Dr. Angeline Lillard is Commonwealth Professor of Psychology and Director of the Montessori Science Program at the University of Virginia. She leads the Early Development Lab, focusing on children's social and cognitive development, particularly Montessori education's impact on learning and wellbeing. A Fellow of AAAS, APA, and APS, she earned her BA in English Literature from Smith College and PhD in Psychology from Stanford University. Research Interests: Dr. Lillard's work bridges Montessori pedagogy with developmental psychology, analyzing how play, educational environments, and culturally responsive teaching shape child outcomes. She explores standardized testing disparities, discipline equity, and the neurobiological underpinnings of pretend play. Key themes in her 15 most recent publications include Montessori's role in reducing educational inequality, the cognitive effects of fantasy in media, and the use of multilevel modeling to assess school discipline patterns. Her research spans preschool to adult wellbeing, emphasizing self-determination theory and longitudinal data. Scientific Recognition: Awarded the Nancy Staub Award for Puppetry Research (2024) Recognized for her book with the Cognitive Development Society Book Award (2006) James McKeen Cattell Sabbatical Fellow (2005-06) Albert Bandura Graduate Research Award (2016-17) Advising and Grants: Mentored 15+ graduate students including Lee LeBoeuf and Christina Carroll. Secured IES funding for a 600-child study on public Montessori preschools and Arnold Foundation support for kindergarten data collection.
Dr. Kaibo Liu is the Grainger STAR Professor in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and serves as Associate Director of the UW-Madison IoT Systems Research Center. He earned his B.S. from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (2009), and M.S. and Ph.D. from Georgia Tech (2011/2013). His research focuses on system informatics, big data analytics, and data fusion for process modeling, monitoring, and decision-making. He has been funded by NSF, ONR, DOE, and industry partners. Notable awards include the 2024 Hromi Medal (ASQ), 2021 IISE Technical Innovation Award, and multiple early-career recognitions. Recent work emphasizes real-time cyber-physical security, reinforcement learning for data streams, and Bayesian methods for prognosis. He edits IEEE Transactions on Automation Science and Engineering and IISE Transactions on Data Science.
Prof. Maciej Lewenstein is a Group Leader and ICREA Professor at the Institute of Photonic Sciences (ICFO), Spain. He leads the Quantum Optics Theory group, focusing on theoretical and computational studies of quantum many-body systems, topological phases, and nonlinear optics. He holds a Dr.rer.nat. in Physics from the University of Essen, Germany. His research interests include quantum simulations, high-harmonic generation, Bose-Einstein condensation, and quantum information processing. He has pioneered work on topological quantum thermometry and ultrafast phase transitions in materials like vanadium dioxide. His group actively explores the intersection of quantum optics with condensed matter physics and quantum computing. Recent articles highlight advancements in tensor network approaches for topological phases, quantum algorithms for many-body systems, and the application of sonification to quantum entanglement dynamics. He has received a prestigious ERC Advanced Grant and the ICREA Professorship, recognizing his contributions to quantum science. Prof. Lewenstein advises over a dozen PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, fostering a dynamic research environment at ICFO. His grants include ERC and ICREA funding, supporting projects on quantum simulations and nonlinear optical phenomena. The Quantum Optics Theory group collaborates internationally, with expertise in light-matter interactions, quantum resource theory, and quantum many-body localization. Their lab develops novel methods for probing quantum systems using high-harmonic spectroscopy and quantum trajectory simulations.
