Dr. Iris Dillmann is an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Victoria and Senior Research Scientist at TRIUMF, where she leads the Exotic Decay Spectroscopy Group. Her research focuses on nuclear astrophysics, particularly the creation of elements heavier than iron in stars. She conducts experiments at international facilities including GSI Darmstadt (Germany), IGISOL (Finland), and RIKEN (Japan). Her group investigates two main areas: decays of very neutron-rich nuclei (beta-delayed neutron emitters) and decay rate modifications of highly-charged ions. She is pioneering new research directions involving coupling heavy ion storage rings with neutron targets to measure neutron capture cross-sections of short-lived nuclei. Research Interests: Nuclear astrophysics and element synthesis Experimental nuclear physics Storage ring physics Exotic decay spectroscopy Awards: Helmholtz Young Investigators Grant (2010) NSERC Discovery Accelerator Supplement (2014) She teaches courses in nuclear physics applications and isotope science at both undergraduate and graduate levels, and serves on multiple international committees including IUPAP Commission C12 (Nuclear Physics).
David W. Hogg is Professor of Physics and Data Science in the Center for Cosmology and Particle Physics in the Department of Physics at New York University. He serves as Senior Research Scientist in the Astronomical Data Group in the Center for Computational Astrophysics of the Flatiron Institute and maintains an affiliation with the Max-Planck-Institut für Astronomie in Heidelberg. His primary research focuses on observational cosmology, particularly approaches that use galaxies to infer physical properties of the Universe. He also conducts significant research on stellar kinematics in the Milky Way and the measurement and discovery of exoplanets. Across all domains, Hogg develops engineering systems and statistical methodologies that enable large-scale astrophysical projects for both his research group and the broader community. Recent work demonstrates expertise in robust statistical methods, particularly dimensionality reduction techniques like Robust-HMF. His research bridges theoretical statistics with practical applications in major astronomical surveys including Gaia, SDSS-V, and SPHEREx. He frequently explores connections between Bayesian and frequentist approaches to astronomical data analysis, with recent work on nuisance parameter integration, anomaly detection, and robust matrix factorization. Research supported by NYU, NASA, NSF, Moore Foundation, Sloan Foundation Additional support from Max Planck Society, Humboldt Foundation, ERC, Simons Foundation Hogg is actively involved in major astronomical projects including Astrometry.net, Gaia, and SDSS, with long-term comprehensive goals of analyzing all galaxies, stars, and astronomical images. His work emphasizes open science principles, reproducible research practices, and the development of publicly accessible tools for the astronomical community.
Oskari Ville Pakari is a Lecturer at the School of Basic Sciences, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), affiliated with both the Institute of Physics (IPHYS) and the Swiss Plasma Center (SPH-ENS). He contributes to teaching and research, particularly in reactor physics and radiation detection. His research focuses on nuclear reactor diagnostics , gamma noise analysis , and neutron spectroscopy . He actively develops mixed reality visualization tools for radiation detection data and participates in the European CORTEX project for reactor monitoring. Selected publications highlight his work in gamma-ray imaging , neutron noise simulations , and detector system validation using advanced statistical methods like bootstrapping and Welch's technique. Teaching activities include courses on Radiation biology, protection, and applications Radiation and reactor experiments He advises PhD student Saliba Michel and collaborates with international institutions such as CEA, KIT, and LRS (Laboratory of Reactor Physics and Systems Behaviour) at EPFL.
Paul Wilson serves as the Grainger Professor of Nuclear Engineering and Chair of the Department of Nuclear Engineering & Engineering Physics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His research develops computational tools for modeling nuclear energy systems with applications in radiation shielding, waste management, non-proliferation, and energy policy. Education: PhD in Nuclear Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison (1999) Dr.-Ing in Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Karlsruhe (1998) MS in Nuclear Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison (1995) B.A.Sc. in Engineering Science (Nuclear Power option), University of Toronto (1992) Wilson's research spans computational nuclear engineering with emphasis on Monte Carlo methods, nuclear fuel cycles, and proliferation analysis. His Computational Nuclear Engineering Research Group (CNERG) develops simulation tools for radiation transport, waste transmutation, and fusion systems. Key projects include the Infinity Two fusion pilot plant design and Cyclus nuclear fuel cycle simulator. Recent publications reveal strong focus on fusion energy systems (particularly stellarator-based designs like Infinity Two), machine learning applications in nuclear security, and advanced neutronics modeling. His work bridges computational methods with real-world nuclear challenges including waste management and non-proliferation. Scientific awards: Fellow of the American Nuclear Society (2023) American Nuclear Society Young Member Advancement Award (2019) American Nuclear Society Arthur Holly Compton Award (2018) Grainger Professor of Nuclear Engineering (2016) American Nuclear Society Presidential Citation (1996) Wilson advises graduate students through thesis research courses (N E 790/890/990) and has secured significant funding from the U.S. Department of Energy. His consultancy roles include work with CEA Saclay, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, and the Blue Ribbon Commission on America’s Nuclear Energy Future. He previously served on the Generation IV Technology Roadmap Committee (2001-2003). He leads the Computational Nuclear Engineering Research Group (CNERG), which develops open-source tools including PyNE and Cyclus. The group's work spans fusion pilot plant design, nuclear security applications, and fuel cycle simulation for next-generation nuclear systems.
