Dr Crispin Branfoot is a Reader in the History of South Asian Art and Archaeology at SOAS University of London, affiliated with the School of Arts and the Department of History of Art and Archaeology. He holds a BA in Ancient History and Archaeology from Manchester University, and an MA and PhD in Art and Archaeology from SOAS. His research focuses on the arts of southern India from the 14th to 20th centuries, with emphasis on Hindu temple architecture, colonial-era renovations, and the intersection of photography, archaeology, and conservation. He has supervised four PhD students examining topics ranging from temple iconography to colonial paper-making practices. His work explores how sacred spaces like the Minakshi-Sundareshvara temple in Madurai were reconfigured through colonial and post-colonial interventions, while also analyzing pilgrimage routes, portraiture traditions, and the legacy of the Vijayanagara Empire. He has contributed to major publications such as India: A History in Objects (2022), and his research bridges material culture studies with postcolonial theory. He previously worked at De Montfort University and the British Museum, where he gained expertise in South Asian art curation and historical documentation.
Dr. Danial Chitnis is a Chancellor's Fellow and Lecturer in Electronics at the School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh. He holds a DPhil in Engineering Science from the University of Oxford (2013) and has expertise in microelectronics, biomedical engineering, and quantum imaging. His research focuses on SPAD arrays, time-of-flight sensors, and wearable optical systems for biomedical applications. Education: BSc in Electronics Engineering, Chamran University of Ahvaz (2002–2007) MSc in Advanced Microelectronics Systems Engineering, University of Bristol (2007–2008) DPhil in Engineering Science, University of Oxford (2009–2013) Research Interests: Single-Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) arrays for optical communications and biomedical imaging Quantum-enhanced imaging via QuantIC Hub Wearable sensors for near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) AI-driven automation in test and measurement systems Articles Trends: Recent work emphasizes AI integration in electronics design, photon-counting receivers for 6G networks, and portable biomedical devices. Notable contributions include SYCL-based acceleration of circuit simulations and FPGA-driven time-to-digital converters. Grants & Collaborations: Principal Investigator of multiple grants, including EPSRC-funded projects on AI-enhanced human-machine interfaces and quantum technology applications. Collaborates with UCL, QuantIC, and industry partners like Keysight Technologies. Labs/Teams: Co-investigator at QuantIC, the UK Quantum Technology Hub in Quantum Enhanced Imaging. Leads interdisciplinary research on detector arrays and systems for quantum physics and consumer cameras.
Dr. Ava Hedayatipour is an Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering at California State University at Long Beach (CSULB), where she joined in Fall 2020. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (2020), and degrees from Iran University of Science and Technology (B.S., 2012) and Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University (M.S., 2015). Her research focuses on analog/mixed-signal circuit design, bio-implantable devices, low-power systems, and hardware security. Notable contributions include a first-of-its-kind integrated secure multimodal sensor and a flexible paper electrode for remote electrochemical experiments. Education: Ph.D., Electrical Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 2020 M.S., Electrical Engineering, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Iran, 2015 B.S., Electrical Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, 2012 Research Interests: Analog and mixed-signal circuit design Biomedical devices and lab-on-chip applications Low-power, low-noise microelectronics Hardware security for IoT and biomedical sensors Flexible electrodes for wearable systems Awards: University of Tennessee Fellowship Award (2019) Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award (2018) BEST PAPER AWARD at IEEE DCAS 2025 2nd Place Winner at IEEE BIOCAS 2023 Innovation Challenge Advising & Grants: Lead CSULB LEAP program project on medical imaging braces Funded NSF project on chaotic analog security (2018–present) Collaborated with industry partners like Applied Medical and Synaptics Labs & Teams: Next Generation Wearable Lab at CSULB Focus on sensor design, hardware security, and biomedical applications
