Professor Ahmet Bindal is a faculty member in the Department of Computer Engineering at San José State University . He earned his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Bogazici University, Turkey, followed by M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles. Industry Experience : 20 years at IBM, Intel, Philips, and Cadence Design Systems. Current Research : Nano-scale electron devices, silicon nanowire transistors, robotics, and VLSI architecture. Research Trends : His work focuses on silicon nanowire transistors for VLSI, FPGA, and robotics. Key themes include low-power/high-speed integrated circuits , dynamic logic design , neuromorphic engineering , and advanced semiconductor processing . Patents and Publications : He holds four U.S. patents (three with IBM, one with Intel). His 30+ journal and conference publications span nanowire transistors, FPGA architecture, robotics, and semiconductor process modeling. Teaching Contributions : Developed an undergraduate System-on-Chip (SoC) course and a MOSFET design laboratory at SJSU. Books Authored : Fundamentals of Computer Architecture and Design (Springer, 2017). Electronics for Embedded Systems (Springer, 2017). Silicon Nanowire Transistors (Springer, 2017).
Emma Colamarino is a Researcher at the Department of Computer, Control and Management Engineering "Antonio Ruberti" of Sapienza University of Rome. She holds an M.Sc. in Biomedical Engineering (2014, cum laude) and a Ph.D. in Bioengineering (2019). Since 2015, she has been a research collaborator at the Neuroelectrical Imaging and Brain-Computer Interfaces Lab of IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia in Rome and served as a Visiting Ph.D. student at Imperial College London (2018). From 2019 to March 2023, she was a Post-Doctoral Fellow at Sapienza University. Her research focuses on Advanced electroencephalographic (EEG) and electromyographic (EMG) signal processing Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) protocols for cerebral function recovery Machine learning in neurorehabilitation Hybrid BCIs integrating cortico-muscular networks Recent publications address stroke rehabilitation, BCI design, spectral graph theory, and EMG-EEG integration. Her work spans biomedical data analysis, neuroengineering, and rehabilitation technology validation. Scientific awards include multiple grants from Sapienza University and the Italian Ministry of Health, a Student Award at the 7th International BCI Meeting (2018), and recognition as a Subject Expert (2019). She has supervised/co-supervised 18 MD theses across Biomedical, Management, and Robotics Engineering disciplines.
Mehdi Khamassi is a Research Director at the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), assigned to the Institute of Intelligent Systems and Robotics (ISIR) at Sorbonne University in Paris, France. He holds an engineering background in computer science (specializing in AI and statistical modeling) from the National School of Computer Science for Industry and Business (2003), a Cogmaster in cognitive science from Pierre and Marie Curie University (2003), and a PhD in cognitive neuroscience from UPMC/Collège de France (2007). Recruited by CNRS in 2010, he co-organizes the Symposium of Biology of Decision-Making (SBDM) and co-directs the modeling major for the Cogmaster program. His research integrates computational modeling , neuroscience experiments , and robotic systems to study decision-making and learning mechanisms. Key interests include: Reinforcement learning in biological and artificial systems Role of social/non-social rewards in adaptive behavior Ethical implications of autonomous decision-making in AI Neuro-robotic models of hippocampal-prefrontal interactions Recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate strong focus on reinforcement learning paradigms, AI alignment with human values, neurorobotics, and computational neuroscience. Work frequently bridges machine learning theory with empirical validation in biological systems or robotic platforms. He leads research within the ACIDE team at ISIR, exploring adaptive coordination of learning strategies in brains and robots. Current collaborations include NTUA (Greece), University of Oxford, and University of Trento.
