Amin Modabberian is a Researcher at Aalto University , affiliated with the Autonomous Systems research group. His work focuses on advanced control systems and combustion modeling for marine and diesel engines, integrating machine learning techniques for predictive control and diagnostics. Research Interests: Combustion dynamics, predictive control, marine propulsion systems, emissions reduction, and machine learning applications in engine diagnostics. Publication Trends: His recent studies (2023–2024) emphasize real-time model-predictive control for RCCI engines, ML-driven emissions prediction, and HF propagation analysis via CubeSats, reflecting synergies between marine engineering and computational methods.
Duarte J. Guerreiro Tomé Antunes is an Associate Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), affiliated with the Control Systems Technology Group and the EAISI Foundational initiative. He holds a PhD in Automatic Control from Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), Lisbon, and has postdoctoral experience at TU/e's Hybrid and Networked Systems group. Education: Licenciatura in Electrical and Computer Engineering (IST, 2005) PhD in Automatic Control (IST, 2011) Research Focus: Specializes in optimal control, stochastic control, and networked control systems. His work addresses challenges in large-scale system optimization (e.g., drone swarms, smart grids) and event-triggered control strategies for cloud-connected systems. Recent interests include robotics, particularly quadcopter dynamics. Key Contributions: Pioneered methods for reducing the 'curse of dimensionality' in high-dimensional control systems. Developed event-triggered algorithms for energy-efficient cloud-based control and stability analysis frameworks for networked systems with data losses. Awards: IEEE Control Systems Letters Outstanding Paper Award (2019) Teaching & Supervision: Teaches optimal control, dynamic programming, and robotics courses. Supervised 47 academic works to date. Active in TU/e's Cyber-Physical Systems and Systems Engineering research area.
Roy A.C. van Zuijlen is a Researcher at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, affiliated with the Heemels Group. His work focuses on control systems, machine learning, and energy management in mechanical applications. Research Interests : Control systems with nonlinear dynamics and noise modeling (using Fourier basis functions) Temporal difference learning and reinforcement learning in energy management Gaussian processes for dynamic system estimation Application to automotive technologies (RCCI engines, e-turbo systems) Publications highlight his contributions to: Temporal difference learning algorithms Bayesian estimation in linear systems Gaussian process modeling with Fourier series Energy optimization strategies for hybrid engines Labs & Teams : Collaborates with the Heemels Group at TU/e, focusing on control theory and machine learning applications.
Dr. Ciprian Dumitrache is an Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering at Colorado State University (CSU), leading the Aerospace Propulsion and Diagnostics Laboratory. He holds a Ph.D. from CSU (2017), an M.S. from Georgia Tech (2012), and a B.S. from the University Politehnica of Bucharest (2010). His expertise spans plasma physics, combustion modeling, and laser diagnostics, with a focus on aerospace propulsion systems. Dr. Dumitrache has held postdoctoral roles at École CentraleSupélec (France) and the National Institute for Lasers Plasma and Radiation Physics (Romania). Education: Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Colorado State University (2017) M.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology (2012) B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, University Politehnica of Bucharest (2010) Research Interests: Dr. Dumitrache’s work centers on improving aerospace propulsion via plasma-assisted combustion, ultrafast laser diagnostics, and CFD. Key areas include hypersonics, laser ignition, and plasma kinetics modeling. His lab develops advanced diagnostics like TALIF and REMPI for studying reactive flows and plasma dynamics. Articles Trends: Recent publications emphasize femtosecond filamentation, shock wave control, and plasma-assisted combustion. His work bridges experimental (e.g., laser spectroscopy) and computational approaches to address challenges in high-speed propulsion and energy systems. Awards: DARPA Riser (2022) AIAA Best Paper Award (2020) Fulbright Scholar (2011) Advising & Grants: Dr. Dumitrache supervises multiple Ph.D./M.S. students and advises NSF-REU and CSU research practicum programs. His grants include DARPA funding and collaborations with institutions like NASA and INFLPR. Labs/Teams: He leads CSU’s Aerospace Propulsion and Diagnostics Lab, advancing scramjet testing facilities and plasma diagnostics for next-gen propulsion systems.
