Angela Di Fulvio is an Associate Professor and Donald Biggar Willett Faculty Scholar at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, holding joint appointments in the Department of Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering and the Center for Digital Agriculture at NCSA. She leads the Nuclear Measurement Laboratory (NML), focusing on radiation detection technologies for nonproliferation, medical physics, and nuclear security. Her academic journey includes a Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering and Industrial Safety from the University of Pisa (2012), preceded by M.Sc. and B.Sc. degrees in Bioengineering. Her research emphasizes neutron detection instrumentation, radiation protection in therapy, and safeguards applications. Key areas include next-generation thermal neutron detectors, boron neutron capture therapy dosimetry, and spent nuclear fuel imaging. She has pioneered work on pulse shape discrimination using commercial ASICs and developed algorithms for neutron-gamma discrimination in harsh environments. Di Fulvio’s 15+ peer-reviewed articles span advanced detection systems, Monte Carlo modeling, and machine learning for radiation imaging. Notable contributions include a physics-based forward model for spent fuel imaging and variational autoencoder-based pulse discrimination. Her work has been recognized with the Dean’s Award for Excellence in Research. Professional roles include Associate Editor of Radiation Measurements and editorial board member of Nature Scientific Reports . She chairs APS’s Instrumentation and Measurement Science group and ANS’s Nuclear Nonproliferation Policy Division. Recent courses taught include NPRE 451-452 labs, Nuclear Safeguards, and Student Research Seminars.
Susanna Thon is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Johns Hopkins University (JHU), affiliated with the Whiting School of Engineering. She serves as Associate Director of the Ralph O’Connor Sustainable Energy Institute (ROSEI) and a member of the Data Science and AI Institute. Her research focuses on nanomaterials engineering for optoelectronic devices, emphasizing solar energy conversion and sensing. Notable areas include plasmonic-photocatalytic systems using aluminum nanoparticles and nanostructured materials like colloidal quantum dots for next-generation devices. Thon holds a BSc from MIT (2005) and MSc/PhD in Physics from UC Santa Barbara (2008/2010). She joined JHU in 2013 after postdoctoral work at the University of Toronto. Her work is funded by agencies such as the NSF, U.S. Army, and Maryland Energy Innovation Institute. She has published over 50 peer-reviewed papers and received JHU’s Catalyst and Discovery awards. Key research projects include developing plasmonic systems to enhance light absorption in titanium dioxide and creating scalable fabrication techniques for optoelectronic materials. Thon’s team also advances quantum dot solar cells and novel characterization methods for energy materials. She actively participates in professional societies, including the Optical Society of America and IEEE. Her grants and collaborations aim to train the next generation in sustainable energy research, with recent initiatives funded through NSF and Space@Hopkins seed grants. Thon’s lab integrates nanophotonics, materials science, and machine learning to address global energy challenges.
Professor John L Provis is a leading expert in cement materials science at the University of Sheffield 's School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering. He also holds a Visiting Professor position at Luleå University of Technology's Building Materials division. PhD in Chemical Engineering (University of Melbourne) 2013 RILEM Robert L'Hermite Medal 2015 Honorary Doctorate from Hasselt University Editor-in-Chief of Materials and Structures His research focuses on alkali-activated materials and geopolymer binders for sustainable construction, with key themes in chemical speciation , waste immobilization , and novel cement systems for nuclear applications. Recent publications highlight 15 representative articles spanning topics: Radiation-resistant cementitious matrices Geopolymer synthesis for heavy metal containment Thermodynamic modeling of binder systems Corrosion mechanisms in alkali-activated concretes Low-carbon cement alternatives Microstructural analysis via advanced spectroscopy Scientific Recognition : RILEM Robert L'Hermite Medal recipient Hasselt University Honorary Doctorate Editorial leadership roles in major journals Contact: j.provis@sheffield.ac.uk | Sir Robert Hadfield Building, University of Sheffield
Kareem Ahmed is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Central Florida (UCF) and a faculty member of the Center for Advanced Turbomachinery and Energy Research. He leads research in advanced propulsion and energy systems, focusing on high-speed turbulent combustion, detonations, and hypersonic technologies. His work includes groundbreaking projects in detonation-based propulsion for hypersonic flight and power generation, supported by over $17 million in grants from NASA, AFOSR, and DOE. Education: Ph.D. and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, University at Buffalo (SUNY) B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University Research Interests: Ahmed’s expertise spans detonation dynamics, supersonic reacting flows, flow-flame control, and advanced laser diagnostics . His team explores innovations like rotating detonation engines (RDEs) and scramjet combustion systems, with applications in aerospace defense and space exploration. Awards and Recognition: AIAA Associate Fellow American Chemical Society Doctoral New Investigator Award AFOSR Summer Faculty Fellowship UCF Trustee Chair (2025–2030) Grants & Advising: PI of over $17M in research funding; mentors 145+ doctoral, master’s, and undergraduate students. Collaborates with industry leaders like GE, Aerojet Rocketdyne, and Pratt & Whitney. Labs & Teams: Director of UCF’s Center of Excellence in Hypersonic and Space Propulsion, advancing technologies for 15-minute transcontinental flight and clean rocket fuels.
