Timothy Jacobs is Professor and Head of Multidisciplinary Engineering at Texas A&M University, with joint appointment in Mechanical Engineering. His research advances combustion science, emission control, and alternative fuel applications. Education: Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan (2005) M.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan (2002) B.S.E. Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan (1999) Research focuses on fundamental combustion processes in natural gas engines, developing low-temperature combustion strategies and aftertreatment integration. Recent work optimizes prechamber ignition systems for large-bore engines and hydrogen production via piston reactors. Experimental diagnostics characterize cycle variability, unburned emissions, and flame dynamics. Publications demonstrate expertise in combustion modeling, engine control algorithms, and emission formation mechanisms. Applied research supports decarbonization of power generation and marine propulsion. Awards recognize teaching excellence and research leadership, including ASME Fellowship and university professorships. Secures funding for engine technology development from federal agencies and industry partners.
Torgeir Welo is a Professor at the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering , Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) . He specializes in metal forming , particularly aluminum alloy structures , with a focus on plastic bending behavior , dimensional stability , and 3D forming technologies . His research also encompasses Lean Product Development , emphasizing knowledge reuse and maximizing customer value in automotive and aerospace applications. Key Research Areas : Metal Forming, Aluminum Processing, Springback Control, Lean Development, Additive Manufacturing, Material Substitution Teaching : Courses on Aluminum Technology , Metal Forming Analysis , and Machine Element Design Publications (15 most recent): Focus on springback monitoring , charge weld evolution , flexible forming , machine learning applications , and circular economy frameworks in metal manufacturing.
Dr Nour Ali is a Reader in the Department of Computer Science at Brunel University London , where she co-heads the Brunel Software Engineering Lab and serves as Vice-Dean of Education for the College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences. She holds a PhD in Software Engineering from Universidad Politecnica de Valencia, Spain, and a Major in Computer Science from Bir-Zeit University, Palestine. Research Interests: Software architecture for distributed and adaptive systems, integrating techniques like Model-Driven Engineering, Reverse Engineering, and Machine Learning. Teaching: Module leader for Software Project Management and supervisor of undergraduate group projects and final-year projects. Scientific Contributions: Over 70 publications in journals, conferences, and books. Key research areas include microservice architecture recovery, autonomic healthcare systems, and mobile self-adaptive architecture. Scientific Awards: Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA). Membership: Deputy Editor-in-Chief for IET Software, member of multiple conference program committees, and reviewer for EPSRC, NWO, and other funding bodies.
Pedro Oliveira is a leading academic and administrator with diverse roles across institutions. He currently serves as Dean at Nova School of Business and Economics , where he holds the Cascais Chair in Operations, Technology, and Innovation Management . Additionally, he is a Professor MSO at Copenhagen Business School , Academic Fellow at Cornell University , and Adjunct Professor at MIT Sloan School of Management . He also founded the Patient Innovation platform and co-founded PPL Crowdfunding . Education: Ph.D. in Operations, Technology, and Innovation Management (2004), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill M.Sc. in Operations Research and Systems Engineering (2000), Instituto Superior Técnico Licenciatura in Naval Engineering (1996), Instituto Superior Técnico Research Focus: Pedro Oliveira's work centers on Open and User Innovation , Patient Innovation , and Social and Impact Innovation , with a strong emphasis on Service Operations Management and Artificial Intelligence in Innovation . His studies often bridge Technology Strategy with Healthcare and Financial Services , exploring how users can drive innovation in resource-constrained environments. Publication Trends: His recent works emphasize collaborative innovation in public and semi-public domains , patient-driven healthcare solutions , and user innovation in digital finance . He has also published extensively on knowledge commons and innovation during crises , such as the COVID-19 pandemic . Leadership and Advisory Roles: Pedro has held significant administrative roles, including Senior Associate Dean for Faculty & Research and Director of the Research Unit in Business and Economics . He has advised the Portuguese Ministry of Science, Technology, and Higher Education and served on the Environment & Sustainability Council at EDP Energias de Portugal . He is also the President of the Open and User Innovation Society and a counselor on the National Council for Science, Technology, and Innovation (CNCTI) and Economic and Social Council (CES) in Portugal. Labs and Teams: As founder of Patient Innovation , he has established a global platform for user-driven healthcare solutions. His work also includes collaborative digital health initiatives , such as the Saúde.Come Senior program addressing food insecurity in elderly populations through TV-based eHealth interventions.
