Zainab Tariq, PhD

Welcome to my website. I am Zainab Tariq, a Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Management at Montclair State University. My research integrates Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Life Cycle Costing (LCC), and sustainability science to address urgent global challenges related to food waste valorization, renewable energy transitions, and sustainable manufacturing.

Through interdisciplinary approaches and collaborations with academia, industry, and policy institutions, I aim to develop solutions that balance environmental performance, economic feasibility, and social acceptance.

Current Position

• PhD – Montclair State University (Advisor: Prof. Pankaj Lal)

• Thesis: Sustainability Assessment of Food Waste Valorization Pathways for New Jersey

Research Focus

• Food Waste Valorization: Environmental and economic assessment of waste-to-energy pathways in New Jersey

• Renewable Energy Policy: Scenario analysis of Pakistan’s energy mix based on social, economic, and environmental indicators

• Bioenergy Systems: Comparative LCA of innovative landfill cover systems using shrub willow, clay, and geosynthetic alternatives

Recent Highlights

• Sustainability Intern at Carlisle Construction Materials (2025): Designed carbon footprint analysis and circular economy strategies for roofing membranes.

• EDF Climate Corps Fellow at T-Mobile (2024): Developed cost-optimal strategies for Scope 3 emissions reduction, directly supporting the company’s Climate Pledge

• Clean Energy Summit 2025: Presented a poster on Food Waste Valorization in New Jersey

Quick Links

• Curriculum Vitae

• Publications

• Research Projects

• Google Scholar

• LinkedIn

• ResearchGate