Ana Maria da Conceição Ferreira Takahashi is a Junior Researcher at the Aveiro Institute of Materials (CICECO), University of Aveiro, Portugal. She holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering (2018) and has conducted international research at institutions in Brazil, Japan, Germany, and Portugal. Her work focuses on sustainable processes using eco-friendly solvents for biomass valorization and plastic waste recycling, integrating green chemistry and biotechnology within circular economy frameworks. She leads the FCT-funded project GreenPATH, developing enzymatic depolymerization strategies for polymer recycling. With 43 peer-reviewed publications (h-index 20), she collaborates with industries like LEGO and Volvo in EU initiatives. She has supervised over 25 students and received the CICECO Young Researcher Award (2024). Education: BSc (2011), MSc (2013), and PhD (2018) in Chemical Engineering from University of Aveiro. Postdoctoral work included TUM University Foundation Fellowship (Germany) and JSPS Fellowship (Japan). Research interests emphasize bio-based solvents (ionic liquids, DESs), enzyme-assisted depolymerization, and computational tools like COSMO-RS for solvent selection. Projects include plastic additive removal, biomass extraction, and industrial collaboration for sustainable technologies.
Goong Chen is a Professor at Texas A&M University (TAMU) within the College of Arts & Sciences. His research focuses on Control Theory, Applied Mathematics, and interdisciplinary applications in computational mechanics, fluid dynamics, and quantum systems. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin (1977) and a B.S. from National Tsing-Hua University (1972). His research interests span computational biomechanics, forensic modeling, nanofluidics, and mathematical physics. Recent work includes modal analysis of animal motion, crash mechanics of aircraft, and forensic reconstruction of disasters. He has contributed to theoretical advancements in PDEs, nonlinear dynamics, and quantum computing. Chen’s articles address cutting-edge topics like thermoelastic plates, Volterra equations, and DFIM systems. He has pioneered numerical methods for complex systems using OpenFOAM and finite element techniques. His computational models have been applied to real-world scenarios such as submarine implosions and chemical warfare forensics. No academic awards are explicitly listed, but his extensive publication record reflects significant contributions to applied mathematics and engineering. He leads research teams focused on interdisciplinary challenges in computational science and engineering.
Elena Castell-Perez is a Professor at Texas A&M University's College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering. She holds a B.S. in Food Engineering from Campinas State University (1980), followed by an M.S. (1984) and Ph.D. (1990) in Agricultural Engineering from Michigan State University. Her research focuses on food safety technologies, including antimicrobial packaging systems, biomass pretreatment for bioenergy, and food irradiation applications. She is affiliated with Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Service. Her work integrates nanotechnology (e.g., ZIF-8 nanoparticles) with food engineering to enhance packaging safety and develop sustainable materials. Key contributions include optimizing electron beam irradiation for pathogen decontamination and advancing predictive modeling for microbial contamination risks in fresh produce. She also explores CO₂ capture innovations for agricultural sustainability. Recent articles highlight advancements in antimicrobial delivery systems, 3D-printed biomass composites, and machine learning for food safety prediction. Her research spans food rheology, smart packaging, and waste reduction within the water-energy-food nexus. Dr. Castell-Perez collaborates on multidisciplinary projects involving food phantoms, Monte Carlo simulations for irradiation dosimetry, and agent-based modeling of microbial cross-contamination. Her labs focus on translating engineering principles into practical solutions for the food industry.
