Find Academic Supervisors

• Multiscale Modeling
• Multiphysics Modeling
• Biophysics
• +7 more

Dr. Igor V. Pivkin is a Full Professor at the Institute of Computing within the Faculty of Informatics at the Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) in Lugano, Switzerland. His academic journey includes degrees from Novosibirsk State University (B.Sc./M.Sc. Mathematics), Brown University (M.Sc. Computer Science and Ph.D. Applied Mathematics), and postdoctoral research at MIT's Department of Materials Science and Engineering. His research focuses on multiscale/multiphysics modeling , numerical methods , and large-scale simulations of biological and physical systems. Key areas include biophysics, cellular/molecular biomechanics, stochastic modeling, and coarse-grained molecular simulations. He leverages high-performance computing (HPC) and particle-based methods to address complex biological phenomena. His work spans diverse applications, from understanding cellular mechanosensitivity and biofilm engineering to modeling cancer cell behavior and red blood cell dynamics in the spleen. His contributions bridge computational science, biotechnology, and biomedical research. He has published extensively in top-tier journals, with recent work advancing automated biofilm analysis, deep learning for microbial classification, and systems biology approaches to metal bioleaching. His lab collaborates on interdisciplinary projects, emphasizing computational innovation for real-world biological challenges.

Carmen FalaganView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Environmental Microbiology
• Geomicrobiology
• Bioremediation
• +5 more

Dr. Carmen Falagan is a Senior Lecturer in Environmental Microbiology at the University of Portsmouth , affiliated with the Faculty of Science and Health and the School of the Environment and Life Sciences . Her work bridges microbial ecology, geomicrobiology, and applied environmental biotechnology. Research Interests: Dr. Falagan investigates how microbial communities thrive in extreme environments such as acidic pit lakes and mine drainage sites. Key areas include: Bioleaching and biomining for metal recovery Bioremediation of mining waste Microbial responses to climate change Discovery of novel acidophilic microorganisms Geochemical impacts of microbial activity Recent Research Trends: Her 2024-2022 publications focus on optimizing bioleaching processes, characterizing microbial roles in lithium extraction, and studying nutrient dynamics in acidic environments. Collaborative projects span interdisciplinary topics like planetary health and sustainable metal recovery. Teaching Roles: She teaches Microbiology, Evolution, Biodiversity, and Environmental Microbiology to undergraduates and MSc students, supervising honors projects on acidophilic microbes and antimicrobial resistance. Labs and Collaborations: Dr. Falagan is part of the Institute of Life Sciences and Healthcare and Institute of the Earth and Environment , collaborating on EU-funded initiatives like H2020-NEMO. Her work integrates field studies, lab experiments, and computational analysis to address mining environmental impacts.

• Environmental Technology
• Bioprocess Engineering
• Anaerobic Digestion
• +7 more

Barış Çallı is a Professor at the Department of Environmental Technology, Faculty of Engineering, Marmara University (Turkey). He earned his Ph.D. in Environmental Technology from Boğaziçi University (2003) and received the Marie Curie Intra European Fellowship (2006) for his work on fermentative hydrogen production in Belgium. Since 2008, he has served as a full-time professor, leading 20 research projects focused on environmental bioprocesses, anaerobic digestion, biogas technology, resource recovery, and solid waste management. Ph.D. in Environmental Technology, Boğaziçi University (2003) Marie Curie Intra European Fellowship (2006) His research integrates bioprocess engineering with sustainable waste management, emphasizing biogas production, membrane technologies, and circular economy principles. Recent publications (2025-2021) address energy-neutral wastewater treatment, heavy metal recovery from sludge, and VFA-driven fermentation. Key subfields include anaerobic digestion , bioleaching , membrane reactor design , and agricultural waste valorization . Marie Curie Intra European Fellowship (2006) With 116 WoS publications and an H-index of 33 (Scholar), he has supervised 17 thesis advisories and contributed to 20 projects. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals (6, 7, 11, 12).

