Prof. Dr.-Ing. Johannes Henrich Schleifenbaum is a Professor and Chair of Digital Additive Production at RWTH Aachen University, where he leads research in the Profile area Production Engineering (ProdE). His work advances additive manufacturing (AM) through interdisciplinary approaches combining materials science, process engineering, and digital technologies. His research encompasses: Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) process optimization and defect mitigation Development of novel alloys/composites for AM applications Sustainable manufacturing practices including material recycling Integration of AI/ML for accelerated material and process design Digital tools for automated design and distributed manufacturing Recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate a strong focus on: Multi-material processing and microstructure control Machine learning-driven alloy development Standardization and scalability of AM processes Advanced simulations for meltpool dynamics and thermal behavior Applications in aerospace, construction, and biochemical engineering He leads the Chair of Digital Additive Production, collaborating with industry partners to translate research into industrial solutions for next-generation manufacturing.
Herman Bruyninckx is a Part-Time Full Professor at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) in the Mechanical Engineering department, specifically within the Control Systems Technology group and EAISI High Tech Systems initiative. He also serves as a professor (Hoogleraar) at KU Leuven in Belgium. Academic focus on robotics, control systems, and multi-agent coordination Active research in model predictive control , semantic mapping , and dynamic constraint algorithms Recent publications address industrial automation , agro-food robotics , and haptic technology Research Highlights : Developed hybrid decision-making frameworks for multi-agent navigation Innovated swing-free control methods for robotic pick-and-place operations Formulated constrained dynamics algorithms with LQR-Gauss principle integration Created ExoTen-Glove for haptic feedback in virtual environments Collaborative Projects : Coordinated with researchers like René van de Molengraft , Elena Torta , and Koen de Vos Contributed to NWO/TTW FlexCRAFT project for cognitive robotics in agro-food technology
Dr. Hwan-Sik Yoon is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at The University of Alabama, where he focuses on applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to automotive, transportation, and manufacturing systems. His research spans modeling, simulation, and control of dynamic systems, with a strong emphasis on connected and automated vehicles (CAVs), energy-efficient routing, and sensor fusion technologies. Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, Ohio State University, 2002 M.S., Mechanical Engineering, Ohio State University, 1998 B.S., Physics Education, Seoul National University, Korea, 1994 Dr. Yoon’s research integrates AI/ML into applications such as traffic signal control , excavator manipulator pose estimation , hybrid electric vehicle powertrain control , and factory floor safety monitoring . He is also involved in additive manufacturing , vision-based control systems , and reinforcement learning -driven automotive innovations. Recent publications highlight trends in deep reinforcement learning for vehicle energy efficiency, sensor fusion for traffic surveillance, and neural networks for dynamic system control. His work addresses challenges in multi-component failure analysis and real-time edge computing platforms . NSF Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award (2019) College of Engineering Faculty Productivity Award, Tennessee Tech University (2012) Dr. Yoon leads the Intelligent Structures and Systems Laboratory and serves as the lead CAVs faculty advisor for the University of Alabama’s EcoCAR student team, which has achieved national recognition in advanced vehicle technology competitions.
Associate Professor Chengguo Zhang is a researcher at the University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) specializing in Mining Engineering and Geomechanics . His work focuses on improving mining safety and sustainability through fundamental and applied research on dynamic rock mass failures , groundwater-mining interactions , and data-driven visualization technologies . He currently serves as the Postgraduate Research Coordinator for the School of Mining Engineering. PhD in Mining Engineering from UNSW Sydney (2015) Coordinates postgraduate research programs Recipient of multiple teaching and research awards Research Interests: Zhang's work addresses critical mining industry challenges through: Quantification of energy sources and dissipation in rock masses for rockburst management Integration of AI data analytics and 3D visualization for geotechnical risk assessment Mine subsidence and coupled hydro-mechanical behavior of rock discontinuities Development of digital ground control management systems Article Trends: His recent publications demonstrate expertise in: Numerical modeling of rock fracturing mechanisms Nonlinear fluid flow analysis in fractured rock masses Shotcrete and ground support system evaluation Hydro-mechanical coupling during shear processes Energy-based coal burst risk classification Scientific Awards: Tim Shaw Award for Innovation in Teaching (2024) International Outstanding Young Scholar Award (2023) UNSW Education Excellence Award (2021) UNSW Research Excellence Award (2018) Research Supervision: Supervises 12 active PhD students (9 as primary/joint supervisor) and has guided 11 PhD completions (7 as primary/joint supervisor), including 3 Dean's Award recipients. Focuses on numerical modeling, data visualization, and machine learning applications in mining geomechanics.
