Prof. Dr. Viktor Leis is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), leading the Chair for Decentralized Information Systems and Data Management. His research focuses on cost-efficient data systems, particularly in cloud environments, with expertise in core database topics like query processing, transaction management, and storage optimization. He earned his PhD from TUM in 2016 and previously held professorships at Friedrich Schiller University Jena and Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg before returning to TUM in 2022. His work has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the ACM SIGMOD Dissertation Award, VLDB Early Career Research Contribution Award, and an ERC Starting Grant. Research Interests: Cloud computing, database systems, query optimization, storage engines, transaction processing, and NVMe-optimized systems. Key Projects: Developed the LeanStore storage engine and contributed to the Hyper database system. His recent publications emphasize cloud-native architectures, high-performance storage solutions, and hybrid transactional/analytical processing. He actively teaches courses on distributed systems, cloud databases, and blockchain technologies.
David Latulippe is a Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at McMaster University. He joined McMaster in 2012 after postdoctoral work at Cornell University and a PhD at Penn State University, focusing on membrane filtration for DNA purification. His industrial experience includes roles at ZENON Environmental (now GE Water) in hollow-fiber membrane design for water treatment. Research interests include Membrane science and technology Bioprocessing of therapeutic viruses Microscale systems for biological applications Environmental engineering solutions for water treatment Current projects involve collaborations with industry partners like Ceapro and Aevitas, and the development of a biomanufacturing automation lab with Sartorius. Recent publications highlight advancements in Nanofiltration and microfiltration for viral vectors Conductive membranes for electrochemical applications Microfluidic systems for DNA analysis Environmental monitoring of biocides and microplastics Scientific recognition includes the Young Membrane Scientist Award (2014). Teaching activities focus on Fluid Mechanics (CHEMENG 2O04) and Industrial Separation Processes (CHEMENG 4M03).
Phillip J Ansell is an Associate Professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Illinois. He serves as the Director of the Center for High-Efficiency Electrical Technologies for Aircraft (CHEETA), focusing on advancing sustainable aviation through innovative propulsion and energy systems. His research interests include aerodynamics optimization, hydrogen propulsion, electric aircraft integration, and cryogenic technologies. Ansell has received prestigious awards such as the AFOSR Young Investigator Award (2015), ARO Young Investigator Award (2017), and the Lawrence Sperry Award (2023), recognizing his contributions to sustainable aviation and flow control technologies. His work spans interdisciplinary areas like hydrogen fuel cell systems, airfoil design, and electrified aircraft architectures. Recent research emphasizes sustainable aviation frameworks, cryogenic hydrogen storage, and propulsion-airframe integration. Ansell has collaborated on projects involving distributed propulsion systems, wind energy optimization, and advanced plasma actuators for flow control. His leadership in CHEETA drives innovations in superconductivity and high-temperature superconducting components for next-generation aircraft. Notable contributions include studies on laminar flow control, transonic aerodynamics, and the technical challenges of integrating MW-scale hydrogen propulsion systems. His publications reflect a blend of theoretical modeling, experimental validation, and systems engineering approaches to address aviation's sustainability challenges.
Professor Michael Keidar holds the A. James Clark Professorship at the George Washington University (GW) , School of Engineering and Applied Science, within the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering department. He leads the Micropropulsion and Nanotechnology Lab , pioneering research in plasma medicine, micropropulsion systems, and plasma nanoscience. His lab collaborates with industry partners like Vector (licensed plasma thruster technology) and US Patent Innovations, LLC (a $5.3M grant for cold plasma cancer therapy). Key research areas include: Cold plasma applications in biomedical treatment Microthrusters for nanosatellites Synthesis of graphene and carbon nanotubes Multi-scale plasma simulations Scientific accolades include the 2017 Ronald C. Davidson Award and AIAA Engineer of the Year (2016-2017), alongside leadership in interdisciplinary projects with GW’s Global Food Institute .
