Professor Paul D. Sclavounos is a faculty member in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He earned his B.Sc. from the National Technical University of Athens in 1977 and Ph.D. from MIT in 1981. Research Interests : Marine hydrodynamics, stochastic control, offshore wind/wave/tidal/solar energy, machine learning applications, magnetohydrodynamic propulsion systems. Notable Contributions : Development of computational tools like SWAN and SML software suites; analysis of nonlinear wave dynamics; integration of AI/ML in marine hydrodynamics. Scientific Recognition : First Prize in National Mathematics Competition (1972), Georg Weinblum Memorial Lecturer (2010-2011), Best Paper Award at OMAE 2019, AEOLOS Scientific Award (2024). Leadership : Director of the Laboratory for Ship and Platform Flows since 1985; advisory roles for US Navy, US Department of Energy, and Det Norske Veritas (DNV). Teaching : Courses in Hydrodynamics (2.016), Advanced Fluid Mechanics (2.25), and Naval Architecture (2.701).
Professor Tongming Zhou is a faculty member in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Mining Engineering at the School of Engineering, The University of Western Australia (UWA) . He serves as Director of the UWA Boundary Layer Wind Tunnel Laboratory and Program Chair for Civil Engineering , contributing to both academic leadership and industrial applications. His work bridges fundamental fluid mechanics with practical engineering challenges. Education : PhD in Fluid Mechanics from The University of Newcastle (1999) Teaching : Coordinates core units like CIVL2551, CIVL5551, and CIVL4402/CIVL3402 Hydraulics, emphasizing real-world application and industry collaboration Research Interests focus on: Suppression of vortex shedding and vortex-induced vibrations (VIV) in cylindrical structures Enhancement of VIV and galloping for renewable energy harvesting Wave resonance in floating LNG facilities Sloshing dynamics in tanks with Newtonian/non-Newtonian fluids Wind tunnel testing for industrial wind load analysis Recent Research Trends show interdisciplinary work combining experimental and numerical fluid dynamics, with applications to offshore engineering, maritime safety, and energy systems. His projects explore VIV in flexible risers, gas leakage effects on pipelines, and triboelectric nanogenerators for wind energy. Grants : ARC Grant (2019-2021): Development of novel inerter-based dampers ARC Grant (2013-2015): Local Scour below Offshore Pipelines ARC Grant (2011-2015): Vortex & Force Characteristics of Inclined Cylinders UWA Grant (2008): Control of Vortex Shedding with Helical Strakes Facilities Leadership : Upgraded UWA’s Boundary Layer Wind Tunnel , Hydraulic Laboratory Water Flume , and 6DOF Hexapod motion platform , acquiring advanced equipment like PIV systems and high-precision load cells.
Thomas R Powers is a Professor of Engineering and Professor of Physics at Brown University. He joined Brown in 2000 as the first holder of the James R. Rice Term Chair in Solid Mechanics and has been an influential figure in soft matter physics, biomechanics, and microorganism locomotion. PhD in Physics, University of Pennsylvania (1995) BS in Physics and Mathematics, MIT (1989) His research focuses on soft matter systems, including colloidal and lipid bilayer membranes, liquid crystals, and active matter, with an emphasis on low-Reynolds-number hydrodynamics and geometric mechanics. His work has been supported by NSF grants, including collaborations with Brandeis University's bioinspired materials center. Recent publications explore microbial flagellar dynamics (e.g., Giardia lamblia ), chiral membrane behavior, and active gel responses to shear. Key keywords include soft matter, active matter, fluid mechanics, and microscale locomotion. Scientific honors include: Fellow, American Physical Society NSF CAREER Award (2001-2006) T. Francis Ogilvie Young Investigator Lectureship, MIT Ocean Engineering He has advised numerous students through courses like ENGN 2912F (Soft Matter) and ENGN 1210 (Biomechanics), while leading funded research on colloidal membranes and viscoelastic fluid interactions.
