Dr. Rajesh Bera is a Research Fellow at ICFO's Functional Optoelectronic Nanomaterials group specializing in quantum-confined nanostructures. His research examines ultrafast carrier dynamics, excitonic properties, and optoelectronic applications of nanomaterials including quantum dots, nanoplatelets, and hybrid nanostructures. Current investigations focus on intraband transitions in doped nanocrystals, orientation-dependent excitonic behavior in 2D materials, and charge transfer mechanisms in heterostructure devices. Work bridges fundamental photophysics with applications in photodetection, sensing, and energy conversion. Recent publications demonstrate expertise in time-resolved spectroscopy of quantum materials, nanomaterial synthesis via colloidal chemistry, and rational design of optoelectronic devices. Continually develops novel characterization methods to probe ultrafast processes at nanoscale interfaces.
Mine Uysal is a Researcher at Yıldız Technical University, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering. Her academic journey includes a BSc (2005), MSc (2010), and PhD (2015) in Mechanical Engineering from Pamukkale University and Yıldız Technical University, respectively. She began postdoctoral research at the University of Kentucky (College of Engineering) in 2017. PhD, Mechanical Engineering (2015, Yıldız Technical University) MSc, Mechanical Engineering (2010, Pamukkale University) BSc, Mechanical Engineering (2005, Pamukkale University) Her research focuses on advanced materials behaviors, including functionally graded materials, polymers, adhesively bonded joints, and finite element modeling for engineering systems. Key areas include composite structures, thermal/mechanical loading effects, and sustainable manufacturing techniques like nanofluid-assisted machining. Scientific contributions include 15 recent articles spanning topics such as delamination analysis in bonded beams, sustainable machining optimization, buckling behavior of graded polymers, and fracture mechanics in composite materials. Her work integrates finite element methods with experimental validation for adhesive joints and sandwich structures. Collaborative projects include research funded by The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) and international postdoctoral work at the University of Kentucky.
Michele Ciavarella is a Full Professor at the Polytechnic University of Bari (Politecnico di Bari) in the Department of Mechanics, Mathematics & Management (DMMM). His research focuses on contact mechanics, adhesion, friction, and viscoelastic materials, with applications in mechanical design, wear analysis, and surface topography. His work includes theoretical modeling, experimental testing, and computational approaches to understanding interactions between materials under mechanical stress. He can be contacted at michele.ciavarella@poliba.it.
Dr. Olga Barrera is a Reader in Mechanical Engineering at Oxford Brookes University, School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics. She serves as a year tutor for undergraduate engineering programs and has previously held a Research Fellow position at the Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford (2008–2017), and a consultancy role at China Medical University Hospital, Taiwan. Her academic work spans teaching, supervision, and leading a research lab focused on image-based multi-physics modeling of multi-phase materials. Reader in Mechanical Engineering, Oxford Brookes University (2018–present) Research Fellow, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford (2008–2017) Consultant, Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taiwan Her research interests lie at the intersection of computational mechanics, biomechanics, and materials science, with a focus on soft load-bearing tissues such as the knee meniscus. She integrates advanced imaging (micro-CT), experimental testing, and fractional calculus-based modeling to study tissue behavior and bio-inspired materials. Her work also extends to hydrogen embrittlement in metals and innovative finite element methods. Her recent publications (2023–2025) reveal a strong trend in image-driven modeling of biological tissues, fractional viscoelasticity, and bioinspired engineering solutions. Key themes include the mechanical behavior of meniscal tissue, fluid-structure interaction, anomalous transport in porous media, and deep learning applications in tissue mimicry. These works are published in high-impact journals such as Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A , Materials & Design , and Acta Biomaterialia . Scientific awards and grants highlight her international recognition and research leadership: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship (€190K, 2018–2020) EPSRC HemS grant (Co-I, £340K, 2014–2017) Research Excellence Award, Oxford Brookes (2021–2022, £20K) Visiting Professor Scholarship, France (2023, €4K) FNR Luxembourg Crucible Grant (€8K, 2021–2022) She has supervised numerous postgraduate students including PhD and MSc researchers, and has advised over 30 undergraduate final-year projects across Oxford and Oxford Brookes. She has led or co-led significant research grants from EPSRC, FNR, Rolls-Royce, and the Oxford Orthopaedic Engineering Centre. Her lab, the Oxford image-based multi-physics modelling of multi-phase materials, collaborates with institutions in Italy, Luxembourg, and France. She is an active member of the Materials Processing and Modelling (MPM) research group.
