Raquel Lizarraga Jurado is an Associate Professor (Docent) in Energy Materials at Kungliga Tekniska Högskolan (KTH). She holds a PhD in Physics from Uppsala University and completed postdoctoral research at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Her research focuses on atomistic modeling and first-principles methods applied to energy materials, particularly solid-state Li/Na-ion batteries, glassy electrolytes, and non-collinear magnetism in transition metals. She contributes to sustainable energy systems aligned with UN SDGs 7 (Affordable Energy) and 13 (Climate Action). Education: PhD in Physics, Uppsala University Postdoctoral Research, Los Alamos National Laboratory Docent in Energy Materials, KTH (2023) Research interests include computational materials modeling, electrochemical stability of battery materials, and phase transitions in alloys. Her work bridges fundamental physics with industrial applications in hardmetals and energy storage. She teaches Additive Manufacturing (MG2044) . Research trends: Recent publications address 2D heterostructures for photovoltaics, cemented carbide mechanics, and high-entropy alloy design. These studies emphasize computational approaches to predict material performance and guide sustainable innovation. Labs/Teams: Active within KTH's Unit of Properties, focusing on experimental/theoretical synergy in materials development.
Dr. Yang Liu is a Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Leicester, joining in February 2024. Prior to this, he held a postdoctoral position at Imperial College London, focusing on fatigue, creep-fatigue, and hydrogen-related issues in aerospace and nuclear industries. His research integrates micro-mechanical experiments with computational models to address industrial challenges in materials science and engineering. His academic background includes extensive work on crystal plasticity modeling, hydrogen embrittlement in zirconium alloys, and the mechanical behavior of advanced materials under extreme conditions. Key focus areas include the development of multiscale models to predict material responses to thermomechanical loading, irradiation damage, and environmental effects. Dr. Liu's recent publications highlight advancements in understanding hydride precipitation mechanisms, strain rate sensitivity in zirconium alloys, and fatigue nucleation in titanium alloys. His work bridges fundamental material science with practical industrial applications, particularly in aerospace and nuclear sectors. His research is characterized by a strong emphasis on combining experimental data with advanced computational techniques, such as crystal plasticity finite element modeling and uncertainty quantification. Collaborations with industry stakeholders ensure his findings address real-world challenges in material design and performance optimization.
Carolina Cavalcante is an Associate Professor in Structural Geology and Tectonics at the Department of Earth Science, University of Bergen (UiB). Her research focuses on continental deformation processes, tectonic evolution of orogens, and microstructural analysis of crustal rocks. She investigates the interplay between temperature, deformation mechanisms, and tectonic kinematics in regions like SW Norway, Brazil, and West Gondwana. Key areas: quartz texture analysis, shear zone dynamics, continental collision, and orogenic evolution. Recent studies include the Caledonian orogen collapse (Norway), Borborema Province deformation (Brazil), and reassessment of the Adamastor Ocean hypothesis. Her work integrates field observations, microstructural analysis (EBSD), and thermochronology to address fundamental questions in structural geology, such as strain localization and crustal rheology. She collaborates internationally, contributing to debates on intracontinental vs. subduction-collision models for orogenic belts. Recent grants include funding from FAPESP, CAPES, and the Arctic University of Norway. Her research often highlights the role of high-temperature deformation and melt dynamics in shaping crustal architecture.
Professor Hans Ola Fredin holds a faculty position at the Department of Geosciences, NTNU within the Faculty of Engineering. His research focuses on Quaternary geology, glacial landforms, and geohazards related to loose materials like quick clays. He employs advanced techniques such as GIS, remote sensing, and machine learning to study spatial relationships and geological processes. Current research projects include Antarctic ice volume changes, deglaciation patterns of Norway/Scandinavia, and AI-driven geoscience applications. His work bridges field observations with computational methods, contributing to understanding both past glacial dynamics and modern geohazard mitigation. Publications from 2020–2024 highlight interdisciplinary approaches to glacial geomorphology, ice sheet behavior, and environmental risk assessment. Notable contributions include studies on strandflat formation mechanisms, radon risks from rock-avalanche deposits, and mid-Pliocene Antarctic ice thickness reconstructions.
