Sarah D'Adamo is an Associate Professor in Bio Process Engineering at Wageningen University & Research. Her research focuses on genetic engineering of microalgae, particularly Nannochloropsis species, to enhance lipid production, carotenoid synthesis, and selenium accumulation. She explores metabolic pathways, biotechnological applications, and sustainable biomass production. Expertise: Genetic engineering tools, lipid metabolism, microalgal biotechnology. Key Projects: Includes metabolic modeling, CRISPR-Cas systems, and industrial applications of microalgae. Her work bridges fundamental biology with industrial biotechnology, addressing challenges in biofuel production and nutrient optimization.
Kung-Hui Chu is a Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at Texas A&M University, affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences and the Water Program. Her research focuses on biotechnological solutions for environmental challenges, including the biodegradation of contaminants like PFAS, chlorinated solvents, and estrogens using microbial systems. She has pioneered studies on polyurethane biodegradation, acidophilic methanotrophs, and engineered biocatalysts for biofuel production. Her work integrates microbial ecology, genomics, and environmental engineering to address water, soil, and energy sustainability. Notable contributions include the development of magnetic activated carbon (MAC) and hydrothermal alkaline treatment (HALT) for PFAS remediation, and the use of stable isotope probing (SIP) to trace contaminant biodegradation pathways. Her articles highlight advancements in bioremediation technologies, microbial community dynamics, and sustainable waste-to-resource systems. Chu collaborates on projects such as the Texas CREWS initiative and the Aggie BLUE Print Laboratories, emphasizing interdisciplinary environmental solutions.
Professor Jun Huang is a faculty member in the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Sydney, where he holds the rank of Professor and is Director of the Laboratory for Catalysis Engineering. He is also a Domain Leader for Materials at the nanoscale at Sydney Nano Institute and a member of several interdisciplinary institutes, including the China Studies Centre and Sydney Institute of Agriculture. His research focuses on catalysis engineering, with an emphasis on developing sustainable processes for renewable fuels, pollutant treatment, and greenhouse gas mitigation. Huang has held prestigious awards such as the Australia Research Council Future Fellowship (2022) and the Sydney Accelerator Fellowship (2018). Education: Huang earned his PhD from the University of Stuttgart (2008) and completed postdoctoral research at Georgia Institute of Technology and ETH Zurich. He joined the University of Sydney in 2010 as a Lecturer, advancing to Senior Lecturer, Associate Professor, and Professor. Research Interests: Huang's work centers on catalyst design for green chemical processes, including biomass conversion to biofuels, wastewater treatment, and CO2 utilization. He emphasizes sustainable manufacturing and environmental impact reduction through innovative catalytic systems. Current Projects: These include catalytic transformation of hydrocarbons/CO2/biomass, nano-catalysts for renewable energy, and advanced NMR spectroscopy for catalysis analysis. Collaborative projects involve anti-cancer therapies and drug pharmacology studies. Awards: Over 15 awards, including the 2021 ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering Lectureship and 2017 Vice-Chancellor’s Research Excellence Award. Teaching: Huang instructs courses such as CHNG2801 (Conservation Processes), CHNG3802 (Industrial Systems), and advanced chemical engineering topics. He supervises PhD/Master students in catalysis and sustainable engineering. Labs/Teams: Leads the Catalysis Engineering Lab and collaborates with Sydney Nano Institute on nanomaterials research.
Dr. Xi Yu is a Lecturer in Chemical Engineering at the University of Southampton, affiliated with the Faculty of Engineering and the Environment. He holds a Bachelor's from Tianjin University and a Ph.D. from the University of Sheffield. His research focuses on low carbon fuels, granulation techniques, and computational fluid dynamics. He has supervised PhD students such as Jerin Jacob and is currently accepting new PhD applicants in these areas. Dr. Yu's educational background includes degrees in Chemical Engineering and prior academic roles at Aston University and the Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI). His work spans bioenergy systems, particle technology, and multi-physics modeling. Key research projects include advancements in biomass gasification, biofuel production, and sustainable energy systems. His publications emphasize computational modeling, fluid dynamics, and biomass utilization. Recent articles explore topics like absorption chiller systems, fluidization validation, and bio-oil aging strategies. He contributes to teaching modules such as CHEG3000 and CHEG3004, reflecting his commitment to both research and education.
