Koushik Sampath

Koushik wear a UMN maroon polo as he stands in the pilot plant area of Kaufert Lab posing for a smiling headshot
Education Program Associate 2
205 Kaufert Lab

2004 Folwell Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55108
United States

Contact me for help with:
Prototyping, separations research, department and student resources

Biography

My work focuses on process intensification and sustainable manufacturing, with an emphasis on optimizing drying processes for paper and biomaterials using advanced technologies like electromagnetic (RF) and acoustic (ultrasound) energy. The goal is to make thermally overloaded and expensive industrial processes faster, more efficient, and environmentally responsible, while minimizing their physical footprint. Originally from India and partly raised in Nigeria and Tanzania, I have a background in chemical engineering and have hands-on experience in nanoparticle and membrane synthesis, thermochemical conversion, and separation techniques. My recent work includes designing and building a 32-foot continuous hybrid dryer system equipped with over 40 sensors, integrating both experimental research and process design. Outside of engineering, I’m an avid wildlife and adventure photographer and cinematographer. I believe that creativity and curiosity, whether in the wild or in the lab, are essential to driving innovation.

Education:
Ph.D. - Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering (BBE), University of Minnesota - Twin Cities (2021-Ongoing) 
B.Tech (Honors) - Chemical Engineering, National Institute of Technology - Tiruchirappalli, India (2016-2020)