Adam Caparco is the DiPietro Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering at Northeastern University, with a 25% joint appointment in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology. He leads the Caparco Research Group, focusing on agricultural and environmental biotechnology, enzyme immobilization, and protein assemblies. His work integrates plant virology, nanotechnology, and molecular engineering to address sustainability challenges in agriculture and environmental remediation. He is a member of the Institute for Plant-Human Interface and holds affiliations with Northeastern’s College of Engineering and School of Arts and Sciences. Education: B.S. in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering from UCLA (2015), Ph.D. from Georgia Tech (2020) under Julie Champion and Andreas Bommarius, followed by a USDA NIFA Postdoctoral Fellowship at UC San Diego under Nicole Steinmetz. His research spans plant immunoengineering, biomanufacturing in plants, and protein-based nanomaterials for bioremediation. Research Interests Plant excretion pathways for pathogen defense and environmental remediation Design of immobilized enzymes for green chemical synthesis Plant virus nanoparticles for nucleic acid delivery and immunity modulation Multifunctional protein engineering for sustainable agriculture Recent articles highlight advancements in plant virus-based delivery systems, enzyme immobilization strategies, and nano-enabled precision agriculture. Awards include the USDA NIFA Postdoctoral Fellowship. Caparco advises graduate and undergraduate researchers, including Julia Hilgemberg Merlin (PhD ChE), Olha Bereziuk (PhD CCB), and Paul Carter (PhD ChE). He collaborates widely and seeks to expand interdisciplinary research in plant biotechnology. Labs/Teams: Caparco Research Group (EXP 420 lab, EXP 530B office) and the Institute for Plant-Human Interface.
Dr. Friederike Adams is an Independent Research Group Leader at the University of Stuttgart and University of Tübingen, focusing on Precision Polymers for Pharmaceutics . Her work bridges polymer chemistry and nanomedicine, emphasizing sustainable materials for drug delivery systems. Education: PhD in Chemistry (2019, TU Munich), M.Sc. in Chemistry (2015, TU Munich), B.Sc. in Chemistry (2013, TU Munich) Awards: No explicit awards listed Research: Specializes in living-type polymerizations, catalyst design, and post-polymerization functionalization for drug and RNA delivery . Publications: 15+ works on sustainable polyesters, metal-catalyzed polymerization, and nanocarrier systems. Students: Mentors 10+ PhD, master’s, and bachelor’s students, including Lea-Sophie Hornberger and Philipp Weingarten . Collaboration: Joint research group with the Schnichels Lab at the Eye Hospital Tübingen. Funded by BMBF and Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Science under Germany’s Excellence Strategy.
Ronald Hedden is a Professor of Practice in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), where he focuses on innovations in undergraduate education and polymer science. Previously, he served as an Associate Professor at Texas Tech University (2009–2017). His current research emphasizes Virtual Reality (VR) integration into chemical engineering education, including the development of a Virtual Chemical Plant (VCP) simulation to provide safe, cost-effective access to process equipment. His research interests span chemical engineering, polymer science, soft materials, and nanomaterials. Notable projects include applying VR for teaching process safety and dynamics, as well as exploring nanocomposite materials and membrane technologies. He also investigates polymer rheology and structure-property relationships using advanced characterization techniques like NMR and SANS. Hedden teaches both core chemical engineering courses and interdisciplinary engineering subjects. His work bridges academic research and practical applications, with contributions to biofuel refining, asphalt modification, and nanoparticle incorporation in polymers. While no specific awards are listed, his extensive publication record highlights impactful contributions to materials science and educational technology. His advisory work involves student projects on VR simulations and materials engineering. He collaborates on initiatives like the VCP platform, aimed at advancing safety training and process control education. Hedden’s career reflects a commitment to both cutting-edge research and transformative pedagogy in engineering education.
