Graham Dobereiner is an Associate Professor and Robert L. Smith Early Career Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Temple University's College of Science and Technology. He received his Ph.D. from Yale University (2011) and completed postdoctoral research at MIT (2012-2014) after earning his B.S. from Brandeis University (2007). His research group develops novel homogeneous transition metal catalysts for synthetic chemistry applications spanning fine chemicals manufacturing, petrochemical processing, and drug discovery. The work integrates organometallic chemistry principles, combining organic molecular diversity with inorganic compound reactivity. Research areas include catalytic isomerization, oxidative synthesis, ligand design, and mechanistic studies of transition metal complexes. Analysis of his recent publications demonstrates strong emphasis on reaction mechanism elucidation, catalyst design for stereoselective transformations (particularly Z-selective isomerizations), and development of novel catalytic systems for sustainable synthesis. His group employs computational and experimental approaches to advance synthetic methodology.
Marcos Cruz is Professor of Innovative Environments at The Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London (UCL), where he leads research in bio-integrated design. He runs Bio-ID with Dr. Brenda Parker, a multidisciplinary research platform investigating design driven by biotechnology, computation, materials, and fabrication. Previously, he served as Director of The Bartlett from 2010-2014 and founded the BiotA Lab (2014-2018). His academic career spans multiple institutions including University College London (where he ran MArch Unit 20 for 19 years), University of Westminster (2008-2010), UCLA (2010), and IAAC (2014-present). Professor Cruz holds a Licenciatura from ESAP Porto, a Masters with distinction from UCL, and a PhD from UCL (2007), sponsored by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology. His doctoral research on 'Neoplasmatic Architecture' earned him the RIBA President's Research Award in 2008. He is a registered architect with both the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and the Portuguese Architecture Chamber. His primary research area is Bio-Integrated Design, which explores how biotechnology and computation can reshape our built environment in response to climate change. This work goes beyond using nature as inspiration; instead, it treats nature as the medium for a multi-layered design approach. His key research project, Poikilohydric Living Walls, investigates integrating growth systems directly on building facades using algae and mosses that can switch photosynthetic activity on and off without additional maintenance. Another significant research area is The Body in Architecture, which examines the relationship between human flesh and architectural flesh, proposing a 'thick embodied flesh' that creates truly inhabitable architectural interfaces. His recent publications demonstrate a strong progression toward integrating living systems directly into building materials and facades. The research spans from microbial to tectonic scales, with increasing focus on biomaterials, robotic fabrication, and sustainable design approaches that actively participate in urban ecosystems rather than merely responding to them. RIBA President's Research Award (2008) for 'Neoplasmatic Architecture' Multiple Best Unit awards at Bartlett Summer Show (awarded by Thom Mayne, Paul Finch, Richard Rogers, Claude Parent, and Ross Lovegrove) Work part of permanent collection at FRAC Orleans Exhibitions at Venice and São Paulo Biennales Professor Cruz has supervised numerous PhD students through UCL's Research-by-Design programme and currently directs the MArch/MSc in Bio-Integrated Design. His research has been supported by EPSRC and involves industrial partners including Laing O'Rourke, Pennine Stone Limited, and Amorim, with academic partners at UCL Biochemical Engineering, University of Coimbra, and IST Tomar. He co-founded MAM-ARCH London (formerly marcosandmarjan) in 2000, whose work has built buildings and pavilions, won international competitions including the Kunsthaus Graz, and been exhibited globally. His practice represents a significant bridge between architectural design and biological systems, positioning him at the forefront of bio-integrated architectural research.
Dr. G.K. Knopf is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical & Materials Engineering at Western University, Canada. He holds a Ph.D. (1991), M.Sc. (1987), and B.E. (1984) from the University of Saskatchewan. His work bridges product design, advanced manufacturing, and bio-inspired technologies. Research Focus: Dr. Knopf’s research spans 3D shape reconstruction , laser microfabrication , micro-optics , and bioelectronic imaging arrays . Recent projects emphasize light-driven actuators , flexible electronics , and graphene-based inks for printing circuits on unconventional substrates like silk and paper. Publications: Over 150 peer-reviewed works, including two edited CRC Press volumes ( Smart Biosensor Technology , Optical Nano and Micro Actuator Technology ). Key contributions involve non-lithographic fabrication , bacteriorhodopsin photodetectors , and self-organizing feature maps for data visualization. Awards/Patents: Co-inventor of two U.S. patents (6,542,249 for 3D surface measurement; 7,573,024 for bioelectronic imaging arrays). Teaching: Leads graduate courses in Medical Device Design and Optomechatronic Systems , as well as undergraduate Mechatronics and Medical Device Development courses.
