Rebecca Ong

Rebecca Ong is an Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering and Co-Director of Graduate Programs in Chemical Engineering at Michigan Technological University (MTU). She holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Michigan State University and dual BS degrees in Chemical Engineering and Biological Sciences from MTU. Her research focuses on lignocellulosic-based biofuels and biomaterials, with a particular emphasis on optimizing biomass conversion processes and assessing the sustainability of bioenergy systems. She investigates pretreatment methodologies like AFEX (Ammonia Fiber Expansion) to enhance enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency, and explores the interplay between plant biology, feedstock quality, and biofuel production.

Her work spans topics including switchgrass and energy sorghum pretreatment, microbial inhibition in biofuel production, and the environmental impacts of bioenergy systems. Recent studies address challenges in plastic waste upcycling and climate resilience of energy crops. Dr. Ong collaborates on interdisciplinary projects involving bioprocess engineering, material characterization, and systems analysis to advance sustainable energy solutions.

• Education: PhD (Michigan State University), BS (Chemical Engineering & Biological Sciences, MTU)
• Teaching: Advanced Transport Phenomena, Alternative Energy Processes, Bioprocess Engineering Lab
• Key Research Themes: Bioenergy Sustainability, Lignocellulosic Biomass Conversion, Cell Wall Recalcitrance

Her publications highlight innovations in biomass pretreatment, microbial degradation of polymers, and systems-level analysis of biofuel production. Ong’s research bridges molecular-scale mechanisms with large-scale sustainability goals, contributing to both foundational knowledge and applied technologies in renewable energy.