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.
Ranjan Singh is a Professor at the Division of Physics, Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore, specializing in terahertz photonics and metamaterials. He holds an elected fellowship from OPTICA (OSA) for pioneering work in ultrafast terahertz photonics, active metamaterials, and sensors. His research focuses on hybrid THz-electronic-photonic technologies for 6G communications, topological photonics, spintronics, quantum materials, and high-Tc superconductors. Education: B.Eng. in Telecommunications (Bangalore University, 2001); M.Tech in Photonics (Cochin University, 2004); Ph.D. in Photonics (Oklahoma State University, 2009). Postdoctoral research at Los Alamos National Laboratory (2009–2013). Research emphasizes on-chip THz topological photonics for next-gen communication systems, with notable achievements including a $7M grant for TERACOMM (on-chip THz topological photonics). His work integrates AI-driven beamforming, reconfigurable metasurfaces, and phase-change materials for adaptive THz systems. Key awards include the 2020 Web of Science 'Top 1% Highly Cited Researcher' distinction. His lab, TeraX Labs (founded 2013), develops cutting-edge technologies like THz brain-computer interfaces, quantum emitters, and spintronic sensors. Over $12M in competitive grants has fueled innovations in THz integrated circuits, tunable optical coatings, and ultra-sensitive biosensors. Advancing 6G/XG wireless, Singh's team designs topological beamformers, intelligent reflecting surfaces (IRS), and terahertz metamaterials for multi-link systems. His work bridges theoretical physics and applied engineering, with a focus on energy-efficient, reconfigurable photonic systems.
Professor Goran Mashanovich is a leading academic in silicon photonics at the University of Southampton's Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) , Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences. With a Dipl. Ing. and MSc from the University of Belgrade and a PhD from the University of Surrey, he serves as head of the ORC's Mid-IR silicon photonics group. His expertise spans passive and active photonic devices in silicon and germanium for communication and sensing systems. Education: Dipl. Ing. in Optoelectronics, University of Belgrade MSc in Optoelectronics, University of Belgrade PhD in Silicon Photonics, University of Surrey MSc in Innovative Teaching, University of Surrey His research focuses on Silicon Photonics , Photonics Integrated Circuits , and Sensor Development , particularly in mid-infrared applications. His recent publications demonstrate advancements in waveguide engineering, perovskite integration, and nonlinear optical effects optimization through computational methods. As Principal Investigator on grants exceeding £20 million from EPSRC and industry partners, his collaborative projects include MISSION (mid-infrared healthcare sensors), CORNERSTONE 2.5 , and PIXEurope . He also contributes to global education initiatives as a visiting professor at the University of Belgrade's Faculty of Electrical Engineering.
Anna Delin is a Full Professor at KTH Royal Institute of Technology since 2011, leading research on magnetic and quantum phenomena in materials. She heads the WISE research school (wise-materials.org) and served as Deputy Head of the School of Engineering Sciences (SCI) from 2018–2022. Her expertise spans condensed matter physics, with a focus on nanomagnetism, skyrmions, spin-lattice couplings, and topological materials. Education: PhD in Condensed Matter Physics from Uppsala University (1998). Key awards include Naturvetarpriset (1998), Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences Research Fellowship (2007), Thuréus Prize (2018), and Edlundska Prize (2024). She has held visiting roles at ICTP, Los Alamos National Lab, and the Fritz Haber Institute. Research interests include magnetic skyrmions, magnonics, spintronics, and ultrafast demagnetization. Recent publications focus on spin-lattice dynamics, topological materials, and quantum analogs of classical magnetic models. Her work bridges theory and experiment, with contributions to tools like SpinView for computational magnetism analysis. Teaching includes roles as examiner for the Degree Project in Applied Physics and teacher for Sustainable Development in Engineering Physics. She actively participates in materials design initiatives and semantic data processing for big research data. Lab affiliations include her own research group at KTH and collaborations through WISE. Current projects explore skyrmion stabilization, magnon entanglement, and quantum spin systems, with implications for next-generation spintronic devices.
