Jeff Linderoth is the Harvey D. Spangler Professor in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His research focuses on large-scale numerical optimization, mixed-integer nonlinear programming, and stochastic programming, with applications in energy systems, global routing, and industrial processes. Education: BS in General Engineering (highest honors) from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, MS in Operations Research from Georgia Institute of Technology, PhD in Industrial Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology. Linderoth's work addresses theoretical and applied challenges in optimization, including developing algorithms for mixed-integer programming, analyzing knapsack polytopes, and creating tools like the Minotaur optimization toolkit. His recent publications explore integer programming techniques for subspace clustering, complementarity constraints, and customized coverage instrumentation. Selected trends in his research include advancements in stochastic programming, orbital branching for symmetric integer programs, and congestion analysis in power systems. His group contributes to optimization software and data-driven libraries like MIPLIB. Scientific Award: Harvey D. Spangler Professor.
Haipeng Shen is a Professor of Innovation and Information Management at HKU Business School, The University of Hong Kong, serving as Associate Dean (EMBA and IMBA) and holding the Patrick S C Poon Professorship in Analytics and Innovation. He chairs the Business Analytics and Innovation program and joined HKU in 2015 after previously holding a professorship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His academic credentials include: PhD in Statistics, The Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania, 2003 MA in Statistics, The Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania, 2000 BS in Mathematics, School of Mathematical Sciences, Peking University, 1998 Professor Shen's research focuses on data-driven decision making under uncertainty, with expertise spanning big data analytics, business analytics, healthcare analytics, and service engineering. He develops advanced statistical and machine learning methodologies to solve complex operational problems in call centers, optimize stroke care protocols, and enhance financial risk modeling, emphasizing real-time applications in high-stakes environments. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent interdisciplinary approach bridging operations research, statistics, and domain-specific knowledge. His work demonstrates strong methodological innovation in time-series forecasting for service systems, risk assessment frameworks for medical complications, and covariance structure analysis for financial markets, with direct translational impact on business operations and clinical outcomes. His scientific contributions have been recognized with prestigious awards including: Most Influential Publication Award from China Stroke Association (2018) Fellow of the American Statistical Association (2015) Best Advisor of the Year Award from Academy of Asian Business (2018) Elected Member of International Statistical Institute (2015) Cluster Chair for Big Data Analytics at INFORMS International (2015) As an academic leader, Professor Shen has secured significant research funding from organizations including The Xerox Foundation and National Institute on Drug Abuse. He serves as Associate Editor for Management Science, Journal of the American Statistical Association, and Technometrics, while mentoring graduate students in statistical methodology and applied analytics. His current initiatives position HKU Business School at the forefront of healthcare innovation through big data analytics, driving collaborations with medical institutions to transform stroke care and hospital operations in Asia.
Professor Emiliano Cortés is a faculty member at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), where he leads research in Plasmonic and Photonic Chemistry at the Nano-Institute Munich. His work bridges the fields of nanotechnology, physical chemistry, and materials science, focusing on light-matter interactions for energy conversion applications. Dr. Cortés' research focuses on plasmonics , photocatalysis , and electrocatalysis at the nanoscale. His group investigates how the dynamics of photons, plasmon-polaritons, carriers, phonons, and molecular states influence chemical reactivity. A key aspect of his work involves developing techniques to study plasmonic systems at the single particle level and designing rational synthesis approaches for plasmonic colloidal photo and electrocatalysts. His research has significant implications for sustainable energy technologies, environmental remediation, and advanced sensing applications. Analysis of Professor Cortés' recent publications reveals a strong focus on energy conversion processes, with particular emphasis on CO2 reduction, ammonia synthesis, and hydrogen production. His work integrates plasmonic effects with catalytic processes to enhance reaction efficiencies, often through innovative interface engineering and nanostructure design. The research spans fundamental studies of charge carrier dynamics to practical applications in energy storage and environmental technologies. Professor Cortés actively mentors doctoral candidates and postdoctoral researchers, currently advertising open positions for projects on Single particle photo and electrocatalysis and Synthesis of hybrid colloids . His research group, the Hybrid Plasmonics Lab (www.hybridplasmonics.org), receives funding from various sources to support their work on plasmon-mediated chemistry for sustainable applications. The Cortés research group operates within the Nano-Institute Munich, utilizing state-of-the-art facilities for nanomaterial synthesis, characterization, and testing. Their work combines experimental approaches with theoretical modeling to understand and harness light-matter interactions at the nanoscale for practical applications in energy conversion and environmental technologies.
