Darryl Jones is Professor at Griffith University's Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security, specializing in behavioral ecology and human-wildlife interactions. His research examines urban ecosystems, wildlife conflict resolution, and conservation strategies, with particular emphasis on bird ecology and road infrastructure impacts. Professor Jones has authored influential books including 'Feeding the Birds at Your Table' and 'A Clouded Leopard in the Middle of the Road' that bridge scientific research and public engagement. His work explores: Wildlife responses to urbanization Bird feeding practices and consequences Road ecology and mitigation design Human dimensions of conservation Koala-vehicle collision patterns Recent publications document COVID-19's impact on global bird feeding behaviors, analyze 20-year trends in koala road mortality, and evaluate LED streetlight effects on urban wildlife. He leads research on dingo population viability in Fraser Island and develops innovative wildlife monitoring technologies like the open-source WildWID RFID system. Professor Jones collaborates extensively with government agencies on conservation policy and has secured funding for projects examining wildlife crossing infrastructure effectiveness. His research informs evidence-based approaches to human-wildlife coexistence in rapidly changing landscapes.
Sebastian Scherer is an Associate Research Professor at the Robotics Institute (RI), Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), where he leads cutting-edge research in autonomous aerial systems and robotics. His work focuses on enabling unmanned rotorcraft to operate safely and efficiently in cluttered, low-altitude, and extreme environments. Education: Ph.D. in Robotics, Carnegie Mellon University (2010) MS in Robotics, Carnegie Mellon University (2007) BS in Computer Science (Minor in Robotics), Carnegie Mellon University (2004) His research interests span robotics, artificial intelligence, autonomous navigation, obstacle avoidance, SLAM, visual-inertial odometry, energy infrastructure, and public policy . He has made seminal contributions to UAV autonomy, including the first obstacle avoidance for micro aerial vehicles in natural environments (2008) and the first automatic landing zone detection and landing on a full-size helicopter (2010). His recent publications (2023–2025) demonstrate a strong focus on resilient autonomy, multi-robot exploration, foundation models for robotics, and large-scale dataset development. His team has released key datasets like TartanGround , BETTY , and SubT-MRS , and simulation tools like Pegasus Simulator , indicating a systems-level approach to advancing real-world autonomy. The research trends emphasize self-supervised learning, robust perception, risk-aware planning, and multi-modal fusion for off-road and urban environments. Scientific Awards: Popular Science Best of What's New 2010 Award AIAA@Infotech Best Paper Runner-up Award (2010) Siebel Scholar Dr. Scherer has advised numerous students and leads a vibrant research group focused on high-impact robotics applications. He has secured significant grants related to UAV autonomy, energy infrastructure, and urban air mobility. His lab develops experimental infrastructure such as AIrTonomy for testing next-generation autonomous aerial vehicles. He is actively involved in advancing SLAM and localization in extreme environments, notably through participation in the DARPA Subterranean Challenge. His team develops large-scale datasets and benchmarking frameworks to push the boundaries of robustness and generalization in mobile robotics.
Steven I-Jy Chien serves as Professor and Director of the Transportation Program within the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). His career spans academia, government, and industry with significant contributions to transportation engineering research and practice. His educational credentials include: Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from University of Maryland-College Park (1995) M.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from University of Maryland-College Park (1991) B.S. in Civil Engineering from Tamkang University (1983) Professor Chien's research focuses on transportation system resilience, sustainable transit operations, and advanced traffic modeling. His work addresses critical challenges in urban rail networks, demand-responsive transit services, and energy-efficient transportation systems. He employs sophisticated computational methods including genetic algorithms, machine learning, and Bayesian approaches to solve complex transportation problems involving network vulnerability, passenger behavior, and infrastructure optimization under uncertainty. Analysis of his recent publications reveals strong emphasis on transportation resilience against cascading failures, sustainable operations for electric transit systems, and pandemic-responsive aviation scheduling. His research spans diverse geographic contexts including major Chinese metropolitan areas and U.S. transportation networks, demonstrating global applicability of his methodologies. His professional recognition includes: 2024 Keynote Speaker at Union-Tech Lecture, National Taiwan Ocean University 2022 Keynote Speaker at International Conference of Chinese Institute of Transportation 2022 Best Poster Award from New Jersey Department of Transportation Professor Chien has secured research funding from federal agencies including the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) where he contributed to CORSIM traffic simulation software development. His industry experience with China Engineering Consultants Inc. and Information Dynamic Inc. informs his practical approach to transportation challenges. As Transportation Program Director, he oversees curriculum development and industry partnerships that prepare students for transportation sector careers. He maintains active collaboration with transportation agencies globally, particularly through his leadership in the Transportation Program at NJIT which serves as a hub for innovation in urban mobility solutions.
