Find Academic Supervisors

• Anaerobic biotechnology
• Biofuels and renewable energy
• Microbial community structure and bioprocess performance
• +4 more

Dr. Daniel H. Zitomer is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering at Marquette University, where he also serves as Director of the Water Quality Center. His research focuses on advancing anaerobic biotechnologies for wastewater treatment and resource recovery. Education: Ph.D. (1994), M.S. (1991) in Environmental and Water Resources Engineering from Vanderbilt University; B.S. (1988) from Drexel University. Research Interests: The Zitomer Lab Group develops environmental technologies to convert wastewater into clean water and resources like methane and biochar. Key areas include: Anaerobic biotechnology and microbial community analysis Biofuels and renewable energy from waste Biosolids pyrolysis for energy and biochar production Advanced oxidation processes for stormwater management Articles: Recent publications highlight innovations in anaerobic digestion, microbial community analysis, and biochar applications for nutrient recovery. Research spans municipal wastewater recovery, bioprocess efficiency, and wet-weather flow treatment. Scientific Awards: EPA STAR Fellowship Grants: Dr. Zitomer leads projects funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including advanced high-rate wet-weather treatment and biomethane production from bioplastics. Collaborative efforts with Kohler Company and Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District focus on wastewater energy reduction and biosolids pyrolysis. Labs & Teams: The Zitomer Lab Group collaborates with the NSF IUCRC for Water Equipment and Policy and the Water Quality Center at Marquette University, integrating molecular tools and bioinformatics to optimize engineered bioprocesses.

• Fluid Dynamics
• Particle-Laden Flows
• Machine Learning
• +4 more

Dr Xinchen Zhang is a Grant-Funded Researcher (A) at the University of Adelaide's Department of Mechanical Engineering within the School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering. His research focuses on integrating machine learning with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to enhance predictive capabilities for multiphase flow solutions, particularly in sustainable energy applications like decarbonization technologies. He holds a PhD (2022) with a Dean's Commendation for Doctoral Thesis Excellence, emphasizing fluid and particle dynamics in particle-laden flows. His work addresses challenges in net-zero industrial processes such as limestone calcination and hydrogen production via methane pyrolysis, leveraging advanced CFD and ML-augmented methodologies. Key research areas include turbulence modeling, particle dispersion in jets, and flow regime analysis in horizontal particle-laden pipe systems. He is eligible to supervise Masters and PhD students as a co-supervisor. Dr Zhang's publications span 2018–2024, with recent trends focusing on physics-informed machine learning for turbulence modeling and multiphase flow optimization. His contributions advance computational efficiency and accuracy in predicting complex fluid-particle interactions.

Scott BanksView profile

Lecturer

• Bioenergy
• Thermochemical Conversion
• Catalytic Pyrolysis
• +5 more

Dr. Scott Banks is a Lecturer in Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry at Aston University's College of Engineering and Physical Sciences. He is affiliated with the Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI), where he researches thermochemical conversion technologies with a focus on sustainable bioenergy solutions. Education: PhD in Ash control methods to limit biomass inorganic content and its effect on fast pyrolysis bio-oil stability, Aston University (2014) Aston University Modular Award – Introduction to Learning and Teaching Practice (2020-2021) Research Focus: His work centers on catalytic pyrolysis, biomass ash control, bio-oil stabilization, and gasification char utilization. He develops advanced thermal conversion methods to create circular economy solutions and supports greenhouse gas reduction through renewable energy systems. Current work explores hydrogen production pathways from biomass derivatives. Publication Trends: Recent articles demonstrate a strong focus on biomass pyrolysis optimization, renewable policy frameworks, and sustainable feedstock development. His research employs experimental thermochemical analysis and reactor design to advance bioenergy conversion efficiency. Teaching: Module leader for Life Cycle Analysis, Renewable Energy, and Research Methods in the MSc Sustainable Engineering program.

• Chemical Engineering
• Energy Storage Materials
• Lithium-ion Battery Manufacturing
• +4 more

Dr. Yeshui Zhang is a Lecturer at the School of Engineering, University of Aberdeen, UK, since December 2021. Previously, she held a Faraday Institution Research Fellowship at University College London (2018–2021). University of Birmingham (BSc Environmental Management, 2012) University of Sheffield (MSc Energy and Environmental Engineering, 2013) University of Leeds (PhD Chemical and Process Engineering, 2017) Her research spans chemical and environmental engineering, focusing on: Energy storage materials (e.g., lithium-ion batteries) Pyrolysis-catalysis of waste materials High-temperature quartz crystal microbalance applications Carbon nanotubes synthesis Circular economy strategies for plastics Recent publications emphasize catalytic waste valorization for hydrogen-rich syngas, biomass pyrolysis mechanisms, and hybrid-functional catalyst design. She serves as Associate Editor for Carbon Capture Science & Technology and contributes to standards in battery manufacturing. Emerging Investigator Award, IChemE 2022 IAAM Young Scientist Medal 2022 Best Paper Award, 21st CCSSTA 2020 Dr. Zhang supervises PhD students in chemical engineering and leads the Meston Lab 155 at Aberdeen. Her work bridges academic research with industrial applications through memberships in the Royal Society of Chemistry and IChemE.

