Dr. Axel Lubk is a Group Leader at the Institute for Solid State Research (IFW Dresden) , specializing in advanced electron microscopy techniques for materials science. His research spans four key areas: (1) TEM method development (high-resolution imaging, tomography, holography, and in-situ techniques), (2) charge particle optics and scattering theory , (3) magnetic nanotextures (domain walls, skyrmions), and (4) plasmonics (mode hybridization in heterogeneous structures and semiconductor heterostructures). Dr. Lubk’s work focuses on three-dimensional magnetic texture analysis using electron holography and tomography, particularly in systems like skyrmion tubes , FeGe , and Cr2O3 thin films . He has pioneered techniques for vector-field electron tomography and phase retrieval under varying boundary conditions, advancing nanoscale magnetic imaging. His recent studies include plasmonic properties in AgAu nanosphere chains , thermoelectric multilayer systems , and topological insulators like NiRh2Sb and TaTMTe4 . Dr. Lubk has published extensively in high-impact journals such as Nature Communications and Advanced Materials , with a focus on TEM instrumentation and quantitative analysis . He frequently presents at international conferences like the International Microscopy Congress and European School of Magnetism , emphasizing applications in spintronics , quantum materials , and nanostructured systems . His contributions to holographic vector-field electron tomography and machine learning for spectrum-image data have set new standards in electron microscopy.
Dr. Maneka Malalgoda is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences at the University of Manitoba's Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences. Her research focuses on grain chemistry, processing quality, and the development of healthy grain-based food systems. PhD in Cereal Science, North Dakota State University MSc in Cereal Science, North Dakota State University BSc in Medical & Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, University of Applied Sciences, Austria Dr. Malalgoda's research investigates the physicochemical properties of grain proteins and starches, their functionality in food processing, and the biological activity of grain biomacromolecules. She explores how these components contribute to nutritional value, safety, and structural integrity in bakery applications. Her recent publications highlight advancements in protein-enriched wholegrain bread, ancient grain processing optimization, oat protein health benefits, and pesticide residue impacts on cereal chemistry. Key trends include the use of analytical techniques (HPLC, LC-MS) and the intersection of traditional grains with modern nutritional needs. Dr. Malalgoda teaches courses in food science, including FOOD 4100: Current Issues in Food and Human Nutrition , FOOD 3220: Grains for Food and Beverage , and FOOD 3200: Bakery Science and Technology . She supervises graduate research at the University of Manitoba's Ellis Building facility.
Eleanor Jennings is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Natural Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London. Her research focuses on Earth's origin and evolution, employing geochemical methods to study planetary differentiation processes. She investigates trace element partitioning between liquid metals and silicates under high pressure, ferropicrite magma origins, and igneous fractionation processes using mineral inclusions. Jennings teaches courses such as Planetary Interiors, Planetary Materials, and Volcanism in the Solar System. Her work integrates experimental petrology, thermodynamic modeling, and analytical techniques to explore core-mantle interactions, mantle melting dynamics, and extraterrestrial materials (e.g., lunar samples). She supervises three doctoral researchers at Birkbeck, focusing on topics like mantle heterogeneity and planetary geochemistry. Jennings' publications span experimental studies on metal-silicate partitioning, mantle melting models, and lunar petrogenesis. Her research outputs emphasize quantitative geochemical analyses and their implications for understanding Earth's formation and internal processes.
Luca Lutterotti is an Associate Professor at the University of Trento , Department of Industrial Engineering, specializing in material characterization techniques. His expertise spans X-ray diffraction (XRD) , X-ray fluorescence (XRF) , and electron diffraction , with a focus on nanomaterials , functional materials , and crystallographic texture . He developed the widely used MAUD software for Rietveld refinement and texture analysis, with over 30 daily downloads since 2000. Education : Laurea in Materials Engineering (1988, University of Trento, Italy), HDR in Fundamental Sciences (2010, Université de Caen-Basse Normandie) His research interests include micromechanics , residual stress analysis , quantitative phase analysis , and archeometry . He has led international projects like EIT Raw Materials Paired-X (2018-2021) and coordinated the SOLSA H2020 project (2016-2020), which introduced automated core analysis systems for mining. His work has secured €1.5 million in European funding. Recent publications emphasize combined XRD-XRF methodologies , neutron diffraction , and automated material analysis , particularly in mining and recycling. Key tools include MILK (Python interface for MAUD) and advanced detectors for portable systems. Scientific Awards : HDR (2010), Chaire of Excellence (2012-2014) He has held visiting positions at UC Berkeley , Université du Maine , and JAEA (Japan Atomic Energy Agency) , contributing to global collaborations in material science and mining technologies.