Dr. Robert O’Connor is an Assistant Professor at the School of Physical Sciences, Dublin City University (DCU) , specializing in interface chemistry and thin film characterization. His work bridges semiconductor physics and energy harvesting technologies , with a focus on materials like high-κ dielectrics and III-V substrates. BSc in Applied Physics (2001), DCU PhD in Semiconductor Physics (2005), DCU His research employs X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and atomic layer deposition (ALD) to study material interfaces in devices such as MOSFETs and photoelectrochemical systems . He leads a 4-year SFI-funded project on solar water splitting for hydrogen fuel and collaborates with Trinity College Dublin (SPOKE project) and IMEC, Belgium on area-selective deposition techniques. His lab utilizes a state-of-the-art integrated ALD-XPS tool . His scientific awards include the Marie Curie Intra-European Fellowship , Irish Research Council EMBARK Fellowship , and SFI TIDA Award . Publications span high-κ dielectrics , self-assembled monolayers , and block copolymer lithography , with recent work on graphene oxide heterostructures and recyclability in additive manufacturing . He supervises 5 postgraduate students and teaches modules like Final Year Project (PS451) and Solid State Physics I (PS204) . Collaborations include institutions such as IMEC and Trinity College Dublin , with tools like the integrated ALD-XPS system at DCU.
Joerg Werner is an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Boston University's College of Engineering and Core Faculty at the Institute for Global Sustainability (IGS). He holds a PhD in Materials Chemistry from Cornell University and an MS in Chemistry from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz. His research focuses on mesostructured materials, functional nanomaterials, and energy storage systems, leveraging block copolymer self-assembly and microfluidics to design advanced materials. He leads the Mesostructured Materials and Devices Lab, exploring hierarchical structures, electrochemical polymers, and sustainable manufacturing. Research Interests: Werner’s work spans 3D nano-interdigitated batteries , mesostructured architectures , and dynamic microcapsules . Key areas include energy storage applications, phase separation of complex fluids, and nanoconfined synthesis. His group develops sustainable templates for nanomaterials and electrochemically active polymers for thin films on 3D substrates. Publications Trends: Recent work emphasizes electrode architectures (e.g., low-tortuosity electrodes), responsive microcapsules , and self-assembly-driven superconductors . Collaborations with labs like Harvard and industry partners highlight applied energy solutions. Funding & Labs: Current grants support projects on mesohybrids and architected electrodes. The MeMaD Lab collaborates on projects like PANDA (self-driving lab for polymer films) and advanced battery designs. Patents include solid-state battery assemblies and mesoporous carbon materials.
Martin Kaltenbrunner is a Professor in the Department of Soft Matter Physics at the Faculty of Engineering & Natural Sciences, Johannes Kepler University Linz (JKU). He leads the LIT Soft Materials Lab and is affiliated with the Linz Institute of Technology (LIT), focusing on sustainable material innovations for next-generation electronics. His research spans biodegradable flexible electronics, energy-autonomous systems, and eco-friendly substrates. Key interests include perovskite solar cells for healthcare robotics, mycelium-based electronic skins, and algal polysaccharide conductive nanocomposites. He pioneers sustainable alternatives using organic materials to replace conventional electronics in soft robotics and wearable devices. Recent publications (2024-2025) emphasize circular economy principles, featuring mycelium substrates for PCBs, algae-derived transistors, and passivation techniques for high-efficiency solar cells. The work integrates materials science with environmental sustainability, targeting applications in medical sensors and autonomous robotics. Professor Kaltenbrunner has supervised 18 research works and leads multiple major grants: Personalized Sustainable Smart Patch Omnificence (Persimmon) - EU project (2024-2028) Mycelium-based substrate for sustainable flexible PCBs (MycoSub) - EU project (2024-2025) Intelligent cellulose-based sensors - FFG project (2022-2025) Metasurface Fabrication (META-FAB) - FFG project (2024-2027) Nadelholzreststoffe for mycelium packaging (MycoSoft) - FFG project (2023-2026) He directs the LIT Soft Materials Lab, which develops biodegradable gels, fungal biomaterials, and sawmill byproduct-based insulation. The lab collaborates across JKU's engineering and natural sciences divisions to advance sustainable electronics through interdisciplinary projects like Persimmon and MycoSub, emphasizing real-world deployment of eco-friendly technologies.
Katrina Morgan-Innes is a Lecturer (Assistant Professor) at the School of Electronics and Computer Science, University of Southampton. Her research focuses on advanced flexible materials for energy harvesting and storage, leveraging semiconductor industry fabrication techniques to develop wearable thermoelectric devices and next-generation batteries. She leads the Morgan Materials and Devices for Energy (MADE) research group and a £220k EPSRC New Horizons grant (Smart Cloth). Her work emphasizes commercial scalability and integration of 2D materials with flexible substrates. Education: MPhys in Physics (University of Sussex, 2011), CASE Award PhD in Electronics and Computer Science (University of Southampton, 2016–2022). Previous roles include Photonics Development Engineer at the AIM Photonics Programme (SUNY) and Visiting Fellow at the Optoelectronics Research Centre. Research interests include energy harvesters, flexible wearables, 2D materials, and nanofabrication. She has pioneered scalable manufacturing methods for photonic and energy devices and contributed to chalcogenide material applications. Her research group aims to create fully flexible systems enabling integrated sensing, power, and communication on lightweight platforms. Key grants include EPSRC funding for wearable thermoelectric generators and collaborations like the ChAMP/WAFT-funded projects on flexible ion sensors and 3D nanophotonics. She has published in high-impact journals (e.g., ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces , npj 2D Materials and Applications ) and conferences, focusing on thermoelectric materials, photonic heterostructures, and scalable manufacturing. Awards: UNSW Women in Engineering Visiting Fund (2019), Top 100 Physics Paper (2020), Outreach Engagement Award (2016) Labs/Teams: Morgan MADE Group, Collaboration with Optoelectronics Research Centre and Zepler Institute Advocacy: Chair of WiSET+ (University-wide STEM+ Equality Committee), founder of Early Career Researcher Forum
Anja Boisen is a Professor and Head of the Drug Delivery and Sensing Section at the Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark (DTU). Her research focuses on advanced drug delivery systems, sensing technologies, and nanotechnology applications in biomedical engineering. She leads a multidisciplinary team developing innovative devices such as microcontainers, microneedles, and lab-on-a-disc platforms for targeted drug delivery and diagnostics. Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in improving health and reducing inequalities. Key research areas include surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), microfabrication for medical devices, and biomaterials for tissue engineering. She has supervised multiple PhD students, including projects on oral drug delivery systems, gastrointestinal retention devices, and energy-harvesting materials for biomedical applications. Boisen’s team has pioneered technologies like self-unfolding foils for oral delivery and smart drug delivery microparticles. Their innovations aim to enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing side effects. She has been recognized with the Sensor Division Outstanding Achievement Award (2022) for her contributions to sensor technology. Her lab actively collaborates internationally, advancing applications in cancer therapy, antibiotic monitoring, and gut microbiota research. Current projects explore high-throughput 3D tumor modeling, SERS-based diagnostics, and biodegradable materials for bone fixation.
Dr. Iqbal Husain is the Director of the FREEDM Center and an ABB Distinguished Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at North Carolina State University. Previously, he served at the University of Akron for 17 years before joining NC State. He holds a Ph.D. (1993), M.S. (1989), and B.S. (1987) in Electrical Engineering from Texas A&M University and Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, respectively. His research focuses on power electronics, electric drives, and renewable energy systems, with applications in transportation, automotive, and aerospace. Notable contributions include advancements in electric machine design, inverter controls, and grid synchronization. He authored the textbook *Electric and Hybrid Vehicles: Design Fundamentals*, now in its third edition. Dr. Husain’s awards include the NSF CAREER Award (1997), SAE Vincent Bendix Award (2006), and IEEE Fellow (2009). His recent work includes developing AI-enabled tools for power grid cybersecurity and medium-voltage solid-state transformers for EV fast charging. He leads interdisciplinary projects at the FREEDM Systems Center, addressing challenges in clean energy and smart grid technologies.
Mathieu Odijk is a Full Professor at the University of Twente's Faculty of Science and Technology, leading the Integrated Devices and Systems department. His research focuses on microfluidic systems, catalysis, and organ-on-chip platforms, with contributions to UN Sustainable Development Goals through advanced material characterization and biomedical engineering. He has authored over 120 publications and holds an h-index of 27 with 1,820 citations. Expertise: Microfluidics, catalyst particle diagnostics, SERS substrates, organ-on-chip systems, and spectroscopic techniques. Collaborations include Weckhuysen (catalysis), van den Berg (microfluidics), and Meirer (materials science). Key projects: Modular organ-on-chip platforms (STARTER), droplet-based catalyst screening, and real-time reaction monitoring via ATR-IR systems. His research combines nanotechnology and chemical engineering to develop tools for sustainable energy, environmental remediation, and biomedical applications. Recent work includes microreactors for catalyst particle analysis, light-driven urea oxidation for wearable kidney devices, and standardized platforms for organ-on-chip research.
Mads Albertsen is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Life Sciences at the Faculty of Engineering and Science, Aalborg University, Denmark. He leads the Albertsen Lab and is a key member of the Center for Microbial Communities. His research focuses on high-throughput DNA sequencing methods to explore uncultivated microbes and populate the tree of life. He is actively involved in major interdisciplinary projects such as NanoEat , Microflora Danica , and DarkScience , funded by the European Research Council, Villum Foundation, and Poul Due Jensen Foundation. His research interests span metagenomics , long-read sequencing , bioinformatics , microbial ecology , and environmental biotechnology . He develops cutting-edge methods to improve throughput in microbial genome recovery and applies them to diverse areas including wastewater treatment, human microbiome studies, and infectious disease diagnostics. His work has significant implications for public health and sustainability. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in long-read sequencing (Oxford Nanopore), metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) , and microbial dark matter . His team has published high-impact papers in Nature , Nature Methods , and Nature Communications , with applications in environmental systems and clinical diagnostics, including SARS-CoV-2 and bloodstream infections. His scientific awards include: The Grundfos Prize (2021) The Fritz Kaufmann Prize (2021) The Rising Star Award by IWA & ISME (2016) Research Result of the Year in Denmark (2015) The Spar Nord Fond Research Prize (2015) Mads Albertsen advises numerous PhD students, leads externally funded research projects, and is involved in technology transfer through his co-founding of DNASense ApS (2014–2020). He also serves on scientific advisory boards and contributes to public policy, including as a member of the Danish SARS-CoV-2 variant risk-assessment group. He teaches courses in Data Science, Bioinformatics, Genomics, and Environmental Microbiology at Aalborg University. His lab, the Albertsen Lab , is part of the Center for Microbial Communities , a leading research center focused on microbial systems biology and environmental applications. The lab collaborates extensively with national and international partners in academia, industry, and public health institutions.
Professor Gideon James Grogan is a distinguished academic at the University of York, holding a position in the Department of Chemistry within the Faculty of Sciences. With expertise spanning structural and applied enzymology, he leads research at the intersection of chemistry and biology, developing novel biocatalysts for sustainable chemical synthesis and pharmaceutical applications. Professor Grogan's research focuses on the identification, characterization, and application of enzymes with biotechnological potential. His work encompasses: Oxygenases including P450s, flavoprotein monooxygenases, and peroxygenases Reductases such as ketoreductases (KREDs), imine reductases (IREDs), and reductive aminases (RedAms) Lyases catalyzing asymmetric hydration of alkenes Ligases for amide bond formation His multidisciplinary approach integrates synthetic chemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, and X-ray crystallography to engineer enzymes using in vitro evolution techniques. Recent research has yielded significant advances in biocatalytic pathways for chiral pharmaceutical precursors and renewable material processing. Professor Grogan's publication record demonstrates consistent innovation in biocatalysis, with recent work focusing on peroxygenase applications, reductive amination technologies, and enzyme engineering for improved catalytic properties. His research shows strong trends in developing sustainable enzymatic routes for pharmaceutical synthesis, with particular emphasis on stereoselective transformations and cascade reactions. Professor Grogan has received significant research funding through major grants from: BBSRC (Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council) EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council) He actively supervises PhD students and collaborates extensively both within the University of York and internationally. His work bridges the Departments of Chemistry and the York Structural Biology Laboratory (YSBL), leveraging state-of-the-art facilities for organic synthesis, protein expression, and structural analysis. Professor Grogan maintains strong industry connections, translating fundamental research into practical applications for pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing. His current projects include sustainable production of menthol enantiomers, development of native amine dehydrogenases for chiral amine synthesis, and discovery of securinine alkaloid biosynthesis pathways.