Ted Brekken is Professor of Energy Systems at Oregon State University, where he co-directs the Wallace Energy Systems and Renewables Facility (WESRF). His research advances renewable energy technologies with focus on wave energy conversion and grid integration. Current projects include control optimization for wave energy converters using machine learning, reinforcement learning for marine turbine durability, and hybrid simulations for floating offshore wind turbines. His work addresses critical challenges in power quality, fault resilience, and energy storage for marine renewable systems. Recent publications demonstrate innovation in real-time wave prediction, power electronics durability, and earthquake resilience for power grids. Brekken has received the NSF CAREER award and IEEE PES Outstanding Young Engineer honor for sustainable energy contributions. He teaches power electronics and energy conversion while leading DOE-funded marine energy initiatives.
Professor Göran Broström works at the Department of Marine Sciences at the University of Gothenburg . His research focuses on physical oceanography, marine turbulence, tidal energy systems, and biophysical processes in marine ecosystems. Current research themes include methane emissions from ocean infrastructure, turbulence in tidal flows, and wave-current interactions He utilizes advanced numerical modeling (e.g., Large Eddy Simulation, Bayesian inversion) and field observations Recent publications emphasize climate impacts (methane plumes), tidal energy innovations, and marine ecological connectivity His work appears in high-impact journals like Nature , Molecular Ecology , and Frontiers in Marine Science . Collaborative projects span oceanographic modeling, environmental monitoring, and marine renewable energy. No specific student advising information appears in the provided text.
Dr. Mark Bissett is Reader in Nanomaterials at the University of Manchester's Department of Materials Engineering. He holds a PhD in Nanotechnology from Flinders University and was Research Assistant Professor at Kyushu University before joining Manchester. He directs the Advanced Nanomaterials Group focusing on 2D material applications. His research integrates graphene, carbon nanotubes, and transition metal dichalcogenides into electrochemical energy storage devices and polymer nanocomposites. Key areas include: Supercapacitor and battery electrode design Tribological coatings for industrial applications Multifunctional structural composites Publications span electrodeposition techniques, composite reinforcement strategies, and nanomaterial synthesis. Recent work shows strong emphasis on graphene-enhanced composites, MXene applications, and energy storage innovations. He teaches nanotechnology and composites courses, and leads the Nanotechnology unit coordination. Industrial collaborations include his role as CSO at MOLYMEM Limited. Laboratory facilities at the National Graphene Institute support his group's experimental work.
Zeljko Pantic is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at North Carolina State University. He holds a Ph.D. from NC State (2013) and B.S./M.S. degrees from the University of Belgrade (1998/2007). Before joining NC State in 2019, he served as an Assistant Professor and Associate Director of the Electric Vehicle and Roadway Research Facility at Utah State University. He is actively involved in editorial roles for IEEE Transactions on Transportation Electrification and serves on the IEEE IAS Transportation Systems Committee. Education: Ph.D., Electrical Engineering, North Carolina State University (2013) M.S., Electrical Engineering, University of Belgrade (2007) B.S., Electrical Engineering, University of Belgrade (1998) Research: Dr. Pantic specializes in electrified transportation systems, wireless power transfer (WPT), power converter design, and DC microgrid technologies. His work addresses challenges in EV charging infrastructure, magnetic circuit optimization, and energy conversion principles for transportation electrification. Recent projects include autonomous wireless charging systems for UAVs, marine DC microgrids, and road-embedded DWPT solutions. Awards & Recognition: 2019 IEEE JESTPE Second Prize Paper Award 2017 Outstanding Teacher of the Year (USU) 2012 NC State Mentored Teaching Assistantship Award Advisees & Grants: While specific student names are not listed, Dr. Pantic has advised graduate students on projects spanning WPT systems, EV infrastructure, and battery management. His work has been supported by grants focusing on dynamic charging, magnetic materials, and autonomous observatory nodes. Labs & Facilities: He leads research at NC State's Electric Vehicle and Roadway facility, focusing on roadway-integrated wireless charging and high-power WPT systems. Collaborations include ocean observatory development and autonomous system integration.
