Xiaoming Liu is the Anil K. and Nandita Jain Endowed Professor of Engineering and MSU Foundation Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at Michigan State University . Holding a Ph.D. from Carnegie Mellon University (2004), he leads cutting-edge research in computer vision and machine learning. Research Interests : Computer Vision Pattern Recognition Image and Video Processing Machine Learning Medical Image Analysis Multimedia Retrieval Recent Research Trends : Focus on 3D object detection and depth estimation Development of robust biometric recognition systems Integration of radar-camera fusion for autonomous systems Advancements in self-supervised and multimodal learning Exploration of adversarial AI security Creation of interpretable forgery detection frameworks Teaching : Spring 2013: CSE891-006 Computer Vision Seminar Fall 2012-2015: CSE803 Computer Vision Spring 2014-2017: CSE 471 Media Processing and Multimedia Contact Information : Email: liuxm@cse.msu.edu Office: EB 3137, Michigan State University Phone: +1 (517) 355-2359
Leif Eriksson is a Professor at Chalmers University of Technology , specializing in Radar Remote Sensing within the Department of Space, Earth and Environment . His career at Chalmers began in 2004, and he was promoted to Professor in 2022 after serving as Group Leader (2012–2017) and Head of Faculty Assembly (2017–2020). His research focuses on developing advanced methods for environmental monitoring using radar data, particularly synthetic aperture radar (SAR) from satellites and aircraft. Leadership Roles: Group Leader (Radar Remote Sensing), Faculty Assembly Head Key Collaborations: Rymdstyrelsen, EU Horizon, VINNOVA, European Space Agency Research Interests : Dr. Eriksson’s work spans forest biomass estimation , sea ice dynamics , and ocean surface current/wind retrieval . He integrates SAR data with in situ observations and climate models to study: Forest degradation (clear cuts, storm damage) via multi-temporal SAR Sea ice concentration, drift patterns, and thickness in Arctic regions Wind vectors and surface currents using interferometric SAR techniques Applications for maritime navigation safety and polar shipping optimization Article Trends : His recent publications emphasize SAR’s role in transport infrastructure monitoring (e.g., Iron Ore Line degradation), pan-Arctic landfast ice stability , and multi-frequency SAR fusion for enhanced sea ice observations. Collaborative work with teams across Europe and the U.S. highlights interdisciplinary approaches to climate and marine research. Projects & Grants : Dr. Eriksson leads or contributes to projects such as: CAISA (2022–2024): Air-ice-sea data assimilation EONav (2016–2019): Copernicus data for maritime navigation SEDNA (2017–2020): Safe Arctic shipping Forest Biomass Monitoring (2017–2018): Spaceborne SAR applications His work is supported by Rymdstyrelsen, EU Horizon, and industry partners like Trafikverket. Labs & Teams : He is central to the Radar Remote Sensing Group at Chalmers, collaborating with institutions like Lund University and international bodies such as ESA. His research often involves satellite campaigns (e.g., TanDEM-X, Sentinel) and field studies in polar regions.
Yehuda Ben-Zion is a Professor of Earth Sciences at the University of Southern California (USC), affiliated with the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. He serves as Director of the Statewide California Earthquake Center (SCEC). His expertise lies in geophysics and seismology, with a focus on earthquake mechanics, fault dynamics, and seismic hazard assessment. He holds a Ph.D. in Geophysics and Seismology from USC (1990) and a B.S. in Geology and Physics from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (1982). Research interests include physics of earthquakes and faults, high-resolution fault zone imaging, earthquake source properties, and dynamic rupture processes. Recent work emphasizes multi-scale modeling of rupture zones, seismic velocity monitoring using anthropogenic signals (e.g., train tremors), and probabilistic seismic hazard analysis frameworks like CyberShake. He leads projects such as Quakeworx, an open-source earthquake simulation platform, and investigates fault zone architecture in regions like the San Andreas, San Jacinto, and Marmara faults. His studies address critical questions about large earthquake mechanisms, ground motion prediction, and the interplay between tectonic stress and seismicity patterns. He has pioneered the use of dense seismic arrays and machine learning to analyze seismic data, advancing understanding of fault zone processes and their implications for hazard mitigation.
