Christopher D.P. Baxter is a Professor and Department Chair of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the College of Engineering, University of Rhode Island , with expertise in geotechnical engineering, offshore wind energy, and coastal resilience. He holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech (1999), an M.S. from Purdue University (1994), and a B.S. from Tufts University (1990). Research Focus: Geotechnical characterization of marine sediments, liquefaction resistance analysis, fiber-optic sensing for infrastructure monitoring, and coastal protection systems. Recent Publications: 15+ articles (2011–2025) covering topics like shear wave velocity, offshore wind foundation dynamics, and tsunami hazard modeling. Grants: Led projects on offshore wind monitoring (2019–2024) and fiber-optic seismic sensing (2021–2023). Key Collaborations: Work with teams on submarine landslide analysis, coastal dune reinforcement, and Rhode Island infrastructure resilience. His work bridges experimental geomechanics with practical coastal engineering solutions.
Professor Nicole Metje is a Professor of Infrastructure Monitoring at the Department of Civil Engineering, University of Birmingham, and Director of the National Buried Infrastructure Facility. She also serves as Co-director of the Institute of Quantum Technology. Her research focuses on quantum sensing, geotechnical engineering, and infrastructure monitoring, with a particular emphasis on buried infrastructure detection and sustainable urban development. Education: PhD in Civil Engineering (University of Birmingham, 2001); Dipl.-Ing. in Civil Engineering (Hannover University, Germany, 1998). Key roles and affiliations include membership in EPSRC Infrastructure Strategic Advisory Team, Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors, and international advisory boards for Hong Kong Polytechnic University. She has authored/co-authored over 50 journal papers and a textbook on tunnel construction. Research areas include quantum sensor applications for buried asset detection, geophysical soil properties, and sensor development for infrastructure monitoring. She leads projects such as UKCRIC National Buried Infrastructure Facility and Quantum Technology Hub in Sensors and Metrology. Awards and fellowships include FICE, FCInstCES, CEng, FHEA, and multiple committee memberships in national/international bodies. Teaching includes MSc courses on underground construction and geotechnical engineering. She supervises doctoral research on quantum sensors, soil-structure interactions, and sustainable infrastructure.
About Marin Litoiu is a Professor at York University, holding dual affiliations in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the Lassonde School of Engineering and the School of Information Technology in the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies. He is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering and a recipient of the 2020 IBM Faculty of the Year Award. His research focuses on cloud computing, self-adaptive systems, DevOps, IoT, and machine learning-driven performance engineering. Research & Awards Litoiu leads the Dependable Internet-of-Things Applications (DITA) program, funded by NSERC, and co-founded Bitnobi Inc., acquired by Myant. His notable awards include the CASCON 2019 Most Influential Paper Award and Best Paper Awards at multiple conferences. His work emphasizes practical applications of adaptive systems, cybersecurity, and smart infrastructure integration. Grants & Projects NSERC CREATE Program: $1.65M for the DITA program (2018) York Innovation, TIAP, NSERC, and OCI-funded Bitnobi incubation Leadership in multiple CASCON workshops on cloud computing and AIOps Labs & Teams Litoiu’s lab has produced impactful startups like Bitnobi and pioneered research in self-driving systems, edge computing, and AI-driven operations. His team collaborates with industry partners like IBM and explores cutting-edge topics such as LLMs in performance optimization and fault detection.
Professor Behzad Fatahi is a distinguished academic in Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), specializing in geotechnical engineering, railway infrastructure, and sustainable construction technologies. With a career spanning over 16 years at UTS, he has served as Deputy Head of School - Teaching and Learning (2024-present), Head of Discipline (2020-2024), and School Research Coordinator (2012-2017). His research focuses on unsaturated soil mechanics , dynamic soil-structure interaction , and green infrastructure solutions . Academic Appointments : Professor (2024-present), Associate Professor (2017-2024), Senior Lecturer (2011-2017), Lecturer (2008-2011) Research Leadership : Supervised 21 PhD students to completion, developed groundbreaking techniques for landfill waste reuse and tyre-derived aggregates in railway construction His work on seismic resilience of LNG tanks and bioengineered soil stabilization has received international recognition, including the 2023 Best Research Paper Award at the Australasian Association for Engineering Education conference. Professor Fatahi's industry experience includes geotechnical engineering roles at Coffey International and SES Engineering prior to academia. Key Research Contributions : Developed green corridor models for railway lines using coupled flow-deformation equations Pioneered AI-integrated teaching frameworks for civil engineering education Advanced machine learning techniques for intelligent compaction and structural buckling analysis As a Category 1 supervisor , he mentors graduate researchers in Civil Engineering , Geomechanics , and Earthquake Engineering . His peer-reviewed work (>240 publications) demonstrates technical excellence and innovation across multiple geotechnical domains.
