Dr. Ng How Yong is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore (NUS). He specializes in membrane science and wastewater treatment technologies, with a focus on membrane fouling mitigation and bioelectrochemical systems. His research integrates membrane bioreactors, anaerobic/aerobic processes, and microbial sensors for sustainable water reclamation and industrial wastewater management. Education: BEng/MEng (Civil Engineering, NUS, 1997/2000), Ph.D. (Environmental Engineering, UC Berkeley, 2002) Research interests include membrane separation processes, microbial fuel cell-based sensors for heavy metal detection, and energy recovery from wastewater. He has pioneered advancements in anaerobic ceramic membrane bioreactors and forward osmosis technologies. Key contributions span over 50 peer-reviewed publications, focusing on optimizing biological treatment systems, understanding fouling mechanisms, and developing novel desalination processes. His work bridges fundamental science and engineering applications, addressing global water scarcity challenges. Awards: IWA Fellow (2012), NUS Young Researcher Award (2009), Singapore Youth Award (2008) Dr. Ng has led multiple international conferences, including the 8th IWA Specialist Conference on Membrane Technology (2017) and the 3rd Asia-Pacific Young Water Professional Conference (2010). He serves on editorial boards of Water Research , Journal of Water Reuse and Desalination , and the International Water Association committees.
Prof. Dr. Tunç ÇATAL is a Professor of Molecular Biology and Genetics at Üsküdar Üniversitesi. He holds a PhD from İstanbul Technical University (2008) and conducted postdoctoral research at Oregon State University and the National University of Ireland Galway. His expertise spans microbial biotechnology, molecular biology, and hydrogen production. Education: BSc in Biology, İstanbul University (2001) MSc in Biology, İstanbul University (2004) PhD in Molecular Biology-Genetics and Biotechnology, İstanbul Technical University (2008) Administrative Roles: Head of Molecular Biology and Genetics Department (English Program) Director of PROMER Research Center Bologna Coordinator and Erasmus Coordinator His research focuses on microbial electrochemical systems, bioremediation, and bioenergy. Notable contributions include optimizing hydrogen production using microbial electrolysis cells and studying the effects of pharmaceuticals on microbial fuel cell efficiency. He has supervised 3 graduate theses and holds TÜBİTAK awards for impactful publications. His work integrates environmental science and molecular biology, with applications in sustainable energy (e.g., hydrogen production) and wastewater treatment. Recent studies explore novel curcumin compounds for toxicity mitigation and marine mucilage-based bioelectrochemical systems.
Dr. Srinivas Prabakar is a Professor of Instruction in the Department of Civil Engineering at The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). He specializes in water quality, wastewater treatment, and environmental engineering, with a focus on chloramine stability, disinfection by-products, and sustainable water management. Dr. Prabakar holds a PhD in Civil Engineering from UTA (2012), an ME in Chemical Engineering from Annamalai University (2004), and a B.Tech in Chemical Engineering from the University of Madras (2000). Education: PhD, Civil Engineering, UTA (2012) ME, Chemical Engineering, Annamalai University (2004) B.Tech, Chemical Engineering, University of Madras (2000) His research interests center on improving water distribution systems and addressing challenges in wastewater management. Notable projects include investigations into factors affecting chloramine stability in UTA’s water systems and studies on biosorption of heavy metals. Dr. Prabakar has authored or co-authored over 30 publications, including peer-reviewed articles on topics like chlorine decay dynamics and microbial fuel cell applications. His teaching portfolio includes courses such as Principles of Environmental Engineering and Biological Processes, reflecting his commitment to educating future environmental engineers. Dr. Prabakar has advised numerous graduate students and served on dissertation committees, mentoring research in areas like concrete durability and landfill biocovers. Dr. Prabakar’s service roles include Faculty Advisor for Civil Engineering undergraduates, membership in the Texas Water Science & Research Division, and reviewer positions for journals like ASCE Journal of Environmental Engineering . He has received awards including the 2024 Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award and the 2019 Tau Beta Pi-Eminent Engineer distinction. His current grants focus on advancing nanocomposite materials for sewer pipe longevity and identifying critical source areas for non-point pollutants in North Texas watersheds. Dr. Prabakar’s interdisciplinary work bridges environmental engineering challenges with practical solutions for sustainable infrastructure.
