Rebecca G. Ong

Rebecca G. Ong is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Michigan Technological University, where she serves as Co-Director of Graduate Programs and is an active member of the Ecosystem Science Center. Her research bridges chemical engineering and sustainability science to advance bioenergy and waste valorization technologies.

Her educational foundation includes a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Michigan State University and dual Bachelor of Science degrees from Michigan Technological University in Chemical Engineering and Biological Sciences (Plant Biology). This interdisciplinary background enables her unique approach to biomass conversion challenges.

Dr. Ong's research program focuses on lignocellulosic biomass conversion through innovative pretreatment strategies like Ammonia Fiber Expansion (AFEX), with recent expansion into plastic waste upcycling via chemical deconstruction and microbial degradation. Her work spans molecular-scale plant cell wall studies, field-scale biomass assessments, and process engineering for sustainable biorefineries, addressing critical bottlenecks in biofuel production and plastic waste management.

Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals a strategic pivot from traditional bioenergy systems toward integrated solutions for the plastic waste crisis, while maintaining core expertise in biomass conversion. This evolution demonstrates her commitment to addressing evolving environmental challenges through chemical engineering innovation, with strong emphasis on process sustainability and scalability.

As Co-Director of Graduate Programs, she shapes chemical engineering education through courses including Advanced Transport Phenomena (CM5300), Alternative Energy Processes (CM3979/ENT3979), and Bioprocess Engineering Lab (CM4125). Her leadership in the Ecosystem Science Center facilitates cross-disciplinary collaboration on sustainability challenges, connecting engineering solutions with ecological systems analysis.