Mark Batty is a Professor in the School of Computing at the University of Kent, specializing in formal methods for concurrent systems. His work bridges hardware-software interfaces, focusing on memory models for C/C++, OpenCL, and architectures including x86, ARM, POWER, and GPUs. As a member of the Programming Languages and Systems Research Group, he develops mathematical specifications and verification tools for real-world concurrency challenges. His research centers on empirical testing of hardware/compiler behavior, formal modeling of system components, and verification of fine-grained concurrent algorithms. Key contributions address relaxed memory semantics, transactional memory, and compositional reasoning for concurrent data structures. His work combines theoretical rigor with practical tool development to ensure correctness in complex concurrent environments. Analysis of his 2015-2025 publications reveals consistent focus on memory consistency models, formal verification of weak memory concurrency, and compiler optimizations. Dominant themes include C/C++11 standards, GPU concurrency semantics, and mechanized verification techniques. His research demonstrates strong industry relevance through collaborations with hardware vendors and contributions to language standards. Mark Batty has received significant recognition: John C. Reynolds Doctoral Dissertation Award (2015) from ACM SIGPLAN CPHC and BCS Distinguished Dissertation Award (2015) Lloyds Register Foundation and Royal Academy of Engineering Research Fellowship (2016) He actively leads major research initiatives and mentors next-generation researchers: Current Funding: EPSRC Standard Grant 'Verifiably Correct transactional memory' (2018), VeTTS Grant 'Specification and verification of C++ data structure libraries' (2018), EPSRC First Grant 'Compositional, dependency-aware C++ concurrency' (2018) PhD Recruitment: Actively seeking candidates for UKRI-funded studentship in Verified Trustworthy Software Systems Batty drives community engagement through Kent Concurrency Workshop (2016) and South of England Programming Language Seminars, fostering national collaboration in programming languages research. His leadership in organizing Royal Society discussions underscores his influence in trustworthy systems verification.
Levi J Hargrove is an Associate Professor at Northwestern University, holding dual appointments in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Feinberg School of Medicine and the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the McCormick School of Engineering. He is also a Research Scientist at the Center for Bionic Medicine at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. His work focuses on developing neural control systems for prosthetic limbs, particularly in myoelectric control and pattern recognition, aiming to create clinically viable solutions for amputees. Education: BScE in Electrical Engineering, University of New Brunswick, 2003 MScE in Electrical Engineering, University of New Brunswick, 2005 PhD in Electrical Engineering, University of New Brunswick, 2008 Research Interests: Signal processing, pattern recognition, myoelectric control of powered prostheses, and neural interfaces for bionic limbs. His lab translates research into clinical applications, such as the first thought-controlled bionic leg and Coapt LLC's pattern recognition systems for upper-limb prosthetics. Awards: 2017 American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists Research Award 2014 Department of Defense Outstanding Research Team Award 2015 Collaboration Award from Chicago Innovation Grants: Manages a $25 million portfolio from federal, military, and philanthropic sources. Key projects include NSF-funded research on human-robot interaction and DoD grants for prosthetic innovation. Labs: Leads the Regenstein Foundation Center for Bionic Medicine and collaborates with the Neurorehabilitation and Neural Engineering Lab. His work emphasizes translational research, bridging engineering and clinical practice.
Albert H. Titus is a Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at the University at Buffalo, State University of New York. He serves as Associate Vice President for Regulatory Support in the Office of the Vice President for Research and Economic Development. His research focuses on analog VLSI design for neuromorphic visual processing, biosensors, wearable devices, optoelectronic systems, and neural networks. Education: PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology (1997) MS in Electrical Engineering, University at Buffalo (1991) BS in Electrical Engineering, University at Buffalo (1989) Research Interests: His work spans wearable and implantable sensors, bioinstrumentation, neural network-based visual processing, analog VLSI implementations, optoelectronics, and electronic packaging. He pioneered CMOS-based neuromorphic systems and developed patented technologies for glare sensing and RF power calorimetry. Publication Trends: His recent articles emphasize CMOS-integrated sensors, machine learning for bioimpedance analysis, implantable medical devices, and xerogel-based optical biosensors. These works bridge biomedical engineering and microelectronics. Scientific Recognition: He is a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors and has received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Service (2017), NSF CAREER award, and Western New York Inventor of the Year (2010). His inventions include a patented low-power glare sensor (U.S. Patent 7,586,079) featured in Popular Science’s 2011 Top Ten Inventions. Academic Leadership: As a faculty member, he has supervised nearly 20 PhD and over 40 MS students, while teaching courses in circuits, IC design, sensors, and signal processing across electrical and biomedical engineering disciplines.
