Khadija Asif is a PhD researcher in the Department of Chemical and Process Engineering at the University of Strathclyde. Her work focuses on molecular simulations and membrane materials for gas separation applications, particularly in carbon capture technologies. She is actively involved in projects related to metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), polymer structure analysis, and solution-phase molecular modeling. Research areas: Molecular Simulation, Membrane Materials, Gas Separation, CO2 Capture Key methodologies: 3D Electron Diffraction, Computational Modeling Her recent contributions include publications in Angewandte Chemie International Edition and Microporous and Mesoporous Materials . As a Research Co-investigator, she collaborates with Professor Miguel Jorge and Dr. Ashleigh Fletcher on EPSRC-funded projects. She has also contributed to datasets related to electron diffraction studies of MOF transitions.
Ulrich B. Wiesner is the Spencer T. Olin Professor of Engineering at Cornell University since 2008, with a career spanning over two decades in polymer-inorganic hybrid nanomaterials. His work bridges materials science, chemistry, and biomedical engineering, focusing on block copolymer self-assembly for multifunctional materials. Education: Diploma in Chemistry (University of Mainz, 1988), Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry (University of Mainz & MPI-P, 1991) Research Interests center on combining soft polymeric materials with inorganic/solid-state chemistry to create hierarchical hybrid materials. Key areas include: Energy conversion and storage via mesoporous oxides/non-oxides Clean water technologies through advanced materials Nanomedicine applications in cancer therapy and bioimaging Development of C-dots: ultrasmall fluorescent silica nanoparticles Structure-directing agents from dendron architectures His article trends reveal a focus on asymmetric porous structures (2024-2025), 3D-printed quantum materials (2024), and biomedical applications of C-dots for super-resolution microscopy and targeted drug delivery (2023-2025). Scientific Awards include: National Academy of Inventors Fellow (2024) "Ambassadeur pour la Chimie Française" (2019) Arthur K. Doolittle Award (2016) ACS PMSE Fellow (2015) NSF Creativity Award (2008) Cornell Teaching Excellence Award (2005) IBM Faculty Partnership Award (2001) Carl Duisberg Memorial Award (1999) As co-director of the MSKCC-Cornell Center for Translation of Cancer Nanomedicine (2015-present), he leads interdisciplinary teams developing clinical nanoparticle probes. His work has produced >250 peer-reviewed publications and numerous patents, with recent breakthroughs in antibody fragment-nanoparticle therapeutics for gastric cancer eradication.
Michael Tsapatsis is the 36th Bloomberg Distinguished Professor at Johns Hopkins University in the Whiting School of Engineering. He leads cutting-edge research in sustainable chemical engineering with focus on energy-efficient materials and processes. Education: Engineering Diploma (1988), University of Patras, Greece M.S. (1991), California Institute of Technology Ph.D. (1994), California Institute of Technology Postdoctoral Fellow, California Institute of Technology (1993-1994) Professor Tsapatsis pioneers hierarchical porous materials design for molecular separation and catalysis. His work integrates reaction engineering, mathematical modeling, and materials science to develop ultra-thin zeolite nanosheets and metal-organic frameworks that enable unprecedented selectivity in separation membranes and catalytic processes. The research group focuses on industrial scalability of these materials for cleaner chemical production. His publication trajectory reveals consistent innovation in nanomaterials for sustainable engineering, with landmark papers in Science and Nature demonstrating breakthroughs in membrane technology and catalytic conversion. These works establish foundational principles for molecular-sieving materials that balance selectivity, flux, and industrial viability. Major Honors: Alpha Chi Sigma Award for Chemical Engineering Research (AIChE) Breck Award (International Zeolite Association) Charles M.A. Stine Award (AIChE) David and Lucile Packard Foundation Fellowship National Science Foundation CAREER Award Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award North American Membrane Society Fellowship Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science (2011) Member, National Academy of Engineering (2015) He directs a highly collaborative research program with extensive industrial partnerships and multiple patents. Current initiatives include the "Greener Skies Ahead" sustainable jet fuel project with the University of Alabama and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and the DARPA-funded "Cornucopia" program developing air-to-food conversion technology with Johns Hopkins APL. His group trains students in molecular sieve membrane synthesis while advancing process intensification for decarbonization. The Tsapatsis Research Group operates at the forefront of materials-driven chemical engineering, translating fundamental discoveries in nucleation control and crystal growth into scalable separation and catalytic technologies for industrial applications.
