Jacob Østergaard is a Professor and Head of the Division for Power and Energy Systems at DTU Wind and Energy Systems, Technical University of Denmark. His research focuses on renewable energy systems, offshore wind power hubs, and quantum computing applications in energy systems. He leads initiatives like EnergyLab Nordhavn and PowerLabDK, emphasizing collaboration between academia and industry. Education: MSc in Electrical Engineering from DTU (1989–1995). External positions include roles at Research Institute of the Danish Electric Utilities and Ørsted (now SK Energy). Research Interests: Power system stability, flexibility markets, offshore wind energy, quantum computing in energy systems, Power-to-X, and energy storage. He advocates for integrated, market-based energy systems to achieve the green transition. Publications highlight quantum computing for grid optimization, offshore energy hubs, and Denmark’s energy island strategy. Recent work emphasizes scientific advice for energy policy and green hydrogen production. Awards: A. Angelo’s Prize (1996), AEG Electron Prize (2007), Danish Design Award (2019), and EU RESponsible Island Prize (2020). Advising and Grants: Supervises PhD students in grid integration and control. Active in projects like OEH (Offshore Energy Hubs) and BOSS (Battery Energy Storage System). His work drives Denmark’s energy policy through roles on Energinet’s board and the Danish Energy Commission. Labs/Teams: Leads PowerLabDK and EnergyLab Nordhavn, experimental facilities for smart grid and energy system research.
Crystal Noel is an Assistant Professor at Duke University in the Pratt School of Engineering and Trinity College of Arts & Sciences , with appointments in both the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Physics since 2022. She is also a Member of the Duke Quantum Center since 2024. Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from University of California, Berkeley (2019) B.S. in Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2013) Her research focuses on quantum computing and simulation with trapped ions , integrated photonics for scalable trapped ion systems , and electric-field noise from surfaces . Recent work includes developing non-invasive mid-circuit measurement techniques, sympathetic cooling for ion chains, and cross-platform quantum state comparison. She has secured significant grants from National Science Foundation , Rochester Institute of Technology , and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency for quantum co-design and networking projects. Her lab ( Noel Lab ) explores scalable quantum computing architectures and surface noise mitigation. She teaches courses ranging from foundational Fields and Waves: Fundamentals of Information Propagation to advanced topics in Quantum Engineering with Atoms and Advanced Topics in Electrical and Computer Engineering .
Tural Khudiyev is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Materials Science and Nanotechnology , National University of Singapore (NUS), focusing on multimaterial electronic fibers for human-fabric interaction, soft robotics, and neural probes. He previously worked as a postdoctoral researcher at MIT's Research Laboratory of Electronics. B.Sc. in Nuclear Engineering, Hacettepe University Ph.D. in Materials Science and Nanotechnology, Bilkent University His research spans implantable and wearable electronics , stimuli-responsive drug delivery , and AI in healthcare , with a strong emphasis on scalable nanomanufacturing techniques. His publications in journals like Nature , Nature Nanotechnology , and Advanced Materials highlight innovations in thermally drawn fibers and soft bioelectronic interfaces . Key trends include flexible electronics , machine learning in textiles , and bio-integrated devices , with applications in neural engineering and power textiles . His work has been featured in media outlets such as Reuters and Business Insider . Selected as MIT’s top research story of 2021 #1 Most Read Article in Applied Optics (2015) Featured in Virtual Journal of Nanoscale Science & Technology Khudiyev's contributions to thermally drawn fibers and soft robotics demonstrate interdisciplinary collaboration between materials science, neuroscience, and wearable technology.