Prof. Liew Kim Meow is a Chair Professor of Civil Engineering at City University of Hong Kong (CityU) since 2005. He previously served as Head of the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering (2011–2017) and held tenured professorial positions at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore. He earned BS from Michigan Tech (1985), MEng (1988), and PhD (1991) from the National University of Singapore. His research focuses on composite materials, multiscale modeling, structural optimization, and computational mechanics. Notable contributions include pioneering work on carbon nanotube-reinforced composites and advanced numerical methods. He has published over 800 papers with 38,000+ citations (H-index 97). Education: BS, Michigan Technological University (1985) MEng, National University of Singapore (1988) PhD, National University of Singapore (1991) His awards include Clarivate Analytics' Highly Cited Researcher (2018–2019), Xiangjiang Scholar (2017), and multiple fellowships from professional institutions. He serves as Editor-in-Chief of International Review of Civil Engineering and holds editorial roles in over a dozen journals. He founded key research centers like the Nanyang Center for Supercomputing and Visualization (NTU) and led initiatives in computational mechanics. His work influences global research in composite materials and structural analysis.
Dr. Fatemeh Azhari is a Lecturer in Structural Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering, Monash University, specializing in multi-scale computational tools for advanced materials and structures. She holds a Ph.D. from Monash University (2018), an M.Sc. and B.Sc. from Isfahan University of Technology (2012, 2010). Her research focuses on composite materials, additive manufacturing, and structural mechanics, with applications in sustainable construction and defense projects. Education: Ph.D. Structural Engineering, Monash University (2018) M.Sc. Structural Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology (2012) B.Sc. Civil Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology (2010) Research Interests: Multi-scale modeling, finite element analysis, composite materials (CFRP/GFRP), titanium alloys, fire dynamics, and structural stability. She leads projects funded by DST Group and collaborates with institutions like UNSW and the University of Melbourne. Research Trends: Her work emphasizes integrating computational models with experimental data to predict material behavior under extreme conditions, with recent studies focusing on pseudo-ductile composites, fire dynamics, and additive manufacturing. Awards: 2023 Advancing Women’s Success Grant 2023 ECA Seed Program Best Research Paper Award (2018, 2021) Supervision & Grants: Supervises multiple PhD candidates and co-leads projects on titanium alloys and dental implant mechanics. Active in teaching structural mechanics and materials courses at Monash. Teams/Labs: Collaborates on ICME projects and leads multi-institutional teams focusing on advanced materials and structural systems.
Jean Zu is the Lore E. Feiler Dean of the Charles V. Schaefer, Jr. School of Engineering and Science at Stevens Institute of Technology and holds the rank of Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. She previously served as Department Chair of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering at the University of Toronto (2009–2017), advancing from Assistant Professor (1994–1999) to Full Professor (2004–2017). Her academic journey includes a BS and MS in Mechanical Engineering from Tsinghua University (1984–1986) and a PhD from the University of Manitoba (1993). Her research focuses on mechanical vibrations, mechatronics, and energy harvesting, with applications in biomedical instrumentation and advanced materials. She has authored over 330 journal/conference papers, secured 50+ grants, and supervised nearly 70 graduate students. Notable awards include the John B. Stirling Medal, Fellowships from AAAS and ASME, and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. Zu’s work spans energy harvesting technologies (e.g., piezoelectric and triboelectric nanogenerators), structural dynamics, and smart materials. Her grants include strategic funding for wind energy transmission systems and biomedical devices. She holds patents on energy harvesting methods and robotic systems. Her leadership includes roles in academic administration, industry partnerships (e.g., Pratt & Whitney, Litens Automotive), and interdisciplinary projects like the Synchronized Segmentally Interchanging Pulley Transmission System (SSIPTS). She actively contributes to professional societies such as ASME and AAAS.