Jake M. Yang is a Lecturer in Physical Chemistry at the School of Chemistry, University of Leicester, where he leads an interdisciplinary research group focused on electrochemistry and sustainable material processing. He holds a DPhil and MChem from the University of Oxford and was awarded an EPSRC Doctoral Prize in 2020 for developing electrochemical sensors to monitor oceanic 'blue carbon'. His research integrates operando electrochemistry with spectroscopic and fluorescent imaging to investigate chemical reactions at electrode interfaces and their environmental applications. He is particularly known for pioneering green recycling methods for lithium-ion batteries and fuel cell membranes. Electroanalysis and Sensor Instrumentation Operando opto/spectro-electrochemical instrumentation Recycling of Technological Critical Materials Monitoring Microplastics and Ocean Ecosystems Fundamental electrochemistry Finite difference simulations The recent publications highlight a strong trend toward sustainability-driven electrochemistry, with a focus on recycling technologies using ultrasound and vegetable oil nanoemulsions. These works bridge fundamental science with industrial applications, particularly in the circular economy of electronics and energy systems. Award Highlights: EPSRC Doctoral Prize Award RSC Horizon Prize 2024 (Faraday Institute ReLIB project) University of Leicester Chemistry Image of Research Competition, 1st Prize Jake actively mentors students and offers funded PhD opportunities. His work is supported by institutional and industry-aligned grants, particularly in sustainable battery and fuel cell recycling. He collaborates across disciplines, including Earth Sciences and engineering, and promotes knowledge transfer through public engagement and media outreach. He is a key member of the Centre for Sustainable Material Processing and leads research on techno-economic analysis of recycling processes, ensuring scientific innovation meets real-world industrial and environmental needs.
Prof. Xing Yang is a Professor at KU Leuven's Institute for Sustainable Metals and Minerals (ISM2), leading the Process Engineering for Sustainable Systems (ProcESS) research group. His work focuses on developing membrane-based technologies for sustainable resource recovery and environmental protection, with strong emphasis on metallurgical and wastewater applications. His research centers on advanced membrane engineering for separation processes, particularly membrane distillation, electrodialysis, and solvent extraction-based systems. Key interests include designing stimuli-responsive membranes, optimizing ion-selective transport, and developing energy-efficient processes for metal recovery from end-of-life batteries and industrial waste streams. His work bridges materials science, chemical engineering, and environmental sustainability to address critical resource scarcity challenges. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2024-2025) reveals a dominant focus on lithium and transition metal recovery through electro-driven membrane processes. He pioneers innovations in membrane architecture – including macrocycle-based channels, zwitterionic coatings, and PVDF modifications – to achieve unprecedented selectivity in complex matrices. His research consistently targets industrial applicability, with demonstrated applications in battery recycling, wastewater valorization, and CO 2 capture systems. The ProcESS research group operates within KU Leuven's Institute for Sustainable Metals and Minerals, collaborating across metallurgy, environmental engineering, and materials science disciplines. Their work integrates experimental membrane fabrication with process modeling to develop scalable solutions for circular economy implementation in resource-intensive industries.