• Environmental Engineering
• Bioremediation
• Wastewater Treatment
• +6 more

Dr. Satinder Kaur Brar is a Professor and James and Joanne Love Chair in Environmental Engineering at York University's Department of Civil Engineering. She leads the Inzymes Group and directs the One WATER Institute, focusing on interdisciplinary water sustainability research. Her work emphasizes value-added waste processing, emerging contaminant remediation, and innovative treatment technologies. She has attracted over $15 million in funding and trained 80 highly qualified personnel. Notable contributions include enzyme-based bioremediation, valorization of agricultural residues, and green oxidation methods for contaminants like microplastics and pharmaceuticals. Her research impacts global policies and industry collaborations. Dr. Brar's research interests span bioproduct development from wastewater, fate of emerging contaminants, and interdisciplinary water solutions. She pioneered the Enzyme Booster Technology for oil remediation and enzyme production from cold-active microbes. Collaborations with Quebec municipalities, TechnoRem Inc., and H2O Innovation highlight her applied research focus. Her awards include induction into the European Academy of Sciences and Arts (2021), the WEF Eddy Medal (2019), and multiple ASCE accolades. Over 400 peer-reviewed articles, 8 patents, and 15 edited books reflect her prolific output. The One WATER Institute, under her leadership, addresses global water challenges through collaborative initiatives like the UN Global Water Academy. Key grants and partnerships include funding from NSERC, industry collaborators like Lassonde Inc., and government bodies. Her lab’s work on crude glycerol-to-biofuel conversion and antibiotic-metal complex toxicity further underscores her innovation in sustainable biotechnology.

• Bioleaching
• Bioremediation
• Circular Economy
• +7 more

Dr. Fatemeh Pourhossein Alamdari is a Research Fellow at Coventry University's Centre for Health and Life Sciences, specializing in bioleaching and circular economy applications. Her work focuses on sustainable recovery of metals from electronic waste, leveraging microbial processes for environmental and industrial solutions. She holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering (Biotechnology) from Tarbiat Modares University (2020), with postdoctoral research in Iran and Italy. Currently, she leads initiatives optimizing bioleaching techniques for critical metals extraction from e-waste. Educational Background: Ph.D., Chemical Engineering (Biotechnology), Tarbiat Modares University, 2015–2020 M.Sc., Chemical Engineering, Babol Noshirvani University of Technology, 2012–2015 B.Sc., Chemical Engineering, Babol Noshirvani University of Technology, 2008–2012 Research Interests: Bioleaching of indium, gold, and precious metals from LCD panels and PCBs Circular economy strategies for e-waste valorization Development of bio-based remediation technologies Design of sustainable bioreactor systems Professional Activities: Guest co-editor for Applied Sciences journal Reviewer for Journal of Environmental Management , Resources, Conservation and Recycling , and others Her research bridges microbiology and engineering to address global challenges in resource recovery and environmental sustainability, contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals 9 (Industry, Innovation) and 12 (Responsible Consumption).

• Hydrometallurgy
• Mineral Processing
• Gold Extraction
• +3 more

Ahmet Deniz Baş is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Engineering, Department of Mining Engineering (Mineral Processing Division) at Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University. With a Ph.D. in Metallurgy from Université Laval and prior degrees from Karadeniz Technical University, he specializes in hydrometallurgy, gold and copper extraction, and sustainable resource recovery from primary and secondary sources. Education: BSc and MSc in Mining Engineering (Karadeniz Technical University); Ph.D. in Metallurgy (Université Laval) His research focuses on electrochemical dissolution/passivation of gold during cyanidation, bioleaching of metals from electronic waste, and optimization of hydrometallurgical processes. He has authored key studies on gold recovery from refractory ores, silver extraction from X-ray films, and environmental mitigation in mineral processing. Dr. Baş’s 15 most recent publications span topics like Hydrometallurgy , Minerals Engineering , and Environmental Metal Recovery , with keywords covering electrochemical interactions, gold processing, bioleaching, and sustainable mining practices. Scientific Awards: Emerging Professional Award 2017 (Hydrometallurgy Technical Section) Gordon M. Ritcey Ph.D. Award 2016 He has led international projects on zero-waste valorization of ores, improved leaching kinetics, and mercury sequestration in gold processing. His editorial roles include associate editorships for Minerals Engineering and CIM Journal .

