Sonali Mohapatra

Sonali Mohapatra is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biotechnology at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. She holds a Ph.D. in Bioprocess Engineering (Fermentation Technology) from BPUT, India, and has extensive experience in bioethanol production from lignocellulosic biomass, microbial genetics, and bioprocess optimization. Her research focuses on valorizing agricultural waste into value-added products through advanced fermentation techniques and enzyme engineering.

Education:

• B.Tech in Industrial Biotechnology, Dr. M.G.R University, India (2008)
• M.Tech in Industrial Biotechnology, Dr. M.G.R University, India (2011)
• Ph.D. in Bioprocess Engineering, BPUT, India (2021)

Research Interests:

• Development of consolidated bioprocessing systems for bioethanol production
• Metabolomics-driven strain improvement for industrial applications
• Optimization of pretreatment techniques for biomass saccharification
• Prebiotic synthesis from lignocellulosic residues
• Co-culture fermentation strategies for biobutanol production
• Green synthesis of lignin-based nanomaterials

Publications & Grants:

• Over 20 peer-reviewed articles in journals like Chemosphere, Renewable Energy, and Bioresource Technology.
• Patents filed include a controlled-release fertilizer using fermentation effluent.
• Recipient of grants for bioethanol and bioproduct development projects.

Labs & Collaborations: Active in the Enzyme Institute, leading a multidisciplinary team focused on biomass valorization and sustainable biotechnology solutions.