Carlo Rigoni is a Visiting Professor in the Department of Applied Physics, focusing on non-equilibrium systems and colloidal assembly. His research spans nanoparticle science, ferrofluid dynamics, and aqueous two-phase systems. Education: Doctoral degree in Natural Sciences from University of Padua Active projects: DissNano (2021–2024) on dissipative nanomaterials Research interests include: Coarse-grained modeling of colloidal systems Electrically/magnetically controlled fluid interfaces Self-assembly of nanoparticles in liquid crystals Non-equilibrium pattern formation in soft matter Thermodynamic control of multiphase separation Bio-inspired nanoparticle superlattices His recent publications address computational modeling of aqueous two-phase systems, magnetic colloids, and electroferrofluids. Collaborative activities include conference presentations on interfacial tension, magnetic rollers, and colloidal gradients. He contributes to open scientific datasets and disseminates findings through platforms like ORCID (0000-0001-6960-779X).
Silvia Holler is a Researcher (RTD-A) at the Department of Cellular, Computational, and Integrative Biology (CIBIO) at the University of Trento. She specializes in biochemistry, biotechnology, and synthetic biology with a focus on enzymology, catalysis, and structural biology. Her work spans experimental and computational studies of protocells, droplet-based systems, and self-organizing soft matter. Teaching responsibilities include co-teaching the Biochemistry course at CIBIO, where she collaborates with scholars like Giovanni Piccoli and Martin Michael Hanczyc. The course covers foundational topics in biochemistry, enzymology, and molecular structures with practical skills in chromatography and enzymatic kinetics. Research interests emphasize artificial life systems, droplet engineering, and the physics of biological organization. Key themes include protocell formation, compartmentalized biochemistry, and ethical implications of synthetic biology innovations. Recent work explores self-organized patterns in soft matter, active matter dynamics, and computational modeling of multi-phase systems. Publications focus on droplet microfluidics, vesicle interactions, and agglomeration phenomena across scales. Collaborative efforts include editorial roles for artificial life conference proceedings and interdisciplinary projects combining biophysics with materials science. No scientific awards were explicitly mentioned in the provided materials. Her research lab activities are embedded within CIBIO's facilities, focusing on experimental setups for droplet-based synthetic biology and computational simulations of complex systems.
Robert Leheny is a **Professor and Henry A. Rowland Chair of Physics and Astronomy** at Johns Hopkins University, affiliated with the Krieger School of Arts & Sciences. He earned his PhD from the University of Chicago and focuses on experimental condensed matter physics, with emphasis on disordered and soft materials. His research explores how disorder and non-equilibrium conditions influence material properties, particularly in colloidal gels, liquid crystals, and glass-forming systems. His work integrates advanced techniques like X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy (XPCS) and rheology to study microscopic dynamics and macroscopic behavior. Key themes include structural memory in soft glasses, yielding transitions in amorphous materials, and topological defects in liquid crystals. Recent studies investigate interfacial remodeling by bacteria and nanostructure dynamics in responsive materials. Leheny has published extensively on rheological memory effects, colloidal gelation, and active nematic systems. His research bridges fundamental physics with engineering applications, such as designing tunable liquid crystal architectures. Despite no explicitly listed awards, his contributions are reflected in high-impact publications and leadership in experimental condensed matter physics.
Yashashree Kulkarni is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Cullen College of Engineering, University of Houston. Her research focuses on computational mechanics, materials science, and the interplay between structure and properties in advanced materials. She investigates phenomena such as active matter, nanocrystalline materials, and defect-driven mechanical behavior. Her work spans topics including the mechanical behavior of nanocrystalline metals, the role of grain boundaries in strengthening, and the dynamics of active systems like biological membranes and soft matter. She employs atomistic simulations, statistical mechanics, and continuum theories to bridge microstructural details with macroscopic material performance. Recent publications highlight her contributions to understanding plasticity in Co-based intermetallics, thermal stability of nanocrystalline alloys, and the nonlinear curvature effects in active membranes. Her research has implications for developing high-strength, deformable materials and advancing models for soft matter systems. No specific scientific awards or grants are explicitly listed in the provided information. Her advisee list remains unreported here.
