Find Academic Supervisors

Jeremy GuestView profile

Professor

• Circular Bioeconomy
• Wastewater Treatment
• Resource Recovery
• +5 more

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.

Chang-Jun LiuView profile

Adjunct Professor

• Phenylpropanoid biosynthesis
• Lignin biosynthesis and modification
• Plant cell wall structure
• +7 more

Chang-Jun Liu is a Senior Scientist in the Plant Science Group of the Biology Department at Brookhaven National Laboratory, where he has conducted research on plant phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and lignin metabolism since joining in 2005. He also holds an Adjunct Professor position in the Biochemistry & Cell Biology Department at Stony Brook University and serves as Associate Editor for Plant Cell & Environment (2024-present) and Frontiers in Plant Sciences (2015-present). Dr. Liu's educational background includes: Ph.D. in Plant Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology, Chinese Academy of Science (1999) Dr. Liu's research integrates approaches from biochemistry, molecular genetics, biophysics, protein engineering, metabolic engineering, and synthetic biology to investigate phenylpropanoid and lignin biosynthesis in plants. His laboratory addresses fundamental questions about how lignin and related compounds are synthesized and incorporated into cell walls, how regulatory networks govern metabolic activity, and how lignification influences cell wall structure and function. A central aim of his research is optimizing plant feedstocks for efficient lignocellulosic biomass utilization. Analysis of Dr. Liu's publication record reveals a consistent trajectory from fundamental biochemical mechanisms to applied bioenergy solutions. His recent work focuses on cytochrome b5 diversity, electron transfer mechanisms in phenolic biosynthesis, and metabolic engineering approaches to modify lignin composition. This research spans from evolutionary studies of lignin biosynthesis across plant lineages to practical applications in bioenergy crop improvement. Dr. Liu has received recognition for his contributions to science, including: Brookhaven National Laboratory Science and Technology Award (2018) Dr. Liu serves as Editorial Board Member for the Journal of Biological Chemistry (2020-present), PNAS Nexus (2024-present), and Plant Physiology Journal (2025-). He is Scientific Lead at the Joint BioEnergy Institute, Feedstocks Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and Project Lead at the Center for Bioenergy Innovation, Oak Ridge National Laboratory. His research is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy through multiple Bioenergy Research Centers. Dr. Liu leads a research group at Brookhaven National Laboratory focused on elucidating the posttranslational regulation and macromolecular organization of lignin biosynthesis, with applications toward developing designer lignins and reducing biomass recalcitrance for sustainable biofuel production. His work addresses the critical challenge of lignin's dual nature: while it impedes enzymatic access to polysaccharides in biofuel production, it also represents the most abundant renewable source of aromatic carbon for high-value bioproducts.

George BritovsekView profile

Professor

• Catalysis
• Sustainable Carbon Management
• Transition Metal Complexes
• +3 more

Professor George Britovsek (FRSC) is a leading figure in catalysis and sustainable carbon management at Imperial College London . As Director of the MRes in Catalysis & Engineering and Head of Teaching in Inorganic Chemistry, he bridges academic leadership with cutting-edge research. His work focuses on transition metal complexes for converting ethylene , alkanes , biomass , and CO₂ into valuable chemicals and fuels through industrial collaborations. Education : M.Sc. (Technical University of Aachen, 1990), Ph.D. (Aachen, 1993) under Prof. W. Keim Postdoctoral Training : University of Tasmania (1994-1996), Imperial College London (1996-2000) His research interests span: Selective oxidation of alkanes using bio-inspired iron complexes Alkene conversions to functional polymers via novel catalysts CO₂ valorization into polymers and cyclic carbonates Biomass-derived feedstocks for chemical synthesis Recent catalysis trends highlight his work on: Designing Fe-N/C catalysts for epoxidation Developing PN3P pincer ligands for H₂ activation Creating degradable polyethylene via iron-catalyzed chain growth Modeling alternating α-olefin distributions in chromium systems Awards : Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC) Students & Collaborators actively engage in: Photocatalytic polymer degradation Electrocatalytic CO₂ conversion Functionalized polymeric materials 3D-printed catalytic scaffolds His Britovsek Research Group operates at the Molecular Sciences Research Hub, White City Campus, advancing both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis through experimental and computational approaches.

