Deepak Kumar

Deepak Kumar is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF). He also holds adjunct roles at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His research focuses on advancing sustainable bioprocessing technologies, particularly in converting agricultural and industrial waste into biofuels, bioplastics, and high-value bioproducts. Key areas include bio-based circular economies, fermentation optimization, and techno-economic analysis (TEA) integrated with life cycle assessment (LCA).

He earned his Ph.D. in Biological and Ecological Engineering from Oregon State University, followed by postdoctoral work at the University of Illinois. His educational background also includes an M.S. from IIT Kharagpur and a B.Tech. from Punjab Agricultural University.

His research interests span novel fermentation technologies, enzyme application, biorefinery design, and waste valorization strategies. Recent work emphasizes converting agro-food waste (e.g., carrot rejects, corn germ meal) and forest residues into sustainable products. His lab, the Sustainable Bioprocessing and Bioproducts Lab (SBBL), develops integrated biorefinery models and innovative filtration systems for PFAS removal.

Publications highlight advancements in PHA production from waste, biofuel coproduction, and economic feasibility studies of lignocellulosic biomass utilization. His work bridges experimental research with computational modeling to optimize process economics and environmental impact.