Nicole Blodgett is an Associate Clinical Professor at Duke University's School of Nursing, with expertise in simulation-based education, mental health nursing, and gerontological care. She joined Duke in 2020 as an Assistant Clinical Professor and was promoted to her current role in 2025. Ph.D., University of Iowa (2014) Her research focuses on healthcare simulation innovation , including trauma-informed learning, airway fire safety training, and anti-racism education using trigger films. She leads grants from the Health Resources and Service Administration (2017-2027, 2023-2026) and has piloted global health initiatives with Duke Global Health Institute (2024-2025). Publications highlight her work in virtual simulations , faculty workload models, and pain management strategies. Key trends in her research include interprofessional collaboration , technology integration in education, and health equity improvements through simulation. She teaches courses like NURSING 748: Using Simulation in Education and mentors DNP projects.
Dr. Afshin Rahimi is a Professor of Engineering at the University of Windsor's Faculty of Engineering, specializing in aerospace systems, machine learning applications, and fault diagnosis. His research focuses on enhancing reliability in satellite systems, renewable energy infrastructure, and smart manufacturing through advanced control systems and AI-driven solutions. He has won prestigious awards including gold medals at the Seoul International Invention Fair (2022) and the International Competition for Inventors (2021) for his work on helicopter engine diagnostics and satellite fault detection. Dr. Rahimi's research interests include: Machine learning for fault detection/prognosis in aerospace and energy systems Control systems design for satellites, UAVs, and offshore wind turbines Optimization of energy efficiency in cloud data centers and renewable systems Smart manufacturing applications using computer vision and object detection His recent work emphasizes applying AI to solve challenges in: Real-time satellite fault diagnosis using hybrid frameworks PV-integrated robotic systems for sustainable energy management Thermal regulation in smart buildings via LSTM networks Data scarcity mitigation in space systems using GANs Dr. Rahimi collaborates with industry partners and student teams like the WinSAT satellite design group. His research bridges theoretical advancements with practical implementation in critical infrastructure sectors.
Dr. Nan Niu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) at the University of Cincinnati. He specializes in requirements engineering, software traceability, and model-driven approaches. His work focuses on machine learning applications, continuous deployment, and testing scientific software. Dr. Niu holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Toronto (2010, supervised by Steve Easterbrook), an M.Sc. from University of Alberta (2006), and a B.Eng. from Beijing Institute of Technology (2004). Research interests include software engineering challenges in AI/ML systems, automated refactoring, and environment-driven requirements engineering. His research is funded by agencies like NSF, NSA, and industry partners like P&G. Recent publications address topics like POS tagging in code, GUI reuse via vision-language models, and privacy concerns in mobile apps. Teaching: Software Engineering (EECE3093C), Requirements Engineering (CS5127/6027), and Large-Scale Software Engineering (CS5128/6028) Labs/Teams: Active in requirements traceability and scientific software testing Awarded over 15 honors including NSF CAREER Award (2014-2019), Best Paper Awards at RE (2016,2018,2021), and teaching excellence recognition.
Rene Haijema serves as Associate Professor in Operations Research and Logistics at Wageningen University & Research, focusing on inventory management and food waste reduction in retail supply chains. He actively contributes to the International Society of Inventory Research (ISIR) as Executive Committee member and leads multi-disciplinary projects with industry partners to develop practical logistics solutions. Education background: Graduated with distinction from University of Amsterdam PhD in Operations Research (2008), University of Amsterdam; thesis on Markov Decision Theory for blood product inventory management His research centers on perishable inventory optimization using stochastic dynamic programming and simulation , with applications in food waste reduction, dynamic pricing, and omni-channel retail systems. Recent work emphasizes supply chain resilience against disruptions like COVID-19 through decision support systems that integrate real-time quality data. Haijema's publication trajectory shows increasing focus on food waste reduction since 2015, with 2020-2024 works concentrating on dynamic shelf life management, omni-channel inventory rationing, and resilience in European agri-food networks. His approach consistently bridges theoretical stochastic optimization with practical industry implementation. Scientific recognition includes: ORTEC Excellence in Advanced Planning Award (NGB/ORTEC) INFORMS Best Poster Award Finalist: KNAW-Christiaan Huygens Science Award Finalist: Euro Excellence in Practice Award ISIR Service Award (2024) Haijema has supervised four PhD completions and currently mentors three doctoral candidates. His grant portfolio features Horizon 2020's REFRESH project (dynamic pricing for waste reduction), TIFN RE-002 (spoilage reduction), and ZeroW (zero-waste supply chains), involving collaborations with European industry partners on decision support system development. He operates within Wageningen's Operations Research and Logistics group, which develops computational models for perishable supply chains. Current team efforts include REFRESH project implementations and DAVINC3I's virtualized floricultural logistics network, emphasizing real-world impact through industry-academia partnerships.
