Dr. Amirhossein Bayani is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Cluster of Excellence liv MatS (Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies) at the University of Freiburg. His work focuses on developing semantic web frameworks and ontologies to structure material properties, particularly in self-repair, energy harvesting, and adaptive technologies. Supervised by Prof. Dr. Chris Eberl, his research bridges computational chemistry and materials science to advance smart materials systems. His research interests include computational modeling of 2D materials (e.g., graphene derivatives, boron nitride), semiconductor devices, and nanoelectronics. He employs Density Functional Theory (DFT) and atomistic simulations to study electronic properties, device performance, and material interfaces. Key research trends in his articles include: Electronic properties of novel 2D materials (graphyne, pentasilicene) Optimization of nanoelectronic devices (TFETs, FinFETs) Interface engineering in photovoltaic systems and catalytic materials Gas sensor design using nanomaterials (graphene nanoribbons, siligene) While no academic awards are explicitly listed, his contributions span over 20 peer-reviewed articles since 2013, with a focus on interdisciplinary materials science. He collaborates with liv MatS to translate computational insights into practical bioinspired technologies.
Mikhail Zolotov is a Research Professor at Arizona State University's School of Earth and Space Exploration, affiliated with the Water Institute. He specializes in planetary geochemistry, focusing on chemical processes in extraterrestrial environments like Venus, Europa, and other icy bodies. His work integrates mission data from NASA's Europa Clipper and DAVINCI missions to analyze atmospheric compositions, surface mineralogy, and ocean-world habitability. Research Interests: Planetary geochemistry, mineralogy, and geoscience with emphasis on Venus' atmospheric dynamics, Europa's subsurface oceans, and icy moon chemistry. His expertise includes interpreting data from robotic missions (e.g., Cassini, Messenger) and laboratory experiments simulating extreme planetary conditions. Current Projects: Leading Europa Clipper's MASPEX and SUDA instrument teams to map composition and assess habitability. Contributing to DAVINCI's atmospheric descent imaging and Venus weathering experiments. Key Collaborations: Member of NASA's Europa Clipper and DAVINCI science teams. Instrument development for in-situ analysis of planetary surfaces and atmospheres.
James Freihaut is a Professor of Architectural Engineering at Pennsylvania State University's College of Engineering. His research focuses on indoor air quality, building science, and sustainable energy systems, with an emphasis on UV germicidal irradiation, microgrid optimization, and energy-efficient building design. He leads initiatives in the Institutes of Energy and the Environment (IEE), contributing to themes like Health and the Environment, Integrated Energy Systems, and Equitable Communities. Research Interests: Indoor air quality and aerosol dynamics UV-C disinfection technologies for enclosed spaces Smart grid integration and microgrid control systems Low-cost sensor networks for environmental monitoring Passive house performance and energy benchmarking Combined cooling, heating, and power (CCHP) systems Key Contributions: Developed UV-C inactivation protocols for airborne pathogens Designed control platforms for solar-natural gas hybrid microgrids Authored influential studies on microgrid optimization and building energy flexibility Recipient of UN recognition for sustainable building research Advising & Grants: Freihaut has advised numerous graduate researchers and contributed to funded projects including the Global Building Network and IEE seed grants. His work bridges engineering innovation with real-world applications in energy resilience and public health. Labs & Teams: Collaborates with the PSU IEE and Building Energy Research Group, advancing technologies for ultra-high-performance building envelopes and low-cost sensor integration.
Deena Francis is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Engineering Technology and Didactics within the Energy Technology and Computer Science school at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). Her research focuses on digital twins, machine learning applications in smart manufacturing and precision livestock farming, and sensor technology for chemical detection. She leads and participates in high-impact projects such as SEAL (Seabed Environmental Analyzer for Methane Leakage) and Machine Learning for Beehives Monitoring , addressing environmental and agricultural sustainability challenges. Key research areas include reinforcement learning for digital twin systems, dimensionality reduction techniques, and data-driven decision support in agriculture. Her work bridges theoretical advancements in kernel methods and explicit feature maps with practical applications in manufacturing optimization and environmental sensing. Francis has collaborated internationally and contributed to over 15 peer-reviewed publications, with a focus on smart systems and sensor-based solutions. Education: Not explicitly stated in the text. Labs/Teams: Involved in the InnoTech TaskForce , focusing on green transition technologies and data-driven innovation. Her advisory role includes supervising PhD student S. Gopalakrishnan on metal-organic framework arrays for liquid-phase sensing. Francis’s projects often emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration, combining engineering, computer science, and environmental science to address global challenges.
