Xi Ling is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Materials Science & Engineering at Boston University. They lead the Ling Group, which focuses on the fundamental science and applications of nanomaterials, particularly 2D van der Waals materials. Their research integrates synthesis, characterization via advanced spectroscopy, and device development for energy conversion and chemical sensing. The group utilizes facilities at the Photonics Center for cutting-edge materials analysis. Education: B.A. in Chemistry (Lanzhou University, 2007); Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry (Peking University, 2012). Research emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to synthesize novel 2D crystals, investigate their physical properties through Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopy, and engineer flexible, transparent devices. Recent publications highlight innovations in strain engineering, ferroelectricity modulation, and exciton dynamics in materials like NiPS3 and GaSe. Students gain expertise applicable to academia and industry roles in semiconductor manufacturing, materials engineering, and instrumentation. The group’s work bridges foundational science and practical applications, addressing challenges in nanoelectronics and sustainable energy technologies.
Jon Schuller is a Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), within the College of Engineering. His research focuses on nanophotonics, metamaterials, plasmonics, and their applications in energy-efficient technologies such as photovoltaics, thermal management systems, and advanced optical devices. He leads the Schuller Lab, which explores engineered metasurfaces and naturally occurring materials to control light-matter interactions at subwavelength scales. His work bridges fundamental science (e.g., quantum phenomena in hybrid perovskites) and engineering (e.g., reconfigurable semiconductor meta-optics). He is affiliated with the California NanoSystems Institute (CNSI) and actively contributes to interdisciplinary research initiatives. Contact: jonschuller@ece.ucsb.edu, Office 3221C Engineering Science Building. Research interests include directional light emission control via metasurfaces, thermal radiation tuning using phase-change materials, and the development of high-efficiency photonic devices. His lab emphasizes fabrication and characterization of nanophotonic structures, with applications ranging from space technology to exoplanet imaging systems. Recent efforts focus on electrically tunable metasurfaces and multipolar optical phenomena in layered materials. Key technical contributions involve designing reconfigurable optical antennas, optimizing metasurface-based LEDs, and exploring magnetic dipole emission in 2D perovskites. His team collaborates across disciplines to address challenges in energy, aerospace, and quantum technologies. Current opportunities include postdoctoral positions in nonlinear optics and photonics.
Pengyu Chen is Francis Family Associate Professor and Ginn Faculty Achievement Fellow in Materials Engineering at Auburn University. His NIH-funded research develops nanoplasmonic biosensors for rapid disease diagnosis and immune monitoring, with applications in precision medicine and cancer immunotherapy. Research focuses on: Rapid diagnostic technologies for COVID-19 and other diseases Single-cell analysis platforms Nanoparticle-based cancer therapies Food/environmental safety monitoring Recent publications demonstrate innovations in nanoplasmonic sensing, targeted drug delivery, 3D-printed implants, and tumor microenvironment analysis. His work integrates nanotechnology, immunology, and microfluidics for biomedical applications.
Rafael Brüschweiler is a Professor and Ohio Research Scholar at The Ohio State University, holding joint appointments in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology. He serves as the NMR Executive Director for the Ohio State Campus Chemical Instrument Center and the NSF-funded National Gateway Ultrahigh Field NMR Center. His research focuses on biophysical chemistry, analytical chemistry, and computational modeling, emphasizing protein dynamics, metabolomics, and NMR method development. He received his Ph.D. from ETH Zurich and completed a postdoc at the Scripps Research Institute. His research integrates experimental NMR, molecular dynamics simulations, and machine learning to study protein structure-function relationships, metabolic pathways, and biomolecular interactions. Key areas include the dynamics of oncogenic K-Ras, glucokinase glucose sensing, and nanoparticle-assisted NMR techniques. His work is funded by the NIH and NSF, with applications in biomedical diagnostics and drug discovery. Dr. Brüschweiler leads a multidisciplinary lab training students and postdocs in NMR spectroscopy, computational methods, and metabolomics. His lab developed tools like DEEP picker and COLMAR for automated NMR data analysis, contributing to the SECIM metabolomics center. He actively recruits students interested in protein dynamics, computational modeling, or metabolomics.