Pamela Burnard is a Professor of Arts, Creativities and Educations at the University of Cambridge, UK. She also holds adjunct professorships at the University of Sydney, Western Sydney University, University of Foggia, and Instituto Katarina Gurska. A Fellow of prestigious organizations like the Royal Society of Arts and Chartered College of Teaching, she specializes in creativity research across arts, education, and interdisciplinary fields. Her qualifications include a PhD from the University of Reading and degrees in Music Performance and Education from institutions like the University of Melbourne and Indiana University. Research & Education : Burnard's work focuses on creativities theories, STEAM education, urban musics, and posthumanist approaches. She has supervised over 30 doctoral students and contributed to global projects like the Global Institute of Creative Thinking and the CUMIN network. Her research explores transdisciplinary practices, digital technologies, and policy impacts on education. Publications & Awards : Author/co-author of 20+ books and 120+ articles, she has published in journals like Thinking Skills and Creativity and Music Education Research . Awards include the Hugh Childers' Prize for her DipEd and fellowships in leading academic societies. Advisory Roles : She advises the REF Sub-Panel SP33 and serves on editorial boards for journals like Journal of Thinking Skills and Creativity . Her collaborations span universities globally, emphasizing creative pedagogies and inclusive education. Labs & Teams : Leads the Arts and Creativities Research Group (A&CRG) at Cambridge and contributes to networks like CRiCLE and NRICH. Her work bridges academia, industry, and communities to advance creative practices in education.
Zeynep Temel is an Assistant Professor at Carnegie Mellon University's College of Engineering, jointly appointed in the Biomedical Engineering and Robotics Institute. She leads the Zoom Lab, focusing on bio-inspired compliant mechanisms for robotic systems. Current research emphasizes adaptable robots for complex environments through mechanical intelligence and embedded control . Key application areas include surgical robotics , search-and-rescue , and micromanipulation . Her work spans bio-inspired design, compliant robotics, and human-centered applications. Recent publications highlight advancements in: Swarm robotics for collaborative exploration Soft actuators using bioplastics and gelatin Dexterous manipulation via delta robot frameworks The Zoom Lab trains students in robotic fabrication and biological modeling, with members transitioning to roles in academia and industry.
Professor Dawn A. Lott holds the position of Professor of Applied Mathematics at Delaware State University. She obtained her Ph.D. in Engineering Sciences & Applied Mathematics from Northwestern University (1994), M.Sc. from Michigan State University (1989), and B.Sc. from Bucknell University (1987). Her postdoctoral training was at the University of Maryland (1997). Her research focuses on numerical and analytical studies of nonlinear partial differential equations modeling solid/fluid mechanics, biomechanics, and physiology. She also investigates decision-making processes using operations research and machine learning techniques. Key areas of expertise include computational methods, artificial intelligence, and algorithm design. Recent work emphasizes decision-making under uncertainty in IoT-enabled battlefield scenarios. Her publications explore MATLAB/Java comparisons for decision algorithms, graph-based reasoning systems, and SAGE-inspired optimization frameworks. Collaborations with researchers like Raglin and Metu highlight interdisciplinary approaches to military and operational challenges. No specific grants, awards, or student advisories are noted in the provided materials. Her contributions bridge applied mathematics with real-world applications in defense, healthcare, and computational systems.
Dr. Kathryn A. Burnett is a Senior Lecturer in the Division of Arts and Media at the University of the West of Scotland, based in the School of Business and Creative Industries. She is actively involved in supervising PhD students and contributes to research areas including rural sociology, cultural heritage, and climate adaptation. Her work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to sustainable communities and environmental stewardship. Education: (Details not explicitly provided in text, but her extensive academic output suggests a PhD in related fields.) Research Interests: Dr. Burnett’s expertise spans Scottish culture, remote rural communities, island studies, and the creative industries. Her work emphasizes cultural work, resilience in marginalized regions, and the intersection of media, narrative, and place. She explores themes such as Gaelic heritage, climate adaptation strategies, and the socio-economic dynamics of small island communities. Recent Research Trends: Her publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches to rural regeneration, climate adaptation through participatory methods, and the mediatization of island spaces. Recent work includes studies on Arctic art education, coastal community resilience, and sustainable enterprise in remote areas. Awards: SFHEA (2021) Best Paper Award, Rural Enterprise ISBE, Cardiff (2013) Winner of Best Paper Rural Enterprise ISBE (2014) Grants & Advisory Roles: She has held external examiner roles at institutions like the University of Highlands and Islands and has been a Board Member of The Reid Foundation. Her activities include organizing conferences, hosting academic visitors, and contributing to national and international research networks. Labs/Teams: Collaborations include projects with the University of Lapland (e.g., Nurture: Living in the Landscape) and cross-border initiatives on Arctic studies and climate adaptation. She frequently engages in interdisciplinary research with environmental scientists and sociologists.
