Dr. Kai Gong is an Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Rice University, with affiliations at the Rice Advanced Materials Institute and Ken Kennedy Institute. His research focuses on sustainable infrastructure materials, environmental sustainability, and materials science. He holds a Ph.D. in Civil & Environmental Engineering and Materials Science from Princeton University, an MEngSci from Monash University (Australia), and dual B.S. degrees from Monash University and Central South University (China). Research Interests: Development of durable, sustainable infrastructure materials Waste encapsulation and conversion to value-added products Carbon mineralization and utilization Advanced characterization techniques (synchrotron/neutron scattering) Data-driven modeling and atomistic simulations Notable Awards: 2023 Le Chatelier Medal (Cement and Concrete Research) 2024 Giatec Award for Best Paper in Sustainability Walbridge Fund Graduate Award (2019) His work integrates computational methods (e.g., molecular dynamics) with experimental techniques to address decarbonization challenges in infrastructure. The Gong Research Group actively seeks motivated researchers for opportunities in sustainable materials innovation.
Professor John L Provis is a leading expert in cement materials science at the University of Sheffield 's School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering. He also holds a Visiting Professor position at Luleå University of Technology's Building Materials division. PhD in Chemical Engineering (University of Melbourne) 2013 RILEM Robert L'Hermite Medal 2015 Honorary Doctorate from Hasselt University Editor-in-Chief of Materials and Structures His research focuses on alkali-activated materials and geopolymer binders for sustainable construction, with key themes in chemical speciation , waste immobilization , and novel cement systems for nuclear applications. Recent publications highlight 15 representative articles spanning topics: Radiation-resistant cementitious matrices Geopolymer synthesis for heavy metal containment Thermodynamic modeling of binder systems Corrosion mechanisms in alkali-activated concretes Low-carbon cement alternatives Microstructural analysis via advanced spectroscopy Scientific Recognition : RILEM Robert L'Hermite Medal recipient Hasselt University Honorary Doctorate Editorial leadership roles in major journals Contact: j.provis@sheffield.ac.uk | Sir Robert Hadfield Building, University of Sheffield
Katrin Schollbach is an Assistant Professor in the Building Materials department at Eindhoven University of Technology's School of Built Environment . Her research focuses on sustainable utilization of industrial by-products in construction materials, particularly steel slags from fossil-free steelmaking processes. Expertise: BOF slag activation, carbonation resistance, heavy metal immobilization, eco-friendly binders Projects: Leading the SLAK project (2023-2029) on future slags from fossil-free steelmaking Collaborations: Active international collaborations in construction materials research Schollbach's work explores the chemical and mineralogical properties of industrial waste materials, optimizing their performance in building applications. Key research themes include chemical activation techniques, carbonation processes, and material characterization using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Recent publications highlight her innovative approaches to BOF slag activation, sewage sludge-based sealing materials, and marine infrastructure applications. Her research output demonstrates consistent growth with 89 total publications and collaborations across multiple disciplines. She contributes to education through courses like Climate-responsive Building Design and Masterproject BPS Research , and maintains active research partnerships with institutions worldwide.
Upaka Rathnayake is a Professor of Civil Engineering and Principal Investigator at the Mathematical Modelling and Intelligent Systems for Health and Environment (MISHE) research unit at Atlantic Technological University Sligo, Ireland. He has held academic and research roles globally, including in Sri Lanka, Japan, the UK, New Zealand, Australia, and Fiji. His research focuses on water resources management, hydrological modeling, climate analysis, and AI-driven solutions for environmental challenges. He holds a PhD from the University of Strathclyde and advanced certifications from Hokkaido University. Education: PhD in Optimal Management of Urban Sewer Systems (University of Strathclyde, 2013) Professional Memberships: Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka, Engineers New Zealand, International Association of Hydrological Sciences Research interests include: Hydrological modeling and climate change adaptation Multi-objective optimization and soft computing techniques Explainable AI applications in environmental systems Remote sensing and GIS for water resource management Recent articles highlight AI-driven solutions for air quality prediction, soil nutrient analysis, and flood risk assessment. Awards include the 2023 Presidential Award for Scientific Publications and multiple university excellence awards. He actively advises PhD students on projects like urban water systems optimization and climatic trends analysis. Rathnayake is an editorial board member of journals like Scientific Reports and PLoS ONE , contributing to peer review and policy-oriented research. His work bridges data-driven methods with traditional hydrological practices to address global environmental challenges.
