Nicolas Giovambattista is a Professor in the Department of Physics at Brooklyn College, CUNY, within the School of Natural and Behavioral Sciences. His work bridges computational simulations with thermodynamic theory to explore liquids and glasses, particularly water and aqueous systems. He focuses on both application-driven and fundamental research, including liquid-liquid phase transitions, nuclear quantum effects, and cryopreservation. Education: B.S. in Physics (Honors) from National University of Mar del Plata, Argentina (1998) Ph.D. in Physics from Boston University (2004) Research Interests: Using computer simulations and potential energy landscape formalism, he investigates glass polymorphism, solvent-induced interactions at nanoscale interfaces, and quantum effects on water's thermodynamic properties. Key areas include amorphous ice transformations, hydrophobic/hydrophilic surface interactions, and energy harvesting via capillary bridges. Publications (2024 and 2025): Recent work emphasizes nuclear quantum effects in polymorphic systems, machine-learning potentials for water glasses, and interfacial water dynamics. Topics span from computational models of capillary bridges to theoretical frameworks for liquid-liquid phase transitions and glassy behavior. Scientific Awards: 2019 PCCP Editor's 'Hot' paper designation 2018 PCCP Editor's 'Hot' paper designation 2016 Journal of Chemical Physics cover feature
Dr. Yvonne Grunder is a Royal Society University Research Fellow at the Department of Physics and Stephenson Institute for Renewable Energy, University of Liverpool. Her research focuses on atomic-scale characterization of electrochemical interfaces using in-situ X-ray diffraction and scattering techniques. PhD in Physics (Technische Universität Berlin, 2008) Postdoctoral appointments at Christian-Albrechts-Universität Kiel (2008-10) and University of Manchester (2010-13) Research Highlights: Charge distribution and structural behavior at electrochemical interfaces Studies of bimetallic electro-catalysts' stability Non-aqueous electrochemical solvents Advanced materials characterization via synchrotron-based techniques Research Outputs: Key contributor to XMaS beamline upgrades at ESRF Published in journals like JACS , Electrochemical Science Advances , and Journal of Physical Chemistry C Scientific Awards: Joachim Walter Schultze Prize (AGEF e.V., 2014) Grants: Royal Society Research Fellow (2013-2022) EPSRC funding for XMaS facility upgrades (2023-2024) Multiple Royal Society grants for electrochemical interface studies (2018-2024) Professional Affiliations: Fellow of the Institute of Physics Member of Royal Society of Chemistry International Society of Electrochemistry Deutsche Physikalische Gesellschaft
Jay LaVerne is a Professor and Concurrent Professional Specialist in the Department of Physics at the University of Notre Dame. He works at the Radiation Research Building and Nuclear Structure Laboratory, focusing on radiation effects in condensed phases, radiolysis techniques, and track structure modeling. Professor, Department of Physics, University of Notre Dame Education: Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry (University of Nebraska, 1981), B.S. in Chemistry (Lamar University, 1972) His multidisciplinary research spans fundamental radiation physics/chemistry and applications in nuclear reactor technology, radioactive waste management, and astrochemistry. He studies hydrogen atom formation, interfacial radiation effects, and radiation stability of materials using experimental and theoretical methods. Recent publications (2023) emphasize radiation effects on aqueous solutions, ceramics, and uranyl clusters, alongside computational track-structure simulations. Earlier works investigate hydrogen generation at interfaces and radiation-induced changes in oxides. He utilizes facilities like the Notre Dame Radiation Laboratory and employs techniques such as gamma/heavy ion radiolysis, EPR, and diffusion-kinetic modeling. Collaborations include researchers from chemistry, physics, and nuclear engineering domains.
