Radovan Kukobat is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Technology, University of Banja Luka. He specializes in nanomaterials, graphene-based systems, and advanced material engineering. His research focuses on applications in drug delivery, environmental engineering, and sustainable materials synthesis. He holds a prominent role in interdisciplinary projects involving nanotechnology, carbon materials, and biomedical applications. Key research interests include nanoporous materials, carbon nanotube engineering, zeolite modification, and the development of eco-friendly industrial solutions. He has contributed to over 50 peer-reviewed articles and holds leadership roles in national and international projects such as 'Samoregenerativne membrane na bazi grafena' and 'Recikliranje PET boca primenom nanotehnologije.' His work bridges fundamental material science with practical applications, including hydrogen separation membranes, CO2 sensors, and waste-derived lubricant additives. He collaborates with institutions globally, such as the University of Tokyo and EIT RawMaterials, advancing both academic and industrial frontiers.
Professor Ryan Armstrong is a distinguished academic in the School of Engineering at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), specializing in Civil and Environmental Engineering. With a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from Oregon State University (2012), his research spans multiple disciplines including applied mathematics, petroleum engineering, computer science, and fundamental physics. He leads cutting-edge research in digital materials characterisation, porous media imaging and modelling, and multiphase flow studies for future energy technologies. Dr. Armstrong's research interests focus on the intersection of computational methods and energy applications. His work integrates advanced imaging techniques with mathematical modeling to address critical challenges in energy transition. Key areas include digital rock physics, geological storage of hydrogen and CO 2 , in situ mineral recovery, and machine learning applications in resources engineering. His multidisciplinary approach bridges fundamental science with practical energy solutions. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on multi-scale modeling, with particular attention to pore-to-core scale phenomena. His work increasingly incorporates advanced machine learning techniques for image processing and flow simulation, while maintaining strong experimental validation. Current research trends show growing focus on hydrogen storage technologies, electrokinetic recovery methods, and multi-physics modeling of complex subsurface systems. Dr. Armstrong is actively involved in several professional societies including the International Society of Porous Media, Society of Core Analysts, Society of Petroleum Engineers, and American Geophysical Union, contributing to the advancement of his field through collaborative research and knowledge sharing.
Lidija Zdravkovic is a Professor of Computational Geomechanics in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Imperial College London, Faculty of Engineering. She is also the Head of Geotechnics, leading research and academic activities in geotechnical engineering. Her work is deeply integrated with the Imperial College Finite Element Program (ICFEP) and the Imperial Centre for Geohazards, reflecting her strong commitment to advancing numerical methods in geotechnical applications. Her research interests are centered on computational geomechanics, with a focus on: Numerical analysis in geotechnical engineering Soil constitutive modeling and boundary conditions Advanced soil behavior, including unsaturated and thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) coupling Offshore wind foundation systems Soil-structure interaction (SSI) and dynamic soil behavior She has pioneered developments in finite element solution algorithms and constitutive models for complex geotechnical problems. The recent publications (2023–2025) demonstrate a consistent trend in advancing numerical methodologies for geotechnical challenges, particularly in large deformation analysis (e.g., material point methods), uncertainty quantification, THM coupling, and offshore wind foundations. Her work bridges theoretical development with practical applications in infrastructure, energy, and environmental geotechnics. Scientific honors and professional contributions include: Delivered the Geotechnique Lecture in 2013 Editorial Board Member, Computers and Geotechnics (since 2010) Member, Geotechnique Advisory Panel (2003–2006) UK Representative, ISSMGE TC103 on Numerical Analysis Executive Committee Member, British Geotechnical Association (2010–2013) Lidija Zdravkovic has supervised numerous PhD and postdoctoral researchers, though specific names are not listed. She has secured research funding through major infrastructure projects such as Crossrail, Shard of Glass, Heathrow Terminal 5, and Rome Metro, where her numerical modeling expertise was applied. She co-authored two books on finite element analysis in geotechnical engineering and has over 100 academic publications. She is actively involved in the Geotechnics research group at Imperial, contributing to the development of the ICFEP code and mentoring the next generation of computational geomechanics researchers. Her lab focuses on high-fidelity numerical simulation of geotechnical systems under complex loading and environmental conditions.
