Robert MacCurdy is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder . He leads the Matter Assembly Computation Lab (MACLab) focused on automating robot design and fabrication. His research bridges computational design and advanced manufacturing to create "robots that walk out of the printer." The lab develops tools like OpenVCAD , an open-source volumetric multi-material geometry compiler.
Rakesh Kumar is a Professor and John Bardeen Faculty Scholar in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His work focuses on computer architecture, system-level design automation, and low-power computing. PhD in Computer Engineering from University of California, San Diego BS in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur His research spans all layers of the computing stack, with key contributions to flexible computer systems , waferscale computing , error-resilient architectures , and approximate computing . He has pioneered work on voltage-reliability tradeoffs and peak power management techniques. Recent publications highlight trends in space microdatacenters , printed microprocessors , and neural graph accelerators . His work on plastic chips was recognized as one of the three biggest semiconductor headlines of 2022 by IEEE Spectrum. IEEE Fellow (2024) ISCA Influential Paper Award MICRO Test-of-Time Award ICCAD Ten Year Retrospective Most Influential Paper Award Best Paper Awards at CASES, SELSE, HPCA He has received teaching accolades including the Stanley H. Pierce Faculty Award and Ronald W. Pratt Outstanding Teaching Award . His research group explores hardware-software co-design for emerging applications in AI, IoT, and sustainable computing.
Matthew L Becker is the Hugo L Blomquist Distinguished Professor of Chemistry at Duke University, with additional appointments in Mechanical Engineering and Material Science, and Biomedical Engineering. His research focuses on polymer chemistry, bioconjugate chemistry, molecular imaging, additive manufacturing, and degradable materials for bone, soft tissue, neural, and vascular tissue engineering. Education: B.S. from Northwest Missouri State University (1998), M.A. (2000) and Ph.D. (2003) from Washington University in St. Louis Research interests include developing tunable degradable polymers for flexible electronics, tissue engineering (bone, neural, vascular), and additive manufacturing. His group is pioneering 3D printing of bioresorbable medical devices and custom inks for biomaterials. Recent work explores stereochemistry-dependent polymer properties, mechanochromism, and machine learning-driven biomaterials design. Key applications: Drug delivery systems Biodegradable adhesives Tissue regeneration scaffolds Scientific honors include: Fellow, National Academy of Inventors (2022) Fellow, American Chemical Society (2020) Carl S. Marvel Award in Creative Polymer Chemistry (2019) Fellow, American Institute for Medical and Biomedical Engineering (2018) Fellow, Royal Society of Chemistry (2017) Biomacromolecules/Macromolecules Young Investigator Award (2015) He teaches advanced courses in mechanical engineering and polymer chemistry, with a focus on 3D printing and biomaterials. His group has developed novel medical devices including resorbable suture anchors, hernia mesh coatings, and neuroprosthetic scaffolds.
Professor Hala Zreiqat AM is a leading biomedical engineer at The University of Sydney , serving as the Director of the ARC Training Centre for Innovative BioEngineering . A Fellow of all major Australian academies (AAS, ATSE, FAHMS, FRSN), she develops 3D printed bioceramics for bone regeneration while championing diversity through initiatives like the IDEAL Society and BIOTech Futures mentorship program. Her work bridges academia, clinical practice, and industry in musculoskeletal research . Research Focus: Her lab creates synthetic bone scaffolds that mimic natural bone architecture, strength, and porosity, enabling non-rejected bone regeneration via patient-matched implants. Key applications include orthopaedic, dental, and maxillofacial repair , with over $18M in competitive funding and multiple patents. Current projects explore AI-driven scaffold performance prediction and anti-senescence strategies for aging-related bone loss. Scientific Trends: Recent publications highlight 3D printed nanovoxelated ceramics , antisenescence biomaterials , and multifunctional theranostic platforms . Her team integrates machine learning for scaffold design, atom probe tomography for interface analysis, and two-photon imaging for cellular monitoring in 3D environments. 2021-2022 Fulbright Senior Scholar 2018 NSW Premier's Woman of the Year 2019 Eureka Prize for Innovative Use of Technology Fellow of Australian Academy of Science (2021) Over $18M in research funding Teaching & Leadership: She designed core courses like Tissue Engineering and Nanomaterials in Medicine , mentoring 158 students in 2020 alone. As Chair of CAAR (2020-2023), she strengthens Australia-Arab collaborations. Her lab trains early-career researchers , with alumni now in academia and industry.
