design, composite materials, and industrial collaborations (e.g., Woodside, Holcim). He advises on major projects like the Morley Ellenbrook Rail Line and Forrestfield Airport Link. Awards: 2024 Concrete Institute WA Rising Star Highly Cited Scholar (ScholarGPS, 2024) Most Cited Paper Awards (2018–2020)
John S. McCartney is a Professor and Hal Sorenson Endowed Chair in the Department of Structural Engineering at the University of California San Diego (UCSD). He directs the Englekirk Structural Engineering Center and holds editorial roles at journals such as ASCE Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering and Computers and Geotechnics. His research focuses on unsaturated soil mechanics, energy geotechnics, and geosynthetics engineering, with applications in thermal energy systems, landfill covers, and seismic response analysis. Education: B.S. and M.S. in Civil Engineering from University of Colorado Boulder (2002), Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from University of Texas at Austin (2007). Research interests include thermo-hydro-mechanical behavior of soils, geothermal energy piles, tire-derived aggregates, and seismic performance of geotechnical systems. His work combines laboratory testing, centrifuge modeling, and numerical simulations to address challenges in sustainable infrastructure and energy systems. Key awards include the Walter L. Huber Research Prize (2016), NSF CAREER Award (2011), and multiple teaching and service recognitions. He actively contributes to ASTM standards and serves as President of the IGS-NA chapter. Lab facilities are located in the Structural and Materials Engineering Building (SME 409). Courses taught include advanced soil mechanics, energy geotechnics, and geotechnical earthquake engineering.
Dr Dongbin Wei is an Associate Professor at the School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering , University of Technology Sydney (UTS), with a career spanning academia and industry. He holds a PhD in Materials Processing Engineering from the University of Science and Technology Beijing (2001) and academic appointments from 2005–2012 at the University of Wollongong (Research Fellow to Lecturer) and 2013–2017 at UTS (Senior Lecturer) before his promotion to Associate Professor in 2018. His research lies at the intersection of Mechanical Engineering , Manufacturing Engineering , and Materials Processing , focusing on: Ultrasonic Additive Manufacturing (UAM) Micro Metal Forming and Size Effects Tribology and Lubrication Numerical Simulations of Material Processing Composite Material Fabrication Key contributions include: Development of the Springback Path–Displacement Adjustment (SP-DA) method for stamping accuracy Advancements in femtosecond laser texturing for silicon wettability control Studies on nanolubrication in hot rolling Optimization of micro-deep drawing parameters He has secured competitive grants from the Australian Research Council (ARC) and industry partners like Weir Minerals Australia Ltd , including projects on: Revolutionizing mineral separation via additive manufacturing Super high-speed grinding technologies Mechanics of micro composite drill fabrication As a lead supervisor, he guided the 2022 thesis 'Creation and Validation of 3D Printable Mineral Separation Spiral' . His work bridges theoretical analysis, computational modeling (FEM/FEA), and practical validation in advanced manufacturing systems.
