Find Academic Supervisors

• Biomanufacturing
• Synthetic Biology
• Bioprocessing
• +4 more

Jikai Zhao is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering at Kansas State University, part of the Carl R. Ice College of Engineering. His research focuses on converting agricultural, food, and plastic waste into biofuels, chemicals, and biomaterials using biological and catalytic technologies. His educational background includes: Ph.D. in Biological and Agricultural Engineering from Kansas State University (2022) M.S. in Food Science and Engineering from Henan University of Technology (2017) B.S. in Food Science and Engineering from Henan University of Technology (2014) Dr. Zhao's research spans biomanufacturing, synthetic biology, bioprocessing, fermentation, catalysis, techno-economic analysis, and life cycle assessment. His group engineers microbial consortia for producing bioplastic precursors and assesses the economic and environmental impacts of biorefinery processes. He also emphasizes STEM education through experiential learning and research opportunities. His scientific contributions have been recognized with several awards: Biological and Agricultural Engineering Graduate Student of the Year Graduate Student of the Month Robert I-Jen and Sophia Shui-Kan Jung Graduate Scholarship from the Carl R. Ice College of Engineering at K-State Dr. Zhao has secured over $10 million in research funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and National Science Foundation as PI or co-PI. He actively mentors undergraduate and graduate students, providing hands-on research experiences and professional development workshops. His research group is engaged in advancing sustainable biomanufacturing technologies.

Qiushi ChenView profile

Professor

• Computational Geomechanics
• Discrete Element Method
• Finite Element Method
• +5 more

Dr. Qiushi Chen is a Professor of Civil Engineering at Clemson University's College of Engineering, where he leads the Computational Geomechanics Lab. His research spans multiple interdisciplinary fields including computational mechanics, geotechnical engineering, and materials science with applications in biomass processing, extraterrestrial exploration, and earthquake engineering. Dr. Chen received his B.S. in Civil Engineering from Shanghai Jiaotong University (2006), followed by an M.S. (2009) and Ph.D. (2011) in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics with a focus on Geomechanics from Northwestern University. His academic journey has positioned him at the intersection of computational science and practical engineering applications. His primary research interests include computational geomechanics, discrete and finite element methods, extraterrestrial regolith characterization, biomass feedstock preprocessing, and liquefaction hazard assessment. Dr. Chen's work integrates advanced computational techniques with experimental validation to address complex engineering challenges across multiple scales - from particle-level interactions to regional hazard mapping. His research group develops sophisticated numerical models that bridge the gap between theoretical mechanics and practical engineering solutions. Analysis of Dr. Chen's recent publications reveals a strong focus on computational methods for granular materials, with particular emphasis on discrete element modeling (DEM) applications. His work spans terrestrial applications in biomass processing and earthquake engineering to extraterrestrial applications involving lunar and Martian regolith. The integration of machine learning techniques with traditional computational mechanics represents an emerging trend in his research, enabling more efficient and accurate modeling of complex material behaviors. Dr. Chen actively contributes to the professional community as an Associate Member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, Member of the Engineering Mechanics Institute, Member of the Geo-Institute, Member of the Soil Properties and Modeling Committee (ASCE), and Vice-Chair of the Computational Geotechnics Committee (ASCE). In addition to his research, Dr. Chen teaches courses including Introduction to Geotechnical Engineering, Inelastic Materials Modeling, and Computational Mechanics of Granular and Porous Materials. He mentors graduate students interested in computational geomechanics, which sits at the interface of geotechnical engineering, applied mechanics, computational science, and material science. The Computational Geomechanics Lab, directed by Dr. Chen, maintains active research programs in multiple areas including biomass feedstock modeling, extraterrestrial regolith characterization, multiscale liquefaction hazard mapping, and multiphysics problems in porous geomaterials. The lab's work is supported by various funding sources including the U.S. Department of Energy, NSF, NASA, and other federal agencies.

