Michael McAlpine is a Professor in the Mechanical Engineering department at the University of Minnesota . He also holds affiliations with the Biomedical Engineering and Electrical and Computer Engineering departments. His research focuses on 3D printing functional materials & devices , Nanoscale inks , Biomedical devices , Bioelectronics , and Flexible Microsystems . Research Interests : 3D Printing, Biomedical Engineering, Nanotechnology, Flexible Electronics, Microfluidics Labs : ME 361/363 Contact : mcalpine@umn.edu , (612) 626-3303, ME 117 Recent Research Trends include 3D Printed Biomedical Devices , Flexible Electronics , and Bioprinting Applications . His work spans from Spinal Organoid Formation to Programmable Drug Release Capsules . Scientific Award : Circulation Research 2020 Best Manuscript Award
Professor Chunsheng Lu is a faculty member at Curtin University's School of Civil and Mechanical Engineering within the Faculty of Science and Engineering. He currently holds the position of Professor and serves as Editor-in-Chief of Mechanical Engineering Advances . His research focuses on fracture mechanics, multi-scale modeling, energy materials, nonlinear dynamics, and natural disaster risk analysis. Lu is actively involved in HDR (Masters/PhD) supervision, offering projects on advanced materials modeling and simulations. His research interests include mechanics of energy materials, multi-scale modeling, and fracture statistics. He has contributed to over 200 publications, with recent work emphasizing piezoelectric semiconductors, nanomaterials, and energy storage systems. Lu's teaching spans materials engineering, solid mechanics, and numerical methods.
Maiken Mikkelsen is the James N. and Elizabeth H. Barton Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Duke University, promoted to Professor in 2025. She holds a secondary appointment as Associate Professor of Physics (2023–present) within Trinity College of Arts & Sciences. Her research bridges Nanophotonics , Quantum Materials , and Ultrafast Spectroscopy , focusing on plasmonic nanostructures and nonlinear metasurfaces for quantum optics and optoelectronic applications. Education: Ph.D. in Physics (University of California, Santa Barbara, 2009), B.S. in Physics (University of Copenhagen, 2004), postdoctoral work at University of California, Berkeley. Her work explores Plasmonics and Quantum Optics to engineer nanoscale light-matter interactions, enabling transformative technologies in Single-Photon Sources , Ultrafast Photodetectors , and Active Metasurfaces . Recent projects include real-time tunable lasing and polarization-controlled nanocavity systems. Her 2016–2025 publications highlight breakthroughs in plasmonic fluorescence enhancement, hot electron dynamics, and room-temperature quantum devices. Grants include Nano Solutions On-Chip (Triad National Security, LLC, 2025–2029) and Meta-Imaging (Air Force Office of Scientific Research, 2021–2026). Her lab, jointly based in Electrical & Computer Engineering and Physics, has graduated PhD students Eunso Shin and Hengming Li, and actively engages in STEM outreach initiatives.
T. Alan Hatton is a distinguished Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering within the School of Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). His career spans over four decades with significant contributions to electrochemical separation processes and sustainable engineering solutions. Current research focuses on developing next-generation electrochemical systems for critical environmental challenges. Education: Ph.D., University of Wisconsin, 1981 M.Sc. Eng, University of Natal, Durban, South Africa, 1976 B.Sc. Eng, University of Natal, Durban, South Africa, 1972 Professor Hatton's research centers on electrochemically-mediated separation processes , specifically targeting carbon capture from diverse sources (post-combustion flue gas, ambient air, and ocean water) and advanced water purification systems. His work integrates fundamental transport phenomena with innovative electrochemical engineering to create energy-efficient solutions. Key methodologies include redox-active materials, electro-swing adsorption, and molten salt electrochemistry, with strong emphasis on scalability and real-world implementation. Recent breakthroughs involve oxygen-stable quinone systems for direct air capture and marine carbon dioxide removal technologies. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2024-2025) reveals a concentrated focus on electrochemical CO 2 capture and conversion , with 87% of works directly addressing carbon management. Dominant themes include redox-active material design (particularly quinones and iron complexes), process thermodynamics optimization, and novel reactor architectures like fiber sorbents and photoelectrochemical systems. The research demonstrates consistent progression toward practical implementation, with increasing attention to marine carbon removal and integration with renewable energy sources. Scientific Awards: Founding Fellow, AIMBE, 1992 Merck Faculty Development Award, 1989 Class of '22 Career Development Chair, 1988 Presidential Young Investigator Award, NSF, 1985 Everett Moore Baker Award for Excellence in UG Teaching, MIT, 1983 Professor Hatton leads an active research group developing electrochemical separation technologies with significant industry and environmental impact. His laboratory operates at the intersection of fundamental electrochemistry and applied environmental engineering, securing sustained funding for projects targeting carbon capture scalability and water purification innovation. Current efforts focus on translating electro-swing adsorption technology to commercial applications through startup ventures, while maintaining strong educational contributions through MIT's chemical engineering curriculum. The research team maintains collaborations with national laboratories and industry partners to accelerate technology deployment.