Thomas Grenier is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at INSA Lyon and a member of the CREATIS laboratory (CNRS UMR 5220, INSERM U1294). He obtained his HDR (Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches) in 2023 and his Ph.D. in Image Processing from INSA Lyon in 2005. His research focuses on medical image segmentation, clustering, and filtering using feature space, scale-space, and deep learning approaches. Doctoral School: EEA (Electronics, Energy, and Automatics) Research Affiliation: CREATIS Lab (CNRS/INSERM/INSA Lyon/Université Lyon 1/Université Jean Monnet Saint-Etienne) He has contributed to 20 papers and co-supervised 5 PhD students, including Léo Dumortier and Florent Guépin. Grenier leads the annual Deep Learning for Medical Imaging (DLMI) school, which he co-founded, and has organized five editions across Lyon and Montreal since 2019. The school emphasizes practical deep learning applications in medical imaging for participants of all expertise levels. His work spans interdisciplinary domains such as medical imaging , deep learning , and image processing , with recent publications on generative AI for MRI synthesis, explainable networks, and segmentation of neurological pathologies in preclinical models. He manages pedagogical platforms, coordinates LabEx PRIMES project activities, and oversees lab room infrastructure for 200 hours/year across 10 training programs. Grenier also leads the MUSIC transversal project on Multiple Sclerosis since 2019.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Gerhard Müller is a Full Professor at the Chair of Structural Mechanics within the TUM School of Engineering and Design at Technical University of Munich (TUM). Since 2004, he has held this distinguished position, and since 2014, he has served as Executive Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs at TUM. His research focuses on structural dynamics and vibroacoustics, with specific expertise in dynamic soil-structure interaction, sound radiation analysis, and seismic risk assessment. Professorship: Structural Mechanics University: Technical University of Munich School: TUM School of Engineering and Design Department: Chair of Structural Mechanics in Civil Engineering Prof. Müller's research spans multiple domains, including: Structural Dynamics : Examining building and vehicle vibrations, seismic soil-structure interaction, and advanced model order reduction techniques Vibroacoustics : Investigating sound radiation from vibrating structures and developing acoustic metamaterials for noise control Computational Methods : Pioneering hybrid deterministic-statistical approaches, Wave Based Methods (WBM) for saturated elastodynamic structures, and parametric model order reduction His recent publications demonstrate expertise in: Wave propagation analysis in poroelastic media Bayesian parameter updating for structural models Acoustic metamaterials for vibration control Advanced numerical methods for seismic risk assessment Hybrid ITM-FEM approaches for soil-structure interaction Energy flow analysis in timber structures Awarded the Spindler Prize in 1984 , Prof. Müller also holds significant academic leadership roles: President of European Association for Structural Dynamics (EASD) Chairman of Bavarian-French University Center (BayFrance) Active member of ASIIN accreditation agency and Bavarian Chamber of Engineers Previously served as Dean of Civil Engineering and Surveying at TUM (2010-2014) He leads the Structural Dynamic Lab (formerly Vibroacoustics Lab) and has developed interactive web apps for engineering education. His work bridges theoretical advancements with practical applications in construction acoustics, transportation noise control, and geothermal energy infrastructure analysis.
David A. Muller serves as the Samuel B. Eckert Professor of Engineering in the School of Applied and Engineering Physics at Cornell University and co-directs the Kavli Institute at Cornell for Nanoscale Science. His research group focuses on developing quantitative electron microscopy methods to understand materials properties at the atomic scale, with particular emphasis on sustainable energy applications and quantum materials. Muller's laboratory utilizes some of the world's highest resolution electron microscopes housed in specially designed, environmentally isolated rooms. Muller received his undergraduate education at the University of Sydney and earned his Ph.D. in Physics from Cornell University in 1996. Between 1997 and 2003, he was a member of the technical staff at Bell Laboratories, where he applied his expertise in imaging single atoms and atomic-scale spectroscopy to determine the physical limits of transistor miniaturization. In 2003, he returned to Cornell as a faculty member, where he has since established himself as a leader in advanced electron microscopy techniques. Muller's research spans multiple frontiers in materials science, with particular focus on understanding how electronic-structure changes at the atomic scale control macroscopic behavior in diverse systems like turbine blades, fuel cells, and transistors. His current work emphasizes the physics of renewable energy materials, atomic-scale control of materials to create electronic phases that cannot exist in bulk, and developing hardware and algorithms for 'big data' acquisition from high-bandwidth pixelated electron microscope detectors. His group's work bridges theoretical physics and experimental techniques, requiring researchers who can think in both real and reciprocal space while considering both fundamental principles and practical applications. Analysis of Muller's recent publications reveals a strong trend toward advancing electron ptychography and 4D-STEM techniques for atomic-scale imaging. His group has pioneered methods for 3D atomic-scale metrology, strain mapping, and imaging of radiation-sensitive materials. The research spans applications from semiconductor technology to quantum materials and energy storage systems, demonstrating the versatility of his microscopy approaches across multiple scientific domains. Top 100 Young Innovator by Tech Review Magazine (2003) Burton Medal from Microscopy Society of America (2006) Ernst Ruska Prize of German Society for Electron Microscopy (2021) John Cowley Medal from International Federation of Societies for Microscopy (2023) Fellow of American Physical Society Fellow of American Association for the Advancement of Science Fellow of Microscopy Society of America Muller has mentored an extensive group of students and postdocs who have gone on to successful careers in academia and industry. His former students hold faculty positions at institutions including Rice University, University of Southern California, Seoul National University, Colorado School of Mines, and the University of Michigan, among others. His research has been supported by substantial grants, including a $22.5M NSF grant that accelerates materials discovery. The Muller lab maintains close collaborations with the Kavli Institute at Cornell and PARADIM (Platform for the Accelerated Realization, Analysis, and Discovery of Interface Materials). The Muller lab operates at the forefront of electron microscopy, housing specialized instrumentation including high-resolution transmission electron microscopes in environmentally isolated rooms. The group collaborates extensively with other research teams at Cornell and worldwide, focusing on understanding materials atom by atom. Current research directions include applying machine learning to electron microscopy data analysis, developing cryogenic techniques for studying low-melting-point materials, and exploring quantum phenomena in engineered materials systems.