Dr. Mehran Masdari is a Lecturer in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at City St George's, University of London, where he has been serving since 2024 after joining as a Research Fellow and Visiting Lecturer in 2022. He previously held the position of Assistant Professor at the University of Tehran from 2012 to 2022, where he founded and led the Experimental Aerodynamic Research Laboratory (EARL). Education: PhD in Aerodynamics, Sharif University of Technology, Iran (2011) Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), City, University of London, United Kingdom (2024) Dr. Masdari's research focuses on experimental aerodynamics, measurement techniques, data analysis, and image processing. He specializes in heat transfer optimization using pulsating flows, aeroacoustic analysis of drone propellers, and energy harvesting from flow-induced motions. His work bridges fundamental fluid dynamics with practical engineering applications in aerospace and sustainable technologies. He teaches core courses such as 'Measurements and Data Analysis', 'Advanced Aerodynamics', and 'Aeroelasticity', contributing significantly to aerospace education. The recent publications reflect a strong trend in experimental methods, particularly in image-based diagnostics, unsteady flow control, and energy conversion from fluid-structure interactions. His work spans thermal engineering, aeroacoustics, and smart materials, demonstrating interdisciplinary innovation in aerospace systems. Scientific Awards and Recognitions: Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society Dr. Masdari has advised numerous graduate students at the University of Tehran and continues to mentor early-career researchers at City St George's. His research has been supported by institutional and national grants related to advanced measurement systems, drone technology, and sustainable energy solutions. He has led projects integrating optical diagnostics with thermal and structural testing, contributing to both academic knowledge and industrial applications. He established and directed the Experimental Aerodynamic Research Laboratory (EARL) at the University of Tehran, a facility dedicated to cutting-edge experiments in flow measurement, heat transfer, and aeroelasticity. His lab work emphasizes innovation in instrumentation and data interpretation, fostering a hands-on research environment for students and collaborators.
Eduardo Antonio Ahedo Galilea is a Full Professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M), leading the Plasmas and Space Propulsion Team (EP2). His research focuses on plasma propulsion systems, particularly Hall thrusters, magnetic nozzles, and helicon plasma thrusters, with expertise in plasma dynamics, wave-plasma interaction, and spacecraft-plume effects. Current projects: MLPLUS-CM (2025-2028), PROPULSION ELECTROMAGNETICA POR EFECTO HALL (2023-2026) International collaborations: European Commission, Airbus Defense and Space, SENER His recent publications analyze non-stationary plasma expansions, electron cooling mechanisms, and magnetic nozzle physics across multiple thruster designs. He supervises theses on turbulent transport, wave-plasma interaction, and fluid-kinetic thruster modeling. Grants include funding from the European Commission Research Executive Agency, Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI), and regional programs like RIS3-CAM.
Christoph F. Schmidt is the Hertha Sponer Distinguished Professor of Physics at Duke University, affiliated with Trinity College of Arts & Sciences and Pratt School of Engineering. His academic roles include Professor of Physics, Biomedical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering/Material Science, as well as Co-Director of the Duke Materials Initiative. He holds a D.R. from the Technical University of Munich (1988). His research focuses on biophysics, mechanobiology, and materials science, with emphasis on cellular mechanics, cytoskeletal networks, and active matter systems. Key projects include studying cell membrane tension dynamics, viral capsid mechanics, and microtubule motor proteins. He leads the Schmidt Lab, pioneering tools like DeepProjection for 3D tissue imaging and DNA-based force sensors. Notable recognitions include the Hertha Sponer Distinguished Professorship and inclusion in Duke’s 2019 Distinguished Faculty Rank. He teaches advanced biophysics courses and advises on grants like the NIH-funded University Training Program in Biomolecular Engineering. Recent publications (2023–2025) explore nonlinear cell wall mechanics, stochastic sarcomere behavior, and machine learning in microscopy. His work bridges physics, engineering, and biology, with applications in cancer research, tissue regeneration, and nanotechnology. Collaborations span Duke’s interdisciplinary initiatives, reflecting his commitment to advancing quantitative biology and materials science.