Erich A. Müller is a Professor of Thermodynamics at Imperial College London's Department of Chemical Engineering, within the Faculty of Engineering. His research focuses on molecular simulation of complex fluids, adsorption phenomena, and phase equilibria, leveraging high-performance computing and machine learning. He holds a PhD from Cornell University and previously served as Head of the Department and Director of Academic Programs at Universidad Simón Bolívar in Venezuela. His affiliations include the Centre for Process Systems Engineering, Industrial Biotechnology Hub, and Institute for Molecular Science and Engineering. Research interests span thermodynamic modeling, carbon-based materials (e.g., graphene, carbon nanotubes), and applications in water purification, polymer-mineral interactions, and energy systems. Müller's work emphasizes computational methods like Molecular Dynamics and coarse-grained modeling frameworks such as SAFT-VR/γ Mie. His interdisciplinary approach addresses challenges in nanoconfined systems, interfacial phenomena, and sustainable technologies. Publications highlight contributions to adsorption mechanisms in porous materials, self-assembly of liquid crystals, and fluid phase behavior under extreme conditions. Notable projects include molecular-level analysis of CO₂ separation using nanoporous carbons and computational studies of polymer-calcite composites for enhanced oil recovery. He also explores pedagogical innovations, questioning traditional reliance on 'steam tables' in thermodynamics education. His research has been visualized through award-winning molecular dynamics videos (e.g., Gold Palm at 2009 RidgeDance Film Festival), demonstrating dynamic phenomena like water clustering in carbon nanotubes. Collaborations span academia and industry, addressing real-world applications in energy storage, environmental engineering, and materials science.
Professor Daniele Dini is a leading academic in tribology and mechanical engineering at Imperial College London's Faculty of Engineering. As Vice-Dean (Research) and Professor of Tribology, he heads the Imperial College Tribology Group, one of the world's largest tribology research groups with 60+ researchers. His work spans advanced modeling strategies for tribological systems, with applications in materials science, biomechanics, and structural integrity. Key affiliations include the Energy Futures Lab, Institute of Chemical Biology, and Musculoskeletal Medical Engineering Centre. Education: M.Eng from Politecnico di Bari (2000), D.Phil from University of Oxford (2004). Research focuses on multiscale simulation techniques, including molecular dynamics and fluid mechanics solvers. Industrial collaborators include Afton Chemical, Bosch, and Rolls-Royce. Academic partnerships span institutions like MIT, Cambridge, and the University of Sao Paulo. Research interests emphasize bridging molecular-to-macroscopic scales, with projects in lubrication fundamentals, biomedical interfaces, and energy systems. Notable achievements include the 2016 EPSRC Established Career Fellowship and the 2012 Medal in Research Supervision. He serves as Assistant Editor of the International Journal of Solids and Structures and on editorial boards of Tribology International and others. Awards include the Tribology Trust Bronze Medal (2004), Jacob Wallenberg Award (2007), and multiple best paper prizes. His group's research addresses industrial challenges while advancing theoretical frameworks, with a focus on training next-generation tribologists through interdisciplinary training programs. Current projects involve brain interstitial transport modeling, nanocomposite hydrogels for cartilage repair, and radiation-resistant lubrication systems for high-energy environments. His work integrates computational innovation with experimental validation, exemplified by tools like the PAPRECA simulator for off-lattice kinetic Monte Carlo/molecular dynamics modeling.
Dr. Carl Jacquemyn is an Advanced Research Fellow in the Department of Earth Science & Engineering at Imperial College London, affiliated with the NORMS group and Petroleum Geoscience & Engineering. His work focuses on grid-free surface-based reservoir modelling, geothermal systems, and subsurface flow dynamics. He holds a PhD from KU Leuven (2013) and an MSc in Mining & Geotechnical Engineering from the same institution (2007). Research interests include quantifying geological heterogeneity, carbonate sedimentology/diagenesis, and integrating 3D outcrop models with reservoir simulations. His Sketch-Based Reservoir Modelling (RRM) tool enables rapid prototyping of geological scenarios for flow diagnostics. Current projects explore geothermal well design, Arab-D Formation storm scours, and CO2 storage mechanisms. Key contributions include developing dynamically adaptive mesh optimisation for geothermal reservoirs and advancing surface-based methodologies to preserve complex geological features in simulations. His work addresses challenges in grid limitations, well trajectory representation, and multi-scale heterogeneity impact assessment.