Daniel C. Ludois is a Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, College of Engineering, where he also serves as the Research & Innovation Director for the Wisconsin Electric Machines and Power Electronics Consortium (WEMPEC). He holds the distinguished title of Jim and Anne Sorden Professor and is an H.I. Romnes Faculty Fellow, reflecting his leadership in research and education. Dr. Ludois earned his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from UW–Madison in 2012 and a B.S. in Physics from Bradley University in 2006. His research focuses on advancing power conversion technologies, particularly through electrostatic machines, capacitive wireless power transfer, wound field synchronous machines, and integrated power electronics. He teaches core courses such as ECE 411 (Introduction to Electric Drives), ECE 711 (Dynamics and Control of AC Drives), and ECE 713 (Electromagnetic Design of AC Machines). Power Electronics Wireless Power Transfer (Capacitive Coupling) Electrostatic Machines (Copper-Free, Steel-Free Motors) Sustainable Electric Machine Design High-Frequency and High-Voltage Power Conversion Brushless Excitation Systems Integration of Inductors and Capacitors His recent publications emphasize high-torque electrostatic machines using dielectric liquids, capacitive power transfer for aerial platforms and rotating machinery, and innovative inverter topologies. These works reflect a strong trend toward sustainable, high-performance electric machines that reduce reliance on rare-earth materials and traditional conductive components. Dr. Ludois has received numerous honors, including: NSF CAREER Award (2015) Moore Inventor Fellowship (2017) DOE InDEEP Competition Phase I & II Awards (2024) H.I. Romnes Faculty Fellow (2023) Vilas Faculty Early Career Investigator Award (2022) Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) Innovation Award (2012) He has mentored a highly entrepreneurial group of students, several of whom have founded startups such as H3X (Forbes 30 Under 30) and C-Motive Technologies, which he co-founded to commercialize electrostatic power conversion devices. His team has secured significant recognition, including multiple Grainger Power Engineering Fellowships and IEEE best paper awards. Dr. Ludois leads a vibrant research lab focused on next-generation power systems, with funding from federal agencies and industry partners, driving innovation in electric transportation, renewable energy, and industrial automation.
Professor Alasdair McDonald holds the Chair in Renewable Energy Technology at the School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh . His work focuses on the integrated electrical-magnetic-mechanical modeling and design of large electrical machines for offshore renewable energy systems , particularly wind turbine powertrains . He previously served as a Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, and Reader in Wind Turbine Technology at the University of Strathclyde. Education: PhD in Structural Analysis of Low-Speed, High-Torque Generators (University of Edinburgh, 2008) MEng (Hons) in Integrated Electrical & Mechanical Engineering (University of Durham, 2004) Research Interests: Design of permanent magnet electrical machines for wind and marine energy Lightweight generator structures and advanced manufacturing methodologies Condition monitoring using SCADA and vibration data Cost of energy optimization for offshore renewables Projects: STREAM 1: Innovations in Forth/Tay Offshore Wind Clusters (EPSRC, 2025-2029) Wind2DC: Medium Voltage DC Power Take-Off Systems (EPSRC, 2023-2026) PV054: Modular Generators for Floating VAWTs (EPSRC & SeaTwirl AB, 2023) Media Contributions: Quoted in research media about floating hydrogen production systems (2025)
Craig Lee is a Professor of Oceanography at the University of Washington, where he also serves as Senior Principal Oceanographer and Assistant Director for Research at the Applied Physics Laboratory. His work focuses on physical oceanography with emphasis on observational studies and instrument development. Lee leads research programs studying upper ocean dynamics, coastal processes, and high-latitude oceanography across diverse regions including the Arctic, North Atlantic, and South China Sea. Dr. Lee's educational background includes: B.S. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from the University of California, Berkeley (1987) Ph.D. in Physical Oceanography from the University of Washington (1995) Lee's primary research interests center on three interconnected areas: (1) upper ocean dynamics, particularly mesoscale and submesoscale fronts and eddies; (2) interactions between biology, biogeochemistry and ocean physics; and (3) high-latitude oceanography in changing Arctic environments. His work often combines field observations with instrument development to address fundamental questions about ocean circulation and its role in climate systems. He has pioneered approaches using autonomous platforms to study difficult-to-access regions like ice-covered waters. Analysis of Lee's recent publications reveals a strong focus on Arctic oceanography, upper ocean mixing processes, and the application of autonomous observing technologies. His research spans multiple ocean basins with particular emphasis on the Arctic, North Atlantic, and western Pacific. A notable trend is the increasing integration of biogeochemical measurements with physical oceanography to understand coupled systems. His work often addresses climate-relevant questions about ocean circulation, heat transport, and ecosystem responses to environmental change. Dr. Lee provides leadership through service on science steering committees for large research programs and advisory panels for U.S. Arctic efforts. He actively supports and advises graduate students while teaching courses on ocean circulation observations and experimental design. His team has developed innovative technologies including autonomous gliders for ice-covered waters, high-performance towed vehicles, and lightweight mooring systems. Lee leads a research team pursuing diverse field programs including Arctic PISCES, Stratified Ocean Dynamics of the Arctic (SODA), and studies of the Kuroshio Current. His group collaborates extensively with institutions worldwide and contributes to major international research initiatives focused on understanding ocean processes and their climate implications.
