Scott L. Stephens is a Professor in the Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management (ESPM) at the University of California, Berkeley. He holds a Ph.D. in Wildland Resource Science from UC Berkeley (1995) and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Sacramento State University (1985). His research focuses on wildland fire science, fire ecology, and forest management, with an emphasis on how climate change and policy influence fire regimes. He leads the Stephens Lab, which conducts interdisciplinary studies on fire behavior, ecosystem resilience, and policy reform. Key contributions include advocating for prescribed burning and Indigenous stewardship practices to mitigate wildfire risks. Stephens has testified before congressional committees on forest health and has been recognized as a Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher (2024). His work integrates ecological, policy, and management perspectives to address contemporary fire challenges. Education: Ph.D., Wildland Resource Science, UC Berkeley, 1995 B.S., Electrical Engineering, Sacramento State University, 1985 Research Interests: Wildland fire behavior and effects Fire ecology and ecosystem interactions Climate change impacts on fire regimes Policy and management of fire-adapted landscapes Scientific Contributions: Stephens has authored or co-authored over 150 peer-reviewed articles, including seminal works on prescribed fire efficacy, forest restoration, and policy reform. His lab’s research has been featured in BioScience , Ecological Applications , and policy briefs for federal agencies. Lab and Collaborations: The Stephens Lab collaborates with Indigenous communities, federal agencies, and international researchers to advance fire science. Notable projects include the Fire and Fire Surrogate Study (FFS) and the Stewardship Project, which advocate for integrating Indigenous burning practices into federal policies.
Prof. Douglas Sheil is a Chairholder in Forest Ecology and Forest Management at Wageningen University & Research. He holds a MA in Natural Sciences from Cambridge and an MSc in Forestry from Oxford. His career includes roles at the University of Oxford, CIFOR (Indonesia), the Institute for Tropical Forest Conservation in Uganda, and the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU). His research focuses on tropical forest ecology, biodiversity conservation, and human-forest interactions, with over 200 publications. He co-authored the influential textbook Tropical Rain Forests: Ecology, Diversity, and Conservation (2010). Awards include the Biotropica Prize (2004) and the Queen’s Award for Forestry (2015). Education: MA (Natural Sciences, Cambridge), MSc (Forestry, Oxford) Key Roles: Director of Institute for Tropical Forest Conservation (2008–2012), Professor at NMBU (2013–2020) Research Interests: Tropical forest dynamics, climate change impacts, conservation strategies, and the socio-ecological dimensions of forest management. His work spans field studies in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Oceania, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to address deforestation, biodiversity loss, and sustainable land use. Recent Trends in Articles: Focus on mycorrhizal networks, oil palm impacts, lightning disturbance, and mammal population responses to human activity. He explores mechanisms linking forest structure to ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration and water regulation, often integrating remote sensing and global datasets. Awards: Biotropica Prize, Queen’s Award for Forestry Grants/Projects: Studies on lightning effects in African forests, camera trap mammal surveys, and policy analyses for vegetable oil sustainability. Labs/Teams: Leads interdisciplinary groups at Wageningen, collaborating with CIFOR and international networks. Active in IUCN committees to translate science into conservation policy.
Prof. Han Olff is a Professor of Community and Conservation Ecology at the University of Groningen's Faculty of Science and Engineering, within the Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences. He leads research on ecosystem structure, species interactions, and theoretical ecology, with fieldwork in savannas, salt marshes, and coastal systems. His work bridges theory and conservation, advising organizations like WWF and ARK Nature. Education: PhD (Cum Laude) in Biology from the University of Groningen (1992), MSc in Biology (1988). Research Interests: Focuses on plant-herbivore-predator interactions, ecosystem engineering, and the impact of human activities on biodiversity. Key themes include savanna ecology, food web dynamics, and restoration ecology. Awards: Gold Medal from Teyler Museum (2006) and PIONIER Award (2002). Active in grants like the EU Horizon 2020 AfricanBioServices project. Teaching: Coordinates courses in Conservation Biology, Ecological Research Skills, and Advanced Population Ecology. Leadership: Directed the Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies (2011–2015) and chairs the National Research Agenda's 'Green Route'. Fieldwork: Organizes expeditions to the Serengeti-Mara, Banc d'Arguin, and Bijagos Archipelago to study human-wildlife interactions and ecosystem dynamics.