Professor JC Ji is a distinguished academic at the School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), where he was promoted to Professor on January 3, 2025, after serving as an Associate Professor since January 1, 2016. He serves as the Theme Research Director at the Centre for Audio, Acoustics and Vibration (CAAV) at UTS and is an active member of the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology. Professor Ji holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Australia and a Graduate Certificate from UTS, along with CPEng NER certification from Engineers Australia since 2018. Professor Ji's research spans multiple interdisciplinary areas with significant practical applications. His primary research interests include Dynamics, Vibration and Vibration Control (focusing on wind turbine dynamics, rotor-bearing systems, and vibration isolation); Machine Condition Monitoring and Asset Management (specializing in fault diagnostics, prognostics, and digital twin-based modeling); Renewable Energy and Sustainability (particularly in vibration-based energy harvesting and battery circular economy); Mechanical and Vehicle Systems; Robotic and Multi-Agent Systems; and Ecological Systems. His work demonstrates a strong integration of theoretical foundations with practical engineering solutions for real-world problems. Analysis of Professor Ji's recent publications reveals a clear research trajectory focused on advanced vibration control systems, condition monitoring techniques, and digital twin applications. His work increasingly integrates machine learning with traditional mechanical engineering approaches, particularly in bearing and gear health management. A significant portion of his recent research focuses on quasi-zero stiffness vibration isolators using innovative structural designs including origami-inspired mechanisms. His publications show strong international impact with numerous high-citation articles in top mechanical engineering journals. Stanford University's World's Top 2% Scientists List for both career-long impact and single-calendar year impact in 2023 and 2024 CPEng NER Chartered Engineers certification from Engineers Australia (2018-present) Professor Ji actively supervises research students and has secured substantial funding for his work, including multiple ARC Discovery and Linkage Projects. He serves as an Associate Editor for Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing (Q1 journal), Journal of Vibration and Control (Q2 journal), and International Journal of Bifurcation and Chaos (Q2 journal). He is also an active assessor for ARC grant applications since 2007 and for international funding bodies including Hong Kong RGC, Belgium FNRS, and New Zealand MBIE. His industry collaborations include projects with Zip Heaters, Alstom Transport, and Coal Services Health and Safety Trust. As Theme Research Director at the Centre for Audio, Acoustics and Vibration (CAAV) at UTS, Professor Ji leads a research team focused on advancing vibration control technologies and their applications. His laboratory work includes developing innovative vibration isolators, condition monitoring systems for industrial machinery, and energy harvesting technologies. The research group maintains strong connections with industry partners to ensure practical implementation of their theoretical advancements.
Satoshi Funabashi is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Intermedia Art and Science at Waseda University's School of Fundamental Science and Engineering, Japan. He is affiliated with the Graduate Program for Embodiment Informatics under Waseda University's Program for Leading Graduate Schools and contributes to multiple graduate schools including the Graduate School of Creative Science and Engineering. Education: Doctor of Engineering (Waseda University, 2017-2021) Research Focus: Robotics, tactile sensing, deep learning, and embodiment informatics Academic Appointments: Assistant Professor (non-tenure-track) His research centers on symbiotic robotics and tactile-driven manipulation, with recent publications exploring graph convolutional networks, vision-touch fusion, and morphology-specific deep learning for robotic hands. He has secured multiple competitive research grants including JSPS KAKENHI and JST ACT-I programs. Scientific Awards: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B) (KAKENHI), JSPS (2024-2027) Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists, JSPS (2022-2024) JST ACT-I Research Fellow (2020-2022, 2018-2020) JSPS Research Fellowship DC1 (2017-2020) He collaborates with the Intelligent Dynamics and Representation Lab (Prof. Tetsuya Ogata) and the Intelligent Machine Lab (Prof. Shigeki Sugano) at Waseda University. He has interned at MIT's CSAIL (2018-2019) and conducted research at UC Davis (2015). His work has been cited over 500 times with an h-index of 14 according to Google Scholar.
WANG, Yushi is currently a Junior Researcher (Assistant Professor) at the Future Robotics Organization of Waseda University , with prior roles in the Faculty of Science and Engineering (2018–2021). His research focuses on robotics, tactile sensing, and actuator design. Education: Ph.D. in Science and Engineering from Waseda University (2015–2018). Research interests include Humanoid Robotics , Force/Torque Control , and Soft Robotics , particularly for applications in tactile sensing and safety mechanisms . Recent work explores Permanent Magnet Elastomer (PME)-based sensors and Series Clutch Actuators , enabling safer human-robot interactions and adaptive compliance. His publications span conferences like IROS , AIM , and SII , addressing challenges in 3-axis force measurement , collision safety , and material testing . He has taught courses such as 理工学基礎実験 and メカニカルエンジニアリングラボA (2018–2021). Professional memberships include IEEE , IEEE WIE , and the Japan Robotics Society . His work also involves patents for haptic interfaces and torque limiters , with grants like the 若手研究 (Young Researcher Grant) (2021–2023).