Carey Rappaport is a Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Northeastern University. He serves as deputy director of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s ALERT Center (Awareness and Localization of Explosive-Related Threats) and associate director of the Gordon-CenSSIS Center (Bernard M. Gordon Center for Subsurface Sensing and Imaging Systems). His research focuses on microwave and millimeter-wave sensing technologies for homeland security and biomedical applications, including tunnel detection, airport security systems, and breast cancer diagnostics. His work on explosives detection involves standoff and portal-based millimeter-wave radar, X-ray backscatter, IR and Terahertz spectroscopy for trace detection, and electronic sensing of hidden triggers. He has emphasized balancing technological effectiveness with privacy, health, and cost considerations in security systems. His projects include developing airport scanners with improved imaging and analyzing challenges in securing "soft targets" like public events. Rappaport's research has been highlighted in media outlets such as Boston Herald, The Economist, and Northeastern University news. He has discussed technical limitations of ground-penetrating radar in tunnel detection and policy implications for international airport security measures, including the 2011 Moscow airport bombing and 2023 Gaza Metro tunnel network analysis.
Scott Hopkins is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Waterloo, specializing in Physical Chemistry. His research integrates machine learning with experimental techniques to study ion mobility, mass spectrometry, and spectroscopic analysis. He directs the Hopkins Laboratory, focusing on computational predictions of chemical behaviors and molecular interactions. His work addresses fundamental questions in gas-phase chemistry, cluster formation, and analytical method development. Research interests span physical chemistry, computational modeling, and analytical instrumentation, with a strong emphasis on developing predictive tools for complex chemical systems. Recent investigations explore ion-solvent dynamics, fragmentation mechanisms, and machine-learning applications for spectral interpretation.
Shanshan Xu is a Dame Kathleen Ollerenshaw Fellow and Academic Lecturer in Catalysis at the Department of Materials, University of Manchester, since January 2025. She specializes in heterogeneous catalytic systems for sustainable chemical reactions, including hydrogen production, nitrogen fixation, and CO2 conversion, employing operando X-ray spectroscopy and DRIFTS techniques to study catalytic mechanisms. Previously, she worked on the EU-funded Laurelin project, focusing on CO2 conversion to renewable methanol using nonthermal plasma catalysis. She earned her PhD in Chemical Engineering (2021) and MSc in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Manchester. Her research interests span catalyst design (metal oxides, porous materials like zeolites and MOFs), operando spectroscopy (XAS, XPDF, IR), and sustainable chemistry. She leads the UoMaH research group at the University of Manchester-Harwell, collaborating internationally. Xu is actively mentoring PhD students and supervising projects in catalysis, with funding opportunities through scholarships like the President’s Doctoral Scholarship and the University of Manchester-CSC joint program. Notable awards include the Dame Kathleen Ollerenshaw Fellowship (2024), Dean’s Doctoral Scholarship (2017), and First Prize in the China ShaoXing Innovation Competition (2023). Her work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, contributing to clean energy and sustainable industrial processes. Xu’s lab focuses on advancing catalyst design through operando studies, with emphasis on nonthermal plasma systems. She collaborates on projects like the UoMaH initiative, exploring nanoparticle behavior and catalytic materials for industrial applications.