Vesa Vuorinen is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Electrical Engineering and Automation, Aalto University. His research focuses on low-temperature bonding technologies, microsystem packaging, and reliability of electronic components. He leads investigations into solid-liquid interdiffusion (SLID) bonding for 3D MEMS integration, electromigration in microbumps, and interfacial reliability in advanced packaging. Key contributions include developing novel interconnect solutions for 2.5/3D integration, analyzing thermal cycling effects on IGBT modules, and advancing ceramic-metal bonding for biomedical applications. His work bridges material science with practical microelectronic manufacturing challenges. Selected publications (2023–2025) highlight advancements in SLID-TSV interconnects, Cu-Sn-In alloy performance, and fatigue crack network analysis. Collaborations span academic-industrial partnerships in Finland and internationally. Research is published in top journals like IEEE Transactions on Components, Packaging and Manufacturing Technology, and Materials Characterization.
Shantanu Dutta is a Full Professor at the Telfer School of Management, University of Ottawa, holding the Ian Telfer Fellowship in Global Finance. He previously served as a full-time faculty member at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, St. Francis Xavier University, and Assumption University, Bangkok. Before academia, he worked as a Finance Manager and Project Controller at Lafarge. His research focuses on machine learning/NLP applications in finance, mergers & acquisitions, corporate governance, and media impact on financial decisions. He has secured SSHRC grants totaling over $79,992 since 2018. Education: Bachelor of Technology (Indian Institute of Technology) MEM (Indian Institute of Technology) M.B.A. (AIT) Ph.D. (Carleton University) Research Interests: His work bridges technology and finance, emphasizing AI-driven financial analysis, governance mechanisms, and cross-border corporate strategies. Notable areas include: Machine learning for detecting financial irregularities Risk assessment in mergers & acquisitions Impact of media (print/social) on corporate decisions Gender dynamics in financial ethics Political risk in investment strategies Awards & Grants: Recipient of Barclays Global Investors Canada Research Award (2006) Telfer School of Management Research Excellence Award (2016) Award of Excellence (2021) SSHRC Partnership Engage Grant (2024-2025): $24,992 for 'Green vehicles: Evolution of public perception on social media' SSHRC Grant (2018-2022): $55,000 for 'Board Independence and Corporate Private In-house Meetings' Teaching & Mentorship: Teaches finance courses at undergraduate/graduate levels (MBA, PhD) at Telfer. Previously taught corporate governance, entrepreneurial finance, and international financial management. His pedagogical focus includes applying real-world case studies to complex financial systems. Key Research Themes: His recent work analyzes corporate communication's role in data breaches, supply chain complexities in emerging markets, and the ethical dimensions of AI in decision-making. He frequently publishes in top-tier journals like Financial Management and Journal of Corporate Finance .
Peter Münger is a Senior Coordinator and University Lecturer in Theoretical Physics at Linköping University, holding the Scientific Director role at the National Supercomputer Centre (NSC). He leads NSC's resource allocation and monitoring for Swedish research. His research focuses on computational simulations of material growth dynamics and ecosystem susceptibility analysis. He employs molecular dynamics to study nanoparticle behavior and ecosystem resilience to disturbances. His work bridges theoretical physics with practical applications, including catalytic nanotruss structures via magnetic self-assembly and potassium-channel modulation mechanisms. He emphasizes providing students with foundational physics knowledge, underscoring its societal and technological importance. Key research areas include nanomaterial synthesis, plasma physics, and computational ecology. His publications span topics from organic electronics to climate change impacts on metacommunities. He collaborates actively with researchers in material science, biophysics, and environmental studies. As part of the National Academic Infrastructure for Supercomputing in Sweden (NAISS), he supports national computational research infrastructure. His contributions highlight interdisciplinary approaches to solving complex physical and ecological challenges.
