Find Academic Supervisors

• Sustainable Bioenergy
• Circular Economy
• Energy Conversion Systems
• +4 more

Mika Järvinen serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Energy and Mechanical Engineering at Aalto University, leveraging fundamental sciences—physics, thermodynamics, chemistry, and numerical modeling—to address cross-sector energy challenges. His research spans sustainable bioenergy and inter-linked circular economy systems integrating energy, materials, and environmental considerations across biomass, pulp/paper, metallurgy, and waste-to-energy industries. His expertise centers on sustainable bioenergy and circular economy frameworks, utilizing numerical modeling to optimize combustion engineering and metallurgical processes. By maintaining diverse industrial engagement, he ensures research continuity during economic fluctuations while advancing black liquor spraying technologies and energy-material-environment synergies. This approach enables flexible, physics-based solutions for complex industrial energy conversion problems. Professor Järvinen's 2025 publications reveal a cohesive focus on renewable energy systems operating within planetary boundaries, spanning carbon capture (calcium looping), low-temperature heat engines, and comprehensive textbook development. His work integrates solar, wind, bioenergy, and storage technologies into holistic frameworks that balance technical innovation with ecological constraints, emphasizing system-level sustainability over isolated component optimization. His scientific recognition includes: Best Dissertation Award (2002) from Helsinki University of Technology's Department of Machine Technology for research on black liquor droplet conversion Resonate Award (2015) from Caltech University's Resnick Institute As lead of the Energy Conversion and Systems research group, he directs projects bridging fundamental modeling with industrial applications while developing educational resources for next-generation energy engineers. His laboratory work emphasizes experimental validation of numerical models across combustion, metallurgical, and biomass conversion processes.

Vishal AhujaView profile

Associate Professor

• Healthcare Operations
• Operations Management
• Service Operations
• +7 more

Vishal Ahuja is an Associate Professor and Corrigan Research Professor at Southern Methodist University's Cox School of Business, with adjunct faculty status at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. He focuses on decision analytic tools for healthcare improvement through operations management. PhD, University of Chicago Booth School of Business MBA, University of Chicago Booth School of Business His research interests span healthcare operations, service optimization, and AI applications in clinical decision-making. He collaborates with the Department of Veterans Affairs, Parkland Hospital, and pediatric institutions to address care quality and delivery efficiency. Recent publications emphasize predictive modeling for chronic disease management, adaptive clinical trial design, and regulatory healthcare policy. Awards include the Dlin/Fischer Clinical Research Award (2021), INFORMS Pierskalla Award (2012), and 2025 AI75 recognition for Dallas-Fort Worth AI leadership. D CEO Excellence in Healthcare Award - Outstanding Healthcare Innovator (2023) NSF Game Changer Academies for Advancing Research Innovation (2022) C. Jackson Grayson Faculty Innovation Award (2022-23) At SMU, he teaches graduate courses in operations, supply chain, and service management, integrating corporate sector experience from chemical and consumer goods industries. His work has been cited by the FDA in safety labeling changes workshops.

Preet SinghView profile

Professor

• Corrosion Science
• Electrochemistry
• Metals and Alloys
• +5 more

Preet Singh is a Professor and Associate Chair for Graduate Studies in the School of Materials Science and Engineering at Georgia Tech, with affiliations to the College of Engineering. His research focuses on corrosion science, electrochemistry, and environmental degradation of materials, particularly metals and alloys. Prior to joining Georgia Tech in 2003, he was a faculty member at the Institute of Paper Science and Technology (IPST), where he investigated corrosion issues in the pulp and paper industry. Professor Singh's work explores fundamental mechanisms of material degradation in industrial environments, aiming to develop mitigation strategies against environment-induced failures. Key research areas include corrosion fatigue, hydrogen embrittlement, stress corrosion cracking, and oxidation behavior. His group employs experimental approaches to study material reliability under varying chemical and mechanical conditions. Recent publications demonstrate interdisciplinary collaboration across oncology, agriculture, and energy systems, reflecting broad applications of materials science principles. Research trends show increased focus on biomedical materials and sustainable technologies alongside core corrosion studies. Professor Singh advises graduate students including Abdullah Alzubail, Yousif Al Rabie, Sai Shreeya, Yara, and Sean Li. He directs the Corrosion and Materials Reliability Laboratory (CMCRL), which partners with industry to solve practical engineering challenges related to material performance.