Shu Hu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical & Environmental Engineering at Yale University, affiliated with the Energy Sciences Institute. He holds a PhD from Stanford University and a B.S. from Tsinghua University. His research focuses on solar energy conversion, photocatalytic devices, and sustainable chemical synthesis using CO₂ and water. The Hu Lab develops photocatalysts and reactor designs for producing H₂, CO, and small molecular-weight chemicals from renewable sources. Key areas include semiconductor photoelectrochemistry, functional coatings, and cascade catalysis under molecular flux. Notable achievements include an ACS ENFL Emerging Researcher Award (2024), a DOE Early Career Award (2021), and the Scialog Fellow designation (2020). The lab has published 86 peer-reviewed papers, graduated 5 PhD students, and employs 14 researchers. Funding comes from prestigious grants supporting energy-efficient AI hardware and scalable PEC systems. Research interests span semiconductor-electrochemistry interfaces, non-equilibrium catalysis, and multi-scale modeling. The lab’s work integrates photocatalyst discovery, device engineering, and practical reactor design to advance clean energy technologies.
Mohan Qin is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Her research focuses on developing novel approaches for resource recovery from waste streams and the concentration and detection of microplastics in the Great Lakes. Dr. Qin received her educational degrees as follows: Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech (2017) M.S. in Environmental Engineering from Peking University (2013) B.S. in Environmental Engineering from Shandong University (2010) Her primary research areas include: Bioelectrochemical systems for resource recovery from wastewater Environmental biotechnology for sustainable wastewater treatment Electrochemical processes for desalination and water treatment Membrane-based technology for selective ion removal Her work particularly emphasizes ammonia recovery from manure and wastewater, and the detection of microplastics in freshwater systems, contributing to sustainable water management and resource conservation. Analysis of Dr. Qin's recent publications (2022-2025) reveals a strong focus on ammonia recovery using membrane and electrochemical systems, with increasing attention to microplastics detection in lake water. Her work spans from fundamental transport mechanisms to practical applications in dairy manure treatment and Great Lakes monitoring, often integrating novel sensor technologies and renewable energy sources. Dr. Qin has received numerous awards, including: 2024 IWA Membrane Technology Specialist Group (MTSG) Rising Star Award 2024 University of Wisconsin-Madison Hilldale Undergraduate/Faculty Research Fellowship 2023 UW-Madison Media Fellow and Sustainability Fellow 2022 UW-Madison Madison Teaching and Learning Excellence (MTLE) Fellow Multiple awards during her graduate studies at Virginia Tech Dr. Qin actively mentors students through thesis and independent study courses (CIV ENGR 890, 990, 699) and has been awarded the Hilldale Fellowship for undergraduate research collaboration. Her research is supported by several fellowships including the UW-Madison Sustainability Fellow and Media Fellow, which likely fund her innovative work in resource recovery and microplastics detection. She leads a research group at UW-Madison focused on environmental biotechnology and electrochemical systems, collaborating with institutions like Yale University (where she completed her postdoc) and contributing to journals as an associate editor for Desalination and Water Treatment and on the early career editorial board of ACS ES&T Engineering.
Maria Hondele is a Tenure-track Assistant Professor at the Biozentrum, University of Basel, Switzerland, where she leads a research group dedicated to understanding the formation, regulation, and function of membraneless organelles, particularly those associated with RNA processing. Her interdisciplinary work bridges biochemistry, biophysics, and cell biology to dissect how RNA-protein condensates influence gene expression. Her research focuses on liquid-liquid phase separation and the role of DEAD-box ATPases as master regulators of biomolecular condensates. She investigates how these dynamic structures control RNA flux, processing, and localization within cells. Her lab employs a multidisciplinary approach including biochemical reconstitution, biophysical measurements, high-throughput screening, and advanced imaging techniques to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying condensate formation and function. The recent publications of her group reveal a strong thematic focus on RNA-protein interactions, phase separation, stress granules, and the enzymatic regulation of condensates by ATPases. These studies span model systems from synthetic coacervates to human cells, reflecting a comprehensive strategy to understand both fundamental principles and biological implications of membraneless organelles. ERC Starting Grant (2020) SNSF Eccellenza Professorship (2019) HFSP Long-Term Postdoctoral Fellowship (2015–2018) ETH and EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowship (2015) PhD Prize, University of Munich (2014) Boehringer Ingelheim PhD Fellowship (2008–2011) Dr. Hondele advises a vibrant team of postdoctoral fellows, PhD students, and master’s students, indicating an active and expanding research program. She has secured competitive grants and leads a productive research group contributing significantly to the field of RNA biology and cellular organization. She is also an Associate Member of the National Center of Competence in Research (NCCR) RNA & Disease, reflecting her integration into major national research initiatives. Her research group is embedded within the Biozentrum, a leading interdisciplinary research center at the University of Basel, providing access to state-of-the-art facilities and collaborative networks in molecular and cellular biology.