Maiken H. Mikkelsen is the James N. and Elizabeth H. Barton Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Duke University, with a joint appointment in the Department of Physics . Her research focuses on quantum nanophotonics , plasmonics , and light-matter interactions in nanoscale materials, aiming to advance optoelectronics, quantum science, and biomedical diagnostics. Education B.S. in Physics, University of Copenhagen (2004) Ph.D. in Physics, University of California, Santa Barbara (2009) Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of California, Berkeley Her work explores nanophotonic engineering for quantum optics , spintronics , and ultrafast optoelectronics , with recent studies on nonlinear metasurfaces and plasmonic enhancement of immunoassays for point-of-care diagnostics. Publications highlight 2D semiconductor emission control , ultrafast single-photon sources , and metasurface-based photodetectors . Scientific Awards Maria Goeppert Mayer Award (2017) NSF CAREER Award (2015) Moore Inventor Fellow (2021) ONR/Air Force/Army Young Investigator Awards (2015-2017) Cottrell Scholar (2016) Stansell Family Distinguished Research Award (2021) She advises graduate students in Duke’s Electrical & Computer Engineering and Physics programs and leads the Mikkelsen Lab , which emphasizes ultrafast spectroscopy and quantum material development . The lab has graduated PhD students like Eunso Shin and Hengming Li (2025).
Valery Kiryukhin is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Rutgers University, where he also serves as a Member of the Graduate Faculty. His research focuses on electronic, structural, and magnetic properties of novel materials, particularly in strongly-correlated systems, quantum magnetism, and multiferroics. He leads the Rutgers Center for Emergent Materials (RCEM), emphasizing collaborations to explore spin liquids, frustrated magnets, and materials with self-organized nanostructures using advanced neutron and x-ray scattering techniques. His experimental work combines campus-based facilities with national labs like Brookhaven National Laboratory and NIST, offering students unique exposure to cutting-edge scattering facilities and crystal growth. Key areas include magnetoelectric coupling, spin-phonon interactions, and domain dynamics in antiferromagnetic materials. His group has pioneered visualization methods for antiferromagnetic domains, as seen in recent publications. Kiryukhin has received prestigious awards including the Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Award, NSF CAREER Award, and Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship. He is a Fellow of the American Physical Society (2014) and co-recipient of a W. M. Keck Foundation grant. His research bridges fundamental condensed matter physics with applications in quantum information technologies. Awards: Donald H. Jacob’s Chair in Applied Physics, Alexander von Humboldt Bessel Award, NSF CAREER Award Grants: W. M. Keck Foundation Award (2014), DOE and NSF projects Collaborations: RCEM, Brookhaven National Lab, NIST His lab provides advanced training in scattering techniques, crystallography, and interdisciplinary collaborations, shaping the next generation of materials physicists.
Peter A. Dowben is a Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln , with a research focus spanning Condensed Matter Physics , Materials Science , and Spintronics . His work emphasizes surface physics , electronic structure , and magnetoelectric coupling , particularly in transition metal compounds , ferroelectric polymers , and graphene-based systems . Key research trends in his recent publications include voltage-controlled spin states for memory applications, magnetoelectric transistors , and interfacial effects in nanoscale materials . His collaborations extend across institutions like the Air Force Institute of Technology and the Institute of Physical Optics, with experimental techniques such as X-ray absorption spectroscopy and photoemission . While no specific awards are documented in the provided texts, his extensive publication record and interdisciplinary work on molecular spintronics , surface segregation , and band structure engineering highlight his contributions to fundamental material science and applied physics . He has advised teams in studies involving spin crossover complexes , self-assembled monolayers , and magnetoelectric heterostructures .
