Professor Charles G. Smith is a prominent academic in quantum physics and nanotechnology at the University of Cambridge's Cavendish Laboratory, affiliated with the Ray Dolby Centre for Quantum Information and Control. His research focuses on semiconductor nano-devices, quantum transport, and hybrid superconductor-semiconductor systems. He pioneered work on GaAs quantum dots, single-electron charge measurement techniques, and cryogenic scanning probe methods. Smith has developed novel low-temperature measurement tools and contributed to carbon-based nanoelectronics and graphene research. He leads major grants, including EPSRC projects on quantum integrated circuits and many-body localization. He founded Cavendish-Kinetics and Cambridge Lab on Chip, leveraging his nano-mechanical and microfluidic innovations. His work bridges fundamental physics with scalable quantum technologies. Education & Research Expertise: PhD in Physics (Implied by career trajectory) Extensive post-1985 contributions to nano-device physics Research Highlights: Quantum dot arrays and cryogenic multiplexing for high-throughput analysis Hybrid superconductor-semiconductor devices for quantum applications Graphene-based electronics and magnetoresistance phenomena Scalable quantum integrated circuits and error mitigation strategies Grant Leadership & Industry Impact: EPSRC Grant EP/S019324/1: Scaling quantum devices Program Grant EP/R029075/1: Non-Ergodic Quantum Manipulation Two spin-out companies commercializing nano-technology Labs & Facilities: Active in Cavendish Laboratory’s cutting-edge nanofabrication and cryogenics facilities, supporting large-scale quantum device integration.
Bernadette Byrne is a Professor and Associate Dean (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) at the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Imperial College London, within the Department of Life Sciences. She leads research on membrane protein structure and function, focusing on transporters, receptors, and advanced vibrational spectroscopy techniques for antibody behavior analysis in collaboration with Prof. Sergei Kazarian. Her work is funded by BBSRC, EPSRC, MRC, and EU programs. Affiliations include the Agri Futures Lab, Bacterial Pathogenesis Group, Centre for Structural Biology, and Industrial Biotechnology Hub. She has served as an external examiner at the University of Cambridge and University of Edinburgh, and chairs the BBSRC Committee D. Research interests span membrane biology, biochemistry, structural biology, and biophysics. Recent studies emphasize detergent engineering for protein stabilization and industrial bioprocessing challenges. Her publications highlight innovations in membrane mimetic systems, GPCR signaling, and protein aggregation analysis. She actively contributes to interdisciplinary initiatives such as the Chemical Biology CDT and the Membrane Receptor Network.
Andrew M. Ibrahim, MD, MSc, is an Associate Professor of Architecture and Surgery at the University of Michigan, holding dual appointments in the Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning and the Department of Surgery. He serves as Chief Medical Officer at HOK, a global design firm, and as an editorial board member for the Annals of Surgery and JAMA Network. His work bridges healthcare, policy, and architectural design, focusing on 'Health in All Design' principles applied across aviation, sports, and civic sectors. He completed medical training at Case Western Reserve University with additional policy fellowships at Princeton and Johns Hopkins. His research examines healthcare system impacts, surgical outcomes, and architectural design's clinical effects. Education: Case Western Reserve University (MD, Honors), University College London (architecture coursework), University of Michigan (MSc via Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholars Program) Policy Training: Crile Fellow (Princeton), Doris Duke Fellow (Johns Hopkins) Research interests emphasize healthcare policy evaluation, surgical quality improvement, and the interplay between hospital design and clinical outcomes. Over 50 peer-reviewed articles address topics like private equity hospital acquisitions, rural healthcare access, and trauma center utilization. His work has been highlighted in Fast Company and U-M news features. Notable projects include a >$2 billion academic health center master plan as an HOK Innovation Principal. Advocacy focuses on equitable design principles and reducing geographic barriers to care. Current initiatives explore price transparency in healthcare and the impact of social vulnerability on surgical outcomes.
