Robert MacCurdy is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder . He leads the Matter Assembly Computation Lab (MACLab) focused on automating robot design and fabrication. His research bridges computational design and advanced manufacturing to create "robots that walk out of the printer." The lab develops tools like OpenVCAD , an open-source volumetric multi-material geometry compiler.
Justin A. Weibel is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University, affiliated with the School of Mechanical Engineering. He directs the Cooling Technologies Research Center (CTRC), a National Science Foundation Industry/University Cooperative Research Center. His research focuses on advanced electronics cooling, phase-change transport, additive manufacturing for thermal components, and machine-learning-driven design optimization. He has led projects funded by DARPA, ONR, ARPA-E, and industry partners, advancing cooling solutions for high-power electronics and energy systems. Research interests span thermal management, heat transfer, micro/nano-scale engineering, and sustainable energy. Key contributions include topology optimization for heat sinks, two-phase flow modeling, and embedded cooling systems for electric motors. His work integrates computational methods with experimental validation. Grants & Programs: DARPA TGP/ICECool, ONR NEPTUNE, ARPA-E ASCEND/COOLERCHIPS, SRC CHIRP Labs: Cooling Technologies Research Center (CTRC) Future Work: Expanding additive manufacturing applications, improving thermal efficiency in electrified transport, and advancing AI-driven thermal system design. Awards: Fellow of ASME (2023) Outstanding Faculty Mentor (2022) Multiple best paper awards from IEEE ITherm, ASME, and SEMI-THERM conferences
Prof. Dr. Jing Wang is a Full Professor at the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering at ETH Zürich. His research focuses on air pollution control, nanoparticle transport, and environmental health and safety (EHS) impacts of nanomaterials. He has held roles including Assistant Professor at ETH Zürich (2010–present), Research Assistant Professor at the University of Minnesota (2007–2010), and postdoctoral associate in Particle Technology (2005–2007). Education: Bachelor’s in Engineering (2000) – Tsinghua University, Beijing Master’s in Computer Sciences (2003) – University of Minnesota PhD in Aerospace Engineering (2005) – University of Minnesota Research Interests: Air/water filtration technologies Nanoparticle emission reduction and measurement Multiphase flow mechanics Environmental impacts of nanomaterials Collaborations: Industrial partnerships include 3M, BASF, Boeing, Intel, Samsung, and others in nanoparticle measurement and filtration solutions. Honors: 2011 Smoluchowski Award (Association for Aerosol Research) 2006 ‘Best Dissertation’ Award (University of Minnesota) 2004 Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship Teaching: Courses include Air Pollution Control, Environmental Engineering Seminars, and Excursions for Environmental Engineers. Labs/Teams: Leads the Particle Technology Lab and collaborates with the Institute of Environmental Engineering at ETH Zürich.
Eduardo Pereyra is a Professor in the McDougall School of Petroleum Engineering at The University of Tulsa, where he serves as Associate Director for the Tulsa Fluid Flow Projects (TUFFP) and the Horizontal Wells Artificial Lift Project (TUHWALP) . His academic career spans theoretical and applied research in multiphase flow, flow assurance, artificial lift systems, and separation technologies. Education: Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Petroleum Engineering from The University of Tulsa; Dual B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and Systems Engineering from the University of Los Andes, Venezuela Pereyra’s research focuses on multiphase flow dynamics , particularly in gas-liquid and oil-water systems. His work addresses critical challenges such as slug flow mitigation , downhole separator efficiency , and ESP motor cooling , leveraging computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and experimental validation. Recent publications emphasize inclined pipe flows , severe slugging mitigation , and plunger lift optimization . Pereyra has received multiple accolades, including the 2023 SPE Production and Operations Award and the 2022 Kermit Brown Outstanding Teacher Award . His contributions to multiphase flow modeling have been recognized through the 2021 Zelimir Schmidt Outstanding Researcher Award . He actively collaborates with industry partners through TUFFP and TUHWALP, directing projects like the Horizontal Wells Artificial Lift Initiative .
