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Dr. Jeremy Guest is the Levenick Professor in Civil and Environmental Engineering (and courtesy appointment in Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). He serves as Associate Director for Research at the Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment (iSEE) and leads the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI). His research focuses on advancing circular bioeconomies through sustainable sanitation systems, resource recovery from wastewater, and biofuel/bioproduct development from lignocellulosic biomass. Guest's work emphasizes Quantitative Sustainable Design (QSD) methodologies to bridge engineering innovation with policy and investment decisions. Education: PhD in Environmental Engineering (University of Michigan, 2012); MS (Virginia Tech, 2007); BS (Bucknell University, 2005). Research interests include wastewater treatment innovation, nutrient recovery, bioenergy systems design, and sustainable agriculture practices. Key contributions include the EcoRecover phosphorus recovery process, the QSDsan modeling platform, and leadership in CABBI's $262.5M DOE-funded initiative. Guest has secured funding from NSF, US EPA, USDA, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Recognitions include the NSF CAREER Award, 2021 James J. Morgan Early Career Award, and the Paul L. Busch Award. He advises over 15 graduate students and leads multiple high-impact projects like the NEWgenerator sanitation system and oilcane biorefinery integration. Lab/Group: Guest Research Group focuses on experimental, computational, and policy-oriented research to solve global sustainability challenges. Current projects address algae-based wastewater treatment, fecal sludge management in low-income regions, and precision fermentation systems development.

• Circular Bioeconomy
• Wastewater Treatment
• Resource Recovery
• +5 more

Ashwani K. Gupta is a Distinguished University Professor at the University of Maryland, holding the Minta Martin Professorship in Engineering. He serves as Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Professor at the Institute of Physical Science and Technology, and Affiliate Professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering. With over 45 years of experience in combustion engineering since graduating from Southampton University in 1970, Gupta has established himself as a leading authority in advanced combustion technologies. Dr. Gupta earned his Ph.D. from the University of Sheffield in 1973, followed by a D.Sc. from the same institution in 1986 and another D.Sc. from Southampton University in 2013. His academic journey includes six years at MIT as a research staff member and three years at Sheffield University as an independent research worker before joining the University of Maryland in 1983. Gupta's research focuses on revolutionizing combustion technology through innovations in swirl flows, high-temperature air combustion (HiTAC), and distributed combustion systems. His pioneering work on 'colorless distributed combustion' has enabled ultra-low emission combustion processes with significant applications in gas turbine engines and waste-to-energy conversion. His research spans biofuels, CO2 utilization, sulfur chemistry, waste conversion, and advanced laser diagnostics, addressing critical challenges in sustainable energy and environmental protection. Analyzing his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on waste-to-energy conversion, biomass processing, and CO2-assisted technologies. Gupta's work demonstrates a clear trajectory toward sustainable energy solutions, with increasing integration of artificial intelligence for combustion optimization and emission control. His research bridges fundamental combustion science with practical engineering applications for cleaner energy systems. Among Gupta's numerous accolades are: Election to Fellowship of the Royal Academy of Engineering (2023) Honorary Fellowship of the Royal Aeronautical Society (2020) Recognition as one of the top 2% of scientists worldwide by Stanford University (2022-2024) Multiple prestigious medals from ASME and AIAA including the Soichiro Honda Medal (2018) and AIAA Air Breathing Propulsion Award (2014) Honorary doctorates from three international universities Gupta has secured substantial research funding throughout his career, resulting in over 850 technical papers, three books, 18 edited books, and 22 book chapters. He has delivered over 100 plenary/keynote/invited presentations at international conferences. His mentorship has shaped numerous graduate students who continue to contribute to the field of combustion engineering. Gupta directs the Combustion Laboratory at the University of Maryland, which serves as a hub for cutting-edge research in sustainable combustion technologies. The Combustion Laboratory, under Gupta's leadership, has become a center of excellence for advanced combustion research, particularly in distributed combustion systems, waste-to-energy conversion, and alternative fuels. The lab maintains strong collaborations with industry partners and international research institutions, facilitating technology transfer and practical implementation of research findings. Gupta's team employs state-of-the-art diagnostics and computational tools to advance fundamental understanding while developing practical engineering solutions for cleaner energy systems.

