Professor Goran Mashanovich is a leading academic in silicon photonics at the University of Southampton's Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) , Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences. With a Dipl. Ing. and MSc from the University of Belgrade and a PhD from the University of Surrey, he serves as head of the ORC's Mid-IR silicon photonics group. His expertise spans passive and active photonic devices in silicon and germanium for communication and sensing systems. Education: Dipl. Ing. in Optoelectronics, University of Belgrade MSc in Optoelectronics, University of Belgrade PhD in Silicon Photonics, University of Surrey MSc in Innovative Teaching, University of Surrey His research focuses on Silicon Photonics , Photonics Integrated Circuits , and Sensor Development , particularly in mid-infrared applications. His recent publications demonstrate advancements in waveguide engineering, perovskite integration, and nonlinear optical effects optimization through computational methods. As Principal Investigator on grants exceeding £20 million from EPSRC and industry partners, his collaborative projects include MISSION (mid-infrared healthcare sensors), CORNERSTONE 2.5 , and PIXEurope . He also contributes to global education initiatives as a visiting professor at the University of Belgrade's Faculty of Electrical Engineering.
Prof. Alexander Holleitner leads the Chair of Nanotechnology and Nanomaterials at the Department of Physics, Technical University of Munich , under the Walter Schottky Institute. His research focuses on ultrafast optoelectronics, quantum optoelectronics, and excitonic systems in nanoscale circuits. Research Directions : Ultrafast optoelectronics, quantum optoelectronics, excitonic systems, THz time-domain spectroscopy, and nanofabrication of mixed organic/inorganic systems. Publications : Recent work spans hyperbolic polaritons, interlayer excitons, graphene nano-gap dynamics, and defect engineering in 2D materials. Collaborations include interdisciplinary projects with groups studying semiconductor heterostructures and quantum technologies. His lab welcomes students and researchers interested in experimental physics, quantum electronics, and nanofabrication.
Umut Aydemir is an Associate Professor at the Department of Chemistry, Koç University , where he also serves as Director of KUBAM (Koç University Boron Application and Research Center) . His research focuses on Boron-Based High-Tech Materials, 2D Materials, Electrocatalysis, Thermoelectric Energy Harvesting , and Hydrogen Storage . PhD in Chemistry (2012), Dresden University of Technology MSc in Materials Science and Engineering (2006), Koç University BSc in Chemistry and Physics (2004), Koç University Umut’s work addresses structure-property relationships in advanced materials, with a particular emphasis on boron-containing compounds , MXenes , and thermoelectric systems . His recent publications highlight innovations in electrocatalytic water splitting , hydrogen storage materials , and sustainable coating technologies . His research trends include: Development of metal diborides for water splitting Engineering MXene/polymer composites for corrosion resistance Novel approaches to thermoelectric materials like MgAgSb and Zintl phases Designing hydrogenated borophene for environmental applications Awarded the 2024 Koç University College of Science Outstanding Faculty Award and 2019 TÜBA Young Scientist Award , Umut leads high-impact projects in materials science. He advises graduate students in Nanocatalysis and Advanced Material Synthesis and contributes to interdisciplinary initiatives at KUBAM.
Maarten de Hoop is the Simons Chair and Professor of Computational and Applied Mathematics at Rice University, part of the George R. Brown School of Engineering. He holds visiting roles at MIT and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. His research spans seismic wave analysis, inverse problems, deep learning, and planetary seismology. He earned his Ph.D. in Technical Sciences from Delft University of Technology (1992), and earlier degrees from Utrecht University. Notable awards include the 1996 J. Clarence Karcher Award and 2001 Fellowship from the Institute of Physics. His work integrates computational mathematics with geophysics, focusing on extracting signal information from large datasets, developing novel inverse scattering methods, and applying deep learning to geoscience challenges. Recent studies include transformer models for in-context learning, semialgebraic neural networks, and seismic waveform foundation models like SeisLM. He leads the Geo-Mathematical Imaging Group, fostering interdisciplinary projects in planetary missions and data-driven discovery.
