wei liao, ph.d., p.e. biosystems & agricultural ... · wei liao 3curriculum vita of 27 27 3 •...

Wei Liao Curriculum Vita 1 of 27

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WEI LIAO, Ph.D., P.E.

Biosystems & Agricultural Engineering, Michigan State University

524 S. Shaw Ln. Room 202, East Lansing, MI 48824

Phone: 517-432-7205; E-mail: [email protected]; Webpage: http://www.egr.msu.edu/liao

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: Research

• Developed a unique, cross-disciplinary research program, aiming at environmentally benign systems to

utilize organic wastes and wastewater for fuel and value-added chemical production

• Lead the MSU Anaerobic Digestion Research and Education Center (with ~18 faculty members),

developing new cross-disciplinary initiatives on wastes-to-resource research and development, and

responding to major grant opportunities

• Established pilot facilities and conducted pilot-scale research in the U.S. and overseas, including the MSU

anaerobic digestion/algal cultivation system, the container-based solar-bio-nano wastewater utilization

system, the pilot-scale photobioreactor system at the MSU power plant, and the pilot solar-biopower system

in Costa Rica

• Acquired over $7 million in grant support for research activities, from a range of sources, including

competitive federal programs, state agencies, and private industry

• Continuously funded as PI by competitive federal grants for the past 10 years, currently PI on two federal

grants (~$1.5 million)

• Authored or co-authored 70+ refereed journal articles, with a total of 190+ publications, papers, or

presentations at national and international meetings

Education/teaching

• Acquired external educational grants in support of instructional activities, presented the results at

educational conferences and published chapters in textbook

• Developed several new courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels for different programs,

including a graduate-level environmental course for the MSU Environmental Science and Policy Program

(ESPP), a graduate-level seminar course, two undergraduate-level courses related with microbial systems

engineering and biomass conversion engineering

• Participated in development of new dual-degree program with an oversea institution

• Co-lead the study abroad program of Ecological Engineering in the Tropics, a two-week long educational

program in Costa Rica

Service/leadership

• Served in leadership positions in professional organizations and in on-campus committees at the

departmental, college, and university levels

• Served as a board member for a non-profit renewable energy coalition

• Served on review panels for federal and overseas funding agencies, including NSF, DOE, USDA, and the

National Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)

International activities

• Established the MSU-UCR bioenergy research and education facility in Central America, collaborating

with academic and industrial institutions in Central America to develop sustainable energy solutions for the

region, and helping UCR establish Biosysems Engineering curriculum

• Developed a bioenergy solution for Southern Italy, working with a group of Italian researchers to establish

models to estimate potential bioenergy production for Sicily.

• Led an international team to develop integrated thermal and biological solution of crop residues utilization

to address the smog problem in Beijing, China

• Facilitated establishment of the MSU-NAU dual degree program

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.egr.msu.edu/liao


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EDUCATION

• Ph.D., Biological Systems Engineering, December 2005, Washington State University

• M.S., Biotechnology, December 1996, Jiangnan University, China

• B.S., Fermentation Engineering & Technology, July 1994, Jiangnan University, China

PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIAL

• Licensed Professional Engineer, Washington State No. 42913

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Professor and Director, Anaerobic Digestion Research and Education Center, Dept. of

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Michigan State University (East Lansing, MI), July

2019 – Present

Assistant/Associate Professor, Dept. of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Michigan State

University (East Lansing, MI), August 2007 – June 2019

• Manage the MSU Anaerobic Digestion Research and Education Center

• Study the combination of biological and electrochemical processes to treat wastewater

• Integrate solar, biological and nano technologies to develop novel food, energy, and water

(FEW) systems

• Biological conversion of lignocellulosic materials for value-added chemical production

• Capture carbon dioxide and generate value-added products using algae

• Scale up and study biological processes at the pilot-scale

Research Associate, Dept. of Biological Systems Engineering, Washington State University

(Pullman, WA), January 2006 – July 2007

• Developed a biomass inventory and bioenergy assessment for Washington State

• Developed a novel process of fungal fermentation using Aspergillus terreus to produce

lovastatin and chitosan

• Designed a fiber reactor to treat dairy manure to produce high quality fiber the plant nursery

industry

Research/Teaching Assistant, Dept. of Biological Systems Engineering, Washington State University

(Pullman, WA), July 2001 – December 2005

• Completed the doctoral thesis: “Co-production of Fumaric Acid and Chitin Using Rhizopus

Oryzae Fermentation on a Pretreated Nitrogen-rich Agricultural Residue—Dairy manure”.

Graduate research advisor is Dr. Shulin Chen

• Developed a new state-of-the-art anaerobic digestion system for dairy waste with

possibilities for co-digestion with municipal and food wastes

• Be a research Associate in NSF (National Science Foundation) IGERT (Integrative Graduate

Education and Research Training) program

Project Manager, Brewing Department, Suntory Co. (Shanghai, P.R. China), January 1997—July

2000

• Conducted a technical feasibility analysis of an new production line

• Participated in the project team to construct the new plant for 200,000 metric ton beer production

per year

• Managed the installation of equipment and process control systems for the new brewing house


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• Designed a process to shorten the fermentation time by 20% and saved $ 3 million/yr

• Researched and developed on scaling up fermentation processes from bench top, through pilot

test, to plant production

AWARDS

• Team member for the partnership award for innovative program models, USDA CSREES, 2009.

PATENTS

• Liu, Y., Liao, W., Frear, C., Chen, S. 2010. Pelletization process to control filamentous fungi

morphology for enhanced reactor rheology and bioproduct formation. U.S. Patent 12/132,130.

PUBLICATIONS

* = peer-reviewed or refereed items

† = completed since 2013

1 = candidate’s students or post-doctoral researchers

2 = candidate’s thesis adviser

3 = lead authors

Peer-reviewed journal articles (75)

[1] †*Valenti, F., Porto, S.M.C., Dale, B.E., Liao, W.3 2018. Spatial analysis of feedstock

supply and logistics to establish regional biogas power generation: A case study in Sicilian

region. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 97, 50-63.

[2] †*Paritosh, K., Yadav, M., Mathur, S., Balan, V., Liao, W., Pareek, N., Vivekanand, V.3

2018. Organic fraction of municipal solid waste: overview of treatment methodologies to

enhance anaerobic biodegradability. Frontiers in Energy Research 6, 75.

[3] †*Valenti, F., Zhong, Y.1, Sun, M.1, Porto, S. M. C., Toscano, A., Dale, B.E., Sibilla, F.,

Liao, W.3 2018. Anaerobic co-digestion of multiple agricultural residues to enhance biogas

production in Southern Italy. Journal of Waste Management 78, 151-157.

[4] †*Valenti, F., Liao, W., Porto, S.M.C.3 2018. A GIS-based spatial index of feedstock-

mixture availability for anaerobic co-digestion of Mediterranean by-products and

agricultural residues. Journal of Biofuels Bioproducts and Biorefining 12(3), 362-378.

[5] †*Rojas-Sossa, J. P., Murillo, M., Marsh, T., Larsen, N., Uribe, L., Uribe-Lorio, L.,

Miranda, A., Solis, K., Rodriguez, W., Kirk, D., Liao, W.3 2017. Effects of coffee

processing residues on anaerobic microorganisms and corresponding digestion

performance. Bioresource Technology 245, 714-723.

[6] †*Pavlik, D., Zhong, Y.1, Elizabeth, C.1, Liao, W., Morgan, R., Clary, W., Liu, Y.3 2017

Microalgae cultivation of carbon dioxide sequestration and protein production using a high-

efficiency photobioreactor system. Algal Research 25, 413-420.

[7] †*Li, Q.3, 1, Liu, Y., Liao, W., Powers, W. 2017. Microalgal cultivation using animal

production exhaust air: technical and economic feasibility. CLEAN - Soil, Air, Water 45(4)

1500309.

[8] †*MacLellan, J.1, Chen, R.1, Yue, Z.B.1, Kraemer, R.1, Liu, Y., Liao, W.3 2017. Effects of

protein and lignin on cellulose and xylan analyses of lignocellulosic biomass. Journal of

Integrative Agriculture 16(6), 1268-1275.


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[9] †*Bustamante-Roman, M.1, Liao, W.3 2017. A self-sustaining high-strength wastewater

treatment system using solar-bio-hybrid power generation. Bioresource Technology 234,

415-423.

[10] †*Pelaez-Samaniego, M. R.3, Hummel, R. L., Liao, W., Ma, J., Jensen, J., Kruger, C.,

Frear, C. 2017. Approaches for adding value to anaerobically digested dairy fiber.

Renewable & Sustainable Energy Review 72, 254-268.

[11] †*Liu, Z., Liu, Y.3, Oyetunde, T., Hollinshead, W. D., Hermanns, A., Tang, Y., Liao, W.

2017. Exploring eukaryotic formate metabolisms to enhance microbial growth and lipid

accumulation. Biotechnology for Biofuels 10, 22.

[12] †*Zhong Y.1, Liu, Z., Isaguirre, C.1, Liu, Y., Liao, W.3 2016. Fungal fermentation on

anaerobic digestate for lipid-based biofuel production. Biotechnology for Biofuels 9, 253.

[13] †*Aguilar, R., Bustamante, M.1, Kirk, D., Miranda, J., Baudrit, D., Aguilar, J., Rodriguez,

W., Reinhold, D., Liao, W.3 2016. Technical and economic feasibility of an on-site solar-

bio-powered organic wastes utilization system in Central America. Journal of

Environmental Management 184, 371-379

[14] †*Yang, F., Chen, R.1, Yue, Z.B.1, Liao, W., Marsh, T. L.3 2016. Phylogenetic analysis of

anaerobic co-digestion of animal manure and corn stover reveals linkages between bacterial

communities and digestion performance. Advances in Microbiology 6, 879-897

[15] †*Liu, Z., Liao, W., Liu, Y.3 2016. A sustainable biorefinery concept to convert

agricultural residues into value-added chemicals. Biotechnology for Biofuels 9, 197.

[16] †*Zanotti, M.1, Ruan, Z., Bustamante-Roman, M.1, Liu, Y., Liao, W.3 2016. A sustainable

lignocellulosic biodiesel production integrating solar- and bio-power generation. Green

Chemistry 18, 5059-5068.

[17] †*Li, Q.1,3, Powers, W., Rozeboom, D., Liu, Y., Liao, W. 2016. An integrated curtain-

microalgal culture system (WCMC) to recover nutrients and mitigate air emissions from

animal feeding operations. Algal Research 18, 166-174.

