Joshua Yuan is the Department Chair and Lucy & Stanley Lopata Professor in the Department of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis. His work focuses on renewable biomaterials, carbon capture, integrated biorefining, and synthetic biology. He joined WashU in 2022, previously serving at Texas A&M University as a faculty member and Chair for Synthetic Biology and Renewable Products since 2008. Dr. Yuan holds a PhD from the University of Tennessee (2007), MS from the University of Arizona (2001), and BS from Fudan University (1997). His research addresses global challenges through mechanism-based engineering. Key areas include lignin conversion into bioplastics and carbon fibers, AI-driven algal carbon capture, and sustainable biorefinery processes. He has pioneered electro-microbial platforms for CO2 utilization and developed squalene manufacturing for vaccines and cosmetics. Dr. Yuan has over 100 peer-reviewed publications in top journals like Nature Communications and holds three U.S. patents with two pending. Recent projects include space biomanufacturing for astronaut sustainability and novel electro-biodiesel technologies. He has received multiple awards, including the Excellence in Innovation Award (2017) and Regional Solid Waste Planning Award (2018). His leadership spans academic and industrial roles, including at BASF and the National Renewable Energy Lab.
Richard Lord is a Professor of Geochemistry & Geo-Environmental Engineering at Teesside University, based at the Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre. His research focuses on contaminated land remediation, low-carbon energy, circular economy strategies, and sustainable waste utilization. Previously, he held roles at Strathclyde University, leading the Circular Land & Water research group and contributing to projects like the €8M SURICATES and €3.5M CERESiS. He has extensive experience in interdisciplinary projects addressing environmental challenges, including EU-funded initiatives and UK policy advocacy. His work integrates geochemistry, environmental engineering, and policy to develop nature-based solutions for net-zero goals. Notable contributions include pioneering the reuse of dredged sediments and water treatment residues, as well as advancing phytoremediation techniques for contaminated sites. He has secured significant funding from DEFRA, EU, and NERC, and won the 2010 'Best of Life' award for the BioReGen project. Current research emphasizes low-carbon materials, net-zero transitions, and sustainable biomass production. He collaborates internationally, leading consortia across Europe, Canada, Brazil, and Ukraine. Lord is actively supervising PhD students in areas like circular economy and nature-based solutions. Key Projects: SURICATES (sediment reuse), CERESiS (contaminated land biofuel strategies), Growing Teesside’s Hydrogen Economy Impact: Influenced UK policy on non-coal minewater treatment and championed KTP collaborations for innovation. Labs/Teams: Previously led Strathclyde’s Circular Land & Water group; now part of Teesside’s Net Zero Centre.
Dr. Julie Howe is Professor of Soil Science at Texas A&M University, investigating soil management impacts on nutrient cycling and carbon dynamics. Her research program addresses sustainable agriculture challenges through soil chemistry and fertility studies. Research Focus: Professor Howe's work spans fundamental and applied soil science: Rhizosphere processes under drought Nutrient use efficiency Soil health assessment Waste-derived fertilizers Space agriculture systems Recent innovations include aeroponic methods for root exudate collection and extraterrestrial soil modification techniques. Publication Highlights: Current research explores phosphorus cycling in iron oxide systems, drought-induced changes in root exudation, and climate-smart agriculture monitoring. Methodological advances feature in-situ emission measurement networks and modeling of greenhouse gas fluxes from cropping systems. Applied Solutions: Her program develops practical solutions including recycled phosphorus fertilizers from brushite, spent coffee grounds as soil amendments, and emergency milk disposal protocols. Collaborative projects with AgriFlux network advance climate-smart farming practices across US croplands.
Madhu Thangavelu is a Lecturer at the University of Southern California (USC), holding dual appointments in the School of Architecture and the Department of Astronautical Engineering (Viterbi School of Engineering). He specializes in space architectures, lunar exploration strategies, and extraterrestrial habitation design. His work bridges architecture and engineering through innovative concepts such as robotic construction systems and modular lunar base designs. Education: M.Arch. in Building Science (USC School of Architecture, 1989); B.Sc. in Engineering (National Institute of Technology, India, 1980); International Space University (MIT, 1988). He was mentored by Dr. Eberhardt Rechtin, renowned for NASA’s Deep Space Network architecture. Research interests include space system architectures, planetary defense, and robotic construction. His co-authored book The Moon: Resources, Future Development and Colonization (Wiley, 1999) is a seminal work in lunar exploration. He leads USC’s ASTE 527 Space Exploration Studio and ARCH 599 Extreme Environment Design Seminar, advising graduate theses. Scientific Awards: NASA NIAC Phase 1 & 2 Awards (for robotic lunar construction technologies). Recognized for pioneering concepts like Contour Crafting (3D-printed habitats) and MOBIUS lunar tourism strategies. Active in international organizations such as the International Space University and Moon Village Association. Advising & Grants: Supported projects include NIAC-funded lunar robotics and planetary defense initiatives. His labs explore teleoperations, bio-regenerative life support systems, and interplanetary mission logistics. Collaborates with NASA, the National Research Council, and aerospace industry partners. Labs & Affiliations: Involves USC’s Human-Building Integration Lab and Landscape Futures Lab. Serves as North American Coordinator for Moon Village Association and Vice President of the National Space Society (NSS India branch).
Dr. Alexandra Iordachescu is a **Teaching Professor** and **Principal Investigator** in Bioengineering at the University of Birmingham's School of Chemical Engineering (College of Engineering and Physical Sciences). She leads research on organotypic/organoid systems for regenerative medicine and extreme environment modeling, including microgravity and hypervelocity impact scenarios. She is also a visiting academic at Cranfield Defence and Security, co-supervising research on impact dynamics. **Education**: PhD in Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham (2018) MSc in Space Physiology and Health, King’s College London (2014) BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Sciences, University of Manchester (2012) **Research Interests**: Focus on bioengineered solutions for skeletal health in extreme environments, including space missions. Her work integrates tissue engineering, biomaterials, and biomechanics to develop organoid models replacing animal studies. Projects include bone degeneration under microgravity and hypoxia, as well as translational applications in trauma and aging research. **Awards**: Recipient of an NC3Rs Training Fellowship and EPSRC funding for interdisciplinary projects. Her work is supported by UKRI, STFC, and collaborations with the European Space Agency. **Grants/Projects**: Leads initiatives like the UKRI STFC Bio-SPHERE partnership and the NC3Rs-funded trabecular bone organoid project. Collaborates globally on bioastronautics and defense applications. **Teaching**: Course leader for modules like *LM Medical Devices* and *LM Frontiers in Tissue Engineering*. Integrates research into teaching through hands-on modules on in vitro organogenesis and advanced therapeutic technologies. **Labs/Teams**: Director of the organotypic research consortium at the Birmingham Institute of Translational Medicine and Healthcare Technologies Institute. Active in the Shockwaves and Extreme Conditions Group (IOP).
Professor Volker Hessel is a leading academic in Sustainable Chemical Engineering at the University of Adelaide, Australia. He holds a PhD from Mainz University and has held roles including Deputy Dean (Research) at the ECMS Faculty (until 2022) and part-time/full-time professorships at Eindhoven University of Technology and guest professorships in China. His work focuses on process intensification, microreactor technology, plasma catalysis, and space agriculture. Affiliations: School of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology Global Experience: Leadership roles at Institut für Mikrotechnik Mainz GmbH (IMM), honorary professorships in Germany, and advisory roles in Germany’s chemical industry policy. His research interests span sustainable chemical processes, decentralized production systems, and innovative technologies for space applications. Notable achievements include over 600 peer-reviewed publications (h-index 83), ERC grants, and industry partnerships like the ARC Centre of Excellence 'Plants for Space'. Professor Hessel’s articles highlight breakthroughs in plasma-driven ammonia synthesis, CO2 conversion, and space-based horticulture systems. His work emphasizes ESG integration in chemical supply chains and novel fertilization techniques. Awards: AIChE Process Development Award, ERC Advanced Grant, IUPAC ThalesNano Prize Grants: ARC Discovery, LIEF, and Centre of Excellence grants; EU FET/Open funding He is actively involved in labs advancing microfluidic systems, nanomaterials, and space resource utilization. His interdisciplinary approach bridges chemical engineering with astrobiology and environmental policy.
