Irene Taurino is an Assistant Professor (tenure track) in the Faculty of Engineering Science at KU Leuven, affiliated with the Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Department of Electrical Engineering (ESAT). She leads the Laboratory of Electrochemical Materials and Bio Interfaces (eMATI), focusing on nano- and microtechnologies for biomedical applications. Her work emphasizes developing advanced electrochemical systems for therapeutic and sensing purposes, including biodegradable platforms and stretchable substrates. Research Interests: Electrochemistry, Nanotechnology, (Bio)sensing, Drug delivery, Bimetals/Metal Oxides, and Smart materials. Projects include HumiPlast (plant transpiration sensors), QuantPAH (firefighter health monitoring), and TALENT (thin-film deposition technologies). She holds leadership roles in Leuven One Health, LIMNI, and the Plant Institute. Advising & Grants: Promotes/Co-promotes 10+ projects on biosensors, CO2 electroreduction, and smart farming. Key roles in funding initiatives like EU Horizon and industry partnerships. Labs/Teams: Heads eMATI, fostering interdisciplinary research in bioelectronics and soft materials. Emphasizes creativity and translational research from fundamental science to practical applications.
Prof. Dr. Malte Oppermann is a full Professor at the University of Basel , leading the Ultrafast Chiral Dynamics Laboratory within the Department of Chemistry. His group specializes in developing cutting-edge time-resolved spectroscopic techniques to probe molecular transformations on femtosecond to microsecond timescales, focusing on chirality and structural dynamics in complex systems. Research Focus: Ultrafast Chiral Spectroscopy : Using circularly polarized laser pulses to resolve structural changes in chiral systems. Molecular Motors & Protein Dynamics : Capturing conformational changes in synthetic motors and proteins in native environments. Photoactive Materials : Investigating light-energy conversion mechanisms in chiral photochemical systems. His research bridges physics and chemistry, employing state-of-the-art laser technology and collaborating internationally across synthesis, spectroscopy, and theory. Publications & Impact: Prof. Oppermann’s work (2011–2025) spans ultrafast spectroscopy , chiral dynamics , nanomaterials , and biomolecular photophysics . Key themes include spin-crossover dynamics, DNA photodamage, and plasmonic nanoparticles, with techniques like transient X-ray absorption and deep-UV circular dichroism. Team & Opportunities: The group actively recruits MSc/PhD students and postdocs in physics, chemistry, and materials science. Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Prof. Oppermann directly.
Michael McAlpine is a Professor in the Mechanical Engineering department at the University of Minnesota . He also holds affiliations with the Biomedical Engineering and Electrical and Computer Engineering departments. His research focuses on 3D printing functional materials & devices , Nanoscale inks , Biomedical devices , Bioelectronics , and Flexible Microsystems . Research Interests : 3D Printing, Biomedical Engineering, Nanotechnology, Flexible Electronics, Microfluidics Labs : ME 361/363 Contact : mcalpine@umn.edu , (612) 626-3303, ME 117 Recent Research Trends include 3D Printed Biomedical Devices , Flexible Electronics , and Bioprinting Applications . His work spans from Spinal Organoid Formation to Programmable Drug Release Capsules . Scientific Award : Circulation Research 2020 Best Manuscript Award
Denis Fougerouse is a Senior Lecturer at Curtin University’s School of Earth and Planetary Sciences (EPS), specializing in structural and economic geology with a focus on nanogeoscience and advanced characterization techniques. He leads research using atom probe tomography (APT) to study mineral interfaces, fluid dynamics, and critical metal distribution. His work spans asteroid mineralogy (e.g., Ryugu samples), ore genesis, and nuclear geology (e.g., Chernobyl zircon re-equilibration). Fougerouse is a key member of Curtin’s Geoscience Atom Probe Facility, advancing applications of APT in geosciences. Research interests include gold remobilization mechanisms, sulfide chemistry, and shock metamorphism. He has contributed to landmark studies on pyrite microtextures, xenotime geochronology, and nanoparticle transport in gold deposits. Fougerouse’s awards include the 2024 Mineralogical Society of America Award for pioneering nanoscale mineral analysis. His interdisciplinary collaborations span planetary science, environmental geochemistry, and materials science, reflecting his role at the forefront of geoscience innovation.
