Find Academic Supervisors

Maria SandbergView profile

Associate Professor

• Environmental Engineering
• Wastewater Treatment
• Biogas Production
• +6 more

Maria Sandberg is an Associate Professor at Karlstad University, specializing in environmental engineering with a focus on sustainable management of forest industry residuals. Her research emphasizes energy-efficient wastewater treatment, biogas production enhancement via hydrochar additives, and circular economy applications for industrial byproducts. She actively collaborates with industry, startups, and academic institutions to address systemic sustainability challenges. Teaching responsibilities include environmental engineering courses covering water purification, flue gas treatment, bioeconomy principles, and industrial symbiosis. She also supports incoming exchange students through specialized coursework. Her research portfolio includes projects like HYBIO (hydrochar-enhanced biogas production) and Resource-SIP (forest resource circular systems), funded through collaborative networks. Key innovations involve converting paper mill sludge into forest fertilizers and analyzing industrial symbiosis systems integrating algal cultivation with energy production. Publications span 20+ years, highlighting expertise in wastewater aeration optimization, biochar applications, and lifecycle assessments. Her work bridges laboratory studies with large-scale industrial implementation, emphasizing real-world applicability of sustainable solutions.

• Catalysis
• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering
• +6 more

David Farrusseng is a Research Director at CNRS and Head of the Engineering team at IRCELYON (Institut de Recherche sur la Catalyse et l'Environnement de Lyon). He received his PhD in Materials Science from the University of Montpellier in 1999 and completed a postdoc at the Max Planck Institute for Coal Research in Germany. His research focuses on catalytic materials, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), high-throughput screening, and energy-related applications like CO2 capture and methane conversion. Key roles include Coordinator of the ANR HOPEFAME project (2014), Scientific Coordinator of Prodia (H2020, 2015–2019), and Chief Technical Officer of MOFapps (2013). He has authored over 130 peer-reviewed papers (H-index >31), holds 17 patents, and edited a book on MOFs. Awards include the PES National Award (2015), DIVCAT Award (2008), and a PhD Cum Laude distinction (1999). His research spans MOF applications in catalysis, separation processes, and membrane reactors. Notable projects include CO2 capture using SIM-1 adsorbents, Xe capture at ppm levels, and development of catalytic membrane reactors for methane valorization.

Dorothee LaurentiView profile

Researcher

• Heterogeneous Catalysis
• Biomass Conversion
• Energy Transition
• +3 more

Dorothee Laurenti is a Researcher and Director of Research at the IRCELYON laboratory, part of CNRS and the University of Lyon. Her primary role involves leading the Heterogeneous Catalysis for Energy Transition (CATREN) team since 2021 and directing the GDR Thermobio initiative created in 2018. She holds a PhD in Organic Synthesis from Aix-Marseille University (1999) and completed postdoctoral research at York University (UK) and Lyon’s LCOMS laboratory. Her expertise focuses on catalytic hydroconversion of bio-oils and fossil fuels, biomass valorization, and advanced catalytic testing methods under high-pressure conditions. Her research interests span heterogeneous catalysis, biomass conversion, and sustainable energy solutions. Key projects include the LIGNAROCAT (lignin-to-aromatics), BIOPOLIOL (lignin oligomer depolymerization), and ALGOROUTE (microalgae-based biofuel) initiatives. She employs cutting-edge techniques like GC×GC, NMR, and microcalorimetry for feedstock characterization and catalyst evaluation. Recent publications highlight advancements in catalytic hydrothermal liquefaction of microalgae, plastic waste conversion, and lignin depolymerization. She collaborates extensively with international teams on topics like cobalt-based catalyst design and pyrolysis of wood-plastic mixtures. Current efforts emphasize scalable biofuel production, waste-to-energy pathways, and catalyst stability under extreme conditions. Her lab, CATREN, integrates kinetic modeling, in-situ characterization, and process engineering to bridge fundamental catalysis research with industrial applications. She actively participates in major conferences like the International Congress on Catalysis, advocating for catalysis-driven solutions to global energy challenges.

