Zahra Ansarilari is a Lecturer in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering at ETH Zurich. She holds a PhD in Transportation Engineering from the University of Toronto and professional experience includes roles as Data Scientist at NeshanMaps and Transport Planner at AAVAND-e Tarh-o Andishe. Her research develops optimization models for public transit systems. Key research areas include synchronized timetabling, transfer coordination, and capacity-aware scheduling for multimodal networks. Methodological approaches integrate mixed-integer programming, Lagrangian relaxation, and stochastic optimization to improve passenger experience and operational efficiency. Recent publications focus on reducing transfer waiting times through novel optimization frameworks that account for vehicle capacities, dwell times, and network uncertainties. Applied work includes collaborations with transit agencies to implement scheduling improvements.
Morteza Gharib is the Hans W. Liepmann Professor of Aeronautics and Medical Engineering at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), holding the Booth-Kresa Leadership Chair in the Center for Autonomous Systems and Technologies (CAST). He serves as Director of the Graduate Aerospace Laboratories (GALCIT) and CAST, overseeing research in autonomous systems, fluid dynamics, and biomedical engineering. His academic roles include Vice Provost at Caltech (2010-2016) and leadership in institutes like the Linde Institute (2014-2015). Education: B.S. from Teheran University (1976), M.S. from Syracuse University (1978), and Ph.D. from Caltech (1983). His career has spanned roles from Assistant Professor (1992) to his current named chair. Research interests focus on biofluid dynamics, biomedical device innovation (e.g., heart valves, cardiovascular monitoring), and autonomous robotics. He develops technologies inspired by biological systems, such as aquatic propulsion and aerial morphing robots. His lab also advances flow diagnostics like real-time PIV systems and machine learning-driven pressure waveform analysis. Key achievements include the Ronald J. Adrian Award (2023) for contributions to flow visualization. His work bridges aerospace and medical engineering, emphasizing cross-disciplinary solutions. Current projects involve bioinspired robots, turbulence control, and non-invasive health monitoring systems. Labs/Teams: Directs GALCIT and CAST, leading interdisciplinary teams in robotics, fluid dynamics, and biomedical engineering. Collaborates with industry and academic partners on advanced systems like the ATMO morphing robot and cardiovascular device prototypes.
Professor Meng Qiang serves as Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) at the National University of Singapore (NUS), where he directs both the Centre for Transport Research (CTR) and the NUS Guangzhou Research Translation and Innovation Institute (NUS-GRTII). His academic leadership extends to editorial roles including Co-Editor-in-Chief of Multimodal Transportation and Advisory Editor for Transportation Research Part E . His educational background spans Bachelor of Science from East China Normal University (1984), Master of Science from Chinese Academy of Sciences (1989), and PhD in Civil Engineering from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (2000). Prior to joining NUS, he held academic positions at Shandong Normal University where he became Professor in the Information and Management School after completing his PhD. Professor Meng's research expertise focuses on three interconnected domains: urban mobility modelling and optimization (including AI-based traffic prediction, autonomous vehicle operations, and EV infrastructure planning); shipping and intermodal freight transportation (covering liner network optimization, container logistics, and maritime cybersecurity); and quantitative risk assessment of transport operations (particularly for urban tunnels and maritime safety). His work integrates advanced computational methods with real-world transportation challenges, as evidenced by over 260 high-impact publications. His scholarly impact is demonstrated through consistent recognition as a Top 2% Scientist in logistics and transportation (Stanford University, 2019-2022) and numerous prestigious awards including the Omega Best Paper Award (2023), TSL Freight Transportation Award (2020), and Singapore MOT Minister's Innovation Award (2009). His publications reveal evolving research trajectories toward autonomous vehicle integration, maritime decarbonization, and AI-driven transportation solutions. Best Paper Award of Omega 2023 Member, Academy of Engineering Singapore (2022) TSL Best Paper Award in Freight Transportation and Logistics (2020) OCDI Takeuchi Yoshio Logistics Award (2019) Chang Jiang Scholar Chair Professor (2017) WCTR Society Prize for Best Paper (2013) Singapore MOT Minister's Innovation Award (2009) Professor Meng has supervised 17 PhD students and mentored 20 postdoctoral fellows, with many graduates achieving prominent academic positions internationally including Distinguished Young Scholars in China. His industry contributions include the QRAFT risk assessment software for road tunnels and an AI-based traffic prediction model developed with ST Engineering. He leads the Centre for Transport Research which conducts government and industry-funded projects addressing Singapore's transportation challenges through advanced modeling and optimization techniques.