Dr. Joshua Brinkerhoff is an Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering at the University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus. He serves as the Associate Director for Research & Industrial Partnerships in the School of Engineering and leads the UBC-Okanagan Computational Fluid Dynamics Laboratory. His research spans computational fluid dynamics, turbomachinery, multiphase flows, hydrogen safety, wind energy, and biofluid mechanics. He teaches courses in mechanics of materials, alternative energy systems, turbulence, computational fluid dynamics, and aircraft design. PhD, Aerospace Engineering (Carleton University, Ottawa, ON) BEng, Aerospace Engineering (Carleton University) Dr. Brinkerhoff’s research interests include: Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for laminar-to-turbulent transition and instability analysis Wind energy systems and turbine aerodynamics Hydrogen storage and safety protocols for transportation Biofluid mechanics for respiratory diseases and aneurysm modeling Multiphase flows in industrial and environmental contexts His publications focus on CFD simulations for: Aerosol dispersion and mitigation in indoor environments Wind farm interactions and atmospheric gravity waves Cavitation and phase transitions in cryogenic and LNG systems Heat transfer optimization in industrial and thermal systems Instability dynamics in buoyancy-driven and swept flows Turbulent structures in fluidized beds and reactors Dr. Brinkerhoff has no listed scientific awards in the provided data but has extensive contributions to renewable energy, hydrogen safety, and medical fluid dynamics. His laboratory develops open-source tools like TOSCA for large-eddy simulations and investigates practical applications in urban air quality, dental aerosol control, and turbine wake modeling.
Dr. Sajjad Bigham is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at North Carolina State University and serves as an Adjunct Associate Professor at Michigan Technological University. He holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Florida and directs the Energy-X Lab (Energy eXploration Laboratory), which focuses on high-impact research in energy science and technology. His research interests encompass: Advanced thermal management solutions including microscale heat transfer, boiling/condensation phenomena, and interfacial transport Energy-efficient systems for HVAC&R, desalination, and clean water production Development of micro/nano-engineered materials and devices for energy conversion/storage Sorption-based gas management and multiphase systems under extreme conditions Recent publications demonstrate strong focus on thermal management innovations (45%), sustainable energy systems (30%), and advanced materials applications (25%). Dominant themes include heat transfer enhancement techniques, energy-efficient appliance design, desalination technologies, and microscale phase-change phenomena, with increasing emphasis on additive manufacturing approaches. Dr. Bigham leads the Energy-X Lab research group, which tackles high-risk, high-reward problems across four thrust areas: Terrestrial and space life support systems Advanced thermal management Clean energy production Clean water supply The lab's mission is to improve energy efficiency, reliability, and economy across defense, environmental, and energy sectors.
Dr. Xuzhen He is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney (UTS). He holds a BSc from Tsinghua University and a PhD from the University of Cambridge, where he received the John Winbolt Prize (2015). His research focuses on geotechnics, geomechanics, and numerical methods, with an emphasis on AI integration. Notable contributions include studies on soil erosion, particle segregation, and tunnel engineering. He leads projects funded by ARC, including DECRA (2021) and a Discovery grant (2023). His work bridges experimental and computational approaches, addressing challenges in geotechnical infrastructure and environmental stability. Education: Bachelor of Science, Tsinghua University, China PhD in Civil Engineering, University of Cambridge, UK Research Interests: AI-driven geotechnical analysis (slope stability, tunnelling) Multiscale geomechanical modelling (hypoplasticity, multiphase systems) Numerical methods (DEM, SPH, material point method) Awards: ARC DECRA (2021) John Winbolt Prize (2015) Grants: "Modernise geotechnical investigation and analysis with machine learning" (ARC DP230100678) "Multiscale modelling of fluid–particle transport in porous media" (ARC DE220100763) Labs/Teams: Member of UTS Transport Research Centre (TRC) Associate member of Centre for Advanced Modelling and Geospatial lnformation Systems (CAMGIS)
Yan Delaure is Associate Professor of Fluid Mechanics at Dublin City University's School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering and Deputy Director of the DCU Water Institute. His research focuses on multiphase flows, environmental hydraulics, and computational fluid dynamics applications in wastewater treatment and marine systems. Research includes microbubble dynamics for aeration, fluid-structure interactions in deformable systems, and biomimetic antifouling solutions. Recent publications explore advanced simulation methods for turbulent flows and additive manufacturing process optimization.