Dr. Min Liu is a Professor and the Abdallah H. Yabroudi Endowed Professor in Sustainable Civil Infrastructure at Syracuse University, where she directs the Syracuse University Infrastructure Institute. She holds a Ph.D. in Engineering Project Management from UC Berkeley, and prior degrees from National University of Singapore and Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology. Her research focuses on integrating human and engineering aspects in construction planning, with emphasis on Lean Construction, Digital Twin design, and machine learning applications. She has published over 50 articles in top-tier journals and won prestigious awards such as the 2021 ASCE Thomas Fitch Rowland Award. Dr. Liu advises numerous graduate students and postdocs, offering positions in Construction Engineering and Management. Her lab develops innovative approaches for infrastructure project delivery, worker mental health, and bridge preservation strategies. Education: Ph.D. in Engineering Project Management, UC Berkeley (2007) MSCE, Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology (1997) MSc in Building Science, National University of Singapore (2001) BSc in Civil Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology (1994) Research Highlights: Large language models for construction planning reliability Ontology-based knowledge systems for construction methods Lean techniques for worker mental health improvement Socioeconomic analysis of bridge preservation strategies Awards: 2021 ASCE Thomas Fitch Rowland Award Multiple Best Paper Awards (2017-2018) "Thank a Teacher" awards (2011-2018) Her advising record includes notable students like Chuanni He (2023 Chinese Government Award) and Gongfan Chen (2022 Three-Minute Thesis Award). Current opportunities include Ph.D. financial support and postdoc positions. Dr. Liu’s work appears in journals like ASCE Journal of Management in Engineering and Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management.
Dr. Mina Najafi is an academic researcher specializing in sustainable construction, digital transformation in built environments, and place attachment theory. Her work bridges engineering, urban planning, and social sciences. She actively supervises PhD students and contributes to interdisciplinary research initiatives. Research Focus: Sustainable Construction, BIM Technology, Digital Twins, Aging in Place Strategies, and Climate Resilience. Key Projects: Exploration of digital frontiers in construction, policy analysis for energy efficiency, and community-centric design for low-density regions. Her research interests span innovative construction practices, the integration of emerging technologies, and the socio-cultural dimensions of built environments. Recent work emphasizes leveraging digital tools for supply chain optimization and climate adaptation.
Amany Farag is a tenured Associate Professor at the University of Iowa College of Nursing and Co-Director of the VA Quality Scholars Program (Iowa City site). Her work bridges nursing science, human factors engineering, and data science to address critical patient safety challenges, with a specific focus on medication administration practices across healthcare settings. Education: Postdoctoral Scholar, Case Western Reserve University, Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing PhD, Case Western Reserve University, Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing MSN, University of Alexandria, Alexandria Egypt BSN, University of Alexandria, Alexandria Egypt Dr. Farag's research centers on reactive and proactive approaches to patient safety , with dual emphasis on medication error reporting systems and nurse fatigue prevention. Her work integrates human factors engineering and machine learning to develop novel interventions. Key themes include understanding how social and system factors influence nurses' error reporting behaviors, examining fatigue as a precursor to errors, and developing self-management strategies for nurse wellness. Recent projects explore intershift recovery, sleep hygiene using consumer technology, and the impact of shift work on cognitive performance. Publication trends reveal a strong focus on interdisciplinary safety science , with consistent output in nursing, human factors, and healthcare quality journals. Her work increasingly incorporates AI methodologies while maintaining clinical relevance to frontline nursing practice. Scientific Recognition: Mary Hanna Memorial Journalism Award (Journal of Peri-Anesthesia Nursing, 2016) Author of the Year (Journal of Emergency Medicine, 2018) Junior Investigator Award (Midwest Nursing Research Society, 2018) Rogers Endowed Lectureship Award (Mississippi Medical Center, 2018) Dr. Farag secures significant funding from national agencies including the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), NIOSH-funded Healthier Workforce Center of the Midwest, CDC-funded Injury Prevention Research Center, and University of Iowa Institute for Clinical and Translational Science. Her collaborative approach spans nursing, data science, ergonomics, and public health teams. As Co-Director of the VA Quality Scholars Program, she mentors future healthcare quality leaders while advancing her research on medication safety systems and nurse fatigue mitigation strategies through interdisciplinary partnerships.