Roles and Affiliations: Dibs Sarkar is a Professor in the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Ocean Engineering at Stevens Institute of Technology. He serves as the Founding Director of the Stevens Center for Sustainability and the Sustainability Management MS and dual-degree MS-MBA programs. He is also an Adjunct Research Professor at Michigan Technological University and has held prior positions at Montclair State University and the University of Texas at San Antonio. Education: PhD (1997) in Geochemistry from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville MS (1991) and BS (1988) in Geology from the University of Calcutta Research Interests: Dr. Sarkar’s work focuses on environmental sustainability through a multidisciplinary lens, including soil/water chemistry, green technology development, and risk assessment. His research integrates geochemical, biological, and engineering principles to address environmental contamination, sustainable remediation of PFAS, phytoremediation, and stormwater management. He emphasizes holistic approaches to environmental problems, such as using vetiver grass for lead and TNT cleanup and developing biochar-based solutions. Grants and Funding: He has secured over $17 million in grants as PI/Co-PI for projects like PFAS remediation, sustainable stormwater management, and acid mine reclamation. Recent funding includes DOE projects on phytoextraction and NJDEP-supported studies on PFAS in wastewater. Awards and Recognition: Fellow of the Geological Society of America (2011) Fellow of the Soil Science Society of America (2019) Research Excellence Award (2022) Top 40 Under 40 San Antonio Rising Star Award (2004) Advisory and Editorial Roles: He chairs the Sustainability Minor at Stevens, edits multiple journals (e.g., Current Pollution Reports ), and serves on panels for NSF, NIH, and professional societies like SETAC and AGU. He is a founding member of SIROM Scientific Solutions, an environmental R&D firm. Labs and Teams: His research group collaborates on projects at the Stevens Center for Sustainability, focusing on green technologies, sustainable infrastructure, and environmental policy. The group emphasizes interdisciplinary innovation, from lab-scale studies to field demonstrations.
David Rooney is a Professor and Dean of Internationalisation and Reputation at Queen's University Belfast's School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. His research focuses on energy systems at the intersection of renewable energy, agri-tech, and manufacturing, addressing climate change and net-zero goals. He actively supervises PhD students in areas like sustainable aviation fuels, carbon removal, and biochar systems. Key projects include leading the CDT in Bio-Based Negative Emissions Technologies and collaborating on hydrogen production and diesel replacement schemes. He has received an Excellence in Teaching award (2018) and contributed to global initiatives like the UK-China Net-Zero Engineering Innovation Centre. His advisory work includes overseeing 22 PhD students and managing projects with industry partners. Rooney's lab specializes in catalyst development, bioenergy systems, and process intensification techniques. Recent research trends emphasize sustainable hydrogen production, biochar applications, and adsorption-based environmental solutions.
Dr. Ahmad Baroutaji is a prominent researcher at Aston University's School of Engineering and Technology, specializing in Additive Manufacturing, Metamaterials, and Energy Systems. His work focuses on advancing materials science for biomedical, acoustic, and energy applications. He holds a strong academic affiliation within the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences. Research Interests: Optimizing 3D-printed metamaterials for energy absorption and crashworthiness Development of advanced materials for fuel cells and hydrogen technologies Acoustic metamaterials for noise reduction in buildings Biomaterials for orthopedic and tissue engineering applications Notable contributions include pioneering studies on cobalt-chromium-molybdenum meta-scaffolds for bone reconstruction and acoustic panels using titanium perforated structures. His 2024 review on PEM hydrogen technologies has been widely cited. Collaborations span global institutions, emphasizing practical material innovations. Grants and Advising: While specific grants are not detailed, his extensive publication record indicates sustained research funding. No formal advisee list is provided, but co-authorships suggest collaborative mentorship. Labs/Teams: Engaged in multidisciplinary teams focusing on additive manufacturing applications, though specific lab names are not mentioned in the text.
