Pratim Biswas is a faculty member in the Department of Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering at the University of Miami, with an affiliated appointment in the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences. He served as dean of the University of Miami College of Engineering from 2020 to 2025. Biswas is a pioneer in his field recognized for applying aerosol science and engineering to multiple areas such as energy and environmental nanotechnology, solar energy, air pollution control, and medicine. He is also a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the world’s largest scientific society, for his pioneering contributions to aerosol science and engineering.
Prior to joining the University of Miami, he was the Lucy and Stanley Lopata Professor and chair of the Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis. He also served as assistant vice chancellor for international programs and as director of the McDonnell Academy Global Energy and Environmental Partnership (MAGEEP).
Biswas received his Ph.D. from the California Institute of Technology, his M.S. from the University of California, Los Angeles, and his B.Tech. degree from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay.
For his exemplary contributions to the fundamentals of aerosol science and engineering, Biswas was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2019. He has received numerous teaching and research awards, including the 2018 Fuchs Award, the premier international aerosol award given to a scientist for outstanding contributions in aerosol science and technology; the 2016 Harry White Award from the International Society for Electrostatic Precipitation; the 2015 Cecil Award for exemplary accomplishments in environmental engineering from the American Institute of Chemical Engineers; the 2013 David Sinclair Award for outstanding contributions by an established scientist from the American Association for Aerosol Research; the Distinguished Faculty Award from Washington University in 2012; the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay in 2011; the 1991 Kenneth Whitby Award from the American Association for Aerosol Research; and the Neil Wandmacher Teaching Award from the College of Engineering, University of Cincinnati, in 1994.
He was elected a fellow of the Academy of Science, St. Louis, in 2003, and a fellow of the American Association for Aerosol Research in 2009. In 2014, he was selected as a fellow of the International Aerosol Research Assembly, and in 2017 was elected fellow of the Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors.
Biswas has played a leading role nationally and internationally in the field of aerosol science and technology, serving on numerous committees. He was conference chair for the 15th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Aerosol Research, chair of the Critical Review Committee of the Air and Waste Management Association, associate editor of Aerosol Science and Technology, and technical program chair of the 7th International Aerosol Conference in 2006. He also served on the board of directors of the American Association for Aerosol Research, as its treasurer in 1998, and as president in 2006–07. He was editor-in-chief of the Journal of Aerosol Science from 2015 to 2019. In 2018, he chaired the International Aerosol Conference held in St. Louis. He is the current president of the International Aerosol Research Assembly (2018–2022).
Biswas’ work is conducted through the world-renowned Aerosol and Air Quality Research Laboratory (AAQRL). His research is funded by the National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Energy, National Institutes of Health, Environmental Protection Agency, and industry. He has graduated and advised 60 Ph.D. students and, with them, published more than 450 refereed journal articles.
Aerosol science and engineering with applications in energy and environmental nanotechnology, nanoparticle synthesis, advanced material synthesis, pharmaceuticals and theranostics, medicine, biological systems, solar energy utilization, electronics, air pollution control, sensors, atmospheric issues, air quality, thermal sciences.
Prof. Chang-Yu Wu is the Chair of the Department of Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering at University of Miami from Jan 2023. Prior to joining the University of Miami, he was Professor in the Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences at the University of Florida, where he served as Department Head from 2013-2019.
Prof. Wu has a diverse range of research interest. His COVID-19 research since 2020 that demonstrated aerosol transmission of SARS-CoV-2 played a critical role in reshaping the CDC (Centers of Diseases Control) and WHO (World Health Organization) guidelines to better protect the public health. His research in bioaerosol control resulted in several patented technologies to capture and deactivate airborne pathogens. His research in welding fume control resulted in the ASE technology that shields welders from toxic exposure. His novel catalysts enable effective mercury emission control from combustion and incineration processes. His research in lunar dust mitigation resulted in the Dustroyer technology that efficiently removes dust from solar panels without water.