Dr. James Ashton-Miller is a prominent faculty member in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan, where he directs the Biomechanics Research Laboratory. He serves as a Center Member of the University of Michigan Injury Prevention Center and maintains affiliations with the Institute of Gerontology. His interdisciplinary work bridges engineering principles with medical applications, focusing on injury prevention across sports medicine, obstetrics, and geriatrics. Dr. Ashton-Miller's educational background includes: PhD from the University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway (1978-1983) MSME from M.I.T., Cambridge, MA, U.S.A (1972-1974) B.SC. (Hons) from the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England (1967-1972) His research focuses on the biomechanics of injury prevention across multiple critical domains. In sports medicine, he has demonstrated that some ACL injuries are overuse injuries resulting from too many sub-maximal loading cycles that prevent healing of collagen damage. In women's health, his work on childbirth injuries addresses conditions that affect more women than breast cancer. His research on fall-related injuries in older adults reveals the dual threat of physical and cognitive factors. He also investigates sciatica, disc degeneration, and develops new medical devices for screening, diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Ashton-Miller's recent publications show a strong trend toward developing practical clinical applications from fundamental biomechanical research, with emphasis on advanced imaging methods, wearable sensors, and computational modeling for pelvic floor function assessment. His work consistently aims to translate engineering insights into clinical solutions for injury prevention. His research insights have earned him numerous national and international research awards, though specific awards aren't detailed in the available information. His work involves close collaboration with clinicians and surgeons who meet weekly to discuss progress and next steps. Dr. Ashton-Miller is deeply committed to mentoring, working with NIH K-series fellows along with 1-2 post-doctoral fellows, 3-5 PhD students, 2-4 M.S. students, 4-5 undergraduate students, and 2-4 young clinicians. His research is generously supported by the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, National Basketball Association, Fortune 500 companies, and startup companies including Procter & Gamble and Hologic, Inc. He directs the Biomechanics Research Laboratory and co-leads the Pelvic Floor Research Group, where his teams develop new medical devices to improve screening, diagnosis, and treatment of various biomechanical conditions. These laboratories maintain strong clinical connections, ensuring research remains grounded in real-world medical challenges.
Keir Lieber is a Professor at Georgetown University, holding dual appointments in the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service and the Department of Government. His work focuses on nuclear strategy, deterrence, and international relations theory. He co-authored The Myth of the Nuclear Revolution and authored War and the Engineers . Lieber holds a Ph.D. and M.A. from the University of Chicago and a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He has received major fellowships from institutions like the Brookings Institution and Carnegie Corporation. His research explores how technological change and power politics shape modern conflict, particularly in the nuclear realm. Education: Ph.D. and M.A. in Political Science, University of Chicago B.A. in Political Science and International Relations, University of Wisconsin-Madison Proud alumnus of D.C. public schools Research Interests: Lieber examines nuclear weapons policy, deterrence dynamics, and the interplay of technology with conflict causation. His work critiques assumptions about nuclear stability and emphasizes the enduring role of political choices over technological determinism. Article Trends: Recent publications address nuclear tripolarity, escalation management, and the evolving role of technology in deterrence. Key themes include the fragility of strategic stability and the risks posed by modernizing arsenals. Awards: Fellowships from Brookings Institution, Carnegie Corporation, Council on Foreign Relations, and Smith Richardson Foundation Advising & Grants: While no formal advisees are listed, Lieber’s mentorship is reflected in collaborative research on nuclear strategy. His grants fund studies on U.S. nuclear modernization and arms control.