Stephen Madden is Senior Lecturer in Computational Biology at RCSI's Data Science Centre, holding a PhD from University College Dublin. His research applies bioinformatics and statistical approaches to cancer genomics and precision medicine. Key research areas include multi-omics integration in breast cancer, therapeutic target discovery, and predictive modeling of treatment response. Recent work examines extracellular vesicles in neonatal development, immunothrombosis mechanisms in hematologic malignancies, and implantable sensor technologies. Publications demonstrate expertise in proteomic profiling, preclinical model development, and computational method implementation. Teaching focuses on programming, transcriptomics, and genomics for biomedical students. He serves as Deputy Director for the MSc in Technologies and Analytics in Precision Medicine and supervises PhD projects in cancer systems biology.
Emilija N. Zivanovic is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Electronic Engineering, University of Nis, specializing in Applied Physics. She holds a PhD (2014), Master's (2004), and Bachelor's (1999) degrees in Applied Physics from the same institution. Her research focuses on plasma physics, electrical breakdown phenomena, and gas discharge dynamics. She has authored/co-authored 11 impact-factor papers on topics like xenon-filled tube dosimetry, nitrogen afterglow processes, and combined gas-vacuum breakdown mechanisms. Professional Activities: Member of IEEE and the Serbian Society of Physicists (Plasma and Ionized Gas Physics Department). Currently involved in 2 national research projects. Publications accessible at npao.ni.ac.rs . Research Interests: Statistical analysis of electrical breakdown parameters, memory effect mechanisms in gases, radiation dosimetry applications, and ionization processes in low-pressure environments. Her work bridges plasma physics with engineering applications through experimental and theoretical studies. Key Contributions: Pioneered studies on xenon-filled tube dosimetry for low-dose gamma radiation, established methodologies for analyzing nitrogen memory effects, and developed models for combined gas-vacuum breakdown mechanisms in various gas environments.
Dr.-Ing. Abdul Samad is Deputy Head of the Department of Flue Gas Cleaning and Air Quality Control (RuL) at the Institute of Combustion and Power Plant Technology (IFK) , University of Stuttgart. He works on projects related to chemical absorption processes for CO2 separation from flue gas, mercury emissions reduction from coal-fired power plants, biogas upgrading via ion-exchange resins, and air pollutant dispersion modeling in urban systems. Key projects include CASPAR (spray scrubber CO2 capture), COORETEC (amine-based post-combustion capture), and FE 2020-2-U-1202 (rail transport pollution monitoring). Research spans both flue gas cleaning (e.g., NOX, SO2, mercury retention) and ambient air quality (e.g., low-cost sensor networks, tethered balloon profiling). His work integrates experimental and modeling approaches, collaborating with institutions like Fraunhofer ITEM, Lohmeyer GmbH, and international partners in Argentina and Denmark.
Xin Li is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Mathematics at the University of Central Florida (UCF), affiliated with the College of Sciences. His research focuses on approximation theory, optimization, and advanced nanomaterials including perovskite quantum dots, plasmonic sensors, and neuromorphic optoelectronic systems. He leads the STATESS Project, a NSF-funded initiative supporting STEM students through scholarships and mentorship. Key research areas include nanomaterial synthesis, optoelectronic device development, and machine learning applications in material science. Notable projects involve gas sensing systems, graphene-integrated photonic devices, and deep learning-based intrusion detection in optical fiber networks. Teaching responsibilities include advanced mathematics courses like Analysis I and Matrix & Linear Algebra. Professional service includes leadership in academic administration and collaborative interdisciplinary research initiatives. Publications emphasize cutting-edge applications in nanotechnology, plasmonics, and energy systems, with a focus on material stability, sensor optimization, and optoelectronic innovation. Current work explores hybrid materials for neuromorphic computing and high-performance photovoltaic systems.
