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. Cemal Ulutaş is a faculty member at Hakkari University , affiliated with the Faculty of Education in the Department of Mathematics and Science Education . He also holds administrative and advisory roles across multiple institutions: Dean of the Faculty of Education Board Member at Faculty of Engineering and Faculty of Fine Arts Coordinator at Education and Training Coordination Office Chairman of the Academic Evaluation and Quality Improvement Board Advisory Board Member at Career Development Application and Research Center His research focuses on materials science with an emphasis on thin film technology , particularly metal sulfides and oxides . He investigates structural, electrical, optical, and physical properties of films like γ-MnS, CuS, SnS, and Mn 3 O 4 , using methods such as chemical bath deposition and post-deposition annealing . Current projects examine the impact of variables like molar concentration, bath temperature, and substrate choice on thin film behavior. Recent publications (2010–2023) highlight systematic studies on metal chalcogenide thin films , including concentration gradients, substrate interactions, and thermal stability. Experimental techniques span X-ray diffraction , UV-Vis spectroscopy , and electrical resistivity measurements . Notably, his work bridges fundamental material science with applied engineering challenges, such as optimizing evaporative cooling systems in a 2010 study. As a thesis advisor, he has guided 2 graduate students . His academic contributions are documented in Google Scholar (10 citations, H-Index 620), Scopus (24 publications, H-Index 480), and Web of Science (15 citations, H-Index 9).
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.
Philip Evans serves as Professor in the Department of Wood Science at the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Forestry, holding the British Columbia Leadership Chair in Advanced Forest Products Manufacturing Technology. He maintains an additional affiliation as Honorary Professor in the Department of Materials Physics at The Australian National University, reflecting his international research impact in sustainable forest products. His academic foundation includes a First Class BSc (summa cum laude) and Ph.D. from the University of Wales Bangor, followed by postdoctoral research at Abertay University in Scotland. Career progression led him from Lecturer to Professor and Director of ANU’s Centre for Science & Engineering of Materials before his current UBC appointment. Professor Evans' research integrates molecular-scale wood modification using plasma technology with practical material development. His portfolio addresses critical industrial challenges through plasma-modified wood surfaces for light absorption, X-ray micro-CT/VR systems for wood microstructure analysis, sustainable alternatives to old-growth mahogany in musical instruments, aerospace panel enhancements, and AI-driven detection of illegal timber trade. This dual focus on fundamental science and translational applications drives innovation in replacing non-sustainable materials. His exceptional contributions are recognized by: DOW Chemical Company Distinguished Lecturer Fellow of International Academy of Wood Science Fellow of Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining Commonwealth Forestry Association Medal (Americas) Japanese Ministry for Science & Technology Research Award Oxford Commonwealth Forestry Bureau Book Prize As director of the Wood Surface Science Lab, he actively collaborates with industry partners to solve complex technical problems in forest products manufacturing, while mentoring junior colleagues through his integrated research-teaching approach. Current projects emphasize sustainable material development and advanced analytical techniques for global forestry challenges.
Anthony Rollett is a Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University , where he has been a faculty member since 1995. He serves as the Principal Investigator and Co-Director of the NASA-supported Institute for Model-Based Qualification & Certification of Additive Manufacturing (IMQCAM) and co-director of the Next Manufacturing Center . Prior to CMU, he held leadership roles at Los Alamos National Laboratory (1991-1995). Education: Ph.D., Materials Engineering, Drexel University (1987) MA, Metallurgy and Materials Science, Cambridge University (1977) Research Interests: Rollett’s work focuses on microstructural evolution and microstructure-property relationships in 3D using experiments and simulations. His expertise spans additive manufacturing , metal 3D printing , materials for energy systems , grain growth , recrystallization , and stereology , with techniques like high-energy diffraction microscopy (HEDM) and dynamic x-ray radiography (DXR) . Scientific Contributions: He has over 320 peer-reviewed publications and an h-index >80 . His recent articles highlight machine learning for laser processing , fatigue analysis of additively manufactured alloys, and design optimization for heat exchangers in supercritical CO2 and solar thermal applications . Scientific Awards: Fellow of ASM International (1996) Fellow of the Institute of Physics (UK) (2004) Fellow of The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (TMS) (2011) Cyril Stanley Smith Award (TMS, 2014) Member of Honor, French Metallurgical Society (2015) US Steel Professor (2017) Francqui International Professor (2020-2021) International FAME Award (2023) Leadership & Impact: Rollett co-led the development of a NASA Space Technology Research Institute for additive manufacturing and established a new master’s program in additive manufacturing (2018). His research group is funded by industry , federal agencies , and Pennsylvania state grants . He also serves on the Basic Energy Science Advisory Committee and Defense Programs Advisory Committee for the Department of Energy.
