Dr. Erik Linstead is an Associate Professor and Senior Associate Dean at Chapman University, affiliated with the Fowler School of Engineering, School of Pharmacy, and George L. Argyros College of Business and Economics. His expertise spans Machine Learning, GPU Programming, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Assistive Technologies, Predictive Analytics, and Virtual Reality. Education: Bachelor of Science, Chapman University Master of Science, Stanford University Ph.D., University of California, Irvine Dr. Linstead's research integrates machine learning with diverse domains, including autism treatment, environmental monitoring, and software engineering. His recent publications focus on coral reef health, land surface temperature trends, and embedded machine learning systems. His scholarly work includes collaborations in remote sensing, medical informatics, and neurodiversity support. Articles highlight his interdisciplinary approach, applying AI to ecological challenges (e.g., Red Sea coral reefs, Nile Basin droughts) and human-centered technologies (e.g., VR therapy for autism, medication adherence analysis).
Jonathan Grinham is an Assistant Professor of Architecture at Harvard University's Graduate School of Design (GSD). His research bridges material science, building science, and design to address climate change challenges, focusing on lifecycle carbon emissions, thermal health, and sustainable material systems. He is affiliated with the Harvard Center for Green Buildings and Cities, the Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability, and the Aizenberg Lab at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Education: Architecture and Building Science, Virginia Tech Doctor of Design, Harvard GSD Grinham's work has produced novel technologies like the DryScreen vacuum membrane dehumidification system and the Vesma cooling solution, alongside publications, patents, and the start-up company Trellis Air Corporation. His research explores bioinspired microchannel designs, radiative sky cooling, and upcycling agricultural waste such as wool into building materials. Research Trends: His recent publications emphasize decoupling HVAC processes for energy efficiency, bioinspired material systems (e.g., duck feather hydrophobic coatings), and lifecycle carbon accounting for buildings. Projects like HouseZero and Origami Microfluidics highlight synergies between material geometry, thermal performance, and environmental impact reduction. Teaching and Collaboration: Grinham teaches courses on building simulation, materials, and thesis work. He collaborates with institutions like the Wyss Institute, Columbia University's Yu Lab, and industry partners including Faveker and American Woolen Company, mentoring students in hands-on climate-responsive design projects like the Sixteen Student Stools exhibition.
Caren Goldberg is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Entomology at Washington State University (WSU), affiliated with the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS). Her research focuses on ecological modeling and conservation biology, particularly using environmental DNA (eDNA) and landscape genetics to study species distribution and connectivity. Education : Ph.D., University of Idaho (Fish and Wildlife Resources); M.S., University of Arizona (Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences); B.A., University of California, Berkeley (Integrative Biology). Research Interests : Goldberg’s work emphasizes eDNA applications for detecting rare species, amphibian spatial ecology, and mitigating invasive species impacts. Key projects include: Developing eDNA tools for aquatic biodiversity monitoring Landscape genetics of pond-breeding amphibians Quantifying pathogen transmission in wild populations Integrating eDNA with conventional field methods Survey Methods and Tools : Goldberg’s team has pioneered eDNA sampling systems like the ANDe™ device and validated protocols for pathogen detection in trade settings. Her work addresses methodological challenges, such as optimizing sampling designs for variable environmental conditions. Advising and Grants : While specific grant details are not listed, her extensive publication record indicates sustained funding for ecological and conservation research. She collaborates with national parks, wildlife agencies, and international organizations to apply eDNA technologies in conservation planning. Labs and Teams : Goldberg leads a research group within the WSU Department of Entomology, focusing on ecological and genetic approaches to conservation challenges. Her work often involves interdisciplinary teams tackling global biodiversity crises.
Prof. Dr. Bruno Studer is a Full Professor at the Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zürich, and Head of the Zurich-Basel Plant Science Center. His research focuses on plant genetics, genomics, and agricultural innovation, particularly in crop improvement, disease resistance, and microbiome interactions. He leads projects on genomic selection, plant breeding, and phenotyping technologies, addressing challenges in food security and environmental resilience. Affiliations: Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zürich; Zurich-Basel Plant Science Center Research interests span plant-microbe interactions, genetic diversity in forage crops, and the development of tools for precision agriculture. His work integrates genomic prediction, digital phenotyping, and machine learning to enhance crop yields and environmental adaptability. Recent studies address bacterial leaf spot diseases, stomatal trait variation, and root rot resistance mechanisms in plants. Publications highlight advancements in genomic approaches for apple and ryegrass breeding, as well as microbial community dynamics linked to plant health. He contributes to initiatives like the Swiss Apple Core Collection and develops technologies like the FruitPhenoBox for rapid fruit trait analysis.