• Applied Biotechnology
• Fermentation Technology
• Bioconversion
• +7 more

Prof. Quang D. Nguyen is a full professor at the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, leading the Bioengineering BSc program and serving as director of the Food Biotechnology subprogram in the Doctoral School of Food Science (MATE). His interdisciplinary research focuses on applied biotechnology, microbial technology, functional foods, and circular bioeconomy principles. He has supervised over 120 students across BSc, MSc, and PhD levels, with 12 completed PhDs to date. His research explores biomass valorization, renewable bioenergy (bioethanol, biogas), microbial fuel cells, and sustainable production systems aligned with UN SDGs like Zero Hunger (SDG 2) and Climate Action (SDG 13). He actively collaborates with institutions worldwide and leads 22 national and 12 international projects. Notable recognitions include two Bolyai Janos Research Fellowships (2007–2015) and the 2024 MATE Gold Medal. Research Highlights: Microbial engineering, biorefinery development, and waste-to-value innovations. Grants/Projects: Includes FOOD4CE (AFN innovation networks), bioprotein development (GINOP-PLUSZ), and fruit production systems (GINOP-2.2.1). Prof. Nguyen has published 100+ peer-reviewed articles and serves as editor for Acta Alimentaria and Food and Bioproducts Processing . His lab hosts international researchers, fostering global collaboration in biotechnology and sustainable food systems.

John StaserView profile

Professor

• Electrochemical Engineering
• Battery Materials
• Biomass Conversion
• +2 more

John Staser is a Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Ohio University's Russ College of Engineering. His research focuses on electrochemical systems for energy and sustainability applications. Primary research areas include: advanced battery materials characterization using multi-species reaction models; electrochemical conversion of biomass to chemicals and fuels; development of electrocatalysts for water splitting and lignin depolymerization; and novel sensor technologies. Publications demonstrate strong emphasis on coal-derived materials for energy storage and electrochemical process engineering for renewable resource utilization. Patents: Electrochemical UV sensor using carbon quantum dots NiSb electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution Electrochemical conversion of lignin to industrial chemicals

Irini AngelidakiView profile

Professor

• Bioenergy
• Biorefinery
• Anaerobic Digestion
• +3 more

Irini Angelidaki is a Professor at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), leading the BioConversions (BioCon) Section within the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering. She specializes in bioconversion of biomass to bioproducts, biofuels, and bioenergy, with a focus on optimizing anaerobic processes and sustainable waste treatment. Her research group, BioCon, actively explores biogas, microbial electrochemistry, algae-based biorefineries, and waste-to-value strategies. Key research areas include anaerobic digestion, bioelectrochemical systems, and sustainable resource recovery. Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to clean energy and responsible consumption. Angelidaki has over 700 scientific publications and holds patents in bioprocess technologies. She serves on editorial boards and national/international committees, including the DTU Microbes Initiative and the AD Specialist Group of IWA. Her projects emphasize synergies between microbial systems and environmental engineering, with applications in waste valorization, bioenergy systems, and circular economy frameworks. Current research includes ammonia recovery, CO₂ capture in biofuel sectors, and microbial community dynamics under stress conditions. Angelidaki supervises PhD students in anaerobic microbiology, biogas enhancement, and microbial interactions. She coordinates large-scale projects funded by EU and national grants, focusing on biorefinery integration, bioaugmentation strategies, and anaerobic process modeling. Her lab develops innovative technologies for sustainable waste management, including electrochemical systems for biogas upgrading and microbial protein production from waste streams. Future directions target enhanced process efficiency, microbial consortia engineering, and scalable biorefinery solutions.