Prof. Dr. Eling de Bruin is a Lecturer at the Department of Health Sciences and Technology (D-HEST) at ETH Zurich. His research focuses on developing and evaluating exergame-based interventions targeting neurocognitive disorders, motor-cognitive training for aging populations, and stroke rehabilitation. He leads studies on personalized exergame protocols (e.g., PEMOCS framework) and their impact on cognitive function, gait recovery, and fall prevention. His work integrates wearable sensor technology, biofeedback systems, and clinical assessment tools to improve outcomes for chronic conditions like stroke, diabetes, and sarcopenia. Key areas include exergame design, hybrid training modalities, and biomarker validation (e.g., heart rate variability for neurocognitive screening). His research also explores sports biomechanics in youth athletes and injury prevention strategies for alpine skiers. Collaborative projects involve interdisciplinary teams from rehabilitation medicine, biomedical engineering, and computer science to create user-centered exergame solutions. Current initiatives emphasize home-based interventions and tele-rehabilitation to enhance accessibility for older adults and long-term care residents. Methodological contributions include validation of motor-cognitive assessment systems using virtual reality and inertial measurement units.
Steve Collins is an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Stanford University, with a courtesy appointment in the Department of Bioengineering. His research focuses on wearable robotics, biomechanics, and human-machine interaction. He leads projects on exoskeleton optimization, prosthetic design, and energy-efficient robotic actuators. His work aims to improve mobility for older adults and individuals with mobility impairments through innovative assistive technologies. Research Interests: Collins explores biomechanical principles underlying human movement, exoskeleton torque control strategies, and the design of devices that reduce metabolic costs during walking. His lab develops both hardware (e.g., exoskeleton emulators) and software (e.g., AddBiomechanics modeling tools) to advance assistive technologies. Key Contributions: He pioneered human-in-the-loop optimization methods for exoskeleton control, demonstrated energy-saving designs for ankle exoskeletons, and investigated how exoskeletons can enhance balance and reduce fall risks. His team also developed the 'Tripod' prosthesis emulator and electrostatic clutch systems for energy-efficient actuators. Grants & Collaborations: His work is supported by NSF grants (e.g., NRI: Small grant for exoskeleton control) and industry partnerships. He collaborates with clinicians to translate robotic innovations into clinical applications for amputees and aging populations. Labs & Teams: His research is conducted in Stanford's robotics and biomechanics facilities, focusing on interdisciplinary projects at the intersection of mechanical engineering, bioengineering, and computer science.
Ana Maria Velez is an Associate Professor at the Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Her research focuses on insect responses to chemical stressors, particularly RNA interference (RNAi) and Bt toxins for pest management. With a 80% research and 20% teaching appointment, she leads the Insect Toxicology Lab and teaches courses like 'Toxins in the Environment' and 'Insecticide Toxicology.' Education: Ph.D. in Entomology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2013 M.S. in Entomology, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, 2009 B.S. in Biology, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Colombia, 2006 Her research spans molecular, organismal, and population levels to evaluate transgenic crops and RNAi technologies. Key areas include resistance mechanisms, non-target effects, and risk assessment frameworks. She has extensive publications on western corn rootworm and fall armyworm, emphasizing sustainable pest control. Her work also addresses sublethal impacts on non-target species like monarch butterflies and honeybees. Recent articles highlight RNAi delivery optimization, Bt resistance dynamics, and ecological impacts of insecticides. Her lab collaborates on patents for RNAi-based pest suppression methods targeting chromatin remodeling and developmental genes. Scientific Awards Distinguished Multicultural Alumni (2019) DuPont Young Professor Award (2016) International Congress of Entomology Travel Awards (2016) Widaman Trust Distinguished Graduate Assistant (2011) Milton E. Mohr Teaching Fellowship (2012) The Vélez Arango Lab investigates durability and safety of insect control technologies, with emphasis on RNAi and Bt crops. Their work informs integrated pest management (IPM) systems and regulatory frameworks.