Joerg Jinschek is a Professor at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), leading the Nano-Micro-Macro. Structure in Materials department. He is affiliated with the National Centre for Nano Fabrication and Characterization and the VISION – Center for Visualizing Catalytic Processes. His research focuses on materials characterization, additive manufacturing, electron microscopy, and nanomaterials. Jinschek supervises multiple PhD projects, including studies on quantum dot ligands, electrocatalysts, and additive manufactured metal components. He has over 70 publications in high-impact journals and holds editorial roles, such as a reviewer for the Journal of Materials Science . Key research interests include in-situ TEM/SEM analysis of phase transformations, radiation effects in materials, and structural characterization of additively manufactured alloys. His work contributes to Sustainable Development Goals related to clean energy and industrial innovation. Jinschek’s lab, nanolab.dtu.dk , emphasizes cutting-edge microscopy techniques and microstructural analysis for advanced materials. Education: Dr. rer. nat. (PhD) in Materials Science Affiliations: National Centre for Nano Fabrication, VISION Catalytic Processes Center Grants/Projects: 9 active projects focusing on additive manufacturing, catalysis, and material characterization His recent work highlights advancements in functional graded alloys, electron beam damage mitigation, and laser-induced nanomaterials for electrochemical sensing. Jinschek collaborates internationally and actively engages in conference presentations and peer-review activities.
Gilles Bourret is a Tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Physics at the University of Salzburg, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences. He leads an active research group focused on nanomaterials, combining synthesis, characterization, electromagnetic simulations, and device testing. His work explores how nanoscale geometry influences functionality in complex 3D systems interacting with light. Education: M. Eng. and M.Sc. in Applied Physics and Nanotechnology, National Institute of Applied Sciences, Toulouse, France Ph.D. in Chemistry (Materials’ Chemistry), McGill University, Canada Habilitation in Materials Science, University of Salzburg His research interests center on advanced nanofabrication techniques such as three-dimensional electrochemical axial lithography (3DEAL), enabling the creation of highly uniform silicon nanowire arrays and nanostructured substrates. These are applied in photoelectrochemistry (e.g., water-splitting photocathodes), plasmonic catalysis (including gas-phase photomethanation), and Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS). His group emphasizes structure optimization through 3D electromagnetic simulations and high-resolution chemical synthesis. His publication record includes high-impact journals such as Nature Nanotechnology , Advanced Materials , Nano Letters , and JACS , with themes revolving around plasmonics, nanostructure design, catalysis, and light-matter interactions. The articles reflect a strong interdisciplinary trend combining materials chemistry, nanophotonics, and energy applications. Scientific Awards and Recognition: 6 awards/fellowships 15 invited lectures 5 interviews in mainstream media (e.g., Kronenzeitung, Die Presse, Salzburger Nachrichten) Gilles Bourret has secured total research funding of €6.3 million (as main or co-applicant), including infrastructure grants, with €468,000 directly awarded to him as principal investigator. He currently supervises four PhD students: Joshua Piaskowski, Amin Farhadi, Theresa Bartschmid, and Gebhard Sabhati (co-supervised). His lab is developing novel nanomaterials for energy conversion and sensing applications, with a strong emphasis on scalable fabrication and reproducible device performance.