Tat Kong is a Professor in the Department of Politics and International Studies at SOAS University of London, specializing in East Asian political economy with particular expertise in Korean studies, Taiwan politics, and North Korea's political economy. His research spans comparative political economy, economic reform processes, labor relations, and international relations in East Asia. Professor Kong's research interests focus on the political economy of East Asia, with particular emphasis on: The political economy of South Korea, including labor relations, economic reform, and democratic transitions North Korea's economic policies, marketization processes, and political constraints on reform Taiwan's political development and socio-economic inequality China-North Korea relations and China's foreign policy toward the Korean Peninsula Comparative analysis of East Asian capitalism and socio-economic inequality The interplay between state security, regime stability, and economic development in East Asia His extensive publication record demonstrates consistent scholarly engagement with East Asian political economy over three decades. Kong's research shows a clear evolution from studying South Korea's democratization and economic development in the 1990s to more recent analyses of North Korea's economic reforms and changing patterns of inequality across East Asia. His work frequently employs comparative frameworks, examining how different East Asian states have responded to globalization while maintaining distinctive political systems. Professor Kong has contributed significantly to policy discussions on Korean Peninsula issues, having provided written evidence to the UK House of Commons Foreign Affairs Select Committee on North Korea's nuclear capacity and security issues. His research combines theoretical sophistication with policy relevance, making important contributions to understanding the complex political economies of East Asia.
Prof. Xing Yang is a Professor at KU Leuven's Institute for Sustainable Metals and Minerals (ISM2), leading the Process Engineering for Sustainable Systems (ProcESS) research group. His work focuses on developing membrane-based technologies for sustainable resource recovery and environmental protection, with strong emphasis on metallurgical and wastewater applications. His research centers on advanced membrane engineering for separation processes, particularly membrane distillation, electrodialysis, and solvent extraction-based systems. Key interests include designing stimuli-responsive membranes, optimizing ion-selective transport, and developing energy-efficient processes for metal recovery from end-of-life batteries and industrial waste streams. His work bridges materials science, chemical engineering, and environmental sustainability to address critical resource scarcity challenges. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2024-2025) reveals a dominant focus on lithium and transition metal recovery through electro-driven membrane processes. He pioneers innovations in membrane architecture – including macrocycle-based channels, zwitterionic coatings, and PVDF modifications – to achieve unprecedented selectivity in complex matrices. His research consistently targets industrial applicability, with demonstrated applications in battery recycling, wastewater valorization, and CO 2 capture systems. The ProcESS research group operates within KU Leuven's Institute for Sustainable Metals and Minerals, collaborating across metallurgy, environmental engineering, and materials science disciplines. Their work integrates experimental membrane fabrication with process modeling to develop scalable solutions for circular economy implementation in resource-intensive industries.