Prof. Wu is an avid educator. He teaches air pollution control design, air quality and aerosol mechanics. He incorporates active learning in his classes, and he uses the flipped format to dynamically engage students. His teaching has consistently received high remarks from students, both undergraduate and graduate students. Through educational research, he integrates education and research. His research in engineering education has created a better learning environment for freshman engineers taking chemistry and has facilitated a support system for college students with learning disabilities that allow them to better advocate their strength.
His research has been funded by the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, Department of Energy, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, and Industry. As of Fall 2022, he has graduated and advised 23 PhD students and 35 Master’s students, and he has mentored 86 undergraduate students conducting research. Together with them, he has published more than 160 refereed journal articles. In addition, his research has resulted in 9 US patents and 4 pending applications. An active member of American Association for Aerosol Research (AAAR), Association of Environmental Engineering Sciences Professors (AEESP), and Air & Waste Management Association (A&WMA), he has received several awards recognizing his accomplishments in education, research, and service, including Fellow of AAAR, Lyman A. Ripperton Environmental Educator Award, and HHMI Distinguished Mentor Award.
Air Pollution Control, Bioaerosol, Health Engineering, Air Quality, Incineration, Renewable Energy, Engineering Education, Environmental Nanotechnology, Environmental and Occupational Health.
Samiul Amin,is currently Professor of Practice at the University of Miami, Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering Department. He is also the Director of the Engineering Corporate Affiliates Program (E-CAP) for the College of Engineering. Prior to this he was Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at Manhattan College. At Manhattan College Chemical Engineering Department, Prof.Amin developed and led the Cosmetic and Biopharmaceutical Engineering focus area.
Prof. Amin has worked in industry and academia for the past 21 years working across Engineering, R&D and Innovation Management. He has worked in global multinationals such as ExxonMobil, Unilever, L’Oreal and Malvern Instruments in Asia, Europe and the US. Prof. Amin’s expertise is in formulation design of cosmetic/consumer, personal care, homecare and biopharmaceutical products, colloids & complex fluids (Surfactants, Polymers and Emulsions), rheology, tribology, advanced characterization. Prof. Amin’s research at University of Miami is focused on formulation design of smart gels and hydrogels and performance optimization of consumer, cosmetic and homecare products based on novel sustainable materials such as biosurfactants and biopolymers and novel polymer chemistries including stimuli responsive or smart polymers all of which are sourced through collaborations with polymer and materials companies. Prof.Amin’s research group additionally works on protein stability and rheology control in high concentration biotherapeutic formulations. Many of the research projects are carried out through collaborations with leading global cosmetic and biopharmaceutical companies.
Prof.Amin regularly teaches numerous industrial training courses covering surfactants, polymers, emulsions, rheology, advanced characterization etc. These include courses at cosmetic and consumer goods companies as well as SCC (Society of Cosmetic Chemists) and AOCS (American Oil Chemists Society) organized courses.
Prof.Amin has served on many committees of national and international societies/organizations such as the SCC Education Committee, Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)/Society of Chemical Industry (SCI) etc and has Chaired numerous international conferences in the complex fluids/soft matter area in Europe and the US. He is currently the section editor for Current Opinion in Colloid and Interface Science-Formulations and Cosmetics section and is an Associate Editor for Surfactants and Detergents.
Prof.Amin received his PhD in Chemical Engineering from North Carolina State University, his MS in Chemical Engineering from the Johns Hopkins University and his BS in Chemical Engineering from Rutgers University. Prof.Amin also carried out a postdoctoral fellowship in the Soft Condensed Matter Physics Group at the University of Fribourg in Switzerland.