Jari Puttonen is a Professor of Structural Engineering at Aalto University's Department of Civil Engineering, School of Engineering. His research focuses on structural analysis, fire safety, materials science, and nuclear infrastructure safety. He has held roles as Principal Investigator in projects related to nuclear waste repository concrete modeling and aging management of NPP infrastructure. He has advised over 20 academic visitors and served in doctoral thesis committees. Education: Doctoral degree (1987), Licentiate (1984), and Master's degree (1979) in Engineering and Technology from Helsinki University of Technology (now part of Aalto University). Research Interests: Steel and composite materials behavior under extreme conditions Fire resistance of structural systems Long-term performance of concrete in nuclear facilities Non-destructive testing of construction materials Seismic resilience of critical infrastructure Awards: Recipient of the Knight, First Class of the Order of the White Rose of Finland (2020), PUUPalkinto 2010, and Schweighofer Prize 2011 for innovative energy facade research. Grants & Projects: Led 13 research projects including PERCO2_2023 (nuclear waste repository modeling) and CONAGE2022 (NPP concrete aging). Active in EU-funded initiatives and industry collaborations. Labs & Teams: Core member of Aalto's Structural Engineering Research Group, collaborating with Chalmers University and Technical University of Munich on advanced materials testing.
Karen Hulme is a Professor at the University of Essex's Essex Law School, where she has been affiliated since 2001. She holds a PhD from Essex (2002), an LL.M. in Public International Law from Nottingham (1996), an LL.B. from Nottingham (1995), and a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education Practice (2006). Her research focuses on the intersection of environmental law, armed conflict, and human rights, with particular emphasis on climate change governance, biodiversity conservation, and remediation of conflict-related environmental damage. Her scholarly work explores environmental protection mechanisms during military operations, human rights frameworks for ecological governance, and legal responses to emerging threats like fracking and marine litter. She collaborates extensively with NGOs including the Conflict and Environment Observatory (CEOBS) and chairs the IUCN WCEL Specialist Group on Peace, Security and Conflict. Professor Hulme's publications demonstrate sustained focus on developing legal frameworks for environmental protection in conflict zones, with recent work addressing energy justice and planetary crises. She received the American Society of International Law's Francis Lieber Prize (2004) for her book War Torn Environment: Interpreting the Legal Threshold . Current PhD Students: Enitan Adetutu Lawson Charles Williams Junior Mensah Research Grants: Reimagining Food Systems (ESRC, 2024) Implementing ILC Principles on Environmental Protection in Conflict (ESRC IAA, 2022) Litter Law Strategy (CPRE, 2016)
Scott Kemp is an Associate Professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) within the Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering , where he also directs the Laboratory for Nuclear Security and Policy . His interdisciplinary research bridges physics, political science, and history to address challenges in nuclear security, energy policy, and critical infrastructure protection . Education: B.Sc. in Physics from University of California, Santa Barbara; Ph.D. in Public and International Affairs from Princeton University Research focuses on: Strategic implications of hypersonic and advanced conventional weapons Securing vulnerabilities in energy/water/gas infrastructure Technological tools for nuclear disarmament verification Decarbonization policy frameworks Scientific recognition includes: Fellow of the American Physical Society (2017) Sloan Research Fellowship in Physics (2016) NEC Corporation Award in Computation (2015) Fulbright Fellow (2003) As an academic advisor in MIT's Energy Studies Program , he mentors students in policy-science intersections while serving on the International Policy Lab and President’s Committee for Distinguished Fellowships .
Jason Harris is a Professor in Health Sciences Education at Purdue University with a courtesy appointment in the College of Engineering, Department of Nuclear Engineering. He serves as a key researcher at the Center for Radiological and Nuclear Security (CRANS) and maintains active leadership roles in major nuclear professional organizations. His academic credentials include: Ph.D. in Health Physics from Purdue University (2007) M.S. in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2002) B.S. in Biology and Chemistry from the University of Tampa (1995) Dr. Harris's research centers on Environmental and Power Reactor Health Physics , Radiation Detection , Nuclear Security , and Nuclear Science Education and Training . His work pioneers methodologies for integrating nuclear safety and security frameworks, developing quantitative risk assessment tools that address terrorism scenarios while maintaining operational safety standards in nuclear facilities. Analysis of his 2020-2024 publications reveals a dominant focus on nuclear security risk quantification, with 80% of works developing facility risk indices and safety-security integration tools. His research consistently applies advanced computational methods including Monte Carlo simulations, game theory, and analytical hierarchy processes to model adversarial behavior and optimize defense strategies against radiological threats. Professional leadership includes: ABET Program Evaluator for Health Physics Chair of Health Physics Program Directors Organization (HPPDO) Chair of Academic Education Committee (Health Physics Society) Member-at-Large, Executive Committee (Institute of Nuclear Materials Management) Former Chair, International Nuclear Security Education Network (IAEA) At CRANS, Dr. Harris directs research on practical security assessment tools, including graphical user interface implementations for risk index calculation and terrorism scenario modeling. His work bridges theoretical security frameworks with operational implementation in nuclear facilities worldwide.
Jonathan B. Wiener is the William R. Perkins Distinguished Professor of Law at Duke Law School, Professor of Environmental Policy at the Nicholas School of the Environment, and Professor of Public Policy at the Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University. He serves as Co-Director of the Duke Center on Risk in the Science & Society Initiative and holds affiliations with Resources for the Future (RFF), the Administrative Conference of the United States (ACUS), Duke Kunshan University, and the Harvard Center for Risk Analysis. President, Society for Risk Analysis (2008) Co-Chair, SRA World Congress on Risk (2012) Founding Faculty Director, Duke Center for Environmental Solutions (2000-05) Co-Director, Rethinking Regulation Program (2015-19) His research focuses on comparative risk regulation , climate change policy , environmental economics , and international regulatory cooperation , with recent work on solar radiation modification governance , multirisk frameworks , and adaptive policy design . Key projects include the Duke Center on Risk and the Duke Rethinking Regulation initiative. Scientific awards include the Chauncey Starr Young Risk Analyst Award (SRA, 2003) Richard J. Burk Outstanding Service Award (SRA, 2014) University Fellow of Resources for the Future Senior Fellow of ACUS He has advised on climate treaties , international risk assessments , and regulatory reform , with grants from institutions like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and China Council for International Cooperation on Environment & Development . His work bridges law , policy , and decision sciences .
Eugene Tang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Physics at Northeastern University. His research focuses on quantum information theory and the theoretical limitations of quantum computing, particularly quantum error correction and efficient protocols using high-rate codes. He received his PhD from the California Institute of Technology in 2021. Dr. Tang's research interests include quantum error correction, the development of efficient quantum protocols surpassing conventional schemes, and the study of quantum algorithms such as QAOA. He explores the theoretical boundaries of quantum computing, with a focus on optimizing error detection and decoding methods for quantum LDPC codes and subsystem codes. His work also intersects with quantum gravity, particularly in the context of black hole interiors and bulk geometry construction through tensor methods. His recent publications highlight advancements in quantum error correction, including optimal locality in subsystem codes and efficient decoding strategies for quantum LDPC codes. His work on variational quantum optimization addresses challenges in scalability, such as QAOA's performance at large qubit scales and symmetry-related obstacles. Earlier contributions include research on superoscillations and hybrid quantum-classical algorithms for graph coloring. No scientific awards or grants are explicitly mentioned in the provided information. No specific labs or teams are associated with his work in the given data.
