Dr. Mangayarkarasi Nagarathinam serves as a Senior Research Associate in the Department of Physics at Lancaster University, specializing in advanced materials characterization for energy applications. Her research spans several critical areas in modern materials science: Materials Science with focus on energy storage systems Electrochemistry and interfacial phenomena in battery materials Solid electrolyte development and characterization Advanced analytical techniques for material properties assessment Dr. Nagarathinam's work centers on understanding the fundamental relationships between composition, structure, and properties of materials critical for next-generation energy storage technologies. Her expertise particularly focuses on solid electrolyte interphases, which represent a key challenge in developing high-performance batteries. Her recent publication demonstrates significant contributions to characterization methodologies that help unravel complex material behaviors at microscopic levels, with implications for improving battery performance and longevity. As a research-focused academic, she contributes to advancing knowledge in materials physics with practical applications in sustainable energy technologies.
Yanliang Zhang is a Professor and the Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Collegiate Chair in the Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Notre Dame's College of Engineering. He directs the Advanced Manufacturing for Energy and Health (AMEH) Lab, where he leads cutting-edge research at the intersection of advanced manufacturing, energy conversion, and healthcare sensing technologies. His educational background includes: Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic University (2011) M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Southeast University, China (2008) B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Southeast University, China (2005) Professor Zhang's research spans multiple domains with a focus on thermal science and energy conversion . His work centers on developing innovative manufacturing techniques for functional materials and devices, particularly in the areas of thermoelectrics, flexible electronics, and advanced sensing systems. The lab employs an "Atomic to System Engineering" approach to bridge fundamental research with practical applications. Key research thrusts include: Additive manufacturing and scalable nanomanufacturing of functional materials Thermal and thermoelectric energy conversion, harvesting, and storage Advanced sensors for extreme environments and healthcare monitoring Autonomous materials discovery through high-throughput combinatorial methods Analysis of Professor Zhang's recent publications (2024-2025) reveals a strong emphasis on aerosol jet printing , thermoelectric devices , and machine learning-assisted manufacturing . His work demonstrates a progression from fundamental materials research toward integrated systems for energy conversion and healthcare applications. A notable trend is the increasing integration of AI/ML techniques with advanced manufacturing processes to optimize device performance and enable autonomous fabrication. Professor Zhang has received significant recognition for his work, including: International Thermoelectric Society 2020 Young Investigator Award His research program is supported by prestigious funding from the U.S. Department of Energy, National Science Foundation, and industry partners. Professor Zhang actively mentors the next generation of engineers through his laboratory, which includes postdoctoral researchers, PhD students, and undergraduate researchers working on diverse projects spanning from fundamental materials science to applied device engineering. The Advanced Manufacturing for Energy and Health Lab maintains strong collaborative ties with industry and national laboratories, facilitating the translation of research discoveries into practical applications. Current research directions include bioprinting, autonomous manufacturing systems, and next-generation thermoelectric technologies for energy harvesting and cooling applications.
Dr. Xiao Hua is a Lecturer in the Department of Chemistry at Lancaster University, affiliated with the Energy Lancaster initiative. Her research focuses on structure-property relationships in energy materials, particularly nanostructured, defected, and disordered systems for applications in rechargeable batteries, photovoltaics, and heterogeneous catalysis. She specializes in operando pair distribution function (PDF) measurements , combining these with structure modeling and big-data approaches to extract mechanistic insights. Current projects include atomic structure studies of energy storage materials, solid-state NMR investigations of layered double hydroxides, and electrochemically assisted synthesis of disordered cathodes. Her publications (2024) span topics like environmental remediation materials, nanoporous carbon capacitance, solid-state battery electrolytes, and electrocatalyst design. She supervises PhD students Christopher Cook, Sreenivasan Kiritharan, and Sarah McKinney. Contact: x.hua1@lancaster.ac.uk | Office A018, Faraday Building.
