Govind Rao

Govind Rao is a Professor of Chemical & Biochemical Engineering and Director of the Center for Advanced Sensor Technology (CAST) at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). Since joining UMBC in 1987, he has pioneered innovations in fluorescence spectroscopy for bioprocess monitoring and developed low-cost, non-invasive sensors for oxygen, pH, and pCO2 in bioreactors. His work has transformed high-throughput bioprocessing and leveraged Green Fluorescent Protein for novel biotechnological insights.

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Drexel University (1987)
• B.S. in Chemical Engineering from IIT Madras (1984)

Rao’s research spans biomedical and environmental sensor development, including surface plasmon-coupled fluorescence and transdermal CO2 monitoring. His patents, commercialized through Fluorometrix, address bacterial contamination, blood separation, and portable protein production.

Rao’s publications highlight trends in bioprocess engineering, sensor technology, and point-of-care biomanufacturing. Key areas include oxygen/pCO2 monitoring, cell-free protein expression, and machine learning integration for biologics.

• Presidential Young Investigator (NSF, 1991–1996)
• Van Lanen Award (ACS)
• Gaden Award (Biotechnology & Bioengineering)
• University System of Maryland Regents Award for Excellence in Research
• Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (2007)

Rao has mentored numerous students, co-founded Fluorometrix, and led CAST—a multidisciplinary hub for optical sensor development. His lab focuses on portable bioprocessing systems and ultra-sensitive medical/environmental sensors.