G. Kane Jennings is a Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Vanderbilt University's School of Engineering, where he also serves as Director of Graduate Recruiting. His research focuses on molecular design of smart surfaces and biohybrid materials for applications in solar energy conversion, responsive coatings, and nanoscale lubrication. He leads the Jennings Lab, training students in bioinspired materials science. Jennings holds a Ph.D. from MIT and specializes in self-assembly techniques and surface-initiated polymerizations. Education: Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology M.S., Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology B.S., Chemical Engineering, Auburn University Research Interests: Jennings develops adaptive materials such as anionic chameleon coatings, biohybrid solar systems using Photosystem I proteins, and high-throughput membrane fabrication via spin coating-ROP integration. His group explores nanoscale defect detection in 3D-printed materials and corrosion-resistant surface treatments. Lab Innovations: Highlights include the mMSIP micromolding technique for customizable superhydrophobic coatings and the scROMP method enabling rapid polymer film synthesis. Collaborations with civil engineering and chemistry departments advance energy-minimizing surfaces and bioelectrochemical systems. Awards: No explicit awards listed, though his work has been funded through interdisciplinary initiatives at Vanderbilt's VINSE and Process Innovation Center.
University of California , Santa Barbara (UCSB)United States
Dr. Andrea S. Carlini is an Assistant Professor of Materials in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). Her research focuses on structurally dynamic biomaterials and devices, aiming to bridge biochemical signals with soft materials for smart biomedical applications. She holds a PhD from UC San Diego and completed a postdoc at Northwestern University’s Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics. B.S. in Chemistry & Biological Sciences (Virginia Tech, 2012) M.S. in Chemistry & Biochemistry (UC San Diego, 2014) Ph.D. in Chemistry & Biochemistry (UC San Diego, 2018) Her research is organized into three core areas: (1) stimuli-responsive materials for disease monitoring, (2) 4D shape-changing peptides/polymers, and (3) soft wearable devices for quantitative health feedback. Recent work includes thermal sensors for vascular access and enzyme-responsive biomaterials for tissue engineering. Published articles span bio-electrochemical systems, wearable sensors, and smart hydrogels. Her NSF GRFP Fellowship supported early work on myocardial tissue engineering. The Carlini Group collaborates broadly across UCSB’s interdisciplinary environment. Labs/Teams: Carlini Group (UCSB) Focus: Bioelectronics, biomedical devices, and dynamic materials
Dr. Thomas E. Winkler serves as Head of Junior Research Group at the Institute of Microtechnology within the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at Technische Universität Braunschweig, with additional affiliation to the Center of Pharmaceutical Engineering (PVZ). His research bridges microtechnology and biomedical applications through innovative engineering solutions. Dr. Winkler earned his Dipl.-Ing. in Biophysics and Nanotechnology from Johannes Kepler University, Linz (2005-2011), followed by a Ph.D. in Bioengineering from the University of Maryland, College Park (2011-2017). After completing postdoctoral research at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm (2017-2021), he established his independent research group at TU Braunschweig. His research program focuses on developing advanced microfluidic platforms for biomedical applications, with particular emphasis on creating Lab- and Organ-on-a-Chip systems, bioelectrochemical sensors, and iPSC-based cellular models for neuropsychiatric disorder research. This interdisciplinary work combines engineering precision with biological complexity to address pharmaceutical and medical challenges. Fulbright Foreign Student Fellow (2011-2017) Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions – Individual Fellowship (2018-2020) Dr. Winkler leads the Biomicrosystems Integration research group, which maintains strong connections with the Center of Pharmaceutical Engineering. His laboratory work represents TU Braunschweig's strategic commitment to interdisciplinary research at the intersection of mechanical engineering and life sciences, with applications in drug development and personalized medicine.