Gürkan SinView profile

Professor

• Process Design and Optimization
• Process Systems Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• +6 more

Gürkan Sin is a Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). He leads research in process systems engineering, focusing on interdisciplinary challenges in chemical, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical industries. His work integrates process modeling, simulation, optimization under uncertainty, and environmental impact analysis. Key affiliations include the KT Consortium and PROSYS (Process and Systems Engineering Centre). Education: PhD from Ghent University (2004), MSc and BSc from Middle East Technical University (METU, Turkey). Prior to DTU, he was an Assistant Professor there from 2008–2010. Research interests span process design for wastewater treatment, biorefineries, and biopharmaceuticals, with emphasis on sustainability and AI-driven solutions. Notable contributions include global sensitivity analysis, Monte Carlo methods, and virtual sensor technologies for large-scale processes. Advises PhD students in areas like machine learning for molecular design, risk assessment in chemical processes, and sustainable energy systems. Projects often involve collaborations with industry partners for practical implementation. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in clean energy and responsible consumption. Labs/Teams: PROSYS Centre and KT Consortium, where interdisciplinary teams tackle complex industrial challenges through advanced modeling and data analytics.

Joseph ChenView profile

Professor

• Bacterial Genetics
• Molecular Microbiology
• Cellular Architecture
• +3 more

Joseph Chen is a Professor of Biology at San Francisco State University (SFSU), affiliated with the College of Science and Engineering since 2006. He holds a B.S. from Harvey Mudd College and a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics from Harvard University, followed by postdoctoral research at Stanford University's Department of Developmental Biology. His research focuses on bacterial genetics and molecular microbiology, particularly the mechanisms governing subcellular organization in Caulobacter crescentus and Sinorhizobium meliloti . Key interests include protein localization, symbiotic nitrogen fixation, and genetic tool development for bacterial engineering. The Chen Lab investigates how conserved components regulate organelle assembly and host-microbe interactions, with recent work on symbiosis signaling pathways and BR-body fitness mechanisms. Publications emphasize bacterial physiology, including studies on biofilm dynamics, antimicrobial effects, and optical tweezers for cellular manipulation. Collaborative projects include department-wide teaching initiatives to improve scientific education through inclusive curriculum development. Labs/Teams: The Chen Lab at SFSU actively develops genetic tools and explores symbiotic relationships, with ongoing projects on rhizobacteria behavior and metabolic engineering applications.

• Polysaccharide chemistry
• Biorefining
• Food science
• +7 more

Mohammad Alyassin is a Research Fellow at the Department of Physical and Life Sciences within the School of Applied Sciences at the University of Huddersfield. His research focuses on polysaccharide chemistry, biorefining, and food science with applications in nutrition and animal health. He actively supervises PhD students and collaborates internationally. Key Research Areas: Arabinoxylans, Bagasse, Oligosaccharides, Seaweed polysaccharides, Dietary fiber, Biorefinery engineering Methodologies: HPAEC-PAD analysis, Dough rheology, In vitro immunostimulation assays His recent publications demonstrate expertise in cereal fiber analysis, seaweed-derived functional compounds, and sustainable biorefinery systems that align with multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Notable article trends include: 2025: Advanced dough modeling with arabinoxylan combinations 2024: Seaweed polysaccharides for aquaculture health and fiber fermentation in poultry 2023: Chemical characterization of red seaweed sulfated polysaccharides 2022: Green seaweed immunostimulation and bread dough engineering 2019-2020: Arabinoxylan analysis and biorefinery integration challenges 2016: Fiber extraction methodologies in biorefineries

Peter AdriaensensView profile

Professor

• Materials Chemistry
• Energy Generation and Storage
• Nanomaterials
• +6 more

Prof. Dr. Peter Adriaensens is a Full Professor at Hasselt University's Faculty of Sciences, Department of Chemistry. He leads the NMR research group and co-heads the Biomolecule Design Group, focusing on materials chemistry for energy applications and cancer metabolism studies via NMR metabolomics. Education: PhD in Sciences (1990) from Hasselt University. Research: Molecular structure analysis of hybrid materials for energy storage, photocatalysis, and cancer metabolism. Specializes in spectroscopic methods (NMR, X-ray) and material characterization. Research interests span nanomaterials, photocatalytic systems, hydrogel development, and metabolomics-based cancer diagnostics. He supervises 37 PhD students and leads 40 research projects. His work integrates interdisciplinary approaches in materials science, biochemistry, and environmental engineering. Teaching includes (bio)chemistry and spectroscopy across university programs. Collaborates on innovations in battery electrolytes, bio-based materials, and sustainable biomass processing.

