David B. Lindell is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Toronto, with affiliations to the Vector Institute and AXL. He is a founding member of the Toronto Computational Imaging Group. His research focuses on physically based intelligent sensing, integrating physical models, signal processing, and AI to advance sensing systems. Notable projects include imaging around corners, through scattering media, and developing machine learning algorithms for 3D scene reconstruction. Education: Ph.D. in Computational Imaging from Stanford University (advisor: Gordon Wetzstein). Awards include the 2024 Ontario Early Researcher Award and the Best Student Paper at CVPR 2025. His work combines computational imaging with applications in computer graphics and autonomous systems. Research interests span non-line-of-sight imaging, single-photon sensing, and neural representations. Key contributions include the Light-Cone Transform (Nature 2018), confocal diffuse tomography (Nature Communications 2020), and AutoInt (CVPR 2021). His lab develops systems for 3D reconstruction, transient imaging, and photon-efficient sensors. Selected grants and support: NSF CAREER Award, DARPA REVEAL program, and KAUST Visual Computing Center funding. Active collaborations with industry and academic institutions on autonomous driving and medical imaging applications.
Jouni Partanen is a Professor at Aalto University's Department of Energy and Mechanical Engineering within the College of Engineering. His research focuses on advanced production technologies including Additive Manufacturing (3D-Printing), modern laser processing, and micromachining. Research Group: Materiaaleista tuotteiksi Specialization: Integration of AI in manufacturing processes Sustainability emphasis: Biochar-reinforced materials and carbon footprint reduction His work spans from fundamental material behavior analysis to industrial applications, particularly in metal additive manufacturing and composite fabrication. Recent research explores corrosion resistance in lattice structures and multiscale photopolymerization techniques. Publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches combining mechanical engineering with biomedical applications (e.g., patient-specific implants) and environmental health studies on industrial 3D printing emissions.
Prof. Raffaello D'Andrea is a Full Professor at ETH Zürich's Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, affiliated with the Institute for Dynamic Systems and Control. His research focuses on bridging digital and physical worlds through robotics, control systems, and autonomous systems. He has pioneered work in aerial robotics, swarm systems, tactile sensing, and soft robotics. His philosophy emphasizes solving 'easy' problems with scalable, robust solutions, prioritizing simplicity and replicability. Key research areas include UAV navigation, distributed control, tactile sensor design, and fault-tolerant systems. He has founded multiple organizations and led roles as CTO/CEO, emphasizing cross-disciplinary innovation. His work has commercial applications in logistics, healthcare, and automation, driven by a belief in technology's role in improving human life. Notable projects include the Cubli robotic cube, aerial vehicle swarms, and optical tactile sensors for robotics. His lab emphasizes collaboration and team leadership, aiming to translate theoretical insights into practical, scalable technologies. Scientific awards: None explicitly listed in the provided texts. Advising and grants: No students listed in the provided texts; grants information not detailed. Labs/Teams: Leads research at ETH Zurich's Institute for Dynamic Systems and Control, collaborating with industry and academic partners globally.
Supratik Guha is a Professor at the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering and Senior Advisor to Argonne National Laboratory's Physical Sciences and Engineering directorate. His work bridges industrial R&D with academic and national lab research, focusing on quantum computing , semiconductor materials , and sensor networks for water and soil monitoring. Guha leads Argonne’s quantum information science strategy and serves as Faculty Director for the University of Chicago Center in Delhi. Education: PhD in Materials Science (USC, 1991), BTech in Engineering Physics (IIT Kharagpur, 1985) Research interests span multiple domains: Quantum technologies focusing on erbium-doped oxides for quantum memory and quantum interconnects Sensor networks for soil and water quality monitoring using cyberphysical systems Nanofabrication techniques including controlled spalling for heterogeneous material integration Advanced memory technologies exploring ferroelectric and optically addressable memory at atomic scales Scientific awards include: Election to National Academy of Engineering (2015) APS Prize for Industrial Applications of Physics (2015) Vannevar Bush Faculty Fellow (2018) Fellow of Materials Research Society and American Physical Society IBM Corporate Award (2013) Advising notable students like Manish Kumar Singh (co-founder memQ ), Cheng Ji (now at Intel), and Vamsi Nittala (now at Micron Technology). His group contributes to major DOE , NSF , and USDA funded projects including: Q-NEXT - DOE National Quantum Information Center AIFARMS - NSF/USDA AI for Agriculture Institute Thoreau Project - Geospatial sensor networks Labs and teams operate across University of Chicago and Argonne National Lab , with facilities for molecular beam epitaxy , nanofabrication , and optical/electrical characterization . The group has spawned startups like memQ (quantum networking) and K1 Semiconductors (wide-bandgap material transfer).