Shuang (Cynthia) CuiView profile

Assistant Professor

• advanced thermal energy storage materials and systems
• intelligent soft materials and devices
• nanoscale heat transfer and energy conversion
• +3 more

Dr. Shuang (Cynthia) Cui serves as Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering in the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science at The University of Texas at Dallas, holding a joint faculty appointment at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Awarded the Eugene McDermott Distinguished Professorship in 2017, she pioneers research in energy-efficient materials and systems for sustainability. Her academic foundation includes: PhD from University of California, San Diego (2018) Master of Science in Thermal Engineering from Wuhan University Bachelor of Science in Energy Systems and Power Engineering from Wuhan University Dr. Cui's research targets critical energy challenges through advanced materials innovation. She develops polymeric desiccants for building humidity control that reduce air-conditioning energy use, and novel paper-drying methods achieving 60% energy savings in manufacturing. Her work spans thermal energy storage, nanoscale heat transfer, and grid-interactive building technologies, directly addressing global energy consumption in buildings and industrial processes through intelligent materials design. Her distinguished recognition includes: Eugene McDermott Distinguished Professorship for early-career research excellence NREL President’s Award for Exceptional Performance 2024 UTD Recognition of Outstanding Achievement in Research Research funding flows from the National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Energy, Department of Defense, and private sector partners. She mentored the student team winning DOE’s 2024-2025 JUMP into STEM competition for wood pulp-based energy-saving building materials. Her collaborative work extends through UT Dallas’ Batteries and Energy to Advance Commercialization and National Security center and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Earthshot Research Centers, driving translational sustainability solutions.

Bert F. SelsView profile

Professor

• Heterogeneous Catalysis
• Biorefinery
• Renewable Chemistry
• +5 more

Bert F. Sels is a Full Professor at KU Leuven (Catholic University Leuven) in the Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Department of Molecular and Microbiological Sciences, where he founded and heads the Center for Sustainable Catalysis and Engineering (CSCE). He is also a Visiting Professor at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Guangzhou and co-founder of the spin-off company Zeopore. Previously, he directed the Centre for Surface Chemistry and Catalysis (COK) from 2016-2019 and served as Head of the Division Bio-refinery and Sustainable Chemistry (2015). He obtained his Ph.D. in 2000 from KU Leuven under Professor Pierre Jacobs, specializing in heterogeneous oxidation catalysis. His research focuses on heterogeneous catalysis for sustainable industrial processes, with expertise spanning: Biorefinery and biofactory systems for chemical production Design of hierarchically structured zeolites and carbon materials Spectroscopic characterization of catalytic active sites Methane activation and small molecule kinetics Renewable chemistry and biomass valorization His group has published 350+ papers (h-index 88) and holds 30 patents. Publications demonstrate strong focus on catalytic biomass conversion, zeolite engineering, and sustainable fuel production, with recent work emphasizing lignin valorization, carbohydrate upgrading, and low-carbon chemical synthesis. Key trends include hierarchical catalyst design and integrated biorefinery processes. Awards and Honors: Green Chemistry Award (2015) INEOS Research Award (2019) European Academy of Sciences and Arts Membership (2018) DSM Chemistry Award (2001) TOTAL Research Award (2013) UMICORE Research Award (2012) First Clean Tech Challenge (2009) He leads the CSCE research group and co-founded the European Research Institute of Catalysis (ERIC). As former co-chair of the International Zeolite Association's Catalysis Commission and associate editor of ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, he maintains extensive collaborative networks.

