Dr. Jung-Fu Lin is a Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences at the Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas at Austin, holding the Dave P. Carlton Centennial Professorship. His research focuses on understanding planetary interiors through high-pressure experiments, particularly using diamond anvil cells and synchrotron facilities. Key areas include mineral physics, Earth's core dynamics, and the role of water in mantle processes. Expertise: High-pressure mineral physics, X-ray spectroscopy, and planetary materials science. Current projects: Investigating iron alloys in Earth's core, thermal conductivity of mantle minerals, and carbon storage mechanisms. Research highlights include discoveries on iron spin transitions, elasticity of bridgmanite, and Martian core dynamics. Awards include the NSF CAREER Award and Fulbright Scholarship. Lin supervises graduate students in experimental petrology and mentors postdocs globally. Teaches courses on Earth materials and mineral physics. Active in international collaborations, including with Okayama University (Japan) and Adam Mickiewicz University (Poland). His lab develops advanced laser heating systems and Raman spectroscopy tools for high-pressure studies.
Professor Thomas Meier is a Visiting Professor at the Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London (since 2015), and Director of the Centre for Structural Biology (2017–2021). He leads research on ATP synthase structure, drug targets for tuberculosis, and molecular mechanisms of disease. Previously, he was a Group Leader at the Max-Planck-Institute of Biophysics (2006–2015) and ETH Zurich's Institute of Microbiology. His work combines structural biology (X-ray crystallography, electron microscopy) with biochemical studies. Education: Dr. sc. nat. (2002) and Dipl. sc. nat. (1998) from ETH Zurich. Awards include the Wellcome Trust Investigator (2015–present). Research focuses on ATP synthase's role in energy conversion, drug development, and structural biology. His lab includes postdocs and students like Lisa Uhrig and Anthony Cheuk. Key affiliations: Centre for Structural Biology, Membrane Biology Group, and Bacterial Pathogenesis studies. Languages: German, English, French (fluent), Latin (read/write). Publications span structural biology, planetary science, and drug discovery. His work on ATP synthase inhibitors for TB has clinical implications, while astrophysical studies explore planetary formation via giant impacts.
Dr. Fabian Burmann is a Lecturer at the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences (D-EAPS) at ETH Zurich. His research focuses on geophysical fluid dynamics, particularly experimental investigations of planetary interior flows, dynamo theory, and rotational fluid phenomena. He holds a PhD from ETH Zurich (2020) titled 'An experimental investigation of the effects of topography in planetary fluid dynamics.' Key research interests include: Fluid dynamics in planetary cores and subsurface oceans Precession-driven flows and non-axisymmetric geometries Inertial waves and evanescent wave dynamics Experimental methods for rotating fluids (e.g., ultrasonic velocimetry) Topographic effects on geophysical flows His work has been supported by grants such as 'Developing the next generation of inviscid, inertialess dynamo models' (ETHZ) and 'Unravelling Earth’s magnetic history' (EU). Recent contributions include studies on early-Earth dynamos (2025), precession-driven fluid instabilities (2024), and laboratory experiments exploring planetary-scale fluid behavior.
Kip Hodges is a Foundation Professor at the School of Earth and Space Exploration, Arizona State University (ASU). He leads the Group 18 Laboratories, focusing on noble gas isotope geochemistry and planetary geology. His work integrates field, laboratory, and theoretical approaches to study mountain formation, planetary processes, and impact events. His research interests span Earth Systems, Planetary Geoscience, Continental Tectonics, Earth Surface Processes, Cosmochemistry, and Planetary Geochemistry. He examines the geodynamic evolution of mountain belts like the Himalaya and Tibetan Plateau, utilizing thermal-kinematic modeling and noble gas isotope data. His planetary research includes lunar and Martian geochronology, impact crater analysis, and strategies for human-robotic collaboration in planetary exploration. Key projects include studies on the thermal evolution of terrestrial/extraterrestrial materials, diffusivity of noble gases, and the dynamics of continental subduction. His work contributes to understanding mountain-building, impact history of the Solar System, and future exploration missions. He directs the Group 18 Laboratories, renowned for innovative noble gas isotope geochemistry techniques to constrain thermal histories of terrestrial and extraterrestrial samples. The lab's work includes studies on noble gas diffusivity in planetary materials.