• Combustion Engineering
• Swirl Flows
• High-temperature Air Combustion (HiTAC)
• +11 more

Jenny Y. Yang is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of California, Irvine. Her research focuses on the development of inorganic electrocatalysts for chemical fuel generation and utilization, emphasizing bio-inspired secondary coordination sphere effects and thermochemical property optimization. Institution: University of California, Irvine Department: Chemistry Research Interests: Oxygen activation mechanisms Hydrogen production and oxidation Carbon dioxide reduction for fuel synthesis Thermochemical property effects on catalysis Secondary coordination sphere engineering Electrochemical carbon capture systems Scientific Trends: Recent work spans from 2023–2025, covering CO2-to-methane conversion, quantum dot hybrid systems for hydrogen evolution, and computational approaches to CO2 capture agent design. Articles highlight interdisciplinary methods combining inorganic chemistry, electrochemistry, and sustainability-focused engineering. Contact: Office: 4080 ISEB | Phone: 949-824-1533 | Email: j.yang@uci.edu

• Inorganic Chemistry
• Electrocatalysis
• Carbon Dioxide Reduction
• +3 more

Susie Dai is a Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Missouri, with a laboratory located at the Bond Life Sciences Center. Her research bridges chemistry, biology, and engineering to address critical environmental and sustainability challenges. Education: PhD in Chemistry from Duke University; Certificate in Biomedical Engineering from Duke University; Certificate in Regulatory Science from Texas A&M University; BS in Chemistry from Fudan University Dr. Dai specializes in biological and material engineering, carbon waste conversion, contaminant remediation, and synthetic biology. She is developing RAPIMER, a lignin-based fungal scaffold for PFAS removal, and pioneering electro-microbial systems to convert CO2 into bioplastics and biofuels. Her work focuses on scalable, sustainable solutions for environmental pollutants and carbon utilization. Recent research trends include creating biomimetic materials for sustainable packaging, optimizing lignocellulosic biorefineries, and designing lignin-derived photocatalysts. She leads projects funded by Tito's Handmade Vodka's philanthropic arm for PFAS remediation and collaborates with the NSF Engineering Research Center CURB at Washington University in St. Louis. At Mizzou, Dai integrates engineering and life sciences, leveraging both Mizzou Engineering and Bond Life Sciences Center's resources. Her interdisciplinary approach combines electrochemistry, microbial engineering, and social impact analysis to advance circular bioeconomy solutions.

• PFAS Remediation
• CO2 Conversion
• Synthetic Biology
• +6 more

Plamen Atanassov is a Chancellor’s Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering with a joint appointment in Materials Science and Engineering at the Samueli School of Engineering, University of California, Irvine . His work focuses on developing advanced electrocatalysts for energy conversion and storage systems. Department: Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering Academic Rank: Professor (Chancellor’s Professor honorific) Research Themes: Electrocatalysis, Bio-electrocatalysis, Fuel Cells, Energy Harvesting Research Interests: Prof. Atanassov specializes in non-platinum and platinum-based electrocatalysts for fuel cells, bio-inspired energy systems , and carbon dioxide valorization technologies . His group has pioneered: Atomically dispersed metal-nitrogen-carbon catalysts Novel synthesis methods for durable electrocatalysts Machine learning-guided fuel cell optimization Electrochemical ammonia and urea production Hydrogen evolution reaction with non-precious metals Scientific Contributions: With over 380 peer-reviewed papers (101 h-index), 50 issued US patents , and 35+ PhD students advised , his work bridges fundamental electrochemistry and industrial-scale energy solutions. Recent publications emphasize catalyst durability under realistic conditions, CO2 reduction, and sustainable manufacturing practices.

