Lab Members

I'm Shahadat, a Postdoctoral Associate in Dr. Kumar’s Lab at SUNY ESF. My research focuses on transforming low-value forestry residues into high-value sustainable products, including biofuels, bioplastics, and advanced materials. Currently, I am developing integrated biorefinery approaches for the valorization of mixed hardwood forestry residues through hybrid conversion pathways. Previously, I earned my Ph.D. in Bioprocess Engineering from SUNY ESF, where my research focused on sustainable forestry residue utilization for bioplastic production and the development of smart nanoadsorbents for PFAS remediation. Before joining SUNY ESF, I completed my M.Sc. in Advanced Chemical Engineering from the University of Manchester, UK, and B.Sc. (Engg.) in Chemical Engineering and Polymer Science from Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Bangladesh.

Outside the lab, I enjoy playing cricket, exploring waterfalls and mountain trails, traveling, and leading community events. I am passionate about developing sustainable technologies that bridge scientific innovation with real-world environmental impact.

mhossain2@esf.edu

My name is Mike and I graduated from SUNY ESF in 2018 with a Bachelor's degree in Bioprocess Engineering. I spent a number of years in the private sector working in process engineering, lab management, people management, research, and as research specialist for a biotech startup creating sustainable solutions to replace traditional plastics. I returned to academia to pursue my passion of environmental research. I hope to contribute novel work that helps solve the plastic pollution crisis.   

mjglinsk@esf.edu

Hi! My name is Gundeep Kaur and I am a Ph.D. student. I did my bachelors in Agricultural Engineering and masters in Processing and Food Engineering from Punjab Agricultural University, Punjab, India. My research interests include high-value bioproducts production from agro-food processing waste – an approach towards circular bioeconomy.

I like to listen to music and love to explore nature. I like to sing and dance and spend time with my friends. Meeting new people and exchanging different experiences is something I am always up for. 

gkaur1@esf.edu

Hello! My name is Jonathan Day. I am from a small town in the Syracuse area called Auburn. I attended SUNY ESF, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in Paper Engineering, and I am currently pursuing my Master of Science in Biomaterials Engineering. My research interests are in the realms of cellulose nanocrystal surface modification for the production of sustainable functionalized biomaterials, in particular as a scaffolding for heterogeneous catalysts, as well as bioplastic production, and waste valorization.

In my off-time, I like to play video games, read fantasy novels and listen to music. I also play Dungeons & Dragons, Shadowrun, and Magic the Gathering with my friends. Another, less frequent, hobby of mine is trying craft beers and wines from small breweries everywhere I go.

jday05@syr.edu 

Hello! I’m Donggeol (Daniel) Ryu, originally from Syracuse, NY. I earned my undergraduate degree (B.S.) in Biology from Wheaton College, IL. Currently, I am pursuing a Master of Science in Bioprocess Engineering at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF) while working in the biopharmaceutical industry.

I have experience as a Process Engineer at Lotte Biologics, where I worked on maintaining biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes. With a strong technical background, I am committed to expanding my expertise and becoming proficient in the entire biopharmaceutical process. My goal is to contribute to the development of high-quality biologic therapies through continuous learning and innovation.  

I am particularly interested in researching enzyme kinetics and applications, advanced modeling techniques for optimizing biological and chemical processes, and conducting techno-economic analysis (TEA) alongside life cycle assessment (LCA) to evaluate process efficiency and sustainability.

dryu@esf.edu