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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

Rui Shi is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Pennsylvania State University. Her research focuses on sustainability engineering at the intersection of natural and engineered systems, prioritizing sustainable pathways for transportation fuels, bioproducts, agricultural systems, and food-energy-water systems through integrated sustainability analyses. She develops frameworks for quantitative sustainable design (QSD) and system-level environmental impact assessments to navigate technical, economic, and environmental trade-offs. Her work has led to advancements in plastic recycling via cold sintering technology, biofuel lifecycle assessments, and frameworks for sustainable aviation fuels. Notable projects include assessments of renewable jet fuels in the U.S. Northern Great Plains, cold sintering of LLZO-based composites, and quantifying uncertainties in greenhouse gas abatement costs. Shi has secured grants such as the $3.4M contract for plastic waste solutions and IEE seed grants for interdisciplinary sustainability research. Shi collaborates on global low-carbon transition initiatives and integrates computational tools like BioSTEAM-LCA for agile biorefinery modeling. Her research spans from fundamental material science (e.g., repurposing polyolefin waste) to policy-relevant analyses of land use change and bioenergy systems. She contributes to the Integrated Energy Systems and Water Sustainability research themes at Penn State's Institutes of Energy and the Environment.

• Sustainability Engineering
• Biofuel Development
• Life Cycle Assessment
• +7 more

Dr. Liang Yu is an Adjunct Professor at Washington State University (WSU) within the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS), Department of Biological Systems Engineering. He holds roles as a Guest Editor for the Journal of Fermentation (Energy Converter-Anaerobic Digestion), Faculty Senator for Non-Tenure Track Faculty, Anti-Hazing Advisory Committee member, and Review Committee member for undergraduate research scholarships at WSU. His research focuses on biorefinery-based industrial symbiosis and the circular economy, employing multi-scale mathematical modeling (molecular simulation, CFD, bioprocess control, machine learning) to optimize anaerobic digestion systems. His work aims to convert organic waste (animal manure, food waste) into renewable natural gas, fertilizers, and bioproducts. He has secured funding from the DOE and USDA, with over 60 peer-reviewed publications and five patents. Key research themes include hydrothermal pretreatment, ammonia recovery, microbial community dynamics, and techno-economic analysis. Recent articles emphasize anaerobic digestion innovation, biodesulfurization, and biohydrogen production. His contributions bridge environmental engineering, biotechnology, and sustainable systems design. Dr. Yu’s grants and patents reflect a commitment to applied sustainability solutions, with projects addressing agricultural waste valorization and energy recovery. Collaborative efforts drive his work, integrating computational modeling with experimental validation for scalable bioenergy systems.

• Biorefinery
• Circular Economy
• Environmental Engineering
• +7 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

Maobing Tu is a Professor at the University of Cincinnati, specializing in biomass processing chemistry and biofuel production. His research focuses on biochemical engineering, lignocellulosic biomass conversion, and environmental biotechnology. He holds a PhD from the University of British Columbia (2007) and East China University of Science and Technology (2001). Key research areas include developing sustainable biorefinery processes, mitigating biomass recalcitrance, and enhancing microbial fermentation efficiency. He has secured multiple grants, including an NSF CAREER Award and NSERC Fellowships, supporting projects on lignin valorization, PFAS treatment, and bioprocess engineering. Education: PhD, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, 2007 PhD, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 2001 Awards: NSF Career Award (2013–2018) NSERC Industry R&D Fellowship (2007–2008) His work spans collaborations on nanocellulose-based materials, microbial fuel cells, and lignin-based piezoelectric materials. Recent grants include federal funding for decarbonizing chemical recovery processes and novel membrane electrolysis systems. Publications highlight advancements in biomass pretreatment, enzyme recycling, and detoxification strategies for biofuel production. Current projects address environmental challenges like PFAS remediation and microbial community dynamics in water systems.

