Theodore Hueckel

Theodore Hueckel is a postdoctoral associate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the Macfarlane Lab, where he investigates DNA-guided nanoparticle self-assembly with a focus on nanofabrication and photonics. He earned his PhD at New York University under Stefano Sacanna, specializing in colloidal synthesis and self-assembly. His doctoral research explored patchy particles, the crystallization of charged colloids, and the development of colloidal protocells. Using surface interactions, he developed methods to shape colloidal particles and guide their assembly pathways.

Currently, Dr. Hueckel leverages light to direct stimuli-responsive nanoparticle assembly, creating complex nanocomposite structures through non-equilibrium self-assembly. He is also developing stimuli-responsive photonic gels, designing materials that dynamically adapt their optical properties in response to external cues. His research aims to establish colloidal self-assembly as a scalable fabrication tool for next-generation materials, bridging fundamental science with practical applications in photonics, sensing, and catalysis.

Rawil Fakhrullin

Rawil Fakhrullin received his MSc (2003) and PhD (2006) degrees in biochemistry and DSc (2011) in microbiology from Kazan State University. He also holds MSc (2007) in chemistry and nanotechnology from University of Hull (UK). Currently, he is a principal investigator at the Institute of fundamental biology and medicine, Kazan Federal University (Republic of Tatarstan, Russian Federation), and professor at the Sechenov First State Medical University (Moscow , Russian Federation) and Tomsk State University (Tomsk, Russian Federation). His research interests are focused on nanoclay-based materials for biomedical applications; environmental pollution and remediation; and advanced microscopy techniques for bioanalytical application and colloid chemistry. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry since 2017.

Erwan Paineau

Erwan Paineau is a CNRS researcher at the Laboratoire de Physique des Solides (Université Paris-Saclay), where he leads the Matter & Radiation group. His research focuses on the structure/properties relationships of nanotubes and in particular imogolite clay nanotubes. He is also interested in producing anisotropic nanocomposite materials with unique optical, mechanical or photo-catalytic properties. He uses experimental approaches based on light-matter interaction (X-ray scattering, XAFS, IR and UV-vis spectroscopies) in both laboratory and synchrotron facilities. Erwan Paineau is currently secretary of the French Clay Group (GFA) and vice-chair of the ‘Chemistry, physical chemistry, in situ reactivity, soft matter’ program committee at the SOLEIL synchrotron. He has been awarded two prizes for his PhD work (one in Geosciences award from the University of Lorraine and one in Physics from the French Association of Crystallography) and is the recipient of the 2023 GFA Young investigator award. 

Karima Baghdad studied at Oran University of Science and Technology; she has a magister's diploma (2012) and Engineering degree (2008). She obtained her Ph.D in materials chemistry from Oran1 University (2021). Her current research interests focus on synthesis of microporous/mesoporous materials, nano zeolites as well as cellulose membranes and their applications in environment, medicine, catalysis and photocatalysis. Currently, permanent researcher at the materials chemistry laboratory, Oran 1 University and senior lecturer, Ust-MB University.