FUSE Team

Research Interests:

  • New piezoelectric materials
  • Miniature devices for clinical applications of high-resolution ultrasound imaging
  • Focused ultrasound surgery and ultrasound-targeted drug delivery
  • Ultrasound for transmission beamforming and manipulation of cells and particles
  • Miniature and microscale ultrasound systems for biomedical applications
  • Ultrasound and other techniques for sensing in the body

Sandy Cochran is Deputy Head of the James Watt School of Engineering and Professor of Ultrasound Materials and Systems at the University of Glasgow.

His research focuses on materials and systems to apply ultrasound principally in medicine and life sciences. Sandy’s lab is the only one in the UK dedicated to medical ultrasound materials and systems, and one of only a handful like it in the world.

Research Interests:

  • Acoustics
  • Biological sensory systems
  • Microsystems and sensors
  • Non-destructive evaluation
  • Remanufacturing and reuse
  • Sustainable Engineering
  • Ultrasonic systems

James Windmill is a Professor in Electronic and Electrical Engineering at the University of Strathclyde. His cross-disciplinary research aims to translate the findings from fundamental research in biological sensory systems into novel artificial sensor and transducer systems, primarily relating to acoustics and ultrasonics. These can be implemented across industrial sectors, for example through non-destructive evaluation with a focus on remanufacturing, or microphones for hearing aids.

Research Interests:

  • Non-Destructive Evaluation
  • Acoustic Emission
  • Sensors for Process Control
  • Health Technologies
  • Process Intensification
  • Ultrasonic Transduction
  • Automated NDE
  • Signal and Image Processing

Tony Gachagan is Director of the Centre for Ultrasonic Engineering (CUE) and Professor of Ultrasonics at the University of Strathclyde. Tony’s research encompasses ultrasonic transducers and arrays, non-contact ultrasonic sensor systems, array imaging processing, high power ultrasound systems, acoustic emission, and robotics and automation.

Prof. Margaret Lucas (she/her) / FUSE Deputy Director & Leader of Equality, Diversity And Inclusion

Research Interests:

  • Power ultrasonics
  • Medical and surgical ultrasonic devices
  • Novel ultrasonic transducers
  • Miniaturisation of power ultrasonic devices
  • High-power ultrasonics for drilling, forming and joining technologies

Margaret Lucas is Professor of Ultrasonics in the James Watt School of Engineering and Director of the Centre for Medical & Industrial Ultrasonics at the University of Glasgow. She currently leads a UK programme of research in ultrasonic surgical devices in partnership with 5 universities and 13 NHS and industry partners. Her research currently focuses on three key integrating activities: characterising the linear and nonlinear vibration behaviours of ultrasonic devices; understanding the interaction between the ultrasonic device and the medium it interacts with; and design and evaluation of innovative ultrasonic devices.

Kirsten Laing (she/her) / Business Development Manager

Kirsten joined FUSE CDT in September 2020 as Business Development Manager, having returned home to Scotland after living in Nova Scotia for the previous 4 years. She has worked in a variety of organisations from Government to Industry over her 25-year career. Although each of her roles have been different, there have always been significant Business Development activities in each ranging from her first position working with Scottish Enterprise’s International Trade Department through to Account Management and BD roles with tourism related businesses. In 2014 Kirsten joined the Oil & Gas Innovation Centre (OGIC) first as Project Coordinator then latterly as Project Manager. She found herself heading to Nova Scotia, Canada with her family in 2016 where she set-up her own BD consultancy as mechanism to network and find project work ultimately taking on a longer-term contract as the Program Coordinator for the Transatlantic Ocean System Science & Technology (TOSST) Grad Research School based at Dalhousie University.

Kirsten.Laing@strath.ac.uk

Chris Roden / Doctoral Training Hub Coordinator

Chris is a Doctoral Training Hub Coordinator based at the University of Glasgow’s College of Science & Engineering and is involved in the day-to-day administrative management of FUSE CDT.