Jennifer DunnView profile

Professor

• Sustainable Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Chemical Engineering
• +5 more

Jennifer Dunn is a Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Northwestern University, with a courtesy appointment in Mechanical Engineering. She serves as Director of the Center for Engineering Sustainability and Resilience and Associate Director of the Northwestern-Argonne Institute of Science and Engineering. Her research focuses on sustainability, energy systems, and environmental impacts of emerging technologies such as hydrogen, biofuels, and nutrient recovery. Dunn leads the Systems Analysis Research Group, applying techno-economic, life-cycle, and materials flow analyses to evaluate low-carbon technologies and circular economy strategies. Education includes a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Michigan, an M.S.E. in Sustainable Chemical Engineering Systems from the University of Michigan, and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University. Her research interests span sustainable mineral supply chains, water treatment innovations, and decarbonization pathways. Recent work emphasizes methane reduction strategies, critical mineral policy, and circular nitrogen economies. Dunn has contributed to National Academies committees and serves as an Associate Editor for the SAE International Journal of Sustainable Transportation. Labs/Teams: Dunn Lab, Center for Engineering Sustainability and Resilience, and the Northwestern-Argonne Institute of Science and Engineering.

Thomas MussenbrockView profile

Professor

• Low-Temperature Plasmas
• Material Processing
• Nanoelectronics
• +3 more

Prof. Thomas Mussenbrock is a Full Professor (W3) of Applied Electrodynamics and Plasma Technology at Ruhr University Bochum, leading the Applied Electrodynamics and Plasma Technology department within the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology. He holds a PhD from Ruhr University Bochum (2004) and habilitation (2009), previously serving as a professor at Brandenburg University of Technology (2016-2020). His research focuses on low-temperature plasmas, nanoelectronics, and plasma modeling, with applications in material processing and energy systems. Education: Bachelor's (1995) Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences Master's (1999) Ruhr University Bochum PhD (2004) Ruhr University Bochum Habilitation (2009) Ruhr University Bochum His research interests include plasma dynamics in atmospheric pressure jets, memristive devices for neuromorphic computing, and energy-efficient plasma processes. Recent work emphasizes CO₂ conversion via plasma jets, electron dynamics in capacitive discharges, and scalable plasma modeling techniques. He collaborates on projects like the TopING doctoral program and plasma catalysis initiatives. Publications span journals and conferences, with a focus on experimental and computational plasma physics. He advises on graduate studies and chairs faculty committees at Ruhr University Bochum.

• Urban Ecology
• Biodiversity Conservation
• Sustainable Agriculture
• +5 more

Dr. Ina Säumel is a scientific collaborator at the Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences at Humboldt University of Berlin. Her work bridges urban ecology, biodiversity conservation, and socio-cultural dimensions of sustainability through participatory approaches. Research Focus : Urban sustainability transitions, nature-based solutions, medicinal plants, and climate change adaptation. Key Projects : Edible City Solutions, biochar conversion from agro-residues, and biodiversity assessments in urban cemeteries. Geographic Scope : Uruguay, Andes, South Tyrol, and Berlin. Emphasis on post-industrial and water-sensitive cities. Her recent publications highlight interdisciplinary methods in co-creation, land-use impacts on metacommunity structures, and health-promoting urban green spaces. Contact: ina.saeumel@hu-berlin.de

Arash NematiView profile

Assistant Professor

• Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
• Renewable Energy
• Electrochemistry
• +5 more

Arash Nemati is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Energy Conversion and Storage, Technical University of Denmark (DTU). His research focuses on sustainable energy technologies, particularly solid oxide fuel cells, ammonia-fueled systems, and multiphysics modeling of energy conversion processes. He leads and participates in EU-funded projects such as RESCUE and X-SEED, aiming to advance renewable energy storage and green hydrogen production. His work addresses challenges in electrochemical systems, including durability, efficiency, and integration of renewable energy sources. He has received notable recognition, including a Highly-cited Paper award (Web of Science, 2022) and the DAAD Green Hydrogen Research Tour Scholarship (2024). Nemati actively supervises PhD students in areas like co-electrolysis and solid oxide electrolysis cell modeling. His expertise spans thermochemical processes, numerical simulations, and techno-economic evaluations of energy systems. Key projects include developing ammonia-driven reversible solid oxide cells for grid storage and optimizing pyrolysis-electrolysis systems for methanol and char production. His research aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing clean energy and climate action.