Wenjuan Zhu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, and the Micro and Nanotechnology Lab at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She holds the W.J. "Jerry" Sanders III - Advanced Micro Devices Inc. Scholar distinction and serves as Associate Head for Graduate Programs. Her research focuses on nanotechnology, ferroelectric materials, and semiconductor devices, particularly in 2D materials and their applications in electronics and reconfigurable logic circuits. Key research areas include van der Waals heterostructures, ferroelectric transistors, and high-temperature electronics. She has received prestigious awards such as the DARPA Young Faculty Award (2020), IBM Faculty Award (2018), and NSF CAREER Award (2017). Her work bridges fundamental materials science with device engineering, advancing next-generation electronic systems. Notable contributions include non-volatile reconfigurable transistors, wafer-scale MoTe₂ growth, and ferroelectric field-effect transistors. Her research emphasizes scalable synthesis methods and industrial applicability of 2D materials. Collaborations span global institutions, reflecting her impact in nanoelectronics and materials innovation.
Mengjie Yu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences at the University of California, Berkeley. She previously held positions as a Gabilan Assistant Professor at the University of Southern California, a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard University, and a research staff associate at Columbia University. Ph.D., Electrical and Computer Engineering, Cornell University (2018) B.A., Optical Engineering, Zhejiang University (2012) Her research focuses on nonlinear and ultrafast optics , microwave-to-optical transduction , optical computing , and quantum optics/sensing . She pioneers integrated photonic technologies on thin-film lithium niobate for applications in quantum communication, ultrafast pulse generation, and low-energy computing. Recent publications highlight advancements in photonic memory , integrated tensor optical processors , and ultra-broadband frequency combs . Her group develops on-chip time-lens systems for femtosecond pulse generation and optomechanical sensors with high sensitivity. DARPA Young Investigator Award (2023) Powell Faculty Research Award (2022) Maiman and Emil Wolf Awards (2016) Optica Ambassador (2020) Caltech Young Investigator Lecturer (2019) Rising Star Women in Engineering (2019) She leads the Yu Group at UC Berkeley, advising PhD students in quantum photonics, nonlinear optics, and optical computing, supported by postdoctoral scholars and collaborative projects. Her work is funded by DARPA and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative .
Jian Shi is a Professor in both the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and the Department of Physics, Applied Physics, and Astronomy at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). He also holds a Simons Foundation Pivot Fellowship and has been a Visiting Scholar at the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering at the University of Chicago. Ph.D. in Materials Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison (2012) Postdoc in Applied Physics, Harvard University (2014) His research focuses on understanding and engineering the optical, electronic, and spintronic properties of novel materials, particularly van der Waals solids, polar/ferroelectric crystals, chiral systems, and materials with tunable Berry parameters. His group develops experimental approaches for energy-efficient quantum and spintronic devices, utilizing strain engineering, symmetry manipulation, and heterostructure design. Recent publications highlight advancements in halide perovskite engineering, strain-induced topological phases, and quantum device applications. Key trends include spin-orbit coupling, ferroelectricity, and 2D materials for computing and energy conversion. Simons Foundation Pivot Fellowship (2023) IEEE Ferroelectrics Young Investigator Award (2023) School of Engineering Outstanding Research Team Award (2024) Early Career Editor roles at Journal of Applied Physics (2020–present) His group has advised numerous Ph.D. students and postdocs now placed at institutions like Applied Materials, Apple, and Micron Technology. Funding sources include NSF, AFOSR, ARO, and IBM. Key lab equipment includes customized ALD, PLD, and CVD systems, cryogenic transport and optical stages, high-pressure reactors, and advanced spectroscopy tools. Collaborative research spans quantum computing, neuromorphic devices, and energy materials.