Richard VendittiView profile

Professor

• Pulp and Paper Science
• Bioeconomy
• Recycling Technologies
• +7 more

Dr. Richard Venditti is the Elis-Signe Olsson Professor of Pulp and Paper Science and Technology at North Carolina State University's Department of Forest Biomaterials, College of Natural Resources. He specializes in sustainable bioproducts, recycling technologies, and environmental life cycle analysis (LCA). His research focuses on transforming renewable plant-based resources into eco-friendly materials, addressing challenges like microfiber pollution and decarbonization in the paper industry. Education: PhD in Chemical Engineering, Princeton University (1994) B.S. in Pulp and Paper Technology and Chemical Engineering, NC State University (1988) Research Interests: Biodegradation of materials, fiber processing innovations, LCA of bioproducts, and upcycling waste into high-value products. Dr. Venditti leads high-impact projects, including a USDA-funded initiative to educate diverse students in bioproduct industries and a multi-organization study on microplastic fate in the environment. He has authored over 200 peer-reviewed publications and holds patents in sustainable technologies. Grants & Funding: Key projects include a $2.75M USDA program, a $2.99M NSF grant for eco-manufacturing of soft electronics, and a $1.64M DOE project on AI-driven municipal waste analysis. Awards & Recognition: TAPPI Fellow (2012), Fulbright Specialist (2009), and ACAAGS Advocacy Award (2010) for promoting diversity in graduate education. He directs the Pulp and Paper Workshop (co-sponsored by TAPPI) and teaches courses like Environmental LCA and Unit Operations. His lab explores innovations in dewatering, biomass valorization, and textile waste upcycling.

Mingzhou JinView profile

Professor

• Sustainability
• Climate Change
• Optimization
• +9 more

Mingzhou Jin is a Professor and Department Head in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, within the Tickle College of Engineering. He also directs the Institute for a Secure and Sustainable Environment (ISSE) and the FERSC Center, a DOT/UTC Tier-1 Center. Holding the John D. Tickle Professorship, he is a recognized leader in sustainability, optimization, logistics, and smart manufacturing. PhD, Industrial and Systems Engineering, Lehigh University, 2001 MS, Management Science, Zhejiang University, 1998 BS, Electrical Engineering and Mixed Class, Zhejiang University, 1995 Dr. Jin's research focuses on sustainability, climate change, transportation and logistics, supply chain engineering, additive and smart manufacturing, and energy efficiency. His work integrates operations research and systems engineering to solve complex environmental and industrial challenges. He has secured over $19 million in research funding from agencies including NSF, DOE, DOT, DHS, and industry partners like FedEx, Boeing, and Schneider Electric. His recent publications span high-impact journals such as Nature , Nature Communications , and European Journal of Operational Research , with themes in net-zero strategies, wildfire modeling, smart manufacturing, and sustainable supply chains. The research demonstrates a strong trend toward interdisciplinary, data-driven solutions for global environmental and industrial systems. 2023 Dr. Kenneth Kirby Endowed Faculty Award 2021 UTK Award for Success in Multidisciplinary Research 2020 UTK Chancellor’s Research and Creative Achievement Award 2020 TCE Research Achievement Award IISE Fellow (2018) Multiple teaching, advising, and service awards from TCE and UTK Dr. Jin has advised numerous graduate students and led large-scale research initiatives. He has served as Editor-in-Chief of Cleaner and Circular Bioeconomy , Executive Editor of Journal of Cleaner Production , and held leadership roles in IISE. His research has been supported by extensive grants from federal agencies and industry, reflecting strong collaboration and real-world impact. He also held adjunct professorships at Zhejiang University and Central South University of Forestry and Technology. He leads the Institute for a Secure and Sustainable Environment (ISSE) and the FERSC Center, fostering interdisciplinary research in sustainability, energy, and resilient infrastructure. These centers bring together experts from engineering, environmental science, and policy to address pressing global challenges through systems-level innovation.

Marika KokkoView profile

Professor

• Sustainable resource recovery
• Biochemical conversion
• Electrochemical processes
• +5 more

Marika Kokko is a Professor of Bio- and Circular Economy at the University of Tampere, affiliated with the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences and the Department of Materials Science and Environmental Engineering. Her research focuses on sustainable solutions for carbon dioxide utilization, nutrient recovery, and bioelectrochemical systems. She leads projects such as isoSUS (developing short-chain fatty acid conversion) and BioNH4 (recovering ammonium nitrogen from wastewater). Education: Doctor of Science (Technology), Tampere University of Technology (2013) Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Freiburg, Germany (2014–2016) Tenure-track career progression at Tampere University since 2016 Research Interests: CO₂ conversion via microbial electrosynthesis and bioelectrochemical processes Electrochemical nitrogen recovery from wastewater Microplastic analysis in environmental matrices Bioremediation of industrial waste streams Grants & Collaborations: Funded by Business Finland, Ministry of the Environment, and international consortia Active in interdisciplinary projects like CICAT2025 and UPCE Labs/Teams: Her research group investigates bioelectrochemical systems, microbial communities, and circular economy innovations. They collaborate with industry partners to scale sustainable technologies.

