Prof. Dr. Taner Akbay is a faculty member at Yeditepe University, Faculty of Engineering , Department of Materials Science and Nanotechnology Engineering. He has held academic positions at institutions including Kyushu University, Oita University, and Imperial College London. Education: PhD in Materials Engineering (1993, Imperial College London); Master’s (1989) and Bachelor’s (1986) degrees from Middle East Technical University. His research spans Materials Engineering , Metallurgy , and Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) , with a focus on oxide ion conductivity, laser surface treatment, and phase transformations. Recent work explores photocatalysis , anion intercalation , and CO2 reduction using computational and experimental approaches. Key article trends include SOFC optimization (2004–2009), strain effects on catalysts (2015–2020), and dual-carbon battery technology (2016–2020). His work bridges fundamental metallurgy and advanced energy materials . Scientific Awards: Postdoctoral Research Sponsorship Award (EPSRC, UK) JSPS Fellowship (Japan) Daiwa Adrian Prize (2016, UK) PhD Studentship at Imperial College (European Commission) He has supervised multiple PhD and Master’s theses, including projects on dual-carbon batteries , microwave absorption nanocomposites , and rare earth recovery . Administrative roles include Head of Department (2020–2021). Non-University Experience: Worked with Mitsubishi Materials Corporation (2001), Çolakoğlu Metalurji (2010), and National Research Council Canada (2009).
Ashis K. Patra is a full-time Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur). After obtaining his Ph.D. from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore in 2008, he carried out post-doctoral research at Harvard University and the University of Georgia before joining IIT Kanpur in 2012. Education & Academic Training Ph.D. (2008), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore M.Sc. (2002), The University of Burdwan Research Interests Professor Patra leads an interdisciplinary program that sits at the interface of inorganic chemistry, chemical biology, and medicinal chemistry. His work is organized into three principal thrusts: Therapeutic Applications of Metal Complexes: Design and mechanistic evaluation of cytotoxic transition-metal complexes that target nucleic acids and proteins, aiming to overcome multidrug resistance in cancer. Nitric Oxide Delivery from Transition Metal Nitrosyls: Development of photo- and redox-triggered metal nitrosyl complexes for controlled NO release to biological targets such as hemoglobin, myoglobin, and glutathione. Luminescent Lanthanide Complexes: Synthesis and photophysical characterization of Eu(III) and Tb(III) complexes that serve as luminescent probes and theranostic agents. Research Output & Impact His group has published extensively in leading journals including Dalton Transactions , Inorganic Chemistry , Chemical Science , and Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry . The collective work demonstrates a clear trajectory from fundamental coordination chemistry to translational applications in drug delivery and bioimaging, with recurring themes of redox control, light activation, and biological targeting. Scientific Awards & Fellowships CSIR Junior & Senior Research Fellowships (2001, 2003) West Bengal SLET Qualification (2001) International Travel Grants from CSIR & INSA (2006) DST Fast-Track Fellowship for Young Scientists (2013) Erasmus Mundus NAMASTE Scholarship for Academic Staff (2014) JSPS Invitation Fellowship (2016) Teaching & Mentoring Professor Patra teaches core and advanced courses in inorganic chemistry, including Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory, Bioinorganic Chemistry, and Frontiers in Inorganic Chemistry. He actively mentors Ph.D. and master’s students (full list available on his lab website ) and has established the Laboratory of Inorganic Chemical Biology in the Old Core Lab complex at IIT Kanpur.
John Capobianco, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Concordia University and holds the Honorary Concordia University Research Chair in Nanoscience. His research focuses on lanthanide-doped nanoparticles, upconversion luminescence, and biomedical applications. PhD, University of Geneva Key research areas include: Nanomaterials synthesis and spectroscopy Upconversion for biomedical imaging Drug delivery systems Photodynamic therapy for cancer treatment Optical thermometry and sensing Recent publications highlight advancements in: X-ray detection via photochromic nanoparticles Lipid-coated nanoparticles for lung permeation Cooperative energy transfer in Yb3+/Eu3+ complexes Biocompatible nanomaterials for secure information storage Pr3+-doped radiosensitizers for glioblastoma therapy Scientific recognitions: Honorary Concordia University Research Chair in Nanoscience Teaching includes undergraduate and graduate courses in inorganic chemistry and spectroscopy. His work bridges fundamental material science with applied biomedical engineering, emphasizing optical properties and therapeutic applications of lanthanide-based nanomaterials.
