Prof. Dr.-Ing. Julia Mergheim is a Professor at the Chair of Engineering Mechanics (LTM) within the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU). She leads the Numerical Mechanics Working Group and maintains an active research program in computational mechanics with significant contributions to the field. Her research focuses on Nonlinear Finite Element Methods , Multiscale Modeling and Simulation , and Crack Propagation Simulation . Her work spans various applications including additive manufacturing, material failure analysis, energy harvesting systems, and computational fracture mechanics. Prof. Mergheim has developed advanced numerical techniques for modeling complex material behaviors, particularly in the areas of ductile damage, fracture mechanics, and multiphysics systems. Her recent publications demonstrate strong research activity across multiple domains, with particular emphasis on clinch joining processes, additive manufacturing optimization, energy harvesting systems, and advanced computational methods for material failure prediction. Her work shows consistent collaboration with researchers across Germany and internationally. Prof. Mergheim maintains an active presence in the computational mechanics community through her extensive publication record and participation in conferences. Her research group continues to produce high-impact work that bridges theoretical developments with practical engineering applications.
Iván Andres Luzardo-Ocampo is a Research Professor (tenure-track) at Tecnológico de Monterrey, holding dual appointments in the Institute for Obesity Research and the Department of Bioengineering at Campus Querétaro. His academic journey spans institutions across Colombia, Mexico, Spain, and the United States, reflecting a truly international research perspective in food science and nutrition. Education: PhD in Food Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro (2016-2020), Summa Cum Laude Master in Food Technology, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro (2014-2016), Magna Cum Laude Food Engineering, Universidad del Quindío, Colombia (2007-2013) Academic visit at Autonomous University of Barcelona and University of Barcelona, Spain (2010-2011) PhD Research Scholar, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA (2018-2019) Dr. Luzardo-Ocampo's research focuses on the impact of food prototypes and metabolites in metabolic disease models (obesity, inflammation, diabetes), utilization of food by-products as sources of biologically active compounds, and in vitro/ex vivo simulation of gastrointestinal digestion. His interdisciplinary work bridges food science, nutrition, and biomedical engineering to develop functional foods that address global health challenges including obesity and metabolic disorders. He is particularly interested in phenolic compounds from plant sources and their health implications. Analysis of Dr. Luzardo-Ocampo's recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong emphasis on food by-products valorization, phenolic compounds analysis, and their impact on metabolic health. His research spans multiple disciplines including food chemistry, nutrition science, and biomedical applications. Key trends include the investigation of underutilized plant materials (mango bagasse, corn by-products, avocado), development of plant-based functional foods, and examination of food processing effects on bioaccessibility and biological activity. His work frequently employs in vitro digestion models to assess these properties. Scientific Awards and Honors: US National Academies of Sciences delegate (2024) Mars Corporation Fellow (2022) Mexican Representative at the Lindau's Nobel Conferences (Germany, 2022) American Society for Nutrition's Global Nutrition Early Research Scholar Award (2021) 2nd Place at the Alejandrina Research Award (Mexico, 2020) PhD Summa Cum Laude (2020) and MSc Magna Cum Laude (2016) Mexican Researcher Certification - Level 1 Dr. Luzardo-Ocampo serves as an editorial board member for multiple prestigious journals including the Journal of Functional Foods (Elsevier), Journal of Food Quality (Wiley), Journal of Food Processing and Preservation (Wiley), and International Journal of Food Science (Wiley). He has reviewed for over 60 journals in food science, nutrition, biochemistry, biotechnology, and microbiology fields. His research has attracted significant attention, as evidenced by numerous citations and social media mentions across platforms. He actively engages in community-focused education initiatives, as demonstrated by his work on unconventional laboratory concepts for bioengineering student development. As part of the Institute for Obesity Research at Tecnológico de Monterrey, Dr. Luzardo-Ocampo contributes to a multidisciplinary team addressing global nutrition challenges. His work aligns with several UN Sustainable Development Goals including Zero Hunger, Good Health and Well-being, and Climate Action. The Healthy Foods Unit where he works focuses on developing innovative food solutions to combat obesity and related metabolic disorders through scientific research and technological innovation.