David Wettergreen is a Research Professor at the Robotics Institute within Carnegie Mellon University's School of Computer Science , where he has been a faculty member since 2000. He directs the PhD Program in Robotics and holds a courtesy appointment in Mechanical Engineering. His research focuses on robotic exploration systems for extreme environments, spanning planetary surfaces, underwater caves, and terrestrial deserts. Key areas include autonomous navigation , science autonomy , multi-modal perception , and resource-cognizant planning . Field validation drives his work, with deployments in the Atacama Desert, Antarctic volcanoes, and lunar analog sites. Co-founder of Mesh Robotics LLC for off-road autonomy Former Research Fellow at Australian National University Former National Research Council Research Associate at NASA Ames Research Center His 15 most recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate expertise in autonomous path planning , machine learning applications , terrain modeling , and science-driven exploration . Collaborations span planetary science, environmental monitoring, and space systems engineering. He has advised 17 PhD and 33 MS students , many of whom now work in space exploration or field robotics, and teaches courses in Robotics Systems Engineering . Current projects include the MoonRanger lunar micro-rover and technologies for autonomous resource mapping .
Mei Hong is a Professor and Vice President for HR and International Collaboration at Beijing Institute of Technology since 2016. Previously, she held leadership roles including Vice President for Research at Shanghai Jiao Tong University (2013-2016) and Dean of the School of Electronics Engineering and Computer Science at Peking University (2006-2014). She has made groundbreaking contributions to software engineering and system software fields. BSc and MSc in Computer Science & Engineering from Nanjing University of Aeronautics & Astronautics (1984, 1987) PhD in Computer Science and Technology from Shanghai Jiao Tong University (1992) Her research focuses on software architecture , component-based software engineering , and cloud computing/big data systems . She has led over 40 grants totaling 200+ million CNY and holds 20+ patents. Her work addresses critical challenges in software lifecycle modeling, interoperability, and standardization. As a leading authority in software engineering, she has received China's highest honors including State Awards for Science and Technology Progress (2006), Technology Invention (2008), and Natural Science (2012). She was elected Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2011 and IEEE Fellow in 2014. Executive Editor-in-Chief of Science China-Information Sciences (2012-2017) Editor-in-Chief of Science China-Information Sciences (2018-present) Advisory Board Member of Alibaba DAMO Academy (2017-present)
Jeffrey Beekman is a Full Professor at the University Medical Center Utrecht, specializing in translational research for chronic diseases through the Department of Pediatric Pulmonology. His work bridges basic and clinical research to develop novel diagnostics and therapeutics for conditions like cystic fibrosis (CF) and Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia. Education: PhD in Molecular Immunology (2004) Key Roles: Principle Investigator since 2010, co-founder of FAIR Therapeutics, Board Member of the Dutch Society for Stem Cell Research His research focuses on patient-derived organoid models to study disease mechanisms, validate therapeutic targets, and optimize drug development. Strategic programs include Child Health and Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells . Recent publications highlight his work on CFTR gene therapy, organoid-based drug efficacy testing, and host-pathogen interactions in CF. Collaborations span molecular biology, clinical pulmonology, and biotech translation. Key Techniques: Organoid modeling, RNA sequencing, Forskolin-induced swelling assay Diseases Studied: Cystic Fibrosis, Colorectal Cancer Susceptibility, Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia
Amin Barari is an Adjunct Professor at the School of Engineering, RMIT University, Australia. His research focuses on geotechnical and offshore engineering, particularly in foundation systems for offshore wind turbines, soil-structure interaction, and seismic liquefaction mitigation. He has extensive experience in experimental and numerical analysis of pile foundations, bucket foundations, and caisson structures. His work integrates advanced computational methods (e.g., machine learning, finite element modeling) to predict foundation behavior under extreme conditions. Research interests include: offshore wind energy foundations, soil liquefaction, cyclic stability diagrams, and probabilistic hazard assessment frameworks. He has supervised multiple PhD/Masters projects on topics like resilient foundations in calcareous deposits and pile foundation dynamics in expansive soils. His publications span over 147 research outputs, emphasizing geotechnical challenges in coastal and offshore environments. Dr. Barari collaborates with international institutions and has expertise in experimental testing (e.g., large-scale load testing, centrifuge modeling) and advanced AI-driven frameworks for geohazard prediction. His work contributes to sustainable infrastructure design and risk mitigation strategies for renewable energy systems.