Dr. Alejandro Vital Soto is an Assistant Professor of Operations Research & Management Science at Cape Breton University. His expertise spans production scheduling, lot-sizing, process planning, and decision support systems, with a focus on reconfigurable and flexible manufacturing systems. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Windsor (Canada) and degrees from the University of Puebla and the University of the Americas Puebla (Mexico). His research emphasizes operational resilience, energy-aware scheduling, and supply chain sustainability, with practical applications in SME collaboration and digital twin implementations. Dr. Vital’s work bridges theoretical models (e.g., mixed-integer programming) with real-world challenges like pandemic-driven disruptions and perishable goods logistics. His recent contributions address dual-resource scheduling, bi-level optimization for hierarchical systems, and automated process planning in smart manufacturing. Education: Ph.D. in Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering, University of Windsor, Canada M.Sc. in Industrial Engineering, University of the Americas Puebla (UDLAP), Mexico B.Sc. in Industrial Engineering, University of Puebla (BUAP), Mexico Research Focus: Optimization of production systems under uncertainty Integration of scheduling and process planning Supply chain resilience and disruption recovery Adoption of digital twins and smart manufacturing technologies Energy-efficient and sustainable manufacturing practices Awards & Recognition: No specific awards mentioned in the provided materials. Grants & Collaborations: Collaborations with SMEs in Ontario on decision support systems; research supported by projects addressing supply chain resilience and pandemic impact analysis. Labs/Teams: Engaged in CBU’s Financial & Information Management department, contributing to interdisciplinary research in operations research and industrial engineering.
Dr. Mohammed K.S. Al-Mhdawi is a Lecturer (Assistant Professor) in Engineering Project Management at the School of Computing, Engineering, and Digital Technologies (SCEDT), Teesside University, UK. With over 13 years of professional experience, he specializes in integrating risk and safety management across various industries including construction, manufacturing, mining, oil and gas, finance, space, and healthcare systems. Dr. Al-Mhdawi earned his Ph.D. in Risk Management from the University of Southampton and holds a PgCert in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education from Teesside University. His academic journey has equipped him with expertise in quantitative risk modeling techniques and practical industry applications. His research primarily focuses on modeling risk behavior, capturing dependencies between risk factors, and examining the roles of digitalization and sustainability in risk engineering. He develops risk-based decision support systems for complex settings, with particular emphasis on hazard recognition, safety risk perception, safety culture parameters, and managing diversity in the construction workforce. His methodological expertise includes Fuzzy Sets Theory, Artificial Neural Networks, Bayesian Networks, Analytical Hierarchy Process, Discrete Event Simulation, and Structural Equation Modeling. Dr. Al-Mhdawi's publication record demonstrates strong trends in applying advanced quantitative methods to sustainability challenges, particularly using Bayesian networks for risk assessment across various domains including construction, healthcare, and global supply chains. His recent work increasingly integrates AI and digital transformation concepts with traditional risk management frameworks. As an active researcher, Dr. Al-Mhdawi has secured multiple funded projects as Principal or Co-Principal Investigator with total funding exceeding £300,000. This includes a £164,000 project funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) to develop a CubeSat safety risk management platform, a £50,000 grant from the Association for Project Management investigating AI-driven digital transformation, and projects funded by the American University of Sharjah focused on sustainable risk management in oil and gas construction. Dr. Al-Mhdawi currently supervises eleven PhD students working on diverse topics including fire risk design, AI in construction risk management, occupational health in aviation, and digital technologies for safety risk management in biogas industries. He also collaborates with multiple institutions including Trinity College Dublin, University of Southampton, and industry partners like Plastron UK Ltd on developing agile compliance frameworks for space standardization.
