Maria Charisi is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Washington State University (WSU). She holds a BSc in Physics from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Greece) and a PhD in Astronomy from Columbia University. Prior to her current role, she was a NANOGrav Fellow at Caltech (2017-2020) and a VIDA Fellow at Vanderbilt University (2020-2023). She is a research fellow at the Institute of Astrophysics (Foundation for Research and Technology–Hellas, University of Crete). Her research focuses on supermassive black hole binaries (SMBHBs), multi-messenger astrophysics, and gravitational-wave astronomy. She leverages pulsar timing arrays (PTAs), electromagnetic time-domain surveys, and machine learning to study SMBHBs. She is a member of the NANOGrav Collaboration, International Pulsar Timing Array, LISA Consortium, and LSST AGN Science Collaboration. Charisi has been awarded an ERC Starting Grant (2023) and has secured over $234,800 in grants, including telescope time on the Hubble Space Telescope, Chandra X-ray Observatory, and Las Cumbres Observatory. She has mentored numerous students, including graduate and undergraduate researchers, and has been recognized with awards such as the Hartle Award (2016) for best student presentation on Pulsar Timing Arrays. Her teaching roles include instructor for the VIPER Summer School on PTA GW Astrophysics and guest lectures at UC Berkeley and Columbia University. She actively participates in mentoring programs, including Women Mentoring Women at Caltech and initiatives at Columbia University.
Cheng-Zong Ruan is a Research Fellow at the University of Oslo , focusing on Modified Gravity Cosmology , Galaxy Clustering , and N-body Simulations . His research explores cosmological models beyond the standard ΛCDM framework, leveraging advanced computational techniques and observational data. Education: PhD in Physics (2019–2022), Institute for Computational Cosmology, Durham University, UK MSc in Astrophysics (2017–2019), Beijing Normal University, China BSc in Physics (2013–2017), Beijing Normal University, China Research Interests: His work bridges theoretical cosmology and observational data, with a focus on testing gravitational theories using galaxy clusters, weak lensing, and large-scale structure surveys like Euclid. He develops numerical tools (e.g., emulators, N-body simulations) to model modified gravity effects and constrain cosmological parameters. Projects & Affiliations: Member of the Cosmology and Extragalactic Astronomy research group at UiO Involved in the Euclid space mission Key Contributions: His recent publications address challenges in simulating modified gravity scenarios, validating approximations, and analyzing observational data to test deviations from general relativity.
Rajendra Gupta is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Ottawa. His research focuses on astrophysics, cosmology, and general relativity, with an emphasis on evolving physical constants, the dynamics of the universe, and observations using facilities like the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). He holds a PhD in Physics from the University of Allahabad, India, and has been affiliated with institutions including the National Research Council of Canada, McGill University, and the University of Manitoba. His research interests include cosmological models beyond the standard framework, analysis of cosmic microwave background (CMB) data, baryon acoustic oscillations (BAO), and dark matter/energy studies. He actively explores how variations in fundamental constants (e.g., gravitational constant, fine-structure constant) impact astrophysical phenomena such as supernova luminosity, quasar spectra, and early universe conditions. His recent publications (2020–2024) investigate topics like CCC+TL cosmology, JWST observations of the early universe, and constraints on varying constants using quasars and gravitational lensing. He also contributes to metrology through experiments like inertial mass measurement with Kibble balances. Dr. Gupta teaches astrophysics at both undergraduate and graduate levels and maintains an active research program analyzing observational data from cutting-edge telescopes and theoretical models. His work bridges theoretical cosmology with experimental astrophysics, addressing longstanding questions like the lithium problem and the faint young Sun paradox.
Nadia Bloemendaal is an Assistant Professor at the Institute for Environmental Studies (IVM), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU), and a climate researcher at the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI). Her work focuses on tropical cyclone risk under climate change, synthetic modeling, and hazard assessments. She holds a PhD from VU (2021, Cum Laude) and conducted postdoctoral research at IVM and Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. Education : 2016: Master in Meteorology, Physical Oceanography, and Climate (Utrecht University) 2014: Minor in Geo Data Processing (ITC) 2014: Bachelor in Applied Mathematics (University of Twente) Research Interests : Tropical cyclone dynamics, climate change impacts, synthetic storm modeling (e.g., STORM), risk assessment frameworks, and coastal hazard analysis. Her STORM model generates synthetic tropical cyclone tracks to assess global-scale risk probabilities. Awards : Arne Richter Award for Early Career Scientists (2024) 2nd Place Lloyd's Science of Risk Prize (2021) 3rd Place Allianz Climate Risk Research Award (2020) Dutch Data Prize 2020 (2020) Grants & Advising : Principal Investigator: Quantification of Climate Change Scenario Risk (2022–2023) Project Researcher: Human Behavior in Flood Risk Models (2014–2022) Teaches courses on climate hydrology and mathematics for environmental studies. Labs & Datasets : Creator of the STORM dataset (synthetic cyclone tracks) and COAST-RP (storm tide return periods). Collaborates globally on climate change impact studies.