Adjunct Professor Robert Speight holds a position at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) within the Faculty of Science, School of Biology & Environmental Science. His primary role is Director of CSIRO's Advanced Engineering Biology Future Science Platform. He focuses on microbial biotechnology, enzyme engineering, and industrial biotechnology applications. His research spans protein engineering, microbial production systems, and biocatalyst development for industrial processes. Education: BSc (Chemistry) from Imperial College London (1996) PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Cambridge (2000) Research Interests: Enzyme optimization for industrial applications Microbial protein production systems Biocatalytic processes for chemical manufacturing Biorefinery development and techno-economic assessments Synthetic biology for future foods and sustainable bioproduction Grants & Projects: Lead investigator for the $6.5M Queensland Sustainable Aviation Fuel Initiative ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology (2020–present) Biorefineries for Profit Phase 2 (RnD4Profit 2019) Collaborations: Works with industry partners and academic groups, including the ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology and the Centre for Agriculture and Bioeconomy at QUT. Affiliations: President of Synthetic Biology Australasia CSIRO Director of Advanced Engineering Biology Future Science Platform Labs/Teams: Maintains collaborations in enzyme engineering and microbial systems through QUT’s adjunct role and CSIRO leadership.
Roland Ludwig is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Food Technology, Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). He is also the current Senate Chairman at BOKU, demonstrating strong institutional leadership. His research is centered on enzyme technology, biocatalysis, biosensors, and electrochemistry, with a particular focus on oxidoreductases such as cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH) and lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs), which are crucial in biomass degradation and bioenergy applications. His research interests span food biotechnology, enzyme technology, biocatalysis, biosensors, process engineering, electrochemistry, and nanobiotechnology. He investigates the molecular mechanisms of electron transfer in redox enzymes, their application in biosensors and biofuel cells, and their role in the depolymerization of lignocellulosic biomass. His work integrates biochemical, electrochemical, and structural approaches to understand and engineer enzyme function. The recent publication trends highlight a strong focus on LPMOs and CDHs, with studies on their kinetics, substrate specificity, domain dynamics, electron transfer mechanisms, and engineering for improved stability and activity. These works frequently appear in high-impact journals such as ACS Catalysis and Bioelectrochemistry, reflecting the significance and innovation of his research in biocatalysis and bioelectrochemistry. International DropSens Award for Applied Electroanalytical Chemistry Medal of Honour, Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb RIZ Genius Award for Innovative Sensor Technology Austrian APART Fellowship INiTS Award 2007 (Life Science) Förderpreis der Österreichischen Gesellschaft für Biotechnologie Roland Ludwig actively supervises students and leads multiple externally funded research projects from FWF and EU, including grants focused on electron transfer in oxidoreductases and the kinetic analysis of oxidative biomass-degrading enzymes. He collaborates with international research groups and is a frequent speaker at major scientific conferences. His research contributes to sustainable bioprocesses, green chemistry, and the development of novel bio-based technologies. He is involved in research teams and collaborative projects such as the FWF-funded Doktoratskolleg "Biomolecular Technology of Proteins" and participates in interdisciplinary initiatives bridging food technology, biotechnology, and materials science. His lab focuses on enzyme characterization, protein engineering, and the development of bioelectrochemical devices.
