Rajesh K Sani

Rajesh K Sani is a Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at South Dakota Mines. With a focus on bioenergy and extremophilic bioprocessing, he has conducted extensive research in biocatalysis, microbial processes for biofuels, and genome editing of bacteria over the past 14 years.

• Educated with a B.S.C. from Meerut University, M.S.C. from Indore University, and Ph.D. from Institute of Microbial Technology/Panjab University

His research spans extremophilic bioprocessing, biofilm dynamics on 2D materials, space biology, and thermophilic solid waste conversion. He leads the NSF-funded BuG ReMeDEE consortium involving 84 scientists and has secured $44.5 million in research funding.

Scientific contributions include over 95 peer-reviewed articles, 18 book chapters, and nine edited books. Awards include the prestigious Visiting Teaching Professorship from the American Society of Microbiologists. He developed new courses like 'Extremophilic Bioprocessing' and authored a textbook on lignocellulosic bioenergy conversion.