Joel Palka is an Associate Professor in the School of Human Evolution and Social Change at Arizona State University (ASU). His research focuses on Maya archaeology, ethnohistory, and cultural interaction in Mesoamerica, particularly in Chiapas, Mexico. He leads long-term collaborative projects with Lacandon Maya communities, emphasizing ritual landscapes, pilgrimage routes, and subsistence strategies. His work integrates archaeological, ethnographic, and historical methodologies. Key research areas include Mesoamerican warfare, sacred landscapes, and Lacandon Maya cultural resilience. He investigates how ritual practices, such as pilgrimage and cremation, reflect socio-religious dynamics. His projects at sites like Mensabak explore overland trade networks, fortified sanctuaries, and ecological adaptations like aquaculture. Recent studies highlight Lacandon Maya knowledge systems, including indigenous conservation practices and artifact repatriation. His interdisciplinary approach bridges archaeology with contemporary community engagement, addressing themes of identity, environment, and colonial impact. Publications span 30 years, with a focus on ritual symbolism, ethnohistory, and archaeological site analysis. He has collaborated with international scholars and institutions on projects such as the Paso de la Amada ceremonial center and the repatriation of Maya artifacts.
Dr. Yelda Turkan is an Associate Professor in the School of Civil and Construction Engineering at Oregon State University, where she leads research in automation, computer vision, and machine learning for sustainable infrastructure. She holds a PhD from the University of Waterloo and dual BS degrees in Civil Engineering and Geomatics Engineering from Istanbul Technical University. Her work focuses on leveraging lidar, digital twins, and BIM to improve construction operations and decision-making in the built environment. She has secured over $4M in grants from NSF, FHWA, and other agencies, and currently leads the NSF Convergence Accelerator-funded 'Deep Reality' project for AI-driven infrastructure management. Education: Ph.D., Civil Engineering, University of Waterloo, 2012 M.S., Engineering Informatics & Remote Sensing, Istanbul Technical University, 2006 B.S., Civil Engineering (double major in Geomatics Engineering), Istanbul Technical University, 2005/2003 Professional Roles: Vice President, International Association for Automation and Robotics in Construction (IAARC) Chair, ASCE Computing Division Education Committee Associate Editor, ASCE OPEN Journal Her research emphasizes automation in construction quality control, infrastructure inspection via drones and lidar, and immersive education tools using VR/AR. Recent projects include automated curb ramp compliance analysis, wildfire impact modeling, and digital twin development for timber structures. She has published over 80 peer-reviewed articles and actively promotes computing integration in civil engineering education and professional practice.
Roy Johnsen is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), specializing in corrosion and surface technology. With a Dr.ing. degree from NTH (1984), he has extensive industry experience from Statoil Research Centre (1985-1991) and CorrOcean (1991-2004), where he expanded the company globally. His current research focuses on hydrogen embrittlement, corrosion protection, and integrity management in offshore systems, with collaborations across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Dr. Hongli (Julie) Zhu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at Northeastern University's College of Engineering. Her research focuses on sustainable energy storage, multifunctional materials, and advanced manufacturing, with emphasis on developing environmentally friendly biomass-derived materials, all solid-state batteries, and flow batteries. She leads the ZHU Lab at Northeastern University, which is dedicated to creating safer, cheaper, and higher performance energy storage solutions while exploring multifunctional materials derived from nature. Dr. Zhu received her PhD from South China University of Technology and Western Michigan University (2004-2009). She conducted postdoctoral research at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden (2009-2011), focusing on biodegradable and renewable biomaterials from natural wood, followed by additional