Sohmyung Ha is an Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering and Bioengineering at NYU Abu Dhabi and holds a Global Network position at NYU Tandon School of Engineering. He leads the Integrated BioElectronics Laboratory, focusing on advancing silicon integrated technologies for biomedical applications such as implantable devices and wearable sensors. His expertise spans biomedical circuits, neural interfaces, and wireless power systems. Education: MS (2004, KAIST), PhD (2016, UC San Diego) with a Best Thesis Award. Prior industry experience includes analog circuit design at Samsung Electronics (2006-2010). Academic affiliations include NYU Abu Dhabi, NYU Tandon, and global collaborations. Research interests include high-performance biomedical sensors, neural prosthetics, and energy-efficient bioelectronic systems. Notable achievements include a Best Paper Award (ISCAS 2024) and innovations in impedance spectroscopy and neural interface ICs. Current projects emphasize closed-loop neural interfaces, subcutaneous glucose monitoring, and retinal prostheses. His lab develops miniaturized, power-autonomous systems for healthcare applications.
Roger J.E. Jaspers is an Associate Professor at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) and a part-time Professor at Ghent University in Belgium, affiliated with the Applied Physics and Science Education school and specializing in the Science and Technology of Nuclear Fusion. His research focuses on spectroscopic diagnostics of ion processes in fusion plasmas, particularly energetic alpha particles in fusion-born reactions. Collaborations include international fusion experiments like W7-X (Germany), JET (UK), and KSTAR (South Korea). He leads the scientific R&D for the ITER CXRS instrumentation system and has authored over 90 peer-reviewed papers. His work spans topics such as: Relativistic electrons Plasma energy transport Magneto-hydrodynamics (MHD) Fusion reactor instrumentation He contributes to educational initiatives like the TU/e Fusion Master program, FUSENET, and the Erasmus Mundus Programme FUSION-DC.
Ralph Jimenez is an Adjunct Professor of Chemistry and Institute Fellow at JILA, University of Colorado Boulder. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago (1996) and completed postdoctoral work at the University of California, San Diego (1997-1998), followed by research at The Scripps Research Institute (1998-2003). His research focuses on quantum spectroscopy and photophysics of fluorescent proteins, leveraging quantum optics to enhance spectroscopic sensitivity and developing genetically encoded biomarkers with improved photophysical properties. Key achievements include fluorescence-lifetime-based methods to engineer brighter fluorescent proteins and machine-learning approaches to improve photostability. His awards include the Arthur S. Flemming Award (2017) and U.S. Department of Commerce Gold Medal (2017). His group's work integrates quantum engineering with biophysical studies, targeting real-world applications in molecular imaging and materials science. The Jimenez Group operates labs at JILA (B117, B119, B121) and collaborates on projects involving entangled photons, two-photon absorption, and ultrafast spectroscopy. Research themes include quantum-enhanced spectroscopy for complex systems and overcoming limitations in fluorescent protein imaging through physical chemistry strategies. His lab develops novel instrumentation, including microfluidic sorting systems and tabletop X-ray spectroscopy platforms, to advance biomarker engineering and environmental monitoring.