Dr. Liang Cheng is the Department Chair and Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Toledo. He leads a department with ~700 students across CS, CSE, and EE programs. His research focuses on Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS), IoT, AI/ML, and intelligent infrastructure, supported by over $30M in funding from NSF, DOE, DOT, and industry. Notable projects include CPS Breakthrough initiatives and underground sensing systems. He co-edited a multidisciplinary book on Underground Sensing and contributed to smart grid cybersecurity. Dr. Cheng has held leadership roles at Lehigh University, shaping faculty governance and equity policies. His 100+ publications span networking, real-time systems, and sensor networks. He advises on funded projects totaling $30M+ and has pioneered pedagogical approaches in computer science education. Research Interests: Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS): Focuses on autonomous drones, energy systems, and real-time infrastructure Networking: Expertise in TSN, DTN, and wireless protocols Cybersecurity: SCADA systems, PLC attack detection, and blockchain energy modeling Underground Sensing: Geo-sensing via wireless signals and subsurface tomography Grants & Projects: Over 20 sponsored projects including NSF CPS Breakthrough (2018-2023), ABB smart grid projects, and DARPA-funded EDIFY systems. Key contributions include reconfigurable wireless architectures and network calculus tools for real-time systems. Teaching: Courses span senior design, compiler design, parallel computing, and wireless sensor networks. Developed pedagogical patterns for non-CS programming education. Awards: Recognized for leadership in academic governance and interdisciplinary research collaboration.
Prof. Raffaello D'Andrea is a Full Professor at ETH Zürich's Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, affiliated with the Institute for Dynamic Systems and Control. His research focuses on bridging digital and physical worlds through robotics, control systems, and autonomous systems. He has pioneered work in aerial robotics, swarm systems, tactile sensing, and soft robotics. His philosophy emphasizes solving 'easy' problems with scalable, robust solutions, prioritizing simplicity and replicability. Key research areas include UAV navigation, distributed control, tactile sensor design, and fault-tolerant systems. He has founded multiple organizations and led roles as CTO/CEO, emphasizing cross-disciplinary innovation. His work has commercial applications in logistics, healthcare, and automation, driven by a belief in technology's role in improving human life. Notable projects include the Cubli robotic cube, aerial vehicle swarms, and optical tactile sensors for robotics. His lab emphasizes collaboration and team leadership, aiming to translate theoretical insights into practical, scalable technologies. Scientific awards: None explicitly listed in the provided texts. Advising and grants: No students listed in the provided texts; grants information not detailed. Labs/Teams: Leads research at ETH Zurich's Institute for Dynamic Systems and Control, collaborating with industry and academic partners globally.
Adriana Schulz is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science & Engineering at the University of Washington's College of Engineering. She leads a research group focused on computational design, computer-aided design (CAD), and digital fabrication. Her work bridges computer science with practical applications in manufacturing, robotics, and sustainable design. Dr. Schulz received her Ph.D. in Computer Science from MIT in 2018 under the supervision of Professor Wojciech Matusik. Prior to her doctoral studies, she earned a Master's degree in Mathematics from IMPA (Instituto Nacional de Matemática Pura e Aplicada) in Rio de Janeiro, where she worked with Professor Luiz Velho, and a Bachelor's degree in Electronics Engineering from UFRJ (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro). Her research interests center around computational tools that enhance design and manufacturing processes. She develops novel algorithms for CAD systems, computational fabrication techniques, and sustainable design approaches. Her work spans multiple domains including robotics, textiles, electronics, and architecture, with a strong emphasis on creating practical tools that designers and engineers can use in real-world applications. She explores how machine learning, particularly neurosymbolic approaches, can improve design workflows and enable new capabilities in computational design systems. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong trend toward more intelligent and user-centered design tools. Her research increasingly integrates machine learning with traditional CAD systems to create more intuitive interfaces, supports sustainable design practices with computational tools, and develops novel fabrication techniques that push the boundaries of what's possible with digital manufacturing. She has made significant contributions to zero-waste fashion design, immersion cooling for high-performance computing, and CAD program understanding through novel representation learning techniques. Innovators Under 35 - MIT Technology Review Bolsa Aluno Nota 10 from FAPERJ Engineer 20000 award Dr. Schulz actively mentors several PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, including Haisen Zhao, Ben Jones, Yuxuan Mei, and others, often in collaboration with colleagues across different departments. Her research has attracted significant media attention, with coverage in major outlets including MIT News, BBC, IEEE Spectrum, Wired, and TechCrunch. Her work on Interactive Robogami was noted as the most read article in the International Journal of Robotics Research in its publication year. She leads a vibrant research group at the University of Washington that focuses on computational design systems, with particular emphasis on creating tools that bridge the gap between digital design and physical fabrication. Her team develops novel algorithms for CAD systems, computational fabrication techniques, and sustainable design approaches that have practical applications across multiple industries.