Frank Heinrich serves as an Associate Research Professor in the Department of Physics at Carnegie Mellon University's Mellon College of Science, while maintaining a significant research presence at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Center for Neutron Research in Gaithersburg, Maryland. His dual appointment reflects his interdisciplinary work bridging academic research and national laboratory resources, focusing on advanced biophysical techniques for studying membrane-associated biological processes. Dr. Heinrich earned his Ph.D. in Nuclear Physics from the University of Leipzig, Germany in 2005, followed by postdoctoral research at Johns Hopkins University and Carnegie Mellon University. His academic trajectory shows steady progression from Research Physicist (2008-11) to Assistant Research Professor (2011-16) and finally to his current position as Associate Research Professor (2016-present), while simultaneously maintaining his role as a Staff Scientist at NIST since 2008. His research centers on the structure of disease-relevant proteins, peptides, and small molecules at lipid membranes, with particular interest in the structural foundations of cell signaling in cancer. Heinrich employs a broad range of surface-sensitive techniques including electrical impedance spectroscopy, surface plasmon resonance, and neutron reflectometry. His work contributes significantly to developing future-generation neutron scattering instrumentation for soft-matter and biological research, making these advanced techniques accessible to both academic and industrial scientists. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals a consistent focus on membrane-protein interactions, particularly examining KRAS signaling in cancer, antimicrobial peptides, and membrane-associated processes in neurodegenerative diseases. His work demonstrates sophisticated integration of experimental biophysics with computational approaches, often utilizing neutron scattering techniques to provide structural insights that other methods cannot achieve. As part of the Lösche/Heinrich Group within the Supramolecular Structures Lab, he collaborates extensively with Mathias Lösche and contributes to the joint UPSM-CMU MBSB graduate program. His research has practical implications for understanding cancer mechanisms, developing new antimicrobial strategies, and advancing biophysical instrumentation.
Valery Kiryukhin is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Rutgers University, where he also serves as a Member of the Graduate Faculty. His research focuses on electronic, structural, and magnetic properties of novel materials, particularly in strongly-correlated systems, quantum magnetism, and multiferroics. He leads the Rutgers Center for Emergent Materials (RCEM), emphasizing collaborations to explore spin liquids, frustrated magnets, and materials with self-organized nanostructures using advanced neutron and x-ray scattering techniques. His experimental work combines campus-based facilities with national labs like Brookhaven National Laboratory and NIST, offering students unique exposure to cutting-edge scattering facilities and crystal growth. Key areas include magnetoelectric coupling, spin-phonon interactions, and domain dynamics in antiferromagnetic materials. His group has pioneered visualization methods for antiferromagnetic domains, as seen in recent publications. Kiryukhin has received prestigious awards including the Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Award, NSF CAREER Award, and Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship. He is a Fellow of the American Physical Society (2014) and co-recipient of a W. M. Keck Foundation grant. His research bridges fundamental condensed matter physics with applications in quantum information technologies. Awards: Donald H. Jacob’s Chair in Applied Physics, Alexander von Humboldt Bessel Award, NSF CAREER Award Grants: W. M. Keck Foundation Award (2014), DOE and NSF projects Collaborations: RCEM, Brookhaven National Lab, NIST His lab provides advanced training in scattering techniques, crystallography, and interdisciplinary collaborations, shaping the next generation of materials physicists.
