Chemical and Biological Engineering

  • Mantri, Krishi

    Chemical and Biological Engineering

    Krishi is a third-year graduate student in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Princeton University. His research focuses on the synthetic biology of non-conventional yeasts to produce industrial chemicals beyond ethanol from waste feedstocks. He is passionate about harnessing the power of nature to decarbonize chemical manufacturing — one of the most challenging sectors to reduce carbon emissions in. Outside the lab, Krishi loves being outdoors and picking up new hobbies. He is currently learning to glide.

  • Cunningham, Emily

    Chemical and Biological Engineering

    Emily’s research investigates the use of non-thermal plasma-assisted catalysis for conversions of thermodynamically stable molecules, such as CO2 and CH4. Specifically, she is interested in the use of porous catalysts in non-thermal plasma, including metal-organic frameworks, whose tunable structures provide a platform for probing complex plasma-surface interactions. Emily is advised by Professor Michele Sarazen in the CBE department.

  • Zhang, Shannon

    Chemical and Biological Engineering

    Shannon Zhang uses molecular dynamics simulations to study polymer dynamics in heterogeneous environments. She is interested in the development of polymer-based materials with applications in energy storage and carbon capture. Shannon is advised by Professor Michael A. Webb. 

  • Sundar, Sahana

    Chemical and Biological Engineering

  • Gunady, Ella

    Chemical and Biological Engineering

    Ella Gunady studies how microbes in the soil can support plant growth during drought stress. She is interested in uncovering the genetic mechanisms of these beneficial plant-microbe interactions, with the goal of developing “plant probiotics” that can be applied in the field to promote agricultural resilience. Ella is advised by Professor Jonathan Conway.

  • Hoffenberg, Louis

    Chemical and Biological Engineering

    Hoffenberg uses molecular simulation to investigate the formation and behavior of catalytic nanoparticles in a plasma-enhanced pyrolysis process converting natural gas into H2 and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). If reactor conditions can be optimized to produce cheap CNTs out of abundant feedstocks, we would be able to turn methane into advanced carbon materials while getting zero-emissions H2 for free. Hoffenberg is advised by Prof. David Graves (Chemical and Biological Engineering) and Prof. Igor Kaganovich (Princeton Plasma Physics Lab).

  • Chakravarti, Ananya

    Chemical and Biological Engineering

    Ananya’s research focuses on using molecular dynamics simulations and physics-based methods to elucidate temperature effects on biomolecular condensates. She aims to understand the governing rules of heat stress responses across species, with specific implications in climate change, and is using the models she builds to design thermoresponsive synthetic biomaterials for energy conservation. Ananya is very grateful to her advisor, assistant professor Jerelle Joseph in chemical and biological engineering, for her mentorship and guidance.

  • Bahl, Kushaan

    Chemical and Biological Engineering

    Kushaan’s research involves the investigation of a new class of catalyst supports based on tunable hydrogen bonded structures. He is investigating these supports for a variety of green reactions, including photocatalytic hydrogen generation, CO2 reduction, and relevant pharmaceutical coupling reactions. He is also interested in investigating hydrophobic zeolites for direct air capture of CO2, particularly in humid environments. Kushaan is advised by Professor Marcella Lusardi in the CBE department.

  • Tjo, Hansen

    Chemical and Biological Engineering

    Tjo’s research focuses on developing genome-editing and metabolic engineering tools in lignocellulose-degrading, non-model thermophiles. By lowering barriers to the manipulation of their metabolic pathways, such non-model microbes can be rapidly deployed in industrial contexts as next-generation cell factories for sustainable biofuels and biochemicals production. Tjo is advised by Jonathan Conway, Assistant Professor of Chemical & Biological Engineering.