Debjani Mukherjee, Ph.D.
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Announcement
"They say the sky is the limit, but we’re looking far beyond it."
I am thrilled to announce, I did it! Solo won a NASA research initiative on Polymer recycling on Lunar/Space Missions. Being one of the very few women globally to achieve this alone. This win lead me to my new role, Lead Subject Matter Expert, supporting NASA funded NOIS3 Project, focusing on the life support systems that will make human life on Moon-Mars, a reality.
Based on the available records, I am the first Indo-Canadian woman scientist to support NASA funded NOIS3 project, as a Lead Subject Matter Expert, offering expert guidance and technical insights, rather than public-facing leadership.
A responsibility and a privilege that I don't take lightly and pledge to contribute to the welfare of mankind.
About me
Dr. Debjani Mukherjee is a chemical scientist and subject matter expert in closed-loop environmental and life support systems for human survival in extreme environments. She currently serves as a Lead Subject Matter Expert for deep space focused project supporting the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA's NOIS3) with human exploration program.
Her research on innovative solutions addressing plastic recycling in lunar and space environments, has been recognized as a Top contributor, at a research initiative challenge of NASA. She is a member of a "Public Outreach Program, connecting NASA experts with audiences", via NASA Engages and NASA STEM Gateway.
Her academic excellence and special achievements have also been recognized through the Civic Award of Recognition, presented by the Mayor from the City of Mississauga.
Dr. Mukherjee serves on a Science Advisory Committee supporting public health and environmental policy and decision-making with a Canadian federal government agency, contributing scientific expertise at the policy interface. She, has also contributed technical feedback and evidence-based arguments to the Environmental Protection Agency, USA policy making processes for pesticide management as a public input.
Dr. Debjani Mukherjee, holds a PhD in Chemical & Biochemical Engineering from the Western University and has worked at the intersection of advanced engineering, sustainability, and public service. Her ongoing efforts focus on translating insights from extreme-environment systems—such as space missions—into broader applications for environmental resilience, health, and resource efficiency.
Besides, scientific articles, she has also authored a few audiobooks on various genre. Her books are available on Apple and Audible.
EXPERTISE:
Environmental Detoxification
Government Relations (advisory)
Formulating and Testing engineered polymers
Quality monitoring and analysis of root causes for non-conformances
Nanotechnology
Thermoplastic Recycling
Consulting/Auditing
Risk Assessment and Management
Sustainable solutions
Technical Sales
Scientific Research
Digital Communications
Business Analytics
Thesis Link: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/187/
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
LEAD SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT
Contractor- project based (2025- Present)
NASA/ Floor23 Digital LLC
External Consultant/Member of Science Advisory Committee (2019-Present)
CHEMICAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE CANADA/HEALTH CANADA
Technical Director (Full Time/ Contract) (2024-2025)
Pounds of Plastic Inc., Kentucky, USA/Mississauga, ON, Canada
Professor (Full-Time/ Contract) (2018-2019)
Lambton College, Toronto, CANADA
Lab Manager (Full-Time) (2014-2018)
Kal-Polymers Inc., (Recycling Company), Mississauga, ON, CANADA
The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, CANADA (2007-2011)
Top Contributor Award, NASA Research initiative on Polymer Waste Recycling technologies in Space and lunar missions (2025)
Recipient of Civic Award of Recognition for Academic Excellence, presented by the Mayor, the City of Mississauga, ON, Canada (2025)
Member of Community of Specialized Experts, Science Advisory Committee, PMRA, Health Canada (2022-2025)
Environmental Protection Agency Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC), 2026. Selected as a qualified expert reviewer finalist, biography published on Federal Registry (2026)
Invited Peer Reviewer of the Journal of Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, Springer Nature (2023)
Appreciation Certificate for Volunteering from the House of Commons, Cooksville, Peel region (2021)
Recipient of Western Graduate Research Scholarship (2007-2011)
Recipient of POSTER presentation Award, Lambton-Industrial campus, Sarnia, Canada (2010)
Featured during International Women's Week (2026)
Evidence of Authenticity (View the Results of Waste Revolution in Space/Lunar mission part of centennial challenge) hosted by NASA and Floor23 Digital
EPA, US published biography in Federal Registry as finalist
https://share.google/6UoyhaybqKoROOkQK
I am honoured to receive this Civic Award of Recognition from the Mayor of Mississauga, Carolyn Parish. A hearty thanks to all the Members of Council for conferring me this Award.
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