[18] †*Sanyal, O., Liu, Z., Yu, J., Meharg, B. M., Hong, J. S., Liao, W., Lee, I.3 2016.

Designing fouling-resistant clay-embedded polyelectrolyte multilayer membranes for

wastewater effluent treatment. Journal of Membrane Science 512, 21-28.

[19] †*Chen, R.1, Liu, Y., Liao, W.3 2016. Using an environmentally friendly process

combining electrocoagulation and algal cultivation to treat high strength wastewater. Algal

Research 16, 330-337.

[20] †*Chen, R.1, Roos, M., Zhong, Y.1, Marsh T., Bustamante-Roman, M.1, Ascencio, W.,

Uribe, L., Lorio, L., Kirk, D., Reinhold D., Miranda, J., Baudrit, D., Aguilar, J., Rodriguez,

W., Srivastava, A., Liao, W.3 2016. Response of anaerobic microorganisms to different

culture conditions and corresponding effects on biogas production and solid digestate

quality. Biomass and Bioenergy 85, 84-93.

[21] †*Wang, D.3, Zhu, Z., Wang, X.1, Bustamante, M.1, Xu, Y., Liu, Y., Liao, W. 2015.

Improving mycelium-bound lipase production by aggregating Rhizopus chinensis on a draft

tube in a modified stirred tank fermentor. Process Biochemistry 50, 2019-2028

[22] †*Sanyal, O., Liu, Z., Meharg, B. M., Liao, W., Lee, I.3 2015. Development of

polyelectrolyte multilayer membranes to reduce the COD removal of electrocoagulation

treated high-strength wastewater. Journal of Membrane Science 496, 259-266

[23] †*Wang, X.1, Ruan, Z., Sears, B. B., Liu, Y.3, Liao, W. 2015. Transgenic expression of a

bacterial thermophilic amylase in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii chloroplast. BioEnergy

Research 8(2), 527-536


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[24] †*Zhong, Y.1, Bustamante-Roman, M.1, Zhong, Y., Archer, S.1, Chen, R.1, Deitz, L.1,

Hochhalter, D.1, Balaze, K.1, Sperry M.1, Werner, E.1, Kirk, D., Liao, W.3 2015. Using

anaerobic digestion of organic wastes to biochemically store solar thermal energy. Journal

of Energy 83, 638-646

[25] †*Ruan, Z., Hollinshead, W., Isaguirre, C., Tang, Y. J., Liao, W., Liu, Y.3 2015. Effects of

inhibitory compounds in lignocellulosic hydrolysates on Mortierella isabellina growth and

carbon utilization. Bioresource Technology 183, 18-24

[26] †*Chen, R.1, Rojas-Downing, M., Zhong, Y.1, Saffron, C., Liao, W.3 2015. Life cycle

assessment of anaerobic co-digestion of dairy manure and food waste. Journal of Industrial

Biotechnology 11(2), 127-139

[27] †*Hussain J., Liu, Y., Araujo-Lopes, W., de-Souze, C. O., de-Carvalho, G. C., Nascimento,

I. A., Liao, W.3 2015. Effects of different lipid extraction methods on algal lipid yield,

fatty acid profile and biodiesel quality. Journal of Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology

175(6), 3048-3057

[28] †*Wang, X.1, Ruan, Z., Sheridan, P., Boileaud, D.1, Liu, Y.3, Liao, W. 2015. Two-stage

photautotrophic cultivation to improve carbohydrate production in Chlamydomonas

reinhardtii. Biomass and Bioenergy 74, 280-287

[29] †*Liu, Z., Stromberg, D., Liu, X., Liao, W., Liu, Y.3 2015. A new multiple-stage

electrocoagulation process on anaerobic digestion effluent to simultaneously reclaim water

and clean up biogas. Journal of Hazardous Materials 285, 483-490

[30] †*Zhong, Y.1, Ruan, Z., Zhong, Y., Archer, S.1, Liu, Y., Liao, W.3 2015. A self-sustaining

advanced lignocellulosic biofuel production by integration of anaerobic digestion and

aerobic fungal fermentation. Bioresource Technology 179, 173-179

[31] †*Hussain, J., Ruan, Z., Nascimento, I. A., Liu, Y., Liao, W.3 2014. Lipid profiling and

corresponding biodiesel quality of Mortierella isabellina using different drying and

extraction methods. Bioresource Technology 169, 768-772

[32] †*Nascimento, I. A.3, Izabel-Marques, S. S., de-Carvalho, G. C., Druzian, J. I., de-Souza,

C. O., Nascimento, M. A., Hussain, J., Liao, W. 2014. Microalgae versus land-crops as

feedstock for biodiesel: productivity, quality and compliance to standards. BioEnergy

Research 7,1002-1013

[33] †*Chen, R.1, Thomas, B. D.1, Liu, Y., Mulbry, W., Liao, W.3 2014. Effects of algal

hydrolysate as reaction medium on enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocelluloses. Biomass and

Bioenergy 67,72-78

[34] †*Ruan, Z., Zanotti, M.1, Archer, S.1, Liao, W., Liu, Y.3 2014. Oleaginous fungal lipid

fermentation on combined acid- and alkali-pretreated corn stover hydrolysate for advanced

biofuel production. Bioresource Technology 163,12-17

[35] †*Zhang, L.1, Wang, X. Q.1, Ruan, Z. H., Liu, Y., Niu, X. R.1, Yue, Z. B.1, Liao, W., Liu,

Y.3 2014. Fungal cellulase/xylanase production and corresponding hydrolysis using

pretreated corn stover as substrates. Journal of Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology

172(2), 1045-1054

[36] †*Yue, Z. B.1, MacLellan, J.1, Liu, Y., Liao, W.3 2013. Effects of corn stover as carbon

supplement on an integrated anaerobic digestion and ethanol fermentation process. Journal

of Renewable and Sustainable Energy 5, 063116

[37] †*Liu, Z. G., Ruan, Z. H., Xiao, Y., Yi, Y., Tang, Y., Liao, W., Liu, Y.3 2013. Integration

of sewage sludge digestion with advanced fuel synthesis. Bioresource Technology 132,

166-170.


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[38] †*MacLellan, J.1, Chen, R.1, Kraemer, R.1, Zhong, Y.1, Liu, Y., Liao, W.3 2013. Anaerobic

treatment of lignocellulosic material to co-produce methane and digested fiber for ethanol

biorefining. Bioresource Technology 130, 418-423.

[39] †*Ruan, Z. H., Zanotti, M.1, Ducey, C., Liao, W., Liu, Y.3 2013. Co-hydrolysis of

lignocellulosic biomass for microbial lipid accumulation. Biotechnology and

Bioengineering 110(4), 1039-1049. (Spotlight of the journal)

[40] †*Yue, Z. B.1, Chen, R.1, Yang, F., McLellan, J.1, Marsh, T., Liu, Y., Liao, W.3 2013.

Effects of dairy manure and corn stover co-digestion on anaerobic microbes and

corresponding digestion performance. Bioresource Technology 128, 65-71.

[41] †Faivor, L.1, Liao, W.3, Kirk, D. 2013. Farm-based biorefining: anaerobic digestion and

algal raceway system. Biocycle, 54(5), 29-31.

[42] *Mulbry, W.3, Reeves, J., Liu, Y., Ruan, Z., Liao, W. 2012. Near- and mid-infrared

spectroscopic determination of algal composition. Journal of Applied Phycology 24(5),

1261-1267.

[43] *Chen, R.1, Yue, Z.1, Dietz, L.1, Liu, Y., Mulbry, W., Liao. W.3 2012. Use of an algal

hydrolysate to improve enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulose. Bioresource Technology

108, 149-154.

[44] *Chen, R.1, Li, R., Dietz, L.1, Liu, Y., Stevenson, J., Liao, W.3 2012. Freshwater algal

cultivation with animal waste for nutrient removal and biomass accumulation. Journal of

Biomass and Bioenergy 39, 128-138.

[45] *Zhang, L.1, Liu, Y., Niu, X.1, Liu, Y.1, Liao, W.3 2012. Effects of acid and alkali treated

lignocellulosic materials on cellulase/xylanase production by Trichoderma reesei Rut C-30

and corresponding enzymatic hydrolysis. Journal of Biomass and Bioenergy 37, 16-24.

[46] *Frear, C.3, Liao, W., Ewing, T., Chen, S.2 2011. Evaluation of co-digestion at a

commercial dairy anaerobic digester. Journal of CLEAN – Soil, Air, Water 39(7), 697-704.

[47] *Yue, Z.1, Teater, C.1, MacLellan, J.1, Liu, Y., Liao, W. 3 2011. Development of a new

bioethanol feedstock – anaerobically digested fiber from confined dairy operations using

different digestion configurations. Journal of Biomass and Bioenergy 35, 1946-1953.

[48] *Li, Z. 3, Liu, Y., Liao, W., Chen, S.2, Zemetra, R. S. 2011. Bioethanol production using

genetically modified and mutant wheat and barley straws. Journal of Biomass and

Bioenergy 35, 542-548.

[49] *Teater, C.1, Yue, Z.1, MacLellan, J.1, Liu, Y., Liao, W.3 2011. Assessing solid digestate

from anaerobic digestion as feedstock for ethanol production. Bioresource Technology 102,

1856-1862.

[50] *Liao, W.3, Frear, C., Oakley, K., Chen, S.2 2010. Leaching-bed reactor for producing

stabilized plant growing media from dairy manure. Biosystems Engineering 106, 278-285.

[51] *Yue, Z.1, Teater, C.1, Liu, Y., MacLellan, J.1, Liao, W. 3 2010. A sustainable pathway of

cellulosic ethanol production integrating anaerobic digestion with biorefining.

Biotechnology and Bioengineering 105(6) 1031-1039.

[52] *Safferman, S. 3, Liao, W., Saffron, C. 2009. Engineering the Bioeconomy. Journal of

Environmental Engineering – ASCE 135(11), 1085-1085.

[53] *Wu, B.3, Liu, Y., Liao, W., Chen, S.2 2008. A numerical model for predicting diffusivity

in a biocatalyst particle with heterogeneous reactions. Journal of AiChE 54(8), 2182-2189.

[54] *Liao, W.3, Liu, Y., Wen, Z., Frear, C., Chen, S.2 2008. Kinetic modeling of enzymatic

hydrolysis of cellulose in differently pretreated fibers from a nitrogen-rich lignocellulosic

material – dairy manure. Biotechnology and Bioengineering 101(3), 441-451.


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[55] *Liao, W. 3, Liu, Y., Frear, C., Chen, S. 2 2008. Co-production of fumaric acid and chitin

from a nitrogen-rich agricultural residue — dairy manure using fungal fermentation.