Andreas Hillmair is Deputy Director - Operations and Head of Operations at the Institute of Biological and Medical Imaging (IBMI) at Helmholtz Munich and the Chair of Biological Imaging at Technical University of Munich. He holds a PhD in Neurobiology and Behavior (summa cum laude, University of Wuerzburg) and conducted postdoctoral research on honeybee pheromonal communication at CNRS in France. His expertise spans science management, academic administration, neuroethology, and biological imaging. He has managed interdisciplinary imaging research teams since 2013, overseeing institutional and third-party funding. His research background includes studying colony recognition in ants and honeybee social communication using advanced imaging techniques. Education: PhD in Neurobiology and Behavior, University of Wuerzburg (2007–2010) Studies in Biology (Neurobiology), University of Wuerzburg (graduated 2007) Research Interests: Neuroethological mechanisms of social recognition, olfactory processing in insects, and development of imaging techniques for biological systems. His work bridges fundamental research and applied imaging technology, focusing on how sensory systems enable complex social behaviors in insects. Current efforts emphasize optimizing science management frameworks to accelerate translational imaging research. Key Contributions: Pioneered methodologies for low-volatility odor delivery in insect behavior studies (2010) and revealed parallel processing of social odors in ant antennal lobes (2011). Transitioned into science management to operationalize cutting-edge imaging research, leading to the 2023 Excellence Award in Scientific Management. Awards: 2023: Excellence in Scientific Management Award 2015–2018: Outstanding Performance Recognition (Helmholtz Munich) 2009: Best Poster Award (German Zoological Society) Labs & Teams: Leads the Operations unit at IBMI, coordinating over 15 interdisciplinary research groups and managing €15M+ in annual funding. Collaborates closely with the Chair of Biological Imaging at TU Munich to advance multimodal imaging technologies for clinical and biological applications.
Alan Gous is an Adjunct Professor at Stanford University's Institute for Computational and Mathematical Engineering (ICME), where he applies mathematical modeling to network engineering challenges. His research spans network optimization, traffic engineering, and secure communication systems. With industry experience reflected in numerous patents, Dr. Gous has developed innovative solutions for network routing optimization, including latency-aware algorithms and segment routing techniques. His work balances theoretical foundations with practical implementations in telecommunications infrastructure. Earlier research contributions include statistical methodologies for model selection and dataset comparison. His current focus addresses security frameworks for network authorization systems and gateway communication protocols, demonstrating a consistent emphasis on efficient and secure network architectures.
Lexing Ying is a Professor of Mathematics at Stanford University. His research focuses on applied mathematics, computational science, and interdisciplinary areas such as quantum computing, machine learning, and numerical analysis. He has made significant contributions to high-dimensional problems, inverse problems, and the development of efficient algorithms for complex systems. His work spans theoretical advancements and practical applications, including quantum signal processing, tensor-based numerical methods, and probabilistic modeling. Key themes in his research include the analysis of diffusion models, stochastic systems, and optimization algorithms. Recent publications highlight innovations in solving high-dimensional PDEs, improving sampling techniques, and advancing quantum algorithms. Notably, Ying has developed methods for operator learning, functional hierarchical tensors, and robust phase estimation. His research often bridges mathematical theory and computational practice, addressing challenges in areas like statistical inference and numerical simulation.
Professor Fiona Saunders is a Professor of Project Management Education and Director of the Centre for Learning Enhancement and Educational Development (LEED) at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU). She leads LEED's efforts to integrate pedagogic scholarship, innovation, and digital education into curriculum development and educational policy. Previously, she served as Faculty Director of Education in MMU's Faculty of Science and Engineering, overseeing teaching strategies, student experience, and graduate outcomes from 2017–2022. Her academic background includes a PhD in Project Management (2016, University of Manchester), an MBA with Distinction (1999, Lancaster University), and a BSc in Applied Physics and Electronics (1991, University of Durham). She is a Principal Fellow of AdvanceHE and Chartered Engineer. Her research focuses on educational technology, curriculum design, project management in safety-critical industries (e.g., nuclear energy), and decolonizing curricula. Notable outputs include books on project finance and peer-reviewed articles on video-based teaching, nuclear project management, and high-reliability practices. Recent work addresses curriculum decolonization and integrating Ubuntu philosophy into engineering education. Prof Saunders has extensive industry experience, including project management roles at PA Consulting and the Autobar Group before transitioning to academia. She advises on educational policy, chairs international conferences, and maintains a professional blog with global reach (www.fionasaunders.co.uk).