Catherine Pinel is a Research Director (DR2) at the Institute for Research on Catalysis and Environment of Lyon (IRCELYON, UMR 5256), a joint research unit of the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) and Claude Bernard University Lyon 1. She has held this senior research position since October 2008, following progression from CR1 (1998-2008) and CR2 (1994-1998) roles at the same institution. Her academic journey includes postdoctoral research at Cambridge University (1992-1993) under Professor S.V. Ley and with Professor M. Lemaire (1993-1994). Her educational foundation includes: Diplôme Universitaire de Technologie in Chemistry from Paris XI University (1986) Engineering Degree from École Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Paris (1989) Advanced Studies Diploma in Organic Chemistry from Paris VI University (1989) PhD in Organic Chemistry from Paris VI University (1992) on chiral ruthenium complexes and enantioselective reductions Habilitation à diriger des recherches from Lyon I University (1999) on catalysis and fine chemistry Dr. Pinel's research pioneers sustainable catalytic processes with emphasis on biomass valorization, green chemistry, and heterogeneous catalysis. Her work bridges fundamental catalyst design with industrial applications, particularly in hydrogenation, oxidation, and biorefinery processes. Current focus areas include catalytic conversion of biomass-derived platform molecules (glucose, succinic acid, polyols), development of bimetallic catalysts, and valorization of hemicellulose streams. Her approach integrates advanced catalyst characterization with reaction engineering to create environmentally benign chemical transformations. Analysis of her recent publication trajectory (2019-2025) reveals evolving expertise from fundamental organometallic chemistry toward applied sustainable catalysis. Key trends include increasing focus on biomass-derived feedstocks (glucose, succinic acid, polyols), development of metal-carbide/nitride catalysts, and optimization of aqueous-phase reactions for industrial biorefineries. Her work demonstrates strong interdisciplinary collaboration across catalysis, materials science, and green chemistry, with growing emphasis on circular economy principles and renewable chemical production. No scientific awards were explicitly mentioned in the source materials. Dr. Pinel actively contributes to academic training through graduate instruction at University of Lyon (Master 2 'Catalysis and Physical Chemistry' since 2007) and University of Savoie (M2 courses in New Catalysts in Organic Chemistry since 1999 and Coordination Chemistry since 2012). While specific grant details aren't provided, her extensive publication record across high-impact journals indicates sustained research funding. She maintains collaborative networks within IRCELYON and internationally, particularly in biomass conversion and catalyst characterization. As a core researcher at IRCELYON (celebrating 60 years of catalysis research in 2021), she operates within a world-class facility housing specialized equipment for catalyst synthesis, characterization (including in situ techniques), and testing. Her work aligns with the institute's focus on sustainable catalysis for energy transition, air/water depollution, and biomass valorization, contributing to France's strategic research priorities in green chemistry.
Yao Yang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at Cornell University's College of Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on developing multimodal operando electron microscopy and synchrotron X-ray methods to probe electrochemical dynamics at solid-liquid interfaces for energy materials. PhD, Cornell University (2021) Miller Postdoctoral Fellow, UC Berkeley (2021-2024) Research interests span fundamental electrochemistry and energy material interfaces, particularly CO2 reduction, clean H2 production, and rechargeable batteries. The Yang group specializes in operando electrochemical liquid-cell scanning transmission electron microscopy (EC-STEM) and correlative synchrotron X-ray methods at Cornell Center for Materials Research (CCMR) and Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS). Recent publications highlight atomic-scale imaging of catalyst dynamics, Tafel slope analysis, and epitaxial growth techniques for enhanced electrocatalysts. Articles demonstrate interdisciplinary approaches combining electrochemistry, nanoscience, and advanced characterization. Scientific Awards: 2025 ACS Materials and Interfaces Outstanding Presentations by Young Investigators Award 2024 Journal of Materials Research Distinguished Invited Speaker Miller Postdoctoral Fellowship (2021-2024) 2023 Best Early Career Presentation at MRS Spring 2022 ACS AC/DC Rising Stars in Analytical Chemistry Contact: yaoyang@cornell.edu
Prof. Dr. Taner Akbay is a faculty member at Yeditepe University, Faculty of Engineering , Department of Materials Science and Nanotechnology Engineering. He has held academic positions at institutions including Kyushu University, Oita University, and Imperial College London. Education: PhD in Materials Engineering (1993, Imperial College London); Master’s (1989) and Bachelor’s (1986) degrees from Middle East Technical University. His research spans Materials Engineering , Metallurgy , and Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) , with a focus on oxide ion conductivity, laser surface treatment, and phase transformations. Recent work explores photocatalysis , anion intercalation , and CO2 reduction using computational and experimental approaches. Key article trends include SOFC optimization (2004–2009), strain effects on catalysts (2015–2020), and dual-carbon battery technology (2016–2020). His work bridges fundamental metallurgy and advanced energy materials . Scientific Awards: Postdoctoral Research Sponsorship Award (EPSRC, UK) JSPS Fellowship (Japan) Daiwa Adrian Prize (2016, UK) PhD Studentship at Imperial College (European Commission) He has supervised multiple PhD and Master’s theses, including projects on dual-carbon batteries , microwave absorption nanocomposites , and rare earth recovery . Administrative roles include Head of Department (2020–2021). Non-University Experience: Worked with Mitsubishi Materials Corporation (2001), Çolakoğlu Metalurji (2010), and National Research Council Canada (2009).