Heath MacMillan is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Carleton University, Faculty of Science. His research focuses on integrative insect physiology, particularly how environmental stressors like extreme temperatures, microplastics, and dietary changes affect molecular, biochemical, and whole-organism performance. Research Themes: Cold tolerance mechanisms, ionoregulatory collapse, microplastic pollution impacts, thermal acclimation physiology, and nutritional ecology for edible insects. Model Systems: Drosophila melanogaster, Gryllodes sigillatus, Aedes aegypti, and tropical butterflies. Techniques: Transcriptomics, metabolomics, in vitro osmoregulation assays, thermal gradient devices, and fluorescent microplastic tracking. His lab collaborates with Environment and Climate Change Canada, Dr. Jennifer Provencher, and Entomo Farms to address both fundamental physiological questions and applied problems in sustainable insect protein production. Current work explores how thermal plasticity and cross-tolerance mechanisms interact with ecological stressors like hypoxia and desiccation. Publications highlight his team's development of the ionoregulatory collapse model for cold tolerance, discovery of microplastic impacts on cricket growth, and characterization of thermal acclimation's role in maintaining central nervous system function. Research integrates molecular mechanisms with ecological predictions about species distribution and abundance under climate change. Lab opportunities emphasize collaborative, interdisciplinary work across physiology, biochemistry, and ecology. Graduate students and postdocs are encouraged to develop independent projects within the lab's existing frameworks. Undergraduates gain hands-on experience through volunteer work and independent studies.
Robb W Lindgren is a Professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with appointments in Curriculum and Instruction and Educational Psychology . He serves as Associate Dean for Research in the College of Education and holds affiliations with the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) , Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology , and Center for Social & Behavioral Science . His research focuses on Embodied learning through gesture and physical interaction Design of mixed/augmented reality educational systems Collaborative STEM education with immersive technologies Recent publications highlight his work in: Biochemistry simulations using haptic feedback (2024) VR-based spatial reasoning for astronomy education (2023) Metaverse learning environments with theory-driven design (2023) Climate change simulations with full-body tracking (2022) His research group explores how physical movement and gestural interfaces shape scientific understanding and conceptual change. Key collaborations include work with Jee Hyang Park , Jun Kang , and Thomas Kim , focusing on Gesture-mediated collaboration XR learning analytics Agency in embodied design
Hatice Kübra Yıldız is a Researcher at the Department of Industrial Design, Faculty of Architecture, Istanbul Technical University. Her work bridges design theory with interdisciplinary applications in healthcare, sustainability, and plant biology. Education : PhD in Industrial Design (ITU, 2016–2024), MSc in Industrial Product Design (Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, 2014–2016), BSc in Industrial Design (Anadolu University, 2008–2013) Her research focuses on Healthcare Design , Universal Design , and Inclusive Design , exemplified by work on cesarean section patient journeys. She explores sustainable practices through Service Design and Photo-Based Research Methods , including analyses of the Braun Prize competitions. Recent studies include Wind Power Site Selection and the biological impact of Hypericum perforatum tea. The scientific trends in her publications span healthcare service innovation, sustainable design frameworks, computational decision-making in energy planning, and microbiota-related health research. Her work emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, user-centered methodologies, and ecological responsibility.
Dr. Raoul Bongers is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Groningen, affiliated with the SMART Movements research group. His expertise focuses on action-perception learning, motor control, and rehabilitation technologies, particularly in upper limb prosthetics and serious game applications for prosthesis training. He investigates motor variability and coordination dynamics using advanced methodologies like Uncontrolled Manifold analysis and multifractal analyses. His research emphasizes the development of clinical tools such as IMU-based calibration algorithms and virtual reality environments to improve prosthetic control and rehabilitation outcomes. Collaborations span biomechanics, neuroscience, and medical engineering, addressing challenges in prosthetic design, user adaptation, and clinical assessment. Bongers has contributed to over 139 publications, with recent work exploring task-specific serious game training, IMU sensor calibration reliability, and motor learning dynamics in novel control tasks. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and innovation. Professional activities include keynote lectures on motor control and participation in interdisciplinary research networks. Laboratory affiliations include SMART Movements, where research integrates ecological psychology and dynamical systems theory to advance rehabilitation technologies and motor learning understanding.
