Robert M. Holt is a Professor in the Department of Geology and Geological Engineering at the University of Mississippi. His research focuses on geological CO2 sequestration, fluid transport in porous media, and hydrogeological characterization for nuclear waste disposal. Holt investigates how fluid behavior in heterogeneous geological formations impacts environmental processes ranging from carbon storage to groundwater contamination. His work examines the fundamental physics governing multiphase flow through porous and fractured geological media, with applications to contaminant transport, energy resources, and waste isolation. Holt has developed experimental methods for visualizing and modeling fluid behavior in heterogeneous subsurface environments, improving understanding of capillary processes and flow dynamics. Holt's research includes field studies of evaporite karst systems, geochemical assessments of aquifer systems, and investigations of hydraulic properties in low-permeability mudrocks. His work on CO2 injection monitoring has contributed to safer implementation of carbon sequestration technologies.
Ian C. Bourg is an Associate Professor at Princeton University with dual appointments in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and High Meadows Environmental Institute . He directs undergraduate studies in CEE and leads the Interfacial Water Group , focusing on atomistic-level simulations and macroscopic modeling of environmental systems. His concurrent affiliations include the Princeton Institute for the Science and Technology of Materials and Chemical and Biological Engineering department. Education Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California-Berkeley (2004) MSc in Chemical Engineering, INSA Toulouse (1999) B.Eng. in Chemical Engineering, INSA Toulouse (1999) Research Interests span clay mineral surface geochemistry, geologic CO 2 sequestration, kinetic isotope effects, water behavior at interfaces, and coupling geochemistry with geomechanics in porous media. His work integrates molecular simulations with experimental validation to study environmental phenomena like contaminant transport, soil carbon storage, and water dynamics in clays. Publications from 2023-2025 reveal expertise in molecular dynamics of clay-water systems, organic contaminant partitioning, cement hydration, and isotope fractionation. Key themes include Environmental Nanoscience , Geochemical Modeling , and Soft Matter Physics applications to environmental systems. Scientific Recognition NSF CAREER Awardee (2018) Advising includes mentoring 12 current and former PhD/postdoc researchers, with notable alumni at institutions like Cornell, University of Poitiers, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. His group has produced 20+ undergraduate advisees now in academia and industry. Laboratory develops multiscale simulation tools like HybridBiotInterFoam and HybridPorousInterFoam, with active collaborations in nuclear waste management, soil remediation, and sustainable construction materials.
Koroush Shirvan is the Atlantic Richfield Career Development Professor in Energy Studies and a tenured faculty member in MIT's Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering within the School of Engineering. Joined in July 2017, he directs the Reactor Technology Course for Utility Executives and leads the Fission Materials in Extreme Environments Lab. His work bridges nuclear engineering with practical industrial applications for decarbonization. His research focuses on reactor design economics, materials testing under irradiation, nuclear safety, and boiling heat transfer. He accelerates innovations in nuclear fuels, small modular reactors, and space propulsion through multi-scale physics integration. Current projects include accident-tolerant fuels, high-temperature materials for microreactors, and AI-driven optimization of reactor systems. His approach combines experimental irradiation testing at MITR with advanced computational modeling. Recent publications reveal strong trends toward economic nuclear deployment via advanced fuel technologies and small modular reactors. AI/ML applications dominate optimization research, particularly for core reload and uncertainty quantification. Materials science under extreme conditions remains central, with growing emphasis on space nuclear applications and horizontal reactor configurations for cost reduction. His scientific recognition includes: Nuclear News 40 under 40 (2024) American Nuclear Society Landis Young Member Engineering Achievement Award (2023) American Nuclear Society Reactor Technology Award (2022) Teaching responsibilities span Sustainable Energy (22.811/081), Graduate Reactor Physics, and Nuclear Design courses. Research grants support experimental programs at MIT Reactor Lab and computational frameworks for reactor-to-repository analysis. He mentors students through senior design projects and graduate research in nuclear fuel cycles. He directs the Fission Materials in Extreme Environments Lab and co-leads MIT's Space Nuclear initiative with AeroAstro. The team conducts irradiation experiments using MITR's high-temperature hydrogen flow capabilities and advanced diagnostics for post-irradiation examination. Current thrusts include nuclear thermal rocket materials testing and fission surface power development for lunar/Mars missions.