Dr. Noura Vyas is an Associate Professor of Mental Health in the Department of Psychology at Kingston University's Faculty of Business and Social Sciences. She serves as the Academic School Lead for Civic Engagement and has been with Kingston University since 2012, having previously held a Senior Lecturer position at Middlesex University. Dr. Vyas is also an Honorary Senior Lecturer at Imperial College London, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. Dr. Vyas completed her PhD in Psychiatry at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London in 2008. Her educational background includes a BSc (Hons) in Psychology from City University London. She is a Chartered Psychologist and Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society, a Chartered Scientist of The Science Council, and holds a Senior Fellowship with the Higher Education Academy. Dr. Vyas's research program focuses on understanding the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, particularly early-onset schizophrenia (EOS), using multimodal approaches including clinical assessment, cognitive testing, and advanced neuroimaging techniques. Her work investigates neurocognitive functioning in EOS patients and their first-degree relatives, brain oscillations and structural/functional abnormalities using magnetoencephalography (MEG), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and positron emission tomography (PET), and the effectiveness of mindfulness interventions on wellbeing in typical children. Her research bridges neuroscience, genetics, and clinical psychiatry to uncover the complex mechanisms underlying psychotic disorders. Analysis of Dr. Vyas's publications reveals a consistent trajectory from basic neuroimaging and genetic studies of schizophrenia toward more integrated approaches examining the interplay between multiple biological systems and clinical manifestations. Her work spans psychiatry, neuroscience, genetics, and psychology with increasing emphasis on translational research that connects basic findings to clinical applications. 2017: Women of the Year Award, British Asian Achievers Award 2017: Team Excellence Award, Succeed Canvas project, Rose Awards 2017: "Highly Commended" STEM Leader, Forward Ladies National Awards 2017: 'Inspirational Role Model of the Year' (Finalist), European Diversity Awards 2017: 'Women of the Future Awards – Science' (Finalist) 2017: Marquis Who's Who Lifetime Award 2017: Young Investigator Award, 13th World Congress of Biological Psychiatry 2016: Outstanding Women in Science, Technology & Mathematics (STEM), Precious Award 2016: Winston Churchill Travelling Fellowship 2011: Lindemann Trust Fellowship, English-Speaking Union Dr. Vyas has secured significant research funding from diverse sources including Fulbright, Winston Churchill Memorial Trust, UKRI, and institutional grants. Her leadership roles include Faculty Champion for Canvas implementation (2016-2018), KAPS Panel Assessor (2018-present), and Course Director for the Foundation Year in Social Sciences (2018-2022). She currently co-leads the MSc conversion (online) degree program and teaches across undergraduate and postgraduate courses including Psychology MSc, Clinical Applications of Psychology MSc, and various BSc Psychology programs. Dr. Vyas is actively engaged in public mental health initiatives as a series guest speaker on mental health with Resourceful Women's Network, Riverside Radio, Healing our Earth online platform, and Dharma Mandir. She organizes public engagement talks supporting mental health initiatives and contributes to KU Blogs on mental wellbeing topics. Her Instagram account @mentalhealth_connect serves as a platform for public education on mental health issues.
Jorge V. Rocha is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics at ISCTE-Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, affiliated with the Center for Astrophysics and Gravitation (IST). He holds a PhD in Physics from the University of California, Santa Barbara (2008) under Prof. Joseph Polchinski, and a degree in Technological Physics Engineering from Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), University of Lisbon (2002). His research focuses on gravitation, high-energy physics, and mathematical physics, particularly black holes and general relativity. Education: PhD in Physics (UCSB, 2008); BSc in Technological Physics Engineering (IST, 2002). Research interests include gravitational collapse, cosmic censorship, black hole thermodynamics, and modified gravity theories. Recent work explores tidal Love numbers in AdS spacetimes, black hole mergers in higher-derivative gravity, and wormhole-black hole interactions. He has published over 40 articles in top journals and delivered 50+ invited talks globally. Awards: Marie Sklodowska-Curie fellowship and 4 other scientific honors. Organized 6 international events, including the XV Meeting on Black Holes. Active in outreach and serves on academic committees at ISCTE. Advising: Supervised 1 master's thesis and co-supervised a PhD student. Member of evaluation committees for 6 graduate students. Serves on ISCTE's Pedagogical Commission (2021-2025). Labs/Teams: Instrumentation and Measurements Group (ISTA) and Institute of Telecommunications (IUL). Engaged in collaborative projects on holography and gravitational wave phenomenology.