Uzodinma OkoroanyanwuView profile

Research Professor

• Advanced Materials
• Energy Storage Systems
• Nanotechnology
• +4 more

Uzodinma Okoroanyanwu is a Research Professor in the Department of Polymer Science and Engineering at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, affiliated with the Silvio O. Conte National Center for Polymer Research. His work focuses on advanced materials, particularly graphene-based composites and energy storage systems, leveraging nanotechnology and electrochemical methods. He also contributes to lithography and photothermal processing innovations for semiconductor and optoelectronic applications. Research interests include graphene synthesis, high-performance batteries/supercapacitors, nanocomposite materials, and advanced lithography techniques. His recent studies explore rapid fabrication methods for energy storage devices, such as photothermal processing of graphene films and porous networks. He has also authored reviews on lithographic resists and contributed to EUV lithography advancements. Okoroanyanwu’s articles highlight trends in interdisciplinary materials science, merging nanotechnology with energy and electronics. His work frequently addresses scalable manufacturing processes for next-generation energy storage and optoelectronic components. No notable awards are listed, but his extensive publication record reflects active collaboration in polymer science and engineering. His research is anchored at the Silvio O. Conte Center, emphasizing polymer-based innovations with industrial applications. Ongoing projects likely involve optimizing graphene materials for structural batteries and developing cost-effective nanoimprint lithography for high-volume production.

• Control Engineering
• Automation Systems
• Process Engineering
• +4 more

Prof. Birgit Steffenhagen is the Dean and a Professor at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Stralsund University of Applied Sciences. Her primary academic role focuses on Control Engineering, where she leads course offerings such as Control Engineering I/II, Systems Theory, and Modern Methods of Control Engineering. She oversees laboratory practicals and internships in control and actuator technology. Her research emphasizes process analysis, modeling/simulation, and automation of technical systems, particularly in renewable energy and process engineering. Additional specialties include pyrolysis technology (e.g., rubber/oil shale), control identification procedures, and intelligent control systems using fuzzy logic and expert systems. She manages laboratories in Control Engineering and Control Technology. Contact: Room 106d, House 4 | +49 3831 45 6623

Amrita BhattacharyyaView profile

Assistant Professor

• Environmental Geochemistry
• Climate Change
• Metal Redox Chemistry
• +3 more

Amrita Bhattacharyya is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of San Francisco. She specializes in environmental geochemistry, focusing on climate-driven carbon/nitrogen cycling and metal redox chemistry interactions. Her work employs advanced techniques like synchrotron-based spectroscopy (XAS), microscopy (TEM/SEM), and diffraction (XRD) to study soil and synthetic systems. Education: BSc (Honors Chemistry) and MSc (Environmental Chemistry) from the University of Calcutta, India. PhD in Soil Science from Pennsylvania State University (2012). Postdoctoral research at Colorado State University followed by a position at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (2015). Research interests include redox dynamics in tropical soils, iron-carbon coupling, and environmental impacts of wildfire/biogeochemical processes. Recent work explores methane emissions in aquatic-terrestrial interfaces and fire-driven metal-organic interactions in California ecosystems. Publications focus on redox mechanisms, microbial community responses, and geochemical controls in natural systems. Current projects investigate carbon sequestration potential in marginal soils and uranium surface speciation in engineered systems.

Kim Dam-JohansenView profile

Professor

• Sustainable coatings technology
• Industrial high-temperature processes
• Biomass and waste-to-energy utilization
• +3 more

Kim Dam-Johansen is a Professor and Head of Department at the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark (DTU). His research focuses on sustainable coatings technology, industrial high-temperature processes, biomass utilization, and continuous pharmaceutical production. He leads key research centers including CoaST (Hempel Foundation Coatings Science and Technology Centre) and CHEC (Catalysis and High-temperature Engineering Centre). His work emphasizes industry collaboration, particularly in developing eco-friendly corrosion protection, fire-resistant materials, and advanced coating formulations. Roles: Professor & Head of Department Affiliations: DTU Chemical Engineering, CoaST, CHEC Research interests span coatings science, materials engineering, and sustainable energy systems. He explores biochar-based composites, intumescent fire coatings, and self-stratifying marine coatings. His publications highlight innovations in corrosion inhibition, biomass pyrolysis, and eco-friendly pigment development. Key areas: Coatings durability, thermal processes, bio-based materials Publications emphasize interdisciplinary approaches to material science challenges. Recent work addresses scalability of intumescent coatings, bio-waste utilization in anticorrosive systems, and advanced characterization techniques for coating performance. No academic awards are explicitly mentioned in the provided texts.