Professor Michael Bell is the Foundation Professor of Ports and Maritime Logistics at the University of Sydney Business School's Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies. He holds a BA from Cambridge University, MSc and PhD from Leeds University, and has held roles including Director of Imperial College London's PORTeC and academic positions at Newcastle University and Karlsruhe Technical University. His research focuses on ports, transport networks, sustainability, and intelligent transport systems. He has authored over 150 publications, including seminal works like Transportation Network Analysis . Current projects include circular economy diversification for ports and autonomous delivery systems. Awards include fellowship in multiple transport societies. Education: BA (Economics) Cambridge (1975), MSc (Transportation) Leeds (1976), PhD (Freight Distribution) Leeds (1981). Postdoctoral research at Karlsruhe Technical University (1982–1984). Research Interests: Ports logistics, transport network resilience, urban logistics, cybersecurity in supply chains, and sustainable transport policy. Publications span 40+ years, emphasizing empirical and theoretical advancements in maritime systems, network modelling, and policy analysis. Recent work explores autonomous systems integration and port diversification strategies. Grants include a 2023 iMOVE CRC project on land use trip surveys and a 2022 ARC Discovery Project on automated transport decisions. Media appearances address global trade disruptions (e.g., Suez Canal blockage), autonomous vehicles, and port sustainability. Led PORTeC (Imperial College) and co-founded the Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies at Sydney. Active in policy advisory roles for government agencies and industry bodies.
Corentin Cohen is a Junior Research Fellow in Politics at St Peter's College, University of Oxford, and a Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellow in the Department of Politics and International Relations (DPIR). He lectures at DPIR and the African Studies Centre. His research focuses on transnational governance, global value chains, and the political economy of capitalism, with regional expertise in West/Central Africa and Brazil. Corentin holds a PhD in Political Science and International Relations from Sciences Po Paris. His doctoral research combined fieldwork in Nigeria and Brazil to analyze political sociology of conflicts, including brotherhoods and militant groups. He has held visiting fellowships at the University of Cambridge, University of Ibadan, and CEBRAP in São Paulo. His current book project, Engineers of Value , examines management consultants and accountants' roles in shaping global capitalism. Research interests include transnational elites, global financial systems, and the interplay between formal state structures and self-regulated governance networks. Corentin has authored/co-authored studies on topics ranging from second-hand car trade in Ghana to the 'Nigerian mafia' narrative's global circulation. He is a signatory to an open letter advocating transparency in UK university funding, published in collaboration with openDemocracy.
Naratip Santitissadeekorn is a Senior Lecturer in Data Assimilation at the School of Mathematics and Physics, University of Surrey, where he is affiliated with the Mathematics at the Interface Group. His work bridges mathematics, data science, and real-world applications in urban planning, crime analysis, and geophysical fluid dynamics. Dr. Santitissadeekorn received his PhD from Clarkson University in 2008, with a dissertation titled "Transport Analysis and Motion Estimation of Dynamical Systems of Time-Series data." His doctoral research was supervised by Professor Erik Bollt. Following his PhD, he completed two significant postdoctoral positions: from 2008-2011 at the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia, working with Professor Gary Froyland on numerical techniques for finite-time Lagrangian coherent set identification, with applications to delimiting the polar vortex and Agulhas rings; and from 2011-2014 at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, working with Professor Chris Jones on data assimilation projects. Dr. Santitissadeekorn's research focuses on inverse problems and data assimilation in geophysical fluid dynamics, the applications of Lagrangian Coherent Structures (LCS), and computational ergodic theory. His work combines theoretical mathematics with practical applications, particularly in urban growth modeling and crime analysis. He has developed innovative methods for identifying coherent structures in fluid flows, estimating transition probabilities from spatiotemporal data, and creating data-driven frameworks for urban expansion scenarios. His research demonstrates how mathematical techniques can be applied to solve real-world problems in environmental science, urban planning, and public safety. An analysis of Dr. Santitissadeekorn's recent publications (2020-2023) reveals a strong focus on urban expansion modeling and network analysis. His work on urban growth has evolved from basic cellular automata models to sophisticated frameworks that manage uncertainty through parameter clustering and growth mode identification. His research on Hawkes processes has advanced ensemble-based filtering techniques for analyzing count data in large networks. These publications demonstrate a consistent pattern of applying mathematical rigor to complex spatiotemporal phenomena, with increasing emphasis on data-driven approaches and practical applications. Dr. Santitissadeekorn has made significant contributions to data assimilation methods, particularly through the development of the extended Poisson-Kalman filter (ExPKF) for urban crime modeling. His teaching includes courses in Algebra and Bayesian Statistics, reflecting his expertise in both theoretical and applied mathematics. While specific awards are not mentioned in the available information, his extensive publication record in high-impact journals demonstrates recognition within his field. Dr. Santitissadeekorn's research has practical implications for urban planning and law enforcement. His work on urban expansion models helps planners understand different growth trajectories, while his crime modeling research contributes to improved police patrolling strategies. His interdisciplinary approach, combining mathematics, computer science, and domain-specific knowledge, positions him at the forefront of applying data science to societal challenges.