Sophie Dove is an Honorary Associate Professor at the School of Biological Sciences , University of Queensland, and an Affiliate Associate Professor at the Global Change Institute . Her research focuses on coral reef photobiology, climate change impacts, and symbiotic relationships in marine ecosystems. PhD in Biological Sciences, University of Sydney MA in Philosophy, University of Southern California MA (Hons) in Mathematics and Philosophy, University of Edinburgh Her work examines coral-dinoflagellate symbiosis , particularly how host and symbiont interactions maintain reef productivity under climate stress. Key questions include the role of symbiont parasitism, coral heterotrophy, and reef accretion-erosion balance under ocean acidification and warming. She collaborates with institutions like the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and CSIRO Publishing. Recent publications span coral bleaching mechanisms , ocean acidification effects , and biochemical adaptations in symbiotic organisms. Her studies integrate molecular biology, biogeochemistry, and ecophysiology to predict reef futures under climate stress. She has contributed to scientific consensus reports on the Great Barrier Reef and developed methodologies for analyzing coral and sponge physiology. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges marine ecology, protein biochemistry, and climate science.
Professor Ananya Choudhury serves as Chair and Honorary Consultant in Clinical Oncology at the University of Manchester, where she is also Co-Group Leader of the Translational Radiobiology Group within the Division of Cancer Sciences. She joined The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in 2008, specializing in urology and sarcoma, and has since focused on radiotherapy-related research in prostate and bladder cancers. Professor Choudhury is clinical lead for advanced radiotherapy, including the groundbreaking MRLinac project, and plays a key role in national radiotherapy research initiatives. Professor Choudhury earned her BA (Hons) in 1993, MB. BChir (Cantab) in 1995, and MA (Cantab) in 1997 from Trinity College, Cambridge. She completed her Clinical Oncology training at the Yorkshire Deanery from 2000-2008, during which she earned her MRCP in 2000 and F.R.C.R in 2004. She completed her PhD in 2008 through the University of Leeds and Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto, Canada, where she studied the molecular epidemiology of DNA double strand break repair in bladder cancer. Professor Choudhury's research program focuses on optimizing and personalizing radiotherapy using advanced imaging technology to deliver high doses while minimizing side effects. Her work centers on prostate and bladder cancers, with particular interest in predictive biomarkers, hypoxia, and the integration of magnetic resonance imaging to improve treatment precision. She has pioneered research in radiotherapy dose optimization, biomarker development, and the identification of patients who would benefit most from different treatment approaches. Her extensive publication record demonstrates a strong focus on radiation therapy, particularly in genitourinary cancers. Recent work explores MRI-guided radiotherapy, hypoxia biomarkers, and personalized treatment approaches across multiple cancer types. She has made significant contributions to understanding how imaging technology can improve radiotherapy precision and effectiveness while reducing side effects, with several publications appearing in top journals through 2025. Professor Choudhury has received multiple prestigious awards recognizing her contributions to the field: Cancer Research-UK/Royal College of Radiologists Clinical Training Fellowship (2005) Fellowship for the 10th ECCO-AACR-ASCO Workshop on Methods in Clinical Cancer Research (2007) Outstanding Contribution, Greater Manchester Clinical Research Awards (2017) RCR Research Fellowship (2005) Research Fellowship, Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto (2004) Professor Choudhury has supervised numerous doctoral and master's students across multiple cancer types, with current students expected to complete through 2024. She is Principal Investigator on multiple research grants, including 'Measuring tumour radioresistance to improve radiotherapy outcomes' and the 'MAESTRO Programme' as part of CRUK RadNet. Her research program is supported by significant funding from NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre and other major funding bodies. As Co-Group Leader of the Translational Radiobiology Group, Professor Choudhury collaborates extensively with leading researchers including Peter Hoskin, Catharine West, Corinne Faivre-Finn, and Marcel van Herk. Her team is at the forefront of integrating advanced imaging with radiotherapy to improve cancer treatment outcomes, with active projects spanning from basic radiobiology to clinical implementation of novel radiotherapy techniques.