• Electrocatalysis
• Bio-electrocatalysis
• Energy Conversion
• +2 more

Naim Rashid is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Environmental Engineering at Montana Technological University, with prior roles including Associate Professor at National University of Science and Technology (2023–2024) and Assistant Professor at COMSATS University (2015–2021). His work focuses on the water-energy-environmental nexus, particularly using microalgae and purple bacteria for wastewater treatment and resource recovery. Education: Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from KAIST (2013), M.S. in Environmental Engineering and Biotechnology from Myongji University (2009). Research interests include integrated wastewater treatment using phototrophic microalgae and purple bacteria, biofilm technologies for resource recovery, and life cycle assessment of environmental processes. He also specializes in PFAS removal and bioremediation of coal ash ponds. His publications emphasize biofilm reactors , single-cell protein production , and bioenergy systems from waste streams. Recent work explores nutrient dynamics in biofilm growth, sustainable petroleum industry wastewater treatment, and algal co-cultivation for biodiesel. Awards: Green Talent Award (Germany), Global Young Academy Membership (2017–2022), Fulbright Scholar Award (USA). Professional Service: Curriculum Review Committee, Graduate Council, and advisor to Environmental Engineers of Montana Tech (EEMT) club. Projects: Bioremediation of coal combustion residue, PFAS removal, and integration of acid mine drainage treatment with aquaculture feed synthesis.

• Environmental Engineering
• Biotechnology
• Water Treatment
• +7 more

Dr. Mohammad Naraghi is a Professor and Associate Department Head for Academics in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Texas A&M University. He leads the Nanostuctured Materials Lab , focusing on advanced nanomaterials for aerospace applications. His work integrates material science principles to develop lightweight, high-performance materials for structural, energy storage, and smart textile systems. Education: Ph.D., Aerospace Engineering (2009), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign M.S., Civil Engineering (2004), Sharif University of Technology B.S., Civil Engineering (2004), Sharif University of Technology Research Interests: Graphitic carbon nanomaterials, bio-inspired composites, experimental nanomechanics, and polymer nanofiber processing. His lab explores multifunctional materials for aerospace applications, including self-healing polymers, structural batteries, and sustainable carbon fiber recycling. Publications: Dr. Naraghi has authored over 150 peer-reviewed articles, with recent work focusing on carbon nanomaterial synthesis, self-healing vitrimers, and all-electric aircraft sustainability . His studies bridge nanoscale mechanics and macroscale applications, emphasizing scalability and industrial relevance. Awards: Best Paper Award (2009) for nano viscoelastic composites research Roger A. Strehlow Memorial Award (2009) for outstanding research First Place in Sandia MEMS Design Competition (2007) Advising & Grants: Leads NSF-funded projects on sustainable materials and structural energy storage. Advises graduate students in aerospace and materials engineering. Collaborates with Sandia National Labs and industry partners on advanced composite development. Labs & Facilities: Directs the Nanostuctured Materials Lab, equipped with advanced nanomechanical testing systems, electrospinning setups, and characterization tools for nanoscale materials analysis.

• Nanomaterials Engineering
• Materials Science
• Polymer Engineering
• +6 more

Dr. Lin Wei is a Professor and Graduate Coordinator in the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at South Dakota State University (SDSU). He holds a B.S. in Agricultural Engineering from China Agricultural University, M.S. in Mechanical Engineering (Guangxi University), and M.S./Ph.D. in Biological Engineering (Mississippi State University). His research focuses on biomass conversion, bioenergy production, smart agriculture, and food safety. He leads projects on biochar-based fertilizers, cold plasma food safety technologies, and AI-driven precision farming. Dr. Wei has authored over 80 peer-reviewed papers and secured $7M+ in grants. He chairs multiple professional committees (ASABE Renewable Energy, USDA-S1075, ISO-WG6) and serves as editor for journals like Agricultural Engineering and Transactions of the ASABE. Recent grants include biochar soil health studies ($583K USDA) and nanobubble dairy waste management ($22K SD WRI). His team develops smart sensors for crop monitoring and biopolymer nanocomposites for food packaging. Notable awards include 2024 Outstanding Researcher (College of Agriculture) and 2022 Excellence in Editing (ASABE). Ongoing work integrates thermochemical processes with AI to enhance biofuel production efficiency and environmental sustainability.