Dr. Alfred Anwander is a Senior Researcher in the Department of Neuropsychology at the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences in Leipzig, Germany. His work focuses on diffusion MRI as a biomarker for brain development and plasticity, particularly in language-related pathways and neuroplasticity mechanisms during second language acquisition. He has held research positions at the institute since 2000, contributing to projects such as the DFG-funded "Human microstructural connectomics" and "Dynamic Connectome" initiatives. Education 1991–1996: Diploma in Electrical Engineering from the University of Karlsruhe 1995–2000: MSc (DEA) and PhD in Signal and Image Processing from INSA Lyon (France), with a thesis on model-based color image segmentation. Research Interests Anwander’s research integrates advanced neuroimaging techniques to study structural connectivity in the human brain. Key areas include: Diffusion MRI applications in developmental neuroscience and neuroplasticity Language-related white matter pathways Evolutionary comparisons of brain connectivity in primates Methodological advancements in high-resolution MRI and tractography Grants & Projects DFG project "Human microstructural connectomics: Computational modelling and validation with histology and CLARITY (MiCo-MRI)" DFG project "The dynamic connectome underlying language in the brain (DynaCon)" Evolution of Brain Connectivity (EBC) initiative Labs & Teams He collaborates within the institute’s Cortical Networks and Language Research groups, focusing on interdisciplinary approaches to connectomics and neuroimaging technology development.
Zoé Jardon is an Applied Mechanics postdoctoral researcher at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), working within the Applied Mechanics Acoustics & Vibration Research Group. Her research focuses on additive manufacturing processes, particularly laser-based directed energy deposition techniques, with expertise spanning structural health monitoring, residual stress analysis, and crack mitigation in additively manufactured components. Dr. Jardon completed her PhD at VUB, for which she received the prestigious Belgian National Committee for Theoretical and Applied Mechanics (NCTAM) Best PhD Thesis Award in 2022 (awarded March 2023) and VUB's Doctoral Derby in 2023. Her doctoral work centered on structural health monitoring systems, building upon two Master's theses she completed at VUB in 2018: one on crack localization verification and another on turbulent noise production in duct systems. Her research program demonstrates exceptional depth in advanced manufacturing technologies, with particular emphasis on thermal management and structural integrity of additively manufactured components. Dr. Jardon's work bridges theoretical mechanics with practical industrial applications, addressing critical challenges in laser-based directed energy deposition processes including powder-gas flow dynamics, residual stress control, and real-time monitoring systems. Her fingerprint analysis reveals strong expertise in Structural Health Monitoring (100%), 3D Printing (55%), Powder Processing (48%), and Laser Materials Processing (47%). Dr. Jardon's publication record shows consistent growth and increasing impact, with 31 research outputs spanning from 2017 to 2025. Her recent work demonstrates a clear trajectory toward developing intelligent manufacturing systems that incorporate in-process monitoring and real-time control to enhance component quality and reliability, moving beyond traditional post-process inspection methods. Her notable achievements include: Belgian National Committee for Theoretical and Applied Mechanics (NCTAM) Best PhD Thesis Award 2022 (awarded March 2023) VUB's Doctoral Derby 2023 Physical understanding of propagating waves through eSHM - system for crack localization (October 10, 2019) As principal investigator for the FWOTM1172 project "Thermal history and Residual Stress Control and Mitigation for Hybrid Additive Manufacturing Techniques" (2023-2026), Dr. Jardon leads fundamental research addressing residual stresses in manufacturing processes. She actively contributes to the academic community through conference presentations and workshop organization, recently chairing the VUB Additive Manufacturing Workshop in September 2024. Her collaborative research network includes strong partnerships with colleagues at VUB and beyond, focusing on advancing additive manufacturing technologies for industrial applications. Working within VUB's Applied Mechanics Acoustics & Vibration Research Group, Dr. Jardon contributes to the group's mission of developing innovative solutions for structural analysis and advanced manufacturing challenges. Her leadership in organizing research events and presenting at international conferences demonstrates her growing influence in the additive manufacturing research community.