Albert E. Patterson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Engineering Technology and Industrial Distribution at Texas A&M University's College of Engineering. He is also affiliated with Materials Science & Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Multidisciplinary Engineering. His research focuses on mechanical design methods, additive manufacturing processes, and fracture mechanics. He holds a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2021), an M.S. in Industrial Engineering (2014), and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering (2013), both from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Key research areas include design under manufacturability constraints, additive manufacturing (e.g., FDM/FFF, SLS, SLM), and systems engineering for manufacturing and aerospace applications. His work emphasizes optimizing material properties, process-driven constraints, and sustainable manufacturing practices. Dr. Patterson leads the Manufacturability-Driven Design Lab (MDDL), exploring topics like additive manufacturing for energetic materials, repair strategies for plastic components, and energy-efficient production systems. He has contributed to over 60 publications on fracture mechanics, material characterization, and manufacturing systems optimization. His research integrates experimental methods with computational modeling to address challenges in design, manufacturability, and sustainability.
Professor Richard Blackburn is a Professor of Sustainable Materials at the University of Leeds, School of Design. His research focuses on applying sustainability principles to materials science, textile coloration, and cosmetics. He leads the Sustainable Materials Research Group and co-founded Keracol Limited, a spin-out company developing natural cosmetic ingredients from plant extracts. His work includes innovations in dyeing technologies, reducing microfibre pollution, and sustainable textile processing. Education: BSc (Hons) and PhD in Colour Chemistry from the University of Leeds Professional Memberships: Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Royal Society of Chemistry, and Society of Dyers and Colourists. Key research interests span sustainable textile practices, natural dye extraction, polymer chemistry, and green chemistry applications. He has pioneered methods for extracting actives from food waste for cosmetics and developed fluorine-free repellent coatings for textiles. Awards: Silver Medal (Society of Dyers and Colourists, 2016) Fellowship (Society of Dyers and Colourists, 2017) Centenary Medal (2018 & 2019) Freedom of The City of London (2013) Advising & Grants: Leads multidisciplinary projects on textile sustainability, including FoodWasteNet and the Business of Fashion, Textiles and Technology partnership. His work bridges academia and industry through spin-offs like Keracol and RITE Group, focused on minimizing environmental impact. Labs & Teams: Head of the Sustainable Materials Research Group and collaborator with global industry partners to advance sustainable materials innovation.
Dr. Ajay Achath Mohanan is a Lecturer at the Malaysia School of Engineering, Monash University. He holds a PhD in Engineering from Monash University Malaysia (2016) and a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering from the same institution (2009). His research focuses on flexible surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors integrated with ZnO nanostructures, transitioning from rigid to flexible substrates. Key areas include piezoelectric ZnO thin films on polymers, low-temperature hydrothermal synthesis of nanowires, and UV-LED photolithography for sensor fabrication. He teaches ECE2071 - Computer Organisation and Programming and ECE3091 - Engineering Design . Mohanan leads or collaborates on projects such as flexible Lamb wave resonators for wastewater monitoring and graphene-integrated acoustic sensors. He has contributed to over 15 peer-reviewed publications since 2009, addressing topics like SAW resonator design, nanowire growth, and semiconductor defect analysis. His research aligns with UN SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). Mohanan’s work emphasizes sustainable sensor technologies for environmental and industrial applications. He operates in the Micro and Nano Devices Lab, advancing flexible electronics and wearable sensor platforms.
Robert Steinberger-Wilckens is a Professor in Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Research at the University of Birmingham's School of Chemical Engineering, part of the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences. He serves as Director of the Centre of Doctoral Training (CDT) in Fuel Cells and their Fuels, a collaboration between Birmingham, Nottingham, Loughborough, Imperial College, and University College London. Education & Qualifications: Dipl.Phys. (MSc), PhD. Research Focus: Specializes in renewable energy systems, fuel cell technologies, hydrogen production/distribution, and electric vehicles. Current priorities include Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs), high-temperature electrolysis, methane synthesis via reversible fuel cells, and commercialization of fuel cell vehicles. Teaching: Leads modules on Fuel Cell Technology, Advanced Energy Technologies, and Energy Storage for 4th-year, MSc, and CDT students. Contributes to Sustainable Process Engineering and Energy Efficiency courses for undergraduate programs. Leadership & Service: Chair of the Scientific Committee for the EU Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH 2 JU). Former Conference Chair of the 2008 European SOFC Forum and ongoing member of the European Fuel Cell Forum's Board of Advisers. Research Infrastructure: Oversees the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Research Group and coordinates multi-institutional doctoral training programs to advance energy technology innovation.
