Dr. Hassan Qudrat-Ullah is a Professor at the School of Administrative Studies, York University, and Coordinator of the Certificate in Logistics Management. He holds a PhD in Decision Sciences from NUS Business School and completed a post-doctoral fellowship at Carnegie Mellon University. His research focuses on dynamic decision making, system dynamics modeling, energy planning, and interactive learning environments. He teaches courses on quantitative methods, logistics, and decision analysis, informed by global industry experience across 20+ countries. Research interests include sustainability, climate change, systems thinking, and educational applications of decision sciences. He serves as Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Complexity in Applied Science and Technology and is a member of IEEE, DSI, and the International System Dynamics Society. His work has been published in Energy , Decision Support Systems , and others. Key projects include studies on 'structured-debriefing in dynamic decision making' and renewable energy policies in Africa. His recent articles (2023–2025) address AI integration in energy governance, system dynamics for supply chain resilience, and education for sustainability. Hassan advocates for systems thinking in K-12 education and enjoys traveling (visited 129 countries) and bird-watching.
Sıtkı Egeli is an Associate Professor at the Department of Political Science and International Relations at İzmir University of Economics since 2015. With a PhD in International Relations from Bilkent University, an MA in Security Studies from University of Chicago, and a BA in Political Science from Boğaziçi University, he specializes in defense policy, security studies, and military technology. PhD: Bilkent University, International Relations (1993-1999) MA: University of Chicago, Security Studies (1988-1991) BA: Boğaziçi University, Political Science (1983-1988) His research focuses on weapons of mass destruction proliferation , air and missile defense , nuclear deterrence , space security , and disruptive military technologies . His publications analyze Turkish defense industrialization, Arctic geopolitics, and strategic stability in aerospace warfare contexts. Recent collaborative work (2017-2025) spans: • Balancing defense autarky (2025) • Arctic region involvement (2022) • Historical air power development (2021) • Military space operations (2021) • Turkish missile defense (2019) • Ballistic missile programs (2017)
Scott D. Sagan is the Caroline S.G. Munro Professor of Political Science at Stanford University and a Senior Fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies. He serves as Co-Director of the Center for International Security and Cooperation (CISAC) and holds the position of Bass University Fellow in Undergraduate Education. Sagan also co-chairs the American Academy of Arts and Sciences' Committee on International Security Studies, demonstrating his significant influence in the field of international security. Sagan received his Ph.D. in Political Science from Harvard University in 1983 and his B.A. in Government from Oberlin College in 1977. Prior to joining Stanford, he taught at Harvard University and served as special assistant to the director of the Organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the Pentagon, providing him with valuable practical experience in defense policy. Professor Sagan's research primarily focuses on nuclear weapons policy, international security, arms control, and nonproliferation. His work examines the organizational, political, and ethical dimensions of nuclear strategy, with particular attention to the risks of nuclear accidents, the effectiveness of nonproliferation policies, and public attitudes toward nuclear weapons use. He has pioneered important theoretical frameworks regarding the organizational causes of nuclear accidents and the normative constraints on nuclear weapons use. Sagan's publications reveal a consistent focus on nuclear deterrence theory, the organizational aspects of nuclear command and control, and the ethical dimensions of nuclear weapons policy. His work bridges theoretical analysis with practical policy implications, often challenging conventional wisdom about nuclear strategy and proliferation. Recent publications show increasing attention to public opinion on nuclear weapons use, the evolving nature of nuclear deterrence in the contemporary security environment, and the relationship between international law and nuclear strategy. Thérèse Delpech Memorial Award (2022) Susan Strange Award, International Studies Association (2017) William and Katherine Estes Award, National Academy of Sciences (2015) International Security Studies Section Distinguished Scholar Award (2013) Stanford's Dean's Award for Distinguished Teaching (1998-99) Stanford's Hoagland Prize for Undergraduate Teaching (1996) International Studies Association's Innovative Teaching Award (2008) Monterey Institute for International Studies' Nonproliferation Education Award (2009) Sagan has been instrumental in shaping the research agenda at CISAC, mentoring numerous students and junior scholars in the field of international security. His work has been supported by various research grants from foundations and government agencies focused on nuclear security issues. At Stanford, he has led numerous research initiatives examining nuclear weapons policy, arms control, and nonproliferation challenges. As Co-Director of CISAC, Sagan oversees one of the world's leading research centers on international security, nuclear policy, and arms control. The center brings together scholars, practitioners, and students to address pressing security challenges through interdisciplinary research, policy-relevant analysis, and educational programs. Under his leadership, CISAC has maintained its position as a premier institution for security studies research and policy engagement.
