Hamed Mozaffari Maaref is a researcher at National Research Council Canada 's Institute for Research in Construction (IRC) , with a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Ottawa . His work bridges Artificial Intelligence and Fire Safety , leveraging Deep Learning and Signal Processing to solve complex problems in emergency response systems. Education: Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering (2020), University of Ottawa Current Role: Assistant Research Officer (PDF), Institute for Research in Construction, NRC Canada Research spans Raman Spectroscopy , Computer Vision for fire prediction, and Ultrasound Imaging for speech analysis. Publications focus on 1D CNNs for spectroscopy, Transformers for flashover prediction, and ICA Techniques for biomedical imaging. Key contributions include the Penalized Aggregate Dynamic Classifier (Pad-Classifier) and BowNet for tongue contour tracking. Scientific achievements include the Ontario Trillium Scholarship . Collaborations with Won-Sook Lee's Lab and institutions like Hiroshima University demonstrate his interdisciplinary approach to advancing Machine Learning applications in safety and healthcare domains.
Dr. Brooke Weinger Kammrath is a Professor in the Forensic Science Department at the Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences, University of New Haven, where she also serves as Executive Director of the Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science. An internationally recognized forensic science researcher and mentor, Dr. Kammrath holds multiple degrees in forensic science and criminal justice from CUNY institutions, along with advanced degrees in chemistry education. Dr. Kammrath's educational background includes: Ph.D., The Graduate Center/CUNY, 2012 M.Phil., The Graduate Center/CUNY, 2011 M.A., John Jay College of Criminal Justice/CUNY, 2010 M.S., John Jay College of Criminal Justice/CUNY, 2007 M.A., New York University, 2003 B.A., Northwestern University, 2000 Dr. Kammrath's research agenda centers on the integration of microscopy with spectroscopy, identification and characterization of microscopic forensic samples, statistical analysis of trace evidence, portable instrumentation development, and investigations into the significance of physical evidence. Her work bridges theoretical principles with practical applications in forensic laboratories and crime scenes. She has pioneered methods combining polarized light microscopy with spectroscopic techniques for enhanced forensic analysis. Her extensive publication record demonstrates a clear trajectory toward portable instrumentation for field applications, with recent work focusing on handheld Raman spectrometers, portable GC-MS systems, and their applications in drug analysis, explosives detection, and trace evidence identification. Her research increasingly emphasizes statistical validation of forensic methods and the practical implementation of advanced instrumentation in real-world forensic settings. Dr. Kammrath has received professional recognition as a certified criminalist by the American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) and has held significant leadership positions: Past-president of the New York Microscopical Society (NYMS) Governing Board member of NYMS, Society for Applied Spectroscopy (SAS), and Eastern Analytical Symposium (EAS) Associate Editor for Journal of Forensic Sciences and Applied Spectroscopy Practica As an educator, Dr. Kammrath teaches multiple forensic science courses including Introduction to Forensic Science for Majors, Criminalistics with Laboratory, and Advanced Criminalistics. She also serves as a consulting criminalist qualified as an expert witness in both state and federal courts. Her professional activities demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing forensic science through research, education, and practical application in the criminal justice system.
Michiel Op De Beeck is a Researcher at the Department of Biology, Lund University, and an Internal LINXS Fellow actively contributing to the Legacy Imaging theme. He serves as a Working group member for X-ray and neutron imaging applications in soil science within the LINXS community. His research specializes in soil microbial ecology, employing infrared microspectroscopy and synchrotron-based X-ray microscopic imaging to study in situ interactions between soil microbes and their environment at the single-cell level. This approach enables non-invasive observation of microbial processes in natural soil ecosystems, advancing understanding of soil health and biogeochemical cycles. Through LINXS collaborations, Op De Beeck integrates neutron and X-ray imaging methodologies to develop innovative applications for environmental science, particularly in visualizing microscale soil-microbe dynamics critical for sustainable agriculture and climate research.