Jeppe Lund NielsenView profile

Professor

• Microbial Ecology
• Functional Ecology
• Genomics
• +10 more

Jeppe Lund Nielsen is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Life Sciences at the Faculty of Engineering and Science, Aalborg University, Denmark. His research lies at the intersection of microbial ecology, genomics, and environmental biotechnology, with a strong focus on sustainable solutions for wastewater treatment, anaerobic digestion, and environmental monitoring. His primary research interests include Microbial Ecology, Functional Ecology, Genomics, Molecular and Technical Microbiology, Anaerobic Digestion, Metagenomics, and eDNA Metabarcoding . He applies molecular tools to understand microbial community dynamics in engineered and natural systems, particularly in wastewater and marine environments. His work contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals related to clean water, sustainable cities, and climate action. The recent publication trends reflect a strong emphasis on environmental applications of microbiome science, including nitrogen cycling in wastewater, bioaerosol exposure in workers, eDNA-based biodiversity monitoring, and valorization of waste streams through biotechnology. His articles frequently appear in high-impact environmental and microbiological journals and demonstrate interdisciplinary collaboration across engineering, ecology, and public health. Among his notable scientific contributions are leadership roles in significant research projects such as the AAU Bubble Project (Power2Proteins), JAMBO seabed impact study, and investigations into biotechnological pesticides. He has also contributed to public discourse through media engagement on topics like pesticide regulation and environmental innovation. Professor Nielsen has supervised PhD students, including M. Eskeldsen, and is actively involved in grants and collaborative research across Europe. He is a key member of research teams focused on environmental microbiology, wastewater biotechnology, and marine impact assessments. His lab integrates molecular biology, bioinformatics, and environmental engineering to address pressing sustainability challenges.

Susie DaiView profile

Professor

• PFAS Remediation
• CO2 Conversion
• Synthetic Biology
• +6 more

Susie Dai is a Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Missouri, with a laboratory located at the Bond Life Sciences Center. Her research bridges chemistry, biology, and engineering to address critical environmental and sustainability challenges. Education: PhD in Chemistry from Duke University; Certificate in Biomedical Engineering from Duke University; Certificate in Regulatory Science from Texas A&M University; BS in Chemistry from Fudan University Dr. Dai specializes in biological and material engineering, carbon waste conversion, contaminant remediation, and synthetic biology. She is developing RAPIMER, a lignin-based fungal scaffold for PFAS removal, and pioneering electro-microbial systems to convert CO2 into bioplastics and biofuels. Her work focuses on scalable, sustainable solutions for environmental pollutants and carbon utilization. Recent research trends include creating biomimetic materials for sustainable packaging, optimizing lignocellulosic biorefineries, and designing lignin-derived photocatalysts. She leads projects funded by Tito's Handmade Vodka's philanthropic arm for PFAS remediation and collaborates with the NSF Engineering Research Center CURB at Washington University in St. Louis. At Mizzou, Dai integrates engineering and life sciences, leveraging both Mizzou Engineering and Bond Life Sciences Center's resources. Her interdisciplinary approach combines electrochemistry, microbial engineering, and social impact analysis to advance circular bioeconomy solutions.

Lea R. WinterView profile

Assistant Professor

• Electrified Processes
• Sustainable Chemical Engineering
• CO2 Conversion
• +12 more