Dr. Pinon Hermida Victor is a Researcher at the Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser (IESL) under the Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH). He holds a PhD in Physics from the University of A Coruña (2011) and has conducted extensive research on Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), focusing on femtosecond lasers, double-pulse configurations, and applications in material analysis, archaeology, and environmental science. His career includes roles at Applied Photonics Ltd (UK) as Senior Applications Scientist (2014-2020) and postdoctoral fellowships at FORTH-IESL through the Marie Curie ATLAS program (2006-2008). Research interests span LIBS methodology development, optical fiber systems for high-power lasers, and software for spectral analysis. Notable contributions include portable LIBS instrument design and radiation-resistant optical components for nuclear facilities. Awards include the 2008 LIBS Contest and the 2011 Premio Extraordinario de Doctorado. Recent work focuses on applying LIBS to archaeological mollusc shell analysis for climate and environmental studies. He collaborates internationally on LIBS quantification challenges and instrument durability in harsh environments. Education: PhD in Physics (2011), University of A Coruña; Diploma in Physics (2001), University of Santiago de Compostela Key Roles: Senior Applications Scientist (Applied Photonics), Marie Curie Fellow (FORTH-IESL), Researcher (Laboratory of Industrial Applications of Lasers) Lab Affiliations: IESL-FORTH and University of A Coruña laser labs
Dr. Joshua M. Pearce is a Professor at Western University, holding appointments in the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering and the Ivey Business School. He is the John M. Thompson Chair in Information Technology and Innovation at the Thompson Centre for Engineering Leadership & Innovation and a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering. His research focuses on open-source appropriate technology for sustainability and poverty reduction, spanning solar photovoltaics, 3D printing, distributed recycling, and policy analysis. Ph.D. in Materials Engineering from Pennsylvania State University Former Richard Witte Professor at Michigan Tech Editor-in-Chief of HardwareX Author of multiple open-source sustainability books His work integrates engineering, economics, and policy to solve global sustainability challenges. Recent projects include agrivoltaic systems, open-source medical devices, and climate-resilient food production frameworks. He leads the Free Appropriate Sustainability Technology (FAST) research group, which has produced over 200 open-access publications cited in top-tier journals like Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews (IF=16.3) and HardwareX (IF=2). Dr. Pearce's scientific contributions include: Fulbright-Aalto University Distinguished Chair Top 0.06% most cited scientist (Elsevier metrics) Leading open-source hardware certification frameworks Developing low-cost scientific instruments His research team includes cross-disciplinary collaborators from Mechanical Engineering, Environmental Science, and Policy Studies. The FAST group emphasizes practical open-source solutions for energy, water, and food security in both developed and low-resource contexts.
Prof. Kwang W. Oh is a tenured Professor at the Department of Electrical Engineering and Department of Biomedical Engineering within the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at University at Buffalo (SUNY at Buffalo) . He serves as the Director of Graduate Studies in Electrical Engineering and Director of SMALL (Sensors and MicroActuators Learning Lab) . His academic journey includes PhD and MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering from University of Cincinnati (2001, 1997) and BS in Physics from Chonbuk National University (1995). Prof. Oh's research expertise lies at the intersection of microfluidics , BioMEMS , and lab-on-a-chip technologies. His lab has pioneered vacuum-driven microfluidic devices , PDMS-based systems , droplet manipulation , and chemical-free fabrication techniques . His work enables point-of-care diagnostics , single cell analysis , and wearable medical sensors , with significant contributions to sample-to-answer nanosystems and world-to-chip interfacing . The scientific awards section highlights his excellence in teaching and research: SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching (2020) Meyerson Award for Undergraduate Teaching (2019) Qualcomm Faculty Award (2019) Senior Teacher of the Year (2017) Royal Society of Chemistry's Emerging Investigators (2013) Samsung Electronics' CEO Honor (2003) His lab has produced numerous PhD and MS students including Dr. Anyang Wang (2020), Dr. Nikhila Nyayapathi (2020), Mr. Liam Christie (2021), and Dr. Domin Koh (2019). As a conference chair , he has organized symposia at NanoTech (2012-2026) and served as editorial board member for Sensors , Micromachines , and Biomedical Engineering Letters .
