Michael McAlpine is a Professor in the Mechanical Engineering department at the University of Minnesota . He also holds affiliations with the Biomedical Engineering and Electrical and Computer Engineering departments. His research focuses on 3D printing functional materials & devices , Nanoscale inks , Biomedical devices , Bioelectronics , and Flexible Microsystems . Research Interests : 3D Printing, Biomedical Engineering, Nanotechnology, Flexible Electronics, Microfluidics Labs : ME 361/363 Contact : mcalpine@umn.edu , (612) 626-3303, ME 117 Recent Research Trends include 3D Printed Biomedical Devices , Flexible Electronics , and Bioprinting Applications . His work spans from Spinal Organoid Formation to Programmable Drug Release Capsules . Scientific Award : Circulation Research 2020 Best Manuscript Award
Christophe Meunier is a researcher specializing in hybrid materials, particularly focusing on biohybrid systems that integrate biological components with inorganic matrices. His work emphasizes environmental applications and biomedical innovations through advanced material design. Key Collaborations: Su, B. L., Michiels, C., Wang, L. Research Themes: Photosynthesis mimicry, cell therapy microcapsules, hybrid alginate-TiO₂ systems Research Focus: Meunier has pioneered the biomimicry of photosynthesis via biosystem immobilization in silica matrices, aiming to create 'living materials' with functional biological-inorganic interfaces. His recent projects explore alginate@TiO₂ hybrid microcapsules for controlled insulin delivery and cell therapy applications, demonstrating high biocompatibility and stability. Academic Contributions: With 34 research outputs spanning material science, biomedical engineering, and environmental applications, Meunier's work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals through innovative hybrid material design. His collaboration network includes experts in chemistry, physics, and medical fields.
Dr. Yi Shen is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Sydney, and Chair of RACI Women in Chemistry. She is also affiliated with multiple research institutes including Sydney Institute of Agriculture, Sydney Southeast Asia Centre, The Centre for Drug Discovery Innovation, and The University of Sydney Nano Institute. PhD in Soft Materials from ETH Zurich Postdoctoral research at University of Cambridge and Harvard University Her research focuses on protein phase behavior and functional biomaterials development, utilizing soft matter approaches and microfluidic techniques to address challenges in neurodegenerative diseases, sustainable materials, and biomedical engineering. She has published extensively in top journals like Nature Nanotechnology and PNAS, with a particular emphasis on: Protein liquid-liquid phase separation mechanisms Biomaterials from protein nanofibrils Microfluidic manipulation of biological systems Biodegradable bioplastics development Shear force effects on biomolecular systems Pathological protein aggregation dynamics Key scientific achievements include: 2022 ARC DECRA Fellowship 2022 Sydney Nano Frontier award 2018 ETH Zurich Spark Award (for Fe delivery system invention) 2012 Princeton Grand Challenges Program 2 patents pending 2 Nature Nanotechnology cover articles As an educator, she coordinates CHNG2802 Chemical Engineering Modelling and Analysis, co-teaches CHNG3804 Biochemical Engineering and CHNG5605 Bio-products: Laboratory to Marketplace, and guest lectures across biomedical and nanotechnology programs. Her lab actively collaborates with institutions in Switzerland (ETH Zurich), UK (Cambridge), and US (Harvard, Princeton), focusing on transforming biomolecular understanding into real-world applications in health, industry, and environmental sustainability.
Daeyeon Lee is a Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania and holds the Russell Pearce and Elizabeth Crimian Heuer Professorship. He leads the Soft Materials Research and Technology (SMART) Lab, focusing on interdisciplinary research in soft materials, microfluidics, and biomedical applications. His work spans gas-encapsulating microcapsules, nanozyme-shelled microrobots, and AI-empowered droplet synthesis. Research Interests : Soft materials, polymer-nanoparticle interactions, microfluidics, targeted drug delivery, and AI-driven manufacturing. Grants : NSF Artificial Intelligence-driven RNA BioFoundry (NSF AIRFoundry), Wellcome Leap contract for lipid nanoparticle research. Scientific Awards : Penn CBE Distinguished Teaching Award, 2022 Outstanding Achievement Award in Nanoscience, Nemirovsky Engineering and Medicine Opportunity (NEMO) Prize. The SMART Lab has produced notable publications in ACS Nano , Advanced Healthcare Materials , and Science Advances , with recent work on biofilm treatment, water harvesting, and RNA-lipid nanoparticle manufacturing. The lab relocated to the Vagelos Laboratory for Energy Science and Technology (VLEST) in 2024 and collaborates with institutions like the Technical University of Munich and Carnegie Mellon University.