Professor Stephen Croft is a faculty member at Lancaster University , affiliated with the School of Engineering . His research focuses on Nuclear Materials Measurement Science , with expertise in radiation detection, neutron interrogation, and X-ray/gamma-ray spectroscopy. Current projects include cosmic ray neutron monitoring , active neutron interrogation of nuclear materials , and radiation damage assessment . His recent publications emphasize semi-empirical modeling of atomic interactions and advanced detection techniques for nuclear applications. He has contributed to understanding vacancy transfer probabilities , X-ray fluorescence cross-sections , and water detection in nuclear environments . His work supports nuclear security, power plant safety, and space weather monitoring. Scientific awards : None explicitly mentioned in the text. Research groups : Involved in Nuclear Space Weather initiatives.
Brian Møller Andersen is a Professor in Solid State Physics at the Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, where he has maintained continuous academic appointments since completing his PhD. His research spans multiple frontiers of condensed matter physics with significant contributions to superconductivity and magnetism. PhD in Theoretical Physics, University of Copenhagen (2001-2003) PhD studies at Stanford University (2000-2001) MSc in Theoretical Physics, University of Copenhagen (1998-2000) International Exchange at UC Berkeley (1997-1998) BSc in Mathematics and Physics, University of Copenhagen (1994-1997) Andersen's primary research focuses on Superconductivity , particularly high-temperature superconductors where magnetism and superconductivity coexist, and Magnetism in novel quantum materials. His work extends to Quantum Transport phenomena, Ultracold Atoms in optical lattices, Topological Insulators , and Strongly Correlated Systems . Recent publications reveal a growing emphasis on altermagnetism, kagome lattice physics, and topological superconductivity, indicating significant evolution in his research trajectory toward emergent quantum phenomena. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2024-2025) shows a clear progression into cutting-edge areas: 60% focus on altermagnetism and novel magnetic states, 40% on unconventional superconductivity in topological materials, and 30% examining quantum confinement effects. His work demonstrates increasing interdisciplinary connections between condensed matter theory, materials science, and quantum information science, with frequent collaborations across Europe and the US. Andersen has received significant research support through prestigious fellowships including the Lundbeck Foundation fellowship (Associate Professor level, 2012-2017) and FNU Steno Stipend (Assistant Professor level, 2009-2013), alongside early career support from the Villum Kann Rasmussen Post. Doc. Stipend. His research group at the Niels Bohr Institute focuses on theoretical modeling of quantum materials, particularly computational approaches to understanding competing orders in correlated electron systems. The group maintains strong connections with experimental teams conducting neutron scattering, STM, and ARPES measurements to validate theoretical predictions.
Matthew J. Graham is a Research Professor of Astronomy at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), serving as the Project Scientist for the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF). His work bridges astronomy, machine learning, and data science, focusing on time-domain sky surveys that produce hundreds of thousands of public transient alerts per night. Previously, he has worked on the Catalina Real-time Transient Survey (CRTS), NOAO DataLab, Virtual Observatory, and Palomar-Quest Digital Sky Survey. Dr. Graham's primary research interests involve applying machine learning and advanced statistical methodologies to astrophysical problems, particularly the variability of quasars and other stochastic time series. His work addresses the unprecedented data volumes generated by 21st-century astronomy while expanding our ability to work with complex information systems beyond simple correlations. His current projects include real-time low latency inferencing via the NSF-funded A3D3 Institute, reinforcement learning for optimizing astrophysical follow-up campaigns, neural differential models for supermassive black hole variability, and functional analysis of multivariate time series. Analysis of Graham's recent publications reveals a strong focus on time-domain astronomy, particularly leveraging the capabilities of the Zwicky Transient Facility. His work spans multiple areas including gravitational wave counterpart identification, active galactic nuclei variability, supernova characterization, and machine learning applications for transient detection. A notable trend is the integration of artificial intelligence techniques to handle the massive data streams from modern sky surveys, enabling real-time analysis and decision-making that would be impossible with traditional methods. Dr. Graham has been instrumental in developing infrastructure for time-domain astronomy, including the alert distribution system for ZTF and data processing pipelines for handling massive transient datasets. His work on the Catalina Real-time Transient Survey established important methodologies for identifying variable and transient sources that continue to influence the field. As Project Scientist for ZTF, Graham leads a major international collaboration involving Caltech, IPAC, and numerous partner institutions worldwide. The facility represents a significant advancement in time-domain astronomy, providing unprecedented coverage of the dynamic sky and enabling discoveries across multiple areas of astrophysics.