Prof. Joachim Sauerborn is a retired professor affiliated with the Institute of Agricultural Sciences in the Tropics (Hans-Ruthenberg-Institute) at the Technical University of Kaiserslautern. His work focuses on tropical agricultural systems, climate change impacts, and sustainable land use strategies. He previously held academic roles in the Department of Ecology of Tropical Agricultural Systems. His research combines ecological assessments with economic optimization to address global agricultural challenges. Key research interests include biodiversity conservation, agroecology, and climate-driven disease susceptibility in tropical crops like rubber and sorghum. He has published extensively on topics such as nitrogen fertilization in saline conditions, sustainable use of wild medicinal plants, and yield prediction models for climate-sensitive crops. Prof. Sauerborn's publications (53 total) reflect interdisciplinary approaches integrating environmental science, agricultural economics, and statistical modeling. His recent work highlights climate change adaptation strategies in the Greater Mekong Subregion and the Greater Amazon Basin. No awards or grants are explicitly listed in the provided texts, though his contributions to tropical agricultural research are notable. He is associated with the Hans-Ruthenberg-Institute, a leading institution for tropical agricultural studies. Appointment requests for consultations should be made via email.
Ioana Mădălina PETRE is a Lecturer at the Department of Engineering and Industrial Management within the Faculty of Technological Engineering and Industrial Management at the University of Technical Education in Brașov (UNITBV). Her research focuses on industrial engineering, human resources management, and the application of pneumatic muscles in rehabilitation equipment and precise positioning systems. She has conducted experimental studies on cutting parameters' influence on machining efficiency, biomechanical analyses of exercise techniques, and the integration of Industry 4.0 principles in sustainable manufacturing. Her work spans diverse fields including e-learning systems, smart horticulture frameworks, and material surface engineering. Notable contributions include developing rehabilitation equipment inspired by biomimetic principles and analyzing the impact of e-learning platforms during crises. She has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, with a focus on interdisciplinary applications of engineering and technology in education, healthcare, and manufacturing. Her research trends highlight a strong emphasis on practical industrial solutions, sustainable technologies, and the intersection of biomechanics with engineering design. While no specific grants or awards are listed, her publications indicate active participation in collaborative research projects with colleagues from various disciplines. Dr. PETRE’s research group likely engages in experimental setups involving advanced manufacturing processes, robotic systems for rehabilitation, and data-driven analyses of industrial and educational systems. Her work reflects a commitment to bridging theoretical engineering principles with real-world applications in healthcare, education, and sustainable production.
Prof. Heidi Webber is a leading agricultural scientist at the Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), serving as Co-Head of Program Area 3 'Agricultural Landscape Systems' and Head of the 'Integrated Crop Production Systems Analysis' working group. Her research focuses on climate risk assessment, crop stress modeling, and sustainable agronomic systems. She holds a Diplom-Agraringenieurin degree and has extensive experience in interdisciplinary studies combining biophysical and socio-economic analyses. Her expertise includes modeling plant growth under abiotic stresses and developing resource-efficient cultivation strategies. Notable contributions involve the AgMIP-Wheat initiative, high-yielding trait experiments, and climate-resilient crop systems in diverse regions like West Africa, South Korea, and Europe. She co-leads international projects addressing climate change impacts on agriculture and leads modeling efforts for crop diversification and adaptation strategies. Key research themes include: Climate risk assessment frameworks Multi-model ensemble approaches for crop yield prediction Abiotic stress tolerance mechanisms in cereals Climate-smart agricultural practices Agroecological transition in smallholder farming systems Her work bridges field experiments with advanced computational models, emphasizing data-driven solutions for sustainable intensification. Current projects explore index-based crop insurance, soil carbon dynamics, and the transformation of farming systems toward silicon-enhanced resilience.