Mostafa Ammar is a Regents' Professor and Interim Chair at the School of Computer Science , Georgia Institute of Technology. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Waterloo and degrees (S.B., S.M.) from MIT. His career spans academia, industry collaboration, and leadership in networking research. Research Interests : Network architectures, protocols, and services; multicast communication; multimedia streaming; content distribution networks; disruption-tolerant networks; mobile cloud computing; network virtualization; HTTP adaptive streaming; video quality of experience (QoE); encrypted traffic analysis; vehicular networks; peer-to-peer systems; overlay networks. Funding : Supported by NSF, DARPA, AFOSR, CISCO, IBM, Intel, BellSouth, Sprint, and others. His research focuses on video QoE estimation using network measurements, mobile cloud computing , and network agility through virtualization. Recent work includes machine learning approaches for encrypted traffic analysis and scalable techniques for network performance. Key scientific awards include: IBM Faculty Partnership Award (1996), Best Paper at WWW '98, IEEE Fellow (2002), ACM Fellow (2003), GT Outstanding Doctoral Thesis Advisor (2006), IEEE TCCC Service Award (2010), ACM Mobihoc Best Paper (2012), College of Computing Awards (2015, 2018), IFIP Best Paper (2018), and multiple teaching excellence awards (2013-2017, 2022 CIOS Award). Dr. Ammar has advised 39 PhD students , many of whom hold prominent positions at institutions like UC Santa Barbara, Emory University, and companies including Google, Microsoft, and Facebook. His editorial leadership includes Editor-in-Chief of IEEE/ACM Transactions on Networking (1999-2003) and roles in conference committees.
Professor Quanmin Zhu is a Professor in Control Systems at the School of Engineering, University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol, UK, holding this position since 2004. His academic career spans over four decades, including roles as Lecturer at Qiqihar University (China, 1983-1986), Post-doctoral Researcher at University of Sheffield (UK, 1989-1994), Lecturer at University of Brighton (UK, 1994-1997), and Lecturer/Reader at Aston University (UK, 1997-2004). His educational background includes: MSc in Engineering from Harbin Institute of Technology, China (1980-1983) PhD from University of Warwick, UK (1986-1989) Professor Zhu's research centers on dynamic system modeling, identification, control, and simulation, with pioneering contributions to nonlinear control systems, robust control methodologies, and U-model based control frameworks. His work bridges theoretical advances with practical applications in robotics, renewable energy systems, and industrial automation, emphasizing model-free and adaptive control solutions for complex nonlinear dynamics. Analysis of his 2021-2025 publications reveals a dominant focus on robust control for uncertain nonlinear systems, with significant contributions to sliding mode control, multi-agent coordination, and cyber-physical security. His research increasingly integrates machine learning techniques (e.g., actor-critic reinforcement learning) while maintaining core expertise in optimization-based control algorithms applied to UAVs, robotic manipulators, and wind energy systems. His professional honors include: Chartered Engineer (CEng) Fellow of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (FIET) Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) As an academic leader, Professor Zhu serves as President/Founder of the International Conference on Modelling, Identification and Control (ICMIC), Editor/Founder of Elsevier's Book Series on Emerging Methodologies in Modelling and Control, and University Ambassador for UK-China educational collaboration. His research group secures substantial grants in control theory applications, with ongoing projects in U-model control platforms and international partnerships. He leads the Control Systems research group at UWE, driving innovation in the U-control platform and its industrial applications. His team maintains strong international collaborations, particularly with Chinese institutions, and actively develops the Elsevier Book Series as a key publication channel for emerging control methodologies.