Professor Ian Metcalfe is a distinguished academic at Newcastle University, specializing in advanced materials for energy applications, particularly in the areas of membrane technology, chemical looping processes, and catalysis. His research spans multiple interdisciplinary fields with significant implications for carbon capture, hydrogen production, and sustainable energy systems. Professor Metcalfe's research primarily focuses on membrane technology for gas separation, particularly CO 2 capture and hydrogen production . His work extensively investigates chemical looping processes using various oxygen carrier materials, particularly perovskite-based materials . A significant portion of his recent research explores nanoparticle exsolution for creating highly stable and active catalysts. His research group has made notable contributions to understanding the thermodynamics of non-stoichiometric materials and developing novel membrane configurations for enhanced gas separation. Analysis of Professor Metcalfe's recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong focus on CO 2 separation technologies , particularly using molten-carbonate membranes with innovative support structures. His work on exsolution has expanded to include room-temperature processes using plasma techniques and applications in methane reforming. The research shows increasing emphasis on direct air capture technologies and ammonia synthesis via chemical looping, indicating strategic expansion into emerging energy storage and carbon utilization areas. Professor Metcalfe maintains extensive collaborations with researchers including Dr. Wenting Hu, Dr. Evangelos Papaioannou, Dr. Dragos Neagu, and Dr. Greg Mutch. His research has significant implications for decarbonization technologies and sustainable energy systems, particularly in hard-to-abate sectors where efficient CO 2 separation and clean hydrogen production are critical.
Sotiria Tsochataridou is a researcher affiliated with Newcastle University , focusing on advanced membrane technologies for CO 2 separation and concentration. Her work involves innovative applications of molten-carbonate membranes, particularly in environmental and sustainable energy contexts. Research Interests: Specializes in environmental engineering, carbon capture, and materials science. Key projects include humidity-driven membrane systems for atmospheric CO 2 extraction and permeation rate analysis through optical visualization techniques. Publications: Recent work (2020–2025) explores freeze-cast ceramic supports for enhanced membrane performance and novel methods for measuring gas separation efficiency.
Dr. Benedikt Aumeier is a Research Fellow and head of the working group "Advanced Water Treatment" at the Chair of Urban Water Management, Department of Civil, Geo and Environmental Engineering, TUM School of Engineering and Design at the Technical University of Munich since 2023. Previously, he served as a Post-Doc and Working Group Leader at the Institute of Urban Water Management, RWTH Aachen University from 2020-2023. Dr. Aumeier holds a Dr.-Ing. from the Chair of Chemical Process Engineering at RWTH Aachen University (2020), an M.Sc. in Management and Technology of Water and Wastewater from the University of Duisburg-Essen (2011-2013), and a B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from the Technical University of Munich (2007-2011). His research focuses on advanced water treatment processes for direct and indirect water reuse, drinking water treatment, and wastewater treatment. Key areas include adsorption/sorption, membrane filtration, advanced oxidation processes, and disinfection. He investigates competitive adsorption in aqueous media, novel sorbent regeneration methods, membrane fouling countermeasures, and process modeling. His work addresses removal of persistent and mobile organic contaminants including PFAS, as well as microorganism elimination. Dr. Aumeier's publications demonstrate a strong trend toward addressing emerging water quality challenges, particularly concerning persistent organic pollutants and advanced treatment technologies. His research spans fundamental studies on adsorption mechanisms to practical applications for water reuse and decentralized treatment systems, with increasing focus on PFAS removal and compliance with regulatory frameworks. Mitglied im Fachausschuss "Persistente-Mobile-Toxische (PMT) Stoffe" der Wasserchemischen Gesellschaft, Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker (GDCh) Mitarbeit an DWA M1200 Teil 2 "Wasserwiederverwendung für landwirtschaftliche und urbane Zwecke in Deutschland" At TUM, Dr. Aumeier teaches courses including "Natural processing methods," "Advanced Water Treatment Engineering and Reuse," and "Industrial wastewater treatment and reuse," demonstrating his commitment to educating the next generation of water professionals. He leads the "Advanced Water Treatment" working group, which focuses on developing and applying innovative water treatment technologies to address contemporary water quality challenges under changing climate conditions.