Plamen Atanassov is a Chancellor’s Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering with a joint appointment in Materials Science and Engineering at the Samueli School of Engineering, University of California, Irvine . His work focuses on developing advanced electrocatalysts for energy conversion and storage systems. Department: Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering Academic Rank: Professor (Chancellor’s Professor honorific) Research Themes: Electrocatalysis, Bio-electrocatalysis, Fuel Cells, Energy Harvesting Research Interests: Prof. Atanassov specializes in non-platinum and platinum-based electrocatalysts for fuel cells, bio-inspired energy systems , and carbon dioxide valorization technologies . His group has pioneered: Atomically dispersed metal-nitrogen-carbon catalysts Novel synthesis methods for durable electrocatalysts Machine learning-guided fuel cell optimization Electrochemical ammonia and urea production Hydrogen evolution reaction with non-precious metals Scientific Contributions: With over 380 peer-reviewed papers (101 h-index), 50 issued US patents , and 35+ PhD students advised , his work bridges fundamental electrochemistry and industrial-scale energy solutions. Recent publications emphasize catalyst durability under realistic conditions, CO2 reduction, and sustainable manufacturing practices.
Andrew J. Schuler is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of New Mexico, where he has been since 2007. His research focuses on microbial processes in wastewater treatment and bioremediation, with particular emphasis on modeling distributed bacterial states, biofilm dynamics, and integrating molecular methods with environmental engineering. He teaches courses in water/wastewater treatment (CE 335) and biological wastewater treatment (CE 536). Ph.D., Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California at Berkeley (1998) M.S., Civil and Environmental Engineering, UC Berkeley (1993) B.S., Civil Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder (1987) Dr. Schuler's research addresses critical challenges in biological wastewater treatment , including: Microbial storage products and density effects on solids separation Agent-based modeling of bacterial state distributions Integrated fixed-film activated sludge (IFAS) systems Photolytic and microbial degradation of Superfund chemicals His recent publications explore biofilm surface chemistry , algae-based wastewater treatment , and computational modeling of microbial communities . Notable funded projects include NSF CAREER grants, NIEHS Superfund subprojects, and North Carolina Biotechnology Center collaborations. National Science Foundation CAREER Award (2004) Paul L. Busch Award (2008) AEESP/CH2M HILL Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award (1999) Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Postdoctoral Fellowship (1999) Dr. Schuler leads the Schuler Laboratory , which investigates microbial dynamics in wastewater treatment systems, develops the DisSimulator agent-based modeling tool, and provides practical solutions for activated sludge settling problems through density analysis. Current funding supports advanced research in biofilm optimization and sustainable water reuse technologies.
Mohan Qin is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Her research focuses on developing novel approaches for resource recovery from waste streams and the concentration and detection of microplastics in the Great Lakes. Dr. Qin received her educational degrees as follows: Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech (2017) M.S. in Environmental Engineering from Peking University (2013) B.S. in Environmental Engineering from Shandong University (2010) Her primary research areas include: Bioelectrochemical systems for resource recovery from wastewater Environmental biotechnology for sustainable wastewater treatment Electrochemical processes for desalination and water treatment Membrane-based technology for selective ion removal Her work particularly emphasizes ammonia recovery from manure and wastewater, and the detection of microplastics in freshwater systems, contributing to sustainable water management and resource conservation. Analysis of Dr. Qin's recent publications (2022-2025) reveals a strong focus on ammonia recovery using membrane and electrochemical systems, with increasing attention to microplastics detection in lake water. Her work spans from fundamental transport mechanisms to practical applications in dairy manure treatment and Great Lakes monitoring, often integrating novel sensor technologies and renewable energy sources. Dr. Qin has received numerous awards, including: 2024 IWA Membrane Technology Specialist Group (MTSG) Rising Star Award 2024 University of Wisconsin-Madison Hilldale Undergraduate/Faculty Research Fellowship 2023 UW-Madison Media Fellow and Sustainability Fellow 2022 UW-Madison Madison Teaching and Learning Excellence (MTLE) Fellow Multiple awards during her graduate studies at Virginia Tech Dr. Qin actively mentors students through thesis and independent study courses (CIV ENGR 890, 990, 699) and has been awarded the Hilldale Fellowship for undergraduate research collaboration. Her research is supported by several fellowships including the UW-Madison Sustainability Fellow and Media Fellow, which likely fund her innovative work in resource recovery and microplastics detection. She leads a research group at UW-Madison focused on environmental biotechnology and electrochemical systems, collaborating with institutions like Yale University (where she completed her postdoc) and contributing to journals as an associate editor for Desalination and Water Treatment and on the early career editorial board of ACS ES&T Engineering.