Julia Ginette Nicole Amici serves as Associate Professor at the Department of Applied Science and Technology (DISAT) of Polytechnic University of Turin, where she acts as Vice Coordinator of the Academic Board for the Ph.D. programme in Materials Science and Technology and contributes to the Interdepartmental Center Ec-L - Energy Center Lab. Her research focuses on next-generation electrochemical energy storage systems with emphasis on sustainable battery technologies for automotive and stationary applications. Research Interests Prof. Amici specializes in electrochemistry and materials engineering for advanced battery systems, particularly lithium-ion, lithium-sulfur, and lithium-air technologies. Her work pioneers novel electrolyte formulations—including gel polymer, composite, and solid-state variants—alongside cathode engineering to address critical challenges in safety, longevity, and environmental impact. Current projects integrate circular economy principles through biorenewable materials (e.g., wood flour, gelatin) while targeting European Green Deal objectives for decarbonization. Research Trends Recent publications reveal a strategic shift toward computational modeling of degradation mechanisms and sustainable material integration. Key trends include biopolymer-reinforced electrolytes for lithium-oxygen batteries, sulfide-based solid-state cell optimization, and cathode blending techniques for enhanced energy/power density. These efforts consistently address thermal runaway prevention, calendar aging prediction, and waste valorization—demonstrating alignment with global electromobility and grid-storage demands. Scientific Awards Abilitazione Scientifica Nazionale alle funzioni di professore universitario di Seconda Fascia nel Settore Concorsuale 03/B2 (2020) Abilitazione Scientifica Nazionale alle funzioni di professore universitario di Prima Fascia nel Settore Concorsuale 03/B2 (2023) Advising and Grants Prof. Amici supervises four doctoral candidates: Mattia Longo (in-situ crosslinked gel polymer electrolytes), Piera Di Prima (calendar/cycling aging in Li-ion cells), Matteo Gandolfo (self-healing ionogels), and Roberto Colombo (hybrid power-energy electrodes). She directs the €2M+ ADVAGEN Horizon Europe project on solid-state batteries for electromobility and previously led the H2020 SUBLIME initiative, with new TALISSMAN funding secured through 2029. Her grant portfolio exceeds €5M in competitive EU research funding. Laboratories and Teams She operates within DISAT's Electrochemistry group, utilizing specialized facilities including the Electrochemistry Testing Laboratory (for nail penetration tests and cycling validation) and Material Synthesis Lab. Her team contributes to European initiatives BATTERY2030+ and ETIP Batteries Europe, focusing on standardization and innovation roadmaps for next-generation storage systems.
Nicola Cavallini is a Fixed-term Assistant Professor at the Department of Applied Science and Technology (DISAT) , Politecnico di Torino , and a member of the College of Chemical and Materials Engineering . He holds a Scientific Branch CHEM-06/A - Chemical Foundations of Technologies within Area 0003 - Chemical Sciences . Since 2020, he has been teaching Principles of Chemometrics and Practical Design of Experiments to PhD and undergraduate students in Chemical Engineering. 2025/26 : Course Lecturer for Principles of Chemometrics 2024/25 : Course Lecturer for Principles of Chemometrics 2023/24 : Course Lecturer for Principles of Chemometrics 2022/23 : Course Collaborator for Principles of Chemometrics 2021/22 : Course Collaborator for Principles of Chemometrics 2020/21 : Course Collaborator for Principles of Chemometrics His research focuses on Chemometrics , Analytical Chemistry , and Applied Spectroscopy , particularly in food authentication and materials characterization. He has developed methods for ethanol quantification in wine using NMR, rice variety classification via hyperspectral imaging, and fermentation monitoring with portable NIR sensors. Collaborative projects include polymer electrolyte optimization and textile waste valorization in biotechnological processes. Recent publications highlight his work on: Food Fraud Detection (Mechanically Separated Meat in processed products) Advanced Spectroscopic Techniques (NMR and NIR applications) Algorithm Development for FESEM image analysis Sustainable Material Processing (Polymer blends, textile waste) Plant-Microbe Interactions (β-ionone's role in mycorrhization)
Prof. Thomas Leibfried is a Professor at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), leading the Institute of Electrical Power Systems and High Voltage Technology (IEH). His research focuses on advanced power grid technologies, including smart grid optimization, renewable energy integration, and high-voltage engineering. He oversees multiple experimental setups, such as PLC-based hardware-in-the-loop systems and distribution grid simulations. His work addresses challenges in grid stability, energy storage, and demand-response mechanisms for future energy systems. Leibfried's contributions span academic teaching and industry collaboration, with courses on energy systems, grid control, and electrical networks. He actively participates in KIT's initiatives to modernize grid infrastructure and enhance grid resilience through novel control strategies and data-driven approaches. His research group explores cutting-edge topics like inverter-based grid systems, frequency stability, and partial discharge diagnostics in high-voltage equipment. Notable projects include the FLEMING initiative, leveraging AI for grid monitoring, and the development of cellular-organized distribution grids for flexibility optimization. His team also collaborates on EU-funded studies analyzing the impact of electric vehicle adoption on medium-voltage grids. Leibfried’s work emphasizes practical implementations, with experimental facilities for real-time grid simulations and thermal monitoring of switchgears.