Joseph Johnson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at Carleton College, specializing in nonlinear dynamics and mathematical modeling of social and biological systems. He holds a PhD from Northwestern University and dual BS/MS degrees from the University of Akron. His research focuses on phenomena such as bimodality in market competition, anisogamy evolution, and oscillator synchronization. He has taught courses at Carleton, the University of Michigan, and Northwestern, emphasizing agent-based modeling and applied mathematics. Education: PhD, Applied Mathematics, Northwestern University (2020) MS, Applied Mathematics, University of Akron (2015) BS, Applied Mathematics and Economics, University of Akron (2015) Research Themes: His work bridges mathematics with real-world systems, exploring how nonlinear dynamics explain social market structures, biological evolution of reproductive strategies, and synchronization patterns in coupled systems. Notable projects include modeling name-brand/generic market splits and the evolutionary origin of anisogamy. Teaching & Mentorship: He has taught courses in multivariable calculus, differential equations, and agent-based modeling at multiple institutions. His pedagogical focus includes active learning and computational tools like NetLogo for complex systems education. Grants & Recognition: His research has been supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF). He has contributed to SIAM publications and presented at conferences like Dynamics Days US.
Eleni Tzouramani is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Business and Creative Industries, focusing on transformative educational practices and organizational dynamics. Her work bridges academic research with practical policy implications, particularly in crisis management among women academics and remote work frameworks. She co-led the Digital Maieutic Project, integrating AI and Universal Design for Learning principles, for which her team received the UKAIS Teaching Innovation Grant (2024). Her research interests span spirituality's role in organizational cultures, leadership development, and multimodal learning strategies. She actively contributes to parliamentary policy discussions, submitting evidence on home-based working for the UK House of Lords. Tzouramani has presented at international forums on topics like AI ethics in education and leadership navigation during transitional phases. She currently oversees a Knowledge Transfer Partnership in leadership development and collaborates with institutions to design inclusive educational frameworks.
Rens Kortmann is an Assistant Professor at Delft University of Technology, affiliated with the Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management and the Multi-Actor Systems department. He operates within the Policy Analysis group, focusing on systems modeling and simulation to address societal challenges like energy transitions. Education: MSc in Cognitive Science (University of Groningen), PhD in Computer Science (Maastricht University), with research experience at Edinburgh's Artificial Intelligence department His research emphasizes simulation gaming as a primary method, complemented by discrete event simulation, agent-based models, and cybernetics. He investigates games' potential to drive cultural change through embodied experiences and ludic performances, collaborating on projects like: ROTBEESTEN?! – a motivator game for forensic mental healthcare training Talk that Talk – persuasive card game against sexually transgressive behavior Veerkracht series – servant-leadership development games Parsifal Game Opera – performance-art-meets-game cultural experiments Key trends in his publications include: 2023-2021: Forensic vigilance training, sexually transgressive behavior interventions 2019-2018: Contextual game design principles, urban canal logistics 2016-2014: Ludic performances, servant-leadership simulations Scientific recognition includes: Mekel Prize for sustainable innovation (2017) from TU Delft Organized ISAGA game design summer school (2014) and served as ISAGA conference chair (2017) He contributes to academic governance as a reviewer for journals/conferences and through collaborative works with researchers like Vincent Peters, Alexander Verbraeck, and Gwendolen Bekebrede. His 2024-2026 secondary affiliation includes the Macromechanic Laboratory in Civil Engineering and Geosciences.
