Sandeep Kumar

Sandeep Kumar is a Professor and Chair in the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering at Old Dominion University's Batten College of Engineering and Technology. With expertise spanning environmental and chemical engineering, he leads research initiatives focused on sustainable energy solutions and waste valorization. His leadership extends to directing the Biomass Research Laboratory (BRL), where innovative approaches to biomass conversion and environmental remediation are developed.

Dr. Kumar's research interests center on decarbonization strategies, microalgae-based technologies, circular economy principles, renewable carbon pathways, biofuels and bioproducts development, electrochemical hydrogenation processes, microplastics management, lithium extraction methods, adsorption technologies, waste management systems, and nutrient recycling techniques. His work bridges fundamental chemical processes with practical environmental applications, particularly in converting waste streams into valuable resources.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on hydrothermal processing technologies, particularly flash hydrolysis and hydrothermal liquefaction of biomass. His research spans multiple applications including biofuel production, nutrient recovery, and value-added chemical synthesis from waste streams. The work demonstrates integration across chemical engineering, environmental science, and materials science to address sustainability challenges.

• 2023: 2022, 2022, and 2023 Top 2% most cited researchers based on single-year citation impact
• 2023: Nominated for The State Council for Higher Education of Virginia (SCHEV)
• 2022: Fulbright scholarship award for visiting Italy
• 2019: University Doctoral Mentoring Award, Old Dominion University
• 2017: Provost's Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Research Mentor
• 2013: National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award

Dr. Kumar has secured substantial research funding, including multiple federal grants exceeding $4 million total, with projects spanning from fundamental mechanistic studies to commercial applications. His mentoring excellence is recognized through awards for doctoral and undergraduate research guidance. He directs the Biomass Research Laboratory (BRL), which focuses on developing advanced hydrothermal processing technologies for biomass conversion and environmental applications.