Perla Maiolino serves as an Associate Professor in Engineering Science at the University of Oxford and Principal Investigator of the Soft Robotics Lab (SRL) within the Oxford Robotics Institute. Her academic foundation includes BEng, MEng, and PhD degrees in Robotics and Automation from the University of Genoa, where she pioneered CySkin technology for distributed tactile sensing in robots—later exhibited at the Science Museum in London. She expanded her expertise during a 2017-2018 postdoctoral fellowship at Cambridge University's Biologically Inspired Robotics Lab, focusing on soft robotics and tactile perception. Dr. Maiolino's research centers on developing artificial skin systems, soft robotic actuators, and distributed sensing architectures. Her work bridges biological inspiration with engineering innovation to create robots capable of safe human interaction and dexterous manipulation in unstructured environments. Key contributions include compliant beaded-string jamming mechanisms for anthropomorphic fingers, monolithic 3D-printed soft pneumatic arms (JAMMit!), and distributed time-of-flight sensor networks for robotic self-awareness. Recent publications (2024-2025) reveal a strong convergence of tactile sensing with machine learning, featuring optical flow for gesture recognition, diffusion models for artificial skin simulation, and zero-shot sim-to-real transfer techniques. Her team has made significant advances in multi-modal sensing integration, variable stiffness actuation, and scene flow estimation for robots operating in dynamic surroundings. Scientific Awards No specific awards were documented in the provided institutional materials. Advising and Grants While her leadership of the Soft Robotics Lab implies active student supervision and grant management, detailed information about advisees or funded projects was not included in the source documentation. Labs and Teams As Principal Investigator of the Soft Robotics Lab at Oxford Robotics Institute, Dr. Maiolino directs research on tactile perception systems, soft actuation mechanisms, and sensor-integrated robotic structures. The lab's work focuses on applications requiring safe physical interaction, including healthcare robotics and human-robot collaboration scenarios, with emphasis on multi-material 3D printing and embedded sensing technologies.
Marek Locmelis is an Associate Professor at the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences and the Bureau of Economic Geology within the Jackson School of Geosciences at the University of Texas at Austin. His research focuses on magmatic, hydrothermal, and sedimentary ore deposits, with an emphasis on critical mineral supply strategies, including recycling of mine waste and STEM education in economic geology. He holds a PhD from Macquarie University and prior roles at Missouri University of Science and Technology and NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. Education PhD in Earth and Planetary Sciences, Macquarie University (Australia) Diploma (MSc equivalent) and Pre-Diploma (BSc equivalent) in Geosciences, University of Hannover (Germany) Research Interests His work spans geochemistry, petrology, and planetary evolution, with a focus on critical minerals (e.g., lithium, rare earth elements) and novel exploration techniques. He investigates pathways to enhance domestic critical mineral recovery through reprocessing mine waste and optimizing production streams. His planetary research includes atmospheric toxicity studies and habitability potential of extraterrestrial environments. Awards Fellow of the Society of Economic Geology (SEG) SEG Graduate Student Fellowship Program Chair NSF CAREER Award (2020) NASA Postdoctoral Fellowship (2014) Advising & Grants Locmelis has advised postdocs and students through workshops on critical mineral resilience. His NSF CAREER project explores metal transport via magmatic-hydrothermal fluids. He co-organized conferences on critical minerals and led the Roadmaps Into the Geosciences (RIGS) program to support student career development. Labs & Teams He collaborates with the Bureau of Economic Geology and interdisciplinary teams in critical mineral research, combining fieldwork, geochemical analysis, and policy advocacy.
Dr. Mohammad Zulkernine is a Full Professor and Canada Research Chair in Cyber-Physical System Security at Queen’s University’s School of Computing (Faculty of Arts and Science). He leads the Queen’s Reliable Software Technology (QRST) research group and directs the Queen’s Centre for Security & Privacy. His research focuses on secure software systems for cyber-physical systems, including autonomous vehicles, IoT, and cloud computing. Dr. Zulkernine holds a cross-appointment in Electrical and Computer Engineering and is a licensed Professional Engineer in Ontario. Education: BSc (Bangladesh BUET), MEng (Japan), PhD (University of Waterloo). He joined Queen’s in 2003 and has held sabbaticals at University of Trento, Italy and Irdeto Canada. He has published over 250 papers, led 35+ research projects, and supervised 120+ students. Awards include Canada Research Chairs (Tier I and II), Queen’s Excellence in Graduate Supervision Award, and Distinguished Supervision Award from the School of Computing. Research Interests: Cyber-Physical System Security, Software Reliability, IoT Security, Vehicle Networks, Secure Software Engineering, and Cybersecurity Risk Assessment. Active industry collaborations include EU-funded projects and Canada-Africa initiatives.