Dr. Hongbo Zeng is a Professor in the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering at the University of Alberta's Faculty of Engineering. He holds a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Intermolecular Forces and Interfacial Science and is a Fellow of multiple prestigious academies including the Canadian Academy of Engineering and the Royal Society of Canada. His work bridges fundamental surface science with practical applications in energy, environmental, and biomedical fields. Education: Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from University of California, Santa Barbara (Supervisors: Prof. Jacob N. Israelachvili, Prof. Matthew V. Tirrell) M.S. in Materials Science from Tsinghua University, Beijing, China B.S. in Polymeric Materials Science and Chemical Engineering from Tsinghua University, Beijing, China Dr. Zeng's research focuses on colloid and interface science, functional materials & nanotechnology, with special emphasis on intermolecular and surface interactions in soft materials including polymers, biopolymers, surfactants, emulsions, and hydrogels. His work extends to petroleum, oil sands and mineral processing, and development of functional materials like self-healing materials. His lab has pioneered nanomechanical tools to probe intermolecular and interfacial forces at solid/water/oil/gas interfaces and between highly deformable objects such as gas bubbles and liquid emulsion drops. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on interfacial phenomena, with particular attention to hydrophobic interactions, wet adhesion mechanisms, and advanced materials for environmental applications. His work bridges fundamental surface science with practical applications in oil sands processing, water treatment, and biomedical engineering, showing consistent innovation in both methodology development and practical implementation. Scientific Awards: Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Intermolecular Forces and Interfacial Science Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering (FCAE) NSERC E.W.R. Steacie Memorial Fellowship Martha Cook Piper Research Prize Petro-Canada Young Innovator Award van der Waals Prize Engineering Research Award of the University of Alberta Dr. Zeng has published over 500 peer-reviewed journal articles in leading academic journals, along with one book and eleven book chapters. His research has been supported by numerous grants from NSERC, Canada Research Chairs program, and other funding agencies. He has advised numerous graduate students and postdoctoral fellows who have gone on to successful careers in academia and industry. His Surface Science and Molecular Forces Lab at the University of Alberta is a leading center for interfacial science research in Canada. Dr. Zeng leads the Surface Science and Molecular Forces Lab at the University of Alberta, where his team develops and applies advanced nanomechanical tools to investigate intermolecular forces and interfacial phenomena. The lab's work spans fundamental research on molecular interactions to applied projects addressing challenges in oil sands processing, water treatment, and biomedical materials development.
Dr. Miro Cafolla is an Addison Wheeler Fellow in the Department of Physics at Durham University, with an associate fellowship in the Institute of Advanced Study. His research spans solid-liquid interfaces, nanoscale electromagnetism, and biophysical/medical applications. University: Durham University Department: Physics Ranks: Research Fellow (Addison Wheeler Fellow), Associate Fellow His work focuses on nanoscale phenomena, including spintronics, magnetic multilayers, hydration landscapes in clays, and microcantilever biosensors. Publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches bridging physics, materials science, and biomedical research. Recent articles explore flexible spintronics, nanoscale lubrication mechanisms, and biosensing applications. Scientific awards include prestigious fellowships and contributions to advanced materials research. Addison Wheeler Fellow Associate Fellow, Institute of Advanced Study He employs atomic force microscopy (AFM) for quantitative analysis of material properties and biological systems, with a focus on surface interactions and friction dynamics.
Bert Geerdink is a chemistry researcher affiliated with the University of Twente , specifically within the Faculty of Science and Technology 's Chemical Engineering department. He is a member of the Catalytic Processes and Materials group, contributing to material science and catalysis research since 1995. His key roles include developing scientific instruments, supporting Ph.D. candidates and PostDocs, maintaining facilities, managing budgets, and handling computer-related tasks. Active member of the Faculty Council (FC-ST) Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) officer for his research group His expertise spans: Chemistry : Inorganic chemistry, corrosion studies Material Science : Liquid-solid interfaces, temperature-dependent material behavior Instrumentation : Infrared reflection spectroscopy, electric field applications
Professor Cynthia Goh is a faculty member in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Toronto, with a cross-appointment to the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. Her research focuses on phenomena at the nanometer scale (tens to thousands of angstroms), emphasizing transitions from molecular to macroscopic systems. She investigates interfaces and structures using advanced techniques like atomic force microscopy (AFM) and nonlinear optical methods (second harmonic generation and sum frequency generation). Her current projects include studying collagen fiber assembly, paired helical filaments (PHF) in Alzheimer’s disease, and interfacial dynamics in liquid/air, liquid/liquid, and liquid/solid systems. Key areas of exploration involve water behavior near charged interfaces and cooperative adsorption at model membranes. Her work integrates interdisciplinary approaches from physics, chemistry, and biology. Professor Goh’s lab employs cutting-edge techniques to bridge molecular and macroscopic scales, addressing fundamental questions in materials, biophysics, and surface science.