Daniel J. Abadi is a prominent researcher in database systems at Yale University. With over two decades of impactful research, he has made significant contributions to the fields of distributed databases, transaction processing, and column-oriented database systems. His work bridges theoretical foundations with practical implementations that have influenced both academia and industry. Dr. Abadi's research primarily focuses on database system architecture, with particular emphasis on: Distributed and geo-replicated database systems High-performance transaction processing Column-oriented and analytical database systems Stream processing and real-time analytics Cloud and serverless database technologies Integration of machine learning with database systems His recent work shows a continued focus on addressing scalability challenges in modern database systems, with particular attention to multi-region transaction processing, automated data management, and the integration of machine learning techniques. The trend in his publications indicates a strong emphasis on practical, deployable systems that solve real-world problems faced by industry. Dr. Abadi has been instrumental in several major research initiatives and reports that have shaped the direction of database research, including the Seattle Report and the Cambridge Report on Database Research. Throughout his career, Dr. Abadi has mentored numerous students and collaborated extensively with leading researchers in the field. His work has received significant recognition through widespread citations and adoption of his ideas in both academic and industrial database systems.
Sageev Oore is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Computer Science at Dalhousie University, a Research Faculty Member at the Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence, and a Canada CIFAR AI Chair. He previously served as Associate Professor and Chairperson in the Department of Mathematics & Computer Science at Saint Mary’s University and spent 2016–2018 as a Visiting Research Scientist at Google Brain, working on the Magenta team. Faculty of Computer Science, Dalhousie University Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence Google Brain (2016–2018) Saint Mary’s University (former) Sageev Oore's research centers on machine learning and deep learning, with a strong focus on creative applications in music, audio processing, and computational creativity. His work bridges the gap between technical innovation and artistic expression, developing systems that generate and interact with music using neural networks. He has made significant contributions to generative models for music, including the development of PerformanceRNN and other interactive systems. His recent publications highlight advancements in out-of-distribution detection (Gram-OOD), interactive music generation, and deep learning tools for creative domains. These works reflect a consistent trend toward building intelligent, user-centered systems that enhance human creativity through AI. Canada CIFAR AI Chair (2018) Best Paper Award, CVPR ISIC Workshop (2020) Outstanding Demonstration Award (Runner-up), NeurIPS (2020) Best Demonstration Award, AAAI (2017) Best Demonstration Award, NeurIPS (2016) Sageev Oore actively mentors graduate and undergraduate students, with well-funded research positions available for motivated candidates. His collaborations span academia and industry, including major projects with Google Brain and interdisciplinary work with artists. He leads research initiatives in AI-driven creativity and is deeply involved in the Canadian AI ecosystem through the Vector Institute and CIFAR. His work is supported by significant grants and affiliations, including the Canada CIFAR AI Chair program, which funds his research in foundational AI and its applications. He is also part of the Magenta project at Google, contributing to open-source tools for art and music generation. Sageev Oore leads a research group focused on deep learning for creative applications, with projects in music generation, audio synthesis, and human-AI interaction. His lab collaborates with musicians, artists, and healthcare researchers, fostering a transdisciplinary approach to AI innovation.