• 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

Stephen J. KmiotekView profile

Professor

• Chemical Process Safety Management
• Air Pollution Engineering
• Environmental Health and Safety
• +3 more

Stephen J. Kmiotek is a Chemical Engineering Professor of Practice at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). He holds BS, MS, and PhD degrees in Chemical Engineering from WPI (1980, 1982, 1986). His career spans 30+ years in chemical and environmental industries, focusing on Chemical Process Safety, Air Pollution Engineering, and Environmental Health & Safety Management. He integrates legal regulations and technical standards into multidisciplinary engineering practices, collaborating with engineers and attorneys across diverse industries like chemical manufacturing, electronics, pulp/paper, and metal foundries. Research Interests: Chemical Process Safety Management Air Pollution Control Strategies Regulatory Compliance Frameworks Industrial Hazard Mitigation His scholarly work includes studies on hazardous pollutant emissions modeling, catalyst deactivation, and zeolite sorption processes. While not actively leading a graduate research program, he advises numerous MQP projects with local industry partnerships. Media highlights include contributions to WPI’s explosion protection engineering program and features in International Fire Protection Magazine and Dust Safety Science .

• Chemical Engineering
• Biorefineries
• Pulp & Paper Processing
• +7 more

Bandaru Ramarao is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Chemical Engineering at the SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry (ESF). He holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Clarkson University and has over three decades of academic and research experience. His expertise spans separation processes, biorefinery technologies, pulp and paper engineering, and environmental biotechnology. He has authored numerous books and journal papers, including Granular Filtration of Aerosols and Hydrosols and Separation Processes in Biorefineries . Education: Ph.D. (1986), M.S. (1982), and B.S. (1980) in Chemical Engineering from Clarkson University and the University of Madras, respectively. Research Interests: Focus on sustainable biorefineries, PFAS removal using nanomaterials, enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass, and advanced filtration technologies. His work bridges fundamental engineering principles with industrial applications, particularly in the pulp and paper sector. Publications: Over 100 peer-reviewed articles and patents, including innovations in flocculation, biopolymer production, and geotextile dewatering. Recent work explores PFAS removal via cellulose nanocrystals and bioplastic synthesis from waste streams. Awards: Recipient of the Andrew Chase Award (2014) and the Alkyl Amines Tilak ChemCon Award (2012). Recognized for contributions to forest bioproducts and sustainable engineering. Advising & Grants: Supervises graduate students in MS and PhD programs, focusing on bioprocess engineering and paper physics. Leads research projects funded by NASA, industry partnerships, and academic grants. Labs & Teams: Director of the Empire State Paper Research Institute, advancing innovations in papermaking and biorefinery processes. Collaborates with global institutions on filtration, biorefinery design, and environmental remediation.

Martin A. HubbeView profile

Professor

• Chemical paper additives
• Colloidal chemistry
• Biomass valorization
• +4 more

Dr. Martin A. Hubbe is a Professor and the Buckman Distinguished Scientist in the Department of Forest Biomaterials at North Carolina State University . With expertise in chemical additives for paper machinery and colloidal chemistry, his work bridges industrial applications with sustainability principles. Education M.S. in Paper Chemistry from the Institute of Paper Chemistry Ph.D. in Colloidal Chemistry from Clarkson University Dr. Hubbe's research focuses on mechanistic aspects of paper production , including dewatering processes, charged characteristics of cellulosic materials, and the development of dry strength additives. His recent work emphasizes biomass valorization and green chemistry for sustainable packaging solutions, lignin self-assembly mechanisms, and environmental remediation technologies. Scientific Contributions TAPPI Division Award for service Founding co-editor of the peer-reviewed journal BioResources Dr. Hubbe has secured over $400,000 in grants from agencies like USDA , NSF , and United Soybean Board , including the Multiverse of Biomass grant focusing on entrepreneurship in bio-based materials. His research spans topics such as soy protein-based additives for papermaking, electrokinetic behavior of polyelectrolytes , and ethical dimensions of sustainability .