Patrick Mitran is a full-time Professor at the University of Waterloo's Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, within the Faculty of Engineering. His research focuses on advanced wireless communication systems, including 5G/6G technologies, millimeter-wave and sub-THz communication, digital predistortion techniques, MIMO systems, and beamforming architectures. He leads projects addressing challenges in transmitter linearization, network resource allocation, and hardware-efficient signal processing. Key research interests include optimizing frequency multiplier-based transmitters, mitigating inter-cell interference in massive MIMO networks, and developing algorithms for reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS). His work often intersects hardware design, signal processing, and network optimization, with applications in next-generation wireless infrastructure. Recent publications highlight innovations in ultrawideband signal generation for 6G testing, practical RIS configurations, and FPGA-based real-time digital predistortion implementations. His contributions emphasize both theoretical advancements and practical system-level solutions. Dr. Mitran's research group collaborates on cutting-edge topics such as hybrid NOMA in multi-cell networks, adaptive coding modulation for Gaussian channels, and interference decoding strategies. His work has been published in top-tier journals and conferences, reflecting a sustained impact on modern wireless communication technologies.
Steven R. Caliari is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering with a secondary appointment in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Virginia’s School of Engineering and Applied Science. He serves as the ChE Graduate Program Director and is a SEAS Copenhaver Fellow (2023). His research focuses on designing biomaterials to study cell-microenvironment interactions, addressing challenges in disease and tissue engineering. He holds a B.S. (2007, University of Florida), M.S. (2010), and Ph.D. (2013) in Chemical Engineering from the University of Illinois, followed by an NIH postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania. His research interests include biomaterials, mechanobiology, musculoskeletal tissue engineering, and advanced manufacturing for biological applications. His lab has pioneered viscoelastic hydrogel platforms and conductive collagen scaffolds, supported by NIH, NSF, DoD, and industry grants. Notable awards include the NSF CAREER Award (2021) and NIH MIRA (2020). Grants: NIH (NIGMS), NSF CAREER, V Foundation, UVA-Coulter Partnership Courses: Tissue Engineering (BME/CHE 4417), Transport Processes I (CHE 3321) Labs: Caliari Lab focuses on biomaterial design and mechanobiological studies His work bridges fundamental science and translational applications, emphasizing dynamic material systems for regenerative medicine and disease modeling.
Dr. Ali Amin is a Senior Lecturer and ARC Industry Fellow at the School of Civil Engineering, The University of Sydney. He holds academic roles at ETH Zurich and The University of Toronto, and has consulting experience at Pells Sullivan Meynink. He earned a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours Class I) and PhD in Civil Engineering from UNSW Sydney, with awards including the 2017 Concrete Institute of Australia National Bursary Award and the 2016 UNSW Vice-Chancellor’s Teaching Excellence Award. His research focuses on structural analysis and design of high-performance and fiber-reinforced concrete structures, including contributions to Australian standards like AS5100.5-2017 and AS3600-2018. He teaches courses such as CIVL5269 (Advanced Concrete Structures) and CIVL3235 (Structural Analysis). Key research areas include fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC/SFRC) behavior, shear strength analysis, time-dependent deformation, and fluid-structure interaction in tall buildings. Collaborations include Professor Walter Kaufmann (ETH Zurich) and Professor Fausto Minelli (University of Brescia). Grants: ARC Industry Fellowship (2024), UNSW Goldstar Award (2018). Awards: 2017 Concrete Institute of Australia National Bursary Award, 2016 Teaching Excellence Award. His publications span over 50 peer-reviewed articles in journals like Journal of Structural Engineering , ACI Structural Journal , and conferences such as BEFIB and FraMCoS. Current research includes AI-based quality control in steel fabrication and performance evaluation of specialty cement in waste systems.
