Roger Ruan

Roger Ruan is a Professor and Director in the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering at the University of Minnesota, affiliated with the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences and the Center for Biorefining Education. His work spans renewable energy, environmental sustainability, and food engineering.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• M.S. in Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Oklahoma State University
• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, China Agricultural University

Dr. Ruan's research focuses on renewable energy and environmental technologies for sustainable development and the circular economy. His expertise includes biomass and solid waste conversion (especially plastic waste via pyrolysis and gasification), innovative wastewater treatment, airborne pathogen disinfection, and food process engineering. He employs advanced technologies such as catalytic non-thermal plasma, microwave systems, and photocatalysis to develop scalable, eco-friendly solutions.

His recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward waste valorization and resource recovery, integrating chemical, biological, and physical processes. Key themes include plastic-to-fuel conversion, microalgae-based wastewater treatment, nutrient recycling, and plasma-assisted nitrogen fixation—reflecting a multidisciplinary approach grounded in sustainability and engineering innovation.

Scientific Awards and Honors:

• National Academy of Engineering (2025)
• Fellow, National Academy of Inventors (2023)
• Fellow, American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE, 2015)
• Fellow, Institute of Food Technologists (IFT, 2019)
• Pandey Research Excellence Award (2022)
• Scientist of IAAM Award (2020)
• CAFS Professional Achievement Award (2019)

Dr. Ruan has secured extensive research funding and leads a dynamic research group focused on biorefining and sustainable systems. While specific advisees are not listed, his leadership as Director and Professor indicates active mentorship of graduate students and junior researchers. His work bridges fundamental science and industrial application, with strong implications for policy and commercial deployment.

He is deeply involved in laboratory and center-based research, particularly through the Center for Biorefining Education, where interdisciplinary teams develop integrated solutions for energy, food, and environmental challenges.