Rasel Ernst Maria is a Chair Professor for Experimental Physics at Leibniz University Hannover, Germany, since 2008. His research spans quantum physics, atomic physics, and fundamental physics, focusing on quantum sensors, interferometry, and Bose-Einstein condensation. He has pioneered advancements in microgravity experiments and precision measurement techniques. 2008–present: Chair Professor, Leibniz University Hannover 1999–2008: Head of Quantum Sensor Division, Leibniz University Hannover 1996–1999: Postdoctoral Fellow, École Normale Supérieure, Paris His research involves quantum sensors, matter wave interferometry, and space-based experiments like STE-QUEST and BECCAL. Publications include 100+ peer-reviewed papers, with notable works in Nature , Science , and Physical Review Letters . 2018: Willis E. Lamb Award for Laser Physics and Quantum Optics 2008: Professor of the Excellence Cluster QUEST 1996–1998: Fellowships from DFG and European Union Prof. Rasel has mentored 29 PhD students and 21 postdocs. He coordinates European/national projects and contributes to quantum technology roadmaps via the Leopoldina and FPRAT.
Niayesh Afshordi is a Professor and Undergraduate Advisor in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Waterloo. His research focuses on fundamental questions in cosmology and quantum gravity, particularly the nature of black holes, gravitational waves, and the origins of the universe. He explores topics like black hole echoes, holographic principles, and cyclic models of the cosmos through interdisciplinary approaches combining theoretical physics with observations. His work often bridges high-energy physics, astrophysical phenomena, and philosophical implications of scientific discoveries. His research interests span quantum gravity effects on black hole horizons, observational tests of cosmological models, and theoretical frameworks such as braneworld scenarios and loop quantum cosmology. He also engages in exploring the intersection of science and cultural narratives, including the ‘Science of Religion’ and ‘Religion of Science’ themes. His contributions to gravitational wave astronomy include pioneering studies on detecting echoes using LIGO and LISA data. Advising and Grants: As an undergraduate advisor, Afshordi guides students in physics and astronomy. No specific grants or advisees are explicitly listed in the provided texts. His research is supported by affiliations with institutions like the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, inferred from his webpage and publications. Labs/Teams: Afshordi collaborates with the Astrophysics & Gravitation group and broader research networks at the University of Waterloo and Perimeter Institute. His work involves cross-disciplinary teams focusing on numerical relativity, quantum field theory in curved spacetime, and observational cosmology.
Antonino Di Piazza is a Professor of Physics at the University of Rochester and a Distinguished Scientist at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) . He also serves as a Guest in the Theory Division of the Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics . His career spans theoretical investigations in Quantum Electrodynamics (QED) under extreme electromagnetic fields, with a focus on radiation reaction , quantum vacuum properties , and nonlinear Compton/Breit-Wheeler processes . Education : Laurea in Theoretical Physics (University of Palermo, 2000), PhD in Theoretical Physics (University of Trieste, 2004), German & Italian Habilitation (2011, 2014) Research : His work explores strong-field QED , vacuum birefringence , laser-driven particle production , and non-equilibrium quantum field theory in plasmas. He has pioneered studies on radiation reaction and flying-focus laser pulses as tools for testing QED in extreme conditions. Publications : His 15 most recent papers (2023-2025) analyze twisted photon emission , vacuum nonlinearities , entangled X-ray generation , and exact solutions for flying-focus fields . These works span Quantum Physics , Plasma Dynamics , and Gravitational Effects in QED . Awards : No specific scientific prizes documented in the provided text. Lectures : He teaches graduate courses like Quantum Mechanics II and Advanced Topics in QED at Rochester. Previously, he coordinated tutorials at Heidelberg and delivered over 30 invited talks globally on strong-field physics. His affiliations include the CRC 1225 (ISOQUANT) collaboration and leadership in projects like the NSF OPAL design for multipetawatt laser facilities. He has declined invitations to Russia post-2022 due to geopolitical conflicts.