Professor Ravi Shukla is a faculty member at RMIT University's School of Science, holding the title of Professor and Deputy Head of Department (Research). He specializes in Nanobiotechnology, with research spanning biomaterials, drug delivery systems, and medical diagnostics. His work integrates biosciences, materials science, and food technology to advance understanding of nanomaterial-biomolecular interactions. Academic History: Professor Shukla has held roles at RMIT since 2011, progressing from Research Fellow to his current professorship. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Missouri and Theme Leader for Nanobiotechnology at RMIT’s Center for Advanced Materials and Industrial Chemistry. His teaching focuses on fostering student belonging and innovation in biotechnology education, including coordinating RMIT’s undergraduate Biotechnology program. Research Interests: His lab explores hybrid biomaterial synthesis, nano-enabled proteomics, and non-viral gene therapy using MOFs. Recent work emphasizes applications in diabetes biosensing, CRISPR/Cas9 delivery, and antimicrobial resistance mitigation through nanostrategies. Over 130+ publications and substantial research funding highlight his interdisciplinary impact. Professional Engagement: Editor roles in Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology , Co-Editor-in-Chief of Current Research in Nutrition and Food Science , and advisor to the Australasian Association of Ayurveda underscore his leadership. He actively mentors students in projects like nano-antimicrobial wound healing and aptamer-based hepatitis A detection. Key Achievements: Pioneered nucleic acid-encapsulated MOFs for cancer therapy and developed paper-based biosensors for rapid diagnostics. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals 2 (Zero Hunger) and 3 (Good Health).
João F. Mano is a Full Professor at the Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, and Director of the Doctoral Program on Biotechnology. He leads the COMPASS Research Group and serves as Vice-Director at CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials. His academic appointments include Invited Professor at University of Lorraine (France), Visiting Professor at KAIST (South Korea), and Adjunct Professor at Ajou University (South Korea). Education: PhD in Chemistry (1996, Technical University of Lisbon); D.Sc. in Tissue Engineering, Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cells (2012, University of Minho) Research Interests focus on Biomaterials for Regenerative Medicine , integrating Nanotechnology , Microtechnology , and Biofabrication . His group develops Bioinspired Materials using polymer chemistry, Decellularized Extracellular Matrix , and 3D Bioprinting to engineer Cell Microenvironments for therapeutic applications. Recent Publications highlight advancements in Human-Derived Hydrogels , Photopolymerizable Scaffolds , Magneto-Responsive Biomaterials , and Programmable Bioinks . Trends show emphasis on Organ-on-a-Chip integration, Smart Living Materials , and Green Bioprinting methodologies. Scientific Awards include: European Research Council Advanced Grants (2015, 2020) Fellow at IUPAC, European Academy of Sciences, and American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering ERC Proof of Concept Grants Doctor Honoris Causa from University of Lorraine and Utrecht UNESCO Chair on Biomaterials George Winter Award (European Society for Biomaterials) Supervisions & Collaborations encompass 74+ MSc, 26+ PhD students, and 40+ postdocs. He co-founded METATISSUE and CELLULARIS Biomodels , and serves as Editor-in-Chief of Materials Today Bio .
