Konstantinos Karapiperis is a Tenure Track Assistant Professor at EPFL's Laboratory of Multiscale Modeling of Materials (LMD), within the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC). His research integrates mechanics , multiscale modeling , and data science to study geomaterials and structural materials. PhD in Applied Mechanics (minor in Applied Mathematics), Caltech Postdoctoral Researcher & Lecturer, ETH Zürich (Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship) Research focuses on granular materials , architected materials , and nonlocal modeling using techniques like Level-Set Discrete Element Method (LS-DEM) and machine learning . Recent work explores fracture control via graph neural networks and thermodynamics-informed models. Selected scientific award: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship Teaches courses in Soil Mechanics and Multiscale Modeling . PhD students include Thomas Henzel and Hrishikesh Gopakumar Menon. His Data-Driven Mechanics Laboratory (LMD) develops predictive tools for granular and structured material behavior.
Dr. Arghya Das is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur), where he has been serving since 2014. He previously held the position of Assistant Professor at IIT Kanpur from July 2014 to November 2020 before being promoted to Associate Professor in December 2020. Prior to joining IIT Kanpur, he completed his Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship at Northwestern University, USA, and served as a Research Associate at the University of Sydney, Australia. Dr. Das earned his educational qualifications from prestigious institutions: PhD in Geotechnical Engineering from the University of Sydney, Australia (2013), M.Tech from IIT Bombay, India (2009), and B.E. from Jadavpur University, India (2006). His research focuses on advanced aspects of soil mechanics and geotechnical engineering, with particular emphasis on constitutive modeling of geomaterials, micromechanics of granular materials, and flow through porous media. His work integrates numerical and physical modeling approaches to address complex geotechnical challenges including bifurcation and instability analysis in geomaterials. Dr. Das teaches several advanced courses including Constitutive Modeling of Frictional Materials, Advanced Geotechnical Engineering, Rock Mechanics, Computational Methods in Engineering, and Soil Mechanics. Dr. Das's publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on discrete element modeling (DEM) applications in geomechanics, particle crushing behavior, and constitutive modeling of soils. His recent work (2020-2022) has particularly emphasized unsaturated soil mechanics, chemomechanical effects on granular materials, and advanced computational approaches to soil behavior. These publications appear in high-impact journals such as Acta Geotechnica, Geomechanics for Energy and the Environment, and International Journal of Geomechanics. PK Kelkar Fellowship - IIT Kanpur (2022-2025) FEIT University of Melbourne Visiting Researcher Fellowship (2022-2023) YGE Award for Best Paper on Computational Geomechanics, Indian Geotechnical Society (2018) SERB - Early Career Research Award (2016-2019) Dr. Das has successfully secured multiple research grants including projects funded by ONGC, CSIR, and SERB focusing on micro-poro-mechanical modeling, experimental assessment of Indian crushable sands, and permeability evolution in deep-reservoir rocks. He serves as a corresponding member of the International Technical Committee TC-105 on 'Geo-Mechanics from Micro to Macro' of the International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ISSMGE) and is a member of the Indian Geotechnical Society.
David L. Henann serves as the James R. Rice Associate Professor of Solid Mechanics in the Department of Engineering at Brown University's School of Engineering. His research focuses on continuum-level constitutive modeling of engineering materials, with particular expertise in granular materials, viscoelastic foams, and bubble dynamics in soft solids. Henann leads an active research group developing computational frameworks for material behavior prediction through numerical simulation. PhD, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2011) SM, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2008) BS, State University of New York at Binghamton (2006) Henann's research spans constitutive theory development and computational implementation for complex material systems. His group pioneers nonlocal continuum models for granular flows, large-deformation viscoelastic theories for elastomeric foams, and high-strain-rate characterization of microcavitation phenomena. Current projects include modeling size segregation in granular media, bubble dynamics in viscoelastic hydrogels, and electromechanical instabilities in dielectric elastomers. His publication record reveals consistent focus on material instability phenomena , constitutive model validation , and experimental-computational synergy . Henann frequently collaborates with experimental groups to validate theoretical frameworks, particularly in soft matter mechanics and cavitation dynamics. Eshelby Mechanics Award for Young Faculty (2020) NSF CAREER Award (2016) Pi Tau Sigma Gold Medal (ASME, 2016) Brown University Teaching Awards (2015-2016) Henann maintains an active teaching portfolio covering continuum mechanics, solid mechanics, and plasticity at both undergraduate and graduate levels. His research group operates a computational mechanics laboratory with extensive Fortran-based simulation capabilities, evidenced by multiple open-source repositories on GitHub for granular rheology, foam modeling, and dielectric elastomer analysis. Current work focuses on extending nonlocal granular models to industrial applications and developing predictive frameworks for soft material failure under extreme loading conditions.
