Nelson Sepulveda Alancastro is a Professor and Interim Chairperson of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at Michigan State University's College of Engineering, with a joint appointment in Mechanical Engineering (ME). He holds a Ph.D. (2005) and M.S. (2002) from Michigan State University, and a B.S. (2001) from the University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez. His research integrates micro/nano sensors, smart materials, and energy harvesting, with applications in biomedical devices, environmental monitoring, and MEMS. Research Focus: Dr. Sepulveda's work centers on ferroelectret nanogenerators, vanadium dioxide-based reconfigurable devices, flexible sensors, and machine learning for sensor data analysis. His lab develops self-powered systems for biomechanical monitoring, invasive species detection, and concussion prediction. Awards and Honors: MSU Withrow Teaching Excellence Award (2018) MSU Withrow Diversity Excellence Award (2018) Michigan State University Teacher-Scholar Award (2015) NSF Career Award (2010-2015) IEEE Senior Member (2011) Students and Team: He advises Ph.D. candidates including Ian González-Afanador, Gerardo Morales-Torres, and Henry Dsouza. His Advanced Microsystems Group (AMG) focuses on interdisciplinary projects spanning materials science, MEMS, and embedded systems.
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.
Professor Michael De Volder is a Fellow and College Lecturer at St John's College, University of Cambridge, holding the position of Professor of Advanced Materials Engineering in the Department of Engineering. His research focuses on energy storage solutions, nanotechnology, and scalable manufacturing methods for sustainable battery technologies. Belgian Royal Academy Laureate Co-founder of Echion Technologies (niobium-based anode materials) Expert in Li-ion/Zn-ion battery innovation Research activities center on improving battery sustainability through novel synthesis techniques, extending battery lifetime via structural optimization, and developing high-energy-density materials. His work spans nanoscale engineering, electrode design, and fundamental electrochemical investigations. Scientific publications from 2022-2025 demonstrate expertise in: Li-ion/Zn-ion battery systems, nanotube integration, electrode manufacturing, and degradation analysis. Recent work explores mechanochromic displays, dual-gradient electrodes, and aqueous-organic electrolyte formulations. Belgian Royal Academy Laureate Co-founder of battery technology startup Echion Technologies
Jingrui He is an Assistant Professor in the Computer Science Department at Stevens Institute of Technology, with primary research focuses on statistical machine learning and large-scale data mining. Her work spans theoretical algorithm development and practical applications in diverse domains. University: Stevens Institute of Technology Department: Computer Science Department Academic Rank: Assistant Professor Research interests include: Heterogeneous machine learning techniques Rare category analysis and detection Social network analysis Public safety applications Traffic analytics Multimedia processing Virtual metrology in semiconductor manufacturing Publishing trends show consistent contributions to machine learning, data mining, and graph-based methods across multiple domains including semiconductor manufacturing, social networks, and multimedia. She has collaborated with researchers from Stevens Institute of Technology, IBM, and Carnegie Mellon University on both theoretical and applied problems.
Professor Reinhold Bopp serves at the University of Economics and Environment (Hochschule für Wirtschaft und Umwelt) as Professor of Automotive and Mobility Management since 2010, specializing in Development and Production Management within the Institute of Automotive Management. His educational background includes: Doctorate in Engineering from University of Stuttgart (2000), dissertation: "A method for optimizing residual value at the end of a product's life cycle" Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering/Economics from Northwestern University, USA (1991-1992) under DAAD scholarship Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from University of Stuttgart (1985-1992) Professor Bopp's research integrates engineering principles with business management in the automotive sector, focusing on development processes, production optimization, and product lifecycle management. His work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical industry applications, particularly in automotive manufacturing systems and mobility solutions. His academic recognition includes a DAAD scholarship for international study and his engineering doctorate earned under Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Prof. e.h. mult. Dr. hc mult. Hans-Jörg Bullinger at the University of Stuttgart. Professor Bopp maintains an extensive international academic presence with visiting professorships at Babes-Bolyai University (Romania), National Institute of Development Administration (Thailand), and Stanford University's Center for Design Research (2023), plus guest lectures at institutions across Jordan, Czech Republic, and Spain. Prior to his academic career, he held significant industry positions including various management roles at automotive supplier Magna (2003-2010), Managing Partner at ingeniCON GmbH (1999-2003), and Project Manager at Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering (1997-1999).