Emil Lidman OlssonView profile

Researcher

• Biomass Conversion
• Pyrolysis
• Gasification
• +5 more

Emil Lidman Olsson is a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), specializing in thermal conversion processes and fire safety engineering with direct contributions to UN Sustainable Development Goals for clean energy and climate action. His core research focuses on biomass thermochemical conversion , particularly the transformation of phosphorus, potassium, and sodium during pyrolysis and gasification of agricultural residues like wheat straw and sunflower seed shells. Concurrently, he advances fire safety engineering through development of laboratory-scale testing protocols for intumescent coatings, addressing critical gaps between industrial-scale performance and standardized testing methods. This dual expertise bridges fundamental chemical engineering with practical industrial safety applications. Analysis of his 2024-2025 publications reveals a cohesive research trajectory: optimizing biomass conversion efficiency while mitigating inorganic-related challenges, and establishing reliable fire performance metrics for next-generation protective coatings. His work consistently integrates thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and model compound studies to solve real-world energy and safety problems. No scientific awards, fellowships, or medals are documented in his current professional profile. Dr. Olsson actively supervises PhD candidate A. Batsinis in the DTU project "Sustainable Blowing Agent Systems for Intumescent Coatings" (2025-2028), building on his own recently completed doctoral research "Phosphorous chemistry in Biomass Combustion" (2019-2023) under Professors H. Wu and K. Dam-Johansen. His projects receive institutional funding through DTU's research infrastructure with potential industry partnerships implied by the applied nature of his fire safety work. Based in DTU's Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, he operates within a collaborative network spanning thermal analysis specialists, combustion experts, and fire safety researchers. His laboratory work leverages advanced facilities for thermogravimetric analysis, pyrolysis reactors, and fire testing chambers, positioning DTU at the forefront of sustainable chemical engineering research in Scandinavia.

Jakob Munkholt ChristensenView profile

Associate Professor

• Catalysis
• Chemical Reaction Engineering
• Sustainable Energy
• +7 more

Jakob Munkholt Christensen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), where he is affiliated with the CHEC Research Centre. His research focuses on catalysis, reaction engineering, and sustainable chemical processes, particularly in ammonia synthesis, CO₂ conversion, and methane utilization. Department: Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering School: College of Engineering University: Technical University of Denmark Email: jmc@kt.dtu.dk ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2495-8905 Location: Søltofts Plads, 229, 152, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark His research interests span catalysis, chemical kinetics, plasma-catalysis, CO₂ utilization, and sustainable fuel production. He investigates reaction mechanisms, catalyst design, and process optimization under high-pressure and non-thermal conditions. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to affordable and clean energy, climate action, and responsible consumption and production. The 15 most recent publications reveal a strong trend in heterogeneous catalysis, with emphasis on ammonia synthesis mechanisms, CO₂ hydrogenation to fuels and chemicals, and plasma-assisted conversion of methane and biomass. Keywords include catalysis, chemical engineering, and sustainable chemistry, with sub-fields such as bifunctional catalysis, isotope effects, dry reforming, and kinetic modeling. His research integrates experimental and modeling approaches to advance clean energy technologies. Jakob Munkholt Christensen actively supervises multiple PhD students and leads major research projects, demonstrating significant involvement in academic mentoring and research leadership. He has not received any explicitly mentioned scientific awards in the provided text. PhD Supervision: Multiple ongoing projects in CO₂ reduction, ammonia synthesis, methanol synthesis, and plasma-catalytic conversion. Grants and Projects: Leads or co-leads 23 research projects, including active PhD projects on electrochemical CO₂ reduction and plasma-catalytic methane conversion. He is a key member of the CHEC Research Centre, which focuses on catalysis and reaction engineering for sustainable chemical processes. His collaborative network includes researchers from DTU and international institutions, working on interdisciplinary challenges in energy and environmental technology.