Kai Leonhard is an Adjunct Professor at the Chair of Technical Thermodynamics , RWTH Aachen University. His research focuses on computational chemistry, thermodynamics, and molecular modeling, particularly in solvent design and reactive chemical processes. Department: Chair of Technical Thermodynamics Email: kai.leonhard@ltt.rwth-aachen.de Prof. Leonhard's work integrates quantum chemistry with computer-aided molecular and process design (CAMD/CAPD), emphasizing solvation thermodynamics, reaction kinetics, and machine learning applications. His projects span biofuel combustion, microgel synthesis, and sustainable solvent development. Recent publications highlight advancements in COSMO-RS-based solvent screening, reaction network exploration via ChemTraYzer-TAD, and multi-fidelity modeling for partition coefficients. He employs machine learning to enhance predictive thermodynamic models and optimize chemical processes.
Dr. Daniel H. Zitomer is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering at Marquette University, where he also serves as Director of the Water Quality Center. His research focuses on advancing anaerobic biotechnologies for wastewater treatment and resource recovery. Education: Ph.D. (1994), M.S. (1991) in Environmental and Water Resources Engineering from Vanderbilt University; B.S. (1988) from Drexel University. Research Interests: The Zitomer Lab Group develops environmental technologies to convert wastewater into clean water and resources like methane and biochar. Key areas include: Anaerobic biotechnology and microbial community analysis Biofuels and renewable energy from waste Biosolids pyrolysis for energy and biochar production Advanced oxidation processes for stormwater management Articles: Recent publications highlight innovations in anaerobic digestion, microbial community analysis, and biochar applications for nutrient recovery. Research spans municipal wastewater recovery, bioprocess efficiency, and wet-weather flow treatment. Scientific Awards: EPA STAR Fellowship Grants: Dr. Zitomer leads projects funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including advanced high-rate wet-weather treatment and biomethane production from bioplastics. Collaborative efforts with Kohler Company and Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District focus on wastewater energy reduction and biosolids pyrolysis. Labs & Teams: The Zitomer Lab Group collaborates with the NSF IUCRC for Water Equipment and Policy and the Water Quality Center at Marquette University, integrating molecular tools and bioinformatics to optimize engineered bioprocesses.
Yuyu Zhou is a Professor in the Department of Geography at The University of Hong Kong. With an extensive publication record of 301 papers and over 18,000 citations, Dr. Zhou is a leading researcher in urban environmental studies, climate change, and sustainability science. Dr. Zhou received their PhD in Environmental Science from the University of Rhode Island (2004-2008) and previously worked as a Research Scientist at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's Joint Global Change Research Institute (2010-2015). They currently serve as Chief Editor for Earth System Science Data (Copernicus Publications), Associate Editor for Ecological Processes, and Section Editor for All Earth. Dr. Zhou's research focuses on the intersection of urbanization, climate change, and environmental sustainability. Their work spans several key areas including urban heat island effects, vegetation phenology in urban environments, energy modeling, and sustainable urban development. Through innovative remote sensing approaches and spatial analysis, Dr. Zhou investigates how urban environments respond to and influence global environmental change. Analysis of Dr. Zhou's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on urban environmental challenges, with particular attention to urban heat islands, vegetation dynamics, and climate change impacts in cities. Their work combines remote sensing data with ground observations to develop high-resolution models of urban environmental processes. Recent research has focused on urban greening effects, building energy use under climate change, and environmental justice issues related to urban heat exposure. Dr. Zhou has received significant recognition for their work, as evidenced by the high citation count of their publications. Their research has important implications for urban planning, climate adaptation strategies, and sustainable development policies worldwide. As an educator and mentor, Dr. Zhou advises numerous graduate students and collaborates with researchers globally. Their work with international teams has resulted in significant contributions to understanding urban environmental systems across different geographical contexts.