Jonathon Turnbull is a cultural and environmental geographer affiliated with the Department of Geography at the University of Cambridge, where he is a PhD candidate. His research focuses on radioactive resurgence in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, exploring narratives of nature’s recovery and the ethical implications of nuclear ecologies. He is a member of the Vital Geographies research group and has held academic roles including Dissertation Supervisor (BA Geography, University of Oxford) and editorial roles with Routes: The Journal for Student Geographers . His work bridges environmental humanities, digital geographies, and post-humanist theory, with a focus on dogs, wolves, and human-nature relations in contested landscapes. Education: PhD in Geography (ESRC funded), University of Cambridge (2018–present); MSc (Distinction) in Nature, Society and Environmental Governance, University of Oxford (2017); BA (First Class) in Geography, University of Oxford (2015). Research Interests: More-than-human geographies, nuclear ecologies, digital ecologies, post-humanism, animal studies (dogs/wolves in Chernobyl), and the Ukrainian Environmental Humanities. He collaborates with filmmakers, artists, and international researchers to explore topics like contaminated care, weird ecologies, and pandemic-era human-animal relations. Awards: Over 15 grants and honors, including Cambridge Festival production grants, ESRC funding, and the AJ Pressland Prize for Ukrainian language excellence. His work has been featured in outlets like The Ecologist , BBC, and cultural festivals. Grants & Projects: Digital Ecologies (international research group), Ukrainian Environmental Humanities Network, Terraforming Terra (Norway), and The Dogs That Survived documentary. He has organized conferences on topics like digital animal encounters and serves on editorial boards for journals and magazines. Labs/Teams: Co-founder of Digital Ecologies research group; collaborator with the Clean Futures Fund’s Chernobyl dog project; affiliated with the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy and Wageningen University.
Russell Detwiler is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the Samueli School of Engineering, University of California, Irvine. He holds a Ph.D. and B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Colorado and University of Vermont, respectively. As Associate Director of the UCI WEX Center, his work combines laboratory experimentation with computational modeling to study subsurface fluid dynamics. Education: Ph.D., Civil Engineering, University of Colorado B.S., Civil Engineering, University of Vermont Research Focus: Detwiler's research examines fluid flow processes in porous and fractured media, with emphasis on multiphase flow, subsurface property alteration, and environmental applications. Key areas include contaminant remediation, CO2 sequestration, geothermal energy, and nuclear waste management. Publication Trends: His recent work (2022-2024) emphasizes subsurface PFAS behavior, coastal aquifer modeling, and fracture clogging dynamics. Earlier research (2019-2021) focused on mineral precipitation effects and kinetic modeling for contaminant removal. Common sub-fields span fracture sealing mechanisms, particle retention, and reactive transport modeling. Laboratory: Leads the Subsurface Processes Visualization Lab, developing parallel computational models to scale laboratory observations to field applications. Research integrates high-resolution imaging with numerical simulation for subsurface system analysis.
Dr. Allison M. Macfarlane is Professor and Director of the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs within the Faculty of Arts at the University of British Columbia. She is a leading expert in energy and environmental policy, with a specialized focus on nuclear policy. Dr. Macfarlane has held significant positions in both academic and government sectors, including her notable role as the first geologist and third woman to chair the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission from 2012-2014. Dr. Macfarlane earned her Ph.D. in Earth Science from MIT in 1992, with a thesis on metamorphism, deformation and plutonism in the Langtang region of the central Nepal Himalaya. She received a National Science Foundation Fellowship from 1988-1991. Her undergraduate degree is a B.Sc. with Summa Cum Laude from the University of Rochester (1986), where she received Highest Distinction in Geology for her work on strontium and neodymium isotopic studies of Bermuda's volcanic rocks. Her research expertise spans energy policy, science and technology policy, and sustainable resource policy, with particular emphasis on nuclear energy production, nuclear waste management and disposal, regulation, nuclear nonproliferation, and broader energy policy frameworks. Dr. Macfarlane's work bridges technical, social, and policy dimensions of nuclear issues, informed by her unique background as both a geologist and policy expert. Analysis of Dr. Macfarlane's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on nuclear waste management challenges, particularly regarding small modular reactors, deep borehole disposal, and long-term policy solutions. Her work demonstrates an interdisciplinary approach that combines geological knowledge with policy analysis, addressing both technical aspects of nuclear waste disposal and broader governance issues. She has increasingly focused on the relationship between nuclear energy and climate change mitigation efforts. Wilson Center Scholar, Woodrow Wilson Center for International Scholars (2019-2020) Fulbright Distinguished Chair, Flinders University and Carnegie Mellon University (2018) Member of the Board, American Institute of Physics (2018-present) Alumni Achievement Award, University of Rochester (2017) Chairman, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (2012-2014) Commissioner, U.S. Blue Ribbon Commission on America's Energy Future (2010-2012) Chair of the Science and Security Board, Bulletin of Atomic Scientists (2008-2012) Dr. Macfarlane has demonstrated leadership in numerous collaborative research initiatives and policy projects. During her tenure at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, she pushed for greater public dialogue, international engagement among nuclear regulators, and stricter safety protocols following the Fukushima accident. She has also advocated for more family-friendly workplace policies. Her research supervision spans interdisciplinary projects connecting earth sciences with policy analysis, particularly in nuclear waste management contexts.