Jekaterina Dmitrijeva is a Senior Research Associate at the Lucerne School of Engineering and Architecture (HSLU) within the Institute of Innovation and Technology Management. She specializes in industrial service innovation, strategic change management, and sustainability. Her work emphasizes servitization processes in manufacturing firms, outcome-based business models, and aligning sustainability strategies with service-led approaches. Education: PhD in Management (2021), Aston Business School, UK (Marie-Curie Circ€uit Network) MSc Environmental Management and Policy (2014), Lund University, Sweden MA Town and Regional Planning (2012), University of Dundee, UK Research Focus: Her research explores servitization dynamics, including paradoxes in organizational transformation, context-driven innovation, and decision-making frameworks for sustainable transitions. She employs mixed-methods approaches, such as game simulations, roadmapping tools, and case study analyses to bridge theory and practice. Key Projects: Horizon Europe - WILSON DeCIRRA SP1: Multi-stakeholder communication platform Carbon Capture and Storage initiatives ReRe: Circular metal sourcing DISCO: Sustainable cooperation opportunities Smart Interoperability Architecture for the building industry Professional Profile: Dmitrijeva advises on strategic business development and sustainability transitions. She collaborates with industry partners to design outcome-based solutions and has contributed to EU-funded projects focusing on circular economy and climate action.
Dr. Gurram Gopal serves as an Industry Professor at Illinois Institute of Technology and a Visiting Professor at ISM. He has held roles as a strategy consultant, manager at ZS Associates, and supply chain executive at Tellabs. His research focuses on business strategy, supply chain optimization, sustainability, and corporate social responsibility. He has published over 50 papers and presented globally at conferences like PRME. Dr. Gopal has received prestigious honors including the Fulbright Scholar Award (2011-2012) and selection as a Fulbright Specialist Candidate (2013-2018). He teaches courses in operations management, supply chain analytics, and global business processes. His work integrates technology applications with ethical business practices, emphasizing innovation in process management and B2B marketing. Notable contributions include studies on blockchain in humanitarian logistics, AI adoption in retail, and sustainable marketing's impact on customer loyalty. He leads educational initiatives in Ireland, India, and Turkey, advocating for global supply chain resilience and data synchronization strategies.
Manuel Iori is a Full Professor at the Department of Engineering Sciences and Methods, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (UNIMORE), Italy. His primary research focuses on operational research, optimization methods, and logistics systems. He specializes in vehicle routing problems, scheduling algorithms, and decision support systems with applications in industrial automation, healthcare, and service industries. Iori is actively involved in teaching advanced optimization courses for engineering students, emphasizing practical applications in data-driven decision-making and simulation. Research Interests: His work addresses complex optimization challenges such as multi-trip vehicle routing with time windows, scheduling under resource constraints, and tool switching in manufacturing systems. He integrates machine learning and metaheuristics to develop innovative solutions for logistics, production planning, and healthcare operations. Collaborations with industry partners (e.g., pharmaceutical distributors, printing companies) ensure practical relevance of his research. Teaching: Iori teaches courses like Optimization Methods for Data-Driven Engineering Processes , Models for Logistics and Production Optimization , and Methods and Algorithms for Optimization in Digital Industries . These courses combine theoretical foundations with hands-on labs using tools like Python, Xpress, and Anylogic. Key Contributions: He developed decision support systems for multi-trip routing in pharmaceutical distribution and supplier selection in facility management. His research on satellite scheduling and attended home delivery systems advances both theoretical and applied domains. As a member of CIRRELT (Canada), he collaborates on logistics optimization projects. Professional Activities: Iori’s work is reflected in over 80 peer-reviewed publications and contributions to conferences. He advises graduate students on optimization challenges and serves as a reviewer for top journals in operations research.
