Umit Tunca is a Professor at the Department of Chemistry , Istanbul Technical University . His research focuses on polymer chemistry, click reactions, and sustainable materials. He leads projects funded by the BAP program. Current affiliations: Istanbul Technical University (1986–present) 149 research outputs (1986–2025), including 15 recent articles Supervised 47 theses according to institutional data Research Interests Click chemistry for polymer synthesis Thiol-yne and Michael reactions Hyperbranched and functional polymers Renewable resource-based materials Post-polymerization modification Metal-free catalytic systems Notable Projects Advanced Applications of Reactive Alkyne-Containing Polyesters (2022–2023) Photomodification of Polybutadiene with Phosphite Groups (2020–2021) Hyperbranched Polythioethers with Organocatalysts (2019–2020) Carbon Nanotube Surface Modification via Double Click Reactions (2016–2019)
Samir Chidiac is a Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at McMaster University. His research focuses on Sustainability and Resiliency of Materials and Structures , with key themes including Self-Consolidating Concrete (SCC) , Ultra High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) , Self-Healing Concrete , and Building Energy Efficiency . His work integrates experimental and computational methods across scales. Key Research Areas : Concrete Rheology, Durability, Self-Healing Mechanisms, Radiation Shielding, Climate Resilience Teaching : Courses like CIVENG 732: Concrete Structures , CIVENG 4BP4: Building Science , and CIVENG 4X06A: Design Projects Notable Contributions : Development of BECOP energy metric, MRCsC radiation shielding software, and multiscale models for concrete durability Collaborations : Interdisciplinary work with nuclear engineering, environmental science, and accessibility studies Email : chidiac@mcmaster.ca His recent publications emphasize climate change impacts on buildings , radiation-shielded concrete , and self-healing capsule performance . Despite extensive citations and patent references, specific scientific awards or student lists are not detailed in the provided texts.
Izabela Radecka is Professor of Biotechnology at the University of Wolverhampton's Faculty of Science and Engineering , with over two decades of experience. She holds an MSc (1990) and PhD (1994) in Biological Sciences from the University of Silesia, Poland. Specializes in microbial biotechnology for biodegradable polymer production Teaches microbiology, fermentation biotechnology, and bioremediation at undergraduate and postgraduate levels Active in Erasmus/Socrates exchange program as tutor Research focus: • Application of antimicrobial metals (silver, zinc, strontium, copper) in biomaterials • Waste valorization for eco-efficient production • Bioremediation using microbial systems • Bacterial nanocellulose for wound care • Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) and poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) synthesis Scientific Contributions: • Published 84+ papers in high-impact journals • Co-authored book chapters on biotechnological applications • Delivered numerous international conference lectures Key Grants: Mercia Spinner Pathfinder Grant (2003-2004) Innovate UK grants (2017-2020) Schlumberger Foundation projects (2019-2020) European Regional Development Fund EnTRESS project (2014-2020) Professional Recognition: Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology (since 2014) Editorial board member for journal Materials (2019)
Aaron Vance is a Lecturer in Engineering at the Faculty of Science and Engineering , University of Wolverhampton. He also serves as an Honorary Specialist in Medical Engineering at the University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust. Vance leads the multidisciplinary Health Special Interest Group (SIG) within the CEIR research center, focusing on healthcare innovations through novel materials and computational modeling. BSc Hons in Product Design Technology from Staffordshire University MSc in Advanced Technology Management from the University of Wolverhampton Pursuing PhD in Additive Manufacturing for osteogenic implants Research interests span additive manufacturing, metamaterials, sustainable innovation, and biomedical engineering. His work integrates clinical practice and commercial collaboration to develop advanced healthcare solutions. Grants and projects include Innovate UK-funded KTP partnerships and Black Country LEP initiatives focused on manufacturing skills. He contributes to pedagogical inclusivity as Faculty Enabling Tutor.