John Horty is a Distinguished University Professor in the Philosophy Department at the University of Maryland, with affiliate appointments in the Institute for Advanced Computer Studies and the Computer Science Department. His research integrates logic, artificial intelligence, ethics, epistemology, philosophy of language, and philosophy of law to address complex questions in human cognition, legal systems, and normative reasoning. Horty holds a BA in Classics and Philosophy from Oberlin College and a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Pittsburgh. He has authored four books and over 40 papers, exploring topics such as defeasible reasoning, stit semantics, and the open texture of legal language. Education: BA (Oberlin College), PhD (University of Pittsburgh) Research Interests: Logic, artificial intelligence, ethics, epistemology, philosophy of law, and philosophy of language. Article Trends: Focus on computational legal reasoning, default logic, stit semantics, and the intersection of law and nonmonotonic logic. Scientific Awards and Grants: Humboldt Research Award Three National Endowment for Humanities Fellowships Visiting Fellowships at the Netherlands Institute for Advanced Studies and Stanford’s Center for Advanced Studies in Behavioral Sciences Carole Hafner Best Paper Award (2017), Honorable Mention at AAAI-87 NSF Grants for interdisciplinary research Teaching and Affiliations Teaches courses in symbolic logic, legal reasoning, and defeasible reasoning Affiliate in the University of Maryland Institute for Advanced Computer Studies and the Computer Science Department
Ting-Chung Poon is a Professor in the Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Virginia Tech. His research focuses on optical scanning holography (OSH), digital holography, and 3D imaging applications. He leads the Optical Scanning-Holographic Imaging Group (OSIG), which explores OSH for 3D imaging, processing, and display, emphasizing 2D optical heterodyne scanning techniques. Education: Ph.D., University of Iowa, 1982 M.S.E.E., University of Iowa, 1979 B.A., University of Iowa, 1977 Research Interests: Optical Scanning Holography (OSH) and its applications in 3D imaging Computer-Generated Holography (CGH) Quantitative Phase Imaging Optical Cryptography Efficient Hologram Algorithms His work spans theoretical advancements and practical implementations, including encryption systems, noise reduction techniques, and high-resolution 3D reconstruction. Recent Research Trends: Focus on polygon-based CGH algorithms for faster rendering Integration of machine learning for speckle noise reduction and hologram classification Development of adaptive and compressive holography methods for industrial and biomedical applications Labs & Teams: Optical Scanning-Holographic Imaging Group (OSIG) at Virginia Tech Collaborations with institutions globally, including conferences on digital holography and photonics
Kirk D. Dolan is a Professor at Michigan State University (MSU), holding joint appointments in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition (lead) and the Department of Biosystems & Agricultural Engineering within the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources. His research focuses on thermal processing modeling of foods and inverse problems in food science, utilizing advanced computational tools like MATLAB and COMSOL for parameter estimation. He actively contributes to food safety through extension work, including co-teaching the FDA-mandated Better Process Control School and HACCP courses. PhD, Agricultural Engineering, Michigan State University, 1989 MS, Agricultural Engineering, University of California, Davis, 1985 BS, Agricultural Engineering, University of Florida, 1983 Dolan’s research spans thermal processing technologies (canning, drying, aseptic processing), inverse problem solving, and statistical methods for food researchers. His recent publications emphasize antioxidant analysis, kinetic modeling, and computational approaches in food systems. Recent publications highlight advancements in parameter estimation for food processing, including studies on thermal conductivity in cherry pomace, starch viscosity models, and microbial inactivation dynamics. His work bridges computational methods with practical applications in food safety and quality preservation. 2019 CANR Camden Endowed Teacher/Scholar Award Dolan chairs the triennial Inverse Problems Symposia at MSU and co-teaches graduate courses like BE 835 (Modeling Methods in Biosystems Engineering). His extension work supports Michigan food entrepreneurs through FDA product registration assistance and industry training programs.