Sara Merino-Aceituno is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Mathematics, University of Vienna, with prior academic roles at the University of Sussex and Imperial College London. Her research focuses on kinetic theory and mathematical modeling of emergent phenomena in biological, medical, and social systems. PhD in Mathematics, University of Cambridge (2015) MSc in Computer Science and Applied Mathematics, INP Grenoble (2010) BSc in Mathematics, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (2009) Her research interests center on understanding how macroscopic patterns arise from microscopic interactions, using tools from partial differential equations, probability, and numerical analysis. She specializes in interacting particle systems, collective dynamics, opinion formation, and cell tissue development. She collaborates closely with experimental biologists to validate and refine her models. The recent publications reflect a consistent focus on kinetic modeling of collective behavior, phase transitions, and multiscale analysis. Her work bridges abstract mathematical theory with concrete applications in biology and social sciences, often involving collaboration with interdisciplinary teams. She develops continuum limits of particle systems and investigates stability, alignment, and pattern formation in complex systems. Sara is actively involved in mentoring and science communication. She has co-authored study guides for students, leads outreach initiatives such as exhibitions at the 'Long Night of Research,' and produces educational videos. She also maintains a blog and YouTube channel to share insights on research, learning, and academic life. Co-authored guide: 'GOOD_STUDY_HABITS.pdf' with Amalio Fernández-Pacheco Created educational video 'Describing Patterns' with filmmaker Sameer Patel Regular contributor to public science events Active blogger on topics including coaching, creativity, and academic mindset She leads a research group called 'The HERD,' which investigates emergence in natural domains, focusing on mathematical models of biological and social systems. Her team includes postdoctoral researchers and students working on kinetic theory, numerical simulations, and interdisciplinary modeling projects.
Aparna Baskaran is an Associate Professor of Physics at the Martin A. Fisher School of Physics, Brandeis University. She holds a PhD from the University of Florida (2006) and an MS from the Raman School of Physics, Pondicherry University. Her research focuses on nonequilibrium statistical mechanics of soft materials, active matter, and biological systems. She has been recognized with awards including the 2019 Early Career Award in Soft Matter Research from the American Physical Society and the Jeanette Lerman-Neubauer Prize for Excellence in Teaching. Her work explores emergent phenomena in active fluids, granular materials, and self-propelled particles, combining theoretical, computational, and experimental approaches. Key contributions include studies on active nematics, phase transitions in active systems, and the dynamics of confined active particles. She has advised numerous PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, advancing understanding of soft matter physics and biological systems. Baskaran leads the Baskaran Group, funded by NSF, MRSEC, and the Binational Science Foundation. Her research spans topics like active nematic hydrodynamics, defect dynamics, and the design of active materials. She has published extensively in journals like Physical Review Letters , Nature Communications , and Soft Matter .
Narayanan Menon is a Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, within the College of Natural Sciences. His research focuses on experimental condensed matter physics and soft matter systems, particularly in nonequilibrium statistical physics. He leads the Menon Research Group, which investigates phenomena such as granular flows, sedimentation of anisotropic objects, and interfacial dynamics of thin films and elastic surfactants. Menon holds a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago (1995). His work bridges experimental and theoretical physics, addressing topics like collective behavior in active matter, wrinkling and buckling of thin films, and the interplay between ordering and mobility in complex systems. He is affiliated with the Condensed Matter Physics group at UMass Amherst and maintains an active laboratory dedicated to experimental studies of nonequilibrium phenomena. Recent research highlights include studies on hindered settling of anisotropic particles, dynamics of sedimenting disc arrays, and the mechanics of elastic filaments on fluid interfaces. His publications reflect a deep engagement with fluid dynamics, granular physics, and soft matter, with a focus on experimental validation of theoretical models.
Professor Marie-Therese Wolfram holds a faculty position at the Mathematics Institute of the University of Warwick. Her research focuses on applied partial differential equations, mathematical modeling in socio-economic and life sciences, and inverse problems. She is actively involved in organizing international workshops and serves on editorial boards for journals like ESAIM M2AN and Kinetic and Related Models. Her academic journey includes grants such as the Royal Society International Exchange (2022-2024) and the EPSRC First Grant (2017-2019). Notable awards include the Excellence in Gender Equality Award (2023) and the Whitehead Prize (2023). She co-leads the EDI committee at Warwick and contributes to initiatives like the Young Academy of the Austrian Academy of Sciences. Her research spans opinion dynamics, crowd modeling, and optimal transport theory. Recent work explores consensus-breaking in social networks and applications of mean-field games to knowledge growth. She collaborates internationally on projects such as the 'Multiscale Modelling of Crowded Transport' and the 'Wasserstein Gradient Flows' initiative. Teaching responsibilities include MA265 Methods for Mathematical Modelling and MA4M2 Inverse Problems. Her work bridges theoretical analysis with practical applications, reflecting her dual expertise in pure mathematics and interdisciplinary modeling.