Dr. Huadong Mo is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Systems and Computing, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Canberra, Australia. He holds a B.E. degree in automation from the University of Science and Technology of China (2012) and a Ph.D. in systems engineering and engineering management from the City University of Hong Kong (2016). Prior to his current position, he was a research associate at ETH Zurich's Reliability and Risk Engineering Lab (2016-2019) and a Lecturer at UNSW Canberra (2019-2021). Dr. Mo's educational background includes a strong foundation in systems engineering with international experience across China, Switzerland, and Australia. His career trajectory demonstrates a progression from academic research to faculty positions with increasing responsibilities in teaching and research leadership. His research focuses on enhancing the resilience, performance, and security of complex systems using learning-based algorithms, primarily in power and energy systems, cyber-physical systems, and manufacturing systems. He applies data analytics to understand system evolution under uncertainties, with particular emphasis on prognostics and health management, sustainable transportation, robust operation of power systems under extreme events, and reinforcement learning-based asset management. His work bridges theoretical advances with practical applications in critical infrastructure. Analysis of Dr. Mo's recent publications reveals a strong focus on energy systems, particularly in the integration of machine learning with power grid management, battery storage systems, and resilience against cyber threats. His research shows a clear trajectory toward increasingly complex system integration, with growing emphasis on multi-vector energy communities, cross-domain prediction, and uncertainty-aware energy management. The interdisciplinary nature of his work spans electrical engineering, computer science, and operations research. 2024 IEEE SMC Early Career Award 2023 Visiting Research Fellowship (Jean d'Alembert Pour Fellowship) Gold Medal in 2024 China International College Student Innovation Competition (as supervisor) Arc PGC Supervisor Award (2021) IEEE SMC Outstanding Chapter Award (2021) Alumni Achievement Award from City University of Hong Kong (2019) Dr. Mo actively supervises numerous HDR students working on cutting-edge research topics including battery health monitoring, quantum control, reinforcement learning for power systems, and explainable AI for energy management. He leads multiple significant research grants totaling over 3 million AUD, including projects funded by ARC, Energy Innovation Fund, and international collaborations with institutions like ETH Zurich, Cambridge, and Tsinghua University. His research group maintains strong international connections, facilitating student exchanges and collaborative research. As Postgraduate Course Coordinator of Systems Engineering and Chair of IEEE SMC ACT Chapter, Dr. Mo plays a significant role in academic leadership and professional community building. His research team collaborates with industry partners on practical implementations of their theoretical work, particularly in the energy sector.
Dr. Siqi Ma is a Senior Lecturer at the UNSW Institute for Cyber Security (IFCYBER) within the School of Systems & Computing at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). He previously served as a Lecturer at the University of Queensland's School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering (ITEE). He holds a Ph.D. in Information Systems from Singapore Management University (2018) and was a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Data61, CSIRO. He also visited Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) in 2015. Current Role: Senior Lecturer, UNSW Institute for Cyber Security Former Role: Lecturer, University of Queensland Education: Ph.D. (Singapore Management University), Postdoc (Data61, CSIRO) His research spans automated vulnerability detection, mobile security, IoT security, network authentication, and graph-based adversarial robustness. Recent work focuses on drone configuration bugs, Android malware analysis via GNNs, federated learning privacy, and credential leakage in open-source projects. Key trends in his 2024-2025 publications include automated security analysis for embedded systems, deepfake detection in multimedia, and privacy-preserving mechanisms for distributed networks. He collaborates with institutions like Purdue University, Singapore Management University, and CSIRO Data61.
Steven Sinkins is Professor in Microbiology and Tropical Medicine at the University of Glasgow, affiliated with the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research. His research focuses on controlling mosquito-borne diseases through innovative biological approaches. He directs the ANTI-VeC international research network and leads a team investigating microbial solutions to vector-borne pathogens. Research interests center on: Wolbachia symbionts for arbovirus control Microsporidian malaria-blocking symbionts in Anopheles mosquitoes Field implementation of biocontrol strategies against dengue and Zika viruses Molecular mechanisms of pathogen blocking in mosquito vectors Publication analysis reveals consistent focus on: Wolbachia-mediated viral inhibition mechanisms Field trials of novel vector control methods Genetic and symbiotic approaches to disease prevention Mosquito-symbiont-pathogen tripartite interactions Scientific recognition includes: Wellcome Trust Senior Research Fellowship (2006-2021) Leads multiple research grants: Wellcome Trust: Optimal implementation of Wolbachia programmes (2022-2027) Open Philanthropy: Microsporidia symbionts for malaria control (2020-2023) BBSRC: Genetic and symbiotic disease control strategies (2017-2020) Directs the Sinkins Group at the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, collaborating internationally with partners in Malaysia, Kenya, Burkina Faso, and Australia to develop and implement novel vector control solutions.