Ana Maria Rebelo Barreto XavierView profile

Assistant Professor

• Biotechnology
• Biochemical Engineering
• Renewable Materials
• +5 more

Ana Maria Rebelo Barreto Xavier is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Portugal. Her research focuses on microbial technology, biotechnological processes for enzyme production, bioethanol from lignocellulosic biomass, and biorefinery systems. She has contributed significantly to valorizing pulp and paper industry by-products, enzyme immobilization in nanoparticles, and ligninolytic activity applications. Her academic journey includes a PhD in Biological Engineering from the University of Lisbon (1996) and a Licenciatura in Applied Chemistry. She joined the University of Aveiro in 1996 as an Assistant Professor. Key projects include the EU-funded INPACTUS (2018–2022) and MULTISMART (2018–2022), focusing on bio-based products from eucalypt and multifunctional membranes. She collaborates with institutions like the University of Coimbra and The Navigator Company. Xavier’s work spans 47+ journal articles, 4 book chapters, and supervision of over 30 MSc theses. Her research emphasizes sustainability, circular economy, and industrial waste valorization, with a focus on bioethanol, enzyme technology, and bioprocess optimization.

Luís MafraView profile

Researcher

• Solid-state NMR Spectroscopy
• Porous Materials
• Catalysis
• +5 more

Luís Mafra is a Principal Researcher at CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, specializing in solid-state NMR spectroscopy and porous materials. He holds a PhD from the University of Aveiro and University of Caen (France), with postdoctoral training at the Max-Planck-Institut für Polymerforschung (Germany). His research focuses on combining NMR techniques with computational methods to study materials for CO2 capture, catalysis, and pharmaceuticals. He has authored over 100 SCI publications and secured prestigious grants like the ERC Consolidator Grant (2020). Mafra is an editorial board member of Solid-state NMR and collaborates with industry through projects with BP Amoco Chemical Company and others. His research group actively explores acid site characterization in zeolites, CO2 sorption mechanisms, and functionalized mesoporous silicas. Current projects include developing microwave-synthesized metal-organic frameworks and biochar-based CO2 sorbents. Mafra supervises multiple PhD and postdoctoral researchers, including co-tutelle students with international institutions like the University of Oviedo and ETH Zurich. He has mentored over 20 researchers, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration in materials science and environmental chemistry. Key Projects: PANACEA (EU-funded NMR infrastructure), CO2 capture via amine-modified silicas, and biofuel catalyst development. Awards: ERC Consolidator Grant (2020), Celestino da Costa/Jean Perrin Prize (2006), and António Xavier Bruker Prize (2009). Labs/Teams: CICECO’s Porous Materials & Nanosystems group, active in solid-state NMR and materials characterization.

George P. PhilippidisView profile

Associate Professor

• Biotechnology
• Industrial Microbiology
• Biochemical Engineering
• +7 more

George P. Philippidis is an Associate Professor at the Department of Integrative Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of South Florida. He also teaches courses at the Patel College of Global Sustainability, focusing on renewable energy systems, biofuels, and sustainable development. His research emphasizes biotechnology applications for algae-based products, biofuel production from renewable feedstocks, and environmental bioremediation strategies. Education includes a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering (University of Minnesota, 1989), an MBA (University of Denver, 1995), and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, 1984). His teaching spans 'Sustainability of Natural Resources,' 'Renewable Transportation Fuels,' and 'Renewable Power Portfolio,' integrating technical, economic, and environmental perspectives. Research interests include algae strain improvement via mutagenesis, biorefinery systems for biomass valorization, sustainable aviation fuel economics, and microalgal solutions to harmful algal blooms. Notable projects involve developing cost-effective photobioreactors, optimizing biochar production for wastewater treatment, and cross-disciplinary partnerships for bioeconomy development. His lab’s work has been published in journals like Energies , Biotechnology for Biofuels , and Renewable Energy , with a focus on advancing sustainable bioprocesses and industrial applications. Collaborations include technoeconomic analyses of biofuel production and logistics optimization.