Dr. Nicholas Brake is an Associate Professor at Lamar University's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, focusing on reclaimed materials, wireless power transfer applications in concrete, and fatigue fracture modeling for pavements. His research spans recycled concrete aggregate, coal ash utilization, and electromagnetic cementitious composites. Education: Ph.D., M.S., B.S. in Civil Engineering from Michigan State University Awards: Anita Riddle Fellowship (2018), Lamar Merit Award (2018), Presidential Faculty Fellowship (2015), and multiple scholarships during his studies. His research emphasizes three key areas: 1) Material reclamation using recycled concrete aggregate, coal combustion residuals, and EAF slag. 2) Electromagnetic transport properties for wireless vehicle charging applications. 3) Fatigue damage modeling in concrete pavements. Through 3D printing integration and design-build-test pedagogy, he enhances student learning outcomes. Recent publications focus on international engineering education (2020), magnetic concrete composites (2019), and advanced testing methodologies for civil infrastructure (2018). His teaching innovation includes developing nine Lamar University courses with active learning strategies that improved student design confidence (p Scientific Awards: Anita Riddle Excellence in Teaching Fellowship (2018) Presidential Faculty Fellowship for Teaching Innovation (2015) Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award at Michigan State (2011) Dr. Brake mentors undergraduate and graduate researchers, including doctoral candidates Mahdi Feizbahr and Hossein Hariri Asli (2023-2024). His lab (LUMS) houses advanced testing systems like Instron 5965/8803, MTS Insight 100SL, and thermal analyzers for material characterization.
Marika Kokko is a Professor of Bio- and Circular Economy at the University of Tampere, affiliated with the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences and the Department of Materials Science and Environmental Engineering. Her research focuses on sustainable solutions for carbon dioxide utilization, nutrient recovery, and bioelectrochemical systems. She leads projects such as isoSUS (developing short-chain fatty acid conversion) and BioNH4 (recovering ammonium nitrogen from wastewater). Education: Doctor of Science (Technology), Tampere University of Technology (2013) Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Freiburg, Germany (2014–2016) Tenure-track career progression at Tampere University since 2016 Research Interests: CO₂ conversion via microbial electrosynthesis and bioelectrochemical processes Electrochemical nitrogen recovery from wastewater Microplastic analysis in environmental matrices Bioremediation of industrial waste streams Grants & Collaborations: Funded by Business Finland, Ministry of the Environment, and international consortia Active in interdisciplinary projects like CICAT2025 and UPCE Labs/Teams: Her research group investigates bioelectrochemical systems, microbial communities, and circular economy innovations. They collaborate with industry partners to scale sustainable technologies.
Somnath Basu is a Professor in the Department of Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay. He has been serving in academic roles since 2011, progressing from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor and then to Professor in 2022. His work is deeply rooted in process metallurgy and materials engineering, with a focus on industrial steelmaking technologies. His research interests include metal refining , thermodynamics of slag-metal reactions , phosphorus and sulfur removal , and continuous casting processes . He also explores nanofluids and their transport properties, indicating interdisciplinary engagement. His work bridges fundamental thermodynamic studies with practical industrial applications in iron and steel production. The selected publications reflect a strong trend in steelmaking process optimization , particularly in reaction kinetics , inclusion behavior , and process monitoring . His research spans both experimental investigations and thermodynamic modeling, targeting improvements in steel purity and casting efficiency. Scientific Contributions: Published in leading journals such as ISIJ International , Steel Research International , and Metallurgical and Materials Transactions B . Contributions to understanding phosphorus partitioning, nozzle clogging, and nanofluid conductivity. While no specific students or grants are listed, his long-standing academic position and publication record suggest active supervision of graduate research and involvement in funded projects related to metallurgical process innovation. His work likely supports both academic and industrial advancements in steel technology. He is affiliated with a leading research department equipped with advanced facilities for metallurgical experimentation and process simulation, though specific lab names or team structures are not mentioned in the text.