Dr. Craig S. Levin is a Professor of Radiology at Stanford University's Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (Nuclear Medicine), with courtesy appointments in Physics, Electrical Engineering, and Bioengineering. He also holds memberships in Bio-X, the Cardiovascular Institute, the Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance, and the Stanford Cancer Institute. Dr. Levin received his B.S. Summa Cum Laude in Physics and Mathematics from UCLA in 1985, followed by M.S., M.Phil., and Ph.D. degrees in Physics from Yale University in 1987 and 1993. His educational achievements were recognized with multiple honors including Phi Beta Kappa, Sigma Pi Sigma, and various departmental awards at UCLA. Dr. Levin's research focuses on the development of novel instrumentation and software algorithms for molecular imaging. His work spans medical physics, biomedical engineering, and instrumentation development with specific emphasis on positron emission tomography (PET), gamma camera technology, and multimodal imaging systems. His laboratory explores new concepts in radiation detection, image reconstruction algorithms, and the application of these technologies to cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders. A notable aspect of his research involves pushing the physical limits of sensitivity and spatial, spectral, and/or temporal resolutions in imaging systems. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on enhancing PET technology, particularly time-of-flight capabilities, with significant work on improving coincidence timing resolution, developing MR-compatible PET systems, and applying deep learning techniques to image reconstruction and normalization. His research shows a clear trajectory toward higher resolution imaging with improved quantitative accuracy for both clinical and preclinical applications. Dr. Levin's scientific achievements have been recognized with numerous awards: American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering's College of Fellows Academy of Radiology Research Distinguished Investigator Recognition Award National Research Service Award from NIH (1993-5) Pilot Research Award from the Society of Nuclear Medicine (1996) Multiple honors from UCLA including Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Pi Sigma Full Tuition and Research Fellowship and Bates Graduate Fellowship from Yale University As an educator and mentor, Dr. Levin directs the NIH-NCI funded T32 Stanford Molecular Imaging Scholars postdoctoral training program and serves as a Doctoral Dissertation Advisor for students in Bioengineering and Biophysics. He currently advises five postdoctoral scholars and three doctoral candidates. His laboratory, the Molecular Imaging Instrumentation Laboratory, comprises approximately 20 members who work on developing new imaging technologies and translating them into clinical applications. Dr. Levin has secured substantial NIH funding as Principal Investigator along with grants from other government agencies, industry partners, and private institutions to support his research program. Dr. Levin's Molecular Imaging Instrumentation Laboratory is at the forefront of developing new imaging technologies that bridge physics, engineering, and medicine. The lab focuses on creating instrumentation for in vivo imaging of cellular and molecular signatures of disease, with particular emphasis on pushing the physical limits of imaging performance. Their work spans computer modeling, sensor development, electronics design, data acquisition systems, and advanced image processing algorithms. The lab maintains strong industry partnerships to translate their innovations into products used for patient care worldwide.
Daniele Ielmini is a Professor at the Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering at Politecnico di Milano, Italy, where he leads research in non-volatile memory technologies and neuromorphic computing. He received his Laurea (with merit) and Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering from Politecnico di Milano in 1995 and 2000, respectively, and has held visiting positions at Intel Corporation (2006), Stanford University (2006), and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2010). His research focuses on the modeling and characterization of non-volatile memories, including nanocrystal memory, charge trap memory, phase change memory (PCM), resistive switching memory (RRAM), and spin-transfer torque magnetic memory (STT-MRAM). He has co-edited the book 'Resistive switching – from fundamental redox-processes to device applications' and published over 300 papers with more than 10,000 citations and an H-index of 69 (Scopus, September 2023). Prof. Ielmini's recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward in-memory computing and neuromorphic applications, with particular emphasis on closed-loop analog computing architectures, reservoir computing with 2D materials, and hardware security implementations using emerging memory technologies. His work bridges fundamental device physics with practical computing applications, especially for energy-efficient AI acceleration. Intel Outstanding Researcher Award (2013) ERC Consolidator Grant (2014) IEEE-EDS Paul Rappaport Award (2015) Fellow of the IEEE Prof. Ielmini leads multiple ERC-funded projects including SHANNON (Secure Hardware with Advanced Nonvolatile memories), NEURO2D (neuromorphic systems based on reservoir computing in MoS2), and ANIMATE (closed-loop in-memory computing). His research group includes post-doctoral researchers, PhD students, and M.Sc. students working on various aspects of emerging memory technologies and their applications. He serves as Associate Editor for IEEE Trans. Nanotechnology and Semiconductor Science and Technology (IOP), and has served in several Technical Subcommittees of international conferences including IEEE-IEDM, IEEE-IRPS, and IEEE-ISCAS. His laboratory at Politecnico di Milano is equipped with advanced semiconductor device testing equipment including probe-stations, semiconductor parameter analyzers, high-speed waveform generators, and other specialized instruments for nano-electronic research. The lab collaborates with major semiconductor companies including Micron Technology Inc. and STMicroelectronics, as well as participating in national and international research projects.