Alanna Coombes is a Teaching Assistant Professor at the Department of City and Regional Planning , University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her work bridges urban planning with communication strategies, emphasizing how planning intersects with public discourse and policy. She teaches courses such as PLAN 256: Planning the City and PLAN 257: Tools for Urbanists , both fulfilling Communication Beyond Carolina requirements. Her research focuses on urban policy dynamics, including downtown development, transportation innovation (e.g., autonomous vehicles), and the interplay between planning, politics, and public affairs in urban contexts. With experience in UK and US city governments, she explores how public policy shapes economic development and urban futures. No specific grants or awards are listed, but her affiliations remain within the department.
Prof. Ajay Bailey is a Professor of Human Geography and Spatial Planning at Utrecht University's Faculty of Geosciences, serving as Head of the Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning. His research focuses on planetary health, ageing, and inclusive urban development in the Global South. Specializing in anthropology and demography, he examines challenges faced by rapidly urbanizing communities in India, Bangladesh, Curaçao, and the Netherlands. His work emphasizes integrating human-centered approaches to health systems, urban infrastructure, and social equity. Bailey leads international research teams and has driven initiatives like the MIGFOODCITY project addressing migration and urban planning. He actively organizes academic conferences, such as the 2023 panel on 'Mundane Geographies of Food'. His teaching and mentorship aim to build capacity for young researchers in qualitative methods and transnational studies. Research interests include (planetary) health equity, intergenerational relations, and infrastructure accessibility for marginalized groups. His recent publications highlight barriers to urban mobility for older adults, safety in public transport for women, and long-term impacts of diseases like chikungunya. Bailey’s work bridges demographic analyses with environmental challenges, advocating for resilient, inclusive cities.
Vikrant Vaze is the Stata Family Career Development Associate Professor and Executive Director of the Master of Engineering Management Program at Dartmouth's Thayer School of Engineering. He leads research in transportation systems, aviation optimization, and healthcare analytics, developing data-driven solutions for complex logistics challenges. His work integrates game theory, statistical modeling, and large-scale optimization. Research spans sustainable urban mobility, airline disruption recovery, multimodal pricing alliances, and healthcare operations. Articles consistently focus on optimization algorithms for real-world transportation and healthcare systems, with recent emphasis on electric aerial mobility and pandemic-responsive logistics. Major Awards: INFORMS Aviation Applications Best Paper (2024, 2023) AGIFORS Best Innovation Award (2024) NSF CAREER Award (2018) President of India Gold Medal As founding co-director of the Operations Research Group, he collaborates with industry partners like Multivariate Systems to translate academic research into deployable solutions.
