Martin Kordesch is Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Ohio University's College of Arts and Sciences, affiliated with the Nanoscale Quantum Phenomena Institute. Education includes a Ph.D. in Physics from Case Western Reserve University (1984), M.S. in Physics from CWRU (1980), and A.B. in Physics from University of Chicago (1978). Research focuses on microscopy of surfaces, amorphous/crystalline semiconductors, and metal-oxide cathodes. Publications emphasize nanomaterials characterization, thin-film technologies, and electron emission phenomena, with recent work in spectroscopy, semiconductor alloys, and nanostructured materials. Awards include Distinguished Summer Fellowship (ASEE), Max Planck Fellowship, and Weston Fellowship. Professional associations include American Physical Society, American Vacuum Society, and Materials Research Society.
Thomas Van de Velde is a Part-Time Lecturer at the Gordon Institute, Tufts University School of Engineering. His research focuses on advanced materials for energy harvesting, semiconductor technologies, and optoelectronic systems. He has contributed to innovations in thermophotovoltaics (TPV), metamaterials for infrared applications, and quantum dot-based photodetectors. His work emphasizes high-temperature materials like iridium-based metamaterials and GaSb/GaAs heterostructures. Key areas include optimizing semiconductor films (GeSn, GaAsBi), developing selective emitters for TPV systems, and enhancing photodetection via nanoantenna integration. His research bridges material science, photonics, and device engineering for applications in renewable energy and aerospace. Van de Velde has collaborated on grants including the NSF CAREER Award for metamaterial-enhanced thermal energy harvesters. His publications span over 15 years, with recent work advancing infrared photodetectors, plasmonic structures, and high-efficiency energy conversion systems. He advises on cutting-edge fabrication techniques and optical characterization methods.
Andrei Sirenko is Professor of Physics at NJIT with research expertise in terahertz spectroscopy, optical properties of quantum materials, and magneto-optical phenomena. His experimental program investigates phonon dynamics, magnetic excitations, and phase transitions in multiferroic systems using advanced spectroscopic techniques. Current work focuses on developing vortex beam technologies for magnetic spectroscopy and synchrotron-based infrared/THz facilities. Research employs terahertz spectroscopy, Raman scattering, and ellipsometry to probe spin-phonon coupling and electronic correlations in complex oxides. Publications demonstrate consistent methodology development in spectroscopic techniques with applications to quantum materials. Recent work emphasizes chiral magnetic structures, interface physics, and terahertz beam engineering. Contributes to major instrumentation projects including the NSLS-II synchrotron facility. Research supported by NSF and DOE grants for materials characterization and device physics.
Prof. Martin Dressel is a Full Professor of Physics and Head of the 1. Physikalisches Institut at the University of Stuttgart. His research focuses on condensed matter physics, particularly electron dynamics, terahertz spectroscopy, and quantum materials. He has held roles including Managing Director of the Physics Institute (2001-2011) and Dean of the Faculty (2011–2014). Education: PhD from Georg-August-Universität Göttingen (1989), Habilitation from Technische Hochschule Darmstadt (1996). Notable awards include the Kenneth J. Button Prize (2023) and Baden-Württemberg State Award (2003). He is an Adjunct Professor at Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (since 2013). Research interests span electronic phase transitions, magneto-optics, and superconductivity. His work employs advanced spectroscopic techniques to study materials like Weyl semimetals, kagome metals, and organic conductors. Recent studies include pressure effects on electronic structures and terahertz investigations of quantum materials. Award highlights include recognition for contributions to basic research and international collaborations. His articles explore topics such as phonon dynamics in antiferromagnetic systems, spin liquids, and high-pressure material tuning.
Bruno Gompf is a researcher at the University of Stuttgart's Physics Institute, specializing in ellipsometry and condensed matter physics. His work focuses on electronic phase transitions, material characterization, and optical properties of advanced materials. He contributes to understanding phenomena like metal-insulator transitions and plasmonic effects through experimental and analytical methods. Research interests include nanotechnology, polymer science, and the development of novel materials such as transparent glass fiber-reinforced polymers. His studies span from fundamental material behavior to applied manufacturing techniques. Publications highlight expertise in spectroscopic ellipsometry, depolarization analysis, and the optical properties of thin films and composites. Collaborations involve interdisciplinary approaches to material science and optics.