Prof. Annemiek ter Heijne is a Full Professor of Environmental Technology at Wageningen University & Research, affiliated with the Agrotechnology & Food Sciences faculty and leading the Environmental Technology group. She focuses on circular economy solutions, microbial electrochemistry, and sustainable resource recovery from waste streams. Her research integrates biological, chemical, and physical processes to develop technologies like bioelectrochemical systems for methane production and nutrient recovery. Education: MSc in Environmental Sciences (Wageningen University), PhD in Environmental Technology (Wageningen University & Wetsus). She has held a 0.8 FTE position since her PhD, balancing work with family and hobbies. Her leadership emphasizes collaboration, work-life balance, and the ethical use of AI in science. Research Interests: Bioelectrochemical systems, microbial fuel cells, carbon capture via electrochemical processes, and sustainable wastewater treatment. She explores how bacteria can clean wastewater while generating energy, emphasizing circularity and global sustainability. Key Projects: Scaling up methane-producing bioelectrochemical systems, CO₂-to-methane conversion, and optimizing bioanodes for ammonium recovery. Collaborates with industry to translate lab innovations into real-world applications. Awards: NWO Vidi Grant (2019) Advising: Supervises 18 PhD candidates including D. Metz (Circular Nutrients), Y. Chang (Sulfur Recovery), and J. Steller (Power-to-Methane) Grants: Multiple EU and industry funded projects on electrochemical technologies Labs/Teams: Leads the Environmental Technology group and chairs the Wageningen Energy Alliance, fostering cross-disciplinary energy research.
Marika Kokko is a Professor of Bio- and Circular Economy at the University of Tampere, affiliated with the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences and the Department of Materials Science and Environmental Engineering. Her research focuses on sustainable solutions for carbon dioxide utilization, nutrient recovery, and bioelectrochemical systems. She leads projects such as isoSUS (developing short-chain fatty acid conversion) and BioNH4 (recovering ammonium nitrogen from wastewater). Education: Doctor of Science (Technology), Tampere University of Technology (2013) Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Freiburg, Germany (2014–2016) Tenure-track career progression at Tampere University since 2016 Research Interests: CO₂ conversion via microbial electrosynthesis and bioelectrochemical processes Electrochemical nitrogen recovery from wastewater Microplastic analysis in environmental matrices Bioremediation of industrial waste streams Grants & Collaborations: Funded by Business Finland, Ministry of the Environment, and international consortia Active in interdisciplinary projects like CICAT2025 and UPCE Labs/Teams: Her research group investigates bioelectrochemical systems, microbial communities, and circular economy innovations. They collaborate with industry partners to scale sustainable technologies.
Shu Hu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical & Environmental Engineering at Yale University, affiliated with the Energy Sciences Institute. He holds a PhD from Stanford University and a B.S. from Tsinghua University. His research focuses on solar energy conversion, photocatalytic devices, and sustainable chemical synthesis using CO₂ and water. The Hu Lab develops photocatalysts and reactor designs for producing H₂, CO, and small molecular-weight chemicals from renewable sources. Key areas include semiconductor photoelectrochemistry, functional coatings, and cascade catalysis under molecular flux. Notable achievements include an ACS ENFL Emerging Researcher Award (2024), a DOE Early Career Award (2021), and the Scialog Fellow designation (2020). The lab has published 86 peer-reviewed papers, graduated 5 PhD students, and employs 14 researchers. Funding comes from prestigious grants supporting energy-efficient AI hardware and scalable PEC systems. Research interests span semiconductor-electrochemistry interfaces, non-equilibrium catalysis, and multi-scale modeling. The lab’s work integrates photocatalyst discovery, device engineering, and practical reactor design to advance clean energy technologies.