Alan Briones Delgado is a researcher at the La Salle School of Engineering , Universitat Ramon Llull , with a focus on Internet of Things , Cybersecurity , and Transport Protocols . His work spans projects funded by the European Commission and national grants, including EXCEL4HOUSING4.0 , WeB-Nimbus , and NG-SOC , addressing challenges in cloud computing education, ecological monitoring, and security operations. His research integrates Artificial Intelligence and Wireless Sensor Networks for sustainable solutions. Key research areas include Quality of Service in heterogeneous networks, Environmental Conservation via IoT, and Teaching and Learning strategies for Big Data. Projects like EcoSentinel and BTL-COP highlight his commitment to Environmental Monitoring and Community Policing applications. His collaborations extend to institutions in the UK , Albania , and Western Balkans . Contact: alan.briones@salle.url.edu
Maria Pau Ginebra Molins is a Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the Barcelona East School of Engineering (EEBE), Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC). She leads the BBT Research Group focused on Biomaterials, Biomechanics and Tissue Engineering and is affiliated with the Institute of Research and Innovation in Health. Her educational background, while not explicitly detailed in the provided text, reflects extensive expertise in materials science with a specialization in biomaterials, evidenced by her substantial research portfolio spanning over three decades. Professor Ginebra Molins' research spans biomaterials development, bone tissue engineering, and advanced manufacturing techniques. Her work focuses on calcium phosphate-based materials, 3D printing technologies for bone scaffolds, hydrogel systems, and surface modifications of biomaterials to enhance biological responses. She has pioneered approaches in vat photopolymerization, direct ink writing, and the development of stimuli-responsive biomaterials. Analysis of her recent publications (2024-2025) reveals a strong emphasis on translational research with clinical applications. Her work bridges fundamental materials science with practical medical solutions, particularly in bone regeneration, dental implants, and antimicrobial biomaterials. The publications demonstrate expertise in advanced characterization techniques, including spectroscopy and nanoindentation for biomaterial evaluation. Multiple competitive R&D projects including CEX2023-001300-M Maria Maetzu Centre Ciència i Enginyeria Multiescala 17 documented awards and recognitions Leadership in the Inspiring the next generation of innovators project Patents related to 3D-printed bone grafts Professor Ginebra Molins actively supervises doctoral students, with Johansson, L. completing a thesis on 3D-printed biomimetic bone grafts. Her research group (BBT) collaborates extensively with industry and clinical partners to translate laboratory findings into medical applications. She participates in numerous competitive research projects funded by national and European programs, demonstrating the high impact and relevance of her work in the biomaterials field.
Alba Espí Malillos serves as a Professor in the Department of Animal Production and Health, Veterinary Public Health, and Food Science and Technology (PASAPTA) at the Catholic University of Valencia, Spain. Her office is located at C/ Tirant lo Blanc, 7, 46115 Valencia, with contact details including telephone 96 136 90 00 and email alba.espimalillos@uchceu.es. Her research spans three interconnected domains: Animal Production focusing on sustainable livestock systems; Veterinary Public Health addressing zoonotic disease control and food safety; and Food Science and Technology examining processing innovations and quality assurance. This tripartite expertise positions her work at the critical intersection of animal welfare, human health protection, and food industry advancements, with practical applications in agricultural policy and public health initiatives.
Alistair McCulloch is a Professor in the Learning and Teaching Unit at the University of South Australia, with significant expertise in doctoral education and research supervision. Previously, he served as Professor and Dean of Research and Knowledge Transfer at Edge Hill University near Liverpool for over 12 years, where he was responsible for the development and quality of the university's research degree programs. His primary research interests focus on doctoral education, PhD supervision, and graduate education, with particular attention to the experiences of part-time doctoral students, especially working mothers. McCulloch's work explores sociocultural transitions in doctoral education, the role of oral examinations (vivas), and the concept of serendipity in research. His research demonstrates a consistent concern with the wellbeing of doctoral students and the structural factors that affect their success. McCulloch's publication record shows a clear evolution from early work in political history (notably his 1979 thesis on the 1910 UK General Election) toward contemporary issues in higher education. His recent work (2022-2025) focuses on critical issues in doctoral education including student wellbeing, supervisor-student relationships, and assessment practices. He has been particularly active in examining the experiences of marginalized doctoral student populations and has contributed significantly to the literature on part-time doctoral study. As an academic leader, McCulloch has been involved with the Quality in Postgraduate Research (QPR) conference series held in Adelaide, South Australia, which brings together international scholars interested in doctoral education. His work bridges theoretical perspectives (including Marxist theory on work and alienation) with practical concerns in doctoral program design and implementation.
