Leila Deravi is an Associate Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at Northeastern University's College of Science, affiliated with the Barnett Institute of Chemical and Biological Analysis and the Institute for Chemical Imaging of Living Systems. Her research focuses on biomaterials design, particularly protein-based systems inspired by biological mechanisms in cephalopods and extracellular matrices. She leads the Biomaterials Design Group, which explores applications ranging from tissue engineering to wearable electronics. Her work integrates bioanalytical chemistry, materials science, and design, with projects including cephalopod pigment studies for sunscreen development and bionic material fabrication using additive manufacturing. She has secured significant grants, including an NSF award and U.S. Army funding, and co-founded Seaspire Skincare, leveraging marine biotechnology. Key Research Themes: Bio-inspired materials, cephalopod pigmentation, biomedical textiles, and sustainable cosmetics Notable Collaborations: Cross-disciplinary projects with engineering, biology, and entrepreneurship Innovation: Development of UV-sensing devices and eco-friendly skincare products Deravi's educational contributions include innovative chemistry courses where students design cosmetics, bridging theory and practical application. Her lab's work frequently appears in media discussions on skincare trends and environmental chemistry advancements.
Dr. Amina Stoddart is a Professor at Dalhousie University specializing in water quality and treatment technologies. She leads the NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Water Quality and Treatment and co-leads the Nova Scotia Pilot Monitoring Program for Lead in Drinking Water. Her research focuses on UV LED disinfection systems, biofiltration for manganese control, and pandemic-related wastewater monitoring. She has received the NSERC Discovery Grant (2019) and AWWA ACE Conference Poster Competition awards. Key Projects: NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Water Quality and Treatment, Lead Monitoring Program. Awards: NSERC Discovery Grant, AWWA Poster Competition. Her work bridges environmental engineering and public health, addressing challenges like nanoplasic mitigation, viral detection in wastewater, and sustainable water treatment. She supervises multiple PhD and MASc students in these areas.
Yves Leterrier is a Senior Scientist and lecturer at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), where he has been a faculty member since 1993. He works in the Laboratory for Processing of Advanced Composites (LPAC) within the Institute of Materials at the School of Engineering. His academic career spans over three decades with significant contributions to sustainable materials science and polymer composite technologies. Senior Scientist, Laboratory for Processing of Advanced Composites (LPAC) Teaching roles in SMX and EDMX programs PhD program committee member for Materials Science and Engineering Author of over 300 technical articles including 145 peer-reviewed journal papers Leterrier's research focuses on sustainable materials and processes, particularly in polymer composites, multilayer and hybrid materials, photopolymerization and sol-gel processes, mechanics of thin films on polymers, and roll-to-roll process methods. His work bridges fundamental materials science with practical applications in flexible electronics, renewable energy, and sustainable packaging. He has pioneered techniques for creating bioinspired surfaces, diffusion-barrier coatings, and cost-effective manufacturing processes for advanced materials. His recent publications reveal a strong emphasis on water permeation monitoring in bioelectronic implants, fluorine-free superhydrophobic surfaces, and biobased composites using nanocellulose. His research shows a clear trajectory toward sustainable materials solutions with applications in medical devices, flexible electronics, and environmentally friendly packaging. The consistent theme across his work is the development of reliable, high-performance materials through innovative processing techniques and composite design. Leterrier actively contributes to the academic community through editorial roles, including serving on the editorial board of Applied Surface Science since 2012 and as Associate Editor for Frontiers in Materials since 2014. He coordinates EPFL's Minor on 'Engineering for Sustainability' and has been President of the EPFL Materials Science Library commission since 2000. His leadership extends to industry collaboration through multiple funded research projects. His current research portfolio includes significant projects such as BioPack (biobased packaging materials), FLEXCAN (flexible encapsulation of active implants), 3DP4PEACE (sustainable 3D printing), and DuPrintProtect (advanced manufacturing). Previously, he led projects including XinoCaps, UltraCeal, SUNLITE, and REFLEX, demonstrating consistent funding success across diverse materials science applications. He also serves on the board of the French Adhesion Society and has organized international symposia on materials and micro-technologies. Leterrier leads the Laboratory for Processing of Advanced Composites, where his team develops cutting-edge materials processing techniques. His work on photo-hyphenated methods, UV nanoimprint lithography, and electro-fragmentation analysis represents the laboratory's focus on innovative characterization and manufacturing approaches for advanced materials.