Professor Hanumant Singh leads the Electrical and Computer Engineering department at Northeastern University, with a joint appointment in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering , and serves as Program Director for the Master of Science in Robotics. He earned his Ph.D. from MIT/WHOI Joint Program in 1995 and has conducted over 60 expeditions globally, focusing on marine geology, polar studies, and coral reef ecology. His research emphasizes field robotics , including SLAM, underwater manipulation, and imaging in extreme environments. He developed the Seabed AUV and Jetyak ASV , widely used in scientific research. His labs include the Field Robotics Lab and the Institute for Experiential Robotics . Research Interests: Machine Learning for Fisheries SLAM with dynamic objects Underwater imaging and manipulation Autonomous surface and aerial systems Polar and marine robotics Awards: ICRA Best Student Paper Award, IEEE Oceanic Engineering Society Distinguished Faculty Award (2025), Lifetime Achievement Award (2022), and IEEE Fellow status. His work has been featured in Nature Geoscience , Polar Biology , and media outlets like WGBH. Students & Collaborations: Advises students like Srinidhi Pattala (MS Robotics) and Dennis Giaya (PhD Computer Engineering). Collaborates with institutions on projects such as Antarctic sea ice thickness estimation and deep-sea submersible missions.
Michael McAlpine is a Professor in the Mechanical Engineering department at the University of Minnesota . He also holds affiliations with the Biomedical Engineering and Electrical and Computer Engineering departments. His research focuses on 3D printing functional materials & devices , Nanoscale inks , Biomedical devices , Bioelectronics , and Flexible Microsystems . Research Interests : 3D Printing, Biomedical Engineering, Nanotechnology, Flexible Electronics, Microfluidics Labs : ME 361/363 Contact : mcalpine@umn.edu , (612) 626-3303, ME 117 Recent Research Trends include 3D Printed Biomedical Devices , Flexible Electronics , and Bioprinting Applications . His work spans from Spinal Organoid Formation to Programmable Drug Release Capsules . Scientific Award : Circulation Research 2020 Best Manuscript Award
Mark Foster is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Johns Hopkins University, with a primary appointment in the Whiting School of Engineering. He is also a Fellow of the Hopkins Extreme Materials Institute. His research focuses on developing ultrahigh-speed optical systems at the intersection of photonics and electronics, emphasizing photonic devices and information theory to advance imaging, sensing, and communications technologies. Applications include quantum-optical systems, ultrawide-bandwidth microwave photonics, and terahertz-rate imaging systems. Dr. Foster received his BS (2003), MS (2007), and PhD (2008) in Applied and Engineering Physics from Cornell University. Before joining Johns Hopkins in 2010, he served as a postdoctoral associate there. His work has been funded by the NSF, IARPA, DTRA, and NIH, resulting in over 200 publications and eight patents. He has held leadership roles, including chairing the IEEE Photonics Society’s Baltimore chapter (2011–2014). Research Highlights: World-leading imaging systems achieving terahertz frame rates Quantum-optical platforms and nonlinear photonic materials (e.g., NbTiOx) Secure authentication via physically unclonable functions (PUFs) Applications in fusion energy diagnostics and medical imaging His awards include the NSF CAREER Award (201?), DARPA Young Faculty Award, and ONR Young Investigator Award. Current projects explore machine learning-resistant PUFs, multi-modal imaging systems, and photonics for extreme environments.