Manuela Reben serves as a Professor at AGH University of Science and Technology in Kraków, Poland, within the Faculty of Materials Science and Ceramics. Her primary appointment is in the Department of Glass Technology and Amorphous Coatings, with office space in building A-3, room 222. She holds the significant administrative role of Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Cooperation and participates in multiple governance bodies including the Chemical Engineering Discipline Council, Faculty College, University Senate, and Senate Committee on Science. Her research centers on advanced glass systems with specialization in optical materials , radiation shielding composites , and waste glass valorization . Key investigations include structural characterization of rare earth-doped tellurite and phosphate glasses, development of novel compositions for photonic applications, and utilization of industrial glass wastes in sustainable construction materials. Her work bridges fundamental materials science with practical engineering solutions for laser technology, nuclear shielding, and eco-friendly building products. Analysis of her recent publications (2022-2025) reveals dominant research trajectories in three interconnected domains: (1) Engineering phosphate/tellurite glass matrices doped with rare earth ions for broadband optical amplifiers and laser gain media; (2) Developing radiation-shielding glasses with optimized attenuation properties for medical and nuclear applications; (3) Transforming industrial glass wastes into functional construction materials through sintering process optimization. These efforts demonstrate consistent innovation in glass composition design and property tailoring. Scientific awards: No awards documented in available sources. Advising activities and research grants are not specified in current documentation, though her leadership roles suggest significant mentorship responsibilities. Her departmental affiliation indicates active participation in collaborative research teams focused on glass technology and amorphous materials development.
Luis Ibarra is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering at the University of Utah, where he has been employed since 2010. He was promoted to Associate Professor in July 2016 after serving as an Assistant Professor from 2010 to 2016. He earned his PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Stanford University in 2004. Research Interests Dr. Ibarra's research spans multiple domains of civil engineering with particular emphasis on seismic performance of structures, nuclear safety, and material behavior. His work integrates computational mechanics, experimental testing, and probabilistic risk assessment to address challenges in structural resilience under extreme loading conditions. Primary research themes include: Seismic modeling of nuclear containment structures and fuel rod behavior Development of advanced hysteretic models for structural components Earthquake engineering applications for bridges and buildings Probabilistic risk assessment of structural systems Publications Overview Recent publications (2018-2025) demonstrate Dr. Ibarra's focus on computational mechanics applied to nuclear and structural safety, featuring advanced finite element modeling, probabilistic methods, and experimental validation. Recurring themes include seismic vulnerability of nuclear facilities, deterioration modeling of structural components, and innovative retrofitting techniques for earthquake resilience. The research consistently integrates material science fundamentals with structural engineering applications. Awards and Recognition Ben Jacobsen Kingfisher Bend Ranch Award for exceptional teaching effectiveness (2015) Teacher of the Year Award, CvEEN Department (2014) Teacher of the Year Award in the CvEEN Department (2013) Milek Fellowship Award, American Institute of Steel Construction (2013) Academic Activities Dr. Ibarra maintains an active research program supported by multiple grants including seismic modeling of nuclear structures, machine learning applications for collapse prediction, and performance of retrofitted bridges. He regularly advises graduate students in thesis research and teaches courses in structural dynamics, steel design, and structural analysis. His professional service includes editorial board membership for the Tall and Special Buildings Journal and community outreach through earthquake education programs for high school students.