Mike Blundell is a Professor and Associate Dean Enterprise at Coventry University, leading the Centre for Future Transport and Cities. Renowned for pioneering work in vehicle dynamics and multi-body systems software since the 1980s, he previously held positions at the Ministry of Defence's ship/submarine design department and Boeing (Europe), and was an early European adopter of ADAMS software at Tedas Ltd. Blundell earned his PhD from Coventry University in 1997 with thesis research on suspension and tyre modelling for vehicle handling simulation, establishing foundational work for his career. His research spans vehicle dynamics, computer simulation, multibody dynamics, and occupant protection, with significant contributions to helicopter crash safety, tyre behaviour modeling, and low-carbon vehicle engineering. He develops computational tools for airbag deployment, pedestrian impact analysis, and virtual prototyping, emphasizing practical aerospace and automotive applications. Recent publications (2022-2025) reveal intensifying focus on autonomous vehicle safety validation, occupant kinematics in novel seating configurations, and advanced tyre modeling for multimodal transport. His work increasingly integrates machine learning for real-time state estimation while maintaining core expertise in multi-body dynamics simulation. Blundell has supervised 16 research students and secured major funding including EPSRC/Airbus aircraft tyre modeling, European 6th Framework helicopter safety projects, Niche Vehicle initiatives, Low Carbon Vehicle Technology programs, and infrastructure protection research against terrorist threats. As leader of Coventry University's Centre for Future Transport and Cities, he directs a multidisciplinary team collaborating with Airbus, Boeing, and European partners on sustainable transport solutions, virtual prototyping, and resilient infrastructure systems.
Elise Miller-Hooks holds the Bill and Eleanor Hazel Endowed Chair in Infrastructure Engineering and serves as Professor and Department Chair of the Sid and Reva Dewberry Department of Civil, Environmental, and Infrastructure Engineering at George Mason University's Volgenau School of Engineering. With nearly three decades of experience, she applies operations research to civil infrastructure systems, developing decision-support tools for designing, managing, and protecting the built environment through interdisciplinary collaboration with students and post-doctoral researchers. Her educational foundation includes: Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin (1997) M.S. in Engineering (Civil Engineering) from the University of Texas at Austin (1994) B.S. in Civil Engineering summa cum laude from Lafayette College (1992) Miller-Hooks' research program centers on infrastructure resilience and disaster management , with specialized expertise in stochastic network algorithms, multi-hazard protection, and transportation systems engineering. She pioneers methodologies for evacuation planning, interdependent infrastructure modeling, and climate adaptation, emphasizing societal impact through real-world applications in urban mobility, supply chains, and Arctic transportation systems. Her work integrates mathematical optimization with collaborative decision-making frameworks to address complex challenges in infrastructure sustainability. Recent publications (2023-2025) reveal a pronounced focus on post-disaster recovery logistics, climate-resilient infrastructure investment, and AI-driven solutions for urban mobility. Key trends include deep reinforcement learning applications in meal delivery optimization, Bayesian risk modeling for Arctic maritime transit, and equity-centered analysis of maintenance impacts on multimodal transportation facilities. Her scholarship consistently bridges theoretical advances with practical implementations for government agencies and international organizations. Her distinguished honors include: Distinguished Alumni recognition from the University of Texas at Austin Election to the Virginia Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine Founding Editor-in-Chief role for Elsevier's Sustainability Analytics and Modeling journal Miller-Hooks has secured extensive research funding from the National Science Foundation, World Bank, U.S. Department of Transportation, and international agencies. She has advised numerous graduate students while leading high-impact initiatives like the NSF/UKRI-funded US-UK Workshop on Urban Underground Infrastructure. Her leadership extends to program direction at NSF, advisory roles for the World Bank, and presidency of the INFORMS Transportation Science and Logistics Society. She directs a multidisciplinary research group investigating Arctic infrastructure interdependencies and climate adaptation strategies, while spearheading international collaborations through workshops and editorial leadership that shape global infrastructure resilience standards and practices.