Bradley Nelson is a Full Professor of Robotics and Intelligent Systems at ETH Zürich since 2002, leading the Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Systems. He holds a Ph.D. in Robotics from Carnegie Mellon University (1995), with prior roles as Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago (1995-1998) and Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota (1998-2002). His research focuses on microrobotics and nanorobotics for biomedical applications, including targeted drug delivery and medical robotics. He leads the Microrobotics Lab (MSRL) and chairs international workshops/conferences. Awards include IEEE and ASME Fellowships, and Best Paper accolades at major robotics venues. Research interests emphasize magnetic microrobot navigation, smart materials, and clinical translation of robotic systems. His work bridges engineering and medicine, addressing challenges like cerebral vasculature navigation for drug delivery. He has developed electromagnetically controllable catheters and telesurgery frameworks. Leadership roles include Head of the ETH Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering and Chairman of the ETH Electron Microscopy Center (EMEZ). Notable contributions include magnetically guided microcatheters, variable-stiffness catheters, and clinical-ready navigation systems. Ongoing projects explore magnetoelectric effects and biodegradable micromotors for environmental and biomedical uses. His lab collaborates with industry and academic partners globally to advance robotic solutions for healthcare challenges.
Nonappa Nonappa is an Associate Professor (tenure track) in Nanochemistry at Tampere University's Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences since 2020. With a multidisciplinary background spanning organic chemistry, supramolecular systems, nanoparticle self-assembly, and advanced electron microscopy, he leads research at the intersection of materials science and biomedical applications. PhD in Organic Chemistry (IISc Bangalore, 2008) Docent in Soft Matter Microscopy (Aalto University, 2017) Executive MBA (Quantic School, 2020) Research focuses on bio-based optical materials using nanocellulose for sustainable photonics, breast cancer models via lab-on-a-chip systems, and precision nanomaterials through tailored self-assembly mechanisms. His team develops 3D extracellular matrices for cancer tissue culture and plasmonic nanodevices for photonic applications. Recent publications highlight gold/silver nanocluster assemblies (43+ citations in 2021-2025), electron tomography for structural analysis, and metastasis modeling systems. Key awards include Italy's Abilitazione Scientifica Nazionale (2018) and Aalto University's Docent title (2017).
Mark Wallace is a Professor of Chemistry at King's College London, affiliated with the Department of Chemistry and the Faculty of Natural, Mathematical & Engineering Sciences. He holds a Royal Society University Research Fellowship (2005–2016) and has been a lecturer at Oxford University before joining King's in 2016. His research focuses on membrane protein function and artificial membrane mimics, combining optical microscopy and nanotechnology. He earned a PhD from the University of Cambridge (2002) and postdoctoral training at Stanford University and the National Institute for Medical Research. Key research interests include membrane protein dynamics, lipid bilayer engineering, and single-molecule imaging. He has pioneered techniques like droplet interface bilayers and interferometric scattering microscopy. His work has led to patents and applications in molecular sensing and medical research. Awards include the 2002 Gregorio Weber Prize and the 2015 RSC Norman Heatley Award. He is actively involved in public outreach, including video podcasts and educational competitions. Recent publications emphasize artificial ion channels, nanoparticle formation monitoring, and mitochondrial protein dynamics. His lab collaborates with institutions like the London Centre for Nanotechnology and the Rosalind Franklin Institute. Over 30 students and researchers have been mentored, with active grants from EPSRC, Wellcome Trust, and BBSRC.
Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech)China
JIANG Xingyu is Chair Professor and Head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) . Since 2018 he has led a multidisciplinary team developing advanced micro- and nano-scale tools for analytical chemistry, microfluidics and nanomedicine. Education Postdoctoral Research, Harvard University (2004–2005) Ph.D. in Chemistry, Harvard University (2004) B.S. in Chemistry, University of Chicago (1999) Research Interests Professor Jiang’s research integrates analytical chemistry , microfluidics , biomedical engineering and nanomedicine . His laboratory designs microfluidic chips for point-of-care diagnostics, engineers gold nanoclusters and nanoparticles for antimicrobial and anticancer therapy, and develops soft flexible bio-electronics for neural interfaces and wearable health monitoring. Across 400+ publications, recent work demonstrates a clear trend toward translational nanomedicine : point-of-care viral variant detection, nanoantibiotic strategies against multidrug-resistant bacteria, CRISPR delivery systems for cancer therapy, and conformal electronic tattoos for human-machine interfaces. Scientific Awards & Honours Fellow, American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (2020) Fellow, Royal Society of Chemistry (2016) Tencent Science Exploration Award (2019) Chief Scientist, National Key R&D Program (2019–) National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars (2010) Young Investigator Award, Human Frontier Science Program (2007) Research Funding & Teams He currently directs the Nanoscience Laboratory at SUSTech, hosts National Key R&D Program projects as Chief Scientist, and serves on editorial boards of Advanced Healthcare Materials , Lab on a Chip , Nanoscale Horizons , Nanoscale and Nanoscale Advances . The group is actively recruiting post-docs, research professors and technicians across chemistry, materials, biology and medical engineering disciplines.
Craig Jin is an Associate Professor at the University of Sydney, leading the CARlab (Computing and Audio Research Laboratory) and Spatial Audio Research initiatives within the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering. He holds a BS from Stanford University, an MS from Caltech, and a PhD from the University of Sydney. His work focuses on immersive audio technologies, biomedical signal processing, and assistive technologies for sensory augmentation. Research interests include spatial audio reproduction, binaural processing, acoustic sensing for accessibility, and machine learning applications in signal processing. Key contributions span HRTF interpolation, noise reduction algorithms, and acoustic touch systems for the visually impaired. Recent projects include real-time MRI analysis of vocal tract dynamics and sparse recovery techniques for sound field reconstruction. His publications span over 150 peer-reviewed articles in journals like IEEE Transactions on Audio, Speech, and Language Processing, and conferences such as ICASSP. He advises four current PhD/Master’s students on projects like predictive gesture tracking, voice disorder classification, and magnetic resonance imaging techniques.
Dr. Daniel Roxbury is an Associate Professor and Graduate Director at the Department of Chemical, Biomolecular and Materials Engineering within the University of Rhode Island's College of Engineering. With expertise in nanoscience and carbon nanomaterials, his research focuses on nano-bio interactions, developing functionalized nanotubes for biomedical applications and environmental monitoring through his NanoBio Engineering Laboratory. His work spans multiple disciplines including: Biomedical nanosensors Smart wearable biomaterials Targeted drug delivery systems Environmental nanotechnology Single-molecule imaging Nanotoxicology Recent publications emphasize machine learning-enhanced spectral analysis, coral reef conservation nanotechnology, and