Bishnu AcharyaView profile

Associate Professor

• Bioprocess Engineering
• Biomaterials
• Nanocomposites
• +7 more

Bishnu Acharya serves as an Associate Professor and Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture Chair in Bioprocess Engineering within the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan. His research program focuses on sustainable conversion of agricultural biomass into high-value products through advanced bioprocessing techniques, addressing critical environmental and energy challenges. His primary research domains include: Cellulose-based biomaterials and nanocomposites for biomedical and packaging applications Thermochemical conversion (pyrolysis, gasification) and biochemical processing of agricultural residues Engineered biochar systems for wastewater remediation and soil enhancement Integration of remote sensing and machine learning for precision agriculture optimization Development of biodegradable materials from flax, wheat straw, and camelina meal Analysis of his 2024-2025 publications reveals a strong interdisciplinary trajectory bridging chemical engineering, environmental science, and agricultural technology. Key thematic clusters involve circular economy implementation in biomass valorization, nanocellulose-based advanced material development, and sustainable wastewater treatment solutions. His work consistently emphasizes practical applications for Canadian agricultural systems, particularly in Saskatchewan and Prince Edward Island contexts. Professional Recognition: Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture Chair in Bioprocess Engineering While specific grant details are not publicly enumerated in available materials, Dr. Acharya's prolific output across high-impact journals indicates substantial research funding and active supervision of graduate students. His collaborations span environmental remediation, advanced materials development, and sustainable agricultural technologies, reflecting a systems-thinking approach to bioresource management. Laboratory infrastructure likely includes biomass processing units, nanomaterial characterization facilities, and bioreactor systems supporting his diverse research portfolio.

• Anaerobic Environmental Biotechnology
• Wastewater Engineering
• Cleaner Production/Pollution Prevention
• +6 more

Prof. Dr. Göksel N. Demirer is a Professor at the Department of Environmental Engineering, Middle East Technical University (METU), Ankara, Turkey. His academic career spans over two decades, holding roles from Lecturer to Chairperson of the Department (2006-2012). He specializes in Anaerobic Biotechnology, Wastewater Engineering, and Sustainable Production systems. Education: Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering, Vanderbilt University (1996) M.Sc. and B.Sc. in Environmental Engineering, METU (1991, 1989) Research Interests: Focuses on anaerobic digestion of organic wastes, bioenergy generation, cleaner production, nutrient recovery (struvite precipitation), and industrial symbiosis. His work bridges environmental biotechnology with sustainable industrial practices, emphasizing waste-to-resource转化 and pollution prevention. Awards & Recognition: Recipient of METU's Academic Performance Award (2001-2012) Mustafa Parlar Educator of the Year Award (2000-2001, 2005-2006) Australian Endeavour Research Fellowship (2007) Professional Roles: President of Water Environment Association of Turkey (2001-2003) Editorial Board Member of Journal of Cleaner Production and International Journal of Environmental Sciences Lead over 25 research projects as PI, including EU-funded collaborations on nutrient recovery and bioenergy Advising & Capacity Building: Supervised 26 Ph.D./M.Sc. theses, developed METU's Cleaner Production course, and conducted nationwide training programs for municipalities and industries. Labs & Collaborations: Active in anaerobic digestion and bioenergy research through METU's Environmental Engineering labs. Collaborates with institutions like RMIT University (Australia), Trier University (Germany), and Villanova University (USA).

Theo van de VenView profile

Professor

• Materials Chemistry
• Environmental Chemistry
• Green Chemistry
• +7 more

Theo van de Ven is a Professor and holds the Sir William C. Macdonald Chair in Chemistry at McGill University's Department of Chemistry. He serves as Director of the Quebec Centre for Advanced Materials (QCAM/CQMF). His research focuses on cellulose chemistry and its applications in novel materials, including nanocellulose-based composites, biodegradable products (e.g., straws, films), and advanced materials for drug delivery and environmental applications. His work also explores polyphenolic chemistry, such as lignin and tannic acid interactions with proteins in viral and neurodegenerative contexts. Van de Ven teaches CHEM 233 (Physical Chemistry for Engineers) and CHEM 585 (Colloid Chemistry), emphasizing phase boundary dynamics, electrochemistry, and surfactant science. His labs are located at the Pulp & Paper Building, with research emphasizing green chemistry and sustainable materials. His scientific contributions include pioneering work on hairy nanocellulose architectures and functionalized cellulose derivatives, earning recognition through prestigious awards. His research spans environmental and biomedical applications, including carbon fiber production from asphaltenes, silica/cellulose hybrids for catalysis, and tannic acid's role in protein interactions (e.g., SARS-CoV-2 and Alzheimer's). Collaborative efforts with industry and academia aim to bridge fundamental research with industrial applications, such as scalable cellulose-based filaments and films.