He has worked for the University of Glasgow for over a decade, primarily in roles around marketing & communications, strategy, project management and student employability. He also has experience in the broader public sector including NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde and Glasgow City Council.

chris.roden@glasgow.ac.uk

Stuart Collie (he/him) / CDT Administrator

Stuart is the Doctoral Training Hub Administrator based at the University of Glasgow’s College of Science & Engineering. He works in administration for FUSE alongside other Centres for Doctoral Training, and monitors the fuse-cdt@glasgow.ac.uk inbox. He also has experience in student contact services.

stuart.collie@glasgow.ac.uk

Rhona Nicholson (she/her) / CDT Administrator

I am the administrator for FUSE CDT based at University of Strathclyde. I also carry out similar duties for the Centre for Ultrasonic Engineering. I will be supporting researchers throughout their studies with a range of administrative tasks. I monitor the fuse-cdt@glasgow.ac.uk inbox and can offer advice on future and current student enquiries.

FUSE Academics

Dr Gordon Dobie / Co-leader of External Engagement

Research Interests:

  • Automated inspection
  • Automated analysis
  • Photogrammetry

Gordon Dobie is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering at the University of Strathclyde. His primary research interests include ultrasonics, NDE, automation, robotics, signal processing, computer vision, and embedded systems.

Dr. Andrew Feeney / Co-Leader of External Engagement

Research Interests:

  • Advanced materials, particularly those exhibiting shape memory
  • Biomimetic ultrasonics
  • Miniaturisation of power ultrasonic devices
  • Multifunctional and tuneable ultrasonic devices
  • Ultrasonic devices for hostile environments, including elevated pressures and temperatures

Andrew Feeney is a Lecturer at the University of Glasgow. His principal research is focused on the integration of smart materials, particularly those exhibiting shape memory, into ultrasonic devices and electro-mechanical systems for a range of industrial and medical applications. Andrew also has expertise in high frequency flexural ultrasonic transducers for measurement in fluids at elevated pressures and temperatures.

Dr Patrick Harkness / Leader of researcher development

Research Interests:

  • Ultrasonic fluidisation of granular materials
  • Scientific drilling systems
  • Orbital mechanics of gossamer spacecraft
  • Atmospheric decay processes
  • Solid rocket motors

Patrick Harkness is a Reader in the James Watt School of Engineering at the University of Glasgow. His main research interests are in access and exploration technology for hazardous or difficult environments. These environments tend to be found on planetary surfaces and in outer space.

Research Interests:

  • Microelectronics Design
  • Biomedical Circuits and Systems
  • Wearable and Implantable Devices
  • Spintronics and Magnetic Sensors
  • Energy Harvesting

Hadi Heidari is a Lecturer in the James Watt School of Engineering at the University of Glasgow, leading the Microelectronics Laboratory with research interests including medical electronics, magnetic sensors and neurotechnology devices.

Research Interests:

  • Ultrasonic inspection of the welding components
  • Phased array ultrasonic testing of additive manufacturing
  • Material evaluation using the ultrasonic method
  • Residual stress measurement using the ultrasonic method
  • Robotic NDT (including ultrasonic system)
  • Electro Magnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT)

Dr Yashar Javadi is a Strathclyde Chancellor’s Fellow (Lecturer as part of Strathclyde Global Talent ‎Programme) at the University of Strathclyde. His multidisciplinary works have been reflected in his ‎appointment which is a joint appointment between the Department of Electronic & Electrical ‎Engineering (EEE) and the Department of Design, Manufacturing & Engineering Management (DMEM). ‎In a career spanning over 15 years in the field of engineering (particular focus on welding, non-‎destructive evaluation, additive manufacturing and robotics), he has worked as a lecturer and ‎postdoctoral ‎research associate (at The University of Manchester and the University of Strathclyde) in ‎the academia and also a manager of the welding/NDT department and welding engineer in the ‎industry.