Dr. Edward L. Quitevis is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Texas Tech University, holding joint appointments in Physics. He earned his Ph.D. from Harvard University (1981) and completed postdoctoral research at the University of Toronto (1981-1984). His research focuses on the dynamics of complex fluids, particularly ionic liquids and supercooled liquids, using advanced techniques like optical heterodyne-detected Raman-induced Kerr effect spectroscopy (OHD-RIKES) and fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP). Key interests include nanostructural organization in ionic liquids, intermolecular dynamics, and the glass transition phenomenon in supercooled systems. Current research themes include understanding the relationship between nanostructure and dynamics in ionic liquids, studying ultraslow translational/rotational diffusion near the glass transition, and exploring applications of ionic liquids in materials science. His group has developed novel insights into the role of cation-anion interactions and nanoscale segregation in these systems. Dr. Quitevis collaborates widely, with publications in top journals like Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics and Journal of Chemical Physics . Students advised include Jagdeep Kaur, Dujuan Meng, Mahesh Thakurathi, and Sophia Sagala. His lab focuses on experimental and theoretical approaches to probe liquid-state dynamics, with recent work on cellulose dissolution, graphene exfoliation in ionic liquids, and lubrication applications.
Daria Camilla Boffito is a Full Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Polytechnique Montréal , holding the Tier-2 Canada Research Chair in Intensified Mechano-chemical Processes for Sustainable Biomass Conversion. Her research spans process intensification , catalysis , sonochemistry , photocatalysis , and metal extraction , with a focus on sustainability. Education: B.Sc. and Ph.D. in Industrial Chemistry from the University of Milan, M.Sc. in Industrial Chemistry and Management Current Research: Developing ultrasound-assisted extraction , CO2 conversion , and floating photocatalysts for wastewater treatment Collaborations: Works with Canadian and international companies on sustainable chemical processes Scientific Awards include the Canada Research Chair Tier-2 (2016-2021), NSERC Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship (2013-2016), and FRQNT PBEEE Postdoctoral Fellowship (2013-2016). Advising has seen 5 Ph.D. and 9 Master's students graduate. She leads the Engineering Process Intensification and Catalysis (EPIC) Laboratory and is a member of the Institut de génie biomédical .
G. Kane Jennings is a Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Vanderbilt University's School of Engineering, where he also serves as Director of Graduate Recruiting. His research focuses on molecular design of smart surfaces and biohybrid materials for applications in solar energy conversion, responsive coatings, and nanoscale lubrication. He leads the Jennings Lab, training students in bioinspired materials science. Jennings holds a Ph.D. from MIT and specializes in self-assembly techniques and surface-initiated polymerizations. Education: Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology M.S., Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology B.S., Chemical Engineering, Auburn University Research Interests: Jennings develops adaptive materials such as anionic chameleon coatings, biohybrid solar systems using Photosystem I proteins, and high-throughput membrane fabrication via spin coating-ROP integration. His group explores nanoscale defect detection in 3D-printed materials and corrosion-resistant surface treatments. Lab Innovations: Highlights include the mMSIP micromolding technique for customizable superhydrophobic coatings and the scROMP method enabling rapid polymer film synthesis. Collaborations with civil engineering and chemistry departments advance energy-minimizing surfaces and bioelectrochemical systems. Awards: No explicit awards listed, though his work has been funded through interdisciplinary initiatives at Vanderbilt's VINSE and Process Innovation Center.
Gavin Craig is Senior Lecturer in the Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry at the University of Strathclyde, where he leads an independent research programme on porous molecules, mechanochemistry and materials fabrication. He joined Strathclyde in 2019 as Chancellor’s Fellow, was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2023, and currently supervises two post-docs and a PhD student while accepting new doctoral researchers. Education & Career: PhD Inorganic Chemistry, University of Barcelona, 2013 – spin-crossover materials Post-doc University of Glasgow 2013-2016 – high-pressure crystallography & molecular magnetism JSPS Fellow & Assistant Professor, Kyoto University 2016-2019 – porous molecules for gas storage Research Interests: His group combines coordination chemistry and supramolecular design to create metal–organic cages and polyhedra that act as selective gas sponges or stimuli-responsive gels. Using mechanochemistry, 3-D electron diffraction and high-pressure crystallography he interrogates how self-assembly and external stimuli modulate porosity, with direct relevance to CO₂ capture, carbon-monoxide delivery and membrane technologies. Funding & Impact: Craig is Principal Investigator on two active Leverhulme Trust grants (£500k+) investigating cooperative gas uptake in adaptable cages and sustainable porous membranes. Work contributes to UN SDGs on Affordable & Clean Energy and Climate Action. Awards & Recognition: Strathclyde Medal – Team Award 2022 Advising & Collaboration: He has successfully graduated one PhD student (Dr Beatriz Doñagueda) and one PDRA (Dr Valentyna Slyusarchuk) and currently mentors Dr Emma Regincos Marti (PDRA), Dr Matthew Snelgrove (PDRA) and Megan Wilkinson (PhD). He maintains active international collaborations across UK, Spain, Japan and Italy evidenced by 58 publications and 20 invited seminars/examinations.