Giulia Fini is an associate professor of Urban Planning and Techniques at the Polytechnic Department of Engineering and Architecture (DPIA), University of Udine. She teaches Urban Planning in the Master's Degree Program in Architecture and Urban Planning and the Bachelor's Degree Program in Civil and Environmental Engineering. Fini serves on the Board of Directors of INU Friuli Venezia Giulia, the Scientific Committee of Urbanpromo, and is the editor of Planum, The Journal of Urbanism. Her research bridges urban and territorial planning with a focus on regeneration of tertiary-directional districts, sustainable cities, smart urban policies, and urban-rural fringe dynamics. She explores the spatial implications of ICTs on labor, the transformation of industrial/service spaces, and the integration of luxury developments into public strategies. Recent publications address transcalar interventions in urban regeneration and comparative studies of European cities like Antwerp and Amsterdam. Giulia Fini's scholarly work spans themes such as micro-gentrification, public space privatization, peri-urban park design, and post-crisis urban revitalization. Her articles analyze the interplay between urban functionalism, territorial continuity, and the evolving role of urban planners in addressing socioeconomic dynamics. She has contributed extensively to architectural anthologies and critical urban studies, particularly on Bernardo Secchi's methodologies. Affiliated with institutions like the University of Udine and collaborating on projects in Antwerp, Milan, and Amsterdam, Fini's work emphasizes design devices for habitability, attractiveness, and territorial coherence. Her research integrates theoretical reflections with practical case studies, offering frameworks for regenerating fragmented urban landscapes and managing contemporary spatial challenges.
Syed Hashsham is a Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Michigan State University (MSU), with an adjunct appointment in the Center for Microbial Ecology and Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences. His research focuses on microbial community dynamics, field-deployable genetic testing tools, and environmental biotechnology processes. He leads the NIEHS Superfund Research Center’s Project 4 on dioxin remediation and has pioneered innovations like the Gene-Z handheld genetic analyzer and antimicrobial resistance gene screening chips. Education: Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering (University of Illinois, 1996), M.S. in Environmental Science (IIT Bombay, 1986), B.S. in Civil Engineering (Aligarh Muslim University, 1984). Research interests include microbial community stability, bioremediation of chlorinated solvents, and development of low-cost diagnostic tools. His work bridges environmental engineering and microbiology, with applications in water safety, soil remediation, and public health. Over 150 peer-reviewed publications and numerous grants from NIH, EPA, and other agencies highlight his impact. Notable awards include the MSU Distinguished Faculty Award (2011) and the Withrow Distinguished Scholar Award (2007). He teaches courses like Biological Processes in Environmental Engineering (ENE804) and advises on capstone projects. His lab has produced pioneering technologies for real-time microbial detection and environmental monitoring. Grants and collaborations span multi-million-dollar projects with the NIEHS, USDA, and U.S. Army. His team includes postdocs, PhD students, and visiting scholars working on topics like gut microbiome-host interactions and ARG dissemination via biofilms.
Aldina Franco is Associate Professor in Ecology and Global Environmental Change at the School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia (UEA). She is a member of the Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Conservation, Environmental Biology, and ClimateUEA. She has been at UEA since 2009, progressing from Lecturer to her current role, and serves as Director of the International Master in Applied Ecology and Chair of Postgraduate Taught Programmes. She is actively accepting PhD students and supervising a diverse, international research group. PhD in Conservation Biology, UEA MSc in Maths Applied to Biological Sciences, University of Lisbon MSci in Biology with Ecology, University of Lisbon Her research focuses on movement ecology, biogeography, and ecological responses to global change . She investigates animal migration, dispersal, and behavioral responses to climate change and anthropogenic pressures. Her group develops advanced animal tracking technologies (e.g., GSM, LoRa) and applies niche modeling to inform conservation. Key research areas include climate impacts on biodiversity, design of protected areas, and conservation of migratory species. Her recent publications (2023–2025) reflect a strong focus on climate change impacts on animal movement, conservation technology, and biodiversity monitoring . Articles cover thermal sensitivity in insects, bird migration dynamics, sensor development for wildlife tracking, and multi-threat vulnerability assessments for migratory birds. There is a clear trend toward interdisciplinary research integrating ecology, technology, and policy. Marsh Award for Ornithology (2023) Scientific Committee LIFE Connect Ricotí (2022) Aldina Franco leads and co-leads multiple NERC and internationally funded projects, including research on heatwave impacts, landslide monitoring, and bird migration. She supervises numerous PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, many from Portugal and funded by FCT. She collaborates with NGOs such as BTO, BirdLife International, and SPEA, and institutions in the UK, Portugal, and the USA. She coordinates the Movetech Telemetry project, developing state-of-the-art tracking devices in collaboration with BTO and the University of Porto. Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to climate action and life on land.