Associate Professor Ng Bing Feng leads research in Additive Manufacturing, Aerospace Engineering, and Thermofluids at Nanyang Technological University's School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering. As Cluster Director for Smart & Sustainable Building Technologies at NTU's Energy Research Institute, he oversees projects spanning energy-efficient cooling technologies, advanced filtration systems, and bio-inspired materials. His interdisciplinary work integrates advanced manufacturing with environmental engineering, focusing on sustainable solutions for air quality management and thermal regulation. Current research explores radiative cooling technologies, acoustic agglomeration for emissions control, and crashworthy structures via biomimetic design. Professor Ng's publications demonstrate consistent innovation in multi-scale manufacturing and fluid dynamics, with growing emphasis on sustainable urban technologies. Methodologies combine experimental fluid dynamics with computational modeling and AI-driven design. Leadership Roles: Cluster Director, Energy Research Institute @ NTU Principal Investigator for multiple industry collaborations in sustainable materials Research Output: 42+ publications in high-impact journals Multiple patents in filtration technologies and cooling systems
Dr. Ismail Guvenc is a Full Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at North Carolina State University. He holds an IEEE Fellowship and is a Senior Member of the U.S. National Academy of Inventors. His research focuses on 5G/6G wireless systems, UAV communications, heterogeneous networks, and spectrum management. He leads the NSF AERPAW project and serves as the NC State Site Director for the NSF BWAC I/UCRC center. Dr. Guvenc has authored/co-edited four books and holds over 30 U.S. patents. Education: Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, University of South Florida (2006) Master's in Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of New Mexico (2003) Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Bilkent University, Turkey (2001) Research Interests: Dr. Guvenc’s work spans UAV communication systems, 5G/6G networks, spectrum sensing, and machine learning for network optimization. He emphasizes experimental validation through platforms like AERPAW, focusing on drone-based networks, radio dynamic zones, and testbed-driven innovation. His contributions address challenges in UAV localization, interference management, and energy-efficient networks. Grants & Leadership: PI and Director of NSF AERPAW (2019–Present) NC State Site Director for NSF BWAC I/UCRC (2019–Present) Recipient of NSF CAREER Award (2015) and NC State Faculty Scholar Award (2021) Publications & Awards: He has authored over 130 peer-reviewed papers and contributed to standardization efforts. His awards include the R. Ray Bennett Faculty Fellow Award (2019) and the USF Outstanding Dissertation Award (2006). Labs & Teams: Dr. Guvenc directs research in the ECE’s wireless communications group, leveraging AERPAW’s experimental capabilities to advance UAV networks and 6G technologies. His team collaborates with industry and government on spectrum policy and autonomous systems.
Megan S. Ryerson holds the UPS Chair of Transportation and serves as Associate Chair of City and Regional Planning at the University of Pennsylvania's Stuart Weitzman School of Design. Previously, she was Associate Dean for Research (2018–2023), demonstrating sustained leadership in academic administration while maintaining an active research profile focused on transportation systems integration. Her educational credentials include: Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Berkeley (2010) B.Sc. in Systems Engineering, University of Pennsylvania (2003) Ryerson's research pioneers the integration of intercity transportation into urban planning frameworks, with foundational work in aviation infrastructure planning , airline demand forecasting , and transportation resilience . She investigates airport competition dynamics across megaregions, airline disaster recovery protocols, and fuel-efficient flight planning methodologies. Her scholarship actively bridges civil engineering and urban planning disciplines to design transportation systems that are inherently safe , efficient , and resilient against disruptions. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals a pronounced shift toward transportation equity since 2022, particularly examining driver education accessibility ('driver training deserts') and bikeshare infrastructure allocation. This equity focus coexists with continued aviation research, while pandemic-era studies on transportation behavior (2020–2023) demonstrate methodological adaptability through quasi-experimental designs and real-world crisis response analysis. Her scientific recognition includes: UPS Chair of Transportation (prestigious endowed professorship) Dr. Ryerson has significantly expanded urban planning pedagogy by incorporating megaregional transportation systems into core curricula. Her leadership as former Associate Dean for Research reflects active engagement with funding agencies and research administration, though specific grant details aren't documented in source materials. Current work emphasizes translating research into equitable policy frameworks, particularly for vulnerable transportation populations.