• Biomass Processing Chemistry
• Biofuels and Bioenergy
• Bioprocess Engineering
• +3 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

Solange I. Mussatto is a Professor and Group Leader in the Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), specializing in Biorefineries, Biomass Conversion, and Bioprocess Technology. She leads the Biomass Conversion and Bioprocess Technology (BCBT) research group and is affiliated with the DTU Microbes Initiative. Her work focuses on sustainable bioprocesses, biomass valorization, and the development of bio-based products from agro-industrial residues and lignocellulosic materials. Mussatto's research emphasizes detoxification of biomass hydrolysates, microbial adaptation to inhibitory environments, and the optimization of fermentation processes for high-value products like xylitol and biofuels. Her contributions include pioneering studies on Brewer’s spent grain utilization, lignocellulosic biomass conversion, and the design of innovative bioreactors (e.g., vertical ball mill systems). She has explored the application of solid-state fermentation for bioactive compound production and has authored over 277 publications in peer-reviewed journals. Mussatto’s work bridges fundamental research and industrial applications, addressing challenges in biorefinery economics, process intensification, and circular bioeconomy strategies. Her research portfolio spans microbial adaptation studies (e.g., Bacillus subtilis , Rhodosporidium toruloides ), enzymatic hydrolysis optimization, and the valorization of agricultural wastes (orange residues, spent coffee grounds, rice straw). She has contributed to understanding the technical and economic feasibility of biorefinery systems, emphasizing product diversification and sustainable waste management solutions. Mussatto’s lab (BCBT Group) collaborates internationally, advancing technologies for bio-based chemicals and renewable energy.

• Biotechnology
• Biorefineries
• Biomass Conversion
• +4 more

Sarah M. Coleman is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Department of Statistics and Data Sciences at the University of Texas at Austin. Her research focuses on integrating computational and experimental approaches to advance metabolic engineering, synthetic biology, and bioprocess optimization. She holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering (2024), MS in Statistics (2024), and BS in Chemical-Biological Engineering (2019) from MIT. Her work emphasizes sustainable biomanufacturing using non-traditional feedstocks and improving microbial strain robustness through systems biology methods. Key research interests include metabolic pathway engineering for omega-3 production, statistical modeling of synthetic gene circuits, and leveraging Yarrowia lipolytica for industrial applications. She explores topics such as extracellular electron transfer for living materials and CFD modeling in bioreactor scale-up. Her interdisciplinary background combines chemical engineering principles with advanced statistical analysis to solve complex bioprocess challenges. Recent publications highlight innovations in microbial tolerance to industrial waste, plant-based photonic systems, and biosensor-driven metabolic pathway optimization. Her research bridges computational modeling with lab-scale experimentation, addressing scalability and sustainability in biotechnology. While no formal awards are listed, her contributions reflect cutting-edge advancements in bioengineering and data-driven bioprocess development.

• Bioinformatics & Computational Biology
• Probability and Statistics
• Metabolic Engineering
• +3 more

Ming-Hsun Cheng is an Assistant Professor of Energy and Environment at the University of Idaho's Department of Natural Resources and Society within the College of Natural Resources. His research focuses on biorefinery design, bioenergy innovation, and sustainability analysis through techno-economic evaluations and life-cycle assessments. Dr. Cheng holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering from Iowa State University (2017), following a postdoctoral stint (2017–2022) at the University of Illinois' CABBI center studying biorefinery systems and biofuel conversions. His academic background includes a B.S. in Forest Products Science (National Chiayi, 2008) and an M.S. in Forestry and Resource Conservation (National Taiwan University, 2010). Courses taught include NRS 501: Natural Resources and Society Graduate Seminar and ENVS 501: Environmental Science Graduate Seminar. Research interests span biomass valorization, green technologies, and environmental impact modeling. Key contributions include studies on hydrothermal pretreatment for cellulosic sugar recovery, transgenic energycane utilization, and microbial fuel cell integration into waste-to-energy systems. Dr. Cheng's work emphasizes bridging technical innovations with economic and environmental sustainability. Professional activities include advising graduate students and collaborating on USDA-funded projects. His lab focuses on advancing biorefinery systems through both experimental and computational modeling approaches, with a focus on lignocellulosic biomass and industrial hemp applications.