Zhen Ming (Jack) Jiang is an Associate Professor and York Research Chair (Tier II) in Software Engineering for Foundation Model-Powered Systems at York University's Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. His research bridges software engineering, artificial intelligence, and computer systems with significant industrial impact. Dr. Jiang earned his Ph.D. from Queen's University's School of Computing and MMath/BMath degrees from the University of Waterloo's David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science. During his doctoral studies, he collaborated with BlackBerry's Performance Engineering team, developing tools now used daily to monitor commercial software systems. His research focuses on engineering rigor for AI-powered applications , software engineering evolution in the Generative AI era , and performance optimization of large-scale systems . Key areas include software performance engineering, mining software repositories, debugging distributed systems, source code analysis, and software visualization. His work combines empirical studies with practical tool development. Recent publications reveal strong trends in applying AI to software engineering challenges, particularly in machine learning systems reliability, blockchain efficiency, and AIOps solutions. His research consistently emphasizes empirical validation using real-world systems and industrial case studies. Scientific recognition includes: York Research Chair (Tier II) in Software Engineering for Foundation Model-Powered Systems NSERC Discovery Accelerator Supplements (DAS), 2020 Best Paper Award at ICST 2016 IEEE Software Best SEIP Paper at ICSE 2015 Ph.D. Research Achievement Award at Queen's University Multiple best paper awards at WCRE, MSR, and ICSE Dr. Jiang actively supervises graduate students and has secured competitive research funding including NSERC grants. His service includes program committee roles for top conferences (ICSE, ASE, ICSME) and editorial work for leading journals (TSE, TOSEM, EMSE). He leads research initiatives focused on foundation model-powered systems, collaborating with industry partners on performance monitoring and debugging solutions for large-scale distributed environments.
Giovanni De Micheli is a Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at EPF Lausanne, Switzerland. He also serves as Director of the Integrated Systems Centre and the Institute of Electrical Engineering at EPFL, and chairs the Scientific Committee of CSEM in Neuchatel. Previously, he held academic roles at Stanford University for 18 years, including Full Professor, Associate Professor, and Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering. His research spans synthesis of digital circuits, hardware/software co-design, low-power design, and Networks on Chip (NoC) technology. 2003: IEEE Emanuel Piore Award 2000: Golden Jubilee Medal of the IEEE CAS Society 2000: ACM Fellow 1994: IEEE Fellow 1990: IEEE/CS Distinguished Service Award 1988: NSF Presidential Young Investigator Award His seminal contributions include pioneering C-based synthesis and Boolean matching algorithms for digital circuits, foundational work in dynamic power management using stochastic control, and the development of Network-on-Chip (NoC) technology. His publications, such as "Networks on Chips: A New SoC Paradigm" and "Dynamic Power Management for Portable Systems" , have shaped modern SoC design practices. With over 400 technical articles, 9 books, and an H-index of 56, his work remains highly influential.
Mohamed S. El-Genk is a Regents’ Professor and Distinguished Professor in the Department of Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Chemical & Biological Engineering at the University of New Mexico (UNM). He also serves as Founding Director of the Institute for Space and Nuclear Power Studies (ISNPS) and is affiliated with the Configurable Space Microsystems Innovations & Applications Center (COSMIAC). Education: Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering (UNM, 1978), M.S. in Nuclear Engineering (University of Alexandria, 1975), B.S. in Nuclear Engineering (University of Alexandria, 1968) His research spans nuclear reactor thermal-hydraulics, space nuclear power systems, energy conversion, heat pipes, boiling heat transfer, two-phase flow, radiation shielding, and molecular dynamics modeling of nuclear materials. He has pioneered thermal management solutions for terrestrial and space applications. The 15 most recent publications focus on reactor design optimization (e.g., SLIMM-1.2, VSLLIM), heat transfer correlations in microchannels and helically coiled tubes, radiation damage modeling, and thermal-hydraulics of modular and lunar reactor systems. These works reflect his expertise in nuclear materials, CFD simulations, and energy conversion technologies. Scientific Awards: 2017 ASME Heat Transfer Memorial Award, 2015 ANS Thermal-Hydraulics Technical Achievement Award, AIChE Donald Q. Kern Award (2009), ANS Fellow (1996), ASME/AIChE Max Jacob Award Committee Chair (2005-06) El-Genk has supervised over 60 graduate students (30 Masters, 32 Doctoral) and contributed to 380+ refereed papers. He leads the development of global standards for space nuclear reactors and serves on editorial boards for journals including Thermal Science and Engineering Progress and Energy Conversion and Management .