Ossi Kaario is an Associate Professor at Aalto University's Department of Energy and Mechanical Engineering. His expertise focuses on combustion processes, spray dynamics, and numerical modeling of energy systems. He holds a Doctoral degree (2007) and Master's degree (1996) in Engineering and Technology from the Helsinki University of Technology. Key research areas include alternative fuels (ammonia, hydrogen, methanol), internal combustion engines, large eddy simulation (LES), and turbulence modeling. He leads projects like Flex-CPT (Flexible Clean Propulsion Technologies) and SafeH2, addressing maritime and heavy-duty engine sustainability. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to clean energy and climate action. Conducted 18 supervised theses in combustion and propulsion systems. Published 188+ research outputs, specializing in fuel blending, spray ignition, and emission reduction strategies. Received 8 active/funded projects (e.g., BF Co-Innovation grants) totaling € millions. Notable contributions include developing open-source tools like DLBFoam for reactive flow simulations and pioneering ammonia-hydrogen combustion studies.
Professor Ralf Deiterding is a leading expert in Numerical Methods for Fluid Dynamics at the School of Engineering, University of Southampton . He also holds an Adjunct Associate Professor position at the Department of Mathematics, University of Tennessee - Knoxville . His work focuses on high-resolution computational methods for fluid-structure interaction, detonation waves, hypersonic flows, and adaptive mesh refinement. Education: PhD in Technical University Cottbus (2003), Diploma in Technical University Clausthal (1998) Research Interests span innovative numerical algorithms for compressible flows, rotating detonation engines , transpiration cooling , and magnetohydrodynamic solvers . He develops AMROC and Virtual Test Facility software frameworks for large-scale simulations. Scientific Contributions include parallel adaptive mesh refinement techniques for detonation physics, lattice Boltzmann methods for aerodynamics, and multi-physics simulations of hypersonic boundary layers. His publications emphasize detonation propulsion , shock-turbulence interaction , and parallel computing . Awards: ParCFD 2015 Best Paper Award Collaborations involve EPSRC-funded projects on hypersonic aerothermodynamics and atmospheric dispersion , with teams at Oak Ridge National Lab and DLR Göttingen. He supervises PhD students in computational fluid dynamics and contributes to space weather forecasting via MHD solvers.
Heng Zheng is an Assistant Professor at the School of Information Science, University of Kentucky, with research focused on combustion engineering, alternative fuels, and plasma ignition technology. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Groningen (2024) and actively investigates strategies to improve engine efficiency and reduce emissions through advanced ignition systems and fuel characterization. Research Interests: His work addresses critical challenges in lean methane and hydrogen combustion plasma resistance control for ignition optimization DME fuel injection profiles emission reduction technologies spark discharge energy scheduling combustion dynamics under flow conditions Publication Trends: Recent articles emphasize plasma-based ignition strategies, oxygenated fuel combustion (DME, ethanol), and emission control systems. Key themes include turbulent flow effects, heat release characterization, and multi-spark discharge optimization for lean-burn engines.
Dr. Adam Dempsey is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI. He holds a Ph.D. (2013), M.S. (2009), and B.S. (2007) in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Bradley University. His research focuses on combustion technologies, including fuel injection, chemical kinetics, and pollutant emissions reduction. Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison (2013) M.S., Mechanical Engineering, Bradley University (2009) B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Bradley University (2007) Dr. Dempsey's work explores advanced combustion strategies like prechamber ignition, mixing-controlled combustion, and reactivity-controlled compression ignition (RCCI) to enhance engine efficiency and sustainability. His research spans conventional and alternative fuels (e.g., ethanol, natural gas, methanol) and emphasizes computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations for turbulent reacting flows. Recent publications highlight his focus on ultra-low methane emissions in natural gas engines, ethanol combustion optimization, and fuel-agnostic combustion technologies. Key trends include soot formation modeling , ignition chemistry , and environmental impact reduction via innovative combustion strategies. His work bridges experimental validation and computational analysis. Dr. Dempsey's contributions include developing phenomenological autoignition models and evaluating thermodynamic merits of future engine strategies. He has collaborated on studies involving particulate matter characterization and hydrocarbon emissions in heavy-duty diesel engines. Contact: adam.dempsey@marquette.edu
Professor Martin Davy is a Mechanical Engineer and Associate Professor of Engineering Science at the University of Oxford, affiliated with Exeter College. He holds a unique academic trajectory, having transitioned from non-academic roles in construction, automotive services, and motorsport to earning a Mechanical Engineering degree and PhD from University College London (UCL) in 1996 and 2000, respectively. He joined Oxford in 2013 after faculty positions at UCL, the University of British Columbia, and Loughborough University. His research focuses on reducing pollutants in internal combustion engines, particularly compression ignition systems, and exploring alternative fuels. He leads the EPSRC Prosperity Partnership’s 'Centre of Excellence for Hybrid Thermal Propulsion Systems' and previously directed the Oxford-Jaguar Land Rover collaboration on combustion research. He teaches Energy Systems, Thermodynamics, and Automotive Engineering modules, and supervises student projects. Education: BEng in Mechanical Engineering, UCL (1996) PhD in Mechanical Engineering, UCL (2000) Research Interests: Internal combustion engines, combustion processes, pollutant reduction, in-cylinder heat transfer, alternative fuels (including gaseous and hydrogen), and fluid dynamics. His work emphasizes practical applications in both transportation and stationary systems. Key Awards: UnICEG Richard Way Memorial Prize (2001) SAE Excellence in Oral Presentation (2001) IMechE Dugald Clerk Prize (2013) SAE Myers Award (2013, 2019) Grants & Leadership: Principal Investigator for EPSRC projects on ultra-efficient engines and fuels. Leads Oxford’s contributions to hybrid thermal propulsion systems and low-emission combustion research. Labs/Teams: Active in the EPSRC Prosperity Partnership and collaborates with industry partners like Jaguar Land Rover through dedicated research centers.
Qiang Cheng is a Staff Scientist at the Department of Energy and Mechanical Engineering, specializing in Energy Conversion and Systems. He holds a Doctoral degree in Engineering and Technology from the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology (2014), a Master's degree from the same institution (2011), and a Bachelor's degree from Hubei University Of Technology (2008). His research focuses on sustainable energy solutions, alternative fuels (e.g., ammonia, hydrogen), and combustion dynamics in internal combustion engines. Key areas include numerical simulations of RCCI (Reactivity Controlled Compression Ignition) engines, optical diagnostics of diesel sprays, and pre-ignition phenomena in hydrogen combustion. He is also exploring novel strategies for integrating hydrogen and ammonia into engine systems to enhance efficiency and reduce emissions. Recent work highlights include a 2025 review on ammonia as a sustainable fuel, experimental studies on hydrogen-jet dynamics, and multi-scale diagnostics for marine diesel sprays. His research aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to clean energy and climate action. Qiang leads the Ultra-H2/Cheng: Dynamics and Combustion of Ultra-High Pressure Hydrogen Jets project (2024–2028), investigating high-pressure hydrogen jet behavior. He has contributed to over 30 peer-reviewed publications and datasets, including collaborative work with institutions globally.
Hesameddin Fatehi is a Senior Lecturer at Lund University's Faculty of Engineering (LTH), specializing in Fluid Mechanics with a focus on energy sciences. He is an active member of the LTH Profile Area: The Energy Transition and the LTH Profile Area: Aerosols, contributing to research in sustainable energy technologies. His research interests include: Computational Fluid Dynamics Multiphase Flow Multi-physics Modeling Reaction Kinetics Safety of energy carriers Hydrogen combustion technologies Biomass conversion processes Dr. Fatehi's recent work focuses on zero-emission hydrogen internal combustion engines, innovative biomass conversion technologies incorporating nitrogen and carbon dioxide reforming, and safety aspects of new energy carriers. His research output shows a strong trend toward sustainable energy solutions with emphasis on computational modeling of complex fluid dynamics problems in energy applications. He has been involved in 10 research projects, including: Diagnosis of thermal runaway in batteries using lasers (2025-2029) CFD and Data-Driven Modelling of Thermal Events in Batteries (2024-2028) MINICOR: MILD Combustion with Nitrogen and Carbon Dioxide Reforming (Horizon Europe, 2023-2028) Computational Fluid Dynamics for reactive transport in porous media (2023-2028) Dr. Fatehi teaches courses on computational fluid dynamics and biomass conversion, and has supervised multiple graduate research projects. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals in energy sustainability and has been featured in 3 news outlets with attention from researchers worldwide.