Joakim Lindblad is a Professor at the Department of Information Technology, Uppsala University , and holds affiliated roles as Senior Research Associate at the Mathematical Institute of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, and Head of Research at Topgolf Sweden AB. With over two decades of expertise in image analysis and machine learning , his work bridges computational methods with biomedical applications. Key affiliations: Uppsala University, Serbian Academy of Sciences, Topgolf Sweden Specializations: Deep Learning, Multimodal Image Registration, Quantitative Microscopy His research focuses on reliable image processing frameworks that integrate intensity and spatial information , particularly for biomedical applications . Recent publications highlight innovations in autofluorescence-based cancer detection , self-supervised one-class learning for sparse instance identification, and rotation-equivariant CNNs for robust analysis of cytology images. Recent article trends demonstrate expertise in multimodal image analysis (2024: 3 papers), oral cancer detection (2025: 2 papers), and multiscale biomedical imaging . His 2025 work on the Uppsala Storytelling Dataset introduces novel frameworks for multimodal dataset creation in AI research. While no scientific awards are explicitly mentioned, his extensive publication record (2000-2025) across top venues like Pattern Recognition , PLOS ONE , and IEEE Transactions indicates significant academic impact. His methodological contributions span stochastic distance transforms , fuzzy set defuzzification , and multimodal image registration techniques. Collaborative work with researchers like Nataša Sladoje and interdisciplinary teams has produced innovations in automated cytology analysis , TEM image enhancement , and AI-driven medical diagnostics . His 2021-2022 projects introduced contrastive learning approaches for multimodal image registration and explainable AI frameworks for infant engagement analysis.
Despina Kontos, PhD is the Herbert and Florence Irving Professor of Radiological Sciences at Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC), with appointments in the Department of Radiology and the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center. She serves as the Chief Research Information Officer for CUIMC, Vice Chair of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science Research in the Department of Radiology, and Director of Biomarker Imaging at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Additionally, she holds appointments in the Departments of Biomedical Informatics and Biomedical Engineering. Dr. Kontos received her educational training from prestigious institutions: BS in Engineering from the University of Patras, Greece MSc and PhD in Computer and Information Sciences from Temple University Postdoctoral training in Radiology at the University of Pennsylvania Certificates in Biostatistics and Epidemiology from UPenn, Cancer Biology from Harvard, and AI for Decision Making from Wharton As a computer scientist with expertise in artificial intelligence and machine learning, Dr. Kontos focuses on developing computational methodologies to leverage imaging as quantitative biomarkers for personalized disease prediction, particularly in cancer. Her research program investigates how imaging data can be mined to extract sophisticated phenotypic signatures with diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive value. While her primary focus has been on breast cancer, her lab also pursues related research in lung cancers, evaluating the integration of CT radiomic features with liquid biopsy data to characterize tumor heterogeneity. Dr. Kontos founded and directs Columbia University's Center for Innovation in Imaging Biomarkers and Integrated Diagnostics (CIMBID), a multidisciplinary center dedicated to developing and integrating quantitative imaging and non-imaging biomarkers for personalized disease prediction. Through CIMBID, she has built a vibrant scientific ecosystem that brings together expertise across Columbia's campuses, linking basic science, engineering, clinical medicine, public health, and health services research. Analysis of Dr. Kontos's publication record reveals a strong focus on applying AI and machine learning to biomedical imaging, particularly for cancer risk prediction and personalized treatment. Her work demonstrates a progression from foundational methodological development to clinical translation, with increasing emphasis on multi-modal biomarker integration. Recent publications show expansion into new disease areas including Alzheimer's disease prediction, while maintaining her strong focus on breast and lung cancer applications. Dr. Kontos has received significant recognition for her contributions to the field: Academy for Radiology and Biomedical Imaging Research Distinguished Investigator Award (2020) Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group - American College of Radiology Imaging Network ECOG-ACRIN Young Investigator Award of Distinction for Translational Research (2014) Dr. Kontos has been highly successful in securing research funding, with numerous grants from federal agencies including the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Department of Defense (DOD), as well as private foundations such as the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). Her leadership extends to mentoring students and postdoctoral researchers through her roles at CIMBID and the Department of Radiology. As the founding director of CIMBID, Dr. Kontos leads a multidisciplinary team that includes the Computational Imaging Biomarker Group (CBIG), the Laboratory of AI and Biomedical Science (LABS), and several other affiliated research labs. The center leverages Columbia's institutional strengths in engineering, data science, and clinical medicine to advance personalized healthcare through AI and imaging technologies.
