Brett Gonzalez is a Research Fellow at the School of Biological Sciences , University of Western Australia, affiliated with the Minderoo-UWA Deep-Sea Research Centre . He holds a PhD in Biology (University of Copenhagen, 2017), an MSc in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences (Texas A&M University, 2010), and a BSc in Marine Biology (Texas A&M University at Galveston, 2005). His research focuses on enhancing understanding of rare and unique taxa in underexplored environments like the deep-sea, subterranean caves, pelagic zones, and interstitial habitats . He integrates traditional taxonomy with modern techniques such as high-throughput sequencing, 3D-reconstruction, and advanced microscopy. Key research areas include evolutionary processes shaping biodiversity , adaptation mechanisms in extreme environments, and biogeographic distributions of marine organisms. Recent work includes studies on scale worm diversity in hadal zones, cryptic species in subterranean estuaries , and molecular delimitation of leech species . Active Research Projects: Characterisation of high-resolution tubular eyes in Acoetidae scale worms (2025) - Chief Investigator at University of Western Australia. External Affiliations: Research Associate, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (2023–). Former Postdoctoral Researcher (2018–2023), Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
Payam Khazaeinejad is Associate Professor of Solid Mechanics at Kingston University London, where he also serves as School Director of Learning & Teaching and leads the IMechE-accredited Monitored Professional Development Scheme. A Chartered Engineer & Scientist, he is Senior Fellow of Advance HE, Fellow of IMechE, Senior Member of AIAA and sits on multiple national boards including IMechE Council and EPSRC Peer Review College. Education & Continuous Development PhD Engineering, University of Edinburgh (2016) MSc Mechanical Engineering – Applied Mechanics (2006) BEng Mechanical Engineering – Solid Mechanics (2004) MIT Professional Education – Machine Learning for Materials Informatics (2024) Chartered Manager Bootcamp, CMI Level 5 Diploma (2023) Certificate in Innovation in Teaching, Laspau/Harvard (2021) Chartered Engineer & Chartered Scientist status (2021, 2024) Research Interests His research integrates computational solid mechanics with bio-inspired design to create architected materials and structures that are lightweight, adaptive and resilient. Using high-fidelity finite-element and discrete-element modelling he investigates failure mechanisms under extreme thermomechanical environments, with applications spanning pharmaceutical tablet compaction, biomedical scaffolds for bone regeneration, floating solar-panel arrays, fire-exposed steel plates and subsea riser systems. Across 50+ peer-reviewed works he has advanced analytical solutions for functionally graded shells, nonlinear thermo-elastic plates, vibration of micro-composite skew plates and efficient riser elements, while recent outputs concentrate on additive-manufactured aerospace mounts, 3-D printed biodegradable scaffolds and data-driven engineering curricula. Honours & Recognition Provost's Award for Learning & Teaching Excellence 2025 Enterprising Value Award, Kingston People Awards 2024 Senior Fellow, Advance HE Fellow, Institution of Mechanical Engineers Senior Member, AIAA Chartered Engineer & Chartered Scientist (UK Engineering & Science Councils) Leadership & External Examining He is Chief External Examiner at UWE Bristol (2024-present) and External Examiner at Manchester Met and University of East London, having served on programme-revalidation panels nationwide. At Kingston he directs learning & teaching for the School of Engineering, chairs the IMechE Structural Technology & Materials Group, and founded the Engineering Simulation Group.
Professor David White holds a fractional role at the University of Western Australia (UWA) as the Shell EMI Professor of Offshore Geotechnics, alongside his primary role as Professor of Infrastructure Geotechnics at the University of Southampton, UK. He is affiliated with UWA’s Oceans Institute and the School of Earth and Oceans. His research focuses on offshore geotechnics, submarine geohazards, and advanced geotechnical testing techniques. Education: BA, MEng (1998), and PhD (2002) from the University of Cambridge. Professional Affiliations: Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, Institution of Civil Engineers (UK), and multiple other engineering institutions. His work spans over 15 years, with contributions to offshore pipeline design, seabed interaction, and geotechnical centrifuge modeling. He developed PIV analysis software widely used in research, and his research is supported by ARC grants and industry partners like Shell, BP, and Woodside. Key achievements include the Telford Gold Medal (2021), Anton Hale Award (2010), and Western Australia’s Young Scientist of the Year (2011). He has led major industry projects like RIGSS and SAFEBUCK, and currently oversees 70 grants and supervises 20+ students.