• Biofuels
• Bioprocessing
• Chemical Engineering
• +3 more

Dr. Sridhar Viamajala is a Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Toledo's College of Engineering. He holds a BS in Chemical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology and a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Washington State University, focusing on bioprocessing for bioproducts and biofuel production . Education BS, Chemical Engineering - Indian Institute of Technology PhD, Chemical Engineering - Washington State University His research spans biofuels , catalysis , and microalgal biotechnology , with a focus on thermochemical conversion processes and sustainable chemical production. He has secured over $14 million in federal/state research grants and holds 13 patents. Publication Trends highlight innovations in: Catalyst design for biofuel production (2022-2024) Algal cultivation under extreme conditions (2017-2019) Lignocellulosic biomass processing (2002-2016) Environmental biotechnology applications (2002-2014) Techno-economic modeling of biorefineries (2016-2021) Dr. Viamajala's lab specializes in pyrolysis , catalytic conversion , and algal biomass optimization , emphasizing circular economy principles and waste valorization.

William MichenerView profile

Researcher

• Analytical chemistry
• Mass spectrometry
• Plastics
• +5 more

William Michener is a Research Technologist V in the Renewable Resources and Enabling Sciences Center at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) with 24 years of experience. His expertise centers on analytical chemistry techniques for bioenergy research. Bachelor's degree in Chemistry from University of Colorado Denver Specializes in GCMS, LCMS, and advanced analytical techniques Designated area representative and electrical safety officer Michener's research focuses on analytical chemistry , mass spectrometry , and their applications in bioenergy systems. His work spans plastics recycling , lignin characterization , catalytic fast pyrolysis , and polyhydroxyalkanoate development. He has developed methodologies for quantitating and characterizing compounds in complex bio-derived samples, contributing significantly to sustainable materials research. His recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward chemical recycling of advanced materials and bioconversion processes , with particular emphasis on carbon fiber-reinforced polymers, epoxy resins, and biological conversion pathways for bio-oil upgrading. These works appear in high-impact journals including Nature , Nature Catalysis , and ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering . NREL Employee of the Month (2002, 2004, 2015) NREL Highest Impact Publication Award (2024) NREL Inaugural Distinguished Member of Operations Staff Award (2024) Michener serves as an electrical safety council member and represents NREL on safety matters, requiring extensive communication across all organizational levels. His professional activities include membership in the American Society of Mass Spectrometry and the Colorado Biological Mass Spectrometry Society. He maintains and trains others on advanced analytical instrumentation while developing novel characterization methods for renewable energy applications.

Anne StaraceView profile

Researcher

• Renewable fuels and chemicals
• Waste valorization
• Catalyst poisoning and regeneration
• +2 more

Anne Starace is a Researcher IV in Chemistry at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), working within the Catalytic Carbon Transformation and Scale-Up Center. With a PhD in Chemistry from Indiana University Bloomington and a Bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, she has built a career focused on renewable energy research since completing her postdoctoral work at NREL (2010-2013). Her educational background includes: PhD in Chemistry, Indiana University Bloomington Bachelor of Chemistry, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Dr. Starace's research interests center on sustainable chemical processes, with particular expertise in renewable fuels and chemicals , waste valorization , and catalyst poisoning and regeneration . Her work bridges fundamental catalytic chemistry with practical applications for bio-based products. She investigates thermal conversion processes like pyrolysis, catalytic depolymerization of plastics, and co-processing of bio-oils with petroleum streams. Her research integrates experimental approaches with machine learning techniques to optimize renewable fuel production. Her publication record shows consistent productivity with 27 research outputs between 2011-2025, demonstrating evolving focus from fundamental thermal properties to advanced catalytic processes and machine learning applications. The research spans biomass conversion, plastic waste recycling, and process optimization for renewable fuels, reflecting the growing importance of circular economy approaches in energy research. While no specific scientific awards are listed in the available information, her work has garnered citations across various platforms, with some publications receiving significant attention in the research community. Dr. Starace collaborates extensively across NREL and with external partners, as evidenced by her multi-author publications. Her current work at the Catalytic Carbon Transformation and Scale-Up Center focuses on developing practical solutions for integrating renewable feedstocks into existing energy infrastructure while addressing technical challenges like catalyst deactivation.