• Bioenergy
• Biomass Conversion
• Food Processing and Safety
• +3 more

Dr. Minliang Yang is an Assistant Professor in Food Sustainability at North Carolina State University's Department of Food, Bioprocessing & Nutrition Sciences. Her research focuses on system-level analyses (TEA, LCA, machine learning) to advance food sustainability, particularly through plant-based foods, cellular agriculture, and greenhouse gas mitigation strategies. She holds a B.S. in Food Science from Henan University of Technology (2012), M.S. and Ph.D. in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering from Iowa State University (2014/2018), and a postdoctoral fellowship at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (2022). Her work spans biofuel production, bioproduct valorization, and sustainable biorefinery systems. Key contributions include optimizing biomass pretreatment methods (e.g., low-moisture anhydrous ammonia), developing plant-based platforms for human milk oligosaccharides, and evaluating the economic viability of carbon-negative fuels. Dr. Yang's interdisciplinary approach integrates engineering, biology, and economics to address global food system challenges. Recent publications emphasize co-processing agricultural residues, machine learning-driven process modeling, and cost-benefit analyses of bio-based materials. Her research highlights the potential of integrating plant biotechnology with advanced analytics to create scalable, sustainable solutions for food and energy systems.

• Food Sustainability
• Biofuel Production
• Techno-economic Analysis (TEA)
• +4 more

Dr. Petr Vozka is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at California State University, Los Angeles, where he leads the Complex Chemical Composition Analysis Lab (C³AL). His research focuses on the characterization of complex chemical mixtures using state-of-the-art techniques, including two-dimensional gas chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry, with applications in environmental science, plastic waste conversion, and forensic analysis. Dr. Vozka's research interests span multiple critical areas including the analysis of complex chemical mixtures, microplastics in the environment, conversion of plastic waste into alternative fuels, environmental impact of oil spills, and forensic fingerprint analysis. His work on microplastics has gained significant attention, with media coverage highlighting his findings that microplastics can penetrate blood vessels and have been found in the brain. His research on the Huntington Beach oil spill investigated the long-term effects of oil contamination on beaches used for recreation. Dr. Vozka has organized significant academic events including the Multidimensional GC: From Petroleum to Beyond symposium at ACS Fall 2025 and serves on the organizing committee for the Multidimensional Chromatography Workshop (MDCW). His laboratory, C³AL, is equipped with advanced instrumentation including GC-TOFMS, GC×GC-FID, and GC×GC-TOFMS systems, supported by partnerships with LECO Corporation and Anton Paar. Recipient of LECO Corporation's Pegasus® BT GC-MS instrument through a competitive selection process Principal Investigator for research funded by Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division Collaborator with researchers from Purdue University, UCT Prague, Delft University of Technology, and California State Polytechnic University Dr. Vozka actively mentors undergraduate and graduate students, with numerous students receiving research awards including CSU COAST Undergraduate Student Research Grants, NSF REU placements, and Dean's List honors. His students regularly present research at national conferences including ACS meetings and the Multidimensional Chromatography Workshop. The C³AL lab provides hands-on experience with cutting-edge analytical instrumentation, preparing students for careers in analytical chemistry and related fields. As part of the LECO-C³AL Facility partnership, Dr. Vozka's lab serves as a training ground for students in comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques. The facility aims to enhance knowledge and expand opportunities for students while equipping them with skills necessary to excel in graduate programs and analytical positions in industry and the military.

