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.
Zhixin Yu is a Professor of Natural Gas Technology at the Department of Energy and Petroleum Technology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Southeastern Norway. His research is centered on advanced energy technologies with a strong focus on CO 2 utilization, hydrogen production, electrocatalysis, and next-generation battery systems. He actively collaborates with a broad network of researchers in materials science and chemical engineering. His research interests span CO 2 capture and conversion , green hydrogen production via electrocatalysis and photocatalysis , design of single-atom and nanostructured catalysts (including MOFs, carbon-based materials) , and advanced energy storage systems such as lithium-ion, lithium-sulfur, and lithium-ion capacitors . His work integrates experimental synthesis with theoretical modeling, particularly density functional theory (DFT), to understand and optimize catalytic and electrochemical processes. The recent publications (2021–2025) reveal a strong thematic trend toward electrocatalytic CO 2 reduction to value-added chemicals , hydrogenation reactions using sustainable catalysts , and interface engineering in battery materials to improve stability and performance . The keywords consistently include catalysis, energy materials, CO 2 utilization, and electrochemistry, highlighting his role at the forefront of sustainable energy technology development. Scientific Awards: No scientific awards mentioned in the provided text. Advising and Grants: While specific students or grant details are not listed, Professor Yu appears to lead or significantly contribute to a research group focused on energy materials. His extensive co-authorship with early-career researchers (e.g., Song Lu, Obinna Egwu Eleri, Frederik Thorbjørn Huld) suggests active mentorship and advising. The volume and quality of publications indicate successful acquisition of research funding, likely from national and international sources supporting sustainable energy and materials science. Labs and Teams: No specific lab or research team name is provided. However, his frequent collaboration with colleagues such as Fengliu Lou, Song Lu, and Kun Guo indicates a well-integrated research group within the Department of Energy and Petroleum Technology, likely focused on catalytic materials and energy storage devices.
Associate Professor Ken Chiang is a faculty member at RMIT University's School of Engineering under the STEM faculty. He holds an Associate Professor rank and has over 20 years of academic and industrial research experience, securing over $12 million in research funding. His work focuses on innovative catalyst technologies, sustainable processes, and liquid metal catalysis for applications in CO2 utilization, hydrogen generation, and environmental engineering. Research Interests Chemical Engineering, Macromolecular and Materials Chemistry, Materials Engineering, Environmental Engineering, and catalytic systems for renewable energy. Key Projects Recent projects include development of next-generation liquid metal catalysts for CO2 reutilization, low-emission hydrogen generation via ammonia utilization, and novel reactor concepts for process intensification. His research also addresses wastewater purification and solar-to-chemical energy conversion. Advising & Grants He has supervised 10 PhD students, 2 Master's students, and 2 industrial trainees. His funding includes government and industry projects totaling over $12 million. Labs & Collaborations Collaborates on decarbonization technologies and liquid metal systems, with contributions to RMIT's research network in sustainable energy and catalysis.
Prof. Julio Lloret-Fillol is a Group Leader at the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ) and an ICREA Research Professor since 2015. His work bridges homogeneous catalysis , material science , and automation to develop sustainable chemical processes and solar fuels. He earned his PhD in 2006 from Universidad de Valencia under Prof. Lahuerta and J. Pérez-Prieto, followed by postdoctoral research at University of Heidelberg (MEyC and Marie Curie Fellowships). Awards: 2024 RSEQ-GEQO Award on Excellence 2023 Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry 2022 Ramón Areces Grant 2019 Thieme Chemistry Journals Award 2017 Young Academy of Europe 2015 Young Researcher RSEQ Award Research Interests: Water oxidation catalysis CO₂ reduction to value-added chemicals Artificial photosynthesis Electrocatalytic hydrogen generation Spin-off technologies for green hydrogen and photoreactors Notable Publications: 2024: Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. (electrocatalytic ketones from CO₂) 2024: ACS Catal. (Fe-doped NiO for OER) 2023: ACS Catal. (COF-based cobalt catalysts) 2022: JACS (OER mechanism with cobalt complexes) 2022: Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. (chloroalkane activation) Spin-offs: Treellum Technologies (photoreactors) JOLT Solutions (electrodes for hydrogen production)
Prof. Ing. Juraj Beniak, PhD is a leading academic at the Institute of Production Engineering and Production Quality (Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, STU). He serves as a Professor CSc., PhD and holds external collaborator roles at the Institute of Computer Engineering and Applied Informatics (FIIT) and the Institute of Manufacturing Technologies (MTF). His research bridges mechanical engineering and sustainable production. Office: U.V.I.P. SjF, Office 537 Contact: +421 2 57296 537 | +421 905 593 953 (mobile) Beniak's research focuses on additive manufacturing , biomass compaction , and smart production technologies . He investigates 3D printing parameter optimization, surface modification techniques, and composite material development from renewable sources. His work addresses both industrial applications and environmental sustainability through advanced manufacturing. Key projects include: OP R&I: Automation in freight railway vehicle production (2019–2023) APVV-18-0527: Additive manufacturing technology development (2019–2022) Recovery Plan: AI-driven waste management systems (2024–2026) As a KEGA grant guarantor and APVV co-investigator , he leads initiatives in CAx education, virtual laboratories, and biofuel production optimization. His contributions span from experimental equipment design to mathematical modeling of compaction processes.