James D. Kelly is a University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences at Michigan State University (MSU), with a 40-year career in dry bean breeding and genetics. His work focuses on developing high-yielding, disease-resistant bean cultivars using molecular markers and international collaborations through the Legume Innovation Lab. He has trained numerous graduate students, including global researchers like Rwanda's Minister of Agriculture Gerardine Mukeshimana. Education : B.S. and B.Agr. (Hons.) from Queen's University of Belfast (1968-1969); M.S. and Ph.D. in Plant Breeding & Genetics from the University of Wisconsin (1971-1974) His research spans symbiotic nitrogen fixation, drought tolerance, canning quality, and disease resistance in Phaseolus vulgaris . Recent publications highlight QTL mapping, transcriptome analysis, and cultivar registrations like 'Cayenne' and 'Red Cedar'. Scientific recognition includes the University Distinguished Professor title. His lab collaborates globally, impacting food security in East Africa, and he plans to retire soon while maintaining ongoing breeding innovation.
Dr. Alex A. Volinsky serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of South Florida's College of Engineering. His research program focuses on advanced materials characterization with specialization in thin films processing, adhesion/fracture mechanics, and nanoindentation techniques. Current projects investigate pattern formation in irradiated materials and biomaterial interfaces. Volinsky's research explores fundamental relationships between material processing, microstructure evolution, and mechanical properties across diverse material systems including superalloys, shape memory alloys, and nanocomposites. Recent work emphasizes additive manufacturing processes, surface engineering solutions, and biomaterial development for medical applications. Publication analysis reveals consistent focus on: Advanced characterization of deformation mechanisms Performance optimization of additive manufactured components Novel approaches to fracture toughness assessment Surface engineering for functional applications Biomaterial-tissue interactions His laboratory develops experimental methodologies for nanoscale mechanical testing and maintains active collaborations with medical researchers on implant material design.
Delphine Périé-Curnier is a Full Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Polytechnique Montréal and Director of Graduate Studies. Her research focuses on developing quantitative MRI techniques for non-invasive characterization of living tissue mechanical properties, particularly in cardiotoxicity detection and musculoskeletal mechanobiology . She leads the Bioperformance Analysis and Innovation Laboratory (LIAB) and contributes to the Institute of Biomedical Engineering. Education: Ph.D. from Paul Sabatier University, Toulouse, France Her work bridges medical imaging , biomechanical modeling , and finite element analysis to predict disease progression through pathomechanism understanding. Key projects include exercise-induced cardiac changes in childhood cancer survivors and spinal biomechanics in scoliosis. Recent publications (2023-2024) emphasize cardiovascular MRI for childhood cancer survivorship and hemodynamic modeling in left ventricle analysis. She supervises 26 graduate students, with completed theses spanning topics like doxorubicin cardiotoxicity , knee replacement stability , and spatial cardiac MRI protocols . Teaching includes graduate courses in biomedical design , advanced biomechanics , and modeling techniques .