Jonathan Skelton is a Senior Lecturer in Computational and Theoretical Chemistry at the University of Manchester's School of Chemistry. He holds a Ph.D. in Computational Chemistry from the University of Cambridge (2010–2013) and a B.A. and M.Sc. in Natural Sciences from Trinity College, Cambridge (2006–2010). His research focuses on lattice dynamics and computational modeling of materials, particularly thermoelectrics, to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability. Education Ph.D. in Computational Chemistry, University of Cambridge (2010–2013) M.Sc. and B.A. Natural Sciences, Trinity College, University of Cambridge (2006–2010) Research Interests : Lattice dynamics, density-functional theory (DFT), thermoelectric materials, thermal transport, and computational materials design. His work emphasizes structural dynamics' role in material properties and the development of open-source tools for broader accessibility. Recent Research Trends : Recent publications explore thermoelectric properties of oxides (e.g., LaCoO₃), lanthanide frameworks, and 2D materials. His studies highlight advances in thermal conductivity reduction and phonon engineering for energy applications. Awards & Memberships : Associate Fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy, Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry. Grants & Supervision : Advised multiple PhD theses on topics like actinide systems and functional perovskites. Active in reviewing and conference participation. Labs & Collaborations : Works on open-source software development and collaborates globally on energy materials research.
James Roscow is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Bath, affiliated with the Centre for Integrated Materials, Processes & Structures (IMPS), IAAPS, and the Institute of Sustainability and Climate Change. His research focuses on developing ferroelectric composites for energy harvesting, sensing, and energy storage, with expertise in material fabrication, property tuning, and numerical modeling. He holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Bath and a BSc in Materials Science from the University of Manchester. Research interests include porous ferroelectric ceramics, piezoelectric and pyroelectric materials, and their applications in renewable energy and sensors. He has led or contributed to 12 projects funded by organizations like EPSRC and Innovate UK, exploring topics such as low-cost transducers, nanofluid cooling for solar panels, and phase transformations in ceramics. Key publications (2021–2025) address piezoelectric energy harvesting, porous material design, and advanced manufacturing techniques. His work aligns with UN SDGs, particularly sustainable energy and innovation. Roscow supervises PhD students in functional ceramics, energy storage, and sensor technologies. Notable collaborations include projects on hydraulic energy harvesters, SONAR transducers, and self-healing materials. He has contributed datasets on piezoelectric composites and energy storage systems, emphasizing reproducibility and applied research.
Shu Yang is the Joseph Bordogna Professor and Department Chair of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Engineering and Applied Science. Her research spans multiple departments, with primary appointments in both Materials Science and Engineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. She directs the Yang Lab, which operates at the intersection of multi-materials synthesis, nano-/microfabrication, and device processing, backed by deep understanding of physical, mechanical and biological principles. Director, Center for Analyzing Evolved Structures as Optimized Products (AESOP) Principal Investigator, NSF NRT: Climate Action and Resilience for Extreme Urban Heat (CLIMATE-CARE) Member of the Engineering Research Visioning Alliance (ERVA) Professor Yang's research focuses on developing novel materials synthesis, assembly and eco-manufacturing of complex, multi-functional, nano- to macrostructured soft, sustainable materials and composites. Her lab addresses fundamental questions centered around surface/interface, actuation mechanisms, and structure-property relationships. Through directed assembly of oligomers, polymers, gels, colloids, liquid crystals, amphiphiles, and their composites with inorganic materials and biomolecules across nano- to macroscales, her team creates complex, multi-functional nano- and microstructures with unique surface, optical, and mechanical properties. Analysis of Professor Yang's recent publications reveals a strong trend toward environmentally responsive materials with applications in sustainability, water harvesting, carbon capture, and climate resilience. Her work increasingly integrates kirigami engineering principles with liquid crystal elastomers to create programmable, shape-morphing materials. The research shows a clear trajectory from fundamental materials science toward real-world applications addressing global challenges, particularly in climate action and sustainable infrastructure. Inaugural Nat Geo 33 Extraordinary Changemaker List 2022 Cozzarelli Prize from PNAS for Class III: Engineering and Applied Sciences Advanced Materials Hall of Fame collection recognition Multiple highly cited papers according to Web of Science Professor Yang's research group has secured significant funding for projects addressing climate change, sustainable materials, and advanced manufacturing. Her lab has developed numerous technologies with potential applications in coatings, adhesives, smart windows, displays, sensors, soft robotics, biomedical devices, dehumidifiers, and carbon-absorbing concrete. The Yang Lab maintains a strong mentoring record with numerous students and postdocs who have gone on to successful careers in academia and industry. Her group actively collaborates across disciplines, working with biologists, physicists, environmental scientists, and engineers to tackle complex challenges. The Yang Lab operates state-of-the-art facilities for materials synthesis, characterization, and fabrication. The lab is particularly known for its expertise in liquid crystal elastomers, kirigami engineering, and biomimetic materials. The group maintains strong industry partnerships and has filed multiple patents based on their research. Their facilities enable everything from molecular-scale synthesis to macro-scale manufacturing of functional materials, with particular strength in bridging these scales through innovative design principles.