postdoctoral work at the University of Maryland (2012-2015), where she researched nanocellulose and energy storage. Dr. Zhu's research spans multiple disciplines at the intersection of materials science, energy storage, and sustainable manufacturing. Her work addresses critical challenges in energy storage technology, including developing all solid-state batteries, flow batteries, and high energy density battery systems. She has pioneered research in sustainable biomass-derived materials, particularly investigating cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin for applications in bendable, implantable, and biocompatible electronics. Her lab also focuses on advanced manufacturing techniques, including high-speed roll-to-roll processing for emerging advanced materials and devices. Analysis of Dr. Zhu's publication record reveals a strong focus on next-generation battery technologies, particularly solid-state systems. Her research demonstrates significant contributions to understanding and improving lithium dendrite suppression, electrode architecture optimization, and interface stabilization in solid-state batteries. She has also made substantial advances in sustainable materials derived from natural resources, developing applications for cellulose nanostructured fibers, paper, and aerogel/hydrogel systems. MRS Communications Early Career Distinguished Presenters and JMR Distinguished Invited Speakers (2024) Selected in Stanford University List of Top 2% Scientists Worldwide (2021-2024) College of Engineering Faculty Fellow (2023) Soren Buus Outstanding Research Award (2022) Women in Materials Science, Advanced Materials (2021 and 2022) Women Scientists at the Forefront of Energy Research, ACS Energy Letters (2020) Innovator of the Year 2013, Maryland Jakob Wallenberg Scholarship, Sweden Dr. Zhu has secured significant research funding from various sources, including the National Science Foundation and Department of Energy. Her current projects include "Uncovering the mechano-electro-chemo mechanism of fresh Li in sulfide based all solid-state batteries through operando studies" (NSF), "Enabling Advanced Electrode Architecture through Printing Technique" (DOE), and "Engineering the Metal Sulfide Interface in All Solid State Batteries through Operando Study" (NSF). She collaborates with industry partners including Rogers Corporation and has developed patented technologies related to sustainable materials and energy storage. Dr. Zhu serves as Codirector of Advanced & Intelligent Manufacturing, Editor of Progress in Materials Science, and on the Editorial Advisory Board of Chemical Society Reviews. The ZHU Lab at Northeastern University is a highly interdisciplinary research group that bridges scales from the nanoscopic to macroscopic and system level. The lab's work has led to numerous patents, including "Natural fiber composites as a low-cost plastic alternative" and "Fire-retardant Nanocellulose Aerogel, and Methods of Preparation and Uses Thereof." The group focuses on making energy storage safer, cheaper, and higher performing while exploring multifunctional materials derived from nature, with particular emphasis on applying high-speed roll-to-roll manufacturing to emerging advanced materials and devices.
Véronique Michaud is an Associate Professor at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), affiliated with the Laboratory for Processing of Advanced Composites (LPAC) within the School of Engineering (STI). Her research focuses on polymer composite processing, adaptive composites (e.g., shape memory alloys, self-healing mechanisms), and material science. She also contributes to teaching in Materials Science and Engineering, including courses like 'Materials: From Chemistry to Properties' and 'Composite Materials Processing.' Her academic roles include Associate Professorships in SMX, EDMX, and EDAM teaching units, and she serves as a PhD program committee member for the Doctoral Program in Advanced Manufacturing. She has advised numerous PhD students, including Michele Bonacina, Pierre-Alexandre Boschert, and Jean-Baptiste Desbrest, among others. Research highlights include sustainable composite material development, defect mitigation in composites, and advanced manufacturing techniques. Her work often addresses challenges in aerospace and renewable energy applications, emphasizing sustainability and material innovation.