David R. Nielsen is a Professor and Program Chair for Chemical Engineering at Arizona State University (ASU), within the School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy. He holds additional roles as Senior Global Futures Scientist and is affiliated with Microbiology (PhD) and Molecular/Cellular Biology (MS/PhD) programs. His research focuses on metabolic engineering and synthetic biology to develop microbial platforms for converting renewable resources into fuels and chemicals. Education: Postdoc at MIT (2006-2009), PhD from Queen’s University (2006), and B.Sc. from University of Colorado-Boulder (2001). His lab, the Nielsen Lab, integrates microbiology, bioprocess engineering, and systems biology to address challenges in sustainable biomanufacturing. Key research areas include microbial community engineering, CO2 fixation, and biofuel production. Notable achievements include the 2018 Fulton Exemplar Faculty Award and the 2010-2011 Outstanding Professor distinction. His work spans over 80 peer-reviewed publications and includes collaborations with industry partners like Ajinomoto and Sustainable Conversion Ventures. Current projects involve enhancing cyanobacterial CO2 utilization and developing integrated bioprocessing strategies. Advising highlights include mentoring PhD candidates like Dr. Zach Dookeran and Dr. Andrew Flores, and overseeing Master’s students such as Omar Abed and Chandra Chey. Research funding exceeds $10M from NSF, DOE, and industry grants, supporting initiatives in biorefinery design, microbial tolerance engineering, and carbon-neutral processes. Professional contributions include editorial roles for Biotechnology Notes and Frontiers in Microbiology , alongside membership in AIChE, SIMB, and the Engineering Biology Research Consortium. The lab is located in Biodesign C, emphasizing interdisciplinary solutions to global sustainability challenges.
Karel Van Acker is a full professor in the Faculty of Engineering Science at KU Leuven , leading the Sustainable Materials Processing and Recycling (SeMPeR) research group. His work focuses on integrating environmental and economic sustainability assessments, particularly for metallurgical residues and circular economy systems. Head of SeMPeR group Contact person for SeMPeR at Arenberg campus Head of Subdivision 39, Brussels Campus Research areas include: Circular Economy: Monitoring systems, stock-flow models, and business models Sustainability Assessments: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), techno-economic analysis, carbon footprinting Resource Valorization: Steel slag mineral carbonation, rare earth reduction, biorefinery processes Key article trends: 2025 works emphasize steel slag carbonation for carbon capture, hydrogen storage technologies, and clothing sufficiency as circular economy strategies 2024 research explores car mobility circularity , AI environmental impacts , and policy integration for circular economy monitors Earlier works (2023-2020) address textile recycling , biomass to biofuels , and landfill mining using system dynamics Teaching responsibilities: Sustainable Materials Management (H00R6A) Environmental Impact Analysis (I0V86A) Material Selection & Sustainability (D0X32A) Global Challenges for Sustainable Society (H0O00A)
Morten Birkved is a Professor at the Department of Green Technology, University of Southern Denmark, and Head of SDU Life Cycle Engineering. He leads the SDU Climate Cluster and actively contributes to research on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) , Circular Economy , and Environmental Sustainability . His work spans cross-disciplinary collaborations in Denmark and internationally. Education: M.Sc. in Environmental Chemistry, PhD in Sustainable Development His research interests focus on integrating LCA with circular economy principles, analyzing environmental impacts of construction materials, and developing sustainable solutions for agriculture and energy systems. Recent projects include microbial protein production, green fuels in shipping, and biorefineries for organic waste valorization. Recent publications highlight 2025 advancements in: Eco-design strategies for buildings Hybrid wastewater treatment systems Carbon-storing asphalt pavements Comparative LCA of housing typologies These studies emphasize Denmark as a case study region and leverage both parametric and probabilistic modeling approaches. Scientific Awards Recipient of SCC Fast Track Prize (2025) Teaching & Supervision Supervised PhD research on circular agriculture and plastic circularity Lectured on chemical processes and environmental impacts since 2019 Labs & Projects Coordinates EU-funded initiatives like FLAVOURFERM (plant-based fermentation) and AgriLoop (circular agriculture) Develops microbial platforms for waste-to-protein conversion Advances biostimulants for sustainable agriculture