Dr. Foong Shaohui is an Associate Professor and Associate Head at the Engineering Product Development (EPD) pillar of the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), with prior experience as a Visiting Assistant Professor at MIT's Mechanical Engineering department (2011). He leads the Aerial Innovation Research (AIR) Laboratory @ SUTD and actively collaborates with Singapore's Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and medical institutions like National University Hospital (NUH) and Changi General Hospital (CGH). PhD, MS, and BS in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology (2005-2010) Research Interests span multiple domains: Robotics & UAVs : Nature-inspired aerial craft design (Project MONOCO), hybrid flight dynamics, and transformable rotorcraft Medical Device Innovation : Magnetic localization systems for nasogastric tubes and ventriculostomy procedures Engineering Education : Design-Centric pedagogy and pre-university Aerial Craft Workshops Autonomous Systems : Deep tunnel sewer inspection drones (NRF/PUB funded) and soft robotics Scientific Contributions include patented magnetic localization technologies (licensed to Medergo Pte. Ltd.), over 20 peer-reviewed publications, and 5 granted patents. His work bridges aerospace engineering with biomedical applications through innovative mechatronic solutions. Best Application Paper Award at SCIS & ISIS (2014) Research Grants include projects funded by Singapore's National Research Foundation (NRF), Public Utilities Board (PUB), and National University Hospital partnerships. He mentors PhD/Master's students through interdisciplinary research in aerial robotics and medical device development.
Qingguo Li is a Professor and Associate Head at the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering , Queen's University , and a member of the Ingenuity Labs Research Institute . He specializes in biomechanical system design, energy harvesting, wearable sensors, gait analysis, and load carriage systems. His research integrates robotics, biomedical engineering, and sensor technology to develop human-centric devices and mobility aids. Current Roles : Professor, Associate Head, Queen's University Research Institute : Ingenuity Labs Research Institute Lab : Bio-Mechatronics and Robotics Laboratory His work focuses on biomechanical energy harvesting , IMU-based motion analysis , and assistive device development . Key applications include stroke rehabilitation, gait monitoring, and wearable power generation systems. Articles span cable-driven robots , smart walkers , and 3D printing mechanisms , emphasizing human-robot interaction and dynamic modeling . The lab explores sensor calibration , adaptive control algorithms , and human movement optimization . Areas of impact include rehabilitation engineering , load carriage stability , wearable sensor accuracy , and assistive robotics . His team develops solutions for gait asymmetry detection , post-stroke mobility , and low-cost energy systems , leveraging machine learning and kinetic modeling .
Dr. Heather Culbertson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Southern California, leading the HaRVI (Haptics Robotics and Virtual Interaction) Laboratory. Her research focuses on designing haptic hardware and algorithms to create intuitive human-robot interactions through touch, emphasizing realism in virtual environments and social connectedness. Key areas include mediated touch, wearable haptic systems, and multisensory integration in VR/AR applications. The lab's work spans robotics, human perception modeling, and cross-disciplinary solutions for healthcare and immersive technologies. Research interests revolve around tactile feedback systems, social robotics, and the psychological impact of haptic interfaces. Recent work explores real-time haptic texture rendering, affective communication via touch, and motion platforms for VR. Culbertson's projects often integrate human factors early in design to ensure usability and immersion. Publications highlight advancements in haptics coding standards, drone-human interaction, and emotion regulation systems. Her contributions bridge engineering and cognitive sciences, addressing challenges in wearable tech, surgical training simulations, and assistive robotics. The HaRVI Lab collaborates across disciplines to advance tactile interfaces for virtual reality, social robotics, and medical applications.
John H. Shaw is the Harry C. Dudley Professor of Structural and Economic Geology and Professor of Environmental Science & Engineering at Harvard University's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS). He specializes in structural geology, earthquake hazards, and geomechanics, with a focus on thrust fault systems, fault-related folding, and seismic risk assessment in regions like California and China. His research integrates field observations, 3D modeling, and geomechanical simulations to understand fault dynamics and their implications for societal safety. Shaw's work emphasizes quantitative analysis of fault geometry, slip rates, and rupture processes. Key projects include modeling ground deformation during earthquakes, assessing seismic hazards in fold-thrust belts, and investigating reservoir-induced seismicity. He leads the Structural Geology & Earth Resources Group and contributes to collaborative initiatives like the Southern California Earthquake Center (SCEC). His articles highlight advancements in fault system modeling, including 3D structural reconstructions, distinct element method applications, and coupling geomechanical models with fluid flow simulations. Recent studies focus on the Wilmington blind-thrust fault beneath Los Angeles, the Ventura fault system, and tectonic evolution of the Canadian Rockies and Qaidam Basin. Shaw's research also addresses interdisciplinary challenges such as stochastic velocity modeling for earthquake ground motion prediction and developing open-source tools like the SCEC Unified Community Velocity Model (UCVM). His work bridges fundamental structural geology with applied seismic hazard mitigation strategies.