Michael Qian is a Professor in the Department of Food Science & Technology at Oregon State University's College of Agricultural Sciences. He is also a core member of the Oregon Wine Research Institute and has extensive professional affiliations including the Executive Committee of the Agricultural and Food Chemistry Division of the American Chemical Society, the Institute of Food Technologists, American Dairy Scientist Association, and American Society of Enology and Viticulture. Dr. Qian received his B.S. in Chemistry from Wuhan University (1982), M.S. in Food Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (1989), and Ph.D. in Food Science from the University of Minnesota (2000). His research focuses on flavor chemistry and technology, with particular emphasis on wine and grape flavor chemistry to identify and quantify flavor compounds important to wine quality and understand how they change the chemical composition of fruit after winemaking and during aging. His laboratory research is centered on aroma and flavor compound identification and characterization, flavor compounds chemical and biochemical generation, and flavor retention and deterioration during processing and storage. Current projects involve flavor chemistry of small fruits, grape and wine, beer, hop, and dairy products. He specializes in solventless sample preparation techniques such as solid phase micro-extraction, solid phase dynamic extraction, stir bar sorptive extraction and instrumental analysis with GC, fast GC, HPLC, GC-MS, GC-MS/olfactometry, and multi-dimensional GC/GC-MS analysis. Dr. Qian's publication record demonstrates consistent expertise in food flavor chemistry, particularly in wine, beer, and distilled spirits analysis. His recent work shows increasing focus on advanced analytical techniques for detecting smoke exposure in wine, volatile phenol analysis, and comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography for flavor profiling across diverse food and beverage matrices. FEMA Excellence in Flavor Science, Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association of the U.S. (FEMA). (October 24, 2022) Distinguished Lipid and Flavor Science Award in honor of Stephen S. Chang, The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT). (July 10, 2022) 2020-21 James and Mildred Oldfield/E.R. Jackman Team Award, College of Agricultural Sciences. (2021) Industry Partner Award, Oregon Wine Board. (February 22, 2021) Stay at Home Hero Award, Oregon State University College of Agricultural Sciences. (October 2020) Fellow, American Chemical Society (ACS). (August 2019) Distinguished Service Award, American Chemical Society-Agricultural Food Chemistry Division. (2018) Fellow, American Chemical Society – Agricultural & Food Chemistry Division. (August 2014) Honorary State FFA Degree Recipient, Oregon FFA Association. (2010) Emerging Scholar Award, The Honor Society of PHI KAPPA PHI. (2006) Dr. Qian has served as past chair of the Agricultural and Food Chemistry Division of the American Chemical Society and is an elected fellow of this division. His research has been supported by various funding sources related to food science, viticulture, and enology, with numerous publications spanning food chemistry, analytical techniques, and flavor science. As a core member of the Oregon Wine Research Institute, Dr. Qian contributes to collaborative research efforts focused on advancing the science of wine production and quality. His laboratory serves as a hub for flavor chemistry research with state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation for comprehensive flavor analysis across multiple food and beverage systems.
Biswanath Dari is an Assistant Professor at Oregon State University’s Klamath Basin Research and Extension Center, specializing in sustainable agriculture , soil biogeochemistry , and nutrient cycling . His research focuses on optimizing soil health through biochar , manure , and alternative fertilizer applications while mitigating environmental impacts like phosphorus runoff and ammonia volatilization . He is affiliated with the Department of Crop and Soil Science at Oregon State University. Dr. Dari holds a Ph.D. in Soil and Water Science from the University of Florida (2015), an M.Sc. in Agricultural Meteorology from Punjab Agricultural University (2010), and a B.Sc. in Agriculture from Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya (2008). His academic work has been recognized by prestigious awards such as the A S Herlong Sr. Fellowship and multiple Best Poster/Oral Presentation accolades at national conferences. His recent publications analyze global soil phosphorus dynamics, biochar’s role in nutrient retention, and precision agriculture’s impact on smallholder systems. Key trends include interdisciplinary studies on carbon sequestration , climate-smart farming , and digital soil monitoring . He actively contributes to peer-review services as an Associate Editor for Agronomy Journal and promotes outreach through extension seminars on ammonia volatilization management and soil testing procedures . Notable scientific awards include the Environmental Quality Outstanding Graduate Student Award (2013), Best Poster Award (Biochar Community) (2014), and the Graduate School Grinter Fellowship (2011–2014). His leadership roles span Chair of the Biochar Community (2020), Vice-Chair (2019), and Judging competitions in agronomy and soil science. Dr. Dari also mentors students, volunteers in science fairs, and collaborates on projects like Phosphorus Saturation Ratio Threshold modeling and biochar’s influence on soil fertility . His extension work emphasizes fertilizer best practices and residue management in Idaho’s cereal crops.
Dr. Matt Oehlschlaeger is a Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). He holds a B.S. from Virginia Tech (2000), and M.S. and Ph.D. from Stanford University (2002, 2005). His research focuses on energy and environment, particularly chemical kinetics of alternative fuels and optical sensing technologies. He leads government/industrial-funded projects and has received national awards, including the PECASE (2009). Education: B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Tech (2000) M.S., Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University (2002) Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University (2005) Research Interests: Dr. Oehlschlaeger’s work bridges combustion science and advanced sensing. He develops optical techniques for gas analysis (e.g., THz spectroscopy) and studies fuel ignition mechanisms. His contributions include understanding alternative fuel behavior in combustion systems and environmental monitoring applications. Publications: His recent work emphasizes AI-driven gas sensing and THz spectroscopy for volatile organic compounds (VOCs). He explores machine learning frameworks to classify gas spectra and addresses challenges in aerospace propulsion systems. Awards & Roles: Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Specialty Chief Editor for Frontiers in Aerospace Engineering Associate Editor for International Journal of Fuels and Lubricants Grants & Advising: He leads multi-million-dollar research initiatives in combustion science and sensor technology. While no named advisees are listed, his labs mentor graduate students in experimental and computational combustion studies. Labs & Teams: His research group at RPI focuses on energy sustainability and advanced sensing, collaborating with industry partners on real-world applications of gas analysis and propulsion systems.
