Veluchamy Chitraichamy joins BBE as Research Assistant Professor

August 14, 2024
headshot of Veluchamy Chitraichamy who is wearing a suit and tie

Veluchamy Chitraichamy, PhD.

Research Assistant Professor in Renewable Energy, Biomass Utilization and Conversion, Waste Valorization, and Circular Bioeconomy. 


What are you Driven to Discoverâ„¢?

I aim to provide innovative and sustainable solutions for transforming bioresource materials into valuable biofuels and bioproducts to advance the circular bioeconomy. By developing sustainable treatment methods, I seek to reduce environmental impact, monitor and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, and promote sustainability. Additionally, I strive to create comprehensive decision-support guidance for varied stakeholders such as farmers, industry professionals, and policymakers to adopt and optimize sustainable bioenergy technologies.

What is the impact of your research in your field?

The impact of my research aims to develop sustainable technologies for agriculture and its waste streams to reduce environmental burden, carbon footprints, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. My work focuses on creating efficient methods to treat and minimize waste from agriculture, animal husbandry, and food processing industries, converting it into biofuels, bioenergy and bioproducts. These innovations reduce dependence on fossil fuels and promote renewable energy sources. By developing value-added byproducts from lignocellulosic waste materials, I contribute to advancing the lignocellulosic circular bioeconomy.

How can people see the impact of your research on everyday life?

People can see the impact of my research on everyday life in several tangible ways. By converting waste materials into biofuels, my work supports renewable energy production, reduces environmental pollution, lowers waste management costs for municipalities and businesses, and promotes recycling and resource recovery. This reduces dependence on fossil fuels, leading to cleaner energy sources that power homes, businesses, and vehicles, thereby decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change. Farmers benefit from valuable bioproducts and bioenergy, providing additional revenue streams and promoting sustainable farming practices. This also stimulates economic growth and creates jobs in research, engineering, manufacturing, and maintenance of bioenergy systems and technologies.

What drew you to your field of study?

Since my undergraduate studies, I have been passionate about environmental sustainability and developing solutions that balance human needs with planetary health. The concept of turning waste into valuable resources resonated with me as a practical way to address environmental challenges, mitigate climate change, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The idea of harnessing biological processes to produce clean energy motivated me to delve into bioenergy research.

What is your favorite research/lab tool and why?


My favorite one is the bioreactor. Bioreactors are incredibly versatile, enabling the cultivation of microorganisms under controlled conditions for a wide range of applications, from biofuel production to bioproduct synthesis. This makes them essential for various types of biological research and industrial processes. Modern bioreactors are equipped with advanced sensors and monitoring systems that provide real-time data such as temperature, pH, sugar, and oxygen levels etc. This capability allows for immediate adjustments and optimizations, enhancing the overall efficiency and effectiveness of experiments. Overall, bioreactors are indispensable tools that enable me to conduct cutting-edge research in bioenergy and waste valorization, contributing to advancements in sustainable development and environmental protection.

What do you consider to be your greatest research accomplishment thus far in your career?

My greatest research accomplishment thus far is the successful implementation of a plug-flow bioreactor system from a lab scale to a pilot scale, demonstrating its practical viability. This achievement has paved the way for further scale-up and adoption in real-world agricultural and industrial settings, showcasing its potential for widespread impact. Also, I developed a kinetic model to simulate biochemical reactions within solid-state anaerobic digestion system. This model has been crucial for understanding the dynamics of the digestion process and predicting performance under different total solid conditions.

What is your favorite part about teaching and mentoring students?

My favorite part about teaching and mentoring is witnessing students grow into confident, independent thinkers. Supporting their innovative ideas and seeing them come to fruition is incredibly rewarding to me. I love sparking curiosity and passion for scientific inquiry and guiding them in developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Mentoring lets me build meaningful relationships that often extend beyond the classroom and laboratory, fostering a sense of community and mutual support.

What do you look forward to most once you settle into your new role in the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering?


As I settle into my new role, I am excited about several opportunities ahead. I plan to set up an Integrated Waste Bioprocessing Research Centre, integrating anaerobic digestion, nutrient recovery, solar energy collection, algal culture, and advanced bioprocessing. Collaborating with colleagues on cutting-edge research projects addressing global challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, and sustainable development is particularly thrilling. I am also eager to develop new courses that incorporate the latest advancements in bioenergy, waste valorization, and sustainable technologies. Overall, I am enthusiastic about the opportunities for professional growth, collaboration, and making a meaningful impact through my work in the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering.