William Kirkham is a Professor of Practice and Program Director at the University of Kansas Edwards Campus. His expertise lies in construction engineering, structural safety, and disaster resilience. He focuses on improving construction quality, mitigating risks in wood-frame structures, and enhancing seismic and wind-resistant design practices. His research spans topics such as tornado vulnerability, timber building defects, and residential diaphragm performance. Dr. Kirkham’s work integrates practical applications with academic rigor, addressing real-world challenges in construction standards, forensic analysis, and building codes. He has contributed to advancing methodologies for horizontal diaphragm design, roof system mechanics, and error prevention in timber construction. Though no specific awards or grants are listed, his extensive publications reflect a dedication to resolving structural issues in residential and commercial buildings. His affiliation with the Edwards Campus highlights engagement with regional and applied engineering challenges.
Dr. Jose Angel Diosdado De la Peña is an Assistant Professor of Engineering at the University of Mount Union's College of Engineering. His research focuses on materials science, mechanical engineering, and additive manufacturing, with expertise in ultrasonic testing, thermal stress analysis, and structural optimization. He holds a Ph.D. in both Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering, with professional roots in Mexico. Research interests span: Advanced materials characterization techniques 3D printing of functional structures Thermomechanical processing of metals Structural integrity assessment Experimental mechanics and nondestructive testing His recent publications demonstrate consistent focus on additive manufacturing innovations, material performance under stress, and engineering education methods. The work shows strong interdisciplinary connections between mechanical engineering, materials science, and industrial applications.
Travis Welt is an Associate Professor and Chair in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of St. Thomas. His expertise spans structural steel design, reinforced concrete, timber engineering, seismic-resistant structures, and welding performance. He holds a PhD and MS from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a BS from Seattle University. His research focuses on structural welded joints, seismic behavior of reinforced concrete walls, and mass timber hybrid systems. He has contributed to advancements in analytical methods for structural components, including confinement behavior of concrete prisms and boundary element detailing. Welt teaches courses such as Structural Analysis, Construction Materials, and Engineering Economics. He is a registered Professional Engineer in Minnesota and California and actively participates in professional organizations like ACI Committees 369 and 374. His work integrates engineering education with professional development, emphasizing practical applications and sustainability. Recent research includes studies on shear connectors in CLT composite systems and impact toughness in welded joints.
Gerard Smulevich is a Professor of Architecture at Woodbury School of Architecture, Woodbury University. He has held adjunct faculty roles at the University of Southern California and the Southern California Institute of Architecture, and served as a Visiting Associate Professor at the School of Architecture and Urban Design (FADU) of the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina. His primary affiliation is with Woodbury University's School of Architecture. Education: Master of Architecture, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Diploma of Architect, National University of Buenos Aires, School of Architecture and Urbanism Research & Interests: Gerard Smulevich focuses on architectural education and urban photography, particularly analyzing urban form and its cultural significance. As a photographer, he has exhibited work in solo and collective shows across Atlanta, Rhode Island, Los Angeles, Berlin, and other locations. His collaboration with renowned photographer Julius Shulman has shaped his critical perspective on documenting urban environments and architectural spaces. His practice bridges architectural theory and visual representation, emphasizing the role of photography in understanding urban structures. Publications/Awards: No scientific awards or articles are explicitly listed in the provided text. His professional recognition comes through exhibitions and educational contributions rather than traditional academic publications. Advising & Grants: No formal advisees, grants, or funding details are mentioned. While a WSOA student Ludwig Rodriguez won the ACSA National Steel Design Competition in 2023, there is no direct indication of Gerard's involvement as an advisor in this achievement. Labs & Teams: No specific labs or collaborative teams are described in the text. His work appears to be individual-focused with exhibitions and educational roles taking precedence.
Professor Clive Siviour is the Head of Department and Professor of Materials Engineering at the University of Oxford's Department of Engineering Science. He holds a Fellowship at St Anne's College and has held leadership roles such as Associate Head of Department for Infrastructure. His research focuses on high strain rate deformation of materials, particularly using Split-Hopkinson bar techniques, and spans polymers, composites, and thermomechanical behavior analysis. He leads strategic initiatives for departmental infrastructure and new building development. Education: MPhys (2001) and PhD (2005) in Physics from the University of Cambridge, specializing in material properties under dynamic loading. Research Interests: Experimental characterization of polymers and composites under extreme conditions, development of predictive models for material behavior, and advanced testing methodologies. His work bridges fundamental material science with engineering applications in defense, aerospace, and biomedical fields. Awards: Fellowship of St Anne's College (recognizing academic excellence and contribution to the college). Advising & Grants: While specific grant details are not listed, his leadership roles suggest involvement in large-scale research funding. Advising focuses on PhD/MSc students in materials engineering and mechanics. Labs/Teams: Active in Oxford's Engineering Science Department, leading research groups focused on dynamic material testing and polymer innovation.