Robert K. Kazanjian serves as the Asa Griggs Candler Professor of Organization and Management at Emory University's Goizueta Business School. He has held significant administrative roles including Vice Dean for Programs (2010-2017), Interim Dean (2014), Senior Associate Dean for Strategic Initiatives (2017-2022), Founding Academic Director of the Roberto C. Goizueta Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (2020-2022), and Senior Associate Dean for Executive Education (2002-2004). His educational background includes: PhD in Organization and Strategy, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania AM in Organization and Strategy, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania MBA in Organization and Strategy, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania BA in Economics (with honors), Hamilton College Kazanjian's research centers on technology-based new venture development, innovation management in complex organizations, and strategic implementation. His work examines how organizations foster creativity through team dynamics in multi-team settings, address dominant problems during growth stages, and design structures for strategic execution. He emphasizes the interplay between organizational learning, leadership, and governance in driving sustainable innovation. His publication record spans four decades with 13 major works in top journals including Management Science, Strategic Management Journal, and Academy of Management Review. These reveal an evolving focus from stage-based growth models for new ventures to contemporary analyses of creativity in complex systems, consistently addressing organizational design challenges in innovation contexts. His scientific recognition includes: 17 Teaching Excellence awards from full-time, part-time and Executive MBA students at Goizueta Business School Kazanjian maintains strong industry engagement through consulting and executive education for major corporations including General Electric, General Motors, Goldman Sachs, and Siemens North America. His advisory work focuses on strategy implementation, organizational change, and innovation management across diverse sectors from manufacturing to financial services. He has led executive programs throughout the US and Asia, translating academic research into practical frameworks for senior leaders. As Founding Academic Director of the Roberto C. Goizueta Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (2020-2022), he established research initiatives and educational programs bridging academic theory with entrepreneurial practice, fostering collaboration between students, faculty, and industry partners in technology venture development.
Reiko Morrison is an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Humanities and Sciences division, contributing her extensive expertise in design and product development. Her academic role complements a distinguished career in industrial and CMF (Color, Material, Finish) design. Her research and professional interests center on industrial design, CMF strategy, trend forecasting, and materials technology. With a deep understanding of manufacturing processes and consumer tech aesthetics, she bridges design innovation with commercial success. Her work emphasizes how strategic material and color choices influence product identity and market performance. Reiko Morrison has collaborated with global technology leaders including Microsoft, HTC, T-Mobile, Western Digital, Belkin, Ember, Ergobaby, and Magic Leap. She currently serves as Head of CMF within the Consumer Tech vertical at WGSN, a leading trend forecasting agency. Her industry leadership enhances her academic perspective, offering students real-world insights into design-driven innovation. She teaches HSOC-205-01: Insights, a course likely focused on design thinking, consumer behavior, or trend analysis, aligning with her professional expertise.
Tegoeh Tjahjowidodo is a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Industrial Engineering Sciences , KU Leuven , affiliated with the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Manufacturing Processes and Systems (MaPS) unit at Campus De Nayer. He serves as Head of Education for Electromechanics programs and leads Subdivision 17 at the campus. Research Areas: Additive Manufacturing (Wire-Arc Additive Manufacturing), Process Monitoring, Control Systems, Laser Micromanufacturing, Wear Analysis, Robotics, and Condition Monitoring. Publication Trends: Focus on in-situ monitoring of laser micromanufacturing, machine learning for abrasive belt grinding, WAAM parameter optimization , and multi-sensor fusion for process control. Scientific Contributions: Co-promotor for MultiTRIBO (tribology), Promotor for WAAM structural integrity and pedicle screw surgical simulators . Active in international collaborations (e.g., 25th International Symposium on Laser Precision Microfabrication, Spain 2024).