• Renewable Energy
• Biorefining Technology
• Sustainability Analysis
• +4 more

Hossein Jahromi is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biosystems Engineering at Auburn University, located in Auburn, Alabama. His research focuses on catalytic processes for biofuel production, environmental engineering, and sustainable materials development. He leads projects involving waste-to-energy conversion, catalytic pyrolysis, and advanced biochar applications. His work addresses challenges in renewable energy systems, including the valorization of biomass, plastics, and industrial byproducts. Recent studies emphasize hydrothermal liquefaction, catalytic depolymerization, and novel materials for CO₂ capture and nutrient recovery. Dr. Jahromi collaborates with industry and government agencies to advance technologies for sustainable resource management. Key research directions include optimizing catalyst performance for biomass gasification, developing low-sulfur fuels from waste tires, and improving bio-oil upgrading processes. His laboratory integrates chemical engineering principles with environmental science to create scalable solutions for energy and environmental sustainability.

• Biosystems Engineering
• Catalytic Processes
• Biofuel Production
• +3 more

Dr. Daniel Saloni is an Associate Professor in the Department of Forest Biomaterials at North Carolina State University (NC State), affiliated with the Center for Additive Manufacturing and Logistics (CAMAL). He holds a Ph.D. and Master’s in Wood Science and Integrated Manufacturing from NC State, along with degrees in Industrial Engineering and Project Management from Andres Bello Catholic University in Venezuela. His expertise spans process improvement, supply chain optimization, biomass and bioenergy conversion, and additive manufacturing. Education: Ph.D. in Wood Science, NC State University Master’s in Integrated Manufacturing System Engineering, NC State University Bachelor’s in Industrial Engineering, Andres Bello Catholic University Master’s in Project Management, Andres Bello Catholic University Research focuses on sustainable biomass utilization, including agricultural residues, bamboo, and eucalyptus for bioproducts and bioenergy. He explores innovations in wood machining, waste valorization, and circular economy systems. His work emphasizes techno-economic feasibility, lifecycle assessments, and global megatrends affecting industries like pulp and poultry heating. Grants and Projects: Advancing the National Bioeconomy via Regional Sun Grant Centers ($406,779) NC Sustainable Pellet Production for Poultry ($96,459) Populus-based Solid Biofuels ($133,190) Biopolymers for Additive Manufacturing ($17,600) His articles (2020–2025) address biomass conversion, tool life enhancement, and sustainable manufacturing systems. He collaborates with agencies like USDA and NC Department of Agriculture, focusing on bioenergy infrastructure and poultry industry sustainability.

• Biomass Conversion
• Bioenergy
• Additive Manufacturing
• +3 more

Benjamin Woolston is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Northeastern University, with an affiliation in Bioengineering. He joined the university in January 2020. His research focuses on metabolic engineering and synthetic biology for sustainable biochemical production and human health, leveraging acetogenic microbes and gut microbiota. He holds a PhD from MIT (2017) and a BSc from Penn State (2011). Research Interests: Sustainable Biochemical Production: Engineering acetogens like Eubacterium limosum to utilize single-carbon substrates (e.g., CO, methanol) for biofuel/chemicals. Gut Microbiome Modulation: Developing engineered probiotics to control disease-associated metabolites in gut-on-chip models. Genetic Tools: Creating recombinant systems (e.g., CRISPRi, Cas9 counterselection) for anaerobic microbes. Key Awards: 2025 NSF CAREER Award ($575K) for metabolic engineering of acetogens. 2025 ONR Young Investigator Award for methanol fermentation engineering. 2024 Søren Buus Outstanding Research Award. Grants & Roles: PI: NSF-funded metabolic ‘doping’ project (2025). Co-PI: ARPA-E ECOSynBio project for zero-carbon biofuels (2021). PI: NIH NIBIB grant for engineered probiotics in gut models (2022). Labs & Teams: The Woolston Lab at Northeastern explores microbial systems for sustainability and human health, emphasizing synthetic ecology and anaerobic bioprocessing. Collaborations include Tulane University and Boston University.