Azza Mahmoud is a Senior Lecturer in Chemical Engineering at Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU), where she has been a faculty member since 2021. She is affiliated with the Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment unit. Her educational background includes: Bachelor's degree in Physics Master's degree in Physics PhD in Chemical Engineering (research on powder flowability measurement for cohesive powders) Specializing in Powder Technology, Dr. Mahmoud's research focuses on powder flowability and the behavior of cohesive powders. Her work applies principles of physics to chemical engineering challenges, contributing to sustainable engineering practices in powder processing and industrial applications. She maintains an active role in Chemical Engineering education at CCCU, teaching courses within her department while advancing research in powder mechanics.
Dr. Ke An serves as a Distinguished R&D Staff Scientist and Lead Scientist of the VULCAN instrument at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory while holding an Adjunct Faculty position in the Department of Materials Science at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. With over two decades of experience in neutron scattering research, Dr. An leads cutting-edge investigations into material behavior under extreme conditions and develops advanced scientific instrumentation for materials characterization. Dr. An's educational background includes: Ph.D. in Engineering Science and Mechanics from Virginia Tech (2003) M.S. in Chemical Engineering from Tianjin University (2000) B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Tianjin University (1998) B.S. in Management from Tianjin University (1998) His research program focuses on neutron scattering studies of material systems under temperature extremes, magnetic fields, electrical currents, and complex mechanical loading. Dr. An investigates residual stress and deformation behavior in structural materials including high entropy alloys, additively manufactured alloys, high strength steel, and lightweight alloys. His work encompasses deformation mechanisms, structural phase transitions in magnetic shape memory materials, thermal mechanical integrity of engineering materials, and synthesis of energy storage and conversion materials. He has pioneered techniques for high spatial resolution neutron diffraction to study critical engineering components. Dr. An's publication record demonstrates consistent leadership in applying neutron diffraction to solve complex materials engineering challenges. His recent work shows increasing integration of machine learning with traditional neutron scattering methods, development of specialized instrumentation like the RICH system, and application of advanced characterization techniques to emerging materials including refractory high-entropy alloys and additively manufactured composites. His research bridges fundamental materials science with practical engineering applications across energy systems and advanced manufacturing sectors. Dr. An's scientific achievements have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards: Fellow of the Neutron Scattering Society of America (2024) RD 100 Award (2023) UT-Battelle Distinguished Researcher Award for career (2022) Nature Communications Metallurgy Paper Collection recognition (2023) Multiple Top 10 Neutron Scattering Achievements awards (2018-2022) Best Team Science Award for Additive Manufacturing (2023) As Lead Scientist of the VULCAN instrument, Dr. An directs significant research resources and collaborates extensively with industry partners through the Industry Applications Program. He coordinates the Materials & Engineering Science Initiative and serves as Point of Contact for the New Materials and Engineering Instrument at the Second Target Station. Dr. An also contributes to the scientific community as Associate Editor for Frontiers in Materials and Editorial Board Member for Scientific Reports, providing guidance on scholarly publications in materials science. Dr. An leads the VULCAN engineering materials diffractometer, a premier facility for in-situ and operando materials characterization at the Spallation Neutron Source. His team develops specialized equipment including the RICH (Robotic Interface Control & Handling) system for advanced sample manipulation during neutron experiments. He also oversees patent development related to neutron instrumentation, including the recently granted 'NEUTRONIC ENGINE' patent (US 11,768,128 B2, 2023), demonstrating his commitment to translating scientific discoveries into practical technological innovations.
Alberto Boschetto is a Full Professor at the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome. His research focuses on advanced manufacturing technologies, particularly additive manufacturing (AM), materials science, and surface engineering. He leads investigations into 4D printing, laser powder bed fusion, and digital image analysis for quality control in AM processes. Key areas of expertise include: 4D printing of smart materials for dynamic applications Optimization of metal additive manufacturing processes (SLM, FFF) Surface characterization and post-processing techniques Application of AM in aerospace components (satellites, LIDAR systems) Industry 4.0 integration for space manufacturing Recent work emphasizes defect detection via digital image processing, corrosion-resistant coatings for aluminum alloys, and lightweight satellite platform design. His publications span over 20 years with a focus on improving AM process reliability and expanding its aerospace applications. Dr. Boschetto collaborates on EU-funded projects related to smart manufacturing systems and has pioneered AM redesign methodologies for military aircraft components. His research bridges fundamental materials science with practical industrial applications in aerospace and automotive sectors.