Amar Nath Roy Chowdhury is currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur) since December 2019. He previously held an Assistant Professor position at IIT Ropar from May 2017 to December 2019, and was a Post-doctoral Research Fellow at the National University of Singapore from January 2015 to December 2016. His academic journey includes a PhD from the National University of Singapore (2010-2014), an M.Tech from IIT Bombay (2006-2008), and a B.E. from Jadavpur University (2002-2006). Doctor of Philosophy (2010-2014), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore Master of Technology (2006-2008), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, India Bachelor of Engineering (2002-2006), Department of Civil Engineering, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India Dr. Roy Chowdhury specializes in Structural Engineering with research interests focused on the Stability of Plate and Shell Structures, Mechanics and Design of Thin-walled Structures, and Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Materials. His work bridges traditional structural engineering with cutting-edge nanoscale mechanics, particularly in the analysis of carbon nanotubes and other advanced materials. His research employs both theoretical continuum mechanics approaches and molecular dynamics simulations to understand structural behavior at different scales. Analysis of his publication record reveals a strong focus on structural mechanics across multiple scales - from macroscopic plate and shell structures to nanoscale carbon nanotubes. His work demonstrates expertise in vibration analysis, buckling phenomena, and stability considerations across these scales. A significant portion of his research involves developing continuum shell models to analyze carbon nanotube behavior, bridging the gap between molecular dynamics simulations and traditional structural engineering principles. Dr. Roy Chowdhury teaches courses in Stability of Structures, Steel Design, Structural Analysis, and Solid Mechanics. His teaching reflects his research expertise in structural mechanics and stability analysis. While specific information about research grants and advising is not explicitly detailed in the available information, his publication record suggests active research collaboration with international scholars, particularly with researchers at the National University of Singapore.
Payam Khazaeinejad is Associate Professor of Solid Mechanics at Kingston University London, where he also serves as School Director of Learning & Teaching and leads the IMechE-accredited Monitored Professional Development Scheme. A Chartered Engineer & Scientist, he is Senior Fellow of Advance HE, Fellow of IMechE, Senior Member of AIAA and sits on multiple national boards including IMechE Council and EPSRC Peer Review College. Education & Continuous Development PhD Engineering, University of Edinburgh (2016) MSc Mechanical Engineering – Applied Mechanics (2006) BEng Mechanical Engineering – Solid Mechanics (2004) MIT Professional Education – Machine Learning for Materials Informatics (2024) Chartered Manager Bootcamp, CMI Level 5 Diploma (2023) Certificate in Innovation in Teaching, Laspau/Harvard (2021) Chartered Engineer & Chartered Scientist status (2021, 2024) Research Interests His research integrates computational solid mechanics with bio-inspired design to create architected materials and structures that are lightweight, adaptive and resilient. Using high-fidelity finite-element and discrete-element modelling he investigates failure mechanisms under extreme thermomechanical environments, with applications spanning pharmaceutical tablet compaction, biomedical scaffolds for bone regeneration, floating solar-panel arrays, fire-exposed steel plates and subsea riser systems. Across 50+ peer-reviewed works he has advanced analytical solutions for functionally graded shells, nonlinear thermo-elastic plates, vibration of micro-composite skew plates and efficient riser elements, while recent outputs concentrate on additive-manufactured aerospace mounts, 3-D printed biodegradable scaffolds and data-driven engineering curricula. Honours & Recognition Provost's Award for Learning & Teaching Excellence 2025 Enterprising Value Award, Kingston People Awards 2024 Senior Fellow, Advance HE Fellow, Institution of Mechanical Engineers Senior Member, AIAA Chartered Engineer & Chartered Scientist (UK Engineering & Science Councils) Leadership & External Examining He is Chief External Examiner at UWE Bristol (2024-present) and External Examiner at Manchester Met and University of East London, having served on programme-revalidation panels nationwide. At Kingston he directs learning & teaching for the School of Engineering, chairs the IMechE Structural Technology & Materials Group, and founded the Engineering Simulation Group.
Erol Demirkan is a Lecturer at the Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering at Istanbul Technical University. His research focuses on structural mechanics, nonlinear behavior of materials and structures, and vibration analysis of beams and plates. He holds a PhD in Structural Engineering from Istanbul Technical University (2014) and has held academic positions since 2015, including Research Assistant and Lecturer roles. Demirkan's work integrates advanced analytical methods with computational tools like artificial neural networks for structural analysis. Education: PhD in Structural Engineering, Istanbul Technical University (2014) MSc in Structural Engineering, Istanbul Technical University (2012) BSc in Civil Engineering, Istanbul University (2009) BSc in Civil Engineering, Balikesir University (2006) Research interests include non-local elasticity, buckling analysis of nanobeams, and finite element modeling of insulating glass units. His recent work explores hybrid analytical-machine learning approaches for vibration analysis of functionally graded materials. Professional memberships include the TMMOB Chamber of Civil Engineers since 2009. Administrative roles include membership in the Civil Engineering Department Promotion Committee (2021–present) and the Scholarship Committee (2015–2020). Current research emphasizes structural stability, composite beam dynamics, and nonlinear plate interactions. He collaborates on projects involving porous beams and ANN validation for engineering systems.