Prof. LFM (Leo) Marcelis is a Professor and Chairholder at the Department of Horticulture and Product Physiology, Wageningen University & Research. His research focuses on plant physiology in controlled environments, energy-efficient horticultural systems, and vertical farming technologies. He leads major projects such as SKY HIGH and 'LED it be 50%', aiming to revolutionize plant production through smart lighting and sustainable practices. Key research interests include optimizing crop growth under LED lighting, closed-system agriculture, and enhancing resource use efficiency. Marcelis coordinates courses on plant physiology, greenhouse horticulture, and vertical farming. He actively collaborates with industry partners, governments, and international institutions to bridge academic research with practical applications in global horticulture. He serves as Vice Chair of the Leibniz Institute’s Science Advisory Board and as Chief Editor of the Crop and Product Physiology section in Frontiers in Plant Science . His work emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating physiology, engineering, and data science to address food security and sustainable agriculture challenges. Marcelis advises numerous PhD students on projects related to plant-light interactions, crop modeling, and vertical farming scalability. His research has contributed to advancing energy-saving technologies and improving crop quality in both greenhouse and urban agricultural settings.
Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at the University of South Carolina's Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing. He joined the faculty in 2018 after eight years in industry as a Senior Scientist developing ultra-wide bandgap materials for UV-LEDs, and prior post-doctoral and research professor roles at USC. His expertise lies in the growth and characterization of wide bandgap semiconductors for advanced electronic and optoelectronic applications. Dr. Ahmad earned his M.Sc. from Govt. College Lahore (ranking first in the state) and completed his M.S. and Ph.D. at Texas Tech University in 2003 and 2005, focusing on wide bandgap semiconductors. He furthered his training with post-doctoral work at Virginia Commonwealth University in MBE and MOCVD growth techniques. His educational background established the foundation for his current research in semiconductor materials engineering. His research centers on ultra-wide bandgap semiconductors, especially gallium oxide and boron nitride, for applications in deep UV LEDs and high-power electronics. He explores novel MOCVD growth methods for these materials and their integration with traditional III-nitrides (AlGaN) to advance device performance in optoelectronics and power electronics. Current projects focus on defect engineering, phase stabilization, and device fabrication for next-generation semiconductor technologies. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on β-Ga2O3 and h-BN for next-generation devices. Key themes include MOCVD growth optimization, defect characterization, and device integration for radiation detectors, high-temperature transistors, and UV emitters. His work bridges materials science and electrical engineering to address critical challenges in wide bandgap semiconductor technology, with increasing focus on computational modeling and industrial applications. No scientific awards or fellowships were mentioned in the provided materials. Regarding advising, while specific students are not listed, Dr. Ahmad teaches core courses including Introduction to Microelectronics (ELCT 363) and Advanced Semiconductor Materials (ELCT 874), indicating active engagement in graduate and undergraduate education. Grant details are not specified, but his laboratory operations suggest external funding support for semiconductor research. Dr. Ahmad leads the Ultrawide Bandgap Semiconductor Laboratory, equipped with an MOCVD growth system, Oceanoptics spectrometer, and comprehensive characterization tools for electrical, optical, and atomic force microscopy. The lab supports research in materials growth, device fabrication, and testing, fostering innovation in semiconductor technology through collaborations with industry and government research programs.