Stephan Pfister is a Professor at ETH Zurich in the Department of of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, where he leads research in the Ecological Systems Design group. His office is located at HIF D 85.2, Laura-Hezner-Weg 7, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland. Professor Pfister teaches multiple courses including Introduction into Environmental Engineering, Advanced Environmental Assessments, and Computer Laboratory courses for the Autumn Semester 2025. Dr. Pfister received his PhD from ETH Zurich in 2011 with a dissertation on 'Environmental evaluation of freshwater consumption within the framework of life cycle assessment.' Following his doctoral studies, he completed a one-year post-doctoral position at UC Santa Barbara in 2011. His academic journey has resulted in over 100 original research publications spanning more than a decade of scholarly contributions. Professor Pfister's research is highly interdisciplinary, focusing on methodological advancements in the impact assessment of water consumption, land use, and biodiversity loss within Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Multi-Regional Input-Output Analysis (MRIO). His work spans multiple sectors including agriculture and forestry, material extraction and processing, and power production. He has notably advanced water footprint concepts, including future scenario analyses and assessment of international trade implications. His research integrates environmental science with practical applications for sustainable resource management, addressing critical global challenges related to freshwater scarcity and ecosystem preservation. Analysis of Professor Pfister's recent publication record (2024-2025) reveals a strong trend toward integrated environmental assessment methodologies, particularly at the intersection of water resources, climate change, and sustainable systems design. His work increasingly addresses complex supply chain analyses, with growing emphasis on policy-relevant applications in sustainable food systems, urban mobility, and resource extraction. The methodological focus remains firmly rooted in Life Cycle Assessment while expanding into complementary frameworks like Water Footprint Assessment, demonstrating his leadership in advancing environmental assessment science. Professor Pfister's research has been supported by various funding mechanisms including the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF) project 'Minimizing Energy Input, Exergy Loss and Environmental Impacts of Greenhouse Systems in Iran and Switzerland Exploiting Industrial Symbiosis Opportunities' (Grant No. 192875). His interdisciplinary approach has fostered collaborations across multiple institutions and research groups, contributing to the advancement of environmental assessment methodologies globally. The Ecological Systems Design group at ETH Zurich, led by Professor Pfister, serves as a hub for innovative research at the intersection of environmental science, engineering, and policy. The group maintains strong connections with international research networks focused on sustainability assessment, contributing to methodological standardization efforts and practical applications of environmental assessment tools in industry and policy contexts.
