Dr. Ankita Juneja

Biography

Dr. Ankita Juneja is from Ludhiana, Punjab, India. She did her B.Tech. in Agricultural Engineering from Punjab Agricultural University, where she and her husband, Deepak, met as classmates. She began her research career at the University of Georgia as a research assistant and completed her MS in Agricultural and Biological Engineering. She was the President of the Graduate Students Club and Vice President of the Indian Student Association during her tenure at UGA. Ankita earned her doctorate from Oregon State University, where her dissertation on model-predictive control for optimal algal production led to filing of a patent, in addition to several publications. Ankita completed her postdoc at University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign publishing high-impact journal articles and receiving awards in research related to sustainable production of biofuels and high-value bioproducts from corn and lignocellulosic biomass. 

Ankita's research integrates thermochemical and biochemical conversion pathways with biological innovations for sustainable production of biofuels and biochemicals from low-cost feedstock, to drive the bioeconomy forward. By exploring and advancing this integration, her research aims to contribute to the development of efficient and sustainable biorefinery processes with multiple product streams, thereby promoting the transition towards a more sustainable and resource-efficient bio-based economy. Her research also focuses on developing innovative and sustainable solutions for mitigating algal blooms and transforming them into renewable energy sources.

Ankita is an advocate for diversity and inclusion in science and engineering. Through her work, she strives to promote equal opportunities, representation, and collaboration, ensuring that everyone has a voice and can contribute to the scientific and engineering community. She is the academic advisor for the MANRRS chapter at SUNY ESF, after previously serving as Vice President Region VI for the organization at Oregon State University. She aims to foster a supportive and inclusive community that empowers underrepresented minorities in agriculture, natural resources, and related sciences to thrive and excel in their academic and professional pursuits. 

Ankita lives in Syracuse with her husband and daughter, Aahana. She loves outdoor excursions and extreme sports. She spends her free time running and hiking with her family and her favorite local places are Green Lakes and Chittenango Falls. Ankita also enjoys exploring the local food scene and cooking.

Education

• Ph.D. Biological and Ecological Engineering, Oregon State University, Corvallis OR, 2015

• M.S. Agricultural Engineering, University of Georgia, Athens GA, 2010

• B.Tech. Agricultural Engineering, Punjab Agricultural University, India, 2006

Professional Experience

• Assistant Professor, Chemical Engineering, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY (2023– Present)

• Director, Biotechnology Program, Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY (2022-2023)

• Professor of Practice, Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY (2022-2023)

• Fermentation Lead Scientist IV, Archer Daniels Midland, Decatur, IL (2020-2022)

• Postdoctoral Research Associate, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, UIUC, Urbana, IL (2016 - 2020)

• Postdoctoral Research Associate, Illinlois Sustainable Technology Center, Prarie Research Institute, UIUC, Champaign, IL (2015 - 2016)

Professional Memberships

• American Institute for Chemical Engineers (AIChE)

• Women in Chemical Engineering (WIC)

• American Society for Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE)

• American Association of Cereal Chemists (AACCI)

• American Chemical Society (ACS)

• Association of Agricultural, Biological & Food Engineers of Indian Origin (AABFEIO within ASABE)

• Life Member, Indian Society for Agricultural Engineers (ISAE)

Links

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Research Gate