• Complex Chemical Mixtures Analysis
• Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography
• Microplastics Analysis
• +7 more

Catherine Brewer is a Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at New Mexico State University, leading the interdisciplinary Brewer research group focused on sustainable biomass conversion technologies and environmental solutions. Her research expertise spans: Biomass utilization for fuels, food products, adsorbents, and bio-derived chemicals Physical, chemical, thermal, and biological conversion methods for agricultural/forestry wastes Integrated projects in biofuels, wastewater treatment, soil quality enhancement, and phytoremediation Engineering education initiatives and brewing science applications She maintains extensive cross-campus collaborations through NMSU's MARC (Maximizing Access to Research Careers) Program, advancing research in environmental remediation and alternative crop systems while mentoring underrepresented students in biomedical research careers. Scientific Awards: No specific awards documented in available sources. Advising and Grants: Serves as faculty mentor for the NIH-funded MARC Program (contact: mruthven@nmsu.edu), though specific student advisees and grant details aren't enumerated in current documentation. Her work connects with campus-wide initiatives in sustainable engineering and environmental health. Labs and Teams: Directs the Brewer research group conducting hands-on experimental work on biomass conversion systems, with active partnerships across NMSU's agricultural, environmental, and engineering disciplines for real-world implementation of waste-to-resource technologies.

• Biomass Utilization
• Biofuels
• Environmental Engineering
• +7 more

Sheng C. Dai is an Associate Professor and group coordinator in Geosystems Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology, holding the Georgia Mining Association Early Career Professorship in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering with courtesy appointments in Ocean Science and Engineering and the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. Dr. Dai earned his Ph.D. from Georgia Tech in 2013 following ORISE postdoctoral fellowships at the National Energy Technology Laboratory (2013-2015). His educational background includes specialized training in geosystems engineering and energy-related subsurface processes. His research focuses on energy geotechnics and nature-inspired engineering, addressing critical challenges in energy sustainability and environmental protection through studies of geomechanics, granular dynamics, and porous media flow. Key applications include gas hydrate systems for energy recovery, waste-to-fuel conversion, and biomimetic solutions inspired by natural processes like rock-boring clams. Analysis of Dr. Dai's 2023-2025 publications reveals strong interdisciplinary integration of computational modeling (DEM, SPH), machine learning, and experimental techniques across energy geotechnics, granular material flow, and bio-inspired mechanisms. His work bridges petroleum engineering, environmental sustainability, and space exploration contexts. Dr. Dai has received numerous accolades recognizing his research, teaching, and service contributions: 2025: Early Career Researcher Award (USUCGER) 2024: Emerging Leaders Program (EVPR/Georgia Tech) 2023: Interdisciplinary Research Award and Woodruff Academic Leadership Fellows 2022: NSF Game Changer Academies and CREATE-X Faculty Fellowship 2020: NSF CAREER Award 2017: Bill Schutz Teaching Award and NETL Research Spotlight His Subsurface Processes Laboratory secures funding from DOE, NSF, NASA, and DOT for projects including $1M awards for waste-to-fuel conversion and methane clathrate research. Dr. Dai serves as Associate Editor for Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth and leads ISSMGE's TC308 Energy Geotechnics Task Force while advising USGS and NETL programs. The laboratory conducts cutting-edge experimental and computational research on hydrate-bearing sediments, granular biomass flow, and bio-inspired geotechnical solutions, maintaining strong industry partnerships for real-world application of subsurface engineering innovations.

• Energy Geotechnics
• Nature Inspired Engineering
• Geomechanics
• +5 more

Dr. Manuel Garcia-Pérez is a Professor and Department Chair in the Department of Biological Systems Engineering at Washington State University (WSU), affiliated with the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS). His research focuses on thermochemical conversion of biomass to produce biofuels, bio-oils, and biochars, addressing global energy and environmental challenges. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Université Laval and has held postdoctoral positions at Monash University, the University of Georgia, and other institutions. His work emphasizes sustainable aviation fuels, biochar applications in soil fertility, and environmental impact mitigation. Dr. Garcia-Pérez leads the Bioproducts Science and Engineering Laboratory (BSEL) at WSU Tri-Cities, advancing bio-refinery concepts and reactor design. He collaborates internationally, including projects in Haiti and the Dominican Republic to develop sustainable biomass industries. His research spans analytical chemistry, reactor engineering, and interdisciplinary partnerships in forestry, soil science, and sociology. He has authored nearly 130 peer-reviewed publications and serves on the Biomass Research Development Initiative Technical Advisory Committee. Key achievements include developing pyrolysis oil characterization methods, optimizing biochar for carbon sequestration, and advancing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production. His grants and industry partnerships support innovative technologies for waste-to-energy conversion and environmental remediation. Future work targets integrating biomass resources with aviation fuel supply chains and enhancing biochar's role in climate resilience.