Professor Christopher Berndt is a Distinguished Professor in Surface Science and Engineering at the School of Engineering, Swinburne University of Technology, where he joined in 2008 as the founding professor of this discipline. He previously held founding professorships at James Cook University and was a tenured professor at Stony Brook University, USA, where he remains an Adjunct Professor. He also served as a Fellow at NASA-Lewis Research Center, working on thermal barrier coatings. His leadership in professional societies includes serving as President of the Thermal Spray Society (ASM) and being inducted into the Thermal Spray Hall of Fame in 2007. His research interests center on materials engineering , particularly surface science , thermal spray technologies , high-entropy alloys , and coatings for extreme environments . He also contributes significantly to biomedical engineering through bioactive coatings and clean energy via advanced materials for batteries and hydrogen technologies. His work bridges fundamental materials science with industrial applications in aerospace, energy, and manufacturing. The recent publications reveal a strong focus on advanced thermal spray techniques such as HVOF and HVAF, development of high-entropy and medium-entropy alloys, and innovative coating applications in energy storage, corrosion resistance, and high-temperature protection. His research consistently emphasizes microstructural control, phase stability, and mechanical performance under extreme conditions. Inducted into the Thermal Spray Hall of Fame (2007) Fellow of the Australian Institution of Engineers Fellow of ASM International Fellow of The Institution of Metallurgists (UK) Fellow of ASME, ACS, and ACerS Chartered Engineer (UK) Professional Engineer (Australia) Member of the College of Bioengineers (Australia) Professor Berndt actively supervises numerous PhD students, with current projects on high-entropy alloys, internal pipe coatings, and biomedical surface engineering. He has secured extensive research funding from organizations including the Australian Research Council (ARC), Department of Defence, Office of Naval Research (US), and industry partners such as Entromat and Amaero Engineering. He leads major initiatives such as the ARC Training Centre in Surface Engineering for Advanced Materials (SEAM) and has contributed to commercialization projects in space vehicle manufacturing. He is the Founding Editor and now Editor Emeritus of the Journal of Thermal Spray Technology and has edited over 10 conference proceedings. His research network spans across Australia, the USA, and Thailand, reflecting a strong international collaborative footprint in advanced materials research.
Gérard Cachon is the Fred R. Sullivan Professor in the Operations, Information and Decisions (OIDD) department and Professor of Marketing at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. An INFORMS Fellow and former President of the Manufacturing and Service Operations Management Society, he previously served as Editor-in-Chief of Management Science and Manufacturing & Service Operations Management . His research examines technology-driven transformations in operational strategy and competitive dynamics. His work spans supply chain management, pricing mechanisms, sustainability initiatives, and public policy applications. Recent studies analyze voting resource allocation, online platform economics, and inventory-sales relationships using data-driven modeling. He emphasizes translating theoretical frameworks into practical business solutions through empirical validation and real-world case studies. Cachon’s publications reveal trends in platform regulation, scarcity effects in consumer behavior, and sustainable operations design. His research bridges operations management with political science (voting systems) and retail strategy (free shipping thresholds), demonstrating cross-disciplinary impact through publications in Management Science , Operations Research , and Harvard Business Review . Key honors include: INFORMS Fellow (2015) Rapaport Award for Teaching Excellence (2013) Manufacturing and Service Operations Management Society Fellow (2011) Penn Fellow leadership program (2011) Multiple "Tough, But I’ll Thank You in 5 Years" teaching awards (2002, 2009, 2012) Miller-Sherrerd teaching award for core course excellence (2004) As author of two widely adopted textbooks ( Operations Management and Matching Supply with Demand ), he shapes global operations education. His current research connects operations strategy with societal challenges like election accessibility, while securing ongoing funding through industry partnerships and academic grants.
Prof. Xiao Hu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Rowan University, with joint appointments in Biomedical and Translational Sciences and Biomedical Engineering. His interdisciplinary research bridges biophysics, polymer science, and biomedical applications, focusing on protein-based biomaterials derived from silks, elastins, and plant proteins. Post-Doctoral Associate, Tufts University Ph.D., Polymer and Biophysics, Tufts University M.S., Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University M.S., Physics, Tufts University B.S., Crystal and Material Physics, Nanjing University His work on biopolymer self-assembly explores silk-elastin alloys, tissue engineering scaffolds, and tunable drug delivery systems. Recent studies involve ultrasound-assisted fabrication and ionic liquid processing of nanofibers. Key article themes include biocomposite crystallinity (2025), 3D-printed protein materials (2025), and electrospun drug carriers (2024). Awards highlight his leadership in thermal analysis societies and innovation. Rising Innovator Award (Rowan, 2016) President, North American Thermal Analysis Society (2023) Springer Best Poster Awards (2008, 2010) Prof. Hu mentors students in biophysics and biomedical engineering, co-authoring studies on silk-cellulose composites, thermal conductivity, and smart biomaterials for medical devices. His lab utilizes advanced equipment like FTIR, DSC, and electrospinning systems.