Giulia Rossi is an Associate Professor at the University of Genoa's Department of Physics. Her research focuses on theoretical and computational condensed matter physics, particularly investigating nanoscale properties of hard and soft matter, including applications in biomaterials and nanotechnology. She leads the Nanobiocomp group, which develops computational models to study nanoparticle interactions with biological systems. Education: PhD in Physics (2007), Master in Science Communication (2006), and Degree in Physics (2004), all from DIFI (University of Genoa). She has held postdoctoral positions at Aalto University and INSERM, and contributed to EU FP7 projects. Research interests include nanoparticle-biomembrane interactions, coarse-grained modeling, and nanomaterial design. Publications span topics like lipid membrane fusion, nanoparticle assembly, and computational methods. The Nanobiocomp group's work is detailed at www.nanobiocomp.com .
Dr Alessandro De Martino is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Mathematics at City, University of London. He holds a PhD in Theory of Elementary Particles from SISSA (Trieste, Italy) and has held academic positions at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, University of Cologne, and visiting roles at University Federico II (Naples) and University of Padova. He is a theoretical condensed matter physicist specializing in electronic and transport properties of quantum materials like graphene, topological insulators, and Weyl semimetals. His work involves collaborations with institutions including Donostia International Physics Center and IIT Kanpur. He serves on the organizing committee of the annual Capri Spring School on Transport in Nanostructures. Research focuses on novel quantum materials’ electronic properties, including carbon nanotubes, topological phases, and Weyl semimetals. His recent articles (2020–2025) explore Weyl semimetal waveguides, Fermi arcs in magnetic fields, and nodal-line semimetal interfaces. He has received the Italian National Scientific Habilitation as Full Professor (2020). Teaching roles include advanced complex analysis and mathematical modeling courses. Professional activities include organizing conferences and workshops on quantum materials and topological condensed matter.
Dr. Weiyu Li is an Alfred Fritz Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She leads the Li’s Energy and Sustainability Solutions (LESS) lab, focused on advancing sustainable energy systems through theoretical and computational modeling. Her research emphasizes transport phenomena in high-energy-density batteries, environmental fluid dynamics, and biomedical modeling. Dr. Li holds a PhD in Energy Science and Engineering from Stanford University (2023) and an M.Sc. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from Princeton University (2019). She has received notable awards including the Siebel Scholar (2023) and the Alfred Fritz Professorship (2024). Her articles span energy storage innovations, sustainable agriculture, and biomedical applications. Current courses taught include M E 299 (Independent Study) and M E 364 (Elementary Heat Transfer). She is actively recruiting PhD students for Spring/Fall 2025.
Matthew Glaser is a Lecturer in the Department of Physics at the University of Colorado. His research focuses on the statistical physics of soft condensed matter, including liquid crystals, colloids, and biomaterials. He employs computational modeling and simulation to study phenomena such as nanostructure formation, nonequilibrium self-organization, and phase behavior in soft materials. His work spans topics like active liquid crystalline matter, charge transport in semiconductors, and the development of coarse-graining methods for molecular simulation. Selected publications highlight contributions to understanding helical nanofilament phases, chiral isotropic liquids from achiral molecules, and microtubule depolymerization mechanisms. His research emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, blending physics with materials science and biophysics. Glaser holds an office in DUAN F515 and can be reached at (303) 492-3029.