Adriana Schulz is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science & Engineering at the University of Washington's College of Engineering. She leads a research group focused on computational design, computer-aided design (CAD), and digital fabrication. Her work bridges computer science with practical applications in manufacturing, robotics, and sustainable design. Dr. Schulz received her Ph.D. in Computer Science from MIT in 2018 under the supervision of Professor Wojciech Matusik. Prior to her doctoral studies, she earned a Master's degree in Mathematics from IMPA (Instituto Nacional de Matemática Pura e Aplicada) in Rio de Janeiro, where she worked with Professor Luiz Velho, and a Bachelor's degree in Electronics Engineering from UFRJ (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro). Her research interests center around computational tools that enhance design and manufacturing processes. She develops novel algorithms for CAD systems, computational fabrication techniques, and sustainable design approaches. Her work spans multiple domains including robotics, textiles, electronics, and architecture, with a strong emphasis on creating practical tools that designers and engineers can use in real-world applications. She explores how machine learning, particularly neurosymbolic approaches, can improve design workflows and enable new capabilities in computational design systems. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong trend toward more intelligent and user-centered design tools. Her research increasingly integrates machine learning with traditional CAD systems to create more intuitive interfaces, supports sustainable design practices with computational tools, and develops novel fabrication techniques that push the boundaries of what's possible with digital manufacturing. She has made significant contributions to zero-waste fashion design, immersion cooling for high-performance computing, and CAD program understanding through novel representation learning techniques. Innovators Under 35 - MIT Technology Review Bolsa Aluno Nota 10 from FAPERJ Engineer 20000 award Dr. Schulz actively mentors several PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, including Haisen Zhao, Ben Jones, Yuxuan Mei, and others, often in collaboration with colleagues across different departments. Her research has attracted significant media attention, with coverage in major outlets including MIT News, BBC, IEEE Spectrum, Wired, and TechCrunch. Her work on Interactive Robogami was noted as the most read article in the International Journal of Robotics Research in its publication year. She leads a vibrant research group at the University of Washington that focuses on computational design systems, with particular emphasis on creating tools that bridge the gap between digital design and physical fabrication. Her team develops novel algorithms for CAD systems, computational fabrication techniques, and sustainable design approaches that have practical applications across multiple industries.
Michele Zorzi is a Professor of Telecommunications at the School of Engineering, University of Padova, Italy, where he has held a faculty position since 2003. He leads the SIGNET (Signal processing and Networking) Research Group, focusing on cutting-edge wireless networking challenges including mmWave communications and underwater networks. His extensive publication record exceeds 600 papers in top-tier journals and conferences, reflecting significant contributions to the field through both theoretical and experimental work. He received his Laurea Degree (1990) and Ph.D. (1994) in Electrical Engineering from the University of Padova. Prior academic appointments include Politecnico di Milano (1993-1996), University of California San Diego (1995-1998), and University of Ferrara (1998-2003), where he progressed from Associate Professor to full Professor. His educational trajectory demonstrates deep roots in Italian academia with international exposure. Professor Zorzi's research spans wireless communications and networking, with current emphases on mmWave networking for vehicular systems, underwater acoustic/optical communications, non-terrestrial networks, and AI-driven networking solutions. His group conducts experimental validations including at-sea trials for underwater systems and testbeds for vehicular networks. Key projects include PRATA for predictive QoS in autonomous driving and IoT-based environmental monitoring of the Venice Lagoon, demonstrating practical applications of theoretical work. Analysis of his 2022-2025 publications reveals strong trends in applying artificial intelligence to networking challenges across diverse environments. There is significant emphasis on vehicular networks (predictive QoS, teleoperated driving), underwater systems (acoustic/optical communications, AUV swarms), and satellite networks (Starlink integration, NTN security). Experimental validation in real-world scenarios like the Venice Lagoon monitoring project and underwater sea trials characterizes his applied research approach. His scientific accolades include: IEEE Fellow (2007) IEEE Communications Society Best Tutorial Paper Award (2008, 2019) Stephen O. Rice Best Paper Award (2018) Multiple best paper awards at IEEE conferences (2005-2020) As principal investigator for numerous European and US research projects plus 20+ industry-funded initiatives, Professor Zorzi has mentored over 35 PhD students and post-docs. Graduates now hold prominent positions at institutions including Stanford, UCSD, CTTC, and Huawei. His SIGNET group maintains active international collaborations and contributes to open-source networking tools via GitHub, demonstrating commitment to community engagement. The SIGNET Research Group, housed within the Department of Information Engineering, operates specialized experimental facilities for mmWave and underwater communications. Current initiatives include AI-based predictive QoS frameworks for vehicular networks, underwater optical communication systems using ultraviolet light, and large-scale IoT deployments for environmental monitoring. The group's GitHub presence indicates strong open-science practices, while recent sea trials confirm hands-on experimental capabilities beyond theoretical work.
