Matteo Cagnoni is a Researcher at the Department of Electronics and Telecommunications (DET) of Politecnico di Torino . His research focuses on Density Functional Theory , Quantum Chemistry , and Thermoelectric Materials for Solar Cells . He is actively involved in the European Union’s MIRACLE project , developing photonic meta-concrete for radiative cooling solutions. Research Interests: Development of cement-based radiative coolers for solar cell thermal management Computational discovery of intermediate-band solar cell materials Electronic properties of semiconductors and insulators Teaching: Electronic transport in crystalline and organic semiconductors Advanced experimental physics Scientific Contributions: Matteo has published extensively on radiative cooling, perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells, and thermoelectric materials. His work spans journals like Nature Communications , Advanced Functional Materials , and Progress in Photovoltaics , with a focus on simulation engineering , photonic devices , and energy-efficient materials . Labs & Collaborations: He works within the Microwave and Optoelectronics Group (MOG) at DET, collaborating with international institutions on EU-funded projects.
Mark Foster is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Johns Hopkins University, with a primary appointment in the Whiting School of Engineering. He is also a Fellow of the Hopkins Extreme Materials Institute. His research focuses on developing ultrahigh-speed optical systems at the intersection of photonics and electronics, emphasizing photonic devices and information theory to advance imaging, sensing, and communications technologies. Applications include quantum-optical systems, ultrawide-bandwidth microwave photonics, and terahertz-rate imaging systems. Dr. Foster received his BS (2003), MS (2007), and PhD (2008) in Applied and Engineering Physics from Cornell University. Before joining Johns Hopkins in 2010, he served as a postdoctoral associate there. His work has been funded by the NSF, IARPA, DTRA, and NIH, resulting in over 200 publications and eight patents. He has held leadership roles, including chairing the IEEE Photonics Society’s Baltimore chapter (2011–2014). Research Highlights: World-leading imaging systems achieving terahertz frame rates Quantum-optical platforms and nonlinear photonic materials (e.g., NbTiOx) Secure authentication via physically unclonable functions (PUFs) Applications in fusion energy diagnostics and medical imaging His awards include the NSF CAREER Award (201?), DARPA Young Faculty Award, and ONR Young Investigator Award. Current projects explore machine learning-resistant PUFs, multi-modal imaging systems, and photonics for extreme environments.
Cherie Kagan serves as the Stephen J. Angello Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, holding primary appointment in the Department of Electrical and Systems Engineering within the School of Engineering and Applied Science, with secondary appointments in Chemistry and Materials Science and Engineering. Her interdisciplinary research bridges chemistry, materials science, and electrical engineering to develop novel functional materials and devices that integrate optical, electrical, magnetic, mechanical, and thermal properties. Professor Kagan's research group combines the flexibility of chemical synthesis and bottom-up assembly with top-down fabrication techniques to design innovative nanomaterials. They employ advanced characterization methods including spatially- and temporally-resolved optical spectroscopies, AC/DC electrical measurements, electrochemistry, and various microscopy techniques. Her recent work demonstrates particular strength in colloidal nanocrystals and quantum dots for applications in quantum information science, sensing technologies, and energy conversion devices. Scientific Recognition Induction to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2025) IEEE Fellow (2024) for contributions to colloidal nanocrystals and their integration in optical and electronic devices George H. Heilmeier Faculty Award for Excellence in Engineering (2024-25) Humboldt Research Award Fellowship (2024) MRS Fellow for distinguished research accomplishments in materials science National Academy of Inventors Fellow for innovation in nanomaterials Professor Kagan actively mentors PhD students across multiple departments, with recent graduates including Gary Chen, Chavez Lawrence, and Shobhita Kramadhati. Her research is supported by significant grants including the IoT4Ag project focused on precision agriculture sensing systems. She maintains active collaborations with Nobel Laureate Moungi Bawendi, her former PhD advisor at MIT, and works with institutions including the Max-Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids through her Humboldt Fellowship. The Kagan Research Group operates comprehensive facilities for nanomaterials synthesis, characterization, and device fabrication, combining expertise across chemistry, physics, and engineering disciplines. Current team members include PhD students from Electrical and Systems Engineering and Chemistry departments, postdoctoral researchers like Anamika Singh and Akhila Mallavarapu, and undergraduate researchers supported through programs like CURF.