Bioresource Technology 99(13), 5859-5866.

[56] *Liu, Y. 3, Liao, W., Chen, S. 2 2008. Co-production of L-(+)-lactic acid and chitin using a

pelletized filamentous fungus Rhizopus oryzae NRRL 395 cultured on cull potatoes and

glucose. Journal of Applied Microbiology 105, 1521-1528.

[57] *Liu, Y. 3, Liao, W., Chen, S. 2 2008. Study of pellet formation of filamentous fungi—

Rhizopus oryzae using a multiple logistic regression model. Biotechnology and

Bioengineering 99(1), 117-128.

[58] *Liao, W. 3, Liu, Y., Chen, S. 2 2007. Studying pellet formation of a filamentous fungus –

Rhizopus oryzae to enhance organic acid production. Applied Biochemistry and

Biotechnology 136-140, 689-701.

[59] *Liao, W. 3, Liu, Y., Chen, S. 2 2007. A new approach of pellet formation of a filamentous

fungus – Rhizopus oryzae. Bioresource Technology 98 (18), 3415-3423.

[60] *Liao, W. 3, Liu, Y., Wen, Z., Frear, C., Chen, S. 2 2007. Studying the effects of acid

treatment on components of dairy manure and cellulose accumulation using dilute acid

treatment. Bioresource Technology 98(10), 1992-1999.

[61] *Liao, W. 3, Liu, Y., Liu, C., Wen, Z., Chen, S. 2 2006. Acid hydrolysis of fiber from dairy

manure. Bioresource Technology 97(14), 1687 - 1695.

[62] *Liu, Y. 3, Liao, W., Chen, S. 2 2006. Optimization of L-(+)-lactic acid production using

pellet-form Rhizopus oryzae NRRL 395. Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology 129-

132, 844-853.

[63] *Wen, Z. 3, Liao, W., Chen. S. 2 2005. Production of cellulose/β-glucosidase by the mixed

fungi culture Trichoderma reesei and Aspergillus phoenicis on dairy manure. Process

Biochemistry. 40(9), 3087-3094.

[64] *Liao, W. 3, Wen, Z., Hurley, S., Liu, Y., Liu, C., Chen, S. 2 2005. Effects of hemicellulose,

lignin on enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose from dairy manure. Applied Biochemistry and

Biotechnology 121-124, 1017-1030.

[65] *Liu, Y. 3, Wen, Z., Liao, W., Liu, C., Chen, S. 2 2005. Optimization of L-(+)-lactic acid

production process from cull potato by Rhizopus oryzae. Engineering in Life Sciences 5(4),

343 – 349.

[66] *Chen, S. 2, Wen, Z., Liao, W., Liu, C., Kincaid, R. L., Harrison, J. H., Elliott, D. C.,

Stevens, D. J. 2005. Studies into using manure for biorefinery. Applied Biochemistry and

Biotechnology 121-124, 999-1015.

[67] *Wen, Z. 3, Liao, W., Chen, S. 2 2005. Production of cellulase by Trichoderma reesei from

dairy manure. Bioresource Technology 96(4), 491-499.

[68] *Liao, W. 3, Liu, Y., Liu, C., Chen, S. 2 2004. Optimizing dilute acid hydrolysis of

hemicellulose in a nitrogen-rich cellulosic material—dairy manure. Bioresource

Technology 94(1), 33 – 41.

[69] *Liu, C. 3, Liu, Y., Liao, W., Wen, Z., Chen, S. 2 2004. Simultaneous production of nisin

and lactic acid from cheese whey: optimization of fermentation conditions through

statistically based experimental designs. Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology 114(1-

3), 627-638.

[70] *Wen, Z. 3, Liao, W., Chen, S. 2, 2004. Hydrolysis of animal manure lignocellulosics for

reducing sugar production. Bioresource Technology 91(1), 31-39.


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[71] *Liu, C. 3, Liu, Y., Liao, W., Wen, Z., Chen, S. 2, 2003. Application of statistically-based

experimental designs for the optimization of nisin production from whey. Biotechnology

Letter 25(11), 877 – 882.

[72] *Liu, Y. 3, Jiang, X., Liao, W., Guan, H., 2002. Analysis of oligoguluronic acids with

NMR, electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry and high-performance anion-exchange

chromatography. J. Chromatography A. 968(1-2), 71-78.

[73] *Liao, W. 3, Gu, G. 2, Zhao, G. 2 1997. Further studies on peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase,

lipoxygenase, catalase during malting and mashing. Food and Fermentation Industry 136,

1-7. (In Chinese)

[74] *Liao, W. 3, Gu, G. 2, Zhao, G. 2 1996. Flavor staling in beer. Brewing 112, 1-15. (In

Chinese)

[75] *Liao, W. 3, Gu, G. 2, Zhao, G. 2 1996. The effect of rice on beer flavor staling. Brewing

Technology 46, 16-20. (In Chinese)

Peer-reviewed book chapter (3)

[1] †*Hodge, D., Liao, W 3. 2016. Enzymatic Hydrolysis, In Bioenergy: Principles and

Applications, Li, Y., Khanal, S. K. (Ed.), WILEY Blackwell, Hoboken, NJ.

[2] †*Liao, W.3, Liu, Y., Hodge, D. 2014. Integrated farm-based biorefinery, in Biorefineries,

Qureshi, N., Hodge, D., Vertes, A. (Ed.), Elsevier, New York, NY.

[3] *Wen, Z.3, Liao, W., Liu, C., Chen, S.2 2007. Value-added products from animal manure,

in Bioprocessing for Value-Added Products from Renewable Resources, Yang, S. T., (Ed.),

Elsevier, New York, NY. pp 629-651.

Other publications (12)

[1] †Dolan, K.3, Tang, Y., Liao, W. 2014. Improvement of bioengineering courses through

systems biology and bioprocess modeling. The ASEE Annual Conference Proceedings.

[2] †Li, Q.1,3, Liu, Y., Liao, W., Powers, W. 2014. Microalgae cultivation from animal

production exhaust air: mitigate air emissions and recovery nutrients. The ASABE Annual

International Meeting proceedings, 5:3314-3328.

[3] Faivor, L.1, Liao, W.3, Kirk, D. 2013. Farm-based biorefining: anaerobic digestion and

algal raceway system. Biocycle, 54(5), 29-31.

[4] MacConnell, C.3, Frear, C., Liao, W. 2010. Pretreatment of AD-treated fibrous solids for

value-added container media market. WSU CSANR Research Report 2010-001.

[5] Frear, C.3, Liao, W., Ewing, T., Chen, S. 2010. Baseline performance monitoring of

commercial diary anaerobic digester. WSU CSANR Research Report 2010-001.

[6] Liao, W.3 2008. A Primer on Anaerobic Digestion. The Scoop 2(4) 1.

[7] Liao, W.3, Frear, C., Chen, S.2 2007. Biomass inventory technology and economics

assessment – Report 1. Characteristics of biomass. Washington State Department of

Ecology, Seattle, WA.

[8] Chen, S.2,3, Liao, W., Liu, C., Wen, Z., Kincaid, R. L., Harrison, J. H., Elliot, D. C.,

Brown, M. D., Solana, A. E., Stevens, D. J. 2003. Value-added chemicals from animal

manure. Technical report no. 1. Northwest Bioproducts Research Institute. Richland, WA.

[9] Chen, S.2,3, Liao, W., Liu, C., Kincaid, R., Harrison, J. 2003. Use of animal manure as

feedstock for bio-products. In Proceedings of the Ninth International Symposium on

Animal, Agricultural, and Food Processing Wastes. pp 50-57. ASAE, St. Joseph, MI.


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[10] Liao, W.3, Wen, Z., Liu, C., Chen, S.2 2003. Comparison of hydrolysis processes for dairy

manure conversion. ASAE paper no. 037055. Las Vegas, NV.

[11] Liu, Y.3, Wen, Z., Liao, W., Liu, C., Chen, S.2 2003. Optimization of the L (+)-Lactic acid

production process from cull potato by Rhizopus oryzae. ASAE paper no. 036024. Las

Vegas, NV.

[12] Liao, W.3, Chen, S.2, Kincaid, R. L., Harrison, J. H. 2002. Value-added chemicals from

animal manures. Paper no. 2021. Bioenergy2002. Boise, ID.

Conference and symposium presentations (93)

[1] †Liao, W.3 2018. An integrated algae solution to address carbon dioxide and wastewater

challenges of the power industry. Oral presentation at the 2018 Algae Biomass Summit.

Houston, TX. October 14-17

[2] †Uludag-Demirer S.1, Olson, N.1, Ives, R., Nshimyimana, JP., Rusinek, C., Rose, J., Liu,

Y., Liao, W.3 2018. Techno-economic analysis of electrocoagulation on water reclamation

and pathogen reduction of a high-strength organic wastewater. Oral presentation at the

2018 ASABE Annual International Meeting, Detroit, MI. July 29-August 1

[3] †Zhong, Y.1, Frost, H.1, Liao, W.3 2018. An energy-neutral and chemical-free feedstock

treatment process to generate mono-sugars for lignocellulosic biorefining. Oral

presentation at the 2018 ASABE Annual International Meeting, Detroit, MI. July 29-

August 1

[4] †Liu, Y.3, Song, L.1, Liao, W. 2018. Algal protein extraction by ball mill. Oral presentation

at the 2018 ASABE Annual International Meeting, Detroit, MI. July 29-August 1

[5] †Liao, W.3 2018. Reclaiming water and harnessing energy from organic wastes in the

nexus of food, energy, and water. Oral presentation at the 8th World Water Forum, Brasilia,

Brazil. Marsh 18-23

[6] †Aguilar, R., Bustamante, M.1, Kirk, D., Miranda, J., Baudrit, D., Aguilar, J., Rodriguez,

W., Reinhold, D., Liao, W.3 2017. Technical and economic analysis of a solar-bio-powered

organic waste utilization and treatment system in Central America. Oral presentation at the

2017 ASABE Annual International Meeting, Spokane, WA. July 16-20

[7] †Pavlik, D., Zhong, Y., Elizabeth, C.1, Liao, W., Morgan, R., Clary, W., Liu, Y.3 2017

Microalgae cultivation of carbon dioxide sequestration and protein production using a high-

efficiency photobioreactor system. Poster presentation at the 2017 ASABE Annual

International Meeting, Spokane, WA. July 16-20

[8] †Rojas-Sossa, J. P., Murillo, M., Marsh, T., Larsen, N., Uribe, L., Uribe-Lorio, L.,

Miranda, A., Solis, K., Rodriguez, W., Kirk, D., Liao, W.3 2017. Effects of coffee

processing residues on anaerobic microorganisms and corresponding digestion

performance. Oral presentation at the 2017 ASABE Annual International Meeting,

Spokane, WA. July 16-20

[9] †Zhong, Y.1, Chen, R.1, Rojas-Sossa, J.P., Liao, W.3 2017. Effects of agricultural wastes

and energy crops on performance of anaerobic co-digestion and quality of solid digestate.

