Find Academic Supervisors

• Industrial Biotechnology
• Synthetic Biology
• Enzyme Engineering
• +4 more

Adjunct Professor Robert Speight holds a position at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) within the Faculty of Science, School of Biology & Environmental Science. His primary role is Director of CSIRO's Advanced Engineering Biology Future Science Platform. He focuses on microbial biotechnology, enzyme engineering, and industrial biotechnology applications. His research spans protein engineering, microbial production systems, and biocatalyst development for industrial processes. Education: BSc (Chemistry) from Imperial College London (1996) PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Cambridge (2000) Research Interests: Enzyme optimization for industrial applications Microbial protein production systems Biocatalytic processes for chemical manufacturing Biorefinery development and techno-economic assessments Synthetic biology for future foods and sustainable bioproduction Grants & Projects: Lead investigator for the $6.5M Queensland Sustainable Aviation Fuel Initiative ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology (2020–present) Biorefineries for Profit Phase 2 (RnD4Profit 2019) Collaborations: Works with industry partners and academic groups, including the ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology and the Centre for Agriculture and Bioeconomy at QUT. Affiliations: President of Synthetic Biology Australasia CSIRO Director of Advanced Engineering Biology Future Science Platform Labs/Teams: Maintains collaborations in enzyme engineering and microbial systems through QUT’s adjunct role and CSIRO leadership.

Francisco Vitor Santos da SilvaView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Bioprocess Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Industrial Biotechnology
• +6 more

Dr. Francisco Vitor Santos da Silva is a Senior Lecturer at University College Cork (UCC), Ireland, with a joint appointment between the School of Microbiology and the School of Engineering and Architecture. He holds a PhD from Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg (2017, Summa Cum Laude) and a first-class honours degree from Federal University of Paraná (2012). His research focuses on reducing uncertainty in bioprocess development through hybrid modelling techniques combining first-principles and statistical inference. He has contributed to novel strategies for monoclonal antibody capture and sustainable biopharmaceutical production. Key academic milestones include a FAPESP postdoctoral fellowship (2018) and leadership roles in the Bernal Bio Labs at University of Limerick. His work has been published in journals like Journal of Chromatography A and supported by grants from FAPESP and CAPES. He actively engages in science communication, including Wikipedia contributions and public outreach events. Dr. da Silva teaches bioprocess design using modern data-driven approaches and serves as a peer reviewer for multiple journals. His research spans bioprocess optimization, PAT implementation, and sustainable chemical/biotechnological processes for food and pharmaceuticals. Education: BSc (Hons) Bioprocess Engineering & Biotechnology, Federal University of Paraná (2012) PhD (Summa Cum Laude), Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg (2017) Awards: Top Student of the Year Award, Federal University of Paraná (2012) Summa Cum Laude PhD Distinction (2017) Grants: FAPESP Postdoctoral Fellowship (2018) CAPES Brazil grants His professional activities include organizing international conferences, reviewing PhD funding applications, and advising on industry collaborations. He leads UCC's efforts in integrating cutting-edge simulation tools into bioprocess education and research.

Janie McClurkin MooreView profile

Assistant Professor

• Post-harvest treatment technologies
• Bioprocess engineering
• Biomass valorization
• +8 more

Dr. Janie McClurkin Moore is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering at Texas A&M University, part of the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences. Her research focuses on post-harvest technologies, food safety, and innovative engineering education strategies. She holds a PhD in Agricultural and Biological Engineering from Purdue University and has extensive expertise in applying cold plasma technology to agricultural challenges. Education: B.S., Bio-Environmental Engineering, North Carolina A&T State University (2006) M.S.A.B.E., Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University (2009) Ph.D., Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University (2015) Research interests span post-harvest treatment innovations, biomass valorization, and educational methodologies. Her work emphasizes non-thermal plasma applications for food safety, mycotoxin mitigation, and sustainable agriculture practices. Publications reveal a strong focus on plasma technology for pest control, food preservation, and hydroponic systems. Her engineering education research explores inclusive pedagogy and curriculum development in diverse educational settings. Advising and grants include contributions to the NSF Convergence Accelerator project addressing food security in extreme environments. She is affiliated with Texas A&M AgriLife Research, advancing applied agricultural solutions through interdisciplinary collaboration.