Rosa SantomartinoView profile

Visiting Assistant Professor

• Space Microbiology
• Biotechnologies for Sustainable Space Exploration
• Environmental Biotechnology
• +7 more

Dr. Rosa Santomartino (she/her) is a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering at Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences . Beginning May 2025, she will transition to an Assistant Professor role. A space microbiologist and biotechnologist, she specializes in microbial behavior under space conditions to advance sustainable exploration and environmental solutions on Earth. Education : BSc in Biotechnology (University of Rome 'Tor Vergata'), MSc in Genomics, Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology (Sapienza University of Rome), PhD in Molecular Biology (Sapienza University of Rome) with internships at Lyon 1 and UNAM. Her research integrates microbiology, molecular biology, systems biology, and geomicrobiology to develop biotechnologies for space resource utilization, waste upcycling, and closed-loop life support systems . Notably, her work on plastic-degrading and bioleaching microorganisms addresses both space and terrestrial environmental challenges, including circular economy strategies for waste recycling. Dr. Santomartino has led experiments like BioRock and BioAsteroid aboard the International Space Station, collaborating with NASA and ESA. She co-directed the UK Centre for Astrobiology and received the Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship . Her advocacy for equity, diversity, and inclusion is central to her academic mission. Scientific Awards : European Astrobiology Network Association conference poster prize (2024, 2021) Space&Earth Award (2023) Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship (2022) Changemaker Award (2023) Doctor Europaeus title (2018) Her work bridges space science and Earth-based sustainability , aiming to create ethical, cost-effective biotechnologies for future space settlements and immediate environmental crises on Earth.

Buz BarstowView profile

Assistant Professor

• Synthetic Biology
• Sustainable Energy
• Bioengineering
• +2 more

Buz Barstow is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering at Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. His work focuses on developing sustainable solutions for energy and environmental challenges through synthetic biology approaches. Professor Barstow leads research in microbial engineering for resource recovery, with specific emphasis on rare earth element bioleaching using engineered organisms like Gluconobacter oxydans . His team investigates bio-accelerated weathering processes, microbial transformation techniques, and sustainable methods for critical metal recovery from waste streams. Recent publications demonstrate consistent focus on: Enhancing bioleaching efficiency through genomic engineering Developing circular economy approaches for industrial wastewater Advancing fundamental understanding of microbe-mineral interactions Creating low-carbon biotechnology platforms Laboratory facilities include specialized equipment for microbial cultivation, molecular biology, and materials characterization that support interdisciplinary investigations at the biology-engineering interface.

• Biomass and Waste
• Carbon, Climate and Risk
• Energy and the Environment
• +2 more

Dr Stuart Wagland is a Reader in Energy and Environmental Chemistry and Deputy Director of Research at Cranfield University's School of Water, Energy and Environment. He holds a PhD in waste chemistry from Cranfield and additional degrees in Chemistry and Display Technology. A Chartered Chemist (CChem) and Fellow of both the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC) and the Higher Education Association (FHEA), Dr Wagland specializes in waste management, enhanced landfill mining, and resource recovery from solid wastes. His work bridges chemistry and engineering, focusing on anaerobic digestion optimization, bioleaching, and critical metal extraction from waste streams. Research interests include waste characterization, energy potential assessment, and advanced thermal treatment technologies. Key projects involve EU Horizon 2020 initiatives (SMART GROUND, NEW MINE) and Interreg NW Europe's REGENERATIS project, aimed at recovering metals from industrial waste. Dr Wagland coordinates the UK Enhanced Landfill Mining Network and collaborates with EURELCO, a European consortium. Current activities include doctoral supervision in waste management and landfill mining. He has secured grants from Innovate UK, EPSRC, and the European Regional Development Fund. Awards include the Lord Kings Norton Medal for contributions to carbon capture and storage.