Feng Gao is a Professor of Optoelectronics at the Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology (IFM), Linköping University, and leads the Electronic and Photonic Materials (EFM) division. He is affiliated with the Faculty of Science and Engineering (Institute of Technology) and conducts interdisciplinary research at the intersection of physics, chemistry, and materials science. His work focuses on organic semiconductors and metal halide perovskites for sustainable energy technologies. His research interests include: Organic and perovskite solar cells with high efficiency and recyclability Perovskite LEDs for next-generation lighting and displays Electrically pumped perovskite lasers Flexible and lead-free perovskite materials for X-ray detection and information storage Sustainable materials design with full lifecycle consideration His recent publications reveal a strong focus on improving device stability, reducing environmental impact, and enhancing energy conversion efficiency in optoelectronic systems. Trends in his work show a shift toward circular economy principles, green manufacturing, and multifunctional materials. His research has been published in top journals including Nature , Science , Nature Energy , and Advanced Materials . Scientific awards received: Göran Gustafsson Prize in Physics ERC Consolidator and Starting Grants Wallenberg Scholar (2024) SSF Future Research Leader (2020) Tage Erlander Prize (2020) Wallenberg Academy Fellow (2017) Lisa Meitner Grant for Israel-Swedish Collaboration Feng Gao has secured significant research funding from the European Research Council (ERC), the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation (SEK 31 million for flexible X-ray technology), Swedish Research Council (VR), Swedish Energy Agency, FORMAS, Vinnova, and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions. He actively mentors PhD and postdoctoral researchers, including Max Karlsson and Huotian Zhang, and fosters international collaborations with institutions such as the University of Cambridge, Oxford, and Zhejiang University. His group emphasizes both scientific excellence and career development, supporting exchanges with leading global labs. He leads a dynamic research team within the Advanced Functional Materials (AFM) environment at IFM, working on groundbreaking projects such as fully recyclable solar cells, touch-sensitive LED displays, and perovskite-based random number generators for quantum communication. The group is also building new experimental infrastructure, including advanced labs for optoelectronic materials synthesis and characterization.
Assoc. Prof. Gunter Heymann is an Associate Professor at the Department of General, Inorganic and Theoretical Chemistry, University of Innsbruck, Austria. He leads the Heymann Lab and specializes in high-pressure synthesis, crystallography, and the design of novel inorganic materials. His research focuses on borates, chalcogenides, and luminescent materials, with contributions to understanding structural properties under extreme conditions. Heymann holds a PhD from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (2007) and a Habilitation in Inorganic Chemistry from the University of Innsbruck (2018). He has received notable awards, including the Lupe Award (2009) and Römer Award (2007). His work integrates experimental and theoretical methods to explore materials for optical and electronic applications. Education: PhD in Chemistry (2007), Habilitation in Inorganic Chemistry (2018) Affiliations: Heymann Lab, Institute of General, Inorganic and Theoretical Chemistry Key Research Areas: High-pressure synthesis, crystal engineering, borate chemistry, luminescent materials Recent studies include investigations into new borate polymorphs, red-emitting phosphors, and UV-transparent materials. His publications emphasize structural characterization and functional material design, often leveraging advanced techniques like single-crystal X-ray diffraction and computational modeling.
Patrick McNamara is an Associate Professor at the College of Engineering , Marquette University , specializing in the intersection of environmental engineering, antibiotic resistance, and wastewater treatment technologies. Ph.D., Civil Engineering, University of Minnesota (2012) M.S., Environmental and Water Resources Engineering, University of Texas at Austin (2008) B.S., Civil Engineering (Minor: Spanish for the Business Professions), Marquette University (2006) His research focuses on: Environmental antibiotic resistance dynamics PFAS mitigation via pyrolysis and electrochemical treatments Biosolids processing and reuse strategies Consumer chemical impacts on microbial water systems Recent publications analyze corrosion inhibitor effects on resistomes, QACs during pandemics, and electrochemical PFAS removal mechanisms. Grants from the National Science Foundation and industry partners fund his work on antibiotic resistance mitigation and contaminant removal processes. Scientific awards include: OCOE Outstanding Researcher Award (2022) Way Klingler Young Scholar Award (2018) Excellence in Review Award (2017) WEF Canham Graduate Studies Scholarship (2010) McNamara leads the McNamara Research Group , developing innovative treatment processes like electrocoagulation-peroxidation and pyrolysis systems. His work addresses: Activated sludge foaming challenges Greywater treatment optimization Stormwater resistome characterization UV-based resistance mitigation
Ajay Pillarisetti is an Assistant Professor at the University of California, Berkeley's School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences. His research focuses on the interplay between household energy use, air pollution exposure, health outcomes, and climate change in low- and middle-income countries. A graduate of UC Berkeley (PhD) and Emory University (MPH, BS), he has led global projects in India, Mongolia, Nepal, Guatemala, Peru, and Rwanda. PhD – Environmental Health Sciences, UC Berkeley MPH – Global Environmental Health, Emory University BS – Biology, Emory College His work employs low-cost air quality sensors, longitudinal surveys, and randomized controlled trials like the HAPIN study to assess health impacts of clean fuel interventions. Key subfields include exposure assessment, implementation science, pollution's metabolic effects, and policy-driven energy transitions. He collaborates with teams across four continents and has published extensively on household air pollution's multi-scale health burdens. Recent articles (2023–2025) highlight trends in quantifying PM2.5's health effects, optimizing sensor networks, and evaluating LPG interventions for maternal/child health. His studies span Guatemala's RESPIRE cohort, Rwanda's HAPIN trial, and India's community monitoring systems, addressing gaps in exposure-response modeling, biomarker analysis, and policy advocacy.