Dr. Jasper van den Boom is currently a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Chair for Civil Law, German and European Competition Law at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf. He holds a Master’s degree from Tilburg University in European Economic & Competition Law and completed his PhD there with a thesis on digital market regulation. His research focuses on competition law, digital regulation, energy law, and cybersecurity. He has taught at Utrecht University and supervised theses on competition law and digital governance. Key achievements include nominations for the Tilburg University Dissertation Award and KNHW Award for interdisciplinary work. His research spans topics like Digital Markets Act (DMA) enforcement mechanisms, ecosystem competition analysis, and cybersecurity policy. He contributed to policy reports for the Dutch National Cybersecurity Centre and co-authored studies on EU competition law’s interactions with digital markets. Dr. van den Boom’s work bridges legal frameworks with technological and economic realities, emphasizing practical regulatory solutions for modern challenges in digital ecosystems and energy sectors.
Dr. XiuJun Li is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) within the College of Science. He leads the Li Microfluidic Lab-on-a-Chip & Nanotechnology Group, focusing on the development of cutting-edge, low-cost diagnostic technologies for applications in bioanalysis, biomedical engineering, forensic science, and environmental science. His work is highly interdisciplinary, bridging chemistry, engineering, and biology. Dr. Li's primary research interests lie in microfluidics, nanotechnology, lab-on-a-chip systems, and point-of-care diagnostics. His lab specializes in creating paper and polymer hybrid microfluidic devices for the ultrasensitive detection of cancer biomarkers, infectious diseases (such as SARS-CoV-2 and pertussis), and environmental toxins. A significant focus is on making these devices instrument-free and affordable, particularly for use in resource-limited settings and rural areas. His recent work on a $3 paper-based cancer detector has garnered significant media attention, including features in the New York Post and local TV stations. The trend in Dr. Li's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on developing portable, visual, and quantitative diagnostic platforms. His research frequently involves the integration of nanomaterials for signal amplification, the use of microfluidic chips for controlled reactions, and innovative readout methods like bar-chart displays and smartphone-based detection, all aimed at creating practical tools for real-world healthcare challenges. Dr. Li has received substantial recognition for his contributions to science, including being named one of the World's Top 2% of Cited Researchers by Elsevier and a Top Scholar by ScholarGPS. He is an Editorial Board Member for Microsystems & Nanoengineering (Nature Publishing Group) and has been awarded a Travel Grant from GEM on the Road’s PFI Programming. He holds patents for his inventions in biosensing and photothermal detection. Dr. Li is a dedicated mentor and educator. He has advised numerous PhD and Master's students, many of whom have gone on to prestigious postdoctoral positions at institutions like Harvard, UPenn, and MD Anderson. He is also the Director of the Forensic Science program at UTEP, where he organizes outreach events to engage students. His lab is actively involved in research, with multiple postdoctoral fellows and graduate students currently working on projects related to cancer detection and infectious disease study.
Dr. Sueda Saylan is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Engineering, Özyeğin University, since 2024. Her academic journey includes a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Engineering (2016) from Masdar Institute (now Khalifa University), postdoctoral research at Khalifa University (2016-2022), and an MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship at Bilkent University (2022-2024). She has also held visiting researcher positions at MIT (2014) and the University of Tokyo (2016). Education Doctorate: Interdisciplinary Engineering, Masdar Institute of Science and Technology (2016) Master's: Microelectronic Manufacturing Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology (2004) Bachelor's: Mechanical Engineering, Middle East Technical University (2002) Dr. Saylan's research focuses on memristive devices , photovoltaics , and light-matter interactions at micro/nanoscale . Her work bridges materials science and electronic engineering, with recent publications on memristor-based sensors, spectral filtering in silicon, and machine learning integration for biomedical diagnostics. Key trends from her 15 most recent articles (2013-2025) include: Advancing memristor technology for radiation sensing and vacuum monitoring Optimizing photovoltaic efficiency through light management and antireflection coatings Developing compact, low-power diagnostic devices for pathogen detection Exploring nanoscale electrode materials and switching mechanisms Applying Fourier transforms and interferometry in optical systems Scientific Awards Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowship (2022-2024) Dr. Saylan has received research support from prestigious programs and has contributed to interdisciplinary projects involving semiconductor physics, optical engineering, and biomedical diagnostics. Her collaborations span institutions like Khalifa University, MIT, and the University of Tokyo.