Irina Oleinikova is a Professor at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in the Department of Electric Energy, Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering. She leads the Power System Operation and Analysis research group and serves as the NTNU Smart Grid Team Leader. She is a steering committee member of the European Energy Research Alliance (EERA) Joint Programme on Smart Grids and an expert in the International Smart Grid Action Network (ISGAN) WG6. Research Interests : Power System Operation, Digital Power System Protection and Control, Grid Resilience, Energy Flexibility, Cybersecurity in Power Systems, and Hydrogen Technology Integration. Her work focuses on advancing smart grids, grid flexibility, and cybersecurity through projects like FME CINELDI, HONOR, ASAP, and ZeroKyst. Key Projects : CINELDI : Developing intelligent electricity distribution grids. HONOR : Cross-sectoral energy flexibility markets. ASAP : Next-generation system protection schemes. ZeroKyst : Hydrogen and charging infrastructure along Norway’s coast. COSPAT : Stability of AC/DC transmission grids via co-simulation. Advising & Grants : Supervises PhD students in digital protection and cybersecurity. Active in projects funded by RCN, STATNETT, and EU Horizon 2020. Leads the Power System Operation and Analysis group and collaborates with SINTEF and industry partners. Labs/Teams : NTNU Smart Grid Team and the Power System Operation research group.
Brian Calder is a Research Professor at the Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping, University of New Hampshire, with a strong affiliation in Ocean Engineering and Earth Sciences. He holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Image Analysis and Electronics Communications Engineering from Heriot-Watt University. His academic work is centered on advanced methods in seafloor characterization and hydrographic data processing. Ph.D., Image Analysis, Heriot-Watt University M.S., Electronics Communications Eng, Heriot-Watt University His research focuses on the development and application of computational techniques for seabed mapping, bathymetric uncertainty modeling, and autonomous ocean sensing. He integrates machine learning, signal processing, and remote sensing to improve the accuracy and reliability of marine geospatial data. His work supports navigation safety, coastal zone management, and deep-ocean exploration. Recent publications highlight trends in automated nautical chart generalization, trusted community bathymetry systems, and wireless ocean-of-things networks for volunteer data collection. His article portfolio reveals a strong emphasis on data quality, uncertainty quantification, and algorithmic innovation in hydrography and marine geodesy. Brian Calder has received multiple research grants, primarily from NOAA and the U.S. Navy, supporting projects such as IT support for NOAA personnel at UNH, development of bathymetric uncertainty models, and autonomous mapping using Saildrone technology. These grants reflect sustained funding and recognition in the field of hydrographic science. He teaches graduate courses including Seafloor Characterization , Seabed Mapping , and Doctoral Research , indicating active mentorship and academic leadership. His work is conducted within the Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping, a leading institution in hydrographic research, where he collaborates extensively with experts like Yuri Rzhanov, Larry Mayer, and Christos Kastrisios.
John S. McCartney is a Professor and Hal Sorenson Endowed Chair in the Department of Structural Engineering at the University of California San Diego (UCSD). He directs the Englekirk Structural Engineering Center and holds editorial roles at journals such as ASCE Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering and Computers and Geotechnics. His research focuses on unsaturated soil mechanics, energy geotechnics, and geosynthetics engineering, with applications in thermal energy systems, landfill covers, and seismic response analysis. Education: B.S. and M.S. in Civil Engineering from University of Colorado Boulder (2002), Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from University of Texas at Austin (2007). Research interests include thermo-hydro-mechanical behavior of soils, geothermal energy piles, tire-derived aggregates, and seismic performance of geotechnical systems. His work combines laboratory testing, centrifuge modeling, and numerical simulations to address challenges in sustainable infrastructure and energy systems. Key awards include the Walter L. Huber Research Prize (2016), NSF CAREER Award (2011), and multiple teaching and service recognitions. He actively contributes to ASTM standards and serves as President of the IGS-NA chapter. Lab facilities are located in the Structural and Materials Engineering Building (SME 409). Courses taught include advanced soil mechanics, energy geotechnics, and geotechnical earthquake engineering.