Dr. Jung-Fu Lin is a Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences at the Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas at Austin, holding the Dave P. Carlton Centennial Professorship. His research focuses on understanding planetary interiors through high-pressure experiments, particularly using diamond anvil cells and synchrotron facilities. Key areas include mineral physics, Earth's core dynamics, and the role of water in mantle processes. Expertise: High-pressure mineral physics, X-ray spectroscopy, and planetary materials science. Current projects: Investigating iron alloys in Earth's core, thermal conductivity of mantle minerals, and carbon storage mechanisms. Research highlights include discoveries on iron spin transitions, elasticity of bridgmanite, and Martian core dynamics. Awards include the NSF CAREER Award and Fulbright Scholarship. Lin supervises graduate students in experimental petrology and mentors postdocs globally. Teaches courses on Earth materials and mineral physics. Active in international collaborations, including with Okayama University (Japan) and Adam Mickiewicz University (Poland). His lab develops advanced laser heating systems and Raman spectroscopy tools for high-pressure studies.
Dr. Rajesh Bera is a Research Fellow at ICFO's Functional Optoelectronic Nanomaterials group specializing in quantum-confined nanostructures. His research examines ultrafast carrier dynamics, excitonic properties, and optoelectronic applications of nanomaterials including quantum dots, nanoplatelets, and hybrid nanostructures. Current investigations focus on intraband transitions in doped nanocrystals, orientation-dependent excitonic behavior in 2D materials, and charge transfer mechanisms in heterostructure devices. Work bridges fundamental photophysics with applications in photodetection, sensing, and energy conversion. Recent publications demonstrate expertise in time-resolved spectroscopy of quantum materials, nanomaterial synthesis via colloidal chemistry, and rational design of optoelectronic devices. Continually develops novel characterization methods to probe ultrafast processes at nanoscale interfaces.
Dr. Daniel Roxbury is an Associate Professor and Graduate Director at the Department of Chemical, Biomolecular and Materials Engineering within the University of Rhode Island's College of Engineering. With expertise in nanoscience and carbon nanomaterials, his research focuses on nano-bio interactions, developing functionalized nanotubes for biomedical applications and environmental monitoring through his NanoBio Engineering Laboratory. His work spans multiple disciplines including: Biomedical nanosensors Smart wearable biomaterials Targeted drug delivery systems Environmental nanotechnology Single-molecule imaging Nanotoxicology Recent publications emphasize machine learning-enhanced spectral analysis, coral reef conservation nanotechnology, and wearable stress monitoring textiles. His 2024 ACS Nano study introduces AI-driven macrophage phenotyping, while 2023 Nature Nanotechnology work explores coral reef restoration strategies using nanomaterials. Awarded the 2019 NSF CAREER grant for cellular nanometrology, he leads multiple NIH-funded projects including: $820,000 NSF CAREER: Spectral Imaging for Sub-Cellular Nanometrology $140,000 Miriam Hospital COBRE: Cortisol Detection Textiles $700,000 NSF EAGER: Multiplexed Wound Biomarker Detection His laboratory houses state-of-the-art equipment including: Near Infrared Hyperspectral Microscope Custom NIR Fluorescence Spectrometer Jasco UV/VIS/NIR Spectrophotometer Biosafety Cabinet Cell Culture Incubator Cryo-Storage System