Dr. Simon Beaumont is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Durham University , with additional responsibilities as Associate Dean (PGR) in the Faculty of Science. His research program integrates heterogeneous catalysis , nanomaterials , and in situ spectroscopic techniques to develop sustainable chemical processes. BA & MSci Natural Sciences, University of Cambridge (2003-2007) PhD in Heterogeneous Catalysis, University of Cambridge (2010) Postdoctoral Fellowship at UC Berkeley (2010-2012) Research foci include mechanistic studies of catalytic processes, nanoparticle synthesis , and in situ characterization via X-ray absorption (NEXAFS), DRIFTS, and Raman. His work addresses challenges in CO2 hydrogenation , biomass conversion , and environmental remediation , supported by national/EU/industrial funding. Recent publications highlight trends in selective hydrogenation (furfural), multi-functional catalysts (acid-base systems), and nanoparticle stability under reactive conditions. All studies emphasize molecular-level understanding for practical catalyst design. Scientific awards include Leverhulme Trust and Addison Wheeler fellowships. Teaching portfolio spans first-year laboratories , organic chemistry tutorials , and advanced catalysis lectures . Supervision of five research postgraduates and leadership of industry-funded projects further demonstrate his academic impact.
Dr. Geng Guoqing is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the National University of Singapore (NUS). He holds concurrent roles as East Asian Regional Convener for RILEM and board member of ACI-Singapore Chapter. His research focuses on sustainable construction materials, particularly durability, microstructural characterization, and waste material utilization. Geng earned his PhD from UC Berkeley (2017), followed by postdoctoral research at the Paul Scherrer Institute (Switzerland). He has authored over 50 papers and leads multiple projects funded by Singapore’s Ministry of Education, Energy Center, and National Research Foundation. Education: Bachelor of Engineering, Southeast University, China (2010) Master of Science, UC Berkeley, USA (2013) PhD, UC Berkeley, USA (2017) Research interests center on sustainable construction materials, multi-scale characterization, and material durability . Key themes include recycling low-grade materials, mitigating degradation in concrete, and developing high-performance binders like LC3. His work employs advanced techniques like molecular modeling, X-ray diffraction, and NMR. Recent articles explore hydration kinetics, CSH matrix mechanics, and waste clay applications. Awards include the 2023 RILEM Medal and multiple teaching excellence recognitions. Current projects address CO 2 absorption, sustainable cement blends, and resilient façade materials. Professional service includes editorial roles at Cleaner Materials and Frontiers in Materials , plus organizing the 2022 EASEC Conference. His lab focuses on bridging microstructural insights with macro-scale material performance.
Prof. Dr. Peter Strasser is a faculty member at the Technische Universität Berlin , affiliated with the Institute of Chemistry and leading the Electrochemical Catalysis, Energy and Materials Sciences Group within the Faculty II - Mathematics and Natural Sciences . His research spans electrocatalysis , fuel cell technology , and high-throughput materials testing , with a focus on nanostructured catalysts for clean energy systems. Research Interests : High Throughput Testing Fuel Cells Electrocatalysis Electrochemical Materials Water Splitting CO2 Conversion Scientific Contributions highlight trends in oxygen evolution reactions , dealloyed catalysts , and non-noble metal electrocatalysts . His work bridges materials science and energy storage , particularly for hydrogen fuel cells and magnesium batteries . Awards : Otto Roelen Medal 2016 Advising notable researchers like former PhD student Mehtap Özaslan , who established a junior research group at the University of Oldenburg and won the Umicore Scientific Award. Prof. Strasser's team collaborates with UniSysCat and has secured funding from the Federal Ministry of Research for catalyst innovation.