Ming Zheng is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical, Automotive & Materials Engineering at the University of Windsor, Faculty of Engineering. He is the Director of the Clean Combustion Engine Laboratory and holds a Canada Research Chair in Clean Diesel Engine Technologies. He is a Fellow of both SAE and ASME and a Professional Engineer (PEng). Education: Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, University of Calgary, Canada, 1993 M.Sc., Thermal Energy and Automotive Engineering, Tsinghua University, China, 1988 B.Sc., Mechanical Engineering, Transport Technology Institute, China, 1982 PDF, Mechanical Engineering, Hokkaido University, Japan, 1995 Dr. Zheng's research focuses on clean and high-efficiency combustion technologies for internal combustion engines. His key interests include low-temperature combustion (LTC), homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI), active flow control aftertreatment for emission reduction, advanced ignition systems (e.g., multi-coil, corona), alternative and biofuels (e.g., ethanol, n-butanol), combustion modeling, diagnostics, and real-time adaptive control. His work aims to achieve simultaneous reductions in NOx and soot emissions while improving fuel efficiency. The analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong and consistent research trend centered on advanced combustion strategies using alternative fuels like ethanol and n-butanol. His work extensively explores dual-fuel combustion, the impact of fuel injection strategies, and the use of advanced control algorithms (e.g., extremum seeking control) to manage complex combustion processes. A significant portion of his research is dedicated to developing and optimizing active aftertreatment systems, such as Lean NOx Traps, to handle the unique exhaust characteristics of these clean combustion modes. Scientific Awards: SAE Fellow (2016) ASME Fellow University Award for Excellence in Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity (2007 and 2005) Canada Research Chair in Clean Diesel Engine Technologies (awarded 2003) Dr. Zheng has been a prolific advisor, supervising numerous PhD and Master's students on topics ranging from biofuel testing and low-temperature combustion to aftertreatment modeling and control. His research is highly collaborative, supported by significant grants and contracts from government agencies (NSERC, Auto21, CRC) and major industrial partners like Ford, International Truck and Engine Company, and Imperial Oil. He has secured over $2.6 million in cash awards and approximately $2.1 million in-kind contributions since 2003. Dr. Zheng leads the Clean Combustion Engine Laboratory , a state-of-the-art facility equipped with multiple modern diesel engine test cells (including a Ford common-rail engine and a Yanmar single-cylinder engine), advanced emission analyzers, real-time control systems (FPGA, Can-Bus), and sophisticated diagnostic and modeling tools (LabVIEW, GT-Power, Chemkin, MATLAB/Simulink). The lab specializes in experimental research on combustion, emissions, and aftertreatment, with a focus on active flow control technologies.
Dr. Priya Samudrala is a Senior Lecturer and Deputy Director of Education in Monash University's Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering. Her research spans heterogeneous catalysis, green chemistry, and sustainable processes, with expertise in biomass conversion, glycerol valorization, and 3D-printed catalysts for renewable fuel production. Recent publications (2017-2025) demonstrate consistent focus on sustainable catalyst design for biomass conversion, including catalytic reforming, hydrogenolysis, and CO2 valorization. Article trends emphasize catalyst innovation for circular economy applications, particularly in waste glycerol utilization and biomass-derived chemical production. Professional credentials include a PhD in Applied Chemistry from RMIT University and Master of Teaching from Monash University. Research contributions have been recognized through awards including the Martin Bennett Research Excellence Award.
Prof. Atsushi Urakawa is a Full Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) . He leads the Urakawa Group , which focuses on developing sustainable heterogeneous catalytic processes with minimal environmental impact. PhD, ETH Zurich (2006) MSc, TU Delft BSc, Kyushu University, Japan His research is centered on heterogeneous catalysis , employing in situ/operando spectroscopy and reaction engineering to understand catalytic mechanisms. Key research themes include CO₂ conversion to chemicals , methane activation , hydrogen production , and environmental catalysis (NOx abatement) . The group also pioneers advanced in situ/operando tools for studying solid-gas and solid-liquid interfaces at the reactor scale. The recent publications reflect a strong focus on CO₂ hydrogenation under high pressure, design of bimetallic and supported catalysts , and mechanistic elucidation using operando techniques. The work bridges fundamental understanding with industrial sustainability. Scientific Awards: Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (2016) JSPS Prize (2020) The Japan Academy Medal (2021) Advising: Prof. Urakawa supervises PhD and postdoctoral researchers, including Nat Phongprueksathat , George Tierney , and Gerben-Jan Hooijer . His group collaborates with industrial partners such as Toyota on carbon capture and reduction (CCR) projects. While specific grants are not detailed, his research is clearly supported by high-impact publications and international recognition. Labs & Teams: The Urakawa Group is embedded within the Catalysis Engineering section at TU Delft, fostering interdisciplinary research at the intersection of materials science, catalysis, and process engineering.