Gwion WilliamsView profile

Researcher

• Environmental Microbiology
• Biotechnology
• Plastic Degradation
• +3 more

Gwion Williams is a Researcher at Bangor University's School of Environmental and Natural Sciences. He holds a PhD (2018) in Advanced Biological Sciences, an MSc (2018) in Functional & Comparative Genomics, and a BSc (2014) in Biological Sciences and Philosophy. His research focuses on microbial degradation of plastics, environmental biotechnology, and microbial ecology in extreme environments. He has contributed to studies on plastic pollution impacts, bioleaching optimization, and microbial communities in polluted ecosystems. Key projects include discovering plastic-degrading enzymes via metagenomic screening and engineering their efficacy, investigating microplastic effects on crop systems, and analyzing microbial adaptations in wastewater-to-marine plastic transition zones. His work integrates field-based assessments with lab techniques to address environmental challenges. Williams collaborates with institutions like the Golyshin Lab and contributes to interdisciplinary projects on bioremediation and sustainable resource management. His expertise spans enzyme engineering, microbial diversity analysis, and environmental microbiology applications.

• Resources Engineering and Extractive Metallurgy
• Environmental Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• +4 more

Professor Miao Chen is a faculty member in the Department of School of Science at RMIT University, based at the City Campus in Australia. Their research focuses on resources engineering, extractive metallurgy, environmental engineering, and materials engineering. Professor Chen leads projects addressing challenges in mineral processing, bioleaching, and environmental remediation, with a particular emphasis on optimizing low-grade ore beneficiation, heap leaching performance, and sustainable metal recovery from spent Li-ion batteries. Their work integrates advanced analytical techniques like machine learning and electrochemical sensing to enhance process understanding and environmental monitoring. Key research interests include the characterization of high-phosphorus iron ores, arsenic mobility in groundwater, and biotransformation mechanisms of uranium species in mining environments. Professor Chen also explores innovative sensor technologies such as LTCC-based dissolved oxygen sensors and nanostructured glucose biosensors. Their projects often involve collaboration with industry to translate research into practical solutions for resource efficiency and environmental sustainability. Supervision focuses on advancing methodologies for mineral upgrading, in-situ monitoring systems, and corrosion protection in reinforced concrete. Grants and partnerships are directed toward sustainable resource management and clean technology development.

Scott BantaView profile

Professor

• Protein Engineering
• Metabolic Engineering
• Synthetic Biology
• +6 more

Scott Banta is the Chair of the Department of Chemical Engineering and a Professor of Chemical Engineering at Columbia University. His research focuses on protein engineering, metabolic engineering, and synthetic biology to address challenges in bioengineering, including biotechnology, nanotechnology, and environmental applications. He leads the Banta Lab, which develops novel biomaterials like calcium-dependent beta-roll peptides for applications in hydrogel formation, bioseparations, and biofuel production. Notable projects include engineering thermostable alcohol dehydrogenases for diverse catalytic functions and founding Ironic Chemicals LLC to create biofuels from copper mining waste. Professional experience includes roles as Professor (2015–present), Associate Professor (2009–2015), and Assistant Professor (2004–2009) at Columbia. Prior to this, he was a postdoctoral researcher at Harvard Medical School (2002–2004). He earned his BSE from the University of Maryland Baltimore County (1997) and MS/PhD from Rutgers University (2000/2002). He holds honors such as AIMBE Fellowship (2016) and the James M. Van Lanen Award (2016). His lab’s work spans enzyme engineering for biofuel production, microbial systems for metal recovery, and synthetic biology tools for cofactor regeneration. Key collaborations include development of protein-nanomaterial interfaces and electrofuels from CO₂. His research has generated over 70 publications, with recent emphasis on biomining microbiology, calcium-responsive peptides, and sustainable metallurgical processes. He serves as Associate Editor of Biotech. Eng. J. and leads the Biochemical Technology Division of the American Chemical Society.

Xueqin ZhangView profile

Research Fellow

• Microbial Ecology
• Bioelectrochemistry
• Environmental Bioremediation
• +5 more