Rebecca Willett is a Professor of Statistics and Computer Science at the University of Chicago and Faculty Director of AI at the Data Science Institute. She holds the Worah Family Professorship and is a member of the Wallman Society of Fellows. Her research focuses on machine learning, signal processing, and scientific computing, with applications in astronomy, climate science, and biochemistry. She has held visiting roles at institutions including UCLA and INRIA. Key roles include Deputy Directorships at the NSF-Simons Institute for Theory and Mathematics in Biology and the SkAI Institute. Education: PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Rice University (2005), followed by faculty roles at Duke University (2005–2013) and the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2013–2018). Awards include the 2024 SIAM Data Science Career Award, NSF CAREER Award (2007), and AFOSR Young Investigator Award (2010). Research interests span inverse problems, optimization theory, and interdisciplinary applications. Her work bridges high-dimensional statistics and imaging science. Recent articles emphasize neural network theory, climate data assimilation, and biophysical modeling. Awards include SIAM Fellowship, IEEE Fellowship, and teaching excellence awards. She leads initiatives in AI ethics, broadening participation in STEM, and serves on key committees like the National Academies' CATS. Labs/Groups: Machine Learning Group at UChicago, CERES Center for Unstoppable Computing. Grants include NSF, DOE, and collaborations with Argonne National Laboratory.
Oscar P. Bruno is a Professor of Applied and Computational Mathematics at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). He holds a Licenciado from the University of Buenos Aires (1982) and a Ph.D. in Mathematics from New York University's Courant Institute (1989). Since 1998, he has been a Professor at Caltech, previously serving as Associate Professor (1995–98) and Executive Officer for Applied Mathematics (1998–2000). His research focuses on developing high-performance numerical methods for solving partial differential equations (PDEs), addressing challenges in complex geometries, singularities, and high-frequency phenomena. Key contributions include the Fourier Continuation (FC) method and integral-equation techniques, enabling solutions to previously intractable PDE problems in science and engineering. Prof. Bruno's expertise spans computational electromagnetics, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), solid mechanics, and mathematical physics. His work integrates numerical analysis, multiphysics modeling, and computational science to solve real-world problems in geophysics, optics, and fluid dynamics. He has received numerous awards, including membership in the National Academy of Sciences of Argentina (2020), the Vannevar Bush National Security Science and Engineering Fellowship (2016), and SIAM Fellow (2013). Bruno serves on editorial boards for journals like SIAM Journal on Scientific Computing and SIAM Journal on Applied Mathematics, and participates in national science advisory roles. His teaching includes advanced courses on applied mathematics methods (ACM/IDS 101 ab), emphasizing theoretical foundations and numerical techniques for PDEs. His research group develops cutting-edge solvers with applications in shock dynamics, optical tomography, and geophysical fluid dynamics.
Assoc Prof Ng Teng Yong is an Associate Professor at the School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering (NTU), specializing in numerical modeling and simulation. With a background as Research Manager at A*STAR Institute of High Performance Computing, his work spans materials science, nanotechnology, and aerospace engineering. Current focus on graphene-based desalination membranes Expertise in molecular dynamics simulations Investigates nanoscale fluid mechanics and structural dynamics Recent publications highlight advancements in energy-efficient electrodialysis, smart robotics, and nonlinear vibration analysis. His interdisciplinary approach integrates computational methods with experimental validation in additive manufacturing and soft material mechanics.
Dr. V.M. (Bala) Balasubramaniam is a Professor in the Department of Food Science and Technology at The Ohio State University. He holds editorial roles in food engineering journals and is a Fellow of IFT and IUFoST. His research focuses on clean food manufacturing technologies, particularly high-pressure and nonthermal methods, emphasizing microbial inactivation and nutrient preservation. He teaches unit operations in food engineering and contributes to industry via short courses and pilot plant demonstrations. Education: B.S. (Tamil Nadu Agricultural University), M.S. (Asian Institute of Technology), Ph.D. (Ohio State University). Research Interests: Thermal/nonthermal processing, food safety/quality modeling, and innovative applications of high-pressure technologies. Recent work includes ultra-shear technology development and superheated steam sanitation. Over 100 scientific papers, 20 book chapters, and co-edited books on high-pressure processing. Awards include the 2021 IFT Research & Development Award and 2017 Calvert L. Willey Award. Advising: Supervises graduate students like Liz Astorga Oquendo and Shruthy Seshadrinathan. Industrial outreach includes a USDA consortium for ultra-shear commercialization. Labs/teams focus on pilot-scale equipment testing and microbial efficacy studies.
