Kyros Kutulakos is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Toronto, where he leads research in computational imaging and 3D sensing. His affiliations include the Toronto Computational Imaging Group, Computer Vision Group, Dynamic Graphics Project (DGP), and Vector Institute Group. He teaches graduate and undergraduate courses such as CSC320 (Introduction to Visual Computing) and CSC2530 (Computational Imaging & 3D Sensing). His research interests span computational imaging, non-line-of-sight imaging, single-photon detectors, 3D sensing, and neural rendering. Notable contributions include advancements in structured-light imaging, time-of-flight systems, and super-oscillatory microscopy. He has advised numerous PhD and MSc students, fostering cutting-edge research in imaging technologies. Kutulakos has received prestigious awards, including the Dean’s Research Excellence Award (2023) and multiple best paper prizes (e.g., Marr Prize at ICCV 2023). He has served as program chair for ICCV 2013, ICCP 2010, and CVPR 2003, contributing to academic leadership in computer vision. His work bridges optics, photonics, and computation, with applications in autonomous systems, medical imaging, and astronomy. Current research focuses on extreme imaging scenarios, such as imaging in pitch-black environments and around corners, leveraging novel sensor designs and computational techniques.
Zhi-Xun Shen is the Paul Pigott Professor in Physical Sciences at Stanford University, holding dual appointments in the Physics and Applied Physics Departments. He is a senior fellow at the Precourt Institute for Energy and serves on advisory boards for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars and Stanford Science Fellows programs. His research focuses on condensed matter and materials physics, particularly the electronic structures of superconductors, topological insulators, and novel materials. Dr. Shen pioneered advanced spectroscopic techniques, including photon-based imaging and scattering methods, and has authored over 600 publications with significant citation impact. His honors include the Kamerlingh Onnes Prize (2000), E.O. Lawrence Award (2010), and Oliver E. Buckley Prize (2011). He co-founded PrimeNano Inc., commercializing technologies from his lab, such as microwave impedance microscopy. His work bridges fundamental physics with energy-related applications, emphasizing the interplay between electronic structure and material properties. Dr. Shen’s research group explores cutting-edge topics like topological surface states, electron-phonon interactions, and superconductivity mechanisms. His inventions, such as non-resonance microwave imaging, have found applications in materials characterization. He remains active in advancing instrumentation and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations through his academic and industry roles.
Prof. Dr. Malte Oppermann is a full Professor at the University of Basel , leading the Ultrafast Chiral Dynamics Laboratory within the Department of Chemistry. His group specializes in developing cutting-edge time-resolved spectroscopic techniques to probe molecular transformations on femtosecond to microsecond timescales, focusing on chirality and structural dynamics in complex systems. Research Focus: Ultrafast Chiral Spectroscopy : Using circularly polarized laser pulses to resolve structural changes in chiral systems. Molecular Motors & Protein Dynamics : Capturing conformational changes in synthetic motors and proteins in native environments. Photoactive Materials : Investigating light-energy conversion mechanisms in chiral photochemical systems. His research bridges physics and chemistry, employing state-of-the-art laser technology and collaborating internationally across synthesis, spectroscopy, and theory. Publications & Impact: Prof. Oppermann’s work (2011–2025) spans ultrafast spectroscopy , chiral dynamics , nanomaterials , and biomolecular photophysics . Key themes include spin-crossover dynamics, DNA photodamage, and plasmonic nanoparticles, with techniques like transient X-ray absorption and deep-UV circular dichroism. Team & Opportunities: The group actively recruits MSc/PhD students and postdocs in physics, chemistry, and materials science. Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Prof. Oppermann directly.