Jeffrey Moran is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at George Mason University and affiliate faculty in Bioengineering. His research focuses on microscale thermal-fluid transport phenomena for applications in sustainable energy, environmental remediation, and cancer treatment. He leads the nano/microscale Transport Engineering Laboratory (nTEL) and has received notable awards including the Young Researcher Award from the International Workshop on Micro/Nanomachines and an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship. PhD, Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington MS, Mechanical Engineering, Arizona State University BS, Mechanical Engineering, Arizona State University Research Interests: Self-propelled nanoparticles Mechanobiology Extracellular matrix Microbiology Fluid dynamics Heat transfer Scientific Awards: Young Researcher Award from the International Workshop on Micro/Nanomachines Shapiro Postdoctoral Fellowship Award from MIT Graduate Research Fellowship from the National Science Foundation Lab: The nano/microscale Transport Engineering Laboratory (nTEL) at George Mason University. Recent projects include the development of CoffeeBots (active particles derived from spent coffee grounds for wastewater remediation) and magnetic helical nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery.
Parvin Bayati is an **Assistant Research Professor** in the Department of Chemistry at Penn State University. She is affiliated with the Mallory Research Group and has held postdoctoral positions at Harvard University, Université Paris-Saclay, and Penn State. Her research focuses on theoretical and computational soft matter physics, particularly nonequilibrium systems like active matter and deformable interfaces. **Education**: B.Sc. in Physics, University of Zanjan (2007) M.Sc. in Condensed Matter Physics, Institute for Advanced Studies in Basic Sciences (2010) Ph.D. in Physics, University of Zanjan (2017) Sabbatical at Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems (2016) **Research Interests**: Combines particle-based simulations (e.g., Brownian dynamics), continuum theory (hydrodynamics), and physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) to model complex fluids, colloidal suspensions, and biological systems. Recent work includes studies on active Brownian particles, surfactant dynamics, and phoretic Janus particles. **Awards**: 2024 Research Grant, Harvard University 2017 INSF Postdoctoral Fellowship 2016 MSRT Guest Researcher Fellowship 2010 Iranian Nano-Science Foundation Award **Labs/Teams**: Active member of the Mallory Lab, focusing on interdisciplinary soft matter research.
Tanwi Debnath is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Jülich Research Centre , affiliated with the Institute for Advanced Simulation (IAS) and its Theoretical Physics of Living Matter (IAS-2) sub-group. Her research focuses on Soft Matter Physics , Statistical Physics , and Biophysics . Her work explores active matter , hydrodynamic interactions , and self-propelled particle dynamics , including recent studies on microgel-membrane interactions . Analysis of her 14 most recent publications reveals trends in active transport , diffusion processes , non-equilibrium systems , and hydrodynamic modeling .
Dr. Stephen Ebbens is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Sheffield within the School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering. His research spans experimental materials science and active matter, with a focus on catalytic colloids , microfluidic devices , and high-value thin film coatings for healthcare and environmental applications. PhD in surface science from University of Durham (2000) Postdoctoral work in Physics Department (2008) and Chemical and Biological Engineering (2009) Established independent research group via EPSRC and University fellowships Research Themes: Active Matter: Autonomous micro-swimmers, boundary steering, gravitaxis, and bubble propulsion for targeted drug delivery and environmental remediation. Thin Film Coatings: Roll-to-roll slot die coating, machine learning optimization, and self-assembled structures for energy storage/generation. Scientific Contributions: Pioneering work on catalytic Janus motors, reactive inkjet printing of silk-based devices, and experimental characterization of colloidal motion. Key publications in Nature Communications , Advanced Functional Materials , and Physical Review E . Collaborations: Partnerships with industry (Ossila Ltd.) and academic institutions (Loughborough University, Kroto Centre for confocal microscopy).
