G. Kane Jennings is a Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Vanderbilt University's School of Engineering, where he also serves as Director of Graduate Recruiting. His research focuses on molecular design of smart surfaces and biohybrid materials for applications in solar energy conversion, responsive coatings, and nanoscale lubrication. He leads the Jennings Lab, training students in bioinspired materials science. Jennings holds a Ph.D. from MIT and specializes in self-assembly techniques and surface-initiated polymerizations. Education: Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology M.S., Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology B.S., Chemical Engineering, Auburn University Research Interests: Jennings develops adaptive materials such as anionic chameleon coatings, biohybrid solar systems using Photosystem I proteins, and high-throughput membrane fabrication via spin coating-ROP integration. His group explores nanoscale defect detection in 3D-printed materials and corrosion-resistant surface treatments. Lab Innovations: Highlights include the mMSIP micromolding technique for customizable superhydrophobic coatings and the scROMP method enabling rapid polymer film synthesis. Collaborations with civil engineering and chemistry departments advance energy-minimizing surfaces and bioelectrochemical systems. Awards: No explicit awards listed, though his work has been funded through interdisciplinary initiatives at Vanderbilt's VINSE and Process Innovation Center.
Justin Bui is a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at NYU Tandon School of Engineering, joining in 2026. His research focuses on electrochemical technologies for decarbonization, including ion-conducting membranes, electrocatalysis, and continuum modeling. His work addresses challenges in CO2 capture, electrodialysis, and multiphase reactor design to enable sustainable energy systems. He leads a lab launching in Fall 2026, emphasizing cross-disciplinary approaches to climate solutions. Research interests include transport phenomena in bipolar membranes, electrochemical CO2 reduction, and additive manufacturing for reactor design. His publications explore topics like ion-specific energy recovery mechanisms and asymmetric membrane stability. Education and professional experience details are not explicitly provided in current records. While no awards are listed here, his work aligns with NYU’s commitment to environmental sustainability. Advising and grants details are pending as his lab initiates in 2026. Future projects will emphasize lab-scale innovations in electrochemical climate solutions.
Prof. Dr. Aliaksandr Bandarenka is a Professor at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) in the TUM School of Natural Sciences , leading the Assistant Professorship of Physics of Energy Conversion and Storage . His research focuses on electrochemical surface science and energy materials development. Education: PhD in Chemistry from Belarusian State University (2005) Key Collaborations: Ruhr University Bochum, University of Twente, Technical University of Denmark Prof. Bandarenka's research explores: Design of electrocatalytic materials via bottom-up approaches Characterization of electrified interfaces Development of sustainable energy conversion/storage systems Surface structure-activity relationships in catalysis Recent article trends (2024) include: ORR electrocatalyst optimization using ZIF-8 templating Advanced impedance spectroscopy for battery/electrolyzer diagnostics Mesoporous oxide materials for energy applications Surface structure effects on double layer capacitance Scientific Recognition: Ernst Haage-Prize (2016) Hans-Jürgen Engell Award (2013) He teaches graduate courses on: Electrified interfaces Energy materials science Electrocatalysis fundamentals Hands-on experiments in battery technology
Dr. Mortaza Saeidi-Javash is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). He joined in Fall 2022 following his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame, where he received the Prince Engineering Fellowship and Dehner Graduate Fellowship. His research focuses on developing next-generation flexible electronics using advanced materials and 3D printing technologies, particularly thermoelectric devices for wearable applications and multifunctional sensors for structural health monitoring. Dr. Saeidi-Javash's academic background includes interdisciplinary work combining materials science, additive manufacturing, and machine learning. His Ph.D. research emphasized aerosol jet printing and ultrafast flash sintering to create high-performance, low-cost thermoelectric devices. He has published extensively in journals like Advanced Materials and Nano Energy , with a focus on flexible electronics, energy harvesting, and sensor integration. His recent publications highlight innovations in machine learning-aided materials discovery, plasma sintering processes, and hybrid printing methods. These contributions address challenges in scalable manufacturing, energy efficiency, and wearable technology applications. Dr. Saeidi-Javash’s work bridges gaps between fundamental materials research and practical engineering solutions for sustainable energy systems and smart devices. Awards: Prince Engineering Fellowship (University of Notre Dame) Dehner Graduate Fellowship in Engineering (University of Notre Dame) Advising & Office Hours: Office: ECS-647 Office Hours: Wednesday 12:00-2:00 PM Advising Hours: Thursday 12:30-1:30 PM His research lab focuses on additive manufacturing of functional materials, with ongoing projects in thermoelectric energy conversion, wearable sensors, and biomaterials for cardiac tissue engineering.