Mihye Won is an Associate Professor at Monash University’s Faculty of Education, specializing in innovative science education strategies. Her research integrates dialogic teaching, student-generated diagrams, immersive Virtual Reality (VR), and generative AI to enhance scientific understanding and creativity. She has secured Australian Research Council (ARC) funding for projects like Using Immersive Virtual Reality to Enhance Science Visualisation (2019–2025) and Drawing Science Diagrams to Enhance Scientific Creativity (2018–2025). Her work supports students, teachers, and early-career researchers, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goal for Education. PhD, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: Inquiry-based science education via Dewey’s theory of inquiry Her research focuses on: Dialogic teaching to foster student reasoning Student-generated diagrams for conceptual understanding VR for visualizing complex science topics Generative AI in science learning Creative and critical thinking in science education Recent articles span VR applications, AI in physics education, collaborative drawing techniques, and curriculum-aligned creative pedagogy. Awards include the Most Valuable Paper Award 2024 for her work on enzyme-substrate interactions in VR. She serves on the advisory board for Chemistry Education Research and Practice and the editorial board of the International Journal of Science Education .
Eric W. Schmidt is a Distinguished Professor of Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Utah, with adjunct appointments in Biological Sciences and Chemistry. His research focuses on natural products chemistry, biosynthesis, synthetic biology, and pharmaceutical applications of marine animal microbiomes. University of California, San Diego (BS, PhD) Research areas include: Biosynthesis in animals and their microbiomes Synthetic biology approaches to chemical engineering Drug design from marine natural products Metagenomic analysis of symbiotic relationships Neuroactive compound discovery Antibiotic development against resistant pathogens His lab has pioneered methods for: Biosynthetic gene cluster identification Heterologous expression in E. coli Enzymatic modification of peptides Chemical analysis of marine invertebrates Recent publications highlight discoveries in: Marine animal chemical defense mechanisms Evolution of biosynthetic pathways Antibiotic resistance profiling Ionic channel-targeting compounds Peptide macrocyclization techniques Lipid-polyketide biosynthesis continuum Email: ews1@utah.edu Honors include: Distinguished Professor recognition
Feng Feng is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Oklahoma State University, where he has been employed since August 2020. His research focuses on understanding how plants interact with microbial communities in their rhizosphere under various environmental conditions. Dr. Feng received his Ph.D. in Plant Molecular Biology from Tsinghua University in Beijing, China (2008-2012), followed by an M.S. in Microbiology and B.S. in Biotechnology from Henan Agricultural University in Zhengzhou, China. Ph.D., Plant Molecular Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China (2008-2012) M.S., Microbiology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China (2005-2008) B.S., Biotechnology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China (2001-2005) Dr. Feng's research interests center on plant-microbe interactions, particularly how plants balance immunity and symbiosis signaling pathways when encountering both pathogenic and beneficial microbes in the rhizosphere. His work examines how environmental conditions affect plant decisions to promote or inhibit microbial colonization, with the goal of developing cropping systems that require less chemical fertilizer and are more resilient to climate change. Using molecular, cell biology, genetic, and biochemical approaches, his lab investigates how abiotic environmental factors regulate plant-microbe interactions and how immunity and symbiosis signaling pathways influence broader microbial communities. Dr. Feng's scholarly output shows a consistent focus on plant immunity and symbiosis mechanisms, particularly involving LysM receptor-like kinases and their role in distinguishing between pathogenic and symbiotic microbial signals. His recent work has increasingly emphasized the ecological context of plant-microbe interactions and the potential applications for sustainable agriculture. Dr. Feng serves as an Associate Editor for Frontiers in Microbiology (since 2022) and has editorial roles with several other journals including Frontiers in Plant Science, Horticultural Plant Journal, and iMeta. Associate Editor, Frontiers in Microbiology (2022-present) Editorial Board, Frontiers in Plant Science (2021-present) Editorial Board, Horticultural Plant Journal (2021-present) Editorial Board, iMeta (2021-present) Dr. Feng actively mentors graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, with his lab currently recruiting Ph.D. students and postdocs interested in plant-microbe interactions. He has secured multiple research grants including funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST). His laboratory investigates the molecular mechanisms by which plants regulate their interactions with rhizosphere communities, with particular focus on how environmental conditions influence the balance between immunity and symbiosis signaling pathways.