André Catarino is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Textile Engineering at the University of Minho, Portugal, and Deputy Director of the 2C2T – Center for Textile Science and Technology since 2022. He is an integrated researcher at the center, with a strong focus on interdisciplinary research at the intersection of textiles, electronics, and materials science. Education: Postgraduate Specialization in Digital Business, University of Porto, Porto Business School (2020–2021) Ph.D. in Textile Engineering, University of Minho (2005) M.Sc. in Textile Engineering, University of Minho (1998) B.Sc. in Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Porto (1992) Research Interests: André Catarino's research spans a wide range of domains, including smart and electronic textiles , wearable sensor systems , materials engineering , and functional textiles for health and sports . His recent work also delves into digital marketing and the application of artificial intelligence in textile systems. His expertise encompasses electronics, instrumentation, programming, fabric manufacturing, and textile characterization. He has led or participated in over 25 national and international research projects , including EU-funded initiatives like BE@T, GreenAuto, and Fashion Alive. His work has resulted in 4 Portuguese patents and 1 European patent , alongside numerous prototypes and technology transfers. Publications and Impact: With over 115 scientific publications , including journal articles, book chapters, and conference proceedings, his research output is both broad and impactful. His recent publications focus on smart vests for posture monitoring, textile-based EMG electrodes, and consumer behavior in fashion marketing. Student Supervision: He has supervised or co-supervised more than 45 master’s and doctoral dissertations , covering topics from wearable health monitoring systems to sustainable fashion design and digital marketing strategies. Labs and Teams: As Deputy Director of the 2C2T – Center for Textile Science and Technology , he leads a multidisciplinary team of researchers and engineers. The center is a hub for innovation in textile science, with a strong emphasis on integrating electronics, sustainability, and human-centered design into textile applications.
Prof Wen Wang is Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Vice-Principal and Executive Dean for Science and Engineering at Queen Mary University of London, affiliated with the School of Engineering and Materials Science and the Centre for Bioengineering. He is a Chartered Engineer and holds fellowships from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (FIMechE), Higher Education Academy (FHEA), American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (FAIMBE), and the Royal Academy of Engineering (FREng), reflecting his leadership and technical excellence in engineering and biomedical sciences. His research focuses on vascular bioengineering , biomaterial mechanics , and cell biomechanics , with particular emphasis on the endothelial glycocalyx , vascular stem cells , and transmembrane transport . He employs advanced techniques such as AFM nano-indentation, confocal microscopy, and microfluidic platforms to study the mechanical properties, shear stress responses, and structural stability of biological systems. His work spans from fundamental biophysics to translational applications in drug delivery and cardiovascular disease. Prof Wang has led multidisciplinary research projects in the UK and through international collaborations with partners in the US, China, and Japan. His recent publications highlight sustained contributions to understanding microcapsule mechanics , extracellular vesicles , biofluid dynamics , and biomolecular sensing . His work integrates experimental and computational modeling, particularly in microcirculation and cellular transport phenomena. He has received notable scientific recognition through multiple prestigious fellowships and has published extensively in high-impact journals including Nature Communications , Journal of Controlled Release , Biosensors and Bioelectronics , and Journal of Fluid Mechanics . His research demonstrates a strong trajectory in both fundamental discovery and applied biomedical innovation. Prof Wang actively supervises research and collaborates with clinical and engineering partners at Queen Mary and King's College London. His leadership in the School of Engineering and Materials Science underscores his role in shaping academic strategy and research excellence in science and engineering at Queen Mary University of London.
Marcos García Fuentes is a Professor at the Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Spain. He leads the NANOBIOFAR research group focused on nanotechnologies for drug delivery systems and is affiliated with the Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS). His expertise includes pharmaceutical biomaterials, cancer therapy, and gene delivery. He earned his PhD in 2004 from USC with a thesis on lipid nanoparticles for peptide transport, supervised by Dr. María José Alonso Fernández and Dr. Dolores Torres López. His research interests revolve around nanomedicine, particularly in designing drug delivery systems using polyphosphazenes, viral protein nanoparticles, and mRNA-activated matrices. He explores applications in glioblastoma treatment, cancer immunotherapy, and regenerative medicine. His work bridges biomaterials science with pharmaceutical innovation, addressing challenges in targeted drug delivery and controlled release systems. Recent publications highlight advancements in gene therapy via polyphosphazene derivatives, protamine-based nanotherapeutics, and self-assembled peptide-polymer hybrids. His contributions span oncology, immunology, and tissue engineering, with a focus on translating nanotechnologies into clinical applications. No scientific awards are explicitly mentioned, but his prolific publication record underscores his impact in the field. He advises research in biomaterials and drug delivery systems through CIMUS and the NANOBIOFAR group. His lab develops platforms for cancer treatment, stem cell differentiation, and chronic disease management. Collaborations include multidisciplinary projects in biomaterial design, pharmaceutical formulation, and nanomedicine.
