Prof. Hedan Bai is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Materials, ETH Zürich, specializing in robotics materials, bio-inspired systems, and soft robotics. Their research focuses on developing advanced materials for sensing, energy-efficient systems, and biomedical applications. Notable projects include the SmartSuit architecture for space exploration and self-healing optical sensors for soft robots. Research interests span bioelectronics, stretchable sensors, haptic interfaces, and biomimetic materials. Bai's work integrates material science with robotics to create adaptive, sustainable, and intelligent systems. Key areas include wireless implants for neuromodulation, environmental-responsive textiles, and energy-harvesting devices. Publications highlight innovations in optical waveguides, self-healing materials, and wearable technologies. Their interdisciplinary approach bridges robotics, biomedical engineering, and aerospace applications. No formal awards are listed, but contributions to next-gen materials for robotics are prominent. Advising and grants are not detailed in the text, but Bai's lab focuses on projects like SmartSuit for extravehicular activities and synthetic afferent neural networks. Collaborations likely involve aerospace and biomedical sectors.
Prof. Olga Sorkine Hornung is a Full Professor of Computer Science at ETH Zürich, leading the Interactive Geometry Lab. She holds a BSc and PhD from Tel Aviv University (2000 and 2006) and conducted postdoctoral research at Technical University Berlin. Her research focuses on computer graphics, geometric modeling, and geometry processing, with applications in shape editing, digital fabrication, and animation. She has received numerous accolades, including the ACM Fellowship (2020), ERC Consolidator Grant (2020), and the Golden Owl Teaching Award (2021). Her work bridges theoretical foundations and practical algorithms, addressing challenges in parameterization, surface compression, and interactive design tools. Her research interests span: Computer Graphics & Visualization Geometric Modeling & Processing 3D Content Creation & Digital Fabrication Garment Design & Simulation Human Motion Analysis & Animation Awards and grants include: 2024: Best Paper Honorable Mention (EUROGRAPHICS) 2023: Member of Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences (SATW) 2020: ERC Consolidator Grant 2017: Rössler Prize (ETH Zurich) Her lab focuses on developing novel methods for interactive geometry processing, with recent advancements in garment modeling (e.g., AIpparel, Rags2Riches) and motion retargeting systems like WalkTheDog. She actively collaborates on interdisciplinary projects, including biomedical applications and sustainable fashion technology.
Michel M. Maharbiz is a Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of California, Berkeley. He leads research on miniaturized bioelectronic interfaces, including neural dust implants and cyborg insects. He holds affiliations with the Berkeley Sensor & Actuator Center (BSAC), Center for Neural Engineering & Prostheses (CNEP), and SWARM Lab. His education includes a Ph.D. in EECS from UC Berkeley (2003) and a B.S. in EE from Cornell University (1997). Maharbiz's research integrates MEMS, ultrasonic systems, and synthetic biology to develop wireless neural interfaces, implantable sensors, and biohybrid devices. Key focus areas are neural dust technology for peripheral nerve recording, magnetoelastic strain sensors for medical applications, and electrochemical biosensing using bacterial flagellar motors. His publications emphasize neural interfaces, ultrasonic implants, and biomedical monitoring. Recent articles explore ultrasonic power delivery (2025), radiation detectors for oncology (2025), and fracture-healing smart plates (2019). Trends include miniaturization of wireless implants, closed-loop therapeutic systems, and novel biomaterials. Scientific Awards: McKnight Technological Innovations in Neuroscience Award (2017) Chan-Zuckerberg Biohub Investigator (2017) NSF CAREER Award (2009) MIT TR10 Top Emerging Technology (2009) Bakar Fellows Spark Award (2012) He directs the Maharbiz Lab, advancing neural dust and bioelectronic interfaces. Projects include impedance-based fracture monitoring, carbon fiber neural arrays, and hernia repair sensors. Funding includes NSF and industry partnerships for implantable device development.