Karel Van Acker is a full professor in the Faculty of Engineering Science at KU Leuven , leading the Sustainable Materials Processing and Recycling (SeMPeR) research group. His work focuses on integrating environmental and economic sustainability assessments, particularly for metallurgical residues and circular economy systems. Head of SeMPeR group Contact person for SeMPeR at Arenberg campus Head of Subdivision 39, Brussels Campus Research areas include: Circular Economy: Monitoring systems, stock-flow models, and business models Sustainability Assessments: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), techno-economic analysis, carbon footprinting Resource Valorization: Steel slag mineral carbonation, rare earth reduction, biorefinery processes Key article trends: 2025 works emphasize steel slag carbonation for carbon capture, hydrogen storage technologies, and clothing sufficiency as circular economy strategies 2024 research explores car mobility circularity , AI environmental impacts , and policy integration for circular economy monitors Earlier works (2023-2020) address textile recycling , biomass to biofuels , and landfill mining using system dynamics Teaching responsibilities: Sustainable Materials Management (H00R6A) Environmental Impact Analysis (I0V86A) Material Selection & Sustainability (D0X32A) Global Challenges for Sustainable Society (H0O00A)
Dr. Ali Kashani is a Senior Lecturer at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) within the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering. His research focuses on sustainable and low-carbon concrete materials, robot-aided construction (particularly 3D printing), and Circular Economy-aligned applications. Leadership in cementitious materials innovation Expertise in 3D printing for construction Advocate for waste valorisation and carbon capture Dr. Kashani has secured approximately $7 million in research funding and holds a patent in lightweight concrete foam. His work spans 70+ publications with 9,000+ citations, including media coverage in the Sydney Morning Herald and The Fifth Estate. He actively contributes to professional organizations such as MECLA, RILEM, and ASTM. Recent research trends include AI and optimization algorithms for sustainable concrete mix design, chloride diffusion modeling, and 3D printing performance analysis. His publications often address waste material integration, durability assessment, and eco-friendly construction practices. Scientific Awards: National and NSW Awards for 'Excellence in Concrete' (Technology and Innovation) from the Concrete Institute of Australia Churchill Fellowship for Digital Construction and 3D Printing sponsored by AVJennings Dr. Kashani serves as Co-Chair of the cement and concrete working group at MECLA and contributes to RILEM and ASTM committees. His email is ali.kashani@unsw.edu.au , and his office is located in the Civil Engineering Building (H20), Level 2, Room CE204, UNSW.
Bryan Webler is a Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) since 2013, with a courtesy appointment in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. He serves as Co-Director of the Center for Iron and Steelmaking Research (CISR), an industry-supported consortium, and is affiliated with the NextManufacturing Center and Mill 19 digital backbone initiative. His expertise spans process metallurgy, additive manufacturing, and steelmaking technologies. Education: B.S. in Engineering Physics (2005) from the University of Pittsburgh; M.S. (2007) and Ph.D. (2008) in Materials Science and Engineering from CMU. Prior to academia, he worked as a Senior Engineer at the Bettis Atomic Laboratory's Materials Technology department. Research focuses on four core areas: chemical reactions during liquid steel refining, non-metallic inclusion control, continuous casting of steel, and additive manufacturing (laser powder bed fusion, directed energy deposition). His group integrates high-temperature experiments, computational thermodynamics, and kinetic modeling. Notable contributions include developing oxide dispersion strengthening methods and advancing digital twin applications in manufacturing. Key awards include the Kent D. Peaslee Junior Faculty Award (AIST Foundation) and the AIST Foundation Steel Professor title. He serves on editorial boards for Metallurgical and Materials Transactions B and Metallurgical Research and Technology , and actively contributes to industry partnerships. Beyond technical work, Webler explores the history of metallurgy, particularly Pittsburgh's steel industry legacy. His lab's innovations address carbon management, energy production, and advanced materials processing for extreme environments.