Julie M. Goddard is a Professor of Food Science at Cornell University , affiliated with the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the Department of Food Science . Her research focuses on Biomaterials and Biointerfaces , with emphasis on food quality, safety, and sustainability. She leads the Goddard Research Group, which develops innovative polymeric materials and coatings for food packaging, bioprocessing, and equipment. Key projects include antimicrobial/nonfouling coatings, biocatalytic materials, and active packaging to reduce synthetic additives and food waste. Dr. Goddard holds a Bachelor of Science (1999) and Ph.D. (2008) in Food Science from Cornell University. Her work is supported by grants from USDA NIFA, NIH, NSF, and FFAR. Notable awards include the National Excellence in Multistate Research Award (2019) , APLU Junior Moulton Medal (2015) , and Institute of Food Technologists Young Scientist Award (2013) . Her research spans nonmigratory active packaging (e.g., antioxidant, antimicrobial films), biofilm inhibition , and enzyme immobilization . Recent articles highlight advancements in PETase engineering for microplastic degradation and optimization of curcumin-grafted biodegradable materials. She collaborates across disciplines, including materials science, chemical engineering, and microbiology. Labs/Teams: The Goddard Group operates in Stocking Hall, Cornell. Projects include biocatalytic packaging , hydrogen sulfide formation in canned beverages , and consumer acceptance of novel food technologies . Key grants fund exploration of bio-based materials and food safety innovations.
Ken Oakes is an Associate Professor in the Biology Department at Cape Breton University (CBU) and holds the Industrial Research Chair in Environmental Remediation. He specializes in environmental toxicology, nanotechnology, and aquatic ecosystems. With a Ph.D. from the University of Guelph and postdoctoral training at the University of Waterloo, his research focuses on reactive oxygen species, water treatment, and pollution mitigation. He has over 60 peer-reviewed publications and supervised numerous graduate/undergraduate theses. Key research areas include photocatalytic water treatment using TiO₂ composites, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) for contaminant detection, and transdermal drug delivery via polymeric microneedles. His work addresses industrial effluent impacts on marine ecosystems and sustainable antifouling technologies. Recent studies investigate nanomaterials for environmental remediation and biomedical applications. Dr. Oakes has contributed to projects assessing pulp mill effluent effects on coastal ecosystems, copper-based Fenton chemistry for biofilm removal, and uranium extraction from water. His lab develops innovative solutions for environmental challenges, combining engineering, chemistry, and biology disciplines. Funding sources include industrial partnerships and academic grants focused on clean technologies.