Dr. Haoning Xi is a Lecturer in Business Analytics at the Newcastle Business School, University of Newcastle (UON), Australia. She previously served as a Research Fellow at the Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies (ITLS), The University of Sydney Business School. Dr. Xi received her Ph.D. in Transportation & Operations Research from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, where she was also a co-cultured Ph.D. student at CSIRO Data 61. She holds a Master's degree from Tsinghua University and a Bachelor's from Central South University, China, and has research experience at the University of California, Berkeley and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Ph.D. in Transportation & Operations Research, University of New South Wales Master of Engineering, Tsinghua University, China Bachelor of Engineering, Central South University, China Research Assistant, University of California, Berkeley Visiting Researcher, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Dr. Xi's research focuses on applying business analytics, machine learning, and operations research to mobility services and transportation systems. Her work centers on Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS), travel behavior analysis, data-driven optimization, and sustainable transportation. She investigates how to leverage millions of smart card data from various transport modes to uncover user travel patterns and preferences, enabling intelligent decision-making for transport authorities. Her research also explores predictive analysis using AI and ML algorithms to forecast travel patterns, service disruptions, and resource allocation strategies. A significant portion of her work examines personalized mobility services and how to integrate transportation with non-mobility offerings to create comprehensive subscription models. Dr. Xi has published over 23 SCI/SSCI indexed papers, including 9 ABDC A* journal articles (8 as first/corresponding author) in top journals like European Journal of Operational Research and Transportation Research series. Her publications reveal a strong emphasis on mathematical modeling of transportation systems, with increasing focus on AI/ML applications in recent years. The articles demonstrate progression from traditional transportation modeling toward more sophisticated data-driven approaches integrating machine learning with operational research techniques, particularly in the context of Mobility-as-a-Service ecosystems and pandemic-related travel behavior changes. Rising Stars Women in Engineering, Asian Deans' Forum (2024) Best Research Silver Award, International Symposium on Sustainable Development of Urban Transport Systems (2024) Best Paper Award, International Workshop on Computational Transportation Science (2024) Global Talent Independent Scheme, Australian Government (2021) University Postgraduate Award, UNSW (2021) CSIRO Data 61 Top-up Ph.D. Scholarship (2020) Dr. Xi currently supervises 5 PhD students across various topics including digital transformation's impact on ESG, digital sustainability measurement, data analytics for hospitality management, social media sentiment analysis, and organizational capabilities in regulated environments. She has secured over $463,500 in research funding from multiple sources including National Natural Science Foundation of China ($80,000), iMOVE Australia Limited ($300,000), and various internal university grants. Her current projects focus on AI-driven bus network optimization, parking management models, and enhancing user mobility experience through business analytics. Dr. Xi serves as CHSF College Research Committee Member and NBS Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee Member at the University of Newcastle. She is Co-chair of the Multimodal Urban Transportation Systems Analysis Committee in the World Transport Congress (2024-2026) and serves on editorial boards for International Journal of Transportation Science & Technology and Transportation Safety and Environment. She also acts as a peer reviewer for top transportation journals including Transportation Science and Transportation Research series.
Alexis Gumy is an Associate Researcher at the Urban Sociology Laboratory (LASUR) and a Lecturer in the SSIE department at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL). His primary affiliation is with the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC). He specializes in urban sociology, cross-border mobility dynamics, and social inequalities related to spatial and temporal resource access. Gumy’s research focuses on mobility justice, transnationalism in border regions, and the sociological implications of spatial proximity. His teaching includes courses on urban sociology, emphasizing the interplay between spatial arrangements, social structures, and political processes. His work often employs spatio-temporal analysis to examine inequalities in mobility patterns, particularly in cross-border European regions like Greater Geneva. Gumy’s research methodologies integrate empirical evidence from case studies and socio-geographical frameworks. Key topics include: Border region socio-political dynamics Cross-border co-operation challenges Temporal vulnerability in daily mobility Mobility justice frameworks His lab, LASUR, collaborates on projects addressing urban sociology challenges, with a focus on European border areas. He actively publishes in peer-reviewed journals, contributing to debates on migration patterns, transportation equity, and rhythmic lifestyle analysis.
Hui Fang is a researcher at Loughborough University , Department of Computer Science, UK. Their work spans Artificial Intelligence , Machine Learning , and Remote Sensing , with recent focus on Medical Imaging , Natural Language Processing , and Urban Mobility . Publications highlight innovations in MRI Reconstruction , Legal Judgment Prediction , and Video SAR Analysis . Research Interests include Graph Neural Networks , Transformer Models , and Data Mining applied to domains like Agricultural Technology , Healthcare Systems , and Smart Cities . Methodologies emphasize Interpretable AI , Federated Learning , and Multimodal Integration . Key 2024-2025 Trends involve Transformer-Based Architectures for Medical Imaging , Information Bottleneck in Spatio-Temporal Networks , and Bootstrapping Techniques for Information Extraction . Collaborative projects with Dongdong Weng , Zhu Xiao , and Yong He demonstrate interdisciplinary applications in Transportation , Healthcare , and Agriculture . Recent Co-authored Publications span IEEE Transactions , Neurocomputing , and Remote Sensing Journals , addressing Dynamic Phasor Modeling , 4D Facial Capture , and Virtual Reality Usability .