Oral presentation at the 2017 ASABE Annual International Meeting, Spokane, WA. July

16-20

[10] †Liao, W.3, Aguilar-Alvarez, R. E., Bustamante-Roman, M.1, Kirk, D., Reinhold, D.,

Chen, R.1, Murillo-Roos, M., Zhong, Y.1, Uribe, L., Uribe-Lorio, L., Miranda-Chavarria, J.

A., Baudrit-Ruiz, D., Aguilar-Pereira, J. F., Rodriguez-Montero, W. 2016. A self-


27 10

sustaining concept to convert organic wastes into valuable products. Oral presentation at

the 8th ENCUENTRO RedBioLAC. San Jose, Costa Rica. November 10.

[11] †Wang, X.1, Ruan, Z., Sheridan, P., Boileau, D.1, Sears, B., Liu, Y.3, Liao, W. 2016.

Enhancement of microalgal biomass for carbohydrate accumulation. Oral presentation at

the 2016 CSCHE Conference and Exhibition, Quebec City, Canada. October 17-20.

[12] †Liu, Z., Chen, R.1, Liu, Y.3, Liao, W. 2016. Combining electrocoagulation with algal

cultivation to accumulate algal biomass and reclaim water from liquid anaerobic digestion

effluent. Oral presentation at the 2016 CSCHE Conference and Exhibition, Quebec City,

Canada. October 17-20.

[13] †Bustamante, M.1, Liao, W.3 2016. Small-scale solar-bio-hybrid power generation using

Brayton and Rankine cycles. Oral presentation at the 2016 ASABE Annual International

Meeting, Orlando, FL. July 17-20.

[14] †Aguilar, R., Miranda, A., Reinhold, D., Kirk, D., Liao, W.3 A simple solution to clean up

biogas for electricity generation in rural Central America. Oral presentation at the 2016

ASABE Annual International Meeting, Orlando, FL. July 17-20.

[15] †Zhong, Y.1, Liu, Z., Isaguirre, C.1, Liu, Y., Liao, W.3 2016. Fungal fermentation on

anaerobic digestate for lipid-based biofuel production. Oral presentation at the 2016

ASABE Annual International Meeting, Orlando, FL. July 17-20.

[16] †Liu, Z., Vanderberg, M.1, Sanyal, O., Lee, I., Liao, W., Liu, Y.3 2016. A novel approach

to simultaneously clean up biogas and reclaim water from anaerobic digestion. Oral

presentation at the 2016 ASABE Annual International Meeting, Orlando, FL. July 17-20.

[17] †Zanotti, M.1, Ruan, Z., Bustamente, M.1, Liu, Y., Liao, W.3 2016. A sustainable

lignocellulosic biodiesel production integrating solar and bio-power generation. Oral

presentation at the 38th Symposium on Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals, Baltimore,

MD. April 25 – April 28.

[18] †Liu, Z., Liu, Y.3, Liao, W. 2016. A self-sustaining biorefining concept to convert

agricultural residues into high-value chemicals. Poster presentation at the 38th Symposium

on Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals, Baltimore, MD. April 25 – April 28.

[19] †Liao, W.3, Dana, K., Reinhold, D. 2016. Technical and economic analysis of integrated

anaerobic digestion system for value-added utilization of organic wastes. Oral presentation

at the 26th Annual Solid Waste Technical Conference, The Engineering Society of Detroit

(ESD) Michigan Waste Industries Association (MWIA). East Lansing, MI. April 18-19.

[20] †Liu, Z., Vanderberg, M.1, Liao, W., Liu, Y.3 2015. An integrated process to clean up

biogas, reclaim water and utilize solid residues – magnifying sustainability of anaerobic

digestion. Oral presentation at the 2015 AICHE Annual International Meeting, Salt Lake

City, UT. November 9-13.

[21] †Sanyal, O., Liu, Z., Meharg, B., Liao, W., Lee, I.3 2015. Evaluating the applicability of

polyelectrolyte-based membranes to treating real wastewater effluents. Oral presentation at

the 2015 AICHE Annual International Meeting, Salt Lake City, UT. November 9-13.

[22] †Sanyal, O., Liu, Z., Meharg, B., Liao, W., Hong, J. S., Lee, I.3 2015. Designing clay-

polyeletrolyte based hybrid membranes for effluent treatment. Oral presentation at the 2015

AICHE Annual International Meeting, Salt Lake City, UT. November 9-13.

[23] †Roman, M.1, Liao, W.3 2015. Design of a Fresnel lens solar thermal collector for power

generation. Oral presentation at the 2015 ASABE Annual International Meeting, New

Orleans, LA. July 26-29.


27 11

[24] †Liao, W.3, Chen, R.1, Murillo, M., Zhong, Y.1, Marsh, T., Uribe-Lorio, L., Uribe-Lorio,

L., Kirk, D. 2015. Responses of anaerobic microorganisms on different culture conditions

and corresponding effects on anaerobic digestion performance. Oral presentation at the

2015 ASABE Annual International Meeting, New Orleans, LA. July 26-29.

[25] †Liao, W.3, Chen, R.1, Roman, M.1, Liu, Z., Sanyal, O., Liu, Y., Lee. I. 2015. Integrating

solar-bio-nano-technologies to develop a self-sustaining organic waste utilization system.

Oral presentation at the 2015 ASABE Annual International Meeting, New Orleans, LA.

July 26-29.

[26] †Zhong, Y.1, Ruan, Z., Zhong, Y., Archer, S., Liu, Y., Liao, W.3 2015. A self-sustaining

advanced lignocellulosic biofuel production by integration of anaerobic digestion and

aerobic fungal fermentation. Oral presentation at the 2015 ASABE Annual International

Meeting, New Orleans, LA. July 26-29.

[27] †Li, Q.3,1, Powers, W., Rozeboom, D., Liu, Y., Liao, W. 2015. Mitigate air emissions from

animal feeding operations and recover nutrients using an integrated water curtain-

microalgal culture system. Oral presentation at the 2015 ASABE Annual International

Meeting, New Orleans, LA. July 26-29.

[28] †Liu, Z., Liao, W., Liu. Y.3 2015. Integrating electrocoagulation (EC) and biological routes

to convert organic residues into value-added chemicals. Poster presentation at the 37th

Symposium on Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals, Sand Diego, CA. April 27 – April

30.

[29] †Liao, W.3 2014. A self-sustaining solar-bio-nano-based concept to convert organic wastes

into valuable products. Oral presentation at the 2014 Yangling International Agri-science

Forum, Yangling, China. November 4-8.

[30] †Li, Q.3,1, Liu, Y., Liao, W., Powers, W. 2014. Integrated wet scrubbers-microalgae

culture system: design and evaluation. Oral presentation at the 2014 ASABE Annual

International Meeting, Montreal, Canada. July 13-17.

[31] †Li, Q.3,1, Liu, Y., Liao, W., Powers, W. 2014. Cultivating microalgae using animal

production exhaust air as a nutrient source – a laboratory scale study. Oral presentation at

the 2014 ASABE Annual International Meeting, Montreal, Canada. July 13-17.

[32] †Liu, Z., Liao, W., Liu, Y.3 2014. A new anaerobic digestion effluent utilization system

integrating electrocoagulation and algal accumulation. Oral presentation at the 2014

ASABE Annual International Meeting, Montreal, Canada. July 13-17.

[33] †Chen, R.1, Murillo, M., Zhong, Y.1, Marsh, T., Uribe-Lorio, L., Uribe-Lorio, L., Kirk, D.,

Liao, W.3 2014. Effects of climate region, reaction temperature and feed composition on

microbial community and anaerobic digestion performance. Oral presentation at the 2014

ASABE Annual International Meeting, Montreal, Canada. July 13-17.

[34] †Tang, Y.3, Dolan, K., Liao, W. 2014. Improvement of bioengineering courses through

systems biology and kinetic fermentation bioprocessing modeling. Poster presentation at

the 121st ASEE Annual Conference, Indianapolis, IN. June 15-18.

[35] †Wang, X.1, Ruan, Z., Sheridan, P., Boileau, D.1, Liu, Y., Liao, W.3 2014. Enhancement of

microalgal biomass for bioethanol production. Oral presentation at the 36th Symposium on

Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals, Clearwater, FL. April 28 – May 1.

[36] †Ruan, Z., Zanotti, M.1, Liao, W., Liu, Y.3 2014. Development of an advanced biological

process to convert lignocellulose into lipid-based fuel. Poster presentation at the 36th

Symposium on Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals, Clearwater, FL. April 28 – May 1.


27 12

[37] †Liao, W.3 2013. A self-sustaining and scalable solar-bio-nano-based organic waste

utilization concept. Oral presentation at the 13th Annual Conference on Renewable Energy

from Organic Recycling, Columbus, OH. October 20-23.

[38] †Zhong, Y.1, Bustanmante-Roman, M.1, Zhong, Y. K., Archer, S.1, Chen, R.1, Kirk, D.,

Liao, W.3 2013. Using anaerobic digestion of organic wastes to biochemically store solar

thermal energy. Poster presentation at the 2013 ASABE Annual International Meeting,

Kansas City, Missouri. July 21-24.

[39] †Zanotti, M.1, Ruan, Z. H., Liu, Y., Liao, W.3 2013. Mass and energy balance for a solar-

powered lignocellulosic biodiesel refinery. Poster presentation at the 2013 ASABE Annual

International Meeting, Kansas City, Missouri. July 21-24.

[40] †Liu, Z. G., Stromberg, D.1, Liao, W., Liu, Y.3 2013. Reclaiming water from anaerobic

digestion effluent using electrocoagulation (EC) treatment – integration of EC and biogas

purification. Oral presentation at the 2013 ASABE Annual International Meeting, Kansas

City, Missouri. July 21-24.

[41] †Liao, W.3 2013. Improving access to clean energy in rural Central America using on-site

solar-biopower generation. Oral presentation at the 13th Annual Ecosystems Engineering

Society Meeting, East Lansing, MI. June 10-12.

[42] Liu, Z., Ruan, Z., Xiao, Y., Yi, Y., Tang, Y. 3, Liu, Y., Liao, W. 2012. Microbial

conversion of sewage sludge for advanced fuel production. Oral presentation at the Fecal

Sludge Management Conference 2012, Durban, South Africa. October 29-31.

