John Tharakan

John Tharakan is a Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Howard University’s College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA). His research focuses on bioenvironmental engineering, appropriate technology, and engineering ethics. He has served as a Fulbright Senior Research Scholar in India (2006-07) and a Fulbright-Nehru Scholar at Cochin University of Science and Technology (2015-16).

Education:

• B.Tech in Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (1982)
• M.S. and Ph.D. in Engineering Science (Biochemical Engineering), University of California, San Diego (1983, 1986)

Research Interests: Professor Tharakan’s work emphasizes sustainable development through technologies for water treatment, renewable energy (solar/biomass), and waste management. He also explores the ethics of technology and its societal impact. His global initiatives include appropriate technology projects in Senegal and Kenya via Howard University’s Engineers Without Borders chapter.

Awards:

• Organized the Symposium on Biological Methods of Waste Treatment (India, 2006), resulting in an edited book.
• Edited proceedings for biennial International Conferences on Appropriate Technology (2004–2018).

Grants & Leadership:

• Co-Chair of International Conferences on Appropriate Technology, fostering knowledge transfer in Africa.
• Research in social impact assessments of innovative technologies in India (water, energy, environment).

Labs/Teams: Involved with Engineers Without Borders (Howard University chapter) and international collaborations through the Appropriate Technology Network (http://www.appropriatetech.net).