Jouko Peltonen is a Professor in Chemistry at Åbo Akademi University's Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering. He leads the Laboratory of Molecular Science and Technology, focusing on sustainable material development and biomedical applications. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals through green chemistry innovations. Ph.D. in Chemistry (Åbo Akademi, 1994) Licentiate in Chemistry (Åbo Akademi, 1992) Master's in Chemistry (University of Helsinki, 1988) Peltonen's research spans materials science , polymer chemistry , and sustainable technology , with emphasis on nanocellulose composites , antibacterial materials , and bio-based packaging . Recent projects explore biofilm modeling and lignin valorization. His publications (216 total) demonstrate interdisciplinary impact across biomedical engineering , environmental science , and chemical manufacturing . Key collaborations include NordForsk-funded initiatives and EU projects like PACKER 2020. Research grants include: Printed Intelligence Infrastructure (Academy of Finland, 2024-2028) Nordic POP (NordForsk, 2018-2025) ABC-Health (Jane och Aatos Erkkos Foundation, 2021-2024)
Dr. J. David Frost is the Elizabeth and Bill Higginbotham Professor of Civil Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology and a Regents' Entrepreneur. He has held academic positions at Purdue University and Georgia Tech, with a focus on geotechnical engineering and disaster response. As founding director of Georgia Tech's Savannah campus and head of the Geosystems Engineering Group, Frost has shaped academic programs and research initiatives. Education: B.A.I and B.A. in Civil Engineering and Mathematics, Trinity College, Dublin (1980) M.S. and Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, Purdue University (1986, 1989) Research Interests span geotechnical engineering, bio-inspired design, and disaster resilience. His work emphasizes digital data collection systems for subsurface hazard assessment, soil-polymeric material interactions, and geotechnical responses to earthquakes, hurricanes, and anthropogenic disasters. Recent projects integrate ant nest geometry, plant root mechanics, and geosynthetic innovations into infrastructure solutions. Scientific Contributions include two U.S. patents for subsurface data systems, leadership in NSF-funded post-disaster reconnaissance missions (e.g., 9/11, Türkiye earthquakes), and co-founding the Geotechnical Extreme Events Reconnaissance (GEER) Association. His articles reflect expertise in bio-inspired geotechnics, machine learning for disaster modeling, and advanced computational simulations. Awards & Recognition: ASCE Huber Civil Engineering Research Prize NSF National Young Investigator Award Georgia Society of Professional Engineers Engineer of the Year in Education Coastal Business & Education Technology Alliance Leadership Innovation Award Professional Engagement includes chairing the Savannah Area GIS board, advising on ASCE Geo-Legislative Committees, and founding a software company serving 350+ global clients. His work bridges academia, policy, and industry innovation.
Bert F. Sels is a Full Professor at KU Leuven (Catholic University Leuven) in the Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Department of Molecular and Microbiological Sciences, where he founded and heads the Center for Sustainable Catalysis and Engineering (CSCE). He is also a Visiting Professor at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Guangzhou and co-founder of the spin-off company Zeopore. Previously, he directed the Centre for Surface Chemistry and Catalysis (COK) from 2016-2019 and served as Head of the Division Bio-refinery and Sustainable Chemistry (2015). He obtained his Ph.D. in 2000 from KU Leuven under Professor Pierre Jacobs, specializing in heterogeneous oxidation catalysis. His research focuses on heterogeneous catalysis for sustainable industrial processes, with expertise spanning: Biorefinery and biofactory systems for chemical production Design of hierarchically structured zeolites and carbon materials Spectroscopic characterization of catalytic active sites Methane activation and small molecule kinetics Renewable chemistry and biomass valorization His group has published 350+ papers (h-index 88) and holds 30 patents. Publications demonstrate strong focus on catalytic biomass conversion, zeolite engineering, and sustainable fuel production, with recent work emphasizing lignin valorization, carbohydrate upgrading, and low-carbon chemical synthesis. Key trends include hierarchical catalyst design and integrated biorefinery processes. Awards and Honors: Green Chemistry Award (2015) INEOS Research Award (2019) European Academy of Sciences and Arts Membership (2018) DSM Chemistry Award (2001) TOTAL Research Award (2013) UMICORE Research Award (2012) First Clean Tech Challenge (2009) He leads the CSCE research group and co-founded the European Research Institute of Catalysis (ERIC). As former co-chair of the International Zeolite Association's Catalysis Commission and associate editor of ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, he maintains extensive collaborative networks.
Tarmo Tamm is a Researcher at the Intelligent Materials and Systems Lab, University of Tartu. His work focuses on conducting polymers, soft actuators, and biomaterials , with emphasis on applications in biomedical engineering, nanotechnology, and electrochemistry. He holds a primary affiliation with the University of Tartu and has authored/co-authored over 100 peer-reviewed articles since 2002. His research spans material characterization, actuator design, and polymer electrolyte systems. Key projects include development of biocompatible hydrogels (e.g., sea cucumber-derived materials), soft exoskeletons inspired by spider leg mechanics, and sustainable paper recycling processes . Tamm’s publications highlight interdisciplinary collaboration with institutions globally, addressing topics like ion mobility in PEDOT films, microbial interactions with silicone foams, and encapsulation techniques for biomedical actuators. His work often bridges fundamental material science with practical applications, such as energy storage systems and medical devices. Current research trends emphasize electrochemomechanical systems and bioinspired materials , with growing focus on sustainable materials engineering.