Dr. Alper Erturk is the Carl Ring Family Chair and a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Georgia Tech’s College of Engineering. His research focuses on acoustics, dynamics, and smart structures, with emphasis on energy harvesting, metamaterials, nonlinear dynamics, and biomedical applications. He leads the Smart Structures and Dynamical Systems Laboratory (SSDSL), exploring topics like piezoelectric energy harvesting, programmable metastructures, and transcranial ultrasound delivery. Education: Ph.D. (Virginia Tech, 2009), M.S. (METU, 2006), B.S. (METU, 2004). His work is funded by NSF, NIST, and AFOSR. Awards include the Philip E. Doak Award (2021), Fellow of SPIE (2020), and Woodruff Professorship (2019–2024). Research interests span vibration energy harvesting, piezoelectric robotics, elastic wave control, and biomedical systems. Recent projects include wireless acoustic power transfer, skull-brain vibration studies, and metamaterials for broadband attenuation. His lab integrates theoretical and experimental methods, offering students interdisciplinary training in structural dynamics and smart materials. Awards and recognitions include over 20 honors, including teaching fellowships and editorships in journals like Smart Materials and Structures . Collaborations include institutions like KAIST and Politecnico di Milano.
Dr. Simone Loreti is a Research Fellow at the Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research (OCCR) at the University of Bern, Switzerland. His current research focuses on mathematical modelling of infrastructure networks' interconnectedness under flood impacts, utilizing complex networks and human mobility analysis. He holds a PhD from the University of Surrey (UK), a Master’s in Physics of Complex Systems from IFISC (Spain), and a Master’s and Bachelor’s in Theoretical Physics from the University of Bologna (Italy). Previously, he served as an Industrial Postdoctoral Researcher at F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG (Switzerland), focusing on fluidized bed granulation modelling, and as an R&D Mechanical Engineer at Bucci Industries (Italy). His research interests span mathematical and computational physics, complex networks, spatial networks, physics of complex systems, dynamical systems, and floods phenomena. He also explores engineering applications such as powder technology, pharmaceutical engineering, discrete element method (DEM), computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and population balance modelling (PBM). Key contributions include studies on flood impacts on road networks and human mobility patterns, as well as pharmaceutical and materials processing dynamics. His work bridges theoretical physics with applied engineering, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to environmental and industrial challenges.
Robert Kosturek is an Adjunct Professor at the Military University of Technology, specializing in materials science and advanced manufacturing processes. His research focuses on welding technologies, composite materials, and mechanical properties of alloys including aluminum, titanium, and bimetallic systems. He has contributed extensively to studies on friction stir welding (FSW), explosive hardening, and additive manufacturing processes like L-PBF. His work emphasizes improving material performance through process optimization, such as post-weld treatments and thermal cycling effects. Dr. Kosturek holds a PhD from 2021 and has published over 50 peer-reviewed articles, with a strong focus on fracture mechanics, fatigue analysis, and microstructural characterization. His research spans applications in aerospace, biomedical, and military engineering, addressing challenges like enhanced ballistic properties and electromagnetic interference shielding in multi-layer materials. He has led projects exploring the mechanical behavior of Sc-modified AA2519 alloys and the interface properties of dissimilar metal joints formed via explosive welding. Key areas of investigation include: Friction Stir Welding of high-strength aluminum alloys (AA2519, AA7075) Explosive hardening of titanium and magnesium alloys Laser powder bed fusion of titanium and aluminum alloys Microstructural analysis of bimetallic joints (Mg/Al, Ti/steel) Low-cycle fatigue behavior of welded and treated materials His work bridges fundamental materials science with practical engineering applications, particularly in defense and aerospace sectors.