Dr. Vadim Backman is the Sachs Family Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Medicine at Northwestern University's McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and Feinberg School of Medicine. He holds additional roles as Professor of Medicine (Hematology/Oncology) and Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Associate Director of Research Technology and Infrastructure at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Director of the Center for Physical Genomics and Engineering. He earned his Ph.D. in Medical Engineering from Harvard-MIT and M.S./B.S. in Physics from St. Petersburg Polytechnic Institute. His research focuses on physical and biological science intersections, developing nanoscale imaging and computational technologies to study chromatin dynamics and their role in disease. Key areas include cancer diagnostics/therapeutics, chromatin engineering, and genome nanoimaging. Dr. Backman has published over 230 papers, holds 20+ patents, and leads large-scale projects like NCI Bioengineering Research Partnerships. Education: Ph.D. (Harvard-MIT), M.S. (MIT), M.S./B.S. (St. Petersburg Polytechnic Institute) Affiliations: PhD Programs in Applied Physics and Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Research emphasizes chromatin's role in disease, with clinical translation for diagnostics and therapy. His lab develops technologies like nano-CHIA and ChromSTEM, advancing understanding of genomic organization and epigenetic regulation. Awards include the Cozzarelli Prize and MIT Technology Review's Top 100 Innovators. Awards: Cozzarelli Prize (2017), AIMBE Fellowship (2009), NSF CAREER Award (2003) Grants and collaborations include managing multi-investigator projects and co-founding biotech companies. Courses taught: BME 302 (Quantitative Systems Physiology), BME 429 (Advanced Physical and Applied Optics).
Rafael Brüschweiler is a Professor and Ohio Research Scholar at The Ohio State University, holding joint appointments in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology. He serves as the NMR Executive Director for the Ohio State Campus Chemical Instrument Center and the NSF-funded National Gateway Ultrahigh Field NMR Center. His research focuses on biophysical chemistry, analytical chemistry, and computational modeling, emphasizing protein dynamics, metabolomics, and NMR method development. He received his Ph.D. from ETH Zurich and completed a postdoc at the Scripps Research Institute. His research integrates experimental NMR, molecular dynamics simulations, and machine learning to study protein structure-function relationships, metabolic pathways, and biomolecular interactions. Key areas include the dynamics of oncogenic K-Ras, glucokinase glucose sensing, and nanoparticle-assisted NMR techniques. His work is funded by the NIH and NSF, with applications in biomedical diagnostics and drug discovery. Dr. Brüschweiler leads a multidisciplinary lab training students and postdocs in NMR spectroscopy, computational methods, and metabolomics. His lab developed tools like DEEP picker and COLMAR for automated NMR data analysis, contributing to the SECIM metabolomics center. He actively recruits students interested in protein dynamics, computational modeling, or metabolomics.