Deepak Sainju is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Connecticut (Storrs campus), affiliated with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. He holds a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Toledo, an M.Sc. from Penn State University, and a B.Sc. from Tribhuvan University in Nepal. His research focuses on advanced materials and optoelectronic systems for renewable energy applications, particularly in thin film photovoltaics. He has extensive experience in spectroscopic ellipsometry for analyzing material interfaces, thin film properties, and device performance. Professional affiliations include the American Physical Society, Materials Research Society, and American Association of Physics Teachers. Contact him via deepak.sainju@uconn.edu or visit Office S222. His research explores plasmonic effects in Ag/ZnO back-reflectors, optical losses in photovoltaic materials, and thin film optimization techniques. Recent work emphasizes enhancing photovoltaic efficiency through interface engineering and real-time material characterization. He has published widely in IEEE conferences and journals, addressing topics like CdTe solar cell structures and In2S3/Mo contacts in chalcopyrite systems.
Michael G. Walter is a Professor and Director of the Nanoscale Science Ph.D. Program in the Department of Chemistry at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He leads the Walter Research Group focusing on organic conjugated polymers and dye molecules for solar energy conversion applications. His research interests include mimicking natural photosynthetic processes to develop materials for electricity and fuel generation, with emphasis on porphyrin/corrole macrocycles, polymer solar cells, and dye-sensitized TiO 2 systems. Key research areas span organic semiconductors, photoelectrochemistry, and interfacial electron transfer mechanisms. Educational background includes: B.S. from University of Dayton, M.S./Ph.D. from Portland State University, and postdoctoral training at California Institute of Technology. Research infrastructure includes photoelectrochemical characterization, spectroscopy facilities, and device integration capabilities. Outreach includes development of Polymer Semiconductor STEM Education Kits for student engagement.
Dr. Tukun Li is a Research Fellow at the University of Huddersfield's Centre for Precision Technologies and EPSRC Future Metrology Hub. He holds visiting professorships at Chengdu University of Information Technology and Huaqiao University. With a BSc from Huazhong University of Science and Technology and a PhD from Huddersfield, his expertise spans ISO GPS standards, AI-driven metrology, and educational technology. He leads projects like the Gongchabang ISO GPS APP (300K+ downloads) and develops national/international standards. His work focuses on Computer-Aided Tolerancing (CAT), knowledge representation (ontologies), and smart manufacturing solutions. Research Interests: ISO GPS standardization and implementation AI applications in metrology Knowledge graph-based systems Ontology engineering EdTech for engineering education Manufacturing quality assurance Grants & Projects: EPSRC Future Metrology Hub (£78K each for two projects) ISO/TR 23605 standard development (international collaboration) National Natural Science Foundation projects (total funding: 12M+ CNY) Awards: Fellow of the Higher Education Academy Lead developer of award-winning Gongchabang APP Lab & Teams: Core member of the Centre for Precision Technologies, collaborating with industry leaders like NIO Inc. and Ametek Taylor Hobson.
Alexandr Nateprov is an Associate Professor and Leading Scientific Researcher at the Laboratory of Materials for Photovoltaics and Photonics within the Institute of Applied Physics (IFA) in Chisinau, Moldova. His work focuses on condensed matter physics, topological materials, and semiconductor physics, with a particular emphasis on Dirac and Weyl semimetals, electron spin resonance (ESR), and optical spectroscopy. Dr. Nateprov’s research explores the electronic, magnetic, and optical properties of advanced materials such as Cd3As2, Cu2ZnSnS4, and Yb-based compounds. He investigates phenomena like quantum oscillations (De Haas-van Alphen effect), cyclotron resonance, and impurity-induced effects in topological materials. His studies contribute to understanding the interplay between topology, magnetism, and light-matter interactions in these systems. He leads projects funded by national and international programs (e.g., ANCD, FP7, H2020) and collaborates on bilateral and multilateral initiatives. His lab specializes in synthesizing novel materials and characterizing their properties using techniques like ESR, spectroscopic ellipsometry, and X-ray diffraction. Recent work includes studies on the growth of Cd3As2-based solid solutions and the optical properties of photovoltaic materials. Key research themes include: Topological semimetals and their quantum phenomena Impurity effects and magnetic ordering in Dirac systems Optical and electronic properties of thermoelectric and photovoltaic materials His lab contributes to advancing materials science for applications in energy and quantum technologies.