Dr. Bryan Muir is a researcher at the National Research Council Canada’s Metrology Research Centre, specifically within the Ionizing Radiation Standards (IRS) Group. He is affiliated with Carleton University’s Department of Physics under the Faculty of Science. His work focuses on radiation dosimetry, including the development of absorbed-dose standards for electron and photon beams, calibration of linear accelerators, experimental measurements with secondary dosimeters, and advancements in electronic portal imaging device (EPID) dosimetry. Institution: National Research Council Canada Department: Department of Physics (Carleton University) Email: bryan.muir@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca His research involves primary standards like water calorimeters, hybrid dosimetry systems (alanine and Fricke), and Monte Carlo simulations. He operates three linear accelerators at NRC, providing guidance to the clinical medical physics community in Canada. Recent publications highlight contributions to FLASH beamline dosimetry, Raman microspectroscopy for microdosimetry, TG-51 protocol addendum for electron beams, and MR-linac small field dosimetry. These works span topics like ultra-high dose rate monitoring, pyroelectric dosimeters, and EPID-based dose reconstruction for adaptive radiation therapy.
Georges Calas is a renowned Professor at Pierre & Marie Curie University and Senior Member of the Institut Universitaire de France , specializing in Earth & Cosmic Sciences . His work bridges Mineralogy , Environmental Science , and Materials Chemistry . Crystal chemistry of minerals and inorganic compounds Environmental mineralogy and contamination processes Glass science and nuclear waste management Research Trends based on his recent publications include: Advanced X-ray absorption spectroscopy for studying uranium speciation in contaminated soils and mill tailings Investigation of transition metal coordination in alkali-borate and silicate glasses Development of microspectroscopy techniques for cultural heritage and environmental analysis Structural evolution of nuclear waste glasses under irradiation and alteration Scientific Awards : 2020 IMA Medal for Excellence in Mineralogical Research 2020 Merit Award , Société Française de Minéralogie 2016 Doctor Honoris Causa , National University of Kazakhstan 2014 Dolomieu Grand Prize (Earth Sciences), French Academy 2011 Schlumberger Medal , Mineralogical Society of Great Britain 1988 Carrière Award (Mineralogy), French Academy His scientific leadership includes organizing international conferences on non-crystalline materials and serving on editorial boards for Terra Nova and Physics and Chemistry of Minerals .
Dr. Aart J. Verhoef is a Joint Professor in Physics and Astronomy and Assistant Professor of Soil and Crop Science at Texas A&M University. His research focuses on biophysical sensing, quantum optics, and ultrafast nonlinear optics, with applications in biology and agriculture. He leads a team advancing multiphoton imaging and laser technologies for non-destructive analysis of plant systems and microbial communities. Education: PhD in Experimental Physics from Ludwig Maximilians Universität, Munich (group of Prof. Ferenc Krausz). Bachelor's in Physics and Astronomy from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Specializes in ultrafast laser design with breakthroughs in neuro-imaging and multiphoton microscopy. Research Interests: Development of advanced optical tools for plant nutrient analysis, bacterial enzymology, and agricultural phenotyping. Key projects include Raman microspectroscopy for nitrate quantification and three-photon microscopy for deep-tissue imaging. Institutional Partnerships: Collaborates with the Institute for Quantum Science & Engineering on quantum thermometry and nanophotonic sensor technologies. Research team includes students Xinghua Liu and Ajithamithra Dharmasiri.
Kriti Sharma is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Critical Race Science and Technology Studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC). Her research focuses on microbial ecology, environmental science, and the intersection of critical race theory with scientific and technological studies. She previously served as an Alumni Resnick Postdoctoral Scholar under the mentorship of Dr. Victoria Orphan, whose research group she continues to collaborate with (Orphan group website). Her work integrates innovative techniques such as transparent soil microcosms for live-cell imaging and Raman spectroscopy to study microbial processes in complex environments, including subsurface soils, marine sediments, and extremophile habitats. She has pioneered methods to non-destructively probe microbial activity and interactions, with applications in understanding dark matter microbes and environmental biogeochemistry. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges molecular biology, materials science, and critical race theory to address systemic inequities in scientific practices and knowledge production. Sharma’s research has been recognized through the Resnick Postdoctoral Fellowship, and her publications span topics from archaeal stress responses to interdependence in biological systems. She actively contributes to discussions on the ethical and societal implications of scientific research in technology and environmental sustainability. Her current projects emphasize developing inclusive frameworks for studying microbial ecosystems while addressing broader issues of representation and justice in STEM fields.