[43] Liao, W. 3 2012. Integrated Farm-based Biorefining Converts Agricultural Wastes into

Value-added Products. Oral presentation at the 12th Annual Conference on Renewable

Energy from Organic Recycling, St. Louis, MO. October 29-31.

[44] Chen, R.1, Yue, Z.1, Yang, F., MacLellan, J.1, Marsh, T., Liu, Y., Liao, W. 3 2012. Effects

of farm wastes co-digestion on microbial community, methane production, and fiber

quality as biorefining feedstock. Oral presentation at the 2012 AIChE Annual meeting,

Pittsburgh, PA. October 28-November 2.

[45] Wang, X.1, Sears, B. B., Liu, Y. 3, Liao, W. 2012. Transgenic expression of a bacterial exo-

acting intracellular amylase in the Chlamydomonas reinhardtii chloroplast. Oral

presentation at the 2012 AIChE Annual meeting, Pittsburgh, PA. October 28-November 2.

[46] Ruan, Z., Zanotti, M.1, Zhong, Y.1, Ducey, C., Liao, W., Liu, Y. 3 2012. Comparison of

fungal lipid accumulation on different lignocellulosic feedstocks. Oral presentation at the

2012 AIChE Annual meeting, Pittsburgh, PA. October 28-November 2.

[47] Moscoso, J.L., Chen, R.1, Kumar, S. 3, Liao, W. 2012. Flash hydrolysis for producing algal

hydrolysate hydrolysate and its application in enzymatic saccharification of lignocellulose

biomass. Oral presentation at the 2012 AIChE Annual meeting, Pittsburgh, PA. October

28-November 2.

[48] Liao, W. 3 2012. Biological processes for biomass conversion to bioenergy. Oral

presentation at the conference of United Nations 67th Anniversary Program – Sustainable

Energy for Sustainable Development, East Lansing, MI. October 21-23.

[49] Liao, W. 3, Yue, Z.B.1, Teater C.1, Liu, Y., Chen, R.1, MacLellan, J.1, Deitz, L.1, Stevenson,

J. 2011. Integrated farm-based biorefining concept for agricultural residue utilization.

Poster presentation at the National Academics Keck Futures Initiative Conference. Irvine,

CA. November 10-13.


27 13

[50] MacLellan, J.1, Yue, Z.B.1, Chen, R.1, Liao, W. 3 2011. An anaerobic bacterial culture on

lignocellulosic materials for bioenergy production. Oral presentation at the AIChE 2011

Annual meeting. Minneapolis, MN. October 17-21.

[51] Chen, R.1, Yue, Z. B.1, Deitz, L.A.1, Mulbry, W., Liao, W. 3 2011. Improving enzymatic

hydrolysis of anaerobically digested manure fiber using algal hydrolystate. Oral

presentation at the AIChE 2011 Annual meeting. Minneapolis, MN. October 17-21.

[52] Wang, X.Q.1, Ruan, Z. H., Liao, W., Liu, Y. 3 2011. Comparison of glucose and glycerol

metabolism of Rhizopus oryzae. Oral presentation at the AIChE 2011 Annual meeting.

Minneapolis, MN. October 17-21.

[53] Liao, W.3, Yue, Z.B.1, Teater C.1, Liu, Y., Chen, R.1, MacLellan, J.1, Deitz, L.1, Stevenson,

J. 2011. Integrated Farm-based Biorefining. Oral presentation at the ASABE 2011 Annual

International Meeting. Lousville, KY. August 7-10.

[54] Yue, Z. B.1, Teater, C.1, MacLellan, J.1, Liao, W. 3 2010. Anaerobic co-digestion of

lignocellulose with dairy manure to produce feedstock for ethanol production. Oral

presentation at the ASABE 2010 Annual International Meeting. Pittsburgh, PA. June 20-

23.

[55] Teater, C.1, Yue, Z. B.1, MacLellan, J.1, Liu, Y., Liao, W. 3 2010. Assessing solid digestate

from anaerobic digestion as a feedstock for ethanol production. Oral presentation at the

ASABE 2010 Annual International Meeting. Pittsburgh, PA. June 20-23.

[56] Chen, R.1, Deitz, L.1, Liu, Y., Liao, W. 3, Stevenson, J. 2010. Algal cultivation on anaerobic

digested animal wasets for nutrient removal and biofuel production. Oral presentation at the

ASABE 2010 Annual International Meeting. Pittsburgh, PA. June 20-23.

[57] Liao, W.3, Yue, Z. B.1, Teater, C.1, Liu, Y., Wang, J.1, Chen, R.1, MacLellan, J.1, Deitz, L.1,

Stevenson, J. 2010. Integrated anaerobic digestion/algal cultivation system for value added

energy/chemical production. Oral presentation at the 1st Canada – U.S. Symposium on

Microalgae for Bioenergy and Other Applications. Sarnia, Ontario, Canada. June 14, 2010.

[58] Wang, X. Q.1, Liu, Y. 3, Liao, W. 2010. Transgenic microalgae for thermophilic alpha-

amylase production. Oral presentation at the 1st Canada – U.S. Symposium on Microalgae

for Bioenergy and Other Applications. Sarnia, Ontario, Canada. June 14, 2010.

[59] Zhang, L.1, Niu, X. R.1, Liu, Y.1, Liu, Y., Liao, W. 3 2010. Enzymatic hydrolysis of

ammonia fiber expansion (AFEX) treated corn stover using different enzyme cocktails.

Poster presentation at the Northeast Sun Grant Regional Conference. Syracuse, NY. May

24 – May 26.

[60] Liao, W.3, Yue, Z. B.1, Teater, C.1, Chen, R.1, MacLellan, J.1, Deitz, L.1, Liu, Y.,

Stevenson, J. 2010. Integrated farm-based biorefinery (IFBBR). Poster presentation at the

32nd symposium on biotechnology for fuels and chemicals. Clearwater, FL. April 19- April

23.

[61] Zhang, L.1, Liu, Y., Niu, X. R.1, Liu, Y.1, Yue, Z. B.1, Liao, W. 3 2010. Hydrolysis of

cellulosic materials using fungal enzymes cultured on different carbon sources. Poster

presentation at the 32nd symposium on biotechnology for fuels and chemicals. Clearwater,

FL. April 19- April 23.

[62] Liu, Y. 1, Zhang, L. 1, Yue, Z. B. 1, Liu, Y., Liao, W. 3 2009. Enhanced cellulase and

xylanase production from pelletized Trichoderma Reesei fermentation. Oral presentation at

the AIChE Annual Meeting 2009. Nashville, TN. November 9 – November 13.


27 14

[63] Liao, W. 3, Liu, Y., Wu, B., Chen, S. 2 2009. Coupled mixing flow and mass transfer model

for pelletized fungal fermentation. Oral presentation at the Inverse Problems Symposium

2009. East Lansing, MI. June 1-2.

[64] Liu, Y. 3, Li, R. 1, Chen, R. 1, Liao, W. 3, Stevenson, J. 2009. Algae research for

energy/chemical products. Oral presentation at the Michigan Agri-energy conference 2009.

Kalamazoo, MI. March 30 – March 31.

[65] Liao, W. 3, Yue, Z. B. 1, Teater, C. 1, Liu, Y., Safferman, S. 2009. Integrated anaerobic

digestion system for small-medium farms. Oral presentation at the Michigan Agri-energy

conference 2009. Kalamazoo, MI. March 30 – March 31.

[66] Liu, Y.1, Liu, Y., Liao, W. 3 2009. Mixture culture of pelletized fungi to produce a high

efficient cellulytic-lignolytic-xylanolytic enzyme system for lignocellulosic ethanol

biorefining. Poster presentation at the 2009 Sun Grant Initiative Energy Conference.

Washington, DC. March 10 – 13.

[67] Liao, W. 3, Liu, Y., Chen, S. 2 2008. Production of lignocellulosic enzymes using mixture

culture of pelletized fungi. Oral presentation at the northeast renewable energy conference.

State College, PA. August 25 – August 28.

[68] Li, Z. 3, Liu, Y., Liao, W., Jiang, A., Johson, R. L., Wilson, J., Liu, C., Chen, S. 2, Koehler,

T., Zemetra, R. S., Souza, E. J. 2008. Effects of genetic modified and mutant straws on bio-

ethanol production. Oral presentation at the 30th symposium on biotechnology for fuels

and chemicals. New Orleans, LA. May 4 – May 7.

[69] Liu, Y. 3, Liao, W., Li, Z., Chen, S. 2 2008. Production of ligninase from wheat straw using

a pelletized Phanerochaete chrysosposium Culture. Poster presentation at the 30th

symposium on biotechnology for fuels and chemicals. New Orleans, LA. May 4 – May 7.

[70] Wu, B. 3, Liu, Y., Liao, W., Chen, S. 2 2007. Numerical simulation of coupled mixing flow

and mass transfer model in fungal fermentation process. Oral presentation at the AIChE

Annual Meeting 2007. Salt Lake City, UT. November 5-10.

[71] Wu, B. 3, Liu, Y., Liao, W., Chen, S. 2 2007. A numerical model to predict the diffusivity

for the heterogeneous reactions on a biocatalyst particle. Oral presentation at the ASABE

Annual International Meeting 2007. Minneapolis, MN. June 17 – June 20.

[72] He, B. 3, Huber, K. 3, McDonald, A. 3, Unlu, G. 3, Chen, S. 2, Liao, W. 3, Van Wie, B. 3 2007.

Offering a biomass and biorefinery curriculum to undergraduate seniors and graduate

students. Workshop at the ASABE Annual International Meeting 2007. Minneapolis, MN.

June 17 – June 20.

[73] Liao, W. 3, Liu, Y., Chen, S. 2 2007. Enhance the production of ligninases using a pelletized

Phanerochaete chrysosposium culture. Poster presentation at the 29th symposium on

biotechnology for fuels and chemicals. Denver, CO. April 30 – May 3.

[74] Liu, Y. 3, Liao, W., Chen, S. 2 2006. Production of L-(+)-lactic acid from a pelletized

filamentous Rhizopus oryzae culture using cull potatoes and glucose as nutrients. Poster

presentation at the 28th symposium on biotechnology for fuels and chemicals. Nashville,

TN. April 30 – May 3.

[75] Liao, W. 3, Liu, Y., Chen, S. 2 2006. A new approach of pellet formation of a filamentous

fungus – Rhizopus oryzae. Poster presentation at the 28th symposium on biotechnology for

fuels and chemicals. Nashville, TN. April 30 – May 3.