Mohammad Hoseini Athar is a Researcher at the Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, affiliated with the Hultgren Laboratory for Materials Characterization. He earned his PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Tehran in 2019 and has since held postdoctoral and researcher roles at KTH. His work focuses on understanding microstructure-mechanical property correlations in engineering materials, combining experimental mechanical testing with advanced materials modeling. Current projects include leading EU-funded initiatives such as REPAM (powder production/recycling optimization), Steel4Fatigue (high-strength steels for mobility), and NEXT (neutron/synchrotron-based materials innovation), as well as Vinnova-funded projects like RECaSt (durable cast steel design). His research emphasizes fatigue behavior, residual stress analysis, and alloy development for industrial applications. He leads a team of postdoctoral researchers and doctoral students, specializing in experimental and computational analysis of materials under extreme conditions. His interdisciplinary approach bridges materials characterization, mechanical behavior modeling, and sustainable manufacturing processes.
Richard Carter is an Associate Professor at Heriot-Watt University, affiliated with the School of Engineering & Physical Sciences and the Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences. He holds roles as Academic Lead in Precision Laser Applications at the National Robotarium and Vice President of the Association of Industrial Laser Users. His research focuses on precision laser manufacturing, optical system automation, and fiber optics. Key projects include high-power beam delivery via hollow-core fibers, environmental sensing, and microwelding of dissimilar materials. Education: MPhys from University of Edinburgh (2005), MSc in Photonics from Universities of St Andrews and Heriot-Watt (2007), PhD in Fiber Optic Sensing from Heriot-Watt (2012). Research interests span laser processing, robotics alignment, and beam shaping. Collaborations include Renishaw, Leonardo MW, and the CSIR (India). Awards include the 2009 IOP Best Speaker Prize and 2022 John E. Marquis Award. He advises PhD students and leads projects in ultrafast laser welding and automation. Notable datasets: Industrial picosecond pulse laser welding of stainless-steel to quartz, ultra-short pulse laser welding of crystals and glasses. Labs/Teams: Applied Optics and Photonics Group, National Robotarium. Current work emphasizes industrial automation of optical systems and stress management in laser-joined components.
Carl Koch is the Kobe Steel Distinguished Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at North Carolina State University, part of the College of Engineering. He joined NCSU in 1983 after working as a research group leader at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. His research focuses on metastable materials, including metallic glasses, intermetallic compounds, nanocrystalline materials, and polymer alloys, with an emphasis on rapid solidification and mechanical attrition techniques. Key research interests include synthesizing nanocrystalline materials via ball milling and understanding their mechanical and magnetic properties. Notable contributions include pioneering the use of mechanical alloying to create amorphous alloys and advancing cryogenic processing methods for aluminum wires to enhance strength and conductivity. Recent publications highlight advancements in nanocrystalline Cu alloys, Fe-Cr-Zr alloys, and gradient microstructure design. Koch’s work addresses thermal stability, mechanical behavior, and multifunctional material properties. His Kobe Steel Distinguished Professorship recognizes his impactful contributions to the field. Awards: Kobe Steel Distinguished Professor Grants/Advising: Extensive grant-funded research on metastable materials; no specific student names listed. Labs/Teams: Leads a research group exploring nonequilibrium processing methods and material characterization techniques.
Michael Cholette is an Associate Professor at Queensland University of Technology's School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin and specializes in asset management, reliability modeling, and maintenance optimization. His research spans condition-based maintenance, renewable energy systems, and control optimization, with funding from Australian Research Council and industry partners. Research Interests: Focuses on reliability engineering, predictive maintenance, and energy optimization in industrial and renewable energy contexts including solar power plants and wind farms. Projects: Leads ARC Industry Transformation Hub for Resilient Infrastructure Systems and studies track geometry degradation for railway maintenance.
Professor Mahen Mahendran is a Professor of Structural Engineering at QUT’s School of Civil and Environmental Engineering. He holds a PhD from Monash University and a BScEng (First Class Honours) from the University of Moratuwa. His expertise spans structural engineering, fire safety, wind engineering, and cold-formed steel structures. He leads the Wind and Fire Engineering Lab, collaborating with global institutions and industries like NASH and Bluescope Steel. Professor Mahendran has supervised over 50 HDR students, including 41 PhDs. He has secured over 30 competitive grants (including 14 ARC grants) and published 300+ journal/conference papers. His research focuses on disaster resilience, steel structure performance under extreme conditions, and innovative building systems. Awards include the 2001 Engineers Australia Excellence Award and multiple Vice-Chancellor’s Performance Awards. He chairs international conferences, edits journals, and advises on global research projects. Education BScEng (First Class Honours), University of Moratuwa PhD (Steel Structures), Monash University Research Interests His work addresses critical challenges in structural safety: cyclone-resistant buildings, fire-resilient steel systems, and wind engineering. Innovations include lightweight steel framing, cladding systems, and fire-resistant materials. He applies advanced testing (e.g., full-scale fire/wind facilities) and numerical modeling to improve building codes and industry practices. Collaborations with companies like Bluescope Steel ensure practical impact. Grants & Awards Over 30 grants totaling millions, including ARC Discovery/Linkage projects on bushfire-resistant steel systems and facade safety. Recognized for supervision excellence and teaching innovation, including finalist for Australian Awards for University Teaching (2002). Labs/Teams Wind and Fire Engineering Lab at QUT, hosting advanced testing facilities for steel structures under extreme loads. Collaborates internationally with researchers in Germany, the Netherlands, and India.
Ahmad Varvani-Farahani is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical, Industrial, and Mechatronics Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science, Toronto Metropolitan University. His work focuses on enhancing the structural integrity and safety of mechanical systems in automotive, aerospace, and medical fields through advanced modeling of material failure. Education: BSc in Mechanical Engineering, University of Tabriz (1990) MASc in Mechanical Engineering, University of Waterloo (1994) PhD in Mechanical Engineering, University of Waterloo (1998) His primary research interests include Fatigue Fracture Analysis , Cyclic Plasticity and Ratcheting , Stress and Finite Element Analysis , Composite Materials , and Biomechanics , with applications in durability and risk assessment of engineering components. He also investigates biomaterials, artificial tissues, and implants, bridging mechanical engineering with healthcare innovation. The recent publications reflect a strong trend in developing energy-based and critical-plane models for fatigue and ratcheting under multiaxial and asymmetric loading, particularly in steel alloys and pressurized systems. These works contribute significantly to damage mechanics and structural reliability across industries. No specific scientific awards are mentioned in the provided text. Dr. Varvani-Farahani is actively involved in research supervision and education, teaching advanced courses such as Advanced Fatigue Fracture Analysis , Materials Selection for Engineering Design , and Biomechanics . He leads the Multiaxial Fatigue Research Facilities lab, which develops innovative solutions for challenging engineering problems related to material degradation and failure. His research has practical implications for improving the safety and longevity of critical infrastructure and medical devices.
Francesco BENCARDINO is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Calabria, Italy, specializing in Structural Engineering (ICAR/09). He has been in this role since October 2022, following a career path that includes Assistant Professor, Post-Doctoral Researcher, and Research Fellow positions. His academic work is deeply rooted in the development and application of innovative materials for structural rehabilitation. Education: PhD in Computational Mechanics Master's Degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Area Research Assistant in 'Use of innovative materials in civil engineering' Regional scholarship on FRC in civil engineering, Calabria Region His research focuses on advanced materials for strengthening and repair, including FRP, FRCM, SRG, SRP, and FRC, particularly in seismic and durability contexts. He investigates the mechanical behavior, bond performance, and long-term durability of these systems in reinforced concrete and masonry structures. His work combines theoretical modeling, experimental testing, and practical applications in infrastructure rehabilitation. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in sustainable and innovative structural materials, particularly in retrofitting and repair technologies. Topics include cement-free alkali-activated mortars, waste-derived cellulose fibers, and externally bonded textile systems, reflecting a commitment to eco-friendly and high-performance solutions in civil engineering. Scientific Contributions and Recognition: Co-Author and Main Author of Chapter 6 in fib Bulletin 103: Guide for Strengthening of Concrete Structures Member of fib Task Groups TG3.4 and TG8.1 Editorial Board Member of Fibers and Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture Review Editor for Frontiers in Materials (Structural materials) Editor of a Special Issue on upgrading concrete and masonry constructions Board Member of the Doctoral School 'Civil and Industrial Engineering' Active reviewer for multiple international journals BENCARDINO is actively involved in teaching and research supervision. He teaches courses such as 'Design of Structures', 'Structural Rehabilitation of Buildings and Bridges', and 'Technique of Constructions'. He participates in research projects like STRIPES and contributes to technical guidelines. He is affiliated with key laboratories including the 'Laboratorio di Ingegneria dei Materiali e delle Strutture' and 'Laboratorio Prove Materiali e Strutture', where experimental work is conducted. His research group, 'Scienza e Tecnica delle Costruzioni', focuses on structural modeling, composite materials, seismic analysis, and experimental mechanics.
Anders Knudsen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Technology and Innovation at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), Faculty of Engineering, specializing in civil and architectural engineering. He has been teaching at SDU since 2012, delivering courses in steel structures, statics, and finite element method (FEM) analysis. His educational background includes a Master of Science in Civil Engineering. Prior to his academic career, he worked as a civil engineer at DONG Energy (2010–2012) and Rambøll (2007–2010), where he focused on the design of offshore wind turbine foundations, onshore steel structures, and subsea oil and gas pipelines. His research and professional interests center on structural engineering, particularly in renewable energy infrastructure. He is currently involved in the EUROFusion BB RH facility project, an EU-funded initiative, indicating cross-disciplinary engagement in large-scale engineering systems. Anders Knudsen has contributed to public discourse through media appearances on societal and policy issues, including healthcare access, regional budgeting challenges, and municipal governance. His technical expertise is applied beyond academia into public commentary. Active participant in EU-level research collaboration Focus on engineering solutions for sustainable energy and infrastructure He has not listed any scientific awards or formal advisees in the provided material. There is no mention of grants or labs directly associated with his name, though his participation in the EUROFusion project suggests collaborative lab or facility involvement.
Harlin Steele (they/she/ze/he) is a PhD candidate in Cultural Studies at UC Davis currently on Planned Leave of Absence while serving as a Lecturer in the Department of English at Western Washington University. They direct projects at UC Davis' ModLab Digital Humanities Laboratory and hold an Advanced Research Affiliate position with USC's Humanities and Critical Code Studies Lab. Their work bridges climate science, game design, and social justice through interdisciplinary collaboration. Education: MFA in Creative Writing, Portland State University BA in English & Interdisciplinary Studies, Fairhaven College, Western Washington University AAS, Bellevue Community College Steele's research pioneers Climate Data Relations and Gender Playability, using games as critical pedagogical tools to address structural oppression in environmental systems. Their work integrates Earth Systems Modeling with analog game design to explore consent, decolonization, and cooperative economics, often manifesting through larp, netprov, and transmedia art. Recent projects examine racialized impacts on CO2 emissions and gender diversity in climate leadership. Publications reveal a trajectory toward decolonizing climate data through playable systems, with emphasis on community-centered knowledge production. Their 2023-2022 work connects gender theory with game mechanics, while earlier publications established frameworks for interpreting larp rules as executable social code. Scientific Awards: HASTAC Scholars Fellow (2018-20, 2021-23) Mellon Public Scholar (2020) UC Davis Provost’s Fellowship (2018-19) Golden Key & Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society inductions Cultural Studies Association Travel Award (2019) Steele teaches courses on games as literature, consent, and futurity at Western Washington University while facilitating climate data research teams at UC Davis. Their grant-funded work includes NASA internships and IPCC-co-sponsored climate forums, with fellowships supporting community-engaged scholarship through HASTAC and the Humanities Institute. They co-direct the Flight Manifesto social artwork with Palestinian collaborators, serve as economist for the California Economists Collective, and organize through the Critical Code Studies Working Group. Past community roles include Development Director for Oakland's Land Action mutual aid network and core organizer for the 1,500-member Villagecraft learning collective.
Andreas Kandelbauer is a Professor and Vice-Dean for Research at Reutlingen University's School of Life Sciences. He serves as Programme Director for the Bachelor of Chemistry & Sustainable Processes and Master of Polymer Chemistry & Process Analysis. His roles include overseeing academic research and administrative responsibilities in materials science education. His research focuses on thermoset plastics, polymer chemistry, and advanced materials processing. Key areas include bio-based composites, surface engineering, and process optimization. He leads projects on epoxy resins, self-healing materials, and curing kinetics, with applications in biomedical and industrial materials. Publications emphasize interdisciplinary approaches, linking material synthesis with analytical techniques like FTIR and Raman spectroscopy. Recent work explores lignin-based adhesives, epoxy molding compounds, and mesoporous silica structures. Over 100 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters highlight his contributions to polymer science. Kandelbauer collaborates with industry on sustainable materials and process analytical technologies. His labs focus on smart biomaterials and biosystems, advancing eco-friendly composites and biomedical applications. No specific awards are listed, though his extensive publication record reflects academic recognition.