• Renewable Energy
• Solid-State Batteries
• Electrochemical Energy Storage
• +13 more

Zhenyu Zhang is a Lecturer in Renewable Energy at the University of Exeter, based at the Cornwall campus. He is affiliated with the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences and the Department of Engineering. His research lies at the intersection of materials science, electrochemistry, and sustainable energy technologies, focusing on next-generation energy storage and conversion systems. University: University of Exeter School: College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences Department: Department of Engineering Position: Lecturer in Renewable Energy Dr. Zhang's research interests span the synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials, solid-state electrolytes for all-solid-state batteries, sustainable materials for energy applications, lithium extraction from brine and seawater, degradation mechanisms in battery materials, graphene-based electrochemical systems, and electrocatalysis for hydrogen production. His work employs advanced in situ and ex situ microscopy, spectroscopy, and electrochemical techniques to probe material behavior at multiple scales. His recent publications (2024–2022) reflect a strong focus on battery materials (especially solid-state and zinc-based systems), electrocatalysis (OER, HER), and sustainable materials. Key themes include dendrite suppression, solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) engineering, catalyst design, degradation analysis, and process optimization in battery manufacturing. His work appears in high-impact journals such as ACS Nano , Advanced Materials , Angewandte Chemie , and Advanced Energy Materials , indicating significant contributions to the field. He teaches core energy engineering modules including: ENE1003: Science for Energy Engineering (Module Convenor) ENE3007: Energy Storage Technology ENEM105: Low Carbon Vehicles and Transport ENE3011: Renewable Energy Dissertation ENEM104: MSc Dissertation Dr. Zhang has secured research funding, including a grant from the GW4 Generator Fund for developing all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries with cellulose-enhanced solid polymer electrolytes. He also supports PhD studentships through collaborations with the China Scholarship Council and EPSRC. While no specific awards are listed, his extensive publication record and active research program indicate strong recognition in the field. He previously worked as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at University College London with the Faraday Institution, focusing on in situ analysis of battery degradation mechanisms.

Fred CannonView profile

Professor

• Activated Carbon
• Water Treatment
• Adsorption
• +3 more

Fred Cannon serves as Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Pennsylvania State University, with his office located in 225 Sackett Building on College Avenue, University Park, PA. He maintains active roles as an Affiliate Researcher with the Institutes of Energy and the Environment (IEE) and contributes to research themes in Integrated Energy Systems and Water Sustainability. His research centers on activated carbon surface chemistry engineering for targeted contaminant removal, with specialized expertise in granular activated carbon (GAC) systems for odorant control in foundries, perchlorate/anion removal from water using coal-based carbon, and reactivated GAC for organic spill protection. Key methodologies include advanced oxidation/adsorption processes and carbon modification through quaternary ammonium compounds, epoxide-forming agents, and polymer grafting to address emerging pollutants like PFOA, nitrate, and trifluoroacetate. Analysis of his 2019-2020 publications reveals a strategic research pivot toward energy-water nexus challenges, particularly radium measurement and removal in oil/gas produced waters and hydraulic fracturing fluids. His work demonstrates consistent innovation in tailoring carbon matrices for specific ionic contaminants while addressing complex matrices like high-TDS produced waters. Professor Cannon leads the IEE-funded project Removing Radium from Hydrofracturing Fluids with Tailored Clays and maintains extensive collaborative networks evidenced by multi-institutional publications. His research directly addresses critical gaps in energy sector wastewater management through material science innovation.

• Air Transportation
• Alternative Fuels
• Bioenergy
• +3 more

Matteo Prussi is an Associate Professor at the Department of Energy (DENERG) of Politecnico di Torino, Italy. His academic career spans roles as a course owner for LCA-based tools and methodologies for the transport sector in the ENERGY PhD program (2022–2025) and as a course lecturer for Energy Economics and Bioeconomy modules. He is a member of the College of Electrical and Energy Engineering and College of Management and Production Engineering . Research Interests : Air transportation decarbonization, alternative fuels, bioenergy systems, life cycle assessment (LCA), and smart/sustainable mobility. EU-Funded Projects : SUN-PERFORM (2024–2028): Scientific Responsible for biohybrid solar fuel production. PYSOLO (2023–2027): Scientific Responsible for solar biomass pyrolysis. THELMA (2025–2030): Research Group Member for municipal sludge conversion to biogenic coal. Publications : 15+ peer-reviewed works on e-fuels, biomethane, hydrogen, and transport decarbonization (2019–2024), with a focus on EU policy and technical feasibility. Supervised PhD Students : Amr Moataz Mohamed Kadousalla Sanad, Payam Danesh, Alessio Riorda, Kaveh Zayer Kabeh, and Lorenzo Laveneziana in the Energetics program.