Martina Wade is a Researcher in the Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases at Yale School of Public Health. Her work focuses on infectious diseases, particularly malaria and antibiotic resistance, with a global health perspective emphasizing sub-Saharan Africa. She collaborates on projects in Cameroon, Uganda, and Burkina Faso, addressing drug resistance mechanisms, diagnostic innovations, and public health interventions. Her research spans clinical trials (e.g., ivermectin mass drug administration protocols), microbiota analysis in livestock and human populations, and environmental transmission dynamics of pathogens. She has published extensively on malaria treatment efficacy, microbiome disruptions from antibiotic use, and novel diagnostic technologies like photoacoustic detection. Her work bridges laboratory science with field epidemiology, aiming to improve clinical outcomes and public health strategies. Key collaborations include Sunil Parikh, Justin Goodwin, and Fangyong Li, focusing on antimalarial resistance tracking and pediatric infection dynamics. Her laboratory is located at 60 College Street, Ste Room 711, New Haven, CT. Contact: martina.wade@yale.edu.
Dr. John G. Hayes is a Senior Lecturer at University College Cork (UCC) in the Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering . He holds a Ph.D. from UCC (1998), an M.S.E.E. from the University of Minnesota (1989), an M.B.A. from California Lutheran University (1993), and a B.E. from UCC (1986). His academic career began at UCC in 2000, and he directs the Power Electronics Research Laboratory (PERL) , focusing on industrial collaborations with companies like Analog Devices and General Motors. Research Interests : Power electronics, magnetic components, electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, smart grids, and energy storage. Notable Work : Joint author of Electric Powertrain: Energy Systems, Power Electronics and Drives for Electric, Hybrid and Fuel Cell Vehicles (Wiley, 2018) and its Chinese edition (2021). Scientific Awards : 2011 IEEE William M. Portnoy Award for Best Paper/Presentation at IEEE ECCE. Advising : Supervised 10+ Ph.D. students across powertrain modeling, magnetic materials, and converter control. Current advisee: Conor Healy (Doctoral Degree). Labs : Leads PERL, which develops high-power converters for automotive and renewable energy applications, partnering with industry leaders like SMA Magnetics and United Technologies.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yusuf Yaşa is an Associate Professor at Istanbul Technical University, Department of Electrical Engineering, specializing in Electrical Machines, Power Electronics, and Hybrid/Electric Vehicles. He holds a PhD from Yıldız Technical University and has served in academic and administrative roles at Bursa Technical University and Istanbul Technical University. PhD in Electrical Machines and Power Electronics, Yıldız Technical University (2006–2013) Current Vice Dean at Istanbul Technical University (2023–) Founding Partner of Yasa Motor Technologies (2018) and Nardan Power Conversion Systems Ltd. Co. (2023) His research focuses on noise mitigation in switched reluctance machines, battery cooling with graphene-enhanced phase change materials, and efficiency optimization in electric vehicle systems. He has led projects on DC fast-chargers and sensorless control of synchronous reluctance motors. His publications address energy conversion, battery management, and acoustic noise reduction. Recent research trends include advancements in electric vehicle modeling, state-of-charge estimation for Li-ion batteries, and thermal management solutions for battery systems. His work integrates simulation tools like ANSYS and machine learning for efficiency improvements. He has advised PhD and Master’s theses on topics such as battery charge rate estimation, graphene-doped PCM materials, and Kalman filter-based motor control. Collaborations span institutions like The University of Akron and companies in electric propulsion and robotics.