Dr. Jaemin Wang is a Research Fellow at the Max Planck Institute for Sustainable Materials in Düsseldorf, Germany. His research focuses on applying machine learning and computational modeling to advance materials science, particularly in the design and characterization of medium- and high-entropy alloys. Prior to this, he completed his M.S.-Ph.D. integrated program at Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Republic of Korea, followed by postdoctoral research at the Center for Advanced Aerospace Materials at POSTECH. His educational background includes a B.Sc. (2015–2019) and M.Sc.-Ph.D. (2019–2024) in Materials Science and Engineering from POSTECH. His work integrates computational methods with experimental techniques to study microstructural evolution, mechanical properties, and phase transformations in advanced alloys, with applications in additive manufacturing and cryogenics. Key research areas include: Machine learning-driven alloy design and solidification modeling Computational modeling of TWIP/TRIP mechanisms in medium-entropy alloys Microstructure-control strategies for enhanced mechanical performance Cryogenic behavior of carbon-added ferrous alloys Phase stability and metastability engineering His recent publications explore the interplay between precipitation, microstructural hierarchy, and mechanical properties in novel alloy systems. Collaborative efforts focus on bridging AI-driven predictions with experimental validation for real-world material applications. Dr. Wang is affiliated with the Artificial Intelligence for Material Science research group and contributes to advancing predictive materials science through interdisciplinary approaches.
Dr. Lu Zhang is an Assistant Professor at the Laboratory of Food Process Engineering, Wageningen University, leading the Additive Food Assembly group. Her research focuses on 3D food printing, complex food systems, and material science, aiming to personalize nutrition through advanced food processing technologies. She holds a PhD from Wageningen University (2018) and degrees from Xiamen University (BSc and MSc in Chemical Engineering). Her team includes seven PhD students, a postdoctoral researcher, and a technician, specializing in diverse fields like chemical engineering and food technology. Current projects include PRINTYOURFOOD (decoupling food composition and texture), ROBOFOOD (edible robots), and ROBOFOOD (robotic food systems). Her work explores food material behavior under process conditions, composition impacts on printability, and adaptive printing controls. She teaches courses on product/process design and automation in food manufacturing, funded by the NWO Sectorplan Mechanical Engineering. Research interests extend to residue valorisation and bakery products, with expertise in thermal inactivation kinetics and food formulation. Publications span 3D printing innovation, material characterization, and food processing optimization. Grants and collaborations support her team's interdisciplinary approach to future food systems.
Delphine Retraint is a Professor at the University of Technology of Troyes (UTT) and former Head of the LASMIS Laboratory (2017-2020). Her research focuses on mechanical surface treatments including shot peening, laser peening, and Surface Mechanical Attrition Treatment (SMAT), with applications in nanostructures, residual stress analysis, and additive manufacturing post-processing. She utilizes neutron/X-ray diffraction methods to study mechanical properties, wear, and fatigue behavior. Education PhD in Materials Science - Institut National Polytechnique de Grenoble (1995) Master's Degree in Materials Science - Institut National Polytechnique de Grenoble (1992) Engineering Degree in Surface Treatment and Materials - École Nationale Supérieure d'Électrochimie et d'Électrométallurgie de Grenoble (1992) Professional Experience Professor at UTT (2011-present) Head of LASMIS Laboratory (2017-2020) Detached Researcher at CNRS/ICMMO, Paris Saclay University (2018-2019) Invited Researcher at University of New South Wales, Sydney (2010) Associate Professor at UTT (1997-2011) Her recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on surface modification techniques, particularly SMAT, and their effects on material properties in aerospace alloys, biomedical materials, and additively manufactured components. Research consistently explores residual stress characterization, fatigue performance enhancement, and microstructure-property relationships across various metallic systems. Laboratory Leadership As former head of LASMIS Laboratory, she led research in mechanical and material engineering with focus areas including surface treatments, additive manufacturing, and advanced material characterization techniques. The laboratory maintains collaborations with international institutions including CNRS in France and UNSW in Australia.