Dr. Ashley Willis is a Senior Lecturer in Fluid Dynamics at the University of Sheffield's School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences. He holds roles including Admissions Head and Programme Leader for Study Abroad. His research focuses on fluid dynamics, turbulence, astrophysical flows, and magnetohydrodynamics, with applications in clean energy and planetary systems. Willis completed his Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics at Newcastle University (2002) and has held postdoctoral positions at the University of Bristol, Leeds, and a Marie Curie Fellowship at Ecole Polytechnique, Paris. He leads the Fluid Dynamics Group and is part of the cross-faculty Sheffield Fluid Mechanics Group. His research interests include transition to turbulence, nonlinear dynamics, and magnetic field generation in planetary interiors. He supervises PhD students like Shijun Chu and collaborates with industry on projects like turbulence suppression in pipe flows. Key contributions include the open-source Openpipeflow simulation code and studies on dynamo action in geophysical flows. Publications highlight work on turbulent transition mechanisms, optimal flow configurations, and dynamo theory. His teaching includes courses on mechanics, fluid dynamics, and mathematical modeling of natural systems.
Dr. Peter L. Olson is a Research Professor at Johns Hopkins University's Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences. His research examines Earth's deep interior dynamics including core-mantle interactions, geomagnetic field generation, and planetary evolution processes. Research Focus: Combines theoretical models, numerical simulations, and laboratory experiments to study core dynamics, geodynamo processes, and mantle convection. Current investigations include the slow carbon cycle and polar ice shelf dynamics through interdisciplinary collaborations. Publications: Recent work explores geomagnetic reversal mechanisms, core-mantle boundary interactions, and planetary dynamo diversity using advanced computational models and fluid dynamics experiments. Education: Ph.D. from University of California, Berkeley
Julian Lowman is a Professor at the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC), specializing in planetary interiors, mantle convection, and computational fluid dynamics. His research focuses on understanding the thermal and structural evolution of planetary mantles, core-mantle interactions, and high-performance numerical modeling techniques. He holds a Ph.D. from York University (1996) and contributes to advancing geodynamic simulations for terrestrial planets and moons. Key research interests include the mechanics of mantle convection, the role of viscosity and compositional variations, and the application of high-performance computing to model planetary processes. He has explored topics such as stagnant-lid convection, plate tectonic dynamics, and the thermal evolution of planetary cores and mantles. His work bridges computational methods with geophysical observations to address questions in Earth science and planetary science. Lowman’s publications span over three decades, addressing topics from Mercury’s mantle dynamics to exoplanet tectonics. His methodologies include advanced numerical models that simulate 2D and 3D convection patterns, fluid dynamics under Arrhenius viscosity regimes, and the influence of curvature on planetary interiors. He collaborates on projects involving mantle plumes, supercontinent cycles, and the interplay between surface tectonics and deep mantle structure. Despite his extensive contributions, no specific scientific awards or grants are explicitly listed in the provided texts. He advises no named students in the available data but likely contributes to graduate training at UTSC. His research aligns with interdisciplinary themes in computational geosciences and planetary evolution.
Bernardo Tellini is a Full Professor of Electrical and Electronic Measurements at the Department of Energy, Systems, Land, and Construction Engineering (DESTEC) at the University of Pisa, where he also serves as Vice-Rector for Doctoral Research. He has held this institutional role since 2020, overseeing doctoral program planning, accreditation, and admission procedures. Previously, he chaired the doctoral program in Energy, Electrical, and Thermal Engineering from 2012 to 2016 and served on the Leonardo da Vinci Doctoral School in Engineering from 2008 to 2016. Education: PhD in Electrical Engineering, University of Pisa (1999) Degree in Electrical Engineering, University of Pisa (1993) Postdoctoral research at Karlsruhe Research Center for Technology and Environment Industry experience at ABB Tellini's research focuses on electrical and magnetic measurement methodologies for high-power pulsed applications, characterization of electrical and magnetic properties of materials, aging processes in battery cells, and electromagnetic emissions from power circuits. His work spans from fundamental measurement theory to practical industrial applications, particularly in railway technologies where he represents the University on the Steering Committee of the District for Railway Technologies, High-Speed, and Network Safety in Tuscany. He has served as president of the European Pulsed Power Laboratories agreement and chaired major IEEE conferences including I2MTC 2015 and MELECON 2020. His recent publications reveal a strong emphasis on RFID-based localization systems , nanoparticle-enhanced optical sensors , and advanced battery characterization techniques . The research trajectory shows increasing integration of measurement science with emerging technologies like plasmonic sensing, microwire-based transducers, and smart systems for industrial monitoring. His team has developed innovative approaches for battery health monitoring under vibration stress, temperature sensing using magnetic materials, and precise localization methods using phase-based RFID systems. Professional Service: President of Italian Section of IEEE (2019-2021) Scientific director of Pisa research unit in Association of Electrical and Electronic Measurements (GMEE) Member of Certification Committee of Italcertifer SpA (since 2019) Representative on District for Railway Technologies Steering Committee (since 2013) Tellini has authored approximately 200 publications in international journals and conference proceedings. His leadership extends to academic governance through roles on the DESTEC Department Human Resources Committee and various university committees overseeing scientific qualifications and doctoral programs. His research bridges theoretical measurement principles with practical engineering solutions for energy systems, transportation infrastructure, and industrial monitoring applications.