Dr. David S. Kosson is a distinguished faculty member at Vanderbilt University, holding the Gass Family Chair in Energy and the Environment. He serves as Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Earth and Environmental Sciences. As Director of the Consortium for Risk Evaluation with Stakeholder Participation (CRESP) and the Environmental Laboratory, he leads multidisciplinary research addressing nuclear waste management, environmental remediation, and policy. His work has established frameworks like the U.S. Leaching Environmental Assessment Framework (LEAF), impacting national waste management policies. Dr. Kosson earned his Ph.D., M.S., and B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Rutgers University. He previously chaired Vanderbilt’s Civil and Environmental Engineering Department (2000–2012). His research focuses on nuclear/chemical waste containment, contaminant mass transfer, and eco-cultural risk assessment. He advises U.S. federal agencies on defense waste remediation and chemical weapons demilitarization. Education: Ph.D., Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Rutgers University M.S., Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Rutgers University B.S., Chemical Engineering, Rutgers University Key Roles: CRESP Principal Investigator Environmental Laboratory Director Former Department Chair (Civil & Environmental Engineering) His research integrates laboratory experiments with field data to model long-term behavior of waste forms and geological interfaces. Notable contributions include studies on cement-rock interactions, PFAS leaching, and ecological risk assessment at DOE sites like Hanford and Oak Ridge. He has authored over 200 publications, advancing risk-informed decision-making in waste management. Scientific contributions span nuclear waste durability, eco-cultural justice frameworks, and sustainable materials engineering. He collaborates internationally on deep geological disposal systems and environmental policy.
Dr. Yeshui Zhang is a Lecturer at the School of Engineering, University of Aberdeen, UK, since December 2021. Previously, she held a Faraday Institution Research Fellowship at University College London (2018–2021). University of Birmingham (BSc Environmental Management, 2012) University of Sheffield (MSc Energy and Environmental Engineering, 2013) University of Leeds (PhD Chemical and Process Engineering, 2017) Her research spans chemical and environmental engineering, focusing on: Energy storage materials (e.g., lithium-ion batteries) Pyrolysis-catalysis of waste materials High-temperature quartz crystal microbalance applications Carbon nanotubes synthesis Circular economy strategies for plastics Recent publications emphasize catalytic waste valorization for hydrogen-rich syngas, biomass pyrolysis mechanisms, and hybrid-functional catalyst design. She serves as Associate Editor for Carbon Capture Science & Technology and contributes to standards in battery manufacturing. Emerging Investigator Award, IChemE 2022 IAAM Young Scientist Medal 2022 Best Paper Award, 21st CCSSTA 2020 Dr. Zhang supervises PhD students in chemical engineering and leads the Meston Lab 155 at Aberdeen. Her work bridges academic research with industrial applications through memberships in the Royal Society of Chemistry and IChemE.
Prof. Dr. Fatma Arslan is a Professor in the Department of Mineral Processing Engineering at Istanbul Technical University (ITU). She holds a PhD from Columbia University. Her research focuses on metallic minerals, industrial raw materials, and chemical-biological recovery techniques. She has held significant administrative roles, including Head of Department (2000–present), Dean (2012–2016), and Director of Research and Application Center (2013–2017). Her work emphasizes sustainable mineral processing, with contributions to flotation, leaching, and recycling of metals from secondary sources. She has authored over 35 publications and led projects on metal recovery from electronic waste and copper refining slags. Key research areas include hydrometallurgical processes, ion flotation, and environmental remediation. Prof. Arslan has advised numerous students and collaborates internationally on mineral processing innovations. Education: PhD in Metallurgical Engineering from Columbia University (1987–1991); License in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering from ITU (1977–1982). Research Interests: Flotation, leaching, cyanidation, metal recovery from waste, and sustainable mineral processing. Her recent work explores HPGR preprocessing for gold ore cyanidation and ion flotation for metal recovery. She has pioneered methods for recycling metals from printed circuit boards and copper slags. Prof. Arslan also contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to resource efficiency and environmental protection.