Rolando Burgos is a Professor in the Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Virginia Tech, serving as Director of the Center for Power Electronics Systems (CPES). He holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Concepcion and has held roles at ABB Corporate Research and Virginia Tech since 2002. His research focuses on high-power density converters, grid power electronics, multi-level converter topologies, and stability analysis of power systems. He has authored over 460 publications and co-directed 80+ projects. Education: B.S. and M.S. in Electronics Engineering (University of Concepcion, Chile), Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering (University of Concepcion, 2002). Research emphasizes modular multilevel converters , wide bandgap devices (SiC) , and grid integration of renewable energy . His work addresses challenges in medium/high-voltage applications, including capacitor voltage balancing , EMI mitigation , and converter efficiency optimization . Key contributions include: Development of 13.8 kV/1.1 MVA flying capacitor converters Advancements in SiC MOSFET parallelization and thermal management Innovative DC circuit breaker designs Scientific Awards: Seven prize paper awards from IEEE conferences. Grants/Advising: Over 80 sponsored projects and co-advising multiple graduate students. His lab focuses on high-density power electronics and power management systems . Labs/Teams: Leads CPES research initiatives in power electronics components and high-density integration, collaborating with industry partners like ABB and Indium Corporation.
Kun (Kelvin) Fu is an Assistant Professor and Terri Connor Kelly and John Kelly Career Development Professor in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Delaware (UD), with affiliations to the Center for Composite Materials. His research bridges Additive Manufacturing and Composite Material Innovation , focusing on creating multiscale solutions for energy, environmental, and health challenges. As Co-founder of CarbonForm Inc., he commercializes sustainable composite technologies. Education: PhD in Fiber and Polymer Science (2014) from North Carolina State University Research interests include additive manufacturing of thermoset composites, solid-state battery development , and CO2-to-materials conversion . He pioneered 3D printing of pure carbon nanotube architectures and invented technologies like Additive Fiber Tethering (AFT) and Wood Universal Feedstock for Forming (WUFF). Recent publications address: CO2 upcycling (Nature Communications, 2024), non-planar composite structures (Composites Part A, 2025), high-loaded battery filaments (Advanced Energy Materials, 2023), and dry-processable electrolytes (ACS Nano, 2023). Trends show cross-disciplinary innovation in composites and energy storage . Scientific Recognition: Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher (2024, 2022) ACS PMSE Young Investigator (2021) Fiber Society Distinguished Achievement (2024) SAMPE Young Professionals Award (2020) His lab mentors PhD students Kaiyue Deng, Soyeon Park, and Chunyan Zhang, who have received NSF travel awards and innovation prizes . The team secured over $6M in grants from DOE, NASA, and Army, including a 2024 NASA EPSCoR RID Seed Grant and 2023 DOE ARPA-E OPEN award .
Markus Aichhorn is an Associate Professor at TU Graz's Institute of Theoretical Physics - Computational Physics. His research focuses on computational material science, quantum many-body physics, and topological materials. He earned his PhD in 2005 with highest honors and held postdoc positions at the University of Würzburg and École Polytechnique. Notable grants include the FWF START Program (2014). Awards include the Erwin-Schrödinger Fellowship and Promotion sub auspiciis Praesidentis. His work emphasizes ab-initio methods and DFT+DMFT techniques for correlated materials, with contributions to understanding superconductors and topological insulators. Current projects include the FWF-funded TOPOMAT and VICOM initiatives. Teaching responsibilities include courses on theoretical physics and magnetism. Education: PhD Theoretical Physics (TU Graz, 2005), Postdoc (Würzburg, 2005-2007; École Polytechnique, 2008-2010) Research Highlights: Topological states of matter, correlated heterostructures, electronic phase transitions Research output includes 65+ publications (h-index 25). Active in conference organization and peer review (e.g., Physical Review journals). Collaborates internationally on computational methods for novel materials design.
Haoliang Hong is a DPhil Student in the Department of Engineering Science at the University of Oxford, affiliated with Reuben College. His research focuses on solid-state hydrogen storage technology , including magnesium-based materials , reactor design , and industrial process optimization . Research Interests Large-scale industrial modification of magnesium-based materials Advanced reactor design for enhancing mass/heat transfer Green energy technology translation into practical solutions Scientific Awards Terry Payne Prize - 21st International Conference on Sustainable Energy Technologies (WSSET) Current Projects Hydrogen-thermal synergistic reactor platform Contact Email: haoliang.hong@eng.ox.ac.uk Location: Begbroke Science Park
Dr. Emma Richards is a Senior Lecturer in Physical Chemistry and Director of Admissions and Recruitment at Cardiff University's School of Chemistry. Her research focuses on Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and hyperfine methodologies to investigate electron transfer processes in sustainable chemical transformations and excited-state properties of photoactive materials. She leads a group equipped with advanced EPR facilities and collaborates on projects involving organometallic chemistry, photocatalysis, and quantum spin systems. Education: PhD in Chemistry (University of Wales, Cardiff, 2007), BSc (Hons) Natural Sciences (University of Bath, 2003). Professional roles include Director of Admissions and Recruitment since 2023, and membership in the Royal Society of Chemistry and HEA. Research interests span EPR-based mechanistic studies, earth-abundant catalysis, and photophysical properties of materials. Her work bridges fundamental spectroscopy with applications in sustainable chemistry and energy technologies. Recent publications highlight advancements in copper bis(disilylamides), iridium-based photosensitizers, and iron-catalyzed cross-couplings.
