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.