Professor Paul Webley is the Woodside Monash Energy Partnership Director and Professor of Chemical Engineering at Monash University's Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering. His research focuses on sustainable energy technologies including carbon capture, hydrogen production/storage, and adsorption engineering. His work spans thermodynamics, gas separation processes, and clean fuel development, with applications in energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. Recent publications demonstrate significant contributions to CO2 utilization, hydrogen liquefaction/storage, and advanced separation technologies. Professor Webley leads multiple projects on carbon dioxide conversion, hydrogen technologies, and adsorption process optimization. He mentors PhD students in areas including carbon capture, hydrogen liquefaction, and adsorption engineering.
John Straub is a Professor of Chemistry at Boston University, affiliated with the Chemistry Department. His research focuses on theoretical and computational studies of protein dynamics, thermodynamics, and phase transitions in molecular systems. He leads efforts to develop advanced algorithms for simulating phase changes in complex systems, including work supported by a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant (CH-1114676) to improve computational methods for phase transition modeling. His group has pioneered generalized simulated tempering and replica exchange algorithms, enabling more accurate simulations of phenomena like vapor-liquid phase changes and peptide aggregation. Dr. Straub also engages in science outreach through collaborations with the Pinhead Institute, supporting K-12 education programs and student internships. His research spans diverse topics such as cholesterol interactions in lipid membranes, amyloid fibril formation mechanisms, and the structural basis of protein aggregation in neurodegenerative diseases. His computational methods have been applied to study membrane proteins, lipid rafts, and the role of environmental factors in protein behavior. Key contributions include modeling amyloid-β aggregation pathways and investigating the impact of membrane composition on protein stability.
Professor Jega Jegatheesan is a faculty member at the School of Engineering at RMIT University in Australia. His research focuses on environmental and chemical engineering, with a particular emphasis on water treatment, resource recovery, and sustainable technologies. He leads projects addressing wastewater management, membrane technologies, and nature-based solutions for urban water systems. His work spans interdisciplinary areas such as desalination, biochar applications, and the recovery of valuable metals from industrial waste. Professor Jegatheesan holds a leadership role in supervising research projects, including studies on lithium-ion battery recycling, brine management, and environmental impact assessments. He collaborates internationally on initiatives like scaling nature-based water treatment technologies in Southeast Asia. His contributions bridge academia and industry, emphasizing sustainable practices and environmental policy.
H.J.M. Bouwmeester is an Associate Professor at the University of Twente's MESA+ Institute, leading the Electrochemistry Research group and participating in the Membrane Science and Technology group. He holds a part-time professorship at the University of Science and Technology (USTC) in China since 2012. He earned his PhD cum laude from the University of Groningen, followed by industrial research at Sentron V.O.F. His expertise spans solid-state electrochemistry, oxide ion conductors, and applications in oxygen separation membranes and fuel cells. He co-edits CRC's Handbook of Solid State Electrochemistry and serves as a topical editor for the Journal of Solid State Electrochemistry. His research focuses on advancing materials for energy applications, including cathode design for CO₂ electrolysis and composite membranes for oxygen separation. Recent work explores defect chemistry in perovskite oxides and catalyst optimization to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions. Prof. Bouwmeester has supervised 21 students and contributed over 269 publications. Key collaborations include institutions in China, Germany, and the Netherlands. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to clean energy and climate action.