Christopher Stojanowski is a Professor in the School of Human Evolution and Social Change at Arizona State University. His research focuses on bioarchaeology, dental anthropology, and the Holocene skeletal record of the New World and Africa. He has authored or co-authored multiple books and articles on topics including colonial Southeast ethnogenesis, Saharan population history, and forensic biohistory. Education: Ph.D. Anthropology, University of New Mexico M.S. Anthropology, Florida State University B.A. Anthropology, University of North Carolina-Wilmington Research Interests: Bioarchaeology Dental Anthropology Phenotypic Evolution Human Migration Southeastern United States North Africa Forensic Anthropology Biohistory Publications: Over 100 peer-reviewed articles and books, including works on mission cemeteries, bioarchaeological identity, and dental morphology. Recent trends emphasize interdisciplinary approaches to human health, migration, and resilience in prehistoric and colonial contexts. Awards: 2010 James Mooney Prize, Southern Anthropological Society. Grants & Service: Principal investigator on NSF grants studying Saharan population history and forensic biohistory. Serves on editorial boards for journals like International Journal of Osteoarchaeology and Journal of Anthropological Research . Labs/Teams: Associate Director of the Center for Bioarchaeological Research. Collaborates with international teams on projects like the Gobero skeletal analysis in Niger.
Prescott Woodruff, MD, MPH , is a Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) , School of Medicine. His research is centered on translational approaches to understanding and treating chronic lung diseases, particularly asthma and COPD. He leads and co-leads major NIH-funded initiatives such as SPIROMICS, U01HL146002, and R01HL143998, focusing on precision medicine and immunometabolic phenotypes in severe asthma. MD: Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons (1993) MPH: Harvard School of Public Health (1996) His research interests include identifying molecular sub-phenotypes of asthma and COPD, mechanisms of airway inflammation and remodeling, development of blood-based genomic diagnostics, and conducting clinical trials in obstructive lung diseases. He emphasizes mentoring in translational research, supported by an NHLBI K24 award, and has mentored 21 early-career scientists, including postdoctoral fellows and graduate students. His recent publications reflect a strong focus on biomarker discovery, imaging (CT), genomics, and health disparities in COPD and asthma. Themes include mucus plugging, exacerbation risk, environmental exposures (PM2.5), sleep quality, and social determinants of health. Much of his work leverages large cohorts like SPIROMICS, SARP, and TOPMed. Scientific Awards: Elected to the Association of American Physicians (2022) Elected to the American Society for Clinical Investigation (2012) AOA (1993) Dr. Woodruff is an active mentor and collaborator, involved in multiple clinical trials and multi-center research consortia. He leads the Woodruff Lab and is affiliated with the UCSF Airway Clinical Research Center. His research integrates clinical data, genomics, metabolomics, and imaging to advance precision medicine in respiratory disease.
Fernando Martinez is a Professor and holds the Joseph D. Early Chair in Biomedical Research at UMass Chan Medical School, where he is affiliated with the Department of Medicine in the T.H. Chan School of Medicine. His research focuses on pulmonary medicine, particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and interstitial lung diseases (ILD). BS in Interdisciplinary Sciences, University of Florida MS in Biostatistics & Clinical Study, University of Michigan MD, University of Florida College of Medicine Dr. Martinez's research interests center on understanding the pathogenesis, progression, and treatment of chronic lung diseases. He employs advanced methodologies such as quantitative CT imaging, genomics, proteomics, and machine learning to identify biomarkers and define disease endotypes. His work emphasizes precision medicine approaches to improve diagnosis, risk stratification, and therapeutic outcomes in COPD and pulmonary fibrosis. His recent publications reveal a strong focus on clinical trials, disease phenotyping, and biomarker discovery. Key themes include the use of quantitative imaging to assess COPD severity, genetic and proteomic determinants of survival in IPF, and the development of novel therapies for progressive fibrotic lung diseases. He frequently publishes in high-impact journals and contributes to major clinical guidelines. Joseph D. Early Chair in Biomedical Research Dr. Martinez is actively involved in large-scale collaborative research initiatives such as SPIROMICS and COPDGene, which investigate the heterogeneity and progression of COPD. He has led and contributed to numerous clinical trials evaluating new pharmacological treatments for COPD and IPF. His work has significant implications for clinical practice and public health policy. He is a key contributor to multidisciplinary teams focused on interstitial lung disease and has helped shape diagnostic and management approaches through official statements from the American Thoracic Society and GOLD.