Nick Cheney is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Vermont, leading the UVM Neurobotics Lab. He also serves as Graduate Program Director and is affiliated with the Vermont Complex Systems Center, an interdisciplinary hub for data-rich complex systems research. PhD in Computational Biology and Biological Statistics from Cornell University Advised by Hod Lipson and Steve Strogatz His research focuses on bio-inspired machine learning algorithms, particularly in evolutionary computation, deep learning, and reinforcement learning. Key applications span robotics, healthcare diagnostics, and environmental science. The lab's interdisciplinary work has been recognized with prestigious awards including the NSF CAREER Award and SIGEVO Impact Award . Recent publications highlight advancements in morphological computation, continual learning, and cross-domain applications of machine learning. His team develops algorithms for soft robots, medical diagnostics using wearable sensors, and sustainable agriculture systems, often publishing in venues like the Nature Scientific Reports , GECCO , and Soft Robotics . Scientific Awards : NSF CAREER Award SIGEVO Impact Award The lab actively mentors graduate students in Complex Systems and Data Science, with alumni securing positions at institutions like Harvard, UC Berkeley, and Medidata. Collaborative grants with biomedical and environmental researchers demonstrate the lab's commitment to societal impact through machine learning applications.
Giulio Dagnino is Associate Professor of Robotics and Mechatronics at the University of Twente and concurrently holds an appointment at the Digital Society Institute. His research integrates medical robotics, real-time perception and haptics to create MR-compatible platforms for endovascular surgery, earning an h-index of 17 and 971+ citations. Education & Career: PhD (details not specified in source) leading to faculty appointment at University of Twente. Promoted to Associate Professor with cross-appointments in Robotics & Mechatronics and Digital Society Institute. Research Interests: Prof. Dagnino’s core interest is medical robotic systems that can operate safely inside an MRI scanner. His work spans haptic guidance, real-time computer vision, soft robotic actuation, synthetic data generation and surgical simulation. By combining ferrofluid actuation, electromagnetic tracking and deep-learning-based scene understanding, he aims to reduce ionizing radiation exposure, enhance navigation accuracy and shorten procedure times for minimally invasive endovascular interventions. Publications Trend: Across 44 outputs (2010-2025) the portfolio reveals a clear evolution from early vision-based microsurgery and fracture-robot systems (2010-2016) toward holistic endovascular platforms integrating MR guidance, haptics and autonomy. Recent 2024-25 papers cluster around (i) synthetic data & scene understanding for surgical AI, (ii) MR-safe robot design and tracking, and (iii) translational studies bringing CathBot and related platforms closer to clinical use. Scientific Awards: Best Design Award – Hamlyn Symposium 2019 (with team) Best Innovation Award – ICRA 2018 Best Paper Award – CURAC 2019 IEEE ICRA Best Paper Award in Medical Robotics – 2016 Grants & Projects: Although explicit grant numbers are not listed, the continuous outputs, patents, multi-institutional collaborations (UK, Germany, Estonia, Canada) and press releases imply sustained funding from EU, Dutch and UK research councils as well as industrial partnerships. Labs & Teams: He leads activities within the Robotics and Mechatronics group at University of Twente, collaborates closely with the Digital Society Institute, and maintains international partnerships visible in co-authored papers with Imperial College London, University of Leeds, and several European hospitals.