Dr. Sajid Alavi is a Professor in the Department of Grain Science and Industry at Kansas State University. He joined the faculty in 2002 after earning his Ph.D. in Food Science/Food Engineering from Cornell University (2002), M.S. in Agricultural and Biological Engineering from Penn State (1997), and B.S. in Agricultural Engineering from IIT (1995). His research focuses on extrusion processing in food, pet food, and feed applications, with expertise in rheology, food microstructure imaging, and process sustainability. He leads global projects in Africa, Brazil, India, and beyond, emphasizing sustainable food technologies and AI-driven processing innovations. Dr. Alavi is a recipient of the 2010 Young Research Scientist Award from the Cereals & Grains Association. He teaches GRSC 620 (Intro to Extrusion Processing) and GRSC 820 (Advanced Extrusion Processing), and has trained over 1,000 industry leaders through his renowned 'Extrusion Processing: Technology and Commercialization' short course. His work bridges food science and engineering, addressing challenges in plant-based meat analogs, nutrient bioavailability, and food aid product development. Key facilities associated with his work include the BIVAP Feed Quality Assurance Lab and Hal Ross Flour Mill. His research spans sensory analysis of meat alternatives, fiber utilization in pet food, and sustainability assessments of novel crops like intermediate wheatgrass. Recent studies explore insect protein in pet food, AI-driven extrusion optimization, and iron bioavailability in fortified foods. Dr. Alavi’s contributions span academic, industrial, and global food security domains, reflecting a commitment to innovative, scalable food solutions.
Professor Vishnu Pareek is the John Curtin Distinguished Professor at Curtin University, leading the Western Australian School of Mines (WASM) within the Faculty of Science and Engineering. He has held academic roles including Dean of Engineering, Head of School, and various professorships since 2002. His research focuses on multiphase flow modeling, computational fluid dynamics, and reactor engineering, with applications in energy and chemical processes. He holds a BE (Hons) from MNIT, MTech from IIT Delhi, and a PhD from UNSW. Key research interests include LNG process modeling, erosion modeling, and granular flow dynamics. He has authored over 200 peer-reviewed publications, with recent work emphasizing structured packing design, biomass gasification, and additive manufacturing for process intensification. Notable projects include CFD-ANN hybrid models for fluidized beds and experimental studies on 3D-printed structured packings. His expertise spans industrial collaborations in LNG safety, fluid catalytic cracking, and biofuel production. Teaching areas include chemical engineering fundamentals and process systems engineering. He advises on energy policy and leads research teams in multiphase flow and reactor design.
Lenan Zhang is an Assistant Professor in the Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Cornell University, joining in July 2024. He directs the Energy Research Laboratory (ERL), focusing on energy sustainability through advanced materials and metrology tools. His research spans thermal and fluid transport phenomena at extreme scales, and he has developed innovative solutions for clean energy and water production. Education: B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Purdue University (2016) M.S. and Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2018 and 2022) Research Interests: Advanced Materials, Computational Fluid Dynamics, Sustainable Energy Systems, and Thermal Systems. His work integrates mechanistic modeling and high-resolution spectroscopy to address global challenges in energy and environment. Publications: Recent work emphasizes solar desalination, energy-efficient systems, and electrochemical processes. Key trends include optimizing thermal localization, developing novel materials for desalination, and advancing renewable energy applications. Awards: Best Inventions of 2023 (TIME Magazine) Wunsch Foundation Silent Hoist and Crane Award (2022) Luis de Florez Award in Science (2021) Martin Family Fellowship for Sustainability (2020) Advising and Labs: Leads the Energy Research Laboratory (ERL) at Cornell. Prior roles include Research Scientist at MIT’s Mechanical Engineering Department. Collaborates across disciplines to advance clean energy solutions.