Tobias Hermann serves as an Associate Professor at the University of Oxford's Department of Engineering Science, where he leads research within the Oxford Thermofluids Institute and holds a prestigious UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship. Affiliated with St. Hilda's College as an Associate Research Fellow, his work centers on experimental hypersonics and advanced diagnostic development for extreme aerospace environments. Hermann earned his Dipl.-Ing. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Stuttgart (2012) followed by a Dr.-Ing. degree (2017), with doctoral research focused on spacecraft re-entry phenomena and aerothermochemistry during atmospheric entry. His thesis involved developing optical diagnostics including Vacuum Ultraviolet spectroscopy and tomographic emission systems. His research program emphasizes experimental hypersonics and plasma flows , with core expertise in spacecraft re-entry physics , high-temperature material-flow interactions , and optical diagnostic innovation . Hermann pioneered analytical methods for transpiration cooling in porous media and developed system engineering tools for thermal protection systems. His current work bridges fundamental fluid dynamics with practical aerospace applications, particularly in hypersonic vehicle design and re-entry simulation through facilities like the T6 expansion tube. Analysis of Hermann's publication record reveals consistent focus on high-enthalpy flow diagnostics and thermal protection systems , with recent work advancing expansion tube capabilities for boost-glide re-entry simulation, integrated arc-jet facilities for ablating models, and vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopy for plasma flow characterization. His research demonstrates strong integration of experimental validation with analytical modeling across hypersonic testing regimes. Hermann's scientific recognition includes: UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship (2021-present) As an educator, Hermann supervises 4th-year undergraduate projects and DPhil (PhD) students in hypersonics while teaching Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics. His current research portfolio—primarily funded through his UKRI Fellowship—comprises three major thrusts: development of high-enthalpy wind tunnels (including the multi-mode T6 facility), pre-heating of hypersonic models using plasma flows, and advancement of measurement techniques like spatially resolved UV-nIR spectroscopy. These projects address critical gaps in hypersonic testing infrastructure and instrumentation. Hermann directs experimental efforts at Oxford's Southwell Laboratory within the Oxford Hypersonics group, operating facilities including the T6 Stalker tunnel, OPG1 plasma wind tunnel, and specialized arc-jet systems. His team develops cutting-edge instrumentation such as vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopy systems, high-speed focused Schlieren, and pressure-sensitive paint diagnostics to investigate complex phenomena in hypersonic boundary layers and re-entry flows.
Professor David Alexander is a distinguished academic at Durham University's Department of Physics, where he serves as Professor and Chair of Board of Examiners. His responsibilities include Head of Section for Astronomy and Director of Postgraduate Research, demonstrating his significant leadership role within the department. Alexander is also responsible for teaching the Stars Lecturer component of the Level 2 Stars and Galaxies course. His primary research interests focus on Active Galactic Nuclei, black holes, and galaxy formation and evolution, representing core areas in modern astrophysics. Alexander's work spans observational and theoretical aspects of high-energy astrophysics, with particular emphasis on understanding the connections between supermassive black holes and their host galaxies across cosmic time. His research leverages data from major international facilities including NuSTAR, ALMA, DESI, and XMM-Newton, conducting multi-wavelength studies that combine X-ray, infrared, optical, and radio observations. Analysis of his most recent publications reveals a strong focus on AGN demographics, obscuration mechanisms, quasar environments, and the role of AGN in galaxy evolution. His work frequently explores the connection between AGN activity and galaxy properties, with particular attention to the cosmic evolution of these relationships. Recent papers demonstrate increasing emphasis on large-scale surveys and statistical approaches to understanding AGN populations. Leverhulme Research Fellowship (2000-2012) Philip Leverhulme Prize (2000-2008) Royal Society University Research Fellowship (2000-2003) Thomson Reuters ESI highly cited researcher over 2002-2012 Professor Alexander has been instrumental in numerous major survey projects including the NuSTAR extragalactic surveys, DESI quasar studies, and the VST ATLAS Quasar Survey. His collaborative work spans international teams and leverages cutting-edge observational facilities across the electromagnetic spectrum. His research group focuses on understanding the physical processes that govern AGN activity and their connection to galaxy evolution, with particular emphasis on obscured AGN populations and their role in the cosmic black hole growth history.