Perla Maiolino serves as an Associate Professor in Engineering Science at the University of Oxford and Principal Investigator of the Soft Robotics Lab (SRL) within the Oxford Robotics Institute. Her academic foundation includes BEng, MEng, and PhD degrees in Robotics and Automation from the University of Genoa, where she pioneered CySkin technology for distributed tactile sensing in robots—later exhibited at the Science Museum in London. She expanded her expertise during a 2017-2018 postdoctoral fellowship at Cambridge University's Biologically Inspired Robotics Lab, focusing on soft robotics and tactile perception. Dr. Maiolino's research centers on developing artificial skin systems, soft robotic actuators, and distributed sensing architectures. Her work bridges biological inspiration with engineering innovation to create robots capable of safe human interaction and dexterous manipulation in unstructured environments. Key contributions include compliant beaded-string jamming mechanisms for anthropomorphic fingers, monolithic 3D-printed soft pneumatic arms (JAMMit!), and distributed time-of-flight sensor networks for robotic self-awareness. Recent publications (2024-2025) reveal a strong convergence of tactile sensing with machine learning, featuring optical flow for gesture recognition, diffusion models for artificial skin simulation, and zero-shot sim-to-real transfer techniques. Her team has made significant advances in multi-modal sensing integration, variable stiffness actuation, and scene flow estimation for robots operating in dynamic surroundings. Scientific Awards No specific awards were documented in the provided institutional materials. Advising and Grants While her leadership of the Soft Robotics Lab implies active student supervision and grant management, detailed information about advisees or funded projects was not included in the source documentation. Labs and Teams As Principal Investigator of the Soft Robotics Lab at Oxford Robotics Institute, Dr. Maiolino directs research on tactile perception systems, soft actuation mechanisms, and sensor-integrated robotic structures. The lab's work focuses on applications requiring safe physical interaction, including healthcare robotics and human-robot collaboration scenarios, with emphasis on multi-material 3D printing and embedded sensing technologies.
David Erickson is the SC Thomas Sze Director and Sibley College Professor at Cornell University's Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. He also holds a joint professorship in the Division of Nutritional Sciences. His research focuses on global health technologies, medical diagnostics, microfluidics, photonics, nanotechnology, and energy systems. He previously served as Associate Dean of Engineering for Research and Graduate Programs. Erickson leads the NIH-funded PORTENT Center for Point-of-Care Technologies in Global Health and has co-founded companies like Dimensional Energy and VitaScan to commercialize diagnostic and energy technologies. Education: B.Sc., Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta (1999) M.A.Sc., Mechanical Engineering, University of Toronto (2001) Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, University of Toronto (2004) Postdoctoral Scholar, Electrical Engineering, California Institute of Technology (2005) Research Interests: Erickson’s work spans global health diagnostics , nanobio applications , and clean energy innovation . He develops portable medical devices for low-resource settings, including smartphone-integrated diagnostic tools for malaria, iron deficiency, and cancer. His lab also pioneers photothermal reactors for CO2 conversion into sustainable fuels. Key areas include: Point-of-care testing for infectious diseases and nutritional deficiencies Nanofluidic and optofluidic technologies for biomolecular analysis Solar-driven energy systems for carbon-neutral fuels Awards: Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (2011) Fellowships from the Optical Society, ASME, and Canadian Academy of Engineering Carbon X-Prize Finalist (2019) for Dimensional Energy’s CO2-to-fuel technology Grants & Industry Collaboration: Erickson’s research is funded by NIH, NSF, ARPA-E, DOE, and USAID. His lab’s innovations have spun off start-ups addressing global health and energy challenges. Notable projects include: - Portable cancer diagnostics in sub-Saharan Africa using mobile phone-based systems - Solar-powered CO2 conversion reactors tested in Wyoming and Arizona Labs & Teams: The Erickson Lab collaborates with the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability and the McGovern Center for Entrepreneurship. Key initiatives include the PORTENT Center and the Dimensional Energy CO2-to-fuel project.
Edward H. Adelson is the John and Dorothy Wilson Professor of Vision Science at MIT, affiliated with the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences and the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL). His research spans computer vision, human vision science, and robotics, with a focus on artificial touch sensing and tactile robotics. He has pioneered technologies like the GelSight tactile sensor, enabling high-resolution touch sensing for robots surpassing human skin sensitivity. Adelson holds a PhD in Experimental Psychology from the University of Michigan (1979) and a BA in Physics and Philosophy from Yale University (1974). His career includes roles at MIT since 1987, progressing from Associate Professor to Professor and later the Wilson Chair. He contributed to early vision theories, including the plenoptic function and motion energy models, and has been recognized with prestigious awards like the Helmholtz Prize (2013) and Rank Prize (1992). His research interests include material perception, optical sensing, and the integration of vision and touch. Key innovations include the plenoptic camera, layered representation techniques for motion analysis, and tactile sensors for robotics. Adelson has authored over 300 publications and holds numerous patents in imaging, vision, and robotics. Awards and honors include membership in the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. His work bridges neuroscience and engineering, advancing both fundamental understanding and practical applications in robotics and computer vision.