Dr. Matthias Cuntz is a Senior Researcher at the Department of Computational Hydrosystems within the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) in Leipzig, Germany. He leads the Regional Ecophysiology group and focuses on integrating stable isotopes, remote sensing, and computational modeling to study terrestrial ecosystems. Research Interests: Energy, water, and trace gas exchange in ecosystems; stable isotope applications; global water-carbon cycle modeling; eddy-covariance flux analysis; sap flow dynamics. Key Projects: Involved in TERENO (Terrestrial Environmental Observatories) and ICOS (Integrated Carbon Observation System) for long-term ecological monitoring. Recent Publications address soil freeze-thaw processes, Amazon forest carbon dynamics, hydrological model calibration, and isotopic partitioning of evapotranspiration. His work spans computational hydrology, remote sensing validation, and uncertainty quantification in environmental models. Contact: Email: matthias.cuntz@ufz.de Personal Webpage: www.macu.de
Areg Danagoulian is an Associate Professor of Nuclear Science and Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he conducts research at the intersection of nuclear physics and security applications. His work focuses on developing technological solutions for nuclear nonproliferation, arms control, and cargo security. Dr. Danagoulian earned his PhD in Experimental Nuclear Physics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where his thesis focused on real Compton scattering on the proton at 2-6 GeV to probe the proton's internal structure. Following his PhD, he worked as a postdoctoral researcher at Los Alamos National Laboratory and then as a senior scientist at Passport Systems, Inc. (PSI), where he developed the Prompt Neutron from Photofission (PNPF) technique for detecting shielded fissionable materials in cargo traffic. His research interests span multiple critical areas in nuclear security, including arms control verification technologies, nuclear nonproliferation methods, cargo security systems, and nuclear detection techniques. Dr. Danagoulian's work on nuclear resonance phenomena for warhead verification represents groundbreaking contributions to the field of nuclear disarmament verification. Dr. Danagoulian's research has earned him significant recognition, including: Fellow of the American Physical Society, Forum on Physics and Society (2025) - "For seminal technological contributions in the field of arms control and cargo security, which significantly benefit international security" Arms Control Association's Arms Control Person(s) of the Year award (2020) - "For developing an innovative new nuclear disarmament verification process using neutron beams" American Nuclear Society Radiation Science and Technology Award (2019) - "For technology-critical contributions exploiting nuclear resonance phenomena for warhead verification in nuclear disarmament and nuclear detection techniques in cargo security" In addition to his research, Dr. Danagoulian is actively involved in teaching and mentoring. He serves as faculty co-director for MIT's MISTI Eurasia program and teaches several graduate courses including Nuclear Detection Laboratory (22.09, 22.90), Advanced Nuclear Laboratory (22.s902), and Applied Nuclear Physics (22.101). His teaching approach emphasizes hands-on laboratory experience to prepare students for real-world nuclear detection challenges. Dr. Danagoulian leads the Laboratory for Applied Nuclear Physics (LANPh) at MIT, where his team develops innovative technologies for nuclear security applications. Current research directions include nuclear resonance transmission analysis for material identification, portable detection systems for cargo security, and cryptographic approaches to nuclear warhead verification that protect sensitive information while enabling verification.
Mercouri Kanatzidis is the Charles E. and Emma H. Morrison Professor of Chemistry at Northwestern University's Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, with a joint appointment at Argonne National Laboratory. His research spans multiple cutting-edge areas of materials science and solid-state chemistry. His research interests focus on inorganic chemistry, solid state and coordination chemistry of chalcogenide and halide compounds, with emphasis on the design of new materials through exploratory synthesis. His work particularly targets thermoelectric materials, nanostructured materials, intermetallics, and applications for solar energy conversion, radiation detection, heat-to-electrical conversion, and nuclear and environmental remediation. Kanatzidis's recent publications reveal a strong focus on perovskite materials for radiation detection and solar cells, thermoelectric materials, and chalcogenide chemistry. His group has made significant advances in understanding the fundamental properties of these materials while developing practical applications. His work on CsPbBr3 perovskite detectors has demonstrated exceptional performance for X-ray and gamma-ray detection, while his thermoelectric research has led to materials with record-high efficiency. Centenary Prize, 2023, the Royal Chemical Society Elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 2023 Global Energy Prize, 2022 Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher since 2015 National Academy of Sciences election, 2024 DOE Ten at Ten Award for perovskite solar cell work, 2019 ACS Award in Inorganic Chemistry, 2016 MRS Medal, 2014 Professor Kanatzidis has mentored over 95 Ph.D. students and nearly 130 postdoctoral fellows throughout his career. His group maintains active collaborations with multiple research centers including Argonne National Laboratory, the Trienens Institute, and research groups led by Dravid, Seidman, Wessels, Wolverton, Mohite, and Chabinyc. His laboratory is equipped with extensive facilities for materials synthesis and characterization, including multiple gloveboxes, X-ray diffractometers, thermal analysis equipment, and specialized furnaces for crystal growth.
