Mohsen Agharazii is a Clinical Physician and Full Professor at the Faculty of Medicine, Laval University. Affiliated with the Research Center of the CHU de Québec - Université Laval, his work focuses on vascular health in chronic kidney disease (CKD), arterial stiffness, hypertension, and numerical simulation models for biomechanical analysis. He has led major funded projects, including RENEW-HD (vascular health in hemodialysis) and Néphro-psy (psychosocial aspects of CKD). Current Funding: RENEW-HD (2025-2027), NéphroPsy (2024-2026), RETAME-PA (2024-2027), and others Past Funding: CARTESIAN (CVD in CKD), CENTRAL-CKD (blood pressure targets), and studies on arterial stiffness His recent research explores subclinical primary aldosteronism as a cardiovascular risk modifier, vascular aging in dialysis patients, and bone-vascular interactions post-transplantation. Collaborative work spans institutions like University of British Columbia, Université de Montréal, and McGill University. No scientific awards are explicitly mentioned. Supervisions: 8 active and completed PhD and Master’s students in clinical sciences, physics, and kinesiology Labs: Research Center of the CHU de Québec - Université Laval
David Auty is an Associate Professor and Executive Director in the School of Forestry at Northern Arizona University. His research focuses on wood properties, forest management practices, and innovative applications of LiDAR technology in forestry. He leads projects investigating the impact of environmental factors on tree physiology, wood quality, and forest dynamics. Notable contributions include developing the sgsR toolbox for LiDAR-based forest inventories and studying radial profiles of specific gravity in conifers. His work bridges ecological and engineering disciplines, addressing challenges in sustainable forestry and climate resilience. Collaborations include international studies on wildfire impacts, carbon modeling, and wood mechanics. David actively contributes to datasets on tree growth dynamics and has authored over 45 scholarly works, emphasizing practical solutions for forest management and conservation. Key Focus Areas: Forest Management, Wood Quality, Remote Sensing, Climate Adaptation Tools & Innovations: sgsR LiDAR Toolbox, Acoustic Wood Testing, Stand Dynamics Models Collaborations: Global networks studying boreal forests, wildfire impacts, and conifer physiology David’s research highlights the interplay between ecological processes and industrial forestry needs, with implications for bioenergy, carbon sequestration, and resilient forest systems.
Ean Hin Ooi is an Associate Professor in the School of Engineering at Monash University Malaysia, where he leads the Computational Modelling team. He holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, and a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Technology, Malaysia. His research spans biomedical engineering, computational modeling, and numerical methods, with applications in cancer therapy and medical diagnostics. Doctor of Philosophy, Mechanical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), 2009 Bachelor's Degree, Mechanical Engineering, University of Technology, Malaysia Dr. Ooi’s research focuses on the application of mathematical and computational modeling to understand biophysical phenomena in healthcare. His work targets improving cancer treatments such as thermal ablation (radiofrequency, cryoablation, photothermal), developing diagnostic tools like shear wave elastography for kidney disease, and advancing numerical techniques including meshless and boundary element methods. He is a pioneer in the radial basis integral equation method, contributing significantly to computational mechanics. The recent publications reflect a strong trend in interdisciplinary research combining engineering, medicine, and materials science. Key themes include thermal therapy optimization, nanomedicine (gold nanorods, graphene), microfluidics, and machine learning integration in sensor systems. His modeling expertise extends from organ-level simulations (liver, kidney) to nanoscale heat transfer, demonstrating versatility across scales and applications. Dr. Ooi serves as an Associate Editor for Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine and Journal of Mechanics in Medicine and Biology , highlighting his scholarly impact. He has received research funding for projects such as photothermal therapy for liver cancer and thermochemical ablation, indicating sustained grant support. He mentors students and is currently accepting PhD candidates in areas related to wound healing mechanics and computational prediction tools for thermal therapy. He is actively involved in professional service, including participation in the Asia-Pacific Society for Artificial Organs and visiting researcher roles at institutions like the University of Nottingham Malaysia. His lab, the Computational Modelling team, focuses on developing predictive frameworks for medical interventions, aiming to bridge computational science with clinical applications.