James McCann is an Associate Professor at the Carnegie Mellon Robotics Institute, where he leads the Carnegie Mellon Textiles Lab. He has been a faculty member since May 2017 after working at Disney Research Pittsburgh. McCann's academic journey includes a PhD from Carnegie Mellon advised by Nancy Pollard, followed by a postdoc at Adobe Research and a period developing video games. McCann's research focuses on building creative tools that operate in real-time and build user intuition, with particular emphasis on textiles fabrication and machine knitting. His work spans computer-aided fabrication, simulation, graphics, and creative tools development. He has pioneered systems for machine knitting design, including compilers for knitting instructions and tools for automatic conversion of 3D meshes to knitting patterns. His recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward computational textiles, with significant contributions to knitting semantics, deployable textile structures, and applications of machine knitting in healthcare and robotics. McCann's work bridges computer science, robotics, and textile arts, creating practical systems for once-off manufacturing with industrial knitting machines. McCann actively mentors students, with current PhD candidates working on solid knitting machines, knit calibration, and assistive devices. His teaching portfolio includes courses on Real-Time Graphics, Algorithmic Textiles Design, and Game Programming. He has taught at CMU since 2017, developing innovative courses that blend computer science with physical fabrication. As director of the Textiles Lab, McCann oversees research projects spanning machine knitting, robotic painting, and real-time graphics systems. His lab develops practical tools for creators, emphasizing intuitive interfaces and real-time feedback that lower barriers to advanced fabrication techniques.
Alper Gürarslan is an Associate Professor in the Department of Textile Engineering at Istanbul Technical University. His research focuses on sustainable and functional textiles, biomaterials, nanomaterials, and biomedical applications. He leads several projects on electronic textiles, wound dressings, and eco-friendly materials. Key collaborations involve combining natural fibers with advanced materials. University: Istanbul Technical University Department: Department of Textile Engineering Research interests include nanowire-coated alginate films, poplar fiber composites, and smart textiles for wearable electronics. He has published extensively on topics like thermal insulation properties of nonwovens and antibacterial material integration. Notable projects include 'Regenerated Cotton for Electronic Textiles' (EU-funded) and 'Productive Catalytic Living Materials' (TÜBİTAK). He has received awards for contributions to flexible electronics and sustainable textile materials. Awards: Flexible and Wearable Electronics (2018), Smart Textiles from Sustainable Materials (2021) Current projects span biobased membranes, high-efficiency filtration systems, and medical textile applications. His work emphasizes sustainability and interdisciplinary innovation.
Dr. Daniel J. Preston is an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Rice University, leading the Preston Innovation Laboratory (PI Lab). He holds a B.S. from the University of Alabama (2012), M.S. and Ph.D. from MIT (2014, 2017), and postdoctoral training at Harvard University (2017-2019). His research focuses on energy efficiency, soft materials, fluid mechanics, and robotics, with applications in wearable technologies and sustainable systems. Key achievements include the NSF CAREER Award (2022) and pioneering work on necrobotics using biotic materials. The PI Lab collaborates widely, with projects involving biomimetic surfaces, smart textiles, and fluidic control systems. Education: B.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Alabama (2012) M.S./Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, MIT (2014/2017) Research Interests: Energy : Thermal management, heat transfer optimization, and waste heat recovery. Materials : Soft actuators, surface coatings, and functional biomaterials. Fluids : Interfacial phenomena, droplet dynamics, and fluid-structure interactions. Notable Publications: Recent work includes advancements in wearable haptic devices ( Science Advances ), necrobotics ( Advanced Science ), and fluidic logic textiles ( PNAS ). Over 50 peer-reviewed articles span multidisciplinary topics from magnetic levitation to virus decontamination. Honors: In addition to the CAREER Award, Dr. Preston has received the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship, Tau Beta Pi Fellowship, and Wunsch Foundation Award. His lab fosters innovation through grants and industry partnerships. Advising & Grants: Supervises ~15 graduate and undergraduate students, including NSF GRFP recipients. Active in mentoring initiatives like the Randall Research Scholars Program and AATCC grants. Labs & Teams: The PI Lab collaborates with MIT’s DRL, Harvard’s Whitesides Group, and institutions globally. Core projects include smart wearables, energy harvesting fabrics, and autonomous soft robots.