[76] Liao, W. 3, Liu, Y., Wen, Z., Chen, S. 2 2006. Studying effects of acid treatment on

components of dairy manure. Poster presentation at the 28th symposium on biotechnology

for fuels and chemicals. Nashville, TN. April 30 – May 3.


27 15

[77] Liao, W. 3, Liu, Y., Wen, Z., Liu, C., Chen, S. 2 2005. Enzymatic hydrolysis of hydrogen

peroxide pretreated fiber from an agricultural residue—dairy manure. Poster presentation at

the 27th symposium on biotechnology for fuels and chemicals. Denver, CO. May 1-4.

[78] Liu, Y. 3, Liao, W., Chen, S. 2 2005. Optimization of L-(+)-lactic acid production using

pellet-form Rhizopus oryzae NRRL 395. Poster presentation at the 27th symposium on

biotechnology for fuels and chemicals. Denver, CO. May 1-4.

[79] Liu, Y. 3, Liao, W., Chen, S. 2 2005. Co-production of lactic acid from a pelletized

filamentous Rhizopus oryzae culture using cull potatoes as raw material. Oral presentation

at the world congress on industrial biotechnology and bioprocessing. Orlando, FL. April

19-22.

[80] Liao, W. 3, Liu, Y., Chen, S. 2 2005. Fumaric acid production from a nitrogen-rich

agricultural residue — dairy manure using fungal fermentation. Oral presentation at the

world congress on industrial biotechnology and bioprocessing. Orlando, FL. April 19-22.

[81] Wen, Z. 3, Demirer, G., Liao, W., Chen, S. 2 2004. Enhancement of anaerobic digestion of

animal manure with fungal cellulose pretreatment. Poster presentation at the 10th congress

on anaerobic digestion. Montreal, Canada. August 29 - September 3.

[82] Chen, S. 2,3, Liu, C., Liu, Y., Liao, W. 2004. Using cull potatoes as feedstock for nisin and

lactic acid production. Oral presentation at the ASABE Annual International Meeting 2004.

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. August 1-4.

[83] Liu, C. 3, Liu, Y., Liao, W., Chen, S. 2 2004. Effects of nutrient supplements on

simultaneous fermentation of nisin and lactic acid from cull potatoes. Poster presentation at

the 26th symposium on biotechnology for fuels and chemicals. Chattanooga, TN. May 9-

12.

[84] Liao, W. 3, Wen, Z., Hurley, S., Liu, Y., Liu, C., Chen, S. 2 2004. Effects of hemicellulose,

lignin on enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose from dairy manure. Poster presentation at the

26th symposium on biotechnology for fuels and chemicals. Chattanooga, TN. May 9-12.

[85] Liu, Y. 3, Wen, Z., Liao, W., Liu, C., Chen, S. 2 2004. Optimization of L-(+)-lactic acid

production process from cull potato by Rhizopus oryzae. Poster presentation at the 26th

symposium on biotechnology for fuels and chemicals. Chattanooga, TN. May 9-12.

[86] Wen, Z. 3, Liao, W., Chen. S. 2 2004. Production of cellulose/β-glucosidase by the mixed

fungi culture of Trichoderma reesei and Aspergillus phoenicis on dairy manure. Oral

presentation at the 26th symposium on biotechnology for fuels and chemicals.

Chattanooga, TN. May 9-12.

[87] Chen, S. 2,3, Wen, Z., Liao, W., Liu, C., Kincaid, R. L., Harrison, J. H., Elliott, D. C.,

Stevens, D. J. 2004. Studies into using manure for biorefinery. Poster presentation at the

26th symposium on biotechnology for fuels and chemicals. Chattanooga, TN. May 9-12.

[88] Liu, C. 3, Liu, Y., Liao, W., Wen, Z., Chen, S. 2 2003. Simultaneous production of nisin and

lactic acid from cheese whey. Oral presentation at 25th symposium on biotechnology for

fuels and chemicals. Breckenridge, CO. May 4-7.

[89] Chen, S. 2,3, Liao, W., Liu, C., Kincaid, R., Harrison, J. 2003. Use of animal manure as

feedstock for bio-products. Oral presentation at the Animal, Agricultural and Food

Processing Wastes, Proceedings of the Ninth International Symposium. Raleigh, NC.

October 11-14.

[90] Liao, W. 3, Wen, Z., Chen, S. 2 2003. Hydrolysis of fiber from dairy manure. Oral

presentation at the ASAE Annual International Meeting 2003. Las Vegas, NV. July 26-29.


27 16

[91] Liu, Y. 3, Wen, Z., Liao, W., Liu, C., Chen, S. 2 2003. Optimization of the L (+)-Lactic acid

production process from cull potato by Rhizopus oryzae. Poster presentation at ASAE

2003. Las Vegas, NV. July 26-29.

[92] Liu, C. 3, Kincaid, R., Harrison, J., Liao, W., Wen, Z., Chen, S. 2 2003. Characterization of

animal manures for biorefinery. Poster presentation at the ASAE Annual International

Meeting 2003. Las Vegas, NV. July 26-29.

[93] Liao, W. 3, Chen, S.2, Harrison, J., Kincaid, R. 2002. Value added chemical from animal

manure. Oral presentation at Bioenergy 2002. Boise, ID. September 23-26.

Invited Presentations (18)

[1] †Liao, W.3 2018. A food-energy-water nexus solution to sustainably manage organic

wastes and wastewater. Michigan State University (MSU) Environmental Science & Policy

Program (ESPP) Research Symposium 2018: Climate-Food-Energy-Water. East Lansing,

November 1.

[2] †Liao, W.3 2018. A food-energy-water nexus concept toward global sustainability. East

China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, P. R. China. July 12.

[3] †Liao, W.3 2018. Sustainable management of wastes and wastewater using food-energy-

water nexus approaches. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI. February 23.

[4] †Liao, W.3 2017. MSU biosystems and agricultural engineering. University of

Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico. September 27.

[5] †Liao, W.3 2017. A food-energy-water nexus concept toward global sustainability.

University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico. September 25.

[6] †Liao, W.3 2017. Food-energy-water nexus solutions toward global sustainability. General

lecture at University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy. June 20.

[7] †Liao, W.3 2017. An overview of the MSU anaerobic digestion research and education

center. University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy. June 9.

[8] †Liao, W.3 2016. Food-energy-water nexus towards global sustainability. Nanjing

Agricultural University, Nanjing, China. July 11.

[9] †Liao, W.3 2015. Integrated biorefining – A self-sustaining solution for next-generation

fuel and chemical production. Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.

December 10.

[10] †Liao, W.3 2014. Developing novel biological processes to convert lignocellulose into

lipid-based biofuel. East China University of Science and Technology. Shanghai, P.R.

China. November 10.

[11] Liao, W. 3 2012. A novel integrated farm-based biorefining on agricultural wastes for

value-added fuels/chemical production. 22nd Annual Solid Waste Technical Conference,

Engineering Society of Detroit (ESD) Michigan Waste Industries Association (MWIA).

East Lansing, MI. March 27-28.

[12] Liao, W.3 2012. A microbial ecological perspective of bioenergy research. East China

University of Science and Technology. Shanghai, P.R. China. December 20.

[13] Liao, W. 3 2011. Environmental benign approaches to convert agricultural wastes into

value-added energy and chemical products. Sino-U.S. Symposium on Treatment and

Utilization of Animal Farm Residues. Beijing, China. May 28-29.

[14] Liao, W. 3 2010. Integrated biorefining for value added energy/chemical production.

Biomass Waste to Energy Summit. East Lansing, MI. December 7.


27 17

[15] Liao, W.3 2010. Integrated biorefining concept for value-added energy/chemical

production. Jiangnan University. Wuxi, P.R. China. December 30.

[16] Liao, W. 3, Safferman, S., Liu, Y., Stevenson, J. 2009. Alternative energy production on

the farm. 2009 Agriculture’s Conference on the Environment. Lansing, MI. January 28.

[17] Liao, W.3 2008. Bioenergy/Bioproducts research at MSU. East China University of

Science and Technology. Shanghai, P.R. China. July 2.

[18] Liao, W.3 2008. Bioenergy/Bioproducts from agricultural residues. China Agricultural

University, Beijing, P.R. China. June 24.

MSU Internal Presentations (14)

[1] †Liao, W. 3 2016. Turning chemistry into food-energy-water nexus solutions towards

global sustainability. MSU CORE-CM seminar series. East Lansing, MI. September 29.

[2] †Liao, W. 3 2016. Food-energy-water nexus towards global sustainability. MSU FEW-

nexus workshop. East Lansing, MI. January 14.

[3] †Liao, W. 3 2014. Integrated farm-based biorefining concept to convert organic residues

into value-added products. 2014 Frontier in Science Anaerobic Digestion Workshop.

Lansing, MI. April 19.

[4] †Liao, W. 3 2013. Integrated biorefining of organic residue utilization. 2013 MSU Energy

Sciences Forum. East Lansing, MI. September 27.

[5] Liao, W. 3 2012. Integrated farm-based biorefining for value-added energy/chemical

production. 2012 Bioenergy Short Courses. Lansing, MI. September 22.

[6] Liao, W. 3 2011. Integrated farm-based biorefining for value-added energy/chemical

production. 2011 Bioenergy Short Courses. Lansing, MI. August 22.

[7] Liao, W. 3 2010. A small-scale anaerobic digester and integrated-farm based biorefining.

2010 AD workshop. Lansing, MI. October 28.

[8] Liao, W. 3 2010. Algae cultivation on AD digestate and integrated farm based biorefining.

2010 ADREC Forum. Lansing, MI. July 28.

[9] Liao, W. 3, Safferman, S., Liu, Y. 2009. Next generation anaerobic digestion system. Fall

meeting of Michigan State Extension. East Lansing, MI. October 14.

[10] Liao, W. 3, Saffron, C. 2008. Ethanol production and safety. Conference of small scale bio-

fuels production: home and farm. West Olive, MI. December 11.

[11] Liao, W. 3, Liu, Y. 2008. Emerging algae research for energy/chemical products. MSU

product Center. East Lansing, MI. December 5.

[12] Liao, W. 3, Safferman, S., Engada, A., Liu, Y., Stevenson, J. 2008. Next generation

anaerobic digestion system. MSU BAE donor luncheon. East Lansing, MI. November 07.

[13] Liao, W. 3 2008. Bioenergy/bioproducts from agricultural residues/crops. MSU 4-H

exploration days. East Lansing, MI. June 19.

[14] Liao, W. 3 2008. A small-scale anaerobic digester. MSU Kellogg biological station.