Ricardo Zednik is a Professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, École de Technologie Supérieure (ÉTS) in Montreal. Holding degrees from Rice University (BA, BS) and Stanford University (MS, PhD), he specializes in piezoelectric materials, fracture mechanics, and microelectronic systems. His research focuses on sensors, innovative materials, and health technologies. Fields of Interest: Piezoelectricity, Fracture Mechanics, MEMS, Smart Materials, Crystallography With over 36 peer-reviewed publications and extensive supervision of graduate research (including 15+ co-directed theses and projects since 2016), Zednik contributes to applied research in materials science and biomedical engineering. He collaborates with LaCIME and PULÉTS laboratories on cutting-edge projects involving ultrasonic transducers, flexible sensors, and high-temperature material characterization. Current courses include Materials Technology (MEC200) and advanced research topics in Functional and Smart Materials (SYS877). His students explore applications like terahertz quality control, piezoelectric earcanal sensors, and Kirigami techniques for wearable electronics.
Dr. Saeed Taheri is a Senior Lecturer at Nottingham Business School, Nottingham Trent University, within the Department of Strategy, Analytics and Operations. With a background in Materials Science and Engineering, he transitioned to academia after a decade in Iranian manufacturing sectors as a production technology specialist and quality manager. PhD in Operations and Supply Chain Management (2018) MSc and BSc in Materials Science & Engineering Research Focus: Specializing in system dynamics modeling of socio-technical systems, with applications spanning humanitarian supply chains, healthcare operations, and lean product development. His work addresses complex organizational and policy challenges through simulation and optimization. External Engagements: Serves as MSc project supervisor at Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), maintains professional membership in the System Dynamics Society, and collaborates internationally on research projects. Teaches Operations & Supply Chain Management modules Supervises research across undergraduate to PhD levels Consultant for engineering management journals
Barbara Bigliardi is an Associate Professor at the Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Parma, with national scientific qualification for full professor in Economic-Management Engineering (SSD ING-IND/35). She serves as President of the Management Engineering Program at University of Parma and Director of Bachelor's/Master's programs at University of San Marino, co-leading double-degree initiatives between the two institutions. Over 100 publications (57 SCOPUS-indexed) with H-index=20 Editorial roles: Cambridge Scholars Publishing (2019), MDPI Sustainability, Sci, European Journal of Innovation Management Key research areas: Open Innovation, Technology Transfer, Food Industry Innovation, Industry 4.0, Supply Chain Sustainability Recent Publications (2024-2025) demonstrate leadership in: Industry 4.0 integration with circular economy AI applications in public administration and healthcare Digitalization of food supply chains Green startup resource orchestration Simulation-based optimization in remanufacturing Sustainable additive manufacturing Scientific Recognition : 2005 Emerald Highly Commended Award 2013 Most Cited Paper in Trends in Food Science & Technology 2019 Highly Cited Paper in Review of Policy Research Research Leadership includes: National Observatory on Start-ups (President since 2021) National Observatory on Reputation (Vice President since 2019) INAIL-funded mobile risk assessment systems (2018-2020) INAF space technology transfer projects (2018-present) Academic Contributions : Supervised over 300 theses Deputy Coordinator of Industrial Engineering Doctoral Program Director of Management Engineering Programs (Parma & San Marino) Founder of academic spin-offs: Sistemi per il marketing di contenuto S.r.l. (2016-present), Univenture SrL (2006-2010)
Lorenz Dörschel is an Adjunct Professor (Lehrbeauftragter) at the Institute of Automatic Control at RWTH Aachen University. He holds the academic title PD Dr.-Ing. habil, signifying post-doctoral research qualifications. His position is part-time, focusing on advanced control theory and applications. His primary research interests include: Control of distributed parameter systems (e.g., fluid dynamics, thermal processes) Model predictive control for industrial and automotive systems Parameter space methods for robust controller design Model reduction techniques for complex nonlinear systems Dörschel's recent publications (2018-2024) demonstrate broad applications across biomedical engineering, renewable energy, automotive systems, and industrial automation. His work consistently integrates mathematical rigor with practical implementations, emphasizing advanced control methodologies like nonlinear MPC, Lyapunov-based design, and Bayesian optimization. A recurring theme is the development of computationally efficient control strategies for distributed parameter systems. No scientific awards, student advising relationships, or research grants are documented in the available information.