Olga Krafcsik is an Associate Professor at the Department of Atomic Physics, Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME). Her research focuses on surface analytics and physics, particularly investigating material interfaces and nanocrystalline structures. She has contributed to studies on gas permeation through membranes, Si/SiO₂ interface characterization, and electrical properties of semiconductor structures. Her notable publications include advancements in instrument design for gas flux measurement (2013) and analysis of SiC nanocrystals in semiconductor interfaces (2004). Though no awards are listed, her work spans collaborations on carbon materials and surface engineering techniques. Advising and grant details are not provided, but her involvement with labs focusing on surface physics and materials science is implied through her research output.
Ernest Arushanov is a Professor and Academician of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova (ASM), serving as the Head of the Laboratory of Materials for Photovoltaics and Photonics at the Institute of Applied Physics (IFA). His research focuses on advanced materials for energy applications, particularly photovoltaic and optoelectronic materials. He holds a Dr.Sci. degree and has extensive expertise in semiconductor physics, condensed matter physics, and materials science. His work involves characterizing novel materials via spectroscopic techniques like Raman scattering, ellipsometry, and magnetotransport measurements, with an emphasis on kesterite semiconductors, 3D Dirac semimetals, and chalcogenide compounds. Key research areas include the growth and characterization of Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (kesterite), Cd3As2-based materials, and other chalcogenide thin films for photovoltaic applications. He investigates conductivity mechanisms, optical properties, and structural stability under thermal treatments. His contributions span experimental and theoretical studies, including studies on cyclotron resonance, variable-range hopping transport, and electronic band structure analysis. Arushanov has led multiple projects funded by national and international programs, including those under ANCD and STCU. His laboratory collaborates on bilateral and international initiatives, advancing Moldova’s contributions to materials science and renewable energy technologies. Despite the absence of listed awards, his leadership in high-impact research and institutional roles reflect his academic standing.
Ralf Richter is an Associate Professor at the University of Leeds, jointly affiliated with the School of Biomedical Sciences and the School of Physics and Astronomy . His interdisciplinary research bridges physics, chemistry, and biology to investigate soft biological interfaces, particularly glycan-rich extracellular matrices and nuclear pore complexes. He leads the Richter Lab, which is embedded within the Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology and the Bragg Centre for Materials Research , reflecting the cross-cutting nature of his work. PhD in Physical Chemistry , University Bordeaux I, France (2004) MSc in Physics , Chalmers/Göteborg University, Sweden (1998) His research focuses on understanding how biological functions emerge from the assembly and dynamic reorganization of biomolecules. He employs a bottom-up synthetic biology approach, constructing well-defined model systems using surface science and engineering techniques. Key areas include superselective targeting , glycocalyx biophysics , nucleo-cytoplasmic transport , and perineuronal nets . He develops and applies advanced tools such as quartz crystal microbalance (QCM-D) , atomic force microscopy (AFM) , spectroscopic ellipsometry , and fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) for quantitative analysis. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in multivalent molecular recognition , biomolecular surface interactions , and soft matter physics applied to biological systems . His work spans from fundamental physical mechanisms—such as entropic drivers of superselectivity and elastohydrodynamic lift at soft interfaces—to biomedical applications in immune recognition, cancer, and neurological disorders. Ralf Richter has mentored numerous PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, fostering a multidisciplinary team. His lab collaborates closely with biochemists and biologists to integrate bottom-up approaches with cellular and organismal studies. He has held significant roles including Research Group Leader at CIC biomaGUNE (Spain, 2007–2018) and Chair of Excellence/Visiting Scientist at University Grenoble Alpes (2012–2023), indicating international recognition and sustained research leadership. Richter Lab: https://www.richterlab.leeds.ac.uk ORCID: https://orcid.org Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com
Andrew MacFarlane is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of British Columbia, with research affiliations at the AMPEL (Advanced Materials and Process Engineering Laboratory), the UBC Quantum Matter Institute, and the NSERC CREATE programmes called IsoSIM. His educational background includes a B.Sc. from the University of Victoria (1990), followed by a Ph.D. from the University of British Columbia (1997) under R.F. Kiefl. He completed postdoctoral training as an NSERC Postdoctoral Fellow with H. Alloul at Orsay (1997-1999) and as a Postdoctoral Fellow with L. Taillefer at Toronto (1999-2001), before becoming a Research Associate at TRIUMF (2001). Professor MacFarlane's research focuses on the electronic and magnetic properties of crystalline solids, particularly strongly correlated materials such as cuprate high-temperature superconductors. His experimental approach primarily utilizes advanced magnetic resonance techniques including ß-detected NMR and NQR, muon spin rotation, and conventional solid-state NMR. His group synthesizes thin solid films (typically transition metal oxides) and heterostructures using Pulsed Laser Deposition and other methods, then analyzes local magnetic properties in thin films and near interfaces with ßNMR. ßNMR allows detection of nuclear magnetic resonance of ß-radioactive nuclei via decay products, providing extremely high sensitivity that enables measurements on nanoscale materials. Analysis of Professor MacFarlane's recent publications reveals a strong focus on applying ß-detected NMR and muon spin techniques to study magnetic properties, ionic diffusion, and electronic structure in a wide range of materials including transition metal oxides, topological insulators, ionic liquids, and nanomaterials. His work bridges physics and chemistry, with applications in quantum materials, energy storage, and fundamental condensed matter phenomena. The research demonstrates increasing sophistication in probe techniques, with recent work extending to 31Mg for ß-detected NMR studies of solids and detailed investigations of lithium dynamics in various host materials. Professor MacFarlane is actively recruiting graduate students for research projects in Chemistry or Physics and encourages interested students to contact him directly. His research is supported through affiliations with the UBC Quantum Matter Institute and NSERC CREATE programmes. He also directs students to the TRIUMF summer student program for undergraduate research opportunities. His laboratory work is conducted at the AMPEL facility, where his group utilizes pulsed laser deposition, spectroscopic ellipsometry, and other advanced materials characterization techniques alongside their specialized magnetic resonance methods. The research has implications for understanding quantum phenomena in condensed matter systems and developing new materials for electronic and energy applications.
Taras Hanulia is a researcher with expertise in photonics, plasmonics, and material science. His academic background includes a Doctor of Engineering from Shizuoka University and a Master of Physics from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. Education: Doctor of Engineering (Shizuoka University), Master of Physics (Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv), Bachelor of Science (Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv) Research Interests: Focus on optical properties of nanomaterials, including UV-NIR spectroscopy, ellipsometry, and fluorescence lifetime measurements. His work spans nonlinear optics, surface optics, and semiconductor materials. Skills: Thin film fabrication (evaporation, magnetron sputtering), scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and advanced spectroscopic techniques. Conference Participation: Active contributor to events like the Belgian Physical Society meeting (2023), NISM Annual Meeting (2022), and scientific days focused on photonics and material analysis.
Professor Moritz Riede is a Professor of Soft Functional Nanomaterials in the Condensed Matter Physics Subdepartment at the University of Oxford's Department of Physics, where he leads the Advanced Functional Materials and Devices (AFMD) Group. He is also a Governing Body Fellow of Wolfson College. After six years working as PostDoc and head of a junior research group at the Institut für Angewandte Photophysik of the Technical University of Dresden, Germany, he joined Oxford's Department of Physics as University Lecturer in May 2013. Professor Riede's primary research interests focus on renewable energies, particularly organic photovoltaics (OPV), with significant contributions to the understanding of solar cell mechanisms, stability, and commercialization pathways. His work spans fundamental materials science to applied energy solutions, with particular attention to the societal responsibilities of researchers and tackling global challenges through science. He has published extensively on topics including charge transfer dynamics, degradation mechanisms in organic solar cells, energy level engineering, and novel materials for photovoltaic applications. His recent publications (2023-2024) demonstrate continued leadership in organic photovoltaics research, with studies on charge transfer state dynamics, deposition temperature effects on charge carrier dynamics, and roadmap development for sustainable photovoltaic materials. His work shows a consistent trajectory from fundamental materials science toward practical energy applications, including his 2020 review 'Organic solar cells—the path to commercial success' which addresses both technical challenges and potential applications like building-integrated photovoltaics. Scientific Recognition Elected Fellow of the International Science Council (December 2023) Member of the Global Young Academy (2014-2019), including three years on the Executive Committee (one year as Co-Chair) Professor Riede is actively engaged in translating research into practical applications, having co-founded Ark Metrica in January 2020 (an open science hardware startup) and TerraChange Solar more recently (a venture in organic PV and 2024 graduate of Oxford's Climate Stream in the Creative Destruction Lab). His work bridges academic research with entrepreneurial initiatives aimed at addressing energy challenges. His research group maintains strong international collaborations, as evidenced by co-authorship with researchers across Europe and beyond. The group's work combines experimental characterization techniques with theoretical modeling to advance understanding of organic semiconductor materials and devices.