Research Interests:

  • Additive manufacturing and 3D printing
  • Additive manufacturing-enabled materials and composites for medical devices and implants
  • Materials for sensing & self-sensing, actuation, self-healing and energy harvesting
  • Multifunctional metamaterials for ultrasonic devices
  • Transforming material architectures (shape memory polymers, alloys etc.,)

Shan Kumar is a Reader in Composites and Additive Manufacturing in the James Watt School of Engineering at the University of Glasgow.  In his group, multi-disciplinary research is undertaken in order to understand the mechanical and functional response of additive manufacturing-enabled materials and composites at various spatial and temporal scales through an integrated modelling and experimental approach.

Research Interests:

  • Optical communications
  • Photonics techniques applied to acoustics/ultrasound

Martin Lavery is a Senior Lecturer, Royal Academy of Engineering research Fellow and leader of the Structured Photonics Research Group at the University of Glasgow. He is focused on applying novel physical phenomena to industry inspired engineering challenges, including the development of state-of-the-art Space Division Multiplexed communication systems, novel studies into the propagation dynamics of structured light in turbulent environments, ultra-wide field of view solar collection optics, and bespoke acoustic wavefront shapers.

Research Interests:

  • RF and Microwave Electronics
  • Hybrid wireless power transfer and energy harvesting (RF and Ultrasound)
  • Micro/nano electronic devices

Chong Li is a Lecturer in James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow. He is leading the Microwave and Terahertz Electronics (MaTE) group. His research interests related to ultrasonics include hybrid ultrasonic/RF transducer modules, energy conversions, harvesting and propagations for underwater/harsh environments/medical applications.

Research Interests:

Bo Liu’s research interests lie in AI-driven electronic design methodology, which can be used for various components and circuits in an ultrasonic system. Particularly, his research interests include the following:

  • Novel data-driven optimization and machine learning algorithms for electronic (analog ICs and systems, (on-chip) microwave devices, and micro-electromechanical systems) design
  • Mixed intelligence electronic design methodologies hybridizing AI techniques, domain knowledge, and the designer’s intelligence
  • AI-driven design in real-world electronic engineering
  • Computer-aided design tools implementing AI-driven electronic design and data analysis methods

Bo Liu received the B.Eng. degree from Tsinghua University, Beijing, China, in 2008, and the Ph.D. degree from the University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium, in 2012. He was a Humboldt Research Fellow and was working with the Technical University of Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany. He is currently a Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor) with the University of Glasgow, Glasgow, U.K. His research interests lie in artificial intelligence-driven design methodologies of analog/RF integrated circuits, microwave devices, MEMS, evolutionary computation, and machine learning. Some of his proposed AI-driven electronic design algorithms rank first in industry testing and comparisons, which have been embedded into MATLAB. He has authored or co-authored one monograph and more than 60 articles in renowned international journals, edited books, and conference proceedings. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE.

Research Interests:

  • In-Process Inspection of Welding & Metal 3D Printing
  • Non-Destructive Evaluation
  • Automation & Robotics

Charles MacLeod is a Chancellor’s Fellow and Lecturer in the Centre for Ultrasonic Engineering in the University of Strathclyde. His research is primarily associated with the inspection and manufacturing enhancement of high value assets and components. Charles leads a completely new interdisciplinary research area of in-process fusion welding and metal additive inspection. The in-process inspection team researches novel ultrasonic sensors, in-process imaging, and robotic deployment for inspection directly at the point of manufacture, producing superior, globally-efficient fabrications

Research Interests:

  • Phased-Array Ultrasound Technology
  • Advanced Phased-Array Imaging
  • Numerical Studies in Multiphysics Non-Destructive Evaluation
  • Electromagnetic Non-Destructive Evaluation
  • Electromagnetic Acoustic Transmission
  • Machine Learning in Defect Detection and Characterization
  • Model-Assisted Probability of Detection