David NielsenView profile

Professor

• Metabolic Engineering
• Synthetic Biology
• Biofuels
• +4 more

David R. Nielsen is a Professor and Program Chair for Chemical Engineering at Arizona State University (ASU), within the School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy. He holds additional roles as Senior Global Futures Scientist and is affiliated with Microbiology (PhD) and Molecular/Cellular Biology (MS/PhD) programs. His research focuses on metabolic engineering and synthetic biology to develop microbial platforms for converting renewable resources into fuels and chemicals. Education: Postdoc at MIT (2006-2009), PhD from Queen’s University (2006), and B.Sc. from University of Colorado-Boulder (2001). His lab, the Nielsen Lab, integrates microbiology, bioprocess engineering, and systems biology to address challenges in sustainable biomanufacturing. Key research areas include microbial community engineering, CO2 fixation, and biofuel production. Notable achievements include the 2018 Fulton Exemplar Faculty Award and the 2010-2011 Outstanding Professor distinction. His work spans over 80 peer-reviewed publications and includes collaborations with industry partners like Ajinomoto and Sustainable Conversion Ventures. Current projects involve enhancing cyanobacterial CO2 utilization and developing integrated bioprocessing strategies. Advising highlights include mentoring PhD candidates like Dr. Zach Dookeran and Dr. Andrew Flores, and overseeing Master’s students such as Omar Abed and Chandra Chey. Research funding exceeds $10M from NSF, DOE, and industry grants, supporting initiatives in biorefinery design, microbial tolerance engineering, and carbon-neutral processes. Professional contributions include editorial roles for Biotechnology Notes and Frontiers in Microbiology , alongside membership in AIChE, SIMB, and the Engineering Biology Research Consortium. The lab is located in Biodesign C, emphasizing interdisciplinary solutions to global sustainability challenges.

Laura NyströmView profile

Professor

• Food Biochemistry
• Sustainable Food Systems
• Plant-Based Materials
• +7 more

Prof. Dr. Laura Nyström is a Full Professor of Food Biochemistry at ETH Zurich's Department of Health Sciences and Technology (D-HEST), part of the Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health (IFNH). She leads a research group focused on sustainable food systems, dietary fiber mechanisms, and plant-based material utilization. Her career includes tenure as Assistant Professor (2009–2016) and Associate Professor (2016–2021) before her promotion to Full Professor in 2022. She also chairs the D-HEST department since 2022. Education: MSc (2002) and DSc (2008) in Food Sciences from the University of Helsinki, Finland. Postdoctoral research (2008–2009) in Cereal Technology at the same institution. Research Interests: Healthy and sustainable foods via plant-based materials Health-promoting dietary fiber interactions Genetic diversity of grains and crop utilization Antioxidant extraction from olive mill waste (co-founding Gaia Technologies GmbH) Development of analytical methods for food chemistry Scientific Contributions: Over 70 publications, 3 book chapters, and 2 patents ERC Starting Grant (2015), AOCS Young Scientist Award (2017), and ETH Zurich Leadership Award (2018) Advising & Innovation: Guided interdisciplinary research teams on food chemistry and sustainability Co-developed industrial partnerships for food waste valorization Labs & Initiatives: EPNOE (European Polysaccharide Network) collaborations HealthFerm citizen science project on sourdough fermentation

Morten BirkvedView profile

Professor

• Life Cycle Assessment
• Environmental Impact Assessment
• Circular Economy
• +3 more