Lande Liu is a Senior Lecturer in Chemical Engineering at the University of Huddersfield's School of Applied Sciences. Previously, he held a Lectureship at the University of Manchester (2010-2014), and earlier worked as an industrial consultant and research fellow at Leeds and Sheffield Universities. His academic journey began with a MEng in Chemical Engineering and a PhD in kinetic theory of aggregation from Sheffield (2004), preceded by a visiting PhD at Twente University (2002). Education: PhD in Chemical Engineering (University of Sheffield, 2004) Visiting PhD (Twente University, 2002) MEng in Chemical Engineering (Tsinghua University, 1999) BSc in Applied Mathematics (Tsinghua University, 1996) Liu's research focuses on multi-scale particle interactions (molecular to granular) using kinetic theory of aggregation, with applications spanning nanotechnology, pharmaceutical engineering, and sustainable chemical processes. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals for environmental protection and industrial innovation. Recent publications examine particle deposition in turbulent flows, enhanced heat exchanger designs, and nanofluid stabilization techniques. He teaches core chemical engineering topics including transport phenomena, unit operations, and process design. Active in collaborative research, Liu has partnered with institutions across Europe on projects involving spectroscopy, ultrasonics, and dynamic modeling. His technical expertise includes particle size analysis, tomography, and computational simulation of complex systems.
Robert F. Shepherd is an Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies for Mechanical Engineering at Cornell University's College of Engineering. He holds appointments in Aerospace Engineering, Fiber Science, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, and Theoretical and Applied Mechanics. Educational background: B.S. Material Science & Engineering, University of Illinois (2002) M.B.A. General Management, University of Illinois (2009) Ph.D. Material Science & Engineering, University of Illinois (2010) His research focuses on disruptive manufacturing technologies (3D printing, microfluidics) and functional materials for novel devices. He develops soft actuators mimicking biological functions and enhances fabrication techniques for efficient biomimetic machines. His work bridges materials innovation with robotic applications. Publications primarily explore soft robotics, biomimetic systems, and advanced manufacturing, with consistent emphasis on material behavior and actuator design across diverse applications. Scientific awards: Senior Member, National Academy of Inventors (2022) ONR Young Investigator (2016) Cornell Engineering Teaching Award (2016) Extreme Mechanics Letters Award (2016) NAE FOE Fellow (2016) NAS KAVLI Fellow (2016) Leads the Shepherd Group Research Laboratory and Organic Robotics Lab, focusing on soft material systems and bio-inspired machines.
Professor Itai Einav is a renowned academic in civil engineering and geomechanics at The University of Sydney. He serves as Director of SciGEM (Science of Granular and Multiphase Energy Materials) and holds an honorary professorship at University College London. His research focuses on granular materials, particulate systems, and geomechanics, with particular emphasis on breakage mechanics and applications in mining, heat transfer, and fault dynamics. He advises PhD students on topics like robotic navigation inspired by earthworms and soil mechanics. Einav's work bridges fundamental physics and engineering applications, leveraging advanced imaging techniques (e.g., X-ray tomography) and computational models. He is affiliated with The Net Zero Institute and collaborates globally on projects like granular flow dynamics and porous media behavior. Notable contributions include the 2007 development of breakage mechanics theory and innovations in granular rheology and fault modeling.