Prof. Stefan Wiemer is the Director of the Swiss Seismological Service (SED) and holds the Chair of Seismology at ETH Zurich's Department of Earth and Planetary Science. He obtained a geophysics diploma from Ruhr University Bochum (1992) and a PhD from the University of Alaska Fairbanks (1997). His research focuses on earthquake processes, probabilistic hazard assessments, induced seismicity, and geothermal energy applications. He has published over 200 articles and supervised 30 PhD students, while also lecturing at the University of Bern. Key Roles: Member of ERC Grants Evaluation Panel (2015–present) Scientific Advisor to GFZ German Research Center for Geosciences (2021–present) President of Swiss Geophysical Commission Projects: Leader of Switzerland's national earthquake risk model Coordinator of EU-funded RISE (risk assessments) and DEEP (geothermal de-risking) projects Principal Investigator for ERC Synergy grant FEAR (BedrettoLab fault experiments) His research spans operational earthquake forecasting, CO2 storage monitoring, and the BedrettoLab underground experiments. He has won the Humboldt Foundation Fellowship (1997) and contributed to international initiatives like the Dutch Mining Effects Panel. Teaching includes ETH's Geophysics I course. Scientific contributions include developing seismic hazard models (ERM-CH23), real-time induced seismicity forecasting frameworks, and innovative techniques for fault dynamics analysis. His work integrates field data, laboratory experiments, and computational modeling to address both natural and human-induced seismic risks.
Youssef M. A. Hashash is the Grainger Distinguished Chair in Engineering and a Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). He holds a B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from MIT (1987–1992). His expertise spans geotechnical engineering, earthquake engineering, and computational geomechanics, with a focus on deep excavations, tunneling, and soil-structure interaction. He co-developed DEEPSOIL, widely used for seismic soil response analysis. Education: B.S. Civil Engineering, MIT (1987) M.S. Civil (Geotechnical) Engineering, MIT (1988) Ph.D. Civil (Geotechnical) Engineering, MIT (1992) Research Interests: Dr. Hashash's work integrates geotechnical engineering with advanced technologies like AI, visualization, and discrete element modeling. Key areas include: Seismic site response and amplification models for Central/Eastern North America Tunneling and underground infrastructure resilience Geotechnical applications of machine learning and augmented reality Soil-structure interaction and liquefaction analysis Professional Roles: Geotechnical co-leader, NIST investigation of the Champlain Towers South collapse (2022–present) Chair, National Academies' Committee on Geological and Geotechnical Engineering (2024–present) Past President, Geo-Institute of ASCE Awards: Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers ASCE 2014 Peck Medal Elected to National Academy of Engineering (2022) Labs/Teams: Leads research groups at UIUC focused on computational geomechanics and geotechnical earthquake engineering. Collaborates with federal agencies like NIST and NSF on large-scale projects.
Tianmin Shu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Johns Hopkins University , with a joint appointment in the Department of Cognitive Science . He is the founding director of the Social Cognitive AI (SCAI) Lab and was previously a Research Scientist at MIT, working with Josh Tenenbaum and Antonio Torralba. His research goal is to advance human-centered AI by engineering machine social intelligence —building systems that understand, reason about, and interact with humans in real-world settings. His work is inherently interdisciplinary, integrating machine learning, computer vision, robotics, and social cognition. Research Interests: Theory of Mind Reasoning: Developing models that infer human mental states from multimodal behavioral data. Embodied Assistance: Creating agents capable of assisting humans in physical environments through verbal and non-verbal collaboration. Learning from Human Feedback: Extracting reward-relevant preferences from rich human input to guide agent behavior. Social Scene Understanding: Recognizing and reasoning about group activities and social roles from visual and physical cues. Computational Social Cognition: Modeling how humans perceive and interpret social and physical interactions. Scientific Awards: Outstanding Paper Award at ACL 2024 for "MMToM-QA: Multimodal Theory of Mind Question Answering" Grants & Collaborations: Tianmin Shu has led or co-organized several high-impact workshops and tutorials, including the NeurIPS 2023 Tutorial on "Language Models Meet World Models" and the RSS 2024 Workshop on "Social Intelligence in Humans and Robots". His lab has also developed open-source platforms like VirtualHome-Social and SimWorld for multi-agent interaction research. Lab & Team: As director of the Social Cognitive AI (SCAI) Lab at Johns Hopkins University, Tianmin Shu leads a multidisciplinary team focused on building socially intelligent systems. His lab is located in Malone Hall 213 and collaborates closely with the Departments of Computer Science and Cognitive Science.