Dr. Snezana S. Trifunovic is a full-time Researcher at the Faculty of Chemistry , University of Belgrade, affiliated with the Department of Organic Chemistry. She holds ORCID 0000-0001-9528-6686 and ResearcherID Q-5612-2016. Education: University of Belgrade PhD in Chemical Sciences (2006), Master's (1997), and BSc (1991) Academic roles: Scientific Advisor since 2018, Senior Research Associate (2012–2018), Research Associate (2007–2013), Assistant (1998), Assistant Trainee (1992) Her research focuses on phytochemistry , natural product analysis , and bioorganic chemistry , with particular interest in secondary metabolite profiling, plant-derived anticancer agents, and chemical characterisation of medicinal species. Recent projects include metabolomics for schizophrenia biomarker discovery (2021–2024) and portable GC-MS/LC-MS methods development for OPCW field testing (2017–2021). Publications emphasize bioactive natural products , polymer chemistry , and plant metabolite bioactivity across two decades of research output. Active in international collaboration with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), she has contributed to 5 major research projects since 1998, including transgenic plant studies for anticancer compounds and chemoprotective DNA assays. Current work involves metabolomic fingerprinting of neuropsychiatric disorders and development of portable analytical devices.
Dr. Aditya Khanna is a Lecturer in Applied Mechanics at The University of Queensland (since 2023). His roles include affiliation with the Centre for Advanced Materials Processing and Manufacturing (AMPAM) and the School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology. Prior to UQ, he worked as an engineering consultant at Vipac Engineers & Scientists Ltd and held an adjunct lecturer position at the University of Adelaide. His expertise spans stress analysis, fatigue and fracture assessment, structural dynamics, vibration control, and non-destructive testing. Dr. Khanna holds a Bachelor (Honours) in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Adelaide and a Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Adelaide. His research interests include composite materials, dynamics, geomechanics, materials engineering, numerical modeling, and solid mechanics. He is actively involved in supervising PhD projects focusing on vibration instabilities, offshore wind-turbine failures, and chaotic flutter control in wind turbine airfoils, often as an associate advisor alongside Prof. Paul Meehan. Key research contributions include studies on crack tip opening loads, fatigue crack growth, residual stress effects, and vibration assessment guidelines. He leads funded projects such as 'Adding bite to tooth-mimicking aesthetic multilayer zirconia crowns' (NHMRC Ideas 2024) and 'Grassie Rail Research Initiative - Railway Squats/Studs'. His recent publications emphasize fracture mechanics, additive manufacturing, and material characterization under dynamic loads. Dr. Khanna is available for media inquiries on fatigue failures, stress analysis, and vibration dynamics.
Dr. Ken Vinck is a Lecturer in Geotechnics at the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Imperial College London. His academic affiliation lies within the Faculty of Engineering. He holds an MSc in Civil Engineering from Ghent University (2008), followed by an MSc in Soil Mechanics (2016) and a PhD in Geotechnics (2021) from Imperial College London. His professional experience includes global geotechnical engineering roles before joining Imperial. Dr. Vinck’s research focuses on advanced laboratory testing, soil and site characterisation, and field experiments addressing geotechnical challenges in near and offshore industries. He has contributed significantly to the ALPACA and ALPACA Plus Joint Industry Projects (JIPs), which developed new guidelines for driven piles in Chalk. His work bridges experimental geomechanics with practical engineering solutions, particularly in calcarous soils and pile design. His publications (2008–2022) emphasize chalk mechanics, pile behavior under cyclic/monotonic loading, and advanced testing techniques. Notable contributions include interface ring-shear testing methodologies and effective stress-based design frameworks for driven piles. No scientific awards or grants are explicitly mentioned in the provided information. His academic advising activities are not detailed in the text.
Professor Andreas Chrysanthou is a Professor of Materials Engineering at the School of Engineering and Technology, University of Hertfordshire. He holds a Bachelor's and PhD from Imperial College London, specializing in novel synthesis routes for carbides. His career includes academic roles at Nottingham and Surrey Universities before joining Hertfordshire in 1996, where he established the Materials and Structures (MAST) research group in 1998. Education: Bachelor's Degree in Materials Science (Imperial College London) PhD in Materials Engineering (Imperial College London) Research Interests: Electromagnetic processing of metals and ceramics Self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) Corrosion-resistant materials development Advanced manufacturing techniques like additive manufacturing and brazing High-temperature materials for energy applications Automotive materials and joining technologies Collaborations & Funding: EU-funded KMM-Virtual Institute (KMM-VIN) EPSRC collaboration with Meggitt on aircraft brake materials FP7 Marie Curie In-coming Fellowship (electromagnetic processing) Industry partnerships with C4 Carbides (brazing of diamond tools) Awards: FP7 Marie Curie In-coming Fellowship (2007-2012) Co-author of four top-cited publications on self-piercing riveting (SPR) Labs & Infrastructure: Director of the Duncan Calder Materials Characterisation Lab Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) facilities Advanced materials testing equipment
Dr Laura Wakelin is a Heilbronn Research Fellow at King’s College London’s Department of Mathematics, part of the Faculty of Natural, Mathematical & Engineering Sciences. She holds affiliations with the Geometry Group and has held previous positions at the Max Planck Institute for Mathematics (MPIM, Bonn) and will join the University of Texas at Austin in 2025. Her research focuses on low-dimensional topology, particularly Dehn surgery and 4-dimensional problems. PhD: Completed in 2023 via the London School of Geometry and Number Theory (LSGNT) at Imperial College London, advised by Dr Steven Sivek. Mentors: Currently Dr Mehdi Yazdi (KCL); future mentor Prof. Lisa Piccirillo (UT Austin). Research interests include characterising/non-characterising slopes, cosmetic surgeries, hyperbolic 3-manifolds, and multisections of 4-manifolds. Her work employs geometric, algebraic, and combinatorial techniques across topology and geometry. Awardees of the Yael Naim Dowker Prize (2023) for her PhD thesis. Active in the Geometry Group at King’s, collaborating on topics like algebraic geometry, cohomology, and symplectic structures. Future plans include extending her research into 4-manifold embeddings and geometric analysis, supported by the Heilbronn Fellowship and upcoming UT Austin collaboration.
Michal Kalkowski is an Associate Professor at the University of Southampton's Institute of Sound and Vibration Research (ISVR). His research focuses on structural wave and vibration analysis for non-destructive testing, material characterization, and infrastructure monitoring. He develops advanced modeling tools and signal processing techniques for applications in nuclear energy, aerospace, and water industries. Current projects include weld inspection through ultrasound-based 'weld map tomography' and leak detection in buried pipes using distributed acoustic sensing. He is Editor of the Journal of Sound and Vibration and Co-chair of the UK Acoustics Network UKAN+. Education: MEng in Control Engineering & Robotics (AGH University, Krakow), PhD in Structural Wave Applications (ISVR, 2010). Postdoctoral work included EPSRC projects on active vibration control and underground structure interrogation. Served as H2020 ADVISE project researcher at Imperial College London before returning to Southampton in 2021 as Lecturer in Dynamics. Teaching responsibilities include coordinating the Mechanics, Machines & Vibration module (joint with Harbin Engineering University), and teaching Statics/Dynamics (FEEG1002) and Fundamentals of Vibration (ISVR6141). Actively supervises four PhD students in engineering disciplines. Research highlights include: Developing numerical models for wave propagation in complex materials Pioneering weld map tomography for grain orientation analysis Advancing distributed acoustic sensing for infrastructure monitoring AI integration for coarse-grained metal characterization Current active projects: Horizon Europe iWeld intelligent Weld inspection and EPSRC Core Equipment grants.