Mohamed Farhat is a Senior Scientist at EPFL's School of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, where he leads the Research Group on Cavitation and Interface Phenomena. He serves as PhD Director, Lecturer, and Member of EPFL Doctoral Committee (Mechanics), while also representing EPFL at CLUSER association and coordinating activities at the Société Hydrotechnique de France (SHF). His research expertise spans Cavitation & Multiphase flows, Flow Induced Noise & Vibration, Fluid-Structure Interaction, Flow control, Flow instabilities in hydro turbines and pumps, Condition monitoring of Hydraulic Machines, Hemodynamics, and Advanced Instrumentation in Fluid Dynamics. Farhat's work uniquely bridges fundamental fluid mechanics with practical applications across hydropower, marine propulsion, healthcare, and water management sectors. Analysis of his recent publications reveals strong focus on cavitation bubble dynamics, with particular emphasis on measurement techniques for collapsing bubbles, vortex shedding control, hydrodynamic monitoring of hydraulic machinery, and biomedical applications of cavitation phenomena. His work increasingly integrates advanced imaging techniques with computational modeling to understand complex multiphase flow phenomena. 2021: Life Sciences Book Award of the International Academy of Astronautics 2019: 1st Prize Winner of Scientific Image Contest (Swiss National Science Foundation) 2020: EPFL-Rhyming Prize (Best PhD thesis in Fluid Mechanics) 2018: EPFL-EDME Prize (Best PhD thesis in Mechanics) 2015: Edmund Optics Educational Award 2014: APS-DFD Gallery of Fluid Motion Award Farhat has successfully supervised numerous PhD students including Ali Amini, Philippe Ausoni, and Outi Supponen, with research spanning from fundamental bubble dynamics to practical hydraulic machinery applications. His Cavitation Research Group maintains strong collaborations with industry partners in hydropower and medical device sectors. Current research directions include advanced instrumentation for cavitation monitoring, condition-based maintenance of hydraulic machinery, and biomedical applications of cavitation phenomena in therapeutic ultrasound and drug delivery.
Lorenzo Cremaschi is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Auburn University, where he leads the High Performance Scalable Building Energy Systems and Technologies (HPS-BEST) Laboratory. His research focuses on enhancing energy efficiency in buildings and transportation systems through advanced thermal-fluid technologies. Education Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, University of Maryland M.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia B.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia Research Focus Dr. Cremaschi's research encompasses energy efficiency, scalable energy systems, and advanced heat/mass transfer processes. His laboratory investigates refrigeration systems, low-GWP refrigerants, frost/defrost phenomena, and novel dehumidification technologies. Current projects examine electrospray-enhanced heat exchangers, two-phase flow dynamics, and spray evaporation in HVAC systems. Research Output Recent publications demonstrate strong focus on thermal-fluid phenomena in energy systems, including experimental and numerical studies of two-phase flow, refrigerant performance, frost formation dynamics, and novel dehumidification technologies. Emerging themes include electrospray applications, low-GWP refrigerants, and system optimization for sustainable HVAC. Funding and Recognition Recipient of $150,000+ grant from ASHRAE for climate lab research Laboratory Leadership The HPS-BEST Laboratory under Dr. Cremaschi's direction collaborates with national laboratories and industry partners to develop scalable energy solutions. The lab specializes in experimental analysis of heat transfer fluids, phase-change processes, and system performance optimization for refrigeration and HVAC applications.
Jens Honore Walther is a Professor in the Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). His research focuses on fluid mechanics, coastal and maritime engineering, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). He leads projects on wave energy converters, multiphase flow systems, and thermal energy applications. His work contributes to sustainable development goals related to clean energy and climate action. External Roles: Research associate at ETH Zurich (2003–present) Postdoctoral fellow at ETH Zurich (2000–2003) Project manager at Danish Maritime Institute (1996–1997) Research scientist at Danish Meteorological Institute (1994–1996) Research Interests: Walther’s expertise spans CFD modeling, granular flow dynamics, and nanofluidics. His recent projects include optimizing wave energy converters, analyzing gap resonances in marine structures, and developing multiphase ejector geometries for heat pumps. His work integrates high-performance computing and experimental validation to address challenges in marine engineering and energy systems. Advising & Projects: He supervises PhD students in areas such as elite sport aerodynamics, gas lubrication, and alternative fuel combustion. Notable projects include: Elite sport aerodynamics (2024–2026) Alternative fuel injection in marine engines (2023–2026) Multi-physical gas bearing modeling (2024–2027) Labs & Collaborations: Walther collaborates with institutions like ETH Zurich and engages in experimental facilities at DTU. His group focuses on advanced CFD simulations and fluid-structure interaction studies.