Taghi MiriView profile

Assistant Professor

• Food Processing and Safety
• Circular Economy
• Food Waste Valorisation
• +4 more

Dr. Taghi Miri is an Assistant Professor in the School of Chemical Engineering at the University of Birmingham, specializing in Chemical Engineering with a focus on food processing safety, environmental engineering, and nanotechnology. He holds a PhD from the University of Birmingham, focusing on plant-based food processing. His research spans food waste valorization, novel food processing technologies, and bioremediation of heavy metals. He has collaborated with industry leaders such as Marlow Food, CSM Bakery, and P&G, and has led modules in Food Engineering, Food Safety, and Chemical Engineering education. Education: BSc, MSc & PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Birmingham. Research Interests: Food safety challenges in reformulation, circular economy applications, and nanocomposite development for drug delivery. His current projects include food waste valorization via supercritical CO₂ extraction and ohmic heating for food safety. Editorial Roles: Associate Editor of the Journal of Water and Environmental Nanotechnology and Guest Editor of the Journal of Sustainability (Special Issue on Food Waste). Advising: Supervises PhD/MSc projects in Food Engineering and Environmental Bioprocessing. Leads modules such as 'Food Microbiology and Safety' and 'Novel Food Processing'.

Mohammad NaraghiView profile

Professor

• Nanomaterials Engineering
• Materials Science
• Polymer Engineering
• +6 more

Dr. Mohammad Naraghi is a Professor and Associate Department Head for Academics in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Texas A&M University. He leads the Nanostuctured Materials Lab , focusing on advanced nanomaterials for aerospace applications. His work integrates material science principles to develop lightweight, high-performance materials for structural, energy storage, and smart textile systems. Education: Ph.D., Aerospace Engineering (2009), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign M.S., Civil Engineering (2004), Sharif University of Technology B.S., Civil Engineering (2004), Sharif University of Technology Research Interests: Graphitic carbon nanomaterials, bio-inspired composites, experimental nanomechanics, and polymer nanofiber processing. His lab explores multifunctional materials for aerospace applications, including self-healing polymers, structural batteries, and sustainable carbon fiber recycling. Publications: Dr. Naraghi has authored over 150 peer-reviewed articles, with recent work focusing on carbon nanomaterial synthesis, self-healing vitrimers, and all-electric aircraft sustainability . His studies bridge nanoscale mechanics and macroscale applications, emphasizing scalability and industrial relevance. Awards: Best Paper Award (2009) for nano viscoelastic composites research Roger A. Strehlow Memorial Award (2009) for outstanding research First Place in Sandia MEMS Design Competition (2007) Advising & Grants: Leads NSF-funded projects on sustainable materials and structural energy storage. Advises graduate students in aerospace and materials engineering. Collaborates with Sandia National Labs and industry partners on advanced composite development. Labs & Facilities: Directs the Nanostuctured Materials Lab, equipped with advanced nanomechanical testing systems, electrospinning setups, and characterization tools for nanoscale materials analysis.

Morten Ambye-JensenView profile

Associate Professor

• Biorefinery Technology
• Sustainable Protein Production
• Environmental Engineering
• +3 more

Morten Ambye-Jensen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering at Aarhus University, specializing in biorefinery technology and sustainable protein production. His work focuses on optimizing green biorefining processes for agricultural residues to produce high-value products like biochar, proteins, and bio-based materials while minimizing environmental impact. Key research interests include: Development of integrated biorefinery systems for grasses and legumes Protein extraction from residual biomass for food and feed applications Life cycle assessment of bio-based technologies Waste-to-resource valorization strategies Climate-smart agricultural practices He leads or collaborates on major projects such as Green Valleys 2.0 (2023-2025) and ENTRANCE (2022-2025), which aim to create circular bioeconomies and reduce reliance on imported soybeans. His research also explores energy-efficient processing techniques and biochar applications in agriculture. Notable achievements include advancing fractionation technologies for alfalfa and grass-clover biomass, and demonstrating how pyrolysis integration can enhance biorefinery energy efficiency while producing valuable biochar.

