Mr. Rahman is currently working as a Graduate Research Assistant and PhD Candidate at the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University. His current research focuses on the characterization and optimization of biomass pelleting processes—biomass to pellet—for energy and agricultural applications. Before commencing on his PhD, he contributed to the research field as a Scientific Officer (on study leave) at Pulses Research Center & Regional Agricultural Research Station, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Bangladesh. He developed an excellent academic foundation with thermochemical conversion by developing a low-tar biomass (LTB) gasifier at the Technical University of Denmark, earning his MSc in Engineering in Sustainable Energy in 2018. Additionally, he graduated from Bangladesh Agricultural University, where he obtained both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Agricultural Engineering in 2007 and 2009, respectively.

He is a research scientist with expertise in thermochemical and thermomechanical energy conversion processes, including pelletizing, pyrolysis, gasification, and liquefaction. His research interests have a solid footing in advanced technology and innovation, with a current focus on the characterization and optimization of biomass pelleting processes—transforming biomass into pellets—for energy and agricultural applications. He has previously worked in research focused on conservation tillage, negative emission technologies, biochar and biochar pelleting systems, as well as carbon-neutral climate-smart agriculture activities.

As a way to help society and the environment, his work aims to create and diffuse energy and process intensification bioenergy production system through the thermochemical and thermomechanical conversion processes, alongside zero-emission technologies. He aims to develop biochar pelleting systems for soil carbon sequestration, focusing on the reduction of agricultural emissions through the utilization of biomass and its associated wastes. Additionally, his aim is to concentrate on the soil application of low-temperature biomass gasifier biochar or biochar pellets derived from diverse biomass feedstocks.

His technical expertise is concentrated in the following fields:

- thermochemical and thermomechanical applications: Pelleting, biochar, biochar pelleting, biofuels/syngas, methanol, and H2 power

- Biomass densification & torrefaction

- Carbon capture & storage in agriculture, biochar and biochar/biochar pellets as carbon sequestration

- Negative emission technologies, Climate-smart agriculture and environmental sustainability in agriculture.

His personal skills include innovative thinking, critical and analytical thinking, innovative development and analysis, as well as the ability to develop and execute projects independently. He aspires to collaborate with a team dedicated to developing an efficient and cost-effective approach for the large-scale conversion of biomass and waste. He has a keen focus on environmental change and sustainability, specifically regarding the carbon sequestration potential of soil as a means for mitigating environmental change. It is his belief that both will play a central role in creating a circular economy.