Charles Ahn is the John C. Malone Professor of Applied Physics & Materials Science at Yale University. His research focuses on fabricating and studying novel complex oxide materials using advanced techniques like molecular beam epitaxy and synchrotron x-ray scattering. His work addresses multifunctional oxides, nanofabrication, and nonvolatile logic switches for post-CMOS computing. Key research areas include electronic control of complex order parameters in correlated oxides and scanning probe microscopy-based nanofabrication. Education: Ph.D. in Applied Physics from Stanford University. Research interests span the physics and technology of complex oxides, with emphasis on electronic and structural control at the nanoscale. His group develops next-generation materials for computing and electronics, leveraging interdisciplinary approaches in materials science and condensed matter physics. Notable awards include Fellow of the American Physical Society, AVS Peter Mark Memorial Award, David and Lucile Packard Fellowship, and Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship. His lab (Ahn Lab) actively explores cutting-edge applications in oxide electronics and quantum phenomena. Grants and patents include innovations in magnetoelectronic devices and ferroelectric-based technologies. He collaborates widely, bridging experimental materials science with theoretical modeling to advance functional oxide systems.
Peter Van Puyvelde is a Full Professor at KU Leuven's Faculty of Engineering Sciences, where he leads research at the Soft Matter, Rheology and Technology (SMaRT) unit within the Department of Chemical Engineering. He is an active member of the Applied Rheology and Plastics Processing Division and the Leuven.AM Institute for Additive Manufacturing. His academic responsibilities include membership in the Faculty Council of Engineering Sciences and departmental committees. His core research focuses on: Polymer processing and complex fluid dynamics In-situ characterization of flow-microstructure relationships Flow-induced crystallization phenomena Development of sustainable polymer materials Additive manufacturing technologies Professor Van Puyvelde's recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate strong emphasis on sustainable polymer systems including lignin-based materials, humins valorization, bioplastics, and green additives. His work frequently employs advanced characterization techniques like fast-scanning calorimetry and synchrotron X-ray scattering to study crystallization kinetics and microstructure development in complex polymer systems. He currently supervises PhD students working on nanofiltration membranes and reinforced polymer parts. His extensive research portfolio includes leadership roles in multiple ongoing projects: Polylactic acid bioplastics development (Co-promoter) Lignin-based flame retardants (Co-promoter) Humins valorization for functional polymers (Co-promoter) Ionic liquids for enhanced oil recovery (Promoter) Competition between crystallization and crosslinking (Promoter) Additive manufacturing of polymer composites (Co-promoter)
Dane Morgan is a Professor in the Department of Materials Science & Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, College of Engineering. His research focuses on computational materials science for materials design, including ab initio electronic structure modeling, multiscale methods, and machine learning applications in materials discovery. His work spans nuclear materials, battery and fuel cell electrodes, and electronic materials. Education : PhD, 1998, University of California, Berkeley MS, 1994, University of California, Berkeley BA, 1992, Swarthmore College Research Interests : Computational materials science, ab initio methods for electronic structure and thermokinetics, machine learning for materials discovery, electrochemical systems modeling, and applications in nuclear materials, batteries, and electronic materials. His work integrates advanced computational techniques with experimental validation. Scientific Awards : 2024 APL Materials, Editors Pick 2023 Microscopy and Microanalysis Best Paper Award (Instrumentation and Software category) 2023 IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science Best Paper Award 2023 Kellet Mid-Career Award 2015 TMS Materials Genome Initiative Ambassador 2006 3M Technical Nontenured Faculty Grant
Dr. Shuo Zhang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at Michigan State University's College of Natural Science. Her research focuses on observational high-energy astrophysics and particle astrophysics, with particular emphasis on supermassive black holes, Galactic cosmic-ray origins, and large dataset analysis. As a member of the Event Horizon Telescope collaboration, she leads X-ray observation campaigns of the Galactic center supermassive black hole and its vicinity. Dr. Zhang received her educational training at prestigious institutions: Ph.D. in Physics, Columbia University, 2016 B.S. in Engineering Physics, Tsinghua University, 2010 Her research interests span observational high-energy astrophysics and particle astrophysics, focusing on supermassive black holes including Sgr A* flaring activities, outburst history, and radiation in quiescence. She investigates Galactic cosmic-ray origins and exotic physics, particularly TeV electrons and PeV protons pointing to Galactic PeVatrons. Her work constrains MeV-GeV proton/electron populations in the central 1 kpc of the Galaxy and examines supernova remnant and molecular cloud interaction sites. Dr. Zhang's recent publications reveal a strong emphasis on multi-messenger astronomy, combining neutrino, X-ray, and radio observations to understand cosmic particle acceleration. Her work spans from Galactic center studies of Sgr A* to extragalactic investigations of active galactic nuclei like M87. The research demonstrates increasing sophistication in analyzing complex datasets from multiple observatories including IceCube, ALMA, NuSTAR, and Chandra. Her notable scientific achievements include: NASA Hubble/Einstein Fellowship at Boston University (2019-2020) Heising-Simons Fellowship at MIT (2016-2019) NASA Earth and Space Science Fellowship for research on Galactic center supermassive black hole Dr. Zhang's career path demonstrates a steady progression from her doctoral work at Columbia University through prestigious postdoctoral fellowships to her current faculty position. She has developed significant expertise in X-ray observations using the NuSTAR space telescope and has been instrumental in Galactic plane survey campaigns. Her research group combines high-energy photon and neutrino signals from PeVatron candidates to address fundamental questions about cosmic-ray origins and particle acceleration mechanisms. As a member of the Event Horizon Telescope collaboration, Dr. Zhang contributes to cutting-edge research on black hole physics, utilizing multi-wavelength observations to understand accretion, feedback, and particle acceleration mechanisms around supermassive black holes. Her work bridges observational astronomy with theoretical astrophysics to address some of the most fundamental questions in modern astrophysics.