Véronique Michaud is an Associate Professor at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), affiliated with the Laboratory for Processing of Advanced Composites (LPAC) within the School of Engineering (STI). Her research focuses on polymer composite processing, adaptive composites (e.g., shape memory alloys, self-healing mechanisms), and material science. She also contributes to teaching in Materials Science and Engineering, including courses like 'Materials: From Chemistry to Properties' and 'Composite Materials Processing.' Her academic roles include Associate Professorships in SMX, EDMX, and EDAM teaching units, and she serves as a PhD program committee member for the Doctoral Program in Advanced Manufacturing. She has advised numerous PhD students, including Michele Bonacina, Pierre-Alexandre Boschert, and Jean-Baptiste Desbrest, among others. Research highlights include sustainable composite material development, defect mitigation in composites, and advanced manufacturing techniques. Her work often addresses challenges in aerospace and renewable energy applications, emphasizing sustainability and material innovation.
Dr. Yu Zhong is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Cornell University's College of Engineering, where he leads the Yu Zhong Group. His research laboratory focuses on the design and synthesis of novel soft materials and nanomaterials for applications in electronics, energy, healthcare, and sustainability. As a principal investigator, he oversees a dynamic research team comprising postdoctoral associates, graduate students, and undergraduate researchers working on cutting-edge materials science projects. Dr. Zhong received his educational training at prestigious institutions, earning his B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) in 2011, followed by a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Columbia University in 2017 under the supervision of Prof. Colin Nuckolls. His doctoral research centered on designing contorted molecules for electronic and energy applications including organic solar cells, photodetectors, and gas sensors. He then conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Chicago in Prof. Jiwoong Park's group, where he worked on the design and synthesis of 2D polymers for ultrathin electronic circuits and energy conversion. Dr. Zhong's research program spans three primary directions: (1) the bottom-up synthesis of ultrathin nanoporous membranes using techniques like laminar assembly polymerization (LAP) for applications in water desalination, nanofiltration, and gas separation; (2) the study of transport behaviors in hybrid organic-inorganic 2D heterostructures created through layer-by-layer assembly for use in optical, electronic, and thermal management devices; and (3) the development of mixed ionic-electronic materials for bio-inspired and bioelectronic devices. His group employs advanced synthesis methods including organic/polymer synthesis, supramolecular and reticular chemistry, and 2D materials characterization to explore novel scientific phenomena and technological applications. An analysis of Dr. Zhong's recent publications reveals a strong focus on the synthesis and characterization of 2D polymers and organic-inorganic hybrid materials. His work bridges fundamental materials science with practical applications in energy conversion, electronics, and separation technologies. A notable trend is his development of innovative synthesis techniques like laminar assembly polymerization that enable precise control over material structure at the molecular level, leading to breakthroughs in areas such as lithium-ion transport, osmotic power generation, and ultra-narrowband photodetection. Dr. Zhong's scientific achievements have been recognized with several prestigious awards: Pegram Award for Meritorious Graduate Research, Columbia University (2016) Camille and Henry Dreyfus Postdoctoral Fellowship, Dreyfus Foundation (2016) Arun Guthikonda Memorial Fellowship, Columbia University (2015) Jack Miller Award for Excellence in Teaching, Columbia University (2014) As an advisor, Dr. Zhong mentors a diverse group of researchers including postdoctoral associate Qiyi Fang, multiple Ph.D. students (Yuhe Zhang, Kaushik Chivukula, William Xie), M.S. students, and undergraduate researchers. His group has secured funding for research on soft and nanomaterials, with projects spanning organic electronics, 2D materials synthesis, and biomimetic membranes. Dr. Zhong actively seeks motivated graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to join his research team, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing materials science. The Yu Zhong Group operates state-of-the-art laboratories in Bard Hall at Cornell University, equipped for organic synthesis, materials characterization, and device fabrication. The research team works collaboratively across disciplines, partnering with experts in physics, chemistry, and engineering to tackle complex challenges in materials science. Current projects focus on developing novel synthesis methodologies and exploring structure-property relationships in soft materials to enable next-generation electronic, energy, and healthcare technologies.