Carmen Moraru is a Professor in the Department of Food Science at Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). Her research focuses on enhancing food safety, quality, and shelf life through advanced processing methods such as membrane separation, light-based technologies, high-pressure processing (HPP), and microwave vacuum drying. She also studies intermolecular interactions in foods and nanoscale surface engineering to prevent microbial contamination. Dr. Moraru teaches courses like Food Processing and Engineering (FDSC 4250) and co-instructs Advanced Food and Bioprocessing Systems (FDSC 6650) . Her lab, the Moraru Lab, explores emerging technologies in food safety and processing, with recent projects addressing microbial inactivation, nanomaterials, and sustainable drying methods. She advises multiple graduate students and has supervised notable projects, including studies on pea protein functionality and antimicrobial surfaces. Education: Doctorate in Food Science (PhD details not explicitly stated in provided texts). Lab Affiliations: Moraru Lab at Cornell University. Her scientific awards include the Kosi Award in Food Science (2019) and recognition for student achievements like Andreea Beldie's 2019 ADSA Poster Competition win. Recent publications highlight innovations in UV-C light disinfection, microwave drying, and nanotopography-based antimicrobial surfaces. Research collaborations span industry and academia, addressing challenges in dairy processing, plant-based foods, and food packaging safety. Her work frequently integrates computational modeling, experimental validation, and interdisciplinary approaches to solve complex food engineering problems.
Eliana M.F. Vieira is an Assistant Researcher at the Center for Microelectromechanical Systems (CMEMS) within the School of Engineering at the University of Minho (UMinho), Portugal. She is also an integrated member of the LABBELS Associate Laboratory. Her research is conducted in the Department of Industrial Electronics, where she contributes to both R&D and teaching. PhD in Physics (2013), University of Minho BSc in Education of Physics and Chemistry (2008), University of Minho Dr. Vieira's research focuses on the development and application of nanomaterials for energy harvesting and sensing technologies. Her work emphasizes thermoelectric generators, self-powered photodetectors, and magneto-optical sensors, with a strong interest in the relationship between nanostructure and material properties. She investigates thin films, quantum dots, and flexible composites for enhanced micro and nanodevices. Her recent publications highlight advancements in screen-printed thermoelectrics, MEMS-based atomic vapor cells, and pyro-phototronic effects in oxide heterojunctions. These works reflect a strong trend toward flexible, scalable, and self-powered electronic systems with applications in wearable sensors, biomedical imaging, and sustainable energy. 4 awards for best student during BSc Micro&NanoFabs@PT project award (NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-022090) Dr. Vieira has supervised multiple graduate students and currently mentors two MSc and two PhD candidates funded by FCT. She has secured significant research funding, including grants from FCT and EU programs, and has led strategic projects such as CMEMS and NanOx4EStor. She has served as a scientific reviewer, thesis arguer, and evaluator for national fellowship programs. She leads research in the CMEMS-UMinho lab, particularly in thin-film deposition and device fabrication, and collaborates extensively with international institutions in France, Italy, Spain, and the UK.