Dr. Christopher M. Wolverton is a Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at Northwestern University , where he leads the Wolverton Research Group . His work focuses on computational materials science with applications in energy sustainability , particularly in batteries , hydrogen storage , and thermoelectrics . PhD in Physics from University of California, Berkeley BS in Physics (summa cum laude) from University of Texas, Austin His research leverages first-principles quantum mechanical simulations and machine learning to enable virtual materials synthesis before laboratory testing. The group specializes in hybrid computational methods integrating Density Functional Theory (DFT) , Monte Carlo simulations , and phase-field microstructural models . The article portfolio shows leadership in energy storage materials , with recent work on data-driven nanoparticle facet control , mixed-anion semiconductors , and machine learning-accelerated discovery . Publications span top journals including Nature Energy , Nature Materials , and Science . 2006 Ford Motor Company Technical Achievement Award 2005 Ford Patent & Publication Awards 2003 Ford Environmental/Physical Sciences Recognition As advisor to PhD candidates Zhenpeng Yao , Shiqiang Hao , and Shane Patel , he fosters interdisciplinary research connecting materials informatics with experimental validation . The group maintains active collaborations with Argonne National Lab and MIT/Harvard teams.
Mark Wallace is a Professor of Chemistry at King's College London, affiliated with the Department of Chemistry and the Faculty of Natural, Mathematical & Engineering Sciences. He holds a Royal Society University Research Fellowship (2005–2016) and has been a lecturer at Oxford University before joining King's in 2016. His research focuses on membrane protein function and artificial membrane mimics, combining optical microscopy and nanotechnology. He earned a PhD from the University of Cambridge (2002) and postdoctoral training at Stanford University and the National Institute for Medical Research. Key research interests include membrane protein dynamics, lipid bilayer engineering, and single-molecule imaging. He has pioneered techniques like droplet interface bilayers and interferometric scattering microscopy. His work has led to patents and applications in molecular sensing and medical research. Awards include the 2002 Gregorio Weber Prize and the 2015 RSC Norman Heatley Award. He is actively involved in public outreach, including video podcasts and educational competitions. Recent publications emphasize artificial ion channels, nanoparticle formation monitoring, and mitochondrial protein dynamics. His lab collaborates with institutions like the London Centre for Nanotechnology and the Rosalind Franklin Institute. Over 30 students and researchers have been mentored, with active grants from EPSRC, Wellcome Trust, and BBSRC.
Vijay Laxmi is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at Malaviya National Institute of Technology (MNIT) Jaipur, India. With over a decade of active research publication from 2014-2024, Dr. Laxmi has established themselves as a prominent researcher in network security, Android security systems, and Network-on-Chip architectures. Their work demonstrates consistent collaboration with Manoj Singh Gaur and numerous doctoral students at MNIT Jaipur. Dr. Laxmi's research interests span Network Security, Android Security, Malware Analysis, Network-on-Chip Architectures, Routing Protocols, Side-Channel Attacks, Wireless Networks, and Mobile Security. Their work bridges theoretical security frameworks with practical implementations, particularly in mobile and embedded systems. Recent publications indicate a growing focus on AI-based security approaches including GAN applications for fuzzing and deep learning for image dehazing. The research trajectory shows increasing sophistication in security analysis techniques, evolving from basic malware detection to advanced side-channel attack analysis and sophisticated network security protocols. Recent publications demonstrate expertise in both theoretical frameworks and practical implementations with applications in real-world security challenges. Dr. Laxmi has mentored numerous graduate students including Vineeta Jain, Anugrah Jain, Sonal Yadav, Mohit Singh, and Gaurav Singal, who appear as co-authors across multiple publications. Their collaborative network extends to researchers at international institutions, indicating strong academic connections beyond their home institution.