Arnd G. Heyer is a Professor at the University of Stuttgart , leading the Department of Plant Biotechnology within the Institute of Biomaterials and Biomolecular Systems (IBBS). His research focuses on plant stress physiology, carbohydrate metabolism, and systems biology approaches to understanding metabolic and physiological responses to environmental challenges. Heyer’s work explores the molecular and subcellular mechanisms underlying cold acclimation and freezing tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana , including the roles of metabolites like proline and raffinose. He investigates nitrogen-carbon balance under elevated CO2, diurnal assimilate transport dynamics, and metabolic modeling of plant responses to abiotic stress. His studies often integrate mathematical modeling with experimental data to uncover systemic regulatory bottlenecks. Recent publications highlight his expertise in subcellular metabolic reprogramming during cold stress, gas exchange in leafless orchids, and applications of photobioreactors for microalgae cultivation in space missions. While the summary does not list specific awards or advisees, his collaborative work spans plant physiology, bioinformatics, and environmental adaptation studies.
Amor Menezes is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering at the University of Florida. He leads the SYBORGS Laboratory and serves as the Science Principal Investigator for NASA's Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), focusing on biomanufacturing for deep space exploration. His research integrates dynamical systems theory, control engineering, and synthetic biology to address challenges in trauma care, infectious disease, and space colonization. Education: PhD (2010) and MSE (2006) from the University of Michigan, Postdoc at UC Berkeley (2011-2016), and B.A.Sc. (2005) from the University of Waterloo. He has held roles including QB3 Postdoctoral Scholar and Research Fellow at the University of Michigan's Aerospace Engineering Department. Research interests span synthetic biology applications in biomanufacturing, control-oriented coagulation models for trauma treatment, and systems engineering for Mars colonization. His work bridges biomedical systems and space technology, emphasizing closed-loop bioprocessing and autonomous medical systems. Awards/Honors: 2015 Emerging Leader in Biosecurity 2015 Synthetic Biology Leadership Excellence Accelerator Program Fellow IEEE Senior Member NSERC Post-Graduate Scholar Michigan Teaching Fellow Milo E. Oliphant Fellow (2006) University of Waterloo Dean's Honors (2005) Advising/Grants: Leads the CUBES Center and oversees interdisciplinary teams in synthetic biology and biomanufacturing. His grants include NASA's Space Technology Research Institute (STRI) funding for long-term Mars exploration systems. Labs/Teams: Director of the SYBORGS Lab, which develops autonomous bioproduction systems and control algorithms for medical and space applications.
Dr. Arijit Mukherjee is a Professor and Associate Chair in the Department of Biology at the University of Central Arkansas, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. He holds a Ph.D. in Genetics from Clemson University (2007) and completed post-doctoral training at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2008-2012) before joining UCA in 2012. His research focuses on plant-microbe interactions, particularly nitrogen fixation mechanisms in legumes and non-legumes. Key areas include transcriptomic analysis of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) associations, molecular regulation of nodule-like structures, and extremophile symbiosis for space agriculture. Research employs cutting-edge genomics tools to investigate gene expression patterns during plant-bacteria interactions. Publications demonstrate consistent focus on functional genomics of plant-microbe systems, with recent work exploring rice-PGPB interactions under stress conditions, Mars soil simulant compatibility, and evolutionary aspects of nodulation. Research consistently integrates molecular biology with agricultural applications. Mentors graduate and undergraduate researchers in molecular techniques and genomics. Current lab investigates PGPB applications for sustainable agriculture and extraterrestrial farming.
