James Tung is an Associate Professor at the University of Waterloo’s Faculty of Engineering, Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering. His research focuses on assistive technology, rehabilitation engineering, and mobility solutions for individuals with disabilities. He leads the Neural and Rehabilitation Engineering (NRE) Lab, which develops wearable sensors, robotics, and machine learning tools to enhance mobility and monitor motor rehabilitation. He teaches courses including BME 355 (Physiological Systems Modelling), BME 540 (Neural and Rehabilitation Engineering), and ME/MTE engineering modules. The lab collaborates with clinical and industry partners to translate research into practical solutions, addressing real-world mobility challenges and aging demographics. His research spans real-world gait analysis, fall risk assessment, and prosthetic design, with a focus on pediatric neurodevelopmental disorders and elderly mobility. The NRE Lab emphasizes interdisciplinary work, combining biomechanics, robotics, and data science to improve healthcare outcomes. Lab Alumni: Includes researchers like Robin Murdock (Myant Inc.), Andrew Hart, and Raj Senthilkumar, contributing to prosthetics and gait analysis. Partnerships: Engages clinical and industry stakeholders for knowledge translation and commercialization. Current projects include developing smart rollators, biofeedback prosthetics, and sensor-based assessment tools to address mobility limitations in aging populations and individuals with disabilities.
Joachim Weickert is a Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science at Saarland University where he heads the Mathematical Image Analysis Group since 2001. He received his diploma and Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Kaiserslautern (1991, 1996), and a habilitation degree in computer science from the University of Mannheim (2001). Prior to his current position, he worked as a research assistant at the University of Kaiserslautern, as a post-doctoral researcher at the universities of Utrecht and Copenhagen, and as an assistant professor at the University of Mannheim. His research focuses on image processing, computer vision, and scientific computing, with special emphasis on techniques based on partial differential equations, variational principles, wavelets, morphological and nonlocal methods, as well as neuroexplicit approaches. He has developed mathematical models and efficient numerical algorithms for image restoration, enhancement, segmentation, compression, optic flow computation, stereo reconstruction, shape from shading, and signal processing methods for tensor fields. These ideas have been successfully applied in industry, biomedical image analysis, and other fields. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trend toward combining traditional PDE-based methods with modern deep learning approaches, particularly in the areas of image inpainting and compression. His work increasingly explores the connections between numerical algorithms for partial differential equations and neural network architectures, demonstrating how mathematical foundations can inform cutting-edge AI techniques while maintaining strong theoretical guarantees. Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize (2010), considered the most important research award in Germany ERC Advanced Grant (2017) for "Inpainting-based Compression of Visual Data" Elected member of Academia Europaea - The Academy of Europe Jan Koenderink Prize for Fundamental Contributions in Computer Vision (2014) Multiple DAGM Prizes and Best Paper Awards throughout his career AAIA Fellow (2021) and Highly Ranked Scholar (2024) distinctions Professor Weickert has supervised over 250 bachelor's and master's theses and initiated the Master Programme in Visual Computing at Saarland University, the first of its kind in Germany taught in English. He has established numerous interdisciplinary collaborations with colleagues from medicine, bioinformatics, pharmacy, physics, mechatronics, and mechanical engineering. As Principal Investigator for Visual Computing within the Multimodal Computing and Interaction Cluster of Excellence, and former dean of the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science (2008-2010), he has played a significant leadership role in advancing visual computing research and education. He heads the Mathematical Image Analysis Group, which has been at the forefront of developing mathematical methods for image analysis. The group maintains strong connections with both theoretical mathematics and practical applications, bridging the gap between fundamental research and real-world implementation across various domains including medical imaging, industrial inspection, and multimedia processing.