Professor Ahmed F. Ghoniem is the Ronald C. Crane (1972) Professor of Mechanical Engineering at MIT, directing the Center for Energy and Propulsion Research and the Reacting Gas Dynamics Laboratory. He holds a B.Sc. and M.Sc. from Cairo University and a Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley. His research focuses on computational methods in fluid-thermal sciences, turbulent combustion, energy conversion systems, and CO2 capture technologies. He has authored over 500 publications and mentored over 100 students, many of whom are leaders in academia and industry. His research interests include multiscale simulations of turbulent reactive flows, clean energy systems, and advanced combustion technologies. He has pioneered work on oxy-fuel combustion, gasification processes, and ion transport membrane reactors. Ghoniem’s contributions span fundamental science and applied engineering, addressing challenges in sustainable energy and environmental sustainability. Honors: ASME James Harry Potter Gold Medal (2015), AIAA Propellant and Combustion Award (2016), Fellowships from ASME, APS, and The Combustion Institute. Service: Leadership roles in MIT’s Energy initiatives, KAUST collaborations, and advisory boards for energy research centers. Extensive contributions to curriculum development and graduate education in mechanical engineering. Labs/Teams: Directs the Reacting Gas Dynamics Lab and leads the Center for Energy and Propulsion Research, focusing on integrated energy systems and CO2 capture innovations.
Professor Christopher Berndt is a Distinguished Professor in Surface Science and Engineering at the School of Engineering, Swinburne University of Technology, where he joined in 2008 as the founding professor of this discipline. He previously held founding professorships at James Cook University and was a tenured professor at Stony Brook University, USA, where he remains an Adjunct Professor. He also served as a Fellow at NASA-Lewis Research Center, working on thermal barrier coatings. His leadership in professional societies includes serving as President of the Thermal Spray Society (ASM) and being inducted into the Thermal Spray Hall of Fame in 2007. His research interests center on materials engineering , particularly surface science , thermal spray technologies , high-entropy alloys , and coatings for extreme environments . He also contributes significantly to biomedical engineering through bioactive coatings and clean energy via advanced materials for batteries and hydrogen technologies. His work bridges fundamental materials science with industrial applications in aerospace, energy, and manufacturing. The recent publications reveal a strong focus on advanced thermal spray techniques such as HVOF and HVAF, development of high-entropy and medium-entropy alloys, and innovative coating applications in energy storage, corrosion resistance, and high-temperature protection. His research consistently emphasizes microstructural control, phase stability, and mechanical performance under extreme conditions. Inducted into the Thermal Spray Hall of Fame (2007) Fellow of the Australian Institution of Engineers Fellow of ASM International Fellow of The Institution of Metallurgists (UK) Fellow of ASME, ACS, and ACerS Chartered Engineer (UK) Professional Engineer (Australia) Member of the College of Bioengineers (Australia) Professor Berndt actively supervises numerous PhD students, with current projects on high-entropy alloys, internal pipe coatings, and biomedical surface engineering. He has secured extensive research funding from organizations including the Australian Research Council (ARC), Department of Defence, Office of Naval Research (US), and industry partners such as Entromat and Amaero Engineering. He leads major initiatives such as the ARC Training Centre in Surface Engineering for Advanced Materials (SEAM) and has contributed to commercialization projects in space vehicle manufacturing. He is the Founding Editor and now Editor Emeritus of the Journal of Thermal Spray Technology and has edited over 10 conference proceedings. His research network spans across Australia, the USA, and Thailand, reflecting a strong international collaborative footprint in advanced materials research.