Ehsan Mohseni is a Lecturer at the Centre for Ultrasonic Engineering (CUE), at the University of Strathclyde. He has been co-developing agile and flexible automated acoustic and electromagnetic-based robotic NDE solutions for welding, joining, and additive manufacturing. He currently supports the Royal Academy of Engineering and Spirit AeroSystems Research Chair, Professor Gareth Pierce, in his endeavors of delivering automated NDE solutions for the inspection of composites and additive manufactured products in the aerospace sector. His current research is aligned with the NDE 4.0 vision and objectives to identify and tackle future NDE technology barriers in Industry 4.0. His research interest encompasses different NDE domains where electromagnetic and acoustic wave propagation principles play key roles in various automated inspection scenarios.

Research Interests:

  • Contrast imaging
  • Therapy
  • Tissue characterisation
  • Elastography
  • Cancer

Helen Mulvana is a Chancellor’s Fellow in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Strathclyde. Her research focus is the development of advanced diagnostic tools for the earlier diagnosis and targeted treatment of cancer. Working closely with clinicians to better understand clinical needs and with engineers and life scientists to develop solutions to these challenges, Helen also has expertise in non-linear acoustics, contrast imaging, microbubbles, medical device design and fabrication, therapeutic ultrasound and elastography.

Dr Steven Neale / Co-Leader Of Curriculum & Cohort Recruitment

Research Interests:

  • Microfabrication
  • Optics
  • Micromanipulation
  • Optical tweezers
  • Dielectrophoresis
  • Optoelectronic Tweezers (OET)

Steven Neale is a Reader in the James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow. His research interests are in the use of electrical engineering techniques to create new tools for use in manufacturing and life sciences research, such as using micromanipulation techniques to place forces on biological samples in order to study their responses, including optical tweezers, dielectrophoresis (DEP), and the recently developed Optoelectronic Tweezers, which allows the DEP force to be light patterned. Forces are placed on samples including blood borne parasites, red blood cells, cells from in vitro cell lines such as HeLa cells and structured inorganic micro and nanoparticles

Dr Richard O’Leary (he/him) / Co-Leader Of Researcher Development

Research Interests:

  • Polymer Science
  • Acoustic Transduction
  • Wave Propagation
  • Finite Element Modelling

Richard O’Leary is a Lecturer in Electronic and Electrical Engineering at the University of Strathclyde. His research is primarily focussed on ultrasonic transduction – primarily the application of novel polymer materials and synthesis methods to the creation of new types of transducers. The main goals are improving sensitivity, so that we can probe deeper into the material or interest, and enhancing resolution, allowing us to see the echoes from small targets especially when they are close together.

Research Interests:

  • Robotics
  • Automated inspection
  • Machine learning
  • Ultrasonic NDT
  • Signal processing

Gareth Pierce is a Professor in Electronic and Electrical Engineering at the University of Strathclyde. His central research interest is in robotic and automated technologies for Non-Destructive Testing & Evaluation (NDT&E). The automation of NDT is increasingly utilised in manufacturing, this includes ultrasonic, visual and electromagnetic testing. Modern additive manufacturing techniques in particular bring new challenges to both the measurement sensors employed, and real time deployment and feedback into manufacturing processes.

Dr Paul Prentice (he/him) / Leader Of Curriculum & Cohort Recruitment

Research Interests:

  • Acoustic cavitation research
  • Characterisation and control for medical therapy (tissue disruption, drug delivery)
  • Optimisation and refinement for industrial applications (cleaning, sono-processing/chemistry)
  • Ultra-high speed imaging and acoustic detection/mapping

Paul Prentice is a Lecturer at the University of Glasgow, and group leader of the Cavitation Research Laboratory (CavLab) at C-MIU. Paul’s research seeks to characterise, refine and optimise acoustic cavitation for medical and industrial applications. CavLab infrastructure is based on state-of-the-art ultra-high-speed cameras and a range of acoustic detectors, including bespoke devices. Paul leads recruitment to the FUSE CDT.

