Kathrin Probst is Professor at University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, Hagenberg Campus, focusing on human-computer interaction and tangible interfaces. Her research develops smart textiles, sustainable fashion technologies, and novel interaction paradigms through projects like BAMBI and Active Office. Work explores the materiality of interaction, with recent investigations into textile signifiers, traceability systems for fashion, and biodesign approaches. Research demonstrates strong experimental design focus and attention to material properties. Publications advance understanding of textile-based interfaces, ergonomic workplace design, and unconventional interaction methods. Work contributes to both technical implementation and design theory. Awards include: ACM Europe Council Best Paper Award (2018) UIST Best Paper Award (2018) Organizes the Expanded conference on interactive surfaces. Research collaborations include University of Calgary and National University of Singapore.
Gabriele Traugott is Senior Lecturer at University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, Hagenberg Campus, specializing in human-computer interaction and digital media. She researches tangible interfaces, smart textiles, and workplace technology through projects like BAMBI (Biodiversity Monitoring) and Active Office. Research explores the intersection of physical materials and digital interaction, with focus on textile interfaces, ergonomic workplace design, and sustainable technology. Recent work develops traceability systems for fashion and participatory data physicalization techniques. Publications advance understanding of haptic interfaces, sensor technologies, and unconventional interaction paradigms. Work demonstrates strong design focus and experimental prototyping approach. Awards include: ACM Europe Council Best Paper Award (2018) UIST Best Paper Award (2018) Leads technology education initiatives and organizes academic workshops. Research collaborations include National University of Singapore and University of Calgary.
Andrew Adamatzky is Professor in Unconventional Computing at the University of the West of England, Bristol, where he directs the Unconventional Computing Laboratory. His research spans reaction-diffusion computing, cellular automata, physarum computing, massive parallel computation, applied mathematics, collective intelligence and robotics, bionics, computational psychology, non-linear science, novel hardware, and future computation technologies. Research focuses on developing computing paradigms inspired by natural phenomena. Major areas include: Physarum machines and slime mould computing Reaction-diffusion chemical computers Cellular automata theory and implementations Unconventional computing materials (colloids, fungi, proteins) Biologically-inspired robotics and swarm intelligence Recent publications demonstrate strong emphasis on biomolecular computing systems, proteinoid-based computation, cellular automata advances, and hybrid bio-electronic systems. Work increasingly explores bio-electrical phenomena in unconventional substrates like sea mud and plant tissues.
Ilya Vekhter is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at Louisiana State University (LSU), part of the College of Science. He holds a Ph.D. from Brown University (1998). His research focuses on condensed matter theory, particularly emergent phenomena in electronic systems such as unconventional superconductivity, topological insulators, and quantum critical phenomena. He explores how interactions between electrons lead to novel phases of matter with potential applications in quantum technology. Education: Ph.D. in Physics, Brown University, 1998. Research Interests: Heavy fermion superconductors, non-centrosymmetric materials, and topological phases. His work combines analytical, computational, and ab initio methods to study systems like chiral superconductors, topological insulator heterostructures, and magnetic domain walls. Recent studies include the acoustoelectric effect in chiral superconductors, spin caloritronics in topological superconductors, and quantum states in Weyl semimetals. Publications Trends: Over 85 publications in journals like Physical Review B/Lett. , Nano Letters , and Journal of Physics: Condensed Matter , focusing on superconductivity, topological materials, and electronic structure. Key themes include topological interface states, impurity effects, and quantum phase transitions. Grants & Funding: Acknowledged support from the Simons Foundation and member institutions. Labs/Teams: Active in LSU’s condensed matter theory group, collaborating with experimentalists on topics like topological heterostructures and magnetic domain control. Mentors students in theoretical and computational physics.
Benjamin R. Morin is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at Vassar College since 2016. He holds a BA & MA in Mathematics from the University of Maine, an MS in Mathematics (ecosystems informatics focus) from Oregon State University, and a PhD in Applied Mathematics for the Life and Social Sciences from Arizona State University (2012). His postdoctoral research involved collaborations with Arizona State University’s EcoServices Group, Simon A. Levin Mathematical, Computational, and Modeling Sciences Center, and Princeton University’s Levin Lab. His research focuses on mathematical models for ecological and epidemiological processes, integrating behavioral economics to analyze human impacts. Key areas include sexually transmitted diseases, influenza, pest/pathogen dynamics in trade, anthropogenic effects on species survival, and unconventional topics like lycanthropy, zombies, and Pokémon modeling. He has contributed to academic groups such as the Mathematical and Theoretical Biology Institute, maintaining long-term involvement in collaborative research initiatives. Dr. Morin teaches advanced courses including Topics in Advanced Mathematics and Statistics, Applied Mathematics, and Numerical Analysis at Vassar College. His work bridges theoretical frameworks with real-world applications, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches in mathematical biology.