Professor Sylvia Urban is a distinguished academic at RMIT University, serving as a Professor of Chemistry in the School of Science. She leads the Marine and Terrestrial Natural Product (MATNAP) research group and is the Program Manager for the Bachelor of Science degree, the largest and flagship program in the School of Science. Professor Urban also holds significant leadership roles including Reconciliation and Responsible Practice Facilitator in the School of Science (STEM College) and member of the Nugulu Committee at RMIT University. Her expertise spans natural products chemistry and separation science, with particular focus on chromatography for purification and instrumental analysis for structural characterisation and elucidation. Professor Urban's research interests encompass natural product chemistry isolation and structural elucidation, NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry for characterisation of natural products, High Performance/Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and other chromatographic techniques for natural product purification, hyphenated spectroscopic techniques such as HPLC-NMR and HPLC-MS for natural product profiling, and biological evaluation of natural products for drug discovery applications. Her work primarily focuses on exploring the biodiversity of Australian marine and terrestrial organisms including plants, fungi, sponges, and algae to discover new compounds with therapeutic potential. She has developed various dereplication and chemical profiling strategies to expedite the discovery process. Professor Urban's publication record demonstrates a strong focus on natural products derived from Australian flora and marine organisms, with particular emphasis on their chemical characterisation and biological evaluation. Her research spans ethnobotanical studies of Indigenous Australian medicinal plants, phytochemical profiling of Australian species, anthelmintic and antimicrobial assessments of natural compounds, and development of analytical methodologies for natural product research. The interdisciplinary nature of her work connects chemistry with pharmacology, ethnobotany, and sustainable development goals related to health, education, and gender equality. STEM College Learning & Teaching Award (Award for Values in Action) 2024 STEM College Athena Swan Award 2023 Top STEM College Media Star 2022 School of Science Reconciliation Champion Award for 2021 School of Science Associate Dean's Impact Award (Applied Chemistry) for 2021 STEM Female Educator of the Year Award in the STEM College in 2021 Fellow of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) in 2020 2019 Australian Award for University Teaching (AAUT) Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning Professor Urban actively supervises Masters and PhD students, with recent projects focusing on nanoparticle synthesis, natural product evaluation from Australian plants and marine organisms, food science applications, and biomedical imaging agents. She has received numerous teaching grants including the SteLR Grant 2017 for Pen-enabled, Real-time Student Engagement for Teaching in STEM Subjects, SteLR Plus Learning and Teaching Grant 2016 for Contextualizing Learning Chemistry, and Global Learning by Design (GLbD) Learning and Teaching Grant 2014. As the leader of the MATNAP research group, Professor Urban oversees a team focused on exploring Australian biodiversity for drug discovery. She has been instrumental in establishing the VICS Molecular Resolution Facility (chromatography node at RMIT University) as part of "The Pipeline – An Integrated Approach to Drug Design and Development." Her research involves collaborations both within and external to RMIT University, including Australian and international university and industry partners.
David A. Muller serves as the Samuel B. Eckert Professor of Engineering in the School of Applied and Engineering Physics at Cornell University and co-directs the Kavli Institute at Cornell for Nanoscale Science. His research group focuses on developing quantitative electron microscopy methods to understand materials properties at the atomic scale, with particular emphasis on sustainable energy applications and quantum materials. Muller's laboratory utilizes some of the world's highest resolution electron microscopes housed in specially designed, environmentally isolated rooms. Muller received his undergraduate education at the University of Sydney and earned his Ph.D. in Physics from Cornell University in 1996. Between 1997 and 2003, he was a member of the technical staff at Bell Laboratories, where he applied his expertise in imaging single atoms and atomic-scale spectroscopy to determine the physical limits of transistor miniaturization. In 2003, he returned to Cornell as a faculty member, where he has since established himself as a leader in advanced electron microscopy techniques. Muller's research spans multiple frontiers in materials science, with particular focus on understanding how electronic-structure changes at the atomic scale control macroscopic behavior in diverse systems like turbine blades, fuel cells, and transistors. His current work emphasizes the physics of renewable energy materials, atomic-scale control of materials to create electronic phases that cannot exist in bulk, and developing hardware and algorithms for 'big data' acquisition from high-bandwidth pixelated electron microscope detectors. His group's work bridges theoretical physics and experimental techniques, requiring researchers who can think in both real and reciprocal space while considering both fundamental principles and practical applications. Analysis of Muller's recent publications reveals a strong trend toward advancing electron ptychography and 4D-STEM techniques for atomic-scale imaging. His group has pioneered methods