Professor James Watson is a leading conservation scientist and biogeographer at The University of Queensland , affiliated with the Centre for Marine Science and Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science. As a Professor of Conservation Science, he specializes in biodiversity policy, climate change impacts, and species recovery strategies. PhD from University of Oxford (Rhodes Scholar) Co-leader of Green Fire Science and RARES research groups Over 400 peer-reviewed publications His research focuses on ecosystem integrity , protected area effectiveness , and conservation economics , with recent work addressing mining impacts on biodiversity, climate change adaptation, and the global 30x30 initiative. He advocates for evidence-based strategies to save Australia’s rarest species. 2025-2024 research trends show expertise in tropical forest regeneration, climate-species interactions, and policy implementation gaps. Collaborative projects span scientific modeling , GIS analysis , and international conservation frameworks . International Panel on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) Task Force member Research Fellow, United Nations Environment Program Senior Technical Expert, UNDP’s Nature for Development Program Founding Chair, IUCN Climate Change Specialist Group Supervision includes 12 current PhD candidates working on topics such as night parrot conservation , ecological corridors , and urban biodiversity . Completed students have addressed threatened species recovery and climate adaptation planning . He leads lab teams at Green Fire Science (www.greenfirescience.com) and RARES (https://raresgroup.com.au), focusing on applied conservation solutions.
Markku Karjalainen is a Professor in the Department of Architecture at Tampere University's Faculty of Built Environment. With over 80 research publications spanning from 2016 to 2025, he has established himself as a leading expert in timber construction and wooden building systems in Finland. Professor Karjalainen's research primarily focuses on timber construction , particularly multi-story wooden buildings, dovetail wood construction techniques, and sustainable building practices. His work spans architectural design, structural engineering, fire safety, and environmental impact assessment of wooden structures. He has conducted extensive statistical analyses of Finnish timber residential buildings, examining construction practices from 1995 to the present. His research demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing wooden construction technologies while addressing practical challenges in fire safety, structural performance, and building physics. Analysis of his recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a consistent focus on dovetail construction techniques for mass timber elements, with numerous studies examining structural performance, fire properties, and air permeance. His work bridges theoretical research with practical applications in the construction industry, particularly in Finland where wooden multi-story construction has seen significant growth. Karjalainen's research often involves international collaboration, with studies comparing practices across different countries and examining global perspectives on timber construction. His scholarly output demonstrates a methodical progression from basic statistical analysis of building practices to increasingly sophisticated investigations of specific construction techniques and their performance characteristics. This evolution reflects both his growing expertise and the maturation of timber construction as a field of academic inquiry.
Tomasz Majka serves as a Lecturer at the Department of Polymer Chemistry and Technology within the Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology at Tadeusz Kościuszko Cracow University of Technology. His academic career spans over a decade with continuous research and teaching activities focused on polymer engineering and materials science. His educational background includes a Licentiate in Applied Chemistry (2008) and Pedagogical Preparation (2008) from State Higher Vocational School in Tarnów, followed by MSc in Plastics Technology (2010) and Dr. Eng. in Technical Sciences (2015) from Tadeusz Kościuszko Cracow University of Technology. Majka's research primarily centers on polymer processing technologies , with special emphasis on thermal analysis and flammability of polymer materials , nanocomposite development , and terminal ballistics . His work bridges fundamental polymer science with practical industrial applications, particularly in developing sustainable flame retardant systems using biobased materials like lignosulfonamides. Recent publications reveal a strong focus on circular economy approaches through polymer recycling and biodegradable material development. His scientific contributions demonstrate consistent output in high-impact journals, with a notable shift toward sustainable polymer solutions since 2020, particularly in biodegradable composites and recycling technologies. The 15 most recent publications show expertise spanning flame retardancy mechanisms, nanocomposite engineering, and sustainable polymer processing. III place at International Session of WIiTCh Krakow University of Technology Science Clubs (2010) Award in 'Sustainable Development - Scientific Debut 2010' competition (2010) Award in 'Poster about famous scientist - Norio Taniguchi' competition (2011) II Prize in B-Innovative 'Be Entrepreneurial' business plan competition (2013) Majka actively supervises the Ballistic and Flammability Research Section within WIiTCH PK Chemistry Research Club and maintains strong industry connections through numerous industrial research projects. His professional engagements include international research stays at University of Bolton (UK) and Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, focusing on fire testing and polymer materials innovation. He serves as a scientific advisor for several industrial projects related to polymer processing and material safety. His laboratory work spans multiple specialized facilities including thermal analysis equipment, scanning electron microscopy, and polymer processing machinery. Current research directions include developing halogen-free flame retardants from lignin derivatives, optimizing biodegradable polymer composites, and advancing recycling technologies for post-consumer plastics.