Alice Bastos da Silva Fanta is a Senior Researcher at the National Centre for Nano Fabrication and Characterization, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), where she specializes in microstructural analysis of materials using advanced electron microscopy techniques. She operates the Helios dual-beam FIB system and supports training and TEM specimen preparation. Her work is embedded within the College of Engineering, focusing on high-resolution characterization of engineered materials. Research Interests: Her expertise lies in electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), transmission Kikuchi diffraction (TKD), in-situ heating experiments, and microstructure evolution in metals and thin films. She investigates materials under extreme thermal conditions, particularly in additive manufacturing and electrodeposited systems. Her fingerprint includes strong activity in Material Science , Scanning Electron Microscopy , Thin Films , and Grain Boundary Analysis . Recent Publication Trends: Her latest work emphasizes in-situ characterization methods, combining SEM and TEM to observe real-time microstructural changes during heating. Topics include plasma arc additive manufacturing, temperature effects on EBSD data, and novel indexing techniques for diffraction patterns. These reflect a strong trend toward dynamic, high-resolution materials analysis. Supervision & Projects: She actively supervises multiple PhD students in projects related to nanocharacterization of carbon materials, additive manufacturing, and friction stir welding. Her collaborative network spans DTU and international partners, with recent presentations at major materials science conferences. Scientific Contributions: While no formal awards are listed, her continuous publication record, supervision roles, and invited talks demonstrate significant impact in the field of microstructural analysis. Laboratory Affiliation: She is a key member of NanoLab DTU , contributing to the development and application of cutting-edge nanocharacterization techniques.
John Hald is a Professor in the Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), specializing in Materials and Surface Engineering. His research is centered on the degradation and performance of advanced materials in extreme environments, particularly focusing on corrosion, oxidation, and microstructural evolution in high-temperature and aggressive chemical conditions. His research interests span materials science, surface engineering, high-temperature corrosion, molten salts, energy materials, and metallic alloys . He investigates the behavior of materials such as stainless steels, nickel-based alloys, and protective coatings under operational stress relevant to energy technologies including solid oxide cells and molten salt reactors. His work integrates experimental characterization with practical engineering applications. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in corrosion mechanisms in molten hydroxides, thermophysical properties of fluoride salts, and protective surface treatments for industrial applications. These studies employ techniques such as scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and long-term environmental testing to understand material degradation and improve durability. John Hald plays a significant role in academic mentorship, having served as main supervisor for multiple PhD projects at DTU. These include research on flowmeter materials, interconnects for solid oxide cells, and containment materials for molten hydroxides. While specific grant details are not listed, his supervision of externally and self-financed PhD projects indicates successful acquisition of research funding. He is actively involved in collaborative research networks at DTU and beyond, contributing to interdisciplinary efforts in nuclear and energy engineering. He co-organized the Nuclear Engineering Educational Workshop in February 2025, reflecting engagement in academic community building.
Ryan B. Sills is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. His research focuses on condensed matter theory and condensed matter experiment, with particular expertise in dislocation dynamics, materials failure mechanisms, and computational modeling of materials behavior under various loading and environmental conditions. Dr. Sills' research interests span multiple critical areas in materials science, including the fundamental mechanisms of plastic deformation, fracture processes, and radiation damage in metallic materials. His work integrates advanced computational techniques including molecular dynamics simulations, dislocation dynamics modeling, and machine learning approaches to bridge length and time scales in materials modeling. He has made significant contributions to understanding hydrogen embrittlement phenomena, helium bubble formation in metals, and the complex interactions between defects in crystalline materials. Analysis of Dr. Sills' recent publication record reveals a strong and consistent research program focused on dislocation-related phenomena in metallic materials, particularly stainless steels used in nuclear applications. His work demonstrates an increasing integration of machine learning techniques with traditional physics-based modeling to create more efficient and accurate simulation frameworks. Notable research themes include void nucleation mechanisms, dislocation junction formation, anomalous hardening phenomena, and the development of multiscale modeling approaches to connect atomistic processes with macroscopic material behavior. Dr. Sills leads research supported by NSF CAREER funding, focusing on reconciling crack tip mechanics with plastic zone behavior during metal fracture. His work has significant implications for understanding hydrogen embrittlement and radiation damage in structural materials, particularly for applications in nuclear energy systems where material degradation under extreme environments is a critical concern.