Dr. Vincent Tabard-Cossa is a Full Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Ottawa and holds a University Research Chair in Nanoscale Biophysics and Nanopore Science. He is also cross-appointed with the Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences and serves as Vice-Dean Innovation & Strategic Partnerships in the Faculty of Science. His research focuses on developing novel techniques using solid-state nanopores for single-molecule analysis in biophysical systems, with applications in medical diagnostics, data storage, and biosensing. He co-founded Northern Nanopore Instruments (acquired by Oxford Nanopore Technologies) and has pioneered methods like controlled breakdown nanopore fabrication. Education: B.Sc. and Ph.D. in Physics from McGill University (2000, 2006), followed by postdoctoral work at UBC and Stanford University. Key honors include the CAP Industrial and Applied Physics Medal (2021), Royal Society of Canada membership (2019), and Ontario Early Researcher Award (2016). Research Interests: Experimental nanobiophysics, nanopore science, nanofluidics, single-molecule force spectroscopy, and interdisciplinary applications in engineering and chemistry. His lab emphasizes translating fundamental discoveries into practical tools, such as digital immunoassays and nanopore-based diagnostics. Publications highlight advancements in nanopore fabrication, DNA/protein translocation dynamics, and biomedical applications. Over 150+ students and researchers have been mentored, with active collaborations across academia and industry. The T.-Cossa Lab fosters a multidisciplinary environment, integrating physics, chemistry, and engineering to tackle complex problems in nanotechnology.
Fred Spada is an Associate Research Scientist at the Center for Magnetic Recording Research (CMRR) at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). He holds a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from UCSD (1983) and previously worked at Eastman Kodak Research Laboratories (1983–1989). His research focuses on secure data erasure via bulk degaussing methods, structure-property relationships in magnetic materials (thin films and nanoparticles), and chemical aspects of wear. His work spans magnetic recording media, nanomaterial synthesis, and surface characterization. Education: Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry, UCSD, 1983 Research Interests: Evaluation and standardization of bulk degaussing techniques Magnetic material properties (anisotropy, magnetoresistance, phase transformations) Nanoparticle synthesis via spark erosion Surface treatments for enhanced magnetic performance Recent Research Trends: Recent publications emphasize secure data erasure in solid-state drives and high-density storage media, alongside continued exploration of magnetic thin films and nanomaterial characterization. His work bridges fundamental material science with applied technologies in data storage and magnetic devices. Awards & Grants: No scientific awards listed. Active in collaborative research with industry partners like Eastman Kodak and academic institutions. Lab & Team: Leads CMRR research group with lab assistant Joanne Shin, focusing on magnetic materials and data security applications.
Julia Wind is an Associate Professor in the Department of Technology Systems at the University of Oslo. Her research focuses on electrochemistry, lithium-ion batteries, and energy storage systems. She has contributed to advancements in battery diagnostics, materials science, and the development of open-source tools like Cellpy for battery data analysis. Key research areas include entropy analysis in batteries, electrode design, and solid-state electrolyte materials. Her work spans topics such as battery degradation mechanisms, thermal signatures for entropy estimation, and the integration of lithium-ion batteries in energy systems. Notable publications include studies on incremental capacity analysis, safety protocols for energy islands, and crystallographic analysis of thin films under electric fields. Dr. Wind’s research emphasizes practical applications, bridging fundamental electrochemistry with real-world energy storage challenges. She collaborates widely, contributing to both theoretical and applied aspects of battery technology.
Jon Ludlam is a Senior Research Associate at the Department of Computer Science and Technology, University of Cambridge. His primary affiliation is with the Computer Architecture Group, focusing on advanced systems research. Research Interests: Computer Architecture Mobile Systems and Robotics Programming Languages & Verification Security & Systems Networking His work bridges theoretical foundations with practical implementations in distributed computing, cloud infrastructure, and virtualization technologies. Publications reflect a trajectory from early studies in materials physics (e.g., vibrational localization in disordered systems) to modern systems challenges in virtualization, unikernel optimization, and network-aware resource management. Notable contributions include Jitsu: Just-In-Time unikernel summoning and heterogeneous processor pool virtualization frameworks. No scientific awards listed. No advisees documented. Active in collaborative research within the department's Energy and Environment Group and Accelerate Programme for Scientific Discovery.