Dr. Brent Peyton is a Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Montana State University (MSU), serving as Director of the Thermal Biology Institute and the NSF Center for Biofilm Engineering. He holds a B.S. from the University of Florida (1986) and a Ph.D. from MSU (1992). His research focuses on extremophilic bioprocessing, heavy metal biotransformations, and biofilm engineering in natural/engineered systems. He has authored 90+ peer-reviewed publications and holds three environmental biotechnology patents. Education: B.S., University of Florida, 1986 Ph.D., Montana State University, 1992 Research Interests: Dr. Peyton's work integrates microbiology with engineering to address environmental challenges. Key areas include: Extremophilic microorganisms (thermophiles/alkaliphiles) In situ bioremediation of heavy metals Biofilm formation and control in industrial systems Space applications of biofilm reactors Microbial detection of pathogens in thermal environments Recent Trends in Publications: Recent work emphasizes: Bioremediation efficacy in coal plant groundwater Biofilm-mediated corrosion mechanisms Microbial surveillance of Naegleria fowleri in hot springs Mars-simulated saline seep microbiology Climate-resilient bioenergy crops Awards: 2025: Provost's Award for Graduate Research Mentoring 2016: College of Engineering Distinguished Professor 2016: CSIRO Distinguished Visiting Scientist Grants & Outreach: He leads projects funded by the NSF, NASA, and Department of Defense. Engagements include: REU Site: Exploring Limits of Life in Extreme Environments Expert reviews for Enviromin Inc and Teck Resources Advisory roles for Bioremediation Journal and MSU's American Indians in Math/Science programs Labs & Teams: His lab collaborates with NASA on spacecraft biofilm control and studies Yellowstone National Park microbial communities. Recent lab highlights include: 2024: Detection of Naegleria fowleri in Grand Teton hot springs 2023: Development of Mars-simulated seep models 2022: Cyanobacteria-enhanced bioenergy crops
Tobias Niederwieser is an Assistant Research Professor at BioServe Space Technologies , affiliated with the University of Colorado Boulder's Aerospace Engineering Sciences department. His work bridges bioastronautics, space life sciences, and bioregenerative life support systems. Education : PhD (2018, CU Boulder), MS (2015, CU Boulder), BSc (2013, Technical University Munich) Research Focus : Developing biological life support systems, space radiation genomics, and microgravity experiment hardware like SABL and FRIDGE. Publications : 15 recent contributions on yeast radiation studies, algal photobioreactors, and deep space payload design. Awards : Finalist for the International Astronautical Federation's Luigi G. Napolitano Award (2021), 20 Under 35 Award (2021), and NASA Group Achievement Award (2019). Supervised Students : Mentored graduate researchers in microgravity equipment development and biological payload integration. Labs/Teams : Project lead at BioServe Space Technologies, member of the International Astronautical Federation, and contributor to Artemis I and ISS missions.
Bernard Grodzinski is a retired Professor and Adjunct Professor in Plant Agriculture at the University of Guelph. He specializes in plant physiology, particularly photosynthesis and carbon partitioning, with a focus on applications in controlled environments like space agriculture and commercial greenhouses. His research integrates plant biology, environmental science, and engineering to optimize plant productivity. Dr. Grodzinski holds a Ph.D. from York University and is affiliated with the SALSA (Space and Life Support Agriculture) team, collaborating with NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre and the European Space Agency (ESA). His work addresses challenges in sealed environments, including CO₂ scrubbing, O₂ production, and water purification using plants as bioregenerative systems. Key research themes include: (1) Photosynthetic efficiency under varied light conditions, (2) Non-invasive disease detection via gas exchange profiling, and (3) LED lighting optimization for crop production. He has pioneered methods to quantify carbon export and growth using whole-plant gas exchange analysis. Recent publications emphasize LED spectral effects on tomato and cucumber yields, circadian rhythm entrainment, and thylakoid structure-function relationships. His interdisciplinary approach bridges plant biology with aerospace and agricultural engineering. Dr. Grodzinski has led grants exploring light interception strategies, hydroponic disease control, and plant stress responses. The SALSA team’s work supports both space missions and terrestrial greenhouse industries through sustainable crop systems. He is a co-developer of the Leafweb dataset and has contributed to advancements in 3D plant phenotyping using computer vision. His legacy includes over 150 peer-reviewed publications and innovations in controlled environment agriculture.