Morten Birkved is a Professor at the Department of Green Technology, University of Southern Denmark, and Head of SDU Life Cycle Engineering. He leads the SDU Climate Cluster and actively contributes to research on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) , Circular Economy , and Environmental Sustainability . His work spans cross-disciplinary collaborations in Denmark and internationally. Education: M.Sc. in Environmental Chemistry, PhD in Sustainable Development His research interests focus on integrating LCA with circular economy principles, analyzing environmental impacts of construction materials, and developing sustainable solutions for agriculture and energy systems. Recent projects include microbial protein production, green fuels in shipping, and biorefineries for organic waste valorization. Recent publications highlight 2025 advancements in: Eco-design strategies for buildings Hybrid wastewater treatment systems Carbon-storing asphalt pavements Comparative LCA of housing typologies These studies emphasize Denmark as a case study region and leverage both parametric and probabilistic modeling approaches. Scientific Awards Recipient of SCC Fast Track Prize (2025) Teaching & Supervision Supervised PhD research on circular agriculture and plastic circularity Lectured on chemical processes and environmental impacts since 2019 Labs & Projects Coordinates EU-funded initiatives like FLAVOURFERM (plant-based fermentation) and AgriLoop (circular agriculture) Develops microbial platforms for waste-to-protein conversion Advances biostimulants for sustainable agriculture

• Energy efficiency analysis of industrial chemical processes
• Rational use of biomass in industrial energy systems
• Process integration and techno-economic analysis of biorefinery concepts
• +2 more

Simon Harvey is a Professor in Energy Engineering at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden. With a background in Mechanical Engineering and over two decades of academic leadership, he focuses on industrial energy systems optimization and sustainable process integration. PhD from Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College (1994) Assistant Professor at Chalmers (1997-2011) Full Professor since 2011 His research spans : Energy efficiency in chemical processes Biomass-based industrial energy systems Biorefinery techno-economics Climate impact assessment methodologies Energy market scenario modeling Recent publications demonstrate expertise in carbon capture integration, heat recovery optimization, and biomass utilization for negative emission technologies. Collaborative work emphasizes cross-sectoral energy synergies and uncertainty analysis in industrial retrofits. Key trends include: Decarbonization of pulp/refinery operations Hybrid electric/steam generation systems Excess heat valorization in district heating Process flexibility under uncertain parameters

Naim RashidView profile

Assistant Professor

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

Mario TeislView profile

Professor

• Consumer Behavior
• Environmental Economics
• Food Safety
• +7 more

Mario Teisl serves as Professor of Resource Economics and Policy and Director at the University of Maine, affiliated with the School of Economics within the College of Natural Sciences, Forestry and Agriculture. His work bridges academic research and community engagement through institutions like the Maine Agricultural and Forest Experiment Station and Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions. His educational background includes a Ph.D. in Agricultural and Resource Economics from the University of Maryland and an M.S. in Resource Economics and Policy from the University of Maine. Teisl’s research centers on consumer behavior in environmental and food systems , with pioneering work in eco-labeling effectiveness, food safety valuation, and sustainability policy. His expertise spans Environmental Economics , Resource Economics , and One Health frameworks, emphasizing practical applications for policymakers and communities. Recent projects analyze aquaculture’s role in community resilience and public reactions to renewable energy information. His publication trends reveal consistent focus on interdisciplinary sustainability science , merging economics with ecology and social behavior. Key themes include marine resource management, behavioral responses to environmental labeling, and valuation of ecosystem services, reflecting his commitment to transdisciplinary solutions for food-energy-water challenges. Graduate Dean’s Recognition Award for Extraordinary Service to Graduate Studies (2012) Outstanding Researcher Award from CNSFA (2002) CDC Prevention Effectiveness Program award (2006) Research.com Top Researcher at UMaine (2022) Fulbright Scholar Award (2005-06) Invited Researcher at French National Institute for Agricultural Research (2009) Teisl dedicates 40% of his time to externally funded research, including current Hatch project ME021923 on food and renewable energy information. He serves as a journal reviewer and editorial board member for agencies like the U.S. EPA, while his administrative leadership includes past roles as Interim Dean of CNSFA (2020-21) and Faculty Senate member (2004-07). He collaborates extensively through the Initiative for One Health and the Environment, Lobster Institute, and School of Policy and International Affairs, driving transdisciplinary partnerships that connect academic research with community sustainability challenges in Maine and beyond.

