My research interests are in the fields of Biochemical and Bioprocess Engineering. I am particularly focused on production of value added products from biomass, specially wastes. Relevant fields include Chemical Engineering, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology. Biotechnology is a multidisciplinary field which uses modified biocatalysts like microorganisms and enzymes to produce commercially valuable products. The goal of a bioprocess engineer would be to apply the principles of various disciplines of engineering (including chemical, mechanical, electrical, industrial, etc.) and devise novel methods involving biocatalysts for the large scale production of commercial products (Shuler and Kargi, 2002). (Picture courtesy: Tan, 2001)
Bio-ethanol produced by the fermentation of biomass is considered one of the best renewable substitutes for conventional transportation fuels. Ethanol produced from fermentation is cleaner compared to the fossil fuels as the CO2 produced is already a part of the global carbon cycle (Mielenz, 2001). A wide variety of biomass feedstocks can be used for the production of ethanol including energy crops specifically grown for fuel production and wastes from various sources. Due to higher availability, annual production, and the possibility of consistent supply to the industry agricultural waste is a better choice compared to other industrial and domestic wastes. (Picture courtesy: Surrealiste.org)
Bioethanol from fermentation of biomass
With emphasis on solid state fermentation, the Bioconversion Lab, under the guidance of Dr. Tom Richard emphasizes on the production of value added products from bio wastes.
Research Topic: Anaerobic acidic solid substrate bioconversion of corn stover to ethanol in a single reactor
Other researchers in our lab:
Ph D. students: Qin Chen, Farzaneh Razaei
Masters students:
Visiting Scholoars: Krystyna Malinski
Alumni: Haiyu Ren
Corn Crop, Rock Springs, Pennsylvania
Masters Research: Viscoelastic Property Determination: A new application for Brookfield Viscometers
Undergraduate Thesis: Treatment of liquid effluents by biological methods
Summer Internship: A study to ascertain the present health status of the ETP-II Biosystem, identify gaps and recommend corrective actions