Dr Qianqian Li is a Senior Lecturer in Composites at the Department of Aeronautics within the Faculty of Engineering at Imperial College London. She holds affiliations with the Additive Manufacturing Network, Aerospace Materials and Structures, and The Composites Centre. Her work focuses on advanced manufacturing and characterisation of nanoparticle-reinforced composites for aerospace applications. PhD in Material Science and Engineering from the University of Edinburgh Post-doctoral research at the University of Erlangen, Germany Her research interests span the development of lightweight materials for aerospace systems, particularly nanoparticle-reinforced polymer and metal matrix composites . This work intersects with materials engineering, nanotechnology, and manufacturing science, with an emphasis on structural and functional applications in aviation. Affiliations include the Additive Manufacturing Network, Aerospace Materials and Structures, and The Composites Centre, reflecting her interdisciplinary engagement in aerospace materials innovation.
Adjunct Associate Professor Omar Alajarmeh is a researcher at the Centre for Future Materials, University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ), specializing in structural engineering, composite materials, and sustainable manufacturing. His work bridges academic research with industry applications through multidisciplinary collaborations. Research focus on FRP composites, finite element modeling, concrete durability, and green material innovations Secured over $7.5 million in industry/government grants for infrastructure sustainability projects Editorial board member and reviewer for prominent engineering journals Professional affiliations include Concrete Institute of Australia, Jordanian Engineers Association, and International Institute for FRP in Construction His teaching portfolio spans courses like Fibre Composite Technology, Concrete Structures, and Structural Analysis, with 5 years of tertiary teaching experience. Alajarmeh has supervised researchers in composite materials and structural systems, contributing to over 55 high-impact journal publications.
Professor Luming Shen is a distinguished academic in the School of Civil Engineering at The University of Sydney. With over two decades of experience in mechanical behavior of materials research, he leads cutting-edge investigations at the intersection of civil engineering, materials science, and computational mechanics. His work spans multiple scales from nano to macro, focusing on fundamental understanding that can be applied to real-world engineering challenges in water purification, structural safety, and sustainable infrastructure. Professor Shen's educational background includes: Bachelor's degree in Building Engineering from Tongji University, China Master's degree in Structural Engineering from Tongji University, China PhD in Civil Engineering from the University of Missouri-Columbia, USA Professor Shen's research focuses on the mechanics and behaviors of materials across multiple scales. His primary interest lies in understanding both brittle materials (concrete, rock, glass) and ductile materials (aluminum, titanium, metals). Two major thrusts of his work include nano-mechanics and materials research, particularly developing carbon nanotube membranes for water purification, and studying novel composite materials under impact and extreme loading conditions for applications in blast-resistant structures and vehicle safety. He employs high-performance computing for molecular and macro-level analyses, complemented by physical laboratory testing. Professor Shen's extensive publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on multiscale modeling of materials behavior, with recent work emphasizing granular materials dynamics, carbon nanotube applications, 3D-printed concrete technology, and energy storage systems. His research shows a clear evolution toward increasingly complex multiphysics problems that integrate mechanical, thermal, and fluid dynamics phenomena at multiple scales. The interdisciplinary nature of his work bridges civil engineering, materials science, computational mechanics, and environmental engineering, with applications spanning from fundamental material science to practical civil infrastructure solutions. Professor Shen actively supervises multiple research students, including Yifang Cao working on 3D printing concrete, Jiangshuai Meng studying granular materials under impact loads, and Runda Wang applying machine learning to rock burst prediction. His research is supported by access to advanced computational resources and laboratory facilities at The University of Sydney, particularly through his membership in The University of Sydney Nano Institute. The university has provided specialized space and equipment necessary for conducting physical tests on materials under high-speed impact conditions. Professor Shen maintains active laboratory facilities for conducting physical tests on materials under various loading conditions, particularly high-speed impact testing. His work is supported by computational resources for molecular dynamics and multiscale modeling. As a member of The University of Sydney Nano Institute, he collaborates with interdisciplinary researchers working at the nanoscale, particularly in applications related to water purification technologies using carbon nanotube membranes.