A. Alperen Günay is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Bilkent University . He previously served as an Assistant Professor at METU (2021-2023) and as a researcher at The University of Tokyo (2019-2021). Günay earned his PhD and MS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign under Dr. Nenad Miljkovic. Current Affiliation: Bilkent University Prior Affiliations: METU, University of Tokyo Education: PhD (UIUC), MS (UIUC), BS (METU) Research Focus : Developing green passive thermal devices through nanomaterials and phase change technologies. Key areas include radiative cooling , thermophotovoltaic systems , and nanomaterial-based heat sinks . His work spans energy conversion, thermal management, and optical property characterization. Scientific Awards : TÜBİTAK 2232-B Award Laboratory Leadership : Dr. Günay directs the Thermal Research & Optics Laboratory (TROL), focusing on projects like metal-organic framework systems , passive evaporative cooling , and greenhouse films for year-round thermal regulation .
Dr. Yuanzhi Tang is the Georgia Power Professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology with joint appointments in the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences and School of Civil and Environmental Engineering. He directs the Center for Critical Mineral Solutions, co-founded the Georgia Partnership for Essential Minerals, and serves as Associate Co-Director of Interdisciplinary Research at the Brook Byers Institute for Sustainable Systems. He is also Co-Editor-in-Chief of Chemical Geology and Associate Editor of Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta . His research investigates molecular-scale interfacial processes in natural and engineered systems, focusing on: Contaminant fate/transport at microbe-mineral-water interfaces Biogeochemical cycling of metals and nutrients Resource recovery from waste streams Synchrotron applications in environmental science Recent publications emphasize rare earth element recovery, waste valorization, and sustainable energy materials, employing advanced spectroscopic techniques to understand reaction mechanisms. Professor Tang leads an active research group with multiple postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and undergraduates. His externally funded projects include: NSF: Rare earth elements in sedimentary systems DOE: Critical metal recovery from waste streams NASA: Manganese oxide formation mechanisms DoD: Rare earth separation technologies
Kaushik Nayak is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad . His research spans semiconductor device physics, mesoscopic electronics, and electro-thermal effects in nanoscale transistors, with recent work on diamond MOSFETs, 2D material contacts, and thermal resistance in nano-sheet FETs. Ph.D., Indian Institute of Technology Bombay M. Tech., Microelectronics, IIT Bombay B.E., Electronics & Telecommunication, Utkal University He teaches advanced courses on semiconductor device modeling, mesoscopic electronics, and electromagnetic wave propagation. His publications focus on nanoelectronics, device variability, and high-temperature operations. Contact: knayak@ee.iith.ac.in .
Yu Xia is a Post Doc at the Department of Chemistry, Stockholm University, Sweden. He is affiliated with the Tom Willhammar Research Group, focusing on advanced electron microscopy and diffraction techniques for structural characterization of materials. PhD (2019–2023) from a joint program between the University of Birmingham (UK) and the Southern University of Science and Technology (China). Research emphasizes fabrication of metallic nanoparticles with non-equilibrium structures and shapes using gas-phase condensation and thermal shock methods. Specializes in scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), in-situ heating experiments, and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) for nanoparticle analysis. Current work prioritizes 4DSTEM imaging for electron beam-sensitive materials and Python-based post-processing of electron microscopy datasets. Yu Xia's research spans Materials Science , Nanotechnology , and Electrocatalysis , with applications in photocatalytic hydrogen evolution , graphene composites , and advanced electron microscopy techniques . His work often integrates computational image processing with structural characterization to optimize material properties. Publications highlight innovations in heterostructure engineering , metallic alloy catalysts , and electron beam-sensitive material imaging . No scientific awards are explicitly mentioned in the provided text. Yu Xia's technical expertise includes Python scripting for image analysis, in-situ electron microscopy , and multifunctional graphene-based materials .
Jeffrey R. Errington is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University at Buffalo (SUNY). His research focuses on developing molecular simulation methods to study interfacial phenomena in complex fluids, including CO2 sequestration, enhanced oil recovery, and ionic liquid behavior. He holds a BS (1995) and PhD (1999) in Chemical Engineering from the University at Buffalo and Cornell University, respectively, and completed postdoctoral work at Princeton University. Education: BS, Chemical Engineering, University at Buffalo, 1995 PhD, Chemical Engineering, Cornell University, 1999 Research Interests: Computational methods for interfacial properties Molecular simulation of carbon capture and environmental systems Thermodynamic modeling of ionic liquids and nanomaterials Recent Work Trends: Recent articles emphasize advancing Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics techniques for studying fluid interfaces, with applications to energy storage, environmental engineering, and material science. Key themes include interfacial wetting, adsorption in nanoporous materials, and free-energy landscape analysis. Awards: NSF CAREER Award (2003) NYSTAR James D. Watson Investigator Award (2004) SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence (2016) UB Exceptional Scholar Awards (2005, 2014) Leadership & Service: Director of Undergraduate Studies (2006–2014) Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education (2014–2023) Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs (2023–2024) Chair, CoMSEF Forum (American Institute of Chemical Engineers) His research group actively collaborates on CACHE Corporation initiatives and develops educational tools for undergraduate researchers.
