Pau San Valero Tornero

Pau San Valero Tornero is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the School of Engineering, University of Valencia, Spain. He is an active member of the GI2AM Research Group on Environmental Engineering, contributing to both environmental bioprocesses and chemical engineering education innovation.

His research interests span two interconnected domains: Environmental and Bioprocess Engineering and Chemical Engineering Education. In environmental engineering, he focuses on biotrickling filtration for VOC removal, anaerobic digestion, biogas treatment, and ABE fermentation from lignocellulosic biomass like rice straw. His educational research emphasizes active learning, virtual laboratories (e.g., IQLABS, VIRTUALCHENG), pedagogical tools like Wooclap, and curriculum development for transferable skills in Industry 4.0.

The 15 most recent publications reveal a strong trend toward sustainable bioprocesses for bio-based chemical production and a parallel commitment to educational transformation. Articles cluster around optimizing fermentation conditions (pH, sugar composition), pretreatment methods, and in-situ recovery techniques for butanol, while also advancing virtual and active learning models in chemical engineering education. This dual focus highlights his role as both a technical innovator and an educational leader.

Dr. Valero has been involved in several educational innovation projects such as ACESIQ, IQLABS, and VIRTUALCHENG, which aim to modernize laboratory teaching, align curricula with learning outcomes, and enhance virtual learning strategies. These projects reflect institutional grant support and collaborative efforts to improve engineering education. Although no specific advisees are listed, his leadership in these initiatives suggests mentoring roles for students and junior faculty.

He is actively engaged with the GI2AM Research Group, where he contributes to projects on gas-phase pollution control, bioreactor modeling, and sustainable process design. This team-based research environment fosters interdisciplinary collaboration in environmental biotechnology and process engineering.