Simon Spencer is a Professor of Statistics at the University of Warwick, affiliated with the Zeeman Institute for Systems Biology and Infectious Disease Epidemiology Research (SBIDER) and the Warwick Analytical Sciences Centre (WASC). His research focuses on Bayesian inference applied to epidemiology, stochastic epidemic models, and statistical methods for analytical science. He has held previous positions at the University of Nottingham and Massey University in New Zealand. His teaching includes advanced courses such as CH923: Statistics for Data Analysis , ST925: Graduate Topics in Statistics , and MA4M1/MA6M1: Epidemiology by Example . His research group currently includes PhD students Matthew Adeoye and Richard Haughey, and MSc students Olli Smith and Sangavi Pirabakaran. He collaborates extensively with global health institutions on projects addressing infectious disease modeling and public health policy. Spencer’s work bridges statistical methodology and real-world applications, with a focus on outbreak detection, model comparison, and the integration of geostatistical data with transmission models. His recent contributions include frameworks for lymphatic filariasis elimination projections and analyses of HIV transmission dynamics in Uganda. He actively contributes to interdisciplinary research in systems biology and analytical chemistry, leveraging advanced statistical techniques to address complex health challenges.
Matthew Jones is a Professor and Head of Department in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Bath, where he leads research in sustainable chemical technologies. He is affiliated with the Centre for Sustainable Chemical Technologies (CSCT) and the Institute of Sustainability and Climate Change. His work focuses on catalyst design for green chemistry, biopolymer synthesis, and chemical recycling of plastics. Research Interests: His research spans homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis , synthesis of biopolymers like polylactide (PLA) , catalytic upgrading of renewable feedstocks (e.g., ethanol to butadiene), and lignin depolymerization . He employs advanced techniques such as NMR, mass spectrometry, electron microscopy, and X-ray crystallography. The recent trend in his publications reflects a strong focus on chemical recycling of plastics (PET, PLA, POM, nitrile gloves), design of metal-based catalysts (Zn, Zr, Al), and circular economy strategies . His work integrates computational modeling with experimental validation to develop sustainable chemical processes. Scientific Awards and Recognition: Frequent grant reviewer for EPSRC and MDPI Editorial contributions to high-impact journals Active participant in UK research councils and innovation networks Advising and Grants: He supervises doctoral students and leads multiple externally funded projects, including grants from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and Innovate UK. Major projects include AP19: Developing Catalyst Strategies for a Truly Circular Plastic Economy , TUPLA - traceability of used PLA , and feasibility studies on nitrile glove recycling . He collaborates extensively with researchers such as Matthew Davidson and James Stewart. Labs and Research Teams: His research group is embedded within the Centre for Sustainable Chemical Technologies, a multidisciplinary hub promoting sustainable innovation. The team works on catalyst synthesis, polymer characterization, and process development for a circular chemical economy.
Prof. Kathrin Greiff is a University Professor at the Chair of Anthropogenic Material Cycles and Institute of Processing, Coking, and Briquetting at RWTH Aachen University's Faculty of Georesources and Materials Engineering. Her work focuses on advancing circular economy principles through innovative recycling technologies, sensor-based material flow analysis, and sustainability assessments. She leads research initiatives like the DACE Academy and the Material Assessment Lab, which explore sensor integration, waste valorization, and decarbonization strategies in industrial processes. Her research interests include optimizing mechanical recycling processes for plastics and construction materials, developing machine learning-driven sorting systems, and evaluating environmental impacts across material lifecycles. Recent projects highlight applications in lightweight packaging waste, steel forging decarbonization, and polystyrene insulation recycling. She collaborates closely with industry to translate research into scalable solutions for sustainable material management. Prof. Greiff’s publications emphasize technical feasibility studies, life cycle assessments, and cross-disciplinary approaches to circular economy challenges. Her work contributes to policy frameworks for sustainable resource use and eco-design principles in manufacturing.