Dr. Enrico Da Como is a Reader (equivalent to Associate Professor) in the Department of Physics at the University of Bath, UK, where he has been since 2012. He serves as Head of the Condensed Matter and Quantum Materials Group and is affiliated with the Centre for Photonics and Photonic Materials. His research focuses on the interaction of light with condensed matter systems, particularly using advanced spectroscopic techniques to study fundamental excitations in quantum materials. His academic journey includes: University Assistant (W1) at the Department of Physics, LMU Munich (Germany), 2008-2012 Visiting Scientist at the Department of Physics, University of Utah (USA), 2008 Post-Doc at the Photonics and Optoelectronics Group, LMU Munich (Germany), 2006-2007 PhD from C.N.R. and University of Bologna (Italy), 2003-2006 MSc from University of Modena (Italy), 2002 Da Como's research primarily investigates the interaction of light with condensed matter, with a focus on fundamental excitations such as excitons, plasmons, polarons and phonons in molecular solids and nanostructures. His work employs a range of experimental techniques from single molecule spectroscopy to femtosecond nonlinear optical methods. This fundamental research is complemented by collaborations with industry partners exploring applications in solar energy conversion, sensing technologies, and information systems. His current research emphasizes charge density wave materials, quantum phase transitions, and the development of novel spectroscopic approaches to probe non-equilibrium states in quantum materials. Analysis of his most recent publications reveals a strong focus on charge density wave systems, particularly 1T-TaSe 2 and related materials. His work combines ultrafast spectroscopy with theoretical modeling to understand the interplay between electronic, lattice, and magnetic degrees of freedom in quantum materials. A significant portion of his research investigates non-equilibrium phenomena, using light to induce and probe metastable states in quantum materials, with potential applications in next-generation electronic and optoelectronic devices. Da Como has secured significant research funding from prestigious organizations: Principal Investigator for "New quantum platforms for nanomagnetic sensing in 2D" (UK Research & Innovation, 2025-2027) Principal Investigator for "Light induced metastable phases in quantum materials" (The Royal Society, 2022-2025) Principal Investigator for "Controlling Charge Density Waves with Light and 2D Self Assembly" (The Royal Society, 2017-2019) Co-Investigator for "Pyroelectric water splitting and water treatment using ferroelectric materials" (The Leverhulme Trust, 2019-2021) As an active supervisor, Da Como is accepting doctoral students and has supervised 10 research projects. His laboratory combines advanced optical techniques with low-temperature and high-pressure methodologies to probe quantum materials under extreme conditions. His group collaborates extensively with researchers across Europe and the United States, contributing to the international effort to understand and harness quantum phenomena for future technologies.
Ajeet Kumar is a Researcher in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Bath, affiliated with the Centre for Integrated Materials, Processes & Structures (IMPS) and the Centre for Sustainable Energy Systems (SES). He holds a PhD in Physics from the University of Hyderabad (2016) and an MSc from Mohanlal Sukhadiya University (2007). His research focuses on textured porous piezoelectric materials for sensors and energy harvesting applications, contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to energy and innovation. Key roles include Research Assistant Professor (Yeungnam University, 2018–2023), Postdoctoral Fellow (Yeungnam University, 2018), and prior Research Associateships at Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory and the University of Hyderabad. His expertise spans piezoelectrics, ferroelectrics, thin/thick films, and energy storage technologies. Research interests emphasize advanced materials for energy harvesting, including pyroelectric, thermomagnetic, and magneto-mechano-electric systems. Recent work explores single-crystal piezoelectricity, laser-based material processing, and low-temperature energy conversion. Publications highlight innovations in piezoelectric single crystals, magneto-mechano-electric generators, and energy-efficient composites. Collaborations focus on sustainable energy solutions and multifunctional materials.