Kevin Mackie is Professor and Chair of the Department of Civil, Environmental and Construction Engineering (CECE) at the University of Central Florida’s College of Engineering. He has been a faculty member since 2006, advancing from assistant to full professor, and previously served as associate chair and interim department chair. His leadership includes spearheading departmental improvements in culture, workload policy, and digital accessibility. Education: Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, University of California, Berkeley (2004) M.S. in Civil Engineering, University of California, Berkeley (2000) B.E. in Engineering, Cooper Union, New York (1998) His research focuses on structural engineering , particularly in bridge engineering , performance-based seismic design , nonlinear analysis , and advanced materials for infrastructure repair . He integrates analytical, numerical, and experimental methods to assess and improve the resilience of civil infrastructure under extreme loads. His work addresses critical challenges in soil-structure interaction, seismic retrofitting, and the use of composites and smart materials. The 15 most recent publications reflect a strong emphasis on nonlinear modeling , seismic performance , and computational structural analysis of bridges and tall buildings. Key themes include fiber-based modeling, contact-friction problems, soil-structure interaction, and probabilistic assessment, demonstrating a consistent trajectory toward resilient and sustainable infrastructure systems. Scientific Awards: Faculty advisor of the year (2022, 2021, 2019) – ASCE East Central Branch and Florida Section Technical Contribution Leader Award Winner (2021) – ASCE East Central Branch Distinguished faculty member at UCF (2018) – Department of Housing and Residence Life Arthur N.L. Chiu Award for excellence as faculty advisor (2018) – Chi Epsilon Honor Society Mackie has been a dedicated mentor, supervising 11 doctoral , 18 master’s , and over 30 undergraduate students . His research has been funded by the National Science Foundation , U.S. Department of Transportation , Caltrans , FDOT , and industry partners. He has published nearly 200 papers and been cited over 7,000 times. He led the reaccreditation of CECE’s undergraduate programs and established the accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s pathway. He leads the Structures Laboratory at UCF and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams on infrastructure resilience. His vision includes expanding graduate programs, strengthening industry partnerships, and diversifying the Senior Design curriculum to reflect real-world engineering challenges.
Chun Liu is Chair and Professor of Applied Mathematics at the Department of Applied Mathematics, Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), within the College of Computing. His research focuses on Nonlinear Partial Differential Equations , Complex Fluids , and Multiscale Modeling , with applications in electrophysiology and materials science. He earned a Ph.D. from New York University’s Courant Institute, an M.S. from Duke University, and a B.S. from Fudan University. Prof. Liu leads projects on General Diffusion Systems , Ion Channel Dynamics , and Viscoelastic Fluids . He has secured grants from NSF, BSF, and DAAD for research in energetic variational approaches, multiscale materials modeling, and biomolecular systems. Key contributions include the development of Poisson-Boltzmann models , coarse-grained dynamics , and energetically stable numerical methods . He serves on editorial boards for Communications in Mathematical Sciences , SIAM Journal on Mathematical Analysis , and others. His work bridges applied mathematics with engineering and biophysics, addressing challenges in fluid mechanics, ion transport, and nonlinear systems.