Tom F.A. de Greef is a Full Professor at Eindhoven University of Technology's Biomedical Engineering department, leading pioneering research at the intersection of synthetic biology, molecular computing, and engineered living systems. He founded the Center of Living Technologies and serves as a Core Professor at the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS). Key research areas: Biological Computing Devices, DNA-based Data Storage, Engineered Living Materials, Synthetic Cell Engineering, Digital Chemistry, and Protocell Communication. His work has resulted in over 100 publications in Nature , Nature Chemistry , and Nature Nanotechnology , supported by prestigious awards including ERC Consolidator, Starting, and PoC grants, as well as NWO's VICI, VIDI, and VENI grants. He received the Cram-Lehn-Pedersen Prize in 2017 and was named a Groundbreaking TU/e Researcher in 2022. Leadership roles: Founding member of Center of Living Technologies, Principal Investigator at TU/e, and Fellow of the Netherlands Academy of Engineering. He supervises a large research group with >15 PhD students and leads collaborations across international institutions, focusing on programmable molecular systems and sustainable technologies aligned with UN SDGs.
Panagiotis (Panos) Dimitrakopoulos is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Maryland, College Park. His research focuses on computational fluid dynamics, multiphase flows, and biophysical systems. He specializes in modeling elastic capsules, microfluidic devices, and polymer dynamics using advanced numerical algorithms. His work intersects fluid mechanics, biomedical engineering, and materials science. He has developed spectral boundary element methods for interfacial dynamics and contributed to understanding capsule deformation in microfluidic environments. His studies address drug delivery systems, microfluidic sorting mechanisms, and hemodynamic forces in biological systems. Key applications include designing next-generation drug carriers and analyzing blood cell mechanics in microcirculation. Notable contributions include analyzing elastic capsule migration in converging micro-capillaries, multi-compartment micro-capsule fabrication, and non-Newtonian fluid dynamics in confined geometries. His research spans from theoretical fluid mechanics to biomedical applications, emphasizing computational modeling and experimental validation.
Anne-Virginie SALSAC is a leading researcher in bioengineering and biomechanics at the University of Technology of Compiègne (UTC), France. She heads the Biomechanics and Bioengineering Laboratory (BMBI, UMR CNRS 7338) and has held an ERC Consolidator Grant (2017) from the European Research Council for her work on multiphysics modeling of microcapsules. Her research focuses on numerical simulation, microfluidics, and bioartificial capsule design for biomedical applications, including hemodynamics in vascular systems and minimally invasive therapies. She has pioneered techniques for microcapsule characterization and sorting, with applications in drug delivery and tissue engineering. SALSAC has collaborated internationally with institutions like Sorbonne Université, University College London, and Queen Mary University of London. Education: Advanced training in bioengineering, with postdoctoral experience in fluid mechanics and biomedical systems. Teaching: Leads graduate courses in mechanical properties of biological materials, microfluidics, and vascular flow modeling at UTC. Previously taught at UC San Diego and University College London. Awards: ERC Consolidator Grant (2017), European scholarship for excellence (2018). Her research integrates experimental and computational methods, emphasizing real-time prediction of capsule deformation and fluid-structure interactions. Key projects include the ERC-funded MultiphysMicroCaps initiative, which explores multiscale modeling of microcapsules under physiological flows. She has developed novel microfluidic tools for capsule sorting and mechanical property analysis, published in top journals like Physical Review E and Journal of Fluids and Structures . SALSAC advocates for scientific mediation, organizing international symposia such as the DynaCaps conference, and has engaged in public outreach via television and media features. Her work bridges fundamental research and clinical applications, with patents on microcapsule fabrication and embolization techniques.