Shanshan Xu is a Dame Kathleen Ollerenshaw Fellow and Academic Lecturer in Catalysis at the Department of Materials, University of Manchester, since January 2025. She specializes in heterogeneous catalytic systems for sustainable chemical reactions, including hydrogen production, nitrogen fixation, and CO2 conversion, employing operando X-ray spectroscopy and DRIFTS techniques to study catalytic mechanisms. Previously, she worked on the EU-funded Laurelin project, focusing on CO2 conversion to renewable methanol using nonthermal plasma catalysis. She earned her PhD in Chemical Engineering (2021) and MSc in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Manchester. Her research interests span catalyst design (metal oxides, porous materials like zeolites and MOFs), operando spectroscopy (XAS, XPDF, IR), and sustainable chemistry. She leads the UoMaH research group at the University of Manchester-Harwell, collaborating internationally. Xu is actively mentoring PhD students and supervising projects in catalysis, with funding opportunities through scholarships like the President’s Doctoral Scholarship and the University of Manchester-CSC joint program. Notable awards include the Dame Kathleen Ollerenshaw Fellowship (2024), Dean’s Doctoral Scholarship (2017), and First Prize in the China ShaoXing Innovation Competition (2023). Her work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, contributing to clean energy and sustainable industrial processes. Xu’s lab focuses on advancing catalyst design through operando studies, with emphasis on nonthermal plasma systems. She collaborates on projects like the UoMaH initiative, exploring nanoparticle behavior and catalytic materials for industrial applications.
Dr. Robert O’Connor is an Assistant Professor at the School of Physical Sciences, Dublin City University (DCU) , specializing in interface chemistry and thin film characterization. His work bridges semiconductor physics and energy harvesting technologies , with a focus on materials like high-κ dielectrics and III-V substrates. BSc in Applied Physics (2001), DCU PhD in Semiconductor Physics (2005), DCU His research employs X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and atomic layer deposition (ALD) to study material interfaces in devices such as MOSFETs and photoelectrochemical systems . He leads a 4-year SFI-funded project on solar water splitting for hydrogen fuel and collaborates with Trinity College Dublin (SPOKE project) and IMEC, Belgium on area-selective deposition techniques. His lab utilizes a state-of-the-art integrated ALD-XPS tool . His scientific awards include the Marie Curie Intra-European Fellowship , Irish Research Council EMBARK Fellowship , and SFI TIDA Award . Publications span high-κ dielectrics , self-assembled monolayers , and block copolymer lithography , with recent work on graphene oxide heterostructures and recyclability in additive manufacturing . He supervises 5 postgraduate students and teaches modules like Final Year Project (PS451) and Solid State Physics I (PS204) . Collaborations include institutions such as IMEC and Trinity College Dublin , with tools like the integrated ALD-XPS system at DCU.
Megan L. Matthews is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Pennsylvania, School of Arts & Sciences, where she leads an active research group focused on chemical biology and enzymology. Her lab develops innovative chemical proteomics technologies to uncover novel enzyme cofactors and regulatory post-translational modifications, particularly those involving reactive electrophiles, which cannot be predicted from genomic sequences. B.S. in Chemistry, Miami University (2005) Ph.D. in Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University (2011) Postdoctoral Fellow, The Scripps Research Institute (2012–2017) Her research centers on the concept of the 'electrophilome'—a largely unexplored half of the reactive proteome. By designing 'reverse-polarity' chemical probes, her group enables the discovery of functionally significant electrophilic modifications in proteins, especially those involved in cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. These discoveries open new avenues for therapeutic intervention through covalent targeting. The recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on enzyme mechanisms, cofactor discovery, and chemical probe development. Her work spans from fundamental enzymology (e.g., halogenases, ribonucleotide reductases) to applied chemical biology (e.g., hydrazine probes, chemoproteomic profiling). The keywords across her publications highlight emerging themes in metalloenzymes, radical chemistry, and covalent proteome mapping. Her scientific contributions have been recognized through prestigious fellowships, including the Merck Helen Hay Whitney Postdoctoral Fellowship. She has published in top-tier journals such as Nature , Nature Chemical Biology , and Journal of the American Chemical Society . Dr. Matthews advises graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in her lab, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment. Her lab emphasizes the importance of diverse perspectives in scientific discovery. She has secured research funding to support projects in probe development, target characterization, and disease mechanism studies, particularly in neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. The Matthews Lab is actively engaged in advancing reverse-polarity activity-based protein profiling (RP-ABPP) for in vivo applications and inhibitor screening. The group collaborates with experts in structural biology, spectroscopy, and disease modeling to translate basic discoveries into therapeutic insights.
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.