Kareem Ahmed is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Central Florida (UCF) and a faculty member of the Center for Advanced Turbomachinery and Energy Research. He leads research in advanced propulsion and energy systems, focusing on high-speed turbulent combustion, detonations, and hypersonic technologies. His work includes groundbreaking projects in detonation-based propulsion for hypersonic flight and power generation, supported by over $17 million in grants from NASA, AFOSR, and DOE. Education: Ph.D. and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, University at Buffalo (SUNY) B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University Research Interests: Ahmed’s expertise spans detonation dynamics, supersonic reacting flows, flow-flame control, and advanced laser diagnostics . His team explores innovations like rotating detonation engines (RDEs) and scramjet combustion systems, with applications in aerospace defense and space exploration. Awards and Recognition: AIAA Associate Fellow American Chemical Society Doctoral New Investigator Award AFOSR Summer Faculty Fellowship UCF Trustee Chair (2025–2030) Grants & Advising: PI of over $17M in research funding; mentors 145+ doctoral, master’s, and undergraduate students. Collaborates with industry leaders like GE, Aerojet Rocketdyne, and Pratt & Whitney. Labs & Teams: Director of UCF’s Center of Excellence in Hypersonic and Space Propulsion, advancing technologies for 15-minute transcontinental flight and clean rocket fuels.
Dr. Longji Cui is an Assistant Professor in the Thermo Fluid Sciences, Materials, and Micro/Nanoscale disciplines at the University of Colorado Boulder, affiliated with the Department of Mechanical Engineering within the College of Engineering and Applied Science. His laboratory focuses on high-precision instrumentation and computational techniques to explore energy transport, conversion, and dissipation at extreme scales, including scanning thermal microscopy, picowatt-resolution sensors, and nanophotonics. Lab Location: ECME 1B66F / ECME 108 Office Location: ECME 267B Research Interests: Dr. Cui's work spans thermal energy sciences, ultrahigh-resolution sensing, scanning probe microscopy, nano-optics, and quantum engineering. His interdisciplinary projects address critical challenges in sustainable energy systems, next-generation microelectronics, and advanced sensor technologies for high-performance applications. Notable contributions include innovations in thermophotovoltaic systems, molecular-scale thermal transport, and plasmonic light emission mechanisms. Recent publications emphasize near-field thermal radiation, quantized thermal transport in single-atom junctions, and enhanced energy conversion through nanoscale engineering. These studies bridge fundamental physics with practical applications in renewable energy and nanotechnology. Awards: 2025 CEAS Innovation & Entrepreneurship Fellow 2024 ASME Rising Star Award 2023 NSF CAREER Award 2023 CU Boulder Lab Venture Challenge Award His research group collaborates across disciplines to advance instrumentation for atomic-scale thermal measurements and develop novel materials for energy applications. Ongoing efforts include optimizing thermophotovoltaic devices and exploring hot-carrier dynamics in plasmonic systems.
Anja Boisen is a Professor and Head of the Drug Delivery and Sensing Section at the Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark (DTU). Her research focuses on advanced drug delivery systems, sensing technologies, and nanotechnology applications in biomedical engineering. She leads a multidisciplinary team developing innovative devices such as microcontainers, microneedles, and lab-on-a-disc platforms for targeted drug delivery and diagnostics. Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in improving health and reducing inequalities. Key research areas include surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), microfabrication for medical devices, and biomaterials for tissue engineering. She has supervised multiple PhD students, including projects on oral drug delivery systems, gastrointestinal retention devices, and energy-harvesting materials for biomedical applications. Boisen’s team has pioneered technologies like self-unfolding foils for oral delivery and smart drug delivery microparticles. Their innovations aim to enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing side effects. She has been recognized with the Sensor Division Outstanding Achievement Award (2022) for her contributions to sensor technology. Her lab actively collaborates internationally, advancing applications in cancer therapy, antibiotic monitoring, and gut microbiota research. Current projects explore high-throughput 3D tumor modeling, SERS-based diagnostics, and biodegradable materials for bone fixation.