Ramses Martinez is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Industrial Engineering and Biomedical Engineering at Purdue University . He holds a B.A. in Applied Physics from Universidad Autonoma de Madrid (2004) and a Ph.D. in Physics and Materials Science from the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) in 2009. Prior to joining Purdue, he conducted postdoctoral research in the lab of Prof. George M. Whitesides at Harvard University, focusing on nanofabrication, microfluidics, and soft robotics. Education B.A. in Applied Physics, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid (2004) Ph.D. in Physics and Materials Science, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) (2009) His research bridges soft robotics , flexible electronics , and nanofabrication , with a focus on creating self-powered e-textiles , omniphobic paper-based devices , and programmable mechanical metamaterials . His work has led to over 25 publications and 9 patents, emphasizing practical applications in health monitoring and industrial automation . Notable projects include waterproof electronic decals for biofluid monitoring, smart bandages for chronic wound detection, and laser nanoforming methods for scalable metallic structures. His research has been recognized through the Fulbright Fellowship and the Marie Curie IOF Grant .
Konstantin Sobolev is a Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's College of Engineering & Applied Science, holding the Lawrence E. Sivak '71 Faculty Fellowship in Civil and Environmental Engineering. His research focuses on nanotechnology applications in construction materials, superhydrophobic surfaces, and sustainable composites. Key research areas include: Development of nano-engineered superhydrophobic concrete Photocatalytic coatings for environmental applications Ultra-high-performance cement-based composites Computational modeling of particle packing Recent publications demonstrate innovations in nano-modified construction materials, with applications ranging from self-cleaning surfaces to high-strength composites. Sobolev has led numerous projects on sustainable infrastructure materials, including NSF-funded initiatives on nanotechnology in construction. His work has resulted in advanced materials with improved durability and functionality. Professor Sobolev serves on editorial boards including Scientific Reports and has co-authored influential reviews on nanotechnology in concrete. He collaborates internationally on sustainable material development and functional surface engineering.
Maria Kafesaki is an Associate Professor at the University of Crete's Department of Materials Science and Engineering and an Adjunct Researcher at the Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser (IESL) of FORTH. Her research focuses on electromagnetic wave propagation in periodic and random media, particularly in photonic crystals and metamaterials, with applications in nanophotonics and plasmonics. She has over 100 refereed publications and is a Fellow of the Optical Society of America. Education: PhD in Physics (1997), MSc (1992), and BSc (1990) from the University of Crete. Key Contributions: Developments in chiral and bianisotropic metamaterials, THz metamaterials, and reconfigurable metasurfaces. She has led projects on metamaterials for defense and energy applications, including collaborations with international teams. Awards: EU Descartes Prize (2005), Fellow of the Optical Society of America (2014). Editorial Roles: Associate Editor of EPJ: Applied Metamaterials and Section Editor of JEOS:RP. Governing Board member of Metamorphose VI.
Dr. Sara Beck is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of British Columbia. She leads the Beck Lab, focusing on water disinfection, UV LED technology, and environmental microbiology to address global water challenges. Her work bridges fundamental science and engineering applications, emphasizing sustainable solutions for public health and water quality. Education: Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering (2015, University of Colorado Boulder), M.S. in Environmental Engineering (Georgia Tech), B.S./B.A. in Aerospace Engineering/Studio Art (CU Boulder). Prior to academia, she worked as a NASA flight controller supporting Space Shuttle and ISS programs. Research Interests: UV disinfection mechanisms, water reuse, applied environmental microbiology, decentralized systems, and microplastic degradation. Key projects include UV LED applications for point-of-use disinfection, biofilm dynamics in filtration systems, and fecal contamination impacts on child health in low-resource settings. Awards: AEESP Outstanding Dissertation (2016), NSERC Discovery Accelerator (2021), Fulbright Scholar (2015), NASA Astronaut Finalist (2017). Lab members include PhD candidates Patrick Mirindi and Thusitha Rathnayake, and collaborators across global institutions. Grants: NSERC funding for UV LED research, WHO collaborations on surface disinfection protocols. Active research spans microbial communities in membranes, viral load quantification, and optimizing BWRO energy efficiency. Labs/Teams: Beck Lab @ UBC collaborates with interdisciplinary experts in engineering, microbiology, and policy to advance water treatment solutions. Current projects address microplastic prevalence in BC freshwater and surface disinfection standardization for healthcare settings.