Qing Cao is an Associate Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, with courtesy appointments in Chemistry and Electrical Engineering. He leads the Cao Research Group within the Grainger College of Engineering and serves as Deputy Editor of Science Advances. Dr. Cao received his B.S. in Chemistry from Nanjing University in 2004 and his Ph.D. in Materials Chemistry from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2009. After working for 9 years as a research scientist at IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center, he returned to UIUC in 2018 as a faculty member. His research focuses on developing functional nanomaterials for unconventional electronic systems, high-performance logic devices, and low-cost energy harvesting. The Cao Research Group specifically works on: nanoelectronic devices based on novel nanomaterials; next-generation memory devices for neuromorphic and in-memory computing; monolithic 3D integration for high performance electronics; high-performance printable electronic materials; and bioelectronics for healthcare applications. His work bridges materials science, chemistry, electrical engineering, and device physics. Analysis of Dr. Cao's recent publications reveals a strong focus on electrochemical memory devices for neuromorphic computing, with significant work on carbon nanotube-based electronics and novel nanomaterials. His 2023 Nature Electronics paper on CMOS-compatible electrochemical synaptic transistors demonstrates his leadership in developing hardware solutions for deep learning acceleration. His research trajectory shows a progression from fundamental carbon nanotube device physics to more applied systems for computing and sensing applications. IBM Pat Goldberg Memorial Best Paper Award (2017) IBM Master Inventor Award (2016) MIT Technology Review TR35 (2016) Forbes '30 Under 30' (2012) and 'Most Influential All-Star Alumni' (2016) Atlantic Council Millennium Fellow (2017) US Frontiers of Engineering by National Academy of Engineering (2016, 2019) 17 IBM Invention Achievement Awards (2011-2018) Dr. Cao has secured significant research funding including NSF grants 1950182 and 2139185. His research group actively recruits graduate students and postdoctoral researchers to work on cutting-edge materials and device projects. His work has resulted in over thirty research papers and fifty patents and patent applications. He teaches graduate courses including MSE 403 (Synthesis of Materials), MSE 460 (Electronic Materials I), and MSE 488 (Optical Materials). The Cao Research Group operates within the University of Illinois' world-class facilities including the Frederick Seitz Materials Research Laboratory and Holonyak Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory. His research has received support from NSF, DoD, DOE, and industry partners including TSMC. The group's recent $2 million project focuses on developing technology to help mobile devices learn and adapt to their surroundings.
Professor Stephen Beeby is a leading academic at the University of Southampton in the Electronics and Computer Science department. His research spans Electronic Textiles , Flexible Electronics , and Energy Harvesting technologies. Research Focus: His work emphasizes the integration of smart printable materials into fabrics, enabling invisible wearable technologies . Projects include energy-harvesting insoles , skin hydration sensors , and thermoelectric devices for sustainable power. Recent Publications highlight advancements in zinc oxide nanoparticle films , flexible antennas , and gold-tooled e-textile circuits , reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to biomedical monitoring and smart clothing . Scientific Honors: Royal Academy of Engineering Chair in Emerging Technologies Fellow of IEEE (FIEEE) Fellow of Institute of Physics (FInstP) Fellow of Institution of Engineering and Technology (FIET) PhD Students: Supervising 10 active PhD candidates in areas like flexible sensors , smart garments , and energy-harvesting systems . Labs & Collaborations: Core member of the Centre for Flexible Electronics and E-Textiles (C-FLEET) and collaborates with European Union-funded initiatives like EnABLES and TEAM-NANO .
Dr. Qian Shunzhi is an Associate Professor and Program Director for the Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) at NTU's School of Civil and Environmental Engineering. He holds a PhD from the University of Michigan (2007), with prior faculty experience at Southeast University (2009-2013) and postdoctoral research at TU Delft (2007-2009). His research focuses on advanced construction materials like Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC), self-healing concrete, and 3D-printable concrete, alongside life cycle assessment of infrastructure. Key interests include sustainable materials, CO2 sequestration, and material durability. Education: Bachelor's: Southeast University (Nanjing, 1998) Master's: Chinese Ministry of Transport Highway Research Institute (Beijing, 2001) PhD: University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, 2007) Research Interests: Novel cementitious composites for infrastructure resilience Recycled materials in construction 3D printing applications in concrete Material lifecycle analysis Notable contributions include bacterial encapsulation for self-healing, graphene-enhanced antibacterial surfaces, and CO2 sequestration via reactive materials. His work bridges material science, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing techniques.
Wan Shou is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Arkansas. His research focuses on multiscale manufacturing, advanced materials, and functional devices, with applications in wearables, robotics, and sustainable technologies. Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology M.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Louisiana at Lafayette B.E., Textile Engineering, Tianjin Polytechnic University, China Dr. Shou’s research spans laser-based manufacturing , nanomanufacturing , machine learning-assisted processes , and bioresorbable electronics . He explores 3D printing of polymer and metal composites, energy materials , and functional textiles for wearable sensors and environmental applications. Recent publications highlight his work in additive manufacturing , computational design of composites, and self-powered sensing systems . His team integrates machine learning with materials discovery to optimize performance. Editor’s pick of Science Magazine US Patent 11,752,700: Data-driven material formulation US Patent 11,993,850: Laser-assisted nanoparticle printing Dr. Shou’s patents and publications reflect a commitment to innovative manufacturing and environmentally conscious design . His work bridges materials science , robotics , and smart systems , advancing energy and water technologies.