Professor Kotzabasis Kiriakos is a faculty member of the Biology of Organisms, Populations, Environmental and Marine Biology department at the University of Crete. He holds a PhD from the University of Marburg (1987) and has been actively researching plant physiology, photosynthesis, and astrobiology. His work focuses on bioenergetic mechanisms in extremophiles, hydrogen production in microalgae and lichens, and adaptation to environmental stressors such as salinity and low atmospheric pressures. Education: PhD in Biology, University of Marburg, 1987 Research Interests: Plant Biochemistry and Physiology Photobiology and Photosynthetic Mechanisms Green Biotechnology for Sustainable Energy Astrobiology and Extremophile Adaptation Environmental Stress Responses in Microorganisms Publications: Over 50 peer-reviewed articles, with recent work exploring hydrogen production in extremophile organisms, CO2 mitigation via microalgae, and astrobiological applications of lichen symbiosis. His research bridges basic science and applied biotechnology, addressing global challenges like renewable energy and climate change. Labs/Teams: Active in the Biology Department’s labs at the University of Crete, focusing on algal biotechnology and astrobiology. Collaborates with international teams on astroecological studies and extremophile biology.
Dr. Matthew Davey is an Associate Professor of Physiological Ecology at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), which is part of the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI). He serves as Programme Leader for the MSc Algal Biotechnology and Bioeconomy program and is a Science Advisor for the UKRI NERC CCAP facility at SAMS. Previously, he co-established and managed the Algal Innovation Centre at the University of Cambridge and was a Senior Research Associate there from 2013-2020. Dr. Davey earned his PhD in Plant Ecophysiology and Biochemistry from Durham University in 2004, following a BSc in Biology from the University of Wales, Bangor. His academic journey includes postdoctoral positions at the University of Cambridge and University of Sheffield, focusing on algal bioenergy and environmental metabolomics respectively. Dr. Davey specializes in algal physiology, innovation and ecology, with research interests centered on the diversity and plasticity of metabolic traits, especially in extreme habitats. His work spans environmental metabolomics and physiology, discovering traits associated with cold tolerance and the role of metabolic plasticity in responding to environmental and climate change. He also explores algal biotechnology and innovation, investigating novel sources of sustainable biomaterials, nutrients, high-value products, feedstocks and bioenergy for the bioeconomy and space sector. His research extends from the ecology of snow algae in Antarctica to applications in bioenergy, bioremediation, pigments and food production across all continents, including using algae to support astronauts on long-term space missions. Dr. Davey's publication record shows a strong focus on Antarctic snow algae research, with several high-impact papers in Nature Communications and other top journals. His work combines field studies in extreme environments with laboratory analyses and remote sensing techniques to understand algal physiology and ecology. Recent publications demonstrate expanding applications of his research to space exploration, carbon sink quantification, and biotechnology applications. Shortlisted for the University of Cambridge Vice-Chancellor's Impact Awards and Public Engagement with Research TWO Blue Peter badges (1980s) Dr. Davey leads a research team of 10-12 people annually at SAMS, supervising PhD students, MSc students, postdoctoral researchers, technicians, and interns. His research is supported by diverse funding sources including NERC Standard Grants, EIT Food projects, UKRI CCAP-SAMS, and various industry partnerships. He has led four large Antarctic research field seasons, including the first large terrestrial/coastal biology expedition supported by the UKRI BAS Sir David Attenborough ship. Dr. Davey leads the EU EIT-Food international algae biotechnology training courses across Europe and coordinates the Algal Research, Innovation and Environmental Science Centre (ARIES) at CCAP-SAMS. His team at SAMS includes researchers like Dr. Alex Thomson, Dr. Francisca Vermeulen, Naomi Thomas, and Vaila Grigg, focusing on polar algae research and applications.