Dr. Leila Notash is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at Queen's University, where she has been a faculty member since 1997. She is a Fellow of Engineers Canada (FEC) and a licensed Professional Engineer with Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO), with significant contributions to engineering education and professional service. Her educational background includes: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Middle East Technical University (Ankara, Turkey) - High Honor Student (2nd out of 166) Master of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering, University of Toronto PhD in Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria Dr. Notash's research centers on robotics and mechatronics, with specialized expertise in cable-driven parallel manipulators. Her work integrates kinematics, fault-tolerant design, and neural network applications to address challenges in robot calibration, workspace analysis, and motion control under real-world constraints like cable mass and elasticity. She investigates both theoretical frameworks and practical implementations for industrial and specialized robotic systems. Analysis of her recent publications (2020-2024) reveals a clear trajectory toward intelligent control systems, where machine learning techniques—particularly neural networks and reinforcement learning—are increasingly applied to solve complex problems in cable-driven robotics. This includes motion control optimization, path generation, and kineto-static analysis while accounting for physical limitations such as cable elasticity and mass effects, demonstrating a shift from traditional mechanical analysis to data-driven adaptive control methodologies. Her scientific recognition includes: Fellow of Engineers Canada (FEC) University of Toronto Open Fellowship University of Toronto International Differential Fee Waiver Charles S. Humphrey Graduate Student Award NSERC Doctoral Prize Nominee (1996) Dr. Notash has mentored 161 undergraduate students as Faculty Advisor for the Mechanical '06 cohort and pioneered international educational initiatives like the International Undergraduate Student Design project (IVDS), connecting Queen's University with Middle East Technical University and Union College. Her service extends to editorial leadership for Mechanism and Machine Theory and ASME journals, and governance roles including Faculty Senator at Queen's University (2009-2025) and PEO Council Councillor-at-Large (2019-2025). She has established collaborative research networks through initiatives like the Reading Week shop course 'Design Basics 1.0' and sustained leadership in the Canadian Committee for the Promotion of Mechanism and Machine Science (CCToMM) and the International Federation for the Promotion of Mechanism and Machine Science (IFToMM), where she chaired the Permanent Commission on Communications (2006-2011).
Giulia Giordano is a Full Professor in the Department of Industrial Engineering at the University of Trento, Italy, where she leads the Dynamical Networks and Systems Biology research group. She also holds a dual appointment as Visiting Professor and Delft Technology Fellow at the Delft Center for Systems and Control, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands. Her career includes previous positions as Assistant Professor at Delft University of Technology (2017-2019), Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Lund University, Sweden (2016-2017), and Research Fellow at the University of Udine, Italy (2016). Giulia earned her Ph.D. in Industrial and Information Engineering: Automation (Excellent) from the University of Udine with a thesis titled "Structural Analysis and Control of Dynamical Networks." She completed her M.Sc. and B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering (both Summa cum laude) at the same institution. She also undertook research visits at Caltech (2012) as a SURF Fellow and at the University of Stuttgart (2015) as a DAAD Research Scholar. Her primary research focuses on the analysis and control of dynamical networks with applications in systems biology, mathematical ecology, and mathematical epidemiology. She develops mathematical frameworks that bridge control theory, network theory, and dynamical systems to address complex problems in biological systems. Her recent work spans epidemic modeling, opinion dynamics, biochemical networks, and neurological disorders, with a particular emphasis on structural analysis of networked systems. She employs both theoretical and computational approaches to understand system behavior under uncertainty. Giulia's publications reveal a strong interdisciplinary focus, spanning from theoretical control systems to practical applications in epidemiology and biology. Her recent work shows increasing emphasis on epidemic modeling (particularly related to mpox and SARS-CoV-2), network synchronization, and the application of control theory to biological phenomena like fibromyalgia pathogenesis and opinion formation. Many of her papers appear in top-tier control journals including Automatica and IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control. 2024: Outstanding Service as Associate Editor of IEEE Control Systems Letters 2021: SIAM Activity Group on Control and Systems Theory Prize 2020: Outstanding Reviewer, Annals of Internal Medicine 2017: NAHS Best Paper Prize and EECI PhD Award 2016: Outstanding TAC Reviewer, IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control Giulia actively mentors students and postdoctoral researchers, currently supervising five postdoctoral researchers and two Ph.D. students at the University of Trento. She has advised numerous M.Sc. and B.Sc. students on topics ranging from bio-inspired modeling to optimal control of epidemic systems. Her research is supported by competitive grants including the ERC Starting Grant INSPIRE (Integrated Structural and Probabilistic Approaches for Biological and Epidemiological Systems). She serves as Associate Editor for IEEE Control Systems Letters and Automatica, and is a Senior Member of IEEE and the Control Systems Society. Giulia leads the Dynamical Networks and Systems Biology research group at the University of Trento, which maintains strong international collaborations across Europe and North America. The group's work combines theoretical advances in control theory with practical applications to pressing problems in public health and biological systems, demonstrating the power of mathematical approaches to understanding complex phenomena in the life sciences.