Lea R. Winter is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering at Yale University's School of Engineering & Applied Science. Her research focuses on electrified processes at the nexus of food, energy, water, and climate, with emphasis on sustainable CO 2 conversion, green nitrogen fixation, wastewater valorization, and plasma-electrochemical systems. She leads an active research group and mentors multiple PhD students, postdocs, and undergraduates. Ph.D., Columbia University B.S., Yale University Dr. Winter's research interests lie at the intersection of sustainability and chemical engineering. She pioneers electrified membrane technologies, plasma-activated reactions, and catalytic processes for converting waste streams (CO 2 , nitrates, wastewater) into valuable fuels, chemicals, and fertilizers. Her work integrates electrochemistry, plasma chemistry, and heterogeneous catalysis to develop distributed, circular solutions for environmental challenges. Key themes include green ammonia production , on-demand fertilizer synthesis , and electrified water treatment with resource recovery. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on electrified membranes for nitrate and CO 2 conversion, plasma-activated co-processing of N 2 and C 1 gases, and single-atom catalysis for environmental applications. Her research spans fundamental reaction mechanisms to scalable engineering solutions, often published in high-impact journals such as Nature Water , PNAS , and Joule . The work demonstrates a consistent trajectory toward enabling a distributed hydrogen and nitrogen economy through sustainable electrochemical and plasma-driven technologies. Scientific Awards: Beckman Young Investigator Award (2024) Department of Energy Early Career Award (2024) Caltech Young Investigators Lecture Series Award (2022) NEWT Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship (2020) NSF Graduate Research Fellowship (2015) North American Catalysis Society Kokes Award (2019) Dr. Winter actively mentors students and has advised several who have gone on to PhD programs and faculty positions. Her lab receives significant research funding, as evidenced by her early-career awards from DOE and NSF. She leads projects on mining nontraditional water sources for hydrogen, plasma-based fertilizer synthesis, and electrified membrane systems. The Winter Lab fosters a collaborative, creative, and safe research environment centered on the principles of CRISP: Creativity, Respect, Investment, Safety, and Partnership. She also contributes to scientific discourse through invited viewpoints on climate education and critiques of emerging technologies like seawater electrolysis. Her lab collaborates widely, including with researchers at Columbia, Caltech, and international institutions.

Liang YuView profile

Adjunct Professor

• Biorefinery
• Circular Economy
• Environmental Engineering
• +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.

Paolo FornasieroView profile

Professor

• Heterogeneous Catalysis
• Nanostructured Materials
• Environmental Catalysis
• +7 more

Professor Paolo Fornasiero is a Full Professor of Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Trieste, Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, where he has worked since 1998. He serves as Deputy Director of the department since 2021 and Scientific Responsible of the CNR Research Unit associated with the Institute of Chemistry of OrganoMetallic Compounds (ICCOM) since 2008. His career spans EU projects, bilateral collaborations with China, India, and Argentina, and leadership roles in journals like ACS Catalysis (Executive Editor since 2021). Full Professor (2016–present) Associate Professor (2006–2016) Assistant Professor (1998–2006) Post-Doc, University of Reading (1996–1997) His research focuses on multi-functional metal-oxide nanosystems for energy and environmental catalysis, including green hydrogen production , CO2 valorization , and methane emission control . He pioneered core-shell catalysts and single-atom systems for stability and selectivity. His work extends to solid oxide fuel cells and photocatalytic water depollution . Recent publications highlight trends in photothermal catalysis , single-atom catalysts , and CO2 electroreduction . His 280+ papers (3 in Science , 2 in Nature Communications ) reflect expertise across Environmental Catalysis , Nanomaterials , and Green Energy . 2022 Malatesta Medal 2021 European Academy of Sciences member 2017 Edoardo Kramer Award 2016 Heinz Heinemann Award 2013 Chiusoli Gold Medal He oversees PhD/postdoc advising and participates in global capacity-building via UNIDO and World Academy of Sciences . His lab collaborates with institutions like KAUST , Czech Academy of Sciences , and Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics .

• Biotechnology
• Biocatalysis
• Enzyme Engineering
• +4 more

Pedro Carlos De Barros Fernandes is an Associate Professor at Universidade Lusófona , Deputy Director of the 1st cycle in Biotechnology, and an integrated researcher at the Institute of Bioengineering and Biosciences (iBB-IST). He holds a PhD in Biotechnology (1999) and a Master in Biotechnology/Biochemical Engineering (1994) from Universidade Técnica de Lisboa (IST), along with a Chemical Engineering degree from IST (1989). A member of the Order of Engineers (ID 24667), he co-founded Biotrend, a Portuguese bioprocess development company. Education PhD in Biotechnology (1999), Universidade Técnica de Lisboa MSc in Biotechnology (1994), Instituto Superior Técnico BSc in Chemical Engineering (1989), Instituto Superior Técnico Research Interests span biocatalysis, enzyme immobilization for food and pharmaceutical applications, marine biotechnology, microfluidic device development for biosensing, and steroid bioconversions using mycobacterial systems. His work integrates process engineering principles with sustainable bioprocessing techniques. Publication Trends show a focus on microreactor technology, enzyme stabilization in non-conventional media, marine-derived biocatalysts, and food waste valorization. Key themes include biocatalytic process intensification, aqueous two-phase systems for biomolecule purification, and sustainable carbon sources for biopolymer production. Scientific Awards UTL/Santander Totta Scientific Award in Biological Engineering (2011) Advising has included supervision of 5 doctoral theses and over 32 master’s theses. His expertise extends to peer-reviewing scientific articles and evaluating R&D projects. Labs & Teams are associated with iBB-IST (Institute of Bioengineering and Biosciences) and BioRG (Universidade Lusófona), with contributions to the Ciência Viva program for science dissemination.

Jonathan CullenView profile

Professor

• Resource Efficiency
• Circular Economy
• Decarbonization
• +3 more

Jonathan Cullen is Professor of Sustainable Engineering at the University of Cambridge and President of Fitzwilliam College, specializing in resource efficiency and decarbonization through top-down analysis of industrial material and energy systems. His work bridges academic research with industry applications across energy-intensive sectors. Education: Bachelor's in Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Canterbury, New Zealand MPhil in Engineering for Sustainable Development, University of Cambridge PhD in Engineering Fundamentals of Energy Efficiency, University of Cambridge His research develops metrics for quantifying energy and material consequences of production systems, focusing on circular economy implementation, minimum energy requirements, and zero-carbon transition pathways. Key applications target cement, steel, plastics, and petrochemicals where he pioneers methods like exergetic analysis and material flow accounting to expose carbon lock-ins and circularity opportunities. Recent publications reveal three dominant trends: (1) Frameworks for theoretical minimum energy requirements across industrial processes, (2) Geopolitical analysis of critical mineral flows and ownership structures, and (3) Circular economy metrics for plastics and construction materials. These consistently employ system-scale modeling validated through industry partnerships. Research Funding: Lead: C-THRU ($4M, VKRF) - carbon clarity in petrochemical supply chains Co-I: UK FIRES (£5.2M, EPSRC) - industrial decarbonization program Co-I: CirPlas (£1.25M, UKRI) - plastic waste elimination 7+ projects (EPSRC, Innovate UK, Horizon 2020) Academic Leadership: Teaching: Energy Systems and Policy (MPhil in Energy Technologies) Undergraduate supervision in Materials/Mathematics Graduate Tutor at Fitzwilliam College IPCC AR6 Lead Author (Industry Chapter) He directs the Resource Efficiency Collective, which develops open-source tools like Mat-dp for material demand projections and Starter Data Kits for energy planning. Current work focuses on scaling circular business models for construction retrofitting and quantifying geopolitical risks in critical mineral supply chains.

Giulio SantoriView profile

Professor

• Thermal Energy Storage
• Adsorption Heating and Cooling
• Solar Thermal Energy
• +6 more

Dr. Giulio Santori is a Reader in Chemical Engineering at the University of Edinburgh's School of Engineering. He holds a PhD in Energy (2009) and an MSc in Mechanical Engineering (2004) from Università Politecnica delle Marche, Italy. His research focuses on thermal energy storage, adsorption-based cooling and desalination systems, low-grade heat utilization, and advanced materials like ionic liquids and ionogels. He is a member of the Scottish Carbon Capture and Storage Research Centre and the UK Carbon Capture Research Centre. Teaching: Chemical Engineering laboratories, design courses, and research projects. Research interests include optimizing sorption strategies for heat storage, developing sustainable adsorption heat pumps, and exploring applications of 3D-printed components in thermal systems. Current projects involve structured ionic liquids for vapor sorption and ionogels for desalination using low-grade heat. Recent publications highlight advancements in thermal storage technologies, adsorption cooling systems, and CO2 capture. Open PhD projects focus on ionic liquid-based sorption and hydrochar applications.