Dr. Tomei is an Associate Professor in the departments of Biomedical Engineering, Immunology and Surgery and the director of the Islet Immunoengineering Laboratory at the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI) at the University of Miami Millers School of Medicine. She is applying her unique background in bioengineering and immunology to develop novel immunoengineering platforms to prevent rejection after islet transplantation and to promote antigen-specific tolerance for a cure of type-1 diabetes. Dr. Tomei has secured and successfully administered grants from the NIH, JDRF, Johnson & Johnson, Semma Therapeutics and Sernova. She is a standing member of the NIH BMBI study section and the CIRM grant working group. She was awarded the Marc S. Goodman Prize to an Outstanding Young Scientist, the JDRF career development award, the Eliahu I. Jury Early Career Research Award, the Johnson A. Edosomwan Researcher of the Year Award, the CMBE Young Innovator, and the Alexander Orr Excellence in Teaching Award.
Development of more effective immunoisolation strategies to prevent rejection in allogeneic cell transplantation. Development of novel means to promote immunological tolerance to allo- and auto-antigens
Buchwald, P., Tamayo, A., Manzoli, V., Tomei, A., Stabler, C. (2018).Glucose-Stimulated Insulin Release: Parallel Perifusion Studies of Free and Hydrogel Encapsulated Human Pancreatic Islets. Biotechnology & Bioengineering (IF=4.5).
Manzoli, V., Villa, C., Bayer, A., Molano, D. R., Torrente, Y., Ricordi, C., Hubbell, J., (2017).Immunoisolation of Murine Islet Allografts in Vascularized Sites Through Conformal Coating with Polyethylene Glycol. American Journal of Transplantation (IF=5.7).
Villa, C., Manzoli, V., Abreu, M., Verheyen, C., Seskin, M., Najjar, M., Molano, R. D., Torrente, Y., Ricordi, C., Tomei, A. (2017).Effects of Composition of Alginate-Polyethylene Glycol Microcapsules and Transplant Site on Encapsulated Islet Graft Outcomes in Mice.. Transplantation (IF=3.5), 101, 1025-1035.
Manzoli, V., Colter, D. C., Dhanaraj, S., Fornoni, A., Ricordi, C., Pileggi, A., (2017).Engineering Human Renal Epithelial Cells for Transplantation in Regenerative Medicine. Medical Engineering & Physics (IF=2.2) .
Tomei, A., Villa, C., Ricordi, C. (2015).Development of an encapsulated stem cell-based therapy for diabetes. Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy (IF=3.7), 15. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26156291/
Najjar, M., Manzoli, V., Villa, C., Martino, M. M., Molano, R. D., Torrente, Y., Pileggi, A., Inverardi, L., Ricordi, C., Hubbell, J. A., Tomei, A. (2015).Fibrin Gels Engineered with Pro-Angiogenic Growth Factors Promote Engraftment of Pancreatic Islets in Extrahepatic Sites in Mice. Biotechnology and Bioengineering (IF=4.5), 112, 1916-26.
Tomei, A., Manzoli, V., Fraker, C., Giraldo, J. A., Velluto, D., Najjar, M., Pileggi, A., Molano, R. D., Ricordi, C., Stabler, C. L., Hubbell, J. A. (2014).Device design and materials optimization of conformal coating for islets of Langerhans. Proc Natl Acad Sci (IF=9.7), 111, 10514-9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24982192
Dane, K., Nembrini, C., Tomei, A., Eby, J. K., O'Neil, C. P., Velluto, D., Swartz, M. A., Inverardi, L., Hubbell, J. A. (2011).Nano-sized drug-loaded micelles deliver payload to lymph node immune cells and prolong allograft survival. J Control Release (IF=7.7), 156, 154-60. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21864593
Shields, J. D., Kourtis, I., Tomei, A., Roberts, J., Swartz, M. A. (2010).Induction of lymphoidlike stroma and immune escape by tumors that express the chemokine CCL21. Science (IF=37), 328, 749-52. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20339029
Tomei, A., Siegert, S., Britschgi, M. R., Luther, S. A., Swartz, M. A. (2009).Fluid Flow Regulates Stromal Cell Organization and CCL21 Expression in a Tissue-engineered Lymph Node Microenvironment. Journal of Immunology (IF=4.9), 183, 4273-83.