Maiken Mikkelsen is the James N. and Elizabeth H. Barton Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Duke University, promoted to Professor in 2025. She holds a secondary appointment as Associate Professor of Physics (2023–present) within Trinity College of Arts & Sciences. Her research bridges Nanophotonics , Quantum Materials , and Ultrafast Spectroscopy , focusing on plasmonic nanostructures and nonlinear metasurfaces for quantum optics and optoelectronic applications. Education: Ph.D. in Physics (University of California, Santa Barbara, 2009), B.S. in Physics (University of Copenhagen, 2004), postdoctoral work at University of California, Berkeley. Her work explores Plasmonics and Quantum Optics to engineer nanoscale light-matter interactions, enabling transformative technologies in Single-Photon Sources , Ultrafast Photodetectors , and Active Metasurfaces . Recent projects include real-time tunable lasing and polarization-controlled nanocavity systems. Her 2016–2025 publications highlight breakthroughs in plasmonic fluorescence enhancement, hot electron dynamics, and room-temperature quantum devices. Grants include Nano Solutions On-Chip (Triad National Security, LLC, 2025–2029) and Meta-Imaging (Air Force Office of Scientific Research, 2021–2026). Her lab, jointly based in Electrical & Computer Engineering and Physics, has graduated PhD students Eunso Shin and Hengming Li, and actively engages in STEM outreach initiatives.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ahmad Osman is a Professor at the Saarland University of Applied Sciences (htw saar), specializing in Test Technologies and Test Methods within the Faculty of Engineering. He also holds an Adjunct Professor position at Laval University in Quebec, Canada, in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. His research focuses on Artificial Intelligence applications in Signal and Image Processing for Non-destructive Testing (NDT) , with extensive work on Deep Learning , 3D Ultrasound Tomography , and Sensor Data Fusion in industrial contexts. Engineering Artificial Intelligence Signal Processing Image Processing Non-destructive Testing Quality Control Augmented Reality Osman leads the AutomaTiQ research group and serves as Head of the Algorithms/Signal and Data Processing Department at Fraunhofer IZFP . His recent publications (2017–2022) emphasize Deep Learning for defect detection in CFRP , Terahertz Imaging for artwork diagnostics, and Acoustic Sensors for agricultural quality control. He has organized international conferences on Structural Health Monitoring and contributed to Springer books on NDT technologies. His projects include ComforTex-AI (2024) and development of 3D positioners for ultrasound measurements. Collaborations span institutions in Germany, Canada, Italy, and Brazil, with advisory roles in the German Society for NDT and technical committees for conferences in Montreal and Egypt.
Bradley J. Siwick is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at McGill University, holding the Canada Research Chair in Ultrafast Science (Tier II). He specializes in developing ultrafast electron-based techniques to study atomic and molecular dynamics in materials and chemical systems. His work bridges chemical physics, materials science, and condensed matter physics, focusing on structural dynamics, phase transitions, and nonequilibrium states. Education: B.A.Sc. (Engineering Physics, University of Toronto, 1997), M.Sc. (Physics, 1998), Ph.D. (Physics, 2004). Postdoctoral training at FOM-AMOLF Amsterdam (2004–2006). Awards: NSERC Doctoral Prize (2005). Research interests include ultrafast electron diffraction/scattering, electron-phonon coupling, and imaging transient structural changes. Techniques developed in his lab combine electron microscopy with ultrafast laser spectroscopy to observe atomic motions on femtosecond timescales. Key areas of study are phase transitions in materials (e.g., VO₂, cuprates), nanocomposites, and extreme states of matter using facilities like the Advanced Laser Light Source (ALLS). Recent articles highlight advances in momentum-resolved phonon dynamics, polaron formation, and ultrafast imaging of 2D materials. His lab, based in Otto Maass and Rutherford buildings, collaborates on frontier projects in nonequilibrium materials science. Advising: Leads the Siwick Research Group, focusing on graduate students in chemical physics and materials science. Grants: Supported by NSERC and Canada Research Chairs funding. Labs and facilities: Otto Maass 25 laboratory and ALLS (Varennes, Quebec) for high-power laser experiments.
