Scalable data analytics (graph & network theory) and machine learning techniques for spatial-temporal networks applied to dynamic processes in complex multiscale civil engineered infrastructure (e.g., water, energy); risk and resilience assessments in socio-technical systems for climate change and future challenges facing cities and society; integrating data-driven approaches with physics-based models to create digital twins of their physical counterparts.

Solid ion conductors for advanced energy storage and conversion applications; solid state devices for electrochemical fuel production and energy storage systems for electric vehicles; thermal energy storage systems for concentrated solar power integration and production; carbon capture materials and processes.

Research focuses on the political economy and energy policies of oil producing states in the Persian Gulf.

Seeks to understand the biosphere’s dynamics by developing a new family of theories, and quantitative analyses

Computational imaging at the intersection of computer vision, AI, computer graphics, optics and sensing. Computational optics and holographic displays. Optical computing and computational photonics. Generative AI and neural rendering. Vision and sensing for autonomous robots.

Wind turbine aerodynamics, turbulent drag reduction, turbulent heat transfer, atmospheric fluid mechanics, and instrumentation.

Biogeochemical cycles applied to environmental remediation, especially water quality and soils. Bioremediation of uranium-contaminated groundwater; biogeochemical cycling in wetlands including immobilization of toxic metals; methane emissions from rice paddies; nitrogen transformation in urban streams and hydrological infrastructure; linking water quality models with climate change models; bioremediation of recalcitrant pollutants, including PFAS; energy efficient methods for nitrification and denitrification.

Developing optimization-based energy systems models to evaluate and optimize low-carbon energy technologies, guide investment and research in innovative energy technologies, and generate insights to improve energy and climate policy and planning decisions.

Sensors to reduce electricity and heating costs in buildings; power/thermal analysis and optimization of integrated circuits and systems

Development of molecular simulation approaches for applications in synthetic biology and metabolic engineering; Sustainable chemical synthesis; Thermoresponsive biomaterials; Biosensor engineering.

Sustainable energy, green fuels (e.g. H2, NH3, e-fuels), CO2 reduction and utilization, and energy materials; high pressure combustion, plasma assisted combustion and material synthesis, H2/NH3 production, and thermal chemical and electrochemical energy storage materials, in situ laser diagnostics, and machine learning modeling of interfacial plasma catalysis.

Theoretical plasma physics; plasma-surface interactions; plasma-based synthesis and processing of nanomaterials; cross-field discharges; physics of plasma thrusters; nuclear fusion (heavy ion fusion); magnetohydrodynamics; quantum mechanics.

Organic thin films and organic electronics for photovoltaics: organic/organic heterojunctions that constitute the core of organic photovoltaic cells; interfaces between organic films and conducting oxides or polymer-functionalized surfaces that constitute the high and low work function anode and cathode of these solar cells; hybrid organic/inorganic semiconductor solar cells; metal halide perovskites and their two-dimensional analogs; chemical doping that increases carrier mobility for improved charge collection

The politics of climate change at various scales, including analysis of individual attitudes, national policies, and international institutions. How characteristics of individuals, states, and multilateral institutions affect climate policy outcomes.

Nonlinear dynamics tools and multiphase flow modeling are used to understand the interplay of reaction and transport in PEM fuel cells. Multiscale modeling of complex systems with applications to chemical reactions, transport processes, and agent-based models of behavioral dynamics and urban growth

Development of electrochemical technologies for water treatment and energy storage; ion-selective materials such as membranes and electrodes; electrochemical and thermodynamic materials characterization; electrodialysis; ion separations.

Surface and interfacial processes; plasma-materials interactions in fusion reactors; plasma-enhanced catalysis; photoelectrocatalysis for water splitting and carbon dioxide reduction; alloy catalysis; chemistry of the battery solid electrolyte interphase

Politics and policy making that impact environmental outcomes in poor countries, especially India.

Engineering and physics analysis to enable economically feasible fusion reactors; machine learning, real-time diagnostics and control at KSTAR, NSTX-U, and DIII-D; liquid metal divertor and low temperature diagnostics; software for stellarator optimization and economical analysis of fusion reactors.

Autonomous vehicle control systems; dynamic resource management; traveler information and decision support; traveler information systems; personal rapid transit

Energy systems modeling and analyses to identify sustainable, engineering-based solutions to major energy-related problems; advanced biomass and fossil fuel conversion technologies with CO2 capture and storage. Leadership in the Rapid Switch initiative and Net‑Zero America.

Fundamentals of combustion, with applications in propulsion, energy and environmental issues; combustion of fuel droplets and sprays; incineration of hazardous wastes; chemistry of flame-generated pollutants; formulation of high-performance propulsion fuels

Deep-learning based anomaly detection. Security of critical infrastructures and cyber-physical systems, including the powergrid. Security of processors, computers, controllers, smartphones, cloud computing, and IOT networks. Side-channel and covert channel attacks.

Ocean turbulence and mixing; understanding small-scale turbulent mixing processes through high-resolution numerical simulations combined with theoretical analysis; deriving new physically-based parameterizations to help improve climate simulations

Design/control of new kinds of sustainable and adaptive environmental sensing and observation systems (special focus on marine environments/ocean)