Charles Winter is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Wayne State University, affiliated with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on synthetic organometallic/inorganic chemistry, materials chemistry, nanoparticles, and thin film growth via atomic layer deposition (ALD) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD). He leads the Winter Group, collaborating with institutions like Helsinki University of Technology and Duke University. Education: B.S. from Hope College (1982), Ph.D. in Chemistry from University of Minnesota (1986), followed by an NIH postdoctoral fellowship at University of Utah (1986–1988). Research interests include precursor development for ALD of metal oxides/nitrides, surface chemistry of nanoparticles (e.g., silicon nanocrystals), and energetic materials using nitrogen-rich ligands. Recent work explores metastable materials synthesis via ALD and thermal stability of strontium/barium/lanthanide complexes. Key collaborations include ALD experiments with Prof. Lauri Niinistö in Finland and engineering partnerships for silicon nanoparticle applications. Students participate in internships and cross-institutional projects. Courses taught include Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (CHM 7010), Organometallic Chemistry (CHM 6090/7090), and seminars in Inorganic Chemistry (CHM 8820).
Dr. Friederike Adams is an Independent Research Group Leader at the University of Stuttgart and University of Tübingen, focusing on Precision Polymers for Pharmaceutics . Her work bridges polymer chemistry and nanomedicine, emphasizing sustainable materials for drug delivery systems. Education: PhD in Chemistry (2019, TU Munich), M.Sc. in Chemistry (2015, TU Munich), B.Sc. in Chemistry (2013, TU Munich) Awards: No explicit awards listed Research: Specializes in living-type polymerizations, catalyst design, and post-polymerization functionalization for drug and RNA delivery . Publications: 15+ works on sustainable polyesters, metal-catalyzed polymerization, and nanocarrier systems. Students: Mentors 10+ PhD, master’s, and bachelor’s students, including Lea-Sophie Hornberger and Philipp Weingarten . Collaboration: Joint research group with the Schnichels Lab at the Eye Hospital Tübingen. Funded by BMBF and Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Science under Germany’s Excellence Strategy.
Anne-Sophie Chauvin is a Senior Lecturer and Researcher at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), School of Basic Sciences, within the Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering and the Supramolecular Chemistry Laboratory. She actively engages in supramolecular and inorganic chemistry, focusing on f-element (lanthanides and actinides) coordination polymers and luminescent bioprobes for biological and technological applications, including invisible inks and dye-sensitized solar cells. PhD in Bioinorganic Chemistry from University Paris V-René Descartes (thesis on Nitrile Hydratase mimetics) Postdoctoral work at University of Geneva on chiral alcohol configuration analysis Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches (HDR) from University René Descartes (2006) Her research spans Lanthanide and Actinide Chemistry , Luminescence , Coordination Polymers , Metallacages , and Photovoltaic Materials . Recent publications emphasize catalytic spiro stereocenter formation, actinide coordination polymers, and photoredox-enabled biomolecule functionalization. She has supervised PhD students including Andrei Andreichenko , Julien Andrès , Steve Comby , and Aurélien Willauer . Recognitions include Fellowship of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC) and membership in the Swiss Chemical Society (SCS). Current roles include teaching General and Analytical Chemistry to first-year Pharmacy and Biology students at the University of Lausanne (UNIL), overseeing practical sessions, and serving on the EPFL School of Basic Sciences Faculty Council.
Neil Champness is the Norman Haworth Professor of Chemistry at the University of Birmingham. He holds a prestigious academic position following roles at the University of Nottingham, including Professor of Chemical Nanoscience (2004-2020). His research focuses on supramolecular chemistry, crystal engineering, and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Champness leads a group pioneering studies on molecular self-assembly, surface chemistry, and functional materials. Education & Career - Began academic career with Teaching Fellowships at the University of Nottingham (1995) and Southampton (1994). - Became Lecturer in Inorganic Chemistry at Nottingham (1998), progressing to Reader (2003) and full Professor (2004). - Currently heads the Champness Group at Birmingham, established in 2021. Research Interests Champness’s work spans: - Design of porous materials (MOFs, HOFs) for gas storage and catalysis. - Surface self-assembly of 2D supramolecular frameworks. - Photoresponsive materials and molecular rotaxanes. - Chemical synthesis under constrained conditions. His group emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, linking chemistry with materials science and nanotechnology. Awards & Recognition 2019: Elected Fellow of the European Academy of Sciences 2020: EPSRC Established Career Fellowship 2016: Royal Society of Chemistry Surfaces & Interfaces Award 2011: Thomson Reuters Highly Cited Researcher 2006: Corday-Morgan Medal (Royal Society of Chemistry) Advisory Roles & Grants - Editorial roles include Chem, Crystals, and CrystEngComm. - Served on Royal Society panels, Irish Research Council, and IUPAC. - Secured major grants from EPSRC and Royal Society. Labs & Collaborations His Birmingham group collaborates globally, with visiting professorships in Japan, Australia, and Brazil. Research is supported by advanced facilities in crystallography and surface chemistry.
Professor Liu Xiaogang is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the National University of Singapore (NUS). He holds a B. Eng from Beijing Technology and Business University, M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Chemistry from East Carolina University and Northwestern University (USA), respectively, and completed postdoctoral research at MIT. His research focuses on supramolecular coordination chemistry, catalysis, chemical sensors, optogenetics, photon upconversion, and X-ray photonics. Key achievements include pioneering work on metal-organic complexes for optoelectronics and developing advanced X-ray scintillators for medical imaging. Education: B. Eng, Beijing Technology and Business University, China M.Sc. Chemistry, East Carolina University, USA Ph.D. Chemistry, Northwestern University, USA Postdoctoral Associate, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA Research Highlights: Professor Liu’s lab has produced groundbreaking advancements in luminescent materials, including directive giant upconversion via supercritical bound states and real-time single-proton counting scintillators. His work bridges chemistry, materials science, and biomedical applications, with notable contributions to photon upconversion, X-ray imaging technologies, and nanotheranostics. Awards: RSC Centenary Prize (2024) President’s Science Award (2016) Advising & Grants: As Principal Investigator of the Liu Lab at NUS, he oversees a dynamic research group focused on cutting-edge nanomaterials and their applications in healthcare and photonics. His grants include support for projects on X-ray luminescence imaging and optogenetic tools. Labs & Teams: The Liu Lab operates within NUS’s Department of Chemistry, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to advance materials innovation for biomedical and environmental challenges.
Guido Pintacuda is a CNRS Research Director and Head of the Lyon High-Field NMR Center (CRMN) at École Normale Supérieure de Lyon since 2019. His work centers on advancing solid-state NMR methodologies with ultra-fast magic-angle spinning (MAS) to achieve atomic-level resolution in complex biomolecular and materials systems that are intractable to conventional techniques. Educational background: Undergraduate studies (1992-1997) and PhD in Sciences (1998-2002) at Scuola Normale Superiore in Pisa, Italy; postdoctoral research at Karolinska Institutet (2001-2004) and Australian National University (2004). Research interests focus on pushing NMR frontiers through high-field instrumentation and fast MAS (up to 160 kHz), with dual objectives: (i) biomolecular structure determination for membrane proteins, amyloid fibrils, and viral assemblies; (ii) solid-state NMR of paramagnetic materials like battery cathodes and catalysts. His innovations include proton detection in fully protonated proteins and DNP-enhanced sensitivity. Recent publications (2021-2024) show heavy emphasis on proton-detected NMR under fast MAS for structural biology, alongside growing work in paramagnetic materials. Key trends include method development for μs–ms dynamics, miniature rotor protocols for membrane proteins, and collaborations with Bruker for 150+ kHz probe technology. Scientific awards: ERC Consolidator Grant (P-MEM-MAS, 2015-2021) Sackler Prize (2017) ISMAR Fellow (2020) Mentoring and grants: Principal investigator for major projects including ERC (2.5 M€), ANR CTRbyNMR (384 k€), and EU PANACEA (5 M€, co-coordinator). Actively mentors PhD student Clément Ollier and postdocs (Z. Sun, S. Medina-Gomez) at ENS Lyon and international schools. Labs and teams: Directs CRMN (UMR 5082 CNRS/ENS Lyon/UCBL), a world-class NMR facility with unique high-field equipment. Leads a research group developing 150+ kHz MAS probes in partnership with Bruker Biospin and maintains strong ties to the University of Delaware (T. Polenova) and European networks.
Sandeep Kumar Mishra, PhD, is an Associate Research Scientist in the Department of Radiology & Biomedical Imaging at Yale School of Medicine, where he holds a primary appointment in the Magnetic Resonance Research Center within the Division of Bioimaging Sciences. He completed his doctoral training at Pondicherry University (2017) and finished post-doctoral research at Yale in 2024 before transitioning to his current research-intensive faculty role. Education: PhD, Pondicherry University – 2017 Post-doctoral Associate, Yale University – 2024 Research Focus: Mishra’s work integrates multinuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, responsive paramagnetic probes, and nano-constructs to quantify the tumor microenvironment. Major themes include in-vivo mapping of interstitial pH and sodium gradients in gliomas, development of Fe(II)/Co(II)/Ni(II)-DOTA tetraglycinate complexes for simultaneous pH–temperature sensing, and engineering dual-modal nano-agents that couple MR angiography with therapeutic delivery (chemo-photothermal, cryo-ablation, MMP inhibition). Publication Trends: Across 28 peer-reviewed articles (2016-2025) he demonstrates a sustained trajectory in cancer imaging, moving from theranostic nanoparticles toward sophisticated spectroscopic imaging of tumor acid–base and ionic homeostasis, with increasing translational orientation involving rodent glioma and hepatocellular carcinoma models. Collaborations & Affiliations: He is embedded in Yale’s inter-disciplinary MR research ecosystem, collaborating recurrently with faculty in Radiology, Biomedical Engineering, and the Magnetic Resonance Research Center (D. Coman, F. Hyder, P. Herman, J. Verhagen, J. Santana, A. Shewarega). Contact: sandeepkmishra11@gmail.com | Magnetic Resonance Research Center, 300 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
Svetlana Kotochigova is a Research Professor in the Department of Physics at Temple University. Her research focuses on theoretical atomic, molecular, and optical physics, with an emphasis on ultracold atoms and molecules, particularly lanthanide systems and precision measurements. She holds a PhD and MS from Saint Petersburg University (1986 and 1982). Her work integrates quantum-mechanical modeling of collisions and interactions among ultracold particles, including studies of magnetic lanthanide dimers, nonadiabatic effects in heavy atom molecules, and development of molecular sensors to detect CP-violating forces. Key projects include simulating Feshbach resonances in erbium and dysprosium gases, exploring quantum control via conical intersections, and designing magic traps for ultracold molecules. Notable contributions include theoretical frameworks for understanding chaotic dynamics in lanthanide dimers and advancing methods for trapping and manipulating ultracold species. She is a Fellow of the American Physical Society (since 2012) and collaborates closely with experimental groups to bridge theory and application in quantum systems.
Kathleen J. Stebe is a Professor and the Richer and Elizabeth Goodwin Professor of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Engineering and Applied Science. She leads the Stebe Group, focusing on Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering with a research agenda centered on complex fluid interfaces and directed assembly in soft matter.
Muralee Murugesu is a Full Professor and Associate Vice-Rector of Innovation, Partnership & Entrepreneurship at the University of Ottawa's Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences within the Faculty of Science. His research focuses on designing nanoscale inorganic materials to study magnetic, conductive, and optical properties, with emphasis on molecular magnets, hybrid materials, and quantum applications. Notable projects include the development of single-molecule magnets (SMMs), lanthanide-based cluster-aggregates, and energetic materials. The Murugesu Group explores applications in quantum computing, molecular-scale electronics, and luminescence thermometry. Education details are not explicitly provided, but his academic career spans over two decades, initiating the Murugesu research program in 2006. Research interests include inorganic/organometallic chemistry, molecular magnetism, quantum properties, and nanomaterials. Key techniques used are X-ray diffraction, NMR, and SQUID magnetometry. Recent publications highlight advancements in SMMs, hybrid fullerene/carbon nanotube systems, and lanthanide-based optical/thermometric materials. Articles emphasize magnetic relaxation, luminescence thermometry, and energy transfer processes in nanostructured systems. The group's work intersects energy storage (e.g., photocatalytic hydrogen production), security (fingerprint detection), and quantum technologies. While no awards are listed, the research portfolio demonstrates significant contributions to materials science and magnetism. Advising and grants are not detailed here, though the group’s sustained output suggests strong institutional and external support. The lab’s focus on cluster-aggregates and molecular-scale devices reflects a vision for next-generation optomagnetic and energy systems.
Professor Trevor W. Hayton is a faculty member in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He leads the Hayton Research Group, which focuses on solving problems in energy science, nanochemistry, and nuclear fuel clean-up through the synthesis and characterization of transition metal, lanthanide, and actinide complexes, as well as metal nanoclusters. Dr. Hayton's research spans several key areas in inorganic and organometallic chemistry: Actinide chemistry, particularly uranium and thorium complexes Synthesis of transition metal nanoclusters Molecular activation of small molecules Investigation of metal-ligand bonding and covalency Energy-related materials and processes Analysis of Professor Hayton's recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong focus on actinide chemistry, particularly uranium and thorium complexes with various ligands. His group has made significant contributions to understanding actinide-ligand bonding, especially through NMR spectroscopy. They also continue to advance the field of transition metal nanoclusters, with recent work on nickel, copper, and iron systems. A notable trend is the increasing use of advanced spectroscopic and computational methods to probe electronic structure. Professor Hayton mentors numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, as evidenced by successful PhD defenses and award-winning research presentations. His group members learn advanced synthetic techniques including air-free procedures, and various spectroscopic and analytical methods. The Hayton Research Group operates state-of-the-art laboratories at UCSB, with dedicated spaces for air-sensitive synthesis and characterization. Group meetings are held weekly to discuss ongoing research and foster collaboration among members.
Timothy G. Strein is a Professor of Analytical Chemistry at Bucknell University, where he also held a Presidential Professorship from 2014-2017. He earned his B.S. from North Carolina State University in 1988 and his Ph.D. from Penn State University in 1992, working on electrochemistry at microvoltammetric electrodes with Dr. Andrew G. Ewing. Following a Camille and Henry Dreyfus Postdoctoral Fellowship at Bucknell (1992-1994), he joined the chemistry faculty where he has served as Department Chair (2010-2014), Acting Chair (2006-2007), and Graduate Coordinator (1998-2006, 2015-). His educational background includes: B.S. in Chemistry from North Carolina State University (1988) Ph.D. in Chemistry from Penn State University (1992) Camille and Henry Dreyfus Postdoctoral Fellowship at Bucknell University (1992-1994) Professor Strein's research focuses on bioanalytical chemistry, with particular expertise in capillary electrophoresis (CE), bile salt micelle structure, chiral separations, aqueous NMR spectroscopy, and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). His current work (2025) centers on developing rapid, inexpensive methods for chiral separations using CE, investigating the mechanisms that give rise to chiral separations with bile salt micelles by MEKC-CE, and the underlying thermodynamics driving chiral selection. He also conducts collaborative research using NMR to study bile micelle structure and ICP-MS to determine lithium ion concentrations in human blood, correlating endogenous Li levels with neurological health issues. Analysis of his recent publications (2005-2023) reveals a strong focus on chiral separations using bile salt micelles, with particular emphasis on understanding the molecular mechanisms of chiral recognition. His work spans analytical methodology development, fundamental studies of micellar structure, and applications in bioanalysis. The interdisciplinary nature of his research is evident in publications spanning chemistry, biochemistry, materials science, and medical applications. His scientific recognition includes the Henry Dreyfus Teacher/Scholar Award (TH-98-025). His external funding portfolio demonstrates sustained research support: George I. Alden Trust (2025-2030): $150,000 for HPLC instrumentation Bucknell-Geisinger Research Initiative (2024-2025): $20,000 for lithium concentration studies NSF-ROA Supplement (2021-2022): $29,600 for CE-MS interface development NSF-RUI Grant (2018-2021): $211,552 for chiral separation mechanisms Multiple previous NSF, NIH, and private foundation grants totaling over $1.5 million Professor Strein has mentored numerous undergraduate and MS students, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in academia, industry, medicine, and government. His teaching encompasses analytical chemistry, chemical equilibria, instrumental analysis, forensic chemistry, and general chemistry. He has served the department in various leadership roles and promotes undergraduate research as a central component of his scholarly activities.