Arun Arjunan is a Research Professor at the University of Wolverhampton’s Faculty of Science and Engineering. He serves as Director of the Centre for Engineering Innovation and Research (CEIR) and leads the Additive Manufacturing of Functional Materials (AMFM) research group. His expertise spans advanced additive manufacturing, metamaterials, and sustainable material development, with a focus on biomedical and environmental applications. He obtained a fully funded PhD in structural mechanics and vibro-acoustics, and earned the Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA) for his pedagogical leadership. His research emphasizes developing metamaterials with unique mechanical, acoustic, and biological properties. Key contributions include meta-biomaterials for tissue regeneration, infection-resistant implants, and Herschel Quincke-Arjunan waveguides for noise cancellation. The AMFM group integrates interdisciplinary specialists to innovate in 3D printing functional materials. The 15 most recent publications highlight his work in additive manufacturing across biomedical implants, water treatment, thermoelectrics, and sustainable infrastructure. Notable trends include sustainability in metal AM, bioprinting, and biochar-based solutions for contaminant removal. Scientific awards: GKN Award (2011) Vice Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Research (2020) UK Engineering Innovation Award (2021) Blavatnik Awards Nominee (2019, 2020) THE ENGINEER UK Collaborate to Innovate Finalist (2021) Arun supervises PhD students and contributes to teaching via modules like Advanced FEA and Applied Stress Analysis. He is a member of the BSI standards committee for additive manufacturing and has secured major grants from Innovate UK, DfT, and the European Union.
Pankaj Kumar serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, where he joined in August 2020 after completing postdoctoral research at the University of Utah and a research faculty position at the University of Nevada, Reno. His work focuses on advancing materials science through innovative manufacturing techniques for demanding applications. His educational background includes: Ph.D. in Metallurgical Engineering, University of Utah, USA M.S. in Materials Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, IN B.Tech. in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Nagpur, IN Dr. Kumar's research spans critical areas in materials engineering: Advanced and Additive Manufacturing processes Materials design for Extreme Environments Alloys and Microstructure Design Powder Metallurgy techniques Materials Characterization methodologies Mechanical Behavior analysis (Fatigue, Creep, Fracture) Computational Materials Modeling His publication record (2022-2025) reveals concentrated expertise in metal additive manufacturing, particularly laser-based deposition of titanium and nickel superalloys. Key research thrusts include mechanical property heterogeneity in printed parts, phase evolution in refractory high-entropy alloys, surface modification for improved functionality, and tribological behavior of additively manufactured components. His work consistently bridges experimental characterization with computational modeling to solve real-world engineering challenges. He directs the M³ Lab (Materials, Mechanics, and Manufacturing) at UNM, which pioneers next-generation materials solutions through specialized capabilities in additive manufacturing, alloy design, powder metallurgy, and mechanical behavior testing. The lab's mission targets accelerated development of advanced materials for aerospace, energy, and biomedical applications through integrated experimental and computational approaches.
Prof. Dr. TAKİ GULER is a faculty member at Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University , affiliated with the Faculty of Engineering and its Department of Mining Engineering / Department of Mineral Processing . He holds a Doctorate in Mining Engineering from Middle East Technical University (2002) and has supervised numerous academic projects and students. Education: Middle East Technical University (BSc, MSc, PhD in Mining Engineering) His research focuses on mineral processing , flotation chemistry , and electrochemical studies of sulfide minerals , with significant work on marble waste utilization in composite materials. He has led EU-funded projects like "Zero-waste valorisation of feldspathic ores" and TÜBİTAK collaborations. Key publications include studies on pyrite-galena electrochemistry , dithiophosphate adsorption , and environmentally sustainable mining practices . He has edited books such as "Muğla'da Madencilik: Potansiyeli ve Değerlendirilmesi" and organized international symposia. He teaches courses like Mineral Processing II , Project Design in Mining , and Interfacial Phenomena in Mineral Processing , emphasizing practical applications in composite materials and low-cost beneficiation technologies .
Maria-Rosa Ardigo-Besnard is a Lecturer at the University of Burgundy, affiliated with the ICB Laboratory (Institut Carnot de Bourgogne) where she conducts research in metallurgical processes and materials science. She is based at the Marey Institute House of Metallurgy in room R05. Her primary research interests focus on the relationship between process, microstructure, and durability of materials, with specific expertise in powder metallurgy, phase transformations, and high-temperature oxidation phenomena. Her work particularly examines materials produced through spark plasma sintering (SPS) and hot isostatic pressing (HIP) techniques. Dr. Ardigo-Besnard's research portfolio demonstrates a strong emphasis on understanding how manufacturing processes affect material microstructures and, consequently, their performance and longevity in demanding applications. Her work bridges fundamental materials science with practical engineering concerns. She has developed expertise in both experimental characterization techniques and theoretical understanding of metallurgical phenomena, with particular focus on high-temperature behavior of metallic materials.