Michal Lipson serves as the Eugene Higgins Professor of Electrical Engineering and Professor of Applied Physics at Columbia University's Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science. Elected to both the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Sciences, she pioneered critical building blocks in silicon photonics that have transformed the field, with over 50,000 related publications annually. Her research has generated more than 250 scientific publications and 45 issued patents. Lipson's research focuses on nanophotonics and silicon photonics, where she demonstrated the ability to tailor electro-optic properties of silicon in landmark 2004 and 2005 Nature papers. Her work has enabled the development of photonic devices and circuits that now form the foundation of over 1,000 papers published yearly. She investigates novel optical phenomena while developing practical applications that address major bottlenecks in microelectronics. Her research spans fundamental physics to practical device implementation, with particular emphasis on integrated photonic systems. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strategic expansion from foundational silicon photonics into emerging applications including quantum information processing, machine learning acceleration, biomedical sensing, and topological photonics. While maintaining core expertise in silicon-based devices, her work increasingly incorporates 2D materials, heterogeneous integration, and novel optical phenomena to push performance boundaries. The research demonstrates consistent progression from fundamental device physics to system-level implementations with practical applications. National Academy of Engineering (2025) National Academy of Sciences MacArthur Fellowship Blavatnik Award Optica's R.W. Wood Prize IEEE Photonics Award John Tyndall Award NAS Comstock Prize in Physics Thomson Reuters Top 1% Highly Cited Researcher (annually since 2014) Professor Lipson has mentored an exceptional research group, graduating 40 PhD students and 2 MS students, with numerous postdocs and visiting researchers. Her alumni occupy prominent positions including professorships at major universities (Rochester, Ottawa, UNICAMP, Johns Hopkins), leadership roles at Intel, Bell Labs, and startups she co-founded (HyperLight, Voyant Photonics). Her laboratory has received substantial research funding supporting cutting-edge work in nanofabrication, optical characterization, and device development. Current research directions include quantum photonics, AI-accelerated optical systems, and novel materials integration. The Lipson Research Group operates state-of-the-art facilities for nanophotonic device design, fabrication, and characterization. The team comprises principal investigators, postdoctoral researchers, PhD students, and administrative staff working collaboratively across disciplines including electrical engineering, materials science, physics, and applied physics. The group maintains strong industry partnerships while pursuing fundamental scientific advances in light-matter interactions at the nanoscale.
Nikolay A. Kosinov is an Assistant Professor in Molecular Heterogeneous Catalysis at the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry. His research focuses on novel microporous catalytic materials for converting natural gas and CO2 into liquid fuels/chemicals. He holds a MSc from Novosibirsk State University (2010) and a PhD from TU/e (2014), followed by postdoctoral research at TU/e and TU Delft before joining TU/e as faculty in 2018. Education : MSc in Chemistry, Novosibirsk State University (2010) PhD in Chemical Engineering, TU Eindhoven (2014) Research Interests : Development of single-site catalysts, structure-activity relationships via operando spectroscopy, and catalytic mechanisms for unconventional gas transformations. Key areas include CO2 methanation, hydrogenation processes, and sustainable energy materials. Recent Research Trends : Recent work emphasizes bimetallic catalyst design, flame-synthesized materials, and operando studies to understand reaction mechanisms in real-time. His publications address challenges in CO2 utilization and methane activation through advanced catalytic systems. Awards : ERC Consolidator Grant (2024) NWO-M1 Grant (2024) NWO-XS Grants (2021, 2020) Teaching & Supervision : Teaches courses like Characterization of Materials and Modern Concepts in Catalysis. Supervises 43 research projects focusing on catalytic materials and sustainable processes. Labs/Teams : Active in the Inorganic Materials Chemistry research group at TU/e, collaborating on heterogeneous catalysis and sustainable development goals (SDGs) related to clean energy and climate action.
Jon Schuller is a Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), within the College of Engineering. His research focuses on nanophotonics, metamaterials, plasmonics, and their applications in energy-efficient technologies such as photovoltaics, thermal management systems, and advanced optical devices. He leads the Schuller Lab, which explores engineered metasurfaces and naturally occurring materials to control light-matter interactions at subwavelength scales. His work bridges fundamental science (e.g., quantum phenomena in hybrid perovskites) and engineering (e.g., reconfigurable semiconductor meta-optics). He is affiliated with the California NanoSystems Institute (CNSI) and actively contributes to interdisciplinary research initiatives. Contact: jonschuller@ece.ucsb.edu, Office 3221C Engineering Science Building. Research interests include directional light emission control via metasurfaces, thermal radiation tuning using phase-change materials, and the development of high-efficiency photonic devices. His lab emphasizes fabrication and characterization of nanophotonic structures, with applications ranging from space technology to exoplanet imaging systems. Recent efforts focus on electrically tunable metasurfaces and multipolar optical phenomena in layered materials. Key technical contributions involve designing reconfigurable optical antennas, optimizing metasurface-based LEDs, and exploring magnetic dipole emission in 2D perovskites. His team collaborates across disciplines to address challenges in energy, aerospace, and quantum technologies. Current opportunities include postdoctoral positions in nonlinear optics and photonics.