Dr. Kenneth Petersen is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Utah's School of Environment, Society & Sustainability since 2009. His academic journey includes a BA in Anthropology from the Unversity of Utah (1970), MA (1975) and PhD (1981) in Anthropology from Washington State University and Washington State Unverstiy. Specializing in palynology and archaeology, his research bridges climate science, environmental geoscience, and archaeology. Key areas include reconstructing Holocene climates, understanding prehistoric human-environment interactions, and applying paleoclimatic data to modern challenges like nuclear waste disposal. His work spans the American Southwest, Egypt, and the Rocky Mountains. Research highlights include studies on the Little Ice Age, Anasazi migrations, and climate impacts on ancient maize agriculture. He has contributed to interdisciplinary projects such as the Hanford Site Protective Barrier Development Program, focusing on long-term environmental sustainability. His publications span over four decades, emphasizing paleoenvironmental reconstruction, climate change effects, and cultural adaptation strategies. Notable contributions include climate reconstructions from pollen records in the La Plata Mountains and Dolores River region, as well as environmental assessments for low-level waste management. Petersen's work underscores the interplay between past climates, human societies, and modern environmental policy.
Nathalie Kuroiwa-Lewis is a Professor of English at Saint Martin’s University, located in Lacey, Washington. She holds a Ph.D. in Rhetoric, Composition, and English (RCTE) from the University of Arizona, alongside M.A. degrees in Theatre and English Rhetoric/Composition, and a B.A. in English Literature with a Spanish minor. Her academic affiliations include the College of Arts and Sciences and associated programs in Environmental Studies, Literary Studies, and Writing. Dr. Kuroiwa-Lewis’s research focuses on creative writing (multigenre poetry), environmental rhetoric , and the rhetoric of war . She explores intersections between classical rhetoric, trauma studies, and protest music. Her work often bridges ecological concerns with political discourse, as seen in publications such as The Chicxulub Event (2023) and Aeolus At Hanford (2022). Her recent courses include Advanced Creative Writing , Atomic Narratives , and Empowering Genres . She directs the Writing Center and the Writing minor program, advocating for student-driven academic and artistic expression. Her professional achievements include a 2013-2014 nomination for Outstanding Faculty Member and leadership roles in the Olympia Poetry Network. Her publications span over a decade, with recent works appearing in Cirque , Book of Matches , and Rhetoric and Guns . Her writing often blends scientific, historical, and literary themes, reflecting her interdisciplinary approach to rhetoric and creative expression.
Dina G. Mahmoud is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at The American University in Cairo (AUC). She earned her Ph.D. in Computer and Communication Sciences from EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland (2019-2024), where she was a CYD Fellow and collaborated with Dr. Mirjana Stojilović and Dr. Vincent Lenders. Her academic activities include teaching Digital Design, Computer Organization, and Applied Data Structures at AUC. Ph.D. (2019-2024): School of Computer and Communication Sciences, EPFL B.Sc. (2014-2019): Electronics and Communications Engineering with minor in Mathematics, AUC Her research focuses on heterogeneous computing systems , emphasizing security and reliability at the hardware and electrical levels . She investigates fault injection attacks in FPGA systems, particularly in multitenant cloud environments, and has demonstrated the first FPGA-to-CPU fault-injection exploit. Recent publications highlight trends in FPGA security , including power-wasting attacks, hardware Trojans, undervolting exploits, and fault tolerance mechanisms. Her work bridges hardware-software co-design , cloud security , and reconfigurable computing . CYD Fellow (first doctoral recipient) Google Generation Scholarship (2022, EMEA) IC Doctoral Fellowship at EPFL She has served as Head/Teaching Assistant at EPFL for courses like Computer Architecture and Information, Calcul, Communication, and as Head Undergraduate Teaching Assistant at AUC for Digital Logic Design. She contributes to the technical program committee of IEEE Industrial Electronics Society’s ETFA conference.