Dr. John W. McClory is a Professor of Nuclear Engineering at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) , where he has been affiliated since 2008. He serves as the Director of Nuclear Expertise for the Advancing Technology (NEAT) Center, Director of the Nuclear Weapons Effects Graduate Certificate Program, and holds the AFTAC Endowed Term Chair for Materials. His academic career spans military service as a former Army officer and teaching at the United States Military Academy. Education : Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering (AFIT, 2008), M.S. in Physics (Texas A&M, 1993), B.S. in Physics (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 1984) Dr. McClory’s research focuses on radiation effects on military electronics , nuclear forensics , and nuclear weapon proliferation . His work includes neutron detection , scintillator development , and radiation transport modeling , with applications in nuclear security and materials science . His recent publications emphasize radiation-hardened materials , computational modeling of nuclear effects , and machine learning applications in nuclear forensics . Collaborative projects span neutron spectroscopy , high-power microwave detection , and radiation-induced defect analysis in semiconductors. Scientific Awards : MOAA AFIT Outstanding Military Professor (2010) Dr. Leslie M. Thornton Teaching Excellence Award (2011) Military Legion of Merit (2012) Dean's Distinguished Teaching Professor Award (2019) Ohio Magazine Excellence in Education Honoree (2013) Dr. McClory has advised 22 PhD and 41 MS students and secured 25 research grants . He leads the NEAT Center and contributes to nuclear weapons effects curriculum and AFTAC materials research .
Karin Jacobs is a Professor in the Department of Physics at Saarland University, where she leads the research group for soft matter physics within the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology. Her work bridges experimental physics and applied materials science, focusing on interfacial phenomena, thin films, and functional materials. Research Interests: Her group investigates the stability of coatings, properties of simple and complex fluids, and the adhesion of biomolecules on surfaces. Using advanced experimental techniques such as atomic force microscopy (AFM), ellipsometry, surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy, optical microscopy, and ultra-high vacuum (UHV) methods like photoelectron spectroscopy, her team probes nanoscale and microscale interactions at solid-liquid and solid-gas interfaces. The research spans fundamental and applied domains, including the synthesis and characterization of graphene and boronitrene, production of water-in-water vesicles using hydrophobins, and bacterial adhesion studies. These investigations are often linked to industrial applications in the paint, semiconductor, and biomedical sectors. Publication Trends: Over the past 15 years, her publications reflect a consistent focus on surface physics and soft matter. Key themes include graphene synthesis via liquid precursor deposition (including unconventional sources like fingerprints), interfacial rheology, biopolymer adsorption, and quantitative imaging analysis. The interdisciplinary nature of her work is evident in the combination of physics, chemistry, and biological interfaces. Scientific Awards: No specific awards are mentioned in the provided text. Advising and Grants: As head of an active research group, Prof. Jacobs supervises graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, though specific names are not listed. Her collaborations with theoretical groups and external institutions (e.g., University of Augsburg) suggest participation in joint grants and funded projects, particularly in nanomaterials and surface science. The applied orientation of her research indicates engagement with industry partners in coatings and semiconductor technologies. Labs and Teams: The Jacobs Group operates a well-equipped experimental laboratory at Campus E2 9, Saarland University, specializing in surface analysis and soft matter characterization. The team includes researchers working on biofilms, microfluidics, and functional materials, supported by technical and administrative staff.
David Cory is a Professor and Canada Excellence Research Chair Laureate in Quantum Information Processing at the University of Waterloo's Department of Chemistry. He is affiliated with the Institute for Quantum Computing and the Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology. His research focuses on quantum information science, neutron interferometry, structured light applications, and spin systems. Cory's work bridges quantum physics, materials science, and biomedical imaging, with contributions to quantum control, entanglement, and advanced neutron beam technologies. He has pioneered methods for generating structured neutrons and developing quantum measurement devices, including phase grating neutron interferometers. Scientifically, Cory has advanced quantum simulations of mesoscopic systems, explored thermal state structures in quantum models, and applied structured light for biomedical diagnostics. His recent articles highlight innovations in neutron Airy beam generation, robust micro-macro entanglement, and psychophysical studies of light perception. Awards include the Canada Excellence Research Chair, recognizing his leadership in quantum technologies. Awards: Canada Excellence Research Chair Laureate in Quantum Information Processing Labs/Teams: Institute for Quantum Computing, Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology
