Kevin McDonnell

Professor Kevin McDonnell is a faculty member at University College Dublin's School of Agriculture and Food Science, holding the position of Professor in Biosystems Engineering. He has been affiliated with UCD since 1996, progressing from a PhD student to his current role. His research focuses on sustainable energy systems, bioenergy, crop production, and precision agriculture. Key contributions include developing biorefinery systems, optimizing agricultural waste utilization, and advancing technologies for energy efficiency.

Education: B.Agr.Sc (UCD, 1991), M.Eng.Sc (UCD, 1993), PhD (UCD, 1996). Professional roles include Senior Lecturer (2012–present), College Lecturer (2002–2012), and Postdoctoral Researcher (1997–2000). He has advised on EU policies and environmental regulations, including roles with the EPA and EU COST Action E31.

Research interests span mechanization systems, precision agriculture, and sustainable energy. He leads projects on bioenergy, crop production, and environmental impact assessments. His awards include the Fulbright TechImpact Scholarship (2019), Environmental Innovation Award (2011), and recognition at international forums like the UN Food Systems Summit (2021).

Teaching responsibilities include coordinating modules on crop technology, sustainable energy systems, and organic agriculture. He has received grants for initiatives like the AgRefine program (2019–2024) and OPTI-BC (2016–2022). Active in professional associations like the International Society of Precision Agriculture and ASABE.

Labs/Teams: Involved in interdisciplinary teams focusing on biorefinery optimization, agricultural machinery, and renewable energy integration. His work bridges academic research with industry applications, emphasizing sustainability and innovation.