Daniel E. Koditschek is the Alfred Fitler Moore Professor in the Department of Computer and Information Science at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Engineering and Applied Science. He also holds primary appointments in the Department of Electrical and Systems Engineering and a research affiliation with the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics. He is a leading figure in the GRASP Lab, where he leads the Kod*lab, a specialized group focused on physical interaction and locomotion in autonomous robots. His research lies at the intersection of dynamical systems theory and robotics, emphasizing legged locomotion, hybrid control systems, and bio-inspired design. Koditschek's work integrates formal mathematical modeling with empirical testing of physical robots that run, jump, climb, and manipulate objects. He actively explores how biological insights into animal mobility can inform robotic autonomy and control. His group maintains strong collaborations with biologists and emphasizes embodied intelligence in machine behavior. The recent publications reflect a strong trend in applying theoretical control frameworks—such as hybrid dynamical systems, averaging methods, and navigation functions—to practical robotic challenges in unstructured environments. Topics include terrain adaptation, energy-efficient locomotion, reactive planning, and affordance-based interaction. There is a clear focus on bridging abstract mathematical models with real-world robotic performance, particularly in legged and mobile manipulation systems. IEEE RAS Pioneer Award Heilmeier Research Award AFOSR MURI Award (2010) Daniel Koditschek has advised numerous PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, many of whom now hold faculty positions or leadership roles in robotics companies like Ghost Robotics and Boston Dynamics. His research is supported by major grants from the NSF and AFOSR, including the MURI award and REU/RET programs that engage K-12 and undergraduate educators. He has also been involved in international outreach, including activities at the Penn Wharton China Center. Koditschek leads the Kod*lab within the GRASP Lab’s PERCH facility, which houses advanced legged robots such as the Ghost Minitaur, XRHhex, Inu, Delta Hopper, and Jerboa platforms. The lab emphasizes experimental validation of control theories using custom hardware and real-world terrain challenges.
Terese Løvås serves as Vice Dean of Research and Innovation at the Faculty of Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), where she leads strategic development of research and innovation activities. She concurrently holds the position of Professor of Combustion and Thermodynamics within the Department of Energy and Process Engineering. Her leadership responsibilities include oversight of Centers of Excellence, Horizon Europe projects, and PhD researcher training. Her research focuses on combustion engineering and alternative fuel technologies , particularly investigating ammonia and hydrogen combustion for zero-emission engines, biomass gasification processes, and reactive multiphase flow modeling. She heads the Engine Lab at NTNU and teaches Thermodynamics, Heat, and Combustion courses. Her work bridges theoretical modeling with experimental validation in sustainable energy systems. Løvås actively contributes to major research initiatives including LowEmission (SFI center), ACTIVATE (ammonia-powered agricultural vehicles), AMAZE (ammonia zero-emission), and CAHEMA (marine ammonia/hydrogen engines). Her publications reveal strong trends in ammonia combustion chemistry , emissions reduction , and advanced computational modeling for sustainable fuel systems, with increasing focus on nitrogen oxide formation mechanisms and dual-fuel strategies. Member of the Board of Directors, Combustion Institute (2022–present) Joint Editor, Proceedings of the Combustion Institute (2019–present) Alumni Fellow in Engineering, Churchill College, Cambridge University As Vice Dean, she manages NTNU's Research and Innovation Committee and represents the faculty in NTNU's Research and Innovation Committee. She supervises multiple PhD candidates and leads international collaborations through projects funded by the Norwegian Research Council, Nordic Energy Research, and EU programs. Her laboratory work focuses on optical engine diagnostics and advanced combustion testing. Løvås maintains active industry engagement through her leadership in the ComKin Research Group and membership in the Institute of Physics and Scandinavian-Nordic Section of the Combustion Institute. Her current work emphasizes practical implementation of ammonia-fueled engine technologies for marine and agricultural applications.
