Bio
Dr. Neha Arora is an assistant Teaching Professor at the Department of biology at Skidmore College, NY, USA specializing in the field of algal biotechnology Additionally, she serves as an Associate Faculty member at the Patel College of Global Sustainability at the University of South Florida (USF). Dr. Arora earned her Ph.D., from the Indian Institute of Technology (2018), and her master’s in technology from Jaypee Institute of Information Technology (2012). Her research focuses on microbial-based biofuels, bioremediation, and genetic engineering, particularly exploring the potential of algae-based biofuels and bioproducts. Her research is particularly centered on the exploration of algae-based biofuels and bioproducts. Her current research theme is dedicated to algal omics and the genetic engineering of algae to enhance bioproduct production.

Bio
I am currently working as an Assistant Professor in Biochemical Process Engineering, Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering (SBN) at Luleå University of Technology (LTU), Sweden. My remarkable journey in the realm of bioengineering began with the successful completion of my PhD at the prestigious Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering at IIT Roorkee, India, in 2017. A visionary in the field, I embarked on an independent research career within the renowned Biochemical Process Engineering (BPE) group at LTU, Sweden. My research endeavors are centered on the development of cutting-edge biotechnological processes, with a keen focus on converting organic matter into invaluable resources such as bioenergy, biofuels, and biochemicals. In an impressively short span, I have made significant strides, earning recognition and acclaim for my innovative contributions. My leadership extends to spearheading the microalgal-based biorefinery in my division and assuming the role of principal investigator in a research grant of 4 million SEK funded by the Swedish Research Council Formas, Sweden. I am also a co-principal investigator in several other projects funded by prestigious institutions like EU Horizon and various national agencies. With an unwavering commitment to nurturing talent, I actively supervise master's students, Ph.D. candidates, and postdoctoral researchers within my group. My dedication to fostering global collaboration is evident through my mentorship of numerous interns, facilitating their growth through programs like ERASMUS and IAESTE, all while actively promoting international internships. My academic prowess is reflected in my prolific publication record, which boasts over 90 articles and three books. I further contribute to the academic community as an Associate Editor and esteemed editorial board member for several peer-reviewed journals, including BMC Biotechnology, and BMC Microbiology.

Bio
Dr. George P. Philippidis is Associate Dean for Research at the Patel College of Global Sustainability and has a joint Associate Professor appointment with the Department of Integrative Biology at the University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa, Florida. He is a Fulbright Scholar and holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Minnesota and an MBA from the University of Denver. He has authored numerous publications and 11 patents. Dr. Philippidis has long experience leading strategic business units in the private sector, directing applied research in the public sector, and teaching sustainability in academia. He started his career at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Denver, where he pioneered conversion of biomass to ethanol as a renewable transportation fuel. He then moved to Thermo Fisher Scientific in Boston, a Fortune 100 company, where he commercialized clean technologies. Subsequently, he joined the Applied Research Center at Florida International University in Miami to create and direct its energy business. He has been partner in a venture capital firm, founded technology start-ups, and advised companies and government agencies, including the US State Department, the US Department of Agriculture, and the Organization of American States. At USF, in addition to teaching and mentoring students, Dr. Philippidis directs green technology development and commercialization that aims at making the society sustainable and the economy circular through partnerships with industry, government, and communities. His applied research focuses on production of biomaterials, biofuels, and renewable energy from sustainable natural resources, such as algae, biomass, and oilseed crops, by integrating biochemical engineering, biology, sustainability, and business.