Layla Izadi is a Research Scientist in the Department of Geosciences at the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD), affiliated with the Environmental Soil Biogeochemistry Laboratory (ESB Lab). Her work focuses on climate-change-related stressors such as sea-level rise, salt-water flooding, drought, and wildfire impacts on toxic metal and nutrient cycling in soils. She holds a PhD in Soil Sciences (2022) and an MCE in Civil Engineering (2021), both from the University of Delaware. Her research integrates advanced techniques like synchrotron-based microspectroscopy to study arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), phosphorus (P), nitrogen (N), and sulfur (S) behavior under varying environmental conditions. Key emphases include predicting contaminant mobility in water systems and developing strategies to mitigate environmental/public health risks. Research Highlights: Examines sea-level rise-induced flooding effects on coastal sediment arsenic release Investigates climate-driven changes in toxic metal speciation and bioavailability Applies machine learning for arsenic level prediction and pollution modeling Awards: SPIRe Seed Grant (2024) CORE Institute Fellowship (2023) NSF Engineering Postdoctoral Fellowship (2023) Donald L. and Joy G. Sparks Fellowship (2021) Grants: "Impact of Sea-Level Rise..." ($60k, UTD 2024) "Climate Change and Contaminants" ($259k, NSF 2023) "Arsenic Fate During SLR" ($70k, NSF 2020) She advises undergraduate and graduate students and collaborates with institutions like the NSF and Delaware EPSCoR. Her work bridges environmental chemistry, geology, and engineering to address urgent climate-related environmental challenges.
Dr. Ian M.C. Dixon is a Professor in the Department of Physiology at the University of Manitoba and a Principal Investigator at the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying cardiac fibrosis and heart failure, particularly in the context of myofibroblast activation and extracellular matrix remodeling. Dr. Dixon obtained his PhD from the University of Manitoba in 1990 and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Toronto under Drs. Mike Sole and C.C. Liew. His academic journey has been deeply rooted in cardiovascular sciences, with a sustained focus on fibrotic pathways in the heart. His research interests include cardiac fibrosis, myofibroblast biology, Smad and Hippo signaling pathways, autophagy, apoptosis, and extracellular matrix dynamics . His lab investigates how signaling proteins regulate fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition, collagen production, and cell viability. A major goal is to identify endogenous inhibitors of fibrosis such as Smad7 and Ski, and to explore therapeutic strategies to modulate fibrotic progression in heart disease, particularly heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Dr. Dixon has co-edited the book "Cardiac fibrosis and heart failure: Cause or effect?" with Dr. Jeffrey Wigle, reflecting his leadership in the field. His work combines molecular biology, cell culture, transgenic models, and whole-animal physiology, with a 25-year expertise in rat myocardial infarction models and recent development of inducible knockout mouse lines. Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba Robert E. Beamish Memorial Award (2002, 2007) Myles Robinson Heart Health Scholarship CIHR (MRC) Scholar MHRC Scholar Heart and Stroke Foundation Studentship Medical Research Council of Canada Post-Doctoral Fellowship Dr. Dixon has supervised 26 graduated graduate students and currently mentors 4. He has received continuous funding and has served on national and international review panels including CIHR, NIH (USA), Heart and Stroke Foundation (Canada), Wellcome Trust, Alberta Heritage Foundation, and Michael Smith Foundation. He is an active reviewer for journals such as Cardiovascular Research, Circulation, Circulation Research, American Journal of Physiology, Journal of Cell Science, and Journal of Cell Physiology . His laboratory collaborates with leading scientists including Drs. Wayne Giles (Calgary), Boris Hinz (Toronto), M. Fujii (NIH), Francesco Ramirez (Mount Sinai), Hiroshi Miyazono (Tokyo), Hal Dietz (Baltimore), Jeffery Molkentin (Cincinnati), Paul Benya (UCLA), and University of Manitoba colleagues Jeff Wigle, Mike Czubryt, Andrew Halayko, Tom Klonisch, and Grant N. Pierce. The lab has pioneered techniques in FTIR microspectroscopy for collagen assessment and studies on trans fatty acid effects on myofibroblast viability.