Özer Özkahraman is a postdoctoral researcher at the Division of Robotics, Perception and Learning (RPL) at KTH Royal Institute of Technology. He works under Ivan Stenius and John Folkesson, focusing on underwater mission planning, simulation, and integration of autonomous systems. His email is ozero@kth.se . He completed his PhD at KTH under Petter Ögren, researching large-scale multi-agent coverage planning for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). Current projects include the SMaRCSim multi-domain simulation platform and development of underwater vehicles like LoLo, SAM, and Evolo. Research interests span autonomous underwater systems, multi-agent coordination, control systems, and simulation infrastructure. He emphasizes modular, accessible frameworks for vehicle testing and real-world deployment. His work bridges theoretical methods (e.g., control barrier functions) with practical applications in marine robotics. Publications focus on AUV navigation, environmental sensing, and adaptive control. Projects like Real2Sim aim to align simulation with real-world vehicle dynamics using motion capture data. He collaborates internationally on topics like data-driven damage detection and model compression for resource-constrained robots. No academic awards are explicitly mentioned. He actively seeks collaborators for projects in sonar simulation, flow field modeling, and cyber-physical system integration.
Professor Jes Sammut is a faculty member at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in the School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences . He serves as Deputy Dean for External Engagement and leads the UNSW Aquaculture Research Group , while also holding the position of Deputy Director (International) at the Centre for Marine Science & Innovation. Additionally, he is an Honorary Research Fellow at ANSTO , where he uses nuclear tools to study seafood provenance. His research spans biological, physical, and social sciences, focusing on aquaculture solutions across Australia, Vietnam, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, India, Thailand, and the Philippines.
Roy Johnsen is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), specializing in corrosion and surface technology. With a Dr.ing. degree from NTH (1984), he has extensive industry experience from Statoil Research Centre (1985-1991) and CorrOcean (1991-2004), where he expanded the company globally. His current research focuses on hydrogen embrittlement, corrosion protection, and integrity management in offshore systems, with collaborations across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Prof. Ioannis Anastasopoulos is a Full Professor and Head of the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering at ETH Zurich. He leads the Chair of Geotechnical Engineering, focusing on advanced geotechnical modeling, seismic resilience, and infrastructure systems. His research integrates experimental and numerical methods to address challenges in tunnel engineering, offshore foundations, and seismic protection. Key research areas include seismic response of geotechnical structures, soil-structure interaction, metamaterial-based vibration mitigation, and innovative foundation technologies. He directs the Geotechnical Centrifuge Center and Soil Testing Laboratories at ETH Zurich, advancing physical modeling and material characterization. Recent work emphasizes earthquake engineering applications, including fault rupture interactions with tunnels, pile group dynamics under combined loading, and hybrid modeling of scour effects on bridge foundations. His contributions span geotechnical design methodologies, nuclear facility safety, and additive manufacturing for masonry structures. Prof. Anastasopoulos collaborates internationally on projects like the GEOLAB initiative, advancing Europe's geotechnical physical modeling infrastructure. His teaching includes courses on geotechnical design and theoretical soil mechanics, bridging academic research with practical engineering solutions.
Mohd Ahmad Syed is a Senior Lecturer in Geotechnical Engineering at the University of Manchester's Department of Civil Engineering and Management. His research focuses on climate change impacts on geotechnical infrastructure, resilient and sustainable infrastructure design, and earthquake engineering. He holds a PhD from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay and has industry experience with firms like Consulting Engineering Services (I) Pvt. Ltd and Dar Al-Handasah Consultants. Education: BTech (Hons) in Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (2001) MTech in Geotechnical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (2003) PhD in Seismic Analyses of Waterfront Structures, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (2009) Research Interests: Climate change modelling for geotechnical infrastructure resilience Development of sustainable construction materials (e.g., bagasse ash) Seismic risk analysis for dams and tunnels in West Africa Artificial soil weathering techniques for laboratory testing Coupled numerical methods for embankment stability under climate scenarios Editorial Activities: Assistant Editor, International Journal of Geomechanics (ASCE) Assistant Editor, Indian Geotechnical Journal (Springer) Key Achievements: Developed first-of-its-kind displacement-based S-curve for seismic earth pressure analysis Co-developed methodologies for post-liquefaction pile behavior and blast-loaded tunnels Guided 10 PhD/MSc students in geotechnical resilience and sustainability topics
Syed Shamsil Arefin is a Researcher in the School of Environmental Sciences at the University of East Anglia. He holds a PhD from UEA, focusing on large-scale coastal ecosystem restoration and its protective benefits. He is affiliated with the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, Centre for Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, and Geosciences. Education: M.Sc in Coastal Engineering (Delft University of Technology and University of Southampton, 2017) and B.Sc in Civil Engineering (Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology, 2012). His research investigates how coastal wetlands like mangroves and marshes reduce wave and surge impacts, particularly in hybrid systems combining natural ecosystems with artificial defenses. His work aims to model protective benefits for scalable climate adaptation assessments globally. Current projects include REST-COAST, a European initiative evaluating wetland restoration's role in disaster risk reduction and biodiversity enhancement. No specific grants or awards are listed, but his research emphasizes low-carbon climate adaptation solutions. He collaborates with interdisciplinary teams in coastal engineering and environmental science, contributing to both theoretical and applied aspects of coastal resilience.