Davide Donadio is a Professor of Chemistry at the University of California, Davis. His research focuses on molecular modeling and simulations of materials, particularly in non-equilibrium processes, thermal transport, and nanostructure assembly. He leads the Naotheory Group, which develops predictive multiscale models for energy-related materials. Education : Habilitation in Materials Science, Italian Ministry for University and Research (2013) Ph.D. in Materials Science, University of Milano (2003) M.S. in Physics, University of Milano (1998) Research Interests : His work spans molecular-level understanding of energy conversion, thermal management, and nanostructure formation. Key areas include phononics, thermoelectrics, and interfacial phenomena in materials like ice surfaces, semiconductors, and clathrates. He employs machine learning and first-principles methods to bridge simulation and experiment. Awards : UC Davis Hellman Fellow (2017–2018) Young Scientist Award, Italian Institute for the Physics of Matter (1998) Grants & Labs : His funding and collaborations drive advancements in nanostructured materials and computational tools like PLUMED tutorials. The Naotheory Group actively publishes in high-impact journals and collaborates internationally on thermal transport and materials design.
Daniel Beat Müller serves as Professor at the Industrial Ecology Programme within the Department of Energy and Process Engineering at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim. His office is located at Realfagbygget Gløshaugen (E4-120) with contact details daniel.mueller@ntnu.no and +4791897755. His research centers on analyzing human needs in relation to material/energy flows and environmental impacts, with two primary focus areas: (i) urban evolution and associated material flows for managing building/infrastructure stocks, and (ii) national/global metal cycles to identify supply constraint reduction strategies. His methodology integrates design, modeling, and decision-making through transdisciplinary stakeholder engagement. Müller teaches Material Flow Analysis and Systems Analysis of the Built Environment for Industrial Ecology and Civil Engineering Master's students. His research outputs demonstrate strong trends in circular cities, critical mineral management, and urban metabolism, with recent publications emphasizing building information modeling, electric vehicle battery systems, and phosphorus cycling. His work consistently addresses resource criticality within energy transition contexts. As (ad interim) chair of the International Society of Industrial Ecology’s MFA-ConAccount section, he contributes to methodological standardization. He previously served on the U.S. National Research Council’s Committee on Defense Stockpiles and remains active in Switzerland's National Research Programme 65 "New Urban Quality". Müller supervises numerous Master's and doctoral students, with thesis topics spanning lithium-ion battery recycling, building stock dynamics, and urban resource flows. His projects frequently involve industry collaboration for practical implementation of material stewardship strategies.
René Bohnsack is a Full Professor of Strategy and Innovation at the Universidade Católica Portuguesa (UCP), Lisbon. He serves as Academic Director of the Lisbon MBA and Director of the Digital+Sustainable Innovation Lab (DSI-Lab), leading European R&D projects in energy, eHealth, and deep tech. His research focuses on digital transformation, sustainable innovation, and AI-driven business models, with over 30 peer-reviewed publications in journals like Research Policy and Journal of Management Studies . Recognized as a Top 2% Global Scientist (2023), he advises companies on AI adoption, digital ecosystems, and business model innovation. Education: PhD in Strategy and Innovation (not explicitly stated, inferred from academic role). Research Interests: Digital transformation dynamics, generative AI applications, sustainable business models, and entrepreneurial ecosystems. Key Venture Experience: Co-founder of fitbase.de (sold to PE 2020), scoocs.co, and co-mind.ai. His work emphasizes balancing speed and intentionality in AI adoption, advocating for strategic acceleration across three horizons: tactical implementation, workforce evolution, and systemic business model innovation. He frequently speaks at global conferences and is a TEDx speaker. Awards: Gold Award for Smart Business Modeler, Stanford University ranking recognition. Labs/Teams: DSI-Lab collaborates with over 40 European companies, focusing on AI-driven business modeling and sustainable tech. Bohnsack’s recent articles explore AI’s role in strategy, NFT business models, and the ‘Death of the Founder Team Trinity’ framework for AI-native startups.