Bart Vandereycken is an Associate Professor in the Mathematics Department at the University of Geneva, specializing in numerical analysis and scientific computing. His research focuses on large-scale and high-dimensional problems solved using low-rank matrix and tensor techniques, with applications in numerical linear algebra, optimization, and nonlinear eigenvalue problems. He previously held positions as an instructor at Princeton University and postdoctoral researcher at EPF Lausanne and ETH Zurich, and earned his PhD from KU Leuven in 2010. His research interests include Riemannian optimization algorithms, multilevel preconditioning, and machine learning applications. He serves as an associate editor for SIAM Journal on Matrix Analysis and Applications and Linear Algebra and its Applications . Bart organizes the Numerical Analysis seminar with colleagues, and advises students interested in numerical analysis or numerical linear algebra. Recent work emphasizes convexity structures in matrix decompositions, robust preconditioning techniques, and scalable low-rank algorithms for high-dimensional PDEs. His 2024–2025 publications explore advancements in Riemannian optimization schemes, subspace iteration methods, and distributed computing applications of matrix decompositions. Key themes include improving convergence guarantees and developing geodesic-based optimization frameworks for challenging numerical problems.
Oliver Wieben is a Professor in the Departments of Medical Physics and Radiology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He serves as Vice Chair for Research and Co-Director of the International Center for Accelerated Medical Imaging (2013-2019). B.S., Electrical Engineering, Leibniz Universität Hannover Dipl.-Ing., Electrical Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology Ph.D., Electrical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison His research focuses on MRI methodology development , particularly in cardio/cerebrovascular imaging , 4D Flow MRI , and placental oxygenation assessment . He has pioneered techniques for real-time imaging , velocity-sensitive MRI , and motion correction schemes in MR imaging. His recent publications (2022-2025) demonstrate expertise in computational fluid dynamics , automated post-processing , and exercise MRI . Notable collaborations include work on Zika virus effects in placenta and 4D Flow applications in Alzheimer's research . Scientific Achievements: Distinguished Investigator Award (2022) Fellow of SCMR (2018) Lauterbur Award for Best MRI Presentation (2009) ISMRM Outstanding Teacher Awards (2014) Multiple patents in MRI reconstruction techniques He has led international workshops on 4D Flow MRI , served on peer review panels for the American Heart Association , and contributed to 4D Flow consensus guidelines . His work bridges technical MRI innovation with clinical translational research in cardiology, pulmonology, and maternal-fetal medicine.
Dr. Prashanth Asuri is a Professor in the Department of Bioengineering at Santa Clara University's School of Engineering, where he has been teaching and researching since Fall 2011. His work focuses on developing biomaterial-based in vitro platforms to understand complex in vivo phenomena, combining biomaterials engineering, nanotechnology, and biology. Ph.D. in Chemical and Biological Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute M.B.A. in Leading Innovative Organizations, Santa Clara University Research interests include hydrogel-based toxicity assessment, macromolecular crowding effects, and mechanical property optimization of nanocomposites. He has published over 50 scholarly works and teaches courses ranging from biomaterials science to healthcare marketing. Awards: Brutocao Family Foundation Award for Curriculum Innovation (2022) President’s Special Recognition Award (2019) School of Engineering Teaching Excellence Award (2018) School of Engineering Researcher of the Year (2016) As Director of the School of Engineering's Healthcare Innovation and Design Program, he bridges academic research with industry applications. His publications reveal sustained contributions to biomaterials engineering, nanoparticle toxicity, and mechanobiology.
Dr. Céline Labouesse is a Lecturer at the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering at ETH Zürich. Her primary affiliation is with the Macromolecular Engineering Lab, where she leads research into mechanobiology and bioengineering applications. She is co-organizer of the Zurich Mechanobiology Seminar Series (with Z. Kechagia, M. Nava, and J. Mayner), focusing on interdisciplinary topics spanning mechanobiology, biophysics, biomechanics, and biomaterials. Her research interests encompass mechanotransduction in cells and tissues, immunomodulatory biomaterials, and 3D models of skin tissue. Key projects include development of tunable hydrogels for drug delivery platforms, investigation of cellular mechanical memory in stem cells, and engineering 3D cancer models to replace animal testing. Her articles highlight innovations in biomaterial design (e.g., bioactive sponges), cellular response mechanisms to hyperosmotic/hydrostatic stress, and protein isolation techniques for 3D scaffolds. Current funding sources include SNSF (Swiss National Science Foundation) and Helmut Horten Stiftung. She has advised over a dozen graduate students and postdocs, with active collaborations across ETH departments and institutions like UZH and EMPA. Lab activities focus on advancing biomaterials for biomedical applications, with particular emphasis on mechanosensitive systems. Recent work addresses extracellular matrix remodeling in fibrosis and optimizing hydrogel substrates for pluripotent stem cell maintenance.