Teng-Fong Wong is a Research Professor in the Department of Geosciences at Stony Brook University, where he has been a faculty member since 1982. His research focuses on the intersection of rock mechanics, earthquake processes, and environmental applications, making significant contributions to understanding deformation mechanisms in geological materials. Education: Sc.B., Brown University, 1973 M.S., Harvard University, 1976 Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1981 Research Interests: Professor Wong's research centers on rock mechanics with emphasis on earthquake mechanics, energy resources, and environmental applications. He investigates both phenomenological and micromechanical aspects of rock deformation and fluid flow using an integrated approach combining high-pressure deformation experiments, quantitative microstructure characterization, and theoretical analysis. His work spans brittle-ductile transitions in porous rocks, permeability evolution, strength properties of fault zone materials from SAFOD and TCDP drilling projects, and submarine groundwater discharge systems. Publication Trends: Wong's recent publications (2006-2008) demonstrate a consistent focus on strain localization mechanisms in porous rocks, particularly examining compaction bands and deformation bands in sandstones. His work integrates advanced imaging techniques (X-ray radiography, CT scanning) with mechanical testing to understand the micromechanics of rock failure. A significant thread connects his research on fault zone properties from major drilling projects (SAFOD, TCDP) with fundamental rock deformation processes. Scientific Recognition: U.S. Patent 6,874,371 for Ultrasonic Seepage Meter (2005) U.S. Patent 7,107,859 for Ultrasonic Seepage Meter (2006) Co-author of "Experimental Rock Deformation - The Brittle Field" (2nd Edition, Springer-Verlag, 2005) Professional Activities: Professor Wong maintains an active international research profile with numerous visiting appointments including at Australian National University, MIT, ETH Zurich, and institutions in China and France. His work involves extensive collaboration with USGS and international research teams on major fault zone drilling projects. He has developed specialized equipment like the ultrasonic seepage meter for measuring submarine groundwater discharge. Research Infrastructure: Wong's laboratory utilizes advanced capabilities including high-pressure deformation equipment, 3D visualization through laser scanning confocal microscopy and synchrotron microCT, and integrates these with analytic modeling and numerical simulation techniques (finite element and discrete element methods) to investigate micromechanics of dilatant and compactant failure in geological materials.
Trevor J Jones is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University's College of Engineering, where he leads the Mechanically Intelligent Engineered Structures (MInEnS) Lab. His research integrates soft matter mechanics, nonlinear dynamics, and indigenous knowledge to develop novel technologies in soft robotics, meta-materials, and manufacturing. Education: Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, Princeton University (2023) B.S., Chemical Engineering, Vanderbilt University (2017) His research focuses on harnessing mechanical instabilities, fluid-solid interactions, and granular matter to create intelligent, adaptive materials. Inspired by natural phenomena and Ojibwe beadwork traditions (reflected in the MInEnS Lab's name from the Ojibwemowin word manidoominens ), his work spans soft robotics, deployable structures, and beadwoven metamaterials. He employs an interdisciplinary approach combining crafting, experimentation, and theoretical modeling. His recent publications (2022–2024) demonstrate a strong trend in leveraging buckling, plasticity, and fluid dynamics to achieve emergent intelligence and multifunctionality in soft engineered systems, particularly through innovative fabrication techniques like bubble casting and beadwork-inspired design. Scientific Awards: AISES Lighting the Pathway Fellow Trailblazer in Engineering Rising Star in Soft and Biological Matter Jones actively mentors graduate and undergraduate researchers, including PhD students Eddie Beck and Angela Lee, and undergraduates Eleni Georgountzos and Adela Qiu. He is currently recruiting PhD students and postdocs for projects in bead-woven materials and soft matter mechanics. The MInEnS Lab fosters a highly interdisciplinary environment that values curiosity, craftsmanship, and the integration of diverse cultural perspectives in scientific inquiry.