Prof. Dr. Michael Horn-von Hoegen is a full professor in the Faculty of Physics at the University of Duisburg-Essen , Germany. His research focuses on ultrafast structural dynamics , surface physics , and 2D materials , particularly using electron diffraction and plasmonic imaging techniques. He leads the Horn-von Hoegen Group , which plays a central role in the Collaborative Research Center CRC 1242 Non-Equilibrium Dynamics of Condensed Matter in the Time Domain , where his team investigates driven phase transitions and phonon systems with sub-femtosecond temporal resolution. Location: Office Window MF260, Faculty of Physics, Lotharstr. 1-21, 47057 Duisburg Contact: Tel. +49 (203) 379 1439 | Fax +49 (203) 379 1555 His research spans ultrafast electron diffraction of photo-induced phase transitions in atomic wires and topological materials , with recent breakthroughs on Kibble-Zurek dynamics in the Si(001) surface and chiral plasmon polaritons . The group’s 15 most recent publications (2025-2022) address phenomena such as negative thermal expansion in 2D materials , electron-phonon coupling in Pb/Si heterostructures , and quantum pathway analysis in Bismuth films . These works are categorized under disciplines like Condensed Matter Physics , Nanooptics , and Ultrafast Dynamics , with subfields including Ising Model Transitions , Plasmon Focusing , and Time-Resolved Diffraction . Prof. Horn-von Hoegen serves as DFG Liaison Officer for the University of Duisburg-Essen, providing guidance on Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) proposals . His group has mentored notable researchers including Dr. Simon Sindermann (postdoc at IBM), Dr. Anja Hanisch-Blicharski (Leopoldina Fellow), Dr. Hichem Hattab (Leopoldina Fellowship), and Dr. Marin Petrovic (Humboldt Fellow). The group’s laboratory facilities include advanced ultrafast electron diffraction and photoemission microscopy systems, enabling studies of atomic-scale processes such as molecular dynamics simulations of laser-excited surfaces and domain wall motion in Si(553)-Au systems .
David Imhoof is Professor of History at Susquehanna University and serves as the NCAA Division III Faculty Athletic Representative. He has twice chaired the History Department (2006-2015, 2020-2023) and directed the Global Opportunities (GO) Austria study abroad program since 2010. His research focuses on cultural and political history in 20th-century Germany with particular emphasis on Göttingen between the World Wars. Education : Ph.D. in History from the University of Texas at Austin, B.A. in History and Liberal Arts from Trinity University. Imhoof's research explores how cultural practices like sports, music festivals, and film shaped political integration in Weimar and Nazi Germany. His current projects include a biography of a Nazi mayor and a history of Germany's 20th-century recording industry. He has published extensively on topics ranging from the Total Work of Art concept to sound studies in German contexts. His recent publications form trends in cultural history, media studies, and political integration analysis. These works examine how music, sports, and film served as vectors for both traditional values and ideological transformation during Germany's turbulent 20th century. Scientific Awards : Multiple Susquehanna Research Grants, DAAD Fellowship, Nachtegall Junior Scholar Award, and Presidential Scholar at Trinity University. Imhoof advises senior theses and independent study projects. He has led assessment reforms in Susquehanna's history department and coordinated over $3,500 in donor campaigns. As director of GO Austria, he develops international curricula and faculty training programs. He co-founded Susquehanna's Holocaust-Genocide Studies Group (2000-2014) and leads a rock band Faculty Lounge with fellow professors. His service includes NCAA representation, university strategic planning, and organizing academic events ranging from opera performances to Holocaust survivor talks.
Rustom Antia is the Samuel C. Dobbs Professor in the Department of Biology at Emory University, affiliated with the Emory College of Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on the quantitative analysis of pathogen dynamics, immune responses, and evolutionary biology using mathematical models and experimental collaborations. He leads the Antia Lab (located in Rollins 1164), working closely with experimental immunologists like Dr. Rafi Ahmed at Emory. Education: Ph.D., University of Massachusetts (1990); MSc, Indian Institute of Technology (1983). His research interests include population biology, computational biology, and the evolutionary interactions between pathogens and hosts. He explores how immune memory shapes viral evolution and transmission, with recent emphasis on SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and dengue viruses. Key research themes include modeling immune responses to vaccines, understanding antibody waning and viral escape, and developing transmissible vaccines for disease control. His work integrates experimental data with theoretical frameworks to predict outbreak dynamics and inform public health strategies. Notable collaborations include studies on CD8+ T cell-mediated immunity in respiratory infections, the role of menstrual cycles in immune surveillance, and immune dysfunction in autoimmune diseases like SLE. His lab’s contributions span from basic immunology to translational applications in vaccine design and cancer therapy.