David Chester Upham is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering within the Faculty of Applied Science at the University of British Columbia (UBC). He leads the Upham Lab, which focuses on developing catalysts and processes for sustainable energy production, greenhouse gas mitigation, and CO 2 -free chemical conversion. Dr. Upham received his education from prestigious institutions: Postdoctoral Scholar, Stanford University (2019) Ph.D., University of California Santa Barbara (2017) B.Eng., McGill University (2010) Dr. Upham's research focuses on heterogeneous catalysis for sustainable energy applications. His work centers on developing catalysts and processes that enable CO 2 -free production of chemicals, power, and materials. He specializes in liquid heterogeneous catalysts , particularly molten metal alloys, for methane conversion, CO 2 utilization, and hydrogen production. His lab employs advanced techniques including operando IR spectroscopy, pulsed and transient analysis of reaction mechanisms, isotopic labeling studies, and in-situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy. A key aspect of his research is understanding how liquid heterogeneous catalysts behave under reaction conditions, with applications in methane pyrolysis, dry reforming, and carbon fiber synthesis. Analysis of Dr. Upham's recent publications reveals a strong focus on CO 2 mitigation and clean energy production . His work spans multiple domains including methane conversion technologies, CO 2 -to-fuels processes, and carbon-negative fuel production. A significant portion of his research investigates molten metal catalysts for methane pyrolysis and dry reforming, with applications in hydrogen production and carbon capture. His publications demonstrate an interdisciplinary approach combining chemical engineering, materials science, and environmental engineering to address climate change challenges through innovative catalytic processes. Dr. Upham actively mentors a diverse group of graduate students and researchers. His lab currently includes multiple PhD and MASc students working on various aspects of catalysis and clean energy: PhD Students: Mark Tabbara, Genpei Cai, Natascha Miederhoff MASc Students: Michael Byun, Sawyer d'Entremont, Rami Jubeili, Wyatt Schnare Postdoctoral researcher: Sonit Balyan Multiple undergraduate and visiting students from institutions worldwide The Upham Lab operates within UBC's Catalysis Labs, utilizing advanced experimental techniques to study reaction mechanisms and develop new catalysts. The lab's research has significant implications for decarbonizing the energy and chemical sectors, with potential applications in hydrogen production, carbon fiber manufacturing, and CO 2 -to-fuels technologies.
Mathieu Odijk is a Full Professor at the University of Twente's Faculty of Science and Technology, leading the Integrated Devices and Systems department. His research focuses on microfluidic systems, catalysis, and organ-on-chip platforms, with contributions to UN Sustainable Development Goals through advanced material characterization and biomedical engineering. He has authored over 120 publications and holds an h-index of 27 with 1,820 citations. Expertise: Microfluidics, catalyst particle diagnostics, SERS substrates, organ-on-chip systems, and spectroscopic techniques. Collaborations include Weckhuysen (catalysis), van den Berg (microfluidics), and Meirer (materials science). Key projects: Modular organ-on-chip platforms (STARTER), droplet-based catalyst screening, and real-time reaction monitoring via ATR-IR systems. His research combines nanotechnology and chemical engineering to develop tools for sustainable energy, environmental remediation, and biomedical applications. Recent work includes microreactors for catalyst particle analysis, light-driven urea oxidation for wearable kidney devices, and standardized platforms for organ-on-chip research.