Hugo de Lasa is a Full Professor at the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Western Ontario. He holds a Bachelor in Chemical Engineering (1968) from Universidad Nacional del Sur, Argentina, and a Doctoral degree (1971) from Université de Nancy, France. Research Focus: Catalysis, Photocatalysis, Chemical Reactor Engineering, Fluidization, Biomass Gasification Awards: Research Excellence Prize (1998), Fellow of the Chemical Institute of Canada (2000), Medal of Research and Development (2000), Doctor Honoris Causa (2004, 2018) His work spans chemical reactor design , photocatalytic hydrogen production , and fluidized bed technologies . Recent publications highlight machine learning applications in chemical equilibrium modeling and CO2 capture using microalgae. He founded the Chemical Reactor Engineering Centre (CREC) and Recat Technologies Inc. , a university spin-off commercializing reactor innovations. Awards include the Vanguard Award (2019) and Commemorative Issue in Catalysts Journal (2020). His research has generated 389 peer-reviewed publications , 14 patents , and over 10,000 citations .
Stephen Redmond is an Associate Professor at the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at University College Dublin (UCD), where he leads the Biomedical Sensors and Signals Research Group. He completed his Bachelor of Electronic Engineering at UCD in 2002, followed by a PhD in biosignal processing in 2006 on at-home sleep staging. After spending 10 years at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, he returned to UCD in 2018. His educational background includes: BE Electronic Engineering, University College Dublin (2002) PhD Biosignal Processing, University College Dublin (2006) Redmond's research focuses on the intersection of signal processing, pattern recognition, and novel sensing hardware to enable longitudinal health monitoring in home environments. His group has developed expertise in wearable sensor systems for human movement analysis, robust physiological signal measurement in unsupervised settings, tactile physiology and sensing, and the application of deep neural networks for medical image segmentation and robotic manipulation. His work bridges biomedical engineering with practical applications in healthcare and robotics. His recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward integrating tactile sensing with machine learning for robotic applications, particularly in slip detection and dexterous manipulation. His research spans multiple disciplines including biomedical engineering, robotics, computer vision, and artificial intelligence, with a particular emphasis on practical applications that bridge the gap between laboratory research and real-world implementation. His notable recognition includes: Science Foundation Ireland President of Ireland Future Research Leaders Award for his project on tactile sensing As a research leader, Redmond mentors multiple doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers, securing significant research funding to support his team's work in tactile sensing and robotic manipulation. His research group has established strong industry connections, notably through the co-founding of Contactile, a tactile sensor company. The group maintains active collaborations with both academic and industry partners to translate research into practical applications. The Biomedical Sensors and Signals Research Group operates a well-equipped laboratory featuring advanced robotics platforms including a UR5e six-axis arm, Physik Instrumente Hexapods, ATI force/torque sensors, multiple 3D printers, and specialized tactile sensing equipment including Contactile Dev Kits and Meta Digit tactile sensors. This infrastructure supports their research in tactile physiology, sensor development, and intelligent robotic manipulation.
Jungsang Kim is the Schiciano Family Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Professor of Physics at Duke University. He serves as Associate Director of the Duke Quantum Center and leads the Multifunctional Integrated Systems Technology group. Quantum Computing with Trapped Ions Quantum Information Science Photonic Device Development Quantum Communication Networks His research focuses on scalable quantum information processors using trapped atomic ions and advanced photonic technologies. Key innovations include microfabricated ion traps, optical MEMS, and cryogenic systems for quantum integration. Recent publications highlight trapped ion quantum simulation, high-fidelity gate design, and photonic error mitigation. His group develops practical quantum hardware and co-founded IonQ, the first publicly traded pure-play quantum computing company. Fellow, American Physics Society (2021) Stansell Family Distinguished Research Award (2016) Fellow, National Academy of Inventors Fellow, Optica (formerly OSA) Kim's work bridges quantum physics and engineering, with over 80 patents and leadership in Duke's quantum computing initiatives. He recently stepped down as IonQ's CTO while maintaining active research and strategic roles at Duke.