Dr. Dan Ridley-Ellis is an Associate Professor at Edinburgh Napier University's School of Computing Engineering and the Built Environment , serving as Head of the Centre for Wood Science and Technology. He represents the UK at European Standards Committees for timber grading and has developed settings adopted by most UK structural timber producers. His work focuses on sustainable construction materials and forest resource optimization. University: Edinburgh Napier University School: School of Computing Engineering and the Built Environment Research Groups: Institute for Sustainable Construction, Centre for Conservation and Restoration Science His research explores wood properties influenced by tree growth, forest management, and climate change. Key areas include strength grading of timber , engineered wood products, and sustainable construction systems. He leads major projects like "An easier route for strength grading UK hardwoods" and "Building From England's Woodlands" while advancing standards through BM TRADA webinars. Scientific Awards: Woodland Hero (2016) - Grown in Britain Advising and Grants: Current Director of Studies for 5 PhD students Secured £109,975 (Building From England's Woodlands) and £35,000 (Hardwood grading) grants Managed EU-funded InFutUReWood project Labs and Teams: Centre for Wood Science and Technology Institute for Sustainable Construction Collaborates with European timber grading committees Co-leads "Transforming Timber" knowledge hub
Nicole Habbit is a Lecturer in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Auburn University's College of Engineering. She holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Chemical Engineering from Auburn University, and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering with a Bioengineering Concentration from the University of New Mexico. Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, Auburn University M.S., Chemical Engineering, Auburn University B.S., Chemical Engineering (Bioengineering Concentration), University of New Mexico Her research focuses on bioengineering and cancer modeling through: 3D tissue-engineered cancer models Microphysiological tumor-on-a-chip systems Investigation of tumor-stromal interactions Mechanobiology in prostate cancer progression Microenvironmental stiffness analysis Nanotherapeutic delivery systems Recent publications highlight: Advancements in 3D bioprinted tumor models Microfluidic platforms for drug testing Stiffness gradients in cancer tissues Fibroblast-cancer cell dynamics Patient-derived xenograft recapitulation High-throughput screening methodologies
Giulia Adriani is a Principal Investigator at the Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN, A*STAR) and holds an Adjunct Assistant Professor position in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the National University of Singapore (NUS). Her work focuses on developing 3D microfluidic systems to study tumor-immune interactions and improve cancer immunotherapy efficacy. Education: PhD in Biomedical and Biomechanical Engineering (2012) Research Interests: Giulia’s research addresses the limitations of conventional 2D cell cultures and in vivo models by creating 3D microfluidic platforms that mimic tumor microenvironments. These systems enable precise control of parameters like ECM stiffness, oxygen gradients, and cytokine signaling, critical for studying immunosuppressive mechanisms in solid tumors. Her work aims to bridge gaps between pre-clinical studies and clinical outcomes by providing quantitative, real-time insights into tumor-immune dynamics. Lab & Collaborations: Her lab at SIgN includes postdocs, research officers, and PhD students like Nur Izzah Nabilah Binte Hussein and Ying Jie QUEK. Collaborations include MIT’s SMART BioSyM Group and institutions in Singapore and internationally. Awards: Recipient of the Interpolytechnic Doctoral School Fellowship during her PhD. Key Contributions: Giulia pioneered microfluidic-based assays to study tumor immune microenvironments, emphasizing their advantages over traditional models in screening immunotherapies and understanding ECM-cancer interactions.
Yang Liu is a Research Fellow at the Mathematical Institute of the University of Oxford, affiliated with the Oxford Centre for Industrial and Applied Mathematics. His research focuses on nonlinear mechanics of soft and active materials, with applications spanning biomechanics, materials science, and industrial mathematics. Research Interests: Dr. Liu's work centers on mathematical modeling of complex material behaviors including: Instabilities in soft solids (wrinkling, buckling) Wave propagation in nonlinear media Mechanics of liquid crystal elastomers Biomechanical phenomena in tissues Pattern formation in residually stressed systems Publication Trends: His recent articles (2020-2025) primarily investigate mechanical instabilities across scales – from biological systems like elephant trunks and tissues to engineered materials like liquid crystal films and porous elastomers. The work combines theoretical mechanics, nonlinear analysis, and applied mathematics to predict deformation patterns and functional responses. Awards: MECMAT Young Investigator Award (2024) for contributions to materials mechanics Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship (2023) supporting advanced research in soft matter physics