Professor Dmitry Murzin holds the position of Professor in Chemical Technology at Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland, since August 2000. He has held senior roles at BASF Rus GmbH in Moscow (1996–2000) and has conducted research at institutions including BASF AG (Germany), Université Louis Pasteur (France), and the Karpov Institute of Physical Chemistry (Russia). His research focuses on catalytic processes, biomass transformations, and chemical reaction engineering. Education: Dr.Sc. (1999), Karpov Institute of Physical Chemistry, Moscow Ph.D. (1989), Karpov Institute of Physical Chemistry, Moscow M.Sc. (1986), Moscow Institute of Chemical Technology Research Interests: Biomass valorization and catalytic conversion Development of heterogeneous catalysts and reaction engineering principles Design of sustainable processes for bio-based chemicals and fuels His work bridges fundamental catalysis research with industrial applications, emphasizing renewable resources and green chemistry. Awards & Recognition: 2017 Honorary Professor, Tianjin University 2016 Knight, First Class, Order of the White Rose of Finland Member of Finnish Academy of Science and Letters (2017) Recipient of the Gadd Prize (2018) and Chancellor of Åbo Akademi Prize (2013) Leadership & Contributions: Organized major conferences such as Europacat VIII (2007), CAFC-10 (2013), and CatBior-5 (2019) Editorial roles in Catalysis Today , Chemical Engineering Journal , and others Member of European Federation of Catalysis Societies (Vice President, 2009–2013) Research Funding: EU Framework projects: Coordinator of Nanocat (2005–2007), Partner in KnowNOx, Ammonore, Copiride, Polycat, SusFuelCat Grants from Academy of Finland and National Technology Agency Academic Engagement: Opponent in 14 doctoral defenses across multiple countries Expert evaluator for research councils in Norway, Belgium, the Netherlands, and others
Dominic Pjontek is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering at Western University. He is based in Room 377 of the Thompson Engineering Building and serves as an active researcher and educator in multiphase reactor engineering. His work is conducted both on the Western University campus and at the Institute for Chemicals and Fuels from Alternative Resources (ICFAR), a specialized facility for sustainable technology development. Dr. Pjontek received his Ph.D. and B.A.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Ottawa, where he earned multiple prestigious scholarships including the NSERC Postgraduate Scholarship for Doctoral Studies and the University of Ottawa Excellence Scholarship for Graduate Studies. His research focuses on the development and optimization of multiphase reactors through experimental studies, process modeling, and scale-up considerations. Key research areas include CO 2 conversion/utilization using gas-liquid-solid reactors, fundamental understanding of interfacial area and flow behavior in multiphase reactors, and innovative sustainable technologies for converting waste streams to value-added products. His work addresses critical technological barriers in developing next-generation reactors for sustainable chemical production. Analysis of Dr. Pjontek's recent publications reveals a strong trend toward carbon dioxide conversion technologies, fluid coker optimization, and sustainable process development. His research group has published extensively on gas-liquid-solid fluidized beds, reactor fouling mechanisms, and CO 2 hydrogenation processes, with increasing focus on sustainable chemical production methods that align with global decarbonization efforts. Scientific Awards and Recognitions: R. Mohan Mathur Award for Excellence in Teaching (2018) Maurice Bergougnou Teaching Award for Heat Transfer Operations (2015-2018) NSERC Postgraduate Scholarship for Doctoral Studies Multiple University of Ottawa Excellence Scholarships NSERC Canada Graduate Scholarship for Master's Studies Dr. Pjontek actively supervises numerous graduate students working on cutting-edge projects related to multiphase reactor engineering. His research group includes multiple Ph.D. and M.E.Sc. students working on projects such as CO 2 conversion to commodity chemicals, biosurfactant production, fluid coker heater modifications, and stripper shed fouling monitoring. He has successfully graduated numerous students who have completed theses on topics including fluid coker cyclone fouling, hydrodeoxygenation processes, and particle agglomeration phenomena. His research is supported through collaborations with industry partners like Syncrude Canada Ltd. and Origin Materials, as well as government funding agencies. Dr. Pjontek's laboratory work is conducted within the Chemical and Biochemical Engineering facilities at Western University, with specialized equipment for studying multiphase reactor systems. His research group maintains collaborations with other faculty members including Cedric Briens, Lars Rehmann, and Jose Herrera, forming a strong research cluster focused on sustainable process engineering and reactor technology development.