Prof. Ramakrishna Gokaraju is a Professor and Graduate Chair in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan. His academic journey includes roles as Assistant Professor (2003), Associate Professor (2009), and full Professor (2015). He holds a B.E. from NIT Trichy (1992), M.Sc. and Ph.D. from the University of Calgary (1996, 2000). His research focuses on power system protection, smart grids, and sustainable energy systems, including small modular reactors (SMRs) and renewable integration. He has advised 8 PhD and 25+ Master’s students, with over 80 publications in top journals/conferences. Dr. Gokaraju’s honors include the Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Scholarship (1998–2000) and the Professor of the Year Award (2008). He has held visiting roles at the University of Manitoba (2009–2010), IIT Kanpur (2018), and institutions in Australia and India. His work emphasizes high-speed digital relaying, PMU-based solutions, and transient stability protection. Current research includes wind generator modeling, SMR integration, and energy storage systems for remote communities. His technical contributions span fault location algorithms, grid resilience enhancement, and GPU-based optimization for transport systems. Ongoing projects explore hybrid energy systems combining SMRs with renewables. Lab affiliations include the Power Systems Research Group at the University of Saskatchewan, focusing on smart grid innovation and sustainable energy solutions.
Keir A. Lieber is a Professor at Georgetown University, holding dual appointments in the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service and the Department of Government. His research focuses on nuclear strategy, deterrence, technology’s role in warfare, and U.S. national security policy. He co-authored The Myth of the Nuclear Revolution and authored War and the Engineers , exploring how political decisions outweigh technological determinism. Lieber’s work appears in International Security , Foreign Affairs , and other leading journals. He has received major fellowships from institutions like the Brookings Institution and the Council on Foreign Relations. Education: Ph.D. and M.A. in Political Science from the University of Chicago; B.A. in Political Science and International Relations from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. A proud alumnus of D.C. public schools, Lieber emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to security studies. His research interests span nuclear deterrence theory, the impact of emerging technologies on conflict, and the evolution of U.S. defense strategies. Recent work addresses nuclear tripolarity and the challenges of escalation control in modern conflicts. Awards include recognition for his contributions to international relations scholarship and policy analysis. Lieber’s academic contributions include co-editing volumes on realism and advising on national security policy. Grants and fellowships have supported his exploration of topics like cyber warfare and nuclear non-proliferation.
Prof. Dr. Björn Corzilius is a University Professor (W2) of Physical Chemistry at the University of Rostock, Germany, leading the Corzilius group. His research focuses on solid-state NMR spectroscopy, dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP), and applications in biomolecules and materials. He holds affiliations with the Leibniz Institute for Catalysis (LIKAT) and serves on multiple academic boards, including the transregional Collaborative Research Center TRR 386 and the journal Magnetic Resonance . Education: 1999: Studies of Chemistry, TU Darmstadt 2005: Diploma in Physical Chemistry (TU Darmstadt) 2008: Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry (TU Darmstadt) Research Interests: Solid-state NMR, DNP for sensitivity enhancement, paramagnetic metal ions, biomolecular dynamics, and method development. His work bridges theoretical and experimental approaches to advance structural and functional studies of complex systems like proteins, nucleic acids, and catalytic materials. Recent Article Trends: Focus on DNP applications in biomolecular interfaces, novel polarizing agents (e.g., Gd(III) complexes), and methodological advancements like serial polarization transfer and electron-decoupled DNP. Contributions span inorganic chemistry, materials science, and biophysical systems. Awards: Emmy Noether Fellowship (2012) Felix Bloch Lecture (2016) Regitze M. Vold Memorial Prize (2017) Best Ph.D. Supervision (2018) Grants & Labs: Principal Investigator of the Emmy Noether Group (2013–2019), now leading the DNP research team at the University of Rostock. Collaborates closely with LIKAT on catalytic and materials projects. His group actively develops open-access publishing platforms like Magnetic Resonance and hosts international conferences. Labs/Teams: The Corzilius group at the Institute of Chemistry (Rostock) specializes in NMR method development and applications. Associated with LIKAT for interdisciplinary catalysis research.