Stephanie Poland is an Associate Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. She holds a BS from the University of Southern Indiana (2009) and a PhD from Texas A&M University (2013). Her research focuses on transition metal catalysis, green polymerization techniques, and small molecule activation, particularly in the development of bio-friendly plastics. She co-advises the RHIT Volleyball Club. Her research interests include sustainable epoxide/CO₂ copolymerization, catalytic coupling of epoxides, and CO₂ valorization. Recent work emphasizes translating these processes into undergraduate laboratory experiments. Poland’s publications highlight advancements in polycarbonate synthesis using bimetallic catalysts and CO₂ utilization. No scientific awards are explicitly listed. Her advising roles extend beyond academia to student clubs. No lab teams or grants are detailed in the provided text.
Till J.J. Hanebuth is a Professor in the Department of Marine Science at Coastal Carolina University's Gupta College of Science. He leads the Coastal Geosystems Research Lab and is actively involved in numerous research projects focusing on coastal and marine geoscience. His work spans both fundamental research on sea level variability, river deltas, and continental shelf processes, as well as applied research addressing silting, erosion, and contamination issues. His educational background includes: Habilitation in Marine Geosciences from University of Bremen, Germany (2010) D.Sc. in Marine Geology from Chr.-Albrechts-University Kiel, Germany (2000) M.Sc. in Geology-Paleontology from Philipps-University Marburg, Germany (1996) B.Sc. in Geology-Paleontology from University of Hamburg, Germany (1993) Hanebuth's research interests span a broad spectrum of marine geoscience topics with a particular focus on coastal systems in the Anthropocene. His work examines how climate-related rising water levels, weather events, rapid urbanization, and land-use practices modify coastal environments. He investigates sea level variability, river delta dynamics, sediment and hydrodynamics on continental shelves, paleoceanography, and the impacts of human activities on coastal systems. His research often involves international collaborations across multiple continents including Germany, Spain, Portugal, Brazil, and Argentina. Analysis of Hanebuth's recent publications reveals a strong focus on continental shelf processes, sediment dynamics, and coastal change across diverse geographical regions including Southeast Asia, the Gulf of Cadiz, the Bengal Shelf, and the southeastern United States. His work frequently integrates geological, oceanographic, and anthropogenic factors to understand coastal evolution. A notable trend is the increasing attention to human impacts on coastal systems and the development of high-resolution records of environmental change using sediment cores and acoustic data. Hanebuth actively mentors students at all levels through the VIP (Vertically Integrated Projects) program. Undergraduate students progress through successive project-integrated courses building technical skills, while graduate students develop thesis research within his Coastal Geosystems Research Lab. He currently supervises one Ph.D., two MS, and one undergraduate student on the Bengal Shelf project examining monsoon, cyclones, tectonics, subsidence, and anthropogenic impacts. His laboratory offers students hands-on experience with advanced techniques including sediment coring, geochemical analysis, seismo-acoustic data processing, scanning electron microscopy, FTIR polymer measurement, Ground-Penetrating Radar surveying, and Real-Time Kinematic GPS elevation surveying. The lab collaborates with universities and institutions across South Carolina, other U.S. states, and internationally in Germany, Spain, Portugal, Brazil, and Argentina.