Babak Moaveni is a Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Tufts University, serving as the Associate Chair since September 2024. He also holds a joint appointment as a Professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering. His research focuses on structural health monitoring, Bayesian inference, earthquake engineering, and offshore wind energy systems. Moaveni earned his Ph.D. in Structural Engineering from the University of California San Diego (2007), following an M.S. (2001) and B.S. (1999) from Sharif University of Technology in Tehran, Iran. His research interests span probabilistic system identification, signal processing, uncertainty quantification, and verification/validation of computational models. Notable grants include leadership in the PIRE project on offshore wind energy digital twins and the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Pilot Project. He has supervised multiple Ph.D. and M.S. students, with current advisees including Mehdi Akhlaghi and Nasim Partovi-Mehr. Moaveni has received the Best Presentation Award at the 2022 EDGE Symposium and serves on editorial boards for journals like Structural Health Monitoring and Frontiers in Built Environment . His lab, the Structural Health Monitoring Lab, specializes in infrastructure management and offshore wind energy systems. Key professional activities include membership in the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and roles on Tufts' Tenure and Promotion Committee. His teaching includes courses on structural health monitoring, numerical methods, and structural reliability.
Massimo Canale is a Tenured Associate Professor at the Department of Electronics and Telecommunications (DET) of Politecnico di Torino , and a member of the CARS@PoliTO Interdepartmental Center for Automotive Research and Sustainable Mobility. His academic career spans over two decades, focusing on control systems engineering with applications in automotive technology. Scientific Branch: Systems and Control Engineering (IINF-04/A) ERC Sectors: Automotive Engineering, Control Engineering, Control Theory Dr. Canale's research bridges theoretical advancements in Model Predictive Control (MPC) with practical applications in autonomous vehicles , hybrid/electric propulsion , and active suspension systems . His work integrates reinforcement learning and dynamic programming for optimizing vehicle performance and energy efficiency. Recent publications demonstrate trends in autonomous driving architectures (2024), sliding mode control for highway scenarios (2024), and energy management for sustainable mobility (2023-2024). He has developed patented solutions for semi-active suspension control and autonomous vehicle guidance. Award: IEEE Transactions on Control Systems Technology Outstanding Paper Award (2011) Editorial Roles: Associate Editor, IEEE Open Journal of Control Systems (2022–present) Dr. Canale supervises PhD students like Francesco Cerrito and teaches courses on digital control technologies , automatic control , and reinforcement learning at Politecnico di Torino. His research is funded through competitive grants (e.g., MPC4AVP 2021-2022) and commercial contracts (AD Shuttle 2024).
Dr. John G. Hayes is a Senior Lecturer at University College Cork (UCC) in the Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering . He holds a Ph.D. from UCC (1998), an M.S.E.E. from the University of Minnesota (1989), an M.B.A. from California Lutheran University (1993), and a B.E. from UCC (1986). His academic career began at UCC in 2000, and he directs the Power Electronics Research Laboratory (PERL) , focusing on industrial collaborations with companies like Analog Devices and General Motors. Research Interests : Power electronics, magnetic components, electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, smart grids, and energy storage. Notable Work : Joint author of Electric Powertrain: Energy Systems, Power Electronics and Drives for Electric, Hybrid and Fuel Cell Vehicles (Wiley, 2018) and its Chinese edition (2021). Scientific Awards : 2011 IEEE William M. Portnoy Award for Best Paper/Presentation at IEEE ECCE. Advising : Supervised 10+ Ph.D. students across powertrain modeling, magnetic materials, and converter control. Current advisee: Conor Healy (Doctoral Degree). Labs : Leads PERL, which develops high-power converters for automotive and renewable energy applications, partnering with industry leaders like SMA Magnetics and United Technologies.