Tomei, A., Boschetti, F., Gervaso, F., Swartz, M. A. (2009).3D Collagen Cultures Under Well-Defined Dynamic Strain: A Novel Strain Device with a Porous Elastomeric Support. Biotechnology & Bioengineering (IF=4.5), 103, 217-25.
Boschetti, F. A., Tomei, A., Turri, S., Swartz, M. A., Levi, M. (2008).Design, Fabrication and Characterization of a Composite Scaffold for Bone Tissue Engineering. International Journal of Artificial Organs (IF=1.2), 31, 697-707.
Tomei, A., Choe, M. M., Swartz, M. A. (2008).Effects of Dynamic Compression on Lentiviral Transduction in an In Vitro Airway Wall Model. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol (IF=4.7), 294, L79-86.
Shields, J. D., Fleury, M. E., Yong, C., Tomei, A., Randolph, G. J., Swartz, M. A. (2007).Autologous Chemotaxis as a Mechanism of Tumor Cell Homing to Lymphatics via Interstitial Flow and Autocrine CCR7 Signaling. Cancer Cell (IF=23.2), 11, 526-38.
Tomei, A., Choe, M. M., Swartz, M. M. (2006).Physiological 3D Tissue Model of the Airway Wall and Mucosa. Nature Protocols (IF=13.3), 1, 357-362.
Tomei, A., Stock, A. (). Conformal Coating. Pancreas Transplantation, Bioengineering and Regeneration; Vol. 2: Islet Allo-transplantation, Bioengineering and Regeneration of the Endocrine Pancreas; D) Bioengineering and Regeneration of the Endocrine Pancreas; Section III: Islet Encapsulation (pp. ). Elsevier/AP.
Dr. Ruiz Pestana earned his bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Cantabria in Spain and obtained his Ph.D. from the Theoretical and Applied Mechanics program at Northwestern University under the mentorship of Sinan Keten. After his Ph.D., he became a postdoctoral fellow at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the University of California, Berkley, where he worked with Teresa Head-Gordon. Dr. Ruiz Pestana has made an impact in a variety of nanoscience topics ranging from the development of computational models to investigate the mechanics of graphene assemblies to understanding the desalination potential of supramolecular peptide nanotubes.
NSF CAREER Award: Dr. Ali Ghahremaninezhad receives the NSF CAREER Award titled Bio-Inspired Genetically Engineered Self-Healing for Cementitious Materials.NSF MRI Award: Dr. Ali Ghahremaninezhad (PI) receives the NSF MRI Award titled MRI: Acquisition of a High-Resolution X-Ray Micro-Computed Tomography System for multidisciplinary and Integrated Research and Education. ANNOUNCEMENT: Ph.D. Research Positions in Bio-Inspired Self-Healing of Cementitious MaterialsPh.D. research positions are available immediately in the Advanced Materials Research Lab at the University of Miami to perform interdisciplinary research in the area of bio-inspired self-healing of cementitious materials. Highly motivated applicants are encouraged to send a CV to Dr. Ali Ghahremaninezhad via email at a.ghahremani@miami.edu.
Kamali, M., Ghahremaninezhad, A. (2018).A Study of Calcium-Silicate-Hydrate/Polymer Nanocomposites Fabricated Using the Layer-By-Layer Method. Materials, 11, 527.
Frota Bashuni, M., Kamali, M., Ghahremaninezhad, A. (2018).A study on the hydration, strength and electrical resistivity of ternary cementitious materials containing recycled glass powder. Frontiers of Structural and Civil Engineering, 1-10.
Farzanian, K., Ghahremaninezhad, A. (2018).Desorption of superabsorbent hydrogels with varied chemical compositions in cementitious materials. Mater. Struct., 51, 3.
Kamali, M., Ghahremaninezhad, A. (2018).Effect of Biomolecules on the Nanostructure and Nanomechanical Property of Calcium-Silicate-Hydrate. Scientific Reports, 8, 9491.
Farzanian, K., Ghahremaninezhad, A. (2018).On the Effect of Chemical Composition on the Desorption of Superabsorbent Hydrogels in Contact with a Porous Cementitious Material. Gels, 4, 70.