Michael McAlpine is a Professor in the Mechanical Engineering department at the University of Minnesota . He also holds affiliations with the Biomedical Engineering and Electrical and Computer Engineering departments. His research focuses on 3D printing functional materials & devices , Nanoscale inks , Biomedical devices , Bioelectronics , and Flexible Microsystems . Research Interests : 3D Printing, Biomedical Engineering, Nanotechnology, Flexible Electronics, Microfluidics Labs : ME 361/363 Contact : mcalpine@umn.edu , (612) 626-3303, ME 117 Recent Research Trends include 3D Printed Biomedical Devices , Flexible Electronics , and Bioprinting Applications . His work spans from Spinal Organoid Formation to Programmable Drug Release Capsules . Scientific Award : Circulation Research 2020 Best Manuscript Award
Dmitri N. Basov is the Higgins Professor of Physics at Columbia University, with a joint appointment as Professor of Physics at the University of California, San Diego. His research focuses on quantum materials, utilizing nano-optical techniques to investigate electronic phenomena and polaritonic systems. He leads the Basov Group at Columbia and has pioneered methods for imaging quantum materials at nanoscale resolutions. PhD in Physics, Lebedev Physics Institute (1991) Professor, Columbia University (2016–present) Professor, UC San Diego (2001–present) Postdoctoral Research, McMaster University (1992–1996) His work spans plasmonics , terahertz spectroscopy , and van der Waals heterostructures , with recent emphasis on polariton dynamics, superconductivity modulation, and moiré-driven electronic states. He employs cutting-edge tools like quantum scanning near-field optical microscopy (q-SNOM) and resonant inelastic X-ray scattering. Besides leading major grants such as the Gordon and Betty Moore Investigator award and Vannevar Bush Fellowship, Basov has received accolades like the National Academy of Sciences membership (2020), Ken Button Prize (2019), and Frank Isakson Prize (2012). His team explores novel quantum phases in 2D and topological materials.
Aleksei Zheltikov is a University Distinguished Professor at Texas A&M University's Department of Physics and Astronomy. He holds dual affiliations with the International Laser Center and Physics Department of M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, and the Russian Quantum Center. His research focuses on ultrafast nonlinear optics and biophotonics, addressing applications in imaging, laser filamentation, and strong-field physics. Zheltikov earned his PhD (1990) and Doctor of Science (1999) degrees from Moscow State University, becoming a full professor there in 2000 before joining Texas A&M in 2010. He leads a research team including Xinghua Liu and Ajithamithra Dharmasiri. Recipient of prestigious awards including the Russian Federation State Prize (1997), Lamb Award (2010), and Kurchatov Prize (2014), his work bridges fundamental optics research with medical diagnostics and quantum technologies. Key contributions include developing laser filament-based imaging techniques and advancing Raman scattering-based frequency conversion methods in hollow-core fibers.
Moussa Ngom is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics, Applied Physics and Astronomy at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), affiliated with the School of Science and research centers including the Center for Ultrafast Optical Sciences (CUOS) and the Center for Materials, Devices, and Integrated Systems (CMDIS). His work focuses on wavefront shaping, quantum optics, and structured light manipulation to address challenges in biological imaging, quantum communication, and nuclear security.
Jiwoong Park is Professor of Chemistry and Chair of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Chicago, and simultaneously Professor of Molecular Engineering in the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering. His interdisciplinary research group, the Park Group, is jointly affiliated with the James Franck Institute and the Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC) at UChicago, and operates from the Gordon Center for Integrative Science. Education & Training Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley (2003) B.S., Seoul National University (1996) Junior Fellow, Rowland Institute, Harvard University (2003–2006) Assistant → Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University (2006–2016) Research Interests Park’s research centers on the science and technology of precisely engineered nanomaterials, particularly atomically-thin two-dimensional (2D) crystals and van der Waals solids. Spanning chemistry, physics, materials science and electrical engineering, his group develops novel synthetic, imaging and characterization techniques to uncover new physical phenomena and translate them into scalable device technologies. Key thrusts include growth of wafer-scale molecular crystals, optical and transport spectroscopy of 2D semiconductors, mechanical behavior of polycrystalline nanomembranes, and integration of these materials into photonic, electronic and energy-harvesting devices. Scientific Awards Elected Fellow of the American Physical Society (2022) – “for the development of synthetic, imaging, and characterization techniques of atomically thin materials and the discovery of novel properties of van der Waals solids.” Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher (2023) – recognition for multiple papers ranking in the global top 1% by citations in Materials Science and Chemistry. Group & Collaborations The Park Group is an interdisciplinary team of postdocs, graduate researchers and undergraduates housed in the Gordon Center for Integrative Science. The group actively collaborates with colleagues across the Department of Chemistry, Department of Physics, and the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, leveraging shared facilities at the James Franck Institute and MRSEC to push the frontiers of 2D material science.