Jooyeoun JungView profile

Assistant Professor

• Sustainable Food Processing
• Edible Food Coatings
• Nanocellulose Applications
• +4 more

Jooyeoun Jung is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Food Science & Technology at Oregon State University. She holds affiliations with the university's Food Science and Techno Headquarters and has been part of the OSU Main Campus since 2016. Her career includes roles as a Senior Researcher and Assistant Professor of Practice at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2018-2021) before returning to Oregon State in 2022. Educated at Oregon State University with a Ph.D. in Food Science & Technology, her research focuses on sustainable food processing, value-added food product development, and innovative food packaging solutions. Key areas include edible coatings using nanocellulose, antimicrobial packaging technologies, and utilization of agricultural byproducts for eco-friendly materials. Her work emphasizes enhancing food shelf-life through advanced coating technologies, improving packaging functionality, and addressing challenges in food preservation such as mold control, lipid oxidation, and microbial inhibition. She has pioneered studies on hazelnut processing, blueberry anthocyanin stabilization, and fruit pomace valorization. Jung teaches courses like Introduction to Sustainable Food Processing (FST327) and collaborates on interdisciplinary projects involving food safety, material science, and agricultural engineering. Her research has led to innovations in molded pulp packaging, radiofrequency pasteurization, and functional food film development. Professional affiliations include the Institute of Food Technologists, reflecting her commitment to advancing food science through industry collaboration and academic rigor.

• Environmental Science
• Environmental Engineering
• Multifunctional Land Use
• +5 more

Henrik Haller is an Associate Professor at Mid Sweden University, affiliated with the Department of Natural Sciences, Design and Sustainable Development (NDH). His work integrates environmental science with practical applications in tropical regions, particularly focusing on land use, soil remediation, and sustainable food systems. Academic Title: Doctor of Philosophy Location: Östersund, Sweden Key Research Areas: Multifunctional land use, bioremediation, agroforestry, and sustainable development in the Global South Haller's research emphasizes transforming environmental challenges into opportunities. His work includes: Bioremediation of heavy-metal-contaminated soils using amaranth plants Urban agriculture potential in Swedish cities Life cycle assessments of cold-weather aquaponic systems Waste valorization strategies for contaminated lignocellulose sediments Universal design approaches to zero-waste communities Industrial symbiosis for local food systems He has ongoing projects in urban farming, wastewater resource recovery, and sustainable behavior transformation. His publications span topics from fungal metal tolerance to policy challenges in environmental governance.

Xi YuView profile

Lecturer

• Low Carbon Fuels
• Granulation and Tableting
• Computational Fluid Dynamics
• +3 more

Dr. Xi Yu is a Lecturer in Chemical Engineering at the University of Southampton, affiliated with the Faculty of Engineering and the Environment. He holds a Bachelor's from Tianjin University and a Ph.D. from the University of Sheffield. His research focuses on low carbon fuels, granulation techniques, and computational fluid dynamics. He has supervised PhD students such as Jerin Jacob and is currently accepting new PhD applicants in these areas. Dr. Yu's educational background includes degrees in Chemical Engineering and prior academic roles at Aston University and the Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI). His work spans bioenergy systems, particle technology, and multi-physics modeling. Key research projects include advancements in biomass gasification, biofuel production, and sustainable energy systems. His publications emphasize computational modeling, fluid dynamics, and biomass utilization. Recent articles explore topics like absorption chiller systems, fluidization validation, and bio-oil aging strategies. He contributes to teaching modules such as CHEG3000 and CHEG3004, reflecting his commitment to both research and education.

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.