Maria Fernanda Neira D'Angelo

Maria Fernanda Neira D'Angelo is an Associate Professor in Chemical Engineering and Chemistry at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), specializing in Sustainable Process Engineering and Chemical Reactor Engineering. She is affiliated with EIRES Research and the Chemelot InSCiTe NIOK initiative, collaborating with industrial partners like SABIC. Her work focuses on developing sustainable chemical processes with a strong emphasis on biomass conversion technologies.

Dr. Neira D'Angelo's academic journey includes:

• Chemical Engineering studies at Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain
• Master's research on biomass gasification and Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis at TU/e (2010, cum laude)
• PhD in catalytic conversion of biomass via Aqueous Phase Reforming at TU/e (2014, cum laude)

Her research profile centers on reaction and catalysis engineering to develop novel sustainable process technologies, particularly for converting lignocellulosic biomass to chemicals and fuels. She integrates reactor engineering with catalysis development, focusing on multiphase reactors and novel reactor concepts like foam-based, spinning disc, and microreactors. Her work targets the efficient utilization of entire lignocellulose fractions (sugars and lignin) to realize a future bio-based economy. This research directly contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to sustainability and clean energy.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals strong trends in biomass valorization, particularly lignin-first approaches, hydrogen production, and CO₂ conversion technologies. Her work increasingly focuses on integrating novel reactor designs with advanced catalytic systems, with growing emphasis on electrochemical conversion processes and membrane technologies for separation. The research spans fundamental catalyst development to process-scale engineering considerations.

Dr. Neira D'Angelo has received academic recognition through cum laude distinctions for both her Master's and PhD work. While specific named awards aren't detailed in the provided information, her research has generated significant scholarly impact with over 1000 citations according to Scopus metrics. Her work has been featured in multiple press and media outlets, highlighting its relevance to sustainable aviation, climate change mitigation, and the broader transition to a circular economy.

With an impressive research output of 97 publications and supervision of 65 student works, Dr. Neira D'Angelo maintains an active research program. Her current projects include the GICO project (Gasification Integrated with CO₂ capture and conversion, 2020-2024), where she serves as a project member. She teaches courses in Chemical Reactor Engineering (since 2020) and Chemical Reactors (since 2013, through 2025), demonstrating her commitment to education alongside research.

Dr. Neira D'Angelo's research group operates at the intersection of reactor engineering and catalysis, with particular expertise in microreactor technology, membrane reactors, and novel catalyst development. Her team's work often involves interdisciplinary collaboration, bridging chemical engineering, materials science, and sustainable chemistry to address complex challenges in biomass conversion and renewable energy technologies.