wearable stress monitoring textiles. His 2024 ACS Nano study introduces AI-driven macrophage phenotyping, while 2023 Nature Nanotechnology work explores coral reef restoration strategies using nanomaterials. Awarded the 2019 NSF CAREER grant for cellular nanometrology, he leads multiple NIH-funded projects including: $820,000 NSF CAREER: Spectral Imaging for Sub-Cellular Nanometrology $140,000 Miriam Hospital COBRE: Cortisol Detection Textiles $700,000 NSF EAGER: Multiplexed Wound Biomarker Detection His laboratory houses state-of-the-art equipment including: Near Infrared Hyperspectral Microscope Custom NIR Fluorescence Spectrometer Jasco UV/VIS/NIR Spectrophotometer Biosafety Cabinet Cell Culture Incubator Cryo-Storage System
Soo Jeon is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering at the University of Waterloo, part of the Faculty of Engineering. He holds a PhD from the University of California at Berkeley (2007) and prior degrees from Seoul National University. His research focuses on mechatronics, dynamic systems, and control, with applications in robotics, autonomous systems, and precision motion control. He has held roles as Assistant Professor (2009–2015), Associate Professor (2015–2024), and Full Professor (2024–present). Professor Jeon’s expertise includes intelligent sensing and control for mechatronic systems, nonlinear dynamics, and autonomous systems. He has received notable awards such as the 2022 Engineer of the Year Award (AKCSE/KOFST), 2015 NSERC Discovery Accelerator Supplement, and 2010 ASME Rudolf Kalman Best Paper Award. He serves as an Associate Editor for several journals, including the ASME Journal of Dynamic Systems and IEEE Transactions on Automation Science and Engineering. His research interests span robotics, control systems, and automation, with recent work on autonomous navigation, tactile exploration, and model predictive control. He supervises graduate students in MASc and PhD programs and teaches courses like ME 649 (Control of Machines and Processes) and ME 360 (Introduction to Control Systems). Jeon holds patents in areas like low-power magnetic locks and remote plasma source seasoning. His lab, the Waterloo Mechanical Systems & Control Laboratory (WMSCL), focuses on advanced mechatronics and robotics projects, including collaborations with international institutions such as the Korea Institute of Machinery & Materials (KIMM).
W. Hong Yeo is a Professor in the Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering and Program Faculty in Bioengineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he also directs the WISH Center. He holds adjunct appointments in the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering. Previously, he was an Assistant Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University (2014-2016) and a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's Beckman Institute. Dr. Yeo's research integrates nanomechanics, soft materials, and nano-microfabrication to develop bio-interfaced systems. Key areas include: Flexible Bioelectronics : Wearable/implantable sensors for health monitoring Human-Machine Interfaces : Neural prosthetics and soft robotics Translational Nanoengineering : Nanoparticle biosensing and diagnostics His publications (2023-2025) demonstrate strong focus on wireless health technologies, including multi-modal wearable systems, implantable sensors for cardiovascular/neurological monitoring, and AI-integrated diagnostics. Trends show increasing emphasis on closed-loop therapeutic systems and scalable manufacturing. Awards & Recognition : BMES Innovation and Career Development Award Virginia Commercialization Award Blavatnik Award Nominee NSF Summer Institute Fellowship Research funding sources include MEDARVA Foundation, NIH, DARPA, and industry partners like CooperVision. He leads the Center for Human-Centric Interfaces & Engineering , developing next-generation bio-interfaced systems.