Prof. Pier Luigi Gentili is an Associate Professor of Physical Chemistry at the University of Perugia's Department of Chemistry, Biology, and Biotechnology. His research focuses on integrating chemistry with artificial intelligence, neuromorphic engineering, and complexity science. Key areas include chemical artificial intelligence (CAI), photochromic materials, oscillatory reactions, and sustainability-driven innovations. He explores how biological mechanisms can inspire novel computing paradigms and advocates for interdisciplinary education to address 21st-century challenges. His work bridges molecular-level studies with macroscopic systems, emphasizing emergent properties in out-of-equilibrium systems. Recent projects involve neuromorphic engineering in 'wetware' (biological-inspired computing), quantum AI development, and microheterogeneity analysis in materials. He also designs courses merging chemistry, complexity science, and global citizenship education to prepare future scientists for sustainability and ethical challenges. Publications highlight contributions to photochromic oscillators, chemical neural networks, and the application of fuzzy logic in molecular systems. While no awards are listed, his research has advanced unconventional computing approaches using minimal resources and earth-abundant materials. Grants and collaborations are implied through his active publication record but not explicitly detailed in the provided text.
James E. Saiers is the Clifton R. Musser Professor of Hydrology at Yale University's School of the Environment. His research focuses on water quality and supply, specifically examining how human activities affect the chemical composition of drinking water resources and alter freshwater flows within aquifers, wetlands, and river basins. He maintains an active research program that includes doctoral students and collaborates with postdoctoral associates and faculty from Yale and other universities. Yale School of the Environment, Department of Environmental Engineering Clifton R. Musser Professor of Hydrology Office: Kroon Hall, Room 218, 195 Prospect Street, New Haven, CT 06511 Professor Saiers' research interests center on hydrological and geochemical processes affecting water quality. His recent work addresses water quality impacts of fossil fuel development, carbon and nutrient transport through watersheds, radionuclide migration in groundwater, and climate change effects on water resources in Africa. His research methodology combines laboratory-scale and field-scale experimentation with computer modeling to understand the flow of water and transport of contaminants in aquatic systems. This integrated approach allows him to develop predictive models that inform water-resource management decisions and guide restoration plans for contaminated sites. Professor Saiers' extensive publication record demonstrates evolving research trends from fundamental hydrological processes to applied environmental problems. His earlier work focused on colloid transport, contaminant migration, and hydrological modeling in wetlands and aquifers. More recently, his research has expanded to address contemporary environmental challenges including unconventional oil and gas development impacts on water resources, climate change effects on hydrological systems, and carbon cycling in watersheds. His current work shows increasing emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches connecting hydrology with climate science, environmental health, and carbon management strategies. Professor Saiers' teaching addresses theoretical and applied aspects of surface water and groundwater hydrology. His courses cover physical and chemical hydrology while emphasizing connections between hydrology and other disciplines including microbial ecology, atmospheric science, and aquatic chemistry. His teaching philosophy focuses on providing students with the knowledge required to address key water-quality and water-supply issues facing environmental professionals. B.S., Indiana University of Pennsylvania M.S., University of Virginia Ph.D., University of Virginia
Marc Janoschek serves as a Hans Fischer Fellow at the Technical University of Munich's Institute for Advanced Study (TUM-IAS) since 2016, while leading the Laboratory of Scientific Developments and Novel Materials (LDM) at Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI). His laboratory provides critical technical support for neutron and muon beam experiments at PSI's SINQ, UCN, and SMS facilities. Previously, he held leadership positions at Los Alamos National Laboratory and conducted research at multiple European neutron sources. Janoschek's research centers on quantum matter , with particular emphasis on quantum criticality , unconventional superconductivity , and complex magnetic phases including skyrmions. His experimental approach combines neutron scattering , x-ray techniques , and novel instrumentation development to investigate strongly correlated electron systems . Recent work explores emergent heterostructures in correlated metals, valence fluctuations in plutonium, and spin dynamics in quantum critical materials. His scientific contributions have been recognized through prestigious awards: Los Alamos National Laboratory Fellows Prize for Research (2016) Wolfram-Prandl Prize for pioneering studies of spin dynamics in chiral helimagnets (2014) Feodor Lynen Fellowship from Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (2009) As head of LDM at PSI, Janoschek oversees advanced experimental capabilities for quantum materials research. His laboratory develops specialized instrumentation including the MuPAD neutron polarimeter for determining complex magnetic structures. Current research directions include quantum critical scaling in disordered systems, emergent phenomena in correlated metals, and the interplay between structural, electronic, and magnetic degrees of freedom in quantum materials.