Peter Newman, Ph.D., serves as Dean of the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources at the University of Vermont since July 1, 2024, and holds the Suzie and Allen Martin Professor title. With a career spanning decades, he has conducted extensive research on visitor management in protected areas, soundscape management, and transportation planning, partnering with the National Park Service's Natural Sounds and Night Sky Division since 2012. Education Ph.D. in Natural Resources, University of Vermont M.S. in Forest Resource Management, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry B.A. in Political Science, University of Rochester His research focuses on social carrying capacity decision-making in protected area management, with fieldwork across major U.S. parks including Denali, Grand Canyon, and Great Smokies. He has developed frameworks for acoustic management and Leave No Trace efficacy, contributing to sustainable outdoor recreation practices. Scientific Awards: Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit National Award (2012) George Wright Society National Award for Achievement in Social Sciences (2013) Throughout his career, Newman has led high-quality teaching at Penn State's Graduate Degree Program in Acoustics and mentored numerous students through research projects on wildlife approach norms, pandemic recreation shifts, and waste management strategies in national parks. He previously served as a Park Ranger in Yosemite and Backcountry Patrol member in Idaho.
Matthew Jones is a NERC Independent Research Fellow at the University of East Anglia's School of Environmental Sciences, specializing in wildfire-climate interactions and carbon cycle dynamics. His research focuses on quantifying wildfire impacts under climate change, mitigating fire risks, and advancing global carbon budget monitoring. Co-leading the State of Wildfires Report, he evaluates extreme fire events' causes and future risks. As part of the Global Carbon Project, he tracks human-driven climate impacts through emissions and land-use data. Jones holds a PhD in Physical Geography from the University of Exeter (2018) and has conducted postdoctoral research at Swansea University and UEA. He has secured NERC funding to study wildfire geography and leads projects on lightning fires, prescribed burns, and fire management strategies. Key research areas include fire emissions modeling, climate mitigation strategies, and interdisciplinary fire science. His work has been recognized with awards like the NERC Fellowship and CarbonBrief's Top Climate Paper. Jones actively collaborates internationally, contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals focused on climate action and ecosystem protection.
Robert Berrens is a Regents Professor in the Department of Economics at the University of New Mexico since 1994. He has held roles including Department Chair (2008-2012 and 2016-present), Special Assistant to the Dean of Arts & Sciences (2012-2013), and Director of the Water Resources Program (2013-2016). His research focuses on environmental economics, water resources, ecosystem services, and climate policy. He has advised over 50 graduate students and published extensively in journals like Ecological Economics and Environmental Management . Awards include the Regents Lecturer title and leadership roles in academic governance. Education: PhD in Economics (not explicitly stated but implied by academic rank). Affiliations: Nepal Study Center, Science Impact Lab, Water Resources Program, and multiple UNM institutes. Research interests include non-market valuation, wildfire risk mitigation, and sustainable development. His work addresses policy challenges in energy, environmental health, and natural resource management. Over 150 publications and grants from NSF, EPA, and others highlight his impact. Grants/Awards: National Science Foundation US Environmental Protection Agency UNM Budget Leadership Team member since 2012 His interdisciplinary approach bridges economics with environmental science, addressing real-world issues like Bitcoin’s environmental costs, fracking impacts, and wildfire smoke health effects.
Natalie Johnson is an Associate Professor in Environmental and Occupational Health at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University. She chairs the Interdisciplinary Program in Toxicology and leads critical research on air pollution impacts on vulnerable populations. Education PhD in Toxicology, Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine Postdoctoral Fellowship in Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health BS in Biology, Texas A&M University College of Science Her research focuses on inhalation toxicology , maternal exposure to pollutants , and gene-environment interactions . She directs the mobile responding to air pollution in disasters (mRAPiD van), a real-time chemical pollutant detection platform, and investigates emerging environmental chemicals in breast milk. Current projects include: Respiratory toxicology of inhaled pollutants Prenatal/pediatric air pollution exposure and immune development Development of green-engineered clays for toxin mitigation