Abbas Milani is a tenured Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of British Columbia's Okanagan campus, where he holds the Tier 1 Principal's Research Chair in Sustainable & Smart Manufacturing and serves as Director of the Materials and Manufacturing Research Institute (MMRI). He also serves as Technical Director of the Composites Research Network (CRN), Lead of the Canadian-International Biocomposites Research Network, and leads multiple major initiatives including the UBC-Pacific Economic Development Canada-Advancing Circular Economy (ACE) program and the UBC-NRC IRAP National Circular Economy CtO Program. Dr. Milani's primary research focuses on advanced modeling, simulation, and multi-criteria design optimization of composite and biocomposite materials, structures, and manufacturing processes. His expertise spans Textile Composites/Biocomposites, Materials Constitutive Relations, Finite Element Modeling, Robust Inverse Methods, Material Selection for End-of-Life Design Strategies, Multiple Criteria Decision Making, and Industry 5.0 applications. His interdisciplinary research bridges mechanical engineering, sustainable materials science, and smart manufacturing technologies. Analysis of his recent publication record reveals a strong emphasis on sustainable materials development, with particular focus on biocomposites, life cycle assessment methodologies, and optimization of manufacturing processes. His work integrates computational modeling with experimental validation across diverse application areas including medical devices, sustainable packaging, and circular economy strategies. The publications demonstrate increasing integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning approaches with traditional engineering methods. 2015 UBC Okanagan Researcher of the Year Award Killam Faculty Research Award (2016) Inducted into Royal Society of Canada - College of New Scholars (2020) Gold Medal Service Contribution Award by Academics World Reviewer Contribution Award by ASM International Multiple teaching excellence awards from UBC Dr. Milani has successfully mentored over 100 students and postdoctoral fellows who have secured positions in both industry and academia. His research program has been supported by more than $15 million in funding from government and industrial organizations. He leads the NSERC CREATE in Immersive Technologies (CITech) program and co-leads the Advanced Materials and Fabrication Core Competency within the Survive and Thrive Applied Research (STAR) program, demonstrating his commitment to training the next generation of engineers and advancing applied research.
Houman Savoji is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Physiology at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal. He is also a full-time researcher at the CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center and principal investigator in regenerative medicine, organs-on-chip, and bioprinting at TransMedTech Institute. Dr. Savoji received his PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the Institute of Biomedical Engineering at Polytechnique Montréal in 2016. He then completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Toronto. His research expertise combines advanced manufacturing technologies (micro- and nano-fabrication, 3D bioprinting, microfluidics, cell electrospinning) with functional and composite materials for applications in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and organs-on-chip. His work focuses on the design, development, optimization, implementation, and characterization of innovative functional biomaterials using emerging engineering technologies, with particular emphasis on cardiac tissue engineering and biomimetic pulmonary heart valves for pediatric patients. Dr. Savoji has published extensively on biomaterials, tissue engineering, 3D bioprinting, and organ-on-chip technologies. His recent publications demonstrate expertise in viscoelastic characterization of soft tissues, engineering immune responses to biomaterials, ceramic engineering for biomedical applications, and advanced 3D bioprinting techniques for cardiac and vascular tissue engineering. 2017-2020, Postdoctoral Research Grant, CIHR 2017-2019, Postdoctoral Research Grant, FRQNT 2017-2018, Human Society of International Grant, Human Toxicity Assessment Project 2016, CR-CHUM Research Center Award 2015, Star Student-Researcher Award, FRQNT 2014-2015, Jane and Frank Warchol Fellowship, Society of Vacuum Coaters Foundation 2013, Institute of Textile Science Award 2012-2015, Excellence Doctoral Scholarship for Foreign Students, FRQNT Dr. Savoji has supervised Master's students including Ines Barrakad (2024) working on 'Advanced manufacturing technologies versus molding of corneal implants: 3D printing vs molding of a Keratoprosthesis' and Zineb Ajji (2023) researching 'Development of perfusable patches by 3D bioprinting for potential application in cardiac tissue regeneration.' He has secured numerous research grants from organizations including CIHR, NSERC, FRQNT, FRQS, MITACS, and others for projects related to 3D bioprinting of cardiac tissues, biomimetic heart valves, and other tissue engineering applications. The Savoji Laboratory, located within the Department of Pharmacology and Physiology and Institute of Biomedical Engineering of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Montreal, the Research Center of the CHU Sainte-Justine (CHUSJ), and the TransMedTech Institute, focuses on multidisciplinary research involving 3D bioprinting using stem-cell derived human cardiac cells to fabricate functional cardiac tissues for transplantation and drug discovery applications.
Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyUnited States
Dr. Canan Dagdeviren is an Associate Professor and LG Career Development Professor of Media Arts and Sciences at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where she directs the Conformable Decoders research group at the MIT Media Lab. She joined the MIT faculty in January 2017 and has established herself as a leading innovator in conformable biomedical devices. Education: Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign M.Sc. in Materials Science and Engineering, Sabanci University, Istanbul, Turkey B.Sc. in Physics Engineering, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey Dr. Dagdeviren's research focuses on creating mechanically adaptive electromechanical systems that can intimately integrate with biological surfaces for sensing, actuation, and energy harvesting. She believes vital information from nature and the human body is 'coded' in various physical patterns, and her work develops 'conformable decoders' to translate these patterns into beneficial signals and energy. Her research spans wearable and implantable medical devices, with particular emphasis on piezoelectric systems that can be twisted, folded, stretched, wrapped, and implanted onto curvilinear surfaces of the human body without damage or significant alteration in performance. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on medical applications of conformable electronics, particularly in ultrasound technology for breast cancer detection, deep brain stimulation, and bladder monitoring. Her work consistently bridges materials science, electrical engineering, and medical applications, with increasing emphasis on practical healthcare solutions that can be deployed outside clinical settings. Major Scientific Awards: NSF CAREER Award (2021) 3M Non-Tenured Faculty Award (2021) MIT Technology Review's Top 35 Innovators Under 35 (2015) Forbes' Top 30 Under 30 in Science (2015) National Academy of Engineering US Frontiers of Engineering Symposium participant (2019) Frank E. Perkins Award for Excellence in Graduate Advising Aziz Sancar Science Award Dr. Dagdeviren actively mentors graduate students and has received recognition for her advising excellence. Her research is supported by significant grants including the NSF CAREER award and has resulted in numerous patents and commercialization opportunities. She has developed innovative cleanroom-based courses at MIT that train students in microfabrication techniques for biomedical devices. The Conformable Decoders research group operates a specialized cleanroom facility at the MIT Media Lab, enabling the development and fabrication of novel conformable electronic systems. The group's work has attracted attention from major media outlets including BBC, CNN, and Nature, and has potential applications across multiple medical specialties including neurology, oncology, and urology.
Nonappa Nonappa is an Associate Professor (tenure track) in Nanochemistry at Tampere University's Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences since 2020. With a multidisciplinary background spanning organic chemistry, supramolecular systems, nanoparticle self-assembly, and advanced electron microscopy, he leads research at the intersection of materials science and biomedical applications. PhD in Organic Chemistry (IISc Bangalore, 2008) Docent in Soft Matter Microscopy (Aalto University, 2017) Executive MBA (Quantic School, 2020) Research focuses on bio-based optical materials using nanocellulose for sustainable photonics, breast cancer models via lab-on-a-chip systems, and precision nanomaterials through tailored self-assembly mechanisms. His team develops 3D extracellular matrices for cancer tissue culture and plasmonic nanodevices for photonic applications. Recent publications highlight gold/silver nanocluster assemblies (43+ citations in 2021-2025), electron tomography for structural analysis, and metastasis modeling systems. Key awards include Italy's Abilitazione Scientifica Nazionale (2018) and Aalto University's Docent title (2017).
Dr. Benjamin C.K. Tee is an Associate Professor at the National University of Singapore (NUS), affiliated with the College of Engineering and the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. He leads the Sensors.AI Labs, focusing on transforming materials science, mechanics, and biology into cutting-edge technologies for robotics and healthcare in the AI era. His research explores novel materials and fabrication techniques to develop flexible, stretchable electronic sensors. These innovations enable applications in human-machine interfaces, biomedical devices, and AI-driven robotic systems. Key areas include self-healing materials, large-scale tactile sensing, and wireless health monitoring. His work has garnered international acclaim, including the James Dyson Foundation Prize (International Winner, 2021), MIT TR35 Innovator (2015), and recognition as a World Economic Forum Young Scientist (2019). His inventions have been commercialized through co-founded startups Privi Medical (acquired in 2021) and Hannah Life Technologies. Scientific Awards: National Research Foundation Fellowship (2017) MIT TR35 Innovator (Global) (2015) World Economic Forum Young Scientist (2019) James Dyson Foundation Prize - International Winner (2021) IES Prestigious Engineering Award (2020) Stanford University Top 2% Scientists (2021)
Professor Stephen Beeby is a leading academic at the University of Southampton in the Electronics and Computer Science department. His research spans Electronic Textiles , Flexible Electronics , and Energy Harvesting technologies. Research Focus: His work emphasizes the integration of smart printable materials into fabrics, enabling invisible wearable technologies . Projects include energy-harvesting insoles , skin hydration sensors , and thermoelectric devices for sustainable power. Recent Publications highlight advancements in zinc oxide nanoparticle films , flexible antennas , and gold-tooled e-textile circuits , reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to biomedical monitoring and smart clothing . Scientific Honors: Royal Academy of Engineering Chair in Emerging Technologies Fellow of IEEE (FIEEE) Fellow of Institute of Physics (FInstP) Fellow of Institution of Engineering and Technology (FIET) PhD Students: Supervising 10 active PhD candidates in areas like flexible sensors , smart garments , and energy-harvesting systems . Labs & Collaborations: Core member of the Centre for Flexible Electronics and E-Textiles (C-FLEET) and collaborates with European Union-funded initiatives like EnABLES and TEAM-NANO .