Abhijit Sarkar is a Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Carleton University, Ottawa. His work centers on computational dynamics and probabilistic modeling, with office MC 3076 in the Minto Centre for Advanced Studies in Engineering and contact details including phone (613) 520-2600 x6320 and email abhijit_sarkar@carleton.ca . Education: D.Phil. from University of Oxford M.Sc. from Indian Institute of Science (IISc) B.E. from Calcutta University Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation His research drives innovation in uncertainty quantification for complex engineering systems. Core interests include dynamics of nonlinear structures, probabilistic mechanics for stochastic finite element methods, and Bayesian inference frameworks for parameter estimation. He pioneers scalable high-performance computing solvers for large-scale systems and sparse learning algorithms to address overfitting in statistical modeling. Recent publications (2022-2024) reveal three dominant trends: (1) Bayesian model calibration for stochastic compartmental systems applied to epidemiology and aerospace, (2) domain decomposition techniques for scalable uncertainty quantification in stochastic PDEs, and (3) sparse learning methods for nonlinear aerodynamic encoding. Key applications span wind turbine vibration analysis, flutter margin prediction, MEMS resonator optimization, and geospatial pandemic modeling. Scientific awards: No awards, fellowships, or medals listed in the source material Graduate supervision includes 6 current students (Ajay Kumar, John Clarabut, Nastaran Dabiran, Sakhi Mittal, Michael Pantano, Brandon Robinson) and 18 graduated students across 17 years (2006-2023). His research leverages high-performance computing for projects in structural dynamics, aeroelasticity, and computational epidemiology, frequently co-supervised with Dominique Poirel and Chris Pettit. Notable grants focus on wind tunnel validation for nonlinear systems and pandemic spread modeling. Based in the Minto Centre for Advanced Studies in Engineering, his computational mechanics group develops algorithms for stochastic dynamics using Carleton University's high-performance computing infrastructure. Collaborations span aerospace engineering (flutter analysis), civil infrastructure (seismic wave propagation), and public health (Covid-19 modeling).
Dr. Chunyan Lai is an Associate Professor at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Concordia University. Her research focuses on electric drives, motor control, power electronics, electrified vehicles, and vehicle-to-grid solutions. She contributes to both graduate and undergraduate education through courses such as Controlled Electric Drives and Hybrid Electric Vehicle Power Systems . Research Emphasis : Electric motor drives and control systems, electrified transportation, power electronics innovations, and energy management strategies. Publications : Specializes in sensorless control techniques for Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM), thermal management in electric machines, and advanced energy trading frameworks for smart grids. PhD Opportunities : The Power Electronics and Energy Research (PEER) Group under Dr. Lai offers positions for developing efficient motor drives for EVs and grid-connected power converters. Collaboration : Industry-adjacent research with requirements for professional communication, patent development, and technical dissemination.
Kenan Hazirbaba is a Teaching Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Texas at Tyler. With extensive teaching experience, he specializes in geotechnical engineering and offers courses in statics, mechanics of materials, soil mechanics, foundation design, and seismic site response. Ph.D. in Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin (2005) M.S. in Civil Engineering from Bogazici University (1999) B.S. in Civil Engineering (with distinction) from Istanbul Technical University (1996) Hazirbaba's research focuses on applied and experimental geotechnical engineering, particularly the behavior of saturated soils under cyclic loading and non-traditional soil stabilization techniques. His work addresses critical challenges in cold regions, including freeze-thaw effects on soil mechanics and seismic response in permafrost areas. His publications highlight expertise in geofiber-reinforced sands, synthetic fluid stabilization, and seismic design of earth-retaining structures. Research has secured over $2 million in funding from state and non-governmental agencies, emphasizing practical solutions for civil engineers. Hazirbaba is a Registered Professional Engineer in Alaska and promotes undergraduate research engagement. His certifications and applied research bridge academic theory with real-world engineering applications.