Christoph Bostedt holds dual appointments as a Professor of Physical Chemistry at the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) and as Head of the Laboratory for Synchrotron Radiation and Femtochemistry (LSF) at the Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI). He leads strategic operations for the LSF, managing five research groups and overseeing four beamlines at the Swiss Light Source and the Alvra Endstation at SwissFEL. His research focuses on ultrafast x-ray science, including single-shot imaging, non-linear x-ray spectroscopy, and femtosecond pump-probe techniques. He collaborates globally on initiatives like the Athos project, aiming to advance ultrafast x-ray technologies. Bostedt has over 150 publications and is a Fellow of the American Physical Society, recipient of the Röntgen Prize. Education: Ph.D. from the University of Hamburg with research at Lawrence Livermore and Berkeley National Laboratories. Prior roles include leadership at Argonne National Laboratory and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. Research Interests: Single-particle imaging and coherent diffraction X-ray free-electron laser applications Ultrafast dynamics in nanoparticles and molecular systems Non-linear x-ray spectroscopy Time-resolved x-ray pump-probe methods Awards: Fellow of the American Physical Society Röntgen Prize (University of Giessen) Labs & Projects: Spearheads the Athos beamline project at SwissFEL, developing the Maloja endstation for ultrafast x-ray studies. Oversees the Laboratory for Femtochemistry and collaborates on advanced imaging techniques for nanoscale science.
Michel Versluis is a Full Professor at the University of Twente, Netherlands, specializing in Physical and Medical Acoustics within the Physics of Fluids group. His work focuses on microbubbles and microdroplets for medical imaging and therapy, as well as microfluidic applications in medicine and nanotechnology. University of Twente, Physics of Fluids group His research bridges physics and biomedical engineering, with publications in high-impact journals like PNAS and IEEE Transactions. Recent work emphasizes ultrasound-driven microbubble dynamics, additive manufacturing of flow phantoms, and deep learning for super-resolution imaging. 2025 publications: vascular phantoms, PROTEUS simulator, acoustic microbubble control 2024 innovations: 3D-printed medical devices, immunogenic cell death optimization Contact: m.versluis@utwente.nl
Dr. Craig S. Levin is a Professor of Radiology at Stanford University's Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (Nuclear Medicine), with courtesy appointments in Physics, Electrical Engineering, and Bioengineering. He also holds memberships in Bio-X, the Cardiovascular Institute, the Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance, and the Stanford Cancer Institute. Dr. Levin received his B.S. Summa Cum Laude in Physics and Mathematics from UCLA in 1985, followed by M.S., M.Phil., and Ph.D. degrees in Physics from Yale University in 1987 and 1993. His educational achievements were recognized with multiple honors including Phi Beta Kappa, Sigma Pi Sigma, and various departmental awards at UCLA. Dr. Levin's research focuses on the development of novel instrumentation and software algorithms for molecular imaging. His work spans medical physics, biomedical engineering, and instrumentation development with specific emphasis on positron emission tomography (PET), gamma camera technology, and multimodal imaging systems. His laboratory explores new concepts in radiation detection, image reconstruction algorithms, and the application of these technologies to cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders. A notable aspect of his research involves pushing the physical limits of sensitivity and spatial, spectral, and/or temporal resolutions in imaging systems. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on enhancing PET technology, particularly time-of-flight capabilities, with significant work on improving coincidence timing resolution, developing MR-compatible PET systems, and applying deep learning techniques to image reconstruction and normalization. His research shows a clear trajectory toward higher resolution imaging with improved quantitative accuracy for both clinical and preclinical applications. Dr. Levin's scientific achievements have been recognized with numerous awards: American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering's College of Fellows Academy of Radiology Research Distinguished Investigator Recognition Award National Research Service Award from NIH (1993-5) Pilot Research Award from the Society of Nuclear Medicine (1996) Multiple honors from UCLA including Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Pi Sigma Full Tuition and Research Fellowship and Bates Graduate Fellowship from Yale University As an educator and mentor, Dr. Levin directs the NIH-NCI funded T32 Stanford Molecular Imaging Scholars postdoctoral training program and serves as a Doctoral Dissertation Advisor for students in Bioengineering and Biophysics. He currently advises five postdoctoral scholars and three doctoral candidates. His laboratory, the Molecular Imaging Instrumentation Laboratory, comprises approximately 20 members who work on developing new imaging technologies and translating them into clinical applications. Dr. Levin has secured substantial NIH funding as Principal Investigator along with grants from other government agencies, industry partners, and private institutions to support his research program. Dr. Levin's Molecular Imaging Instrumentation Laboratory is at the forefront of developing new imaging technologies that bridge physics, engineering, and medicine. The lab focuses on creating instrumentation for in vivo imaging of cellular and molecular signatures of disease, with particular emphasis on pushing the physical limits of imaging performance. Their work spans computer modeling, sensor development, electronics design, data acquisition systems, and advanced image processing algorithms. The lab maintains strong industry partnerships to translate their innovations into products used for patient care worldwide.