Carme Torras Genís is a Research Professor at the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), affiliated with the Institute of Robotics and Industrial Informatics (IRI) in Barcelona and the Technical University of Catalonia (UPC). Her career spans over three decades, focusing on robotics, neurocomputing, and artificial intelligence with applications in healthcare and deformable object manipulation. M.Sc. in Mathematics (University of Barcelona, 1978) M.Sc. in Computer Science (University of Massachusetts, 11981) Ph.D. in Computer Science (UPC, 1984) Research Interests : Robotic manipulation of deformable objects (especially textiles) Neurocomputing and machine learning for robotic control Human-robot interaction and assistive robotics Computational topology for cloth state representation Ethics in social robotics and AI Medical applications of robotics for neuromuscular disease assessment Scientific Leadership : ERC Advanced Grant recipient (2016) IEEE and EurAI Fellow Coordinator of Horizon Europe project SoftEnable and former ERC project CLOTHILDE Editorial leadership in IEEE Transactions on Robotics and multiple journals Active in ethics committees and AI policy advisory boards Advisory Committee of Ethics in AI (Catalan Government) Vice-President of CSIC Ethics Committee Member of Royal Academy of Engineering (Spain)
Prof. Raul Fangueiro is a Full Professor and Vice-Dean at the School of Engineering, University of Minho, Portugal. As a Senior Researcher, he leads FIBRENAMICS – Institute of Innovation on Fiber-Based Materials and Composites. His work spans advanced materials (nano, smart, composites) and structures (3D, auxetic, multiscale) with applications in defense, healthcare, construction, and automotive sectors. Supervised over 20 PhD and Post-Doc researchers Scientific coordinator of 20+ national/international research projects Author of 200+ journal papers (H-index: 47), 500+ conference publications, 36 books, 40 patents Research focuses on nanotechnology , electrospinning , and sustainable material systems : Auxetic composites for personal protection Biodegradable nanofibers for medical use Smart textiles for biological/chemical resistance Recycled mineral/wood-based composites Graphene-reinforced green materials Multiscale fiber architectures Scientific recognition includes: Top 2% most influential scientist (Elsevier/Stanford 2020) Founder of AUXDEFENSE and ICNF conferences Editorial board member of leading composite journals Advisor to European Defense Agency/NATO working groups Active in industry-academia partnerships through spin-offs (Sciencentris, B4Logic, Beyond Composites, Givaware, Pixartidea) and collaborative projects with institutions like Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Aveiro, and international universities.
Dr Nga Wun (Doris) Li is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) within the Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building, Department of Fashion and Textiles. She leads research in seamless knitting technology, smart textiles, and sustainable fashion innovation. PhD in Fashion & Textile Design (HK PolyU, 2021) BA (Hons) in Fashion & Textiles (HK PolyU, 2012) Certifications in Wholegarment Machine (Shima Seiki, Japan) and Higher Education Pedagogy (UTS) Her research focuses on functional garments, knitting technology, and bio-informed textile design. Key projects include smart socks for DVT prevention , one-size sports bras , and buoyant swimwear for children . She combines knitting with machine learning and 3D printing for material innovation. Recent publications highlight her work on compression textiles (2025), wearable glucose sensors (2025), and knitted metasurfaces for acoustic comfort (2024). She has secured AU$52,000+ in grants across 5 funded projects. Fashion Design Award (Jeanswest, China) Outstanding Presentation & Research Paper Awards (2024) Dr Li supervises PhD and MPhil students in smart textiles and sustainable design while coordinating machine knitting courses. She collaborates with AiDLab (Hong Kong) and Powerhouse Museum (Australia).