Dr. Matthieu Gresil is a Senior Lecturer in both the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Monash University. He joined Monash in 2020 and leads the Circular Plastic Research Node within the Faculty of Engineering, focusing on advancing sustainable materials and recycling technologies. His expertise spans multifunctional composites, vitrimers, bio-based materials, and structural health monitoring. Gresil holds a PhD from École Normale Supérieure of Cachan (2009), with postdoctoral experience at the University of South Carolina and the University of Manchester. Education: BSc in Physics, University of Nantes (2004) MSc in Physics (Matter and Materials), University of Nantes (2006) PhD in Physics/Materials, École Normale Supérieure of Cachan (2009) Research Interests: Multifunctional composites (health monitoring, self-healing) Vitrimers and bio-based polymers Nanocomposites and recycling technologies Bio-inspired morphing materials via 3D printing and nanotechnology Grants and Projects: "Vitrimer composites - a new material for Defence applications" (2025–2026) "Developing vitrimers: next generation reusable plastics" (2024–2027) "Recycled Materials for Tram Stop Platforms" (2021–2024) Labs and Roles: Leads the Circular Plastic Research Node, fostering collaboration on sustainable materials and circular economy initiatives.
Federico Smeacetto is a Full Professor of Materials Science and Technology at the Polytechnic University of Turin, Italy, where he is affiliated with the Department of Applied Science and Technology (DISAT) within the School of Engineering. He serves as the principal investigator for multiple EU-funded research projects focused on hydrogen technologies, solid oxide cells, and sustainable energy solutions. Professor Smeacetto's research focuses on advanced materials for energy applications, particularly glass and ceramics as joining and coating materials. His work spans several critical areas for the energy transition: Glass and glass-ceramics for solid oxide fuel cells and electrolysis cells Joining technologies for high-temperature energy devices Materials for hydrogen production and storage Recycling of end-of-life energy conversion devices 3D printing of advanced ceramic materials His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on developing sustainable solutions for the energy transition, with particular emphasis on proton ceramic electrolysis cells, solid oxide fuel cells, and recycling technologies. The research combines materials development, manufacturing innovation (particularly 3D printing), and comprehensive performance assessment to address critical challenges in clean energy technologies. Professor Smeacetto has received notable recognition including the Abilitazione Scientifica Nazionale as Full Professor of Materials Science and Technology and The Acers Global Ambassador award. Abilitazione Scientifica Nazionale - Professore di Seconda Fascia - Settore 09/D1 (2013) National Scientific Habilitation – Full Professor of Materials Science and Technology (2019) The Acers Global Ambassador (2020) He actively supervises PhD students and leads multiple research projects, including EU-funded initiatives like H2START, H2SHIFT, ECOLEFINS, Pressuriz3D, 24_7 ZEN, HyP3D, and SOLSTICE. Professor Smeacetto also chairs advanced courses on glass and ceramics for PhD students and teaches undergraduate and graduate courses on materials for energy applications. As a member of the GLANCE research group at Politecnico di Torino, Professor Smeacetto contributes to the development of custom glasses, glass-ceramics, and composites for various applications including energy conversion and storage, joining technologies, and sustainable materials solutions.
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.
Professor Mark Price is a leading academic in engineering at Queen's University Belfast, holding the title of Professor of Aeronautics in the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. He specializes in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, and advanced manufacturing technologies. His research focuses on bio-inspired design, cloud-based manufacturing systems, and design automation. He has held key administrative roles, including Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Engineering and Physical Sciences (2015-2020) and Head of the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (2011-2015). Education: BEng (First Class Honours) in Aeronautical Engineering, Queen's University Belfast (1987) MEng in Engineering Computation, Queen's University Belfast (1988) PhD in Mechanical Engineering (Hexahedral Finite Element Mesh Generation), Queen's University Belfast (1993) Research Interests: Professor Price’s work explores disruptive design technologies, including bio-inspired generative design methodologies, cloud-based manufacturing systems, and sustainable engineering practices. His current projects include the EPSRC Programme Grant on 'Re-Imagining Engineering Design' and the 'Design the Future 2' initiative, which aim to integrate design and manufacturing processes inspired by natural systems. He has published over 240 articles and supervised 30 PhD students. Awards: 2006 Thomas Hawksley Medal from the IMechE Best Paper Gold Award (17th International Conference on Manufacturing Research, 2019) Best Paper Prize (Journal of Materials and Design, 2012) Advising & Grants: Supervised 30 completed PhD students Principal Investigator of EPSRC grants totaling millions Lead on international collaborations, including the UK-China E9 Consortium Labs & Teams: Professor Price leads the Re-Imagining Engineering Design project (EPSRC Programme Grant) and the Biohaviour initiative (EP/R003564/1). He is affiliated with the Research Centre in Sustainable Energy Aerospace and Manufacturing and has contributed to the Northern Ireland Advanced Composites and Engineering Centre (NIACE).