Hong Han is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry & Biomedical Sciences within McMaster University's Faculty of Health Sciences and a member of the Centre for Discovery in Cancer Research (CDCR). She holds a Canada Research Chair and leads the Han Lab, which focuses on cancer biology, RNA regulation, and innovative high-throughput technologies for therapeutic discovery. Dr. Han earned her Ph.D. from the University of Toronto (2010-2016) and has established herself as a leading researcher in glioblastoma and alternative splicing regulation. Her interdisciplinary research integrates cancer biology, RNA science, and multilayer gene regulation to uncover mechanisms underlying cancer progression and treatment resistance. Her laboratory pioneers integrated technological platforms for large-scale genetic/drug screening and ultra-high-throughput single-cell profiling. The research focuses on three main areas: alternative splicing regulation in cancer (particularly glioblastoma and prostate cancer), multilayer mechanisms of glioblastoma heterogeneity and microenvironment evolution, and multiplexed screening approaches for therapeutic discovery in treatment-resistant cancers. Analysis of Dr. Han's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on single-cell technologies to characterize glioblastoma heterogeneity, minimal residual disease states, and tumor-immune interactions. Her work increasingly bridges basic RNA biology with translational applications, particularly in developing novel therapeutic strategies targeting splicing networks and immune evasion mechanisms. Canada Research Chair Dr. Han teaches Advanced Techniques in the Biomedical Sciences (BIOCHEM 734). Her research program is supported by multiple funding sources, as evidenced by her extensive publication record in high-impact journals including Nature, Cell, Molecular Cell, and Nature Communications. She employs a comprehensive approach combining in vitro, in vivo, and patient cohort studies with cutting-edge genomic technologies. The Han Lab has developed innovative multiplexed screening platforms that enable simultaneous interrogation of thousands of conditions, ranging from CAR-T cells to small molecule therapeutics. This approach accelerates the discovery of novel cancer targets and therapeutic strategies for treatment-resistant cancers.
Kristina Schoonjans is an Associate Professor at EPFL’s School of Life Sciences, where she leads the Laboratory of Metabolic Signaling (UPSCHOONJANS). Her research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of bile acid signaling, nutrient sensing, and intermediary metabolism, particularly in the context of metabolic disorders such as obesity, fatty liver disease, and cancer. She investigates how the liver-gut-brain axis integrates metabolic signals through nuclear receptors and mitochondrial dynamics. Her research interests include: Bile acid signaling and its role as a hormonal regulator Nutrient and metabolite sensing in energy homeostasis Intermediary metabolism and metabolic disorders Role of nuclear receptors (e.g., TGR5, LRH-1) in liver, gut, and adipose tissue Mitochondrial dynamics and fission in metabolic regulation Organoid models for studying liver and intestinal metabolism Systems genetics using BXD mouse populations The most recent articles highlight a strong focus on bile acid signaling, particularly through TGR5 and LRH-1, in regulating metabolic health. Themes include the conversion of white fat to beige fat (beiging), hepatic tumorigenesis, mitochondrial fission, and the use of organoid and genetically engineered mouse models. There is a consistent emphasis on translational applications for obesity, fatty liver disease, and cancer. Scientific honors include: Windaus Prize from the Dr. Falk Foundation (2010, shared with Johan Auwerx) for the discovery of the signaling/endocrine function of bile acids Prof. Schoonjans actively supervises PhD students and has advised numerous doctoral candidates who have since completed their theses. Her lab is supported by multiple grants from Swiss and international funding agencies, including the Swiss National Science Foundation, EPFL, CONACYT, and the Foundation for Health and Education. She teaches in several doctoral programs at EPFL, including Life Sciences Engineering, and contributes to education through the SSV and EDBB/EDCB/EDMS-ENS programs. The Schoonjans Lab brings together scientists, doctoral assistants, and technicians working on projects related to metabolic signaling. The team uses advanced techniques such as genetically modified mouse models, organoid cultures, and multi-omics (metabolomics, proteomics, transcriptomics) to study the liver-gut and brain-liver axes. The lab has a strong track record of high-impact publications and collaborations with institutions worldwide.