Dr. Mohammad Yazdani-Asrami is a Lecturer in Electrically Powered Aircraft and Operations at the Autonomous Systems & Connectivity (ASC) division of the James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow. He leads research in electrification and cryo-electrification of transportation, particularly in aviation, leveraging applied superconductivity and AI techniques. His research interests span the Electrification and cryo-electrification of power and transportation systems Design of superconducting components (machines, cables, fault current limiters) for aviation Application of AI, machine learning, and big data in engineering and superconductivity Hydrogen electrolysis, production, and integration in aerospace and power networks His recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward intelligent modeling and AI-driven solutions in superconducting technologies, with a focus on electric aircraft, fault protection, and thermal management using cryogenic fluids. Dr. Yazdani-Asrami has received notable scientific recognition, including: UK Royal Academy of Engineering Global Talent (2021) Young Professional of the Year, Cryogenic Society of America (2023) He actively supervises PhD students and hosts visiting researchers. His advising portfolio includes Alireza Sadeghi, Kerr Smith, Dedao Yan, Giacomo Russo, and Fábio Gregório. He has secured funding from the EPSRC, University of Glasgow, and CSC for PhD students. He also supports postdoctoral fellowships from the Royal Academy of Engineering, Leverhulme Trust, and Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions. He is involved in several research groups and collaborations, particularly within the Aerodynamics, Propulsion and Electrification group. His editorial roles include serving on the boards of Superconductor Science and Technology , World Journal of Engineering , Aerospace Systems , and others. He regularly contributes to major conferences such as the Applied Superconductivity Conference and the International Conference on Magnet Technology.
Teemu Turunen-Saaresti is a Tenured Professor at the School of Energy Systems , LUT University , Lappeenranta, Finland. His research focuses on energy technology, particularly supercritical CO2 cycles, Organic Rankine Cycles (ORC), turbomachinery, and heat pump design. PhD in Energy and Environmental Technology (2004), Lappeenranta University of Technology MSc in Energy and Environmental Technology (2001), Lappeenranta University of Technology His work spans Supercritical CO2 Power Cycles , Organic Rankine Cycle Systems , Turbomachinery Design , and Non-Equilibrium Condensation Modeling . Recent studies include printed circuit heat exchangers for transcritical cycles, high-temperature ORC thermal inertia, and centrifugal compressor design for large-scale CO2 heat pumps. Publications highlight trends in sCO2 Turbines , Tip Clearance Effects , and Multiphase Flow Simulation . Funding from the Academy of Finland and Business Finland supports his research on computational/experimental condensing flows, small-scale compressors, and green shipping energy solutions. He collaborates with international teams on projects like the International Wet Steam Modeling Project , contributing to guidelines for high-temperature heat pumps (IEA HPT Annex 58) and advancements in hydrogen compression strategies.
Christopher E. Brennen is the Richard L. and Dorothy M. Hayman Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering at Caltech. With over 50 years at Caltech, his research spans cavitation dynamics, multiphase flows, and turbomachinery. He authored fundamental texts including Cavitation and Bubble Dynamics and Hydrodynamics of Pumps . Brennen's experimental work established foundational principles for cavitation noise prediction and rotordynamic forces in pumps. His current research examines granular flow phenomena including wave-induced sediment transport and 'booming dunes'. He has supervised 30+ PhD students and consulted for NASA, US Navy, and nuclear regulatory agencies. Honors include the ASME Fluids Engineering Award (twice), Fulbright Scholarship, and Caltech's prestigious Richard Feynman Prize for teaching excellence. His textbook Fundamentals of Multiphase Flow remains standard reference in mechanical engineering programs worldwide.
Rajinder Pal is a Professor at the University of Waterloo, specializing in rheology of complex fluids, colloidal systems, and transport phenomena. His research focuses on the rheological behavior of suspensions, emulsions, and nanomaterials, with particular emphasis on non-Newtonian fluid dynamics, interfacial phenomena, and exergy analysis of multiphase flows. He has contributed extensively to understanding the viscosity modeling of concentrated suspensions and emulsions, nanoparticle-stabilized dispersions, and thermodynamic optimization of industrial processes. Key research areas include the development of novel viscosity models for asphaltene nanoaggregates, cellulose nanocrystals, and starch nanoparticles in industrial applications. His work bridges fundamental fluid mechanics with practical engineering challenges, addressing topics such as catastrophic phase inversion in Pickering emulsions, drag reduction in turbulent flows, and exergy destruction in pipeline systems. Pal also investigates the integration of nanomaterials into energy storage systems, such as graphene-based supercapacitors stabilized by ionic liquid/surfactant complexes. His publications span over two decades, demonstrating sustained contributions to chemical engineering, material science, and colloid science. Notable recent work includes studies on rheology of high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs), nanocomposite mechanical properties, and the thermodynamic analysis of cyclic processes using the Gouy-Stodola theorem. Pal's research has implications for food processing, pharmaceuticals, oil recovery, and sustainable materials development. While no formal awards or grants are explicitly listed in the provided materials, his extensive publication record reflects significant academic impact. He advises on graduate research in rheology and colloids but no specific student names are mentioned. Pal's work often emphasizes practical applications of fundamental fluid mechanics principles, with a focus on energy-efficient systems and nanotechnology-driven solutions.