Quan Zhou is a Professor leading the Robotic Instruments Group at the Department of Electrical Engineering and Automation, School of Electrical Engineering, Aalto University, Finland. He holds an M.Sc. in Control Engineering and a Dr.Tech. in Automation Technology from Tampere University of Technology. His research focuses on miniaturized robotics, robotic manipulation using contact, acoustic, magnetic, interfacial, and fluidic methods, integrating physics, mechatronics, and machine learning to address challenges in dexterous manipulation with applications in biomedicine, materials science, and industrial technologies. He directs the Master’s Programme in Automation and Electrical Engineering (AEE) at Aalto and coordinates the European Robotics Association’s Topic Group on Miniaturized Robotics. He has led the EU FP7 project FAB2ASM and chaired international conferences like MARSS 2019. Notably, he received the 2018 Anton Paar Research Award for Instrumental Analytics and Characterization. His research spans fundamental methodologies and practical applications, emphasizing interdisciplinary innovation. Recent work includes advancements in fluid-driven manipulation, biomimetic robotics, and acoustic particle control. His contributions bridge theoretical frameworks and real-world automation solutions, with publications in journals like Advanced Intelligent Systems , Nature , and Physical Review E . Prof. Zhou’s leadership roles include coordinating the EIT Digital Master's Programme in Autonomous Systems and chairing IEEE Finland robotics chapters. His work has been recognized through grants and awards, reflecting his impact on robotics and automation research and education.
Dr. Umberto Montanaro is a Senior Lecturer in Autonomous Systems and Control Engineering at the University of Surrey's School of Mechanical Engineering Sciences, within the Centre for Automotive Engineering. He holds PhDs in Control Engineering (2009) and Mechanical Engineering (2016) from the University of Naples Federico II, Italy. His research focuses on adaptive control algorithms for automotive and mechatronic systems, including vehicle platooning, autonomous driving, and nonlinear control strategies. He has authored over 60 peer-reviewed publications and led projects like the Innovate UK-funded GPR for Localisation (2018–2019) and the EPSRC/JLR-funded CARMA initiative (2016–2021). His work spans control of multiagent systems, optimal control, and enhanced model reference adaptive control (MRAC) applications. Dr. Montanaro has supervised multiple PhD and MEng students, including co-supervision of Shilp Dixit's research on autonomous overtaking. Research Interests: Adaptive Control, Autonomous Vehicles, Vehicle Platooning, Nonlinear Systems, Model Reference Adaptive Control Grants: CARMA (EPSRC/JLR), GPR Localisation (Innovate UK) Teaching: Control and Dynamics (ENG3611), Engine Speed Control labs Labs/Teams: Active in automotive control systems and connected autonomous vehicle research
Francesco Ambrogi is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at Queen's University, where he leads the Fluids, Energy, and Bio-inspired Unsteady Simulations (FEBUS) lab. His research focuses on computational and theoretical studies of turbulent boundary layers under pressure gradients, with applications in unsteady aerodynamics (turbine blades, rotor blades) and biomimicry (swimming/flying animals) for flow control. Dr. Ambrogi received his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Queen's University in 2024, following a MASc in Energy and Nuclear Engineering from the University of Bologna, Italy (2019), and a BAsc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy (2015). He previously served as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Queen's University in 2024 and completed a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at the University of Waterloo in Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering. His research program centers on advancing the understanding of turbulent boundary layer physics under unsteady pressure gradients. Dr. Ambrogi's team leverages modern computational tools, particularly large-eddy simulations, to investigate separated turbulent boundary layers and large-scale coherent structures. These structures are pivotal for the transport of mass, momentum, energy, and contaminants in turbulent flows. His work has significant implications for engineering applications such as turbulent mixing, heat diffusion, and contaminant