Shane Ardo is a Professor of Chemistry with a joint appointment in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the Samueli School of Engineering, University of California, Irvine. His research focuses on understanding and controlling spatiotemporal mechanisms of non-equilibrium processes relevant to desalination, atmospheric water harvesting, solar fuels devices, photovoltaics, electrolyzers, fuel cells, and electric heat pumps. Education: Ph.D. in Photo-Physical Inorganic Chemistry from Johns Hopkins University (2010) M.A. in Photo-Physical Inorganic Chemistry from Johns Hopkins University (2008) M.S. in Nutrition & Food Science from University of Maryland, College Park (2005) B.S. in Mathematics from Towson University (1999) Dr. Ardo's research program centers on understanding and controlling dynamics of non-equilibrium processes relevant to photoelectrochemical desalination, oceanic carbon capture, solar photocatalytic hydrogen production, liquid solar fuels, protonic photovoltaics, electrolyzer and fuel cell membranes, interfacial ion-transfer catalysis, excited-state proton-transfer dynamics, and ionic ratchets. His team designs and fabricates kinetically asymmetric systems using chemical synthesis and molecular-level engineering of molecule-material structures to control photo-induced charge separation, current rectification, catalysis of proton-coupled electron transfer reactions, and local temperature using photonic and heat transfer processes. Analysis of Dr. Ardo's recent publications (2024-2025) reveals a strong focus on solar energy conversion, water treatment technologies, and carbon capture. His work spans fundamental studies on proton transfer kinetics and interfacial phenomena to applied research on membrane technologies, photocatalytic systems, and scalable solar fuel production. Key themes include protonic diodes, bipolar membranes, water splitting, hydrogen production, and energy-efficient desalination processes. Dr. Ardo's research is generously supported by multiple funding agencies including the Department of Energy (Office of Science, EERE, ARPA-E), National Science Foundation, Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, and the UCI Beall Family Foundation. The Ardo Research Group is a diverse team of innovators and educators committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, opportunities, research integrity, and dissemination of knowledge. Current students and team members include Nathaniel (Gebel Award recipient), Deniz Keskin, Eric, Nate, Brad, and Holly Shafer.
Dr. Merlyn Pulikkathara is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Physics at Prairie View A&M University's Brailsford College of Arts & Sciences. A double graduate of PVAMU (BS '01, MS '04) and PhD in applied physics from Rice University, she became the first female physics tenure-track professor at PVAMU in 2020. Her research spans nanotechnology applications in aerospace, petroleum, and cancer research, with over 20 publications and significant grants including a $491,847 DoD award (2022) for STEM research enhancement. Education: BS in Physics & Chemical Engineering (PVAMU '01), MS in Engineering (PVAMU '04), PhD in Applied Physics (Rice University) Research Focus : Nanotechnology for radiation protection and sensing Carbon nanotube-polymer composites STEM/STEAM education innovation Medical applications in cancer treatment Aerospace and petroleum material engineering The 15 most recent publications demonstrate expertise in radiation effects on nanocomposites, functionalized carbon nanotube synthesis, and biomedical applications. Her work shows progression from fundamental material science (2002-2010) to advanced applications in radiation sensing (2010-2024) and STEM education initiatives (2022). Scientific Recognition : Best Faculty Award in Physics (PVAMU 2019) Harry B. Weiser Award for Teaching Excellence (Rice University 2008) Excellence in Chemistry Teaching (Rice University 2007) Dr. Pulikkathara actively mentors students and participates in institutional governance through the Faculty Senate Executive Board. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes student empowerment through problem-solving skills and interdisciplinary thinking, particularly for underrepresented groups in STEM.
Marko Kekkonen serves as a University Lecturer in the Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering within Aalto University's School of Chemical Engineering. Holding a Doctoral degree in Engineering and Technology from Helsinki University of Technology, he maintains active research contributions to industrial metallurgy and sustainable materials processing. Education Doctoral degree, Engineering and Technology, Helsinki University of Technology (2000) Licentiate degree, Engineering and Technology, Helsinki University of Technology (1997) Master's degree, Engineering and Technology, Helsinki University of Technology (1993) His research centers on metallurgical recycling processes with particular expertise in steelmaking slag valorization, high-temperature material interactions, and corrosion mechanisms. Current investigations focus on circular economy applications for industrial by-products including stainless steel dust recycling and titanium slag thermal properties. The fingerprint analysis of his work reveals strong concentrations in stainless steel processing (100%), surface science phenomena (100%), thermal conductivity measurements (80%), and titanium-based materials (80%). Recent publication trends indicate growing emphasis on sustainable metallurgy, with 40% of his 2021-2025 output addressing circular economy solutions for industrial waste streams. His collaborative projects frequently integrate materials characterization with process engineering to solve industrial-scale recycling challenges. Project Leadership OXCOR: Investigating oxide layer effects on copper corrosion in radioactive waste repositories (2019-2023) MC-CEMP: Developing master's curriculum for circular economy in materials processing (2019) Finnish Centre of Excellence in Quantum Technology (2018-2020) USeFNB: Ultrasound-enhanced biopsy technology development (2017-2023) Dr. Kekkonen maintains international research connections through multiple visiting positions at foreign academic institutions during 1998-2005. His laboratory work primarily focuses on high-temperature material testing and industrial process simulation within Aalto University's metallurgical research infrastructure.