Andrew B. Bocarsly is a Professor of Chemistry at Princeton University, affiliated with the Department of Chemistry within the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on physical inorganic chemistry, catalysis, materials science, and CO₂ conversion. He leads the Bocarsly Lab, which explores electrochemical and photochemical methods to convert CO₂ into fuels and valuable chemicals, emphasizing heterogeneous catalysts and novel materials like cyanogels. His work intersects with sustainability and energy applications, supported by collaborations with institutions like the Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment. Research Interests: - Development of catalysts for CO₂ reduction to multi-carbon species - Electrocatalytic and photocatalytic mechanisms using transition metal complexes - Low-temperature synthesis of alloys and semiconductors via cyanogel systems - Design of photoelectrochemical systems for solar energy conversion Recent trends in his publications highlight advancements in catalyst design (e.g., Ni-enhanced oxides, manganese complexes), CO₂-to-CO/1-butanol conversion, and semiconductor materials for hydrogen evolution. His lab actively mentors students, with notable graduates like Andersen Dimon and Rebecca Evans. Collaborations extend to Princeton’s Materials Institute and the Electrochemical Society. Labs/Teams: The Bocarsly Lab operates in Frick Chemistry Laboratory, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to energy sustainability. Recent activities include hosting the 19th International Conference on Carbon Dioxide Utilization (2022) and fostering undergraduate and graduate research programs.
Anne-Sophie Chauvin is a Senior Lecturer and Researcher at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), School of Basic Sciences, within the Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering and the Supramolecular Chemistry Laboratory. She actively engages in supramolecular and inorganic chemistry, focusing on f-element (lanthanides and actinides) coordination polymers and luminescent bioprobes for biological and technological applications, including invisible inks and dye-sensitized solar cells. PhD in Bioinorganic Chemistry from University Paris V-René Descartes (thesis on Nitrile Hydratase mimetics) Postdoctoral work at University of Geneva on chiral alcohol configuration analysis Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches (HDR) from University René Descartes (2006) Her research spans Lanthanide and Actinide Chemistry , Luminescence , Coordination Polymers , Metallacages , and Photovoltaic Materials . Recent publications emphasize catalytic spiro stereocenter formation, actinide coordination polymers, and photoredox-enabled biomolecule functionalization. She has supervised PhD students including Andrei Andreichenko , Julien Andrès , Steve Comby , and Aurélien Willauer . Recognitions include Fellowship of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC) and membership in the Swiss Chemical Society (SCS). Current roles include teaching General and Analytical Chemistry to first-year Pharmacy and Biology students at the University of Lausanne (UNIL), overseeing practical sessions, and serving on the EPFL School of Basic Sciences Faculty Council.
Dr. Jayshri Sabarinathan is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Western University's Faculty of Engineering, and a Faculty Member with the Institute for Earth and Space Exploration. She joined Western University in Fall 2003, received the NSERC University Faculty Award in 2004, and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2010. She previously served as Associate Director of Training (2019-2022) with the Institute for Earth and Space Exploration. Education: Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (2003) M.S.E. in Electrical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (1999) B.S.E. in Electrical Engineering and Engineering Physics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (1997) Her research focuses on developing novel nano-photonic sensors and miniature remote sensing instrumentation, with expertise spanning photonic crystals, plasmonic sensors, and CubeSat technology. Her work integrates nanofabrication techniques with practical applications in precision agriculture, geology, and space exploration. She has extensive experience with nanofabrication facilities including the University of Michigan Solid State Electronics Laboratory and Western's nanofabrication facility. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals strong emphasis on plasmonic sensing technologies, photonic crystal applications, and nanoscale optical phenomena. Her research consistently bridges fundamental photonics with practical sensor development, particularly for environmental monitoring and space applications. The publications demonstrate progression from basic photonic crystal research to applied space instrumentation. Scientific Awards: NSERC University Faculty Award (2004) US Patent 8839683 for Photonic Crystal Pressure Sensors (2014) OSA (Optica) Senior Member Co-founder of LightSail Ltd space startup Dr. Sabarinathan actively mentors graduate students through her Nanophotonic Sensors Engineering (NPSE) and Remote Sensing Instrumentation (RSI) research groups. She has secured significant funding including Canadian Space Agency projects, notably as PI for the Western University-Nunavut Arctic College CubeSat Project Ukpik-1. Her research has resulted in three patents for micro photonic-sensors and multi-spectral camera innovations. Her labs focus on two primary research thrusts: the NPSE group developing hybrid photonics micro/nano-sensors including IR/THz plasmonic sensors and bio-photonic sensors, and the RSI group creating multispectral camera imagers for UAV/mobile robots with XRD instrumentation miniaturization for Mars rovers.