University of North Carolina at Chapel HillUnited States
Juliane Nguyen, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She serves as Vice Chair and Director of Graduate Admissions in her department and holds an adjunct appointment as Professor of Biomedical Engineering. Dr. Nguyen is also a member of the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, where she applies molecular engineering approaches to develop innovative therapeutic solutions. Dr. Nguyen's research focuses on molecular engineering to advance protein-based therapeutics, live biotherapeutics (including engineered probiotic yeast), and extracellular vesicles. Her lab develops cutting-edge technologies to treat diverse conditions including cancer, myocardial infarction, chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity, and inflammatory bowel diseases. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates molecular engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, and bioinformatics to create complex biologics with exceptional safety and efficacy profiles. Key research areas include developing therapeutics for cardiac repair, genetically encoded materials targeting tumor-associated macrophages, live biotherapeutics for inflammatory bowel diseases using engineered probiotic yeast, and auxetic patches for dynamic organ repair. Analysis of Dr. Nguyen's recent publications reveals a strong focus on translational research with significant contributions to cardiac repair technologies, cancer immunotherapy, inflammatory bowel disease treatments, and advanced biomaterials. Her work consistently bridges fundamental molecular engineering with clinical applications, particularly in the areas of targeted drug delivery, extracellular vesicle therapeutics, and engineered live biotherapeutics. The research demonstrates a clear trajectory toward developing clinically viable solutions for previously challenging medical conditions. Dr. Nguyen has received numerous prestigious awards and honors including the NSF CAREER Award (2018), Eshelman Innovation Award (2020), and recognition as a Fellow of the Controlled Release Society (2023). She was appointed as a Standing Member of the NIH Drug and Biologic Therapeutic Delivery Study Section (2023-2025) and serves as Executive Editor of Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews since 2021. Her Galenus Guest Professorship at ETH Zuerich (2024) and keynotes at major conferences highlight her international recognition in the field. As Director of Graduate Admissions and an active mentor, Dr. Nguyen has advised numerous PhD and Master's students who have co-authored significant publications with her. Her research is supported by competitive grants including the NSF CAREER Award and other NIH-funded projects. The Nguyen Lab maintains strong collaborations across disciplines, particularly with cardiology, oncology, and biomedical engineering researchers. She leads an interdisciplinary team focused on translating molecular engineering breakthroughs into clinically impactful therapies. The Nguyen Lab operates as a dynamic, interdisciplinary research environment combining expertise in molecular engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, and bioinformatics. The lab's mission is to revolutionize medicine by developing next-generation therapeutics that target diseases at the molecular level. Current projects focus on translating cutting-edge research into life-changing therapies for patients suffering from cancer, myocardial infarction, colitis, and other challenging conditions. The lab's innovative approach to biomolecular engineering positions it at the forefront of developing safe, effective, and personalized therapeutic solutions.
Prof. David Hunger leads the Cavity Quantum Optics Group at the Physics Institute (PHI) of Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). His research focuses on optically addressable spins in condensed matter, cavity-enhanced light-matter interactions, and quantum photonics with applications in sensing, spectroscopy, and quantum computing. The group develops fiber-based microcavities for coherent spin-photon interfaces, rare-earth ion qubits, and cavity-enhanced imaging of nanoscale systems. Notable projects include the BMBF-funded NEQSIS and SPINNING initiatives for quantum communication and diamond-based quantum computing. The group also pioneered Qlibri , a spin-off company commercializing optical fiber microcavities for quantum optics and microscopy. Recent breakthroughs include record spin coherence in SnV centers and ultra-stable nanopositioning platforms for cryogenic experiments. Affiliations: Faculty of Physics, KIT; Max Planck School of Photonics Grants: BMBF Grand Challenge (Quantum Communication), BMBF SPINNING (Diamond Qubits) Labs/Teams: Cavity Quantum Optics Group, Qlibri spin-off Students and postdocs in the group work on topics like collective cavity effects, molecular spin platforms, and cavity-enhanced sensing of liquid-phase nanosystems.
Mathieu Odijk is a Full Professor at the University of Twente's Faculty of Science and Technology, leading the Integrated Devices and Systems department. His research focuses on microfluidic systems, catalysis, and organ-on-chip platforms, with contributions to UN Sustainable Development Goals through advanced material characterization and biomedical engineering. He has authored over 120 publications and holds an h-index of 27 with 1,820 citations. Expertise: Microfluidics, catalyst particle diagnostics, SERS substrates, organ-on-chip systems, and spectroscopic techniques. Collaborations include Weckhuysen (catalysis), van den Berg (microfluidics), and Meirer (materials science). Key projects: Modular organ-on-chip platforms (STARTER), droplet-based catalyst screening, and real-time reaction monitoring via ATR-IR systems. His research combines nanotechnology and chemical engineering to develop tools for sustainable energy, environmental remediation, and biomedical applications. Recent work includes microreactors for catalyst particle analysis, light-driven urea oxidation for wearable kidney devices, and standardized platforms for organ-on-chip research.