Dr. William Wen is a Lecturer at the School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, specializing in Chemistry and Forensic Science. His research focuses on analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, and environmental engineering, with expertise in materials science, energy storage, and nanotechnology. He has contributed to studies on 2D materials, photocatalytic systems, and environmental remediation technologies. Wen has supervised doctoral research in areas such as solid-liquid interfaces, low-dimensional materials, and carbon nitride-based materials for batteries. His teaching and supervision roles include associate supervision of three doctoral candidates. Research outputs span topics like MXenes, transition metal dichalcogenides, and energy storage materials. Wen’s work addresses sustainable development goals related to clean energy, water, and climate action. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry, with contributions to photocatalysis and electrochemical systems dating back to 2008. Key Research Areas: Nanomaterials, environmental catalysis, energy conversion, and computational materials modeling Recent Projects: DFT-guided design of carbon nitride materials, mechanical properties of 2D heterostructures Publications highlight advancements in battery materials, pollutant degradation mechanisms, and photocatalyst optimization. His interdisciplinary work bridges chemistry, engineering, and environmental science for sustainable solutions.
Feng Lin is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Virginia Tech's College of Science, holding the Leo and Melva Harris Faculty Fellowship. His research focuses on electrochemical energy storage systems, particularly battery materials, electrocatalysis, and smart window technologies. Lin leads the Lin Lab, which investigates materials' structure-property relationships to enhance energy storage efficiency and sustainability. Education: B.S. in Materials Science & Engineering from Tianjin University (2009), Ph.D. in Materials Science from Colorado School of Mines (2012). Postdoctoral training at National Renewable Energy Laboratory (2010–2012) and Lawrence Berkeley National Lab (2013–2015). Research interests include solid-liquid interfaces in batteries, oxygen release mechanisms in cathodes, and machine learning-driven material discovery. His work emphasizes chemomechanical properties of battery materials and the impact of crystallographic defects on electrochemical performance. Key innovations: Design of Co-free high-energy layered cathodes, defect-engineered sodium-ion batteries, and oxygen evolution catalysts. Collaborations: DOE SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Brookhaven National Laboratory, and synchrotron facilities for advanced characterization. Awards include the NSF CAREER Award (2021), Energy Storage Materials Young Scientist Award (2020), and Spicer Young Investigator Award (2015). His lab actively develops materials for extreme environment batteries and sustainable energy systems.
Rob Atkin is a Professor in the School of Molecular Sciences at The University of Western Australia (UWA) and a member of the UWA Defence and Security Institute. His research focuses on nano-engineering for sustainable energy solutions, including ionic liquids, electrolytes, smart lubricants, and plastic remediation. He leads a team utilizing advanced facilities like the UWA Centre for Microscopy and external neutron sources (ANSTO, ISIS). Rob holds a PhD (2003) and has secured over $18M in research funding, including ARC grants and industry partnerships. His expertise spans surface science, tribology, and materials science. Collaborations span international academia and industry. He is open to new collaborations via rob.atkin@uwa.edu.au. Research Highlights: Develops nanostructured liquids for energy storage and low-friction applications. Investigates ionic liquid interfaces and their electrochemical behavior. Explores novel methods to degrade and recycle plastics. Key Achievements: $10M in ARC grants (10 Discovery Projects, 9 Linkage grants). Neutron beam time grants exceeding $3M. Over 224 publications and 15,413 citations (h-index 65).
Jin Hyun Chang is an Associate Professor at the Department of Energy Conversion and Storage , Technical University of Denmark (DTU). His research focuses on advancing sustainable energy technologies, particularly in battery materials and electrochemical systems. He leads projects in high-throughput screening of catalytic materials, automated laboratory systems, and sustainable energy storage solutions aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals. His work integrates computational methods, experimental techniques, and machine learning to accelerate material discovery for batteries and electrocatalysts. Key research areas include battery electrolyte design, CO₂ reduction catalysis, and automated synthesis robotics. Chang supervises multiple PhD students in interdisciplinary projects involving materials science, automation, and energy systems. Notable contributions include developing polymer-based battery separators, vision-based lab automation platforms, and high-throughput screening of hydrides for CO₂ reduction. His research emphasizes practical applications in green energy transition and sustainable materials. Chang collaborates internationally and has published extensively on topics like lithium-ion cathodes, magnesium batteries, and electrochemical interfaces. His lab, Autonomous Materials Discovery , pioneers robotic systems for accelerated material innovation.