Jay P. Gore is the Vincent P. Reilly Professor in Combustion Engineering at Purdue University's School of Mechanical Engineering, with courtesy appointments in Aeronautics & Astronautics and Chemical Engineering. He holds positions at the West Lafayette campus and leads the Gore Research Group, focusing on combustion, radiation heat transfer, and sustainable energy systems. Education: B.E. from University of Poona (1978), M.S. and Ph.D. from Penn State (1982, 1986), and a Postdoctoral Certificate from University of Michigan (1987). His research spans combustion fundamentals, CO2 recycling via char gasification, laser diagnostics, and propulsion systems. He pioneered the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program at Purdue. Research interests include turbulent reacting flows, biomedical heat transfer, and global energy policy. Key subfields are combustion diagnostics, flame structure analysis, and hydrogen storage. His work integrates experimental and computational methods, with applications in aerospace, energy, and environmental sectors. Awards: Purdue Innovator Hall of Fame (2014) Fellowships: AIAA (2009), ASME (2006) Reilly Chair Professor (2000) Presidential Young Investigator Award (1991) Grants & Collaborations: Supported by DoE, NASA, and industry partnerships. Leads interdisciplinary projects on CO2 utilization and renewable energy systems. Labs/Teams: Gore Research Group specializes in combustion diagnostics, laser-based measurements, and sustainable energy solutions. Collaborations include international conferences and policy initiatives.
Professor Ahmed F. Ghoniem is the Ronald C. Crane (1972) Professor of Mechanical Engineering at MIT, directing the Center for Energy and Propulsion Research and the Reacting Gas Dynamics Laboratory. He holds a B.Sc. and M.Sc. from Cairo University and a Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley. His research focuses on computational methods in fluid-thermal sciences, turbulent combustion, energy conversion systems, and CO2 capture technologies. He has authored over 500 publications and mentored over 100 students, many of whom are leaders in academia and industry. His research interests include multiscale simulations of turbulent reactive flows, clean energy systems, and advanced combustion technologies. He has pioneered work on oxy-fuel combustion, gasification processes, and ion transport membrane reactors. Ghoniem’s contributions span fundamental science and applied engineering, addressing challenges in sustainable energy and environmental sustainability. Honors: ASME James Harry Potter Gold Medal (2015), AIAA Propellant and Combustion Award (2016), Fellowships from ASME, APS, and The Combustion Institute. Service: Leadership roles in MIT’s Energy initiatives, KAUST collaborations, and advisory boards for energy research centers. Extensive contributions to curriculum development and graduate education in mechanical engineering. Labs/Teams: Directs the Reacting Gas Dynamics Lab and leads the Center for Energy and Propulsion Research, focusing on integrated energy systems and CO2 capture innovations.