Dr. Karim Sabra is a Professor at the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering , Georgia Institute of Technology, specializing in Acoustics and Dynamics . He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan (2003) and joined Georgia Tech in 2007 as an Assistant Professor. His research integrates theoretical and experimental approaches to study wave propagation in diverse fields including structural health monitoring, biomechanics, and ocean acoustics. Key areas of focus include passive imaging techniques using ambient noise and diffuse wave fields, with applications in non-invasive monitoring of mechanical systems and seismoacoustic environments. Education: Ph.D., University of Michigan, 2003 M.S., University of Michigan, 2000 M.Sc., École Nationale Supérieure de Techniques Avancées (France), 2000 Research Interests: Dr. Sabra’s work spans acoustics, structural health monitoring, biomechanical systems evaluation, underwater acoustics, and geophysics . Recent projects include developing passive elastography techniques for soft tissues using physiological vibrations and exploring ambient noise-based tomography for ocean environments. His interdisciplinary approach bridges multi-scale engineering challenges with multi-wave tools (acoustical, electrical, optical). Publications: His work focuses on advanced acoustic technologies, including underwater communication systems, passive acoustic identification tags, and ray-based tomography methods. Themes include seamount effects on sound propagation, machine learning for acoustic modeling, and environmental sensing using shipping noise. Awards: R. Bruce Lindsay Award (2011) Fellow of the Acoustical Society of America (2007) Institute of Acoustics A.B. Wood Medal (2009) Advising & Grants: Dr. Sabra mentors graduate students in acoustics and wave phenomena, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration. His research is supported by grants focused on underwater acoustics, environmental sensing, and biomedical applications. Labs/Teams: His research group develops novel sensors and algorithms for oceanographic and biomedical applications, collaborating with industry and academic partners.
Professor Mehmet Atlar is a Research Professor in the Department of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Marine Engineering at the University of Strathclyde, Faculty of Engineering. He joined in May 2016 via the Global Talent Platform initiative. Previously, he served as Professor of Ship Hydrodynamics and director of the Emerson Cavitation Tunnel at Newcastle University. His work spans experimental and computational naval hydrodynamics with a focus on ship propulsion, energy efficiency, and marine sustainability. His educational background includes a BSc and MSc in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering from the Technical University of Istanbul and a PhD from the University of Glasgow on the dynamic motion responses of semi-submersibles. Mehmet Atlar’s research centers on ship performance, propulsion systems, cavitation, underwater noise, and marine biofouling. He is particularly interested in novel hull forms, propulsor design, and biomimetic applications for renewable energy and drag reduction. His recent work emphasizes energy-saving devices and sustainable shipping technologies. The most recent publications highlight a strong trend in experimental and computational analysis of advanced propulsion systems like the gate rudder, with attention to real-world conditions such as ageing, fouling, and oblique wave interactions. There is also a clear focus on sustainability, including carbon footprint assessments and retrofitting energy-saving technologies using CFD. Honorable Mention for the 2022 Vice Admiral E. L. Cochrane Award Professor Atlar has supervised over 28 PhD students as principal supervisor and has led numerous research projects funded by the EC Framework Programme, EPSRC, industry, and defense agencies. He has been a principal or co-investigator in major projects such as the Oldendorff Sustainable Shipping Research Centre and initiatives on hydrogen-fueled zero-emissions vessels. His leadership extends to organizing international conferences, including the bi-annual AMT Conference Series since 2009. He is actively involved in research teams focusing on sustainable shipping, hydrogen propulsion, and advanced measurement technologies. He leads the HTF & AMT25 Management project and contributes to national and international technical committees, including ITTC, RINA, and SNAME.
