Name: Akshay Patel, PhD at Utrecht University
working on CatchBio project: Socio-economic assessment of fuels and bulk chemicals from biomass
project leader: Dr Martin Patel
Cluster: Socio-economic
Cluster: Socio-economic
Short CV
I completed my undergrad from University Institute of Chemical Technology in Mumbai, India, where I worked on in two internships and development of a lubricant base oil from biomass. Later on I finished my MS from Iowa State University in Ames, US, where I did my thesis on techno-economic analysis of biobased conversion processes. And now as a part of my around the world experience tour I am working on my PhD at Utrecht University.
I completed my undergrad from University Institute of Chemical Technology in Mumbai, India, where I worked on in two internships and development of a lubricant base oil from biomass. Later on I finished my MS from Iowa State University in Ames, US, where I did my thesis on techno-economic analysis of biobased conversion processes. And now as a part of my around the world experience tour I am working on my PhD at Utrecht University.
Describe the project shortly in your own words?
In our resource constrained world a critical challenge before us is to deliver innovative chemical processes from biomass to meet our energy and material needs in a sustainable way. This challenge exemplifies the socio-economic assessment project within CatchBio. It is an interesting project which involves placing a chemical conversion in a broader economic, environmental and societal context. Integrating this outlook and assessment with innovative chemistry will enable sustainable process development. In short we would like to make sure we have continued access to affordable fuels and chemicals which enhance our standard of living without being a threat to existence of Earthlings!
In our resource constrained world a critical challenge before us is to deliver innovative chemical processes from biomass to meet our energy and material needs in a sustainable way. This challenge exemplifies the socio-economic assessment project within CatchBio. It is an interesting project which involves placing a chemical conversion in a broader economic, environmental and societal context. Integrating this outlook and assessment with innovative chemistry will enable sustainable process development. In short we would like to make sure we have continued access to affordable fuels and chemicals which enhance our standard of living without being a threat to existence of Earthlings!
What is the biggest challenge, or what fascinates you the most in this research project?
Well, I think sustainability is a quite complex issue which has a variety of dimensions. So the challenge for me is to understand these dimensions and apply the knowledge in practice. It is indeed fascinating to explore various issues like economic feasibility, global warming, land and water use, chemical hazards, jobs, .…(!) and link them to actual chemical processes.
Well, I think sustainability is a quite complex issue which has a variety of dimensions. So the challenge for me is to understand these dimensions and apply the knowledge in practice. It is indeed fascinating to explore various issues like economic feasibility, global warming, land and water use, chemical hazards, jobs, .…(!) and link them to actual chemical processes.
What is your future career ambition?
To work in a challenging position which encourages innovative thinking and involves problem solving.
To work in a challenging position which encourages innovative thinking and involves problem solving.
Although as a PhD student I would love to do research all the time, I ain’t that sincere and so I spend some :-) time on activities like travelling, swimming, badminton, reading news and books.