Marc Hodes is Professor in Mechanical Engineering and Mathematics at Tufts University. With a PhD from MIT, his research focuses on heat transfer phenomena with applications in electronics cooling, supercritical fluids, and thermoelectric systems. He directs the graduate program in Mechanical Engineering. Education: BS, University of Pittsburgh (1990) MS, University of Minnesota (1994) PhD, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1998) Research Areas: Thermal management of electronics through microchannel cooling and liquid metal technologies; Apparent slip phenomena in microstructured surfaces; Mass transfer in supercritical CO 2 systems for aerogel processing; Thermoelectric module optimization for precision temperature control. Awards & Honors: NSF REU Fellowship (1989) E.T.S. Walton Visitorship Award Best Associate Editor, ASME Journal of Heat Transfer (2023) Research Leadership: Principal investigator on multiple NSF grants including projects on aerogel manufacturing, dropwise condensation, and analysis of convection in slip flows. Industry collaborations include Google, DARPA, and Bell Labs.
Toni Kotnik is an Associate Professor in the Department of Architecture at Aalto University, Finland. He holds dual expertise in mathematics and architecture, with a Ph.D. from the University of Zurich and a second degree in architecture. His roles include principal of d’HKL , a Zurich-based experimental architecture firm, and adjunct lecturer at institutions like Harvard University and the Bartlett School of Architecture. His research focuses on integrating science, engineering, and computation into architectural design, emphasizing structural innovation and sustainability. Education: Ph.D. in Mathematics (Dr. sc. Nat.), University of Zurich, 1999 Second degree in Architecture Research Interests: Computational design and generative systems Structural aesthetics and neuroaesthetics Sustainable urban and architectural solutions Parametric modeling and material systems Key Contributions: Advances in graphic statics and form-finding Design strategies for high-density urban environments Integration of AI and generative tools in architectural practice Recent Work Trends: Recent articles emphasize computational methods for industrial layout optimization, AI’s role in architecture, and embodied perception in structural design. His work bridges theoretical research with practical applications, such as the Singapore Hawker Centre redesign and experimental structures like hypar-combined shells. Awards: Aalto University Doctoral Thesis Awards (2022) Best Presentation Award (2019) Oscari-Vilamo Award (2023) Advising & Grants: Supervised 4 theses, including recipients of awards like the Metex Award shortlist. Active in international academic networks, serving on conference committees (e.g., International Association for Shell and Spatial Structures) and editorial roles (e.g., Automation in Construction journal). Labs & Teams: Leads the d’HKL studio, collaborating globally on projects like the AA/ETH Pavilion and the Hypercube for Gardens by the Bay. Research focuses on experimental design and material systems.
Hua Jiang is a Researcher at Aalto University, affiliated with the OtaNano research center and the Department of NanoMaterials. Their work focuses on nanomaterials, catalysis, and energy-related applications, with particular expertise in carbon nanotubes, electrocatalysts, and battery materials. Jiang holds a Doctoral degree in Natural Sciences from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (1998), complemented by a Master's (Beijing University of Technology, 1991) and Bachelor's (Anhui Normal University, 1988) in Natural Sciences. Research interests span nanotechnology innovations in energy storage (e.g., lithium-ion batteries), electrocatalytic processes (e.g., hydrogen evolution reaction), and advanced materials synthesis. Recent studies highlight advancements in carbon nanotube patterning for flexible electronics, MXene-based oxygen evolution catalysts, and CO₂ hydrogenation catalyst design. Over 260 publications and 13 documented activities reflect a collaborative global network. Key contributions include optimizing catalysts for CO₂ conversion, stabilizing battery cathodes, and developing scalable nanotube synthesis techniques. Media highlights include breakthroughs in carbon nanotube electronics and MXene heterostructures. Collaborations span institutions worldwide, with visiting research stints and academic hosting initiatives further enriching their interdisciplinary approach.