Dr. Derek Patton is an Associate Professor at the School of Polymer Science and Engineering at the University of Southern Mississippi . His work focuses on advanced polymeric materials, particularly functional surfaces and sustainable polymers. Education: B.S. in Chemistry (2000), Jacksonville State University M.S. in Chemistry (2002), University of Alabama at Birmingham Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry (2006), University of Houston Research Interests span polymer synthesis , degradable materials , and surface engineering , with applications in anti-wetting , anti-fouling , and bioactive systems . His group develops functional polymers for sustainable solutions and antimicrobial platforms. Scientific Awards NSF CAREER Award (2011) USM Junior Faculty Research Award (2011) College of Science and Technology Faculty Research Award (2015) Laboratory Affiliation : Thames Polymer Science Research Center (PSRC), Hattiesburg, University of Southern Mississippi.
Giuseppe Pascazio serves as a Full Professor in the Department of Mechanics, Mathematics & Management at the Polytechnic University of Bari, Italy. His research spans computational fluid dynamics with dual focus on aerospace applications and biomedical engineering, particularly in hypersonic flow phenomena and microwave ablation technologies for cancer therapy. His primary research interests include fluid dynamics, computational methods for high-enthalpy flows, thermochemical non-equilibrium modeling, turbulent boundary layer analysis, and biomedical device optimization. Pascazio develops advanced numerical techniques including high-order schemes, state-to-state kinetics implementations, and GPU-accelerated solvers to address complex flow physics in atmospheric entry and medical applications. His work bridges fundamental gas dynamics with practical engineering solutions for spacecraft thermal protection and minimally invasive cancer treatments. Analysis of his recent publications (2021-2025) reveals three dominant research thrusts: (1) High-fidelity simulation of hypersonic flows with detailed chemistry using state-to-state kinetics, (2) Development of robust numerical methods for shock-capturing in thermochemically non-equilibrium flows, and (3) Biomedical applications focusing on microwave ablation probe design and microcapsule transport in vascular systems. His aerospace work emphasizes atmospheric reentry physics while biomedical research targets cancer therapy optimization. Pascazio has participated in significant research projects including "PrInCE" (Innovative Processes for Energy Conversion) and "INNOVHEAD" (Advanced technologies for reduction of polluting emissions in Heavy Duty engines). His collaborative work involves industrial partnerships in aerospace and medical device sectors, though specific grant details beyond project names aren't provided. He maintains active research output with over 50 publications demonstrating consistent contributions to high-speed aerodynamics and biomedical fluid dynamics.
Vinod Labhasetwar, PhD is a Researcher in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Cleveland Clinic, a leading medical research institution in Cleveland, Ohio. His work focuses on advanced materials science and nanotechnology applications in biomedical contexts, particularly in drug delivery systems and biomaterials. He holds academic appointments associated with the Cleveland Clinic's research divisions and maintains industry ties through consulting and equity in companies like Axoneural Therapeutics and Advanced Nanotherapy. Education : PhD in Biomedical Engineering (Nagpur University, 1988) MSc (Nagpur University, 1982) BSc (Nagpur University, 1980) Research Interests : Dr. Labhasetwar’s research emphasizes microencapsulation technologies, polymer chemistry, and nanomedical systems for targeted drug delivery. He explores physicochemical properties of biomaterials and their applications in clinical therapies. His work bridges fundamental material science with translational medical engineering. Industry Collaborations : Consultant/Speaker for Axoneural Therapeutics, Inc. Equity holder in Axoneural Therapeutics, Advanced Nanotherapy, and ProTransit Nanotherapy Royalty interests from commercialized inventions Lab/Teams : Active in Cleveland Clinic’s biomedical research groups, contributing to interdisciplinary projects in nanotechnology and regenerative medicine.