Dr Dongbin Wei is an Associate Professor at the School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering , University of Technology Sydney (UTS), with a career spanning academia and industry. He holds a PhD in Materials Processing Engineering from the University of Science and Technology Beijing (2001) and academic appointments from 2005–2012 at the University of Wollongong (Research Fellow to Lecturer) and 2013–2017 at UTS (Senior Lecturer) before his promotion to Associate Professor in 2018. His research lies at the intersection of Mechanical Engineering , Manufacturing Engineering , and Materials Processing , focusing on: Ultrasonic Additive Manufacturing (UAM) Micro Metal Forming and Size Effects Tribology and Lubrication Numerical Simulations of Material Processing Composite Material Fabrication Key contributions include: Development of the Springback Path–Displacement Adjustment (SP-DA) method for stamping accuracy Advancements in femtosecond laser texturing for silicon wettability control Studies on nanolubrication in hot rolling Optimization of micro-deep drawing parameters He has secured competitive grants from the Australian Research Council (ARC) and industry partners like Weir Minerals Australia Ltd , including projects on: Revolutionizing mineral separation via additive manufacturing Super high-speed grinding technologies Mechanics of micro composite drill fabrication As a lead supervisor, he guided the 2022 thesis 'Creation and Validation of 3D Printable Mineral Separation Spiral' . His work bridges theoretical analysis, computational modeling (FEM/FEA), and practical validation in advanced manufacturing systems.
Kamal H. Khayat serves as the Jones Professor of Civil Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology and directs the Center for Infrastructure Engineering Studies (CIES), focusing on advancing concrete technology for sustainable infrastructure development. His research spans high-performance concrete (HPC), ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC), self-consolidating concrete (SCC), and concrete rheology, with specialized expertise in 3D printing applications, fiber reinforcement systems, and shrinkage mitigation techniques. He investigates innovative materials like superabsorbent polymers and alternative binders to enhance durability and sustainability in concrete infrastructure. Analysis of his recent publications reveals dominant trends in digital fabrication of concrete, particularly 3D printing optimization and rheological modeling for structural build-up. His work increasingly integrates machine learning for material property prediction while emphasizing eco-friendly formulations using recycled aggregates and carbon-mineralization techniques. As Director of CIES, Khayat leads multidisciplinary research initiatives in infrastructure materials engineering, overseeing projects related to concrete rehabilitation, sustainable construction methods, and advanced material characterization techniques for civil infrastructure systems.
Dr. Miaoqiang Lyu is a Research Fellow at the School of Chemical Engineering , The University of Queensland . His work focuses on lead-free perovskites , flexible energy storage , and optoelectronic devices . Research Interests : Designing low-toxicity and stable semiconducting lead-free perovskites for solar energy conversion Developing flexible energy storage devices for Internet-of-Things (IoT) sensors Advancing zinc batteries and aqueous electrolyte systems Photocatalytic hydrogen production and CO2 reduction Recent Article Trends : Focus on 2D/3D heterostructures, interstitial metal doping, and solvent-engineered interfaces Applications in indoor photovoltaics, artificial synaptic functions, and wearable electronics Lead-free perovskites for resistive memory and energy storage Scientific Awards : ARC DECRA Fellow Advance Queensland Industry Research Fellow CRC for Polymers grant Supervision & Funding : Principal advisor for two PhD projects on lead-free perovskites and flexible batteries Current grants: Enabling low-toxicity perovskites for indoor photovoltaics (2026-2030), Printable zinc ion batteries (2025-2026) Labs & Collaborations : Affiliated with the Nanomaterials Centre at UQ Collaborations with Professor Lianzhou Wang , Professor Ian Gentle , and Associate Professor Ruth Knibbe
Jouni Hirvonen is a Professor in the Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology at the University of Helsinki's Faculty of Pharmacy. He serves as Supervisor for doctoral programmes in both the Doctoral Programme in Drug Research and the Doctoral Programme in Materials Research and Nanosciences. With an extensive publication record spanning over three decades, Hirvonen has contributed 384 research outputs and participated in 3 major research projects. His research interests focus on pharmaceutical technology, particularly in drug delivery systems, nanoparticles, and drug dissolution and absorption. His work bridges pharmaceutical chemistry with cutting-edge nanotechnology applications, developing innovative delivery systems for therapeutic agents. His research spans from fundamental pharmaceutical sciences to translational applications in regenerative medicine, immunotherapy, and cardiovascular pharmacology. The analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on advanced drug delivery platforms, particularly utilizing nanoparticles, lipid-based systems, and biomaterials for targeted delivery. His work increasingly integrates microfluidic technology for precise nanoparticle preparation, with applications spanning cancer immunotherapy, cardiovascular repair, tendon regeneration, and inflammatory disease treatment. The trend shows a growing emphasis on combination therapies, RNA delivery, and cell-mediated drug delivery approaches. Hirvonen has received several prestigious awards throughout his career: CRS/Eurand Grand Prize Award on Innovations in Oral Drug Delivery Technologies (2007) Suomen Valkoisen Ruusun Ritarikunnan I luokan ritarimerkki (2013) The Young Scientist in the University of Kuopio (1993) University of Helsinki Quality Teaching Unit, Faculty of Pharmacy (2005) Visiting Professor award (2015) With 25 instances of supervising doctoral theses and numerous academic activities including conference organization, committee memberships, and editorial work, Hirvonen has made significant contributions to academic mentorship and institutional development. His research has been supported by projects including Generation Green, 3i REGENERATION, and IVIVRe. His work appears to involve collaboration with multiple research teams focusing on drug delivery applications across various therapeutic areas.