Jari Puttonen is a Professor of Structural Engineering at Aalto University's Department of Civil Engineering, School of Engineering. His research focuses on structural analysis, fire safety, materials science, and nuclear infrastructure safety. He has held roles as Principal Investigator in projects related to nuclear waste repository concrete modeling and aging management of NPP infrastructure. He has advised over 20 academic visitors and served in doctoral thesis committees. Education: Doctoral degree (1987), Licentiate (1984), and Master's degree (1979) in Engineering and Technology from Helsinki University of Technology (now part of Aalto University). Research Interests: Steel and composite materials behavior under extreme conditions Fire resistance of structural systems Long-term performance of concrete in nuclear facilities Non-destructive testing of construction materials Seismic resilience of critical infrastructure Awards: Recipient of the Knight, First Class of the Order of the White Rose of Finland (2020), PUUPalkinto 2010, and Schweighofer Prize 2011 for innovative energy facade research. Grants & Projects: Led 13 research projects including PERCO2_2023 (nuclear waste repository modeling) and CONAGE2022 (NPP concrete aging). Active in EU-funded initiatives and industry collaborations. Labs & Teams: Core member of Aalto's Structural Engineering Research Group, collaborating with Chalmers University and Technical University of Munich on advanced materials testing.
Dist. Professor Leslie Yeo is a distinguished faculty member at RMIT University's School of Engineering, where he leads the Micro/Nanophysics Research Laboratory (MNRL). With a PhD from Imperial College London (2002), he has held positions at Monash University and the University of Notre Dame before joining RMIT. His research focuses on the interactions between high-frequency sound waves and matter at micro and nanoscales. Leslie Yeo's educational background includes a PhD from Imperial College London (2002), where he received the Dudley Newitt prize for outstanding computational/theoretical work. Prior to his academic career, he worked as a Mathematical Modeller at Det Norske Veritas UK. He held prestigious Australian Research Fellowships (2009-2017) that supported his groundbreaking work in micro and nanophysics. Professor Yeo's research interests center around high-frequency (MHz order) sound waves interacting with various materials including fluids, two-dimensional and bulk crystals, biomolecules, cells and microorganisms. His work explores both fundamental physicochemical phenomena and practical applications in microfluidics, drug delivery, diagnostics, tissue engineering, and materials synthesis. His research has significant implications for health technologies, environmental applications, and sustainable energy solutions, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). Analysis of Professor Yeo's recent publications reveals a strong focus on acoustofluidics and its diverse applications. His work demonstrates expertise in using surface acoustic waves for bacterial inactivation, synthesis of metal-organic frameworks, cell membrane manipulation, and energy conversion technologies. The research spans multiple disciplines including biomedical engineering, materials science, and environmental technology, with particular emphasis on practical applications that address real-world challenges. 2023: Fellowship of the Institution of Engineering & Technology (FIET) 2021: RMIT University Science, Technology, Engineering & Medicine College Research Impact Award 2019: RMIT University Distinguished Professorship 2018: RMIT University Vice-Chancellor's Award for Research Excellence 2016: Johnson & Johnson World Without Disease Quickfire Challenge Award 2007: Young Tall Poppy Science Award Professor Yeo has supervised numerous research students across engineering and science disciplines, with current projects focusing on acoustomicrofluidic synthesis of nanomaterials, high-frequency mechanobiology applications, and diagnostic technologies. His editorial roles include Editor-in-Chief of the American Institute of Physics journal Biomicrofluidics and Associate Editor of Frontiers in Bioengineering & Biotechnology. His work has been widely featured in media outlets including ABC's Catalyst, The Economist, and Nature. The Micro/Nanophysics Research Laboratory under Professor Yeo's leadership is at the forefront of fundamental and applied research on nonlinear high-frequency electroacoustic interactions. The laboratory has discovered novel physicochemical phenomena and actively develops theories to explain the fundamental mechanisms behind these discoveries, with applications ranging from medical diagnostics to sustainable energy solutions.