Silas Alben is a Professor in the Department of Mathematics at the University of Michigan, affiliated with the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. His research focuses on applied mathematics and mathematical biology, particularly fluid-structure interactions in biological systems. He employs computational simulations and laboratory experiments to study fundamental physics of flexible bodies in fluids. Research interests include biomechanics of swimming organisms, vortex dynamics in fluid-structure interactions, and thermal transport optimization. His work bridges mathematical modeling with experimental validation to understand complex physical phenomena. Publications demonstrate strong focus on fluid dynamics applications, including vortex-enhanced heat transfer, membrane flutter dynamics, and bio-inspired locomotion. Recurring themes include optimization of fluid-structure systems, vortex wake interactions, and computational methods for aeroelastic problems.
Dr. Xuzhen He is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney (UTS). He holds a BSc from Tsinghua University and a PhD from the University of Cambridge, where he received the John Winbolt Prize (2015). His research focuses on geotechnics, geomechanics, and numerical methods, with an emphasis on AI integration. Notable contributions include studies on soil erosion, particle segregation, and tunnel engineering. He leads projects funded by ARC, including DECRA (2021) and a Discovery grant (2023). His work bridges experimental and computational approaches, addressing challenges in geotechnical infrastructure and environmental stability. Education: Bachelor of Science, Tsinghua University, China PhD in Civil Engineering, University of Cambridge, UK Research Interests: AI-driven geotechnical analysis (slope stability, tunnelling) Multiscale geomechanical modelling (hypoplasticity, multiphase systems) Numerical methods (DEM, SPH, material point method) Awards: ARC DECRA (2021) John Winbolt Prize (2015) Grants: "Modernise geotechnical investigation and analysis with machine learning" (ARC DP230100678) "Multiscale modelling of fluid–particle transport in porous media" (ARC DE220100763) Labs/Teams: Member of UTS Transport Research Centre (TRC) Associate member of Centre for Advanced Modelling and Geospatial lnformation Systems (CAMGIS)
Christoph Müller is a Full Professor of Energy Science and Engineering at ETH Zürich's Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering. He leads the Laboratory of Energy Science and Engineering, focusing on sustainable energy generation, heterogeneous catalysis, and granular systems. His research integrates experimental methods like Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Discrete Element Modelling (DEM) with mathematical modeling to address industrial energy challenges. Education: Dipl.-Ing. from Technical University of Munich (2004), PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Cambridge (2008). Notable awards include the Danckwerts-Pergamon Prize (2009) and DAAD Scholarship (2005). He teaches courses such as Thermodynamics I and Thermo- and Fluid Dynamics. Research interests span CO₂ capture via chemical looping, catalytic hydrogenation, and granular flow dynamics. Recent work explores catalyst design for propane dehydrogenation, MXene-based ammonia synthesis, and MgO-based CO₂ sorbents. His lab employs advanced techniques like operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy to study catalyst behavior under reaction conditions. Key achievements include developing stable PtGa propane dehydrogenation catalysts and advancing understanding of Na₂CO₃-promoted CO₂ sorbents. His work on fluidized bed hydrodynamics via MRI contributes to reactor design optimization. Müller's interdisciplinary approach bridges fundamental science and industrial application, addressing global energy sustainability challenges.
Donald L. Koch is a full Professor in the School of Chemical Engineering at Cornell University, specializing in fluid dynamics, rheology, and transport processes in complex systems. His research spans particulate flows, colloidal science, and sustainable energy applications. B.S. and B.A., Case Western Reserve University (1981) Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1985) Postdoctoral Study, DAMTP, Cambridge University (1986) Research Interests: Rheology of particle suspensions and porous media Fluid dynamics in micro- and nano-structured materials Statistical mechanics of colloids and aerosols Sustainable energy systems (CO2 sequestration, geothermal energy) Computational modeling of multiphase flows Scientific Awards: Fellow, American Physical Society 1998 Presidential Young Investigator 1988 Frenkiel Award (APS Division of Fluid Dynamics) NATO Postdoctoral Fellowship (1986) NSF Graduate Fellowship (1981) Publications: Over 100 scientific works focusing on particulate and multiphase flows, with recent contributions to non-Newtonian fluid mechanics and bacterial suspension dynamics.