Overview Prof. Olivier Martin is a Full Professor of Nanophotonics and Optical Signal Processing at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), leading the Laboratory of Nanophotonics and Metrology. He holds academic roles in multiple departments including STI's Microengineering and Electrical & Electronics Engineering programs, and oversees doctoral training in Photonics and related fields. His research focuses on plasmonics, nonlinear optics, and metamaterials, with applications in biosensing, optical forces, and nano-manufacturing. Education PhD in Physical Sciences (EPFL, 1994) Engineering Degree (EPFL, 1989) Research Interests Dr. Martin’s work combines numerical simulations, advanced nanofabrication, and experimental techniques to study plasmonic nanostructures. Key areas include metasurface design, nonlinear optical effects, optical trapping, and heterogeneous catalysis. His lab has pioneered studies on anisotropic second-harmonic generation, tunable optical forces, and plasmonic-based security technologies. Publications & Awards With over 300 peer-reviewed articles and patents, his 2016 ERC Advanced Grant supported research into optical-force-driven nanofabrication. He is a Fellow of Optica and serves on editorial boards of Advanced Photonics and Frontiers in Physics . Advising & Leadership Directed 25+ PhD theses at EPFL Directed EPFL’s Doctoral Program in Photonics (2005–2017) Reformed Microtechnology curriculum, launching the Robotics Master’s program Labs & Groups He heads the Laboratory of Nanophotonics and Metrology, focusing on cutting-edge research in nanoscale optical systems and their practical implementations.
Kevin Ingles is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics at Ohio State University. His research focuses on theoretical and computational studies of high-energy nuclear collisions, particularly involving charm mesons and their molecular structures in expanding hadronic environments. He also develops advanced Bayesian analysis tools for nuclear dynamics modeling, contributing to frameworks like Taweret and BANDFramework. Ingles has explored causality constraints in dissipative magnetohydrodynamics and the role of spin in relativistic plasma systems through his work. His research interests span particle physics, nuclear physics, and fluid dynamics, with emphasis on understanding hadron gas dynamics, quarkonium physics, and relativistic hydrodynamic simulations. Recent studies include examining shear-stress response functions in massless particle systems and thermal energy calculations of charm-meson molecules in pion gases. Ingles received a MPS-Ascend Postdoctoral Fellowship in 2023 focusing on Spin Magnetohydrodynamics. His advisory and grant activities include managing the BANDFramework project and advancing computational methods for nuclear dynamics analysis. He is affiliated with the Physics Research Building at Ohio State University's Department of Physics. Key contributions include developing Python-based Bayesian model mixing tools and investigating contact interactions that produce exotic particle states. His work integrates theoretical plasma physics with computational fluid dynamics to address challenges in modern collider experiments and nuclear collision simulations.
Yuan-Ming Lu is a **Professor of Physics** at **The Ohio State University (OSU)**, where he leads a theoretical condensed matter physics group. His research focuses on **topological phases of matter**, **quantum spin liquids**, and **strongly correlated systems**, combining analytical and numerical methods. He holds visiting professorships at the **Yukawa Institute for Theoretical Physics (Kyoto University)** and the **Institute for Solid State Physics (University of Tokyo)**. Lu earned his PhD in Physics from **Boston College (2011)** and BSc from **Tsinghua University (2007)**. His work is funded by the **National Science Foundation (NSF)** and the **Center for Emergent Materials (CEM)**. Key research areas include topological magnons, symmetry-enriched topological (SET) orders, and quantum phase transitions. His group explores material realizations of topological phases and their experimental signatures, with recent highlights in high-throughput materials discovery and magnon classification. Lu advises graduate students and collaborates with experimental groups, such as the **Vidya Madhavan Lab (UIUC)**. Education : PhD, Physics, Boston College, 2011 (Advised by Ziqiang Wang) BSc, Tsinghua University, 2007 Research Interests : Topological phases (magnons, crystalline materials, superconductors) Quantum spin liquids and fractionalization Symmetry constraints on topology (LSM theorems) Entanglement in topological orders His articles explore topics like **magnon topology in honeycomb Kitaev magnets**, **anyon condensation-driven phase transitions**, and **symmetry-enforced chiral hinge states**. Recent work emphasizes **high-throughput discovery of topological materials** and **ultrafast laser-driven dynamics**. Lu’s lab includes postdocs and students working on **topological bootstrap mechanisms**, **quantum criticality**, and **gapped boundary theories** of topological orders. Grants & Collaborations : NSF-funded projects on Floquet topological states and CEM-supported research on emergent materials. Cross-disciplinary collaborations with mathematicians (e.g., Dave Penneys) and experimentalists (e.g., Vidya Madhavan) drive theoretical-experimental synergy. Labs/Teams : The Lu Group at OSU focuses on computational and theoretical tools for classifying topological phases, with emphasis on **magneto-Raman spectroscopy signatures** and **entanglement entropy diagnostics**.