Iris YuView profile

Assistant Professor

• Green Chemistry
• Biomass Conversion
• Sustainable Materials
• +3 more

Iris Yu is an Assistant Professor in the Civil and Environmental Engineering department at the National University of Singapore (NUS) . Her research focuses on green chemistry and biomass conversion , particularly utilizing microwave-assisted processing and green solvents to transform food and biomass waste into sustainable chemicals and materials. She actively contributes to teaching courses like Green Catalysis and Circular Economy , while leading a team of researchers in biorefinery and waste valorization projects. Her scientific awards include the L'Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science Singapore Award 2024 MIT Technology Review Innovator Under 35 (TR35) Asia Pacific 2023 Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (2023–Present) Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher (Cross-Field) 2022–2023 World's Top 2% Scientist by Stanford University 2023 Yu’s research interests span biomass upcycling microwave technology bioresource utilization catalysis fundamentals green and sustainable chemistry platform chemical production . Her publications frequently address microwave-assisted biorefineries , catalytic hydrogenation mechanisms , and sustainable solvent impacts on biomass conversion. She serves on editorial boards for journals like Science of the Total Environment and ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering , and mentors students in the IRIS@NUS internship program. Her lab’s work has been recognized in awards such as the Best Student Poster at SIWW2024, highlighting innovative approaches like microalgae-based food waste valorization .

• Process Analytical Technology (PAT)
• Food and Bioproducts Processing
• Bioprocessing
• +5 more

Colm O'Donnell is a Full Professor at the School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, University College Dublin (UCD). He leads the Food Quality and Processing Pillar at UCD's Institute of Food & Health and has held roles including Head of the School and Vice-Principal for Teaching & Learning in the College of Engineering & Architecture. His research focuses on Process Analytical Technology (PAT), bioprocessing, and dairy technology, with emphasis on spectroscopy, bioactive compound extraction, and food safety. He coordinates EU-funded projects like DiTECT and FreshProof, and leads the UCD team in the Dairy Processing Technology Centre (DPTC). O'Donnell is a Fellow of the Irish Academy of Engineering and has been recognized as a Thomson Reuters Highly Cited Researcher. Education: BE and PhD from University College Dublin, Chartered Engineer (CEng). Research Interests: PAT for food/bioproducts, dairy processing innovations, and bioactive extraction from seaweeds. His group develops non-destructive technologies like NIR-HSI and acoustic sensors for real-time quality monitoring in food production. Grants: Over 40 grants including EU Horizon 2020, Marie Sklodowska-Curie, and industry partnerships. Recent projects include acoustic sensor development for milk protein concentrate (2020-2022) and seaweed biorefinery processes (2018-2023). Awards: Irish Academy of Engineering Fellowship (2022), EU Comett Fellowship, and editorial roles at International Journal of Food Properties and Food Engineering Reviews . Labs/Teams: Leads the PAT-focused research group at UCD's Institute of Food & Health, collaborating with industry partners like DPTC and global academic networks.

Armando Jorge Domingues SilvestreView profile

Professor

• Chemistry
• Polymer Science
• Renewable Materials
• +3 more

Armando J. D. Silvestre is a Full Professor at the Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro. He holds academic degrees including a Licenciatura in Chemistry (1990), PhD in Chemistry (1994), and Agregação in Chemistry (2008) from the University of Aveiro. His research focuses on renewable materials, circular economy, and functional biomaterials. Research interests include: Development of biopolymer-based functional materials Valorization of biological residues for value-added chemicals Novel polymeric materials from renewable resources Sustainable nanocomposites and coatings Professor Silvestre has supervised 18 MSc and 11 PhD students to completion and currently mentors 3 PhD and 3 MSc candidates. Research projects include EU-funded initiatives like AFORE (Forest Biorefineries) and national projects on membrane technology and biomass valorization. Scientific contributions include over 180 SCI journal publications and patents on extraction methods. He serves on editorial boards for Industrial Crops and Products and actively participates in academic activities including Erasmus coordination and Bologna process implementation.