Dr. Karelle Siellez is a Lecturer in Physics at the University of Tasmania's School of Natural Sciences. Her research focuses on gravitational-wave physics, high-energy astrophysics, and time-domain astronomy, particularly in studying explosive cosmic events like gamma-ray bursts and neutron star mergers through multi-messenger approaches. She is a key member of the LIGO/Virgo/KAGRA collaboration and Associate Investigator at OzGrav. Academic Rank: Lecturer University: University of Tasmania School: School of Natural Sciences Department: Department of Physics Email: Karelle.Siellez@utas.edu.au Dr. Siellez's research encompasses: Gravitational-wave physics High-energy astrophysics Multi-messenger astrophysics Time-domain astronomy Gamma-ray bursts Kilonovae Neutron star mergers Cosmology Dark sky preservation Her academic contributions include: Over 130 refereed publications 2017 Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics Leadership in citizen science platform development Collaboration with Tahitian institutions on French Polynesian telescope installation Advocacy for dark sky preservation in Tasmania Development of real-time pipelines for southern-hemisphere observatories Teaching & Supervision: Lecturer in first- to third-year physics Focus on multi-messenger astrophysics and time-domain astronomy Coordinator of "Electromagnetism and Thermodynamics" unit Honours and Doctoral supervision in gamma-ray bursts and neutron star mergers Pioneer in Aboriginisation of physics curriculum Planned 2026 course on General Relativity's astrophysical impact
Dr Neal Smith is a Reader in Biomechanics at the University of Chichester, teaching undergraduate and postgraduate modules including Sports Injury and Prevention, Biomechanical Techniques, and MSc Ergonomics in Sport and Exercise while providing sports science support to elite divers and cricket bowlers. His academic credentials include: BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science, Liverpool John Moores University (1993) MSc Ergonomics, Loughborough University (1994) PhD Sport Biomechanics, University of Southampton (1999) Smith's research centers on sports biomechanics with pioneering work in non-linear motion analysis for soccer and racket sports, kicking biomechanics across multiple sports, and ergonomic footwear design . His methodology integrates ground reaction force measurement, kinematic analysis, and practical sports applications to enhance athletic performance and prevent injuries. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals dominant research themes in soccer biomechanics (particularly instep kicking dynamics across approach angles and velocities), ACL injury risk assessment through advanced signal processing, and expanding investigations into women's rugby breast health and concussion biomarkers in youth football. His work consistently bridges laboratory findings with real-world athletic contexts. Smith currently supervises 2 PhD candidates and serves as external examiner for BSc/MSc programs at Teesside and Portsmouth Universities. His collaborative research spans orthopaedics, sports medicine, and performance science teams across multiple institutions. His research operations involve interdisciplinary collaboration with sports scientists, orthopaedic specialists, and performance coaches, focusing on translating biomechanical insights into practical training modifications and injury prevention protocols across soccer, cricket, rugby, and cycling disciplines.
Catalina Gabriela MIHALCEA serves as an Assistant Researcher at the Laboratory of Atomic Structures and Defects in Advanced Materials (LASDAM) within the National Institute of Materials Physics. Her work focuses on advanced nanomaterials for gas sensing and photocatalytic applications, with particular expertise in metal oxide semiconductors including TiO 2 , SnO 2 , NiO, and WO 3 . Her research interests span gas sensing mechanisms (particularly for CO 2 , methane, acetone, and hydrogen), defect engineering in nanomaterials , and photocatalytic performance optimization . Key methodologies include hydrothermal synthesis, co-precipitation, and advanced characterization techniques such as EPR spectroscopy, TEM, and XRD. She investigates how morpho-structural properties, synthesis parameters, and environmental conditions (humidity, temperature) affect material performance. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on in-field condition testing using computer-controlled Gas Mixing Systems, with significant contributions to understanding charge carrier trapping in phase-transforming TiO 2 , electrode geometry effects in SnO 2 sensors, and humidity-resistant sensing platforms. Her work demonstrates consistent innovation in sensor design and fundamental material behavior under operational conditions. She actively collaborates with researchers across multiple institutions, evidenced by co-authorship on publications spanning materials synthesis, characterization, and application testing. Her technical contributions include developing synthesis protocols for black TiO 2 with enhanced visible-light photocatalysis and optimizing WO 3 sensors for low-concentration acetone detection in high-humidity environments.