Ralph Jimenez is an Adjunct Professor of Chemistry and Institute Fellow at JILA, University of Colorado Boulder. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago (1996) and completed postdoctoral work at the University of California, San Diego (1997-1998), followed by research at The Scripps Research Institute (1998-2003). His research focuses on quantum spectroscopy and photophysics of fluorescent proteins, leveraging quantum optics to enhance spectroscopic sensitivity and developing genetically encoded biomarkers with improved photophysical properties. Key achievements include fluorescence-lifetime-based methods to engineer brighter fluorescent proteins and machine-learning approaches to improve photostability. His awards include the Arthur S. Flemming Award (2017) and U.S. Department of Commerce Gold Medal (2017). His group's work integrates quantum engineering with biophysical studies, targeting real-world applications in molecular imaging and materials science. The Jimenez Group operates labs at JILA (B117, B119, B121) and collaborates on projects involving entangled photons, two-photon absorption, and ultrafast spectroscopy. Research themes include quantum-enhanced spectroscopy for complex systems and overcoming limitations in fluorescent protein imaging through physical chemistry strategies. His lab develops novel instrumentation, including microfluidic sorting systems and tabletop X-ray spectroscopy platforms, to advance biomarker engineering and environmental monitoring.
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.
Zenghu Chang is a Distinguished Professor of Physics and Optics at the University of Central Florida, leading the Institute for the Frontier of Attosecond Science and Technology. He holds the UCF Trustee Chair and Pegasus Professor titles. His research focuses on ultrafast laser science, attosecond phenomena, and high-order harmonic generation. Chang earned his PhD from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and has held academic positions at the University of Michigan and Kansas State University. Education: BSc from Xi’an Jiaotong University (1982), PhD from Xi’an Institute of Optics and Precision Mechanics (1988). Postdoctoral research at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (1991-1993) and the University of Michigan (post-1996). Research Interests: Attosecond science, terawatt femtosecond lasers, ultrafast atomic physics, coherent XUV/X-ray sources, high-order harmonic generation, and advanced laser technology. His work includes pioneering contributions like the Double Optical Gating technique and generating the world-record 67-attosecond laser pulse. Awards: APS Fellow, Pegasus Professor (2016), Mercator Professorship (2007), and multiple national and international honors. His publications exceed 150 articles in top journals like Optics Letters and Nature Communications . Advising & Grants: Supervised numerous PhD students in optics and physics. Active in securing research grants for attosecond science and laser development. Collaborates internationally on projects involving ultrafast X-ray sources and advanced laser systems. Labs/Teams: Directs the Florida Attosecond Science and Technology group and leads the Institute for the Frontier of Attosecond Science and Technology, advancing cutting-edge laser and X-ray technologies.
Hatice Altug is a Full Professor at EPFL's Institute of Bioengineering within the School of Engineering, where she leads the Bionanophotonic Systems Laboratory. Her research integrates nanophotonics, plasmonics, and microfluidics to develop advanced biosensors for real-time molecular diagnostics. She holds dual roles in EPFL's doctoral programs and academic committees. Education: PhD in Applied Physics, Stanford University (2000-2007) B.S. in Physics, Bilkent University (1996-2000) Her research centers on creating label-free, high-sensitivity optical biosensors using nanophotonic technologies. Key innovations include dielectric metasurfaces for mid-infrared spectroscopy, AI-enhanced detection platforms, and portable nanoplasmonic imagers for point-of-care diagnostics. Her work bridges fundamental light-matter interactions with clinical applications like sepsis monitoring and cancer biomarker detection. Her publications emphasize nanophotonic biosensor design, metasurface applications, and single-cell analysis. Recent trends show increased focus on AI integration, vibrational spectroscopy, and wafer-scale manufacturing for clinical translation. Awards & Honors: Optical Society Fellow (2020) Presidential Early Career Award (PECASE, 2011) ERC Consolidator Grant (2016) IEEE Photonics Society Young Investigator Award (2011) She mentors numerous PhD students and leads interdisciplinary teams developing optofluidic platforms. Her laboratory pioneers nanoplasmonic microarrays and collaborates globally on projects like neurodegenerative disease biomarker detection. She co-directs EPFL's doctoral program in photonics and champions women in STEM through executive roles in diversity initiatives.