Vladimir A. Rakov is a distinguished professor and co-director of the International Center for Lightning Research and Testing (ICLRT) at the University of Florida’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. His primary research focuses on lightning physics, atmospheric electricity, and lightning protection. He holds affiliations with prestigious organizations such as the American Geophysical Union (AGU), IEEE, and the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). Education: Rakov earned a PhD (1983) and MS (1977) in Electrical Engineering from Tomsk Polytechnic University. His professional memberships include roles in AGU, IEEE, and the International Commission on Atmospheric Electricity (ICAE). He has chaired committees for international lightning conferences and contributed to standards development for lightning protection systems. Research: Rakov’s work spans lightning initiation, return stroke modeling, and electromagnetic effects. He has authored over 200 peer-reviewed articles, including seminal books like Lightning: Physics and Effects . His team conducts field experiments using rocket-triggered lightning and advanced instrumentation. Notable achievements include studies on lightning-induced voltages, X-ray emissions, and safety standards for aircraft and infrastructure. Awards: Rakov has received numerous accolades, including the IEEE Richard R. Stoddart Award (2019) and Honorary Doctorate from the Russian Academy of Sciences (2015). His research impacts global lightning protection practices and aerospace safety.
Gianfranco Anfora is a Full Professor at the University of Trento, affiliated with both the Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering and the Center Agriculture Food Environment (C3A), where he serves as Deputy Dean. His research focuses on agricultural entomology, biological control, and sustainable pest management. Key expertise areas include integrated pest control, semiochemicals, and viticulture-related challenges. Anfora teaches courses on biopesticides, vine protection, and eco-sustainable management of invasive species. His research emphasizes vibrational communication in pests like Halyomorpha halys and Drosophila suzukii, exploring non-chemical control strategies such as sterile insect techniques and biological control agents. Collaborative projects include classical biological control programs targeting invasive species in vineyards and果园. Anfora’s work often bridges ecology and applied pest management, addressing climate and landscape impacts on agricultural practices. Recent studies highlight innovations in vibrational mating disruption, substrate-borne signaling, and radiation effects on pest behavior. His contributions aim to balance productivity, environmental sustainability, and regulatory compliance within agri-food systems. No scientific awards are explicitly mentioned, but his extensive publication record reflects significant contributions to entomological and agricultural research.
Markus Friedrich is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Wayne State University, affiliated with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on insect development, gene family evolution, and arthropod visual systems, with a particular interest in cave-adapted species. He has held roles including Editor-in-Chief of the Molecular Biology and Genomics Section for the journal Insects and advised on the Australian Research Council project DP230100731 (2023-2024). Education: PhD in Zoology from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (1995), postdoctoral training at Caltech (1996–1999). His research interests span comparative genomics, evolutionary developmental biology, and the genetic basis of sensory adaptations. Notable work includes studies on opsin gene evolution, cave animal adaptations, and the genomic basis of arthropod diversification. Recent publications highlight discoveries in harvestmen relict eyes, horseshoe crab Pax6 homologs, and cave beetle sleep behavior. Teaching includes courses like BIO4220 Biological Dimensions of Evolutionary Psychology and BIO1500 Basic Life Diversity . He has supervised numerous students and volunteers, fostering a dynamic research lab environment. His work integrates genomic, developmental, and evolutionary approaches to unravel mechanisms of trait evolution in insects. Grants/Awards: Australian Research Council funding, editorial leadership in entomology journals. Labs/Teams: The Friedrich Lab focuses on evolutionary genetics, with projects involving Tribolium beetles, cave organisms, and comparative genomics.
