Bhushan Gopaluni

Bhushan Gopaluni is a Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of British Columbia, where he also serves as Associate Dean for Education and Professional Development in the Faculty of Applied Science. He holds associate faculty positions in multiple interdisciplinary institutes including the Institute of Applied Mathematics, Institute for Computing, Information and Cognitive Systems, Pulp and Paper Center, and Clean Energy Research Center. He previously held the Elizabeth and Leslie Gould Teaching Professorship from 2014 to 2017.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, University of Alberta (2003)
• Bachelor of Technology in Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (1997)

Research Interests:

Professor Gopaluni's research spans several critical areas at the intersection of chemical engineering, machine learning, and process control. His primary focus includes the development of advanced process control strategies using reinforcement learning and machine learning techniques. He has made significant contributions to battery technology research, particularly in capacity estimation and remaining useful life prediction for lithium-ion batteries. His work also encompasses sustainable energy systems, industrial process monitoring, fault diagnosis, and the application of digital twin technology in chemical processes.

His research methodology emphasizes the integration of data-driven approaches with fundamental process understanding, leading to practical solutions for complex industrial challenges. This includes the development of interpretable machine learning models for industrial applications, real-time optimization strategies, and advanced monitoring systems for process industries.

Publications and Research Impact:

Professor Gopaluni's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on cutting-edge applications of machine learning in chemical engineering. His work prominently features battery technology and energy systems, with multiple papers addressing lithium-ion battery capacity estimation and management. He has also contributed significantly to process control applications, including drilling process monitoring, greenhouse gas reduction in marine transport, and renewable carbon tracking in biofuel processing. His research extends to advanced computational methods including deep learning, reinforcement learning, and causal discovery in industrial processes.

Awards and Recognition:

• Killam Teaching Prize (University of British Columbia)
• Dean's Service Medal (University of British Columbia)
• D.G. Fisher Award in Process Control (Canadian Society for Chemical Engineers)
• Elizabeth and Leslie Gould Teaching Professor (2014-2017)

Professional Service and Editorial Roles:

Professor Gopaluni currently serves as Associate Editor for three prestigious journals: Journal of Process Control, The Journal of Franklin Institute, and Results in Control and Optimization. His service to the academic community extends through his role as Associate Dean for Education and Professional Development, where he oversees educational initiatives across the Faculty of Applied Science.

Industry Experience:

From 2003 to 2005, Professor Gopaluni worked as an engineering consultant at Matrikon Inc. (now Honeywell Process Solutions), where he designed and commissioned multivariable controllers for British Columbia's pulp and paper industry and implemented controller performance monitoring projects across oil & gas and chemical industries.