Professor Jia Chen is a Professor of Environmental Sensing and Modeling at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), holding positions in both the TUM School of Computation, Information and Technology (CIT) and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, as well as the Department of Civil, Geo and Environmental Engineering. She also maintains an affiliation as an Associate at Harvard University. Her pioneering work focuses on developing novel optical sensors and atmospheric models to monitor and quantify greenhouse gas emissions in urban environments. Professor Chen's most significant contribution is the development of the differential column measurement method and the establishment of MUCCnet, the world's first permanent urban column sensor network. This groundbreaking work enables continuous, city-wide monitoring of greenhouse gases. Her research team has made notable discoveries, including quantifying methane emissions from events like the Munich Oktoberfest and identifying previously underestimated urban emission sources. Her research spans atmospheric science, environmental engineering, and climate change mitigation, with particular emphasis on: Urban greenhouse gas monitoring systems Advanced atmospheric modeling techniques Sensor network development for environmental monitoring Integration of machine learning with emission quantification Urban air quality assessment methodologies Professor Chen has received numerous prestigious awards including: Timothy Oke Award (2024) for original research in urban climatology ERC Consolidator Grant (2022) Arnold Sommerfeld-Award (2021) Germany's "Top 40 under 40" recognition by Capital Magazine (2020) Membership in the Global Young Academy (2021) She leads an extensive research group with numerous PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, and her work is supported by major funding from ERC, EU Horizon 2020, United Nations Environment Programme, NASA, ESA, German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, and German Research Foundation. Professor Chen has authored over 180 publications and 12 patents, with an h-index of 35.
John Capobianco, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Concordia University and holds the Honorary Concordia University Research Chair in Nanoscience. His research focuses on lanthanide-doped nanoparticles, upconversion luminescence, and biomedical applications. PhD, University of Geneva Key research areas include: Nanomaterials synthesis and spectroscopy Upconversion for biomedical imaging Drug delivery systems Photodynamic therapy for cancer treatment Optical thermometry and sensing Recent publications highlight advancements in: X-ray detection via photochromic nanoparticles Lipid-coated nanoparticles for lung permeation Cooperative energy transfer in Yb3+/Eu3+ complexes Biocompatible nanomaterials for secure information storage Pr3+-doped radiosensitizers for glioblastoma therapy Scientific recognitions: Honorary Concordia University Research Chair in Nanoscience Teaching includes undergraduate and graduate courses in inorganic chemistry and spectroscopy. His work bridges fundamental material science with applied biomedical engineering, emphasizing optical properties and therapeutic applications of lanthanide-based nanomaterials.
Ye (Sarah) Sun is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Virginia (UVA), part of the School of Engineering and Applied Science. She joined UVA in 2021 after serving as an Associate Professor at Michigan Technological University. Her work focuses on wearable sensors, robotics, smart health systems, and cyber-physical systems. She leads the WEARLab research group. Education: Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University (2021), B.S. in Instrumentation Engineering from Tianjin University (not specified). Research interests include wearable electronics, health monitoring, and human-technology interaction. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates engineering innovations with healthcare applications. Notable projects involve self-powered triboelectric sensors and optical fiber-based health monitoring systems. Recent publications highlight advancements in photodiode technologies for high-frequency applications, including millimeter-wave generation and photonic integrated circuits. Awards include the NSF CAREER Award (2018) and NSF BRITE Award (2022). She has organized major conferences and holds editorial roles in health technology journals. Grants include NSF funding for cyber-physical systems and smart health initiatives. Her lab collaborates on projects involving wearable robotics and connected health solutions, with a focus on real-world applications in healthcare and IoT.