Dr. Dan Lewis is an Associate Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), part of the School of Engineering. His research focuses on microstructure science, mesoscopic modeling, and image-driven machine learning applied to materials design. He has held roles including Director of RPI’s Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Research Lab and oversees the Materials Day Camp for high school students. Lewis earned his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from Lehigh University (1995–2001). Notable awards include the NSF CAREER Award (2011) for studying materials structure at high temperatures. His work bridges computational methods and experimental techniques, addressing challenges in advanced materials for energy systems and structural applications. He is affiliated with RPI’s Center for Computational Innovations (CCI), Center for Future Energy Systems (CFES), and CMDIS. Recent research includes studies on high-entropy alloys, oxidation-resistant coatings, and stochasticity in materials behavior. Education: Ph.D., M.S., B.S. in Materials Science from Lehigh University Affiliations: CCI, CFES, CMDIS Key Projects: NSF CAREER Award (2011), Machine Learning in Materials Design His research interests emphasize the interplay between microstructure, processing, and material performance, leveraging advanced imaging and computational tools. Recent publications highlight innovations in grain growth modeling, oxidation mechanisms, and AI-driven materials characterization.
Dr. Erica Pensini is an Associate Professor in the School of Engineering at the University of Guelph. She holds a PhD in Environmental Engineering from the University of Toronto (2012) and has held roles including Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Alberta and Research Associate at SANJEL. Her research focuses on soft matter applications in clean energy (piezoelectric hydrogels), water treatment, and pollutant migration in aquifers. Key themes include energy-efficient separation technologies and molecular interactions in aqueous systems. Education: PhD in Environmental Engineering, University of Toronto (2012) Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Alberta (2012–2014) Research Associate, SANJEL (Calgary) and Scientist, SABIC (Netherlands) Research Interests: Piezoelectric gels for energy harvesting Water-miscible pollutant separation via amphiphiles Groundwater remediation strategies for solvents like sulfolane Development of sustainable sorbents and emulsion-based containment systems Her work employs advanced techniques such as synchrotron X-ray scattering and rheology to study material properties. Recent studies address environmental challenges in oil/gas industries and agricultural runoff. Awards: NSERC Alliance (2017, 2024) OMAFRA Alliance (three cycles, 2018–2024) NSERC Discovery Grant (2018) Advising & Grants: Leads the GreenGO Lab, focusing on green engineering and soil/water remediation Collaborates with industry partners on projects like sulfolane migration modeling Labs/Teams: Green Engineering and Groundwater Remediation (GreenGO) Lab Partnerships with SABIC, Canadian Light Source, and others
Tanju Yildirim is a Lecturer in the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Southern Cross University (SCU), specializing in the development of innovative solutions for scientific problems requiring sensors, actuators, materials synthesis, and instrumentation. His expertise spans multidisciplinary research areas including MEMS-based agricultural sensors, 2D materials physics, and acoustic olfactory systems. He maintains international collaborations across academia, government, and industry. Education Doctor of Engineering (2015–2017), University of Wollongong Bachelor of Engineering (2011–2014), University of Wollongong Research Interests Design and application of advanced sensors (MEMS, acoustic, gas/odor) Nonlinear dynamics and energy harvesting systems 2D materials physics (optoelectronics, strain engineering) Biomedical and environmental sensing technologies His recent work focuses on acoustic-based gas sensing, strain-modulated optoelectronic properties of 2D materials, and bio-inspired control algorithms. Tanju actively engages in teaching engineering skills aligned with real-world industry needs. Key Collaborations Partner universities in Japan, China, and Australia Government institutions and private firms for applied R&D projects
Baldeep Kaur is a Senior Lecturer at the Wolfson Centre for Bulk Solids Handling Technology, part of the School of Engineering at the University of Greenwich. Her academic career spans roles as a Research Fellow (2020–2024) and Associate Consultant Engineer (2017–2020) at the same institution. She holds a PhD in Physics from Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology (2012–2017), where her thesis focused on optical cavity soliton dynamics. Her research interests include nonlinear dynamics, pneumatic conveying systems, biomass energy, and material characterization. She specializes in gas-solid flow analysis using advanced techniques like recurrence quantification and chaos analysis, with applications in industrial process optimization and sensor-based diagnostics. Her publications (2015–2023) highlight contributions to both mechanical engineering (pneumatic conveying models) and optics (cavity soliton dynamics). Notable areas include fluidized-phase transport systems, particle flow stability, and laser-based optical patterns. Her work bridges theoretical analysis and experimental validation, emphasizing real-world industrial applications. Kaur collaborates with the Wolfson Centre’s multidisciplinary team to advance bulk solids handling technologies. While no explicit awards or student advisement records are noted, her research has implications for improving energy efficiency and material transport systems in manufacturing sectors.