Dr. Hongli (Julie) Zhu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at Northeastern University's College of Engineering. Her research focuses on sustainable energy storage, multifunctional materials, and advanced manufacturing, with emphasis on developing environmentally friendly biomass-derived materials, all solid-state batteries, and flow batteries. She leads the ZHU Lab at Northeastern University, which is dedicated to creating safer, cheaper, and higher performance energy storage solutions while exploring multifunctional materials derived from nature. Dr. Zhu received her PhD from South China University of Technology and Western Michigan University (2004-2009). She conducted postdoctoral research at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden (2009-2011), focusing on biodegradable and renewable biomaterials from natural wood, followed by additional postdoctoral work at the University of Maryland (2012-2015), where she researched nanocellulose and energy storage. Dr. Zhu's research spans multiple disciplines at the intersection of materials science, energy storage, and sustainable manufacturing. Her work addresses critical challenges in energy storage technology, including developing all solid-state batteries, flow batteries, and high energy density battery systems. She has pioneered research in sustainable biomass-derived materials, particularly investigating cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin for applications in bendable, implantable, and biocompatible electronics. Her lab also focuses on advanced manufacturing techniques, including high-speed roll-to-roll processing for emerging advanced materials and devices. Analysis of Dr. Zhu's publication record reveals a strong focus on next-generation battery technologies, particularly solid-state systems. Her research demonstrates significant contributions to understanding and improving lithium dendrite suppression, electrode architecture optimization, and interface stabilization in solid-state batteries. She has also made substantial advances in sustainable materials derived from natural resources, developing applications for cellulose nanostructured fibers, paper, and aerogel/hydrogel systems. MRS Communications Early Career Distinguished Presenters and JMR Distinguished Invited Speakers (2024) Selected in Stanford University List of Top 2% Scientists Worldwide (2021-2024) College of Engineering Faculty Fellow (2023) Soren Buus Outstanding Research Award (2022) Women in Materials Science, Advanced Materials (2021 and 2022) Women Scientists at the Forefront of Energy Research, ACS Energy Letters (2020) Innovator of the Year 2013, Maryland Jakob Wallenberg Scholarship, Sweden Dr. Zhu has secured significant research funding from various sources, including the National Science Foundation and Department of Energy. Her current projects include "Uncovering the mechano-electro-chemo mechanism of fresh Li in sulfide based all solid-state batteries through operando studies" (NSF), "Enabling Advanced Electrode Architecture through Printing Technique" (DOE), and "Engineering the Metal Sulfide Interface in All Solid State Batteries through Operando Study" (NSF). She collaborates with industry partners including Rogers Corporation and has developed patented technologies related to sustainable materials and energy storage. Dr. Zhu serves as Codirector of Advanced & Intelligent Manufacturing, Editor of Progress in Materials Science, and on the Editorial Advisory Board of Chemical Society Reviews. The ZHU Lab at Northeastern University is a highly interdisciplinary research group that bridges scales from the nanoscopic to macroscopic and system level. The lab's work has led to numerous patents, including "Natural fiber composites as a low-cost plastic alternative" and "Fire-retardant Nanocellulose Aerogel, and Methods of Preparation and Uses Thereof." The group focuses on making energy storage safer, cheaper, and higher performing while exploring multifunctional materials derived from nature, with particular emphasis on applying high-speed roll-to-roll manufacturing to emerging advanced materials and devices.
Michael S. Eberhart is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). His research focuses on solar energy conversion, specifically photoexcited charge transfer reactions and biomimetic strategies for artificial photosynthesis. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Columbia University (2016) and a B.S. in Chemistry from New Mexico State University (2010). His work integrates electrochemistry, electrocatalysis, and photoelectrocatalysis to develop sustainable solutions for energy and environmental challenges. Eberhart’s lab, eberhartlab.com , explores molecular functionalization of electrodes for water remediation and solar fuel generation. His recent studies highlight innovations in mesoporous metal oxide photoanodes and surface-bound molecular complexes for enhanced catalytic efficiency. Major research themes include stabilizing chromophores on nanostructured materials, designing bifunctional chromophore assemblies, and optimizing charge transport pathways. His articles from 2017–2021 emphasize advancements in photoelectrochemical systems, with a focus on water oxidation catalysis and plasmon-enhanced light utilization. The lab’s interdisciplinary approach bridges inorganic chemistry, materials science, and renewable energy applications.