Professor Dave White is a leading academic in Infrastructure Geotechnics at the University of Southampton's School of Engineering. He specializes in offshore geotechnical engineering with a focus on renewable energy infrastructure, seabed characterization, and subsea systems. His work bridges fundamental research with industry applications, contributing to design codes and innovative technologies such as robotic soil testing devices. University Affiliation: University of Southampton Current Roles: Professor of Infrastructure Geotechnics, Research Group Leader (Infrastructure Group), Member of Southampton Marine & Maritime Institute Research Focus: Offshore wind energy, geotechnical modeling, seabed anchor systems, pipeline stability Recent research includes advanced mooring line-seabed interaction studies, dynamic anchor reliability analysis, and spatial planning for offshore wind farms. He leads major projects like the EU-funded MARITEC-X initiative and the UKRI-supported TAILWIND program. Key achievements include over 250 publications, development of PIV analysis software, and roles in technical committees like the Royal Academy of Engineering. Awards include the Telford Gold Medal and Fellowships from multiple engineering institutions. Active in PhD supervision across geotechnical engineering topics, with current advisees including Amin Rashidimehrabadi and Shengqi Xia. Collaborates with industry partners on projects involving subsea cable protection and floating offshore wind technologies.
Irene Rocchi is an Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering, specializing in Geotechnics & Geology at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). Her research integrates experimental soil mechanics with innovative engineering solutions, focusing on ground characterization, soil behavior across scales, and sustainable geotechnical practices. She leads key projects such as SoIA (Soil is alive) and B-test, contributing to advancements in geotechnical instrumentation and interdisciplinary soil science. PhD, City University of Hong Kong (2010–2014) MSc in Civil Engineering, Politecnical School of Turin (2007–2009) Bachelor in Civil Engineering, University of Bologna (2004–2007) Her research interests center on experimental soil mechanics, with a strong focus on laboratory and field characterization, unsaturated soils, micro-scale analysis, and the influence of biological factors on soil behavior. She emphasizes innovation and the translation of research into practical engineering applications, particularly in flood protection, ground improvement, and sustainable infrastructure. The recent publications reflect a consistent trend in advanced geotechnical testing, probabilistic modeling, and interdisciplinary biogeotechnics. Her work spans from fundamental soil behavior studies to applied technologies like digital twins and energy storage in geomaterials, demonstrating a strong integration of mechanics, sustainability, and innovation. Semper Ardens Excellence Grant (Carlsberg Foundation) InnoExplorer Grant (B-test project) Irene Rocchi actively supervises PhD students and contributes to major research projects at DTU. She has been involved in industrial collaborations and has led funded projects focusing on sustainable underground construction, soil swelling, and infrastructure performance. Her work bridges academic research and real-world engineering challenges. She is involved in the SoIA research group and contributes to DTU’s Sustainable Geotechnics initiative, where she develops new sensing technologies and promotes interdisciplinary approaches to soil science. Her lab focuses on advanced soil testing, NMR-based homogeneity assessment, and biologically influenced soil mechanics.
David Bevan is a Lecturer in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Strathclyde, Faculty of Science. His research is centered on combinatorics, particularly in the areas of enumerative, asymptotic, probabilistic, and extremal combinatorics, with a focus on permutations and permutation classes. His research interests include: Permutation patterns and avoidance Limit shapes and permutons Monotone grid classes and structural combinatorics Random integer compositions and probabilistic models Graph theory and network structures Analytic combinatorics and asymptotic enumeration The trends in his recent publications (2025–2017) reflect a deep and consistent focus on the structural and asymptotic behavior of discrete combinatorial objects, especially permutations. His work often combines probabilistic reasoning, analytic techniques, and extremal analysis to derive enumeration results and characterise limiting behaviors. He frequently collaborates with researchers such as Dan Threlfall, Robert Brignall, and Sergey Kitaev. David Bevan has served in key professional roles, including: Guest Editor, Discrete Mathematics and Theoretical Computer Science (2023) Guest Editor, Enumerative Combinatorics and Applications (2021) Organiser, Permutation Patterns 2021 Virtual Workshop Organiser, Scottish Combinatorics Meeting 2023 Peer Reviewer, Combinatorial Theory (2023) He is the Principal Investigator on the Maths DTP 2020 project at the University of Strathclyde (2020–2025), focusing on combinatorial research with PhD student Daniel Threlfall. He has delivered numerous invited talks at international workshops and conferences, including at Oberwolfach, Dagstuhl, and the Permutation Patterns series. David Bevan leads research within the Strathclyde Combinatorics Group and maintains an active research blog. He teaches courses in graph theory, networks in finance, logic, computation, and computer systems, reflecting his interdisciplinary expertise bridging mathematics and computer science.