Jon GibbinsView profile

Professor

• Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)
• Power Plant Engineering
• Coal and Biomass Combustion
• +7 more

Professor Jon Gibbins is a faculty member at the University of Sheffield within the School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering . He serves as the Centre Director of the UK Carbon Capture and Storage Research Centre and is a Research Area Champion for Solvent Post-Combustion . With over 30 years of experience in coal/biomass gasification and CCS since 2002, his work spans academic, industrial, and policy domains. He contributes to global CCS initiatives, including the SaskPower CCS Global Consortium Advisory Committee , and advises on energy system balancing, economics, and regulation. Research Interests: Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Power Plant Engineering Coal and Biomass Combustion Hydrogen Production with CCS Techno-economic Analysis Flexible Power Plant Operation Recent Article Trends focus on CCS integration, solvent optimization, hydrogen decarbonization, and combustion dynamics. His work emphasizes partnerships with industry and governments, particularly in China and the UK, addressing climate policy, energy security, and technology deployment.

• Catalysis
• Environmental Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• +3 more

Louise Olsson is a Professor and Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering at Chalmers University of Technology. Her research focuses on catalysis for emission control and alternative fuel production, combining experimental and kinetic modeling approaches. She leads a research group affiliated with the Competence Center for Catalysis (KCK), integrating basic and applied projects with industry partners. Her work spans catalyst design for exhaust gas purification, biofuel production via lignin valorization, and sustainable chemical processes. Notable research areas include sulfur poisoning mechanisms, NOx reduction catalysts, and kinetic modeling of catalytic systems. Over 230 publications highlight her contributions to catalysis, with recent studies exploring novel catalysts for expanded temperature ranges and bio-oil upgrading. Louise’s research emphasizes bridging fundamental science with industrial applications, addressing challenges in renewable energy and emission reduction. Her group’s collaborations with industry ensure practical impact, while their kinetic models provide insights into catalyst behavior under varying conditions.

Lin WeiView profile

Professor

• Bioenergy
• Biomass Conversion
• Food Processing and Safety
• +3 more

Dr. Lin Wei is a Professor and Graduate Coordinator in the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at South Dakota State University (SDSU). He holds a B.S. in Agricultural Engineering from China Agricultural University, M.S. in Mechanical Engineering (Guangxi University), and M.S./Ph.D. in Biological Engineering (Mississippi State University). His research focuses on biomass conversion, bioenergy production, smart agriculture, and food safety. He leads projects on biochar-based fertilizers, cold plasma food safety technologies, and AI-driven precision farming. Dr. Wei has authored over 80 peer-reviewed papers and secured $7M+ in grants. He chairs multiple professional committees (ASABE Renewable Energy, USDA-S1075, ISO-WG6) and serves as editor for journals like Agricultural Engineering and Transactions of the ASABE. Recent grants include biochar soil health studies ($583K USDA) and nanobubble dairy waste management ($22K SD WRI). His team develops smart sensors for crop monitoring and biopolymer nanocomposites for food packaging. Notable awards include 2024 Outstanding Researcher (College of Agriculture) and 2022 Excellence in Editing (ASABE). Ongoing work integrates thermochemical processes with AI to enhance biofuel production efficiency and environmental sustainability.

• Soil Science
• Climate Change Mitigation
• Environmental Protection
• +5 more

Dr. Sharon O'Rourke is an Assistant Professor and Ad Astra Fellow at the University College Dublin (UCD) School of Biosystems and Food Engineering since 2019. Previously, she held roles at the University of Sydney and UCD's School of Agriculture and Food Science, focusing on soil science and environmental protection. She holds a BAgrSc from UCD and a PhD in Soil Nutrient Management from Queen's University Belfast. Research Interests: Her work centers on sustainable soil management, soil carbon sequestration, and environmental protection. She employs spectral techniques (e.g., mid-infrared, hyperspectral imaging) and modeling to study soil geochemistry, carbon dynamics, and climate change mitigation. Current projects include ClimateCropping (EU-wide soil carbon management), PRISM (in-field soil sensors), and CFunction (carbon-nutrient stoichiometry). Grants & Projects: Key grants include funding from Teagasc, the Department of Agriculture, and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. Notable projects include proximal soil sensing for carbon monitoring and bio-based product development via pyrolysis. Teaching: She coordinates modules such as 'Carbon & Sustainability,' 'Soil Technology,' and 'Research Skills,' emphasizing agricultural systems and climate-smart practices. Awards: Recognized as an Ad Astra Fellow, highlighting her contributions to innovative soil science research.