Mohammad Modarres is the Nicole J. Kim Eminent Professor at the University of Maryland within the A.J. Clark School of Engineering. He serves as Director of the Center for Risk and Reliability (CRR) and is a Professor of Nuclear Engineering in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Dr. Modarres co-founded the world's first degree-granting graduate curriculum in reliability engineering at the University of Maryland and has established himself as an international expert in reliability and risk analysis. Dr. Modarres received his educational credentials from prestigious institutions: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Tehran Polytechnic M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from MIT M.S. and Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering from MIT Dr. Modarres' research spans multiple critical areas in engineering risk and reliability. His primary interests include probabilistic risk assessment, uncertainty analysis, probabilistic physics of failure, and probabilistic fracture mechanics. His work encompasses both experimental investigations and sophisticated probabilistic model development. He has made significant contributions to materials degradation science, prognosis and health management systems, and nuclear safety analysis. His research bridges theoretical developments with practical applications in complex engineering systems, particularly in nuclear power and aerospace sectors. Analysis of Dr. Modarres' recent publications reveals a strong trend toward integrating advanced data science techniques with traditional reliability engineering. His work increasingly incorporates machine learning, deep learning, and entropy-based approaches to solve complex problems in prognostics and health management. There's a clear focus on multi-unit systems, particularly in nuclear power applications, and a growing emphasis on data-driven methodologies for remaining useful life estimation and failure prediction. His research maintains a strong foundation in probabilistic methods while embracing cutting-edge computational approaches. Dr. Modarres has received numerous prestigious honors and awards throughout his distinguished career: Nicole Y. Kim Eminent Professorship in Engineering Minta Martin Professorship in A.J. Clark School of Engineering University of Maryland Distinguished Scholar-Teacher (2019) Tommy Thompson Award for outstanding lifetime contributions to nuclear safety (American Nuclear Society) Fellow, American Nuclear Society Fellow, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Life Fellow of IEEE 1996 Maryland Inventor of the Year Award (in Information Sciences) FDA Commissioner Special Citation for Contributions to Risk Assessment Methods (2004) 2008 International Research Leadership Award (Society for Reliability Engineering, Quality and Operations Management) Honorary Doctorate from Universidad Da Vinci de Guatemala As the founding director of the Center for Risk and Reliability, Dr. Modarres has built a world-renowned program that has awarded over 500 Ph.D. and master's degrees. His research has been supported by significant grants from government agencies and industry partners, particularly in nuclear safety, aerospace reliability, and critical infrastructure protection. He has mentored numerous students who have gone on to become leaders in reliability engineering across various industries. His center collaborates extensively with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and other international organizations on risk assessment methodologies. The Center for Risk and Reliability (CRR), which Dr. Modarres directs, serves as a hub for multidisciplinary research in risk and reliability engineering. The center has recently renovated its facilities to enhance collaboration among researchers from different engineering disciplines. CRR maintains strong partnerships with industry leaders including Amazon Lab126 (as evidenced by their collaboration on device durability research) and has been instrumental in advancing probabilistic risk assessment tools used in nuclear power plant safety analysis. The center hosts regular seminars, workshops, and international conferences, positioning itself at the forefront of risk and reliability research globally.
Ares J. Rosakis is the Theodore von Kármán Professor of Aeronautics and Mechanical Engineering at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), where he served as Chair of the Division of Engineering and Applied Science from 2009-2015 and previously as Director of the Graduate Aerospace Laboratories (GALCIT). He has held numerous prestigious visiting professorships including at Nanyang Technological University, Northwestern University, Columbia University, Oxford University, and École Normale Supérieure in Paris. Rosakis earned his B.A. and M.A. in Engineering Science from Oxford University in 1978, followed by his Sc.M. (1980) and Ph.D. (1982) in Engineering (Solid Mechanics) from Brown University. He joined Caltech as an Assistant Professor in 1982, was promoted to Associate Professor in 1988, and to full Professor in 1993. In 2004, he was named the Theodore von Kármán Professor, one of Caltech's most distinguished named chairs. Rosakis is globally recognized as the foremost expert in dynamic failure mechanics of solid materials. His pioneering contributions span the dynamic failure of metals, composites, and interfaces. He invented Coherent Gradient Sensing (CGS) interferometry, a novel optical method sensitive to gradients of optical path differences that has been widely adopted in fracture mechanics and thin film stress measurements. His research encompasses dynamic shear-dominated rupture of heterogeneous materials, rupture mechanics of crustal earthquakes (where he experimentally discovered 'intersonic' or 'supershear' ruptures), and reliability of thin films and in-situ wafer level metrology. His work bridges engineering science, materials mechanics, and geophysics with remarkable interdisciplinary impact. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on earthquake mechanics and laboratory simulations of seismic events, particularly supershear earthquake ruptures. The research connects fundamental fracture mechanics with real-world geophysical phenomena, revealing how laboratory-scale experiments can illuminate the physics of large-scale earthquakes. His work has established critical links between theoretical models, experimental observations, and geological field evidence. Rosakis has received numerous prestigious awards including: 2024 Foreign Member of the Royal Society, UK 2023 Honorary PhD from National Technical University of Athens 2023 Honorary Degree of Doctor of Engineering from University of Illinois 2021 Zdeněk P. Bažant Medal for Failure and Damage Prevention 2018 Timoshenko Medal from ASME 2016 Elected to the National Academy of Sciences 2011 Elected to the National Academy of Engineering Throughout his distinguished career at Caltech, Rosakis has mentored numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, many of whom have become leaders in their fields. His research has been continuously supported by major grants from the National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, and other federal agencies, focusing on dynamic fracture, earthquake mechanics, and advanced optical measurement techniques. He has served on numerous editorial boards and advisory committees for major scientific organizations. At Caltech, Rosakis leads research in the Graduate Aerospace Laboratories (GALCIT), where he has established world-class experimental facilities for studying dynamic fracture and earthquake mechanics. His laboratory features high-speed imaging systems capable of millions of frames per second, infrared diagnostics for temperature field measurements, and specialized equipment for simulating earthquake ruptures at laboratory scale. His research group combines experimental, theoretical, and computational approaches to address fundamental questions in solid mechanics and their applications to geophysics and materials engineering.
Brett Sanders is a Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the Samueli School of Engineering, University of California, Irvine. His research focuses on developing innovative algorithms for flow and transport in river and coastal systems and integrating information technologies to create more accurate and efficient simulation tools for flood hazard assessment. His primary research interests include: Flooding and erosion hazards, particularly coastal flooding and urban flooding Surface water quality Low impact development impacts on hydrology Dam-break flooding Aerial and terrestrial lidar scanning Geographical information systems High performance computing for simulation tools Social dimensions of flood risk and adaptation behaviors Dr. Sanders' recent publications (2024-2025) reveal a comprehensive research program addressing both technical and social aspects of flood risk. His work spans computational hydrodynamics, flood hazard mapping, infrastructure vulnerability assessment, and the socioeconomic dimensions of flood risk. He has made significant contributions to understanding multi-grid modeling of urban flooding, post-fire flood hazards, satellite-based monitoring of land motion, and social inequalities in flood exposure. His research demonstrates how flood dynamics are more complex than simple bath-tub filling models suggest, with important implications for urban planning and climate adaptation. Dr. Sanders has received recognition as a Chancellor's Professor at UC Irvine, indicating distinguished scholarly achievement. His educational background includes: Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the University of Michigan (1997) M.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Michigan (1994) B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley (1993)
Pedram Mortazavi is an Assistant Professor at the University of Minnesota, based in the Civil Engineering Building, Minneapolis, with contact details including email pmortaza@umn.edu and office address 236 Civil Engineering Building, 500 Pillsbury Drive SE. His research centers on structural resilience through: Steel structures and large-scale experimental testing Cast steel energy dissipative systems and passive control devices (damping/isolation) Self-centering systems to mitigate residual deformations Advanced simulation methods including hybrid and multi-platform techniques Validation and codification of new structural systems for seismic applications Analysis of his 2023-2025 publications reveals concentrated work on eccentrically braced frames with replaceable cast steel links, hybrid simulation methodologies, and low-cost re-centering solutions. His research consistently targets enhanced seismic performance, ductility, and resilience via experimental validation and practical design innovations, with significant focus on friction mitigation in multi-axial testing and ultra-low cycle fatigue of structural components.
Kayvon Fatahalian is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Stanford University. His research focuses on real-time graphics, high-efficiency simulation engines for entertainment and AI, and large-scale image/video analysis platforms. He explores intersections of computer graphics, machine learning, and high-performance computing to advance systems for interactive applications and AI-driven tasks. His work includes innovations in rendering pipelines, embodied AI simulations, and generative models for 3D content creation. Recent projects address challenges in multi-agent systems, motion synthesis, and scalable rendering architectures. Fatahalian’s contributions span technical systems, algorithmic frameworks, and foundational research in graphics and AI. Notable areas of exploration include: Real-time rendering optimizations for complex scenes AI-driven motion and style generation from sparse inputs Efficient simulation frameworks for deep reinforcement learning Weak supervision techniques for rare category detection His publications emphasize practical systems with theoretical grounding, often bridging hardware/software co-design principles with modern AI methodologies. Current work includes developing agile hardware accelerators and scalable architectures for next-generation interactive systems.