Ryan Dehoff is a leading researcher at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) , where he serves as the Director of the Manufacturing Demonstration Facility and Technical Area Lead for Advanced Manufacturing under the Nuclear Energy AMMT Program. His work focuses on additive manufacturing (3D printing) of metals and alloys, integrating digital thread for certification of advanced components. Education: Ph.D., Materials Science & Engineering, The Ohio State University (2008) M.S., Materials Science & Engineering, The Ohio State University (2005) B.S., Materials Science & Engineering, The Ohio State University (2002) Ryan's research spans process development in electron beam melting, laser metal deposition, and ultrasonic additive manufacturing. He explores material performance to enhance energy efficiency, reduce waste, and improve scalability. His projects include near-net-shape titanium fabrication and laser processing of nanocomposite coatings . His 15 most recent publications address topics such as irradiation capsule design , phase stability in intermetallic compounds , and deep learning-based defect detection . These works reflect trends in nuclear engineering , materials characterization , and data-driven manufacturing platforms . Scientific Awards: 2013 UT Battelle Early Career Award for Engineering 2012 R&D 100 Awards for NanoSHIELD Coating and Low-Cost Robotic Hand 1997–2007 Scholarships and Fellowships from The Ohio State University and NASA/DoD URETI
Dr. Florian Witzmann serves as Curator for Fossil Fishes and Amphibians at the Museum of Natural History Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Research in Berlin, Germany, a position he has held continuously since June 2016 (and previously from April 2009 to November 2014). He also functions as Editor-in-Chief of 'Fossil Record,' the museum's paleontological open-access journal. His academic credentials include a habilitation completed in November 2014 at Humboldt University of Berlin with the thesis 'Physiological aspects of the fish-to-tetrapod transition - skin structure, breathing and feeding in early tetrapods,' supervised by Prof. Johannes Müller, and a PhD earned in September 2004 from the same institution focusing on the Permo-Carboniferous temnospondyl amphibian Archegosaurus decheni. His research program centers on three primary interconnected domains: (1) physiological adaptations during the fish-to-tetrapod transition in the late Paleozoic, particularly examining morphological and histological changes in dermal bones and scales alongside restructuring of the gill skeleton related to feeding and respiration mechanisms; (2) evolution of cranial muscles in early tetrapods and amphibians; and (3) paleopathology, with special emphasis on spinal diseases in fossil amphibians and reptiles and the evolutionary history of bone healing mechanisms. His work frequently employs advanced imaging techniques including microCT, FIB-SEM tomography, and phylogenetic disease bracketing to analyze both modern and fossil specimens. Dr. Witzmann's scholarly impact is reflected in publications across prestigious interdisciplinary journals including Nature, Science Advances, Current Biology, The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, and JAMA Oncology. His research has identified ancient diseases in the fossil record such as the oldest known osteopetrosis case in human skeletons, cancer in a 240-million-year-old stem-turtle, and metabolic bone diseases in Permian amniotes. His methodological approach bridges paleontology, evolutionary developmental biology, and clinical medicine to understand deep-time patterns of disease and physiological adaptation. Feodor Lynen-Research Fellow of the Alexander von Humboldt-Foundation (2014-2016) at Brown University's Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Endeavour Leadership Award recipient (2019-2020) supporting research at the Queensland Museum, Brisbane His academic trajectory demonstrates consistent progression from doctoral research on temnospondyl amphibians through postdoctoral work on dermal bone histology to his current leadership role in paleopathology and evolutionary morphology. Dr. Witzmann maintains active collaborations with researchers across Europe, North America, and Australia, contributing significantly to our understanding of vertebrate evolution and the deep history of physiological adaptations.
Professor Daniela Schwerdt is a materials science expert at Wismar University of Applied Sciences, holding the Chair of Materials Science/Plastics Engineering since 2015. She serves as Prorector for Research since 2022, contributing to engineering sciences through teaching and research leadership in the School of Engineering. Bachelor's teaching: Materials Science I/II, Welding Technology, Plastics Engineering Master's teaching: Damage Analysis, Bolt Materials, Lightweight Materials Her research focuses on multiscale material characterization , fatigue analysis , and non-destructive testing of metallic and polymeric materials. Recent publications highlight acoustic emission techniques for crack detection, hydrogen-induced cracking in spring steels, and crystallographic texture analysis for fatigue behavior prediction. Scientific contributions include: Comparative studies on traditional and advanced steels Crystallographic texture impact on material failure Acoustic emission monitoring for production quality control Surface effects on bolt fatigue strength She received the Hervorragende akademische maritime Lehre award (1st Place, 2020) for teaching excellence. As head of the Arbeitsgruppe Werkstoffe , she leads material research initiatives combining energy efficiency with structural integrity analysis.