Professor Thomas Röckmann is a distinguished atmospheric scientist at Utrecht University's Faculty of Science, serving as Professor of Atmospheric Physics and Chemistry and Academic Director of the Marine and Atmospheric Research department. Based at the Buys Ballot building in Utrecht, he leads research at the intersection of atmospheric chemistry, climate science, and isotope geochemistry. His research focuses on development and application of isotope techniques to investigate atmospheric physics and chemistry, with particular emphasis on global trace gas budgets , impact of anthropogenic activities on the atmosphere , stratosphere-troposphere exchange , and stratospheric water vapor . He has pioneered the development of air sampling devices for high-altitude research aircraft and stratospheric balloon experiments. His work on kinetic isotope effects and mass independent isotope effects provides critical insights into atmospheric processes, while his research reconstructs paleo-atmospheric conditions using Arctic and Antarctic ice and firn samples. Analysis of Professor Röckmann's 15 most recent publications (2024-2025) reveals a strong focus on methane emissions quantification across diverse environments including agricultural systems, oil and gas infrastructure, coastal waters, and polar regions. His work integrates advanced isotopic techniques with airborne and ground-based measurements to constrain global methane budgets and identify emission sources. Recent research also explores innovative approaches to atmospheric methane removal and the development of high-sensitivity analytical techniques for clumped isotope analysis. Professor Röckmann serves as Chair of Atmospheric Physics and Chemistry, is a member of the Netherlands Earth System Science Center consortium, sits on the scientific advisory committee of SRON, and serves on the editorial board of Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics. His research involves extensive international collaborations across Europe, North America, and polar regions, with field campaigns spanning from the Amazon rainforest to Greenland's ice sheet.
Jonas Braasch is a Professor at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's School of Architecture and Associate Director for Research at the Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center (EMPAC). He teaches in the Graduate Program in Architectural Acoustics and leads research on collaborative virtual reality, binaural hearing, auditory modeling, and sensory substitution devices. His work has been funded by NSF, NSERC, and European agencies, and he holds dual PhDs in Electrical Engineering/Information Science and Musicology. His research integrates acoustic virtual reality systems, immersive museum soundscapes, telematic music, and assistive instrument design. Recent publications focus on networked immersive environments, spatial audio techniques, museum acoustics classification, and innovations in wind instrument design for accessibility. Publications emphasize the application of deep learning to acoustic prediction and multisensory integration.
Dr. Daniel Wangpraseurt is an Associate Researcher at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, where he leads the Coral Reef Ecophysiology and Engineering Lab. He joined Scripps in summer 2024 and co-founded Hybrid Reef Solutions, a startup developing sustainable coral reef protection technologies. Wangpraseurt serves as associate editor for Frontiers in Marine Science: Coral Reefs and sits on the Coral Restoration Consortium advisory board. His educational background includes: PhD from University of Technology Sydney, Australia MSc from Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology & Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Ecology, Germany BSc from James Cook University, Australia Wangpraseurt's research bridges coral reef science, engineering, and biophysics with core interests in coral ecophysiology, restoration engineering, benthic photosynthesis, and blue technology. His work develops innovative tools for reef restoration while investigating fundamental coral physiological processes and optical properties. Analysis of his 2024-2025 publications reveals dominant themes in coral restoration technology development, including biomimetic settlement substrates, acoustic larval enrichment, and engineered biofilms. His optical research focuses on coral microstructure imaging via the Benthic Underwater Microscope (BUMP) and light-harvesting mechanisms across depth gradients. No specific scientific awards are mentioned in the source material. He directs the Coral Reef Ecophysiology and Engineering Lab and leads Hybrid Reef Solutions. His collaborative research includes NSF-BSF projects on Red Sea mesophotic corals and IntBIO grants integrating nanobiotechnologies for coral symbiosis studies. Wangpraseurt maintains active roles in the Coral Restoration Consortium advisory board and Frontiers in Marine Science editorial board, driving both technological innovation and scientific discourse in coral reef conservation.
Professor Joaquim de Ciurana Gay is a faculty member at the University of Girona in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Construction Engineering , leading research in Manufacturing Process Engineering since 2009. He heads the Process, Product and Production Engineering Research Group (GREP) , with over 100 peer-reviewed articles and 12 book chapters focusing on biomedical device design, additive manufacturing, and machining optimization. Education: PhD in Industrial Engineering (UPC, 1997); Postdoctoral training at Rutgers University, Cranfield University, and Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières. Research Interests include additive manufacturing , machining process characterization , design methodologies , and industrial collaboration . His recent biomedical projects emphasize cell culture systems and medical device prototyping . Publications highlight trends in hybrid manufacturing , AI-driven process optimization , and sustainable biomedical design . Scientific Awards: Award for Scientific Collaboration with Companies (ASCAMM Centre Tecnològic, 2011) Teaching Innovation: Authored educational materials and led projects integrating industry partnerships into academic training. Labs & Teams: Director of GREP, fostering knowledge transfer through collaboration agreements with industrial partners.