Mohammad Fattahi Mehraban is a Research Associate in the Department of Earth Science & Engineering at Imperial College London, where he co-leads the experimental development of the GeoBattery concept with TotalEnergies. His work focuses on redox-driven energy storage in porous geologic formations, leveraging expertise in electrochemical potential mapping and micro-CT imaging. He has held academic positions at Imperial College London and Heriot-Watt University, alongside a non-academic role as Project Manager at Scaled Solutions Ltd. Education includes a PhD from the Institute of Geoenergy Engineering (Edinburgh), an MSc from Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran), and a BSc from Islamic Azad University (Tehran). His research spans carbon sequestration, petroleum engineering, and electrochemistry, with a focus on translational challenges in CCUS, hydrogen, and catalytic processes. Key achievements include attracting over £6M in industrial funding, awards such as the Royal Academy of Engineering Global Talent Endorsement (2023), and international collaborations across the UK, France, Norway, and UAE. His experimental work addresses pore-scale mechanisms in low salinity waterflooding and CO₂ storage risks, with a particular emphasis on fluid-rock interactions and reservoir engineering optimization. His current GeoBattery project explores novel subsurface energy storage through redox cycling in geologic formations, bridging academic and industrial innovation. Academic contributions span 15+ peer-reviewed articles on enhanced oil recovery, CO₂ storage safety, and electrochemical characterization techniques.
Jean-Michel PEREIRA is a Professor at École nationale des ponts et chaussées, serving as Deputy Chairman of the Civil Engineering and Construction Department and a researcher at the Navier Laboratory. He holds a Doctorate in Civil Engineering (2005) and a Habilitation to Supervise Research (2014). His expertise lies in geomechanics, focusing on energy production-related challenges such as geotechnical heat exchangers, CO2 geological storage, and hydrocarbon production. He teaches soil and rock mechanics, emphasizing advanced geotechnical studies. His research explores coupled thermal-hydro-mechanical behaviors of soils, with applications in energy geotechnics and sustainable infrastructure. Recent studies include experimental and numerical analyses of energy piles, frost heave dynamics, and multiphase flow in porous media. Collaborations involve advanced imaging techniques (MRI, X-ray tomography) to study material behavior at microstructural scales. Key contributions include advancing understanding of geothermal systems, CO2 storage mechanics, and structural responses under thermal cycling. His work bridges fundamental geomechanics with practical engineering solutions for energy transition challenges.
Matthieu Vandamme is a Professor and tenured research scientist at École des Ponts ParisTech, specializing in poromechanics and the mechanical behavior of porous materials in civil engineering. His academic roles include lecturer in charge for courses on porous materials and molecular simulations. He holds a Ph.D. from MIT (2008), an M.Eng. from École Polytechnique and École des Ponts ParisTech, and a M.Sc. in Mechanics of Materials. He received the 2016 EMI Leonardo da Vinci Award for his contributions to civil engineering materials. His research focuses on poromechanics, cement-based materials, and geomaterials, particularly the interplay between in-pore processes (adsorption, capillarity) and mechanical behavior. He leads studies on creep properties, drying-induced cracking, and multi-scale modeling of materials like concrete and coal. He serves as Associate Editor for Cement and Concrete Research and has held visiting roles at Cambridge University and Northwestern University. Administrative roles include membership in École des Ponts' board, steering committees for porous solids research, and leadership in the ASCE’s Poromechanics Committee. Vandamme collaborates with industry through the LafargeHolcim Chair and engages in education via courses on construction materials and energy applications. His work bridges microstructural analysis with macroscopic material performance, addressing challenges in sustainable construction and energy storage.