Ali Demirci is a Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering at the College of Agricultural Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, where he leads research in food safety engineering and sustainable bioprocessing. His work bridges agricultural engineering with microbiology to develop innovative solutions for food safety and bioresource utilization. His research program focuses on three interconnected domains: Non-thermal Food Safety : Development and characterization of pulsed UV light, electrolyzed oxidizing water, and ozone for microbial inactivation on food surfaces and equipment Advanced Bioreactor Systems : Design of biofilm bioreactors for enhanced production of high-value compounds like menaquinone-7 and nisin using immobilized microbial cultures Waste Valorization : Conversion of agricultural byproducts (particularly distillers' dried grains) into biofuels, enzymes, and functional food ingredients through optimized fermentation processes Analysis of his 2022-2025 publications reveals a strategic research trajectory toward sustainable bioprocess intensification. His work increasingly integrates circular economy principles, focusing on non-sterile processing, waste stream utilization, and techno-economic feasibility. Key technological threads include biofilm reactor scalability, lignocellulosic enzyme optimization, and pulsed light decontamination systems for industrial implementation. Professional recognition includes being honored as part of the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences faculty by a national society in October 2024, highlighting his contributions to agricultural engineering. Dr. Demirci's research program demonstrates strong industry relevance through development of practical technologies for food safety enhancement and agricultural waste conversion. His collaborations span microbiology, food science, and chemical engineering disciplines, with publications appearing in leading journals including Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering, Journal of Food Engineering, and Food and Bioprocess Technology. Current projects focus on scaling biofilm reactor technologies and integrating first- and second-generation bioethanol production systems.
Wyatt E. Tenhaeff is an Assistant Professor leading a research group focused on thin film coatings for electrochemical energy storage systems. His work targets lithium metal and solid-state batteries, developing ultrathin protective coatings to enhance cycle life, safety, and energy density through suppression of parasitic electrolyte reactions. He teaches core Chemical Engineering courses including Chemical Reactor Design (CHE 231) and Process Control (CHE 272). His research program centers on: Electrochemical Energy Storage Solid State and Lithium Metal Batteries Polymer Thin Films, Interfaces, and Thin Film Synthesis and Characterization Vacuum Deposition Processing Recent publications demonstrate expertise in initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) for nanoscale-precise polymer films, with dual applications in battery interface engineering and optical coatings. Key trends include elastic antireflection systems for flexible optics, mechanically robust battery separators, and high-voltage stable polymer electrolytes enabled by novel plasticization strategies. His scientific recognition includes: NSF CAREER Award (2019) Curtis Award for Nontenured Faculty Teaching (2018) R&D 100 Award (2017) Oak Ridge National Laboratory Weinberg Fellowship (2009-2011) National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship (2005-2008) MIT Presidential T. Haslam Fellowship (2004-2005) Tenhaeff mentors graduate researchers in thin film synthesis and battery technology development, supported by his NSF CAREER grant investigating polymer electrolytes for high-voltage applications. His collaborative projects frequently involve national laboratories and industry partners in advancing separator technologies and vapor-deposited coatings. His laboratory specializes in initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) with in situ thickness monitoring, enabling conformal polymer films down to 10 nm. Current efforts focus on shear-thickening electrolytes, silicon anode stabilization, and scalable thin film processes for next-generation energy storage and flexible electronics.
Stan F.S.P. Looijmans is an Assistant Professor at the Processing and Performance of Materials group within the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). His research focuses on bridging the gap between processing-induced structure formation and mechanical properties in semi-crystalline polymers, with a particular emphasis on advanced characterization techniques and multiscale modeling. Academic Background : BSc and MSc in Mechanical Engineering (TU/e), PhD in 2023 on adhesion-modified polypropylene composites Research Tools : Synchrotron X-ray/infrared radiation, microscale mechanical testing, numerical simulations His work explores key areas such as: Crystallization in additive manufacturing Structure formation under extreme conditions Micromechanical testing of composites Contact mechanics phenomena Local failure prediction in semi-crystalline systems Recent publications highlight his expertise in polymer crystallization kinetics, fiber-reinforced composites, and processing-structure-property relationships. Notably, his 2025 work on PLA stereocomplexation and PP/HDPE blends demonstrates innovative approaches to microstructure engineering. He contributes to education through courses in mechanical characterization of materials and soft materials processing.