Denizhan Yavas is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Rice University, joining in 2024. He holds a Ph.D. in Engineering Mechanics from Iowa State University (2018), an M.Sc. in Aerospace Engineering from Middle East Technical University (METU Ankara, 2013), and a B.S. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (METU Ankara, 2010). Prior to Rice, he served as teaching faculty at the University of Central Florida. His research focuses on experimental and computational solid and fracture mechanics , with emphases on deformation/failure mechanisms in advanced composites and additively manufactured materials, architected materials, interfacial fracture, and ice adhesion. Key areas include bioinspired interfaces, interfacial fracture toughness, and material characterization under dynamic and static loading conditions. Notable recent work explores fracture behavior of 3D-printed thermoplastics, bioinspired soft-hard interfaces, and additive manufacturing techniques for enhancing interlaminar shear strength. These studies highlight cross-cutting themes in materials science, mechanical engineering, and aerospace applications. Awards: Preeminent Postdoctoral Award (University of Central Florida) Research Excellence Award (Iowa State University) Teaching Excellence Award (Iowa State University) Teaching & Advising: No current advisees listed, but actively involved in undergraduate/graduate mechanical engineering education. His work bridges fundamental mechanics research with practical applications in advanced manufacturing, materials design, and aerospace engineering.
Professor Dan Zenkert is a faculty member at Kungliga Tekniska Högskolan (KTH) in the Department of MATERIAL AND STRUCTURAL MECHANICS. He earned his M.Sc. (Aeronautics) and Ph.D. (Lightweight Structures) from KTH, becoming a docent (D.Sc.) in 1996, associate professor in 1998, and full professor in 2001. His research focuses on multifunctional composite materials, particularly carbon fiber-based systems for energy storage (structural batteries), shape-morphing composites, integrated sensing, and energy harvesting. Collaborations with Electrochemistry and Polymer Chemistry groups drive innovations in structural batteries, where materials simultaneously bear mechanical loads and store energy. He teaches courses on lightweight structures and composite mechanics. Research highlights include structural battery design using laminated carbon fiber electrodes, piezo-electrochemical sensing via Li-ion intercalation, and shape-morphing composites through electrochemical actuation. Recent work explores electrolyte optimization, LiFePO₄-coated electrodes, and long-term performance of multifunctional systems. Publications span over 30 years, with contributions to journals like Composites Science and Technology and Advanced Energy & Sustainability Research . His teaching includes roles as examiner and course responsible for programs like Fibre Composites and Future Sustainable Aviation. Personal interests include fly-fishing, motorcycle riding, and basketball coaching. Scholarly contributions include over 130 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, with active involvement in conferences like ICCM and ECCM.
Peyman Karami is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Laboratory of Biomechanical Orthopedics (LBO) within École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)'s College of Engineering . Research focuses on adhesive hydrogels for cartilage repair and orthopedic applications Investigates biomimetic stimuli (hydrostatic pressure, temperature) in chondrocyte homeostasis Develops ligin-based multifunctional hydrogels for sustainable biomedical applications Expertise in mechanobiology and thermomechanical regulation of tissue-engineered constructs Scientific Contributions: Leads 15+ publications on hydrogel technologies for cartilage regeneration, thermomechanical stimulation effects, and lignin functionalization, including breakthrough work in NIR-light photocuring , malacic trachea repair , and biomimetic temperature gradients . Current Research Trends: Prioritizes injectable adhesive hydrogels , noninvasive tissue repair , and multi-functional biomaterials that couple mechanical and biochemical cues for enhanced regeneration.
Alexey Vorobiev is a Researcher at Uppsala University's Materials Physics department, focusing on neutron reflectometry and magnetic materials. His work spans thin films, superlattices, and nanoparticle interfaces. Education : Not explicitly mentioned in the text. Research Interests Vorobiev's research explores magnetic properties of materials, surface interactions, and neutron optics. Key areas include spintronics, nanoscale assembly, and thin film characterization. His work often integrates experimental methods like neutron scattering with materials engineering. Article Trends Recent publications emphasize neutron-based techniques for studying magnetic multilayers, graphene oxide behavior, and nanoparticle self-assembly, reflecting a strong focus on interfacial physics and advanced material synthesis.