Mark Lee is an Adjunct Professor in the People Analytics department at NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering, specializing in Technology Management and Innovation. He holds a Ph.D. in Engineering Psychology from Georgia Institute of Technology (1996). Currently, he serves as Head of Research, Analytics, and Business Development at UL ComplianceWire, focusing on pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing training. His research leverages large datasets to improve healthcare safety through regulatory compliance and best practices. Courses taught include Human Factors Engineering, Workplace Design, and Predictive Analytics. Education: Ph.D. in Engineering Psychology, Georgia Tech (1996) Key Roles: Adjunct Professor, Head of Research at UL ComplianceWire Research Focus: Human Factors, Training Systems Design, Healthcare Compliance His work spans auditory display systems for aviation (e.g., 3D audio cockpit interfaces) and ergonomic design for industrial products. Recent projects emphasize data-driven solutions for regulatory challenges in life sciences. Publications highlight studies on visual search strategies, age-related cognitive performance, and application of signal detection theory in decision-making. He actively collaborates with industry and government entities, exemplified by the FDA-UL Cooperative Research Agreement.
Noah J. Cowan is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University's Whiting School of Engineering, with secondary appointments in Computer Science, Electrical & Computer Engineering, and Neuroscience. He is the founder and director of the Locomotion in Mechanical and Biological Systems (LIMBS) Laboratory, part of the Laboratory for Computational Sensing and Robotics. His research focuses on neuromechanics, robotics, and control theory, bridging neuroscience, biomechanics, and engineering. Cowan's work investigates how organisms achieve precise locomotion and applies these insights to advance robotics, neuroprosthetics, and rehabilitation technologies. Education: B.S. Electrical Engineering (Ohio State, 1995), M.S. and Ph.D. Electrical Engineering & Computer Science (University of Michigan, 1997/2001). Postdoctoral fellowship at UC Berkeley (2001–2003) before joining Johns Hopkins. Research Interests: Neuromechanics of motion, bio-inspired robotics, multisensory integration in animals (e.g., electric fish, Drosophila), and sensorimotor control in clinical contexts like cerebellar ataxia. His lab studies how neural circuits interact with biomechanics to produce movement, with applications to robotic design and neurological disorder treatments. Awards & Recognition: Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (2010), IEEE Fellow, NSF CAREER Award (2009), and multiple teaching and research excellence awards at Johns Hopkins. His work has been published in top journals like Nature , Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences , and IEEE Transactions on Robotics . Outreach & Mentorship: Longtime mentor for high school and undergraduate students in STEM, leading programs like the Baltimore Ingenuity Project and WISE. Served as team leader for the STEM Achievement in Baltimore Elementary Schools (SABES) initiative. Key Projects: Development of the LIMBS Lab’s VR systems for animal studies, bioelectric navigation technologies for medical devices, and collaborations with clinicians on upper limb movement disorders. His team’s research on electric fish and fruit flies has revealed principles of adaptive control applicable to robotics and AI.
Prof. Dr. Mirko Hornung is a Professor of Aircraft Design at the TUM School of Engineering and Design, Technische Universität München. His research focuses on conceptual aircraft design, integration of propulsion systems, and evaluation of aviation technologies in operational contexts. Education and Career: PhD in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of the Bundeswehr (2003), awarded a research prize for work on reusable space transport systems. 2003–2009: Worked at Airbus Group (EADS) on military air systems, propulsion integration, and program management. Executive Director of Research & Technology at Bauhaus Luftfahrt, a think tank for long-term aviation developments. Research Interests: Aircraft design optimization, including hybrid energy systems, electric propulsion, and UAV technologies. Environmental sustainability in aviation, such as hydrogen-powered aircraft and lifecycle assessment. Aerodynamic and structural analysis, including flutter suppression and composite materials. Key Publications Highlight Trends: Focus on hybrid-electric and hydrogen propulsion for reducing environmental impact. Advancements in UAV design, including morphing wings and autonomous systems. Integration of AI-driven tools for propulsion optimization and lifecycle analysis. Scientific Awards: EADS Promotion Award (1995) Research Prize for Thesis on Reusable Space Transport Systems (2003) Advising & Grants: Directs research at Bauhaus Luftfahrt, collaborating on future aviation concepts. Engaged in interdisciplinary projects like FLEXOP UAV demonstrator and Ce-Liner eMobility studies. Labs/Teams: Active in the Aircraft Design Professorship at TUM and leadership roles at Bauhaus Luftfahrt, focusing on next-generation aviation technologies.