for 3D atomic-scale metrology, strain mapping, and imaging of radiation-sensitive materials. The research spans applications from semiconductor technology to quantum materials and energy storage systems, demonstrating the versatility of his microscopy approaches across multiple scientific domains. Top 100 Young Innovator by Tech Review Magazine (2003) Burton Medal from Microscopy Society of America (2006) Ernst Ruska Prize of German Society for Electron Microscopy (2021) John Cowley Medal from International Federation of Societies for Microscopy (2023) Fellow of American Physical Society Fellow of American Association for the Advancement of Science Fellow of Microscopy Society of America Muller has mentored an extensive group of students and postdocs who have gone on to successful careers in academia and industry. His former students hold faculty positions at institutions including Rice University, University of Southern California, Seoul National University, Colorado School of Mines, and the University of Michigan, among others. His research has been supported by substantial grants, including a $22.5M NSF grant that accelerates materials discovery. The Muller lab maintains close collaborations with the Kavli Institute at Cornell and PARADIM (Platform for the Accelerated Realization, Analysis, and Discovery of Interface Materials). The Muller lab operates at the forefront of electron microscopy, housing specialized instrumentation including high-resolution transmission electron microscopes in environmentally isolated rooms. The group collaborates extensively with other research teams at Cornell and worldwide, focusing on understanding materials atom by atom. Current research directions include applying machine learning to electron microscopy data analysis, developing cryogenic techniques for studying low-melting-point materials, and exploring quantum phenomena in engineered materials systems.
Professor Tom Allison leads an active research group at Stony Brook University focusing on ultrafast laser spectroscopy and nonlinear optics. His laboratory specializes in time- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (tr-ARPES) and frequency comb laser development for studying ultrafast dynamics in novel materials. His research interests center on understanding electron dynamics in two-dimensional materials, particularly graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides. Using sophisticated tr-ARPES instrumentation, his group investigates pseudospin dynamics, valley polarization, and exciton coupling with unprecedented momentum and energy resolution. The research bridges condensed matter physics, quantum materials, and ultrafast optical science. Professor Allison's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on 2D materials physics, with particular attention to momentum-resolved phenomena in graphene and TMD heterostructures. His group combines cutting-edge experimental techniques with theoretical modeling to unravel complex ultrafast processes at the quantum level. Scientific Recognition: DOE Office of Science Highlight for work on valley polarization dynamics in monolayer WS2 NSF Major Research Instrumentation grant for developing high-power frequency combs Marie Skłodowskiej-Curie fellowship awarded to group member Grzegorz Professor Allison has successfully mentored multiple graduate students to completion of their degrees, including PhD candidates Jin Bakalis and Myles Silfies, and MS student Michael Wahl. His former postdoc Alice Kunin has secured an assistant professor position at Princeton University. Current research is supported by NSF funding for developing advanced frequency comb technology spanning from THz to soft x-ray regions.
Professor Jia Chen is a Professor of Environmental Sensing and Modeling at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), holding positions in both the TUM School of Computation, Information and Technology (CIT) and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, as well as the Department of Civil, Geo and Environmental Engineering. She also maintains an affiliation as an Associate at Harvard University. Her pioneering work focuses on developing novel optical sensors and atmospheric models to monitor and quantify greenhouse gas emissions in urban environments. Professor Chen's most significant contribution is the development of the differential column measurement method and the establishment of MUCCnet, the world's first permanent urban column sensor network. This groundbreaking work enables continuous, city-wide monitoring of greenhouse gases. Her research team has made notable discoveries, including quantifying methane emissions from events like the Munich Oktoberfest and identifying previously underestimated urban emission sources. Her research spans atmospheric science, environmental engineering, and climate change mitigation, with particular emphasis on: Urban greenhouse gas monitoring systems Advanced atmospheric modeling techniques Sensor network development for environmental monitoring Integration of machine learning with emission quantification Urban air quality assessment methodologies Professor Chen has received numerous prestigious awards including: Timothy Oke Award (2024) for original research in urban climatology ERC Consolidator Grant (2022) Arnold Sommerfeld-Award (2021) Germany's "Top 40 under 40" recognition by Capital Magazine (2020) Membership in the Global Young Academy (2021) She leads an extensive research group with numerous PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, and her work is supported by major funding from ERC, EU Horizon 2020, United Nations Environment Programme, NASA, ESA, German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, and German Research Foundation. Professor Chen has authored over 180 publications and 12 patents, with an h-index of 35.
