Luana Dessbesell

Luana Dessbesell is Assistant Professor at Aalto University's School of Chemical Engineering, where she leads the Sustainable Bioproducts Innovation research group. Her position is funded by the Aalto University Bioinnovation Center, promoting multidisciplinary collaboration across engineering, arts, and business disciplines. Originally from Brazil, Dessbesell previously conducted research in Canadian forestry before joining Aalto in February 2023.

Her research employs sustainability assessments and 'soil-to-soil' methodologies to evaluate emerging forest-based innovations. The group investigates the technical, economic, and environmental dimensions of transforming forest residues into value-added bioproducts while addressing natural variability in biomass composition. Research focuses on bridging laboratory innovations with commercial viability through techno-economic analysis and circular economy principles.

Publications demonstrate consistent focus on lignin valorization pathways, life cycle assessment methodologies, and biorefinery economics. Recent work examines allocation methods for recycled fibers and techno-economic optimization of biopolymer production from forest biomass.

Dessbesell teaches in the Bioproducts Engineering master's program, emphasizing critical thinking about sustainability and circularity in consumer contexts beyond technical product development.