Stéphane BORDAS is a Full Professor in Computational Mechanics at the University of Luxembourg's Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine (FSTM), leading the Computational Mechanics (Legato) research group. His work focuses on free boundary problems, method development for complex geometries, and applications in fracture mechanics, biomechanics, and computational engineering. He previously held roles at Cardiff University and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL). His research integrates computational methods like XFEM, isogeometric analysis, and meshfree techniques to address challenges in engineering and medicine. Education: Ph.D. in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, Northwestern University (2003) M.Sc. in Civil Engineering, École Spéciale des Travaux Publics and Northwestern University (1999) Research Interests: Computational Mechanics, Biomechanics, Finite Element Methods, Fracture Mechanics, High-Performance Computing, Isogeometric Analysis. Grants & Projects: ERC Starting Grant (RealTCut) for surgical simulation and material cutting FP7 ITN INSIST for meshless methods Labs/Teams: Computational Mechanics (Legato) Group at the University of Luxembourg. His work bridges academia and industry, with applications in aerospace, biomedical engineering, and materials science. He is active in open-source software development, including codes for XFEM, isogeometric analysis, and meshfree methods.
David Kazmer is a Professor in the Department of Plastics Engineering at the University of Massachusetts Lowell's Francis College of Engineering. With a Ph.D. from Stanford University (1995) and prior roles in industry (GE Research & Development, GE Plastics), he specializes in advanced manufacturing processes, particularly polymer processing, additive manufacturing, and intelligent process control. Education: BS (Cornell, 1990); MS (Rensselaer Polytechnic, 1991); PhD (Stanford, 1995). His research focuses on plastics product and process design , additive manufacturing , polymer rheology , and multivariate process control , with over 300 publications and 20 patents. Key contributions include innovations in injection molding sensors, fused deposition modeling, and sustainable polymer processing. Recent Google Scholar publications (2025-2024) highlight advancements in shell deposition additive manufacturing , co-extrusion for graded foams , thermal contact resistance modeling , and recycled polyolefin processing . These works span polymer blends, composite materials, and energy-efficient manufacturing systems. Scientific awards include: Fellow, Society of Plastics Engineers (2011) ASME Kos Ishii-Toshiba Award (2012) Office of Naval Research Career Award (1997) Multiple Best Paper Awards (ASME, SPE) As an Associate Research Professor in Mechanical & Industrial Engineering at UMass Amherst, he bridges interdisciplinary research. His industry experience with GE and Synventive Molding Solutions informs practical process development. Current projects involve self-powered sensors, machine learning for extrusion optimization, and community-focused engineering education initiatives.
Dr. Yolita Eggeler is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), leading the LEM (Laboratory for Experimental Materials) research group. Her work focuses on advanced materials science, nanotechnology, and additive manufacturing, with a particular emphasis on laser-based fabrication techniques, thermoelectric materials, and micro/nanostructural characterization. She is affiliated with the KIT Physics Department and collaborates on projects involving energy harvesting, semiconductor devices, and high-temperature alloy behavior. Research interests include: Laser microprinting of semiconductors and metals Thermoelectric generator design and optimization Nanoparticle synthesis and applications High-temperature material degradation and creep mechanisms Recent publications highlight innovations in photothermal laser printing of crystalline materials, novel thermoelectric modules, and core-shell nanocrystal engineering. Her work bridges fundamental materials science with applied technologies like flexible electronics and energy conversion systems. Key collaborations involve advanced TEM analysis for microstructural studies and correlative microscopy techniques. She is actively developing new methodologies for in-situ pyrolysis of 3D-printed materials and exploring AI-driven materials discovery through concept graph analysis. Laboratory facilities include state-of-the-art laser printing systems, electron microscopy setups, and thermal characterization equipment. Her team focuses on translating lab-scale innovations into scalable manufacturing processes for next-generation electronic and energy systems.