Alex Chortos is an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University's School of Mechanical Engineering. His research focuses on bio-inspired electronics, mechanically adaptive materials, and advanced manufacturing techniques. He leads the Chortos Lab, which explores innovations in soft actuators, wearable haptics, and polymer design. Chortos holds a B.A.Sc. from the University of Waterloo (2011), a Ph.D. from Stanford University (2017), and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard University (2020). His academic work bridges fundamental material science with practical applications in robotics, biomedical devices, and human-machine interfaces. Key research areas include: Multimaterial additive fabrication for soft robotics Stretchable sensors and transistors for e-skin applications Design of durable and adaptive polymer systems His publications emphasize advancements in 3D printing techniques, bioinspired sensor systems, and the development of mechanically robust electronic components. Recent work explores photodynamic polymers and machine learning-driven optimization of soft actuators.
David Bogard is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin, holding the Baker Hughes Incorporated Centennial Professorship. He leads research in thermal-fluid systems and turbulence, with a focus on turbine blade cooling and drag reduction. His work combines experimental and computational methods to optimize film cooling designs, thermal barrier coatings, and internal cooling channel configurations. Key contributions include studies on shaped film cooling holes, additive manufacturing applications, and crossflow effects in turbine components. Educational background: Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University (1982). Joined UT Austin faculty immediately post-Ph.D. Research interests emphasize turbine aerothermal performance, with specializations in: Adjoint-optimized film cooling hole geometries Compressible flow effects on cooling efficacy Additive manufacturing for turbine cooling components Thermal degradation mechanisms and contaminant deposition Recent work includes evaluating adjoint-optimized cooling hole performance (2024), printability of additively manufactured cooling geometries (2023), and crossflow-fed shaped hole analysis (2022). His research bridges fundamental fluid mechanics with industrial turbine design challenges. Awarded the 2002 Outstanding Graduate Advisor at UT Austin. Over 130 technical publications span experimental validation, CFD modeling, and turbine cooling innovation. Active in collaborative industry projects with companies like Baker Hughes. Labs/Teams: Turbulence and Turbine Research Cooling Laboratory. Collaborates with research centers focusing on aero-thermal systems and advanced manufacturing.
Jooyeoun Jung is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Food Science & Technology at Oregon State University. She holds affiliations with the university's Food Science and Techno Headquarters and has been part of the OSU Main Campus since 2016. Her career includes roles as a Senior Researcher and Assistant Professor of Practice at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2018-2021) before returning to Oregon State in 2022. Educated at Oregon State University with a Ph.D. in Food Science & Technology, her research focuses on sustainable food processing, value-added food product development, and innovative food packaging solutions. Key areas include edible coatings using nanocellulose, antimicrobial packaging technologies, and utilization of agricultural byproducts for eco-friendly materials. Her work emphasizes enhancing food shelf-life through advanced coating technologies, improving packaging functionality, and addressing challenges in food preservation such as mold control, lipid oxidation, and microbial inhibition. She has pioneered studies on hazelnut processing, blueberry anthocyanin stabilization, and fruit pomace valorization. Jung teaches courses like Introduction to Sustainable Food Processing (FST327) and collaborates on interdisciplinary projects involving food safety, material science, and agricultural engineering. Her research has led to innovations in molded pulp packaging, radiofrequency pasteurization, and functional food film development. Professional affiliations include the Institute of Food Technologists, reflecting her commitment to advancing food science through industry collaboration and academic rigor.