Dr. Xueqin Zhang is an ARC DECRA Research Fellow at the Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology (ACWEB, formerly AWMC) within the School of Chemical Engineering at The University of Queensland's Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology. He obtained his PhD in 2021 from the Advanced Water Management Centre (AWMC) and served as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at ACWEB until November 2023. Dr. Zhang serves as a Lecturer in Advanced Wastewater and Biosolids Treatment (WATR6103) and supervises thesis projects (CHEE7382). Dr. Zhang's research focuses on the physiology and ecology of novel microorganisms in biogeochemical cycling, bioelectrochemistry in carbon (methane) cycles and environmental bioremediation, and greenhouse gas (bio)conversion for value-adding applications. His work specifically targets anaerobic methane oxidation processes, microbial electron transfer mechanisms, and applications for environmental remediation and resource recovery. He has published over 40 peer-reviewed articles in top-tier journals including Nature Microbiology , Nature Communications , Environmental Science and Technology and Water Research . Analysis of Dr. Zhang's recent publications reveals a strong focus on anaerobic methane oxidation (AOM) mechanisms, particularly involving 'Candidatus Methanoperedens' species. His research spans microbial physiology, bioelectrochemistry, and environmental applications, with increasing emphasis on greenhouse gas conversion technologies and environmental remediation strategies. The work integrates microbiology, electrochemistry, and environmental engineering to address climate change challenges through microbial solutions. ARC DECRA Fellow (Australian Research Council Discovery Early Career Researcher Award) Guest Editor for two journals Reviewer for over 10 journals Editorial board member of Frontiers of Environmental Science Engineering Dr. Zhang is actively supervising multiple PhD students on projects related to anaerobic methane oxidation, bioelectrochemical systems, and greenhouse gas conversion. His current ARC DECRA project (2025-2027) focuses on 'Reversible methane metabolism in methanogenic and methanotrophic archaea.' He has been involved in several ARC-funded projects including 'Fundamental understanding and application of the metabolic pathway for VFA/electricity production through Anaerobic Oxidation of Methane (AOM)' and 'Production of valuable chemicals from gaseous waste.' Dr. Zhang is a core member of the Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology (ACWEB), working within research teams focused on advanced wastewater treatment, decarbonization technologies, and environmental bioremediation. His laboratory work integrates microbial physiology studies with electrochemical techniques to investigate novel metabolic pathways in methane-cycling microorganisms.

• Bioprocess Engineering
• Circular Economy
• Green Technologies
• +7 more

Professor Sue Harrison is the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Architecture, and Information Technology (EAIT) at the University of Queensland. She previously served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Internationalisation) at the University of Cape Town, focusing on research innovation and social responsiveness. Her academic career spans 30 years in bioprocess engineering, with a focus on circular economy applications, green technologies, and bioenvironmental systems. Her research integrates process engineering and microbiology to develop resilient bioprocesses and novel bioproducts, particularly in waste valorization and algal biotechnology. Her work addresses global challenges through IDTD (Integrated Design and Technology Development) research, targeting sustainable approaches to mineral and water-sensitive systems. Key research areas include microbial dynamics in bioleaching, biomineral engineering, and bioenvironmental systems. She has contributed to over 200 publications, including book chapters and journal articles on topics like bioleaching reactor design, microbial adaptation, and techno-economic analysis of bioproducts. Professor Harrison leads initiatives in education and research strategy at UQ, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and socially responsible innovation. She has advised on mine waste valorisation, coal processing wastes, and sustainable industrial practices. Her work bridges academic leadership with applied research, fostering transformative solutions in engineering and environmental science.

Hong PengView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Chemical Engineering
• Extractive Metallurgy
• Mineral Processing
• +3 more

Hong Peng is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Chemical Engineering, University of Queensland (UQ), specializing in fundamental chemical engineering processes. He earned a PhD in Chemical Engineering from UQ in 2014, winning the OZ Minerals Award for Excellent Thesis. With industry experience at BHP Billiton (2006-2009), he now leads research in nucleation/crystallization phenomena and waste valorization. Research: Focuses on metal recovery from bauxite residue, CO2 utilization via zeolite catalysts, and crystallization processes Grants: ARC Training Centre for Global Hydrogen Economy, Advance Queensland Fellowships, ANSTO Synchrotron access Publications (100+) reveal trends in zeolite synthesis , CO2 hydrogenation , mineral phase transformation , and bioleaching mechanisms . His recent articles emphasize anion effects on crystallization and green metallurgy innovations. Awards: TMS Young Leaders (2020), Best Alumina Paper (2017), dual UQ Amplify Fellowships Service: Vice Chair of TMS Recycling Committee, academic representative for Queensland chemical engineering As a supervisor , he guides PhD candidates in catalyst design, membrane separation, and zeolite nucleation projects, while teaching Chemical Thermodynamics (CHEE3003) and Process Modeling (CHEE3007).