Jozef Vleugels is a full Professor at KU Leuven's Faculty of Engineering Sciences, where he serves as Department Head of Functional Materials (SIEM) within the Department of Materials Science. He is also Chairman of the Leuven Centre for Materials and serves as contact person for the Functional Materials research unit located at Castle Park Arenberg 44 in Leuven. His research focuses on advanced materials processing, particularly in ceramics, powder metallurgy, and additive manufacturing. Vleugels has extensive expertise in zirconia-based dental biomaterials, nuclear materials, and refractory ceramics. His work integrates traditional ceramic processing techniques with cutting-edge additive manufacturing technologies, including direct ink writing (DIW) and binder jetting for complex geometries. His recent publications demonstrate a strong emphasis on dental applications of zirconia ceramics, laser surface modification techniques, microwave processing, and high-entropy carbide systems. His research group is actively involved in numerous EU and national projects related to additive manufacturing of multi-material components, nuclear applications, and dental biomaterials. Prof. Vleugels teaches several courses including Ceramics and Powder Metallurgy, Advanced Ceramic Materials, and project-based courses in materials science. He supervises numerous doctoral candidates and collaborates extensively with industry partners on applied research projects. He is an active member of multiple research networks including the Materials Science Division, KIEM – KU Leuven Institute for Energy and Society, and Leuven.AM – KU Leuven Institute for Additive Manufacturing. He also serves on various faculty and departmental councils including the Faculty Council of Engineering Sciences and the Departmental Council of Materials Science.
Clifford P. Brangwynne is the June K. Wu '92 Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Bioengineering at Princeton University, serving as Director of the Omenn-Darling Bioengineering Institute. His research bridges biophysics, bioengineering, and cell biology to investigate the physical principles governing intracellular organization through liquid-liquid phase separation. Education Ph.D. in Applied Physics, Harvard University (2007) B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering (minor in Physics), Carnegie Mellon University (2001) Research Focus Brangwynne's lab pioneers the study of membrane-less organelles (biomolecular condensates) formed via phase separation, exploring their roles in nuclear architecture, genome regulation, and disease mechanisms. His work integrates soft matter physics with advanced cell biology to uncover how these condensates form, function, and contribute to pathological protein aggregation in neurodegenerative disorders, while developing synthetic organelle engineering for biomedical applications. Publication Trends His publications consistently demonstrate how liquid phase condensation governs cellular organization across scales—from nuclear genome restructuring to pathological aggregation. The interdisciplinary approach reveals fundamental physical principles while driving technological innovations in organelle engineering and disease modeling. Major Awards Breakthrough Prize for Life Sciences (2023) Raymond and Beverly Sackler International Prize in Biophysics (2023) Tsuneko & Reiji Okazaki Award (2021) Wiley Prize in Biomedical Sciences (2020) Blavatnik National Award in Life Sciences (2020) Human Frontier Science Program Nakasone Award (2020) Michael and Kate Bárány Award, Biophysical Society (2020) HHMI Transformative Technology Award (2019) MacArthur Fellow (2018) HHMI, Simons Foundation, and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Faculty Scholar (2016) SCB Gibco Emerging Leader Prize, American Society of Cell Biology (2015) Sloan Research Fellowship (2014) NSF CAREER Award (2013) NIH New Innovator Award (2012) Searle Scholar Award (2012) Helen Hay Whitney Fellow (2008-2010) Advising and Funding He mentors graduate students including Jordy Botello, Yi-Che (Eje) Chang, Yoonji Kim, Claire Weaver, Lennard Wiesner, and Jessica Zhao. Research is supported by HHMI, Simons Foundation, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, NIH, NSF, and the Human Frontier Science Program. Laboratory and Collaborations Leading the Soft Living Matter Group, Brangwynne collaborates with theorists including Mikko Haataja (Princeton Mechanical Engineering), Ned Wingreen (Princeton Molecular Biology), and Rohit Pappu (WUSTL), while contributing to the NIH 4D Nucleome Consortium to advance understanding of nuclear organization.
Raed Ahmed Mahmood Al-Juboori serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Built Environment at Aalto University's School of Engineering, specializing in advanced water and wastewater treatment technologies through the Water and Environmental Engineering research group. His work bridges fundamental material science with practical environmental applications. His research interests focus on sustainable solutions for critical water contamination challenges: Development of nanocomposite adsorbents for radioactive wastewater treatment Waste-derived activated carbons from agricultural biomass (banana peels, olive stones, pinewood) Hybrid biological-chemical systems combining enzyme immobilization with adsorption Removal of emerging contaminants including pharmaceuticals, PAHs, and radionuclides Nanomembrane technologies for industrial wastewater streams Circular economy approaches to water treatment material synthesis Analysis of his 2024-2025 publications reveals a consistent emphasis on real-world applicability, with 80% of studies testing materials in actual wastewater matrices rather than synthetic solutions. His work demonstrates particular innovation in valorizing agricultural waste streams while addressing multiple contamination types simultaneously - evidenced by frequent co-occurrence of keywords like 'sustainable', 'real wastewater', and 'characterization' across publications. The research shows strong international collaboration patterns with co-authors from Iraq, Finland, Hungary, and Saudi Arabia. Dr. Al-Juboori maintains active research operations within Aalto University's Water and Environmental Engineering group, where his team develops novel treatment materials with commercialization potential while addressing fundamental questions about contaminant removal mechanisms.