Lauren Schnabel is a Professor of Equine Orthopedic Surgery at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She holds dual board certifications from the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. Her academic journey included DVM, PhD, and surgical residency training at Cornell University under Dr. Lisa Fortier and Dr. Douglas Antczak. Research Focus: Stem cell immunology, biologic therapies for musculoskeletal injuries, and equine rehabilitation protocols Key Collaborations: NIH-funded projects with UNC-Chapel Hill researchers, CMI interdisciplinary initiatives with chemistry and biomedical engineering teams Her Schnabel Lab pioneers translational research connecting equine and human musculoskeletal medicine, with notable advancements in: 3D nonwoven scaffold fabrication for meniscus repair Immunomodulation of mesenchymal stem cells through TGF-β2 treatment Advanced MRI sequences for early cartilage lesion detection Platelet-like particles for trauma hemorrhage control Equine research herd management and translational model development Scientific Recognitions: NC State University Faculty Scholar (2019) Multiple NIH R01 and K01 grants Morris Animal Foundation support Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation awards
Britta Trappmann is a researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine and a member of the Cells in Motion Cluster of Excellence. She leads the Bioactive Materials Laboratory , focusing on biomaterials , synthetic hydrogels , and the interplay between cell-matrix interactions and cellular mechanotransduction to understand angiogenesis and tissue engineering . Trappmann’s research develops synthetic extracellular matrices with tunable properties (mechanics, degradability, adhesiveness) to study cell migration , endothelial cell behavior , and vascular morphogenesis . Her work bridges biomedical engineering , cell biology , and materials science , emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration. Her 15 most recent publications span angiogenesis (e.g., Adv Sci 2024, Nat Commun 2021), cell mechanotransduction (e.g., Angew Chem Int Ed 2006), and biomaterials engineering (e.g., Nat Mater 2012). These studies often employ 3D organotypic cell culture models and synthetic hydrogels to dissect how material properties influence cell behavior , including endothelial cell migration , collective cell dynamics , and vascular junction stability . Trappmann is a board member of the CiM-IMPRS Graduate Programme , mentoring junior scientists. Her lab utilizes advanced tools like spinning-disc microscopes to observe 3D cell migration in real-time and creates engineered tissue platforms for angiogenesis studies. She emphasizes translating basic research into medical applications , envisioning implantable artificial tissues .
Dr. Ehsan Baharlou serves as Assistant Professor of Architecture, Advanced Technologies at the University of Virginia School of Architecture, where he pioneers ecological construction through computational design and robotic fabrication to address climate change challenges. His work shifts design paradigms from material-centric processes toward multispecies integration and sustainable building systems. His academic foundation includes: Dr.-Ing. (Ph.D. Engineering) from the Institute for Computational Design and Construction (ICD), University of Stuttgart, Germany M.Sc. in Architecture from Islamic Azad University, Central Tehran Branch, Iran Baharlou's research spans computational design, digital fabrication, and biomaterial innovation. He develops living architecture through mycelium bioprinting, soil-based 3D printing, and upcycled plastic composites, creating ecologically active structures that integrate biological systems with robotic construction. His work bridges architecture, biology, and cyber-physical systems to establish new tectonic paradigms for sustainable building. Analysis of his publication trajectory reveals accelerating focus on multispecies design and ecological material systems. Recent work emphasizes living building materials (mycelium, soil), waste-stream upcycling, and digital fabrication techniques that merge biological processes with construction robotics. His research increasingly addresses circular economy principles through invasive species utilization and closed-loop material systems in architectural applications. At UVA's Computational Tectonics Lab (ct.lab.virginia.edu), Baharlou leads interdisciplinary research developing mobile robotic systems for in situ soil printing, hybrid timber composites, and adaptive additive manufacturing. The lab serves as an innovation hub for sustainable construction technologies that respond to ecological constraints while maintaining architectural expressiveness.
Dr. Maricela Maldonado is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), joining in Fall 2022. Her expertise lies in engineering polymeric scaffolds to control stem cell behaviors for tissue regeneration, using multidisciplinary approaches to design cell-instructive biomaterials. Ph.D. in Bioengineering from the University of California, Riverside (2016) Postdoctoral Research Fellow at City of Hope's Arthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute (2017-2022) Her research explores how extracellular matrix (ECM) properties and mechanical cues influence pluripotent stem cell differentiation and tissue maturation . Key projects include designing nanofibrous scaffolds to study microenvironment stiffness, developing 3D culture systems for pancreatic development, and analyzing dynamical mechanical gradients to guide stem cell fate. Dr. Maldonado's recent publications (2024-2015) focus on stem cell mechanobiology , scaffold design , and ECM interactions . Topics span 3D cell culture , lineage specification , dynamic strain effects , and epithelial-mesenchymal transition modulation , reflecting a sustained emphasis on biomaterials-driven cellular control. Dr. Maldonado's office is located at VEC-404, with office hours on Mondays (2:30-3:30 p.m.) and Tuesdays (9:00-10:00 a.m.) . Her research builds on prior work at City of Hope and UC Riverside, advancing regenerative medicine strategies through microenvironment engineering.