Maiken H. Mikkelsen is the James N. and Elizabeth H. Barton Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Duke University, with a joint appointment in the Department of Physics . Her research focuses on quantum nanophotonics , plasmonics , and light-matter interactions in nanoscale materials, aiming to advance optoelectronics, quantum science, and biomedical diagnostics. Education B.S. in Physics, University of Copenhagen (2004) Ph.D. in Physics, University of California, Santa Barbara (2009) Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of California, Berkeley Her work explores nanophotonic engineering for quantum optics , spintronics , and ultrafast optoelectronics , with recent studies on nonlinear metasurfaces and plasmonic enhancement of immunoassays for point-of-care diagnostics. Publications highlight 2D semiconductor emission control , ultrafast single-photon sources , and metasurface-based photodetectors . Scientific Awards Maria Goeppert Mayer Award (2017) NSF CAREER Award (2015) Moore Inventor Fellow (2021) ONR/Air Force/Army Young Investigator Awards (2015-2017) Cottrell Scholar (2016) Stansell Family Distinguished Research Award (2021) She advises graduate students in Duke’s Electrical & Computer Engineering and Physics programs and leads the Mikkelsen Lab , which emphasizes ultrafast spectroscopy and quantum material development . The lab has graduated PhD students like Eunso Shin and Hengming Li (2025).
Robert M. Weikle, II is a Professor in the Charles L. Brown Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Virginia, with a courtesy appointment in the Department of Physics. He earned his B.S. from Rice University (1986), M.S. (1987), and Ph.D. (1992) in Electrical Engineering from Caltech, followed by postdoctoral work at Chalmers University of Technology (1992). His research focuses on millimeter-wave and terahertz electronics , applied electromagnetics, integrated antennas, low-noise sensors, and heterogeneous integration of compound semiconductors. His work bridges electronics and photonics for spectrum access, with applications in astronomy, spectroscopy, and metrology. He has published extensively on micromachined silicon substrates, superconducting materials, and emerging technologies. Scientific Awards: IEEE Microwave Prize (1993) David A. Harrison III Award (1999) University of Virginia All-University Outstanding Teaching Award (2000) Edlich-Henderson Innovator of the Year (2016) Fulbright Scholar (2001) As Chief Technology Officer and co-founder of Dominion Microprobes, Inc., he commercializes micromachined wafer probes for high-frequency metrology. His lab, located in E220 Thornton Hall and the Jesse W. Beams Physics Building, has produced 15+ recent publications on submillimeter-wave devices, THz probes, and calibration techniques.
João F. Mano is a Full Professor at the Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, and Director of the Doctoral Program on Biotechnology. He leads the COMPASS Research Group and serves as Vice-Director at CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials. His academic appointments include Invited Professor at University of Lorraine (France), Visiting Professor at KAIST (South Korea), and Adjunct Professor at Ajou University (South Korea). Education: PhD in Chemistry (1996, Technical University of Lisbon); D.Sc. in Tissue Engineering, Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cells (2012, University of Minho) Research Interests focus on Biomaterials for Regenerative Medicine , integrating Nanotechnology , Microtechnology , and Biofabrication . His group develops Bioinspired Materials using polymer chemistry, Decellularized Extracellular Matrix , and 3D Bioprinting to engineer Cell Microenvironments for therapeutic applications. Recent Publications highlight advancements in Human-Derived Hydrogels , Photopolymerizable Scaffolds , Magneto-Responsive Biomaterials , and Programmable Bioinks . Trends show emphasis on Organ-on-a-Chip integration, Smart Living Materials , and Green Bioprinting methodologies. Scientific Awards include: European Research Council Advanced Grants (2015, 2020) Fellow at IUPAC, European Academy of Sciences, and American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering ERC Proof of Concept Grants Doctor Honoris Causa from University of Lorraine and Utrecht UNESCO Chair on Biomaterials George Winter Award (European Society for Biomaterials) Supervisions & Collaborations encompass 74+ MSc, 26+ PhD students, and 40+ postdocs. He co-founded METATISSUE and CELLULARIS Biomodels , and serves as Editor-in-Chief of Materials Today Bio .