East China University of Science and TechnologyChina
Professor Mou Bozhong is a full Professor and Doctoral Supervisor at the School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology (ECUST) . He serves as Director of the Engineering Research Center for Biorecovery, Ministry of Education and heads the Institute of Applied Chemistry . Recognized as a Foreign Academician of the Russian Academy of Engineering , he also sits on the editorial boards of five leading journals and is a member of key professional committees of the Chinese Chemical Society and Chinese Society of Microbiology. Education & Career Path B.Sc. (1982), Chengdu University of Technology M.Sc. (1989), China Coal Research Institute (Xi’an) – Geodrilling Fluid Chemistry Laboratory Ph.D. (1998), Southwest Petroleum University – Applied Chemistry/Interfacial Chemistry Postdoctoral Research (1998–2000), Ocean University of Qingdao Visiting Scholar, University of Wyoming, USA – Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery (MEOR) Joined ECUST as Full Professor (January 2001–present) Research Interests Professor Mu’s interdisciplinary research integrates microbiology, interfacial chemistry, and petroleum engineering . He investigates microbial life in extreme reservoir environments , focusing on: Structure and function of biosurfactants and bio-based surfactants Anaerobic biodegradation pathways of petroleum hydrocarbons and associated biomarkers Microbial community dynamics in high-temperature, high-pressure reservoirs CO₂ biotransformation and biofixation by reservoir microorganisms for CCUS applications Microbially influenced corrosion (MIC) and mitigation strategies in oilfield systems Publication & Patent Trends His 200+ SCI-indexed articles and 50+ invention patents (32 authorized) reveal a trajectory from fundamental molecular simulation of lipopeptide surfactants to large-scale field demonstrations of MEOR and CO₂-EOR technologies. Notable themes include in-situ microbial community engineering, metabolic pathway reconstruction via multi-omics, and development of eco-friendly surfactants for enhanced energy recovery . Scientific Awards & Honors Foreign Academician, Russian Academy of Engineering Second Prize, National Science and Technology Progress Award (2010) First Prize, Shanghai Science and Technology Progress Award (2008) First Prize, China Industry-University-Research Cooperation Innovation Achievement Award Baosteel Outstanding Teacher Award National Teaching Achievement Award (Second Prize) Enjoys Special Government Allowance from the State Council Member, 11th & 12th Shanghai CPPCC Teaching & Mentoring Professor Mu delivers core undergraduate courses in Physical Chemistry and graduate courses in Biophysical Chemistry and Energy Biotechnology . He pioneered the nation’s first bilingual Physical Chemistry demonstration course and mentors students in chemistry, microbiology, and bioengineering, actively recruiting Ph.D. and Master’s candidates. Laboratory & Teams His laboratories (Room 225, Laboratory Building 3) house the Engineering Research Center for Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery , equipped for molecular microbiology, interfacial chemistry, and pilot-scale bioprocess testing. The group collaborates with PetroChina, SINOPEC, and international partners to translate fundamental discoveries into field applications.
Marianne Nyman is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), affiliated with the School of Engineering and the Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies (CBIS). Her research focuses on environmental engineering, water quality, biochemical processes, and biomaterials, with a strong emphasis on remediation technologies for organic pollutants, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), endocrine disruptors, and aromatic amines. She has pioneered studies on peroxy-acid treatment for contaminant degradation and explores applications in bioremediation and energy production. Her work spans laboratory-scale innovations to field-scale environmental solutions, addressing challenges in water treatment, sediment remediation, and agricultural systems. Notable contributions include optimizing LED wavelengths for plant growth optimization and investigating CO 2 enrichment effects on leafy greens. Nyman’s research integrates chemical engineering principles with ecological and agricultural systems, reflecting her interdisciplinary approach to solving complex environmental problems. Her publications highlight advancements in advanced oxidation processes, sorption dynamics, and predictive modeling of contaminant behavior. While no specific awards are listed, her sustained contributions to environmental engineering are evident through her prolific and impactful research output. Her lab collaborates with CBIS to bridge biotechnology and environmental science, addressing emerging contaminants and sustainable remediation strategies.
Amelia-Elena Rotaru is a Professor of Microbial Biochemistry and Physiology at the University of Southern Denmark. Her research focuses on electromicrobiology, methanogenesis, and microbial interactions in environmental and biotechnological contexts. She has held postdoctoral positions at Aarhus University (Denmark) and University of Massachusetts, Amherst (USA). Education: Ph.D. (2009) from Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology (Germany). Her work explores microbial electron transfer mechanisms, including direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) and electroactive consortia. She contributes to editorial roles as Associate Editor for Frontiers in Microbiology and Guest Associate Editor for topics in bioenergy and geomicrobiology. She collaborates with institutions like Texas A&M University, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, and Aarhus University. Her research has significant implications for climate change mitigation and renewable energy technologies.