Farzanian, K., Ghahremaninezhad, A. (2018).On the interaction between superabsorbent hydrogels and blended mixtures with supplementary cementitious materials. Advances in Civil Engineering Materials, 7, 567-589.
Kamali, M., Ghahremaninezhad, A. (2017).An investigation into the influence of superabsorbent polymers on the properties of glass powder modified cement pastes. Constr. Build. Mater., 149, 236-247.
Kamali, M., Ghahremaninezhad, A. (2017).An Investigation into the Properties and Microstructure of Cement Mixtures Modified with Cellulose Nanocrystal. Materials, 10, 1-16.
Wehbe, Y., Ghahremaninezhad, A. (2017).Combined effect of shrinkage reducing admixtures (SRA) and superabsorbent polymers (SAP) on the autogenous shrinkage, hydration and properties of cementitious materials. Constr. Build. Mater., 138, 151-162.
Farzanian, K., Ghahremaninezhad, A. (2017).The effect of the capillary forces on the desorption of hydrogels in contact with porous cementitious material. Mater. Struct., 50, 216.
Gooranorimi, O., Ghahremaninezhad, A. (2016). Investigating surface morphology and cracking during lithiation of Al anodes. AIMS Mater. Sci., 3, 1632–1648.
Kamali, M., Ghahremaninezhad, A. (2016).Investigating the hydration and microstructure of cement pastes modified with glass powders. Constr. Build. Mater., 112, 915–924.
Teixeira, K. P., Rocha, I. P., Carneiro, L. D., Flores, J., Dauer, E. A., Ghahremaninezhad, A. (2016).The effect of curing temperature on the properties of cement pastes modified with TiO2 nanoparticles. Materials , 9, 1-15.
Farzanian, K., Teixeira, K. P., Rocha, I. P., De Sa Carneiro, L., Ghahremaninezhad, A. (2016).The mechanical strength, degree of hydration, and electrical resistivity of cement pastes modified with superabsorbent polymers. Constr. Build. Mater., 109, 156–165.
Kamali, M., Ghahremaninezhad, A. (2015).An investigation into the hydration and microstructure of cement pastes modified with glass powders. Construction and Building Materials, Accepted..
Kamali, M., Ghahremaninezhad, A. (2015).Effect of glass powders on the mechanical and durability properties of cementitious materials. Construction and Building Materials, 98.
Boyce, B., Kramer, S., Fang, H., Cordova, T., Neilson, M., Dion, K., Kaczmarowski, A., Karasz, E., Xue, L., Gross, A., Ghahremaninezhad, A., Ravi-Chandar, K., Lin, S., Chi, S., Chen, J. (2014).The Sandia Fracture Challenge: blind round robin predictions of ductile tearing. International Journal of Fracture, 186, May-68.
Ghahremaninezhad, A., Ravi-Chandar, K. (2013).Crack nucleation from a notch in a ductile material under shear dominant loading. International Journal of Fracture, 184, 253-266.
Ghahremaninezhad, A., Ravi-Chandar, K. (2013).Ductile failure behavior of polycrystalline Al 6061-T6 under shear dominant loading. International Journal of Fracture, 180, 23-39.
Ghahremaninezhad, A., Ravi-Chandar, K. (2012).Deformation and failure in nodular cast iron. Acta Materialia, 60, 2359-2368.
Ghahremaninezhad, A., Ravi-Chandar, K. (2012).Ductile failure behavior of polycrystalline Al 6061-T6. International Journal of Fracture, 174, 177-202.
Ghahremaninezhad, A., Ravi-Chandar, K. (2011).Ductile failure in polycrystalline OFHC copper. International Journal of Solids and Structures, 48, 3299-3311.
Shadja, H. M., Ghahremaninezhad, A. (2006).An FGM coated elastic solid under thermomechanical loading: A two dimensional linear elastic approach. Surface and Coatings Technology, 200, 4050-4064.