Evelyn Ng is a Lecturer at the Business School of The University of Sydney , where she teaches courses such as INFS1000 Digital Business Innovation and INFS6004 Digital Business Transformation . She holds a PhD and a Master of Management from the University of Sydney, along with a Bachelor of Commerce , and is a CPA affiliate. Research Interests : Evelyn’s work focuses on Fintech , Digital platforms and ecosystems , Chinese IT management , Qualitative IS research , and IT-enabled social innovation , with recent studies exploring social media’s role in digital guanxi development, ethical challenges in real-time volunteer apps, and competitive strategies for Fintech platforms. Key Themes : Her publications since 2017 highlight trends in platform ecosystems , sharing economy dynamics , digital transformation , and social justice in technology . Recent Work (2024): Investigated the virality of IoT platforms , integrated superapp development , and BNPL platforms ’ impact on consumer behavior. Scientific Awards : Recognized for excellence in teaching and tutoring through multiple Dean’s Citations and Feedback for Teaching (FFT) Student Survey Awards at the University of Sydney Business School (2015–2021). Grants and Supervision : Supervised honours student Andrew Andrew (2023), and currently advises PhD candidates Dongdi CHEN (Ambidexterity in Digital Platforms) and Essie HONG (Digital Transformation). She is involved in the 2023 Early Career Research Scheme grant on digital transformation strategies in China.
Kevin T. Vaughan is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Notre Dame, with a research focus on the cell biology of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. He is a member of the Harper Cancer Research Institute and conducts mechanistic studies on mitosis, organelle transport, and cholesterol trafficking. Research Interests: Cell Biology of human diseases Mitosis and cell cycle regulation Neurodegeneration, particularly Niemann-Pick Type C disease Cancer therapeutics and combinatorial drug treatments Cholesterol transport mechanisms Cytoplasmic dynein function in cellular dynamics His research employs mass spectrometry and animal models to investigate novel regulatory pathways in mitosis and to develop new therapies for pancreatic and breast cancer. The lab has discovered a new cholesterol transport pathway disrupted in NPC disease and is exploring potential corrective strategies. Recent Research Trends: Dr. Vaughan's recent publications emphasize the role of cytoplasmic dynein in mitotic processes, kinetochore dynamics, and organelle transport. His work bridges fundamental cell biology with translational applications in cancer and rare genetic disorders. Key themes include motor protein regulation, mitotic spindle assembly, and intracellular trafficking defects in disease. Scientific Affiliations: Member, Harper Cancer Research Institute Faculty, College of Science, University of Notre Dame Advising and Research Support: As a principal investigator, Dr. Vaughan leads a research laboratory focused on cellular mechanisms of disease. He collaborates on interdisciplinary projects related to cancer therapeutics and neurodegeneration. His lab receives institutional support through the University of Notre Dame and the Harper Cancer Research Institute, enabling studies in both basic and applied biomedical research. Laboratory and Team: The Vaughan Laboratory is based in the Galvin Life Science Center and conducts research on mitotic regulation and cholesterol transport. The team utilizes biochemical, cellular, and imaging approaches to study disease mechanisms and test novel therapeutic strategies in model systems.
Howard S. Neufeld is a Professor in the Department of Biology at Appalachian State University, with expertise in plant physiological ecology and air pollution impacts. His research focuses on ozone effects on native flora in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, water relations in plants, and invasive species ecology. Education Ph.D. from University of Georgia (1984) Neufeld's research examines plant responses to environmental stressors, particularly tropospheric ozone and water stress. His work on cutleaf coneflower, tall milkweed, and Galax urceolata has revealed critical insights into foliar injury mechanisms, antioxidant defenses, and seasonal adaptation strategies. He investigates how invasive species like Microstegium vimineum exploit light gaps and how hydraulic conductance affects plant drought tolerance. His publication record shows consistent focus on ozone impacts in southern Appalachian ecosystems, with recent work emphasizing seasonal variation in plant responses, stomatal behavior, and biochemical defense mechanisms. Key trends include the development of non-destructive monitoring techniques and spatial analysis of pollution effects across landscapes. Advising & Grants Directed 20 Master's theses on plant ecophysiology, invasive species, and pollution impacts Currently mentoring 7 graduate students on lichen nitrogen responses, heavy metal effects, and ozone physiology Funded by National Park Service, U.S. EPA, National Geographic Society, and Friends of the Smokies Collaborates with researchers from Auburn University, USDA, Oak Ridge, and international institutions Neufeld maintains active field research in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and operates laboratory facilities for gas exchange and plant stress analysis, with ongoing projects examining nitrogen deposition effects on lichens and nickel pollution impacts on pines.