Audeen Fentiman is the Crowley Family Professor in Engineering Education at Purdue University's School of Engineering Education. Her work focuses on curriculum design, diversity in engineering education, and radioactive waste management. She holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Nuclear Engineering from The Ohio State University, an M.A. in Mathematics from West Virginia University, and a B.S. in Mathematics from Glenville State College. Ph.D., Nuclear Engineering, The Ohio State University M.S., Nuclear Engineering, The Ohio State University M.A., Mathematics, West Virginia University B.S., Mathematics (minor, physics), Glenville State College Her research interests include first-year engineering curriculum design, recruitment/retention of underrepresented groups, P-12 curriculum reform, graduate education reform, radioactive waste management, and environmental risk assessment. She has been recognized with prestigious awards such as the Sharon Keillor Award for Outstanding Woman Engineering Educator and multiple Boyer Awards for Teaching Innovation. Awards: 2012 Fellow (American Nuclear Society), 2010 Fellow (American Council on Education), 2001 Fellow (AAAS), and others. Her advising and grants focus on fostering inclusive educational environments and advancing engineering pedagogy. She is affiliated with Purdue's Armstrong Hall and Wang Hall research lab.
Dr Sarah Bourke is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Earth and Oceans at the University of Western Australia (UWA), affiliated with the Centre for Water and Spatial Science. She holds a PhD in Hydrogeology from Flinders University and has extensive postdoctoral experience in Canada. Her research focuses on surface water-groundwater interaction, contaminant hydrogeology, and decolonizing hydrogeological practices with Indigenous communities. She leads the Master of Hydrogeology program and chairs the Western Australian chapter of the International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH). Education: Bachelor of Earth Science (Flinders University) PhD (Flinders University, collaborative project with Rio Tinto) Postdoctoral Fellowship (University of Saskatchewan, Canada) Research Interests: Climate change impacts on groundwater systems Environmental tracers for hydrological processes Sustainable water management in arid zones Indigenous knowledge integration in hydrogeology Awards: Best Presentation Award (IAH Congress, 2013) UWA Vice-Chancellor's Award for Research Technical Support Excellence (2024) Grants & Collaborations: 10+ funded projects with government/industry partners Research on groundwater recharge dynamics, nitrate contamination, and climate adaptation Labs/Teams: Active in the UWA Centre for Water and Spatial Science, collaborating with government agencies (e.g., Department of Water and Environmental Regulation) and international networks.
Dr. Jeremy Smith is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia (UWA). His research focuses on neuroendocrinology, particularly the role of kisspeptin in reproduction, energy expenditure, and metabolic disorders. He has held significant grants from NHMRC, ARC, and other institutions, including an ARC Future Fellowship. His work bridges reproductive biology and metabolic pathways, with recent projects exploring kisspeptin's effects on stress responses, placental physiology, and obesity. Education: BSc First Class Honours (UWA, 1998), PhD (UWA, 2004). Postdoctoral training included a NICHD Fellowship at the University of Washington and a NHMRC Biomedical Fellowship at Monash University. Research Interests His lab investigates kisspeptin signaling in the hypothalamus, linking reproductive function to energy balance. Key areas include: Regulation of GnRH release via KNDy neuron networks Metabolic effects of kisspeptin in obesity and energy expenditure Placental kisspeptin's role in trophoblast invasion Stress-induced suppression of fertility and kisspeptin mediation Awards Joint Winner, 3Rs Achievement in Animal Ethics (2024) His research has led to over 85 peer-reviewed articles, with recent work highlighting kisspeptin's role in circadian rhythms and thermogenesis. He collaborates internationally on projects funded through ARC and NHMRC grants, including studies on reproductive endocrinology in sheep and mouse models.
Kelsey Prissel is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences at Purdue University. Her research focuses on planetary differentiation and volcanism, particularly investigating the Moon's magmatic history through high-temperature experiments and geochemical analysis of igneous rocks. She leads a research group that combines experimental petrology with remote sensing applications to understand crust-to-core processes in planetary bodies. Key research areas include Mg-suite petrogenesis, impact melt crystallization, lunar regolith evolution, and the application of advanced analytical techniques such as QEMSCAN mapping. Her work incorporates Apollo mission samples, lunar meteorites, and field analog missions to explore planetary surface processes. Dr. Prissel collaborates on initiatives like the Artemis Pressurized Rover and the ANGSA program, advancing lunar exploration and sample analysis. Publications highlight her contributions to understanding lunar crustal formation, impact history, and the role of mantle overturn in magmatism. She actively participates in planetary mission planning and has developed instruments for in-situ lunar analysis. No formal awards or grants are explicitly listed, but her involvement in high-profile NASA projects underscores her scientific leadership in planetary science. Her lab, the Petrology Group, emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to planetary materials science, with ongoing projects on lunar and meteoritic samples. Advising focuses on graduate students engaged in experimental and analytical research, though specific advisee names are not provided in the texts.