Peter McNamara is the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at Maynooth University and holds a professorship in Management. He leads a faculty comprising 12 departments/schools with over 7,650 students and 335 staff. Previously, he was Head of the School of Business (2014–2022), during which student numbers increased by 220%, staff grew from 11 to 79, and research impact entered the top 20% globally among business schools. He has held academic roles at University College Dublin, Cass Business School (London), and visiting positions in Europe. Education: PhD in Strategic Management and Innovation, Cass Business School, University of London MSc Strategic Management and Planning, University College Dublin Bachelor of Business Studies (Accounting & Economics), University of Limerick Research Interests: Focuses on university/business school performance, innovation processes (including failure experience), collaboration strategies, and business model design. His work bridges research and classroom practice via case studies. Recent projects include enhancing postgraduate employability and analyzing business models in connected health sectors. Publications & Impact: Over 50 peer-reviewed articles in journals like Journal of Management , Academy of Management Learning and Education , and Research Policy . Notable works explore research performance visibility, societal impact governance, and failure-driven innovation in biotechnology. Awards: Carlo Masini Award (2011), Global Forum Award (2016 & 2018) Best Entrepreneurship Case Award (2007) Outstanding Research/Teaching awards from UCD Leadership & Service: Served on over 200 academic committees globally. Current roles include Maynooth University Executive member, Academic Council Secretary, and leadership in international organizations like the Academy of Management (MED Division Chair 2016–2017). Supervised 3 PhD students and contributed to 17 undergraduate/postgraduate programs. Research Projects: Enhancing Employability Skills for Postgraduate Students (Co-PI, 2019–2021) Applied Research in Connected Health Technology (Co-PI, €106,678, 2013–2018) Innovation Policy Simulation for the Smart Economy (Co-PI, €60,830, 2011–2013)
Yashwant Sinha, Ph.D., is an Instructor and MET Program Advisor at the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering and Mechanical Engineering within the Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering at Rowan University. His expertise lies in renewable energy systems, particularly offshore wind turbine maintenance optimization and predictive maintenance strategies. Dr. Sinha holds a Ph.D. from Robert Gordon University (UK), an M.Phil. from the University of Cambridge (UK), and a B.E. from Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology (India). His research focuses on improving offshore wind energy infrastructure through advanced maintenance models, condition monitoring techniques, and failure prognostics. Notable contributions include developing the Gestione software package for offshore wind turbine maintenance optimization and a wind farm maintenance management tool (patent pending). Key research trends across his work include integrating predictive analytics into maintenance frameworks, enhancing component reliability in harsh offshore environments, and optimizing lubrication systems for gearbox longevity. His recent presentations address human productivity improvements and risk mitigation in offshore operations. Awards: ETP Ph.D. Scholarship, ETP Conference 2013 Poster Award Memberships: ASQ, IEEE, NSPE, HEA (UK) Dr. Sinha advises on MET programs and collaborates internationally, evidenced by his participation in UK-China conferences on wind energy in cold climates and presentations at global forums like the Offshore Wind Power Conference (2021). His work bridges theoretical advancements in power electronics with practical offshore maintenance challenges.
Jonathan Jingsheng Shi is a Professor and Holder of the Art E. Favre Industrial Construction Chair at Louisiana State University's Bert S. Turner Department of Construction Management. He has held academic roles since 1985, including professorships at the University of Florida, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Illinois Institute of Technology, with extensive industry collaborations. His research focuses on green technologies, construction operations modeling, energy efficiency, and ERP systems. Education: Ph.D., University of Alberta, Canada (1992–1995) M.Sc., Wuhan University, China (1982–1985) B.Sc., Wuhan University, China (1978–1982) Research Interests: Dr. Shi’s work integrates sustainability, data-driven construction processes, and advanced technologies. Key areas include energy-efficient building systems, project scheduling optimization, and neural networks for construction analysis. His projects often bridge academia and industry, emphasizing practical applications. Grants & Projects: "Building Energy Efficient Homes for America (BeeHa)" ($660,345 USD, US DOE) "Advanced Decentralized Water/Energy Network Design" ($1.25M, US EPA) "Highway Work Zone Safety Audit Guidelines" ($1M+, FHWA) His research has received over $8M in federal and industry funding, addressing critical issues in construction sustainability and safety. Advising & Collaboration: While no students are listed, his projects involve interdisciplinary teams with industry partners. He has co-led initiatives with organizations like the Illinois Department of Transportation and the US Department of Energy.