Hickory Corners, MI. March 18.

TEACHING

Courses


27 18

Semester &

Year Course Number Credits

Number of

Students Notes

Spring 2018

BE360 3 50 I taught 100% of this course. I

have one grader.

HRT461 1 6 I taught 33% of this course.

Fall 2017 ChE/BE468 3 19

I taught 90% of this course.

The course content was

modified this year.

ESP801 3 11 I taught 25% of this course.

Spring 2017

BE360 3 52 I taught 100% of this course. I

have one grader.


BE892 1 6 I taught 100% of this course.

Fall 2016 ChE/BE468 3 28 I taught 40% of this course.

ESP801 3 10 I taught 25% of this course.

Spring 2016






Spring 2015 BE360 3 44 I taught 100% of this course.








Fall 2012 CHE/BE468 3 31 I taught 40% of this course.










It is a new course.

Fall 2009 ChE/BE468 3 12

I taught 33% of this course.

It is a new course.


• Advisor for 10 senior capstone teams in the past 10 years


27 19

- Lizzie Ausmus, Alexis Kontorousis, Bolun Li, Xin Tang. Crayfish will. 2017-2018

- Carly Daiek, Madeline LaBelle, Injoon Oh, Ryan Ziegler. Hope: Sustainable design for

sustainable future. 2016-2017

- John Everett, Robert Munro, Shane Peterson, Charlotte Thomas. Nutrient Moo-vers:

Transforming waste for the greater good. 2015-2016

- Andris Grinvalds, Dimitrius Innis, Hannah Pichner. Meat the Spartans: Cleaner water

cleaner world. 2014-2015

- Evan Austin, Banielle Brickner, Matt Coleman, Allison VanderKolk. AD strong: the

army fights for freedom, we fight for sustainable energy. 2013-2014

- Luke DeSmet, Younsuk Doug, Ryan Gardner. Electrocoagulation-flotation for the

treatment of anaerobic digestion effluent. 2012-2013

- Katie Balaze, Lauren Deitz, Dave Hochhalter, Miranda Sperry, Eric Werner. Integrated

Solar Heated Anaerobic Digester and Treatment Wetland. 2011-2012

- Joe Ahlquist, Louis Faivor, Patrick Triscari. Design of an Integrated Anaerobic Digester

and Treatment Wetland for Pastured Based Dairy Farms. 2009-2010

- Katie Borga, Brad Love, Aaron Work. Nutrient Removal and Algae Growth in a

Bioreactor. 2008-2009

- Keith Dehenau, Joel Dupuis, Jackie McNett, Tracy Svanda. Biodiesel Production in

Malawi. 2007-2008

• Guest lecture for BE385 Engineering Design and Optimization for Biological Systems,

Spring/2015/2016/2017

• Guest lecture for CSS467 Bioenergy Feedstock Production,

Fall/2009/2010/2011/2012/2013/2014/2015/2016/2017

• Guest lecture for UGS 101 OSS Freshman Seminar, Spring/2015/2016

• Guest lecture for HRT/PHL486 Biotechnology in Agriculture: Applications and Ethical

Issues, Fall/2014

• BSYSE 550: Advanced Topics, Spring/2006 (Washington State University)

• BSYSE 551: Biomass and Biorefinery, Fall/2006 (Washington State University)

Ph. D. Students at Present (serving as the major advisor)

Name Study

Period

Expected

Graduation Date Dissertation

Yurui

Zheng

August,

2018 August, 2022

A combined biological and chemical flue gas

utilization system towards carbon dioxide

capture

Ashley

Cutshaw May, 2018 August, 2022

A cascade process to convert algal biomass

into value-added chemicals

Ph. D. Students graduated (serving as the major advisor)

Name Graduation

date Dissertation Placement

Yuan

Zhong

August,

2018

Anaerobic digestion of agricultural

residues and energy crops to generate

cellulosic material for advanced biofuel

production

TBD


27 20

Mauricio

Bustamante

August,

2016

Developing a solar-bio hybrid energy

generation system for a self-sustainable

wastewater treatment

University of Costa

Rica, Costa Rica

Ray Chen July, 2015 A closed-loop biorefining system using

organic residues as feedstock

California

Environmental

Protection Agency,

Sacramento, CA

Xiaoqing

Wang

October,

2014

Developing a transgenic microalga to

enhance algal starch utilization for fuel

and chemical production

Tate & Lyle PLC,

Chicago, IL

M.S. Students at Present (serving as the major advisor)

Name Study

Period

Expected

Graduation Date Dissertation

Henry

Frost

January,

2018 August, 2020

Mechano-biological conversion of

lignocellulosic materials for biochemical

production

Doug

Clements

January,

2018 August, 2020 A novel crayfish capture approach

M.S. Students Graduated (serving as the major advisor)

Name Graduation

date

Thesis Placement

Yuan

Zhong

August,

2013

Using anaerobic digestion of organic

wastes to biochemically store solar

thermal energy

Ph.D. student at

Michigan State

University

Mike

Zanotti July, 2013

Development of a sustainable

lignocellulosic biodiesel refinery

DuPont, Cedar

Rapids, IW

James

McLellan July, 2012

Anaerobic treatment of lignocellulosic

material for energy generation

Beam Suntory,

Louisville, KY

Charles

Teater May, 2010

Development of a cellulosic ethanol

production process integrating anaerobic

digestion with biorefining

John Bean

Technologies

Corporation,

Sandusky, OH

Ying Liu May, 2010

Hydrolysis of lignocellulose using

enzymes from pelletized Trichoderma

reesei fermentation

China Petrochemical

(Sinopec) Corp.,

Beijing, China

Xiaorui

Niu May, 2010

Enzymatic hydrolysis of ammonia fiber

expansion (AFEX) treated corn stover

using different enzyme cocktails

Nielson Company,

Guangzhou, China

Graduate Students (serving as a committee member)

Student Graduation Major Topic Degree

Mekuannint

Messele

Mechanical

Engineering TBD Ph.D.


27 21

Tom

Qualman

Mechanical

Engineering

Free vortex design, manufacturing and

testing of a wound composite axial

compressor

Ph.D.

Yilun Luo

Biosystems &

Agricultural

Engineering

Design of portable nuclear magnetic

resonance system for pathogen

detection

Ph.D.

Juan-Pablo

Rojas-

Sossa

Biosystems &

Agricultural

Engineering

Evaluation of innovative approaches to

mixing complex slurries in anaerobic

digesters

M.S.

Ronald

Aguilar 2018

Biosystems &

Agricultural

Engineering

Evaluating a solar-powered anaerobic

digestion and hybrid constructed

treatment wetland system to treat

agricultural wastes in Central America

Ph.D.

Matheus

Capelari 2018

Animal

Science

Effects of feeding nitrate in association

with monensin to beef cattle Ph.D.

Gina

Masell 2017

Biosystems &

Agricultural

Engineering

Characterization of zoo animal wastes

and their biochemical methane

potential to assess effects of anaerobic

digestion on zoo sustainability

M.S.

Yahya Ali

Rothan 2017

Mechanical

Engineering

Cooling the steam power plant

condenser using a vapor compression

refrigeration system

Ph.D.

Anna Song 2017 Chemical

Engineering

Preparation of functional biodegradable

polymeric micro/nanoparticles via a

facile, one step and fast emulsion-

diffusion process

Ph.D.

Zhiguo Liu 2016

Biosystems &

Agricultural

Engineering

Systems approach of agricultural

residue utilization for value-added

chemical production

Ph.D.

Alex Lloyd

Casabuena 2016

Civil &

Environmental

Engineering

Virus removal in a membrane

bioreactor: submerged versus

sidestream configuration

M.S.

Xu Tan 2016 Mechanical

Engineering

Design and performance analysis of gas

and liquid radial turbines Ph.D.

Yingkui

Zhong 2016

Biosystems &

Agricultural

Engineering

Optimization of fungal fermentation

and lipid extraction M.S.

Jing Yu 2016 Chemical

Engineering

Development of porous polyelectrolyte

multilayers for functional compound

delivery and surface superwettability

Ph.D.

Oishi

Sanyal 2016

Chemical

Engineering

Design of polyelectrolyte multilayer

membranes for ion rejection and

wastewater effluent treatment

Ph.D.

Christopher

Clarke 2016

Mechanical

Engineering

A local flow angle approach to

centrifugal compressor vaneless

diffuser stability

Ph.D.


27 22

Li Chai 2015

Biosystems &

Agricultural

Engineering

Integration of decentralized biomass

upgrading depots and centralized

catalysis to make green aromatics

Ph.D.

Daniel

Swain 2014

Mechanical

Engineering

Impact of impeller blade trimming on

the performance of centrifugal

compressors

Ph.D.

Christopher

Bolin 2014

Mechanical

Engineering

Characteristics of alternative fuels and

alternative cooling of thermal power

systems

Ph.D.

Christopher

Paul 2014

Mechanical

Engineering

A stirling engine for use with lower

quality fuels Ph.D.

Daniel

Williams 2014

Chemical

Engineering

Impact of alkaline hydrogen peroxide

pretreatment on cell wall properties that

contribute to improved enzymatic

digestibility of structural carbohydrates

to be utilized for biofuel production

Ph.D.

Zhenhua

Ruan 2013

Biosystems &

Agricultural

Engineering

Development of an advanced biological

process to convert lignocellulose into

lipid-based fuel

Ph.D.

Ankush

Gokhale 2013

Chemical

Engineering

Supramolecular assembly of

nanostructured materials for fabrication

of functional interfaces

Ph.D.

Jade

Wuhaan 2013

Biosystems &

Agricultural

Engineering

Stimulatory effect of vermicompost on

the anaerobic digestion of cafeteria

food waste

Ph.D.

Shannon

McGraw 2013

Biosystems &

Agricultural

Engineering

Development of a resistance based

biosensor utilizing conducting

microfibers for microbial pathogen

detection

Ph.D.

Shaowen Ji 2012 Chemical

Engineering

Fabrication and modification of

biological materials utilizing shear flow

system

Ph.D.

Kangsoo

Im 2012

Mechanical

Engineering

Development of a design method for

centrifugal compressors Ph.D.

Harun

Armagan 2012

Biosystems &

Agricultural

Engineering

Anaerobic digestion of food wastes M.S.

Venkata

Krishna Sai

Pappu

2012 Chemical

Engineering

Process intensification in the synthesis

of organic esters: kinetics, simulations

and pilot plant experiments

Ph.D.

Dahai Gao 2011 Chemical

Engineering

Enzymatic conversion of pretreated

biomass into fermentable sugars for

biorefinery operation

Ph.D.