• Environmental Engineering
• Wastewater Treatment
• Energetic Materials Degradation
• +5 more

Tsan-Liang Su is a Research Professor at Stevens Institute of Technology, affiliated with the Department of Civil, Environmental and Ocean Engineering within the Charles V. Schaefer, Jr. School of Engineering and Science. He holds a PhD in Environmental Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology (1997). His research focuses on environmental fate and transport of energetic materials (e.g., RDX, HMX, perchlorate), biological/physico-chemical treatment processes, and water conservation technologies. Key areas include biodegradability studies of consumer products, advanced oxidation processes, and microbial inactivation via plasma-activated solutions. Dr. Su has served in multiple institutional roles, including Chair of the Institutional Biosafety Committee, member of the SES Lab Safety Committee, and Graduate Committee member. He is a Fellow of the American Society of Sanitary Engineering (ASSE) and member of the American Chemical Society (ACS). His professional service includes roles in journal reviewing (e.g., Chemosphere , Journal of Hazardous Materials ) and technical advisory positions at institutions like Tunghai University. His honors include the 1997 Outstanding Researcher Award from Stevens and a 1995 Best Technical Poster Presentation Award from the Air & Waste Management Association. His work bridges environmental engineering and biotechnology, addressing challenges in wastewater treatment, biofilm control, and sustainable materials development.

• Biorefining
• Bioenergy
• Biochemicals
• +3 more

Shane McIntosh is a Research Fellow in the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Southern Cross University (SCU), and Research Engagement Manager in the Office of the Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor. He holds a PhD from SCU and has over 20 years of research experience in biorefining, bioenergy, and waste valorisation. His work focuses on developing sustainable solutions for nutrient recovery, recycling, and converting organic waste into valuable products through chemothermal processing. He collaborates closely with industry partners to advance circular economy principles and improve sustainability. Research interests include biorefining systems, bioenergy production, biochemical development, and the application of waste-derived materials in agriculture. His projects emphasize the conversion of organic waste (domestic and industrial) into chemicals, energy, and nutrients for plant production systems. Key areas of exploration include hydrothermal carbonisation, struvite production from dairy waste, and phosphorus recovery from industrial byproducts. Publications highlight advancements in waste-to-energy technologies, geothermal energy potential, and the agronomic benefits of hydrochars. His work bridges academic research with industrial applications, addressing global challenges in waste management and renewable resource utilization. Supervision focuses on master’s and PhD students exploring waste processing for high-value commodities and carbon capture via enhanced weathering techniques. Collaborations with industry partners drive applied research in sustainability, emphasizing practical, scalable solutions. His contributions to biofuel production, nutrient cycling, and eco-friendly waste management underscore a commitment to interdisciplinary innovation in environmental science and engineering.

Venkatesh BalanView profile

Associate Professor

• Biotechnology
• Environmental Engineering
• Biofuel Production
• +7 more

Dr. Venkatesh Balan is an Associate Professor in the Department of Engineering Technology at the University of Houston (Cullen College of Engineering), with joint appointments in Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Engineering since 2018 and 2023, respectively. He holds a Ph.D. from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (1992-1999) and has over 28 years of academic and industrial experience. His research focuses on microbial fermentation, biofuel production, and sustainable biomass utilization, particularly through the AFEX pretreatment process. He leads the Microbial Products Lab, pioneering work in environmental biotechnology, including algae and fungal bioproducts, and has secured over $13 million in grants. Dr. Balan has authored 190+ peer-reviewed articles, nine patents, and pioneered robotic mushroom harvesting systems. His education includes a B.Sc. and M.Sc. from Madras University (India). Professional milestones include a 2014 visit from President Barack Obama for his AFEX work and leadership in biorefinery integration. Current research spans algal biomass applications, ammonia-based pretreatment, and microbial protein production. Teaching and innovation: Dr. Balan emphasizes applied mathematics in engineering education and has developed novel materials like humidity-sensitive chitosan films. His lab collaborates on projects such as cotton growth enhancement using algal biomass and 3D vision-based mushroom monitoring.