Kevin Lindsey Thomas is the Donald F. Fortin, M.D. Distinguished Professor of Cardiology and Professor of Medicine at Duke University School of Medicine. He also serves as Vice Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. His academic journey includes a 1999 M.D. from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, followed by residency and fellowships at Duke University. His research focuses on cardiovascular health disparities, electrophysiology, and equitable healthcare access, particularly among underrepresented populations. Notable contributions include studies on racial disparities in implantable defibrillator use and the VIVID trial addressing decision-making support for Black patients. He holds leadership roles in the Duke Clinical Research Institute and has authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications. His scientific awards include the 2024 Duke Distinguished Professorship and the Donald F. Fortin Chair. Thomas leads initiatives to advance DEI in academic medicine through programs like ADVANCE-UP and collaborates on grants funded by NHLBI and NIH. He has been featured in news for his work on equitable healthcare and reducing workplace mistreatment in cardiology. Current research explores health outcomes in HIV-positive patients and the impact of colchicine on arrhythmias post-ablation.
Alexandra Badea is an Associate Professor in Radiology and Neurology, and an Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Duke University. She holds a joint appointment at the Center for Brain Imaging and Analysis (BIAC) and is a core faculty member at the Center for in Vivo Microscopy. Her research focuses on neuroimaging techniques for characterizing neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, leveraging MRI and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to study brain microstructure and connectivity. Dr. Badea’s work integrates imaging with genetics and behavioral data to develop multivariate biomarkers for early disease detection. She uses high-performance computing for advanced image analysis, including compressed sensing and deformable registration. Key projects include studying genetic risk factors (APOE alleles) and the impact of exercise on brain networks in mouse models. She has led Bass Connections teams involving undergraduate students in translational research, offering courses like BME 394/493 and NEUROSCI 493. Her grants include funding from NIH and NIA for studies on Alzheimer’s-cardiac interactions, aging mouse models, and immune-regulated metabolism. She has published extensively in journals like Neuroimage, PLoS One, and Brain Structure & Function. Dr. Badea also mentors graduate students and postdocs, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to neuroimaging and promoting STEM inclusion for women. Her lab develops tools like the SAMBA pipeline for small-animal brain analysis and collaborates on open-source software. She maintains active roles in Duke’s medical school and radiology departments, contributing to both clinical and preclinical imaging research.
Brian G. Thomas is a Research Professor and C. J. Gauthier Professor Emeritus at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), affiliated with the Department of Mechanical Science & Engineering within The Grainger College of Engineering. He concurrently holds a position as Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines and is an Adjunct Professor at POSTECH, South Korea. His roles include Director of the Continuous Casting Consortium (CCC), a collaborative industry-focused research initiative. He earned a Ph.D. in Metallurgical Process Engineering from the University of British Columbia (1985), a B.Eng. in Metallurgical Engineering from McGill University (1979), and a D.E.C. in Pure and Applied Science from John Abbott College (1976). His research focuses on computational modeling of continuous casting of steel, encompassing fluid flow, heat transfer, solidification, and defect formation mechanisms. Key contributions include developing tools like CON1D and CON2D for simulating casting processes and advancing real-time control systems like CONONLINE for thin-slab casting. His work bridges fundamental science and industrial applications, addressing challenges such as inclusion entrapment, grade transitions, and crack formation in steel slabs. Recent publications (2023-2024) emphasize multi-scale modeling of segregation phenomena, optimization of production schedules, and stopper-rod system dynamics. Awards include Honorary Membership in AIME (2024) and lifetime recognition as a top scholar in continuous casting (ScholarGPS). Prof. Thomas’s advisory roles include Vice President of the J.K. Brimacombe Society and membership in professional societies like TMS and ASME. He has received teaching accolades, including multiple recognitions as an excellent instructor by UIUC students. His patents include a spray-cooling control system for continuous casting and processes for high-quality steel production.
Bennett Goldberg is a Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Northwestern University and former Director of the Searle Center for Advancing Learning and Teaching. He holds a PhD from Brown University (1987) and has held academic leadership roles including Chair of Physics at Boston University, Director of BU's Center for Nanoscience and Nanobiotechnology, and inaugural Director of STEM Education Initiatives. His dual focus spans nanoscale physics research and innovative STEM education, emphasizing inclusive pedagogy and faculty development. Goldberg's physics work includes nano-optics, 2D material strain physics, and advanced microscopy techniques. His educational contributions include co-creating the Postdoc Academy, leading national inclusive teaching initiatives, and developing MOOCs for STEM educators. He has been awarded the Presidential Young Investigator Award and Honorius Causa from UANL. Education: BA Harvard (1982), MS/Brown PhD (1987) Leadership Roles: Director Searle Center (2016-2020), Office for Research in Higher Education (2020-2022) Key Projects: CIRTL AGEP, STEM Teaching Fellows Program, UANL engineering education collaboration His research bridges fundamental science and applied innovation, with recent focus on subcellular imaging and semiconductor circuit analysis. Goldberg actively promotes equity in STEM through curricular reforms and faculty training programs.