Nancy Pleshko is a Professor in the Department of Bioengineering at the College of Engineering, Temple University, where she holds the Laura H. Carnell Professor title. She leads the Tissue Imaging & Spectroscopy Laboratory and is actively engaged in research and teaching in bioengineering, with a focus on molecular and structural analysis of connective tissues. Her research interests include: Molecular Imaging of Tissues & Cells Spectroscopic Analysis Techniques for Cartilage and Bone Pathologies Tissue Engineering Contribution of Molecular Alterations in Connective Tissue on Mechanical Behavior MicroCT & Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Connective Tissues Dr. Pleshko's recent publications (2020–2025) demonstrate a consistent focus on vibrational spectroscopy (FTIR, O-PTIR, NIR) to assess bone and cartilage composition, hydration, and mechanical properties. Her work spans from fundamental developmental biology to translational applications in tissue engineering and clinical diagnostics, often involving collaborations with orthopedic and biomedical researchers. She has made significant contributions to non-invasive assessment methods and understanding of bone water dynamics and biofilm infections. Scientific awards and honors: Laura H. Carnell Professor, Temple University Dr. Pleshko has secured over $5 million in federal funding, reflecting the impact and innovation of her research. She mentors several students and postdoctoral researchers, many of whom appear as co-authors on her publications. She teaches undergraduate and graduate courses such as Research Design and Methods in Bioengineering and Applied Biospectroscopy , contributing significantly to bioengineering education. She leads the Tissue Imaging & Spectroscopy Laboratory, which specializes in advanced spectroscopic and imaging techniques for biomedical applications, particularly in orthopedics and connective tissue pathophysiology.
Ewen Silvester is an Associate Professor in the Department of Ecological, Plant and Animal Sciences at La Trobe University's School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment. He serves as Director of Graduate Research overseeing >250 higher degree students and Director of the Research Centre for Applied Alpine Ecology (RCAAE), with strong industry engagement in alpine landscape management. His research group conducts field studies across southeastern Australia's surface water systems including alpine wetlands, headwater streams, and coastal rivers. BSc Hons (Chemistry) - University of Melbourne PhD - University of Melbourne (1992, Physical Chemistry) Professor Silvester's research centers on biogeochemical processes in rivers and wetlands, with three primary focuses: (i) hydrological controls on organic molecule mobility in landscapes, (ii) alpine moss-aqueous environment interactions using synchrotron infrared microspectroscopy, and (iii) peatland biogeochemical function during base-flow and storm events. His work integrates benchtop and synchrotron-based techniques to analyze natural organic matter and environmental contaminants, directly informing wetland management and peatland condition assessment in alpine regions. Key research areas include alpine ecosystem resilience, water quality dynamics, peatland carbon cycling, and legacy mining impacts on river systems. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2023-2025) reveals strong thematic consistency in alpine peatland research, with emphasis on carbon cycling, hydrological resilience, and contaminant impacts. His work increasingly incorporates molecular-level analysis (proteomics, amino acid profiling) and remote sensing to develop peatland condition metrics. The publications demonstrate interdisciplinary collaboration across environmental chemistry, ecology, and hydrology, with growing application of synchrotron techniques to understand ecosystem responses to climate change and human disturbance. Professor Silvester leads significant research initiatives including the NESP PeatSense project (2025-2027) improving peatland monitoring, and previously directed the ARC-funded "Rivers of Gold" project examining historical mining impacts. His current grant portfolio includes Australian Government, catchment management, and national park authority funding focused on peatland condition assessment, remote sensing applications, and dissolved oxygen management in river systems. He co-leads a specialized chemical laboratory for natural organic matter and contaminant analysis, utilizing both conventional and synchrotron-based techniques. His research group maintains strong industry partnerships with the Australian Alps National Parks, North East Catchment Management Authority, and Murray-Darling Basin organizations, ensuring practical application of findings to environmental management challenges in alpine and riverine ecosystems.