Dr Fernando Alvarez Borges is a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Southampton, specializing in X-ray and neutron computed tomography applications for geomaterials, particulates, and porous media research. His work integrates Deep Learning methods with geomechanics, particularly focusing on offshore renewable energy infrastructure. With over eight years of experience in non-destructive analysis, he contributes to academic and enterprise projects across material sciences, palaeontology, and conservation. Research Interests: 3D imaging technologies, geotechnical engineering, renewable energy systems, and AI-driven image analysis Methodologies: Synchrotron X-ray tomography, neutron imaging, computational modeling Recent publications highlight his work on hydrogen storage in geological formations, methane hydrate dynamics, and advanced composite manufacturing. He actively collaborates with interdisciplinary teams across geosciences, mechanical engineering, and biomedical applications. External Engagement: Invited speaker at the 6th Annual Workshop on Advances in X-ray Imaging (2023)
Alan McGaughey is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University's College of Engineering. He leads the Nanoscale Transport Phenomena Laboratory, where his research bridges mechanical engineering, materials science, physics, and chemistry to study atomic-level transport of mass, momentum, and energy. His work emphasizes phonon, photon, electron, and fluid particle dynamics using advanced simulation techniques. Bachelor of Engineering, McMaster University (1998) Master of Applied Science, University of Toronto (2000) Ph.D., University of Michigan (2004) Post-doctoral training, University of Florida Alan McGaughey's research interests center on nanoscale thermal transport , with applications in energy technologies , materials for energy efficiency , and multiscale modeling . His lab develops molecular- and meso-scale simulation methods, including molecular dynamics, lattice dynamics, density functional theory, and Boltzmann transport equation modeling. Key research areas include thermal transport in nanostructures and interfaces, hybrid organic-inorganic materials, electrocaloric cooling, and liquid-vapor phase change. The team also applies machine learning to accelerate materials discovery and property prediction. The recent publications (2023–2025) reflect a strong focus on thermal conductivity prediction in diverse systems—from polymers and 2D materials to disordered crystals and thin films. The work integrates first-principles simulations , uncertainty quantification , and machine learning to uncover fundamental mechanisms of phonon transport and interfacial heat transfer. A recurring theme is the role of structural disorder —static, dynamic, or rotational—in modulating thermal properties. Air Force Office of Scientific Research Young Investigator Program (2009) Benjamin Richard Teare Teaching Award (2014) National Academy of Engineering’s Frontiers of Engineering Education Symposium (2015) Professor of the Year by MechE seniors (2012, 2015, 2017) 2019 & 2024 College of Engineering Faculty Awards 2021 Viskanta Fellowship, Purdue University McGaughey has advised numerous Ph.D. and Master’s students, many of whom have gone on to impactful research careers. His group has secured funding from agencies such as the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy, including Scott Institute seed grants for energy research. He collaborates extensively with experimentalists, including Jonathan Malen, Reeja Jayan, Chris Wilmer, and others, ensuring strong theory-experiment integration. He is also involved in educational innovation and was named faculty chair-elect for the College of Engineering. The Nanoscale Transport Phenomena Laboratory is a vibrant research group that combines computational modeling with interdisciplinary collaboration to advance fundamental understanding and enable next-generation thermal materials and devices.
Professor Constantinos Theodoropoulos is a leading academic in Chemical and Biochemical Systems Engineering at the University of Manchester's Department of Chemical Engineering. His research integrates advanced computational modeling, optimization, and experimental approaches across multiple scales for bioprocess and energy system design. Education: BSc in Mathematics (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki), MSc and PhD in Chemical Engineering (SUNY Buffalo), Post-doctoral Associate (Princeton University) Academic Affiliation: University of Manchester (Permanent), National Technical University of Athens (Visiting Professor) His research focuses on multi-scale modeling of complex chemical and biological systems, particularly in industrial biotechnology and sustainable energy. Key areas include solid oxide fuel cells , microalgal biorefineries , and model reduction techniques for system optimization. His recent publications highlight innovations in: Electrochemical system design at pore-scale Multiscale fuel cell modeling Bioreactor optimization for biochemical production Parameter identifiability in biological systems Robust control methodologies Scientific recognition includes: 2011 IChemE Innovation and Excellence Award for Bioprocessing Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC) Membership in professional bodies: Institute of Chemical Engineers (AMIChemE), American Institute of Chemical Engineers Teaching responsibilities encompass Process Control (undergraduate), Reaction Systems Design (MSc), and previously included courses on computer-aided design and process safety. He actively supervises research students and leads projects funded by EPSRC , BBSRC , InnovateUK , and EU initiatives.