Enrico MATTARELLI is a Full Professor at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Department of Engineering "Enzo Ferrari". His academic career focuses on fluid machines, energy systems, and internal combustion engines, with particular expertise in alternative fuels and sustainable propulsion technologies. Professor MATTARELLI's research interests span across hydrogen engines, dual fuel combustion systems, sustainable fuels for heavy-duty applications, and innovative engine designs. His work demonstrates a consistent focus on reducing emissions while maintaining or improving thermal efficiency. He has made significant contributions to the understanding of hydrogen combustion in two-stroke engines, opposed piston configurations, and dual fuel systems combining natural gas/hydrogen with diesel ignition. His recent publications reveal a strong trend toward decarbonization of transportation through innovative engine technologies. The research shows particular emphasis on hydrogen applications across various engine types (two-stroke, four-stroke, opposed piston) and sectors (automotive, aviation, power generation). A notable pattern is the systematic approach to optimizing combustion systems for alternative fuels while addressing practical engineering challenges like emissions control and performance maintenance. While no specific awards are listed in the provided material, his extensive publication record in high-impact journals and conference proceedings demonstrates significant scholarly contribution to the field of mechanical engineering and sustainable propulsion technologies. Professor MATTARELLI teaches several advanced courses including Machines and Energy Systems, Powerunit/Internal Combustion Engines, and Engine Components Design for both Mechanical Engineering and Vehicle Engineering programs. His teaching materials indicate a strong emphasis on practical engineering applications combined with theoretical foundations in thermodynamics and fluid dynamics.
Professor Thanos Megaritis is the Head of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Brunel University London, within the College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences. He holds a PhD from Imperial College London and a Dipl Ing from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. His research focuses on Engine Combustion and Emissions Control, Fuel Treatment, Alternative Fuels, and Exhaust Gas Aftertreatment. He has led multiple EPSRC-funded projects, including studies on synthetic fuels for low-carbon propulsion and novel aftertreatment systems. Academic Career: April 2023–present as Department Head; 2011–present as Professor of Thermofluids at Brunel University; prior roles at the University of Birmingham and Imperial College London. Research Interests: His work addresses low-carbon propulsion systems, fuel reforming for hydrogen generation, and emission reduction technologies. Key areas include hydrogen combustion in engines, biofuel applications, and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) strategies. Publications: Over 40+ peer-reviewed articles, focusing on spray dynamics, combustion optimization, and alternative fuels. Recent work explores micro-explosion in droplets and high-pressure spray flames. Grants & Awards: Principal Investigator for major EPSRC grants (e.g., Utilisation of Synthetic Fuels, FACE project). Member of IMechE, SAE International, and the American Chemical Society. Teaching: Leads courses in Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, and Internal Combustion Engines.
Dr. Jamie Kimberley is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering at Merrimack College and serves as the Associate Vice President (AVP) of Research Development. His research focuses on experimental characterization of materials under high-rate loading, employing advanced imaging techniques to study failure mechanisms and develop predictive models. He holds a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Illinois, Urbana–Champaign, alongside an M.S. in Theoretical & Applied Mechanics and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from SUNY Binghamton and SUNY New Paltz, respectively. His current research interests include quantitative imaging techniques, additive manufacturing material response, damage evolution in energetic materials, and coupled mechanical/ignition responses. He has held academic positions at New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology and conducted postdoctoral research at Johns Hopkins University. Education: Ph.D., Aerospace Engineering, University of Illinois, Urbana–Champaign M.S., Theoretical & Applied Mechanics, University of Illinois, Urbana–Champaign B.S., Mechanical Engineering, State University of New York, Binghamton Dr. Kimberley’s work bridges microstructural and macroscopic material behaviors, with applications spanning from MEMS devices to asteroid impact phenomena. His research has produced over 50 peer-reviewed articles, emphasizing dynamic failure, shock response, and material fragmentation under extreme conditions. Key contributions include advancements in schlieren imaging for stress field analysis and fracture mechanics of reactive materials. Honors and Awards: J.W. Dally Young Investigator Award (2019) J.O. Smith Excellence in Teaching Award (2001) His recent studies explore fragmentation behavior, explosive loading effects on polymers, and the development of self-sensing composites using mechanoluminescent materials. Collaborations span academia and industry, addressing challenges in aerospace, defense, and energy sectors.
Carrie M. Hall is Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Illinois Institute of Technology's Armour College of Engineering, specializing in advanced internal combustion engines, alternative fuels, and renewable energy systems. Her research portfolio includes NSF CAREER Award-winning work on fuel-flexible engine control and wave energy conversion technologies. Her publications demonstrate strong focus on sustainable energy solutions, with recent work spanning optimal control strategies for fuel cell thermal management, wave energy converter optimization, and combustion control for low-emission engines using alternative fuels. Research consistently integrates advanced control theory with experimental validation. Honors include a Fulbright Scholarship (2022-2023) and multiple teaching awards. She holds patents for biofuel combustion methods and has developed novel modeling frameworks for engine optimization and renewable energy systems.