Charles J. Taylor is Professor of Chemistry and Chair of the Chemistry Department at Pomona College, where he has served since 2002. An analytical chemist specializing in instrumental techniques for volatile organic compound (VOC) analysis, his work bridges medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and chemical sensing applications. His educational background includes: Ph.D. from University of Minnesota Bachelor of Arts from Macalester College Taylor's research focuses on developing rapid diagnostic methods through VOC analysis, leveraging microhotplate arrays, Raman spectroscopy, and polymer-carbon composites. His work spans biological systems (nematode chemotaxis, wine fermentation flavor compounds) and environmental applications (trace element profiling in coffee beans). Students in his lab gain hands-on experience with advanced analytical instrumentation and multivariate data analysis. Analysis of his publications reveals consistent themes in chemical sensing materials development, with strong emphasis on microsensor arrays, NASA-collaborative electronic nose projects, and applications in medical/environmental diagnostics. His work demonstrates interdisciplinary integration of materials science, analytical chemistry, and data analysis. His scientific achievements have been recognized with: NASA Board Award for Copolymers for Sensors (2013) NASA Board Award for SO 2 Detection (2012) Provisional U.S. Patent #60/861-617 (2007) Multiple NASA Tech Brief Awards (2007) Taylor actively mentors undergraduate researchers, with students co-authoring publications on diverse projects from medical diagnostics to environmental trace analysis. His teaching includes Advanced Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, and General Chemistry, emphasizing practical laboratory experience. Research funding has supported instrumentation development and NASA-collaborative sensor projects. His laboratory focuses on chemical sensing materials development, particularly microhotplate-based sensor arrays and VOC analysis systems, with ongoing collaborations with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory for electronic nose applications and environmental monitoring solutions.
Bradley J. Siwick is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at McGill University, holding the Canada Research Chair in Ultrafast Science (Tier II). He specializes in developing ultrafast electron-based techniques to study atomic and molecular dynamics in materials and chemical systems. His work bridges chemical physics, materials science, and condensed matter physics, focusing on structural dynamics, phase transitions, and nonequilibrium states. Education: B.A.Sc. (Engineering Physics, University of Toronto, 1997), M.Sc. (Physics, 1998), Ph.D. (Physics, 2004). Postdoctoral training at FOM-AMOLF Amsterdam (2004–2006). Awards: NSERC Doctoral Prize (2005). Research interests include ultrafast electron diffraction/scattering, electron-phonon coupling, and imaging transient structural changes. Techniques developed in his lab combine electron microscopy with ultrafast laser spectroscopy to observe atomic motions on femtosecond timescales. Key areas of study are phase transitions in materials (e.g., VO₂, cuprates), nanocomposites, and extreme states of matter using facilities like the Advanced Laser Light Source (ALLS). Recent articles highlight advances in momentum-resolved phonon dynamics, polaron formation, and ultrafast imaging of 2D materials. His lab, based in Otto Maass and Rutherford buildings, collaborates on frontier projects in nonequilibrium materials science. Advising: Leads the Siwick Research Group, focusing on graduate students in chemical physics and materials science. Grants: Supported by NSERC and Canada Research Chairs funding. Labs and facilities: Otto Maass 25 laboratory and ALLS (Varennes, Quebec) for high-power laser experiments.