Dr. Alexander W Miranda serves as a Senior Research Scientist at the Center for Cyber Operations Enquiry and Unconventional Sensing (COEUS) and holds the position of Adjunct Professor in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Georgia Tech. His work focuses on cybersecurity and technology risk management, bridging research and academic contributions in these critical fields. He can be contacted at awmiranda@gatech.edu .
David Chakravorty is an Associate Research Professor in the Department of Biology at Pennsylvania State University, affiliated with the Assmann Lab. His research focuses on heterotrimeric G protein signaling in plants, particularly in Arabidopsis and rice, exploring roles in stress response, development, and environmental adaptation. Key areas include G-protein subunit interactions, stomatal regulation, hormone signaling, and agricultural trait improvement. Research highlights include the development of the Oryza CLIMtools portal for genome-environment associations in rice, studies on unconventional G-protein functions, and investigations into cross-talk between G-proteins and receptor-like kinases. His work bridges biochemistry, genetics, and computational biology to address fundamental questions in plant physiology and applied agricultural challenges. Publications span topics like G-protein structure-function relationships, metabolomics of stress responses, and engineering drought tolerance. Chakravorty’s contributions advance understanding of plant signaling networks with implications for crop resilience and biotechnology.
Asle Sudbø is a **Professor** and **Center Director** at the **SFF QuSpin** within the **Department of Physics** at **Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)**. He holds a PhD from Brown University (1990). His research focuses on condensed matter physics, particularly quantum regimes involving superconductivity, topological matter, quantum criticality, and ultracold systems. His group explores phenomena like topological superconductivity, magnon-mediated superconductivity, and quantum phase transitions in novel materials such as graphene and topological insulators. **Research Interests**: Quantum transport of spin/charge in low-dimensional systems Unconventional superconductors and superfluids Topological excitations in multi-component condensates Many-body effects in magnets and superconductors Monte Carlo simulations of condensed matter models **Recent Themes**: His 2023-2025 publications emphasize topological superconductivity mediated by skyrmionic magnons, quantum criticality in magnetic bilayers, and exceeding superconductivity limits in flat-band systems. Research bridges theory and materials science, with applications in topological insulators and twisted bilayer graphene. **Students**: Supervises Kristian Mæland, Christian Svingen Johnsen, and Sondre Duna Lundemo. Active in doctoral supervision and interdisciplinary collaborations. **Affiliations**: Director of SFF QuSpin, NTNU’s Condensed Matter Theory group leader. Involved in large-scale computational studies of quantum critical phenomena and topological systems.
Sugata Banerji is an Associate Professor of Computer Science at Lake Forest College and Director of the Applied Data Center. His research focuses on computer vision, scene understanding, and machine learning, with applications in medical imaging and image retrieval. He holds a PhD in Computer Science from New Jersey Institute of Technology (2013) and a Postdoctoral fellowship in Computer Vision at George Mason University (2013–present). His educational background also includes a BE in Information Technology from West Bengal University of Technology. Research Interests include image processing, pattern recognition, and novel descriptors for object and scene classification. His work spans deep learning for medical diagnostics, efficient feature extraction methods like EFM-HOG, and geo-localization of buildings using computer vision. He has received the Department of Computer Science Travel Award (2012) and served as a Teaching Assistant (2008–2013). Key contributions include advancements in HOG descriptor variants (e.g., HaarHOG), color-based feature integration, and solar energy growth modeling. He teaches courses such as Roadmap to Computing with Python and Introduction to Computer Science, emphasizing practical programming and graphics problem-solving.