• Bioenergy
• Bioproducts Engineering
• Thermochemical Conversion
• +3 more

Dr. Shekhar Bhansali is the Alcatel-Lucent Professor and Chair of the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE) at Florida International University (FIU) since 2011. He holds a BS in Metallurgical Engineering (1987), MS in Aircraft Production Engineering (1991), and PhD in Electrical Engineering (1997). His research focuses on bio sensing, nanotechnology, alternative energy, and oceanographic sensing. He leads the Bio-MEMS and Microsystems Lab, holds 36 U.S. patents, and has secured funding from NSF, industry partners, and national labs like Sandia and Los Alamos. Dr. Bhansali has grown the ECE department by launching programs like the online Master of Science in Network Security and the B.S. in Internet of Things (first in the U.S.). He co-directs FIU’s Bridge to the Doctorate program, fostering STEM diversity. Awards include the 2014 FIU Top Scholar Award and 2018 AAAS Fellowship. Education: PhD in Electrical Engineering, RMIT University (1997) MS in Aircraft Production Engineering, IIT Madras (1991) BS in Metallurgical Engineering, MREC, Jaipur (1987) Research Interests: Bio-sensing, nanotechnology, alternative energy, oceanographic sensors, and materials science. Key Achievements: 36 U.S. patents and 7 invention disclosures Co-authored 139 journal papers and 200+ conference papers Recruited 14 faculty members and expanded doctoral programs Partnership with Florida Power & Light for solar energy research His work bridges innovation and societal impact, with sensors for wound monitoring, environmental sensing, and energy efficiency. Recent studies include AI-driven sensor networks for precision agriculture and wearable devices for real-time health diagnostics. Awards & Recognition: 2018 AAAS Fellow 2014 FIU Top Scholar Award Multiple mentorship awards (2003–2011) Advising & Grants: Oversaw education of over 150 graduate students via NSF-IGERT and Sloan programs. Secured grants totaling millions for interdisciplinary research. Expanded FIU’s engineering programs and faculty size. Labs & Teams: Leads the Bio-MEMS Lab, advancing micro/nano sensors and lab-on-a-chip technologies. Collaborates with industry and national labs on sensor development and energy projects.

• Bio sensing
• Micro/nanotechnology
• Alternative energy
• +3 more

Lance L. Lobban is the David Ross Boyd Professor and Francis W. Winn Chair of Chemical Engineering at the University of Oklahoma. He leads research in catalysis and reaction engineering, with a focus on biofuels and thermochemical biomass conversion. His work integrates experimental measurements (e.g., transient kinetics, FTIR, mass spectrometry) with theoretical models to optimize catalytic processes. Current projects address challenges in scaling biomass refining due to its distributed nature and oxygen content. Education : Ph.D. Chemical Engineering (1987), University of Houston; B.S. Chemical Engineering (1981), University of Kansas. Research interests include gas/liquid phase reactions, catalytic deactivation mechanisms, and non-equilibrium plasma systems. His lab investigates biofuel production via pyrolysis, catalytic upgrading of biomass pyrolysis vapors, and bifunctional catalyst design. Notable awards include the Brandon H. Griffin Teaching Award (2006) and sustained recognition as an Outstanding Chemical Engineering Instructor (1992–2011). His contributions to national scholar recruitment earned the Richard M. Cyert Award (1993). Awards : Over 20 teaching and research honors, including presidential professorships and industry-recognized lectureships. Advising focuses on graduate students in chemical engineering, with grants supporting biomass conversion and catalysis projects. His lab collaborates with interdisciplinary teams in sustainable chemical and materials engineering. Lobban’s work is housed in the Sarkeys Energy Center, part of OU’s Sustainable Chemical, Biological and Materials Engineering program.

• Catalysis
• Reaction Engineering
• Biofuels
• +5 more