Avery Goldstein is the David M. Knott Professor Emeritus of Global Politics and International Relations at the University of Pennsylvania’s Political Science Department. He serves as the Inaugural Director of the Center for the Study of Contemporary China and Associate Director of the Christopher H. Browne Center for International Politics. His research focuses on international relations theory, strategic/security studies, and Chinese politics, with a particular emphasis on China’s grand strategy, US-China relations, and security dynamics in East Asia. Goldstein’s academic career includes seminal works such as Rising to the Challenge: China’s Grand Strategy and International Security (2005) and Deterrence and Security in the 21st Century (2000). He has authored over 30 journal articles in top-tier publications like International Security and International Organization , exploring themes ranging from nuclear deterrence to China’s geopolitical ambitions. Additionally, he is a Senior Fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI), amplifying his influence in policy-relevant scholarship. His research consistently bridges theoretical frameworks with empirical analysis, addressing critical issues such as power transitions, crisis instability, and the implications of China’s rise for global order. Goldstein’s advisory roles and institutional leadership reflect his dual commitment to academic rigor and real-world policy engagement.
Granger Morgan is the Hamerschlag University Professor of Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, holding joint appointments in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, the Department of Engineering and Public Policy, and the H. John Heinz III College. His research focuses on science, technology, and public policy, particularly energy systems, climate change, risk analysis, and regulatory frameworks. He co-directs the NSF Center for Climate and Energy Decision Making and the Electricity Industry Center. Education: Ph.D., Applied Physics and Information Science, University of California, San Diego (1969) M.S., Astronomy and Space Science, Cornell University (1965) B.A., Physics, Harvard College (1963) Research Interests: Energy decarbonization and electric power resilience Climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies Risk assessment and policy analysis Hydrogen and nuclear energy systems Global technology adoption dynamics Awards and Affiliations: FAS Public Service Award (2016) Member, National Academy of Sciences Fellow, AAAS, IEEE, and Society for Risk Analysis National Academies Report Review Committee Co-Chair Advisory roles at DOE, PNNL, and international energy councils Advisory and Grants: Leadership in national studies on electric grid resilience and hydrogen infrastructure Recipient of NSF and industry-funded research grants Guidance on global energy policy and regulatory frameworks Labs and Teams: NSF Center for Climate and Energy Decision Making (co-director) Carnegie Mellon Electricity Industry Center Interdisciplinary energy policy research groups
Dr. Pascal Syren is a **Researcher** and **Resident** at Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD), affiliated with the **Department of Cardiology, Angiology, and Pulmonology** and the **Heidelberg Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias**. His academic role includes contributing to the **Group of Molecular and Translational Cardiac Electrophysiology**, focusing on epigenetic and molecular mechanisms underlying cardiac arrhythmias and heart failure. He holds a PhD from Heidelberg University (2021) on histone deacetylases' influence in cardiac electrophysiology. **Research Interests**: Cardiac electrophysiology, epigenetic regulation (HDACs), ventricular and atrial arrhythmias, echocardiography, and translational cardiology. His work spans basic science to clinical applications, emphasizing ion channel remodeling and therapeutic targets for heart rhythm disorders. **Awards**: Recipient of the **Ernst & Berta Grimmke Foundation Research Grant (2023–2024)** and **Otto-Hess Scholarship (2017–2018)** from the German Cardiac Society. His research bridges molecular mechanisms with clinical cardiology, with contributions to understanding HDAC2's role in action potential dynamics. **Publications**: Over 8 peer-reviewed articles (2016–2025) in journals like *Basic Research in Cardiology* and *Cells*, focusing on histone deacetylase pathways, atrial fibrillation, and ventricular arrhythmia models. Recent work explores neonatal cardiomyocyte electrophysiology and TREK-1 potassium channels in heart failure. **Affiliations**: Active member of the **German Cardiac Society (DGK)** and **European Society of Cardiology (ESC)**, contributing to interdisciplinary cardiac arrhythmia research at Heidelberg's medical faculty.