David Wall 2011

Biosystems &

Agricultural

Engineering

Reconstitution of dewatered food

processing residuals with manure to M.S.


27 23

increase energy production from

anaerobic digestion

Wenting Li 2011 Animal

Science

Using saponins to reduce methane

emission from ruminants Ph.D.

Ray Chen 2010 Zoology

Freshwater algal cultivation with

animal waste for nutrient removal and

biomass production

M.S.

Undergraduate research Mentees

• Douglas Clements, Spring 2018 – present

• Joe Riordan, Fall 2017 – present

• Adam Smerigan, Fall 2017 – present

• Mingchuan Bai, Fall 2017 – present

• Henry Frost, Fall 2016 - present

• Nathan Olson, Fall 2016 – present

• John Blackhurst, Fall 2015 - present

• Carly Daiek, Fall 2015 – Spring 2017

• Marc VandenBerg, Fall 2014 – Spring 2016

• Austin Mashburn, Fall 2014 – Spring 2017

• Anna Hermanns, exchanging student from Germany, Fall 2015 – Fall 2016

• Christine Isaguirre, Fall 2013 – Spring 2017

• Charlie Sanders, Fall 2013 – Spring 2015

• David Stromberg, Fall 2014 – Spring 2016

• Danielle Boileau, Fall 2013 – Spring 2016

• Alex Whitlow, Fall 2013 – Spring 2015

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES

A. Professional Societies and Organization Memberships

• Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas (RNG)

• American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE)

• American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE)

B. Committee Membership and Administrative Responsibilities

• Board member of the Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) Scholarship Advisory

Board, 2017 – present

• Chair of E-2050/2 Global Engagement Committee of American Society of Agricultural and

Biological Engineers (ASABE), 2016 – present

• Panel chair for the USDA ARS National Program 212 – Soil and air action, 2016

• Co-organizer for the session of challenges and opportunities for microalgal technologies at

the 66th Canadian Chemical Engineering (CSCHE) Conference and Exhibition, Quebec City,

Canada. October/17-20/2016

• Co-organizer of the 1st Joint Canada-U.S. Symposium on Microalgae for bioenergy and other

applications, Sarnia, Ontario, Canada. June/13-14/2010

• Co-chair for the session 4 of food & bioprocessing at Inverse Problem Symposium 2009,

East Lansing, MI. June/01-June/02/2009


27 24

C. Membership on Conference Steering and Scientific Committees

• Organizer for the session of Water for Food Processing: Waste Reduction, Optimization and

Reuse in Development Topic A at the 8th World Water Forum, Brasilia, Brazil, March 18 –

23, 2018

• Working group to develop “Science-Based Methods and Technical Guidelines for

Quantifying Greenhouse Gas Sources and Sinks in the Forest and Agriculture Sectors” for

USDA Climate Change Program Office, 2011-2014.

• USDA Biobased Energy Research and Information Exchange Committee, 2008-2012

D. Editorial Boards

• Guest editor of Journal of Industrial Biotechnology for a special issue on anaerobic digestion,

2015.

• Editorial board of Journal of Industrial Biotechnology, 2010 – present

• Editorial team of Journal of Environmental Engineering for a special issue on Engineering

the Bioeconomy, 2009

E. Journal Paper and Textbook Review Duties

• Reviewed manuscripts from Agricultural and Food Chemistry, Algal Research, Applied

Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Applied Energy, Applied Environmental Microbiology,

Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, Biofuels/Bioproducts/Biorefining, Biomass and

Bioenergy, Bioresource Technology, Biotechnology for Biofuels, Biotechnology and

Bioengineering, Biotechnology Progress, Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering, Chemical

Engineering Education, Energy, Energy and Fuels, Energy Conversion and Management,

Environmental Engineering, Environmental Progress and Sustainable Energy, Energy &

Environmental Science, Environmental Science & Technology, Environmental Technology, Food

Chemistry, Frontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering in China, Fuel, Green Chemistry,

Industrial Biotechnology, Microbial Cell Factories, Molecular Catalysis B: Enzymatic, PlosOne,

Process Biochemistry, Progress in Energy and Combustion Science, Renewable & Sustainable

Energy Review, RSC Advances, Scientific Report, Trans-ASABE, and Water Research.

F. Proposal Review and Review Panel Attendance

• Reviewer for USDA NIFA Exploratory program, 2017

• Reviewer for Kentucky Science & Engineering Foundation. 2017

• Reviewer for the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).

2017

• Reviewer for the 9th Ontario Research Fund (Canada). 2017

• Reviewer for Ohio Water Research Center. 2017

• Reviewer for U.S. EPA Nutrient Recycling Challenge Grant (Phase I). 2016

• Reviewer for Western Sun Grant Initiative. 2016

• Reviewer for HongKong (China) Environment and Conservation Fund. 2016

• Reviewer for USDA-DOE BDRI program, 2015/2016

• Reviewer for CANADA MITACS ACCELERATE Internship Program. 2015

• Reviewer for Northeast Sun Grant Initiative. 2014

• Reviewer for USDA SBIR program, 2012

• Reviewer for Cariplo Foundation, Milano, Italy, 2011


27 25

• Reviewer for 2009 CANADA MITACS ACCELERATE Internship Program

• Reviewer for 2009 USDA CSREES Biomass Research and Development Initiative

• Reviewer for the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center’s SEEDS program.

2008/2009

• Reviewer for 2008 Biomass Feedstock Logistics Proposal, North Central Sun Grant Center.

2008

• Panelist for the NSF Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental and Transport Systems

(CBET) Program. 2008/2009

• Panelist for the Northeast Sun Grant Initiative of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

2008-2011

G. Department, College, and University Committees

• University-Level Committees and Services

- The University Curriculum Committee, Member. 2017 – present

• College-Level Committees and Services

- Working with CANR administrators to establish a dual-degree undergraduate/graduate

program with Nanjing Agricultural University, China. 2016 – present

- CANR College Advisory Committee, Member. 2016 – present

- ESPP Advisory Council, Member. 2016 – 2017

- Engineering Undergraduate Studies Committee (EUSC), 2012/2013

- Engineering Research and Graduate Studies Committee (ERGSC), 2008-2010

- Engineering Research Committee (ERC), 2009/2011

- Engineering Graduate Studies Committee (EGSC), Secretary. 2010

- Engineering without Borders Michigan State University Chapter project on developing an

application of “Women’s Biodiesel Production Cooperative using Energy Crops in

Zomba, Malawi”, Advisor. 2008

• Department-Level Committees and Services

- Department Advisory Committee, Chair (2016), Secretary (2017). 2016 – present

- Department Graduate Studies Committee, Member. 2012 – present

- Department Advisory Committee (DAC), 2008/2009/2010/2011

- Searching committees for recruiting bioenergy faculty, 2007-2010

INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES

I have been very much involved in international research and education activities during the past 11

years at MSU. I am currently the chair of the E-2050/2 Global Engagement Committee of American

Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineering (ASABE) to extend the global impact of ASABE.

My main international research and education activities are in Latin America, Europe, and Asia. Some

key activities in these regions are briefly described as follow:

A. Latin America

My research group has been intensively working in Central America in the past 8 years. The concept

of integrated solar-bio-power waste/wastewater utilization system has been attracting a lot of positive

attention due to a U.S. Department of State funded project ($1 million) that we completed in Costa


27 26

Rica. We established a pilot system along with two labs at University of Costa Rica (UCR) to carry

out research and education activities in the region. Public and private sectors in Costa Rica, Mexico,

Nicaragua, Honduras, Panama, and Brazil are reaching out to me to express their interest in

implementing the solar-bio-power system in their entities. Due to a large volume of requests from the

region, ADREC and I helped a group of scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs in Costa Rica to

establish a regional Biogas Council in 2015. The collaboration led to 6 peer-reviewed journal

publications and three additional funds from Costa Rican government, Brazilian government, and

German government. Meanwhile, I, along with other MSU BAE faculty, also helped UCR to establish

a new biosystems engineering curriculum in their agricultural engineering program. The new

curriculum was launched in 2016. Two Ph.D. and one Master students originally from UCR graduated

from MSU and returned to UCR to teach the new biosystems engineering curriculum.

I led and co-led the ecological engineering study abroad program in Central America, and traveled

with two student groups to Costa Rica in 2015 and 2017. To enable our students to better understand

different culture and gain global perspectives on ecological and environmental matters, we did invite

undergraduate students and ecological engineering faculty members from University of Costa Rica to

travel with us during the entire study abroad period.

I guided a senior capstone project in 2016 to design a simple and effective hollow-fiber based water

treatment unit for rural Central America. After testing the unit at MSU, we secured financial supports

to carry out the implementation in an orphanage garden – Hopewell at Belize. The successful

implementation of the water treatment unit led to generation of clean water for 40+ children and

teachers in Hopewell, which demonstrates an effective way for small and rural communities to treat

surface/ground water for potable uses.

B. Europe

I was invited by University of Bologna and University of Catania, Italy in 2017 to carry out a study to

address agricultural byproduct handling issues and renewable energy production in Sicily. A

feasibility study was finished and two peer-reviewed journal papers have been published. The Italian

team is working with local government and citrus industry in Sicily to develop an implementation

plan. In addition, the research team is currently working on an EU Horizon 2020 proposal and seek

funds to continue the research effort.

C. Asia

My research group (collaborating with Dr. Saffron’s group) was also funded by a Chinese company to

develop a thermal-biological conversion process to treat corn stover and alleviate the smog problem in

Beijing, the capital of China. One peer-reviewed journal paper has been published and the other

manuscript is under development. A demonstration conversion unit based on our research outcome

was fabricated and tested in the corn field in Beijing in 2017. Two more prototypes have been

fabricated since then. The company is working on commercialization of the technology.

On the education side, I was the leading faculty at BAE to host and organize a group of

undergraduate students (10+ per year) from Zhejiang University, China to do their summer

internship at MSU in three consecutive years (2008-2010). The intention was to recruit more

high-quality graduate students for the BAE Ph.D. program as well as establishing research

collaboration with top Chinese research institutions. I also assisted the associate dean and other


27 27

colleagues at CANR in the past 2.5 years to establish a college-wide dual-degree program with a

top agricultural university in China, Nanjing Agricultural University. The program has been

approved by both universities early this year (March 2018) and recently approved by Ministry of

Education of the People’s Republic of China (November 2018). The successful delivery of the

program will increase the enrollment of the college and enhance our global research and teaching

effort in Asia.

wei liao, ph.d., p.e. biosystems & agricultural ... · wei liao 3curriculum vita of 27 27 3 •...

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