Research Interests:

  • Primary expertise in biosensing and microfluidics for medical diagnostics and therapy
  • Acoustofluidics based on surface acoustic waves, including integration of bioassay functions and particle patterning
  • Liquid nebulisation for drug delivery, spray-coating, mass spectrometry and the food industry
  • Nonlinear ultrasonic sensing and measurement for NDT of soft materials

Julien Reboud is a Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Glasgow. His current research is focused on integrating engineering and biology for the benefits of healthcare and industry. Julien’s activities can be divided into two main areas; Acoustofluidics for manipulation of samples and Synthetic Biology

Research Interests:

  • Bio-inspired sensor design
  • Acoustic streaming
  • Bubble dynamics
  • Micro-robotics
  • Photopolymerization based additive manufacturing

Andy Reid is a Leverhulme Fellow at the University of Strathclyde.  Andy’s research is currently focused on ultrasonically powered microswimmers, using armoured microbubbles to provide an acoustic streaming force.  The work process is heavily based in lithographically 3D printed structures at the micro-scale, integrating piezo-active and conductive layers in a single build to create smart sensors and actuators that can be used in true soft robotics.

Dr Theodosia Stratoudaki (she/her) / Co-Leader Of Equality, Diversity And Inclusion

Research Interests:

  • Remote ultrasonic sensing/imaging using Optical methods
  • Non-destructive testing
  • Chemical sensing
  • In-line manufacturing process monitoring in Extreme environments
  • Optically excited sensors
  • Laser induced ultrasonic phased arrays
  • Laser ultrasonics in advanced materials

Theodosia Stratoudaki is a Lecturer and a Strathclyde Chancellor’s Fellow in the Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering at the University of Strathclyde. Her main research is focused on sensing and imaging using light. She is currently adapting a data collection method (Full Matrix Capture) developed for ultrasonic phased arrays to laser-based ultrasound.

Research Interests:

  • Imaging
  • Modelling waves in heterogeneous media
  • Ultrasonic NDT
  • Simulation

Katherine Tant is a Chancellor’s Fellow in Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Strathclyde. She is interested in applied inverse problems and imaging. She studies and develops models of ultrasonic wave propagation and scattering in heterogeneous media to create new and advanced algorithms for material property mapping, defect characterisation and imaging. Her work to date has primarily been applied to ultrasonic NDT problems but can be generalised and adapted across a broad range of application areas.

Research Interests:

  • Robotics and automation
  • High value manufacturing
  • Automated NDT&E and advanced NDT sensor development
  • In-process inspection of welded and metal 3D printed parts

Randika Vithanage is a Lecturer in Robotics at the Centre for Ultrasonic Engineering (CUE), University of Strathclyde. He is a registered Chartered Engineer at Engineering Council UK with significant experience in the manufacturing sector. His current research interests are centred around sensor driven robotics, automated technologies, and advanced ultrasound sensors for high value manufacturing applications.

Research Interests:

  • Autonomous Systems
  • Swarm Systems
  • Control Algorithms
  • Mechatronic system design
  • Machine learning

Kevin Worrall is a Lecturer in the James Watt School of Engineering at the University of Glasgow. He has a background in mechatronic systems for space and other harsh environments. Primarily interested in improving autonomous systems to increase their support of humans working in delicate, sensitive and extreme environments.

Kwok-ho (Koko) Lam is a Reader (Ultrasonics) in the James Watt School of Engineering at the University of Glasgow. His research focuses on materials for energy conversion (piezoelectrics, thermoelectrics, photocatalysis, etc.) and storage (e.g., electrode materials for rechargeable batteries, dielectrics), ultrasound transducer technology for biomedical and non-destructive evaluation applications, and sensor and actuator technology for condition monitoring and energy harvesting.