Surjo R. Soekadar is the Einstein Professor of Clinical Neurotechnology at Charité – University Medicine Berlin. He leads the Clinical Neurotechnology Laboratory , which focuses on developing noninvasive neurotechnologies for treating neurological and psychiatric disorders through closed-loop brain stimulation and advanced brain-machine interfaces (BCI/BMI). His work integrates real-time EEG/MEG monitoring with electromagnetic stimulation to modulate pathological brain oscillations and enhance neuroplasticity in conditions like stroke, spinal cord injury, and psychiatric disorders. Education : Studied medicine in Mainz, Heidelberg, and Baltimore Clinical Training : Residency in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at University of Tübingen Academic Journey : 2008-2011 Research Fellow at NINDS (USA); 2017 Venia Legendi at University of Tübingen; 2018 First Professor of Clinical Neurotechnology in Germany His research interests span: • Closed-loop neurostimulation combining real-time brain state monitoring with targeted intervention • Next-generation BCI using optically pumped magnetometers (OPM) for mobile MEG recordings • Neurorehabilitation through exoskeleton control and sensory feedback • Neurophysiological modeling of entropy measures and phase flows Recent publications highlight: • Adaptive deep brain stimulation protocols • Real-time phase-sensitive tACS applications • OPM-based BCI innovations • Stroke recovery mechanisms through corticospinal tract analysis Scientific recognition includes: International BCI Research Award BIOMAG Award NARSAD Young Investigator Award Funded by the European Research Council (ERC) , his lab trains doctoral students like David Haslacher (EEG/MEG integration), Khaled Nasr (multicoil TMS optimization), and Annalisa Colucci (entropy-driven BCI development). The team also explores quantum AI applications in clinical decision-making and bidirectional BCI systems using OPM and tES.
Jian Peng is an Associate Professor and Willett Faculty Fellow at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with primary appointment in the Department of Computer Science and courtesy appointments in the College of Medicine. He holds affiliate positions at the Institute of Genomic Biology, Cancer Center at Illinois, and National Center for Supercomputing Applications. His research integrates computational biology and machine learning, focusing on functional genomics, cancer genomics, neurodegenerative diseases, deep learning architectures, and reinforcement learning applications in biological domains. His work bridges algorithmic development with real-world biomedical challenges. Analysis of recent publications (2020-2021) reveals strong emphasis on machine learning applications in drug design, protein engineering, and computational biology. Key technical themes include generative modeling for molecular structures, reinforcement learning advancements, causal inference frameworks, and novel computer vision approaches. The work demonstrates consistent interdisciplinary innovation across computational and biological domains. Major Scientific Awards: Donald Biggar Willett Faculty Fellow (2020) Overton Prize - ISCB (2020) Dean's Award for Excellence in Research (2020) C.W. Gear Junior Faculty Award (2019) NSF CAREER Award (2017-2022) Sloan Research Fellowship (2016) He leads significant research initiatives including co-directing the NSF AI Institute's Molecular Maker Lab and an ASAP collaborative grant for Parkinson's disease research. His students have secured faculty positions at leading institutions including Georgia Tech and University of Washington.
Islam S. M. Khalil is an Associate Professor in the Robotics and Mechatronics (RAM) research group at the University of Twente, holding dual affiliations within the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) and the Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET). His educational background: Master's degree in Mechatronics Engineering Doctoral degree in Mechatronics Engineering Dr. Khalil's research centers on microrobotics with emphasis on motion control systems for soft and biologically-inspired microrobots. His work integrates magnetic field physics, propulsion mechanics, and mechatronic design principles to develop untethered micro/nanorobots. Key application domains include targeted drug delivery systems, precision microassembly, and micro/nanomanipulation techniques. His research bridges fundamental physics with biomedical engineering to solve complex challenges in minimally invasive procedures. He previously served as Director of the Medical Micro and Nanorobotics Laboratory at the German University in Cairo and completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Twente's MIRA Institute. Currently, he contributes to the Surgical Robotics team within the Biomechanical Engineering department and the TechMed Centre.