transport in the atmosphere, with direct relevance to turbine blades, rotor blades, and biomimetic systems for flow control. Dr. Ambrogi's recent publications demonstrate a consistent research trajectory focused on unsteady boundary layer separation phenomena, showing increasing sophistication in handling complex unsteady flow physics. His work combines rigorous computational methods with practical applications in aerodynamics and flow control, particularly examining how time-varying freestream conditions affect boundary layer separation and how turbulent kinetic energy is advected in these complex flows. Dr. Ambrogi has secured funding through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC-CRNSG) under the Discovery Grant Program, with computational support provided by the Digital Research Alliance of Canada. His educational initiatives include ARC4CFD, an open-source course designed to bridge the gap between small-scale CFD simulations and large-scale computations on high-performance computing systems. As director of the FEBUS lab at Queen's University, Dr. Ambrogi leads research that combines fundamental fluid dynamics with practical engineering applications. The lab's work spans from theoretical investigations of flow separation mechanisms to the development of computational tools for practical engineering problems in aerospace and bio-inspired systems.
Professor Khac Duc Do is a faculty member at Curtin University, holding a position in the School of Civil and Mechanical Engineering within the Faculty of Science and Engineering. He serves in the Office of the Provost and is based at Curtin Perth campus. His research focuses on advanced control systems, nonlinear dynamics, and robotics applications in marine, aerospace, and mechanical systems. He earned a PhD with distinction in 2003 and has held prestigious fellowships including ARC Postdoctoral Fellow (2004) and ARC Australian Research Fellow (2009). His teaching includes courses like Advanced Control and Mechatronics, Navigation and Marine Control Systems, and Advanced Control Engineering. Key research interests encompass control of nonlinear systems, stochastic systems, formation control of mobile agents, fluid-structure interaction, and boundary control of PDE-governed systems. His funded projects include wave-energy converter development (2023-2026), inerter-based damper research (2019-2021), and ocean vehicle control systems. Scientific awards include ARC grants totaling over AUD 2 million. Current opportunities include scholarships in control systems/fluid-structure interaction and a postdoc position in wave-energy conversion.
Dr. Yuping He is a Professor in the Department of Automotive and Mechatronics Engineering at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT). He holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Waterloo (2002) and has extensive academic and industry experience, including postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Windsor and University of Waterloo. His research focuses on autonomous driving, vehicle dynamics, chassis design, and active safety systems, with expertise in modeling and simulation techniques. Education: PhD (Mechanical Engineering), University of Waterloo, 2002 MASc (Automotive Engineering), Tsinghua University, China, 1991 BASc (Automotive Engineering), Hubei Automotive Industries Institute, China, 1985 Research interests include automated design synthesis, multidisciplinary optimization, and driver-hardware-in-the-loop simulations. He has contributed to advancements in heavy vehicle stability control, trailer steering systems, and energy-saving strategies for steer-by-wire vehicles. His work bridges mechanical systems, control engineering, and real-time simulation technologies. Awards include the 2010 Research Excellence Award from UOIT’s Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, and a nomination for the Governor-General’s Gold Medal (2003). His publications span journals like Vehicle System Dynamics and ASME Journal of Computational and Nonlinear Dynamics , with a focus on improving vehicle safety and performance through advanced control strategies. Advising and Grants: Dr. He has advised student teams in capstone projects, including the 2010 FEAS Capstone Design Competition-winning team. His research integrates industrial collaboration, as seen in roles like Senior Product Engineer at American Axle & Manufacturing (2005). His work emphasizes practical applications in automotive and mechatronic systems.