Henrik Nils Latter is a Professor at the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics (DAMTP), University of Cambridge, and a Fellow of Girton College. His research focuses on astrophysical fluid dynamics, particularly in protoplanetary disks, Saturn's rings, and galaxy cluster plasmas. Doctorate in Astrophysics (2006), University of Cambridge Master of Science (2003), University of Sydney Bachelor of Arts and Science (2000), University of Sydney Latter's research spans instabilities, waves, and turbulence in astrophysical disks. Key areas include the vertical shear instability (VSI) in protoplanetary disks, gravitoturbulence, and magnetothermal instability (MTI) in galaxy clusters. His work combines analytical methods with large-scale numerical simulations. His recent publications (2022-2025) address topics such as streaming instability in debris disks, thermal hysteresis in planetary rings , and MHD dynamos in gravitoturbulent systems . These studies often appear in journals like MNRAS and A&A, reflecting his expertise in disk dynamics and magnetic plasma behavior. Scientific Awards: Adams Prize Latter has supervised numerous PhD and Master's students on disk turbulence, planetary ring instabilities, and magnetic field dynamics. He contributes to outreach through the Faculty of Mathematics' Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics group and maintains active collaborations in computational astrophysics.
Dr. Hannah Schunker is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Information and Physical Sciences at the University of Newcastle. She holds an ARC Future Fellowship (2022–2026) and is a Research Advantage Women in Research Fellow. Her expertise lies in solar and stellar physics, focusing on helioseismology and asteroseismology to study the solar dynamo and magnetic field dynamics. She previously worked at the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research in Germany. Education: Doctor of Philosophy, Monash University Bachelor of Science, University of Adelaide Research Interests: Dr. Schunker investigates the Sun's magnetic field, solar dynamo mechanisms, and space weather impacts. Her work includes analyzing solar oscillations, magnetic flux emergence, and asteroseismology of Sun-like stars. She discovered the 'Schunker Effect,' where helioseismic waves are perturbed by sunspot magnetic fields. Key Contributions: Developed methods to predict space weather by analyzing active region emergence. Advanced understanding of subsurface flows and magnetic field interactions. Contributed to the PLATO mission for exoplanet and stellar asteroseismology studies. Awards & Grants: ARC Future Fellowship (2022) ABC Science collaborations (e.g., 'Solar Storms,' 'Fusion') Claire Corani Prize (1999) Teaching & Supervision: Lectures include Advanced Physics II , Introduction to Astronomy , and Photonics . She coordinates multidisciplinary laboratory research projects. Labs/Teams: Active in solar physics research groups within the University of Newcastle and collaborates internationally on helioseismology and asteroseismology projects.
Jie Li is the Rodney C. Ewing Collegiate Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences and Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Michigan. She holds a Ph.D. in Earth and Planetary Sciences (Harvard University, 1998) and an M.A. in Geophysics (Harvard University, 1997). Her research focuses on Earth and planetary materials under extreme conditions, leveraging high-pressure techniques like diamond-anvil cells and synchrotron facilities. Key interests include terrestrial planet evolution, core composition, and dynamics of planetary interiors. Recent studies explore light elements in Earth’s core, Mercury’s magnetic field origin, and early Earth crust formation. Her work bridges experimental geochemistry, mineral physics, and computational modeling to understand planetary interiors. Notable contributions include pioneering studies on iron spin states in the lower mantle and the role of metallic melts in mantle dynamics. She collaborates globally, advancing methodologies for high-pressure experiments. Her research has been featured in outlets like Mashable India , highlighting her insights on Earth’s core dynamics and planetary science. Li’s lab emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to unraveling the origins of planetary materials and their evolution over geological time.