Zeljko Pantic is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at North Carolina State University. He holds a Ph.D. from NC State (2013) and B.S./M.S. degrees from the University of Belgrade (1998/2007). Before joining NC State in 2019, he served as an Assistant Professor and Associate Director of the Electric Vehicle and Roadway Research Facility at Utah State University. He is actively involved in editorial roles for IEEE Transactions on Transportation Electrification and serves on the IEEE IAS Transportation Systems Committee. Education: Ph.D., Electrical Engineering, North Carolina State University (2013) M.S., Electrical Engineering, University of Belgrade (2007) B.S., Electrical Engineering, University of Belgrade (1998) Research: Dr. Pantic specializes in electrified transportation systems, wireless power transfer (WPT), power converter design, and DC microgrid technologies. His work addresses challenges in EV charging infrastructure, magnetic circuit optimization, and energy conversion principles for transportation electrification. Recent projects include autonomous wireless charging systems for UAVs, marine DC microgrids, and road-embedded DWPT solutions. Awards & Recognition: 2019 IEEE JESTPE Second Prize Paper Award 2017 Outstanding Teacher of the Year (USU) 2012 NC State Mentored Teaching Assistantship Award Advisees & Grants: While specific student names are not listed, Dr. Pantic has advised graduate students on projects spanning WPT systems, EV infrastructure, and battery management. His work has been supported by grants focusing on dynamic charging, magnetic materials, and autonomous observatory nodes. Labs & Facilities: He leads research at NC State's Electric Vehicle and Roadway facility, focusing on roadway-integrated wireless charging and high-power WPT systems. Collaborations include ocean observatory development and autonomous system integration.
Professor Atilla Ansal is a distinguished academic in Civil Engineering at Özyeğin University's School of Engineering, where he has served as a full-time professor since March 2012 and previously as the Founding Chair of the Civil Engineering Department from 2012-2019. With an extensive career spanning over five decades, Professor Ansal has held prominent positions at Istanbul Technical University, Bogaziçi University's Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute, and has served as a visiting professor at numerous international institutions including Northwestern University, University of California, and Tokyo University. Northwestern University, 1978 (Doctorate) Civil Engineering, Istanbul Technical University, 1969 (Master's) Civil Engineering, Istanbul Technical University, 1969 (Bachelor's) Professor Ansal's research focuses on Earthquake Geotechnical Engineering, Soil Dynamics, Seismic Hazard Analysis, Landslide hazard analysis, Seismic Microzonation, and Laboratory and In-Situ Testing of Soil Properties. His work has significantly advanced our understanding of soil behavior under seismic loading, site response analysis, and seismic microzonation methodologies. His research has direct applications in urban planning, earthquake risk mitigation, and performance-based seismic design. Professor Ansal has pioneered approaches to site-specific earthquake characterization and developed methodologies for seismic microzonation that have been implemented in numerous Turkish cities and adopted internationally. His extensive publication record demonstrates consistent contributions to earthquake engineering, with recent work focusing on probabilistic seismic microzonation, 2D basin effects, site-specific response analysis, and performance-based design approaches. His research shows a clear evolution from fundamental soil behavior studies to practical applications in urban risk assessment and mitigation. 7th Prof.N.Ambraseys Lecturer (2024), European Association for Earthquake Engineering 15th Nonveiller Lecturer (2017), Croatian Geotechnical Society Third Prof.Dr. Rıfat Yarar Lecturer (2015), Turkish Civil Engineers Association Third Ord.Prof.Dr. Hamdi Peynircioglu Lecturer (1988) Professor Ansal has advised 15 PhD students and 27 Master's students, shaping the next generation of earthquake engineers. His leadership extends to editorial roles as Editor-in-Chief of the Springer journal 'Bulletin of Earthquake Engineering' since 2002 and Editor-in-Chief for the Springer book series on 'Geotechnical, Geological and Earthquake Engineering'. He served as Secretary General (1994-2014), President (2014-2018), and Vice President (2018-2022) of the European Association for Earthquake Engineering, significantly influencing the field internationally. His work has been supported by numerous grants from Turkish government agencies, international organizations including UNESCO, and collaborative research projects across Europe. Professor Ansal has been instrumental in establishing geotechnical monitoring systems in Istanbul, including vertical arrays for site response analysis. His leadership in the 'Earthquake Master Plan for Istanbul' and 'Seismic Microzonation for Municipalities' projects has created critical infrastructure for earthquake risk management in Turkey's most populous city. His work with GeoIst, Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering and Consultancy Inc. has translated academic research into practical engineering solutions for seismic risk mitigation.