Zohreh Askari serves as an Assistant Research Scientist in Geology at the Illinois State Geological Survey, part of the University of Illinois system. Her research focuses on geological carbon sequestration and basin analysis within the Illinois Basin, with particular expertise in the Cambrian-Ordovician sequence including the St. Peter Sandstone and Potosi Dolomite formations. Her primary research interests span Carbon Sequestration , Sedimentary Geology , and Hydrogeology , with specific focus on reservoir characterization, paleokarst systems, and structural controls on fluid flow. Current work emphasizes CO₂ storage feasibility, saline aquifer characterization, and risk assessment for geological storage projects. Analysis of her 34 scholarly outputs reveals strong emphasis on practical applications for carbon management, particularly through DOE-funded initiatives like CarbonSAFE. Her publications demonstrate expertise in integrating field observations with reservoir modeling for storage site assessment, with recurring themes in dolomite reservoir quality, sandstone storage complexes, and basin-scale fluid dynamics. Major collaborations include the U.S. Department of Energy on technical reports for the Wabash CarbonSAFE project, focusing on geologic analysis of reservoir intervals and confining units. Her work frequently involves multi-institutional teams addressing site-specific injection feasibility and long-term storage security. Research outputs include 16 conference contributions, 8 technical reports, 6 abstracts, and 4 peer-reviewed articles, with recent work highlighting practical applications for carbon management in Midwestern geological formations.
Professor Pawan Singh Takhar holds dual appointments in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition and the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. His research bridges food engineering principles with biological material science. His research focuses on moisture transport phenomena , glass transition in food systems, and pore-scale modeling of food microstructures. Key areas include frying technology, drying processes, and antimicrobial treatments using advanced computational methods. His work combines hybrid mixture theory with experimental validation through techniques like X-ray microtomography and NMR imaging. Analysis of his 76 research outputs reveals strong emphasis on food microstructure characterization (52% fingerprint weight), transport mechanisms (49%), and moisture dynamics (58%). His recent publications demonstrate increasing integration of computational modeling with experimental food engineering, particularly in pore-scale antimicrobial gas flow and real-time deformation monitoring during drying processes. Professor Takhar collaborates extensively with researchers across food safety, flavor chemistry, and agricultural engineering domains. His work has significant implications for improving food preservation techniques, reducing oil content in fried foods, and developing non-destructive quality assessment methods.
Dongmei Wang is an Associate Professor at the Harold Hamm School of Geology and Geological Engineering, University of North Dakota (UND). She holds a Ph.D. in Oil & Gas Reservoir Engineering from RIPED/China and a B.S. in Computer Science from Daqing Petroleum Institute. With over 20 years of industry experience at PetroChina, she led 40+ reservoir engineering projects and pioneered the world's largest Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) application. Her research focuses on: Enhanced Oil Recovery for conventional/unconventional resources Geothermal reservoir optimization (EGS) Reservoir numerical simulation and economic evaluation Surfactant/polymer processes for tight formations Soil remediation technologies Her publications emphasize polymer flooding, geothermal efficiency, and machine learning in petrophysics, with recurring themes of field-scale applications and economic viability in energy extraction. Awards & Honors: Six-time SPE Outstanding Technical Editor (2015–2019) 2024 SPE 'A Peer Apart' Honor Daqing Oil Field innovation awards for EOR breakthroughs Top 10 Woman Scientist recognitions (2002–2004) She advises 7+ graduate students and secured $2M+ in grants (DOE, NDIC, industry) for projects on geothermal sweep efficiency, heavy oil EOR, and Bakken resource recovery. She collaborates with national labs and leads UND's geothermal consortium.