Moritz Heimpel is an Associate Professor of Physics at the University of Alberta's Faculty of Science. His research focuses on planetary dynamics, particularly the fluid dynamics and magnetohydrodynamics of planetary interiors and atmospheres, with applications to Mercury, Earth, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and exoplanets. He teaches courses in environmental geophysics and geophysical imaging of Earth's interior. His work explores zonal flows, vortices, and dynamo action in giant planets, using numerical models to simulate thermal convection and magnetic field generation. Notable contributions include studies on Jupiter's equatorial jets, Saturn's atmospheric features, and Mercury's core dynamics. He has published extensively on topics like planetary gravity harmonics, magnetic field modeling, and paleomagnetic signatures. Heimpel's research integrates computational methods with observational data from missions like Juno and Cassini, advancing understanding of planetary heat transfer, atmospheric dynamics, and core processes. His teaching emphasizes geophysical imaging techniques for environmental applications, including hydrogeology and climate change monitoring. Despite his extensive publication record, no academic awards or grants are explicitly mentioned in the provided texts. His research group's focus on ice giants and exoplanets suggests ongoing exploration of planetary evolution and internal structure dynamics.
Dr. Alex J. Evans is the Thomas J. and Alice M. Tisch Assistant Professor of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences at Brown University . His research focuses on planetary dynamics, lunar and rocky planet evolution, and the integration of geophysical data with mission insights. He holds a BS from the University of Michigan (2006), and a MS/PhD from MIT (2013). Affiliations: LunaSCOPE , NASA SSERVI Teaching: Courses on planetary surface processes, gravitational fields, and comparative solar system geology Expertise: Impact cratering, core dynamo evolution, and mission data analysis (e.g., GRAIL, MESSENGER) His research interests span lunar compositional asymmetry, Mercury’s geologic history, and the dynamics of metallic worlds like Psyche. Articles emphasize GRAIL mission findings, Mercury’s volcanic evolution, and comparative analyses of inner solar system bodies. His work bridges field observations, computational models, and space mission data to address fundamental questions about planetary formation and evolution. Grants and partnerships include over $10M in NASA-funded research leadership. He advises on lunar innovation strategies and public engagement in space science. Labs/Teams: Active collaboration with NASA mission teams and planetary science consortia.
Sébastien Galtier is a Professor of Astrophysics at Université Paris-Saclay and a member of the Plasma Physics Laboratory (LPP) at the Polytechnic School (École Polytechnique), located in Palaiseau, France. He holds an honorary fellowship from the Institut Universitaire de France. His primary affiliation is with the Space Plasmas team within the LPP, focusing on fundamental plasma physics and astrophysical applications. His research spans turbulence in astrophysical and cosmological contexts, including solar wind dynamics, magnetohydrodynamics (MHD), gravitational waves, and interstellar medium processes. He employs advanced mathematical frameworks and numerical simulations to explore these phenomena. Key research areas include weak MHD turbulence theory, solar coronal heating mechanisms, planetary dynamo processes, and the study of compressible and incompressible plasma turbulence. His work bridges theoretical models with observational data from space missions and laboratory experiments. Notable contributions include groundbreaking studies on gravitational wave turbulence, solar wind plasma dynamics, and the development of exact scaling laws for compressible and Hall MHD turbulence. He has authored influential books such as Physics of Wave Turbulence (2023) and Introduction to Modern Magnetohydrodynamics (2016). Awards include the Honorary Fellowship of the University Institute of France, recognizing his contributions to plasma physics and astrophysics. His research has been published in leading journals like Physical Review Letters , Astrophysical Journal , and Journal of Plasma Physics .
John A. Tarduno is a Professor of Geophysics in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences and holds a dual appointment as Professor of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Rochester. He founded the university's paleomagnetism laboratory and has led expeditions to the Arctic, Sahara, and Southern Africa. His research focuses on paleomagnetism, geomagnetism, and geodynamics, particularly the evolution of Earth's magnetic field and hotspot dynamics. Tarduno earned his BS from Lehigh University and MS/PhD from Stanford University after postdoctoral work at Stanford and ETH-Zurich. He served as chair of the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences from 1998 to 2006. Research interests include the geodynamo, mantle plume migration, and ancient magnetic field behavior. Notable contributions include challenging the fixed hotspot hypothesis via the Hawaiian-Emperor seamount study and discovering Earth's magnetic field existed as early as 4.2 billion years ago using zircon crystals. His work has been recognized with the Price Medal (Royal Astronomical Society), Petrus Peregrinus Medal (EGU), and Guggenheim Fellowship. Tarduno has authored over 100 publications, including studies in Science , Nature , and PNAS . He mentors students in fieldwork and laboratory research, emphasizing Arctic and Pacific expeditions. Beyond academia, he is an avid cyclist, duathlete, and trail runner.