Dr. John C C Day is a Senior Research Fellow at the Interface Analysis Centre Cancer at the University of Bristol, with a distinguished career in biomedical spectroscopy and medical device development. His research bridges engineering and clinical medicine, focusing on the application of Raman spectroscopy and fiber optic technologies for early disease detection and diagnosis. B.Sc. from University of Southampton M.Sc. (unspecified institution) Ph.D. from University of Bristol Dr. Day's research primarily centers on developing optical diagnostic technologies for medical applications, with particular emphasis on cancer detection and neuromuscular disease assessment. His work integrates Raman spectroscopy, fiber optics, and advanced data analysis techniques to create clinical diagnostic tools that can provide rapid, label-free tissue characterization. His research spans from fundamental spectroscopic method development to clinical translation, with strong collaborations between engineering and medical departments. Analysis of Dr. Day's 58 research outputs reveals a consistent trajectory in advancing Raman spectroscopy for medical diagnostics. His recent work shows increasing focus on neuromuscular diseases alongside continued cancer research, with growing integration of machine learning techniques for spectral analysis. The publications demonstrate progression from basic spectroscopic methodology to clinical applications, with recent papers emphasizing real-time monitoring and point-of-care diagnostic capabilities. Paper of Note & Superior Paper Rating (2022) As Principal Investigator on multiple research grants including the active MRC DPFS Raman/EMG project (2023-2027) and previously the Needle Probe i4i project (2019-2023), Dr. Day has secured substantial research funding for developing clinical diagnostic technologies. His work on the novel clinical platelet analyser demonstrated his ability to translate research into practical medical applications. Though specific student names aren't listed in the available information, his Supervised Work section indicates mentorship of early-career researchers. Dr. Day's research is centered in the Interface Analysis Centre Cancer at Bristol, where he leads development of fiber optic Raman probes and related diagnostic technologies. His work bridges multiple research groups focusing on materials science, biomedical engineering, and clinical applications, creating an interdisciplinary environment for advancing optical diagnostic methods from bench to bedside.
Francesco Giannici is Associate Professor (CHEM-03/A) at the Department of Physics and Chemistry - Emilio Segrè, University of Palermo (UNIPA). His research focuses on halide perovskites, solid-state chemistry, proton conductors, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy for energy applications. Current research areas include defect interactions in hybrid perovskites, oxygen vacancy clusters in cerium oxide, and solution-processed semiconducting films He teaches 'Solid State and Inorganic Materials Chemistry' (6 CFU) and 'General and Inorganic Chemistry' (7 CFU) for Chemistry and Agricultural Sciences and Technologies programs His publications (2025–2021) address: Dimensional engineering in 3D/1D perovskites for optoelectronics Computational modeling of Ag-based halide double perovskites X-ray spectroscopy of cerium oxidation states in energy systems Piezoresistivity mechanisms in lead-free perovskite thin films Molecular design of polyfluorinated naphthalene-bis-hydrazimides
Dr Gianfelice Cinque serves as Principal Beamline Scientist for the Multimode InfraRed Microscopy And Imaging (MIRIAM) beamline B22 at Diamond Light Source, a role he has held since joining the facility at the inception of the B22 project in 2006 after transitioning from INFN labs in Frascati, Rome, where he managed Soft X-ray and IR beamlines. His research spans Infrared Spectroscopy, Synchrotron Radiation applications, and advanced imaging techniques with critical impacts across biomedical physics, materials engineering, and cultural heritage analysis. He pioneers synchrotron-enhanced IR microspectroscopy for single-cell chemotherapy response assessment, stem cell biomarker identification, catalyst microstructure characterization under mechanical stress, and XV-century pigment evolution studies in historical artworks. Current innovations include developing full-field IR microscopy using broadband synchrotron illumination for high-magnification (74x) molecular mapping and advancing near-field IR spectroscopy via submicron cantilever tips to achieve organelle-scale imaging in living cells. His THz spectroscopy work leverages Diamond's Coherent Synchrotron Radiation in low-alpha mode to probe molecular collective modes and superconductor gaps across the broadest ( Diamond Light Source, the UK's national synchrotron facility at Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, provides the infrastructure for his work, which fundamentally enhances molecular sensitivity and spatial resolution beyond conventional IR methods through synchrotron radiation's unique properties.
Matteo Masino is an Associate Professor at the Department of Chemical, Life and Environmental Sustainability Sciences, University of Parma. With over 40 publications and extensive teaching experience in physical chemistry and spectroscopy, his research focuses on organic molecular semiconductors and charge-transfer systems for optoelectronic applications. His work combines experimental optical spectroscopy (IR-Vis-UV, Raman) cryogenic and high-pressure techniques theoretical modeling of electron-phonon interactions to investigate materials like organic crystals, thin films, and charge-transfer complexes. Key research trends include neutral-to-ionic phase transitions ferroelectric properties phonon dynamics microplastic detection in biological systems , as evidenced by his 2025-2020 publications. He teaches foundational and advanced courses such as Physical Chemistry I (Bachelor's) Molecular Functional Materials (Master's) Applied Spectroscopy and serves as a tutor for materials science programs.