Janina Dill holds the Dame Louise Richardson Chair in Global Security at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford. She is also a Professorial Fellow at Trinity College and Co-Director of the Oxford Institute for Ethics, Law, and Armed Conflict (ELAC). Her academic work focuses on the intersection of law, morality, and international relations in the context of war. Her research spans three interconnected strands: the legal requirements for military operations under international law; theoretical frameworks for understanding how international law serves as an instrument of morality in war; and empirical investigations into how moral and legal norms affect real-world military decision-making and public opinion in conflict zones. Professor Dill's work has particular relevance to contemporary conflicts, with extensive analysis of the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. She has examined how international humanitarian law applies to these conflicts, the moral arguments employed by different parties, and the practical challenges of implementing legal constraints in complex warfare environments. Her research has been recognized with the prestigious Philip Leverhulme Prize in 2021, which she has used to advance her work on the moral psychology of decision-making in war. She is currently leading multiple significant research projects, including a three-year ESRC/NSF-funded study on "Cumulative Civilian Harm" and an expert process with the ICRC on military objectives under international humanitarian law. Professor Dill is frequently consulted by international media outlets including The Guardian, The Economist, BBC, CNN, and major European publications. Her expertise is regularly sought on matters related to the laws and ethics of war, particularly regarding the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. She has received recognition for her contributions to the field through numerous speaking engagements, media appearances, and her influential research that bridges theoretical legal scholarship with practical applications in contemporary conflicts.
Bradley D. Olsen is a full professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he leads research at the intersection of polymer science, soft matter physics, and bioengineering. His work focuses on designing materials for critical applications in biotechnology, hemostasis, and sustainable polymer development while advancing fundamental understanding of polymer network mechanics and self-assembly. Education: Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, University of California Berkeley (2007) S.B. in Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2003) Olsen's research spans protein-based materials, block copolymer phase behavior, and mechanochemical hydrogels. He has pioneered methods for quantifying polymer network topology, developing hemostatic nanoparticles, and creating bio-inspired materials for selective biomolecular transport and medical applications. His recent publications emphasize data-driven approaches to polymer characterization and educational outreach in materials science. Scientific Awards: American Physical Society (APS) Fellow (2023) Fulbright Amazonia Scholar (2023) Alexander and I. Michael Kasser Chair in Chemical Engineering (2021) ACS Macro Letters Young Investigator Award (2021) MIT Committed to Caring Honor (2019) AIChE Owens Corning Early Career Award (2019) APS Dillon Medal (2018) Kavli Emerging Leader in Chemistry (2017) ACS Polymer Division Fellow (2016) Camille Dreyfus-Teacher Scholar (2015) Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellow (2014) NSF Career Grant (2013) NIH Postdoctoral Fellowship (2008-2009) Hertz Fellow (2003-2007) Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship (2002) Olsen has received significant grant support including NSF Career (2013) and AFOSR (2012) awards. His teaching activities include innovative international outreach like the 2025 soccer-themed science camp in Brazil. The Olsen Group at MIT explores advanced materials with applications ranging from trauma care to sustainable polymers.
Christopher Kanan is a tenured Associate Professor of Computer Science at the University of Rochester, leading the AI Initiative within the Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences. He holds secondary appointments in Brain and Cognitive Sciences, the Goergen Institute for Data Science and AI (GIDS-AI), and the Center for Visual Science. His research focuses on deep learning systems for artificial general intelligence (AGI), including continual learning, medical computer vision, and visual question answering. Previously, he was an Associate Professor at RIT’s Carlson Center for Imaging Science and a leader at Paige.AI, contributing to the FDA-cleared Paige Prostate system. Kanan earned his PhD from UC San Diego, completed postdoctoral work at Caltech, and worked at NASA JPL. Education: PhD in Computer Science, UC San Diego MS in Computer Science, University of Southern California Bachelor’s in Philosophy and Computer Science, Oklahoma State University Research Interests: Kanan’s work spans foundational AI capabilities like continual learning, medical imaging (pathology and radiology), multi-modal reasoning, and cognitive science-inspired models. His lab develops bias-robust AI systems and applies deep learning to healthcare and fusion research. Articles Trends: His recent work emphasizes out-of-distribution generalization, foundation models in pathology, and stability in continual learning. Key themes include AI applications in healthcare, model robustness, and neuroscience-inspired algorithms. Awards: NSF CAREER Award Senior Member, AAAI and IEEE DoE and NSF grants totaling $5M+ DARPA/ARL awards Advising & Grants: Mentored over 10 PhD students, including Robik Shrestha and Usman Mahmood. Secured grants for AI in nuclear fusion and medical imaging. Led RIT’s Center for Human-aware AI (CHAI) as Associate Director. Labs & Teams: Heads the University of Rochester AI Initiative, collaborates with Paige.AI, and leads teams advancing AI in pathology and robotics. His lab’s KLab (klab.cis.rit.edu) focuses on vision and learning systems.