Yixing SuiView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Biotechnology
• Microbial Physiology
• Environmental Engineering
• +3 more

Dr Yixing Sui is a Senior Lecturer in Biotechnology at the School of Science, part of the Faculty of Engineering and Science at the University of Greenwich. He joined as a Research Fellow in Algal Biotechnology in 2019, became a Lecturer in 2023, and was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2024. His research focuses on leveraging microalgae, particularly Dunaliella species, for nutritional protein production, bioproduct optimization, and sustainable resource recovery from wastewater. He holds a PhD in Bioscience Engineering from the University of Antwerp (201?), an MSc in Environmental Sciences from Wageningen University (2013), and a BEng in Environmental Engineering from Tianjin Chengjian University (2011). His work integrates environmental engineering, microbial physiology, and bioprocess optimization to address challenges in food security and circular economy. Dr Sui’s research interests include: Algal-based protein production for food and feed Wastewater-to-biomass conversion Light regime optimization for microalgal bioproducts Life cycle assessment of algal cultivation systems His recent publications (2019–2025) highlight advancements in: Co-production of protein and carotenoids in Dunaliella Light wavelength and intensity effects on biomass quality Wastewater utilization challenges and solutions Seaweed protein extraction technologies Dr Sui has no listed awards but has contributed to multiple interdisciplinary projects at the University of Greenwich. His advising and grant activities remain unspecified in available texts. He is affiliated with the Algal Biotechnology research group and collaborates with institutions globally, including the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW).

Jakub KostalView profile

Associate Professor

• Computational Chemistry
• Green Chemistry
• Predictive Toxicology
• +3 more

Jakub Kostal is an Associate Professor of Chemistry and Director of the MS Environmental and Green Chemistry Program at George Washington University. He leads the Kostal Research Group, focusing on computational chemistry, green chemistry, and predictive toxicology. His work aims to develop computer models to predict chemical toxicity and design safer, sustainable chemicals. Education: PhD from Yale University (2012), B.A. from Middlebury College (2006). He collaborates with the Lapkin Group at the University of Cambridge on sustainable process engineering using AI. His research team includes graduate students Jillian Brejnik, Diana Garnica Acevedo, and Geetesh Devineni. Research interests center on reducing chemical hazards through computational methods, including predicting environmental persistence, optimizing chemical reactions for sustainability, and advancing machine learning tools for toxicity prediction. His team’s contributions include refining models for pesticide safety and designing bio-based alternatives. Publications highlight advancements in quantum mechanics modeling, in silico toxicity prediction, and sustainable chemical design. He actively engages with policymakers, including speaking at the White House on sustainable chemistry strategies.

Archishman BoseView profile

Lecturer

• Biochemical Engineering
• Biopharmaceuticals
• Process Design and Simulation
• +9 more

Dr. Archishman Bose is an Eli Lilly Lecturer in Process and Chemical Engineering at University College Cork (UCC), Ireland. He serves as a Principal Investigator (PI) in the Circular Economy, Energy, and Environmental Systems (CEEES) Research Group, part of MaREI, the SFI research centre for energy, climate, and marine. He is currently leading three nationally funded research projects on microalgal biogas upgrading, biochar applications, and sustainable processing of end-of-life tyres, with total grants exceeding €1 million. As a programme director, he oversees the Part-Time MEngSc Pharmaceutical & Biopharmaceutical Engineering and the Full-Time MEngSc Engineering in Pharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical Systems. Education: Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) from Jadavpur University, 2014 Double Masters in Sustainable Energy Engineering (KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 2018) and Energy and Nuclear Engineering (Politecnico di Torino, 2018) PhD in Energy Engineering (University College Cork, 2022) focused on Photosynthetic Biogas Upgrading, co-funded by SFI and Gas Networks Ireland Research interests span biochemical engineering, biopharmaceuticals, carbon capture and utilization, circular bioeconomy systems, and techno-economic analysis. His work emphasizes decarbonization of industrial processes, microalgae biorefineries, and sustainable waste-to-resource systems. Recent publications highlight advancements in anaerobic digestion, photobioreactor design, and metabolic pathway engineering for environmental applications. His funded projects include CABBBIE (SEAI/DAFM, €616k), EMERGE (SFI, €206k), and EPA-funded tyre processing research. Advising and grants: He has supervised 26 MSc students and co-supervised 5 PhD candidates (including one primary role) since joining UCC. Additional supervisions are planned from July 2025. Teaching includes modules on process design, pharmaceutical validation, and separation technologies, with current roles as year tutor and module coordinator. Labs/teams: Leading research in CEEES at MaREI, collaborating with Prof. Jerry D. Murphy, Dr. David Wall, and others in interdisciplinary circular economy and energy systems.