Dr. Athula Rajapakse is a Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the Price Faculty of Engineering, University of Manitoba, Canada. He leads the Intelligent Power Grid Laboratory and holds Fellow status with Engineers Canada, alongside senior membership in IEEE. His research addresses critical challenges in modern power systems, particularly renewable energy integration and grid resilience. His academic foundation includes: B.Sc. (Eng) First Class Honours in Electrical Engineering from the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka (1990) M.Eng. in Energy Technology from the Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok, Thailand (1993) Ph.D. in Quantum Engineering and Systems Science from the University of Tokyo, Japan (1998) Dr. Rajapakse's research centers on power system protection in evolving grid environments, with specialized expertise in transient-based protection schemes , HVDC grid security , and machine learning applications for fault detection. His work bridges theoretical innovation and industry implementation through synchrophasor technology and wide-area monitoring systems, addressing vulnerabilities introduced by inverter-based renewable resources. Analysis of his 2023-2025 publications reveals three dominant thrusts: (1) Machine learning-driven voltage stability prediction using real-time monitoring, (2) Novel protection architectures for HVDC grids and microgrids requiring sub-cycle fault clearance, and (3) Standardized electro-thermal designs for scalable DC circuit breakers in medium-voltage networks. These reflect the industry's urgent need for adaptive protection in grids with high renewable penetration. His recognition includes: Fellow of Engineers, Canada Dr. Rajapakse serves as Associate Editor for the International Journal of Electric Power and Energy Systems (Elsevier) and Technology and Economics of Smart Grids and Sustainable Energy (Springer), while convening the Cigre/IEEE Joint Working Group C4/C2.62 on synchrophasor applications. Though not accepting new graduate students currently, his editorial leadership and working group contributions significantly shape power systems protection standards. His research has secured industry partnerships focused on real-world grid modernization. The Intelligent Power Grid Laboratory under his direction develops hardware-in-the-loop validation platforms for protection schemes, collaborating with Manitoba Hydro and international grid operators to test solutions for renewable-rich systems and remote microgrids.
Dr. Andrew Wade is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Centre for Gravitational Astrophysics, The Australian National University (ANU). His research focuses on gravitational wave detection, quantum optics, precision metrology, and weak light interferometry. He has contributed to projects like the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA), developing critical technologies such as arm- and cavity-locking systems for gravitational wave detectors. His work emphasizes improving interferometric sensitivity through innovations like subfemtowatt laser phase tracking and thermal noise mitigation in mirror coatings. Wade has collaborated across international detector networks including LIGO, Virgo, and KAGRA, publishing over 178 peer-reviewed articles. His research spans topics from binary black hole mergers (e.g., GW150914, GW170817) to cosmic string constraints and Hubble constant measurements using gravitational wave standard sirens. Notably, his team's work on LISA's locking systems addresses challenges for future space-based gravitational wave observatories. His technical expertise includes cavity frequency stabilization for geodesy applications and optimizing laser interferometers for low-noise operation. While no specific student names are listed, he is registered to supervise research students at ANU. His publications highlight interdisciplinary strengths in both experimental and theoretical gravitational wave physics, with implications for multi-messenger astronomy and fundamental physics tests.
Gonzalo Olmo Alba is an Associate Professor in the Department of Theoretical Physics at the Faculty of Physics, Universitat de València, and a researcher at the Institute of Corpuscular Physics (IFIC), a joint center of CSIC and the university. He leads the QBHSC (Quantum Black Holes, Supergravity and Cosmology) research group and is actively involved in international collaborations such as the COST Actions CosmoVerse (CA21136) and formerly CANTATA (CA15117). His educational background includes a PhD from the Universitat de València in 2005, supervised by Dr. José Navarro-Salas, with a thesis on quantum corrections in black holes and cosmology. Olmo Alba's research focuses on theoretical physics, particularly quantum gravity, black hole physics, cosmology, and alternative theories of gravity. He developed a novel formalism using correlation functions to study quantum radiation in curved spacetimes, applicable to black holes, cosmology, and wormholes. His work addresses the trans-Planckian problem, singularity avoidance, quasinormal modes, and shadows of compact objects. He has authored numerous influential papers, including highly cited reviews in Physics Reports , Universe , and International Journal of Modern Physics D . His recent publications highlight a strong trend in modified gravity, quantum effects in astrophysical systems, and mathematical methods in gravitational theories. The work spans foundational aspects of general relativity to observational implications in cosmology and black hole imaging. Scientific Awards and Honors: Outstanding Referee, American Physical Society (2014) Special Visiting Researcher, Brazilian Government (2014) Project of Excellence for Young Researchers, Generalitat Valenciana (2017) He has supervised 15 final degree projects, 19 MSc theses, 4 PhD students, and 5 postdoctoral researchers. He has been Principal Investigator of multiple national and international projects, including a PROMETEO project (GVA), three coordinated national projects, the Topical Network of Relativity and Gravitation, and four CSIC international projects (i-LINK and i-COOP). He serves as Associate Editor for General Relativity and Gravitation and Universe . Olmo Alba is a key member of the QBHSC research group at IFIC and plays a leadership role in the COST Action CosmoVerse. As Science Communication Manager of CANTATA, he produced two documentaries: G-Ambassadors and Challenging Einstein’s Legacy . He is also Vice-president of the Spanish Society of Gravitation and Relativity.