Richard M. Voyles is the Daniel C. Lewis Professor of Engineering Technology at Purdue University's Polytechnic Institute with a courtesy appointment in the Department of Computer and Information Technology. He serves as Director of the Robotics Accelerator and Head of the Collaborative Robotics Lab. Prior to his full-time return to Purdue, he served as Assistant Director of Robotics and Cyber-Physical Systems at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and previously led the National Robotics Initiative at the National Science Foundation. Dr. Voyles holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Purdue (1983), an M.S. in Manufacturing Systems Engineering from Stanford (1989), and a Ph.D. in Robotics from Carnegie Mellon (1997). His research spans multiple domains of robotics including rescue robotics, UAV development, gesture-based programming, cyber-animal systems, and self-adaptive robotic systems. He has received numerous honors including being named an IEEE Fellow and receiving Purdue's 'Seeds for Success' Award. His research output demonstrates significant contributions across robotics theory and application, with particular emphasis on novel robot designs like the MOTHERSHIP robot for urban search and rescue, the Dexterous Hexrotor for physical interaction with environments, and the development of the ReFrESH architecture for self-adaptive robotic systems. His work has been supported by NSF through multiple grants including the NSF Center for Robots and Sensors for the Human Well-Being (RoSe-HUB). Dr. Voyles has advised numerous graduate students who have gone on to academic and industry positions, including several who have become professors at other institutions. His research has resulted in significant publications across major robotics conferences and journals, with recent work focusing on nuclear decommissioning applications, neuromorphic computing for robotics, and advanced UAV capabilities. Daniel C. Lewis Professor IEEE Fellow Purdue 'Seeds for Success' Award As an educator, Dr. Voyles teaches courses in robotics, real-time computer vision, and cyber-animal systems. He has been instrumental in developing new MS and PhD degrees in Robotics Technology at Purdue, set to launch in Fall 2024. His lab, the Collaborative Robotics Lab, maintains strong industry partnerships through the RoSe-HUB center, working with numerous companies on applied robotics research.
Emily K. Latch is a Professor and Associate Chair in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, within the College of Letters & Science. Her research focuses on conservation genetics, population genomics, and evolutionary ecology, addressing how ecological and anthropogenic factors shape species evolution and inform wildlife management. She leads the Latch Lab, which studies biodiversity genomics in species such as deer, bats, tortoises, and seals. Education includes a PhD in Population Genetics from Purdue University (2004), with postdoctoral training at the Smithsonian Institution and Purdue University. Her work emphasizes applying genetic tools to conservation challenges, including managing hybrid swarms, optimizing translocations, and mitigating threats like chronic wasting disease. Research projects include phylogeography of mule deer, genetic management of bison, and genomic studies of Hawaiian monk seals. She collaborates with federal agencies and academic partners, publishing extensively on topics like MHC variation, pedigree-based conservation, and landscape genetics. Her lab supports graduate students and postdocs, such as recent PhD graduate Dr. Ling Yi and new members Billie Harrison and Anaïs Tallon. Key contributions include developing genomic resources for wildlife species and advancing methods for analyzing genetic data in conservation contexts.
Dr. Daniel Dawson is a Researcher at the School of Chemistry, University of St Andrews, specializing in NMR spectroscopy and materials science. His work focuses on structural characterization of materials using advanced NMR techniques, particularly in understanding the atomic-level structures of catalysts, zeolites, and functional materials. Recent research includes studies on boro-alumino-silicate glasses, boron-functionalized carbon nitride photocatalysts, and γ-alumina frameworks. He has contributed to advancements in catalytic materials, gas separation technologies, and sustainable chemical processes. His publications emphasize interdisciplinary approaches combining experimental and computational methods. Key research interests include NMR crystallography, zeolite synthesis, and the application of solid-state NMR to study material degradation mechanisms. Collaborative projects involve applications in energy materials and waste valorization, such as lignin isolation from agricultural waste. Dawson’s work often bridges fundamental chemistry with practical industrial applications, addressing challenges in catalysis and material durability.
Dr. Leonel Lagos is an Associate Professor and Director of Research at Florida International University's Applied Research Center. He leads a $24M Department of Energy cooperative agreement and directs workforce development programs in nuclear decommissioning and environmental remediation. Research Focus: Develops robotics for nuclear inspection, groundwater contaminant modeling, and advanced materials for radioactive waste management. Current projects include wall-climbing robots for infrastructure repair and machine learning models for environmental monitoring. Innovations: Patented Mobile Integrated Piping Decontamination System; Developed Knowledge Management Information Tool (KM-IT) for nuclear decommissioning knowledge preservation; Pioneered sensor networks for Waste Isolation Pilot Plant. Leadership: Principal Investigator for DOE-FIU Cooperative Agreement; Founder of DOE-FIU Science and Technology Workforce Development Program; Active member of Energy Facilities Contractors Group D&D Working Group; Executive Committee member of ANS Robotics and Remote Systems Division. Article Trends: Recent publications demonstrate growing focus on AI-driven environmental monitoring, robotic platforms for hazardous environments, and predictive modeling of contaminant transport. Work emphasizes practical field applications for nuclear waste management.