Ankit Saxena serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Wyoming since 2024, focusing on innovative applications of additive manufacturing in structural engineering and materials science. His work bridges theoretical design with practical implementations in energy, aerospace, and robotics systems. Education: Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Penn State University (2024) M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Penn State University (2020) B.S. in Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, Delhi Technological University (2016) Dr. Saxena's research centers on developing adaptive stiffness structures , meta-materials , and functionally graded systems through advanced additive manufacturing techniques. His work specifically targets energy applications (nuclear, wind, hydrogen, oil/gas) and aerospace challenges, with emphasis on structural health monitoring and vibration damping. The SUMMIT Lab under his direction creates multi-functional materials enabling shape morphing and self-strengthening properties for next-generation engineering solutions. His publication record (2020-2024) reveals a consistent trajectory toward multi-physics meta-material design , with dominant themes in TPMS lattice optimization, fluid-structure interaction systems, and medical robotics applications. Key methodological contributions include novel fluid accumulator integration, laser powder bed fusion parameterization, and non-pneumatic tire architectures. Scientific Recognition: ASME Graduate Teaching Fellow (2022-2024) Harold F. Martin Graduate Assistant Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award (Penn State, 2023) Dr. Saxena teaches core materials courses (ME 3450: Properties of Materials; ME 4150: Mechanical Behavior of Materials) while expanding his research group through active recruitment of PhD candidates for 2026. His teaching philosophy emphasizes practical applications of theoretical concepts, recognized through multiple Penn State teaching fellowships. The SUMMIT Lab operates at the intersection of Wyoming's energy priorities and cutting-edge manufacturing research, maintaining strategic focus on renewable energy infrastructure and aerospace applications through metal additive manufacturing innovations.
Thomas Michaels is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Biology, ETH Zürich, leading the Michaels Group . His research focuses on theoretical models of biomolecular condensates and protein aggregation in biological systems. Research Themes : Protein aggregation, liquid-liquid phase separation, membrane biophysics, and the role of condensates in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Collaborative Approach : Integrates theoretical physics, control theory, and computational biology with experimental validation to design therapeutic strategies. Recent Publications highlight his work on amyloid formation mechanisms, lipid interactions, and phase-separated compartments as biochemical reactors. His group trains PhD students in systems biology and biocondensate physics.
Timothy Abram is a Professor of Nuclear Fuel Technology at the University of Manchester, holding the Westinghouse Chair since 2008. He leads the U-Battery HTGR project and serves as Visiting Senior Research Fellow at NNL. His expertise spans nuclear fuels (MOX, ATF, TRISO) and reactor systems (gas-cooled, VHTR), with roles in IAEA, UK Government advisory boards, and the UK Nuclear Regulator’s committee. He directs the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre for Nuclear Science and Engineering. Education: BSc and PhD (details unspecified). Research focuses on advanced nuclear fuels, thermal conductivity, and sustainable energy solutions, contributing to UN SDGs. Projects include molten salt reactor research (Radiochemical Facilities, DAWNMANTLE) and waste minimization strategies. Over 15 EU projects and 72 research outputs demonstrate his global impact. Awards: Not explicitly listed. Collaborations include international networks in nuclear innovation and material science. Advising roles include external examiner for Royal Navy and Cambridge MPhil programs.