Roy Dong is an Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, affiliated with the Coordinated Science Laboratory. His research bridges Control Theory Economics Statistics Optimization to address challenges in cyber-physical systems and the Internet of Things, focusing on data manipulation, privacy, and strategic behavior in interconnected systems. His academic journey includes a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences from UC Berkeley (2017) and dual B.S. degrees in Economics and Computer Engineering from Michigan State University (2010). At Illinois, he teaches courses ranging from Control Systems to Convex Optimization , with multiple teaching excellence awards. Roy's research explores Closed-loop effects of machine learning Causality in decision systems Incentive design for strategic agents Privacy-utility tradeoff optimization Human behavior modeling with applications in smart grids, transportation networks, and semi-autonomous vehicles. His work formulates privacy-preserving mechanisms as optimization problems, balancing data utility against user privacy in dynamic systems. Article trends show expertise in Game theory for strategic data sources Energy disaggregation techniques Nonlinear basis pursuit algorithms Privacy-aware control systems with a focus on cyber-physical systems and human-in-the-loop applications. Scientific recognition includes 'Teacher Ranked as Excellent' awards (ECE 120, ECE 486, ECE 515) Contributions to smartSDH building control and CPRL compressive sensing Roy leads the Privacy-aware Control Systems research group, collaborating with institutions like UC Berkeley and Michigan State University , and directs projects funded by grants including the New USDA NIFA grant for agricultural robot autonomy .
Dr. Xiaofeng Qian is an Associate Professor in the Department of Materials Science & Engineering at Texas A&M University, with joint appointments in Physics and Astronomy, and Electrical & Computer Engineering. His research focuses on materials theory , quantum materials design , and high-throughput computational discovery , particularly for 2D materials and energy applications . Educational Background: Ph.D., Nuclear Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2008) B.S., Engineering Physics, Tsinghua University (2001) Research spans first-principles electronic structure methods , nonlinear optical responses , and multiscale modeling of electronic, thermal, and ionic transport. Key areas include quantum spin Hall effect , ferroelectric switching , and machine learning for materials prediction . Notable Awards: Dean of Engineering Excellence Award (2024) Engineering Genesis Multidisciplinary Award (2024) AZZ Faculty Fellow (2021) NSF CAREER Award (2018) Manson Benedict Fellowship (2006) Actively recruiting PhD, MS, and UG researchers with backgrounds in physics, materials science, or computational methods. Collaborates extensively on hybrid AI-materials projects and topological device concepts .
Ying Ge is a Professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, jointly appointed in the Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology and the Department of Chemistry. Her research integrates chemistry, biology, and medicine, focusing on advanced mass spectrometry-based proteomic and metabolomic technologies to address cardiovascular diseases. Education: B.S., Peking University (1997) Ph.D., Cornell University (2002) Ying Ge's work centers on developing ultra high-resolution mass spectrometry platforms for top-down proteomics and metabolomics, applied to systems biology studies of heart failure and regenerative medicine. Key projects include myofilament protein modification mapping, stem cell therapy evaluation, and biomarker discovery for cardiac conditions. The 15 most recent articles highlight her lab's methodological innovations (e.g., photocleavable surfactants, native mass spectrometry) and biological discoveries in AMPK structural heterogeneity, RBM20-mediated cardiotoxicity, and sarcomere-metabolism cross-talk during regeneration. These publications span proteomics, metabolomics, structural biology, and clinical applications.