Prim. Assoc. Prof. PD Dr. Walter Struhal MSc FEAN serves as Head of the Clinical Department of Neurology at University Hospital Tulln since 2017 and holds a shared leadership role at the University Clinic for Neurology (Karl Landsteiner Private University of Health Sciences) since 2019. His career bridges clinical neurology and translational research in autonomic nervous system disorders. Research Focus : Struhal specializes in autonomic dysfunction, particularly its role in Alzheimer's dementia, post-COVID-19 neurological sequelae, and neurodegenerative diseases like multiple system atrophy. His work emphasizes modern diagnostic tools such as wearable ECGs and power modulation spectrum algorithms for signal quality control. Recent collaborations include developing the NEUROGED Guidelines for neurogenic urinary/sexual symptoms and mapping autonomic education gaps in European neurology training. Scientific Contributions : As a Fellow of the European Academy of Neurology (FEAN) , he co-led international studies on ECG quality indices (PDQI/MSQI) and participated in the AFFRICATE Project analyzing autonomic impacts of cerebral vascular interventions. His 15 most recent publications (2020-2025) span stroke care economics, dysphagia management, and autonomic testing innovations, reflecting his commitment to clinical-neurological research infrastructure development. Scientific Awards : Metric-based scholarship for Austro-Mir space research Fellow of the European Academy of Neurology (FEAN)
Josep Llach is a Senior Lecturer at the Barcelona School of Management, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, and a part-time Professor Agregat in the Department of Business Administration, Management and Product Design at the University of Girona. He is an active researcher in innovation management, organizational innovation, sustainability, and operations, with extensive involvement in European and national research projects. University: University of Girona Department: Department of Business Administration, Management and Product Design Secondary Affiliation: Barcelona School of Management, Universitat Pompeu Fabra Academic Rank: Senior Lecturer Part-Time: Yes His research focuses on the intersection of innovation, quality, and sustainability in manufacturing and service firms. He studies how lean practices, digital transformation, circular economy strategies, and green technologies impact firm performance. His work often employs advanced statistical methods such as structural equation modelling and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis. The recent publications highlight a strong trend toward sustainability, digital transformation, and methodological robustness in empirical models. His work spans industries including manufacturing, hospitality, and education, with a methodological emphasis on survey-based research and configurational analysis. Scientific Awards: Emerald Literati Awards – Most Outstanding Paper in 2018 for 'Creating value through the balanced scorecard: how does it work?' Top Downloaded Paper 2018–2019: 'Socially responsible companies: Are they the best workplace for millennials?' Josep Llach has directed five doctoral theses and actively mentors PhD students. He collaborates with the Catalan University Quality Assurance Agency (AQU) as a methodological secretary in accreditation processes. His research is supported by multiple national and European grants, particularly through participation in the European Manufacturing Survey. He is a member of the Grup de Recerca Avançada sobre Dinàmica Empresarial i Impacte de les Noves Tecnologies a les Organitzacions (GRADIENT), a research group focused on organizational dynamics and the impact of new technologies.
Maude Brunet is an Associate Professor in the Department of Management at HEC Montréal. She holds certifications as a Project Management Professional (PMP®) and is affiliated with the Mosaic Pôle créativité et innovation research group. Her expertise includes project governance, public and infrastructure projects, megaprojects, and qualitative methods. Education: Postdoctoral researcher at École de technologie supérieure (2017–2018), Ph.D. in Administration (UQAM), Master in Project Management (UQAM), and Bachelor in International Development Studies (McGill University). Research focuses on megaproject governance, innovation in construction, digitalization, and collaborative methods. Recent work explores sustainability alternatives to megaprojects and governance frameworks for public infrastructure. She has authored/co-authored over 20 journal articles and three books, including La maturité en gestion de projet: Améliorer la performance organisationnelle (2024) and Research Handbook on Complex Project Organizing (2023). Notable awards include the Highly Ranked Scholar (2025) and Prix François-Albert-Angers (2022). She advises Master’s theses and projects on topics like innovation in public infrastructure and agile project management. Teaching includes courses on project management, risk governance, and change management. She is an Associate Editor of European Management Review and actively contributes to editorial roles in project management literature.
Patrick Dallasega is an Associate Professor in the Department of Industrial Plants at the Faculty of Science and Technology of the Free University of Bolzano (Italy). He holds a PhD from the University of Stuttgart and has been a Visiting Scholar at Chiang Mai University (Thailand) and Worcester Polytechnic Institute (USA). His expertise spans supply chain management, Industry 4.0 integration in SMEs, lean construction methodologies, and sustainable production planning in ETO/MTO environments. He teaches Project Management and Industrial Plants courses in Industrial Mechanical Engineering programs. His research focuses on digital transformation in manufacturing, including smart mobile factories, augmented reality applications for training, and synchronization of production and on-site assembly processes. Collaborative projects like the AR-enhanced industrial training initiative with Memc aim to reduce errors and costs in complex industrial setups. His work emphasizes human-centered technology integration, sustainability, and real-time data utilization for adaptive production strategies. Education Bachelor/Master: Free University of Bolzano (Italy) MSc: Polytechnic University of Turin (Italy) PhD: University of Stuttgart (Germany) Research Interests Professor Dallasega’s research explores the intersection of Industry 4.0 technologies with lean manufacturing principles, particularly in complex Engineer-to-Order (ETO) and Make-to-Order (MTO) sectors. He investigates how digital twin frameworks, augmented reality (AR), and real-time data analytics can enhance supply chain resilience, reduce operational losses, and improve workforce training efficiency. His work also addresses sustainability challenges in mobile and distributed manufacturing systems, emphasizing eco-friendly logistics and smart factory design. Key Projects Recent collaborations include: Development of an AR-based training module to boost procedural knowledge retention in machinery setups Comparative studies on Industry 4.0 adoption in SMEs across Europe and Asia Framework for digital twin-driven quality control in precast manufacturing Grants & Advising No specific grants or student advisees are listed in the provided data. His focus remains on collaborative industry projects and institutional teaching responsibilities. Labs & Teams Involved in cross-disciplinary teams at the Free University of Bolzano, particularly in the NOI Techpark innovation hub. Leads initiatives on smart mobile factories and human-centered robotics applications in manufacturing environments.
Ronan Vicquelin is a University Professor (1st Class) at CentraleSupélec, Paris-Saclay University, affiliated with the EM2C Laboratory (CNRS). He serves as Head of the Department of Aeronautics, Space and Transport and co-supervises the High Performance Computing Mésocentre. His academic appointments include previous roles as University Professor (2nd class) and Head of Aerospace programs. Education includes Habilitation (University of Rouen Normandy, 2018), PhD in Energetics (École Centrale Paris, 2010), M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering & Aerospace (École Centrale Paris, 2006), and Engineering Diploma (École Centrale Paris, 2006). Research focuses on turbulent reacting flows with emphasis on: numerical simulation of combustion systems, LES/DNS methodologies, uncertainty quantification, hydrogen combustion dynamics, conjugate heat transfer, and radiative energy transfer. Current investigations explore flame stabilization mechanisms, multi-physics coupling, and high-performance computing applications for aerospace propulsion systems. Publications predominantly address combustion science, with recent works (2021-2025) emphasizing hydrogen flame dynamics, NOx emission control, advanced numerical methods for reactive flows, and experimental validation of turbulent combustion models. Thermal radiation effects and multi-phase flow interactions constitute emerging themes. Advises multiple PhD candidates with projects funded by ANR, EU programs (ACHIEVE, SOPRANO), and industry partnerships (Safran, Air Liquide). Research grants include PEPR OXY3C, ANR HyMaX, and ANR OXYTEC focusing on zero-emission combustion technologies. Leads experimental and computational research at EM2C Laboratory, coordinating teams working on turbulent combustion diagnostics, high-fidelity simulations, and development of the Mésocentre HPC infrastructure for large-scale CFD.
Prof. Akash Kumar is a Professor at the Chair of Embedded Systems at Ruhr University Bochum, Germany. He previously held professorships at TU Dresden (2015–2024) and the National University of Singapore (NUS; 2011–2015). His research focuses on design automation of embedded systems, reliability optimization, and approximate computing, with a strong emphasis on FPGA and emerging technologies. He leads projects such as Lean-MICS (DFG-funded) and SecuREFET-II, addressing cross-layer reliability and secure circuits. Education: PhD in Multimedia Multiprocessor Systems from Eindhoven University of Technology (TUe) and NUS (2005–2009), Master of Technological Design (Embedded Systems) from NUS (2003–2004), and B.Eng (Computer Engineering) from NUS (1999–2002, First Class Honours). Research interests span embedded systems, reconfigurable architectures, and hardware-software co-design. His work includes optimizing energy efficiency, fault tolerance, and cross-layer approximation techniques. Recent publications highlight advancements in FPGA-based accelerators, machine learning optimizations, and mixed-criticality systems. Active in grants and leadership, Kumar is Principal Investigator on multiple DFG and industry-funded projects, emphasizing collaborative research in distributed computing and approximate architectures. His contributions bridge theory and practice, with applications in edge AI, IoT, and cybersecurity.
