Bharath Maddipudi

Ph.D. in Chemical and Biological Engineering with interdisciplinary expertise in catalyst development, biomass valorization, and thermal and chemical systems. Experienced in kinetic modeling and catalytic wet oxidation for wastewater treatment, with additional contributions in energy storage materials, electrocatalysis, and sustainable polymer development. Skilled in process intensification, nanomaterials synthesis, and evaluating structure property relationships for advanced functional materials.

Proven ability to lead pilot-scale operations, collaborate across disciplines, and mentor junior researchers while delivering impactful scientific outcomes.

Post-Doctoral Researcher at South Dakota Mines (2025-08 – Present)

• Lead independent research in biomass conversion, advanced carbon materials, electrospinning, microfluidics, and separation technologies.
• Design, execute, and optimize experiments using pilot-scale hydrothermal liquefaction systems, Operates high-pressure and temperature 1-tpd TRL-5 thermochemical pilot reactor for processing biomass (corn stover, UHS, pinewood, MSW, food waste, algae, textiles).
• Operates high-temperature furnaces for processing hydrochar and activated carbon production.
• Develops detailed project plans, layouts, and design outlines; determine material quantities, prepares cost estimates, and perform engineering calculations for assigned project segments.
• Prepares technical specifications and evaluate vendor quotes, drawings and documentation to ensure compliance with engineering and project requirements.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students in laboratory techniques, and research.
• Prepare technical reports, analyze data, and assess reactor performance and product quality.

Researcher - Pilot-Scale Biochemical and Hydrothermal Integrated Biorefinery (IBR) for Cost-Effective Production of Fuels and Value-Added Products at South Dakota School of Mines & Technology (2019-08 – 2025-05)

• Designed and fabricated, high-pressure 1-tpd throughput pilot reactor for biomass conversion via hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL).
• Executed lab-scale DOE using a batch reactor for process optimization and reaction studies.
• Developed novel methods for synthesizing polylactic acid (PLA) polymer and carbon nanorods
• Conducted catalytic wet oxidation, achieving 62% TOC reduction in aqueous coproducts.
• Modeled continuous HTL in Aspen Plus; conducted mass/energy balance, technoeconomic analysis (TEA), and life cycle analysis (LCA).
• Prepared quarterly reports and collaborated across disciplines on pilot-scale process development.

Researcher - Scalable, High Energy Density Lithium-Sulfur Batteries at South Dakota School of Mines & Technology (2023-08 – 2025-05)

• Supplied HTL-derived porous carbon feedstock for Li-S battery development.
• Achieved: Nanolayer polymer-coated high surface area porous carbon electrodes achieved ~1600 mAh g-1 specific capacity.

Researcher - Rapid Response On-chip Sensors for Food Production and ECLSS Monitoring at International Space Station at South Dakota School of Mines & Technology (2018-06 – 2019-08)

• Designed, electrochemical/colorimetric biosensors; fabricated porous silicon via Pluronic 123 templating.
• Characterized antimicrobial peptides (AMP)-bacterial interactions through impedance and resistance analysis.

Researcher - Bio-fouling of Polymers with Effects of Polyethylene Glycol Interactions with Lignin using Molecular Dynamics Simulations at South Dakota School of Mines & Technology (2017-01 – 2018-05)

• Molecular modeling (MD) simulations were used to evaluate the adhesion effects and π-π stacking on lignin by polymer membranes made of synthetic organic macromolecules like Polysulfone, Polyether sulfone, Polyimide, Poly methyl methacrylate and Nucrel.
• Simulated lignin-polymer interactions using Visual molecular dynamics software (VMD) and radial distribution functions (RDFs).

Shift Officer at Ramky Pharmacity (India) Ltd. (2014-09 – 2016-03)

• Oversaw day-to-day operations of 10 MLD pharmaceutical wastewater treatment plant- Full shutdown and startup of multiple effect evaporators, sequential batch reactors and airstrippers, scrubbers, cyclone separators and coal feed boiler.
• Coordinated effluent feed deliveries from 50 companies, laboratory sample testing for COD, BOD, pH, TDS and TSS, solids and sludge handling to landfills.
• Assisted in the design of clarifiers, heat exchangers and evaporators including detailed plan layout in 3D for process improvements.
• Participated in full plant safety drills and documented the scenarios, hazardous waste management, handling acid and base tanks.
• Conducted engineering calculations such as sizing of wastewater treatment processes, piping, specification/sizing of the equipment for commissioning new 12 MLD plant
• Supervised plant technicians and coordinated documentation across cross-functional teams.

Ph.D. in Chemical & Biological Engineering – South Dakota School of Mines & Technology (2019-08 – 2025-05)

M.S. in Chemical Engineering – South Dakota School of Mines & Technology (2016-08 – 2018-12)

B.Tech. in Chemical Engineering – Jawaharlal Technology University (2010-08 – 2014-08)