Diana Gutierrez

Diana Gutierrez serves as a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Agricultural & Biological Engineering at Purdue University. Her research focuses on advancing bioenergy and biorefinery technologies, particularly in optimizing biomass conversion processes such as enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic materials like corn stover and corn cobs. She investigates the effects of pelletization, pretreatment methods, and extractive compounds on biomass digestibility, with applications toward sustainable biofuel production and bioprocessing efficiency.

Her work integrates analytical modeling of biomass transport systems and high-solids slurry formation for scalable biorefinery operations. Gutierrez also explores synergies between renewable energy systems and transportation, including the role of biofuels in decarbonizing transportation sectors. Her research contributes to improving process economics, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability in agricultural and industrial bioprocessing.