• Metabolic Engineering
• Synthetic Biology
• Sustainable Biochemical Production
• +5 more

Rebecca Ong is an Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering and Co-Director of Graduate Programs in Chemical Engineering at Michigan Technological University (MTU). She holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Michigan State University and dual BS degrees in Chemical Engineering and Biological Sciences from MTU. Her research focuses on lignocellulosic-based biofuels and biomaterials, with a particular emphasis on optimizing biomass conversion processes and assessing the sustainability of bioenergy systems. She investigates pretreatment methodologies like AFEX (Ammonia Fiber Expansion) to enhance enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency, and explores the interplay between plant biology, feedstock quality, and biofuel production. Her work spans topics including switchgrass and energy sorghum pretreatment, microbial inhibition in biofuel production, and the environmental impacts of bioenergy systems. Recent studies address challenges in plastic waste upcycling and climate resilience of energy crops. Dr. Ong collaborates on interdisciplinary projects involving bioprocess engineering, material characterization, and systems analysis to advance sustainable energy solutions. Education: PhD (Michigan State University), BS (Chemical Engineering & Biological Sciences, MTU) Teaching: Advanced Transport Phenomena, Alternative Energy Processes, Bioprocess Engineering Lab Key Research Themes: Bioenergy Sustainability, Lignocellulosic Biomass Conversion, Cell Wall Recalcitrance Her publications highlight innovations in biomass pretreatment, microbial degradation of polymers, and systems-level analysis of biofuel production. Ong’s research bridges molecular-scale mechanisms with large-scale sustainability goals, contributing to both foundational knowledge and applied technologies in renewable energy.

• Lignocellulosic Biofuels
• Biomaterials
• Bioenergy Sustainability
• +3 more

Zhiwu (Drew) Wang is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Systems Engineering at Virginia Tech , where he also serves as Director of the Center for Applied Water Research and Innovation (CAWRI) . His career spans roles at Virginia Tech (2015-present), The Ohio State University (2014-2015), and postdoctoral positions at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Washington State University . Education: Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering (Nanyang Technological University, 2007); B.E. in Environmental Engineering (Harbin Institute of Technology, 2000) Dr. Wang's research bridges biotechnology and industrial sustainability , focusing on: Bioenergy & Bioproducts : Converting food/agricultural waste into bioplastics, biofuels, and value-added chemicals Wastewater Treatment : Nitrogen/phosphorus removal/recovery, aerobic granulation, and anammox processes Process Intensification : Thermal hydrolysis, membrane bioreactors, and bioprocess modeling His 15 most recent articles (2022-2025) highlight: Advancements in partial denitrification-anammox for nitrogen removal Optimization of moving bed biofilm reactors and tertiary treatment systems Metagenomic insights into aerobic granulation mechanisms Novel carbon-efficient nutrient removal strategies Applications of hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents for VFA extraction Bioplastic production from bio-based feedstocks Dr. Wang's team has secured over $7.2 million in research grants since 2017, including projects funded by: USDA (Bioplastics from food waste) National Science Foundation (Toxic wastewater treatment) Water Research Foundation (PFAS reduction) Department of Energy (Low-carbon nitrogen control) His lab at Virginia Tech includes a 3,227 sq. ft. high-bay pilot facility and an analytical lab with advanced instrumentation for gas chromatography, HPLC, respirometry, and molecular biology. He mentors students in cross-disciplinary projects like the Effluential Hokies team that won the 2025 VWEA Student Design Competition.

• Environmental Engineering
• Biotechnology
• Bioenergy
• +5 more

Anqi Ji is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Howard University's College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA). Her research focuses on sustainable biomass conversion, 3D printing of bio-based composites, and multiscale kinetic modeling of bioprocesses. She holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (2023), along with dual bachelor's degrees in Bioprocess Engineering and Bioengineering from SUNY ESF and Beijing University of Chemical Technology (2019). Dr. Ji's work emphasizes valorizing lignocellulosic biomass through innovative solvent systems and catalytic processes, with applications in renewable materials and energy production. Her research spans lignin extraction and utilization, advanced 3D printing feedstocks, and optimizing industrial pulping processes via kinetic modeling. Recent studies include enhancing delignification efficiency, developing eco-friendly solvents for biomass fractionation, and creating functional composites from agricultural and industrial wastes. Her publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches to sustainability, bridging chemical engineering, materials science, and environmental science. Key themes include reducing fossil fuel dependency through biomass upcycling, improving additive manufacturing with bio-derived polymers, and advancing process efficiency in biorefinery systems. Ongoing projects likely focus on scaling laboratory innovations for industrial applications in green chemistry and circular economy frameworks.

• Biomass Valorization
• Bioprocess Engineering
• 3D Printing Materials
• +4 more