Dr. Prabhakar Pagilla is the Associate Department Head and a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University. He holds the James J. Cain Professor II title and leads the Robotics and Control Engineering Group. His research focuses on advanced control systems for robotics and roll-to-roll manufacturing, with emphasis on nonlinear dynamics, autonomous systems, and mechatronics. Education: Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley (1996) M.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley (1994) B.E., Mechanical Engineering, Osmania University (1990) Research Interests: Modeling and control of roll-to-roll manufacturing systems Autonomous vehicles and cooperative adaptive cruise control Robotics/mechatronics, including workpiece localization and human-robot collaboration Control of large-scale nonlinear dynamic systems Recent Trends in Publications: Dr. Pagilla’s recent work emphasizes safety and efficiency in autonomous systems, including platooning strategies, V2V communication impacts, and exoskeleton ergonomics. His robotics research explores real-time path planning, shared control mechanisms, and anomaly detection in manufacturing processes. Awards: Fellow of ASME (2011) John J. Shelton Best Paper Award (2017, 2019) Regents Distinguished Research Award (2012) Lab/Teams: The Robotics and Control Engineering Group at Texas A&M focuses on interdisciplinary projects combining advanced control theory with practical applications in robotics and manufacturing. Current initiatives include surface finishing of curved geometries and predictive intent modeling for human-robot collaboration.
Christoforos Mavrogiannis is an Assistant Professor of Robotics at the University of Michigan, leading the Fluent Robotics Lab within the Department of Robotics. He holds a Ph.D. and M.S. from Cornell University and a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens. His research focuses on enabling robots to seamlessly integrate into dynamic, unstructured environments through advancements in human-robot interaction, shared autonomy, multiagent systems, and navigation algorithms. Education: Ph.D. and M.S., Cornell University Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens Research Interests: His work spans human-robot interaction , shared autonomy , and multiagent systems . He develops algorithms for navigating dynamic environments , decentralized control , and behavior prediction , with applications in robotic manipulation and collaborative transport . Recent projects include the HOUND off-road robot and pixel-art generation with mobile robots. Awards: Best paper award at the RSS Social Navigation Workshop (2024) Grants & Advising: He advises the Fluent Robotics Lab and contributes to organizing conferences like ICRA and HRI. His lab focuses on human-centered robotics and socially competent navigation . Labs & Teams: Fluent Robotics Lab at the University of Michigan, collaborating on projects like the HOUND platform and electrostatic brake systems for manipulation.
Akio Kodaira is affiliated with the Institute of Science Tokyo as a researcher. His work focuses on soft robotics, mechatronics, and advanced actuator design using materials like IPMC (Ionic Polymer-Metal Composites) and flexible fuel cells. Primary institution: Institute of Science Tokyo Research Interests Kodaira's research spans the development of soft robots, thin-film actuators, and bio-inspired mechanical systems. Key areas include IPMC fabrication techniques, energy-efficient actuators using Au/Pt electrodes, and 3D crafts using paper/fabric materials. Publication Trends Recent publications emphasize soft robotics, material hybridization (e.g., paper/fabric-assisted IPMC), and flexible fuel cell applications. His collaborations with researchers like Koichi Suzumori and Hiroyuki Nabae highlight interdisciplinary efforts in mechatronics and mechanical engineering. Collaborations Frequent co-authors include Koichi Suzumori (Professor, Institute of Science Tokyo), Kinji Asaka , and Hiroyuki Nabae . Projects involve thin-film robotics, McKibben muscles, and simulator-based navigation software.
Jyrki Kajaste is a Lecturer at the Department of Energy and Mechanical Engineering, Aalto University. His academic career focuses on mechanical engineering and energy systems, with a strong emphasis on fluid power and hydraulic technologies. His research bridges theoretical and applied engineering, particularly in sustainable energy solutions and mechatronic systems. Research Focus: Mechanical Engineering, Fluid Power, Sustainable Energy Key Projects: CO2 adsorption heat engines, hydraulic system optimization, energy-efficient machinery Jyrki's publications highlight advancements in hydraulic systems, pneumatic efficiency, and additive manufacturing. His collaborations span international conferences like SICFP and the Baltic Mechatronics Symposium, showcasing interdisciplinary applications of mechanical engineering principles.