Dr. Nabil Nasr serves as Associate Provost for Academic Affairs and Director of the Golisano Institute for Sustainability (GIS) at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). He also holds leadership positions as CEO of the REMADE Institute and Member of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) International Resource Panel (IRP). His academic journey includes a BS from Helwan University (Egypt), M.Eng. from Pennsylvania State University, and MS and PhD from Rutgers University. Dr. Nasr is an internationally-recognized leader in sustainability research with expertise spanning sustainable manufacturing, remanufacturing, circular economy, and sustainable product development. His work emphasizes systems thinking and technological innovation to build regenerative industrial systems. He has pioneered research in value-retention processes, establishing frameworks for remanufacturing, refurbishment, repair, and direct reuse as strategic approaches to resource efficiency. His publication record demonstrates significant contributions to circular economy implementation across multiple sectors. Analysis of his recent work reveals strong focus on practical applications of circular strategies in industrial systems, automotive production, and urban mobility solutions, with emphasis on developing decision support tools and business cases for sustainable practices. Remanufacturing Industries Council 2017 ACE Award Rochester Engineering Society 2017 Engineer of Distinction APRA Asia-Pacific Most Influential Expert on Remanufacturing Award (2016) Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) Fellow Dr. Nasr has established numerous research centers and initiatives including the world's first university-based remanufacturing research hub (1997), the Center for Integrated Manufacturing Studies (2002), and the REMADE Institute - the largest recycling and remanufacturing consortium in the United States. His leadership extends to international forums including the UN Environment Programme, World Trade Organization, and OECD, where he influences global sustainability policy.
Reda Mastouri is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Data Sciences within the College of Computer and Information Sciences at Saint Peter’s University. He combines academic roles with 12 years of industry experience as a Lead Cyber Security Engineer and Product Consultant, collaborating with Fortune 200 and 500 companies. His teaching includes courses such as DS-520 Data Analysis, DS-530 Big Data, and CS-332 Advanced Computing. Ph.D., AI & Data Sciences, Saint Peter’s University M.Eng., Telecommunication and Network Engineering, ENSA-M Cadi Ayyad University M.S., Data Sciences, Saint Peter’s University B.S., Computer Sciences, New Jersey Institute of Technology B.A., Applied Mathematics, Rutgers University His scholarly work focuses on AI-driven algorithms for truth demystification and cluster computing applications in high-fidelity image/video forgery detection within cybersecurity. Additional expertise spans DevSecOps, enterprise architecture, and software economics, with a dedication to innovation in business strategy and technology integration. Dr. Mastouri’s research trends emphasize heterogeneous ad hoc networks, collaborative honeypot architectures, and blockchain-based security models for IoT. His work addresses distributed attack detection, false positive/negative reduction, and protocol optimization, aligning with his specialization in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. Certified Splunk Super User Palo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity Associate (PCCSA) CyberArk Certified Trustee Certified Scrum Professional SFPC Certified 10-Hr OSHA Training for the Construction Industry Certified Project Management Essentials Certified (PMEC)™ Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt (ICYB) CPR & AED Certified AWS Certified Developer Associate Scrum Foundation Professional Certificate NSE 1 Network Security Associate NSE2 Fortinet's Network Security Expert
Elisa Riedo is a tenured Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at New York University (NYU) Tandon School of Engineering, with joint appointments as Professor of Physics in NYU’s College of Arts and Science and as affiliated Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Tandon. She serves as Director of Faculty Development at NYU Tandon and has held prior tenured positions at Georgia Tech (2003–2015) and CUNY ASRC (2015–2018). Her academic career spans over two decades, with a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Milano (2000) and postdoctoral work at EPFL. Her research focuses on nanotechnology , graphene and 2D materials , and thermal scanning probe lithography (tSPL) , with applications in biomedical diagnostics quantum electronics electromagnetic interference shielding mechanical reinforcement of materials She pioneered tSPL for sustainable nanofabrication and discovered diamene—a single-layer diamond structure from graphene under pressure. Her recent work involves transparent infrared electrodes using silver nanowires (2025) and self-organized graphene stacking domains for quantum technologies (2024). She has secured major grants from National Science Foundation , Department of Defense , and Army Research Office . Scientific honors include: 2023 NYU Tandon Excellence in Research Award 2013 American Physical Society Fellow 2005 CREA Innovation Award Membership in the Academy of Europe (2023) She contributes to editorial boards for journals like 2D Materials and Applications and advises companies such as Mirimus Inc. and SwissLitho AG .