David Lentink is a Full Professor of Biomimetics at the University of Groningen , leading the Biomimetics Group within the Faculty of Science and Engineering. His research bridges biomechanics, aerospace engineering, and robotics, focusing on avian flight mechanics and bio-inspired aerial robotics . Previously at Stanford University, he pioneered the development of the Aerodynamic Force Platform and low-turbulence wind tunnels for animal flight studies. Education : PhD in Aerospace Engineering (Stanford), MSc in Mechanical Engineering (Delft), BSc in Mechanical Engineering (Delft). Research Interests : Understanding bird flight biomechanics to design advanced drones, studying evolutionary adaptations in flight, and developing biohybrid robots with real feathers. Scientific Awards : Dutch Academic Year Prize for the Flight Artists (2013). World Economic Forum Young Scientist under 40 (2013). Alumnus of the Young Academy of The Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences. Labs : The Lentink Lab at Groningen’s Linnaeusborg campus integrates bird aviaries, wind tunnels, and maker spaces for bio-inspired robotics development. His team collaborates globally with institutions like Stanford, TU/e, and Sorama.
Dr. Krishna Kumar Saxena is a faculty member at KU Leuven, affiliated with the Research and Education - Materials and Mechanical Engineering (Geel Campus) and the Manufacturing Processes and Systems (MaPS) unit in the Arenberg campus. He is actively involved in research, teaching, and engagement, with a focus on non-conventional micromachining processes and hybrid manufacturing technologies. Research Interests: Non-conventional micromachining (ECM, EDM, laser), hybrid laser-electrochemical processes, electrochemical nano-manufacturing, simulation-based virtual sensing, and sustainable manufacturing systems. Teaching: Contributes to courses on smart mechanics and industrial control systems. Engagement: Participates in EU Horizon 2020 projects (MICROMAN, ProSurf), FWO-funded postdoctoral research (2021-2024), and international collaborations (University of Tokyo, NSFC mobility projects).
Rasmus Bjørk is a Professor at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) in the Department of Energy Conversion and Storage. His research focuses on advanced materials for energy systems, particularly in magnetocaloric and elastocaloric cooling, magnetic materials, and additive manufacturing for functional devices. His work contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially in affordable and clean energy. PhD Supervision: Active projects include energy storage using topological spin textures, magnetothermal waste heat harvesting, and bio-magnetometers. Key Research Areas: Magnetic refrigeration, energy harvesting, and freeze-casting of functional materials. Recent advancements include 3D-printed elastocaloric coolers and studies on magnetoresistive devices. His team develops novel techniques for optimizing magnetic systems and energy conversion processes. He has published over 160 articles and led projects on regenerator design, magnetic bearings, and sensor technologies. Collaborations span multiple countries and disciplines. Notable contributions include pioneering work on freeze-casting for biomaterials and the MagTense micromagnetic framework. His research bridges theoretical modeling and practical applications in sustainable energy solutions.
Alan Fern is a Professor of Computer Science and Robotics in the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Oregon State University. He leads research in artificial intelligence, focusing on reinforcement learning, planning, and robotics applications like humanoid robotics and agricultural AI. His work includes co-directing the Dynamic Robotics Lab and leading the AgAID National AI Institute for agricultural solutions. Fern holds a Ph.D. from Purdue University and has contributed to over 100 publications. His recognitions include the NSF CAREER Award and multiple best paper awards. Education: B.S., Electrical Engineering, University of Maine (1997) M.S. & Ph.D., Computer Engineering, Purdue University (2000 & 2004) Research Interests: His research spans machine learning, planning, and robotics. Key areas include: AI for humanoid robotics (e.g., bipedal locomotion on Cassie) Reinforcement learning algorithms and applications Agricultural AI for specialty crops Explainable AI and anomaly detection Awards: 2017 College of Engineering Research Collaboration Award 2013 AAAI Outstanding Paper Award 2006 NSF CAREER Award Advising & Labs: Supervised over 50 students. Key collaborations include the Dynamic Robotics Lab (with Jonathan Hurst) and AgAID. His teams address challenges like robot navigation, policy learning, and AI ethics. Labs/Teams: Dynamic Robotics Lab, AgAID National AI Institute, and contributions to computational sustainability initiatives.
